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ABSTRACT Hyaluronic acid (HA) is extensively utilized in biomedical applications, and its functionality can be enhanced by introducing aldehyde groups (─CHO) through oxidation. In this study, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) was used to treat aqueous HA solutions, resulting in the formation of plasma‐modified HA (PMHA) containing ─CHO groups. The free radicals generated from interactions between water molecules and CAP particles reacted with HA, leading to the oxidation of hydroxyl groups into ─CHO and the cleavage of glycosidic bonds, causing molecular depolymerization. The PMHA was then used to synthesize hydrogels in combination with carboxymethyl chitosan and ɛ‐polylysine. This study presents an effective approach for generating HA with aldehyde functionalities and offers insights into the interaction between CAP and polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral changes or neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) are common features in dementia and are associated with accelerated cognitive impairment and earlier deaths. However, how NPSs are intertwined with cognitive decline remains elusive. In this study, we identify that the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is a key brain region that is associated with mood disorders and memory decline in the AD course. During the process from pre‐ to post‐onset in AD, the dysfunction of parvalbumin (PV) interneurons and pyramidal neurons in the amygdala leads to hyperactivity of pyramidal neurons in the basal state and insensitivity to external stimuli. We further demonstrate that serotonin (5‐HT) receptors in distinct neurons synergistically regulate the BLA microcircuit of AD rather than 5‐HT levels, in which both restrained inhibitory inputs by excessive 5‐HT1AR signaling in PV interneurons and depolarized pyramidal neurons via upregulated 5‐HT2AR contribute to aberrant neuronal hyperactivity. Downregulation of these two 5‐HT receptors simultaneously enables neurons to resist β‐amyloid peptides (Aβ) neurotoxicity and ameliorates the mood and cognitive defects. Therefore, our study reveals a crucial role of 5‐HT receptors for regulating neuronal homeostasis in AD pathogenesis, and this would provide early intervention and potential targets for AD cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high‐performance TiO2/GO‐Fe3+/2+‐based N‐type thermo‐electrochemical cell (TEC) is demonstrated and prepared P‐N combined power generator prototypes combining BST/FeCN3‐/4−‐based P‐type TEC that is reported in the previous work. The functional groups on the TiO2/GO in the electrolyte can adjust the solvation structure of Fe3+/2+ to improve the Se value. In addition, TiO2 acts as a relay reaction site to improve charge transport efficiency. The synergistic effect results in Se of 2.53 mV K−1 and a maximum output power density of 0.38 W m−2. Besides, both flexible and rigid power generator prototypes are prepared. It is worth noting that the flexible prototype can generate an open‐circuit voltage of 1.27 V and power an electronic watch by using the temperature difference between the human body and the environment. This work demonstrates the potential of TEC for low‐grade heat energy recovery and powering wearable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, two atomically precise silver nanoclusters, Ag54 and Ag33, directed by inner anion templates (CrO42− and/or Cl−), are initially isolated as a mixed phase from identical reactants across a wide temperature range (20–80 °C). Interestingly, fine‐tuning the reaction temperature can realize pure phase synthesis of the two nanoclusters; that is, a metastable Ag54 is kinetically formed at a low temperature (20 °C), whereas such a system is steered towards a thermodynamically stable Ag33 at a relatively high temperature (80 °C). Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry illustrates that the stability of Ag33 is superior to that of Ag54, which is further supported by density functional theory calculations. Importantly, the difference in structural stability can influence the pathway of 1,4‐bis(pyrid‐4‐yl)benzene induced transformation reaction starting from Ag54 and Ag33. The former undergoes a dramatic breakage‐reorganization process to form an Ag31 dimer (Ag31), while the same product can be also achieved from the latter following a noninvasive ligand exchange process. Both the Ag54 and Ag33 have the potential for further remote laser ignition applications. This work not only demonstrates how temperature controls the isolation of a specific phase, but also sheds light on the structural transformation pathway of nanoclusters with different stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the stochastic weak local exponential stability of stochastic differential systems with state‐dependent delay (SDD) subject to average‐delay impulses by using Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and stochastic analytical skill. Unlike time‐dependent delay discussed in the previous literature, we introduce SDD in impulsive stochastic differential systems, where SDD is a stochastic variable associated with system state, consequently leading to an indeterminate delay boundary. Our findings reveal that when destabilizing delayed impulses satisfying specific conditions are generated, the stability of stochastic differential systems with destabilizing delayed impulses and stable continuous stochastic dynamics can still be maintained. Additionally, if stable delayed impulses satisfy certain conditions, stability of the systems under consideration can also be achieved, irrespective of the stable status on the continuous stochastic dynamics. Finally, two examples are given to demonstrate the validity of theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human microbiome, containing bacteria, fungi, and viruses, is a community that coexists peacefully with humans most of the time, but with the potential to cause disease under certain conditions. When the environment changes or certain stimuli are received, microbes may interact with each other, causing or increasing the severity of disease in a host. With the appropriate methods, we can make these microbiota work for us, creating new applications for human health. This review discusses the wide range of interactions between microorganisms that result in an increase in susceptibility to, severity of, and mortality of diseases, and also briefly introduces how microorganisms interact with each other directly or indirectly. The study of microbial interactions and their mechanisms has revealed a new world of treatments for infectious disease. The regulation of the balance between intestinal flora, the correct application of probiotics, and the development of effective drugs by symbiosis all demonstrate the great contributions of the microbiota to human health and its powerful potential value. Consequently, the study of interactions between microorganisms plays an essential role in identifying the causes of diseases and the development of treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: In outpatient settings, Mycobacterium chelonae complex infection brought on by cosmetic injections are rather uncommon. We came across a case of infection brought on by a commercial stem cell injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric power generators have attracted increasing interest in recent years owing to their great potential in wearable electronics power supply. It is noted that thermoelectric power generators are easy to damage in the dynamic service process, resulting in the formation of microcracks and performance degradation. Herein, we prepare a new hybrid hydrogel thermoelectric material PAAc/XG/Bi2Se0.3Te2.7 by an in situ polymerization method, which shows a high stretchable and self‐healable performance, as well as a good thermoelectric performance. For the sample with Bi2Se0.3Te2.7 content of 1.5 wt% (i.e., PAAc/XG/Bi2Se0.3Te2.7 (1.5 wt%)), which has a room temperature Seebeck coefficient of −0.45 mV K−1, and exhibits an open‐circuit voltage of −17.91 mV and output power of 38.1 nW at a temperature difference of 40 K. After being completely cut off, the hybrid thermoelectric hydrogel automatically recovers its electrical characteristics within a response time of 2.0 s, and the healed hydrogel remains more than 99% of its initial power output. Such stretchable and self‐healable hybrid hydrogel thermoelectric materials show promising potential for application in dynamic service conditions, such as wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum–Sulfur (Al–S) batteries are regarded as promising energy storage devices due to their high energy‐to‐price ratios and safety. However, they suffer from clumsy S ↔ Al2S3 reactions and short lifespans that limit their practical application. By combining the merits of adsorptive Cu, catalytic Co, and conductive N‐doped carbon matrix, the bimetals decorated N‐doped carbon (Cu1Co1@NC) enables smooth adsorption and conversion of polysulfides. Consequently, the S@Cu1Co1@NC exhibits excellent electrochemical performance (delivering a high capacity of 317.5 mAh g−1 after 320 cycles at 1.5 A g−1). Moreover, the Cu‐endowed strong Al affinity and robust 3D scaffold with Co‐enhanced conductivity can regulate Al3+ depositing/stripping and successfully suppress Al dendrites. As a result, the Cu1Co1@NC displays negligible Al nucleation overpotential and provides ultra‐long lifespan (>10 000 h) and exceptional reversible (Coulombic efficiency = 99.8–99.9%) Al3+ plating/stripping. Integrating all these advantages, a full Al–S cell constructed with Cu1Co1@NC as two‐in‐one hosts demonstrates excellent capacity retention with enhanced reversibility. This work provides insights into the design of promising Al–S batteries based on bifunctional CuCo bimetal and favorable 3D framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cognitive dysfunction caused by prediabetes causes great difficulties in human life, and the terrible thing is that the means to prevent the occurrence of this disease are very limited at present, Berberine has shown the potential to treat diabetes and cognitive dysfunction, but it still needs to be further explored to clarify the mechanism of its therapeutic effect. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of Berberine on prediabetes‐induced cognitive dysfunction. Prediabetes rat model was induced by a high‐fat diet and a normal diet was used as a control. They were fed for 20 weeks. At week 13, the model rats were given 100 mg/kg Berberine by gavage for 7 weeks. The cognitive function of rats was observed. At the same time, OGTT, fasting blood glucose, blood lipids, insulin and other metabolic parameters, oxidative stress, and apoptosis levels were measured. The results showed that the model rats showed obvious glucose intolerance, elevated blood lipids, and insulin resistance, and the levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis were significantly increased. However, after the administration of Berberine, the blood glucose and lipid metabolism of prediabetic rats were significantly improved, and the oxidative stress level and apoptosis level of hippocampal tissue were significantly reduced. In conclusion, Berberine can alleviate the further development of diabetes in prediabetic rats, reduce oxidative stress and apoptosis in hippocampal tissue, and improve cognitive impairment in prediabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulatory network between signaling pathways and transcription factors (TFs) is crucial for the maintenance of pluripotent stem cells. However, little is known about how the key TF OCT4 coordinates signaling pathways to regulate self‐renewal and lineage differentiation of porcine pluripotent stem cells (pPSCs). Here, we explored the function of OCT4 in pPSCs by transcriptome and chromatin accessibility analysis. The TFs motif enrichment analysis revealed that, following OCT4 knockdown, the regions of increased chromatin accessibility were enriched with EOMES, GATA6, and FOXA1, indicating that pPSCs differentiated toward the mesoendoderm (ME) lineage. Besides, pPSCs rapidly differentiated into ME when the WNT/β‐catenin inhibitor XAV939 was removed. However, the ME differentiation of pPSCs caused by OCT4 knockdown did not rely on the activation of WNT/β‐catenin signaling because the target gene of WNT/β‐catenin signaling, AXIN2 was not upregulated after OCT4 knockdown, despite significant upregulation of WLS and some WNT ligands. Importantly, OCT4 is directly bound to the promoter and enhancers of EOMES and repressed its transcription. Overexpression of EOMES was sufficient to induce ME differentiation in the presence of XAV939. These results demonstrate that OCT4 can regulate WNT/β‐catenin signaling and prevent ME differentiation of pPSCs by repressing EOMES transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic compounds that can respond to external stimuli and exhibit fluorescence changes have drawn increasing attention recently because of their potential applications in intelligent displays, optical data storage, anticounterfeiting, bioimaging, and sensors. Herein, we have synthesized two new organic compounds based on frameworks of anthracene and pyridine groups: 4‐(anthracen‐9‐yl) pyridine (AN9P) and 4‐(anthracen‐2‐yl) pyridine (AN2P). Both compounds, in solution and solid state, including polycrystals and single crystals, display reversible fluorescence transformations under alternate acid and base treatments. AN9P and AN2P solutions could be regulated to emit white‐light luminescence. The photoluminescence of the AN9P and AN2P polycrystals showed fast fluorescence changes with wide ranges (>300 nm) upon alternate acid and base stimuli and still exhibited remarkable fluorescence emission with almost no attenuation after 15 cycles of the reversible process. Both experimental and computational results suggested that the heteroatom nitrogen in the AN9P and AN2P molecules significantly influenced the intra‐ and intermolecular electronic interactions during the reversible protonation and deprotonation processes, resulting in changes in their frontier molecular orbitals and fluorescence emission characteristics. Our results provide a new facile approach to design molecular structures that