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Fulltext Systematical study of multi-walled carbon nanotube nanofluids based disposed transformer oil

Suhaimi NS, Md Din MF, Ishak MT, Abdul Rahman AR, Mohd Ariffin M, Hashim N', et al.

Sci Rep, 2020 Dec 02;10(1):20984.
PMID: 33268816 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77810-8

In this paper, the electrical, dielectric, Raman and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) structure behavior of disposed transformer oil in the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were systematically tested to verify their versatility for preparing better alternative transformer oil in future. MWCNT nanofluids are prepared using a two-step method with concentrations ranging from 0.00 to 0.02 g/L. The test results reveal that 0.005 g/L concentration possesses the most optimum performance based on the electrical (AC breakdown and lightning impulse) and dielectric (permittivity, dissipation factor and resistivity) behavior. According to the trend of AC breakdown strength and lightning impulse pattern, there were 212.58% and 40.01% enhancement indicated for 0.005 g/L concentration compared to the disposed transformer oil. The presence of MWCNT also yielding to the decrement of dissipation factor, increased on permittivity and resistivity behavior of disposed transformer oil which reflected to the performance of electrical properties. Furthermore, it is found that these features correlated to the structural properties as systematically verify by Raman and SAXS analysis study.
Meliternatin: a feeding deterrent and larvicidal polyoxygenated flavone from Melicope subunifoliolata

Hung Ho S, Wang J, Sim KY, Ee GC, Imiyabir Z, Yap KF, et al.

Phytochemistry, 2003 Apr;62(7):1121-4.
PMID: 12591266

We screened more than 60 Malaysian plants against two species of insects and found that Melicope subunifoliolata (Stapf) T.G. Hartley (Rutaceae) showed strong feeding deterrent activity against Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. (Curculionidae) and very good larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera). One anti-insect compound, meliternatin (3,5-dimethoxy-3',4',6,7-bismethylendioxyflavone) (6) and six other minor polyoxygenated flavones were isolated from M. subunifoliolata.
Characterization of a Saccharum spontaneum with a basic chromosome number of x = 10 provides new insights on genome evolution in genus Saccharum

Meng Z, Han J, Lin Y, Zhao Y, Lin Q, Ma X, et al.

Theor Appl Genet, 2020 Jan;133(1):187-199.
PMID: 31587087 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-019-03450-w

KEY MESSAGE: A novel tetraploid S. spontaneum with basic chromosome x = 10 was discovered, providing us insights in the origin and evolution in Saccharum species. Sugarcane (Saccharum spp., Poaceae) is a leading crop for sugar production providing 80% of the world's sugar. However, the genetic and genomic complexities of this crop such as its high polyploidy level and highly variable chromosome numbers have significantly hindered the studies in deciphering the genomic structure and evolution of sugarcane. Here, we developed the first set of oligonucleotide (oligo)-based probes based on the S. spontaneum genome (x = 8), which can be used to simultaneously distinguish each of the 64 chromosomes of octaploid S. spontaneum SES208 (2n = 8x = 64) through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). By comparative FISH assay, we confirmed the chromosomal rearrangements of S. spontaneum (x = 8) and S. officinarum (2n = 8x = 80), the main contributors of modern sugarcane cultivars. In addition, we examined a S. spontaneum accession, Np-X, with 2n = 40 chromosomes, and we found that it was a tetraploid with the unusual basic chromosome number of x = 10. Assays at the cytological and DNA levels demonstrated its close relationship with S. spontaneum with basic chromosome number x = 8 (the most common accessions in S. spontaneum), confirming its S. spontaneum identity. Population genetic structure and phylogenetic relationship analyses between Np-X and 64 S. spontaneum accessions revealed that Np-X belongs to the ancient Pan-Malaysia group, indicating a close relationship to S. spontaneum with basic chromosome number of x = 8. This finding of a tetraploid S. spontaneum with basic chromosome number of x = 10 suggested a parallel evolution path of genomes and polyploid series in S. spontaneum with different basic chromosome numbers.
The influence of maternal vitamin D supplementation on infant vitamin D status: A systematic review and meta-analyses

Zhong X, Xiong Y, Wei D, Wang S, Xiao Z, Liu M, et al.

