Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of Cyanurates RE5(C3N3O3)(OH)12 (RE = Gd-Lu): Cryogenic Magnetocaloric Candidate Gd5(C3N3O3)(OH)12.

Rare-earth (RE)-based frustrated magnets are fertile playgrounds for discovering exotic quantum phenomena and exploring adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration applications. Here, we report the synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of a family of rare-earth cyanurates RE5(C3N3O3)(OH)12 (RE = Gd-Lu) with an acentric space group P6̅2m. Magnetic susceptibility χ(T) and isothermal magnetization M(H) measurements manifest that RE5(C3N3O3)(OH)12 (RE = Gd, Dy-Yb) compounds exhibit no magnetic ordering down to 2 K, while Tb5(C3N3O3)(OH)12 shows long-range magnetic ordering around 3.6 K. Among them, magnetically frustrated spin-7/2 Gd5(C3N3O3)(OH)12 shows long-range magnetic ordering around 1.25 K and a large magnetocaloric effect with a maximum magnetic entropy change ΔSm of up to 58.1 J kg-1 K-1 at ΔH = 7 T at liquid-helium temperature regimes.

CsPbBr3 NCs Confined and In Situ Grown in ZIF-8: A Stable, Sensitive, Reliable Fluorescent Sensor for Evaluating the Acid Value of Edible Oils.

Rapidly and sensitively evaluating the acid value (AV) of edible oils is significant to ensuring food quality and safety. Cesium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals (CsPbBr3 NCs) are an effective candidate for AV detection; however, their instability restricts wide applications. Herein, CsPbBr3@ZIF-8 was prepared by confining and growing CsPbBr3 NCs in situ into zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) to improve the stability, and a fluorescence sensor was established to evaluate the AV of edible oils. The results present that CsPbBr3 NCs (below 5 nm) with excellent optical properties were confined and grown in situ in micropores and mesopores of ZIF-8. Meanwhile, CsPbBr3@ZIF-8 had better long-term storage, ultraviolet-irradiation, and water-exposure stabilities, compared with CsPbBr3 NCs. Given the fact that free fatty acids (the major contributor of AV) decrease the fluorescence of CsPbBr3 NCs, the fluorescence intensities of CsPbBr3@ZIF-8 were negative-linearly related to oil AV (R2 = 0.9902) in 0.04-6.00 mg of KOH/g with a 0.06 mg of KOH/g limit of detection. Besides, the practical AV recovery was 92-101% with an average relative standard deviation of 2%. Furthermore, the detection time was 20 min. The response mechanism revealed that free fatty acids could remove surface ligands and increase surface defects to prompt the aggregation of CsPbBr3 NCs and the formation of lattice fringe dislocations, inducing a decrease in the fluorescence. Thus, a stable, sensitive, reliable sensor was established to evaluate the AV of edible oils.

A Congruent-Melt Infrared Nonlinear Optical Crystal Na4SrAs2S8.

A quaternary metal thioarsenate infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) compound Na4SrAs2S8 was successfully prepared by a high-temperature reaction method from stoichiometric agents. It crystallizes in the tetragonal P4n2 with the unit cell parameters a = 10.0393(3) Å, c = 6.9638(3) Å, and Z = 2, with the basic structural groups of isolated AsS4 tetrahedra. Compared with benchmark IR NLO crystal AgGaS2 (AGS), the title compound exhibits balanced optical properties of large band gap (3.05 eV vs. 2.60 eV) and considerable second harmonic generation response (0.95 × AGS). Moreover, the combined powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analyses demonstrate that Na4SrAs2S8 is a congruent-melting compound with a low melting point of 668 °C, which is benefical for bulk single crystal growth. Experimental and theoretical calculation results indicate that Na4SrAs2S8 is a practically usable IR NLO crystal, also motivating the exploration of thioarsenates as high-performance IR NLO candidates.

Proteomics study the potential targets for Rifampicin-resistant spinal tuberculosis.

Introduction: The escalating global surge in Rifampicin-resistant strains poses a formidable challenge to the worldwide campaign against tuberculosis (TB), particularly in developing countries. The frequent reports of suboptimal treatment outcomes, complications, and the absence of definitive treatment guidelines for Rifampicin-resistant spinal TB (DSTB) contribute significantly to the obstacles in its effective management. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative and efficacious drugs to address Rifampicin-resistant spinal tuberculosis, minimizing the duration of therapy sessions. This study aims to investigate potential targets for DSTB through comprehensive proteomic and pharmaco-transcriptomic analyses. Methods: Mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis was employed to validate potential DSTB-related targets. PPI analysis confirmed by Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot analysis. Results: The proteomics analysis revealed 373 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), with 137 upregulated and 236 downregulated proteins. Subsequent Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses delved into the DSTB-related pathways associated with these DEPs. In the context of network pharmacology analysis, five key targets-human leukocyte antigen A chain (HLAA), human leukocyte antigen C chain (HLA-C), HLA Class II Histocompatibility Antigen, DRB1 Beta Chain (HLA-DRB1), metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and Phospholipase C-like 1 (PLCL1)-were identified as pivotal players in pathways such as "Antigen processing and presentation" and "Phagosome," which are crucially enriched in DSTB. Moreover, pharmaco-transcriptomic analysis can confirm that 58 drug compounds can regulate the expression of the key targets. Discussion: This research confirms the presence of protein alterations during the Rifampicin-resistant process in DSTB patients, offering novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning DSTB. The findings suggest a promising avenue for the development of targeted drugs to enhance the management of Rifampicin-resistant spinal tuberculosis.

