Vitamin B6, B12, and Folate's Influence on Neural Networks in the UK Biobank Cohort.

BACKGROUND: One-carbon metabolism coenzymes may influence brain aging in cognitively unimpaired adults. METHODS: Baseline data were used from the UK Biobank cohort. Estimated intake of vitamin B6, B12, and folate was regressed onto neural network functional connectivity in five resting-state neural networks. Linear mixed models tested coenzyme main effects and interactions with Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk factors. RESULTS: Increased B6 and B12 estimated intake were linked with less functional connectivity in most networks, including the posterior portion of the Default Mode Network. Conversely, higher folate was related to more connectivity in similar networks. AD family history modulated these associations: Increased estimated intake was positively associated with stronger connectivity in the Primary Visual Network and Posterior Default Mode Network in participants with an AD family history. In contrast, increased vitamin B12 estimated intake was associated with less connectivity in the Primary Visual Network and the Cerebello-Thalamo-Cortical Network in those without an AD family history. CONCLUSIONS: The differential patterns of association between B vitamins and resting-state brain activity may be important in understanding AD-related changes in the brain. Notably, AD family history appears to play a key role in modulating these relationships.

Dissolving-co-catalytic strategy for the preparation of flexible and wet-stable cellulose membrane towards biodegradable packaging.

In the realization of the goal of circular economy, cellulose as one of sustainable biomass resources, have attracted much attention because of their abundant sources, biodegradability and renewability. However, the mechanical and waterproof performance of cellulose-based materials are usually not satisfying, which limits their high-value utilization. In this study, cellulose membrane with high-performance from the aspects of mechanical properties, water-resistance ability, oxygen barrier capacity and biodegradability, was prepared from bleached hardwood pulp (HBKP) in a AlCl3/ZnCl2/H2O solution. The AlCl3/ZnCl2/H2O acted as both solvent and catalyst to dissolve cellulose and facilitate the chemical crosslinking of epichlorohydrin (EPI) with cellulose, thus improved the overall performance of the obtained cellulose membrane. The addition sequence, amount and crosslinking time of EPI during chemical crosslinking had important effects on the properties of the membranes. When 7 wt% EPI was crosslinked for 24 h, the tensile stress reached 133 MPa and the strain reached 17 %. Moreover, the membrane had excellent oxygen insulation down to (1.1 ± 0.31) × 10-4 cm3/m2·d·Pa, and good water-resistance ability, no obvious swelling behavior after 450 days of immersion in distilled water. Furthermore, the membrane could be degraded by microorganisms in about 20 days. This cellulose-based membrane offers a sustainable and biodegradable packaging material.

A machine learning approach for potential Super-Agers identification using neuronal functional connectivity networks.

INTRODUCTION: Aging is often associated with cognitive decline. Understanding neural factors that distinguish adults in midlife with superior cognitive abilities (Positive-Agers) may offer insight into how the aging brain achieves resilience. The goals of this study are to (1) introduce an optimal labeling mechanism to distinguish between Positive-Agers and Cognitive Decliners, and (2) identify Positive-Agers using neuronal functional connectivity networks data and demographics. METHODS: In this study, principal component analysis initially created latent cognitive trajectories groups. A hybrid algorithm of machine learning and optimization was then designed to predict latent groups using neuronal functional connectivity networks derived from resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Specifically, the Optimal Labeling with Bayesian Optimization (OLBO) algorithm used an unsupervised approach, iterating a logistic regression function with Bayesian posterior updating. This study encompassed 6369 adults from the UK Biobank cohort. RESULTS: OLBO outperformed baseline models, achieving an area under the curve of 88% when distinguishing between Positive-Agers and cognitive decliners. DISCUSSION: OLBO may be a novel algorithm that distinguishes cognitive trajectories with a high degree of accuracy in cognitively unimpaired adults. Highlights: Design an algorithm to distinguish between a Positive-Ager and a Cognitive-Decliner.Introduce a mathematical definition for cognitive classes based on cognitive tests.Accurate Positive-Ager identification using rsfMRI and demographic data (AUC = 0.88).Posterior default mode network has the highest impact on Positive-Aging odds ratio.

Comprehensive Collection of Whole-Slide Images and Genomic Profiles for Patients with Bladder Cancer.

