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Background: Plant‐based diets have many health benefits, including a lower risk of fatal prostate cancer, and greater environmental sustainability. However, less is known regarding the impact of plant‐based diets on quality of life among individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer. The authors' objective was to examine the relationship between plant‐based diet indices postdiagnosis with quality of life. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 3505 participants in the Health Professionals Follow‐Up Study (1986–2016) with nonmetastatic prostate cancer. Food‐frequency questionnaires were used to calculate overall and healthful plant‐based diet indices. Quality‐of‐life scores were calculated using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine associations over time between plant‐based diet indices and quality‐of‐life domains (sexual functioning, urinary irritation/obstruction, urinary incontinence, bowel functioning, hormonal/vitality), adjusted for demographics, oncologic history, body mass index, caloric intake, health‐related behaviors, and comorbidities. Results: The median age at prostate cancer diagnosis was 68 years; 48% of patients underwent radical prostatectomy, and 35% received radiation as primary therapy. The median time from diagnosis/treatment to first the quality‐of‐life questionnaire was 7.0 years. A higher plant‐based diet index was associated with better scores for sexual function, urinary irritation/obstruction, urinary incontinence, and hormonal/vitality. Consuming more healthful plant‐based foods was also associated with better sexual and bowel function, as well as urinary incontinence and hormonal/vitality scores in the age‐adjusted analysis, but not in the multivariable analysis. Conclusions: This prospective study provides supportive evidence that greater consumption of healthful plant‐based foods is associated with modestly higher scores in quality‐of‐life domains among patients with prostate cancer. Plant‐based diets have many health benefits, including a lower risk of fatal prostate cancer and greater environmental sustainability. In this prospective cohort study that included 3505 participants in the Health Professionals Follow‐Up Study, greater consumption of healthful plant‐based foods was associated with modestly higher scores in quality‐of‐life domains among patients with prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating enzymatic reactions into natural product synthesis can significantly improve synthetic efficiency and selectivity. In contrast to the increasing applications of biocatalytic functional‐group interconversions, the use of enzymatic C−C bond formation reactions in natural product synthesis is underexplored. Herein, we report a concise and efficient approach for the synthesis of [7.7]paracyclophane natural products, a family of polyketides with diverse biological activities. By using enzymatic Friedel–Crafts alkylation, cylindrocyclophanes A and F and merocyclophanes A and D were synthesized in six to eight steps in the longest linear sequence. This study demonstrates the power of combining enzymatic reactions with contemporary synthetic methodologies and provides opportunities for the structure–activity relationship studies of [7.7]paracyclophane natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating enzymatic reactions into natural product synthesis can significantly improve synthetic efficiency and selectivity. In contrast to the increasing applications of biocatalytic functional‐group interconversions, the use of enzymatic C−C bond formation reactions in natural product synthesis is underexplored. Herein, we report a concise and efficient approach for the synthesis of [7.7]paracyclophane natural products, a family of polyketides with diverse biological activities. By using enzymatic Friedel–Crafts alkylation, cylindrocyclophanes A and F and merocyclophanes A and D were synthesized in six to eight steps in the longest linear sequence. This study demonstrates the power of combining enzymatic reactions with contemporary synthetic methodologies and provides opportunities for the structure–activity relationship studies of [7.7]paracyclophane natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macleaya cordata is a traditional Chinese medicine in China. Its main active ingredients are mainly isoquinoline alkaloids, which has a variety of biological activity such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor. It is an ideal alternative to antibiotics. The paper mainly introduces the characteristics of sanguinarine and chelerythrine, the main active components of Macleaya cordata, reviews the biological activities of Macleaya cordata, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor activities, as well as its application in animal production, to provide a reference for further development and application of Macleaya cordata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although studies indicate that female stress-increased secretion of glucocorticoids impairs oocyte competence and embryo development, by inducing apoptosis of ovarian and oviductal cells, respectively, the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids induce apoptosis of ovarian and oviductal cells are largely unclear. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has been involved in apoptosis of different cell types. However, while some studies indicate that tPA is proapoptotic, others demonstrate its antiapoptotic effects. This study has explored the role and action mechanisms of tPA in corticosterone-induced apoptosis of mouse mural granulosa cells (MGCs) and oviductal epithelial cells (OECs). The results demonstrate that culture with corticosterone significantly increased apoptosis, while decreasing levels of tPA (Plat) mRNA and tPA protein in both MGCs and OECs. Culture with tPA ameliorated corticosterone-induced apoptosis of MGCs and OECs. Furthermore, while tPA protected MGCs from corticosterone-induced apoptosis by interacting with low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), it protected OECs from the apoptosis by acting on Annexin 2 (ANXA2). In conclusion, tPA is antiapoptotic in both MGCs and OECs, and it protects MGCs and OECs from corticosterone-induced apoptosis by interacting with LRP1 and ANXA2, respectively, suggesting that tPA may use different receptors to inhibit apoptosis in different cell types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the flame retardancy of knitted cotton fabrics and investigate the flame-retardant mechanism of the system formed by ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and chitosan (CS), flame-retardant knitted cotton fabrics coated with APP and CS were successfully prepared by layer by layer assembly. APP and CS formed the intumescent flame-retardant system, in which CS acted as the carbon source agent and APP acted as both the acid source and foaming agent. The surface micromorphologies before and after flaming of coated knitted cotton fabrics were exploited by scanning electron microscopy. The flammability, combustion behaviors, thermal degradation properties and flame-retardant mechanism of this system were investigated by vertical burning test, cone calorimetry test and thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared analysis in N2 atmosphere, respectively. Compared with the control sample, the deposition of APP and CS endowed the knitted cotton fabrics with improved flame retardancy, higher residual chars, lower heat release rate and total heat release, while increased the smoke production. Improved flame-retardant behaviors are attributed to the thermally stable residual chars, more release of inflammable gases and potential free radical scavengers (PO·) in the gaseous products, named the combination of the condensed-phase