Effect of Gentianella acuta (Michx.) Hulten against the arsenic-induced development hindrance of mouse oocytes.

The current study was designed to investigate the alleviative effect of Gentianella acuta (Michx.) Hulten (G. acuta) against the sodium arsenite (NaAsO2)-induced development hindrance of mouse oocytes. For this purpose, the in vitro maturation (IVM) of mouse cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) was conducted in the presence of NaAsO2 and G. acuta, followed by the assessments of IVM efficiency including oocyte maturation, spindle organization, chromosome alignment, cytoskeleton assembly, cortical granule (CGs) dynamics, redox regulation, epigenetic modification, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Subsequently, the alleviative effect of G. acuta intervention on the fertilization impairments of NaAsO2-exposed oocytes was confirmed by the assessment of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The results showed that the G. acuta intervention effectively ameliorated the decreased maturation potentials and fertilization deficiency of NaAsO2-exposed oocytes but also significantly inhibited the DNA damages, apoptosis, and altered H3K27me3 expression level in the NaAsO2-exposed oocytes. The effective effects of G. acuta intervention against redox dysregulation including mitochondrial dysfunctions, accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, glutathione (GSH) deficiency, and decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) further confirmed that the ameliorative effects of G. acuta intervention against the development hindrance of mouse oocytes were positively related to the antioxidant capacity of G. acuta. Evidenced by these abovementioned results, the present study provided fundamental bases for the ameliorative effect of G. acuta intervention against the meiotic defects caused by the NaAsO2 exposure, benefiting the future application potentials of G. acuta intervention in these nutritional and therapeutic research for attenuating the outcomes of arseniasis.

The role and mechanism of Bacillus megaterium strain A14 in inhibiting the cadmium uptake by peanut plants in acidic red soil.

AIMS: This study explores the potential of cadmium (Cd)-resistant bacteria, specifically Bacillus megaterium A14, to decrease Cd accumulation in peanuts, a crop susceptible to metal uptake from contaminated soils, by understanding the bacterium's impact on plant Cd absorption mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS: Through pot experiments, we observed that A14 inoculation significantly increased peanut biomass under Cd stress conditions, primarily by immobilizing the metal and reducing its bioavailability. The bacterium effectively changed the distribution of Cd, with a notable 46.53% reduction in the exchangeable fraction, which in turn limited the expression of genes related to Cd transport in peanuts. Additionally, A14 enhanced the plant's antioxidant response, improving its tolerance to stress. Microbial analysis through 16S sequencing demonstrated that A14 inoculation altered the peanut rhizosphere, particularly by increasing populations of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, which play crucial roles in soil remediation from heavy metals. CONCLUSION: The A14 strain effectively counters Cd toxicity in peanuts, promoting growth through soil Cd sequestration, root barrier biofilm formation, antioxidant system enhancement, suppression of Cd transport genes, and facilitation of Cd-remediating microorganisms.

Efficient Charge Carriers Separation and Transfer Driven by Interface Electric Field in FeS2@ZnIn2S4 Heterojunction Boost Hydrogen Evolution.

Photocatalytic H2 evolution technology is regarded as a promising and green route for the urgent requirement of efficient H2 production. At present, low efficiency is a major bottleneck that limits the practical application of photocatalytic H2 evolution. The construction of high-activity photocatalysts is highly crucial for achieving advanced hydrogen generation. Herein, a new S-scheme FeS2@ZnIn2S4 (FeS2@ZIS) heterostructure as the photocatalyst was developed for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution. Density function theory (DFT) calculation results strongly demonstrated that FeS2@ZIS generates a giant interface electric field (IEF), thus promoting the separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers for efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution. At optimal conditions, the H2 production rate of the 8%FeS2@ZIS is 5.3 and 3.6 times higher than that of the pure FeS2 and ZIS, respectively. The experimental results further indicate that the close contact between FeS2 and ZIS promotes the formation of the S-scheme heterojunction, where the interfacial charge transfer achieves spatial separation of charge carriers. This further broadens the light absorption range of the FeS2@ZIS and improves the utilization rate of photogenerated charge carriers. This work thus offers new insights that the FeS2-based co-catalyst can enrich the research on S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts and improve the transfer and separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers for photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Modifiable risk-attributable and age-related burden of lung cancer in China, 1990-2019.

