In Situ PL Probes the Effect of 2D SnSe Nanosheets on the Crystallization Process of CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells.

Reducing defects in the active layer is important for improving the crystalline quality of all-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Exploring novel additives is one of the most promising approaches to minimize active layer defects. In this work, two-dimensional (2D) SnSe nanosheets with excellent optoelectronic properties are prepared using an ultrasonic exfoliation method. The prepared 2D SnSe nanosheets are introduced into a CsPbI2Br precursor, which reduces the defect formation at grain boundaries and enhances the crystallinity of CsPbI2Br perovskites. We use the in situ photoluminescence (PL) technique to investigate the role of 2D materials in the crystallization process. The results show that SnSe nanosheets primarily shorten the grain boundary merging time and reduce the defect generation during the grain boundary merging stage, thereby regulating the crystallization of perovskite. In addition, SnSe nanosheets passivate uncoordinated Pb atoms at grain boundaries by Se atoms, further reducing the defect density in perovskite. As a result, PSCs exhibit a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.24% and a Voc of 1.22 V. This study highlights the role of 2D materials in enhancing the crystalline quality and PCE of PSCs.

Critical role of tripartite fusion and LBD truncation in certain RARA- and all RARG-related atypical APL.

ABSTRACT: Atypical acute promyelocytic leukemia (aAPL) presents a complex landscape of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) fusion genes beyond the well-known PML::RARA fusion. Among these, 31 individually rare RARA and RARG fusion genes have been documented, often reported in the canonical X::RAR bipartite fusion form. Intriguingly, some artificially mimicked bipartite X::RAR fusions respond well to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in vitro, contrasting with the ATRA resistance observed in patients. To unravel the underlying mechanisms, we conducted a comprehensive molecular investigation into the fusion transcripts in 27 RARA fusion gene-positive aAPL (RARA-aAPL) and 21 RARG-aAPL cases. Our analysis revealed an unexpected novel form of X::RAR::X- or X::RAR::Y-type tripartite fusions in certain RARA-aAPL and all RARG-aAPL cases, with shared features and notable differences between these 2 disease subgroups. In RARA-aAPL cases, the occurrence of RARA 3' splices was associated with their 5' fusion partner genes, mapping across the coding region of helix 11_12 (H11_12) within the ligand-binding domain (LBD), resulting in LBD-H12 or H11_12 truncation. In RARG-aAPL cases, RARG 3' splices were consistently localized to the terminus of exon 9, leading to LBD-H11_12 truncation. Significant differences were also observed between RARA and RARG 5' splice patterns. Our analysis also revealed extensive involvement of transposable elements in constructing RARA and RARG 3' fusions, suggesting transposition mechanisms for fusion gene ontogeny. Both protein structural analysis and experimental results highlighted the pivotal role of LBD-H11_12/H12 truncation in driving ATRA unresponsiveness and leukemogenesis in tripartite fusion-positive aAPL, through a protein allosteric dysfunction mechanism.

Continuous-wave quasi-single-mode random lasing in CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite films on patterned sapphire substrates.

We report intriguing continuous-wave quasi-single-mode random lasing in methylammonium lead bromide (CH3NH3PbBr3) perovskite films synthesized on a patterned sapphire substrate (PSS) under excitation of a 532-nm laser diode. The random laser emission evolves from a typical multi-mode to a quasi-single-mode with increasing pump fluences. The full width at half-maximum of the lasing peak is as narrow as 0.06 nm at ∼547.8 nm, corresponding to a high Q-factor of ∼9000. Such excellent random lasing performance is plausibly ascribed to the exciton resonance in optical absorption at 532 nm and the enhanced optical resonance due to the increased likelihood for randomly scattered light to re-enter the optical loops formed among the perovskite grains by multi-reflection at the perovskite/PSS interfaces. This work demonstrates the promise of single-mode perovskite random lasers by introducing the exciton resonance effect and ingeniously designed periodic nano/micro optical structure.

Comparative Analysis and Regeneration Strategies for Three Types of Cartilage.

