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Shaojie Bi,1 Juan Zhang,1 Ning Wei,2 Qingbo Zhou,3,4 Chunyan Wang3 1Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Information Center, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Geriatrics, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 4School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Chunyan Wang, Email 201062013735@email.sdu.edu.cnIntroduction: Anemia, characterized by low hemoglobin or erythrocyte levels, is a significant global health issue with severe implications for public health. Recent studies have explored the potential link between anemia and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], yet the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to clarify the possible causal relationship between 25(OH)D levels and anemia risk.Methods: We conducted a comprehensive investigation combining observational and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. The observational study included detailed demographic, comorbidities, and laboratory data collected from 7160 hospitalized patients in China. For the MR analysis, genetic polymorphisms were utilized to assess causal effects.Results: Observational analysis revealed an inverse relationship between 25(OH)D levels and the risk of anemia, with stratified analysis indicating a nonlinear association and a threshold of 48.716 nmol/L. The MR analysis confirmed a protective causal relationship between higher 25(OH)D levels and a reduced risk of anemia. Bidirectional MR analysis found no evidence that anemia influences 25(OH)D levels.Discussion: This study provides strong evidence of a causal link between increased 25(OH)D levels and a lower incidence of anemia. The findings highlight the potential role of vitamin D in anemia prevention, supporting the need for further research into vitamin D supplementation as a strategy to reduce anemia risk.Conclusion: Our findings support the hypothesis that higher 25(OH)D levels are causally associated with a reduced risk of anemia, suggesting vitamin D’s potential role in anemia prevention and public health strategies.Keywords: anemia, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, Mendelian randomization

Jing Yang, Chengsen Shu, Xianfu Shang, Hao Xu, Ning Wei Department of Interventional Radiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ning Wei, Email weiningjieru2006@163.comPurpose: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC) treated by percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting (PTBS) combined with 125I seed intracavitary irradiation and further develop a predictive model related to SII.Methods: A total of 145 patients with EHCC who received PTBS combined with 125I seed implantation were retrospectively analyzed. The optimal cut-off value of SII was identified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression were applied to estimate the prognostic value of SII and identify other significant factors of overall survival (OS). Additionally, a novel nomogram was constructed. The concordance index (C-index), calibration plots and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram model.Results: The optimal cut-off value for preoperative SII of 890.2 stratified the patients into High-SII (H-SII) and Low-SII (L-SII) groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that SII was an independent factor for OS. We also found that better therapeutic effect could be obtained with combined postoperative chemotherapy (P < 0.001). Moreover, we revealed that elevated preoperative CA19-9 (P = 0.038) and TBIL level (P = 0.024) were reason for poor prognosis of EHCC. A well-discriminated and calibrated nomogram was developed to predict the 1-year and 2-year OS of EHCC (C-index: 0.709).Conclusion: The SII may be a feasible and convenient prognosis predictor for EHCC. The comprehensive nomogram based on SII presented in this study is a promising model for predicting OS in EHCC patients after PTBS combined with 125I seed intracavitary irradiation.Keywords: extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, biliary stenting, 125I seed, systemic immune-inflammation index, nomogram

Premise: Whole-genome duplication (neopolyploidy) can instantly differentiate the phenotype of neopolyploids from their diploid progenitors. These phenotypic shifts in organs such as roots and leaves could also differentiate the way neopolyploids interact with microbial species. While some studies have addressed how specific microbial interactions are affected by neopolyploidy, we lack an understanding of how genome duplication affects the diversity and composition of microbial communities., Methods: We performed a common garden experiment with multiple clones of artificially synthesized autotetraploids and their ancestral diploids, derived from 13 genotypes of wild strawberry, Fragaria vesca. We sequenced epiphytic bacteria and fungi from roots and leaves and characterized microbial communities and leaf functional traits., Results: Autotetraploidy had no effect on bacterial alpha diversity of either organ, but it did have a genotype-dependent effect on the diversity of fungi on leaves. In contrast, autotetraploidy restructured the community composition of leaf bacteria and had a genotype-dependent effect on fungal community composition in both organs. The most differentially abundant bacterial taxon on leaves belonged to the Sphingomonas, while a member of the Trichoderma was the most differentially abundant fungal taxon on roots. Ploidy-induced change in leaf size was strongly correlated with a change in bacterial but not fungal leaf communities., Conclusions: Genome duplication can immediately alter aspects of the plant microbiome, but this effect varies by host genotype and bacterial and fungal community. Expanding these studies to wild settings where plants are exposed continuously to microbes are needed to confirm the patterns observed here., (© 2024 The Authors. American Journal of Botany published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Botanical Society of America.)

Visual working memory (VWM) plays a crucial role in temporarily storing and processing visual information, but the nature of stored representations and their interaction with new inputs has long been unclear. The pointer system refers to how VWM links new sensory inputs to stored information using specific cues. This study aimed to investigate whether the pointer system is based on spatial, feature-based, or object-based cues by employing the repetition benefit effect, where memory performance improves with repeated memory items. Across three experiments, we manipulated spatial positions, shapes, and colors as pointer cues to determine how these features affect VWM consolidation and updating. The results showed that while spatial location serves as a strong pointer cue, shape and color features can also effectively reestablish object correspondence in VWM. These findings support the view that the pointer system in VWM is flexible and object-based, utilizing various feature cues to maintain memory continuity. This study provides new insights into how VWM connects new inputs with stored information through the pointer system., (© 2024. The Psychonomic Society, Inc.)

To develop a clean-up material suitable for high-fat food matrices for detecting mycotoxins in yak ghee, an octadecyl-bonded hectorite (Hectorite@NHCO(CH 2 ) 17 CH 3 ) was synthesized through multi-step chemical reactions. A modified QuEChERS-HPLC-MS/MS method for detecting ten mycotoxins in sesame oil in yak ghee was established using Hectorite@NHCO(CH 2 ) 17 CH 3 as clean-up agent. It involved extracting mycotoxin contaminants using acidified acetonitrile and employing the Hectorite@NHCO(CH 2 ) 17 CH 3 to remove interfering substances from the extract. The purified samples were then analyzed using HPLC-MS/MS. Within a linear range of 1.0-500 μg/kg, there was a good linear relationship between the quantification ion peak area of the target analytes and the corresponding concentrations (R 2  ≥ 0.9991). The limit of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.10 μg/kg to 18.62 μg/kg and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) ranged 0.32-62.07 μg/kg. The recoveries at low, medium and high concentrations (25, 100 and 500 μg/kg) ranged from 72.2% to 113.9%, with relative standard deviations (RSD) between 3.2% and 17.5%. The intra-day and inter-day precision met experimental requirements. The proposed method was characterized by a high accuracy and precision, and it could cater to the current demand for detecting ten mycotoxins in yak ghee., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry.)

