Stretchable, Programmable and Magnet-Insensitive Protonic Display Based on Integrated Ionic Circuit.

As a new approach to "More than Moore", integrated ionic circuits serve as a possible alternative to traditional electronic circuits, yet the integrated ionic circuit composed of functional ionic elements and ionic connections is still challenging. Herein, a stretchable and transparent ionic display module of the integrated ionic circuit has been successfully prepared and demonstrated by pixelating a proton-responsive hydrogel. It is programmed to excite the hydrogel color change by a Faraday process occurring at the electrode at the specific pixel points, which enables the display of digital information and even color information. Importantly, the display module exhibits stable performance under strong magnetic field conditions (1.7 T). The transparent and stretchable nature of such ionic modules also allows them to be utilized in a broad range of scenarios, which paves the way for integrated ionic circuits.

OxLDL enhances procoagulant activity of endothelial cells by TMEM16F-mediated phosphatidylserine exposure.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), a key component in atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia, is a risk factor for atherothrombosis in dyslipidemia, yet its mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, we used oxLDL-induced human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice as a hyperlipidemia model. Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, cytosolic Ca2+, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation were measured by flow cytometer. TMEM16F expression was detected by immunofluorescence, western blot, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Procoagulant activity (PCA) was measured by coagulation time, intrinsic/extrinsic factor Xase, and thrombin generation. We found that oxLDL-induced PS exposure and the corresponding PCA of HAECs were increased significantly compared with control, which could be inhibited over 90% by lactadherin. Importantly, TMEM16F expression in oxLDL-induced HAECs was upregulated by enhanced intracellular Ca2+ concentration, ROS, and lipid peroxidation, which led to PS exposure. Meanwhile, the knockdown of TMEM16F by short hairpin RNA significantly inhibited PS exposure in oxLDL-induced HAECs. Moreover, we observed that HFD-fed mice dramatically increased the progress of thrombus formation and accompanied upregulated TMEM16F expression by thromboelastography analysis, FeCl3-induced carotid artery thrombosis model, and western blot. Collectively, these results demonstrate that TMEM16F-mediated PS exposure may contribute to prothrombotic status under hyperlipidemic conditions, which may serve as a novel therapeutic target for the prevention of thrombosis in hyperlipidemia.

TMEM16F mediated phosphatidylserine exposure and microparticle release on erythrocyte contribute to hypercoagulable state in hyperuricemia.

The link between hyperuricemia (HUA) and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been well established. However, the mechanisms of thrombus generation and the effect of HUA on procoagulant activity (PCA) of erythrocytes remain unclear no matter in uremia or hyperuricemia. Here, phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, microparticles (MPs) release, cytosolic Ca2+, TMEM16F expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation of erythrocyte were detected by flow cytometer. PCA was assessed by coagulation time, purified coagulation complex and fibrin production assays. The fibrin formation was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We found that PS exposure, MPs generation, TMEM16F expression and consequent PCA of erythrocyte in HUA patients significantly increased compared to those in healthy volunteers. Furthermore, high UA induced PS exposure, and MPs release of erythrocyte in concentration and time-dependent manners in vitro, which enhanced the PCA of erythrocyte and was inhibited by lactadherin, a PS inhibitor. Additionally, using SEM, we also observed compact fibrin clots with highly-branched networks and thin fibers supported by red blood cells (RBCs) and RBC-derived MPs (RMPs). Importantly, we demonstrated UA enhanced the production of ROS and lipid peroxidation and reduced the generation of glutathione (GSH) of erythrocyte, which enhanced TMEM16F activity and followed PS externalization and RMPs formation. Collectively, these results suggest that Ca2+-dependent TMEM16F activation may be responsible for UA-induced PS exposure and MPs release of RBC, which thereby contribute to the prothrombotic risk in HUA.

Hyperuricemia enhances procoagulant activity of vascular endothelial cells through TMEM16F regulated phosphatidylserine exposure and microparticle release.

