Cimifugin Relieves Histamine-Independent Itch in Atopic Dermatitis via Targeting the CQ Receptor MrgprA3.

Background: We previously found that cimifugin has a potent antiallergic inflammatory effect in atopic dermatitis (AD). However, whether cimifugin has an antipruritic effect in AD was unknown. Methods: Mouse scratching behavior tests were performed to verify the proposed antipruritic effect of cimifugin on DNFB- or FITC-mediated AD. Chloroquine (CQ)- and compound 48/80-evoked acute itch models were employed to clarify the effect of cimifugin on histamine-dependent or -independent itch. Intracellular calcium changes were assessed in a primary culture of mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in response to pruritogen exposure with or without cimifugin treatment, including CQ, histamine, allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), and capsaicin. Molecular docking and microscale thermophoresis (MST) assays were performed to predict and verify the binding ability and modes between cimifugin and the CQ receptor MrgprA3, respectively. Results: We found that cimifugin attenuates itch behaviors effectively in FITC-induced AD. Notably, cimifugin significantly alleviated acute itching behaviors induced by CQ but not compound 48/80 in vivo. Moreover, cimifugin remarkably inhibited CQ-evoked calcium influx in DRG cells but had no obvious effect on histamine-induced calcium influx. Nevertheless, cimifugin did not interfere with either AITC-stimulated TRPA1 activation- or capsaicin-stimulated TRPV1 activation-mediated calcium influx in DRG cells. Molecular docking predicted that CQ and cimifugin might share similar binding abilities and binding modes with MrgprA3. MST assay confirmed cimifugin directly targeting MrgprA3. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that cimifugin has a potent antipruritic effect in AD with a histamine-independent mechanism via targeting the CQ receptor MrgprA3. Thus, cimifugin is a promising candidate antipruritic agent for AD.

Post-Bariatric Panniculectomy: Postoperative Complications by Weight Loss Surgery Type.

BACKGROUND: Over 250,000 patients undergo bariatric surgery each year in the United States. Approximately 21% will undergo subsequent body contouring after massive weight loss. Patients with prior bariatric surgery are at a greater risk for complications relative to the general population. However, it is unknown if bariatric surgery type is associated with differential complication risk after panniculectomy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of post-bariatric who underwent abdominal panniculectomy at a single large quaternary care center was performed. Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression, and power calculations were performed. RESULTS: In total, 216 patients were included. Restrictive bariatric surgery accounted for 48.6% while 51.3% had a history of malabsorptive bariatric surgery. The overall rate of complications was 34.3% (restrictive: 36.2%; malabsorptive: 32.8%, p=0.66). Wound complications were observed in 25.5% (n=55) of patients. Systemic complications occurred in 11.1% of patients overall, with statistically similar rates between restrictive and malabsorptive groups. After adjusting for both patient and operative factors, no significant difference in total complications (OR=1.15, 95% CI: 0.47 to 2.85, p=0.76), systemic complications (OR=0.26, 95% CI: 0.05 to 1.28, p=0.10), or wound complications (OR=2.31, 95% CI: 0.83 to 6.41, p=0.11) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Complications following panniculectomy in bariatric surgery patients is high and predominantly related to wound healing. No significant difference between type of bariatric surgery and complication risk was found.

Association of Screen Time with Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in College Students During COVID-19 Outbreak in Shanghai: Mediation Role of Sleep Quality.

The study aimed to investigate the associations between different types of screen time (ST) and anxiety and depressive symptoms in college students during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Shanghai, China; the potential mediation role of sleep quality was also examined. A total of 1,550 college students completed an online survey in May 2022. ST, Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score, Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, and physical activity were self-reported. Multiple linear regression and mediation analysis were conducted. The results showed that more time spent in TV/movie viewing (>2 h/day) and recreational reading (>1 h/day) was associated with higher levels of anxiety, while more time spent in online social media (>2 h/day) was associated with a higher level of depressive symptoms. In contrast, time spent in online social media (1-2 h/day) was associated with a lower level of anxiety. Meanwhile, recreational reading (2-3 h/day) had a significant indirect effect on anxiety and depressive symptoms through sleep quality. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the associations of ST with anxiety and depressive symptoms varied by the type of screen viewing in college students. The associations of slightly excessive time spent on recreational reading with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms were partially mediated by sleep quality.

