Virological evaluation of natural and modified attapulgite against porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus.

BACKGROUND: The Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) has caused significant economic losses in the global swine industry. As a potential drug for treating diarrhea, the antiviral properties of attapulgite deserve further study. METHODS: In this study, various methods such as RT-qPCR, Western blot, viral titer assay, Cytopathic Effect, immunofluorescence analysis and transmission electron microscopy were used to detect the antiviral activity of attapulgite and to assess its inhibitory effect on PEDV. RESULTS: When exposed to the same amount of virus, there was a significant decrease in the expression of the S protein, resulting in a viral titer reduction from 10-5.613 TCID50/mL to 10-2.90 TCID50/mL, which represents a decrease of approximately 102.6 folds. Results of cytopathic effect and indirect immunofluorescence also indicate a notable decrease in viral infectivity after attapulgite treatment. Additionally, it was observed that modified materials after acidification had weaker antiviral efficacy compared to powdered samples that underwent ultrasonic disintegration, which showed the strongest antiviral effects. CONCLUSION: As a result, Attapulgite powders can trap and adsorb viruses to inhibit PEDV in vitro, leading to loss of viral infectivity. This study provides new materials for the development of novel disinfectants and antiviral additives.

Interface Engineering of VOx/Ni/Ni3N Heterostructures for Electrochemical Urea-Assisted Hydrogen Production.

Electrocatalytic hydrogen generation driven by renewable energy sources is severely limited by the slow oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Urea-assisted alkaline hydrogen production offers a perspective approach. However, the construction of efficient and robust anode catalysts is still challenging. Herein, an amorphous/crystalline VOx/Ni/Ni3N-heterostructured catalyst grown on carbon cloth was synthesized and used as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and urea electrooxidation reaction (UOR). Benefiting from the electronic modification of intercomponents and abundant active sites, VOx/Ni/Ni3N exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance toward the HER and UOR. Theoretical calculations confirmed that the crystalline/amorphous VOx/Ni/Ni3N heterostructure has a suitable water dissociation energy and H* adsorption energy, thereby promoting the HER process. When the UOR and HER are integrated into an electrolytic device, VOx/Ni/Ni3N requires a potential of 1.40 V to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm-2.

Response characteristics and functional predictions of soil microorganisms to heavy metals, antibiotics, and their resistance genes originating from different animal farms amended with Herbaspirillum huttiense.

Current understanding is limited regarding technologies that use biochar and microorganisms to simultaneously treat soils contaminated with both veterinary antibiotics (VAs) and heavy metals (HMs) from different animal farms. The contributions of the keystone taxa and their similarities from different animal farms under VA and HM stresses before and after soil remediation should be further investigated as well. An innovative treatment of Herbaspirillum huttiense (HHS1) inoculated waste fungus chaff-based (WFCB) biochar was designed for immobilization of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), and the removal of oxytetracycline (OTC), enrofloxacin (ENR), and a subsequent reduction in their resistance genes in soils from pig, cow, and chicken farms. Roles of indigenous microorganisms which can treat soils contaminated with VAs and HMs were summarized. Results showed that available Cu and Zn were reduced by 19.5% and 28.1%, respectively, while 49.8% of OTC and 85.1% of ENR were removed by WFCB-HHS1. The decrease in ENR improved overall microbial community diversity, and the increases in genera HHS1, Pedobacter, Flavobacterium and Aequorivita, along with the decreases of genera Bacillus, Methylobacter, and Fermentimonas were indirectly favorable to treat HMs and VAs in soils from different animal farms. Bacterial communities in different animal farm soils were predominantly influenced by stochastic processes. The regulations of functional genes associated with metabolism and environmental information processing, which contribute to HM and VA defense, were altered when using WFCB-HHS1. Furthermore, the spread of their antibiotic resistance genes was restricted.

A meta-analysis for prevalence of infectious laryngotracheitis in chickens in mainland China in 1981-2022.

