Effect of aerobic intermittent exercise on the decreased cognitive ability induced by PM_(2.5)exposure in rats

Objectives:This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of aerobic intermittent exercise on cognitive impairment by PM_(2.5)exposure.Methods:Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups:sedentary,exercise,sedentary+PM_(2.5)exposure,and exercise+PM_(2.5)exposure.The exercise groups underwent 8 weeks of exercise training(5 days of exercise per week).Subsequently,PM_(2.5)exposure groups were subjected to PM_(2.5)for three weeks.Post-exposure,we assessed cognitive abilities(shuttle box test),hippocampal tissue structure,related inflammatory factors(TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β),the protein of inflammatory responses mechanism(P65,IκκB)and cognitiverelated protein levels(BDNF,Aβ-42).Results:PM_(2.5)exposure caused cognitive impairment,abnormal histopathological changes,reduced cognitive related protein and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.Analysis of shuttle box test data revealed significant main effects on the passive avoidance latency times measured in rats(p<0.05).Aerobic intermittent exercise improves spatial learning decline in rats induced by PM_(2.5).Conversely,the Exercise+PM_(2.5)group demonstrated a significant reduction in latency of 24.9%compared to the Sedentary+PM_(2.5)group(p<0.05,ES=1.41).Conclustion:Aerobic intermittent exercise may help in protecting against the decrease of cognitive ability induced by PM_(2.5)exposure.

Distribution and partitioning of heavy metals in large anthropogenically impacted river, the Pearl River, China

In order to evaluate the distribution and partitioning characteristics of heavy metals in the large anthropogenically impacted Pearl River Basin, the contents of ‘‘anthropophile'' elements(Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb,which are clearly influenced by human activities) were determined, and their partitioning coefficients(Kd) between water and sediments and enrichment factors(EF) were calculated for samples collected at different locations along the Pearl River main stream. The modified BCR sequential extraction procedure(proposed by the European Community Bureau of Reference in 1993), which involves the successive extraction of metals in a decreasing order of reactivity, was applied. Sediment samples from the upper,middle, and lower reaches were included in this study. The results showed that the content of most metals in water and sediment samples gradually increases from upstream to downstream, suggesting a possible input from human activities as shown by their increasing high EF, ranged from 1.4 to 3.9 for Cu, from 1.4 to 6.7 for Zn, from 2.5 to59.1 for Cd, and from 1.7 to 8.9 for Pb, respectively. Thehigher partition coefficients(Kd) for Cr, Zn, and Pb(10~5–10~6) indicated that they were mainly transported in solid phase, while parts of Ni, Cu, and Cd were transported in dissolved phase as they display relatively lower Kdin the range of 10~4–10~5. According to the results of the BCR leaching, the percentage of non-residual fraction of heavy metals in the sediments showed a decreasing order of Cd [ Pb [ Zn [ Cu [ Ni [ Cr, implying that Cd and Pb were more active and bioavailable compared to the other four metals, and thus would be potentially more harmful to the watershed ecosystem.

Failure criterion for soft rocks considering intermediate principal stress

The significant differences between hard rocks(more brittle)and soft rocks(more ductile)may suggest the use of different failure criteria.A strength criterion for soft rocks that includes intermediate principal stress was proposed.The new criterion includes two independent parameters:the uniaxial compressive strength(σ_(ci)),which can be obtained from common laboratory tests or indirectly estimated by alternative index tests in the laboratory or field;and f(joint),which is used to characterize the rock mass quality and can be easily estimated.The authors compared the predictive capabilities of the new criterion with other criteria using the database of soft rocks under two conditions:with and without triaxial data.For the estimation of triaxial and true-triaxial strengths,the new criterion generally produced a better fit.The proposed criterion is practical for an approximate first estimation of rock mass strength,even without triaxial data,as it balances accuracy(lower prediction error)and simplicity(fewer independent parameters).

