RBM22 regulates RNA polymerase II 5' pausing, elongation rate, and termination by coordinating 7SK-P-TEFb complex and SPT5.

BACKGROUND: Splicing factors are vital for the regulation of RNA splicing, but some have also been implicated in regulating transcription. The underlying molecular mechanisms of their involvement in transcriptional processes remain poorly understood. RESULTS: Here, we describe a direct role of splicing factor RBM22 in coordinating multiple steps of RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription in human cells. The RBM22 protein widely occupies the RNAPII-transcribed gene locus in the nucleus. Loss of RBM22 promotes RNAPII pause release, reduces elongation velocity, and provokes transcriptional readthrough genome-wide, coupled with production of transcripts containing sequences from downstream of the gene. RBM22 preferentially binds to the hyperphosphorylated, transcriptionally engaged RNAPII and coordinates its dynamics by regulating the homeostasis of the 7SK-P-TEFb complex and the association between RNAPII and SPT5 at the chromatin level. CONCLUSIONS: Our results uncover the multifaceted role of RBM22 in orchestrating the transcriptional program of RNAPII and provide evidence implicating a splicing factor in both RNAPII elongation kinetics and termination control.

Efficient Multi-stimulus-Responsive Luminescent Eu(III)-Modified HOFs Materials: Detecting Thiram and Caffeic Acid and Constructing a Flexible Substrate Anti-counterfeiting Platform.

The powerful capability of multi-stimulus-responsive luminescent hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) to respond to external chemical or physical stimuli in various manners makes them appealing in the luminescence anti-counterfeiting field. Herein, a novel Eu3+-functionalized HOF (Eu@GC-2) that combines the emission of HOFs with the characteristic emission of Eu3+ ions has been successfully synthesized, which can generate various fluorescence at different excitation wavelengths. Eu@GC-2 has enormous potential as a raw material for a paper-based sensor that is designed for detecting the pesticides thiram and caffeic acid in crops with favorable selectivity, anti-interference, and high efficiency. Based on the above excellent properties, Ln3+-functionalized HOFs (Ln@GC-2) were then employed to produce four luminescent anti-counterfeiting inks. With the incorporation of back-propagation neural network and Gray code conversion functions, a multi-stimulus-responsive luminescent anti-counterfeiting platform, coregulated by the excitation light and the chemical reagent, has been constructed. This approach can not only achieve multiple encryptions and fast information identification but also enhance the code-breaking complexity, making it an efficient strategy for information encryption and decryption.

Deciphering the molecular and functional basis of TMexCD1: the plasmid-encoded efflux pump of resistance-nodulation-division superfamily.

Horizontal gene transfer has been demonstrated to be an important driver for the emergency of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Recently, a transferable gene cluster tmexCD1-toprJ1 of the resistance-nodulation-division (RND) superfamily was identified in the plasmids of animal-derived Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, with a higher efflux capacity for various drugs than the Escherichia coli AcrAB-TolC homolog system. In this study, we focused on the differences in the inner membrane pump of these two systems and identified some key residues that contribute to the robust efflux activity of the TMexCD1 system. With the aid of homologous modeling and molecular docking, eight residues from the proximal binding pocket (PBP) and nine from the distal binding pocket (DBP) were selected and subjected to site-directed mutagenesis. Several of them, such as S134, I139, D181, and A290, were shown to be important for substrate binding in the DBP region, and all residues in PBP and DBP showed certain substrate preferences. Apart from the conservative switch loop (L613-623TMexD1) previously identified in the E. coli AcrB (EcAcrB), a relatively unconservative loop (L665-675TMexD1) at the bottom of PBP was proposed as a critical element for the robust activity of TMexD1, due to variations at sites E669, G670, N673, and S674 compared to EcAcrAB, and the significantly altered efflux activity due to their mutations. The conservation and flexibility of these key factors can contribute to the evolution of the RND efflux pumps and thus serve as potential targets for developing inhibitors to block the widespread of the TMexCD1 system.

Physiological Functions of the Cello-Oligosaccharides Binding CebE in the Pathogenic Streptomyces sp. AMCC400023.

