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BackgroundCombining genetic risk factors and plasma fatty acids (FAs) can be used as an effective method of precision medicine to prevent hypertension risk.MethodsA total of 195,250 participants in the UK Biobank cohort were included in this study from 2006–2010. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) were calculated for hypertension using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Concentrations of plasma FAs, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs), were tested by nuclear magnetic resonance. The Cox model was used to test for the main effects of PRS, different plasma FAs and their joint effects on hypertension. Relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) were used to test the additive interaction.ResultsPlasma PUFAs, n-3 PUFAs, MUFAs and SFAs were related to the risk of hypertension (PUFAs: HR, 0.878; 95% CI, 0.868–0.888; MUFAs: HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.123–1.150; SFAs: HR, 1.086; 95% CI, 1.074–1.098; n-3 PUFAs: HR, 0.984; 95% CI, 0.973–0.995). Moreover, an additive interaction was found between PRS and plasma FAs, which could contribute to an approximately 10–18% risk of hypertension, and the associations between high plasma MUFAs and a high PRS of hypertension were the strongest positive [RERI: 0.178 (95% CI: 0.062, 0.294), AP: 0.079 (95% CI: 0.027, 0.130)].ConclusionIncreased plasma MUFAs or SFAs and decreased plasma PUFAs or n-3 PUFAs were associated with hypertension risk, especially among people at high genetic risk.

The freshwater lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River (MLYR) have been affected by a multitude of factors, including climate change and human activities, and are currently facing a range of aquatic ecological environment problems. In order to establish restoration goals and paths, it is essential to have a scientific understanding of the historical process and pattern of long-term degradation of the lake ecological environment. This study focused on Shengjin Lake, a representative Yangtze River-connected lake in MLYR. Based on the analysis results of cellulose carbon isotopes (δ13Ccellulose) in modern aquatic macrophytes, the response characteristics of aquatic macrophytes δ13Ccellulose to lake environment evolution were revealed by high-resolution multi-proxy (δ13Ccellulose of plant residues and geochemistry indices) analysis of a sediment core. The study also reconstructed the ecological environment evolution process of Shengjin Lake over the past two hundred years. The primary research findings are as follows: Firstly, the results of the modern process survey demonstrated that the δ13Ccellulose of different modern species exhibited considerable variation. The submerged plants exhibited an enrichment of 13C, while the emergent plants exhibited an enrichment of 12C. Secondly, a comprehensive modern process investigation, coupled with palaeo-limnological records and literature data, led to the conclusion that the large plant residues of sediments were primarily derived from submerged plants. Concurrently, statistical analysis indicated that the content of total organic carbon in lakes was the primary factor influencing the changes in sediment δ13Ccellulose. The composition of δ13Ccellulose may be indicative of changes in lake primary productivity. Finally, the paleo-limnological record revealed that the ecological environment of Shengjin Lake has undergone significant changes over the past two hundred years. In particular, since the 1970 s, the δ13Ccellulose has been significantly enriched by 12C, and the geochemical indexes of elements have shown an increasing trend (p

ObjectivesQuantitatively assess the severity and predict the mortality of interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was a challenge for clinicians. This study aimed to construct a radiomics nomogram based on chest computed tomography (CT) imaging by using the ILD-GAP (gender, age, and pulmonary physiology) index system for clinical management.MethodsChest CT images of patients with RA-ILD were retrospectively analyzed and staged using the ILD-GAP index system. The balanced dataset was then divided into training and testing cohorts at a 7:3 ratio. A clinical factor model was created using demographic and serum analysis data, and a radiomics signature was developed from radiomics features extracted from the CT images. Combined with the radiomics signature and independent clinical factors, a nomogram model was established based on the Rad-score and clinical factors. The model capabilities were measured by operating characteristic curves, calibration curves and decision curves analyses.ResultsA total of 177 patients were divided into two groups (Group I, n = 107; Group II, n = 63). Krebs von den Lungen-6, and nineteen radiomics features were used to build the nomogram, which showed favorable calibration and discrimination in the training cohort [AUC, 0.948 (95% CI: 0.910–0.986)] and the testing validation cohort [AUC, 0.923 (95% CI: 0.853–0.993)]. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram performed well in terms of clinical usefulness.ConclusionThe CT-based radiomics nomogram model achieved favorable efficacy in predicting low-risk RA-ILD patients.

