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Osteoblast differentiation is regulated by various transcription factors, signaling molecules, and posttranslational modifiers. The histone acetyltransferase Mof (Kat8) is involved in distinct physiological processes. However, the exact role of Mof in osteoblast differentiation and growth remains unknown. Herein, we demonstrated that Mof expression with histone H4K16 acetylation increased during osteoblast differentiation. Inhibition of Mof by siRNA knockdown or small molecule inhibitor, MG149 which is a potent histone acetyltransferase inhibitor, reduced the expression level and transactivation potential of osteogenic key markers, Runx2 and Osterix, thus inhibiting osteoblast differentiation. Besides, Mof overexpression also enhanced the protein levels of Runx2 and Osterix. Mof could directly bind the promoter region of Runx2/Osterix to potentiate their mRNA levels, possibly through Mof-mediated H4K16ac to facilitate the activation of transcriptional programs. Importantly, Mof physically interacts with Runx2/Osterix for the stimulation of osteoblast differentiation. Yet, Mof knockdown showed indistinguishable effect on cell proliferation or apoptosis in MSCs and preosteoblast cells. Taken together, our results uncover Mof functioning as a novel regulator of osteoblast differentiation via the promotional effects on Runx2/Osterix and rationalize Mof as a potential therapeutic target, like possible application of inhibitor MG149 for the treatment of osteosarcoma or developing specific Mof activator to ameliorate osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of advanced nanomaterials is urgent for electrocatalytic energy conversion applications. Recently, 2D nanomaterial‐derived heterogeneous electrocatalysts have shown great promise for both fundamental research and practical applications owing to their extremely high surface‐to‐volume ratio and tunable geometric and electronic properties. Because of their unique electronic structure and physicochemical properties, molybdenum (Mo)‐based 2D nanomaterials are emerging as one of the most attractive candidates among the nonprecious materials for electrocatalysts. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the synthesis and modulation of 2D Mo compounds for applications in electrocatalytic energy conversion. The categories based on different compositions and corresponding synthetic approaches of 2D Mo compounds are first introduced. Subsequently, various atomic/plane/synergistic engineering strategies, along with catalytic optimization in the electrochemical process that involves the cycles of water, carbon, and nitrogen, are discussed in detail. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities for the development of 2D Mo‐based electrocatalysts are proposed with the goal of shedding light on these promising 2D nanomaterials for electrocatalytic energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although cellular therapy holds enormous promise in treating intractable diseases, its application potential has been significantly hampered due to the scarcity of reliable and consistent cell sources. Therefore, a high-efficiency strategy that improves cell production and storage is desperately needed. Herein, we develop a versatile 3D bioinspired scaffold (Cryosilk) for improving scalable cell manufacture and cryopreservation. A bottom-up fabrication technique integrating electrospinning, in situ surface functionalization and freeze-shaping was explored to construct Cryosilk with biomimetic features and functions of silkworm cocoons. Cryosilk is composed of a core-shell heterostructure with silk fibroin/poly alanine fiber core and silk sericin shell, generating a 3D cocoon-mimicking fibrous structure. Importantly, Cryosilk possesses improved thermal conductivity and ice crystal resistance capability, thus enabling to cryopreserve biological samples with minimal cryodamage. Furthermore, Cryosilk not only promotes cell adhesion and growth, but achieves rapid and uniform rewarming process, which provides high cryopreservation efficacy for immune cells and stem cells. Particularly, Cryosilk can maintain cell viability and biofunctions of stem cell-scaffold constructs after freeze-thawing, which can be directly implanted to promote wound healing. Thus, Cryosilk offers unprecedented efficacy in cell manufacture and cryopreservation, which provides sufficient and high-quality precious cells and tissue engineered scaffolds for cellular therapy. [Display omitted] • 3D scaffold (Cryosilk) is developed for improving cell manufacture and cryopreservation. • Cryosilk has fibroin/poly alanine core and sericin shell fabricated by a bottom-up technique. • Cells with Cryosilk maintain high cell viability and functions after cryopreservation. • Cell-Cryosilk constructs can be directly implanted to restore tissue defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical translation of cellular therapy