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RelA/p65 is as a crucial component of the nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway that has a significant impact on various fibrotic diseases. However, its role in the fibrosis of tissues surrounding the joint after traumatic injury remains unclear. In this study, rats were divided into three groups: non‐operated control (NC) group, p65‐siRNA treated (siRNA‐p65) group, and negative siRNA treated (siRNA‐neg) group. Then, 10 μL (10 nmol) of p65‐siRNA was injected into the joint of the siRNA‐p65 group. Meanwhile, 10 μL of negative siRNA was administered to the knee joint of the operated siRNA‐neg group for comparison. The rats in the NC group did not receive surgery or drug intervention. After 4 weeks of right knee fixation in each group, X‐ray measurements revealed significantly reduced degree of knee flexion contracture following p65‐siRNA treatment (siRNA‐neg: 77.73° ± 2.799°; siRNA‐p65: 105.7° ± 2.629°, p < 0.0001). Histopathological examination revealed that the number of dense fibrous connective tissues decreased following p65‐siRNA inhibition. Western blot analysis revealed significantly different expression levels of fibrosis‐related proteins between the siRNA‐p65 and siRNA‐neg groups. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a reduction in the average number of myofibroblasts in the siRNA‐p65 group compared with that in the siRNA‐neg group. Thus, intra‐articular p65‐siRNA injection could attenuate fibroblast activation and fibrosis‐related protein production, suppress periarticular tissue fibrosis, and prevent joint contracture by downregulating the NF‐κB p65 pathway. Statement of clinical significance: Intra‐articular injection of p65‐siRNA could reduce myofibroblast proliferation and fibrosis‐related protein expression by downregulating the NF‐κB p65 pathway, inhibit periarticular tissue fibrosis, and prevent joint adhesion, which represents a potential therapy in the prevention of joint fibrosis following traumatic injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining molecular imprinting technology with electrostatic spinning technology, a molecularly imprinted nanofiber membrane material with memory and recognition of specific imprinted molecules is thus produced. It has the advantages of high efficiency, reusability, easy amplification, and simple operation. In this study, alkane molecularly imprinted nanofibrous membranes are prepared as a carrier for immobilize Bacillus cereus LY‐1 for the degradation of diesel in oil–water system. The adsorption capacity of the molecularly imprinted material for diesel oil with n‐decyl alcohol as the template molecule reach 120.25 mg g−1, the adsorption capacity of alkane molecularly imprint nanofiber membrane prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the membrane substrate material is 41.37 mg g−1. After 4 days, the immobilized LY‐1 cells eliminate roughly 80.7% of the diesel at a starting concentration of 3 g L−1. The results show that imprinted structures in MINM enhance degradation by loaded microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To conduct a meta‐analysis to evaluate the role of heparin versus normal saline lock in the care of peripheral intravenous catheters. Design: A meta‐analysis. Methods: This meta‐analysis searched nine databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on heparin versus normal saline for the care of peripheral intravenous catheters in children up to April 5, 2023. The quality of included RCTs was evaluated using the risk of bias tool of Cochrane library. RevMan5.3 software was used for data analysis. Results: Ten RCTs with a total of 1255 children were involved. Meta‐analysis indicated that heparin lock reduced the incidence of blockage of peripheral intravenous catheter [OR = 2.01, 95% CI (1.42,2.84), p < 0.001], prolonged the duration of peripheral intravenous catheter indwelling[MD = ‐0.43, 95% CI (−0.75, −0.11), p = 0.008]. There were no statistical differences in the incidence of phlebitis [OR = 1.02, 95% CI (0.59, 1.74), p = 0.95 W]. Public contribution: Heparin may have more benefits in the nursing care of peripheral intravenous catheters compared with normal saline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide and the strongest predictor of mortality in patients with diabetes. Despite its significance, the pathological mechanism underlying the onset and progression of DKD remains incompletely understood. In this study, we have shown that mitochondrial ribosomal protein L12 (MRPL12) plays a significant role in DKD by modulating mitochondrial function. We demonstrated that MRPL12 was mainly ubiquitinated at K150 in renal tubular epithelial cells. We have found that Cullin3 (CUL3), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, directly interacts with MRPL12 and induces the K63‐linked ubiquitination of MRPL12, resulting in mitochondrial biosynthesis dysfunction. Moreover, under high‐glucose (HG) conditions in renal tubular epithelial cells, we observed up‐regulation of CUL3 expression, significant increase in CUL3‐mediated ubiquitination of MRPL12 and dysregulation of mitochondrial biosynthesis. Notably, CUL3 knockdown stabilised the MRPL12 protein and protected mitochondrial biosynthesis under HG conditions. Our findings provide novel insight into how CUL3 affects mitochondrial biosynthesis in renal tubular epithelial cells through MRPL12 ubiquitination and suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for DKD in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a potential biotechnology for simultaneous degradation of organic wastewater and power generation. In this paper, a biocompatible composite is constructed around a copper mesh with sodium alginate/agar and activated carbon (CM‐SA/AC) and acts as an efficient anode for MFCs after being microbe immobilized. The power performance of the MFC with CM‐SA/AC anode is investigated. The results show that the addition of activated carbon is conducive to the immobilization of bacteria on CM‐SA/AC anode and fast start‐up of MFCs. The power density reaches 1088.6 mW/m2, which is 2.03 times and 1.75 times that of CM‐SA (without activated carbon) anode and carbon felt anode, respectively. In case of a candied wastewater treatment, the MFC with immobilized CM‐SA/AC anode exhibits a much higher power density (724.5 mW/m2) than that with carbon felt anode (145.0 mW/m2), together with a longer stabilization time and a smaller charge‐transfer resistance. The total removal rate of chemical oxygen demand (COD) reaches 79.4 ± 0.65%. The present study will facilitate the development of inexpensive and biocompatible anodes to facilitate the application of MFCs in wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the core component of wearable electronic devices, flexible energy storage materials play an irreplaceable role. At present, it is still a challenge to prepare flexible electrode materials with high energy density. In this paper, a polyaniline‐based composite flexible conductive hydrogel (PPG‐P) with a two‐level conductive network is successfully prepared by a secondary induced assembly in situ polymerization method. The special conductive structure greatly promotes the efficiency of charge transfer and the utilization of electroactive substances, so that PPG‐P exhibits excellent electrochemical performance. In a three‐electrode system, PPG‐P has a mass‐specific capacitance as high as 989 F g−1 (0.5 A g−1). After 1000 charge and discharge cycles, the capacitance retention is 87%. Symmetrical flexible supercapacitors based on PPG‐P have high specific capacitance (176 F g−1/0.5 A g−1) and high energy density (15.6 Wh kg−1). After 1000 cycles of constant current charge and discharge, the capacitance maintains 78.1%. The preparation of PPG‐P with a hierarchical structure demonstrates the possibility of achieving high energy density in flexible electrode materials, which has great application potential in the development of energy storage elements in wearable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Si, as a narrow bandgap semiconductor with a broadband absorption for sunlight, is considered to be a very competitive photoelectrode material for solar‐driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, there are major barriers in construction of efficient and stable Si‐based PEC cell, including low photovoltage, sluggish reaction kinetics, and poor stability in electrolytes. This review focuses on the strategies to solve these issues and summarizes recent progress. The working principles of PEC water splitting are first introduced. Then the strategies for improving Si‐based photoelectrode performances are discussed, including (1) the regulation of Si surface morphology for enhancing light harvesting, (2) band structure engineering strategies to reduce recombination of photogenerated carriers, and (3) modification of protection layers for long stability and loading cocatalysts on Si‐based photoelectrodes for accelerating water splitting. Lastly, we have presented some issues of Si‐based photoelectrode materials, which should be addressed in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of alternatives to traditional fossil energy and the rise of wearable technology, flexible energy storage devices have attracted great attention. In this paper, a polyaniline/poly(acrylamide‐sodium acrylate copolymer) hydrogel (PASH) with high flexibility and excellent electrochemical properties for flexible electrodes is fabricated by freeze‐thaw‐shrink treatment of a highly water‐absorptive hydrogel, together with in‐situ polymerization of aniline at a low aniline concentration (0.1 mol L−1). The PASH exhibits a conductivity of 4.05 S m−1 and an elongation at break of 1245%. The freeze‐thaw‐shrink treatment greatly improves the electrochemical performance and stability of the conductive PASH. The area specific capacitance of PASH reaches 849 mF cm−2 and the capacitance maintains 89% after 1000 galvanostatic charge–discharge cycles. All the raw materials are conventional industrialized materials and no additional templating agent is needed during the entire synthesis process. This study provides a cost‐efficient approach for the fabrication of conductive polymer hydrogels, which has a broad application prospect in flexible energy storage electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an estrogen‐like chemical widely contained in daily supplies. There is evidence that environmental exposure to BPA could contribute to the development of hormone‐related cancers. As is reported in numerous studies, melatonin, an endogenous hormone secreted by the pineal gland, could markedly inhibit estrogen‐induced proliferation of breast cancer (BC) cells. In this study, we intended to reveal the effects of melatonin on BPA‐induced proliferation of estrogen receptor‐positive BC cells. Methods: Methods: We used methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium, luciferase reporter gene and western blotting assays to testify the effect of melatonin on BPA‐mediated proliferation of