Background: Pesticide formulations based on nanotechnology can effectively improve the efficiency of pesticide utilization and reduce pesticide residues in the environment. In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles containing disulfide bonds were synthesized by the sol-gel method, carboxylated and adsorbed with lufenuron, and grafted with cellulose to obtain a lufenuron-loaded nano-controlled release formulation (Luf@MSNs-ss-cellulose)., Results: The structure and properties of Luf@MSNs-ss-cellulose were characterized. The results showed that Luf@MSNs-ss-cellulose exhibits a regular spherical shape with 12.41% pesticide loading. The highest cumulative release rate (73.46%) of this pesticide-loaded nanoparticle was observed at 7 days in the environment of glutathione and cellulase, which shows redox-enzyme dual-responsive performance. As a result of cellulose grafting, Luf@MSNs-ss-cellulose had a small contact angle and high adhesion work on corn leaves, indicating good wetting and adhesion properties. After 14 days of spraying with 20 mg L -1 formulations in the long-term control efficacy experiment, the mortality of Luf@MSNs-ss-cellulose against Ostrinia furnacalis larvae (56.67%) was significantly higher than that of commercial Luf@EW (36.67%). Luf@MSNs-ss-cellulose is safer for earthworms and L02 cells., Conclusion: The nano-controlled release formulation obtained in this study achieved intelligent pesticide delivery in time and space under the environmental stimulation of glutathione and cellulase, providing an effective method for the development of novel pesticide delivery systems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Iron is an essential element for microbial survival and secondary metabolism. However, excess iron availability and overloaded secondary metabolites can hinder microbial growth and survival. Microorganisms must tightly control iron homeostasis and secondary metabolism. Our previous studies have found that the stringent starvation protein A (SspA) positively regulates prodiginine biosynthesis by activating iron uptake in Pseudoalteromonas sp. strain R3. It is believed that the interaction between SspA and the small nucleotide ppGpp is important for iron to exert regulation functions. However, the roles of ppGpp in iron absorption and prodiginine biosynthesis, and the underlying relationship between ppGpp and SspA in strain R3 remain unclear. In this study, we found that ppGpp accumulation in strain R3 could be induced by limiting iron. In addition, ppGpp not only positively regulated iron uptake and prodiginine biosynthesis via increasing the SspA level but also directly repressed iron uptake and prodiginine biosynthesis independent of SspA, highlighting the finding that ppGpp can stabilize both iron levels and prodiginine production. Notably, the abolishment of ppGpp significantly increased prodiginine production, thus providing a theoretical basis for manipulating prodiginine production in the future. This dynamic ppGpp-mediated interaction between iron uptake and prodiginine biosynthesis has significant implications for understanding the roles of nutrient uptake and secondary metabolism for the survival of bacteria in unfavorable environments., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In this study, we designed and synthesized two NFREAs, 2BTh-3F and 2BTh-CN, incorporating distinct substituents to modulate their electron-withdrawing properties. We meticulously explore the distinct impacts of these substituents on NFREA performance. Our investigation revealed that the introduction of 3,5-difluoro-4-cyanophenyl in 2BTh-CN significantly enhanced electron withdrawal and intramolecular charge transfer, leading to a red-shifted absorption spectrum and optimized energy levels. Consequently, organic solar cells (OSCs) utilizing 2BTh-CN demonstrate a notable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.07%, outperforming those employing 2BTh-3F (PCE of 9.34%). Moreover, by incorporating 2BTh-CN into the D18:2BTh-C2 system as a third component, we achieve a PCE exceeding 17% in a high-performing ternary OSC, ranking among the most efficient NFREA-based OSCs reported to date. Overall, our study underscores the potential of deliberate design and optimization of non-fused ring acceptor molecular structures to attain outstanding photovoltaic performance.

The escalating threat of healthcare-associated infections highlights the urgent need for biocompatible antibacterial materials that effectively combat drug-resistant pathogens. In this study, we present a novel fabrication method for triple-helical recombinant collagen-silver hybrid nanofibers, specifically designed for anti-Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) applications. Utilizing a silver-mediated crosslinking strategy, we harness a low-power 38 W lamp to enable silver ions (Ag+) to mediate crosslinking across various proteins. Mechanistic insights reveal the pivotal role of nine amino acids in facilitating this reaction. The triple-helical recombinant collagen (THRC) maintains its native structure, forming well-ordered nanofibers, while other globular proteins form a distinctive network-like structure. THRC also serves as a reducing and dispersing agent, facilitating the in situ synthesis of highly dispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (~7 nm in diameter) within the nanofibers. Systematic investigation of the reaction conditions between THRC and Ag+ demonstrates the versatility of this novel approach for nanofiber fabrication. The incorporation of AgNPs imparts exceptional antibacterial activity to the THRC/AgNPs nanofibers, exhibiting a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 19.2 mg/L and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 153.6 mg/L against MRSA. This innovative approach holds significant potential for developing antibacterial protein-based biomaterials for infection management in wound healing and other biomedical applications.&#xD;&#xD;&#xD., (© 2024 IOP Publishing Ltd. All rights, including for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies, are reserved.)