Complement Ther Med, 2020 Aug;52:102491.
PMID: 32951740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102491

BACKGROUND: Inconsistencies exist with regard to effect of maternal vitamin D supplementation on infant vitamin D status. The inconsistencies could be attributed to numerous factors, such as duration of intervention and dosage, among others. In this work, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the influence of maternal vitamin D supplementation on infant vitamin D status.
METHODS: A comprehensive systematic search was performed in Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed/MEDLINE, by investigators, from database inception until November 2019, without using any restrictions. Weighted mean difference (WMD) with the 95 % CI was used for assessing the effects of maternal vitamin D supplementation on 25(OH) D levels in infants.
RESULTS: Overall results from 14 studies revealed a non-significant effect of maternal vitamin D administration on the level of 25(OH) D in breastfeeding infants (WMD: -0.464 ng/mL, 95 % CI: -6.68 to 5.75, p = 0.884, I2 = 98 %). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation dosage ≥2000 IU/day (WMD: 9 ng/mL, 95 % CI: 8.19, 9.82, I2 = 99 %) and intervention duration ≥20 weeks (WMD: 16.20 ng/mL, 95 % CI: 14.89, 17.50, I2 = 99 %) significantly increased 25(OH) D.
CONCLUSIONS: The main results indicate a non-significant increase in infant vitamin D following maternal vitamin D supplementation. Additionally, vitamin D supplementation dosage ≥2000 IU/day and intervention duration ≥20 weeks significantly increased infant 25(OH) D.
Nonlinear effects of increasing nitrogen deposition on rice growth and heavy metal uptake in a red soil ecosystem of southeastern China

Wang J, Yi X, Cui J, Chang Y, Yao D, Zhou D, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2019 Jun 20;670:1060-1067.
PMID: 31018421 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.245

With the population growth, urbanization and industrialization, China has become a hotspot of atmospheric deposition nitrogen (ADN), which is a threat to ecosystem and food safety. However, the impacts of increased ADN on rice growth and grain metal content are little studied. Based on previous long-term ADN studies, greenhouse experiment was conducted with four simulated ADN rates of 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N ha-1 yr-1 (CK, N1, N2 and N3 as δ15N, respectively) to assess rice growth and metal uptake in a red soil ecosystem of southeast China during 2016-2017. Results showed that simulated ADN could promote rice growth and increase yields by 15.68-24.41% (except N2) and accumulations of cadmium (Cd) or copper (Cu) in organs. However, there was no linear relationship between ADN rate and rice growth or Cd or Cu uptake. The 15N-ADN was mainly accumulated in roots (21.31-67.86%) and grains (25.26-49.35%), while Cd and Cu were primarily accumulated in roots (78.86-93.44% and 90.00-96.24%, respectively). 15N-ADN and Cd accumulations in roots were significantly different between the two growing seasons (p 
Potent allelopathy and non-PSTs, non-spirolides toxicity of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium leei to phytoplankton, finfish and zooplankton observed from laboratory bioassays

Shang L, Xu Y, Leaw CP, Lim PT, Wang J, Chen J, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2021 Aug 01;780:146484.
PMID: 33774286 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146484

