Gene Drive and Symbiont Technologies for Control of Mosquito-Borne Diseases.

Mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue and malaria, pose a significant burden to global health. Current control strategies with insecticides are only moderately effective. Scalable solutions are needed to reduce the transmission risk of these diseases. Symbionts and genome engineering-based mosquito control strategies have been proposed to address these problems. Bacterial, fungal, and viral symbionts affect mosquito reproduction, reduce mosquito lifespan, and block pathogen transmission. Field tests of endosymbiont Wolbachia-based methods have yielded promising results, but there are hurdles to overcome due to the large-scale rearing and accurate sex sorting required for Wolbachia-based suppression approaches and the ecological impediments to Wolbachia invasion in replacement approaches. Genome engineering-based methods, in which mosquitoes are genetically altered for the modification or suppression of wild populations, offer an additional approach for control of mosquito-borne diseases. In particular, the use of gene drive alleles that bias inheritance in their favor is a potentially powerful approach. Several drives are frequency dependent, potentially giving them broadly similar population dynamics to Wolbachia. However, public acceptance and the behavior of released drives in natural mosquito populations remain challenges. We summarize the latest developments and discuss the knowledge gaps in both symbiont- and gene drive-based methods.

Current landscape of mRNA technologies and delivery systems for new modality therapeutics.

Realizing the immense clinical potential of mRNA-based drugs will require continued development of methods to safely deliver the bioactive agents with high efficiency and without triggering side effects. In this regard, lipid nanoparticles have been successfully utilized to improve mRNA delivery and protect the cargo from extracellular degradation. Encapsulation in lipid nanoparticles was an essential factor in the successful clinical application of mRNA vaccines, which conclusively demonstrated the technology's potential to yield approved medicines. In this review, we begin by describing current advances in mRNA modifications, design of novel lipids and development of lipid nanoparticle components for mRNA-based drugs. Then, we summarize key points pertaining to preclinical and clinical development of mRNA therapeutics. Finally, we cover topics related to targeted delivery systems, including endosomal escape and targeting of immune cells, tumors and organs for use with mRNA vaccines and new treatment modalities for human diseases.

Inhibition of CTLA-4 accelerates atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice by modulating the Th1/Th2 balance via the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective: Though an increased risk of atherosclerosis is associated with anti-CTLA-4 antibody therapy, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were treated with anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibody twice a week for 4 weeks, after being injected with AAV8-PCSK9 and fed a Paigen diet (PD). The proportion of aortic plaque and lipid accumulation were assessed using Oil Red O staining, while the morphology of atherosclerotic lesions was analyzed with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Collagen content was evaluated through Picrosirius Red (PSR) staining, while inflammatory cell infiltration was examined with immunofluorescence staining. CD4+ T cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-4, which represent Th1 and Th2 cells respectively, were detected by flow cytometry and real-time PCR. Protein levels of p-IκBα, IκBα, p-p65, and p65 were determined by Western blot. Results: Inhibiting CTLA-4 exacerbated PD-induced plaque progression and promoted CD4+ T cell infiltration in the aortic root. The anti-CTLA-4 antibody promoted CD4+ T cell differentiation toward the Th1 type, as indicated by an increase in the Th1/Th2 ratio. Compared to the anti-IgG group, treatment with anti-CTLA-4 antibody significantly elevated the protein levels of p-IκBα and p-p65, as well as the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1. Inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway attenuated the overall pathological phenotype induced by the anti-CTLA-4 antibody treatment. Conclusion: Anti-CTLA-4 treatment promotes the progression of atherosclerosis by activating NF-κB signaling and modulating the Th1/Th2 balance. Our results provide a rationale for preventing and/or treating atherosclerosis accelerated by anti-CTLA-4 antibody therapy in cancer patients.

Blocking CTLA-4 promotes pressure overload-induced heart failure via activating Th17 cells.

Targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) with specific antibody offers long-term benefits for cancer immunotherapy but can cause severe adverse effects in the heart. This study aimed to investigate the role of anti-CTLA-4 antibody in pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was used to induce cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure in mice. Two weeks after the TAC treatment, mice received anti-CTLA-4 antibody injection twice a week at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. The administration of anti-CTLA-4 antibody exacerbated TAC-induced decline in cardiac function, intensifying myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. Further investigation revealed that anti-CTLA-4 antibody significantly elevated systemic inflammatory factors levels and facilitated the differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells in the peripheral blood of TAC-treated mice. Importantly, anti-CTLA-4 mediated differentiation of Th17 cells and hypertrophic phenotype in TAC mice were dramatically alleviated by the inhibition of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) by an anti-IL-17A antibody. Furthermore, the C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) antagonist AMD3100, also reversed anti-CTLA-4-mediated cardiotoxicity in TAC mice. Overall, these results suggest that the administration of anti-CTLA-4 antibody exacerbates pressure overload-induced heart failure by activating and promoting the differentiation of Th17 cells. Targeting the CXCR4/Th17/IL-17A axis could be a potential therapeutic strategy for mitigating immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced cardiotoxicity.

Pace of heavy metal pollution in the anthropogenically altered and industrialized Nakdong River Estuary, South Korea: Implications for the Anthropocene.

Estuaries, vital coastal ecosystems, face growing threats from industrialization. To understand the pace of sedimentary changes and heavy metal pollution at the anthropogenically altered and industrialized Nakdong River Estuary in South Korea, we used sediment coring to reconstruct environmental change. Estuarine dam construction in 1934 shifted the sedimentary system from sand to mud, coinciding with a post-1930s mercury increase due to coal burning. Mercury concentrations in other South Korean regions surged in the 1970s, indicating proximity to emission sources matters. However, most heavy metal levels (Cu, Cd, Zn, Ag) sharply rose in the 1960s and 1970s with regional industrialization. Modern heavy metal concentrations doubled pre-industrial levels, underscoring human activities as the primary driver of Nakdong Estuary environmental changes. This emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to development and environmental preservation.

[Discussion on reference sample research of traditional Chinese medicine compound preparations developed from catalogued ancient classical prescriptions].

The concept of reference sample was put forward in the Guidance on CMC of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Preparations Developed from Catalogued Ancient Classical Prescriptions(Interim). The research on reference sample is a key link in the research and development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) compound prescriptions from catalogued ancient classical prescriptions(known as Category 3.1 TCM). This paper discusses the content of research on reference sample by analyzing the characteristics of Category 3.1 TCM and the purpose of research on reference sample. Furthermore, suggestions on the research of reference sample are proposed according to the development and evaluation practice of Category 3.1 TCM and research achievements of TCM regulatory science, aiming to provide reference for colleagues in this industry.

PDZK1 protects against mechanical overload-induced chondrocyte senescence and osteoarthritis by targeting mitochondrial function.

Mechanical overloading and aging are two essential factors for osteoarthritis (OA) development. Mitochondria have been identified as a mechano-transducer situated between extracellular mechanical signals and chondrocyte biology, but their roles and the associated mechanisms in mechanical stress-associated chondrocyte senescence and OA have not been elucidated. Herein, we found that PDZ domain containing 1 (PDZK1), one of the PDZ proteins, which belongs to the Na+/H+ Exchanger (NHE) regulatory factor family, is a key factor in biomechanically induced mitochondrial dysfunction and chondrocyte senescence during OA progression. PDZK1 is reduced by mechanical overload, and is diminished in the articular cartilage of OA patients, aged mice and OA mice. Pdzk1 knockout in chondrocytes exacerbates mechanical overload-induced cartilage degeneration, whereas intraarticular injection of adeno-associated virus-expressing PDZK1 had a therapeutic effect. Moreover, PDZK1 loss impaired chondrocyte mitochondrial function with accumulated damaged mitochondria, decreased mitochondrion DNA (mtDNA) content and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. PDZK1 supplementation or mitoubiquinone (MitoQ) application alleviated chondrocyte senescence and cartilage degeneration and significantly protected chondrocyte mitochondrial functions. MRNA sequencing in articular cartilage from Pdzk1 knockout mice and controls showed that PDZK1 deficiency in chondrocytes interfered with mitochondrial function through inhibiting Hmgcs2 by increasing its ubiquitination. Our results suggested that PDZK1 deficiency plays a crucial role in mediating excessive mechanical load-induced chondrocyte senescence and is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. PDZK1 overexpression or preservation of mitochondrial functions by MitoQ might present a new therapeutic approach for mechanical overload-induced OA.

Metal-Catalyzed Carbon Foams Synthesized from Glucose as Highly Efficient Electromagnetic Absorbers.

This paper introduces a novel method for preparing high-performance, metal-containing carbon foam wave-absorbing materials. The process involves foaming glucose through catalysis by transition metals followed by high-temperature pyrolysis. The resulting carbon foam materials exhibit a highly porous structure, which is essential for their wave-absorption properties. Notably, at a thickness of 2.0 mm, the glucose-derived carbon foam composite catalyzed by Fe and Co (GCF-CoFe) achieved a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -51.4 dB at 15.11 GHz, along with an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.20 GHz, spanning from 12.80 GHz to 18.00 GHz. These impressive performance metrics indicate that this approach offers a promising pathway for developing low-density, efficient carbon foam materials for wave-absorption applications. This advancement has significant implications for fields requiring effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, stealth technology, and other related applications, potentially leading to more efficient and lightweight solutions.

Structure-Based High-Efficiency Homogeneous Antibody Platform by Endoglycosidase Sz Provides Insights into Its Transglycosylation Mechanism.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have gradually dominated the drug markets for various diseases. Improvement of the therapeutic activities of mAbs has become a critical issue in the pharmaceutical industry. A novel endo-ß-N-acetylglucosaminidase, EndoSz, from Streptococcus equisubsp. zooepidemicus Sz105 is discovered and applied to enhance the activities of mAbs. Our studies demonstrate that the mutant EndoSz-D234M possesses an excellent transglycosylation activity to generate diverse glycoconjugates on mAbs. We prove that EndoSz-D234M can be applied to various marketed therapeutic antibodies and those in development for antibody remodeling. The remodeled homogeneous antibodies (mAb-G2S2) produced by EndoSz-D234M increase the relative ADCC activities by 3-26-fold. We further report the high-resolution crystal structures of EndoSz-D234M in the apo-form at 2.15 Å and the complex form with a bound G2S2-oxazoline intermediate at 2.25 Å. A novel pH-jump method was utilized to obtain the complex structure with a high resolution. The detailed interactions of EndoSz-D234M and the carried G2S2-oxazoline are hence delineated. The oxazoline sits in a hole, named the oxa-hole, which stabilizes the G2S2-oxazoline in transit and catalyzes the further transglycosylation reaction while targeting Asn-GlcNAc (+1) of Fc. In the oxa-hole, the H-bonding network involved with oxazoline dominates the transglycosylation activity. A mobile loop2 (a.a. 152-159) of EndoSz-D234M reshapes the binding grooves for the accommodation of G2S2-oxazoline upon binding, at which Trp154 forms a hydrogen bond with Man (-2). The long loop4 (a.a. 236-248) followed by helix3 is capable of dominating the substrate selectivity of EndoSz-D234M. In addition, the stepwise transglycosylation behavior of EndoSz-D234M is elucidated. Based on the high-resolution structures of the apo-form and the bound form with G2S2-oxazoline as well as a systematic mutagenesis study of the relative transglycosylation activity, the transglycosylation mechanism of EndoSz-D234M is revealed.

Comprehensive overview of different medicinal parts from Morus alba L.: chemical compositions and pharmacological activities.

Morus alba L., a common traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a centuries-old medicinal history, owned various medicinal parts like Mori folium, Mori ramulus, Mori cortex and Mori fructus. Different medical parts exhibit distinct modern pharmacological effects. Mori folium exhibited analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic action and lipid-regulation effects. Mori ramulus owned anti-bacterial, anti-asthmatic and diuretic activities. Mori cortex showed counteraction action of pain, inflammatory, bacterial, and platelet aggregation. Mori fructus could decompose fat, lower blood lipids and prevent vascular sclerosis. The main chemical components in Morus alba L. covered flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and amino acids. This article comprehensively analyzed the recent literature related to chemical components and pharmacological actions of M. alba L., summarizing 198 of ingredients and described the modern activities of different extracts and the bioactive constituents in the four parts from M. alba L. These results fully demonstrated the medicinal value of M. alba L., provided valuable references for further comprehensive development, and layed the foundation for the utilization of M. alba L.

Analysis of the expression level and predictive value of CLEC16A|miR-654-5p|RARA regulatory axis in the peripheral blood of patients with ischemic stroke based on biosignature analysis.

Introduction: Ischemic stroke (IS) is a cerebrovascular disease that can be disabling and fatal, and there are limitations in the clinical treatment and prognosis of IS. It has been reported that changes in the expression profile of circRNAs have been found during injury in ischemic stroke, and circRNAs play an important role in the IS cascade response. However, the specific mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of IS are not yet fully understood, and thus in-depth studies are needed. Methods: In this study, one circRNA dataset (GSE161913), one miRNA dataset (GSE60319) and one mRNA dataset (GSE180470) were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and included, and the datasets were differentially expressed analyzed by GEO2R and easyGEO to get the DEcircRNA, DEmiRNA and DEmRNA, and DEmRNA was enriched using ImageGP, binding sites were predicted in the ENCORI database, respectively, and the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was visualized by the cytoscape software, and then selected by MCC scoring in the cytoHubba plugin Hub genes. In addition, this study conducted a case-control study in which blood samples were collected from stroke patients and healthy medical examiners to validate the core network of ceRNAs constructed by biosignature analysis by real-time fluorescence quantitative qRT-PCR experiments. Results: A total of 233 DEcircRNAs, 132 DEmiRNAs and 72 DEmRNAs were screened by bioinformatics analysis. circRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory network was constructed, including 148 circRNAs, 43 miRNAs and 44 mRNAs. Finally, CLEC16A|miR-654-5p|RARA competitive endogenous regulatory axis was selected for validation by qRT-PCR, and the validation results were consistent with the bioinformatics analysis. Discussion: In conclusion, the present study establishes a new axis of regulation associated with IS, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of IS.

Three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index and choroidal thickness in fellow eyes of acute and chronic primary angle-closure using swept-source optical coherence tomography.

AIM: To compare the three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and choroidal thickness between fellow eyes of acute primary angle-closure (F-APAC) and chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma (F-CPACG) and the eyes of normal controls. METHODS: This study included 37 patients with unilateral APAC, 37 with asymmetric CPACG without prior treatment, and 36 healthy participants. Using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), the macular and peripapillary choroidal thickness and three-dimensional CVI were measured and compared globally and sectorally. Pearson's correlation analysis and multivariate regression models were used to evaluate choroidal thickness or CVI with related factors. RESULTS: The mean subfoveal CVIs were 0.35±0.10, 0.33±0.09, and 0.29±0.04, and the mean subfoveal choroidal thickness were 315.62±52.92, 306.22±59.29, and 262.69±45.55 µm in the F-APAC, F-CPACG, and normal groups, respectively. All macular sectors showed significantly higher CVIs and choroidal thickness in the F-APAC and F-CPACG eyes than in the normal eyes (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences between the F-APAC and F-CPACG eyes. In the peripapillary region, the mean overall CVIs were 0.21±0.08, 0.20±0.08, and 0.19±0.05, and the mean overall choroidal thickness were 180.45±54.18, 174.82±50.67, and 176.18±37.94 µm in the F-APAC, F-CPACG, and normal groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between any of the two groups in all peripapillary sectors. Younger age, shorter axial length, and the F-APAC or F-CPACG diagnosis were significantly associated with higher subfoveal CVI and thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The fellow eyes of unilateral APAC or asymmetric CPACG have higher macular CVI and choroidal thickness than those of the normal controls. Neither CVI nor choroidal thickness can distinguish between eyes predisposed to APAC or CPACG. A thicker choroid with a higher vascular volume may play a role in the pathogenesis of primary angle-closure glaucoma.

Automated deep learning model for estimating intraoperative blood loss using gauze images.

The intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL), an essential parameter for perioperative management, has been evaluated by manually weighing blood in gauze and suction bottles, a process both time-consuming and labor-intensive. As the novel EBL prediction platform, we developed an automated deep learning EBL prediction model, utilizing the patch-wise crumpled state (P-W CS) of gauze images with texture analysis. The proposed algorithm was developed using animal data obtained from a porcine experiment and validated on human intraoperative data prospectively collected from 102 laparoscopic gastric cancer surgeries. The EBL prediction model involves gauze area detection and subsequent EBL regression based on the detected areas, with each stage optimized through comparative model performance evaluations. The selected gauze detection model demonstrated a sensitivity of 96.5% and a specificity of 98.0%. Based on this detection model, the performance of EBL regression stage models was compared. Comparative evaluations revealed that our P-W CS-based model outperforms others, including one reliant on convolutional neural networks and another analyzing the gauze's overall crumpled state. The P-W CS-based model achieved a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.25 g and a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 7.26% in EBL regression. Additionally, per-patient assessment yielded an MAE of 0.58 g, indicating errors < 1 g/patient. In conclusion, our algorithm provides an objective standard and streamlined approach for EBL estimation during surgery without the need for perioperative approximation and additional tasks by humans. The robust performance of the model across varied surgical conditions emphasizes its clinical potential for real-world application.

Universal occurrence of organophosphate tri-esters and di-esters in marine sediments: Evidence from the Okinawa Trough in the East China Sea.

Despite numerous data on organophosphate tri-esters (tri-OPEs) in the environment, literatures on organophosphate di-esters (di-OPEs) in field environment, especially marine sediments remain scarce. This study addresses this gap by analyzing 35 abyssal sediment samples from the middle Okinawa Trough in the East China Sea. A total of 25 tri-OPEs and 10 di-OPEs were determined, but 13 tri-OPEs and 2 di-OPEs were nondetectable in any of these sediment samples. The concentrations of ∑12tri-OPE and ∑8di-OPE were 0.108-32.2 ng/g (median 1.11 ng/g) and 0.548-15.0 ng/g (median 2.74 ng/g). Chlorinated (Cl) tri-OPEs were the dominant tri-esters, accounting for 47.5 % of total tri-OPEs on average, whereas chlorinated di-OPEs represented only 19.2 % of total di-OPEs. This discrepancy between the relatively higher percentage of Cl-tri-OPEs and lower abundance of Cl-di-OPEs may be ascribed to the stronger environmental persistence of chlorinated tri-OPEs. Source assessment suggested that di-OPEs were primarily originated from the degradation of tri-OPEs rather than industrial production. Long range waterborne transport facilitated by oceanic currents was an important input pathway for OPEs in sediments from the Okinawa Trough. These findings enhance the understanding of the sources and transport of OPEs in marine sediments, particularly in the Okinawa Trough.

Why do nurses miss nursing care? A qualitative meta-synthesis.

AIM: The aim of this qualitative meta-synthesis was to discover the factors impacting on missed nursing care of nurses through systematic thinking. BACKGROUND: Although nurses are responsible for high-quality care, missed nursing care is common, endangering patient safety. Understanding of the causes related to missed nursing care could help nursing managers improve the quality of nursing care. DESIGN: A qualitative meta-synthesis guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). METHODS: As a method designed to contribute to knowledge development, meta-synthesis allows for integration of qualitative study findings using thematic synthesis. Six databases were searched up to October 2021; nine studies met the inclusion and quality assessment criteria and meta-synthesis were conducted. RESULTS: Three themes related to the causes why nurses missed nursing care were found. The themes included intrinsic resources (professional and ethical values, ambiguous nurse role, prioritization, education system, and knowledge), system structure (staff and resources shortage, heavy workload but limited time, and organizational management failure), and social environment (communication, working relationship and skill mix, and inappropriate ward layout). CONCLUSION: The phenomenon of missed nursing care is a global tissue, with variations in its elements but also notable similarities. Meta-synthesis provides evidence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to missed nursing care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Recognizing and understanding the causes of missed nursing care is essential for nursing managers to ensure patient safety and the provision of high-quality care.

Genome sequence of Staphylococcus nepalensis ZZ-2023a, isolated from Nasonia vitripennis.

We isolated a strain of Staphylococcus nepalensis from Nasonia vitripennis and presented the draft genome sequence of this strain. This research was conducted at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Beijing, China). The genome spans 2,910,033 bp, distributed over 144 contigs, with a G+C content of 33.33%.

Propagation of lump-type waves in nonlinear shallow water wave.

In this work, a new extended shallow water wave equation in (3+1) dimensions was studied, which represents abundant physical meaning in a nonlinear shallow water wave. We discussed the interaction between a lump wave and a single solitary wave, which is an inelastic collision. Further, the interaction between a lump wave and two solitary waves and the interaction between a lump wave and a periodic wave was also studied using the Hirota bilinear method. Finally, the interaction among lump, periodic and one solitary wave was investigated. The dynamic properties of the obtained results are shown and analyzed by some three-dimensional images.

General Strategies for Preparing Hybrid Polymer/Quantum Dot Nanocomposites for Color Conversion.

Quantum dots (QDs), with their exceptional optical properties, have emerged as promising candidates to replace traditional phosphors in lighting and display technologies. This study delves into the integration strategies of QDs within glass and polymer matrices to engineer advanced quantum dot color converters (QDCCs) at the industrial scale for practical applications. To achieve enhancements in the photostability and thermal stability of QDCCs, we explore two distinct approaches: the dispersion of QDs in a hydrophilic glass matrix via a sol-gel process and the incorporation of QDs into a non-polar acrylate monomer to formulate QD/polymer nanocomposites. This research further investigates the optical behaviors of these composites, focusing on their light-scattering and propagation mechanisms, which are critical for optimizing light extraction efficiency in QDCCs. Additional optical film and light-scattering particles can improve color conversion efficiency by ~140%. These advancements present a significant step forward in the development of high-performance, energy-efficient, QD-based lighting and display systems.

PDGFR-beta signaling mediates endogenous neurogenesis after postischemic neural stem/progenitor cell transplantation in mice.

OBJECTIVE: Although platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-ß mediates the self-renewal and multipotency of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in vitro and in vivo, its mechanisms of activating endogenous NSPCs following ischemic stroke still remain unproven. METHODS: The exogenous NSPCs were transplanted into the ischemic striatum of PDGFR-ß conditionally neuroepithelial knockout (KO) mice at 24 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was intraperitoneally injected to label the newly formed endogenous NSPCs. Infarction volume was measured, and behavioral tests were performed. In the subventricular zone (SVZ), proliferation of endogenous NSPCs was tested, and synapse formation and expression of nutritional factors were measured. RESULTS: Compared with control mice, KO mice showed larger infarction volume, delayed neurological recovery, reduced numbers of BrdU positive cells, decreased expression of neurogenic factors (including neurofilament, synaptophysin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and decreased synaptic regeneration in SVZ after tMCAO. Moreover, exogenous NSPC transplantation significantly alleviated neurologic dysfunction, promoted neurogenesis, increased expression of neurologic factors, and diminished synaptic deformation in SVZ of FL mice after tMCAO but had no beneficial effect in KO mice. CONCLUSION: PDGFR-ß signaling may promote activation of endogenous NSPCs after postischemic NSPC transplantation, and thus represents a novel potential regeneration-based therapeutic target.

Enhanced Photostability of Core/Shell Quantum Dots under Intense Blue Light Irradiation through Positive Photoaging Mechanism.

Photostability of semiconductor core/shell quantum dots (QDs) has historically been perceived as intricate and unpredictable. Notably, the long-term luminescence stability of QDs under light exposure does not seem to consistently correspond with their characteristics in the absence of light. In this study, we propose a positive photoaging mechanism of QDs, integrating both ligand/shell-induced photobrightening and surface photo-oxidation, to deal with the photostability nuances. When QDs are subjected to higher energy light, their photobrightening and photodarkening conjointly determine the photostability. Enhanced photostability may not be simply attributed to a thicker shell or the presence of ligands. When adjusted with an optimal shell thickness and supplemented with negatively charged ligands, QDs exhibit enhanced photostability in both solvents and polymers.