Potato common scab, an economically important disease worldwide, is caused by pathogenic Streptomyces strains mainly through the effects of thaxtomin. The cello-oligosaccharides binding protein CebE is proposed as a gateway to the pathogenic development of Streptomyces scabiei. In this study, two functional CebE encoding genes, GEO5601 and GEO7671, were identified in pathogenic Streptomyces sp. AMCC400023. With a higher binding affinity towards signal molecules, the deletion of GEO5601 severely impaired thaxtomin-producing capacity and reduced the strain's pathogenicity. Transcriptional analysis confirmed that CebE5601 is also responsible for the import and provision of carbon sources for cell growth. With lower binding affinity, the pathogenicity island (PAI)-localized CebE7671 may assume a new function of mediating the biological process of sporulation, given the significantly impaired formation of ΔGEO7671 spores. The mechanisms of action of CebE proteins unraveled in Streptomyces sp. AMCC400023 will help pave the way for more effective prevention of the potato common scab disease.

Radiomics analysis of R2* maps to predict early recurrence of single hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of radiomics analysis with R2* maps in predicting early recurrence (ER) in single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following partial hepatectomy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis involving 202 patients with surgically confirmed single HCC having undergone preoperative magnetic resonance imaging between 2018 and 2021 at two different institutions. 126 patients from Institution 1 were assigned to the training set, and 76 patients from Institution 2 were assigned to the validation set. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regularization was conducted to operate a logistic regression, then features were identified to construct a radiomic score (Rad-score). Uni- and multi-variable tests were used to assess the correlations of clinicopathological features and Rad-score with ER. We then established a combined model encompassing the optimal Rad-score and clinical-pathological risk factors. Additionally, we formulated and validated a predictive nomogram for predicting ER in HCC. The nomogram's discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility were thoroughly evaluated. Results: Multivariable logistic regression revealed the Rad-score, microvascular invasion (MVI), and α fetoprotein (AFP) level > 400 ng/mL as significant independent predictors of ER in HCC. We constructed a nomogram based on these significant factors. The areas under the receiver operator characteristic curve of the nomogram and precision-recall curve were 0.901 and 0.753, respectively, with an F1 score of 0.831 in the training set. These values in the validation set were 0.827, 0.659, and 0.808. Conclusion: The nomogram that integrates the radiomic score, MVI, and AFP demonstrates high predictive efficacy for estimating the risk of ER in HCC. It facilitates personalized risk classification and therapeutic decision-making for HCC patients.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the heterogeneity of hepatic non-parenchymal cell responses to chronic PFO5DoDA exposure in male mice.

Perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECA) have emerged as novel alternatives to legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Existing research has revealed hepatoxicity induced by various PFAS, including PFECA. However, these studies have primarily focused on overall changes in whole liver tissue, particularly in hepatocytes, with the impact of PFAS on diverse liver non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) still inadequately understood. In the present study, we examined the heterogeneous responses of hepatic NPCs following exposure to perfluoro-3,5,7,9,11-pentaoxadodecanoic acid (PFO5DoDA), a type of PFECA, by administering PFO5DoDA (5 µg/L)-contaminated water to male mice for one year. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of 15 008 cells from the liver identified 10 distinct NPC populations. Notably, although relative liver weight remained largely unchanged following exposure to 5 µg/L PFO5DoDA, there was an observed increase in proliferating cells, indicating that proliferating NPCs may contribute to the hepatomegaly frequently noted in PFAS-exposed livers. There was also a considerable alteration in the composition of hepatic NPCs. Specifically, the total number of B cells decreased substantially, while many other cells, such as monocytes and macrophages, increased after PFO5DoDA exposure. In addition, interactions among the hepatic NPC populations changed variously after PFO5DoDA exposure. The findings emphasize the heterogeneity in the responses of hepatic NPCs to PFO5DoDA exposure. Taken together, the changes in immune cell populations and their intercellular interactions suggest that PFO5DoDA disrupts immune homeostasis in the liver. These findings offer new insights into the cellular mechanisms of PFAS-induced liver damage.

Determination of free fatty acids in edible oil based on hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles.