BACKGROUND: Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a highly infectious upper respiratory tract disease of chickens caused by infectious laryngotracheitis virus or Gallid herpesvirus 1 (GaHV-1). ILT is an important respiratory disease of chickens and annually causes significant economic losses in the chicken industry. Although numerous relevant studies have been published, the overall prevalence of ILT infection among chicken in mainland China is still unknown, and associated risk factors need to be evaluated to establish preventive measures. RESULTS: The present study reviewed the literature on the prevalence of ILT in chickens in China as of December 20, 2022, retrieved from six databases-CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect-were used to retrieve relevant studies published between January 1, 1981 and December 20, 2022. The literature quality of studies was assessed, and 20 studies with a total of 108,587 samples were included in the meta-analysis. Results of the meta-analysis showed that the overall prevalence of ILT was 10% (95% confidence interval: 8 -12%) through the random-effects model, which showed high heterogeneity, I2 = 99.4%. Further subgroup analyses showed that the prevalence of ILT decreased over time; furthermore, the prevalence in Northwest China was slightly lower than that in North China and South China, and the prevalence estimated using the diagnostic technique AGP was higher than that reported using other diagnostic techniques. CONCLUSIONS: ILT is prevalent to some extent in mainland China. Given that the ILT attenuated live vaccine has a certain level of virulence and the prevalence differences between regions, we recommend controlling breeding density, improving immunization programs and continuously monitoring viruses and to prevent ILT prevailing in mainland China.

Specific features of epitope-MIPs and whole-protein MIPs as illustrated for AFP and RBD of SARS-CoV-2.

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanofilms for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 using either a peptide (epitope-MIP) or the whole protein (protein-MIP) as the template were prepared by electropolymerization of scopoletin. Conducting atomic force microscopy revealed after template removal and electrochemical deposition of gold a larger surface density of imprinted cavities for the epitope-imprinted polymers than when using the whole protein as template. However, comparable affinities towards the respective target protein (AFP and RBD) were obtained for both types of MIPs as expressed by the KD values in the lower nanomolar range. On the other hand, while the cross reactivity of both protein-MIPs towards human serum albumin (HSA) amounts to around 50% in the saturation region, the nonspecific binding to the respective epitope-MIPs is as low as that for the non-imprinted polymer (NIP). This effect might be caused by the different sizes of the imprinted cavities. Thus, in addition to the lower costs the reduced nonspecific binding is an advantage of epitope-imprinted polymers for the recognition of proteins.

"I will resume my research work when things settle down": A narrative inquiry of an EFL academic's emotions and identities in research experiences.

Despite a surge of studies on the construction of researcher identities among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers, insufficient attention has been paid to their ongoing identity development after establishing a researcher identity. Using narrative inquiry, this study investigated how an EFL academic transitioned from being a rising star in research to becoming a teaching-focused academic midcareer with emotional flux in situated socio-institutional contexts. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews, narrative frame, institutional documents, and the participant's academic profile. The data analysis revealed that while the participant started her research journey as a confident novice researcher, she faced negative emotions arising from encounters with potential bias in academia, institutional managerial practices, and diminished self-agency with waned research motivation. Such negative emotions gradually escalated, posing severe impediments to her researcher identity. Eventually, these impediments resulted in her research stagnation and subsequent transformation of her identity into that of a teaching-focused EFL academic midcareer. The findings provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in the continuous development of EFL academics' researcher identities in the changing landscape of higher education. The study also provides implications for supporting EFL teachers in constructing and maintaining a robust researcher identity to facilitate their ongoing professional development.

FOXM1 Upregulates O-GlcNAcylation Level Via The Hexosamine Biosynthesis Pathway to Promote Angiogenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents significant challenges in treatment and prognosis because of its aggressive nature and high metastatic potential. This study aims to investigate the role of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) and its association with HCC progression and prognosis. We identified SPP1 and FOXM1 as hub genes within the HBP pathway, showing their correlation with poor prognosis and late-stage progression. In addition, the analysis uncovered the complex participation of the HBP pathway in nutrients and oxygen reactions, PI3K-AKT signaling, AMPK activation, and angiogenesis regulation. The disruption of these pathways is pivotal in influencing the growth and progression of HCC. Targeting the HBP presents a promising therapeutic approach to modulate the tumor microenvironment, thereby enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy. In addition, FOXM1 was identified as the HBP pathway regulator, influencing cellular O-GlcNAcylation level and VEGF secretion, thereby promoting angiogenesis in HCC. Inhibition of O-GlcNAcylation significantly hindered angiogenesis, which is suggested as a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention. Our research demonstrates the practicality of using the HBP-related gene as a prognostic marker in liver cancer patients and suggests targeting FOXM1 as a novel avenue for personalized therapy.

