Micelles regulated thin film nanocomposite membrane with enhanced nanofiltration performance

The desalination performance of thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes is significantly influenced by the nature of nanofillers and the structure of the polyamide (PA) layer. Herein, a micelles regulated interfacial polymerization (MRIP) strategy is reported for the preparation of TFN membranes with enhanced nanofiltration (NF) performance. Specially, stable and ultrafine micelles, synthesized from the poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(4-vinyl pyridine)-b-polystyrene (PEO-PVP-PS) triblock copolymers, were utilized as regulators in the aqueous phase during the interfacial polymerization (IP) process. TFN membranes were fabricated with varying concentrations of micelles to improve their properties and performances. The structure of the PA layer was further regulated by modulating the content of trimesoyl chloride (TMC), which significantly enhances the performance of the TFN membrane with micelles. Attributable to the homogeneously dispersed micelles and the modified PA layer, the optimized membrane denoted as TFN-2-0.3 exhibits an improved separation performance of 20.7 L m-2h-1 bar-1 and 99.3 % Na2SO4 rejection, demonstrating nearly twice the permeance and 2.7 % higher rejection than that of the original control membrane, respectively. The mechanism of this MRIP strategy was investigated through the diffusion experiments of piperazine (PIP) and interfacial tension tests. The incorporated micelles effectively lower the interfacial tension, promote the diffusion of PIP and accelerate the IP reaction, resulting in a denser and thinner PA layer. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that TFN membranes with micelles exhibit increased roughness, enhanced hydrophilicity, superior rejection to divalent salts, and better acid-base resistance, highlighting their potential applications in the design of TFN membranes.

Hollow CoP/carbon as an efficient catalyst for the peroxymonosulfate activation derived from phytic acid assisted metal-organic framework

The catalyst's composition and rationally designed structure is significantly interlinked with its performance for wastewater remediation. Here, a novel hollow cobalt phosphides/carbon (HCoP/C) as an efficient catalyst for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) was prepared. The ZIF-67 was synthesized first, followed by phytic acid (PA) etching and then heat treatment was used to get HCoP/C. The PA was used as an etching agent and a source of phosphorus to prepare HCoP/C. To analyze catalytic performance, another solid cobalt phosphides/carbon (SCoP/C) catalyst was prepared for comparison. In contrast to SCoP/C, the HCoP/C exhibited higher catalytic efficiency when used to activate PMS to degrade Bisphenol A (BPA). The results showed that about 98 % of targeted pollutant BPA was removed from the system in 6 min with a rate constant of 0.78 min-1, which was 4 times higher than the solid structure catalyst. The higher catalytic performance of HCoP/C is attributed to its hollow structure. In the study, other parameters such as BPA concentration, temperature, pH, and different catalyst amount were also tested. Moreover, the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and radical quenching analysis confirmed that sulfate radicals were dominant in the HCoP/C/PMS system.

Ultrathin nitrogen-doped carbon Ti3C2Tx-TiN heterostructure derived from ZIF-8 nanoparticles sandwiched MXene for high-performance capacitive deionization

Rational design of high-performance electrode materials is crucial for enhancing desalination performance of capacitive deionization (CDI). Here, ultrathin nitrogen-doped carbon/Ti3C2Tx-TiN (NC/MX-TiN) heterostructure was developed by pyrolyzing zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles sandwiched MXene (ZSM), which were formed by assembling ultrafine ZIF-8 nanoparticles with size of 20 nm on both sides of MXene nanosheets. The introduction of ultrasmall ZIF-8 particles allowed for in situ nitridation of the MXene during pyrolysis, forming consecutive TiN layers tightly connected to the internal MXene. The two-dimensional (2D) heterostructure exhibited remarkable properties, including high specific surface area and excellent conductivity. Additionally, the resulting TiN demonstrated exceptional redox capability, which significantly enhanced the performance of CDI and ensured cycling stability. Benefiting from these advantages, the NC/MX-TiN exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 45.6 mg g-1 and a steady cycling performance in oxygenated saline water over 50 cycles. This work explores the rational design and construction of MXene-based 2D heterostructure and broadens new horizons for the development of novel CDI electrode materials.

[Risk prediction and function evaluation by T-cell epitope model and expression model of HLA-DPB1 mismatching in unrelated-donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantations]

Objective: To evaluate the risk prediction and assessment function of HLA-DPB1 T-cell epitope (TCE) model and expression model in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (MUD-HSCT) with HLA-DPB1 mismatching. Methods: A total of 364 (182 pairs) potential MUD-HSCT donors and recipients confirmed by HLA high-resolution typing in Shaanxi Blood Center from 2016 to 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Of the 182 recipients, there were 121 males and 61 females with an average age of (26.3±14.2) years. Of the 182 donors, there were 148 males and 34 females with an average age of (33.7±7.5) years. Polymerase chain reaction-sequence-based typing (PCR-SBT), next-generation sequencing (NGS) and polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific oligonucleotide probe (PCR-SSO) based on LABScan®3D platform were used for high-resolution typing of HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DQB1, DPB1 gene, and PCR-SBT was used for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing. TCE model and expression model were used to predict and evaluate the HLA-DPB1 mismatch pattern and acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD) risk. Results: A total of 26 HLA-DPB1 alleles and their 3'-UTR rs9277534 SNP genotypes were detected in this study population, and two new alleles HLA-DPB1*1052∶01 and HLA-DPB1*1119∶01 were found and officially named. The overall mismatch rate of HLA-DPB1 in MUD-HSCT donors and recipients was 90.66% (165/182). In TCE model, the HLA-DPB1 mismatch rates of permissible mismatch (PM) and non-permissible mismatch (non-PM) were 47.80% (87/182) and 42.86% (78/182), respectively. The non-PM in GvH direction was 13.73% (25/182), and which in HvG direction was 29.12% (53/182). A total of 73 pairs of donors and recipients in TCE model met the evaluation criteria of expression model. Among of TCE PM group, recipient DP5 mismatches accounted for 34.25% (25/73) were predicted as aGVHD high risk according to expression model. For the TCE non-PM group, both the recipient DP2 mismatches of 6.85% (5/73) and recipient DP5 mismatches of 10.86% (8/73) were predicted to be at high risk for aGVHD. Risk prediction by TCE model and expression model was 27.27% concordant and 16.97% unconcordant. Conclusions: TCE model and expression model are effective tools to predict aGVHD risk of MUD-HSCT. Comprehensive application of the two models is helpful to the hierarchical assessment of HSCT risk.

The m6A modification mediated-lncRNA POU6F2-AS1 reprograms fatty acid metabolism and facilitates the growth of colorectal cancer via upregulation of FASN

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key players in tumorigenesis and tumour progression. However, the biological functions and potential mechanisms of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) are unclear.

