Highly homogeneous and stable single-walled carbon nanotubes dispersion modified by polyvinylpyrrolidone and alkanolamine in water.

A novel noncovalent surface modification of commercial single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was successfully carried out by using ball grinding technology between SWCNTs and mixed dispersants (polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and alkanolamine), affording a highly homogeneous and stable PA-SWCNTs dispersion in water. The homogeneous dispersibility and long storage stability were systematically investigated by transmittance spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, zeta potential analyzer, sedimentation photo and transmittance electron microscopy. Under the optimized conditions, the PA-SWCNTs dispersion modified with 0.

Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor ameliorates inflammatory response in polycystic ovary syndrome via inhibiting TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, which often leads to female infertility. Chronic inflammation is a significant factor in the development of PCOS. Our study aimed to explore the impact of mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), a scientifically validated anti-inflammatory factor, on 99 diagnosed PCOS patients.

Insights into enhanced immobilization of uranyl carbonate from seawater by Fe-doped MXene.

Extracting uranium from seawater not only reduces radioactive contamination in seawater but also provides a source of uranium energy. However, due to the low concentration of uranium in seawater and the high salinity of seawater, extraction of uranium from seawater is challenging. In this work, we demonstrated a simple strategy to synthesize Fe-doped MXene (Fe@TiCT) via a hydrothermal method and applied for uranium enrichment in seawater.

Two-Dimensional Microstructure-Based Model for Evaluating the Permeability Coefficient of Heterogeneous Construction Materials.

The permeability coefficient of construction materials plays a crucial role in engineering quality and durability. In this study, a microstructure model based on real aggregate shape and digital image technology is proposed to predict the permeability coefficient of concrete. A two-dimensional, three-component finite element model of cement concrete was established considering the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between aggregate and mortar.

Rational design of MOF@COF composites with multi-site functional groups for enhanced elimination of U(VI) from aqueous solution.

Both environment and human beings were menaced by the widespread application of radioactive uranium, high-performance and effective elimination of uranium from wastewater is of important meaning for development of environmental sustainability in the future. In this study, the water-stable MOF material and the highly crystalline COF were compounded by a mild hydrothermal strategy, which achieved efficient removal of U(VI) through the synergistic effect. The composites showed the characteristics of both COFs and MOFs, which will possess higher stability, larger surface area and faster adsorption efficiency that cannot be carried out by a single component.

Efficient decontamination of organic pollutants from wastewater by covalent organic framework-based materials.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), assembling through covalent bonds, are a rising class of porous materials. Nowadays, various COFs are widely applied in organic pollutants decontamination due to the outstanding capabilities of large surface area, multiple functional groups, porous structure, excellent absorptivity, flexible design and so on. This review concentrates on the applications of COFs in different decontamination technologies such as solid-phase extraction, membrane filtration and sieving, adsorption, and catalysis reaction.

Influence of humic acid on U(VI) elimination by ZIF-8: Synergistic chemical effect.

ZIF-8, a sort of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), had showed superior adsorptive property of typical radionuclide U(VI), but it reminded uncertain how the performance of ZIF-8 would be affected by adding humic acid (HA). HA could significantly change the surface charge of ZIFs and the transport of U(VI) in natural settings, which affected the eradication of U(VI) in aquatic ecology. Thus the impact of HA for the U(VI) removal by ZIF-8 as well as its mechanism had been analyzed by batch experiments and spectral analyses.

A nomogram based on metabolic profiling to discriminate lung cancer among patients with lung nodules.

Objective: To develop a nomogram that discriminates lung cancer from benign lung nodules through metabolic profiling.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study that recruited 848 participants who were randomized into training and validation sets at a 7:3 ratio. Clinical characteristics and metabolic profiles were retrieved.

Low temperature plasma protects against inflammatory agents-mediated dysfunction of theca cells via enhancing MANF expression.

Background: Low temperature plasma (LTP) exerts a protective effect in inflammation via enhancing MANF expression. Hyperactivation and dysfunction of theca cells induced by inflammatory agents is accompanied by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a common reproductive and endocrine disorder. However, the effect of LTP on theca cells is still unknown.

Highly efficient extraction of uranium from seawater by polyamide and amidoxime co-functionalized MXene.

Uranium mainly exists in the form of uranyl carbonate in seawater. [UO(CO)] has strong stability, which increases the difficulty of uranium extraction from seawater. Meanwhile, the complex marine environment, a large number of coexisting competing ions and biological pollution are all non-negligible disturbing factors.

