A bionic mimosa soft robot based on a multi-responsive PNIPAM-PEGDA hydrogel composition.

Deformation plays a vital role in the survival of natural organisms. One example is that plants deform themselves to face the sun for sufficient sunlight exposure, which allows them to produce nutrients through photosynthesis. Drawing inspiration from nature, researchers have been exploring the development of 3D deformable materials. However, the traditional approach to manufacturing deformable hydrogels relies on complex technology, which limits their potential applications. In this study, we simulate the stress variations observed in the plant tissue to create a 3D structure from a 2D material. Using UV curing technology, we create a single-layer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel sheet with microchannels that exhibit distinct swelling rates when subjected to stimulation. After a two-step curing process, we produce a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-polyethylene glycol diacrylatedouble-layer structure that can be manipulated to change its shape by controlling the light and solvent content. Based on the double-layer structure, we fabricate a dual-response driven bionic mimosa robot that can perform a variety of functions. This soft robot can not only reversibly change its shape but also maintain a specific shape without continuous stimulation. Its capacity for reversible deformation, resulting from internal stress, presents promising application prospects in the biomedical and soft robotics domain. This study delivers an insightful framework for the development of programmable soft materials.

Precise regulation of phosphorus in nitrogen-coordinated porous carbon spheres for tunable CO2 electroreduction to syngas.

The production of high-demand syngas with tunable ratios by CO2 electroreduction has attracted considerable research interest. However, it is challenging to balance the evolution performance of H2 and CO with wide H2/CO ratios, while maintaining high efficiency. Herein, nitrogen-coordinated hierarchical porous carbon spheres with varying phosphorus content (PxNC-T) are assembled to regulate syngas production performance. The precise introduction of P modulates the local charge distribution of nitrogen-coordinated carbons, thereby accelerating the protonation process of ∗CO2-to-∗COOH and promoting moderate H∗ adsorption. Specifically, syngas with wide H2/CO ratios (0.60-4.98) is obtained over a low potential range (-0.46 to -0.86 V vs. RHE). As a representative, P1.0NC-900 presents a remarkable current density (-152 mA cm-2) at -1.0 V vs. RHE in flow cells and delivers a decent peak power density (1.93 mW cm-2) in reversible Zn-CO2 batteries. Our work provides valuable insights into the rational design of carbon-based catalysts for CO2 reduction.

Early Rituximab as an Add-On Therapy in Children With the Initial Episode of Nephrotic Syndrome.

Introduction: The approximately 70% 12-month relapse in children experiencing the initial episode of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) is a significant concern, with over 50% developing frequent relapses or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRNS/SDNS). There is a lack of strategies to reduce relapse after the onset. Whether early administration of rituximab, which effectively reduces relapses in FRNS/SDNS, may be a solution has not been evaluated. Methods: A prospective, multicenter, open-label, single-arm trial was conducted in China, with a 12-month follow-up. Children aged 1 to 18 years with the first episode of nephrotic syndrome (NS) were screened for eligibility. Proteinuria was evaluated daily using dipsticks. A dose of 375 mg/m2 of rituximab was intravenously infused within 1 week after achieving corticosteroid-induced remission. The main outcome was 12-month relapse-free survival. Results: Out of the initially 66 children screened, 44 were enrolled and received rituximab, with all but 1 participant completing the 12-month follow-up. The median age at diagnosis was 4.3 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.4-5.9), and 33 (77%) of the participants were male. In the rituximab group, the 12-month relapse-free survival was significantly higher compared to historical controls (32 of 43 [74.4%] vs. 10 of 33 [30.3%]; P < 0.001; hazard ratio [HR], 3.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.80-7.81). The post hoc analysis revealed a higher 24-month relapse-free survival and a lower incidence of FRNS/SDNS at the 12-month follow-up. Treatment with rituximab was well-tolerated. Conclusion: Our findings support that early administration of rituximab may be associated with a higher 12-month relapse-free survival and a reduced incidence of FRNS/SDNS in children experiencing the initial episode of SSNS.