realize highly dynamic photoluminescence changes in both liquid solution and solid crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonionic hydrogels are of particular interest for long‐term therapeutic implantation due to their minimal immunogenicity relative to their charged counterparts. However, in situ formation of nonionic supramolecular hydrogels under physiological conditions has been a challenging task. In this context, we report on our discovery of salt‐triggered hydrogelation of nonionic supramolecular polymers (SPs) formed by self‐assembling prodrug hydrogelators (SAPHs) through the Hofmeister effect. The designed SAPHs consist of two SN‐38 units, which is an active metabolite of the anticancer drug irinotecan, and a short peptide grafted with two or four oligoethylene glycol (OEG) segments. Upon self‐assembly in water, the resultant nonionic SPs can be triggered to gel upon addition of phosphate salts. Our 1H NMR studies revealed that the added phosphates led to a change in the chemical shift of the methylene protons, suggestive of a disruption of the water‐ether hydrogen bonds and consequent reorganization of the hydration shell surrounding the SPs. This deshielding effect, commensurate with the amount of salt added, likely promoted associative interactions among the SAPH filaments to percolate into a 3D network. The formed hydrogels exhibited a sustained release profile of SN‐38 hydrogelator that acted potently against cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum oxynitride (AlON) ceramics doped with different sintering aids were synthesized by spark plasma sintering process. The microstructures, mechanical, and optical properties of the ceramics were investigated. The results indicate that the optimal amount of sintering aids is 0.06 wt% La2O3 + 0.16 wt% Y2O3 + 0.30 wt% MgO. The addition of La3+ and Mg2+ decreases the rate of grain boundary migration in ceramics, promotes pore elimination, and inhibits grain growth. The addition of Y3+ facilitates liquid‐phase sintering of AlON ceramics. Moreover, the addition of Mg2+ effectively promotes twin formation in the ceramics, which hinders crack propagation and dislocation motion when the ceramics are loaded. Hence, the AlON ceramic doped with 0.06 wt% La2O3 + 0.16 wt% Y2O3 + 0.30 wt% MgO exhibits a relative density of 99.95%, an average grain size of 9.42 μm, and a twin boundary content of 10.3%, which contributes to its excellent mechanical and optical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Photoaging is a degenerative biological process that affects the quality of life. It is caused by environmental factors including ultraviolet radiation (UVR), deep skin burns, smoking, active oxygen, chemical substances, and trauma. Among them, UVR plays a vital role in the aging process. Aim: With the continuous development of modern medicine, clinical researchers have investigated novel approaches to treat aging. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), non‐coding RNAs are involved in various physiological processes have broad clinical application as they have the advantages of convenient samples, abundant sources, and avoidable ethical issues. Methods: This article reviews research progress on five types of stem cell, exosomes, non‐coding RNA in the context of photoaging treatment: adipose‐derived stem cell, human umbilical cord MSCs, epidermal progenitor cells, keratinocyte stem cells, and hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). It also includes stem cell related exosomes and their non‐coding RNA research. Results: The results have clinical guiding significance for prevention and control of the onset and development of photoaging. It is found that stem cells secrete cytokines, cell growth factors, non‐coding RNA, exosomes and proteins to repair aging skin tissues and achieve skin rejuvenation. In particular, stem cell exosomes and non‐coding RNA are found to have significant research potential, as they possess the benefits of their source cells without the disadvantages which include immune rejection and granuloma formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare and enigmatic immune‐mediated inflammatory disease. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and associated factors of AIP‐inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in China. Methods: A retrospective bidirectional case–control study was performed. The diagnoses of IBD and AIP were made based on the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization guidelines and the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria. IBD controls were matched by age, sex, and IBD type at a ratio of 1:4, while AIP controls were matched by AIP types. Results: The age‐standardized prevalence of AIP‐IBD patients in the IBD and AIP population were 292.0 and 8151.93 per 100 000 population, respectively. IBD patients had a higher risk of AIP compared to non‐IBD patients (odds ratio 8.4, 95% confidence interval 4.7–14.9, P < 0.0001), and AIP patients had a higher risk of developing IBD compared to the general population in China. The mean age at diagnosis of IBD and AIP was 34.83 years and 40.42 years. IBD was diagnosed before AIP in seven cases. The median total IBD and AIP duration was 43.5 months and 13.5 months. Use of mesalamine and tuberculosis were associated with AIP in IBD patients (P = 0.031). And fecal occult blood test was associated with IBD in AIP patients (P = 0.008). Conclusions: Most AIP‐IBD patients had ulcerative colitis and type 2 AIP. IBD patients are more likely to develop AIP compared to the general population, and vice versa. Use of mesalamine and tuberculosis infection were associated with AIP, and fecal occult blood test was associated with IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploration of new and efficient sulfur cathodes through nanostructured materials design is vital for the development of high‐performance metal–sulfur batteries, which is a promising candidate for next‐generation energy storage systems. However, the shuttle behavior and sluggish reaction kinetics of polysulfides hinder the application of sulfur cathodes. Herein, a 3D MXene/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite conductive framework with superior specific surface area, structural stability, and ionic/electronic conductivity is constructed. On this basis, the TiO2 nanoparticles, in situ grown in the interlayer between MXene and rGO can be used as adsorptive and catalytic active site for polysulfides to accelerate the electrochemical reaction kinetics and alleviate the shuttle effect, thereby improving cycle stability. Consequently, the sulfur‐loaded MXene‐TiO2@rGO composite electrodes present a high reversible capacity of 1052.0 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C after 200 cycles, favorable high‐rate capability, and splendid long‐term performance, retaining 445.6 mAh g−1 capacity after 1000 cycles at 2 C in hybrid Mg/Li–S batteries. This work provides a new insight for using MXene as the sulfur host with high performance for metal–sulfur batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic pruritic inflammatory disease of the skin involving neuro‐immune