Reverse Reaction Research Articles

Enhancing Energy Efficiency of Cumene Production Through Reactor Output Recycling Modification in a Heat Exchanger

Cumene production generally involves irreversible and exothermic reactions that leads to an increase in product temperature and needs to be cooled for further processes. The high temperature of reactor product can be utilized as a heat transfer fluid in heat exchanger. This modification process is essential for improving energy efficiency by recycling the reactor output with high temperature as a heat transfer fluid, so that the implementation of replacing the heater with a heat exchanger can be carried out for the process of increasing the initial feed temperature. In an effort to enhance energy efficiency in the cumene production process, simulations were conducted using HYSYS and the comparison of energy efficiency for both basic and modified processes can be evidenced by comparing the total amount of energy required during the process. The results shows that the total amount of energy required for the modified process is 39,814,003.7 kJ/h, while for the basic process is 40,588,937.4 kJ/h, with a difference of 774,933.7299 kJ/h. Since the total amount of energy required in the modified process is smaller than the basic process, then the modification process will increase the energy efficiency of cumene production. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by Universitas Diponegoro and BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Molecularly imprinted ratiometric electrochemical sensor based on 3D-1D MoS2@CNTs hetero-nanoflower for selective detection of trimethoprim

Trimethoprim (TMP) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is frequently found residue in the environment and food. An innovative electrochemical sensor was proposed for the detection of trimethoprim with high selectivity, sensitivity and reproducibility through the integration of the flower-like MoS2@CNTs heterostructure as substrate, molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) technology as recognition, and the ratiometric strategy between trimethoprim and ferrocene (Fc) for quantitative. The recognition reaction of TMP by MIP-MoS2@CNTs sensor was assumed as an irreversible electrochemical oxidation reaction controlled by a combination of adsorption-diffusion process with two electrons and protons. With the incorporation of Fc during detection, a satisfying linear relationship of ITMP/IFc and the concentration of TMP was achieved, indicating a detection concentration ranging from 50 to 3000 nmol·L−1 with a detection limit of 27.01 nmol·L−1. In addition, the MoS2@CNTs MIP ratiometric sensor exhibited good stability for 20 days and excellent reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of 1.06 %, which was lower than 3.89 % of single signal. The practical feasibility of the sensor was detected in water samples with recovery rates of 98.62 ∼ 107.47 % and fish samples with recovery rates of 98.93 ∼ 105.45 %. Overall, the developed MIP ratiometric sensor provides a versatile system with easy operation and great potential for detecting small hazardous molecules in the environment and food products.

MiR-92a-3p regulates ethanol-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes.

The role of miR-92a-3p in the ethanol-induced apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of miR-92a-3p in the ethanol-induced apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes and identified its target genes and signaling pathways. H9c2 cells were cultured with or without 100mM ethanol for 24h. The differential expression of miR-92a-3p was verified in H9c2 cells through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). To manipulate the expression of miR-92a-3p, both a mimic and an inhibitor were transfected into H9c2 cells. An Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide apoptosis detection kit and apoptosis-related antibodies were used for apoptosis detection through flow cytometry and Western blotting, respectively. Target genes were verified through RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and double luciferase reporter gene assays. miR-92a-3p was significantly overexpressed in ethanol-stimulated H9c2 cardiomyocytes (P<0.001). After ethanol stimulation, H9c2 myocardial cells exhibited increased apoptosis. The apoptosis rate was higher in the miR-92a-3p mimic group than in the control group. However, the apoptosis rate was lower in the miR-92a-3p inhibitor group than in the control group, indicating that miR-92a-3p promotes the ethanol-induced apoptosis of H9c2 myocardial cells. RT-qPCR and Western blotting revealed that the miR-92a-3p mimic and inhibitor significantly regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase 2 and cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 3-like protein 2 (CREB3L2), suggesting that miR-92a-3p promotes the apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes by inhibiting the MSK2/CREB/Bcl-2 pathway. Therefore, the apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes increases after ethanol stimulation, and miR-92a-3p can directly target MSK2 and CREB3L2, thereby promoting the ethanol-induced apoptosis of H9c2 myocardial cells.