Dual-Conductive and Stiffness-Morphing Microneedle Patch Enables Continuous In Planta Monitoring of Electrophysiological Signal and Ion Fluctuation.

The use of conductive microneedles presents a promising solution for achieving high-fidelity electrophysiological recordings with minimal impact on the interfaced tissue. However, a conventional metal-based microneedle suffers from high electrochemical impedance and mechanical mismatch. In this paper, we report a dual-conductive (i.e., both ionic and electronic conductive) and stiffness-morphing microneedle patch (DSMNP) for high-fidelity electrophysiological recordings with reduced tissue damage. The polymeric network of the DSMNP facilitates electrolyte absorption and therefore allows the transition of stiffness from 6.82 to 0.5139 N m-1. Furthermore, the nanoporous conductive polymer increases the specific electrochemical surface area after tissue penetration, resulting in an ultralow specific impedance of 893.13 Ω mm2 at 100 Hz. DSMNPs detect variation potential and action potential in real time and cation fluctuations in plants in response to environmental stimuli. After swelling, DSMNPs mechanically "lock" into biological tissues and prevent motion artifact by providing a stable interface. These results demonstrate the potential of DSMNPs for various applications in the field of plant physiology research and smart agriculture.

Impact of consensus guideline publication on the timing of elective pediatric umbilical hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The American Academy of Pediatrics published consensus guidelines advising observation of asymptomatic umbilical hernias until age 4 or 5, given unnecessary risks of early intervention and substantial practice variation. Yet, the impact of guidelines on early repair (age <4) or if certain groups remain at risk for avoidable intervention is unclear. METHODS: This retrospective study used data from children's hospitals participating in the Pediatric Health Information System database. Children aged 17 years and younger who underwent umbilical hernia repair from July 2017 to August 2022 were eligible for inclusion. Children with recurrent hernias, an emergency, or urgent presentation were excluded. An interrupted time series using segmented multivariable logistic regression estimated the association of guideline publication in November 2019 with the odds of guideline-adherent repair (age ≥4) after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and hospital-level random effects. RESULTS: 16,544 children underwent repair, of which 3,115 (18.8%) were children <4 years old. After adjustment, guideline publication was associated with an immediate increase in guideline-adherent repairs (odds ratio = 1.25 95% confidence interval = 1.05-1.49). The interrupted time series found that each month after publication was associated with a 2% increase in the odds of guideline-adherent repair (odds ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.03). Children with public insurance were nearly 20% less likely to receive guideline-adherent repair than privately insured children (odds ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval = 0.74-0.91). Children in the Midwest had lower odds of guideline-adherent repair (Midwest versus Northeast: odds ratio = 0.45. 95% confidence interval = 0.24-0.84). CONCLUSION: Guideline publication was associated with greater odds of guideline-adherent repair, yet public insurance coverage and Midwest location remain significant predictors of early repair against recommendations.

Predictors and Variation in Steroid Injection Use for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from a Multicenter Quality Collaborative.

BACKGROUND: Steroid injections are commonly used as first-line treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS); however, research has shown that their benefit is generally short-term and many patients go on to receive carpal tunnel release. The study purpose was to determine the variation in steroid injection use by hand surgeons. METHODS: We analyzed data from a 9-center hand surgery quality collaborative. Data from 1,586 patients (2,381 hands) were included if they underwent elective CTR at one of the sites. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to examine the association of receipt of steroid injection and association of receipt of more than one steroid injection among patient-level covariates. RESULTS: Steroid injection use significantly varied by practice, ranging from 12-53% of patients. The odds of receiving a steroid injection were 1.4 times higher for females (p<0.01), 1.6 times higher for patients with chronic pain syndrome (p<0.01), 0.5 times lower for patients with moderate electromyography (EMG) and 0.4 times lower for patients with severe EMG classification (both p<0.01). Patients with high CTS-6 scores (p=0.02) and patients with moderate (p=0.04) or severe EMG (p=0.05) had lower odds of receiving multiple steroid injections. Complete symptomatic improvement after steroid injection was significantly reported by patients with high CTS-6 score (p=0.03) or patients with severe EMG classification (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We found wide patient-level and practice-level variation in the use of steroid injections prior to undergoing CTR. These findings underscore the need for improved data and standard practice guidelines regarding which patients benefit from steroid injection.

