Xuetongsu ameliorates synovial inflammatory hyperplasia in rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Synovial inflammatory hyperplasia is the key pathological process that leads to further joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progress. Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb) Craib, also called Xuetong in Chinese Tujia ethnomedicine, is utilized for its medicinal properties, including promoting blood circulation, dispelling "wind evil", and relieving "damp evil". It has been used in the treatment of arthralgia and RA, within Tujia ethnomedicinal practices. Xuetongsu (XTS), the main component of Xuetong, has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of RA fibroblast-like synovial cells (RAFLS) cells. However, the molecular mechanism of XTS in RA treatment requires further investigation. AIM OF THE STUDY: To observe the therapeutic effect of XTS on synovial inflammatory hyperplasia in rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on its underlying molecular mechanisms involving the janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/transducer/activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Protein-protein interaction (PPI) and molecular docking were used to find the main targets of XTS treatment for RA. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAFLS and RAW264.7 cells in vitro models, the levels of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression of JAK2, STAT3, and NF-κB signaling pathways, as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), were analyzed through western blotting test. A hemolysis assay was used to certify the biosecurity of XTS. A model of adjuvant arthritis (AIA) was established in 40 male rats, and different doses of XTS were administered, followed by an automatic blood routine, ELISA assay, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and radiological analysis of the effect of no XTS on blood cytokines, histological changes, and improvement of posterior paw bone destruction in AIA rats. The protein levels of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, or Western blot. Finally, H&E staining was used to detect the damage of XTS on the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney of AIA rats. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that XTS effectively inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory responses in RAFLS and RAW264.7 cells by modulating the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Moreover, XTS administration in the AIA rats model significantly ameliorated paw swelling. Histological analysis revealed that XTS also suppressed the inflammatory response in paw tissue by modulating the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Importantly, during the treatment, XTS exhibited excellent safety profiles, as it did not induce any abnormalities in blood routine parameters or cause organ damage in the rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight XTS as a promising natural agent for inhibiting synovial hyperplasia in RA. XTS holds great potential as an unprecedented natural agent for developing novel therapeutic strategies to target synovial hyperplasia in RA.

Modulation of Cd carriers by innovative nanocomposite (Ca+Mg) and Cd-resistance microbes (Bacillus pumilus): a mechanistic approach to enhance growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known pollutant in agricultural soil, affecting human health through the food chain. To combat this issue, Ca + Mg (25 mg L-1) nanocomposite and Bacillus pumilus, either alone or combined, were applied to rice plants under Cd (5 mg kg-1, 10 mg kg-1) contamination. In our study, growth and yield traits demonstrated the beneficial influence of Ca + Mg and B. pumilus application in improving rice defense mechanism by reducing Cd stress. Combined Ca + Mg and B. pumilus application increased SPAD (15), total chlorophyll (18), chlorophyll a (11), chlorophyll b (22), and carotenoids (21%) with Cd (10 mg kg-1), compared to the application alone. Combined Ca + Mg and B. pumilus application significantly regulated MDA (15), H2O2 (13), EL (10), and O2 •- (24%) in shoots under Cd (10 mg kg-1), compared to the application alone. Cd (10 mg kg-1) increased the POD (22), SOD (21), APX (12), and CAT (13%) in shoots with combined Ca + Mg and B. pumilus application, compared to the application alone. Combined Ca + Mg and B. pumilus application significantly reduced Cd accumulation in roots (22), shoots (13), and grains (20%) under Cd (10 mg kg-1), compared to the application alone. Consequently, the combined application of Ca + Mg and B. pumilus is a sustainable solution to enhance crop production under Cd stress.

Trajectory of associative memory impairment during electroconvulsive therapy in depression.

