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Due to the built‐in electric field induced by spontaneous polarization in hybrid perovskite (HP) ferroelectrics, the devices based on them exhibit excellent performance in self‐powered photodetection. However, most of the self‐powered photodetector are made of lead‐based HP ferroelectrics and have a relatively narrow photoresponse waveband. Although lead‐free HPs solve the problem of lead toxicity, their optoelectronic performance is inferior to that of lead‐based HPs and photoresponse waveband is limited by its optical band gap, which hinders their further application. To solve this problem, herein, a lead‐free HP ferroelectric (HDA)BiI5 (HDA is hexane‐1,6‐diammonium) with large spontaneous polarization shows an enhanced photocurrent and achieves x‐ray‐ultraviolet–visible‐near‐infrared (x‐ray‐UV–Vis–NIR) photoresponse through the ferro‐pyro‐phototronic (FPP) effect. The ferroelectric, pyroelectric, and photovoltaic characteristics coupled together in a single‐phase (HDA)BiI5 ferroelectric is an effective way to improve the performance of the devices. What is particularly attractive is that the FPP effect not only improves the optoelectronic performance of (HDA)BiI5, but also achieves broadband photoresponses beyond its optical absorption range. Especially, the current boosting with an exceptional contrast of ~1100% and 2400% under 520 and 637 nm, respectively, which is associated with FPP effect. Meanwhile, single crystal self‐powered photodetector based on (HDA)BiI5 also exhibit significant FPP effects even under high‐energy x‐ray, which owns an outstanding sensitivity of 170.7 μC Gy−1 cm−2 and a lower detection limit of 266 nGy s−1 at 0 V bias. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the coupling of multiple physical effects and improve device performance based on lead‐free HP ferroelectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the potential of using nanotechnology to modulate the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. It explains the association between specific microbiomes and CRC initiation and progression, as well as their impact on treatment outcomes. The article explores various strategies for modulating the gut microbiota, such as antibiotics, fecal microbiota transplants, probiotics, prebiotics, and diet modifications. It suggests that nanotechnology can offer targeted approaches for manipulating the gut microbiota in CRC therapy, but further research is needed to develop effective delivery systems for bacteria-targeting medicines. The article also highlights challenges that need to be addressed in the use of nanomedicine for CRC management. Overall, nanomedicine shows promise in modulating the gut microbiota for CRC therapy. [Extracted from the article]

Iron is an essential element for cell proliferation and homeostasis by engaging in cell metabolism including DNA synthesis, cell cycle, and redox cycling; however, iron overload could contribute to tumor initiation, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Therefore, manipulating iron metabolisms, such as using iron chelators, transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) Abs, and cytotoxic ligands conjugated to transferrin, has become a considerable strategy for cancer therapy. However, there remain major limitations for potential translation to the clinic based on the regulation of iron metabolism in cancer treatment. Nanotechnology has made great advances for cancer treatment by improving the therapeutic potential and lowering the side‐effects of the proved drugs and those under various stages of development. Early studies that combined nanotechnology with therapeutic means for the regulation of iron metabolism have shown certain promise for developing specific treatment options based on the intervention of cancer iron acquisition, transportation, and utilization. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of iron metabolism involved in cancer and review the recent advances in iron‐regulatory nanotherapeutics for improved cancer therapy. We also envision the future development of nanotherapeutics for improved treatment for certain types of cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is listed among the eight major food allergens, in which Ara h 2 is the major allergen. The microbial transglutaminase (MTGase)‐catalyzed cross‐linking reaction reduces the allergenicity of Ara h 2. However, deamidation might occur and influence the cross‐linking reaction. In this work, native and reduced Ara h 2 were catalyzed by MTGase. In addition to intermolecular cross‐linking, intramolecular cross‐linking and deamidation were proven to occur simultaneously. Moreover, intramolecular cross‐linking sites were identified using mass spectrometry and the PLINK software. The reactions moved toward different directions because of different reduction conditions and different protein concentrations. Practical applications: Cross‐linking is a common processing method used to improve the textural and functional properties of protein. Deamidation