Search

Introduction of methoxy and trifluoromethyl groups into zinc porphyrin sensitizers to improve the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells. [Display omitted] • In this work, we synthesized two novel self-assemblies based on the zinc porphyrin dyes ZnPx-ZnPAc (x = 1,2) and used them for dye-sensitized solar cells. • In order to enable the porphyrin dyes to have better absorption in the visible region, we introduced methoxy and trifluoromethyl groups into the upper zinc porphyrin ZnPx, respectively, with the aim of improving their optoelectronic properties. • We characterized the assembly mode by UV spectroscopy, theoretical calculations, photoelectric properties and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and the measurements were consistent with the conclusions. In this study, we have successfully constructed two novel self-assembled composites, the ZnPx-ZnPAc (x = 1,2), which based on zinc porphyrin derivatives, and applied them to the development of dye-sensitized solar cells. The upper dye of these self-assembly's features zinc porphyrin (ZnPx) as the core unit, while two different electron donors, methoxy (P1) and trifluoromethyl (P2), are introduced to enhance their photovoltaic properties. Photoelectrochemical studies showed that the power conversion efficiency of ZnP1-ZnPAc was superior to that of ZnP2-ZnPAc because ZnP1-ZnPAc had larger J sc and V oc , which could be attributed to the stronger electron-donating ability of methoxy than trifluoromethyl. To further validate the photoelectrochemical results, we also characterized the assembly mode by spectroscopy, theoretical calculations and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. And the measurements were consistent with the conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composition and availability of soil organic nitrogen play a key role in soil N retention and supply. The application of traditional chemical fertilizers can improve soil production and crop yields. However, it also leads to low N utilization efficiency and soil solidification. Previous studies have shown that fertilizers added with biochar can improve soil fertility and facilitate soil nutrient transformation by regulating soil biological indicators. However, whether biochar used with fertilizers can promote nutrient cycling in the long term, which remains to be tested. Therefore, this study aims to explore the long-term effects of biochar with different levels used with fertilizers on soil fertility, N supply potential of organic N, and microbial communities, thus, providing a theoretical reference for the rational management of biochar applications. In this study, a field experiment was carried out from 2013 to 2018 assess dynamic changes in organic N fractions and diversity and richness of microbial communities under the impacts of chemical fertilizers combined with different levels of biochar. Biochar with no amendment (CK), biochar with 15.75 t ha−1 (BC1), biochar with 31.5 t ha−1 (BC2), and biochar with 47.25 t ha−1 (BC3) are four biochar levels that were tested in this study. The results show that compared with CK, those other three biochar levels can increase soil organic matter, C/N, and pH values. Acid-hydrolysable N (AHN) makes a major contribution to organic N in soil. Biochar retention for six years has significantly affected AHN levels, as well as its four fractions, namely, amino acid N (AAN), acid-hydrolysable ammonium N (AN), amino sugar N (ASN), and hydrolysable unknown N (HUN). Some vital biological characteristics, with which each AHN fraction is primarily regulated, can be altered with the application of biochar. That is, AAN is mainly controlled by enriched Verrucomicrobia , Cyanobacteria , Glucosylbacteria , and Nitrospira , and reduced soil urease, while AN is mainly controlled by enriched Verrucomicrobia , Bacteroidetes , Gemmatimonadetes , Acidobacteria , and Proteobacteria. ASN is regulated by enriched Acidobacteria and depleted soil protease, while HUN is regulated by Gemmatimonadetes and enriched soil nitrate reductase. It has been found that microbial and soil enzyme activities are involved in N cycle processes, indicating that the formation of AHN fractions is closely associated with biochar-induced specific microbial and enzyme activities. This study has provided new insights into the influences of biochar with different levels on distribution of soil organic N fractions, and shifts in soil enzyme activities and microbial communities. • Soil organic matter, C/N and pH increased during six-year of biochar retention. • Soil nitrate reductase activities increased under amounts of biochar retention. • Soil urease activities decreased under amounts of biochar retention. • Soil organic nitrogen fractions positively with soil microbial community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ATP1A3 was significantly associated with immune features in GBM samples and immunotherapy process. • ATP1A3 demonstrated substantial expression differences in different immunophenotypes and