This study investigates the characteristics of the raindrop size distribution (DSD) for five typhoons that made landfall or passed by Zhejiang on the eastern coast of China, from 2019 to 2022. Additionally, it examines the raindrop shape–slope (µ-Λ) relationship, as well as the local Z-R relationship for these typhoons. The DSD datasets were collected by the DSG1 disdrometer located in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. Based on rainfall rate (R), the DSD can be categorized into convective and stratiform rainfall types. Some rainfall parameters can also be derived from the DSDs to further analyze the specific characteristics of rainfall. The histograms of the generalized intercept parameter (log10Nw) exhibit negative skewness in both convective and stratiform rainfall, whereas the histograms of the mass-weighted mean diameter (Dm) of raindrops display positive skewness. During typhoon periods on the eastern coast of China, the DSD characteristic was composed of a lower number concentration of small and midsize raindrops (3.42 for log10Nw, 1.43 mm for Dm in the whole dataset) as compared to Jiangsu in eastern China, Tokyo, in Japan, Miryang, in South Korea, and Thiruvananthapuram in south India, respectively. At the same time, the scatter plots of Dm and log10Nw indicate that the convective rain during typhoon periods exhibits characteristics that are intermediate between “maritime-like” and “continental-like” clusters. Additionally, the raindrop spectra of convective rainfall and midsize raindrops in stratiform rainfall are well-represented by a three-parameter gamma distribution. The µ-Λ relation in this region is similar to Taiwan and Fujian, located along the southeastern coast of China. The Z-R relationship for eastern coastal China during typhoons based on filtered disdrometer data is Z = 175.04R1.53. These results could offer deeper insights into the microphysical characteristics of different rainfall types along the eastern coast of China and potentially improve the accuracy of precipitation estimates from weather radar observations.

Abstract Dopamine is not only a widely used commodity pharmaceutical for treating neurological diseases but also a highly attractive base for advanced carbon materials. Lignin, the waste from the lignocellulosic biomass industry, is the richest source of renewable aromatics on earth. Efficient production of dopamine direct from lignin is a highly desirable target but extremely challenging. Here, we report an innovative strategy for the sustainable production of dopamine hydrochloride from softwood lignin with a mass yield of 6.4 wt.%. Significantly, the solid dopamine hydrochloride is obtained by a simple filtration process in purity of 98.0%, which avoids the tedious separation and purification steps. The approach begins with the acid-catalyzed depolymerization, followed by deprotection, hydrogen-borrowing amination, and hydrolysis of methoxy group, transforming lignin into dopamine hydrochloride. The technical economic analysis predicts that this process is an economically competitive production process. This study fulfills the unexplored potential of dopamine hydrochloride synthesis from lignin.

Abstract Background Aberrant ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) triggers various disorders of biological events and contributes to progression of tumorigenesis. The tripartite motif containing 22 (TRIM22) was demonstrated to participate in the progression of multiple malignancies. Nevertheless, the role of TRIM22 in melanoma is still indefinite. This project aims to investigate the biological function of TRIM22 in melanoma and provide novel therapeutical targets. Methods Bioinformatic algorithms were used to investigate prognostic significance of TRIM22. The in vitro or in vivo assays were used to explore the functions of TRIM22 in melanoma. The Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and in vivo ubiquitination assays were used to assess regulations of TRIM22 on lysine acetyltransferase 2 A (KAT2A). The Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays and luciferase reporter assay were utilized to explore epigenetic regulations of KAT2A on Notch1. Results Here, we utilized the bioinformatic methods to confirm that TRIM22 is decreased in melanoma than normal tissues. Patients with low TRIM22 levels had shorter survival months than those with high TRIM22 levels. Targeting TRIM22 favors melanoma cell migration, proliferation, and tumor development in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, TRIM22 interacts with KAT2A and promotes its degradation in a ubiquitination-dependent manner. Melanoma cells with TRIM22 deficiency depended on KAT2A to enhance malignant progression, including proliferation, migration, and in vivo growth. KEGG analysis determined the positive correlation between KAT2A and Notch signaling. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays implicated that KAT2A directly binds to the promoter region of Notch1 and mediates the enrichment of H3K9ac modification. KAT2A activates Notch1 transcriptional levels and sustains the stemness feature of melanoma cells. Nocth1 inhibitor (IMR-1) effectively suppresses the growth of TRIM22low melanoma in vitro and in vivo but fails to inhibit TRIM22high melanoma. Conclusion Together, our study illustrates the mechanism by which the TRIM22-KAT2A-Notch1 axis promotes melanoma progression, and demonstrates that KAT2A/Nocth1 confers an epigenetic vulnerability in TRIM22low melanoma.