MCF‐7 and T47D cells. Results: Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium and colony formation assays showed that melatonin could significantly abolish BPA‐elevated cell proliferation. Meanwhile, BPA‐upregulated phosphorylation of ERK and AKT was decreased by melatonin treatment. Mechanistically, we found that BPA was capable of upregulating the protein levels of steroid receptor coactivators (SRC‐1, SRC‐3), as well as promoting the estrogen response element activity. However, the addition of melatonin could remarkably block the elevation of steroid receptor coactivators expression and estrogen response element activity triggered by BPA. Conclusion: Conclusions: Therefore, these results demonstrated that melatonin could abrogate BPA‐induced proliferation of BC cells. Therapeutically, melatonin could be regarded as a potential medication for BPA‐associated BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides are primarily used as insecticides and chemical warfare agents worldwide. Due to their impact on the environment and health, it is important to develop prompt and accurate pesticide analysis method. This review addresses recent advances and new trends in nanotechnology-based biosensors for biological monitoring of exposures to OP pesticides and nerve agents. In order to determine them, we have to find the corresponding biomarkers. In 1989, the national academy of sciences (NAS)divided biomarkers into the following three categories: biomarker of exposure, biomarker of effect and biomarker of susceptibility (Figure 1A). The unique chemical and physical properties of nanomaterial have paved the way to new and improved sensing devices, in general, and electrochemical/optical biosensors, in particular. In this paper, background information and a general overview of electrochemical/immunoassay detection techniques are provided. Various nanomaterial labels are discussed. Usually nanomaterials can be roughly divided into nanometer powder, nanometer fiber, nanometer film, nanometer block and so on four classes, such as colloidal gold, semiconductor nanoparticles and carbon nanomaterial (Figure 1B). In addition, we discuss some future considerations and opportunities for advancing the use of biosensors for environmental and health studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel konjac glucomannan (KGM)-acrylic acid-diatomite composite (KGAD) was synthesized by the solution polymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid (AA) on to KGM and diatomite (DT), using potassium persulfate as a free radical initiator, in the presence of Trimethylolpropane Trimethacrylate (TPTA) as a crosslinking agent. The structure and morphology of KGAD were characterized by using FT-infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy. Besides, the thermal stability as well as the salt absorption of the composites was investigated by the thermogravimetric analysis and the swelling rate test, respectively. The results showed that the interactions between KGM-AA (KGA0) and DT could be generated through hydrogen bond formation. Besides, the crystal of composites became rules and grew well with the addition of DT. It was also found that the appropriate amount of DT could be dispersed uniformly with a single crystal state in the matrix of KGA0 while excessive DT caused aggregation, inducing an irregular distribution in the matrix. In addition, the thermal stability of KGAD was improved based on the introduction of DT into the polymer network. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3384-3390, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Polyethylene glycol grafted calcium alginate hydrogel microspheres are synthesized by ring-opening and addition reaction of epoxy chloropropane. FTIR, 13C NMR, optical microscope, SEM, TG, and DSC are used for characterization. Swelling behaviors are studied and it is found that polyethylene glycol grafted calcium alginate microspheres are improved in anti-swelling properties. Protein-imprinted polyethylene glycol grafted calcium alginate hydrogel microspheres exhibit enhanced specific rebinding quantity (11.16 mg/g) and selective recognition properties (4.71 against BHb), towards target molecule in the presence of competing protein, compared with that of the unmodified samples (4.96 mg/g and 1.75, respectively). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43617. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzyme-based electrochemical biosensors with sufficient sensing specificity are useful analytical tools for detection of biologically important substances in complicated systems. Here, we present the design of a nano-hybrid biosensor for the specific and sensitive detection of methyl parathion (MP). The nano-hybrid sensing film was prepared via the formation of Au nanoparticals (AuNPs) on silica nanoparticles (SiNPs), mixing with multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNTs) and subsequent immobilization of methyl parathion degrading enzyme (MPD). The fabrication procedure was characterized by scanning electron images, linear scan voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The combined MPD exhibited high affinity to it substrate and thus a selective, sensitive, fast and cheap method for determination of MP, quantitatively was proposed. A significant synergistic effect of nano-hybrid on the biosensor performance was observed in biosensing MP. The square wave voltammetric responses displayed well defined peaks, linearly proportional to the concentration of MP in the range from 