Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Inherently Chiral Calix[4]arenes.

Inherently chiral calix[4]arenes are an excellent structural scaffold for asymmetric synthesis, chiral recognition, sensing, and circularly polarized luminescence. However, their catalytic asymmetric synthesis remains challenging. Herein, we report an efficient synthesis of inherently chiral calix[4]arene derivatives via cascade asymmetric cyclization and oxidation reactions. The three-component reaction features a broad substrate scope (33 examples), high efficiency (up to 90% yield), and excellent enantioselectivity (>95% ee on average). The potential applications of calix[4]arene derivatives are highlighted by their synthetic transformation and a detailed investigation of their photophysical and chiroptical properties.

Does work after retirement affect health-related quality of life: Evidence from a propensity score matching study in China.

AIM: Extending working life is considered as an important initiative to respond to the population aging and pension payment dilemma. This study aimed to investigate whether work after retirement is related to improved health-related quality of life. METHODS: We used two waves of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011 and 2018. Work after retirement was ascertained based on self-reported retirement and work status, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was measured with the three-level EuroQol five-dimensions. The impact of work after retirement on HRQOL was analyzed using the propensity score matching with difference-in-difference approach. RESULTS: A total of 1043 retirees were included. The results showed that work after retirement was associated with significant improvement in HRQOL among retirees (ß = 0.072, P < 0.001). Heterogeneity analyses did not show specificity on sex (P for sex interaction >0.05), but older-aged retirees seemed more sensitive to the benefits of work after retirement on HRQOL than their younger-aged counterparts (≥65 years: ß = 0.167, P < 0.001 vs <65 years: ß = -0.047, P > 0.05; P for age interaction = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Work after retirement shows a positive impact on HRQOL among community-dwelling adults in China. Policy-makers should take the health of retirees into account when implementing policies related to delayed retirement, and reduce health inequity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

The potential toxicity of chemically fabricated silver nanomaterials based on accumulation and histological changes in fish (Cyprinus carpio).

The bio-reductive fabrication of nanomaterials is a developing arena of study that seeks to fabricate nanoparticles (NPs) using microorganisms, plants, and animal blood. However, the chemical approach of AgNPs fulfills the need of abundant need of NPs. In contrast, chemically fabricated AgNPs are more toxic than biological AgNPs. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess and evaluate the chemically fabricated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for their possible toxicity in Common carp fish (Cyprinus carpio). The chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles were purchased from the market and applied for their possible toxicity. The chemically fabricated AgNPs were used against the Cyprinus carpio for bioaccumulation in different organs and histological alterations in the intestine and muscles. The results revealed that the AgNPs were mostly accumulated in the intestines followed by the gills, liver, and muscles (p < .05). The accumulated AgNPs caused histological alterations in gills and intestines at the highest concentration (0.08 mg/L). However, no alterations were observed by the middle and lowest concentration of AgNPs, particularly, in the intestine. In conclusion, more extensive research is required to establish the hazards related to the use of nanoparticles to disclose their negative effects on fish and the aquatic environment. REASEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The chemical method fabricates a large amount of AgNPs Additionally, considered more toxic than the bio-reductive method AgNPs have excellent and diverse applications AgNPs deposited in various organs and cause histological changes.

The Effects of Resveratrol and Apigenin on Jejunal Oxidative Injury in Ducks and on Immortalized Duck Intestinal Epithelial Cells Exposed to H2O2.

Oxidative stress increases the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells and impairs intestinal epithelial cell renewal, which further promotes intestinal barrier dysfunction and even death. Extensive evidence supports that resveratrol and apigenin have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties. Here, we investigated the ability of these two compounds to alleviate diquat-induced jejunal oxidative stress and morphological injury, using the duck as a model, as well as the effects of apigenin on oxidative stress induced by H2O2 in immortalized duck intestinal epithelial cells (IDECs). Ducks were randomly assigned to the following four groups, with five replicates: a control (CON) group, a diquat-challenged (DIQ) group, a resveratrol (500 mg/kg) + diquat (RES) group, and an apigenin (500 mg/kg) + diquat (API) group. We found that serum catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) markedly reduced in the RES and API groups as compared to the DIQ group (p < 0.05); moreover, serum S superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased significantly in the API group as compared to the DIQ group (p < 0.05). In jejunal mucosa, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the RES and API groups decreased more than that in the DIQ group (p < 0.05). In addition, the jejunal expression levels of the NRF2 and GCLM genes in the RES and API groups increased notably compared with those in the DIQ group (p < 0.05); meanwhile, CAT activity in the RES and API groups was markedly elevated compared with that in the CON group (p < 0.05). In IDECs, apigenin significantly restrained the H2O2-mediated increase in MDA content and decrease in CAT levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, apigenin increased the protein expression of p-NRF2, NRF2, p-AKT, and p-P38; downregulated that of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9; and reduced the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in H2O2-treated IDECs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, resveratrol and apigenin can be used as natural feed additives to protect against jejunal oxidative stress in ducks.

