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1.
J Am Chem Soc ; 146(20): 13797-13804, 2024 May 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38722223

ABSTRACT

Hydrides are promising candidates for achieving room-temperature superconductivity, but a formidable challenge remains in reducing the stabilization pressure below a megabar. In this study, we successfully synthesized a ternary lanthanum borohydride by introducing the nonmetallic element B into the La-H system, forming robust B-H covalent bonds that lower the pressure required to stabilize the superconducting phase. Electrical transport measurements confirm the presence of superconductivity with a critical temperature (Tc) of up to 106 K at 90 GPa, as evidenced by zero resistance and Tc shift under an external magnetic field. X-ray diffraction and transport measurements identify the superconducting compound as LaB2H8, a nonclathrate hydride, whose crystal structure remains stable at pressures as low as ∼ half megabar (59 GPa). Stabilizing superconductive stoichiometric LaB2H8 in a submegabar pressure regime marks a substantial advancement in the quest for high-Tc superconductivity in polynary hydrides, bringing us closer to the ambient pressure conditions.

2.
Biotechnol J ; 19(4): e2300557, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38581092

ABSTRACT

The halogenase-based catalysis is one of the most environmentally friendly methods for the synthesis of halogenated products, among which flavin-dependent halogenases (FDHs) have attracted great interest as one of the most promising biocatalysts due to the remarkable site-selectivity and wide substrate range. However, the complexity of constructing the NAD+-NADH-FAD-FADH2 bicoenzyme cycle system has affected the engineering applications of FDHs. In this work, a coenzyme self-sufficient tri-enzyme fusion was constructed and successfully applied to the continuous halogenation of L-tryptophan. SpFDH was firstly identified derived from Streptomyces pratensis, a highly selective halogenase capable of generating 6-chloro-tryptophan from tryptophan. Then, using gene fusion technology, SpFDH was fused with glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and flavin reductase (FR) to form a tri-enzyme fusion, which increased the yield by 1.46-fold and making the coenzymes self-sufficient. For more efficient halogenation of L-tryptophan, a continuous halogenation bioprocess of L-tryptophan was developed by immobilizing the tri-enzyme fusion and attaching it to a continuous catalytic device, which resulted in a reaction yield of 97.6% after 12 h reaction. An FDH from S. pratensis was successfully applied in the halogenation and our study provides a concise strategy for the preparation of halogenated tryptophan mediated by multienzyme cascade catalysis.


Subject(s)
Halogenation , Tryptophan , Coenzymes , Oxidoreductases/genetics , Oxidoreductases/metabolism , Flavins/metabolism
3.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 3320, 2024 Apr 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38637525

ABSTRACT

Investigations into the compositional model of the Earth, particularly the atypical concentrations of volatile elements within the silicate portion of the early Earth, have attracted significant interest due to their pivotal role in elucidating the planet's evolution and dynamics. To understand the behavior of such volatile elements, an established 'volatility trend' has been used to explain the observed depletion of certain volatile elements. However, elements such as Se and Br remain notably over-depleted in the silicate Earth. Here we show the results from first-principles simulations that explore the potential for these elements to integrate into hcp-Fe through the formation of substitutional alloys, long presumed to be predominant constituents of the Earth's core. Based on our findings, the thermodynamic stability of these alloys suggests that these volatile elements might indeed be partially sequestered within the Earth's core. We suggest potential reservoirs for volatile elements within the deep Earth, augmenting our understanding of the deep Earth's composition.

