Rational design of activated graphitic carbon spheres with optimized ion and electron transfer channels for zinc-ion hybrid capacitors.

Herein, three-dimensional activated graphitic carbon spheres (AGCS) were constructed by simultaneous activation-graphitization of Fe-tannic acid coordination spheres with the assistance of KOH. Nanosheets-assembled AGCS with complex intersecting channel system can expose more active sites for charge storage. Simultaneous activation-graphitization can relieve trade-off relationship between porosity and conductivity of carbon materials. Benefiting from multiple synergistic effects of large specific surface area (2069 m2 g-1), abundant ion-accessible micropores (>0.78 nm), good electronic conductivity (IG/ID = 1.11), and moderate amount of oxygen doping, the optimized AGCS-2 has favored ion and electron transfer channels. AGCS-2 based zinc-ion hybrid capacitor (ZIHC) displays a high specific capacity of 148.6 mA h g-1 (334 F g-1) at 0.5 A g-1, a remarkable energy density of 119.0 W h kg-1 at 1440 W kg-1, and superior cycling life with 96% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles. This simultaneous activation-graphitization strategy may open up a new avenue to design novel carbon spheres linking optimal pores and graphitic carbon structure for ZIHC application.

Expression and Clinical Significance of circRNA Changes in Stored Erythrocytes During Platelet Transfusion in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: This study was to store the expression and clinical significance of circRNA changes in red blood cells during platelet transfusion in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS: Sixty patients with ALL who underwent platelet transfusion were enrolled. Post-transfusion symptoms, platelet count (PLT), 24-hour corrected platelet increase index (CCI), and 24-hour platelet recovery rate (PPR) were collected, and their correlation with age, gender, bleeding, infection, splenomegaly, antibiotic use and infusion times were analyzed. High-throughput sequencing was used to detect the expression levels of circRNAs in suspended red blood cells of the blood samples. Then, the circRNA expression profiles were constructed, the differentially expressed circRNAs were screened, and the circRNAs related to platelet transfusion in AML were mined. RESULTS: PLT values of 60 ALL patients after platelet transfusion were significantly increased. Thirty-five patients were effective and 25 were ineffective after platelet transfusion, and the total effective rate was 58.33%. Patients with hemorrhage and splenomegaly, or antibiotic use, or increased blood transfusion frequency will show reduced efficacy of platelet transfusion. A total of 2,358 circRNAs were obtained from all samples, most of which were distributed in 200 - 3,000 nt. circRNAs can be divided into exonic circRNAs (58.74%), sense overlapping circRNAs (21.76%), intronic circRNAs (17.60%), antisense circRNAs (0.93%), and intergenic circRNAs (0.98%). A total of 257 differentially expressed circRNAs were obtained by volcano plot analysis, of which 126 were up-regulated and 131 were down-regulated. Differentially up-regulated and down-regulated circRNAs were mainly enriched in dif-ferent cellular processes. CONCLUSIONS: ALL is improved after platelet transfusion. By constructing circRNA expression profiles and screening differentially expressed circRNAs, 257 circRNAs that may be related to ALL platelet transfusion were mined.

Early passive orthostatic training prevents diaphragm atrophy and dysfunction in intensive care unit patients on mechanical ventilation: A retrospective case‒control study.

BACKGROUND: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients on mechanical ventilation (MV), who are always bedridden, easily develop diaphragm atrophy and dysfunction. However, few studies have assessed diaphragmatic thickness and functional changes after early passive orthostatic training. OBJECTIVES: This is the first study to investigate the efficacy of early passive orthostatic training in preventing diaphragm atrophy and dysfunction in ICU patients on MV. METHODS: In this randomized retrospective case‒control study, 81 ICU patients on MV for 8 days or longer were enrolled. Forty-four patients received early passive orthostatic training initiated within 72 h of MV initiation (training group), and 37 patients did not receive training (no-training group). The protocol was performed for seven days, once a day for 30 min. The primary outcomes were diaphragmatic thickness and diaphragm contractile fraction (TFdi). The ventilatory parameters were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: This study included 81 (45 male) ICU patients on MV [(mean ± SD) age = (60.63 ± 7.88) years]. The training group had a larger diaphragmatic thickness at end-expiration (Tdi,ee) and a smaller magnitude of decrease in Tdi,ee and TFdi (p = 0.001, 0.029, and <0.001, respectively) than the no-training group after 7 days of training. The mean arterial pressure, fraction of inspired oxygen, and white blood cell levels were decreased in the training group compared with the no-training group (p = 0.003, 0.001, and 0.026, respectively), but lactic acid levels decreased slightly in the training group with no significant difference (p = 0.708). CONCLUSIONS: Early passive orthostatic training is suitable to ameliorate diaphragm atrophy and dysfunction in ICU patients on MV.

Analysis of Whole Blood and Urine Trace Elements in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Autistic Behaviors.

The relationship between trace elements and neurological development is an emerging research focus. We performed a case-control study to explore (1) the differences of 13 trace elements chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), cadmium (Cd), stannum (Sn), stibium (Sb), mercury (Hg), titanium (TI), and plumbum (Pb) concentration in whole blood and urine between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children and their typical development peers, and (2) the association between the 13 trace elements and core behaviors of ASD. Thirty ASD subjects (cases) and 30 age-sex-matched healthy subjects from Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, were recruited. Element analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Autistic behaviors were assessed using Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and Children Neuropsychological and Behavior Scale (CNBS). The whole blood concentrations of Mo (p = 0.004), Cd (0.007), Sn (p = 0.003), and Pb (p = 0.037) were significantly higher in the ASD cases than in the controls. Moreover, Se (0.393), Hg (0.408), and Mn (- 0.373) concentrations were significantly correlated between whole blood and urine levels in ASD case subjects. There were significant correlations between whole blood Sb (0.406), Tl (0.365), Mo (- 0.4237), Mn (- 0.389), Zn (0.476), and Se (0.375) levels and core behaviors of ASD. Although the mechanism of trace element imbalance in ASD is unclear, these data demonstrate that core behaviors of ASD may be affected by certain trace elements. Further studies are recommended for exploring the mechanism of element imbalance and providing corresponding clinical treatment measures.

Magnetic reed biochar materials as adsorbents for aqueous copper and phenol removal.

Organics and heavy metals are common pollutants in many wastewaters and water bodies. Adsorption processes by magnetic materials can rapidly remove these pollutants from water and effectively recycle adsorbent. In this study, magnetic analyzer, X-ray diffraction, Flourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and granulometry were used to characterize the synthesized magnetic reed biochar materials (ZnFe2O4/biochar). Influences of adsorption time, pH, temperature, initial solution concentration, and adsorption equilibrium concentration on adsorption performances were investigated for Cu2+ and phenol adsorption by ZnFe2O4/biochar. Adsorption kinetic and isotherm models were used to describe the adsorption processes. Adsorption of phenol and Cu2+ by ZnFe2O4/biochar reached saturation within 45 min and increased slightly with the increase of temperature from 15 to 45 °C. Adsorption of Cu2+ increased with the increase of pH, while the adsorption of phenol peaked at pH = 6. The adsorption processes fit the pseudo-second order kinetics model, and both conformed to the Langmuir model. The fitting results show that the maximum single-component adsorption capacity of phenol and Cu2+ by ZnFe2O4/biochar is 63.29 and 12.20 mg/g, and the maximum bi-component adsorption capacity reaches 40.16 and 9.48 mg/g, respectively. All the findings demonstrate that ZnFe2O4/biochar has good adsorption performance for phenol and Cu2+.

Optimizing nutrient removal and biomass production of the Algal Turf Scrubber (ATS) under variable cultivation conditions by using Response Surface Methodology.

This study investigated and optimized the nutrient remediation efficiency of a simple low-cost algal biofilm reactor, the algal turf scrubber (ATS), for wastewater treatment. Combined effects of three cultivation variables-total inorganic carbon, nitrogen-to-phosphorous (N:P) ratio, and light intensity-were examined. The ATS nutrient removal efficiency and biomass productivity were analyzed considering the response surface methodology (RSM). The maximum removal rates of total P and N were 8.3 and 19.1 mg L-1 d-1, respectively. As much as 99% of total P and 100% of total N were removed within 7 days. Over the same period, the dissolved oxygen concentration and pH value of the medium increased. The optimal growth conditions for simultaneous maximum P and N removal and biomass productivity were identified. Our RSM-based optimization results provide new insights into the combined effect of nutrient and light availability on the ATS remediation efficiency and biomass productivity.

Se transformation and removal by a cattail litter treatment system inoculated with sulfur-based denitrification sludge: Role of the microbial community composition under various temperature and aeration conditions.