0.001 to 5.0 μg/mL with a detection limit of 0.3 ng/mL. The proposed biosensor also showed good precision and reproducibility, acceptable stability and accuracy in garlic samples analysis. It provided a platform for the simple and fast construction of biosensors with good performance for the determination of enzyme-specific electroactive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Protein-imprinted polyurethane-grafted calcium alginate hydrogel microspheres were prepared and characterized. The samples were investigated with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, 13C-NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We proved that polyurethane side chains were successfully grafted, and this led to a relatively rough and dense surface. The samples exhibited better swelling durability when applied in specific adsorption tests. The adsorption kinetic and recognition properties indicated that the imprinted modified microspheres had excellent rebinding affinity toward the target proteins. Moreover, the influence of the preassembly pH, rebinding pH, and grafting ratio on the adsorption capacity and imprinting efficiency (IE) were systematically investigated. The study results suggest that the modified samples possessed a higher IE toward the target protein under the optimum pH and grafting ratio. Upon polyurethane grafting modification, the alginate hydrogel microspheres showed improved mechanical stability and recognition specificity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42140. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphomolybdate functionalized graphene nanocomposite (PMo12-GS) has been successfully formed on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA). The obtained PMo12-GS modified GCE, was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and compared with GCE, GS modified GCE, and PMo12 modified GCE. It shows an increased current and a decrease in over-potential of ∼210 mV. The amperometric signals are linearly proportional to the AA concentration in a wide concentration range from 1×10−6 M to 8×10−3 M, with a detection limit of 0.5×10−6 M. The PMo12-GS modified electrode was employed for the determination of the AA level in vitamin C tablets, with recoveries between 96.3 and 100.8 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly vinyl acetate grafted calcium alginate hydrogel microspheres were prepared with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as molecular template. The microspheres exhibited homogeneous and core-shell structure according to different preparation strategy. The rebinding and swelling property of microspheres showed responsiveness toward ionic strength, temperature, and pH. It was found the highest separation factor of 1.85 and imprinting efficiency of 1.75 when the Ca2+ ionic strength was 1.25 and 0.34 mol/kg, respectively. The separation factor was found decreased as temperature grew from 29 to 45°C while the imprinting efficiency reached a peak value at about 37°C. Separation factor of BSA imprinted microspheres at different pH was also recorded and two peaks were found, which were considered to be caused by the similar swollen state due to ionic and covalent crosslinking structure of modified microspheres. The recognition responsiveness is suggested to be influenced by environmental effects due to the changing in imprints' configuration at different swollen states. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecularly imprinted latex membrane (MILM) is prepared by core-shell emulsion technique in the presence of a template molecule ( L-Tryptophan). A hard inward and soft outward microstructure latex particle is designed to obtain MILM with both flexibility and impact strength. Molecularly imprinted layer with high crosslinking degree is grafted on the surface of core-shell latex particles. NaCl, glucose, urea, polyethylene glycol, M w 300, etc., are added during the film-forming process to produce porous microstructure in MILM. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scatchard analysis are used to investigate the interaction between L-Tryptophan and MILM and the binding ability of the resultant MILM, respectively. The functional binding and separation performances in aqueous medium towards template are carried out. The results reveal that the content and type of porogen and the shell composition have significant effects on adsorption capacity and separation ability. MILM with glucose as porogen shows high recognition towards the template with adsorption separation factor reaching 9.06. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The significance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA-based integration in hepatocarcinogenesis is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated whether the integration of HBV X gene (HBx) is involved in the event. Our finding showed that the integration of HBx fragment (316–462bp/262–462bp) was able to transform human immortalized normal liver LO2 cells using a cell model of HBx-integration. We identified that the recombination, HBx/Alu core sequence/subtelomeric DNA, was required for the transformation, which could be detected in 5 out of 44 clinical HBx-positive hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. Thus, we conclude that HBx integration is involved in the hepatocarcinogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We examine performance differences between new ventures led by returnees and those led by their local counterparts in China. We argue that while, compared with