Technology Roadmap for Flexible Sensors.

Humans rely increasingly on sensors to address grand challenges and to improve quality of life in the era of digitalization and big data. For ubiquitous sensing, flexible sensors are developed to overcome the limitations of conventional rigid counterparts. Despite rapid advancement in bench-side research over the last decade, the market adoption of flexible sensors remains limited. To ease and to expedite their deployment, here, we identify bottlenecks hindering the maturation of flexible sensors and propose promising solutions. We first analyze challenges in achieving satisfactory sensing performance for real-world applications and then summarize issues in compatible sensor-biology interfaces, followed by brief discussions on powering and connecting sensor networks. Issues en route to commercialization and for sustainable growth of the sector are also analyzed, highlighting environmental concerns and emphasizing nontechnical issues such as business, regulatory, and ethical considerations. Additionally, we look at future intelligent flexible sensors. In proposing a comprehensive roadmap, we hope to steer research efforts towards common goals and to guide coordinated development strategies from disparate communities. Through such collaborative efforts, scientific breakthroughs can be made sooner and capitalized for the betterment of humanity.

Compound Muscle Action Potential Amplitude as a Predictor of Functional and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is a debilitating upper extremity condition that often leaves patients with residual symptoms even after surgical treatment. The role of electrodiagnostic studies in guiding the treatment of UNE is not well established, and conventional electrodiagnostic parameters may not reflect the severity of disease. Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude is a parameter that corresponds with axonal injury and motor symptoms and may more accurately predict the severity of neurologic injury. METHODS: This prospective multicenter study recruited 78 patients in the Surgery of the Ulnar Nerve project. Patients underwent electrodiagnostic testing and clinical assessment of motor and sensory function, and completed patient-reported outcome questionnaires, including the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire; and the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (CTQ). Correlations were measured among each of the electrodiagnostic parameters and outcomes and predictive models for each outcome were subsequently developed. RESULTS: Of all the electrodiagnostic parameters measured, only CMAP amplitude was predictive of scores on the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire; CTQ function scale, and motor impairment in grip and pinch strength. None of the parameters were predictive of scores on the CTQ symptom scale or sensory impairments as measured with two-point discrimination or Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing. CONCLUSIONS: CMAP amplitude, but not other conventional electrodiagnostic parameters, is predictive of functional outcomes in UNE. This electrodiagnostic measurement can alert the clinician to severe cases of UNE and inform surgical decision-making. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Electrodiagnostic Predictors of Outcomes After In Situ Decompression of the Ulnar Nerve.

PURPOSE: Patients with severe ulnar neuropathy at the elbow frequently experience suboptimal surgical outcomes. Clinical symptoms alone may not accurately represent the severity of underlying nerve injury, calling for objective assessment tools, such as electrodiagnostic studies. The goal of our study was to determine whether specific electrodiagnostic parameters can be used to predict the outcomes after in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled consecutive patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. Patients completed a baseline battery of motor, sensory, functional, and electrodiagnostic tests before undergoing in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve. They were reassessed at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Forty-two patients completed at least 2 follow-up assessments and were included in the study. RESULTS: When controlling for other electrodiagnostic measurements and demographic factors, none of the electrodiagnostic parameters were predictive of outcomes at 12 months after surgery. Patients with decreased compound muscle action potential amplitudes demonstrated slower trends of recovery in grip strength, pinch strength, and overall scores on the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire as well as its function, work, and activities of daily living subscales, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, and the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Decreased motor nerve conduction velocity was predictive of slower recovery of 2-point discrimination and pinch strength. CONCLUSIONS: Compound muscle action potential amplitude, but not other conventional electrodiagnostic parameters, was predictive of functional outcomes after in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve. This parameter should play a role in determining the timing and prognosis of treatment for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