The dinoflagellate genus Alexandrium has been well known for causing paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) worldwide. Several non-PSP toxin-producing species, however, have shown to exhibit fish-killing toxicity. Here, we report the allelopathic activity of Alexandrium leei from Malaysia to other algal species, and its toxicity to finfish and zooplankton, via laboratory bioassays. Thirteen microalgal species that co-cultured with Al. leei revealed large variability in the allelopathic effects of Al. leei on the test algae, with the growth inhibition rates ranging from 0 to 100%. The negative allelopathic effects of Al. leei on microalgae included loss of flagella and thus the motility, damages of chain structure, deformation in cell morphology, and eventually cell lysis. The finfish experienced 100% mortality within 24 h exposed to the live culture (2000-6710 cells·mL-1), while the rotifer and brine shrimp exhibited 96-100% and 90-100% mortalities within 48 h when exposed to 500-6000 cells·mL-1 of Al. leei. The mortality of the test animals depended on the Al. leei cell density exposed, leading to a linear relationship between mortality and cell density for the finfish, and a logarithmic relationship for the two zooplankters. When exposed to the treatments using Al. leei whole live culture, cell-free culture medium, extract of algal cells in the f/2-Si medium, extract of methanol, and the re-suspended freeze-and-thaw algal cells, the test organisms (Ak. sanguinea and rotifers) all died at the cell density of 8100 cells·mL-1 within 24 h. Toxin analyses by HILIC-ESI-TOF/MS and LC-ESI-MS/MS demonstrated that Al. leei did not produce PSP-toxins and 13-desmethyl spirolide C. Overall, our findings demonstrated potent allelopathy and toxicity of Al. leei, which do not only pose threats to the aquaculture industry, fisheries, and marine ecosystems but may also play a part role in the population dynamics and bloom formation of this species.
Enhanced DNA double-strand break repair of microbeam targeted A549 lung carcinoma cells by adjacent WI38 normal lung fibroblast cells via bi-directional signaling

Kobayashi A, Tengku Ahmad TAF, Autsavapromporn N, Oikawa M, Homma-Takeda S, Furusawa Y, et al.

Mutat Res, 2017 10;803-805:1-8.
PMID: 28689138 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2017.06.006

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE) and bi-directional signaling between irradiated carcinoma cells and their surrounding non-irradiated normal cells is relevant to cancer radiotherapy. The present study investigated propagation of RIBE signals between human lung carcinoma A549 cells and normal lung fibroblast WI38 cells in bystander cells, either directly or indirectly contacting irradiated A549 cells. We prepared A549-GFP/WI38 co-cultures and A549-GFP/A549 co-cultures, in which A549-GFP cells stably expressing H2BGFP were co-cultured with either A549 cells or WI38 cells, respectively. Using the SPICE-NIRS microbeam, only the A549-GFP cells were irradiated with 500 protons per cell. The level of γ-H2AX, a marker for DNA double-strand breaks (DSB), was subsequently measured for up to 24h post-irradiation in three categories of cells: (1) "targeted"/irradiated A549-GFP cells; (2) "neighboring"/non-irradiated cells directly contacting the "targeted" cells; and (3) "distant"/non-irradiated cells, which were not in direct contact with the "targeted" cells. We found that DSB repair in targeted A549-GFP cells was enhanced by co-cultured WI38 cells. The bystander response in A549-GFP/A549 cell co-cultures, as marked by γ-H2AX levels at 8h post-irradiation, showed a decrease to non-irradiated control level when approaching 24h, while the neighboring/distant bystander WI38 cells in A549-GFP/WI38 co-cultures was maintained at a similar level until 24h post-irradiation. Surprisingly, distant A549-GFP cells in A549-GFP/WI38 co-cultures showed time dependency similar to bystander WI38 cells, but not to distant cells in A549-GFP/A549 co-cultures. These observations indicate that γ-H2AX was induced in WI38 cells as a result of RIBE. WI38 cells were not only involved in rescue of targeted A549, but also in the modification of RIBE against distant A549-GFP cells. The present results demonstrate that radiation-induced bi-directional signaling had extended a profound influence on cellular sensitivity to radiation as well as the sensitivity to RIBE.
Discrete Heteropolynuclear Yb/Er Assemblies: Switching on Molecular Upconversion Under Mild Conditions

Wang J, Jiang Y, Liu JY, Xu HB, Zhang YX, Peng X, et al.

