Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst formed by MOF-derived C-TiO2 and Bi2WO6 for enhancing degradation of oxytetracycline: Mechanistic insights and toxicity evaluation in the presence of a single active species.

In the work, Bi2WO6/C-TiO2 photocatalyst was successfully synthesized for the first time by loading narrow bandgap semiconductor Bi2WO6 on MOF-derived carboxyl modified TiO2. The phase structure, morphology, photoelectric properties, surface chemical states and photocatalytic performance of the prepared photocatalysts were systematically investigated using various characterization tools. The degradation efficiency of oxytetracycline by 6BT Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst under visible light could reach 93.6 % within 100 min, which was related to the high light harvesting and effective separation and transfer of photo-generated carriers. Furthermore, the effects of various environmental factors in actual wastewater were further investigated, and the results showed that 6BT exhibited good adaptability, durability and resistance to interference. Unlike most works, the degradation system with a different single active species were designed and constructed based on their formation mechanism. In addition, for the first time, a positive study was conducted on the priority attack sites, intermediate products, and degradation pathways for the photocatalytic degradation of oxytetracycline by a single active species through HPLC-MS and Fukui index calculations. The toxicity changes of intermediate products produced in three different single active species oxidation systems were evaluated using toxicity assessment software tools (T.E.S.T.), Escherichia coli growth experiments, and wheat growth experiments. Among them, the intermediate products formed through O2- oxidation had the lowest toxicity and the main active sites it attacked were the 20C, 38O, 18C, 41O, and 55O atoms with high f+ values in the oxytetracycline molecular structure. This work provided the insight into the role of each active species in the degradation of antibiotics and offered new ideas for the design and synthesis of efficient and eco-friendly photocatalysts.

Path analysis to identify factors influencing osteoporosis: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which is influenced by both environmental factors and nutritional metabolism. The relationship between biochemical indicators and bone mineral density (BMD) is intricate and involves complex mechanisms. Path analysis, a statistical method that investigates causal relationships and the strength of associations among multiple factors, can be valuable in elucidating the connection between biochemical indicators and BMD. METHODS: In this study, we employed advanced statistical techniques, specifically structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the intricate interrelationships among a myriad of factors that exert influence on BMD. This analytical approach facilitated not only the identification of the direct relationships between specific variables and BMD but also the exploration of the intricate of indirect pathway through which other variables contribute to the oval impact on BMD. By delving into the direct and indirect effects, we aimed to unravel the complex influences that collectively shape the state of bone health, providing a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of the factors affecting BMD. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that lipid levels had a significant indirect influence on BMD, which was mediated by body mass index (BMI). BMI exhibited both direct and indirect effects on BMD. Uric acid (UA) exerted a significant direct and indirect influence on BMD, with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) acting as the mediator. However, the total effect of UA on BMD was not significant due to the cancellation of positive effect UA on BMD but negative indirect effects of UA through GFR. For females, albumin had a significant direct effect on BMD, whereas this effect was not observed in males. The path analysis models generated results that demonstrated an acceptable fit for both female data (χ2 = 9.63, df = 7, p = 0.21, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.98, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.05) and male data (χ2 = 6.26, df = 4, p = 0.18, CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional metabolism plays a crucial role in maintaining BMD in elderly females and males.

Trichorhinophalangeal Syndrome Type 1 Is a Highly Sensitive and Specific Marker for Diagnosing Triple-Negative Breast Carcinomas on Cytologic Samples.