is hampered by the scarcity of reliable and consistent cell sources. In this study, we developed an exquisite scaffold featuring the hierarchical structure and biofunctions of silkworm cocoons (CryoSiCo), for boosting cell manufacture and cryopreservation. CryoSiCo was constructed by a creative bottom-up fabrication technique integrating electrospinning, in situ surface functionalization and freeze-shaping, generating a 3D cocoon-mimicking fibrous scaffold composed of graphene oxide-incorporated polylactic acid/gelatin inner fiber core and alginate outer fiber shell. CryoSiCo provided rapid and uniform rewarming for cryopreserved cells, and maximally maintained cell viability and proliferation capability, allowing for effective cryopreservation. Importantly, CryoSiCo could cryopreserve stem cell-scaffold constructs with high cell survival and functions, which can be directly implanted to restore tissue defects. Thus, CryoSiCo represents an appealing biomimetic strategy for storing precious cells and tissue engineered constructs, showing a broad application for fundamental research and applied medicine. • An integrative fabrication strategy is developed for constructing 3D fibrous CryoSiCo. • CryoSiCo has PLA/gelatin/graphene oxide fiber core and alginate fiber shell. • Unique structure endows CryoSiCo with a rapid and uniform freeze-thawing process. • Alginate modification of CryoSiCo enables inhibition of ice crystal growth. • Cryopreserved cells with CryoSiCo maintain high cell viability and functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sow reproductive performance is crucial in the entire pig industry. However, the heritability of reproductive traits is slowthat it is difficult to make great genetic progress by traditional breeding methods. Therefore, in this study, we performed genome-wide association analyses of litter traits in French White sows to explore genes related to sow reproductive traits and we finally detected a notable region (10.72–11.06 Mb on chromosome 7) and four promising genes (JARID2, PDIA6, FLRT2 and DICER1). The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for subsequent molecular breeding. The reproductive traits of sows are one of the important economic traits in pig production, and their performance directly affects the economic benefits of the entire pig industry. In this study, a total of 895 French Large White pigs were genotyped by GeneSeek Porcine 50K SNP Beadchip and four phenotypic traits of 1407 pigs were recorded, including total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA), number healthy piglets (NHP) and litter weight born alive (LWB). To identify genomic regions and genes for these traits, we used two approaches: a single-locus genome-wide association study (GWAS) and a single-step GWAS (ssGWAS). Overall, a total of five SNPs and 36 genomic regions were identified by single-locus GWAS and ssGWAS, respectively. Notably, fourof all five significant SNPs were located in 10.72–11.06 Mb on chromosome 7, were also identified by ssGWAS. These regions explained the highest or second highest genetic variance in the TNB, NBA and NHP traits and harbor the protein coding gene ENSSSCG00000042180. In addition, several candidate genes associated with litter traits were identified, including JARID2, PDIA6, FLRT2 and DICER1. Overall, these novel results reflect the polygenic genetic architecture of the litter traits and provide a theoretical reference for the following implementation of molecular breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Lithographical nanostructures were achieved on PMMA films by AFM ploughing. • The lithography conditions for the well-defined PMMA nanostructures were revealed. • OLED nanoarrays were realized based on the isolated resist channels by AFM ploughing. Fabrication of micro-nanoscaled organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with uniformity and scalability has emerged as a promising technology in next-generation displays and light sources. Patterning polymer resist into well-defined structures is a crucial step in the fabrication of optoelectronic device arrays, especially for cost-effectively fabricating lithographical sub-micro resist structures. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) ploughing is promising for patterning high-resolution polymer resist structures owing to nanoscaled resolution, high controllability, with relatively low cost under flexible working conditions. However, the defects of structures resulting from polymer debris contamination or spin-coated film exfoliation in ploughing procedure limit their further application in fabrication of device arrays. Herein, lithographical poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resist patterns in micro-nanoscale with excellent reproducibility and uniformity are achieved via AFM mechanical ploughing at the optimized lithography conditions. Taking use of the isolated PMMA cavities as current channels, we