molecular types. • The scoring model generated by nine genes could be used as an independent prognostic factor. The ATP1A3 gene is associated with the development and progression of neurological diseases. However, the pathological function and therapeutic value of ATP1A3 in glioblastoma (GBM) remains unknown. In this study, we tried to explore the correlation between the ATP1A3 gene expression and immune features in GBM samples. We found that ATP1A3 gene expression levels showed significant negative correlation with immune checkpoints such as PD-L1, CTLA-4 and IDO1. Next, ATP1A3 gene expression levels showed significant negative correlation with the anti-cancer immune cell process, the immune score and stromal score. By grouping ATP1A3 expression levels, we found that that immunomodulator-related genes and tumor-associated immune cell effector gene expression levels were associated with lower ATP1A3 expression. In addition, immunotherapy prediction pathway activity and a majority of the anti-cancer immune cell process activity levels were also showed to be correlated with lower ATP1A3 gene expression. Further, nine prognostic factors were identified by prognostic analysis, and a GBM prognostic model (risk score) was established. We applied the model to the TCGA GBM training set sample and the GSE4412 validation set sample and found that patients in the high risk score subgroup had significantly shorter survival time, demonstrating the prognostic value and prognostic efficacy of the risk score. Furthermore, ATP1A3 overexpression has also been found to sensitize cancer cells to anti-PD-1 therapy. In conclusion, we showed that ATP1A3 is a highly promising treatment target in GBM and the risk score is an independent prognostic factor for cancer and can be used to help guide the prediction of survival time in patients with GBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fenton-like agents & effective microorganisms synergistically enhance humification. • Synergism of biotic and abiotic agents for humus enhancement has been revealed. • Oxidation of macromolecules & microbial community structure adjustment are crucial. • Humic product can be used as organic fertilizer for Brassica chinensis L. Improving the humification of compost through a synergistic approach of biotic and abiotic methods is of great significance. This study employed a composite reagent, comprising Fenton-like agents and effective microorganisms (EM) to improve humification. This composite reagent increased humic-acid production by 37.44 %, reaching 39.82 g kg−1, surpassing the control group. The composite reagent synergistically promoted micromolecular fulvic acid and large humic acid production. Collaborative mechanism suggests that Fenton-like agents contributed to bulk residue decomposition and stimulated the evolution of microbial communities, whereas EMs promoted highly aromatic substance synthesis and adjusted the microbial community structure. Sequencing analysis indicates the Fenton-like agent initiated compost decomposition by Firmicutes , and EM reduced the abundance of Virgibacillus , Lentibacillus , and Alcanivorax. Applied as an organic fertilizer in Brassica chinensis L. plantations, the composite reagent considerably improved growth and photosynthetic pigment content. This composite reagent with biotic and abiotic components provides a learnable method for promoting humification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). As glaucoma progresses asymptomatically and the lack of specific biomarkers or noninvasive imaging tools during the early stage, it is often discovered at a relatively late stage without cure. Development of an effective tool for early diagnosis remains a necessity. As well known, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a vital role in the development of glaucoma, with peroxynitrite (ONOO−) as one of the most abundant cytotoxic ROS. In this work, we constructed a novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanoprobe named ER-ONOO-NPs. It specifically and sensitively targets ER-associated ONOO− with low biotoxicity in cultured RGCs. Systematically applied to the NMDA-induced mouse model of glaucoma, ER-ONOO-NPs performs well for real-time dynamic monitoring of ONOO− fluctuations at the Ganglion cell layer of mice prior to RGCs apoptosis. Thus, our results suggest that the ER-targeted NIR fluorescent nanoprobe could be a noninvasive imaging tool for early diagnosis of glaucoma in high-risk population. [Display omitted] • An endoplasmic reticulum-targeted NIR fluorescent nanoprobe was developed for ONOO−. • The nanoprobe can detect ONOO− selectively and sensitively with fluorescence changes at 660 nm. • The fluorescence nanoprobe can image ER-associated ONOO− with low biotoxicity in cells. • The nanoprobe can monitor the level changes of ONOO− under endoplasmic reticulum stress in glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-independent lymphopoiesis has been elucidated in murine embryos. However, our understanding regarding human embryonic counterparts