Discourse marker is a common language phenomenon in verbal communication including parts of conjunctions, adverbs, interjections, some phrases and small words. From the perspective of grammar, these ...modifiers do not have many a semantic meanings and they are less related to the sentences. However, from the perspective of pragmatics and discourse, discourse marker plays the role of organizing the discourse, attracting the hearer’s attention, and expressing the emotion and attitude of the speaker. In the process of utterance generation and understanding, discourse marker works as a signal or makes the information clear so that the hearer can obtain the communicative intention of the speaker easily, thus producing the contextual effect. Based on the framework of Relevance Theory by Sperber and Wilson, this essay adopts Fraser’s classification of discourse markers, analyzing the use of discourse markers by non-English majors in Guangxi region. The result of this research shows that discourse markers indeed play a crucial role in the process of utterance generation and understanding, and the correct use of discourse markers contributes to the cohesion of discourse or text and the improvement of the student’s writing ability.
Condensation polymerization of two diallyl-containing bisphenol monomers with decafluorobiphenyl catalyzed by CsF at low temperatures yielded quantitatively the diallyl-containing fluorinated ...poly(arylene ether)s, which after the thiol-ene click reaction with sodium 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonate yielded sulfonated fluorinated poly(arylene ether)s (SFPAEs) with long alkyl sulfonate side-chains. The sulfonate groups were spaced by 7 atoms away from the aromatic backbone, in stark contrast to the previous reports where only 6 spacing atoms could be achieved using a similar chemistry but rather harsh reaction conditions. Two series of SFPAEs based on bisphenol A and bisphenol S units, respectively, were both found to exhibit distinct phase separation and enhanced proton conductivity. Specifically, the SFPAE-A-70 with an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of 1.62mmolg−1 exhibited an in-plane proton conductivity of 90mScm−1 at room temperature, which was slightly higher than that of Nafion 212. Furthermore, all of the SFPAEs showed significantly improved oxidative stability in Fenton's reagent when comparing to non-fluorinated analogs. This study offered a new strategy for the synthesis of highly branched ionomers with long and flexible aliphatic side-chains for high performance PEMs.
•Long alkyl sulfonate side chains were incorporated by a new synthetic route.•Distinct phase separations were observed by TEM and SAXS characterizations.•Similar proton conductivity to Nafion 212 was achieved at IECs of ~ 1.60mmolg−1.•Excellent oxidative stabilities were observed because of the content of F atoms.•Improved efficiencies in vanadium redox flow batteries were demonstrated.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
•β-Hydroxybutyrate within its physiological range promotes BDNF expression in neurons under adequate glucose supply.•β-Hydroxybutyrate induces BDNF expression by activating cAMP/PKA/p-CREB ...signaling.•β-Hydroxybutyrate regulates the epigenetic markers of H3K27ac and H3K27me3 binding at Bdnf promoters.•β-Hydroxybutyrate enhances H3K27ac level independent on HDAC.
Neurobiological evidence suggests that the ketone metabolite β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) exerts many neuroprotective functions for the brain. The previous study revealed that BHBA could promote the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) at glucose inadequate condition. Here we demonstrated that BHBA administration induced the expression of BDNF in the hippocampus of mice fed with normal diet. In vitro experiment results also showed that 0.02–2 mM BHBA significantly increased BDNF expression in both the primary hippocampal neurons and the hippocampus neuron cell line HT22 under adequate glucose supply. Bdnf transcription induced by BHBA stimulus was mediated through the cAMP/PKA-triggered phosphorylation of CREB (S133) and the subsequent up-regulation of histone H3 Lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) binding at Bdnf promoters I, II, IV, and VI. Moreover, BHBA stimulus induced a decrease in tri-methylation of H3K27 (H3K27me3) binding at the Bdnf promoters II and VI and the elevation of H3K27me3-specific demethylase JMJD3, which also contributed to the activation of Bdnf transcription. These results demonstrated that BHBA within the physiological range could promote BDNF expression in neurons via a novel signaling function. Moreover, BHBA might possess more broad epigenetic regulatory activities, which affected both the acetylation and demethylation of H3K27. Our findings reinforce the beneficial effect of BHBA on the central nervous system (CNS) and suggest that BHBA administration with no need for energy restriction might also be a promising intervention to improve the neuronal activity and ameliorate the degeneration of CNS.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
We aimed to investigate the association between oral health and cognitive function in a sample of elderly people from a Chinese rural community.
The cross-sectional cognitive function of 677 ...individuals were assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). A comprehensive profile of the oral health status was evaluated by questionnaire and clinical examination.
