Scarcity and Mental Health—Multiple Mediators of Sleep Quality and Life Satisfaction

Background:In the current social environment,scarcity,as a universally present objective state,profoundly impacts individuals’decision-making and health through the subjective feeling it induces,known as a“scarcity mindset.”Particularly,the feeling of scarcity related to money and sleep time is not only widespread but also directly linked to an individual’s mental health.Purpose:This study aims to delve into the relationship between the feeling of scarcity and mental health,with a specific focus on the relationship between the feeling of money scarcity or sleep time scarcity and mental health,as well as the role of sleep quality or life satisfaction in this relationship.Procedure:We determined the sampling quotas based on the population and economic development levels of each province in the“China Statistical Yearbook(2021)”(National Bureau of Statistics,2021).Participants were selected using the Probability Proportional to Size(PPS)sampling method.Data was collected by distributing online questionnaires to participants,and the relationships between the main variables were explored using structural equation modeling.Results:1.In China,the feeling of sleep time scarcity is stronger than the feeling of money scarcity among the public.2.The feeling of money scarcity is positively correlated with depression and anxiety,whereas the feeling of sleep time scarcity is only positively correlated with depression.3.The feeling of scarcity mainly leads to depression and self-denial through reducing life satisfaction,and it leads to anxiety through reducing sleep quality.Conclusion:The feeling of scarcity in money and sleep time is related to different dimensions of mental health.Therefore,reasonably planning financial allocation and ensuring an adequate amount of sleep can reduce the sense of scarcity,thereby improving mental health.Additionally,improving sleep quality and increasing life satisfaction can alleviate the adverse effects of scarcity on mental health.

Observation on Therapeutic Effect of Lotus Needle Cupping Therapy for Removing Blood Stasis in Zhuang Medicine on PHN and Its Influ-ence on Inflammatory Mediators

[Objectives]To observe the clinical effect of the lotus needle cupping therapy for removing blood stasis in Zhuang medicine in treating PHNand its influence on inflammatory factors.[Methods]96 patients with PHN were randomly divided into three groups:lotus nee-dle cupping therapy group,TCM surrounding acupuncture group and gabapentin group.Venous blood and acupoint blood were collected at 0,21 and 42 d of treatment,and the expression levels of 5-HT,SP and CGRPinflammatory mediators were detected before and after treatment.The changes of VAS scores before,during and after treatment and the clinical efficacy were observed.[Results]The total effective rate of the lotus needle cupping group was 87.50%,which was better than that of the TCM acupuncture group(81.25%)and the gabapentin group(62.50%);after treatment,the VAS scores and the expression of inflammatory mediators in the three groups of patients were lower than those before treatment,and the decrease was more significant in the treatment group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]The lotus needle cupping therapy for removing blood stasis in Zhuang medicine is effective in treating PHN,and its mechanism is to reduce the release of inflammatory media-tors,reduce hyperalgesia,relieve pain and improve the quality of life of patients.

The mechanism and relevant mediators associated with neuronal apoptosis and potential therapeutic targets in subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)is a dominant cause of death and disability wo rldwide.A sharp increase in intracranial pressure after SAH leads to a reduction in cerebral perfusion and insufficient blood supply for neuro ns,which subsequently promotes a series of pathophysiological responses leading to neuronal death.Many previous experimental studies have reported that excitotoxicity,mitochondrial death pathways,the release of free radicals,protein misfolding,apoptosis,nec rosis,autophagy,and inflammation are involved solely or in combination in this disorder.Among them,irreversible neuronal apoptosis plays a key role in both short-and long-term prognoses after SAH.Neuronal apoptosis occurs through multiple pathways including extrinsic,mitochondrial,endoplasmic reticulum,p53 and oxidative stress.Meanwhile,a large number of blood contents enter the subarachnoid space after SAH,and the secondary metabolites,including oxygenated hemoglo bin and heme,further aggravate the destruction of the blood-brain barrier and vasogenic and cytotoxic brain edema,causing early brain injury and delayed cerebral ischemia,and ultimately increasing neuronal apoptosis.Even there is no clear and effective therapeutic strategy for SAH thus far,but by understanding apoptosis,we might excavate new ideas and approaches,as targeting the upstream and downstream molecules of apoptosis-related pathways shows promise in the treatment of SAH.In this review,we summarize the existing evidence on molecules and related drugs or molecules involved in the apoptotic pathway after SAH,which provides a possible target or new strategy for the treatment of SAH.

