Enhancement of NiTiO3 piezocatalytic hydrogen evolution by doping with large radius elements.

Piezocatalysis is a direct method for converting mechanical vibration into chemical energy. Herein, NiTiO3 is used in the piezocatalytic hydrogen evolution field for the first time. The noncentral symmetry of NiTiO3 is enhanced by doping with large radius elements. It is demonstrated that when a metal element replaces the sites of nickel, it results in lattice distortion and a higher piezoelectric response. In particular, Cd-doped NiTiO3 exhibits the highest H2 generation rate (1.52 mmol g-1 h-1), which is 13 times that of original NiTiO3.

"Internet Plus" continuous nursing for patients with advanced bladder cancer: A retrospective observational study.

The "Internet Plus" system has made continuous nursing intervention much more feasible to implement, especially in terms of malignant tumors. We aimed to evaluate continuous nursing based on "Internet Plus" for patients diagnosed with bladder cancer with hematuria being treated by drug-eluting bead embolization. This retrospective study included 43 patients, diagnosed with bladder cancer with hemorrhages, who had undergone transcatheter bladder arterial chemoembolization by drug-eluting bead embolization at our hospital between January 2017 and January 2023. They were divided into a control (21 patients) and an observation group (22 patients). The Medical Coping Style Scale, disease knowledge (including regular follow-up and interventional treatment), patient satisfaction, and caregiver burden in both groups were compared on the day of discharge and at the 1-month follow-up for each patient. The confrontation score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group, whereas the resignation and avoidance scores were lower. The disease knowledge was higher in the observation group, and the caregiver burden scores of the observation group were significantly lower. The patient satisfaction scores of the control group (84.7 ±â€…2.6) were lower than those of the observation group (90.5 ±â€…5.4). Continuous nursing based on "Internet Plus" could improve the quality of life of patients and their satisfaction regarding the meeting of their and their families' psychological and nursing needs.

[Effects of tetramethylpyrazine on pharmacokinetics in plasma and brain dialysate and neuropathic pain in rat model of spared sciatic nerve injury].

This study aims to explore the effects of tetramethylpyrazine(TMP) on pharmacokinetics in plasma and brain dialysate and neuropathic pain in the rat model of partial sciatic nerve injury(SNI), and to investigate the correlation between the analgesic effect of TMP and its concentrations in the plasma and brain dialysate. Male SD rats were randomized into Sham, SNI, and SNI+TMP groups. Mechanical stimulation with von frey filaments and cold spray method were employed to evaluate the mechanical sensitivity and cold sensitivity of rats. Another two groups, Sham+TMP and SNI+TMP, were used to intubate the common jugular vein and implant microdialysis probes into the anterior cingulate gyrus(ACC), respectively.After intraperitoneal injection of TMP at a dose of 80 mg·kg~(-1), automatic blood collection and intracerebral microdialysis(perfusion rate of 1 µL·min~(-1)) systems were used to collect the blood and brain dialysate for 24 h. HSS T3 C_(18) reversed-phase chromatographic column(2.1 mm×50 mm, 2.5 µm) was used for liquid chromatographic separation. Gradient elution was carried out with the mobile phase of methanol-water(containing 0.005% formic acid) at a flow rate of 0.25 mL·min~(-1). Electrospray ion source was used for mass spectrometry, and the scanning mode was multi-reaction monitoring under the positive ion mode. The ion pairs for quantitative analysis were TMP m/z 137/122 and aspirin m/z 179/137, respectively. DAS 2.11 was used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters. The optimal time of TMP to exert the analgesia effect and inhibit cold pain sensitivity was 60 min after treatment. The TMP in the plasma and brain dialysate of SNI rats showed the T_(max) of 15 min and 30 min, the C_(max) of(2 866.43±135.39) and(1 462.14±197.38) µg·L~(-1), the AUC_(0-t) of(241 463.30±28 070.31) and(213 115.62±32 570.07) µg·min·L~(-1), the MRT_(0-t) of(353.13±47.73) and(172.16±12.72) min, and the CL_Z of 0.73 and 0.36 L·min·kg~(-1), respectively. The analgesic effect of TMP had a significant correlation with the blood drug concentration in the ACC, which indicated that this method was suitable for the detection of TMP in rat plasma and brain dialysate. The method is accurate, reliable, and sensitive and can realize the important value of the application of correlation analysis theory of "automatic blood collection-microdialysis/PK-PD" in the research on neuropathic pain.

