Manipulating the Spin State of Co Sites in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Boosting CO2 Photoreduction.

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction holds great potential for alleviating global energy and environmental issues, where the electronic structure of the catalytic center plays a crucial role. However, the spin state, a key descriptor of electronic properties, is largely overlooked. Herein, we present a simple strategy to regulate the spin states of catalytic Co centers by changing their coordination environment by exchanging the Co species into a stable Zn-based metal-organic framework (MOF) to afford Co-OAc, Co-Br, and Co-CN for CO2 photoreduction. Experimental and DFT calculation results suggest that the distinct spin states of the Co sites give rise to different charge separation abilities and energy barriers for CO2 adsorption/activation in photocatalysis. Consequently, the optimized Co-OAc with the highest spin-state Co sites presents an excellent photocatalytic CO2 activity of 2325.7 µmol·g-1·h-1 and selectivity of 99.1% to CO, which are among the best in all reported MOF photocatalysts, in the absence of a noble metal and additional photosensitizer. This work underlines the potential of MOFs as an ideal platform for spin-state manipulation toward improved photocatalysis.

Introducing Hydrogen-Bonding Microenvironment in Close Proximity to Single-Atom Sites for Boosting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.

Inspired by enzymatic catalysis, it is crucial to construct hydrogen-bonding-rich microenvironment around catalytic sites; unfortunately, its precise construction and understanding how the distance between such microenvironment and catalytic sites affects the catalysis remain significantly challenging. In this work, a series of metal-organic framework (MOF)-based single-atom Ru1 catalysts, namely, Ru1/UiO-67-X (X = -H, -m-(NH2)2, -o-(NH2)2), have been synthesized, where the distance between the hydrogen-bonding microenvironment and Ru1 sites is modulated by altering the location of amino groups. The -NH2 group can form hydrogen bonds with H2O, constituting a unique microenvironment that causes an increased water concentration around the Ru1 sites. Remarkably, Ru1/UiO-67-o-(NH2)2 displays a superior photocatalytic hydrogen production rate, ∼4.6 and ∼146.6 times of Ru1/UiO-67-m-(NH2)2 and Ru1/UiO-67, respectively. Both experimental and computational results suggest that the close proximity of amino groups to the Ru1 sites in Ru1/UiO-67-o-(NH2)2 improves charge transfer and H2O dissociation, accounting for the promoted photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Colorimetric and Photothermal Dual-Modal Switching Lateral Flow Immunoassay Based on a Forced Dispersion Prussian Blue Nanocomposite for the Sensitive Detection of Prostate-Specific Antigen.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a key marker for a prostate cancer diagnosis. The low sensitivity of traditional lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) methods makes them unsuitable for point-of-care testing. Herein, we designed a nanozyme by in situ growth of Prussian blue (PB) within the pores of dendritic mesoporous silica (DMSN). The PB was forcibly dispersed into the pores of DMSN, leading to an increase in exposed active sites. Consequently, the atom utilization is enhanced, resulting in superior peroxidase (POD)-like activity compared to that of cubic PB. Antibody-modified DMSN@PB nanozymes serve as immunological probes in an enzymatic-enhanced colorimetric and photothermal dual-signal LFIA for PSA detection. After systematic optimization, the LFIA based on DMSN@PB successfully achieves a 4-fold amplification of the colorimetric signal within 7 min through catalytic oxidation of the chromogenic substrate by POD-like activity. Moreover, DMSN@PB exhibits an excellent photothermal conversion ability under 808 nm laser irradiation. Accordingly, photothermal signals are introduced to improve the anti-interference ability and sensitivity of LFIA, exhibiting a wide linear range (1-40 ng mL-1) and a low PSA detection limit (0.202 ng mL-1), which satisfies the early detection level of prostate cancer. This research provides a more accurate and reliable visualization analysis methodology for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Dual targeting non-overlapping epitopes in HER2 domain IV substantially enhanced HER2/HER2 homodimers and HER2/EGFR heterodimers internalization leading to potent antitumor activity in HER2-positive human gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Trastuzumab and pertuzumab combination has been approved for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. However, trastuzumab and pertuzumab combination did not show improvement in overall survival in patients with HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer. METHODS: We developed a new HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody, HLX22, targeting HER2 subdomain IV as trastuzumab but with non-overlapping epitopes. We examined the antitumor effects of this novel HER2-antibody in gastric cell lines and cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. RESULTS: HLX22 in combination with HLX02 (trastuzumab biosimilar) induced enhancement of HER2/HER2 homodimers and HER2/EGFR heterodimers internalization, which ultimately led to the reduction in signal transductions involving STAT3, P70 S6, and AKT; gene expressions of FGF-FGFR-PI3K-MTOR, EGF-EGFR-RAS, TGF-ß-SMAD, PLCG and cell cycle progression related pathways that favor tumor development, proliferation, progression, migration and survival in gastric cancer cell line NCI-N87 were also reduced. These differing but complementary actions contributed to the synergistic antitumor efficacy of the HLX22 and HLX02 combination in gastric cancer cell lines, CDX and PDX. In addition, HLX22 in combination with HLX02 demonstrated stronger antitumor efficacy than HLX02 and HLX11 (a potential pertuzumab biosimilar) combination treatment both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that the application of non-competing antibodies HLX22 and HLX02 targeting HER2 subdomain IV together may be of substantial benefit to gastric cancer patients who currently respond suboptimal to trastuzumab therapy.