Negative regulation of HDAC3 transcription by histone acetyltransferase TIP60 in colon cancer.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer globally. The expression of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) is upregulated, whereas the expression of tat interactive protein, 60kDa (TIP60) is downregulated in colon cancer. However, the relationship between HDAC3 and TIP60 in colon cancer has not been clearly elucidated. We investigated whether TIP60 could regulate the expression of HDAC3 and suppress colon cancer cell proliferation. RNA sequencing data (GSE108834) showed that HDAC3 expression was regulated by TIP60. Subsequently, we generated TIP60-knockdown HCT116 cells and examined the expression of HDAC3 by western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We examined the expression pattern of HDAC3 in various cancers using publicly available datasets. The promoter activity of HDAC3 was validated using a dual-luciferase assay, and transcription factors binding to HDAC3 were identified using GeneCards and Promo databases, followed by validation using chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using colony formation assays and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of HCT116 cell lines. In response to TIP60 knockdown, the expression level and promoter activity of HDAC3 increased. Conversely, when HDAC3 was downregulated by overexpression of TIP60, proliferation of HCT116 cells was inhibited and apoptosis was promoted. TIP60 plays a crucial role in the regulation of HDAC3 transcription, thereby influencing cell proliferation and apoptosis in colon cancer. Consequently, TIP60 may function as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting HDAC3 expression in colon cancer cells.

Elevating Platinum to Volumetric Capacitance: High Surface Area Electrodes through Reactive Pt Sputtering.

Platinum is the most widespread electrode material used for implantable biomedical and neuroelectronic devices, motivating exploring ways to improve its performance and understand its fundamental properties. Using reactive magnetron sputtering, PtOx is prepared, which upon partial reduction yields a porous thin-film form of platinum with favorable properties, notably record-low impedance values outcompeting other reports for platinum-based electrodes. It is established that its high electrochemical capacitance scales with thickness, in the way of volumetric capacitor materials like IrOx and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PEDOT. Unlike these two well-known analogs, however, it is found that PtOx capacitance is not caused by reversible pseudofaradaic reactions but rather due to high surface area. In contrast to IrOx, PtOx is not a reversible valence-change oxide, but rather a porous form of platinum. The findings show that this oxygen-containing form of Pt can place Pt electrodes on a level competitive with IrOx and PEDOT. Due to its relatively low cost and ease of preparation, PtOx can be a good choice for microfabricated bioelectronic devices.

A multifluid model with chemically reacting components — Construction of weak solutions

We investigate the existence of weak solutions to a multi-component system, consisting of compressible chemically reacting components, coupled with the compressible Stokes equation for the velocity. Specifically, we consider the case of irreversible chemical reactions and assume a nonlinear relation between the pressure and the particular densities. These assumptions cause the additional difficulties in the mathematical analysis, due to the possible presence of vacuum.It is shown that there exists a global weak solution, satisfying the L∞ bounds for all the components. We obtain strong compactness of the sequence of densities in Lp spaces, under the assumption that all components are strictly positive. The applied method captures the properties of models of high generality, which admit an arbitrary number of components. Furthermore, the framework that we develop can handle models that contain both diffusing and non-diffusing elements.

