Stable Carbon Isotope Ratios (δ13C Values [‰]) of Individual Sterols in the Oils of C3, C4, and CAM Plants.

The compound-specific determination of δ13C values [‰] by gas chromatography interfaced with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-IRMS) is a powerful analytical method to indicate minute but relevant variations in the 13C/12C ratio of sample compounds. In this study, the δ13C values [‰] of individual sterols were measured in eleven different oils of C3, C4, and CAM plants (n = 33) by GC-IRMS. For this purpose, a suitable acetylation method was developed for sterols. Nine of the eleven phytosterols identified by GC with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) could be measured by GC-IRMS. The δ13C values [‰] of individual sterols and squalene of C3 plant oils were between 3‰ and >16‰ more negative (lighter in carbon) than in C4 and CAM oils. We also showed that the blending of C4 oils into C3 oils (exemplarily conducted with one olive and one corn oil) would be precisely determined by means of the δ13C value [‰] of ß-sitosterol.

Ti2C3 MXene-based nanocomposite as an intelligent nanoplatform for efficient mild hyperthermia treatment.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has attracted much attention due to its less invasive, controllable and highly effective nature. However, PTT also suffers from intrinsic cancer resistance mediated by cell survival pathways. These survival pathways are regulated by a variety of proteins, among which heat shock protein (HSP) triggers thermotolerance and protects tumor cells from hyperthermia-induced apoptosis. Confronted by this challenge, we propose and validate here a novel MXene-based HSP-inhibited mild photothermal platform, which significantly enhances the sensitivity of tumor cells to heat-induced stress and thus improves the PPT efficacy. The Ti3C2@Qu nanocomposites are constructed by utilizing the high photothermal conversion ability of Ti3C2 nanosheets in combination with quercetin (Qu) as an inhibitor of HSP70. Qu molecules are loaded onto the nanoplatform in a pH-sensitive controlled release manner. The acidic environment of the tumor causes the burst-release of Qu molecules, which deplete the level of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in tumor cells and leave the tumor cells out from the protection of the heat-resistant survival pathway in advance, thus sensitizing the hyperthermia efficacy. The nanostructure, photothermal properties, pH-responsive controlled release, synergistic photothermal ablation of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, and hyperthermia effect on subcellular structures of the Ti3C2@Qu nanocomposites were systematically investigated.

Complement C3-Deficiency-Induced Constipation in FVB/N-C3em1Hlee/Korl Knockout Mice Was Significantly Relieved by Uridine and Liriope platyphylla L. Extracts.

Complement component 3 (C3) deficiency has recently been known as a cause of constipation, without studies on the therapeutic efficacy. To evaluate the therapeutic agents against C3-deficiency-induced constipation, improvements in the constipation-related parameters and the associated molecular mechanisms were examined in FVB/N-C3em1Hlee/Korl knockout (C3 KO) mice treated with uridine (Urd) and the aqueous extract of Liriope platyphylla L. (AEtLP) with laxative activity. The stool parameters and gastrointestinal (GI) transit were increased in Urd- and AEtLP-treated C3 KO mice compared with the vehicle (Veh)-treated C3 KO mice. Urd and AEtLP treatment improved the histological structure, junctional complexes of the intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB), mucin secretion ability, and water retention capacity. Also, an improvement in the composition of neuronal cells, the regulation of excitatory function mediated via the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), and the regulation of the inhibitory function mediated via the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) were detected in the enteric nervous system (ENS) of Urd- and AEtLP-treated C3 KO mice. Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that C3-deficiency-induced constipation can improve with treatment with Urd and AEtLP via the regulation of the mucin secretion ability, water retention capacity, and ENS function.

Knowledge coproduction to improve assessments of nature's contributions to people.