With a narrow margin between deficiency and toxicity, rising levels of selenium (Se) are threatening aquatic ecosystems. To investigate the role of microorganisms in Se bioremediation, a cattail litter system inoculated with the sulfur-based denitrification sludge was conducted. The results show the litter, as a carrier and nutrient source for bacteria, efficiently removed Se by ~ 97.0% during a 12-d treatment with water circulating. As the major removal pathways, immobilization rates of selenite were ~ 2.9-fold higher than selenate, and the volatilization, contributing to ~ 87.7% of the total Se removal, was significantly correlated with temperature (positively) and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP; negatively). Using X-ray absorption spectroscopy to speciate litter-borne Se, more Se0 formed without aeration due to abundant Se-reducing bacteria, among which Azospira and Azospirillum were highly related to the removal of both Se oxyanions, while Desulfovibrio, Azoarcus, Sulfurospirillum, Thauera, Geobacter, Clostridium, and Pediococcus were the major contributors to selenate removal. Overall, our study suggests microbial Se metabolism in the litter system was significantly affected by temperature and ORP, which could be manipulated to enhance Se removal efficiency and the transformation of selenate/selenite into low toxic Se0 and volatile Se, reducing risks posed by the residual Se in the system.

Selenium uptake, volatilization, and transformation by the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and post-treatment of Se-laden biomass.

With a narrow margin between beneficial and toxic effects, selenium (Se) is of great concern due to its increasing level in aquatic environments. The accumulation and transformation of Se by the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and effects of nutrients, particularly sulfate, were investigated. The nutrient-deprived cyanobacterium removed water-borne selenate (82.2 ± 0.93%) faster than selenite (58.9 ± 1.77%), with 86.0 ± 1.41% and 77.2 ± 1.00%, respectively, of the Se accumulated in the biomass and the rest volatilized. When supplied with excess nutrients, the Se accumulation and volatilization rates were significantly inhibited, with the removal efficiency dropping to 50.2 ± 2.59% and 7.37 ± 0.93% for selenite and selenate, respectively. When M. aeruginosa was tested with inadequate, appropriate, and adequate levels of sulfate, Se uptake decreased with increasing sulfate concentrations, particularly for selenate (from 34.1 to 4.81%). Using X-ray absorption near-edge structure to speciate biomass Se, selenite and selenate were transformed to organo-Se (87.3-100%), with or without nutrients present, suggesting M. aeruginosa could efficiently reduce Se oxyanions to more bioavailable forms. With increasing sulfate levels (5.0 and 10.0 mg S/L), percentages of SeMet converted from selenite decreased by 28.2-33.0%, with 19.1-33.2% as elemental Se, while organo-Se remained dominant (93.6-95.1%) in selenate-treated M. aeruginosa. Transmission electron microscopy shows structural damage in the cell wall at exposure to selenite (1600 µg Se/L), with the intracellular structure intact. To prevent Se biomagnification along aquatic food chains, the Se-laden biomass was combusted as a post-treatment, leading to a significant reduction in Se content (∼99.2%) and Se bioavailability, with inorganic Se (45.0-70.5%) predominant in the residue.

Remediation of selenium-contaminated soil through combined use of earthworm Eisenia fetida and organic materials.

Selenium (Se)-polluted soils pose serious threats to terrestrial ecosystems through food chains. This study evaluated the use of earthworm Eisenia fetida and organic materials for Se remediation. The greater mortality (6.7%) and weight loss (28.6%) were observed for earthworms exposed to selenate than selenite at 20 mg Se Kg-1 over 21 d, while selenate was taken up 2.5-fold faster than selenite. Compared with peat moss, Se accumulation increased by 119% in selenite-exposed earthworms supplied with cow manure. Earthworm activity caused greater reduction in selenite (17.4%), with little impact on selenate-treated soil. X-ray absorption spectroscopy speciation analysis shows 87-91% of tissue Se was transformed to organo-Se, i.e., SeMet and SeCys, in earthworms exposed to either selenite or selenate, posing great risks to their predators. The study also found selenium increased bacterial diversity in earthworm casts, while greater relative abundances (~37.57%) of functional genera were obtained for selenite. Over 24 h, two bacteria strains, Bacillus cereus and Aeromonas encheleia, isolated from casts, rapidly reduced selenite by ~94%, compared to ~25% for selenate. Elemental Se was present only in strains (~27%), casts (~11%) and worm-inhabited soil (~2.7%) of selenite treatments, suggesting earthworm gut microbiota could buffer earthworms and other soil fauna from selenite toxicity.

