Multi-area collision-free path planning and efficient task scheduling optimization for autonomous agricultural robots.

Collision-free path planning and task scheduling optimization in multi-region operations of autonomous agricultural robots present a complex coupled problem. In addition to considering task access sequences and collision-free path planning, multiple factors such as task priorities, terrain complexity of farmland, and robot energy consumption must be comprehensively addressed. This study aims to explore a hierarchical decoupling approach to tackle the challenges of multi-region path planning. Firstly, we conduct path planning based on the A* algorithm to traverse paths for all tasks and obtain multi-region connected paths. Throughout this process, factors such as path length, turning points, and corner angles are thoroughly considered, and a cost matrix is constructed for subsequent optimization processes. Secondly, we reformulate the multi-region path planning problem into a discrete optimization problem and employ genetic algorithms to optimize the task sequence, thus identifying the optimal task execution order under energy constraints. We finally validate the feasibility of the multi-task planning algorithm proposed by conducting experiments in an open environment, a narrow environment and a large-scale environment. Experimental results demonstrate the method's capability to find feasible collision-free and cost-optimal task access paths in diverse and complex multi-region planning scenarios.

Comparative analysis of the application with the combination of CMA and karyotype in routine and late amniocentesis.

PURPOSE: This is a retrospective comparative study. We aimed to analyze the results of karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) of amniotic fluid across different gestational weeks and evaluate the clinical value in prenatal diagnosis, particularly in the late pregnancies. METHODS: Samples from 580 pregnant women of 18-23 weeks of gestation (mid-gestation group) and 196 pregnant women of 24-32 weeks of gestation (late group) were performed both standard G-band karyotype analysis and CMA. RESULTS: Among the 580 pregnant women in the routine group, the most common indications were positive Down's screening (213/580, 36.7%), followed by advanced maternal age (196/580, 33.8%); while fetal structural anomalies on ultrasonography were the top reason for amniocentesis in the late group (56/196, 28.6%). In the routine group, the total detection rate was 12.1% (70/580), of which 4.1% (24/580) were identified by karyotype analysis and 11.2% (65/580) by CMA. The total detection rate was 15.3% (30/196) in the late group, of which 5.1% (10/196) were detected by karyotype analysis, and 14.3% (28/196) by CMA. CONCLUSION: Karyotype analysis and CMA are complementary in detecting chromosomal abnormalities. Amniotic cavity puncture in the karyotype analysis in 18-23 weeks of gestation and 24-32 weeks of gestation is safe and effective, more obvious effect on the latter.

Rapid and accurate identification of stem cell differentiation stages via SERS and convolutional neural networks.

Monitoring the transition of cell states during induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) differentiation is crucial for clinical medicine and basic research. However, both identification category and prediction accuracy need further improvement. Here, we propose a method combining surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with convolutional neural networks (CNN) to precisely identify and distinguish cell states during stem cell differentiation. First, mitochondria-targeted probes were synthesized by combining AuNRs and mitochondrial localization signal (MLS) peptides to obtain effective and stable SERS spectra signals at various stages of cell differentiation. Then, the SERS spectra served as input datasets, and their distinctive features were learned and distinguished by CNN. As a result, rapid and accurate identification of six different cell states, including the embryoid body (EB) stage, was successfully achieved throughout the stem cell differentiation process with an impressive prediction accuracy of 98.5%. Furthermore, the impact of different spectral feature peaks on the identification results was investigated, which provides a valuable reference for selecting appropriate spectral bands to identify cell states. This is also beneficial for shortening the spectral acquisition region to enhance spectral acquisition speed. These results suggest the potential for SERS-CNN models in quality monitoring of stem cells, advancing the practical applications of stem cells.

SERS-based long-term mitochondrial pH monitoring during differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells to neural progenitor cells.

