ABSTRACT
The nature of the active sites and their structure sensitivity are the keys to rational design of efficient catalysts but have been debated for almost one century in heterogeneous catalysis. Though the Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi (BEP) relationship along with linear scaling relation has long been used to study the reactivity, explicit geometry, and composition properties are absent in this relationship, a fact that prevents its exploration in structure sensitivity of supported catalysts. In this work, based on interpretable multitask symbolic regression and a comprehensive first-principles data set, we discovered a structure descriptor, the topological under-coordinated number mediated by number of valence electrons and the lattice constant, to successfully address the structure sensitivity of metal catalysts. The database used for training, testing, and transferability investigation includes bond-breaking barriers of 20 distinct chemical bonds over 10 transition metals, two metal crystallographic phases, and 17 different facets. The resulting 2D descriptor composing the structure term and the reaction energy term shows great accuracy to predict the reaction barriers and generalizability over the data set with diverse chemical bonds in symmetry, bond order, and steric hindrance. The theory is physical and concise, providing a constructive strategy not only to understand the structure sensitivity but also to decipher the entangled geometric and electronic effects of metal catalysts. The insights revealed are valuable for the rational design of the site-specific metal catalysts.
ABSTRACT
Effective therapeutic targets and early diagnosis are major challenges in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers. SALL4 is a well-known transcription factor that is involved in organogenesis during embryonic development. Previous studies have revealed that SALL4 regulates cell proliferation, survival, and migration and maintains stem cell function in mature cells. Additionally, SALL4 overexpression is associated with tumorigenesis. Despite its characterization as a biomarker in various cancers, the role of SALL4 in GIT cancers and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We describe the functions of SALL4 in GIT cancers and discuss its upstream/downstream genes and pathways associated with each cancer. We also consider the possibility of targeting these genes or pathways as potential therapeutic options for GIT cancers.
Subject(s)
Gastrointestinal Neoplasms , Transcription Factors , Humans , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/genetics , Stem Cells/metabolism , Embryonic Development , Cell Line, TumorABSTRACT
Calcium ion batteries (CIBs) are considered as promising candidates for the next-generation large-scale energy storage technologies, due to the abundant resources and bivalent properties of calcium. Herein, based on first principles calculations, we systematically explore the performance of B5N3 as an electrode material for chargeable CIBs. Specifically, the adsorption of the Ca atom effectively reduces the band gap of B5N3, leading to good electrical conductivity. Additionally, the B5N3 monolayer can achieve an effective double-layered adsorption of Ca atoms on both sides of the monolayer surface, thus exhibiting an ultra-high theoretical capacity of 4463 mA h g-1 (Ca) compared with the capacities of Na (2231 mA h g-1), Li (1116 mA h g-1) and K (558 mA h g-1). The high capacity is attributed to the multiple empty electron orbitals of the constituent elements of B5N3 and low distance mismatch which can exhibit excellent adsorption properties for multivalent atoms. Furthermore, the low diffusion energy barriers and satisfactory thermal stability ensure the reliability of B5N3 as a CIB electrode material. Our work not only develops an excellent candidate for the electrode materials of CIBs, but may also inspire the rational design and synthesis of electrode materials towards high-performance CIBs.
ABSTRACT
Mechanical memory meant the mechanical properties of the matrix could influence the cell fate even after the matrix was changed and has been justified in many kinds of cells. To utilize the phenomenon to improve periodontal tissue engineering, we studied whether mechanical memory existed in human periodontal ligament stem cells and testified if ILK plays a role in this process. The substrate of different stiffness was fabricated by gelatin methacrylate hydrogel. Two groups of hPDLSCs with stiff (St) and soft (So) matrix, respectively, were cultivated. Then, half of the cells exchanged their matrix stiffness in the fourth passage and therefore So, St, So-St, and St-So were formed. Morphology of hPDLSCs and intracellular location of YAP was observed via fluorescence staining, osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs was assessed by real-time PCR, ALP staining, and Western blot. Then, all these were reassessed after the ILK gene had been knocked down. The results showed that morphology and YAP location of hPDLSCs were different between matrix changed and unchanged groups; osteogenic genes expression, ALP staining, and Western blot also varied. After the ILK gene had been knocked down, the YAP location and osteogenic activity of hPDLSCs were significantly influenced. Thus, it could be concluded that mechanical memory exists in hPDLSCs; ILK is involved in this process.