Ginseng fermentation solution affects the gut microbiota in zebrafish with alcoholic liver disease via PI3K/Akt pathway.

BACKGROUND: Ginsenosides have received increased amounts of attention due to their ability to modulate the intestinal flora, which may subsequently alleviate alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The effects of ginseng fermentation solution (GFS) on the gut microbiota and metabolism in ALD patients have not been explored. PURPOSE: This research aimed to explore the regulatory effect of GFS on ALD both in vitro and in vivo. METHOD: This study assessed the anti-ALD efficacy of GFS using an LO2 cell model and a zebrafish model. Untargeted metabolomics was used for differentially abundant metabolite analysis, and high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing was used to examine the effect of GFS on ALD. RESULTS: The LO2 cell line experiments demonstrated that GFS effectively mitigated alcohol-induced oxidative stress and reduced apoptosis by upregulating PI3K and Bcl-2 expression and decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. In zebrafish, GFS improved morphological and physiological parameters and diminished oxidative stress-induced ALD. Meanwhile, the results from Western blotting indicated that GFS enhanced the expression of PI3K, Akt, and Bcl-2 proteins while reducing Bax protein expression, thereby ameliorating the ALD model in zebrafish. Metabolomics data revealed significant changes in a total of 46 potential biomarkers. Among them, metabolites such as prostaglandin F2 alpha belong to arachidonic acid metabolism. In addition, GFS also partly reversed the imbalance of gut microbiota composition caused by alcohol. At the genus level, alcohol consumption elevated the presence of Flectobacillus, Curvibacter, among others, and diminished Elizabethkingia within the intestinal microbes of zebrafish. Conversely, GFS reversed these effects, notably enhancing the abundance of Proteobacteria and Archaea. Correlation analyses further indicated a significant negative correlation between prostaglandin F2 alpha, 11,14,15-THETA, Taurocholic acid and Curvibacter. CONCLUSION: This study highlights a novel mechanism by which GFS modulates anti-ALD activity through the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway by influencing the intestinal flora-metabolite axis. These results indicate the potential of GFS as a functional food for ALD treatment via modulation of the gut flora.

Mechanism of enhanced microalgal biomass and lipid accumulation through symbiosis between a highly succinic acid-producing strain of Escherichia coli SUC and Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1.

Microalgae, known for rapid growth and lipid richness, hold potential in biofuels and high-value biomolecules. The symbiotic link with bacteria is crucial in large-scale open cultures. This study explores algal-bacterial interactions using a symbiotic model, evaluating acid-resistant Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), stress-resilient Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, and various Escherichia coli strains in the Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1 system. It was observed that E. coli SUC significantly enhanced the growth and lipid production of Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1 by increasing enzyme activity (NAD-IDH, NAD-ME, G6PDH) while maintaining sustained succinic acid release. Optimal co-culture conditions included temperature 28 °C, a 1:10 algae-to-bacteria ratio, and pH 8. Under these conditions, Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1 biomass increased 3.17-fold to 27.83 g/L, and total lipid content increased 2.63-fold to 4.87 g/L. These findings have implications for more efficient microalgal lipid production and large-scale cultivation.

Identifying the active compounds and mechanism of action of TongFu XieXia Decoction for treating intestinal obstruction using network pharmacology combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE: TongFu XieXia Decoction (TFXXD), a formulation rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and optimized through clinical practice, serves as an advanced version of the classic Da Cheng Qi decoction used for treating intestinal obstruction (IO), demonstrating significant therapeutic efficacy. However, due to the intricate nature of herbal compositions, the principal constituents and potential mechanisms of TFXXD have yet to be clarified. Accordingly, this study seeks to identify the active compounds and molecular targets of TFXXD, as well as to elucidate its anti-IO mechanisms. METHODS: Qualitative identification of the principal constituents of TFXXD was accomplished using ultra-high preformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS) analysis. PharmMapper facilitated the prediction of potential molecular targets, whereas protein-protein interaction analysis was conducted using STRING 11.0. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape database. A "compounds-target-pathway" network was meticulously constructed within Cytoscape 3.8.2. Finally, molecular docking studies were performed to investigate the interactions between the core target and the crucial compound. RESULTS: UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS analysis identified 65 components with high precision and sensitivity. Furthermore, 64 potential targets were identified as integral to TFXXD bioactivity in IO treatment. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed 995 distinct biological functions, while the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis identified 143 intricate signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: Molecular docking studies substantiated the substantial affinity between the TFXXD bioactive constituents and their corresponding targets in the context of IO. TFXXD exerts its therapeutic efficacy in IO through a multifaceted interplay between multiple compounds, targets, and pathways. The integration of network pharmacology with UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS has emerged as a promising strategy to unravel the intricate web of molecular interactions underlying herbal medicine. However, it is imperative to emphasize the necessity for further in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Effects of ginseng on short-chain fatty acids and intestinal microbiota in rats with spleen-qi deficiency based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and 16s rRNA technology.

RATIONALE: Spleen-qi deficiency syndrome, a common weakness syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine, results from insufficient spleen-qi levels. For centuries, ginseng has been relied upon as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat spleen-qi deficiency syndrome. Until now, the mechanism feature of ginseng in treating temper deficiency through intestinal bacteria and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolites has not been fully elucidated. METHODS: This study established a rat model of spleen-qi deficiency via multi-factor compound modeling that involved fatigue injury and a controlled diet. The content of SCFAs between different treatment groups was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. And the 16s rRNA sequencing technology was applied to reveal the effects of ginseng on the intestinal microecological environment of the rats. RESULTS: It was found that the ginseng treatment group exhibited the most remarkable regulatory effect on propionic acid, surpassing all other administration groups. Ginseng increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and decreased that of harmful bacteria at the genus level in rats with spleen-qi deficiency syndrome. And propionic acid is significantly positively correlated with Lactobacillus level and significantly negatively correlated with uncultured_bacterium_f_Muribaculaceae (p < 0.05). n-Butyric acid is negatively correlated with the Faecalibaculum level (p < 0.01). n-Valeric acid is significantly negatively correlated with the Romboutsia level (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The mechanism of ginseng treatment for spleen-qi deficiency is elucidated from the perspective of gut microbiota and its metabolite SCFAs. It provides a new way for further development and utilization of ginseng and a theoretical basis.

Multi-channel electrohysterography enabled uterine contraction characterization and its effect in delivery assessment.

Uterine contractions are routinely monitored by tocodynamometer (TOCO) at late stage of pregnancy to predict the onset of labor. However, TOCO reveals no information on the synchrony and coherence of contractions, which are important contributors to a successful delivery. The electrohysterography (EHG) is a recording of the electrical activities that trigger the local muscles to contract. The spatial-temporal information embedded in multiple channel EHG signals make them ideal for characterizing the synchrony and coherence of uterine contraction. To proceed, contractile time-windows are identified from TOCO signals and are then used to segment out the simultaneously recorded EHG signals of different channels. We construct sample entropy SamEn and Concordance Correlation based feature ψ from these EHG segments to quantify the synchrony and coherence of contraction. To test the effectiveness of the proposed method, 122 EHG recordings in the Icelandic EHG database were divided into two groups according to the time difference between the gestational ages at recording and at delivery (TTD). Both SamEn and ψ show clear difference in the two groups (p<10-5) even when measurements were made 120 h before delivery. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of these two features gave AUC values of 0.834 and 0.726 for discriminating imminent labor defined with TTD ≤ 24 h. The SamEn was significantly smaller in women (0.1433) of imminent labor group than in women (0.3774) of the pregnancy group. Using an optimal cutoff value of SamEn to identify imminent labor gives sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy as high as 0.909, 0.712 and 0.743, respectively. These results demonstrate superiority in comparing to the existing SOTA methods. This study is the first research work focusing on characterizing the synchrony property of contractions from the electrohysterography signals. Despite the very limited dataset used in the validation process, the promising results open a new direction to the use of electrohysterography in obstetrics.