BACKGROUND: There were limited studies on the quantification of the modifiable and nonmodifiable lung cancer burden over time in China. Furthermore, the potential effect of risk factor reduction for lung cancer on gains in life expectancy (LE) remains unknown. METHODS: This study explored temporal trends in lung cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) attributable to modifiable risk factors from 1990 to 2019, based on the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study. The abridged period life table method was used to quantify the effect of risk factors on LE. The authors used the decomposition approach to estimate contributions of aging metrics to change in the lung cancer burden. RESULTS: Nationally, the majority of lung cancer deaths and DALYs were attributable to behavioral and environmental risk clusters. Potential gains in life expectancy (PGLE) at birth would be 0.78 years for males and 0.35 years for females if the exposure to risk factors was mitigated to the theoretical minimum level. Tobacco use had the most robust impact on LE for both sexes (PGLE: 0.71 years for males and 0.19 years for females). From 1990 to 2019, risk-attributable age-standardized death and DALY rates of lung cancer showed an increasing trend in both sexes; adult population growth imposed 245.9 thousand deaths and 6.2 million DALYs for lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The modifiable risk-attributable lung cancer burden remains high in China. Effective tobacco control is the critical step toward addressing the lung cancer burden. Adult population growth was the foremost driver of transition in the age-related lung cancer burden. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: We estimate the lung cancer burden attributable to modifiable and nonmodifiable contributors and the effect of risk factor reduction for lung cancer on the life expectancy in China. The findings suggest that the majority of lung cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life years were attributable to behavioral risk clusters, and the risk-attributable lung cancer burden increased nationally from 1990 to 2019. The average gains in life expectancy would be 0.78 years for males and 0.35 years for females if the exposure to risk factors for lung cancer was reduced to the theoretical minimum risk exposure level. Adult population growth was identified as the foremost driver of variation in the aging lung cancer burden.

Glutathione ameliorates the meiotic defects of copper exposed ovine oocytes via inhibiting the mitochondrial dysfunctions.

Regardless of the essential role of copper (Cu) in the physiological regulation process of mammalian reproduction, excessive exposure to Cu triggers the meiotic defects of porcine oocytes via compromising the mitochondrial functions. However, the connections between the excessive Cu exposure and meiotic defects of ovine oocytes have not been reported. In this study, the effect of copper sulfate (CuSO4) exposure on the meiotic potentials of ovine oocytes was analyzed. Subsequently, the ameliorative effect of glutathione (GSH) supplementation on the meiotic defects of CuSO4 exposed ovine oocytes was investigated. For these purposes, the in vitro maturation (IVM) of ovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) was conducted in the presence of 5, 10, 20 and 40 µg/mL of CuSO4 supplementation. Subsequently, different concentrations of GSH (2, 4 and 8 mM) were added to the IVM medium containing CuSO4 solution. After IVM, the assay, including nuclear maturation, spindle organization, chromosome alignment, cytoskeleton assembly, cortical granule (CGs) dynamics, mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, epigenetic modification and fertilization capacity of ovine oocytes were performed. The results showed that excessive Cu exposure triggered the meiotic defects of ovine oocytes via promoting the mitochondrial dysfunction related oxidative stress damage. Moreover, the GSH supplementation, not only ameliorated the decreased maturation potential and fertilization defect of CuSO4 exposed oocytes, but inhibited the mitochondrial dysfunction related oxidative stress damage, ROS generation, apoptosis and altered H3K27me3 expression in the CuSO4 exposed oocytes. Combined with the gene expression pattern, the finding in the present study provided fundamental bases for the ameliorative effect of GSH supplementation on the meiotic defects of CuSO4 exposed oocytes via inhibiting the mitochondrial dysfunctions, further benefiting these potential applications of GSH supplementation in the mammalian IVM system and livestock breeding suffering from the excessive Cu exposure.

Glutathione protects against the meiotic defects of ovine oocytes induced by arsenic exposure via the inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunctions.

