Encapsulation of Se into Cu-decorated MXene nanosheets with superior electrochemical performance for advanced Na-Se batteries.

Sodium-selenium (Na-Se) batteries are promising energy storage systems with high energy density, high safety, and low cost. However, the huge volume change of selenium, the dissolution shuttle of polyselenides, and low selenium loading need to be solved. Herein, Cu nanoparticles decorated MXene nanosheets composite (MXene/Cu) are synthesized by etching Ti3AlC2 using a molten salt etching strategy. The Se-loaded MXene/Cu (Se@MXene/Cu) electrode delivers superior electrochemical performance even with a high Se loading of ∼74.3 wt%, owing to the synergistic effect of the two-dimensional (2D) confined structure and catalytic role of the unique MXene/Cu host. Specifically, the obtained electrode provides a reversible capacity of 587.3 mAh/g at 0.2 A/g, a discharge capacity as high as 511.3 mAh/g at a high rate of 50 A/g, and still maintains a capacity of 471.9 mAh/g even after 5000 cycles based on the mass of Se@MXene/Cu. With such excellent electrochemical kinetic properties, this study highlights the importance of designing various MXene-based composites with synergistic effects of 2D confined structure and Cu catalytic center for the development of high-performance alkali metal-chalcogen battery systems.

A novel exosome-like nanovesicles from Cordyceps militaris potentiate immunomodulatory and anti-tumor effect by reprogramming macrophages.

AIMS: Fungi-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (ENs) are emerging as a highly promising class of nanoparticles, particularly noted for their cost-effective production. However, their impact on immune regulation and their potential as anti-tumor agents need further exploration. Our study specifically focused on the investigation of the immunomodulatory and anti-tumor properties of ENs derived from Cordyceps militaris, an edible fungus that had achieved large-scale commercial production, referred to as CMDENs. MAIN METHODS: The ENs of C. militaris were collected through ultra-high-speed centrifugation, followed by characterization of their physicochemical properties and contents. Subsequently, the biological distribution of these vesicles was investigated using in vivo fluorescence imaging experiments. Finally, the immune activation and polarization of macrophages were examined through both in vitro and in vivo experiments. KEY FINDINGS: Herein, we presented the discovery of CMDENs that were rich in proteins, lipids, flavonoids and alkaloids. Immunomodulatory experiments conducted in vivo demonstrated that CMDENs exhibited protective effects against cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice by significantly enhancing macrophage phagocytosis and peripheral blood immune cell counts. Moreover, CMDENs effectively induced the polarization of M0- and M2-like macrophages toward M1-like phenotype by activating MAPKs signaling pathway. Notably, CMDENs exhibited remarkable capabilities in inhibiting tumor growth by reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages and activating tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes, without any observed toxicity in mice bearing tumors. SIGNIFICANCE: Our research suggested that CMDENs possessed the potential to be explored as a nano-immunomodulatory agent for cancer.

Discovery and engineering of a novel peptide, Temporin-WY2, with enhanced in vitro and in vivo efficacy against multi-drug resistant bacteria.

Infections by drug-resistant microorganisms are a threat to global health and antimicrobial peptides are considered to be a new hope for their treatment. Temporin-WY2 was identified from the cutaneous secretion of the Ranidae frog, Amolops wuyiensis. It presented with a potent anti-Gram-positive bacterial efficacy, but its activity against Gram-negative bacteria and cancer cell lines was unremarkable. Also, it produced a relatively high lytic effect on horse erythrocytes. For further improvement of its functions, a perfect amphipathic analogue, QUB-1426, and two lysine-clustered analogues, 6K-WY2 and 6K-1426, were synthesised and investigated. The modified peptides were found to be between 8- and 64-fold more potent against Gram-negative bacteria than the original peptide. Additionally, the 6K analogues showed a rapid killing rate. Also, their antiproliferation activities were more than 100-fold more potent than the parent peptide. All of the peptides that were examined demonstrated considerable biofilm inhibition activity. Moreover, QUB-1426, 6K-WY2 and 6K-1426, demonstrated in vivo antimicrobial activity against MRSA and E. coli in an insect larvae model. Despite observing a slight increase in the hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity of the modified peptides, they still demonstrated a improved therapeutic index. Overall, QUB-1426, 6K-WY2 and 6K-1426, with dual antimicrobial and anticancer functions, are proposed as putative drug candidates for the future.