Abstract Biomass with abundant reproducible carbon resource holds great promise as an intriguing substitute for fossil fuels in the manufacture of high‐value‐added chemicals and fuels. Photocatalytic biomass valorization using inexhaustible solar energy enables to accurately break desired chemical bonds or selectively functionalize particular groups, thus emerging as an extremely creative and low carbon cost strategy for relieving the dilemma of the global energy. Quantum dots (QDs) are an outstandingly dynamic class of semiconductor photocatalysts because of their unique properties, which have achieved significant successes in various photocatalytic applications including biomass valorization. In this review, the current development rational design for QDs photocatalytic biomass valorization effectively is highlighted, focusing on the principles of tuning their particle size, structure, and surface properties, with special emphasis on the effect of the ligands for selectively broken chemical bonds (C─O, C─C) of biomass. Finally, the present issues and possibilities within that exciting field are described.

Abstract Lignin is a promising alternative to traditional fossil resources for producing biofuels due to its aromaticity and renewability. Pyrolysis is an efficient technology to convert lignin to valuable chemicals, which is beneficial for improving lignin valorization. In this review, pyrolytic behaviors of various lignin were included, as well as the pyrolytic mechanism consisting of initial, primary, and charring stages were also introduced. Several parallel reactions, such as demethoxylation, demethylation, decarboxylation, and decarbonylation of lignin side chains to form light gases, major lignin structure decomposition to generate phenolic compounds, and polymerization of active lignin intermediates to yield char, can be observed through the whole pyrolysis process. Several parameters, such as pyrolytic temperature, time, lignin type, and functional groups (hydroxyl, methoxy), were also investigated to figure out their effects on lignin pyrolysis. On the other hand, zeolite-driven lignin catalytic pyrolysis and lignin co-pyrolysis with other hydrogen-rich co-feedings were also introduced for improving process efficiency to produce more aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs). During the pyrolysis process, phenolic compounds and/or AHs can be produced, showing promising applications in biochemical intermediates and biofuel additives. Finally, some challenges and future perspectives for lignin pyrolysis have been discussed.

Abstract Introduction We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture in relieving acute pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and related mechanism. Methods In this randomized, single‐blind, and sham‐acupuncture controlled study. Forty patients with postoperative acute pain were recruited and randomly divided electroacupuncture group (n = 20) and sham‐acupuncture group (n = 20) from November 2020 to October 2021. All patients received electroacupuncture or sham‐acupuncture for 5 days after TKA. Their brain regions were scanned with resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging before and after intervention. Pain was scaled. Another 40 matched healthy controls underwent scanning once. The amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF) values was compared. Pearson's correlation analysis was utilized to explore the correlation of ALFF with clinical variables in patients after intervention. Results Compared with the HCs, patients with acute pain following TKA had significantly decreased ALFF value in right middle frontal gyrus, right supplementary motor area, bilateral precuneus, right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, and left triangular part of inferior frontal gyrus (false discovery rate corrected p

This study describes the preparation of a lignin-based expandable flame retardant (Lignin-N-DOPO) using grafting melamine and covering 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) using the Mannich reaction. Then, through in situ growth, a metal-organic framework (MOF) HKUST-1 (e.g., Cu3(BTC)2, BTC = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate)/lignin-based expandable flame retardant (F-lignin@HKUST-1) was created. Before that, lignin epoxy resin containing phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) components had been created by combining epoxy resin (EP) with F-lignin@HKUST-1. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to examine the thermal characteristics of epoxy resin (EP) composite. The findings indicate that the thermal stability of EP is significantly affected by the presence of F-lignin@HKUST-1. Last but not least, the activation energy (E) of EP/15% F-lignin@HKUST-1 was examined using four different techniques, including the Kissinger-SY iteration method, the Ozawa-SY iteration method, the Lee-Beck approximation-iteration method, and the Gorbatchev approximation-iteration method. It was discovered that the activation energy was significantly higher than that of lignin. Higher activation energy suggests that F-lignin@HKUST-1 pyrolysis requires more energy from the environment, which will be significant about the application of lignin-based flame retardants.

