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Background and aims: Greenhouse vegetable production is commonly associated with substantial nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, low nitrogen (N)and irrigation water use efficiency (NUE and IWUE) due to excess N input and frequent flooding irrigation, so it is crucial to develop irrigation and fertilization strategies to alleviate N2O emissions while ensuring vegetable productivity. Methods: An experiment spanning three crop rotations of cucumber and celery in a greenhouse was conducted in North China Plain (NCP). It included four treatments, i.e., no N fertilizer (CK), farmers' conventional fertilization (FP), conventional fertilization rate with drip fertigation (FPD), and reduced N fertilizer rate with drip fertigation (RFPD). Results: The mean annual area-scaled, yield-scaled N2O emissions and direct N2O emission factors (EFd) of FP were 36 kg N ha−1, 175 g N t−1 and 1.3%, respectively. FPD significantly reduced N2O emissions by over 25% (both in area- and yield-scaled), enhanced IWUE by 37%, and had no significant negative effects on vegetable yield or NUE. RFPD also significantly mitigated both area- and yield-scaled N2O emissions by about 45%, improved IWUE by 40% and NUE by 25%, while maintaining vegetable yield. Quadratic curves were fitted to the boundary points of ln-transformed N2O emissions against soil temperature and water-filled pore space (WFPS), with the maximum N2O losses occurring at 19.5 ℃ or 68%. N2O emissions responded to IWUE and NUEs following an exponential (R2 = 0.71, P < 0.001) and a linear-plateau model (R2 = 0.67, P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Drip irrigation with reduced N fertilizer rate is a suitable agronomic practice to simultaneously mitigate N2O emissions and improve both IWUE and NUE while maintaining vegetable yield from typical greenhouse cucumber-celery fields in NCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guaranteeing a robust supply of vegetables is a significant public welfare endeavor. However, the implementation of irrational water and fertilizer regimes in greenhouse vegetable fields (GVF) has resulted in adverse environmental impacts. Therefore, it is crucial to develop water and fertilizer regimes to maintain the productivity of greenhouse vegetables with less carbon (C) and reactive nitrogen (Nr) footprint. A four growing seasons experiment involving the cultivation of cucumbers and tomatoes was conducted in the suburbs of Beijing. The experiment comprised three treatments: flood irrigation with a conventional urea-N application (FN), drip fertigation with a conventional urea-N application (DN), and drip fertigation with a 50% reduction of urea-N application (DRN). The results showed that about 70% of annual N inputs in GVF were surplus, posing a high risk of loss. For the FN treatment, the N budget, Nr loss, Nr footprint per unit of vegetable yield (NrF Y), Nr footprint per unit of net return (NrF R), greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, C footprint per unit of vegetable yield (CF Y), C footprint per unit of net return (CF R) were respectively quantified as follows: 1653 kg N ha−1 yr−1, 776 kg N ha−1 yr−1, 4.39 kg N t−1 yr−1, 24.48 kg N ¥10000−1 yr−1, 46548 kg CO 2 -eq ha−1 yr−1, 262.98 kg CO 2 -eq t−1 yr−1 and 1467.58 kg CO 2 -eq ¥10000−1 yr−1. Compared with FN, DN significantly reduced Nr loss (25%), NrF Y (24%), NrF R (22%), GHG emissions (6%), CF Y (4%), while it increased N surplus (9.7%) and produced lower farmers' net return (¥ 13486 ha−1 yr−1). Concurrently, DRN significantly reduced the N surplus, Nr loss, NrF Y and NrF R by ∼35%, decreased the GHG emissions, CF Y and CF R by ∼20%, and improved farmers' net return by ¥ 674 ha−1 yr−1 compared to FN treatment. Therefore, this study highlighted that an integrated water and fertilizer regulation strategy (drip irrigation replacing flood irrigation coupled with a 50% reduction in chemical N application) can simultaneously achieve environmental and economic benefits in the context of high N inputs. This contributes to the sustainable development of intensive vegetable cultivation systems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• hNSC-Exo presented therapeutic roles in brain ischemic stroke model of rats. • IFN-γ preconditioning significantly altered the abilities and contents of hNSC-Exo. • IFN-γ-hNSC-Exo shown more therapeutic benefits than hNSC-Exo in vitro and in vivo. • Exosomal miRNAs in IFN-γ-hNSC-Exo mediated the potential effects on cell survival. Transplanted neural stem cells promote neural tissue regeneration and functional recovery primarily by releasing paracrine factors. Exosomes act as important secreted paracrine molecules to deliver therapeutic agents involved in cellular functions. Here, we focused on the role of exosomes (hNSC-Exo) derived from human neural stem cells (hNSCs). We utilized the pro-inflammatory factor interferon gamma (IFN-γ) to induce the generation of altered exosomes (IFN-γ-hNSC-Exo), and compared their roles with those of hNSC-Exo and explored the potential mechanism. Importantly, IFN-γ preconditioning did not affect the secretion, but significantly altered the ability of exosomes derived from hNSCs. Moreover, IFN-γ-hNSC-Exo was functionally superior to hNSC-Exo; showed increased cell proliferation and cell survival and decreased cell apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, IFN-γ-hNSC-Exo further exerted therapeutic effects (showed better behavioral and structural outcomes) compared to those of hNSCs-Exo in an ischemic stroke rat model. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed specific exosomal miRNAs (hsa-miR-206, hsa-miR-133a-3p and hsa-miR-3656) in IFN-γ-hNSC-Exo with important roles in cell survival. Thus, our findings demonstrate that the inflammatory factor IFN-γ can regulate the functions of exosomes and highlight its role in regulating the application of neural stem cell-derived exosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • High performance dual-mode contrast agent (GdIONC) was developed. • The nested porous structure dramatically enhanced water-interaction around GdIONC. • High specific surface area increased the number of water molecules around GdIONC. • Hydrogen bonds effectively prolonged the rotational correlation time of proton. • Oxide vacancies sharply enhanced the water residence time and exchange efficiency. Abstract Rational structure design benefits the development of new classes of contrast agents (CAs) with excellent magnetic resonance imaging performance. In this work, hydrogenated silica with a net nanostructure (HSiO 2) was fabricated and used to modify gadolinium-doped iron oxide nanoclusters (GdIONCs) to form a core-shell nanoplatform (HSiO 2 @GdIONC) with enhanced T 1 and T 2 contrast ability. In this nanoplatform, the HSiO 2 shell showed a strong binding capacity for water molecules because of the presence of hydrogen bonds, oxygen vacancies, and high specific surface areas, and the strong binding capacity significantly improved the spin-spin (T 2) and spin-lattice (T 1) imaging of the GdIONC core. In addition, the T 1 relaxation rate of the GdIONC core dramatically increased from 30.8 mM−1 s−1 to 38.2 mM−1 s−1 after being coated with the HSiO 2 shell, and the r 2 to r 1 ratio decreased from 10.9 to 8.3, which is an appropriate ratio (r 2 /r 1 : 5–10) for dual-mode contrast. Cell and animal experiments suggested that HSiO 2 @GdIONC exhibited a better T 1 - and T 2 -weighted MR imaging effect than the bare GdIONC core, confirming that this strategy for modifying GdIONCs is a beneficial and promising approach for obtaining highly efficient dual-mode CAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this work, a tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive biodegradable MnSiO 3 @Fe 3 O 4 nanoplatform for dual-mode magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided combinatorial cancer therapy was constructed. Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles decorated on the surface of MnSiO 3 could effectively obstruct the pores of MnSiO 3 and reduce the leakage of anticancer drugs under physiological conditions. The structure of the nanoplatform was broken under the weakly acidic and high-concentration glutathione conditions in the TME, resulting in the separation of the Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles from the nanoplatform and rapid drug release. In addition, the exfoliated Fe 3 O 4 and released Mn2+ can help reduce the interference between their T 1 and T 2 contrast abilities, resulting in dual-mode MRI contrast enhancement. Furthermore, during the exfoliation process of the Fe 3 O 4 nanocrystals, the catalytic activity of the Fe 3 O 4 nanocrystals toward a Fenton-like reaction within cancer cells could be improved because of the increase in specific surface area, which led to the generation of highly toxic hydroxyl radicals and induced HeLa cell apoptosis. The nanoplatform also displayed excellent T 1 -T 2 dual-mode MRI contrast enhancement and anticancer activity in vivo with reduced systemic toxicity. Thus, this multifunctional nanoplatform could be a potential nanotheranostic for dual-mode MRI-guided combinatorial cancer therapy. Graphical abstract A multifunctional MnSiO 3 @Fe 3 O 4 nanoplatform is constructed by decorating Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles on the surface of MnSiO 3 , followed by amination and grafting PEG on the surface and subsequently loading cisplatin into the nanoplatform. This well-engineered nanoplatform with tumor microenvironment-responsive biodegradable ability displays outstanding dual-mode MRI-guided combinatorial catalytic nanotherapeutics (the generation of ·OH) and chemotherapy for cancer treatment. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a light-responsively controlled-release herbicide particle (LCHP) with core–shell structure was developed using a nanocomposite composed of biochar, attapulgite (ATP), glyphosate (Gly), azobenzene (AZO), and amino silicon oil (ASO). Therein, nanonetwork-structured ATP distributed evenly in the pores of biochar to form porous biochar-ATP compound which acts as a carrier to efficiently load plenty of Gly and AZO molecules, obtaining porous biochar-ATP-Gly-AZO granule. Subsequently, the resulting biochar-ATP-Gly-AZO granule was incompletely coated by ASO, forming LCHP with abundant micro pores in the ASO coating. Under UV–Vis light radiation, trans-cis and cis-trans isomer transformation of AZO molecules will occur, acting as light-motivated “stirrers” to promote the release of Gly from LCHP through those nano pores. Thus LCHP displayed an excellent light-responsively controlled release performance, which could be also demonstrated by pot experiments. Importantly, LCHP possessed a good adhesion performance on surface of weeds leaves, which was greatly favorable for improving the control efficacy on weeds. Besides, coexisting ions (CO 3 2− , SO 4 2− , and Cl − ) and pH posed little impact on LCHP release in water, proving the high stability of this technology. Therefore, this work provides a promising approach to control the release and enhance utilization efficiency of herbicide, which has a potential application prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a temperature-controlled-release and collectable iron fertilizer (TCIF) with a core-shell structure was developed using a nanocomposite consisting of palygorskite (Pal), ferroferric oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ), ferrous ammonium sulfate hexahydrate (FASH), ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer (F-127), and amino silicon oil (ASO). Therein, the core was made up of Pal-Fe 3 O 4 -FASH mixture, and the shell was composed of ASO-F-127. Pal with a porous micro/nano networks structure could bind a great many of Fe 2+ through electrostatic attraction. FASH, as the iron fertilizer and a foaming agent in this system, can produce NH 3 at 100 °C to make a plenty of micro/nano pores in the ASO-F-127 shell, which facilitated the release of Fe 2+ . F-127, a thermally sensitive polymer, can open and close the pores through the liquid-gel transition under different temperature to adjust the release of Fe 2+ . The hydrophobic ASO endowed TCIF a high stability in aqueous solution for at least 100 days. Fe 3 O 4 made TCIF own a relatively high magnetism so that TCIF could be conveniently collected from water and soil. Significantly, this technology could improve the utilization efficiency of iron fertilizer and promote the absorption of Fe 2+ by maize. Besides, TCIF displayed a good reuse performance, which could favor to lower the cost and decrease the residual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary intracranial angioleiomyoma (ALM) is quite rare and ALM of the adolescent is even rarer. To date, only three cases of adolescents have been reported. We carefully introduced a new location of intracranial ALM in an adolescent. The clinical, pathological and imaging features of intracranial ALM were described in detail and published literature was reviewed. To our best knowledge, we presented the fourth primary intracranial ALM of adolescent and the first ALM of the right frontal cranial base with intracranial and extracranial communication. We not only summarize the generalities of ALM but also illustrate the difference between adult and adolescent ALM in the aspects of gender and age predominance, etiology, common location and pathologic subtype. We reported the first ALM of the right frontal cranial base with intracranial and extracranial communication of an adolescent with a good prognosis. We also summarize the generalities of ALM and illustrate the difference between adult and adolescent ALM. Future investigation of control study with large patient cohorts is needed for both adult and adolescent ALM to compare the difference between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of Se fertilizers could promote plant growth and enhance Se contents of crops. However, traditional Se fertilizer tended to be lost with rainwater and caused Se pollution. Thus, it was necessary to develop a smart nanosystem to control Se fertilizer release. In this work, an anion-responsive nanosystem was prepared using polyethylenimine modified hollow/mesoporous carbon nanoparticles (PHMCN), and selenate could be effectively loaded into PHMCN (the highest loading capacity: 389 mg/g) by electrostatic attraction. The release of Se from this nanosystem could be sensitively triggered using PO 4 3− , CO 3 2− , and OH − as the model anions by ion exchange, and the release amount of Se was dependent on the concentration and valence of anions, so that the Se loss could be significantly reduced and the yield and Se content of vegetables increased. This work provides a promising strategy for obtaining Se-enriched vegetables and reducing Se pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Because of the wide use of chromium‐containing feed, much hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) tends to accumulate in pork. In order to decrease the toxicity of Cr(VI)‐containing pork for human beings, high‐energy electron beam (HEEB) irradiation was used to reduce highly toxic Cr(VI) to low toxic trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) in lean, fat, and marbled pork. HEEB irradiation could efficiently and nondestructively reduce both free and adsorbed Cr(VI) in pork, achieving the highest reductive efficiency (RE) of 98.03%. Therein, hydrated electrons (eaq−) and hydrogen radical (•H) generated during the irradiation process probably played key roles in the reduction. The effects of irradiation dose, initial concentration of Cr(VI), pH, temperature, salinity, and oil on the RE were investigated to obtain the optimal reduction conditions, proving the high universality of this approach. This work provides a clean and low‐cost method for removing Cr(VI) from pork, which is important to ensure food safety. Practical Application: This work describes a facile, nondestructive, and clean method for removing Cr(VI) from meat product, which may have a potential application prospect in ensuring food quality and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemic stroke represents the leading cause of adult neurological disability, with no effective therapeutic strategy. Stem cell transplantation promises a new promising for treating stroke, through cell replacement and cytokine paracrine. However, due to the effect of hostile immune microenvironment, the survival and differentiation of stem cells are limited in vivo. Furthermore, the delayed inflammatory response to stroke induced secondary neurological injury. IFN-γ as pro-inflammatory cytokine has the potential to protect stem cell population during inflammatory response, as well as stimulates neurogenesis of stem cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether co-injection of neural stem cells and IFN-γ can improve therapeutic outcomes in ischemic stroke model. In this study, we found that IFN-γ did not interfere with the proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro and induced levels of subsequent neuronal differentiation significantly superior to those of other four cytokines BDNF, VEGF, TGF-β, and IGF-1. Co-delivery of IFN-γ (concentration: 50 ng) enhanced the effectiveness of NSC transplantation therapy in ischemic rats. And combined IFN-γ treatment significantly increased neurogenesis in vivo, with more BrdU/DCX dual-positive cells found in ischemic areas. Moreover, co-treatment with IFN-γ and NSCs exerted additional neurological benefits compared with NSC transplantation alone. In conclusion, low concentration of IFN-γ can promote the functions of transplanted NSCs and facilitate their ability of neurological repair. Thus, our findings suggest that co-delivery of NSCs and IFN-γ without genetic modification may be an effective, simple, and novel approach for the treatment of ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A magnetic ceramsite (MC) coated by nano carbon spheres (MCCS) was fabricated, and then the MCCS was stabilized and functionalized by polyethylenimine (PEI) to obtain a nanocomposite named as MCCSP. The nano carbon spheres (NCS) possessed plenty of amino and oxygen-containing groups ( OH, COOH) and distributed homogeneously on the surface of MC, meanwhile the size and dispersion of these NCS could be conveniently adjusted. MCCSP demonstrated a high adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) which could be then reduced to low toxic trivalent chromium (Cr(III)), and the obtained Cr(III) could be chelated on the surface of MCCSP by protonated amine groups. Importantly, the resulting MCCSP-Cr could be conveniently collected from water and soil by a magnetic separation system (MSS). Therefore, this work provides a promising approach to remediate Cr(VI)-contaminated water and soil and may have a high application value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing applications of nanomaterials, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), unknown potential risks are present against humans and the environment, especially to the fetus and neonates, which are more sensitive to the cytotoxicity of such agents. This study focused on the effects of AgNP exposure on newborn neurons differentiated from neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro. We isolated NSCs from fetal rat hippocampus and incubated them in neural differentiation medium for 3-7 days to form newborn neurons and networks. After exposure to 2 μg/mL AgNPs, cell viability was reduced, and early neuronal processes and extensions were fragmented. Furthermore, AgNP treatment increased cellular superoxide dismutase activity and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to neuronal death. AgNPs also increased the expression of FOXO3 and decreased nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2, as well as stimulated the formation of autophagosomes. Therefore, even a low concentration of AgNPs can interrupt early neuronal processes, and facilitate neuron apoptosis by increased cellular oxidative stress and mitochondrial disruption. Thus, it is necessary to note the daily exposure of nanomaterials (e.g., AgNPs) to pregnant women and infants, which may cause neurodevelopmental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reported a facile approach to remove anthracenemethanol (AC), a typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), from soil using magnetic ceramsite coated with nanoflower-structured carbon (MCCNC), whose optimal form was named as OMCCNC, fabricated by a one-step hydrothermal process. Therein, the carbon coating self-assembled to form a flower-like fractal structure based on the template of micro-nano flakes on the surface of ceramsite. The nanoflower-structured carbon possessed a high porosity and plenty of oxygen-containing groups and thus could efficiently adsorb AC molecules. After adsorption, the high magnetism of OMCCNC facilitated the continuous separation and collection of OMCCNC-AC from soil using a magnetic separation system (MSS) designed by us. Importantly, the OMCCNC could be reused at least for four times. This work provides a promising approach for removing AC from soil and may have a huge engineering application prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we constructed a multifunctional nanopesticide system, a pH-responsively controlled-release pesticide (PRCRP) with magnetic collectability performance, to effectively improve the pesticide utilization efficiency (UE). Herein, herbicide (glyphosate) and pesticide (cypermethrin) were respectively loaded in the micro-nano pores of diatomite/Fe 3 O 4 , a magnetic nanocarrier, which was fabricated through in-situ deposition method. Afterwards, the resulting pesticide/diatomite/Fe 3 O 4 was coated by chitosan which can be dissolved in acid condition so as to control the release of pesticide. The magnetism resulted from Fe 3 O 4 endowed PRCRP a feasible magnetic collection performance. After the release of pesticide, PRCRP could be separated conveniently from water and soil with a high collection ratio. PRCRP displayed a high adhesion capacity on the weed surface and pest epidermis, a significantly controlled-release performance, a high UE, an outstanding control efficacy on weed and pest, and potential collectability in practice. Therefore, this technology may have a promising application potential in reducing pesticide residue and risk to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work provides an immediate fabrication approach for a manganese dioxide/graphite (MnO 2 /C) composite, as a photocatalyst for the degradation of glyphosate, via high energy electron beam irradiation. Such irradiation can effectively and facilely reduce MnO 4 − to MnO 2 nanospheres through the reduction effects of e − , e aq − , and H, as well as make graphite possess rough surface through thermal and sputtering effects of electron beam. In addition, the fabrication process introduces numerous hydroxyl groups on the surface of MnO 2 nanospheres, which can promote the adhesion of MnO 2 nanospheres onto the rough surface of graphite via hydrogen bonds. The resulting MnO 2 /C composite exhibits a large specific surface area, high dispersion, and thus an excellent adsorption and catalytic degradation performance on glyphosate. Importantly, the MnO 2 /C composite is rather sensitive to sunlight, and can effectively degrade glyphosate under sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Systematic review and meta-analysis to observe the efficacy and safety of stem cell transplantation therapy in patients with brain ischemia. Methods. We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, Ovid, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP Data from its inception to December 2015, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCT) of stem cell transplantation for the ischemic stroke. Two authors independently screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Thereafter, meta-analysis was performed. Results. Sixteen studies and eighteen independent treatments were included in the current meta-analysis. The results based upon the pooled mean difference from baseline to follow-up points showed that the stem cell transplantation group was superior to the control group with statistical significance in the neurologic deficits score (NIHSS, MD = 1.57; 95% CI, 0.64–2.51; I2=57%; p=0.001), motor function (FMA, MD = 4.23; 95% CI, 3.08–5.38; I2=0%; p<0.00001), daily life ability (Barthel, MD = 8.37; 95% CI, 4.83–11.91; I2=63%; p<0.00001), and functional independence (FIM, MD = 8.89; 95% CI, 4.70–13.08; I2=79%; p<0.0001). Conclusions. It is suggested that the stem cell transplantation therapy for patients with brain ischemic stroke can significantly improve the neurological deficits and daily life quality, with no serious adverse events. However, higher quality and larger data studies are required for further investigation to support clinical application of