Notes

Protecting Aftereffect of Pravastatin upon Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injuries simply by Damaging the miR-93/Nrf2/ARE Indication Process.
4-fold-157.3-fold to undifferentiated CMCs), functions of high expression of FmPHV in CMCs identification (22.4-fold to common calli) and generating more shoots (2.3-fold to the control) by significantly changing expressions of key regulators in HD-Zip Class III related shoot regeneration networks in positive transgenic plants through the hypocotyl transforming system in F. mandshurica, were further revealed. These works were of profound significance in providing the culture technology of CMCs from newborn shoots in F. mandshurica for the first time and revealing the positive functions of FmPHV in CMCs identification and differentiation in F. mandshurica and promoting the shoot regeneration by hypocotyls.The present study is the first attempt to demonstrate the beneficiary effects of seed priming with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in wheat cultivar H-I 1544. Wheat seeds primed with ZnO NPs (10 mg/L) showed a significant positive influence on seed germination performance and vigour index as compared to unprimed (control) and hydroprimed seeds. Furthermore, nanopriming also enhanced seed water uptake resulting in enhanced α-amylase activity. Content of photosynthetic pigments in nanoprimed plants (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content) was significantly enhanced. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements were performed 30 days after cultivation of nanoprimed seeds to investigate the effect of nanopriming on plant photosynthetic performance. Results suggested that ZnO NPs affects the overall primary photochemistry by enhancing the performance of water splitting complex at donor side of PSII (Fv/Fo). The numbers of active reaction centres (RC) per chlorophyll molecule were increased in nanoprimed plants followed by increase in the absorption (ABS), efficiency of excitation energy trapping (TR) and electron transport (ET) from active reaction centres. The impact of nanopriming on oxidative status of plants was also studied by measuring the activity enzymes like peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and degree of lipid peroxidation. A prominent decrease in the activity of these enzymes was observed which may be attributed to low reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in nanoprimed plants as compared to control. This is the first report showing ZnO NPs as a promising seed priming agent to improve germination as well as photosynthetic performance of wheat seeds.
Water-deficit stress is the most devastating environmental factor that adversely affects plant growth causing yield losses and low crop productivity. In this study, we employed sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as a seed priming agent for the acclimation of water-deficit stress in wheat plants by invoking priming memory.

The SNP-primed (75, 100, and 125μM) and non-primed controls were allowed to grow in pots under water deficit and normal conditions. The flag leaves of 98-days mature plants were used for biochemical and physiological studies by following the well-established methods.

The antioxidant and hydrolytic enzymes were upregulated while reducing sugars, total sugars, and glycine betaine increased significantly in flag leaves of wheat plants originated from SNP-treated seeds compared to control under water deficit stress. However, a significant reduction in MDA and proline contents represented a lesser ROS production which resulted in enhanced cell membrane stability. Consequently, there was a significant enhancement in yield, plant biomass and 100 grains weight of wheat plants under water deficit stress.

The improvement in yield parameters indicates the induction of priming memory in SNP-primed seeds which elicit water deficit tolerance till the maturity of plants thus ensures sustainable productivity of wheat.
The improvement in yield parameters indicates the induction of priming memory in SNP-primed seeds which elicit water deficit tolerance till the maturity of plants thus ensures sustainable productivity of wheat.Traumatic brain injury (TBI) generates excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can exacerbate secondary injury and result in disability and death. Secondary injury cascades can trigger the release of uncontrolled ROS into the surrounding normal brain tissue, forming an extended pool of ROS, which leads to massive neuronal death. Here, we developed an injectable, post-trauma microenvironment-responsive, ROS depletion hydrogel embedded curcumin (Cur) (TM/PC) for reducing ROS levels in damaged brain tissue to promote the regeneration and recovery of neurons. Hydrogel was composed of three parts (1) Hydrophobic poly (propylene sulfide)120 (PPS120) was synthesized, with a ROS quencher and H2O2-responsive abilities, to embed Cur. (2) Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-responsive triglycerol monostearate (TM) was used to cover the PPS120 to form a TM/P hydrogel. (3) Cur could further eradicate the ROS, promoting the regeneration and recovery of neurons. In two postoperative TBI models, TM/PC hydrogel effectively responded the TBI surgical environment and released drug. TM/PC hydrogel significantly depleted ROS and reduced brain edema. In addition, reactive astrocytes and activated microglia were decreased, growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) and doublecortin (DCX) were increased, suggested that TM/PC hydrogel had the strongest anti-inflammatory effect and effectively promoted nerve regeneration after TBI. This study provides new information for the management of TBI to prevent the secondary spread of damage.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by novel coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan (China) in December 2019. Here we evaluated a panel of biomarkers to phenotype patients and to define the role of immuno-inflammatory mediators as biomarkers of severity.

Serum samples were obtained from 24 COVID-19 patients on admission to hospital, before any treatment or infusion of intravenous steroids or invasive ventilation. KL-6 IL-6 and C-peptide were measured by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. IL-6 assay was validated for accuracy and precision. The validity of variables used to distinguish severe from mild-to-moderate patients was assessed by areas under curves (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and logistic regression was performed to combine parameters of the two groups.

In the severe group, IL-6, CRP and KL-6 concentrations were significantly higher than in mild-to-moderate patients. KL-6, IL-6 and CRP concentrations were directly correlated with each other. ROC curve analysis of the logistic regression model including IL-6, KL-6 and CRP showed the best performance with an AUC of 0.95.