CONTEXT.­: Definitive diagnosis of metastatic triple-negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) is challenging on cytologic samples. Recent studies demonstrated that trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type 1 (TRPS1) is a highly sensitive and specific marker for diagnosing breast carcinomas, including TNBC, on surgical specimens. OBJECTIVE.­: To evaluate TRPS1 expression in TNBCs on cytologic samples and a large series of nonbreast tumors on tissue microarray sections. DESIGN.­: Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of TRPS1 and GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3) was performed on 35 TNBC cases on surgical specimens, and 29 consecutive TNBC cases on cytologic specimens. IHC analysis of TRPS1 expression was also performed on 1079 nonbreast tumors on tissue microarray sections. RESULTS.­: Of the surgical specimens, 35 of 35 TNBC cases (100%) were positive for TRPS1, all with diffuse positivity, whereas 27 of 35 (77%) were positive for GATA3, with diffuse positivity in 7 cases (26%). Of the cytologic samples, 27 of 29 TNBC cases (93%) were positive for TRPS1, with diffuse positivity in 20 cases (74%), whereas 12 of 29 (41%) were positive for GATA3, with diffuse positivity in 2 cases (17%). Of the nonbreast malignant tumors, TRPS1 expression was seen in 9.4% (3 of 32) of melanomas, 10.7% (3 of 28) of small cell carcinomas of the bladder, and 9.7% (4 of 41) of ovarian serous carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS.­: Our data confirm that TRPS1 is a highly sensitive and specific marker for diagnosing TNBC cases on surgical specimens as reported in the literature. In addition, these data demonstrate that TRPS1 is a much more sensitive marker than GATA3 in detecting metastatic TNBC cases on cytologic samples. Therefore, inclusion of TRPS1 in the diagnostic IHC panel is recommended when a metastatic TNBC is suspected.

Fructose overconsumption impairs hepatic manganese homeostasis and ammonia disposal.

Arginase, a manganese (Mn)-dependent enzyme, is indispensable for urea generation and ammonia disposal in the liver. The potential role of fructose in Mn and ammonia metabolism is undefined. Here we demonstrate that fructose overconsumption impairs hepatic Mn homeostasis and ammonia disposal in male mice. Fructose overexposure reduces liver Mn content as well as its activity of arginase and Mn-SOD, and impairs the clearance of blood ammonia under liver dysfunction. Mechanistically, fructose activates the Mn exporter Slc30a10 gene transcription in the liver in a ChREBP-dependent manner. Hepatic overexpression of Slc30a10 can mimic the effect of fructose on liver Mn content and ammonia disposal. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of Slc30a10 or ChREBP increases liver Mn contents and arginase activity, and abolishes their responsiveness to fructose. Collectively, our data establish a role of fructose in hepatic Mn and ammonia metabolism through ChREBP/Slc30a10 pathway, and postulate fructose dietary restriction for the prevention and treatment of hyperammonemia.

Alkali-assisted engineering of ultrathin graphite phase carbon nitride nanosheets with carbon vacancy and cyano group for significantly promoting photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide generation under visible light: Fast electron transfer channel.

Exfoliating bulk graphite phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) into 2D nanosheets is considered to be an effective method to enhance its photocatalytic activity. However, optical absorption capacity of the exfoliated g-C3N4 nanosheets are lower than that of the original bulk g-C3N4 due to the quantum size effect. Here, the ultrathin graphite phase carbon nitride nanosheets containing both carbon vacancy and cyano group (UCNS580) were prepared by two-step calcination in air with the assistance of KOH. The formation and position of carbon vacancy and cyano group were first investigated and determined. The simultaneous introduction of carbon vacancy and cyano group not only improved light absorption range and intensity of g-C3N4 nanosheets, but also more importantly constructed a fast transfer channel for photogenerated electrons, further enhancing the separation efficiency and migration ability of photogenerated carriers. The cyano group as the accumulation center of photogenerated electrons and the oxygen adsorption center increased the proportion of one-step two-electrons reaction path to efficiently generate H2O2. As a result, UCNS580 exhibited highly boosted H2O2 generation activity, its H2O2 production yield for 6 h reached 939 µmol/L and the formation rate was up to 4167 µM h-1 g-1, which was in priority in the reported literature under the same conditions.

Enhanced nonsacrificial photocatalytic generation of hydrogen peroxide under visible light using modified graphitic carbon nitride with doped phosphorus and loaded carbon quantum dots: Constructing electron transfer channel.