Genetic characteristics of chromosomally integrated carbapenemase gene (blaNDM-1) in isolates of Proteus mirabilis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to conduct an in-depth genomic analysis of a carbapenem-resistant Proteus mirabilis strain to uncover the distribution and mechanisms of its resistance genes. METHODS: The research primarily utilized whole-genome sequencing to analyze the genome of the Proteus mirabilis strain. Additionally, antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted to evaluate the strain's sensitivity to various antibiotics, and related case information was collected to analyze the clinical distribution characteristics of the resistant strain. RESULTS: Study on bacterial strain WF3430 from a tetanus and pneumonia patient reveals resistance to multiple antibiotics due to extensive use. Whole-genome sequencing exposes a 4,045,480 bp chromosome carrying 29 antibiotic resistance genes. Two multidrug-resistant (MDR) gene regions, resembling Tn6577 and Tn6589, were identified (MDR Region 1: 64.83 Kb, MDR Region 2: 85.64 Kbp). These regions, consist of integrative and conjugative elements (ICE) structures, highlight the intricate multidrug resistance in clinical settings. CONCLUSION: This study found that a CR-PMI strain exhibits a unique mechanism for acquiring antimicrobial resistance genes, such as blaNDM-1, located on the chromosome instead of plasmids. According to the results, there is increasing complexity in the mechanisms of horizontal transmission of resistance, necessitating a comprehensive understanding and implementation of targeted control measures in both hospital and community settings.

Distinctive Chiral Conformations Induced to Poly (naphthalene-1,4-diyl) by Helix-sense-selective Polymerization and Circularly Polarized Light Irradiation.

Optically active poly(naphthalene-1,4-diyl) was prepared through helix-sense-selective polymerization of the corresponding monomers and also through circularly polarized light (CPL) irradiation, resulting in distinctive circular dichroism (CD) spectral patterns. Chirality of the helix-sense-selective polymerization -based polymer is ascribed to preferred-handed helicity while that of the CPL-based polymer to a non-helical, chiral conformation ('biased-dihedral conformation') with preferred-handedness which was stable only in the solid state. The helix of the helix-sense-selective polymerization-based polymer gradually racemized in tetrahydrofuran while it was stabilized by aggregate formation in a hexane-dichloromethane solution. Both helix-sense-selective polymerization- and CPL-based polymers exhibited efficient circularly polarized luminescence.