Prophylaxis of ibuprofen in acute mountain sickness: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the effect when people accessing high altitude in a short period of time. As a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, ibuprofen could alleviate the symptoms of AMS. However, whether it can prevent AMS or not is still controversial. It is necessary to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the role of ibuprofen in AMS prophylaxis. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) will be searched for the relevant published studies that explored the value of ibuprofen in AMS prophylaxis from inception to October 2020. The data will be independently extracted by 2 researchers. Risk of bias will be evaluated based on Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Heterogeneity among the included studies will be evaluated by χ and I values. The meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan software version 5.3. RESULTS: This study will evaluate the role of ibuprofen in AMS prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: This study will summarize the current evidence of ibuprofen in AMS prophylaxis, which could further guide the recommendation in prevention of AMS.Open Science Framework (OSF) registration number: October 8, 2020. osf.io/n3mjt.

Interactive effects of earthworm Eisenia fetida and bean plant Phaseolus vulgaris L on the fate of soil selenium.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for animals with a narrow margin between essentiality and toxicity. Se toxicity is largely related to inorganic forms of Se in soil, i.e., selenite and selenate that enter food chains through plant uptake, threatening higher trophic level organisms. This experiment investigated effects of earthworm activity on Se bioavailability in soil and the subsequent plant uptake, using earthworm Eisenia fetida and bean plant Phaseolus vulgaris L, both exposed to either selenite or selenate at 1 or 4 mg Se kg-1 for 16 weeks. Plants took up selenate (up to 221-fold) faster than selenite, with up to 84% of the Se rapidly transported to shoots. In the presence of earthworms, Se accumulation obviously increased for selenate-supplied plants, leading to an up to 4% increase in Se translocation factor for all treatments except for 1 mg kg-1 selenite treatment. Earthworms also concentrated Se faster in tissues (up to 274 mg kg-1 DW) at exposure to selenate. For Se toxicity, Se speciation analysis was conducted on the plants and earthworms using XAS. Compared to worm-free treatments, the percentage of organo-Se, i.e., SeMet and CysSeSeCys, increased in beans (up to 34%) in the presence of earthworms for selenate, while the elemental Se portion was significantly reduced or absent, opposite to the results for selenite. Surprisingly, elemental Se (up to 65%) dominated earthworms, regardless of the form of Se supplied. In conclusion, earthworms clearly enhanced Se uptake and translocation in plants, leading to elevated Se levels in shoots. To prevent resulting hazards to humans and other animals, caution should be taken while consuming the shoots, particularly beans, harvested from the Se contaminated soil where earthworm activity is high. Finally, the significant reduction in soil Se suggests phytoextraction of Se from the soil could be improved using earthworms as an aid to plants.

Relationship between selenium removal efficiency and production of lipid and hydrogen by Chlorella vulgaris.

In our previous studies, Chlorella vulgaris had proven highly efficient in removing selenium (Se) from water, while the disposal of Se containing in algal biomass was still an issue of concern. Firstly, this research suggests algal Se could be released back to water, posing risks to aquatic wildlife. Thus, we further explored the possibility of using C. vulgaris to remove Se and produce lipid and hydrogen simultaneously. Our results show the higher percentage of saturated fatty acids, especially palmitic acid, was found in the sulfur (S) deprived algae exposed to either selenate or selenite, although the highest lipid content (21.9%) was found in the selenite treated algae in full BG11 medium. In addition, compared with the Se free algae, hydrogen production rate was 2.1- and 4.3-fold higher for the selenate and selenite treated algae, respectively. Se removal efficiency achieved by the selenite treated algae through accumulation and volatilization was 2.3-fold higher than the selenate treatment under hypoxic condition with S deprived, which is in contrast to the results obtained under aerobic conditions.

Continuous renal replacement therapy and blood transfusions in treating patients with crush syndrome: 8 Case studies from the Wenchuan earthquake.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the efficacy of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) combined with blood transfusion for patients with crush syndrome from an earthquake. METHODS: Eight patients with crush syndrome were included. CRRT were performed in six of eight patients with crush syndrome, and transfusion was performed in all eight patients. Routine blood tests, urea nitrogen, creatinine, blood coagulation function, electrolyte levels, and serum myoglobin were determined and analyzed. RESULTS: Two patients regained their health completely, four patients required amputation but recovered well, and two patients died. The total amount of red blood cells transfused in the eight cases was 521U (mean volume=68.25U). CRRT was performed 164 times in six patients (mean 27.33 times per person). The routine blood test results and coagulation and renal function parameters improved obviously (P<0.05) in the six surviving patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient blood transfusion and early dialysis treatment effectively improved the conditions of patients with crush syndrome.