Broadband sensitized near-infrared emission in Eu2+-Nd3+ co-doped BaAl2O4 as a potential spectral modulator for silicon solar cells.

The near-infrared (NIR) down-conversion process for broadband sensitization has been studied in Eu2+-Nd3+ co-doped BaAl2O4. This material has a broad absorption band of 200-480 nm and can convert photons in the visible region into NIR photons. The NIR emission at 1064 nm, attributed to the Nd3+:4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transition, matches the bandgap of Si, allowing Si solar cells to utilize the solar spectrum better. The energy transfer (ET) process between Eu2+ and Nd3+ was demonstrated using photoluminescence spectra and luminescence decay curves, and Eu2+ may transfer energy to Nd3+ through the cooperative energy transfer (CET) to achieve the down-conversion process. The energy transfer efficiency (ETE) and theoretical quantum efficiency (QE) were 68.61% and 156.34%, respectively, when 4 mol% Nd3+ was introduced. The results indicate that BaAl2O4:Eu2+-Nd3+ can serve as a potential modulator of the solar spectrum and is expected to be applied to Si solar cells.

Optical properties investigation and multicolor behavior of neodymium (Nd3+)-doped oxyfluoride silicate glasses SiO2-PbO-PbF2.

The aim of this research is to investigate novel compositions of oxyfluoride glasses doped with Neodymium (Nd3+) rare earth ions in the visible spectrum. This area has not been extensively studied in the existing literature, so it is vital to understand the favorable photoluminescence characteristics within this part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Therefore, we synthesized and characterized SiO2-PbO-PbF2 (SPF) doped with 1% neodymium (Nd3+) ions glasses. Spectroscopic analyses, based on Judd-Ofelt theory, were conducted on absorption spectra. These analyses enabled to determine absorption cross-sections, transition probabilities, and Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters Ω2, Ω4, and Ω6 for the different transition. Additionally, we calculated various radiative properties, such as branching ratios, integrated cross-sections, radiative lifetimes, emission cross-section, optical gain, and the multicolor behavior (chromaticity coordinates, CIE diagram) under different excitation wavelengths. The results suggest promising prospects for using these oxyfluoride silicate glasses doped with Nd3+ as a fluorophore, potentially for lasing materials around 630-nm emission and in other photonic applications.

High-efficiency dysprosium-ion extraction enabled by a biomimetic nanofluidic channel.

Biological ion channels exhibit high selectivity and permeability of ions because of their asymmetrical pore structures and surface chemistries. Here, we demonstrate a biomimetic nanofluidic channel (BNC) with an asymmetrical structure and glycyl-L-proline (GLP) -functionalization for ultrafast, selective, and unidirectional Dy3+ extraction over other lanthanide (Ln3+) ions with very similar electronic configurations. The selective extraction mainly depends on the amplified chemical affinity differences between the Ln3+ ions and GLPs in nanoconfinement. In particular, the conductivities of Ln3+ ions across the BNC even reach up to two orders of magnitude higher than in a bulk solution, and a high Dy3+/Nd3+ selectivity of approximately 60 could be achieved. The designed BNC can effectively extract Dy3+ ions with ultralow concentrations and thereby purify Nd3+ ions to an ultimate content of 99.8 wt.%, which contribute to the recycling of rare earth resources and environmental protection. Theoretical simulations reveal that the BNC preferentially binds to Dy3+ ion due to its highest affinity among Ln3+ ions in nanoconfinement, which attributes to the coupling of ion radius and coordination matching. These findings suggest that BNC-based ion selectivity system provides alternative routes to achieving highly efficient lanthanide separation.

Bioinspired High-Linearity, Wide-Sensing-Range Flexible Stretchable Bioelectronics Based on MWCNTs/GR/Nd2Fe14B/PDMS Nanocomposites for Human-Computer Interaction and Biomechanics Detection.