Memory impairment is a serious cognitive side effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the treatment of major depressive episodes (MDEs) and has garnered widespread attention in clinical practice, but its underlying evolution pattern during the course of ECT remains rarely understood in detail. Associative memory (AM) is a core indicator that reflects memory impairment in ECT. This study aimed to identify the dynamic trajectory of AM impairment and explore associated predictive factors. 405 intensive longitudinal AM data from 81 patients with MDE were collected at the baseline, after the first, third, fifth, and eighth ECT using five sets of face-cued word memory paradigms. Changes in AM score over time were analyzed using a linear mixed effects model. Trajectory subgroups and predictive factors were investigated using growth mixture model and logistic regression. AM score during ECT were significantly lower than at baseline, with the lowest scores observed after the eighth ECT session. Two trajectories of rapid (N = 56, 69.14%) and slow (N = 25, 30.86%) AM impairment were differentiated. Older female with lower education level were significant predictors contributing to more rapid memory impairment for ECT. The evolving pattern of associative memory impairment during ECT appears to occur early and worsen with subsequent treatment. This study may provide the important evidence understanding of the number effect of ECT sessions on memory impairment and suggest individual factors for predicting ECT memory outcome.

Harnessing Nature's ingenuity to engineer butterfly-wing-inspired photoactive nanofiber patches for advanced postoperative tumor treatment.

Postoperative tumor treatment necessitates a delicate balance between eliminating residual tumor cells and promoting surgical wound healing. Addressing this challenge, we harness the innovation and elegance of nature's ingenuity to develop a butterfly-wing-inspired photoactive nanofiber patch (WingPatch), aimed at advancing postoperative care. WingPatch is fabricated using a sophisticated combination of electrostatic spinning and spraying techniques, incorporating black rice powder (BRP) and konjac glucomannan (KGM) into a corn-derived polylactic acid (PLA) nanofiber matrix. This fabrication process yields a paclitaxel-infused porous nanofiber architecture that mirrors the delicate patterns of butterfly wings. Meanwhile, all-natural composites have been selected for their strategic roles in postoperative recovery. BRP offers the dual benefits of photothermal therapy and antibacterial properties, while KGM enhances both antibacterial effectiveness and tissue regeneration. Responsive to near-infrared light, WingPatch ensures robust tissue adhesion and initiates combined photothermal and chemotherapeutic actions to effectively destroy residual tumor cells. Crucially, it simultaneously prevents infections and promotes wound healing throughout the treatment process. Its effectiveness has been confirmed by animal studies, and WingPatch significantly improves treatment outcomes in both breast and liver tumor models. Thus, WingPatch exemplifies our dedication to leveraging natural world's intricate patterns and inventiveness to propel postoperative care forward.

Genome-wide association studies of thyroid-related hormones, dysfunction, and autoimmunity among 85,421 Chinese pregnancies.

Maintaining normal thyroid function is crucial in pregnancy, yet thyroid dysfunction and the presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) affect 0.5% to 18% of pregnant women. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of eight thyroid traits, including two thyroid-related hormones, four thyroid dysfunctions, and two thyroid autoimmunity measurements among 85,421 Chinese pregnant women to investigate the genetic basis of thyroid function during pregnancy. Our study identified 176 genetic loci, including 125 previously unknown genome-wide associations. Joint epidemiological and Mendelian randomization analyses revealed significant associations between the gestational thyroid phenotypes and gestational complications, birth outcomes, and later-age health outcomes. Specifically, genetically elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels during pregnancy correlated with lower glycemic levels, reduced blood pressure, and longer gestational duration. Additionally, TPOAb and thyroid functions during pregnancy share genetic correlations with later-age thyroid and cardiac disorders. These findings provide insights into the genetic determinants of thyroid traits during pregnancy, which may lead to new therapeutics, early pre-diagnosis and preventive strategies starting from early adulthood.

Quantifying the historical and future heat-related mortality above the heat alert thresholds of the inaugural Chinese national heat-health action plan.