Improving Intestinal Barrier Function in Sepsis by Partially Hydrolysed Guar Gum via the Suppression of the NF-κB/MLCK Pathway.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) protects against intestinal barrier dysfunction and can ameliorate some intestinal diseases. However, whether PHGG has a role in protecting intestinal barrier function (IBF) during sepsis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role and probable mechanism of PHGG in the intestinal mucosa in sepsis. A rat sepsis model was constructed using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). FITC-dextran 4 (FD-4) flux, serum inflammatory mediator levels, tight junction (TJ) levels, jejunum mucosa pathology, and epithelial intercellular junction ultrastructure were monitored to evaluate the effect of PHGG on IBF. Caco-2 monolayers were used to study the impact and mechanism of PHGG on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced barrier dysfunction in vitro. The expression of zonula occludens protein-1 and occludin and the location of P65 were studied by immunofluorescence. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and myosin light chain kinase 3 (MLCK) pathway-related protein expression was verified by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction or western blotting. The results indicated that the jejunal mucosa structure was destroyed, the villi were disrupted and shortened, and neutrophil infiltration was evident in the septic rats. Compared to Sham group, spetic rats had increased Chiu's score, serum inflammatory mediator levels, and FD-4 flux but decreased TJ and gap junction density. In addition, the expression of MLCK, p-MLC, and TJ proteins and the expression of P65 in the nucleus were increased in septic rats. Furthermore, compared to those in the Control group, LPS-treated Caco-2 cells showed lower cell viability and transepithelial electrical resistance, while had higher FD-4 flux and the expression of MLCK, p-MLC, TJ proteins and P65 in the nucleus. PHGG pretreatment reversed the above effects induced by CLP or LPS treatment. Moreover, SN50, an NF-κB inhibitor, attenuated the above effects of LPS on Caco-2 cells. Overall, PHGG reduced inflammation, increased TJ protein expression and localization, and relieved damage to the TJ structure and intestinal permeability through suppression of the NF-κB/MLCK pathway. This study provides new insights into the role of PHGG in sepsis therapy.

An integrated microfluidic platform for nucleic acid testing

This study presents a rapid and versatile low-cost sample-to-answer system for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. The system integrates the extraction and purification of nucleic acids, followed by amplification via either reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR) or reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT–LAMP). By meeting diverse diagnostic and reagent needs, the platform yields testing results that closely align with those of commercial RT-LAMP and RT‒qPCR systems. Notable advantages of our system include its speed and cost-effectiveness. The assay is completed within 28 min, including sample loading (5 min), ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction (3 min), and RT-LAMP (20 min). The cost of each assay is ≈ $9.5, and this pricing is competitive against that of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved commercial alternatives. Although some RNA loss during on-chip extraction is observed, the platform maintains a potential limit of detection lower than 297 copies. Portability makes the system particularly useful in environments where centralized laboratories are either unavailable or inconveniently located. Another key feature is the platform’s versatility, allowing users to choose between RT‒qPCR or RT‒LAMP tests based on specific requirements.

Antiretroviral Therapy Suppresses RNA N6-Methyladenosine Modification in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from HIV-1-Infected Individuals.

RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is important for regulating gene expression and innate immune responses to viral infection. HIV-1 in vitro infection induces a significant increase in m6A modification of cellular RNA; however, whether m6A levels of cellular RNA are affected by HIV-1 replication or by antiretroviral therapy (ART) in infected individuals remains unknown. Using dot blot or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we measured RNA m6A levels of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors or HIV-1-infected individuals with or without ART. Using a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction array, we quantified expression levels of 84 type-I interferon (IFN-I)-responsive genes in PBMCs from some individuals of these three groups. RNA m6A levels in PBMCs from HIV-1 viremic patients (n = 10) were significantly higher (p ≤ .0001) compared with ART-treated individuals (n = 22) or 1.5-fold higher compared with healthy donors (n = 14). However, the increase in RNA m6A levels did not correlate with changes in the expression of 10 m6A-regulatory genes. We found significant upregulation and downregulation in the expression of several IFN-I-responsive genes from HIV-1 viremic patients (n = 4) and ART-treated patients (n = 6) compared with healthy donors (n = 5), respectively. Our results suggest that post-transcriptional m6A modification may contribute to the regulation of IFN-I-responsive gene expression during HIV-1 infection and ART.

Experimental and DFT Studies of Influence of Flue Gas Components on the Interaction between CaO and As during Sludge Combustion