communication. Neuronal mechanism‐based therapeutic treatments remain lacking. We investigated the efficacy of intravenous lidocaine therapy on atopic dermatitis and the underlying neuro‐immune mechanism. Experimental Approach: Pharmacological intervention, immunofluorescence, RNA‐sequencing, genetic modification and immunoassay were performed to dissect the neuro‐immune basis of itch and inflammation in atopic dermatitis‐like mouse model and in patients. Key Results: Lidocaine alleviated skin lesions and itch in both atopic dermatitis patients and calcipotriol (MC903)‐induced atopic dermatitis model by blocking subpopulation of sensory neurons. QX‐314, a charged NaV blocker that enters through pathologically activated large‐pore ion channels and selectivity inhibits a subpopulation of sensory neurons, has the same effects as lidocaine in atopic dermatitis model. Genetic silencing NaV1.8‐expressing sensory neurons was sufficient to restrict cutaneous inflammation and itch in the atopic dermatitis model. However, pharmacological blockade of TRPV1‐positive nociceptors only abolished persistent itch but did not affect skin inflammation in the atopic dermatitis model, indicating a difference between sensory neuronal modulation of skin inflammation and itch. Inhibition of activity‐dependent release of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) from sensory neurons by lidocaine largely accounts for the therapeutic effect of lidocaine in the atopic dermatitis model. Conclusion and Implications: NaV1.8+ sensory neurons play a critical role in pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and lidocaine is a potential anti‐inflammatory and anti‐pruritic agent for atopic dermatitis. A dissociable difference for sensory neuronal modulation of skin inflammation and itch contributes to further understanding of pathogenesis in atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is preferentially treated as a risk factor for the development and progression of osteoporosis. Corynoline as a component of Corydalis bungeana Turcz presents antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties. In the present study, the effects of Corynoline on osteoblasts following hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced injury were evaluated accompanied by the investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved. It was found that Corynoline downregulated the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and restored the osteogenic potential of the disrupted osteoblasts by H2O2 exposure. Furthermore, Corynoline was revealed to activate the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway, while ML385 (an Nrf2 inhibitor) would prevent the Corynoline‐mediated positive effects on the disrupted osteoblasts. In terms of the animal experiments, Corynoline treatment contributed to a significantly alleviated bone loss. These findings indicate that Corynoline may significantly attenuate the H2O2‐induced oxidative damage of osteoblasts via the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway, providing novel insights to the development of treatments for osteoporosis induced by oxidative injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilevel proteomics aims to delineate proteins at the peptide (bottom‐up proteomics), proteoform (top‐down proteomics), and protein complex (native proteomics) levels. Capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry (CE‐MS) can achieve highly efficient separation and highly sensitive detection of complex mixtures of peptides, proteoforms, and even protein complexes because of its substantial technical progress. CE‐MS has become a valuable alternative to the routinely used liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry for multilevel proteomics. This review summarizes the most recent (2019–2021) advances of CE‐MS for multilevel proteomics regarding technological progress and biological applications. We also provide brief perspectives on CE‐MS for multilevel proteomics at the end, highlighting some future directions and potential challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This article solves the fixed‐time force/position control problem for constrained manipulators in the presence of input saturation and uncertain dynamics. Under the fixed‐time stability theory, a novel fixed‐time auxiliary dynamic system (ADS) is first presented to compensate for the effects of input saturation nonlinearity. System uncertainties are estimated by using radial basis function neural networks (RBF NNs) and only need to tune one neural parameter online. In addition, with a fixed‐time sliding mode surface and the proposed fixed‐time ADS, a novel fixed‐time adaptive neural force/position controller is designed which can not only ensure the fixed‐time stability of the position tracking error but also enable the manipulator to track the desired force trajectory. By using the Lyapunov method, the boundedness of all signals in the closed‐loop system is proved. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparative simulation works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ants use species‐specific trail pheromones to coordinate their sophisticated foraging behavior. During the past decades, many trail pheromone components with various structures have been identified in ants, including the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, a notorious invasive species worldwide. Four compounds, Z,E‐ (ZEF) and E,E‐α‐farnesene (EEF), Z,E‐ (ZEHF) and E,E‐α‐homofarnesene (EEHF), have been reported as components of S. invicta trail pheromone. However, another study reported an analog of α‐farnesene, Z,Z,Z‐allofarnesene, as a key trail pheromone component. These contrasting results caused some uncertainty about the trail pheromone composition in S. invicta. In this study, we synthesized ZEF and EEF, ZEHF and EEHF, and reanalyzed the chemicals in the Dufour gland extract and in the trail pheromone fraction of S. invicta worker body extract. The reported isomers of farnesene and homofarnesene were detected and showed trail‐following activity, with ZEF as the major compound, while no allofarnesene was found, neither in the Dufour gland extract nor in the whole‐body extract. Our results confirm ZEF and EEF, ZEHF and EEHF as trail pheromone components of S. invicta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To predict risk factors for Bakri balloon tamponade (BBT) failure in the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Methods: The data of 599 patients who underwent BBT were retrospectively analyzed from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021 in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, East China. The patients were divided into the failure group and the success group. Failure was defined as the inability to control bleeding, which required surgical interventions. Maternal characteristics, PPH characteristics, PPH management approaches, and maternal complications were compared between the groups. The independent predictors of BBT failure were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Results: The overall success rate of BBT was 83.0% (497/599). The blood loss