The inherent large HOMO-LUMO gap of alkyl thiol (CnS) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) has limited their application in molecular electronics. This work demonstrates significant enhancement of mechano-electrical sensitivity in CnS SAMs by external compression, achieving a gauge factor (GF) of approximately 10 for C10S SAMs. This GF surpasses values reported for conjugated wires and DNA strands, highlighting the potential of CnS SAMs in mechanosensitive devices. Conductive atomic force microscopy (cAFM) investigations reveal a strong dependence of GF on the alkyl chain length in probe/CnS/Au junctions. This dependence arises from the combined influence of molecular tilting and probe penetration, facilitated by the low Young's modulus of alkyl chains. Theoretical simulations corroborate these findings, demonstrating a shift in the electrode Fermi level toward the molecular resonance region with increasing chain length and compression. Introducing a rigid graphene interlayer prevents probe penetration, resulting in a GF that is largely independent of the alkyl chain length. This highlights the critical role of probe penetration in maximizing mechano-electrical sensitivity. These findings pave the way for incorporating CnS SAMs into mechanosensitive and mechanocontrollable molecular electronic devices, including touch-sensitive electronic skin and advanced sensor technologies. This work demonstrates the potential of tailoring mechanical and electrical properties of SAMs through molecular engineering and interface modifications for optimized performance in specific applications.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) have shown potential as a therapeutic option for lupus nephritis (LN), particularly in patients refractory to conventional treatments. Despite extensive translational research on MSCs, the precise mechanisms by which MSCs migrate to the kidney and restore renal function remain incompletely understood. Here, we aim to clarify the spatiotemporal characteristics of hUC-MSC migration into LN kidneys and their interactions with host cells in microenvironment. This study elucidates that the migration of hUC-MSCs to the LN kidney is driven by elevated levels of CXCL10, predominantly produced by glomerular vascular endothelial cells through the IFN-γ/IRF1-KPNA4 pathway. Interestingly, the blockade of CXCL10-CXCR3 axis impedes the migration of hUC-MSCs to LN kidney and negatively impacts therapeutic outcomes. Single cell-RNA sequencing analysis underscores the importance of this axis in mediating the regulatory effects of hUC-MSCs on the renal immune environment. Furthermore, hUC-MSCs have been observed to induce and secrete interleukin 4 inducible gene 1 (IL4I1) in response to the microenvironment of LN kidney, thereby suppressing Th1 cells. Genetically ablating IL4I1 in hUC-MSCs abolishes their therapeutic effects and prevents the inhibition of CXCR3 + Th1 cell infiltration into LN kidneys. This study provides valuable insights into the significant involvement of CXCL10-CXCR3 axis in hUC-MSC migration to the LN kidneys and the subsequent remodeling of renal immune microenvironment. Regulating the CXCL10-CXCR3 axis and IL4I1 secretion may be developed as a novel therapeutic strategy to improve treatment outcomes of LN., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Fatty liver disease (FLD), a chronic liver disease characterized by excessive lipid deposition, is affecting more and more people worldwide owing to the increasing global incidence of obesity and heavy alcohol consumption. However, there is still no effective strategy for prevention or treatment of alcohol and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced FLD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumol on alcohol and HFD-induced FLD and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that curcumol ameliorated alcohol and HFD-induced hepatocyte injury in vivo and in vitro, and the mechanism might be related to its up-regulation of ceruloplasmin and subsequent alleviation of iron overload. Moreover, curcumol inhibited alcohol and HFD-induced mitochondrial damage and mtDNA release in hepatocytes by modulating iron overload. Furthermore, curcumol's inhibition of mtDNA release could suppress the activation of cGAS-STING and subsequent inflammation, and this phenomenon could be reversed by cGAS overexpression. Notably, alcohol and HFD-induced mtDNA release from hepatocytes contributed to HSC activation and this effect could be weakened by curcumol. In conclusion, these findings elucidated that curcumol ameliorated alcohol and HFD-induced FLD via modulating ceruloplasmin/iron overload/mtDNA signaling pathway, which lead to the inhibition of inflammation and HSCs activation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study successfully designed and synthesized two nonfused ring electron acceptors, 412-6F and 412-6Cl, modified with fluorine and chlorine substituents, respectively. Single-crystal analysis revealed that 412-6F possesses a planar molecular backbone and exhibits pronounced dipole-dipole interactions between the fluorine atoms on the lateral phenyl groups and the carbonyl oxygen atoms on the end groups. This specific interaction promotes dense end-group stacking, leading to a reduced interlayer spacing. Improved crystallinity and coherence length are observed in the D18 : 412-6F blend film. Conversely, 412-6Cl adopts a more distorted configuration and lacks these interactions. As a result, the organic solar cell (OSC) based on D18 : 412-6F achieved a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 18.03 %, surpassing the performance of the D18 : 412-6Cl OSC. This underscores the importance of designing novel acceptors with beneficial intermolecular interactions to enhance OSC efficiency, thus providing a new direction for organic photovoltaic advancement., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The effect of mimetic enzyme catalysis is often limited by insufficient activity and a single therapy is not sufficient to meet the application requirements. In this study, a multifunctional nanozyme, MMSR-pS-PEG, is designed and fabricated by modifying poly (ethylene glycol) grafted phosphorylated serine (pS-PEG) on mesoporous hollow MnMoO x spheres, followed by loading sorafenib (SRF) into the pores. Strain engineering-induced oxygen defects endow the nanozyme with enhanced dual-enzymatic activity to mimic catalase and oxidase-like activities, which catalyze the conversion of endogenous H 2 O 2 into oxygen and subsequently into superoxide ions in the acidic tumor microenvironment. Moreover, as an n-type semiconductor, MnMoO x generates reactive oxygen species by separating electrons and holes upon ultrasonic irradiation and simultaneously deplete glutathione by holes, thereby further augmenting its catalytic effect. As a ferroptosis inducer, SRF restrains the system x c - and indirectly inhibits glutathione synthesis, synergistically interacting with the nanozyme to stimulate ferroptosis by promoting lipid peroxidation and accumulation and the downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 4. These results provide valuable insights into the design of enzymatic therapy with high performance and highlight a promising approach for the synergism of ferroptosis and enzymatic tumor therapy., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The inflammatory potential of diet is crucial in GDM development. This study compares dietary inflammatory indices (DII) in females with and without a history of GDM and constructs a predictive model for prediabetes risk., Methods: Cross-sectional data from NHANES cycles (2011-2014) were analyzed using the DII. Independent t tests, chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U test examined DII scores in relation to GDM history. Multivariate logistic regression assessed DII's association with prediabetes in females with GDM history. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) and LASSO regression modeled non-linear relationships and predicted prediabetes risk., Results: 971 female participants were included. Those with GDM history had lower DII scores (1.62 (0.58, 2.93) vs. 2.05 (0.91, 2.93)). Higher DII scores in females with GDM were linked to prediabetes, remaining significant after adjusting for confounders. RCS analysis found no non-linear correlation (non-linear p = 0.617). The prediabetes model for GDM history had strong predictive performance (AUC = 88.6%, 95% CI: 79.9-97.4%)., Conclusion: Females with GDM history show lower DII levels, potentially reflecting improved diet and health awareness. Higher DII scores correlate with increased prediabetes risk in this group, emphasizing diet's role in diabetes risk. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