4.
Environ Res ; 252(Pt 3): 118936, 2024 Apr 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38657847

ABSTRACT

Artificial forest restoration is widely recognized as a crucial approach to enhance the potential of soil carbon sequestration. Nevertheless, there is still limited understanding regarding the dynamics of aggregate organic carbon (OC) and the underlying mechanisms driving these dynamics after artificial forest restoration. To address this gap, we studied Pinus tabuliformis forests and adjacent farmland in three recovery periods (13, 24 and 33 years) in the Loess Plateau region. Samples of undisturbed soil from the surface layer were collected and divided into three aggregate sizes: >2 mm (large aggregate), 0.25-2 mm (medium aggregate), and <0.25 mm (small aggregate). The aim was to examine the distribution of OC and changes in enzyme activity within each aggregate size. The findings revealed a significant increase in OC content for all aggregate sizes following the restoration of Pinus tabuliformis forests. After 33 years of recovery, the OC of large aggregates, medium aggregates and micro-aggregates increased by (30.23 ± 9.85)%, (36.71 ± 21.60)% and (37.88 ± 16.07)% respectively compared with that of farmland. Moreover, the restoration of Pinus tabuliformis forests lead to increased activity of hydrolytic enzymes and decreased activity of oxidative enzymes. It is noteworthy that the regulation of carbon in all aggregates is influenced by soil P-limitation. In large aggregates, P-limitation promotes the enhancement of hydrolytic enzyme activity, thereby facilitate OC accumulation. Conversely, in medium and small aggregates, P-limitation inhibits the increase in oxidative enzyme activity, resulting in OC accumulation. The results emphasize the importance of P-limitation in regulating OC accumulation during the restoration of Pinus tabulaeformis forest, in which large aggregates play a leading role.

5.
Sci Total Environ ; 923: 171418, 2024 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38460701

ABSTRACT

Perturbations in soil microbial communities caused by climate warming are expected to have a strong impact on biodiversity and future climate-carbon (C) feedback, especially in vulnerable habitats that are highly sensitive to environmental change. Here, we investigate the impact of four-year experimental warming on soil microbes and C cycling in the Loess Hilly Region of China. The results showed that warming led to soil C loss, mainly from labile C, and this C loss is associated with microbial response. Warming significantly decreased soil bacterial diversity and altered its community structure, especially increasing the abundance of heat-tolerant microorganisms, but had no effect on fungi. Warming also significantly increased the relative importance of homogeneous selection and decreased "drift" of bacterial and fungal communities. Moreover, warming decreased bacterial network stability but increased fungal network stability. Notably, the magnitude of soil C loss was significantly and positively correlated with differences in bacterial community characteristics under ambient and warming conditions, including diversity, composition, network stability, and community assembly. This result suggests that microbial responses to warming may amplify soil C loss. Combined, these results provide insights into soil microbial responses and C feedback in vulnerable ecosystems under climate warming scenarios.


Subject(s)
Ecosystem , Microbiota , Grassland , Soil , Carbon , Climate Change , Soil Microbiology , Bacteria
6.
Nanotechnology ; 35(21)2024 Mar 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38377620

ABSTRACT

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries exhibit a huge potential in energy storage devices for the thrilling theoretical energy density (2600 Wh kg-1). Nevertheless, the serious shuttle effect rooted in polysulfides and retardative hysteresis reaction kinetics results in inferior cycling and rate performances of Li-S batteries, impeding commercial applications. In order to further promote the energy storage abilities of Li-S batteries, a unique binder-free sulfur carrier consisting of SnS2-modified multi-hole carbon nanofibers (SnS2-MHCNFs) has been constructed, where MHCNFs can offer abundant space to accommodate high-level sulfur and SnS2can promote the adsorption and catalyst capability of polysulfides, synergistically promoting the lithium-ion storage performances of Li-S batteries. After sulfur loading (SnS2-MHCNFs@S), the material was directly applied as a cathode electrode of the Li-S battery. The SnS2-MHCNFs@S electrode maintained a good discharge capacity of 921 mAh g-1after 150 cycles when the current density was 0.1 C (1 C = 1675 mA g-1), outdistancing the MHCNFs@S (629 mAh g-1) and CNFs@S (249 mAh g-1) electrodes. Meanwhile, the SnS2-MHCNFs@S electrode still exhibited a discharge capacity of 444 mAh g-1at 2 C. The good performance of SnS2-MHCNFs@S electrode indicates that combining multihole structure designation and polar material modification are highly effective methods to boost the performances of Li-S batteries.