High-performance, large-area flexible SERS substrates prepared by reactive ion etching for molecular detection.

In the realm of molecular detection, the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique has garnered increasing attention due to its rapid detection, high sensitivity, and non-destructive characteristics. However, conventional rigid SERS substrates are either costly to fabricate and challenging to prepare over a large area, or they exhibit poor uniformity and repeatability, making them unsuitable for inspecting curved object surfaces. In this work, we present a flexible SERS substrate with high sensitivity as well as good uniformity and repeatability. First, the flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate is manually formulated and cured. SiO2/Ag layer on the substrate can be obtained in a single process by using ion beam sputtering. Then, reactive ion etching is used to etch the upper SiO2layer of the film, which directly leads to the desired densely packed nanostructure. Finally, a layer of precious metal is deposited on the densely packed nanostructure by thermal evaporation. In our proposed system, the densely packed nanostructure obtained by etching the SiO2layer directly determines the SERS ability of the substrate. The bottom layer of silver mirror can reflect the penetrative incident light, the spacer layer of SiO2and the top layer of silver thin film can further localize the light in the system, which can realize the excellent absorption of Raman laser light, thus enhancing SERS ability. In the tests, the prepared substrates show excellent SERS performance in detecting crystalline violet with a detection limit of 10-11M. The development of this SERS substrate is anticipated to offer a highly effective and convenient method for molecular substance detection.

Highly extensile approach for comminuted ulna coronoid process fractures with mini-plate fixation: a case series of 31 patients.

BACKGROUND: For the treatment of coronoid process fractures, medial, lateral, anterior, anteromedial, and posterior approaches have been increasingly reported; however, there is no general consensus on the method of fixation of coronal fractures. Here, we present a highly-extensile minimally invasive approach to treat coronoid process fractures using a mini-plate that can achieve anatomic reduction, stable fixation, and anterior capsular repair. Further, the study aimed to determine the complication rate of the anterior minimally invasive approach and to evaluate functional and clinical patient-reported outcomes during follow-up. METHODS: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with coronoid fractures accompanied with a "terrible triad" or posteromedial rotational instability between April 2012 and October 2018 were included in the analysis. Anatomical reduction and mini-plate fixation of coronoid fractures were performed using an anterior minimally invasive approach. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) score, range of motion (ROM), and the visual analog score (VAS). The time of fracture healing and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 26.7 months (range, 14-60 months). The average time to radiological union was 3.6 ± 1.3 months. During the follow-up period, the average elbow extension was 6.8 ± 2.9° while the average flexion was 129.6 ± 4.6°. According to Morrey's criteria, 26 (81%) elbows achieved a normal desired ROM. At the last follow-up, the mean MEPI score was 98 ± 3.3 points. There were no instances of elbow instability, elbow joint stiffness, subluxation or dislocation, infection, blood vessel complications, or nerve palsy. Overall, 10 elbows (31%) experienced heterotopic ossification. CONCLUSION: An anterior minimally invasive approach allows satisfactory fixation of coronoid fractures while reducing incision complications due to over-dissection of soft tissue injuries. In addition, this incision does not compromise the soft tissue stability of the elbow joint and allows the patient a more rapid return to rehabilitation exercises.

Clinical Efficacy, Analgesic Efficacy, and Effects of Cocktail Analgesic Regimens in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Multimodal cocktail analgesic injection (CAI) is widely used as an adjunct pain-reliever in the postoperative phase of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to intense postoperative pain accompanying the procedure leading to complications, thereby extending hospital stays. The aim of this study is to establish the clinical efficacy and effects of utilizing CAI regimens during the TKA procedure and the corresponding postoperative patient outcomes. Methods: A database search for pertinent articles literature search was performed in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and MEDLINE databases. RevMan version 5.4 was used to perform a meta-analysis on the included studies. Results: Data screening and selection produced 15 relevant articles that met the eligibility criteria of this study. The meta-analysis revealed insignificant difference between cocktail injected and control groups in VAS postoperative pain scores both at rest and during activity (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.05; I2 = 0%; P = .93) and (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.10; I2 = 0%; P = .75), respectively. Similarly, there was insignificant differences in postoperative knee flexion ROM, postoperative narcotic consumption, and length of stays between the two groups, (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.40; P = .53), (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.07; P = .09), and (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.70; P = .21), respectively. However, the postoperative complications reveal statistical significance between the cocktail injected and the control group (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.70; P = .004). Conclusion: It is concluded that CAI can play a crucial role in minimizing post-operative complications for patients undergoing TKA.

MDM2-p53 mediate a miR-181c-3p/LIF axis to regulate low dose-rate radiation-induced DNA damage in human B lymphocytes.

PURPOSE: Prolonged exposure to low dose-rate radiation (LDRR) is of growing concern to public health. Recent evidences indicates that LDRR causes deleterious health effects and is closely related to miRNAs. The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between miRNAs and DNA damage caused by LDRR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we irradiated C57BL/6J mice with 12.5µGy/h dose of γ ray emitted from uranium ore for 8 h a day for 120 days at a total dose of 12 mGy, and identified differentially expressed miRNAs from the mice long-term exposed to LDRR through isolating serum RNAs, constructing small RNA library, Illumina sequencing. To further investigate the role of differential miRNA under LDRR，we first built DNA damage model in Immortal B cells irradiated with 12.5µGy/h dose of γ ray for 28 days at a total dose of 9.4 mGy. Then, we chose the highly conserved miR-181c-3p among 12 miRNA and its mechanism in alleviating DNA damage induced by LDRR was studied by transfection, quantitative PCR, luciferase assay, and Western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We have found that 12 differentially expressed miRNAs including miR-181c-3p in serum isolated from irradiated mice. Analysis of GO and KEGG indicated that target genes of theses 12 miRNA enriched in pathways related to membrane, protein binding and cancer. Long-term exposure to LDRR induced upregulation of gamma-H2A histone family member X (γ-H2AX) expression, a classical biomarker for DNA damage in B cells. miR-181c-3p inhibited Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) expression via combining its 3'UTR. LIF, MDM2, p53, and p-p53-s6 were upregulated after exposure to LDRR. In irradiated B cells, Transfection of miR-181c-3p reduced γ-H2AX expression and suppressed LIF and MDM2 protein levels, whereas p-p53-s6 expression was increased. As expected, the effect of LIF inhibition on irradiated B cells was similar to miR-181c-3p overexpression. Our results suggest that LDRR alters miRNA expression and induces DNA damage. Furthermore, miR-181c-3p can alleviate LDRR-induced DNA damage via the LIF/MDM2/p-p53-s6 pathway in human B lymphocytes. This could provide the basis for prevention and treatment of LDRR injury.

Genome-Wide Identification of CHYR Gene Family in Sophora alopecuroides and Functional Analysis of SaCHYR4 in Response to Abiotic Stress.

Sophora alopecuroides has important uses in medicine, wind breaking, and sand fixation. The CHY-zinc-finger and RING-finger (CHYR) proteins are crucial for plant growth, development, and environmental adaptation; however, genetic data regarding the CHYR family remain scarce. We aimed to investigate the CHYR gene family in S. alopecuroides and its response to abiotic stress, and identified 18 new SaCHYR genes from S. alopecuroides whole-genome data, categorized into 3 subclasses through a phylogenetic analysis. Gene structure, protein domains, and conserved motifs analyses revealed an exon-intron structure and conserved domain similarities. A chromosome localization analysis showed distribution across 12 chromosomes. A promoter analysis revealed abiotic stress-, light-, and hormone-responsive elements. An RNA-sequencing expression pattern analysis revealed positive responses of SaCHYR genes to salt, alkali, and drought stress. SaCHYR4 overexpression considerably enhanced alkali and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. These findings shed light on SaCHYR's function and the resistance mechanisms of S. alopecuroides, presenting new genetic resources for crop resistance breeding.

