Environmental judicature and firm productivity: Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment.

The impact of environmental governance on firm productivity has been widely discussed, but few studies have examined the function of environmental judicature. Using the establishment of environmental courts as a quasi-natural experiment, this paper examines the relationship between environmental judicature and firm productivity. Our findings show that environmental courts will reduce firm productivity in the short term, chiefly owing to the increased environmental violation costs, environmental reputation costs and environmental compliance costs.

Identification of immune traits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders by two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

Background: One of the main causes of health-related issues in children is neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), which include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and Tourette syndrome (TS). Nonetheless, there is relatively little prior research looking at the link between immunological inflammation and NDDs. Our work uses a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach to provide a thorough evaluation of the causal effects of immune traits on ADHD, ASD, and TS.

Computational Modeling of Ganglion Cell Bicolor Opponent Receptive Fields and FPGA Adaptation for Parallel Arrays.

The biological system is not a perfect system, but it is a relatively complete system. It is difficult to realize the lower power consumption and high parallelism that characterize biological systems if lower-level information pathways are ignored. In this paper, we focus on the K, M and P pathways of visual signal processing from the retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN).

Exploring sedentary behavior, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and depression: Mediation analysis in NHANES.

Background: Sedentary behavior and depression have been linked to inflammation. However, the specific role of inflammation in the relationship between sedentary behavior and depression remains unclear.

Method: We examined associations among the inflammatory marker (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR]), sedentary behavior, and depression in a robust, ethnically diverse sample (n = 29,769) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

RSV infection of humanized lung-only mice induces pathological changes resembling severe bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a substantial cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants, young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. There is a vital need for effective therapeutics to prevent and/or treat severe RSV infection in these high-risk individuals. The development and pre-clinical testing of candidate RSV therapeutics could be accelerated by their evaluation in animals models that recapitulate bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia; both hallmark features of severe RSV infection of humans.

Metabolomic analysis of the Puerarin hypoglycemic activity via AMPK-mTOR and PPARγ-NF-κB signaling pathways.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, and its increasing prevalence is a global concern. Early diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets are essential for DM prevention and treatment. Pueraria, derived from kudzu root, is used clinically for various symptoms, and its active compound, Puerarin, shows promise in improving insulin resistance and reducing inflammation.

Nano-Selenium Alleviates Cd-Induced Chronic Colitis through Intestinal Flora.

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental contaminant that poses risks to human and animal health. Selenium (Se), a beneficial element, alleviates the detrimental consequences of colitis and Cd toxicity. Se is found in food products as both inorganic Se (sodium selenite) and organic Se (typically Se-enriched yeast).

Effects of Topical 0.05% Cyclosporine A on Dry Eye Symptoms and Parameters Following Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of topical 0.05% cyclosporine A on Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score and ocular surface parameters after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for myopia.

Methods: In this study, 151 patients who underwent SMILE were randomized into the control group (71 eyes) and the 0.

As a Homologue of Food and Medicine: A Review of Biological Activity, Mechanisms of Action, Synthetic Biology, and Applications in Future Food.

(SG), also known as Luo Han Guo or Monk fruit, boasts a significant history in food and medicine. This review delves into SG's historical role and varied applications in traditional Chinese culture, examining its phytochemical composition and the health benefits of its bioactive compounds. It further explores SG's biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties and elucidates the mechanisms behind these effects.

Potential inhibitory effect of Auricularia auricula polysaccharide on advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).

In this study, a novel polysaccharide, AAP-2S, was extracted from Auricularia auricula, and the anti-glycosylation effect of AAP-2S and its underlying mechanisms were investigated using an in vitro BSA-fructose model and a cellular model. The results demonstrated the inhibiting formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in vitro by AAP-2S. Concurrently, it attenuated oxidative damage to proteins in the model, preserved protein sulfhydryl groups from oxidation, reduced protein carbonylation, prevented structural alterations in proteins, and decreased the formation of β-crosslinked structures.

Lipid-Lowering Effects of a Novel Polysaccharide Obtained from Fuzhuan Brick Tea In Vitro.

Lipid accumulation causes diseases such as obesity and abnormal lipid metabolism, thus impairing human health. Tea polysaccharide is one of the natural, active substances that can lower lipid levels. In this paper, an oleic-acid-induced HepG2 cell model was established.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Two Wild Soybean () Genotypes Reveals Positive Regulation of Saline-Alkaline Stress Tolerance by Tonoplast Transporters.

Soil saline-alkalization is a significant constraint for soybean production. Owing to higher genetic diversity of wild soybean, we compared the proteomic landscape of saline-alkaline stress-tolerant (SWBY032) and stress-sensitive (SWLJ092) wild soybean () strains under saline and saline-alkaline stress. Out of 346 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) specifically involved in saline-alkaline stress, 159 and 133 DEPs were identified in only SWLJ092 and SWBY032, respectively.

