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Different from Van der Waals heterojunction, defects often appear at the interface of the planar heterostructures due to the low-dimensional structure characteristics. These defects lead to complex mechanical problems, and seriously affect application of planar heterostructures in flexible electronics devices. The most commonly used method to improve the toughness is to reduce/eliminate the interfacial structural defects. Using a defective Graphene/hBN interface, we show surprisingly that Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are able to enhance the toughness at the interface. It is found that interlayer stress transfer, bonding strain energies and energy release rate of the defective Graphene/hBN interface with CNTs are higher than those of free-defect Graphene/hBN interface, which is in strong contrast to the general view that interfacial defects reduce toughness. By combining the analysis of atomic mechanics and fracture mechanics theory, we find that the abnormal enhancement in interfacial toughness comes from the stress field localization arising from sp2 + sp3 hybrid state and out-of-plane deformation at the interface. In addition, the stress field at the distal end of the simulated models gradually decays with the CNTs height, resulting in the stress fields to be controlled at the interface. This abnormal mechanism provides a new dimension for enhancing toughness in two-dimensional heterostructures. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunable and switchable film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs) have great application potential owing to their much-increased flexibility in radiofrequency (RF) circuits. Here, we report on the design and fabrication of a tunable and switchable FBAR based on a thin crystalline lead zirconate titanate (PZT, Pb[Zr 0.6 Ti 0.4 ]O 3) film. The FBAR device has a resonant frequency of 2.42 GHz with a high effective electromechanical coupling coefficient k eff 2 of 30%. The frequency tunable range of the device is up to 400 MHz (2.11–2.51 GHz, 16.6%) with a DC bias voltage of less than 12 V, and the device can also be switched off when the polarization intensity in the PZT film is zero. Through the investigation, a relationship between the ferroelectric nature of PZT material and the wide tuning range of FBAR is established, providing a theoretical and experimental guideline for further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Resveratrol dimer and resveratrol monomer can quench 1O 2. • Resorcinol, catechol, and carbon–carbon double bonds can quench 1O 2. • The order of the ability to quench 1O 2 is: catechol > carbon–carbon double bond > resorcinol. Stilbenes, especially resveratrol and resveratrol dimers, can quench singlet oxygen (1O 2) effectively. Studies found resorcinol, catechol, carbon–carbon double bonds in resveratrol dimers and resveratrol monomers all contributed to quenching 1O 2. However, which structures play a key role in quenching of 1O 2 by stilbenes had not yet been determined. To explore it, UHPLC-QQQ-MS2 and UHPLC-QTOF-MS2 were used to analyze and compare the 1O 2 quenching activities of piceatannol, resveratrol, dihydroresveratrol, pterostilbene, trimethoxystilbene and oxyresveratrol in vitro. The results showed that all six compounds exhibited some capacity to quench 1O 2. Catechol [i.e., C 6 H 4 (OH) 2 ] had the strongest capacity to quench of 1O 2 amongst the stilbenes tested followed by the presence of carbon–carbon double bonds. This offers insight a route for screening for stilbenes with higher activities that might have a role in development of novel food-related antioxidants and functional foods with potential health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sour rot, caused by Geotrichum citri-aurantii , has affected fruit quality and caused severe economic losses. Menthol is widely applied to medicine and food industries due to its antiseptic and antimicrobial effects, whereas its application in postharvest fruit management is rarely reported. The present study investigated the antifungal activity of menthol and its underlying mechanism involved. The in vitro experiments showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of menthol was 6.4 mmol L-1. Menthol induced the formation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in G. citri-aurantii and triggered severe membrane lipid peroxidation, resulting in the destruction of plasma membrane integrity. The activity of extracellular alkaline phosphatase (AKP) was increased after menthol treatment. Otherwise, the decrease of blue fluorescence in the cell wall and the change of cell wall morphology were also observed, indicating that the cell wall structure was disrupted. Notably, in vivo , the disease incidence of citrus fruit decreased by 43% after the application of 128 mmol L-1 menthol. Furthermore, menthol treatment maintained the quality of citrus fruit and enhanced defense-related enzyme activities in citrus. To further explore the potential pathogenicity of G. citri-aurantii , we de novo assembled the genome of G. citri-aurantii G 50 based on Illumina NovaSeq PE150 and PacBio Sequel. The revised genome size was 25.41 Mb, assembled onto 27 scaffolds with a total length of 27,548,716 bp, 38.49% GC content and 4181 protein-coding genes. Herein, we identified four CWI-MAPK-related genes (GciPKC1 , GciBCK1 , GciMKK1 and GciSLT2). The expressions of these genes were down-regulated after menthol treatment, influencing on downstream chitin and glucan synthesis. Collectively, these results demonstrated that menthol might be beneficial as a potential alternative for decay management of citrus sour rot. Our research provided new perspectives for postharvest disease control and management control of this pathogen and elucidated its pathogenic mechanism. [Display omitted] • Menthol inhibited development of G. citri-autantii in vitro. • Menthol reduced citrus sour rot and enhanced the disease resistance of fruit. • Genome sequencing