Isolated p-Block Antimony Atoms Activated CuO@Co-CN Enable High Performances for Water Splitting and Zn-Air Batteries.

This study reports an effective strategy for designing 3D electrocatalyst via the deposition of ZIF67-derived Co-CN shell layer over CuO nanoarrays to form a CuO@Co-CN hybrid, followed by incorporation with p-block Sb single atoms (CuO@Co-CN/Sb) to obtain highly activated catalytic behaviors. Inheriting both the excellent intrinsic catalytic activity of the components and their synergy, the CuO@Co-CN/Sb material serves as a high-efficiency multifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting and zinc (Zn)-air batteries. The material yields a current density of 10 mA cm at a low overpotential of 72 and 250 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, respectively.

How Rice Responds to Temperature Changes and Defeats Heat Stress.

With the intensification of the greenhouse effect, a series of natural phenomena, such as global warming, are gradually recognized; when the ambient temperature increases to the extent that it causes heat stress in plants, agricultural production will inevitably be affected. Therefore, several issues associated with heat stress in crops urgently need to be solved. Rice is one of the momentous food crops for humans, widely planted in tropical and subtropical monsoon regions.

Tracing groundwater nitrate sources in an intensive agricultural region integrated of a self-organizing map and end-member mixing model tool.

The traceability of groundwater nitrate pollution is crucial for controlling and managing polluted groundwater. This study integrates hydrochemistry, nitrate isotope (δN-NO and δO-NO), and self-organizing map (SOM) and end-member mixing (EMMTE) models to identify the sources and quantify the contributions of nitrate pollution to groundwater in an intensive agricultural region in the Sha River Basin in southwestern Henan Province. The results indicate that the NO-N concentration in 74% (n = 39) of the groundwater samples exceeded the WHO standard of 10 mg/L.

Efficient Removal of Greenhouse Gases: Machine Learning-Assisted Exploration of Metal-Organic Framework Space.

Global warming is a crisis that humanity must face together. With greenhouse gases (GHGs) as the main factor causing global warming, the adoption of relevant processes to eliminate them is essential. With the advantages of high specific surface area, large pore volume, and tunable synthesis, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention in GHG storage, adsorption, separation, and catalysis.

LncRNA SH3BP5-AS1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by sponging miR-6838-5p and activation of PTPN4.

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been demonstrated to have significant roles in the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this work, we sought to determine LncRNA SH3BP5-AS1's function and mechanism in the emergence of HCC.

Results: First, we discovered that the advanced tumor stage was strongly correlated with high levels of LncRNA SH3BP5-AS1 expression in HCC.

Associations between estimation of salt intake and salt-restriction spoons and hypertension status in patients with poorly controlled hypertension: a community-based study from Huzhou City, Eastern China.

Background: As the prevalence of hypertension increases in China, it is advised to use salt-restriction spoons (SRS) as a lifestyle modification. This study aimed to examine the associations between estimated salt consumption, SRS usage, and the hypertension status in individuals with poorly controlled hypertension.

Methods: Data was collected in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, in 2021 using convenience sampling.

Temporal and spatial dynamic changes of planktonic bacteria community structure in Li River, China: a seasonal survey.

A combined temporal and spatial research approach helps us to evaluate the ecological status of a river scientifically and comprehensively. To understand the response mechanisms of bacteria in the Li River to different environments, we conducted a 1-year study (2020-2021) and collected water samples from 18 sections of the river in October, January, April, and August. 16S sequencing was used to study the composition and structure of bacterial communities in Li River at different temporal and spatial scales.

Enhanced Heterogeneous Peroxymonosulfate Activation by MOF-Derived Magnetic Carbonaceous Nanocomposite for Phenol Degradation.

Degradation efficiency and catalyst stability are crucial issues in the control of organic compounds in wastewater by advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). However, it is difficult for catalysts used in AOPs to have both high catalytic activity and high stability. Combined with the excellent activity of cobalt/copper oxides and the good stability of carbon, highly dispersed cobalt-oxide and copper-oxide nanoparticles embedded in carbon-matrix composites (Co-Cu@C) were prepared for the catalytic activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS).

Potential Application of Discarded Natural Coal Gangue for the Removal of Tetracycline Hydrochloride (TC) from an Aqueous Solution.

The generation and accumulation of discarded coal gangue (CG) have severe environmental impacts. CG can adsorb other pollutants in the aquatic environment. However, previous studies have not assessed whether CG can adsorb the emerging contaminant tetracycline hydrochloride (TC).

Torrefaction characteristics of cellulose loaded with boric acid.

To explore the catalytic effect of boric acid on biomass, cellulose loaded with boric acid was roasted by a tubular furnace. The gaseous products were adsorbed by activated carbon and then analyzed by GC-MS. Boric acid was shown to improve the selectivity of the product levoglucosenone (LGO).

The potential of a natural iron ore residue application in the efficient removal of tetracycline hydrochloride from an aqueous solution: insight into the degradation mechanism.

In the existing research, most of the heterogeneous catalysts applied in the activation of persulfate to degrade organic pollutants were synthesized from chemical reagents in the laboratory. In this paper, we have obtained a spent iron ore (IO) residue directly collecting from the iron ore plants, and efficiently activating peroxydisulfate (PS) to produce reactive free radicals. The experimental results demonstrated that the IO could effectively activate PS to degrade tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), with TCH removal rate reaching up to 85.

miR-382-5p promotes cell invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting PTEN to activate PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Purpose: This study aimed at investigating miR-382-5p expression in tissues and cell lines with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its effects on the invasion of HCC cells, and related mechanisms.