7.
Natl Sci Rev ; 11(1): nwae016, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38343648

ABSTRACT

Using first-principles calculations and crystal structure search methods, we found that many covalently bonded molecules such as H2, N2, CO2, NH3, H2O and CH4 may react with NaCl, a prototype ionic solid, and form stable compounds under pressure while retaining their molecular structure. These molecules, despite whether they are homonuclear or heteronuclear, polar or non-polar, small or large, do not show strong chemical interactions with surrounding Na and Cl ions. In contrast, the most stable molecule among all examples, N2, is found to transform into cyclo-N5- anions while reacting with NaCl under high pressures. It provides a new route to synthesize pentazolates, which are promising green energy materials with high energy density. Our work demonstrates a unique and universal hybridization propensity of covalently bonded molecules and solid compounds under pressure. This surprising miscibility suggests possible mixing regions between the molecular and rock layers in the interiors of large planets.

8.
Heliyon ; 10(4): e25886, 2024 Feb 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38404858

ABSTRACT

The food-energy-water nexus (F-E-W) serves as a crucial resource for the sustainability of households, while the efficiency of resource use largely depends on our understanding and management of the nexus including all three factors. Limited research has been conducted on this topic thus far because of the increasing complexity of home technologies and data availability. This study develops an evidence-based system dynamics model for assessing the synergy and trade-offs of the household F-E-W. By applying the system dynamics (SD) methodology, the FEW consumption and generation originating from home appliances were modelled and simulated. The model was applied to an eco-house in Tokyo, and its efficacy was validated with one-year hour-based observations of a home energy management system (HEMS). The findings revealed that water-related and food-related energy use accounted for approximately 55% of the total energy use. In addition, water-related energy use showed high uncertainty, suggesting a management potential of approximately 24% for reduction, and was significantly correlated with household carbon emissions. Moreover, this result verified that the effective management of household energy consumption requires the adept manipulation of the diverse array of energy sources employed for air and water heating, while HEMSs could play a key role in implementation.

9.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl ; 63(16): e202319320, 2024 Apr 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38238261

ABSTRACT

The chemistry of hypercoordination has been a subject of fundamental interest, especially for understanding structures that challenge conventional wisdom. The small ionic radii of Fe ions typically result in coordination numbers of 4 or 6 in stable Fe-bearing ionic compounds. While 8-coordinated Fe has been observed in highly compressed oxides, the pursuit of hypercoordinated Fe still faces significant challenges due to the complexity of synthesizing the anticipated compound with another suitable anion. Through first-principles simulation and advanced crystal structure prediction methods, we predict that an orthorhombic phase of FeF3 with exclusively 8-coordinated Fe is energetically stable above 18 GPa-a pressure more feasibly achieved compared to oxides. Inspired by this theoretical result, we conducted extensive experiments using a laser-heated diamond anvil cell technique to investigate the crystal structures of FeF3 at high-pressure conditions. We successfully synthesized the predicted orthorhombic phase of FeF3 at 46 GPa, as confirmed by in situ experimental X-ray diffraction data. This work establishes a new ionic compound featuring rare 8-coordinated Fe in a simple binary Fe-bearing system and paves the way for discovering Fe hypercoordination in similar systems.