Identifying specific TLS-associated genes as potential biomarkers for predicting prognosis and evaluating the efficacy of immunotherapy in soft tissue sarcoma.

Background: The tertiary lymphatic structure (TLS) is an important component of the tumor immune microenvironment and has important significance in patient prognosis and response to immune therapy. However, the underlying mechanism of TLS in soft tissue sarcoma remains unclear. Methods: A total of 256 RNAseq and 7 single-cell sequencing samples were collected from TCGA-SARC and GSE212527 cohorts. Based on published TLS-related gene sets, four TLS scores were established by GSVA algorithm. The immune cell infiltration was calculated via TIMER2.0 and "MCPcounter" algorithms. In addition, the univariate, LASSO, and multivariate-Cox analyses were used to select TLS-related and prognosis-significant hub genes. Single-cell sequencing dataset, clinical immunohistochemical, and cell experiments were utilized to validate the hub genes. Results: In this study, four TLS-related scores were identified, and the total-gene TLS score more accurately reflected the infiltration level of TLS in STS. We further established two hub genes (DUSP9 and TNFSF14) prognosis markers and risk scores associated with soft tissue sarcoma prognosis and immune therapy response. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the amount of CD3, CD8, CD19, and CD11c positive immune cell infiltration in the tumor tissue dedifferentiated liposarcoma patients was significantly higher than that of liposarcoma patients. Cytological experiments showed that soft tissue sarcoma cell lines overexpressing TNFSF14 could inhibit the proliferation and migration of sarcoma cells. Conclusion: This study systematically explored the TLS and related genes from the perspectives of bioinformatics, clinical features and cytology experiments. The total-gene TLS score, risk score and TNFSF14 hub gene may be useful biomarkers for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy of soft tissue sarcoma.

What Determines the Low-Friction Mechanism of the Silicon-Doped Diamond-like Carbon Film in a Water Environment: An Atomic-Level Understanding.

It is widely acknowledged that doping silicon can significantly enhance the friction performance of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films in a water environment. However, the mechanism of low friction caused by doped silicon is still highly controversial. Therefore, this article compares the interface interaction between DLC and Si-DLC films in a water environment through first-principles calculations of physisorption and chemisorption effects. The results indicate that water molecules are predominantly chemically adsorbed rather than physically adsorbed on the Si-DLC surface. Further study reveals that when OH-termination is formed on the Si-DLC surface, water molecules are predominantly physically adsorbed rather than chemically adsorbed on the Si-DLC hydroxylation surface. Consequently, a more stable hydration layer is formed on the surface through the hydrogen bond network formed by Si-OH groups, ultimately leading to lower friction. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations further suggest that the lower friction coefficient of Si-DLC films in a water environment may be due to more water molecules at the friction interface and fewer interface covalent bonds. In short, the low-friction coefficient of the Si-DLC film in a water environment may be caused not only by the chemisorption of water molecules on its surface but also by the physisorption of water molecules on the Si-DLC film after surface hydroxylation.

Transcription factor OsSHR2 regulates rice architecture and yield per plant in response to nitrogen.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Mutation of OsSHR2 adversely impacted root and shoot growth and impaired plant response to N conditions, further reducing the yield per plant. Nitrogen (N) is a crucial factor that regulates the plant architecture. There is still a lack of research on it. In our study, it was observed that the knockout of the SHORTROOT 2 (OsSHR2) which was induced by N deficiency, can significantly affect the regulation of plant architecture response to N in rice. Under N deficiency, the mutation of OsSHR2 significantly reduced root growth, and impaired the sensitivity of the root meristem length to N deficiency. The mutants were found to have approximately a 15% reduction in plant height compared to wild type. But mutants showed a significant increase in tillering at post-heading stage, approximately 26% more than the wild type, particularly in high N conditions. In addition, due to reduced seed setting rate and 1000-grain weight, mutant yield was significantly decreased by approximately 33% under low N fertilizer supply. The mutation also changed the distribution of N between the vegetative and reproductive organs. Our findings suggest that the transcription factor OsSHR2 plays a regulatory role in the response of plant architecture and yield per plant to N in rice.

