Strategy to prevent calcification by restricting surface adhesion of Ca2+: Reduced affinity of extracellular polymeric substances for Ca2+ by mild acidic conditions.

Controlling CaCO3 precipitation within anaerobic granular sludge (AnGS) is crucial for the anaerobic treatment of paper recycling wastewater. A viable strategy was proposed to control calcification by adjusting a mild acidic condition in an anaerobic reactor without hindering organic degradation. The results indicated that lowering the bulk pH (6.5 to 6.8) reduced calcium precipitation by 60.1 % in calcium-rich influent (Ca2+ 1200 mg/L) and eradicated CaCO3 deposition on AnGS. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) have proven to be crucial participants in Ca2+ migration. The acidic solution weakens the interactions between EPS and Ca2+ and then diminishes the EPS adsorption capacity and affinity for Ca2+. The mild acidic environment goes beyond reducing CaCO3 formation in wastewater. EPS protonation reduced the probability of Ca2+ adhering to the AnGS surface, which halted calcium transportation from bulk liquid to granule. This work offers a feasible strategy to prevent AnGS calcification in high-calcium wastewater.

Ursolic acid molecules dock MAPK1 to modulate gut microbiota diversity to reduce neuropathic pain.

To investigate the efficacy of Ursolic acid in alleviating neuropathic pain in rats with spinal nerve ligation (SNL), the SNL rat model was surgically induced. Different concentrations of Ursolic acid and manipulated target mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) were administered to the SNL rats. Fecal samples were collected from each group of rats for 16S rDNA analysis to examine the impact of gut microbiota. Molecular docking experiments were conducted to assess the binding energy between Ursolic acid and MAPK1. In vivo studies were carried out to evaluate the expression of inflammatory factors and signaling pathways in spinal cord and colon tissues. Ursolic acid was found to have a beneficial effect on pain reduction in rats by increasing plantar withdrawal latency (PWL) and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT). Comparing the Ursolic acid group with the control group revealed notable differences in the distribution of Staphylococcus, Allobaculum, Clostridium, Blautia, Bifidobacterium, and Prevotella species. Network pharmacology analysis identified MAPK1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) as common targets for Ursolic acid, SNL, and neuropathic pain. Binding sites between Ursolic acid and these targets were identified. Additionally, immunofluorescent staining showed a decrease in GFAP and IBA1 intensity in the spinal cord along with an increase in NeuN following Ursolic acid treatment. Overexpression of MAPK1 in SNL rats led to an increase in inflammatory factors and a decrease in PWL and PWT. Furthermore, MAPK1 counteracted the pain-relieving effects of Ursolic acid in SNL rats. Ursolic acid was found to alleviate neuropathic pain in SNL rats by targeting MAPK1 and influencing gut microbiota homeostasis.

Integrative description of a new species of Dugesia (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dugesiidae) from Shennongjia, Central China.

A new species of the genus Dugesia (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dugesiidae) from Xiangxi River, Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province, China, is described on the basis of an integrative approach, involving morphology, and molecular systematics. The new species Dugesia saccaria A-T. Wang & Sluys, sp. nov. is characterized by the following features: a dumb-bell-shaped, muscularized hump located just anterior to the knee-shaped bend in the bursal canal; a ventrally displaced ejaculatory duct, which, however, opens terminally through the dorsal portion of the blunt tip of the penis papilla; a ventrally located seminal vesicle, giving rise to a vertically running duct that eventually curves downwards to communicate with the ejaculatory duct via a small diaphragm; oviducts opening asymmetrically into the dorsal portion of the common atrium and at the knee-shaped part of the bursal canal. The phylogenetic position of the new species was determined using four molecular markers (18S rDNA; ITS-1; 28S rDNA; COI), which suggested that it groups with other species of Dugesia from the Australasian and Oriental biogeographical regions.

Roles of entrapped bubbles in methanogenic granules under oscillating pressure: Respiration and embolization for intra-granular transport.

Anaerobic granular sludge plays a pivotal role in the treatment of concentrated organic wastewater. However, previous studies on intra- granular transport have generally overlooked lung-like respiration that expedites transport in response to fluctuating pressure. This study explored the activities of calcified and normal granules under simulated hydrostatic pressure oscillations. The results revealed a significant enhancement in the bioactivity of calcified granules under oscillating pressure, contrasting with the comparatively lower bioactivity observed in normal granules. The hypothesis posited that the gas pockets in calcified granules facilitated respiration as the functional structure. The presence of tiny bubbles exhibited a propensity for inducing clogging, thereby diminishing the capillary connectivity essential for substrate diffusion. The proposed respiration and embolization concepts decipher the distinct roles of entrapped bubbles in the granular bioactivity across diverse fluid states. This study offers valuable insights into the impact of fluidization on microscopic transport within granule-based bed reactors.