Identification and target of action of cholecystokinin-releasing peptides from simulated digestion hydrolysate of wheat protein.

BACKGROUND: Wheat protein intake leads to improved appetite control. However, the active components causing appetite in wheat have not been fully clarified. Gut cholecystokinin (CCK) plays a vital role in appetite control. This study aimed to investigate the ability of wheat protein digest (WPD) to stimulate CCK secretion and clarify the active components and target of action. RESULTS: WPD was prepared by a simulated gastrointestinal digestion model. WPD treatment with a concentration of 5 mg mL-1 significantly stimulated CCK secretion in enteroendocrine STC-1 cells (P < 0.05). Furthermore, oral gavage with WPD in mice significantly increased plasma CCK level at 60 min (P < 0.01). Preparative C18 column separation was used to isolate peptide fractions associated with CCK secretion and peptide sequences were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A new CCK-releasing peptide, RYIVPL, that potently stimulated CCK secretion was successfully identified. After pretreatment with a specific calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) antagonist, NPS 2143, CCK secretion induced by WPD or RYIVPL was greatly suppressed, suggesting that CaSR was involved in WPD- or RYIVPL-induced CCK secretion. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that WPD has an ability to stimulate CCK secretion in vitro and in vivo, and determined that peptide RYIVPL in WPD could stimulate CCK secretion through CaSR. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of Whey Protein Isolate and Xanthan Gum on the Functionality and in vitro Digestibility of Raw and Cooked Chestnut Flours.

Due to the limitations of the properties of chestnut flour, its applications have been restricted. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of whey protein isolate (WPI) and xanthan gum (XG) on the functional and digestive properties of chestnut flour, specifically focusing on gel texture, solubility and swelling power, water absorption capacity, freeze-thaw stability and starch digestibility. The addition of both WPI and XG reduced the gel hardness, gumminess and chewiness of the co-gelatinized and physically mixed samples. Furthermore, the inclusion of physically mixed WPI and XG led to an increase in the solubility (from 58.2 to 75.0%) and water absorption capacity (from 3.11 to 5.45 g/g) of chestnut flour. The swelling power of the chestnut flour was inhibited by both additives. WPI was superior to XG at maintaining freeze-thaw stability, by reducing the syneresis from 71.9 to 68.1%. Additionally, WPI and XG contributed to the inhibition of starch hydrolysis in the early stage of digestion, resulting in a lower starch digestibility of chestnut flours. This research provides insights into the interaction mechanisms between WPI, XG, and chestnut flour, offering valuable information for the development of chestnut flour products with enhanced properties.

Synergy of Photogenerated Electrons and Holes toward Efficient Photocatalytic Urea Synthesis from CO2 and N2.

Directly coupling N2 and CO2 to synthesize urea by photocatalysis paves a sustainable route for urea synthesis, but its performance is limited by the competition of photogenerated electrons between N2 and CO2, as well as the underutilized photogenerated holes. Herein, we report an efficient urea synthesis process involving photogenerated electrons and holes in respectively converting CO2 and N2 over a redox heterojunction consisting of WO3 and Ni single-atom-decorated CdS (Ni1-CdS/WO3). For the photocatalytic urea synthesis from N2 and CO2 in pure water, Ni1-CdS/WO3 attained a urea yield rate of 78 µM h-1 and an apparent quantum yield of 0.15 % at 385 nm, which ranked among the best photocatalytic urea synthesis performance reported. Mechanistic studies reveal that the N2 was converted into NO species by ⋅OH radicals generated from photogenerated holes over the WO3 component, meanwhile, the CO2 was transformed into *CO species over the Ni site by photogenerated electrons. The generated NO and *CO species were further coupled to form *OCNO intermediate, then gradually transformed into urea. This work emphasizes the importance of reasonably utilizing photogenerated holes in photocatalytic reduction reactions.

