Revealing the performance of aerotolerant anodes for electroactive nitrification/denitrification and current production under coexistence of oxygen and nitrate conditions.

The coexistence of oxygen and/or nitrate at anode usually affects the biofilm activities of traditional anaerobic anode, thereby deteriorating wastewater treatment performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Improving the aerotolerant responses of anode biofilms is a challenge for field application. In this study, we report that using the electroactive nitrifying/denitrifying inoculum and air-cathode expansion could fabricate the aerotolerant anode biofilms (AAB) under affordable nitrate stress (90 ± 5 mg/L). The highest average removal efficiencies were 99% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH4+-N and total nitrogen. The highest average current output of 0.69 mA and power density of 290 mW/m2 were obtained. The average current was confirmed to be reduced 10%-78% but the power density remained almost stable except the quart-air-cathodes MFC by increasing dissolved oxygen concentration with expansion of the air-cathode area. The higher oxygen concentration also contributed to oxidation of ammonium through electroactive autotrophic nitrification. The facultative anaerobic bacteria including Thauera, Microsillaceae, Shinella, Blastocatellaceae, Rhodobacter, Comamonadaceae, Caldilineaceae were enriched, which forms the AAB to remove nitrogen and produce current. Therefore, an easy-to-use method to fabricate AAB is evaluated to realize practical applications of MFCs in wastewater treatment.

miR-24-3p inhibits lipid synthesis and progesterone secretion in chicken granulosa cells via ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Normal follicular development is the basis for ovulation in poultry. Our previous sequencing analysis revealed a high expression of miR-24-3p in chicken follicles from degenerated ovaries, suggesting that miR-24-3p may modulate follicular development. Hence, this study investigated the specific mechanisms of miR-24-3p in regulating chicken follicular development. The results revealed that the proliferation, lipid synthesis, and progesterone secretion were significantly inhibited after miR-24-3p overexpression in chicken granulosa cells, vice versa by miR-24-3p knockdown. Dual-specificity phosphatase 16 (DUSP16) and thousand and one amino acid kinase 1 (TAOK1) were identified as potential target genes of miR-24-3p. Further validation revealed that knockdown of DUSP16 and TAOK1 suppressed proliferation, lipid synthesis, and progesterone secretion in chicken granulosa cells. Moreover, we observed that miR-24-3p, along with knockdown of DUSP16 and TAOK1, increased the phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Our previous study proved that activation of ERK1/2 inhibited lipid synthesis and progesterone secretion of chicken granulosa cells. In summary, we demonstrated that miR-24-3p targeting DUSP16 and TAOK1 disrupts lipid synthesis and progesterone secretion via ERK1/2 signaling pathway in chicken granulosa cells in vitro. These results may provide a new theoretical basis for resolving miRNAs regulation on reproductive performance of chickens.

Integrative analysis of RNA-seq and Ribo-seq reveals that lncRNA-GRN regulates chicken follicular atresia through miR-103-3p/FBXW7 axis and encoding peptide.

Follicular atresia in chickens seriously reduced the egg production and economic benefits of chickens. LncRNA plays a key role in the process of follicular atresia. In this study, RNA-seq and Ribo-seq were performed on normal and atretic follicles of Dahen broilers to screen out lncRNAs that may regulate follicle atresia, and to study the molecular mechanisms of their regulation. GRN granulin precursor (lncGRN, ID: 101748909) was highly expressed in atretic follicles with translational ability. A molecular regulatory network of lncGRN/miR-103-3p/FBXW7 was constructed through bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporting. LncGRN promoted the expression of FBXW7 by adsorption of miR-103-3p, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of chicken granulosa cells (GCs), promoting apoptosis of chicken GCs and inhibiting steroid hormone synthesis thus induced follicular atresia. Meanwhile, we also found a micropeptide named GRN-122aa derived by lncGRN which can promote follicular atresia. In conclusion, our study found that lncGRN promoted follicular atresia through the lncGRN/miR-103-3p/FBXW7 axis and the translation micropeptide GRN-122aa. This study provided new insight into the post-transcriptional regulation mechanism of lncGRN suggesting that lncGRN may act as a potential to regulate chicken follicle development, and provided a theoretical argument for further improving the egg production of chickens through molecular breeding.

Characterization of a ST137 multidrug-resistant Campylobacter jejuni strain with a tet(O)-positive genomic island from a bloodstream infection patient.

Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) is a major cause of gastroenteritis and rarely cause bloodstream infection. Herein, we characterized a multidrug-resistant C. jejuni strain LZCJ isolated from a tumor patient with bloodstream infection. LZCJ was resistant to norfloxacin, ampicillin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. It showed high survival rate in serum and acidic environment. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis revealed that strain LZCJ had a single chromosome of 1,629,078 bp (30.6 % G + C content) and belonged to the ST137 lineage. LZCJ shared the highest identity of 99.66 % with the chicken-derived C. jejuni MTVDSCj20. Four antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were detected, blaOXA-61, tet(O), gyrA (T86I), and cmeR (G144D and S207G). In addition, a 12,746 bp genomic island GI_LZCJ carrying 15 open reading frames (ORFs) including the resistance gene tet(O) was identified. Sequence analysis found that the GI_LZCJ was highly similar to the duck-derived C. jejuni ZS004, but with an additional ISChh1-like sequence. 137 non-synonymous mutations in motility related genes (flgF, fapR, flgS), capsular polysaccharide (CPS) coding genes (kpsE, kpsF, kpsM, kpsT), metabolism associated genes (nuoF, nuoG, epsJ, holB), and transporter related genes (comEA, gene0911) were confirmed in LZCJ compared with the best closed chicken-derived strain MTVDSCj20. Our study showed that C. jejuni strain LZCJ was highly similar to the chicken-derived strain MTVDSCj20 but with a lot of SNPs involved in motility, CPS and metabolism coding genes. This strain possessed a tet(O)-positive genomic island GI_LZCJ, which was closed to duck-derived C. jejuni ZS004, but with an additional ISChh1-like sequence. The above data indicated that the LZCJ strain may originate from foodborne bacteria on animals and the importance of continuous surveillance for the spread of foodborne bacteria.

Multi-sensor dynamic scheduling for defending UAV swarms with Fresnel zone under complex terrain.

The increasing role of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms in modern warfare poses a significant challenge to ground and air defense systems. Considering complex terrain environments and multi-sensor resources including radar and photoelectric systems constraints, a novel multi-sensor dynamic scheduling algorithm is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a transmission model with Fresnel zone under complex terrain and sensor models for radar/photoelectric systems are established. Considering the constraints of 6 factors, such as pitch angle, array scanning angle and threat levels, a detection model is developed subsequently. Secondly, to meet the real-time requirements of ground and air defense systems, a fast calculation method for Fresnel zone clearance using adaptive buffer is achieved. Thirdly, an improved Hungarian algorithm is proposed to solve the combinatorial optimization problem of sensor scheduling. Finally, simulation experiments are conducted to evaluate the algorithm performance under different conditions. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach significantly reduces the sensor switching rate while achieving a high sensor-UAV matching rate and high-threat matching rate. Furthermore, the simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm when applied to multi-sensor scheduling for defending UAV swarms.

USP13 regulates ferroptosis in chicken follicle granulosa cells by deubiquitinating ATG7.

The development and maturation of follicles are intricately linked to egg production and reproductive performance of chickens. Granulosa cells death directly affects the development and maturation of follicles, thereby impacting the reproductive performance of hens. Ferroptosis is a new type of cell death, it is unknown how it affects the growth and development of chicken follicles. In this study, RNA-seq analysis revealed significant differences in the expression of ferroptosis-related genes between normal follicles and atretic follicles, suggesting a potential role for ferroptosis in follicle growth and development. In addition, we found that ubiquitin-specific protease 13 (USP13) was significantly upregulated in atrophic follicles. Overexpression of USP13 results in depletion of glutathione (GSH), peroxidation of lipids, accumulation of iron, and activation of ferroptosis in chicken granulosa cells. In contrast, USP13 knockdown significantly inhibited ferroptosis events. Mechanistically, USP13 prevents the degradation of autophagy related 7 (ATG7) by deubiquitinating it, thereby enhancing the stability of ATG7 protein and ultimately promoting ferroptosis. In conclusion, this study elucidates the crucial role of the USP13-ATG7 axis in regulating ferroptosis in chicken follicle granulosa cells, thereby presenting a novel avenue for molecular breeding research in chickens.

Syringic acid suppresses Cutibacterium acnes-induced inflammation in human keratinocytes via regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1ß signaling axis by activating PPARγ/Nrf2-antioxidant pathway.

