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Furfural (C 5 H 4 O 2 ) is an important platform chemical for the synthesis of next-generation bio-fuels. Herein, we report a novel and reusable heterogeneous catalyst, Pd-PdO/ZnSO 4 with 1.1 mol% palladium (Pd), for the production of furfural by flash pyrolysis of lignocelluloses at 400 °C. For both dry and wet C6 cellulose and its monomers, the furfural yields reach 74–82 mol%, relative to 96 mol% from C5 xylan and 23–33 wt% from sugarcane bagasse and corncob. The catalyst has a well-defined structure and bifunctional property, comprising a ZnSO 4 support for the dehydration and isomerization of glucose, and a local core-shell configuration for metallic Pd 0 encapsulated by an oxide (PdO) layer. The PdO layer is active for the Grob fragmentation of formaldehyde (HCHO) from glucose, which is subsequently in-situ steam reformed into syn-gas (i.e. H 2 and CO), whereas the Pd 0 core is active in promoting the last dehydration step for the formation of furfural. Furfural is an important platform chemical for the synthesis of next-generation bio-fuels. Here the authors report a novel heterogeneous catalyst, Pd-PdO/ZnSO 4 , for the mass production of furfural from catalytic flash pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomasses.

Baseline drift spectra are used for quantitative and qualitative analysis, which can easily lead to inaccurate or even wrong results. Although there are several baseline correction methods based on penalized least squares, they all have one or more parameters that must be optimized by users. For this purpose, an automatic baseline correction method based on penalized least squares is proposed in this paper. The algorithm first linearly expands the ends of the spectrum signal, and a Gaussian peak is added to the expanded range. Then, the whole spectrum is corrected by the adaptive smoothness parameter penalized least squares (asPLS) method, that is, by turning the smoothing parameter λ of asPLS to obtain a different root-mean-square error (RMSE) in the extended range, the optimal λ is selected with minimal RMSE. Finally, the baseline of the original signal is well estimated by asPLS with the optimal λ. The paper concludes with the experimental results on the simulated spectra and measured infrared spectra, demonstrating that the proposed method can automatically deal with different types of baseline drift.

With the acceleration of modern urbanization, the height and density of buildings are increasing, and the need for seismic protection in structural design is becoming more and more urgent. The robust recovery, great reusability, and exceptional seismic performance of the viscous damper make it a popular choice for high-rise construction. To improve the seismic damping effect of the building structure, the study employs methodologies that the restoration force model simulates the viscous dampers’ resistance against the seismic forces, and the time course analysis method allows for analysis of the dynamic response of structures to seismic activities through time in realigning the position of the viscous damper. Furthermore, the study utilizes the multi-objective optimization method to optimize the distribution parameters of the damping structure, thereby enabling the design of a displacement-based vibration-damping structural configuration for the viscous damper. The results revealed that the maximum inter-story displacement angle produced by the studied seismic-damped structural design under five sets of natural seismic waves used for validation is 1/909, which is less than the displacement angle limit value of 1/1000, and meets the requirements of the Chinese code for seismic design of buildings (GB 50011 − 2010). In conclusion, the study of design for viscous dampers using displacements offers positive benefits with an inter-story displacement angle decrease of 41.93%, acceleration decrease of 16.27%, and layer displacement decrease of 6.72%. The conclusion would be useful for decision-making to give estimates of seismic losses during construction.

The potential for mitigating intestinal inflammation through the gut-bone axis in the treatment of osteoporosis is significant. While various gut-derived postbiotics or bacterial metabolites have been created as dietary supplements to prevent or reverse bone loss, their efficacy and safety still need improvement. Herein, a colon-targeted drug delivery system is developed using surface engineering of polyvinyl butyrate nanoparticles by shellac resin to achieve sustained release of postbiotics butyric acid at the colorectal site. These engineered postbiotics nanoparticles can effectively suppress macrophage inflammatory activation, modulate the redox balance, and regulate the composition of the gut microbiota, thereby restoring epithelial barriers, inhibiting bacterial invasion, and down-regulating pro-inflammatory responses. As a result, the remission of systemic inflammation is accompanied by a rebalancing of osteoblast and osteoclast activity, alleviating inflammatory bowel disease-related and post-menopausal bone loss. Specifically, the treatment of engineered postbiotics nanoparticles can also improve the quality and quantity of bone with restoration of deteriorative mechanical properties, which indicating a therapeutic potential on fracture prevention. This study provides valuable insights into the gut-bone axis and establishes a promising and safe therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis. Gut inflammation and bone loss have previously been linked. Here, the authors show colon-targeted engineered postbiotics can protect the gut and reduce systemic inflammation, which rebalances inflammation disturbed osteoblast-osteoclast levels restoring bone homeostasis.