Clinical value of precise rehabilitation nursing in management of cerebral infarction.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral infarction, previously referred to as cerebral infarction or ischemic stroke, refers to the localized brain tissue experiencing ischemic necrosis or softening due to disorders in brain blood supply, ischemia, and hypoxia. The precision rehabilitation nursing model for chronic disease management is a continuous, fixed, orderly, and efficient nursing model aimed at standardizing the clinical nursing process, reducing the wastage of medical resources, and improving the quality of medical services. AIM: To analyze the value of a precise rehabilitation nursing model for chronic disease management in patients with cerebral infarction. METHODS: Patients (n = 124) admitted to our hospital with cerebral infarction between November 2019 and November 2021 were enrolled as the study subjects. The random number table method was used to divide them into a conventional nursing intervention group (n = 61) and a model nursing intervention group (n = 63). Changes in the nursing index for the two groups were compared after conventional nursing intervention and precise rehabilitation intervention nursing for chronic disease management. RESULTS: Compared with the conventional intervention group, the model intervention group had a shorter time to clinical symptom relief (P < 0.05), lower Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale scores, a lower incidence of total complications (P < 0.05), a higher disease knowledge mastery rate, higher safety and quality, and a higher overall nursing satisfaction rate (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The precision rehabilitation nursing model for chronic disease management improves the clinical symptoms of patients with cerebral infarction, reducing the incidence of total complications and improving the clinical outcome of patients, and is worthy of application in clinical practice.

Deciphering the Genetic Variation: A Comparative Analysis of Parental and Attenuated Strains of the QXL87 Vaccine for Infectious Bronchitis.

The QXL87 live attenuated vaccine strain for infectious bronchitis represents the first approved QX type (GI-19 lineage) vaccine in China. This strain was derived from the parental strain CK/CH/JS/2010/12 through continuous passage in SPF chicken embryos. To elucidate the molecular mechanism behind its attenuation, whole-genome sequencing was conducted on both the parental and attenuated strains. Analysis revealed 145 nucleotide mutations in the attenuated strain, leading to 48 amino acid mutations in various proteins, including Nsp2 (26), Nsp3 (14), Nsp4 (1), S (4), 3a (1), E (1), and N (1). Additionally, a frameshift mutation caused by a single base insertion in the ORFX resulted in a six-amino-acid extension. Subsequent comparison of post-translational modification sites, protein structure, and protein-protein binding sites between the parental and attenuated strains identified three potential virulence genes: Nsp2, Nsp3, and S. The amino acid mutations in these proteins not only altered their conformation but also affected the distribution of post-translational modification sites and protein-protein interaction sites. Furthermore, three potential functional mutation sites-P106S, A352T, and L472F, all located in the Nsp2 protein-were identified through PROVEAN, PolyPhen, and I-Mutant. Overall, our findings suggest that Nsp2, Nsp3, and S proteins may play a role in modulating IBV pathogenicity, with a particular focus on the significance of the Nsp2 protein. This study contributes to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying IBV attenuation and holds promise for the development of safer live attenuated IBV vaccines using reverse genetic approaches.

Establishment of a Multilocus Sequence Typing Scheme for the Characterization of Avibacterium paragallinarum.

Infectious coryza is an acute respiratory infection caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum, which is widely distributed throughout the world. However, there is no effective molecular typing scheme to obtain basic knowledge about the Av. paragallinarum population structure. This study aimed to develop a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for Av. paragallinarum that allows for the worldwide comparison of sequence data. For this purpose, the genetic variability of 59 Av. paragallinarum strains from different geographical origins and serovars was analyzed to identify correlations. The MLST scheme was developed using seven conserved housekeeping genes, which identified eight STs that clustered all of the strains into three evolutionary branches. The analytical evaluation of the clone group relationship between the STs revealed two clone complexes (CC1 and CC2) and three singletons (ST2, ST5, and ST6). Most of the isolates from China belonged to ST1 and ST3 in CC1. ST8 from Peru and ST7 from North America together formed CC2. Our results showed that the Av. paragallinarum strains isolated from China had a distant genetic relationship with CC2, indicating strong regional specificity. The MLST scheme established in this study can monitor the dynamics and genetic differences of Av. paragallinarum transmission.

Three-dimensional cross-linked network deep eutectic gel polymer electrolyte with the self-healing ability enable by hydrogen bonds and dynamic disulfide bonds.

