Utilizing Cationic Vacancies and Spontaneous Polarization on Cathode to Enhance Zinc-Ion Storage and Inhibit Dendrite Growth in Zinc-Ion Batteries.

High energy density and intrinsic safety are the central pursuits in developing rechargeable Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). The capacity and stability of nickel cobalt oxide (NCO) cathode are unsatisfactory because of its semiconductor character. Herein, we propose a built-in electric field (BEF) approach by synergizing cationic vacancies and ferroelectric spontaneous polarization on cathode side to facilitate electron adsorption and suppress zinc dendrite growth on the anode side. Concretely, NCO with cationic vacancies was constructed to expand lattice spacing for enhanced zinc-ion storage. Heterojunction with BEF leads to the Heterojunction//Zn cell exhibiting a capacity of 170.3 mAh g-1 at 400 mA g-1 and delivering a competitive capacity retention of 83.3 % over 3000 cycles at 2 A g-1 . We conclude the role of spontaneous polarization in suppressing zinc dendrite growth dynamics, which is conducive to developing high-capacity and high-safety batteries via tailoring defective materials with ferroelectric polarization on the cathode.

Single-shot phase-shifting image-plane digital holography with tri-focal Fibonacci-Billet split lens.

Phase-shifting holography has been widely applied in the field of non-destructive testing and interference imaging. Compared to the previous single-shot phase-shifting holography, here tri-focal Fibonacci-Billet split lens was introduced into Mach-Zehnder interferometer, in which the upper half of the Fibonacci-Billet split lens can realize three phase-locking copies of the planar reference wave and the lower half is used to generate three identical copies of object. The interference pattern is recorded by a detector in one single exposure. The test object can be reconstructed by three-step phase-shifting interferometry. The corresponding experiment is carried out to verify the effectiveness of this method. With advantages of real-time reconstruction and amplitude-only diffraction lens, it is very useful for fast imaging and optical element detection.

To reduce premature drug release while ensuring burst intracellular drug release of solid lipid nanoparticle-based drug delivery system with clathrin modification.

Nanoscale drug delivery system (NDDS) with slow premature drug release (PDR) while ensuring burst intracellular drug release (BIDR) is becoming a hot point in NDDS-based nanomedicine. Here we used clathrin to modify a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN)-based NDDS of salinomycin (SLN-SAL) to prepare NDDS with reduced PDR while ensuring BIDR. Drug-release-kinetic experiments revealed that clathrin modified SLN-SAL (CMSLN-SAL) reduced PDR while ensured BIDR of its prototype NDDS, SLN-SAL. Mechanism experiments revealed that clathrin modification reduced PDR of SLN-SAL through increasing the mechanical strength of SLN-SAL and ensured BIDR of SLN-SAL through lipid membrane fusion after its clathrin shell was de-polymerized by a cytoplasm enzyme, HSC70. In addition, CMSLN-SAL had significantly higher intracellular uptake and stronger inhibitive effects on cancer cells than that of SLN-SAL. These results demonstrated that clathrin modification is an effective way to reduce PDR while ensuring BIDR and increasing the anticancer effects of SLN-based NDDS.

Secretion of intestinal goblet cells: a novel excretion pathway of nanoparticles.

Understanding the excretion pathway is one of the most important prerequisites for the safe use of nanoparticles in biomedicine. However, the excretion of nanoparticles in animals remains largely unknown, except for some particles very small in size. Here we report a novel natural pathway for nanoparticle excretion, the intestinal goblet cell (GC) secretion pathway (IGCSP). Direct live observation of the behavior of 30-200nm activated carbon nanoparticles (ACNP) demonstrated that ACNP microinjected into the yolk sac of zebrafish can be excreted directly through intestinal tract without involving the hepato-biliary (hap-bile) system. Histopathological examination in mice after ligation of the common bile duct (CBD) demonstrated that the intravenously-injected ACNP were excreted into the gut lumen through the secretion of intestinal GCs. ACNP in various secretion phases were revealed by histopathological examination and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). IGCSP, in combination with renal and hap-bile pathways, constitutes a complete nanoparticle excretion mechanism. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR: Nanoparticle elimination pathways are in the forefront of interest in an effort to optimize and enable nanomedicine applications. This team of authors reports a novel natural pathway for nanoparticle excretion, the intestinal goblet cell (GC) secretion pathway (IGCSP). Direct live observation of the behavior of activated carbon nanoparticles has shown excretion directly through the intestinal tract without involving the hepato-biliary (hap-bile) system in a zebrafish model.

