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Background: Skin aging is characterized by an imbalance between the generation and degradation of extracellular matrix molecules (ECM). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the primary enzymes responsible for ECM breakdown. Intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli can induce different MMPs. However, there is limited literature especially on the summary of skin MMPs and potential inhibitors., Objective: We aim to focus on the upregulation of MMP expression or activity in skin cells following exposure to UV radiation. We also would like to offer valuable insights into potential clinical applications of MMP inhibitors for mitigating skin aging., Methods: This article presents the summary of prior research, which involved an extensive literature search across diverse academic databases including Web of Science and PubMed., Results: Our findings offer a comprehensive insight into the effects of MMPs on skin aging after UV irradiation, including their substrate preferences and distinct roles in this process. Additionally, a comprehensive list of natural plant and animal extracts, proteins, polypeptides, amino acids, as well as natural and synthetic compounds that serve as inhibitors for MMPs is compiled., Conclusion: Skin aging is a complex process influenced by environmental factors and MMPs. Research focuses on UV-induced skin damage and the formation of Advanced Glycosylation End Products (AGEs), leading to wrinkles and impaired functionality. Inhibiting MMPs is crucial for maintaining youthful skin. Natural sources of MMP inhibitor substances, such as extracts from plants and animals, offer a safer approach to obtain inhibitors through dietary supplements. Studying isolated active ingredients can contribute to developing targeted MMP inhibitors., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Essential oils have been recognised for their potential benefits in oral care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antiproliferative activity of essential oils derived from four Zingiberaceae species. A combination of GC/MS and GC-FID was employed to analyse these essential oils. The results showed that β-myrcene (79.77 %) followed by ethyl-cinnamate (40.14 %), β-curcumene (34.90 %), and alloaromadendrene (25.15 %) as the primary constituents of Curcuma mangga, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Kaempferia galanga and Curcuma aeruginosa, respectively. The Zingiberaceae oils were tested for their antibacterial activity against oral bacteria using the disc diffusion test. Curcuma xanthorrhiza oil showed the largest inhibition zones against Streptococcus mitis (19.50±2.22 mm) and Streptococcus sanguinis (15.04±3.05 mm). Similarly, Curcuma mangga oil exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans (12.55±0.45 mm) and mixed oral bacteria (15.03±3.82 mm). Furthermore, the MTT viability assay revealed moderate inhibitory activity of these essential oils against H103 and ORL-204 oral cancer cells. The study findings demonstrate that Curcuma xanthorrhiza and Curcuma mangga essential oils have potent antibacterial properties, suggesting their potential use as natural alternatives to synthetic antibacterial agents in oral care products. However, further investigations are necessary to fully explore their therapeutic applications., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Organic flexible electronic devices are at the forefront of the electronics as they possess the potential to bring about a major lifestyle revolution owing to outstanding properties of organic semiconductors, including solution processability, lightweight and flexibility. For the integration of organic flexible electronics, the precise patterning and ordered assembly of organic semiconductors have attracted wide attention and gained rapid developments, which not only reduces the charge crosstalk between adjacent devices, but also enhances device uniformity and reproducibility. This review focuses on recent advances in the design, patterned assembly of organic semiconductors, and flexible electronic devices, especially for flexible organic field-effect transistors (FOFETs) and their multifunctional applications. First, typical organic semiconductor materials and material design methods are introduced. Based on these organic materials with not only superior mechanical properties but also high carrier mobility, patterned assembly strategies on flexible substrates, including one-step and two-step approaches are discussed. Advanced applications of flexible electronic devices based on organic semiconductor patterns are then highlighted. Finally, future challenges and possible directions in the field to motivate the development of the next generation of flexible electronics are proposed., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Three benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) core-based molecular systems appended with phenylazo-3,5-dimethylisoxazole photoswitches at the peripheral position through variable-length alkoxy chains have been designed and synthesized. The supramolecular interactions of the mesogens provided discotic nematic liquid crystalline assembly as confirmed by polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Spectroscopic studies confirmed the reversible photoswitching and excellent thermal stability of the photoswitched states in solution phase and thin film. Also, atomic force microscopic (AFM) and POM investigations demonstrated the morphological changes in the self-assembly induced by the photoirradiation as monitored by the changes in the height profiles and optical appearance of the textures, respectively. Remarkably, the liquid crystalline discotic molecules showed reversible "on and off states" controlled by light at ambient temperature., (© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The essential trace element, zinc, regulates virtually all aspects of cellular physiology, particularly cell proliferation and survival. Diverse families of metal transporters, metallothioneins, and metal-responsive transcriptional regulators are linked to zinc homeostasis. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of systemic zinc homeostasis remains largely unknown. Here, it is reported that the intestinal transporter SLC30A1 plays an essential role in maintaining systemic zinc homeostasis. Using several lines of tissue-specific knockout mice, it is found that intestinal Slc30a1 plays a critical role in survival. Furthermore, lineage tracing reveals that Slc30a1 is localized to the basolateral membrane of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). It is also found that Slc30a1 safeguards both intestinal barrier integrity and systemic zinc homeostasis. Finally, an integrative analysis of the cryo-EM structure and site-specific mutagenesis of human SLC30A1 are performed and a zinc transport mechanism of SLC30A1 unique within the SLC30A family, with His43 serving as a critical residue for zinc selectivity, is identified., (© 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Muscle atrophy detrimentally impacts health and exacerbates physical disability, leading to increased mortality. In particular, sarcopenia, aging-related degenerative muscle loss, necessitates urgent remedies. Current approaches for treating muscle atrophy include exercise and nutrition, while drug exploration remains in its early stages. Cell therapy, focusing on satellite cells, faces significant challenge due to poor engraftment, safety issue, and high cost. Cell-free approach using extracellular matrix (ECM) shows a regenerative potential, but a lack of mechanical and adhesive properties hinders prolonged efficacy of ECM therapy. Here, durable muscle ECM (MEM) hydrogels for muscle atrophy by fortifying MEM with adhesive phenolic moieties including catechol and pyrogallol are demonstrated. The resultant phenolic MEM hydrogels exhibit enhanced mechanical and adhesive properties and provide sustained muscle-like microenvironments to address muscle atrophy. No local and systemic toxicities are observed after phenolic MEM injection into tibialis anterior muscle. Notably, these engineered MEM hydrogels, devoid of cells or drugs, induce tissue rejuvenation by promoting muscle protein synthesis and facilitating functional muscle recovery in mouse models of disuse- and age-induced atrophy. This study introduces cell-free, ECM-based therapeutics with translational potential for muscle atrophy by reversing muscle loss and restoring function., (© 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Healthcare Materials published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Sarcopenia is a geriatric condition characterized by a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and function, significantly impacting both quality of life and overall health. Mitochondria are the main sites of energy production within the cell, and also produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which maintain mitochondrial homeostasis-mitophagy (clearing damaged mitochondria); mitochondrial dynamics, which involve fusion and fission to regulate mitochondrial morphology; mitochondrial biogenesis, which ensures the functionality and homeostasis of mitochondria. Sarcopenia is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting that muscle mitochondrial function therapy should be investigated. Extrinsic therapies are extensively examined to identify new treatments for muscular illnesses including sarcopenia. Changes in muscle physiology and lifestyle interventions, such as pharmacological treatments and exercise, can modulate mitochondrial activity in older adults. This PubMed review encompasses the most significant mitophagy and sarcopenia research from the past five years. Animal models, cellular models, and human samples are well covered. The review will inform the development of novel mitochondria-targeted therapies aimed at combating age-related muscle atrophy., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is usually triggered by frequent atrial premature complexes (APC) and atrial tachycardias originated in the pulmonary veins. The aim of the current study is to clarify the relationship between AF and APCs observed during treadmill exercise testing through long-term patient follow-up., Material and Methods: Our study only examined the data of patients who did not have any obstructive coronary artery disease and had an exercise test. In total, 1559 patients were included in this research. The study data were divided into two groups according to the development of AF during follow-up. The patients who developed