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Aim: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common complication in pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism and effects of long‐noncoding RNA maternally expressed 8 (lncRNA‐MEG8) in GDM. Methods: Targeted interactions involving lncRNA‐MEG8 and miR‐296‐3p were initially predicted using starBase software and then confirmed using dual‐luciferase reporter gene analysis. The expression levels of lncRNA‐MEG8 and miR‐296‐3p in peripheral blood samples from patients with GDM were measured using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the overall levels of insulin and insulin secretion. Additionally, MTT and flow cytometric methods were used to detect cell viability and apoptosis. Cell apoptosis‐associated proteins were determined by western blotting. Results: Our results indicated that lncRNA‐MEG8 is a potential target of miR‐296‐3p. lncRNA‐MEG8 level was higher, whereas that of miR‐296‐3p was lower in patients with GDM than in healthy individuals. LncRNA‐MEG8‐siRNA promoted insulin content and secretion. Furthermore, MEG8‐siRNA increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis. However, these changes were reversed by an miR‐296‐3p inhibitor. Moreover, a miR‐296‐3p mimic had the same effect on INS‐1 cells as MEG8‐siRNA, as evidenced by enhanced insulin secretion, cell viability, and reduced apoptosis. Conclusion: LncRNA‐MEG8‐siRNA promotes pancreatic β‐cell function by upregulating miR‐296‐3p. Summary at a glance: The present study demonstrates the role of the lncRNA‐MEG8/miR‐296‐3p axis in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The findings revealed that lncRNA‐MEG8 is highly expressed in patients with GDM. MEG8‐siRNA promotes pancreatic β‐cell functions by targeting miR‐296‐3p, and thus represents a novel therapeutic agent for GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing suitable electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage devices by biomorph assisted design has become a fascinating topic due to the fantastic properties derived from bio-architectures. Herein, zephyranthes-like Co2NiSe4 arrays grown on butterfly wings derived three-dimensional (3D) carbon framework (Z-Co2NiSe4/BWC) is fabricated via hydrothermal assembly and further conversion method. Benefiting from its unique structure and multi-components, the obtained Z-Co2NiSe4/BWC electrode for supercapacitor delivers an excellent specific capacitance of 2,280 F·g−1 at 1 A·g−1. Impressively, the constructed asymmetric supercapacitor using Co2NiSe4/BWC as positive electrode and activated butterfly wings carbon as negative electrode acquires a high energy density of 42.9 Wh·kg−1 at a power density of 800 W·kg−1 with robust stability of 94.6% capacitance retention at 10 A·g−1 after 5,000 cycles. Moreover, the Z-Co2NiSe4/BWC as anode for sodium-ion batteries exhibits a high specific capacity of 568 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 A·g−1 and high cycling stability (maintaining 80.1% of the second cycle after 100 cycles). The outstanding electrochemical performances are ascribed to that the synergistic effect of bimetallic selenides and N-doped carbon improves electrochemical activities and conductivity. One-dimensional (1D) nanoneedles grown on 3D porous framework increase the exposure of redox-active sites, endow adequate transmission channels of electrons/ions, and guarantee stability of the electrode during charge/discharge processes. This study will shed light on the avenue towards extending such nanohybrids to excellent energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To accommodate large volume change of Cu2O for improving its supercapacitor performances, Cu2O@Ni-Al LDH core-shell structure was designed and prepared through nickel-aluminum double hydroxide grown on cubic Cu2O via a simple solvent process. The Cu2O core was wrapped by Ni-Al LDH shell, which provides a high specific area for electrochemical reaction. The results show that the specific capacitance and cycle stability of Cu2O@Ni-Al LDH are superior to those of Cu2O cubic particles. The specific capacitance of Cu2O@Ni-Al LDH hybrid electrode was up to 389 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. Furthermore, a reversible capacitance of 457 F g−1 was obtained after 12,000 cycles at a much higher current density of 10 A g−1. The enhanced performances were ascribed to the unique core-shell structure and the synergistic effects of Cu2O and Ni-Al LDH, which alleviated volume expansion and provided abundant electrochemical active sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]