Intrinsically stretchable fully π-conjugated polymer film via fluid conjugated molecular external-plasticizing for flexible light-emitting diodes.

Fully π-conjugated polymers with rigid aromatic units are promising for flexible optoelectronic devices, but their inherent brittleness poses a challenge for achieving high-performance, intrinsically stretchable fully π-conjugated polymer. Here, we are establishing an external-plasticizing strategy using semiconductor fluid plasticizers (Z1 and Z2) to enhance the optoelectronic, morphological, and stretchable properties of fully π-conjugated polymer films for flexible light-emitting diodes. The synergistic effect of hierarchical structure and optoelectronic properties of Z1 in poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) films enable excellent stretchable deformability (~25%) and good conductivity. PLEDs based on F8BT/Z1 films show stable electroluminescence and efficiency under 15% stretch and 100 cycles at 10% strain, revealing outstanding stress tolerance. This strategy is also improving the stretchable properties of polymers like poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) (PFO) and poly(2-methoxy-5(2'-ethyl)hexoxy-phenylenevinylene) (Super Yellow), demonstrating its general applicability. Therefore, this strategy can provide effective guidance for designing high-performance stretchable fully π-conjugated polymers films for flexible electronic devices.

Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Rare Pathogenic Variants in Cardiomyopathy and Arrhythmia Genes.

BACKGROUND: Patients with rare, pathogenic cardiomyopathy (CM) and arrhythmia variants can present with atrial fibrillation (AF). The efficacy of AF ablation in these patients is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study tested the hypotheses that: 1) patients with a pathogenic variant in any CM or arrhythmia gene have increased recurrence following AF ablation; and 2) patients with a pathogenic variant associated with a specific gene group (arrhythmogenic left ventricular CM [ALVC], arrhythmogenic right ventricular CM, dilated CM, hypertrophic CM, or a channelopathy) have increased recurrence. METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational, cohort study of patients who underwent AF catheter ablation and whole exome sequencing. The primary outcome measure was ≥30 seconds of any atrial tachyarrhythmia that occurred after a 90-day blanking period. RESULTS: Among 1,366 participants, 109 (8.0%) had a pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant in a CM or arrhythmia gene. In multivariable analysis, the presence of a P/LP variant in any gene was not significantly associated with recurrence (HR 1.15; 95% CI 0.84-1.60; P = 0.53). P/LP variants in the ALVC gene group, predominantly LMNA, were associated with increased recurrence (n = 10; HR 3.75; 95% CI 1.84-7.63; P < 0.001), compared with those in the arrhythmogenic right ventricular CM, dilated CM, hypertrophic CM, and channelopathy gene groups. Participants with P/LP TTN variants (n = 46) had no difference in recurrence compared with genotype-negative-controls (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.54-1.59; P = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the use of AF ablation for most patients with rare pathogenic CM or arrhythmia variants, including TTN. However, patients with ALVC variants, such as LMNA, may be at a significantly higher risk for arrhythmia recurrence.

GALNT9 enrichment attenuates MPP+-induced cytotoxicity by ameliorating protein aggregations containing α-synuclein and mitochondrial dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: GALNTs (UDP-GalNAc; polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases) initiate mucin-type O-GalNAc glycosylation by adding N-GalNAc to protein serine/threonine residues. Abnormalities in O-GalNAc glycosylation are involved in various disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder. GALNT9 is potentially downregulated in PD patients. METHODS: To determine whether GALNT9 enrichment ameliorates cytotoxicity related to PD-like variations, a pcDNA3.1-GALNT9 plasmid was constructed and transfected into SH-SY5Y cells to establish a GALNT9-overexpressing cell model. RESULTS: Downregulation of GALNT9 and O-GalNAc glycosylation was confirmed in our animal and cellular models of PD-like variations. GALNT9 supplementation greatly attenuated cytotoxicity induced by MPP+ (1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium iodide) since it led to increased levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine, reduced rates of apoptosis, and significantly ameliorated MPP+-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by alleviating abnormal levels of mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species. A long-lasting mPTP (mitochondrial permeability transition pores) opening and calcium efflux resulted in significantly lower activity in the cytochrome C-associated apoptotic pathway and mitophagy process, signifying that GALNT9 supplementation maintained neuronal cell health under MPP+ exposure. Additionally, it was found that glycans linked to proteins influenced the formation of protein aggregates containing α-synuclein, and GALNT9 supplement dramatically reduced such insoluble protein aggregations under MPP+ treatment. Glial GALNT9 predominantly appears under pathological conditions like PD-like variations. CONCLUSIONS: GALNT9 enrichment improved cell survival, and glial GALNT9 potentially represents a pathogenic index for PD patients. This study provides insights into the development of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of PD.