Nacre-inspired, strong, tough silk fibroin hydrogels based on biomineralization and the layer-by-layer assembly of ordered silk fabric.

Hydrogels are attractive materials with structures and functional properties similar to biological tissues and widely used in biomedical engineering. However, traditional synthetic hydrogels possess poor mechanical strength, and their applications are limited. Herein, a multidimensional material design method is developed; it includes the in situ gelation of silk fabric and nacre-inspired layer-by-layer assembly, which is used to prepare silk fibroin (SF) hydrogels. The in situ gelation method of silk fabric introduces a directionally ordered fabric network in a silk substrate, considerably enhancing the strength of hydrogels. Based on the nacre structure, the layer-by-layer assembly method enables silk hydrogels to break through the size limit and increase the thickness, realizing the longitudinal extension of the hydrogels. The application of the combined biomineralization and hot pressing method can effectively reduce interface defects and improve the interaction between organic and inorganic interfaces. The multidimensional material design method helps increase the strength (287.78 MPa), toughness (18.43 MJ m-3), and fracture energy (50.58 kJ m-2) of SF hydrogels; these hydrogels can weigh 2000 times their own weight. Therefore, SF hydrogels designed using the aforementioned combined method can realize the combination of strength and toughness and be used in biological tissue engineering and structural materials.

Self-Healable, Solvent Response Cellulose Nanocrystal/Waterborne Polyurethane Nanocomposites with Encryption Capability.

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-based chiral nematic structure is widely used in stimulus response and sensing. A popular area of research is enhancing the mechanical characteristics and environmental adaptability of chiral nematic materials. In this paper, a flexible photonic film with self-healing ability (FPFS) was prepared by combining waterborne polyurethane containing dynamic covalent disulfide bonds (SSWPU) with CNC. The results found that the FPFS showed excellent toughness under the action of stretching, bending, twisting, and folding. The FPFS exhibited an amazing self-healing efficiency, which can be self-healed within 2 h at room temperature. Moreover, the FPFS could respond immediately and produce reversible color change when it was soaked in typical solvents. In addition, when ethanol was used as ink to paint on the FPFS, a visible pattern only under polarized light was formed. This study offers fresh perspectives in the areas of self-healing, biological anticounterfeiting, solvent response, and flexible photonic materials.

Evaluation of left ventricular structural and functional abnormalities and vascular calcification in kidney transplant recipients and the effect of bone metabolism on them / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To evaluate left ventricular structural and functional abnormalities and vascular calcification in kidney transplant (KT) recipients, explore their influencing factors and examine the effects of mineral and bone disorders.Methods:From January 2017 to December 2019, retrospective analysis was performed for 292 KT recipients. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism, bone mineral density (BMD), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular diastolic function, coronary artery calcification (CAC) score and thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) score were assessed. Linear regression and binary Logistic regression analyses were employed for evaluating the influencing factors of cardiovascular parameters and the influence of abnormal mineral and bone metabolism.Results:Postoperative abnormalities in mineral and bone disorders were manifested mostly as hypercalcemia (8.9%, 26/292), hypophosphatemia (27.1%, 79/292), low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)vitD) (67.0%, 196/292), hyperparathyroidismhigh parathyroid hormone (PTH) (50.6%, 148/292), elevated bone turnover markers and bone loss rate of 25%-30%. The prevalence of LVH, LVEF<50%, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, high CAC score and high TAC score were 39.9%(116/292), 0%, 13.1%(38/292), 17.3%(50/292) and 39.9%(116/292) respectively. The results of multivariate analysis indicated that LVH was correlated positively with hypertension and serum calcium (Ca) (95% CI: 1.242-28.080, P=0.026; 95% CI: 1.714-277.584, P=0.018); LVEF was correlated positively with lumbar vertebrae BMD (95% CI: 0.000 1-0.005 5, P=0.041); Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was correlated positively with age, diabetes and parathyroid hyperplasia/nodules (95% CI: 1.050-1.176, P<0.001; 95% CI: 2.118-43.813, P=0.003 and 95% CI: 1.419-9.103, P=0.007); High CAC score was correlated positively with recipient age and dialysis time (95% CI: 1.036-1.160, P=0.001; 95% CI: 1.009-1.041, P=0.002); High TAC score was correlated positively with age (95% CI: 1.095-1.215, P<0.001). Correlation analysis indicated that TAC was correlated positively with serum Ca ( r=0.233, P=0.003), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP)( r=0.325, P<0.001) and type Ⅰ collagen cross-linked N-terminal peptide (NTX)( r=0.204, P=0.011) and negatively with femoral neck BMD ( r=0.194, P=0.017). Conclusions:There is a high prevalence of left ventricular structural and functional abnormalities and vascular calcification. It is closely correlated with mineral and bone disorders.