was used to explore potential pathogenic genes. • Menthol down-regulated the genes related to cell wall integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-performance N/O-co-doped activated carbons (ACs) are prepared with glucose as precursor and egg solution as nitrogen source. • Excellent electrochemical properties of N/O-co-doped ACs are achieved with optimum specific capacitance of 417 F/g. • Effects of heteroatoms on electrochemical properties of ACs are analyzed by comparing the single O-doped to the N/O-co-doped ACs. Single O-doped and N/O co-doped activated carbons (ACs) are prepared via hydrothermal synthesis (HTS) and a subsequent KOH activation with glucose as precursor and egg solution as nitrogen source. Controlling the activation temperature and mass ratio of activation agent KOH to HTS product (biochar), we tailor the surface area, porous structure as well as the amounts of heteroatoms of the prepared ACs. Using 6 M KOH solution as electrolyte, the electrochemical properties of all the prepared ACs are analyzed. For the same activation parameters, the single O-doped ACs exhibit very similar porous structure and possess a higher heteroatom amount than the N/O co-doped ACs. The N/O co-doped ACs exhibit superior capacitive behavior to the corresponding single O-doped ACs and achieve a specific capacitance of 417 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g and 334 F/g at 20 A/g. This work demonstrates a cheap and green route to produce high-performance ACs and helps to have a deeper understanding of the effects of the heteroatoms on the electrochemical properties of ACs. [Display omitted]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the introduction of Cu2+ into BaCe 0.6 Zr 0.2-x Y 0.15 Gd 0.05 Cu x O 3-δ (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06; denoted as BCZYG, BCZYGCu0.02, BCZYGCu0.04 and BCZYGCu0.06, respectively)proton conductor materials. The effects of Cu doping strategy on the crystal structure, morphology and electrical properties of BCZYGCux proton conductor materials were systematically studied. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results demonstrate that the synthesis of the BCZYGCu x proton conductor material were successfully achieved through the solid-state reaction method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and relative density results indicate that an appropriate amount of Cu additions was conducive to lowering the sintering temperature and promoting the density of materials. A comprehensive analysis based on EIS and DRT was conducted to investigate the effects of temperature, testing atmosphere, and doping amount on the influence of conductivity on BCZYGCu x proton conductor material. BCZYGCu0.02 has the largest total conductivity of 1.11×10-2 S·cm-1 at 700 ºC in the atmospheres of p O 2 =0.20 atm and p H 2 O=0.018 atm. The transference number of the BCZYGCu x proton conductor material was calculated using a defect equilibrium model. The proton transference number of BCZYGCu0.02 is 0.97 at 500 °C. The BCZYGCu0.02 proton conductor has higher proton concentration and proton transference number in comparison to BCZYG. In conclusion, the Cu doping strategy has been demonstrated to be an effective method of improving the conductivity and proton transference number of BCZYGCu x proton conductor materials. This provides a valuable insight into the optimisation of perovskite proton conductor performance. • The study successfully prepared BaCe 0.6 Zr 0.2-x Y 0.15 Gd 0.05 Cu x O 3-δ using solid-state reaction method. • The electrochemical impedance spectra of BCZYGCu x were analyzed based on EIS and DRT. • The transference number and proton concentration of BCZYGCu x were calculated by using a defect equilibrium model. • The proton conductivity of BCZYGCu2 is proton-conductivity dominant at 500–800 ºC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Does the downregulation of cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) protein in endometrial stroma lead to endometrial senescence in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and what is the potential mechanism? SUMMARY ANSWER CDC42 deficiency causes endometrial stromal senescence and decidualization defects, impairing uterine receptivity of RIF patients, via activation of Wnt signaling pathway. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Uterine aging is unique due to the cyclic remodeling and decidualization of endometrial tissue. Several transcriptomic studies have reported increased senescence in the endometrium in young patients with RIF. Our previous transcriptomic sequencing study discovered that endometrium from women with RIF showed downregulation of CDC42, which is an essential molecule affected by various senescence-related diseases. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The endometrial samples of a total of 71 fertile control patients and 37 RIF patients were collected to verify the association between CDC42 expression and endometrial senescence of RIF patients. Primary endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs) were isolated from endometrial biopsies taken from patients without any endometrial complications and planning to undergo IVF, then subjected to adenovirus-mediated CDC42 knockdown and decidualization induction to explore the detailed mechanism by which CDC42 governs stromal senescence and decidualization. Wnt inhibitor XAV-939 was used to correct the endometrial senescence and decidualization defect. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Senescence was determined by cell cycle arrest markers (e.g. P16, P21, and P53), SASP molecules (e.g. IL6 and CXCL8), and SA-β-gal staining. Masson's staining and Sirius Red staining were used to detect the endometrial fibrosis. Decidualization was evaluated by the mRNA expression and protein secretion of PRL and IGFBP1, F-actin immunostaining, and the BeWo spheroids ' in vitro implantation' model. Methods used to assess cell function included adenovirus transduction, RNA-sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, western blotting, RT-qPCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Here, we observed remarkably increased levels of stromal senescence and fibrosis, along with stromal CDC42 deficiency, in the endometrium of patients with RIF (P  < 0.001). Knockdown of CDC42 effectively induced premature senescence in EnSCs, leading to aberrant accumulation of senescent EnSCs and collagen deposition during decidualization. CDC42 deficiency in EnSCs restrained the decidualization differentiation and receptivity to trophoblast cells. Transcriptomic analysis revealed Wnt signaling activation as a critical downstream alteration in CDC42-deficient EnSCs. Mechanistically, CDC42 interacted with AKT competitively to impede the binding of GSK3β to AKT. Knockdown of CDC42 increased AKT-mediated phosphorylation of GSK3β to inactivate the Axin-GSK3β destruction complex, leading to accumulation and nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Importantly, Wnt signaling inhibitors partially corrected the endometrial senescence caused by CDC42 deficiency, and improved both decidualization and trophoblast invasion. LARGE SCALE DATA RNA-seq data sets generated in this study have been deposited at the NCBI database with BioProject accession number PRJNA1102745. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The present study was based on in vitro cell cultures. Further studies involving CDC42-regulated endometrial senescence are needed in knockout mice model and human endometrial assembloids. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS In addition to uncovering endometrial senescence in RIF, our findings underscore the significance of CDC42 in modulating EnSC senescence to maintain the decidualization function, and suggest Wnt signaling inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for alleviating endometrial senescence. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [82271698 (R.J.), 82030040 (H.S.), 82288102 (H.W.), and 82371680 (G.Y.)]; the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province [BK20231117 (R.J.)]; and the Medical Science and Technology Development Foundation of Nanjing Department of Health [YKK23097 (Y.Z.)]. The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurocognitive disorders frequently occur in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) because of the hemodynamic abnormalities induced by preoperative cardiac structural changes. We aimed to evaluate subcortical nuclei volume changes and cognition in postoperative tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) children, and analyze their relationship with preoperative cardiac structural changes. Methods: This case-control study involved thirty-six children with repaired TOF and twenty-nine healthy controls (HCs). We utilized three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted high-resolution structural images alongside the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) to evaluate the cognitive differences between the TOF and HC group. Results: We observed notable differences in subcortical nuclei volume between the TOF and HC group, specifically in the left amygdala nucleus (LAM, TOF: 1292.60 ± 155.57; HC: 1436.27 ± 140.62, p < 0.001), left thalamus proper nucleus (LTHA, TOF: 6771.54 ± 666.03; HC: 7435.36 ± 532.84, p < 0.001), and right thalamus proper nucleus (RTHA, TOF: 6514.61 ± 715.23; HC: 7162.94 ± 554.60, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a diminished integrity of LAM (β:-19.828, 95% CI: -36.462, -3.193), which showed an inverse relationship with the size of the preoperative ventricular septal defect (VSD), correlated with lower working memory indices in children with TOF. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that subcortical nuclei structural injuries possibly potentially stemming from cardiac anatomical abnormalities, are associated with impaired working memory in preschool-aged children with TOF. The LAM in particular may serve as a potential biomarker for neurocognitive deficits in TOF, offering predictive value for future neurodevelopmental outcomes, and shedding light on the neurophysiological mechanisms of these cognitive impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an environmental pollutant and carcinogen, formaldehyde (FA) is widely used in many fields, such as building materials, biomedicine, chemical industry, and so on. In vivo, as an active carbonyl substance, FA also plays a very important role. However, excessive FA in living organisms can cause many diseases. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure the balance of FA concentration in organisms. Based on this, a regenerated FA fluorescence probe NE-FA was studied for the detection of FA. The probe used hydroxynaphthalimide as a fluorophore and 2-methylaminobenzoate ester as a recognition receptor. After the probe reacts with FA, it can induce ester hydrolysis to regenerate FA, while simultaneously releasing enhanced fluorescent signal. In the selective experiments, the probe exhibits good selectivity to FA. In addition, the probe has been successfully applied to monitor FA in cells and zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A successful embryo implantation relies heavily on the receptivity of the endometrial epithelium, a process regulated by various molecular mechanisms. Evaluating endometrial receptivity in infertility patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatment, particularly those with adenomyosis related infertility, poses significant challenges due to limitations associated with conventional assessment methods. In this study, we collected residual endometrial epithelial cells from the tips of embryo transfer catheters in patients with adenomyosis related infertility. High throughput sequencing revealed a marked downregulation of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) in these cells. Functional assays demonstrated that PRMT5 interacts with and methylates homeobox A10 (HOXA10), a crucial transcription factor for