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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]

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]

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]

In this work, in situ confinement polymerization was developed for the formation of silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) homogeneously distributed on nitrogen-doped carbon (NCS) utilizing N-vinyl functionalized imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) as stabilizers and carbon precursors. The fabricated AgNC@NCSs exhibited excellent electrochemical and catalytic properties due to their controlled structure and morphology, the unique layered structure of the carbon carriers, and the confinement effect. The AgNC@NCS material was further fabricated for a printing electrode, which also acted as an internal reference for ratiometric and accurate detection. Nitrite was used as a target to verify the feasibility of self-calibrating detection at the AgNC@NCS printing electrode. The present electrochemical sensor demonstrated superior nitrite sensing characteristics, accompanied by a wide linear range (1.12–1400 μM), low detection limit (0.38 μM), high stability, and strong anti-interference ability. Importantly, high reliability of this self-calibrating detection was obtained for nitrate determination in food samples. Our work provides an efficient strategy for the design of self-calibrating electrodes in the area of electrochemical sensing. [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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) participates in diverse physiological processes and contributes to many pathological conditions. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigmental epithelial (RPE) cells plays an essential role in retinal-related diseases, and transforming growth factor β2 (TGF-β2) is known to induce EMT in vitro . However, the effect of TGF-β2 on m6A methylation in RPE cells is not yet known., Methods: RNA-seq and MeRIP-seq were performed to analyze changes at the mRNA and m6A levels after TGF-β2 treatment of human ARPE-19 cells. mRNA levels and total m6A levels were subsequently validated., Results: Sequencing revealed 929 differentially expressed genes and 7328 differentially methylated genes after TGF-β2 treatment. Conjoint analysis identified 290 genes related to microtubule cytoskeleton, focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, cell division, cell cycle, AGE-RAGE, PI3K-Akt and cGMP-PKG pathways. Further analysis revealed that 12 EMT-related genes were altered at the mRNA and m6A levels after TGF-β2 treatment ( CALD1 , CDH2 , FN1 , MMP2 , SPARC , KRT7 , CLDN3 , ELF3 , FGF1 , LOXL2 , SHROOM3 and TGFBI ). Moreover, the total m6A level was also reduced., Conclusions: This study revealed the transcriptional profiling of m6A modification induced by TGF-β2 in RPE cells. Novel connections were discovered between m6A modification and TGF-β2-induced EMT, suggesting that m6A may play crucial roles in the EMT process., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2023 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.)

Germanium (Ge) based nanomaterials are regarded as promising high-capacity anode materials for Na ion batteries, but suffer fast capacity fading problems caused by the alloying/de-alloying reactions of Na-Ge. Herein, we report a new method for preparing highly dispersed GeO 2 by using molecular-level ionic liquids (ILs) as carbon sources. In the obtained GeO 2 @C composite material, GeO 2 exhibits hollow spherical morphology and is uniformly distributed in the carbon matrix. The as-prepared GeO 2 @C exhibits improved Na ion storage performances including high reversible capacity (577 mA h g -1 at 0.1C), rate property (270 mA h g -1 at 3C), and high capacity retention (82.3% after 500 cycles). The improved electrochemical performance could be attributed to the unique nanostructure of GeO 2 @C, the synergistic effect between GeO 2 hollow spheres and the carbon matrix ensures the anode material effectively alleviates the volume expansion and the particle agglomeration problems., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Homogeneous catalysts generally show higher catalytic activities, while heterogeneous catalysts are more easily separated from products. To combine the advantages of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts has been of great interest for many years. Here, we report a kind of facilely prepared cross-linked poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) with swelling property to increase catalytic activities of heterogeneous catalysts. The swelling ability of PILs was greatly affected by cross-linking density and chain length of substituents on imidazolium, and the unique swelling property prompted the nonporous PILs to contact with substrates sufficiently, enhancing their catalytic activities similar to homogeneous ionic liquid monomers.