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A DFT comparative mechanistic study unveils that the TBD-catalyzed reactions of amines with CO2 and hydrosilanes may either undergo a neutral mechanism or a mechanism involving free ions, depending on the polarity of the solvent. The nucleophilicity of the amines is an important factor to determine the chemoselectivities of the reactions to give formamide or aminal/N-methylated amine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Titanium catalysis generally prefers redox‐neutral mechanisms. Yet it has been reported that titanium could promote bond formations in a way similar to reductive elimination. Accordingly, redox catalytic cycles involving TiIV/TiII cycling have been considered. By studying, as an example, the carboamination of alkynes with alkenes and azobenzene catalyzed by the [TiIV]=NPh imido complex, we performed DFT computations to gain an understanding of how the “abnormal” catalysis takes place, thereby allowing us to clarify whether the catalysis really follows TiIV/TiII redox mechanisms. The reaction first forms an azatitanacyclohexene by alkyne addition to the [TiIV]=NPh bond, followed by alkene insertion. The azatitanacyclohexene can either undergo Cα−Cγ coupling, to afford bicyclo[3.1.0]imine, or β‐H elimination, to yield a [TiIV]−H hydride, which then undergoes Cα=Cβ or Cγ=Cδ insertion to give an α,β‐ or β,γ‐unsaturated imine, respectively. Both the geometric and electronic structures indicate that the catalytic cycles proceed through redox‐neutral mechanisms. The alternative redox mechanisms (e.g., by N−H or C−H reductive elimination) are substantially less favorable. We concluded that electronically, the TiIV catalysis intrinsically favors the redox‐neutral mechanism, because a redox pathway would involve TiII structures either in the triplet ground state or in the high‐lying open‐shell singlet state, but the involvement of triplet TiII structures is spin‐forbidden and that of singlet TiII structures is energetically disadvantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein report a new H2 activation mechanism to elucidate the N-formylation of amines with CO2 and H2, catalyzed by Ru(ii) pincer complexes in the absence of exogenous additives. Furthermore, we show that the mechanism could be applied to other types of Ru(ii) pincer complexes and computed iron analogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The host plants of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in Shaanxi were investigated, and its damage degree was evaluated by hazard index in 2013 and 2014. There were 73 species (variants) of host plants of B. tabaci belonging to 28 families, mainly concentrated in Cucurbitaceae, Cruciferae, Solanaceae, Laguminosae and Malvaceae. There were seven species of vegetables that suffered the damage of grade 4. B. tabaci was more serious in southern Shaanxi and lighter in northern Shaanxi. According to the distribution of host plants, the occurrence status of B. tabaci in Shaanxi Province was analyzed and its development tendency was predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin dioxide quantum dots (TQDs) with controllable size were synthesized by changing the amount of alkaline reagent in the hydrothermal process. The gas-sensing properties were investigated by operating chemoresistor type sensor. The morphology and structure were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, UV–vis and Raman spectrometry. The as-synthesized SnO 2 shows the characteristics of quantum dots and the narrowest size distribution is about 2–3 nm. The gas-sensing results indicate that the responses are strongly dependent on the size of quantum dots. TQDs with different sizes exhibit different sensitivities and selectivities to volatile toxic chemicals such as aldehyde, acetone, methanol, ethanol and amine. Especially, when the sensors are exposed to 100 ppm triethylamine (TEA), the sensing response value of TQDs with small size is two times higher than that of the large-size TQDs. The maximum response values of TQDs to 1 ppm and 100 ppm TEA are 15 and 153, respectively. The response time is 1 s and the recovery time is 47 s upon exposure to 1 ppm TEA. The results suggest that it is an effective method by regulating the size of SnO 2 quantum dots to detect low-concentration hazardous volatile compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current medical treatments for endometriosis-associated pain (EAP) have limitations, including symptom recurrence and hormonal side effects. For this reason, it is important to elucidate any alternative or complementary treatments available, while Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) shows potential to be this treatment. This study aims to provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of CHM for