Screen-based sedentary behaviors but not total sedentary time are associated with anxiety among college students.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate the associations of device-measured total sedentary time and screen-based sedentary time with anxiety in college students. Methods: Three hundred and twenty-one college students (mean age = 19.72 ± 1.18, 55.8% females) were recruited from Shanghai, China. Total sedentary time was objectively measured using accelerometry, while screen-based sedentary time was self-reported. Anxiety symptom was evaluated using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. Linear regression modeling was used to assess the associations of total sedentary time and screen-based sedentary time with anxiety symptom. Results: Accelerometer-assessed total sedentary time was not associated with anxiety symptom. Prolonged sedentary time on TV and movie viewing (>2 h on weekdays) and social media using (>2 h on weekdays and weekend) were associated with a higher level of anxiety. However, time on video gaming and recreational reading was not associated with anxiety symptom. Conclusion: The findings indicated that screen-based sedentary behaviors but not total sedentary time were associated with anxiety symptom among college students. The associations of screen-based sedentary behaviors with anxiety symptom varied by the types of screen time.

Association Between Daytime vs Overnight Digit Replantation and Surgical Outcomes.

Importance: Recent evidence suggests that select delayed replantation may not adversely affect digit survival; however, whether surgical timing (overnight or daytime) is associated with digit replantation outcomes is unknown. Objective: To assess whether digit survival, complication rate, and duration of surgery are associated with time of replantation. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective case series study included all replantations performed at a single tertiary referral academic center between January 1, 2000, and August 1, 2021. Data were analyzed between October 2, 2021, and January 1, 2022. Four daytime surgery intervals were selected based on literature review. Daytime replantations started within the intervals whereas overnight replantations began outside the intervals. For each case, the procedure difficulty score and the attending surgeon expertise score were calculated. Logistic and linear regressions adjusting for confounders including procedure difficulty score and expertise score were used to assess surgical timing and outcomes. Participants were adults (aged ≥18 years) undergoing digit replantations between January 2000 and August 2021 with at least 1-month follow-up. Replantation was defined as the reattachment of a completely amputated digit that necessitated anastomosis of both artery and vein. Exposures: Daytime or overnight digit replantation. Main Outcomes and Measures: Viable replanted digit at 1-month follow-up, number of complications, and duration of surgery. Results: A total of 98 patients (mean [SD] age, 39.5 [15.3] years; 136 [93%] men) and 147 digits met inclusion criteria. Overall success rate was 55%. Between 4 pm and 7 am, overnight replantations were associated with 0.4 fewer complications (ß, -0.4; 95% CI, -0.8 to -0.1) and 90.7 minutes shorter operative time (ß, -90.7; 95% CI, -173.6 to -7.7). A 1-point increase in surgeon expertise score was associated with 1.7 times increased odds of replantation success for all intervals (adjusted odds ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.4; P = .002). There were no differences in digit survival by surgical time. Conclusions and Relevance: In this case series study of digit replantations, time of operation was not associated with replantation success. Overnight replantation was associated with fewer complications and shorter duration of surgery compared with daytime surgery. Results of this study suggest that overnight replantations may be performed with outcomes comparable to daytime replantations at a tertiary care academic center.

Uptake and translocation mechanisms of different forms of organic selenium in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for human and animal health, and toward an understanding of the uptake and translocation of Se in plants is important from the perspective of Se biofortification. In this study, we conducted hydroponic experiments to investigate the mechanisms of organic Se [selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenomethionine-oxide (SeOMet)] uptake, translocation, and the interactions between SeMet and SeOMet in rice. We also investigated differences in the dynamics of organic and inorganic Se uptake by rice roots. Concentration-dependent kinetic results revealed that SeMet uptake during a 1 h exposure was 3.19-16.0 times higher than that of three other Se chemical forms, with uptake capacity (Vmax ) values ordered as follows: SeMet>SeOMet>selenite>selenate. Furthermore, time-dependent kinetic analysis revealed that SeMet uptake by roots and content in shoots were initially clearly higher than those of SeOMet, although the differences gradually diminished with prolonged exposure time; while no significant difference was found in the transfer factor of Se from rice roots to shoots between SeMet and SeOMet. Root uptake of SeOMet was significantly inhibited by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) (30.4%), AgNO3 (41.8%), and tetraethylammonium chloride (TEACl) (45.6%), indicating that SeOMet uptake is a metabolically active process, and that it could be mediated via aquaporins and K+ channels. Contrarily, SeMet uptake was insensitive to CCCP, although markedly inhibited by AgNO3 (93.1%), indicating that rice absorbs SeMet primarily via aquaporins. Furthermore, Se uptake and translocation in rice treated simultaneously with both SeMet and SeOMet were considerably lower than those in rice treated with SeMet treatment alone and notably lower than the theoretical quantity, indicating interactions between SeMet and SeOMet. Our findings provide important insights into the mechanisms underlying the uptake and translocation of organic Se within plants.

