Ferromagnetic ordering correlated strong metal-oxygen hybridization for superior oxygen reduction reaction activity.

The efficiency of transition-metal oxide materials toward oxygen-related electrochemical reactions is classically controlled by metal-oxygen hybridization. Recently, the unique magnetic exchange interactions in transition-metal oxides are proposed to facilitate charge transfer and reduce activation barrier in electrochemical reactions. Such spin/magnetism-related effects offer a new and rich playground to engineer oxide electrocatalysts, but their connection with the classical metal-oxygen hybridization theory remains an open question. Here, using the MnxVyOz family as a platform, we show that ferromagnetic (FM) ordering is intrinsically correlated with the strong manganese (Mn)-oxygen (O) hybridization of Mn oxides, thus significantly increasing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. We demonstrate that this enhanced Mn-O hybridization in FM Mn oxides is closely associated with the generation of active Mn sites on the oxide surface and obtaining favorable reaction thermodynamics under operating conditions. As a result, FM-Mn2V2O7 with a high degree of Mn-O hybridization achieves a record high ORR activity. Our work highlights the potential applications of magnetic oxide materials with strong metal-oxygen hybridization in energy devices.

Preliminary study of extracorporeal shock wave alleviating joint capsule fibrosis caused by internal bleeding of knee joint in rats.

PURPOSE: Joint contracture is a common disease in clinical practice, joint bleeding is an important factor affecting the progression of joint contracture. This study aimed to explore the effect of extracorporeal shock wave on alleviating joint capsule fibrosis caused by intra-articular hemorrhage in rats. METHODS: Forty two SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups. Perform simple fixation and fixation after blood injection separately. Measure the range of motion of each group's knee joints and calculate the corresponding degree of contraction. Use HE staining and Masson staining to detect the number of anterior joint capsule cells and collagen deposition. Detection of changes in Wnt1, ß-catenin protein expression in joint capsule using Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared to group C, the degree of knee joint contracture in M1 and M2 groups of rats increased, and collagen deposition, cell number and Wnt1, ß-catenin protein expression also increased accordingly. Compared to M1 and M2 groups, the degree of knee contraction in E1 and E2 groups were reduced, while collagen deposition, cell number and Wnt1, ß-catenin protein expression were decreased, and the degree of joint contracture in NR1 and NR2 groups showed no significant improvement. Compared to NR1 and NR2 groups, the degree of knee contraction in E1 and E2 groups were reduced, while collagen deposition, cell number and Wnt1, ß-catenin protein expression were decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Both rat models of knee joint contracture were successful, and joint bleeding can exacerbate joint contracture. Extracorporeal shock waves alleviate joint capsule fibrosis caused by intra-articular bleeding in rats.

Mammalian STE20-like kinase 1 inhibits synoviocytes activation in rheumatoid arthritis through mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by SIRT3/mTOR axis.

BACKGROUND: Mammalian STE20-like kinase 1 (MST1) is involved in the occurrence of cancer and autoimmune diseases by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and other functions. However, its role and downstream targets in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain unclear. METHODS: The model of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) overexpressing MST1 was constructed by lentiviral transfection in vitro and analyzed the effects of MST1 on apoptosis, migration, invasion, and inflammation of RA-FLSs. The effect of MST1 on joint synovial membrane inflammation and bone destruction was observed in vivo by establishing a rat model of arthritis with complete Freund's adjuvant. RESULTS: MST1 is down-regulated in RA-FLSs, and up-regulation of MST1 inhibits the survival, migration, invasion and inflammation of RA-FLSs. Mechanistically, MST1 inhibits SIRT3/mTOR-signaling pathway, inducing decreased mitochondrial autophagy and increased mitochondrial fission, resulting in mitochondrial morphological abnormalities and dysfunction, and ultimately increased apoptosis. We have observed that activation of MST1 alleviates synovial inflammation and bone erosion in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: MST1 reduces the survival, migration, invasion and inflammation of FLSs by inhibiting the SIRT3/mTOR axis to reduce mitochondrial autophagy and promote mitochondrial division, thereby achieving the potential role of relieving rheumatoid arthritis.