EAP. Randomized control trials comparing CHM to other treatments for EAP in women with endometriosis were considered eligible, and they were searched for in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov, as well as in the Chinese databases Sino-Med and CNKI, from inception to October 2021. Numerous outcomes were put through meta-analysis using a weighted mean difference and a 95% CI, and the results of dichotomous data were presented as a pooled RR with a 95% CI. A total of 34 eligible studies with 3389 participants were included. Compared with no treatment, there was a statistically significant pooled benefit of CHM on dysmenorrhea at the end of 3-month treatment, and these effects continued for 3 months, but not 9 months, after treatment. Compared with conventional therapy, a significant difference was found in the levels of pelvic pain with a lower rate of hot flush and irregular vaginal bleeding at the end of treatment for 3 months, but not after treatment. Comparing combined treatment with CHM and conventional therapy with conventional therapy alone, significant decreases were found in dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and pelvic pain after a 3-month treatment cycle, and in dysmenorrhea after a 4-month treatment cycle with a lower hot flash rate. In conclusion, CHM, used alone or in combination with conventional therapies, appears to have benefits in relieving EAP with fewer side effects than traditional treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Hexagonal brick-shaped SnO2 (HBSS) was synthesized by using o-phthalic acid. [•] Well-dispersed HBSS exhibits a good selectivity and response to triethylamine. [•] HBSS is an efficient material for detecting low-concentration amine gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • DFT combined with thermodynamic analysis to determine the arsenic species. • Above 700 K, the main forms of arsenic are As 4 O 6 , AsOOH chain-As 2 O 3 , and AsO 2. • The order of CaO and Fe 2 O 3 capture arsenic: chain-As 2 O 3 > AsO 2 > AsOOH > As 4 O 6. • O atoms of CaO, Fe and O atoms of Fe 2 O 3 are active adsorption sites for arsenic. In this work, the stable arsenic forms were determined based on density functional theory (DFT) combined thermodynamic system equilibrium calculation. For the stable arsenic species, the capture mechanism by CaO and Fe 2 O 3 was studied by DFT. Trivalent arsenic(III) were the main arsenic forms in the flue gas from thermodynamic system equilibrium analysis. With H 2 O in the flue gas, arsenic species form was As 4 O 6 from 700 to 1700 K and converted to AsOOH at 900 K. Without H 2 O in the flue gas, chain As 2 O 3 and AsO 2 was generated by As 4 O 6 at 1200 K, and chain As 2 O 3 decomposed to AsO 2 as temperature further increased. The conversion pathways between stable arsenic species were studied as the arsenic reaction cycle. The adsorption behavior of stable arsenic species on CaO and Fe 2 O 3 surfaces was investigated via DFT. Oxygen atoms on the CaO surface and ferric, oxygen atoms on the Fe 2 O 3 surface were the main active adsorption sites for arsenic species. The adsorption results implied the strength of CaO and Fe 2 O 3 capture arsenic species: chain As 2 O 3 > AsO 2 > AsOOH > As 4 O 6. The band gap of arsenic species also confirmed this conclusion indicating high temperature was beneficial for metal oxide surface to capture arsenic species through arsenic conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • SO 2 inhibits CaO capture selenium by surface inhibition. • SO 2 promotes CaO capture selenium through gaseous selenium conversion. • SeO 2 was hardly adsorbed by the sulfide product CaSO 4 from CaO. • The intensity of CaO capture selenium species is: Se > SeO > SeO 2. In this work, the mechanism of SO 2 on CaO capture selenium was deeply investigated combined density functional theory (DFT) with adsorption experiments. The fixed-bed experiments result showed that SO 2 inhibited CaO capture selenium from 0 to 1000 while promoted in the range of 1000–2000 ppm, and CaSeO 3 was the primary adsorption product at 850 °C. Freundlich equation accurately predicted the adsorption capacity of CaSO 4 for SeO 2 with the concentration from 0 to 800 ppm, indicating weak adsorption activities for SeO 2. Furthermore, the SO 2 and selenium oxides adsorption mechanism was studied by DFT. It demonstrated that SO 2 and SeO 2 were adsorbed on CaO (0 0 1) surface involved chemical adsorption with oxygen atoms as adsorption sites, which led to the competition of SO 2 and SeO 2 for adsorption sites on the CaO surface. SO 2 adsorbed on the CaO surface inhibited the activity of neighboring adsorption sites for SeO 2. Moreover, compared with SeO 2 , SeO and Se0 reduced by SO 2 were more beneficial adsorbed by CaO, the conversion of SeO 2 to selenium and SeO was firstly