Evaluation of the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Fruits from Different Varieties in China.

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit is a fruit with nutritional and medicinal value. It is widely cultivated in different regions of China, which may result in differences in its chemical composition. In this research, 25 mulberry fruit samples from six provinces in China were investigated. The contents of anthocyanins were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The contents of two main anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside (C3R), ranged from 0.656 ± 0.006 mg/g to 4.367 ± 0.243 mg/g and from 0.226 ± 0.007 mg/g to 1.649 ± 0.013 mg/g, respectively. Additionally, the contents of total phenolic, total flavonoid, vitamin C, titratable acids, reducing sugars and antioxidant capacity (FRAP, DPPH, scavenging and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity) were also assessed. The results and principal component analysis showed that the Zhongsang 5801 variety from Sichuan, Dechang had the greatest health value with the highest active compound contents. Based on our analysis, the variety from Sichuan, Dechang is a high-quality plant source for mulberry fruit cultivation. This research provides a basis for the rational development and utilization of mulberry fruit resources in China.

A New Species and New Record of Freshwater Turbellarians of the Genus Gieysztoria (Platyhelminthes: Rhabdocoela) from China.

A new species of Dalyelliidae, Gieysztoria pellucida Wang and You, is described based on material collected in southern China through an integrative approach combining morphological, histological, and molecular (18S and 28S rDNA) data. Gieysztoria pellucida sp. nov. is morphologically characterized by a fan-shaped (about 270° when pressed) stylet, consisting of 13 similar distal spines and a broad girdle without fenestrae region. This stylet is distinct from that of any other similar species in the Aequales group to which this species belongs. In addition, specimens identifiable as Gieysztoria garudae Van Steenkiste, Van Mulken, and Artois, 2012 were discovered from the same location as G. pellucida sp. nov. Gieysztoria garudae has previously been known only from India; the present study thus represents the first record of the species from China.

Design of a Superhydrophobic Strain Sensor with a Multilayer Structure for Human Motion Monitoring.

A flexible strain sensor is of significant importance in wearable electronics since it can help monitor the physical signals from the human body. Among various strain sensors, the polyurethane (PU)-based ones have received widespread attention owing to their excellent toughness, large working range, and nice gas permeability. However, the hydrophobicity of these sensors is not good enough, which may affect their use life and sensitivity. In this work, a high-performance strain sensor composed of PU, reduced graphene oxide (rGO), polydopamine (PDA), and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecane-thiol (PFDT) was designed and prepared. The results revealed that this PU/rGO/PDA/PFDT device possessed good superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 153.3°, a wide working strain range of 590%, and an outstanding gauge factor as high as 221 simultaneously. Because of these above advantages, the sensor worked effectively in detecting both subtle and large human movements (such as joint motion, finger motion, and vocal cord vibration) even in a high humidity environment. This strain sensor with high sensitivity, wide working range, and suitable modulus may have great potential in the field of flexible and wearable electronics in the near future.

Effects of customized resin base on bonding strength of spherical self-ligating brackets.

PURPOSE: Fabricating resin bases has become an easy and economical method to achieve the customization of brackets. This study aimed to assess the effect of the resin base on bonding strength of spherical self-ligating brackets. METHODS: A defined amount of adhesive was bonded to the bracket base and constituted the new resin base. The thickness of the adhesive was measured and controlled at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mm, and a group without a resin base was used as a control. Sixty extracted human premolars were randomly divided into five groups. The brackets in each group were bonded to the specimen, and debonding tests were conducted. The shear bond strength (SBS) was calculated according to the measured debonding force in relation to the base area. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) score and the residual location of the fractured resin base were recorded. Enamel damage was also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. After assessing for data normality and homogeneity, statistical comparisons between the groups and correlations among parameters were determined. P < 0.05 was regarded as significant. RESULTS: The correlation analysis revealed an inverse correlation between the resin base thickness and the SBS (Coeff = -0.719, P < 0.01). The highest SBS was 9.33 MPa, in the control group, which was significantly greater than the lowest SBS (6.03 MPa), in the 2.0-mm group (P < 0.05). Multiple comparisons analysis revealed no differences in SBS between the 1.0-, 1.5- and 2.0-mm groups. Nonparametric analysis found that only the ARI score in the 0.5-mm group (2.92) was significantly different (P < 0.05) from that in the control group (1.25). As the thickness of the resin base increased, the fractured resin base tended to remain at the bracket base, and the risk of enamel damage decreased. CONCLUSIONS: As the thickness of the resin base increased, the bonding strength of the spherical bracket decreased. However, the required clinical bonding strength was still satisfied when the thickness was less than 2.0 mm. The existence of a resin base could protect the enamel surface from damage caused by debonding. The customization of spherical brackets by tailoring a resin base can be applied in clinical practice because of the clinically acceptable bonding strength.