In our study, ammoniated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (NH2-HMSN) with uniform diameter and stable structure were successively prepared via SiO2 core hard template method. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy revealed that amino group was effectively modified. Adsorption experiments showed that adsorption capacity of NH2-HMSN towards free fatty acids (FFAs) was superior to aminated mesopores or silica microspheres. Following through optimization of extraction conditions, FFAs from edible oil samples were successfully gathered by NH2-HMSN and showed favorable linearities (0.2-90 µg g-1), remarkably low limit of detections (0.03-0.15 nmol g-1), acceptable recoveries (85.08-96.82 %) and relatively accurate precisions (1.64-4.99 %). In comparison to existing adsorbent, NH2-HMSN could be successfully prepared via the chemical reaction of common raw materials under normal pressure and temperature. Furthermore, NH2-HMSN with hollow and mesoporous structure was more effective than the current adsorbents aimed at FFAs analysis in aspect of surface area and adsorption capacity.

Photodynamic Therapy Derived Personalized Whole Cell Tumor Vaccine Prevents Postsurgery Tumor Recurrence and Metastasis.

In order to avoid the time-consuming and laborious identification of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) during the traditional vaccine fabrication process, a versatile photodynamic therapy (PDT)-based method is developed to construct a whole-tumor antigen tumor vaccine (TV) from surgically resected tumor tissues for personalized immunotherapy. Mucoadhesive nanoparticles containing small-molecular photosensitizer are fabricated and directly co-incubated with suspended tumor cells obtained after cytoreduction surgery. After irradiation with a 405 nm laser, potent immunogenic cell death of cancer cells could be induced. Along with the release of TSAs, the as-prepared TV could activate safe and robust tumor-specific immune responses, leading to efficient suppression of postsurgery tumor recurrence and metastasis. The as-prepared TV cannot only be applied alone through various administration routes but also synergize with immunoadjuvant, chemotherapeutics, and immune checkpoint blockers to exert more potent immune responses. This work provides an alternative way to promote the clinical translation of PDT, which is generally restricted by the limited penetration of light. Moreover, the versatile strategy of vaccine fabrication also facilitates the clinical application of personalized whole-cell tumor vaccines.

An Intelligent and Soluble Microneedle Composed of Bi/BiVO4 Schottky Heterojunction for Tumor Ct Imaging and Starvation/Gas Therapy-Promoted Synergistic Cancer Treatment.

Phototherapy and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) are widely used for the synergistic treatment of tumors and have received considerable attention. However, an inappropriate tumor microenvironment, including pH, H2O2, oxygen, and glutathione levels, can reduce the therapeutic effects of synergistic phototherapy and SDT. Here, a novel Bi-based soluble microneedle (MN) is designed for the CT imaging of breast tumors and starvation therapy/gas therapy-enhanced phototherapy/SDT. The optimized Bi/BiVO4 Schottky heterojunction serves as the tip of the MN, which not only has excellent photothermal conversion ability and CT contrast properties, but its heterojunction can also avoid the rapid combination of electrons and hole pairs, thereby enhancing the photodynamic/sonodynamic effects. A degradable MN with excellent mechanical properties is fabricated by optimizing the ratios of poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), and sodium hyaluronate. Glucose oxidase (GOx) and diallyl trisulfide are loaded into the MN to achieve tumor starvation and gas therapy, respectively; And the controlled release of GOx and H2S can be achieved under ultrasound or near-infrared laser irradiation. The in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that this multifunctional MN can achieve high therapeutic efficacy through starvation therapy/gas therapy-enhanced phototherapy/SDT. The designed multifunctional MN provides a prospective approach for synergistic phototherapy and SDT.