remains limited. Here, we demonstrated the presence of human yolk sac-derived lymphoid-biased progenitors (YSLPs) expressing CD34 , IL7R , LTB , and IRF8 at Carnegie stage 10, much earlier than the first HSC emergence. The number and lymphopoietic potential of these progenitors were both significantly higher in the yolk sac than the embryo proper at this early stage. Importantly, single-cell/bulk culture and CITE-seq have elucidated the tendency of YSLP to differentiate into innate lymphoid cells and dendritic cells. Notably, lymphoid progenitors in fetal liver before and after HSC seeding displayed distinct transcriptional features, with the former closely resembling those of YSLPs. Overall, our data identified the origin, potential, and migratory dynamics of innate lymphoid-biased multipotent progenitors in human yolk sac before HSC emergence, providing insights for understanding the stepwise establishment of innate immune system in humans. [Display omitted] • Progenitors with non-NK lymphoid potential exist in human yolk sac before HSC onset • Human yolk sac lymphoid progenitors before HSC emergence show ILC and DC potential • ILC potential before HSC onset is stronger in human yolk sac than in embryo proper • Early fetal liver lymphoid progenitors share characteristics with those from yolk sac Liu et al. demonstrated the presence of yolk sac-derived lymphoid progenitors expressing IL7R and IRF8 well before HSC emergence in human embryos, which showed differentiation bias toward innate lymphoid cells and dendritic cells. They shared transcriptional profiles with lymphoid progenitors in the fetal liver before HSC colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cataract is a leading cause of global blindness; it is crucial to understand its pathogenesis to improve cataract prevention. • Hyperhomocysteine is associated with cataracts. • hyperhomocysteine inhibits autophagy and connexin expression in the lens epithelial cells by activation of the mTOR. Hyperhomocysteine has been recognized as an independent risk factor of multiple diseases, including several eye diseases. In this study, we aim to investigate whether increased homocysteine (Hcy) is related to cataracts, and to explore whether dysregulation of mTOR-mediated autophagy and connexin expression are underlying mechanisms. We first developed a method of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to accurately measure serum concentrations of Hcy in 287 cataract patients and 334 healthy controls. Next, we treated human lens epithelial (HLC-B3) cells with Hcy at different concentrations and durations, and then analyzed expression of autophagy-related markers and connexins, as well as phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) in these cells by Western blotting. Formation of autophagic vacuoles and intracellular Ca2+ in the Hcy-treated cells were observed by fluorescence microscopy. Further, we performed a rescue experiment in the Hcy-treated HLC-B3 cells by pre-incubation with rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor. The serum levels of Hcy in patients with cataracts were significantly increased compared to those in healthy controls. In cultured HLC-B3 cells, expression of autophagy related markers (LC3B and Beclin1) and connexins (Cx43 and Cx50) was inhibited by Hcy treatment in a dose- and duration-dependent manner. Accumulation of Ca2+ in the Hcy-treated lens epithelial cells was observed as a consequence of reduced connexin expression. Meanwhile, expression of p-mTOR increased, representing up-regulation of the mTOR pathway. Importantly, inhibition of autophagy and connexin expression due to hyperhomocysteine was rescued via mTOR suppression by pretreatment with rapamycin in HLC-B3 cells. Our results demonstrate that hyperhomocysteine might promote cataract development through two mTOR-mediated pathways in the lens epithelial cells: 1) dysregulation of autophagy and 2) accumulation of intracellular calcium via decreased connexin expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their elevated sintering temperature, pure PLZST-based antiferroelectric ceramics are unsuitable for co-firing with copper internal electrodes as MLCC dielectric materials. In this work, PLZST ceramic materials sintered at low temperature in reducing atmosphere were obtained through a unique BASK glass additive and Y3+ co-doping. While the sintering temperature of ceramics is reduced to 1040 °C, stable defect association ( Y Pb ∙ , Y Zr ′ ) is formed by Y3+ solution entering A/B site, which effectively inhibits the increase of defect concentration and promotes ceramic sintering. The high breakdown strength of PLSZT ceramics is attributed to their compact grain and excellent insulation resistivity, which enhance their tolerance to electric fields. An ultrahigh recoverable energy density (W rec) of 4.9 J/cm3 with a high energy storage efficiency (η) of 92.8% are achieved at an electric field of 400 kV/cm. Moreover, the AFE ceramics possess excellent discharge energy storage properties with a high discharge energy density (W d) of 4.4 J/cm3 and a large power density (P d) of 125 MW/cm3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) poses a severe threat to public health. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress contributes significantly to DILI pathogenesis, with peroxynitrite (ONOO−) identified as a pivotal indicator. However, the temporal and spatial fluctuations of ONOO− associated with ER stress in the pathogenesis of DILI remain unclear. Herein, a novel ER-specific near-infrared (NIR) probe (QM-ONOO) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) features for monitoring ONOO− fluctuations in DILI was elaborately constructed. QM-ONOO exhibited excellent ER-targeting specificity, a large Stoke's shift, and a low detection limit (26.9 nM) toward ONOO−. QM-ONOO performed well in imaging both exogenous and endogenous ONOO− in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, molecular docking calculations validated the ER-targeting mechanism of QM-ONOO. Most importantly, using this probe allowed us to intuitively observe the dynamic fluctuations of ONOO− during the formation and remediation processes of DILI in the acetaminophen (APAP)-induced mouse model. Consequently, this work provides a promising tool for in-depth research of ONOO− associated pathological processes in DILI. [Display omitted] • An endoplasmic reticulum-targeted NIR fluorescent probe with aggregation-induced emission features was developed for ONOO−. • The multifunctional probe can detect ONOO− selectively and sensitively with fluorescence changes at 620 nm. • The fluorescence probe can image ER-associated ONOO− with low biotoxicity in cells. • The probe can monitor the fluctuations of ONOO− in the APAP-induced mouse model of DILI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA repair allows the survival of cancer cells. Therefore, the development of DNA repair inhibitors is a critical need for sensitizing cancers to chemoradiation. Sae2CtIP has specific functions in initiating DNA end resection, as well as coordinating cell cycle checkpoints, and it also greatly interacts with the DDR at different levels. In this study, we demonstrated that corylin, a potential sensitizer, causes deficiencies in DNA repair and DNA damage checkpoints in yeast cells. More specifically, corylin increases DNA damage sensitivity through the Sae2-dependent pathway and impairs the activation of Mec1-Ddc2, Rad53-p and γ-H2A. In breast cancer cells, corylin increases apoptosis and reduces proliferation following Dox treatment by inhibiting CtIP. Xenograft assays showed that treatment with corylin combined with Dox significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo. Our findings herein delineate the mechanisms of action of corylin in regulating DNA repair and indicate that corylin has potential long-term clinical utility as a DDR inhibitor. [Display omitted] • Corylin inhibits DNA repair and DNA damage checkpoints in the SSA system. • Corylin increases DNA damage sensitivity through the Sae2CtIP-dependent pathway. • The combination of corylin and Doxorubicin significantly suppressed tumor growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures is regarded as an effective strategy to explore novel properties and enhance the performance of 2D materials. Herein, taking full advantage of boron selenide (BSe) and MXenes, 2D BSe/MXene vdW heterostructures are designed and their electronic and interfacial properties are investigated via first-principles calculations, by using BSe/Ta 2 CF 2 and BSe/W 2 CF 2 as models. The band structures of the BSe and M 2 CF 2 (M = Ta, W) layers in the BSe/M 2 CF 2 heterostructures are preserved quite well due to the weak vdW interlayer interaction. The Fermi level shifts towards the conduction band minimum of the BSe layer, leading to an n-type Schottky contact. Interestingly, the interface charge redistribution in BSe/W 2 CF 2 is more pronounced compared to BSe/Ta 2 CF 2 , which can be attributed to the disparity in electronegativity between Ta and W. In particular, the Schottky barrier heights of both heterostructures vary linearly with the vertical electric field within a certain range. This allows for the tuning of the Schottky contact from n-type to p-type. However, the variation rate in BSe/W 2 CF 2 is comparatively lower than that in BSe/Ta 2 CF 2. Moreover, when the positive electric field exceeds 1.0 V/Å, a transition from the Schottky contact to the Ohmic contact in BSe/W 2 CF 2 occurs, whereas the contact remains the Schottky contact in BSe/W 2 CF 2. This work offers valuable insights into developing electronic nano-devices with tunable Schottky barriers using vdW heterostructures. • The BSe/M 2 CF 2 (M = Ta, or W) metal-semiconductor van der Waals heterostructures are designed. • The variation rate of Schottky barrier height in BSe/W 2 CF 2 is lower when compared to BSe/Ta 2 CF 2. • Schottky barrier heights and contact types of both BSe/Ta 2 CF 2 and BSe/W 2 CF 2 can be tuned by external electric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]