Bladder cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in the urinary system. Understanding genomic information is important in the treatment and prognosis of bladder cancer, but the current method used to identify mutations is time-consuming and labor-intensive. There are now many novel and convenient ways to predict cancerous genomics from pathological slides. However, the publicly available datasets are limited, especially for Asian populations. In this study, we developed a dataset consisting of 75 Asian cases of bladder cancers and 112 Whole-Slide Images with one to two images obtained for each patient. This dataset provides information on the most frequently and clinically significant mutated genes derived by whole-exome sequencing in these patients. This dataset will facilitate exploration and development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for bladder cancer.

Infrared and Visible Image Fusion Algorithm Based on Double-Domain Transform Filter and Contrast Transform Feature Extraction.

Current challenges in visible and infrared image fusion include color information distortion, texture detail loss, and target edge blur. To address these issues, a fusion algorithm based on double-domain transform filter and nonlinear contrast transform feature extraction (DDCTFuse) is proposed. First, for the problem of incomplete detail extraction that exists in the traditional transform domain image decomposition, an adaptive high-pass filter is proposed to decompose images into high-frequency and low-frequency portions. Second, in order to address the issue of fuzzy fusion target caused by contrast loss during the fusion process, a novel feature extraction algorithm is devised based on a novel nonlinear transform function. Finally, the fusion results are optimized and color-corrected by our proposed spatial-domain logical filter, in order to solve the color loss and edge blur generated in the fusion process. To validate the benefits of the proposed algorithm, nine classical algorithms are compared on the LLVIP, MSRS, INO, and Roadscene datasets. The results of these experiments indicate that the proposed fusion algorithm exhibits distinct targets, provides comprehensive scene information, and offers significant image contrast.

Technique for Isolation and Culture of Rat Jaw Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are a type of stem cell with multi-directional differentiation potential. Compared with BMMSCs derived from appendicular bones, BMMSCs derived from the jaw have greater proliferative and osteogenic differentiation ability, gradually becoming important seed cells for jaw defect repair. However, the mandible has a complex bony structure and less cancellous content than appendicular bones. It is difficult to acquire a large number of high-quality jaw-derived marrow mesenchymal stem cells using traditional methods. This study presents a 'niche-based approach on stemness' for isolating and culturing rat jaw bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (JBMMSCs). Primary rat JBMMSCs were isolated and cultured using the whole bone marrow adherent method combined with the bone slice digestion method. The isolated cells were identified as JBMMSCs through cell morphology observation, detection of cell surface markers, and multi-directional differentiation induction. The cells extracted by this method exhibit a 'fibroblast-like' spindle shape. The cells are long, spindle-shaped and fibroblast-like. The flow cytometry analysis shows these cells are positive for CD29, CD44, and CD90 but negative for CD11b/c, CD34, and CD45, which is congruent with BMMSCs characteristics. The cells show strong proliferation capacity and can undergo osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. This study provides an effective and stable method for obtaining enough high-quality JBMMSCs with strong differentiation ability in a short time, which could facilitate further studies of the exploration of biological function, regenerative medicine, and related clinical applications.

Diagnosis and treatment status of inoperable locally advanced breast cancer and the application value of inorganic nanomaterials.

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is a heterogeneous group of breast cancer that accounts for 10-30% of breast cancer cases. Despite the ongoing development of current treatment methods, LABC remains a severe and complex public health concern around the world, thus prompting the urgent requirement for innovative diagnosis and treatment strategies. The primary treatment challenges are inoperable clinical status and ineffective local control methods. With the rapid advancement of nanotechnology, inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) exhibit a potential application prospect in diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Due to the unique inherent characteristics of INPs, different functions can be performed via appropriate modifications and constructions, thus making them suitable for different imaging technology strategies and treatment schemes. INPs can improve the efficacy of conventional local radiotherapy treatment. In the face of inoperable LABC, INPs have proposed new local therapeutic methods and fostered the evolution of novel strategies such as photothermal and photodynamic therapy, magnetothermal therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and multifunctional inorganic nanoplatform. This article reviews the advances of INPs in local accurate imaging and breast cancer treatment and offers insights to overcome the existing clinical difficulties in LABC management.

