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Toxic Chinese materia medica (CMM) has both pharmacological activities and toxic effects. Based on thousands of years of experience in the application of CMMs, people have explored many practical processing methods of CMMs, also known as "Pao Zhi", to reduce/control toxicity and preserve/enhance efficacy. Toxic CMMs have been used throughout China's hospitals. Yet, the production and use of toxic CMM should be carried out in accordance with the Chinese pharmacopoeia (ChP) and the processing regulations formulated by the health administrative departments of provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government. This paper summarizes the current understanding and awareness of toxicity and 45 toxic CMMs, the commonly used processing methods of toxic CMMs recorded in the 2020 edition of ChP, and the changes in the chemical component, toxicity, or efficacy profiles after processing. This review may provide useful information for the processing methods of toxic CMMs worldwide. We believe that with an in-depth study and understanding of toxic CMMs combined with a standardized application, the toxicity of CMMs will be predictable and controllable in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bmal1 (Brain and muscle arnt-like, or Arntl) is a bHLH/PAS domain transcription factor central to the transcription/translation feedback loop of the biologic clock. Although Bmal1 is well-established as a major regulator of circadian rhythm, a growing number of studies in recent years have shown that dysfunction of Bmal1 underlies a variety of psychiatric, neurodegenerative-like, and endocrine metabolism-related disorders, as well as potential oncogenic roles. In this review, we systematically summarized Bmal1 expression in different brain regions, its neurological functions related or not to circadian rhythm and biological clock, and pathological phenotypes arising from Bmal1 knockout. This review also discusses oscillation and rhythmicity, especially in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and provides perspective on future progress in Bmal1 research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal separation (MS) is a type of early-life stress that has been linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, especially depression. Increasing evidence indicates that the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is involved in the pathophysiology of depression. To investigate the potential relationship between ATP in PFC and antidepressant effects of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment, we assessed genes involved in ATP biosynthesis as well as the extracellular ATP levels in a rat model exposed to neonatal MS. Our results demonstrated that reduced expression of ABCG2 (an ATP-binding cassette protein) and ATP levels in the PFC of depressive-like rats exposed to MS can be attenuated by EA stimulus at the Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29) acupoints. Moreover, the antidepressant effect of EA treatment was blocked by administration of suramin, a broad purinergic P2 receptor antagonist. Together, these results suggested that electroacupuncture may be able to modulate extracellular ATP levels in the PFC of depressive-like MS rats, potentially contributing to its antidepressant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate post-marketing safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), including dapagliflozin, canagliflozin and empagliflozin. Methods Reporting odds ratio (ROR) algorithm was adopted to investigate signals of all adverse drug event (ADE) reports submitted to Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system from 2012 Q4 to 2017 Q2. Results SGLT2i were recorded in 24 956 reports as suspects (4 699 reports were attributed to dapagliflozin, 15 980 to canagliflozin and 4 277 to empagliflozin), among which 13 905 (55.72%) were serious adverse events and the most frequently reported ADE was diabetes ketoacidosis (2 594, 10.39%). Statistically significant ROR emerged for the following ADEs renal impairment (acute kidney injury, decrease of glomerularfiltration rate, increase of blood creatinine), ketoacidosis (diabetes ketoacidosis), genital infection (genital mycotic infection, balanoposthitis, vulvovaginal mycotic infection, vaginal infection), urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis, urosepsis), hypoglycemia. Furthermore, several new ADE signals for dapagliflozin, canagliflozin and empagliflozin were detected: lactic acidosis (ROR=3.52, 95%CI 2.18-5.67; ROR=3.74, 95%CI 2.90-4.81; ROR=3.41, 95%CI 2.05-5.66, respectively), pancreatitis (ROR=4.07, 95%CI 3.04-5.44; ROR=6.37, 95%CI 5.60-7.24; ROR=6.06, 95%CI 4.72-7.80, respectively). Potential signals of hyperkalaemia (ROR=3.82, 95%CI 2.56-5.72; ROR=3.15, 95%CI 1.98-5.00, respectively) and toe amputation (ROR=7.37, 95%CI 3.06-17.77; ROR=13.02, 95%CI 6.48-26.16, respectively) were also discovered for dapagliflozin and empagliflozin (labeled in canagliflozin instructions). No fracture associated with SGLT2i agents was identified. Conclusions In addition to known safety issues such as urinary/genital tract infections, renal impairment, ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia, potential risks of lactic acidosis and pancreatitis should also be noted during the clinical application of SGLT2i. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coping with stressful conditions and maintaining reproduction are two key biological processes that affect insect population dynamics. Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are involved in the stress response and the development of insects. The sHsp gene Laodelphax striatellus (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) sHsp 21.5 (LsHsp21.5) showed constitutive, stage‐ and organ‐specific expression in L. striatellus, a pest that damages cultivated rice in east Asia. The expression of LsHsp21.5 was highest in the ovary, with 43.60, 12.99 and 1.45 time higher expression here than in the head, gut and female fat bodies, respectively. The expression of this gene was weakly affected by heat or cold shock. The gene provided in vitro protection against heat damage to malate dehydrogenase and in vivo protection against heat stress in Escherichia coli (Enterobacteriales: Enterobacteriaceae) BL21(DE3) and L. striatellus. Moreover, L. striatellus reproduction decreased by 1.85 times when the expression of LsHsp21.5 was inhibited by RNA interference. The expression of some genes related to reproduction, such as the homologous gene of chorion protein, also declined. These results suggest that LsHsp21.5 expression not only protects other proteins against stress but also helps maintain the stable expression of some reproduction‐related genes under non‐stressful conditions, with impacts on L. striatellus fecundity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Size-dependent χ(3) of water-soluble thiol-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) in nonresonant region has been examined by Z-scan and degenerate four-wave mixing experiments. Two-photon absorption cross section as high as 104 GM was observed for 4.9 nm sized CdTe QDs. Both imaginary and real parts of χ(3) were found to increase with QD size. Compared with the bulk CdTe semiconductor, 30 times enhancement of nonlinear figures of merit defined by Re χQD(3)/Im χQD(3) was found for 3.1 nm CdTe QDs in nonresonant excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Pulmonary complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc), including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), are the leading causes of patient death. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of its etiology are unclear. This study's objective was to identify the candidate genes involved in the progression of SSc-PAH and investigate the genes' function. Methods. The gene expression profiles of GSE33463 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A free-scale gene coexpression network was constructed using the weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to explore the association between gene sets and clinical features and identify candidate biomarkers. Then, gene ontology analysis was performed. A second dataset was used, GSE19617, to validate the hub genes. The verified hub genes' potential function was further explored using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Results. Through average link-level clustering, a total of seven modules were classified. A total of 938 hub genes were identified in the key module, and the key module's function mainly enriched was related to chemokine activities. Subsequently, four candidate genes, BTG3, CCR2, RAB10, and TMEM60, were filtered. The expression levels of these four hub genes were consistent in the GSE19617 and GSE33463 datasets. We plotted the ROC curve of the hub genes (all AUC > 0.70). Furthermore, the results of the GSEA for hub genes were correlated with complement and inflammatory responses. Conclusions. The hub genes (BTG3, CCR2, RAB10, and TMEM60) performed well in distinguishing the SSc-PAH patients from controls, and some biological functions, related to immunity, inflammation, and cytokines, might pave the way for follow-up studies on the diagnosis and treatment of SSc-PAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pool boiling characteristics on the enhanced surfaces with sintered copper powder coatings with and without nano-treatment were experimentally investigated. Three kinds of enchanted surfaces formed by sintered porous layers with copper powder particles and their further nano-treated surfaces were adopted as the test surfaces. The thermal oxidation process was used to form nanostructures with super hydrophilic characteristic on the surface of sintered copper particles. Refrigerant R245fa was selected as the test fluid due to the potential the application in electronic cooling field. The saturation temperature of boiling experiments was maintained about 20 °C. The result showed that the boiling heat transfer performance was effectively improved by coating sintered copper powder porous layer on the plain copper surface, and the maximum heat transfer coefficient and CHF value enhancement could reach 151% and 160% of the plain one, respectively. The enhanced surfaces no matter with or without nano-treatment could trigger the nucleation process at the wall superheats lower than 12 °C rather than the value as high as 30 °C for plain copper surface. After nano-treatment, the heat transfer enhancement for sintered porous surfaces was further improved at medium and low heat flux, where the bubble nucleation or detachment remained robust. The CHF peaked as 140% of untreated surface, while the heat