BACKGROUND: China published its inaugural national heat-health action plan (HHAP) in 2023, but the mortality burden associated with temperatures exceeding the heat alert thresholds specified by this HHAP (maximum temperatures >35, 37, or 40 °C) remains unknown. We aimed to estimate the historical and future mortality burden associated with temperatures above the heat alert thresholds of the Chinese national HHAP. METHODS: We conducted time-series analyses to estimate the mortality burden associated with temperatures exceeding the three heat alert thresholds from 2016 to 2019 in Jiangsu Province (including 13 cities, population ∼80.7 million), China. A quasi-Poisson regression in conjunction with a distributed lag non-linear model was used to estimate the dose-response association between maximum temperature and mortality risk from 2016 to 2019, adjusting for potential covariates. We then projected the future mortality burden associated with temperatures exceeding these thresholds under three distinct levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission scenarios via scenario shared socioeconomic pathways [SSP] 1-2.6 (low), SSP2-4.5 (intermediate), and SSP5-8.5 (high), respectively, by assuming that there will be no adaptation to heat. Climate scenarios derived from the General Circulation Model (GCM) under the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) were used. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2019, temperatures above 35 °C were associated with 0.51% of mortality, including 0.40% associated with 35 °C-37 °C and 0.11% associated with >37 °C. Heat-related mortality risk was most prominent in those who were single/divorced/widowed and had <10 years of education. Under SSP2-4.5, compared with the 2020s, the excess mortality associated with >37 °C would increase by 1.4 times in the 2050s and 1.7 times in the 2090s. Under SSP5-8.5, the annual number of days with maximum temperature >37 °C would approximately double every 20 years (67 days annually in the 2090s). Consequently, compared with the 2020s, the excess mortality associated with >37 °C would increase by 2.8 times in the 2050s and 18.4 times in the 2090s. CONCLUSION: Significant mortality risk is associated with temperatures above the lowest heat alert threshold of the Chinese national HHAP (35 °C). If the high GHG emission scenario occurred, the annual number of days and excess mortality associated with maximum temperatures >37 °C would largely increase in the coming decades.

Identification of true active sites in N-doped carbon-supported Fe2P nanoparticles toward oxygen reduction reaction.

Transition metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) are emerging as potential alternatives to platinum for catalyzing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in zinc-air batteries (ZAB). However, the simultaneous coexistence of single-atom moieties in the preparation of NPs is inevitable, and the structural complexity of catalysts poses a great challenge to identifying the true active site. Herein, by employing in situ and ex situ XAS analysis, we demonstrate the coexistence of single-atom moieties and iron phosphide NPs in the N, P co-doped porous carbon (in short, Fe-N4-Fe2P NPs/NPC), and identify that ORR predominantly proceeds via the atomic-dispersed Fe-N4 sites, while the presence of Fe2P NPs exerts an inhibitory effect by decreasing the site utilization and impeding mass transfer of reactants. The single-atom catalyst Fe-N4/NPC displays a half-wave potential of 0.873 V, surpassing both Fe-N4-Fe2P NPs/NPC (0.858 V) and commercial Pt/C (0.842 V) in alkaline condition. In addition, the ZAB based on Fe-N4/NPC achieves a peak power density of 140.3 mW cm-2, outperforming that of Pt/C-based ZAB (91.8 mW cm-2) and exhibits excellent long-term stability. This study provides insight into the identification of true active sites of supported ORR catalysts and offers an approach for developing highly efficient, nonprecious metal-based catalysts for high-energy-density metal-air batteries.

Multi-Sensor monitoring dataset for milling process with varied parameters and materials.

Real-time monitoring of milling parameters is essential to improve machining efficiency and quality, especially for the workpieces with complex geometry. Its main task is to build the relationship between the parameters and the monitoring data. As the relationship is challenging to be established solely through mechanism-driven or data-driven methods, the physics informed method, based on prior physical laws between physical signals and milling parameters, becomes the optimal method. However, this method is limited due to the lack of a high-quality dataset. Therefore, a multi-sensor monitoring dataset for the milling process with various milling parameters and milling materials is built. The variables include cutting depth, cutting width, feed rate, spindle speed and workpiece materials (aluminium alloy 7030 and CK45 steel). The multi-sensor includes force, vibration, noise, and current. A dataset comprising 115 samples is built, including 100 samples collected using the 'all factors' method, and 15 slot milling samples using two different workpiece materials. The 15 slot milling samples are used to calibrate mechanical milling force coefficients, which is beneficial for developing a physics-informed machine learning algorithm.