proposed in selenium adsorption. In detail, SO 2 promoted CaO capture selenium through homogeneous selenium conversion. Finally, it was identified that the CaSO 4 (0 0 1) surface was inert for selenium adsorption in the flue gas, indicating CaO transition to CaSO 4 inhibited selenium adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Both CaSO 3 and CaCO 3 in sewage sludge captured phosphorous during pyrolysis. • FePO 4 , AlPO 4 and OP in SS were transformed to Ca/Mg phosphate during combustion. • Ca 2 P 2 O 7 made the best use of CaO for phosphorous capture during combustion. • A small amount of steam favored phosphorous retention in ash during SS combustion. • Steam promoted CaO and MgO capture phosphorous. Sewage sludge (SS) incineration attracted massive attention due to its ability in decreasing SS volume and toxicity rapidly as well as recovering energy efficiently. The migration and transformation of phosphorous during SS incineration were studied through drop tube furnace. It was found that increasing temperature typically improved phosphorous recovery in ash. The effects of pyrolysis and combustion on phosphorous retention were mainly determined by calcium species in SS. CaCO 3 in raw SS captured phosphorous during both pyrolysis and combustion, while CaSO 3 had the capacity in capturing phosphorous only during pyrolysis. Total phosphorous (TP) enrichment ratio in ash was positively correlated with combustion temperature if calcium in SS was adequate. Introduction of 2% steam into combustion atmosphere helped minerals capture gaseous phosphorous a lot especially at 900 °C. However, further increase of steam in flue gas induced more phosphorous release during SS combustion. Adding 5% CaCO 3 , CaO or MgO all obviously improved the recovery of phosphorous at 1000 °C. 5% steam stimulated CaO for more phosphorous capture, but 10% steam hindered phosphorous capture. For CaCO 3 , 5–10% steam was a negative factor for phosphorous capture, while MgO captured phosphorous well with steam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a new approach to ecolinguistic studies we have called Harmonious Discourse Analysis (HDA). It represents an attempt to diversify the study of ecolinguistics by localizing it in a Chinese context, as well as taking inspiration from traditional Chinese philosophy and contemporary Chinese development trajectories. We have come up with HDA on the basis of reviewing current approaches to discourse analysis, particularly critical discourse analysis and eco-critical discourse analysis, and by comparing views which have a philosophical background in ecolinguistic studies, particularly the naturalized versus holistic perspectives within ecolinguistics. In this article, we first look at Systemic Functional Linguistics, which constitutes the theoretical basis of HDA, and explain its conceptions of context and the relationship between language and reality, and then go on to introduce HDA in detail in terms of its philosophical foundation, general assumption, and research principles. We also briefly introduce the analytical framework of this new approach in order to show how it works on both micro and macro levels through an interpretation of "discourse" in both narrow and broad senses. It is expected that HDA will diversify the landscape of ecolinguistic studies in its promotion of cultural inclusiveness, and play a part in social and educational praxis to benefit ecological protection in various contexts. • A critical view is not beyond criticism considering China's distinctive development trajectory and traditional philosophy. • "Harmony" is a worldview inheriting particularly from Confucianism; "discourse" is interpreted in narrow and broad senses. • HDA works with the assumption of human-orientedness, and the three principles of conscience, proximity and regulation. • HDA diversifies the landscape of ecolinguistic studies and promotes ecological education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noble metal‐based catalysts are currently widely used for the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons or the production of H2 from hydrocarbons for various applications. However, these catalysts are expensive and hard to scale up. In this work, a facile template‐assisted synthesis of hollow carbon microspheres possessing ultrasmall molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) nanoparticles (NPs) that can efficiently catalyze the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons is reported. The hollow structures and catalytic activity of the materials can be tuned, or optimized, by controlling the relative amount of Mo species or template used in their precursors. The bowl‐like hemispherical carbons with ≈20 nm thin shells and <5 nm in diameter Mo2C NPs show superior catalytic activity for dehydrogenation of