UDP-glycosyltransferase gene SlUGT73C1 from Solanum lycopersicum regulates salt and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana L.

Among abiotic stresses, plants are the most vulnerable to salt and drought stresses. These stresses affect plant growth and development. Glycosyltransferases are involved in the responses of plants to abiotic stresses. In this study, a UDP-glycosyltransferase gene (SlUGT73C1) from Solanum lycopersicum was isolated and identified, which exhibited induction under salt or drought stress. The full length of SlUGT73C1 was 1485 bp, encoding 494 amino acids. Stress-related cis-acting elements were present in the promoter sequence of SlUGT73C1, such as ARE, LTR, and GC motifs. Compared with the wild-type plants, Arabidopsis thaliana overexpressing SlUGT73C1 exhibited increased seed germination rate and SOD and POD activities, decreased MDA content, and increased expression levels of osmotic stress regulators genes, rate-limiting enzymes genes in the proline synthesis pathway, Na+/K+ reverse transporter genes, and rate-limiting genes in the ABA biosynthesis pathway under salt or drought stress. These results indicated that SlUGT73C1 plays an important role in regulating salt and drought tolerance in plants.

Immunomodulatory effect of Liangyi paste on the gut microbiota of mice.

Liangyi paste (LY) is a traditional Chinese medicine made from a mixture of Ginseng and Rehmanniae radix praeparata. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of LY on gut microbiota diversity in immunocompromised mice. The chemical composition of LY extract was analyzed using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS, and the differences in the structure and diversity of the intestinal microbiota of LY extract were examined using 16S rRNA. In this study, identified and analyzed 66 compounds from the LY. These compounds included 11 iridoids, 6 oligosaccharides, 21 protopanaxtriols, 23 protopanaxadiols, 2 OLE, 1 Ionone and 2 phenylethanoside, using advanced UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS technology. Through the use of 16S rRNA analysis, the study found that LY significantly increased the relative abundance of the Firmicutes phylum in immunocompromised mice, while decreasing the abundance of the Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria phyla. At the genus level, LY significantly increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Clostridium_sensu_stricto_l, Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus in immunocompromised mice. Conversely, the paste extract decreased the relative abundance of harmful bacteria such as Enterococcus and Escherichia Shigella in immunocompromised mice. These findings highlight the potential of LY to serve as a natural dietary supplement for enhancing gut microbiota diversity and promoting gut health. The identification of numerous compounds within the paste extract demonstrates its complexity and potential as a source for further research and development. Additionally, the LY extract exerted a significant influence on both nucleotide and amino acid metabolism. To sum up, the findings suggest that the LY extract has the potential to modulate the structure and diversity of gut microbiota, as well as promote metabolic balance in immunocompromised mice.

Diagnostic performances of D-dimer, prothrombin time, and red blood cell distribution width for coronary artery lesion in children with acute stage Kawasaki disease.

Aim: To evaluate the performances of D-dimer, prothrombin time (PT), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) for the diagnosis of coronary artery lesion (CAL) in acute stage Kawasaki disease (KD). Methods: Between January 2018 and January 2021, a total of 102 children with acute stage KD were included in this retrospective study. Among them, 36 KD children with CAL were divided into the CAL group, and 66 KD children without CAL were divided into the NCAL group. Independent predictors of CAL in acute stage KD were identified by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Spearman correlations were used to evaluate the association between CAL in acute stage KD and different indicators. The diagnostic performance of different indicators for CAL in acute stage KD was analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Compared with the NCAL group, children in the CAL group had significantly higher white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, D-dimer, and RDW levels, but lower PT levels (all p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that D-dimer (OR = 1.0, 95% CI: 1.004-1.012, p < 0.001), PT (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.8, p = 0.01), and RDW (OR = 7.0, 95% CI: 2.6-19.2, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of CAL in children with acute stage KD. CAL showed a positive correlation with D-dimer (r = 0.4, p < 0.001) and RDW (r = 0.5, p < 0.001), and had a negative association with PT (r = -0.2, p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that the combination of the three indicators had the highest diagnostic performance for CAL in acute stage KD with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.922 (sensitivity, 86.1%; specificity, 89.4%), compared with D-dimer (AUC = 0.736), PT (AUC = 0.640), and RDW (AUC = 0.819) alone. Conclusion: A combination of D-dimer, PT, and RDW may help predict CAL in children with acute stage KD.

Two novel gene mutations identified in a child with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis complicated with bronchitis obliterans: A case report and literature review.

We reported a case of a 7-year-old boy with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) and detected two novel compound heterozygous mutations of solute carrier family 34 member 2 (SLC34A2), EXON:2-6 duplication and c.1218 (EXON:11) C > A (p. Phe406Leu). His symptoms were nonspecific. Chest computed tomography (CCT) showed bronchiectasis, a mosaic feature, and extensive calcifications in both lungs. In addition, bronchoscopy showed bronchitis obliterans which has rarely been reported as a complication in the literature. This case aimed to explore the mechanism of PAM and emphasize the role of gene analysis in diagnosing rare pediatric diseases. Finally, we undertook a review of the current literature containing SLC34A2 gene mutations to update the gene mutation spectrum of PAM.

Indirect Electrocatalysis S─N/S─S Bond Construction by Robust Polyoxometalate Based Foams.

Indirect electrocatalytic conversion of cheap organic raw materials via the activation of S─H and N─H bonds into the value-added S─N/S─S bonds chemicals for industrial rubber production is a promising strategy to realize the atomic economic reaction, during which the kinetic inhibition that is associated with the electron transfer at the electrode/electrolyte interface in traditional direct electrocatalysis can be eliminated to achieve higher performance. In this work, a series of di-copper-substituted phosphotungstatebased foams (PW10 Cu2 @CMC) are fabricated with tunable loadings (17 to 44 wt%), which can be successfully applied in indirect electrocatalytic syntheses of sulfenamides and disulfides. Specifically, the optimal PW10 Cu2 @CMC (44 wt%) exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance for the construction of S─N/S─S bonds (yields up to 99%) coupling with the efficient production of H2 (≈50 µmol g-1  h-1 ). Remarkably, it enables the scale-up production (≈14.4 g in a batch experiment) and the obtained products can serve as rubber vulcanization accelerators with superior properties to traditional industrial rubber additives in real industrial processes. This powerful catalysis system that can simultaneously produce rubber vulcanization accelerator and H2 may inaugurate a new electrocatalytic avenue to explore polyoxometalate-based foam catalysts in electrocatalysis field.

Polyurethanes Modified by Ionic Liquids and Their Applications.

Polyurethane (PU) refers to the polymer containing carbamate groups in its molecular structure, generally obtained by the reaction of isocyanate and alcohol. Because of its flexible formulation, diverse product forms, and excellent performance, it has been widely used in mechanical engineering, electronic equipment, biomedical applications, etc. Through physical or chemical methods, ionic groups are introduced into PU, which gives PU electrical conductivity, flame-retardant, and antistatic properties, thus expanding the application fields of PU, especially in flexible devices such as sensors, actuators, and functional membranes for batteries and gas absorption. In this review, we firstly introduced the characteristics of PU in chemical and microphase structures and their related physical and chemical performance. To improve the performance of PU, ionic liquids (ILs) were applied in the processing or synthesis of PU, resulting in a new type of PU called ionic PU. In the following part of this review, we mainly summarized the fabrication methods of IL-modified PUs via physical blending and the chemical copolymerization method. Then, we summarized the research progress of the applications for IL-modified PUs in different fields, including sensors, actuators, transistors, antistatic films, etc. Finally, we discussed the future development trends and challenges faced by IL-modified PUs.