Randomized trial of weekly docetaxel and cisplatin combined with concurrent 3DCRT in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer

Abstract Objective： This randomized controlled clinical study was to assess and compare the efficacy and safety of two chemoradiotherapy regimens [cisplatin ＋ 5-fluorouracil ＋ 3 dimensional conformal radiation therapy （3DCRT） and cisplatin ＋ weekly docetaxel ＋ 3DCRT] in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods： A total of seventy-four patients with clinical stages liB to IIIB esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled. Chemotherapy for PF group comprised 5-fluorouracil at days 1-5 （250 mg/m2/d） and cisplatin （20 mg/m2） at days 1-3 of every 28-day cycle; full treatment course included 2 cycles. Chemotherapy for DP group comprised docetaxel （20 mg/m2） and cisplatin （20 mg/m2） at days 1,8, 15, 22, 29, and 36. Both groups treated with concurrent 60 Gy 3DCRT at 200 cGy/d. Results： Seventy-four patients were enrolled and 71 completed the planned treatment, with a follow-up rate of 95.94%. Short-term curative effect was not statistically significant between the two groups （P = 0.471）. The 2-year survival rates were 65.7% and 61.1%, respectively （P = 0.806）, 5 years survival rates were 34.29% and 27.78%, respectively （P = 0.221）, and there was no significant difference by Fisher test （P = 0.734）. As common side effects, incidence rates of radioactive esophagitis and hematological toxicity were lower in DP group. Conclusion： For locally advanced esophageal cancer patients, current chemoradiotherapy with chemo- therapy regimen of weekly docetaxel plus cisplatin has equal curative effect with 5-fluorouracil plus cisplatin, but well-tolerated by reducing side effects such as radioactive esophagitis and bone marrow suppression.

Catalytic performance and synthesis of a Pt/graphene-TiO_2 catalyst using an environmentally friendly microwave-assisted solvothermal method

A Pt/graphene‐TiO2catalyst was prepared by a microwave‐assisted solvothermal method and was characterized by X‐ray diffraction,scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy,cyclic voltammetry,and linear sweep voltammetry.The cubic TiO2particles were approximately60nm in size and were distributed on the graphene sheets.The Pt nanoparticles were uniformly distributed between the TiO2particles and the graphene sheet.The catalyst exhibited a significant improvement in activity and stability towards the oxygen reduction reaction compared with Pt/C,which resulted from the high electronic conductivity of graphene and strong metal‐support interactions.

Effects of Crop Stubble on Physicochemical Properties of Continuous Cropping Soil and Cucumber Yield and Quality

By a pot experiment, two kinds of crop stubble (wheat, soybean) were added into continuous cropping soil of cucumber according to different quantity (0.5%, 1% and 2%), the effects of different kinds of stubble and quantity on the continuous cropping soil and growth of cucumber were investigated. The results showed that two kinds of crop stubble significantly decreased soil bulk density, and increased total porosity of soil. Each of all treatments significantly decreased the accumulation of salinity in soil within the entire growth period of cucumber. 2% wheat stubble treatment had the biggest drop in soil EC in the later period of cucumber growth. Soybean stubble treatment had the lesser effect on soil EC. Wheat and soybean stubble promoted the growth of cucumber, increased the yield of cucumber, and improved the quality of cucumber. 2% of wheat stubble treatment had a biggest increase in cucumber yield, which increased the yield by 34.23% compared with the control.

Coprecipitation of metal ions into calcite: an estimation of partition coefficients based on field investigation

