Association of specific PM2.5 chemical constituents and ozone exposure with pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment in central China.

The associations of air pollutants exposure with assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancy outcomes are mixed, and the effects of specific components of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) are not well understood. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study to explore the association of PM2.5 constituents and O3 exposure with three ART outcomes among women undergoing ART treatment. The exposure window was segmented into five periods corresponding to the cycle of ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval procedure. Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was applied to explore the relationships between PM2.5 constituents, O3, Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI) exposure and three ART outcomes. The combined effect of PM2.5 constituents was evaluated by the quantile g (qg)-computation. We also explored the modifying effect of different covariate. Elevated exposure level of PM2.5 (OR = 0.915, 95% CI: 0.859, 0.974) and its constituents (BC: 0.905, 95% CI: 0.840, 0.975; OM: 0.910, 95% CI: 0.848, 0.976; NO3-: 0.909, 95% CI: 0.850, 0.972, SO42-: 0.905, 95% CI: 0.846, 0.968, and NH4+: 0.902, 95% CI: 0.842, 0.966) exposure throughout the year before oocyte retrieval (period 1) was correlated with a reduced odds ratio (OR) of live birth with statistical significance. Similarly, for each interquartile range (IQR) increase in O3 exposure during periods 2 (85 days prior to oocyte retrieval), 3 (30 days prior to oocyte retrieval), 4 (oocyte retrieval to embryo transfer) and 5 (embryo transfer to hCG test) was significantly related to a decreased OR of live birth. Especially, participants who underwent fresh embryo transfer cycles and received two cleavage-stage embryo transfer, and were younger than 30 years old, showed a higher susceptibility to particulate matter. Findings from this study suggest that PM2.5 constituents and O3 exposure may have adverse effects on the ART outcomes, highlighting the importance of identifying critical exposure periods for various air pollutants and the need for meticulous management of particulate matter.

Determination and Ecological Risk Assessment of Quinolone Antibiotics in Drinking and Environmental Waters Using Fully Automated Disk-Based SPE Coupled with UPLC-MS/MS.

Quinolone antibiotics (QNs) contamination in the aquatic environment is a global public health issue considering their resistance and mobility. In this study, a simple, efficient, and sensitive method was developed for the accurate quantification of fifteen QNs in water using automated disk-based solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). By utilizing a 3M SDB-XC disk to enrich QNs from a 1000 mL water sample, the detection limits were improved to 0.008-0.055 ng/L due to the satisfactory enrichment factors of 897-1136, but only requiring about 60 min per six samples. The linearity of the method ranged from 0.05 to 100 µg/L for the 15 QNs, with correlation coefficients of 0.9992-0.9999, and the recoveries were in the range of 81-114%, with relative standard deviations of 0.2-13.3% (n = 6). The developed method was applicable for the quantification of trace QNs at low ng/L levels in drinking and environmental waters. The results showed that no QNs were detected in tap water, while three and four QNs were detected in the river water of Zhoushan and the seawater of Daiquyang and Yueqing Bay, East China, respectively, with a total concentration of 1.600-8.511 ng/L and 1.651-16.421 ng/L, respectively. Among the detected QNs, ofloxacin (OFL) was the predominant compound in river water, while enrofloxacin (ENR) was predominant in seawater. The risk quotient (RQ) results revealed that QNs posed a low risk to crustaceans and fish, but a low-to-medium risk to algae, and OFL presented the main ecological risk factor in river water, while ENR and CIP in seawater. Overall, the proposed automated disk-based SPE-UPLC-MS/MS method is highly efficient and sensitive, making it suitable for routine analysis of QNs in drinking and environmental waters.

Visible-Light-Triggered Radical-Addition/Ring-Opening Cascade Reactions of 2H-Indazoles to Access ortho-Alkoxycarbonylated Azobenzenes.