cyclohexane, with a turnover frequency value of 1 × 10−4 s−1 at 305 °C. The catalytic activity of these microspheres for the reaction is 15 times higher than that of the corresponding incomplete hollow spherical carbon microparticles possessing similar sized Mo2C NPs and also better than that of activated carbon‐supported Pt (Pt/AC). Interestingly also, adding a mere 0.1% Pt into the materials leads to several‐fold increase in their catalytic activity and much higher activity than that of Pt/AC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Opacification of hydrophobic and hydrophilic intraocular lenses (IOLs) has been reported. Herein, we report a case of spontaneous resolution of opacification following acute clouding of a trifocal IOL, which consisted of hydrophilic acrylic material (25%) with hydrophobic surface properties, occurring in a cold region in the winter season.Case Presentation: A young adult with bilateral radiation cataract underwent phacoemulsification using a femtosecond laser and implantation of a trifocal IOL. The trifocal IOL was delivered to the operating theatre 30 min before the surgery. The outside temperature was approximately - 7 °C. The IOL package was warmed using a radiator at approximately 35 °C for 15 min. After the optical region was implanted in the eye, cloudiness was observed, which persisted throughout the operation. Complete clearing of the IOL was apparent after three postoperative hours.Conclusion: In this case, rapid opacification and clearing of the IOL suggested an acute and transient process. IOLs should be stored and shipped at a constant temperature, and sudden temperature fluctuations should be avoided, especially in the colder seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In traditional Chinese medicine, Aurantii Fructus Immatures (AFIs) have been utilized for more than 2000 years. The proportions of different fruit parts are crucial for evaluating AFI quality in China. However, the basis for this statement's substance is unclear. Differences in quality are intimately correlated with a plant's metabolite composition. On the basis of a widely targeted metabolome, this study intended to investigate the metabolite composition and evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the peel and pulp of an AFI. Metabolites were identified and quantified by UHPLC-QqQ-MS. To assess their antioxidant ability, DPPH and ABTS assays were carried out. There were 1327 chemical compounds identified by UHPLC-QqQ-MS. After screening the differential metabolites using a multivariate statistical analysis, it was found that there were 695 significant differences in the metabolites between the peel and the pulp. Among them, it was discovered that the content of active ingredients in the peel group was higher than that in the pulp group. Furthermore, the aqueous extracts from the peel showed stronger antioxidant capacities than those from the pulp. The metabolites and antioxidant capacities were significantly different between the peel and the pulp. This study of different fruit parts might provide a guide for AFI quality assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elaeagnus mollis is an endangered species narrowly distributed on the south-eastern Loess Plateau of China. Natural regeneration of populations is highly restricted by low seed germination. The aim of this study was to explore why germination is low and how to enhance germination of the species. Field and laboratory experiments were carried out to examine the effects of temperature, light, drought and NaCl on seed germination and the effects of the seed coat, GA3, cold and warm stratification and after-ripening on dormancy release. Our results showed that (1) fruits (0.65 g/fruit) and seeds (0.14 g/seed) were relatively large, the embryo was surrounded by a hard and permeable seed coat and a lignified calyx tube, and more than half of the fresh seeds were not viable; (2) fresh, intact seeds did not germinate, but germination of scarified seeds was highest at 5/15 °C in continuous darkness; (3) dormancy was not released by GA3 and cold stratification (5 °C), but significantly released by variable temperature stratification and field burial, indicating that seeds had deep physiological dormancy; and (4) germination was significantly enhanced by median drought (−0.6 MPa) and NaCl (0.34 M), and decay was inhibited beyond −0.4 MPa osmotic potential and 0.225 M NaCl. Our results suggested that, with habitat loss and climate warming, regeneration from seeds in natural populations will continue to be negatively affected, and the range of the populations will further contract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the main subtype of esophageal cancer. Current therapeutic effect is far from satisfaction. Hence, identifying susceptible genes and potential