Beneficial Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Fuzheng Huayu on the Occurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Compensated Chronic Hepatitis B Cirrhosis Receiving Entecavir: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and Aims: The application of antifibrotic drugs to treat patients with chronic liver diseases who are receiving antiviral therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been established. Here, we aimed to assess the impact of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY) on the occurrence of HCC in patients with hepatitis B virus-related compensated cirrhosis receiving the antiviral drug entecavir (ETV). Methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed. Compensated liver cirrhosis patients were divided into the ETV+FZHY group or the ETV group according to treatment. The cumulative incidence of HCC was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Propensity score matching was used for confounding factors. Stratified analysis and Cox regression were used to determine the effects of FZHY on the occurrence of HCC and liver function decompensation. Results: Out of 910 chronic hepatitis B patients, 458 were in the ETV+FZHY group and 452 were in the ETV group. After propensity score matching, the 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC was 9.8% in the ETV+FZHY group and 21.8% in the ETV group (p<0.01). The adjusted hazard ratio for HCC was 0.216 (0.108, 0.432) when FZHY treatment was >36 months. Age, diabetes, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, albumin, hepatitis B e-antigen, and fibrosis 4 score were associated with the occurrence of HCC. FZHY decreased the risk of HCC in patients aged >45 years with a hepatitis B virus DNA level of ≥2,000 IU/l. Conclusion: Adjunctive FZHY treatment reduced HCC occurrence in patients with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis who were treated with ETV, possibly due to the antifibrotic properties of FZHY.

"Microtia, Branchial Cleft Fistula, and Tetralogy of Fallot: A Possible Association".

When searching over associations between congenital ear abnormalities, especially microtia and affiliated deformities like cleft lip or palate and congenital heart diseases, some clinical analysis and genetic theories are found. A 10-year-old boy sent to the plastic surgery hospital was puzzled by a congenital anterior auricular fistula with fluid trace for more than 9 years. The preoperative diagnoses were branchial cleft fistula and congenital left ear deformity with postoperation of TOF. By browsing over studies on genetic concerns and clinical performance, it may be attributed to a possible association between microtia, branchial cleft fistula, and tetralogy of Fallot, though whose fundamental mechanisms remain concerned.

A Stapled Peptide Inhibitor Targeting the Binding Interface of N6-Adenosine-Methyltransferase Subunits METTL3 and METTL14 for Cancer Therapy.

METTL3, a primary methyltransferase catalyzing the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, has been identified as an oncogene in several cancer types and thus nominated as a potentially effective target for therapeutic inhibition. However, current options using this strategy are limited. In this study, we targeted protein-protein interactions at the METTL3-METTL14 binding interface to inhibit complex formation and subsequent catalysis of the RNA m6A modification. Among candidate peptides, RM3 exhibited the highest anti-cancer potency, inhibiting METTL3 activity while also facilitating its proteasomal degradation. We then designed a stapled peptide inhibitor (RSM3) with enhanced peptide stability and formation of the α-helical secondary structure required for METTL3 interaction. Functional and transcriptomic analysis in vivo indicated that RSM3 induced upregulation of programmed cell death-related genes while inhibiting cancer-promoting signals. Furthermore, tumor growth was significantly suppressed while apoptosis was enhanced upon RSM3 treatment, accompanied by increased METTL3 degradation, and reduced global RNA methylation levels in two in vivo tumor models. This peptide inhibitor thus exploits a mechanism distinct from other small-molecule competitive inhibitors to inhibit oncogenic METTL3 activity. Our findings collectively highlight the potential of targeting METTL3 in cancer therapies through peptide-based inhibition of complex formation and proteolytic degradation.

Optically pumped flexible GaN-based ultraviolet VCSELs.

Flexible optoelectronic platforms, which integrate optoelectronic devices on a flexible substrate, are promising in more complex working environments benefiting from the mechanical flexibility. Herein, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, a flexible GaN-based vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) in the ultraviolet A (UVA) range was demonstrated by using a thin-film transfer process based on laser lift-off (LLO) and spin-coating of a flexible substrate. The lasing wavelength is 376.5 nm with a linewidth of 0.6 nm and threshold energy of 98.4 nJ/pulse, corresponding to a threshold energy density of 13.9 mJ/cm2. The flexible substrate in this study is directly formed by spin-coating of photosensitive epoxy resin, which is much simplified and cost-effective, and a 2-in. wafer scale GaN-based membrane can be successfully transferred to a flexible substrate through this method. Such flexible UVA VCSELs are promising for the development of next-generation flexible and wearable technologies.