Large amounts of xylose cannot be efficiently metabolized and fermented due to strain limitations in lignocellulosic biorefinery. The conversion of xylose into high value chemicals can help to reduce the cost of commercialization. Therefore, xylonic acid with potential value in the construction industry offers a valuable alternative for xylose biorefinery. However, low productivity is the main challenge for xylonic acid fermentation. This study investigated the effect of three reaction parameters (agitation, aeration, and biomass concentration) on xylose acid production and optimized the key process parameters using response surface methodology The second order polynomial model was able to fit the experimental data by using multiple regression analysis. The maximum specific productivity was achieved with a value of 6.64 ± 0.20 g gx−1 h−1 at the optimal process parameters (agitation speed 728 rpm, aeration rate 7 L min−1, and biomass concentration 1.11 g L−1). These results may help to improve the production efficiency during xylose acid biotransformation from xylose.

Abstract Background Although palliative care has been accepted throughout the cancer trajectory, accurate survival prediction for advanced cancer patients is still a challenge. The aim of this study is to identify pre-palliative care predictors and develop a prognostic nomogram for overall survival (OS) in mixed advanced cancer patients. Methods A total of 378 consecutive advanced cancer patients were retrospectively recruited from July 2013 to October 2015 in one palliative care unit in China. Twenty-three clinical and laboratory characters were collected for analysis. Prognostic factors were identified to construct a nomogram in a training cohort (n = 247) and validated in a testing cohort (n = 131) from the setting. Results The median survival time was 48.0 (95% CI: 38.1–57.9) days for the training cohort and 52.0 (95% CI: 34.6–69.3) days for the validation cohort. Among pre-palliative care factors, sex, age, tumor stage, Karnofsky performance status, neutrophil count, hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, uric acid, and cystatin-C were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS. Based on the 10 factors, an easily obtained nomogram predicting 90-day probability of mortality was developed. The predictive nomogram had good discrimination and calibration, with a high C-index of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.73–0.80) in the development set. The strong discriminative ability was externally conformed in the validation cohort with a C-index of 0.75. Conclusions A validated prognostic nomogram has been developed to quantify the risk of mortality for advanced cancer patients undergoing palliative care. This tool may be useful in optimizing therapeutic approaches and preparing for clinical courses individually.

Abstract Background Evidence-based decision on drug list or formulary has been applied worldwide. Although the importance of scientific evidence was emphasized, the decision-making procedures for including medicines into the national reimbursement drug list were often challenged by their process opacity and relying on subjective expert opinion. This study aimed to explore and assess the evidence for the effectiveness of anti-hypertensive medicines included on the Chinese National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL), and to provide recommendations for further improvement. Methods Three international evidence-based guidelines were selected to serve as reference criteria. The antihypertensive medicines included in NRDL of Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) were compared with recommended drugs in three international guidelines. Medicines recommended by at least two guidelines were considered to have sound evidence support for the effectiveness. Otherwise, published literature with high evidence grade, namely systematic review, meta-analysis and randomized controlled trial (RCT), were searched for further assessment. Medicines reported as fairly good effectiveness by literature with high evidence grade can be also considered having sound evidence for the effectiveness. Methodological quality of systematic review or meta-analysis was evaluated by AMSTAR scale and PRISMA statement. Literature quality of RCTs was assessed by Jadad scale. Results For the 97 antihypertensive medicines in NRDL, there were sound evidence supports for the effectiveness of 56 kinds of medicines. Specifically, twenty-six of them were supported by international evidence-based guidelines, twenty were supported by systematic review or meta-analysis and the other ten by RCT. However, for the rest 41 medicines, there is insufficient evidence for their effectiveness. Conclusions Some antihypertensive medicines in NRDL did not have sufficient evidence for their effectiveness. Further evaluation and revision were required. It is also recommended to standardize decision-making procedures for inclusion of medicines, set up high quality evidence database to timely provide sound evidence, and so on.