Analysis of clinical characteristics of mismatch repair status in colorectal cancer: a multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Microsatellite instability (MSI) caused by DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency is of great significance in the occurrence, diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). AIM: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between mismatch repair status and clinical characteristics of CRC. METHODS: The histopathological results and clinical characteristics of 2029 patients who suffered from CRC and underwent surgery at two centers from 2018 to 2020 were determined. After screening the importance of clinical characteristics through machine learning algorithms, the patients were divided into deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) and proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) groups based on the immunohistochemistry results and the clinical feature data between the two groups were observed by statistical methods. RESULTS: The dMMR and pMMR groups had significant differences in histologic type, TNM stage, maximum tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, differentiation grade, gross appearance, and vascular invasion. There were significant differences between the MLH1 groups in age, histologic type, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, tumor location, and depth of invasion. The MSH2 groups were significantly different in age. The MSH6 groups had significant differences in age, histologic type, and TNM stage. There were significant differences between the PMS2 groups in lymph node metastasis and tumor location. CRC was dominated by MLH1 and PMS2 combined expression loss (41.77%). There was a positive correlation between MLH1 and MSH2 and between MSH6 and PMS2 as well. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of mucinous adenocarcinoma, protruding type, and poor differentiation is relatively high in dMMR CRCs, but lymph node metastasis is rare. It is worth noting that the expression of MMR protein has different prognostic significance in different stages of CRC disease.

Proteomic analysis of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae outer membrane vesicles under the action of phages combined with tigecycline.

BACKGROUND: Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most commonly encountered pathogen in clinical practice. Widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics has led to the current global dissemination of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae, which poses a significant threat to antibacterial treatment efficacy and public health. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) have been identified as carriers capable of facilitating the transfer of virulence and resistance genes. However, the role of OMVs in carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae under external pressures such as antibiotic and phage treatments remains unclear. METHODS: To isolate and purify OMVs under the pressure of phages and tigecycline, we subjected K. pneumoniae 0692 harboring plasmid-mediated blaNDM-1 and blaKPC-2 genes to density gradient separation. The double-layer plate method was used to isolate MJ1, which efficiently lysed K. pneumoniae 0692 cells. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to characterize the isolated phages and extract OMV groups for relevant morphological identification. Determination of protein content of each OMV group was conducted through bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA) and proteomic analysis. RESULTS: K. pneumoniae 0692 released OMVs in response to different environmental stimuli, which were characterized through TEM as having the typical structure and particle size of OMVs. Phage or tigecycline treatment alone resulted in a slight increase in the mean protein concentration of OMVs secreted by K. pneumoniae 0692 compared to that in the untreated group. However, when phage treatment was combined with tigecycline, there was a significant reduction in the average protein concentration of OMVs compared to tigecycline treatment alone. Proteomics showed that OMVs encapsulated numerous functional proteins and that under different external stresses of phages and tigecycline, the proteins carried by K. pneumoniae 0692-derived OMVs were significantly upregulated or downregulated compared with those in the untreated group. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the ability of OMVs to carry abundant proteins and highlighted the important role of OMV-associated proteins in bacterial responses to phages and tigecycline, representing an important advancement in microbial resistance research.