The link between serum uric acid (SUA) and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is well established. Recent data suggested a causative role of UA in endothelial cells (ECs) dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanism of high UA on thrombogenesis is unknown. We investigate whether high UA induce phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization and microparticle (MP) shedding in cultured EC, and contribute to UA-induced hypercoagulable state. In the present study, we demonstrate that UA induces PS exposure and EMP release of EC in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, which enhances the procoagulant activity (PCA) of EC and inhibited over 90% by lactadherin in vitro. Furthermore, hyperuricemic rat model was used to evaluate the development of thrombi following by flow stasis in the inferior vena cava (IVC). Hyperuricemia group is more likely to form large and hard thrombi compared with control. Importantly, we found that TMEM16F expression is significantly upregulated in UA-treated EC, which is crucial for UA-induced PS exposure and MP formation. Additionally, UA increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in EC, which might contribute to increased TMEM16F expression. Using confocal microscopy, we also observed disruption of the actin cytoskeleton, suggesting that depolymerization of actin filaments might be required for TMEM16F activation and followed by PS exposure and membrane blebbing in UA-treated EC. Our results demonstrate a thrombotic role of EC in hyperuricemia through TMEM16F-mediated PS exposure and MPs release.

Molecular insights into cancer drug resistance from a proteomics perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Resistance to chemotherapy and development of specific and effective molecular targeted therapies are major obstacles facing current cancer treatment. Comparative proteomic approaches have been employed for the discovery of putative biomarkers associated with cancer drug resistance and have yielded a number of candidate proteins, showing great promise for both novel drug target identification and personalized medicine for the treatment of drug-resistant cancer. Areas covered: Herein, we review the recent advances and challenges in proteomics studies on cancer drug resistance with an emphasis on biomarker discovery, as well as understanding the interconnectivity of proteins in disease-related signaling pathways. In addition, we highlight the critical role that post-translational modifications (PTMs) play in the mechanisms of cancer drug resistance. Expert opinion: Revealing changes in proteome profiles and the role of PTMs in drug-resistant cancer is key to deciphering the mechanisms of treatment resistance. With the development of sensitive and specific mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics and related technologies, it is now possible to investigate in depth potential biomarkers and the molecular mechanisms of cancer drug resistance, assisting the development of individualized therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.

Probiotics may not prevent the deterioration of necrotizing enterocolitis from stage I to II/III.

BACKGROUND: Probiotic therapy can reduce the incidence of NEC. Therapeutic use of probiotics after NEC diagnosis reduces the severity of NEC in preterm infants or full-term infants is unclear. To evaluate the effect of probiotics on preventing the deterioration of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) from stage I to II/III. METHODS: A retrospective matched cohort study was performed. Included patients were ultimately divided into two groups: the probiotic treatment group (probiotics were used ≥4 days) and the no probiotic treatment group. The differences in deterioration trends between the two groups were compared. Additionally, the risk factors associated with the deterioration of NEC were further analyzed with a case-control study. RESULTS: A total of 231 infants met the inclusion criteria. Eighty-one pairs were matched according to similar gestational age and birth weight. Before matching, we found that the rate of deterioration of NEC from stage I to II/III in the group with probiotic treatment was similar to that in the group without probiotic treatment (23.1% [25/108] vs 26.0% [32/123], P = 0.614). After matching, the rate of deterioration of NEC between the two groups still had no significant difference (21.0% [17/81] vs 27.2% [22/81], P = 0.358). Logistic regression analysis showed that sepsis after NEC was an independent risk factor for NEC deteriorating from stage I to II/III (OR 2.378, 95% CI 1.005-5.628, P = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Probiotics may not prevent the deterioration of NEC from stage I to II/III in infants, but this conclusion should be treated with caution.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry based metabolomics profile of hippocampus and cerebellum in mice after chronic arsenic exposure.

Intake of arsenic (As) via drinking water has been a serious threat to global public health. Though there are numerous reports of As neurotoxicity, its pathogenesis mechanisms remain vague especially its chronic effects on metabolic network. Hippocampus is a renowned area in relation to learning and memory, whilst recently, cerebellum is argued to be involved with process of cognition. Therefore, the study aimed to explore metabolomics alternations in these two areas after chronic As exposure, with the purpose of further illustrating details of As neurotoxicity. Twelve 3-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into two groups, receiving deionized drinking water (control group) or 50 mg/L of sodium arsenite (via drinking water) for 24 weeks. Learning and memory abilities were tested by Morris water maze (MWM) test. Pathological and morphological changes of hippocampus and cerebellum were captured via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Metabolic alterations were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). MWM test confirmed impairments of learning and memory abilities of mice after chronic As exposure. Metabolomics identifications indicated that tyrosine increased and aspartic acid (Asp) decreased simultaneously in both hippocampus and cerebellum. Intermediates (succinic acid) and indirect involved components of tricarboxylic acid cycle (proline, cysteine, and alanine) were found declined in cerebellum, indicating disordered energy metabolism. Our findings suggest that these metabolite alterations are related to As-induced disorders of amino acids and energy metabolism, which might therefore, play an important part in mechanisms of As neurotoxicity.

