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Marked enhancement of neutrophil infiltration in the liver is a hallmark of acute liver failure (ALF), a severe life-threatening disease with varying etiologies. However, the mechanisms and pathophysiological role corresponding to hepatic neutrophil infiltration during ALF development remain poorly characterized.Experimental ALF was induced in 10-week-old male microRNA-223 (miR-223) knockout (KO) mice, neutrophil elastase (NE) KO mice, and wild-type controls by intraperitoneal injection of galactosamine hydrochloride and lipopolysaccharide. Age-matched mice were injected with phosphate-buffered saline and served as vehicle controls.Mouse liver with ALF showed evident formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which were enhanced markedly in miR-223 KO mice. The blockade of NETs by pharmacologic inhibitor GSK484 significantly attenuated neutrophil infiltration and massive necrosis in mouse liver with ALF. ALF-related hepatocellular damage and mortality in miR-223 KO mice were aggravated significantly and accompanied by potentiated neutrophil infiltration in the liver when compared with wild-type controls. Transcriptomic analyses showed that miR-223 deficiency in bone marrow predominantly caused the enrichment of pathways involved in neutrophil degranulation. Likewise, ALF-induced hepatic NE enrichment was potentiated in miR-223 KO mice. Genetic ablation of NE blunted the formation of NETs in parallel with significant attenuation of ALF in mice. Pharmaceutically, pretreatment with the NE inhibitor sivelestat protected mice against ALF.The present study showed the miR-223/NE axis as a key modulator of NETs, thereby exacerbating oxidative stress and neutrophilic inflammation to potentiate hepatocellular damage and liver necrosis in ALF development, and offering potential targets against ALF.

The enrichment of innate immune cells and the enhanced inflammation represent the hallmark of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the advanced subtype with a significantly increased risk of progression to end-stage liver diseases within the spectrum of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Neutrophils are traditionally recognized as key components in the innate immune system to defend against pathogens. Recently, a growing body of evidence supports neutrophils as emerging key player in mediating the transition from steatosis to NASH, which is largely inspired by the histological findings in human liver biopsy indicating the enhanced infiltration of neutrophils as one of the key histological features of NASH. In this review, we discuss data regarding histological perspectives of hepatic infiltration of neutrophils in NASH. We also highlight the pathophysiological role of neutrophils in promoting metabolic inflammation in the liver through the release of a vast array of granule proteins, the interaction with other pro-inflammatory immune cells, and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps. Neutrophil granule proteins possess pleiotropic effects on regulating neutrophil biology and functions. A variety of granule proteins (including lipocalin-2, myeloperoxidase, proteinase 3, neutrophil elastase, etc.) produced by neutrophils enhance liver metabolic inflammation, thereby promoting NASH progression by mediating neutrophil-macrophage interaction. Therapeutically, pharmacological inhibitors targeting neutrophil granule proteins hold promise to combat NASH. In addition, this article also summarizes potentials of neutrophils and its derived various granule proteins for the accurate, even non-invasive diagnosis of NASH.

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Study question Are circulating profiles of metabolic-related hormones also associated with the missed abortion (MA) in humans? Summary answer Serum levels of fatty acid-binding protein–4 (FABP4) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) are positively associated with MA. What is known already A cluster of endocrine hormones, including FABP4, FGF21, adiponectin, lipocalin–2 (LCN2), exhibit pleiotropic effects on regulating systematic metabolism. Serum levels of them are associated with gestational obesity and diabetes and affect pregnancy outcomes, however, the relationship between their circulating profiles and MA is under-investigated. Study design, size, duration 78 patients with MA and 86 healthy pregnant subjects matching on maternal age and body mass index (BMI) were nested from a prospective cohort in the Chinese population. Participants/materials, setting, methods Fasting serum samples from all participants were collected to test their serum levels of FGF21, FABP4, adiponectin, and LCN2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method (ELISA). Main results and the role of chance There were no significant differences in circulating profiles of adiponectin and LCN2 between MA patients and healthy pregnant subjects. By contrast, circulating levels of FGF21 and FABP4 were significantly and independently elevated in patients with MA relative to control cases even after adjusting confounding factors (for FGF21: MA: 28.96 ± 2.17 ng/ml; HP: 19.18 ± 1.12 ng/ml, P Limitations, reasons for caution The study is limited by the sample size. In addition, our results were based-on Chinese population, whether it could be observed in other ethics group remain to be investigated. Meanwhile, the cause-effect relationship between increased serum FGF21 level and MA remains to be explored. Wider implications of the findings: Our data would suggest that serum levels of FGF21 and FABP4 are associated with MA. Moreover, circulating FGF21 levels may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for the recognition of M. Trial registration number IRB Ref. No.: KY201913