A series of asymmetric azobenzenes have been synthesized by radical-addition/ring-opening cascade reactions from 2H-indazole in the presence of PIFA and alcohols under blue light irradiation and nitrogen protection. Furthermore, a wide range of functional groups were tolerated and the corresponding products were obtained in 30% to 95% isolated yields. The protocol is characterized by its visible-light initiation, avoidance of metals and photocatalysts, mild reaction conditions, and may find potential use in materials science and medicinal chemistry.

Copper metabolism in osteoarthritis and its relation to oxidative stress and ferroptosis in chondrocytes.

Ferroptosis, an iron-ion-dependent process of lipid peroxidation, damages the plasma membrane, leading to non-programmed cell death. Osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent chronic degenerative joint disease among middle-aged and older adults, is characterized by chondrocyte damage or loss. Emerging evidence indicates that chondrocyte ferroptosis plays a role in OA development. However, most research has concentrated on ferroptosis regulation involving typical iron ions, potentially neglecting the significance of elevated copper ions in both serum and joint fluid of patients with OA. This review aims to fill this gap by systematically examining the interplay between copper metabolism, oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and copper-associated cell death in OA. It will provide a comprehensive overview of copper ions' role in regulating ferroptosis and their dual role in OA. This approach seeks to offer new insights for further research, prevention, and treatment of OA.

Effects of different traditional Chinese exercise for knee osteoarthritis patients: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The most popular traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) techniques include Tai Chi, Yijinjing, Baduanjin, Wuqinxi, and Qigong. Exercise is advised as a primary treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) according to clinical standards. According to several studies, TCE may be an effective way to help people with KOA manage their pain, stiffness, and physical function. Which TCE therapy is the most effective and whose particular usefulness is still debatable. The network meta-analysis (NMA) method is used in this study to evaluate and compare the effects of various TCE therapies on KOA patients. METHODS: We will search PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, the Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and the China Biology Medical Literature Database (CBM) for randomized controlled trials reporting TCE therapy for KOA patients published before October 25, 2023. The Stata 16.0 program will compare the effectiveness of various TCE therapies on KOA patients using conventional pairwise and NMA. RESULTS: The final 29 studies included 15 articles on Tai Chi, 7 articles on Baduanjin, 4 articles on Wuqinxi, and 3 articles on Yijinjing. Tai Chi was first for the effect sizes of VAS scores, WOMAC pain scores, and WOMAC available scores, while Baduanjin was ranked top for WOMAC stiffness scores. Research should continue to be conducted on the effect of Qigong on KOA intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This NMA will help determine the best TCE treatment for KOA and offer evidence-based bias for clinical decision-making.

Selective Electrooxidation of Crude Glycerol to Lactic Acid Coupled With Hydrogen Production at Industrially-Relevant Current Density.

Transforming glycerol (GLY, biodiesel by-product) into lactic acid (LA, biodegradable polymer monomer) through sustainable electrocatalysis presents an effective strategy to reduce biodiesel production costs and consequently enhance its applications. However, current research faces a trade-off between achieving industrially-relevant current density (>300 mA cm-2) and high LA selectivity (>80%), limiting technological advancement. Herein, a Au3Ag1 alloy electrocatalyst is developed that demonstrates exceptional LA selectivity (85%) under high current density (>400 mA cm-2). The current density can further reach 1022 mA cm-2 at 1.2 V versus RHE, superior to most previous reports for GLY electrooxidation. It is revealed that the Au3Ag1 alloy can enhance GLY adsorption and reactive oxygen species (OH*) generation, thereby significantly boosting activity. As a proof of concept, a homemade flow electrolyzer is constructed, achieving remarkable LA productivity of 68.9 mmol h-1 at the anode, coupled with efficient H2 production of 3.5 L h-1 at the cathode. To further unveil the practical possibilities of this technology, crude GLY extracted from peanut oil into LA is successfully transformed, while simultaneously producing H2 at the cathode. This work showcases a sustainable method for converting biodiesel waste into high-value products and hydrogen fuel, promoting the broader application of biodiesel.