METHODS

The novel lncRNA POU6F2-AS1 was identified through bioinformatics analysis, and its expression in CRC patients was verified via qRT-PCR and FISH. In vitro and in vivo experiments, such as BODIPY staining, Oil Red O staining, triglyceride (TAG) assays, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were subsequently performed with CRC specimens and cells to determine the clinical significance, and functional roles of POU6F2-AS1. Biotinylated RNA pull-down, RIP, Me-RIP, ChIP, and patient-derived organoid (PDO) culture assays were performed to confirm the underlying mechanism of POU6F2-AS1.

RESULTS

The lncRNA POU6F2-AS1 is markedly upregulated in CRC and associated with adverse clinicopathological features and poor overall survival in CRC patients. Functionally, POU6F2-AS1 promotes the growth and lipogenesis of CRC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, METTL3-induced m6A modification is involved in the upregulation of POU6F2-AS1. Furthermore, upregulated POU6F2-AS1 could tether YBX1 to the FASN promoter to induce transcriptional activation, thus facilitating the growth and lipogenesis of CRC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data revealed that the upregulation of POU6F2-AS1 plays a critical role in CRC fatty acid metabolism and might provide a novel promising biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC.

Iron containing sludge-derived carbon towards efficient peroxymonosulfate activation: Active site synergy, performance and alternation mechanism

Converting industrial sludge into catalytic materials for water purification is a promising approach to simultaneously realize effective disposal of sludge and resource of water. However, manipulating the high efficiency remains a huge challenge due to the difficulty in the active sites control of the sludge. Herein, we proposed a constitutive modulation strategy by the combination of hydrothermal and pyrolysis (HTP) for the fabrication of defects-assistant Fe containing sludge-derived carbon catalysts on upgrading performance in peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation for pollutant degradation. Adjustable defects on dyeing sludge-derived carbon catalysts (DSCC) were achieved by introducing oxygen or nitrogen functional precursors (hydroquinone or p-phenylenediamine) during hydrothermal processes and by further pyrolysis, where O was detrimental while N was beneficial to defect generation. Compared to the DSCC with less defects (DHSC-O), the defect-rich sample (DHSC-2N) exhibited superior catalytic performance of PMS activation for bisphenol A (BPA) elimination (k = 0.45 min-1, 2.52 times of DHSC-O), as well as 81.4% total organic carbon (TOC) removal. Meanwhile, the degradation capacity was verified in wide pH range (2.1-8.1) and various aqueous matrices, reflecting the excellent adaptability and anti-interference performance. Furthermore, the continuous-flow experiments on industrial wastewater showed synchronous BPA and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, implying great potential for practical application. Solid electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and 57Fe Mösssbauer spectra analysis indicated that the defects acted as secondary active sites for Fe sites, which were beneficial to accelerating the electron transfer process. The only Fe active sites preferred the radical pathway. The controllable reaction tendency provides possibilities for the on-demand design of sludge-based catalysts to meet the requirements of practical wastewater treatment under Fenton-like reaction.

Dyeing sludge-derived biochar for efficient removal of antibiotic from water

Adsorption is one of the most effective methods for ecotoxic antibiotics removal, while developing high-performance adsorbents with excellent adsorption capacity is indispensable. As the unavoidable by-product of wastewater, sewage sludge has dual properties of pollution and resources. In this study, dyeing sludge waste was converted to biochar by KOH activation and pyrolysis, and used as an efficient adsorbent for aqueous antibiotics removal. The optimized dyeing sludge-derived biochar (KSC-8) has excellent specific surface area (1178.4 m2/g) and the adsorption capacity for tetracycline (TC) could reach up to 1081.3 mg/g, which is four and five times higher than those without activation, respectively. The PSO (pseudo-second-order) kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model fitted better to the experimental data. The obtained KSC-8 has stabilized adsorption capacity for long-term fixed-bed experiments, and maintained 86.35% TC removal efficiency after five adsorption-regeneration cycles. The adsorption mechanism involves electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions and pore filling. This work is a green and eco-friendly way as converting the waste to treat waste in aiming of simultaneous removal of antibiotics and resource recovery of dyeing sludge.

Ultralight and Robust Covalent Organic Framework Fiber Aerogels

Shaping covalent organic frameworks (COFs) into macroscopic objects with robust mechanical properties and hierarchically porous structure is of great significance for practical applications but remains formidable and challenging. Herein, a general and scalable protocol is reported to prepare ultralight and robust pure COF fiber aerogels (FAGs), based on the epitaxial growth synergistic assembly (EGSA) strategy. Specifically, intertwined COF nanofibers (100-200 nm) are grown in situ on electrospinning polyacrylonitrile (PAN) microfibers (≈1.7 µm) containing urea-based linkers, followed by PAN removal via solvent extraction to obtain the hollow COF microfibers. The resultant COF FAGs possess ultralow density (14.1-15.5 mg cm-3 ) and hierarchical porosity that features both micro-, meso-, and macropores. Significantly, the unique interconnected structure composed of nanofibers and hollow microfibers endows the COF FAGs with unprecedented mechanical properties, which can fully recover at 50% strain and be compressed for 20 cycles with less than 5% stress degradation. Moreover, the aerogels exhibit excellent capacity for organic solvent absorption (e.g., chloroform uptake of >90 g g-1 ). This study opens new avenues for the design and fabrication of macroscopic COFs with excellent properties.

Genome-wide association study identifies multiple loci influencing duck serum biochemical indicators in the laying period

1. Laying performance is an important economic trait in poultry. The blood is essential in transporting nutrients to the yolk and albumen and is necessary for egg formation.2. This study calculated the phenotypic relationships of duck egg quality, egg production efficiency and 22 serum parameters in the egg-laying stage. Using a variety of methodologies, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out to uncover the genetic foundations of the 22 serum biochemical markers of laying ducks.3. Spearman correlation coefficients between the egg production (226-329 per day) and the serum parameters were all weak, being less than 0.3. This analysis was done on 22 serum parameters, with total protein (TP), total triglycerides (TG), calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) having the highest correlation coefficients (r = 0.56-0.88). The coefficients for blood markers, such as total cholesterol (CHOL), total bilirubin (TBIL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) varied from 0.70-0.94.4. Based on single-marker single-trait genome-wide analyses by a mixed linear model program of EMMAX, nine candidate genes were associated with enzyme traits (AST/ALT aspartate transaminase/glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, creatine kinase) and 19 candidate genes were associated with metabolism and protein-related serum parameters (glucose, total bile acid, uric acid (UA), albumin (ALB).5. The mvLMM (multivariate linear mixed model) of GEMMA software was used to carry out multiple trait integrated GWAS. Two candidate genes were found in the TP-TG-CA-P analysis and seven candidate genes in the CHOL_LDL-C_HDL-C_TBIL study. There was a high genetic correlation between the two groups.