and gaseous-phase flame-retardant mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esterified lignin shows improved compatibility in polymer blends, which can be utilized for 3D printing inks, single use packaging, and compostable plastics. However, traditional esterification reactions using anhydride and acyl chloride compounds have drawbacks, when considering requirements of sustainable chemistry. In this study, we developed a greener direct esterification (catalyst-free esterification) to obtain modified lignin of various carbon lengths. Specifically, without catalyst, organic acid was used as the solvent and reagent to modify softwood kraft lignin (SKL) and organosolv hardwood lignin (OSHL) at 90–160 °C for 24–96 h with limited side reactions in this process. This reaction had a high selectivity toward aliphatic hydroxyl groups based on 31P NMR analysis. Therefore, hydroxyethyl lignin was synthesized utilizing ethylene carbonate as the solvent and reagent under alkaline conditions to substitute free phenolics and carboxylic acid groups. HELignin was directly esterified with propionic acid and had a controlled degree of substitution (DS, 61%–91% for HESKL and 53%–87% for HEOSHL) based on different temperatures and reaction times. This two-step route was further applied utilizing longer chain organic acids including valeric acid, octanoic acid and oleic acid. Esterified lignin showed a lower Tg of 36.8–18.1 °C (HEOSHL) and 34.0–3.0 °C (HESKL) as a function of increased carbon chain length. Moreover, this simple, direct esterification route satisfied many green principles including the utilization of renewable and safe chemicals, high atom economy, and reactions with a low environmental (E)-factor compared to alternative esterification routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Smart molecular probes are required in the application of Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for biochemical and clinical research. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic values of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), folate receptor (FR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)-targeted molecular probes in the MRI diagnosis of breast cancer. Methods: Initially, a total of 508 female breast cancer patients were selected for breast cancer subtype classification by immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, the tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and histological grade of different breast cancer subtypes were compared. Molecular probes of Ab-ER-USPIO, Ab-PR-USPIO, Ab-FR-USPIO and Ab-HER-2-USPIO were constructed and screened. The specific binding of molecular probes to breast cancer cells was detected both in vitro and in vivo by Prussian blue staining and MRI using T1 and T2 weighted images. Finally, in vivo toxicity of Ab-HER-2-USPIO was analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: We identified the following subtypes of breast cancer: Luminal A (ER-positive, FR-positive, HER-2-negative), Luminal B (ER-positive, FR-positive, HER-2-positive), HER-2 overexpression (ER-negative, FR-negative, HER-2-positive), and triple-negative breast cancer (ER-negative, FR-negative, HER-2-negative). Featuring favorable in vitro biocompatibility and low in vivo toxicity, Ab-HER-2-USPIO can specifically bind to breast cancer cells BT47 and SKBR3, thus enhancing the quality of T1 weighted MRI images. Conclusion: The results indicate that HER-2-targeted MRI molecular probes may be used in the clinical diagnosis of breast cancer and facilitate the development of promising strategies for breast cancer treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Bacillus sp. 9912 mutant, 9912D, was approved as a new biological fungicide agent by the Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China in 2016 owing to its excellent inhibitory effect on various plant pathogens and being environment-friendly. Here, we present the genome of 9912D with a circular chromosome having 4436 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), and a circular plasmid encoding 59 CDSs. This strain was finally designated as Bacillus velezensis based on phylogenomic analyses. Genome analysis revealed a total of 19 candidate gene clusters involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, including potential new type II lantibiotics. The absence of fengycin biosynthetic gene cluster is noteworthy. Our data offer insights into the genetic, biological and physiological characteristics of this strain and aid in deeper understanding of its biocontrol mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Basu metamorphic complex, surrounded by ophiolitic melanges and intruded by a large volume of undeformed granitoid rocks along the eastern segment of the Bangong-Nujiang suture, holds one of the keys to understanding the pre-Cenozoic tectonic evolution of central Tibet. Zircon U-Pb dating of rocks from the Basu metamorphic complex reveals that meta-igneous rocks yield Early Paleozoic crystallization ages of 500–492 Ma and an Early Jurassic metamorphic age of ~ 173 Ma, and that undeformed granitoid rocks yield crystallization ages of approximately 186–174 Ma. Whole rock geochemical and zircon Lu-Hf isotopic data indicate that the undeformed granitoid rocks originated mainly from partial melting of ancient crustal sources, which may reflect a collisional orogenic setting. 40 Ar/ 39 Ar dating of biotite from a sillimanite-garnet-biotite paragneiss shows cooling to 300 ± 50 °C at ~ 165 Ma. These data indicate significant Early Jurassic tectonism, during which most of the Basu metamorphic complex was formed. Furthermore, the age data resemble those of the Amdo metamorphic complex located approximately 500 km to the west along the Bangong-Nujiang suture. Together, these complexes may represent a “destroyed or unrecognized” block, i.e., the Amdo-Tongka block, which may be the eastern extension of the South Qiangtang terrane. Based on the tectonic outlines of the multiple ophiolitic zones and magmatic belts, we suggest a new archipelago-accretion model that attributes the Early Jurassic tectonism to an arc-continent/micro-continent collision. This model further enables the reconstruction of the eastern Tethyan Ocean and the orogenic processes of central Tibet during the Mesozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four mixed-ligand silver(I) coordination polymers (CPs) {Ag2(tpyz)(L)}_n ( 1 ), {Ag4(tpyz)2(L)2}_n ( 2 ), {Ag2(mpyz)(L)}_n ( 3 ) as well as its isomer ( 4 ), (tpyz-2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, mpyz = 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, H2L = (+)-camphoric acid), were synthesized with reactions of L and pyrazine derivatives with silver nitrate in different solvent systems. Systematic characterizations with single-crystal X-ray diffraction indicate that, 1 and 3 show a 3D framework which constructed by silver(I) and L anion, the pyrazine derivatives only give one N to connect to metal, which may be due to the disorder of the methyl which shares the same carbon with carboxylate; 2 and 4 demonstrate a 2D 4 4 –sql network. The difference between two: one structure is single layer and the other is double layer. Furthermore, 4 contains a 1D helical chains which connected by Ag(I) and mpyz ligand. Meanwhile, the L anion exhibits different coordination modes in 1 – 4 . 