Sustainability science needs new approaches to produce, share, and use knowledge because there are major barriers to translating research into policy and practice. Multiple actors hold relevant knowledge for sustainability including indigenous and local people who have developed over generations knowledge, methods, and practices that biodiversity and ecosystem assessments need to capture. Despite efforts to mainstream knowledge coproduction, less than 3% of the literature on nature's contributions to people (NCP) integrates indigenous and local knowledge (ILK). Approaches and tools to better integrate scientific and ILK knowledge systems in NCP assessments are urgently needed. To fill this gap, we conducted interviews with ILK experts from Abancay and Tamburco, Peru, and convened focus groups and workshops during which participatory mapping, a serious game, a Bayesian belief network based on ILK were introduced. We inventoried 60 medicinal plants used to treat different illnesses, and analyzed the spatial distribution of the 7 plants that contribute the most to a good quality of life, and delineated their nonmedicinal uses. Based on the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services conceptual framework, we defined dimensions of a good quality of life according to indigenous and local worldviews. Medicinal plants contributed strongly to health and household security, among other contributions. Climate change and overexploitation were the main perceived threats to medicinal plants, despite the existence of formal and customary institutions to regulate trade. Our approach was flexible enough to integrate diverse forms of knowledge, as well as qualitative and quantitative information from, for example, the Bayesian belief network.

Coproducción de conocimiento para mejorar la evaluación de las contribuciones de la naturaleza para las personas Resumen La ciencia de la sostenibilidad necesita nuevos enfoques para producir, compartir y utilizar los conocimientos, ya que existen grandes obstáculos para trasladar la investigación a la política y la práctica. Varios actores poseen conocimientos relevantes para la sostenibilidad, incluidos los pueblos originarios y locales que han desarrollado conocimientos, métodos y prácticas a lo largo de generaciones, que deben reflejarse en las evaluaciones de la biodiversidad y los ecosistemas. A pesar de los esfuerzos por integrar la coproducción de conocimientos, <3% de la bibliografía sobre las contribuciones de la naturaleza a las personas (CNP) integra los conocimientos autóctonos y locales (CAL). Se necesitan urgentemente enfoques y herramientas para integrar mejor los sistemas de conocimiento científico y los conocimientos autóctonos y locales en las evaluaciones de los CNP. Para llenar este vacío, realizamos entrevistas con expertos en CAL de Abancay y Tamburco, Perú, y convocamos grupos focales y talleres durante los cuales se introdujeron el mapeo participativo, un juego serio y una red de creencia bayesiana basada en CAL. Inventariamos 60 plantas medicinales utilizadas para tratar diferentes enfermedades y analizamos la distribución espacial de las siete especies de plantas que más contribuyen a una buena calidad de vida y delineamos sus usos no medicinales. A partir del marco conceptual de la Plataforma Intergubernamental Científico-Normativa sobre Diversidad Biológica y Servicios de los Ecosistemas, definimos las dimensiones de una buena calidad de vida según las cosmovisiones autóctonas y locales. Las plantas medicinales contribuían en gran medida a la salud y a la seguridad de los hogares, entre otras aportaciones. El cambio climático y la sobreexplotación fueron las principales amenazas percibidas para las plantas medicinales a pesar de la existencia de instituciones tradicionales que regulan el mercado. Nuestra estrategia fue lo suficientemente flexible para integrar el conocimiento diverso, así como la información cualitativa y cuantitativa, como por ejemplo la red de creencia bayesiana.

Neurofeedback for post-traumatic stress disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and neurophysiological outcomes.

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Existing treatments often fail to address the complexity of its symptoms and functional impairments resulting from severe and prolonged trauma. Electroencephalographic Neurofeedback (NFB) has emerged as a promising treatment that aims to reduce the symptoms of PTSD by modulating brain activity.Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of ten clinical trials to answer the question: how effective is NFB in addressing PTSD and other associated symptoms across different trauma populations, and are these improvements related to neurophysiological changes?Method: The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta analyses guidelines. We considered all published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs) involving adults with PTSD as a primary diagnosis without exclusion by type of trauma, co-morbid diagnosis, locality, or sex. Ten controlled studies were included; seven RCTs and three NRSIs with a total number of participants n = 293 (128 male). Only RCTs were included in the meta-analysis (215 participants; 88 male).Results: All included studies showed an advantage of NFB over control conditions in reducing symptoms of PTSD, with indications of improvement in symptoms of anxiety and depression and related neurophysiological changes. Meta-analysis of the pooled data shows a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms post-treatment SMD of -1.76 (95% CI -2.69, -0.83), and the mean remission rate was higher in the NFB group (79.3%) compared to the control group (24.4%). However, the studies reviewed were mostly small, with heterogeneous populations and varied quality.Conclusions: The effect of NFB on the symptoms of PTSD was moderate and mechanistic evidence suggested that NFB leads to therapeutic changes in brain functioning. Future research should focus on more rigorous methodological designs, expanded sample size and longer follow-up.

