Continuous air purification by aqueous interface filtration and absorption.

The adverse impact of particulate air pollution on human health1,2 has prompted the development of purification systems that filter particulates out of air3-5. To maintain performance, the filter units must inevitably be replaced at some point, which requires maintenance, involves costs and generates solid waste6,7. Here we show that an ion-doped conjugated polymer-coated matrix infiltrated with a selected functional liquid enables efficient, continuous and maintenance-free air purification. As the air to be purified moves through the system in the form of bubbles, the functional fluid provides interfaces for filtration and for removal of particulate matter and pollutant molecules from air. Theoretical modelling and experimental results demonstrate that the system exhibits high efficiency and robustness: its one-time air purification efficiency can reach 99.6%, and its dust-holding capacity can reach 950 g m-2. The system is durable and resistant to fouling and corrosion, and the liquid acting as filter can be reused and adjusted to also enable removal of bacteria or odours. We anticipate that our purification approach will be useful for the development of specialist air purifiers that might prove useful in a settings such as hospitals, factories and mines.

PD-L1 and PD-1 expressed in trigeminal ganglia may inhibit pain in an acute migraine model.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic inflammation, mediated by the activation of primary neurons, is thought to be an important factor in migraine pathophysiology. Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) can suppress the immune response through the Programmed cell death-1 receptor. However, the role of PD-L1/PD-1 in migraine remains unclear. In this study we evaluated the expression and role of PD-L1/PD-1 in the trigeminal ganglia in an animal model of acute migraine. METHODS: Acute nitroglycerin induces acute mechanical hyperalgesia that can be used as a readout of migraine-like pain. We investigated the expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 in the trigeminal ganglia in a mouse model by means of immunofluorescence labeling, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. We explored the effects of PD-1 in a migraine model by the von Frey test and by analyzing the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-18 (IL-18), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV4) after the intravenous injection of a PD-1 inhibitor. RESULTS: PD-L1 and PD-1 immunoreactivity were present in healthy trigeminal ganglia neurons. The mRNA levels of PD-L1 and PD-1 were significantly elevated 2 h, 4 h and 6 h after acute nitroglycerin treatment (p < 0.05). The protein levels of PD-L1 were significantly increased 2 h, 4 h and 6 h after treatment, and PD-1 was significantly increased at 2 h and 6 h. The blockade of PD-1 increased acute nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia, and this effect was accompanied by a more significant increase in calcitonin gene-related peptide, IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-18 in the trigeminal ganglia. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that PD-L1 and PD-1 might inhibit migraine-like pain by downregulating CGRP and inflammatory factors in the trigeminal ganglia. The use of PD-L1 and PD-1 as analgesics should be further studied.

Identification of a novel missense mutation in the WFS1 gene as a cause of autosomal dominant nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss in all-frequencies.

Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder affecting 278 million people in the world, and more than 60% of hearing loss patients can be attributed to genetic causes. Although many loci have been linked to hereditary hearing impairment, most of the causative genes have not been identified as yet. The goal of this study was to investigate the cause of dominantly inherited sensorineural all-frequency hearing loss in a six-generation Chinese family. We performed exome sequencing to screen responsible candidate genes in three family members with all-frequency hearing loss and one member with normal hearing. Sanger sequencing was employed to examine the variant mutations in the members of this family and 200 healthy persons. PCR-RFLP was performed to further confirm the nucleotide mutation. A novel missense mutation c.2389G > A (GAC → AAC) in WFS1 gene was identified, which was co-segregated with the hearing loss phenotype. No mutation was found in 200 controls and the family members with normal hearing in this site. The present study identifies, for the first time, a novel mutation in WFS1 gene that causes non-syndromic hearing loss in all, rather than in low or high, frequencies.

Bi-Level Optimization for De-Icing Position Allocation and Unmanned De-Icing Vehicle Fleet Routing Problem.