transfer coefficient increased to 108% at most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fei-Yan-Qing-Hua decoction (FYQHD), derived from the renowned formula Ma Xing Shi Gan tang documented in Zhang Zhong Jing's "Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Disease" during the Han Dynasty, has demonstrated notable efficacy in the clinical treatment of pneumonia resulting from bacterial infection. However, its molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of FYQHD against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP)-induced sepsis in mice and to elucidate its specific mechanism of action. Sepsis models were established in mice through intraperitoneal injection of LPS or CRKP. FYQHD was administered via gavage at low and high doses. Serum cytokines, bacterial load, and pathological damage were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) detection, and hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E), respectively. In vitro , the immunoregulatory effects of FYQHD on macrophages were investigated through ELISA, MIC, quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR), immunofluorescence, Western blot, and a network pharmacological approach. The application of FYQHD in the treatment of LPS or CRKP-induced septic mouse models revealed significant outcomes. FYQHD increased the survival rate of mice exposed to a lethal dose of LPS to 33.3%, prevented hypothermia (with a rise of 3.58 °C), reduced pro-inflammatory variables (including TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1), and mitigated tissue damage in LPS or CRKP-induced septic mice. Additionally, FYQHD decreased bacterial load in CRKP-infected mice. In vitro , FYQHD suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages activated by LPS or HK-CRKP. Mechanistically, FYQHD inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/4E-BP1 signaling pathway, thereby suppressing the translational level of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, it reduced the expression of HMGB1/RAGE, a positive feedback loop in the inflammatory response. Moreover, FYQHD was found to enhance the phagocytic activity of macrophages by upregulating the expression of phagocytic receptors such as CD169 and SR-A1. FYQHD provides protection against bacterial sepsis by concurrently inhibiting the inflammatory response and augmenting the phagocytic ability of immune cells. [Display omitted] • FYQHD protected against Gram-negative bacteria, including CRKP-induced sepsis. • FYQHD inhibited the translation of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/4E-BP1 pathway. • FYQHD inhibited the amplification of the inflammatory response by HMGB1/RAGE signaling pathway. • FYQHD promoted the phagocytosis by promoting the expression of CD169 and SR-A1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) is a prevalent critical respiratory disorder caused mostly by infection and other factors. However, effective drug therapies are currently lacking. Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction (XCD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, is commonly employed to treat lung diseases. It has been recommended by Chinese health authorities as one of the TCM prescriptions for COVID-19. Nonetheless, its underlying mechanism for the treatment of ALI has not been fully understood. The study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of XCD on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced ALI in mice and explore its anti-inflammatory mechanism involving pyroptosis. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed to identify the active compounds of XCD, and quantitative analysis of the main compounds was conducted. Male C57BL/6J mice were given different doses of XCD (4.5 and 9.0 g/kg/day) or dexamethasone (5 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage for 5 consecutive days. Subsequently, ALI was induced by injecting LPS (20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally 2 h after the last administration, and serum and lung tissues were collected 8 h later. J774A.1 cells were pretreated with different doses of XCD (100, 200, 400 μg/ml) for 12 h, then incubated with LPS (1 μg/ml) for 4 h and ATP (1 mM) for 2 h to induce pyroptosis. Supernatant and cells were collected. Moreover, J774A.1 cells were transfected with an NLRP3 overexpression plasmid for 24 h, followed by subsequent experiments with XCD (400 μg/ml). Lung histopathological changes were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. To assess the efficacy of XCD on ALI/ARDS, the levels of inflammatory factors, chemokines, and proteins associated with NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway were evaluated. XCD was found to ameliorate lung inflammation injury in ALI mice, and reduce the protein expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in both mouse serum and J774A.1 cell supernatant. Meanwhile, XCD significantly decreased the mRNA levels of IL-1β, pro-IL-1β, CXCL1, CXCL10, TNF-α, NLRP3, NF-κB P65, and the protein expression of NLRP3, Cleaved-Caspase1, and GSDMD-N in the lung and J774A.1 cells. These effects were consistent with the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950. Furthermore, overexpression of NLRP3 reversed the anti-inflammatory effect of XCD. The therapeutic mechanism of XCD in ALI treatment may involve alleviating inflammatory responses