Conversion of Propargylic Amines with CO2 Catalyzed by a Highly Stable Copper(I) Iodide Thorium-Based Heterometal-Organic Framework.

The conversion of CO2 to generate high-value-added chemicals has become one of the hot research topics in green synthesis. Thereinto, the cyclization reaction of propargylic amines with CO2 is highly attractive because the resultant oxazolidinones are widely found in pharmaceutical chemistry. Cu(I)-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts exhibit promising application prospects for CO2 conversion. However, their practical application was greatly limited due to Cu(I) being liable to disproportionation or oxidization. Herein, the solid copper(I) iodide thorium-based porous framework {[Cu5I6Th6(µ3-O)4(µ3-OH)4(H2O)10(L)10]·OH·4DMF·H2O}n (1) (HL = 2-methylpyridine-4-carboxylic acid) constructed by [Th6] clusters and [CuxIy] subunits was successfully prepared and structurally characterized. To our knowledge, this is the first copper(I) iodide-based actinide organic framework. Catalytic investigations indicate that 1 can effectively catalyze the cyclization of propargylic amines with CO2 under ambient conditions, which can be reused at least five times without a remarkable decline of catalytic activity. Importantly, 1 exhibits excellent chemical stability and the oxidation state of Cu(I) in it can remain stable under various conditions. This work can provide a valuable strategy for the synthesis of stable Cu(I)-MOF materials.

Effects of atorvastatin on the function of Tenon's capsule fibroblasts in human eyes.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the role of atorvastatin (ATO) in the prevention and treatment of the scarring of filtration channels after glaucoma surgery. METHODS: Human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) were co-cultured with various concentrations of ATO. First, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of ATO on the viability of HTFs. Then, after the ATO stimulated the HTFs for 24 h, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to evaluate the apoptosis of HTFs. Transwell assay was also performed to evaluate the migration of HTFs. Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the protein expression levels of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and TGF-ß2 in the cell culture supernatant of HTFs. Western blot was carried out to detect the protein expression levels of smooth muscle actin (SMA), p38, Smad3, fibronectin, collagen I and collagen III in different groups. RESULTS: The results revealed that ATO could inhibit the proliferation and migration of HTFs. Based on the TUNEL assay, 100 µM and 150 µM ATO could induce cell apoptosis. The ELISA results indicated that ATO could down-regulate the expression level of TGF-ß2, and western blot analysis revealed that the protein expression levels of SMA, p38, Smad3, fibronectin, collagen I and collagen III in the TGF-ß2 group were all up-regulated compared with the control group, whereas the addition of ATO could reverse this up-regulation. CONCLUSIONS: ATO could inhibit the proliferation and migration of HTFs and induce their apoptosis. It was preliminary proven that ATO could inhibit the signaling pathway induced by TGF-ß. It is suggested that ATO could be a basis for the treatment of the scarring of filtration channels after glaucoma surgery.

Effect of cytoglobin overexpression on extracellular matrix component synthesis in human tenon fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Conjunctival filtering bleb scar formation is the main reason for the failure of glaucoma filtration surgery. Cytoglobin (Cygb) has been reported to play an important role in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, fibrosis and tissue damage repairing. This study aimed to investigate the role of Cygb in anti-scarring during excessive conjunctival wound healing after glaucoma filtration surgery. METHODS: Cygb was overexpressed in human tenon fibroblasts (hTFs) by transfecting hTFs with lentiviral particles encoding pLenti6.2-FLAG-Cygb. Changes in the mRNA and protein levels of fibronectin, collagen I, collagen III, TGF-ß1, and HIF1α were determined by RT-PCR and western blotting respectively. RESULTS: After Cygb overexpression, hTFs displayed no significant changes in visual appearance and cell counts compared to controls. Whereas, Cygb overexpression significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of collagen I, collagen III and fibronectin compared with control (p < 0.01). There was also a statistically significant decrease in the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-ß1 and HIF-1α in hTFs with overexpressed Cygb compared with control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study provided evidence that overexpression of Cygb decreased the expression levels of fibronectin, collagen I, collagen III, TGF-ß1 and HIF-1α in hTFs. Therefore, therapies targeting Cygb expression in hTFs may pave a new way for clinicians to solve the problem of post-glaucoma surgery scarring.

Alveolar macrophage reaction to PM2.5 of hazy day in vitro: Evaluation methods and mitochondrial screening to determine mechanisms of biological effect.

