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Breast cancer is often treated with chemotherapy. However, the development of chemoresistance results in treatment failure. Long non‐coding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been shown to contribute to chemoresistance in breast cancer cells. In studying the transcriptional regulation of NEAT1 using multi‐omics approaches, we showed that NEAT1 is up‐regulated by 5‐fluorouracil in breast cancer cells with wild‐type cellular tumor antigen p53 but not in mutant‐p53‐expressing breast cancer cells. The regulation of NEAT1 involves mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12)‐mediated repression of histone acetylation marks at the promoter region of NEAT1. Knockdown of MED12 but not coactivator‐associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) induced histone acetylation at the NEAT1 promoter, leading to elevated NEAT1 mRNAs, resulting in a chemoresistant phenotype. The MED12‐dependent regulation of NEAT1 differs between wild‐type and mutant p53‐expressing cells. MED12 depletion led to increased expression of NEAT1 in a wild‐type p53 cell line, but decreased expression in a mutant p53 cell line. Chemoresistance caused by MED12 depletion can be partially rescued by NEAT1 knockdown in p53 wild‐type cells. Collectively, our study reveals a novel mechanism of chemoresistance dependent on MED12 transcriptional regulation of NEAT1 in p53 wild‐type breast cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Metallacyclopentadienes are important metallacycles and regarded as intermediates in many reactions, therefore, new methods to achieve them are anticipated. In this study, a formal [3+2] method, through the reactions of an osmapentalyne with benzyl carbanions, was developed. The reactions underwent a nucleophilic attack of carbanions to the Os≡C bond, followed by C—H activation to form the five‐membered osmacyclopentadiene ring. Most of the reactions were carried out at room temperature, the substituents on the aromatic rings of benzyl carbanions are diverse, and the resulting products contain an Os—H bond, representing a novel type of 10C‐carbolong complexes. This work provides a new convenient route to construct metallacyclopentadienes, which is expected to further promote the development of such a type of substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mucinous gastric carcinoma (MGC) is a distinct histologic subtype of gastric cancer (GC) that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of MGC, when compared to adenocarcinoma and signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC), are currently subjects of debate and require further investigation. Methods: In this study, we conducted an investigation on 4,417 patients who were hospitalized with GC at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital between April 2008 and December 2019. The objective was to compare the prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of MGC with other types of GC. Results: In comparison to adenocarcinoma, MGC patients exhibited more advanced tumor infiltration (p < 0.001), lower tumor differentiation (p < 0.001), and higher rates of preoperative tumor marker positivity (except for AFP and CA125) (all p < 0.05). However, after propensity score matching (PSM) to eliminate confounding factors, MGC patients surprisingly exhibited a better prognosis than adenocarcinoma patients (p = 0.008), and the results in multifactorial COX regression were similar (HR = 0.792, 95% CI 0.629–0.997, p = 0.047). Among patients with MGC, age, pN stage, as well as preoperative levels of CA125 and CA724 (all p < 0.05), emerged as independent prognostic markers. While overall survival did not significantly differ between MGC and SRCC (p = 0.196), significant survival disparities emerged in advanced-stage patients (p = 0.009), with MGC showing better survival rates. Furthermore, a nomogram was developed to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival in gastric cancer patients based on various factors, achieving a C-index of 0.772 (95% CI: 0.745–0.799). Conclusions: While the poorer prognosis associated with MGC may be linked to its advanced stage and lower degree of differentiation, its biological behavior could contribute to improved survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-induced ultrafast spin dynamics in materials is of great importance for developments of spintronics and magnetic storage technology. Recent progresses include ultrafast demagnetization, magnetic switching, and magnetic phase transitions, while the ultrafast generation of magnetism is hardly achieved. Here, a strong light-induced magnetization (up to 0.86 μ B per formula unit) is identified in non-magnetic monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). With the state-of-the-art time-dependent density functional theory simulations, we demonstrate that the out-of-plane magnetization can be induced by circularly polarized laser, where chiral phonons play a vital role. The phonons strongly modulate spin-orbital interactions and promote electronic transitions between the two conduction band states, achieving an effective magnetic field ∼ 380 T. Our study provides important insights into the ultrafast magnetization and spin-phonon coupling dynamics, facilitating effective light-controlled valleytronics and magnetism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have found microRNA‐1 (miR‐1) and hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel 2 (HCN2) may be involved in the pathogenesis of thyroid hormone (TH) induced cardiac hypertrophy. However, little is known about the role of miR‐1 and HCN2 in thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH)‐induced cardiac dysfunction. In order to investigate the molecular mechanisms of TSH induced cardiac dysfunction and the role of miR‐1/HCN2 in that process, we evaluated the expression of miR‐1a/HCN2 in the ventricular myocardium of hypothyroid mice and in TSH‐stimulated H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Our data revealed that hypothyroidism mice had smaller hearts, ventricular muscle atrophy, and cardiac contractile dysfunction compared with euthyroid controls. The upregulation of miR‐1a and downregulation of HCN2 were found in ventricular myocardium of hypothyroid mice and TSH‐stimulated H9c2 cardiomyocytes, indicating that miR‐1a and HCN2 may be involved in TSH‐induced cardiac dysfunction. We also found that the regulation of miR‐1a and HCN2 expression and HCN2 channel activity by TSH requires TSHR, while the regulation of HCN2 expression and HCN2 channel function by TSH requires miR‐1a. Thus, our data revealed the potential mechanism of TSH‐induced cardiac dysfunction and might shed new light on the pathological role of miR‐1a/HCN2 in hypothyroid heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphine may be administered in pregnant women as an analgesic agent. The transplacental pharmacokinetics (PK) of morphine varies during pregnancy because of physiological and metabolic changes. In this work, we use a multi‐compartment model to simulate ex vivo human placental transfer studies of morphine. The computational model is based on a recently published model for metformin with both passive and active transport kinetics. Modifications were made to incorporate morphine‐specific transfer parameters. Parameters for the PK models were determined via the nonlinear regression method. In addition, the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) method was used for the global parameter analysis of the model. Simulation results show good agreement between the model and observed fetal and maternal morphine concentrations. In addition, the lower efflux of morphine from fetal to maternal plasma reflects reduced P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) transport as pregnancy progresses, which leads to slower clearance of morphine in the maternal plasma. The LHS analysis also indicates the more significant roles played by the passive diffusion parameters than the active transport parameter on the fetal/maternal morphine concentrations. In conclusion, we used an in silico model to investigate the transplacental properties of morphine and to predict the in vivo transplacental properties of morphine when PK parameters change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoarthritis, a common degenerative disease of articular cartilage, is characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage, changes in subchondral bone structure, and formation of osteophytes, with main clinical manifestations including increasingly serious swelling, pain, stiffness, deformity, and mobility deficits of the knee joints. With the advent of the big data era, the processing of mass data has evolved into a hot topic and gained a solid foundation from the steadily developed and improved machine learning algorithms. Aiming to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis, this paper using machine learning identifies the key feature genes of osteoarthritis and explores its relationship with immune infiltration, thereby revealing its pathogenesis at the molecular level. Methods: From the GEO database, GSE55235 and GSE55457 data were derived as training sets and GSE98918 data as a validation set. Differential gene expressions of the training sets were analyzed, and the LASSO regression model and support vector machine model were established by applying machine learning algorithms. Moreover, their intersection genes were regarded as feature genes, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the results were verified using the validation set. In addition, the expression spectrum of osteoarthritis was analyzed by immunocyte infiltration and the co-expression correlation between feature genes and immunocytes was construed. Conclusion: EPYC and KLF9 can be viewed as feature genes for osteoarthritis. The silencing of EPYC and the overexpression of KLF9 are associated with the occurrence of osteoarthritis and immunocyte infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The growing popularity and frequency of online game use have resulted in a large number of studies reporting various mental problems associated with game abuse in adolescents. In this article, we examined the prevalence of gaming disorder (GD) and explored the associations of GD with anxiety and insomnia symptoms in minority youth in China. Methods: A total of 1494 students completed the Problematic Online Gaming Questionnaire Short-Form (POGQ-SF), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item questionnaire (GAD-7), and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses were used to explore the associations between gaming disorder and anxiety/insomnia. Results: A total of 356 (23.83%) respondents reported that they had gaming disorder. Chi-square analysis showed that gender, grade, marital status of parents and exercise situation were significantly associated with GD. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that those who had GD were at significantly higher risk for anxiety and insomnia than those without GD. Conclusion: We found a high incidence of GD and a positive association among anxiety, insomnia and GD. Thus, special attention should be paid to those who have suffered from GD. It is worth addressing the adverse effects of GD on anxiety and insomnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy, ligand field theory and density functional theory calculations, we revealed the spatial distribution and energy separation of the nonbonding and antibonding orbitals associated with the top-Ni atoms in a surface-supported Ni-TPyP metal–organic framework with dinuclear coordination centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of laser and magneto-optical technology and the discovery of a broad range of magnetic quantum materials exhibiting exotic properties and new physics, ultrafast magnetization dynamics has become increasingly appealing to advanced magnetic information technology. Furthermore, manipulating magnetization via light provides insights into interactions among multiple degrees of freedom in condensed matters and has revealed a wide range of nonequilibrium phenomena. In this minireview, we first present the theoretical considerations of ultrafast magnetization dynamics from both classical and ab initio points of view. We then discuss several aspects of state-of-the-art experimental studies on light-induced magnetization dynamics in various materials, including ultrafast demagnetization and magnetization reversal, as well as coherent-phonon-driven magnetization precession and phase transitions. In particular, we highlight the role of light-induced phonons from some recent work in the latter two aspects, providing a completely new perspective as well as an alternative approach for optical control of magnetization dynamics. As a powerful means of dynamical control and thanks to the progress and advances of experimental techniques, all-optical quantum manipulation of emergent materials is becoming one of the most far-reaching frontier research areas of ultrafast sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders is a challenging task due to the time-consuming cognitive tests and potential human bias in clinics. To address this challenge, we propose a novel adversarial self-supervised graph neural network (GNN) based on graph contrastive learning, named A-GCL, for diagnosing neurodevelopmental disorders using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. Taking advantage of the success of GNNs in psychiatric disease diagnosis using fMRI, our proposed A-GCL model is expected to improve the performance of diagnosis and provide more robust results. A-GCL takes graphs constructed from the fMRI images as input and uses contrastive learning to extract features for classification. The graphs are constructed with 3 bands of the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) as node features and Pearson's correlation coefficients (PCC) of the average fMRI time series in different brain regions as edge weights. The contrastive learning creates an edge-dropped graph from a trainable Bernoulli mask to extract features that are invariant to small variations of the graph. Experiment results on three datasets — Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) I, ABIDE II, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — with 3 atlases — AAL1, AAL3, Shen268 — demonstrate the superiority and generalizability of A-GCL compared to the other GNN-based models. Extensive ablation studies verify the robustness of the proposed approach to atlas selection and model variation. Explanatory results reveal key functional connections and brain regions associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. • We propose A-GCL as a method for diagnosing neurodevelopmental disorders using fMRI. • A-GCL incorporates both contrastive learning and an adversarial training strategy. • A-GCL outperforms 10 competing algorithms across various datasets and brain atlases. • Explanatory analyses reveal key brain regions associated with ASD and ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the position sensorless control system of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), an improved high-frequency square wave (HFSW) signal injection scheme considering nonlinear inductance variation in d-q axis is proposed and implemented in this paper. Compared with the existing model, the modified scheme can take the dynamic variation of d-q axis inductance under different operation conditions into consideration by offsetting the resulting high-frequency incremental (HFI) current harmonic components, thus effectively suppressing the estimation error of the rotor position. The experimental results verify that the improved scheme proposed in this paper can not only improve the estimation accuracy of rotor position impaired by the non-linear variations of d-q axis inductance but also maintain the good steady-state and dynamic performance of traditional schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bulk properties and chemical reactivity of disordered Pt-Ni alloys in the A1 (fcc) structure are investigated using different methods: Virtual Crystal Approximation (VCA), Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker Coherent Potential Approximation (KKR-CPA), and large explicit supercells generated using Super-Cell Random Approximates (SCRAPs). While VCA predicts lattice constants that closely follow Vegard's law, the large supercells and KKR-CPA predict lattice constants that are consistently larger than Vegard's law. KKR-CPA results closely agree with those from the large supercells for the disordered alloys, producing similar projected density of states and magnetic moment across the composition range. For instance, while VCA predicts the disordered alloys to be non-magnetic at a Pt concentration (xPt) ≥ 0.5, KKR-CPA and SCRAPs predict the disordered alloys to remain ferromagnetic to higher Pt concentrations. As xPt decreases, the adsorption of H becomes more exothermic on bulk-terminated (111) surfaces but less exothermic on Pt monolayer-terminated (111) surfaces due largely to strain effects. (111) surfaces cut from the large supercells predict average H adsorption energies on the disordered alloys similar to those on the ordered phases of the same compositions, while VCA predicts H adsorption to be more exothermic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcriptional dysregulation induced by disease-defining genetic alterations of proteins in transcriptional machinery is a key feature of cancers. Mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) is the central architectural subunit in the kinase module of Mediator, a large transcriptional regulatory complex that controls essential steps of transcription. Emerging evidence links deregulated MED12 to human cancers. MED12 is frequently mutated in benign tumors and cancers. Although the missense mutations of MED12 in benign tumors disrupt the kinase activity of Mediator, MED12 mutations in cancers could eliminate the interaction between Mediator complex and RNA polymerase II, leading to severe transcriptional misregulation. Aberrant expression of MED12 is associated with the prognosis of various types of human cancers. Loss of MED12 function has been associated with the development of resistance to chemotherapeutics. Moreover, MED12 is modified by posttranscriptional regulations. Arginine methylation of MED12 has been shown to regulate MED12-mediated transcriptional regulation and response to chemotherapeutics in human cancer cell lines. In this mini-review, the authors provide an overview of the roles of MED12 in the development of benign and malignant tumors as well as its roles in chemoresistance. The studies of MED12 exemplify that aberrant transcriptional programming is a therapeutic vulnerability for certain types of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A crystalline iceplant-like nano-NaVPO4F@graphene composite is successfully synthesized by a freeze-drying process. Graphene forms a lamellar structure wherein NaVPO4F nanoparticles are uniformly adhered to the surface of graphene. The composite displays an intercalation-type reaction mechanism and excellent cycling and rate performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a very urgent and important task to improve the safety and high‐temperature performance of lithium/lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Here, a novel ionic liquid, 1‐(2‐ethoxyethyl)‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (PYR1(2o2)TFSI), was designed and synthesized, and then mixed with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as appropriate solvent and LiTFSI lithium salt to produce an electrolyte with high ionic conductivity for safe LIBs. Various characterizations and tests show that the highly flexible ether group could markedly reduce the viscosity and provide coordination sites for Li‐ion, and the DMC could reduce the viscosity and effectively enhance the Li‐ion transport rate and transference number. The electrolyte exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in Li/LiFeO4 cells at room temperature as well as at a high temperature of 60 °C. More importantly, with the addition of DMC, the IL‐based electrolyte remains nonflammable and appropriate DMC can effectively inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites. Our present work may provide an attractive and promising strategy for high performance and safety of both lithium and lithium‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a type of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) that exhibits numerous outstanding properties and is naturally synthesized and elaborately regulated in various microorganisms. However, the regulatory mechanism involving the specific regulator PhaR in Haloferax mediterranei, a major PHBV production model among Haloarchaea, is not well understood. In our previous study, we showed that deletion of the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) synthetase-like (pps-like) gene activates the cryptic phaC genes in H. mediterranei, resulting in enhanced PHBV accumulation. In this study, we demonstrated the specific function of the PPS-like protein as a negative regulator of phaR gene expression and PHBV synthesis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), in situ fluorescence reporting system, and in vitro electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed that the PPS-like protein can bind to the promoter region of phaRP. Computational modeling revealed a high structural similarity between the rifampin phosphotransferase (RPH) protein and the PPS-like protein, which has a conserved ATP-binding domain, a His domain, and a predicted DNA-binding domain. Key residues within this unique DNA-binding domain were subsequently validated through point mutation and functional evaluations. Based on these findings, we concluded that PPS-like protein, which we now renamed as PspR, has evolved into a repressor capable of regulating the key regulator PhaR, and thereby modulating PHBV synthesis. This regulatory network (PspR-PhaR) for PHA biosynthesis is likely widespread among haloarchaea, providing a novel approach to manipulate haloarchaea as a production platform for high-yielding PHA. Key points: • The repressive mechanism of a novel inhibitor PspR in the PHBV biosynthesis was demonstrated • PspR is widespread among the PHA accumulating haloarchaea • It is the first report of functional conversion from an enzyme to a trans-acting regulator in haloarchaea [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) is a significant fruit crop in the commercial sector, owing to its high nutritional and medicinal value. The advent of high-throughput genomics sequencing technology has led to the publication of a vast amount of passionfruit omics data, encompassing complete genome sequences and transcriptome data under diverse stress conditions. To facilitate the efficient integration, storage, and analysis of these large-scale datasets, and to enable researchers to effectively utilize these omics data, we developed the first passionfruit genome database (PGD). The PGD platform comprises a diverse range of functional modules, including a genome browser, search function, heatmap, gene expression patterns, various tools, sequence alignment, and batch download, thereby providing a user-friendly interface. Additionally, supplementary practical tools have been developed for the PGD, such as gene family analysis tools, gene ontology (GO) terms, a pathway enrichment analysis, and other data analysis and mining tools, which enhance the data's utilization value. By leveraging the database's robust scalability, the intention is to continue to collect and integrate passionfruit omics data in the PGD, providing comprehensive and in-depth support for passionfruit research. The PGD is freely accessible via http://passionfruit.com.cn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volcano plots and scaling relations are commonly used to design catalysts and understand catalytic behavior. These plots are a useful tool due to their robust and simple analysis of catalysis; however, catalysts that follow the volcano plot paradigm have an inherent limit to their performance. Scaling and Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi (BEP) relations, which are linear correlations in reaction energetics, force tradeoffs when optimizing catalysts, which leads to this limit on performance. Therefore, materials and design strategies that are not limited by volcano plots and scaling relations are of high interest, and this is the focus of this Report. We first give an overview of volcano plots and scaling relations. Deviations from scaling relations and the volcano plot and their causes are discussed in more detail. Finally, design strategies that do not rely on the volcano plot paradigm are reviewed. • Volcano plots are powerful tools in catalyst design. • Catalysts that conform to volcano plots have a limit to their performance. • There are many ways to deviate from the volcano plot and underlying scaling relations. • New design strategies have been developed to handle cases that do not obey volcano plots and scaling relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The character of ammonia-oxygen (NH3-O2) plasma-treated polysulfone (PSF) membrane was studied in this work. The time effect of the plasma-treated PSF membrane was checked with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) detector, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), membrane contact angle, and filtration property. EDX detector and ATR-FTIR spectra have shown that the surface oxygen content of the modified membrane increased in the form of peroxy, hydroxyl, and aromatic carboxide groups. However, nitrogen was not observed in the NH3-O2 plasma-treated membrane surface. The peroxy group disappeared and hydroxyl and aromatic carboxide groups were reduced 3 months later. However, the plasma-treated membrane still shown great hydrophilicity, and the contact angle decreased to 0 within 11 s despite the time effect. During the two rounds of 80 min of bovine serum albumin buffer solution filtration process, the fluxes of newly plasma-treated membrane and that of the membrane 3 months later decreased to 78 L m−2 h−1 and 54 L m−2 h−1, respectively, whereas the flux of the pristine membrane decreased to 12 L m−2 h−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a type of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) that exhibits numerous outstanding properties and is naturally synthesized and elaborately regulated in various microorganisms. However, the regulatory mechanism involving the specific regulator PhaR in Haloferax mediterranei, a major PHBV production model among Haloarchaea, is not well understood. In our previous study, we showed that deletion of the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) synthetase-like (pps-like) gene activates the cryptic phaC genes in H. mediterranei, resulting in enhanced PHBV accumulation. In this study, we demonstrated the specific function of the PPS-like protein as a negative regulator of phaR gene expression and PHBV synthesis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), in situ fluorescence reporting system, and in vitro electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed that the PPS-like protein can bind to the promoter region of phaRP. Computational modeling revealed a high structural similarity between the rifampin phosphotransferase (RPH) protein and the PPS-like protein, which has a conserved ATP-binding domain, a His domain, and a predicted DNA-binding domain. Key residues within this unique DNA-binding domain were subsequently validated through point mutation and functional evaluations. Based on these findings, we concluded that PPS-like protein, which we now renamed as PspR, has evolved into a repressor capable of regulating the key regulator PhaR, and thereby modulating PHBV synthesis. This regulatory network (PspR-PhaR) for PHA biosynthesis is likely widespread among haloarchaea, providing a novel approach to manipulate haloarchaea as a production platform for high-yielding PHA. Key points: • The repressive mechanism of a novel inhibitor PspR in the PHBV biosynthesis was demonstrated • PspR is widespread among the PHA accumulating haloarchaea • It is the first report of functional conversion from an enzyme to a trans-acting regulator in haloarchaea [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

p38 has long been known as a central mediator of protein kinase A (PKA) signaling in brown adipocytes, which positively regulate the transcription of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1). However, the physiological role of p38 in adipose tissues, especially the white adipose tissue (WAT), is largely unknown. Here, we show that mice lacking p38α in adipose tissues display a lean phenotype, improved metabolism, and resistance to diet-induced obesity. Surprisingly, ablation of p38α causes minimal effects on brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult mice, as evident from undetectable changes in UCP-1 expression, mitochondrial function, body temperature (BT), and energy expenditure. In contrast, genetic ablation of p38α in adipose tissues not only markedly facilitates the browning in WAT upon cold stress but also prevents diet-induced obesity. Consistently, pharmaceutical inhibition of p38α remarkably enhances the browning of WAT and has metabolic benefits. Furthermore, our data suggest that p38α deficiency promotes white-to-beige adipocyte reprogramming in a cell-autonomous manner. Mechanistically, inhibition of p38α stimulates the UCP-1 transcription through PKA and its downstream cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), which form a positive feedback loop that functions to reinforce the white-to-beige phenotypic switch during cold exposure. Together, our study reveals that inhibition of p38α is able to promote WAT browning and confer metabolic benefits. Our study also indicates that p38α in WAT represents an exciting pharmacological target to combat obesity and metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence suggests that hepatic macrophages play an important role in tissue repair after liver injury by coordinating the induction and resolution of inflammation, removing apoptotic cells, and promoting hepatocyte proliferation. Understanding the role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of liver injury will help pave the way to future therapeutics. Here, we investigated whether macrophage p38α plays a regulatory role in the tissue repair following d-galactosamine (GalN)/tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α)-induced acute liver injury. We found that macrophage p38α-deficient mice displayed decreased mortality and relieved liver injury as evident from less apoptosis, accelerated regeneration, decreased granulocytes recruitment, monocytes infiltration, and cytokine production after GalN/ TNF-α treatment. Mechanistically, we found that p38 signaling was activated by lipopolysaccharide/interferon-γ treatment but not by inteleukin-4 stimulation, while pharmaceutical inhibition of p38α induced a shift in polarization from M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages. Together, our results indicated that macrophage p38α signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of liver injury induced by GalN/ TNF-α, and inhibition of p38α signaling in macrophage could ameliorate liver injury and accelerate regeneration, probably by promoting the polarization of macrophages from the M1 phenotype to the M2 phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photonic artificial synapses have become favorable candidates for the basic architecture of neuromorphic computing systems due to their high bandwidth, low power consumption, and low crosstalk. However, work on visible light modulated synaptic devices with biological postsynaptic currents has rarely been reported. Herein, we report a photonic synaptic device operating at ultra-low currents. It employs perovskite CsPbI 2 Br as the light-absorbing layer and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as the carrier blocking layer. The resulting device exhibits excellent visual cell simulation capability in the visible light range. An ultra-low post-synaptic current of picoampere level can be achieved with visible-light modulation, which is much lower than that of normal photonic synaptic devices. It also exhibited superior memory retention of over 1000 s and low power consumption of 4.25 pJ. Furthermore, the sensory memory (SM), short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM) are successfully simulated in visible light. An artificial neural network-based neuromorphic computing was also simulated, with the recognition accuracy of MNIST data reaching 95.99% for small digits and 95.34% for large digits. Overall, our work provides promising strategies for low-current photonic neuromorphic applications. We fabricated visible-light modulated synaptic devices with ultra-low currents, providing device support for the fabrication of large-scale integrated arrays that mimic the human visual nervous system with low power consumption. The device exhibits excellent visual cell-mimicking capabilities and enables sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory, paired-pulse facilitation, and learning/forgetting behaviors with visible light modulation. [Display omitted] • Photonic artificial synapses that respond to visible light. • Ultra-low postsynaptic currents, close to biological levels. • Adjustable conductance retention capability. • Unique barrier layer mechanism for flexible modulation of photocurrent levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane is one of the most promising routes for the production of clean hydrogen as it is seen as a highly efficient and safe method. However, its large-scale industrial application is either limited by the high cost of the catalyst (usually a noble metal based catalyst) or by the low activity and poor reusability (usually a non-noble metal catalyst). In this study, we have successfully prepared three low-cost CuCo 2 O 4 nanocatalysts, namely: (i) Ti supported CuCo 2 O 4 film made of CuCo 2 O 4 nanoplates, (ii) Ti supported CuCo 2 O 4 film made of CuCo 2 O 4 nanosheets, and (iii) unsupported CuCo 2 O 4 nanoparticles. Among the three catalysts used for the hydrolytic dehydrogeneration of ammonia borane, the CuCo 2 O 4 nanoplate film exhibits the highest catalytic activity with a turnover frequency (TOF) of ∼44.0 mol hydrogen min −1 mol cat −1 . This is one of the largest TOF value for noble-metal-free catalysts ever reported in the literature. Moreover, the CuCo 2 O 4 nanoplate film almost keeps its original catalytic activity after eight cycles, indicative of its high stability and good reusability. Owing to its advantages, the CuCo 2 O 4 nanoplate film can be a promising catalyst for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane, which may find important applications in the field of hydrogen energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MgO-supported osmium dioxo species, described as Os(=O)2{−Osupport}1 or 2 (the brackets denote O atoms of the MgO surface), formed from Os3(CO)12 via supported Os(CO)2, and characterized by spectroscopy, microscopy, and theory, react with ethylene at 298 K to form osmium glycol species or with CO to give osmium mono- and di-carbonyls. Os(=O)2{−Osupport}1 or 2 is the precursor of a CO oxidation catalyst characterized by a turnover frequency of 4.0×10−3 (molecules of CO)/(Os atom×s) at 473 K; the active species are inferred to be osmium monocarbonyls. The structures and frequencies calculated at the level of density functional theory with the B3LYP functional bolster the experimental results and facilitate structural assignments. The lowest-energy structures have various osmium oxidation and spin states. The results demonstrate not only new chemistry of the supported single-site catalysts but also their complexity and the value of complementary techniques used in concert to unravel the chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginsenoside Rb 1 , an active ingredient in Panax ginseng , was widely used for its various biological activities. To clarify the role of the gut microbiota in pharmacokinetics and metabolism of Rb 1 , a comprehensive and comparative study of colonic deglycosylation metabolism and systemic exposure of ginsenoside Rb 1 in normal rats, antimicrobials (ATMs) treated rats, and restraint stressed rats was conducted. ATMs treated rats received oral administration of non-absorbable antimicrobial mixtures for 7 consecutive days. Restraint stressed rats were subjected to repeated restraint stress for a period of 2 h once daily for 7 days. Plasma concentration dynamics, urine and fecal excretion of Rb 1 and its deglycosylation metabolites (Rd, F 2 , and C-K) were studied. Moreover, the in vitro metabolism of Rb 1 in fecal suspension and the fecal β- d -glucosidase activity were profiled. Systemic exposure of the deglycosylation metabolites of ginsenoside Rb 1 (F 2 , C-K) were significantly higher in restraint stressed rats, but ATMs treated rats exhibited a decreased plasma levels of F 2 and C-K, compared with normal rats. Further studies illustrated that altered systemic Rb 1 and its deglycosylation metabolites exposure in restraint-stressed rats and ATMs treated rats may be partially attributed to alternations in cumulative fecal excretion. The distinguishing fecal β- d -glucosidase, in vitro elimination of Rb 1 , and formation of these deglycosylation metabolites afforded further evidence for the in vivo data. In conclusion, the dys-regulated fecal β- d -glucosidase activity and deglycosylation metabolism may contribute to the altered pharmacokinetic of ginsenoside Rb 1 and its hydrolysis metabolites after ATMs treatment or restraint stress exposure. Our results may offer valuable insights into the pharmacological changes of bioactive ginsenosides in dys-regulated gut microbiota statue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a member of the GLI-Kruppel family of transcriptional factors, Yin Yang-1 (YY1) functions as an oncogene in various types of cancers. However, the role of YY1 in hepatocellular carcinogenesis remains unknown. In this report, we investigated the relevance of YY1 to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. We found that YY1 was upregulated in HCC cell lines. Ectopic YY1 expression promoted the growth of non-tumor liver cells that expressed low level of YY1. In contrast, YY1 depletion inhibited the growth of HCC cells which was accompanied with distinct morphological changes. Moreover, the phenotypic changes induced by YY1 depletion were attributed to cellular differentiation rather than cellular senescence. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (CEBPA) which was important to regulate differentiation of hepatocytes was found as the direct target downregulated by YY1. Restoration of CEBPA in YY1-expressing HCC cells induced cellular differentiation and growth inhibition while knockdown of CEBPA expression in non-tumor liver cells promoted cell growth. In summary, our study demonstrated that YY1 could promote hepatocellular carcinogenesis and inhibit cellular differentiation through the downregulation of CEBPA expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tamoxifen resistance is a common and difficult problem in the clinical treatment of breast cancer (BC). As a novel antitumor agent, Micheliolide (MCL) has shown a better therapeutic effect on tumours; however, little is known about MCL and its role in BC therapy. With tamoxifen stimulation, drug‐resistant BC cells MCF7TAMR and T47DTAMR obtained a high oxidative status and Amidohydrolase 1 (ASAH1) was abnormally activated. The inhibition of ASAH1 rescued the sensitivity of resistant cells to tamoxifen. We found that MCL inhibited the expression of ASAH1 and cell proliferation, especially in MCF7TAMR and T47DTAMR cells. The high oxidative stress status of resistant cells stimulated the expression of ASAH1 by positively regulating AKT, which was restrained by MCL. MCL activated NRF2 by directly binding to KEAP1 and promoting the antioxidant level of tamoxifen‐resistant (TAMR) cells. In addition, ACT001, the prodrug of MCL, significantly inhibited the tumour growth of TAMR cells in preclinical xenograft tumour models. In conclusion, ASAH1 mediates tamoxifen resistance in ER‐positive BC cells. MCL could activate the cellular antioxidant system via NRF2/KEAP1 and inhibit ASAH1 expression through the ROS/AKT signalling pathway, thus suppressing cell proliferation. MCL could be used as a potential treatment for TAMR‐BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bellamya purificata is an important medicinal value and economically farmed species in China. However, because little is known about the genetic characteristics of this species, the utilization of high-quality germplasm resources is hindered. The study examined the genetic differentiation between, and the structure of 12 B. purificata populations in Guangxi using 7 microsatellite DNA markers. High genetic diversity occurred in each population, with mean observed heterozygosity 0.655 and a mean expected heterozygosity 0.832. Analysis of molecular variance reveals genetic diversity to be greater within (95.2%) than among populations (4.8%). Genetic differentiation between populations is weak (Fst = 0.048, P < 0.001), with mixing of genetic clusters prevalent at the level of the individual. Genetic flow exists between populations (Nm = 3.084–11.778), with Longshui and Guilin populations exchanging frequently. A Mantel test reveals a low correlation between geographic and genetic distances (r = 0.2482, P < 0.071), suggesting that dispersal between neighboring populations facilitates population exchange. No significant heterozygosity excess was observed for any population (P > 0.05), indicating a lack of recent genetic bottlenecks. The results provide important genetic information for B. purificata, and data for potential germplasm discovery and aquaculture development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondria are cellular powerhouses that generate energy through the electron transport chain (ETC). The mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) encodes essential ETC proteins in a compartmentalized manner, however, the mechanism underlying metabolic regulation of mtDNA function remains unknown. Here, we report that expression of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme succinate-CoA ligase SUCLG1 strongly correlates with ETC genes across various TCGA cancer transcriptomes. Mechanistically, SUCLG1 restricts succinyl-CoA levels to suppress the succinylation of mitochondrial RNA polymerase (POLRMT). Lysine 622 succinylation disrupts the interaction of POLRMT with mtDNA and mitochondrial transcription factors. SUCLG1-mediated POLRMT hyposuccinylation maintains mtDNA transcription, mitochondrial biogenesis, and leukemia cell proliferation. Specifically, leukemia-promoting FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations modulate nuclear transcription and upregulate SUCLG1 expression to reduce succinyl-CoA and POLRMT succinylation, resulting in enhanced mitobiogenesis. In line, genetic depletion of POLRMT or SUCLG1 significantly delays disease progression in mouse and humanized leukemia models. Importantly, succinyl-CoA level and POLRMT succinylation are downregulated in FLT3- mutated clinical leukemia samples, linking enhanced mitobiogenesis to cancer progression. Together, SUCLG1 connects succinyl-CoA with POLRMT succinylation to modulate mitochondrial function and cancer development. Synopsis: Whether mitochondrial DNA function is affected by cellular metabolism remains poorly understood. Here, the Krebs cycle enzyme succinate-CoA ligase (SUCLG1) is shown to restrict succinylation of mitochondrial RNA polymerase (POLRMT) and thereby sustain mitochondrial transcription. This mechanism is relevant for mutant FLT3-driven leukemogenesis. SUCLG1 reduces succinyl-CoA levels to restrict POLRMT succinylation. K622 succinylation suppresses POLRMT activity. FLT3 mutations regulate SUCLG1 to activate POLRMT. Mutant FLT3 alters nuclear transcription to remodel mitochondrial biogenesis. Genetic depletion of POLRMT or SUCLG1 delays leukemia progression in mice and humanized models. Krebs cycle succinate-CoA ligase targets mitochondrial RNA polymerase and mtDNA transcription supporting mutant FLT3-driven blood cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The KTK 4A‐related Thermoplasmata thrives in the sediment of saline lakes; however, systematic research on its taxonomy, environmental adaptation and metabolism is lacking. Here, we detected this abundant lineage in the sediment of five artificially separated ponds (salinity 7.0%–33.0%) within a Chinese soda‐saline lake using culture‐independent metagenomics and archaeal 16S rRNA gene amplicons. The phylogenies based on the 16S rRNA gene, and 122 archaeal ubiquitous single‐copy proteins and genome‐level identity analyses among the metagenome‐assembled genomes demonstrate this lineage forming a novel order, Candidatus Haloplasmatales, comprising four genera affiliated with the identical family. Isoelectric point profiles of predicted proteomes suggest that most members adopt the energetically favourable 'salt‐in' strategy. Functional prediction indicates the lithoheterotrophic nature with the versatile metabolic potentials for carbohydrate and organic acids as well as carbon monoxide and hydrogen utilization. Additionally, hydrogenase genes hdrABC‐mvhADG are linked with incomplete reductive citrate cycle genes in the genomes, suggesting their functional connection. Comparison with the coupling of HdrABC‐MvhADG and methanogenesis pathway provides new insights into the compatibility of laterally acquired methanogenesis with energy metabolism in the related order Methanomassiliicoccales. Globally, our research sheds light on the taxonomy, environmental adaptative mechanisms, metabolic potentials and evolutional significance of Ca. Haloplasmatales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The prevalence of childhood maltreatment ranged 0.31-0.38 depending on subtype. • Substance use disorder samples reported almost one third of people with single types of maltreatments. • Childhood maltreatment rates vary between different continents and are more commonly in North America. Substance use disorder is known to be associated with childhood trauma, yet prevalence estimates have varied markedly due to methodological differences. The meta-analysis presented here aimed to estimate prevalence rates of childhood trauma for people with substance use disorder using the short form of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF). Four major public databases (PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library and PsycINFO) were searched for eligible studies until April 2nd, 2018. Ten studies were included with a total sample size of 1,310 across six countries. The prevalence estimates of each subtype of childhood trauma across all substance use disorder samples were: emotional abuse (38%, 95% CI: 28%-48%); physical abuse (36%, 95% CI: 27%-45%); sexual abuse (31%, 95% CI: 23%-41%); emotional neglect (31%, 95% CI: 18%-45%) and physical neglect (32%, 95% CI: 25%-40%). Subgroup analysis by continent demonstrated that the highest prevalence rates of emotional abuse were found in North America and South America (45%). Compared with other continents, the prevalence rates of North America were the highest for physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect (39%-44%). Childhood trauma is prevalent among substance use disorder samples compared to the general population. Different continents have different levels of prevalence of childhood trauma, which may be due in part to socioeconomic, cultural and definitional variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging literature illustrates critical roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the progression of atherosclerosis. However, the biological functions and mechanism by which lncRNAs regulate the atherosclerosis remain unclear. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with oxidative low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). RNA and protein levels were respectively measured using RT-qPCR and western blot. Molecular interaction was detected using luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Proliferation and migration were measured using CCK-8 and wound healing assay. Here, results unveiled that lncRNA SNHG7 was remarkedly up-regulated in ox-LDL exposed HUVECs. Gain and loss of function experiments showed that the SNHG7 repressed the proliferation and migration of HUVECs. Mechanistically, transcription factor E2F1 was found to target the promoter region of lncRNA SNHG7 and accelerated its expression. Moreover, miR-186-5p was found to bind with the 3′-UTR of SNHG7, meanwhile miR-186-5p also bound with the MMP2 mRNA 3′-UTR. In conclusion, these results show the essential roles of E2F1/SNHG7/miR-186-5p/MMP2 axis on the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, providing a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is a microbial process degrading ample methane in anoxic environments, and Ca. Methanoperedens mediated nitrate‐ or metal‐reduction linked AOM is believed important in freshwater systems. This work, via 16S rRNA gene diversity survey and 16S rRNA quantification, found abundant Ca. Methanoperedens along with iron in the cold Zoige wetland at Tibetan Plateau. The wetland soil microcosm performed Fe(III) reduction, rather than nitrate‐ nor sulphate‐reduction, coupled methane oxidation (3.87 μmol d−1) with 32.33 μmol Fe(II) accumulation per day at 18°C, but not at 30°C. A metagenome‐assembled genome (MAG) recovered from the microcosm exhibits ~74% average nucleotide identity with the reported Ca. Methanoperedens spp. that perform Fe(III) reduction linked AOM, thus a novel species Ca. Methanoperedens psychrophilus was proposed. Ca. M. psychrophilus contains the whole suite of CO2 reductive methanogenic genes presumably involving in AOM via a reverse direction, and comparative genome analysis revealed its unique gene categories: the multi‐heme clusters (MHCs) cytochromes, the S‐layer proteins highly homologous to those recovered from lower temperature environments and type IV pili, those could confer Ca. M. psychrophilus of cold adaptability. Therefore, this work reports the first methanotroph implementing AOM in an alpine wetland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-NaVPO 4 F enwrapped in reduced graphene oxide is obtained via the modified freeze-drying method. In the composite, reduced graphene oxide constitutes a 3D conductive framework, and NaVPO 4 F particles less than 100 nm are uniformly enwrapped in the graphene sheets. The composite exhibits not only excellent cycle stability but also extraordinary rate capability in sodium-ion batteries. The corresponding discharge capacities at 10, 20, 50, and 100 C are 113.9, 112.1, 106.9, and 86.6 mAh g−1, respectively. In particularly, it delivers an initial discharge specific capacity of 110.6 mAh g−1 while obtains 100.0 mAh g−1 with the capacity retention of 90.4% at 10 C after 3000 cycles. Such superior performance can be ascribed to the uniform nanometer-sized particles and the 3D conductive graphene framework. This work implies that graphene-modified NaVPO 4 F can be a promising cathode material for long-cycle and high-rate sodium-ion batteries. Image 1 • Nano-NaVPO 4 F@graphene is synthesized by a modified freeze-drying method. • NaVPO 4 F particles less than 100 nm are uniformly enwrapped in the rGO sheets. • The material shows excellent cycling and rate performance in sodium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Soda‐saline lakes are polyextreme environments inhabited by many haloalkaliphiles, including one of the most abundant Spiribacter species. However, its mechanisms of adaptation are not ecophysiologically characterized. Based on a large‐scale cultivation strategy, we obtained a representative isolate of this Spiribacter species whose relative abundance was the highest (up to 15.63%) in a wide range of salinities in the soda‐saline lakes in Inner Mongolia, China. This species is a chemoorganoheterotrophic haloalkaliphile. It has a small and streamlined genome and utilizes a wide variety of compatible solutes to resist osmotic pressure and multiple monovalent cation/proton antiporters for pH homeostasis. In addition to growth enhancement by light under microaerobic conditions, cell growth, organic substrate consumption and polyhydroxybutyrate biosynthesis were also improved by inorganic sulfide. Both quantitative RT‐PCR and enzymatic assays verified that sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase was upregulated during this process. Metatranscriptomic analysis indicated that all genes related to environmental adaptation were transcribed in natural environments. Overall, this study has identified a novel abundant haloalkaliphile with multiple and highly integrated adaptive strategies and found that inorganic sulfide was able to improve the adaptation of a heterotroph to polyextreme environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondria harbor the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system to sustain cellular respiration. However, the transcriptional regulation of OXPHOS remains largely unexplored. Through the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) transcriptome analysis, transcription factor THAP domain‐containing 3 (THAP3) was found to be strongly associated with OXPHOS gene expression. Mechanistically, THAP3 recruited the histone methyltransferase SET and MYND domain‐containing protein 3 (SMYD3) to upregulate H3K4me3 and promote OXPHOS gene expression. The levels of THAP3 and SMYD3 were altered by metabolic cues. They collaboratively supported liver cancer cell proliferation and colony formation. In clinical human liver cancer, both of them were overexpressed. THAP3 positively correlated with OXPHOS gene expression. Together, THAP3 cooperates with SMYD3 to epigenetically upregulate cellular respiration and liver cancer cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms play an essential role in sulfide removal. Alkaline absorption solution facilitates the sulfide's dissolution and oxidative degradation, so haloalkaliphile is a prospective source for environmental-friendly and cost-effective biodesulfurization. In this research, 484 sulfide oxidation genes were identified from the metagenomes of the soda-saline lakes and a haloalkaliphilic heterotrophic bacterium Halomonas salifodinae IM328 (=CGMCC 22183) was isolated from the same habitat as the host for expression of a representative sequence. The genetic manipulation was successfully achieved through the conjugation transformation method, and sulfide: quinone oxidoreductase gene (sqr) was expressed via pBBR1MCS derivative plasmid. Furthermore, a whole-cell catalyst system was developed by using the engineered strain that exhibited a higher rate of sulfide oxidation under the optimal alkaline pH of 9.0. The whole-cell catalyst could be recycled six times to maintain the sulfide oxidation rates from 41.451 to 80.216 µmol·min−1·g−1 dry cell mass. To summarize, a whole-cell catalyst system based on the engineered haloalkaliphilic bacterium is potentiated to be applied in the sulfide treatment at a reduced cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The combination of PAN, TPU and PTHP gives the nanofiber good mechanical properties. • The self-cleaning effect of PPE better protects individual and public health safety. • Encapsulation of PTHP by nanofibers ensures sustained self-cleaning effect. • The durability of PPE reduces the pollution caused by its frequent replacement. Infectious diseases caused by bacterial and viral transmission have brought a significant burden on public health security. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital in impeding their spread and protecting our safety. However, the existing PPE can only play a certain filtering role and cannot clean itself. Long-term wearing will lead to the accumulation of bacteria and viruses, there is a certain risk, and frequent replacement has caused a lot of white pollution. Here, we prepared a biocompatible polyacrylonitrile/thermoplastic polyurethane-polytetrahydropyrimidine (PAN/TPU-PTHP, PT-P) nanofiber membrane with a three-dimensional network structure by electrospinning, which has good air permeability and filtration performance. In addition, the excellent encapsulation effect of nanofibers ensures the sustained release of antibacterial and antiviral PTHP, and the good mechanical properties ensure its long-term use without damage. When the nanofiber membrane is used as the intermediate filter layer of mask, good air permeability, filtration efficiency, mechanical properties, and sustained drug release give it a service life of more than 5 days (an ordinary mask is only 4–7 h), which dramatically reduces environmental pollution. This is of great significance in the research and application of the next generation of durable and self-cleaning personal protective equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alginate or chitosan microparticles as drug loading system performed pH-responsiveness and biocompatibility, yet with the burst-release and limited encapsulation. In order to improve the performance, herein, Pickering emulsion of chitosan-hydrophobic alginate nanocomposite (HSA-CS NCs) as the bio-stabilizer, was proposed as the drug-loading vehicle. Integrating the merits of HSA-CS and Pickering emulsion, such drug carrier of emulsion performed pH-response and biocompatibility from HSA-CS, and high loading capacity and rigid layer from Pickering emulsion, so as for the manipulated release behavior. With thorough investigation, via the various pH-response of HSA-CS nanocomposite in the continuous simulated gastrointestinal fluid, Pickering emulsion gradually released the loading drug (ibuprofen) out, performing the pH-triggered controlled-release behavior. Ibuprofen-loaded Pickering emulsions (30 mg/mL) released nearly none in SGF for 3 h, whereas in SIF, performed constant release in initial 5 h and continuous-release of 88.37% ibuprofen in 24 h with no drug-burst and high loading capacity, promisingly as the pH-responsive vehicle for drug delivery in oral route. • With biocompatibility and pH-response, the chitosan-hydrophobic alginate nanocomposite could stabilize Pickering emulsion. • The nanocomposite was 396 nm on average. • From SGF to SIF, ibuprofen-loaded Pickering emulsion released pH-triggered, zero content in SGF and 88.37% content in SIF. • Ibuprofen-loading capacity in Pickering emulsion was manipulated from 1 mg/mL to 30 mg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Procollagen processing is essential for organ development and tissue functions. Both procollagen C‐proteinase enhancer 1 (PCPE1) and secreted frizzled‐related protein 2 (sFRP2) play vital roles in collagen formation via regulating the procollagen C‐proteinase activity of bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1). However, whether the two proteins exert a synergistic effect on BMP1 activity remains unclear. Here, simultaneous knockdown of sFRP2 and PCPE1 led to less collagen formation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and dorsalized phenotypes in zebrafish embryos. Further studies revealed a direct interaction between the Frizzled domain of sFRP2 and the complement/Uegf/BMP‐1 domain of PCPE1, which enhances the cleavage activity of BMP1 on procollagen. These results suggest that double silencing of sFRP2 and PCPE1 may provide a strategy for treating fibrosis diseases caused by collagen deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid hormone (TH) has a profound effect on energy metabolism and systemic homeostasis. Adipose tissues are crucial for maintaining whole-body homeostasis; however, whether TH regulates systemic metabolic homeostasis through its action on adipose tissues is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that systemic administration of triiodothyronine (T3), the active form of TH, affects both inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) and whole-body metabolism. Taking advantage of the mouse model lacking adipocyte TH receptor (TR) α or TRβ, we show that TRβ is the major TR isoform that mediates T3 action on the expression of genes involved in multiple metabolic pathways in iWAT, including glucose uptake and use, de novo fatty acid synthesis, and both UCP1-dependent and -independent thermogenesis. Moreover, our results indicate that glucose-responsive lipogenic transcription factor in iWAT is regulated by T3, thereby being critically involved in T3-regulated glucose and lipid metabolism and energy dissipation. Mice with adipocyte TRβ deficiency are susceptible to diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysregulation, suggesting that TRβ in adipocytes may be a potential target for metabolic diseases. Article Highlights: How thyroid hormone (TH) achieves its diverse biological activities in the regulation of metabolism is not fully understood. Whether TH regulates systemic metabolic homeostasis via its action on white adipose tissue is unclear. Adipocyte TH receptor (TR) β mediates the triiodothyronine effect on multiple metabolic pathways by targeting glucose-responsive lipogenic transcription factor in white adipose tissue; mice lacking adipocyte TRβ are susceptible to high-fat diet–induced metabolic abnormalities. TRβ in white adipocytes controls intracellular and systemic metabolism and may be a potential target for metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report high-energy-resolution X-ray absorption spectroscopy detection of ethylene and CO ligands adsorbed on catalytically active iridium centers isolated on zeolite HY and on MgO supports. The data are supported by density functional theory and FEFF X-ray absorption near-edge modelling, together with infrared (IR) spectra. The results demonstrate that high-energy-resolution X-ray absorption spectra near the iridium LIII (2p3/2) edge provide clearly ascribable, distinctive signatures of the ethylene and CO ligands and illustrate effects of supports and other ligands. This X-ray absorption technique is markedly more sensitive than conventional IR spectroscopy for characterizing surface intermediates, and it is applicable to samples having low metal loadings and in reactive atmospheres and is expected to have an increasing role in catalysis research by facilitating the determination of mechanisms of solid-catalyzed reactions through identification of reaction intermediates in working catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric precipitation leads to the increase of moisture in the subgrade. The moisture and soil migration in subgrade is a key scientific problem in evaluating the