Preparation of Fe-BN-C catalysts derived from ZIF-8 and their performance in the oxygen reduction reaction.

Enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and stability of the fuel cell cathode electrocatalysts and reducing their costs are critical. In response to this need, Fe, B, and N co-doped hollow mesoporous carbon materials were prepared by a simple chemical doping one-step pyrolysis method using ZIF-8 as a precursor. The results showed that the optimized catalyst displayed a higher limiting current density (6.154 mA cm-2) and half-wave potential (0.859 V), which showed significant enhancement compared with the Pt/C catalyst (5.487 mA cm-2 and 0.853 V). Moreover, the optimized catalyst had outstanding long-term stability with a current density retention higher than 91% after 36 000 s of stability testing. This work provides a facile strategy for the design of outstanding ORR performance of non-precious metal oxygen reduction catalysts.

Enhanced adsorption and photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction and sterilization of defective MoS2/PVP.

The exploration of novel nanomaterials to resolve the issues of water pollution with the aid of photocatalytic technology has always been a research hotspot. MoS2 is acknowledged to be one of the promising photocatalysts for its interesting layered structure, suitable band gap, and good chemical stability. However, the fast recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes within the MoS2 impedes its extensive application. Here, hydrophilic polymer (polyvinyl pyrrolidone, PVP) and sulfur vacancy (Vs) are simultaneously introduced into the MoS2 nanosheets to achieve high-efficient photocatalytic hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) removal and antibacterial performance. The incorporation of PVP greatly enhances the adsorption capacity of MoS2, and creating Vs essentially strengthens the photogenerated carrier separation of MoS2. As a result, the Cr(VI) removal efficiency of MoS2-PVP with an appropriate Vs concentration is up to 99.5 % for 3 h. Meanwhile, MoS2-PVP with a relatively higher Vs concentration displays a superior Escherichia coli (E. coli) removal efficiency of 91.8 % within 30 min with the initial E. coli concentration of âˆ¼1.0 × 107 CFU/mL. This study extends photocatalysts to a higher level in designing advanced materials for environmental remediation and establishes a feasible platform for emphasizing the versatility of defect engineering in regulating catalytic activity.

Adsorbent-to-photocatalyst: Recycling heavy metal cadmium by natural clay mineral for visible-light-driven photocatalytic antibacterial.

High value-added recycling of hazardous substances emerges as one of the most promising directions in current society, which can simultaneously relieve the environmental burden and obtain useful products. Here, we propose a transformation strategy from adsorbent to photocatalyst by recycling heavy metal with natural clay mineral. Sepiolite is selected as an adsorbent for removing Cd2+ in wastewater due to its excellent adsorption properties in terms of high specific surface area and structural channels. Then, in-situ sulfidation of the adsorbed Cd2+ is carried out, transforming it into CdS/Sep photocatalyst, which exhibits efficient photocatalytic antibacterial activity for Escherichia coli with a sterilization efficiency of 98.8% within 2 h. The intense visible light absorption of CdS and the efficient separation of photogenerated carriers render the prominent antibacterial activity. The main reactive species including superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals produced by CdS/Sep under visible light irradiation are diffused into the solution and attack the bacteria surrounding the photocatalysts. This work not only develops new ideas for recycling heavy metals for fabrication of efficient photocatalysts, but also provides a reference for water purification based on cost-effective natural minerals.

Oxygen-enriched lignin-derived porous carbon nanosheets promote Zn2+ storage.

Carbon-based zinc-ion capacitors (ZICs) have sparked intense research enthusiasm because of large power density, good rate capability and cycling stability. However, there is still a long way to go before they achieve commercial applications. Herein, oxygen-enriched lignin-derived porous carbon nanosheets (OLCKs) were prepared by one-step carbonization-activation method, and more O-containing functional groups were generated on the surface of the porous carbon by post-surface functionalization strategy. The self-doped N can change the electron distribution of carbon skeleton and decrease energy barrier of chemical absorption of Zn2+/H+. Meanwhile, the carbonyl group can significantly enhance the wettability of OLCKs. Furthermore, the diffusion-controlled reactions mainly exist at high and low potential ranges in CV curves, which demonstrates the occurred Faradaic reaction. Consequently, the assembled aqueous ZICs based on OLCKs demonstrate a capacity of 121.7 mAh/g at 0.3 A/g, energy density of 94.3 Wh kg-1 and good cyclic stability. Besides, the assembled Zn//PVA/LiCl/ZnCl2(gel)//OLCK4 ZIC can also achieve energy density of 134.4 Wh kg-1 at 0.1 A/g. This work provides a novel design strategy by incorporating abundant O and N-containing functional groups to enhance energy density.