A violet light-emitting diode-based gas-phase molecular absorption device for measurement of nitrate and nitrite in environmental water.

A simple and sensitive device for the detection of nitrite and nitrate in environmental waters was developed based on visible light gas-phase molecular absorption spectrometry. By integrating a detection cell (DC), semiconductor refrigeration temperature-controlling system (SRTCY), and nitrite reactor into a sequential injection analysis system, trace levels of nitrite and nitrate in complex matrices were successfully measured. A low energy-consuming light-emitting diode (violet, 400-405 nm) was coupled with a visible light-to-voltage converter (TSL257) to measure the gas-phase molecular absorption. To reduce the interference of water vapor, an SRTCY was used to condense the water vapor on-line before the gas-phase analyte entered the DC. The DC was radiatively heated by the SRTCY to avoid water vapor condensation in the light path. As a result, the obtained baseline noise reduced 3.75 times than that of without SRTCY. Under the optimized conditions, the device achieved limits of detection (3σ/k) of 0.055 and 0.36 mmol/L (0.77 and 5.04 mg N/L) for nitrite and nitrate, respectively, and the linear calibration ranges were 0.1-15 mmol/L (R2 = 0.9946) and 1-10 mmol/L (R2 = 0.9995), respectively. Precisions of 5.2 % and 9.0 % were achieved for ten successive determinations of 0.3 mmol/L nitrite and 1.0 mmol/L nitrate, and the analytical times for nitrite and nitrate determination were 5 and 13 min, respectively. This method was validated against standard methods and recovery tests, and it was applied to the measurement of nitrite and nitrate in environmental waters. Moreover, a device was designed to enable the field measurement of nitrite and nitrate in complex matrices.

The complete degradation of 1,2-dichloroethane in Escherichia coli by metabolic engineering.

1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCA), a widely utilized chemical intermediate and organic solvent in industry, frequently enters the environment due to accidental leaks and mishandling during application processes. Thus, the in-situ remediation of contaminated sites has become increasingly urgent. However, traditional remediation methods are inefficient and costly, while bioremediation presents a green, efficient, and non-secondary polluting alternative. In this study, an engineered strain capable of completely degrading 1,2-DCA was constructed. We introduced six exogenous genes of the 1,2-DCA degradation pathway into E. coli and confirmed their normal transcription and efficient expression in this engineered strain through qRT-PCR and proteomics. The degradation experiments showed that the strain completely degraded 2 mM 1,2-DCA within 12 h. Furthermore, the results of isotope tracing verified that the final degradation product, malic acid, entered the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) of E. coli and was ultimately fully metabolized. Also, morphological changes in the engineered strain and control strain exposed to 1,2-DCA were observed under SEM, and the results revealed that the engineered strain is more tolerant to 1,2-DCA than the control strain. In conclusion, this study paved a new way for humanity to deal with the increasingly complex environmental challenges.

Cu exposure induces liver inflammation via regulating gut microbiota/LPS/liver TLR4 signaling axis.

Copper (Cu) serves as an essential cofactor in all organisms, yet excessive Cu exposure is widely recognized for its role in inducing liver inflammation. However, the precise mechanism by which Cu triggers liver inflammation in ducks, particularly in relation to the interplay in gut microbiota regulation, has remained elusive. In this investigation, we sought to elucidate the impact of Cu exposure on liver inflammation through gut-liver axis in ducks. Our findings revealed that Cu exposure markedly elevated liver AST and ALT levels and induced liver inflammation through upregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α) and triggering the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Simultaneously, Cu exposure induced alterations in the composition of intestinal flora communities, notably increasing the relative abundance of Sphingobacterium, Campylobacter, Acinetobacter and reducing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Cu exposure significantly decreased the protein expression related to intestinal barrier (Occludin, Claudin-1 and ZO-1) and promoted the secretion of intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, correlation analysis was observed that intestinal microbiome and gut barrier induced by Cu were closely related to liver inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments further demonstrated the microbiota-depleted ducks transplanting fecal samples from Cu-exposed ducks disturbed the intestinal dysfunction, which lead to impaire liver function and activate the liver inflammation. Our study provided insights into the mechanism by which Cu exposure induced liver inflammation in ducks through the regulation of gut-liver axis. These results enhanced our comprehension of the potential mechanisms driving Cu-induced hepatotoxicity in avian species.