Trace elements(and their isotopes)in carbonates are commonly used to reconstruct paleoenvironment and paleoclimate.Understanding the processes and mechanisms of element incorporation into carbonates is thus crucial for using such geochemical parameters as paleoclimate proxies.In contrast to laboratory-based experimental results,the partitioning of trace metals between solid and solution phases in natural carbonate precipitation systems has rarely been reported.In this study,we investigated the partition coefficients of metal ions between solid and solution in the channel of the natural Baishuitai travertine system,Yunnan,China.Our results show that the partition coefficients of Li+,Na+,Mg2+,Sr2+and Ba2+are<1,that of Ni2+is approximately 1,and those of Co2+,Mn2+,Zn2+and Cu2+are>1,consistent with the results found in previous experimental studies.Although the substitution for Ca2+is likely the main uptake process of these metals into calcite,depending on their ionic radius and charge,trace elements may also be incorporated by adsorption or physical entrapment.Our study shows that unlike laboratory experiments performed under specific conditions,the partitioning of metals between two phases in the natural travertine system could be controlled by several,even multiple,environmental factors(e.g.,carbonate deposition rate,temperature,and pH),which should be taken into account when using trace metals(and their isotopes)in carbonate archives as a paleoclimate proxy.

Identification of Suitable Reference Genes for qRT-PCR Normalization in Tilia miqueliana Maxim

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)is a rapid and effective approach toward detecting the expression patterns of target genes.The selection of a stable reference gene under specific test condition is essential for expressing levels of target genes accurately.Tilia miqueliana,considered endangered,is a prominent native ornamental and honey tree in East China.No study has evaluated the optimal endogenous reference gene for qRT-PCR analysis in T.miqueliana systematically.In this study,fifteen commonly used reference genes were selected as candidate genes,and the stabilities of their expressions were assessed using four algorithms(GeNorm,NormFiner,BestKeeper,and DeltaCt)in nine experimental datasets.The final integrated evaluation was performed using a comprehensive analysis algorithm(RefFinder).Finally,a target MYB transcription factor gene(TmMYB)was used to verify the accuracy of the candidate reference genes.The results showed that PP2αwas the most stable in tissue set,while RPS13 and SAMCD were optimal for heat and cold stress,respectively.Under waterlogging stress,PP2αand TUB were the most stable genes in the leaves and roots,respectively.EF1αand PP2αwere optimal for drying stress in leaf and root tissues.TUB and ACT7 were the most stable genes in the leaf and root tissues under salt stress.This is the first systematic evaluation of candidate reference genes in T.miqueliana,and it will benefit future studies on expression and functional analysis of target genes in T.miqueliana.

High-fat diet impairs gut barrier through intestinal microbiota-derived reactive oxygen species

Gut barrier disruption is a key event in bridging gut microbiota dysbiosis and high-fat diet(HFD)-associated metabolic disorders.However,the underlying mechanism remains elusive.In the present study,by comparing HFD-and normal diet(ND)-treated mice,we found that the HFD instantly altered the composition of the gut microbiota and subsequently damaged the integrity of the gut barrier.Metagenomic sequencing revealed that the HFD upregulates gut microbial functions related to redox reactions,as confirmed by the increased reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels in fecal microbiota incubation in vitro and in the lumen,which were detected using in vivo fluorescence imaging.This microbial ROS-producing capability induced by HFD can be transferred through fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)into germ-free(GF)mice,downregulating the gut barrier tight junctions.Similarly,mono-colonizing GF mice with an Enterococcus strain excelled in ROS production,damaged the gut barrier,induced mitochondrial malfunction and apoptosis of the intestinal epithelial cells,and exacerbated fatty liver,compared with other low-ROS-producing Enterococcus strains.Oral administration of recombinant high-stability-superoxide dismutase(SOD)significantly reduced intestinal ROS,protected the gut barrier,and improved fatty liver against the HFD.In conclusion,our study suggests that extracellular ROS derived from gut microbiota play a pivotal role in HFD-induced gut barrier disruption and is a potential therapeutic target for HFD-associated metabolic diseases.