Life's essential 8 and risk of subclinical atherosclerosis progression: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) in reducing cardiovascular risk. However, its role in subclinical atherosclerosis (SA) progression remains unclear. We aim to examine the association of CVH, estimated by the American Heart Association's new Life's Essential 8 (LE8), with the progression of SA. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted among 972 asymptomatic Chinese participants and followed up for 5.7 years. The LE8 score (range, 0-100) consisted of blood pressure, lipids, glucose, body mass index, smoking status, diet health, physical activity and sleep health was evaluated in 1998 and 2008-2009. Progression of SA was determined by carotid plaque and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in 2008-2009 and 2013-2014. Log-binomial regression model was used to estimate the association of LE8 score with SA progression. RESULTS: Each 10 points increment in LE8 score was associated with 15.2% (RR: 0.848, 95% CI: 0.797-0.902), 17.7% (RR: 0.823, 95% CI: 0.766-0.884) and 12.0% (RR: 0.880, 95% CI: 0.845-0.916) lower risks of carotid plaque, CAC and overall SA progression, respectively. Compared with participants with non-ideal CVH at both visits, the participants with ideal CVH at both visits had 39.1% (RR: 0.609, 95% CI: 0.494-0.752), 41.0% (RR: 0.590, 95% CI: 0.456-0.764) and 29.7% (RR: 0.703, 95% CI: 0.598-0.825) lower risks of carotid plaque, CAC and overall SA progression, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Higher LE8 scores were associated with lower risks of SA progression. Besides, long-term maintenance of optimal CVH was more beneficial to prevent SA progression.

Tert promotes cardiac regenerative repair after MI through alleviating ROS-induced DNA damage response in cardiomyocyte.

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (Tert) has been found to have a protective effect on telomeric DNA, but whether it could improve the repair of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced DNA damage and promote myocardial regenerative repair after myocardial infarction (MI) by protecting telomeric DNA is unclear. The immunofluorescence staining with TEL-CY3 and the TeloTAGGG Telomerase PCR ELISA kit were used to show the telomere length and telomerase activity. The heart-specific Tert-deletion homozygotes were generated by using commercial Cre tool mice and flox heterozygous mice for mating. We measured the telomere length and telomerase activity of mouse cardiomyocytes (CMs) at different days of age, and the results showed that they were negatively correlated with age. Overexpressed Tert could enhance telomerase activity and lengthen telomeres, thereby repairing the DNA damage induced by ROS and promoting CM proliferation in vitro. The in vivo results indicated that enhanced Tert could significantly improve cardiac function and prognosis by alleviating CM DNA damage and promoting angiogenesis post-MI. In terms of mechanism, DNA pulldown assay was used to identify that nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (hnRNPA2B1) could be an upstream regulator of Tert in CMs. Overexpressed Tert could activate the NF-κB signaling pathway in CMs and bind to the VEGF promoter in the endothelium to increase the VEGF level. Further immunoblotting showed that Tert protected DNA from ROS-induced damage by inhibiting ATM phosphorylation and blocking the Chk1/p53/p21 pathway activation. HnRNPA2B1-activated Tert could repair the ROS-induced telomeric DNA damage to induce the cell cycle re-entry in CMs and enhance the interaction between CMs and endothelium, thus achieving cardiac regenerative repair after MI.

Electronic Structure, Aromaticity, and Magnetism of Minimum-Sized Regular Dodecahedral Endohedral Metallofullerenes Encapsulating Rare Earth Atoms.