As one of the important organelles in the process of cell differentiation, mitochondria regulate the whole process of differentiation by participating in energy supply and information transmission. Mitochondrial pH value is a key indicator of mitochondrial function. Therefore, real-time monitoring of mitochondrial pH value during cell differentiation is of great significance for understanding cell biochemical processes and exploring differentiation mechanisms. In this study, Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology was used to achieve the real-time monitoring of mitochondrial pH during induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiation into neural progenitor cells (NPCs). The results showed that the variation trend of mitochondrial pH in normal and abnormal differentiated batches was different. The mitochondrial pH value of normal differentiated cells continued to decline from iPSCs to embryoid bodies (EB) day 4, and continued to rise from EB day 4 to the NPCs stage, and the mitochondrial microenvironment of iPSCs to NPCs differentiation became acidic. In contrast, the mitochondrial pH value of abnormally differentiated cells declined continuously during differentiation. This study improves the information on acid-base balance during cell differentiation and may provide a basis for further understanding of the changes and regulatory mechanisms of mitochondrial metabolism during cell differentiation. This also helps to improve more accurate and useful differentiation protocols based on the microenvironment within the mitochondria, improving the efficiency of cell differentiation.

DHM/SERS reveals cellular morphology and molecular changes during iPSCs-derived activation of astrocytes.

The activation of astrocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is of great significance in neuroscience research, and it is crucial to obtain both cellular morphology and biomolecular information non-destructively in situ, which is still complicated by the traditional optical microscopy and biochemical methods such as immunofluorescence and western blot. In this study, we combined digital holographic microscopy (DHM) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to investigate the activation characteristics of iPSCs-derived astrocytes. It was found that the projected area of activated astrocytes decreased by 67%, while the cell dry mass increased by 23%, and the cells changed from a flat polygonal shape to an elongated star-shaped morphology. SERS analysis further revealed an increase in the intensities of protein spectral peaks (phenylalanine 1001 cm-1, proline 1043 cm-1, etc.) and lipid-related peaks (phosphatidylserine 524 cm-1, triglycerides 1264 cm-1, etc.) decreased in intensity. Principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) modeling based on spectral data distinguished resting and reactive astrocytes with a high accuracy of 96.5%. The increase in dry mass correlated with the increase in protein content, while the decrease in projected area indicated the adjustment of lipid composition and cell membrane remodeling. Importantly, the results not only reveal the cellular morphology and molecular changes during iPSCs-derived astrocytes activation but also reflect their mapping relationship, thereby providing new insights into diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases.

HAMP predicts a pivotal role in modulating the malignant behaviors of non-small cell lung cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (HAMP) is a small peptide hormone recognized for its role in iron metabolism and cancer treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of HAMP in NSCLC. METHODS: The profile of NSCLC cells and tissues was characterized via HAMP. Gain- or loss-of-function cell models of HAMP were constructed, and CCK8, colony formation, and Transwell analyses were used to confirm the influence of HAMP on NSCLC cells. Upstream and downstream HAMP mechanisms in NSCLC were also analysed. Dual-luciferase reporter and pull-down assays confirmed the associations of miR-873-5p with HAMP, miR-873-5p, and the lncRNA KCNQ1OT1/SNHG14/XIST. Moreover, a xenograft model was established in nude mice for confirming the role of HAMP in NSCLC cell growth. RESULTS: In addition, HAMP expression increased in NSCLC cells and tissues. In terms of cellular functions, the HAMP-overexpressing group exhibited elevated NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. HAMP knockdown reversed these changes. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that miR-873-5p targeted HAMP, which affected the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway in NSCLC. HAMP activated the NF-κB pathway, which was negatively modulated by miR-873-5p. NF-κB inhibitor JSH-23 can partly suppress the proliferation, invasion, and migration in HAMP-overexpressed cells. Moreover, miR-873-5p was the target miRNA of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which included KCNQ1OT1, SNHG14, and XIST, and these three lncRNAs promoted HAMP. CONCLUSION: Noncoding RNA-mediated HAMP promotes NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by initiating the NF-κB pathway.

Effect of surface functional groups of polystyrene micro/nano plastics on the release of NOM from flocs during the aging process.

Currently, the hidden risk of microplastics in the coagulation process has attracted much attention. However, previous studies aimed at improving the removal efficiency of microplastics and ignored the importance of interactions between microplastics and natural organic matter (NOM). This study investigated how polystyrene micro/nano particles impact the release of NOM during the aging of flocs formed by aluminum-based coagulants Al13 and AlCl3. The results elucidated that nano-particles with small particle sizes and agglomerative states are more likely to interact with coagulants. After 7 years of floc aging, the DOC content of the nano system decreased by more than 40%, while the micron system did not change significantly. During coagulation, the benzene rings in polystyrene particles form complexes with electrophilic aluminum ions through π-bonding, creating new Al-O bonds. NOM tends to adsorb at micro/nano plastic interfaces due to hydrophobic interactions and conformational entropy. In the aging process, the structure of PS-Al13 or PS-AlCl3 flocs and the functional groups on the surface of micro/nano plastics control the absorption and release of organic matter through hydrophobic, van der Waals forces, hydration, and polymer bridging. In the system with the addition of nano plastics, several DBPs such as TCAA, DCAA, TBM, DBCM and nitrosamines were reduced by more than 50%. The reaction order of different morphological structures and surface functional groups of microplastics to Al13 and AlCl3 systems is aromatic C-H > C-OH > C-O > NH2 > aromatic CC > aliphatic C-H and C-O>H-CO> NH2 >C-OH> aliphatic C-H. The results provided a new sight to explore the effect of micro/nano plastics on the release of NOM during flocs aging.

Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Neurological Function in Rats with Intrauterine Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy by Reducing Apoptosis and Inflammatory Reactions.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a major cause of neonatal disability and mortality. Although hypothermia therapy offers some neuroprotection, the recovery of neurological function is limited. Therefore, new synergistic therapies are necessary to improve the prognosis. Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy is emerging as a promising treatment option for HIE. In this study, we studied the therapeutic efficacy of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs) in the HIE rat model and analyzed the underlying therapeutic mechanisms. METHODS: Rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 9 for each) as follows: control, HIE model, HIE + normal saline, and HIE + PD-MSC transplantation at days 7, 14 and 28 postpartum. Following PD-MSC transplantation, neurological behavior was evaluated using rotarod tests, traction tests, and the Morris water maze test. The degree of brain tissue damage was assessed by histological examination and Nissl staining. Expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins and inflammatory factors were quantified by Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Immunofluorescence was used to investigate the ability of PD-MSCs to repair the morphology and function of hippocampal neurons with hypoxic-ischaemic (HI) injury. RESULTS: PD-MSC transplantation enhanced motor coordination and muscle strength in HIE rats. This treatment also improved spatial memory ability by repairing pathological damage and preventing the loss of neurons in the cerebral cortex. The most effective treatment was observed in the HIE + PD-MSC transplantation at day 7 group. Expression levels of microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2), interleukin (IL)-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF -ß1) were significantly higher in the HIE + PD-MSC treatment groups compared to the HIE group, whereas the levels of BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX), BCL-2-associated agonist of cell death (BAD), IL-1ß and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that intravenous injection of PD-MSC at 7, 14 and 28 days after intrauterine HI damage in a rat model could improve learning, memory, and motor function, possibly by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammatory damage. These findings indicate that autologous PD-MSC therapy could have potential application for the treatment of HIE.

Catalytic ozonation of reverse osmosis concentrate from coking wastewater reuse by surface oxidation over Mn-Ce/γ-Al2O3: Effluent organic matter transformation and its catalytic mechanism.

Degradation of organics in high-salinity wastewater is beneficial to meeting the requirement of zero liquid discharge for coking wastewater treatment. Creating efficient and stable performance catalysts for high-salinity wastewater treatment is vital in catalytic ozonation process. Compared with ozonation alone, Mn and Ce co-doped γ-Al2O3 could remarkably enhance activities of catalytic ozonation for chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (38.9%) of brine derived from a two-stage reverse osmosis treatment. Experimental and theoretical calculation results indicate that introducing Mn could increase the active points of catalyst surface, and introducing Ce could optimize d-band electronic structures and promote the electron transport capacity, enhancing HO• bound to the catalyst surface ([HO•]ads) generation. [HO•]ads plays key roles for degrading the intermediates and transfer them into low molecular weight organics, and further decrease COD, molecular weights and number of organics in reverse osmosis concentrate. Under the same reaction conditions, the presence of Mn/γ-Al2O3 catalyst can reduce ΔO3/ΔCOD by at least 37.6% compared to ozonation alone. Furthermore, Mn-Ce/γ-Al2O3 catalytic ozonation can reduce the ΔO3/ΔCOD from 2.6 of Mn/γ-Al2O3 catalytic ozonation to 0.9 in the case of achieving similar COD removal. Catalytic ozonation has the potential to treat reverse osmosis concentrate derived from bio-treated coking wastewater reclamation.