Neurofeedback (NFB) was found to have moderate beneficial effects on PTSD symptoms, and positive effects on secondary outcomes such as depression and anxiety, according to a meta-analysis of seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs).The beneficial effects of NFB were observed across diverse populations, including those with different types of trauma (military and civilians) and from different ethnic backgrounds.Results suggest that modulation of alpha rhythm might be a viable NFB protocol in patients with PTSD, as changes in neurophysiological functioning, such as connectivity in the Default Mode Network (DMN) and Salience Network (SN), were observed post-NFB and were correlated with a decrease in PTSD severity.

An Epistolary Conversation.

This written exchange is between a senior and a younger Jungian analyst on issues relevant to the development of analytical psychology throughout the world today. The younger analyst, Stefano Carpani, considers himself a neo-Jungian. He explains to John Beebe, known for post-Jungian contributions to the study of typology, integrity, and gender, how important it is to include sociological perspectives alongside those that stem from the Jungian practice of relational psychoanalysis. The degree to which analysis has become an extended meditation on the relation of individual self-exploration to supra-personal Self-realization is emphasized by both authors, who envision this introspection leading to an expanded inner openness that Carpani has called "absolute freedom." The authors conclude that absolute freedom is a space of engaged reflection that can permit an informed but individualized approach to the complexities of the world soul today.

Il s'agit d'un échange par écrit entre deux analystes jungiens - l'un plus agé, l'autre plus jeune - sur des questions concernant le développement actuel de la psychologie analytique à travers le monde. L'analyste plus jeune, Stefano Carpani, se considère comme un néo-jungien. Il explique à John Beebe - qui est connu pour ses contributions post- jungiennes à l'étude de la typologie, de l'intégrité et du genre - à quel point il est important d'inclure des perspectives sociologiques aux côtés de celles qui découlent de la pratique jungienne de la psychanalyse relationnelle. Les deux auteurs insistent sur le degré auquel l'analyse est devenue une méditation prolongée concernant la relation entre l'exploration individuelle de soi et une réalisation supra-personnelle du Soi. Ils envisagent que cette introspection mène à une ouverture intérieure élargie que Carpani a appelée « liberté absolue ¼. Les auteurs concluent que la liberté absolue est un espace de réflexion engagée qui peut permettre une approche éclairée mais individualisée des complexités de l'âme du monde aujourd'hui.

Este intercambio escrito es entre un analista junguiano senior y otro más joven sobre temas relevantes para el desarrollo de la psicología analítica en el mundo actual. El analista más joven, Stefano Carpani, se considera neo-jungiano. Explica a John Beebe, conocido por sus contribuciones postjungianas al estudio de la tipología, la integridad y el género, lo importante que es incluir perspectivas sociológicas junto a las que se derivan de la práctica junguiana del psicoanálisis relacional. Ambos autores enfatizan el grado en que el análisis devino en una prolongada meditación en la relación entre la exploración individual del self y la realización suprapersonal del Self, y visualizan como esta introspección conduce a una expansiva apertura interior que Carpani ha llamado "libertad absoluta". Los autores concluyen que la libertad absoluta es un espacio de reflexión comprometida que puede permitir una aproximación fundamentada y singular a las complejidades del alma del mundo actual.

Art at the Start: A controlled trial and close observation of parent-infant art therapy intervention.

This two-part study seeks to evidence art therapy intervention for parent-infant attachment relationships, looking at improvements to wellbeing and relationships. Study one was a controlled trial with 105 participating parent/caregivers and their infants (0-3-years), identified due to concerns about their relationship. They were quasi-randomized to attend a 12-week art therapy group or treatment as usual. Measures focused on parents' wellbeing and their perceptions of their relationship with their infant. In study 2 we analyzed video footage from the first and penultimate sessions of a sample of 37 dyads, looking for observable changes in the different channels of communication upon which attachments are predicated. The controlled trial showed intervention participants had significantly improved parental wellbeing, significant increases in attachment warmth and significant decreases in intrusion. This contrasted with the control sample who showed a significant decrease in wellbeing, stable warmth, and significant increases in intrusion. The observation study showed that there was a significant increase in the communicative behaviors from the parents to the infant which would support attachments between the first and penultimate sessions. We conclude that these results make a robust case for the inclusion of art therapy within the range of interventions available for at risk early relationships.

Este estudio en dos partes busca evidenciar la intervención terapéutica de arte para las relaciones afectivas progenitor-infante, mirando las mejoras al bienestar y las relaciones. El primer estudio se trata de un ensayo controlado con la participación de 105 progenitores/cuidadores y sus infantes (0-3 años), identificados en atención a preocupaciones acerca de su relación. Ellos fueron asignados cuasi al azar para participar en un grupo de terapia de arte o seguir el tratamiento acostumbrado. Las medidas se enfocan en el bienestar de los progenitores y sus percepciones acerca de sus relaciones con sus infantes. En el estudio 2 analizamos grabaciones de video de la primera y penúltima sesiones de un grupo muestra de 37 díadas, buscando cambios observables en los diferentes canales de comunicación sobre los cuales se fundamenta la unión afectiva. El ensayo controlado mostró que los participantes de la intervención habían mejorado significativamente su bienestar como progenitores, mejoras significativas en la calidez de la afectividad y significativas disminuciones en la intrusión. Esto contrastó con el grupo muestra de control que mostró una significativa disminución en el bienestar, una estable calidez y significativos aumentos en la intrusión. El estudio de observación mostró que había un aumento significativo en los comportamientos comunicativos de progenitores a infantes lo cual apoyaría los acoplamientos entre la primera y penúltima sesiones. Concluimos con que estos resultados formulan un caso sólido para la inclusión de la terapia de arte dentro de la gama de intervenciones disponibles para relaciones tempranas bajo riesgo.

Cette étude en deux parties s'est attachée à examinant l'intervention de thérapie artistique pour les relations d'attachement parent-nourrisson, étudiant les améliorations dans le bien-être et les relations. La première étude a consisté en un essai contrôlé avec 105 parents/personnes prenant soin des enfants et leurs bébés (0-3 ans), ayant été identifiés du fait d'inquiétudes à propos de leur relation. Ils ont été quasiment randomisés pour participer à un groupe de thérapie par l'art ou le traitement habituel. Les mesures ont mis l'accent sur le bien-être des parents et leurs perceptions de leur relation avec leur bébé. Dans la deuxième étude nous avons analysé des prises à la vidéo de la première et de la dernière session d'un échantillon de 37 dyades, cherchant des changements observables dans les différentes chaînes de communication sur lesquelles reposent les attachements. L'essai contrôlé a montré que les participants à l'intervention faisaient preuve d'améliorations importantes dans leur bien-être parental, dans la chaleur de l'attachement et de diminutions importantes dans l'intrusion. Cela a contrasté avec le groupe de contrôle qui a fait preuve d'une baisse importante du bien-être, d'une chaleur stable et d'augmentations importantes dans l'intrusion. Cette étude d'observation a montré qu'il y avait une augmentation importante des comportements communicatifs de la part des parents envers les bébés qui soutiendrait les attachements entre la première et la dernière session. Nous concluons que ces résultats présentent des arguments solides en faveur de l'inclusion de la thérapie par l'art au sein d'une éventail d'interventions disponibles pour les relations précoces à risque.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of C3H Zinc Finger Family in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Transcription factors containing a CCCH structure (C3H) play important roles in plant growth and development, and their stress response, but research on the C3H gene family in potato has not been reported yet. In this study, we used bioinformatics to identify 50 C3H genes in potato and named them StC3H-1 to StC3H-50 according to their location on chromosomes, and we analyzed their physical and chemical properties, chromosome location, phylogenetic relationship, gene structure, collinearity relationship, and cis-regulatory element. The gene expression pattern analysis showed that many StC3H genes are involved in potato growth and development, and their response to diverse environmental stresses. Furthermore, RT-qPCR data showed that the expression of many StC3H genes was induced by high temperatures, indicating that StC3H genes may play important roles in potato response to heat stress. In addition, Some StC3H genes were predominantly expressed in the stolon and developing tubers, suggesting that these StC3H genes may be involved in the regulation of tuber development. Together, these results provide new information on StC3H genes and will be helpful for further revealing the function of StC3H genes in the heat stress response and tuber development in potato.