Objective To investigate whether serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and fatty acid-binding protein-4 (FABP4) are associated with missed abortion (MA) in humans. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting University-affiliated hospital. Patient(s) Patients with MA at 8–12 weeks of gestation. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measures(s) Serum levels of FGF21 and FABP4 were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Placental samples were collected during dilation and curettage surgery, and the expression of FGF21 and its related genes were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Result(s) In the discovery cohort, 78 patients with MA and 79 healthy pregnant women matched for maternal age and body mass index were nested from a prospective cohort. Circulating levels of FGF21 and FABP4 were significantly and independently elevated in patients with MA relative to the levels in the healthy controls. A single measurement of FGF21 serum level effectively discriminated MA with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.80 (95% confidence interval: 0.73–0.87). Importantly, in our external validation cohort that comprised subjects with MA (n = 34) or induced abortion (n = 27), the FGF21 serum levels achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.75–0.96) when identifying those with MA. Nevertheless, expression of FGF21 in the placenta was not associated with its serum concentration. Placental tissues from patients with MA exhibited impaired FGF21 signaling. Conclusion(s) Our results suggested that serum levels of FGF21 and FABP4 were associated with MA. Circulating FGF21 may serve as a potential biomarker for the recognition of MA.

Diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2) and its various complications continue to place a huge burden on global medical resources, despite the availability of numerous drugs that successfully lower blood glucose levels. The major challenging issue in diabetes management is the prevention of various complications that remain the leading cause of diabetes-related mortality. Moreover, the limited long-term durability of monotherapy and undesirable side effects of currently used anti-diabetic drugs underlie the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Phytochemicals represent a rich source of plant-derived molecules that are of pivotal importance to the identification of compounds with therapeutic potential. In this review, we aim to discuss recent advances in the identification of a large array of phytochemicals with immense potential in the management of diabetes and its complications. Given that metabolic inflammation has been established as a key pathophysiological event that drives the progression of diabetes, we focus on the protective effects of representative phytochemicals in metabolic inflammation. This paper also discusses the potential of phytochemicals in the development of new drugs that target the inflammation in the management of diabetes and its complications.

Understanding properties of individual nanostructures, such as mechanical properties and deformation mechanism, aid to control their properties for specific applications. Here we report, the mechanical properties of individual boron and nitrogen doped carbon-based nanospheres (CNS) using in-situ nano-compression testing in a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in-situ SEM characterizations showed classical sphere deformation during initial loading and it can be deformed till 40–50 percent. Elastic modulus of spheres is 33.3 GPa which has been determined using unloading curves. The mechanical properties of CNS structures are quite outstanding when it is compared to some other conventional nanomaterials such as polymer-based spheres and nanotube structures.

Propofol exhibits neuroprotective effects mediated by the inhibition of excitatory amino acid (EAA) neurotransmitter release and potentiation of inhibitory amino acid (IAA) neurotransmitters. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effects of propofol on the EAA and IAA balance in neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE).Sixty male Wistar rats were randomized to Sham, NPE, Low-dose propofol, and High-dose propofol groups. NPE was induced via rapid injection of autologous blood (0.5 ml) into the cisterna magna. The Low- and High-dose propofol groups were pretreated with boluses of 2 and 5 mg kg(-1), respectively, prior to blood injection, followed by continuous propofol infusion at 6 and 15 mg kg(-1) h(-1), respectively. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, intracranial pressure (ICP), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), and arterial blood gases were continuously recorded. After 2 h, the lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, total protein concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), brain water content, cortical EAA and IAA levels, chest X-ray, and histological staining of lung sections were evaluated.Blood injections into the cisterna magna induced NPE and hemodynamic changes. Propofol alleviated the increases in the MAP, ICP, and PIP, improved oxygenation and histopathological changes, ameliorated pulmonary and cerebral edema, increased the IAA brain levels, and decreased the ratio of Glu to γ-aminobutyric acid.The current findings suggest that propofol improves NPE likely via IAA accumulation and the regulation of EAA and IAA balance, which may represent an effective treatment for NPE.