In the development of asthma, subepithelial fibrosis and vascular proliferation cause airway remodeling and narrowing, leading to disease deterioration and respiratory failure. In the clinic, the treatment of asthma was aimed at reducing the frequency of acute asthma attacks through inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). However, ICSs cannot prevent the progression into refractory asthma due to the formation of airway remodeling mainly by subepithelial fibrosis and angiogenesis surrounding the tracheal lumen. Herein, we constructed surface-engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs/PVLA) via the bioconjugation of MSCs and reactive oxygen species-responsive polymeric micelles loaded with vactosertib (VST) and linifanib (LFN) for treating refractory asthma through reversing airway remodeling. MSCs/PVLA migrated to the tracheal lumen due to the inflammation tropism of MSCs, and subsequently released VST and LFN could inhibit the formation of airway remodeling by preventing subepithelial fibrosis and angiogenesis. Meanwhile, MSCs reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine secretion to regulate the pathological microenvironment. Our results suggested that MSCs/PVLA could serve as a promising candidate to prevent disease exacerbations and treat refractory asthma., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Fluctuating Asymmetry (FA) in fish otoliths is an indicator of arbitrarily tiny variations between bilateral otolith characters, and it serves as an effective indicator of growth and developmental differences due to environmental conditions. Due to their unique resident traits, the Coilia brachygnathus can provide a potential insight to the environmental pressure reflected by its otolith FA. In this study, 228 C. brachygnathus from Changhu Lake were examined, assessing the Asymmetric Square Coefficient of Variation (CV 2 a ) across four characters: the length, width, perimeter, and area of the left and right lateral sagittal otoliths. Results showed that otolith length exhibited the lowest CV 2 a , while otolith perimeter displayed the highest. Although no clear pattern emerged in the change of CV 2 a with increasing body length for each otolith character, the CV 2 a of otolith width within the 160-180 mm body length group was significantly higher than that in the 120-140 and 220-240 mm groups. Generally, otolith CV 2 a within the middle and upper lake sections surpassed that in the open water sections of the lower reaches. Our findings indicated that ontogenetically, variations in C. brachygnathus otolith FA are linked to its feeding and habitat preferences, while the spatial responsiveness of otolith FA to environmental pressure warrants further exploration. Future studies will encompass the collection of otolith FA data from additional Coilia species, with particular emphasis on distinguishing migratory and sedentary Coilia, ultimately enhancing the reliability and precision of environmental pressure assessments in inland waters., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Marine microplastics (MPs) are recognized as a growing severe environmental concern. The vertical distribution pattern of MPs in the ocean is still elusive. Meanwhile, different sampling methods have been deployed in previous studies, resulting in difficulties in compiling data. In this study, for the first time, we explored ocean interior MP pollution in the Western Pacific Warm Pool simultaneously using both a CTD (Conductivity-temperature-depth) sampler and a large-volume in-situ filtration system. At the same sampling station, the average abundance of microplastics in the water column obtained by the two sampling methods was 0.37 ± 0.44 n/m 3 (in-situ filtration) and 115.12 ± 64.13 n/m 3 (CTD), respectively, which showed significant differences. Both methods found that the main chemical composition and shape of MPs were PET and fiber. Ocean current was identified as the dominant factor that impacted the horizontal distribution of MPs in the study area. The abundance of MPs in the surface layer was 5.4-703.8 times higher than that of the water column. The similar physical and chemical properties of MPs in the surface water and water column indicated that MPs in the water column originate from the sustained release from the surface layer., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Enhancing the effectiveness of utilizing circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for disease screening remains a challenge, necessitating improved sensitivity, specificity, cost-efficiency, and patient adherence. We present here LAMP-MS, an innovative technology that integrates linear amplification with single-base quantitative nucleic acid mass spectrometry on silicon chips. This approach overcomes several limitations in utilizing cfDNA 5-methylcytosine (5 mC) status for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. LAMP-MS enables unbiased amplification of as little as 1 ng of cfDNA, site-specifically quantify methylation levels of multiple 5 mC sites, thereby facilitating cost-effective, high-resolution quantitative detection of cfDNA methylation markers. We have validated the accuracy of DNA methylation determination using DNA probes and cfDNA from patient plasma samples, confirmed by mass spectrometric peak areas. Additionally, we have further shown this Mass Array technology could be expanded to also quantify RNA m 6 A modification sites. Combining the ability to work with ultra-low input materials and a visually interpretable output, LAMP-MS stands out as a promising method for real-world applications in clinics and laboratories for nucleic acid methylation detection and quantification., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the on-chip integration of Ti:sapphire amplifiers and lasers, showing great potential in device miniaturization, cost reduction, and mass production. However, the further integration of such devices on standard CMOS platforms has been challenging due to its limits on the wafer bonding method between gain materials and substrates. Here, we present a novel, to the best of our knowledge, Si 3 N 4 on-chip broadband optical waveguide amplifier scheme with an ultra-wide bandwidth of 650-900 nm and a peak gain of 28 dB based on an ion-sliced Ti:sapphire platform. The difficulty of heterogeneous integration is significantly reduced by growing Si 3 N 4 thin films on Ti:sapphire. Moreover, by using homogeneous bonding combined with ion slicing technology, the target thickness of Ti:sapphire is expected to be easily controlled to less than 1 µm, greatly reducing the device volume and improving its practicality. Through subsequent experimental optimization, this work is expected to provide a new approach for the optimized design and experimental realization of on-chip Ti:sapphire waveguide amplifiers and lasers.