Engineering Multinanochannel Polymer-Intercalated Graphene Oxide Membrane for Strict Volatile Sieving in Membrane Distillation

Graphene oxide (GO) membranes enabled by subnanosized diffusion channels are promising to separate small species in membrane distillation (MD). However, the challenge of effectively excluding small volatiles in MD persists due to the severe swelling and subsequent increase in GO interlamination spacing upon direct contact with the hot feed. To address this issue, we implemented a design in which a polymer is confined between the GO interlaminations, creating predominantly 2D nanochannels centered around 0.57 nm with an average membrane pore size of 0.30 nm. Compared to the virginal GO membrane, the polymer-intercalated GO membrane exhibits superior antiswelling performance, particularly at a high feed temperature of 60 °C. Remarkably, the modified membrane exhibited a high flux of approximately 52 L m-2 h-1 and rejection rates of about 100% for small ions and 98% for volatile phenol, with a temperature difference of 40 °C. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the sieving mechanisms for ions and volatiles are facilitated by the narrowed nanochannels within the polymer network situated between the 2D nanochannels of GO interlaminations. Concurrently, the unrestricted permeation of water molecules through the multinanochannel GO membrane encourages high-flux desalination of complex hypersaline wastewater.

Mesoporous dopamine-modified leaf-like zeolitic imidazolate frameworks derived carbon for efficient capacitive deionization

The onstruction of novel porous carbon materials for efficient desalination is crucial but remains challenging for capacitive deionization (CDI) development. Herein, a micelle-assisted strategy was raised to coat mesoporous polydopamine (mPDA) on the surface of two-dimensional (2D) leaf-like zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFL) followed by confinement pyrolysis. The introduction of the mPDA layer can not only mitigate the backbone collapse of ZIFL during pyrolysis to build a favorable porous environment for efficient ion transport and diffusion, but also induce explosive growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to improve the electron conductivity. As expected, the derivative ZIFL@mPDA-C possessed a high desalination capacity of 41.9 mg g-1 in 500  mg L-1 NaCl solution at an operating voltage of 1.2 V. In particular, the retention ratio of the desalination capacity of ZIFL@mPDA-C was about 100 % after 50 consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles, while its leaf-like morphology and hierarchical pore structures were well preserved. This study highlights the importance of rationally designed structures and components for the performance breakthrough of carbon-based CDI electrode materials.

Enhancing Uranium Removal with a Titanium-Incorporated Zirconium-Based Metal-Organic Framework

The urgent need to efficiently and rapidly decontaminate uranium contamination in aquatic environments underscores its significance for ecological preservation and environmental restoration. Herein, a series of titanium-doped zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks were meticulously synthesized through a stepwise process. The resultant hybrid bimetallic materials, denoted as NU-Zr-n%Ti, exhibited remarkable efficiency in eliminating uranium (U (VI)) from aqueous solution. Batch experiments were executed to comprehensively assess the adsorption capabilities of NU-Zr-n%Ti. Notably, the hybrid materials exhibited a substantial increase in adsorption capacity for U (VI) compared to the parent NU-1000 framework. Remarkably, the optimized NU-Zr-15%Ti displayed a noteworthy adsorption capacity (∼118 mg g-1) along with exceptionally rapid kinetics at pH 4.0, surpassing that of pristine NU-1000 by a factor of 10. This heightened selectivity for U (VI) persisted even when diverse ions exist. The dominant mechanisms driving this high adsorption capacity were identified as the robust electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged surface of NU-Zr-15%Ti and positively charged U (VI) species as well as surface complexation. Consequently, NU-Zr-15%Ti emerges as a promising contender for addressing uranium-laden wastewater treatment and disposal due to its favorable sequestration performance.

Genome-wide association analysis of neck ring traits in NongHua ma male ducks

1. Male NongHua ma ducks have more colourful feathers than females, especially considering that the former have a distinctive neck ring that is different from that of females. This ring development might be influenced by sex selection, the environment, genetics and other elements.2. Genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was used to locate candidate genes that affect the neck ring formation of male ducks to investigate the genetic basis of this phenomenon.3. In this study, the neck ring area and width of 180 male ducks were assessed at ages 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 d. GWAS was used to identify associated genes. There were 0, 7, 14, 48 and 21 possible candidate genes annotated around the 0, 12, 25, 76 and 40 SNP loci n corresponding regions. A total of 13 candidate genes were identified around 21 SNP sites at the neck ring width of 120 d.4. These significant genes were annotated and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed. All SNPs that exceeded the significance threshold were annotated and preliminarily screened as candidate genes affecting neck ring formation. From analysis of gene function and enriched KEGG pathways, genes such as THSD1, SLC6A4, DGAT2, PRKDC, B3GAT2, ROR1, GRK7, EXTL3, TXNDC12, COL4A2, PRKG1, ACTR3, were considered important candidate marker sites related to the neck ring. This provided a reference starting point for the genetic mechanism underlying duck feather colour.

Mass spectrometry-based metabolic profiling for identification of biomarkers related to footpad dermatitis in ducks

1. A new assessment method for duck footpad dermatitis (FPD) evaluation was developed, combining visual and histological characters using the images and sections of 400 ducks' feet at 340 d of age. All ducks were graded as G0 (healthy), G1 (mild), G2 (moderate) and G3 (severe) according to the degree of FPD.2. To reveal the potential biomarkers in serum related to duck FPD, non-targeted metabolomics and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were used to explore differential metabolites in each group.3. There were 57, 91 and 210 annotated differential metabolites in groups G1, G2 and G3 compared with G0, which meant that the severity of FPD increased in line with the number of metabolites. Four metabolites, L-phenylalanine, L-arginine, L-leucine and L-lysine, were considered potential biomarkers related to FPD.4. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the FPD was mainly involved in glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway and amino acid metabolism. These are related to production metabolism and can affect the physiological activities of ducks, which might explain the decrease in production performance.

First Dark Matter Search with Nuclear Recoils from the XENONnT Experiment

We report on the first search for nuclear recoils from dark matter in the form of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with the XENONnT experiment, which is based on a two-phase time projection chamber with a sensitive liquid xenon mass of 5.9 ton. During the (1.09±0.03)  ton yr exposure used for this search, the intrinsic ^{85}Kr and ^{222}Rn concentrations in the liquid target are reduced to unprecedentedly low levels, giving an electronic recoil background rate of (15.8±1.3)  events/ton yr keV in the region of interest. A blind analysis of nuclear recoil events with energies between 3.3 and 60.5 keV finds no significant excess. This leads to a minimum upper limit on the spin-independent WIMP-nucleon cross section of 2.58×10^{-47}  cm^{2} for a WIMP mass of 28  GeV/c^{2} at 90% confidence level. Limits for spin-dependent interactions are also provided. Both the limit and the sensitivity for the full range of WIMP masses analyzed here improve on previous results obtained with the XENON1T experiment for the same exposure.