targets is necessary for therapy of ESCC patients. Methods: Plant homeodomain (PHD)-finger domain protein 5 A (PHF5A) expression in ESCC tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry. RNA interference was used for in vitro loss-of-function experiments. In vivo assay was performed using xenograft mice model by subcutaneous injection. Besides, microarray assay and co-immunoprecipitation experiments were used to study the potential downstream molecules of PHF5A in ESCC. The molecular mechanism between PHF5A and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was explored by a series of ubiquitination related assays. Results: We found that PHF5A was highly expressed in ESCC tissues compared to normal tissues and that was correlated with poor prognosis of ESCC. Loss-of-function experiments revealed that PHF5A silence remarkably inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and induced apoptosis as well as cell cycle arrest. Consistently, in vivo assay demonstrated that PHF5A deficiency was able to attenuate tumor growth. Furthermore, molecular studies showed that PHF5A silencing promoted VEGFA ubiquitination by interacting with MDM2, thereby regulating VEGFA protein expression. Subsequently, in rescue experiments, our data suggested that ESCC cell viability and migration promoted by PHF5A were dependent on intact VEGFA. Finally, PI3K/AKT signaling rescue was able to alleviate shPHF5A-mediated cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Conclusion: PHF5A is a tumor promoter in ESCC, which is dependent on VEGFA and PI3K/AKT signaling. PHF5A might serve as a potential therapeutic target for ESCC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushroom dietary fiber is a type of bioactive macromolecule derived from the mycelia, fruiting bodies, or sclerotia of edible or medicinal fungi. The use of mushroom dietary fiber as a prebiotic has recently gained significant attention for providing health benefits to the host by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms; therefore, mushroom dietary fiber has promising prospects for application in the functional food industry and in drug development. This review summarizes methods for the preparation and modification of mushroom dietary fiber, its degradation and metabolism in the intestine, its impact on the gut microbiota community, and the generation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs); this review also systematically summarizes the beneficial effects of mushroom dietary fiber on host health. Overall, this review aims to provide theoretical guidance and a fresh perspective for the prebiotic application of mushroom dietary fiber in the development of new functional foods and drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune inflammatory responses play an important role in spinal cord injury (SCI); however, the beneficial and detrimental effects remain controversial. Many studies have described the role of neutrophils, macrophages, and T lymphocytes in immune inflammatory responses after SCI, although little is known about the role of B lymphocytes, and immunosuppression can easily occur after SCI. Methods: A mouse model of SCI was established, and HE staining and Nissl staining were performed to observe the pathological changes. The size and morphology of the spleen were examined, and the effects of SCI on spleen function and B cell levels were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA. To explore the specific mechanism of immunosuppression after SCI, B cells from the spleens of SCI model mice were isolated using magnetic beads and analyzed by 4D label-free quantitative proteomics. The level of inflammatory cytokines and iron ions were measured, and the expression of proteins related to the Tom20 pathway was quantified by western blotting. To clarify the relationship between iron ions and B cell pyroptosis after SCI, we used FeSO4 and CCCP, which induce oxidative stress to stimulate SCI, to interfere with B cell processes. siRNA transfection to knock down Tom20 (Tom20-KD) in B cells and human B lymphocytoma cell was used to verify the key role of Tom20. To further explore the effect of iron ions on SCI, we used deferoxamine (DFO) and iron dextran (ID) to interfere with SCI processes in mice. The level of iron ions in splenic B cells and the expression of proteins related to the Tom20–Bax–caspase–gasdermin E (GSDME) pathway were analyzed. Results: SCI could damage spleen function and lead to a decrease in B cell levels; SCI upregulated the expression of Tom20 protein in the mitochondria of B cells; SCI could regulate the concentration of iron ions and activate the Tom20–Bax–caspase–GSDME pathway to induce B cell pyroptosis. Iron ions aggravated CCCP-induced B cell pyroptosis and human B lymphocytoma pyroptosis by activating the Tom20–Bax–caspase–GSDME