1 – 4 spanning from two-dimensional network to three-dimensional framework suggest that the kinds of pyrazine derivatives and solvents play significant roles in the formation of such coordination architectures. The thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), IR, and photoluminescence were also measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to summarize an overview of Chinese energy and fuels research using comprehensive bibliometric analysis measures based on data extracted from the Science Citation Index Expanded database from 1993 to 2012. Keyword analysis was used to assess and evaluate the priorities, topics and topic shifts using the Thomson Data Analyzer (TDA). In particular, popular topics were demonstrated using bubble charts. The results show that solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen were the most important topics. The priorities of energy and fuels research in China were hydrogen and fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, biodiesel and biomass, coal, and solar energy, respectively. Of course, lithium-ion batteries have entered substantive application stages in China in 2012. The hydrogen economy has been formed. Biomass and biodiesel research was the popular topic, as well as hydrogen and fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries. But solar energy was not still “hot”. The characteristics of the types of documents, languages, year, journals, institutions and co-publishing countries were analyzed, as well as the keyword occurrence frequencies. It can be stated that 19,089 articles by Chinese authors were published in 106 journals. More than one-third of the articles were published in the Journal of Power Sources , the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and Bioresource Technology . The Chinese Academy of Science, Tsinghua University, China University of Petroleum, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Zhejiang University were the top five institutions. The USA was the leading inter-collaborative country, followed by Japan, the UK and Canada. The findings presented here provide an overall picture of the development of Chinese energy and fuels research and could also help policy makers assess the impact of the resource allocation decisions made in the past to develop energy policies and strategies for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chestnut shell melanin can be used as a colorant and antioxidant, and fractionated into three fractions (Fr. 1, Fr. 2, and Fr. 3) with different physicochemical properties. Antioxidant activities of the fractions were comparatively evaluated for the first time. The fractions exhibited different antioxidative potential in different evaluation systems. Fr. 1, which is only soluble in alkaline water, had the strongest peroxidation inhibition and superoxide anion scavenging activity; Fr. 2, which is soluble in alkaline water and hydrophilic organic solvents but insoluble in neutral and acidic water, had the greatest power to chelate ferrous ions; and Fr. 3, which is soluble both in hydrophilic organic solvents and in water at any pH conditions, had the greatest hydroxyl (·OH) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH·) radicals scavenging abilities, reducing power, and phenolic content. The pigment fractions were superior to butylated hydroxytolune (BHT) in ·OH and DPPH· scavenging and to ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) in the Fe2+–chelation. They were inferior to BHT in peroxidation inhibition and O2·- scavenging and reducing power. However, BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and cannot play the colorant role. The melanin fractions might be used as effective biological antioxidant colorants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chestnut shell pigment (CSP) is melanin from an agricultural waste. It has potential as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment but cannot be used in its original state because of its solubility in water. We developed a new method to convert CSP to insolubilized chestnut shell pigment (ICSP) by heating, and the Cu(II) adsorption performance of ICSP was evaluated. The conversion was characterized, and the thermal treatment caused dehydration and loss of carboxyl groups and aliphatic structures in CSP. The kinetic adsorption behavior obeyed the pseudo-second-order rate law, and the equilibrium adsorption data were well described with both the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherms. ICSP can be used as a renewable, readily-available, easily-producible, environmentally-friendly, inexpensive and effective adsorbent to remove heavy-metal from aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six coordination compounds of Ag(I) and 2,4-diamino-6-[2-(2-methyl-1-imidazolyl)ethyl]-1,3,5-triazine (L, Ag:L = 1:2) with different anions and solvents, namely, [Ag(L) 2 ]∙(NO 3 )∙4(H 2 O) ( 1 ), [ Ag ( L ) 2 ] · 1 / 2 ( nds ) · ( MeOH ) · ( H 2 O ) ( 2 , H 2 nds = 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic acid), [ Ag ( L ) 2 ] · 1 / 2 ( nds ) · ( MeOH ) · 5 / 2 ( H 2 O ) ( 3 ), [ Ag ( L ) 2 ] · 1 / 2 ( nds ) · ( CH 3 CN ) ( 4 ), [Ag(L) 2 ]∙(ClO 4 )∙(MeOH)∙(H 2 O) ( 5 ), and [Ag(L) 2 ]∙(ClO 4 )∙2(H 2 O) ( 6 ), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, PXRD and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. In these compounds, each Ag(I) ion is ligated by two imidazole nitrogens to form a Ag(L) 2 unit. The anions and solvents determine hydrogen-bonding between the DAT groups links the Ag(L) 2 units whether to form chains in 1 and 2 or layers in 3 – 6 . In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and luminescent properties of these compounds were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achiral ligand- and Ag(i)-driven spontaneous resolution occurred simultaneously in the formation of two enantiomers 1P and 1M of [Ag2(5-nip)(mpyz)] (5-nip = 5-nitroisophthalic, mpyz = 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine), whose absolute sense of a helix made of achiral components is induced by the metal Ag(i) through argentophilic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of molten metal droplets on solid substrates may entrap gas to form pinholes. This letter shows that the detailed pinhole structure is more sophisticated than expected: the void is toroid, which is a result of rapid contact line retraction and subsequent phase change. The substrate surface roughness affects the pinhole size by providing leaky channels that weaken gas pressure buildup. When the droplet diameter is sufficiently large, Kevin-Helmholtz instability may be triggered to form multiple pinholes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achiral ligand- and Ag(i)-driven spontaneous resolution occurred simultaneously in the formation of two enantiomers 1P and 1M of [Ag2(5-nip)(mpyz)] (5-nip = 5-nitroisophthalic, mpyz = 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine), whose absolute sense of a helix made of achiral components is induced by the metal Ag(i) through argentophilic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five one-dimensional to three-dimensional coordination polymers have been synthesized by 2-chlorobenzoic acid (HL 1 ), 2-nitrobenzoic acid (HL 2 ), o-toluic acid (HL 3 ), 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine (tpyz) and 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine (mpyz) in the presence of NH 3 ·H 2 O in mixed solvents systems, namely, {Ag 4 (tpyz) 2 (L 1 ) 4 } n ( 1 ), {Ag 2 (tpyz) (L 2 ) 2 } n ( 2 ), {Ag 2 (tpyz) (L 3 ) 2 } n ( 3 ), {Ag 2 (mpyz) (L 1 ) 2 } n ( 4 ), {Ag(mpyz) (L 2 ) (H 2 O)} n ( 5 ). All the complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra and X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 shows a 3D framework. The tpyz ligand links 1D chain which was connected by silver atom and L 1 anion into 3D framework. Compounds 2 and 4 possess a similar 2D network with (4, 4) topology. Complex 3 also exhibits a two-dimensional structure. There is a 1D silver chain in 3 , which is the main difference from 2 and 4 . So, 3 shows three-connected (4 8, 3) topology. For 5 , only one oxygen of L 2 coordinated to Ag(I) ions. The L 2 anions were arranged in both sides of the chain, which was connected by silver atoms and mpyz ligands. Then, the uncoordinated carboxylate