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Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a complex disease that significantly contributes to recurrent retinal detachment. Its development is notably affected by epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), where apoptosis plays a crucial role as a regulator of EMT. However, the function of MeCP2 in governing apoptosis and EMT in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and its implications for PVR development have remained inadequately understood. Thus, we investigated the impact of MeCP2 on proliferation, migration, apoptosis and EMT in ARPE‐19 cells to provide a fresh perspective on the etiology of PVR. The morphological changes in ARPE‐19 cells induced by recombinant human MeCP2 protein and MeCP2 knockdown were observed. Wound healing assay were performed to verify the effects of recombinant human MeCP2 protein and MeCP2 knockdown on ARPE‐19 cell migration. Furthermore, cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK‐8 assay and flow cytometry. Western blot analysis, quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and immunofluorescence analysis were conducted to measure the protein levels associated with apoptosis, cell cycle and EMT. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assays confirmed that MeCP2 promoted EMT formation in ARPE‐19 cells. The CCK‐8 assay revealed that MeCP2 treatment enhanced the proliferation of ARPE‐19 cells, whereas MeCP2 knockdown inhibited ARPE‐19 cell proliferation. Treatment with recombinant human MeCP2 protein and MeCP2 knockdown altered the morphology of ARPE‐19 cells. Wound healing assay demonstrated that MeCP2 knockdown inhibited ARPE‐19 cell migration, and MeCP2 treatment promoted ARPE‐19 cell migration. MeCP2 knockdown induced a G0/G1 phase block, inhibiting cell growth, and qRT‐PCR data indicated reduced expression of cell cycle‐related genes. Increased apoptosis was observed after MeCP2 knockdown in ARPE‐19 cells. Overall, MeCP2 treatment stimulates cell proliferation, migration and EMT formation; conversely, MeCP2 knockdown inhibits EMT, cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle G1/S phase transition, and induces apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) catalysts with swelling ability and water enrichment ability in water/ethylene carbonate (EC) mixed substrates were designed and synthesized via a one-step direct radical copolymerization of N-vinylimidazolium IL monomers, sodium acrylate and crosslinkers. The structure and morphology of the PILs were characterized by NMR, FT-IR, TGA, SEM and elemental analysis. The effect of substituent groups and crosslinkers on the swelling ability and water enrichment ability of PILs in water and EC was studied. The water enrichment ability of PILs was positively related to the hydrophilicity of 3-substituents on imidazoliums and the crosslinkers, and water could be absorbed inside quantitatively. These PIL catalysts could enrich the optimal ratio of water to EC inside and act as high-efficiency microreactors for the catalytic hydrolysis of EC. The water enrichment ability of PIL microreactors was helpful for the decrease of water amount and the increase of catalytic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The one-pot reactions of CO2, epibromohydrin, and phenols, thiophenols, or carboxylic acids catalyzed by 1-butyl-3-[(3-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]imidazolium bromide were investigated. Three kinds of cyclic carbonates with ether, thioether, or ester groups were synthesized under mild reaction conditions in good-to-high yields. Reaction-mechanism studies indicated that the proton exchange between the alkoxide formed through the ring-opening reaction of epibromohydrin with 1-bromo-3-phenoxy-2-propanol plays a crucial role in this synthetic route. The catalyst 1-butyl-3-[(3-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]imidazolium bromide was transformed to the corresponding cyclic-carbonate-functionalized ionic liquid during the reaction. This transformation did not affect its catalytic performance in the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of anatase/rutile heterojunctions in TiO2 is an effective way of improving the CO2 photoreduction activity. Yet, the origin of the superior photocatalytic performance is still unclear. To solve this issue, the band edges between anatase and rutile phases were theoretically determined based on the three-phase atomic model of (112)A/II/(101)R, and simultaneously the CO2 reduction processes were meticulously investigated. Our calculations show that photogenerated holes can move readily from anatase to rutile via the thin intermediated II phase, while photoelectrons flowing in the opposite direction may be impeded due to the electron trapping sites at the II phase. However, the large potential drop across the anatase/rutile interface and the strong built-in electric field can provide an effective driving force for photoelectrons' migration to anatase. In addition, the II phase can better enhance the solar light utilization of (112)A/(100)II, including a wide light response range and an intensive optical absorption coefficient. Meanwhile, the mixed-phase TiO2 possesses negligible hydrogenation energy (CO2 to COOH*) and lower rate-limiting energy (HCOOH* to HCO*), which greatly facilitate CH3OH generation. The efficient