In vitro efficacy of Er:YAG laser-activated irrigation versus passive ultrasonic irrigation and sonic-powered irrigation for treating multispecies biofilms in artificial grooves and dentinal tubules: an SEM and CLSM study.

BACKGROUND: Multispecies biofilms located in the anatomical intricacies of the root canal system remain the greatest challenge in root canal disinfection. The efficacy of Er:YAG laser-activated irrigation techniques for treating multispecies biofilms in these hard-to-reach areas has not been proved. The objective of this laboratory study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two Er:YAG laser-activated irrigation techniques, namely, photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) and shock wave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS), in treating multispecies biofilms within apical artificial grooves and dentinal tubules, in comparison with conventional needle irrigation (CNI), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and sonic-powered irrigation (EDDY). Two types of multispecies root canal biofilm models were established in combination with two assessment methods using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) with the aim to obtain more meaningful results. METHODS: Ninety extracted human single-rooted premolars were chosen for two multispecies biofilm models. Each tooth was longitudinally split into two halves. In the first model, a deep narrow groove was created in the apical segment of the canal wall. After cultivating a mixed bacterial biofilm for 4 weeks, the split halves were reassembled and subjected to five irrigation techniques: CNI, PUI, EDD, PIPS, and SWEEPS. The residual biofilms inside and outside the groove in Model 1 were analyzed using SEM. For Model 2, the specimens were split longitudinally once more to evaluate the percentage of killed bacteria in the dentinal tubules across different canal sections (apical, middle, and coronal thirds) using CLSM. One-way analysis of variance and post hoc multiple comparisons were used to assess the antibiofilm efficacy of the 5 irrigation techniques. RESULTS: Robust biofilm growth was observed in all negative controls after 4 weeks. In Model 1, within each group, significantly fewer bacteria remained outside the groove than inside the groove (P < 0.05). SWEEPS, PIPS and EDDY had significantly greater biofilm removal efficacy than CNI and PUI, both from the outside and inside the groove (P < 0.05). Although SWEEPS was more effective than both PIPS and EDDY at removing biofilms inside the groove (P < 0.05), there were no significant differences among these methods outside the groove (P > 0.05). In Model 2, SWEEPS and EDDY exhibited superior bacterial killing efficacy within the dentinal tubules, followed by PIPS, PUI, and CNI (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Er:YAG laser-activated irrigation techniques, along with EDDY, demonstrated significant antibiofilm efficacy in apical artificial grooves and dentinal tubules, areas that are typically challenging to access.

The novel miR-873-5p-YWHAE-PI3K/AKT axis is involved in non-small cell lung cancer progression and chemoresistance by mediating autophagy.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) encompasses approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and is the foremost cancer type worldwide; it is prevalent in both sexes and known for its high fatality rate. Expanding scientific inquiry underscores the indispensability of microRNAs in NSCLC. Here, we probed the impact of miR-873-5p on NSCLC development and chemoresistance. qRT‒PCR was used to measure the miR-873-5p level in NSCLC cells with or without chemoresistance. A model of miR-873-5p overexpression was constructed. The proliferation and viability of NSCLC cells were evaluated through CCK8 and colony formation experiments. Cell migration and invasion were monitored via Transwell assays. Western blotting was used to determine the levels of YWHAE, PI3K, AKT, EMT, apoptosis, and autophagy-related proteins. The sensitivity of NSCLC cells to the chemotherapeutic agent gefitinib was assessed. Additionally, the correlation of YWHAE with miR-873-5p was validated via a dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). Overexpressed miR-873-5p suppressed migration, proliferation, invasion, and EMT while concurrently stimulating apoptotic processes. miR-873-5p was downregulated in NSCLC cells resistant to gefitinib. Upregulating miR-873-5p reversed gefitinib resistance by inducing autophagy. YWHAE was confirmed to be a downstream target of miR-873-5p. YWHAE overexpression promoted the malignant behaviors of NSCLC cells and boosted tumor growth, while these effects were reversed following miR-873-5p overexpression. Subsequent investigations revealed that overexpressing YWHAE promoted PI3K/AKT pathway activation, with miR-873-5p displaying inhibitory effects on the YWHAE-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling cascade. miR-873-5p affects proliferation, invasion, migration, EMT, autophagy, and chemoresistance in NSCLC by controlling the YWHAE/PI3K/AKT axis.