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are effective solutions for the development of high-performance and flexible lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, the key problems of SPEs including low ionic conductivity and inability to repair damage have hindered their industrialization process. In this work, a three-dimensional (3D) cross-linked network gel polymer electrolyte (CNGPE) is designed. The addition of deep eutectic solvent (DES) improves the ionic conductivity of CNGPE. The hydrogen bonds and dynamic disulfide bonds in the 3D cross-linked network endow CNGPE rapid self-healing ability at ambient temperature. In addition, the addition of lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) and lithium nitrate (LiNO3) helps to form a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI). Due to the ingenious design, the Li/CNGPE/Li symmetrical cell exhibits excellent interface stability and no short circuit occurs for more than 800 h. The assembled LiFePO4/CNGPE/Li cell exhibits a discharge specific capacity of 126 mAh g-1 after 960 cycles at 0.5C. This work has shown that the self-healing gel polymer electrolyte containing DES provides an effective and feasible method for the development of high-performance LMBs.

A high-grade breast mucoepidermoid carcinoma without MAML2 rearrangement: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the breast is an extremely rare primary breast tumor. Between 1979 and June 2022, only 50 cases were reported. The pathological morphology and biological behavior of breast MEC remain poorly understood. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 47-year-old female was presented with a 10-day-old left breast mass detected by physical examination. DIAGNOSES: Ultrasonography could not distinguish whether the breast tumor was benign or malignant. After a biopsy of a breast tumor excision specimen, combined with immunohistochemical results, the patient was diagnosed with high-grade mucoepidermoid breast carcinoma. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent a modified radical mastectomy for her left breast. OUTCOMES: The patient was still free from local recurrence or metastases at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: A high-grade MEC case without MAML2 rearrangement shows good recovery without complications. The diagnosis was confirmed by histomorphology and immunohistochemical markers. It is sometimes necessary to distinguish it from adenosquamous, adenoid cystic, or mucinous carcinoma. The primary treatment is surgical resection, and the prognosis is closely related to the pathological grade.

A novel signature constructed by cuproptosis-related RNA methylation regulators suggesting downregulation of YTHDC2 may induce cuproptosis resistance in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: A newly identified type of cell death due to intracellular copper accumulation is known as cuproptosis and RNA methylation is a post-transcriptional modification mechanism, both of which perform vital roles in the immune microenvironment of colorectal cancer (CRC), but the link between the two needs more research. METHODS: TCGA database provided RNA-seq data and details clinically of CRC samples. Cuproptosis-related RNA methylation regulators (CRRMRs) were identified by correlation analysis. We screened 6 CRRMRs for prognostic model construction by employing LASSO-Cox regression analysis and calculated risk scores by CRRMRs (CuMS). GSE39582 and GSE38832 cohort were used as external validation sets. This research concentrated on the connection between the prognostic model and somatic mutation, anti-cancer drug sensitivity, immune infiltration, immune checkpoint expression. In addition, we investigated the differential expression of YTHDC2 in epithelial cell subpopulations by single-cell analysis with GSE166555, calculated cuproptosis scores and performed pathway enrichment. In vitro experiments were performed to explore the consequences of knockdown of YTHDC2 on CRC cell proliferation and migration, as well as changes in CRC cell viability in response to elesclomol after knockdown of YTHDC2. In vivo experiments, we constructed the cell line-derived xenograft model to further validate the results of the in vitro experiments. RESULTS: The prognosis of CRC can be predicted by CuMS, which GSE39582 and GSE38832 confirmed. Two CuMS groups showed different tumor mutation burden (TMB) and immune infiltration. CuMS was connected to emerging immune checkpoints CD47 and PVR, therefore, it can be clinically complementary to TMB and microsatellite instability (MSI) status. In single-cell analysis, a subpopulation of epithelial cells with high YTHDC2 expression had a high cuproptosis score. In vitro experiments, knocking down YTHDC2 promoted cell proliferation and migration in CRC, and weaken the inhibitory effect of elesclomol and elesclomol-Cu on cell viability, which in vivo experiments validated. CONCLUSION: We developed a prognostic model constructed by 6 CRRMRs to assess overall survival and immune microenvironment of CRC patients. YTHDC2 might regulate cuproptosis in multiple ways.

Adaptation strategies and functional transitions of microbial community in pyrene-contaminated soils promoted by lead with Pseudomonas veronii and its extracellular polymeric substances.