Aircraft icing due to severe cold and local factors increases the risk of flight delays and safety issues. Therefore, this study focuses on optimizing de-icing allocation and adapting to dynamic flight schedules at medium to large airports. Moreover, it aims to establish a centralized de-icing methodology employing unmanned de-icing vehicles to achieve the dual objectives of minimizing flight delay times and enhancing airport de-icing efficiency. To achieve these goals, a mixed-integer bi-level programming model is formulated, where the upper-level planning guides the allocation of de-icing positions and the lower-level planning addresses the collaborative scheduling of the multiple unmanned de-icing vehicles. In addition, a two-stage algorithm is introduced, encompassing a Mixed Variable Neighborhood Search Genetic Algorithm (MVNS-GA) as well as a Multi-Strategy Enhanced Heuristic Greedy Algorithm (MSEH-GA). Both algorithms are rigorously assessed through horizontal comparisons. This demonstrates the effectiveness and competitiveness of these algorithms. Finally, a model simulation is conducted at a major northwestern hub airport in China, providing empirical evidence of the proposed approach's efficiency. The results show that research offers a practical solution for optimizing the use of multiple unmanned de-icing vehicles in aircraft de-icing tasks at medium to large airports. Therefore, delays are mitigated, and de-icing operations are improved.

Design and assessment of a reconfigurable behavioral assistive robot: a pilot study.

Introduction: For patients with functional motor disorders of the lower limbs due to brain damage or accidental injury, restoring the ability to stand and walk plays an important role in clinical rehabilitation. Lower limb exoskeleton robots generally require patients to convert themselves to a standing position for use, while being a wearable device with limited movement distance. Methods: This paper proposes a reconfigurable behavioral assistive robot that integrates the functions of an exoskeleton robot and an assistive standing wheelchair through a novel mechanism. The new mechanism is based on a four-bar linkage, and through simple and stable conformal transformations, the robot can switch between exoskeleton state, sit-to-stand support state, and wheelchair state. This enables the robot to achieve the functions of assisted walking, assisted standing up, supported standing and wheelchair mobility, respectively, thereby meeting the daily activity needs of sit-to-stand transitions and gait training. The configuration transformation module controls seamless switching between different configurations through an industrial computer. Experimental protocols have been developed for wearable testing of robotic prototypes not only for healthy subjects but also for simulated hemiplegic patients. Results: The experimental results indicate that the gait tracking effect during robot-assisted walking is satisfactory, and there are no sudden speed changes during the assisted standing up process, providing smooth support to the wearer. Meanwhile, the activation of the main force-generating muscles of the legs and the plantar pressure decreases significantly in healthy subjects and simulated hemiplegic patients wearing the robot for assisted walking and assisted standing-up compared to the situation when the robot is not worn. Discussion: These experimental findings demonstrate that the reconfigurable behavioral assistive robot prototype of this study is effective, reducing the muscular burden on the wearer during walking and standing up, and provide effective support for the subject's body. The experimental results objectively and comprehensively showcase the effectiveness and potential of the reconfigurable behavioral assistive robot in the realms of behavioral assistance and rehabilitation training.

Iron-decorated covalent organic framework as efficient catalyst for activating peroxydisulfate to degrade 2,4-dichlorophenol: Performance and mechanism insight.

Herein, a novel two-dimensional double-pore covalent organic framework (JLNU-305) was synthesized using N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)-1,4-phenylenediamine (TAPD) and 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarboxaldehyde (BPDA). The extended π-π conjugated structure and nitrogen-riched pyridine in JLNU-305 (JLNU = Jilin Normal University) provide abundant binding sites for Fe doping. The obtained JLNU-305-Fe exhibited high and recycled catalytic efficiency for peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation to completely degrade 10 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) within 8 min. The JLNU-305-Fe/PDS system showed excellent catalytic activity and cyclic stability. The capture experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (ESR) analysis indicated that the catalytic behavior of JLNU-305-Fe/PDS is contributed to the synergistic effect between free radicals and non-free radicals. It is the first time to activate PDS for covalent organic frameworks (COFs) being used to degrade 2,4-DCP, which has a great potential for development and practical application in related water environment remediation.

Reactive Oxygen Species Responsive Multifunctional Fusion Extracellular Nanovesicles: Prospective Treatments for Acute Heart Transplant Rejection.

Heart transplantation offers life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure; however, ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and subsequent immune responses remain significant challenges. Current therapies primarily target adaptive immunity, with limited options available for addressing IRI and innate immune activation. Although plant-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles show promise in managing diseases, their application in organ transplantation complications is unexplored. Here, this work develops a novel reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive multifunctional fusion extracellular nanovesicles carrying rapamycin (FNVs@RAPA) to address early IRI and Ly6C+Ly6G- inflammatory macrophage-mediated rejection in heart transplantation. The FNVs comprise Exocarpium Citri grandis-derived extracellular nanovesicles with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and mesenchymal stem cell membrane-derived nanovesicles expressing calreticulin with macrophage-targeting ability. A novel ROS-responsive bio-orthogonal chemistry approach facilitates the active targeting delivery of FNVs@RAPA to the heart graft site, effectively alleviating IRI and promoting the polarization of Ly6C+Ly6G- inflammatory macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Hence, FNVs@RAPA represents a promising therapeutic approach for mitigating early transplantation complications and immune rejection. The fusion-targeted delivery strategy offers superior heart graft site enrichment and macrophage-specific targeting, promising improved transplant outcomes.