The photocatalytic production of H2O2 by graphite-phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) using water and oxygen is a promising and sustainable method. Nevertheless, the yield of H2O2 produced by the pristine g-C3N4 is still far from satisfactory owing to limited optical absorption, rapid photogenerated electron-hole recombination and poor surface electron migration. Therefore, p-P1CN/CQDs25 was designed and synthesized by doping phosphorus (P) and loading carbon quantum dots (CQDs) to modify porous g-C3N4 (p-CN) via a facile method. Herein, P acted as an electron transfer bridge to induce electrons into CQDs, while CQDs acted as an electron trapping material to capture and stabilize photogenerated electrons. Moreover, CQDs could enhance their optical absorption due to its unique optical properties. Notably, p-P1CN/CQDs25 presented highly boosted H2O2 generation activity, its H2O2 production yield for 5 h was up to 494 µM/L and the formation rate constant Kf in the first hour was 238 µM h-1 without adding sacrificial agents and without bubbling oxygen under visible light, which took precedence among the reported results under the same conditions. It should be noted that the composite p-P1CN/CQDs25 also possessed low H2O2 decomposition behavior based on the effect of CQDs stabilizing electrons. In addition, the possible mechanism of photocatalytic H2O2 generation for p-P1CN/CQDs25 was also proposed. Our research provided a new idea for the design of novel photocatalysts to efficient generation of H2O2.

Self-Assembling Imageable Silk Hydrogels for the Focal Treatment of Osteosarcoma.

Background: The standard treatment for osteosarcoma comprises complete surgical resection and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which may cause serious side effects and partial or total limb loss. Therefore, to avoid the disadvantages of traditional treatment, we developed self-assembling imageable silk hydrogels for osteosarcoma. Methods: We analysed whether iodine induced apoptosis in MG-63 and Saos-2 cells by using CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays and transmission electron microscopy. Western blotting was used to analyse the pathway of iodine-induced apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells. PEG400, silk fibroin solution, polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine (PVP-I), and meglumine diatrizoate (MD) were mixed to produce an imageable hydrogel. A nude mouse model of osteosarcoma was established, and the hydrogel was injected locally into the interior of the osteosarcoma with X-ray guidance. The therapeutic effect and biosafety of the hydrogel were evaluated. Results: Iodine treatment at 18 and 20 µM for 12 h resulted in cell survival rate reduced to 50 ± 2.1% and 50.5 ± 2.7% for MG-63 and Sao-2 cells, respectively (p < 0.01). The proportion of apoptotic cells was significantly higher in the iodine-treatment group than in the control group (p < 0.05), and apoptotic bodies were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Iodine could regulate the death receptor pathway and induce MG-63 and Saos-2 cell apoptosis. The hydrogels were simple to assemble, and gels could be formed within 38 min. A force of less than 50 N was required to inject the gels with a syringe. The hydrogels were readily loaded and led to sustained iodine release over 1 week. The osteosarcoma volume in the PEG-iodine-silk/MD hydrogel group was significantly smaller than that in the other three groups (p < 0.001). Caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) expression levels were significantly higher in the PEG-iodine-silk/MD hydrogel group than in the other three groups (p < 0.001). Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining showed no abnormalities in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, pancreas or thyroid in any group. Conclusions: Self-assembling imageable silk hydrogels could be injected locally into osteosarcoma tissues with X-ray assistance. With the advantages of good biosafety, low systemic toxicity and minimal invasiveness, self-assembling imageable silk hydrogels provide a promising approach for improving the locoregional control of osteosarcoma.

Comparative Proteome and Cis-Regulatory Element Analysis Reveals Specific Molecular Pathways Conserved in Dog and Human Brains.

Brain development and function are governed by precisely regulated protein expressions in different regions. To date, multiregional brain proteomes have been systematically analyzed only for adult human and mouse brains. To understand the underpinnings of brain development and function, we generated proteomes from six regions of the postnatal brain at three developmental stages of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), which are special among animals in terms of their remarkable human-like social cognitive abilities. Quantitative analysis of the spatiotemporal proteomes identified region-enriched synapse types at different developmental stages and differential myelination progression in different brain regions. Through integrative analysis of inter-regional expression patterns of orthologous proteins and genome-wide cis-regulatory element frequencies, we found that proteins related with myelination and hippocampus were highly correlated between dog and human but not between mouse and human, although mouse is phylogenetically closer to human. Moreover, the global expression patterns of neurodegenerative disease and autism spectrum disorder-associated proteins in dog brain more resemble human brain than in mouse brain. The high similarity of myelination and hippocampus-related pathways in dog and human at both proteomic and genetic levels may contribute to their shared social cognitive abilities. The inter-regional expression patterns of disease-associated proteins in the brain of different species provide important information to guide mechanistic and translational study using appropriate animal models.