Cartilage tissue, encompassing hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage, plays a pivotal role in the human body because of its unique composition, structure, and biomechanical properties. However, the inherent avascularity and limited regenerative capacity of cartilage present significant challenges to its healing following injury. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of cartilage tissue engineering, focusing on the critical components of cell sources, scaffolds, and growth factors tailored to the regeneration of each cartilage type. We explore the similarities and differences in the composition, structure, and biomechanical properties of the three cartilage types and their implications for tissue engineering. A significant emphasis is placed on innovative strategies for cartilage regeneration, including the potential for in situ transformation of cartilage types through microenvironmental manipulation, which may offer novel avenues for repair and rehabilitation. The review underscores the necessity of a nuanced approach to cartilage tissue engineering, recognizing the distinct requirements of each cartilage type while exploring the potential of transforming one cartilage type into another as a flexible and adaptive repair strategy. Through this detailed examination, we aim to broaden the understanding of cartilage tissue engineering and inspire further research and development in this promising field.

A Novel Part Refinement Tandem Transformer for Human-Object Interaction Detection.

Human-object interaction (HOI) detection identifies a "set of interactions" in an image involving the recognition of interacting instances and the classification of interaction categories. The complexity and variety of image content make this task challenging. Recently, the Transformer has been applied in computer vision and received attention in the HOI detection task. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel Part Refinement Tandem Transformer (PRTT) for HOI detection. Unlike the previous Transformer-based HOI method, PRTT utilizes multiple decoders to split and process rich elements of HOI prediction and introduces a new part state feature extraction (PSFE) module to help improve the final interaction category classification. We adopt a novel prior feature integrated cross-attention (PFIC) to utilize the fine-grained partial state semantic and appearance feature output obtained by the PSFE module to guide queries. We validate our method on two public datasets, V-COCO and HICO-DET. Compared to state-of-the-art models, the performance of detecting human-object interaction is significantly improved by the PRTT.

Biomaterial Improves the Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells by Passivating Defects and Inhibiting Ion Migration.

With the rapid improvement of power conversion efficiency (PCE), perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have broad application prospects and their industrialization will be the next step. Nevertheless, the performance and long-term stability of the devices are limited by the defect-induced nonradiative recombination centers and ions' migration inside the perovskite films. Here, usnic acid (UA), an easy-to-obtain and efficient natural biomaterial with a hydroxyl functional group (-OH) and four carbonyl groups (-C═O) was added to MAPbI3 perovskite precursor to regulate the crystallization process by slowing the crystallization rate, thereby expanding the crystal size and preparing perovskite films with low defect density. In addition, UA anchors the uncoordinated Pb2+ and suppresses the migration of I-ions, which enhances the stability of the perovskite film. Consequently, an impressive PCE exceeding 20% was achieved for inverted structure MAPbI3-based PSCs. More impressively, the optimized PSCs maintained 78% of the initial PCE under air with high humidity (RH ≈ 65%, 25-30 °C) for 1000 h. UA can be extracted from the plant, usnea, making it inexpensive and easy to obtain. Our work demonstrates the application of the plant material in PSCs and their industrialization, which is significant nowadays.

Methyl jasmonate enhances the safe production ability of Cd-stressed wheat by regulating the antioxidant capacity, Cd absorption, and distribution in wheat.