LINC01852 inhibits the tumorigenesis and chemoresistance in colorectal cancer by suppressing SRSF5-mediated alternative splicing of PKM.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and chemoresistance is a major obstacle in its treatment. Despite advances in therapy, the molecular mechanism underlying chemoresistance in CRC is not fully understood. Recent studies have implicated the key roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the regulation of CRC chemoresistance. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the role of the lncRNA LINC01852 in CRC chemoresistance. LINC01852 expression was evaluated in multiple CRC cohorts using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. We conducted in vitro and in vivo functional experiments using cell culture and mouse models. RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual luciferase assays were used to investigate the molecular mechanism of LINC01852 in CRC. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that a lncRNA with tumor-inhibiting properties, LINC01852, was downregulated in CRC and inhibited cell proliferation and chemoresistance both in vitro and in vivo. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that LINC01852 increases TRIM72-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of SRSF5, inhibiting SRSF5-mediated alternative splicing of PKM and thereby decreasing the production of PKM2. Overexpression of LINC01852 induces a metabolic switch from aerobic glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, which attenuates the chemoresistance of CRC cells by inhibiting PKM2-mediated glycolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that LINC01852 plays an important role in repressing CRC malignancy and chemoresistance by regulating SRSF5-mediated alternative splicing of PKM, and that targeting the LINC01852/TRIM72/SRSF5/PKM2 signaling axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC.

Overexpression of LINC00853 enhances tumorigenesis and metastasis of gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a rising global health issue, with increasing incidence and mortality rates. The pathogenesis of GC is highly complex and involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, identifying new genes and pathways that contribute to the development and progression of GC is essential for improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as a promising area of research in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying various cancers, including GC. These RNA molecules are longer than 200 nucleotides and do not code proteins. Although initially considered "junk DNA", lncRNAs have been demonstrated to play significant roles in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as in the pathogenesis of various cancers. In this study, we screened clinical specimens for a novel lncRNA, LINC00853, which showed high expression in GC tissues and promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells. Furthermore, in vivo experiments confirmed its ability to facilitate the growth and metastasis of GC. These results suggest that LINC00853 plays a crucial role in the development and progression of GC.

Epstein-Barr Virus Promotes Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Human Gingival Fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is one of the most common chronic oral inflammatory diseases. Over the past decade, herpes viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), have been considered promising pathogenic candidates for periodontitis. However, the specific mechanism by which EBV contributes to the development of periodontitis is still unknown. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of EBV underlying the inflammatory response in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: HGFs were stimulated with different concentrations of EBV (104, 105, 106, 107, and 108 DNA copies/mL) for 0, 8, 24, or 48 hours. The mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were performed for determining the mRNA and protein levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-8, and MCP-1. Real-time PCR and ELISA were performed to determine the protein levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-8, and MCP-1. Activation of the TLR9/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway was evaluated using western blotting. RESULTS: The expressions of IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-8, and MCP-1 were significantly upregulated in HGFs under EBV stimulation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. EBV promoted TLR9 and MyD88 expression and induced NF-κB transcription. On the contrary, the upregulation of these factors and the activation of NF-κB pathway were drastically inhibited by TLR9 antagonists. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that EBV promotes the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and TNF-α and chemokines IL-8 and MCP-1 in HGFs through the TLR9/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

Dual-Function Platform Based on Postsynthetic Functionalization of a Water-Stable Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework: Ratiometric Sensing of Nicotine and Cotinine and Dynamic Anticounterfeiting for Information Encryption.

Nicotine and its major metabolite cotinine are widely used as markers of tobacco smoke abstinence as well as indicators of active smoking levels and the assessment of passive inhalation of tobacco smoke in nonsmokers. Therefore, using an easy-to-prepare sensing platform that can provide a rapid, highly sensitive response for the simultaneous detection of salivary nicotine levels and urinary cotinine levels is especially crucial for helping heavy cigarette smokers quit smoking and protecting public health. Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks, as a novel class of porous crystalline materials, show immense potential for functional modification and optical sensing. Herein, a new HOF was prepared by a simple solvent evaporation method, and a dual-emitting material Eu(bpy)@HOF-215(1) was obtained by the postsynthetic modification of HOF by lanthanide luminescent complexes, which maintains favorable structural stability and introduces the characteristic emitting of Eu, allowing use as a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for salivary nicotine and urinary cotinine, with a limit of detection of nicotine of 0.045 µM in saliva and a limit of detection of cotinine of 0.591 µM in urine. Furthermore, luminescent inks based on HOF-215 have been fabricated based on the photoresponse variations of 1 to NIC and COT, which enables the multilevel encryption and decryption of information, in a dynamic and recyclable process. This work not only synthesizes a novel blue HOF but also provides a representative successful case of a dual-function platform for simultaneous application to ratiometric sensing and dynamic anticounterfeiting.