In recent years, flexible and stretchable strain sensors have emerged as a prominent area of research, primarily due to their remarkable stretchability and extremely low strain detection threshold. Nevertheless, the advancement of sensors is currently constrained by issues such as complexity, high costs, and limited durability. To tackle the aforementioned issues, this study introduces a lepidophyte-inspired flexible, stretchable strain sensor (LIFSSS). The stretchable bioelectronics composites were composed of multiwalled carbon nanotubes, graphene, neodymium iron boron, and polydimethylsiloxane. Unique biolepidophyted microstructures and magnetic conductive nanocomposites interact with each other through synergistic interactions, resulting in the effective detection of tensile strain and magnetic excitation. The LIFSSS exhibits a 170% tensile range, a linearity of 0.99 in 50-170% strain (0.96 for full-scale range), and a fine durability of 7000 cycles at 110% tensile range. The sensor accurately detects variations in linear tensile force, human movement, and microexpressions. Moreover, LIFSSS demonstrates enhanced efficacy in sign language recognition for individuals with hearing impairments and magnetic grasping for robotic manipulators. Hence, the LIFSSS proposed in this study shows potential applications in various fields, including bioelectronics, electronic skin, and physiological activity monitoring.

Scaling high-speed counter-current chromatography for preparative neodymium purification: Insights and challenges.

Efficient rare earth element (REE) separations are becoming increasingly important to technologies ranging from renewable energy and high-performance magnets to applied radioisotope separations. These separations are made challenging by the extremely similar chemical and physical characteristics of the individual elements, which almost always occupy the 3+ oxidation state under ambient conditions. Herein, we discuss the development of a novel REE separation aimed at obtaining purified samples of neodymium (Nd) on a multi-milligram scale using high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). The method takes advantage of the subtle differences in ionic radii between neighboring REEs to tune elution rates in dilute acid through implementation of the di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP)-infused stationary phase (SP) of the column. A La/Ce/Nd/Sm separation was demonstrated at a significantly higher metal loading than previously accomplished by HSCCC (15 mg, RNd/REE > 0.85), while the Pr/Nd separation was achieved at lower metal loadings (0.3 mg, RNd/Pr = 0.75 - 0.83). The challenges associated with scaling REE separations via HSCCC are presented and discussed within.

Pixel Screening in Lifetime-Based Temperature Mapping Using ß-NaYF4:Nd3+,Yb3+ by Time-Gated Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging on Deep Tissue in Live Mice.

Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) thermometry is an emerging method for the noncontact measurement of in vivo deep temperatures. Fluorescence-lifetime-based methods are effective because they are unaffected by optical loss due to excitation or detection paths. Moreover, the physiological changes in body temperature in deep tissues and their pharmacological effects are yet to be fully explored. In this study, we investigated the potential application of the NIRF lifetime-based method for temperature measurement of in vivo deep tissues in the abdomen using rare-earth-based particle materials. ß-NaYF4 particles codoped with Nd3+ and Yb3+ (excitation: 808 nm, emission: 980 nm) were used as NIRF thermometers, and their fluorescence decay curves were exponential. Slope linearity analysis (SLA), a screening method, was proposed to extract pixels with valid data. This method involves performing a linearity evaluation of the semilogarithmic plot of the decay curve collected at three delay times after cutting off the pulsed laser irradiation. After intragastric administration of the thermometer, the stomach temperature was monitored by using an NIRF time-gated imaging setup. Concurrently, a heater was attached to the lower abdomens of the mice under anesthesia. A decrease in the stomach temperature under anesthesia and its recovery via the heater indicated changes in the fluorescence lifetime of the thermometer placed inside the body. Thus, NaYF4:Nd3+/Yb3+ functions as a fluorescence thermometer that can measure in vivo temperature based on the temperature dependence of the fluorescence lifetime at 980 nm under 808 nm excitation. This study demonstrated the ability of a rare-earth-based NIRF thermometer to measure deep tissues in live mice, with the proposed SLA method for excluding the noisy deviations from the analysis for measuring temperature using the NIRF lifetime of a rare-earth-based thermometer.

[Role of neodymium laser in surgery: stimulation of postoperative surgical wounds healing. Results of clinical studies]. / Rol' neodimovogo lazera v khirurgii: stimulyatsiya zazhivleniya posleoperatsionnykh khirurgicheskikh ran. Rezul'taty klinicheskikh issledovanii.

OBJECTIVE: To prove the effectiveness of the low-intensity laser radiation application in the treatment of wounds of different origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical study involved 110 persons, divided into 55 subjects in both the study and control groups. The patients of the study group were exposed to the long-wave short-pulse neodymium laser immediately and within 35 days after interventions with a skin incision using it, in a way that wound treated with laser received low-level laser therapy. The control group patients' wounds were treated with standard methods by the means of topical drugs corresponding to the clinical manifestations of the wound process in each particular case. The study was carried out in the hospital of the department of maxillofacial and plastic surgery of the dental complex of the «Russian University of Medicine¼ from 2019 to 2022, and further conservative treatment was conducted in the department of dermatology and cosmetology of the University Hospital of the Medical Graduate School (Institute) of the RSSU. All wounds were classified into three groups for the convenience of systematization and formation of a generalized treatment protocol for postoperative surgical wounds. RESULTS: The objectivity and optimality of the chosen by us actions were confirmed in the conducted work. The formed scars were visually assessed on the POSAS scale at the end of the treatment by patients and 4 independent doctors, as well as each scar was visually assessed by four independent doctors and patients. At the end of the study we formed and proposed an algorithm for the treatment of surgical wounds of various origins. The parameters of the Aerolase Neo Light Pod neodymium laser for the treatment of patients with different types of skin wounds were clinically determined. Experimentally proven properties of the Aerolase Neo Light Pod neodymium laser on accelerating the healing process of surgical wounds through photobiomodulation mechanism support their regeneration with the formation of negligible normotrophic scars, as well as reduce the length of patients' treatment in surgical hospitals, as compared to patients receiving standard external drugs.

[Treatment of early capsular blockage syndrome with Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy containing neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet in a case].

A 62-year-old female patient presented with no improvement in vision 10 days after undergoing cataract extraction in the right eye. The unaided visual acuity in the right eye was 0.1, and examination with a slit lamp revealed the presence of the intraocular lens with an increased gap between the intraocular lens and the posterior capsule. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed a distance of 3.236 mm between the posterior capsule and the posterior surface of the intraocular lens. Based on the medical history, ocular examination, and auxiliary examinations, a diagnosis of right eye capsular blockage syndrome was made. Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was performed at the anterior capsule outside the optical zone of the intraocular lens. One week later, the posterior capsule adhered to the posterior surface of the intraocular lens, and there was a significant improvement in vision compared to before the procedure.

Adsorption and bacterial performance of Nd2O3 modified Ag nanoparticles with enhanced degradation of methylene blue.

Our study focused on the optical behavior, methylene blue (MB) dye degradation potential, antibacterial performance, and silver and trioxide mineral interaction with different bacterial species. We found that the addition of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) resulted in a significant response, with an enlargement of the inhibition zone for bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Specifically, the inhibition zone for S. aureus increased from 9.3 ± 0.5 mm for pure Nd2O3 to 16.7 ± 0.4 mm for the Ag/Nd2O3 nano-composite, while for E. coli, it increased from 8.8 ± 0.4 mm for Nd2O3 to 15.9 ± 0.3 mm for Ag/Nd2O3. Furthermore, the optical behavior of the composites showed a clear band-gap narrowing with the addition of Ag NPs, resulting in enhanced electronic localization. The direct and indirect transitions reduced from 6.7 to 6.1 eV and from 5.2 to 2.9 eV, respectively. Overall, these results suggest that the Ag/Nd2O3 nano-composite has potential applications in sensor industries and water treatment, thanks to its enhanced optical behavior, antibacterial performance, and efficient MB degradation capabilities. In terms of MB degradation, the Ag/Nd2O3 mixed system exhibited more efficient degradation compared to pure Nd2O3. After 150 min, the MB concentration in the mixed system decreased to almost half of its starting point, while pure Nd2O3 only reached 33%.

The role of warming in modulating neodymium effects on adults and sperm of Mytilus galloprovincialis.

The use of rare earth elements (REEs) has been increasing and one of the most used is neodymium (Nd). Being an emergent contaminant, its negative impacts are poorly understood. Aquatic organisms are also threatened by climate change-related factors, as is the case of warming, which can change the effects of REEs. Thus, the impacts of Nd, warming, and the combination of both stressors were studied in adult mussels and sperm of the species Mytilus galloprovincialis, after an exposure period of 28 days (adults) and 30 min (sperm). The effects were evaluated through the analysis of biochemical and histopathological alterations in adults and biochemical and physiological responses given by sperm. The results showed that mussels only activated their biotransformation capacity when exposed to the stressors acting alone, which was insufficient to avoid lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, warming (alone and combined with Nd) also produces damage to proteins. The digestive gland was the most sensitive organ to Nd, presenting several histopathological alterations. In the case of sperm, all stressors induced lipid peroxidation, a higher oxygen demand, and a decrease in velocity, even if the sperm viability was maintained. It seems that warming influenced the effects of Nd to some extent. The present findings contribute significantly to the field of REEs environmental toxicology by offering valuable insights into the impacts of Nd on various biological levels of mussels. Additionally, within the context of climate change, this study sheds light on how temperature influences the effects of Nd. The obtained results indicate that both stressors can potentially compromise the overall health of mussel populations, thereby affecting other species reliant on them for food and habitat. Moreover, this study highlights impaired sperm health, which could adversely affect their reproductive capacity and ultimately lead to population decline.

Near-infrared mechanoluminescence sensor: A new method for on-site infrastructure detection.

Near-infrared mechanoluminescence is a phenomenon that produces high penetrating near-infrared light under external stimulation. Near-infrared light coincides with the biological window, lower optical loss, and the fact that the mechanoluminescence material is a medium that converts mechanical energy into light energy. The near-infrared mechanoluminescence material has potential application prospects in the fields of biological imaging, medical diagnosis, and monitoring of building materials. In this article, we report on a perovskite-type Sr3Sn2O7:Nd3+ near-infrared mechanoluminescence material, and its peaks locate in the first near-infrared window (800-1000 nm) and the second near-infrared window (1080, 1350 nm), respectively. Under the condition of pre-sintering with Li2CO3 as flux, the best sintering conditions are obtained, and the luminescence of material is in perfect agreement with the applied mechanical stress. In addition, a near-infrared mechanoluminescence sensor is proposed to solve the problem of building damage and timely maintenance.

Cerium oxide and neodymium oxide phytoextraction by ryegrass in bioenhanced hydroponic environments.

Sustainable technologies for the recovery of rare earth elements (REE) from waste need to be developed to decrease the volume of ore mining extractions and its negative environmental consequences, while simultaneously restoring previously impacted lands. This is critical due to the extensive application of REE in everyday life from electronic devices to energy and medical technologies, and the dispersed distribution of REE resources in the world. REE recovery by plants has been previously studied but the feasibility of REE phytoextraction from a poorly soluble solid phase (i.e., nanoparticles) by different plant species has been rarely investigated. In this study, the effect of biostimulation and bioaugmentation on phytorecovery of REE nanoparticles (REE-NP) was investigated by exposing ryegrass seeds to REE-NP in hydroponic environments. This was studied in two sets of experiments: bioaugmentation (using CeO2 nanoparticles and Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 pure culture), and biostimulation (using CeO2 or Nd2O3 nanoparticles and endogenous microorganisms). Addition of M. extorquens AM1 in bioaugmentation experiment including 500 mg/L CeO2 nanoparticles could not promote the nanoparticles accumulation in both natural and surface-sterilized treatments. However, it enhanced the translocation of Ce from roots to shoots in sterile samples. Moreover, another REE-utilizing bacterium, Bacillus subtilis, was enriched more than M. extorquens in control samples (no M. extorquens AM1), and associated with 52% and 14% higher Ce extraction in both natural (165 µg/gdried-plant) and surface-sterilized samples (136 µg/gdried-plant), respectively; showing the superior effect of endogenous microorganisms' enrichment over bioaugmentation in this experiment. In the biostimulation experiments, up to 705 µg/gdried-plant Ce and 19,641 µg/gdried-plant Nd could be extracted when 500 mg/L REE-NP were added. Furthermore, SEM-EDS analysis of the surface and longitudinal cross-sections of roots in Nd2O3 treatments confirmed surface and intracellular accumulation of Nd2O3-NP. These results demonstrate stimulation of endogenous microbial community can lead to an enhanced REE phytoaccumulation.

Can exposure to Gymnodinium catenatum toxic blooms influence the impacts induced by Neodymium in Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels? What doesn't kill can make them stronger?

The presence in marine shellfish of toxins and pollutants like rare earth elements (REEs) poses a major threat to human well-being, coastal ecosystems, and marine life. Among the REEs, neodymium (Nd) stands out as a widely utilized element and is projected to be among the top five critical elements by 2025. Gymnodinum catenatum is a phytoplankton species commonly associated with the contamination of bivalves with paralytic shellfish toxins. This study evaluated the biological effects of Nd on the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis when exposed to G. catenatum cells for fourteen days, followed by a recovery period in uncontaminated seawater for another fourteen days. After co-exposure, mussels showed similar toxin accumulation in the Nd and G. catenatum treatment in comparison with the G. catenatum treatment alone. Increased metabolism and enzymatic defenses were observed in organisms exposed to G. catenatum cells, while Nd inhibited enzyme activity and caused cellular damage. Overall, this study revealed that the combined presence of G. catenatum cells and Nd, produced positive synergistic effects on M. galloprovincialis biochemical responses compared to G. catenatum alone, indicating that organisms' performance may be significantly modulated by the presence of multiple co-occurring stressors, such those related to chemical pollution and harmful algal blooms. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: Neodymium (Nd) is widely used in green technologies like wind turbines, and this element's potential threats to aquatic environments are almost unknown, especially when co-occurring with other environmental factors such as blooms of toxic algae. This study revealed the cellular impacts induced by Nd in the bioindicator species Mytilus galloprovincialis but further demonstrated that the combination of both stressors can generate a positive defense response in mussels. The present findings also demonstrated that the impacts caused by Nd lasted even after a recovery period while a previous exposure to the toxins generated a faster biochemical improvement by the mussels.

Effectiveness of a low-intensity static magnetic field in accelerating upper canine retraction: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Neodymium-iron-boron magnets have been suggested as a contemporary method for accelerating the process of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). A limited number of clinical trials evaluated their effectiveness in accelerating OTM which is desirable for both orthodontists and patients. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a low-intensity static magnetic field (SMF) in accelerating upper canine retraction movement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients (mean age 20.76 ± 2.9 years) with their orthodontic treatment decision to extract the upper and lower first premolars due to bimaxillary protrusion malocclusion were included in this split-mouth study. Canine retraction was performed using Nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) closed-coil springs (150 g of force on each side). The experimental side received SMF via an auxiliary wire that carried 4-neodymium iron-born magnets with an air gap of 2 mm between the magnets to produce a magnetic field density of 414 mT in the region corresponding to the lateral ligament of the upper canine. To determine the rate of upper canine retraction and upper molar drift, alginate impressions were taken once a month to create plaster casts, which were analyzed digitally via a three-dimensional method. RESULTS: The rate of upper canine retraction was significantly greater (P < 0.05) on the SMF side than that on the control side during the first and second months, with an overall duration (19.16%) that was greater than that on the control side. The peak acceleration occurred during the second month (38.09%). No significant differences in upper molar drift were detected between the experimental and control sides (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: A low-intensity static magnetic field was effective at accelerating upper canine retraction. The difference between the two sides was statistically significant but may not be clinically significant. The SMF did not affect upper molar drift during the upper canine retraction phase. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was retrospectively registered at the ISRCTN registry ( ISRCTN59092624 ) (31/05/2022).

The role of the macroalgae Ulva lactuca on the cellular effects of neodymium and mercury in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly being studied mainly due to their economic importance and wide range of applications, but also for their rising environmental concentrations and potential environmental and ecotoxicological impacts. Among REEs, neodymium (Nd) is widely used in lasers, glass additives, and magnets. Currently, NdFeB-based permanent magnets are the most significant components of electronic devices and Nd is used because of its magnetic properties. In addition to REEs, part of the environmental pollution related to electrical and electronic equipment, fluorescent lamps and batteries also comes from mercury (Hg). Since both elements persist in ecosystems and are continuously accumulated by marine organisms, a promising approach for water decontamination has emerged. Through a process known as sorption, live marine macroalgae can be used, especially Ulva lactuca, to accumulate potential toxic elements from the water. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the cellular toxicity of Nd and Hg in Mytilus galloprovincialis, comparing the biochemical effects induced by these elements in the presence or absence of the macroalgae U. lactuca. The results confirmed that Hg was more toxic to mussels than Nd, but also showed the good capability of U. lactuca in preventing the onset of cellular disturbance and homeostasis disruption in M. galloprovincialis by reducing bioavailable Hg levels. Overall, the biochemical parameters evaluated related to metabolism, antioxidant and biotransformation defences, redox balance, and cellular damage, showed that algae could prevent biological effects in mussels exposed to Hg compared to those exposed to Nd. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in this field, namely the understanding of the impacts of different elements on bivalves and the crucial role of algae in the protection of other aquatic organisms.

Enhancing antioxidant properties of CeO2 nanoparticles with Nd3+ doping: structural, biological, and machine learning insights.

The antioxidant capabilities of nanoparticles are contingent upon various factors, including their shape, size, and chemical composition. Herein, novel Nd-doped CeO2 nanoparticles were synthesized and the neodymium content was varied to investigate the synergistic impact on the antioxidant properties of CeO2 nanoparticles. Incorporating Nd3+ induced changes in lattice parameters and significantly altered the morphology from nanoparticles to nanorods. The biological activity of Nd-doped CeO2 was examined against pathogenic bacterial strains, breast cancer cell lines, and antioxidant models. The antibacterial and anticancer activities of nanoparticles were not observed, which could be associated with the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio. Notably, the incorporation of neodymium improved the antioxidant capacity of CeO2. Machine learning techniques were employed to forecast the antioxidant activity to enhance understanding and predictive capabilities. Among these models, the random forest model exhibited the highest accuracy at 96.35%, establishing it as a robust computational tool for elucidating the biological behavior of Nd-doped CeO2 nanoparticles. This study presents the first exploration of the influence of Nd3+ on the structural, optical, and biological attributes of CeO2, contributing valuable insights and extending the application of machine learning in predicting the therapeutic efficacy of inorganic nanomaterials.

Angle-closure glaucoma associated with vitreous prolapse after neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminumgarnet laser posterior capsulotomy.

Capsulotomy with neodymium-doped yttriumaluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser is an effective treatment for posterior capsule opacification following cataract surgery. A wide opening of the posterior capsule associated with the ruptured anterior hyaloid can cause anterior chamber vitreous prolapse. Two patients who developed angle-closure glaucoma associated with vitreous prolapse following Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy were successfully treated with antiglaucoma medication and peripheral iridotomies. Patient identification for potential risk factors and a careful postoperative follow-up are essential to avoid these serious complications.

[Research of miR-29a on TGF-ß1/Smad3 pathway in pulmonary fibrosis induced by neodymium oxide].