Subject(s)
Osteogenesis , Periodontal Ligament , Humans , Osteogenesis/genetics , Cells, Cultured , Stem Cells , Cell Differentiation , Cell ProliferationABSTRACT
d-pantolactone is an intermediate in the synthesis of d-pantothenic acid, which is known as vitamin B5. The commercial synthesis of d-pantolactone is carried out through the selective resolution of dl-pantolactone catalyzed by lactone hydrolase. In contrast to a kinetic resolution approach, the deracemization of dl-pantolactone is a simpler, greener, and more sustainable way to obtain d-pantolactone with high optical purity. Herein, an efficient three-enzyme cascade was developed for the deracemization of dl-pantolactone, using l-pantolactone dehydrogenase from Amycolatopsis methanolica (AmeLPLDH), conjugated polyketone reductase from Zygosaccharomyces parabailii (ZpaCPR), and glucose dehydrogenase from Bacillus subtilis (BsGDH). The AmeLPLDH was used to catalyze the dehydrogenated l-pantolactone into ketopantolactone; the ZpaCPR was used to further catalyze the ketopantolactone into d-pantolactone; and glucose dehydrogenase together with glucose fulfilled the function of coenzyme regeneration. All three enzymes were co-expressed in E. coli strain BL21(DE3), which served as the whole-cell biocatalyst. Under optimized conditions, 36 h deracemization of 1.25 M dl-pantolactone d-pantolactone led to an e.e.p value of 98.6%, corresponding to productivity of 107.7 g/(l·d).
Subject(s)
4-Butyrolactone , Escherichia coli , Glucose 1-DehydrogenaseABSTRACT
Learning microscopic properties of a material from its macroscopic measurables is a grand and challenging goal in physical science. Conventional wisdom is to first identify material structures exploiting characterization tools, such as spectroscopy, and then to infer properties of interest, often with assistance of theory and simulations. This indirect approach has limitations due to the accumulation of errors from retrieving structures from spectral signals and the lack of quantitative structure-property relationship. A new pathway directly from spectral signals to microscopic properties is highly desirable, as it would offer valuable guidance toward materials evaluation and design via spectroscopic measurements. Herein, we exploit machine-learned vibrational spectroscopy to establish quantitative spectrum-property relationships. Key interaction properties of substrate-adsorbate systems, including adsorption energy and charge transfer, are quantitatively determined directly from Infrared and Raman spectroscopic signals of the adsorbates. The machine-learned spectrum-property relationships are presented as mathematical formulas, which are physically interpretable and therefore transferrable to a series of metal/alloy surfaces. The demonstrated ability of quantitative determination of hard-to-measure microscopic properties using machine-learned spectroscopy will significantly broaden the applicability of conventional spectroscopic techniques for materials design and high throughput screening under operando conditions.
Subject(s)
Spectrum Analysis, Raman , Vibration , Adsorption , Machine Learning , Spectrum Analysis, Raman/methods , Surface PropertiesABSTRACT
Redox-active organic materials, as a new generation of sustainable resources, are receiving increasing attention in zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) due to their resource abundance and tunable structure. However, organic molecules with high potential are rare, and the voltage of most reported organic cathode-based ZIBs is less than 1.2â V. Herein, we explored the redox process of p-type organics and figured out the relationship between energy change and voltage output during the process. Then, we proposed a dual-step strategy to effectively tune the energy change and eventually improve the output voltage of the organic electrode. Combining the regulation of the electron cloud of organic molecules and the manipulation of the solvation structure, the output voltage of an organosulfur compound based ZIB was greatly increased from 0.8â V to 1.7â V. Our results put forward a specific pathway to improve the working voltage and lay the foundation for the practical application of organic electrodes.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: α,ß-Unsaturated aldehydes are widely used in the organic synthesis of fine chemicals for application in products such as flavoring agents, fragrances and pharmaceuticals. In the selective oxidation of α,ß-unsaturated alcohols to the corresponding α,ß-unsaturated aldehydes, it remains challenging to overcome poor selectivity, overoxidation and a low atom efficiency in chemical routes. RESULTS: An E. coli strain coexpressing the NADP+-specific alcohol dehydrogenase YsADH and the oxygen-dependent NADPH oxidase TkNOX was constructed; these components enabled the NADP+ regeneration and catalyzed the oxidation of 100 mM 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol to 3-methyl-2-butenal with a yield of 21.3%. The oxygen supply was strengthened by introducing the hemoglobin protein VsHGB into recombinant E. coli cells and replacing the atmosphere of the reactor with pure oxygen, which increased the yield to 51.3%. To further improve catalytic performance, the E. coli cells expressing the multifunctional fusion enzyme YsADH-(GSG)-TkNOX-(GSG)-VsHGB were generated, which completely converted 250 mM 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol to 3-methyl-2-butenal after 8 h of whole-cell oxidation. The reaction conditions for the cascade biocatalysis were optimized, in which supplementation with 0.2 mM FAD and 0.4 mM NADP+ was essential for maintaining high catalytic activity. Finally, the established whole-cell system could serve as a platform for the synthesis of valuable α,ß-unsaturated aldehydes through the selective oxidation of various α,ß-unsaturated alcohols. CONCLUSIONS: The construction of a strain expressing the fusion enzyme YsADH-(GSG)-TkNOX-(GSG)-VsHGB achieved efficient NADP+ regeneration and the selective oxidation of various α,ß-unsaturated alcohols to the corresponding α,ß-unsaturated aldehydes. Among the available redox enzymes, the fusion enzyme YsADH-(GSG)-TkNOX-(GSG)-VsHGB has become the most recent successful example to improve catalytic performance in comparison with its separate components.