The government capacity on industrial pollution management in Shanxi province: A response impulse analysis.

This study employs the Vector Auto-regression model with Generalized Response Impulse Function to analyse the dynamic nexus between economic growth and the industrial environmental pollution intensity for six specific pollutants in Shanxi province of China from 1995 to 2015. The result show there exists bi-directional effects, with stronger impact running from economic development to industrial pollution is stronger. We also find the Shanxi government shows significant capacity in the management of industrial solid waste and waste gas. The provincial government has higher capacity in controlling Sulfur Dioxide compared to soot/dust. Our results verify the existence of Environmental Kuznets Curve through dynamic interactions between industrial pollution intensity and economic growth impulse. Three out of the six environmental pollution intensity responses are in the shape of inverted U curve. There are exceptions for three pollutants: N curve for Chemical Oxygen Demand and U curve for solid waste and waste gas.

[Risk factors for concurrent sepsis in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for concurrent sepsis in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 273 neonates with NEC. The risk factors for concurrent sepsis were analyzed from the aspects of perinatal factors and treatment regimen before the diagnosis of NEC. RESULTS: The incidence rate of concurrent sepsis in NEC was 32.2% (88/273). The neonates with stage III NEC had a significantly higher incidence rate of concurrent sepsis than those with stage II NEC (69.0% vs 15.9%; P<0.05). Of all neonates with sepsis, 62.5% experienced sepsis within 3 days after the diagnosis of NEC, and 37.5% experienced sepsis more than 3 days after the diagnosis. Compared with those without concurrent sepsis, the neonates with concurrent sepsis had significantly lower gestational age and birth weight (P<0.05). The neonates who had scleredema, had stage III NEC, needed gastrointestinal decompression after the diagnosis of NEC, and experienced a long time of gastrointestinal decompression tended to develop sepsis more easily (P<0.05). Scleredema (OR=9.75, 95%CI: 2.84-33.52, P<0.001), stage III NEC (OR=12.94, 95%CI : 6.82-24.55, P<0.001), and gastrointestinal decompression (OR=2.27, 95%CI: 1.14-4.5, P=0.02) were independent risk factors for concurrent sepsis in NEC. CONCLUSIONS: Scleredema, stage III NEC, and gastrointestinal decompression are independent risk factors for concurrent sepsis in neonates with NEC.

Transdermal praziquantel administration attenuates hepatic granulomatosis in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum.

Liver granuloma is a major pathogenic factor responsible for schistosomiasis, and no effective drugs or therapy methods to treat it have been found so far. Praziquantel (PZQ) has shown some anti-schistosomal effect, but little information is available about the effect of PZQ-prolonged administration on granuloma formation around schistosome eggs. Herein, we investigated the effect of PZQ on hepatic granuloma formation by treating the mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum using a long-term PZQ transdermal delivery. The results showed that the mean area of granulomas in the group treated with PZQ transdermal agent was (175.47 ± 116.73) × 10(3) µm(2) at the 49th day postinfection and (71.96 ± 45.99) × 10(3) µm(2) at the 56th day, while that in the control group was (304.51 ± 140.55) × 10(3) µm(2) and (526.44 ± 268.06) × 10(3) µm(2), respectively. The content of hydroxyproline in the livers of mice approached to the normal level on the 154th day in the treatment group, but it continued to increase from the 28th day to the 154th day after infection in the control group and nontreatment group. The ALT activity in serum of mice in the treatment group was also significantly lower than that in the control group (*P ≤ 0.05). Our results suggest that the long-term PZQ transdermal delivery is critical in the therapeutic approach to control the progress of hepatic schistosomiasis induced by egg granulomas.

Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I Deficiency Induces Iron Overload and Ferroptosis in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells via Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α/Transferrin Receptor 1 Signaling Pathway.