Association and potential mediators between socioeconomic status and childhood obesity in China:findings from a national cohort study

Objective:Socioeconomic status(SES)is associated with childhood obesity,but the underlying factors remain unknown.This study aimed to identify mediators that may explain SES disparities in childhood obesity in China.Methods:Nationally representative longitudinal data from the China Education Panel Survey of 11 o019 children(13.03±0.79)collected from 2013-2014 to 2016-2017 academic years.Overweight/obesity was defined using Chinese national body mass index cut-points.Principal component analysis was used to convert the four SES indicators(maternal and paternal education,and occupation)into one comprehensive variable.Mediation analysis for SES disparities in childhood obesity was conducted using structure equation models.Results:The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 12.8%,and was higher in boys than in girls(17.8%vs.7.6%,P<0.001)at baseline.Among boys,relative risk(RR)of obesity was 1.23(95%CI:1.09 to 1.40,P<O.001)for per unit change in SES.There was no significant association between obesity and SES among girls.Mediation analyses showed that among boys,birth weight,being the only child in the family and children's selfperceived weight status mediated 70.0%of the effects of SES on obesity.No mediation effect was detected in girls.Conclusions:Chinese boys are more likely to be overweight or obese than girls.SES may impact childhood obesity through birth weight,being the only child in the family and children's self-perceived body weight status in boys,but not in girls.More attention should be made to address childhood obesity in high SES families among boys.Interventions targeting at these mediators are needed.

Effects of large dose of dexamethasone on inflammatory mediators and pancreatic cell apoptosis of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate the influence of high dose of dexamethasone on inflammatory mediators and apoptosis of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: SAP rats were randomly assigned to the model group and treatment group while the normal rats were assigned to the sham operation group. The mortality,ascite volumes,ascites/body weight ratio and pancreas pathological changes of all rats were observed at 3,6 and 12 h after operation. Their contents of amylase and endotoxin in plasma and contents of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α),phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and IL-6 in serum were also determined. The microarray sections of their pancreatic tissues were prepared,terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed and apoptotic indexes were calculated. RESULTS: There was no marked difference between treatment group and model group in survival. The contents of amylase and endotoxin in plasma and contents of TNF-α,PLA2 and IL-6 in serum,ascite volumes,ascites/body weight ratio and pancreas pathological scores were all lower in treatment group than in model group to different extents at different time points P < 0.05,58.3 (26.4) ng/L vs 77.535 (42.157) ng/L in TNF-α content,8.00 (2.00) points vs 9.00 (2.00) points in pathological score of pancreas respectively; P < 0.01,0.042 (0.018) EU/mL vs 0.056 (0.0195) EU/mL in endotoxin content,7791 (1863) U/L vs 9195 (1298) U/L in plasma amylase content,1.53 (0.79) vs 2.38 (1.10) in ascites/body weight ratio,8.00 (1.00) points vs 11.00 (1.50) points in pathological score of pancreas; P < 0.001,3.36 (1.56) ng/L vs 5.65 (1.08) ng/L in IL-6 content,4.50 (2.00) vs 7.20 (2.00),4.20 (1.60) vs 6.40 (2.30),3.40 (2.70) vs 7.90 (1.70) in ascite volumes,respectively. The apoptotic indexes of pancreas head and pancreas tail were all higher in treatment group than in model group at 6 h P < 0.01,0.00 (2.00)% vs 0.00 (0.00)%,0.20 (1.80) vs 0.00 (0.00) in apoptosis indexes,respectively. CONCLUSION: The mechanism of dexamethasone treatment in acute pancreatitis is related to its inhibition of inflammatory mediator generation and induction of pancreatic acinar cell apoptosis.