Distinguishment of different varieties of rhubarb based on UPLC fingerprints and chemometrics.

Rhubarb, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is primarily used for purging in practice. It is derived from the dried roots and rhizomes of R. tanguticum Maxim. ex Balf. (RT), Rheum officinale Baill. (RO) and R. palmatum L. (RP). To date, although the three varieties of rhubarb have been used as the same medicine in clinical, studies have found that they have different chemical compositions and pharmacological effects. To ensure the stability of rhubarb for clinical use, a simple and effective method should be built to compare and discriminate three varieties of rhubarb. Here, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (UPLC-DAD) fingerprints combined with chemometric methods were developed to evaluate and discriminate 29 batches of rhubarb. Similarity evaluation, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the chemical constituents of the three varieties of rhubarb were significantly different, and the three varieties could be effectively distinguished. Finally, all the 14 common peaks were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). In this research, the developed UPLC fingerprints offer a simple, reliable and specific approach for distinguishing different varieties of rhubarb. This research aims to promote the scientific and appropriate clinical application of rhubarb from three varieties.

Umbilical cord MSC-derived exosomes improve alveolar macrophage function and reduce LPS-induced acute lung injury.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe condition that can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with a high mortality rate. Currently, no specific and compelling drug treatment plan exists. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies as a potential treatment for ALI and other lung-related conditions due to their immunomodulatory properties and ability to regenerate various cell types. The present study focuses on analyzing the role of umbilical cord MSC (UC-MSC))-derived exosomes in reducing lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI and investigating the mechanism involved. The study demonstrates that UC-MSC-derived exosomes effectively improved the metabolic function of alveolar macrophages and promoted their shift to an anti-inflammatory phenotype, leading to a reduction in ALI. The findings also suggest that creating three-dimensional microspheres from the MSCs first can enhance the effectiveness of the exosomes. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action and optimize the therapeutic potential of MSCs and their secretome in ALI and other lung-related conditions.

Raman signal optimization based on residual network adaptive focusing.

Due to its high sensitivity and specificity, Micro-Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a vital technique for molecular recognition and identification. As a weakly scattered signal, ensuring the accurate focus of the sample is essential for acquiring high quality Raman spectral signal and its analysis, especially in some complex microenvironments such as intracellular settings. Traditional autofocus methods are often time consuming or necessitate additional hardware, limiting real-time sample observation and device compatibility. Here, we propose an adaptive focusing method based on residual network to realize rapid and accurate focusing on Micro-Raman measurements. Using only a bright field image of the sample acquired on any image plane, we can predict the defocus distance with a residual network trained by Resnet50, in which the focus position is determined by combining the gradient and discrete cosine transform. Further, detailed regional division of the bright field map used for characterizing the height variation of actual sample surface is performed. As a result, a focus prediction map with 1µm accuracy is obtained from a bright field image in 120 ms. Based on this method, we successfully realize Raman signal optimization and the necessary correction of spectral information. This adaptive focusing method based on residual network is beneficial to further enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of Micro-Raman spectroscopy technology, which is of great significance in promoting the wide application of Raman spectroscopy.

Treatment of landfill leachate by coagulation: A review.