locals, returnees have the advantages of higher education and overseas experience, they also have disadvantages in their home country in terms of lack of both local connections and local knowledge. Since returnees' effect on venture performance is the net effect of their advantages and disadvantages, contextual factors that can help them overcome their disadvantages should improve their ventures' performance. With a sample of new technology ventures in China, we find strong support for this argument. Copyright © 2012 Strategic Management Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphate (OP) and carbamate pesticides exert their toxicity via attacking the hydroxyl moiety of serine in the 'active site' of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). In this paper we developed a stable AChE biosensor based on self-assembling AChE to graphene nanosheet (GN)-gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) nanocomposite electrode for investigation of inhibition, reactivation and aging processes of different pesticides. It is confirmed that pesticides can inhibit AChE in a short time. OPs poisoning is treatable with oximes while carbarmates exposure is insensitive to oximes. The proposed electrochemical approach thus provides a new simple tool for comparison of pesticide sensitivity and guide of therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hepatitis B X-interacting protein (HBXIP) is able to enhance migration of breast cancer cells. However, the role of HBXIP in regulation of complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) in breast cancer is not understood. Here, we report that HBXIP contributes to protecting breast cancer cells from CDC by upregulating membrane-bound complement regulatory protein (mCRPs), including CD46, CD55 and CD59. We found that HBXIP upregulated mCRPs through activating p-ERK1/2/NF-κB. Interestingly, the knockdown of CD59 was able to block the HBXIP-enhanced breast tumor growth in animal. Thus, we conclude that HBXIP upregulates CD46, CD55 and CD59 through p-ERK1/2/NF-κB signaling to protect breast cancer from CDC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Aims Study design Results Conclusions Relevance to Clinical Practice The prevalence of thirst in intensive care unit (ICU) surgical patients is high, and its impact is significantly harmful. Nurses play a crucial role in managing thirst. It is essential to develop targeted training programmes for nurses, focusing on their knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP).To investigate KAP regarding thirst management in surgical patients among ICU nurses and the potential influencing factors related to demographic characteristics.This is a cross‐sectional study. From August to September 2023, a self‐developed questionnaire was distributed online in the ICUs of 14 tertiary general hospitals in Shanghai, China. This questionnaire aimed to assess the KAP of ICU nurses concerning thirst management. Influencing factors were analysed using ANOVA and the rank‐sum test. Spearman correlation analysis and stratified regression analysis were employed to evaluate the relationship among KAP. The study was reported according to the STROBE checklist.A total of 530 valid questionnaires were obtained online with a response rate of 86.60%. While ICU nurses generally held a positive attitude towards thirst management, there was a noticeable deficiency in knowledge and a lack of standardization in practice. Nurses with higher educational levels, lower academic titles, who had received training and who were familiar with the consensus and guidelines on thirst management had better attitude towards managing thirst. Younger nurses, those with less ICU working experience, lower academic titles, who had received training and who were acquainted with the guidelines showed better practice. It was observed that knowledge and attitude both had a significant positive influence on practice.KAP regarding thirst management of surgical patients among ICU nurses are interconnected and require enhancement. Targeted training, focused on the identified weakness and influencing factors, needs to be carried out.An innovative and stratified training system can improve the quality of practice, as well as contributing to the professional development of ICU nurses. Further, the findings of the study provide a foundational understanding of thirst management, promoting the advancement of related scientific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent inorganic‐organic nanocomposite film (Y2O3: Eu‐PMMA)W is fabricated for solar blind UV light photo‐voltage response at room temperature. In suggested design, Y2O3: Eu nanoparticales with efficient visible luminescence excited under solar blind UV light is incorporated into an Y2O3: Eu‐PMMA nanocomposite film coated onto a glass substrate, which converts solar blind UV light to visible light that is absorbed by the Si‐detector. Photo‐voltage response from the thin film Si‐APD detector attached with the inorganic‐organic nanocomposite film demonstrates a prospective application for solar blind UV light detection. Y2O3: Eu‐PMMA film is fabricated for solar blind UV light photo‐voltage response. Y2O3: Eu nanoparticales with efficient visible luminescence excited under solar blind UV light is incorporated into an Y2O3: Eu‐PMMA nanocomposite film coated onto a glass substrate, which converts solar blind UV light to visible light that is absorbed by the Si‐detector for Photo‐voltage response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]