The effect of virtual reality-based rehabilitation on mental health and quality of life of stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation on the mental health and quality of life of stroke patients. DATA SOURCES: The search strategy was conducted in five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases) from inception to December 2023. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effectiveness of standard rehabilitation and VR-based rehabilitation for stroke patients. DATA EXTRACTION: Data from the included articles were extracted independently by two authors, with any disagreements resolved through consultation with a third author. The extracted data included the first author's name, country/region, publication year, sample size, mean/median age of participants, gender distribution (the proportion of males), VR type, duration of rehabilitation, comparison, intervention, and assessment of outcome. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 29 studies involving 1,561 stroke patients were included. The results showed that compared with standard rehabilitation, VR-based rehabilitation remarkably reduced anxiety symptoms [SMD=-0.97 (95% CI [-1.84, -0.09], P <0.0001)], depression symptoms [SMD=-0.94 (95% CI [-1.46, -0.42], P <0.001)], and improved quality of life [SMD=0.94 (95% CI [0.42, 1.45], P <0.001)] of stroke patients. Subgroup analysis showed that immersive VR was particularly effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms compared to non-immersive VR. The longer the duration of VR intervention, exceeding 6 weeks, the more significant the effect of improving anxiety and depression symptoms. Meanwhile, VR-based rehabilitation significantly improved the psychological state and quality of life of European patients. CONCLUSIONS: VR-based rehabilitation significantly reduces anxiety and depression symptoms and enhances the quality of life in stroke patients compared to standard rehabilitation. The most notable improvements were observed with immersive VR-based rehabilitation programs over six weeks in duration, particularly among European patients.

Contamination and health risks brought by arsenic, lead and cadmium in a water-soil-plant system nearby a non-ferrous metal mining area.

Heavy metal(loid)s contamination prevails in the water-soil-plant system around non-ferrous metal mining areas. The present study aimed to evaluate the heavy metal(loid)s contamination in Nandan Pb-Zn mining area (Guangxi, China). A total of 36 river water samples, 75 paired paddy soil and rice samples, and 128 paired upland soil and plant samples were collected from this area. The concentrations of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in these samples were measured. Results showed that the average water quality indexes (WQIs) at the 12 sampling sites along the main river ranged from 41 to 5008, indicating the water qualities decreasing from "Excellent" to "Undrinkable". The WQIs nearby tailings or industrial park were significantly higher than those at the other sites. 34.0% and 64.5% of soil samples exceeded the risk screening values for As and Cd. The Pb and Cd concentrations in all rice samples exceeded the Chinese food safety limits by 18.7% and 82.7%, respectively. Leafy vegetables had a higher concentration of As, Pb, and Cd than other vegetables, exceeding the maximum permissible limits by 14.1%, 61.2%, and 40.0%, respectively. The biological accumulation coefficient (BAC) of Cd was the highest in rice and lettuce leaves. The hazard quotients (HQs) of As and Cd, indicating non-carcinogenic risks, were 4.15 and 1.76 in adult males, and 3.40 and 1.45 in adult females, all higher than the permitted level (1.0). The carcinogenic probabilities of As and Cd from rice and leafy vegetables consumption were all higher than 1 × 10-4. We conclude that metal(loid)s contamination of the water-soil-plant system has posed great non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the local population.

Prevalence and risk factors of depression and anxiety symptoms in intensive care unit patients with cardiovascular disease: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to explore which elements are risk factors for the development of anxiety and depression symptoms. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 1028 ICU patients with CVD were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Logistic regression was used to assess risk factors and associations between anxiety and depression symptoms, and mediation analysis was used to explore the effect of risk factors on the association between anxiety and depression symptoms. Reporting of the study followed the STROBE checklist. RESULTS: The results showed that among ICU patients with CVD, 38.1% had anxiety symptoms, 28.7% had depression symptoms and 19.3% had both anxiety and depression symptoms, and there was a significant association between anxiety and depression symptoms. We also identified female gender, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cardiac function class IV as independent risk factors for anxiety and depression symptoms. Importantly, these factors also mediated the association between anxiety and depression symptoms, emphasising their role in the psychological well-being of this patient group. CONCLUSION: ICU patients with CVD were prone to anxiety and depression symptoms. Female gender, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cardiac function class IV were identified as independent risk factors that also served as mediators in the relationship between anxiety and depression symptoms. Especially, cardiac function class IV emerged as a critical factor in this association. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is imperative for critical care professionals to recognize the elevated risk of depression and anxiety among ICU patients with severe CVD, especially those with cardiac function class IV, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and females. Proactive and supportive measures are essential for this vulnerable group during their ICU stay to safeguard their mental health and prevent negative outcomes. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution.