Besides corroborating previous reports of over-expression of IL-6 in severe COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation, analytical determination of other mediators showed that IL-6 concentrations were correlated with those of KL-6 and CRP. The combination of these three prognostic bioindicators made it possible to distinguish severe COVID-19 patients with poor prognosis from mild-to-moderate patients.
Besides corroborating previous reports of over-expression of IL-6 in severe COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation, analytical determination of other mediators showed that IL-6 concentrations were correlated with those of KL-6 and CRP. The combination of these three prognostic bioindicators made it possible to distinguish severe COVID-19 patients with poor prognosis from mild-to-moderate patients.Immunological assays are the basis for many diagnostic tests for infectious diseases in animals and humans. Application in wildlife species, including the African elephant (Loxodonta africana), is limited however due to lack of information on immune responses. Since many immunoassays require both identified biomarkers of immune activation as well as species-specific reagents, it is crucial to have knowledge of basic immunological responses in the species of interest. Cytokine gene expression assays (GEAs) used to measure specific immune responses in wildlife have frequently shown that targeted biomarkers are often species-specific. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify elephant-specific cytokine biomarkers to detect immune activation and to develop a GEA, using pokeweed mitogen stimulated whole blood from African elephants. This assay will provide the foundation for the development of future cytokine GEAs that can be used to detect antigen specific immune responses and potentially lead to various diagnostic tests for this species.
Successful oral health interventions must be based on the specific needs of the population that they serve. Evaluation of habits related to dental caries development and estimation of fluoride exposure in a target group of young patients helps to plan effective and safe caries prevention strategies.

The study aimed to evaluate factors affecting dental caries experience and sources of fluoride exposure in preschool children living in two areas with optimal and low natural content of fluoride in drinking water.