Exploration of the potential mechanism of Yiyi Tongfeng Formula in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking: A review.

The global prevalence of gout is on the rise. Yiyi Tongfeng Formula (YTF), a traditional herbal compound, has gained recognition for its efficacy in managing acute gouty arthritis (AGA). Despite its widespread use, the underlying mechanisms of YTF in AGA treatment remain largely undefined. This study employed network pharmacology and molecular docking to elucidate these mechanisms. We utilized the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, SymMap database, and various literature sources to identify active components and corresponding targets of YTF. Relevant AGA-associated targets were identified through the Genecards, Drugbank, Therapeutic Target Database, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to delineate interactions between YTF targets and AGA. Key ingredients and central targets were further analyzed using Cytoscape. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, were conducted via Metascape. Additionally, molecular docking studies were performed using PyMOL and AutoDock4. It was found that quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin may be the main active components of YTF for AGA treatment. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis shows that the main biological processes involved are cellular responses to lipids, and inflammatory responses. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis suggests the involvement of the IL-17 signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TNF signaling pathway, and so on. The findings suggest a multi-faceted therapeutic approach of YTF in treating AGA, involving multiple components, targets, biological processes, and signaling pathways. This comprehensive mechanism offers a foundation for further experimental validation.

Occurrence and risk assessment of quinolones and sulfonamides in freshwater aquaculture ponds in Northeast Zhejiang, China.

Antibiotics play an essential role in the aquaculture industry, but their overuse and weak degradability inevitably lead to light to severe residues in natural and aquaculture environments. Most studies were interested in the occurrence, distribution, and ecological risks of a limited number of antibiotics in natural environments (rivers, lakes, and coastal regions) with a minor focus on antibiotic presence in either water, sediments, or organisms in aquaculture environments located in specific regions. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the occurrence and distribution of up to 32 antibiotics [including 15 quinolones (QNs) and 17 sulfonamides (SAs)] in organisms and their corresponding environmental matrices from 26 freshwater aquaculture ponds in Northeast Zhejiang, China. A total of 13, 9, 7, and 7 antibiotics were detected in pond water, sediments, feeds, and aquaculture organisms, respectively, with concentration ranges of 0.6-92.2 ng/L, 0.4-1169.3 ng/g dw,

Evaluation of Active Oxygen Species Derived from Water Splitting for Electrocatalytic Organic Oxidation.

Active oxygen species (OH*/O*) derived from water electrolysis are essential for the electrooxidation of organic compounds into high-value chemicals, which can determine activity and selectivity, whereas the relationship between them remains unclear. Herein, using glycerol (GLY) electrooxidation as a model reaction, we systematically investigated the relationship between GLY oxidation activity and the formation energy of OH* (ΔGOH*). We first identified that OH* on Au demonstrates the highest activity for GLY electrooxidation among various pure metals, based on experiments and density functional theory, and revealed that ΔGOH* on Au-based alloys is influenced by the metallic composition of OH* coordination sites. Moreover, we observed a linear correlation between the adsorption energy of GLY (Eads) and the d-band center of Au-based alloys. Comprehensive microkinetic analysis further reveals a volcano relationship between GLY oxidation activity, the ΔGOH* and the adsorption free energy of GLY (ΔGads). Notably, Au3Pd and Au3Ag alloys, positioned near the peak of the volcano plot, show excellent activity, attributed to their moderate ΔGOH* and ΔGads, striking a balance that is neither too high nor too low. This research provides theoretical insights into modulating active oxygen species from water electrolysis to enhance organic electrooxidation reactions.

Mechanisms of chondrocyte cell death in osteoarthritis: implications for disease progression and treatment.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease characterized by the degeneration, destruction, and excessive ossification of articular cartilage. The prevalence of OA is rising annually, concomitant with the aging global population and increasing rates of obesity. This condition imposes a substantial and escalating burden on individual health, healthcare systems, and broader social and economic frameworks. The etiology of OA is multifaceted and not fully understood. Current research suggests that the death of chondrocytes, encompassing mechanisms such as cellular apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and cuproptosis, contributes to both the initiation and progression of the disease. These cell death pathways not only diminish the population of chondrocytes but also exacerbate joint damage through the induction of inflammation and other deleterious processes. This paper delineates the morphological characteristics associated with various modes of cell death and summarizes current research results on the molecular mechanisms of different cell death patterns in OA. The objective is to review the advancements in understanding chondrocyte cell death in OA, thereby offering novel insights for potential clinical interventions.

Exploration of Unconventional excitation wavelength and dynamic emission in rare-earth doped multilayer core-shell Structures: Application for optical "Hard" and "Soft" switching.

Optical switches are increasingly acknowledged for their potential advantages over mechanical counterparts in various domains. However, research on optical switches remains relatively nascent, primarily focusing on applications like anti-counterfeiting, switching chemical reactions, etc., while neglecting the control of photocurrent switching. Here, we have developed NaYF4:30 %Er-NaYF4-NaYF4:20 %Ho-NaYF4 core-shell nanocrystals with unique upconversion (UC) multi-color emission properties under 1530 nm, 980 nm and 1150 nm laser excitations. These nanocrystals allow for optical control of circuit switching by modulating photocurrent signals in photosensitive circuits. The UC emission is due to the self-sensitization of rare earth ions in the core and shell. By adjusting the intermediate shell thickness, we have optimized the luminescence and investigated the mechanism. Combining these nanocrystals with a WO3 quantum dots (QDs) photochromic hydrogel, dynamic variation of UC emissions could be realized. Moreover, by combining with a commercial silicon photodetector, we constructed a photosensitive circuit demonstrating the modulation of photocurrent signal output and realized the "hard switching" of rapid circuit cutoff. Furthermore, by using the photochromic effect of WO3 QDs, the "soft switching" of slow circuit cutoff and recovery were also achieved. This work has significant implications for the development and application such as energy management system and smart home of optical switches in various fields.

Design and field evaluation of hydraulic fracturing boreholes for terminal mining faces.

The terminal mining is an essential part of fully mechanized mining, and the reasonable length of the flap roof during the terminal mining is an important basis for the smooth operation of the terminal mining. With the research background of the 213 working face of the Longde Coal Mine, the contribution of this study is the influence law of hydraulic fracturing on the terminal mining mechanical behavior of the working face. Four different numerical calculation models of terminal mining hydraulic fracturing are established, and the optimal hydraulic fracturing site plan is determined according to the length of the terminal mining flap top and the working resistance of hydraulic support. The effect of hydraulic fracturing construction and the law of mechanical behavior in the terminal mining stage in the field test are analyzed. The results show that through hydraulic fracturing technology, the control of the length of the flap roof of the working face during the terminal mining period has been realized.

Reversing Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Cardiotoxicity via Bioorthogonal Metabolic Engineering-Driven Extracellular Vesicle Redirecting.

The cardiotoxicity induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is associated with high mortality rates. T cells play an important role in ICI-induced cardiac injury. The inhibition of local T-cell activity is considered an effective strategy for alleviating ICI-related cardiotoxicity. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to immunosuppression via PD-L1 overexpression. In this study, a bioorthogonal metabolic engineering-driven EV redirecting (Biomeder) strategy for in situ engineered EVs with myocardial-targeting peptides is developed. Accumulated tumor-derived EV (TuEVs) reverses the immune environment in the heart by increasing PD-L1 levels in cardiomyocytes and/or by directly inhibiting T-cell activity. More importantly, it is found that the redirection of TuEVs further disrupts immunosuppression in tumors, which facilitates anti-tumor activity. Thus, redirecting TuEVs to the heart simultaneously enhances the antitumor efficacy and safety of ICI-based therapy. Furthermore, the Biomeder strategy is successfully expanded to prevent ICI-induced type 1 diabetes. This Biomeder technique is a universal method for the treatment of various ICI-related adverse events.

Continuous wave laser fabrication of small pitch/size perovskite pixels realizes high-resolution color conversion micro-LED displays.

As a new generation of display technology, micro-light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) have been widely recognized owing to their excellent performance in brightness, contrast ratio, resolution, etc. This work proposes a continuous wave (CW) laser writing strategy to achieve perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) array with small pixel size and pitch, overcoming the processing difficulties and limitations of mass transfer. Since PQDs have highly dynamic surface ligand states and low ionic bond energy, suitable laser power can quench PQDs and form an array area. The use of low-power CW lasers in the laser direct writing process, on the one hand, greatly maintains the luminescence performance and edge flatness of each PQD array, and the pixel pitch (1.5 µm-9 µm)/size can be adjusted arbitrarily, which meets the high-resolution micro-display requirements. On the other hand, we found that after the low-power laser quenches the PQDs, its residual oxide can absorb photons, thus reducing the backlight leakage in color conversion micro-LEDs. Finally, red/green/blue three-color conversion micro-LED and laser projection displays were realized; these results provide a feasible strategy for next-generation micro-LED displays.

"Bowling Collision Effect" of CoMo6 Polyoxometalate Units Enables Wide Temperature Range from -20 to 60 °C and Dendrite Mitigation Li-S Batteries.

To improve the performance of Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries, the reaction catalysts of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) reactions should have the characteristics of large surface area, efficient atomic utilization, high conductivity, small size, good stability, and strong adjustability. Herein, Anderson-type polyoxometalate ([TMMo6O24]n-, TM = Co, Ni, Fe, represented by TMMo6 POMs) are used as the modified materials for Li-S battery separator. By customizing the central metal atoms, this work gains insights into the layer-by-layer electron transfer mechanism between TMMo6 units and LiPSs, similar to the collision effect of a bowling ball. Theoretical analysis and in situ experimental characterization show that the changes of CoMo6 units with moderate binding energy and lowest Gibbs free energy result in the formation of robust polar bonds and prolonged S─S bonds after adsorption. Hence, the representative Li-S battery with CoMo6 and graphene composite modified separator has a high initial capacity of 1588.6 mA h g-1 at 0.2 C, excellent cycle performance of more than 3000 cycles at 5 C, and uniform Li+ transport over 1900 h. More importantly, this work has revealed the inherent contradiction between the kinetics and thermodynamics, achieving a stable cycle in the temperature range of -20 to 60 °C.

Recent Advances in Antimony Selenide Photodetectors.

Photodetectors (PDs) rapidly capture optical signals and convert them into electrical signals, making them indispensable in a variety of applications including imaging, optical communication, remote sensing, and biological detection. Recently, antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) has achieved remarkable progress due to its earth-abundant, low toxicity, low price, suitable bandgap width, high absorption coefficient, and unique structural characteristics. Sb2Se3 has been extensively studied in solar cells, but there's a lack of timely updates in the field of PDs. A literature review based on Sb2Se3 PDs is urgently warranted. This review aims to provide a concise understanding of the latest progress in Sb2Se3 PDs, with a focus on the basic characteristics and the performance optimization for Sb2Se3 photoconductive-type and photodiode-type detectors, including nanostructure regulation, process optimization, and stability improvement of flexible devices. Furthermore, the application progresses of Sb2Se3 PDs in heart rate monitoring, and monolithic-integrated matrix images are introduced. Finally, this review presents various strategies with potential and feasibility to address challenges for the rapid development and commercial application of Sb2Se3 PDs.