High-level production of nervonic acid in the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica by systematic metabolic engineering.

Nervonic acid benefits the treatment of neurological diseases and the health of brain. In this study, we employed the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica to overproduce nervonic acid oil by systematic metabolic engineering. First, the production of nervonic acid was dramatically improved by iterative expression of the genes ecoding ß-ketoacyl-CoA synthase CgKCS, fatty acid elongase gELOVL6 and desaturase MaOLE2. Second, the biosynthesis of both nervonic acid and lipids were further enhanced by expression of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases and diacylglycerol acyltransferases from Malania oleifera in endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Third, overexpression of a newly identified ER structure regulator gene YlINO2 led to a 39.3% increase in lipid production. Fourth, disruption of the AMP-activated S/T protein kinase gene SNF1 increased the ratio of nervonic acid to lignoceric acid by 61.6%. Next, pilot-scale fermentation using the strain YLNA9 exhibited a lipid titer of 96.7 g/L and a nervonic acid titer of 17.3 g/L (17.9% of total fatty acids), the highest reported titer to date. Finally, a proof-of-concept purification and separation of nervonic acid were performed and the purity of it reached 98.7%. This study suggested that oleaginous yeasts are attractive hosts for the cost-efficient production of nervonic acid and possibly other very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs).

N,S coordination in Ni single-atom catalyst promoting CO2RR towards HCOOH.

Carbon-based single atom catalysts (SACs) are attracting extensive attention in the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) due to their maximal atomic utilization, easily regulated active center and high catalytic activity, in which the coordination environment plays a crucial role in the intrinsic catalytic activity. Taking NiN4 as an example, this study reveals that the introduction of different numbers of S atoms into N coordination (Ni-NxS4-x (x = 1-4)) results in outstanding structural stability and catalytic activity. Owing to the additional orbitals around -1.60 eV and abundant Ni dxz, dyz, dx2, and dz2 orbital occupation after S substitution, N,S coordination can effectively facilitate the protonation of adsorbed intermediates and thus accelerate the overall CO2RR. The CO2RR mechanisms for CO and HCOOH generation via two-electron pathways are systematically elucidated on NiN4, NiN3S1 and NiN2S2. NiN2S2 yields HCOOH as the most favorable product with a limiting potential of -0.24 V, surpassing NiN4 (-1.14 V) and NiN3S1 (-0.50 V), which indicates that the different S-atom substitution of NiN4 has considerable influence on the CO2RR performance. This work highlights NiN2S2 as a high-performance CO2RR catalyst to produce HCOOH, and demonstrates that N,S coordination is an effective strategy to regulate the performance of atomically dispersed electrocatalysts.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the environment: Updates on pretreatment and determination methods.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in human and animal health care to reduce persistent inflammation, pain and fever because of their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. However, the improper discharge and disposal make it becomes a major contaminant in the environment, which poses a big threat to the ecosystem. For this reason, accurate, sensitive, effective, green, and economic techniques are urgently required and have been rapidly developed in recent years. This review summarizes the advancement of sample preparation technologies for NSAIDs involving solid-phase extraction, solid-phase microextraction, liquid-phase microextraction, QuEChERS, and matrix solid-phase dispersion. Meanwhile, we overview and compare analytical technologies for NSAIDs, including liquid chromatography-based methods, gas chromatography-based methods, capillary electrophoresis, and sensors, particularly the development of liquid chromatography-based methods. Furthermore, we focus on their progress and conduct a comparison between their advantages and disadvantages.

Superoxide dismutase ameliorates oxidative stress and regulates liver transcriptomics to provide therapeutic benefits in hepatic inflammation.