Drug delivery systems composed of osteogenic substances and biological materials are of great significance in enhancing bone regeneration, and appropriate biological carriers are the cornerstone for their construction. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is favored in bone tissue engineering due to its good biocompatibility and hydrophilicity. When combined with other substances, the physicochemical properties of PEG-based hydrogels fully meet the requirements of drug delivery carriers. Therefore, this paper reviews the application of PEG-based hydrogels in the treatment of bone defects. The advantages and disadvantages of PEG as a carrier are analyzed, and various modification methods of PEG hydrogels are summarized. On this basis, the application of PEG-based hydrogel drug delivery systems in promoting bone regeneration in recent years is summarized. Finally, the shortcomings and future developments of PEG-based hydrogel drug delivery systems are discussed. This review provides a theoretical basis and fabrication strategy for the application of PEG-based composite drug delivery systems in local bone defects.

The colorectal adenoma–carcinoma sequence has provided a paradigmatic framework for understanding the successive somatic genetic changes and consequent clonal expansions that lead to cancer 1 . However, our understanding of the earliest phases of colorectal neoplastic changes—which may occur in morphologically normal tissue—is comparatively limited, as for most cancer types. Here we use whole-genome sequencing to analyse hundreds of normal crypts from 42 individuals. Signatures of multiple mutational processes were revealed; some of these were ubiquitous and continuous, whereas others were only found in some individuals, in some crypts or during certain periods of life. Probable driver mutations were present in around 1% of normal colorectal crypts in middle-aged individuals, indicating that adenomas and carcinomas are rare outcomes of a pervasive process of neoplastic change across morphologically normal colorectal epithelium. Colorectal cancers exhibit substantially increased mutational burdens relative to normal cells. Sequencing normal colorectal cells provides quantitative insights into the genomic and clonal evolution of cancer. Genome sequencing of hundreds of normal colonic crypts from 42 individuals sheds light on mutational processes and driver mutations in normal colorectal epithelial cells.

Background Salt stress is one of the environmental factors that greatly limits crop production worldwide because high salt concentrations in the soil affect morphological responses and physiological and metabolic processes, including root morphology and photosynthetic characteristics. Soil aeration has been reported to accelerate the growth of plants and increase crop yield. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of 3 NaCl salinity levels (28, 74 and 120 mM) and 3 aeration volume levels (2.3, 4.6 and 7.0 L/pot) versus non-aeration and salinity treatments on the root morphology, photosynthetic characteristics and chlorophyll content of potted tomato plants. Results The results showed that both aeration volume and salinity level affected the root parameters, photosynthetic characteristics and chlorophyll content of potted tomato plants. The total length, surface area and volume of roots increased with the increase in aeration volume under each NaCl stress level. The effect was more marked in the fine roots (especially in ≤1 mm diameter roots). Under each NaCl stress level, the photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content of tomato significantly increased in response to the aeration treatments. The net photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll a and t content increased by 39.6, 26.9, and 17.9%, respectively, at 7.0 L/pot aeration volume compared with no aeration in the 28 mM NaCl treatment. We also found that aeration could reduce the death rate of potted tomato plants under high salinity stress conditions (120 mM NaCl). Conclusions The results suggest that the negative effect of NaCl stress can be offset by soil aeration. Soil aeration can promote root growth and increase the photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content, thus promoting plant growth and reducing the plant death rate under NaCl stress conditions.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is characterized by high heterogeneity and recurrence rates, posing significant challenges for stratification and treatment. Basement membrane-related genes (BMGs) play a crucial role in tumor initiation and progression. Clinical and transcriptomic data of ccRCC patients were extracted from TCGA and GEO databases. We employed univariate regression and LASSO-Cox stepwise regression analysis to construct a BMscore model based on BMGs expression level. A nomogram combining clinical features and BMscore was constructed to predict individual survival probabilities. Further enrichment analysis and immune-related analysis were conducted to explore the enriched pathways and immune features associated with BMGs. High-risk individuals predicted by BMscore exhibited poorer overall survival, which was consistent with the validation dataset. BMscore was identified as an independent risk factor for ccRCC. Functional analysis revealed that BMGs were related to cell–matrix and tumor-associated signaling pathways. Immune profiling suggests that BMGs play a key role in immune interactions and the tumor microenvironment. BMGs serve as a novel prognostic predictor for ccRCC and play a role in the immune microenvironment and treatment response. Targeting the BM may represent an alternative therapeutic approach for ccRCC.