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl, 2021 Oct 04;60(41):22368-22375.
PMID: 34383376 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202107637

The salts {[Ln2 Ln*(Hhmq)3 (OAc)3 (hfac)2 ]+ [Ln*(hfac)3 (OAc)(MeOH)]- } (Hhmq=2-methanolquinolin-8-oxide, hfac=hexafluoroacetylacetonate; Ln, Ln*=Er, Gd, Yb) feature a discrete heteronuclear cation consisting of two types of lanthanide atoms. The quinolinoxy O-atom serves as a μ2 -bridge to two Ln atoms and as a μ3 -bridge to all three atoms, with metal⋅⋅⋅metal distances being around 3.7 Å. For 1 ([Yb2 Er]+ ), near-infrared downshifted luminescence is switched to competitive upconversion luminescence upon irradiation by a 980 nm laser under an extremely low excitation power (0.288 W cm-2 ) through introduction of fluoride ions. The stability of 1 after addition of fluoride was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and multistage mass spectrometry, associated with the 1 H NMR of 6 ([La2 Eu]+ ). More importantly, the at least 20-fold enhancement of the quantum yield in non-deuterated solvents at room temperature under low power densities (2 W cm-2 ) is the highest among the few molecular examples reported.
Insulin Receptor Isoform Variations in Prostate Cancer Cells

Perks CM, Zielinska HA, Wang J, Jarrett C, Frankow A, Ladomery MR, et al.

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2016;7:132.
PMID: 27733843

Men who develop prostate cancer (PCa) increasingly have one of the co-morbidities associated with a Western lifestyle that are characterized by hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and increased expression of insulin-like growth factors-I (IGF-I) and IGF-II. Each have been associated with poor prognosis and more aggressive cancers that exhibit increased metabolism and increased glucose uptake. The insulin receptor (IR) has two splice isoforms IR-A and IR-B: IR-A has a higher affinity for IGF-II comparable to that for insulin, whereas the IR-B isoform predominantly just binds to insulin. In this study, we assessed alterations in the IR-A and IR-B isoform ratio and associated changes in cell proliferation and migration of PCa cell lines following exposure to altered concentrations of glucose and treatment with IGF-II and insulin. We observed that where IR-B predominated insulin had a greater effect on migration than IGF-II and IGF-II was more effective when IR-A was the main isoform. With regard to proliferation IGF-II was more effective than insulin regardless of which isoform was dominant. We assessed the abundance of the IR isoforms both in vivo and in vitro and observed that the majority of the tissue samples and cell lines expressed more IR-A than IR-B. Alterations in the isoforms in response to changes in their hormonal milieu could have a profound impact on how malignant cells behave and play a role in promoting carcinogenesis. A greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying changes in alternative splicing of the IR may provide additional targets for future cancer therapies.
In vitro assessment on effect of duodenal contents on the lead (Pb(2+)) binding capacity of two probiotic bacterial strains

Xing S, Song Y, Liang JB, Faseleh Jahromi M, Shokryazda P, Mi J, et al.

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2017 May;139:78-82.
PMID: 28113114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.01.016

In vitro Lead (Pb(2+)) binding capacity of two probiotic bacteria strains, namely Bifidobacterium longumBB79 and Lactobacillus pentosusITA23, was assessed following incubation with the intestinal contents (IC) of laying hens. Results of this study demonstrated that IC treatment significantly enhanced (P<0.01) Pb(2+) binding capacity of both bacterial strains. Fourier transform infrared analysis indicated that several functional groups (O-H or N-H, C-H, C˭O, C-O, and C-O-C) on the bacteria cell wall involved in metal ion binding were altered after IC incubation, and new groups appeared between the 3700cm(-1) and 4000cm(-1)bands. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that after incubation with IC, unidentified IC components created new binding sites on the bacterial cell surface. These particles also changed the mechanism of Pb(2+) binding of the two strains from intracellular accumulation to extracellular adsorption.
Emerging Role of Secondary Bystander Effects Induced by Fractionated Proton Microbeam Radiation

Autsavapromporn N, Liu C, Kobayashi A, Ahmad TAFT, Oikawa M, Dukaew N, et al.

