Allelic variation of terpene synthases drives terpene diversity in the wild species of the Freesia genus.

Terpene synthases (TPSs) play pivotal roles in conferring the structural diversity of terpenoids, which are mainly emitted from flowers, whereas the genetic basis of the release of floral volatile terpenes remains largely elusive. Though quite similar in sequence, TPS allelic variants still function divergently, and how they drive floral terpene diversity in closely related species remains unknown. Here, TPSs responsible for the floral scent of wild Freesia species were characterized, and the functions of their natural allelic variants, as well as the causal amino acid residues, were investigated in depth. Besides the 8 TPSs previously reported in modern cultivars, 7 additional TPSs were functionally evaluated to contribute to the major volatiles emitted from wild Freesia species. Functional characterization of allelic natural variants demonstrated that allelic TPS2 and TPS10 variants changed the enzymatic capacity while allelic TPS6 variants drove the diversity of floral terpene products. Further residue substitution analysis revealed the minor residues determining the enzyme catalytic activity and product specificity. The clarification of TPSs in wild Freesia species reveals that allelic TPS variants evolved differently to determine the interspecific floral volatile terpenes in the genus and might be used for modern cultivar improvement.

Astaxanthin attenuates cigarette smoke-induced small airway remodeling via the AKT1 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Astaxanthin (AXT) is a keto-carotenoid with a variety of biological functions, including antioxidant and antifibrotic effects. Small airway remodeling is the main pathology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is caused by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast differentiation and proliferation. Effective therapies are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate the role of AXT in small airway remodeling in COPD and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: First, the model of COPD mice was established by cigarette smoke (CS) exposure combined with intraperitoneal injection of cigarette smoke extract (CSE). The effects of AXT on the morphology of CS combined with CSE -induced emphysema, EMT, and small airway remodeling by using Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemical staining, and western blot. In addition, in vitro experiments, the effects of AXT on CSE induced-EMT and fibroblast function were further explored. Next, to explore the specific mechanisms underlying the protective effects of AXT in COPD, potential targets of AXT in COPD were analyzed using network pharmacology. Finally, the possible mechanism was verified through molecular docking and in vitro experiments. RESULTS: AXT alleviated pulmonary emphysema, EMT, and small airway remodeling in a CS combined with CSE -induced mouse model. In addition, AXT inhibited the EMT process in airway cells and the differentiation and proliferation of fibroblasts. Mechanistically, AXT inhibited myofibroblast activation by directly binding to and suppressing the phosphorylation of AKT1. Therefore, our results show that AXT protects against small airway remodeling by inhibiting AKT1. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identified and illustrated a new food function of AXT, indicating that AXT could be used in the therapy of COPD-induced small airway remodeling.

HDAC6-selective inhibitor CAY10603 ameliorates cigarette smoke-induced small airway remodeling by regulating epithelial barrier dysfunction and reversing.

BACKGROUND: Small airway remodelling is a vital characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is mainly caused by epithelial barrier dysfunction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recent studies have indicated that histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) plays an important role in the dysregulation of epithelial function. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of an inhibitor with high selectivity for HDAC6 in COPD. METHODS: Cigarette smoke (CS) exposure was used to establish a CS-induced COPD mouse model. CAY10603 at doses of 2.5 and 10 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally on alternate days. The protective effects of CAY10603 against CS-induced emphysema, epithelial barrier function and small airway remodeling were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Masson's trichrome staining, immunohistochemical staining, and western blot. The human lung bronchial epithelial cell line (HBE) was used to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of action of CAY10603. RESULTS: HDAC6 levels in the lung homogenates of CS-exposed mice were higher than that those in control mice. Compared to the CS group, the mean linear intercept (MLI) of the CAY10603 treatment group decreased and the mean alveolar number (MAN)increased. Collagen deposition was reduced in groups treated with CAY10603. The expression of α-SMA was markedly upregulated in the CS group, which was reversed by CAY10603 treatment. Conversely, E-cadherin expression in the CS group was further downregulated, which was reversed by CAY10603 treatment. CAY10603 affects the tight junction protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin. ZO-1 and occludin expression were markedly downregulated in the CS group. After CAY10603treatment, the protein expression level of ZO-1 and occludin increased significantly. In HBE cells, Cigarette smoke extract (CSE) increased HDAC6 levels. CAY10603 significantly attenuated the release of TGF-ß1 induced by CSE. CAY10603 significantly increased the E-cadherin levels in TGF-ß1 treated HBE cells, while concurrently attenuated α-SMA expression. This effect was achieved through the suppression of Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation. CAY10603 also inhibited TGF-ß1 induced cell migration. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that CAY10603 inhibited CS induced small airway remodelling by regulating epithelial barrier dysfunction and reversing EMT via the TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 signalling pathway.