10.
Animals (Basel) ; 14(2)2024 Jan 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38254379

ABSTRACT

Intestinal flora plays an important role in maintaining the internal stability and health of the intestine. Currently, intestinal microbes are considered an important "organ" but are mostly ignored by people. This study evaluated the flora structure of each intestinal segment of blue foxes pre-weaning and explored the differences between the fecal flora and intestinal flora structure of each segment after weaning. Samples of intestinal contents from three blue foxes at 45 days of age (before weaning) and intestinal contents and feces samples from at 80 days (after weaning) were collected for 16s rRNA flora analysis. The species and distribution characteristics of microorganisms in different intestinal segments of blue foxes before and after weaning were different. Except for the rectum, the dominant flora of each intestinal segment of blue fox changed significantly after experiencing weaning, and the fecal flora structure of young fox at the weaning stage did not represent the whole intestinal flora structure but was highly similar to that of the colon and rectum. To sum up, the intestinal flora of blue foxes changed systematically before and after weaning. When performing non-invasive experiments, the microflora structure of the colon and rectum of blue foxes can be predicted by collecting fecal samples.

11.
Neurobiol Dis ; 191: 106402, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38184015

ABSTRACT

Social dominance is a universal phenomenon among grouped animals that profoundly affects survival, health, and reproductive success by determining access to resources, and exerting a powerful influence on subsequent behavior. However, the understanding of pain and anxiety comorbidities in dominant or subordinate animals suffering from chronic pain is not well-defined. Here, we provide evidence that subordinate mice are more susceptible to pain-induced anxiety compared to dominant mice. We propose that the gut microbiota may play a mediating role in this mechanism. Our findings demonstrate that transplantation of fecal microbiota from subordinate mice with chronic inflammatory pain, but not dominant mice, into antibiotics-treated pseudo-germ-free mice significantly amplifies anxiety-like phenotypes, highlighting the critical involvement of gut microbiota in this behavioral response. Using chronic inflammatory pain model, we carried out 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomic analyses to explore the relationship between microbiota and metabolites in a stable social hierarchy of mice. Interestingly, anxiety-like behaviors were directly associated with some microbial genera and metabolites, especially bile acid metabolism. Overall, we have demonstrated a close relationship between social status and anxiety susceptibility, highlighting the contributions of gut microbiota and the associated metabolites in the high-anxiety state of subordinate mice with chronic inflammatory pain.


Subject(s)
Chronic Pain , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Mice , Animals , Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics , Depression , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S , Hierarchy, Social , Anxiety
12.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 358, 2024 Jan 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38195740

ABSTRACT

Invariant cell lineage in C. elegans enables spatiotemporal resolution of transcriptional regulatory mechanisms controlling the fate of each cell. Here, we develop RAPCAT (Robust-point-matching- And Piecewise-affine-based Cell Annotation Tool) to automate cell identity assignment in three-dimensional image stacks of L1 larvae and profile reporter expression of 620 transcription factors in every cell. Transcription factor profile-based clustering analysis defines 80 cell types distinct from conventional phenotypic cell types and identifies three general phenotypic modalities related to these classifications. First, transcription factors are broadly downregulated in quiescent stage Hermaphrodite Specific Neurons, suggesting stage- and cell type-specific variation in transcriptome size. Second, transcription factor expression is more closely associated with morphology than other phenotypic modalities in different pre- and post-differentiation developmental stages. Finally, embryonic cell lineages can be associated with specific transcription factor expression patterns and functions that persist throughout postembryonic life. This study presents a comprehensive transcription factor atlas for investigation of intra-cell type heterogeneity.


Subject(s)
Ascomycota , Transcription Factors , Animals , Transcription Factors/genetics , Caenorhabditis elegans/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation , Cell Differentiation/genetics
13.
ACS Biomater Sci Eng ; 10(2): 1128-1138, 2024 Feb 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38221709