Radiat Res, 2019 02;191(2):211-216.
PMID: 30526323 DOI: 10.1667/RR15155.1

Increased understanding of radiation-induced secondary bystander effect (RISBE) is relevant to radiation therapy since it likely contributes to normal tissue injury and tumor recurrence, subsequently resulting in treatment failure. In this work, we developed a simple method based on proton microbeam radiation and a transwell insert co-culture system to elucidate the RISBE between irradiated human lung cancer cells and nonirradiated human normal cells. A549 lung cancer cells received a single dose or fractionated doses of proton microbeam radiation to generate the primary bystander cells. These cells were then seeded on the top of the insert with secondary bystander WI-38 normal cells growing underneath in the presence or absence of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) inhibitor, 18-α-glycyrrhetnic acid (AGA). Cells were co-cultured before harvesting and assayed for micronuclei formation. The results of this work showed that fractionated doses of protons caused less DNA damage in the secondary bystander WI-38 cells compared to a single radiation dose, where the means differ by 20%. However, the damaging effect in the secondary bystander normal cells could be eliminated when treated with AGA. This novel work reflects our effort to demonstrate that GJIC plays a major role in the RISBE generated from the primary bystander cancer cells.
An integration study of microalgae bioactive retention: From microalgae biomass to microalgae bioactives nanoparticle

Cai Y, Lim HR, Khoo KS, Ng HS, Cai Y, Wang J, et al.

Food Chem Toxicol, 2021 Dec;158:112607.
PMID: 34653554 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112607

Microalgae metabolites include biologically active compounds with therapeutic effects such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation effects. One of the most recent focuses is on utilizing microalgae lipid-based biologically active compounds in food applications. However, most microalgae biological active compounds in their natural forms have common drawbacks like low solubility, low physicochemical stability and strong susceptibility to degradation, which significantly limits their application in foods, therefore, it is important to find solutions to retain their functional properties. In the present work, a comprehensive review on multi-product biorefinery was carried out from upstream processing stage to downstream processing stage, and identify critical processes and factors that impact bioactive material acquisition and retention. Furthermore, since nanoencapsulation technology emerges as an effective solution for microalgae nutraceutical product's retention, this work also focus on the nanoparticle perspective and comprehensively reviews the current nanoencapsulation solutions of the microalgae bioactive extract products. The aim is to depict advances in the formulations of microalage bioactive nanoparticles and provide a critical analysis of the reported nanoparticle formation. Overall, through the investigation of microalgae from biomass to bioactive nanoparticles, we aim to facilitate microalgae nutraceuticals incorporation as high value-added ingredients in more functional food that can improve human health.
Fulltext Medication non-adherence and associated factors among older adult stroke survivors in China

Cao W, Kadir AA, Wang J, Hu L, Wen L, Yu M, et al.

Front Pharmacol, 2022;13:1054603.
PMID: 36506570 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1054603

Aim: Medication non-adherence has remained a common and costly global health issue of growing importance among older adults. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors related to medication non-adherence among older adult stroke survivors in China. Methods and results: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 402 older adult stroke survivors were recruited from three tertiary hospitals in China. The results of the survey showed that 61.4% exhibited medication non-adherence. The chances of medication non-adherence among older adult stroke survivors who had primary school or less educational levels were higher than those who had senior secondary and junior college educational levels [OR (95% CI) = 0.440(0.249, 0.778)] as well as those who had a bachelor's degree or above educational levels [OR (95%CI) = 0.367(0.202, 0.667)]. Moreover, the probability of medication non-adherence with 4-5 and ≥6 types of total prescription medications per day increased by 1.993 times [OR (95% CI) = 1.993(1.190, 3.339))] and 2.233 times [OR (95%CI) = 2.233(1.159, 4.300)], respectively, as compared to when there were ≤3 types. Furthermore, medication non-adherence decreased with the increase in health literacy scores (β = -0.641 (95% CI; (0.913, 0.965)) and BMQ specific-necessity scores (β = -0.131 (95% CI; 0.806, 0.995)). On the other hand, when the BMQ specific-concerns score increased by one unit, medication non-adherence increased by 11.1% [OR (95% CI) = 1.111(1.044, 1.182)]. Conclusion: The present study found that patient medication adherence among older adult stroke survivors in China is problematic and associated with educational levels, total prescribed drugs per day, beliefs about medication, and health literacy scores. This indicates that measures should be taken to enhance medication adherence among such higher-risk populations.
Lead biosorption of probiotic bacteria: effects of the intestinal content from laying hens