Inflammatory mediators and microcirculatory disturbance in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory mediators are not only initiation factors of acute pancreatitis (AP) but also key factors causing pancreatic hemorrhage and necrosis, which damage important organs such as the heart, brain, liver, kidney and lung. Microcirculatory disturbance in AP has attracted widespread attention. In order to provide a theoretical basis for clinical therapy of AP, it is very important to explore the effect of inflammatory mediators on microcirculatory disturbance in this disease. DATA SOURCES: In this review, the impact of inflammatory mediators on microcirculatory disturbance in AP was reviewed according to the literature, especially the articles indexed in PubMed and books published in China and reports from websites. RESULTS: At present, inflammatory mediation and microcirculatory disturbance are the two major hypotheses to explain the development of AP. Although experimental studies have shown that inflammatory mediators induce or aggravate microcirculatory disturbance, the clinical application of these findings is still difficult because the inflammatory mediators are diverse and their research is not comprehensive and thorough. CONCLUSION: It is very important to explore the influence of inflammatory mediators on microcirculatory disturbance in AP.

The role of inflammatory mediators in severe acute pancreatitis and regulation of glucocorticoids

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of glucocorticoids on systemic inflammatory mediator release in rats with acute pancreatitis and the outcome of dexamethasone in treatment of acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Sixty-eight Wistar rats were divided into sham, acute pancreatitis, and treatment (intravenous dexamethasone 0.5 mg/kg) groups. Experimental acute pancreatitis was induced by the injection of 5% sodium taurocholate (0.1 ml/100 mg body weight) into the pancreatic-biliary duct. The bIood samples were obtained and examined for 6-keto-PGI_1α, TXB_2 and IL-6 postoperatively at 3,6 and 12 hours, respectively. The pancreatic samples were evaluated by a blinded method. Twelve-hour survival rate was determined and compared between the groups. RESULTS: The high serum concentrations of 6-keto-PGI_1α, TXB_2 and IL-6 were noted in the rats with acute pancreatitis associated with pancreatic hemorrhage and necrosis. Their 12-hour survival rate was 42.9%. The rats in the treatment group survived with significantly reduced serum concentrations of 6-keto-PGI_1α, TXB_2 and IL-6 (P<0.05). Their pancreatic morphology was normal. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone may reduce the serum concentration of 6-keto-PGI_1α, TXB_2, and IL-6, and the severity of acute pancreatitis while increasing the survival rate of rats with acute pancreatitis.

Nucleolin Mediates LPS-induced Expression of Inflammatory Mediators and Activation of Signaling Pathways

Summary:In this study,we investigated the effects of nucleolin on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced activation of MAPK and NF-KappaB(NF-kB)signaling pathways and secretion of TNF-a,IL-1βand HMGB1 in THP-1 monocytes.Immunofluorescence assay and Western blotting were used to identify the nucleolin expression in cell membrane,cytoplasm and nucleus of THP-1 monocytes.Inactivation of nucleolin was induced by neutralizing antibody against nucleolin.THP-1 monocytes were pretreated with anti-nucleolin antibody for 1 h prior to LPS challenge.The irrelevant IgG group was used as control.Secretion of inflammatory mediators(TNF-a,IL-1β and HMGB1)and activation of MAPK and NF-kB/I-kB signaling pathways were examined to assess the effects of nucleolin on LPS-mediated inflammatory response.Nucleolin existed in cell membrane,cytoplasm and nucleus of THP-1 monocytes.Pretreatment of anti-nucleolin antibody significantly inhibited the LPS-induced secretion of TNF-a,IL-1β and HMGB1.P38,JNK,ERK and NF-κB subunit p65 inhibitors could significantly inhibit the secretion of IL-1β,TNF-a and HMGB1 induced by LPS.Moreover,the phosphorylation of p38,JNK,ERK and p65(or nuclear translocation of p65)was significantly increased after LPS challenge.In contrast,pretreatment of anti-nucleolin antibody could significantly inhibit the LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38,JNK,ERK and p65(or nuclear translocation of p65).However,the irrelevant IgG,as a negative control,had no effect on LPS-induced secretion of TNF-a and IL-Iβ and phosphorylation of p38,JNK,ERK and p65(or nuclear translocation of p65).We demonstrated that nucleolin mediated the LPS-induced activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways,and regulated the secretion of inflammatory mediators(TNF-a,IL-1β and HMGB1).