Searching for Heavy Dark Matter near the Planck Mass with XENON1T

Multiple viable theoretical models predict heavy dark matter particles with a mass close to the Planck mass, a range relatively unexplored by current experimental measurements. We use 219.4 days of data collected with the XENON1T experiment to conduct a blind search for signals from multiply interacting massive particles (MIMPs). Their unique track signature allows a targeted analysis with only 0.05 expected background events from muons. Following unblinding, we observe no signal candidate events. This Letter places strong constraints on spin-independent interactions of dark matter particles with a mass between 1×10^{12} and 2×10^{17}  GeV/c^{2}. In addition, we present the first exclusion limits on spin-dependent MIMP-neutron and MIMP-proton cross sections for dark matter particles with masses close to the Planck scale.

Interlayered Interface of a Thin Film Composite Janus Membrane for Sieving Volatile Substances in Membrane Distillation

Hypersaline wastewater treatment using membrane distillation (MD) has gained significant attention due to its ability to completely reject nonvolatile substances. However, a critical limitation of current MD membranes is their inability to intercept volatile substances owing to their large membrane pores. Additionally, the strong interaction between volatile substances and MD membranes underwater tends to cause membrane wetting. To overcome these challenges, we developed a dual-layer thin film composite (TFC) Janus membrane through electrospinning and sequential interfacial polymerization of a polyamide (PA) layer and cross-linking a polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid (PP) layer. The resulting Janus membrane exhibited high flux (>27 L m^-2 h^-1), salt rejection of ∼100%, phenol rejection of ∼90%, and excellent resistance to wetting and fouling. The interlayered interface between the PA and PP layer allowed the sieve of volatile substances by limiting their dissolution-diffusion, with the increasing hydrogen bond network formation preventing their transport. In contrast, small water molecules with powerful dynamics were permeable through the TFC membrane. Both experimental and molecular dynamics simulation results elucidated the sieving mechanism. Our findings demonstrate that this type of TFC Janus membrane can serve as a novel strategy to design next-generation MD membranes against volatile and non-volatile contaminants, which can have significant implications in the treatment of complex hypersaline wastewater.

Improvement of peroxymonosulfate utilization efficiency for sulfamethazine degradation by photo-electron activating peroxymonosulfate: Performance and mechanism

Enhancing the utilization efficiency of oxidant is of great importance for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Herein, nitrogen-doped titania dioxide/carbon (NTC7) catalyst was fabricated via pyrolyzing NH₂-MIL-125 under nitrogen atmosphere at 700 °C. Excitation of NTC7 under visible light can successfully achieve efficient activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) (NTC7 + PMS + Vis). Degradation performance and PMS activation mechanism were systematically investigated using sulfamethazine (SMT) as the target pollutant. It was found that the photo-generated electrons excited from NTC7 under visible light played the dominant role in enhancing the productive consumption of PMS. Its utilization increased by 66 % (Δ[PMS]/Δ[SMT] = 7.0) in NTC7 + PMS + Vis process and the degradation rate was 2.14 times higher than that of NTC7 + PMS process. The ketonic CO groups and structural defects were responsible for the generation of ¹O₂ in dark activation while radicals (•OH, O₂^•-) were more inclined to be continuously produced in NTC7 + PMS + Vis process. The involved degradation pathways, intermediates, and toxicity assessment have been studied in detail. This work provides an effective approach to enhance the utilization efficiency of oxidant for pollutant degradation by AOPs.

Maize resistance to witchweed through changes in strigolactone biosynthesis

Maize (Zea mays) is a major staple crop in Africa, where its yield and the livelihood of millions are compromised by the parasitic witchweed Striga. Germination of Striga is induced by strigolactones exuded from maize roots into the rhizosphere. In a maize germplasm collection, we identified two strigolactones, zealactol and zealactonoic acid, which stimulate less Striga germination than the major maize strigolactone, zealactone. We then showed that a single cytochrome P450, ZmCYP706C37, catalyzes a series of oxidative steps in the maize-strigolactone biosynthetic pathway. Reduction in activity of this enzyme and two others involved in the pathway, ZmMAX1b and ZmCLAMT1, can change strigolactone composition and reduce Striga germination and infection. These results offer prospects for breeding Striga-resistant maize.

[Study on the reliability and validity of the Chinese Criteria of Health Scale for the elderly people]

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese Criteria of Health Scale for the elderly people. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among older adults of Meiyuan Community in Haidian District, Beijing and Nanwangkong Village in Qingzhou City,Shandong Province during July 2021. Using a cluster sampling method, totally 667 elderly people were investigated by face-to-face interview, using the scale which was formulated after two rounds of the Delphi method and pilot study. The overall scale includes physical health, mental health and social health subscales, including 9, 52 and 15 items, respectively. Four weeks after the survey, 56 elderly people were randomly selected and repeated the survey with the same method. The test-retest reliability, split-half reliability and internal consistency reliability of the scale were evaluated, and the validity was evaluated at the same time, including construct validity and content validity. Results: A total of 710 questionnaires were distributed and 667 valid questionnaires were obtained, with a total effective rate of 93.94%. The score of the overall scale was 79.79±16.22, the scores of the physical health, mental health, social health sub-scores were 41.64±9.76, 26.82±3.92 and 11.34±5.19, respectively. The scale had excellent reliability. In the test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the overall scale and each subscale were 0.766-0.861, and the weighted Kappa values were 0.762-0.817. The Spearman-Brown coefficient of the overall scale and each subscale in the split-half reliability were 0.722-0.855 (all P<0.001). The Cronbach's α coefficients of the overall scale of internal consistency reliability and each subscale were 0.748-0.899, and the Cronbach's α coefficients of each dimension were from 0.709 to 0.963(all P<0.001). At the same time, the scale had good construct validity and content validity. The correlation coefficients between the score of each dimension and its sub-scale were larger, from 0.641 to 0.873 (all P<0.05). The cumulative variance contribution rates of the scale and three subscales were all more than 50% of the approved standard. A total of 11 common factors were extracted, and all the load values of each item on the corresponding factors were ≥0.04. Conclusion: The Chinese Criteria of Health Scale for the elderly people has good validity and excellent reliability. It can be used as a basis for the scientific division of the health status of the elderly, the formulation of relevant policies by the government and the provision of appropriate health services for the elderly.

