TGF-ß2-induced alterations of m6A methylation in hTERT RPE-1 cells.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a major type of RNA modification implicated in various pathophysiological processes. Transforming growth factor ß2 (TGF-ß2) induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in retinal pigmental epithelial (RPE) cells and promotes the progression of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). However, the role of m6A methylation in the EMT of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) retinal pigmental epithelium (RPE)-1 cells has not been clarified. Here, we extracted RNA from RPE cells subjected to 0 or 20 ng/mL TGF-ß2 for 72 h and identified differentially methylated genes (DMGs) by m6A-Seq and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by RNA-Seq. We selected the genes related to EMT by conjoint m6A-Seq/RNA-Seq analysis and verified them by qRT-PCR. We then confirmed the function of m6A methylation in the EMT of RPE cells by knocking down the methyltransferase METTL3 and the m6A reading protein YTHDF1. Sequencing yielded 5814 DMGs and 1607 DEGs. Conjoint analysis selected 467 genes altered at the m6A and RNA levels that are closely associated with the EMT-related TGF-ß, AGE-RAGE, PI3K-Akt, P53, and Wnt signaling pathways. We also identified ten core EMT genes ACTG2, BMP6, CDH2, LOXL2, SNAIL1, SPARC, BMP4, EMP3, FOXM1, and MYC. Their RNA levels were evaluated by qRT-PCR and were consistent with the sequencing results. We observed that METTL3 knockdown enhanced RPE cell migration and significantly upregulated the EMT markers N-cadherin (encoded by CDH2), fibronectin (FN), Snail family transcription repressor (SLUG), and vimentin. However, YTHDF1 knockdown had the opposite effects and decreased both cell migration and the N-cadherin, FN, and SLUG expression levels. The present study clarified TGF-ß2-induced m6A- and RNA-level differences in RPE cells, indicated that m6A methylation might regulate EMT marker expression, and showed that m6A could regulate TGF-ß2-induced EMT.

Conductive Polymer-Based Interlayers in Restraining the Polysulfide Shuttle of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are considered a promising candidate for next-generation energy storage devices due to the advantages of high theoretical specific capacity, abundant resources and being environmentally friendly. However, the severe shuttle effect of polysulfides causes the low utilization of active substances and rapid capacity fading, thus seriously limiting their practical application. The introduction of conductive polymer-based interlayers between cathodes and separators is considered to be an effective method to solve this problem because they can largely confine, anchor and convert the soluble polysulfides. In this review, the recent progress of conductive polymer-based interlayers used in LSBs is summarized, including free-standing conductive polymer-based interlayers, conductive polymer-based interlayer modified separators and conductive polymer-based interlayer modified sulfur electrodes. Furthermore, some suggestions on rational design and preparation of conductive polymer-based interlayers are put forward to highlight the future development of LSBs.

Coordination cages integrated into swelling poly(ionic liquid)s for guest encapsulation and separation.

Coordination cages have been widely reported to bind a variety of guests, which are useful for chemical separation. Although the use of cages in the solid state benefits the recycling, the flexibility, dynamicity, and metal-ligand bond reversibility of solid-state cages are poor, preventing efficient guest encapsulation. Here we report a type of coordination cage-integrated solid materials that can be swelled into gel in water. The material is prepared through incorporation of an anionic FeII4L6 cage as the counterion of a cationic poly(ionic liquid) (MOC@PIL). The immobilized cages within MOC@PILs have been found to greatly affect the swelling ability of MOC@PILs and thus the mechanical properties. Importantly, upon swelling, the uptake of water provides an ideal microenvironment within the gels for the immobilized cages to dynamically move and flex that leads to excellent solution-level guest binding performances. This concept has enabled the use of MOC@PILs as efficient adsorbents for the removal of pollutants from water and for the purification of toluene and cyclohexane. Importantly, MOC@PILs can be regenerated through a deswelling strategy along with the recycling of the extracted guests.

Carbon confined GeO2 hollow spheres for stable rechargeable Na ion batteries.