TRAF6 enhances PD-L1 expression through YAP1-TFCP2 signaling in melanoma.

Immunotherapy represented by programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies has led tumor treatment into a new era. However, the low overall response rate and high incidence of drug resistance largely damage the clinical benefits of existing immune checkpoint therapies. Recent studies correlate the response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade with PD-L1 expression levels in tumor cells. Hence, identifying molecular targets and pathways controlling PD-L1 protein expression and stability in tumor cells is a major priority. In this study, we performed a Stress and Proteostasis CRISPR interference screening to identify PD-L1 positive modulators. Here, we identified TRAF6 as a critical regulator of PD-L1 in melanoma cells. As a non-conventional E3 ubiquitin ligase, TRAF6 is inclined to catalyze the synthesis and linkage of lysine-63 (K63) ubiquitin which is related to the stabilization of substrate proteins. Our results showed that suppression of TRAF6 expression down-regulates PD-L1 expression on the membrane surface of melanoma cells. We then used in vitro and in vivo assays to investigate the biological function and mechanism of TRAF6 and its downstream YAP1/TFCP2 signaling in melanoma. TRAF6 stabilizes YAP1 by K63 poly-ubiquitination modification, subsequently promoting the formation of YAP1/TFCP2 transcriptional complex and PD-L1 transcription. Inhibition of TRAF6 by Bortezomib enhanced cytolytic activity of CD8+ T cells by reduction of endogenous PD-L1. Notably, Bortezomib enhances anti-tumor immunity to an extent comparable to anti-PD-1 therapies with no obvious toxicity. Our findings reveal the potential of inhibiting TRAF6 to stimulate internal anti-tumor immunological effect for TRAF6-PD-L1 overexpressing cancers.

Research on a rotary piezoelectric wind energy harvester with bilateral excitation.

This paper describes a rotary piezoelectric wind energy harvester with bilateral excitation (B-RPWEH) that improves power generation performance. The power generating unit in the current piezoelectric cantilever wind energy harvester was primarily subjected to a periodic force in a single direction. The B-RPWEH adopted a reasonable bilateral magnet arrangement, thus avoiding the drawbacks of limited piezoelectric cantilever beam deformation and unstable power generation due to unidirectional excitation force. The factors affecting the power generation were theoretically analyzed, and the natural frequency and excitation force of the piezoelectric cantilever have been simulated and analyzed. A comprehensive experimental research method was used to investigate the output performance. The B-RPWEH reaches a maximum output voltage of 20.48 Vpp when the piezoelectric sheet is fixed at an angle of 30°, the Savonius turbine number is 3, and the magnet diameter is 8 mm. By adjusting the fixed angle of the piezoelectric sheet, the number of Savonius wind turbine blades, and the magnet diameter, the maximum voltage is increased by 52.38%, 4.49%, and 245.95%, respectively. The output power is 24.5 mW with an external resistor of 8 kΩ, and the normalized power density is 153.14 × 10-3 mW/mm3, capable of powering light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This structure can drive wireless networks or low-power electronics.

Design and research of piezoelectric energy harvesting device applicable to wireless mouse.

This paper presents a piezoelectric energy harvesting device applicable to wireless mouse (WM-PEH). Adding magnetic force to the excitation piezoelectric generating unit makes the impact better and more pronounced. The polygonal roller can increase the excitation frequency of the piezoelectric generating unit and broaden the energy collection range and capability of the WM-PEH. The theoretical and simulation analysis of WM-PEH was carried out in this paper. The effects of the length ratio of the exciter rod to the support frame and the circular impact area on the output characteristics of the prototype were discussed in the experiment. When the length ratio of the exciter rod and the support rod is 3:1, the activity increment of the exciter rod is the largest, and the maximum output voltage can reach 42 V and the maximum output power is 22.43 mW when it acts on a circular generator set with a radius of 1.5 mm. The design of the device is highly integrated with the wireless mouse that is widely used, and the piezoelectric energy harvesting mechanism and the wireless mouse are perfectly combined, which provides a scientific basis for the subsequent development of a self-powered wireless mouse.