Aims: Scavenger receptor class B type I (SRBI) promotes cell cholesterol efflux and the clearance of plasma cholesterol. Thus, SRBI deficiency causes abnormal cholesterol metabolism and hyperlipidemia. Studies have suggested that ferroptosis is involved in lipotoxicity; however, whether SRBI deficiency could induce ferroptosis remains to be investigated. Results: We knocked down or knocked out SRBI in renal HK-2 cells and C57BL/6 mice to determine the expression levels of ferroptosis-related regulators. Our results demonstrated that SRBI deficiency upregulates transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) expression and downregulates ferroportin expression, which induces iron overload and subsequent ferroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells. TFR1 is known to be regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Next, we investigated whether SRBI deletion affected HIF-1α. SRBI deletion upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α, and promoted its translocation to the nucleus. To determine whether HIF-1α plays a key role in SRBI-deficiency-induced ferroptosis, we used HIF-1α inhibitor and siHIF-1α in HK-2 cells, and found that downregulation of HIF-1α prevented SRBI-silencing-induced TFR1 upregulation and iron overload, and eventually reduced ferroptosis. The underlying mechanism of HIF-1α activation was explored next, and the results showed that SRBI knockout or knockdown may upregulate the expression of HIF-1α, and promote HIF-1α translocation from the cytoplasm into the nucleus via the PKC-ß/NF-κB signaling pathway. Innovation and Conclusion: Our study showed, for the first time, that SRBI deficiency induces iron overload and subsequent ferroptosis via the HIF-1α/TFR1 pathway.

A Programmable Actuator as Synthetic Earthworm.

Natural earthworm with the ability to loosen soils that favors sustainable agriculture has inspired worldwide interest in the design of intelligent actuators. Given the inability to carry heavy loads and uncontrolled deformation, the vast majority of actuators can only perform simple tasks by bending, contraction, or elongation. Herein, a degradable actuator with the ability to deform in desired ways is presented, which successfully mimics the burrowing activities of earthworms to loosen soils with increased soil porosity by digging, grabbing, and lifting the soil when it receives rains. Such a scarifying actuator is made of degradable cellulose acetate and uncrosslinked polyacrylamide via the swelling-photopolymerizing method. The water absorption of polyacrylamide in moisture conditions causes rapid and remarkable bending. Such mechanical bending can be controlled in specific areas of the cellulose acetate film if polyacrylamide is polymerized in a patterned way, so as to generate complicated deformations of the whole cellulose acetate. Patterning polyacrylamide within cellulose acetate is achieved based on reversible surface protection by means of pen writing, rather than the traditional masking techniques. The water-induced deformation of programmable cellulose-based actuators is well preserved in soil, which is appropriate for promoting rain diffusion as well as root breath.

Ferroptosis of Endothelial Cells Triggered by Erythrophagocytosis Contributes to Thrombogenesis in Uremia.

BACKGROUND: Although thrombosis events are the leading complication of uremia, their mechanism is largely unknown. The interaction between endothelial cells (ECs) and red blood cells (RBCs) in uremic solutes and its prothrombotic role need to be investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Here, we established an in vitro co-incubation model of uremic RBC and EC as well as a uremic rat model induced by adenine. Using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and electron microscopy, we found increased erythrophagocytosis by EC accompanied by increased reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and impairment of mitochondria, indicating that ECs undergo ferroptosis. Further investigations showed increased proteins' expression of heme oxygenase-1 and ferritin and labile iron pool accumulation in EC, which could be suppressed by deferoxamine (DFO). The ferroptosis-negative regulators glutathione peroxidase 4 and SLC7A11 were decreased in our erythrophagocytosis model and could be enhanced by ferrostatin-1 or DFO. In vivo, we observed that vascular EC phagocytosed RBC and underwent ferroptosis in the kidney of the uremic rat, which could be inhibited by blocking the phagocytic pathway or inhibiting ferroptosis. Next, we found that the high tendency of thrombus formation was accompanied by erythrophagocytosis-induced ferroptosis in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, we further revealed that upregulated TMEM16F expression mediated phosphatidylserine externalization on ferroptotic EC, which contributed to a uremia-associated hypercoagulable state. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that erythrophagocytosis-triggered ferroptosis followed by phosphatidylserine exposure of EC may play a key role in uremic thrombotic complications, which may be a promising target to prevent thrombogenesis of uremia.