before and after balloon insertion in the failure group was significantly greater than that in the success group. Of the 102 failures, B‐Lynch suture was performed in one patient, uterine artery embolization was performed in 99 patients (with one failure), and total hysterectomy was performed in three patients. Some risk factors, including twin gestation (odds ratio [OR] 9.68), placenta accreta spectrum with/without placenta previa (OR 4.45), estimated blood loss at least 1135 ml at balloon insertion (OR 3.35), multiparous (OR 2.72), and in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer (OR 2.00) were strongly associated with BBT failure. Conclusion: BBT seemed to be a less effective tool in the management of PPH due to placenta accreta spectrum with/without placenta previa and twin gestation. Synopsis: Bakri balloon tamponade seems to be a less effective tool in the management of PPH due to placenta accreta spectrum with/without placenta previa and twin gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrimidine is an important heterocyclic ring with various activities, which are widely used in the field of pesticides and medicines. In this paper, a series of 1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine‐7‐amine compounds (V1–V16) containing 1,2,4‐oxadiazole moiety were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR, and HRMS. The biological activity results showed that compounds V5, V6, V7, V9, V10, V12, and V13 possessed good activity against Mythimna separate at 500 ppm, while compound V4 exhibited moderate activity against Aphis medicagini at 500 ppm. Furthermore, compounds V1 and V3 displayed good fungicidal activity against Pseudoperonospora cubensis at 200 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a predefined time convergence adaptive tracking control scheme is designed for a class of uncertain robotic manipulators with input saturation. First, a novel auxiliary dynamic system is proposed to handle the influence of input saturation. Radial basis function neural networks are used to approximate the uncertainty of the closed‐loop system and the neural adaptive law is designed by using the given time constant so that the neural networks have a fast convergence rate. The adaptive tracking controller is constructed by utilizing a nonsingular terminal sliding mode surface. Different from the finite‐time and the fixed‐time sliding mode control methods where the upper bound of the convergence time is related to system parameters, the convergence time upper bound of the proposed sliding mode controller is a given constant. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to illustrate that the proposed control scheme possesses the advantages of fast convergence rate and input saturation elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon materials, including graphite, hard carbon, soft carbon, graphene, and carbon nanotubes, are widely used as high‐performance negative electrodes for sodium‐ion and potassium‐ion batteries (SIBs and PIBs). Compared with other materials, carbon materials are abundant, low‐cost, and environmentally friendly, and have excellent electrochemical properties, which make them especially suitable for negative electrode materials of SIBs and PIBs. Compared with traditional carbon materials, modifications of the morphology and size of nanomaterials represent effective strategies to improve the quality of electrode materials. Different nanostructures make different contributions toward improving the electrochemical performance of electrode materials, so the synthesis of nanomaterials is promising for controlling the morphology and size of electrode materials. This paper reviews the progress made and challenges in the use of carbon materials as negative electrode materials for SIBs and PIBs in recent years. The differences in Na+ and K+ storage mechanisms among different types of carbon materials are emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mechanism of insect resistance to toxic effects of phytochemicals can provide an insight into plant–herbivore interactions. Monochamus alternatus Hope, a main vector of pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), prefers to infest masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb) and causes huge economic and environmental losses. α‐Pinene is the primary component of resin produced by masson pine and plays a crucial role in defending against herbivorous insects, but its defensive effects on M. alternatus larvae are barely known. Here, we explored the physiological metabolism in M. alternatus larvae that were fumigated with (+)‐α‐pinene, (‐)‐α‐pinene, β‐pinene, (R)‐(+)‐limonene, myrcene and (‐)‐α‐phellandrene. (+)‐α‐Pinene showed the highest fumigant toxicity to M. alternatus larvae among these monoterpenes, and the fourth instar larvae possessed the highest resistance to this compound at the larval stage. Comparative transcriptome analysis detected 423 up‐regulated and 311 down‐regulated genes in the larvae fumigated with (+)‐α‐pinene, which were mainly related to detoxification, energy and protein metabolism. Among the differentially expressed genes encoding for detoxification enzymes, 14 P450s, 13 UGTs, 1GSTs and 3ABCs were dramatically up‐regulated in the larvae fumigated with (+)‐α‐pinene. Silencing of P450s via RNA interference led to an increased mortality in the larval fumigated with (+)‐α‐pinene. Piperonyl butoxide exposure significantly increased the mortality and inhibited the expressions of P450s, UGTs and ABCs in the larvae fumigated with (+)‐α‐pinene. These results suggested an important role of P450s in the resistance of M. alternatus larvae to (+)‐α‐pinene fumigation, which may facilitate the understanding of terpenoid detoxification in M. alternatus larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the clinical characteristics and molecular diagnosis of Camurati‐Engelmann disease (CAEND) in Chinese individuals. Methods: We recruited six patients aged 14 to 45 years in three unrelated families with CAEND, including five females and one male. Clinical manifestations, biochemical tests, and radiographic examinations were analyzed. The TGFB1 gene variants were further identified by Sanger sequencing. In addition, one female patient was followed up for 5 years. Results: The onset age of the patients ranged from 1 to 6 years. All of them had family histories and consisted of an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Gait disturbance, fatigue, progressive bone pain, muscle atrophy, and weakness were the main complaints. Laboratory examinations revealed that the inflammatory markers were at high levels, in addition to the increased bone metabolism indicators. The thickened diaphysis of long bones and the narrowed medullary cavity was observed by radiography. Furthermore, bone scintigraphy detected abnormal symmetrical radioactive concentrations in the affected regions of bone. Sanger sequencing identified a missense heterozygous variant in exon 4 of the TGFB1 gene in families 1 and 2, resulting in Arg218Cys, which confirmed CAEND. Moreover, one novel variant c.669C > G in exon 4 of the TGFB1 gene harboring Cys223Trp was detected in family 3. Subsequent bioinformatics software predicted that the novel variant was pathogenic. Of interest, III:2 in family 3 experienced heart valve defects and tachycardia at birth, which had never been reported in CAEND patients before. Moreover, the response to drug treatment is also full of contradictions and is worthy of further study. Conclusion: Besides the typical CAEND manifestations, the new phenotypic characteristics of tachycardia and heart valve defects were first reported in one woman carrying the novel variant p.Cys223Trp in TGFB1 the gene. In addition, we demonstrated that increased bone metabolism indicators and inflammatory markers may possess auxiliary diagnosis for CAEND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, the development of high‐throughput sequencing technology has promoted the rapid development of circRNA‐related research. Studies have found that circRNA plays a key role in a variety of tumors, but few people study the role of circRNA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Under comprehensive treatments, the 5‐year survival rate can reach about 70%, but some patients still have distant metastases or recurrences after treatment. Therefore, it is very important to study the molecular mechanisms of the proliferation and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: QRT‐PCR was applied to detect the relative expression level of circFOXM1 in NPC and nasopharyngeal epithelial cell lines. We knocked down circFOXM1 and studied the influence of circFOXM1 on NPC cells. Nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA isolation experiments, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), bioinformatics analysis, the dual‐luciferase reporter experiment, Western Blot, and other experiments were conducted to verify the relationships among circFOXM1, miR‐136‐5p, and SMAD2. We collected clinical NPC samples to prove the effect of circFOXM1 on the prognosis and treatment of NPC. Results: In this study, we found that circFOXM1 is highly expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissue cells compared with adjacent normal tissues and is related to the staging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. High expression of circFOXM1 indicates a poor prognosis for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Knockdown of CircFOXM1 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Conclusion: CircFOXM1 promotes the malignant proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by regulating the miR‐136‐5p‐SMAD2 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: This study was undertaken to screen the circular RNAs (circRNAs) influencing matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) through the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and evaluate the prognostic value of these circRNAs for acute ischemic stroke. Methods: A total of 220 ischemic stroke patients and 62 healthy subjects were included in this study. RNA was isolated from blood collected in PAXgene tubes. Illumina sequencing, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) validation, and luciferase reporter assay were explored to construct and verify the existence of a circRNA–microRNA (miRNA)–matrix metalloproteinase–9 (MMP9) network. The 215 ischemic stroke patients were recruited in a prognostic cohort. They were prospectively followed up for 3 months after stroke onset, and a poor functional outcome was defined as a major disability or death. Results: After Illumina sequencing, six circRNAs were predicted to bind miRNAs and then regulate MMP9 messenger RNA (mRNA). qRT‐PCR showed that only circSKA3 was significantly increased in ischemic stroke patients compared to healthy controls and positively associated with MMP9 mRNA expression. Luciferase reporter assay further verified a direct interaction between circSKA3, MMP9, and hsa‐miR‐6796‐5p. Patients in the top tertile of circSKA3 had a 2.672‐fold (p < 0.05) risk of poor functional outcome, compared with those in the bottom tertile (p for trend = 0.016). The outcome was predicted by circSKA3 with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve at 0.614 (p = 0.004). Conclusions: circSKA3 functioned as a ceRNA for hsa‐miR‐6796‐5p to aggravate the progression of ischemic stroke via targeting MMP9. Baseline circSKA3 was positively associated with poor outcomes of ischemic stroke. circSKA3 may be a potential biomarker or therapeutic target in ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell senescence is closely related to autophagy. In this article, we identified a natural nucleoside analogue, cordycepin, that has the ability to significantly improve lysosomal function, enhance the activity of the lysosomal representative protease cathepsin B (CTSB), and promote the expression of the functional protein lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) on the lysosomal membrane. Cordycepin then restores the damaged autophagy level of aging cells by activating the classic AMPK and mTOR–p70S6K signaling pathways, thus inhibiting cell senescence in an H2O2‐induced stress‐induced premature senescence (SIPS) cell model. This study provides new theoretical support for the further development of cordycepin and clinical antiaging drugs to inhibit cell senescence and suggests that the regulatory mechanisms of lysosomes in senescent cells should be considered when treating age‐related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To characterize gingival metabolome in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity in mice with/without periodontitis. Methods: HFD‐induced obesity mouse model was established by 16‐week feeding, and a lean control group was fed with low‐fat diet (n = 21/group). Both models were induced for periodontitis on the left sides by molar ligation for 10 days, whereas the right sides were used as controls. Gingival metabolome and arginine metabolism were analysed by non‐targeted/targeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: Of 2247 reference features, presence of periodontitis altered 165 in lean versus 885 in HFD mice; and HFD altered 525 in absence versus 1435 in presence of periodontitis. Compared with healthy condition, periodontitis and HFD had distinct effects on gingival metabolome. Metabolomic impacts of periodontitis were generally greater in HFD mice versus lean controls. K‐medoids clustering showed that HFD amplified the impacts of periodontitis on gingival metabolome in both intensity and extensity. Ten metabolic pathways were enriched, including 2 specific to periodontitis, 5 specific to HFD and 3 shared ones. Targeted validation on arginine metabolism confirmed the additive effects between HFD and periodontitis. Conclusion: The obese population consuming excessive HFD display amplified metabolic response to periodontitis, presenting a metabolic susceptibility to exacerbated periodontal destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian longhorn beetle (ALB) Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky is a destructive invasive species worldwide. Female ALB produce a pheromone component, α‐longipinene, in the genitalia. However, the origin and factors, such as age, mating, adult feeding and host plant, influencing the production of this compound are unclear.Our results showed that virgin female ALB consistently produced α‐longipinene at various ages after feeding for several days post eclosion, but unfed adult females never produced this compound. Mating significantly reduced the amount of α‐longipinene in female genitalia.