A dual heterostructure enables the stabilization of 1T-rich MoSe2 for enhanced storage of sodium ions.

Electron injection effectively induces the formation of a 1T-rich phase to address the low conductivity of MoSe2. Nevertheless, overcoming the inherent metastability of the 1T phase (particularly during the conversion reactions that entail the decomposition-reconstruction of MoSe2 and volume expansion) remains a challenge. Guided by DFT results, we designed a composite with bimetal selenides-based heterostructures anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets (G-Cu2Se@MoSe2) to obtain stabilized 1T-rich MoSe2 and enhanced ion transfer. The construction of 1T-rich MoSe2 and built-in electric fields (BiEF) through electron transfer at the heterointerfaces were realized. Moreover, the rGO-metal selenides heterostructures with in situ-formed interfacial bonds could facilitate the reconstruction of the 1T-rich MoSe2-involved heterostructure and interfacial BiEF. Such a dual heterostructure endowed G-Cu2Se@MoSe2 with an excellent rate capability with a capacity of 288 mA h g-1 at 50 A g-1 and superior cycling stability with a capacity retention ratio of 89.6% (291 mA h g-1) after 15 000 cycles at 10 A g-1. Insights into the functional mechanism and structural evolution of the 1T MoSe2-involved dual heterostructure from this work may provide guidelines for the development of MoSe2 and phase-engineering strategies for other polymorphistic materials.

Measurable residual disease testing by next generation sequencing is more accurate compared with multiparameter flow cytometry in adults with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Results of measurable residual disease (MRD)-testing by next-generation sequencing (NGS) correlate with relapse risk in adults with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy or an allotransplant from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical relative or HLA-matched unrelated donor. We studied cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and survival prediction accuracy using a NGS-based MRD-assay targeting immunoglobulin genes after 2 courses of consolidation chemotherapy cycles in 93 adults with B-cell ALL most receiving HLA-haplotype-matched related transplants. Prediction accuracy was compared with MRD-testing using multi-parameter flow cytometry (MPFC). NGS-based MRD-testing detected residual leukemia in 28 of 65 subjects with a negative MPFC-based MRD-test. In Cox regression multi-variable analyses subjects with a positive NGS-based MRD-test had a higher 3-year CIR (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 3.37; 95 % Confidence Interval [CI], 1.34-8.5; P = 0.01) and worse survival (HR = 4.87 [1.53-15.53]; P = 0.007). Some data suggest a lower CIR and better survival in NGS-MRD-test-positive transplant recipients but allocation to transplant was not random. Our data indicate MRD-testing by NGS is more accurate compared with testing by MPFC in adults with B-cell ALL in predicting CIR and survival. (Registered in the Beijing Municipal Health Bureau Registration N 2007-1007 and in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry [ChiCTR-OCH-10000940 and ChiCTROPC-14005546]).

6-BA Delays the Senescence of Postharvest Cabbage Leaves by Inhibiting Respiratory Metabolism.