Background: Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in organisms and often induces hepatic inflammation. Supplementing exogenous superoxide dismutase is an effective way to alleviate oxidative stress; however, the effects and mechanisms by which superoxide dismutase alleviates hepatic inflammation remain unclear. Methods: This study established a Kunming mouse model to verify and investigate the oxidative stress and hepatic inflammation-alleviating effects of the superoxide dismutase oral supplement that was prepared by our research group in a previous study. Results: The superoxide dismutase product significantly restored the body weight and liver alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase levels of oxidative stress induced mice. Moreover, exogenous superoxide dismutase significantly inhibited interleukin 1ß and interleukin 6 mRNA expression in the livers of mice with hepatic inflammation. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that superoxide dismutase had a significant inhibitory effect on Endog expression, alleviating oxidative stress damage, and mediating liver cell apoptosis by regulating the expression of Rab5if, Hnrnpab, and Ifit1. Conclusion: Our research verified the oxidative stress remediation effects of superoxide dismutase and its therapeutic role against hepatic inflammation. This study can lay a foundation for investigating the mechanism by which superoxide dismutase alleviates hepatic disease.

Two-dimensional MBene: a comparable catalyst to MXene for effective CO2RR towards C1 products.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to high-value-added products is one of the most promising strategies for mitigating the greenhouse effect and energy shortage. Two-dimensional (2D) MXene materials are regarded as promising catalysts for electrocatalysis, and the boron-analogs of MXenes, 2D transition metal borides (MBenes), may exhibit superior CO2RR performance owing to their unique electronic properties. Herein, a novel 2D transition metal boride, MoB, is theoretically evaluated as a potential catalyst for the CO2RR by comparing it with traditional Mo2C. MoB shows metallic nature and exhibits excellent electrical conductivity. MoB can effectively activate CO2 with a larger interaction energy of -3.64 eV than that of Mo2C. Both density of states and charge difference density reveal a significant charge transfer from MoB to CO2. MoB shows higher catalytic selectivity due to its inhibited hydrogen evolution reaction and low reaction energy for the CO2RR. At potentials more negative than -0.62 V, the CO2RR on MoB becomes a high-throughput reaction process towards CH4. This work discovered that MoB exhibited comparable CO2RR performance to Mo2C and forecasted MBenes as promising catalysts for electrocatalysis.

Adaptive event-triggered synchronization of neural networks under stochastic cyber-attacks with application to Chua's circuit.

This paper focuses on the synchronization control problem for neural networks (NNs) subject to stochastic cyber-attacks. Firstly, an adaptive event-triggered scheme (AETS) is adopted to improve the utilization rate of network resources, and an output feedback controller is constructed for improving the performance of the system subject to the conventional deception attack and accumulated dynamic cyber-attack. Secondly, the synchronization problem of master-slave NNs is transformed into the stability analysis problem of the synchronization error system. Thirdly, by constructing a customized Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional (LKF), the adaptive event-triggered output feedback controller is designed to ensure the synchronization error system is asymptotically stable with a given H∞ performance index. Lastly, in the simulation part, two examples, including Chua's circuit, illustrate the feasibility and universality of the related technologies in this paper.

Accumulation and glucocorticoid signaling suppression by four emerging perfluoroethercarboxylic acids based on animal exposure and cell testing.

Various perfluoroethercarboxylic acids (PFECA) have emerged as next-generation replacements of legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, there is a paucity of information regarding their bioaccumulation ability and hazard characterization. Here, we explored the accumulation and hepatotoxicity of four PFECA compounds (HFPO-DA, HFPO-TA, PFO4DA, and PFO5DoDA) in comparison to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) after chronic low-dose exposure in mice. Except for HFPO-DA, the levels of all tested PFAS in the liver exceeded that in serum. High molecular weight PFECA compounds (PFO5DoDA and HFPO-TA) showed stronger accumulation capacity and longer half-lives (t1/2) than low molecular weight PFECA compounds (HFPO-DA and PFO4DA) and even legacy PFOA. Although hepatomegaly is a common apical end point of PFAS exposure, the differentially expressed gene (DEG) profiles in the liver suggested significant differences between PFOA and the four PFECA compounds. Gene enrichment analysis supported a considerable inhibitory effect of PFECA, but not PFOA, on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling pathway. Both HFPO-TA and PFO5DoDA demonstrated a more pronounced ability to perturb RNA expression profiles in vivo and to suppress GR signaling in vitro compared to HFPO-DA and PFO4DA. Calculated reference doses (RfDs) emphasized the potential hazard of PFECA to human health. Overall, our findings indicate that PFECA alternatives do not ease the concerns raised from legacy PFAS pollution.