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The PI3K/AKT/mTOR (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway can be initiated by PROK1 (prokineticin 1), but its effect and mechanism of action in pancreatic carcinoma (PC) are not fully understood. In this study, we elucidated the roles of PROK1 and its related molecules in PC in vivo. PANC-1 cells with PROK1 knockdown were injected into BALB/c nude mice. The growth and weight of the tumor were monitored and measured, which was followed by TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling), immunohistochemical staining, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. The key proteins related to proliferation, apoptosis, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were determined by Western blotting. We also used public databases to identify the molecules related to PROK1. The reduction of PROK1 inhibited angiopoiesis and promoted apoptosis in vivo. PCNA-1, cyclin D1, and Bcl-2 decreased considerably, while Bax and cleaved caspase-3 increased significantly after PROK1 inhibition. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal inhibition was also closely associated with PROK1 knockdown. The possible related molecules of PROK1, such as von Willebrand factor, were screened and considered to be involved in the aberrant activation of PI3K/AKT. In conclusion, PROK1 knockdown significantly prevented tumor growth and promoted apoptosis of human PC cells in vivo, where the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was probably inhibited. Therefore, PROK1, along with its related molecules, might be important targets for PC therapy.

The Fe‐based anode of sodium‐ion batteries attracts much attention due to the abundant source, low‐cost, and high specific capacity. However, the low electron and ion transfer rate, poor structural stability, and shuttle effect of NaS2 intermediate restrain its further development. Herein, the Fe3O4/Fe/FeS tri‐heterojunction node spawned N‐carbon nanotube scaffold structure (FHNCS) was designed using the modified MIL‐88B(Fe) as a template followed by catalytic growth and sulfidation process. During catalytic growth process, the reduced Fe monomers catalyze the growth of N‐doped carbon nanotubes to connect the Fe3O4/Fe/FeS tri‐heterojunction node, forming a 3D scaffold structure. Wherein the N‐doped carbon promotes the transfer of electrons between Fe3O4/Fe/FeS particles, and the tri‐heterojunction facilitates the diffusion of electrons at the interface, to organize a 3D conductive network. The unique scaffold structure provides more active sites and shortens the Na+ diffusion path. Meanwhile, the structure exhibits excellent mechanical stability to alleviate the volume expansion during circulation. Furthermore, the Fe in Fe3O4/Fe heterojunction can adjust the d‐band center of Fe in Fe3O4 to enhance the adsorption between Fe3O4 and Na2S intermediate, which restrains the shuttle effect. Therefore, the FHNCS demonstrates a high specific capacity of 436 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, 84.7% and 73.4% of the initial capacities are maintained after 100 cycles at 0.5 A g−1 and 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. We believe that this strategy gives an inspiration for constructing Fe‐based anode with excellent rate capability and cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low Na+ and electron diffusion kinetics severely restrain the rate capability of MoS2 as anode for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Slow phase transitions between 2H and 1T, and from NaxMoS2 to Mo and Na2S as well as the volume change during cycling, induce a poor cycling stability. Herein, an original Fe single atom doped MoS2 hollow multishelled structure (HoMS) is designed for the first time to address the above challenges. The Fe single atom in MoS2 promotes the electron transfer, companying with shortened charge diffusion path from unique HoMS, thereby achieving excellent rate capability. The strong adsorption with Na+ and self‐catalysis of Fe single atom facilitates the reversible conversion between 2H and 1T, and from NaxMoS2 to Mo and Na2S. Moreover, the buffering effect of HoMS on volume change during cycling improves the cyclic stability. Consequently, the Fe single atom doped MoS2 quadruple‐shelled sphere exhibits a high specific capacity of 213.3 mAh g−1 at an ultrahigh current density of 30 A g−1, which is superior to previously‐reported results. Even at 5 A g−1, 259.4 mAh g−1 (83.68 %) was reserved after 500 cycles. Such elaborate catalytic site decorated HoMS is also promising to realize other "fast‐charging" high‐energy‐density rechargeable batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries are one of the most potential new energy storage systems due to their high theoretical capacity (1675 mAh g−1) and high energy density (2600 Wh kg−1). However, the application of Li−S batteries is currently restricted due to the dissolution of polysulfides in the electrolyte, which leads to the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Here, we present a Co@MXene‐derived TiO2 heterostructure decorated on carbon sheets derived from folic acid (Co@M‐TiO2/C) as a functional separator coating to trap polysulfide and accelerate redox kinetics in Li−S batteries. The interconnected porous structure with good electrical conductivity of the heterostructure boasts rapid ion diffusion and efficient electron transfer within the battery. By attaching Co and MXene‐derived dual‐phased TiO2 to two‐dimensional carbon sheets, heterostructures are formed, ensuring complete exposure of the active sites. These heterostructures exhibit catalytic effects on LiPSs and excellent adsorption capabilities, effectively inhibiting the shuttle effect and accelerating the redox kinetics. Considering these advantages, the Li−S battery with the optimized Co@M‐TiO2/C modified separator demonstrates a high specific capacity of 1481.7 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C, superior rate performance of 855.5 mAh g−1 at 2 C, and excellent cycling performance under a high sulfur load of 4.4 mg cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predominant method for pest control has been the use of pesticides, which have been shown to have detrimental effects on soil, freshwater, and crop quality. Therefore, the development of novel and sustainable crop protection strategies has become increasingly imperative. In this study, a novel orange–red emitting Ba2SrWO6: Sm3+ phosphor was synthesized using the high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. Under ultraviolet excitation, the phosphors showed obvious emission peaks at 575, 614, and 662 nm. The Ba2SrWO6: Sm3+ was used to fabricate a fluorescence film with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and attracted twice as many insects as the blank control group under 365 nm ultraviolet light. This material holds great potential as a fluorescent agent for insect trapping in the pest control fields of tea, cotton, eggplant, rice, potato, grape, and other agricultural industries. Our findings provide an eco‐friendly approach to pest management for the increment of food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]