Objective: To exploring the regulatory effect of miR-29a on the transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) /Smad homolog 3 (Smad3) pathway during the process of rare earth neodymium oxide (Nd(2)O(3)) induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Methods: In March 2021, 72 SPF grade C57/BL6J male mice were selected and randomly divided into a control group, Nd(2)O(3) group, Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group, and Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group, with 18 mice in each group. The Nd(2)O(3) group, Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group, and Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group were treated with non exposed tracheal instillation, with a dust concentration of 250 mg/ml and a dust volume of 0.1 ml. The control group was given the same volume of physiological saline. After exposure to Nd(2)O(3), 0.1 ml (5 nmol) of miR-29a agomir was injected into the tail vein of mice in the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group every 3 days, while 0.1 ml of NC agomir was injected into the tail vein of mice in the Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group. On the 7 th, 14 th, and 28 th days after dust exposure, 6 mice were killed in each group, and the lung tissue of the mice was taken out. HE staining was used to observe the pathological status of the mouse lung tissue; ELISA method was used to detect the levels of TGF-ß1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in lung tissue; Use qRT-PCR detection method to detect the expression level of TGF-ß1 mRNA; Using immunofluorescence assay to detect the expression level of Smad3 in mouse lung tissue; Use bioinformatics websites such as TargetScan7 and miRDB to predict the target gene of miR-29a. When the metrological date were satisfied with normal distribution, Mean±SD was used for comparison between groups, t test was used for two indepent samples, and LSD method was used when the variance was homogeneity in pairwise comparison. Results: HE staining showed that the Nd(2)O(3) group of mice showed obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells and structural disorder of alveoli in the early stage of lung tissue. At 28 days, the collagen fibers in the mouse lung tissue increased and the lung tissue showed fibrotic honeycomb like changes. The degree of pulmonary fibrosis in the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group of mice was significantly reduced; The content of TGF-ß1 and CTGF in the lung tissue of mice in the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group was lower than that in the Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group (P<0.05) ; The relative expression level of TGF-ß1 in the lung tissue of mice in the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group was lower than that in the Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group (P<0.05) ; The expression level of Smad3 in the nucleus of the Nd(2)O(3)+miR-29a agomir group was lower than that of the Nd(2)O(3)+NC agomir group (P<0.05). The prediction results of bioinformatics websites have found 152 downstream target genes related to miR-29a, among which FBN1, MAP2K6, KPNB1, COL1A2, SNIP1, LAMC1, and SP1 genes may be related to the regulatory effect of miR-29a on TGF-ß1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Conclusion: miR-29a may affect lung fibrosis induced by rare earth Nd(2)O(3) exposure in mice by regulating TGF-ß1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Overexpression of miR-29a may inhibit TGF-ß1/Smad3 signaling pathway and reduce the degree of pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

Novel phosphate functionalized sodium alginate hydrogel for efficient adsorption and separation of Nd and Dy from Co.

The recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) including neodymium (Nd) and dysprosium (Dy) from NdFeB permanent magnets has become one of the main ways to solve the increased demand for rare earth. Herein, n-dodecyl phosphate (DPPA) was used for the first time as the adsorption functional group donor, sodium alginate as the substrate, and calcium chloride solution as the reactive solvent, a hybrid hydrogel adsorbent DPPA/CaALG was synthesized by sol-gel method for application in the adsorption and separation of Nd and Dy from the Co-Nd-Dy ternary system. SEM-EDS, and N2 adsorption-desorption analysis showed the successful preparation of DDPA/CaALG with mesoporous structure. Batch experiments showed the superiority of the hybrid hydrogel for the good selective adsorption of Nd and Dy, such as large adsorption capacity (Nd: 162.5 mg/g, Dy: 183.5 mg/g), and no adsorption for Co. FT-IR, XPS showed that PO and P-O groups are involved in the adsorption process of Nd and Dy as electron acceptors, where the ion exchange of P-OH is dominant. Furthermore, the chemical properties of ligands and complexes were analyzed by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and revealed their adsorption behaviors as well as the competition between different metal ions.