Sea urchin-like Ni3(HITP)2 as the substrate of molecular imprinted polymer: the voltammetric mechanism for sensitive detection of dopamine.

An electrochemical sensor composed of conductive metal-organic framework [Ni3(HITP)2] and molecular imprinted polymers (MIP) is fabricated to detect dopamine. Ni3(HITP)2 promotes electrons transfer due to the structure of in-plane charge delocalization and layered expansion conjugation. The combination of MIP with Ni3(HITP)2 improves the selectivity and conductivity, exhibiting a wide detection range (0.06 ~ 200 µM) and a low detection limit (0.109 µM). The kinetic mechanism on the electrode surface is an adsorption controlled process, with the equal number of electrons and protons participating in oxidation in the electrocatalytic process of catechol converting to o-quinone.

Microstructure Evolution of Vacuum Diffusion-Bonded 304 Stainless Steel/20 Carbon Steel Bimetallic Interface after Solution Treatment.

In this study, a 304 stainless steel (304 SS)/20 carbon steel (20 CS) bimetal was prepared by vacuum diffusion bonding, with 20 CS as the substrate and 304 SS as the cladding layer, and the interfacial microstructure and bonding strength before and after solution treatment were studied. The 304 SS and The 20 CS formed a strong metallurgical bond after being held at 1380 °C for 60 min without defects such as unbonded regions. Diffusion of Cr and Ni atoms from the 304 SS to the 20 CS occurred, and the C atoms diffused from the 20 CS to the 304 SS, forming a carburized region. A pearlitic region with an average width of approximately 20 µm was formed on the 20 CS side. After solution treatment, austenitization was formed in the carburized region, which was accompanied by the formation of twin crystals. The interfacial bonding strength of the bimetal was measured to be 485 MPa, which increased to 547 MPa after the solution treatment.

The solute carrier transporters (SLCs) family in nutrient metabolism and ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death caused by damage to lipid membranes due to the accumulation of lipid peroxides in response to various stimuli, such as high levels of iron, oxidative stress, metabolic disturbance, etc. Sugar, lipid, amino acid, and iron metabolism are crucial in regulating ferroptosis. The solute carrier transporters (SLCs) family, known as the "metabolic gating" of cells, is responsible for transporting intracellular nutrients and metabolites. Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of SLCs family members in ferroptosis by controlling the transport of various nutrients. Here, we summarized the function and mechanism of SLCs in ferroptosis regulated by ion, metabolic control of nutrients, and multiple signaling pathways, with a focus on SLC-related transporters that primarily transport five significant components: glucose, amino acid, lipid, trace metal ion, and other ion. Furthermore, the potential clinical applications of targeting SLCs with ferroptosis inducers for various diseases, including tumors, are discussed. Overall, this paper delves into the novel roles of the SLCs family in ferroptosis, aiming to enhance our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis and identify new therapeutic targets for clinical applications.