Stereoselective Pharmacokinetics and Residue Depletion of Praziquantel and Its Metabolites, 4-Hydroxypraziquantel Enantiomers, in Swine.

Praziquantel (PZQ) is administered as a racemic mixture during swine production to treat parasitic diseases. Despite its widespread application, the pharmacokinetics, residue depletion, bioactivity, and toxicity of PZQ enantiomers in swine remain largely unknown. In this study, a systematic investigation of the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and residue depletion of PZQ, its major metabolites (trans- and cis-4-OH-PZQ), and their enantiomers was conducted in swine. The findings indicated that PZQ was absorbed and metabolized rapidly. In swine plasma, the concentrations of S-PZQ, S-trans-4-OH-PZQ, and R-cis-4-OH-PZQ were higher than those of their respective enantiomers. The three analytes exhibited significant tissue distribution and stereoselectivity in 10 swine tissues. Notably, the two enantiomers of PZQ demonstrated comparable tissue concentrations except in the liver and lung. Moreover, the concentrations of S-trans-4-OH-PZQ and R-cis-4-OH-PZQ were higher than those of their respective enantiomers in the 10 tissues. This study has significant implications for the development of rational dosing strategies, reducing drug usage, and minimizing side effects, as well as accurately assessing the risks associated with PZQ administration and, by extension, other chiral drugs. Furthermore, it lays a theoretical foundation for the future use of the active enantiomer, R-PZQ.

Urine and serum metabolomics study of wild ginseng in rats with spleen-qi deficiency using rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Patients with a spleen-qi deficiency often exhibit dysfunction in the metabolic system. Metabolites are considered the most direct reflection of individual physiological and pathological conditions and represent attractive candidates to provide deep insights into disease phenotypes. This study examines the potential therapeutic mechanism of wild ginseng on spleen-qi deficiency through the analysis of serum and urine metabolomics using rapid-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The reasons for the superiority of wild ginseng treatment over cultivated ginseng were also analyzed in depth. After wild ginseng intervention, anandamide, urobilinogen, aldosterone, and testosterone glucuronide were significantly reduced in serum. Meanwhile, argininosuccinic acid, L-cysteine, and seven other metabolites were significantly elevated in serum. Nine metabolites, including L-acetylcarnitine, and citrulline were elevated in the urine, and trimethylamine N-oxide, adrenic acid, and 10 other metabolites were reduced. Arginine biosynthesis, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, thiamin metabolism, taurine, and tryptophan metabolism pathways were mainly improved. Further analysis was conducted on the relationship between Lactobacillus and Akkermansia bacteria with metabolites, and it was found that they are mainly related to amino acid metabolites. This study provides strong theoretical support and direction for further explanation of the immune mechanism of wild ginseng and lays the foundation for future studies.

Neutrophil extracellular traps promote bronchopulmonary dysplasia-like injury in neonatal mice via the WNT/ß-catenin pathway.

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most common and severe chronic diseases in preterm infants. Premature infants are susceptible to BPD due to immature lungs and adverse perinatal episodes of infection, hyperoxia, and mechanical ventilation. Methods: Neutrophils are the first line of host defence, and the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is an important strategy to immobilize and kill invading microorganisms. This study examined whether NETs were associated with BPD in preterm infants and contributed to hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal mice via the WNT/ß-catenin pathway. Results: In this study, we found that preterm infants with BPD had higher levels of NETs in their tracheal aspirates than those without BPD. Neonatal mice treated with NETs after birth exhibited BPD-like changes in their lungs. Furthermore, the levels of Aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and surfactant-associated protein C (SPC), which represent alveolar differentiation and development, were significantly lower than those in the controls. The WNT/ß-catenin pathway is one of the most well-known signalling pathways involved in lung growth. We found that the expression of the target genes c-MYC, cyclin D, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the important proteins WNT3a and ß-catenin significantly decreased. Moreover, heparin, which is a NET inhibitor, attenuated changes in gene and protein expression, thereby attenuating BPD-like changes. Discussion: This finding indicates that NETs are associated with BPD and can induce BPD-like changes in neonatal mice via the WNT/ß-catenin pathway.