Accumulating evidences revealed the connections between arsenic exposure and mitochondrial dysfunctions induced reproductive toxicology. Meanwhile, production declines were found in livestock suffering from arsenic exposure. However, the connections between arsenic exposure and livestock meiotic defects remain unclear. In this study, the effects of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) exposure during the in vitro maturation (IVM) on the meiotic potentials of ovine oocytes were analyzed. Furthermore, the effects of glutathione (GSH) supplementation on the meiotic defects of NaAsO2 exposed ovine oocytes were investigated by the assay of nuclear maturation, spindle organization, chromosome alignment, cytoskeleton assembly, cortical granule (CGs) dynamics, mitochondrial dysfunctions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, oxidative DNA damages, cellular apoptosis, epigenetic modifications and fertilization capacities. The results showed that the meiotic defects of NaAsO2 exposed ovine oocytes were effectively ameliorated by the GSH supplementation via the inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunctions, which not only promoted the nuclear maturation, spindle organization, chromosome alignment, cytoskeleton assembly, CGs dynamic and fertilization capacities, but also inhibited the ROS accumulation, oxidative DNA damages and apoptosis of ovine MII oocytes. The abnormal expressions of 5mC, H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 in NaAsO2 exposed ovine oocytes, indicating the abnormal epimutations of DNA methylation and histone methylation, were also effectively ameliorated by the GSH supplementation. Taken together, this study confirmed the connections between arsenic exposure and meiotic defects of ovine oocytes. Meanwhile, the effects of GSH supplementation on the developmental competence of livestock oocytes, especially for these suffering from arsenic exposure were also founded, benefiting the extended researches for the GSH applications.

Effects of process water obtained from hydrothermal carbonization of poultry litter on soil microbial community, nitrogen transformation, and plant nitrogen uptake.

Process water (PW) obtained from hydrothermal carbonization of nitrogen-rich (N-rich) biowaste is proposed to be a renewable resource utilized as a liquid N fertilizer. However, its effects on soil microbial community, N transformation, and plant N uptake are unclear or controversial. In this study, fertilizers were prepared with different percentages of PW (poultry litter, 220 °C 1 or 8 h, PW-S or -L) and urea to supply 160 mg kg-1 total N in a barren alkali soil. Results showed that the addition of PW relative to pure urea decreased organic N mineralization by low bio-accessibility, increased N loss by high soil pH, and decreased NO3--N by low nitrification substrate. It supported the lettuce in health but decreased plant N uptake by low NO3--N. It significantly increased the gram-positive bacteria that responded to resistant organic matter, changed the bacterial community to enhance decomposition, detoxification, ureolysis, and denitrification, and to decrease nitrification. Its inhibition effect on nitrification activity was stronger than that on nitrifiers growth. Different from PW-S, the addition of PW-L seriously and significantly decreased seed germination index and fungal biomass that responded to N retaining capacity, respectively. The best fertilizer was 50% urea +50% PW-S that supported the seed germination and seedling growth, and mildly affected microbial community.

In-Situ Generated Trimetallic Molybdate Nanoflowers on Ni Foam Assisted with Microwave for Highly Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is considered as a critical half-cell reaction of water splitting, the kinetics of which is sluggish even not favored, thus requiring highly active electrocatalysts to shrink the reaction energy barrier and improve the energy conversion efficiency. In this study, In-situ generated trimetallic molybdate nanoflowers on Ni foam by a straightforward and time-saving solvothermal method assisted with microwave, not only bring synergistic effect into full play between multiple metals, but also construct a well-defined nanoflower-like structure accompanied by larger specific area (273.3 m2 g-1 ) and smaller size than the pristine NiMoO4 . The resulting Ni0.9 Al0.1 MoO4 -NF requires a relatively low overpotential of 266 mV for OER at 10 mA cm-2 , which outperforms commercial RuO2 catalysts (274 mV). Such excellent performance compares favorably to most previously reported NiMoO4 -based electrocatalysts for OER. This work not only supplies a facile method to construct a well-defined nanoflower-like structure on foam, but also broadens our horizons into the mechanism of OER in alkaline conditions.

Notoginsenoside R1 Suppresses Inflammatory Signaling and Rescues Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Experimental Rats.

