Innovative indenone-derivative colorimetric fluorescent probe: A approach for copper ion detection in water.

Copper (Cu2+) is a metal chemical element closely related to human life and is widely used in many fields. However, with the discharge of copper wastewater, the water quality will be seriously affected, leading to excessive intake of Cu2+ and a variety of diseases. Hence, there is a pressing need for an effective detection method for Cu2+ in aqueous environments. Leveraging the remarkable attributes of GFP chromophores and indenone derivatives, we have created a novel colorimetric fluorescent probe P-Cu2+, tailored for efficient copper ion detection. The addition of Cu2+ causes the solution to visibly change from colorless to a pronounced yellow, enabling naked-eye detection and offering promise for real sample analysis.

Does omega-3 PUFAs supplementation improve metabolic syndrome and related cardiovascular diseases? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Literature is inconsistent regarding the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) supplementation on patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize data from available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of omega-3 PUFAs on lipid profiles, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify the relevant RCTs until 1 November 2022. Weighed mean difference (WMD) was combined using a random-effects model. Standard methods were applied to assess publication bias, sensitivity analysis, and heterogeneity among included studies. A total of 48 RCTs involving 8,489 subjects met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis demonstrated that omega-3 PUFAs supplementation significantly reduced triglyceride (TG) (WMD: -18.18 mg/dl; 95% CI: -25.41, -10.95; p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: -3.38 mg/dl; 95% CI: -5.97, -0.79; p = 0.01), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD: -3.52 mmHg; 95% CI: -5.69, -1.35; p = 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: -1.70 mmHg; 95% CI: -2.88, -0.51; p = 0.005), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (WMD: -0.64 pg/ml; 95% CI: -1.04, -0.25; p = 0.001), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (WMD: -0.58 pg/ml; 95% CI: -0.96, -0.19; p = 0.004), C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD: -0.32 mg/l; 95% CI: -0.50, -0.14; p < 0.001), and interleukin-1 (IL-1) (WMD: -242.95 pg/ml; 95% CI: -299.40, -186.50; p < 0.001), and significantly increased in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (WMD: 0.99 mg/dl; 95% CI: 0.18, 1.80; p = 0.02). However, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and soluble endothelial selectin (sE-selectin) were not affected. In subgroup analyses, a more beneficial effect on overall health was observed when the dose was ≤ 2 g/day; Omega-3 PUFAs had a stronger anti-inflammatory effect in patients with CVDs, particularly heart failure; Supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs was more effective in improving blood pressure in MetS patients and blood lipids in CVDs patients, respectively. Meta-regression analysis showed a linear relationship between the duration of omega-3 PUFAs and changes in TG (p = 0.023), IL-6 (p = 0.008), TNF-α (p = 0.005), and CRP (p = 0.025). Supplementation of omega-3 PUFAs had a favorable effect on improving TG, TC, HDL, SBP, DBP, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, and IL-1 levels, yet did not affect LDL, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and sE-selectin among patients with MetS and related CVDs.

Clock Gene Bmal1 Disruption in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Worsens Carotid Atherosclerotic Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Clock system disruptions are associated with cardiovascular diseases. We previously demonstrated Bmal1 (brain muscle aryl nuclear translocase like-1) expression is significantly attenuated in plaque-derived vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, the influence of Bmal1 disruption in VSMCs and its molecular targets are still unclear. Here, we aim to define how Bmal1 disruption in VSMCs influences the atherosclerosis lesions. METHODS: The relationship among Bmal1, neurological symptoms, and plaque stability was investigated. VSMC Bmal1-/- and VSMC Bmal1+/+mice were generated and injected with adeno associated virus encoding mutant proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 to induce atherosclerosis. Carotid artery ligation and cuff placement were performed in these mice to confirm the role of Bmal1 in atherosclerosis progression. The relevant molecular mechanisms were then explored. RESULTS: Bmal1 expression in the carotid plague was significantly lower in symptomatic patients as well as in unstable plaques. Moreover, Bmal1 reduction is an independent risk factor for neurological symptoms and plaque instability. Besides, VSMC Bmal1-/- mice exhibit aggravated atherosclerotic lesions. Further study demonstrated that Bmal1 downregulation in VSMCs increased VSMC migration, monocyte transmigration, reactive oxygen species levels, and VSMCs apoptosis. As for the mechanism, we revealed that Bmal1 suppresses VSMCs migration by inhibiting RAC1 activity in 2 ways: by activating the transcription of RhoGDIα and by interacting with RAC1. Besides, Bmal1 was shown to preserve antioxidant function in VSMCs by activating Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) and Bcl-2 transcription. CONCLUSIONS: Bmal1 disruption in VSMCs worsens atherosclerosis by promoting VSMC migration and monocyte transmigration and impairing antioxidant function. Therefore, Bmal1 may be a potential therapeutic target and biomarker of atherosclerosis in the future.