Theoretical investigation of electrochromic mechanism in D-A conjugated polymers in visible and infrared bands.

Electrochromic materials have been widely-applied in military camouflage and intelligent materials, in consideration of the multicolor display and infrared absorption. However, most of them have a narrow width of absorption spectra, and the electrochromic mechanism is still not well understood, especially in materials based on a copolymer structure in visible and infrared bands. Therefore, based on the polaron model, in order to enhance polarizability, we designed an "electronic donors-electronic acceptor" (D-A) type π-conjugated electrochromic polymer, which has an abundant color (wavelengths from 450 nm to 750 nm) with voltage range (from -0.2 V to 1.0 V). Employing first-principle calculations, we investigated the electrochromism of the polymer, which has a strong connection with the introduced new molecular orbital in the polaron (or cation), comparing with those in the neutral molecule. This study addressed the underlying mechanism for the electrochromic phenomenon and the behavior of the cation. It indicated the polaron molecular orbitals provide the photon absorption, whose energies are in the visible range and result in the electrochromic abundant color. In this work, we provide a molecular design for the adjustment of visible and infrared band absorption, which could have broad application in multicolor and infrared electrochromic materials.

Design and Construction of an Azo-Functionalized POP for Reversibly Stimuli-Responsive CO2 Adsorption.

A porous azo-functionalized organic polymer (JJU-2) was designed and prepared via oxidative coupling polymerization promoted by FeCl3. JJU-2 exhibited reversibly stimuli-responsive CO2 adsorption properties as a result of the trans/cis isomerization of the polymer's azo-functionalized skeleton. Under UV irradiation and heat treatment, this porous material displayed various porous structures and CO2 adsorption properties. The initial Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of JJU-1 is 888 m2 g-1. After UV irradiation, the BET surface area decreases to 864 m2 g-1, along with the decrease of micropores around 0.50 nm and 1.27 nm during the trans-to-cis isomerization process. In addition, CO2 sorption isotherms demonstrate an 8%t decrease, and the calculated Qst of CO2 has decreased from 29.0 kJ mol-1 to 26.5 kJ mol-1 due to the trans to cis conversion of the azobenzene side group. It is noteworthy that JJU-2's CO2 uptakes are nearly constant over three cycles of alternating external stimuli. Therefore, this azo-functionalized porous material was a potential carbon capture material that was responsive to stimuli.

Anti-Aging Effects of Anthocyanin Extracts of Sambucus canadensis Caused by Targeting Mitochondrial-Induced Oxidative Stress.

Anthocyanin is a natural antioxidant agent extracted from the fruits of Sambucus canadensis, which has been considered to have potential anti-aging effects. Cell senescence is the primary cause of aging and related diseases. Recently, research on the development of compounds for eliminating senescent cells or damaged organs have shown prospects. The compounds which promote the clearing of senescent cells are called "senolytics". Though anthocyanin is considered to have potential anti-aging effects owing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, the mechanism of the elimination of senescent cells remains unclear. In this study, we prepared anthocyanins extracted from the fruits of Sambucus canadensis and evaluated their anti-aging effects in vivo and in vitro. We found that anthocyanin could significantly reduce cell senescence and aging of the lens by inhibiting the activity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, consequently promoting the apoptosis of senescent cells, increasing the autophagic and mitophagic flux, and enhancing the renewal of mitochondria and the cell to maintain cellular homeostasis, leading to attenuating aging. Therefore, our study provided a basis for anthocyanin to be used as new "senolytics" in anti-aging.