Pyrene was designated as a remediation target in this study, and low contamination of lead (Pb) was set to induce heavy metal stress. Pseudomonas veronii and its extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) were chosen for biofortification, with the aim of elucidating the structural, metabolic, and functional responses of soil microbial communities. Community analysis of soil microorganisms using high-throughput sequencing showed that the co-addition of P. veronii and EPSs resulted in an increase in relative abundance of phyla associated with pyrene degradation, and formed a symbiotic system dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, which involved in pyrene metabolism. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that the module containing P. veronii was the only one exhibiting a positive correlation between bacterial abundance and pyrene removal, indicating the potential of bioaugmentation in enriching functional taxa. Biofortification also enhanced the abundance of functional gene linked to EPS production (biofilm formation-Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and pyrene degradation. Furthermore, 17 potential functional bacteria were screened out using random forest algorithm. Lead contamination further promoted the growth of Proteobacteria, intensified cooperative associations among bacteria, and increased the abundance of bacteria with positive correlation with pyrene degradation. The results offer novel perspectives on alterations in microbial communities resulting from the synergistic impact of heavy metal stress and biofortification.

Structure-property relationship of pea protein fibrils in stabilization of HIPEs and the encapsulation, protection, controlled release and oral delivery of carotenoids for alleviating intestinal inflammation.

Increasing attentions are paid to high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) due to their unique properties. In this study, pea protein-based fibrils were used as emulsifier to stabilize HIPEs. We demonstrated that the molecular assembly pathway and interfacial behavior of pea protein-based fibrils are affected by ionic strength. And the increased abundance of highly flexible worm-like nanofibrils facilitated their adsorption and packing on oil droplets, resulting in improved emulsion properties to stabilize the HIPEs with the internal phase volume fraction as high as 90%. Based on this, high loading content of carotenoids up to 0.05 wt% in the prepared HIPEs, protection of their stability against heating, UV and iron ions, and significantly increased bio-accessibilities of the carotenoids were realized. Animal studies using a mouse model of DSS-induced colitis revealed that carotenoid loaded HIPEs can alleviate the colon injury, by downregulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and promoting intestinal barrier function. This work will deepen the understanding of the formation of pea protein fibrils and provide a reference for the rational use of carotenoid loaded HIPEs in IBD management.

Enhanced removal of antibiotics and heavy metals in aquatic systems using spent mushroom substrate-derived biochar integrated with Herbaspirillum huttiense.

A novel integrated removal strategy was developed to enhance the concurrent elimination of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), oxytetracycline (OTC), and enrofloxacin (ENR) from the aqueous environments. The underlying adsorption mechanisms of spent mushroom substrate (SMSB) and the Herbaspirillum huttiense strain (HHS1), and their efficacy in removing Cu, Zn, OTC, and ENR was also examined. Results showed that the SMSB-HHS1 composite stabilized 29.86% of Cu and 49.75% of Zn and achieved removal rates of 97.95% for OTC and 59.35% for ENR through a combination of chemisorption and biodegradation. Zinc did not affect Cu adsorption, and ENR did not impact the adsorption of OTC on SMSB. However, the co-presence of OTC and ENR modified the adsorption behaviors of both Cu and Zn. Copper and Zn enhanced the adsorption of OTC and ENR by serving as bridging agents, facilitating the interaction between the contaminants and SMSB. Conversely, OTC and ENR inhibited the adsorption process of Cu by obstructing its interaction with the SMSB and occupying the oxygen-containing functional groups. The ‒OH (3415 cm-1) and C-O-C (1059 cm-1) functional groups were identified as the principal active sites to form hydrogen bonds and interact with Cu and Zn, leading to the formation of CuP4O11 and Zn4CO3(OH)6H2O. HHS1 also enhanced antibiotic removal through biodegradation, as evidenced by the decrease of ‒C‒O and increase of ‒C = O groups. This study underscores the innovative potential of the SMSB-HHS1 composite, offering a sustainable approach to addressing multifaceted pollution challenges in the aquatic environments.

Study on inverse geochemical modeling of hydrochemical characteristics and genesis of groundwater system in coal mine area - a case study of Longwanggou Coal Mine in Ordos Basin.