charge separation, strengthened light absorption, and facile CO2 reduction successfully demonstrate that the anatase/rutile mixed-phase TiO2 is an efficient photocatalyst utilized for CO2 conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are considered a promising candidate for next-generation energy storage devices due to the advantages of high theoretical specific capacity, abundant resources and being environmentally friendly. However, the severe shuttle effect of polysulfides causes the low utilization of active substances and rapid capacity fading, thus seriously limiting their practical application. The introduction of conductive polymer-based interlayers between cathodes and separators is considered to be an effective method to solve this problem because they can largely confine, anchor and convert the soluble polysulfides. In this review, the recent progress of conductive polymer-based interlayers used in LSBs is summarized, including free-standing conductive polymer-based interlayers, conductive polymer-based interlayer modified separators and conductive polymer-based interlayer modified sulfur electrodes. Furthermore, some suggestions on rational design and preparation of conductive polymer-based interlayers are put forward to highlight the future development of LSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of bifunctional electrocatalysts suitable for a wide pH range and seawater splitting under simulated industrial electrolysis conditions is expected to advance practical applications of clean hydrogen energy. Here, the study reports a built‐in electric field approach to assemble heterogeneous Ru nanoclusters (Ru NCs) anchored in P,O co‐doped NiFe layered double hydroxide bifunctional electrocatalysts (Ru NCs/P,O‐NiFe LDH) for overall water splitting. It is revealed that the BEF ensures electron enrichment via unidirectional electron transfer from P,O‐NiFe LDH to Ru nanoclusters due to the difference in the corresponding Fermi levels. The optimized Ru NCs/P,O‐NiFe LDH/NF shows excellent electrocatalytic activity toward hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, and overall water splitting in a wide pH range, as well as simulated seawater electrolysis under industry‐relevant conditions. The long‐term catalyst stability under high currents and industrial process temperatures is also demonstrated. Density functional theory calculations further confirm that the active sites at the BEF interface effectively reduce the energy barrier of water electrolysis, thereby facilitating the electrocatalytic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Ionic liquids/organic bases synergistically catalyze the cycloaddition of CO 2 and epoxides under atmospheric pressure with high activity. • Ionic liquids/organic bases intermolecular synergistic catalytic system was developed for CO 2 cycloaddition under atmospheric pressure. • The synergistic effect presumably ascribes to the activation of epoxides by ionic liquids and CO 2 by organic bases. • Secondary amines activate CO 2 to form carbamic acids, and tertiary amines activate CO 2 to form bicarbonate salts with the aid of water. • Plausible synergistic catalyzed mechanisms are proposed based on the NMR, FT-IR investigations and DFT calculations. An intermolecular synergistic catalytic system consisting of ionic liquids and organic bases is developed for the cycloaddition of CO 2 and epoxides. This strategy realizes the cycloaddition takes place under atmospheric pressure of CO 2 with high activity. NMR, FT-IR spectroscopy and DFT calculations are applied to investigate the synergistic effect and reaction mechanism on molecules. Plausible ionic liquids/secondary amines and ionic liquids/tertiary amines catalyzed mechanisms are proposed and further confirmed by more detailed DFT calculations including reaction pathways and energy profiles, respectively. The procedure reported here represents a facile, cost-effective and energy-efficient route for chemical fixation of CO 2 into 5-membered cyclic carbonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical porous poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) with high specific surface area were firstly synthesized via anion exchange. The exchange of bulky salicylate and its dimers/clusters in PILs by other smaller anions increased the specific surface area and fabricated a hierarchical porous structure. The high specific surface area and hierarchical porous structure prompted a high degree of exposure of the active sites and made the heterogeneous PIL catalysts contact with substrates sufficiently, enhancing their catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of imidazolium ionic liquids were designed and synthesized by the reaction of imidazole derivatives with alkyl bromides. These ionic liquids were applied to catalyze the reaction of CO 2 and epoxides. A detailed investigation was carried out on the relationship between catalytic activities and catalyst structures. The result showed that phenolic hydroxyl-functionalized imidazolium ionic liquids containing both phenolic hydroxyl and C2-H were highly efficient catalysts. Meanwhile, the spatial positions of the phenolic hydroxyl and C2-H in the imidazolium also exhibited great effect on the catalytic efficiencies, and the order of catalytic activity was meta -isomer > ortho -isomer > para -isomer. NMR titration and DFT calculations