Potential protective effects of increased serum uric acid concentration in sarcopenia: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on the association between serum uric acid (UA) levels and sarcopenia have yielded contradictory results. This meta-analysis and literature review assessed the association between serum UA levels and sarcopenia. Moreover, we conducted a comparative analysis of the differences in serum UA concentrations between individuals with and without sarcopenia. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across various medical databases, namely PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang (from the start to August 20, 2023). This search focused on published studies that investigated the relationship between serum UA levels and sarcopenia. The relationship between serum UA concentration and the occurrence of sarcopenia was analyzed, and the differences in serum UA concentrations between individuals with sarcopenia and control groups were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 11.0 and R 4.1.3. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were considered for our analysis. The results indicated a significant association between low serum UA concentration and a higher sarcopenia risk, particularly among male patients (adjusted odds ratio = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.49, 0.87, P = .004, I2 = 0%). Individuals with sarcopenia exhibited decreased serum UA concentrations compared with those of the control group (mmol/L: weighted mean difference = -28.25, 95% CI = -40.45, -16.05, P < .001; mg/dL: weighted mean difference = -0.82, 95% CI = -1.05, -0.58, P < .001). Additionally, serum UA concentration was positively correlated with skeletal muscle mass index and handgrip strength (skeletal muscle index: correlation coefficient = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.22, P < .001; handgrip strength: common odds ratios = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.14, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Individuals with sarcopenia have relatively low serum UA concentrations. A notable correlation between serum UA concentration and sarcopenia was observed. Hence, monitoring UA levels could aid in the early detection and treatment of sarcopenia, enabling timely intervention to preserve muscle mass and strength.

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate suppresses microglia polarization and neuroinflammation possibly via regulating miR-125b-5p/STAT3 axis to ameliorate neuropathic pain.

The spinal cord microglia play a pivotal role in neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain (NP). Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS), a derivative of tanshinone IIA, has anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic effects. However, its underlying mechanism in NP remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of STS and elucidate possible mechanisms in a rat model of spared nerve injury. In vivo experiments, STS and AG490 were administered intraperitoneally once daily for 14 consecutive days after surgery. The results showed that the expression of miR-125b-5p in the spinal dorsal horn was substantially reduced, whereas signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling was increased. After treatment with STS, the mechanical thresholds, expression of miR-125b-5p, and microglial M2 marker such as Arg-1 in the spinal cord horn increased significantly, whereas multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis were significantly reduced. Moreover, STAT3 pathway-related proteins and expression of the microglial M1 marker, CD68, were appreciably inhibited. In vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce an inflammatory response in BV-2 microglial cells. STS pretreatment inhibited LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, reduced STAT3 pathway related-proteins and apoptosis, increased miR-125b-5p and proopiomelanocortin expression, and enhanced microglia transformation from M1 to M2 phenotype in BV-2 cells. These effects were reversed after the inhibition of miR-125b-5p expression in BV-2 cells. A dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that STAT3 binds to miR-125b-5p. In summary, these results suggest that STS exerts anti-hyperalgesic and anti-neuroinflammatory effects in rats with NP possibly via the miR-125b-5p/STAT3 axis.

The effects of prophylactic use of esketamine on postoperative depression and quality of life: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this systemic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of prophylactic use of esketamine on postoperative depression and quality of life in patients. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We searched for all articles on esketamine in patients after surgury in electronic data bases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, up to the June 2023.The included studies compared the impact of using esketamine and placebo on postoperative depression and quality of life in patients through randomized controlled trials. The outcome measurements consist of postoperative depression and indicators that can reflect the impact on patients' post Cochrane Risk of Bias tool in Review Manager 5.4 tool was adopted to assess the risk of bias. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The study included a total of 11 randomized controlled trials with 1447 participants. This meta-analysis demonstrated that the prophylactic use of esketamine alleviated postoperative depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.96 to -0.25; P=0.0008) and incidence (relative risk [RR]:0.37;95% [CI]: 0.22 to 0.62; P=0.0001), reducing the occurrence of postoperative depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Additionally, it improved postoperative sleep quality and enhanced the postoperative quality of life for patients. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic use of esketamine during the preoperative and anesthesia period has shown significant benefits in improving postoperative quality of life. It can effectively alleviate postoperative depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, as well as enhance sleep quality.

Endosymbiont Tremblaya phenacola influences the reproduction of cotton mealybugs by regulating the mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway.

The intricate evolutionary dynamics of endosymbiotic relationships result in unique characteristics among the genomes of symbionts, which profoundly influence host insect phenotypes. Here, we investigated an endosymbiotic system in Phenacoccus solenopsis, a notorious pest of the subfamily Phenacoccinae. The endosymbiont, "Candidatus Tremblaya phenacola" (T. phenacola PSOL), persisted throughout the complete life cycle of female hosts and was more active during oviposition, whereas there was a significant decline in abundance after pupation in males. Genome sequencing yielded an endosymbiont genome of 221.1 kb in size, comprising seven contigs and originating from a chimeric arrangement between betaproteobacteria and gammaproteobacteria. A comprehensive analysis of amino acid metabolic pathways demonstrated complementarity between the host and endosymbiont metabolism. Elimination of T. phenacola PSOL through antibiotic treatment significantly decreased P. solenopsis fecundity. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis demonstrated a correlation between genes associated with essential amino acid synthesis and those associated with host meiosis and oocyte maturation. Moreover, altering endosymbiont abundance activated the host mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway, suggesting that changes in the amino acid abundance affected the host reproductive capabilities via this signal pathway. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a mechanism by which the endosymbiont T. phenacola PSOL contributed to high fecundity in P. solenopsis and provide new insights into nutritional compensation and coevolution of the endosymbiotic system.

Constructing Stable Zinc-Metal Anodes by Synergizing Hydrophobic Host with Zincophilic Interface for Aqueous Zinc Ions Batteries.

Aqueous zinc (Zn) ions battery is promising for future large-scale applications of energy storage due to the abundant reserves, high capacity of metallic Zn. However, dendritic growth, severe side reactions have limited the development of Zn-metal anodes. A single skeleton structure or interface protection is difficult to simultaneously mitigate these issues. Here, a novel composite design based on the synergistic interaction between the hydrophobic host, the zincophilic interface is reported. On the one hand, the 3D substrate reduces the local current density, inhibits dendritic growth. On the other hand, the protective interface homogenizes the nucleation due to the formation of the ZnAu3 alloy layer. More importantly, the collaborative construction of the hydrophobicity, zincophilicity for the electrode alleviates the aggravated hydrogen evolution reaction (only 2.5 mmol h-1 ), simultaneously enables a low nucleation overpotential (31.7 mV) during cycling. Consequently, a high Coulombic efficiency of ≈98.25% after 300 cycles is harvested for the composite electrode. The pouch cells assembled by this anode, LiMn2 O4 cathode maintain 82 mAh g-1 capacity retention after 140 cycles. This research shows an innovative Zn-based structural design for aqueous Zn-ion batteries.

Analysis of the factors influencing moderate to poor performance status in patients with cancer after chemotherapy: a cross-sectional study comparing three models.

There are no models for assessing the factors that determine moderate to poor performance status in patients with cancer after chemotherapy. This study investigated the influencing factors and identified the best model for predicting moderate-poor performance status. A convenience sampling method was used. Demographic and clinical data and evaluation results for fatigue, pain, quality of life and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status were collected three days after the end of chemotherapy. Decision tree, random forest and logistic regression models were constructed. Ninety-four subjects in the case group had moderate to poor performance status, and 365 subjects in the control group had no or mild activity disorders. The random forest model was the most accurate model. Physical function, total protein, general quality of life within one week before chemotherapy, hemoglobin, pain symptoms and globulin were the main factors. Total protein and hemoglobin levels reflect nutritional status, and globulin levels are an index of liver function. Therefore, physical function, nutritional status, general quality of life and pain symptoms within one week before chemotherapy and liver function can be used to predict moderate-poor performance status. Nurses should pay more attention to patients with poor physical function, poor nutritional status, lower quality of life and pain symptoms after chemotherapy.

Highly Stable Aqueous/Organic Hybrid Zinc-Ion Batteries Based on a Synergistic Cathode/Anode Interface Engineering.

Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) are developing rapidly due to their advantages of safety, moderate energy density, and abundant Zn-metal reserves. However, the dendritic growth and side reactions at the Zn-based anode and the dissolution of metallic elements at transition metal-based cathodes destabilize the electrode/electrolyte interface, which ultimately reduces the electrochemical performance of ZIBs. Herein, an aqueous/organic hybrid electrolyte that endows synergistic cathode/anode interfacial layers is proposed. On the anode, the ZnF2/Zn3(PO4)2-rich film induces the Zn nucleation, enabling a dendrite-free and corrosion-free electrode morphology. On the cathode, in contrast to Zn deposition anomalously on the cathode surface due to underpotential deposition during cycling in the unmodified electrolyte, the obtained interfacial film using the hybrid electrolyte inhibits the dissolution of metallic elements and avoids Zn deposition on the transition metal-based cathode. As a result, a pouch cell with a metallic Zn anode and a LiMn2O4 cathode (depth of discharge: 40%) based on the modified electrolyte maintains a capacity of 92 mAh g-1 after 235 cycles with a stable and clean cathode/anode interface. This research presents insight into the construction of a stable cathode/anode interface for long-cycling ZIBs.

Exosome-Transmitted miR-224-5p Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation via Targeting ULK2 in p53-Dependent Manner / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of exosomal miR-224-5p in colorectal cancer (CRC).@*METHODS@#The miR-224-5p expression in CRC patient tissues and cell-derived exosomes was measured by laser capture microdissection and qRT-PCR, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine the target gene of miR-224-5p. The protein expressions of p53 and unc-51 like kinase 2 (ULK2) in CRC cells were detected by western blot. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle and apoptosis. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK8 and EdU assay.@*RESULTS@#The miR-224-5p expression was upregulated in CRC tissues and increased progressively with the rise of CRC stage. CRC cells secreted extracellular miR-224-5p mainly in an exosome-dependent manner, and then miR-224-5p could be transferred to surrounding tumor cells to regulate cell proliferation in the form of autocrine or paracrine. Moreover, ULK2 was characterized as a direct target of miR-224-5p and was downregulated in CRC tissues. Interestingly, ULK2 inhibited CRC cell proliferation in a p53-dependent manner. Furthermore, exosome-derived miR-224-5p partially reversed the proliferation regulation of ULK2 on CRC cells.@*CONCLUSION@#Our findings demonstrate that exosome-transmitted miR-224-5p promotes p53-dependent cell proliferation by targeting ULK2 in CRC, which may offer promising targets for CRC prevention and therapy.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of polylactic acid nanoparticles containing arginine and glucose oxidase / 药学学报

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) has a short half-life, low bioavailability, poor tumor targeting and systemic adverse reactions in the physiological environment. In this study, phacoemulsification and nano-precipitation were used to synthesize didecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (DDAB)/polylactic acid nanoparticles (PLA), then L-arginine (L-Arg) and glucose oxidase (GOx)-loaded nanoparticles (GADP) were prepared, and the in vitro antitumor activity was investigated．The particle size, potential, embedding rate and the ability to produce H2O2/NO of the nanoparticles were investigated. Meanwhile, in vitro cell cytotoxicity against human hepatoma cells (HepG2) was evaluated．The results showed that the prepared L-Arg-DDAB/PLA (ADP) nanoparticles were spherical particles. And the particle size and zeta potential were (225.7 ± 6.33) nm and (+23.5 ± 0.12) mV, respectively. The adsorption rate of GOx was 87.23% ± 0.02%. The drug loading of L-Arg was 15.6% ± 0.22%. The pH value of glucose solution and the amount of H2O2 showed that GADP had good catalytic activity. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments showed that blank nanoparticles were nontoxic, while the drug-loaded nanoparticles presented enhanced antitumor effect on HepG2 cells. And can inhibit tumor cell migration. The low dose nano-scale NO delivery system GADP can effectively inhibit the migration of tumor cells and kill tumor cells, thus producing therapeutic benefits.

Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Tripterygium wilfordii Multiglycoside in Mouse Models of Psoriasis Keratinocytes / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the role of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside (TGW) in the treatment of psoriatic dermatitis from a cellular immunological perspective.@*METHODS@#Mouse models of psoriatic dermatitis were established by imiquimod (IMQ). Twelve male BALB/c mice were assigned to IMQ or IMQ+TGW groups according to a random number table. Histopathological changes in vivo were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Ratios of immune cells and cytokines in mice, as well as PAM212 cell proliferation in vitro were assessed by flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.@*RESULTS@#TGW significantly ameliorated the severity of IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mouse skin lesions and restrained the activation of CD45+ cells, neutrophils and T lymphocytes (all P<0.01). Moreover, TGW significantly attenuated keratinocytes (KCs) proliferation and downregulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor α, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Furthermore, it reduced the number of γ δ T17 cells in skin lesion of mice and draining lymph nodes (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#TGW improved psoriasis-like inflammation by inhibiting KCs proliferation, as well as the associated immune cells and cytokine expression. It inhibited IL-17 secretion from γ δ T cells, which improved the immune-inflammatory microenvironment of psoriasis.

Exploring mechanism of hypolipidemic effect of total Ligustrum robustum (Roxb. ) Blume on hyperlipidemic golden hamsters based on intestinal flora / 中国药理学通报

Aim To evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of the total phenylpropanoid glycosides extracted from Ligustrum robustum (Roxb.) Blume (LRTPG) on hyperlipidemic golden hamsters and explore its regulatory effect on intestinal flora. Methods Sixty hamsters were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a positive drug group, LRTPG-L group, LRTPG-M group, and LRTPG-H group. After the successful induction of the model by high-fat diet, the animals were continuously administered for four weeks, and their blood lipids and liver lipids were detected. The formed feces from the colorectal region of the hamsters in the control group, model group and LRTPG-H group were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing. Results LRTPG reduced serum TG, TC, LDL-C and liver TG, TC concentrations significantly in hyperlipidemic hamsters. The results of the intestinal microbiota sequencing showed that compared to the control group, LRTPG significantly decreased the relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes and increased the relative abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia (P < 0.01) at the phylum level. At the family level, LRTPG significantly increased the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae, Peptococcaceae, and Verrucomicrobiaceae (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). At the genus level, LRTPG significantly increased the relative abundance of Oscillospira, Oscillibacter, Flavonifractor and Akkermansiaceae (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). These changes in the flora were beneficial to the hypolipidemic effect of LRTPG. Conclusion LRTPG may exert its hypolipidemic effect by improving the intestinal flora disorder caused by a high-fat diet in golden hamsters.

Continuous vital signs monitoring using wireless wearable devices in patients after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer: A prospective self-control study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To explore the reliability and safety of continuous monitoring of vital signs in patients using wireless wearable monitoring devices after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung cancer. Methods The patients undergoing VATS for lung cancer in West China Hospital, Sichuan University from May to August 2023 were prospectively enrolled. Both wireless wearable and traditional wired devices were used to monitor the vital signs of patients after surgery. Spearman correlation analysis, paired sample t test and ratio Bland-Altman method were used to test the correlation, difference and consistency of monitoring data measured by the two devices. The effective monitoring rate of the wireless wearable device within 12 hours was calculated to test the reliability of its continuous monitoring. Results A total of 20 patients were enrolled, including 15 females and 5 males with an average age of 46.20±11.52 years. Data collected by the two monitoring devices were significantly correlated (P<0.001). Respiratory rate and blood oxygen saturation data collected by the two devices showed no statistical difference (P>0.05), while heart rate measured by wireless wearable device was slightly lower (=−0.307±1.073, P<0.001), and the blood pressure (=1.259±5.354, P<0.001) and body temperature(=0.115±0.231, P<0.001) were slightly higher. The mean ratios of heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure and body temperature collected by the two devices were 0.996, 1.004, 1.000, 1.014, and 1.003, respectively. The 95% limits of agreement (LoA) and 95% confidence interval of 95%LoA of each indicator were within the clinically acceptable limit. The effective monitoring rate of each vital signs within 12 hours was above 98%. Conclusion The wireless wearable device has a high accuracy and reliability for continuous monitoring vital signs of patients after VATS for lung cancer, which provides a security guarantee for subsequent large-scale clinical application and further research.

Facet-dependent transformation and toxicity of nanoscale zinc oxide in the synthetic saliva.

The nanoscale zinc oxide (n-ZnO) was used in food packages due to its superior antibacterial activity, resulting in potential intake of n-ZnO through the digestive system, wherein n-ZnO interacted with saliva. In recent, facet engineering, a technique for controlling the exposed facets, was applied to n-ZnO, whereas risk of n-ZnO with specific exposed facets in saliva was ignored. ZnO nanoflakes (ZnO-0001) and nanoneedles (ZnO-1010) with the primary exposed facets of {0001} and {1010} respectively were prepared in this study, investigating stability and toxicity of ZnO-0001 and ZnO-1010 in synthetic saliva. Both ZnO-0001 and ZnO-1010 partially transformed into amorphous Zn3(PO4)2 within 1 hr in the saliva even containing orgnaic components, forming a ZnO-Zn3(PO4)2 core-shell structure. Nevertheless, ZnO-1010 relative to ZnO-0001 would likely transform into Zn3(PO4)2, being attributed to superior dissolution of {1010} facet due to its lower vacancy formation energy (1.15 eV) than {0001} facet (3.90 eV). The toxicity of n-ZnO to Caco-2 cells was also dependent on the primary exposed facet; ZnO-0001 caused cell toxicity through oxidative stress, whereas ZnO-1010 resulted in lower cells viability than ZnO-0001 through oxidative stress and membrane damage. Density functional theory calculations illustrated that ·O2- was formed and released on {1010} facet, yet O22- instead of ·O2- was generated on {0001} facet, leading to low oxidative stress from ZnO-0001. All findings demonstrated that stability and toxicity of n-ZnO were dependent on the primary exposed facet, improving our understanding of health risk of nanomaterials.

Enhancing Performance of GaN/Ga2 O3 P-N Junction Uvc Photodetectors via Interdigitated Structure.

Ga2 O3 -based Ultraviolet-C photodetector (UVCPD) is considered the most promising UVCPD at present and is divided into Metal-Semiconductor-Metal (MSM) and PN junction types. Compared with MSM-PDs, PN-PDs exhibit superior transient performance due to the built-in electric field. However, current Ga2 O3 -based PN-PDs lack consideration for carrier collection and electric field distribution. In this study, PN-PDs with an interdigital n-Ga2 O3 layer and finger electrodes are fabricated on p-GaN/n-Ga2 O3 epilayers. Ultrafast response times of 31 µs (1/e decay) and 2.76 µs (fast component) are realized, which outperforms all Ga2 O3 UVC-PDs up to now. Under 0 V self-powered, the responsivity (0.25 A W-1 ) of interdigital PD is enhanced by the interdigital electrode structure due to increasing carriers' collection length. Under bias, the performances of interdigital PD with 41.7 A W-1 responsivity and 8243 selection ratios are significantly elevated by enhancing the built-in electric field in the Ga2 O3 region, which is 34.76 and 39.4 times those of traditional PDs, respectively. The intrinsic enhancing mechanism of interdigital structure is also investigated by interdigital PDs with various electrode spacings and perimeters. In summary, this paper not only reports a highly performed interdigitated structure p-GaN/n-Ga2 O3 UVCPDs, but also provides guidelines for structure design in Ga2 O3 -based PN-PDs.

mDia formins form hetero-oligomers and cooperatively maintain murine hematopoiesis.

mDia formin proteins regulate the dynamics and organization of the cytoskeleton through their linear actin nucleation and polymerization activities. We previously showed that mDia1 deficiency leads to aberrant innate immune activation and induces myelodysplasia in a mouse model, and mDia2 regulates enucleation and cytokinesis of erythroblasts and the engraftment of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). However, whether and how mDia formins interplay and regulate hematopoiesis under physiological and stress conditions remains unknown. Here, we found that both mDia1 and mDia2 are required for HSPC regeneration under stress, such as serial plating, aging, and reconstitution after myeloid ablation. We showed that mDia1 and mDia2 form hetero-oligomers through the interactions between mDia1 GBD-DID and mDia2 DAD domains. Double knockout of mDia1 and mDia2 in hematopoietic cells synergistically impaired the filamentous actin network and serum response factor-involved transcriptional signaling, which led to declined HSPCs, severe anemia, and significant mortality in neonates and newborn mice. Our data demonstrate the potential roles of mDia hetero-oligomerization and their non-rodent functions in the regulation of HSPCs activity and orchestration of hematopoiesis.