The exploitation of coal resources has disturbed the equilibrium of the original groundwater system, resulting in a perturbation of the deep groundwater dynamic conditions and hydrochemical properties. Exploring the formation of mine water chemistry under the conditions of deep coal seam mining in the Ordos Basin provides a theoretical basis for the identification of sources of mine water intrusion and the development and utilization of water resources. This paper takes Longwanggou Coal Mine as the research area, collects a total of 106 groups of water samples from the main water-filled aquifers, comprehensively uses Piper trilinear diagram, Gibbs diagram, ion correlation, ion ratio coefficient and mineral saturation index analysis, and carries out inverse geochemical modeling with PHREEQC software, so as to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics and causes of the main water-filled aquifers in deep-buried coal seams in the research area. The results show that the main hydrochemical processes in the study area are leaching and cation exchange, and the groundwater is affected by carbonate (calcite, dolomite), silicate (gypsum) and evaporite. Calculations of mineral saturation indices and PHREEQC simulations have led to the conclusion that the dissolution of rock salt and gypsum in groundwater accounts for most of the ionic action. Na+, Cl- and SO42- are mainly derived from the dissolution of rock salt and gypsum minerals, while Ca2+ and Mg2+ are mostly derived from the dissolution of dolomite and calcite. The results of the inverse geochemical modeling are consistent with the theoretical analysis.

The Role of the Complement System in Synaptic Pruning after Stroke.

Stroke is a serious disease that can lead to local neurological dysfunction and cause great harm to the patient's health due to blood cerebral circulation disorder. Synaptic pruning is critical for the normal development of the human brain, which makes the synaptic circuit completer and more efficient by removing redundant synapses. The complement system is considered a key player in synaptic loss and cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative disease. After stroke, the complement system is over-activated, and complement proteins can be labeled on synapses. Microglia and astrocytes can recognize and engulf synapses through corresponding complement receptors. Complement-mediated excessive synaptic pruning can cause post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and secondary brain damage. This review summarizes the latest progress of complement-mediated synaptic pruning after stroke and the potential mechanisms. Targeting complement-mediated synaptic pruning may be essential for exploring therapeutic strategies for secondary brain injury (SBI) and neurological dysfunction after stroke.

Borate-containing triblock copolymer electrolytes for improved lithium-ion transference number and interface stability.

The electrolytes with high lithium-ion transference number (tLi+) can reduce the formation of concentration polarization during charge/discharge process and improve the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we report triblock copolymer electrolytes (PBOEE) containing borate. The sp2 hybridized boron atoms acting as Lewis acids can anchor the anions of lithium salts, enabling PBOEE to achieve high tLi+ of up to 0.53. Also, the borate groups can promote the formation of stable organic-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film, which enables the Li symmetric cell to cycle stably at 0.1 mA cm-2/0.1 mAh cm-2 for more than 3100 h with a low overpotential of 0.08 V under 50 °C. The optimized PBOEE_24 has an ionic conductivity of 1.41 × 10-4 S cm-1 and electrochemical stability window of 4.8 V vs. Li+/Li at 50 °C. Combining these advantages, the LiFePO4/PBOEE_24/Li cell exhibits an initial discharge specific capacity of 157.3 mA h g-1 at 0.5C with a capacity retention of 85 % after 600 cycles under 50 °C. At a higher current density of 1C, the discharge capacity maintains at 128.0 mA h g-1 after 400 cycles with a capacity retention of 84.88 %. These results suggest that block copolymer containing sp2 hybridized boron atoms is a promising all-solid-state polymer electrolyte.

Bisphenol S causes excessive estrogen synthesis by activating FSHR and the downstream cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.

Estrogen excess in females has been linked to a diverse array of chronic and acute diseases. Emerging research shows that exposure to estrogen-like compounds such as bisphenol S leads to increases in 17ß-estradiol levels, but the mechanism of action is unclear. The aim of this study was to reveal the underlying signaling pathway-mediated mechanisms, target site and target molecule of action of bisphenol S causing excessive estrogen synthesis. Human ovarian granulosa cells SVOG were exposed to bisphenol S at environmentally relevant concentrations (1 µg/L, 10 µg/L, and 100 µg/L) for 48 h. The results confirms that bisphenol S accumulates mainly on the cell membrane, binds to follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) located on the cell membrane, and subsequently activates the downstream cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signaling pathway, leading to enhanced conversion of testosterone to 17ß-estradiol. This study deepens our knowledge of the mechanisms of environmental factors in pathogenesis of hyperestrogenism.