6-BA, a small molecule compound of cytokinins, has been proven to delay leaf senescence in different species, including Chinese flowering cabbage; however, its specific mechanism remains relatively unknown. In this study, the application of external 6-BA delayed leaf senescence in Chinese flowering cabbage, showing that 6-BA effectively prevented the decrease in the maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and overall chlorophyll content and suppressed the expression of the senescence-associated gene BrSAG12 over a 7-day period of storage. Moreover, treatment with 6-BA decreased the respiratory rate, NAD(H) content, the activities of hexose phosphate isomerase (PHI), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), and ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the transcriptional abundance of related genes by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, 6-BA also increased the activity and expression levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and 6-phosphate gluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGDH). The group treated with 6-BA retained elevated levels of NADP (H), ATP, total ATPase, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide kinase (NADK) activity, as well as the expression of respiratory enzymes. Molecular docking indicated that 6-BA hinders the glycolysis pathway (EMP), tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), and cytochrome pathway (CCP), and sustains elevated levels of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) through interactions with the PHI, SDH, 6-PGDH, G6PDH, CCO, and AAO proteins, consequently delaying postharvest leaf senescence in Chinese flowering cabbage.

Deterioration mechanisms of tuff with surface fractures under freeze-thaw cycles.

In practical engineering, the development of surface cracks is one of the most important reasons for the destruction of the rock mass, and the development of complex morphology fractures on the rock mass surface significantly influences rock mass mechanics. This paper addresses the freeze-thaw damage issue in rock mass containing surface fractures in cold regions. Tuffs and a control group are selected as research samples, with the control group being prefabricated surface jointed specimens with an inclination angle of 70° and a fracture depth ratio d (crack depth) /t (sample width) of 0.26. The study analyzes the mass, wave velocity loss, macro-microcosmic fracture damage morphology, and mechanical properties of the two specimen groups through laboratory freeze-thaw cycle tests, uniaxial compression tests, and scanning electron microscopy examinations. The results show an overall decrease in mass, wave velocity, and uniaxial compressive strength as the cycle number increases, with the prefabricated jointed group samples showing more significant changes. However, the two specimen groups exhibit different macroscopic failure fracture states. In addition, scanning electron microscopy images illustrate that after freeze-thaw cycles, the large rock mass particles break into smaller fragments, resulting in looser particle arrangements and a transition from initial surface cementation to point contact., which weakens the compressive strength of the rock mass. The paper also explains the mechanism of the diminishing impact of freeze-thaw cycles on the strength of the rock mass after a certain number of cycles. The research outcomes hold significant reference value for engineering construction in cold regions.

N-acetylcysteine protects septic acute kidney injury by inhibiting SIRT3-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.

Objectives: To investigate the protective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on septic acute kidney injury (SAKI) via regulating Sirtuin3 (SIRT3)-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Materials and Methods: By constructing SIRT3 knockout mice and culturing kidney tubular epithelial cells (KTECs), we assessed the changes of renal function and detected the protein expression of adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), cyclophilin (CypD) and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) using western-blotting, and simultaneously detected toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), inhibitor of kappa B kinase (IKKß), inhibitor of Kappa Bα (IκBα), and p65 protein expression. We observed mitochondrial damage of KTECs using a transmission electron microscope and assessed apoptosis by TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling and flow cytometry. Results: SIRT3 deficiency led to the deterioration of renal function, and caused a significant increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase production, a decrease in mitochondrial volume, up-regulation of TLR4, IκBα, IKKß, and p65 proteins, and up-regulation of ANT, CypD and VDAC proteins. However, NAC significantly improved renal function and down-regulated the expression of TLR4, IκBα, IKKß, and p65 proteins. Furthermore, SIRT3 deficiency led to a significant increase in KTEC apoptosis, while NAC up-regulated the expression of SIRT3 and inhibited apoptosis. Conclusion: NAC has a significant protective effect on SAKI by inhibiting SIRT3-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis of KTECs.

Effect of tissue fixatives on the corrosion of biomedical magnesium alloys.