endometrial receptivity and implantation. The methylation of HOXA10 at arginine 337 by PRMT5 enhances its stability and promotes the transcriptional activation of genes essential for endometrial differentiation and adhesion. The downregulation of PRMT5 led to decreased HOXA10 activity, resulting in impaired endometrial receptivity and subsequent implantation failure. These findings elucidate a critical pathway where PRMT5 downregulation negatively impacts HOXA10 function, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying implantation failure in adenomyosis related infertility. This study not only advances our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing endometrial receptivity but also identifies potential therapeutic targets for enhancing endometrial function in affected patients. [Display omitted] • Developed a novel catheter-derived endometrial cell sampling method during embryo transfer. • Discovered that PRMT5 is significantly downregulated in adenomyosis-related infertility. • Demonstrated that hormonal induction of PRMT5 enhances blastocyst-endometrial adhesion. • Revealed that PRMT5 stabilizes HOXA10 via R337 methylation, promoting endometrial receptivity. • Identified impaired PRMT5 and HOXA10 interaction as a key factor in adenomyosis-associated infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Pyrrolidin-3-formate ester was firstly used as regenerated recognition site of HCHO. • This probe has high selectivity and sensitivity toward HCHO. • This regenerated probe can detect HCHO in zebrafish without the disturbance of HCHO level. • This probe has the ability to detect HCHO in food samples. As an important carbonyl substance, formaldehyde (FA) plays an important role in transmitting information and maintaining homeostasis in the body. However, once the body consumes a large amount food added with FA, it will lead to the accumulation of FA in the organism, thereby causing a variety of diseases. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure the balance of FA concentration in organisms and to detect FA in food samples. In this paper, a regenerative FA fluorescence probe CE-FA was constructed based on the ability of pyrrolidin-3-formate ester to capture FA. After the probe reacts with FA, it causes ester alcoholysis, releases fluorophore to enhance the fluorescence signal, and realizes the regeneration of FA at the same time. There was a good linear relationship between the fluorescence intensity of the probe and the concentration of FA, and the detection limit was 2.6 μM. The probe can be used for both endogenous and exogenous imaging applications of FA in zebrafish. In addition, the probe can also be used to detect FA in food samples and has good recovery rate. We hope that the probe can provide an effective tool for the study of the functionalization of FA in living organisms and the detection of FA in food samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advancements in wearable technology have sparked great interest in body-based humidity sensors. However, simultaneously achieving rapid response, excellent biocompatibility, and flexibility remains challenging. Here, we proposed a robust high-performance biocompatible humidity sensor featuring an thin composite film made from freeze-drying polyvinyl alcohol, hyaluronic acid, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid), and MgSO 4 (FD-PHLM), with an actual water molecule interaction thickness of 10–30 nm. The humidity sensor exhibited a high sensitivity of 11.09 pF/% RH, 224 % improvement compared to that with a smooth film; a short response (0.63 s) and recovery time (0.69 s) at 25°C in air, more than one order of magnitude faster than those with flat films and those of the state-of-the-art polymer-based humidity sensors. This outstanding performance is attributed to the use of highly humidity-sensitive materials, the increased dipole moments due to the introduction of salt, and the unique thin porous sheet networks achieved through the freeze-drying process. With the advantages of high flexibility and durability, sensitivity as well as excellent biocompatibility, the proposed sensor poses great potentials in diverse applications such as non-contact sensing, respiratory patterns tracking, voice detection, and diaper humidity monitoring. [Display omitted] • Developed a rapid-response biocompatible humidity sensor for wearable electronics. • Fabricated ultra-thin sheet network porous composite film by freeze-drying method. • The salt doped porous composite film sensor demonstrated superior performance. • Sensor exhibits 0.63 s response and 0.69 s recovery times. • Sensor achieves diverse human interaction application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moderate amounts of ferrous ion (Fe2+) are necessary, and insufficient or excessive amounts can have adverse health effects. Dysregulation of intracellular Fe2+ levels triggers ferroptosis, an iron-mediated programmed cell death associated with a diverse range of diseases. Iron transporters in the Golgi apparatus (GA) affect the Fe2+ level within the cell, thereby affecting the process of ferroptosis. The regulation of ferroptosis holds immense significance in the treatment of various pathological conditions. Therefore, the monitoring of Fe2+ in the GA is imperative. Herein, a novel highly specific GA targeting fluorescent probe (GA-Fe) for Fe2+ was developed using a carbamoyl oxime structure as the recognition group. GA-Fe has good spectral performance and high sensitivity (LOD = 64 nM) for detecting Fe2+. Additionally, GA-Fe exhibits excellent targeting property and can serve as a highly effective tool for labeling the GA. Notably, GA-Fe can not only detect native and exogenous Fe2+ in cells and zebrafish, but also track Fe2+ fluctuations in ferroptosis model. [Display omitted] • Probe GA-Fe can quantitatively and sensitively detect Fe2+ with high specifity. • Probe GA-Fe performs the naked-eye detection of Fe2+. • probe GA-Fe was successfully targeted to the Golgi apparatus. • Probe GA-Fe