The combined impacts of selenium and phosphorus on the fate of arsenic in rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.).

Although the single role of selenium (Se) or phosphorus (P) in regulating the As contamination of rice plants has been reported in some studies, the combined impacts of Se and P on the fate of As and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, the uptake, translocation, and biotransformation of As mediated by Se were investigated in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings hydroponically cultured with P-normal and P-deficient conditions. The results showed Se addition stimulated the uptake of arsenite and arsenate by 15.6% and 30.7%, respectively in P-normal condition, and such effect was more profound in P-deficient condition with the value of 43.8% and 70.8%. However, regardless of Se addition, P-deficiency elevated the As uptake by 47.0%-92.1% for arsenate but had no obvious effects for arsenite. Accompanying with the As transfer factorShoot/Root reduced by 74.5%-80.2% and 71.1%-85.7%, Se addition decreased the shoot As content by 65.8%-69.7% and 59.6%-73.1%, respectively, in the arsenite- and arsenate-treated rice plants. Relative to the corresponding treatments of P-normal condition, P-deficiency reduced the As transfer factorShoot/Root by 38.9%-52.5% and thus decreasing the shoot As content by 35.2%-42.5% in the arsenite-treated plants; while the opposite impacts were observed in the arsenate-treated plants, in which the shoot As content was increased by 22.4%-83.7%. The analysis results of As species showed As(III) was dominant in both shoots (68.9%-75.1%) and roots (94.9%-97.2%), and neither Se addition nor P-deficiency had obvious impacts on the interconversion between As(III) and As(V). Our results demonstrate the regulating roles of Se in As accumulation mainly depend on P regimes and the specific rice tissues, but the effects of P-deficiency on the fate of As were influenced by the form of As added to the culture.

Selenite and selenate showed contrasting impacts on the fate of arsenic in rice (Oryza sativa L.) regardless of the formation of iron plaque.

The different effects of selenite and selenate on the fate of As and the function of iron plaque in the interaction between Se and As are poorly understood. Rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.) were selected as experimental plants in this study, the hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate the possible regulatory roles of selenite and selenate on the uptake, translocation, and transformation of arsenite or arsenate accompanied by iron plaque. In arsenite- and arsenate-treated rice, the Fe30 treatments stimulated root uptake by 12.4-39.8% and 18.6-37.0%, respectively, but inhibited the movement of As from iron plaque to the roots, resulting in the absorption of a considerable amount of As on iron plaque. Regardless of the iron plaque formation, selenite (selenate) significantly increased (decreased) the root uptake of arsenite and arsenate by 28.1-53.0% and 40.0%-61.7%, respectively (45.6-56.3% and 42.5-47.7%, respectively). Interestingly, the supply of selenite significantly reduced root-to-shoot As translocation by 71.9-77.3% and 66.2-67.7%, respectively, in arsenite- and arsenate-treated rice seedlings; however, a significant increase (90.5-122.9%) was induced by selenate was found only in the arsenate-treated plants. Furthermore, the translocation of As from iron plaque to the roots was significantly increased (decreased) by selenite (selenate). As and Fe in iron plaque were significantly positively correlated in all As-treated rice plants, and this correlation was more profound than that in the shoots and roots. However, neither Fe treatments nor inorganic Se addition affected the interconversion between As(III) and As(V) obviously; and As(III) was the dominant species in both shoots (68.3-84.9%) and roots (90.7-98.2%). Our results indicate selenite and selenate are effective in reducing the As accumulation in an opposite way, and the presence of iron plaque had no obvious impact on the interaction between Se and As in rice plants.

Accumulation of potentially toxic elements in Chinese tea (Camellia sinensis): Towards source apportionment and health risk assessment.