Germanium (Ge) based nanomaterials are regarded as promising high-capacity anode materials for Na ion batteries, but suffer fast capacity fading problems caused by the alloying/de-alloying reactions of Na-Ge. Herein, we report a new method for preparing highly dispersed GeO2 by using molecular-level ionic liquids (ILs) as carbon sources. In the obtained GeO2@C composite material, GeO2 exhibits hollow spherical morphology and is uniformly distributed in the carbon matrix. The as-prepared GeO2@C exhibits improved Na ion storage performances including high reversible capacity (577 mA h g-1 at 0.1C), rate property (270 mA h g-1 at 3C), and high capacity retention (82.3% after 500 cycles). The improved electrochemical performance could be attributed to the unique nanostructure of GeO2@C, the synergistic effect between GeO2 hollow spheres and the carbon matrix ensures the anode material effectively alleviates the volume expansion and the particle agglomeration problems.

MeCP2-Induced Alternations of Transcript Levels and m6A Methylation in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells.

MeCP2 is a transcriptional regulator that is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and is highly expressed in proliferative vitreoretinopathy. m6A methylation is a critical post-transcriptional regulation in eukaryotic cells. However, the connection between MeCP2 and m6A methylation has not been revealed in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and the regulatory role of MeCP2 at the post-transcriptional level in an m6A-dependent manner is rarely investigated. In this study, we used sequencing to reveal differences in transcript levels and m6A abundance of individual genes in RPE cells after treatment with human recombinant protein MeCP2. The biological functions and processes of differential genes were further analyzed by bioinformatics. The results exhibited that after MeCP2 treatment, 65 genes were up-regulated and 43 genes were down-regulated at the transcription level, and 4 peaks were hypermethylated and 9,041 peaks were hypomethylated at the m6A modification level. Enrichment analysis found that differentially expressed genes were associated with organic acid metabolism, melanogenesis, and vascular smooth muscle contraction. In addition, differentially methylated genes were related to cell junction, RNA processing and metabolism, cell activity, actin cytoskeleton, and several signaling pathways associated with EMT. Further conjoint analysis indicated that the transcription and m6A levels of the EGR1, ELOVL2, and SFR1 genes were altered, and EGR1 is an essential transcription factor in the EMT process. The RNA levels and m6A levels of the three genes were verified by qPCR and m6A-IP-qPCR, respectively. Overall, this study preliminarily revealed the differential mapping of MeCP2-induced m6A modifications, which contributes to the study of the epigenetic and EMT mechanism in RPE cells.

Alterations of the m6A Methylation Induced by TGF-ß2 in ARPE-19 Cells.

BACKGROUND: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) participates in diverse physiological processes and contributes to many pathological conditions. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigmental epithelial (RPE) cells plays an essential role in retinal-related diseases, and transforming growth factor ß2 (TGF-ß2) is known to induce EMT in vitro. However, the effect of TGF-ß2 on m6A methylation in RPE cells is not yet known. METHODS: RNA-seq and MeRIP-seq were performed to analyze changes at the mRNA and m6A levels after TGF-ß2 treatment of human ARPE-19 cells. mRNA levels and total m6A levels were subsequently validated. RESULTS: Sequencing revealed 929 differentially expressed genes and 7328 differentially methylated genes after TGF-ß2 treatment. Conjoint analysis identified 290 genes related to microtubule cytoskeleton, focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, cell division, cell cycle, AGE-RAGE, PI3K-Akt and cGMP-PKG pathways. Further analysis revealed that 12 EMT-related genes were altered at the mRNA and m6A levels after TGF-ß2 treatment (CALD1, CDH2, FN1, MMP2, SPARC, KRT7, CLDN3, ELF3, FGF1, LOXL2, SHROOM3 and TGFBI). Moreover, the total m6A level was also reduced. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the transcriptional profiling of m6A modification induced by TGF-ß2 in RPE cells. Novel connections were discovered between m6A modification and TGF-ß2-induced EMT, suggesting that m6A may play crucial roles in the EMT process.

Recent Advances in Ferroelectric Materials-Based Photoelectrochemical Reaction.