in lung tissues by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in macrophages. Schematic illustration of XCD's improvement of LPS-induced ALI in mice. LPS induces inflammation via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, leading to the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and promoting pro-IL-1β and NLRP3 expressions. Upon stimulation, NLRP3 protein recruits ASC and assembles Pro-Caspase1 into NLRP3 inflammasomes. Cleaved-Caspase1 cleaves pro-IL-1β into mature IL-1β. Additionally, GSDMD is cleaved into GSDMD-N by Cleaved-Caspase1, producing holes in the cell membrane and causing the release of inflammatory factors and the activation of pyroptosis, ultimately resulting in tissue damage. XCD reduces the release of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the expression of NF-κB P65 and the assembly and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby improving the inflammatory response and providing protection against ALI. [Display omitted] • ALI/ARDS is a prevalent respiratory critical condition that lacks effective therapeutic drugs. • XCD can improve ALI inflammation. • The chemical composition and main active components of XCD were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. • The anti-inflammatory effect of XCD is related to NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A LC-MS/MS method for determination of fatty acids and related N -Acylethanolamines in rat plasma and liver. • First assay for endogenous fatty acids and N -Acylethanolamines in the liver. • Two extraction methods were used and compared. • Extensive validation using human plasma to ensure applicability. A sensitive and specific method for the simultaneous determination of palmitoyl ethanolamide (PEA), oleoyl ethanolamide (OEA), linoleoyl ethanolamide (LEA), 1-palmitoyl glycerol (1-PG), 1-oleoyl glycerol (1-OG), 1-linoleoyl glycerol (1-LG), palmitic acid (PA), oleic Acid (OA), and linoleic acid (LA) in rat plasma and liver by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) has been developed. Multiple-reaction mode (MRM) of a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used for detection. A reverse phase C8 column was used for chromatographic separation, and an 11.5-minute gradient elution time was used. Deuterated internal standards included 2-AG-d 5 , OEA-d 4 , LEA-d 4 , and OA-d 9. In terms of linearity, accuracy, repeatability, intermediate precision, recovery, matrix effect, and stability, this newly designed method was approved. These nine lipids were successfully determined using this method in two sample groups: plasma from individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) (n = 40) and healthy individuals (n = 40), as well as plasma and liver samples from rats with NAFLD (n = 15) and healthy ones (n = 11). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis and subsequent multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) have high global incidence and mortality rate, imposing tremendous health burden. microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of sepsis and MODS. The aim of this study is to explore the potential mechanisms of miR-103a-3p targeted high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) involvement in the pathogenesis of sepsis complicated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). A mouse sepsis model was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Bone marrow-derived macrophages were collected and LPS was used to establish a cellular inflammation model. Targeted binding between miR-103a-3p and HMGB1 was verified by a double luciferase assay and their roles in LPS-induced sepsis were further explored using gain-of-function experiments. miR-103a-3p was decreased while HMGB1 was increased in sepsis. In LPS-induced mouse sepsis models, the downregulation of HMGB1 was found to result in reductions in NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, lung myeloperoxidase activity, pulmonary microvascular albumin leakage, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase activity, and lung and liver tissue apoptosis. Additionally, decreased HMGB1 blunted the inflammatory response and increased survival rate of modeled mice. Importantly, HMGB1 was confirmed to a target gene of miR-103a-3p. In cellular inflammation models, miR-103a-3p was found to alleviate LPS-induced sepsis and MODS in vitro by decreasing HMGB1. Taken together, our results demonstrated the inhibitory role of miR-103a-3p in sepsis via inhibiting HMGB1 expression. • miR-103a-3p is poorly expressed and HMGB1 is overexpressed in sepsis. • Downregulation of HMGB1 protects against LPS-induced sepsis. • HMGB1 is a target gene of miR-103a-3p. • miR-103a-3p alleviates LPS-induced sepsis and MODS in vitro by decreasing HMGB1. • The study unveils a protective target against sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) nanocrystals and related semiconductor–metal heterostructures are promising new materials for efficient opto-electrical conversion because of their unique physical and chemical properties. The design and optimization of such materials require the understanding of exciton and charge carrier dynamics. The illumination-dependent carrier dynamics of CdS/MoS2 heterostructure nanocrystals (CdS/MoS2 HNCs) film is investigated by employing the voltage-current test, in which the CdS nanocrystals (NCs) film is used as