Multiple covariates-adjusted regression models demonstrated decayed teeth (DT) and decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) were negatively associated with MoCA score (all p < 0.05). Calculus index (CI) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were significantly associated with the lower MoCA, short-term memory and executive function score, respectively (all p < 0.05). Additionally, participants with missing teeth unrestored tend to get lower MMSE and MoCA scores (p < 0.05). The results also showed that increased DT and CI were modestly associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment (p < 0.05).
There is an association between oral health and global cognition. Poor periodontal status was strongly associated with worse global cognition performance, especially in the short-term memory and executive domain for the aging population. Our findings provided insights into the oral and neurological public health concerns and bases for the research of solutions to dementia prevention.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
•Inulin increased the intestinal contents of propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid in ALD.•Inulin significantly reduced inflammation in ALD by suppressing hepatic M1 Mψ and activating hepatic ...M2 Mψ.•SCFAs were closely correlated with M1 Mψ and M2 Mψ after inulin treatment in ALD.•SCFAs directly promoted M1 Mψ and inhibit M2 Mψ in co-culture experiment in vitro.
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) presents one of the leading causes of cirrhosis worldwide. We have demonstrated that inulin alleviates ALD in mice. However, the exact role of hepatic macrophages in effects of inulin on ALD remains largely unclear.
In vivo, mice were divided into 4 groups: pair-fed (PF) group (PF/CON), alcohol-fed (AF) group (AF/CON), PF with inulin (INU) group (PF/INU) and AF with INU group (AF/INU). Each group was fed modified Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet with or without alcohol. In vitro, RAW264.7 cell lines were polarized to M1 macrophage (Mψ) or M2 Mψ subsets with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin-4 (IL-4) stimulation, respectively. The effects of propionate, butyrate and valeric on macrophage M1/M2 were investigated.
The contents of propionate, butyrate and valeric were significantly increased in AF/INU group compared with that in the AF/CON group. M1 Mψ, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in AF/INU group were significantly lower than those in AF/CON group. In contrast, M2 Mψ, arginase-1 (Arg-1), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were notably increased in AF/INU group. In vitro, sodium propionate, sodium butyrate and sodium valerate can suppress M1 Mψ and increase M2 Mψ polarization.
In ALD, inulin ameliorates the inflammation via SCFAs-inducing suppression of M1 and facilitation of M2 Mψ, which may potentially contribute to the control of the disease.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
•CR-PEDOT evenly and stably coats on the surface of GO by chemical oxidation method.•The specific capacitance of GO/CR-PEDOT is 227 F/g, 110% higher than that of PEDOT.•GO/CR-PEDOT has a high ...specific capacitance retention of 92.3% after 10,000 cycles.•The ASC model shows an energy density of 14.4 Wh/kg at the power density of 996 W/kg.
Congo red doped poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene)/graphene oxide (GO/CR-PEDOT) composite was prepared by simple chemical oxidation method, where Congo red doped poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (CR-PEDOT) evenly and stably coated on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) under the guidance and connection of congo red (CR), respectively. Therefore, GO with a large specific surface area could bring into full play its function as a supporting skeleton to decrease the degree of volume expansion and shrinkage of GO/CR-PEDOT composite in charge/discharge process and improve its specific capacitance and cycle stability. The results showed that the maximum specific capacitance of GO/CR-PEDOT composite was up to 227 F/g when the feeding mass ratio of GO to 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene was 1:1, which was 110% higher than that of poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and the capacitance retention was 92.3 % after 10,000 cycles. Furthermore, a model of asymmetric supercapacitor was fabricated by using GO/CR-PEDOT composite as positive material, activated carbon as negative material and 1 mol/L Na2SO4 as electrolyte, which exhibited that the energy density was as high as 14.4 Wh/kg when the power density was 996 W/kg and still achieved 9.11 Wh/kg at a high power density of 7999 W/kg.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Heavy metal pollution in farmland soil represents a considerable risk to ecosystems and human health, constituting a global concern. Focusing on a key area for the cultivation of special agricultural ...products in Cangxi County, we collected 228 surface soil samples. We analyzed the concentration, spatial distribution, and pollution levels of six heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Hg) in the soil. Moreover, we investigated the sources and contribution rates of these heavy metals using Principal Component Analysis/Absolute Principal Component Scores (PCA/APCS) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) models. Our findings indicate that none of the six metals exceeded the pollution thresholds for farmland soils. However, the mean concentrations of Cr and Ni surpassed the background levels of Sichuan Province. A moderate spatial correlation existed between Pb and Ni, attributable to both natural and anthropogenic factors, whereas Zn, Cu, Hg, and Cr displayed a strong spatial correlation, mainly due to natural factors. The spatial patterns of Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni were similar, with higher concentrations in the northern and eastern regions and lower concentrations centrally. Hg's spatial distribution differed, exhibiting a broader range of lower values. The single pollution index evaluation showed that Cr and Ni were low pollution, and the other elements were no pollution. The average value of comprehensive pollution index is 0.994, and the degree of pollution is close to light pollution. Predominantly, higher pollution levels in the northern and eastern regions, lower around reservoirs. The PCA/APCS model identified two main pollution sources: agricultural traffic mixed source (65.2%) and natural parent source (17.2%). The PMF model delineated three sources: agricultural activities (32.59%), transportation (30.64%), and natural parent sources (36.77%). Comparatively, the PMF model proved more accurate and reliable, yielding findings more aligned with the study area's actual conditions.