Overall Improvement in Dielectric, Water Resistance and Mechanical Properties of Polyimide Film via Synergy between GO and Sandwich-type Porous Structure.

Simultaneous improvement in dielectric, water resistance and mechanical properties of polyimide (PI) films is critical for their practical use, but difficult to achieve. Herein, a sandwich-type porous GO/PI film with excellent comprehensive properties was obtained through integrating a GO-containing complex, fluorine-containing porous structure and sandwich-type distribution of porous structure by a simple, low-cost and green breath figure method. With the addition of only a small amount of GO-containing complex, a low dielectric constant of 2.21, water absorption of 0.51%, increment in dielectric constant after moisture treatment of 1.60% and high tensile strength of 113.1 MPa, tensile modulus of 1.70 GPa, with 35.39%, 79.42%, 81.81% of reduction and 17.22%, 21.43% of increase compared to PI film were shown, respectively. Moreover, these properties could be adjusted through regulating the component and porous structure by changing the parameters of breath figure method. These outstanding properties make the film a promising candidate for high-performance low-dielectric materials.

Depletion of Igfbp7 alleviates zebrafish NAFLD progression through inhibiting hepatic ferroptosis.

AIMS: The global increased expression of Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) has been detected in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, however, its roles in NAFLD and the mechanism remain largely unclear. The goal of this study is to investigate the effect and mechanism of Igfbp7 using a zebrafish NAFLD model. MAIN METHODS: The igfbp7-/- null zebrafish mutant and the Igfbp7 liver overexpressed (LOE) transgenic zebrafish based on Gal4/UAS system were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 and Tol2 transgenic technique, respectively. The zebrafish NAFLD models in wildtypes, igfbp7-/- mutants and Igfbp7 LOE fishes have been established by high-fat diet feeding. The Igfbp7 dynamic expression and its effects on NAFLD progression have been detected and analyzed in both human NAFLD patients and zebrafish models. And the potential mechanism has been investigated through transcriptome analysis and subsequent detection and verification. KEY FINDINGS: High Igfbp7 levels in NASH and fibrosis stages have been detected in liver tissues of both human NAFLD patients and zebrafish models. Depletion of Igfbp7 significantly alleviated liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, whereas liver specific Igfbp7 overexpression dramatically exacerbated liver fibrosis in zebrafish NAFLD model. The hepatic iron deposition, lipid peroxidation products, and ferroptosis-related index were also significantly reduced at the NASH stage in the absence of Igfbp7. Igfbp7 promotes NAFLD progression through regulating ferroptosis, and Ncoa4-mediated ferritinophagy may be the pathway of Igfbp7-regulated ferroptosis. SIGNIFICANCE: Igfbp7 is confirmed as an important regulator in NAFLD progression. Depleting Igfbp7 effectively alleviates zebrafish NAFLD progression by inhibiting hepatic ferroptosis, suggesting a novel potential target for NAFLD treatment.

Study on optimization of multi-UAV nucleic acid sample delivery paths in large cities under the influence of epidemic environment.

In the context of global novel coronavirus infection, we studied the distribution problem of nucleic acid samples, which are medical supplies with high urgency. A multi-UAV delivery model of nucleic acid samples with time windows and a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) dynamics model for multiple distribution centers is established by considering UAVs' impact cost and trajectory cost. The Golden Eagle optimization algorithm (SGDCV-GEO) based on gradient optimization and Corsi variation is proposed to solve the model by introducing gradient optimization and Corsi variation strategy in the Golden Eagle optimization algorithm. Performance evaluation by optimizing test functions, Friedman and Nemenyi test compared with Golden Jackal Optimization (GJO), Hunter-Prey Optimization (HPO), Pelican Optimization Algorithm (POA), Reptile Search Algorithm (RSA) and Golden Eagle Optimization (GEO), the convergence performance of SGDCV-GEO algorithm was demonstrated. Further, the improved RRT (Rapidly-exploring Random Trees) algorithm is used in the UAV path planning, and the pruning process and logistic chaotic mapping strategy are introduced in the path generation method. Finally, simulation experiments are conducted based on 8 hospitals and 50 randomly selected communities in the Pudong district of Shanghai, southern China. The experimental results show that the developed algorithm can effectively reduce the delivery cost and total delivery time compared with simulated annealing algorithm (SA), crow search algorithm (CSA), particle swarm algorithm (PSO), and taboo search algorithm (TS), and the developed algorithm has good uniformity, robustness, and high convergence accuracy, which can be effectively applied to the multi-UAV nucleic acid sample delivery path optimization in large cities under the influence of an epidemic environment.