Mannose enhances intestinal immune barrier function and dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced colitis in mice by regulating intestinal microbiota.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) greatly affects human quality of life. Mannose has been reported to be used to treat IBD, but the mechanism is currently unknown. Methods: C57/BL mice were used as research subjects, and the mouse acute colitis model was induced using dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS). After oral administration of mannose, the body weights and disease activity index (DAI) scores of the mice were observed. The colon lengths, histopathological sections, fecal content microbial sequencing, colon epithelial inflammatory genes, and tight junction protein Occludin-1 expression levels were measured. We further used the feces of mice that had been orally administered mannose to perform fecal bacterial transplantation on the mice with DSS-induced colitis and detected the colitis-related indicators. Results: Oral administration of mannose increased body weights and colon lengths and reduced DAI scores in mice with DSS-induced colitis. In addition, it reduced the expression of colon inflammatory genes and the levels of serum inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß), further enhancing the expression level of the colonic Occludin-1 protein and alleviating the toxic response of DSS to the intestinal epithelium of the mice. In addition, gut microbial sequencing revealed that mannose increased the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora. Additionally, after using the feces of the mannose-treated mice to perform fecal bacterial transplantation on the mice with DSS-induced colitis, they showed the same phenotype as the mannose-treated mice, and both of them alleviated the intestinal toxic reaction induced by the DSS. It also reduced the expression of intestinal inflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß) and enhanced the expression level of the colonic Occludin-1 protein. Conclusion: Mannose can treat DSS-induced colitis in mice, possibly by regulating intestinal microorganisms to enhance the intestinal immune barrier function and reduce the intestinal inflammatory response.

Identification of the changes in the platelet proteomic profile of elderly individuals.

Background: Platelet hyperreactivity is a risk factor for thrombosis in elderly patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism of platelet hyperactivation has not been elucidated. This study aims to investigate alterations in the proteomes of platelets and their correlation with platelet hyperreactivity among elderly individuals. Methods: This study included 10 young (28.1 ± 1.9 years), 10 middle-aged (60.4 ± 2.2 years), and 10 old (74.2 ± 3.0 years) subjects. Washed platelets were used in the present study. Platelet samples were analysed by using data-independent acquisition (DIA) quantitative mass spectrometry (MS). Results: The results showed that the platelet proteomic profile exhibited high similarity between the young and middle-aged groups. However, there were significant differences in protein expression profiles between the old group and the young group. By exploring the dynamic changes in the platelet proteome with ageing, clusters of proteins that changed significantly with ageing were selected for further investigation. These clusters were related to the initial triggering of complement, phagosome and haemostasis based on enrichment analysis. We found that platelet degranulation was the major characteristic of the differentially expressed proteins between the old and young populations. Moreover, complement activation, the calcium signalling pathway and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling pathway were enriched in differentially expressed proteins. Conclusions: The present study showed that there are obvious differences in the protein profiles of the elderly compared with young and middle-aged populations. The results provide novel evidence showing changes in platelet hyperactivity and susceptibility to thrombosis in the elderly population.

Untangling the environmental and tectonic drivers of the Noto earthquake swarm in Japan.

The underlying mechanism of the ongoing seismic swarm in the Noto Peninsula, Japan, which generates earthquakes at 10 times the average regional rate, remains elusive. We capture the evolution of the subsurface stress state by monitoring changes in seismic wave velocities over an 11-year period. A sustained long-term increase in seismic velocity that is seasonally modulated drops before the earthquake swarm. We use a three-dimensional hydromechanical model to quantify environmentally driven variations in excess pore pressure, revealing its crucial role in governing the seasonal modulation with a stress sensitivity of 6 × 10-9 per pascal. The decrease in seismic velocity aligns with vertical surface uplift, suggesting potential fluid migration from a high-pore pressure zone at depth. Stress changes induced by abnormally intense snow falls contribute to initiating the swarm through subsequent perturbations to crustal pore pressure.