Black liquor increases methane production from excess pulp and paper industry sludge.

The aim of the study was to use black liquor produced during the soda pulping process in a pulp and paper mill to increase methane production during pulp and paper industry sludge treatment and decrease the treatment cost. The effects of black liquor on sludge solubilization and methane production were assessed and the economic feasibility of the process was evaluated. Black liquor and NaOH were found to be equivalent in the thermochemical pretreatment process to solubilize sludge and disintegrate flocs. However, adding black liquor increased the background chemical oxygen demand and volatile fatty acid concentration and increased the amount of methane produced by approximately 7-30%. A start-up delay was emphasized by first-order kinetics model due to black liquor addition while methane production remained stable. Economic assessments of five scenarios were performed. It was found to be economically feasible to use black liquor to replace NaOH for the thermal pretreatment process. The surplus methane generated suggested that co-digestion of sludge and black liquor allows surplus bioenergy to be produced during the thermochemical pretreatment anaerobic digestion process.

Strengthening in Metal/Graphene Composites: Capturing the Transition from Interface to Precipitate Hardening.

A promising materials engineering method for improving the strength of crystalline materials is to add obstacles to dislocation motion that induce interface hardening (IH) or precipitate hardening (PH). In this study, molecular dynamics simulations are performed for Ni/graphene composites, revealing for the first time that graphene can strengthen the Ni matrix not only strictly via IH or PH but also through a continuous transition between the two. When graphene behaves like an interface, dislocation pileups form, whereas when it behaves as a precipitate, complex Orowan looping occurs by dislocation cross-slip. IH transitions to PH when the integrity of the graphene-dislocation configuration (GDC) deteriorates, leading to a reduced strengthening effect. Furthermore, the deformation of graphene is found to be an effective signature to indicate the real-time strengthening. This observation relates the graphene strengthening effect on metals to a combination of parameters, such as the GDC integrity, graphene deformation, and dislocation evolution, opening an avenue to tune the mechanical properties by controlling the dislocation movements and manipulating the dislocation-obstacle interaction mechanisms.

A First Molecular Dynamics Study for Modeling the Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Si Nanopillars during Lithiation.

This is the first study that employs large-scale atomistic simulations to examine the stress generation and deformation mechanisms of various Si nanopillars (SiNPs) during Li-ion insertion. First, a new robust and effective minimization approach is proposed to relax a lithiated amorphous SiNP (a-SiNP), which outperforms the known methods. Using this new method, our simulations are able to successfully capture the experimental morphological changes and volume expansions that SiNPs, hollow a-SiNPs, and solid crystalline SiNPs (c-SiNPs) experience upon maximum lithiation. These simulations enable us to selectively track the displacement of Si atoms and their atomic shear strain in the Li3.75Si alloy region, allowing us to observe the plastic flow and illustrate the atomistic mechanism of lithiation-induced deformation for various SiNPs for the first time. Based on the simulation results, a simple fracture mechanistic model is used to determine the fracture resistance of SiNPs, showing that the hollow a-SiNP is the optimal form of Si as an anode because it has the highest fracture resistance. The crack propagation simulation suggests that the preexisting dislocations in pristine c-Si can contribute toward the fracture of c-SiNPs during lithiation. These findings can guide the design of new Si-based anode geometries for the next-generation Li-ion batteries.

Micro-Mechanisms of Shear Deformation Localization of Ti6Al4V Alloy under Shear-Compressive Loading Conditions.

Titanium Ti6Al4V alloy is a superior material that has extremely high strength, hardness and good anti-corrosion resistance. Dynamic shear-compression experiments were carried out on the alloy to investigate the micro-mechanisms of adiabatic shear banding (ASB) formation. The split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) setup were used for the tests at high strain rates. It was found that the shear deformation localization (SDL) was considerably affected by the complex loading conditions. The micro-mechanisms for the ASB formation relied on different shear compressive proportion of loadings (SCLPs). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations showed that the ASB width was related with the SCLP and the fracture failure of alloy was induced by the nucleation and growth of microvoids. In transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis, the microstructural changes of material within the ASB were characterized by dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and twining grain formation, dislocation migration, and stacking and grain refining processes. The results in this article demonstrates a complex image of microstructural evolution of alloy in the shear localization process.