A self-assembled MoSe2 nanolayers/reduced graphene oxide (MoSe2/rGO) foam was prepared using a hydrothermal method. The samples were systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Electrochemical performances were evaluated in two-electrode cells versus metallic lithium. It is demonstrated that the obtained MoSe2/rGO nanocomposites show three-dimensional architecture and excellent electrochemical performance as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. The specific capacity of MoSe2/rGO anode can reach up to 650 mAh g−1 at a current rate of 0.1C in the voltage range 0.01–3.0 V (vs. Li/Li+), which is higher than the theoretical capacity of MoSe2 (422 mAh g−1). Additionally, the fabricated half cells have shown good rate capability and long cycling stability with 10.9% capacity loss after 600 cycles under a current density of 0.5C. The excellent performance of the synthesized MoSe2/rGO is attributed to its unique nanostructure, including nanolayered MoSe2, highly conductive rGO networks and mechanically stable 3D architecture.

We report the facile, one-step acetonitrile-mediated synthesis and self-assembly of β-AgVO3 nanowires into three-dimensional (3D) porous spongy-like hydrogel (~ 4 cm diameter) as cathode material for lithium ion battery of high performance and long-term stability. 3D structures made with superlong, very thin, and monoclinic β-AgVO3 nanowires exhibit high specific discharge capacities of 165 mAh g−1 in the first cycle and 100 mAh g−1 at the 50th cycle, with a cyclic capacity retention of 53% at a current density of 50 mA g−1. 3D structures are synthesized by reaction between ammonium vanadate and silver nitrate solution containing 5 mL of acetonitrile followed by a hydrothermal treatment at 200 °C for 12 h. Acetonitrile (used here for the first time in the silver vanadate synthesis) plays an important role in the self-assembly of the silver vanadate nanowires. A tentative growth mechanism for the 3D structure and lithium ions intercalation into β-AgVO3 nanowires has been discussed and described.

The clamping device is used to connect and fix the vibration table and the test part, as well as transmit vibration excitation in the vibration test. Taking the RX / ZDT-6-200 automobile DOF vibration table as the development platform, a clamping device suitable for a variety of automobile seats is designed based on the analysis of clamping device design key points. The 3D modeling of seat clamping device is completed in the Creo software environment, and its natural frequency is simulated and analyed. It can be seen from the analysis results that the device can effectively avoid resonance. Finally, the clamping device is manufactured and tested. The test results show that the clamping device can meet the requirements of teaching experiment.

CoNiO nanowire arrays loaded on TiO2 nanotubes (CoNiO/TiO2NTs) are synthesized by a hydrothermal method and used firstly as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The morphology, structure and composition of the composite are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The EDS patterns display the atomic ratio of Co to Ni is 0.41:0.59 with accuracy of more than 99%. SEM images show that the diameters of these nanowires range from 10 to 40 nm and the average length approximately 1 μm. Electrochemical characterizations are performed in a three-electrode system to determine the capacity, cyclic stability and to investigate the reaction mechanism. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the CoNiO/TiO2NTs nanocomposite delivers a high areal capacity of 362 μAh cm−2 (1097 mAh g−1, 0.33 mg cm−2) after 40 discharge/charge cycles at a current density of 0.2 mA cm−2 (about 606 mA g−1). EIS results show that addition of Ni to the CoO could increase the conductivity of the composite significantly and improve the kinetic behavior during discharge–charge process. The present finding provides a kind of nanostructure fabrication that might be applied in supercapacitor and solar cells, etc.

3D SnO2 nanoflowers on Ti foil have been synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method without using any surfactant or catalyst. The synthesized 3D SnO2 nanostructures are characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The FESEM results showed that the nanoflower consists of multiple nanopetals of width ∼5 nm and each SnO2 nanoflower is ∼3 μm in diameter. The time-dependent morphology evolution of SnO2 nanoflowers was studied in detail, and a possible growth mechanism was proposed. In addition, high dispersed Ni nanoparticles was loaded on SnO2 nanoflowers applied in supercapacitor. The electrochemical properties of the 3D Ni/SnO2 nanoflowers were investigated by a series of electrochemical tests.

Highly ordered TiO 2 nanotube arrays (TiO 2 NTs) evenly modified by Ni–Cu nanoparticles were successfully prepared by potential step method. Their morphologies, structures, and alloy composition were characterized by FESEM, XRD and EDS, respectively. The as-prepared Ni–Cu/TiO 2 NTs electrodes were employed for non-enzymatic glucose detection in alkaline electrolyte and showed better electro-catalytic activity compared with Ni/TiO 2 NTs and Cu/TiO 2 NTs electrodes. Factors that affected the electrocatalysis of the electrodes were examined and optimized. Consequently, a sensitive amperometric electrode of glucose was achieved under 0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl with a high sensitivity (1590.9 μA mM −1 cm −2 ), low detection limit (5 μM) and wide linear range from 10 μM to 3.2 mM ( R 2 = 0.993). Furthermore, the oxidable species such as ascorbic acid and uric acid showed no significant interference in determination of glucose. The experiment results revealed a very good reproducibility and high stability for the proposed Ni–Cu/TiO 2 NTs electrodes.