This study emphasizes the potential of folic acid (FA) supplementation in controlling intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)-induced metabolic problems and improving the long-term health consequences of afflicted individuals. This study investigates the effect of IUGR on long-term lipid metabolism in the liver, and the role of early-life FA supplementation on IUGR-induced metabolic dysfunctions. We aim to provide novel insights for early interventions to prevent the development of lipid metabolism abnormalities in adulthood. The IUGR model was induced by feeding pregnant rats a 10% low protein diet. After birth, lactating mothers were provided with a 21% normal protein diet. Offspring were initially breastfed and assigned to either an FA-supplemented diet or a standard diet without FA. Serum levels of total free fatty acids and triglycerides were measured by ELISA. Liver tissues were harvested for Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to observe the liver structure. The expression of PPARα, Acox1, Acox3 and CPT1 in the liver tissues was analyzed using Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot (WB). Levels of serum triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA) were significantly higher in IUGR rats compared to control rats from the early stages and remained elevated through to 90 days of age. The HE results displayed an irregular arrangement of hepatocytes at birth in IUGR rats, and hepatocellular vacuoles by 90 days of age in the IUGR rats. The level of lipid-related genes was significantly low in the IUGR group, including PPARα, Acox1, Acox3 and CPT1. Early postnatal folic acid supplementation significantly decreased serum levels of TG and FFA, ameliorated the pathological changes in the livers and reversed the expression of lipid-related genes. IUGR individuals are predisposed to lipid metabolism abnormalities in adulthood, which can be ameliorated by postnatal supplementation of FA, potentially serving as a therapeutic method.

Soil aeration plays a critical role in regulating root development and soil nutrient dynamics, which are essential for optimizing tomato fruit yield. However, the mechanisms underpinning how different soil aeration techniques influence root characteristics and soil nitrogen cycling remain underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the effects of micro-nano bubble aeration and underground air layer treatments on soil oxygen concentration, root morphology, nitrogen cycling, and ultimately tomato fruit yield. A two-season field experiment was conducted in Xi’an, China. Micro-nano bubble aeration treatments were applied before irrigation with dissolved oxygen levels set at 6.5 mg/L (N1) and 8.0 mg/L (N2). Additionally, underground air layer treatments were implemented without vertical pipes (L1) and with vertical pipes (L2). Measurements included soil pore O 2 and CO 2 concentrations, root morphology and activity, root extract concentrations, soil nitrogen forms (NO 3 − -N and NH 4 + -N), and tomato yield. Both aeration treatments significantly increased soil pore O 2 while reducing CO 2 levels, promoting improved root morphology, higher root extract concentrations, and elevated root activity. This led to enhanced tomato yields. Soil aeration also altered nitrogen cycling, increasing nitrate (NO 3 − -N) and decreasing ammonium (NH 4 + -N) concentrations. It is recommended to maintain soil moisture at 60%-90% field capacity for optimal results, with the N2 treatment preferred for short-term cultivation and the underground air layer treatment advised for long-term tomato production. This study provides comprehensive insights into how soil aeration techniques regulate root systems and soil nitrogen dynamics, offering practical recommendations for improving tomato yield through enhanced soil management.