Combination of Dasatinib and Quercetin alleviates heat stress-induced cognitive deficits in aged and young adult male mice.

OBJECTIVE: Dasatinib and quercetin (D & Q) have demonstrated promise in improving aged-related pathophysiological dysfunctions in humans and mice. Herein we aimed to ascertain whether the heat stress (HS)-induced cognitive deficits in aged or even young adult male mice can be reduced by D & Q therapy. METHODS: Before the onset of HS, animals were pre-treated with D & Q or placebo for 3 consecutive days every 2 weeks over a 10-week period. Cognitive function, intestinal barrier permeability, and blood-brain barrier permeability were assessed. RESULTS: Compared to the non-HS young adult male mice, the HS young adult male mice or the aged male mice had significantly lesser extents of the exacerbated stress reactions, intestinal barrier disruption, endotoxemia, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier disruption, hippocampal inflammation and oxidative stress, and cognitive deficits evaluated at 7 days post-HS. All the cognitive deficits and other syndromes that occurred in young adult HS mice or in aged HS mice were significantly attenuated by D & Q therapy (P < 0.01). Compared to the young adult HS mice, the aged HS mice had significantly (P < 0.01) higher severity of cognitive deficits and other related syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: First, our data show that aged male mice are more vulnerable to HS-induced cognitive deficits than those of the young adult male mice. Second, we demonstrate that a combination of D and Q therapy attenuates cognitive deficits in heat stressed aged or young adult male mice via broad normalization of the brain-gut-endotoxin axis function.

Risk factors for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia after kidney transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), an opportunistic infection, often leads to an increase in hospitalization time and mortality rates in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. However, the risk factors associated with PJP in KT recipients remain debatable. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to identify risk factors for PJP, which could potentially help to reduce PJP incidence and improve outcome of KT recipients. METHODS: We systematically retrieved relevant studies in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to November 2023. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) or mean differences (MDs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the impact of potential risk factors on the occurrence of PJP. RESULTS: 27 studies including 42383 KT recipients were included. In this meta-analysis, age at transplantation (MD = 3.48; 95% CI = .56-6.41; p = .02), cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (OR = 4.00; 95% CI = 2.53-6.32; p = .001), BK viremia (OR = 3.38; 95% CI = 1.70-6.71; p = .001), acute rejection (OR = 3.66; 95% CI = 2.44-5.49; p = .001), ABO-incompatibility (OR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.57-4.01; p = .001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (MD = -14.52; 95% CI = -25.37- (-3.67); p = .009), lymphocyte count (MD = -.54; 95% CI = -.92- (-.16); p = .006) and anti-PJP prophylaxis (OR = .53; 95% CI = .28-.98; p = .04) were significantly associated with PJP occurrence. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that transplantation age greater than 50 years old, CMV infection, BK viremia, acute rejection, ABO-incompatibility, decreased eGFR and lymphopenia were risk factors for PJP.

Effects of inulin with different polymerization degrees on the structural and gelation properties of potato protein.

This study investigated the effect of inulin with different polymerization degrees (DP), including L-inulin (DP 2-6), M-inulin (DP 10-23) and H-inulin (DP 23-46), on the structural and gelation properties of potato protein isolate (PPI). Results revealed that textural properties (hardness, cohesiveness, springiness and chewiness) and water-holding capacity (WHC) of PPI-inulin composite gels were positively correlated with the inulin DP and addition content at 0-1.5% (w/v), but deteriorated at 2% due to phase separation. The addition of 1.5% H-inulin showed the most significant increment effects on the WHC (18.65%) and hardness (2.84 N) of PPI gel. Furthermore, M-/H-inulin were more effective in increasing the whiteness and surface hydrophobicity, as well as in strengthening hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions than L-inulin. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and microstructural observation indicated that inulin with higher DP promoted more generation of ß-sheet structures, and leading to the formation of stronger and finer network structures.