SnO2@carbon-doping TiO2 nanotube arrays (SnO2@C-TiO2NTs) were synthesized by hydrothermal method and evaluated for lithium ion insertion and photoelectrochemical activity. The composite electrode prepared for 5 h as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries exhibited much improved electrochemical performance due to the aligned pore structure and the synergistic effect of the electrode. A capacity of 142 μA h cm−2 can be obtained after 50 discharge/charge cycles at a high current density of 200 μA cm−2. Moreover, UV–vis results of the sample showed stronger absorption intensity in the range of 200–800 nm compared with bare TiO2NTs. The composite electrode displayed the maximum photocurrent density of 1.80 mA cm−2. This is attributed to the heterojunction formed at the interface between SnO2 and TiO2NTs resulting the enhance charge separation efficiency. Eletrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS) also shows that SnO2@C-TiO2 NTs has a noticeably lower charge-transfer resistance.

Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is an acute and serious complication after a central nervous system insult with high mortality. The pronounced activation of sympathetic nervous system and the release of vasoactive substances are necessary prerequisites for the development of NPE. We introduce a hypothesis that stellate ganglion block (SGB) may prevent NPE development on the basis of the inhibition of sympathetic overactivation, reduction of the concentration of norepinephrine and attenuation of baroreflex sensitivity, and improve the outcome by improving cerebral blood flow and pulmonary circulation and maintaining cardiovascular stability. In clinical practice, the guidance technique and close monitoring might guarantee the safety of SGB. If our hypothesis is supported by further experiments, this may open a new doorway for the treatment of NPE.

We develop a facile hydrothermal synthesis method to fabricate mesoporous Ni–Co oxides nanowire arrays on ordered TiO2 nanotubes (Ni–Co oxides NWs@TiO2NTs) as a high-capacity pseudocapacitor material. The composite electrode presented the highest specific capacitance of 2353 F g−1 at a charge and discharge current density of 2.5 A g−1 with excellent cycling ability, retaining 95% of the maximum capacitance after 3000 cycles. Even at a high current density of 50 A g−1, the electrode exhibited a specific capacitance of up to 2173 F g−1. In addition, the testing of a (Ni–Co oxides NWs@TiO2NTs)//(Ni–Co oxides NWs@TiO2NTs) symmetric cell yielded a specific capacitance of up to 144 F g−1 at a current density of 4 A g−1. The much improved capacity and cycling stability may be attributed to the superior conductivity and the aligned structure of the Ni–Co oxides NWs and the TiO2NTs substrate, which can improve electron/ion transport and enhance the kinetics of the redox reactions.

Introduction: Both genetic and environmental factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FOXP3 genes were implicated in the causation of some autoimmune diseases; however, association of these genes and ILD has not been reported. Objectives: To investigate whether FOXP3 polymorphisms are associated with ILD in a representative Chinese population. Methods: 157 ILD patients and 170 healthy controls were recruited; SNPs were genotyped by the Sequenom MassARRAY platform and SHEsis was used to estimate the haplotype frequencies of SNPs. Results: The CC and TC genotypes of FOXP3 rs2280883 were associated with a significantly higher risk of connective tissue disease-associated ILD (CTP-ILD) than the TT genotype (P = 0.006). Patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) showed a significantly higher frequency of rs3761547 (GG genotype) and rs3761549 (CC genotype) polymorphisms of FOXP3 as compared to that in controls (P = 0.038 and P = 0.026, respectively). The rs2294021 (TC genotype) was less frequently observed among IIP patients as compared to that in controls (P = 0.029). In addition, the FOXP3 CAATC haplotype was associated with a greater risk for CTD-ILD (P = 0.048) as compared to controls, and the FOXP3 TCCCC haplotype showed an increased IIP risk (P = 0.001); however, patients with the FOXP3 TACTT haplotype showed a significant protective effect against IIP (P = 0.036). Conclusion: FOXP3 polymorphisms may be important markers to determine susceptibility to IIP or CTP-ILD in Chinese population. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A novel nonenzymatic glucose sensor was developed based on the Ni nanoparticles-loaded TiO 2 nanotube arrays (Ni-NPs/TiO 2 NTs). The Ni-NPs/TiO 2 NTs nanocomposites were prepared first by anodization of Ti foil, followed by pulsed electrodeposition method (PED) and characterized by SEM, XRD and XPS respectively. The results showed that spherical Ni nanoparticles were well dispersed and embedded in the TiO 2 NTs. The electrochemical measurements presented that the activated Ni-NPs with a diameter of 40 nm displayed high electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of glucose and a good sensitivity of 700.2 μA mM −1 cm −2 at applied potential 0.6 V, with detection limit of 2 μM (S/N = 3), and good linear range (from 0.004 to 4.8 mM). Such high sensitivity was attributed to the large surface area of the highly dispersed nanoparticles for electrocatalytic reaction and the fast electron transfer in the TiO 2 NTs electrode. The good analytical performance, low cost and simple preparation method make this novel electrode material promising for the development of effective glucose nonenzymatic glucose sensor.