any type of AF during the follow-up period were classified as AF (+). Mean follow-up time for AF (+) and (-) groups were 48 and 47 months, respectively., Results: In the univariable analysis, age, LAAP, and the presence of APCs (HR: 3.906, 95% CI: 2.848-5.365, p < 0.001) during the treadmill exercise test were significantly associated with the development of AF. In the multivariable analysis, age (adjusted HR: 1.063, 95% CI: 1.043-1.083, p < 0.001) and the presence of APCs during the treadmill exercise test (adjusted HR: 2.504, 95% CI: 1.759-3.565, p < 0.001) emerged as independent risk factors for the development of AF. The AF-free survival was significantly lower in the APCs (+) patients compared with the APCs (-) patients (log rank p < 0.001)., Conclusion: Our study revealed that individuals without obstructive CAD who exhibited frequent APCs during treadmill exercise tests were more likely to develop AF., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Group 12 element zinc(II)-based d 10 complexes have long been known for their inherent colorlessness, which has limited their applications in visible light-driven photophysical and photochemical applications, despite the attractiveness of inexpensive and low-toxicity zinc metal. Based on precedents with nickel(0) and copper(I) complexes, which also adopt the d 10 electronic configuration, achieving a visible light response from zinc(II) complexes seems feasible; however, investigations and proactive design strategies specifically tailored to zinc remain lacking. In this context, the present invited concept paper highlights zinc's potential for visible light responsiveness and evaluates how molecular designs can achieve this capability. After delineating the differences between zinc and other d 10 metal centers, we review recent developments in zinc complexes that exhibit visible light absorption and compare these complexes with previously reported colorless complexes to identify key distinctions. This study provides critical insights into the molecular design guidelines that are pivotal for harnessing the emerging potential of zinc for visible light responses., (© 2024 The Authors. ChemPlusChem published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

In plants, robust defense depends on the efficient and resilient trafficking supply chains to the site of pathogen attack. Though the importance of intracellular trafficking in plant immunity has been well established, a lack of clarity remains regarding the contribution of the various trafficking pathways in transporting immune-related proteins. We have recently identified a trans-Golgi network protein, TGN-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN 1 (TGNap1), which functionally links post-Golgi vesicles with the cytoskeleton to transport immunity-related proteins in the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. We propose new hypotheses on the various functional implications of TGNap1 and then elaborate on the surprising heterogeneity of TGN vesicles during immunity revealed by the discovery of TGNap1 and other TGN-associated proteins in recent years., (© 2024 The Author(s). BioEssays published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a complex spectrum of inherited retinal diseases marked by the gradual loss of photoreceptor cells, ultimately leading to blindness. Among these, mutations in PDE6A, responsible for encoding a cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase, stand out as pivotal in autosomal recessive RP (RP43). Unfortunately, no effective therapy currently exists for this specific form of RP. However, recent advancements in genome editing, such as base editing (BE) and prime editing (PE), offer a promising avenue for precise and efficient gene therapy. Here, it is illustrated that the engineered BE and PE systems, particularly PE, exhibit high efficiency in rescuing a target point mutation with minimal bystander effects in an RP mouse model carrying the Pde6a (c.2009A > G, p.D670G) mutation. The optimized BE and PE systems are first screened in N2a cells and subsequently assessed in electroporated mouse retinas. Notably, the optimal PE system, delivered via dual adeno-associated virus (AAV), precisely corrects the pathogenic mutation with average 9.4% efficiency, with no detectable bystander editing. This correction restores PDE6A protein expression, preserved photoreceptors, and rescued retinal function in Pde6a mice. Therefore, this study offers a proof-of-concept demonstration for the treatment of Pde6a-related retinal degeneration using BE and PE systems., (© 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Science published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Predicting the precise locations of metal binding sites within metalloproteins is a crucial challenge in biophysics. A fast, accurate, and interpretable computational prediction method can complement the experimental studies. In the current work, we have developed a method to predict the location of Ca 2+ ions in calcium-binding proteins using a physics-based method with an all-atom description of the proteins, which is substantially faster than the molecular dynamics simulation-based methods with accuracy as good as data-driven approaches. Our methodology uses the three-dimensional reference interaction site model (3D-RISM), a statistical mechanical theory, to calculate Ca 2+ ion density around protein structures, and the locations of the Ca 2+ ions are obtained from the density. We have taken previously used datasets to assess the efficacy of our method as compared to previous works. Our accuracy is 88%, comparable with the FEATURE program, one of the well-known data-driven methods. Moreover, our method is physical, and the reasons for failures can be ascertained in most cases. We have thoroughly examined the failed cases using different structural and crystallographic measures, such as B-factor, R-factor, electron density map, and geometry at the binding site. It has been found that x-ray structures have issues in many of the failed cases, such as geometric irregularities and dubious assignment of ion positions. Our algorithm, along with the checks for structural accuracy, is a major step in predicting calcium ion positions in metalloproteins., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Several clinical signs in dermatoscopy are very characteristic of onychomycosis and can be a quick complement for the diagnosis of onychomycosis., Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dermatoscopy compared to microbiological culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), as well as the clinical signs associated with onychomycosis., Methods: The clinical signs of 125 patients were assessed cross-sectionally using dermatoscopy, and a positive or negative result was assigned. A sample was then taken for PCR and microbiological culture., Results: Of the 125 patients, 69.6% (87/125) had positive results when both laboratory tests were combined. When they were not combined, the prevalence was lower at 48% (60/125) with PCR and at 43.2% (54/125) with culture. Furthermore, 76.8% (96/125) were classified as positive with dermatoscopy with a sensitivity of 1, a specificity of 0.76, positive predictive value of 0.91 and negative predictive value of 1 (with 95% confidence intervals). Of the 96 dermatoscopy-positive samples, 36 were negative with PCR (p < 0.001), 42 were negative with culture (p < 0.001) and nine were negative when both tests were combined (p < 0.001). Clinical signs that were significantly associated with the presence of onychomycosis were subungual hyperkeratosis (dermatoscopy: p = 0.004, odds ratio (OR) = 2.438; PCR + microbiological culture: p = 0.004, OR = 3.221), subungual detritus (p = 0.033, OR = 3.01, only with dermatoscopy) and dermatophytoma (dermatoscopy: p = 0.049, OR = 3.02; PCR + microbiological culture: p = 0.022, OR = 2.40)., Conclusions: The results suggest that dermatoscopy is a good tool for the diagnosis of onychomycosis but should be used as a complementary test or for screening patients to be sampled for laboratory testing. The combination of the three tests can lead to a reduction of false-positive and false-negative clinical and laboratory results. This allows for early diagnosis and specific treatment based on test results., (© 2024 The Author(s). Mycoses published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Nucleotide-based molecules called DNA and RNA are essential for several biological processes that affect both normal and cancerous cells. They contain the critical genetic material needed for normal cell growth and functioning. The DNA structure patterns that make up the genetic code affect cells' growth, behavior, and control. Different DNA structure patterns indicate different physiological effects in the cell. Knowledge of these patterns is necessary to identify the molecular origins of cancer and other disorders. Analyzing these patterns can help in the early detection of diseases, which is essential for the effectiveness of cancer research and therapy. The novelty of this study is to examine the patterns of dinucleotide structure in many genomic regions, including the non-coding region sequence (N-CDS), coding region sequence (CDS), and whole raw DNA sequence (W.R. sequence). It provides an in-depth discussion of dinucleotide patterns related to these diverse genetic environments and contains malignant and non-malignant DNA sequences. The Markovian modeling that predicts dinucleotide probabilities also reduces feature complexity and minimizes computational costs compared to the approaches of Kernelized Logistic Regression (KLR) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). This technique is effectively evaluated in essential case studies, as indicated by accuracy metrics and 10-fold cross-validation. The classifier and feature reduction, which are generated by Markovian probability, operate well together and can help predict cancer. Our findings successfully distinguish DNA sequences related to cancer from those diagnostics of non-cancerous diseases by analyzing the W.R. DNA sequence as well as its CDS and N-CDS regions., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background/objective: Laser therapy has emerged as a widely favored treatment option for solar lentigines (SL). However, a significant challenge associated with this treatment, particularly among individuals with darker skin tones, is the notable risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) induction. In response to these concerns, the authors conducted a prospective, self-controlled study to comprehensively evaluate the safety and