ABSTRACT

The physiological state of the human body can be indicated by analyzing the composition of sweat. In this research, a fluorescence-recovered wearable hydrogel patch has been designed and realized which can noninvasively monitor the glucose concentration in human sweat. Rare-earth nanoparticles (RENPs) of NaGdF4 doped with different elements (Yb, Er, and Ce) are synthesized and optimized for better luminescence in the near-infrared second (NIR-II) and visible region. In addition, RENPs are coated with CoOOH of which the absorbance has an extensive peak in the visible and NIR regions. The concentration of H2O2 in the environment can be detected by the fluorescence recovery degree of CoOOH-modified RENPs based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer effect. For in vivo detection, the physiological state of oxidative stress at tumor sites can be visualized through its fluorescence in NIR-II with low background noise and high penetration depth. For the in vitro detection, CoOOH-modified RENP and glucose oxidase (GOx) were doped into a polyacrylamide hydrogel, and a patch that can emit green upconversion fluorescence under a 980 nm laser was prepared. Compared with the conventional electrochemical detection method, the fluorescence we presented has higher sensitivity and linear detection region to detect the glucose. This improved anti-interference sweat patch that can work in the dark environment was obtained, and the physiological state of the human body is conveniently monitored, which provides a new facile and convenient method to monitor the sweat status.


Subject(s)
Cobalt , Metals, Rare Earth , Nanoparticles , Oxides , Wearable Electronic Devices , Humans , Fluorescence , Glucose , Hydrogels , Hydrogen Peroxide , Metals, Rare Earth/chemistry , Nanoparticles/chemistry
14.
Appl Biochem Biotechnol ; 196(3): 1509-1526, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37428385

ABSTRACT

Chiral trifluoromethyl alcohols as vital intermediates are of great interest in fine chemicals and especially in pharmaceutical synthesis. In this work, a novel isolate Kosakonia radicincitans ZJPH202011 was firstly employed as biocatalyst for the synthesis of (R)-1-(4-bromophenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethanol ((R)-BPFL) with good enantioselectivity. By optimizing fermentation conditions and bioreduction parameters in aqueous buffer system, the substrate concentration of 1-(4-bromophenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethanone (BPFO) was doubled from 10 to 20 mM, and the enantiomeric excess (ee) value for (R)-BPFL increased from 88.8 to 96.4%. To improve biocatalytic efficiency by strengthening the mass-transfer rate, natural deep-eutectic solvents, surfactants and cyclodextrins (CDs) were introduced separately in the reaction system as cosolvent. Among them, L-carnitine: lysine (C: Lys, molar ratio 1:2), Tween 20 and γ-CD manifested higher (R)-BPFL yield compared with other same kind of cosolvents. Furthermore, based on the excellent performance of both Tween 20 and C: Lys (1:2) in enhancing BPFO solubility and ameliorating cell permeability, a Tween 20/C: Lys (1:2)-containing integrated reaction system was then established for efficient bioproduction of (R)-BPFL. After optimizing the critical factors involved in BPFO bioreduction in this synergistic reaction system, BPFO loading increased up to 45 mM and the yield reached 90.0% within 9 h, comparatively only 37.6% yield was acquired in neat aqueous buffer. This is the first report on K. radicincitans cells as new biocatalyst applied in (R)-BPFL preparation, and the developed Tween 20/C: Lys-containing synergistic reaction system has great potential for the synthesis of various chiral alcohols.


Subject(s)
Enterobacteriaceae , Lysine , Polysorbates , Carnitine , Ethanol , Stereoisomerism
15.
Biomed Pharmacother ; 170: 116072, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38147739

ABSTRACT

In recent years, the widespread prevalence of diabetes has become a major killer that threatens the health of people worldwide. Of particular concern is hyperglycemia-induced vascular endothelial injury, which is one of the factors that aggravate diabetic vascular disease. During the process of diabetic vascular endothelial injury, apoptosis is an important pathological manifestation and autophagy is a key regulatory mechanism. Autophagy and apoptosis interact with each other. Hence, the crosstalk mechanism between the two processes is an important means of regulating diabetic vascular endothelial injury. This article reviews the research progress in apoptosis in the context of diabetic vascular endothelial injury and discusses the crosstalk mechanism of autophagy and apoptosis and its role in this injury. The purpose is to guide the prevention and treatment of diabetic vascular endothelial injury in the future.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental , Hyperglycemia , Animals , Humans , Apoptosis , Autophagy/physiology , Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins , Hyperglycemia/complications
16.
Brain Behav Immun ; 115: 64-79, 2024 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37793489