Comparative Analysis of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveals Defense Mechanisms in Melon Cultivars against Pseudoperonospora cubensis Infection.

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) represents an agriculturally significant horticultural crop that is widely grown for its flavorful fruits. Downy mildew (DM), a pervasive foliar disease, poses a significant threat to global melon production. Although several quantitative trait loci related to DM resistance have been identified, the comprehensive genetic underpinnings of this resistance remain largely uncharted. In this study, we utilized integrative transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches to identify potential resistance-associated genes and delineate the strategies involved in the defense against DM in two melon cultivars: the resistant 'PI442177' ('K10-1') and the susceptible 'Huangdanzi' ('K10-9'), post-P. cubensis infection. Even in the absence of the pathogen, there were distinctive differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 'K10-1' and 'K10-9'. When P. cubensis was infected, certain genes, including flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO), receptor-like protein kinase FERONIA (FER), and the HD-ZIP transcription factor member, AtHB7, displayed pronounced expression differences between the cultivars. Notably, our data suggest that following P. cubensis infection, both cultivars suppressed flavonoid biosynthesis via the down-regulation of associated genes whilst concurrently promoting lignin production. The complex interplay of transcriptomic and metabolic responses elucidated by this study provides foundational insights into melon's defense mechanisms against DM. The robust resilience of 'K10-1' to DM is attributed to the synergistic interaction of its inherent transcriptomic and metabolic reactions.

miR-455-5p regulates circadian rhythms by accelerating the degradation of Clock mRNA.

Circadian rhythms are approximately 24-hr cycles generated by organisms to adapt to daily rhythms. Core circadian proteins such as CLOCK, BMAL1, PER1/2, and CRY1/2/3 form a transcription-translation feedback loop (TTFL) to maintain circadian rhythms. MicroRNAs are involved in regulating circadian rhythms; however, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. Here, using miRNA-seq screening, we discovered that the expression level of miR-455 was controlled by CLOCK. Furthermore, miR-455-5p also binds to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of Clock mRNA and regulates its stability. To further study whether such mutual regulation forms a feedback loop to regulate circadian rhythms, we recorded bioluminescence traces of Per2::Luc U2OS cells in real time and confirmed that overexpression of miR-455-5p lengthens the period and attenuates the amplitude of circadian rhythms in synchronized cells (and vice versa). We also discovered that miR-455-5p can function as a Clock modulator to induce a fine-orchestral circadian rhythm in vitro, as well as other known factors such as dexamethasone, horse serum, or temperature. In conclusion, miR-455-5p is essential for maintaining a normal circadian rhythm via regulating Clock mRNA stability. Our study reveals a new mutual regulatory mechanism between CLOCK protein, Clock mRNA, and miR-455-5p, which regulates circadian rhythms in cells.

Comparative analysis of aroma compounds in French fries and palm oil at three crucial stages by GC/MS-olfactometry, odor activity values, and aroma recombination.