A series of minimally sized regular dodecahedron-embedded metallofullerene REC20 clusters (RE = Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, and Gd) as basic units of nanoassembled materials with tunable magnetism and UV sensitivity have been explored using density functional theory (DFT). The contribution of the 4f orbital of the rare earth atom at the center of the C20 cage to the frontier molecular orbital of REC20 gives the REC20 cluster additional stability. The AdNDP orbitals of the four REC20 superatoms that conform to the spherical jellium model indicate that through natural population analysis and spin density diagrams, we observe a monotonic increase in the magnetic moment from Ce to Gd. This is attributed to the increased number of unpaired electrons in the 4f orbitals of lanthanide rare earth atoms. The UV-visible spectrum of REC20 clusters shows strong absorption in the mid-UV and near-UV bands. REC20 clusters encapsulating lanthanide rare earth atoms stand out for their tunable magnetism, UV sensitivity, and stability, making them potential new self-assembly materials.

miRNA expression signatures induced by pasteurella multocida infection in goats lung.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression and are involved in bacterial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions. In this study, we investigated the function of miRNAs in the regulation of host responses to Pasteurella multocida infection. Using next-generation sequencing, we analyzed miRNA expression pattern and identified differentially expressed miRNAs in Pasteurella multocida-infected goat lungs. In addition, we investigated the function of differentially expressed miRNAs andtheir targeted signaling pathways in bacterial infection processes. The results showed that Pasteurella multocida infection led to 69 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs, including 28 known annotated miRNAs with miR-497-3p showing the most significant difference. Gene target prediction and functional enrichment analyses showed that the target genes were mainly involved in cell proliferation, regulation of the cellular metabolic process, positive regulation of cellular process, cellular senescence, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway and infection-related pathways. In conclusion, these data provide a new perspective on the roles of miRNAs in Pasteurella multocida infection.

Liposome-based RNAi delivery in honeybee for inhibiting parasite Nosema ceranae.

Nosema ceranae, a parasite that parasitizes and reproduces in the gut of honeybees, has become a serious threat to the global apiculture industry. RNA interference (RNAi) technology can be used to inhibit N. ceranae growth by targeting silencing the thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) in N. ceranae. However, suitable carriers are one of the reasons limiting the application of RNAi due to the easy degradation of dsRNA in honeybees. As a vesicle composed of a lipid bilayer, liposomes are a good carrier for nucleic acid delivery, but studies in honeybees are lacking. In this study, liposomes were used for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) dsTrxR delivery triggering RNAi to inhibit the N. ceranae growth in honeybees. Compared to naked dsTrxR, liposome-dsTrxR reduced N. ceranae numbers in the midgut and partially restored midgut morphology without affecting bee survival and gut microbial composition. The results of this study confirmed that liposomes could effectively protect dsRNA from entering the honeybee gut and provide a reference for using RNAi technology to suppress honeybee pests and diseases.

A σC-protein-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for clinical detection of antiavian reovirus antibodies.

Avian reovirus (ARV) is the causative agent of avian viral arthritis and causes significant economic losses to the global poultry industry. For clinical diagnosis, detecting ARV-specific antibodies is crucial. We successfully expressed the ARV-σC protein in insect cells using the baculovirus expression vector system, achieving an expression level of approximately 200 mg/L. We developed an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) using the ARV-σC protein as a coating antigen to detect antibodies against it. The inter-batch and intrabatch coefficients of iELISA variation were less than 10%. Its sensitivity (1:12,800 diluted in serum) was 4 times higher than that of the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA; 1:3200 diluted in serum), and it showed no cross-reactivity with antibodies against other common avian viruses (such as Infectious bursal disease virus, Newcastle disease virus). The practicality of the iELISA was further evaluated using clinical samples. 300 clinical sera from chickens vaccinated with the ARV attenuated vaccine and 20 SPF sera were tested using both the iELISA and the IFA, demonstrating a 100% conformity rate. In conclusion, these results suggest that the iELISA developed in this study is a rapid, sensitive, and specific method that could serve as an effective diagnostic tool for monitoring and controlling avian viral arthritis.

Fucoxanthin Inhibits the Proliferation and Metastasis of Human Pharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway.