Light-driven soft microrobots based on hydrogels and LCEs: development and prospects.

In the daily life of mankind, microrobots can respond to stimulations received and perform different functions, which can be used to complete repetitive or dangerous tasks. Magnetic driving works well in robots that are tens or hundreds of microns in size, but there are big challenges in driving microrobots that are just a few microns in size. Therefore, it is impossible to guarantee the precise drive of microrobots to perform tasks. Acoustic driven micro-nano robot can achieve non-invasive and on-demand movement, and the drive has good biological compatibility, but the drive mode has low resolution and requires expensive experimental equipment. Light-driven robots move by converting light energy into other forms of energy. Light is a renewable, powerful energy source that can be used to transmit energy. Due to the gradual maturity of beam modulation and optical microscope technology, the application of light-driven microrobots has gradually become widespread. Light as a kind of electromagnetic wave, we can change the energy of light by controlling the wavelength and intensity of light. Therefore, the light-driven robot has the advantages of programmable, wireless, high resolution and accurate spatio-temporal control. According to the types of robots, light-driven robots are subdivided into three categories, namely light-driven soft microrobots, photochemical microrobots and 3D printed hard polymer microrobots. In this paper, the driving materials, driving mechanisms and application scenarios of light-driven soft microrobots are reviewed, and their advantages and limitations are discussed. Finally, we prospected the field, pointed out the challenges faced by light-driven soft micro robots and proposed corresponding solutions.

Effects of N application methods on cotton yield and fertilizer N recovery efficiency in salinity fields with drip irrigation under mulch film using 15N tracing technique.

Introduction: Drip irrigation under mulch film promotes a non-uniform salinity distribution in salt fields. The effect of different N application methods on the growth and yield of cotton under drip irrigation under mulch film conditions in eastern coastal saline-alkaline soils in China remain remained unclear. Methods: A randomized complete block design was used in the experiment. Three N application methods were assigned: N applied under mulch film (low-salinity area; UM), N applied between mulch films (high-salinity area; BM), and half N applied under mulch film and half between mulch films (HUHB). Results: Plant height, photosynthesis, Chl content, boll load, biomass, boll weight and boll density under UM were all significantly higher than those under the other two treatments. The N absorption of UM was higher than in the other two treatments, which might be attributed to the expression of GHNRT1.5 and GHNRT2.1. The net NO3- influx in the roots in UM increased significantly compared with that in BM. The yield and FNRE of UM were 3.9% and 9.1%, respectively, and were 26.52% and 90.36% higher than under HUHB and BM treatments. Discussion: UM not only improved cotton yield but also alleviated the pollution of N residue on drip irrigation under mulch film conditions in salt areas.

Dual stimuli-responsive upconversion nanoparticle-poly-N-isopropylacrylamide/DNA core-shell microgels.

Stimuli-responsive upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAM)/DNA core-shell microgels with tunable sizes and programmable functions have been prepared. Thanks to the near-infrared (NIR)-responsive UCNP cores and thermosensitive polymeric shells, functional DNA-incorporated microgels with high DNA activity and loading efficiency are obtained, and the activity of the loaded DNA structures can be smartly regulated by NIR illumination and temperature simultaneously.