Comparison of early changes in ocular surface markers and tear inflammatory mediators after femtosecond lenticule extraction and FS-LASIK

AIM:To compare the short-term impacts of femtosecond lenticule extraction(FLEx)and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)on ocular surface measures and tear inflammatory mediators.METHODS:This prospective comparative nonrandomized clinical study comprised 75 eyes(75 patients).Totally 20 male and 15 female patients(age 21.62±3.25 y)with 35 eyes underwent FLEx,and 26 male and 14 female patients(age 20.18±3.59 y)with 40 eyes underwent FS-LASIK.Central corneal sensitivity,noninvasive tear breakup time,corneal fluorescein staining,Schirmer I test,tear meniscus height,and ocular surface disease index were evaluated in all patients.Tear concentrations of nerve growth factor(NGF),interleukin-1α(IL-1α),transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interferon-γ(IFN-γ),and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)were assessed by multiplex antibody microarray.All measurements were performed preoperatively,and 1 d,1 wk,and 1 mo postoperatively.RESULTS:Patients who underwent FLEx exhibited a more moderate reduction in central corneal sensation and less corneal fluorescein staining than those in the FS-LASIK group 1 wk after the procedure(P<0.01).NGF was significantly higher 1 d and 1 wk after surgery in the FS-LASIK group than in the FLEx group(P<0.01).By contrast,compared to those in the FLEx group,higher postoperative values and slower recovery of tear TGF-β1,IL-1α,and TNF-αconcentrations were observed in the FS-LASIK group(P<0.01).Tear concentrations of NGF,TGF-β1,TNF-α,and IL-1αwere correlated with ocular surface changes after FLEx or FS-LASIK surgery.CONCLUSION:There is less early ocular surface disruption and a reduced inflammatory response after FLEx than after FS-LASIK.NGF,TGF-β1,TNF-α,and IL-1αmay contribute to the process of ocular surface recovery.

Effect of bevacizumab on the expression of fibrosis-related inflammatory mediators in ARPE-19 cells

AIM：To investigate the effect of anti-vascular epithelial growth factor（VEGF）agents on the expression of fibrosisrelated inflammatory mediators under normoxic and hypoxic conditions,and to further clarify the mechanism underlying fibrosis after anti-VEGF therapy. METHODS：Human retinal pigment epithelial（RPE）cells were incubated under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.For hypoxia treatment,CoCl_2 at 200μmol/L was added to the media. ARPE-19 cells were treated as following：1）control group：no treatment; 2）bevacizumab group：bevacizumab at 0.25 mg/mL was added to the media; 3）hypoxia group：CoCl_2 at 200 μmol/L was added to the media; 4）hypoxia＋bevacizumab group：CoCl_2 at 200 μmol/L and bevacizumab at 0.25 mg/mL were added to the media.The expression of interleukin（IL）-1β,IL-6,IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor（TNF）-α were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR）and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）at 6,12,24 and 48 h. RESULTS：Both m RNA and protein levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and IL-8 were statistically significantly higher in the bevacizumab group than in the control group at each time point,and TNF-α gene and protein expression was only significantly higher only at 24 and 48h（P〈0.05）. Under hypoxic conditions,bevacizumab significantly increased the expression of IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α at 6,12,24 and 48h（P〈0.05）. IL-1β,IL-8 and TNF-α peaked at 24 h and IL-6 peaked at 12 h after the bevacizumab treatment under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. CONCLUSION：Treatment of ARPE-19 cells with bevacizumab can significantly increase the expression of fibrosis-related inflammatory mediators under bothnormoxic and hypoxic conditions. Inflammatory factors might be involved in the process of fibrosis after antiVEGF therapy,and the up-regulation of inflammatory factors induced by anti-VEGF drugs might promote the fibrosis process.