Efficient piezo-photocatalysis of 0D/2D α-Fe2O3/Bi2WO6: Synergy of weak force-driven piezoelectric polarization and Z-scheme junction.

Photocatalysis shows huge potential in environmental purification, but suffers from fast photocharge recombination and finite photoabsorption. Piezoelectric polarization is perceived as a promising approach to drive charge separation, but it always relies on the energy-guzzling ultrasonic vibration. Herein, a piezo-photocatalytic system integrating dual electric fields constructed by weak force-driven piezoelectric polarization and Z-scheme junction is developed in 0D/2D α-Fe2O3/Bi2WO6. The introduction of low-frequency water flow-induced piezoelectric polarization field accelerates the migration of bulk photoexcited carriers of polar Bi2WO6, and forming Z-scheme junction with intimate interface guarantees the spatial separation of interfacial charges and strong visible light response. Benefiting from these merits, water flow-triggered α-Fe2O3/Bi2WO6 delivers a superb tetracycline hydrochloride photodegradation efficiency of 82% within 20 min, which outperforms related piezo-photocatalysts in previous reports, even those driven by high-frequency ultrasound. KPFM and DFT calculations provide forceful evidence for the Z-scheme transfer pathway between α-Fe2O3 and Bi2WO6. Additionally, the synergetic effect of constructing the Z-scheme junction and introducing piezoelectric polarization is well confirmed by PFM, COMSOL simulation, ESR and photoelectrochemical characterization. This work offers a novel strategy to design the piezo-photocatalytic system and maybe realize the in-situ treatment of sewage taking full advantage of hydrodynamic characteristics.

Activated Carbon nanoparticles Loaded with Metformin for Effective Against Hepatocellular Cancer Stem Cells.

Introduction: Hepatocellular cancer stem cells (CSCs) play crucial roles in hepatocellular cancer initiation, development, relapse, and metastasis. Therefore, eradication of this cell population is a primary objective in hepatocellular cancer therapy. We prepared a nanodrug delivery system with activated carbon nanoparticles (ACNP) as carriers and metformin (MET) as drug (ACNP-MET), which was able to selectively eliminate hepatocellular CSCs and thereby increase the effects of MET on hepatocellular cancers. Methods: ACNP were prepared by ball milling and deposition in distilled water. Suspension of ACNP and MET was mixed and the best ratio of ACNP and MET was determined based on the isothermal adsorption formula. Hepatocellular CSCs were identified as CD133+ cells and cultured in serum-free medium. We investigated the effects of ACNP-MET on hepatocellular CSCs, including the inhibitory effects, the targeting efficiency, self-renewal capacity, and the sphere-forming capacity of hepatocellular CSCs. Next, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of ACNP-MET by using in vivo relapsed tumor models of hepatocellular CSCs. Results: The ACNP have a similar size, a regular spherical shape and a smooth surface. The optimal ratio for adsorption was MET: ACNP=1:4. ACNP-MET could target and inhibit the proliferation of CD133+ population and decrease mammosphere formation and renewal of CD133+ population in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: These results not only suggest that nanodrug delivery system increased the effects of MET, but also shed light on the mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of MET and ACNP-MET on hepatocellular cancers. ACNP, as a good nano-carrier, could strengthen the effect of MET by carrying drugs to the micro-environment of hepatocellular CSCs.

Oxygen-Deficient α-MnO2 Nanotube/Graphene/N, P Codoped Porous Carbon Composite Cathode To Achieve High-Performing Zinc-Ion Batteries.

A major drawback of α-MnO2-based zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) is the poor rate performance and short cycle life. Herein, an oxygen-deficient α-MnO2 nanotube (VO-α-MnO2)-integrated graphene (G) and N, P codoped cross-linked porous carbon nanosheet (CNPK) composite (VO-α-MnO2/CNPK/G) has been prepared for advanced ZIBs. The introduction of VO in MnO2 can decrease the value of the Gibbs free energy of Zn2+ adsorption near VO (ca. -0.73 eV) to the thermal neutral value. The thermal neutral value demonstrates that the Zn2+ adsorption/desorption process on VO-α-MnO2 is more reversible than that on α-MnO2. The as-made Zn/VO-α-MnO2 battery is able to deliver a large capacity of 305.0 mAh g-1 and high energy density up to 408.5 Wh kg-1. The good energy storage properties can be attributed to VO. Additionally, the VO-α-MnO2/CNPK/G composite possesses the structure of nanotube arrays, which results from the vertical growth of α-MnO2 nanotubes on CNPK. This unique array structure helps to realize fast ion/electron transfer and stable microstructure. The electrochemical performance of VO-α-MnO2 has been comprehensively improved by compositing with G and CNPK. The VO-α-MnO2/CNPK/G can achieve capacity up to 405.2 mAh g-1, energy density of 542.2 Wh kg-1, and long cycle life (80% capacity retention after 2000 cycles).

Synergistic effects of B/S co-doped spongy-like hierarchically porous carbon for a high performance zinc-ion hybrid capacitor.

Zinc-ion hybrid capacitors (ZIHCs) are regarded as a potential candidate for large-scale energy storage devices. However, the inadequate cathode and the inferior wettability between the electrode and electrolyte hinder the construction of high-performance ZIHCs. Herein, boron (B) and sulfur (S) co-doped spongy-like hierarchically porous carbon (B2S3C) is first proposed as a cathode material for ZIHCs. Here, B doping is favorable for improving the wettability, while S doping contributes to enhancing the electrical properties. In addition, the density functional theory (DFT) results uncover that B and S atoms contribute to reducing the energy barrier between Zn2+ and the cathode, leading to boosted chemical adsorption ability of Zn2+ on the cathode. As a result, the assembled ZIHC based on B2S3C exhibits a high specific capacity of 182.6 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, an excellent capacity retention of 96.2% after 10 000 cycles and a remarkable energy density of 292.2 W h kg-1 at a power density of 62.2 W kg-1, superior to the previously reported ZIHCs. Due to the flexibility of the assembled electrodes, the solid-state ZIHC can sustain various deformations. This work paves a feasible path for the development of cost-effective and high-performance porous carbon materials.

Co,N-doped carbon sheets prepared by a facile method as high-efficiency oxygen reduction catalysts.

Transition metal and nitrogen codoped carbon materials have emerged as one of the most promising candidates to replace noble metal-based oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. However, the development of high-efficiency, stable and low-cost metal-nitrogen-carbon catalysts still remains a challenge. In this study, cobalt and nitrogen codoped carbon sheet catalysts were successfully prepared by a simple self-injected vapor phase growth and template method. The catalysts exhibited a multilevel pore structure with a large specific surface area and resulting physical characteristics. The catalysts have excellent onset and half-wave potentials during the ORR. Notably, the onset (E 0) and half-wave potential (E 1/2) in alkaline media for the Co-N-C-43.8 catalyst are 31 mV and 3 mV higher than those of a commercial Pt/C catalyst, respectively. Moreover, the durability of the Co-N-C-43.8 catalyst remains at a 93% current density after 10 000 s, while that of a commercial Pt/C catalyst only remains at 83%. Also, the Co-N-C-43.8 catalyst has little change in the current density after the addition of methanol. These results indicate that the Co,N-doped carbon sheet is a promising ORR catalyst.

Effect of RNA Interference Inhibiting the Expression of the FUBP1 Gene on Biological Function of Gastric Cancer Cell Line SGC7901.

BACKGROUND: The research aimed to observe the effect of gene silencing on the proliferation, migration, cell cycle, apoptosis, and other biological functions of human gastric cancer cells with RNA interference inhibiting the expression of the far upstream element-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) in the gastric cancer cell line SGC7901. METHODS: The shRNA lentivirus vector of the target gene FUBP1 was constructed to transfect the gastric cancer cell line SGC7901. The qRT-PCR and western blot assays were used to detect the expression levels of FUBP1 mRNA and protein in the gastric cancer cells. The CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. The cell scratch assay and the transwell assays were used to detect the migration of gastric cancer cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. RESULTS: The shRNA lentiviral vector of FUBP1 was successfully transfected into the gastric cancer cell line SGC7901, and could effectively reduce the expression of mRNA and protein of FUBP1. The silencing of FUBP1 could inhibit the gastric cancer cell proliferation and affect the distribution of the cell cycle, resulting in S-phase arrest and cell growth inhibition. However, FUBP1 silencing has no significant effect on cell apoptosis and migration. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of FUBP1 can be inhibited specifically and effectively by RNA interference technology, which can significantly affect the biological function of the gastric cancer cell line SGC7901.

Ultra-small gold nanoparticles self-assembled by gadolinium ions for enhanced photothermal/photodynamic liver cancer therapy.

Gold nanomaterials are widely used in biomedical research as drug delivery systems, imaging agents and therapeutic materials owing to their unique physicochemical properties and high biocompatibility. In this study, we prepared ultra-small gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and induced them with gadolinium ions to form a spherical self-assembly. The nanoparticles were coupled with matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and loaded with the photosensitive drug IR820 for photothermal/photodynamic combination therapy of liver cancer. The formed nanoprobes were metabolised in vivo via degradation under dual-mode real-time imaging because of their acid response degradation characteristics. In addition, the nanoprobe showed excellent tumour-targeting ability due to the presence of surface-modified MMP-2. In vivo treatment experiments revealed that the nanoprobes achieved enhanced photodynamic/photothermal combination therapy under laser irradiation and significantly inhibited tumour growth. Therefore, the nanoprobes have great potential for anti-tumour therapy guided by dual-mode real-time imaging of liver cancer.

Desensitization of TRPV1 Involved in the Antipruritic Effect of Osthole on Histamine-Induced Scratching Behavior in Mice.

Osthole has been isolated from the fruits of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, which has been used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat pruritic disorders for a long time. However, the antipruritic mechanism of osthole is not fully understood. In the present study, using calcium imaging, molecular docking, and animal scratching behavior, we analyzed the pharmacological effects of osthole on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). The results showed that osthole significantly induced calcium influx in a dose-dependent manner in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Osthole-induced calcium influx was inhibited by AMG9810, an antagonist of TRPV1. Osthole and the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin-induced calcium influx were desensitized by pretreatment with osthole. Furthermore, molecular docking results showed that osthole could bind to TRPV1 with a hydrogen bond by anchoring to the amino acid residue ARG557 in the binding pocket of TRPV1. In addition, TRPV1 is a downstream ion channel for the histamine H1 and H4 receptors to transmit itch signals. Osthole attenuated scratching behavior induced by histamine, HTMT (histamine H1 receptor agonist), and VUF8430 (histamine H4 receptor agonist) in mice. These results suggest that osthole inhibition of histamine-dependent itch may be due to the activation and subsequent desensitization of TRPV1 in DRG neurons.

Pharmacological and toxicological target organelles and safe use of single-walled carbon nanotubes as drug carriers in treating Alzheimer disease.

Identification of pharmacological and toxicological profiles is of critical importance for the use of nanoparticles as drug carriers in nanomedicine and for the biosafety evaluation of environmental nanoparticles in nanotoxicology. Here we show that lysosomes are the pharmacological target organelles for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and that mitochondria are the target organelles for their cytotoxicity. The gastrointestinally absorbed SWCNTs were lysosomotropic but also entered mitochondria at large doses. Genes encoding phosphoinositide-3-kinase and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 were involved in such an organelle preference. SWCNT administration resulted in collapse of mitochondrial membrane potentials, giving rise to overproduction of reactive oxygen species, leading to damage of mitochondria, which was followed by lysosomal and cellular injury. Based on the dosage differences in target organelles, SWCNTs were successfully used to deliver acetylcholine into brain for treatment of experimentally induced Alzheimer disease with a moderate safety range by precisely controlling the doses, ensuring that SWCNTs preferentially enter lysosomes, the target organelles, and not mitochondria, the target organelles for SWCNT cytotoxicity. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR: Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) could make excellent targeted delivery systems for pharmaceuticals. Inside the cells, lysosomes are the pharmacological target organelles of SWCNT, but in large doses mitochondria also take up SWCNT and mitochondrial toxicity becomes the reason for overall toxicity of this approach. In this paper, SWCNT were successfully used to deliver acetylcholine in Alzheimer's disease brains with high safety range by controlling the doses to ensure lysosomal but not mitochondrial targeting.

A 3D porous FeP/rGO modulated separator as a dual-function polysulfide barrier for high-performance lithium sulfur batteries.

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have gained considerable attention for their desirable energy densities, high theoretical capacities, low cost and environmentally friendly properties. However, the shuttle effect of polysulfides seriously hinders their future practical applications. Herein, a dual-function cathode structure, consisting of 3D porous FeP/rGO microspheres supported on both aluminum foil and a commercial separator, exhibits excellent performance by providing strong adsorption with respect to Li2Sx (x = 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8) and S8. In this rational design, the iron phosphide (FeP) nanoparticles act as a catalyst to accelerate polysulfide conversion and as the designated sites for adsorption. The 3D rGO porous conductive network can provide enough space for sulfur loading and to physically adsorb the polysulfides. More importantly, density functional theory (DFT) calculations also verified the strong interactions (with adsorption energy values of -4.21 to -1.97 eV) between the FeP(111) surface and the sulfur species. The electrochemical results show that the cell using the dual-function cathode structure delivers a capacity of 925.7 mA h g-1, with capacity degradation of 0.05% per cycle after 500 cycles, at a current density of 0.5C. It is also worth mentioning that the cell with sulfur loading of ∼2.2 mg cm-2 maintained a high capacity of 483 mA h g-1 at 0.5C after 500 cycles. In summary, the above results demonstrate the promising application of the dual-function cathode structure for high-performance LSBs.

A Novel Therapeutic siRNA Nanoparticle Designed for Dual-Targeting CD44 and Gli1 of Gastric Cancer Stem Cells.

PURPOSE: Gastric cancer stem cells (CSCs) are important for the initiation, growth, recurrence, and metastasis of gastric cancer, due to their chemo-resistance and indefinite proliferation. Herein, to eliminate gastric CSCs, we developed novel CSC-targeting glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) small interfering RNA (siRNA) nanoparticles that are specifically guided by a di-stearoyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine- hyaluronic-acid (DSPE-HA) single-point conjugate, as an intrinsic ligand of the CD44 receptor. We refer to these as targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles. METHODS: We used the reductive amination reaction method for attaching amine groups of DSPE to aldehydic group of hyaluronic acid (HA) at the reducing end, to synthesize the DSPE-HA single-point conjugate. Next, targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles were prepared using the layer-by-layer assembly method. We characterized the stem cellular features of targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles, including their targeting efficiency, self-renewal capacity, the migration and invasion capacity of gastric CSCs, and the penetration ability of 3D tumor spheroids. Next, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of the targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles by using in vivo relapsed tumor models of gastric CSCs. RESULTS: Compared with the multipoint conjugates, DSPE-HA single-point conjugates on the surface of nanoparticles showed significantly higher binding affinities with CD44. The targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles significantly decreased Gli1 protein expression, inhibited CSC tumor spheroid and colony formation, and suppressed cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, in vivo imaging demonstrated that targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles accumulated in tumor tissues, showing significant antitumor recurrence efficacy in vivo. CONCLUSION: In summary, our targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles significantly inhibited CSC malignancy features by specifically blocking Hedgehog (Hh) signaling both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that this novel siRNA delivery system that specifically eliminates gastric CSCs provides a promising targeted therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer treatment.

Antipruritic Effect of Ethyl Acetate Extract from Fructus cnidii in Mice with 2,4-Dinitrofluorobenzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense pruritus and skin lesions. The exact cause of AD is not yet known and the available therapeutic strategies for AD are limited. Fructus cnidii is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine as an herb for treating chronic itch. However, the mechanism underlying the antipruritic effects of Fructus cnidii is not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the antipruritic effect of locally administered ethyl acetate extract from Fructus cnidii (EAEFC) to 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene- (DNFB-) induced AD in a mouse model. The scratching behavior, skin thickness, dermatitis score, weight, blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, and itch-related cytokine levels were subsequently monitored and evaluated. Results showed that EAEFC treatment attenuated the DNFB-induced AD-like symptoms by alleviating the skin lesions and decreasing the dermatitis score. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and toluidine blue (TB) staining analyses demonstrated that EAEFC mitigated the DNFB-induced increase in skin thickness and prevented the infiltration of mast cells. Behavioral tests showed that EAEFC decreased the DNFB-induced acute and chronic scratching behaviors. Furthermore, EAEFC reduced the levels of itch-related cytokines, such as thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin- (IL-) 17, IL-33, and IL-31, and the DNFB-induced boost in serum IgE. Collectively, these results suggest that EAEFC is a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of chronic itch in AD.