The study included a group of 73 children of both sexes aged 4-7 years attending two kindergartens in Środa Wielkopolska and Turek (Wielkopolska Voivodeship, Poland), where the content of fluoride in drinking water according to data obtained in the sanitary station ranged from 0.68 to 0.74 mg/L (optimal concentration of fluoride) and from 0.19 to 0.30 mg/L (low concentration of fluoride), respectively. Parents of patients completed a survey about diet, hygiene, and dental care, taking into account on program ought to be adjusted to individual characteristics of each child, taking into consideration oral hygiene practices, dietary habits and total fluoride intake.The association between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid beta (Aβ) Aβ38 or Aβ40 and brain grey- and white matter integrity is poorly understood. We studied this in 213 cognitively normal 70-year-olds, and in subgroups defined by presence/absence of the APOE ε4 allele and Aβ pathology Aβ-/APOE-, Aβ+/APOE-, Aβ-/APOE+ and Aβ+/APOE+. CSF Aβ was quantified using ELISA and genotyping for APOE was performed. Low CSF Aβ42 defined Aβ plaque pathology. Brain volumes were assessed using Freesurfer-5.3, and white matter integrity using tract-based statistics in FSL. Aβ38 and Aβ40 were positively correlated with cortical thickness, some subcortical volumes and white matter integrity in the total sample, and in 3 of the subgroups Aβ-/APOE-, Aβ+/APOE- and Aβ-/APOE+. In Aβ+/APOE+ subjects, higher Aβ38 and Aβ40 were linked to reduced cortical thickness and subcortical volumes. We hypothesize that production of all Aβ species decrease in brain regions with atrophy. In Aβ+/APOE+, Aβ-dysregulation may be linked to cortical atrophy in which high Aβ levels is causing pathological changes in the gray matter of the brain.The Kansai BNCT Medical Center has a cyclotron based epithermal neutron source for clinical Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. The system accelerates a proton to an energy of 30 MeV which strikes a beryllium target producing fast neutrons which are moderated down to epithermal neutrons for BNCT use. While clinical studies in the past have shown BNCT to be highly effective for malignant melanoma of the skin, to apply BNCT for superficial lesions using this system it is necessary to shift the thermal neutron distribution so that the maximum dose occurs near the surface. A dose distribution shifter was designed to fit inside the collimator to further moderate the neutrons to increase the surface dose and reduce the dose to the underlying normal tissue. Pure polyethylene was selected, and a Monte Carlo simulation was performed to determine the optimum thickness of the polyethylene slab. Compared with the original neutron beam, the shifter increased the thermal neutron flux at the skin by approximately 4 times. The measured and simulated central axis depth distribution and off axis distribution of the thermal neutron flux were found to be in good agreement. Compared with a 2 cm thick water equivalent bolus, a 26% increase in the thermal neutron flux at the surface was obtained, which would reduce the treatment time by approximately 29%. The DDS is a safe, simple and an effective tool for the treatment of superficial tumours for BNCT if an initially fast neutron beam requires moderation to maximise the thermal neutron flux at the tissue surface.Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an important zoonotic vector-borne disease and domestic dogs are considered the main domiciliary and peri-domiciliary reservoir of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in South America. Distinct eco-epidemiological scenarios associated to the prevalence of the disease, clusters of parasite genotypes and chemotypes of vectors population are described in Brazil, especially in the state of São Paulo (SP). In this context, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the clinical signs, histopathological lesions, parasite load and cytokine profile by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in popliteal lymph nodes of canines naturally infected with L. infantum, from different municipalities of the state of SP. Eighty-three dogs with VL, 61 from northwest SP (NWSP) and 22 from southeast SP (SESP), were clinically classified in stage II, with no babesiosis and ehrlichiosis. Subcapsular inflammatory infiltration and histiocytosis were significantly higher in the SESP group (p = 0.0128; 0.0077, respectively). On the other hand, dogs from NWSP revealed 4.6-fold significantly higher parasite burden (p = 0.0004) and higher IHC scores of IL-1β (p = 0.0275) and IL-4 (p = 0.0327) in the popliteal lymph node tissues, which may be associated with the susceptibility and progression of the disease in these dogs. Differences in immune response profile associated with higher parasite load in dogs can also contribute to explain the distinct eco-epidemiological patterns of VL in specific geographic regions.New government health insurance programs may affect participation in existing safety-net benefits that provide health insurance as a secondary aim. We examine whether the outside options for health insurance made available by the Affordable Care Act affected Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) application decisions. Using the universe of U.S. individual income tax records spanning 2007-2016, we first estimate the effect of Medicaid expansions using a state difference-in-differences identification strategy, but find small and statistically insignificant estimates. However, when we estimate the effect of being eligible for high vs. low Marketplace subsidies based on geography, we find some evidence consistent with subsidies increasing DI claiming among those with prior access to Employer Sponsored Insurance, and decreasing DI claiming otherwise. Overall, we find suggestive evidence that outside options for health insurance do matter, though magnitudes are small and results are statistically precise only for Marketplace coverage.Exploring high-performance sensors for toxic arsenic detection is highly desired because of its great threat to the environment. Herein, we report a ratiometric fluorescent biosensor based on acid phosphatase and hemin loaded multifunctional Zn-based metal-organic framework (ACP/hemin@Zn-MOF) for high-performance arsenate (As(Ⅴ)) sensing. ACP/hemin@Zn-MOF is constructed by self-assembly, where hemin exhibits peroxidase-like activity and 2-aminoterephthalic acid ligand endows ACP/hemin@Zn-MOF with an intrinsic fluorescence (452 nm). When ACP/hemin@Zn-MOF catalyzes the oxidation of o-phenylenediamine (OPD), fluorescent 2,3-diaminophenazine (DAP) with an emission signal (564 nm) is produced and weakens ACP/hemin@Zn-MOF intrinsic fluorescence (452 nm) due to inner filter effect; after adding ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AAP), ACP can hydrolyze AAP and produce ascorbic acid, which competitively suppresses the oxidation of OPD, resulting in the decrease of DAP signal (564 nm) and the recovery of ACP/hemin@Zn-MOF signal (452 nm); when As(V) is added, it irreversibly poisons ACP against hydrolyzing AAP, and the fluorescence signal at 564 nm recovers and the one at 452 nm is suppressed again. High-sensitivity and high-selectivity detection of As(V) (3.33-300 μg L-1) is realized, with a detection limit of 1.05 μg L-1. The biosensor was also successfully employed to detect total arsenic and As(V) in rice.In this work, we innovatively synthesized homochiral fluorescence nano molecularly imprinted polymers (D-MIP) with dual affinity (metal ion affinity and homochiral affinity) for the specific separation and detection of L-penicillamine (L-PA), which is a core-shell structure with a SiO2-covered CDs core and an imprinted layer with L-PA cavities. A switch for fluorescence response was built by chelating grafted Cu2+, what's more, the imprinted L-PA was pre immobilized by Cu2+ to form the directional imprinting with predetermined spatial structure. More importantly, the homochiral affinity of D-galactose in homochiral molecularly imprinted polymers (D-MIP) greatly enhanced the selective adsorption of L-PA, and D-MIP showed a high selectivity factor (α) of 3.45, which is 1.9 times that of the non-homochiral molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP). Meanwhile, D-MIP exhibited a high enantiomeric excess (ee) value of 56% for separation of racemic PA. Additionally, a high sensitive and selective method was established for the detection of L-PA.Phosphomolybdic acid catalyst (PMoA/TiO2) is a promising catalyst for selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3 (NH3-SCR) due to its strong acidity and excellent redox property. This work presents the NH3-SCR reaction mechanism by In-situ diffuse reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (In-situ DRIFTs) and density functional theory (DFT). In-situ DRIFTs results indicated that the NH3-SCR performance over PMoA/TiO2 followed both Eley-Rideal (E-R) and Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) mechanisms. The reaction pathway, intermediate, transition state and energy barrier over PMoA to complete NH3-SCR reaction were calculated by DFT. The results showed that the catalytic cycle includes foundational reaction (NH3 + NO reaction) and regenerative reaction (NH3 + NO2 reaction). NH2, NH2NO, HNNOH and HO2NNH species were the key intermediates. In the foundational reactions, NO2 played an important role in the removal of remaining H atoms. The NH3 dissociation on Lewis acid site, the internal hydrogen transfer on Brønsted acid site and the formation of HO2NNH species were the rate-controlling steps. The catalytic cycle of NH3-SCR over PMoA consists of standard SCR and fast SCR.Light driven photothermal catalysis has been carried out by converting the light energy into heat to reach the light-off temperature of the reaction. Herein we have synthesized the ternary multifunctional catalysts of polymeric carbon nitride coupled with Pt-embedded transition metal oxide (Pt-Cox/CN), for the catalytic degradation of toluene. Under the condition of space velocity of 30,000 mL/(gh) and concentration of 210 ppm, toluene conversion and CO2 mineralization can reach 90% and 83% over Pt-Co20/CN, respectively. The introduction of an appropriate proportion of CoO enhances the light absorption of nanocomposites and improves the adsorption for toluene. Meanwhile, CoO promotes the proportion and mobility of adsorbed oxygen on the surface, which are conducive to the catalytic oxidation reaction according to the Mars-van Krevelen mechanism. The results also suggest that light irradiation serves as a source of heat to initiate photo-induced chemical reactions and promote photothermal catalytic oxidation by promoting the activation of lattice oxygen.Humans are exposed to heterocyclic amines (HCAs) from a wide range of sources, such as protein-rich thermally processed foods, cigarette smoke, contaminated river water, the atmosphere, soil, and forest fire ash. Although the carcinogenic and mutagenic hazards of HCAs have been widely studied, the potential neurotoxicity of these compounds still needs to be further elucidated. Here, we studied the neurotoxicity of the HCA 2-amino-3-methylimidazole[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) in vivo by utilizing a zebrafish model. After 35 days of exposure at 8, 80, and 800 ng/mL, zebrafish exploratory behavior and locomotor activity were significantly inhibited, and light/dark preference behaviors were also disturbed. Moreover, the expression of Parkinson's disease (PD)-related genes and proteins, dopamine-related genes, neuroplasticity-related genes, antioxidant enzyme genes and inflammatory cytokine genes in the zebrafish brain was significantly affected. The numbers of NeuN neurons in the midbrain were decreased in exposed zebrafish, while the numbers of apoptotic cells were increased. In summary, our research suggests that IQ is neurotoxic and significantly associated with PD and that long-term exposure to IQ may contribute to PD risk. This risk may be related to IQ-mediated effects on mitochondrial homeostasis and induction of oxidative stress and inflammation.To investigate the effects of hydroxyl groups on the degradation of tetracycline antibiotics (TCs), three kinds of TCs [tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC), and doxycycline (DTC)] were chosen as the target molecules and then degraded in the carbon black (CB)-activated peroxydisulfate (PDS) oxidation process. The degradation ratios of the TC, OTC, and DTC in the CB/PDS oxidation process reached 52%, 60%, and 87% within 40 min, respectively, with the degradation rate following the order of DTC > OTC > TC. According to the density functional theory calculations, these three TCs have different charge distributions, electrostatic potential distributions and average local ionization energy, which are caused by the distinct hydroxyl group position, thus contribute to the different degradation ratios and reaction rate constants. The hydrogenation of TC was slower special degradation pathway relative to those of OTC and DTC, while the decarbonylation of OTC was slower special degradation pathway relative to that of DTC, which adversely resulted in the degradation rate following the order of DTC > OTC > TC. This presentation gives a knowledge that the position and numbers of hydroxyl groups are pivotal to the degradation efficiency toward TCs.This study evaluates health risks associated with Arsenic due to mining activities in parts of North-central Nigeria. 306 samples of soil, water and guinea corn were collected for analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The analysis reveals varying concentration of Arsenic that is in most cases, above the acceptable limits of consumption, signifying evidence of pollution. The estimated pollution evaluation indices indicates evidence of pollution due to the mining activities. The estimated values of the bioaccumulation factors are very low. The Average Daily Intake reveals that ingestion pathway is the dominant pathway of exposure. While most of the Hazard Index (HI) estimated for the soil and grain samples are « 1, the HI estimated for the water is ≈1. This therefore, means that the probable non-cancerous effect of Arsenic in the drinking water is high. Based on the Delphii method of classification, the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk ranges between level II and level III for the soil and grain samples and between level VI and level VII for the water samples within the study sites. This high cancer risks was confirmed by the mean, 5th and 95th percentiles of the cumulative probabilities using the Monte Carlo simulation.The presence of aromatic compounds with multiple functional groups such as 5-sulfosalicylic acid (SSA) in water bodies is a threat to aquatic organisms and human health. Phenol (PH) with the -OH group, benzoic acid with -COOH and benzenesulfonic acid (BSA) with -SO3H can be considered as SSA structural unit. In this study, three functional monomers, namely, N-methylallylamine, diallylamine, and triallylamine, with strong affinity for PH, BA, and BSA, respectively, were selected from 16 monomers by using density functional theory (DFT). Molecularly imprinted resin (MIP-4) with tri-functional groups and excellent selectivity for SSA was synthesized using a macroporous polystyrene resin (NDA-1800) as the carrier. In binary systems, MIP-4 exhibited excellent imprinting effect and adsorption selectivity for SSA. X-ray spectroscopy data and DFT calculations illustrated that the adsorption of SSA on MIP-4 was mainly dependent on the strong electrostatic interaction between the protonated amine group on the resin and -SO3- of SSA, as well as, the hydrogen bond between the neutral amine group and -OH and -COOH of SSA; the order of the three functional groups in identification was -OH > -COOH > -SO3H. In addition, the adsorption performance of MIP-4 was retained after five adsorption-desorption cycles.The different physical-chemical properties of the black ash (200-500 °C) and white ash (>510 °C) generated by wildfire may result in varied impacts on soil biological and abiotic indicators. Many studies have highlighted the environmental impacts of wood ash application due to its complex mixture of beneficial and detrimental compounds. However, few studies have compared the effect of black ash and white ash on soil, especially for the heavy metal polluted soil. In this study, we used the comparative analysis of parallel microcosm experiments to study the impacts of white ash and black ash on bioavailable heavy metals and metabolic potentials of microbial community. The results indicated that both white ash and black ash increased the concentration of soil bioavailable As and Cr, while the increasing trend of bioavailable As could be limited by Ca in the treatment of white ash. The addition of black ash could enhance the abundance of genes related to the Calvin cycle (CBB). Different kinds of wood ash inputs into soils could cause the differences in the microbial taxa for carbon fixation, as indicated by the dominance of different taxa for carbon fixation in white ash versus black ash treatments. Additionally, both white ash and black ash impaired dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), nitrate assimilation and nitrification, while white ash enhanced denitrification.Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have drawn considerable attention due to their environmental health effects, while enhanced understanding of metabolic disorders has provided insight into related diseases. To investigate the impacts of SiNPs exposure on reproduction and reveal their pathogenic mechanisms, this study was designed and conducted from a metabolic perspective. First, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-SiNPs were chemically synthesized and applied to track SiNPs in vitro and in vivo. Next, 30 pregnant mice were intratracheally instilled with 1.25 mg of SiNPs/mouse, then sacrificed 24 h post-treatment. We found that SiNPs penetrated the trophoblast membrane, triggering apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion, and tube formation in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, SiNPs dysregulated phosphofructokinase (Pfkl) and fructose-bisphosphatase 2 (Fbp2) and induced glucose depletion and pyruvate accumulation via the pentose phosphate pathway. Besides, the downregulation of caspase-3 suggested a causal relationship between pyruvate accumulation, pentose phosphate pathway activation, and cell apoptosis. Pfkl and Fbp2 was also dysregulated in vivo, and the uterine inflammation aggravated in a time-dependent manner. In conclusion, SiNPs triggered acute cytotoxicity and uterine inflammation by inducing glucose depletion and pyruvate overload in trophoblasts, which were mediated in part by Pfkl and Fbp2 via the pentose phosphate pathway.A comprehensive study was presented on the ecological risk, distribution, and quantitative source apportionment of heavy metals in the selected lacustrine systems of Schirmacher Hills using various environmental indices and methods. A total of 25 sediment samples from 16 lakes were collected around scientific research stations and analyzed for metals. Geochemical approaches and ecological risk assessment methods were implemented to characterize and evaluate the contamination level and associated risk in the lacustrine systems. Moreover, statistical techniques and a positive matrix factorization (PMF) model were indorsed to understand metals' association and apportion their probable sources. Results revealed that most of the heavy metals (mean concentration in ppm) such as Al (77,504.09), Cd (1.36), Co (29.52), Cr (102.75), Cu (65.19), Fe (57,632.87), Mn (679.05), Ni (49.13), Pb (10.11), and Zn (253.78) are originated from natural weathering of source rocks (78.53%) followed by human-induced actions/ station activities coupled with atmospheric deposition (21.47%). Environmental risk assessment (ERA) techniques suggest that the lakes in the study area are under minimal to moderate enrichment/ contamination category and experienced minimal to adverse biological effects where metal toxicity risk is minimal.We report the rational design of nanocomposite with zirconium phosphate encapsulated on graphene oxide (ZrP/GO) for the highly sensitive and selective analysis of fenitrothion (FT). The characteristics of ZrP/GO nanocomposite are systematically analyzed by various in-depth electron microscopic, spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The ZrP/GO nanocomposite modified electrodes show better electrochemical response towards FT than other electrodes. The improved electrochemical activity of nanocomposite is attributed to large surface area, high conductivity, numerous active surface sites, GO nanosheets served as the conductivity matrix while preventing ZrP from agglomeration and the synergistic effect of ZrP and GO. Benefitting from the unique features, our fabricated sensor exhibits the superior performance in terms of wide working range (0.008-26 μM), appropriate peak potential (-0.61 V), low limit of detection (0.001 µM), high sensitivity (6 µA µM-1 cm-2) with the regression coefficient of 0.999. Additionally, the electrochemical sensor also displays good selectivity, excellent stability (99.6%), reproducibility (4.9%) and reusability (6.1%). The practical applicability of ZrP/GO sensor is shown by performing the detection of FT in water samples. These results clearly suggest that the ZrP/GO nanocomposite is an efficient electrode material for the future real-time environmental monitoring of FT.Photo-induced dissolution greatly limits the application of Bi2O3 photocatalyst in water treatment. In this study, mechanisms for the photo-induced dissolution of Bi2O3 were proposed. (1) Under UV light, h+ forms and diffuses through Bi2O3. (2) The h+, which reaches the surface of Bi2O3 and can be regarded as a monatomic oxygen ion (OS-), is weakly bonded to the crystal lattice. (3) Two OS- combine and the generated (O-O)2- ionic group is oxidized by h+, resulting in the release of O2 and dissolution of Bi2O3. However, modification of Bi2O3 using polyaniline (PANI) greatly inhibits Bi2O3 dissolution under UV. Under the PANI to Bi2O3 mass ratio of 1.5%, the concentration of produced Bi3+ significantly decreased from 2.02 to 0.27 mg/m2 with a high methylene blue (MB) degradation efficiency of 98.3%, thanks to the separation of h+ from VB-Bi2O3 to HOMO-PANI. This study provided the theoretical foundation for the modification and application of Bi2O3 in water treatment.Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted considerable attention from researchers because of their distinct structures and characteristics, especially in maximizing atomic utilization and elevating the intrinsic catalytic activity. More recently, SACs have been becoming a burgeoning area of the environmental field and are extensively applied to remove various refractory organic pollutants. This review summarizes the emerging synthetic and characterization strategies of SACs and analyzes their development tendency. Besides, the application of SACs in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs, e.g., catalysis of H2O2, activation of persulfates and photocatalysis) is discussed. The excellent removal of pollutants depends on the fast generation of reactive oxygen species (SO4•-, •OH, 1O2, and O2•-). The advantages of SACs in AOPs are summarized, and constructive opinions are put forward for the stability and activity of the catalyst. Finally, the opportunities and challenges faced by SACs and its future development direction in the AOPs catalytic field are proposed.Transformation of chloro-organic compounds by nFe(0) has been studied extensively, but limited study exists on the transformation and fate of nFe(0) during the dechlorination of chloro-organics even though such knowledge is important in predicting its surface chemistry, particularly, toxicity in the environment. In this study, the nFe(0) core became hollowed, collapsed and gradually corroded into poorly crystallized ferrihydrite (Fe5O3(OH)9) at the pristine reaction time, which later gave rise to lath-like lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH), acicular goethite (α-FeOOH) and cubic magnetite (Fe3O4) by the end of the reaction time (120 min). Also, dechlorination of 2,4-DCP into 2-CP, 4-CP and phenol was achieved within 120 min. The rapid dechlorination of 2,4-DCP and transformation of nFe(0) could not be achieved significantly without doping Ni on nFe(0) and supporting on attapulgite. The schematic representation of the transformation and compositional evolution of nFe(0) in A-nFe/Ni was proposed. These findings are critical in understanding the compositional evolution and the fate of nFe(0) upon reaction with chloro-organics and can provide guidance for more efficient uses of the nFe(0) reactivity towards the target contaminants in groundwater remediation.Oil pollution from produced water in the offshore petroleum industry is one of the most serious marine pollutants worldwide, and efficient separation technology is crucial for the control of oil pollutant emission. Medium coalescence is an efficient oil-water separation technology, but its theory is lacking and the development is slow. In this work, the microscopic mechanism of fiber coalescence was revealed, and found that the effective collision positions were the three-phase contact line and the exposed fiber surface. Further, a theoretical model for calculating the separation performance of a fiber bed was established. For a given inlet droplet size distribution and bed geometric parameters, the outlet droplet size distribution and the total separation efficiency of the fiber bed can be predicted. Then, an Ω-shaped woven method composed of oil-wet fibers and oil-phobic fibers was designed and the separation performance of the fiber beds prepared by the method and the influence law of various parameters were clarified through macroscopic experiment. Finally, the novel technology achieved its first engineering application on an offshore platform, with the average oil content of the outlet was less than 25 mg/L, which could reform the current treatment process of produced water.Triclocarban (TCC) has a high detection frequency in soil, rivers, sediments, and organisms, and its ecological risks have attracted substantial attention. In this study, we analyzed the fate of TCC in four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Zhengzhou, China, the biodegradation characteristics during the composting process, and the ecological risks of TCC when entering different environmental compartments. The concentration of TCC in the influent was 731.1-812.4 ng/L. More than 53.4% of TCC was biodegraded during the wastewater treatment process, and less than 2.5% was retained in the effluent. TCC was effectively removed through microbial degradation and sewage sludge absorption, and there were only minor differences in the different wastewater treatment processes. It is worth noting that more than 38% of TCC was enriched in sewage sludge (1430.1-1663.8 ng/g). The corresponding biodegradation rates of TCC were 65.7% and 82.8% in sewage sludge after 17 days of composting treatment with sawdust and straw as bulking agents, respectively. The estimated results showed that effluent discharge into the city rivers was safe. Composting could effectively degrade TCC and decrease the ecological risk of TCC when applied to sewage sludge.
To explore, from a philosophy of knowledge perspective, the contribution of the guideline development process to reducing epistemic uncertainty in clinical decision-making - defined as the challenge of applying evidence to patients, dealing with conflicting information and determining the level of confidence in a medical conclusion.