青藏高原羌塘盆地首口油气科探井(QK-1)新发现

羌科-1井(QK-1)是藏北高原第一口油气地质科学探井,也是目前世界上海拔最高的科探井.通过实施羌塘盆地科探井及其配套地质浅钻,在油气封盖条件、优质烃源岩、油气显示及地层沉积序列等方面取得了一系列新发现.钻探发现了两套区域性优质盖层:雀莫错组(J_(1-2)q)硬石膏层厚达353.8~365.0 m,夏里组(J_(2x))含膏泥质岩厚达230.0~252.0 m.钻井、地震资料及沉积相综合分析表明,这些盖层区域分布连续、稳定,同时油气封盖性能良好,从而证实羌塘盆地具备较好的油气封盖条件.与QK-1配套的地质浅钻揭示,北羌塘盆地边缘带上三叠统滨岸沼泽至三角洲平原相区发育了较好的烃源岩.泥质烃源岩总有机碳(total organic carbon,TOC)含量达2.0%~3.6%,厚36.0 m,TOC含量大于1%的烃源岩厚达61.0 m.有机质类型包括II_(1)、II_(2)和III型,热演化程度为高成熟-过成熟阶段,以生气为主.预测北羌塘盆地中心覆盖区前三角洲至陆棚相区可能具有比盆地边缘相带更好的优质烃源岩.因此,北羌塘盆地不仅存在优质烃源岩,而且可能还具有较大的生烃潜力.QK-1共揭示14层气测异常,结合地表露头油气显示,表明羌塘盆地有过大规模油气生成聚集与破坏过程,同时存在油气有利保存区带.QK-1钻遇了侏罗系完整连续的地层沉积序列,总体上表现为冲洪积相逐渐演化为滨至浅海相及碳酸盐台地,地层沉积序列资料为羌塘含油气盆地分析提供了新的依据.

Lifecycle of cobalt-based alloy for artificial joints:From bulk material to nanoparticles and ions due to bio-tribocorrosion

The release of debris and ions from metallic artificial joints during bio-tribocorrosion posed a severe threat to patient health.In this work,the lifecycle of a Co Cr Mo alloy was presented by investigating the subsurface microstructure transformation in-vitro.The results showed that the originally coarse grains changed to nano-grains(NGs)on the top region of the alloy,and nanoparticles(NPs)were torn off the surface,which were then blocked by the tribo-film.The agglomerated alloy NPs contained in the tribofilm transformed into debris after being removed from the alloy surface.The majority of the torn-off NPs were corroded and released ions into solution due to their high chemical activities.

An energetics analysis of fish self-propelled swimming

Fishes can swim freely in water owing to the interaction between their deforming bodies and the surrounding fluid, as is called self-propelled swimming. Besides the experimental study, the numerical simulation can provide much more details of the flow structure, hydrodynamics and energetics of fish swimming. Since the pioneering study by Carling et al. [ 1 ], numerical simulation has become the primary method to study self-propelled swimming [2-18]. In addition to the steady swimming [ 1-9], various swimming strategies such as burst-and-coast [10,11], turning [12,13], and fast-starts [14- 17] have been studied with self-propelled simulation.

A Toarcian Ocean Anoxic Event record from an open-ocean setting in the eastern Tethys: Implications for global climatic change and regional environmental perturbation

The Early Toarcian“Oceanic Anoxic Event”(T-OAE)is recorded by marked disruption to both the climate system and marine ecosystems.Here,we present intergraded high-resolution carbon-isotope data(δ^(13)C),bulk geochemistry,mineral characterization from an open-ocean setting in the eastern Tethys.With these data,we(1)construct the high-resolution record of the T-OAE from an open-ocean setting in the eastern Tethys;(2)show that the T-OAE in the Sewa succession was marked by coarser-grained deposits associated with high-energy conditions within the otherwise low-energy claystone deposits that likely linked to a globally increased supply of clastic sediments into marginal and deeper marine basin;(3)propose that the low C_(org):P_(total) ratios,in combination with bioturbated structure and depletion or slight enrichment in redox-sensitive trace elements of V,Mo,and U suggest a long-term oxygenation event throughout the T-OAE interval at the Sewa succession,and hence,anoxia may not play a fundamental role during the Toarcian negative CIE in this setting;(4)exhibit that a warming and more humid climate began at the start of the T-OAE,and many episodic changes in sediment provenance throughout the T-OAE interval occurred at this location;and(5)suggest that accumulation of organic-matter sediments during the T-OAE is generally controlled by global climatic changes,but a regional environmental perturbation also might influence the preservation of organic matter.