TiO2/C coated Co3O4 nanocages for peroxymonosulfate activation towards efficient degradation of organic pollutants

Developing new catalysts for efficient degradation of micropollutants in water is of significant importance in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Herein, TiO₂/C coated Co₃O₄ nanocages (Co₃O₄@TiO₂/C) were synthesized and their performance on micropollutants degradation was evaluated. Specifically, cobalt-based Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) coated by a thin layer of titanium species and polydopamine (PDA) was used as a precursor for the preparation of Co₃O₄@TiO₂/C by two-step calcination. The catalytic performance of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation towards the degradation of organic pollutants was investigated by using atrazine (ATZ) and Bisphenol A (BPA) as typical micropollutants. The efficiency and the effect of TiO₂/C shell on the as-synthesized catalyst were analyzed by comparing Co₃O₄ derived from ZIF-67 and Co₃O₄/C derived from ZIF-67/PDA. ATZ degradation results showed that the Co₃O₄@TiO₂/C catalyst was the most efficient for catalytic oxidation when 99.5% of ATZ was removed within 4 min, which is 57.5% and 74.6% faster than that of Co₃O₄@C and Co₃O₄, respectively. The enhanced performance of Co₃O₄@TiO₂/C is attributed to their unique nanocages structure and improved specific surface area. The catalysis mechanisms and ATZ degradation pathways were presented based on the results of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), XPS, and LC-MS analysis. Our results might have added to the design of heterogeneous catalysts of large surface area for efficient PMS activation in AOPs.

Polyacrylonitrile/Aminated Polymeric Nanosphere Nanofibers as Efficient Adsorbents for Cr(VI) Removal

In this work, polyacrylonitrile/aminated polymeric nanosphere (PAN/APN) nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning of monodispersed aminated polymeric nanospheres (APNs) for removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. Characterization results showed that obtained PAN/APNs possessed nitrogen functionalization. Furthermore, the adsorption application results indicated that PAN/APN nanofibers exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 556 mg/g at 298 K for Cr(VI) removal. The kinetic data showed that the adsorption process fits the pseudo-second order. A thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption of Cr(VI) was spontaneous and endothermic. The coexisting ions Na⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻ and PO₄³⁻ had little influence on Cr(VI) adsorption, while SO₄²⁻ in solution dramatically decreased the removal performance. In the investigation of the removal mechanism, relative results indicated that the adsorption behavior possibly involved electrostatic adsorption, redox reaction and chelation. PAN/APN nanofibers can detoxify Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and subsequently chelate Cr(III) on its surface. The unique structure and nitrogen functionalization of PAN/APN nanofibers make them novel and prospective candidates in heavy metal removal.

Search for New Physics in Electronic Recoil Data from XENONnT

We report on a blinded analysis of low-energy electronic recoil data from the first science run of the XENONnT dark matter experiment. Novel subsystems and the increased 5.9 ton liquid xenon target reduced the background in the (1, 30) keV search region to (15.8±1.3)  events/(ton×year×keV), the lowest ever achieved in a dark matter detector and ∼5 times lower than in XENON1T. With an exposure of 1.16 ton-years, we observe no excess above background and set stringent new limits on solar axions, an enhanced neutrino magnetic moment, and bosonic dark matter.

Material radiopurity control in the XENONnT experiment

The selection of low-radioactive construction materials is of the utmost importance for rare-event searches and thus critical to the XENONnT experiment. Results of an extensive radioassay program are reported, in which material samples have been screened with gamma-ray spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$^{222}$$\end{document}222Rn emanation measurements. Furthermore, the cleanliness procedures applied to remove or mitigate surface contamination of detector materials are described. Screening results, used as inputs for a XENONnT Monte Carlo simulation, predict a reduction of materials background (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\sim $$\end{document}∼17%) with respect to its predecessor XENON1T. Through radon emanation measurements, the expected \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$^{222}$$\end{document}222Rn activity concentration in XENONnT is determined to be 4.2 (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$^{+0.5}_{-0.7}$$\end{document}-0.7+0.5) \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\upmu $$\end{document}μBq/kg, a factor three lower with respect to XENON1T. This radon concentration will be further suppressed by means of the novel radon distillation system.

Rational Regulation of Co-N-C Coordination for High-Efficiency Generation of 1O2 toward Nearly 100% Selective Degradation of Organic Pollutants

Single oxygen-based advanced oxidation processes (¹O₂-AOPs) exhibit great prospects in selective degradation of organic pollutants. However, efficient production of ¹O₂ via tailored design of catalysts to achieve selective oxidation of contaminants remains challenging. Herein, we develop a simple strategy to regulate the components and coordination of Co-N-C catalysts at the atomic level by adjusting the Zn/Co ratio of bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (Zn_xCo₁-ZIFs). Zn₄Co₁-C demonstrates 98% selective removal of phenol in the mixed phenol/benzoic acid (phenol/BA) solutions. Density functional theory calculations and experiments reveal that more active CoN₄ sites are generated in Zn₄Co₁-C, which are beneficial to peroxymonosulfate activation to generate ¹O₂. Furthermore, the correlation between the origin of selectivity and well-defined catalysts is systematically investigated by the electron paramagnetic resonance test and quenching experiments. This work may provide novel insights into selective removal of target pollutants in a complicated water matrix.

AB1043 IDENTIFICATION OF UNUSUAL TOPHI ANTERIOR TO THE THYROID CARTILAGE USING DIFFERENT IMAGING METHODS

Background

Inadequately treated gout patients could develop tophi. However, tophi could appear as atypical mass, leading to difficulty in differential diagnosis.

Objectives

The objectives of the study were to describe an unusual case with tophi anterior to the Thyroid Cartilage using different imaging methods.

Methods

Clinical information of the case was presented. Ultrasound, dual energy Computed Tomography (DECT) and CT scan were compared to describe the tophi.

Results

A 66-year-old man with a 30-year history of gout was admitted. He had received urate-lowering drugs intermittently over the past few years. Physical examination revealed multiple tophi on the hands, feet, and other auricular surfaces. Moreover, there was a subcutaneous mass above the thyroid cartilage (Figure 1A). Ultrasound revealed hyperechoic nodule anterior to the thyroid cartilage, 11*7cm in size, with uneven internal echo, no blood flow signal inside, and a close relationship between the barrier of the nodule and the thyroid cartilage (Figure 1B). DECT of the neck confirmed that the mass anterior to the thyroid cartilage were tophi (Figure 1C-D). A plain radiographic evaluation demonstrated soft-tissue swellings and para-articular erosions involving hands (Figure 1E-F). The serum creatinine and uric acid levels were elevated as follows, creatinine, 562 μmol per liter (normal range, 31.8 to 116); and uric acid, 621 μmol per liter (normal range, 90 to 420).

Figure 1.

Tophi detected by different imaging methods. A.A picture of the mass anterior to the thyroid cartilage; B. A mass anterior to the thyroid cartilage detected by ultrasound; C. The mass anterior to the thyroid cartilage detected by dual energy CT; D. The mass anterior to the thyroid cartilage detected by CT scan; E. a picture of tophi in the hands; F. a plain radiograph of tophi in the hands.