Subject(s)
Alcohol Oxidoreductases/metabolism , Alcohols/metabolism , Aldehydes/metabolism , Escherichia coli/metabolism , Hemoglobins/metabolism , NADPH Oxidases/metabolism , Alcohol Oxidoreductases/genetics , Alcohols/chemistry , Aldehydes/chemistry , Biocatalysis , Chromatography, Gas/methods , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods , Escherichia coli/genetics , NADPH Oxidases/genetics , Oxidation-Reduction , Substrate SpecificityABSTRACT
The importance of yeast old yellow enzymes is increasingly recognized for direct asymmetric reduction of (E/Z)-citral to (R)-citronellal. As one of the most performing old yellow enzymes, the enzyme OYE3 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C exhibited complementary enantioselectivity for the reduction of (E)-citral and (Z)-citral, resulting in lower e.e. value of (R)-citronellal in the reduction of (E/Z)-citral. To develop a novel approach for the direct synthesis of enantio-pure (R)-citronellal from the reduction of (E/Z)-citral, the enzyme OYE3 was firstly modified by semi-rational design to improve its (R)-enantioselectivity. The OYE3 variants W116A and S296F showed strict (R)-enantioselectivity in the reduction of (E)-citral, and significantly reversed the (S)-enantioselectivity in the reduction of (Z)-citral. Next, the double substitution of OYE3 led to the unique variant S296F/W116G, which exhibited strict (R)-enantioselectivity in the reduction of (E)-citral and (E/Z)-citral, but was not active on (Z)-citral. Relying on its capability discriminating (E)-citral and (Z)-citral, a new cascade reaction catalyzed by the OYE3 variant S296F/W116G and glucose dehydrogenase was developed, providing the enantio-pure (R)-citronellal and the retained (Z)-citral after complete reduction of (E)-citral.
Subject(s)
Acyclic Monoterpenes/metabolism , NADPH Dehydrogenase/metabolism , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/metabolism , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/enzymology , Aldehydes/metabolism , Catalysis , Glucose 1-Dehydrogenase/metabolismABSTRACT
Pseudocapacitive behavior and ion hybrid capacitors can improve the energy density of supercapacitors, but research has only considered the reaction of cations during the electrochemical process, leading to a flawed mechanistic understanding. Here, the effects of various anions carriers on the electrochemical behaviors of titanium nitride-based zinc ion capacitor (Zn-TiN capacitor) were explored. DFT calculations revealed the stable structure of TiN-SO4 after adsorbed process, enabling SO4 2- participate in the electrochemical process and construct a two-step adsorption and intercalation energy storage mechanism, improving the capacitance and anti-self-discharge ability of the Zn-TiN capacitor, which delivered an ultrahigh capacitance of 489.8â F g-1 and retained 83.92 % of capacitance even after 500â h resting time. An energy storage system involving anions in the electrochemical process can improve capacitance and anti-self-discharge ability of ion hybrid capacitors.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mechanical stimuli can cause periodontal tissue reconstruction. Studies have found that changes in metabolites can be the terminal effect of integrin-mediated mechanical signaling. As a key kinase in integrin regulation, integrin-linked kinase (ILK) mediates mechanical signal transduction, which may contribute to metabolite changes. Defining the components of small-molecule metabolites can optimize mechanical stimuli and periodontal tissue reconstruction. Our purpose is to detect the effect of ILK-mediated mechanical signaling on intracellular small-molecule metabolites (amino acids and organic acids) in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs). METHODS: Primary HPDLFs were isolated by enzyme digestion method. Tensile stresses were applied on HPDLFs in vitro using a Flexcell system. ILK gene in HPDLFs was knocked down by RNA interference (RNAi). Twenty common amino acids and seven organic acids in HPDLFs were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry technique. RESULTS: Five amino acids (ie, alanine, glutamine, glutamate, glycine, and threonine) and three organic acids (ie, pyruvate, lactate, and citric acid) were found to be changed remarkably after mechanical stretching. In addition, baseline levels of four amino acids (ie, glutamate, glutamine, threonine, and glycine) and two organic acids (ie, lactate and citric acid) were significantly different in ILK knockdown compared with wild-type HPDLFs. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that five amino acids (ie, alanine, glutamine, glutamate, glycine, and threonine) and three organic acids (ie, pyruvate, lactate, and citric acid) may act as cellular mediators for mechanical signals in HPDLFs. Among them, four amino acids (ie, glutamate, glutamine, threonine, and glycine) and two organic acids (ie, lactate and citric acid) may be closely linked to ILK.