The problem of As pollution emission from sludge during combustion has received widespread attention. The impact of flue gas components on the interaction with CaO and As during sludge combustion was analyzed using a series of experimental characterization methods. The strength of the activity of As2O3 on the CaO(001) surface as well as on the CO2/SO2/H2O+CaO(001) surface with different O adsorption sites was revealed by combining with Density Functional Theory (DFT). According to the results, CO2 in the flue gas reacted with CaO in a reversible carbonation reaction, which optimized the pore structure of the solid phase products and promoted the capture of As by CaO. SO2 in the flue gas reacted with CaO in a sulfation reaction reaction to block the pores, which was not conducive to the capture of As by CaO. The presence of moisture led to poor pore structure collapse of the solid phase products as well as the formation of gehlenite, which reduced the enrichment of As by CaO. DFT calculations showed that the adsorption of As2O3 molecules on the CO2+CaO(001) surface was affected by the position of the O active site, and the adsorption energy at the OC1 top site was higher than that on the clean surface, which was favorable for the stable adsorption of As2O3 molecules. The existence of SO2 decreased As2O3 molecules’ adsorption energy on the CaO(001) surface, which was unfavorable for the adsorption of As2O3 molecules. There were two main effects of H2O molecules on the adsorption of As2O3 on the CaO(001) surface. One was the H2O molecules weakened the interaction between the As atoms and Osurf atoms, which was unfavorable to the adsorption of As2O3 molecules; the other was the existence of stronger adsorption of O atoms in H2O molecules on As atoms in As2O3 molecules, which made As2O3 molecules adsorbed at the top of OH0 adsorbed with adsorption energies much larger than that of clean surface, and the adsorption was more stable.

"Impact of hydride composite materials on thermochemical hydrogen compression"

The formation of a hydride from a metal or intermetallic alloy is an exothermic reversible chemical reaction. The thermodynamic properties governing hydride formation facilitate their thermochemical applications, such as hydrogen compression. Thermal transport inside the materials is of highest importance for system dynamics and its productivity. In this contribution, we demonstrate a two-stage thermochemical hydrogen compressor using the AB5 alloy LaNi5 in the first stage and an AB2 alloy TiMn2 (Hydralloy®) in the second stage. To evaluate the impact of the thermal conductivity of the materials, the productivity of the compressor was compared for pure metal hydride compacts (MH) and metal hydride composite materials (MHC). Compared to pure MH pellets, the MHC used in this study contain expanded natural graphite (ENG), a secondary phase with highest thermal conductivity. As the radial thermal conductivity of the MHC increased, the time required for the loading, temperature change and unloading steps was successfully reduced by 400%. Productivity was increased by over 320 % from 14 NlH2/(kgMaterial*h) to 44 NlH2/(kgMaterial*h). Overall, MHC have the potential to simplify handling, reactor design and reduce investment costs for thermochemical compression systems. Thus, MHC have highest impact and potential for thermochemical applications.

CircCamsap1 is dispensable for male fertility in mice.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of RNAs present in mammals. Among these, circCamsap1 is a well-acknowledged circRNA with significant implications, particularly in the development and progression of diverse tumors. However, the potential consequences of circCamsap1 depletion in vivo on male reproduction are yet to be thoroughly investigated. The presence of circCamsap1 in the mouse testes was confirmed, and gene expression analysis was performed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. CircCamsap1 knockout mice were generated utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Phenotypic analysis of both the testes and epididymis was conducted using histological and immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, fertility and sperm motility were assessed. Here, we successfully established a circCamsap1 knockout mouse model without affecting the expression of parental gene. Surprisingly, male mice lacking circCamsap1 (circCamsap1-/-) exhibited normal fertility, with no discernible differences in testicular and epididymal histology, spermatogenesis, sperm counts or sperm motility compared to circCamsap1+/+ mice. These findings suggest that circCamsap1 may not play an essential role in physiological spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, this result also underscores the complexity of circRNA function in male reproductive biology. Therefore, further research is necessary to elucidate the precise roles of other circRNAs in regulating male fertility.

Spinal myeloid sarcoma presenting as initial symptom in acute promyelocytic leukemia with a rare cryptic PLZF::RARα fusion gene: a case report and literature review