Abstract Background Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid pigment with tremendous antioxidant activity and great commercial value. Microbial production of astaxanthin via metabolic engineering has become a promising alternative. Although great efforts have been conducted by tuning the heterologous modules and precursor pools, the astaxanthin yields in these non-carotenogenic microorganisms were still unsatisfactory for commercialization, indicating that in addition to targeted tailoring limited targets guided by rationally metabolic design, combining more globe disturbances in astaxanthin biosynthesis system and uncovering new molecular mechanisms seem to be much more crucial for further development. Since combined metabolic engineering with mutagenesis by screening is a powerful tool to achieve more global variations and even uncover more molecular targets, this study would apply a comprehensive approach integrating heterologous module engineering and mutagenesis by atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) to promote astaxanthin production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Results Here, compared to the strain with β-carotene hydroxylase (CrtZ) from Alcaligenes sp. strain PC-1, involving new CrtZ from Agrobacterium aurantiacum enhanced astaxanthin yield to 1.78-fold and increased astaxanthin ratio to 88.7% (from 66.6%). Astaxanthin yield was further increased by 0.83-fold (to 10.1 mg/g DCW) via ARTP mutagenesis, which is the highest reported yield at shake-flask level in yeast so far. Three underlying molecular targets (CSS1, YBR012W-B and DAN4) associated with astaxanthin biosynthesis were first uncovered by comparative genomics analysis. To be noted, individual deletion of CSS1 can recover 75.6% improvement on astaxanthin yield achieved by ARTP mutagenesis, indicating CSS1 was a very promising molecular target for further development. Eventually, 217.9 mg/L astaxanthin (astaxanthin ratio was 89.4% and astaxanthin yield was up to 13.8 mg/g DCW) was obtained in 5-L fermenter without any addition of inducers. Conclusions Through integrating rational engineering of pathway modules and random mutagenesis of hosts efficiently, our report stepwise promoted astaxanthin yield to achieve the highest reported one in yeast so far. This work not only breaks the upper ceiling of astaxanthin production in yeast, but also fulfills the underlying molecular targets pools with regard to isoprenoid microbial overproductions.

Abstract Background Abdominal obesity has become an important public health issue in China. Socioeconomic disparities are thought to be closely related to the prevalence of abdominal obesity. Exploring socioeconomic disparities in abdominal obesity over the life course in China could inform the design of new interventions to prevent and control abdominal obesity. Methods The China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) was a prospective household-based study involving seven rounds of surveys between 1993 and 2011. Twenty three thousand, two hundred and forty-three individuals were followed up over an 18-year period. The mixed effects models with random intercepts were used to assess the effects on abdominal obesity. Six key socioeconomic indicators, with age and age-squared added to the models, were used to identify socioeconomic disparities in abdominal obesity over the adult life course. Results Prevalence of abdominal obesity increased non-linearly with age over the adult life course. Abdominal obesity was more prevalent in younger than older birth cohorts. Positive period effects on the prevalence of abdominal obesity were substantial from 1993 to 2011, and were stronger among males than females. Prevalence of abdominal obesity was higher among ethnic Han Chinese and among the married [coefficient (95% confidence intervals): 0.03(0.003, 0.057) and 0.035(0.022, 0.047), respectively], and was lower among males [coefficient (95% confidence intervals): − 0.065(− 0.075,-0.055)]. A higher-level of urbanization and higher household income increased the probability of abdominal obesity [coefficient (95% confidence intervals): 0.160(0.130, 0.191), 3.47E− 4 (2.23E− 4, 4.70E− 4), respectively], while individuals with more education were less likely to experience abdominal obesity [coefficient (95% confidence intervals): − 0.222 (− 0.289, − 0.155)] across adulthood. Conclusions In China, abdominal obesity increased substantially in more recent cohorts. And people with lower educational attainment, with higher household income, or living in more urbanized communities may be the disadvantaged population of abdominal obesity over the adult life course. Effective interventions targeting the vulnerable population need to be developed.