Interleukin 6 at menstruation promotes the proliferation and self-renewal of endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem cells through the WNT/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Background: At menstruation, the functional layer of the human endometrium sheds off due to the trigger of the release of inflammatory factors, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), as a result of a sharp decline in progesterone levels, leading to tissue breakdown and bleeding. The endometrial mesenchymal stem-like cells (CD140b+CD146+ eMSC) located in the basalis are responsible for the cyclical regeneration of the endometrium after menstruation. Endometrial cells from the menstruation phase have been proven to secrete a higher amount of IL-6 and further enhance the self-renewal and clonogenic activity of eMSC. However, the IL-6-responsive mechanism remains unknown. Thus, we hypothesized that IL-6 secreted from niche cells during menstruation regulates the proliferation and self-renewal of eMSC through the WNT/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Methods: In this study, the content of IL-6 across the menstrual phases was first evaluated. Coexpression of stem cell markers (CD140b and CD146) with interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6R) was confirmed by immunofluorescent staining. In vitro functional assays were conducted to investigate the effect of IL-6 on the cell activities of eMSC, and the therapeutic role of these IL-6- and WNT5A-pretreated eMSC on the repair of injured endometrium was observed using an established mouse model. Results: The endometrial cells secrete a high amount of IL-6 under hypoxic conditions, which mimic the physiological microenvironment in the menstruation phase. Also, the expression of IL-6 receptors was confirmed in our eMSC, indicating their capacity to respond to IL-6 in the microenvironment. Exogenous IL-6 can significantly enhance the self-renewal, proliferation, and migrating capacity of eMSC. Activation of the WNT/ß-catenin signaling pathway was observed upon IL-6 treatment, while suppression of the WNT/ß-catenin signaling impaired the stimulatory role of IL-6 on eMSC activities. IL-6- and WNT5A-pretreated eMSC showed better performance during the regeneration of the injured mouse endometrium. Conclusion: We demonstrate that the high level of IL-6 produced by endometrial cells at menstruation can induce the stem cells in the human endometrium to proliferate and migrate through the activation of the WNT/ß-catenin pathway. Treatment of eMSC with IL-6 and WNT5A might enhance their therapeutic potential in the regeneration of injured endometrium.

Comparisons between wrinkles and photo-ageing detected and self-reported by the participant or identified by trained assessors reveal insights from Chinese individuals in the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-sectional Genetics Epidemiology Study (SMCGES) cohort.

BACKGROUND: Changes develop on the facial skin as a person ages. Other than chronological time, it has been discovered that gender, ethnicity, air pollution, smoking, nutrition, and sun exposure are notable risk factors that influence the development of skin ageing phenotypes such as wrinkles and photo-ageing. These risk factors can be quantified through epidemiological collection methods. We previously studied wrinkles and photo-ageing in detail using photo-numeric scales. The analysis was performed on the ethnic Chinese skin by three trained assessors. Recent studies have shown that it is possible to use self-reported data to identify skin-related changes including skin colour and skin cancer. In order to investigate the association between risk factors and skin ageing phenotypic outcomes in large-scale epidemiological studies, it would be useful to evaluate whether it is also possible for participants to self-report signs of ageing on their skin. AIM: We have previously identified several validated photo-numeric scales for wrinkling and photo-ageing to use on ethnic Chinese skin. Using these scales, our trained assessors grade wrinkling and photo-ageing with moderately high inter-assessor concordance and agreement. The main objective of this study involves letting participants grade self-reported wrinkling and photo-ageing using these same scales. We aim to compare the concordance and agreement between signs of skin ageing by the participant and signs of ageing identified by our assessors. METHOD: Three trained assessors studied facial photo-ageing on 1081 ethnic Chinese young adults from the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-sectional Genetics Epidemiology Study (SMCGES) cohort. Self-reported facial photo-ageing data by the same 1081 participants were also collated and the two sets of data are compared. RESULTS: Here, we found that self-reported signs of photo-ageing are concordant with photo-ageing detected by our assessors. This finding is consistent whether photo-ageing is evaluated through studying wrinkle variations (Spearman's rank correlation (ρ) value: 0.246-0.329) or through studying dyspigmentation patterns (Spearman's rank correlation (ρ) value 0.203-0.278). When studying individual wrinkles, both participants and assessors often detect the presence of the same wrinkle (Spearman's rank correlation (ρ) value 0.249-0.366). A weak-to-fair level of agreement between both participants and assessors (Cohen's kappa (κ) values: 0.041-0.233) persists and is statistically significant after accounting for agreements due to chance. Both the participant and the assessor are largely consistent in evaluating the extent of photo-ageing (area under curve (AUC) values 0.689-0.769) and in discerning between the presence or absence of a given facial wrinkle (area under curve (AUC) values 0.601-0.856). CONCLUSION: When we analyse the overall appearance of the face, our results show that signs of photo-ageing identified by the participant are concordant with signs of photo-ageing identified by our assessors. When we focused our analysis on specific areas of the face, we found that participants were more likely to identify and self-report the same wrinkles that our assessors have also detected. Here, we found that self-reported signs of skin ageing provide a satisfactory approximation to the signs of skin ageing identified by our assessors. The ability to use self-reported signs of skin ageing should also be evaluated on scales beyond the ones discussed in this study. Currently, there are not as many photo-numeric scales for quantifying dyspigmentation patterns as there are for quantifying wrinkle variations. As Chinese skin is known to become dyspigmented more easily with age, more photo-numeric scales need to be developed and properly validated.

Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Subsets and Heterogeneity of B Cell Subsets in Patients of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myositis with Different Myositis-specific Autoantibodies.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a group of myopathies that present with muscle weakness and multiple extra-muscular manifestations, in which lymphocytes play central roles in myositis pathogenesis. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of lymphocyte subsets, especially B cell subsets, in patients with IIM. Our study included 176 patients with active IIM and 210 gender/age-matched healthy controls (HCs). Compared to HCs, patients have reduced counts of T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. In addition, B cell subsets from 153 patients with IIM and 92 HCs were characterized. Patients had a lower percentage of memory B cells and translational memory B cells, while those patients were with an elevated percentage of CD19+ B cells, plasmablast and naïve B cells compared with HCs. Moreover, to further explore the heterogeneity of B cells in IIM, patients were categorized into three clusters based on clustering analysis. Cluster 1 was dominated by CD19+ B cells, Bregs and naïve B cells, cluster 3 was dominated by memory B cells and plasmablast, and cluster 2 had the highest proportion of translational memory B cells. Notably, patients in cluster 1 presented with higher CK levels, indicating muscle damage, whereas patients in cluster 3 showed a higher incidence of chest tightness. Our study indicated that lymphopenia is a common manifestation in patients with IIM. B cell subsets are abnormally expressed and showed high heterogeneity in patients with IIM. The patients with IIM were divided into three different clusters with different percentages of chest tightness and distinct CK levels.

Comparisons between Caucasian-validated photo-numeric scales and Korean-validated photo-numeric scales for photo-ageing. Insights from the Singapore/Malaysia cross-sectional genetics epidemiology study (SMCGES) cohort.

BACKGROUND: Photo-ageing is a form of skin ageing which affects the entire face. A photo-aged skin has a diverse variety of wrinkles and dyspigmentation all over the face. Here, we discuss photo-ageing on the Chinese skin evaluated using a photo-numeric scale developed and validated on Caucasian skin (i.e., Caucasian scale) and evaluated using a photo-numeric scale developed and validated on Korean skin (i.e., Korean scale). The Korean scale can be subdivided into two scales that separately address the wrinkling and dyspigmentation constituents of photo-ageing. AIM: As there are currently no photo-ageing scales for Chinese skin, the main objective of this study is to adapt existing photo-ageing photo-numeric scales for use on ethnic Chinese skin. METHOD: Three trained assessors studied facial photo-ageing on 1,081 ethnic Chinese young adults from the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-sectional Genetics Epidemiology Study (SMCGES) cohort. RESULTS: All assessors are highly internally consistent (Weighted Kappa (κw) values≥0.952). We found that the Caucasian scale and Korean scale give nearly synonymous results for the wrinkling constituent of photo-ageing (R2 = 0.9386). The two scales are strongly concordant (Spearman's Rank Correlation (ρ) value: 0.62 ± 0.06, p = 1.31×10-84). A weak-to-moderate inter-scalar level of agreement (Cohen's Kappa (κ) values: 0.38 ± 0.05, p = 8.87×10-53) persists and is statistically significant after accounting for agreements due to chance. When tested on ethnic Chinese skin, both scales detect photo-ageing consistently (Area under curve [AUC] values: 0.76-0.84). Additionally, the Korean scale for the dyspigmentation constituent of photo-ageing is concordant with both the Caucasian scale (R2 = 0.7888) and the Korean scale for the wrinkling constituent of photo-ageing (R2 = 0.7734). CONCLUSION: Our results show that the Caucasian scale is suitable for capturing photo-ageing on Chinese skin, especially wrinkle variations. The Korean dyspigmentation scale supplements the Caucasian scale to capture dyspigmentation patterns on Chinese skin that may be absent on Caucasian skin. Currently, photo-ageing scales for Chinese skin are absent. When developed, these photo-ageing scales must be properly validated for their ability to capture photo-ageing of the entire face.