BACKGROUND: Flavor is a key element affecting the popularity of French fries (FFs). When oil is heated, the changes in oil quality can affect the flavor of the food directly. RESULTS: The flavor of FFs showed three crucial stages: the break-in (3.0% to 6.8% of total polar compounds (TPC)), optimum (7.0% to 19% of TPC), and degrading (above 19.5% of TPC) stages. To distinguish the key aroma compounds in the three stages, the FFs, prepared in palm oil (PO) at TPC of 3.0% (FF3), 7.5% (FF8), 19.5% (FF20), and their relevant oils (PO3, PO8, PO20), were selected for molecular sensory science analysis. The results indicated that the concentration of (E, E)-2,4-decadienal linked with the deep-fried odor was low in FF3, which led to a lower sensory score in the FF3 sample. The FF8 sample had a high (E, E)-2,4-decadienal content and received a high sensory score. The FF20 sample possessed high hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid (sweaty odor), benzaldehyde (stale odor), octanoic acid (sweaty odor), (E)-2-undecenal (fatty odor), and trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal (metallic odor) content, thus leading to FFs having an undesirable flavor and PO20 showed high hexanoic acid and heptanoic acid content, contributing to a lower sensory score in PO20. CONCLUSION: The FFs' flavor became undesirable when TPC was above 19.5% due to significant influences of some off-flavor compounds. It is therefore essential to prevent the generation of rancid substances to prolong the optimum stage during frying. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Factors influencing smoking behaviour of online ride-hailing drivers in China: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Online ride-hailing is a fast-developing new travel mode. However, tobacco control policies on its drivers remain underdeveloped. This study aims to reveal the status and determine the influencing factors of ride-hailing drivers' smoking behaviour to provide a basis for the formulation of tobacco control policies. METHODS: We derived our cross-sectional data from an online survey of full-time ride-hailing drivers in China. We used a survey questionnaire to collect variables, including sociodemographic and work-related characteristics, health status, health behaviour, health literacy and smoking status. Finally, we analysed the influencing factors of current smoking by conducting chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 8990 ride-hailing drivers have participated in the survey, in which 5024 were current smokers, accounting to 55.9%. Nearly one-third of smokers smoked in their cars (32.2%). The logistic regression analysis results were as follows: male drivers (OR = 0.519, 95% CI [0.416, 0.647]), central regions (OR = 1.172, 95% CI [1.049, 1.309]) and eastern regions (OR = 1.330, 95% CI [1.194, 1.480]), working at both daytime and night (OR = 1.287, 95% CI [1.164, 1.424]) and non-fixed time (OR = 0.847, 95% CI [0.718, 0.999]), ages of 35-54 years (OR = 0.585, 95% CI [0.408, 0.829]), current drinker (OR = 1.663, 95% CI [1.526, 1.813]), irregular eating habits (OR = 1.370, 95% CI [1.233, 1.523]), the number of days in a week of engaging in at least 10 min of moderate or vigorous exercise ≥3 (OR = 0.752, 95% CI [0.646, 0.875]), taking the initiative to acquire health knowledge occasionally (OR = 0.882, 95% CI [0.783, 0.992]) or frequently (OR = 0.675, 95% CI [0.591, 0.770]) and underweight (OR = 1.249, 95% CI [1.001, 1.559]) and overweight (OR = 0.846, 95% CI [0.775, 0.924]) have association with the prevalence of current smoking amongst online ride-hailing drivers. CONCLUSION: The smoking rate of ride-hailing drivers was high. Sociodemographic and work-related characteristics and health-related factors affected their smoking behaviour. Psychological and behavioural interventions can promote smoking control management and encourage drivers to quit or limit smoking. Online car-hailing companies can also establish a complaint mechanism combined with personal credit.

Simulation and optimization of hydraulic performance of small baffled subsurface flow constructed wetland.

The water body inside the constructed wetland is affected by various factors, and the flow state is relatively complicated. There will always be a certain degree of low velocity area and rapid outflow phenomenon, which makes part of the space in the wetland unable to be effectively used. Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology, this paper uses Fluent's porous media model and discrete phase model to establish a hydrodynamic model of up and down baffled subsurface flow constructed wetland system. The internal flow field of the wetland is simulated, and the hydraulic performance of different baffle settings and substrate laying methods in the wetland is systematically evaluated. The results show that when the number of baffles is the same, the hydraulic efficiency is higher when the first baffle is located on the lower part of the substrate. Compared with the position of the baffle, the increase in the number of baffles does not significantly improve the hydraulic efficiency of the constructed wetland. The substrate layer thickness ratio has a significant effect on the two parameters of the variance of the hydraulic residence time distribution (σ2) and the flow divergence (σ02). By increasing the thickness of the middle substrate, the low flow rate phenomenon caused by the small porosity substrate area of the upper layer and the rapid outflow phenomenon of the lower substrate can be improved to a certain extent, the utilization efficiency of the middle substrate layer is improved, and the hydraulic performance is increased. The research results are of great significance for improving the utilization of wetland space and ensuring its efficient decontamination and purification function.

Distribution characteristics and source analysis of sulfate in the main rivers of Heze city, China.