Antifreezing, Adhesive, and Ultra-Stretchable Ionogel for AI-Enabled Motion Tracking and Recognition in Winter Sports.

Motion tracking and recognition are gaining increasing attention in athletes' training for winter sports due to their importance in posture correction and injury prevention. Electronic skin serves as a better candidate compared to vision-based methods. However, the challenges of its application include sensing materials with good stretchability, softness, anti-freeze, non-volatility, and adhesion, and data processing techniques of high intelligence and efficiency. Here, we propose an antifreezing, adhesive, and ultra-stretchable organic ionogel (OIG). Maximum elongation of over 6500% has been obtained for the OIG of the double network, and the mechanical stretchability is retained at temperatures ranging from -50 to 50 °C. Importantly, the multi-sensor system could realize motion "recognition" rather than "perception" with the help of a convolutional neural network.

Development of a tetra-primer ARMS-PCR for identification of sika and red deer and their hybrids.

Accurate identification of deer-derived components is significant in food and drug authenticity. Over the years, several methods have been developed to authenticate these products; however, identifying whether female deer products are hybrids is challenging. In this study, the zinc finger protein X-linked (ZFX) gene sequences of sika deer (Cervus nippon), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and their hybrid offspring were amplified and sequenced, the X221 and X428 species-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) loci were verified, and a tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system (T-ARMS-PCR) assay was developed to identify the parent-of-origin of female sika deer, red deer, and their hybrid deer. The T-ARMS-PCR developed based on the X221 locus could identify sika deer, red deer, and their hybrid offspring according to the presence or absence of PCR product sizes of 486 bp, 352 bp, and 179 bp, respectively, just as X428 locus could identify sika deer, red deer, and their hybrid offspring according to the presence or absence of PCR product sizes of 549 bp, 213 bp, and 383 bp, respectively. Forty products labeled deer-derived ingredients randomly purchased were tested using this assay, and the results showed that the identification results based on the two SNP loci were utterly consistent with the actual sources. In addition, this method was found to be accurate, simple, convenient, and with high specificity, thus providing an essential technical reference for deer product species identification. It is also an important supplement to the identification methods of the original ingredients of existing deer products.

Loss of ATOH1 in Pit Cell Drives Stemness and Progression of Gastric Adenocarcinoma by Activating AKT/mTOR Signaling through GAS1.

Gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) are self-renewing tumor cells that govern chemoresistance in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), whereas their regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Here, the study aims to elucidate the role of ATOH1 in the maintenance of GCSCs. The preclinical model and GAC sample analysis indicate that ATOH1 deficiency is correlated with poor GAC prognosis and chemoresistance. ScRNA-seq reveals that ATOH1 is downregulated in the pit cells of GAC compared with those in paracarcinoma samples. Lineage tracing reveals that Atoh1 deletion strongly confers pit cell stemness. ATOH1 depletion significantly accelerates cancer stemness and chemoresistance in Tff1-CreERT2; Rosa26Tdtomato and Tff1-CreERT2; Apcfl/fl ; p53fl/fl (TcPP) mouse models and organoids. ATOH1 deficiency downregulates growth arrest-specific protein 1 (GAS1) by suppressing GAS1 promoter transcription. GAS1 forms a complex with RET, which inhibits Tyr1062 phosphorylation, and consequently activates the RET/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by ATOH1 deficiency. Combining chemotherapy with drugs targeting AKT/mTOR signaling can overcome ATOH1 deficiency-induced chemoresistance. Moreover, it is confirmed that abnormal DNA hypermethylation induces ATOH1 deficiency. Taken together, the results demonstrate that ATOH1 loss promotes cancer stemness through the ATOH1/GAS1/RET/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in GAC, thus providing a potential therapeutic strategy for AKT/mTOR inhibitors in GAC patients with ATOH1 deficiency.

Novel Compound Heterozygous Pathogenic Variants in SUOX Cause Isolated Sulfite Oxidase Deficiency in a Chinese Han Family.