BACKGROUND: Our previous studies have demonstrated a strong relationship betweenCutibacterium acnes(C. acnes), oxidative stress, and acne inflammation. Syringic acid (SA) is a plant widely used for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, but lacking data on acne. This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of SA on acne inflammation induced by C. acnes in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: After using the SA to expose HaCaT keratinocytes, we reevaluated the effect of the SA on cell viability, cell apoptosis, ROS, CAT, SOD, and other inflammatory variables in the heat-killed C. acnes-treated HaCaT cells. Next, to induce mice with acne inflammation, ICR mice were given an intradermal injection of live C. acnes into their right ears. The effect of SA on this inflammation was then examined. Moreover, we explored the mechanism of SA on PPARγ/Nrf2 and NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1ß pathways by ELISA, immunofluorescence microscopy, and western blot assay. RESULTS: Heat-killed C. acnes triggered remarkable cell apoptosis, ROS production, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α release, reduced SOD and CAT activity, and upregulated the expression of proteins in HaCaT cells, including up-regulating IL-1ß, PPARγ, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, NLRP3, and caspase-1, whereas SA inhibited these effects by partially impairing PPARγ activation. In addition, PPARγ silencing decreased C. acnes-induced IL-1ß secretion and the production of intracellular ROS, down-regulating the expression of Nrf2. Nrf2 activator (SFN) enhanced anti-inflammatory activity through antioxidant mechanisms, boosting intracellular ROS production, reducing SOD and CAT activity, and promoting the increase in ROS, HO-1, NQO1, and IL-1ß levels, while PPARγ inhibitor (GW662) effectively inhibited this effect in heat-killed C. acnes-treated cells. Finally, SA also exhibited notable improvements in ear redness, swelling, and the expression of PPARγ, NLRP3, and IL-1ß in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: SA inhibited C. acnes-induced inflammation via regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1ß signaling axis by activating the PPARγ/Nrf2-antioxidant pathway, suggesting a new treatment possibility for acne vulgaris.

Characteristics of multidrug-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae strains ST29 and K212 harbouring tmexC2-tmexD2-toprJ2.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize a tigecycline-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (HvKP) strain, identified as KLZT, which carries the tigecycline resistance gene cluster tmexC2-tmexD2-toprJ2 belonging to ST29 and serotype K212. METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence phenotypes were assessed, followed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) using PacBio II and MiSeq sequencers. Genome annotation was carried out using the RAST server and bioinformatics analysis revealed the genetic characteristics of this strain. RESULTS: Antimicrobial and virulence phenotype testing indicated that K. pneumoniae strain KLZT could be considered as a multidrug-resistant HvKP. WGS analysis showed that KLZT has a single 5,536,506-bp chromosome containing three plasmids 290,963 bp (pKLZT-1), 199,302 bp (pKLZT-2), and 4820 bp (pKLZT-3) in size, and also includes the ST29 and K212 serotypes. Four (blaSHV-187, oqxA, oqxB, and fosA6) and six resistance genes (tmexC2-tmxeD2-toprJ2, blaOXA-1, aac(6')-Ib-cr, catB3, arr-3, and blaLEN27) were identified from chromosomal and plasmid pKLZT-1, respectively. Gene-based analysis of the resistance genes of plasmid pKLZT-1 showed that the tigecycline resistance gene cluster-carrying region was flanked by umuC and umuD (umuD-hps-IS5-tmexC2-tmexD2-toprJ2-umuC), as well as other resistance genes and virulence factors (ureB, ureC, and ureG), which were carried by IS5075-Tn3-intI1 -aac(6')-Ib-cr-blaOXA-1-catB3-arr-3-blaLEN27-Tn3-ISkpn26-ureBCG-IS5075. CONCLUSIONS: WGS has revealed that a multidrug-resistant strain, HvKP KLZT, belonging to ST29 with capsular serotype K212, contains a multidrug-resistance plasmid.

Co-occurrence of ST412 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with hypermucoviscous and non-mucoviscous phenotypes in a short-term hospitalized patient.