was successfully applied to detect Fe2+ in living cells and zebrafish. • Probe GA-Fe was able to track changes in Fe2+ during ferroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensitive visualization of cysteine (Cys) levels in the Golgi apparatus of living cells during drug-induced oxidative stress is of significant importance for improving theranostic efficiency and optimizing drug design. Herein, a simple Cys-specific ratiometric fluorescent probe (ICN-Cys) was reasonably constructed using 4-CF 3 -7-aminoquinoline derivate as fluorophore and Golgi-targeting moiety and isocyano moiety as specific reaction site of Cys. This probe has been proven to hold many outstanding features of high specificity and sensitivity (detection limit of 4.8 μM), satisfactory response speed (within 30 min), ratiometric detection (F 515 /F 385), good biocompatibility, unique Golgi-targetability. Moreover, this probe can be used to monitor exogenous and endogenous Cys in the Golgi apparatus of living cells, and distinguish cancerous cells from normal cells. As expected, under oxidative stress induced by drug treatments, probe ICN-Cys successfully tracked the dynamic fluctuations of Cys levels in living cells. Furthermore, probe ICN-Cys was used to visualize Cys level changes in pathways associated with both the promotion and inhibition of ferroptosis. In summary, this work not only demonstrates isocyano moiety can serve as an ideal recognition receptor of Cys, but also offers a promising analytical tool for the visualization of Cys levels in the Golgi apparatus during Cys-related diseases. [Display omitted] • A novel Golgi-targeting Cys-specific fluorescent probe was developed. • An isocyano moiety was firstly proposed as highly selective recognition site of Cys. • The detection of native and exogenous/endogenous Cys was successfully achieved. • The fluctuations of Cys levels during drug-induced oxidative stress were monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An efficient and low-cost material was developed to remove phosphate even at low concentration. • One-step mechanical activation enhances the release of alkalinity and ferrous reactive groups from FeCO 3. • Mechanical activation stimulates in situ formation of highly reactive trivalent iron oxides from FeCO 3. • Sustained hydrolysis of activated FeCO 3 stabilizes the water pH to near neutral. Excess phosphorus (P) in surface water poses a serious threat to ecological safety. However, current methods for effectively removing low concentrations of phosphorus are complicated and expensive. Herein, we used one-step mechanical activation to enhance the release of alkalinity from carbonates and to stimulate ferrous activity in situ, thus achieving efficient and stable removal of phosphorus at low concentrations. The resultant activated FeCO 3 was demonstrated to be a high-performance material, which can remove more than 92 % of the actual low concentration of phosphorus pollution within 30 min, and the concentration of the effluent steadily met the requirements of Chinese Class I environmental quality standards for surface water (0.02 mg/L). In addition, mechanistic investigation showed that mechanical activation significantly enhanced the reactivity and phosphorus removal performance of MgCO 3. Moreover, one-step mechanical activation simultaneously stimulates the release of alkaline and ferrous ionic groups from iron-rich FeCO 3 , which can produce highly active trivalent iron oxides in situ, leading to efficient and stable phosphorus removal at low concentrations. The present work provides a new insight and direction for developing high-performance materials to remediate low concentration phosphorus polluted waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low temperature synthesis significantly increases the ionic conductivity of gel polymer. • Freeze-drying process produces gel polymer with a unique gradient microporous composite structure. • The iontronic pressure sensor demonstrates an extraordinary sensing performance. • The iontronic sensor enables high sensitivity monitoring of physiological information. Flexible pressure sensors are essential and key components for wearable electronics, but they have many limitations. The requests for a simple, fast, and low-cost fabrication method for ultrasensitive sensors hold practical significance. In this paper, we introduce an innovative ionic film with gradient porous structures and high ionic conductivity, synthesized using a facile casting and freeze-drying method, to fabricate flexible iontronic pressure sensors. We demonstrate that low synthesis temperatures markedly enhance hydrogen bond number of the ionic films, as revealed by Molecular Dynamics simulation, thereby significantly increasing the ionic conductivity of the film to an impressive value of 6.62 mS/cm, more than twice of the best values reported. The films exhibit a composite structure comprising layered pores and a rough surface. Leveraging these properties, this ionic film-based iontronic capacitive pressure sensor achieves an unprecedented sensitivity of 13786.2 kPa−1 and a broad pressure sensing range of 300 kPa, and is capable of distinguishing subtle pressures as low as 0.1 Pa, featuring a remarkably swift response time of 8 ms. We demonstrate that the sensor and its array could perform sensitive and accurate monitoring of physiological information and physical activities, and act as an excellent human–computer interface. This study offers an innovative and scalable approach to dramatically enhance sensor performance for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which have a low probability of developing resistance, are considered the most promising antimicrobial agents for combating antibiotic resistance. Feleucin-K3 is an amphiphilic cationic AMP that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. In our previous research, the first phenylalanine residue was identified as the critical position affecting its biological activity. Here, a series of Feleucin-K3 analogs containing hydrophobic D-amino acids were developed, leveraging the low sensitivity of proteases to unnatural amino acids and the regulatory effect of hydrophobicity on antimicrobial activity. Among them, K-1dF, which replaced the phenylalanine of Feleucin-K3 with its enantiomer (D-phenylalanine), exhibited potent antimicrobial activity with a therapeutic index of 46.97 and MICs between 4 to 8 μg/ml against both sensitive and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. The introduction of D-phenylalanine increased the salt tolerance and serum stability of Feleucin-K3. Moreover, K-1dF displayed a rapid bactericidal effect, a low propensity to develop resistance, and a synergistic effect when combined with antibiotics. More importantly, it exhibited considerable or superior efficacy to imipenem against pneumonia and skin abscess infection. In brief, the K-1dF obtained by simple and effective modification strategy has emerged as a promising candidate antimicrobial agent for tackling multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor decidualization and abnormal autophagy conditions in the endometria of adenomyosis patients have been reported previously. However, the specific regulatory mechanism of decidualization in adenomyosis and its relationship with autophagy levels have not been clarified. Methods: Endometrial tissues from adenomyosis patients and uteri from an adenomyosis mouse model were collected for the detection of different expression patterns of KLF4 and autophagy markers (LC3-B/LC3-A and Beclin-1) compared with control groups. Human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) isolated from adenomyosis and control endometrial tissues were employed to elucidate the biological functions of KLF4 in autophagy and decidualization. Gene expression regulation was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting and luciferase reporter assays. In addition, DNA promoter-protein interactions were examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)/PCR assay and avidin–biotin conjugate DNA precipitation (ABCD) assay. Results: KLF4 expression was decreased in endometrial tissues from adenomyosis patients compared with those from fertile controls, especially in stromal compartments. The opposite results were observed for autophagy marker (LC3-B/LC3-A and Beclin-1) expression. At the same time, KLF4 reversed the poor decidualization of hESCs from adenomyosis patients. In addition, KLF4 could induce hESC decidualization by promoting the autophagy level. Mechanistically, KLF4 bound to a conserved site in the autophagy-related 5 (ATG5) promoter region and promoted ATG5 expression. Similar expression patterns of KLF4 and autophagy markers were detected in adenomyotic mice. Conclusions: KLF4 overexpression increases the autophagy level of hESCs by transcriptionally promoting ATG5 expression, and abnormally decreased KLF4 in adenomyosis impairs hESC decidualization by repressing autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: There is an increasing awareness of the importance of root-associated bacteria and fungi to plant growth. At present, little is known about whether different ginseng cultivars affect the soil rhizosphere microbial community. Here, we examined the changes in the microorganismal diversity and composition of the rhizospheres of different ginseng cultivars. Methods: The rhizosphere soil of four ginseng cultivars, namely CBGL (GAOLI ginseng), JYSH (COMMON ginseng) and SZSZ (SHIZHU ginseng) and TSBT (BIANTIAO ginseng) were obtained. The 16S rRNA genes and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions from the total ginseng rhizosphere microorganism community were analyzed to investigate the diversity and structure of the bacterial and fungal communities of the different ginseng cultivars. Results: We found that fungal communities were more influenced by the cultivars than bacterial communities, and we revealed differences in the microbial community composition and diversity among the different ginseng cultivars. We found that fungal diversity was negatively correlated with bacterial diversity in CBGL, JYSH and SZSZ, but, TSBT had the lowest bacterial and fungal diversity, which may be related to the agricultural management for BIANTIAO ginseng. We also discovered certain rhizosphere microorganisms that may be associated with pathogenicity and the long survival time of ginseng cultivars, including Bacillus, Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium sp. agrAR069. Conclusion: We conclude that the microbial diversity and community structures under different ginseng cultivars are significantly different and are related to the host cultivar. This result provides information that can be used for the breeding of Panax ginseng. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candida albicans (C. albicans), a major opportunistic pathogenic fungus, is known to cause superficial skin infections. Unfortunately, the misuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug resistance in fungi. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), a non-antibiotic alternative, has shown potential in treating drug-resistant fungal infections. Curcumin is a photodynamically active phytochemical whose photodynamic fungicidal efficacy is largely dependent on its intracellular accumulation. However, curcumin faces challenges in penetrating the cytoplasm due to its poor water solubility and the fungal cell wall. Borneol, another monoterpenoid phytochemical, is known for its ability to enhance drug absorption. In this study, we showed that borneol improved the cellular uptake of curcumin, thereby enhancing its photodynamic fungicidal efficacy against C. albicans. This effect was attributed to borneol's ability to increase cell permeability. Transcriptomic analysis further confirmed that borneol disrupted the normal structure and function of the C. albicans cell wall and membrane, resulting in dysregulated mRNA expression of related genes and ultimately increased cell permeability. As a result, the