pathway. DFO could reduce inflammation and promote repair after SCI by inhibiting Tom20–Bax–caspase–GSDME-induced B cell pyroptosis. Conclusions: Iron overload activates the Tom20–Bax–caspase–GSDME pathway after SCI, induces B cell pyroptosis, promotes inflammation, and aggravates the changes caused by SCI. This may represent a novel mechanism through which the immune inflammatory response is induced after SCI and may provide a new key target for the treatment of SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: We developed a new method phenotypic recombination BSA/BSR (PR-BSA/BSR), which could simultaneously identify the candidate genomic regions associated with two traits in a segregating population. Bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) has been widely used for identifying the genomic regions affecting a certain trait. In this study, we developed a modified BSA/bulked segregant RNA-sequencing (BSR-seq) method, which we named phenotypic recombination BSA/BSR (PR-BSA/BSR), to simultaneously identify candidate genomic regions associated with two traits in a segregating population. Lateral branch angle (LBA) and flower-branch pattern (FBP) are two important traits associated with the peanut plant architecture because they affect the planting density and light use efficiency. We generated an F6 population (with two segregating traits) derived from a cross between the inbred lines Pingdu9616 (erect and sequential; ES-type) and Florunner (spreading and alternating; SA-type). The selection of bulks with extreme phenotypes was a key step in this study. Specifically, 30 individuals with recombinant phenotypes [i.e., spreading and sequential (SS-type) and erect and alternating (EA-type)] were selected to generate two bulks. The transcriptomes of individuals were sequenced and then the loci related to LBA and FBP were simultaneously detected via a ΔSNP-index strategy, which involved the direction of positive and negative peaks in the ∆SNP-index plot. The LBA-related locus was mapped to a 6.82 Mb region (101,743,223–108,564,267 bp) on chromosome 15, whereas the FBP-related locus was mapped to a 2.16 Mb region (117,682,534–119,846,824 bp) on chromosome 12. Furthermore, the marker-based classical QTL mapping method was used to analyze the PF–F6 population, which confirmed our PR-BSA/BSR results. Therefore, the PR-BSA/BSR method produces accurate and reliable data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Exploring the status and related factors of postoperative recurrence of ovarian endometriosis. Methods: This study analyzed the results of questionnaires conducted in 27 hospitals across the country from January 2019 to November 2021. All women were divided into recurrence group and non-recurrence group to analyze the recurrence rate and related factors after ovarian endometriosis surgery. Results: The recurrence rates of ovarian endometriosis within 1 year, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, 3–4 years, 4–5 years and more than 5 years were 6.27%, 35.85%, 55.38%, 65.00% and 56.82%, respectively. Significant differences were found between two groups in terms of age at surgery (OR: 0.342, 95%CI: 0.244–0.481, P < 0.001), presence of dysmenorrhea (OR: 1.758, 95%CI: 1.337–2.312, P < 0.001), presence of adenomyosis (OR: 1.948, 95%CI: 1.417–2.678, P < 0.001) and family history of endometriosis or adenomyosis (OR: 1.678, 95%CI: 1.035–2.721, P = 0.021). The age at surgery (OR: 0.358, 95%CI: 0.253–0.506, P < 0.001), presence of dysmenorrhea (OR: 1.379, 95%CI: 1.026–1.853, P = 0.033) and presence of adenomyosis (OR: 1.799, 95%CI: 1.275–2.537, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with endometrioma recurrence in multivariate analysis. No significant associations were found between the recurrence rate and body mass index (BMI), educational background, age of menarche, gravida, parity, uterine leiomyoma, endometrial polyps or postoperative use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a). Conclusions: Dysmenorrhea and presence of adenomyosis are independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence of ovarian endometriosis, and older age is an independent protective factor for postoperative recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design and development of high-effective photocatalysts to remove multiple organic pollutants are a great challenge. Herein, the band structure of CuO is regulated by constructing the heterostructures between AgBr and CuO, which is realized by controlling hybrid morphologies. The as-prepared AgBr/CuO material consists of CuO nanoflakes and AgBr nanoparticles. Notably, AgBr nanoparticles are adhering on the surface of CuO nanosheets, which favors the formation of heterojunction with point to plane contact and fasten electron transfer. The photocatalytic results show