PPIC-labeled CAFs: Key players in neoadjuvant chemotherapy resistance for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths, with advanced cases having a median survival of less than one year. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) is vital but faces drug resistance issues, partly due to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Yet, specific CAF subpopulations contributing to resistance are poorly understood. METHODS: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between chemosensitive and resistant GC patients were identified using GEO2R. Single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) identified CAF-related genes. Immunohistochemistry verified key genes in NCT-treated GC samples, analyzing their correlation with tumor regression grade (TRG) and clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS: PPIC as a gene highly expressed in CAFs was closely associated with NCT resistance in gastric cancer. Immunohistochemistry results revealed positivity for the expression of cyclophilin C (CypC), encoded by PPIC, in the 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin NCT resistant and -sensitive groups of gastric cancer patients at rates of 69.7 % (76/109) and 43.6 % (24/55), respectively (p < 0.001). The high expression of CypC in CAFs was positively correlated to tumor size (p = 0.025), T stage (p = 0.004), TNM stage (p = 0.004), and vascular invasion (p = 0.027). In cancer cells the expression of CypC was associated with OS (p = 0.026). However, in CAFs, CypC expression was not related to OS (p = 0.671). CONCLUSIONS: PPIC-labeled CAF subgroups are related to NCT resistance and poor prognosis in GC and they may cause drug resistance through signaling pathways such as glucose metabolism and extracellular matrix remodeling. However, the exact mechanism behind the involvement of PPIC-labeled CAF in drug resistance of GC requires further study.

Pro-Inflammatory Effects of Inhaled Great Salt Lake Dust Particles.

Background: Climatological shifts and human activities have decimated lakes worldwide. Water in the Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA is at near record lows which has increased risks for exposure to windblown dust from dried lakebed sediments. Formal studies evaluating the health effects of inhaled Great Salt Lake dust (GSLD) have not been performed despite the belief that the dust is harmful. The objectives of this study were to illustrate windblown dust events, assess the impact of inhaled dust on the lungs, and to identify mechanisms that could contribute to the effects of GSLD in the lungs. Results: An animation, hourly particle and meteorological data, and images illustrate the impact of dust events on the Salt Lake Valley/Wasatch front airshed. Great Salt Lake sediment and PM2.5 contained metals, lipopolysaccharides, natural and anthropogenic chemicals, and bacteria. Inhalation and oropharyngeal delivery of PM2.5 triggered neutrophilia and the expression of mRNA for Il6, Cxcl1, Cxcl2, and Muc5ac in mouse lungs, was more potent than coal fly ash (CFA) PM2.5, and more cytotoxic to human airway epithelial cells (HBEC3-KT) in vitro. Induction of IL6 and IL8 was replicated in vitro using HBEC3-KT and THP-1 cells. For HBEC3-KT cells, IL6 induction was variably attenuated by EGTA/ruthenium red, the TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242, and deferoxamine, while IL8 was attenuated by EGTA/ruthenium red. Inhibition of mRNA induction by EGTA/ruthenium red suggested roles for transition metals, calcium, and calcium channels as mediators of the responses. Like CFA, GSLD and a similar dust from the Salton Sea in California, activated human TRPA1, M8, and V1. However, only inhibition of TRPV1, TRPV3, and a combination of both channels impacted cytokine mRNA induction in HBEC3-KT cells. Responses of THP1 cells were partially mediated by TLR4 as opposed to TRP channels and mice expressing a "humanized" form of TRPV1 exhibited greater neutrophilia when exposed to GSLD via inhalation. Conclusions: This study suggests that windblown dust from Great Salt Lake and similar lake sediments could pose a risk to humans via mechanisms including the activation of TRPV1/V3, TLR4, and possibly oxidative stress.

Identification of Euphorbiae pekinensis Radix and its counterfeit and adulterated products based on DNA barcode, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, UPLC fingerprint, and chemometrics.

Euphorbiae pekinensis Radix (EPR) is a traditional Chinese herb commonly used to treat edema, pleural effusion, and ascites. However, counterfeit and adulterated products often appear in the market because of the homonym phenomenon, similar appearance, and artificial forgery of Chinese herbs. This study comprehensively evaluated the quality of EPR using multiple methods. The DNA barcode technique was used to identify EPR, while the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique was utilized to analyze the chemical composition of EPR. A total of 15 tannin and phenolic acid components were identified. Furthermore, UPLC fingerprints of EPR and its common counterfeit products were established, and unsupervised and supervised pattern recognition models were developed using these fingerprints. The backpropagation artificial neural network and counter-propagation artificial neural network models accurately identified counterfeit and adulterated products, with a counterfeit ratio of more than 25%. Finally, the contents of the chemical markers 3,3'-di-O-methyl ellagic acid-4'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, ellagic acid, 3,3'-di-O-methyl ellagic acid-4'-O-ß-d-xylopyranoside, and 3,3'-di-O-methyl ellagic acid were determined to range from 0.05% to 0.11%, 1.95% to 8.52%, 0.27% to 0.86%, and 0.10% to 0.42%, respectively. This proposed strategy offers a general procedure for identifying Chinese herbs and distinguishing between counterfeit and adulterated products.