excessive accumulation of curcumin in C. albicans triggered the overproduction of intracellular ROS upon exposure to blue light. These excessive intracellular ROS disrupted various cellular structures, interfered with essential cellular processes, inhibited biofilm formation and reduced virulence. Remarkably, borneol was also found to enhance curcumin uptake by C. albicans within biofilms, further enhancing the anti-biofilm efficacy of curcumin-mediated aPDT (Cur-aPDT). In conclusion, the results of this study strongly support the potential of borneol as an adjuvant agent to Cur-aPDT in treating superficial cutaneous fungal infections. • Borneol enhanced the cellular uptake of curcumin by C. albicans. • Borneol enhanced the cellular uptake of curcumin by C. albicans in biofilms. • Borneol enhanced the antifungal and anti-biofilm activity of Cur-aPDT against C. albicans. • The underlying mechanism of the combination of borneol and Cur-aPDT against C. albicans was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The probe could quantitatively and sensitively detect Cys (DL = 5.1 × 10−8 mol/L). • The probe displayed prominent selectivity to Cys than other species including biothiols. • The probe could specifically target the Golgi apparatus. • The probe could be applied to tracking basal Cys in live cells and zebrafish. • The probe could track the generation of Cys during the Golgi stress response in live cells and zebrafish. In the appropriate Golgi stress response, adaptive repair will occur by changing or triggering the expression of related pathways. Furthermore, it also can inhibit the cytotoxicity of cells in the altered redox homeostasis. Elevated biosynthesis and transport of cysteine (Cys) will be induced to restore the abnormal redox state, and more evidences are needed to confirm this process in the Golgi stress response. Herein, we developed a novel Golgi-targetable Cys-specific fluorescent probe GT-Cys for sensitively detecting Cys generation during the Golgi stress response. In probe GT-Cys , thiobenzoate moiety was chosen as recognition group of Cys, and 4-CF 3 -7-aminoquinoline dye was selected as fluorophore and Golgi targetable unit. Probe GT-Cys can selectively and sensitively respond to Cys. Additionally, it has good targetable properties, facilitating the study of complicated stress response of Golgi apparatus. Importantly, the applications of probe GT-Cys in biological imaging showed that it is sensitive enough to basal Cys, especially to endogenous Cys during the Golgi stress response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron plays an essential role in the chemical transformation of cells via the transition of multiple oxidation states of iron. Misregulation of iron may lead to the disorder of reactive oxygen species (ROS) catalyzed by iron, which is associated with diverse diseases. Therefore, the monitoring of labile iron in vivo is crucial for revealing its diverse functions in the biosystems. In this work, a novel "off-on" fluorescent probe NT-Fe was designed to detect ferrous ion (Fe2+) in both aqueous solutions and biological systems, based on the reduction of nitroxides to hydroxylamine. Probe NT-Fe manifested highly selective and sensitive detection (DL = 89 nM) of Fe2+. In addition, probe NT-Fe can detect Fe2+ within 50 s, which is conducive to real-time detection of labile iron in the biological system. Moreover, the intracellular Fe2+ can be tracked with probe NT-Fe in living cells effectively. Most of all, as far as we know, probe NT-Fe has been used for the first time to monitor Fe2+ in zebrafish. Image 1 • The probe could quantitatively and sensitively detect Fe2+ (DL = 89 nM). • The probe could rapidly detect Fe2+ (within 50 s). • The probe displayed prominent selectivity toward Fe2+ than other various species. • The probe could be applied to tracking labile Fe2+ in live cells and zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An innovative study aims to investigate the impact of sinus and reduced turbinate length on nasal flow and particle deposition was designed. • A complete nasal airway with maxillary sinus, a modified model without the sinus, and another with reduced turbinate length were constructed for multi-fidelity designs of nasal replicas. • The nasal airway models were dissected into 30 different regions, creating a grid map that highlights the spatial distribution variations among different fidelity replica models. • A physical replica manufactured without sections of the middle meatus could still be adequate in producing useful data on particle deposition efficiencies. An improved understanding of flow behaviour and particle deposition in the human nasal airway is useful for optimising drug delivery and assessing the implications of pollutants and toxin inhalation. The geometry of the human nasal cavity is inherently complex and presents challenges and manufacturing constraints in creating a geometrically realistic replica. Understanding how anatomical structures of the nasal airway affect flow will shed light on the mechanics underpinning flow regulation in the nasal pharynx and provide a means to interpret flow and particle deposition data conducted in a nasal replica or model that has reduced complexity in terms of their geometries. This study aims to elucidate the effects of sinus and reduced turbinate length on nasal flow and particle deposition efficiencies. A complete nasal airway with maxillary sinus was first reconstructed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans obtained from a healthy human volunteer. The basic model was then modified to produce a model without the sinus, and another with reduced turbinate length. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate flow in the nasal cavity using transient flow profiles with peak flow rates of 15 L/min, 35 L/min and 55 L/min. Particle deposition was investigated using discrete phase modelling (DPM). Results from this study show that simplifying the nasal cavity by removing the maxillary sinus and curved sections of the meatus only has a minor effect on airflow. By mapping the spatial distribution of monodisperse particles (10 μm) in the three models using a grid map that consists of 30 grids, this work highlights the specific nasal airway locations where deposition efficiencies are highest, as observed within a single grid. It also shows that lower peak flow rates result in higher deposition differences in terms of location and deposition quantity, among the models. The highest difference in particle deposition among the three nasal models is ∼10%, and this is observed at the beginning of the middle meatus and the end of the pharynx, but is only limited to the 15 L/min peak flow rate case. Further work demonstrating how the outcome may be affected by a wider range of particle sizes, less specific to the pharmaceutical industries, is warranted. A physical replica manufactured without sections of the middle meatus could still be adequate in producing useful data on the deposition efficiencies associated with an intranasal drug formulation and its delivery device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequent detection of thiamethoxam in global surface waters has provoked great concern in environmental safety, as thiamethoxam exhibits high toxicity to aquatic arthropods. However, little systematic investigation has been conducted on the chronic toxicity of thiamethoxam to crustaceans. This study exposed Eriocheir sinensis to thiamethoxam (0, 0.5, 5 and 50 μg/L) in water for 28 days. No significant difference in mortality was observed among all groups. A high concentration of thiamethoxam (50 μg/L) impaired the righting ability of E. sinensis. Thiamethoxam significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase) and malondialdehyde levels. Simultaneously, detoxification enzyme activities (aminopyrine N-demethylase, erythromycin N-demethylase and glutathione-S-transferase) increased under chronic thiamethoxam stress. In addition, thiamethoxam caused immune and hepatopancreas damage. Moreover, thiamethoxam induced intestinal flora dysbiosis by altering the microbiome structure. The reduced complexity of the gut microbiota further illustrated that thiamethoxam could disrupt the stability of the microbiota ecological network. The transcriptomic results revealed that the number of downregulated DEGs increased in a dose-dependent manner, and most downregulated DEGs were enriched in energy metabolism-related pathways. These results indicate that thiamethoxam can adversely affect the crab behavior, biochemistry, intestinal microflora and transcriptomic responses. [Display omitted] • Chronic thiamethoxam exposure impaired the motor functioning of E. sinensis. • Antioxidant and detoxification systems were activated in response to thiamethoxam exposure. • Thiamethoxam caused immune and hepatopancreas damage. • Thiamethoxam induced intestinal flora dysbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable oils (VOs) are widely used in the aquatic feed industry because of their stable source and low price, but they can cause a series of adverse effects on aquatic animals. Myo -inositol (MI) plays a vital role in regulating lipid metabolism and the health of aquatic animals. However, it remains unclear whether MI has a regulatory role on the utilization of different VOs. An 8-week study was conducted to investigate the effects of MI on the growth, lipid metabolism, and health of the Chinese mitten crab under four oil sources, including palm oil (PO), olive oil (OO), safflower oil (SO), and perilla oil (PFO) in diets. The highest growth performance and the lowest lipid levels in the whole body, hepatopancreas and muscle were observed in crabs fed the PFO diet without MI supplementation. Dietary MI markedly reduced the lipid deposition in the hepatopancreas when crabs were fed the PO and OO diets. Moreover, dietary MI increased the expression of genes related to the uptake and β-oxidation of fatty acid when crabs were fed the PO and OO diets. A high correlation was observed between dietary fatty acid composition and fatty acid composition in the hepatopancreas and muscle. The highest malondialdehyde content was observed in the PFO group. Dietary MI could decrease malondialdehyde content in the hepatopancreas when crabs were fed the PO and PFO diets. However, the lowest inflammation-related genes expression was observed in crabs fed the PFO diet without MI supplementation. Dietary MI could decrease the mRNA levels of these genes when crabs were fed the PO and OO diets. This study indicates that MI is a functional nutrient to improve the low lipid utilization and inflammatory responses caused by dietary palm oil and olive oil in E. sinensis. [Display omitted] • Dietary perilla oil could promote growth when myo -inositol was not supplemented to the diet of Eriocheir sinensis. • Dietary myo -inositol markedly reduced the lipid deposition in the hepatopancreas when crabs were fed the palm oil and olive oil. • Dietary myo -inositol could reduce the inflammation-related genes expression when crabs were fed the palm oil and olive oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-aperture receiver with optical combining architecture is an effective approach to overcome the turbulent atmosphere effect on the performance of the free-space optical (FSO) communications. In this paper, we built a 1 km urban horizontal link, and adopted beam combining system with four apertures at receiver. By analogy with aperture smoothing factor, we proposed the concept of fluctuation suppression ratio to evaluate the mitigation ability of the system on atmospheric fading. The experimental results confirmed that the beam combining system can perform best when the aperture interval is larger than the coherent length, and the performance decreases with the increase of the coherent length. Moreover, we found that the change of phase differences between the input beams is more than 40 π rad, which provides reference for future system design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]