Conclusion

DECT has more advantages over ultrasound and CT for detection of atypical tophi in gout patients.

Disclosure of Interests

Yutong Jiang Grant/research support from: Scientific and Technological Planning Project of Guangzhou City [grant number 202102020150], Xinyu Wu: None declared, Zetao Liao: None declared, Jun Qi: None declared, Jieruo Gu: None declared

Effect of rehabilitation on the long-term efficacy of botulinum toxin-A for spastic cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the long-term effects of botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) nerve block on relaxation of spasticity in cerebral palsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From June 2015 to December 2018, 52 children, aged 20-56 months, with spastic cerebral palsy were treated with BTX-A. The dose of BTX-A was selected based on the weight of the child and the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). The injection dose ranged from 45 IU to 150 IU (average 68.0±31.6 IIU). The muscle tone and motor functions of all children were evaluated before the block. The spasticity was measured using the MAS, and the motor function was measured using the Physician Rating Scale (PRS) and the gross motor function measure (GMFM). After two years, all children were re-evaluated.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between the trial and control groups in terms of age, weight, MAS, PRS, and GMFM measurements before the block (p>0.05). The PRS and GMFM improved significantly in both groups after two years (p<0.05). The PRS and GMFM in the trial group increased more significantly than those in the control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The BTX-A block showed a long-term positive effect. Rehabilitation training after the block could help children to improve their motor functions.

Disease Burden and Attributable Risk Factors of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia in China from 1990 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Updated information on the burden of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are of great importance for evidence-based health care planning. However, such an estimate has been lacking in Chinese populations at both national and provincial levels.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the temporal trends and the attributable burdens of selected risk factors of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in China.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This is an observational description of the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019 (GBD 2019). Data on incidence, mortality, prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs) of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia were derived from the GBD 2019 study at both national and provincial levels in China.

MEASUREMENTS

Six indicators were used: incidence, mortality, prevalence, DALYs, YLLs, and YLDs. Absolute numbers in detail by age, sex, region, and age-standardized rates (with 95% uncertainty intervals) were calculated.

RESULTS

There were notable increasing trends in the number of deaths (247·9%), incidence (264·8%), prevalence (296·5%), DALYs (228·1%), YLDs (308·7%) and YLLs (201·7%) from 1990 to 2019, respectively. The corresponding age-standardized rates increased by 6·2%, 19·3%, 33·6%, 10·7%, 33·4% and 3·1%. Smoking, high body mass index, high fasting plasma glucose levels, and metabolic risks were the four leading risk factors. Higher burden was observed among females versus males and in the more developed regions.

CONCLUSIONS

The disease burden in China were increasing substantially. Regional differences of the disease burden are accompanied by discrepancies of economic level and geographical location, as well as different levels of exposure to risk factors. Targeted prevention and control strategies are urgently needed to reduce the disease burden.

Mechanism of peroxymonosulfate activation and the utilization efficiency using hollow (Co, Mn)3O4 nanoreactor as an efficient catalyst for degradation of organic pollutants

Development of efficient catalysts for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation and further understanding its mechanism on organic pollutants degradation is of significant importance for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Herein, hollow (Co, Mn)₃O₄ catalysts were synthesized by calcination of Co, Mn containing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and further used to evaluate the effectiveness of organic pollutants (Bisphenol A (BPA), atrazine (ATZ), and diethyl phthalate (DEP)) degradation by PMS activation. The PMS utilization efficiency in (Co, Mn)₃O₄/PMS system (36.4%) was estimated to be 28.0% and 43.8% higher than that of Co₃O₄/PMS and Mn₅O₈/PMS system, respectively. Notably, the metal leaching in (Co, Mn)₃O₄/PMS system was significantly suppressed. The utilization efficiency also reveals an inverse proportionality relationship with BPA mineralization but decreases with increasing initial pH value. A synergy between oxides of Co and Mn was perceived to enhance PMS utilization efficiency and BPA degradation. The results indicate enhanced catalytic performance with (Co, Mn)₃O₄ compared to Co₃O₄ derived from Co-MOF and other reported catalysts, with 99% of BPA degradation within 4 min. The oxidation mechanism was then proposed based on the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and XPS results. Our findings might have contributed to designing heterogeneous catalysts for efficient PMS utilization in AOPs.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8)/polyacrylonitrile derived millimeter-sized hierarchical porous carbon beads for peroxymonosulfate catalysis

Well dispersed nanocatalysts on porous substrate with macroscopic morphology are highly desired for the application of heterogeneous catalysis. Traditional fabrication process suffers from multiple steps for controlling the structure on nanocatalysts and matrix or both. Herein, we report a facile strategy for the synthesis of millimeter-sized hierarchical porous carbon beads (HPCBs) which containing well dispersed hollow-nano carbon boxes for peroxymonosulfate catalysis. Specially, the precursors of HPCBs were prepared by phase inversion method, which involving introduction of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) nanocubes into polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solutions followed by solidification of the mixture. After pyrolysis, nitrogen doped and hierarchical porous HPCBs with diameter of about 1.2 mm were obtained. The merits of our synthesis strategy lie in that synchronizes the hollow microstructure evolution with the shaping of ZIF-8 nanocubes into millimeter scale beads. Attribute to its special structure feature and the appropriate chemical composition, the resultant millimeter-sized HPCBs exhibit enhanced catalytic performance by activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for tetracycline degradation. The degradation efficiency of TC is up to 85.1% within 120 min, which is 18% higher than that of ZIF8-Solid/PAN carbon bead (SPCBs). In addition, the possible decomposition pathways, main reactive oxygen species, and reasonable enhanced mechanism for the HPCBs/PMS system are systematically investigated by quenching experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This work addresses the issue of easy aggregation and recycling of carbon materials in industrial productions and extends the prospects of carbon materials in engineering applications.