Intestinal Absorption of Nanoparticles to Reduce Oxidative Stress and Vasoconstriction for Treating Diabetic Nephropathy.

The etiology of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is complex, and the incidence is increasing year by year. The patient's kidney showed oxidative stress damage, increasing active oxygen species (ROS) content, and vasoconstriction. Due to poor drug solubility and low renal accumulation, the current treatment regimens have not effectively alleviated glomerulopathy and other kidney damage caused by DN. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore new treatment strategies and drug delivery systems. Here, we constructed an oral nanodelivery system (Tel/CAN@CS-DA) that reduced oxidative stress and vasoconstriction. Deoxycholic acid (DA)-modified nanoparticles entered into intestinal epithelial cells (Caco2 cells) via the bile acid biomimetic pathway, then escaped from the lysosomes and eventually spat out the cells, increasing the oral absorption of nanoparticles. Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles could achieve renal targeting through specific binding with a renal giant protein receptor and deliver drugs to renal tubule epithelial cells (HK-2 cells). In vitro studies also proved that telmisartan (Tel) and canagliflozin (CAN) effectively removed cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced HK-2 cell apoptosis caused by high glucose. In the in vivo model induced by streptozotocin (STZ), the results showed that the nanosystem not only elevated AMPK protein expression, inhibited angiotensin II (Ang II) protein expression to effectively reduce oxidative stress level, dilated renal blood vessels but also reduced the degree of inflammation and fibrosis. Overall, Tel/CAN@CS-DA multifunctional oral nanosystem can effectively treat DN with low toxicity, which provides a new idea for the treatment of DN.

Pushing the thinness limit of silver films for flexible optoelectronic devices via ion-beam thinning-back process.

Reducing the silver film to 10 nm theoretically allows higher transparency but in practice leads to degraded transparency and electrical conductivity because the ultrathin film tends to be discontinuous. Herein, we developed a thinning-back process to address this dilemma, in which silver film is first deposited to a larger thickness with high continuity and then thinned back to a reduced thickness with an ultrasmooth surface, both implemented by a flood ion beam. Contributed by the shallow implantation of silver atoms into the substrate during deposition, the thinness of silver films down to 4.5 nm can be obtained, thinner than ever before. The atomic-level surface smooth permits excellent visible transparency, electrical conductivity, and the lowest haze among all existing transparent conductors. Moreover, the ultrathin silver film exhibits the unique robustness of mechanical flexibility. Therefore, the ion-beam thinning-back process presents a promising solution towards the excellent transparent conductor for flexible optoelectronic devices.

Element-dependent effects of alkali cations on nitrate reduction to ammonia.

Catalytic conversion of nitrate (NO3-) pollutants into ammonia (NH3) offers a sustainable and promising route for both wastewater treatment and NH3 synthesis. Alkali cations are prevalent in nitrate solutions, but their roles beyond charge balance in catalytic NO3- conversion have been generally ignored. Herein, we report the promotion effect of K+ cations in KNO3 solution for NO3- reduction over a TiO2-supported Ni single-atom catalyst (Ni1/TiO2). For photocatalytic NO3- reduction reaction, Ni1/TiO2 exhibited a 1.9-fold NH3 yield rate with nearly 100% selectivity in KNO3 solution relative to that in NaNO3 solution. Mechanistic studies reveal that the K+ cations from KNO3 gradually bonded with the surface of Ni1/TiO2, in situ forming a K-O-Ni moiety during reaction, whereas the Na+ ions were unable to interact with the catalyst in NaNO3 solution. The charge accumulation on the Ni sites induced by the incorporation of K atom promoted the adsorption and activation of NO3-. Furthermore, the K-O-Ni moiety facilitated the multiple proton-electron coupling of NO3- into NH3 by stabilizing the intermediates.