Integration of high visible-light-driven ternary dual Z-scheme AgVO3-InVO4/g-C3N4 heterojunction nanocomposite for enhanced uranium(VI) photoreduction separation.

With deepening application of nuclear power technology, the problem of water ecological environment pollution caused by uranium (U(VI)) is becoming increasingly serious. Photoreduction separation of U(VI) on photocatalysts is considered as an effective strategy to solve uranium pollution. In this work, a novel ternary dual Z-scheme AgVO3-InVO4/g-C3N4 heterojunction (Z-AIGH) nanocomposite with high surface area (73.45 m2 g-1, Z-AIGH2) was designed. The batch adsorption experiment in dark environment showed that Z-AIGH2 nanocomposite had an excellent U(VI) adsorption performance. As for photocatalytic experiments, Z-AIGH2 exhibited a rapid photocatalytic response for separating U(VI) without any organic sacrifice agents. The U(VI) separation rate on Z-AIGH2 nanocomposite was over 98.7% after only 20.0 min visible light irradiation (T = 298 K, CU(Ⅵ) = 10.0 mg L-1, m/V = 0.1 g L-1 and pH = 7.0). Z-AIGH2 nanocomposite also showed good selectivity and cycle stability. The U(VI) removal rate of Z-AIGH2 nanocomposite after fifth cycles was about 96.1% (T = 298 K, CU(Ⅵ) = 10.0 mg L-1, m/V = 0.1 g L-1 and pH = 7.0). High photocatalytic activity of Z-AIGH2 for U(VI) was attributed to the construction of ternary dual Z-scheme heterojunction structure and ant nest-like hole structure. Based on above results, Z-AIGH2 nanocomposite had great potential for water environment renovation.

Diverse prenylated C6-C3 derivatives from the stems and branches of Illicium ternstroemioides A. C. Smith with anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities.

Fifteen unreported prenylated C6-C3 derivatives (1-15) were isolated from the stems and branches of Illicium ternstroemioides A. C. Smith, including one bis-prenylated C6-C3 derivative (1), three prenylated C6-C3 derivative-shikimic acid ester hybrids (2-4) and 11 prenylated C6-C3 monomers (5-15). The structures of compounds 1-15 were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and HRESIMS). The absolute configurations of the compounds were determined using electronic circular dichroism (ECD), induced circular dichroism (ICD), and the modified Mosher's method. Among the isolates, compounds 11, 12, and 15 exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting the nitric oxide with IC50 values ranging from 1.89 to 24.83 µM in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and murine BV2 microglial cells; compounds 2, 3, and 7 exhibited antiviral activitives against Coxsackievirus B3 with an IC50 value of 33.3, 25.9, and 27.8 µM, respectively.

A novel fasting regimen revealed protein reservation and complement C3 down-regulation after 14-day's continual dietary deprivation.

Objectives: The aim is to evaluate the effect of a novel 14-day fasting regimen on the balance between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue composition which might associate with inflammatory factors. Our analysis includes basic physical examinations, clinical laboratory analysis, bioelectrical impedance and biochemical analytic assessments of healthy volunteers. Methods: Eight healthy subjects were randomly selected from a pool of volunteers to undergo a continual dietary deprivation (CDD) regimen. Individuals were assigned to take Flexible Abrosia (FA, prebiotic combination) plus appropriate mineral supplement of potassium and magnesium at 3 mealtime every day to prevent potential injury from starved intestinal flora and avoid spasms of smooth muscle due to hunger. Physical and medical examinations were conducted and blood samples were collected at following timepoints: before CDD as self-control (0D), day 7 and day 14 during fasting, and 7-21days and/or 2~3mo after refeeding. Results: The combination of FA and mineral supplements significantly decreased self-reported physical response of starvation, with tolerable hunger-mediated sensations experienced during CDD. Bioelectrical and biochemical results indicated significant reduction in both muscle lean and fat mass on day 7. Meanwhile, markers related to fat composition consistently decreased during and after CDD. In addition, most biochemical marker levels, including serum proteins, reached their inflection points at the 7th day of CDD as compared to the control measurements. Levels of these factors started to show a relative plateau, or reversed direction upon the 14th day of CDD. The exceptions of above factors were myostatin and complement protein C3, which remained at lower concentrations in the blood throughout CDD, and were unable to fully recover toward baseline levels even after 3 months' refeeding. Conclusion: Our results indicated that human subjects undergoing prolonged dietary restriction were well protected by FA and mineral ions from gut injury or physical discomfort of starvation. Most factors showed a relative plateau response at the end of 14D-CDD. The muscle tissues were well preserved during prolonged fasting, and an improved protein/lipid ratio was observed. Upon refeeding, constant lower levels of myostatin and complement C3 were maintained after CDD implies a long-term beneficial effect in dealing with anti-aging and inflammation.