that the AgBr/CuO photocatalyst, prepared by using the 0.1 mol AgNO3 and KBr as raw materials, presents superior photodegradation activity toward degradation of multi-pollutants with dye concentration of 15 mg L−1 and pH = 7. The methyl violet removal rate reaches 98% within 60 min in the present of 0.1 g catalyst under visible light, and rhodamine B and methyl blue are degraded to 98 and 78% within 90 min. The radical trapping tests prove that photogenerated superoxide radicals (∙O2−) and holes (h+) act as the main active species in photodegradation of MV. The result indicates that point to plane-contacted heterostructure of AgBr/CuO material plays a key role and it has potential application in the environment remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The order of metal oxide capture SeO 2 via DFT was CaO > MgO > Al 2 O 3 > Fe 2 O 3. • SeO 2 was decomposed on the Fe 2 O 3 surface to generate Se0. • CO 2 inhibited CaO capture SeO 2 in flue gas. • MgO and fine particulate Al 2 O 3 were proposed to be excellent selenium adsorbent. The characteristic of metal oxides capture SeO 2 was investigated, and the adsorption sites, adsorption energy, and surface transformation were clarified via density functional theory (DFT). The adsorption experiments confirmed the adsorption sequence followed: fine particle Al 2 O 3 > MgO > CaO > Fe 2 O 3 , where CaSeO 3 , MgSeO 3 , Al 2 (SeO 3) 3 and Se2-/Se0/Se4+/Fe as the adsorption product. Based on the instability of adsorption products, the adsorption effect of CaO and MgO became better within the range of 400–550 °C, while the adsorption capacity of Fe 2 O 3 and Al 2 O 3 decreased if exceeding 400 °C. Due to the effect of CO 2 in the flue gas and the dense pore structure, the retention of SeO 2 on CaO surface was inhibited. From the XPS results, Se2- was the stable selenium species on Fe 2 O 3 surface at high temperature. Furthermore, according to the density functional theory calculation, all metal oxides captured SeO 2 involved chemical adsorption, where the adsorption sites correspond to the adsorbents: O top sites (CaO and MgO), Al and O top sites (Al 2 O 3), and Fe top sites (Fe 2 O 3). Finally, it was identified Fe top sites were the active adsorption sites for Se0, and the transformation of selenium on Fe 2 O 3 surface was also intensively explored as a three-step process: SeO 2 adsorption, Se4+→Se0, and Se0 → Se2-. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal carbide such as molybdenum carbide has been widely used in electrolytic water for hydrogen production due to its potential catalytic property. The synthesis of molybdenum carbide-based high-efficient catalysts by simple process remains great challenges. Herein, Mo oxide/carbide material with hybrid morphology was synthesized by carbonizing mixture of lotus roots and Mo salt. The as-obtained material consists of MoO 2 /Mo 2 C (MOMC) anchored on biomass-derived nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) matrix. The results show that as-prepared material displays leaf-like and belt-like nanosheets, and the MOMC/NC catalyst with optimal Mo contents exhibits an excellent activity with a low overpotential of 138 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope is 56.7 mV dec−1 in alkaline medium, indicating that as-prepared catalyst will have promising application in the field of catalysis. [Display omitted] • Ultrasmall MoO 2 /Mo 2 C NPs were synthesized by carbonizing lotus roots and Mo salt. • Biomass-derived carbon consists of leaf-like and belt-like nanosheets. • The as-obtained MoO 2 /Mo 2 C/C exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity and stability for HER. • As-synthesized material is a promising noble metal-free electrocatalyst served as HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • SO 2 weakened As capture by CaO in view of blockage and sulfate effect. • CaSO 4 exhibited a certain reactivity with As, but it was weaker than that of CaO. • Ca and O sites in the surface of CaO (0 0 1) were both active for As 2 O 3 adsorption. • S in CaSO 4 (0 0 1) was idle for As adsorption, but weakened the activity of surface O. • Deformation of As 2 O 3 in flue gas should be concerned for DFT study. Impact of SO 2 on arsenic capture by CaO during oxy-coal combustion was investigated. The key question was to reveal the role of formed CaSO 4 for arsenic capture. Drop tube furnace experiments verified that SO 2 largely inhibited arsenic capture by CaO, and the adverse effect was assigned to the plugging and sulfation of CaO. Density functional theory study was further conducted to determine the impact of CaO transition to CaSO 4 on arsenic adsorption. While, the feeble gap of adsorption energy between hexahedral As 2 O 3 on CaO (0 0 1) surface and hexahedral As 2 O 3 on CaSO 4 (0 0 1) surface was incongruous with the apparently