Hypermucoviscosity (HMV) is a phenotype that is commonly associated with hypervirulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae. The factors that contribute to the emergence of HMV subpopulations remain unclear. In this study, eight K. pneumoniae strains were recovered from an inpatient who had been hospitalized for 20 days. Three of the isolates exhibited a non-HMV phenotype, which was concomitant with higher biofilm formation than the other five HMV isolates. All eight isolates were highly susceptible to serum killing, albeit HMV strains were remarkably more infective than non-HMV counterparts in a mouse model of infection. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) showed that the eight isolates belonged to the K57-ST412 lineage. Average nucleotide identity (FastANIb) analysis indicated that eight isolates share 99.96% to 99.99% similarity and were confirmed to be the same clone. Through comparative genomics analysis, 12 non-synonymous mutations were found among these isolates, eight of which in the non-HMV variants, including rmpA (c.285delG) and wbaP (c.1305T > A), which are assumed to be associated with the non-HMV phenotype. Mutations in manB (c.1318G > A), dmsB (c.577C > T) and tkt (c.1928C > A) occurred in HMV isolates only. RNA-Seq revealed transcripts of genes involved in energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and membrane transport, including cysP, cydA, narK, tktA, pduQ, aceB, metN, and lsrA, to be significantly dysregulated in the non-HMV strains, suggesting a contribution to HMV phenotype development. This study suggests that co-occurrence of HMV and non-HMV phenotypes in the same clonal population may be mediated by mutational mechanisms as well as by certain genes involved in membrane transport and central metabolism. IMPORTANCE: K. pneumoniae with a hypermucoviscosity (HMV) phenotype is a community-acquired pathogen that is associated with increased invasiveness and pathogenicity, and underlying diseases are the most common comorbid risk factors inducing metastatic complications. HMV was earlier attributed to the overproduction of capsular polysaccharide, and more data point to the possibility of several causes contributing to this bacterial phenotype. Here, we describe a unique event in which the same clonal population showed both HMV and non-HMV characteristics. Studies have demonstrated that this process is influenced by mutational processes and genes related to transport and central metabolism. These findings provide fresh insight into the mechanisms behind co-occurrence of HMV and non-HMV phenotypes in monoclonal populations as well as potentially being critical in developing strategies to control the further spread of HMV K. pneumoniae.

Pedunculated Neoplasm of the Vulva.

ABSTRACT: Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare cutaneous malignancy, typically presenting as eczema-like lesions in areas rich in apocrine glands such as the perineum. Here, we report a case of EMPD presenting as a prominent pedunculated neoplasm in a 65-year-old woman. Despite initial misdiagnosis and treatment, biopsy confirmed EMPD infiltration. Following surgical excision, the patient developed brain metastases, indicating a poor prognosis. EMPD's pathogenesis remains unclear, but distinguishing primary from secondary forms is crucial for prognosis and treatment. Our case underscores the importance of recognizing atypical EMPD presentations for timely intervention and improved outcomes.

Determination of succinic acid and lactic acid in pigs' serum, intestinal contents, and meat by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE: Succinic acid and lactic acid have been associated with diarrhea in weaned piglets. The level of succinic acid and lactic acid in serum, meat, and intestinal contents is important to elucidate the mechanism of diarrhea in weaned piglets. METHODS: A facile method was developed for the quantification of succinic acid and lactic acid in pigs' serum, intestinal contents, and meat using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS). The serum samples underwent protein precipitation with methanol. The meat and intestinal contents were freeze-dried and homogenized using a tissue grinding apparatus. Methanol-water mixture (80:20, v/v) was used for homogenizing the meat, while water was used for homogenizing the intestinal contents. An additional step of protein precipitation with acetonitrile was required for the intestinal contents. The resulting solution was diluted with water before being analyzed by UHPLC/MS/MS. Separation of succinic acid and lactic acid could be achieved within 3 min using a Kinetic XB-C18 column. RESULTS: The coefficients of variation for peak areas of succinic acid and lactic acid were less than 5.0%. The established method demonstrated good linearity as indicated by correlation coefficients exceeding 0.996. Additionally, satisfactory recoveries ranging from 88.58% to 108.8% were obtained. The detection limits (RS/N = 3) for succinic acid and lactic acid were determined to be 0.75 ng/mL and 0.02 µg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: This method exhibited high sensitivity, simplicity in operation, and small sample weight, making it suitable for quantitative determination of succinic acid and lactic acid in pigs' serum, intestinal contents, and meat. The method developed will provide valuable technical support in studying the metabolic mechanisms of succinic acid and lactic acid in pigs.