stem cell transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a high-performance T1- T2 dual-model contrast agent by gadolinium-doped iron oxide nanoparticle (GION) is developed. Following its development, the application of this agent in vivo by combining doxorubicin (DOX) and folic acid (FA) (FA-GION-DOX) for targeted drug delivery to monitor cancer treatment is explored. GION showed transverse and longitudinal relaxivities up to 182.7 × 10−3 and 7.87 × 10−3 m−1 s−1, respectively, upon Gd/Fe ratio in GION at 1/4. DOX released from FA-GION-DOX is pH dependent and only kills cancer cell after FA receptor-mediated internalization into the acidic environment of endosomes and lysosomes. Systemic delivery of FA-GION-DOX significantly inhibits the growth of tumors and shows good magnetic resonance enhancement in a human cervical cancer xenograft model. Thus, FA-GION-DOX has a potential application for the targeted and magnetic resonance imaging guided therapy of cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work developed an immediate and high-performance remediation method for Cr(VI) contaminated soil (CCS) using high energy electron beam (HEEB) irradiation. The result indicated that, compared with γ-ray irradiation, HEEB irradiation displayed a significant reduction efficiency on Cr(VI) in CCS to Cr(III) with substantially lower toxicity, which was mainly attributed to the reduction effects of electrons, hydrated electrons, and reductive radicals generated in the irradiation process of HEEB. This work could provide a one-step and effective method for the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil (HMCS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic iron oxide coated in hydrogenation silica (Fe3O4@HSiO2) is constructed as both a tumor drug carrier and a magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent. Colchicine (COLC) is loaded in Fe3O4@HSiO2 with the highest amount of 28.3 wt% at pH 9. The release performance of COLC can be controlled by pH, as the porous HSiO2 shell can partially shed at pH below 3.0 to facilitate the release of COLC. MR imaging (MRI) tests prove that Fe3O4@HSiO2 at pH 3.0 (H+-Fe3O4@HSiO2) shows a stronger MR contrast enhancement than Fe3O4. Cytotoxicity experiment indicates that Fe3O4@HSiO2 has excellent biocompatibility and magnetic targeting performance. Additionally, COLC-loaded Fe3O4@HSiO2 (Fe3O4@HSiO2-COLC) displays a higher inhibition effect on tumor cells under a magnetic field than free COLC. The visibility upon MRI, high targeting, and pH-controlled release characteristics of Fe3O4@HSiO2-COLC are favorable to achieve the aim of reducing side effects to normal tissues, making Fe3O4@HSiO2-COLC an attractive drug delivery system for nanomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] High energy electron beam (HEEB) irradiation and hydrothermal treatment were used. [•] HEEB irradiation could make the impurities in the pores of diatomite loose. [•] Hydrothermal treatment (HT) could remove these impurities from the pores. [•] They could effectively improve pore size distribution and decrease the bulk density. [•] Catalytic performance of the corresponding catalyst was significantly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three modification approaches including acid treatment, high-speed shear and ultrasound on the microstructure of diatomite were developed, in order to enlarge the pore size and decrease the bulk density of diatomite and then make diatomite more suitable to be catalyst carrier. The modification effects were investigated and the results indicated that all three approaches had significant cooperative effects on the modification of diatomite. Acid treatment could remove impurities, mainly metallic oxides, of diatomite due to the acid wash effect. High-speed shear and ultrasound were both able to dredge the clogged pores because of the strong centrifugal force in shear process and cavitation effect in ultrasound process resulting in the improvement of the pore size distribution and the remarkable decrease of the bulk density. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Marangoni condensation is formed due to the surface tension gradient caused by the local temperature or concentration gradient on the condensate surface; thus, the investigation of the surface temperature distribution characteristics is crucial to reveal the condensation mechanism and heat transfer characteristics. Few studies have been conducted on the temperature distribution of the condensate surface. In this study, thermal infrared images were used to measure the temperature distributions of the condensate surface during Marangoni condensation for ethanol–water mixture vapor. The results showed that the surface temperature distribution of the single droplet was uneven, and a large temperature gradient, approximately 15.6 °C/mm, existed at the edge of the condensate droplets. The maximum temperature difference on the droplet surface reached up to 8 °C. During the condensation process, the average surface temperature of a single droplet firstly increased rapidly and then slowly until it approached a certain temperature, whereas that of the condensate surface increased rapidly at the beginning and then changed periodically in a cosine-like curve. The present results will be used to obtain local heat flux and heat transfer coefficients on the condensing surface, and to further establish the relationship between heat transfer and temperature distribution characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marangoni condensation is formed due to the surface tension gradient caused by the local temperature or concentration gradient on the condensate surface; thus, the investigation of the surface temperature distribution characteristics is crucial to reveal the condensation mechanism and heat transfer characteristics. Few studies have been conducted on the temperature distribution of the condensate surface. In this study, thermal infrared images were used to measure the temperature distributions of the condensate surface during Marangoni condensation for ethanol–water mixture vapor. The results showed that the surface temperature distribution of the single droplet was uneven, and a large temperature gradient, approximately 15.6 °C/mm, existed at the edge of the condensate droplets. The maximum temperature difference on the droplet surface reached up to 8 °C. During the condensation process, the average surface temperature of a single droplet firstly increased rapidly and then slowly until it approached a certain temperature, whereas that of the condensate surface increased rapidly at the beginning and then changed periodically in a cosine-like curve. The present results will be used to obtain local heat flux and heat transfer coefficients on the condensing surface, and to further establish the relationship between heat transfer and temperature distribution characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oxygen-enriched Fe 2 O 3 /Gd 2 O 3 nanopeanut theranostic system (Tf-PGINP-Pt) was developed. • Tf-PGINP-Pt deliver oxygen molecules to cancer cells, enhancing oxygen levels. • Nanopeanut enhanced ROS and inactivated GPX4 in cancer cells, leading to ferroptosis. • Pt(IV) in Tf-PGINP-Pt was reduced to Pt(II) by depleting GSH, accelerating apoptosis. • Contrast superimposed effect of Tf-PGINP-Pt endowed highly efficient MRI capability. In this study, we designed a novel peanut probe that could load oxygen molecules and platinum(IV) prodrug (GINP-Pt) to elicit ferroptosis and apoptosis in cancer cells. In addition, transferrin-labeled amino polyethylene glycol (Tf-PEG-NH 2) was equipped to GINP-Pt to obtain targeting and pH-responsive ability. When the system enters cancer cells, platinum(IV) can be released and reduced to platinum(II) by depleting glutathione (GSH), resulting in a ROS increase. Meanwhile, Tf-PGINP-Pt deliver abundant oxgen molecules into cancer cells, significantly elevating oxygen levels. Moreover, generated platinum(II) can activate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NOXs), accelerating the conversion of oxygen to superoxide anions and enhancing downstream H 2 O 2 levels. Next, Fe2+/Fe3+ ions released from Tf-PGINP-Pt rapidly converted H 2 O 2 into highly toxic OH, causing DNA and mitochondrial membrane damage, resulting in cell