weakened arsenic capture capability of CaO by SO 2. Then deformation of hexahedral As 2 O 3 to chain As 2 O 3 was firstly proposed to improve theoretical calculations, since the high combustion temperature and low deformation energy. Finally, huge adsorption energy gap between chain As 2 O 3 on CaO (0 0 1) surface and chain As 2 O 3 on CaSO 4 (0 0 1) surface was observed. It not only demonstrated the much weaker activity of CaSO 4 as opposed to CaO for As 2 O 3 adsorption, but also confirmed the validity of As 2 O 3 deformation. The widely applied hexahedral As 2 O 3 structure was not the factual structure in flue gas during coal combustion, and the deformation should be concerned. Additionally, it was identified that Ca and O sites in CaO (0 0 1) surface were active for As 2 O 3 adsorption. While, sulfur atoms in CaSO 4 (0 0 1) surface were idle for As 2 O 3 adsorption, and restricted the activity of surface O sites for As 2 O 3 adsorption. Meanwhile, the activity of surface Ca sites was not affected by sulfur atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rational design of structure and regulation of composition in micro/nano-scale is of great significance for broadband absorbing properties of lightweight aerogels. Herein, the controllable dual phase Mo 2 C/MoO 2 -decorated rGO aerogels are prepared by designing the Mo-rGO precursor, which possesses heterostructure interfaces and three-dimensional structures. The dual-phase of Mo 2 C/MoO 2 was controlled and nanoparticles were dispersed on the surface of graphene. The interconnected rGO sheets construct continuous network for electron transport, which facilitates conduction loss and multiple reflections inside the aerogel. The Mo 2 C/MoO 2 nanoparticles decorated on rGO sheets contribute sufficient interfacial and dipole polarization, and improve the impedance matching and strengthen the loss capacity of electromagnetic waves. The as-prepared Mo 2 C/MoO 2 /rGO aerogel exhibits considerable electromagnetic wave absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss of −42.1 dB at 12.5 GHz and an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.6 GHz (10.6–16.2 GHz) at a thin thickness of 2.2 mm with a low density of 9.8 mg·cm−3. This Mo 2 C/MoO 2 /rGO aerogel would be a promising material for electromagnetic wave absorption in wide application fields, and it also provides a universal idea for constructing low-density broadband microwave absorption material by structural and composition engineering. [Display omitted] • Dual-phase Mo 2 C/MoO 2 decorated rGO aerogels are prepared by precursor design. • As-prepared aerogel consists of rGO-loaded Mo 2 C/MoO 2 possessing 2D/3D structure • Mo 2 C/MoO 2 rGO aerogels promote the impedance matching and strengthening the loss capacity to electromagnetic waves. • Mo 2 C/MoO 2 rGO material exhibits effective absorption bandwidth of 5.6 GHz. • A proposed strategy is efficient for constructing broadband microwave absorption material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing studies focused on the regulatory roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in diverse cancers. This study was to evaluate the function and mechanism of circRNA Scm-like with four malignant brain tumor domains 2 (circ-SFMBT2) in esophageal cancer (EC). Methods: The circ-SFMBT2, microRNA-107 (miR-107) and solute-linked carrier family A1 member 5 (SLC1A5) levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, colony formation assay and EdU assay. Cell apoptosis and invasion were detected by flow cytometry and transwell assay. Glutamine metabolism was assessed by the corresponding kits for glutamine consumption, α-ketoglutarate production and glutamate production. Western blot was used for protein quantification. The binding analysis was performed using dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and pull-down assays. The functional research of circ-SFMBT2 in vivo was performed by xenograft tumor assay. Exosomes were identified by morphological observation and protein detection. Results: Circ-SFMBT2 was overexpressed in EC samples and cells. Circ-SFMBT2 downregulation inhibited EC cell proliferation, invasion and glutamine metabolism. Circ-SFMBT2 targeted miR-107 and the regulation of circ-SFMBT2 was achieved by sponging miR-107. SLC1A5 was a target of miR-107, and it worked as an oncogene in EC cells. MiR-107 retarded the EC progression by downregulating SLC1A5. Circ-SFMBT2 could affect the SLC1A5 expression by targeting miR-107. Circ-SFMBT2 regulated EC progression in vivo by miR-107/SLC1A5 axis. Circ-SFMBT2 was transferred by exosomes in EC cells. Conclusion: These results suggested that circ-SFMBT2 upregulated the SLC1A5 expression to promote the malignant development of EC by serving as a miR-107 sponge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]