Magnetic steering continuum robot for transluminal procedures with programmable shape and functionalities.

Millimeter-scale soft continuum robots offer safety and adaptability in transluminal procedures due to their passive compliance, but this feature necessitates interactions with surrounding lumina, leading to potential medical risks and restricted mobility. Here, we introduce a millimeter-scale continuum robot, enabling apical extension while maintaining structural stability. Utilizing phase transition components, the robot executes cycles of tip-based elongation, steered accurately through programmable magnetic fields. Each motion cycle features a solid-like backbone for stability, and a liquid-like component for advancement, thereby enabling autonomous shaping without reliance on environmental interactions. Together with clinical imaging technologies, we demonstrate the capability of navigating through tortuous and fragile lumina to transport microsurgical tools. Once it reaches larger anatomical spaces such as stomach, it can morph into functional 3D structures that serve as surgical tools or sensing units, overcoming the constraints of initially narrow pathways. By leveraging this design paradigm, we anticipate enhanced safety, multi-functionality, and cooperative capabilities among millimeter-scale continuum robots, opening new avenues for transluminal robotic surgery.

Knowledge mapping of links between dendritic cells and allergic diseases: A bibliometric analysis (2004-2023).

In this study, bibliometric analysis was carried out to comprehend the global research trends, hotspots, scientific frontiers, and output characteristics of the links between dendritic cells (DCs) and allergic diseases from 2004 to 2023. Publications and their recorded information were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). VOSviewer and Citespace were used to visualize the hotspots and trends of research area. ChemBio 3D, Autodock tools, and Discovery Studio were used to visualize the molecular docking results of hotspots. A total of 4861 articles were retrieved. The number of publications (Np) was in a high and stable state. Years 2011 and 2017 were two peaks in Np. The largest contributor in terms of publications, scholars, and affiliations was the USA. The paper published in NATURE MEDICINE (IF: 82.9) and written by Trompette, A in 2006 had the highest global citation score (GCS). Keywords, such as "asthma," "t-cells," "inflammation," "expression," "atopic dermatitis," "food allergy," "gut microbiota," "murine model," and "cytokines related to immunity" appeared the most frequently. Most of the binding free energy of the key active components of Saposhnikovia divaricata docked with toll-like receptor proteins well. This bibliometric study aimed to help better comprehend the present state and make decisions from a macro viewpoint.

The gelation characteristics of Torreya grandis wax in diacylglycerol and its preparation of oleogel substitution for shortening.

Torreya grandis wax (TGW), a new nut wax and by-product of refined Torreya grandis oil, lacks sufficient research and application. In this study, the gelling behavior in diacylglycerol (DAG) and chemical compositions of TGW were investigated. Compared with four typical natural waxes, TGW exhibited the lowest critical gelling concentration (Cg, 1 %wt) in DAG. The results performed that TGW-DAG oleogels at Cg possessed the highest G'LVR and G″, highest critical stress, good thermal stability, moderate viscosity recovery, and osc. yields stress, indicating strong gel. The microstructure and correlation analysis revealed that excellent gelling behaviors of TGW-DAG oleogels were due to the solid three-dimensional network formed by rod-like TGW crystal, and the higher hydrocarbon compound (HC) content and HC/wax ester in TGW. Formulation optimization suggested that oleogel containing 3.2 % TGW and 1.0 % diosgenin (DSG) better mimicked the characteristics of shortening in terms of hardness, adhesiveness, spreadability. The bread prepared with TGW/DSG-DAG oleogel owned uniform and dense pores, the best moisture retention capability, and soft and firm taste, demonstrating that TGW/DSG-DAG oleogel was a good shortening substitute. Therefore, this study provides the systematically fundamental knowledge of TGW and develops DSG-TGW-DAG oleogels as promising shortening substitutions.

Influence and mechanism of food matrices onto the TBBQ-eliminated performance during in-vitro digestion.

Food matrices greatly impact TBBQ content during digestion, while lacking sufficient research and understanding. This study investigated the influence and mechanism of fried foods on the TBBQ-eliminated performance during in-vitro digestion. The results indicated that TBBQ content varied significantly among food matrices after in-vitro digestion, with the highest in peanuts (38.3%). The correlation analysis revealed that proteins remarkably facilitated TBBQ-eliminations while fats decreased the TBBQ-eliminated rate. The TBBQ-eliminated performance of proteins, protein digestive mixtures, and amino acids uncovered that sulfhydryl groups were crucial reactive groups to eliminate TBBQ, and TBBQ-eliminated rates under intestinal pH (8.0) were faster than gastric pH (1.5). Additionally, fats significantly reduced the protein-triggered TBBQ-eliminations, originating that the oil-water interface increased the interaction difficulty between lipophilic TBBQ and proteins. Thus, this work provided an in-depth understanding of food matrices (especially proteins and fats) in TBBQ eliminations to enlighten the promising TBBQ-risk-reduced strategies with high-protein and low-fat foods.