ferroptosis. Notably, platinum(II) can coordinate with DNA bases and form Pt-DNA adducts, inhibiting DNA replication and inducing cell apoptosis. In addition, the contrast superimposed effect originated from Gd 2 O 3 and Fe 3 O 4 in Tf-PGINP-Pt endows accurate diagnostic capability for tumor identification, achieving MRI-guided dual-modal cancer therapy. Therefore, this work provides an unique and clinically promising strategy for accurate diagnosis and effective therapy of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A honeycomb-like magnetic composite named as OPCS-AS@PVA-Fe 3 O 4 was fabricated. • OPCS-AS@PVA-Fe 3 O 4 consisted of cornstalk, (NH 4) 2 SO 3 , polyvinyl alcohol and Fe 3 O 4. • OPCS-AS@PVA-Fe 3 O 4 could reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and adsorb Cr(III). • OPCS-AS@PVA-Fe 3 O 4 could release ammonium to favor plant growth. • OPCS-AS@PVA-Fe 3 O 4 was stable against coexisting ions. In this work, cornstalk (CS) was irradiated by high energy electron beam to obtain honeycomb-like porous CS (PCS). The PCS was loaded with ammonium sulfite (AS) and then coated by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-Fe 3 O 4 to obtain PCS-AS@PVA-Fe 3 O 4. The PCS-AS@PVA-Fe 3 O 4 could reduce hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) to trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) by SO 3 2−, then the Cr(III) combined with PCS-AS@PVA-Fe 3 O 4 through hydrogen bonds. The resulting PCS-AS@PVA-Fe 3 O 4 /Cr with a high magnetism could be conveniently separated from water via a magnet. PCS-AS@PVA-Fe 3 O 4 /Cr showed a high performance on controlling Cr(VI) migration in soil and uptake by plant. Meanwhile, ammonium could be released from PCS-AS@PVA-Fe 3 O 4 , favoring plant growth. Therefore, this work not only provides a promising and low-cost approach to remove Cr(VI) and promote plant growth simultaneously, but also provides a new route for CS recycling, which might have a potential application value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) was widely exploited for cancer therapy and expected to replace traditional anticancer drug therapies. Generally, CDT needs to combine with extra therapeutic methods for obtaining the optimal therapeutic efficacy of cancer. Herein, a multifunctional theranostic platform combing CDT with limotherapy was developed via nanoselenium (nano-Se)-coated manganese carbonate-deposited iron oxide nanoparticle (MCDION-Se). MCDION-Se could release abundant of Mn2+ ions that catalyzed H 2 O 2 into hydroxyl radicals (· OH) via a Fenton-like reaction, effectively inducing the apoptosis of cancer cells. Besides, nano-Se coated onto MCDION-Se also dramatically activated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and promoted the generation of superoxide anion radicals (SOARs) in tumor tissue. Subsequently, a high content of H 2 O 2 was produced via SOD catalysis of SOARs, further enhancing CDT efficiency. Meanwhile, the nano-Se and Mn2+ ions inhibited the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), thus starving cancer cells. In addition, in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that MCDION-Se could effectively enhance the contrast of tumor tissue and improve the quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Overall, this work provided a nanoplatform that combined CDT with limotherapy for cancer therapy and simultaneously utilized MRI for monitoring the treatment of tumors. A pH-responsive free-drug theranostic platform (MCDION-Se) combined chemodynamic therapy with limotherapy was developed for MRI-guided tumor therapy. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of blood vessel system under a relatively higher Cu2+ ion level is an indispensable precondition for tumor proliferation and migration, which was assisted in forming the tumor immune microenvironment. Herein, a copper ions nano-reaper (LMDFP) is rationally designed not only for chelating copper ions in tumors, but also for combination with photothermal therapy (PTT) to improve antitumor efficiency. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, the fabricated nano-reaper converts light energy into thermal energy to kill tumor cells and promotes the release of D-penicillamine (DPA) in LMDFP. Photothermal properties of LMDFP can cause tumor ablation in situ, which further induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) to promote systematic antitumor immunity. The released DPA exerts an anti-angiogenesis effect on the tumor through chelating copper ions, and inhibits the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which synergizes with PTT to enhance antitumor immunity and inhibit tumor metastasis. Meanwhile, the nanoplatform can emit near-infrared-IIb (NIR-IIb) fluorescence under 980 nm excitation, which can be used to track the nano-reaper and determine the optimal time point for PTT. Thus, the fabricated nano-reaper shows powerful potential in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis, and holds great promise for the application of copper nanochelator in precise tumor treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy is widely used to treat colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite its substantial benefits, the development of drug resistance and adverse effects remain challenging. This study aimed to elucidate a novel role of glucagon in anti‐cancer therapy. In a series of in vitro experiments, glucagon inhibited cell migration and tube formation in both endothelial and tumor cells. In vivo studies demonstrated decreased tumor blood vessels and fewer pseudo‐vessels in mice treated with glucagon. The combination of glucagon and chemotherapy exhibited enhanced tumor inhibition. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that glucagon increased the permeability of blood vessels, leading to a pronounced disruption of vessel morphology. Signaling pathway analysis identified a VEGF/VEGFR‐dependent mechanism whereby glucagon attenuated angiogenesis through its receptor. Clinical data analysis revealed a positive correlation between elevated glucagon expression and chemotherapy response. This is the first study to reveal a role for glucagon in inhibiting angiogenesis and vascular mimicry. Additionally, the delivery of glucagon‐encapsulated PEGylated liposomes to tumor‐bearing mice amplified the inhibition of angiogenesis and vascular mimicry, consequently reinforcing chemotherapy efficacy. Collectively, the findings demonstrate the role of glucagon in inhibiting tumor vessel network and suggest the potential utility of glucagon as a promising predictive marker for patients with CRC receiving chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the process of microbial degradation of coal to produce biomethane has got much attention from many research works, the products profiles of coal at the initial stage of methanogenic bioconversion are not clear yet. In this study, five coal‐degrading bacterial strains (CD1, CD10, CD20, CD24, and CD25) from a methanogenic community were isolated and identified. Among them, CD1 and CD24 belong to Paenibacillus sp., CD10 and CD20 belong to Bacillus sp., and CD25 belongs to Stenotrophomonas sp. After biotreatment of lignite and bituminous coal, the kinds of newly produced compounds were 33 and 45, respectively. Metabolomics analysis showed that a large number of alkane compounds and heterocyclic aromatic compounds were produced after degradation of bituminous coal and lignite by isolated bacteria, and most of the compounds had been produced in a hydroxylated or acylated manner, indicating that the initial microbial treatment enhanced the bioavailability of coal. Some alkaloids and biosurfactants were also detected in the aforementioned products, such as glycerophosphocholine, proveratrol A, proveratrol B, surfactin, etc. These microbial metabolites may play an important role in solubilization during the degradation of coal. This study added to the understanding of the complicated metabolic process of methanogenic coal bioconversion and enabled effective production of biomethane with appropriate metabolic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An environment co-contaminated with metals and antibiotics ultimately exposes bacteria to these metals and antibiotics simultaneously. This study aims to explore the efficacy of sublethal concentrations of copper ions