Longitudinal ethnographic study of national guideline development panels. Fieldnotes were collected from 19 panel meetings in UK, Netherlands and Norway (~120h of observation) between September 2016 and February 2019. Draft guidelines, review protocols and background material were collated (~200 documents). Data were analyzed thematically to gain familiarity and then theorized using concepts of knowledge development and use and clinical decision-making.

Guideline development panels in all three countries wrestled with epistemic tensions - notably between the desire to "purify" an assumed external truth (for example by limiting included evidence to high-quality randomized conge critically and reflexively with the philosophical assumptions that underpin guideline development and inductive inference to build capability to deal with clinical complexity.Little is known about the role of clinicians in accounting for adoption and diffusion of medical innovations, especially within the English National Health System. This study examines the importance of surgical consultants and their work-based networks on the diffusion of an important innovation, minimally invasive elective laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal cancer. The study used linked patient-level and workforce data on 260,110 elective colectomies and 1288 consultants between 2000 and 2014, to examine adoption of laparoscopic colectomy pre- and post-introduction of clinical guidelines and total share of colectomies performed laparoscopically by adopters. Laparoscopy as a share of elective colectomy increased from 0% in 2000 to 53% in 2014. Surgeons, rather than hospitals, were the principal agents accounting for the increase and explain 46.6% of the variance in laparoscopic colectomy use. Female surgeons, surgeons trained outside the United Kingdom, and recent graduates had higher rates of laparoscopy adoption. More experienced surgeons and surgeons with more peers who perform laparoscopy were more likely to adopt, adopt early and have greater use of laparoscopy. Targeting clinicians, rather than hospitals, is central to increasing adoption and diffusion of new medical technologies.Seven undescribed (valejatadoids A-G) and 26 known iridoids were obtained from the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana jatamansi. Their structures were determined based on extensive spectroscopic data, especially 1D and 2D NMR, along with HRESIMS. Valejatadoid B is a monoene-type iridoid with a unique double bond between C-4 and C-5. Valejatadoids D-G, jatamanin U, jatamanin O, jatamanvaltrate E, valeriotetrate C, IVHD-valtrate, 10-isovaleroxy-valtrathydrin, jatamanvaltrate Q, valeriandoid F, jatamanvaltrate K, jatamanvaltrate W and isovaltrate were more potent than the positive control when evaluated for inhibition of NO production. Among them, valeriandoid F and jatamanvaltrate K exhibited the most significant inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 0.88 and 0.62 μM, respectively. In addition, valeriandoid F selectively inhibited the proliferation of human glioma stem cell lines, GSC-3# and GSC-18#, with IC50 values of 7.16 and 5.75 μM, respectively.Seven undescribed tirucallane-type triterpenoids, kumunorquassins A‒E and kumuquassins K and L, along with nine known analogues, have been isolated from the leaves of Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated based on comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The absolute configuration of cornusalterin J was unequivocally determined by X-ray diffraction based on its p-bromobenzoate derivative. A brief approach was presented in our study, which could rapidly and conveniently determine the relative and absolute configurations of OCH3-23 of kumuquassin L and cornusalterins J, H and G depending on the chemical shift differences (Δδ) of C-24 and C-25 and the chemical shifts of C-23, H-23 and H-24. In addition, the cytotoxicities of these compounds against two human tumour cell lines (HepG2 and Hep3B) were evaluated.The plant pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins play a crucial role in the defense of plants against pathogens and orchestrate the innate immune system of plants. In this paper, a non-normalized cDNA library of the leaf was constructed to obtain a comprehensive view of PR proteins of Macleaya cordata. Specifically, 511 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were generated using Sanger sequencing. All ESTs were assembled into 364 non-redundancy sequences, including 78 clusters and 286 singlets. The PR protein expression profile of the medicinal herb M. cordata has been investigated and is represented by defensin, lipid-transfer protein, (S)-norcoclaurine synthase, and major allergen protein, suggesting that the herb contains rich active proteins against pathogens. Furthermore, two defensins were selected for recombinant expression in yeast, and the antimicrobial activities were explored. Since they both present a broad antimicrobial spectrum, they are of particular importance for agricultural and medicinal applications. Our study describes defensins in Papaveraceae for the first time and provides novel insights into the effective components. In addition to the alkaloids, PR proteins (such as defensins, lipid transfer proteins, (S) - norcoclaurine synthase, major allergen protein, and Class IV chitinases) are involved in the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of M. cordata.
This study, the first of its kind, originated with the need for a brace (an ankle foot orthosis), to constrain ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion within a motion threshold of <5°. A conventional thermoplastic, solid brace failed during a quasi-static loading study, informing the investigation and development of an experimental carbon composite brace, maximizing stiffness and proximity of shank and foot cylindrical shells to provide the required degree of control.