BackgroundAcute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is rarely caused by the PLZF::RARα fusion gene. While APL patients with PLZF::RARα fusion commonly exhibit diverse hematologic symptoms, the presentation of myeloid sarcoma (MS) as an initial manifestation is infrequent.Case presentationA 61-year-old patient was referred to our hospital with 6-month history of low back pain and difficulty walking. Before this admission, spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted at another hospital revealed multiple abnormal signals in the left iliac bone and vertebral bodies spanning the thoracic (T11-T12), lumbar (L1-L4), and sacral (S1/S3) regions. This led to a provisional diagnosis of bone tumors with an unknown cause. On admission, complete blood count (CBC) test and peripheral blood smear revealed a slightly increased counts of monocytes. Immunohistochemical staining of both spinal and bone marrow (BM) biopsy revealed positive expression for CD117, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and lysozyme. BM aspirate showed a significant elevation in the percentage of promyelocytes (21%), which were morphologically characterized by round nuclei and hypergranular cytoplasm. Multiparameter flow cytometry of BM aspirate revealed that blasts were positive for CD13, CD33, CD117, and MPO. Through the integrated application of chromosome analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Sanger sequencing, it was determined that the patient possessed a normal karyotype and a rare cryptic PLZF::RARα fusion gene, confirming the diagnosis of APL.ConclusionIn the present study, we report the clinical features and outcome of a rare APL patient characterized by a cryptic PLZF::RARα fusion and spinal myeloid sarcoma (MS) as the initial presenting symptom. Our study not only offers valuable insights into the heterogeneity of APL clinical manifestations but also emphasizes the crucial need to promptly consider the potential link between APL and MS for ensuring a timely diagnosis and personalized treatments.

Downregulation of miR-181c-5p in Alzheimer’s disease weakens the response of microglia to Aβ phagocytosis

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-associated neurodegenerative disease. Recently, studies have demonstrated the potential involvement of microRNA-181c-5p (miR-181c-5p) in AD. However, the mechanism through which miR-181c-5p is responsible for the onset and progression of this disease remains unclear, and our study aimed to explore this problem. Differential expression analysis of the AD dataset was performed to identify dysregulated genes. Based on hypergeometric analysis, AD differential the upstream regulation genes miR-181c-5p was found. We constructed a model where SH-SY5Y and BV2 cells were exposed to Aβ1-42 to simulate AD. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and IL-1β were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Phosphorylation levels of p-P38 and P38 were detected by Western blot. The level of apoptosis in BV2 cells under Aβ1-42 stress was exacerbated by miR-181c-5p mimic. Downregulated miR-181c-5p impaired the phagocytosis and degradation of Aβ by BV2 cells. The release of proinflammatory cytokines in BV2 cells with Aβ1-42 stress was alleviated by miR-181c-5p upregulation. Additionally, miR-181c-5p downregulation alleviated the phosphorylation of P38 in Aβ1-42-induced SH-SY5Y cells. In conclusion, miR-181c-5p improves the phagocytosis of Aβ by microglial cells in AD patients, thereby reducing neuroinflammation.

DNA methylation profile and expression of the phyllagrin gene in patients with atopic dermatitis: case-control study

Background. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, affecting up to 20.0% of children and 2.0–8.0% of adults worldwide. Patients with atopic dermatitis usually have dry skin and itching, they are at higher risk of developing asthma, as well as allergic rhinitis. Features of the clinical course of AD are associated with both interaction of genes and influence of environmental factors. Studying epigenetic mechanisms could provide understanding of the most likely mechanisms by which environmental factors influence gene expression and contribute to the development of AD. The aim of the study is to conduct a comprehensive molecular genetic analysis (assessment of the level of global DNA methylation and expression of the filaggrin gene (FLG) in patients with moderate to severe AD. Material and methods: The case-control study was conducted from January 2022, through June 2022. A total of 32 patients with AD and 6 healthy volunteers were recruited. The level of global DNA methylation in the blood of patients with AD and healthy individuals was assessed. The FLG expression was measured by polymerase chain reaction in the leukocyte fraction of blood. A three-stage cycle is used during PCR. To determine the expression level of the FLG gene, total RNA was isolated, followed by a reverse transcription, amplification, and detection reaction. Results. A hypermethylation of the genome in patients with AD is 2.3 times higher than the methylation of genome in controls (p = 0.003),it was also found that the expression level of the FLG gene (exon 3, position 7–8, and exon 1) in the leukocyte fraction of blood in patients with AD did not significantly differ from the control group (p = 0.41). Conclusion. The current study found that the epigenome of AD patients differs from healthy individuals. The study of pathogenetic mechanisms is the basis for the development of new methods of targeted therapy for this socially significant dermatosis.