Moderators and mediators of antipsychotic response in delusional disorder:Further steps are needed

Delusional disorder(DD)has been traditionally considered a relatively rare and treatment-resistant psychotic disorder.In the last decade,increasing attention has focused on therapeutic outcomes of individuals affected by this disorder.The aim of this paper is to provide a synthesis of the literature addressing two very important questions arising from DD research:(1)For which patients with DD do antipsychotic medications work best(the moderators of response);and(2)What variables best explain the relationship between such treatments and their effectiveness(the mediators of response).We searched PubMed and Google Scholar databases for English,German,French and Spanish language papers published since 2000.We also included a few classic earlier papers addressing this topic.Variables potentially moderating antipsychotic response in DD are gender,reproductive status,age,duration of illness,the presence of comorbidity(especially psychiatric comorbidity)and its treatment,brain structure,and genetics of neurochemical receptors and drug metabolizing enzymes.Antipsychotic and hormonal blood levels during treatment,as well as functional brain changes,are potential mediating variables.Some,but not all,patients with DD benefit from antipsychotic treatment.Understanding the circumstances under which treatment works best can serve to guide optimal management.

Mediators of Parental Status （Single or Both Parenting） and Academic Performance of Primary School Pupils in Ghana

This multivariate study investigated whether Parental Support, Teacher Support, and Academic Motivation mediate the relationship between Parental Status （i.e., children from single or both parents homes） and Academic Performance, The research design used for the study was a cross sectional survey using the quantitative approach. Data set from 250 primary school pupils from the Effutu Municipality were analysed using partial correlation and multiple regression analytical techniques. Among the study findings, that were when the effects of Parental Status were controlled for, Parental Support, Teacher Support, and Academic Motivation still related significantly to Academic Performance. Among the conclusions of the findings are that, whether the child was from a single or both parent home was not important with regard to his or her academic performance but rather it was the quality of support that the child gets from whoever is doing the parenting, teacher support and the child＇s own academic motivation that were important to determine the child＇s Academic Performance. The study also found that Parental Support was the best predictor of the pupils＇ Academic Performance out of the three factors includingTeacher Support and Academic Motivation.

Pain-related mediators underlie incision-induced mechanical nociception in the dorsal root ganglia

Approximately 50-70% of patients experience incision-induced mechanical nociception after sur- gery. However, the mechanism underlying incision-induced mechanical nociception is still unclear. Interleukin-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor are important pain mediators, but whether in- terleukin-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor are involved in incision-induced mechanical no- ciception remains uncertain. In this study, forty rats were divided randomly into the incision surgery （n = 32） and sham surgery （n = 8） groups. Plantar incision on the central part of left hind paw was performed under anesthesia in rats from the surgery group. Rats in the sham surgery group re- ceived anesthesia, but not an incision. Yon Frey test results showed that, compared with the sham surgery group, incision surgery decreased the withdrawal threshold of rats at 0.5, 3, 6 and 24 hours after incision. Immunofluorescence staining in the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord （L3-5） showed that interleukin-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were expressed mainly on small- and medium-sized neurons （diameter 〈 20 pm and 20-40 pm） and satellite cells in the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord （L3-5） in the sham surgery group. By contrast, in the surgery group, high expression of interleukin-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor appeared in large-sized neurons （diameter 〉 40 pm） at 6 and 24 hours after incision surgery, which corresponded to the decreased mechanical withdrawal threshold of rats in the surgery group. These experimental findings suggest that expression pattern shift of interleukin-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor induced by inci- sion surgery in dorsal root ganglia of rats was closely involved in lowering the threshold to me- chanical stimulus in the hind paw following incision surgery. Pain-related mediators induced by in- cision surgery in dorsal root ganglia of rats possibly underlie mechanical nociception in ipsilateral hind paws.