Throughout the last few decades, sulfate concentrations in streamwater have received considerable attention due to their dominant role in anthropogenic acidification of surface waters. In order to determine the cycle of riverine sulfate, affected by natural weathering and anthropogenic activities, the Zhuzhaoxin River Basin and Dongyu River Basin in Heze City, China are selected. The conventional hydrochemical characteristics, distribution characteristics of sulfate concentration, and distribution characteristics of sulfur and oxygen isotopes are analyzed and texted. The results are as follows: the concentration of SO42- in the surface water of the study area increased gradually from upstream to downstream. In the study area, the δ34SSO4 and δ18OSO4 value in the surface water of Zhuzhaoxin River Basin ranges from +8.0‰ to +22.3‰ and +7.3‰ to +10.5‰, respectively, while the values of Dongyu River Basin are between +9.3‰ ∼ +9.5‰ and +4.2‰ ∼ +8.1‰. The main sources of SO42- in the Zhuzhaoxin River Basin are domestic sewage, industrial and mining wastewater and the evaporation of dissolved salt rock, and their average contribution rates are more than 50% and 30%, respectively; the main sources of SO42- in the Dongyu River Basin are agricultural activities and atmospheric precipitation, and their average contribution rates are more than 60% and 20%, respectively.

Effects of Sulfamethoxazole Exposure on the Growth, Antioxidant System of Chlorella vulgaris and Microcystis aeruginosa.

Sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) is a kind of sulfonamides antibiotic, which is widely used in human life. This study investigated the effects of SMZ on physiological and biochemical indexes of Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) and Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) for 35-day. The results showed that SMZ inhibited the growth and Chl-a content of C. vulgaris and M. aeruginosa, and growth inhibition rate was 8.06%-95.86%, Chl-a content decreased 2.44%-98.04%. SMZ resulting in increased SOD and CAT activity and destroyed the dynamic balance of antioxidant system. In addition, SMZ increased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in algae, destroyed the cell membrane to a certain extent, which was 1.8-7.3 folds higher than the control group. High concentration of SMZ can make algae cells exceed the limit of cell antioxidant capacity. Coupled with the serious damage of cell membrane, algae cells begin to appear a large number of death phenomenon.

Application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the quality and safety analysis of fats and oils: A review.

Fats and oils are essential food components. Their quality and safety pose major concerns for consumers and food producers because of factors such as oxidation and rancidity, excessive levels of trans fatty acid (TFA), and widespread adulteration. Thus, a rapid and easy-to-use technique must be exploited for quality parameter evaluation and monitoring to ensure the edibility, safety, and quality of fats and oils. In the last decades, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has shown great potential in analyzing fats and oils given its speed and simplicity. FTIR-based analytical techniques for common intrinsic quality parameters, including peroxide value, free fatty acid, moisture, TFA, iodine value, as well as oxidation stability, adulteration, and classification of various fats and oils, are summarized in this review. The advantages and disadvantages of selected infrared spectral accessories and sample preparation and spectral processing methods are highlighted. The prospects and reformative aspects for future application of the FTIR technique in the field of fats and oils are also discussed. This review may serve as a basis for applying FTIR not only in future research but also in the fat and oil industries.

Clock represses preadipocytes adipogenesis via GILZ.

Adiposity is a worldwide health threat that needs to be prevented. Circadian gene Clock (circadian locomotor output cycles kaput) is closely correlated to adiposity; for example, weight gain, adipocytes size expansion, and serum lipid level rise in ClockΔ19 mice compared to C57BL/6J mice. However, the precise role of Clock during adipogenic differentiation is unknown. Herein, the circadian gene Clock is shown to regulate adipogenesis mediated by GILZ. Clock-mediated attenuation and upregulation influenced lipid synthesis and affected the levels of adipogenic transcriptional factors, C/EBP-ß, C/EBP-α, PPAR-γ, and FABP4, both in vivo and in vitro (primary adipose-derived stromal cells and 3T3-L1 cells). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, reporter gene assay, and serum shock assay found that Clock transcriptionally regulated the glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ). Furthermore, GILZ attenuation could relieve the inhibitory effect of Clock on lipid synthesis and GILZ overexpression also reduced the promotion role of Clock attenuation in adipogenesis suggesting that Clock inhibits adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes via GILZ. The current results demonstrate how circadian genes are likely to regulate adiposity, affecting the adipogenic differentiation process, as well as, increasing the fat cells number. Therefore, this study may provide novel insights into the underlying mechanism explaining the correlation between Clock mutation and adiposity.