Crotonylation versus acetylation in petunia corollas with reduced acetyl-CoA due to PaACL silencing.

Protein acetylation and crotonylation are important posttranslational modifications of lysine. In animal cells, the correlation of acetylation and crotonylation has been well characterized and the lysines of some proteins are acetylated or crotonylated depending on the relative concentrations of acetyl-CoA and crotonyl-CoA. However, in plants, the correlation of acetylation and crotonylation and the effects of the relative intracellular concentrations of crotonyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA on protein crotonylation and acetylation are not well known.

Risk factors for contralateral hip refractures in patients aged over 80 years with intertrochanteric femoral fractures.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify which of the risk factors would contribute to the contralateral fracture in very elderly patients after intramedullary nail fixation.

Methods: Clinical data of 227 intertrochanteric fracture patients aged 80 years or older were retrospectively reviewed. Intramedullary nails (IMNs) were used on all of the patients.

An integrative approach to uncover the components, mechanisms, and functions of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions on male infertility.

Male infertility is a major and growing health problem with an estimated global prevalence of 4.2%. The current therapy is limited by the unknown etiology of MI, emphasizing the critical requirement forward to a more efficient method or medication.

Cold Plasma Irradiation Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis Enhancing HIF-1α-Induced MANF Transcription Expression.

Cold atmospheric plasma has been widely applied in medical treatment clinically, especially skin diseases. However, the mechanism of cold atmospheric plasma on the treatment of skin diseases is still undefined. In this study, dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis mice model was constructed.

Effect of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 on U(VI) sequestration by montmorillonite.

Bacteria may change the physicochemical properties of montmorillonite and further effect the disposal of high-level radioactive waste. Therefore, we explored the influence of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 on the elimination of representative radionuclide U(VI) by montmorillonite (MMT). The batch experiments showed that MR-1 significantly enhanced the removal efficiency of U(VI), the adsorption capacity of MMT improved from 8.

MXenes as emerging nanomaterials in water purification and environmental remediation.

Environmental pollution has accelerated and intensified because of the acceleration of industrialization, therefore fabricating excellent materials to remove hazardous pollutants has become inevitable. MXenes as emerging transition metal nitrides, carbides or carbonitrides with high conductivity, hydrophilicity, excellent structural stability, and versatile surface chemistry, become ideal candidates for water purification and environmental remediation. Particularly, MXenes reveal excellent sorption capability and efficient reduction performance for various contaminants of wastewater.

Cold Plasma Irradiation Regulates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells and Human Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma.

Atmospheric pressure cold plasma has shown multiple biological effects of anti-bacteria and anti-cancer. In this study, the effect of atmospheric pressure cold plasma on respiratory inflammation and oxidant stress is explored. Tunicamycin was used to stimulate human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) and A549 cells for inflammatory response and oxidative stress, followed by atmospheric pressure cold plasma treatment.

Applications of water-stable metal-organic frameworks in the removal of water pollutants: A review.

Because the pollutants produced by human activities have destroyed the ecological balance of natural water environment, and caused severe impact on human life safety and environmental security. Hence the task of water environment restoration is imminent. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), structured from organic ligands and inorganic metal ions, are notable for their outstanding crystallinity, diverse structures, large surface areas, adsorption performance, and excellent component tunability.

Recent advances in metal-organic framework membranes for water treatment: A review.

Among many separation membranes reported to date, the favorable polymer affinity and unique physio-chemical performances of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) including ultra-high surface area, regular and highly controlled porosity have drawn widespread attention in industrial and academic communities. In this comprehensive review, the developmental timeline of MOF containing membranes for water treatment were clarified. The removal efficiencies, elimination mechanisms, as well as possible influencing factors of various MOF containing membranes that applied to water treatment were systematically summarized.

An Integrated Analysis of Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experiment Validation to Explore the New Candidate Active Component and Mechanism of Coupled-Herbs in Treating Oligoasthenozoospermia.

Purpose: One of the most common types of male infertility is recognized as oligoasthenozoospermia (OA), characterized by low sperm count and quality in males. As a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), coupled-herbs (CSMFCH) has been known to act a curative effect on OA for thousands of years. Nevertheless, the substantial basis and molecular mechanism of CSMFCH in treating OA remain elusive.

Evaluation of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Bone Mineral Density in 268 Patients with Hip Fractures.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship among vitamin D nutritional status, bone mineral density, and other factors in elderly patients with brittle hip fractures.

Methods: The present study was a retrospective analysis of 268 patients, 102 men (38.06%) and 166 women (61.