Color-reversible fluorescence tracking for the dynamic interaction of SO2 with Hg2+ in living cells.

Mercury ion (Hg2+) is one of the most threatening substances to human health, and the mercury poisoning can damage physiological homeostasis severely in human, even cause death. Intriguingly, Sulfur dioxide (SO2), a gas signal molecule in human, can specifically interact with Hg2+ for relieving mercury poisoning. However, the dynamic interaction of Hg2+ with SO2 at the tempospatial level and the correlation between Hg2+ and SO2 in the pathological process of mercury poisoning are still elusive. Herein, we rationally designed a reversible and dual color fluorescent probe (CCS) for dynamically visualizing Hg2+ and SO2 and deciphering their interrelationship in mercury poisoning. CCS held good sensitivity, selectivity and reversibility to Hg2+ and SO2, that enabled CCS to specifically detect SO2 and Hg2+ via cyan fluorescence channel (centered around 485 nm) and red fluorescence channel (centered around 679 nm), respectively. Notably, the separate fluorescence signal changes of CCS realized the dynamic tracing of Hg2+ and SO2 in living cells, and presented the potential for exploring the correlation between SO2 and Hg2+ in mercury poisoning.

Effects of coated sodium butyrate on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens.

Introduction: This study examined the impact of adding coated sodium butyrate (CSB) to the diet on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota of yellow-feathered broiler chickens. Methods: In this study, 240 yellow-feathered broiler chickens at 26 days old were divided into two groups: the control group (CON group) received a standard diet, and the experimental group (CSB group) received a diet with 0.5 g/kg of a supplement called CSB. Each group had 6 replicates, with 20 chickens in each replicate, and the experiment lasted for 36 days. Results: Compared to the CON group, the CSB group showed a slight but insignificant increase in average daily weight gain during the 26-62 day period, while feed intake significantly decreased. The CSB group exhibited significant increases in serum superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the CSB group had significant increases in total protein and albumin content, as well as a significant decrease in blood ammonia levels. Compared to the CON group, the CSB group had significantly increased small intestine villus height and significantly decreased jejunal crypt depth. The abundance of Bacteroidetes and Bacteroides in the cecal microbiota of the CSB group was significantly higher than that of the CON group, while the abundance of Proteobacteria, Deferribacteres, and Epsilonbacteraeota was significantly lower than that of the CON group. Conclusion: These results suggest that adding CSB to the diet can improve the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of yellow-feathered broiler chickens while maintaining intestinal health.

The synergistic evolution of supply-demand composite system for airport green development: A case study in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, China.

Given the pressing requirements for sustainable development in civil aviation, conducting a synergistic evolution analysis of the supply and demand aspects in the airport green development holds great significance. This analysis helps achieve sustainable airport development and facilitates the green transformation of civil aviation development. Taking a collaborative learning approach and utilizing historical data from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport spanning 2008 to 2019, the supply-demand composite system for airport green development was deconstructed into two subsystems-demand and supply-and relevant evaluation index systems were established in this paper. A screening and optimization model of supply and demand synergy indicators for airport green development was constructed, and it was solved using a simulated annealing genetic algorithm. The Haken model was constructed to analyze the synergistic evolutionary relationship of the composite system of supply and demand for green airport development in two stages. The results indicate a shift in the order parameter of the co-evolution of the supply-demand composite system at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, moving from the demand subsystem in the first stage (2008-2015) to the supply subsystem in the second stage (2016-2019). The co-evolution of the airport supply-demand composite system has entered a new stage, but has not reached a high level of synergy. The study not only contributes theoretically by explaining the interaction mechanism between supply and demand for airport green development, but also offers targeted suggestions for achieving high-quality synergistic evolution of supply and demand for airport green development.

Integrated transcriptome and microbiome analyses of residual feed intake in ducks during high production period.

Residual feed intake (RFI) is a crucial parameter for assessing the feeding efficiency of poultry. Minimizing RFI can enhance feed utilization and reduce costs. In this study, 315 healthy female ducks were individually housed in cages. Growth performance was monitored during the high laying period, from 290 to 325 d of age. The cecal transcriptome and microbiome of 12 ducks with high RFI and 12 with low residual feed intake (LRFI) were analyzed. Regarding growth performance, the LRFI group exhibited significantly lower RFI, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed intake (Fi) compared to the HRFI group (p < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences observed in body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and egg mass (EML) between the groups (p > 0.05). Microbiome analysis demonstrated that RFI impacted gut microbial abundance, particularly affecting metabolism and disease-related microorganisms such as Romboutsia, Enterococcus, and Megamonas funiformis. Transcriptome analysis revealed that varying RFI changed the expression of genes related to glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism, including APOA1, G6PC1, PCK1, and PLIN1. The integrated analysis indicated that host genes were closely linked to the microbiota and primarily function in lipid metabolism, which may enhance feeding efficiency by influencing metabolism and maintaining gut homeostasis.