showed a synergetic effect, which C2-H and phenolic hydroxyl cooperatively activated epoxides by hydrogen bonds, was crucial for the reaction to proceed smoothly under mild conditions. In addition, the TOF of the most active catalyst 3-(3-phenolic hydroxyl)-1-butyl-imidazolium bromide ( IL-2 ) reached to 900 h −1 in the reaction of CO 2 and epichlorohydrin under the reaction conditions of 0.1 mol% catalyst, 1 MPa CO 2 , 120 °C and 1 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient convenient procedure for the synthesis of 3-aryl-2-oxazolidinones from 2-(arylamino) alcohols and diethyl carbonate (DEC) catalyzed by ionic liquids is described. The effects of reaction time, amount of catalyst and temperature were investigated. Excellent yields of products were obtained under the optimized reaction conditions, when using BmimOAc as a catalyst. An intermediate ethyl 2-(phenyl amino) ethyl carbonate was isolated and characterized. 1 H NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations indicated that BmimOAc cooperatively activate the substrates through hydrogen bonding with its anion and cation sites. According to these results, a possible reaction mechanism was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional binders and conductive agents are important electrode additives that contribute to the mechanical integrity and conductivity of sodium ion batteries (SIBs), but they affect the energy density of the batteries. In this study, Ti3C2Tx MXene was used as a conductive binder for a Ge anode owing to its high conductivity and clay-like property, which not only combined the functionality of the binders and additives but also provided additional sodium ion storage capacity. Ultra-long lifetime (high-capacity retention of 88% after 20 000 cycles) and enhanced rate performance (124.5 at 1500 mA g−1) were observed for the as-designed Ge-Ti3C2Tx anode. The Ge-Ti3C2Tx anode exhibited a specific capacity of 125.7 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles even at −20 °C. This Ti3C2Tx MXene conductive binder may enhance the electrode performance of the SIBs and other energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic perovskite ferroelectric-based nanomaterials as sustainable new energy materials, due to their intrinsic ferroelectricity and environmental compatibility, are intended to play a crucial role in photoelectrochemical field as major functional materials. Because of versatile physical properties and excellent optoelectronic properties, ferroelectric-based nanomaterials attract much attention in the field of photocatalysis, photoelectrochemical water splitting and photovoltaic. The aim of this review is to cover the recent advances by stating the different kinds of ferroelectrics separately in the photoelectrochemical field as well as discussing how ferroelectric polarization will impact functioning of photo-induced carrier separation and transportation in the interface of the compounded semiconductors. In addition, the future prospects of ferroelectric-based nanomaterials are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a major type of RNA modification implicated in various pathophysiological processes. Transforming growth factor β2 (TGF-β2) induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in retinal pigmental epithelial (RPE) cells and promotes the progression of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). However, the role of m6A methylation in the EMT of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) retinal pigmental epithelium (RPE)-1 cells has not been clarified. Here, we extracted RNA from RPE cells subjected to 0 or 20 ng/mL TGF-β2 for 72 h and identified differentially methylated genes (DMGs) by m6A-Seq and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by RNA-Seq. We selected the genes related to EMT by conjoint m6A-Seq/RNA-Seq analysis and verified them by qRT-PCR. We then confirmed the function of m6A methylation in the EMT of RPE cells by knocking down the methyltransferase METTL3 and the m6A reading protein YTHDF1. Sequencing yielded 5814 DMGs and 1607 DEGs. Conjoint analysis selected 467 genes altered at the m6A and RNA levels that are closely associated with the EMT-related TGF-β, AGE-RAGE, PI3K-Akt, P53, and Wnt signaling pathways. We also identified ten core EMT genes ACTG2 , BMP6 , CDH2 , LOXL2 , SNAIL1 , SPARC , BMP4 , EMP3 , FOXM1 , and MYC. Their RNA levels were evaluated by qRT-PCR and were consistent with the sequencing results. We observed that METTL3 knockdown enhanced RPE cell migration and significantly upregulated the EMT markers N-cadherin (encoded by CDH2), fibronectin (FN), Snail family transcription repressor (SLUG), and vimentin. However, YTHDF1 knockdown had the opposite effects and decreased both cell migration and the N-cadherin, FN, and SLUG expression levels. The present study clarified TGF-β2-induced m6A- and RNA-level differences in RPE cells, indicated that m6A methylation might regulate EMT marker expression, and showed that m6A could regulate TGF-β2-induced EMT. • m6A methylation regulates hTERT RPE-1 cell EMT. • TGF-β2 induces m6A- and RNA-level differences. • METTL3 and YTHDF1 affect TGF-β2-induced EMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A selective procedure for the synthesis of 5-substituted N-aryloxazolidinones by the coupling of epoxides with arylcarbamates catalyzed by ionic liquids has been