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is a popular beverage that is consumed globally. However, a better understanding of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) content in tea leaves and infusion is necessary to minimize risk on human health. Therefore, 249 tea samples (grown in different areas) covering six types of tea were collected in China to investigate the PTEs contents, identify their potential source and assess the health risk associated with drinking tea. PTE contents in tea leaves across six tea types were ND-0.900 (Cd), 0.005-2.133 (As), ND-5.679 (Pb), ND-13.86 (Cr), 1.601-22.93 (Ni), ND-2.048 (Se), 0.109-622.4 (F), 13.02-269.9 (Rb), 1.845-50.88 (Sr), and 2.796-53.23 (Ba) mg/kg. The result of tea infusion showed that 14.3 %-44.1 % (green tea), 14.5 %-46.7 % (black tea), 10.5 %-25.3 % (dark tea), 13.6 %-34.2 % (oolong tea), 16.9 %-40.7 % (yellow tea), and 19.9 %-35.1 % (white tea) of F were released. All tea types, except green tea, exhibited comparatively low leachability of Cd, As, Pb and Cr in tea infusion. The source apportionment revealed that PTEs in tea leaves mainly originated from soil parental materials, while industrial activities, fertilizer application, and manufacturing processes may contribute to exogenous Se, Cd, As, and Cr accumulation. Health risk assessment indicated that F in tea infusion dominated the health risk. Humans may be exposed to a higher health risk by drinking green tea compared to that of other tea types. Nevertheless, the long-term tea consumption is less likely to contribute to pronounced non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. This study confirmed that tea consumption is an important and direct pathway of PTEs uptake in humans. The health risk associated with drinking tea should be of concern.

Bilirubin oxidation end product B prevents CoCl2-induced primary cortical neuron apoptosis by promoting cell survival Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway.

Bilirubin oxidation end products (BOXes) are associated with the late-developing neurological deficits after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) possibly by direct constricting the cerebral arteries, but their specific impacts on neurons especially in the state of hypoxia, a prominent feature during the late stage of SAH, remain unclear. Here, we explored the effects of BOXes on the primary cortical neurons subjected to CoCl2-induced hypoxia by evaluating the morphological and apoptotic changes of neurons. The present study showed that Z-BOX B but not Z-BOX A greatly alleviated CoCl2-induced neuronal cell deterioration and apoptosis. Immunocytochemical staining assay showed Z-BOX B significantly increased neurite length, the numbers of both secondary and tertiary branches, and the protein level of Synaptophysin. Caspase 3/7 apoptosis assay and DAPI staining showed that Z-BOX B markedly reduced primary cortical neurons apoptosis. The expression of cleaved Caspase-3 was suppressed by Z-BOX B treatment, while the expression of Bcl-xL was upregulated. To further discover the mechanism of the neuroprotective effect observed in Z-BOX B, we found Z-BOX B increased the expression of p-mTOR, p-Akt, and p-p70S6K. In general, our results implicated Z-BOX B may prevent CoCl2-induced primary cortical neurons apoptosis by activating sAkt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway. Hence, the present data may provide new insights into the pathophysiological mechanism of delayed neurological dysfunction after SAH and novel targets for treating SAH.

The risks of sulfur addition on cadmium accumulation in paddy rice under different water-management conditions.

Recently, the application of sulfur (S) has been recommended to control the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in rice in contaminated paddy soil. However, the effects of exogenous S on Cd transfer in paddy rice systems under different water-management practices have not been systematically investigated. Pot experiments were performed to monitor the composition of soil pore water and the Cd accumulation in iron plaque and rice tissue were compared under different S (0 and 200 mg/kg Na2SO4) and water (continuous and discontinuous flooding) treatments. Sulfur application significantly increased Cd concentrations in soil pore water under discontinuous flooding conditions, but slightly reduced them under continuous flooding. Moreover, the oxidation/reduction potential (Eh) was the most critical factor that affected the Cd levels. When the Eh exceeded -42.5 mV, S became the second critical factor, and excessive S application promoted Cd dissolution. In addition, S addition elevated the Cd levels in iron plaque and reduced the Cd transfer from the iron plaque to rice roots. In rice, S addition inhibited Cd transfer from the rice roots to the straw; thus, more Cd was stored in the rice roots. Nevertheless, additional S application increased the Cd content in the rice grains by 72% under discontinuous flooding, although this effect was mitigated by continued flooding. Under simulated practical water management conditions, S addition increased the risk of Cd contamination in rice, suggesting that S application should be reconsidered as a paddy fertilization strategy.