α‐Longipinene was the most dominant compound in the volatiles emitted by females, but not in those emitted by males or host twigs (Acer pensylvanicum L.). The proportion of α‐longipinene among the beetle‐released sesquiterpenes that were known to be male antennally active was significantly greater than that emitted by ALB damaged, mechanically damaged or control twigs.These results suggest that ALB females probably derive α‐longipinene or a precursor from hosts via adult feeding, and release it at a significantly different ratio from that found in host volatiles. The various ratios of α‐longipinene produced by beetles and host twigs may encode information pertaining to multiple purposes such as aggregation, mate and host location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new p‐type high entropy semiconductor AgMnGeSbTe4 with a band gap of ≈0.28 eV is reported as a promising thermoelectric material. AgMnGeSbTe4 crystallizes in the rock‐salt NaCl structure with cations Ag, Mn, Ge, and Sb randomly disordered over the Na site. Thus, a strong lattice distortion forms from the large difference in the atomic radii of Ag, Mn, Ge, and Sb, resulting in a low lattice thermal conductivity of 0.54 W m−1 K−1 at 600 K. In addition, the AgMnGeSbTe4 exhibits a degenerate semiconductor behavior and a large average power factor of 10.36 µW cm−1 K−2 in the temperature range of 400–773 K. As a consequence, the AgMnGeSbTe4 has a peak figure of merit (ZT) of 1.05 at 773 K and a desirable average ZT value of 0.84 in the temperature range of 400–773 K. Moreover, the thermoelectric performance of AgMnGeSbTe4 can be further enhanced by precipitating of Ag8GeTe6, which acts as extra scatting centers for holes with low energy and phonons with medium wavelength. The simultaneous optimization in power factor and lattice thermal conductivity yields a peak ZT of 1.27 at 773 K and an average ZT of 0.92 (400–773 K) in AgMnGeSbTe4‐1 mol% Ag8GeTe6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing photo‐responsive host–guest systems can provide versatile supramolecular tools for constructing smart systems and materials. We designed photo‐responsive macrocyclic hosts, modulated by light‐driven molecular rotary motors enabling switchable chiral guest recognition. The intramolecular cyclization of the two arms of a first‐generation molecular motor with flexible oligoethylene glycol chains of different lengths resulted in crown‐ether‐like macrocycles with intrinsic motor function. The octaethylene glycol linkage enables the successful unidirectional rotation of molecular motors, simultaneously allowing the 1:1 host–guest interaction with ammonium salt guests. The binding affinity and stereoselectivity of the motorized macrocycle can be reversibly modulated, owing to the multi‐state light‐driven switching of geometry and helicity of the molecular motors. This approach provides an attractive strategy to construct stimuli‐responsive host–guest systems and dynamic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Symptoms of pine wilt disease (PWD) are caused when pathogenic pine wood nematodes (PWN) invade healthy host trees via wounds created by adult Monochamus alternatus. Exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can trigger terpene‐based induced defense in conifers, which is a core part of the conifer defense system. Herein, we hypothesized that the terpene‐based plant defense induced by MeJA could negatively affect the feeding behavior of M. alternatus adults, and may contribute to a new strategy in the control of PWD. RESULTS: The feeding area for M. alternatus adults feeding on MeJA‐treated seedlings was significantly smaller compared with control seedlings. However, no significant difference was detected in the enzyme activities in the midgut of beetles that had fed on these seedlings. Terpenoids were mainly accumulated in traumatic resin duct, whereas the constitutive resin duct accumulated only diterpenoids. Correspondingly, large‐scaled responses at the transcriptional level mainly focused on terpenoid and phenolic biosynthesis in the defending trees. CONCLUSIONS: Breeding tree species with a high resin yield may contribute to control of the spread of PWD by suppressing the feeding of M. alternatus adults. Transcriptome sequencing results provided abundant information for further breeding of highly resistant trees. Based on these findings, a potential push–pull strategy for the control of M. alternatus was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YKL‐40 was reported to be associated with the risk of hypertension. Whether the variants of CHI3L1 gene were associated with both YKL‐40 levels and hypertension needs to be further elucidated. In a 1:1 matched case‐control study of 507 pairs with available YKL‐40 levels and DNA samples nested in a prospective cohort of Chinese subjects, the 15 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CHI3L1 gene were genotyped. The levels of YKL‐40 among different genotypes of each SNP were compared after false discovery rate adjustment. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses were used to explore the association between the genotypes and the risk of hypertension. Subjects with the genetic variants for rs10399931, rs1538372, rs2071580, rs2297839 and rs4950928 had lower YKL‐40 levels. The genetic variant for rs10399805 was associated with higher YKL‐40 level. Subjects with the genotype of GA/AA of rs10399805 had a 1.34‐fold risk of hypertension compared with those with GG genotype in the total population (P =.05). Subjects with heterozygote/rare homozygote genotype of rs4950928 and rs2297839 both had a significantly lower risk of hypertension compared with those with major homozygote genotype among men. The ORs (95% CIs) were 0.46 (0.23‐0.89) and 0.49 (0.26‐0.91), respectively. The above three SNPs could significantly improve the accuracy of risk prediction for hypertension based on the conventional factors. The genotypes of rs10399805, rs4950928 and rs2297839 may hopefully become stable biomarkers for predicting the risk of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Cerebral organoids (COs) have been used for studying brain development, neural disorders, and species‐specific drug pharmacology and toxicology, but the potential of COs transplantation therapy for brain injury remains to be answered. Methods: With preparation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) model of motor dysfunction, COs at 55 and 85 days (55 and 85 d‐CO) were transplanted into damaged motor cortex separately to identify better transplantation donor for brain injury. Further, the feasibility, effectiveness, and underlying mechanism of COs transplantation therapy for brain injury were explored. Results: 55 d‐CO was demonstrated as better transplantation donor than 85 d‐CO, evidenced by more neurogenesis