Effects of modified oropharyngeal exercises on individuals with simple snoring: An online randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Individuals who suffer from simple snoring rarely go to a doctor due to a lack of medical knowledge, but simple snoring can reduce the individual's quality of life and may cause social problems to the bed partner/family members. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study are to explore the effects of online modified oropharyngeal exercises on the individuals with simple snoring and to provide a rehabilitation method for individuals with simple snoring. METHODS: This study is a double-blinded, two-arm, randomized controlled trial. Participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 33) or the control group (n = 33). The participants in the control group received health education on snoring, while the participants in the intervention group received the modified oropharyngeal exercise besides health education on snoring. The intervention duration was 4 weeks. The primary outcomes included snoring index, snoring loudness, and snoring quantity. The secondary outcomes included self-reported snoring, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and quality of life. All outcomes were measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. RESULTS: Generalized estimating equations (GEE) analyses showed significant differences between the intervention group and the control group on snoring index, loudness, and quantity (p < .001). Moreover, modified oropharyngeal exercise had effects on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and quality of life in individuals with simple snoring (p < .001). Self-reported snoring also improved at 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: The modified oropharyngeal exercises were effective in improving simple snoring. It could also improve sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and quality of life.

Proanthocyanidins Ameliorate LPS-Inhibited Osteogenesis of PDLSCs by Restoring Lysine Lactylation.

Periodontitis is a bacteria-induced inflammatory disease characterized by the progressive destruction of periodontal supporting tissues. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, which is an important stem cell source for endogenous periodontal tissue regeneration. Lysine lactylation (Kla) is a novel post-translational modification of proteins that is recently thought to be associated with osteogenic differentiation. Here, we found that lactylation levels are reduced both in the periodontal tissue of rats with periodontitis and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human PDLSCs. Proanthocyanidins were able to promote the osteogenesis of inflamed PDLSCs by restoring lactylation levels. Mechanistically, proanthocyanidins increased lactate production and restored the lactylation levels of PDLSCs, which recovered osteogenesis of inflamed PDLSCs via the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. These results provide evidence on how epigenetic regulation by pharmacological agents influence the osteogenic phenotype of stem cells and the process of periodontal tissue repair. Our current study highlights the valuable potential of natural product proanthocyanidins in the regenerative engineering of periodontal tissues.

Effects of Nitric Oxide on Bladder Detrusor Overactivity through the NRF2 and HIF-1α Pathways: A Rat Model Induced by Metabolic Syndrome and Ovarian Hormone Deficiency.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) includes cardiovascular risk factors like obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and glucose intolerance, which increase the risk of overactive bladder (OAB), characterized by urgency, frequency, urge incontinence, and nocturia. Both MetS and ovarian hormone deficiency (OHD) are linked to bladder overactivity. Nitric oxide (NO) is known to reduce inflammation and promote healing but its effect on bladder overactivity in MetS and OHD is unclear. This study aimed to investigate NO's impact on detrusor muscle hyperactivity in rats with MetS and OHD. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups based on diet and treatments involving L-arginine (NO precursor) and L-NAME (NOS inhibitor). After 12 months on a high-fat, high-sugar diet with or without OVX, a cystometrogram and tracing analysis of voiding behavior were used to identify the symptoms of detrusor hyperactivity. The MetS with or without OHD group had a worse bladder contractile response while L-arginine ameliorated bladder contractile function. In summary, MetS with or without OHD decreased NO production, reduced angiogenesis, and enhanced oxidative stress to cause bladder overactivity, mediated through the NF-kB signaling pathway, whereas L-arginine ameliorated the symptoms of detrusor overactivity and lessened oxidative damage via the NRF2/HIF-1α signaling pathway in MetS with or without OHD-induced OAB.

Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Ameliorates Detrusor Hyperactivity with Impaired Contractility via Transient Potential Vanilloid Channels: A Rat Model for Ovarian Hormone Deficiency.

This study explores low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LiESWT)'s efficacy in alleviating detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility (DHIC) induced by ovarian hormone deficiency (OHD) in ovariectomized rats. The rats were categorized into the following four groups: sham group; OVX group, subjected to bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) for 12 months to induce OHD; OVX + SW4 group, underwent OHD for 12 months followed by 4 weeks of weekly LiESWT; and OVX + SW8 group, underwent OHD for 12 months followed by 8 weeks of weekly LiESWT. Cystometrogram studies and voiding behavior tracing were used to identify the symptoms of DHIC. Muscle strip contractility was evaluated through electrical-field, carbachol, ATP, and KCl stimulations. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to assess the expressions of various markers related to bladder dysfunction. The OVX rats exhibited significant bladder deterioration and overactivity, alleviated by LiESWT. LiESWT modified transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channel expression, regulating calcium concentration and enhancing bladder capacity. It also elevated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins, influencing ER-related Ca2+ channels and receptors to modulate detrusor muscle contractility. OHD after 12 months led to neuronal degeneration and reduced TRPV1 and TRPV4 channel activation. LiESWT demonstrated potential in enhancing angiogenic remodeling, neurogenesis, and receptor response, ameliorating DHIC via TRPV channels and cellular signaling in the OHD-induced DHIC rat model.

Functional teeth and cognitive function among the Chinese elderly: The chain mediating effect of depressive symptoms and social participation.

The objective of this study was to investigate the chain mediating effects of depressive symptoms and social participation between functional teeth and cognitive function based on the biopsychosocial model. Data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were analyzed. The findings revealed a favorable connection between the lack of edentulism and cognitive function, persisting even when accounting for the mediating factors of denture usage, depressive symptoms, and social participation. Furthermore, the study identified six indirect pathways in this relationship. The present study has substantiated the correlation between edentulism and cognitive function, thereby proposing that interventions aimed at denture usage, depressive symptoms, and social participation could potentially serve as preventive measures against cognitive decline in elderly individuals afflicted with edentulism. This underscores the significance of addressing these factors to alleviate cognitive decline.

Characteristics and source apportionment of ambient volatile organic compounds and ozone generation sensitivity in urban Jiaozuo, China.

In recent years, many cities have taken measures to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), an important precursor of ozone (O3), to alleviate O3 pollution in China. 116 VOC species were measured by online and offline methods in the urban area of Jiaozuo from May to October in 2021 to analyze the compositional characteristics. VOC sources were analyzed by a positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, and the sensitivity of ozone generation was determined by ozone isopleth plotting research (OZIPR) simulation. The results showed that the average volume concentration of total VOCs was 30.54 ppbv and showed a bimodal feature due to the rush-hour traffic in the morning and at nightfall. The most dominant VOC groups were oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs, 29.3%) and alkanes (26.7%), and the most abundant VOC species were acetone and acetylene. However, based on the maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) method, the major VOC groups in terms of ozone formation potential (OFP) contribution were OVOCs (68.09 µg/m3, 31.5%), aromatics (62.90 µg/m3, 29.1%) and alkene/alkynes (54.90 µg/m3, 25.4%). This indicates that the control of OVOCs, aromatics and alkene/alkynes should take priority. Five sources of VOCs were quantified by PMF, including fixed sources of fossil fuel combustion (27.8%), industrial processes (25.9%), vehicle exhaust (19.7%), natural and secondary formation (13.9%) and solvent usage (12.7%). The empirical kinetic modeling approach (EKMA) curve obtained by OZIPR on O3 exceedance days indicated that the O3 sensitivity varied in different months. The results provide theoretical support for O3 pollution prevention and control in Jiaozuo.

Reconstructed Bismuth Oxide through in situ Carbonation by Carbonate-containing Electrolyte for Highly Active Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Formate.