Coronary Microvascular Function Following Severe Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder associated with an imbalance in circulating proangiogenic and antiangiogenic proteins. Preclinical evidence implicates microvascular dysfunction as a potential mediator of preeclampsia-associated cardiovascular risk. METHODS: Women with singleton pregnancies complicated by severe antepartum-onset preeclampsia and a comparator group with normotensive deliveries underwent cardiac positron emission tomography within 4 weeks of delivery. A control group of premenopausal, nonpostpartum women was also included. Myocardial flow reserve, myocardial blood flow, and coronary vascular resistance were compared across groups. sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-1) and PlGF (placental growth factor) were measured at imaging. RESULTS: The primary cohort included 19 women with severe preeclampsia (imaged at a mean of 15.3 days postpartum), 5 with normotensive pregnancy (mean, 14.4 days postpartum), and 13 nonpostpartum female controls. Preeclampsia was associated with lower myocardial flow reserve (ß, -0.67 [95% CI, -1.21 to -0.13]; P=0.016), lower stress myocardial blood flow (ß, -0.68 [95% CI, -1.07 to -0.29] mL/min per g; P=0.001), and higher stress coronary vascular resistance (ß, +12.4 [95% CI, 6.0 to 18.7] mm Hg/mL per min/g; P=0.001) versus nonpostpartum controls. Myocardial flow reserve and coronary vascular resistance after normotensive pregnancy were intermediate between preeclamptic and nonpostpartum groups. Following preeclampsia, myocardial flow reserve was positively associated with time following delivery (P=0.008). The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio strongly correlated with rest myocardial blood flow (r=0.71; P<0.001), independent of hemodynamics. CONCLUSIONS: In this exploratory cross-sectional study, we observed reduced coronary microvascular function in the early postpartum period following preeclampsia, suggesting that systemic microvascular dysfunction in preeclampsia involves coronary microcirculation. Further research is needed to establish interventions to mitigate the risk of preeclampsia-associated cardiovascular disease.

Bottom-Up Construction of Rhombic Lamellar CoNi-MOFs for the Electrochemical Sensing of H2S.

Lamellar metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted significant attention in the field of electrochemical sensing due to their abundant open active sites and specific electron conductivity. Herein, by employing a bottom-up synthesis strategy, rhombic lamellar heterometallic CoNi-MOFs with varying thicknesses are constructed. This is achieved by using 4-methylpyridine as a capping agent based on the (4,6)-linked Co2(azpy)2(bptc) (azpy = 4,4'-azopyridine, bptc = 3,3',5,5'-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid) structure with a fsc topology and by introducing Ni species simultaneously. To mitigate sulfur deposition on electrodes, the triple pulse amperometry (TPA) method is employed. Among the synthesized lamellar CoNi-MOFs, lamellar CoNi-MOF-3 with the minimum thickness exhibits an optimal electrochemical sensing performance toward hydrogen sulfide, with a sensitivity of 119.3 µA·mM-1·cm-2 in the linear range of 2-2000 µM. This study pioneers a new approach to the controlled construction and electrochemical activity modification of lamellar MOF materials.

JNK signaling mediates acute rejection via activating autophagy of CD8+ T cells after liver transplantation in rats.

Background: Acute rejection (AR) after liver transplantation (LT) remains an important factor affecting the prognosis of patients. CD8+ T cells are considered to be important regulatory T lymphocytes involved in AR after LT. Our previous study confirmed that autophagy mediated AR by promoting activation and proliferation of CD8+ T cells. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating autophagy in CD8+ T cells during AR remain unclear. Methods: Human liver biopsy specimens of AR after orthotopic LT were collected to assess the relationship between JNK and CD8+ T cells autophagy. The effect of JNK inhibition on CD8+ T cells autophagy and its role in AR were further examined in rats. Besides, the underlying mechanisms how JNK regulated the autophagy of CD8+ T cells were further explored. Results: The expression of JNK is positive correlated with the autophagy level of CD8+ T cells in AR patients. And similar findings were obtained in rats after LT. Further, JNK inhibitor remarkably inhibited the autophagy of CD8+ T cells in rat LT recipients. In addition, administration of JNK inhibitor significantly attenuated AR injury by promoting the apoptosis and downregulating the function of CD8+ T cells. Mechanistically, JNK may activate the autophagy of CD8+ T cells through upregulating BECN1 by inhibiting the formation of Bcl-2/BECN1 complex. Conclusion: JNK signaling promoted CD8+ T cells autophagy to mediate AR after LT, providing a theoretical basis for finding new drug targets for the prevention and treatment of AR after LT.

A genomic association study revealing subphenotypes of childhood steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in a larger genomic sequencing cohort.