Effects of scalp acupoint cluster needling on learning and memory ability and inflammatory mediators in hippocampal CA1 region of rats with Alzheimer's disease

Objective:To observe the effect of scalp acupoint cluster needling on learning and memory ability and inflammatory mediators in CA1 area of hippocampus in rats with Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods:A total of 40 SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group,sham operation group,model group and scalp acupoint cluster needling group,with 10 rats in each group.The AD model was duplicated by injecting Abeta 1-42 solution into bilateral hippocampus in model group and scalp acupoint cluster needling group.The sham operation group was injected with the same amount of sterile hydrogen peroxide,while the blank group was not treated.The scalp acupoint cluster needling group was given acupuncture intervention from 2 d after model establishment.The blank group,sham operation group and model group were only bundled and fixed in the dorsal position once a day for 14 consecutive days.After treatment,the learning and memory ability of AD rats was tested by Morris water maze test,the contents and activities of Ach,ChAT and AcE in hippocampal CA1 area were detected by ELISA,and the expressions of IL-6,IL-10 protein and mRNA in hippocampal CA1 area were detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR,respectively.Results:Ach content,ChAT activity,IL-10 protein and mRNA expression in hippocampus were significantly lower than those in blank group,while AchE activity and IL-6 protein and mRNA expression were significantly higher than those in blank group.Compared with the model group,scalp acupoint cluster needling could significantly reduce the escape latency time,increase the number of crossing platforms and effective residence time,increase the content of Ach,the activity of ChAT,the expression of IL-10 protein and mRNA in hippocampus,and decrease the activity of AchE and the expression of IL-6 protein and mRNA.Conclusion:Controlling the expression of inflammatory factors and promoting the content of Ach in hippocampal CA1 region of AD rats can improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats.

Differences in serum inflammatory mediators in early blood culture positive and negative patients with bacterial bloodstream infection

Objective: To study the differences in serum inflammatory mediators in early blood culture positive and negative patients with bacterial bloodstream infection. Methods: Patients who were hospitalized due to suspected bacterial bloodstream infection between December 2015 and September 2017 were divided into positive group and negative group according to the results of blood culture, and healthy volunteers who underwent medical examination during the same period were selected as control group. Peripheral blood specimens were collected from patients with suspected bacteremia on admission, the peripheral blood specimens were collected from the control group of volunteers during physical examination, and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion factors and chemokines were determined. Results: Serum PCT, CRP, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, sTM, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, EOTAXIN-3 and MCP-1 levels of positive group and negative group were significantly higher than those of control group, and serum PCT, CRP, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, sTM, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, EOTAXIN-3 and MCP-1 levels of positive group were significantly higher than those of negative group. Conclusions: Detection of serum inflammatory mediators can early predict the bacterial bloodstream infection.

New translational and experimental insights into the role of proresolving lipid mediators in inflammatory bowel disease

The resolution of inflammation is an active process,guided by specialized proresolution lipid mediators(SPMs).These mediators originate from polyunsaturated fatty acids,such as omega-3.Sufficient evidence suggests that the beneficial effects attributed to omega-3 are,at least in part,the result of the immunomodulatory action of the SPMs,which act systemically by overcoming inflammation and repairing tissue damage,without suppressing the immune response.Recent studies suggest that an imbalance in the synthesis and/or activity of these compounds may be associated with the pathogenesis of several inflammatory conditions,such as inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Thus,this review highlights the advances made in recent years with regard to the endogenous synthesis and the biological role of lipoxins,resolvins,protectins,and maresins,as well as their precursors,in the regulation of inflammation;and provides an update on the participation of these mediators in the development and evolution of IBD and the therapeutic approaches that these immunomodulating substances are involved in this context.

Ni nanoparticles as electron-transfer mediators and NiS_x as interfacial active sites for coordinative enhancement of H_2-evolution performance of TiO_2

