Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection can cause coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), an acute respiratory inflammation that has emerged worldwide since December 2019, ...and it quickly became a global epidemic. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic nonspecific intestinal inflammatory diseases whose etiology has not been elucidated. The two have many overlapping symptoms in clinical presentation, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, pneumonia, etc. Imbalance of the autoimmune system in IBD patients and long‐term use of immunosuppressive drugs may increase the risk of infection; and systemic symptoms caused by COVID‐19 may also induce or exacerbate intestinal inflammation. It has been found that the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2, which is highly expressed in the lung and intestine, is an inflammatory protective factor, and is downregulated and upregulated in COVID‐19 and IBD, respectively, suggesting that there may be a coregulatory pathway. In addition, the immune activation pattern of COVID‐19 and the cytokine storm in the inflammatory response have similar roles in IBD, indicating that the two diseases may influence each other. Therefore, this review aimed to address the following research questions: whether SARS‐CoV‐2 infection leads to the progression of IBD; whether IBD increases the risk of COVID‐19 infection and poor prognosis; possible common mechanisms and genetic cross‐linking between the two diseases; new treatment and care strategies for IBD patients, and the feasibility and risk of vaccination in the context of the COVID‐19 epidemic.
We propose an improved quark coalescence model for spin alignment of vector mesons and polarization of baryons by spin density matrix with phase space dependence. The spin density matrix is defined ...through Wigner functions. Within the model we propose an understanding of spin alignments of vector mesons ϕ and K*0 (including K*0) in the static limit: a large positive deviation of ρ00 for ϕ mesons from 1/3 may come from the electric part of the vector ϕ field, while a negative deviation of ρ00 for K*0 may come from the electric part of vorticity tensor fields. Such a negative contribution to ρ 00 for K *0 mesons, in comparison with the same contribution to ρ 00 for ϕ mesons which is less important, is amplified by a factor of the mass ratio of strange to light quark times the ratio of ⟨ p2b ⟩ on the wave function of K*0 to ϕ (pb is the relative momentum of two constituent quarks of K*0 and ϕ). These results should be tested by a detailed and comprehensive simulation of vorticity tensor fields and vector meson fields in heavy ion collisions.
The "dynamic turn" in the field of second language acquisition catalyzed scholarly devotion to the complex dynamic relationships between learner and teacher variables and various academic emotions. ...As such, the present study examined the varying effects of the aforementioned variables on the constructs of positive and negative flow, and determined their strongest predictors, respectively. This study used a mixed-method approach to collect data from 607 Chinese English-as-a-Foreign-Language learners. In stage one of the research, the researcher first assessed the participants' levels of positive flow and negative flow in a blended learning context, then performed Pearson correlation analysis to confirm a significant, but weak positive relationship between positive flow and negative flow. Then, significant difference tests were run to determine the varied effects of those variables on flow. Finally, two multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify five predictors of positive flow, with the biggest contribution coming from learners' attitudes toward the foreign language, and three predictors of negative flow, with the learners' major accounting for the majority of variance. In the second stage of the research, a qualitative corpus was constructed, based on accounts of classroom experiences from 71 participants of the total sample, and further illustrated the quantitative findings. Pedagogical implications for educational psychologists and teachers of second and/or foreign languages are addressed.
Simultaneous detection of multiple tumor biomarkers is in great demand for early and accurate cancer diagnosis. A homogeneous electrochemical biosensor has been proven to possess high sensitivity, ...but achieving simultaneous detection of multiple tumor biomarkers is still a challenge. Herein, we develop a novel homogeneous electrochemical biosensor for simultaneous detection of multiple tumor biomarkers based on the functionalized metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The functionalized MOFs were prepared by using porous UIO-66-NH2 as nanocontainer to load electroactive dyes and dsDNA as a gatekeeper to cap MOFs. In this context, two functionalized MOFs (MB@UIO and TMB@UIO) were fabricated and applied to simultaneous detection of let-7a and miRNA-21, used as the proof-of-concept analytes. The recognition and hybridization of PX with target miRNAs impel the generation of RNA–DNA complexes, which separated from MOFs and allowed the electroactive dyes to be released. In comparison with the case when target miRNAs are absent, two stronger signals are recorded, and dependent on target miRNA concentrations. Thus, simultaneous detection of let-7a and minRNA-21 is achieved, with detection limits down to 3.6 and 8.2 fM, respectively, comparable or lower than those of reported strategies that concentrated on single miRNA detection. Moreover, the proposed biosensor has also been successfully applied for simultaneous detection of target miRNAs spiked in serum samples. Therefore, the proposed strategy was expected to provide more information for early and accurate cancer diagnosis and was an useful application in disease diagnosis and clinical biomedicine.