In this study, different amount of polypyrrole (PPy) were electropolymerized on highly ordered TiO 2 nanotube arrays (TiO 2 NTs) anodized by Ti foil in aqueous solution containing fluoride. In order to improve the conductivity of PPy, an anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) was used as doping during electropolymerization. The PPy modified TiO 2 NTs was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and UV–vis spectroscopy (UV–vis). The results indicated that there might exist a strong interaction between TiO 2 NTs and PPy. Photoelectrochemical response showed that PPy/TiO 2 NTs electropolymerized for 30 s presented the maximum IPCE 1.81% under 550 nm visible light. The results were ascribed to the presence of narrow band gap p-type conducting polymer semiconductor PPy enhancing visible-light absorption and decreasing the recombination of photo electron–hole result in enhanced photocurrent. These results have implications for the use of PPy/TiO 2 NTs as a photoswitch or solar cell.

To predict the outbreak time of algal blooms and its duration in an actual body of water, this paper developed a directed complex networks (CNs) model of algal blooms. This new model was based on the characteristics of CNs theory and the primary factors that influenced algal blooms. By calculating the shortest path and proposing a key degree node model, the role of each influencing factor during algal blooms was evaluated. Based on years of on-site monitoring data (collected from 1992 to 2000) concerning the Han River, a statistical characteristic function G that reflected the relationship between the statistical characteristics of dominant algae blooming and the degree of algal blooms pollution was proposed. The results indicate that the proposed function G is capable of effectively and semi-quantitatively characterizing the outbreak time and the duration of algal blooms. If the value of G in a body of water is less than 32.6, the body of water will outbreak an algal bloom. An increasingly smaller of G value indicates a greater degree of algal blooms pollution and longer bloom duration.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), one of the most common causes of cancer-related death, is a worldwide public health problem. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been identified as a novel class of regulators of carcinogenesis and tumor progression, including miRNAs associated with NSCLC. This study aimed to explore the role of miR-522 in NSCLC and the mechanisms underlying this role. We report here that miR-522 expression was significantly increased in both human NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, an MTT assay, 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay kit and flow cytometry confirmed that the inhibition of miR-522 suppressed NSCLC cells proliferation and induced apoptosis. Compared with miR-522 overexpression, miR-522 inhibitor markedly reduced cells migration and invasion, as indicated by wound-healing and transwell assays. In addition, a luciferase assay identified DENN/MADD domain containing 2D (DENND2D) as a direct target of miR-522. qRT-PCR and western blot analyses indicated the reciprocal expression of miR-522 and DENND2D in NSCLC tissue samples. DENND2D was involved in miR-522 induced proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells by a miRNA-masking antisense oligonucleotides (miR-mask) technology. These data highlight a novel molecular interaction between miR-522 and DENND2D, which indicates that targeting miR-522 may constitute a potential therapy for NSCLC.

A self-assembled CoMoO4 nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide (CoMoO4NP/rGO), was prepared by a hydrothermal method to grow 3-5 nm sized CoMoO4 particles on reduced graphene oxide sheets and used as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The specific capacity of CoMoO4NP/rGO anode can reach up to 920 mAh g(-1) at a current rate of 74 mA g(-1) in the voltage range between 3.0 and 0.001 V, which is close to the theoretical capacity of CoMoO4 (980 mAh g(-1)). The fabricated half cells also show good rate capability and impressive cycling stability with 8.7% capacity loss after 600 cycles under a high current density of 740 mA g(-1). The superior electrochemical performance of the synthesized CoMoO4NP/rGO is attributed to the synergetic chemical coupling effects between the conductive graphene networks and the high lithium-ion storage capability of CoMoO4 nanoparticles.