Inorganic perovskite ferroelectric-based nanomaterials as sustainable new energy materials, due to their intrinsic ferroelectricity and environmental compatibility, are intended to play a crucial role in photoelectrochemical field as major functional materials. Because of versatile physical properties and excellent optoelectronic properties, ferroelectric-based nanomaterials attract much attention in the field of photocatalysis, photoelectrochemical water splitting and photovoltaic. The aim of this review is to cover the recent advances by stating the different kinds of ferroelectrics separately in the photoelectrochemical field as well as discussing how ferroelectric polarization will impact functioning of photo-induced carrier separation and transportation in the interface of the compounded semiconductors. In addition, the future prospects of ferroelectric-based nanomaterials are also discussed.

[Accuracy of implantation between two immediate implantation methods in mandibular molars].

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of implant placement between modified and traditional immediate implant placement in mandibular molar regions. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were selected for immediate implantation in the molar area including 24 implantation sites. Preoperative cone-beam CT(CBCT) was conducted and then digital software Simplant 18.0 was used to design the ideal three-dimensional position of the implants. In the experimental group, the implant socket was prepared first according to reference of the remaining natural teeth, then the implant was implanted after minimally invasive extraction. Twelve patients in the control group underwent immediate implantation by traditional immediate implant procedures. Minimally invasive extraction, then socket preparation, and final implanting were performed. All patients underwent CBCT after surgery. Implant sites designed prior to surgery and actual implant sites differences between modified and traditional immediate implant placement were measured by Simplant 18.0 and compared with SPSS 17.0 software package. RESULTS: In the experimental group and control group, the measured average deviation were as follows, the angle was (4.492±0.912)° and (7.255±1.307)°, respectively; The horizontal error of the implant shoulder was (0.379±0.083) mm and (1.229±0.270) mm, respectively; The measuring horizontal error of the implant apex was (1.263±0.267) mm and (2.183±0.264) mm, respectively; The calculative horizontal error of the implant apex was (1.324±0.203) mm and (2.709±0.383) mm, respectively; Depth error of the implant apex was (0.663±0.123) mm and (1.533±0.155) mm, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the traditional method, modified immediate implantation can improve the accuracy of implantation in mandibular molars.

Uniformly Dispersed Ru Nanoparticles Constructed by In Situ Confined Polymerization of Ionic Liquids for the Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Design and development of cost-effective electrocatalysts with high efficiency and stability for scalable and sustainable hydrogen production through water splitting is still challenging. Herein, with the aid of divinyl functionalized ionic liquids, uniformly distributed Ru nanoparticles (NPs) on nitrogen-doped carbon frameworks are obtained via an in situ confined polymerization strategy. Attributed to the unique lamellar structure and confinement effect of carbon supports, the optimized homo-PIL-Ru/C-600 (with Ru 10 wt%) catalyst exhibits superior catalytic efficiency for the hydrogen evolution reaction with the overpotential of only 16 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and the corresponding Tafel slope of only 42 mV dec-1 . Moreover, the performance can be well reserved even after 10 000 cycles, demonstrating excellent stability and promising potentials for industrial application. This work not only provides a facile approach for the preparation of highly efficient Ru-based catalysts, but also guides the synthesis of other highly dispersed metallic NPs for special applications.

Swelling Poly(ionic liquid) Supported by Three-Dimensional Wire Mesh for Oil/Water Separation.

A kind of oil/water separation membrane, combining poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) and three-dimensional (3D) wire mesh, was designed and prepared via one-step photopolymerization of an ionic liquid monomer 1,8-triethylene glycoldiyl-3,3'-divinylimidazolium dibromide ([DVIm-(EG)3]Br2) with acrylic acid in the mesh. The composite membrane (PIL@Mesh) had the advantages of anti-oil-adhesion property and high mechanical strength simultaneously. The morphology of PIL@Mesh characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Cryo-SEM demonstrated that PIL swelled in water to construct microscale 3D networks. The 3D networks of swelling PIL were capable of forming a hydration layer and endowed PIL@Mesh with superhydrophilicity, which made the membrane to transport water but to intercept oil. PIL@Mesh showed excellent separation efficiency (above 99.9%) for various oil/water mixtures, large water flux (47 L·m-2·s-1), and high intrusion pressure (1.2 kPa). Meanwhile, it performed well in recyclability and corrosion-resistant under harsh conditions, such as acid, alkaline, and salty environments.