effectiveness of 532-nm picosecond laser, both with and without a microlens array (MLA), for the management of SL in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) III-V., Methods: Twenty-seven patients with FST III-V and bilateral SL on the face underwent randomized treatment. One side of the face was treated with a 532-nm picosecond laser coupled with an MLA, utilizing the fractional pigment toning (FPT) technique, while the other side received treatment without the MLA, following the conventional technique (CT). The FPT technique utilized a 9-mm spot size with a fluence of 0.47 J/cm 2 for two passes covering 40% of the area. In contrast, the CT used a 4.5-mm handpiece with fluence ranging from 0.3 to 0.7 J/cm 2 . Patients received a single treatment and were evaluated for pigment clearance, occurrence of PIH, and other adverse effects at 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months posttreatment., Results: Twenty-seven participants completed the study protocol. Analysis of pigment clearance, measured via 3D photography, showed significant improvement from 2 weeks to 6 months posttreatment for both the FPT technique (p < 0.001) and CT (p = 0.004). PIH occurred in 64%, 80%, 96%, and 88% of cases on the CT side, compared to 8%, 32%, 36%, and 16% on the FPT technique side at 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months posttreatment, respectively. The incidence of PIH was significantly lower on the FPT technique side compared to the CT side throughout the follow-up periods. Additionally, transient and mild hypopigmentation occurred in one participant (4%) on the FPT technique side and in five participants (20%) on the CT side. No other adverse effects were observed during the study., Conclusions: The 532-nm picosecond laser emerges as a safe and efficacious treatment modality for SL in individuals with FST III-V. Particularly noteworthy is the efficacy of the FPT technique, which demonstrates comparable effectiveness while significantly reducing the incidence of PIH compared to the CT., (© 2024 The Author(s). Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Chronic stress is a universal condition commonly associated with many psychiatric diseases. An extensive body of evidence discussed hippocampal affection upon chronic stress exposure, however, the underlying molecular pathways still need to be identified. We investigated the impact of chronic stress on miR200/BMP/Olig-2 signaling and hippocampal myelination. We also compared the effects of chronic administration of amitriptyline and cholecalciferol on chronically stressed hippocampi. Both amitriptyline and cholecalciferol significantly decreased serum cortisol levels, reduced immobility time in the forced swim test, increased the number of crossed squares in open field test, decreased the hippocampal expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and its messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, reduced miR200 expression as compared to untreated chronically stressed rats. Also, both drugs amended the hippocampal neuronal damage, enhanced the surviving cell count, and increased the pyramidal layer thickness of Cornu Ammonis subregion 1 (CA1) and granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus. Cholecalciferol was more effective in increasing the area percentage of myelin basic protein (MBP) and Olig-2 positive cells count in hippocampi of chronic stress-exposed rats than amitriptyline, thus enhancing myelination. We also found a negative correlation between the expression of BMP4, its mRNA, miR200, and the immunoexpression of MBP and Olig-2 proteins. This work underscores the amelioration of the stress-induced behavioral changes, inhibition of miR200/BMP4 signaling, and enhancement of hippocampal myelination following chronic administration of either amitriptyline or cholecalciferol, though cholecalciferol seemed more effective in brain remyelination., (© 2024 International Federation of Cell Biology.)

The perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell represents one of the most promising avenues for exceeding the Shockley-Queisser limit for single-junction solar cells at a reasonable cost. Remarkably, its efficiency has rapidly increased from 13.7% in 2015 to 34.6% in 2024. Despite the significant research efforts dedicated to this topic, the "secret" to achieving high-performance perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells seems to be confined to a few research groups. Additionally, the discrepancies in preparation and characterization between single-junction and tandem solar cells continue to impede the transition from efficient single-junction to efficient tandem solar cells. This review first revisits the key milestones in the development of monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells over the past decade. Then, a comprehensive analysis of the background, advancements, and challenges in perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells is provided, following the sequence of the tandem fabrication process. The progress and limitations of the prevalent stability measurements for tandem devices are also discussed. Finally, a roadmap for designing efficient, scalable, and stable perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells is outlined. This review takes the growth history into consideration while charting the future course of perovskite/silicon tandem research., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Two-terminal (2T) perovskite-based tandem solar cells (TSCs) arouse burgeoning interest in breaking the Shockley-Queisser (S-Q) limit of single-junction solar cells by combining two subcells with different bandgaps. However, the highest certified efficiency of 2T perovskite-based TSCs (33.9%) lags behind the theoretical limit (42-43%). A vital challenge limiting the development of 2T perovskite-based TSCs is the transparent recombination layers/interconnecting layers (RLs) design between two subcells. To improve the performance of 2T perovskite-based TSCs, RLs simultaneously fulfill the optical loss, contact resistance, carrier mobility, stress management, and conformal coverage requirements. In this review, the definition, functions, and requirements of RLs in 2T perovskite-based TSCs are presented. The insightful characterization methods applicable to RLs, which are inspiring for further research on the RLs both in 2T perovskite-based two-junction and multi-junction TSCs, are also highlighted. Finally, the key factors that currently limit the performance enhancement of RLs and the future directions that should be continuously focused on are summarized., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

The genus Cornus (Cornaceae) plants are widely distributed in Europe, southwest Asia, North America, and the mountains of Central America, South America, and East Africa. Cornus plants exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidative, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities. These plants are exploited to possess various phytoconstituents such as triterpenoids, iridoids, anthocyanins, tannins and flavonoids. Pharmacological research and clinical investigations on various Cornus species have advanced significantly in recent years. Over the past few decades, a significant amount of focus has also been made into developing new delivery systems for Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis. This review focuses on the morphological traits, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and clinical studies on extracts and active constituents from plants of Cornus genus. The review also highlights recent novel delivery systems for Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis extracts to promote sustained and targeted delivery in diverse disorders. The overwhelming body of research supports the idea that plants from the genus Cornus have therapeutic potential and can be investigated in the future for treatingseveral ailments., (© 2024 The Authors. Chemistry & Biodiversity published by Wiley-VHCA AG.)

High concentrations of carnauba waxes (CRWs) that can compromise organoleptic properties are required to create self-sustained and functional oleogels. The weak physical properties and stability of 4% w/w CRW-rice bran oil (RBO) oleogel were addressed by substituting CRW with beeswax (BW) in different weight ratios. The texture profile analyzer revealed that substituting only 10% (weight ratio) of CRW with BW improved the hardness compared to the mono-CRW oleogel. The hardness of binary oleogels increased gradually as the proportion of BW increased. At a BW ratio of 70% or more, the hardness was three times higher than that of mono-BW oleogel. Rheology analysis showed the same trend as the large deformation test; however, the hardest binary oleogels had lower critical strain and yield point compared to the mono-wax oleogels, implying that they are more prone to lose their structure upon applied stress. Nevertheless, nearly all binary mixtures (except for 10%BW90%CRW) showed oil-binding capacities above 99%, suggesting improved nucleation and crystallization process. Polarized light microscopy showed the coexistence of BW and CRW crystals and changes in the size and arrangement of wax crystals upon proportional changes of the two waxes. X-ray diffraction confirmed no differences in the peaks' location, and all oleogels had β' polymorphism. Differential scanning calorimetry showed eutectic melting behavior in some binary blends. Oxidation stability in the binary wax oleogels improved as compared to the mono-wax oleogel and bulk RBO. BW and CRW mixtures have promising oil-structuring abilities and have various properties at different ratios that have the potential to be used as solid fat substitutes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: As a trending green oil-structuring technology, oleogelation has shown great potential to reduce saturated fats in food systems. The current research provides valuable fundamental information on the strong synergistic interactions between beeswax and carnauba wax that have the potential to be used as solid fat substitutes created with a much lower total concentration of the required wax. This will help create wax oleogels with better organoleptic properties and less negative waxy mouthfeel. Such knowledge could prove beneficial for the development of healthy products that have potential applications in meat, bakery, dairy, pharmaceutical, as well as cosmetic industries., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Food Science published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Institute of Food Technologists.)

Scope: Kaempferol (KMP), a bioactive flavonoid compound found in fruits and vegetables, contributes to human health in many ways but little is known about its relationship with muscle mass. The effect of KMP on C2C12 myoblast differentiation and the mechanisms that might underlie that effect are studied., Methods and Results: This study finds that KMP (1, 10 µM) increases the migration and differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts in vitro. Studying the possible mechanism underlying its effect on migration, the study finds that KMP activates Integrin Subunit Beta 1 (ITGB1) in C2C12 myoblasts, increasing p-FAK (Tyr398) and its downstream cell division cycle 42 (CDC42), a protein previously associated with cell migration. Regarding differentiation, KMP upregulates the expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC) and activates IGF1/AKT/mTOR/P70S6K. Interestingly, pretreatment with an AKT inhibitor (LY294002) and siRNA knockdown of IGF1R leads to a decrease in cell differentiation, suggesting that IGF1/AKT activation is required for KMP to induce C2C12 myoblast differentiation., Conclusion: Together, the findings suggest that KMP enhances the migration and differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts through the ITG1B/FAK/paxillin and IGF1R/AKT/mTOR pathways. Thus, KMP supplementation might potentially be used to prevent or delay age-related loss of muscle mass and help maintain muscle health., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are extensively used everywhere today due to their prominent advantages. However, the safety issues of LIBs such as fire and explosion have been a serious concern. It is important to focus on the root causes of safety accidents in LIBs and the mechanisms of their development. This will enable the reasonable control of battery risk factors and the minimization of the probability of safety accidents. Especially, the chemical crosstalk between two electrodes and the internal short circuit (ISC) generated by various triggers are the main reasons for the abnormal rise in temperature, which eventually leads to thermal runaway (TR) and safety accidents. Herein, this review paper concentrates on the advances of the mechanism of TR in two main paths: chemical crosstalk and ISC. It analyses the origin of each type of path, illustrates the evolution of TR, and then outlines the progress of safety control strategies in recent years. Moreover, the review offers a forward-looking perspective on the evolution of safety technologies. This work aims to enhance the battery community's comprehension of TR behavior in LIBs by categorizing and examining the pathways induced by TR. This work will contribute to the effective reduction of safety accidents of LIBs., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are minute lipid-bilayer sacs discharged by cells, encompassing a diverse array of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. The identification of EVs as pivotal agents in intercellular communication has sparked compelling research pathways in the realms of cell biology and neurodegenerative diseases. Utilizing EVs for medicinal reasons has garnered interest due to the adaptability of EV-mediated communication. EVs can be classified based on their physical characteristics, biochemical composition, or cell of origin following purification. This review delves into the primary sub-types of EVs, providing an overview of the biogenesis of each type. Additionally, it explores the diverse environmental conditions triggering EV release and the originating cells, including stem cells and those from the Central Nervous System. Within the brain, EVs play a pivotal role as essential mediators of intercellular communication, significantly impacting synaptic plasticity, brain development, and the etiology of neurological diseases. Their potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications in various brain-related conditions are underscored, given their ability to carry specific cargo. Specially engineered EVs hold promise for treating diverse diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. This study primarily emphasizes the diagnostic and potential therapeutic uses of EVs in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Prions disease. It also summarizes innovative techniques for detecting EVs in the brain, suggesting that EVs could serve as non-invasive biomarkers for early detection, disease monitoring, and prognosis in neurological disorders., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the chemical profiles and biological activities of different extracts (ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, ethanol, and water) of Pelargonium endlicherianum parts (aerial parts and roots). Free radical scavenging, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating were assayed for antioxidant properties. To detect enzyme inhibitory properties, cholinesterase, amylase, glucosidase, and tyrosinase were chosen as target enzymes. The ethanol extract of the aerial parts contained higher amounts of total bioactive compounds (120.53 mg GAE/g-24.46 mg RE/g). The ethanol and water extracts of these parts were tentatively characterized by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and 95 compounds were annotated. In addition, the highest acetylcholiesterase (3.74 mg GALAE/g) and butyrylcholinesterase (3.92 mg GALAE/g) abilities were observed by the ethanol extract of roots. The water extract from aerial parts exhibited the most pronounced inhibitory effects on multiple cancer cell lines, especially A549 (IC 50 : 23.2 µg/mL) and HT-29 (IC 50 : 27.43 µg/mL) cells. Using network pharmacology, P. endlicherianum compounds were studied against cancer, revealing well-connected targets such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), AKT, receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2, and growth factor receptor bound protein 2 (GRB2) with significant impact on cancer-related pathways. The results could open a new path from natural treasure to functional applications with P. endlicherianum and highlight a new study on other uninvestigated Pelargonium species., (© 2024 Deutsche Pharmazeutische Gesellschaft.)