S100A9 blockade improves the functional recovery after spinal cord injury via mediating neutrophil infiltration.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to damage to the spinal cord resulting from trauma, disease or degeneration. Controlling the inflammatory process and restoring neural homeostasis is hypothesized to prevent injury aggravation. S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) is a pro-inflammatory alarm protein, which is expressed in and released by activated neutrophils. However, whether S100A9 could serve as an effective target for the treatment of SCI has not been reported to date. In the present study, a T10 spinal cord contusion injury model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats. S100A9 expression level was determined in the serum and injured spinal cord tissue via ELISA, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. The S100A9-specific blocker, ABR-238901 (ABR), was administered during the inflammatory phase of SCI, as a form of treatment. Subsequently, the morphological structure, neuronal viability and inflammatory levels of injured spinal cord were observed by histopathology, immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR. In the obtained results, S100A9 was found to be highly expressed in the injured spinal cord and serum in the first 3 days after SCI. However, at 28 days after surgery, ABR treatment significantly improved motor function, reduced the cavity formation and neutrophil infiltration in the lesion, which was verified via H&E staining and immunohistochemistry for myeloperoxidase. Furthermore, ABR treatment was found to effectively improve the survival and viability of neurons, as shown via Nissl staining and immunofluorescence of the synaptic plasticity markers, microtubule associated protein 2 and neurofilament 200. Moreover, S100A9 blockade effectively upregulated the mRNA expression level of the anti-inflammatory genes, IL-4 and IL-10 and downregulated the mRNA expression level of the pro-inflammatory factors, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, S100A9 blockade notably alleviated the apoptosis level of the injured nerve cells. Therefore, the findings of the present study revealed that S100A9 may be a useful target for the treatment of SCI.

The regulatory roles of miR-26a in the development of fracture and osteoblasts.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in the bone development and bone regeneration. In this study, we investigated the effects of miR-26a in osteoblasts and fractures. Methods: Human osteoblasts were cultured and used for analysis. To identify differential miRNAs in blood samples from patients with fractures and healthy controls, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed. Human osteoblasts were transfected with miR-26a mimics, miR-26a inhibitor, or their corresponding negative controls (NCs), respectively. MTT assay was performed to identify the effects of miR-26a on the cell viability of osteoblasts. EdU staining was applied to detect the proliferation of osteoblasts. Trypan blue staining was utilized to analyze the effects of miR-26a on the cell death of osteoblasts. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptotic osteoblasts. Alizarin red S (ARS) staining and qRT-PCR analysis were utilized to measure the mineralized nodule formation to evaluate the bone formation of osteoblasts. Dual luciferase reporter assay and western blot analysis were performed to detect the relationship between miR-26a and its target gene. Results: The results of qRT-PCR analysis identified miR-26a as our miRNA of interest and indicated that miR-26a was significantly decreased in patients with fractures. Overexpression of miR-26a significantly increased the cell viability and proliferation of osteoblasts. An increase in miR-26a reduced the cell death and apoptosis of osteoblasts, and promoted the osteoblastic activity and mineralized nodule formation. Dual luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR and western blot analysis showed that miR-26a could negatively regulate the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Conclusions: MiR-26a promoted new bone regeneration via regulating the functions of osteoblasts by targeting its target gene PTEN. Therefore, we propose that targeting miR-26a may be a novel therapeutic method for bone regeneration and treating fractures.

ChREBP-regulated lipogenesis is not required for the thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue.

OBJECTIVES: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a critical role in energy expenditure by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-mediated thermogenesis and represents an important therapeutic target for metabolic diseases. Carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) is a key transcription factor regulating de novo lipogenesis, and its activity is associated with UCP1 expression and thermogenesis in BAT. However, the exact physiological role of endogenous ChREBP in BAT thermogenesis remains unclear. METHODS: We used the Cre/LoxP system to generate ChREBP BAT-specific knockout mice, and examined their BAT thermogenesis under acute cold exposure and long-term cold acclimation. Gene expression was analyzed at the mRNA and protein levels, and lipogenesis was examined by 3H-H2O incorporation assay. RESULTS: The mice lacking ChREBP specifically in BAT displayed a significant decrease in the expression levels of lipogenic genes and the activity of de novo lipogenesis in BAT after cold exposure, with UCP1 expression decreased under thermoneutral conditions or after acute cold exposure but not chronic cold acclimation. Unexpectedly, BAT-specific ChREBP deletion did not significantly affect body temperature as well as local temperature or morphology of BAT after acute cold exposure or chronic cold acclimation. Of note, ChREBP deletion mildly aggravated glucose intolerance induced by a high-fat diet. CONCLUSIONS: Our work indicates that ChREBP regulates de novo lipogenesis in BAT and glucose tolerance, but is not required for non-shivering thermogenesis by BAT under acute or long-term cold exposure.