Identifying green and effective measures for reducing wheat Cd toxicity and grain Cd accumulation is crucial. This study used seedling sand culture and full-grown pot experiments of wheat cultivars 'Luomai23' (LM) and 'Zhongyu10' (ZY). The purpose was to determine the effects of exogenous MeJA on the phenotype, photosynthesis, antioxidant system, Cd accumulation and distribution, transporter gene expression, and cell wall properties of Cd-stressed wheat. Compared with Cd treatment alone, the plant height and maximum root length treated with 0.001 µM MeJA increased by more than 6.3% and 16.6%, respectively. Under 5 mg⋅kg-1 Cd treatment, spraying 10 µM MeJA increased the photosynthetic rate of LM and ZY by 23.5% and 35.8% at the filling stage, respectively. Methyl jasmonate significantly reduced the H2O2 and MDA contents by increasing the activities of POD, DHAR, MDHAR, and GR and the contents of AsA and GSH. Applicating MeJA increased the content of chelate substances, cell wall polysaccharides, and cell wall functional groups. Besides, MeJA regulated the expression of Cd transporter genes, with shoot and root Cd content decreasing by 46.7% and 27.9% in LM, respectively. Spraying 10 µM MeJA reduced Cd absorption and translocation from vegetative organs to grains, thus reducing the grain Cd content of LM and ZY by 36.1 and 39.9% under 5 mg⋅kg-1 Cd treatment, respectively. Overexpressing TaJMT significantly increased the MeJA content and Cd tolerance of Arabidopsis. These results have improved the understanding of the mechanism through which MeJA alleviates Cd toxicity and reduces Cd accumulation in wheat.

An MBene Modulating the Buried SnO2/Perovskite Interface in Perovskite Solar Cells.

The interface of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) plays an important role in transferring and collecting charges. Interface defects are important factors affecting the efficiency and stability of PSCs. Here, the buried interface between SnO2 and the perovskite layer is bridged by two-dimensional (2D) MBene, which improves charge transfer. MBene can deposit additional electrons on the surface of SnO2, passivate its surface defects and facilitate the charge collection. Moreover, the dipole moment formed at the interface increases the electron transfer ability in the PSCs. MBene also regulates the growth of perovskite crystals, improves the quality of perovskite films, and reduces its grain boundary defects. As a result, PSCs based on FA0.2MA0.8PbI3 and (FAPbI3)0.95(MAPbBr3)0.05 get the enhanced efficiencies of 22.34 % and 24.32 % with negligible hysteresis. Furthermore, the optimized device exhibits better stability. This work opens up the application of MBene materials in PSCs, reveals a deeper understanding of the mechanism behind using 2D materials as an interface modification layer, and shows opportunities for using MBene as potential material in photoelectric devices.

Unraveling mechanisms and failures of stray current corrosion in urban Subway adjacent pipeline networks through statistical insights and 3D simulation.

The escalating expansion of urban subway systems in recent years has accentuated the issue of stray current corrosion within pipeline networks, emerging as a critical concern for urban safety. This paper delves into the intricate interplay between these phenomena, employing data-driven statistical analyses to elucidate the coupling characteristics between subway lines and the occurrence of failures in adjacent buried pipelines. An advanced three-dimensional finite element model was developed for stray current corrosion in pipelines, seamlessly integrating empirical data and physics-based modeling, which is to uncover the spatial nuances and multifaceted impacts on subway pipeline corrosion from both macro and micro perspectives under varying influencing factors. The study unveils a pronounced geographical and functional affinity between urban subway networks and metallic pipeline networks. The coupling attributes between subway systems and pipelines, such as distance, angle, and pipeline-specific characteristics including material and age, assume pivotal roles. The results further emphasize the hierarchical order of influence, with stray current intensity holding the greatest sway, followed by the distance between subway and pipelines, the angle between them, and soil resistivity. This paper offers a comprehensive investigation of the interrelationships and influential factors between subway systems and adjacent pipelines. It contributes to the mitigation and management of stray current corrosion in pipelines induced by nearby rail transit, thereby enhancing the resilience of both subway and pipeline networks within urban areas.

Association between the circulating very long-chain saturated fatty acid and cognitive function in older adults: findings from the NHANES.