Fabrication of phosphoric-crosslinked chitosan@g-C3N4 gel beads for uranium(VI) separation from aqueous solution.

In this work, a novel g-C3N4 filled, phosphoric-crosslinked chitosan gel bead (P-CS@CN) was successfully prepared to adsorb U(VI) from water. The separation performance of chitosan was improved by introducing more functional groups. At pH 5 and 298 K, the adsorption efficiency and adsorption capacity could reach 98.0 % and 416.7 mg g-1, respectively. After adsorption, the morphological structure of P-CS@CN did not change and adsorption efficiency remained above 90 % after 5 cycles. P-CS@CN exhibited an excellent applicability in water environment based on dynamic adsorption experiments. Thermodynamic analyses demonstrated the value of ΔG, manifesting the spontaneity of U(VI) adsorption process on P-CS@CN. The positive values of ΔH and ΔS showed that the U(VI) removal behavior of P-CS@CN was an endothermic reaction, indicating that the increase of temperature was great benefit to the removal. The adsorption mechanism of P-CS@CN gel bead could be summarized as the complexation reaction with the surface functional groups. This study not only developed an efficient adsorbent for the treatment of radioactive pollutants, but also provided a simple and feasible strategy for the modification of chitosan-based adsorption materials.

Lithium and phosphorus-functionalized graphitic carbon nitride monolayer for efficient hydrogen storage: A DFT study.

We have explored the consequence of lithium and phosphorous functionalization on the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) monolayer for hydrogen storage using density functional theory. Both pristine and Li and P decorated g-C3N4 show a semiconductor nature. The substantial overlap between the s orbital of Li and the p orbital of nitrogen near the Fermi level shows the binding between Li and the g-C3N4. The repositioning of HOMO and LUMO is noticed in the Li and P decorated g-C3N4. The Bader charge analysis indicates the charge allocation from the Li and P atom to the g-C3N4, which results in the adsorption of H2 by electrostatic interaction. The hydrogen storage capacity of 5.78 wt% is obtained after functionalizing Li and P into the g-C3N4. The obtained adsorption energies for the H2 adsorption and the H2 desorption temperature confirm that Li and P functionalized g-C3N4 is a fascinating candidate for the reversible loading of H2 at ambient conditions.

Efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy for fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors: a randomized single-case experimental design.

Background: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is one of the greatest problems with which cancer survivors have to deal. High levels of FCR are characterized by intrusive thoughts about cancer-related events and re-experiencing these events, avoidance of reminders of cancer, and hypervigilance, similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy focuses on these images and memories. It is effective in reducing PTSD and may be effective in reducing high levels of FCR.Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of EMDR for severe FCR in breast and colorectal cancer survivors.Method: A multiple-baseline single-case experimental design (n = 8) was used. Daily repeated measurements for FCR were taken during the baseline phase and treatment phase, post-treatment, and at the 3 month follow-up. Participants answered the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS) and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, Dutch version (FCRI-NL) five times, i.e. at the start and at the end of each phase (baseline, treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up). The study was prospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NL8223).Results: Visual analysis and effect size calculation by Tau-U were executed for the daily questionnaire on FCR. The weighted average Tau-U score was .63 (p < .01) for baseline versus post-treatment, indicating large change, and .53 (p < .01) between baseline and follow-up, indicating moderate change. The scores on the CWS and FCRI-NL-SF decreased significantly from baseline to follow-up.Conclusion: The results seem promising for EMDR therapy as a potentially effective treatment for FCR. Further research is recommended.

Patients who experience high fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) often have intrusive memories and images about (future) cancer-related events.Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can focus on these intrusions.EMDR therapy is found to be a promising therapy for patients experiencing high FCR.

Enhancement of CdS resistance to photocorrosion and photocatalytic removal of uranyl by complexation with N-deficient g-C3N4under aerobic conditions.