The catalyst-reconstruction makes it challenging to clarify the practical active sites and unveil the actual reaction mechanism during the CO2 electroreduction reaction (CO2 RR). However, currently the impact of the electrolyte microenvironment in which the electrolyte is in contact with the catalyst is overlooked and might induce a chemical evolution, thus confusing the reconstruction process and mechanism. In this work, the carbonate adsorption properties of metal oxides were investigated, and the mechanism of how the electrolyte carbonate affect the chemical evolution of catalysts were discussed. Notably, Bi2 O3 with weak carbonate adsorption underwent a chemical reconstruction to form the Bi2 O2 CO3 /Bi2 O3 heterostructure. Furthermore, in situ and ex situ characterizations unveiled the formation mechanism of the heterostructure. The in situ formed Bi2 O2 CO3 /Bi2 O3 heterostructure with strong electron interaction served as the highly active structure for CO2 RR, achieving a formate Faradaic efficiency of 98.1 % at -0.8 Vvs RHE . Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the significantly tuned p-orbit electrons of the Bi sites in Bi2 O2 CO3 /Bi2 O3 optimized the adsorption of the intermediate and lowered the energy barrier for the formation of *OCHO. This work elucidates the mechanism of electrolyte microenvironment for affecting catalyst reconstruction, which contributes to the understanding of reconstruction process and clarification of the actual catalytic structure.

CFAP61 knockdown aggravates male infertility by inhibiting testosterone secretion by Leydig cells via the MAPK/COX-2 pathway.

This study aimed to elucidate the roles of cilia- and flagella-associated protein 61 (CFAP61) in male infertility and its underlying mechanisms. CFAP61 expression levels in the testicular tissues of male patients with infertility were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical assay, and western blotting. Moreover, the specific roles of CFAP61 in male infertility were evaluated using cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Here, CFAP61 was expressed at low levels in the testicular tissues of male patients with infertility. Functionally, CFAP61 knockdown reduced the Leydig cell viability and testosterone secretion and enhanced apoptosis. A mechanistic study further revealed that silencing CFAP61 promoted the expression levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) signaling pathway-related proteins (p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), p-P38, and COX-2). In conclusion, CFAP61 knockdown facilitated male infertility by suppressing Leydig cell viability and testosterone secretion and enhanced cell apoptosis by activating the MAPK/COX-2 pathway. Our data suggest CFAP61 as a potential therapeutic target for male infertility.

Enhanced Performance of Li-Rich Manganese Oxide Cathode Synergistically Modificated by F-Doping and Oleic Acid Treatment.

Even lithium-rich manganese oxides (LRMOs) are considered as promising cathode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries, their commercialization is hindered mainly by the low initial Coulombic efficiency, poor cyclability and unexpected capacity fade. Here, a synergistic modification strategy by using both F doping and weak organic acid surface treatment is proposed to improve the electrochemical performances of LRMOs significantly. Optimized Li1.2 Mn0.54 Ni0.13 Co0.13 O1.95 F0.05 sample with surface oxygen vacancy defects and thin carbon coating layer exhibits profound electrochemical performances, for example, discharging capacities of 298.6 and 212.5 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C and 1 C rate, respectively. In addition, it can own an initial Coulombic efficiency of 84.4%, which is much higher than that of untreated sample. In situ X-ray diffraction analysis implies that synergistic modification can enhance the skeleton stability of LRMOs , especially at a high state of charge. Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique analysis suggests that as-developed synergistic modification can accelerate the lithium ions diffusion. Theoretical calculations reveal that substituted F and oxygen vacancy defects can diminish the diffusion energy barrier of Li+ ions. This work provides a new synergistic modification strategy to improve the comprehensive properties of LRMO cathode effectively.

Effects of Hizikia fusiforme polysaccharides on innate immunity and disease resistance of the mud crab Scylla paramamosain.