Subject(s)
Fibroblasts/enzymology , Mechanotransduction, Cellular , Periodontal Ligament/cytology , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/physiology , Stress, Mechanical , Amino Acids , Cells, Cultured , Citric Acid , Fibroblasts/cytology , Gene Knockdown Techniques , Humans , Lactic Acid , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics , Pyruvic Acid , RNA InterferenceABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in mediating the cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) in response to cyclic tensile stress. METHODS: Primary hPDLCs were obtained through the enzyme digestion and tissue culture method. Short hairpin ILK-expressing hPDLCs were constructed using a recombinant lentiviral vector that specifically targeted ILK gene expression. The silencing of the ILK gene was identified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The hPDLCs were seeded on a flexible substrate and loaded with cyclic tensile stress at 0.5 Hz for 0, 2, 4, and 8 hr, consecutively, with the Flexcell Tension System. The response of cell migration was tested by the scratch assay. Cell proliferation was characterized by optical density (OD) value of cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) test and Ki67 mRNA expression of qRT-PCR. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and Caspase-3 mRNA expression of qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Knocking down ILK substantially reduces migration and proliferation as well as regulates the sensitivity of hPDLCs to apoptosis under cyclic tensile stress. CONCLUSIONS: ILK can promote the proliferation and migration as well as inhibit apoptosis of hPDLCs under cyclic tensile stress.
Subject(s)
Apoptosis , Periodontal Ligament , Cell Movement , Cell Proliferation , Cells, Cultured , Humans , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases , RNA, Small InterferingABSTRACT
The characteristic sizes of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based devices are constantly being reduced. However, this continuing miniaturization is still facing many problems and requires innovative ideas and structures. By regular doping of boron and nitrogen atoms in a semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT), we have constructed a nano-scale junction with rectifying characteristics. The I-V curve of our junction resembles the I-V curve of an ideal diode with a p-n junction. This junction channel is about 0.6 nm wide and 3.4 nm long, and the footprint is 5.1 nm long. Under a 0.5 V bias, the junction has a leakage current of -8.8 × 10-3 µA, a rectifying ratio Ion/Ioff of 0.716 × 103, and a current density of 10.52 mA µm-1. Our study also shows how different dopant distributions influence the I-V curve. Such a regular nano-scale doping method is effective and important, compared with the traditional random doping method.
ABSTRACT
In this article, a classification model based on the majority rule sorting (MR-Sort) method is employed to evaluate the vulnerability of safety-critical systems with respect to malevolent intentional acts. The model is built on the basis of a (limited-size) set of data representing (a priori known) vulnerability classification examples. The empirical construction of the classification model introduces a source of uncertainty into the vulnerability analysis process: a quantitative assessment of the performance of the classification model (in terms of accuracy and confidence in the assignments) is thus in order. Three different app oaches are here considered to this aim: (i) a model-retrieval-based approach, (ii) the bootstrap method, and (iii) the leave-one-out cross-validation technique. The analyses are presented with reference to an exemplificative case study involving the vulnerability assessment of nuclear power plants.