With the rapid advancement of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs), the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs) has surpassed the 20 % threshold, highlighting their considerable potential as next-generation energy conversion devices. In comparison to inorganic or perovskite solar cells, the open-circuit voltage (V oc ) of OSCs is constrained by substantial non-radiative energy losses (ΔE nr ), leading to values notably below those anticipated by the Shockley-Queisser limit. In OSCs, non-radiative energy losses are intimately associated with the electroluminescent quantum efficiency (EQE EL ) of charge transfer states, which is in turn directly affected by the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of acceptor materials. Consequently, enhancing the PLQY of low-bandgap acceptor materials has emerged as a pivotal strategy to effectively mitigate ΔE nr . This review article delves into the intrinsic correlation between molecular structure and PLQY from the vantage point of acceptor material design. It further explores methodologies for designing acceptor materials exhibiting high PLQY, with the ultimate goal of realizing OSCs that combine high efficiency with minimal ΔE nr ., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Dental implants are considered a superior option for the replacement of missing teeth. However, the invasive nature of the surgical procedure often results in significant postoperative inflammation, and the prolonged healing period of 3-6 months presents a notable disadvantage. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a critical mediator of acute inflammation following surgical injury, which can hinder the onset of osseointegration. This study aims to examine whether the inhibition of HMGB1 can mitigate acute inflammation and subsequently enhance osseointegration. The findings indicate that HMGB1 inhibition markedly reduces inflammation and promotes bone repair in murine models. Further in vitro investigations into the regulatory mechanisms of HMGB1 in macrophages reveal its role in increasing Yes-associated protein (YAP) activity, which contributes to pro-inflammatory polarization. Additionally, conditioned media derived from macrophages influenced by HMGB1 significantly impair the migratory and osteogenic capabilities of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, which are essential for bone regeneration. In vivo experiments further validate that the administration of exogenous HMGB1 exacerbates postoperative acute inflammation and obstructs osseointegration. The study concludes that inhibiting HMGB1 fosters an anti-inflammatory polarization of macrophages, leading to diminished postoperative acute inflammation and expedited osseointegration around dental implants in mice., Competing Interests: Disclosure statement The authors have nothing to disclose and declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To aim of this study is to assess the impact of an internet-enabled nursing model, led by specialized nurses within a framework of multidisciplinary collaboration, on both, patients diagnosed with hypertension, and their respective caregivers., Methods: A total of 158 patients with hypertension, along with their corresponding caregivers, were meticulously selected and paired. By using a random number table method, participants were allocated into either a control group or an observation group. The control group received conventional health education, blood pressure monitoring, and routine telephone follow-ups administered by designated nurses. Conversely, patients in the observation group underwent treatment within an internet-enabled nursing model, led by specialist nurses within a multidisciplinary collaborative framework. Parameters including systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings of the patients, as well as their scores in compliance with the hypertension treatment, quality of life, and caregiving proficiency of family members, which were meticulously documented prior to intervention (T 0 ), as well as at 3- and 6-month intervals post-intervention (T 1 and T 2 )., Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels among patients, as well as in their scores reflecting compliance with hypertension treatment, quality of life, and caregiving proficiency of family members, when comparing pre- and post-intervention periods within each group, across groups, and within the interaction effect (p < 0.05). Also, there were statistically significant differences in the aforementioned parameters between the two groups at adjacent time points (p < 0.05). Specifically, patients within the observation group exhibited notable reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels at both T 1 and T 2 , alongside heightened scores indicative of enhanced compliance with hypertension treatment, enhanced quality of life, and increased caregiving proficiency among family members, when compared to patients within the control group (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: The implementation of an internet-enabled nursing model, overseen by specialized nurses within a framework of multidisciplinary collaboration, demonstrates superior efficacy in preserving the stability of blood pressure among patients with hypertension. This model significantly enhances patient compliance with treatment regimens, enhances their overall quality of life, and fosters heightened caregiving proficiency among their respective caregivers., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Sustained deep emission reduction in road transportation is encountering bottleneck. The Intelligent Transportation-Speed Guidance System (ITSGS) is anticipated to overcome this challenge and facilitate the achievement of low-carbon and clean transportation. Here, we compiled vehicle emission datasets collected from real-world road experiments and identified the mapping relationships between four pollutants (CO 2 , CO, NO x , and THC) and their influencing factors through machine learning. We developed random forest models for each pollutant and achieved strong predictive performance, with an R 2 exceeding 0.85 on the test dataset for all models. The environmental benefits of ITSGS at the urban scale were quantified by combining emission models with large-scale real trajectory data from Zibo, Shandong Province. Based on temporal and spatial analyses, we found that ITSGS has varying degrees of emission reduction potential during the morning peak, flat peak, and evening peak hours. Values can range from 5.71 %-8.16 % for CO 2 emissions, 13.63 %-16.25 % for NO x emissions, 13.69 %-16.45 % for CO emissions, and 4.84-7.07 % for THC emissions, respectively. Additionally, ITSGS can significantly expand the area of low transient emission zones. The best time for achieving maximum environmental benefits from ITSGS is during the workday flat peak. ITSGS limits high-speed and aggressive driving behavior, thereby smoothing the driving trajectory, reducing the frequency of speed switches, and lowering road traffic emissions. The results of the ITSGS environmental benefits evaluation will provide new insights and solutions for sustainable road traffic emission reduction. SYNOPSIS: Large-scale deployment of Intelligent Transportation - Speed Guidance System is a sustainable solution to help achieve low-carbon and clean transportation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) regulates mRNA transcription by promoting RNA Pol II elongation. CDK9 is now emerging as a potential therapeutic target for cancer, since its overexpression has been found to correlate with cancer development and worse clinical outcomes. While much work on CDK9 inhibition has focused on hematologic malignancies, the role of this cancer driver in solid tumors is starting to come into focus. Many solid cancers also overexpress CDK9 and depend on its activity to promote downstream oncogenic signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the latest knowledge of CDK9 biology in solid tumors and the studies of small molecule CDK9 inhibitors. We discuss the results of the latest clinical trials of CDK9 inhibitors in solid tumors, with a focus on key issues to consider for improving the therapeutic impact of this drug class., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

To investigate the status of social jet lag (SJL) through sociodemographic factors among clinical nurses and examine the correlation with burnout. There has been relatively little research on the possible factors resulting in SJL among nurses in China and its role in burnout. A multicenter cross-sectional study recruited 596 nurses from 7 Chinese hospitals. Online questionnaires were delivered to assess sociodemographics, shift work, SJL, chronotypes, and the burnout of nurses. Nurses had severe levels of SJL. The number of children, forms of employment, specialty area, length of professional service, and chronotypes were the main predictors of SJL. Moreover, SJL affected burnout (emotional exhaustion and deindividuation), and reducing the nurses' SJL could relieve their burnout. Additional evidence-based interventions indicate that reducing the SJL is essential as the nurses are suffering severe job burnout., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, poses a significantly public health challenge. Extensive research highlights that contemporary dietary patterns, characterized by excessive intake of sugar, fat, and protein, are major contributors to the onset and progression of diabetes. The central element to this process is the aberrant activation of the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) - receptor for AGEs (RAGE) - oxidative stress axis, which plays a pivotal role in disrupting normal carbohydrate metabolism. This pathway presents a critical target for developing interventions aimed at mitigating diabetes and its complications. In recent years, natural polysaccharides have emerged as promising agents in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, due to their ability to inhibit AGE formation, regulate RAGE expression, and modulate the AGEs-RAGE-oxidative stress axis. In this paper, we explore the pathogenic mechanism of this axis and review the therapeutic potential of natural polysaccharides in managing diabetes and its complications. Our goal is to provide new insights for the effective management of diabetes and its associated health challenges., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Growing evidence has found the critical role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (S-AKI). CircTMCO3 has been found to be involved in tumor microenvironment changes of ovarian cancer. This study aimed to explore whether circTMCO3 functions in S-AKI, and if so, to elucidate the molecular mechanism., Methods: CircTMCO3 expression was analyzed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced HK-2 cells and in the kidney tissues of mice treated with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), respectively. Furthermore, the effects of circTMCO3 on S-AKI and the related mechanisms were evaluated in both models through gain- and/or loss-of-function strategies., Results: CircTMCO3 expression was suppressed in both S-AKI models. Upregulation of circTMCO3 mitigated LPS-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation in HK-2 cells. In contrast, circTMCO3 downregulation exacerbated LPS-induced injuries in HK-2 cells. Intravenous injection of circTMCO3 lentivirus to increase circTMCO3 expression improved renal function and attenuated kidney injury in S-AKI mice, as evidenced by the decrease in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations, amelioration of tubular pathological injury, reduction of renal cell apoptosis, and mitigation of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Moreover, circTMCO3 directly targeted miR-218-5p, and the mimic of which abolished the protective effect of circTMCO3 in cell models. ZEB2 was identified to be a target of miR-218-5p; its downregulation not only reversed the impacts of miR-218-5p inhibitor on S-AKI, but also mitigated the effects mediated by circTMCO3 upregulation in vitro., Conclusions: CircTMCO3 protects against S-AKI by regulating miR-218-5p/ZEB2 axis, thereby mediating anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This indicates that increasing circTMCO3 expression might be a future therapeutic method for S-AKI., (Copyright © 2024 by the Shock Society.)

Background: Metal-organic frameworks have the advantages of easy synthesis, high loading capacity and good biocompatibility, making them essential materials for constructing pesticide nano-delivery systems. In this study, a pH-responsive nano-controlled-release formulation Chl@UiO-66 was prepared using UiO-66 as the nano-scale carrier for adsorbing chlorantraniliprole (Chl)., Results: The appearance, pesticide loading, release behaviour, insecticidal activity, long-term control efficacy and safety of Chl@UiO-66 for non-target organisms were extensively evaluated. The results showed that the prepared Chl@UiO-66 was a regular octahedron with a uniform particle size of 230 nm and pesticide loading of 15.62%. The release of pesticides under alkaline conditions was superior to that under acidic and neutral conditions, which showed pH-responsive performance. Chl@UiO-66 had an excellent ability to protect pesticides from ultraviolet degradation. Compared with chlorantraniliprole suspension concentrate, Chl@UiO-66 had a better control effect against Spodoptera frugiperda and long-term control efficacy. The prepared nano-controlled-release formulation had low toxicity to zebrafish, earthworms and human BEAS-2B cells., Conclusion: Chl@UiO-66 is a new pesticide formulation with high efficacy and low toxicity that provides a smart controlled-release solution. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Indoor fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) poses a considerable hazard to the aging process, particularly in vulnerable populations such as schizophrenia patients who frequently spend extended periods in indoor environments. Currently, the evidence on which PM 2.5 components contribute to accelerated aging remains unclear. To address these issues, we conducted a prospective, repeated-measurement study on 104 schizophrenia patients. Our findings indicated that exposure to PM 2.5 components was significantly associated with accelerated biological aging in schizophrenia patients. Notably, the most prominent effects were observed for thallium (1.303, 95 % CI: 0.481-2.125), chromium (1.029, 95 % CI: 0.303-1.756), lead (1.021, 95 % CI: 0.296-1.746), antimony (0.915, 95 % CI: 0.233-1.597), selenium (0.854, 95 % CI: 0.209-1.499), and manganese (0.833, 95 % CI: 0.186-1.480). Multivariate analysis revealed that PM 2.5 components predominantly induced alterations in serum glycerophospholipid metabolites, accelerating the aging process. This intricate connection was closely linked to the gut microbiota, particularly to species such as Dorea and Blautia. Mediation analysis showed that the Blautia-PC (16:0/0:0) pathway mediated the largest proportion (30.69 %) of the effect of manganese exposure on accelerating immune biological aging in schizophrenia patients, as measured using the Klemera-Doubal method. These results underscore the need to address pollution sources that harm health, and provide new evidence for improving regional air quality., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) have demonstrated significant benefits for reducing multivalent metal contamination. Using Achromobacter xylosoxidans BP1 isolated from a coal chemical site in China, this study elucidated the contribution of EPS production to Cr (VI) reduction and revealed its biological removal mechanism. BP1 grew at an optimum pH of 8 and the lowest inhibitory concentration of Cr(VI) was 300 mg/L. The spent medium completely removed Cr(VI), whereas resting cells were only able to remove 10.47 % and inactivated cells were nearly incapable of Cr(VI) removal. S-EPS and B-EPS reduced Cr(VI) by 98.59 % and 11.64 %, respectively. SEM-EDS analysis showed that the BP1 cells were stimulated to produce EPS under Cr stress. The XPS results showed that 29.63 % of Cr(VI) was enriched by intracellular bioaccumulation or biosorption and 70.37 % of Cr(VI) was reduced by extracellular enzymes to produce Cr(OH) 3 and organic Cr(III) complexes. According to FTIR, EPS with -OH, COO-, and amide groups supplied binding sites and electrons for the reductive adsorption of Cr(VI). Genomic studies showed that BP1 primarily produces extracellular polysaccharides, metabolises sulphur and nitrogen, and reduces reactive oxygen species damage as a result of DNA repair proteases., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The emergence of drug resistance to virus (i.e., acyclovir (ACV) to herpesviruses) has been termed one of the common clinical issues, emphasizing the discovery of new antiviral agents. To address it, a genome-wide clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) screening was performed in mouse haploid embryonic stem cells infected with pseudorabies virus (PRV), an α-herpesvirus causing human and pig diseases. The results demonstrated that type 2 voltage-gated chloride channels (CLC-2) encoded by one of the identified genes, CLCN2, is a potential drug target for anti-herpesvirus therapy. CLC-2 inhibitors, omeprazole (OME) and 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), can efficiently inhibit infection of multiple herpesviruses in cellulo (i.e., PRV, HSV and EBV), and effectively treat murine herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). Additionally, DIDS was found to inhibit HSV-1 replication by blocking the PI3K/Akt pathway. Most importantly, both DIDS and OME were able to inhibit ACV-resistant HSV-1 strain infection. The study's findings suggest that targeting host-cell factors such as CLC-2 may be a promising approach to tackling herpesvirus drug resistance. The discovery of CLC-2 as a potential drug target for anti-herpesvirus therapy provides a new direction for the development of novel antiviral agents., (© 2024. Science China Press.)

In contrast to acid mine drainage, the microbial assembly and (bio)geochemical processes in alkaline mine conditions remain under-investigated. Here, microbe-water-mineral interactions were systematically investigated in two representative iron mines with alkaline conditions in the Panxi mining area, Southwest China. Compared to reference riverine samples less interfered by mining activities, the iron ore samples, composed of vanadium-titanium magnetite and pyroxene-rich bedrocks, exhibited elevated levels of Fe, HCl-extractable Fe(II), total sulfur, nitrate and sulfate, but lower total carbon (TC). Meanwhile, the mine drainage showed significantly higher sulfate, but lower TC concentrations than the riverine samples. Intriguingly, the Serpentinimonas spp., typically reported in serpentinites, prevailed in the microbial communities from the mine samples exhibiting higher pH. This suggests that the alkaline environments in Panxi mines result from serpentinization-like reactions. Enrichment of Thiobacillus spp. was observed in the mine-dwelling microbial communities, positively correlated with total sulfur, sulfate, nitrate, and Fe(II). Genome-resolved metagenomics suggested a chemoautotrophic lifestyle for the Thiobacillus species (e.g., carbon fixation, sulfur oxidation, and oxygen respiration), which may generate H + and mitigate alkalization. This study provides valuable insights into progressive development of alkaline mine ecosystems and offers guidance for developing appropriate engineering strategies to restore the abandoned alkaline mines., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To investigate the diagnostic performance of Node Reporting and Data System (Node-RADS) combined with computed tomography (CT) radiomics for assessing nonenlargement regional lymph nodes in gastric cancer (GC)., Methods: Preoperative CT images were retrospectively collected from 376 pathologically confirmed of gastric adenocarcinoma from January 2019 to December 2023, with 605 lymph nodes included for analysis. They were divided into training (n = 362) and validation (n = 243) sets. Radiomics features were extracted from venous-phase, and the radiomics score was obtained. Clinical information, CT parameters, and Node-RADS classification were collected. A combined model was built using machine-learning approach and tested in validation set using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Further validation was conducted in different subgroups of lymph node short-axis diameter (SD) range., Results: Node-RADS score, SD, maximum diameter of thickness of tumor, and radiomics were identified as the most predictive factors. The results demonstrated that the integrated model combining SD, maximum diameter of thickness of tumor, Node-RADS, and radiomics outperformed the model excluding radiomics, yielding an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 compared with 0.79, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis based on different SDs of lymph nodes also revealed enhanced diagnostic accuracy when incorporating the radiomics score for the 4- to 7.9-mm subgroups, all P < 0.05. However, for the 8- to 9.9-mm subgroup, the combination of the radiomics did not significantly improve the prediction, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.85 versus 0.85, P = 0.877., Conclusion: The integration of radiomics scores with Node-RADS assessments significantly enhances the accuracy of lymph node metastasis evaluation for GC. This combined model is particularly effective for lymph nodes with smaller standard deviations, yielding a marked improvement in diagnostic precision., Clinical Relevance Statement: The findings of this study indicate that a composite model, which incorporates Node-RADS, radiomics features, and conventional parameters, may serve as an effective method for the assessment of nonenlarged lymph nodes in GC., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The investigation of important prevalent tick-borne pathogens is central to the control of tick-borne diseases. To understand the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Borrelia miyamotoi, and the Alongshan virus in ticks and patients in Shaanxi Province, China, a total of 670 adult ticks and 524 patient blood samples were collected in the region between 2022 and 2023. In this study, PCR was used to estimate the prevalence of the three pathogens. The results revealed that the overall positive rates of B. burgdorferi s.l, B. miyamotoi, and ALSV infection in the collected ticks were 13.58 %, 2.46 %, and 4.17 %, respectively. Three genospecies of B. burgdorferi s.l. were detected in this study, namely, B. garinii, B. afzelii, and B. bavariensis, with positive rates of 4.63 %, 3.58 %, and 5.37 %, respectively. The prevalence rates of B. miyamotoi, ALSV  and B. burgdorferi s.l. in the patients were 0.38 %, 0.95 %, and 15 %, respectively. Moreover, B. burgdorferi s.l. and ALSV coinfection was also detected in three patients. Evolutionary analysis revealed that the isolate of B. miyamotoi belongs to the Asian type (Siberian type) and that of ALSV is closely related to that of Finland. To our knowledge, this is the first report on B. miyamotoi and ALSV detection in both ticks and humans in Shaanxi Province; the prevalence indicates that the regions in this province might be endemic areas. The results also suggest that humans in these regions are at risk of infection with these three tick-borne diseases., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors declare no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

There is limited research on the relationship between membrane fouling and microbial metabolites in the nitrogen removal process coupled with membrane bioreactors (MBRs). In this study, we compared anoxic-oxic (AO) and partial nitritation-anammox (PNA), which were selected as representative heterotrophic and autotrophic biological nitrogen removal-coupled MBR processes for their fouling behavior. At the same nitrogen loading rate of 100 mg/L and mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration of 4000 mg/L, PNA-MBR exhibited more severe membrane fouling compared to AO-MBR, as evidenced by monitoring changes in transmembrane pressure (TMP). In the autotrophic nitrogen removal process, without added organic carbon, the supernatant of PNA-MBR had higher concentrations of protein, polysaccharides, and low-molecular-weight humic substances, leading to a rapid flux decline. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) extracted from suspended sludge and cake sludge in PNA-MBR also contributed to more severe membrane fouling than in AO-MBR. The EPS subfractions of PNA-MBR exhibited looser secondary structures in protein and stronger surface hydrophobicity, particularly in the cake sludge, which contained higher contents of humic substances with lower molecular weights. The higher abundances of Candidatus Brocadia and Chloroflexi in PNA-MBR could lead to the production of more hydrophobic organics and humic substances. Hydrophobic metabolism products as well as anammox bacteria were deposited on the hydrophobic membrane surface and formed serious fouling. Therefore, hydrophilic membrane modification is more urgently needed to mitigate membrane fouling when running PNA-MBR than AO-MBR.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are fundamental to the translation machinery with emerging roles in transcriptional regulation. Previous cellular studies have demonstrated tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (YARS1 or TyrRS) as a stress response protein through its cytosol-nucleus translocation to maintain cellular homeostasis. Here, we established a mouse model with a disrupted TyrRS nuclear localization signal, revealing its systemic impact on metabolism. Nuclear TyrRS deficiency (Yars ΔNLS ) led to reduced lean mass, reflecting a mild developmental defect, and reduced fat mass, possibly due to increased energy expenditure. Consistently, Yars ΔNLS mice exhibit improved insulin sensitivity and reduced insulin levels, yet maintain normoglycemia, indicative of enhanced insulin action. Notably, Yars ΔNLS mice also develop progressive hearing loss. These findings underscore the crucial function of nuclear TyrRS in the maintenance of fat storage and hearing and suggest that aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases' regulatory roles can affect metabolic pathways and tissue-specific health. This work broadens our understanding of how protein synthesis interconnects metabolic regulation to ensure energy efficiency., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest with the contents of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study underscores the significance of precisely manipulating the morphology of the active layer in organic solar cells (OSCs). By blending polymer donors of D18 with varying molecular weights, a multiscale interpenetrating fiber network structure within the active layer is successfully created. The introduction of 10% low molecular weight D18 (LW-D18) into high molecular weight D18 (HW-D18) produces MIX-D18, which exhibits an extended exciton diffusion distance and orderly molecular stacking. Devices utilizing MIX-D18 demonstrate superior electron and hole transport, improves exciton dissociation, enhances charge collection efficiency, and reduces trap-assisted recombination compared to the other two materials. Through the use of the nonfullerene acceptor L8-BO, a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.0% is achieved. This methodology, which integrates the favorable attributes of high and low molecular weight polymers, opens a new avenue for enhancing the performance of OSCs., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Background: The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R), a cannabinoid receptor primarily expressed in immune cells, has been found in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus, where it plays crucial roles in modulating various neural functions, including synaptic plasticity, neuroprotection, neurogenesis, anxiety and stress responses, and neuroinflammation. Despite this growing understanding, the intricate electrophysiological characteristics of hippocampal neurons in CB2R knockout (CB2R KO) mice remain elusive. Aim and Methods: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the electrophysiological traits of hippocampal synaptic and network functions in CB2R KO mice. The focus was on aspects such as synaptic transmission, short- and long-term synaptic plasticity, and neural network synchrony (theta oscillations). Results: Our findings unveiled multiple functional traits in these CB2R KO mice, notably elevated synaptic transmission in hippocampal CA1 neurons, decreased both synaptic short-term plasticity (paired-pulse facilitation) and long-term potentiation (LTP), and impaired neural network synchronization. Conclusion: In essence, this study yields insightful revelations about the influence of CB2Rs on hippocampal neural functions. By illuminating the electrophysiological modifications in CB2R KO mice, our research enriches the comprehension of CB2R involvement in hippocampal function. Such insights could hold implications for advancing our understanding of the neural mechanisms under the influence of CB2Rs within the brain.