Xing S, Wang J, Liang JB, Jahromi MF, Zhu C, Shokryazdan P, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2017 May;24(15):13528-13535.
PMID: 28390025 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8896-6

This study investigated the effects and the possible mechanisms of intestinal content (IC) from laying hens on in vitro lead (Pb(2+)) biosorption of four probiotic bacterial strains (Bifidobacterium longum BB79, Lactobacillus paracasei Kgl6, Lactobacillus pentosus ITA23, and Lactobacillus acidipiscis ITA44). The total Pb(2+) removal capacity of the four probiotic strains, with and without capsule polysaccharides (CPSs), increased in the presence of IC compared to the control (without IC). SEM imaging revealed certain unidentified particles from the IC adhered on the surface of bacterial cells sorted out using flow cytometry. Follow-up experiment showed an overall trend of increase in the Pb(2+) removal capacity of the sorted bacteria, but statistically significant for L. pentosus ITA23 and B. longum BB79 after incubation with IC, particularly with the suspended solid portion of the IC. In addition, the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer data showed that functional groups such as C-H, O-H, C=O, and C-O-C which possibly associated with Pb(2+) binding were mainly presented in the suspended solid portion of IC. Putting the above together, we postulated that the enhanced Pb(2+) binding capacity the probiotic bacteria incubated in IC is due to the adherence of the yet to be identified particles which could much exist in suspended solid portion of IC containing negatively charged functional groups which bind with the positive Pb(2+) ions.
Contribution of process-induced molten-globule state formation in duck liver protein to the enhanced binding ability of (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal

Han C, Zheng Y, Wang L, Zhou C, Wang J, He J, et al.

J Sci Food Agric, 2023 May;103(7):3334-3345.
PMID: 36786016 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12499

BACKGROUND: Extracted proteins of alternative animal origin tend to present strong off-flavor perception due to physicochemical interactions of coextracted off-flavor compounds with proteins. To investigate the relationship between absorption behaviors of volatile aromas and the processes-induced variations in protein microstructures and molecular conformations, duck liver protein isolate (DLp) was subjected to heating (65/100 °C, 15 min) and ultra-high pressure (UHP, 100-500 MPa/10 min, 28 °C) treatments to obtain differential unfolded protein states.
RESULTS: Heat and UHP treatments induced the unfolding of DLp to varied degrees, as revealed by fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible absorption, circular dichroism spectra and surface hydrophobicity measurements. Two types of heating-denatured states with varied unfolding degrees were obtained, while UHP at both levels of 100/500 MPa caused partial unfolding of DLp and the presence of a molten-globule state, which significantly enhanced the binding affinity between DLp and (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal. In particular, significantly modified secondary structures of DLp were observed in heating-denatured samples. Excessive denaturing and unfolding degrees resulted in no significant changes in the absorption behavior of the volatile ligand, as characterized by observations of fluorescence quenching and analysis of headspace concentrations.
CONCLUSION: Defining process-induced conformational transition behavior of matrix proteins could be a promising strategy to regulate food flavor attributes and, particularly, to produce DLp coextracted with limited off-flavor components by modifying their interaction during extraction processes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Realizing room temperature catalytic hydrogenation of sodium phenoxide by Ru/TiO2 for hydrogen storage

Tan KC, Pei Q, Yu J, Wen H, Yu Y, Wang J, et al.

Chem Commun (Camb), 2023 Apr 04;59(28):4177-4180.
PMID: 36942825 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc00068k

Sodium phenoxide is a potentially promising hydrogen storage material due to its high hydrogen capacity and enhanced thermodynamic properties. Nevertheless, efficient catalysts are still lacking due to the high kinetic barrier for the reversible hydrogen uptake and release of sodium phenoxide. In the current work, a comparative study on the catalytic hydrogenation of sodium phenoxide was conducted. To our delight, a simple yet effective ruthenium-based catalyst was identified to respond aggressively to hydrogen in the solid-state hydrogenation of sodium phenoxide even at room temperature. The activity was enhanced by 6 fold with the as-synthesized 5.0% Ru/TiO2 catalyst as compared to that with commercial 5.0% Ru/Al2O3, respectively, under the same conditions.
The effect of background elements of pictures on the visual attention among ASD children with intellectual disabilities, children with intellectual disabilities and typical development: Evidence from eye-tracking and fMRI

Lian X, Hong WCH, Gao F, Kolletar-Zhu K, Wang J, Cai C, et al.

Res Dev Disabil, 2023 Oct;141:104602.
PMID: 37757565 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104602

Traditional picture books for children come with colourful images and a multitude of elements to attract attention and increase the reading interest of typical-developing (TD) children. However, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are less capable of filtering out unimportant elements in pictures and focusing on social items (e.g., human faces). This study proposed that the removal of background and less important elements in the pictures of children's storybooks could facilitate better attention and enhance children with ASD's focus on the main object and thus the intended meaning of the storybook. We adopted pictures from a well-known children's book and modified them by removing the inessential background elements. Then, ASD children with intellectual disabilities (ASD+ID) (n = 40), children with ID (n = 38) and TD (n = 40) were asked to view the original and modified pictures in an eye-tracking experiment, respectively. Additionally, brain activation of ASD+ID participants (n = 10) was recorded as they were viewing those pictures in an fMRI scan. Eye-tracking found that ASD+ID children viewed the modified pictures with significantly longer average fixations, fewer fixations, fewer saccades, and higher fixation/saccade duration ratio. Contrary to the original pictures, no significant differences were found among ASD+ID, ID only and TD. Especially, ASD+ID group showed highly similar visual patterns to the TD participants when viewing the modified pictures and particularly focusing on the main character in the pictures. Additional fMRI evidence on ASD+ID group also revealed that modified pictures were associated with enhanced activation in bilateral fusiform gyri as compared to those from original pictures, which might suggest increased visual attention. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed in light of our findings.
The efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy for the treatment of alcohol use disorder among adult males: a randomized controlled trial comparing with acceptance and commitment therapy and treatment as usual

Deng H, Zhang R, Wang C, Zhang B, Wang J, Wang S, et al.

Front Psychiatry, 2023;14:1215963.
PMID: 37674551 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1215963

BACKGROUND: This multicenter, three-armed, parallel, single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) primarily aims to compare the efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) with that of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and treatment as usual (TAU) to depreciate the degree of alcohol craving among alcohol use disorder patients who have undergone in-patient detoxification across four timelines (t0 = baseline prior to intervention, t1 = 4 weeks after baseline, t2 = 12 weeks after baseline, and t3 = 24 weeks after baseline). The secondary aims of this RCT are to compare the efficacy of VRET with that of ACT and TAU to alleviate the severity of alcohol use disorder, dissipate comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms, and normalize event-related potential (ERP) in electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring across the four timelines.
METHODS: Initially, after 2 weeks of in-patient detoxification, 120 patients with alcohol use disorder will be randomized into three groups (VRET, ACT, and TAU control groups) via stratified permuted block randomization in a 1:1:1 ratio. Baseline assessment (t0) commences, whereby all the participants will be administered with sociodemographic, clinical, and alcohol use characteristics questionnaire, such as Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), while event-related potential (ERP) detection in electroencephalogram (EEG) will also be carried out. Then, 4 weeks of VRET, ACT, and non-therapeutic supportive activities will be conducted in the three respective groups. For the subsequent three assessment timelines (t1, t2, and t3), the alcohol use characteristic questionnaire, such as AUDIT, PACS, HAM-D, HAM-A, and ERP monitoring, will be re-administered to all participants.
DISCUSSION: As data on the effects of non-pharmacological interventions, such as VRET and ACT, on the treatment of alcohol craving and preventing relapse in alcohol use disorder are lacking, this RCT fills the research gap by providing these important data to treating clinicians. If proven efficacious, the efficacy of VRET and ACT for the treatment of other substance use disorders should also be investigated in future.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05841823 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Fulltext Description of apps targeting stroke patients: A review of apps store

Cao W, Kadir AA, Wang Y, Wang J, Dai B, Zheng Y, et al.

