Source apportionment of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/furans and polychlorinated biphenyls in soil from the Gyirong Valley in the Himalayas.

The Tibetan Plateau is an important area for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) research because of high-altitude condensation and global distillation. However, the sources of the POPs in remote regions have not been quantified, which is critical for global control of POPs. The Gyirong Valley in the Himalayas bordering Nepal serves as an important pathway for cross-border transport of POPs to the Tibetan Plateau.

Regio-isomerization Optimization Strategy for Photosensitizers: Achieving Ultrahigh Type I Reactive Oxygen Species Generation to Enhance Cancer Photoimmunotherapy.

Phototherapy, renowned for its noninvasiveness, is widely employed in tumor treatment. However, the tumor microenvironment is usually hypoxic, with insufficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, severely limiting its application. Herein, we introduce a regio-isomerization optimization strategy and have synthesized four regio-isomeric photosensitizers featuring a donor-acceptor (D-A) configuration by tactically varying the linkage sites between D and A.

Boron-Doped Graphene as Anion-Trapping Reagent in Poly(ethylene oxide)-Based Solid-State Electrolyte.

Although many protocols have been developed to enhance the ionic conductivity and lithium-ion transference numbers of the solid polymer electrolyte, it is still challenging to improve them simultaneously. Herein, we design and prepare boron-doped graphene (BG) as an anion trapper and blend it within a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based electrolyte. The well-dispersed BG sheets can reduce the crystallinity of PEO and afford numerous Lewis acid sites to effectively accelerate the dissociation of the lithium salt and trap the anions.

Fe oxides nano-modified pumice enhances hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis in anaerobic digestion: Performance and mechanism of microbial community.

Anaerobic digestion (AD), as an eco-friendly biological process, shows potential for the decomposition of leachate produced by waste incineration power plants. In this study, the effects of Fe oxides nano-modified pumice (FNP) were investigated on the fresh leachate AD process. Firstly, a simple hydrothermal method was used to prepare FNP, then introduced into the UASB reactor to evaluate its AD efficiency.

Biological functions and therapeutic applications of human mucosal-associated invariant T cells.

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a unique subset of innate-like T lymphocytes that bridge innate and adaptive immunity. Characterized by their semi-invariant T cell receptor (TCR) and abundant localization in mucosal tissues, MAIT cells recognize microbial metabolites, primarily derived from the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway, presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-related protein 1 (MR1). This interaction, along with co-stimulatory signals, triggers rapid immune responses, including cytokine secretion and cytotoxic activity, highlighting their importance in maintaining immune homeostasis and combating infections.

Obesity Limits Utility of Vertebral Bone Quality Score for Opportunistic Osteopenia/Osteoporosis Screening in Cervical Surgery Patients.

Study Design: Comparative study.

Objective: The vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score is a validated opportunistic screening tool for bone mineral density (BMD). Obesity, often associated with hyperlipidemia and fat infiltration, may result in lower VBQ-derived BMD.

Cerebral Blood Flow Changes and Their Spatial Correlations With GABAa and Dopamine-D1 Receptor Explaining Individual Differences in Chronic Insomnia and the Therapeutic Effects of Acupuncture.

This study integrated neuroimaging and neurochemistry data to explore brain mechanisms in chronic insomnia disorder (CID) and the neuromodulatory effects of acupuncture. We analyzed a cross-sectional arterial spin labeling (ASL) dataset (N = 197) of CID patients and healthy controls to identify cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes. Additionally, a longitudinal ASL dataset (N = 44) examined CBF changes in CID patients after a 4-week acupuncture treatment or on a waitlist.

Adaptive Thermal Protective Skin Based on Water Transportation and Transpiration for Extremely Rapid Cooling Applications.

A flexible thermal protective system is highly desirable for maintaining the safety of the human body or spacecraft with complex profiles. However, it is still challenging to attain high deformability and rapid cooling, especially with intense chemical fire or aerodynamic heat. Inspired by the sweat gland of human skin, herein an adaptive two-layered skin is developed based on inner hollow porous TPU/PVC fibers embedded in silicone for water transportation and outer PET spacer fabric for water storage and transpiration.

Trimester-specific reference intervals for blood lipid levels and their associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes in Southeast China.

Background: Trimester-specific reference intervals (TSRIs) for maternal lipid profiles should be determined, and the impact of dyslipidemia on adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) should be estimated.

Methods: Data from 25,081 pregnant women in a large Southeast Chinese cohort were collected. Serial lipid profiling was performed throughout gestation, with measurements obtained during the first, second, and third trimesters, as well as within 24 h of delivery.

Sulfur Defect Tuning of CuS/BiVO and Understanding the Function of Hydrogen Radicals for Photoelectrochemical Ammonia Production.

Photoelectrochemical nitrate reduction has been a promising method for ammonia (NH) production under normal temperatures and neutral conditions. However, hydrogenation is a key process in the selective production of NH during nitrate reduction; therefore, inducing the active hydrogen for nitrate hydrogenation and inhibiting hydrogen production are a noteworthy problem. In this study, BiVO/CuS (BVO/CS) heterostructure has been constructed for a photoelectrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (PEC NIRR).