In this work, the corrosion behavior of pure Mg, Mg3Ag, Mg6Ag, and MgZnYNd alloys in different fixatives (ethyl alcohol (EA), 85 % ethyl alcohol (85 % EA), 10 % neutral buffered formalin (10 % NBF), 4 % glutaric dialdehyde (4 % GD), and 4 % paraformaldehyde (4 % PFA)) was investigated to provide a valuable reference for the selection of fixatives during the histological evaluation of Mg implants. Through the hydrogen evolution test, pH test, and corrosion morphology and product characterization, it was found that corrosion proceeded slowest in the EA and 85 % EA groups, slightly faster in 4 % GD, faster in 10 % NBF, and fastest in 4 % PFA. After corrosion, the EA group surface remained unchanged, while the 85%EA group surface developed minor cracks and warping. The 4%GD fixative formed a dense needle-like protective layer on the Mg substrate. The 10%NBF group initially grew a uniform layer, but later developed irregular pits due to accelerated corrosion. In contrast, the 4%PFA solution caused more severe corrosion attributed to chloride ions. The main corrosion products in the EA and 85%EA groups were MgO and Mg(OH)2, while the other fixatives containing diverse ions also yielded phosphates like Mg3(PO4)2 and MgHPO4. In 4 % PFA, AgCl formed on the surface of Mg6Ag alloy after corrosion. Therefore, to minimize Mg alloy corrosion without compromising staining quality, EA or 85 % EA is recommended, while 4 % PFA is not recommended due to its significant impact.

Knockout of miR396 genes increases seed size and yield in soybean.

Yield improvement has long been an important task for soybean breeding in the world in order to meet the increasing demand for food and animal feed. miR396 genes have been shown to negatively regulate grain size in rice, but whether miR396 family members may function in a similar manner in soybean is unknown. Here, we generated eight soybean mutants harboring different combinations of homozygous mutations in the six soybean miR396 genes through genome editing with clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease (Cas)12SF01 in the elite soybean cultivar Zhonghuang 302 (ZH302). Four triple mutants (mir396aci, mir396acd, mir396adf, and mir396cdf), two quadruple mutants (mir396abcd and mir396acfi), and two quintuple mutants (mir396abcdf and mir396bcdfi) were characterized. We found that plants of all the mir396 mutants produced larger seeds compared to ZH302 plants. Field tests showed that mir396adf and mir396cdf plants have significantly increased yield in growth zones with relatively high latitude which are suited for ZH302 and moderately increased yield in lower latitude. In contrast, mir396abcdf and mir396bcdfi plants have increased plant height and decreased yield in growth zones with relatively high latitude due to lodging issues, but they are suited for low latitude growth zones with increased yield without lodging problems. Taken together, our study demonstrated that loss-of-function of miR396 genes leads to significantly enlarged seed size and increased yield in soybean, providing valuable germplasms for breeding high-yield soybean.

Iron nanoparticles surface decorated MXene via molten salts etching as selenium host for ultrafast sodium ion storage.

Sodium-selenium (Na-Se) batteries have gained attention due to their high energy density and power density, resulting from the liquid-liquid reaction at the interface in the dimethoxyethane electrolyte. Nevertheless, the pronounced shuttle effect of polyselenides causes low coulomb efficiency and inadequate cycling stability for Na-Se batteries. Herein, the iron nanoparticles surface modified accordion-like Ti3C2Tx MXene (MXene/Fe) synthesized via the molten salt etching is utilized as the host of Se species for high-performance Na-Se battery cathode. Benefiting from the layered structure and chemical adsorption of accordion-like MXene, the shuttle effect of the cathode is effectively inhibited. Simultaneously, electrochemical kinetics is boosted due to the catalytic effect of Fe nanoparticles, which facilitate the transformation of polyselenide from long-chain to short-chain, contributing to pseudocapacitive capacity. Consequently, the Se-based cathode delivers a steady capacity of 575.0 mA h g-1 at 0.2 A/g, and even a high capacity of 500 mAh/g at 50 A/g based on the mass of Se@MXene/Fe electrode, indicating the ultrafast Na+ ion storage. Most notably, this structure demonstrated remarkable long-term cycling stability for 5000 cycles with a high capacity retention of 97.4 %. The electrochemical energy storage mechanism is further revealed by in situ Raman. Herein, the confinement-catalysis structure shines light on inhibiting shuttling and facilitating ultrafast ion storage.