Landfill leachate is a seriously polluted and hazardous liquid, which contains a high concentration of refractory organics, ammonia nitrogen, heavy metals, inorganic salts, and various suspended solids. The favorable disposal of landfill leachate has always been a hot and challenging issue in wastewater treatment. As one of the best available technologies for landfill leachate disposal, coagulation has been studied extensively. However, there is an absence of a systematic review regarding coagulation in landfill leachate treatment. In this paper, a review focusing on the characteristics, mechanisms, and application of coagulation in landfill leachate treatment was provided. Different coagulants and factors influencing the coagulation effect were synthetically summarized. The performance of coagulation coupled with other processes and their complementary advantages were elucidated. Additionally, the economic analysis conducted in this study suggests the cost-effectiveness of the coagulation process. Based on previous studies, challenges and perspectives met by landfill leachate coagulation treatment were also put forward. Overall, this review will provide a reference for the coagulation treatment of landfill leachate and promote the development of efficient and eco-friendly leachate treatment technology.

Polydopamine modified cerium-based MOFs/ chitosan aerogel beads for the efficient phosphate removal.

The metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered as the effective adsorbents for phosphate removal, while their ultrafine powders limit their practical application. In this study, we fabricate two chitosan (CS) gel beads added with different cerium-based MOFs and coated with PDA for phosphate adsorption. The MOFs doped in beads are CM1 and CM2, in which the Ce(III)/Ce(IV) ratio is 0.36 and 1.46, indicating CM2 is Ce(III) dominated and more suitable for phosphate removal. However, during the process of preparing gel beads, the mixture of chitosan and CM1/CM2 are added drop-by-drop to NaOH solution, leading to the decrease of Ce(III) contents in both of the two beads on account of oxidization. On this basis, in order to improve the phosphate uptake performance and enhance the mechanical strength, polydopamine (PDA) is applied to be coated on the outside. The adsorption capacities of CS-CM1 and CS-CM2 are no more than 20 mg/g higher than that of pure CS, which is also quite equal with the phosphate uptake of CS@PDA (63 mg/g). Due to the reduction of PDA, the content of Ce(III) increasing evidently in the two adsorbents. The maximum phosphate adsorption capacities are 146.8 mg/g and 114.8 mg/g for CS-CM1@PDA and CS-CM2@PDA, respectively. CS-CM2@PDA exhibits the largest treatment volume of ∼1166 BV in the fix-bed column study, much higher than that of CS-CM1@PDA (976 BV). The main reason is that Ce(III) could form binding with phosphate through ligand exchange and precipitation. Those inner-sphere interactions are much stronger than the electrostatic attraction between Ce(IV) and phosphate. Thus, due to this strong affinity, CS-CM2@PDA possessing a higher content of Ce(III) can capture phosphate more easier at low concentration. In summary, owing to reduction of PDA, the Cerium-based MOFs are successfully introduced in CS to realize excellent phosphate removal and exhibit a great prospect in application.

A systematic bibliometric analysis on the clinical practice of CGM in diabetes mellitus from 2012 to 2022.

Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has revolutionized diabetes management, but a comprehensive analysis of its clinical implementation is lacking. This study aims to explore CGM in diabetes practice over the past decade using bibliometric analysis. It will identify trends, research focal points, and provide a framework for future investigations. Materials and methods: The Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) was utilized to acquire literature pertaining to the employment of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in diabetes that was published between the years 2012 and 2022, and to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the associated citation data. To achieve bibliometric visualization and analysis of the collated data, the bibliography package in the Rstudio(v.4.2.2), Citespace 6.2.R4, and VOS viewer were employed. Results: A total of 3024 eligible publications were extracted from 91 countries, with the United States being the leading country in terms of the number of issued articles. Furthermore, the annual publication rate has shown a gradual increase during the past decade. Among the various journals in this field, DIABETES TECHNOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS was identified as the most highly cited one. Keyword clustering analysis of the extracted publications indicates that the research hotspots in the past decade have primarily focused on "continuous glucose monitoring", "glycemic variability", "type 1 diabetes", "hypoglycemia", and "glycemic control". Moreover, the analysis of keyword emergence reveals that "Time In Range" and "Young Adult" represent the current research frontiers for the years 2012-2022. Conclusion: The concept of Time in Range (TIR) has garnered considerable attention as a significant area of inquiry and an emerging research trend in the clinical practice of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for Diabetes Mellitus. Moreover, recent investigations have demonstrated a growing focus on young adults with type 1 diabetes as the research population of interest. In the foreseeable future, research endeavors will persist in the pursuit of improving glycemic management among young adults through the utilization of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology, while also delving into the examination of the Time in Range metric via supplementary clinical investigations.