Construction of TiO2/WO3/TiO2 double heterojunction films for excellent electrochromic performance

Electrochromic devices are applied extensively to camouflages, smart windows, heat insulation layers, and automobile rearview mirrors, etc. The amorphous WO3 is a very attractive electrochromic material, whereas it suffers from degradation of optical modulation and reversibility on ion exchange owing to those deep trapped ions with irreversible reaction behavior. Herein, we designed and, by using magnetron sputtering, prepared a composite film with TiO2/WO3/TiO2 double heterojunctions, which is capable of eliminating the deep trapped ions by itself under ultraviolet light (UV) assistance. The electrochromic device based on this composite film, after being recovery by short-time UV irradiation, can maintain a high transmission modulation of 94.72% after 7000 cycles of the voltammetry measurement. This feature allows the device to maintain its initial electrochromic performance after prolonged use. Moreover, the double heterojunction structure can reduce colouring time and enormously improve the colouration efficiency (CE) of electrochromic devices. Experimental research shows that when the thickness of the bottom and upper TiO2 layer of the WO3 film was 145.5 nm and 97.0 nm, respectively, the CE of electrochromic devices reached a perfectly high value (479.3 cm2/C), being much higher than that of WO3 devices (69.5 cm2/C). Functions of the TiO2/WO3/TiO2 double heterojunction in electrochromic device were investigated by combining theoretical analysis and experiment validation, and these results provide a general framework for developing and designing superior electrochromic materials and devices.

Characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy in Northeastern Thailand: A prospective pregnancy cohort study, 2018-2020.

In response to the 2015-2016 Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak and the causal relationship established between maternal ZIKV infection and adverse infant outcomes, we conducted a cohort study to estimate the incidence of ZIKV infection in pregnancy and assess its impacts in women and infants. From May 2018-January 2020, we prospectively followed pregnant women recruited from 134 participating hospitals in two non-adjacent provinces in northeastern Thailand. We collected demographic, clinical, and epidemiologic data and blood and urine at routine antenatal care visits until delivery. ZIKV infections were confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Specimens with confirmed ZIKV underwent whole genome sequencing. Among 3,312 women enrolled, 12 (0.36%) had ZIKV infections, of which two (17%) were detected at enrollment. Ten (83%, 3 in 2nd and 7 in 3rd trimester) ZIKV infections were detected during study follow-up, resulting in an infection rate of 0.15 per 1,000 person-weeks (95% CI: 0.07-0.28). The majority (11/12, 91.7%) of infections occurred in one province. Persistent ZIKV viremia (42 days) was found in only one woman. Six women with confirmed ZIKV infections were asymptomatic until delivery. Sequencing of 8 ZIKV isolates revealed all were of Asian lineage. All 12 ZIKV infected women gave birth to live, full-term infants; the only observed adverse birth outcome was low birth weight in one (8%) infant. Pregnancies in 3,300 ZIKV-rRT-PCR-negative women were complicated by 101 (3%) fetal deaths, of which 67 (66%) had miscarriages and 34 (34%) had stillbirths. There were no differences between adverse fetal or birth outcomes of live infants born to ZIKV-rRT-PCR-positive mothers compared to live infants born to ZIKV-rRT-PCR-negative mothers. Confirmed ZIKV infections occurred infrequently in this large pregnancy cohort and observed adverse maternal and birth outcomes did not differ between mothers with and without confirmed infections.

Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen Expression in a Syngeneic Breast Cancer Mouse Model.

Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been studied in human breast cancer (BCa) biopsies, however, lack of data on PSMA expression in mouse models impedes development of PSMA-targeted therapies, particularly in improving breast conserving surgery (BCS) margins. This study aimed to validate and characterize the expression of PSMA in murine BCa models, demonstrating that PSMA can be utilized to improve therapies and imaging techniques. Murine triple negative breast cancer 4T1 cells, and human cell lines, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, implanted into the mammary fat pads of BALB/c mice, were imaged by our PSMA targeted theranostic agent, PSMA-1-Pc413, and tumor to background ratios (TBR) were calculated to validate selective uptake. Immunohistochemistry was used to correlate PSMA expression in relation to CD31, an endothelial cell biomarker highlighting neovasculature. PSMA expression was also quantified by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Accumulation of PSMA-1-Pc413 was observed in 4T1 primary tumors and associated metastases. Average TBR of 4T1 tumors were calculated to be greater than 1.5-ratio at which tumor tissues can be distinguished from normal structures-at peak accumulation with the signal intensity in 4T1 tumors comparable to that in high PSMA expressing PC3-pip tumors. Extraction of 4T1 tumors and lung metastases followed by RT-PCR analysis and PSMA-CD31 co-staining shows that PSMA is consistently localized on tumor neovasculature with no expression in tumor cells and surrounding normal tissues. The selective uptake of PSMA-1-Pc413 in these cancer tissues as well as the characterization and validation of PSMA expression on neovasculature in this syngeneic 4T1 model emphasizes their potential for advancements in targeted therapies and imaging techniques for BCa. PSMA holds great promise as an oncogenic target for BCa and its associated metastases.

A Ni-O-Ag photothermal catalyst enables 103-m2 artificial photosynthesis with >17% solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency.

The scalable artificial photosynthesis composed of photovoltaic electrolysis and photothermal catalysis is limited by inefficient photothermal CO2 hydrogenation under weak sunlight irradiation. Herein, NiO nanosheets supported with Ag single atoms [two-dimensional (2D) Ni1Ag0.02O1] are synthesized for photothermal CO2 hydrogenation to achieve 1065 mmol g-1 hour-1 of CO production rate under 1-sun irradiation. This performance is attributed to the coupling effect of Ag-O-Ni sites to enhance the hydrogenation of CO2 and weaken the CO adsorption, resulting in 1434 mmol g-1 hour-1 of CO yield at 300°C. Furthermore, we integrate the 2D Ni1Ag0.02O1-supported photothermal reverse water-gas shift reaction with commercial photovoltaic electrolytic water splitting to construct a 103-m2 scale artificial photosynthesis system (CO2 + H2O → CO + H2 + O2), which achieves more than 22 m3/day of green syngas with an adjustable H2/CO ratio (0.4-3) and a photochemical energy conversion efficiency of >17%. This research charts a promising course for designing practical, natural sunlight-driven artificial photosynthesis systems.

Wuliangye strong aroma baijiu promotes intestinal homeostasis by improving gut microbiota and regulating intestinal stem cell proliferation and differentiation.

Wuliangye strong aroma baijiu (hereafter, Wuliangye baijiu) is a traditional Chinese grain liquor containing short-chain fatty acids, ethyl caproate, ethyl lactate, other trace components, and a large proportion of ethanol. The effects of Wuliangye baijiu on intestinal stem cells and intestinal epithelial development have not been elucidated. Here, the role of Wuliangye baijiu in intestinal epithelial regeneration and gut microbiota modulation was investigated by administering a Lieber-DeCarli chronic ethanol liquid diet in a mouse model to mimic long-term (8 weeks') light/moderate alcohol consumption (1.6 g kg-1 day-1) in healthy human adults. Wuliangye baijiu promoted colonic crypt proliferation in mice. According to immunofluorescence and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses, compared with the ethanol-only treatment, Wuliangye baijiu increased the number of intestinal stem cells and goblet cells and the expression of enteroendocrine cell differentiation markers in the mouse colon. Furthermore, gut microbiota analysis showed an increase in the relative abundance of microbiota related to intestinal homeostasis following Wuliangye baijiu administration. Notably, increased abundance of Bacteroidota, Faecalibaculum, Lachnospiraceae, and Blautia may play an essential role in promoting stem-cell-mediated intestinal epithelial development and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. In summary, these findings suggest that Wuliangye baijiu can be used to regulate intestinal stem cell proliferation and differentiation in mice and to alter gut microbiota distributions, thereby promoting intestinal homeostasis. This research elucidates the mechanism by which Wuliangye baijiu promotes intestinal health. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.