Comprehensive assessment of risk factors and pathogenic characteristics of wound infections following thoracoscopic radical resection for lung cancer.

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with surgical resection as a primary treatment modality. However, postoperative wound infections (PWIs) pose significant risks following thoracoscopic radical resection. This study aims to identify the risk factors and pathogenetic characteristics associated with PWIs in lung cancer surgery. A comprehensive retrospective study was conducted from August 2021 to June 2023 at our institution. The study included 30 patients who developed PWIs and 60 controls who did not, following thoracoscopic radical resection for lung cancer. We evaluated various factors including age, hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, body mass index (BMI), operation time, prophylactic antibiotic use, diabetes mellitus and tumour staging. Diagnostic criteria for PWIs were based on clinical signs and microbiological confirmation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, utilizing chi-square tests, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The predominant pathogens identified in PWIs were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Univariate analysis revealed operation time (≥4 h) and diabetes mellitus as significant risk factors for PWIs, while prophylactic antibiotic use was associated with a lower incidence of PWIs. Multivariate analysis further confirmed these findings, highlighting prolonged operation time and diabetes as significant predictors of PWIs, and antibiotic use as a protective factor. Prolonged operation time and diabetes mellitus significantly increase the risk of PWIs following thoracoscopic radical resection for lung cancer, whereas prophylactic antibiotics play a protective role. These findings underscore the importance of tailored preventive strategies in clinical practice to minimize the occurrence of postoperative infections and improve surgical outcomes in lung cancer patients.

Laparoscopic continuous seromuscular circumsuture for myomectomy: a real-world, retrospective, East-Asian cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to introduce a novel laparoscopic haemostasis for myomectomy and investigate the independent risk factors for uterine fibroid recurrence. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Following strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) criteria, a retrospective study of prospectively collected available data of the consecutive patients who underwent the myomectomy in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology of the single centre between February 2018 and December 2020. PARTICIPANTS: 177 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy resection were enrolled in the present cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were classified into two groups according to their different methods of haemostasis in laparoscopic surgery. Recurrence-free survival was compared between the groups during an average follow-up of nearly 2 years. RESULTS: Of the 177 patients from 672 consecutive patients in the retrospective cohort, laparoscopic circular suture and baseball suture were carried out in 102 (57.6%) and 75 (42.4%) patients, respectively. The total amount of blood lost during surgery varied significantly (37.6 vs 99.5 mL) (p<0.001). Univariable analyses identified that age ≥40 years, position at intramural myoma, multiple fibroids and largest fibroid volume ≥50 mm3 (HR 2.222, 95% CI 1.376 to 3.977, p=0.039; HR 3.625, 95% CI 1.526 to 6.985, p=0.003; HR 3.139, 95% CI 1.651 to 5.968, p<0.001; HR 2.328, 95% CI 0.869 to 3.244, p=0.040, respectively) are independent risk factor of the recurrence of uterine fibroids. The formula of the nomogram prediction model was established as the practical clinical tool. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic continuous seromuscular circumsuture for myomectomy can effectively reduce the amount of surgical bleeding and accelerate the perioperative recovery for surgical safety. The main factors affecting the recurrence of uterine fibroids were age, location, number and volume of uterine fibroids. The nomogram can more straightforwardly assist clinicians to determine the risk of recurrence after laparoscopic myomectomy.

Dynamic DNA Methylation Regulates Season-Dependent Secondary Metabolism in the New Shoots of Tea Plants.