contaminated with tetracycline regarding antibiotic resistance in a sensitive strain of E. coli K12. The study proved that a copper ions and tetracycline co-contaminated environment could considerably enhance the mutation frequencies of chloramphenicol and polymyxin B resistance in antibiotic susceptible E. coli; however, the equivalent copper ions and tetracycline alone showed weaker effects. Results also demonstrated that an environment co-contaminated with relatively high sublethal concentrations of copper ion and tetracycline co-contaminated environment could induce much higher antibiotic resistance than the low sublethal and control groups. Whole-genome characterization results indicated that variability existed within the genotype and phenotype involved in antibiotic resistance. Additionally, the evolved resistant strains displayed hereditary resistance after 5 round culture cycles in LB broth over 5 days. Results implied that co-contamination with metals and antibiotics environment could strengthen resistance and contribute to the induction and dissemination of antibiotic resistance in metal and antibiotic co-contaminated environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we developed an AS1411 aptamer/hyaluronic acid-bifunctionalized microemulsion co-loading shikonin and docetaxel (AS1411/SKN&DTX-M). Such microemulsion was capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier (BBB), targeting CD44/nucleolin-overexpressed glioma, and inhibiting the orthotopic glioma growth. AS1411/SKN&DTX-M showed a spherical morphology with a diameter around 30 nm and rapidly released drugs in the presence of hyaluronidase and mild acid. In the U87 cellular studies, AS1411/SKN&DTX-M elevated the cytotoxicity, enhanced the cellular uptake, and induced the cell apoptosis. In the artificial blood-brain barrier model, the transepithelial electrical resistance was decreased after the treatment with AS1411/SKN&DTX-M and thereby of increasing the apparent permeability coefficient. Furthermore, AS1411/SKN&DTX-M showed a strong inhibition against the formation of cancer stem cell–enriched U87 cell spheroids, in which the expression of CD133 was downregulated significantly. In the biodistribution studies, AS1411/SKN&DTX-M could selectively accumulate in the brains of orthotopic luciferase-transfected U87 glioma tumor–bearing nude mice. Importantly, AS1411/SKN&DTX-M exhibited the overwhelming inhibition of glioma growth of orthotopic luciferase-transfected U87 glioma models and reached the longest survival period among all the treatments. In summary, the codelivery of shikonin and docetaxel using bifunctionalization with hyaluronic acid and AS1411 aptamer offers a promising strategy for dual drug-based combinational antiglioma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different biochars have diverse properties, with ambiguous effects on soil nematodes. This study investigated how aspen sawdust (ABC), bamboo powder (BBC), maize straw (MBC) and peanut-shell biochars (PBC) affected Caenorhabditis elegans via culture assays and RNA-seq analysis. The results showed that biochars derived from different agricultural materials varied significantly in physicochemical properties, and PBC produced more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to attract C. elegans than ABC, BBC and MBC. Moreover, worms in ABC experienced the worst outcomes, while worms in PBC experienced milder impacts. Nematode body length decreased to 724.6 μm, 784.0 μm and 799.7 μm on average in ABC, BBC and MBC, respectively, compared to the control (1052 μm) and PBC treatments (960 μm). The brood size in ABC, MBC, BBC and PBC decreased 41.1%, 39.4%, 39.2% and 19.1% compared to the control, respectively. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of biochar-induced developmental effects on C. elegans were explored. Although several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were different among the four biochars, worm phenotypic changes were mainly related to col genes (col-129; col-140; col-40; col-184), bli-6, sqt-3, perm-2/4, cdk-8, daf-16 and sod-1/2/5, which are associated with cuticle collagen synthesis, eggshell formation in postembryonic growth and rhythmic processes. Our study suggests that different properties of biochars could be crucial to soil nematodes, as well as the worms' biochemical changes are important for the health in agriculture soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a nanocomposite (designated as HPAA) was fabricated using palygorskite clay (PC) modified by high energy electron beam (HEEB) irradiation, aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and amino siliconoil (ASO), and used as an additive for diesel fuel (DF) to enhance combustion efficiency (CE). HPAA possessed a micro/nano network structure and could adsorb DF molecules on the surface of HPAA nanorods, which promoted the contact of DF with oxygen and thus effectively enhanced the CE of DF. Additionally, this technology could enlarge the diameter of flying ash (FA), decrease FA amount, and reduce harmful gases emission during the combustion, which potentially favored the reduction of PM2.5. After combustion, the residue, carbon nanoparticles wrapping on the surface of HPAA nanorods, was obtained and displayed a high removal capacity on cadmium ions (Cd 2+ ) from aqueous solution. This work provides a promising approach to improve the utilization efficiency of DF in boilers, lower PM2.5, and meanwhile decrease Cd 2+ contamination, which might have a high application potential in heating and power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel nanocomposite, named as ARWZ, was fabricated using zero-valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles supported by acid-modified waste rock wool (ARW). ARW displayed a porous rod-like structure and could load plenty of ZVI nanoparticles. Meanwhile, ARW could effectively inhibit the aggregation and oxidation of ZVI nanoparticles because of steric-hindrance effect. ARWZ exhibited a large specific surface area and high removal capacity (197.69 mg/g) in 30 min for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from water and soil through adsorption and reduction, and the resulting ARWZ-Cr could be easily collected under a magnetic field because of the superior magnetic property. Importantly, when ARWZ was loaded in filter cotton with a micro/nano networks structure, the resulting system could be conveniently used as an excellent filter layer to control the migration of Cr(VI). This work provides a low cost and promising approach to remove Cr(VI), which also promotes the reuse of waste rock wool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we conducted a field experiment to investigate the effect of reduced chemical fertilizer and combined application of organic materials on nematode community in a wheat-maize cropping system over two crop seasons (wheat and maize). The results showed that the soil moisture emerged as the major determinant of nematode community structure in wheat season, while the soil pH was the main factor influencing the nematode variation in maize season. The effect of soil properties accounted for 2.4% of the total variation in nematode community. The Shannon index in the straw addition treatment significantly increased by 38.5% in comparison with the NPK treatment in wheat season. The ecological network showed that organic fertilizer simplified the complexity of the ecological network of straw treatment and the separate return of straw suppressed the efficiency of material circulation, energy flow, and information transmission among nematode network species. These results indicate that reduced chemical fertilizer and combined application of organic materials made the nematode community structure more stable and improved the sustainability of agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemodynamic therapy of cancer is limited by insufficient endogenous H2O2 generation and acidity in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we developed a biodegradable theranostic platform (pLMOFePt-TGO) involving composite of dendritic organosilica and FePt alloy, loaded with tamoxifen (TAM) and glucose oxidase (GOx), and encapsulated by platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGFB)-labeled liposomes, that effectively uses the synergy among chemotherapy, enhanced