Efficiency of Protective Interventions on Irinotecan-Induced Diarrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Irinotecan is widely used in the treatment of various solid tumors, but the adverse effects from it, especially diarrhea, limit its use. Several clinical trials of prophylactic treatment of irinotecan-induced diarrhea (IID) have been ongoing, and some of the data are controversial. This encouraged us to conduct a meta-analysis of the effects of interventions on preventing IID. METHOD: This systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA statement. We performed literature searches from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The number registered in PROSPERO is CRD42022368633. After searching 1034 articles in the database and references, 8 studies were included in this meta-analysis. RESULT: The RR of high-grade diarrhea and all-grade diarrhea were 0.31 (I2 = 51%, 95% CI: 0.14-0.69; P = .004) and .76 (I2 = 65%, 95% CI: 0.62-0.93; P < .008) respectively, thus the use of intervention measures for preventing IID is effective, and the risk reduction of high-grade diarrhea was more significant. Subgroup analysis revealed that the monotherapy group (RR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.21-1.13, I2 = 0%) and combination therapy group (RR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.06-0.32, I2 = 0%) in the risk of high-grade diarrhea had no significant heterogeneity within the groups, and traditional herbal medicines (Kampo medicine Hangeshashin-to, PHY906 and hot ironing with Moxa Salt Packet on Tianshu and Shangjuxu) were effective preventive measures (RR:0.20, 95% CI: 0.07-0.60, I2 = 0%). The Jadad scores for traditional herbal medicines studies were 3, and the follow-up duration was only 2 to 6 weeks. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that preventive treatments significantly reduced the risk of high-grade and all-grade diarrhea, confirming the efficacy in the incidence and severity of IID, among which traditional herbal medicines (baicalin-containing) provided a protective effect in reducing the severity of IID. However, the traditional herbal medicines studies were of low quality. Combined irinotecan therapy can obtain better preventive effects than monotherapy of IID. These would be helpful for the prevention of IID in clinical practice.

Facile fabrication of a novel, photodetachable salecan-based hydrogel dressing with self-healing, injectable, and antibacterial properties based on metal coordination.

Achieving the controllable detachment of polysaccharide-based wound dressings is challenging. In this study, a novel, photodetachable salecan-based hydrogel dressing with injectable, self-healing, antibacterial, and wound healing properties was developed using a green and facile approach. A salecan hydrogel with a uniform porous structure and water content of 90.4 % was prepared by simply mixing salecan and an Fe3+-citric acid complexing solution in an acidic D-(+)-glucono-1,5-lactone environment. Metal coordinate interactions were formed between the released Fe3+ ions and carboxyl groups on the salecan polysaccharide, inducing homogeneous gelation. Benefiting from this dynamic and reversible crosslinking, the salecan hydrogel exhibited self-healing and injectable behavior, facilitating the formation of the desired shapes in situ. The exposure of Fe3+-citric acid to UV light (365 nm) resulted in the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ through photochemical reactions, enabling phototriggered detachment. Moreover, the hydrogel exhibited excellent biocompatibility and satisfactory antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus of 72.5 % and 85.3 %, respectively. The adhesive strength of the salecan hydrogel to porcine skin was 1.06 ± 0.12 kPa. In vivo wound healing experiments further highlighted the advantages of the prepared hydrogel in alleviating the degree of wound inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration within 12 days.

Gut microbiota and its metabolic products in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

The prevalence rate of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is estimated at approximately 10% in critically ill patients worldwide, with the mortality rate ranging from 17% to 39%. Currently, ARDS mortality is usually higher in patients with COVID-19, giving another challenge for ARDS treatment. However, the treatment efficacy for ARDS is far from satisfactory. The relationship between the gut microbiota and ARDS has been substantiated by relevant scientific studies. ARDS not only changes the distribution of gut microbiota, but also influences intestinal mucosal barrier through the alteration of gut microbiota. The modulation of gut microbiota can impact the onset and progression of ARDS by triggering dysfunctions in inflammatory response and immune cells, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis mechanisms. Meanwhile, ARDS may also influence the distribution of metabolic products of gut microbiota. In this review, we focus on the impact of ARDS on gut microbiota and how the alteration of gut microbiota further influences the immune function, cellular functions and related signaling pathways during ARDS. The roles of gut microbiota-derived metabolites in the development and occurrence of ARDS are also discussed.

Amino acids in piglet diarrhea: Effects, mechanisms and insights.