The development of efficient photocatalytic H2-evolution materials requires both rapid electron transfer and an effective interfacial catalysis reaction for H2 production. In addition to the well-known noble metals, low-cost and earth-abundant non-noble metals can also act as electron- transfer mediators to modify photocatalysts. However, as almost all non-noble metals lack the interfacial catalytic active sites required for the H2-evolution reaction, the enhancement of the photocatalytic performance is limited. Therefore, the development of new interfacial active sites on metal-modified photocatalysts is of considerable importance. In this study, to enhance the photocatalytic evolution of H2 by Ni-modified TiO2, the formation of NiSx as interfacial active sites was promoted on the surface of Ni nanoparticles. Specifically, the co-modified TiO2/Ni-NiSx photocatalysts were prepared via a two-step process involving the photoinduced deposition of Ni on the TiO2 surface and the subsequent formation of NiSx on the Ni surface by a hydrothermal reaction method. It was found that the TiO2/Ni-NiSx photocatalysts exhibited enhanced photocatalytic H2-evolution activity. In particular, TiO2/Ni-NiSx(30%) showed the highest photocatalytic rate (223.74 μmol h.1), which was greater than those of TiO2, TiO2/Ni, and TiO2/NiSx by factors of 22.2, 8.0, and 2.2, respectively. The improved H2-evolution performance of TiO2/Ni-NiSx could be attributed to the excellent synergistic effect of Ni and NiSx, where Ni nanoparticles function as effective mediators to transfer electrons from the TiO2 surface and NiSx serves as interfacial active sites to capture H+ ions from solution and promote the interfacial H2-evolution reaction. The synergistic effect of the non-noble metal cocatalyst and the interfacial active sites may provide new insights for the design of highly efficient photocatalytic materials.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation attenuates overexpression of inflammatory mediators in rat brain after cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Emerging evidence suggests that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation improves neurological function after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation;however, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell treatment on expression profiles of multiple cytokines in the brain after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Cardiac arrest was induced in rats by asphyxia and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated 6 minutes after cardiac arrest. One hour after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, rats were injected with either phosphate-buffered saline(control) or 1 × 10~6 bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells via the tail vein. Serum S100 B levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and neurological deficit scores were evaluated to assess brain damage at 3 days after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Serum S100 B levels were remarkably decreased and neurological deficit scores were obviously improved in the mesenchymal stem cell group compared with the phosphate-buffered saline group. Brains were isolated from the rats and expression levels of 90 proteins were determined using a RayBio Rat Antibody Array, to investigate the cytokine profiles. Brain levels of the inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, macrophage inflammatory protein-3α, macrophage-derived chemokine, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 were decreased ≥ 1.5-fold, while levels of the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10 were increased ≥ 1.5-fold in the mesenchymal stem cell group compared with the control group. Donor mesenchymal stem cells were detected by immunofluorescence to determine their distribution in the damaged brain, and were primarily observed in the cerebral cortex. These results indicate that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation attenuates brain damage induced by cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, possibly via regulation of inflammatory mediators. This experimental protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Fujian Medical University, China in January 2016(approval No. 2016079).

Interplay between nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and inflammatory mediators in COVID-19-related liver injury

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a global pandemic and poses a major threat to human health worldwide.In addition to respiratory symptoms,COVID-19 is usually accompanied by systemic inflammation and liver damage in moderate and severe cases.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins,participating in COVID-19-mediated inflammation and liver injury.Here,we show the novel reciprocal regulation between NRF2 and inflammatory mediators associated with COVID-19-related liver injury.Additionally,we describe some mechanisms and treatment strategies.

Strategies to suppress the shuttle effect of redox mediators in lithium-oxygen batteries

Rechargeable lithium-oxygen(Li-O_(2))batteries are the next generation energy storage devices due to their ultrahigh theoretical capacity.Redox mediators(RMs)are widely used as a homogenous electrocatalyst in non-aqueous Li-O_(2)batteries to enhance their discharge capacity and reduce charge overpotential.However,the shuttle effect of RMs in the electrolyte solution usually leads to corrosion of the Li metal anode and uneven Li deposition on the anode surface,resulting in unwanted consumption of electrocatalysts and deterioration of the cells.It is therefore necessary to take some measures to prevent the shuttle effect of RMs and fully utilize the soluble electrocatalysts.Herein,we summarize the strategies to suppress the RM shuttle effect reported in recent years,including electrolyte additives,protective separators and electrode modification.The mechanisms of these strategies are analyzed and their corresponding requirements are discussed.The electrochemical properties of Li-O_(2)batteries with different strategies are summarized and compared.The challenges and perspectives on preventing the shuttle effect of RMs are described for future study.This review provides guidance for achieving shuttle-free redox mediation and for designing Li-O_(2)cells with a long cycle life,high energy efficiency and highly reversible electrochemical reactions.