and higher cell survival rate without aggravating apoptosis and inflammation after transplantation into damaged motor cortex. Cells from transplanted COs had the potential of multilinage differentiation to mimic in‐vivo brain cortical development, support region‐specific reconstruction of damaged motor cortex, form neurotransmitter‐related neurons, and migrate into different brain regions along corpus callosum. Moreover, COs transplantation upregulated hippocampal neural connection proteins and neurotrophic factors. Notably, COs transplantation improved neurological motor function and reduced brain damage. Conclusions: This study revealed 55 d‐CO as better transplantation donor and demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of COs transplantation in TBI, hoping to provide first‐hand preclinical evidence of COs transplantation for brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pier diaphragms are usually adopted in concrete box girder bridges to transmit shear forces from the webs to the bearings. The pier diaphragm under vertical shear acts as a side‐shearing loaded deep beam that is rarely studied in the literature. Through the load‐path modeling, this paper provides an analytical method for the design of pier diaphragms under vertical shear in concrete box‐girder bridges. Explicit equations are derived for the direct calculation of transverse tension forces in the pier diaphragms, which are critical for the determination of the amount of transverse reinforcement. Further comparative studies in this paper show that: (a) the side‐shearing loaded deep beam differs greatly with the top‐loaded beam in the aspect of elastic internal force distribution when the span‐to‐depth ratio of the diaphragm section is less than 1; (b) the proposed quantitative strut‐and‐tie models agree well with the elastic internal force distribution in the pier diaphragms with various configurations; and (c) the commonly used "direct‐strut model" is acceptable for the design of pier diaphragms with span‐to‐depth ratios greater than 1.5, while it would greatly underestimate the top tension force when the span‐to‐depth ratio is less than 1 (referred to as the "ultra‐deep member"). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamines are important for non‐climacteric fruit ripening according to an analysis of the model plant strawberry. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the polyamine accumulation during ripening has not been fully elucidated. In this study, an examination of our proteome data related to strawberry fruit ripening revealed a putative polyamine oxidase 5, FaPAO5, which was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Additionally, FaPAO5 expression levels as well as the abundance of the encoded protein continually decreased during ripening. Inhibiting FaPAO5 expression by RNAi promoted Spd, Spm, and ABA accumulation while inhibited H2O2 production, which ultimately enhanced ripening as evidenced by the ripening‐related events and corresponding gene expression changes. The opposite effects were observed in FaPAO5‐overexpressing transgenic fruits. Analyses of the binding affinity and enzymatic activity of FaPAO5 with Spm, Spd, and Put uncovered a special role for FaPAO5 in the terminal catabolism of Spm and Spd, with a Kd of 0.21 and 0.29 µM, respectively. Moreover, FaPAO5 expression was inhibited by ABA and promoted by Spd and Spm. Furthermore, the RNA‐seq analysis of RNAi and control fruits via differentially expressed genes (DEGs) indicated the six most enriched pathways among the differentially expressed genes were related to sugar, abscisic acid, ethylene, auxin, gibberellin, and Ca2+. Among four putative PAO genes in the strawberry genome, only FaPAO5 was confirmed to influence fruit ripening. In conclusion, FaPAO5 is a negative regulator of strawberry fruit ripening and modulates Spm/Spd levels as a signaling event, in which ABA plays a central role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid‐sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) is well‐known to play a major pathophysiological role during brain ischemia linked to acute acidosis of ~pH 6, whereas its function during physiological brain activity, linked to much milder pH changes, is still poorly understood. Here, by performing live cell imaging utilizing Na+ and Ca2+ sensitive and spatially specific fluorescent dyes, we investigated the role of ASIC1a in cytosolic Na+ and Ca2+ signals elicited by a mild extracellular drop from pH 7.4 to 7.0 and how these affect mitochondrial Na+ and Ca2+ signaling or metabolic activity. We show that in mouse primary cortical neurons, this small extracellular pH change triggers cytosolic Na+ and Ca2+ waves that propagate to mitochondria. Inhibiting ASIC1a with Psalmotoxin 1 or ASIC1a gene knockout blocked not only the cytosolic but also the mitochondrial Na+ and Ca2+ signals. Moreover, physiological activation of ASIC1a by this pH shift enhances mitochondrial respiration and evokes mitochondrial Na+ signaling even in digitonin‐permeabilized neurons. Altogether our results indicate that ASIC1a is critical in linking physiological extracellular pH stimuli to mitochondrial ion signaling and metabolic activity and thus is an important metabolic sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: 4‐Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD, EC 1.13.11.27) has been a good target for herbicide discovery. In order to discover novel HPPD herbicides, a series of pyrazole aromatic ketone analogs were designed and synthesized. RESULTS: The 25 pyrazole aromatic ketone analogs synthesized were tested for herbicidal activity and compounds A1, A3, A4, A17, A20 and A25 displayed excellent herbicidal activity against Chenopodium serotinum, Stellaria media and Brassica juncea at 37.5 g ha−1. In addition, compounds A1, A5, A9, A10, A16, A17, A20 and A25 exhibited good crop selectivity for wheat, maize and rice at 150 g ha−1. Inhibition activities against AtHPPD proved the compounds were HPPD inhibitors. The structure–activity relationship of these pyrazole aromatic ketone analogs was studied using molecular docking. CONCLUSION: These pyrazole aromatic ketone derivatives could be used as lead structures for development of HPPD herbicides against dicotyledonous weeds with further structure modification. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a human hepatotropic virus. However, HBV infection also occurs at extrahepatic sites, but the relevant host factors required for HBV infection in non‐hepatic cells are only partially understood. In this article, a non‐hepatic cell culture model is constructed by exogenous expression of four host genes (NTCP, HNF4α, RXRα and PPARα) in human non‐hepatic 293T cells. This cell culture model supports HBV entry, transcription and replication, as evidenced by the detection of HBV pgRNA, HBV cccDNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, HBcAg and HBVDNA. Our results suggest that the above cellular factors may play a key role in HBV infection of non‐hepatic cells. This model will facilitate the identification of host genes that support extrahepatic HBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]