AIM: To explore the clinical imaging, laboratory and genetic characteristics of a newborn boy with isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency (ISOD) in a Chinese mainland cohort. METHODS: Homocysteine and uric acid in plasma and cysteine and total homocysteine in the blood spot were assessed in a Chinese newborn patient with progressive encephalopathy, tonic seizures, abnormal muscle tone, and feeding difficulties. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing facilitated an accurate diagnosis. The pathogenicity predictions and conservation analysis of the identified mutations were conducted by bioinformatics tools. RESULTS: Low total homocysteine was detected in the blood spot, while homocysteine and uric acid levels were normal in the plasma. S-sulfocysteine was abnormally elevated in urine. A follow-up examination revealed several progressive neuropathological findings. Also, intermittent convulsions and axial dystonia were observed. However, the coordination of sucking and swallowing was slightly improved. A novel paternal nonsense variant c.475G > T (p.Glu159∗) and a novel maternal missense variant c.1201A > G (p.Lys401Glu) in SUOX were identified in this case by co-segregation verification. CONCLUSION: This is the second report of early-onset ISOD case in a non-consanguineous Chinese mainland family. Combined with the clinical characteristics and biochemical indexes, we speculated that these two novel pathogenic variants of the SUOX gene underlie the cause of the disease in this patient. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing provided reliable basis for clinical and prenatal diagnoses of this family, it also enriched the mutation spectrum of the SUOX gene.

A Computational Study of Isopropyl Alcohol Adsorption and Diffusion in UiO-66 Metal-Organic Framework: The Role of Missing Linker Defect.

Defect engineering leads to an effective manipulation of the physical and chemical properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Taking the common missing linker defect as an example, the defective MOF generally possesses larger pores and a greater surface area/volume ratio, both of which favor an increased amount of adsorption. When it comes to the self-diffusion of adsorbates in MOFs, however, the missing linker is a double-edged sword: the unsaturated metal sites, due to missing linkers, could interact more strongly with adsorbates and result in a slower self-diffusion. Therefore, it is of fundamental importance to evaluate the two competing factors and reveal which one is dominating, a faster self-diffusion due to larger volume or a slower self-diffusion owing to strong interactions at unsaturated sites. In this work, via Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the behavior of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in the Zr-based UiO-66 MOFs, with a specific focus on the missing linker effects. The results reveal that unsaturated Zr sites bind strongly with IPA molecules, which in return would significantly reduce the self-diffusion coefficient of IPA. Besides this, for the same level of missing linkers, the location of defective sites also makes a difference. We expect such a theoretical study will provide an in-depth understanding of self-diffusion under confinement, inspire better defect engineering strategics, and promote MOF based materials toward challenging real-life applications.

Peroxiredoxin 1 is essential for natamycin-triggered apoptosis and protective autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide and lacks effective treatment. Herein, we found that the antifungal Natamycin (NAT) exhibits antitumor activity by inducing apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NAT downregulates the expression of Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) by promoting ubiquitination-mediated degradation, thereby leading to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and subsequent apoptosis. Exogenous overexpression of PRDX1 or N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) pretreatment abrogates NAT-induced cytotoxicity in PLC/PRF/5 and Huh7 cells, suggesting the vital role of ROS in the antitumor properties of NAT. Of note, downregulation of PRDX1 decreases the phosphorylation of AKT, thereby inducing cytoprotective autophagy and combinational use of NAT and chloroquine (CQ) achieves better anti-tumor efficacy. Moreover, NAT acts synergistically with sorafenib (SOR) in HCC suppression. Collectively, our study provides an important molecular basis for NAT-induced cell death and suggests that the antifungal NAT holds the potential to be repurposed as an anticancer drug for HCC treatment.

In Situ Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Investigation of Molecular Adsorption and Kinetics in Metal-Organic Framework UiO-66.

Thermodynamic and kinetic properties of molecular adsorption and transport in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crucially important for many applications, including gas adsorption, filtration, and remediation of harmful chemicals. Using the in situ 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) isotherm technique, we measured macroscopic thermodynamic and kinetic properties such as isotherms and rates of mass transfer while simultaneously obtaining microscopic information revealed by adsorbed molecules via NMR. Upon investigating isopropyl alcohol adsorption in MOF UiO-66 by in situ NMR, we obtained separate isotherms for molecules adsorbed at distinct environments exhibiting distinct NMR characteristics. A mechanistic view of the adsorption process is obtained by correlating such resolved isotherms with the cage structure effect on the nucleus-independent chemical shift, molecular dynamics such as the crowding effect at high loading levels, and the loading level dependence of the mass transfer rate as measured by NMR and elucidated by classical Monte Carlo simulations.