Risk factors for enhanced recovery after surgery failure in patients undergoing lung cancer resection with concomitant cardiovascular disease: A single-center retrospective study.

Objective: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been widely used in patients with lung cancer, and its effectiveness has been confirmed; however, some lung cancers with poor clinical outcomes lead to ERAS failure after radical resection. This study aimed to analyze risk factors associated with ERAS failure after radical resection in patients with lung cancer and concomitant cardiovascular disease. Methods: In total, 198 patients who underwent ERAS following radical lung cancer surgery for concomitant cardiovascular disease between January 2022 and September 2023 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the definition of ERAS failure: ERAS success group (n = 152) and ERAS failure group (n = 46). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the risk factors of ERAS failure. Results: Univariate analysis showed that gender, tumor location, operation time, estimated blood loss (EBL), suction drainage, and total cholesterol were associated with ERAS failure. Multivariate analysis showed that operation time (odds ratio [OR] = 1.015; P = 0.011) and suction drainage (OR = 3.343; P = 0.008) were independent risk factors for ERAS failure. Conclusions: Operation time and suction drainage were independent risk factors for ERAS failure after radical resection of combined cardiovascular lung cancer. Therefore, improving surgical efficiency and postoperative chest drain management are important for successful ERAS.

Pro-differentiative, Pro-adhesive and Pro-migratory Activities of Isorhamnetin in MC3T3-E1 Osteoblasts via Activation of ERK-dependent BMP2-Smad Signaling.

Osteoporosis (OP) is an epidemic bone remodeling disorder of growing relevance with the aging population. Considering that isorhamnetin (ISO), a flavonoid derived from plant, has been newly reckoned as an active ingredient in treating OP, our paper was conducted to investigate the regulatory role and mechanism of ISO in OP. CCK-8 method detected cell activity. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay kit, ALP staining and alizarin red S staining measured osteogenic differentiation. RT-qPCR and Western blot examined the expressions of osteoblast-related proteins. Wound healing and cell adhesion assays severally detected cell migration and adhesion. Also, Western blot tested the expressions of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling-associated proteins. As illustrated, after MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts were stimulated to differentiate to osteoblasts, ISO markedly promoted the differentiation, mineralization, migration and adhesion of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, administration of ISO functioned as an activator of ERK-dependent BMP2-Smad signaling in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and pretreatment with ERK inhibitor PD98059 partially compensated the impacts of ISO on MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts differentiation, mineralization, migration as well as adhesion. To be summarized, ISO might activate ERK-dependent BMP2-Smad signaling to facilitate the differentiation, mineralization, migration and adhesion of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, suggesting the protective potential of ISO in OP.

Relationship between glycaemic control and frailty in older Chinese patients: The mediating role of diabetes distress.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of glycaemic control and diabetes distress on frailty in older Chinese patients with diabetes, and to explore the mediating role of diabetes distress between glycaemic control and frailty. DESIGN: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. A total of 209 older patients with diabetes were recruited from a teaching hospital in Zhejiang Province. Data were collected from February to September 2022. METHODS: A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic and disease-related data. The Fried Scale and Diabetes Distress Scale were employed to assess frailty and diabetes distress, respectively The bootstrap method was used to examine the mediating effects of diabetes distress on glycaemic control and frailty. The STROBE checklist was adhered to in the reporting of this study (see details in File S1). RESULTS: The findings indicated a positive correlation between the level of glycaemic control and frailty, as well as between diabetes distress and frailty. Furthermore, diabetes distress was found to play a complete mediating role between glycaemic control and frailty. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings highlight the relationship between glycaemic control, diabetes distress and frailty offering a valuable reference for enhancing the management of frailty in older patients with diabetes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study emphasizes the significance of managing glycaemic control and diabetes distress in older patients with diabetes to prevent frailty, and may contribute for healthcare professionals to developing effective measures to improve the frailty of older diabetic patients in clinical settings. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study was conducted with the participation of older patients with diabetes who contributed data by completing study questionnaires and undergoing physical assessments.

An integrated biorefinery strategy for Eucalyptus fractionation and co-producing glucose, furfural, and lignin based on deep eutectic solvent/cyclopentyl methyl ether system.

A novel biphasic system containing water-soluble deep eutectic solvent (DES) and cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) was developed to treat Eucalyptus for furfural production, extracting lignin and enhancing cellulose enzymatic hydrolysis. Herein effect of DES type, water content in DES, temperature and time on furfural yield in water-soluble DES/CPME pretreatment process was firstly evaluated. A maximum furfural yield of 80.6 % was attained in 10 min at 150 °C with choline chloride (ChCl)/citric acid monohydrate (CAM)/CPME system containing 30 wt% water and 2.5 wt% SnCl4·5H2O, which was higher than that obtained from ChCl/CAM/CPME system without water (55.5 %) and H2O/CPME system (49.7 %). These results demonstrated that the water-soluble DES/CPME system was a powerful method enhancing the furfural production. Under the optimal pretreatment conditions, the delignification and glucose yield were reached to 72.7 % and 94.3 %, respectively. The extracted lignin showed low molecular weight and ß-aryl-ether was obviously cleaved. Additionally, water-soluble DES/CPME pretreatment led to a significant removal of hemicelluloses (100.0 %) and lignin (72.7 %) and introduced morphological changes on cell walls, especially from the cell corner (CC) and secondary wall (SW) layers. Overall, this work proposed a practical one-step fractionation strategy for co-producing furfural, lignin and fermentable sugar, providing a way to biorefinery.

Mitochondrial DNA content and methylation in sperm of patients with asthenozoospermia.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to investigate the mtDNA methylation levels and mtDNA copy numbers in the sperm of patients with asthenozoospermia and compare them to those observed in controls with normozoospermia. METHODS: Pyrosequencing analysis of the methylation levels of the mitochondrial D-loop and MT-CO1/chr1:631,907-632083/chrX:26,471,887-126,472,063 (hereinafter referred to as "MT-CO1-AVG") region and quantitative PCR analysis of the mtDNA copy number were performed on sperm from 30 patients with asthenozoospermia and 30 controls with normozoospermia. RESULTS: Compared with those of controls with normozoospermia, the methylation levels of D-loop and MT-CO1-AVG regions and mtDNA copy number were significantly higher in patients with asthenozoospermia. The methylation level of the D-loop region in patients with asthenozoospermia and controls with normozoospermia and that of MT-CO1-AVG region in patients with asthenozoospermia showed a decreasing tendency with increasing total sperm motility. A significant inverse correlation between the mtDNA copy number and total sperm motility was observed in patients with asthenozoospermia but not in controls with normozoospermia. In patients with asthenozoospermia, but not in controls with normozoospermia, we observed a significant inverse correlation between D-loop methylation levels and mtDNA copy number, while no significant correlation was observed between MT-CO1-AVG methylation levels and mtDNA copy number. CONCLUSION: These results reveal the occurrence of mtDNA methylation in human sperm and altered D-loop and MT-CO1-AVG methylation levels in patients with asthenozoospermia. Additional research is needed to determine the function of these features in the etiology and course of asthenozoospermia.

Multi-scale brain attributes contribute to the distribution of diffuse glioma subtypes.

Gliomas are primary brain tumors and are among the most malignant types. Adult-type diffuse gliomas can be classified based on their histological and molecular signatures as IDH-wildtype glioblastoma, IDH-mutant astrocytoma, and IDH-mutant and 1p/19q-codeleted oligodendroglioma. Recent studies have shown that each subtype of glioma has its own specific distribution pattern. However, the mechanisms underlying the specific distributions of glioma subtypes are not entirely clear despite partial explanations such as cell origin. To investigate the impact of multi-scale brain attributes on glioma distribution, we constructed cumulative frequency maps for diffuse glioma subtypes based on T1w structural images and evaluated the spatial correlation between tumor frequency and diverse brain attributes, including postmortem gene expression, functional connectivity metrics, cerebral perfusion, glucose metabolism, and neurotransmitter signaling. Regression models were constructed to evaluate the contribution of these factors to the anatomic distribution of different glioma subtypes. Our findings revealed that the three different subtypes of gliomas had distinct distribution patterns, showing spatial preferences toward different brain environmental attributes. Glioblastomas were especially likely to occur in regions enriched with synapse-related pathways and diverse neurotransmitter receptors. Astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas preferentially occurred in areas enriched with genes associated with neutrophil-mediated immune responses. The functional network characteristics and neurotransmitter distribution also contributed to oligodendroglioma distribution. Our results suggest that different brain transcriptomic, neurotransmitter, and connectomic attributes are the factors that determine the specific distributions of glioma subtypes. These findings highlight the importance of bridging diverse scales of biological organization when studying neurological dysfunction.

A multidimensional strategy for uncovering comprehensive quality markers of Scutellariae Radix based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis, artificial neural network, network pharmacology analysis, and molecular simulation.

Introduction: Scutellariae Radix (SR), derived from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for clearing heat and cooling blood. It has been used as a traditional herbal medicine and is popular as a functional food in Asian countries today. Methods: In this study, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was first employed to identify the chemical components in the ethanol extract of SR. Then, the extraction process was optimized using star point design-response surface methodology. Fingerprints of different batches and processed products were established, and chemical markers were screened through a combination of various artificial neural network models. Finally, network pharmacology and molecular simulation techniques were utilized for verification to determine the quality markers. Results: A total of 35 chemical components in SR were identified, and the optimal extraction process was determined as follows: ultrasonic extraction with 80% methanol at a ratio of 120:1 for 70 minutes, with a soaking time of 30 minutes. Through discriminant analysis using various artificial neural network models, the samples of SR could be classified into two categories based on their growth years: Kuqin (dried roots of older plants) and Ziqin (roots of younger plants). Moreover, the samples within each category could be further clustered according to their origins. The four different processed products of SR could also be distinguished separately. Finally, through the integration of network pharmacology and molecular simulation techniques, it was determined that baicalin, baicalein, wogonin, norwogonin, norwogonin-8-O-glucuronide, skullcapflavone II, hispidulin, 8, 8"-bibaicalein, and oroxylin A-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide could serve as quality markers for SR. Discussion: The primary factors affecting the quality of SR were its growth years. The geographic origin of SR was identified as a secondary factor affecting its quality. Processing also had a significant impact on its quality. The selected quality markers have laid the foundation for the quality control of SR, and this research strategy also provides a research paradigm for improving the quality of TCM.

Fast fabrication of "all-in-one" injectable hydrogels as antibiotic alternatives for enhanced bacterial inhibition and accelerating wound healing.

Skin wound infection has become a notable medical threat. Herein, the polysaccharide-based injectable hydrogels with multifunctionality were developed by a simple and fast gelation process not only to inactivate bacteria but also to accelerate bacteria-infected wound healing. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) loaded PCN-224 nanoparticles were introduced into the polymer matrix formed by the dynamic and reversible coordinate bonds between Ag+ with carboxyl and amino or hydroxyl groups on carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions in the polymer to fabricate SNP@PCN@Gel hydrogels. SNP@PCN@Gel displayed interconnected porous structure, excellent self-healing capacity, low cytotoxicity, good blood compatibility, and robust antibacterial activity. SNP@PCN@Gel could produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO along with Fe2+, and showed long-term sustained release of Ag+, thereby effectively killing bacteria by synergistic photothermal (hyperthermia), photodynamic (ROS), chemodynamic (Fenton reaction), gas (NO) and ion (Ag+ and -NH3+ in CMCS) therapy. Remarkably, the hydrogels significantly promoted granulation tissue formation, reepithelization, collagen deposition and angiogenesis as well as wound contraction in bacteria-infected wound healing. Taken together, the strategy represented a general method to engineer the unprecedented photoactivatable "all-in-one" hydrogels with enhanced antibacterial activity and paved a new way for development of antibiotic alternatives and wound dressing.

In-depth transcriptome and physiological function analysis reveals the toxicology of sodium fluoride in the fall webworm Hyphantria cunea.

Fluoride is an environmental pollutant that severely injures various organisms in ecosystems. Herein, the non-target organism, fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), was used to determine the toxicological mechanism of NaF exposure. In this study, H. cunea exposed to NaF showed significant declines in growth and reproduction. The authors conducted RNA sequencing on adipose bodies and midgut tissues from NaF-exposed H. cunea larvae to uncover the toxicological mechanisms. The results showed that extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, fatty acid biosynthesis, and ferroptosis might contribute to NaF stress. NaF significantly decreased the antioxidant level, nitrous oxide synthase activity, and NO content, while significantly increasing lipid peroxidation. NaF induced significant changes in the expression of energy metabolism genes. However, the triglyceride content was significantly decreased and the lipase enzyme activity was significantly increased. Moreover, the expression levels of light and heavy chains of ferritin were inhibited in NaF-exposed H. cunea. NaF caused ferritin Fe2+overload in FerHCH1 and FerLCH knockdown H. cunea larvae, activated reactive oxygen species, and reduced the total iron content, eventually increasing the mortality H. cunea larvae. This study identified the toxicological mechanisms of NaF in lipid synthesis and energy metabolism in H. cunea, providing a basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms of NaF toxicity and developing pollution control strategies.

Experiences of formal caregivers of elderly inpatients with physical disabilities in China: a qualitative study.

AIM: To explore the views and experiences of formal caregivers caring for older inpatients with physical disabilities. METHODS: It was a qualitative phenomenological study. Using purposive sampling, twelve formal caregivers were chosen in a tertiary comprehensive hospital in Hangzhou, China. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted, guided by open-ended questions that focused on gaining rich insights into participants' views and experiences. Coding reliability thematic analysis was used to guide data analysis and categorize, based on Lazarus and Folkman's theory of transactional coping. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Caregiving Threats. (2) motivations. (3) Responsibility Management. (4) Fear. CONCLUSION: Despite facing significant pressure at work, formal caregivers of elderly inpatients with physical disabilities possess the drive and various coping strategies to excel in their role. Identifying caregivers' experiences of care can be helpful in improving resilience to stress and maintaining stability in formal caregivers.

Elastic-Plastic Fully π-Conjugated Polymer with Excellent Energy Dissipation Capacity for Ultra-Deep-Blue Flexible Polymer Light-Emitting Diodes with CIEy = 0.04.

Emerging intrinsically flexible fully π-conjugated polymers (FπCPs) are a promising functional material for flexible optoelectronics, attributed to their potential interchain interpenetration and entanglement. However, the challenge remains in obtaining elastic-plastic FπCPs with intrinsic robust optoelectronic property and excellent long-term and cycling deformation stability simultaneously for applications in deep-blue flexible polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs). This study, demonstrates a series of elastic-plastic FπCPs (P1-P4) with an excellent energy dissipation capacity via side-chain internal plasticization for the ultra-deep-blue flexible PLEDs. First, the freestanding P1 film exhibited a maximum fracture strain of 34.6%. More interestingly, the elastic behavior is observed with a low strain (≤10%), and the stretched film with a high deformation (>10%) attributed to plastic processing revealed the robust capacity to realize energy absorption and release. The elastic-plastic P1 film exhibits outstanding ultra-deep-blue emission, with an efficiency of 56.38%. Subsequently, efficient PLEDs are fabricated with an ultra-deep-blue emission of CIE (0.16, 0.04) and a maximum external quantum efficiency of 1.73%. Finally, stable and efficient ultra-deep-blue electroluminescence are obtained from PLEDs based on stretchable films with different strains and cycling deformations, suggesting excellent elastic-plastic behavior and deformation stability for flexible electronics.