a reference. The photocurrent performance of carriers in the CdS/MoS2 HNCs is 70 times higher than that in CdS NC film, owing to the excellent interfacial hole transfer from the CdS component to the monolayer MoS2 in CdS/MoS2 HNCs, which effectively reduces the bulk and surface charger recombination. It means that the remaining electron in CdS component after hole transfer plays an important role in the final photocurrent performance. The annealing effect also plays a positive role in the photocurrent performance of nanocrystal film for CdS/MoS2 HNC and CdS NC film. In addition, the transient absorption test is also used to exclude the possibility of interfacial electron transfer. The final results suggest that the construction of nano-heterojunction can affect the carrier dynamics of nanomaterials and enhance light responsiveness, which is conductive to the design and application of photovoltaic devices in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The iso -cis/trans-aminobenzopyranoxanthenes (iso -cis/trans-ABPXs), as one of popular leuco dyes, were investigated in solution or crystal phase. The introduction of benzo-pentacyclic-ester group in iso -cis/trans-ABPXs leads to remarkable multi-stimuli responsive behaviors, including protonation effect, photochromism and piezochromism with notable color changes. The iso -cis/trans-ABPXs show different in the responsive sensitivity and the iso -cis-ABPX is highly sensitive to environmental stimuli relative to the trans-form, which can be explained by their different C-H⋯O interaction and/or C-O bond length. Interestingly, as the ultraviolet light irradiation time increasing, the iso -cis/trans-ABPXs solution gradually becomes transparent and orange precipitates are achieved, which is identified as iso -ABPXs±. Multi-stimuli responsive behaviors on the iso -cis/trans-ABPXs provide a comprehensive insight into the chromogenic mechanisms of this type of materials, suggesting that they may be potential candidate materials for sensors and indicators. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The iso -cis/trans-ABPXs show remarkable color and spectral changes under different stimuli respectively. • The iso -cis -ABPXs is more sensitive to the stimuli due to the differences in structures. • The orange solid of iso -cis/trans-ABPXs± can be produced from iso -cis/trans-ABPXs solution under the UV light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Piezochromic luminescence behaviours of 9, 10-distyrylanthracene (DSA) derivatives with different substituents based on their single crystal structures were investigated under hydrostatic pressure via a diamond anvil cell (DAC), compared with the anisotropic force produced from grinding. Upon grinding, three single crystals show identifiable blue-shifts in fluorescent spectra because of the disturbance for ordered crystal structure to amorphous state, but nearly sightless color changes. The high-pressure fluorescent experiments applied by DAC reveal three DSA crystals all show large red-shifts. High pressure absorption spectra display that a new charge transfer state appears when -CH 3 or -2CN is introduced to DSA and all of them show obvious red-shifts. Once the pressure was relieved gradually to the ambient pressure, the fluorescence and absorption spectra both entirely recovered, indicating this geometric change is reversible in a certain pressure region, which is further confirmed by Raman spectra. The relationships between molecular structures and spectroscopic behaviours were further discussed by their single crystal data. This work provides deep insights into the relationship between molecular structure and photo-physical properties of practical mechanochromic luminescent materials, and is significant in the potential applications of pressure transducers. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Photo-physical behaviors of three DSA crystals with different substituents are disclosed. • DSA crystals exhibit different responses to anisotropic/isotropic pressures. • Self-recovery of DSA crystals during compression. • Remarkably large Red-shift of emission band under pressure is observed. • Introduction of -CH 3 and –CN to DSA cause a new CT state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fourier transform (FT) spectra were used to extend the study of the hyperfine structure (HFS) of V I and V II energy levels. • HFS constants A for 53 levels of V I from 28,313 to 52,948 cm−1 were determined, of which 46 results are reported for the first time, as far as we know. Our study increased the total number of HFS constants A to 416 V I levels. • HFS constants A for 56 levels of V II from 36 to 72,952 cm−1 were determined, of which 50 results are reported for the first time, as far as we know. Our study increased the total number of HFS constants a to 126 V II levels. The hyperfine structure (HFS) for V I and V II were investigated using the archival data recorded by the Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) at the US National Solar Observatory (NSO) with a fitting program written by us. The magnetic dipole HFS constant A values for 53 levels of V I between 0 and 52,948 cm−1 and for 56 levels of V II between 36 and 72,952 cm−1 are obtained, of which 46 results for V I and 50 results for V II are reported for the first time, as far as we know. And to our knowledge, so far, the A constants of 370 levels of V I and 76 levels of V II have been measured in literature. The new results obtained in this work supplement more experimental HFS data very useful in astrophysics and atomic physics etc.