Isolation and identification of a native bacterium against microcystin-LR in anaerobic environments.

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), produced by cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms, poses a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Biodegradation is an important method for MC-LR elimination. Aerobic biodegradation has been extensively studied and many bacteria were identified.

Sternal wound infection caused by Mycoplasma hominis in an adult patient: a case report and literature review.

Background: Mycoplasma hominis is a part of the microflora of the urogenital tract; however, extra-urogenital infections due to M. hominis are rare. Herein, we present a case study of a patient who successfully recovered from a sternal wound infection caused by M.

Vitamin D Receptor Regulates Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Via the HIF-1α/HO-1 Pathway in Cardiomyocytes.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a critical cardiovascular disease with high disability and mortality rates, primarily caused by hypoxic injury to myocardial cells. This study investigates the role of the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) in cardiomyocytes under hypoxic conditions. VDR expression was characterized in human and hypoxic cardiomyocytes isolated from mice.

Enarodustat for the Treatment of Anemia in Chinese Patients with Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: A Phase 3 Trial.

Introduction: Renal anemia is a common complication among patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (ND-CKD), and there remains an unmet need for more efficient and convenient daily oral medications to improve patient outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of enarodustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, in treating anemia for ND-CKD patients.

Methods: This phase 3 study was conducted at 48 centers across China, enrolling 156 ND-CKD patients.

Herbal Formula with anti-inflammatory and fibrinolytic activity regulation for the prevention of postoperative peritoneal adhesions.

Background: The Formula (HXTF) originates from the classic prescription " Decoction" from the "Synopsis of the golden chamber". Our previous study revealed that HXTF has a positive effect on postoperative peritoneal adhesion (PPA). However, the specific mechanism of HXTF on PPA formation within the time-to-treatment window has not been fully elucidated.

Allogeneic CD33-directed CAR-NKT cells for the treatment of bone marrow-resident myeloid malignancies.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cell therapy holds promise for treating myeloid malignancies, but challenges remain in bone marrow (BM) infiltration and targeting BM-resident malignant cells. Current autologous CAR-T therapies also face manufacturing and patient selection issues, underscoring the need for off-the-shelf products. In this study, we characterize primary patient samples and identify a unique therapeutic opportunity for CAR-engineered invariant natural killer T (CAR-NKT) cells.

Influence of Multiband Technique on Temporal Diffusion Spectroscopy and Its Diagnostic Value in Breast Tumors.

Background: Temporal diffusion spectroscopy (TDS) is a noninvasive diffusion imaging technique used to characterizing cellular microstructures. The influence of multiband (MB) on TDS, particularly in breast tumor imaging remain unknown.

Purpose: To investigate the influence of MB on TDS in terms of scanning time, image quality, and quantitative parameters and to assess the diagnostic value of TDS with MB in breast tumors.

Barriers and facilitators to improved sedentary behaviour in coronary heart disease patients: a scoping review.

Introduction: The majority of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) are at high sedentary levels, which severely affects patient prognosis and outcome. Despite the proven benefits of reducing sedentary behaviour (SB), intervention studies' effectiveness has been limited. Thus, the factors influencing SB change in patients with CHD need to be explored.

The association between short-term exposure to ambient PM and hospitalization costs in patients with myocardial infarction: a hospital-based study.

Myocardial infarction (MI) ranks as one of the primary causes of global disabilities and disease deaths. The association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and MI has gained attention in recent years.

Association between sedentary behavior, physical activity, and osteoarthritis: results from NHANES 2007-2020 and Mendelian randomization analysis.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and debilitating disorder that affects the joints and has a complex array of causes. While sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) have been implicated in OA risk, the relationship between these factors and OA development remains unclear. This study investigates the correlation and potential causality between SB, PA, and OA using both cross-sectional and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Improving the Electrochemical Properties of SiO Anode for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries by Magnesiothermic Reduction and Prelithiation.

For lithium-ion batteries, silicon monoxide is a potential anode material, but its application is limited by its relatively large irreversible capacity loss, which leads to its low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). In this study, we conduct a two-step reaction for the formation of silicon oxide-based materials, including a magnesiothermic reduction of SiO with Mg, followed by the solid-state lithiation of silicon oxide with LiCO. Our results demonstrate that Mg can reduce SiO to Si and form MgSiO, while LiCO reacts with SiO to form LiSiO.

Potential emission risks of organic compounds from cement kilns.

The extensive application of cement kiln industry results in substantial stack gas emissions, posing a potential risk of discharging organic pollutants. Cement industry is not considered as a primary contributor to persistent organic pollutants like polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), owing to its extremely low emission factor. However, knowledge on the previously unrecognized chemicals that may possess higher emission factors from cement industry is lacking.

Timosaponin B II as a novel KEAP1-NRF2 inhibitor to alleviate alcoholic liver disease:Receptor structure-based virtual screening and biological evaluation.

Oxidative stress induced by excess ethanol is an important factor in the progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). In recent years, inhibiting Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) to activate the antioxidant regulator Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) has been considered an effective strategy for treating oxidative stress-related diseases, but its application in ALD remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to discover high-affinity inhibitors targeting the KEAP1 receptor.