Plant secondary metabolites are critical quality-conferring compositions of plant-derived beverages, medicines, and industrial materials. The accumulations of secondary metabolites are highly variable among seasons; however, the underlying regulatory mechanism remains unclear, especially in epigenetic regulation. Here, we used tea plants to explore an important epigenetic mark DNA methylation (5mC)-mediated regulation of plant secondary metabolism in different seasons. Multiple omics analyses were performed on spring and summer new shoots. The results showed that flavonoids and theanine metabolism dominated in the metabolic response to seasons in the new shoots. In summer new shoots, the genes encoding DNA methyltransferases and demethylases were up-regulated, and the global CG and CHG methylation reduced and CHH methylation increased. 5mC methylation in promoter and gene body regions influenced the seasonal response of gene expression; the amplitude of 5mC methylation was highly correlated with that of gene transcriptions. These differentially methylated genes included those encoding enzymes and transcription factors which play important roles in flavonoid and theanine metabolic pathways. The regulatory role of 5mC methylation was further verified by applying a DNA methylation inhibitor. These findings highlight that dynamic DNA methylation plays an important role in seasonal-dependent secondary metabolism and provide new insights for improving tea quality.

Breeding exceptionally fragrant soybeans for soy milk with strong aroma.

Knockout of the soybean (Glycine max) betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase genes GmBADH1 and GmBADH2 using CRISPR/Cas12i3 enhances the aroma of soybeans. Soy milk made from the gmbadh1/2 double mutant seeds exhibits a much stronger aroma, which consumers prefer; this mutant has potential for enhancing quality in soy-based products.

MoP quantum dots based multifunctional efficient electrocatalyst for stable and long-life flexible lithium-sulfur batteries.

The commercialization of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is challenging, owing to factors like the poor conductivity of S, the 'shuttle effect', and the slow reaction kinetics. To address these challenges, MoP quantum dots were decorated on hollow carbon spheres (MoPQDs/C) in this study and used as an efficient lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) adsorbents and catalysts. In this approach polysulfides are effectively trapped through strong chemisorption and physical adsorption while simultaneously facilitating LiPSs conversion by enhancing the reaction kinetics. MXene serves as a flexible physical barrier (MoPQDs/C@MXene), further enhancing the confinement of LiPSs. Moreover, both materials are conductive, significantly facilitating electron and charge transfer. Additionally, the flexible MoPQDs/C@MXene-S electrode offers a large specific surface area for sulfur loading and withstand volume expansion during electrochemical processes. As a result, the MoPQDs/C@MXene-S electrode exhibits excellent long-term cyclability and maintains a robust specific capacity of 992 mA h g-1 even after 800cycles at a rate of 1.0C (1C = 1675 mA g-1), with a minimal capacity decay rate of 0.034 % per cycle. This work proposes an efficient strategy to fabricate highly efficient electrocatalysts for advanced Li-S batteries.

Clinical role of serum microRNA-155 in early diagnosis and prognosis of septic patients with acute kidney injury.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in patients with sepsis, and early detection and timely treatment are crucial. This article aims to explore the clinical role of microRNA-155 (miR-155) in early diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of septic patients with acute kidney injury. METHODS: We collected the blood samples of septic patients and measured the relative expression of serum miR-155 by RT-qPCR, and drew the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate its early diagnosis for septic AKI. RESULTS: The relative expression of miR-155 in the septic AKI was significantly higher than that in the septic non-AKI, and increased with the aggravation of renal function damage. The ROC curve of miR-155 for the diagnosis of septic AKI was 1.91 (95% CI: 1.61-2.19). When the optimal cut-off value of miR-155 expression was 2.37, its sensitivity for diagnosing septic AKI was 91.12% (95% CI: 80.41-95.07%), and its specificity was 84.52% (95% CI: 71.74-89.36%). Furthermore, the severity of kidney injury, SOFA score, APACHE II score and miR-155 were the risk factors affecting the prognosis of septic patients with AKI. CONCLUSION: Serum miR-155 can be used as a novel biomarker for the early diagnosis of septic AKI, and also has important clinical value in the prognosis evaluation of septic patients with AKI.