A germ-free humanized mouse model shows the contribution of resident microbiota to human-specific pathogen infection.

Germ-free (GF) mice, which are depleted of their resident microbiota, are the gold standard for exploring the role of the microbiome in health and disease; however, they are of limited value in the study of human-specific pathogens because they do not support their replication. Here, we develop GF mice systemically reconstituted with human immune cells and use them to evaluate the role of the resident microbiome in the acquisition, replication and pathogenesis of two human-specific pathogens, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Comparison with conventional (CV) humanized mice showed that resident microbiota enhance the establishment of EBV infection and EBV-induced tumorigenesis and increase mucosal HIV acquisition and replication.

Chinese herbal medicines: The modulator of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease targeting oxidative stress.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Plants are a natural treasure trove; their secondary metabolites participate in several pharmacological processes, making them a crucial component in the synthesis of novel pharmaceuticals and serving as a reserve resource foundation in this process. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the risk of progression to hepatitis and liver cancer. The "Treatise on Febrile Diseases," "Compendium of Materia Medica," and "Thousand Golden Prescriptions" have listed herbal remedies to treat liver diseases.

Protective Effect of against Cadmium-Induced Damage on Mouse Renal Podocytes (MPC5).

In this study, we investigated the protective effect of (Ast) on mouse podocytes and its possible mechanism of action by constructing a cadmium-induced mouse renal podocytes model. We investigated the effects of cadmium (Cd) toxicity on cell number, morphology, the mitochondrial status of subcellular organelles, protein and gene levels, and the protective effects of Ast by constructing a model of Cd-induced damage to mouse renal podocytes (MPC5) and giving Ast protection at the same time. The results showed that exposure of MPC5 cells to CdCl culture medium containing 6.

Structure Characterization, In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Tumor Activity of Sulfated Polysaccharide from .

From , a natural polysaccharide named SGP-1 was discovered, and its purity was determined to be 96.83%. Its structure is a glucan with 4-, 6- and 4,6-linked glucose units.

Human T cells efficiently control RSV infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection causes significant morbidity and mortality in infants, immunocompromised individuals, and older individuals. There is an urgent need for effective antivirals and vaccines for high-risk individuals. We used 2 complementary in vivo models to analyze RSV-associated human lung pathology and human immune correlates of protection.

Recent advances in quality preservation of postharvest golden needle mushroom (Flammulina velutiper).

The golden needle mushroom (Flammulina velutiper) is one of the most productive mushrooms in the world. However, F. velutiper experiences continuous quality degradation in terms of changes in color and textural characteristics, loss of moisture, nutrition and flavor, and increased microbial populations due to its high respiratory activity during the postharvest phase.

Review on the health-promoting effect of adequate selenium status.

Selenium is an essential microelement involved in various biological processes. Selenium deficiency increases the risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Selenium possesses anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, and intestinal microbiota-regulating properties.

Characterization of an active film prepared with Lentinus edodes (shiitake) polysaccharide and its effect on post-harvest quality and storage of shiitake.

The aim of this study was to prepare a film based on shiitake (Lentinus edodes) stalk polysaccharides (LEP) for mushroom preservation. The effects of different LEP concentrations on physical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of the prepared film were evaluated. Using scanning electron microscopy, it was revealed that the addition of 1.

Advances in Postharvest Storage and Preservation Strategies for .

The king oyster mushroom () is a delicious edible mushroom that is highly prized for its unique flavor and excellent medicinal properties. Its enzymes, phenolic compounds and reactive oxygen species are the keys to its browning and aging and result in its loss of nutrition and flavor. However, there is a lack of reviews on the preservation of to summarize and compare different storage and preservation methods.

The Gut-Organ-Axis Concept: Advances the Application of Gut-on-Chip Technology.

The intestine is considered to be a vital digestive organ to absorb nutrients and is the largest immune organ, while numerous microorganisms coexist with the host. It is well known that the complex interactions between the gut microbiota and the host's immune system inevitably affect the function of other organs, creating an "axis" between them. During the past few years, a new technique based mainly on microfluidics and cell biology has been developed to emulate the structure, function, and microenvironment of the human gut, called the "gut-on-chip".

Advances in the Role and Mechanisms of Essential Oils and Plant Extracts as Natural Preservatives to Extend the Postharvest Shelf Life of Edible Mushrooms.

China has a large variety of edible mushrooms and ranks first in the world in terms of production and variety. Nevertheless, due to their high moisture content and rapid respiration rate, they experience constant quality deterioration, browning of color, loss of moisture, changes in texture, increases in microbial populations, and loss of nutrition and flavor during postharvest storage. Therefore, this paper reviews the effects of essential oils and plant extracts on the preservation of edible mushrooms and summarizes their mechanisms of action to better understand their effects during the storage of mushrooms.