BACKGROUND Notoginsenoside R1 (NR) is a major dynamic constituent of Panax notoginseng found to possess anti-inflammatory activity against various inflammatory diseases. However, its protective effects against renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury have not been elucidated. In male Wistar rats, we induced I/R under general anesthesia by occluding the renal artery for 60 min, followed by reperfusion and right nephrectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Rats were randomized to 4 groups: a sham group, an I/R group, an NR-pretreated (50 mg/kg) before I/R induction group, and an NR control group. All animals were killed at 72 h after I/R induction. Blood and renal tissues were collected, and histological and basic renal function parameters were assessed. In addition, levels of various kidney markers and proinflammatory cytokines were measured using RT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry analysis. RESULTS After I/R induction, the onset of renal dysfunction was shown by the elevated levels of serum urea, creatinine levels, and histological evaluation, showing a 2-fold increase in the renal failure markers kim-1 and NGAL compared to control rats. Rats pretreated with NR before I/R induction had significantly better renal functions, with attenuated levels of oxidative markers, restored levels of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), tumor growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), INF-γ, and IL-6, and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-10) compared to I/R-induced rats. CONCLUSIONS NR suppressed I/R-induced inflammatory cytokines production by suppressing oxidative stress and kidney markers, suggesting that NR is a promising drug candidate for prevention, progression, and treatment of renal dysfunction.

Effect of bioactive peptide on ram semen cryopreservation.

This present study investigated the effect of bioactive peptide (BAPT) (BAPT) on the quality of ram semen during cryopreservation. Ram ejaculates were extended with Tris buffer supplemented with no antioxidants (as control group), 20 µg/mL BAPT (as BAPT20 group), 40 µg/mL BAPT (as BAPT40 group) and 60 µg/mL BAPT (as BAPT60 group). After cryopreservation, sperm quality including motility, vitality, the percentage of hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST)-positive spermatozoa and the percentage of intact acrosomes was assessed. Furthermore, the malondialdehyde (MDA) in seminal plasma and spermatozoa were analyzed, followed by the measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in seminal plasma. After in vitro fertilization, the embryonic cleavage rates and development rates of different groups were analyzed to compare the developmental abilities of spermatozoa. The results showed that the post-thaw sperm motility was significantly higher in the BAPT60 group compared to those in the BAPT20, BAPT40 and control groups (P < 0.05). The percentage of live sperms significantly increased from 48.12 ± 2.35% for the BAPT20 group, 55.43 ± 2.16% for the BAPT40 group to 57.53 ± 3.15% for the BAPT60 group. The percentage of HOST-positive spermatozoa was significantly higher in the BAPT60 group than those in BAPT20, BAPT40 and control groups (P < 0.05). The MDA levels in seminal plasma and spermatozoa were significantly reduced with BAPT supplement (P < 0.05). Additionally, the SOD, CAT and GSH-Px levels in the BAPT experimental groups were significantly higher than those of the control group, which further indicated that BAPT significantly inhibit the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during the cryopreservation of ram semen. Furthermore, the embryonic cleavage rates and development rates of the BAPT40 and BAPT60 groups were significantly increased in comparison with the BAPT20 and control groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BAPT improved the ram sperm quality via inhibiting the ROS production during cryopreservation, and could be applied as a promising supplement for ram semen cryopreservation.

Microglia TREM2: A Potential Role in the Mechanism of Action of Electroacupuncture in an Alzheimer's Disease Animal Model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most serious public health concerns facing the world. Its characteristic feature is neuroinflammation due to microglial activation. Electroacupuncture is one of the therapies employed to improve the condition of patients with AD, although its mechanism of action is still to be determined. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is a microglia-specific receptor that is involved in regulating neuroinflammation in AD. In this study, we applied senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 mice as the AD animal model, used the Morris water maze, and applied hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence double staining, and Western blotting, to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of action of electroacupuncture. In summary, this study suggested that electroacupuncture treatment could improve the learning and memory abilities (p < 0.05) and protect neurons. These effects result from acupuncture could upregulate TREM2 expression in the hippocampus (p < 0.01), which was essential for the anti-inflammatory effects in the AD animal model. However, further studies are needed to conclusively demonstrate the mechanism of action of electroacupuncture in AD.

Paradoxical reaction to IL-17A inhibitor: a case report and literature review.