The application strategy of liposomes in organ targeting therapy.

Liposomes-microscopic phospholipid bubbles with bilayered membrane structure-have been a focal point in drug delivery research for the past 30 years. Current liposomes possess a blend of biocompatibility, drug loading efficiency, prolonged circulation and targeted delivery. Tailored liposomes, varying in size, charge, lipid composition, and ratio, have been developed to address diseases in specific organs, thereby enhancing drug circulation, accumulation at lesion sites, intracellular delivery, and treatment efficacy for various organ-specific diseases. For further successful development of this field, this review summarized liposomal strategies for targeting different organs in series of major human diseases, including widely studied cardiovascular diseases, liver and spleen immune diseases, chronic or acute kidney injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and organ-specific tumors. It highlights recent advances of liposome-mediated therapeutic agent delivery for disease intervention and organ rehabilitation, offering practical guidelines for designing organ-targeted liposomes. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures.

Complete idiopathic resorption of distobuccal root of a maxillary first molar: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: This case report provides a rare case of idiopathic root resorption in maxillary first molar and suggests the importance of CBCT in the diagnosis and treatment outcome of complex endodontic diseases. Endodontic surgery is an effective method for treating teeth with persistent apical periodontitis. Abstract: Idiopathic root resorption is an unexplained root resorption when the patient experiences root resorption without any local or systemic factors. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for long-term outcomes.

Development and field evaluation of a novel sugar bait device for controlling residential vector mosquitoes in Zhejiang Province, China.

Background: Mosquito-borne diseases pose serious public health threats in Zhejiang Province, China, and vector control is believed to be the primary method for reducing transmission. Due to severe resistance problems, effective and sustainable methods without chemical insecticides are urgently required to control mosquito vectors. Attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSB) are newly developed methods to control mosquitoes in recent decades with the core element sugar bait, which was invented according to the sugar-feeding behavior of mosquitoes. In this study, we developed a Novel Sugar Bait Device (NSBD) trap by combining sugar bait and physical adhesive capture technology. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the NSBD trap on controlling mosquitoes in residential environments and to identify the optimal sugar solution concentration in the sugar bait of the NSBD for real use. Methods: Four residential villages in Ningbo City with similar geographic environments and mosquito densities were selected for field trials in 2022. One village (site 1) was designated as the control group, and three villages (sites 2-4) served as the test groups to assess the effectiveness of NSBD traps with different sugar solution concentrations (6, 8, and 10%) in the sugar bait. Larval and adult mosquito densities were monitored monthly before and semi-monthly after the trials using the CDC light trap and larval pipette method. Results: Before the trials, we monitored mosquito density for 3 months to confirm the baseline mosquito density among the four sites, and no statistical differences in adult and larval mosquitoes were found (adult, F = 3.047, p > 0.05; larvae, F = 0.436, p > 0.05). After the trials, all NCBD traps effectively controlled larval and adult mosquito densities, with the highest standard decrease rates of larval and adult mosquito densities at 57.80 and 86.31%, respectively, observed in site 4. The most suitable sugar solution concentration in the sugar bait was 10%. Conclusion: NSBD traps effectively controlled mosquitoes in residential environments during field trials. Without the use of insecticides, this may be a promising choice for mosquito vector control to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