Melatonin plays a neuroprotective role in models of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying neuroprotection by melatonin are not well understood. Apoptotic cell death ...in the central nervous system is a feature of neurodegenerative diseases. The intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways and the antiapoptotic survival signal pathways play critical roles in neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the reports to date showing inhibition by melatonin of the intrinsic apoptotic pathways in neurodegenerative diseases including stroke, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore, the activation of survival signal pathways by melatonin in neurodegenerative diseases is discussed.
Nonenzymatic nucleic acid amplification techniques (
e.g.
the hybridization chain reaction, HCR) have shown promising potential for amplified detection of biomarkers. However, the traditional HCR ...occurs through random diffusion of DNA hairpins, making the kinetics and efficiency quite low. By assembling DNA hairpins at the vertexes of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs), the reaction kinetics of the HCR is greatly accelerated due to the synergetic contributions of multiple reaction orientations, increased collision probability and enhanced local concentrations. The proposed quadrivalent TDN (qTDN)-mediated hyperbranched HCR has a ∼70-fold faster reaction rate than the traditional HCR. The approximately 76% fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency obtained is the highest in the reported DNA-based FRET sensing systems as far as we know. Moreover, qTDNs modified by hairpins can easily load drugs, freely traverse plasma membranes and be rapidly cross-linked
via
the target-triggered HCR in live cells. The reduced freedom of movement as a result of the large crosslinked structure might constrain the hyperbranched HCR in a confined environment, thus making it a promising candidate for
in situ
imaging and photodynamic therapy. Hence, we present a paradigm of perfect integration of DNA nanotechnology with nucleic acid amplification, thus paving a promising way to the improved performance of nucleic acid amplification techniques and their wider application.
Nonenzymatic nucleic acid amplification techniques (
e.g.
the hybridization chain reaction, HCR) have shown promising potential for amplified detection of biomarkers.
For the separation of ethane from ethylene, it remains challenging to target both high C2H6 adsorption and selectivity in a C2H6‐selective material. Herein, we report a reversible solid‐state ...transformation in a labile hydrogen‐bonded organic framework to generate a new rod‐packing desolvated framework (ZJU‐HOF‐1) with suitable cavity spaces and functional surfaces to optimally interact with C2H6. ZJU‐HOF‐1 thus exhibits simultaneously high C2H6 uptake (88 cm3 g−1 at 0.5 bar and 298 K) and C2H6/C2H4 selectivity (2.25), which are significantly higher than those of most top‐performing materials. Theoretical calculations revealed that the cage‐like cavities and functional sites synergistically “match” better with C2H6 to provide stronger multipoint interactions with C2H6 than C2H4. In combination with its high stability and ultralow water uptake, this material can efficiently capture C2H6 from 50/50 C2H6/C2H4 mixtures in ambient conditions under 60 % RH, providing a record polymer‐grade C2H4 productivity of 0.98 mmol g−1.
A rod‐packing microporous hydrogen‐bonding framework with functional surfaces and suitable cavity spaces for C2H6 uptake exhibited simultaneously high capacity and C2H6/C2H4 selectivity (see picture). The excellent C2H6/C2H4 separation occurred with record‐high C2H4 productivity of 0.98 mmol g−1 under high humidity and ambient conditions.