fabricate prototype OLED arrays with pixels of 500 nm and 1 μm. This work paves the way for developing a tip-based mechanical lithography approach to fabricate micro-nanoscaled optoelectronic devices in a simple and low-cost way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clearance of apoptotic cells by efferocytosis is crucial for prevention of atherosclerosis progress, and impaired efferocytosis contributes to the aggravated atherosclerosis. Results: In this study, we found that diabetic ApoE–/– mice showed aggravated atherosclerosis as hyperglycemia damaged the efferocytosis capacity at least partially due to decreased expression of Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) on macrophages. To locally restore MerTK in the macrophages in the plaque, hybrid membrane nanovesicles (HMNVs) were thus developed. Briefly, cell membrane from MerTK overexpressing RAW264.7 cell and transferrin receptor (TfR) overexpressing HEK293T cell were mixed with DOPE polymers to produce nanovesicles designated as HMNVs. HMNVs could fuse with the recipient cell membrane and thus increased MerTK in diabetic macrophages, which in turn restored the efferocytosis capacity. Upon intravenous administration into diabetic ApoE–/– mice, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SMN) decorated HMNVs accumulated at the aorta site significantly under magnetic navigation, where the recipient macrophages cleared the apoptotic cells efficiently and thus decreased the inflammation. Conclusions: Our study indicates that MerTK decrease in macrophages contributes to the aggravated atherosclerosis in diabetic ApoE–/– mice and regional restoration of MerTK in macrophages of the plaque via HMNVs could be a promising therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • S atoms are doped into N-rich Mo 5 N 6 through controlled topochemical substitution. • The S dopants induce the electron redistribution of Mo 5 N 6. • DFT simulations reveal the optimized ΔG H* value of −0.06 eV on the basal planes. • S-Mo 5 N 6 can achieve 10 mA cm−2 with an overpotential of 56 mV and a Tafel slope of 37.9 mV dec-1. Nitrogen-rich transition metal nitrides (e.g., Mo 5 N 6) have emerged as promising catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) owing to their unique electronic properties and structural stability. However, the higher valence of metal atoms with strong hydrogen adsorption blocks the subsequent desorption process, leading to unsatisfactory HER activity. In this study, we devise a topochemical route for the synthesis of sulfur-doped Mo 5 N 6 through the controlled ammoniation of MoS 2. Experiments and density functional theory simulations reveal that the sulfur dopants reform the localized configurations of Mo 5 N 6 , thereby inducing the electron redistribution and optimizing the hydrogen adsorption energy on the basal plane. Consequently, extraordinary HER performance with an overpotential of 56 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 37.9 mV dec-1 are achieved, outperforming most reported Mo nitride-based electrocatalysts. This work provides a feasible strategy to explore efficient electrocatalysts by electronic structure refinement using heteroatom dopants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two carbazole or carbazole-3-carbonitrile/pyridine-based bipolar materials were designed and synthesized as the hosts for solution-processed sky-blue PhOLEDs and green TADF-OLEDs. The solution-processed blue PhOLEDs based on 2,6-CzPy and CN-2,6-CzPy were fabricated exhibiting CE max of 27.4, 14.0 cd A−1 and PE max of 11.1, 5.6 lm W−1. Remarkably, the turn-on voltage (V on) of device A and B based on 2,6-CzPy drops slightly, as the doping concentration increasing from 10% to 15%. The green TADF-OLED based on 2,6-CzPy shows CE max of 10.6 cd A−1, EQE of 3.0%. Although the rational introduction of cyano substituents can significantly upgrade the thermal stability of the hosts. T g and T d of CN-2,6-CzPy improved by 53 °C and 83 °C than 2,6-CzPy. Nevertheless, the introduction of cyano substituents leads to CN-2,6-CzPy exhibiting deeper HOMO and generating a large hole injection barrier is not conducive to improve device performance. [Display omitted] • Carbazole or carbazole-3-carbonitrile/pyridine-based bipolar hosts. • For solution-processed sky-blue PhOLEDs and green TADF-OLEDs. • The green TADF-OLED based on 2,6-CzPy shows CE max of 10.6 cd A−1, EQE of 3.0%. • The blue PhOLEDs exhibited CE max of 27.4 cd A−1 and PE max of 11.1 lm W−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of NaBH4 hydrolyzation is sensitive to the pH value of its aqueous solution. The highly dispersed conduction band of metal-oxide semiconductors with d10 electronic configuration allows excellent mobility of photoexcited electrons, ensuring effective separation of photoexcited electron–hole pairs. In this study, ZnGa2O4, a conventional photocatalytic material with d10 electronic configuration was investigated for