New evidence for gut-muscle axis: Lactic acid bacteria-induced gut microbiota regulates duck meat flavor.

The interaction between gut microbiota and muscles through the gut-muscle axis has received increasing attention. This study attempted to address existing research gaps by investigating the effects of gut microbiota on meat flavor. Specifically, lactic acid bacteria were administered to ducks, and the results of e-nose and e-tongue showed significantly enhanced meat flavor in the treatment group. Further analyses using GC-MS revealed an increase in 6 characteristic volatile flavor compounds, including pentanal, hexanal, heptanal, 1-octen-3-ol, 2,3-octanedione, and 2-pentylfuran. Linoleic acid was identified as the key fatty acid that influences meat flavor. Metagenomic and transcriptomic results further confirmed that cecal microbiota affects the duck meat flavor by regulating the metabolic pathways of fatty acids and amino acids, especially ACACB was related to fatty acid biosynthesis and ACAT2, ALDH1A1 with fatty acid degradation. This study sheds light on a novel approach to improving the flavor of animal-derived food.

Quantifying the impact of upscaled parameters on radionuclide transport in three-dimensional fracture-matrix systems.

Assessing the long-term safety of geological repositories for high-level radioactive waste is critically dependent on understanding radionuclide transport in multi-scale fractured rocks. This study explores the influence of upscaled parameters on radionuclide movement within a three-dimensional fracture-matrix system using a discrete fracture-matrix (DFM) model. The developed numerical simulation workflow includes creating a random discrete fracture network, meshing of the fractures and matrix, assigning upscaled parameters, and conducting finite element simulations. We simulated the spatiotemporal evolution of radionuclide concentrations in the fractures and matrix over a century, revealing significant spatial heterogeneity driven by a heterogeneous seepage field. Employing geostatistics-based upscaling methods, we predicted the effective ranges of crucial solute transport parameters at the field scale. The matrix diffusion coefficient, matrix distribution coefficient, and longitudinal dispersivity were upscaled by factors of 2.0-3.0, 2.5-4.0, and 10-104, respectively, based on laboratory-scale measurements. Incorporating these upscaled parameters into the DFM model, we analyzed their impact on radionuclide transport. Our findings demonstrate that an upscaled matrix diffusion coefficient and matrix distribution coefficient result in a delayed transport of radionuclides in fractures by enhancing mass transfer between the fractures and rock matrix, while an upscaled longitudinal dispersivity accelerates transport by advancing the positions of concentration peaks. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the matrix distribution coefficient is the most impactful, followed by dispersivity and matrix diffusion coefficient. These insights are important for minimizing parameter uncertainties and enhancing the accuracy of predictions concerning radionuclide transport in multi-scale fractured rocks.

Dietary effect of Dendrobium officinale leaves on chicken meat quality, fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds profile.

Dendrobium officinale leaves (DOL) contain many active ingredients with various pharmacological effects, but are still ineffectively utilized. To investigate the feasibility of developing DOL as a feed additive, it is necessary to determine whether dietary supplementing DOL had any effect on meat quality and flavor. Our results showed that supplementation with DOL decreased the shear force while increased the pH and fat content in breast meat. Meat from DOL-fed chickens had higher levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n-6 PUFAs, but lower n-6/n-3 ratios. Moreover, volatile compounds profile indicated that contents of aldehydes, including hexanal, pentanal, and heptanal, etc.), which were identified as the key volatile compounds in chicken meat, exhibited noteworthy rise in DOL intake groups. Octanal, 1-octen-3-ol, and 2-pentylfuran also contributed greatly to the meat overall aroma. These data provide a foundation for the comprehensive utilization of DOL as a feed additive with antibiotic substitution potential.

The impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and endophytic bacteria on peanuts under the combined pollution of cadmium and microplastics.