The status and problems of upscaling research on perovskite solar cells, which must be addressed for commercialization efforts to be successful, are investigated. An 804 cm 2 perovskite solar module has been reported with 17.9% efficiency, which is significantly lower than the champion perovskite solar cell efficiency of 25.2% reported for a 0.09 cm 2 aperture area. For the realization of upscaling high-quality perovskite solar cells, the upscaling and development history of conventional silicon, copper indium gallium sulfur/selenide and CdTe solar cells, which are already commercialized with modules of sizes up to ≈25 000 cm 2 , are reviewed. GaAs, organic, dye-sensitized solar cells and perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are also reviewed. The similarities of the operating mechanisms between the various solar cells and the origin of different development pathway are investigated, and the ideal upscaling direction of perovskite solar cells is subsequently proposed. It is believed that lessons learned from the historical analysis of various solar cells provide a fundamental diagnosis of relative and absolute development status of perovskite solar cells. The unique perspective proposed here can pave the way toward the upscaling of perovskite solar cells., (© 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Cryptorchidism affects spermatogenesis and testis development, often resulting in stallion subfertility/infertility. This study aims to identify the specific germ cells impacted by cryptorchism in stallions. In a previous study, we found that PGP9.5 and VASA are molecular markers expressed in different germ cells within stallions. Herein, we assessed the heat stress-induced response of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the seminiferous tubules (ST) of cryptorchid stallion testes (CST) and normal stallion testes (NST). This goal was accomplished by comparing PGP9.5 and VASA expression patterns through reverse transcription quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assays. We also compared the cross-sectional ST area between groups. Six post-pubertal Thoroughbred unilateral cryptorchid stallions were used. The relative abundance of the mRNA transcripts of PGP9.5 and VASA was significantly upregulated in the NST group than in the CST group. Additionally, the cross-sectional ST area and localization of PGP9.5 and VASA in germ cells were significantly higher in the NST group than in the CST group. Regarding Leydig cells, PGP9.5 staining was observed in both groups. Spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes were immunostained with VASA in the NST group, while immunostaining was only observed in spermatogonia in the CST group. These results indicate long-term exposure to heat stress conditions, such as cryptorchidism, directly impacts germ cell proliferation and differentiation, leading to impaired spermatogenesis and compromised fertility in stallions., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive disorders characterized by synaptic loss and neuronal death. Optogenetics combines optical and genetic methods to control the activity of specific cell types. The efficacy of this approach in neurodegenerative diseases has been investigated in many reviews, however, none of them tackled it systematically. Our study aimed to review systematically the findings of optogenetics and its potential applications in animal models of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and compare it with deep brain stimulation and designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs techniques. The search strategy was performed based on the PRISMA guidelines and the risk of bias was assessed following the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation tool. A total of 247 articles were found, of which 53 were suitable for the qualitative analysis. Our data revealed that optogenetic manipulation of distinct neurons in the brain is efficient in rescuing memory impairment, alleviating neuroinflammation, and reducing plaque pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, this technique shows an advanced understanding of the contribution of various neurons involved in the basal ganglia pathways with Parkinson's disease motor symptoms and pathology. However, the optogenetic application using animal models of Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was limited. Optogenetics is a promising technique that enhanced our knowledge in the research of neurodegenerative diseases and addressed potential therapeutic solutions for managing these diseases' symptoms and delaying their progression. Nevertheless, advanced investigations should be considered to improve optogenetic tools' efficacy and safety to pave the way for their translatability to the clinic., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Computational design advances enzyme evolution and their use in biocatalysis in a faster and more efficient manner. In this study, a synergistic approach integrating tunnel engineering, evolutionary analysis, and force-field calculations has been employed to enhance the catalytic activity of D-lactonohydrolase (D-Lac), which is a pivotal enzyme involved in the resolution of racemic pantolactone during the production of vitamin B5. The best mutant, N96S/A271E/F274Y/F308G (M3), was obtained and its catalytic efficiency (k cat /K M ) was nearly 23-fold higher than that of the wild-type. The M3 whole-cell converted 20 % of DL-pantolactone into D-pantoic acid (D-PA, >99 % e.e.) with a conversion rate of 47 % and space-time yield of 107.1 g L -1  h -1 , demonstrating its great potential for industrial-scale D-pantothenic acid production. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed that the reduction in the steric hindrance within the substrate tunnel and conformational reconstruction of the distal loop resulted in a more favourable"catalytic" conformation, making it easier for the substrate and enzyme to enter their pre-reaction state. This study illustrates the potential of the distal residue on the pivotal loop at the entrance of the D-Lac substrate tunnel as a novel modification hotspot capable of reshaping energy patterns and consequently influencing the enzymatic activity., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Objective: Spinal involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is limited to the upper cervical spine, leading to cervical spine instability. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anterior atlantoaxial subluxation (aAAS) and its associated risk factors in patients with RA., Method: This single-centre cross-sectional study 240 patients consecutively were recruited. Radiographs of the cervical spine were obtained in the flexion and neutral neck positions and read by two blinded observers. The diagnosis of aAAS was based on the distance between the anterior aspect of the dens and the posterior aspect of the anterior arch of the atlas, which was >3 mm during flexion. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the predictive factors of aAAS., Results: Two hundred and forty patients with a mean ± SD age of 56.4 ± 11.4 years were recruited, and 191 (78%) were female. The mean ± SD duration of the disease was 10.2 ± 8.5 years. Of all 25 cases (10.4%) diagnosed with aAAS, the mean anterior atlantodental interval in patients with AAS was 4.19 ± 1.20 mm. One in three patients with aAAS had no neck pain. Patients with aAAS had longer disease duration, lower age at diagnosis, lower body mass index, higher anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide autoantibodies (anti-CCP), more frequent erosion, joint restriction, and joint prostheses. In the multivariate regression model, joint limitation, history of joint prostheses, low BMI, and higher anti-CCP levels were independent predictors of the aAAS., Conclusion: Thirty-three percent of patients with cervical involvement do not experience neck pain. Cervical involvement should be considered even without neck pain, particularly in established diseases., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Cell-based meat technology provides an effective method to meet the demand for meat, while also posing a huge challenge to the expansion of myoblasts. It is difficult to develop serum-free medium suitable for long-term culture and large-scale expansion of myoblasts, which causes limited understanding of myoblasts expansion. Therefore, this study used C2C12 myoblasts as model cells and developed a serum-free medium for large-scale expansion of myoblasts in vitro using the Plackett-Burman design. The serum-free medium can support short-term proliferation and long-term passage of C2C12 myoblasts, while maintaining myogenic differentiation potential well, which is comparable to those of growth medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Based on the C2C12 myoblasts microcarriers serum-free culture system established in this study, the actual expansion folds of myoblasts can reach 43.55 folds after 7 days. Moreover, cell-based meat chunks were preliminarily prepared using glutamine transaminase and edible pigments. The research results provide reference for serum-free culture and large-scale expansion of myoblasts in vitro, laying the foundation for cell-based meat production. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study developed a serum-free medium suitable for long-term passage of myoblasts and established a microcarrier serum-free culture system for myoblasts, which is expected to solve the problem of serum-free culture and large-scale expansion of myoblasts in cell culture meat production., (© 2024 Institute of Food Technologists.)

The Triton X-114-based solubilization and temperature-dependent phase separation of proteins is used for subcellular fractionation where, aqueous, detergent, and pellet fractions represents cytoplasmic, outer membrane (OM), and inner membrane proteins, respectively. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of Triton X-114 fractions of proteomic analysis of Leptospira interrogans identified 2957 unique proteins distributed across the fractions. The results are compared with bioinformatics predictions on their subcellular localization and pathogenic nature. Analysis of the distribution of proteins across the Triton X-114 fractions with the predicted characteristics is performed based on "number" of unique type of proteins, and "quantity" which represents the amount of unique protein. The highest number of predicted outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and pathogenic proteins are found in aqueous and pellet fractions, whereas detergent fraction representing the OM has the highest quantity of OMPs and pathogenic proteins though lower in number than the aqueous and pellet fractions. This leaves the possibility of an upsurge in pathogenic proteins and OMPs on the OM under pathogenic conditions suggesting their potential use to combat leptospirosis. Further, the Triton X-114 subcellular fractions are more correlated to enrichment of pathogenic proteins predicted by MP3 software than predicted localization., (© 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Testis is considered the main organ of the male reproductive system. Dogs are used as a suitable experimental model of testicular diseases in humans. From the veterinary aspect, several disorders have been reported to affect the testis in dogs. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the morphometrical features of the dog testis using design-based stereology. The testes of six male dogs were used. Isotropic, uniform random sections were obtained and processed for light microscopy. Testicular total volume and the fractional volume of the seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissue and germinal epithelium were measured using the Cavalieri's estimator and the point counting system. Germinal epithelial surface area was estimated using test lines, and total length of seminiferous tubules was analysed using the counting frames. The total volume of testis was calculated 13.64 ± 1.94 cm 3 . The relative volume fractions of the seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissue and germinal layer expressed as a percentage of total testicular volume were found to be 75.87 ± 6.11%, 23.68 ± 5.15% and 64.15 ± 4.82%, respectively. The surface area of the germinal layer was 915.25 ± 150.48 cm 2 . The thickness of germinal layer was estimated to be 96.18 ± 10.72 μm. The total length of seminiferous tubules measured 290.8 ± 35.86 m. No statistical difference in investigated parameters was found between the left and right testes (p > 0.05). Our data might contribute to the male reproductive knowledge, help develop experimental studies in this field and possibly lead to advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular diseases in the dog., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting total, true protein and lactoferrin (Lf) concentrations in human milk (HM) and to evaluate the changes in protein concentrations over the course of lactation (first to sixth month postpartum). HM samples were collected from exclusively breastfeeding mothers during six time periods (1-6 months postpartum); 198 breast milk samples were collected in total. The concentrations of total and true protein in HM were determined using the MIRIS human milk analyzer (HMA). The assessment of HM protein content was also performed in skim HM samples and quantified by bicinchoninic methods with the Bicinchoninic Acid Protein Assay Kit. In turn, Lf content in skim HM samples was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in accordance with a slightly modified procedure. In the first month of lactation total protein concentration was negatively correlated with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (r = - 0.397; p = 0.022), whereas in the third month postpartum, positive correlation with maternal age was found (r = 0.399; p = 0.021). Considering Lf concentration, in the first month of lactation, it was positively correlated with baby's birth weight (r = 0.514; p = 0.002). In the next months (from second to sixth) no relationships between Lf concentration and maternal and infants' factors were observed. The concentration of protein and Lf in HM changes dynamically throughout lactation. Maternal and infant characteristics may impact the HM protein and Lf content, especially in the first month postpartum., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used plastics, and the accumulation of PET poses a great threat to the environment. IsPETase can degrade PET rapidly at moderate temperatures, but its application is greatly limited by the low stability. Herein, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with a sequence alignment strategy were adopted to introduce salt bridges into the flexible region of IsPETase to improve its thermal stability. In the designed variants, the T m values of IsPETase I168R/S188D and IsPETase I168R/S188E were 7.4 and 8.7 °C higher than that of the wild type, respectively. The release of products degraded by IsPETase I168R/S188E was 4.3 times that of the wild type. Tertiary structure characterization demonstrated that the structure of the variants IsPETase I168R/S188D and IsPETase I168R/S188E became more compact. Extensive MD simulations verified that a stable salt bridge was formed between the residue R168 and D186 in IsPETase I168R/S188D , while in IsPETase I168R/S188E an R168-D186-E188 salt bridge network was observed. These results confirmed that the proposed computation-based salt bridge design strategy could efficiently generate variants with enhanced thermal stability for the long-term degradation of PET, which would be helpful for the design of enzymes with improved stability., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Background: Adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) who live a sedentary lifestyle may lead to an increased risk of chronic cardiovascular disease in adulthood. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of 8-week progressive rope skipping training on physical, cardiovascular fitness and exercise tolerance of high school students with moderate ID., Methods: Thirty-four senior high school with ID (aged 15-18 years old) were randomised into experimental group received progressive skipping rope exercise (RS, n = 17) and control group no rope skipping exercise intervention group (CON, n = 17). The RS group were received progressive rope skipping exercise for 50 min each time, three times a week, for 8 weeks. The control group was not allowed to participate in intervention activities during the study period. The physical fitness, body composition, arterial stiffness index (ASI) and blood pressure were measured before and after the 8-week intervention., Results: After the 8-week progressive skipping rope exercise intervention, the participants from the RS group increased in the 3-min step test, sit-up test, grip strength and sit and reach test, when compared to the baseline (P < 0.05). The RS group exhibited lower the area under curve of heart rate (HR) during post-exercise recovery (P < 0.05). The participants in the RS group showed significant decreases in systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and HR when compared to the baseline (P < 0.05). Change SBP has moderate positive correlation with change ASI., Conclusions: The results of this experiment suggest that progressive rope skipping exercise might improve physical fitness and promote cardiovascular health, as well as enhance exercise tolerance for adolescent students with moderate ID., (© 2023 MENCAP and International Association of the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Effective cleavage and functionalization of C(OH)-C bonds is of great importance for the production of value-added chemicals from renewable biomass resources such as carbohydrates, lignin and their derivatives. The efficiency and selectivity of oxidative cleavage of C(OH)-C bonds are hindered by their inert nature and various side reactions associated with the hydroxyl group. The oxidative conversion of secondary alcohols to produce aldehydes is particularly challenging because the generated aldehydes tend to be over-oxidized to acids or the other side products. Noble-metal based catalysts are necessary to get satisfactory aldehyde yields. Herein, for the first time, the efficient aerobic oxidative conversion of secondary aromatic alcohols into aromatic aldehydes is reported using non-noble metal catalysts and environmentally benign oxygen, without any additional base. It was found that Cu I -1,10-phenanthroline (Cu-phen) complex showed outstanding performance for the reactions. The C(OH)-C bonds of a diverse array of aromatic secondary alcohols were effectively cleaved and functionalized, selectively affording aldehydes with excellent yields. Detailed mechanism study revealed a radical mediated pathway for the oxidative reaction. We believe that the findings in this work will lead to many explorations in non-noble metal catalyzed oxidative reactions., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Scope: The present study aims to investigate the anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZJ316 (L. plantarum ZJ316) both in vitro and in vivo., Methods and Results: This study finds that L. plantarum ZJ316 effectively suppresses H. pylori adhesion in inhibition (Pre-ZJ316), competition (Co-ZJ316), and displacement (Post-ZJ316) assays, and Pre-ZJ316 displaying the most potent inhibitory effect with an impressive inhibition ratio of 70.14%. Upon anti-adhesion, L. plantarum ZJ316 significantly downregulates the expression of H. pylori virulence genes, including ureA, ureB, flaA, and sabA, with inhibition ratios of 46.83%, 24.02%, 21.42%, and 62.38% at 2 h, respectively. In addition, L. plantarum ZJ316 is observed to reduce the level of interleukin 8 (IL-8) and improve cell viability in infected AGS cells. Furthermore, in vivo studies show that supplementation with L. plantarum ZJ316 effectively hinders H. pylori colonization and significantly suppresses the infiltration of immune cells and IL-8 production with H. pylori infection, protecting host from inflammatory damage., Conclusion: L. plantarum ZJ316 exhibits excellent adhesion inhibition on H. pylori, and may be used as a probiotic candidate in the prevention or adjuvant therapy of gastric disease caused by H. pylori., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Liquid crystal is a state of matter being intermediate between solid and liquid. Liquid crystal materials exhibit both orientational order and fluidity. While liquid crystals have long been highly recognized in the display industry, in recent decades, liquid crystals provide new opportunities into the cross-field of material science and biomedicine due to their biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and responsiveness. In this review, the latest achievements of liquid crystal materials applied in biomedical fields are summarized. The start is made by introducing the basic concepts of liquid crystals, and then shifting to the components of liquid crystals as well as functional materials derived therefrom. After that, the ongoing and foreseeable applications of liquid crystal materials in the biomedical field with emphasis put on several cutting-edge aspects, including drug delivery, bioimaging, tissue engineering, implantable devices, biosensing, and wearable devices are discussed. It is hoped that this review will stimulate ingenious ideas for the future generation of liquid crystal-based drug development, artificial implants, disease diagnosis, health status monitoring, and beyond., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Background: The aim of this study was to describe clinical and imaging features of atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) and the associated risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)., Methods: We conducted a retrospective and comparative study including 51 RA patients with AAS and 51 RA patients without AAS. Atlantoaxial subluxation was defined by the presence of an anterior C1C2 diastasis on the cervical spine radiograph in hyperflexion and/or an anterior, posterior, lateral or rotatory C1C2 dislocation on MRI with/without inflammatory signal., Results: In G1, clinical presentations revealing AAS were mainly neck pain (68.7%) and neck stiffness (29.8%). MRI revealed: diastasis C1C2 (92.5%), periodontoid pannus (92.5%), odontoid erosion (23.5%), vertical subluxation (9.8%) and spinal cord involvement (7.8%). A collar immobilisation and corticosteroid boluses were indicated in 86.3% and 47.1% of cases. C1-C2arthrodesis was performed in 15.4% of cases. Atlantoaxial subluxation was significantly associated with: age at disease onset (p = 0.009), history of joint surgery (p = 0.012), disease duration (p = 0.001), rheumatoid factor (p = 0.01), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (p = 0.02), erosive radiographic status (p < 0.005), coxitis (p < 0.001), osteoporosis (p = 0.012), extra-articular manifestations (p < 0.001), and high disease activity (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified RA duration (p < 0.001, OR = 1.022 CI[1.01-1.034]) and erosive radiographic status (p = 0.01, OR = 21.236 CI[2.05-219.44]) as predictive factors of AAS., Conclusion: Our study showed that longer disease duration and joint destruction are the major predictive factors of AAS. Early treatment initiation, tight-control and regular monitoring of cervical spine involvement are required in these patients., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the major exogenous agent that disturbs tissue homeostasis and hastens the onset of age-related phenotypes (photoaging). Exposure to UV-B radiation promotes apoptosis in human skin cells via induction of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress by activating the PERK-eIF2α-CHOP pathway, which plays a major role in exacerbating skin photoaging. Alleviating the production of ROS and boosting the antioxidant capacity of cells is the foremost therapeutic strategy to avert the repercussions of ultraviolet radiation exposure. In this study, we investigated the role of 3-(1'-methyltetrahydropyridinyl)-2,4-6-trihydroxy acetophenone (IIIM-8) in thwarting the UV-B-induced photoaging. We observed that IIIM-8 ameliorates UV-B-induced oxidative stress, ER stress, Loss of Mitochondrial membrane potential, MAPK activation and Inflammation in irradiated skin cells. Ultraviolet radiation-related damage to fibroblasts within the dermis leads to collagen degradation-the hallmark of photoaging. IIIM-8 substantially restored the synthesis of collagen and prevented its degradation via the downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases. Topical application of IIIM-8 prevented BALB/c mice skin from UV-B-induced leukocyte infiltration, epidermal thickening and disruption of Extracellular matrix components. Implying that IIIM-8 has a strong photoprotective property and has potential to be developed as a topical therapeutic/cosmeceutical agent against UV-B-induced photoaging., (© 2023 American Society for Photobiology.)