The effect of oxygen on the reduction of uranyl and photocorrosion of CdS remains a pressing issue when CdS is used as a photocatalyst for the removal of uranyl in uranium-containing wastewater. In this study, composites (CdS/PCN) were prepared by designing N-deficient g-C3N4 composite with CdS for efficient photocatalytic reduction of uranyl under aerobic condition. Meanwhile, a series of characterizations of the CdS/PCN composites were carried out by XRD, FT-IR, XPS, EDS and UV-vis. Surprisingly, the CdS/PCN not only showed very high photocatalytic reduction activity for uranyl under aerobic condition, but also the photocorrosion of CdS by oxygen and h+ was inhibited. With a starting uranium (VI) concentration of 20 ppm, the uranium (VI) removal efficiency could reach 97.33% (dark: 30 min, light: 10 min). Interestingly, the removal efficiency was better in air condition than in pure nitrogen or 30% oxygen atmosphere, i.e. a proper amount of oxygen has accelerated the reduction reaction, while excess oxygen weakened the reduction. Finally, a new mechanism of reduction of uranyl by CdS/PCN photocatalyst was given under aerobic condit ions. This work presents a novel strategy for reduction of U(VI) by photocatalysis and the inhibition of photocorrosion of photocatalysts under aerobic conditions.

Therapeutic hyperthermia regulates complement C3 activation and suppresses tumor development through HSPA5/NFκB/CD55 pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in Southern China and Southeast Asia. Hyperthermia is widely used in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy to enhance therapeutic efficacy in NPC treatment, but the underlying anti-tumor mechanisms of hyperthermia remain unclear. Complement C3 has been reported to participate in the activation of immune system in the tumor microenvironment, leading to tumor growth inhibition. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect and mechanisms of hyperthermia and investigate the functional role of complement C3 in NPC hyperthermia therapy (HT). The serum levels of complement C3 before and after hyperthermia therapy in patients with NPC were analyzed. NPC cell lines SUNE1 and HONE1 were used for in vitro experiment to evaluate the function of complement C3 and HT on cell proliferation and apoptosis. SUNE1 xenograft mouse model was established and tumor-bearing mice were treated in water bath at a constant temperature of 43°C. Tumor samples were collected at different time points to verify the expression of complement C3 by immunohistochemical staining and western blot. The differential expressed genes after hyperthermia were analyzed by using RNA sequencing. We found that complement could enhance hyperthermia effect on suppressing proliferation and promoting apoptosis of tumor cells in NPC. Hyperthermia decreased the mRNA expression of complement C3 in tumor cells, but promoted the aggregation and activation circulating C3 in NPC tumor tissue. By using in vitro hyperthermia-treated NPC cell lines and SUNE1 xenograft tumor-bearing mice, we found that the expression of heat shock protein 5 (HSPA5) was significantly upregulated. Knockdown of HSPA5 abrogated the anti-tumor effect of hyperthermia. Moreover, we demonstrated that hyperthermia downregulated CD55 expression via HSPA5/NFκB (P65) signaling and activated complement cascade. Our findings suggest that therapeutic hyperthermia regulates complement C3 activation and suppresses tumor development via HSPA5/NFκB/CD55 pathway in NPC.

Relationship between physical activity and individual mental health after traumatic events: a systematic review.

Background: Traumatic events can cause social tension, anxiety, panic and other psychological crises, and can even cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide. Physical activity has a good role in promoting mental health, and has a great application prospect in individual psychological intervention after traumatic events. However, no systematic review of the relationship between physical activity and individual mental health after traumatic events affecting many people has been published so far, which makes it impossible for people to understand the research status in this field from a holistic perspective.Objective: This review explores the relationship between physical activity and individual psychology, physiology, subjective quality of life and well-being after traumatic events, so as to provide some valuable clues or enlightenment for individual psychological intervention after traumatic events.Method: Relevant literature was searched in five databases, summarised, sorted and studied.Results: Thirty-three study papers were included in this review, the main study findings include: (1) Physical activity is positively correlated with individual mental resilience and subjective well-being after traumatic events, and negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, tension and PTSD. (2) Individuals with higher levels of physical activity have better mental health status after traumatic events than those who do not regularly engage in physical activity. (3) Physical activity can promote sleep quality, self-efficacy, subjective quality of life and various physiological functions of those experiencing traumatic events. (4) Physical activity (including exercise) is regarded as one of the preferred nursing measures to buffer against mental stress and maintain physical and mental health for those experiencing traumatic events.Conclusion: The level of physical activity is positively correlated with individual physical and mental health before and after traumatic events. Physical activity can be used as one of the effective measures to improve individual mental health after traumatic events.