Human pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) is the most common malignancy in the head and neck region, characterized by high mortality and a propensity for metastasis. Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid isolated from brown algae, exhibits pharmacological properties associated with the suppression of tumor proliferation and metastasis. Nevertheless, its potential to inhibit HPSCC proliferation and metastasis has not been fully elucidated. This study represents the first exploration of the inhibitory effects of fucoxanthin on two human pharyngeal squamous carcinoma cell lines (FaDu and Detroit 562), as well as the mechanisms underlying those effects. The results showed dose-dependent decreases in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HPSCC cells after fucoxanthin treatment. Further studies indicated that fucoxanthin caused a significant reduction in the expression levels of proteins in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, as well as the downstream proteins matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. Specific activators of PI3K/AKT reversed the effects of fucoxanthin on these proteins, as well as on cell proliferation and metastasis, in FaDu and Detroit 562 cells. Molecular docking assays confirmed that fucoxanthin strongly interacted with PI3K, AKT, mTOR, MMP-2, and MMP-9. Overall, fucoxanthin, a functional food component, is a potential therapeutic agent for HPSCC.

Developing and validating intracity spatiotemporal air quality health index in eastern China.

BACKGROUND: Recently pilot published city-level air quality health index (AQHI) provides a useful tool for communicating short-term health risks of ambient air pollution, but fails to account for intracity spatial heterogeneity in exposure and associated population health impacts. This study aims to develop the intracity spatiotemporal AQHI (ST-AQHI) via refined air pollution-related health risk assessments. METHODS: A three-stage analysis was conducted through integrating province-wide death surveillance data and high-resolution gridded estimates of air pollution and climate factors spanning 2016-2019 in Jiangsu Province, eastern China. First, an individual-level case-crossover design was employed to quantify the short-term risk of nonaccidental mortality associated with residential exposure to individual pollutant (i.e., PM2.5, NO2, O3, and SO2). Second, we accumulated and scaled the excess risks arising from multiple pollutants to formulate daily gridded ST-AQHI estimates at 0.1° × 0.1°, dividing exposure-related risks into low (0-3), moderate (4-6), high (7-9), and extreme high (10+) levels. Finally, the effectiveness of ST-AQHI as composite risk communication was validated through checking the dose-response associations of individual ST-AQHI exposure with deaths from nonaccidental and major cardiopulmonary causes via repeating case-crossover analyses. RESULTS: We analyzed a total of 1,905,209 nonaccidental death cases, comprising 785,567 from circulatory diseases and 247,336 from respiratory diseases. In the first-stage analysis, for each 10-µg/m3 rise in PM2.5, NO2, O3, and SO2 exposure at lag-01 day, population risk of nonaccidental death was increased by 0.8% (95% confidence interval: 0.7%, 0.9%), 1.9% (1.7%, 2.0%), 0.4% (0.3%, 0.5%), and 4.1% (3.7%, 4.5%), respectively. Spatiotemporal distribution of ST-AQHI exhibited a consistent declining trend throughout the study period (2016-2019), with annual average ST-AQHI decreasing from 5.2 ± 1.3 to 4.0 ± 1.0 and high-risk days dropping from 15.8% (58 days) to 1.6% (6 days). Exposure associated health risks showed great intracity- and between-city heterogeneities. In the validation analysis, ST-AQHI demonstrated approximately linear, threshold-free associations with multiple death events from nonaccidental and major cardiopulmonary causes, suggesting excellent performance in predicting exposure-related health risks. Specifically, each 1-unit rise in ST-AQHI was significantly associated with an excess risk of 2.0% (1.8%, 2.1%) for nonaccidental mortality, 2.3% (2.1%, 2.6%) for overall circulatory mortality, and 2.7% (2.3%, 3.1%) for overall respiratory mortality, as well as 1.7%-3.0% for major cardiopulmonary sub-causes. CONCLUSIONS: ST-AQHI developed in this study performed well in predicting intracity spatiotemporal heterogeneity of death risks related to multiple air pollutants, and may hold significant practical importance in communicating air pollution-related health risks to the public at the community scales.

Effects of salinity on nitrogen reduction pathways in estuarine wetland sediments.