Cholesterol sulfate (CS) is an activator of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor α (RORα). CS treatment or RORα overexpression attenuates osteoclastogenesis in a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model. However, the mechanism by which CS and RORα regulate osteoclast differentiation remains largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of CS and RORα in osteoclastogenesis and their underlying mechanism. CS inhibited osteoclast differentiation, but RORα deficiency did not affect osteoclast differentiation and CS-mediated inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. CS enhanced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and sirtuin1 (Sirt1) activity, leading to nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibition by decreasing acetylation at Lys310 of p65. The NF-κB inhibition was restored by AMPK inhibitor, but the effects of CS on AMPK and NF-κB were not altered by RORα deficiency. CS also induced osteoclast apoptosis, which may be due to sustained AMPK activation and consequent NF-κB inhibition, and the effects of CS were significantly reversed by interleukin-1β treatment. Collectively, these results indicate that CS inhibits osteoclast differentiation and survival by suppressing NF-κB via the AMPK-Sirt1 axis in a RORα-independent manner. Furthermore, CS protects against bone destruction in lipopolysaccharide- and ovariectomy-mediated bone loss mouse models, suggesting that CS is a useful therapeutic candidate for treating inflammation-induced bone diseases and postmenopausal osteoporosis., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

In males, the factors that decrease limb muscle mass and strength in response to androgen deprivation are largely unknown. Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) protein levels are lower in the limb muscle of male mice subjected to androgen deprivation. The present study aimed to assess whether SIRT1 induction preserved limb muscle mass and force production in response to androgen deprivation. Physically mature male mice containing an inducible muscle-specific SIRT1 transgene were subjected to a sham or castration surgery and compared to sham and castrated male mice where the SIRT1 transgene was not induced. SIRT1 induction partially preserved whole-body lean mass, tibialis anterior (TA) mass and triceps surae muscle mass in response to castration. Further analysis of the TA muscle showed that muscle-specific SIRT1 induction partially preserved limb muscle soluble protein content and fibre cross-sectional area. Unilateral AAV9-mediated SIRT1 induction in the TA muscle showed that SIRT1 partially preserved mass by acting directly in the muscle. Despite those positive outcomes to limb muscle morphology, muscle-specific SIRT1 induction did not preserve the force generating capacity of the TA or triceps surae muscles. Interestingly, SIRT1 induction in females did not alter limb muscle mass or limb muscle strength even though females have naturally low androgen levels. SIRT1 also did not alter the androgen-mediated increase in limb muscle mass or strength in females. In all, these data suggest that decreases in SIRT1 protein in the limb muscle of males may partially contribute to the loss of limb muscle mass in response to androgen deprivation. KEY POINTS: SIRT1 induction in skeletal muscle of male mice subjected to androgen deprivation partially preserved limb muscle mass and fibre cross-sectional area. SIRT1 induction in skeletal muscle of male mice subjected to androgen deprivation did not prevent preserve limb muscle force generating capacity. SIRT1 induction in skeletal muscle of females did not alter baseline limb muscle mass, nor did it affect the androgen-mediated increase in limb muscle mass., (© 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2023 The Physiological Society.)

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare the functional results of different treatment approaches for the fracture of the coronoid process in terrible triad injury (TTI)., Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial included participants from seven level-1 trauma centres in China. All patients were randomly assigned to three groups, wherein different approaches were applied to treat coronoid fracture: group A) internal fixation of the coronoid process without external fixation or splint (ORIF group), B) external fixation using a hinged fixator without internal fixation (Exfix group), and C) long-arm plaster for two to three weeks postoperatively without internal fixation of coronoid process (Plaster group). Early active motion exercises within the limits of pain were started immediately after surgery under the supervision of a physical therapist. Outcomes were evaluated at regular intervals over the subsequent 12 months., Results: A total of 65 patients (22 patients in Group A, 21 in Group B, and 22 in Group C) were included in this trial from January 2016 to January 2019. The average arc of elbow motion was 114.1° ± 8.92°. The average flexion and flexion contracture were 126.4° ± 11.2° and 12.3° ± 7.7°, respectively. The arcs of forearm rotation of the elbow for each group were 145.41° ± 9.36°, 143.38° ± 9.79°, and 143.86° ± 10.95°, respectively. The MEPS for each group were 86.82 ± 9.7, 86.67 ± 9.92, and 85.23 ± 8.66, respectively. The DASH score for each group were 18.26 ± 19.31, 18.85 ± 15.02, and 20.19 ± 13.59, respectively., Conclusion: All three approaches in our trial showed similar functional results in the long-term survey. Patients treated with external fixation without internal fixation of the coronoid process showed less pain during early mobilization and acquired maximum flexion within a short duration after surgery., (© 2023. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to SICOT aisbl.)