Hazy weather in China has recently become a major public health concern due to high levels of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with a large amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs). In this study, the mass concentration of PAHs in hazy PM2.5 in urban Taiyuan city, China was determined and toxicities of different dosage of the hazy PM2.5 on rat alveolar macrophages (AMs) were examined. It was found that the hazy PM2.5, bounded with many species of PAHs (CHR, BbF, BaP, BaA, and etc.), significantly increased cellular malondialdehyde (MDA) content followed by the decreasing in superoxide (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in AMs. They induced mitochondrial changes in ultrastructure as evidenced by mitochondrial swelling and cristae disorganization, and a dose-dependent decrease in mitochondrial profile density. Also, the mRNA expression levels of mitochondrial fusion-related genes were modified. The Mfn1 and Mfn2 which are essential for mitochondrial fusion increased significantly in hazy PM2.5-treated group compared to the control in a dose-dependent manner, OPA1 was significantly increased at the highest PM2.5 dose delivered. These findings suggested that exposure to hazy PM2.5 could activate oxidative stress pathways in AMs, resulting in abnormal mitochondrial morphology and fusion/fission frequency. Possibly, the toxic effects were mostly attributed to the high burden of varied PAHs in hazy PM2.5.

Collagen peptide modified carboxymethyl cellulose as both antioxidant drug and carrier for drug delivery against retinal ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

Oxidative stress can cause injury in retinal endothelial cells. Carboxymethyl cellulose modified with collagen peptide (CMCC) is of a distinct antioxidant capacity and potentially a good drug carrier. In this study, the protective effects of CMCC against H2 O2 -induced injury of primary retinal endothelial cells were investigated. In vitro, we demonstrated that CMCC significantly promoted viability of H2 O2 -treated cells, efficiently restrained cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell apoptosis. Then, the CMCC was employed as both drug and anti-inflammatory drug carrier for treatment of retinal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) in rats. Animals were treated with CMCC or interleukin-10-loaded CMCC (IL-10@CMCC), respectively. In comparisons, the IL-10@CMCC treatment exhibited superior therapeutic effects, including better restoration of retinal structural thickness and less retinal apoptosis. Also, chemiluminescence demonstrated that transplantation of IL-10@CMCC markedly reduced the retinal oxidative stress level compared with CMCC alone and potently recovered the activities of typical antioxidant enzymes, SOD and CAT. Therefore, it could be concluded that CMCC provides a promising platform to enhance the drug-based therapy for I/R-related retinal injury.

Cadmium exposure on tissue-specific cadmium accumulation and alteration of hemoglobin expression in the 4th-instar larvae of Propsilocerus akamusi (Tokunaga) under laboratory conditions.

The expression of hemoglobin (Hb) genes has considerable potential as a biomarker for environmental monitoring in Chironomus. However, no sequence information is available regarding Hb genes in Propsilocerus akamusi (Tokunaga), thus the change in Hb mRNA gene expression caused by environmental pollutants remains unknown. In this study, we cloned two Hb gene fragments (PaHbV and PaHbVII) from P. akamusi, analyzed the expression patterns of the PaHbV and PaHbVII transcripts in different tissues using Real-Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and also measured the Cd levels in different tissues exposed to a sublethal concentration. The results showed significantly increased Cd concentrations and tissue-specific Cd distribution patterns in all of the tissues tested, including the hemolymph, during all time courses. A model describing the roles of specific tissues in Cd uptake and accumulation dynamics was also determined. The Malpighian tubules, gut, and epidermis were the primary sites of Cd accumulation, whereas the hemolymph was the temporary target organ of Cd accumulation, with the Cd being transferred to other internal tissues via the hemolymph. The relative mRNA expression profiles of PaHbV and PaHbVII indicated that their expression levels differed across the different tissues, indicating a tissue-specific response. Our results suggested a reverse effect between Hb expression and Cd accumulation during long-term Cd exposure in comparison with previous studies. The expressions of Hb genes in P. akamusi could be developed as biomarkers for assessing the general health conditions of freshwater ecosystems.

Near infrared-II photothermal-promoted multi-enzyme activities of gold-platinum to enhance catalytic therapy.

Bimetallic nanozymes exhibited multi-enzyme activities, but glutathione (GSH) overexpression and weak catalytic capability restricted their catalytic therapeutic performance. Thus, this study developed a smart nanozyme (AuPt@MnO2) with a core-shell structure by coating manganese dioxide (MnO2) on the gold-platinum (AuPt) nanozyme (AuPt@MnO2) surface to enhance catalytic therapy. In this nanozyme, AuPt possessed triple-enzyme activities, i.e., catalase, peroxidase, and glucose oxidase, which greatly improved oxygen, hydroxyl radicals (·OH), and hydrogen peroxide generation, due to cyclic reactions. Moreover, GSH consumption degraded the MnO2 shell, which then enhanced ·OH generation of Mn2+. More importantly, the near-infrared-II (NIR-II) photothermal performance of AuPt@MnO2 with a high conversion efficiency of 38.7 % further promoted multi-enzyme activities and enhanced catalytic therapy. Moreover, combining NIR-II photothermal therapy and enhancing catalytic therapy decreased the cell viability to 10.8 %, and thereby, the tumors were cleared. Thus, the AuPt@MnO2 smart nanoplatform developed in this study exhibited NIR-II photothermal-promoted multi-enzyme activities and excellent antitumor efficacy, which will be promising for enhancing catalytic therapy.

Mulch from lignocellulose as agricultural plastic alternative for sustained-release of photosensitive pesticide.

Extensively used agricultural mulch fabricated from nonbiodegradable polyolefin plastic causes tremendous environmental pollution. In this work, a paper-based mulch, composed of the cellulose fiber networks incorporated with Emamectin benzoate (EB)@sodium lignosulfonate (SL), has been developed with facile papermaking/coating methods. The spherical microcapsule loaded with pesticide EB has a desirable core-shell structure for better protection and sustained release of photosensitive EB. The loading rate and encapsulation efficiency reached 78.5 % and 52.3 %, respectively. Furthermore, microcapsules exhibited excellent slow-release behavior and resistance to photolysis. Natural carnauba wax was coated on the surface of the paper-based mulch to form a hydrophobic layer and increase the physical intertwinement of fibers in the mulch, thereby exhibiting superior performance, such as enhanced tensile strength, excellent hydrophobicity, high air permeability, and high light transmittance at reasonable level. Moreover, unlike conventional polyethylene mulch film, the functionalized paper-based mulch almost completely biodegraded after 75 days in the soil. Thus, multifunctional, eco-friendly mulch from lignocellulose is an innovative approach to obtaining the sustained release of agrochemicals, and it provides an excellent alternative to conventional agricultural plastic mulch.

Dual-functional lignocellulosic mulch as agricultural plastic alternative for sustained-release of photosensitive pesticide and immobilizing heavy metal ions.

The extensive utilization of non-biodegradable plastic agricultural mulch in the past few decades has resulted in severe environmental pollution and a decline in soil fertility. The present study involves the fabrication of environmentally friendly paper-based mulch with dual functionality, incorporating agrochemicals and heavy metal ligands, through a sustainable papermaking/coating technique. The functional paper-based mulch consists of a cellulose fiber web incorporated with Emamectin Benzoate (EB)@ Aminated sodium lignosulfonate (ASL). The spherical microcapsules loaded with the pesticide EB exhibited an optimal core-shell structure for enhanced protection and controlled release of the photosensitizer EB (Sustained release >75 % in 50 h). Meanwhile, the ASL, enriched with metal chelating groups (-COOH, -OH, and -NH2, etc.), served as a stabilizing agent for heavy metal ions, enhancing soil remediation efficiency. The performance of paper-based mulch was enhanced by the application of a hydrophobic layer composed of natural chitosan/carnauba wax, resulting in exceptional characteristics such as superior tensile strength, hydrophobicity, heat insulation, moisture retention, as well as compostability and biodegradability (biodegradation >80 % after 70 days). This study developed a revolutionary lignocellulosic eco-friendly mulch that enables controlled agrochemical release and soil heavy metal remediation, leading to a superior substitute to conventional and non-biodegradable plastic mulch used in agriculture.

Platinum-loaded dendritic mesoporous silica as novel ethylene scavenger to extend shelf life of banana (Musa nana).

Ethylene, released from fruits and vegetables (F&V) after harvest and during storage, often accelerates the ripening or over-ripening and may be caused decay, leading to substantial economic loss. Dendritic mesoporous silica supported (DMS) platinum (Pt/DMS) catalyst as ethylene scavenger was prepared and various characterization results indicated that the as-prepared Pt/DMS with ultra-low Pt loading exhibited excellent ethylene scavenging performance, which could maintain the complete ethylene conversion (100%) over 50 h at 25 °C and even 0 °C for 100 min with superior consecutive cycles by repeating the use of Pt/DMS. The presence of Pt/DMS delayed banana softening, and browning, reduced weight loss and kept the freshness for 14 days. In conclusion, the active packaging incorporated with Pt/DMS catalysts with high ethylene scavenging efficiency is expected to be extremely beneficial to the post-harvest storage life of other fruits and vegetables that needs further related investigation.

Characterization and genome analysis of Acinetobacter oleivorans S4 as an efficient hydrocarbon-degrading and plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium.

Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have received increasing attention for assisting phytoremediation. However, the effect of PGPR on total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) degradation and plant growth promotion and its underlying mechanism is not well understood. In this study, phenotypic analysis and whole genome sequencing were conducted to comprehensively characterize a newly isolated rhizobacterium strain S4, which was identified as Acinetobacter oleivorans, from a TPH-contaminated soil. The strain degraded 62.5% of initially spiked diesel (1%) in minimal media within six days and utilized n-alkanes with a wide range of chain length (i.e., C12 to C40). In addition, the strain showed phenotypic traits beneficial to plant growth, including siderophore production, indole-3-acetic acid synthesis and phosphate solubilization. Potential metabolic pathways and genes encoding proteins responsible for the phenotypic traits were identified. In a real TPH-contaminated soil, inoculation of Acinetobacter oleivorans S4 significantly enhanced the growth of tall fescue relative to the soil without inoculation. In contrast, inoculation of Bacillus sp. Z7, a hydrocarbon-degrading strain, showed a negligible effect on the growth of tall fescue. The removal efficiency of TPH with inoculation of Acinetobacter oleivorans S4 was significantly higher than those without inoculation or inoculation of Bacillus sp. Z7. These results suggested that traits of PGPR beneficial to plant growth are critical to assist phytoremediation. Furthermore, heavy metal resistance genes and benzoate and phenol degradation genes were found in the genome of Acinetobacter oleivorans S4, suggesting its application potential in broad scenarios.

[Prediction of PAHs Content in Soil Around Gas Stations in Beijing Based on BP Neural Network].

With the rapid development of urbanization in China, the number of gas stations in cities is increasing. The composition of oil products in gas stations is complex and diverse, and a series of pollutants will be generated in the process of oil diffusion. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) produced by gas stations can pollute the nearby soil and affect human health. In this study, soil samples (0-20 cm) near 117 gas stations in Beijing were collected, and the contents of seven PAHs were analyzed. Based on the BP neural network model, the contents of PAHs in soil of Beijing gas stations in 2025 and 2030 were predicted. The results showed that the total concentrations of the seven PAHs were 0.01-3.53 mg·kg-1. The concentrations of PAHs were lower than the soil environmental quality risk control standard for soil contamination of development land (Trial) GB 36600-2018. At the same time, the toxic equivalent concentrations (TEQ) of the above seven PAHs were lower than the standard value (1 mg·kg-1) of the World Health Organization (WHO), which they indicate a lower risk to human health. The prediction results showed that the rapid development of urbanization had a positive correlation with the increase in soil PAHs content. By 2030, the content of PAHs in Beijing gas station soil will continue to grow. The predicted concentrations of PAHs in the soil of Beijing gas stations in 2025 and 2030 were 0.085-4.077 mg·kg-1and 0.132-4.412 mg·kg-1, respectively. The contents of seven PAHs were lower than the soil pollution risk screening value of GB 36600-2018; however, the concentration of PAHs increased over time.The contents of PAHs in Chaoyang, Fengtai, and Haidian were relatively higher, which requires further attention.

Increased ion transport and high-efficient osmotic energy conversion through aqueous stable graphitic carbon nitride/cellulose nanofiber composite membrane.

Increased attention has evoked on the utilization of renewable energy, particularly osmotic power as a potential solution to the energy crisis and environmental pollution. Herein, we fabricate graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)/cellulose nanofiber (CNF) composite membranes with tailored lamellar nanochannels for capturing osmotic energy from salinity gradients. Composite membranes exhibiting charge-governed ion conductivity were prepared via co-homogenization of g-C3N4 with CNF and vacuum filtration. Ion conductivity was efficiently modulated by fine-tuning the charge density through controlling the weight content of CNF in the composite membranes. Higher ion conductivity of 0.014 S cm-1 at low concentrations (<10-2 M KCl) was achieved due to the increased charge density of the lamellar nanochannels and the excellent aqueous stability of the membranes. We demonstrate the potential of the composite membranes in nanofluidic osmotic energy conversion, displaying thermo-enhanced power output performance. This work could inspire new designs of cellulose-based nanofluidic devices for improved osmotic energy conversion.

Collecting and deactivating TGF-ß1 hydrogel for anti-scarring therapy in post-glaucoma filtration surgery.

Scar formation can lead to glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) failure, wherein transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß is the core regulator. To reducing scar formation, this paper presents our study on the design of hydrogels to deactivate TGF-ß1. We hypothesized that excess TGF-ß1 can be removed from aqueous humor through the addition of oxidized hyaluronic acid (O-HA) hydrogels that are seeded with decorin (O-HA â€‹+ â€‹D). Immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to demonstrate the adsorption properties of O-HA â€‹+ â€‹D hydrogel, thus reducing the TGF-ß1 concentration in aqueous humor. In the light that collagen contraction in human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) and the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) can be activated by TGF-ß1 and ß2, we performed the quantitative analysis of polymerase chain reaction to determine the effect of O-HA â€‹+ â€‹D on the type I collagen, fibronectin, and angiogenesis. Our results illustrate that O-HA â€‹+ â€‹D can inhibit the increase of α-SMA expression in HTF induced by TGF-ß1 and that O-HA â€‹+ â€‹D can inhibit the production of collagen I and fibronectin in HTF treated with TGF-ß1. Furthermore, we performed in vivo studies by employing a rabbit model, where rabbits were treated with hydrogels post GFS. Our results demonstrate that, as compared with other groups, the rabbits treated with O-HA â€‹+ â€‹D had the greatest reduction in inflammatory cells with reduced level of collagen in wounds. Taken together, the present study paves the way toward the treatment of post-glaucoma fibrosis following surgery.

Pulmonary health effects of wintertime particulate matter from California and China following repeated exposure and cessation.

Epidemiological studies show strong associations between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution and adverse pulmonary effects. In the present study, wintertime PM2.5 samples were collected from three geographically similar regions-Sacramento, California, USA; Jinan, Shandong, China; and Taiyuan, Shanxi, China-and extracted to form PMCA, PMSD, and PMSX, respectively, for comparison in a BALB/c mouse model. Each of four groups was oropharyngeally administered Milli-Q water vehicle control (50 µL) or one type of PM extract (20 µg/50 µL) five times over two weeks. Mice were necropsied on post-exposure days 1, 2, and 4 and examined using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), histopathology, and assessments of cytokine/chemokine mRNA and protein expression. Chemical analysis demonstrated all three extracts contained black carbon, but PMSX contained more sulfates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with significantly greater neutrophil numbers and greater alveolar/bronchiolar inflammation on post-exposure days 1 and 4. On day 4, PMSX-exposed mice also exhibited significant increases in interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and chemokine C-X-C motif ligands-3 and -5 mRNA, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 protein. These combined findings suggest greater sulfate and PAH content contributed to a more intense and progressive inflammatory response with repeated PMSX compared to PMCA or PMSD exposure.

Cytotoxicity induced by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) via mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway in rat alveolar macrophages.

Although positive associations exist between ambient particulate matter (PM2.5; diameter ≤ 2.5 µm) and the morbidity and mortality rates for respiratory diseases, the biological mechanisms of the reported health effects are unclear. Considering that alveolar macrophages (AM) are the main cells responsible for phagocytic clearance of xenobiotic particles that reach the airspaces of the lungs, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether PM2.5 induced AM apoptosis, and investigate its possible mechanisms. Freshly isolated AM from Wistar rats were treated with extracted PM2.5 at concentrations of 33, 100, or 300 µg/mL for 4 h; thereafter, the cytotoxic effects were evaluated. The results demonstrated that PM2.5 induced cytotoxicity by decreasing cell viability and increasing lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in AMs. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular calcium cations (Ca2+) markedly increased in higher PM2.5 concentration groups. Additionally, the apoptotic ratio increased, and the apoptosis-related proteins BCL2-associated X (Bax), caspase-3, and caspase-9 were upregulated, whereas B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein levels were downregulated following PM2.5 exposure. Cumulative findings showed that PM2.5 induced apoptosis in AMs through a mitochondrial-mediated pathway, which indicated that PM2.5 plays a significant role in lung injury diseases.

Ethylene scavengers for the preservation of fruits and vegetables: A review.

The phytohormone ethylene is the main cause of postharvest spoilage of fruit and vegetables (F&V). To address the global challenge of reducing postharvest losses of F&V, effective management of ethylene is of great importance. This review summarizes the various ethylene scavengers/inhibitors and emerging technologies recently developed for the effective removal of ethylene released, paying particular attention to the ethylene scavenger/inhibitors containing catalysts to promote the in-situ oxidation of ethylene without inducing further pollution. Packing ethylene scavengers, such as zeolite, titanium dioxide and transition metals, in a small sachet has been practically used and widely reported. However, incorporating ethylene scavenger into food packaging materials or films along with the in-situ oxidation of ethylene has been rarely reviewed. The current review fills up this gap, covering the latest research progress on ethylene scavengers/inhibitors and discussion on the mechanisms of ethylene elimination and oxidation associated with F&V packaging.

Potential sources, influencing factors, and health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surface soil of urban parks in Beijing, China.

Urban parks are an important part of the urban ecological environment. The environmental quality of parks is related to human health. To evaluate sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils of urban parks and their possible health risks, soil samples from 122 parks in Beijing, China, were collected and analyzed. The total content of 16 PAHs between 0.066 and 6.867 mg/kg. Four-ring PAHs were predominant, followed by 5-ring PAHs, while the fraction of 2-ring PAHs was the lowest. The dominant PAHs sources were found to be coal combustion and oil fuels such as gasoline and diesel. A conditional inference tree (CIT) was used to identify the key influencing factors for PAHs. Traffic emissions was the most important factor, followed by coal consumption, as well as the history and location of the park. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for urban park soil in Beijing were low under normal conditions. The soil PAHs exposure pathway risk for both children and adults decreased in the following order: ingestion > dermal contact > inhalation. The risk from soil in parks to children's health is slightly higher than that of adults, although the health risk due to exposure to PAHs was not extraordinary. Ecosystem risk was negligible.

In vivo and in vitro inflammatory responses to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from China and California.

Ambient PM2.5 was collected during the winter season from Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Jinan, Shandong, China; and Sacramento, California, USA, and used to create PMSX, PMSD, and PMCA extracts, respectively. Time-lag experiments were performed to explore the in vivo and in vitro toxicity of the PM extracts. In vivo inflammatory lung responses were assessed in BALB/c mice using a single oropharyngeal aspiration (OPA) of PM extract or vehicle (CTRL) on Day 0. Necropsies were performed on Days 1, 2, and 4 post-OPA, and pulmonary effects were determined using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and histopathology. On Day 1, BAL neutrophils were significantly elevated in all PM- versus CTRL-exposed mice, with PMCA producing the strongest response. However, histopathological scoring showed greater alveolar and perivascular effects in PMSX-exposed mice compared to all three other groups. By Day 4, BAL neutrophilia and tissue inflammation were resolved, similar across all groups. In vitro effects were examined in human HepG2 hepatocytes, and U937 cells following 6, 24, or 48 h of exposure to PM extract or DMSO (control). Luciferase reporter and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were used to determine in vitro effects on aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation and gene transcription, respectively. Though all three PM extracts activated AhR, PMSX produced the greatest increases in AhR activation, and mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2, cytochrome P450, interleukin (IL)-8, and interleukin (IL)-1ß. These effects were assumed to result from a greater abundance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PMSX compared to PMSD and PMCA.

Believing in Karma: The Effect of Mortality Salience on Excessive Consumption.

This research proposes that mortality salience leads individuals to engage in differentiation of excessive consumption based on their appraisal of the karmic system. Study 1 demonstrated that mortality salience interacts with belief in karma to jointly determine excessive consumption, such that consumers faced with mortality salience tend to increase overconsumption likelihood when they have a weak (vs. strong) belief in karma. Study 2 revealed the underlying mechanism - temporal perspective - that drives our main effect. Replicating the findings of the two previous studies, study 3 further delineated benefit appeal as a theoretically derived boundary condition for the proposed interaction effect on excessiveness. Theoretical and, practical implications, as well as avenues for future research are discussed.