developed. The effects of reaction time, reactant molar ratio, amount of catalyst, and temperature were investigated. Under the optimal reaction conditions, BmimOAc exhibited efficient catalytic activity compared with other ionic liquids leading to the formation of 5-substituted N-aryloxazolidinones in excellent yields. In addition, chiral 5-substituted oxazolidinones were synthesized by this procedure in good-to-excellent yields with enantiomeric excesses in excess of 99.9 % starting from chiral terminal epoxides. A possible reaction mechanism is discussed in accord with the results obtained by 1H NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations, which indicate the cooperative activation by BmimOAc through the formation of hydrogen bonds with the substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intermolecular synergistic catalytic combination of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and a DBU-derived bromide ionic liquid has been developed for the conversion of CO2, epoxides, and amines under metal- and solvent-free conditions. Various 3-aryl-2-oxazolidinones are produced in moderate to excellent yields within a short reaction time. NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations demonstrate that DBU as a hydrogen bond acceptor and the ionic liquid as a hydrogen bond donor activate the substrates cooperatively by inducing hydrogen bonds to promote the reaction effectively. Based on these results, a possible reaction mechanism on the synergistic catalysis of DBU and the ionic liquid is proposed. In addition, the reaction of CS2, ethylene oxide, and aniline catalyzed by the combination of DBU and the DBU-derived ionic liquid also proceeds smoothly, which opens a hitherto unreported route to [1,3]dithiolan-2-ylidenephenylamine in a straightforward way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation combined with degradation of organic pollutants is a promising technology to alleviate the growing energy and environmental crisis. In this work, Ti 3 C 2 T x /CuZnInS (TiC/CZIS) Schottky heterojunction difunctional photocatalytic was rationally designed for efficient nitrogen fixation synergistic bisphenol A (BPA) degradation. The Ti 3 C 2 T x ultra-thin nanosheets with richer surface-active groups and lower Fermi level greatly improved the carrier generation and separation ability of CZIS nanosphere. In addition, the coupling of TiC extended the absorption of CZIS to infrared region, which provided the possibility of efficient photocatalytic activity in cloudy and rainy days. As a result, an enhanced photocatalytic nitrogen fixation activity of 45.6 μmol/g/h was achieved. It should be noted that once appropriate amount of BPA was introduced to the photocatalytic system, a satisfied activity of 82.5 μmol/g/h was obtained, BPA can also be degraded by 58.5% within 180 min by TiC/CZIS. Through a series of experimental characterizations, the photocatalytic active substances and degradation pathway of BPA was investigated, and the possible photocatalytic mechanism was established. This work lays a foundation for the design of environmentally friendly photocatalysts and their applications in the fields of environmental purification and energy conversion. [Display omitted] • Ti 3 C 2 T x decorated CuZnInS was designed for waste to energy conversion. • The hybrid has richer reactive sites, enhanced charge transfer and sunlight response ability. • Enhanced nitrogen fixation activity is achieved by the assistance of BPA. • A systematic study of photocatalytic mechanism was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the reactions of cyclic carbonates/trithiocarbonate and aromatic amines in the presence of a basic ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (BmimOAc), which produced various cyclic carbamates/dithiocarbonimidates in fairly good to excellent yields. The use of BmimOAc as catalyst here not only offers an effective approach to the synthesis of the target compounds, but also avoids the use of conventional toxic materials. By means of the reactions of cyclic carbonates and aromatic amines, 3-aryloxazolidin-2-ones, 3,3′-aryldioxazolidin-2-ones and 3-aryl[1,3]oxazinan-2-ones could be synthesized. NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations revealed that both the cation and the anion of BmimOAc activate cooperatively the substrates in these reactions by means of inducing hydrogen bonding. In addition, condensation reactions of ethylene trithiocarbonate and aromatic amines also proceeded very well in the presence of the BmimOAc catalyst, which opened a hitherto unreported route to [1,3]dithiolan-2-ylidene-arylamine derivatives in a straightforward way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical equations are presented for the article "Selective Synthesis of 5-Substituted N-Aryloxazolidinones by Cycloaddition Reaction of Epoxides with Arylcarbamates Catalyzed by the Ionic Liquid BmimOAc" by B. Chen, published in the periodical "European Journal of Organic Chemistry."

The title compounds are prepared by conversion of CO2/CS2, epoxides, and amines under solvent- and metal-free conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of cyclic carbonates with a variety of aromatic and heteroaromatic amines is advantageously achieved in [bmim]OAc as catalytic solvent to yield cyclic carbamates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]