Owing to the intrinsic ability of stem cells to target the tumor environment, stem-cell-membrane-functionalized nanocarriers can target and load active anticancer drugs. In this work, a strategy that focuses on stem cells that self-target pancreatic cancer cells is developed. In particular, malignant deep tumors such as pancreatic cancer cells, one of the intractable tumors that currently have no successful clinical strategy, are available for targeting and destruction. By gaining the targeting ability of stem cells against pancreatic tumor cells, stem cell membranes can encapsulate nano-polylactide-co-glycolide loaded with doxorubicin to target and reduce deep pancreatic tumor tissues. Considering the lack of known target proteins on pancreatic tumor cells, the suggested platform technology can be utilized for targeting any malignant tumors in which surface target receptors are unavailable., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Osteoclasts are the cells responsible for the bone resorption process during bone remodeling. In a healthy situation, this process results from an equilibrium between new matrix formation by osteoblast and matrix resorption by osteoclast. Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic bone disease characterized by a decreased bone mass density and alterations in bone microarchitecture, increasing fracture predisposition. Despite the variety of available therapies for OP management there is a growing gap in its treatment associated to the low patients' adherence owing to concerns related with long-term efficacy or safety. This makes the development of new and safe treatments necessary. Among the newly developed strategies, the use of synthetic and natural nanoparticles to modulate osteoclasts differentiation, activity, apoptosis or crosstalk with osteoblasts have arisen. Synthetic nanoparticles exert their therapeutic effect either by loading antiresorptive drugs or including molecules for osteoclasts gene regulation. Moreover, this control over osteoclasts can be improved by their targeting to bone extracellular matrix or osteoclast membranes. Furthermore, natural nanoparticles, also known as extracellular vesicles, have been identified to play a key role in bone homeostasis. Consequently, these systems have been widely studied to control osteoblasts and osteoclasts under variable environments. Additionally, the ability to bioengineer extracellular vesicles has allowed to obtain biomimetic systems with desirable characteristics as drug carriers for osteoclasts. The analyzed information reveals the possibility of modulating osteoclasts by different mechanisms through nanoparticles decreasing bone resorption. These findings suggest that controlling osteoclast activity using nanoparticles has the potential to improve osteoporosis management. This article is categorized under: Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology., (© 2023 The Authors. WIREs Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes following surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures in an elderly (≥ 65y) and non-elderly (< 65) population., Methods: Patients with tibial plateau fractures were prospectively followed. Patients were included if they were operatively treated, had an Injury Severity Score of < 16, and had follow-up through 12 months. Clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes were evaluated at the 3, 6, and 12-month follow-up points., Results: Mean time to radiographic fracture union was by 4.68 and 5.26 months in young and elderly patients, respectively (p = 0.25). There was no difference in self-reported baseline SMFA (p = 0.617). SMFA scores were better in younger patients at 3 months (p = 0.031), however this did not hold when multivariate modeling controlled for other factors. There was no difference at 6 and 12 months (p = 0.475, 0.392). There was no difference in range of knee motion at 3 months. At 6 and 12 months, young patients had statistically but not clinically better range of knee motion (p = 0.045, 0.007). There were no differences in overall reoperation rates, conversion arthroplasty, post-traumatic osteoarthritis or wound complications., Conclusions: Age greater than 65 does not appear to portend poorer outcomes after surgical repair of a tibial plateau fracture. The complication profiles are similar. Elderly and younger patients had similar function at 12 months compared to their baseline. These data suggest that age should not be a disqualifying factor when considering whether a patient with a tibial plateau fracture should be treated operatively., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature.)

Regenerative wound healing involves the scarless wound healing as observed in fetal skin. Multiple features of regenerative wound healing have been well studied; however, the practical application of pro-regenerative materials to recapitulate the regenerative wound healing in adult skins has not yet been achieved. In this study, the authors identified that their novel pro-regenerative material, pyrogallol-functionalized hyaluronic acid (HA-PG) patches in combination with protein transduction domain-fused Dishevelled (Dvl)-binding motif (PTD-DBM), a peptide inhibiting the CXXC-type zinc finger protein 5 (CXXC5)-Dvl interaction, promoted regenerative wound healing in mice. The HA-PG patches loaded with this competitor peptide and valproic acid (VPA), a glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) inhibitor, significantly inhibited scar formation during wound healing. The HA-PG patches with PTD-DBM and/or VPA inhibit the expression of differentiated cell markers such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) while inducing the expression of stem cell markers such as CD105 and Nestin. Moreover, Collagen III, an important factor for regenerative healing, is critically induced by the HA-PG patches with PTD-DBM and/or VPA, as also seen in VPA-treated Cxxc5 -/- mouse fibroblasts. Overall, these findings suggest that the novel regeneration-promoting material can be utilized as a potential therapeutic agent to promote both wound healing and scar attenuation., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Objective: Assess the acute effects of a high-intensity resistance training session on central blood pressure (CBP) parameters of elderly hypertensive women., Methods: Forty physically active hypertensive women were included in resistance training and control protocols. Resistance training exercises were bench press, leg press and lat pull-down. The resistance training protocol consisted of three sets of 10 repetitions to volitional failure with 90 s of rest between sets. No exercise was performed in the control protocol. CBP parameters were measured in four moments: before (PRE), immediately after (T0), 30 min (T30) and 60 min (T60) following both protocols., Results: Resistance training significantly increased central SBP (cSBP) 107.4 ± 16.3 vs. 117.5 ± 16.7), augmentation index ((24.9 ± 12.7 vs. 33.1 ± 12.0), pulse wave velocity (PWV 9.7 ± 1.0 vs. 10.3 ± 1.1), peripheral pulse pressure (pPP 48.5 ± 11.7 vs. 58.9 ± 13.1), central pulse pressure (cPP 38.3 ± 11.6 vs. 46.5 ± 13.1) and amplified pulse pressure (ampPP 10.2 ± 4.2 vs. 12.4 ± 5.6) immediately after exercises. The comparison between groups showed higher values of cSBP (117.5 ± 16.7 vs. 106.3 ± 14.6), augmentation index (20.9 ± 11.0 vs. 33.1 ± 12.0), pPP (46.6 ± 11.0 vs. 58.9 ± 13.1) and cPP (36 ± 10.2 vs. 46.5 ± 13.1) at T0. After 30 min, all variables returned to the baseline values., Conclusion: High-intensity resistance training session increased CBP parameters immediately after exercises, but those changes were not sustained after 30 min., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Mechanosensing, the active responses of cells to the mechanics on multiple scales, plays an indispensable role in regulating cell behaviors and determining the fate of biological entities such as tissues and organs. Here, I aim to give a pedagogical illustration of the fundamental concepts of soft matter physics that aid in understanding biomechanical phenomena from the scale of tissues to proteins. Examples of up-to-date research are introduced to elaborate these concepts. Challenges in applying physics models to biology have also been discussed for biologists and physicists to meet in the field of mechanobiology., (© 2023 The Author. Development, Growth & Differentiation published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists.)

Background: The objective of the study was to assess clinical and imaging features of rheumatoid arthritis associated with atlantoaxial dislocation (RA-AAD) in comparison to RA without AAD (RA-C) and to identify the associated factors to AAD., Methods: This was a retrospective comparative study including RA patients over 18 years old. The control group of RA-C was matched according to age (±2 years), gender, and RA duration (±2 years). General data, RA characteristics, AAD features, and treatment modalities were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the predictive factors of AAD., Results: A total of 120 patients were included (78 RA-AAD and 42 RA-C); sex-ratio was 0.15. Mean age was 58.55 ± 9.14 years (RA-AAD) versus 60.43 ± 10.78 years (RA-C), (p = 0.31). Regarding RA features, RA-AAD patients have significantly a higher rheumatoid factor (RF) rate (p = 0.002), extra-articular manifestations (p = 0.009) especially osteoporosis (p < 10 -3 ), eye involvement (p = 0.02), coxitis (p < 0.0001), Disease Activity Score (DAS28) (p < 10 -3 ), and global health status scale (HAQ) (p = 0.003). X-ray analysis showed pathologic PADI (<14 mm) in 51.6% of cases. The AADI was pathological (>3 mm) in 100% of patients with the following distribution: 67.9% between (3-6 mm) and 23.3% between (6-9 mm). Atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) was presumed anterior (85.4%), lateral (7.3%) and rotatory (7.3%). The abnormalities observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were: C1-C2 synovitis (61%), confirmed AAD (34.1%) and basilar impression (4.9%). AAD diagnosed by cervical MRI was anterior in 89.8% of cases, lateral (5.3%) and with a double ascending and anterior component in 4.9% of cases. An immobilisation with a type C4 cervical collar was indicated for all the patients and five of them had boluses of corticosteroid (methylprednisolone 1 g/day) for three consecutive days. C1-C2 arthrodesis by trans-articular screwing was performed in four patients with neurological signs or pathological measurements on cervical MRI. The outcome was favourable in 100% of cases after surgical treatment with improvement in neck pain and neurological condition within a mean decline of 4 ± 3 years [1-7]. Multivariate analysis identified coxitis, osteoporosis, high baseline DAS28, and a high rate of RF positivity as predictive factors of AAD., Conclusion: Our results confirmed that predictive factors of AAD were related to higher disease activity and structural damage. These modifiable factors may be prevented by tight control, early treatment, and educating RA patients to improve treatment adherence., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)