Dissecting the genetic components that contribute to the two main subphenotypes of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) strategy is important for understanding the disease. We conducted a multicenter cohort study (360 patients and 1835 controls) combined with a GWAS strategy to identify susceptibility variants associated with the following two subphenotypes of SSNS: steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome without relapse (SSNSWR, 181 patients) and steroid-dependent/frequent relapse nephrotic syndrome (SDNS/FRNS, 179 patients). The distribution of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ANKRD36 and ALPG was significant between SSNSWR and healthy controls, and that of two SNPs in GAD1 and HLA-DQA1 was significant between SDNS/FRNS and healthy controls. Interestingly, rs1047989 in HLA-DQA1 was a candidate locus for SDNS/FRNS but not for SSNSWR. No significant SNPs were observed between SSNSWR and SDNS/FRNS. Meanwhile, chromosome 2:171713702 in GAD1 was associated with a greater steroid dose (>0.75 mg/kg/d) upon relapse to first remission in patients with SDNS/FRNS (odds ratio = 3.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-9.87; P = 0.034). rs117014418 in APOL4 was significantly associated with a decrease in eGFR of greater than 20% compared with the baseline in SDNS/FRNS patients (P = 0.0001). Protein-protein intersection network construction suggested that HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 function together through GSDMA. Thus, SSNSWR belongs to non-HLA region-dependent nephropathy, and the HLA-DQA/DQB region is likely strongly associated with disease relapse, especially in SDNS/FRNS. The study provides a novel approach for the GWAS strategy of SSNS and contributes to our understanding of the pathological mechanisms of SSNSWR and SDNS/FRNS.

A peroxisomal cinnamate:CoA ligase-dependent phytohormone metabolic cascade in submerged rice germination.

The mechanism underlying the ability of rice to germinate underwater is a largely enigmatic but key research question highly relevant to rice cultivation. Moreover, although rice is known to accumulate salicylic acid (SA), SA biosynthesis is poorly defined, and its role in underwater germination is unknown. It is also unclear whether peroxisomes, organelles essential to oilseed germination and rice SA accumulation, play a role in rice germination. Here, we show that submerged imbibition of rice seeds induces SA accumulation to promote germination in submergence. Two submergence-induced peroxisomal Oryza sativa cinnamate:CoA ligases (OsCNLs) are required for this SA accumulation. SA exerts this germination-promoting function by inducing indole-acetic acid (IAA) catabolism through the IAA-amino acid conjugating enzyme GH3. The metabolic cascade we identified may potentially be adopted in agriculture to improve the underwater germination of submergence-intolerant rice varieties. SA pretreatment is also a promising strategy to improve submerged rice germination in the field.

Diagnostic performance of PIVKA-II in identifying recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma following curative resection: a retrospective cohort study.

Protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II) plays a critical role in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, studies on its efficacy in diagnosing recurrent HCC were rarely found. A multicenter, retrospective, and observational study was conducted. During the overall follow-up of 5 years, HCC patients who had curative resection were monitored every 3 months in the first year post-surgery and every 6 months thereafter if no recurrence occurred. Tumor markers were collected at the diagnosis of recurrence for those with recurrence and at the last follow-up for those without recurrence. The median serum levels of PIVKA-II and AFP in the recurrence group were significantly higher than those in the non-recurrence group (PIVKA-II: 84.62 vs. 18.76 mAU/ml, p < 0.001; AFP: 4.90 vs. 3.00 ng/ml, p < 0.001) and there is a significant correlation between PIVKA-II and AFP (R = 0.901, p < 0.001). PIVKA-II showed better accuracy than AFP in the diagnosis of overall recurrent HCC (AUC: 0.883 vs. 0.672; p < 0.0001), but also in patients with negative PIVKA-II before curative resection (AUC: 0.878 vs. 0.680, p = 0.001). Clinician should pay more attention to serum PIVKA-II values when following patients after curative HCC resection to detect early recurrence.Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR2300070874.