reaction might occur during processing and influence the cross‐linking reaction. The two types of reactions have a competitive relation, because both of them occur on glutamine residue. In Ara h 2 and MTGase system, protein concentration and reduction content influence the direction of reaction. The results can be applied to modify the reaction system of Ara h 2 catalyzed by MTGase. In addition, the relationship between structure and properties changes on Ara h 2 was discussed based on analysis of cross‐linking sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel cleavable amphiphilic peptide (CAP) was designed to be specifically responsive to fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α), a protease specifically expressed on the surface of cancer-associated fibroblasts. The CAP self-assembled into fiber-like nanostructures in solution, while the presence of hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs readily transformed the assemblies into drug-loaded spherical nanoparticles. The disassembly of these nanoparticles (CAP-NPs) upon FAP-α cleavage resulted in rapid and efficient release of the encapsulated drugs specifically at tumor sites. This Transformers- like drug delivery strategy could allow them to disrupt the stromal barrier and enhance local drug accumulation. Therapeutic results suggested that drug-loaded CAP-NPs hold promising tumor specificity and therapeutic efficacy for various solid tumor models, confirming its potential utility and versatility in antitumor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FOLFIRINOX regimen, a combination of three chemotherapy agents (5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin) and folinic acid (a vitamin B derivatives reducing the side effect of 5-fluorouracil), has proved to be effective in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and is more efficacious than the long-term reference standard, gemcitabine. However, the FOLFIRINOX is associated with high-grade toxicity, which markedly limits its clinical application. Encapsulation of drugs in nanocarriers that selectively target cancer cells promises to be an effective method for co-delivery of drug combinations and to mitigate the side effects of conventional chemotherapy. Here we reported the development of multiple layer-by-layer lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles with targeting capability that show excellent biocompatibility and synergistically combine the favorable properties of liposomes and polymer nanoparticles. Relative to nanoparticles consisting of polymer alone, these novel nanocarriers have a long half-life in vivo and a higher stability in serum. The nanocarriers were loaded with the three active antitumor constituents of FOLFIRINOX regimen. Little drugs were released from the nanoparticles in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution, but the cargoes were quickly released after the nanoparticles were taken up by tumor cells. These innovative drug-loaded nanoparticles achieved higher antitumor efficacy and showed minimal side effects compared with the FOLFIRINOX regimen alone. Our study suggested that the multiple layer-by-layer hybrid nanoparticles have great potential for improving the chemotherapeutic efficacy for the patients with pancreatic cancer. This platform also provides new opportunities for tailored design of nanoparticles that may offer therapeutics benefits for a range of other tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 1 figure and 5 tables Abstract Leaf area (LA) is the most important photosynthesis acceptor, and therefore, size of LA (especially the three ear-leaves) plays a vital role in dry matter accumulation and grain yield in maize. Genetic mechanisms on LA have a theoretical significance for breeding maize with high yield. However, the genetic control of LA remains unknown in maize. In this study, QTL for LA were mapped using two sets of connected F2 : 3 populations with 229 and 245 families evaluated in two to three environments. Meta-analysis was used to integrate genetic maps and detect QTL across two populations. A total of 38 QTL were detected, 17 in population 1 and 21 in population 2. Thirty-eight QTL were integrated in 13 meta-QTL (mQTL). The novel mQTL2-1 was found to include two initial QTL, and mQTL5-2 to include four initial QTL. Both of them had one of the initial QTL with R2 over 10%. Therefore, the chromosome regions for these two mQTL with high QTL co-localization might be hot spots for important QTL for LA. Seven key candidate genes controlling related traits of LA were observed to be coincided with five corresponding mQTL, including Arlng1, ArPFL2/ OsH1, ArCLF/ArCyCB2;3(LL), ArCYCD3;2, and Osnrl. Especially, Arlng1 was mapped within the important mQTL2-1 interval. Fine mapping for genetic regions of such mQTL is worth further study and could be put into use in marker-assisted breeding. The results provide useful information for further researching and understanding of the molecular mechanisms with regard to LA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]