Two experiments were conducted a quasi-static loading study, using cadaveric limbs (n=2), and a gait study with healthy subjects (n=14). Conditions tested were STOP, FREE, and CONTROL. Data for all studies were collected using six motion-capture cameras (Vicon, Oxford, UK; 120Hz) tracking bone-anchored markers (cadaveric limbs) and skin-anchored markers (subjects). In the quasi-static loading study, loading conditions were congruent with the gait study. Study 1 involved a quasi-static loading analysis using cadaveric limbs, compared motion ce, the ankle-foot complex, and the external forces that affect them both.
The conductive mechanisms of olfaction are typically given little priority in the evaluation of olfactory function. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of nasal vestibule morphological variations on airflow volume at the olfactory recess in healthy subjects.

Anatomically realistic three-dimensional nasal airway models were constructed from computed tomography scans in five subjects. Each individual's unilateral nasal cavity (10 total) was classified according to the shape of their nasal vestibule Standard, Notched, or Elongated. Nasal airflow simulations were performed using computational fluid dynamics modeling at two inspiratory flow rates (15L/min and 30L/min) to reflect resting and moderate breathing rates. Olfactory airflow volume and cross-sectional flow resistance were computed.

Average olfactory airflow volumes (and percent airflow in olfactory) were 0.25L/min to 0.64L/min (3.0%-7.7%; 15L/min simulations) and 0.53L/min to 1.30L/min (3.2%-7.8%; 30L/min simulations) for Standard0 L/min simulations. Further, intra-patient variation in olfactory cleft airflow resistance differs greatly for patients with different unilateral phenotypes compared to patients with identical unilateral phenotype.
Though a large amount of research on the management of headache has been conducted, the clinical effectiveness of these treatments remains unclear.

To reach consensus among international musculoskeletal experts on what the most appropriate management is in patients that suffer from headache.

Expert group and Delphi-study.