Impact of Age on Pharmacogenomics and Treatment Outcomes of B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

PURPOSE: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can occur across all age groups, with a strikingly higher cure rate in children compared with adults. However, the pharmacological basis of age-related differences in ALL treatment response remains unclear. METHODS: Studying 767 children and 309 adults with newly diagnosed B-cell ALL enrolled on frontline trials at St Jude Children's Research Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, and the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group, we determined the ex vivo sensitivity of leukemia cells to 21 drugs. Twenty-three ALL molecular subtypes were identified using RNA sequencing. We systematically characterized the associations between drug response and ALL genomics in children, adolescents and young adults, and elderly adults. We evaluated the effect of age-related gene expression signature on ALL treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Seven ALL drugs (asparaginase, prednisolone, mercaptopurine, dasatinib, nelarabine, daunorubicin, and inotuzumab ozogamicin) showed differential activity between children and adults, of which six were explained by age-related differences in leukemia molecular subtypes. Adolescents and young adults showed similar patterns of drug resistance as older adults, relative to young children. Mercaptopurine exhibited subtype-independent greater sensitivity in children. Transcriptomic profiling uncovered subclusters within CRLF2-, DUX4-, and KMT2A-rearranged ALL that were linked to age and cytotoxic drug resistance. In particular, a subset of children had adult-like ALL on the basis of leukemia gene expression patterns across subtypes, despite their chronological age. Resistant to cytotoxic drugs, children with adult-like ALL exhibited poor prognosis in pediatric ALL trials, even after adjusting for age and minimal residual diseases. CONCLUSION: Our results provide pharmacogenomic insights into age-related disparities in ALL cure rates and identify leukemia prognostic features for treatment individualization across age groups.

High emission of black carbon in heavy-duty diesel vehicles: Insights from microscopic operating conditions.

The in-depth investigation of the high black carbon (BC) emission scenarios of heavy-duty diesel vehicles (HDDVs) is a crucial step toward developing effective control strategies. Chassis dynamometer tests were conducted for three in-use HDDVs, namely, vehicle #1, #2, and #3, focusing on the instantaneous BC characterizations during multiple driving conditions, i.e., speed phases and acceleration intervals. BC emission was found to increase with positive acceleration, and high acceleration could result in instantaneous BC spikes. The total BC emissions during velocity-acceleration interval 15-60 km h-1 and 0.1-0.9 m s-2 contributed to 43.4 ± 10.2 % of the whole-cycle emissions, while the proportions of time spent in the velocity-acceleration interval to the whole cycle were 23.1 ± 7.6 %. The cold-start microscopic operating condition was assessed by the cold-start extra emissions (CSEEs). Under various pre-defined cold-start durations, the proportions of CSEEs in the total cycle emissions were 9.4-21.0 %, 0-9.1 %, and 6.8-39.4 % for vehicles #1, #2, and #3, respectively. The CSEEs exhibited an initial rise, followed by a plateau as the assumed cold-start durations extended. A uniform cold-start duration of 600 s was established based on the criterion that the relative standard deviation (RSD) of CSEEs during the plateau period was <10 %. We proposed that the updated cold-start duration can enhance the accuracy and consistency of cold-start corrections in emission inventory models.

Inherent preference for polyunsaturated fatty acids instigates ferroptosis of Treg cells that aggravates high-fat-diet-related colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has high prevalence in Western counties. The high fat content in Western diets is one of the leading causes for this prevalence; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully defined. Here, we find that high-fat diet (HFD) induces ferroptosis of intestinal regulatory T (Treg) cells, which might be the key initiating step for the disruption of immunotolerance and the development of colitis. Compared with effector T cells, Treg cells favor lipid metabolism and prefer polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for the synthesis of membrane phospholipids. Therefore, consumption of HFD, which has high content of PUFAs such as arachidonic acid, cultivates vulnerable Tregs that are fragile to lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Treg-cell-specific deficiency of GPX4, the key enzyme in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis and preventing ferroptosis, dramatically aggravates the pathogenesis of HFD-induced IBD. Taken together, these studies expand our understanding of IBD etiology.