Methods: miR-382-5p expression in HCC tissues, adjacent tissues, cell lines of normal hepatic cells, and HCC cells were detected by qRT-PCR, indicating its upregulation or downregulation in HCC cell lines (Hep3B and HCCLM3). The effect of miR-382-5p on cell invasion was observed by the Transwell experiment.

Preparation of N,S-codoped magnetic bagasse biochar and adsorption characteristics for tetracycline.

Agricultural waste disposal and purification of polluted water are always the key issues of environmental restoration. In this work, thiourea-functionalized magnetic bagasse biochar (MFeBC) was prepared for tetracycline (TC) removal from aqueous solutions. Firstly, MFeBC was prepared by a combined impregnation and chemical coprecipitation method.

A feasible biochar derived from biogas residue and its application in the efficient adsorption of tetracycline from an aqueous solution.

The recovery of carbon materials from biogas residue (BR) could efficiently promote the efficient utilization of waste and the preparation of novel materials. In this study, a green and feasible reagent of citric acid was introduced and applied in the modification of biogas residue biochar (BRC). The modified biogas residue biochar (CABRC) showed a superior adsorption ability due to its higher specific surface area (approximately 6 times that of the BRC).

Analysis of the Influencing Factors of the Hydroxyl Radical Yield in a Hydrodynamic Cavitation Bubble of a Chitosan Solution Based on a Numerical Simulation.

In this paper, the hydroxyl radical yield of a cavitation bubble and its influencing factors in the process of chitosan degradation with hydrodynamic cavitation in a single-hole orifice plate was investigated by a numerical simulation method. The hydroxyl radical yield of the cavitation bubble was calculated and analyzed by the Gilmore equation as the dynamic equation combined with the mass transfer equation, heat transfer equation, energy balance equation, and the principle of Gibbs free energy minimization. The influence of geometric parameters of the orifice plate and operating parameters on the formation of hydroxyl radicals was investigated.

Preparation of β-cyclodextrin/graphene oxide and its adsorption properties for methylene blue.

Graphene oxide (GO) and GO-based materials have shown excellent adsorption properties because of bounteous structure and rich oxygen functional groups. Many studies have shown that GO are utilized as adsorbents to remove organic dyes from wastewater. GO was prepared by modified Hummers method using graphite powder as raw material.

UV-assisted nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide/FeO composite activated peroxodisulfate degradation of norfloxacin.

We reported the preparation of NGO-FeO by simple hydrothermal-co-precipitation. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It was demonstrated that norfloxacin (NOR) could be effectively degraded by the UV/NGO-FeO/PDS system.

MicroRNA-3651 promotes the growth and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting PTEN.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in human worldwide. Evidence indicated that upregulation of microRNA-3651 (miR-3651) was observed in human HCC tissues. In this study, we explored the mechanisms by which miR-3651 regulated the proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of HCC.

A green recycling process of the spent lead paste from discarded lead-acid battery by a hydrometallurgical process.

In this study, a green recycling process of discarded lead-acid battery paste, which could avoid both the smelting and electro-winning route has been developed. Leaching reagents containing sodium citrate, acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide were reacted with spent lead paste in aqueous media at the pH of 5-6. Lead paste was leached and formed into lead citrate precursor, which was recrystallized and separated from the solution.

The Guizhi Gancao Decoction Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Suppressing Inflammation and Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis.

Guizhi Gancao Decoction (GGD) is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and arrhythmia. However, the mechanism by which GGD contributes to the amelioration of cardiac injury remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective role of GGD against myocardial I/R injury and its possible mechanism.

Immunization with functionalized carbon nanotubes enhances the antibody response against mode antigen ovalbumin.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted considerable attention because of their potential application as a new nonvehicle. We have covalently conjugated the mode antigen ovalbumin (OVA) to functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Herein, we explored the underlying theoretical mechanisms of CNTs' immunological adjuvant characterization.

All-Trans Retinoic Acid-Induced Deficiency of the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Enhances Hepatic Carcinoma Stem Cell Differentiation.

Retinoic acid (RA) is an important biological signal that directly differentiates cells during embryonic development and tumorigenesis. However, the molecular mechanism of RA-mediated differentiation in hepatic cancer stem cells (hCSCs) is not well understood. In this study, we found that mRNA expressions of RA-biosynthesis-related dehydrogenases were highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Leaching of spent lead acid battery paste components by sodium citrate and acetic acid.

A sustainable method, with minimal pollution and low energy cost in comparison with the conventional smelting methods, is proposed for treating components of spent lead-acid battery pastes in aqueous organic acid(s). In this study, PbO, PbO2, and PbSO4, the three major components in a spent lead paste, were individually reacted with a mixture of aqueous sodium citrate and acetic acid solution. Pure lead citrate precursor of Pb3(C6H5O7)2 · 3H2O is the only product crystallized in each leaching experiment.

Preparation and characterization of nano-structured lead oxide from spent lead acid battery paste.

As part of contribution for developing a green recycling process of spent lead acid battery, a nanostructural lead oxide was prepared under the present investigation in low temperature calcination of lead citrate powder. The lead citrate, the precursor for preparation of this lead oxide, was synthesized through leaching of spent lead acid battery paste in citric acid solution. Both lead citrate and oxide products were characterized by means of thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM).