VA-ECMO weaning strategy using adjusted pulse pressure by vasoactive inotropic score in AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock.

AIMS: This study evaluated how well serial pulse pressure (PP) and PP adjusted by the vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) predicted venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) weaning success and clinical outcomes in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 213 patients with AMI-CS who received VA-ECMO between January 2010 and August 2021 were enrolled in the institutional ECMO registry. Serial PP and VIS were measured immediately, 12, 24, and 48 h after VA-ECMO insertion. PP adjusted by VIS was defined as PP/√VIS. The primary outcome was successful VA-ECMO weaning. Successful weaning from VA-ECMO was observed in 151 patients (70.9%). Immediately after VA-ECMO insertion, PP [successful vs. failed weaning, 26.0 (15.5-46.0) vs. 21.0 (12.5-33.0), P = 0.386] and PP/√VIS [11.1 (5.1-25.0) vs. 6.0 (3.1-14.2), P = 0.118] did not differ between the successful and failed weaning groups. Serial PP and PP adjusted by VIS at 12, 24, and 48 h after VA-ECMO insertion were significantly higher in patients with successful weaning than those with failed weaning [successful vs. failed weaning, 24.0 (4.0-38.0) vs. 12.5 (6.0-25.5), P = 0.007 for 12 h PP, and 10.1 (5.7-22.0) vs. 2.9 (1.7-5.9), P < 0.001 for 12 h PP/√VIS]. The 12 h PP/√VIS showed better discriminative function for successful weaning than 12 h PP alone [area under the curve (AUC) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72-0.88, P < 0.001 vs. AUC 0.67, 95% CI 0.57-0.77, P = 0.002]. Patients with a low 12 h PP/√VIS (≤7) had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (44.4% vs. 19.8%, P < 0.001) and 6 month follow-up mortality (hazard ratio 2.41, 95% CI 1.49-3.90, P < 0.001) than those with a high 12 h PP/√VIS (>7). CONCLUSIONS: PP adjusted by VIS taken 12 h following VA-ECMO initiation can predict weaning from VA-ECMO more successfully than PP alone, and its low value was associated with a higher risk of mortality in AMI-CS patients.

The mutated cytoplasmic fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1)-interacting protein 2 (CYFIP2 S968F) regulates cocaine-induced reward behaviour and plasticity in the nucleus accumbens.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cytoplasmic fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1)-interacting protein 2 (CYFIP2), as a component of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family verprolin-homologous protein (WAVE) regulatory complex, is involved in actin polymerization, contributing to neuronal development and structural plasticity. Mutating serine-968 to phenylalanine (S968F) in CYFIP2 causes an altered cocaine response in mice. The neuronal mechanisms underlying this response remain unknown. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We performed cocaine reward-related behavioural tests and examined changes in synaptic protein phenotypes and neuronal morphology in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), using CYFIP2 S968F knock-in mice to investigate the role of CYFIP2 in regulating cocaine reward. KEY RESULTS: CYFIP2 S968F mutation attenuated cocaine-induced behavioural sensitization and conditioned place preference. Cocaine-induced c-Fos was not observed in the NAc of CYFIP2 S968F knock-in mice. However, c-Fos induction was still evident in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). CYFIP2 S968F mutation altered cocaine-associated CYFIP2 signalling, glutamatergic protein expression and synaptic density in the NAc following cocaine exposure. To further determine the role of CYFIP2 in NAc neuronal activity and the mPFC projecting to the NAc activity-mediating reward response, we used optogenetic tools to stimulate the NAc or mPFC-NAc pathway and observed that optogenetic activation of the NAc or mPFC-NAc pathway induced reward-related behaviours. This effect was not observed in the S968F mutation in CYFIP2. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: These results suggest that CYFIP2 plays a role in controlling cocaine-mediated neuronal function and structural plasticity in the NAc, and that CYFIP2 could serve as a target for regulating cocaine reward.

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 channel modulates the abuse-related mechanisms of methamphetamine through interaction with dopamine transporter.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Methamphetamine (METH) use disorder has risen dramatically over the past decade, and there are currently no FDA-approved medications due, in part, to gaps in our understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms related to METH action in the brain. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Here, we investigated whether transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) mediates each of several METH abuse-related behaviours in rodents: self-administration, drug-primed reinstatement, acquisition of conditioned place preference, and hyperlocomotion. Additionally, METH-induced molecular (i.e., neurotransmitter and protein) changes in the brain were compared between wild-type and TRPA1 knock-out mice. Finally, the relationship between TRPA1 and the dopamine transporter was investigated through immunoprecipitation and dopamine reuptake assays. KEY RESULTS: TRPA1 antagonism blunted METH self-administration and drug-primed reinstatement of METH-seeking behaviour. Further, development of METH-induced conditioned place preference and hyperlocomotion were inhibited by TRPA1 antagonist treatment, effects that were not observed in TRPA1 knock-out mice. Similarly, molecular studies revealed METH-induced increases in dopamine levels and expression of dopamine system-related proteins in wild-type, but not in TRPA1 knock-out mice. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade of TRPA1 receptors reduced the interaction between TRPA1 and the dopamine transporter, thereby increasing dopamine reuptake activity by the transporter. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates that TRPA1 is involved in the abuse-related behavioural effects of METH, potentially through its modulatory role in METH-induced activation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Taken together, these data suggest that TRPA1 may be a novel therapeutic target for treating METH use disorder.

The novel psychoactive substance 25E-NBOMe induces reward-related behaviors via dopamine D1 receptor signaling in male rodents.

Novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) are new psychotropic drugs designed to evade substance regulatory policies. 25E-NBOMe (2-(4-ethyl-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine) has recently been identified as an NPS, and its recreational misuse has been reported to be rapidly increasing. However, the psychopharmacological effects and mechanisms of 25E-NBOMe have not been studied. We examined the abuse potential of 25E-NBOMe using the conditioned place preference in male mice and self-administration paradigms in male rats. Additionally, immunoblot assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and microdialysis were used to determine the molecular effects of 25E-NBOMe in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Our data demonstrated that 25E-NBOMe induces conditioned place preference, and the dopaminergic signaling in the NAc mediates these. Following 25E-NBOMe administration, expression of dopamine transporter and dopamine D1 receptor (D1DR) were enhanced in the NAc of male mice, and NAc dopamine levels were reduced in both male mice and rats. Induction of intracellular dopaminergic pathways, DARPP32, and phosphorylation of CREB in the NAc of male mice was also observed. Significantly, pharmacological blockade of D1DR or chemogenetic inhibition of D1DR-expressing medium spiny neurons in the NAc attenuated 25E-NBOMe-induced conditioned place preference in male mice. We also examined the hallucinogenic properties of 25E-NBOMe using the head twitch response test in male mice and found that this behavior was mediated by serotonin 2A receptor activity. Our findings demonstrate that D1DR signaling may govern the addictive potential of 25E-NBOMe. Moreover, our study provides new insights into the potential mechanisms of substance use disorder and the improvement of controlled substance management.

Achieving Textbook Outcomes after Laparoscopic Resection in Posterosuperior Segments of the Liver: The Impact of the Learning Curve.

Achieving textbook outcomes (TOs) improves the short-term and long-term performance of a hospital. Our objective was to assess TOs in the laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) of tumors in the PS (posterosuperior) section of the liver and identify the impact of the learning curve. We conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing patients who underwent LLR for lesions located in the PS segments. Patients were divided into a TO and no-TO group. TOs were defined as negative margins, no transfusion, no readmission, no major complications, no 30-day mortality, and a length of stay ≤ 50th percentile. Patients' outcomes were assessed in two study periods before and after 2015. TOs were achieved in 47.6% (n = 117). In multivariable analysis, obesity (p = 0.001), shorter operation time (p < 0.001), less blood loss (p < 0.001), normal albumin (p = 0.003), and minor resection (p = 0.046) were significantly associated with achieving TOs. Although the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate (p = 0.096) was not significantly different, the 5-year overall survival rate was significantly greater in the TO group (p = 0.001). Body mass index > 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.020), age > 65 years (p = 0.049), and achievement of TOs (p = 0.024) were independently associated with survival. The proportion of patients who achieved a TO was higher after 2015 than before 2015 (52.3% vs. 36.1%; p = 0.022). TOs are important markers not only for assessing hospital and surgeon performance but also as predictors of overall survival. As the number of surgeons who achieve the learning curve increases, the number of patients with TOs will gradually increase with a subsequent improvement in overall survival.

Effective Small Organic Molecule as a Defect Passivator for Highly Efficient Quasi-2D Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes.

The use of a small organic molecular passivator is proven to be a successful strategy for producing higher-performing quasi-2D perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs). The small organic molecule can passivate defects on the grain surround and surface of perovskite crystal structures, preventing nonradiative recombination and charge trapping. In this study, a new small organic additive called 2, 8-dibromodibenzofuran (diBDF) is reported and examines its effectiveness as a passivating agent in high-performance green quasi-2D PeLEDs. The oxygen atom in diBDF, acting as a Lewis base, forms coordination bonds with uncoordinated Pb2+ , so enhancing the performance of the device. In addition, the inclusion of diBDF in the quasi-2D perovskite results in a decrease in the abundance of low-n phases, hence facilitating efficient carrier mobility. Consequently, PeLED devices with high efficiency are successfully produced, exhibiting an external quantum efficiency of 19.9% at the emission wavelength of 517 nm and a peak current efficiency of 65.0 cd A-1 .

Synergistic Surface Modification for High-Efficiency Perovskite Nanocrystal Light-Emitting Diodes: Divalent Metal Ion Doping and Halide-Based Ligand Passivation.

Surface defects of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) substantially compromise the optoelectronic performances of the materials and devices via undesired charge recombination. However, those defects, mainly the vacancies, are structurally entangled with each other in the PNC lattice, necessitating a delicately designed strategy for effective passivation. Here, a synergistic metal ion doping and surface ligand exchange strategy is proposed to passivate the surface defects of CsPbBr3 PNCs with various divalent metal (e.g., Cd2+ , Zn2+, and Hg2+ ) acetate salts and didodecyldimethylammonium (DDA+ ) via one-step post-treatment. The addition of metal acetate salts to PNCs is demonstrated to suppress the defect formation energy effectively via the ab initio calculations. The developed PNCs not only have near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield and excellent stability but also show luminance of 1175 cd m-2 , current efficiency of 65.48 cd A-1 , external quantum efficiency of 20.79%, wavelength of 514 nm in optimized PNC light-emitting diodes with Cd2+ passivator and DDA ligand. The "organic-inorganic" hybrid engineering approach is completely general and can be straightforwardly applied to any combination of quaternary ammonium ligands and source of metal, which will be useful in PNC-based optoelectronic devices such as solar cells, photodetectors, and transistors.

Characterization of Enlarged Tongues in Cloned Piglets.

Although the efficiency of cloning remains very low, this technique has become the most reliable way to produce transgenic pigs. However, the high rate of abnormal offspring such as an enlarged tongue lowers the cloning efficiency by reducing the early survivability of piglets. Thus, the present study was conducted to identify the characteristics of the enlarged tongue from cloned piglets by histologic and transcriptomic analysis. As a result, it was observed that the tissues from enlarged tongues (n = 3) showed isolated and broken muscle bundles with wide spaces while the tissues from normal tongues (n = 3) showed the tight connection of muscle bundles without space by histological analysis. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy results also showed the formation of isolated and broken muscle bundles in enlarged tongues. The transcriptome analysis showed a total of 197 upregulated and 139 downregulated genes with more than 2-fold changes in enlarged tongues. Moreover, there was clear evidence for the difference between groups in the muscle system process with high relation in the biological process by gene ontology analysis. The analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes pathway of differentially expressed genes indicated that the pentose phosphate pathway, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and glucagon signaling pathway were also involved. Conclusively, our results could suggest that the abnormal glycolytic regulation may result in the formation of an enlarged tongue. These findings might have the potential to understand the underlying mechanisms, abnormal development, and disease diagnosis in cloned pigs.

Anionic Conjugated Polyelectrolyte as a Semiconducting Additive for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells.

Perovskite defects are a major hurdle in the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). While various defect passivation materials have been explored, most are insulators that hinder charge transport. This study investigates the potential of two different π-conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs), MPS2-TEA and PCPDTBT2-TMA, as semiconducting additives in PSCs. The CPEs differ in electrical conductivity, offering a unique approach to bridge defect mitigation and charge carrier transport. Unlike previous uses of CPEs mainly as interlayers or charge transport layers, we explore their direct effect on defect passivation within a perovskite layer. Secondary ion microscopy reveals the even distribution of CPEs within the perovskite layer and their efficient defect passivation potential is studied through various spectroscopic analyses. Comparing MPS2-TEA and PCPDTBT2-TMA, we find MPS2-TEA to be superior in defect passivation. The highly conductive nature of PCPDTBT2-TMA due to self-doping diminishes its defect passivation ability. The negative sulfonate groups in the side chains of PCPDTBT2-TMA stabilize polarons, reducing defect passivation capability. Finally, the PSCs with MPS2-TEA achieve remarkable power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 22.7% for 0.135 cm2 and 20.0% for large-area (1 cm2) cells. Furthermore, the device with MPS2-TEA maintained over 87.3% of initial PCE after 960 h at continuous 1-sun illumination and 89% of PCE after 850 h at 85 °C in a nitrogen glovebox without encapsulation. This highlights CPEs as promising defect passivation additives, unlocking potential for improved efficiency and stability not only in PSCs but also in wider applications.

Potential Application of Muscle Precursor Cells from Male Specific-Pathogen-Free (SPF) Chicken Embryos in In Vitro Agriculture.

This study examined the potential benefits of male specific-pathogen-free (SPF) White Leghorn embryos in cellular agriculture for sustainable and ethical poultry meat production-addressing traditional farming challenges, including disease outbreaks of Salmonella and Avian influenza. We isolated myogenic precursor cells (MPCs) from the thigh muscles (Musculus femoris) of 12.5-day-old embryos from 10 SPF White Leghorns that tested negative for Salmonella. We randomly selected MPCs from three males and three females, isolated them using a modified pre-plating (pp) method, and compared their in vitro development. After 1 h (pp1) and 2 h (pp2) of incubation, they were transferred to a new dish to remove fast-adhering cells and cultured (pp3). Isolated MPCs had a 69% positive reaction to Pax7. During proliferation, no differences were observed in PAX7, MYF5, or MYOD expression between the male and female MPCs. However, after five days of differentiation, the expression of late myogenic factors-MYOG and MYF6-significantly increased in all MPCs. Notably, MYOG expression was 1.9 times higher in female than in male MPCs. This impacted MYMK's expression pattern. Despite this, the myotube fusion index did not differ between the sexes. Muscle cells from male SPF-laying chicken embryos are promising for developing clean animal-cell-derived protein sources via resource recycling.

GPR119 activation by DA-1241 alleviates hepatic and systemic inflammation in MASH mice through inhibition of NFκB signaling.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: GPR119 activation has been suggested to improve hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis. But its therapeutic potential for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are underexplored. Here, we investigated the effects of DA-1241, a novel GPR119 agonist, on MASH and explored its underlying mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The in vivo anti-MASH effect was assessed by examining the preventive effect in MS-MASH and Ob-MASH mice and the therapeutic effect in MASH with severe hyperglycemia and diet-induced obese (DIO)-MASH mice. Histological and biochemical changes in liver tissue were assessed. Both plasma and hepatic biomarkers related to inflammation and fibrosis were comprehensively analyzed. To understand its mode of action, changes in NFκB signaling were determined in HepG2 and THP-1 cells. KEY RESULTS: DA-1241 attenuated MASH progression and alleviated the MASH phenotypes in MASH mouse models with different etiologies, regardless of glucose-lowering activity. In DIO-MASH mice, DA-1241 significantly reduced biochemical parameters related to steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in the liver with reduced plasma liver enzymes. When used in combination with a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitor, DA-1241 further improved the MASH phenotype by increasing endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 effect. Notably, DA-1241 alone and in combination reduced liver inflammation and restored inflammation-related hepatic gene expression, leading to remission of systemic inflammation as assessed by plasma inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We demonstrated that DA-1241 reduces macrophage differentiation through downregulation of NFκB signaling by activating GPR119. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest the therapeutic potential of DA-1241, alone and in combination with a DPP4 inhibitor, for MASH.

Influence of preparedness on caregiver burden, depression, and quality of life in caregivers of people with disabilities.

Introduction: Caregiver preparedness is defined as the perceived preparation of caregivers to care for the physical and emotional needs of the patient. Purpose: This study investigated caregiver preparedness and its influences on caregiver burden, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in caregivers of individuals with disabilities. Methods: We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional survey study on caregivers caring for patients with disabilities. Sociodemographic characteristics were collected via questionnaires. The Preparedness for Caregiving Scale (PCS), Burden Interview (BI), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) were administered. Results: A total of 151 caregivers were enrolled. The mean age of caregivers was 53.7 ± 12.4 years, and 80.8% were female. The majority of participants were the main caregivers of patients with stroke, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury. The mean PCS score was 2.1 ± 0.9, demonstrating significant relationships with BI (r = -0.512, p < 0.001), CES-D (r = -0.622, p < 0.001), and EQ-VAS (r = 0.441, p < 0.001). The CES-D was significantly associated with the PCS after controlling other variables. However, PCS did not show any correlation with the duration of caregiving or amount of time spent per day on caregiving. Discussion: The clinical implications of this study are that higher caregiver preparedness is a predictor of less caregiver burden and depression, and better QoL. However, preparedness did not increase as the duration or time spent on caregiving was extended. Therefore, efforts to enhance the caregivers' preparedness are required to reduce caregiver burden and improve health outcomes for both caregivers and patients.

Thermal Management Enables Stable Perovskite Nanocrystal Light-Emitting Diodes with Novel Hole Transport Material.

The severely insufficient operational lifetime of perovskite light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is incompatible with the rapidly increasing external quantum efficiency, even as it approaches the theoretical limit, thereby significantly impeding the commercialization of perovskite LEDs. In addition, Joule heating induces ion migration and surface defects, degrades the photoluminescence quantum yield and other optoelectronic properties of perovskite films, and induces the crystallization of charge transport layers with low glass transition temperatures, resulting in LED degradation under continuous operation. Here, a novel thermally crosslinked hole transport material, poly(FCA60 -co-BFCA20 -co-VFCA20 ) (poly-FBV), with temperature-dependent hole mobility is designed, which is advantageous for balancing the charge injection of the LEDs and limiting the generation of Joule heating. The optimised CsPbI3 perovskite nanocrystal LEDs with poly-FBV realise approximately a 2-fold external quantum efficiency increase over the LED with commercial hole transport layer poly(4-butyl-phenyl-diphenyl-amine) (poly-TPD), owing to the balanced carrier injection and suppressed exciton quenching. Moreover, because of the Joule heating control provided by the novel crosslinked hole transport material, the LED utilising crosslinked poly-FBV has a 150-fold longer operating lifetime (490 min) than that utilizing poly-TPD (3.3 min). The study opens a new avenue for the use of PNC LEDs in commercial semiconductor optoelectronic devices.

Significant effects of mixed cations on the morphology and photochemical activities of alkali-metal-antimony (Na,K)Sb3O7.

Oxide semiconductors with mixed-valence states generally exhibit excellent optoelectronic and photochemical properties due to facile charge transfer in redox reactions. In this work, we investigate the effects of mixed alkali on the optical absorption, luminescence spectra and photocatalytic abilities of (Na1-xKx)Sb3O7 nanoparticles. All the samples are fabricated using a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The structural studies show that the largest substitution of K+ ions in (Na1-xKx)Sb3O7 is at x = 0.3. In hydrothermal synthesis, the mixed arrangement of K+ and Na+ in (Na1-xKx)Sb3O7 has an influence on the crystal shape of particles. NaSb3O7 develops into a regular cube shape. With the increase of K+ ions in (Na1-xKx)Sb3O7, the edges and corners of the cube are further ground off, resulting in irregularly spherical particles. This mixed-alkali antimonite belongs to a p-type indirect allowed transition semiconductor, and the optical band gap is 2.71 eV (x = 0.3). The intrinsic luminescence of NaSb3O7 is detected at 540 nm, which is nearly quenched in Na0.7K0.3Sb3O7. It is demonstrated that the substitution of K+ in NaSb3O7 significantly increases the photodegradation of RhB solutions. There are two types of Sb cations, i.e., Sb5+ and Sb3+ mixed in the structure. The improved photocatalysis is attributed to the charge mediators between Sb5+/Sb3+ couples. The experiment shows that co-doping cations in antimonite oxides may be one of the strategies to improve photochemical properties.

Intrinsic- and Rare Earth Ion-Activated Luminescence in NbAlO4 with Wide Structure Channels.

Compounds with ordered and interconnected channels have versatile multifunctional applications in technological fields. In this work, we report the intrinsic- and Eu3+-activated luminescence in NbAlO4 with a wide channel structure. NbAlO4 is an n-type semiconductor with an indirect allowed transition and a band-gap energy of 3.26 eV. The conduction band and valence band are composed of Nb 3d and O 2p states, respectively. Unlike the common niobate oxide Nb2O5, NbAlO4 exhibits efficient self-activated luminescence with good thermal stability even at room temperature. The AlO4 tetrahedron effectively blocks the transfer/dispersion of excitation energy between NbO6 chains in NbAlO4, allowing for effective self-activated luminescence from NbO6 activation centers. Moreover, Eu3+-doped NbAlO4 displayed a bright red luminescence of 5D0 → 7F2 transition at 610 nm. The site-selective excitation and luminescence of Eu3+ ions in a spectroscopic probe were utilized to investigate the doping mechanism. It is evidenced that Eu3+ is doped in the structure channel in NbAlO4 lattices, not in the normal cation sites of Nb5+ or Al3+. The experimental findings are valuable in developing new luminescent materials and improving the understanding of the material's channel structure.

Mortality, growth, and egg production do not differ between nontransgenic and transgenic female chickens with ubiquitous expression of the 3D8 single chain variable fragment gene.

To date, many transgenic (TG) chicken lines have been developed, but few studies have performed a comparative analysis of their mortality, growth, and egg productivity. Previously, we reported the production of 3D8 scFv TG chickens showing antiviral activity. Here, we performed a biometric characterization of TG offspring female chickens. We selected 40 TG and 40 non-TG offspring female chicks among newly hatched chicks produced via artificial insemination of semen from heterotypic 3D8 scFv males into wild-type female chickens. Serum was collected at 14 wk of age, and serum concentrations of biochemical parameters, cytokines, and sex hormones were analyzed. Mortality and growth were monitored daily from 1 to 34 wk, egg productivity was monitored daily from 20 to 34 wk, and the weekly average values were used for analyses. Some serum parameters and cytokines were significantly different between non-TG and TG offspring female chickens. The levels of phosphorus (PHOS), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLOB), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly higher in non-TG chickens (P < 0.05). The levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were significantly higher in TG chickens (P < 0.05). The levels of insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), interferon-gamma (INF-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and IL-8 were significantly lower in TG chickens (P < 0.05). Despite these differences, the mortality rates, body weight, egg production rates, and egg weight were not significantly different in the experimental groups of non-TG and TG offspring female chickens (P > 0.05). In conclusion, ubiquitous expression of the 3D8 scFv gene in TG offspring female chickens does not affect some biometric characteristics, including mortality, growth, and egg productivity.

Tailoring the Interface with a Multifunctional Ligand for Highly Efficient and Stable FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules.

Perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) using FAPbI3 perovskite films often exhibit unfavorable phase transitions and defect-induced nonradiative interfacial recombination, resulting in considerable energy loss and impairing the performance of PeSCs in terms of efficiency, stability, and hysteresis. In this work, a facile interface engineering strategy to control the surface structure and energy-level alignment of perovskite films by tailoring the interface between the FAPbI3 film and hole-transporting layer using 4-hydroxypicolinic acid (4HPA) is reported. According to density functional theory studies, 4HPA has prominent electron delocalization distribution properties that enable it to anchor to the perovskite film surface and facilitate charge transfer at the interface. By enabling multiple bonding interactions with the perovskite layer, including hydrogen bonds, PbO, and PbN dative bonds, 4HPA passivation significantly reduces the trap density and efficiently suppresses nonradiative recombination. The obtained perovskite films exhibit superior optoelectronic properties with improved crystallinity, pure α-phase FAPbI3 , and favorable energy band bending. Following this strategy, 4HPA post-treatment PeSCs achieve a champion power conversion efficiency of 23.28% in 0.12 cm2 cells and 19.26% in 36 cm2 modules with excellent environmental and thermal stabilities.

TLR/MyD88-Mediated Inflammation Induced in Porcine Intestinal Epithelial Cells by Ochratoxin A Affects Intestinal Barrier Function.

The intestinal epithelium performs vital functions such as nutrient absorption and acting as an intestinal barrier to maintain the host's homeostasis. Mycotoxin, which affects the processing and storage of animal feedstuff, is a problematic pollutant in farming products. Ochratoxin A generated by Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi causes inflammation, intestinal dysfunction, decline in growth, and reduced intake in porcine and other livestock. Despite these ongoing problems, OTA-related studies in intestinal epithelium are lacking. This study aimed to demonstrate that OTA regulates TLR/MyD88 signaling in IPEC-J2 cells and induces barrier function impairment through tight junction reduction. We measured expression of TLR/MyD88 signaling-related mRNAs and proteins. The indicator of intestinal barrier integrity was confirmed through immunofluorescence and transepithelial electrical resistance. Additionally, we confirmed whether inflammatory cytokines and barrier function were affected by MyD88 inhibition. MyD88 inhibition alleviated inflammatory cytokine levels, tight junction reduction, and damage to barrier function due to OTA. These results indicate that OTA induces TLR/MyD88 signaling-related genes and impairs tight junctions and intestinal barrier function in IPEC-J2 cells. MyD88 regulation in OTA-treated IPEC-J2 cells mitigates the tight junction and intestinal barrier function impairments. Our findings provide a molecular understanding of OTA toxicity in porcine intestinal epithelial cells.

Pyroptosis-Mediated Damage Mechanism by Deoxynivalenol in Porcine Small Intestinal Epithelial Cells.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is known as a vomitoxin, which frequently contaminates feedstuffs, such as corn, wheat, and barley. Intake of DON-contaminated feed has been known to cause undesirable effects, including diarrhea, emesis, reduced feed intake, nutrient malabsorption, weight loss, and delay in growth, in livestock. However, the molecular mechanism of DON-induced damage of the intestinal epithelium requires further investigation. Treatment with DON triggered ROS in IPEC-J2 cells and increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP). To investigate the activation of the inflammasome, we confirmed the mRNA and protein expression levels of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and caspase-1 (CASP-1). Moreover, we confirmed that caspase mediates the mature form of interleukin-18, and the cleaved form of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) was increased. Based on these results, our study suggests that DON can induce damage through oxidative stress and pyroptosis in the epithelial cells of the porcine small intestine via NLRP3 inflammasome.

Near-Infrared LEDs Based on Quantum Cutting-Activated Electroluminescence of Ytterbium Ions.

Cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) exhibit promising prospects for application in optoelectronic devices. However, electroactivated near-infrared (NIR) PNC light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with emission peaks over 800 nm have not been achieved. Herein, we demonstrate the electroactivated NIR PNC LEDs based on Yb3+-doped CsPb(Cl1-xBrx)3 PNCs with extraordinary high NIR photoluminescence quantum yields over 170%. The fabricated NIR LEDs possess an irradiance of 584.7 µW cm-2, an EQE of 1.2%, and a turn-on voltage of 3.1 V. The ultrafast quantum cutting process from the PNC host to Yb3+ has been revealed as the main mechanism of electroluminescence (EL)-activated Yb3+ for the first time via exploring how the trend between the EL intensity of PNC and Yb3+ varies with different voltages along with the tendency of temperature- and doping-concentration-dependent PL and EL spectra. This work will extend the application of PNCs to optical communication, night-vision devices, and biomedical imaging.