Denitrification, anammox, and DNRA are three important nitrogen (N) reduction pathways in estuarine sediments. Although salinity is an important variables controlling microbial growth and activities, knowledge about the effects of changing salinity on those three processes in estuarine and coastal wetland sediments are not well understood. Herein, we performed a 60-d microcosms experiment with different salinities (0, 5, 15, 25 and 35 ‰) to explore the vital role of salinity in controlling N-loss and N retention in estuarine wetland sediments. The results showed that sediment organic matter, sulfide, and nitrate (NO3-) were profoundly decreased with increasing salinity, while sediment ammonium (NH4+) and ferrous (Fe2+) varied in reverse patterns. Meanwhile, N-loss and N retention rates and associated gene abundances were differentially inhibited with increasing salinity, while the contributions of denitrification, anammox, and DNRA to total nitrate reduction were apparently unaffected. Moreover, denitrification rate was the most sensitive to salinity, and then followed by DNRA, while anammox was the weakest among these three processes. In other words, anammox bacteria showed a wide range of salinity tolerance, while both denitrification and DNRA reflected a relatively limited dynamic range of it. Our findings could provide insights into temporal interactive effects of salinity on sediment physico-chemical properties, N reduction rates and associated gene abundances. Our findings can improve understanding of the effects of saltwater incursion on the N fate and N balance in estuarine and coastal sediments.

The high electron mobility for spin-down channel of two-dimensional spin-polarized half-metallic ferromagnetic EuSi2N4 monolayer.

The two-dimensional (2D) monolayer material MoSi2N4 was successfully synthesized in 2020[Hong et al., Science 369, 670, (2020)], exhibiting a plethora of new phenomena and unusual properties, with good stability at room temperature. However, MA2Z4 family monolayer materials involve primarily transition metal substitutions for M atoms. In order to address the research gap on lanthanide and actinide MA2Z4 materials, this work conducts electronic structure calculations on novel 2D MSi2N4 (M = La, Eu) monolayer materials by employing first-principles methods and CASTEP. High carrier mobility is discovered in the indirect bandgap semiconductor 2D LaSi2N4 monolayer (~5400 cm2 V-1 s-1) and in the spin (spin-down channel) carrier mobility of the half-metallic ferromagnetic EuSi2N4 monolayer (~2800 cm2 V-1 s-1). EuSi2N4 monolayer supplements research on spin carrier mobility in half-metallic ferromagnetic monolayer materials at room temperature and possesses a magnetic moment of 5 µB, which should not be underestimated. Furthermore, due to the unique electronic band structure of EuSi2N4 monolayer (with the spin-up channel exhibiting metallic properties and the spin-down channel exhibiting semiconductor properties), it demonstrates a 100% spin polarization rate, presenting significant potential applications in fields such as magnetic storage, magnetic sensing, and spintronics.

A Sustainable Approach for Degradation of Alternariol by Peroxidase Extracted from Soybean Hulls: Performance, Pathway, and Toxicity Evaluation.

Alternariol (AOH), an emerging mycotoxin, inevitably exists widely in various food and feed commodities with cereals and fruits being particularly susceptible, raising global concerns over its harm to human and livestock health. The development of eco-friendly and efficient strategies to decontaminate AOH has been an urgent task. This study provided insight into the utilization of crude soybean hull peroxidase as a powerful biocatalyst for degrading AOH. The results confirmed that crude soybean hull peroxidase (SHP) could catalyze the oxidation of AOH by use of H2O2 as a co-substrate. The optimum reaction conditions for SHP-catalyzed AOH degradation were recorded at pH 4.0-8.0, at 42-57 °C, and at H2O2 concentration of 100-500 µM. Mass analysis elucidated the degradation of AOH through hydroxylation and methylation by crude SHP. Moreover, toxicological analysis indicated that crude SHP-catalyzed AOH degradation detoxified the hepatotoxicity of this mycotoxin. The performance of crude SHP to degrade AOH in food matrices was further evaluated, and it was found that the enzyme agent could achieve AOH degradation by 77% in wheat flour, 84% in corn flour, 34% in grape juice, and 26% in apple juice. Collectively, these findings establish crude SHP as a promising candidate for effective AOH degradation, with potential applications in the food and feed industry.