Target-directed microRNA degradation: Mechanisms, significance, and functional implications.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a fundamental role in enabling miRNA-mediated target repression, a post-transcriptional gene regulatory mechanism preserved across metazoans. Loss of certain animal miRNA genes can lead to developmental abnormalities, disease, and various degrees of embryonic lethality. These short RNAs normally guide Argonaute (AGO) proteins to target RNAs, which are in turn translationally repressed and destabilized, silencing the target to fine-tune gene expression and maintain cellular homeostasis. Delineating miRNA-mediated target decay has been thoroughly examined in thousands of studies, yet despite these exhaustive studies, comparatively less is known about how and why miRNAs are directed for decay. Several key observations over the years have noted instances of rapid miRNA turnover, suggesting endogenous means for animals to induce miRNA degradation. Recently, it was revealed that certain targets, so-called target-directed miRNA degradation (TDMD) triggers, can "trigger" miRNA decay through inducing proteolysis of AGO and thereby the bound miRNA. This process is mediated in animals via the ZSWIM8 ubiquitin ligase complex, which is recruited to AGO during engagement with triggers. Since its discovery, several studies have identified that ZSWIM8 and TDMD are indispensable for proper animal development. Given the rapid expansion of this field of study, here, we summarize the key findings that have led to and followed the discovery of ZSWIM8-dependent TDMD. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.

Core Soil Microorganisms and Abiotic Properties as Key Mechanisms of Complementary Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron and Nitrification Inhibitors in Decreasing Paclobutrazol Residues and Nitrous Oxide Emissions.

Agrochemical residues and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions have caused considerable threats to agricultural soil ecology. Nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) and nitrification inhibitors might be complementary to each other to diminish soil agrochemical residues and N2O emissions and enhance soil bacterial community diversities. Compared to the control, the nZVI application declined soil paclobutrazol residues by 5.9% but also decreased the bacterial community co-occurrence network node. Combined nZVI and Dicyandiamide applications significantly decreased soil N2O emission rates and paclobutrazol residues but promoted Shannon diversity of the bacterial community. The increased soil pH, ammonium nitrogen, and Actinobacteriota could promote soil paclobutrazol dissipation. The nZVI generated double-edged sword effects of positively decreasing paclobutrazol residues and N2O emissions but negatively influencing soil multifunctionalities. The nZVI and Dicyandiamide could be complementary to each other in diminishing soil agrochemical residues and N2O emission rates but promoting soil bacterial community diversities simultaneously.

Dual-functional mediators of high-entropy Prussian blue analogues for lithiophilicity and sulfiphilicity in Li-S batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are considered promising next-generation energy storage systems due to their high energy density (2600 W h kg-1) and cost-effectiveness. However, the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides in sulfur cathodes and uncontrollable Li dendrite growth in Li metal anodes significantly impede the practical application of Li-S batteries. In this study, we address these challenges by employing a high-entropy Prussian blue analogue Mn0.4Co0.4Ni0.4Cu0.4Zn0.4[Fe(CN)6]2 (HE-PBA) composite containing multiple metal ions as a dual-functional mediator for Li-S batteries. Specifically, the HE-PBA composite provides abundant metal active sites that efficiently chemisorb lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) to facilitate fast redox conversion kinetics of LiPSs. In Li metal anodes, the exceptional lithiophilicity of the HE-PBA ensures a homogeneous Li ion flux, resulting in uniform Li deposition while mitigating the growth of Li dendrites. As a result, our work demonstrates outstanding long-term cycling performance with a decay rate of only 0.05% per cycle over 1000 cycles at 2.0 C. The HE-PBA@Cu/Li anode maintains a stable overpotential even after 600 h at 0.5 mA cm-2 under the total areal capacity of 1.0 mA h cm-2. This study showcases the application potential of the HE-PBA in Li-S batteries and encourages further exploration of prospective high-entropy materials used to engineer next-generation batteries.

Cellulose de-polymerization is selective for bioethanol refinery and multi-functional biochar assembly using brittle stalk of corn mutant.