Piglet diarrhea is among one of the most serious health problems faced by the pig industry, resulting in significant economic losses. Diarrheal disease in piglets has a multifactorial etiology that is affected by physiology, environment, and management strategy. Diarrhea is the most apparent symptom of intestinal dysfunction. As a key class of essential nutrients in the piglet diet, amino acids confer a variety of beneficial effects on piglets in addition to being used as a substrate for protein synthesis, including maintaining appropriate intestinal integrity, permeability and epithelial renewal, and alleviating morphological damage and inflammatory and oxidative stress. Thus, provision of appropriate levels of amino acids could alleviate piglet diarrhea. Most amino acid effects are mediated by metabolites, gut microbes, and related signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of dietary amino acid effects on gut health and diarrhea incidence in piglets, and reveal the mechanisms involved. We also provide ideas for using amino acid blends and emphasize the importance of amino acid balance in the diet to prevent diarrhea in piglets.

A novel NIR fluorescent probe inhibits melanoma progression through apoptosis and ERK/DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission.

Melanoma, a highly metastatic malignant tumour, necessitated early detection and intervention. This study focuses on a hemicyanine fluorescent probe activated by near-infrared (NIR) light for bioimaging and targeted mitochondrial action in melanoma cells. IR-418, our newly designed hemicyanine-based NIR fluorescent probe, demonstrated effective targeting of melanoma cell mitochondria for NIR imaging. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed IR-418's inhibition of melanoma growth through the promotion of mitochondrial apoptosis (Bax/Bcl-2/Cleaved Caspase pathway). Moreover, IR-418 inhibited melanoma metastasis by inhibiting mitochondrial fission through the ERK/DRP1 pathway. Notably, IR-418 mitigated abnormal ATL and ASL elevations caused by tumours without inflicting significant organ damage, indicating its high biocompatibility. In conclusion, IR-418, a novel hemicyanine-based NIR fluorescent probe targeting the mitochondria, exhibits significant fluorescence imaging capability, anti-melanoma proliferation, anti-melanoma lung metastasis activities and high biosafety. Therefore, it has significant potential in the early diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.

Enhanced Efficiency and Stability of Inverted CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells via Fluorinated Organic Ammonium Salt Surface Passivation.

All-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have recently received increasing attention due to their outstanding thermal stability. However, the performance of these devices, especially for the devices with a p-i-n structure, is still inferior to that of the typical organic-inorganic counterparts. In this study, we introduce phenylammonium iodides with different side groups on the surface of the CsPbI2Br perovskite film and investigate their passivation effects. Our studies indicate that the 4-trifluoromethyl phenylammonium iodide (CFPA) molecule with the -CF3 side group effectively decreases the trap density of the perovskite film by forming interactions with the undercoordinated Pb2+ ions and significantly inhibits the nonradiative recombination in the derived PSC, leading to an enhanced open-circuit voltage (Voc) from 0.96 to 1.10 V after passivation. Also, the CFPA post-treatment enables better energy-level alignment between the conduction band minimum of CsPbI2Br perovskite and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester, thereby enhancing the charge extraction from the perovskite to the charge transport layer. These combined benefits result in a significant enhancement of the power conversion efficiency from 11.22 to 14.37% for inverted CsPbI2Br PSCs. The device without encapsulation exhibits a degradation of only ≈4% after 1992 h in a N2 glovebox.

Transcriptome Sequencing and Mass Spectrometry Reveal Genes Involved in the Non-mendelian Inheritance-Mediated Feather Growth Rate in Chicken.

The feather growth rate in chickens included early and late feathering. We attempted to characterize the genes and pathways associated with the feather growth rate in chickens that are not in agreement with Mendelian inheritance. Gene expression profiles in the hair follicle tissues of late-feathering cocks (LC), early-feathering cocks (EC), late-feathering hens (LH), and early-feathering hens (EH) were acquired using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), mass spectrometry (MS), and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT­PCR). A total of 188 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were ascertained in EC vs. LC and 538 DEGs were identified in EH vs. LH. We observed that 14 up-regulated genes and 9 down-regulated genes were screened both in EC vs. LC and EH vs. LH. MS revealed that 41 and 138 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were screened out in EC vs. LC and EH vs. LH, respectively. Moreover, these DEGs and DEPs were enriched in multiple feather-related pathways, including JAK-STAT, MAPK, WNT, TGF-ß, and calcium signaling pathways. qRT-PCR assay showed that the expression of WNT8A was decreased in LC compared with EC, while ALK and GRM4 expression were significantly up-regulated in EH relative to LH. This study helps to elucidate the potential mechanism of the feather growth rate in chickens that do not conform to genetic law.