service performance of the subgrade and resolving or preventing mud pumping. Using a self-developed testing system as well as a numerical simulation model, a detailed study of the dynamic hydraulic characteristics, water migration mechanism, fine soil migration mechanism, and mud pumping properties of the subgrade was conducted. The results showed that water migrated into the upper layer of the subgrade under traffic load. Meanwhile, a pressure gradient for the pore water was generated in the subgrade. This kind of pressure gradient is beneficial for the moisture and fine soil migration. With rising groundwater level and increasing traffic load, the porosity of the subgrade soil differs at different depths. The fine soil migration is caused by water migration, which causes new migration channel for water in the subgrade. Then, a circulating system of moisture and fine soil is formed in the subgrade under a traffic load. After that, the upper layer subgrade soil is nearly saturated under the action of traffic load. Then, the nearly saturated soil liquefies instantaneously, becoming mud, under the action of traffic load. However, as the loading time progresses, the moisture and fine soil in the subgrade continue to migrate upward, resulting in the mud being pumped into the ballast and the gradual disappearance of liquefied soils at different depths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a novel robotic system (KD-SR-01) for partial nephrectomy. Methods: Seventeen patients with small renal masses (SRMs) (≤4 cm) underwent KD-SR-01 robotic partial nephrectomy (KD-RPN) from December 2020 to March 2021 in our institution. The operative outcomes and perioperative data, including clinical and histological data, were prospectively collected and analyzed. Results: In total, 10 men and 7 women, with a median age of 51 years, underwent KD-RPN. Four transperitoneal procedures and 13 retroperitoneal procedures were performed without conversion to open or conventional laparoscopic surgery. The docking time and robotic operative time were 3.3 and 68.6 minutes, respectively. The warm ischemia time was 16.9 minutes. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications (Clavien grade ≥III) occurred. The duration of postoperative hospital stay was 5 days. Pathologic examination revealed nine clear cell carcinoma, two papillary cell carcinoma, one oncocytoma, and five angiomyolipoma cases. All surgical margins were negative. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on the first postoperative day was significantly decreased compared with the preoperative eGFR (91.7 ± 12.9 mL/min vs 97.9 ± 10.7 mL/min, p = 0.036). However, no significant difference was observed between the preoperative eGFR and the value on the fourth postoperative day (95.7 ± 13.4 mL/min vs 97.9 ± 10.7 mL/min, p = 0.427). Conclusions: KD-RPN was safe and feasible for treatment of SRM. The early oncologic and functional outcomes were promising. Long-term follow-up and well-designed prospective comparative studies with the da Vinci® platform are needed to corroborate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local structure of a transition metal (TM) ion is a function of cation elements and valence states. More than that, in this work, by employing a trove of first‐principles data of TM oxides, the local structures of TM cations are statistically analyzed to extract detailed information about cation site preference, bond length, site structural distortion, and cation magnetization. It is found that cation radius alone poorly describes the local structure of a transition metal oxide, while the statistics of coordination number as well as the TMO bond length distribution, especially that of the 3d TMs, can provide comprehensive knowledge for understanding the behavior of TM elements. Based on these statistics, the interplay of site distortion due to the Jahn–Teller effect, cation site similarity, and a new set of ionic radii are all obtained to chart the "persona" of transition metal ions in solids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A simplified two-fluid model is proposed for critical two-phase flow in microchannels. • The model preserves precision while incorporating fewer constitutive relations. • Proposed an enhanced metastable liquid nucleation model, achieving precise predictions of nucleation pressure. • Advance the understanding of critical flow in microchannels. Critical flow phenomena are present in many chemical engineering processes, such as microchannel heat exchangers, modeling of jet pumps, nuclear safety analysis, and various industrial facilities that involve subcooled or two-phase pressurized fluids. This paper presents a simplified, reliable two-fluid model for accurately simulating critical flow in microchannels. This study develops a five-equation two-fluid model by constructing a mixed energy equation based on the assumption of metastable liquid phase and saturated gas phase. The model utilizes an improved metastable liquid nucleation model as the gas–liquid phase transition boundary to obtain a more accurate flashing inception. It also uses fewer interfacial constitutive relation equations to reduce the occurrence of unstable solutions. The improved nucleation model is validated using experimental data from previous researchers, with prediction errors controlled within 10%. Furthermore, the five-equation model demonstrates substantial improvements in numerical convergence compared to its six-equation counterpart. By comparing critical mass flux predictions, along-channel pressure variations, and interfacial transfer terms, the five-equation model effectively mitigates instability issues observed in the six-equation model while maintaining prediction accuracy. As a result, this model boasts a broader range of applicability and excels in accurately predicting critical flow, even under more complex conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Potential target genes of microRNA (miR)-494 have been reported in many types of cancers. However, the role of miR-494 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. Aim: This study focused on the expression and biological function of miR-494 in ESCC. Methods: Using bioinformatics analyses, we found that cleft lip and palate transmembrane 1-like (CLPTM1L) was a potential target of miR-494. We performed quantitative real-time (qRT) PCR assays in 37 ESCC tumor tissues to determine the expression of miR-494 and CLPTM1L mRNA, and we analyzed the correlation between both of these factors and clinical characteristics. The cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays were used to evaluate the effects of miR-494 expression on the proliferation of ESCC cells. The transwell migration assay and flow cytometric apoptosis assay were performed to study the influence of miR-494 on the invasion and apoptosis of ESCC cells. Western blotting, luciferase assays, and CLPTM1L knockdown experiments were used to determine whether CLPTM1L was a target of miR-494. Results: The qRT-PCR assays showed significant downregulation of miR-494 ( P < 0.05) and upregulation of CLPTM1L mRNA ( P < 0.05), both of which were significantly associated with lymph node metastases ( P < 0.05). High expression of miR-494 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion and promoted cell apoptosis ( P < 0.05). The results also showed that CLPTM1L was a target of miR-494. Conclusion: These results show that the expression of miR-494, which can regulate cell growth, invasion and apoptosis of ESCC cells by targeting CLPTM1L, is downregulated in ESCC tumor tissues. The miR-494-CLPTM1L pathway could be further exploited to develop a new approach to treat ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Gram-stain-negative bacterium, designated as IM2376T, was isolated from the sediment of Hutong Qagan Lake in the Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the strain IM2376T had the highest similarity with Roseinatronobacter thiooxidans DSM 13087T (96.2%) and Rhodobaca bogoriensis LBB1T (96.2%) of the family Rhodobacteraceae. Genomic relatedness analyses showed that strain IM2376T was clearly distinguished from other species in the family Rhodobacteraceae, with average nucleotide identities, average amino acid identities, and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization values not more than 74.1, 68.5, and 20.2%, respectively. The fatty acids were mainly composed of C18:1ω7c (64.9%), iso-C16:0 (16.3%), and C16: 1ω7c/C16:1ω6c (6.0%). The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylcholine. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10 (94.9%). The genomic DNA G + C content was 66 mol%. Based on all these results, strain IM2376T was considered a novel species of a new genus in the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Rhabdonatronobacter sediminivivens gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Rhabdonatronobacter sediminivivens is IM2376T (= CGMCC 1.17852T = KCTC 92134T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]