oxygen with coordinated water 1 molecule oxygen through the hydrogen bond made the resultant structure to a 3D framework. Complexes 1 – 5 spanning from one-dimensional chains to three-dimensional framework suggest that carboxylates and the kinds of pyrazine derivatives play significant roles in the formation of such coordination architectures. The photoluminescence and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the complexes were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mafic igneous rocks are volumetrically limited in collisional orogens but are significant for revealing specific geological processes. The mafic intrusive rocks in the eastern Lhasa batholiths along the Parlung fault (the easternmost branch of the Jiali fault zone), southern Tibet, are commonly regarded as the easternmost mafic components of an inferred Shiquanhe–Nam Tso–Jiali–Parlung suture zone, which is assumed to mark a back-arc oceanic basin related to the southward subduction of the Bangong-Nujiang Meso-Tethyan Ocean. However, the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the mafic intrusive rocks have been poorly constrained. In this paper, we present petrological, geochemical and geochronological data for this mafic suite and evaluate the tectonic implications. The mafic intrusive rocks can be approximately divided into pyroxene-amphibole cumulate and medium-grained and pegmatitic hornblende gabbros that are characterized by the occurrence of very calcic plagioclase (An = 80–92) and abundant amphibole crystals, indicating an H 2 O-enriched magmatic signature. Their whole-rock compositions, which include negative Nb and Ta anomalies, also suggest a subduction-modified setting. Zircon Lu Hf isotope data show that their magmas were formed by magmatic mixing between melts derived from enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle and liquids derived from upwelling asthenosphere. Zircon U Pb dating results reveal crystallization ages of ~114–110 Ma for this mafic suite, corresponding to the late stage of regional granitic magmatism (~135–110 Ma) that was related to the Lhasa-Qiangtang collision after the closure of the Bangong-Nujiang Meso-Tethyan Ocean. Given that coeval mafic and felsic rocks are distinctly controlled by the Parlung fault, we suggest that asthenospheric upwelling due to the break-off of the subducted Bangong-Nujiang oceanic slab not only induced partial melting of the enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle but also resulted in regional rifting/extension and the initial development of the eastern Jiali (Parlung) fault. • Early Cretaceous mafic magmatism along the eastern Jiali fault is demonstrated. • The mafic suite marks the initial development of the eastern Jiali fault. • The active Jiali fault zone might exploit and connect the pre-existing faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level and its association with adiposity, inflammation, and oxidative stress in schoolchildren. Methods: A total of 1488 schoolchildren ages 7 to 11 y were recruited in Harbin, China (latitude: 44°04'N-46°40'N) in May. Serum 25(OH)D, which is an indicator of vitamin D status, was determined. Anthropometric data were collected following general physical examinations. Serum lipids, glucose metabolism indices, inflammatory molecules, and oxidative stress markers were determined. Dietary intake and physical activity also were assessed. Results: The median serum 25(OH)D concentration was 18.4 ng/mL. Of the 1488 schoolchildren included, 839 (56.4%) had vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL]. Children in the vitamin D deficiency group had significantly higher body weight (34.1 ± 3.8 versus 31.5 ± 3.3 kg; P < 0.001), body mass index (18.4 ± 2.2 versus 16.8 ± 1.7 kg/m²; P < 0.001), waist circumference (60.1 ± 8.5 versus 57.2 ± 7.7 cm; P < 0.001), percentage of body fat (20.2% ± 2.6% versus 19.1% ± 2.4%; P < 0.001), and significantly lower concentrations of serum superoxide dismutase (95.38 ± 12.22 versus 127.62 ± 15.98 U/mL; P < 0.001) compared with those in the vitamin D sufficiency group. After adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, and percentage of body fat, a positive association between serum 25(OH)D and superoxide dismutase was found (β = 0.230; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is common in Harbin schoolchildren. Serum 25(OH)D is closely associated with adiposity and superoxide dismutase in schoolchildren, suggesting that vitamin D deficiency potentially increases the risk for diseases caused by higher adiposity and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of hydrogels in most applications is hampered by their high free water content, which limits their mechanical performance and environmental resilience. Herein, this issue is simultaneously addressed by modulating the state of water and the intermolecular interactions in polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogels. Specifically, PAM hydrogels are toughened by sugaring‐out using a monosaccharide (glucose, G). Glucose is found to facilitate PAM hydrogen bonding and interchain interactions. Meanwhile, the high hygroscopicity of glucose converts some of the free water to bound state, endowing the hydrogels with remarkable resilience to extreme environmental conditions. The PAM‐G hydrogels are demonstrated as multimodal sensors for soft robotics. Moreover, PAM‐G alcogels produced by solvent exchanging with ethanol are shown as effective opto‐mechanical sensors. Notably, all these properties are obtained by the inclusion of glucose, a green additive showing no negative health and environmental effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout evolution, arboviruses have developed various strategies to counteract the host's innate immune defenses to maintain persistent transmission. Recent studies have shown that, in addition to bacteria and fungi, the innate Toll-Dorsal immune system also plays an essential role in preventing viral infections in invertebrates. However, whether the classical Toll immune pathway is involved in maintaining the homeostatic process to ensure the persistent and propagative transmission of arboviruses in insect vectors remain unclear. In this study, we revealed that the transcription factor Dorsal is actively involved in the antiviral defense of an insect vector (Laodelphax striatellus) by regulating the target gene, zinc finger protein 708 (LsZN708), which mediates downstream immune-related effectors against infection with the plant virus (Rice stripe virus, RSV). In contrast, an antidefense strategy involving the use of the nonstructural-protein (NS4) to antagonize host antiviral defense through competitive binding to Dorsal from the MSK2 kinase was employed by RSV; this competitive binding inhibited Dorsal phosphorylation and reduced the antiviral response of the host insect. Our study revealed the molecular mechanism through which Toll-Dorsal-ZN708 mediates the maintenance of an arbovirus homeostasis in insect vectors. Specifically, ZN708 is a newly documented zinc finger protein targeted by Dorsal that mediates the downstream antiviral response. This study will contribute to our understanding of the successful transmission and spread of arboviruses in plant or invertebrate hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our measurements of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) on Ga2O3 dielectric nanowires (NWs) core/silver composites indicate that the SERS enhancement is highly dependent on the polarization direction of the incident laser light. The polarization dependence of the SERS signal with respect to the direction of a single NW was studied by changing the incident light angle. Further investigations demonstrate that the SERS intensity is not only dependent on the direction and wavelength of the incident light, but also on the species