Intracellular high cholesterol content disorders the clock genes, apoptosis-related genes and fibrinolytic-related genes rhythmic expressions in human plaque-derived vascular smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND: The clock genes are involved in regulating cardiovascular functions, and their expression disorders would lead to circadian rhythm disruptions of clock-controlled genes (CCGs), resulting in atherosclerotic plaque formation and rupture. Our previous study revealed the rhythmic expression of clock genes were attenuated in human plaque-derived vascular smooth muscle cells (PVSMCs), but failed to detect the downstream CCGs expressions and the underlying molecular mechanism. In this study, we examined the difference of CCGs rhythmic expression between human normal carotid VSMCs (NVSMCs) and PVSMCs. Furthermore, we compared the cholesterol and triglycerides levels between two groups and the link to clock genes and CCGs expressions. METHODS: Seven health donors' normal carotids and 19 carotid plaques yielded viable cultured NVSMCs and PVSMCs. The expression levels of target genes were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western-blot. The intracellular cholesterol and triglycerides levels were measured by kits. RESULT: The circadian expressions of apoptosis-related genes and fibrinolytic-related genes were disordered. Besides, the cholesterol levels were significant higher in PVSMCs. After treated with cholesterol or oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), the expressions of clock genes were inhibited; and the rhythmic expressions of clock genes, apoptosis-related genes and fibrinolytic-related genes were disturbed in NVSMCs, which were similar to PVSMCs. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that intracellular high cholesterol content of PVSMCs would lead to the disorders of clock genes and CCGs rhythmic expressions. And further studies should be conducted to demonstrate the specific molecular mechanisms involved.

Efficient salt-aided aqueous extraction of bitter almond oil.

BACKGROUND: Salt-aided aqueous extraction (SAAE) is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly method of oil extraction that is influenced by many factors. In the present study, we investigated the effect of SAAE on bitter almond oil yield. RESULTS: This study used sodium bicarbonate solution as extraction solvent and the optimal extraction parameters predicted by Box-Behnken design (i.e., concentration of sodium bicarbonate, 0.4 mol L-1 ; solvent-to-sample ratio, 5:1; extraction temperature, 84 °C; extraction time, 60 min), for oil recovery of 90.9%. The physiochemical characteristics of the extracted oil suggest that the quality was similar to that of the aqueous enzymatic extracted oil. Moreover, the content of hydrocyanic acid (HCN) in bitter almond oil was found to be less than 5 mg kg-1 , which was lower compared to that obtained by other reported methods. Results of microanalysis indicated that SAAE led to significant improvement in oil yield by allowing the release of oil and decreasing the emulsion fraction. Therefore, extraction of bitter almond oil by SAAE is feasible. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that extraction of bitter almond oil by SAAE based on the salt effect is feasible on a laboratory scale. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

CLOCK promotes 3T3-L1 cell proliferation via Wnt signaling.

Circadian genes control most of the physiological functions including cell cycle. Cell proliferation is a critical factor in the differentiation of progenitor cells. However, the role of Clock gene in the regulation of cell cycle via wingless-type (Wnt) pathway and the relationship between Clock and adipogenesis are unclear. We found that the circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (Clock) regulated the proliferation and the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. We found that Clock attenuation inhibited the viability of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in the cell counting kit 8. The expression of c-Myc and Cyclin D1 decreased dramatically in 3T3-L1 when Clock was silenced with short interfering RNA and was also decreased in fat tissue and adipose tissue-derived stem cells of Clock(Δ19) mice. Clock directly controls the expression of the components of Wnt signal transduction pathway, which was verified by serum shock, chromatin immunoprecipitation, Western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, IWR-1, a Wnt signal pathway inhibitor, inhibited the cell cycle promotion by CLOCK, which was detected by cell viability assay, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR. Therefore, CLOCK transcription control of Wnt signaling promotes cell cycle progression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Clock inhibited the adipogenesis on day 2 in 3T3-L1 cells via Oil Red O staining and qRT-PCR detection and probably related to cellular differentiation. These data provide evidence that the circadian gene Clock regulates the proliferation of preadipocytes and affects adipogenesis. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(7):557-568, 2016.

A highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for fluoride anions based on intramolecular charge transfer.

Currently, there is a great need to develop methods for the selective detection of fluoride anions (F(-) ) owing to their toxicity in the environment and biological function in living systems. In this study, we developed a new fluorescent probe (probe 1) employing a Si-O bond as a highly selective recognition receptor for detecting F(-) via intramolecular charge transfer. Probe 1 could detect F(-) quantitatively using the turn-on fluorescence spectroscopy method with excellent sensitivity in the range of 4-38 µM and a detection limit of 0.26 µM; the detection time was < 17 min. We anticipate that probe 1 would be used widely to monitor F(-) in the environment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Assessment of fibrosis during the development of fatty liver in rabbits using real-time shear-wave elastography.