Optimization of urban emergency support material distribution under major public health emergencies based on improved sparrow search algorithm.

The outbreak of major public health emergencies such as the coronavirus epidemic has put forward new requirements for urban emergency management procedures. Accuracy and effective distribution model of emergency support materials, as an effective tool to inhibit the deterioration of the public health sector, have gradually become a research hotspot. The distribution of urban emergency support devices, under the secondary supply chain structure of "material transfer center-demand point," which may involve confusing demands, is studied to determine the actual situation of fuzzy requests under the impact of an epidemic outbreak. An optimization model of urban emergency support material distribution, based on Credibility theory, is first constructed. Then an improved sparrow search algorithm, ISSA, was designed by introducing Sobol sequence, Cauchy variation and bird swarm algorithm into the structure of the classical SSA. In addition, numerical validation and standard test set validation were carried out and the experimental results showed that the introduced improved strategy effectively improved the global search capability of the algorithm. Furthermore, simulation experiments are conducted, based on Shanghai, and the comparison with existing cutting-edge algorithms shows that the designed algorithm has stronger superiority and robustness. And the simulation results show that the designed algorithm can reduce vehicle cost by 4.83%, time cost by 13.80%, etc. compared to other algorithms. Finally, the impact of preference value on the distribution of emergency support materials is analyzed to help decision-makers to develop reasonable and effective distribution strategies according to the impact of major public health emergencies. The results of the study provide a practical reference for the solution of urban emergency support materials distribution problems.

A review of piezoelectric-electromagnetic hybrid energy harvesters for different applications.

Social progress is inseparable from the utilization of energy, signals of extreme consumption of fossil energy and energy crisis appear frequently around the world. Human beings are paying more and more attention to new technologies and the sustainable development of energy collection and conversion. The emergence of piezoelectric, electromagnetic, electrostatic, and triboelectric mechanisms provides a variety of effective methods for new environmental energy collection and conversion technologies. Among them, the piezoelectric-electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester (P-EHEH) has been widely studied due to its high output power, simple structure, and easy miniaturization. Continuous progress has been made in the research of P-EHEH through theoretical exploration, structural optimization, and performance improvement. This Review focuses on the review of P-EHEH at the application level. A detailed introduction summarizes the research status of P-EHEH applied to human body devices, monitoring sensors, and power supply devices, as well as the development status of back-end electronic modules and interface circuits. The future challenges and development prospects of P-EHEH are anticipated.

A new species of Validifemur Ma, Song & Zhu, 2007 (Lithobiomorpha, Lithobiidae) from northwest China.

Background: The myriapod fauna of China is still poorly known and very little attention has been paid to the study of Lithobiomorpha, with only more 100 species/subspecies hitherto known from the country, amongst which are only three species of Validifemur. Here we are describing a new species from northwest China. New information: A new lithobiid species, Validifemurradispinipes sp. n., is described and illustrated from Wolong Mountain Park, Jingyuan County, Guyuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, northwest China. The new species is compared with V.pedodontus Ma, Song & Zhu, 2007 from Shaanxi Province, China. Type specimens are deposited in the Institute of Myriapodology, School of Life Sciences, Hengshui University, Hengshui, China.

Study of a piezoelectric energy harvester in the form of vortex oscillation for fixed disturbance fluid type.

The main purpose of this paper is to study a piezoelectric energy harvester in the form of vortex oscillation for fixed disturbance fluid type. The harvester consists of a fixed cylinder, an oscillating cylinder, flexible beams, and polyvinylidene fluorides (PVDFs). The flexible beam connects the fixed cylinder to the oscillating cylinder, and the PVDF is fixed to the flexible beam by means of adhesive, thus completing the assembly of the entire energy harvester. In this paper, the diameters of the fixed cylinder and oscillating cylinder and the length of the flexible beam are studied. In different parameter states, the harvester has different output performance; so the purpose of this study is to find a set of optimum parameters that will lead to the best harvester output. When the diameters of the fixed cylinder and oscillating cylinder are 50 and 20 mm, respectively, and the length of the flexible beam is 60 mm, the whole prototype has the best electrical output performance with 5.98 µW power at 18 m/s. The whole prototype is sensitive to excitation at any wind speed and is able to convert and collect even weak streaming excitation energy from the environment. This structure offers greater reliability and durability than the disturbed fluid oscillation type piezoelectric harvester.