Large-scale fabrication of decoupling coatings with promising robustness and superhydrophobicity for antifouling,drag reduction,and organic photodegradation

It is still a challenge to achieve large-area preparation of robust superhydrophobic surfaces with strong mechanical stability.Here,a simple and low-cost method to prepare robust decoupling superhydrophobic coatings on aluminum(Al)alloys substrate has been presented.The superhydrophobicity and robustness of decoupling coatings are realized by structuring surfaces at two different length scales,with nanostructures for superhydrophobicity and microstructures for robustness.This prepared decoupling coating shows promising superhydrophobicity,with water contact angle(CA)of~158.4°and roll off angle(RA)of~3°.It also exhibits high repellency for impacting water droplets.Notably,the decoupling coating processes outstanding adhesion strength on the substrate after tape-peeling and cross-cut tests,also with promising wear resistantance after sandpaper abrasion and wear test.The friction coefficient of this decoupling coating is only~0.2.In addition,the robust decoupling superhydrophobic coating is applied to underwater buoyancy enhancement and fluid resistance reduction(drag reduction rate~30.09%).This decoupling superhydrophobic coating also displays promising self-cleaning and antifouling properties.Moreover,benefitting from the photocatalytic property of TiO2,this decoupling coating is also exploited for degrading organics to achieve seawater purification.This obtained decoupling superhydrophobic coating is expected to apply on other solids in marine fields,and the simple and eco-friendly method develops the potential practical application.

Receipt of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine had no adverse influence on embryo implantation,clinical pregnancy and miscarriage in early pregnancy

Dear Editor,Pregnant women are at high risk of COVID-19 infection.During pregnancy,COVID-19 infection increases the risk of preterm delivery and the probability of intensive care unit care for the parturient and neonate(Allotey et al.,2020;Lu et al.,2020).Several women have altered their pregnancy plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic(Flynn et al.,2021).

Heterozygous CARD9 mutation favors the development of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Background:Previous research demonstrated that a homozygous mutation of g.136372044G>A(S12N)in caspase recruitment domain family member 9(CARD9)is critical for producing Aspergillus fumigatus-induced(Af-induced)T helper 2(T_(H)2)-mediated responses in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis(ABPA).However,it remains unclear whether the CARD9^(S12N)mutation,especially the heterozygous occurrence,predisposes the host to ABPA.Methods:A total of 61 ABPA patients and 264 controls(including 156 healthy controls and 108 asthma patients)were recruited for sequencing the CARD9 locus to clarify whether patients with this heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphisms are predisposed to the development of ABPA.A series of in vivo and in vitro experiments,such as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,flow cytometry,and RNA isolation and quantification,were used to illuminate the involved mechanism of the disease.Results:The presence of the p.S12N mutation was associated with a significant risk of ABPA in ABPA patients when compared with healthy controls and asthma patients,regardless of Aspergillus sensitivity.Relative to healthy controls without relevant allergies,the mutation of p.S12N was associated with a significant risk of ABPA(OR:2.69 and 4.17 for GA and AA genotypes,P=0.003 and 0.029,respectively).Compared with patients with asthma,ABPA patients had a significantly higher heterozygous mutation(GA genotype),indicating that p.S12N might be a significant ABPA-susceptibility locus(aspergillus sensitized asthma:OR:3.02,P=0.009;aspergillus unsensitized asthma:OR:2.94,P=0.005).The mutant allele was preferentially expressed in ABPA patients with heterozygous CARD9^(S12N),which contributes to its functional alterations to facilitate Af-induced T_(H)2-mediated ABPA development.In terms of mechanism,Card9 wild-type(Card9^(WT))expression levels decreased significantly due to Af-induced decay of its messenger RNA compared to the heterozygous Card9 S12N.In addition,ABPA patients with heterozygous CARD9^(S12N)had increased Af-induced interleukin-5 production.Conclusion:Our study provides the genetic evidence showing that the heterozygous mutation of CARD9^(S12N),followed by allele expression imbalance of CARD9^(S12N),facilitates the development of ABPA.