Mucoadhesive Nucleoside-Based Hydrogel Delays Oral Leukoplakia Canceration

Some oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) originate from preexisting oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Oral leukoplakia (OLK) is the most common and typical OPMD in the clinic, so treatment for it is essential to reduce OSCC incidence. Local chemotherapy is an option other than surgery considering the superficial site of OLK. However, there are no standardized drugs applied to OLK, and traditionally used chemotherapeutic drugs revealed limited efficacy for lack of adhesion. Hence, there is a growing demand to prepare new agents that combine mucoadhesion with an anti-OLK effect. Here, an isoguanosine-tannic acid (isoG-TA) supramolecular hydrogel via dynamic borate esters was successfully fabricated based on isoG and TA. Previously reported guanosine-TA (G-TA) hydrogel was also explored for an anti-OLK effect. Both gels not only exhibited ideal adhesive properties but also integrated anti-OLK activities in one system. In vitro cell viability indicated that isoG and TA inhibited the proliferation of dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOKs). The in vivo OLK model evidence revealed that both gels showed potential to prevent OLK canceration. In addition, the probable anti-DOK mechanisms of isoG and TA were investigated. The results indicated that isoG could bind to adenosine kinase (ADK) and then affected the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway to inhibit DOK proliferation. TA could significantly and continuously reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in DOKs through its antioxidant effect. ROS plays an important role in the progression of cell cycle. We proved that the low level of ROS may inhibit DOK proliferation by inducing G₀/G₁ arrest in the cell cycle. Altogether, this study innovatively fabricated an isoG-TA hydrogel with ideal adhesion, and both isoG and TA showed in vitro inhibition of DOKs. Moreover, both isoG-TA and G-TA hydrogels possessed potential in delaying the malignant transformation of OLK, and the G-TA hydrogel showed a better statistical effect, providing an effective strategy for controlling OLK.

Insights into tribofilm formation on Ti-6V-4Al in a bioactive environment: Correlation between surface modification and micro-mechanical properties

Ti-6Al-4V has been used as a surgical implant material for a long time because of its combination of strength, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. However, there remains much that is not understood about how the surface reacts with the environment under tribocorrosion conditions. In particular, the conditions under which tribofilms form and their role on friction and wear are not clear. To evaluate the complicated nature of the dynamic surface microstructural changes on the wear track, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) have been used to characterise the structure and chemical composition of the tribofilm. Detailed analysis of the formation and structure of the tribofilm and the metal surface deformation behaviour were studied as a function of applied potential and the role of proteins in the lubricant. For the first time, graphitic and onion-like carbon structures from wear debris were found in the testing solution. The presence of carbon nanostructures in the tribocorrosion process and the formation of the tribofilm leads to an improved tribocorrosion behaviour of the system, in particular a reduction in wear and friction. A detailed, quantitative, analysis of surface deformation was undertaken, in particular, the geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) density was quantified using precession electron diffraction (PET). A clear correlation between applied potential, tribofilm formation and the surface strain was established. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The formation of tribofilm and microstructure modification of the Ti-6Al-4V surface during tribocorrosion in a physiological environment is not fully understood. In particular, the correlation between microstructural changes and electrochemical conditions is not clear. This study presents a detailed investigation of the structure and chemical composition of tribofilms at the nanoscale during tribocorrosion tests in simulated body fluid and gives a detailed and quantitative description of the evolved surface structure. A clear correlation between applied potential, tribofilm formation and the surface strain was established. Moreover, particular attention is paid to the wear debris particles captured from the lubricating solution, including nanocarbon onion structures. The implications for tribocorrosion of the alloy in its performance as an implant are discussed.

Macroscopic MOF Architectures: Effective Strategies for Practical Application in Water Treatment

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have potential applications in removing pollutants such as heavy metals, oils, and toxins from water. However, due to the intrinsic fragility of MOFs and their fine powder form, there are still technical barriers to their practical application such as blockage of pipes, difficulty in recovery, and potential environmental toxicity. Therefore, attention has focused on approaches to convert nanocrystalline MOFs into macroscopic materials to overcome these limitations. Recently, strategies for shaping MOFs into beads (0D), nanofibers (1D), membranes (2D), and gels/sponges (3D) with macrostructures are developed including direct mixing, in situ growth, or deposition of MOFs with polymers, cotton, foams or other porous substrates. In this review, successful strategies for the fabrication of macroscopic materials from MOFs and their applications in removing pollutants from water including adsorption, separation, and advanced oxidation processes, are discussed. The relationship between the macroscopic performance and the microstructure of materials, and how the range of 0D to 3D macroscopic materials can be used for water treatment are also outlined.

Modular Assembly of MOF-derived Carbon Nanofibers into Macroarchitectures for Water Treatment

The organized assembly of nanoparticles into complex macroarchitectures opens up a promising pathway to create functional materials. Here, we demonstrate a scalable strategy to fabricate macroarchitectures with high compressibility and elasticity from hollow particle-based carbon nanofibers. This strategy causes zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8)-polyacrylonitrile nanofibers to assemble into centimetre-sized aerogels (ZIF-8/NFAs) with expected shapes and tunable functions on a large scale. On further carbonization of ZIF-8/NFAs, ZIF-8 nanoparticles are transformed into a hollow structure to form the carbon nanofiber aerogels (CNFAs). The resulting CNFAs integrate the properties of zero-dimensional hollow structures, one-dimensional nanofibers, and three-dimensional carbon aerogels, and exhibit a low density of 7.32 mg cm⁻³, high mechanical strength (rapid recovery from 80% strain), outstanding adsorption capacity, and excellent photo-thermal conversion potential. These results provide a platform for the future development of macroarchitectured assemblies from nanometres to centimetres and facilitate the design of multifunctional materials.

A scalable strategy is established to generate macroarchitectures based on MOF-related nanofibers. The modular assembly of macroarchitectures with luffa-like structures exhibits high mechanical strength and low densities.

0D-1D hybrid nanoarchitectonics: tailored design of FeCo@N-C yolk-shell nanoreactors with dual sites for excellent Fenton-like catalysis

Heterogeneous Fenton-like processes are very promising methods of treating organic pollutants through the generation of reactive oxygen containing radicals. Herein, we report novel 0D-1D hybrid nanoarchitectonics (necklace-like structures) consisting of FeCo@N-C yolk-shell nanoreactors as advanced catalysts for Fenton-like reactions. Each FeCo@N-C unit possesses a yolk-shell structure like a nanoreactor, which can accelerate the diffusion of reactive oxygen species and guard the active sites of FeCo. Furthermore, all the nanoreactors are threaded along carbon fibers, providing a highway for electron transport. FeCo@N-C nano-necklaces thereby exhibit excellent performance for pollutant removal via activation of peroxymonosulfate, achieving 100% bisphenol A (k = 0.8308 min^-1) degradation in 10 min with good cycling stability. The experiments and density-functional theory calculations reveal that FeCo dual sites are beneficial for activation of O-O, which is crucial for enhancing Fenton-like processes.

Hydrangea-like architectures composed of Zr-based metal-organic framework nanosheets with enhanced iodine capture

Zirconium-based metal-organic framework nanosheet assembled hydrangea-like architectures were reported and an enhanced iodine capture capacity was achieved.

Dicyandiamide-assisted HKUST-1 derived Cu/N-doped porous carbon nanoarchitecture for electrochemical detection of acetaminophen

MOFs-derived metal/carbon materials have been considered as promising candidates for the electrochemical detection of micropollutants. However, the aggregation of metal nanoparticles and structure collapse of precursor MOFs during pyrolysis significantly hamper the improvement on detecting performance. Herein, a dicyandiamide-assisted strategy is utilized to synthesize well-dispersed Cu/N-doped porous carbon nanoarchitecture (CuNC) for the electrochemical detection of acetaminophen (AP). The constructed CuNC sensor exhibits excellent electro-analytical performance for monitoring AP with linear range from 0.01 μM to 921.2 μM, and the low detection limit of 2.46 nM (S/N = 3). The improved performance of CuNC sensor is ascribed to the introduction of dicyandiamide, which can prevent HKUST-1 framework breakage and reduce the aggregation tendency of Cu, leading to the evenly distributed small Cu nanoparticles, abundant N species, hierarchical channel structure, and high conductivity carbon framework. These advantages endow predominant repeatability, stability, and selectivity of CuNC sensor. This strategy provided a novel approach to preparing MOFs-derived carbon nanoarchitectures with excellent electroanalysis performance to monitor micropollutants.

Investigation of bromide removal and bromate minimization of membrane capacitive deionization for drinking water treatment

The ubiquitous bromide (Br^-) poses a challenge to current drinking water treatment schemes due to the formation of brominated disinfection by-products, especially bromate (BrO₃^-). A cost-effective and energy-efficient technology to remove Br^- before disinfection is highly desired. In this work, the application of membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) for the removal of Br^- and BrO₃^- minimization for drinking water treatment was systematically investigated. Results showed that the removal of Br^- by MCDI followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics, in which kinetics was faster at lower Br^- concentration. Additionally, Br^- displayed a preferential electrosorption over Cl^- in MCDI despite the relatively smaller amounts. Due to high removal performance of Br^-, 99.49% of BrO₃^- minimization can be achieved. Moreover, the presence of humic acid (HA) had a negative effect on the removal of Br^- and BrO₃^- minimization. However, Br^- could be more preferentially removed than Cl^- in the presence of HA due to the weak interaction with HA. Finally, by treating an actual surface water sample, it was found that the removal rate of Br^- was 91.80%, and 83.97% of BrO₃^- minimization can be achieved. BrO₃^- concentration of effluent meets the control standard. Overall, these results prove the feasibility of MCDI for practical drinking water treatment.

Metal organic framework derived one-dimensional porous Fe/N-doped carbon nanofibers with enhanced catalytic performance

The aggregation of metal nanoparticles and collapse of precursor metal organic frameworks (MOFs) structure during the carbonization process largely hamper the catalytic performance of MOFs-derived carbon catalysts. Here, we report hollow and porous one-dimensional Fe/N-doped carbon nanofibers (Fe/NCNFs) for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS), which was obtained by immobilizing Fe-MIL-101 on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers via electrospinning technique followed by pyrolysis. The presence of one-dimensional PAN channel suppresses the agglomeration tendency of metal particles during the carbonisation process of Fe-MIL-101, resulting in a uniform dispersion of nanoparticles and an increase of catalytic active sites. The resultant Fe/NCNFs-9 possesses unique hierarchical architecture, large active surface area, well-dispersed Fe species, and abundant Fe-N active sites. These superiorities contributed to the better catalytic performance of Fe/NCNFs-9 compared with PAN derived carbon (PAN-C-9) and Fe-MIL-101 derived carbon (Fe-C-9). Through a series of inhibitor experiments and electrochemical tests, the radical pathway is dominant on BPA removal with the participation of the non-radical pathway in the multi-sites Fe/NCNFs-9/PMS/BPA system. Surprisingly, this strategy could successfully disperse Fe species and effectively reduce the Fe leaching. This work supplies a novel method to design efficient MOFs-derived carbon catalysts toward micropollutants removal.

Deacetylation of FOXO4 by Sirt1 stabilizes chondrocyte extracellular matrix upon activating SOX9

OBJECTIVE

FOXO4 has essential roles in cellular metabolism and prevents cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA). Here we aim to provide evidence that deacetylated-FOXO4 stabilizes chondrocyte (CH) extracellular matrix (ECM) related to SOX9 activation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and Dual-Luciferase reporter assay to verify that the FOXO4 protein activates SOX9 by binding to its promoter. We cultured human CHs with IL-1β to cause degeneration and supplied Sirt1 protein to deacetylate FOXO4. To confirm the function of FOXO4 and SOX9 during CHs degeneration, we also used the FOXO4 and SOX9 silenced CHs by siRNA transfection as a comparison. Western blot assay was used to analyze the protein level of Sirt1, SOX9, and the acetylated condition of FOXO4. Besides, RT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA level of collagen I/II/X, aggrecan, MMP-13, and ADAMTS-5 for determining the ECM states.

RESULTS

FOXO4 protein transcriptionally activates SOX9 expression by binding to its promoter. Under the IL-1β stimulation, FOXO4 acetyl-lysine rate increased, and the SOX9 protein expression decreased, which was alleviated after the supplement of exogenic Sirt1 protein. Meanwhile, Sirt1 overexpression increased the collagen II and aggrecan and reduced the collagen I, collagen X, MMP-13, and ADAMTS-5 mRNA expression. However, the silencing of FOXO4 abolished the Sirt1 induced SOX9 expression and weakened the ECM production stability. Additionally, SOX9 silencing also alleviated the effect of the Sirt1 supplement on the degenerated CHs, though the FOXO4 was highly deacetylated.

CONCLUSIONS

FOXO4 acetylation aggravates during the degeneration of CHs, and the deacetylation of FOXO4 by Sirt1 could activate the SOX9 expression and result in maintaining the ECM stability of cartilage.

Metabolomics and cancer preventive behaviors in the BC Generations Project

Metabolomics can detect metabolic shifts resulting from lifestyle behaviors and may provide insight on the relevance of changes to carcinogenesis. We used non-targeted nuclear magnetic resonance to examine associations between metabolic measures and cancer preventive behaviors in 1319 participants (50% male, mean age 54 years) from the BC Generations Project. Behaviors were dichotomized: BMI < 25 kg/m², ≥ 5 servings of fruits or vegetables/day, ≤ 2 alcoholic drinks/day for men or 1 drink/day for women and ≥ 30 min of moderate or vigorous physical activity/day. Linear regression was used to estimate coefficients and 95% confidence intervals with a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.10. Of the 218 metabolic measures, 173, 103, 71 and 6 were associated with BMI, fruits and vegetables, alcohol consumption and physical activity. Notable findings included negative associations between glycoprotein acetyls, an inflammation-related metabolite with lower BMI and greater fruit and vegetable consumption, a positive association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and fruit and vegetable consumption and positive associations between high-density lipoprotein subclasses with lower BMI. These findings provide insight into metabolic alterations in the context of cancer prevention and the diverse biological pathways they are involved in. In particular, behaviors related to BMI, fruit and vegetable and alcohol consumption had a large metabolic impact.