ABSTRACT
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with the destruction of supporting periodontal tissue. This study evaluated the role of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) in periodontitis by inhibiting the polarization of M1 macrophages via the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. IGF2 was enriched in the gingival tissue of murine periodontitis model identified by RNA sequencing. IGF2 application alleviated the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and promoted osteogenesis and the expression of related genes and proteins in a dose-dependent manner in periodontitis. The result of micro-CT verified this finding. Both in vivo and in vitro results revealed that IGF2 decreased the polarization of M1 macrophages and pro-inflammatory factors by immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, western blotting and RT-PCR. IGF2 application promoted the osteogenic ability of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) indirectly via its inhibition of M1 polarization evaluated by alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining. Then, the cGAS/STING pathway was upregulated in periodontitis and macrophages challenged by LPS, the inhibition of which led to downregulation of M1 polarization. Furthermore, IGF2 could downregulate cGAS, STING and the phosphorylation of P65. Collectively, our study indicates IGF2 can regulate the polarization of M1 macrophages via the cGAS/STING pathway and highlights the promising future of IGF2 as a therapeutic treatment for periodontitis.
Subject(s)
Insulin-Like Growth Factor II , Macrophages , Membrane Proteins , Nucleotidyltransferases , Periodontitis , Animals , Humans , Male , Mice , Bone Regeneration/drug effects , Cells, Cultured , Disease Models, Animal , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Insulin-Like Growth Factor II/metabolism , Macrophages/immunology , Macrophages/drug effects , Macrophages/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/genetics , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Nucleotidyltransferases/metabolism , Osteogenesis/drug effects , Periodontal Ligament/metabolism , Periodontal Ligament/cytology , Periodontal Ligament/pathology , Periodontitis/immunology , Periodontitis/metabolism , Periodontitis/drug therapy , Signal TransductionABSTRACT
Sulfur-containing fuels, such as petroleum fuels, natural gas, and biofuels, produce SO2, SO3, and other highly toxic gases upon combustion, which are harmful to human health and the environment, making it essential to understand their thermochemical properties. This study used high-level quantum chemistry calculations to determine thermodynamic parameters, including entropy, enthalpy, and specific heat capacity for an extensive set of sulfur-containing species. The B3LYP/cc-pVTZ level of theory was used for geometry optimization, vibration frequency, and dihedral scan calculations. To determine an appropriate ab initio method for energy calculation, the Bland-Altman diagram, a statistical analysis method, was employed to visualize the 298 K enthalpy value between experimental data and three sets of ab initio methods: G3, CBS-QB3, and the average of G3 plus CBS-QB3. The CBS-QB3 method exhibited the highest accuracy and was eventually selected for the energy calculation in this study. Thermochemical property parameters were then calculated with the MultiWell program suite for all these sulfur-containing species, and the results were in good agreement with the thermochemical data of organic compounds and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Chemistry WebBook databases. The thermochemical property database established in this study is essential to studying sulfur-containing species in desulfurization.
ABSTRACT
The high redox potential of Zn0/2+ leads to low voltage of Zn batteries and therefore low energy density, plaguing deployment of Zn batteries in many energy-demanding applications. Though employing high-voltage cathode like spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 can increase the voltages of Zn batteries, Zn2+ ions will be immobilized in LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 once intercalated, resulting in irreversibility. Here, we design a polymer hetero-electrolyte consisting of an anode layer with Zn2+ ions as charge carriers and a cathode layer that blocks the Zn2+ ion shuttle, which allows separated Zn and Li reversibility. As such, the ZnâLNMO cell exhibits up to 2.4 V discharge voltage and 450 stable cycles with high reversible capacity, which are also attained in a scale-up pouch cell. The pouch cell shows a low self-discharge after resting for 28 days. The designed electrolyte paves the way to develop high-voltage Zn batteries based on reversible lithiated cathodes.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to take osteopontin (OPN) as molecular target to study its effects on injured intima model of carotid artery in rat using perivascular transfer of OPN-small interference RNA (siRNA). OPN mRNA in cultured VSMCs was quantified by real-time RT-PCR, and OPN-siRNA-002 was determined as the most sensitive sequence and used as transfected siRNA in the subsequent animal experiments. We established rat carotid arterial intima-injured model with balloon-injured method, and then perivascularly transfected OPN-siRNA-002 to study the role of OPN-siRNA in regulating several related genes including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), transforming growth factor ß1(TGF-ß1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14), as well as its role in neointimal formation. OPN mRNA and protein decreased about 50 % with corresponding decrease in intima thickness after transfecting with specific OPN-siRNA-002 compared with Pluronic control group and OPN-SCR-siRNA group on each time point (n = 6, p < 0.001), and this inhibiting effects persisted up to 14 days after balloon injury. PCNA, TGF-ß1, MMP-2, and MMP-14 mRNA and protein correlated directly with the respective levels of OPN, suggesting its functions via regulating these downstream factors (n = 6, p < 0.001). OPN may be a potential target gene in reducing the risk for arterial restenosis after vascular intervention.