the synergistically photo-thermo-catalytic effect in NaBH4 hydrolyzation. The hydrogen generation tests revealed that photoexcited holes as OH−-trapping agent promoted hydrogen generated from NaBH4 hydrolyzation. Meanwhile, the consumption of photoexcited holes accelerated hydrogen generated from photoexcited electron reduction. Coupled with these two factors, ZnGa2O4 exhibited synergistically photo-thermo-catalytic effect in NaBH4 hydrolyzation. The HGR in photo-thermo driven condition offered several times higher than that in single-energy driven condition (irradiation or thermal radiation). The obtained catalysts, bare-ZnGa2O4 and ZnGa1.90Fe0.10O4 achieved optimum HGR at 313.15 K under ultraviolet-light (7.81 mmol h−1 g−1) and visible light (4.39 mmol h−1 g−1), respectively. In addition, the circular tests demonstrated ZnGa2O4 catalysts with high thermodynamic and chemical stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peritonitis is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Gut microbiota alterations occur in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The relationship between the gut microbiota and PD-related peritonitis (PRP) is still poorly understood. It is unclear whether the intestinal flora is involved in the pathogenesis of PRP. Methods: We collected fecal samples from PRP patients and normal group (NG) PD patients. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota of PRP and NG patients while also comparing the gram-positive peritonitis (GPP), Escherichia coli peritonitis (EP) and culture-negative peritonitis (CNP) groups in the subgroup analysis. The demographic data and clinical indicators of all patients were collected. Results: Seventeen PRP patients and 28 NG patients were recruited for this study. The analysis of fecal community diversity with 16S rDNA sequencing showed an obvious change in the microbial structure of PRP patients, where Bacteroidetes and Synergistetes were upregulated at different levels, while Bacilli and Lactobacillus were downregulated at different levels compared to levels in the NG group. In the subgroup analysis, Saccharimonadaceae was significantly increased in the GPP group compared to the EP and CNP group. In addition, decreased gene function associated with metabolic pathways was observed in PRP patients. Conclusions: Bacteroidetes and Synergistetes were the dominant orders in PRP patients. The altered composition of the gut microbiota in PRP patients provided deeper insights into the pathogenesis of PRP, and these biomarkers might be established as potential therapeutic targets that deserve further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Uric acid (UA) is thought to exert neuroprotective roles. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of serum UA with suicide attempts (SA) in adolescents and young adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). Patients and Methods: We retrospectively recruited  533 participants with MDD aged 13 to 25 years, of which 168 had a history of SA in the past three months and 365 did not have a history of SA. Serum UA levels were measured using the uricase-peroxidase coupling method. In addition to overall serum UA level comparison in MDD individuals with and without SA, a stratified analysis by biological sex was carried out. Results: Compared to MDD individuals without a history of SA, serum UA levels were significantly lower in MDD individuals with SA (P < 0.001). Female MDD, but not male MDD individuals, with SA exhibited lower levels of UA than those without SA (P < 0.01). Importantly, serum UA remained significantly associated with SA in MDD individuals (OR = 0.996, 95% CI: 0.993∼ 0.999, P < 0.01) when controlling for possible confounding variables. Conclusion: This research identifies a relationship between serum UA levels and SA in adolescents and young adults with MDD. UA may represent a biological risk marker for SA, in particular for female MDD individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adaptation to changes in flow direction is the premise to harness the bidirectional flow energy for a tidal stream turbine. Present studies usually aim at active variable-pitch or steering with dynamic sealing to carry out this task. In this paper, a 300 kW horizontal-axis tidal stream energy conversion system with an adaptive variable-pitch turbine and an outer-rotor type PMSG is developed. Based on the BEMT, the principle of the turbine with symmetrical airfoils and backward swept blades to follow the bidirectional flow is presented, and the hydrodynamic performances, such as pitching, starting, power and thrust, are discussed. The encapsulated windings and magnets of the PMSG can expose to the seawater, and the output characteristics are analyzed at different conditions in the factory. Both the turbine and generator are characterized by no dynamic sealing. The experiment results in the field show that the bidirectional flow energy can be extracted