Aim: This study aimed to assess hard and soft tissue contour changes following micro crestal flap-alveolar ridge preservation (MCF-ARP) and natural healing (NH) in periodontally compromised molar extraction sites and to analyse the feasibility and need for bone augmentation during implant therapy., Materials and Methods: Fifty-six patients with 70 sites were randomized into two groups at the site level (35 sites from 31 patients in the test group and 35 sites from 29 patients in the control group). Among whom, four patients contributed one tooth to the control group and one tooth to the test group. Hard tissue indicators were measured using cone beam computed tomography performed before tooth extraction and 6 months after surgery. Soft tissue contour changes were assessed using intraoral scanning performed before and immediately after surgery and also 2 weeks and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery., Results: Six months after surgery, the MCF-ARP group showed less resorption in buccal bone height (p = .032) and greater augmentation in central bone height (p = .001) and ridge width (p = .009). The mean, vertical and horizontal collapse of buccal soft tissue contour in the MCF-ARP group were 0.95 mm (p = .010), 0.61 mm (p = .019) and 0.56 mm (p = .013) less than that in the NH group, respectively. There were significantly (p = .007) fewer sites in the MCF-ARP group than in the NH group (0% vs. 26.7%) for staged bone augmentation and more sites that could be treated with simple implant procedure in the MCF-ARP group than in the NH group (71.9% vs. 56.6%)., Conclusions: Compared with NH, MCF-ARP reduced bone resorption in periodontally compromised molar extraction sites and maintained the buccal soft tissue contour. MCF-ARP reduces the need for complex bone augmentation procedures in implant therapy., Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR) ChiCTR2200056335. Registered on 4 February 2022, Version 1.0., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Lignin serves as a primary abundant source of renewable aromatic compounds. Achieving efficient breakdown of lignin and retaining its aromatic properties is highly desirable but remains a challenging task. To address this challenge, we synthesized Anderson-type polyoxometalate (POM) catalysts, particularly [CTAC] 2 [CoMo 6 ]. We then investigated the effectiveness of the POM catalysts in the oxidative depolymerization of larch lignin. Under conditions of 160 °C, 1.0 MPa oxygen atmosphere, and a catalyst-to-substrate ratio of 1:5, we achieved a monomer yield of phenolic compounds at 12.43 wt%. The unsaturated coordination sites of Mo 5+ within the catalysts were identified as active sites, facilitating enhanced O 2 adsorption and activation. The enhanced O 2 adsorption significantly influenced the production of aromatic monomers from lignin. We observed that the catalysts effectively cleaved CC bonds in β-O-4 dimer compounds using lignin dimer model compounds. Notably, the [CTAC] 2 [CoMo 6 ] catalyst exhibited excellent stability across five cycles, maintaining its high efficiency in lignin depolymerization. This indicates that Anderson-type POM-based catalysts exhibit potential for sustainable conversion of biomass into valuable compounds and for enhancing lignin valorization processes., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: Pharmacological activation of neuronal Kv7 channels by the antiepileptic drug retigabine (RTG; ezogabine) has been proven effective in treating partial epilepsy. However, RTG was withdrawn from the market due to the toxicity caused by its phenazinium dimer metabolites, leading to peripheral skin discoloration and retinal abnormalities. To address the undesirable metabolic properties of RTG and prevent the formation of phenazinium dimers, we made chemical modifications to RTG, resulting in a new RTG derivative, 1025c, N,N'-{4-[(4-fluorobenzyl) (prop-2-yn-1-yl)amino]-1,2-phenylene}bis(3,3-dimethylbutanamide)., Methods: Whole-cell recordings were used to evaluate Kv7 channel openers. Site-directed mutagenesis and molecular docking were adopted to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying 1025c and Kv7.2 interactions. Mouse seizure models of maximal electroshock (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scPTZ), and PTZ-induced kindling were utilized to test compound antiepileptic activity., Results: The novel compound 1025c selectively activates whole-cell Kv7.2/7.3 currents in a concentration-dependent manner, with half-maximal effective concentration of .91 ± .17 μmol·L -1 . The 1025c compound also causes a leftward shift in Kv7.2/7.3 current activation toward a more hyperpolarized membrane potential, with a shift of the half voltage of maximal activation (ΔV 1/2 ) of -18.6 ± 3.0 mV. Intraperitoneal administration of 1025c demonstrates dose-dependent antiseizure activities in assays of MES, scPTZ, and PTZ-induced kindling models. Moreover, through site-directed mutagenesis combined with molecular docking, a key residue Trp236 has been identified as critical for 1025c-mediated activation of Kv7.2 channels. Photostability experiments further reveal that 1025c is more photostable than RTG and is unable to dimerize., Significance: Our findings demonstrate that 1025c exhibits potent and selective activation of neuronal Kv7 channels without being metabolized to phenazinium dimers, suggesting its developmental potential as an antiseizure agent for therapy., (© 2024 International League Against Epilepsy.)