Template-Sacrificing Synthesis of Well-Defined Asymmetrically Coordinated Single-Atom Catalysts for Highly Efficient CO2 Electrocatalytic Reduction.

Although various single-atom catalysts have been designed, atomically engineering their coordination environment remains a great challenge. Herein, a one-pot template-sacrificing pyrolysis approach is developed to synthesize well-defined Ni-N4-O catalytic sites on highly porous graphitic carbon for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO with high Faradaic efficiency (maximum of 97.2%) in a wide potential window (-0.56 to -1.06 V vs RHE) and with high stability. In-depth experimental and theoretical studies reveal that the axial Ni-O coordination introduces asymmetry to the catalytic center, leading to lower Gibbs free energy for the rate-limiting step, strengthened binding with *COOH, and a weaker association with *CO. The present results demonstrate the successful atomic-level coordination environment engineering of high-surface-area porous graphitic carbon-supported Ni single-atom catalysts (SACs), and the demonstrated method can be applied to synthesize an array of SACs (metal-N4-O) for various catalysis applications.

Comparative responses of cadmium accumulation and subcellular distribution in wheat and rice supplied with selenite or selenate.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of crop plants has aroused a worldwide concern because of the threats posed to human health through accumulation in the food chains. Selenium (Se) can alleviate the Cd-induced phytotoxicity, but the relevant underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) chosen as the target plants in this study, the effects of selenite or selenate on Cd accumulation and subcellular distribution were investigated through greenhouse hydroponic experiments; and simultaneously, the effects of pre-Se treatment with selenite or selenate on Cd accumulation and root-to-shoot translocation in the studied plants were also included. Results showed the addition of Se slightly changed the Cd content in plant roots in a time-dependent manner; however, with the obvious decreasing trend on the Cd transfer factor (TF), its content in plant shoots was significantly reduced by selenite or selenate in a plant species-dependent manner. At 48 h of exposure, the supplementation of selenite and selenate significantly decreased the Cd content by 40.4% and 38.0% in wheat shoots, and by 72.2% and 40.9% in rice shoots, respectively. Additionally, the order of Cd proportion distributed to the different subcellular fractions of plant tissues was as follows: cell wall > soluble cytosol > organelle, irrespective of the Se treatments or the plant species. However, selenate increased the Cd percentage in soluble cytosol of wheat shoots, while selenite increased that percentage in the cell wall of rice shoots; and the Cd proportion in soluble cytosol of the studied plant roots was significantly enhanced owing to selenite or selenate addition. Moreover, similar to the co-application, the pre-Se treatment with inorganic Se also reduced the Cd accumulation and translocation both in wheat and rice. Our results proved that the inorganic Se could decline the Cd accumulation and translocation in the crop plants, although selenite was found more effective than selenate regarding such effects.

Growth retardation-responsive analysis of mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in the liver tissue of Leiqiong cattle.

As an important type of non-coding RNA molecule, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have varied roles in many biological processes, and have been studied extensively over the past few years. However, little is known about lncRNA-mediated regulation during cattle growth and development. Therefore, in the present study, RNA sequencing was used to determine the expression level of mRNAs and lncRNAs in the liver of adult Leiqiong cattle under the condition of growth retardation and normal growth. We totally detected 1,124 and 24 differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs, respectively. The differentially expressed mRNAs were mainly associated with growth factor binding, protein K63-linked ubiquitination and cellular protein metabolic process; additionally, they were significantly enriched in the growth and development related pathways, including PPAR signaling pathway, vitamin B6 metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. Combined analysis showed that the co-located differentially expressed lncRNA Lnc_002583 might positively influence the expression of the corresponding genes IFI44 and IFI44L, exerting co-regulative effects on Leiqiong cattle growth and development. Thus, we made the hypothesis that Lnc_002583, IFI44 and IFI44L might function synergistically to regulate the growth of Leiqiong cattle. This study provides a catalog of Leiqiong cattle liver mRNAs and lncRNAs, and will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying growth regulataion.