Two new species of a new genus, Pseudorogneda, of Polycystididae discovered in Southern China.

Two new species of the new genus Pseudorogneda of Polycystididae were discovered in a brackish environment from Southern China. Pseudorogneda sinensis n. gen. n. sp., is distinguished by a semicircular double-walled prostate stylet type II that tapers in diameter from proximal to distal with a proximal-to-distal fold, and an inner wall with a funnel-shaped base originating at the midpoint of the outer wall; its flattened tubular prostate stylet type IV exhibits a horn-like base and a proximal-to-distal folded structure on its wall. For Pseudorogneda shenda n. gen. n. sp., its crescent-shaped prostate stylet type II is double-walled and the inner wall has a funnel-shaped base that starts at the proximal 2/3 position of the outer stylet and is fused with the outer stylet to form a sharp distal end; its tubular and slightly-curved prostate stylet type IV exhibits a slit and a distal fold. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA sequences shows that the two novel species are clustered to form an independent clade from other genera, which is consistent with morphological comparison in the establishment of two new species in a new genus.

A rare and fatal respiratory disease: bronchial Dieulafoy's disease.

A 66-year-old woman had two severe episodes of massive hemoptysis without any premonitory symptoms, with approximately 400-500 ml blood each time. Bronchoscopic exam revealed a smooth and pulsatile protrusion that was approximately 8-10 mm in diameter found at the beginning of the right middle lobe bronchus in the bronchial lumen. The protrusion arose from the surface with absolutely normal mucosa. Selective bronchial arteriography showed that elongated, tortuous, and dilated branches of the bronchial artery in the region of the middle lobe bronchus. Further bronchial arterial embolization (BAE) is recommended, although the patient currently has no active bleeding. Bronchial Dieulafoy's disease (BDD) is a rare and life-threatening disease. Selective bronchial arteriography is a diagnostic tool to detect and locate abnormal arteries. There is no unified guideline or expert consensus on the treatment of BDD. Selective BAE or surgical resection is usually used as a first-line treatment to control hemoptysis. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Extraction of triterpenoid compounds from Ganoderma Lucidum spore powder through a dual-mode sonication process.

Development of drug products from natural sources enable advantageous treatment and therapy options. Bioactive compounds in Ganoderma lucidum spore powder (GLSP) are known for vast antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Herein, we studied the use of dual-probe ultrasound to extract triterpenoids from GLSP and further investigated the bioactivity of resulting products. FTIR results confirm the presence of key peaks although dual-probe ultrasound varied extraction efficacy. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize extraction conditions (55:28 for solvent to solid ratio, 10.38 s of ultrasound time and 94% v/v of ethanol concentration). HPLC-Q-TOF-MS confirmed the presence of nine different compounds and in vitro tests confirm good biocompatibility. Extracts are shown to inhibit DPPH radicals, reaching a maximum (61.09 ± 1.38%) at triterpenoid concentrations of 600 µg/mL. Dual-mode assisted extraction provides an enhanced approach for active embedded fiber production on a scale favorable to industry when using optimized process parameters. Furthermore, triterpenoid extracts show antibacterial properties on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with potential in antibacterial and anticancer applications.

The Effects of Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health/Family Planning Intervention Based on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among the Domestic Migrant Population of Reproductive Age in China: A Randomized Community Study.

Background: Domestic migrant populations are highly mobilized at a sexually active age, and often fail to meet their needs for contraception. Moreover, they assume sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks and utilize fewer family planning services. Method: A quasi-experimental trial (community intervention) was adopted. Two-stage stratified cluster sampling was applied to recruit participants in Beijing and Chongqing. A comprehensive SRH/family planning intervention was implemented from August 4 2014 to August 3 2015. Propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariate probit models were adopted. Results: In total, 2100 and 2024 eligible participants were involved, and 815 and 629 pairs were matched by PSM in Beijing and Chongqing, respectively. The knowledge and attitudes of the participants regarding SRH and contraception were significantly improved through the comprehensive intervention. Reversible contraceptive methods were the most prevalent; couples largely decided to utilize condoms and family planning services. Conclusions: The comprehensive intervention had positive effects on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) for SRH/family planning among the domestic migrant population. The results acquired can be extrapolated to some extent, and the pattern of this intervention is well geared toward other similar settings in China.