ABSTRACT

CD38 is involved in immune responses, cell proliferation, and has been identified in the brain, where it is implicated in inflammation processes and psychiatric disorders. We hypothesized that dysfunctional CD38 activity in the brain may contribute to the pathogenesis of depression. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, we used a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like model and conducted behavioral tests, molecular and morphological methods, along with optogenetic techniques. We microinjected adeno-associated virus into the hippocampal CA3 region with stereotaxic instrumentation. Our results showed a marked increase in CD38 expression in both the hippocampus and cortex of LPS-treated mice. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition and genetic knockout of CD38 effectively alleviated neuroinflammation, microglia activation, synaptic defects, and Sirt1/STAT3 signaling, subsequently improving depression-like behaviors. Moreover, optogenetic activation of glutamatergic neurons of hippocampal CA3 reduced the susceptibility of mice to depression-like behaviors, accompanied by reduced CD38 expression. We also found that (R)-ketamine, which displayed antidepressant effects, was linked to its anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing increased CD38 expression and reversing synaptic defects. In conclusion, hippocampal CD38 is closely linked to depression-like behaviors in an inflammation model, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for antidepressant development.


Subject(s)
ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1 , Depression , Ketamine , Animals , Mice , Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology , Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use , Antidepressive Agents/metabolism , Depression/metabolism , Hippocampus/metabolism , Inflammation/metabolism , Ketamine/pharmacology , Ketamine/therapeutic use , Ketamine/metabolism , Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology , Lipopolysaccharides/metabolism , ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1/metabolism
17.
Mol Med ; 29(1): 168, 2023 Dec 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38093172

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Shenqi Compound (SQC) has been used in clinic for several decades in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications. But this is merely a heritage of experience. The primary aim of this study is to scientifically validate the therapeutic effects of SQC on diabetic vascular calcification (DVC) in an animal model and, simultaneously, uncover its potential underlying mechanisms. METHOD: Spontaneous diabetic rat- Goto Kakizaki (GK) rats were selected for rat modeling. We meticulously designed three distinct groups: a control group, a model group, and an SQC treatment group to rigorously evaluate the influence of SQC. Utilizing a comprehensive approach that encompassed methods such as pathological staining, western blot analysis, qRT-PCR, and RNA sequencing, we thoroughly investigated the therapeutic advantages and the underlying mechanistic pathways associated with SQC in the treatment of DVC. RESULT: The findings from this investigation have unveiled the extraordinary efficacy of SQC treatment in significantly mitigating DVC. The underlying mechanisms driving this effect encompass multifaceted facets, including the restoration of aberrant glucose and lipid metabolism, the prevention of phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into osteogenic-like states, the subsequent inhibition of cell apoptosis, the modulation of inflammation responses, the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the activation of the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. Collectively, these mechanisms lead to the dissolution of deposited calcium salts, ultimately achieving the desired inhibition of DVC. CONCLUSION: Our study has provided compelling and robust evidence of the remarkable efficacy of SQC treatment in significantly reducing DVC. This reduction is attributed to a multifaceted interplay of mechanisms, each playing a crucial role in the observed therapeutic effects. Notably, our findings illuminate prospective directions for further research and potential clinical applications in the field of cardiovascular health.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Vascular Calcification , Rats , Animals , Prospective Studies , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism , Vascular Calcification/drug therapy , Vascular Calcification/complications , Vascular Calcification/metabolism , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
18.
Endocrine ; 2023 Dec 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38048013