effectively, and the generator can work well to output electric power steadily. The hydrodynamic performances predicted by the modified BEMT meet the design requirements of the 300 kW prototype. The successful field trial of this novel device lays solid support for the utilization of the bidirectional tidal stream energy. [Display omitted] • A horizontal-axis TST with three adaptive variable-pitch blades is presented. • Hydrodynamic performance of the novel design is discussed based on modified BEMT. • An outer-rotor type PMSG with no dynamic sealing is proposed. • A 300 kW prototype has been testified to work well at a test site of Zhoushan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracking the flow direction is one of the effective ways to harvest more energy for a horizontal-axis tidal stream turbine (HATST). This paper presents a novel HATST design that incorporates a yaw method with a tail wing, inspired by horizontal-axis wind turbines. The design enables the HATST to adaptively yaw toward the bidirectional flow with a reciprocating rotation. To ensure stability, a small yaw angle was reserved and permanent magnets were employed to hold the yaw mechanism steady. The kinetic equations of the yaw mechanism were established, and the influence of the yaw shaft's position and the tail wing's mass on the yaw performance was analyzed. A test model was constructed to validate the design and analysis, and the optimum parameters were discussed. Experimental results demonstrated that the HATST yawed well toward the inflow and maintained the designed yaw angle of approximately 5° at different velocities. Compared with the device without magnetic-assisted yaw, the HATST achieves more than 4.47% increase in output power in the velocity range of 0.15 m/s to 0.31 m/s, and exhibits minimal swing amplitude. This research provides a novel and practical solution for the effective utilization of bidirectional tidal steam energy. [Display omitted] • A HATST with adaptive yaw is proposed to capture more energy. • A magnetic-assisted limit device is employed for stable yaw. • The kinetic equations of this novel yaw mechanism are established. • Narrow yaw shaft span is designed to relieve the yaw damp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Photo-thermal synergistic catalyst Co x FeAl-LDHs are constructed for H 2 production. • Co 6 FeAl-LDH has photo-thermal conversion capability. • The highest H 2 production rate of Co 6 FeAl-LDH reached 3.38 mol g−1 h−1. The production of hydrogen from sodium borohydride (NaBH 4) with a suitable catalyst is a promising route for the hydrogen industry. The exploration of the energy-saving catalysts with visible light response and photothermal effect is necessary for utilizing solar energy in hydrogen utilization from hydrolysis of NaBH 4. In this study, a series of photo-thermal catalysts of Co x FeAl layered double hydroxides (Co x FeAl-LDHs x = 4, 6, 8) with abundant oxygen vacancy (V o) are successfully synthesized for photo-thermal synergic catalytic H 2 generation from hydrolysis of NaBH 4. Co x FeAl-LDHs differ in bandgap, V o concentration, and photo-thermal performance, with Co 6 FeAl-LDH show the highest concentration of V o and most efficient photo-thermal performance under 400–700 nm irradiation. Co 6 FeAl-LDH can significantly lower the activation energy of the hydrolysis of NaBH 4 (E a = 35.46 kJ mol−1) and demonstrates excellent photo-thermal synergic performance with H 2 generation rate of 3.38 mol g−1 h−1 without additional heat source. The mechanism study shows that the h+, ∙OH, and V o in Co x FeAl-LDHs also play essential roles in the hydrolysis of NaBH 4. This work develops a hydrotalcite-based photo-thermal synergistic catalyst, which provides a new approach for the design of sodium borohydride hydrolysis catalysts for hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we reported the systematic investigation of synergistic photo-thermal-catalysis for NaBH 4 hydrolysis reaction based on zinc orthogermanate. A series of Zn 2 GeO 4 : x Fe3+ ( x = 0 to 0.10) catalysts were prepared via solvothermal method. The H 2 evolution experiments demonstrated that the photogenerated holes trap OH− not only shifted the equilibrium of NaBH 4 hydrolysis reaction toward the direction of H 2 evolution, but also inhibited the recombination of photogenerated carriers. With the remarkable photo-thermal synergism for the as-prepared catalysts, the H 2 evolution rate in photo-thermal-driven condition had witnessed several times higher than that in mono-energy driven condition. The catalysts remained stable after circulation tests. [Display omitted] • First study on conventional photocatalyst for H 2 evolution in NaBH 4 hydrolysis reaction • Photogenerated holes a crucial role in NaBH 4 hydrolysis reaction • The mechanism of synergistically photo-thermal-catalytic effect was proposed and verified by deuterium labeling method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]