Objective: A case of pustular psoriasis after treatment with secukinumab in a patient with plaque psoriasis is reported, which is the first case in China. To summarize the clinical characteristics of patients who developed the rare paradoxical reaction and treatment options received IL-17A antagonist therapy, we conducted a further literature review. Methods: Data were analyzed from a patient with plaque psoriasis who developed pustular psoriasis after treatment with secukinumab. A comprehensive review of relevant domestic and international literature was conducted, focusing on cases that met our inclusion criteria for analysis and synthesis. Results: Anti IL-17A therapy may lead to type conversion, with reported cases more prevalent in women and varying in onset time, predominantly involving palmoplantar pustulosis. Conclusion: Given the increasing use of IL-17A antagonists in psoriasis treatment, it is crucial to monitor for rare adverse reactions, including the paradoxical induction of pustular psoriasis.

Development and Evaluation of Tacrolimus Loaded Nano-Transferosomes for Skin Targeting and Dermatitis Treatment.

Tacrolimus (TRL) is used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) due to its T-cell stimulation effect. However, its significantly poor water solubility, low penetration and cytotoxicity have reduced its topical applications. Herein, tacrolimus loaded nano transfersomes (TRL-NTs) were prepared, followed by their incorporation into chitosan gel to prepare tacrolimus loaded nano transfersomal gel (TRL-NTsG). TEM analysis of the TRL-NTs was performed to check their morphology. DSC, XRD and FTIR analysis of the TRL-NTs were executed after lyophilization. Similarly, rheology, spreadability and deformability of the TRL-NTsG were investigated. In vitro release, ex vivo permeation and in vitro interaction of TRL-NTsG with keratinocytes and fibroblasts as well as their co-cultures were investigated along with their in vitro cell viability analysis. Moreover, in vivo skin deposition, ear thickness, histopathology and IgE level were also determined. Besides, 6 months stability study was also performed. Results demonstrated the uniformly distributed negatively charged nanovesicles with a mean particle size distribution of 163 nm and zeta potential of -27 mV. DSC and XRD exhibited the thermal stability and amorphous form of the drug, respectively. The TRL-NTsG showed excellent deformability, spreadability and rheological behavior. In vitro release studies exhibited an 8-fold better release of TRL from the TRL-NTsG. Similarly, 6-fold better permeation and stability of the TRL-NTsG with keratinocytes and fibroblasts as well as their co-cultures was observed. Furthermore, the ear thickness (0.6 mm) of the TRL-NTsG was found significantly reduced when compared with the untreated (1.7 mm) and TRL conventional gel treated mice (1.3 mm). The H&E staining showed no toxicity of the TRL-NTsG with significantly reduced IgE levels (120 ng/mL). The formulation was found stable for at least 6 months. These results suggested the efficacy of TRL in AD-induced animal models most importantly when incorporated in NTsG.

Modulating charge oriented accumulation via interfacial chemical-bond on In2O3/Bi2MoO6 heterostructures for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation.

Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation presents an eco-friendly approach to converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia (NH3), but the process faces challenges due to rapid interface charge recombination. Here, we report an innovative charge transfer and oriented accumulation strategy using an In-O-Mo bond-modulated S-scheme heterostructure composed of In2O3/Bi2MoO6 (In/BMO) synthesized using a simple electrostatic assembly. The unique interfacial arrangement with optimal photocatalyst configuration (3 % In/BMO) enabled enhanced photogenerated electron separation and transfer, leading to a remarkable nitrogen fixation rate of approximately 150.9 µmol·gcat-1·h-1 under visible light irradiation. The performance of the photocatalyst was 9-fold and 27-fold higher than that of its pristine components, Bi2MoO6 and In2O3, respectively. The experimental and theoretical evaluation deemed interfacial In-O-Mo bonds crucial for rapid transfer and charge-oriented accumulation. Whereas the generated internal electric field drove the spatial separation and transfer of photo-generated electrons and holes, significantly enhancing the photocatalytic N2-to-NH3 conversion efficiency. The proposed work lays the foundation for designing S-scheme heterostructures with highly efficient interfacial bonds, offering a promising avenue for substantial improvements in photocatalytic nitrogen fixation.

Bidirectional regulation of levodopa-induced dyskinesia by a specific neural ensemble in globus pallidus external segment.

Levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) is an intractable motor complication arising in Parkinson's disease with the progression of disease and chronic treatment of levodopa. However, the specific cell assemblies mediating dyskinesia have not been fully elucidated. Here, we utilize the activity-dependent tool to identify three brain regions (globus pallidus external segment [GPe], parafascicular thalamic nucleus, and subthalamic nucleus) that specifically contain dyskinesia-activated ensembles. An intensity-dependent hyperactivity in the dyskinesia-activated subpopulation in GPe (GPeTRAPed in LID) is observed during dyskinesia. Optogenetic inhibition of GPeTRAPed in LID significantly ameliorates LID, whereas reactivation of GPeTRAPed in LID evokes dyskinetic behavior in the levodopa-off state. Simultaneous chemogenetic reactivation of GPeTRAPed in LID and another previously reported ensemble in striatum fully reproduces the dyskinesia induced by high-dose levodopa. Finally, we characterize GPeTRAPed in LID as a subset of prototypic neurons in GPe. These findings provide theoretical foundations for precision medication and modulation of LID in the future.

Construction of a p-n heterojunction based on magnetic Mn0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 and ZnIn2S4 to improve photocatalytic performance.

To improve the photocatalytic performance of Mn0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 (MZFO) and ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) for organic pollutants, the p-n MZFO@ZIS heterojunctions with different weight percentage (10 ~ 40%) of MZFO are constructed from spent batteries and added indium ion via a green bioleaching and hydrothermal method. Structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties for the heterojunctions are investigated systematically by XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, TEM, BET, VB-XPS, UV-vis DRS, PL, etc. The results confirm that p-n junction significantly improves the visible light adsorption and the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. Specifically, MZFO-25%@ZIS shows the highest photodegradation performance toward Congo red (CR), and its reactive kinetic constant is about 9.6, 7.8, and 7.0 times higher than that of P25 TiO2, MZFO, and ZIS, respectively, and MZFO-25%@ZIS still possesses a high reusability and simple magnetic separation after 5 cycles of reuse. The radical trapping experiments and electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) tests show that ·O2-, ·OH, and h+ are the most important active substance for degrading CR. The pathways for the CR degradation are further proposed based on the intermediate analysis. DFT + U calculations confirm that the high charge density of Zn-O, Fe-O, and Zn-S bonds in the MZFO and ZIS molecules provides the electrons for the sufficient production of free radicals. This work also provides a novel high value-added strategy for the green utilization of spent batteries.

Construction of magnetically recoverable MnZnFe2O4@Ag3PO4 Z-scheme photocatalyst for rapid visible-light-driven phenol degradation.

Visible-light-driven magnetic heterojunction as a promising photocatalysts has received much attention in environmental remediation. In this work, novel Z-scheme heterojunction MnZnFe2O4@Ag3PO4 (MZFO@APO) magnetic photocatalysts with excellent visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity are successfully constructed and characterized. The photocatalytic activity for phenol degradation is measured, and photodegradation mechanism is investigated with EPR, radical trapping experiments, and LC-MS. It turns out that the heterojunction introduced MZFO exhibits good adsorption effect on visible light and the direct Z-scheme bandgap alignment of MZFO and APO significantly improves charge separation and electron transfer, outperforming that of pure APO. MZFO@APO-40% with 40% APO content shows the rapid photodegradation performance, obtaining a 100% removal efficiency of phenol (25 mg L-1) after 12-min visible light irradiation, and its kinetic constants are approximately 25.3 and 4.9 times higher than that of P25 TiO2 and pure APO, respectively. Especially, MZFO@APO-40% also possesses a high magnetic separation property and can be efficiently reused for 5 cycles. Additionally, EPR and radical trapping experiments confirm that h+, O2-, and 1O2 are the main active species in the photocatalytic process. Hydroquinone and small molecular organic acids such as maleic acid and oxalic acid are detected by LC-MS, which further indicates that the pathway of phenol degradation involves hydroxylation, open-ring reactions, and mineralization reactions. The novel addition of MZFO in photocatalyst construction has the potential to promote its application in environmental remediation.

Glutathione and selenium nanoparticles have a synergistic protective effect during cryopreservation of bull semen.