Nonalcoholic and alcoholic rabbit models of fatty liver were established by feeding on high-fat diet and alcohol, respectively, and fatty liver stiffness at different pathological stages was assessed with real-time shear-wave elastography (SWE), so as to investigate the fibrosis process during the development of fatty liver. The fatty liver stiffness of rabbit in nonalcoholic and alcoholic groups was higher than that in the control group, and that in alcohol group was higher than that in the nonalcoholic group (P<0.01). The elasticity modulus of liver in fatty liver rabbits of nonalcoholic and alcoholic groups showed a positive correlation with progression of liver fibrosis (P<0.01). Real-time SWE, as a noninvasive diagnostic method, can objectively reflect the liver stiffness change and progression of liver fibrosis during the development of fatty liver.

Surface-confined single-layer covalent organic framework on single-layer graphene grown on copper foil.

The integration of 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with atomic thickness with graphene will lead to intriguing two-dimensional materials. A surface-confined covalently bonded Schiff base network was prepared on single-layer graphene grown on copper foil and the dynamic reaction process was investigated with scanning tunneling microscopy. DFT simulations provide an understanding of the electronic structures and the interactions between the surface COF and graphene. Strong coupling between the surface COF and graphene was confirmed by the dispersive bands of the surface COF after interaction with graphene, and also by the experimental observation of tunneling condition dependent contrast of the surface COF.

Kinetic study of electron transfer process in methyl orange decolorization by shewanella in MFCs with covalent organic frameworks modified anode.

As a new electrode material for electrochemical systems, covalent organic framework (COF) materials have been gradually applied to bioelectrochemical systems. In our previous study, the COFBTA-DPPD-rGO composite was synthesized via Schiff-base coupling between benzene-1,3,5-tricarbaldehyde (BTA) and 3,8-diamino-6-phenylphenanthridine (DPPD) on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) at room temperature. Here, COFBTA-DPPD-rGO modified MFC anode was used to assist microorganisms to decolorize methyl orange (MO), and the properties of MFCs were studied. The results showed that compared to the unmodified electrode MFC (28 mA m-2, 4.20 mW m-2) the current density and maximum power density of the anode MFC modified by COFBTA-DPPD-rGO (134.5 mA m-2, 21.78 mW m-2) were increased by 380.3% and 423.6%, respectively. The transferred electron number n and charge transfer coefficient α of the modified COFBTA-DPPD-rGO anode (4 and 0.43) compared to the unmodified electrode (2.4 and 0.38) were increased by 67% and 13%, respectively. The decolorization ratio of MO could reach 90.3% at 10 h. Compared with the unmodified electrode MFC (53.0%), the decolorization ratio and kinetic constant of decolorization process were enhanced by 26% and 372%, respectively. Therefore, COFBTA-DPPD-rGO could be a new choice for applying to the MFCs.

Irisflorentin promotes bacterial phagocytosis and inhibits inflammatory responses in macrophages during bacterial infection.

Bacterial infection remains a big concern in the patients of ICU, which is the main cause of life-threatening organ dysfunction, or even sepsis. The poor control of bacterial infection caused by antibiotic resistance, etc. or the overwhelming immune response are the most important patho genic factors in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. As main pathogens, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), impose serious challenges during sepsis and require alternative therapeutic options. Irisflorentin (IFL) is one of the major bioactive compounds isolated from the roots of Belamcanda chinensis (Shegan). In this study, IFL could suppress inflammatory response induced by MRSA or a synthetic mimic of bacterial lipoprotein (Pam3CSK4). IFL treatment enhanced the ability of macrophages to phagocytose bacteria likely through up-regulating the expression of phagocytic receptors SR-A1 and FcγR2a. Furthermore, IFL inhibited Pam3CSK4-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α in Raw 264.7 cells, mouse primary macrophages or dendritic cells. IFL treatment also inhibited heat-killed MRSA-induced secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. Moreover, IFL attenuated M1 polarization of macrophages as indicated by the down-regulated expression of its polarization markers CD86 and iNOS. Mechanistically, IFL markedly decreased the Pam3CSK4-induced activation of ERK, JNK or p38 MAPK pathways in macrophages. Taken together, IFL may serve as a promising compound for the therapy of bacterial infection, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA.