A high-safety lithium-ion battery electrospun separator with Si3N4-assisted sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) for regulating lithium flux.

The uncontrolled lithium (Li) dendrite growth significantly impacts the safety performance of polymer separators. To mitigate this growth, this study introduces Si3N4 into sulfonated poly(ether Ether Ketone) (SPEEK) and prepares Si3N4/SPEEK composite separators via electrospinning. At the interface between the Si3N4/SPEEK separator and the Li anode, the Si nanowires that form impede Li dendrite growth, thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The Li deposition test of the 10 % Si3N4/SPEEK separator can operate for 1000 h without short-circuiting. Additionally, the LiFePO4||Li cell with the 10 % Si3N4/SPEEK separator shows improved initial discharge capacity (157.8 mAh g-1 at 1C) and superior rate performance (125 mAh g-1 at 10C). Moreover, the nano-scale Si3N4 endows the separator with robust thermal and mechanical properties. The FLIR observations reveal that the 10 % Si3N4/SPEEK separator maintains uniform thermal distribution and structural integrity even at 300 °C, ensuring safe battery operation at high temperatures. The additional load of the 10 % Si3N4/SPEEK separator can reach 10.2 mN, which enhances the puncture resistance of the separator. This work provides a solid approach for the application of SPEEK as a high-safety and high-rate LIB separator.

Development Status of Solar-Driven Interfacial Steam Generation Support Layer Based on Polymers and Biomaterials: A Review.

With the increasing shortage of water resources and the aggravation of water pollution, solar-driven interfacial steam generation (SISG) technology has garnered considerable attention because of its low energy consumption, simple operation, and environmental friendliness. The popular multi-layer SISG evaporator is composed of two basic structures: a photothermal layer and a support layer. Herein, the support layer underlies the photothermal layer and carries out thermal management, supports the photothermal layer, and transports water to the evaporation interface to improve the stability of the evaporator. While most research focuses on the photothermal layer, the support layer is typically viewed as a supporting object for the photothermal layer. This review focuses on the support layer, which is relatively neglected in evaporator development. It summarizes existing progress in the field of multi-layer interface evaporators, based on various polymers and biomaterials, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Specifically, mainly polymer-based support layers are reviewed, including polymer foams, gels, and their corresponding functional materials, while biomaterial support layers, including natural plants, carbonized biomaterials, and other innovation biomaterials are not. Additionally, the corresponding structure design strategies for the support layer were also involved. It was found that the selection and optimal design of the substrate also played an important role in the efficient operation of the whole steam generation system. Their evolution and refinement are vital for advancing the sustainability and effectiveness of interfacial evaporation technology. The corresponding potential future research direction and application prospects of support layer materials are carefully presented to enable effective responses to global water challenges.

Efficacy and safety of semaglutide combined with metformin in treating T2DM with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of semaglutide combined with metformin in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients who are overweight or obese. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases including Wanfang, CNKI, Chinese Biomedical Literature, VIP, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Studies were screened to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing semaglutide combined with metformin versus metformin alone in T2DM patients with obesity or who are overweight. Primary outcomes included glycemic efficacy and body mass index (BMI). Secondary endpoints included pancreatic function, blood lipids, and incidence of adverse effects. Pooled and sensitivity analyses were performed, and risk of bias was assessed. RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, all involving oral semaglutide. Compared with placebo, semaglutide with metformin significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (SMD: -0.94; 95% CI: -1.53 to -0.35) and 2-hour postprandial glucose (SMD: -0.97; 95% CI: -1.44 to -1.50; P<0.0001). It also lowered HbA1c levels (SMD: -1.13; 95% CI: -1.85 to -0.42; P<0.001) and BMI (SMD: -1.08; 95% CI: -1.47 to -0.69). Improvements were also noted in HOMA-IR and blood lipid levels. However, there were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions, such as hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal reactions, and dizziness and headache between the two groups (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment with semaglutide combined with metformin significantly improved glycemic control, insulin resistance, weight, BMI, and lipid profiles in patients with T2DM who are overweight or obese.

Bioaccumulation and biotransformation of selenium nanoparticles in soybean and natto, and the bioaccessibility of multi-elements and amino acids.

Soybean is a food crop with strong selenium (Se) enrichment ability. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are a low-toxic Se source. To develop strategies in SeNPs biofortification of soybean and natto, the effects of Se enrichment and natto fermentation on selenoamino acids, mineral elements, free amino acids, γ-polyglutamic acid, nattokinase, and bioaccessibility were investigated. Soybean grains were able to convert SeNPs into selenomethionine (SeMet). Selenium enrichment and natto fermentation influenced the enrichment and distribution of multi-elements in soybean, as well as the composition of free and bound amino acids. Selenium enrichment had no significant effect on the bioaccessibility of amino acids. After natto fermentation, the bioaccessibility of SeMet, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn in the gastrointestinal tract increased significantly by 10.1-18.9 %. These findings indicate that SeNPs can enhance the Se content of soybean grains, and natto fermentation can further improve the nutritional quality of Se-enriched soybean.

Harnessing Lecanicillium attenuatum: A novel strategy for combatting Nilaparvata lugens in rice fields.

Nilaparvata lugens is a notorious rice pest causing significant annual yield and economic losses. The use of entomopathogenic fungi offers a promising and eco-friendly approach to sustainable pest management programs. However, research in this area is currently limited to a few specific types of insects and other arthropods. This study aimed to analyze the biocontrol potential of Lecanicillium attenuatum against N. lugens. Bioassays showed that L. attenuatum 3166 induced >80% mortality in N. lugens following 7 d exposure. Greenhouse and field investigations demonstrated that L. attenuatum 3166 application leads to a substantial reduction in N. lugens populations. Under greenhouse conditions, fluorescence was detected in GFP-labeled L. attenuatum 3166 hyphae enveloping the bodies of N. lugens. In field trials, L. attenuatum 3166 treatment exhibited a control efficacy of up to 68.94% at 14 d post-application, which was comparable to that of the commercial entomopathogenic fungal agent. Genomic sequencing of L. attenuatum 3166 revealed a comprehensive array of genes implicated in its infestation and lethality. Further, the transcriptome sequencing analysis highlighted the elevated expression levels of genes encoding proteases, chitinases, cutinases, and phospholipases. Our findings highlight the potential of L. attenuatum 3166 as an effective biological control agent against N. lugens.

Deficiency of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in mice differentially affects bone properties under different genomic backgrounds.

When IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1rn) is knocked out, mice have shown strain background dependent and major QTL regulated susceptibility to spontaneously inflammatory arthritis disease (SAD). The impact on bone properties resulting from the interactions of IL-1rn, genomic background strains, and the QTL locus, is unknown. Bone properties in the four specifically bred mouse strains with mutation of IL-1rn and variations in genomic components were investigated with high-resolution MicroCT and genomic analytical tools. Two congenic mouse strains were also measured to evaluate the influence on bone properties by a QTL in the region in chromosome 1. Our results reveal that several bone phenotypes, including bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume, tibial length, and cortical thickness of the tibia are different between wild type and IL-1rn knockout mice in both Balb/c and DBA/1 backgrounds, but IL-1rn knockout affects BMD differently between the two mouse strains. The absence of IL-1rn decreases BMD in Balb/c mice but increases BMD in DBA/1-/- mice compared to their respective wild type counterparts. A QTL transferred from the Balb/c genetic background which affects arthritis in congenic strains appears to also regulate BMD. While several genes, including Ctsg and Prg2, may affect BMD, Ifi202b is the most favored candidate gene for regulating BMD as well as SAD. In conclusion, the previously mentioned bone phenotypes are each influenced in different ways by the loss of IL-1ra when considered in mice from varying genomic backgrounds.

Electroacupuncture protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through mitochondrial dynamics.

Background: Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to promote functional recovery after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the contribution of mitochondrial dynamics to recovery remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mitochondrial dynamics are involved in the effects of EA on cerebral I/R injury. Methods: The rats with cerebral I/R injury were established by the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion. Subsequently, EA was applied to Baihui (GV20) and Dazhui (GV14) acupoints, with 2 Hz/5 Hz in frequency, 1.0 mA in intensity, 20 min each time, once a day for seven consecutive days. The therapeutic outcomes were assessed by modified neurological severity score (mNSS), 2,3,5-Triphenyte-trazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Mitochondrial morphology was observed under transmission electron microscopy. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and ATP synthases (ATPases) activity were evaluated to measure mitochondrial function using ELISA. Finally, mitochondrial dynamics-related molecules, including dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), fission 1 (Fis1), mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), and optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Results: Cerebral I/R injury induced neurological dysfunction, cerebral infarction and neuronal injury, all of which were ameliorated by EA. And EA improved mitochondrial morphology and function. Moreover, EA altered the balance of mitochondrial dynamics. Specifically, the data showed a significant decrease in the expression of Drp1 and Fis1, leading to the inhibition of mitochondrial fission. Additionally, Mfn1, Mfn2 and Opa1, which are related to mitochondrial fusion, were effectively promoted after EA treatment. However, sham EA did not show any neuroprotective effects in rats with cerebral I/R injury. Conclusions: In summary, our study indicates that the balance of mitochondrial dynamics is crucial for EA therapy to treat cerebral I/R injury.

The induction of drug uptake transporter OATP1A2 by radiation is mediated by non-receptor tyrosine kinase YES-1.

Organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP, gene symbol SLCO) are well-recognized key determinants for the absorption, distribution, and excretion of a wide spectrum of endogenous and exogenous compounds including many antineoplastic agents. It was therefore proposed as a potential drug target for cancer therapy. In our previous study, it was found that low-dose X-ray and carbon ion irradiation both up-regulated the expression of OATP family member OATP1A2 and in turn, led to a more dramatic killing effect when cancer cells were co-treated with antitumor drugs such as methotrexate. In the present study, the underlying mechanism of the phenomenon was explored in breast cancer cell line MCF-7. It was found that the non-receptor tyrosine kinase YES-1 was temporally coordinated with the change of OATP1A2 after irradiation. The over-expression of YES-1 significantly increased OATP1A2 both at the mRNA and protein level. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway is likely the downstream target of YES-1 since phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of STAT3 were both enhanced after over-expressing YES-1 in MCF-7 cells. Further investigation revealed that there are two possible binding sites of STAT3 localized at the upstream sequence of SLCO1A2, the encoding gene of OATP1A2. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis suggested that these two sites bound to STAT3 specifically and the over-expression of YES-1 significantly increased the association of the transcription factor with the putative binding sites. Finally, inhibition or knock-down of YES-1 attenuated the induction effect of radiation on the expression of OATP1A2. Significance Statement The current study found that the effect of X-rays on YES-1 and OATP1A2 is temporally coordinated. YES-1 phosphorylates and increases the nuclear accumulation of STAT3, which in turn binds to the upstream regulatory sequences of SLCO1A2, the coding gene for OATP1A2. Hence, inhibitors of YES-1 may suppress the radiation induction effect on OATP1A2.

Discover QTLs for the level of blood components in Shaoxing duck using GWAS and haplotype sharing analysis.

Blood composition is indicative of health-related traits such as immunity and metabolism. The use of molecular genetics to investigate alterations in these attributes in laying ducks is a novel approach. Our objective was to employ genome - wide association studies (GWAS) and haplotype - sharing analysis to identify genomic regions and potential genes associated with 11 blood components in Shaoxing ducks. Our findings revealed 35 SNPs and 1 SNP associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and globulin (GLB), respectively. We identified 36 putative candidate genes for the LDL trait in close proximity to major QTLs and key loci. Based on their biochemical and physiological properties, TRA2A, NPY, ARHGEF26, DHX36, and AADAC are the strongest putative candidate genes. Through linkage disequilibrium analysis and haplotype sharing analysis, we identified three haplotypes and one haplotype, respectively, that were significantly linked with LDL and GLB. These haplotypes could be selected as potential candidate haplotypes for molecular breeding of Shaoxing ducks. Additionally, we utilized a bootstrap test to verify the reliability of GWAS with small experimental samples. The test can be accessed at https://github.com/xuwenwu24/Bootstrap-test.

Multivendor comparison of quantification accuracy of effective atomic number by Dual-Energy CT: A phantom study.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to compare the accuracy of the effective atomic number (Zeff) of five dual-energy CT (DECT) from three vendors and different generations under different scanning parameters. METHODS: Zeff accuracy of five DECT scanners with twelve tube voltage configurations was evaluated by using the TomoTherapy cheese phantom. The potential dose dependence of the Zeff was investigated using three radiation dose (5, 15, and 25 mGy), and the robustness of Zeff was simulated for different organs of the body by placing the inserts at different positional depths. Bias and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) were used to characterize the accuracy of Zeff. Data underwent analysis using one-way ANOVA, followed by the Turky and LSD post hoc tests, simple linear regression, and linear mixed models. RESULTS: All tube voltage configurations had a bias of less than 1. Dual layer detector DECT (dl-DECT) -140 kV has the lowest MAPE (1.79 %±1.93 %). The third generation dual source DECT (ds-DECT) and the second generation rapid switch DECT (rs-DECT) have higher MAPE than their predecessor DECT. The results of the linear mixed model showed that tube voltage configuration (F=16.92, p < 0.001) and insert type (F=53.26, p < 0.001) significantly affect the MAPE. In contrast, radiation dose only has a significant effect on the MAPE of rs-DECT. The inserts position does not affect the final MAPE. CONCLUSION: When scanning different inserts, Zeff accuracy varies by vendor and DECT generation. Of all the scanners, dl-DECT had the highest Zeff accuracy. Upgrading DECT generation doesn't lead to higher accuracy, or even lower.

Integrating Multi-Omics Data to Identify Key Functional Variants Affecting Feed Efficiency in Large White Boars.

Optimizing feed efficiency through the feed conversion ratio (FCR) is paramount for economic viability and sustainability. In this study, we integrated RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to investigate key functional variants associated with feed efficiency in pigs. Identification of differentially expressed genes in the duodenal and muscle tissues of low- and high-FCR pigs revealed that pathways related to digestion of dietary carbohydrate are responsible for differences in feed efficiency between individuals. Differential open chromatin regions identified by ATAC-seq were linked to genes involved in glycolytic and fatty acid processes. GWAS identified 211 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with feed efficiency traits, with candidate genes PPP1R14C, TH, and CTSD. Integration of duodenal ATAC-seq data and GWAS data identified six key functional variants, particularly in the 1500985-1509676 region on chromosome 2. In those regions, CTSD was found to be highly expressed in the duodenal tissues of pigs with a high feed conversion ratio, suggesting its role as a potential target gene. Overall, the integration of multi-omics data provided insights into the genetic basis of feed efficiency, offering valuable information for breeding more efficient pig breeds.

Constructing molecularly imprinted membranes with instant noodles-like structure for selectively separating acteoside.

Acteoside (ACT) was the main bioactive components in phenylethanoid glycosides of Cistanche tubulosa. Currently, the development of an efficient method for selectively separating ACT was crucial. Consequently, yolk-shell magnetic mesoporous carbon (YSMMC) was synthesized as a nanofiller to prepare molecularly imprinted membranes (ACT-MIMs) with instant noodles-like structure for selectively separating ACT. The numerous YSMMC were moved to the upper surface of ACT-MIMs by magnetic guidance and constructed the instant noodles-like structure in ACT-MIMs. The instant noodle-like structure increased the surface roughness of ACT-MIMs, which was conducive to improving the effective imprinted interface, increasing the selectivity of ACT-MIMs. In addition, the instant noodle-like structure had dendritic interleaved pathways in ACT-MIMs. The dendritic interleaved pathways can intercept ACT through ACT-MIMs, enhancing the permselectivity of ACT-MIMs. The prepared YSMMC possessed the dendritic shell and interlayer cavity structure can provide a great accommodation space, improving the rebinding capacities of ACT-MIMs. The high permselectivity (14.49), remarkable selectivity (7.52), and excellent rebinding capacity (120.48 mg/g) were achieved for the prepared ACT-MIMs. Thus, the design of ACT-MIMs with the instant noodles-like structure were valuable for selectively separating of bioactive components.

Predictive nomogram of high-risk patients with active tuberculosis in latent tuberculosis infection.

INTRODUCTION: The absence of predictive models for early latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) progression persists. This study aimed to create a screening model to identify high-risk LTBI patients prome to active tuberculosis (ATB) reactivation. METHODOLOGY: Patients with confirmed ATB were enrolled alongside LTBI individuals as a reference, with relevant clinical data gathered. LASSO regression cross-validation reduced data dimensionality. A nomogram was developed using multiple logistic regression, internally validated with Bootstrap resampling. Evaluation included C-index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and calibration curves, with clinical utility assessed through decision curve analysis. RESULTS: The final nomogram incorporated serum albumin (OR = 1.337, p = 0.046), CD4+ (OR = 1.010, p = 0.004), and CD64 index (OR = 0.009, p = 0.020). The model achieved a C-index of 0.964, an area under the ROC curve of 0.962 (95% CI: 0.926-0.997), sensitivity of 0.971, and specificity of 0.910. Internal validation showed a mean absolute error of 0.013 and 86.4% identification accuracy. The decision curve indicated substantial net benefit at a risk threshold exceeding 10% (1: 9). CONCLUSIONS: This study established a biologically-rooted nomogram for high-risk LTBI patients prone to ATB reactivation, offering strong predictability, concordance, and clinical value. It serves as a personalized risk assessment tool, accurately identifying patients necessitating priority prophylactic treatment, complementing existing host risk factors effectively.

Targeted protein degradation combined with PET imaging reveals the role of host PD-L1 in determining anti-PD-1 therapy efficacy.

PURPOSE: Immunohistochemical staining of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in tumor biopsies acquired through invasive procedures is routinely employed in clinical practice to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy. Nevertheless, PD-L1 expression is observed in various cellular subsets within tumors and their microenvironments, including tumor cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages. The impact of PD-L1 expression across these different cell types on the responsiveness to anti-PD-1 treatment is yet to be fully understood. METHODS: We synthesized polymer-based lysosome-targeting chimeras (LYTACs) that incorporate both PD-L1-targeting motifs and liver cell-specific asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) recognition elements. Small-animal positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of PD-L1 expression was also conducted using a PD-L1-specific radiotracer 89Zr-αPD-L1/Fab. RESULTS: The PD-L1 LYTAC platform was capable of specifically degrading PD-L1 expressed on liver cancer cells through the lysosomal degradation pathway via ASGPR without impacting the PD-L1 expression on host cells. When coupled with whole-body PD-L1 PET imaging, our studies revealed that host cell PD-L1, rather than tumor cell PD-L1, is pivotal in the antitumor response to anti-PD-1 therapy in a mouse model of liver cancer. CONCLUSION: The LYTAC strategy, enhanced by PET imaging, has the potential to surmount the limitations of knockout mouse models and to provide a versatile approach for the selective degradation of target proteins in vivo. This could significantly aid in the investigation of the roles and mechanisms of protein functions associated with specific cell subsets in living subjects.

CoHIT: a one-pot ultrasensitive ERA-CRISPR system for detecting multiple same-site indels.

Genetic testing is crucial for precision cancer medicine. However, detecting multiple same-site insertions or deletions (indels) is challenging. Here, we introduce CoHIT (Cas12a-based One-for-all High-speed Isothermal Test), a one-pot CRISPR-based assay for indel detection. Leveraging an engineered AsCas12a protein variant with high mismatch tolerance and broad PAM scope, CoHIT can use a single crRNA to detect multiple NPM1 gene c.863_864 4-bp insertions in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After optimizing multiple parameters, CoHIT achieves a detection limit of 0.01% and rapid results within 30 minutes, without wild-type cross-reactivity. It successfully identifies NPM1 mutations in 30 out of 108 AML patients and demonstrates potential in monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) through continuous sample analysis from three patients. The CoHIT method is also competent for detecting indels of KIT, BRAF, and EGFR genes. Integration with lateral flow test strips and microfluidic chips highlights CoHIT's adaptability and multiplexing capability, promising significant advancements in clinical cancer diagnostics.

Integrated ATAC-seq and RNA-seq Analysis of In Vitro Cultured Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells to Understand Changes in Cell Proliferation.

Skeletal muscle satellite cells, the resident stem cells in pig skeletal muscle, undergo proliferation and differentiation to enable muscle tissue repair. The proliferative and differentiative abilities of these cells gradually decrease during in vitro cultivation as the cell passage number increases. Despite extensive research, the precise molecular mechanisms that regulate this process are not fully understood. To bridge this knowledge gap, we conducted transcriptomic analysis of skeletal muscle satellite cells during in vitro cultivation to quantify passage number-dependent changes in the expression of genes associated with proliferation. Additionally, we explored the relationships between gene transcriptional activity and chromatin accessibility using transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing. This revealed the closure of numerous open chromatin regions, which were primarily located in intergenic regions, as the cell passage number increased. Integrated analysis of the transcriptomic and epigenomic data demonstrated a weak correlation between gene transcriptional activity and chromatin openness in expressed genic regions; although some genes (e.g., GNB4 and FGD5) showed consistent relationships between gene expression and chromatin openness, a substantial number of differentially expressed genes had no clear association with chromatin openness in expressed genic regions. The p53-p21-RB signaling pathway may play a critical regulatory role in cell proliferation processes. The combined transcriptomic and epigenomic approach taken here provided key insights into changes in gene expression and chromatin openness during in vitro cultivation of skeletal muscle satellite cells. These findings enhance our understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying the decline in cellular proliferation capacity in cultured cells.

Disruption of the cell division protein ftsK gene changes elemental selenium generation, selenite tolerance, and cell morphology in Rahnella aquatilis HX2.

AIMS: Some studies have indicated that the alterations in cellular morphology induced by selenite [Se(Ⅳ)] may be attributed to its inhibitory effects on cell division. However, whether the genes associated with cell division are implicated in Se(Ⅳ) metabolism remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: The ftsK gene in Rahnella aquatilis HX2 was mutated with an in-frame deletion strategy. The ftsK mutation strongly reduced the tolerance to selenite [Se(Ⅳ)] and the production of red elemental selenium [Se(0)] in R. aquatilis HX2, and this effect could not be attributed solely to the inhibition of cell growth. Deleting the ftsK gene also resulted in a significant decrease in bacterial growth of R. aquatilis HX2 during both exponential and stationary phases. The deletion of ftsK inhibited cell division, resulting in the development of elongated filamentous cells. Furthermore, the loss-of-function of FtsK significantly impacted the expression of seven genes linked to cell division and Se(Ⅳ) metabolism by at least 2-fold, as unveiled by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) under Se(Ⅳ) treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that FtsK is associated with Se(Ⅳ) tolerance and Se(0) generation and is a key player in coordinating bacterial growth and cell morphology in R. aquatilis HX2.

Selenium nanoparticles enhance mucosal immunity against Mycobacterium bovis infection.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) enhance the immune response as adjuvants, increasing the efficacy of viral vaccines, including those for COVID-19. However, the efficiency of mucosal SeNPs in boosting vaccine-induced protective immunity against tuberculosis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether the combination of SeNPs with the AH antigen (Ag85A-HspX) can boost respiratory mucosal immunity and thereby enhance the protective effects against tuberculosis. We synthesized SeNPs and assessed their impact on the immune response and protection against Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) as a mucosal adjuvant in mice, administered intranasally at a dose of 20 µg. SeNPs outperformed polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly IC) in stimulating the maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), which enhanced antigen presentation. SeNPs significantly activated and proliferated tissue-resident memory T cells (TRMs) and effector CD4+ T cells in the lungs. The vaccines elicited specific antibody responses in the respiratory tract and stimulated systemic Th1 and Th17 immune responses. Immunization with AH and SeNPs led to higher levels of mucosal secretory IgA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and secretory IL-17 in splenocytes. Moreover, SeNPs immunized mice showed reduced M. bovis infection loads and inflammatory lesions in the lungs post-challenge. Notably, immunization with AH and SeNPs significantly reduced bacterial load in the lungs, achieving the lowest levels compared to all other tested groups. This study calls for pre-clinical investigation of AHB-SeNPs as an anti-bovine tuberculosis vaccine and for exploring its human vaccine potential, which is anticipated to aid in the development of innovative vaccines or adjuvants.

Spherical cluster heterojunction engineering of NiFeP/g-C3N4 for efficient oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline solution.

The construction of heterojunctions can reduce the energy barrier for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which is crucial for the design of efficient electrocatalysts. A novel OER electrocatalyst, composed of g-C3N4-supported NiFeP spherical nanoclusters, was successfully synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method and a gas-phase precipitation method. Benefiting from its unique spherical nanocluster structure and strong electronic interactions among Ni, Fe, and P, the catalyst exhibited outstanding performance under alkaline conditions, with an overpotential of only 232 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 103 mV dec-1. Additionally, the electrical resistance of NiFeP/g-C3N4 (Rct = 5.1 Ω) was much lower than that of NiFeP (Rct = 10.8 Ω) and layered g-C3N4 (Rct = 44.8 Ω). The formation of a Schottky barrier heterojunction efficiently reduced electron transfer impedance during the OER process, accelerating the electron transfer from g-C3N4 to NiFeP, enhancing the carrier concentration, and thereby improving the OER activity. Moreover, The robust g-C3N4 chain-mail protects NiFeP from adverse reaction environments, maintaining a balance between catalytic activity and stability. Furthermore, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) and density functional theory (DFT) were conducted to explore the thermal stability and internal electron transfer behavior of the cluster heterojunction structure. This study offers a broader design strategy for the development of transition metal phosphide (TMPs) materials in the oxygen evolution reaction.