BACKGROUND: Age-related cognitive decline has a significant impact on the health and longevity of older adults. Circulating very long-chain saturated fatty acids (VLSFAs) may actively contribute to the improvement of cognitive function. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between arachidic acid (20:0), docosanoic acid (22:0), tricosanoic acid (23:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0) with cognitive function in older adults. METHODS: This study used a dataset derived from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 806 adults (≥ 60 years) were included who underwent comprehensive cognitive testing and plasma fatty acid measurements. Multivariable linear regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and interaction analyses were used to assess associations between VLSFAs and cognitive function. Partial Spearman' s correlation analysis was used to examine the correlations between VLSFAs and palmitic acid (16:0), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, systemic inflammatory markers, and dietary nutrients. RESULTS: Multivariable linear regression analysis, adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical conditions, and lifestyle factors, showed that 22:0 and 24:0 levels were positively associated with better global cognitive function (ß = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01, 0.73; ß = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.29, 1.2, respectively) as well as better CEARD-DR Z-score (ß = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.36, 1.3 and ß = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.63, 1.8, respectively). RCS analysis showed linear associations between higher 22:0 and 24:0 levels and better cognitive performance in both global cognitive function and CERAD-DR tests. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that higher levels of 22:0 and 24:0 are associated with better global cognitive function in older adults. 22:0 and 24:0 may be important biomarkers for recognizing cognitive impairment, and supplementation with specific VLSFAs (22:0 and 24:0) may be an important intervention to improve cognitive function. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms between VLSFAs and cognitive function.

SCARB1-encoded circ _0029343 induces p73 splicing to promote growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via miR-486-5p/SRSF3 axis.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exhibit essential regulation in the malignant development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to investigate the physiological mechanisms of circ_0029343 encoded by scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SCARB1) involved in the growth and metastasis of HCC. Differentially expressed mRNAs in HCC were obtained, followed by the prediction of target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs and gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis on the differentially expressed mRNAs. Moreover, the regulatory relationship between circRNAs encoded by SCARB1 and differentially expressed miRNAs was predicted. In vitro cell experiments were performed to verify the effects of circ_0029343, miR-486-5p, and SRSF3 on the malignant features of HCC cells using the gain- or loss-of-function experiments. Finally, the effects of circ_0029343 on the growth and metastasis of HCC cells in xenograft mouse models were also explored. It was found that miR-486-5p might interact with seven circRNAs encoded by SCARB1, and its possible downstream target gene was SRSF3. Moreover, SRSF3 was associated with the splicing of various RNA. circ_0029343 could sponge miR-486-5p to up-regulate SRSF3 and activate PDGF-PDGFRB (platelet-derived growth factor and its receptor, receptor beta) signaling pathway by inducing p73 splicing, thus promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibiting apoptosis of HCC cells. In vivo, animal experiments further confirmed that overexpression of circ_0029343 could promote the growth and metastasis of HCC cells in nude mice. circ_0029343 encoded by SCARB1 may induce p73 splicing and activate the PDGF-PDGFRB signaling pathway through the miR-486-5p/SRSF3 axis, thus promoting the growth and metastasis of HCC cells.

Worldwide trends in mortality for hypertensive heart disease from 1990 to 2019 with projection to 2034: data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study.

AIMS: This study aims to analyse the worldwide trends in hypertensive heart disease (HHD) mortality and associations with age, period, and birth cohort and predict the future burden of HHD deaths. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mortality estimates were obtained from Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. We used age-period-cohort (APC) model to examine the age, period, and cohort effects on HHD mortality between 1990 and 2019. Bayesian APC model was utilized to predict HHD deaths to 2034. The global HHD deaths were 1.16 million in 2019 and were projected to increase to 1.57 million in 2034, with the largest increment in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Between 1990 and 2019, middle/high-middle socio-demographic index (SDI) countries had the largest mortality reductions (annual percentage change = -2.06%), whereas low SDI countries saw a lagging performance (annual percentage change = -1.09%). There was a prominent transition in the age distribution of deaths towards old-age population in middle/high-middle SDI countries, while the proportion of premature deaths (aged under 60 years) remained at 24% in low SDI countries in 2019. Amongst LMICs, Brazil, China, and Ethiopia showed typically improving trends both over time and in recent birth cohorts, whereas 63 countries including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Pakistan had unfavourable or worsening risks for recent periods and birth cohorts. CONCLUSION: The HHD death burden in 2019 is vast and is expected to increase rapidly in the next decade, particularly for LMICs. Limited progress in HHD management together with high premature mortality would exact huge human and medical costs in low SDI countries. The examples from Brazil, China, and Ethiopia suggest that efficient health systems with action on improving hypertension care can reduce HHD mortality effectively in LMICs.