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carrier dynamics and the radiative channel together govern the performance of optoelectronic devices based on perovskite nanocrystals (NCs). In order to further understand their relationship, the pressure-dependent spectral test is employed, which scans the photo-physical properties of CsPbI 3 NCs. The carrier dynamics involving monomolecular and bimolecular recombination slow down with pressure, which decreases the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). The former is affected by the variance of the shallow defect and both of them are sensitive to the phase transition at 0.39 GPa, which is confirmed by the pressure-dependent PL and absorption spectral data. The radiative lifetime, originated from a part of bimolecular recombination, prolongs with pressure, even though the PLQY decreases simultaneously. The photo-physical characteristics as mentioned is mainly originated from the lattice shrinkage induced by pressure. Our work provides clues for optimizing the performance of lighting and displaying devices based on inorganic perovskites NCs. • The photo-physical characteristics of CsPbI 3 NCs under high pressure is studied by many types of spectral tests. • The CsPbI 3 NCs undergo a phase transition at 0.39 GPa. • With pressure, the PL quantum yield (QY) of CsPbI 3 NCs decreased significantly. • Pressure affects the competition between radiative and non-radiative channels of CsPbI 3 NCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nest-shaped cluster [MoOICu3S3(2,2′-bipy)2] (1) was synthesized by the treatment of (NH4)2MoS4, CuI, (n-Bu)4NI, and 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bipy) through a solid-state reaction. It crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/n, a=9.591(2) A˚, b=14.820(3) A˚, c=17.951(4) A˚, β=91.98(2)°, V=2549.9(10) A˚3, and Z=4. The nest-shaped cluster was obtained for the first time with a neutral skeleton containing 2,2′-bipy ligand. The non-linear optical (NLO) property of [MoOICu3S3(2,2′-bipy)2] in DMF solution was measured by using a Z-scan technique with 15 ns and 532 nm laser pulses. The cluster has large third-order NLO absorption and the third-order NLO refraction, its α2 and n2 values were calculated as 6.2×10−10 and −3.8×10−17 m2 W−1 in a 3.7×10−4 M DMF solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The tunable photoluminescence (PL) property is very important for gallium nitride (GaN) nanoparticles in the application of ultraviolet and blue optoelectronic devices, while conventional methods are not so satisfactory that alternative methods for preparing GaN nanoparticles should be studied. In this paper, ultra-small and well dispersed GaN nanoparticles are fabricated through femtosecond pulse laser ablation in air, water and ethanol. For the PL spectra of GaN nanoparticles, there are no shifts in air, red shifts in water and blue shifts in ethanol compared with the intrinsic PL spectra of bulk GaN. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results demonstrate that the various PL spectra can be due to the different components inside the GaN nanoparticles, which not only have effect on the PL emissions, but also greatly influence the intensity of PL. This study validates that the ablation environment has a great adjustable effect on the properties of GaN nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxifolin (TAX) reportedly exerts protective and therapeutic effects in liver. Herein, the effects of TAX against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity were investigated. Pharmacodynamics, pharmacology and metabolomics analyses of TAX were assessed on C57 mice and L-02 cells. TAX was administered for 7 days, and APAP was given on the last day to establish an acute liver injury model. ALT and AST levels were determined, and liver ROS, MDA, GST, GSH and GPX1 were analysed. The expression and protein abundance of GPX1, GPS-Pi, GCLC and GCLM were assessed by PCR and western blotting, and metabolic changes in cells and serum were investigated by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. Serum ALT and AST, and liver ROS, MDA, GST, GSH and GPX1 levels confirmed the protective effects of TAX. Besides, we found Only treating with TAX decreased the expression of CYP2E1 in mice liver tissue. TAX reversed the APAP-induced decrease in cell viability in L-02 cells, and reduced cellular ROS levels. Furthermore, TAX reversed the APAP-induced decrease in antioxidant enzymes at both mRNA and protein levels. Metabolomics analysis identified metabolites mainly related to glutathione metabolism (36 in vivo and 23 in vitro). The concentration of glutathione, oxidized glutathione, carnitine, succinic acid, pyroglutamic acid, citrulline, taurine, palmitoleic acid, phytoshingosine-1-P and sphingosine-1-P were close to normal levels after treating with TAX. These results indicate that TAX prevents APAP-induced liver injury by inhibiting APAP metabolic activation mediated by CYP450 enzymes, modulating glutathione metabolism, and expression of related antioxidative signals. These properties could be harnessed to prevent or treat hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]