Digit Health, 2023;9:20552076231181473.
PMID: 37342095 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231181473

BACKGROUND: As a principal cause of mortality and disability worldwide, stroke imposes considerable burdens on society and effects on the lives of patients, families, and communities. Owing to their growing global popularity, health-related applications (apps) offer a promising approach to stroke management but show a knowledge gap regarding mobile apps for stroke survivors.
METHODS: This review was conducted across the Android and iOS app stores in September-December 2022 to identify and describe all apps targeting stroke survivors. Apps were included if they were designed for stroke management and contained at least one of the following components: medication taking, risk management, blood pressure management, and stroke rehabilitation. Apps were excluded if they were unrelated to health, not in Chinese or English, or the targeted users were healthcare professionals. The included apps were downloaded, and their functionalities were investigated.
RESULTS: The initial search yielded 402 apps, with 115 eligible after title and description screening. Some apps were later excluded due to duplicates, registration problems, or installation failures. In total, 83 apps were included for full review and evaluated by three independent reviewers. Educational information was the most common function (36.1%), followed by rehabilitation guidance (34.9%), communication with healthcare providers (HCPs), and others (28.9%). The majority of these apps (50.6%) had only one functionality. A minority had contributions from an HCP or patients.
CONCLUSION: With the widespread accessibility and availability of smartphone apps across the mHealth landscape, an increasing number of apps targeting stroke survivors are being released. One of the most important findings is that the majority of the apps were not specifically geared toward older adults. Many of the currently available apps lack healthcare professionals' and patients' involvement in their development, and most offer limited functionality, thus requiring further attention to the development of customized apps.
A Q-marker screening strategy based on ADME studies and systems biology for Chinese herbal medicine, taking Qianghuo Shengshi decoction in treating rheumatoid arthritis as an example

Wang J, Tao C, Xu G, Ling J, Tong J, Goh BH, et al.

Mol Omics, 2023 Dec 04;19(10):769-786.
PMID: 37498608 DOI: 10.1039/d3mo00029j

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) exhibits a broad spectrum of clinical applications and demonstrates favorable therapeutic efficacy. Nonetheless, elucidating the underlying mechanism of action (MOA) of CHM in disease treatment remains a formidable task due to its inherent characteristics of multi-level, multi-linked, and multi-dimensional non-linear synergistic actions. In recent years, the concept of a Quality marker (Q-marker) proposed by Liu et al. has significantly contributed to the monitoring and evaluation of CHM products, thereby fostering the advancement of CHM research. Within this study, a Q-marker screening strategy for CHM formulas has been introduced, particularly emphasising efficacy and biological activities, integrating absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies, systems biology, and experimental verification. As an illustrative case, the Q-marker screening of Qianghuo Shengshi decoction (QHSSD) for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been conducted. Consequently, from a pool of 159 compounds within QHSSD, five Q-markers exhibiting significant in vitro anti-inflammatory effects have been identified. These Q-markers encompass notopterol, isoliquiritin, imperatorin, cimifugin, and glycyrrhizic acid. Furthermore, by employing an integrated analysis of network pharmacology and metabolomics, several instructive insights into pharmacological mechanisms have been gleaned. This includes the identification of key targets and pathways through which QHSSD exerts its crucial roles in the treatment of RA. Notably, the inhibitory effect of QHSSD on AKT1 and MAPK3 activation has been validated through western blot analysis, underscoring its potential to mitigate RA-related inflammatory responses. In summary, this research demonstrates the proposed strategy's feasibility and provides a practical reference model for the systematic investigation of CHM formulas.

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