Abstract Background The lymphocytes played an important role in the natural history of cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic value of lymphocyte count and percentage for survival in advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care. Methods A retrospective review of clinicopathological data from 378 consecutive advanced cancer patients and 106 extended follow-up patients treated with palliative care was conducted. Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships of peripheral lymphocyte count (LC) and lymphocyte to white blood cell ratio (LWR) with overall survival (OS). Results The median values for pretreatment LC and LWR were 1.1 (IQR, 0.8 ~ 1.5 × 109/L) and 0.138 (IQR, 0.086 ~ 0.208). The median survival times across LWR quartiles were 19, 47, 79, and 101 days (P

Three series of catalysts consisting of gold (Au), platinum (Pt), or gold-platinum bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled sizes (Au NPs 10 ± 2 nm, Pt NPs 6 ± 2 nm) anchored on hierarchical micro-/meso-/macroporous silica were successfully developed and systematically evaluated for the selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes. The catalysts were prepared by the sol-immobilization method using as-made Au NPs and/or Pt NPs colloids; the silica supports were prepared with controlled pore structures and the hierarchical porous structures of catalysts were created by controllable desilication via the alkaline solution of the metal colloids. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and these results showed no synergistic effect between Au and Pt on boosting the catalytic performance, whereas they demonstrated a clear dependence of catalytic conversions and reaction rates on the structural porosity of Au-Pt bimetallic catalysts. Our findings could potentially inspire peer researchers and scientists to develop designer porous catalysts and processes in the selective organic conversions.

In order to improve the thermal property of epoxy resin (EP), a lignin-based flame retardant was prepared. Focusing on the lignin-based flame retardant, this paper investigates its pyrolysis behavior and kinetics via a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG–FTIR). Based on the FTIR result, which showed a peak at 1222 cm−1, it was assigned a syringyl structure. Its absorption peak intensity was enhanced and this meant that the phenolization of the lignin was successful. Thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) results showed that the carbon residues of F-lignin and F-lignin@APP were reduced to 33.5% and 37.5%, respectively. In addition, the maximum decomposition rate of F-lignin@APP20/EP is 11.8%/min, which is 8%/min and 4.7%/min lower than for EP and Al-lignin, respectively. The char residue of F-lignin@APP20/EP is 32.5%, which is much higher than for EP. Lower decomposition rate and higher char residue indicate the improvement of thermal stability of EP by F-lignin@APP. Moreover, the kinetics of Al-lignin20/EP and F-lignin@APP20/EP were conducted by two kinetic methods: Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS). It was concluded that the pyrolysis process of Al-lignin 20/EP and F-lignin@APP 20/EP could be divided into three stages, while the value and growth rate of the activation energy of F-lignin@APP 20/EP were much higher than that of Al-lignin 20/EP in stage III.

In this paper, liquefaction of sodium lignosulfonate (SL) over SO42−/TiO2 catalyst in methanol/glycerol was investigated. Effects of temperature, time, the ratio of methanol to glycerol and catalyst dosage were also studied. It was indicated that optimal reaction condition (the temperature of 160 °C, the time of 1 h, solvent ratio (methanol/glycerol) of 2:1, catalyst dosage of 5 wt % (based on lignin input)) was obtained after sets of experiments. The maximum yields of liquefaction (89.8%) and bio-oil (86.8%) were gained under the optimal reaction conditions. Bio-oil was analyzed by elemental analysis, FT-IR and gas chromatogram and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). It was shown that the functional groups of bio-oil were enriched and calorific value of bio-oil was increased. Finally, it can be seen from GC/MS analysis that the type of products included alcohols, ethers, phenols, ketones, esters and acids. Phenolic compounds mainly consisted of G (guaiacyl)-type phenols.