of the SERS active molecule. The largest signals were observed on an NW when the incident 514.5 nm light was polarized perpendicular to the length of the NW, while the opposite phenomenon was observed at the wavelength of 785 nm. Our theoretical simulations of the polarization dependence at 514.5 nm and 785nm are in good agreement with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanowires (NWs)/Ag sheath composites were produced to investigate plasmonic coupling between vertically aligned NWs for surface- enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications. In this investigation, two types of vertical NW arrays were studied; those of ZnO NWs grown on nanosphere lithography patterned sapphire substrate via vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism and Si NW arrays produced by wet chemical etching. Both types of verticalNWarrays were coated with a thin layer of silver by electroless silver plating for SERS enhancement studies. The experimental results show extremely strong SERS signals due to plasmonic coupling between the NWs, which was verified by COMSOL electric field simulations.We also compared the SERS enhancement intensity of aligned and random ZnO NWs, indicating that the aligned NWs showmuch stronger and repeatable SERS signal than those grown in nonaligned geometries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertically aligned, high-density ZnO nanowires (NWs) were grown for the first time on c-plane sapphire using binary alloys of Ni/Au or Cu/Au as the catalyst. The growth was performed under argon gas flow and involved the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth process. We have investigated various ratios of catalyst components for the NWs growth and results indicate that very thin adhesion layers of Ni or Cu deposited prior to the Au layer are not deleterious to the ZnO NW array growth. Significant improvement of the Au adhesion on the substrate was noted, opening the potential for direct catalyst patterning of Au and subsequent NW array growth. Additionally, we found that an increase of in thickness of the Cu adhesion layer results in the simultaneous growth of NWs and nanoplates (NPs), indicating that in this case the growth involves both the VLS and vapor-solid (VS) growth mechanisms. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) studies were also performed to characterize the resulting ZnO NW arrays, indicating that the NWs grown using a thin adhesion layer of Ni or Cu under the Au show comparable SERS enhancement to those of the pure Au-catalyzed NWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate 18FDG PET-CT for the assessment of therapy response and prediction of patient outcome after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Forty-six patients with pathologically proven stage III NSCLC had 2 serial FDG PET-CT scans, before and during CCRT. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary lung lesion was calculated. The value changes of SUVmax before and during treatment were calculated according to the following equation: SUV=(SUVbefore −SUVduring)100%/SUVbefore. The relationship between changes of the SUVmax and the therapy response as well as long-term survival was studied in the responsive and non-responsive groups after CCRT. Results: Of the 46 enrolled patients, after a medicine follow-up of 2 years, the initial SUVmax in the responsive and non-responsive groups was 7.59±3.14 and 14.72±4.67, respectively. The SUVmax during treatment in the two groups was 2.89±1.39 and 9.82±3.31, respectively. Significant difference (P =0.001; P =0.001) in SUVmax was observed either before or during treatment. Furthermore, the percent change of SUVmax before and during treatment was 61.91±86.69 and 33.56±90.37, respectively. There was significant difference between these two groups (P =0.007). In addition, the 1-year survival rate in the responsive and non-responsive group was 73% and 69%, respectively. The 2-year survival rate in the two groups was 40% and 37%, respectively. There was significant difference between these two groups (P =0.001). Conclusions: 18FDG PET-CT is an effective method in the prediction of therapy response in patients with stage III NSCLC. The analysis of percent change of SUVmax provides additional value in early prediction of therapy response and patient outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-droplet deposition manufacture is a novel direct metal rapid prototyping for building the miniaturized parts. In this paper, the relationship between the droplet diameter and the operating parameters is investigated to obtain the optimal condition for the accurate droplet generation. The droplet generator is designed to adjust the parameters such as the infinitesimal disturbance and the jet velocity. Experiments with the different materials have been conducted to study the feasibility of the accurate droplet generation for the manufacturing. Spherical and uniform water micro-droplets within 2.4% variation are generated using an orifice diameter of 150 μm, and tin–lead alloy droplets are produced with an orifice diameter of 100 μm in the argon environment. The results show that the generator can produce accurate micro-droplets which meet the requirements of fabricating the miniaturized parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue Inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3) is a potent matrix-bound angiogenesis inhibitor. Mutations in TIMP-3 cause Sorsby Fundus Dystrophy, a dominant inherited, early onset macular degenerative disease, with choroidal neovascularization causing a loss of vision in the majority of patients. Here we report that expression of S156C TIMP-3 mutation in endothelial cells results in an abnormal localization of the protein, increased glycosylation, decreased matrix metalloproteinase inhibitory activity, and increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) binding with a consequent increase in VEGF-dependent migration and tube formation. These enhanced signaling events appear to be mediated as a consequence of a post-transcriptionally regulated increase in the expression of membrane-associated VEGFR-2 in endothelial cells of Timp-3156"156 mutant mice as well as in human Sorsby fundus dystrophy eyes. Understanding the mechanism(s) by which mutant TIMP-3 can induce abnormal neovascularizatjon provides important insight into the pathophysiology of a number of diseases with increased angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  To investigate the antifouling secondary metabolites from marine-derived fungi, we used bioassay-guided column chromatography techniques, such as HPLC, to separate and purify compounds from Cladosporium sp. F14. Extensive spectral analyses including 1D NMR spectra and MS were employed for structure elucidation of the compounds. Antilarval activity of the compounds was evaluated in settlement inhibition assays with laboratory-reared Balanus amphitrite and Bugula neritina larvae, while antibacterial activity was assessed with disc diffusion bioassay on growth inhibition of six marine bacterial species. In total, nine compounds were obtained. Among them, 3-phenyl-2-propenoic acid, cyclo-(Phe-Pro) and cyclo-(Val-Pro) had various antibacterial activities against three fouling bacteria, furthermore, 3-phenyl-2-propenoic acid and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate effectively inhibited larval settlement of B. neritina and B. amphitrite larvae, respectively, indicating that the two compounds are potential natural antifouling agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: We investigated the association between the two common polymorphisms, C1431T and Pro12Ala of PPARγ gene, and metabolic syndrome (MS) in a Chinese population. Methods: We included 423 subjects with MS and families without MS. Subjects were divided into three groups: MS probands and first- and second-degree relatives of probands, spouses and controls. Each group was then divided into two subgroups according to genotype (Pro/Pro and Pro/Ala for Pro12Ala, CC and CT + TT for 1431C/T). Anthropometric indices, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, Sv1 + Rv5 of electrocardiogram and single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected. Results: Frequencies of C1431T genotypes, but not Pro12Ala, were different among the three groups. MS patients with Pro/Ala genotype had higher fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels and Sv1 + Rv5. Controls with Ala allele had lower total cholesterol levels. In relatives, Ala carriers had higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. BMI of the different groups were not significant. MS patients with T allele had higher FBS and Sv1 + Rv5. In relatives of MS subjects, T-allele carriers had lower blood uric acid, creatinine and higher HDL-c levels and Sv1 + Rv5. Conclusions: C1431T, but not Pro12Ala polymorphisms, are associated with MS in a Chinese population. In MS patients, Ala allele and T allele are both associated with higher fasting blood sugar and higher left ventricular voltage. In controls, Ala carriers have lower total cholesterol. In MS relatives, Ala carriers had higher HDL-c levels and T-allele carriers had lower uric acid, creatinine and higher HDL-c levels and left ventricular voltage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigated chemical constituents and the antifeedant, antibacterial, and antilarval activities of EtOH (ethanol) extracts of the South China Sea seagrass Enhalus acoroides. Eleven pure compounds including four flavonoids and five steroids were obtained. Among these compounds, three flavonoids were antifeedant against second-instar larvae of Spodoptera litura, two flavonoids had antibacterial activity towards several marine bacteria, and one flavonoid showed strong antilarval activity against Bugula neritina larvae. This is the first description of isolation and bioactivity of secondary metabolites from E. acoroides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA sequencing analysis was used to investigate genetic alterations in therpoB, katG, andinhAregulatory region andembBin 66Mycobacterium tuberculosisisolates recovered from Central China. Of the 36 multidrug-resistant isolates, 33 (92%) had mutations in the amplified region ofrpoB. The most frequent mutation (58%, 19/36) was S531L (TCG→TTG). At least one mutation was found in thekatGandinhAregulatory region in 83% (30/36) of the multidrug-resistant isolates, and mutations atkatGcodon 315 were identified in 78% (28/36). Alterations atembB306 may not confer resistance to EMB, andembB306 mutants were more frequently accompanied byrpoBmutations (100%, 16/16) than bykatG315 mutations (75%, 12/16). Our results show that geographic variation in the molecular genetic mechanism is responsible for drug resistance in multidrug-resistantM. tuberculosis. This observation will facilitate the development of a rapid molecular drug resistance screening approach for drug-resistantM. tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

trans-[(H2NCH2CH2C=N)(dppe)2Ru(C≡C)6Ru(dppe)2(N≡CCH2CH2NH2)][PF6]2, 2[PF6]2, a derivative of trans-[Cl(dppe)2Ru(C≡C)6Ru(dppe)2Cl] functionalized for binding to a silicon substrate, has been prepared and characterized spectroscopically, electrochemically, and with a solid state, single-crystal structure determination. Covalent binding via reaction of one amine group to a boron-doped, smooth Si-Cl substrate is verified by XPS measurements and surface electrochemistry. Vertical orientation is demonstrated by film thickness measurements. Synthesis of the 2[PF6]3 mixed-valence complex on the surface is established by electrochemical techniques. Measurement of the ac capacitance of the film at 1 MHz as a function of voltage across the film with a pulse-counter pulse technique demonstrates controlled electric field generation of the two stable mixed-valence forms differing in the spatial location of one electron, that is, switching. As compared to [trans-Ru(dppm)2(C≡CFc)(NCCH2CH2NH2)][PF6][Cl], 1 [PF6][Cl], the magnitude of the capacitance signal per complex observed on switching is shown to increase with increasing distance between the metal centers. Additional experiments on 1 [X][Cl] show that the potential for switching 1 [X][Cl] increases in the order [X]- = [SO3CF3]-<[PF6] <[Cl]. A simple electrostatic model suggests that the smaller is the counterion, the greater is the perturbation of the metal sites and the larger is the barrier for switching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amine functionality of the linker on the dinuclear complex [trans-Ru(dppm)[SUB2](C≡CFc)(NCCH[SUB2]- CH[SUB2]NH[SUB2])][PF[SUB6] reacts with Si-Cl bonds of a chlorinated, highly B doped Si (111) surface to yield Si-N surface-complex bonds. The surface bound complex is constrained to a near vertical orientation by the chain length of the linker as confirmed by variable angle XPS. Oxidation of the dinuclear complex with ferrocenium ion or electrochemically generates a stable, biased Fe"-Ru" mixed-valence complex on the surface. Characterization of the array of surface bound complexes with spectroscopic as well as electrochemical techniques confirms the presence of strongly bound, chemically robust, mixed-valence complexes. Capping the flat array of complexes with a minimally perturbing mercury electrode permits the equalization of the Fe and Ru energy wells by an applied electric field. The differential capacitance of oxidized and unoxidized bound complexes is compared as a function of voltage applied between the Hg gate and the Si. The results show that electron exchange between the Fe and Ru sites of the array of dinuclear mixed-valence complexes at energy equalization generates a fluctuating dipole that produces a maximum in the capacitance versus voltage curve for each complex-counterion combination present. Passage through the capacitance maximum corresponds to switching of the molecular quantum cellular automata (QCA) cell array by the electric field from the Fe[SUPIII]-Ru[SUPII] configuration to the Fe[SUPII]-Ru[SUPIII] configuration, thereby confirming that molecules possess an essential property necessary for their use as elements of a QCA device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new metal forming technology, the liquid infiltration and semi-solid extrusion process can produce various composite parts, such as tubes, bars, and shaped products, in a single process. In this paper, the liquid infiltration and semi-solid extrusion process for forming a composite tube is simulated by means of thermal rigid-plastic quasi-coupling FEM method. The key technologies such as the handling of liquid phase zone, the transition between liquid and solid phase zones, the grid re-meshing method and the establishment of the boundary condition have also been studied. Based on the FEM simulation software developed by the authors and the grid re-meshing technology, the distribution of stress field, strain field and deformation force in the liquid infiltration and semi-solid extrusion process for forming composite tubes are obtained. The deformation force simulation results accord with the experimental data, indicating the reliability of the system. Therefore, the present research is theoretically valuable in the product quality control and the process parameter choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the synthesis and characterization of near-infrared absorbing polymers. Key issues of interest; Analysis of pertinent topics and relevant issues; Implications on Chinese studies of polymer science.

Studies the decomposition of aniline in supercritical water. Effect of oxidant dose; Effect of temperature, pressure and residence time.