Abstract
Bupleurum falcatum
L. has gained attention due to its medicinal value in its root.
B. falcatum
was continuously cultivated and intensively chemically fertilized in order to attain a high ...yield, which reduced the soil quality and caused continuous cropping problems. Thus, there is a significant impact on
S. baicalensis
yield and quality. To solve this problem, soil with 0 or 3 continuous cropping years (0‐ and 3‐year soil) was fertilized with several organic materials, which are
Bacillus subtilis
,
Bacillus mucilaginosus
, humic acid fertilizer, biochar, and vermicompost. The experiment examined the effectiveness of
B. falcatum
's growth and nutrient uptake under various organic materials. It was shown that organic materials improved soil fertility and promoted the growth and nutrient uptake of
B. falcatum
. The combination of vermicompost and biochar had a better improvement effect. It increased soil nutrients by 23.8%–73.3% (0‐year soil) and 24.6%–71.1% (3‐year soil), respectively. In two types of soil, both microbial number and enzyme activity substantially increased. The
B. falcatum
shoot and root biomass with vermicompost was increased 74.8%–84.5% (without biochar) and 41.8%–71.1% (with biochar) in two types of soil. Vermicompost and biochar also significantly promoted the root development of
B. falcatum.
The root length increased by 13.3%–66.7%, the root diameter by 38.6%–84.8%, the root volume by 8.4%–61.3%, and the specific root length varied by −171.9% to 3.1% when compared with the control. The nutrient (N, P, and K) concentrations in shoots and roots changed from −3.9% to 67.2% and from 1.4% to 53.5%. All the findings demonstrated that long‐term continuous cropping caused cropping obstacles, deteriorated soil quality, and inhibited the
B. falcatum
growth. Applying organic fertilizers, such as vermicompost and biochar, can help to improve soil quality, increase soil nutrients, promote the growth and nutrient absorption of
B. falcatum
, and eliminate continuous cropping obstacles.
Microplastics (MPs) have become a global environmental concern because of their ubiquitous presence. While extensive microplastic researches have focused on the marine environment, pervasive MPs ...contamination in soil and their detrimental impacts have been largely overlooked. Excessive concentrations of MPs and additives have been found in soil derived from the use of plastic mulches and the application of sewage sludge to fields. They may pose directly or indirectly as adverse effects on flora and fauna. The objectives of this review are (1) to summarize the abundance, sources, and properties of MPs in soil; (2) to analyze combined effects of MPs and various other environmental pollutants on soil system; and (3) to discuss the possible risks posed by MPs to soil biodiversity, food safety and human health. This review will highlight key future research areas for scientists and policymakers, and increase overall understanding of soil MPs pollution and its potential environmental impacts.
Display omitted
•MPs are ubiquitous in the soil environment.•MPs can lead to combined contamination with other toxic chemicals.•Packaging, plastic mulches, and sewage sludge are three major sources of soil MPs.•MPs may pose a threat to soil fertility, food security and human health.
Accompanied by enhancements in the ability to fabricate materials for humans, alloy-based materials have advanced from binary alloy systems to complicated compositions along with affording newer ...applications, which can accelerate the evolution of civilization. Recently, high-entropy alloys (HEAs) have drawn enormous attention in diverse fields because of their distinctive concept and unique properties. The impressive mechanical properties, such as excellent strength, unforgettable corrosion resistance, and superior thermostability, are inherited and overwhelming compared with traditional alloys. Therefore, HEAs have become an emerging class of advanced materials leading to a new field. Based on the exceptional synthesis methods, HEAs surprisingly afford numerous energy and environmental properties, which have endowed HEAs with promising applications. In this paper, we review the salient features of HEAs and summarize their core effects, phase structures, unconventional synthesis methods, and novel energy and environmental applications. In addition, we also discuss the broad space waiting to be explored and overview fruitful pathways of future trends and prospects.
Accompanied by enhancements in the ability to fabricate materials, alloy-based materials have advanced from binary alloy systems to complicated compositions along with affording newer applications, which accelerates the evolution of civilization.
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