Research on nonlinear isometric L-shaped cantilever beam type piezoelectric wind energy harvester based on magnetic coupling.

Harvesting wind energy using piezoelectric materials is expected to be an alternative solution for powering wireless sensing networks. This paper proposed a nonlinear isometric L-shaped cantilever beam type piezoelectric wind energy harvester based on magnetic coupling (L-PWEH). The transducer consists of an array of equidistant L-shaped piezoelectric vibrators that are sealed inside the shell. It greatly improves the equivalent piezoelectric coefficient, robustness, and wind speed range for reliable operation. Theoretical and simulation analyses of the structural parameters related to the widening of the L-PWEH were performed. The prototype was built and the experimental system was constructed to verify the feasibility of the L-PWEH and the results of the analyses. Experiments have shown that increasing the magnetic force, additional springs, and the appropriate quantity of excitation magnets can effectively increase the output voltage and widen the wind speed range at high voltage output. When the wind speed is 16.35 m/s and the load resistance is 2 MΩ, the best output power of the piezoelectric vibrator is 142.3 µW. At this time, the height of the middle excitation magnet of the prototype is 12 mm, the number is 5, and the wire diameter of the additional spring is 1 mm. The prototype can successfully make the electronics work properly.

Implantation of WSe2 nanosheets into multi-walled carbon nanotubes for enhanced microwave absorption.

Microwave absorption materials can protect humanity from harmful electromagnetic radiation, but it is still a challenge to absorb electromagnetic radiation with different bands simultaneously. Herein, an effective strategy for obtaining WSe2@CNTs nanohybrids is reported. The conductive network and polarization of WSe2@CNTs nanohybrids can be tailored by confinedly implanting WSe2 nanosheets on multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The electromagnetic properties and microwave absorption performance of the nanohybrids are effectively adjusted via changing the hybrid ratio of WSe2 and CNTs. Multi-band microwave absorption is achieved with up to three bands. The reflection loss (RL) of the sample can reach -60.1 dB, and the bandwidth can reach 4.24 GHz (RL ≤ -10 dB). The excellent microwave absorption performance is attributed to the conductance and multiple relaxations, as well as the synergistic effect of the two. This result confirms that WSe2@CNTs nanohybrids are potential candidates for high-efficiency microwave absorbers and provide a valuable pathway for designing high-performance microwave absorption materials in the future.

Cellular membrane-based vesicles displaying a reconstructed B cell maturation antigen for multiple myeloma therapy by dual targeting APRIL and BAFF.

Excessive secretion of cytokines (such as APRIL and BAFF) in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) plays an essential role in the formation of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Blocking the binding of excessive cytokines to their receptors is becoming a promising approach for MM therapy. Here, we proposed a strategy of engineering cell membrane-based nanovesicles (NVs) to reconstruct B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a receptor of APRIL and BAFF, to capture excess APRIL/BAFF in BMM as a bait protein. Our results showed that reconstructed BCMA expressed on the membrane of NVs (Re-BCMA-NVs) retained the ability of binding to soluble and surface-bound APRIL/BAFF in BMM. Consequently, Re-BCMA-NVs blocked the activation of the NF-κB pathway, downregulating the expression of anti-apoptosis genes and cell cycle-related genes, and hence inhibiting MM cell survival. Importantly, Re-BCMA-NVs showed a synergistic anti-MM effect when administrated together with bortezomib (BTZ) in vitro and in vivo. Our NVs targeting multiple cytokines in cancer microenvironment provides a solution to enhance sensitivity of MM cells to BTZ-based therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Excessive APRIL and BAFF is reported to promote the survival of MM cell and facilitate the formation of resistance to bortezomib therapy. In this study, we bioengineered cell membrane derived reconstructed BCMA nanovesicles (Re-BCMA-NVs) to capture both soluble and cell-surface APRIL and BAFF. These NVs inhibited the activation of NF-κB pathway and thus inhibit the survival of MM cells in 2D, 3D and subcutaneous mouse tumor models. Importantly, Re-BCMA-NVs showed a synergistic anti-MM effect when administrated together with bortezomib in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our NVs targeting multiple cytokines in cancer microenvironment provides a solution to enhance sensitivity of MM cells to bortezomib-based therapy.