With the development of society, the energy crisis has become increasingly prominent, which greatly affects the sustainable development of the economy of various countries. Industrial energy consumption accounts for more than 70% of China's total energy consumption, of which more than 50% is converted to industrial waste heat, and recyclable waste heat resources account for about 60% of the total waste heat resources, while China's current utilization rate of industrial waste heat only reaches about 30%. The development of renewable energy and recovery of low-grade waste heat in industry is the key to solve the problem. As a type of volumetric expander with full flow expansion, the screw expander is extensively applied in the industrial waste heat recovery and geothermal energy generation industry because of its effective utilization of low enthalpy energy. Improving the performance of the screw expander as the core, the paper concludes and summarizes the research status of the leakage, rotor geometry, sealing and lubrication, processing and manufacturing, which can affect the performance of the screw expander. In addition, it also introduces the application status and potential utilization of screw expander. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, imidazole N -alkylation (allyl and n -butyl) and the following rhenium(I) complexation strategy have been used for 2-(2-thienyl)imidazo[4,5- f ][1,10]-phenanthroline (TIP) to generate two aggregation-induced emission (AIE) active rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes Re2 and Re3. The destroy of planarity and conjugation of TIP by introducing alkyl chains and the increase of steric hindrance via implanting octahedral Re(I) coordination sphere lead to the restrictions of intramolecular rotation and formation of intermolecular π-π stacking, which could be the main reasons for the AIE activation. X-ray single-crystal structures of Re1 and Re2 verify the increase of dihedral angle in the TIP skeleton from 10.8(5)o to 22.7(1)o as well as the different crystal packing fashions (AAAA vs ABAB) after introducing the spatial crowding allyl group. Further studies reveal that the above-mentioned simultaneous modifications are vital for the AIE generation because control experiments show that either single imidazole N -alkylation (L2 and L3) or single rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexation (Re1) gives rise to the typical aggregation-caused fluorescence quenching. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on Re(I)-TIP complexes and corresponding dual functionality for the AIE activation. Image 1 • N -alkylation and Re(I) complexation are performed to prepare TIP derivatives. • Dual functionality for the planar TIP molecule to generate AIE is achieved. • AIE mechanism is described based on crystal structures and spectral observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the relationship between sweating from hot flashes, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in peri- and postmenopausal women. And also the role of anxiety and depression in mediating sweating from hot flashes and sleep quality.Methods: 467 women aged 40-60 years with menopausal problems were enrolled. The sleep quality; hot flashes; sweating; anxiety and depression symptoms were quantitatively evaluated by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale (PSQI), Kupperman Menopause Index, Self-rating Anxiety Scale and Self-rating Depression Scale. Spearman correlation analysis and mediating effect model were used to analyze the relationship between the three.Results: 262 patients' PSQI score were higher than 6 (58.2%). Total scores of sleep quality were positively correlated with hot flashes, sweating and anxiety and depression symptoms. Anxiety and depression played a mediating role between hot flashes, sweating and sleep quality where the mediating effect of anxiety symptoms accounted for 17.86% (P < 0.01) and depression symptoms accounted for 5.36% (P < 0.01).Conclusions: The hot flashes, sweating, anxiety and depression of peri/postmenopausal women are risk factors affecting sleep quality. By alleviating these risk factors, the sleep quality of peri- and postmenopausal women could be improved, which prevents the physical and mental diseases due to long-term severe insomnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of plasma, created by asymmetric surface dielectric barrier discharge (ASDBD), as aerodynamic actuators to control airflows, has been of widespread concern over the past decades. For the single ASDBD, the actuator performance is dependent on the geometry of actuator and the produced plasma. In this work, a new electrode configuration, i.e., a row of needle, is taken as an exposed electrode for the ASDBD plasma actuator, and the electrode height is adjustable. The effects of different electrode heights on the airflow acceleration behavior are experimentally investigated by measuring surface potential distribution, ionic wind velocity, and mean thrust force production. It is demonstrated that the airflow velocity and thrust force increase with the exposed electrode height and the best actuator performance can be obtained when the exposed electrode is adjusted to an appropriate height. The difference, as analyzed, is mainly due to the distinct plasma spatial distributions at different exposed electrode heights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the relationship of either hemoglobin or red blood cell distribution width (RDW) with contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has been reported individually. To date, no studies have evaluated the predictive value of hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width ratio (HRR) for CIN. Methods: A total of 1658 elderly patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were retrospectively screened. Preoperative complete blood count was collected and the HRR was calculated as the ratio of hemoglobin to RDW. CIN was defined as an absolute ≥0.5 mg/dL (44.2 μmol/L) or a relative ≥25% increase in creatinine level at 72 h after contrast administration. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were conducted to determine the effective predictors for CIN. The ROC curve analysis was plotted to determine the optimal cutoff value for HRR in predicting CIN. Results: The overall incidence of CIN was 8.38%. The HRR was significantly lower in the CIN group compared with the non-CIN group (0.87 ± 0.15 vs 1.24 ± 0.23, p < 0.001). After multivariate regression analysis was performed, HRR was noted to be an effective predictor for the development of CIN (OR 1.617, 95% CI 1.439–2.706, p = 0.014), along with age, creatinine, eGFR, hs-CRP and contrast volume. An optimal cutoff value of 0.94 or lower for HRR was identified with 82.4% sensitivity and 63.5% specificity to predict CIN. Conclusion: Lower HRR on admission was an effective predictor for CIN in elderly patients with STEMI undergoing emergency PCI. HRR may be a convenient, economical and reliable biomarker for risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities emit significant and increasing quantities of greenhouse gases and rising temperature (5/AR-IPCC) cites projections that urban land cover will increase by 1.2 million sq. km from 1999 to 2030. Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan, 16.22 million populations and 7th largest metropolitan city worldwide, highly vulnerable to extreme climatic events (IPCC/SR 1.5 degree 2018). A severe heat waves (HW) with high temperatures 49°C (120°F) high humidity (65-80%) struck city and southern parts of Pakistan. It caused the deaths of about 2900-3200 people from dehydration, CVD and heat stroke/year. In April 2018, city recorded the highest temperature of 50.2 °C (122.3 F) which is the highest temperature to ever be recorded on Earth. Heat wave was a response of global and regional climate change and extreme weather events aggravated by rapid urbanization, industrialization and motorization leads to higher amount of CO2 level in air create high temperature. Another reason of these disasters is deforestation and degradation of Mangrove Forest (MF) by recent urbanization reduced green spaces. This research finding illustrates the application of SILVA and SWAT growth model in comparison relationships with urbanization and urban green spaces habitat's strategic plan (HSP) to mitigate future HWs, improve air quality index (AQI) and simulate the possible opportunities to health and build resilient toward disaster risk. SILVA model simulations resulted that 43.61% of the urban CO2 stock can be deposited which contributes 19% of the ecosystem. Model projected that forest area around city has ability to absorb CO2 emissions up to 55.4 million-tons. Integrated comparison of RCM and SILVA estimated that forest population has sink capacity to absorb 86.01 million tons atmospheric CO2 to mitigate regional and global climate change impacts and efficiently contributes to improve the AQI and HW. GCM model calibration projected that urban heat island effect (UHI) can be counteracted. This research provides initial assessment to develop NAP (National Adaption Plan-UNFCCC), and advancement of meteorological forecasting GHG emission (408ppm) to develop Climatology Early Warning System (CEWS) to observations and projections. Key Words: Urban Climate, CO2 Emission, Modelling Tools, Vulnerabilities Assessment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is a common and debilitating condition for which effective treatments are needed. Lepidium meyenii Walp (Maca) is a plant with potential medicinal effects in treating depression. Recently, there has been growing interest in plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) due to their low toxicity and ability to transport to human cells. Targeting the gut-brain axis, a novel strategy for depression management, may be achieved through the use of Maca-derived EVs (Maca-EVs). In this study, we successfully isolated Maca-EVs using gradient ultracentrifugation and characterized their shape, size, and markers (CD63 and TSG101). The in vivo imaging showed that the Dil-labeled Maca-EVs crossed the brain-blood barrier and accumulated in the brain. The behavioral tests revealed that Maca-EVs dramatically recovered the depression-like behaviors of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) mice. UCMS mice fecal were characterized by an elevated abundance of g_Enterococcus, g_Lactobacillus, and g_Escherichia_Shigella, which were significantly restored by administration of Maca-EVs. The effects of Maca-EVs on the altered microbial and fecal metabolites in UCMS mice were mapped to biotin, pyrimidine, and amino acid (tyrosine, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate) metabolisms, which were closely associated with the serotonin (5-HT) production. Maca-EVs were able to increase serum monoamine neurotransmitter levels in UCMS mice, with 5-HT showing the most significant changes. We further demonstrated that 5-HT improved the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a key regulator of neuronal plasticity, and its subsequent activation of TrkB/p-AKT signaling by regulating the GTP-Cdc42/ERK pathway. These findings suggest that Maca-EVs enhance 5-HT release, possibly by modulating the gut-brain axis, to improve depression behavior. Our study sheds light on a novel approach to depression treatment using plant-derived EVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valorization of underutilized biobased feedstocks like hetero-polysaccharides is critical for the development of the biorefinery concept. Towards this goal, highly uniform xylan micro/nanoparticles with a particle size ranging from 400 nm to 2.5 μm in diameter were synthesized by a facile self-assembly method in aqueous solutions. Initial concentration of the insoluble xylan suspension was utilized to control the particle size. The method utilized supersaturated aqueous suspensions formed at standard autoclaving conditions without any other chemical treatments to create the resulting particles as solutions cooled to room temperature. Processing parameters of the xylan micro/nanoparticles were systematically studied and correlated with both the morphology and size of xylan particles. By adjusting the crowding of the supersaturated solutions, highly uniform dispersions of xylan particles were synthesized of defined size. The xylan micro/nanoparticles prepared by self-assembly have a quasi-hexagonal shape, like a tile, and depending upon solution concentrations xylan nanoparticles with a thickness of <100 nm were achieved at high concentrations. Based on the usefulness of polysaccharide nanoparticles, like cellulose nanocrystals, these particles have potential for unique structures for hydrogels, aerogels, drug delivery, and photonic materials. This study highlights the formation of a diffraction grating film for visible light with these size-controlled particles. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article relates how the discovery of an eclogite belt northeast of Lhasa, Tibet modifies previous hypotheses about the Lhasa terrane, which was widely considered to form part of the northern margin of Gondwanaland. Geochemistry studies of the eclogite belt indicate that it came from the Paleo-Tethyan oceanic crust during the Carboniferous-Permian periods, suggesting that the Lhasa terrane was formed from an Indosinian epoch collisional orogenesis 240 to 220 million years ago.

Background: Neurogenic limb deformity disorder (NLDD) refers to limb deformity disorders caused by various neurogenic disorders. However, there are no studies to systematically summarize and analyze these diseases in China, and we first proposed the concept of NLDD. We describe the epidemiological characteristics of NLDD in China based on the largest case database of limb orthopedics in China. Methods: This study analyzed parameters from the Qin Sihe Orthopedic Surgery Case Data (QSHOSCD). The database is based on the Rehabilitation Hospital affiliated to National Research Center for Rehabilitation, which has collected nearly 37,000 patients to date and includes a wide variety of limb deformities. The types of diseases are summarized and classified for all patients studied. Statistical analysis was based on the type of etiology, age, regional distribution, and historical surgical volume. Partial outcomes were statistically analyzed separately by common diseases (polio and cerebral palsy) and rare diseases (37 other diseases). Results: From 1979 to 2019, 30,194 patients with NLDD were treated surgically for 39 neurogenic disorders. The male to female ratio was 1.48:1, the mean age was 19.65 years, and most patients (82.38%) were aged between 6 and 30 years. Patients included from 32 provinces and cities across China, mainly concentrated in populous central provinces and Heilongjiang Province. The peak of annual surgical procedures was from 1988 to 1994, and the number of annual surgical procedures for common diseases gradually decreased from 1994 onwards, but the trending is opposite for rare diseases. Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate the disease types, population characteristics and incidence trends of NLDD in China. It suggests that the prevention and treatment of NLDD should focus on the adolescent population and enhance the treatment of neurogenic diseases that cause limb deformities. The growth and adaption of the Ilizarov technique and its practice in Chinese orthopedic benefits the treatment of neurogenic limb deformity disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to explore the clinical value of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and serum amyloid A (SAA) in early diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. CRP, PCT, and SAA levels of children with bacterial pneumonia, children with non-bacterial pneumonia, and healthy children were compared. The sensitivity and specificity of CRP, PCT, and SAA in the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia in children were compared. CRP, PCT, and SAA levels were significantly lower in healthy children when compared with children with Community acquired pneumonia (CAP). ROC analyses showed that CRP, PCT, and SAA all had good accuracy in distinguishing bacterial pneumonia from non-bacterial pneumonia. The combination of CRP, PCT, and SAA further enhanced the accuracy in distinguishing bacterial pneumonia from non-bacterial pneumonia. In conclusion, the expression levels of CRP, PCT, and SAA could indicate the status of bacterial pneumonia. The combined test of CRP, PCT, and SAA had the highest diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]