It remains unclear how symbiotic microbes impact the growth of peanuts when they are exposed to the pollutants cadmium (Cd) and microplastics (MPs) simultaneously. This study aimed to investigate the effects of endophytic bacteria Bacillus velezens SC60 and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis on peanut growth and rhizosphere microbial communities in the presence of Cd at 40 (Cd40) or 80 (Cd80) mg kg-1 combined without MP or the presence of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and poly butyleneadipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT). This study assessed soil indicators, plant parameters, and Cd accumulation indicators. Results showed that the application of R. irregularis and B. velezens significantly enhanced soil organic carbon and increased Cd content under the conditions of Cd80 and MPs co-pollution. R. irregularis and B. velezens treatment increased peanut absorption and the enrichment coefficient for Cd, with predominate concentrations localized in the peanut roots, especially under combined pollution by Cd and MPs. Under treatments with Cd40 and Cd80 combined with PBAT pollution, soil microbes Proteobacteria exhibited a higher relative abundance, while Actinobacteria showed a higher relative abundance under treatments with Cd40 and Cd80 combined with LDPE pollution. In conclusion, under the combined pollution conditions of MPs and Cd, the co-treatment of R. irregularis and B. velezens effectively immobilized Cd in peanut roots, impeding its translocation to the shoot.

Design and analysis of centrifugal compressor in carbon dioxide heat pump system.

Based on the advantages of energy saving, environmental protection and high efficiency, carbon dioxide heat pump system has great application prospects. However, there are still many technical problems to be solved, especially the design and optimization of carbon dioxide centrifugal compressor. In this paper, a centrifugal compressor in carbon dioxide heat pump system is designed. The compressor is directly driven by a high-speed permanent magnet synchronous motor. Two-stage impellers are installed on both sides of the motor, and the bearings are active magnetic bearings. The influences of inlet pressure and temperature on compressor performance are analyzed. In the range of inlet temperature from 35 to 55 °C, with the decrease of inlet temperature, the compressor pressure ratio increases by 12-29.8%, the power increases by 2.7-8.6%. In the range of inlet pressure from 4 to 6 MPa, with the increase of inlet pressure, the compressor pressure ratio increases by 12.3-38.6%, and the power increases by 8.7-17.8%. In addition, the calculation method of compressor axial force is introduced, the axial force is calculated, analyzed and optimized. Furthermore, the rotor dynamics of compressor rotor and the influences of bearing stiffness and diameter of motor rotor on rotor dynamics are studied. With the increase of bearing stiffness, the first-order critical speed and maximum displacement of the rotor increase. The research provides a theoretical reference for the design and optimization of centrifugal compressor in carbon dioxide heat pump system.

Arenarialins A-F, Anti-inflammatory Meroterpenoids with Rearranged Skeletons from the Marine Sponge Dysidea arenaria.

Six new sesquiterpene quinone/hydroquinone meroterpenoids, arenarialins A-F (1-6), were isolated from the marine sponge Dysidea arenaria collected from the South China Sea. Their chemical structures and absolute configurations were determined by HRMS and NMR data analyses coupled with DP4+ and ECD calculations. Arenarialin A (1) features an unprecedented tetracyclic 6/6/5/6 carbon skeleton, whereas arenarialins B-D (2-4) possess two rare secomeroterpene scaffolds. Arenarialins A-F showed inhibitory activity on the production of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages with arenarialin D regulating the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway.

Analysis of Transcriptomic Differences in the Ovaries of High- and Low-Laying Ducks.

The egg-laying performance of Shan Ma ducks (Anas Platyrhynchos) is a crucial economic trait. Nevertheless, limited research has been conducted on the egg-laying performance of this species. We examined routine blood indicators and observed higher levels of metabolic and immune-related factors in the high-egg-production group compared with the low-egg-production group. Furthermore, we explored the ovarian transcriptome of both high- and low-egg-production groups of Shan Ma ducks using Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing. A total of 1357 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with 686 down-regulated and 671 up-regulated in the high-egg-production (HEP) ducks and low-egg-production (LEP) ducks. Several genes involved in the regulation of ovarian development, including neuropeptide Y (NPY), cell cycle protein-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), and transcription factor 1 (E2F1), exhibited significant differential expressions at varying stages of egg production. Pathway functional analysis revealed that the DEGs were primarily associated with the steroid biosynthesis pathway, and the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway exhibited higher activity in the HEP group compared to the LEP group. This study offers valuable information about and novel insights into high egg production.

Occurrence of Chlorinated Derivatives of Bisphenol S in Paper Products and Their Potential Health Risks through Dermal Exposure.

The occurrence of chlorinated derivatives of bisphenol S (Clx-BPS) and BPS was investigated in nine types of paper products (n = 125), including thermal paper, corrugated boxes, mail envelopes, newspapers, flyers, magazines, food contact paper, household paper, and business cards. BPS was found in all paper product samples, while Clx-BPS were mainly found in thermal paper (from below the limit of detection (