Introduction: In the present study, the synergistic protective effect of co-supplementation of glutathione (GSH) with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on the cryopreservation efficiency of bull semen was analyzed. Methods: After collection, the ejaculates of Holstein bulls were subsequently diluted with a Tris extender buffer supplemented with different concentrations of SeNPs (0, 1, 2, and 4 µg/ml), followed by semen equilibration at 4°C and assessment of sperm viability and motility. Subsequently, the ejaculates of Holstein bulls were pooled, split into four equal groups, and diluted with a Tris extender buffer supplemented with basic extender (negative control group, NC group), 2 µg/ml SeNPs (SeNPs group), 4 mM GSH (GSH group), and 4 mM GSH plus 2 µg/ml SeNPs (GSH + SeNPs group). After cryopreservation, motility, viability, mitochondrial activity, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and ability of frozen-thawed sperm cells to support in vitro embryonic development were evaluated. Results and discussion: No side effect of SeNPs concentrations applied in the current study on the motility and viability of equilibrated bull spermatozoa was found. Meanwhile, supplementation of SeNPs significantly promoted the motility and viability of equilibrated bull spermatozoa. Furthermore, the co-supplementation of GSH with SeNPs effectively protected bull spermatozoa from cryoinjury as expressed by promoting semen motility, viability, mitochondrial activity, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity. Finally, the enhanced antioxidant capacity and embryonic development potential in the frozen-thawed bull spermatozoa cryopreserved by co-supplementation of GSH with SeNPs further confirmed the synergistic protective effect of co-supplementation of GSH with SeNPs on the cryopreservation of bull semen.

Isolation of female germline stem cells from neonatal piglet ovarian tissue and differentiation into oocyte-like cells.

It has been generally accepted that the number of oocyte pool in mammalian ovaries is limited and irreversibly consumed throughout the adulthood until menopause, which has been challenged by the existence of female germline stem cells (FGSCs) and their differentiation potentials into oocytes through mitosis. However, there have been a few reports about the existence of porcine FGSCs (pFGSCs) in the neonatal piglet ovarian tissues. In this study, the pFGSCs were isolated from the one day post partum (1 dpp) piglet ovaries by a differential anchoring velocity method combined with the magnetic cell sorting (MACS) using VASA antibody. The gene expression levels and in vitro differentiation potentials of pFGSCs were subsequently analyzed. The results showed that Oct4, C-kit, Vasa, Stella, Ifitm3 and Dazl were expressed in the pFGSCs. A small portion of pFGSCs (2.81 ± 0.76%) spontaneously differentiated into oocyte-like cells (OLCs) with a mean diameter of 50 µm and gene expressions of Vasa, Ifitm3, Blimp1, Gdf9, Zp3, Dazl and Stella. Compared with that of the spontaneous differentiation system, the differentiation rates of pFGSCs into OLCs were significantly increased after the co-supplementations of porcine follicular fluid (PFF) and retinoic acid (RA). Taken together, these above results revealed the direct evidences for the existence of pFGSCs in 1 dpp piglet ovaries and the in vitro differentiation potential of pFGSCs into OLCs, benefiting future research related to the in vitro establishment of livestock FGSCs and the in vitro differentiation of pFGSCs.

Development and validation of a nomogram based on preoperative variables for predicting recurrence-free survival in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to establish a nomogram for predicting risk of recurrence and provide a model for decision-making between lobectomy and sublobar resection in patients with stage IA lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with stage IA lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) between December 2010 and October 2018 from Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were included. Patients were randomly assigned to training and validation cohorts, accounting for 70% and 30% of the total cases, respectively. We collected laboratory variables before surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed in the training cohort to identify variables significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) which were subsequently used to construct a nomogram. Validation was conducted in both cohorts. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optional cutoff values of the scores calculated from the nomogram. Patients were then divided into low- and high-risk groups. Survival was performed to determine if the nomogram could guide the operation method. RESULTS: A total of 543 patients were included in this study. Gender, albumin level, carcinoembryonic antigen level and cytokeratin-19-fragment level were included in the nomogram. In both cohorts, the nomogram stratified the patients into high- and low-risk groups in terms of RFS. In particular, there was a significant difference in RFS between lobectomy and sublobar resection in the high-risk group. CONCLUSIONS: Gender, albumin level, carcinoembryonic antigen level and cytokeratin-19-fragment level are valuable markers in predicting recurrence and can guide surgical practice in patients with stage IA LUAD.