Cross-linked poly(ionic liquid) as precursors for nitrogen-doped porous carbons.

A soluble and easily dispersive cross-linked poly(ionic liquid), copolymer of 1-vinyl-3-butylimidazolium bromide ([VBIM][Br]) and divinylbenzene (DVB), was used as a precursor for nitrogen doped porous carbons (NPCs) with SiO2 (from tetraethyl orthosilicate) as a template. The NPCs were characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The specific surface area and porosity of NPCs depended on the carbonization temperature, the SiO2/[VBIM][Br] ratio and the precursors. Under the optimized conditions, the NPC prepared from cross-linked poly(ionic liquid), P([VBIM][Br]-0.1DVB), gave a high specific surface area up to 1324 m2 g-1. XRD indicated that amorphous and disordered graphitic layers were dominant in NPCs. The nitrogen content was about 4-5 wt% in NPCs, and the nitrogen bonding state observed using XPS analysis was mainly pyridinic- and pyrrolic-N. Meanwhile, the cyclic voltammetry, gravimetric charge-discharge curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the NPCs were also investigated, the specific capacitance was up to 243 F g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, and the retention ratio was nearly 100% after charge-discharge cycling 2400 times at 2 A g-1 in 6 M KOH electrolyte.

Anion exchange: a novel way of preparing hierarchical porous structure in poly(ionic liquid)s.

Hierarchical porous poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) with high specific surface area were firstly synthesized via anion exchange. The exchange of bulky salicylate and its dimers/clusters in PILs by other smaller anions increased the specific surface area and fabricated a hierarchical porous structure. The high specific surface area and hierarchical porous structure prompted a high degree of exposure of the active sites and made the heterogeneous PIL catalysts contact with substrates sufficiently, enhancing their catalytic activity.

Swelling Poly(ionic liquid)s: Synthesis and Application as Quasi-Homogeneous Catalysts in the Reaction of Ethylene Carbonate with Aniline.

Homogeneous catalysts generally show higher catalytic activities, while heterogeneous catalysts are more easily separated from products. To combine the advantages of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts has been of great interest for many years. Here, we report a kind of facilely prepared cross-linked poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) with swelling property to increase catalytic activities of heterogeneous catalysts. The swelling ability of PILs was greatly affected by cross-linking density and chain length of substituents on imidazolium, and the unique swelling property prompted the nonporous PILs to contact with substrates sufficiently, enhancing their catalytic activities similar to homogeneous ionic liquid monomers.

[Application of X ray cephalogram in the measurement of adenoids in children].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical value of X ray lateral cephalogram in the measurement of adenoids in children. METHODS: 45 cases (aged from 3 to 13 year old) with adenoid hypertrophy suspected clinically were examined with lateral cephalometric projections, of which 40 cases were examined with lateral nasopharyngeal projections at one time. Then the quality of films were appraisal and the adenoids were measured on the film. Student's X(2) test was used for statistics analysis. RESULTS: X ray lateral cephalogram can distinctly reveal the structure of nasopharynx. The method was simply and reproducible. The quality of the films were determined based on the conjunction between the base of the pterygoid plate and extracranial aspect of the occipital slope, with consideration of the mandibular margin and sphenoid saddle. The conjunction should be clearly demonstrated and the edges of the mandibular margin and sphenoid saddle should be sharp and well demarcated in qualified films. 45 cases were examined with lateral cephalometric projections, 34 cases had standard films, accounting for 76%. 40 cases were examined with lateral nasopharyngeal projections, 21 had standard films, accounting for 53%. The quality of X ray lateral cephalogram was significantly better than lateral nasopharyngeal projections (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with the routine lateral nasopharyngeal projection, lateral nasopharyngeal cephalogram has images of high quality, is better for showing the nasopharyngeal structures as well as measurement of the adenoids with parenchyma. It is the imaging method of choice for children with OSAHS.