Physical activity can be used as one of the important measures to improve mental health of those experiencing traumatic events.Regular physical activity can reduce the impact of traumatic events on mental health, both before and after the events.

Spinach-derived boron-doped g-C3N4/TiO2 composites for efficient photo-degradation of methylene blue dye.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles can be beneficial due to their low toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and environment-friendliness. Its synthesis involves the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable materials such as plant extracts, natural products, and microorganisms to reduce the negative environmental impacts of traditional nanoparticle synthesis methods. Herein, Spinacia oleracea leaves are used as a boron source, and a visible light active photo-catalyst is produced. The effect of Co-Catalyst Boron in Graphitic carbon nitride based nanocomposites for methylene blue dye photo-degradation in water is examined. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was activated by changing the hydrogen potential value while utilizing a typical orange dye as a sensitizer. The graphitic carbon nitride/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized through a hydrothermal technique. To improve their performance, Boron used as a co-catalyst and B-doped g-C3N4/TiO2nanocomposites prepared through wet chemical co-percipitate mathod. UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM and FTIR spectroscopy were used to analyze the photocatalyst and boron-doped composites in detail. The photocatalytic performance of pristine photocatalyst CNTx (x = 2%,4%,6%,8%) and B-doped CNTx composites were examined for Methylene Blue degradation in the presence of a light source. The spectroscopy analysis showed that B-doped g-C3N4/TiO2 -8% nano-composites performed better than all other synthesized pristine catalysts and composites in this research. This research has demonstrated that B-doped g-C3N4/TiO2 composites can provide an ideal solution for treating polluted water using visible light as a source to activate these photocatalysts.

Toxicogenic effects of the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum on human liver and kidney tumor cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst., a bioactive mushroom with medicinal properties, is known to exert immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, and hepatoprotective effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, the effects of the G. lucidum fruiting body dry extract (GLE) on human liver (HepG2/C3A) and kidney (786-O) tumor cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MTT-based cytotoxicity, trypan blue-based cell viability, comet, and cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assays were performed, and the production of reactive oxygen species was evaluated in vitro. RESULTS: GLE was toxic to the tumor cells, decreasing their viability by increasing their production of reactive oxygen species and inducing damage to their DNA. By contrast, only high concentrations of GLE were toxic to lymphocytes and decreased their viability, whereas low concentrations increased lymphocyte viability. Moreover, primary DNA damage was induced by GLE only at the highest concentration tested. CONCLUSIONS: G. lucidum shows potential antitumor effects against cancerous kidney and liver cells, exhibiting cytotoxic and genotoxic activity at low concentrations, whereas the same effects in lymphocytes are mediated only at high concentrations. This mushroom has the potential to be biotechnologically developed into a therapeutic agent for diseases, such as cancer.

Metal-free phosphorus and boron-doped graphitic carbon nitride/zeolite hetero-linked particles for highly efficient green hydrogen production in methanol.

Herein, the development of phosphorus and boron-doped graphitic carbon nitride/zeolite (P- and B-doped g-C3N4-zeolite) catalyst under three-step heating conditions was performed. The first step is to prepare g-C3N4 synthesis from urea at 500 °C. In the second step, the production of a B-doped zeolite-g-C3N4 catalyst by calcination of g-C3N4 and zeolite was obtained at a ratio of 1:1 with boric acid at 500 °C. In the third step, the obtained B-doped zeolite- g-C3N4 catalyst consists of the preparation of B- and P-doped g-C3N4-zeolite catalyst as a result of the hydrothermal method with phosphoric acid. Characterization studies of the obtained catalysts were carried out with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These obtained catalysts were used as a metal-free catalyst in the production of hydrogen (H2-P) by sodium borohydride in methanol(NaBH4-MR) for the first time in the literature. The hydrogen production rate (HGR) value for P- and B-doped g-C3N4-zeolite catalysts was 6250 ml min-1 g-1.