As lignocellulose recalcitrance principally restricts for a cost-effective conversion into biofuels and bioproducts, this study re-selected the brittle stalk of corn mutant by MuDR-transposon insertion, and detected much reduced cellulose polymerization and crystallinity. Using recyclable CaO chemical for biomass pretreatment, we determined a consistently enhanced enzymatic saccharification of pretreated corn brittle stalk for higher-yield bioethanol conversion. Furthermore, the enzyme-undigestible lignocellulose was treated with two-step thermal-chemical processes via FeCl2 catalysis and KOH activation to generate the biochar with significantly raised adsorption capacities with two industry dyes (methylene blue and Congo red). However, the desirable biochar was attained from one-step KOH treatment with the entire brittle stalk, which was characterized as the highly-porous nanocarbon that is of the largest specific surface area at 1697.34 m2/g and 2-fold higher dyes adsorption. Notably, this nanocarbon enabled to eliminate the most toxic compounds released from CaO pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis, and also showed much improved electrochemical performance with specific capacitance at 205 F/g. Hence, this work has raised a mechanism model to interpret how the recalcitrance-reduced lignocellulose is convertible for high-yield bioethanol and multiple-function biochar with high performance.

B cell-reactive triad of B cells, follicular helper and regulatory T cells at homeostasis.

Autoreactive B cells are silenced through receptor editing, clonal deletion and anergy induction. Additional autoreactive B cells are ignorant because of physical segregation from their cognate autoantigen. Unexpectedly, we find that follicular B cell-derived autoantigen, including cell surface molecules such as FcγRIIB, is a class of homeostatic autoantigen that can induce spontaneous germinal centers (GCs) and B cell-reactive autoantibodies in non-autoimmune animals with intact T and B cell repertoires. These B cell-reactive B cells form GCs in a manner dependent on spontaneous follicular helper T (TFH) cells, which preferentially recognize B cell-derived autoantigen, and in a manner constrained by spontaneous follicular regulatory T (TFR) cells, which also carry specificities for B cell-derived autoantigen. B cell-reactive GC cells are continuously generated and, following immunization or infection, become intermixed with foreign antigen-induced GCs. Production of plasma cells and antibodies derived from B cell-reactive GC cells are markedly enhanced by viral infection, potentially increasing the chance for autoimmunity. Consequently, immune homeostasis in healthy animals not only involves classical tolerance of silencing and ignoring autoreactive B cells but also entails a reactive equilibrium attained by a spontaneous B cell-reactive triad of B cells, TFH cells and TFR cells.

Antiviral Effect of Extracellular Matrix Protein ABI3BP on Vesicular Stomatitis Virus and Its Mechanism: A Preliminary Study In Vitro.

Objective To explore the influence of extracellular matrix protein ABI-interactor 3-binding protein (ABI3BP) on vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) genome replication and innate immune signaling pathway.Methods The small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected to knock down ABI3BP gene in human skin fibroblast BJ-5ta cells. VSV-green fluorescent protein (VSV-GFP)-infected cell model was established. The morphological changes and F-actin stress fiber formation were detected on ABI3BP knockdown cells by phalloidin immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA level of virus replication was detected by RT-qPCR in BJ-5ta cells after VSV-GFP infection; western blotting was performed to detect the changes in interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) phosphorylation levels.Results The VSV-GFP-infected BJ-5ta cell model was successfully established. Efficient knockdown of ABI3BP in BJ-5ta cells was achieved. Phalloidin immunofluorescence staining revealed structural rearrangement of intracellular F-actin after ABI3BP gene knockdown. Compared with the control group, the gene copy number of VSV-GFP in ABI3BP knockdown cells increased by 2.2 - 3.5 times (P<0.01) and 2.2 - 4.0 times (P<0.01) respectively when infected with VSV of multiplicity of infection 0.1 and 1. The expression of viral protein significantly increased in ABI3BP knockdown cells after virus infection. The activation of type-I interferon pathway, as determined by phosphorylated IRF3 and phosphorylated TBK1, was significantly decreased in ABI3BP knockdown cells after VSV-GFP infection.Conclusions Extracellular matrix protein ABI3BP plays an important role in maintaining the formation and rearrangement of actin structure. ABI3BP gene deletion promotes RNA virus replication, and ABI3BP is an important molecule that maintains the integrity of type I interferon pathway.