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: There have been limited studies examining the prospective association between the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), a novel inflammatory marker, and mortality among individuals with diabetes in the United States. METHODS: We utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a representative sample of US adults, linked with information from the National Death Index. RESULTS: Our study included 8697 individuals from NHANES spanning the years 1999 to 2018. SII was calculated by dividing the platelet count by the neutrophil count and then dividing that result by the lymphocyte count. We employed multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to investigate the associations between SII levels and all-cause as well as cause-specific mortality, while adjusting for potential confounding factors. SII levels were categorized into quartiles based on the study population distribution. Over a median follow-up period of 94.8 months (with a maximum of 249 months), we observed a total of 2465 all-cause deaths, 853 deaths from cardiovascular causes, 424 deaths from cancer, and 88 deaths related to chronic kidney disease. After adjusting for multiple variables, higher SII levels were significantly and non-linearly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in Quartile 4 (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.15-2.63, P for trend = 0.043) when Quartile 1 was used as the reference group. Additionally, we identified a linear association between SII and cardiovascular mortality, with a 70% higher risk of cardiovascular mortality in Quartile 4 (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.18-3.30, P for trend = 0.041) compared to Quartile 1. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that SII is significantly associated with an elevated risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in US adults with diabetes.

19.
J Chem Phys ; 159(23)2023 Dec 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38126624

ABSTRACT

Boron-based compounds have triggered substantial attention due to their multifunctional properties, incorporating excellent hardness and superconductivity. While tetragonal metal borides LiB4 and NaB4 with BaAl4-type structure and striking clathrate boron motif have been induced under compression, there is still a lack of deep understanding of their potential properties at ambient pressure. We herein conduct a comprehensive study on I4/mmm-structured LiB4 and NaB4 under ambient pressure via first-principles calculations. Remarkably, both LiB4 and NaB4 are found to possess high Vickers hardness of 39 GPa, which is ascribed to the robust boron framework with strong covalency. Furthermore, their high hardness values together with distinguished stability make them highly potential superhard materials. Meanwhile, electron-phonon coupling analysis reveals that both LiB4 and NaB4 are conventional phonon-mediated superconductors, with critical temperatures of 6 and 8 K at 1 atmosphere pressure (atm), respectively, mainly arising from the coupling of B 2p electronic states and the low-frequency phonon modes associated with Li-, Na-, and B-derived vibrations. This work provides valuable insights into the mechanical and superconducting behaviors of metal borides and will boost further studies of emergent borides with multiple functionalities.

20.
Front Pharmacol ; 14: 1290023, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38027018

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the serious microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. It is often associated with clinical manifestations such as arrhythmias and heart failure, and significantly reduces the quality of life and years of survival of patients. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is the removal of unfolded and misfolded proteins and is an important mechanism for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. ERS plays an important role in the pathogenesis of DCM by causing cardiomyocyte apoptosis, insulin resistance, calcium imbalance, myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. Targeting ERS is a new direction in the treatment of DCM. A large number of studies have shown that Chinese herbal medicine and active ingredients can significantly improve the clinical outcome of DCM patients through intervention in ERS and effects on myocardial structure and function, which has become one of the hot research directions. Purpose: The aim of this review is to elucidate and summarize the roles and mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicine and active ingredients that have the potential to modulate endoplasmic reticulum stress, thereby contributing to better management of DCM. Methods: Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Internet, and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform were used to search, analyze, and collect literature, in order to review the mechanisms by which phytochemicals inhibit the progression of DCM by targeting the ERS and its key signaling pathways. Keywords used included "diabetic cardiomyopathy" and "endoplasmic reticulum stress." Results: This review found that Chinese herbs and their active ingredients can regulate ERS through IRE1, ATF6, and PERK pathways to reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis, ameliorate myocardial fibrosis, and attenuate myocardial hypertrophy for the treatment of DCM. Conclusion: A comprehensive source of information on potential ERS inhibitors is provided in this review. The analysis of the literature suggests that Chinese herbal medicine and its active ingredients can be used as potential drug candidates for the treatment of DCM. In short, we cannot ignore the role of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating ERS and treating DCM, and look forward to more research and new drugs to come.

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