Photocatalytic membrane coated with α-Fe2O3/Fe3O4 for enhanced filtration performance and antifouling property in surface water treatment.

A photocatalytic membrane coated with α-Fe2O3/Fe3O4 nanoparticles has been developed to address the challenges of membrane fouling and organic removal in the treatment of natural surface water. The photocatalytic and filtration properties of the membranes were investigated through a variety of methods. The successful preparation of iron oxide was confirmed by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra and X-ray diffractometry, with α-Fe2O3 identified as the primary photocatalytic agent. A commercial ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was employed as a comparison to evaluate the photocatalytic performance and filtration properties of the modified membrane. Results showed that the photocatalytic membrane achieved better removal rates for UV254 (22.0%) and specific fluorescent organic compounds, such as component 2 (19.38%) and component 3 (16.89%), compared to the control group. Furthermore, both irreversible and reversible fouling resistances of the prepared membranes were significantly lower than that of the control group, with reductions of 39.4% and 50.2%, respectively. The membrane coated with α-Fe2O3/Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibited moderate removal of protein-like and terrestrially derived humic-like fluorescent organics while controlling membrane fouling. Although the α-Fe2O3/Fe3O4 nanoparticles-coated photocatalytic membrane demonstrated good anti-fouling properties, the removals of organic matters were not as effective as anticipated due to the shorter hydraulic retention time. This study provides valuable insights for enhancing pollutant degradation and anti-fouling properties of membranes through the utilization of solar photocatalytic α-Fe2O3/Fe3O4 surface-modified membranes in the treatment of natural surface water.

The effects of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) on pro-atherosclerosis mechanisms.

Brominated flame-retardants (BFRs) are environmental endocrine disruptors, comprising several pollutants, which potentially affect the endocrine system and cause dysfunction and disease. Widespread BFR exposure may cause multisystem toxicity, including cardiovascular toxicity in some individuals. Studies have shown that BFRs not only increase heart rate, induce arrhythmia and cardiac hypertrophy, but also cause glycolipid metabolism disorders, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and inflammatory responses, all of which potentially induce pre-pathological changes in atherosclerosis. Experimental data indicated that BFRs disrupt gene expression or signaling pathways, which cause vascular endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism-related disease, inflammation, and possibly atherosclerosis. Considerable evidence now suggests that BFR exposure may be a pro-atherosclerotic risk factor. In this study, we reviewed putative BFR effects underpinning pro-atherosclerosis mechanisms, and focused on vascular endothelial cell dysfunction, abnormal lipid metabolism, pro-inflammatory cytokine production and foam cell formation. Consequently, we proposed a scientific basis for preventing atherosclerosis by BFRs and provided concepts for further research.

Cations facilitate sulfidation of zero-valent iron by elemental sulfur: Mechanism and dechlorination application.

The solid-solid reaction of microscale zero-valent iron (mZVI) with elemental sulfur (S0) in water can form sulfidated mZVI (S-mZVI) with high reactivity and selectivity. However, the inherent passivation layer of mZVI hinders the sulfidation. In this study, we demonstrate that ionic solutions of Me-chloride (Me: Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, Na+ and Fe2+) can accelerate the sulfidation of mZVI by S0. The S0 with S/Fe molar ratio of 0.1 was fully reacted with mZVI in all solutions to form unevenly distributed FeS species on S-mZVIs as confirmed by SEM-EDX and XANES characterization. The cations depassivated the mZVI surface by driving the proton release from the surface site (FeOH) and resulting in localized acidification. The probe reaction test (tetrachloride dechlorination) and open circuit potential (EOCP) measurement demonstrated that Mg2+ was most efficient in depassivating the mZVI and therefore promoting sulfidation. The decrease of surface proton for hydrogenolysis on the S-mZVI synthesized in MgCl2 solution also inhibited the formation of cis-1,2-dichloroethylene by 14-79% compared to other S-mZVIs during trichloroethylene dechlorination. In addition, the synthesized S-mZVIs exhibited the highest reduction capacity reported so far. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the facile on-site sulfidation of mZVI by S0 with cation-rich natural waters for sustainable remediation of contaminated sites.