A total of 11 experts participated in the expert panel groups, where the role of physiotherapy in the management of headache was discussed. Afterwards, 14 of the initial 25 participants in the field of headache completed the whole Delphi study, which was conducted over 4 rounds. The first round aimed to identify clinical indicators and treatments that are useful in patients with headache. These questions were then categorized and ranked during the second, third, and fourth rounds. Consensual agreement was set at ≥ 80%.

After the final round, 9 interventions were rated as useful by the participants. In the final extra round, 14 clinical indicators were retrieved as important to decide whether or not to start one of the consensual treatments. The top 3 management strategies were (1) upper cervical spine mobilisations in cervivogenic headache, (2) active mobilisation exercises of the cervical spine in cervivogenic headache, and (3) lifestyle advice in tension-type headache and migraine.

International experts agreed that most scientifically established effective treatments are useful in cervicogenic headache. Consensual agreement on treatments for migraine and tension-type headache were only reached for specific treatments. Their recommendations provide a framework for further research and the clinical management of headache.
International experts agreed that most scientifically established effective treatments are useful in cervicogenic headache. Consensual agreement on treatments for migraine and tension-type headache were only reached for specific treatments. Their recommendations provide a framework for further research and the clinical management of headache.
Subgroups of people with low back pain display differences in their lumbar alignment during tests from a clinical examination. However, it is unknown if subgroups display the same patterns during a functional activity test and if gender influences subgroup-related differences.

Test if differences in lumbar alignment between two LBP subgroups are 1) present during a functional activity test of preferred sitting and 2) independent of gender.

Cross-sectional.

154 participants with chronic low back pain were classified based on the Movement System Impairment Classification System by a physical therapist. Participants performed a functional activity test of preferred sitting and clinical tests of maximum flexed and extended sitting. 3D marker co-ordinate data were collected. Sagittal plane lumbar alignment, indexed by lumbar curvature angle, was calculated. A three-way mixed effect analysis of variance was used to examine effects of test, subgroup, gender, subgroup×test, gender×test and subgroup×gender.

reatment of a functional activity of preferred sitting limited due to low back pain.In a series of our previous works, we revealed the beneficial effects of applied soy isoflavones (genistein or daidzein) on the wide context of corticosteroidogenesis in vivo, in a rat model of the andropause. Soy isoflavones decreased the circulating levels of pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone, inhibited aldosterone secretion, as well as corticosterone production and secretion, but stimulated dehydroepiandrosterone secretion, all in andropausal rats. In vitro studies indicate that the mechanism underlying these hormonal changes relies on inhibition of the pituitary tyrosine kinase and adrenocortical 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes by soy isoflavones. Although the clinical studies are in their infancy, the opinion is that genistein and daidzein have therapeutic potential for the safe treatment of ageing-caused androgen deprivation and glucocorticoid excess with related metabolic/hemodynamic issues in males. Our accumulated experience and knowledge in the field of biomedical effects of plant polyph while clinical studies would finally assess the safety and effectiveness of a polyphenol-based remedial strategy. The final supplement represents a product of an appropriate technological process, conducted in accordance with the recommendations derived from the preceding research.Although personality is thought to be 50% heritable, consensus has not been reached about the specific genes involved, interest in genes affecting personality and behavior continues because of the linkage of personality traits with both physical and mental illness. One hundred and twenty years of study of the ABO blood types and the genes causing them has led to more precise assignment of genotype-phenotype linkage. Countries like Japan and Korea with 100 years history of study of ABO blood groups and personality as well as other countries have published research with no consensus. Introversion is a well-studied personality trait with 50% genetic causation. Dopamine system has been linked to the introversion-extroversion spectrum with high dopamine linked to introversion. Dopamine beta hydroxylase determines the ratio of dopamine to norepinephrine. Dopamine beta hydroxylase gene, DBH, is in linkage disequilibrium with ABO gene thus offering insight into the ABO findings related to personality traits. ABO blooeeds to be dissected to see whether ABO A allele or ABO B allele is the driver of the introspective trait. Based on the literature and on observation, the hypothesis was that ABO B is the driver of introversion trait. A pilot student of 225 obstetric gynecology patients using the online NPA personality test showed higher scores for introversion tendancies in ABO AB compared to ABO O and when ABO AB was compared to ABO A. This supports ABO B as the driver of introversion tendancies in the ABO gene. Studies using ABO genotypes instead of ABO phenotypes should provide further support for this hypothesis. Given the support for introversion tendancies in personality caused by higher dopamine genetically with dopamine beta hydroxylase low activity and this dopamine state being common mechanism for such conditions as schizophrenia and autism, continued discoveries of genes that impact this state will lead to many health implications.Falls prevention in older adults is a targeted priority because a fall can lead to disability, institutionalisation and presents a signficant financial burden. Falls are multifactoral in nature however, impairments in both physical and cognitive functioning have been linked to their occurrence. Currently, testing and exercise training for falls prevention focuses on physical qualities such as balance and strength. Agility is a unique physical quality that couples an individuals perceptual cognitive ability with the ability to produce a quick and accurate movement. Agility is relatively well understood in a sporting context however, its application to falls prevention has been minimal. Because a fall may occur while an individual is perceiving information from the dynamic environment around them while attempting to execute a rapid and accurate movement it is hypothesised that concepts and methods used to assess and train agility in athlete populations can be use to improve practices related to the screening and training to mitigate the risk of a fall in an older adult.
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