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid protects Schwann cells from high glucose-induced cytotoxicity by targeting NLRP3 to regulate cell migration and pyroptosis.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most prevalent complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and it seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a bile acid that plays a protective role against various diseases. However, the function of TUDCA in DPN progression needs to be elucidated. Hence, this study clarified the action of TUDCA on DPN development and explored its mechanism of action. Fecal samples were collected from 50 patients with T2DM or DPN. Schwann cells induced by high levels were constructed to simulate an uncontrolled diabetic state. Cell viability and migration were measured using the CCK-8 and wound-healing assays, respectively. Reactive oxygen species and pyroptosis were detected using flow cytometry. Parabacteroides goldsteinii and Parabacteroides distasonis levels were decreased in the feces of patients with DPN. TUDCA enhanced the viability and migration ability of high glucose-stimulated Schwann cells. In addition, Schwann cell pyroptosis stimulated by high glucose levels was inhibited by TUDCA. Furthermore, the protective roles of TUDCA in cell viability, migration ability, and pyroptosis of Schwann cells stimulated by high glucose were suppressed by the overexpression of NLRP3. TUDCA enhanced cell viability and migration and suppressed pyroptosis in Schwann cells stimulated by high glucose levels by modulating NLRP3 expression. Thus, TUDCA may be a promising drug for DPN therapy.

Ultrasonic AccV: a potential indicator of peripheral arteriosclerosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for peripheral arteriosclerosis (PAS) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and potential ultrasound indicators that could be used to improve detection. METHOD: Outpatients seeking care between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020, in The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University were prospectively recruited. Subjects were divided into COPD and non-COPD (control) groups, and the COPD group was further divided into PAD and non-PAD subgroup, at the same time, PAS and non-PAS subgroup. Indicators of PAD -ankle-brachial index (ABI), indicators of PAS- pulse wave velocity (PWV), and ultrasound indices -peak systolic blood flow velocity (PSV) and blood flow acceleration velocity (AccV) were compared. RESULT: Sixty-nine (61.6%) of 112 enrolled subjects had COPD. COPD patients had higher age, and blood pressure (BP)lower than controls. Seventeen (24.6%) COPD patients had PAD, the prevalence of PAD increases with the decrease of lung function, and seven (16.3%) non-COPD patients had PAD, however, there was no significant statistical difference between COPD and non-COPD groups. Fifty (72.5%) COPD patients had PAS, and thirty-four (79.1%) non-COPD patients had PAS, however, there was also no significant difference. The PAS subgroup had higher age, body mass index(BMI), body fat percentage(BFP), lower FEV1 and FEV1/FVC, as well as higher levels of right brachial artery and left dorsalis pedis artery AccV. Factors that correlated with ABI were 6MWD, post-bronchodilator FEV1, FEV1/ FVC, and maximal middle expiratory flow between 75% and 25% of FVC. Age, BP, and 6MWD, but not pulmonary function, were associated with brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV). There was a positive correlation between baPWV and radial artery AccV bilaterally. CONCLUSION: Radial artery AccV correlated well with baPWV, which suggests that ultrasound could be used to assess both morphological and functional changes in vessels, may serving as a better method to identify PAS in high-risk COPD patients.

Nonporous versus Mesoporous Bioinspired Polydopamine Nanoparticles for Skin Drug Delivery.

The use of polydopamine-based bioinspired nanomaterials has shed new light on advanced drug delivery arising from their efficient surface functionalization. More recently, the polydopamine self-assemblies formed in two different modalities, i.e., nonporous and mesoporous nanoparticles, have begun to attract attention due to their expedient and versatile properties. However, their possibility for use in dermal drug delivery for local therapy, as well as their interaction with the skin, has not yet been demonstrated. Our study aimed to compare and explore the feasibility of the self-assembled nonporous polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA) and mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles (mPDA) for local skin drug delivery. The formation of the PDA and mPDA structures was confirmed by the UV-vis-NIR absorption spectrum, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. Using retinoic acid (RA) as the model drug, their effects on drug loading, release, photostability, skin penetration, and radical scavenging were investigated. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) were introduced to probe their delivery routes and possible interaction with the skin. The results indicated that both PDA and mPDA could reduce the photodegradation of RA, and mPDA showed significantly better radical scavenging activity and drug loading capacity. The ex vivo permeation study revealed that both PDA and mPDA significantly enhanced the delivery of RA into the deep skin layers by comparison with the RA solution, in which follicular and intercellular pathways existed, and alteration in the structure of stratum corneum was observed. In light of drug loading capacity, size controllability, physical stability, as well as radical scavenging activity, mPDA was more preferable due to the improvement of these factors. This work demonstrated the feasibility and promising application of PDA and mPDA nanoparticles for dermal drug delivery, and the comparative concept of these two types of biomaterials can provide implications for their use in other fields.

Long-Term Ozone Exposure and Small Airway Dysfunction: The China Pulmonary Health (CPH) Study.

Rationale: It remains unknown whether long-term ozone exposure can impair lung function. Objectives: To investigate the associations between long-term ozone exposure and adult lung function in China. Methods: Lung function results and diagnosis of small airway dysfunction (SAD) were collected from a cross-sectional study, the China Pulmonary Health Study (N = 50,991). We used multivariable linear and logistic regression models to examine the associations of long-term ozone exposure with lung function parameters and SAD, respectively, adjusting for demographic characteristics, individual risk factors, and longitudinal trends. We then performed a stratification analysis by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Measurements and Main Results: We observed that each 1 SD (4.9 ppb) increase in warm-season ozone concentrations was associated with a 14.2 ml/s (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.8-19.6 ml/s] decrease in forced expiratory flow at the 75th percentile of vital capacity and a 29.5 ml/s (95% CI, 19.6-39.5 ml/s) decrease in mean forced expiratory flow between the 25th and 75th percentile of vital capacity. The odds ratio of SAD was 1.09 (95% CI, 1.06-1.11) for a 1 SD increase in warm-season ozone concentrations. Meanwhile, we observed a significant association with decreased FEV1/FVC but not with FEV1 or FVC. The association estimates were greater in the COPD group than in the non-COPD group. Conclusions: We found independent associations of long-term ozone exposure with impaired small airway function and higher SAD risks, while the associations with airflow obstruction were weak. Patients with COPD appear to be more vulnerable.

Distribution and accumulation of cadmium in soil under wheat-cultivation system and human health risk assessment in coal mining area of China.

The soil contamination caused by the discharge of cadmium (Cd) from coal mining activities has aroused continuous attention due to the detrimental effects on the human health. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics on distribution of Cd in soils and its accumulation in wheat grains under wheat-cultivation system, and further assess the human health risks to adults and children. 58 soils and wheat samples in pairs from Linhuan coal mining area, Anhui Province were collected and analyzed. Results showed that the concentrations of Cd in 17.24% of soil samples exceeded the limit value established by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. The ordinary kriging interpolation displayed that the spatial variability of Cd concentrations in soils was mainly influenced by coal mining activities. The transfer capacity of Cd from soils to wheat roots was greater than that from the wheat roots to grains. Multiple linear regression model clarified that soil pH and exchangeable Cd fraction in soils were the critical factors affecting the Cd accumulation in wheat grains. The carcinogenic risk of Cd levels in our studied wheat grains was a concern but still within the acceptable range, while their non-carcinogenic hazard was negligible for adults and children. The calculation results were in accord with the uncertainty analysis conclusion based on Monte Carlo simulation. The study was expected to promote the source management and control strategy of reducing tailing discharge, and providing scientific references for current soil remediation and land degradation prevention.

Near-Infrared Fluorescence Probe with a New Recognition Moiety for Specific Detection and Imaging of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Expecting the Identification and Isolation of Cancer Stem Cells.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is a vital enzyme that converts aldehyde to acetic acid during alcohol metabolism. ALDH is also a cellular marker of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which plays an important role in cancer diagnosis and prognosis assessment. Therefore, there is a need to explore convenient, selective, and sensitive methods for the detection and imaging of ALDH. Because of the low background fluorescence and high penetration, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes are powerful tools for the detection of ALDH. Until now, only one NIR fluorescent probe has been reported for detecting ALDH. Hence, we synthesized a novel NIR fluorescent probe, Probe-ALDH, by linking the new specific recognition moiety 4-hydroxymethyl benzaldehyde with NIR fluorophore AXPI. Compared with the existing ALDH fluorescent probes, Probe-ALDH has excellent properties, such as a new specific recognition moiety without the substitution of benzaldehyde, a simple synthesis method, emission wavelength in the NIR region, reaction time of only 30 min, and a detection limit as low as 0.03 U·mL-1, which is better than those of the previously reported probes. The probe effectively eliminates the interference from reactive oxygen species (ROS), amino acids, and amines. More importantly, the flow cytometry results showed that Probe-ALDH has great potential applications in the identification and isolation of CSCs. Ultimately, it was successfully applied to the imaging analysis of endogenous ALDH in HepG2 cells by the addition of inhibitor disulfiram. The excellent performance of Probe-ALDH makes it a promising candidate for drug discovery, cancer diagnosis, and so forth.

A new metal-free near-infrared fluorescent probe based on nitrofuran for the detection and bioimaging of carbon monoxide releasing molecule-2 in vivo.

As a stable donor for releasing controlled amounts of CO, carbon monoxide releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2) is a new type of therapeutic drug that contributes to exploring the pathophysiological effects of CO. The accurate detection of CORM-2 in biological systems is of great significance for controlling its dosage as a therapeutic drug and elucidating the reaction mechanisms of CO, but currently there is a lack of metal-free near-infrared fluorescent probes. Herein, a new metal-free near-infrared fluorescent probe based on nitrofuran which could selectively identify CORM-2 was designed and it has been successfully applied in living cells, zebrafish and mice. After reacting with CORM-2, both the color and fluorescence signal of the solution are restored, which is ascribed to the reduction of the nitro group. The spectroscopic probe DXPN shows high sensitivity to CORM-2 with a low detection limit of 87 nM and near-infrared fluorescence emission of 712 nm. Notably, this is the first time that paper chips are being used as a carrier to detect CORM-2 through fluorescence signals instead of the traditional liquid phase detection mode of fluorescent probes. These superior properties of the probe make it a promising and reliable tool for exploring the role played by CORM-2 in biological systems.

Associations of residential greenness with lung function and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the association of greenness with respiratory health are scarce in developing countries, and previous studies in China have focused on only one or two indicators of lung function. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the associations of residential greenness with full-spectrum lung function indicators and prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: This nationwide cross-sectional survey included 50,991 participants from the China Pulmonary Health study. Lung function indicators included four categories: indicators of obstructive ventilatory dysfunction (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC); an indicator of large-airway dysfunction (PEF); indicators of small-airway dysfunction (FEF25-75% and FEV3/FEV6); and other indicators. Residential greenness was assessed by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Multivariable linear regression models and logistic regression models were used to analyze associations of greenness with lung function and COPD prevalence. RESULTS: Within the 500 m buffer, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in NDVI was associated with higher FEV1 (24.76 mL), FVC (16.52 mL), FEV1/FVC (0.38), FEF50% (56.34 mL/s), FEF75% (33.43 mL/s), FEF25-75% (60.73 mL/s), FEV3 (18.59 mL), and FEV6 (21.85 mL). However, NDVI was associated with lower PEF. In addition, NDVI was significantly associated with 10% lower odds of COPD. The stratified analyses found that the associations were only significant in middle-young people, females, and nonsmokers. The associations were influenced by geographic regions. CONCLUSIONS: Residential greenness was associated with better lung function and lower odds of COPD in China. These findings provide a scientific basis for healthy community planning.

Efficacy and Safety of Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy for Lichen Simplex Chronicus: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is characterized by localized lichenification and intense itching. It has been reported that the added use of liquid nitrogen cryotherapy (LNC) for LSC has significant efficacy and notable safety. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis based on existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHOD: We searched RCTs on LNC for LSC published up to August 2020 using various databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China Network Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedicine (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), and WanFang Database. Other studies were manually identified using the references cited in reviews. We applied fixed- or random-effects models, and all analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. RESULTS: Twelve RCTs involving 1,066 participants provided eligible data for the meta-analysis. Based on the clinical effective rate, LNC treatment of LSC (risk ratio, RR 1.25, p = 0.005, I2 = 82%) was superior to controls. Subgroup analysis showed that the use of LNC alone (RR 1.04, I2 = 95%, p > 0.05) is not more effective than other therapies in the treatment of LSC, but the addition of LNC to the existing treatment increases the total clinical efficacy. Furthermore, the combined effect of LNC and topical medication (RR 1.39, I2 = 0%, p < 0.0001) was better than that of LNC and oral medication (RR 1.30, I2 = 0%, p < 0.00001). Greater frequency of LNC treatment did not improve the efficacy (thrice a week: RR 1.39 [1.21, 1.60]; twice a week: RR 1.27; once every 2 weeks: RR 1.32). Data from 6 RCTs with 508 participants showed no significant difference in AEs (p = 0.31) associated with added LNC treatment. CONCLUSION: The addition of LNC (applying a cotton swab soaked with liquid nitrogen to wipe the lesion for approximately 10 s each time) to topical ointments, is effective and safe in the treatment of LSC. Increasing the treatment frequency of LNC did not necessarily improve the efficacy.

Development and Validation of a Screening Questionnaire of COPD from a Large Epidemiological Study in China.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to establish an easy-to-use screening questionnaire with risk factors and suspected symptoms of COPD for primary health care settings. METHODS: Based on a nationwide epidemiological study of pulmonary health among adults in mainland China (China Pulmonary Health, CPH study) between 2012 and 2015, participants ≥40 years who completed the questionnaire and spirometry tests were recruited and randomly divided into development set and validation set by the ratio of 2:1. Parameters including sex, age, BMI, residence, education, smoking status, smoking pack-years, biomass exposure, parental history of respiratory diseases and daily respiratory symptoms were initially selected for the development of scoring system. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under curve (AUC), positive and negative predictive values were calculated in development set and validation set. RESULTS: After random split by 2:1 ratio, 22443 individuals were assigned to development set and 11221 to validation set. Ten variables were significantly associated with COPD independently in development set after a stepwise selection by multivariable logistic model and used to develop scoring system. The scoring system yielded good discrimination, as measured by AUC of 0.7737, and in the validation set, the AUC was 0.7711. When applying a cutoff point of ≥16, the sensitivity in development set was 0.69 (0.67 - 0.71); specificity 0.72 (0.71 - 0.73), PPV 0.25 (0.24 - 0.26) and NPV 0.94 (0.94 - 0.95). CONCLUSION: We developed and validated a comprehensive screening questionnaire, COPD-CPHS, with good discrimination. The score system still needs to be validated by large cohort in the future.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15412555.2022.2042504 .

A New SCAE-MT Classification Model for Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Images.

Hyperspectral remote sensing images (HRSI) have the characteristics of foreign objects with the same spectrum. As it is difficult to label samples manually, the hyperspectral remote sensing images are understood to be typical "small sample" datasets. Deep neural networks can effectively extract the deep features from the HRSI, but the classification accuracy mainly depends on the training label samples. Therefore, the stacked convolutional autoencoder network and transfer learning strategy are employed in order to design a new stacked convolutional autoencoder network model transfer (SCAE-MT) for the purposes of classifying the HRSI in this paper. In the proposed classification method, the stacked convolutional au-to-encoding network is employed in order to effectively extract the deep features from the HRSI. Then, the transfer learning strategy is applied to design a stacked convolutional autoencoder network model transfer under the small and limited training samples. The SCAE-MT model is used to propose a new HRSI classification method in order to solve the small samples of the HRSI. In this study, in order to prove the effectiveness of the proposed classification method, two HRSI datasets were chosen. In order to verify the effectiveness of the methods, the overall classification accuracy (OA) of the convolutional self-coding network classification method (CAE), the stack convolutional self-coding network classification method (SCAE), and the SCAE-MT method under 5%, 10%, and 15% training sets are calculated. When compared with the CAE and SCAE models in 5%, 10%, and 15% training datasets, the overall accuracy (OA) of the SCAE-MT method was improved by 2.71%, 3.33%, and 3.07% (on average), respectively. The SCAE-MT method is, thus, clearly superior to the other methods and also shows a good classification performance.

Formation of Cr-based layered double hydroxide: effect of the amendments.

Chromium is one of the eight most popular inorganic soil pollutants in China, and its bioavailability is determined by the chemical states. Amendments, which are able to change the chemical forms of chromium and decrease its bioavailability, have received considerable attention in recent years. In this work, the formation of Cr-based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and the immobilization of Cr in solution and soil were systemically investigated. The formation of Cr-based LDHs is strongly depended on the layer charges, aging temperatures and reaction time, as identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectrum. According to the pot experiment results, the concentration of Cr in the overground part of Brassica Chinensis L. was significantly decreased to 1.50-2.03 µg kg- 1 in the present of amendments. In total, the finding of LDHs formation on amendments and the thermodynamic stability of LDHs provides a new insight into the remediation of Cr-polluted soils.

Interactions between lead(II) ions and dissolved organic matter derived from organic fertilizers incubated in the field.

This work was to study composition characteristics and the subsequent effect on the lead (Pb) binding properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from seaweed-based (SWOF) and chicken manure organic fertilizers (CMOF) during a one-year field incubation experiment using the excitation-emission matrix-parallel factor (EEM-PARAFAC) and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) analysis. Results showed that high aromatic and hydrophobic fluorescent substances were enriched in CMOF-derived DOM and SWOF-derived DOM and enhanced over time. And phenolic groups in the fulvic-like substances for SWOF-derived DOM and carboxyl groups in the humic-like substances for CMOF-derived DOM had the fastest responses over time, respectively. Moreover, both non-fluorescent polysaccharides and fluorescent humic-like substances or fulvic-like substances with aromatic (C=C) groups first participated in the binding process of Pb to SWOF-derived DOM on day 0 and 180 during the lead binding process. In contrast, humic-like substances associated with aromatic (C=C) and phenolic groups gave a faster response to Pb binding on day 360. Regarding CMOF-derived DOM, the fulvic-like substances associated with aromatic (C=C) and carboxylic groups displayed a faster response to Pb ions on day 0. Nonetheless, polysaccharides and humic-like associated with phenolic groups had a faster response on days 180 and 360. It is noteworthy that the polysaccharides, which participated in Pb binding to CMOF-derived DOM, posed a higher risk of Pb in the environment after 360 days. Therefore, these findings gave new insights into the long-term applications of commercial organic fertilizers for the amendment of soil.

Analysis of prevalence and prognosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD.

BACKGROUND: For patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as comorbidity have poor outcomes. However, data on the impact of previously diagnosed and new- diagnosed T2DM in such a patient population is lacking. METHODS: Inpatients diagnosed with AECOPD in the department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of The First Hospital of China Medical University during 2011-2017 were enrolled. Data on demography, prevalence of type 2 DM, other comorbidities, hospital stays and laboratory tests (including arterial partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2]) results were recorded. Results were compared with AECOPD patients having previously diagnosed and new-diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Markers associated with development of type 2 DM and the prognosis of AECOPD patients were identified. RESULTS: Of the 196 patients enrolled in this study, the overall prevalence of T2DM was 26%. The PaO2 in the newly diagnosed T2DM group was considerably lower versus non-diabetic group. The T2DM group had a longer hospital stay and higher troponin level versus the non-diabetic group. AECOPD patients with T2DM were found to be correlated with hypertension. Age, need for assisted ventilation, increased troponin, and elevated fasting blood glucose on admission were risk factors for death in hospitalized AECOPD patients. CONCLUSIONS: AECOPD patients had a higher prevalence of T2DM than the general population; T2DM comorbidity caused lower PaO2, longer hospital stays, and increased troponin. Poor blood glucose control may increase the risk of death in AECOPD patients.

Ultrasound assessment of the rectus femoris in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease predicts poor exercise tolerance: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Reduced exercise tolerance is an important clinical feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with poor prognosis. The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is widely used to assess exercise capacity; however, it is not commonly administered in primary medical institutions because it requires a suitable site and professional training. Ultrasound has great potential for evaluating skeletal muscle dimensions in COPD. However, whether skeletal muscle ultrasound can predict impaired exercise tolerance is unclear. METHODS: The study included 154 stable patients with COPD, who were randomly divided into a development set and a validation set. The thickness (RFthick) and cross-sectional area (RFcsa) of the rectus femoris were measured using ultrasound. Standardized RFthick (STD- RFthick) and Standardized RFcsa (STD-RFcsa) were obtained via standardization of RFthick and RFcsa by patients' height. RESULTS: Strong correlations were observed between the 6MWD and RFthick (r = 0.84, p < 0.001) and between the 6MWD and RFcsa (r = 0.81, p < 0.001). In the development set, the optimal cut-off values for men and women for predicting poor exercise tolerance were < 3.098 cm/m and < 3.319 cm/m for STD-RFthick and < 4.052 cm2/m and < 4.366 cm2/m for STD-RFcsa, respectively. In the validation set, the area under the curve (AUC) values for the prediction of a 6MWD < 350 by STD-RFthick and STD-RFcsa were 0.881 and 0.903, respectively. Finally, the predictive efficacy of STD-RFthick (AUC: 0.922), STD-RFcsa (AUC: 0.904), and the derived nomogram model (AUC: 0.98) for exercise tolerance was superior to that of the sit-to-stand test and traditional clinical features. CONCLUSIONS: Rectus femoris ultrasound has potential clinical application to predict impaired exercise tolerance in patients with COPD.

Analysis of the Cd(II) Adsorption Performance and Mechanisms by Soybean Root Biochar: Effect of Pyrolysis Temperatures.

As one of the most harmful environmental pollutants, cadmium (Cd) has arisen much interest, and many researches have been carried out to study the adsorption of heavy metals by biochar, but the mechanisms were poorly explored and the roles components in biochar played are still indistinct. In this study, we evaluated the adsorption capacities and mechanisms of soybean root biochar pyrolyzed at four different temperatures. The results indicate the biochar properties are significantly determined by pyrolysis temperature, which affects the removal mechanisms of Cd(II) consequently. Microstructure characteristics and mechanism analysis further suggest that Cd(II)-π interactions and sulfur-containing functional groups are the main mechanisms of Cd(II) adsorption. This work shows a new perspective to explain the adsorption mechanisms onto biochar adsorbents and has a benefit for the exploitation of economical and effective adsorbents for Cd(II) removal based on biochars.

Electrochemical Oxo-Fluorosulfonylation of Alkynes under Air: Facile Access to ß-Keto Sulfonyl Fluorides.

Radical fluorosulfonylation is emerging as an appealing approach for the synthesis of sulfonyl fluorides, which have widespread applications in many fields, in particular in the context of chemical biology and drug development. Here, we report the first investigation of FSO2 radical generation under electrochemical conditions, and the establishment of a new and facile approach for the synthesis of ß-keto sulfonyl fluorides via oxo-fluorosulfonylation of alkynes with sulfuryl chlorofluoride as the radical precursor and air as the oxidant. This electrochemical protocol is amenable to access two different products (ß-keto sulfonyl fluorides or α-chloro-ß-keto sulfonyl fluorides) with the same reactants. The ß-keto sulfonyl fluoride products can be utilized as useful building blocks in the synthesis of various derivatives and heterocycles, including the first synthesis of an oxathiazole dioxide compound. Furthermore, some ß-keto sulfonyl fluorides and derivatives exhibited notably potent activities against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.