In this study, we extracted the polysaccharides from Hizikia fusiforme (HFPs) and evaluated their effects on the immune response of the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Compositional analysis revealed that HFPs were composed mainly of mannuronic acid (49.05%) and fucose (22.29%) as sulfated polysaccharides, and the sugar chain structure was ß-type. These results indicated that HFPs have potential antioxidant and immunostimulation activity in vivo or in vitro assays. Through this research, we found that HFPs inhibited viral replication in white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)-infected crabs and promoted phagocytosis of Vibrio alginolyticus by hemocytes. Quantitative PCR results showed that HFPs up-regulated the expression levels of astakine, crustin, myosin, MCM7, STAT, TLR, JAK, CAP, and p53 in crab hemocytes. HFPs also promoted the activities of superoxide dismutase and acid phosphatase and the hemolymph antioxidant activities of crabs. HFPs maintained peroxidase activity after WSSV challenge, thereby providing protection against oxidative damage caused by the virus. HFPs also promoted apoptosis of hemocytes after WSSV infection. In addition, HFPs significantly enhanced the survival rate of WSSV-infected crabs. All results confirmed that HFPs improved the innate immunity of S. paramamosain by enhancing the expression of antimicrobial peptides, antioxidant enzyme activity, phagocytosis, and apoptosis. Therefore, HFPs have potential for use as therapeutic or preventive agents to regulate the innate immunity of mud crabs and protect them against microbial infection.

Proanthocyanidin enhances the endogenous regeneration of alveolar bone by elevating the autophagy of PDLSCs.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of proanthocyanidin (PA) on osteogenesis mediated by periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and endogenous alveolar bone regeneration. BACKGROUND: Leveraging the osteogenic potential of resident stem cells is a promising strategy for alveolar bone regeneration. PA has been reported to be effective in osteogenesis. However, the effect and mechanism of PA on the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs remain elusive. METHODS: Human PDLSCs were treated with various doses of PA to assess the cell proliferation using Cell Counting Kit-8. The osteogenic differentiation ability was detected by qRT-PCR analysis, western blot analysis, Alizarin red S staining, and Alkaline Phosphatase staining. The level of autophagy was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and western blot analysis. RNA sequencing was utilized to screen the potential signaling pathway. The alveolar bone defect model of rats was created to observe endogenous bone regeneration. RESULTS: PA activated intracellular autophagy in PDLSCs, resulting in enhanced osteogenic differentiation. Moreover, this effect could be abolished by the autophagy inhibitor 3-Methyladenine. Mechanistically, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was negatively correlated with PA-mediated autophagy activation. Lastly, PA promoted the alveolar bone regeneration in vivo, and this effect was reversed when the autophagy process was blocked. CONCLUSION: PA may activate autophagy by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to promote the osteogenesis of PDLSCs and enhance endogenous alveolar bone regeneration.

Effects of cereal bran consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Cardiovascular disease is a prevalent worldwide disease, and cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) include hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and adiposity. Healthy diets are the critical factor in controlling these CMRFs risks, especially cereal bran which contains many beneficial substances. However, there are still contradictions in the indicators of improving CMRFs by bran from different grain sources or even the same grain source. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of cereal bran consumption on CMRFs. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eligible randomized controlled studies were searched in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science until February 2023. The random-effects model was used to calculate overall effect sizes of weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Finally, 22 studies were included in the present meta-analysis. Compared to the control, cereal bran consumption had no significant effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, waist circumference, and body mass index, but could reduce systolic blood pressure (WMD: -1.59; 95% CI: -2.45 to -0.72), diastolic blood pressure (WMD: -1.96; 95% CI: -3.89 to -0.04), total cholesterol (WMD: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.34 to -0.04), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -0.21; 95% CI: -0.38 to -0.04), and fasting blood glucose (WMD: -0.13; 95% CI: -0.24 to -0.01). Additionally, oat bran can lower blood lipids in individuals with lipid diseases and blood pressure in obese or hypertensive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cereal bran could significantly reduce blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose in individuals with CMRFs, and oat bran had the most obvious effect.