This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the age, period, and cohort trends in mortality for hypertensive heart disease (HHD) across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019, with projection to 2034. The death burden of HHD is substantial and growing rapidly in most of the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Wide disparities exist within LMICs in HHD management, with most low socio-demographic index countries showing little progress in reducing HHD mortality. The examples from Brazil, China, and Ethiopia suggest that prevention policies for HHD can reduce risks for younger birth cohorts and shift the risks for all age groups over time.

LOXL4 Shuttled by Tumor Cells-derived Extracellular Vesicles Promotes Immune Escape in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Activating the STAT1/PD-L1 Axis.

Emerging evidence has validated that extracellular vesicles (EVs) regulate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, while its role in HCC immune escape remains to be elucidated. This study investigates the role of EVs-encapsulated lysyl oxidase like-4 (LOXL4) derived from tumor cells in HCC immune escape. HCC-related microarray data sets GSE36376 and GSE87630 were obtained for differential analysis, followed by identifying the essential genes related to the prognosis of HCC patients. Bone marrow-derived macrophages were treated with EVs derived from mouse Hepa 1-6 cells and cocultured with CD8 + T cells to observe the CD8 + T-cell activity. At last, a mouse HCC orthotopic xenograft model was constructed to verify the effects of HCC cell-derived EVs on the immune escape of HCC cells and tumorigenicity in vivo by delivering LOXL4. It was found that ACAT1, C4BPA, EHHADH, and LOXL4 may be the essential genes related to the prognosis of HCC patients. On the basis of the TIMER database, there was a close correlation between LOXL4 and macrophage infiltration in HCC. Besides, STAT1 was closely related to LOXL4. In vitro experiments demonstrated that LOXL4 could induce programmed death-ligand 1 expression in macrophages and immunosuppression by activating STAT1. In vivo experiments also verified that HCC cell-derived EVs promoted the immune escape of HCC cells and tumorigenicity by delivering LOXL4. LOXL4 was delivered into macrophages via EVs to induce programmed death-ligand 1 by activating STAT1 and inhibiting the killing ability of CD8 + T cells to HCC cells, thus promoting immune escape in HCC.

Polyphenols as potential preventers of osteoporosis: A comprehensive review on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, molecular mechanisms, and signal pathways in bone metabolism.

Osteoporosis (OP) is a skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone density, alterations in bone microstructure, and increased damage to the bones. As the population ages and life expectancy increases, OP has become a global epidemic, drawing attention from scientists and doctors. Because of polyphenols have favorable antioxidant and anti-allergy effects, which are regarded as potential methods to prevent angiocardipathy and OP. Polyphenols offer a promising approach to preventing and treating OP by affecting bone metabolism, reducing bone resolution, maintaining bone density, and lowering the differentiation level of osteoclasts (OC). There are multiple ways in which polyphenols affect bone metabolism. This article provides an overview of how polyphenols inhibit oxidative stress, exert antibacterial effects, and prevent the occurrence of OP. Furthermore, we will explore the regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways implicated in this process.

Understanding the Mechanics of the Temporomandibular Joint Osteochondral Interface from Micro- and Nanoscopic Perspectives.

The condylar cartilage of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is connected to the subchondral bone by an osteochondral interface that transmits loads without causing fatigue damage. However, the microstructure, composition, and mechanical properties of this interface remain elusive. In this study, we found that structurally, a spatial gradient assembly of hydroxyapatite (HAP) particles exists in the osteochondral interface, with increasing volume of apatite crystals with depth and a tendency to form denser and stacked structures. Combined with nanoindentation, this complex assembly of nanoscale structures and components enhanced energy dissipation at the osteochondral interface, achieving a smooth stress transition between soft and hard tissues. This study comprehensively demonstrates the elemental composition and complex nanogradient spatial assembly of the osteochondral interface at the ultramicroscopic scale, providing a basis for exploring the construction of complex mechanical models of the interfacial region.