Exposure to second hand smoking among middle school students in Beijing in 2019 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the exposure to second hand smoking (SHS) and associated factors among middle school students in Beijing, and to provide data support for tobacco control.@*Methods@#The two stage stratified cluster random sampling method were used to select 10 532 students from 370 classes in 48 junior middle schools, 34 senior high schools and 14 vocational high schools in 16 districts of Beijing. The national unified paper questionnaire was used to collect the information.@*Results@#During the past 7 days, 71.5% (95% CI =70.2%-72.7%) of students reported exposure to SHS. The proportion of exposure was highest (60.3%) in outdoor public places, followed by indoor public places (48.9%), at home (34.1%), and public transport (19.1%). About 31.6% of students reported people smoking in the campus in the past 30 days. Risk factors of SHS exposure included one or more parents was smoker( OR =2.62), friends who smoked( OR =2.13), received education on tobacco hazards in school( OR = 0.74 ), and senior high school( OR =0.68-0.73)( P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#High exposure to second hand smoking among middle school students in Beijing is common. Implementation of the regulations and the publicity of tobacco hazards and tobacco control in schools should be strengthened. Smoke free household should be advocated, and middle school students, especially junior middle school students, should be protected from the harm of SHS.

Astragalin Protects against Spinal Cord Ischemia Reperfusion Injury through Attenuating Oxidative Stress-Induced Necroptosis.

Spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion (SCI/R) injury is a devastating complication usually occurring after thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. However, it remains unsatisfactory for its intervention by using pharmacological strategies. Oxidative stress is a main pharmacological process involved in SCI/R, which will elicit downstream programmed cell death such as the novel defined necroptosis. Astragalin is a bioactive natural flavonoid with a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. Herein, we firstly evaluated the effect of astragalin to oxidative stress as well as the possible downstream necroptosis after SCI/R in mice. Our results demonstrated that astragalin improves the ethological score and histopathological deterioration of SCI/R mice. Astragalin mitigates oxidative stress and ameliorates inflammation after SCI/R. Astragalin blocks necroptosis induced by SCI/R. That is, the amelioration of astragalin to the motoneuron injury and histopathological changes. Indicators of oxidative stress, inflammation, and necroptosis after SCI/R were significantly blocked. Summarily, we firstly illustrated the protection of astragalin against SCI/R through its blockage to the necroptosis at downstream of oxidative stress.

miRNA-221 Regulates Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Inflammatory Response through Targeting TNF-α Expression.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the roles of miR-221 in spinal cord injury (SCI) as well as the underlying mechanism. METHODS: A mouse model of SCI was generated and used to examine dynamic changes in grip strength of the mouse upper and lower limbs. The expression of miR-221 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Levels of inflammation and oxidative stress in microglia cells of the injured mice overexpressing miR-221 were then measured by ELISA. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay were conducted to identify the miR-221 target. RESULTS: We successfully constructed SCI mouse model. The results of qRT-PCR showed that miR-221 was gradually upregulated in the spinal cord tissue of mice in the SCI group with the prolonged injury time. At the same time, the mRNA and protein of TNF-α gradually decreased. We further confirmed through cell experiments that the inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6, as well as iNOS and eROS, were upregulated in spinal cord microglia cells of SCI mice, and upregulation of miR-122 can inhibit their expression. Finally, the luciferase reporter experiment confirmed that miR-122 targeted TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS: We present evidence that miR-221 promotes functional recovery of the injured spinal cord through targeting TNF-α, while alleviating inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Evaluation of Human Kidney Injury Molecule 1 (hKIM-1) Expression in Tumors From Various Organs by Messenger RNA In Situ Hybridization.

OBJECTIVES: Human kidney injury molecule 1 (hKIM-1) is a sensitive and specific marker for detection of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CRCC), papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC), and ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC). Its use was limited to a few surgical pathology laboratories because this specific antibody to hKIM-1 was not commercially available. We investigated the diagnostic utility of RNA in situ hybridization/RNAscope in the detection of hKIM-1 in tumors from various organs. METHODS: RNAscope for hKIM-1 was performed on 1,252 cases on tissue microarray sections, including CRCC (n = 185), PRCC (n = 59), chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (n = 18), oncocytoma (n = 12), OCCC (n = 27), and metastatic CRCC (n = 46). RESULTS: Fifty-nine (100%) of 59 PRCCs, 94 (95%) of 99 low-grade CRCCs, 83 (96%) of 86 high-grade CRCCs, and 24 (89%) of 27 OCCCs, and 44 (96%) of 46 metastatic CRCCs were positive for hKIM-1. In contrast, hKIM-1 expression was not seen in normal renal tubules or in most nonrenal tumors. Low-level expression could be seen in a small percentage of urothelial, hepatocellular, and colon carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: hKIM-1 is a sensitive and relatively specific marker (1) for diagnosing PRCC, CRCC, and OCCC when working on a tumor of unknown origin and (2) for differentiating CRCC from chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and oncocytoma.

Fabrication of ternary AgBr/BiPO4/g-C3N4 heterostructure with dual Z-scheme and its visible light photocatalytic activity for Reactive Blue 19.

A plasmonic photocatalyst of AgBr/BiPO4/g-C3N4 was prepared. X-ray powder diffraction, Scanning electron microscope, Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, Ultraviolet Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence emission spectra have been employed to determine the structure, morphology and optical property of the as-prepared AgBr/BiPO4/g-C3N4 composite and analysis the reasons for improving photocatalytic efficiency. The optimal doping ratio of AgBr was 10 wt% by degrading 20 mg/L of Reactive Blue 19 (RB19) under visible light (λ > 420 nm), and 10 wt%AgBr/BiPO4/g-C3N4 degraded 20 mg/L of RB19 to 2.59% at 40 min, which is ascribed to synergistic effects at the interface of AgBr, BiPO4 and g-C3N4. The effect of catalyst dosage, initial concentration and initial pH of RB19 solution on photocatalytic efficiency was investigated. Four cycles of experiments were conducted. Finally, through the trapping experiment, we found that the main active factor for degrading RB19 in the photocatalytic process is O2-. The possible photocatalytic mechanism of AgBr/BiPO4/g-C3N4 was discussed in connection with the synergistic effect of Ag and active substances at the AgBr/BiPO4/g-C3N4 interface.

Investigation of Health Literacy Status in Beijing, China.

BACKGROUND: The Chinese government uses health literacy as an evaluation to estimate population health status in national strategic planning. A health literacy survey system for the city of Beijing, China was established in 2012 with triennial surveys to obtain representative data for the whole city. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine results of the 2015 Beijing Health Literacy Survey and to identify population subgroups that may warrant intervention due to high risk for not having adequate health literacy. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which participants were selected by multistage stratified cluster sampling. The information was collected in 2015 in face-to-face interviews on the Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire. A total of 12,876 interviews were included in the final analyses. Weighting was conducted in all statistical analyses to obtain representative estimates, and multiple logistic regression was applied to examine the independent influencing factors on health literacy level (adequate/inadequate). KEY RESULTS: Overall, 28% of participants had adequate health literacy. Urban residents had a higher proportion of participants with adequate health literacy compared to rural residents (29.5% vs. 19%, p < .01). Women (29.7%) had a higher proportion of participants with adequate health literacy compared to men (29.7% vs. 26.4%, p < .01). The proportion of participants with adequate health literacy was significantly different among age groups (χ2 = 332.9, p < .01). Residents age 25 to 34 years had the highest rate of adequate health literacy (33.9%). The proportion of participants with adequate health literacy increased as participants obtained more education (χ2 = 818.4, p < .01). Residents in households with higher income had a higher rate of adequate health literacy (χ2 = 462.4, p < .01). Gender, age, education, and household income were independently associated with the level of health literacy. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial variation exists in health literacy level among age groups, gender groups, and education groups. Taking these disparities into account is important when developing health policies and allocating resources. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2020;4(3):e174-e184.] PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The results of this investigation revealed the health literacy status of residents in Beijing, China, and the high-risk population that may be more likely to have low health literacy. Targeted health education interventions may be helpful to improve health literacy.

Enhancement of Clathrate Hydrate Formation Kinetics Using Carbon-Based Material Promotion.

Although hydrate-based technology has been considered as a safe and environmentally friendly approach for gas storage and transportation in recent decades, there are still inherent problems during hydrate production, such as a long induction time, slow formation kinetics, and limited hydrate storage capacity. Attempts to resolve these issues have resulted in the development of various kinetics promoters, among which carbon-based materials have become one of the most attractive owing to their unique promotion effect. Herein, results on promotion by bulk wetted carbon materials in the forms of a packed bed, carbon particles in a suspension, and nano-carbon materials in a nanofluid are collected from the published literature. Meanwhile, the promotion mechanisms and influencing factors of the carbon-based promoters are discussed. The purpose of this mini-review is to summarize recent advances and highlight the prospects and future challenges for the use of carbon-based materials in hydrate production.

Charge-conversional polyethylenimine-entrapped gold nanoparticles with 131I-labeling for enhanced dual mode SPECT/CT imaging and radiotherapy of tumors.

Novel theranostic nanosystems demonstrate great potential to achieve timely diagnosis and effective therapy at the same time. However, due to the relatively low accumulation of theranostic nanosystems at the tumor site, the theranostic efficiency is limited. In this study, a novel theranostic nanosystem with a pH-responsive charge conversion property was constructed to improve the cellular uptake towards cancer cells for enhanced single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) dual mode imaging and radiotherapy of tumors. In detail, polyethylenimine (PEI) was utilized as a nanoplatform to link with polyethylene glycol (PEG) monomethyl ether with one end of N-hydroxylsuccinimide (mPEG-NHS), PEG with ends of maleimide and succinimidyl valerate (MAL-PEG-SVA), alkoxyphenyl acylsulfonamide (APAS), 3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid-OSu (HPAO), and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FI), successively. The formed functionalized PEI was then utilized to entrap gold nanoparticles, acetylate the remaining amines of PEI and label with radioactive iodine-131 (131I) to build theranostic nanosystems. The result demonstrated that the theranostic nanosystem has a 3.8 nm Au core and showed excellent colloidal stability. On account of the charge conversion property of APAS, the APAS linked PEI entrapped gold nanoparticles could switch from neutral to positive in a slightly acidic microenvironment, which induced improved cellular uptake. Above all, after 131I labeling, the generated theranostic nanosystem could achieve enhanced SPECT/CT dual mode imaging and radiotherapy of cancer cells in vitro and a xenograft tumor model in vivo. The constructed APAS-linked PEI nanosystem has great potential to be used as a model for SPECT/CT imaging and radiotherapy of various types of cancer.

Liver ChREBP Protects Against Fructose-Induced Glycogenic Hepatotoxicity by Regulating L-Type Pyruvate Kinase.

Excessive fructose consumption is closely linked to the pathogenesis of metabolic disease. Carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) is a transcription factor essential for fructose tolerance in mice. However, the functional significance of liver ChREBP in fructose metabolism remains unclear. Here, we show that liver ChREBP protects mice against fructose-induced hepatotoxicity by regulating liver glycogen metabolism and ATP homeostasis. Liver-specific ablation of ChREBP did not compromise fructose tolerance, but rather caused severe transaminitis and hepatomegaly with massive glycogen overload in mice fed a high-fructose diet, while no obvious inflammation, cell death, or fibrosis was detected in the liver. In addition, liver ATP contents were significantly decreased by ChREBP deficiency in the fed state, which was rendered more pronounced by fructose feeding. Mechanistically, liver contents of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), an allosteric activator of glycogen synthase, were markedly increased in the absence of liver ChREBP, while fasting-induced glycogen breakdown was not compromised. Furthermore, hepatic overexpression of LPK, a ChREBP target gene in glycolysis, could effectively rescue glycogen overload and ATP reduction, as well as mitigate fructose-induced hepatotoxicity in ChREBP-deficient mice. Taken together, our findings establish a critical role of liver ChREBP in coping with hepatic fructose stress and protecting from hepatotoxicity by regulating LPK.