Subject(s)
Carotid Artery Injuries/pathology , Carotid Artery, Common/pathology , Neointima/pathology , Osteopontin/genetics , RNA Interference , RNA, Small Interfering/genetics , Animals , Carotid Artery Injuries/etiology , Carotid Artery, Common/metabolism , Cell Proliferation , Cells, Cultured , Down-Regulation , Gene Expression , Hyperplasia/etiology , Hyperplasia/pathology , Hyperplasia/prevention & control , Male , Matrix Metalloproteinase 14/genetics , Matrix Metalloproteinase 14/metabolism , Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/genetics , Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/metabolism , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism , Osteopontin/metabolism , Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/adverse effects , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Postoperative Complications/pathology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Vascular System Injuries/etiology , Vascular System Injuries/pathologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Depletion of early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1) by a DNA enzyme, ED5, inhibits neointimal hyperplasia (NH) following vascular injury by an unknown mechanism. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of ED5 in a rat carotid injury model in order to elucidate the mechanism by which ED5 inhibits NH. METHODS: ED5 was transfected into the arterial wall of Wistar rats using FuGENE6 transfection reagent following artery balloon injury. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis were used to characterize the response to ED5. RESULTS: NH decreased significantly in the ED5- plus FuGENE6-treated rats (p < 0.05) compared with the control groups, and this was accompanied by a reduced inflammatory response. Egr-1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased in the ED5-treated group, as expected. The decrease in Egr-1 was accompanied by decreases in the mRNA and protein levels of PDGF-BB, Cyclin D1, CDK4, MCP-1, and ICAM-1 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Transfection of the Egr-1-specific synthetic DNA enzyme ED5 significantly reduced NH after injury in rats, at least in part, as a result of decreased expression of downstream proliferative genes such as PDGF-BB, Cyclin D1, CDK4, and the inflammatory factors MCP-1 and ICAM-1.
Subject(s)
Carotid Arteries/pathology , Carotid Artery Injuries/drug therapy , DNA, Single-Stranded/administration & dosage , Early Growth Response Protein 1/antagonists & inhibitors , Neointima/prevention & control , Animals , Becaplermin , Carotid Artery Injuries/metabolism , Carotid Artery Injuries/pathology , Cyclin D1/metabolism , Early Growth Response Protein 1/metabolism , Hyperplasia/prevention & control , Male , Neointima/metabolism , Neointima/pathology , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis/metabolism , Random Allocation , Rats , Rats, WistarABSTRACT
With the triboelectric nanogenerator developing in recent years, it has gradually become a promising alternative to fossil energy and batteries. Its rapid advancements also promote the combination of triboelectric nanogenerators and textiles. However, the limited stretchability of fabric-based triboelectric nanogenerators hindered their development in wearable electronic devices. Here, in combination with the polyamide (PA) conductive yarn, polyester multifilament, and polyurethane yarn, a highly stretchable woven fabric-based triboelectric nanogenerator (SWF-TENG) with the three elementary weaves is developed. Different from the normal woven fabric without elasticity, the loom tension of the elastic warp yarn is much larger than non-elastic warp yarn in the weaving process, which results in the high elasticity of the woven fabric coming from the loom. Based on the unique and creative woven method, SWF-TENGs are qualified with excellent stretchability (up to 300%), flexibility, comfortability, and excellent mechanical stability. It also exhibits good sensitivity and fast responsibility to the external tensile strain, which can be used as a bend-stretch sensor to detect and identify human gait. Its collected power under pressure mode is capable of lighting up 34 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by only hand-tapping the fabric. SWF-TENG can be mass-manufactured by using the weaving machine, which decreases fabricating costs and accelerates industrialization. Based on these merits, this work provides a promising direction toward stretchable fabric-based TENGs with wide applications in wearable electronics, including energy harvesting and self-powered sensing.