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common disability which results in permanent chronic motor disability appearing in early childhood. Recently human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cell (hUCB-MSC) ...infusion has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for CP, and the treatment efficacy remains to be confirmed by clinical trials. All 54 patients received basic rehabilitation as a background treatment. The infusion group comprising 27 patients received 4 infusions of hUCB-MSCs (intravenous infusions at a fixed dose of 5 × 107) and basic rehabilitation treatment, whereas 27 patients in the control group received 0.9% normal saline and basic rehabilitation treatment. Several indices were tested from baseline up to 24 months posttreatment regarding efficacy and safety evaluations, including the gross motor function measurement 88 (GMFM-88) scores, the comprehensive function assessment (CFA), lab tests, electroencephalogram (EEG), routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and adverse events. The changes in the total proportion of GMFM-88 and total scores of CFA in the hUCB-MSC infusion group were significantly higher than that in control group at 3, 6, 12, 24 months posttreatment. Less diffuse slow waves were noticed after hUCB-MSC infusion in patients with slowing of EEG background rhythms at baseline. Based on the routine MRI exams, improvements in cerebral structures were rare after treatment. Serious adverse events were not observed during the whole study period. The results of the study indicated that hUCB-MSC infusion with basic rehabilitation was safe and effective in improving gross motor and comprehensive functions in children with CP.
Reduced graphene oxide nanofiber (rGONF) modified by anthraquinone-1,5-disulfonate (AQDS) (AQDS-rGONF) was prepared by one-step hydrothermal reaction, and nanocilia-like polyaniline (PANI) grew ...uniformly on the surface of rGONF under the guidance of AQDS as a starting point of polymerization to fabricate successfully PANI/AQDS-rGONF composite. The results showed that PANI/AQDS-rGONF composite had a larger specific capacitance of 511 F/g than PANI/rGONF composite of 360 F/g or PANI of 312 F/g at a current density of 8 mA/cm2, and a greater electrochemical stability with the specific capacitance retention of 82.4% than PANI/rGONF of 63.2% or PANI of 52.2% after 2000 cycles, which were closely related to the synergistic effects of special nanocilia-like structure, large specific surface area, rGONF as a supporting skeleton and AQDS as a “bridge”. In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor based on PANI/AQDS-rGONF composite as cathode was assembled, which exhibited a high energy density of 17.9 Wh/kg at a power density of 907 W/kg.
•Nanocilia-like PANI grew on rGONF with the help of AQDS to prepare PANI/AQDS-rGONF.•PANI/AQDS-rGONF had a large specific capacity and a great electrochemical stability.•The special nanocilia-like structure was helpful for its large specific capacity.•PANI/AQDS-rGONF//AC ASC delivered a high energy density of 17.9 Wh/kg.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common metabolic disease worldwide with chronic low-grade inflammation and alteration of gut microbiota. Inulin (INU) has been confirmed to exhibit ...benefit for metabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects and mechanism of INU on NAFLD inflammation via gut-liver axis.
C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal diet group (ND); high-fat diet group (HFD); ND with INU group (ND-INU); HFD with INU group (HFD-INU). After 14 weeks of feeding, mice were sacrificed and associated indications were investigated.
Significant increases of body weight, liver weight, liver biochemical aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, total cholesterol and pro-inflammatory indicators (Lipopolysaccharide, interleukin (IL)-18, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6), as well as a reduction of plasma IL-10 were observed in HFD group, while INU treatment restored these abnormal indicators. The ratio of hepatic macrophages (Mψs) and Toll-like receptor 4
Mψs were both reduced with INU intervention. Nuclear factor-κB, nod-like receptor protein 3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein and caspase-1 were decreased in HFD-INU group. Additionally, the results of 16S rRNA sequencing and analysis showed that INU administration modulated the composition of gut microbial community in NAFLD mice by up-regulating the abundances of
and
as well as down-regulating the abundances of
and the ratio of
. Short-chain fatty acids including acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, were increased with INU treatment. Correlation analysis revealed close relationships among inflammatory indicators, metabolic indicators as well as gut microbiota/its metabolite short-chain fatty acids.
INU prevents NAFLD via modulating gut microbiota and suppressing Lipopolysaccharide-Toll-like receptor 4-Mψ-Nuclear factor-κB-nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammatory pathway via the gut-liver axis.
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