This paper investigated the pyrolytic behaviors of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin (EHL) and EHL treated with steam explosion (EHL-SE) by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (Py-GC/MS). It was shown that the main component of the pyrolysis products was phenolic compounds, including G-type, H-type, S-type, and C-type phenols. With different treatment methods, the proportion of units in phenolic products had changed significantly. Meanwhile, proximate, elemental, and FTIR analysis of both lignin substrates were also carried out for a further understanding of the lignin structure and composition with or without steam explosion treatment. FTIR result showed that, after steam explosion treatment, the fundamental structural framework of the lignin substrate was almost unchangeable, but the content of lignin constituent units, e.g., hydroxyl group and alkyl group, evidently changed. It was noticeable that 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol with 11% relative content was the most predominant pyrolytic product for lignin after steam explosion treatment. Combined with the above analysis, the structural change and pyrolysis product distribution of EHL with or without steam explosion treatment could be better understood, providing more support for the multi-functional utilization of lignin.

Biomass pyrolysis or gasification can convert low-energy density biomass into a high-energy density gaseous fuel. In this paper, pyrolysis of pine sawdust with and without the addition of a catalyst was investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR). The effects of modified SBA-15 catalysts on the formation characteristics of CO, CO2, and CH4 were studied. The two prepared catalysts, La/SBA-15 and Fe/La/SBA-15, retained the hexagonal order of the SBA-15 material and showed high thermal stability in the temperature range of the TGA-FTIR experiments. The results showed that the pyrolysis behavior of biomass is remarkably improved in the presence of La/SBA-15 and Fe/La/SBA-15 catalysts. The modified SBA-15 materials favored thermal cracking of macromolecular substances, resulting in an apparent decrease in the tar and coke fraction, an increase in the yield of light gases, and much higher gas production. Meanwhile, a significant increase in CH4 led to a much higher energy density gaseous product.

The typical platinum nanoparticles loaded on titania (Pt/TiO2) were pretreated with mild oxidation (2 was around three times that of the pristine one. According to the characterization results, the structure of the Pt/TiO2 support and their Pt particle sizes had negligible change after pre-oxidation treatment. The cationic Pt content of Pt/TiO2 and surface roughness of Pt nanoparticles gradually increased with the increasing temperature of the pre-oxidation treatment. Mild pre-oxidation treatment was beneficial to the oxygen activation and water dissociation of Pt/TiO2. In situ HCHO-DFIRTS results showed that the mild pre-oxidation treatment could enhance the dehydrogenation of formate.

In this manuscript, the influence of organosolv beech wood lignin (LOB) on its oxidative conversion to high added-value phenolic aldehydes is discussed. Environmental friendly and low-cost H2O2 was used as the oxygen atom donor. The catalyst was prepared by immobilizing Lanthanum compounds onto the periodic mesoporous channels of siliceous SBA-15. The activity of the La/SBA-15 was investigated towards oxidation of LOB in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as oxidant with microwave irradiation. Considering the characteristics of LOB, an unexpected low syringaldehyde concentration at 10min of reaction time (1.47 g/L, corresponding to 15.66% yield) was obtained; the other major product was vanillin at 25min (0.78 g/L, i.e., 9.94% yield). The high reactivity of syringyl nuclei may be pointed out as the main reason for the faster production and degradation of syringaldehyde in oxidation. Other low molecular weight phenolic products were found: vanillic acid, syringic acid and minor quantities of aceto-derivatives. The profile of products concentration with the reaction time of catalytic oxidation with microwave irradiation are shown and discussed with reference to the investigated lignin features. The mechanism of the microwave catalytic oxidation for LOB under alkaline conditions was proposed.

A convenient and efficient application of heterogeneous La-containing SBA-15 systems for the microwave assisted oxidation of a lignin model phenolic monomer, 4-hydroxy-1-phenylpropane, is reported. Low-cost and environmentally friendly H2O2 was used as the oxygen atom donor. The catalyst was prepared by immobilizing lanthanum species on the periodic mesoporous channels of siliceous SBA-15. Powder X-ray diffraction data and ICP-AES revealed that the host retains its hexagonal mesoporous structure after immobilization and most of the lanthanum species are better dispersed in the calcined materials. The surface area and pore size of La/SBA-15 was considerably decreased, indicating the intrapore confinement of the Lanthanum species. The activity of the La/SBA-15 was investigated in the oxidation of 4-hydroxy-1-phenylpropane in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. 70.5% conversion of 4-hydroxy-1-phenylpropane was obtained after 30 min of reaction under 200W microwave irradiation, compared to a poor 28.1% degradation after 24h under conventional heating. The possibility of recycling the catalyst was studied.

A convenient and efficient application of heterogeneous Lanthanum-containing SBA-15 systems for the microwave assisted oxidation of a lignin model phenolic monomer, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, is reported. Environmental friendly and low-cost H2O2 was used as the oxygen atom donor. The catalyst was prepared by immobilizing Lanthanum species on to the periodic mesoporous channels of siliceous SBA-15. Powder X-ray diffraction data and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) revealed that the host retains its hexagonal mesoporous structure after immobilization and most of the lanthanum species are better dispersed in the calcined materials. The surface area and pore size of La/SBA-15 was considerably decreased indicating the intrapore confinement of the Lanthanum species. The activity of the La/SBA-15 was investigated in the oxidation of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. 68% conversion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol to vanillin or other undetectable by-products was obtained after 30 min of reaction under 200W microwave irradiation, compared to a poor 25% degradation after 24 h under conventional heating. The possibility of recycling the catalyst was studied.

In this manuscript, the influence of organosolv beech wood lignin (LOB) on its oxidative conver-sion to high added-value phenolic aldehydes is discussed. Environmental friendly and low-cost H2O2 was used as the oxygen atom donor. The catalyst was prepared by immobilizing Lanthanum com-pounds onto the periodic mesoporous channels of siliceous SBA-15. The activity of the La/SBA-15 was investigated towards oxidation of LOB in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as oxidant with microwave irradiation. Considering the characteristics of LOB, an unexpected low syringaldehyde concentration at 10min of reaction time (1.47 g/L, corresponding to 15.66% yield) was obtained; the other major product was vanillin at 25min (0.78 g/L, i.e., 9.94% yield). The high reactivity of syringyl nuclei may be pointed out as the main reason for the faster production and degradation of syringaldehyde in oxida-tion. Other low molecular weight phenolic products were found: vanillic acid, syringic acid and minor quantities of aceto-derivatives. The profile of products concentration with the reaction time of catalytic oxidation with microwave irradiation are shown and discussed with reference to the investigated lignin features. The mechanism of the microwave catalytic oxidation for LOB under alkaline conditions was proposed.

A convenient and efficient application of heterogeneous Lanthanum-containing SBA-15 systems for the microwave assisted oxidation of a lignin model phenolic monomer, 3-methoxy- 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, is reported. Environmental friendly and low-cost H2O2 was used as the oxygen atom donor. The catalyst was prepared by immobilizing Lanthanum species on to the periodic mesoporous channels of siliceous SBA-15. Powder X-ray diffraction data and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) revealed that the host retains its hexagonal mesoporous structure after immobilization and most of the lanthanum species are better dispersed in the calcined materials. The surface area and pore size of La/SBA-15 was considerably decreased indicating the intrapore confinement of the Lanthanum species. The activity of the La/SBA-15 was investigated in the oxidation of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. 68% conversion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol to vanillin or other undetectable by-products was obtained after 30 min of reaction under 200W microwave irradiation, compared to a poor 25% degradation after 24 h under conventional heating. The possibility of recycling the catalyst was studied.

Experimental data suggest a protective effect of vitamin D on breast cancer; however, epidemiologic results remain inclusive. With a Chinese population-based case-control study and meta-analysis of the observational studies, we here systematically evaluated the association of blood 25(OH)D level and breast cancer risk. With 593 breast cancer cases and 580 cancer-free controls from Shanghai, China, we found that 80% of the normal women had severe vitamin D deficiency (less than 20 ng/mL) and 15.2% had mild deficiency (20 to 30 ng/mL) and only 4.8% of women had sufficient vitamin D level (>30 ng/mL) while the proportion was 96.1%, 3.2% and 0.7% respectively for the breast cancer patients. Compared to those with the lowest quartile of plasma 25(OH)D level, women with highest quartile 25(OH)D level showed a significant decreased breast cancer risk (Q4 vs.Q1: OR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.06-0.15) and every 1 ng/ml increment of plasma 25(OH)D level led to a 16% lower odds of breast cancer (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.81-0.87; P