Tribocorrosion Behavior and Degradation Mechanism of 316L Stainless Steel in Typical Corrosive Media

The tribocorrosion behavior and degradation mechanism of 316 L stainless steel,in four typically industrial corrosion media,under different potentials,were studied.The results indicated that they strongly depended on corrosion medium and electrode potential.When the potential increased from cathodic protection region to anodic region,corrosion was accelerated.It dramatically promoted mechanical wear which even dominated the total material loss.As a result,the total material loss increased sharply,though the material degradation directly caused by corrosion was slight.This phenomenon was more noticeable when the media were more aggressive.Especially in NaCl solution,the occurrence of pitting corrosion at anodic potential dramatically accelerated the degradation of the stainless steel.There was a special case in NaOH solution under cathodic protection potential.The corrosive reaction could still occur and couple with wear,which led to the abnormally great material loss compared with that in other corrosion media.

Tribocorrosion Behavior and Degradation Mechanism of 316L Stainless Steel in Alkaline Solution:Effect of Tribo-Film

Tribocorrosion behavior and degradation mechanism of 316L stainless steel(SS)in alkaline solution were studied.The SS was worn in 0.1 mol/L NaOH solution with different potentials to investigate the synergism between wear and corrosion.The SS showed larger material loss at a cathodic potential of-0.8 V and lower material loss at anodic potential when compared with that under pure wear condition.This was inverse when compared with that in other corrosive media,such as H_(2)SO_(4)and NaCl solutions.The formation of Tribo-films with different properties at different potentials played decisive role in the degradation process.Tribo-films were formed at cathodic potential(-0.8 V)and anodic potentials(0 and 0.4 V).The tribo-film formed at-0.8 V had the highest O content and was very brittle.It resulted in the easily peeling off of the film and then the acceleration of material degradation.By contrast,the Tribo-films formed at anodic potentials were more complete and the O content was much lower.Such kind of ductile Tribo-films could protect the SS from wear.The locally high concentration of OH-produced in the reduction reaction of oxygen at-0.8 V could react with the tribo-film which consist of nano-particles(NPs)with high chemical activity and finally led to deep oxidation and embrittlement of the film.The passivation of the NPs at the anodic potentials could inhibit the oxidation of tribo-film to maintain its ductility.

Thermal Deformation Behavior and Processing Map of a Novel CrFeNiSi_(0.15)Medium Entropy Alloy

The thermal deformation behavior of a novel CrFeNiSi_(0.15)medium entropy alloy(MEA)was studied via isothermal compression experiments,with the processing parameter range of 900–1200℃and 0.001–1 s^(−1).According to experimental data,the modified constitutive equation had been obtained,which precisely predicted the flow behavior of CrFeNiSi_(0.15)MEA during thermal deformation.At the same time,the processing map was established on the basis of the dynamic material model(DMM)theory.According to the map,the optimal processing parameters were determined at 1130–1200℃/0.06–1 s−1,under which the power dissipation efficiency could reach above 34%.The peak efficiency was above 38%,which occurred at 1200℃/1 s^(−1).In such parameter,complete dynamic recrystallization(DRX)also occurred.The flow instability of CrFeNiSi_(0.15)MEA was estimated to occur at 900–985℃/0.12–1 s^(−1),which was shown as grain boundaries cracking.Furthermore,both the continuous DRX(CDRX)and discontinuous DRX(DDRX)occurred simultaneously during thermal deformation.Meanwhile,some twins were also newly formed during DRX process,most of which were primary twins.The occurrence of twinning was beneficial to promote the development of DRX behavior.