chemodynamic therapy (CDT), and anti-angiogenesis. The increased concentration of glutathione (GSH) present in the cancer cells induces the disintegration of pLMOFePt-TGO, releasing FePt, GOx, and TAM. The synergistic action of GOx and TAM significantly enhanced the acidity and H2O2 level in the TME by aerobiotic glucose consumption and hypoxic glycolysis pathways, respectively. The combined effect of GSH depletion, acidity enhancement, and H2O2 supplementation dramatically promotes the Fenton-catalytic behavior of FePt alloys, which, in combination with tumor starvation caused by GOx and TAM-mediated chemotherapy, significantly increases the anticancer efficacy of this treatment. In addition, T2-shortening caused by FePt alloys released in TME significantly enhances contrast in the MRI signal of tumor, enabling a more accurate diagnosis. Results of in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that pLMOFePt-TGO can effectively suppress tumor growth and angiogenesis, thus providing an exciting potential strategy for developing satisfactory tumor theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most significant imaging modalities currently available, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been extensively utilized for clinically accurate cancer diagnosis. However, low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and low specificity for tumors continue to pose significant challenges. Inspired by the distance-dependent magnetic resonance tuning (MRET) phenomenon, the tumor microenvironment (TME)-activated off–on T1–T2 dual-mode MRI nanoswitch is presented in the current study to realize the sensitive early diagnosis of tumors. The tumor-specific nanoswitch is designed and manufactured on the basis of PDGFB-conjugating ferroferric oxide coated by Mn-doped silica (PDGFB-FMS), which can be degraded under the high-concentration GSH and low pH in TME to activate the T1–T2 dual-mode MRI signals. The tumor-specific off–on dual-mode MRI nanoswitch can significantly improve the SNR and is used successfully for the accurate diagnosis of early-stage tumors, particularly for orthotopic prostate cancer. In addition, the systemic delivery of the nanoswitch did not cause blood or tissue damage, and it can be excreted out of the body in a timely manner, demonstrating excellent biosafety. Overall, the strategy is a significant step in the direction of designing off–on dual-mode MRI nanoprobes to improve imaging accuracy, which opens up new avenues for the development of new MRI probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-cleaning paint was developed by adding palygorskite (Pal) modified by amino silicon oil (ASO) and aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to traditional paint (TP). Therein, ASO and APTES could effectively make a Pal form with plenty of nano-clusters, and significantly increase the roughness and amount of hydrophobic groups on the surface of Pal. After this modification, the originally hydrophilic Pal was superhydrophobic and could be used as an effective hydrophobic agent to change the hydrophilic paint to super-hydrophobic one with high self-cleaning ability. This work provides a facile approach to fabricate a self-cleaning paint so as to significantly save the labor and lower the cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone homeostasis is maintained with the balance between bone formation and bone resorption, which is involved in the functional performance of osteoblast and osteoclast. Disruption of this equilibrium usually causes bone disorders including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and osteosclerosis. In addition, aberrant activity of bone also contributes to the bone metastasis that frequently occurs in the late stage of aggressive cancers. Orphan nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor (ERRα) has been demonstrated to control the bone cell fate and the progression of tumor cells in bone through crosstalk with various molecules and signaling pathways. However, the defined function of this receptor in bone is inconsistent and controversial. Therefore, we summarized the latest research and conducted an overview to reveal the regulatory effect of ERRα on bone homeostasis and bone metastasis, this review may broaden the present understanding of the cellular and molecular model of ERRα and highlight its potential implication in clinical therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional pesticides (TP) often do not adhere tightly to crop foliage. They can easily enter the surrounding environment through precipitation and volatilization. This can result in the pollution of the surrounding soil, water, and air. To reduce pesticide pollution, we developed a loss-control pesticide (LCP) by adding attapulgite with a nano networks structure fabricated using high energy electron beam (HEEB) irradiation and hydrothermal treatment to TP. HEEB irradiation effectively dispersed originally aggregated attapulgite through modified thermal, charge, and physical effects. Hydrothermal treatment further enhanced the dispersion of attapulgite to form nano porous networks via thermal and wet expansion effects, which are beneficial for pesticide binding. An LCP has improved retention on crop leaf surfaces. It has a higher adhesion capacity, reduced leaching and volatilization, and extended residual activity compared with the TP formulation. The treatment increases the residual activity of pesticides on crop foliage and decreases environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective and convenient method using ion beam bombardment (IBB) for separating a multi-layered compact graphene oxide (GO) piece into several small few-layered loose pieces was developed, and it was found that those small GO pieces had formed a flower-like structure. Therein, the main mechanism was proposed to be the etching and charge effects of IBB. This work could provide a facile and promising approach for improving the dispersion and the related properties of GO. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectrum determinations demonstrated that, with the increasing fluence, IBB could effectively decrease the chemical groups in the layers of GO, resulting in the decrease of the layer distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a long-duration remediation agent (LRA) on hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was developed using sodium thiosulfate (ST) supported by attapulgite (ATP) micro–nano networks induced through high-energy electron beam (HEEB) irradiation. The ATP networks could effectively reduce the leaching amount of Cr(VI) in soil. More importantly, the ATP networks could significantly control the leaching behavior of ST, and then prolong the duration and increase the reduction efficiency of ST on Cr(VI). As a result, LRA displayed high performance on controlling the migration of Cr(VI) and reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(III). Additionally, pot experiment indicated that LRA could effectively decrease the absorbed amount of Cr(VI) in corn, and reduce the inhibition effect of Cr(VI) on the growth of corn. Therefore, this work could provide a facile approach to remediate the Cr(VI)-contaminated soil and lower the harmful effect of Cr(VI) on crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of chemodynamic therapy (CDT) for cancer is a serious challenge owing to the low efficiency of the Fenton catalyst and insufficient H2O2 expression in cells. Herein, we fabricated a PDGFB targeting, biodegradable FePt alloy assembly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided chemotherapy and starving-enhanced chemodynamic therapy for cancer using PDGFB targeting, pH-sensitive liposome-coated FePt alloys, and GOx (pLFePt-GOx). We found that the Fenton-catalytic activity of FePt alloys was far stronger than that of traditional ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticle (UION). Upon entry into cancer cells, pLFePt-GOx nanoliposomes degraded into many tiny FePt alloys and released GOx owing to the weakly acidic nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The released GOx-mediated glucose consumption not only caused a starvation status but also increased the level of cellular H2O2 and acidity, promoting Fenton reaction by FePt alloys and resulting in an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in cells, which ultimately realized starving-enhanced chemodynamic process for killing tumor cells. The anticancer mechanism of pLFePt-GOx involved ROS-mediated apoptosis and ferroptosis, and glucose depletion-mediated starvation death. In the in vivo assay, the systemic delivery of pLFePt-GOx showed excellent antitumor activity with low biological toxicity and significantly enhanced T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal of the tumor, indicating that pLFePt-GOx can serve as a highly efficient theranostic tool for cancer. This work thus describes an effective, novel multi-modal cancer theranostic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of chemodynamic therapy (CDT) for cancer is a serious challenge owing to the low efficiency of the Fenton catalyst and insufficient H2O2 expression in cells. Herein, we fabricated a PDGFB targeting, biodegradable FePt alloy assembly for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided chemotherapy and starving-enhanced chemodynamic therapy for cancer using PDGFB targeting, pH-sensitive liposome-coated FePt alloys, and GOx (pLFePt-GOx). We found that the Fenton-catalytic activity of FePt alloys was far stronger than that of traditional ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticle (UION). Upon entry into cancer cells, pLFePt-GOx nanoliposomes degraded into many tiny FePt alloys and released GOx owing to the weakly acidic nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The released GOx-mediated glucose consumption not only caused a starvation status but also increased the level of cellular H2O2 and acidity, promoting Fenton reaction by FePt alloys and resulting in an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in cells, which ultimately realized starving-enhanced chemodynamic process for killing tumor cells. The anticancer mechanism of pLFePt-GOx involved ROS-mediated apoptosis and ferroptosis, and glucose depletion-mediated starvation death. In the in vivo assay, the systemic delivery of pLFePt-GOx showed excellent antitumor activity with low biological toxicity and significantly enhanced T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal of the tumor, indicating that pLFePt-GOx can serve as a highly efficient theranostic tool for cancer. This work thus describes an effective, novel multi-modal cancer theranostic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Deciphering the succession patterns of soil bacterium-fungus-nematode communities and functions in agroecosystems is one of the most important aspects of soil ecology research. However, how agricultural practices, especially the chemical fertilizer reduction and organic material application, influence soil bacterium-fungus-nematode networks remain unclear in wheat–maize rotation systems. Methods: In the present study, a field experiment was established with five fertilization treatments, including chemical fertilizer with conventional application rate (F), chemical fertilizer reduction based on conventional fertilization (FR), chemical fertilizer reduction plus straw (FRS), chemical fertilizer reduction combined with organic fertilizer (FRO), and chemical fertilizer reduction combined with organic fertilizer and straw (FROS), under a wheat–maize rotation regime over a 4-year period. Co-occurrence network analysis was used to investigate the bacterium-fungus-nematode community relationships. Results: The results showed that the kinless hubs assigned to Sordariomycetes, Agaricomycetes, and Dothideomycetes were of paramount significance to agricultural fertilization. Chemical fertilizer reduction combined with organic materials increased the total nodes, edges, and average degree (avgK), but decreased the average path distance (GD). The networks of bacterial metabolic pathway profile demonstrated that the edge numbers of FRS and FRO networks were obviously shorter than those of F and FR networks, but the GD showed an opposite phenomenon. In contrast, the FROS network had the highest edge number and shortest GD, producing a complicated co-occurrence network. Chemical fertilizer reduction with substitution by organic inputs significantly changed the fungal potential functions, and the genus Poaceascoma appeared to play a key part in shaping the fungal potential functions. Conclusion: Overall, chemical fertilizer reduction and organic material application practices altered the responses of keystone taxa and topological features in the bacterium-fungus-nematode communities, such as increasing the scale of ecological network, complicating the relationship between species, and improving the efficiency of material, energy and information transfer between species. Furthermore, organic material substitution exhibited a greater influence on fungal functions, especially pathotrophic and saprotrophic fungi. The complicacy for the potential bacterial functions was weakened by separate application, however, strengthened by joint application of straw and organic fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ball-milled biochar (BMBC) is a typical engineering material that has promising application prospects in remediating contaminated soil and water. It is fundamental to rate the transport behaviors of BMBC in the underground environment before extensive use. In this study, the effects of the ubiquitous cations (Na+, Mg2+, and Al3+) and model organic matter (humic acid) on the transport of BMBC were investigated using laboratory column experiments. The results demonstrated the facilitated effect of HA on the transport of BMBC due to the negatively charged surface and steric effect under neutral conditions. HA and ionic strength manifested an antagonistic effect on the transport of BMBC, where the presence of one could weaken the effect from the other. We also found the charge reversal of the BMBC surface in the presence of Mg2+, thus enhancing the deposition of BMBC onto the medium surface. On the other hand, the charge reversal from Al3+-coupled acid conditions led to the restabilization and transport of BMBC in porous media. Therefore, the rational usage of BMBC is indispensable and more attention should be paid to the composition and change in underground water that might facilitate the transport of BMBC and thus lead to negative environmental implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs)-based contrast agents are widely used for T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in clinical diagnosis, highlighting the necessity and importance to evaluate their potential systematic toxicities. Although a few previous studies have documented the toxicity concerns of IONPs to major organs, limited data are available on the potential reproductive toxicity caused by IONPs, especially when administrated via intravenous injection to mimic clinical use of MRI contrast agents. Our study aimed to determine whether exposure to IONPs would affect male reproductive system and cause other related health concerns in ICR mice. The mice were intravenously injected with different concentrations IONPs once followed by routine toxicity tests of major organs and a series of reproductive function-related analyses at different timepoints. As a result, most of the contrast agents were captured by reticuloendothelial system (RES) organs such as liver and spleen, while IONPs have not presented adverse effects on the normal function of these major organs. In contrast, although IONPs were not able to enter testis through the blood testicular barrier (BTB), and they have not obviously impaired the overall testicular function or altered the serum sex hormones levels, IONPs exposure could damage Sertoli cells in BTB especially at a relative high concentration. Moreover, IONPs administration led to a short-term reduction in the quantity and quality of sperms in a dose-dependent manner, which might be attributed to the increase of oxidative stress and apoptotic activity in epididymis. However, the semen parameters have gradually returned to the normal range within 14 days after the initial injection of IONPs. Collectively, these results demonstrated that IONPs could cause reversible damage to the reproductive system of male mice without affecting the main organs, providing new guidance for the clinical application of IONPs as T2-MRI contrast agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]