Urine osmolality assessment through the integration of urea hydrolysis and impedance measurement.

We present the development and validation of an impedance-based urine osmometer for accurate and portable measurement of urine osmolality. The urine osmolality of a urine sample can be estimated by determining the concentrations of the conductive solutes and urea, which make up approximately 94% of the urine composition. Our method utilizes impedance measurements to determine the conductive solutes and urea after hydrolysis with urease enzyme. We built an impedance model using sodium chloride (NaCl) and urea at various known concentrations. In this work, we validated the accuracy of the impedance-based urine osmometer by developing a proof-of-concept first prototype and an integrated urine dipstick second prototype, where both prototypes exhibit an average accuracy of 95.5 ± 2.4% and 89.9 ± 9.1%, respectively in comparison to a clinical freezing point osmometer in the hospital laboratory. While the integrated dipstick design exhibited a slightly lower accuracy than the first prototype, it eliminated the need for pre-mixing or manual pipetting. Impedance calibration curves for conductive and non-conductive solutes consistently yielded results for NaCl but underscored challenges in achieving uniform urease enzyme coating on the dipstick. We also investigated the impact of storing urine at room temperature for 24 hours, demonstrating negligible differences in osmolality values. Overall, our impedance-based urine osmometer presents a promising tool for point-of-care urine osmolality measurements, addressing the demand for a portable, accurate, and user-friendly device with potential applications in clinical and home settings.

Distribution of self-reported borderline personality disorder traits symptoms in a large-scale clinical population.

Introduction: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) traits play a crucial role in the prognosis of psychiatric disorders, as well as in assessing risks associated with negativity and impulsivity. However, there is a lack of data regarding the distribution characteristics of BPD traits and symptoms within clinical populations. Methods: A total of 3015 participants (1321 males, 1694 females) were consecutively sampled from outpatients at the psychiatric and psycho-counseling clinics at the Shanghai Mental Health Center. BPD symptoms were assessed using a self-reported personality diagnostic questionnaire. Having BPD traits is defined as having five or more positive items in self-reported BPD characteristics. Participants were stratified into male and female groups, age groups, and diagnostic groups (schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders). Exploratory factor analysis using principal components analysis was conducted. Three factors were identified: "F1: Affective Instability and Impulsivity", "F2: Interpersonal Unstable and Extreme Reactions", and "F3: Identity Disturbance". Results: Among 3015 participants, 45.9% of the patients self-reported BPD traits. Comparing of male and female patients, there was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence rate of BPD traits (χ2 = 1.835, p=0.176). However, in terms of symptoms, female patients reported more symptoms than male patients. Female patients also exhibited more pronounced features on F2 compared to male patients (t =-1.972, p=0.049). There is a general decrease in BPD traits, symptoms, and factors with increasing age. Specifically, the proportion of positive BPD traits is approximately halved before the age of 30 and decreases to around one-third after the age of 30. BPD traits were most common in the Mood Disorders group at 55.7%, followed by the Anxiety Disorders group at 44.4%, and Schizophrenia group at 41.5% (χ2 = 38.084, p<0.001). Discussion: Our study revealed the pervasive presence of BPD traits and symptoms among psychiatric outpatients, exhibiting distinctive distributions across gender, age, and diagnostic categories. These findings emphasize the significance of identifying and addressing BPD pathology in the clinical care of psychiatric outpatients.

Epigallocatechin Gallate Derivative Y6 Reverses Oxaliplatin Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Targeting the MiR-338-3p/HIF-1α/TWIST Axis to Inhibit EMT.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of drug resistance to oxaliplatin (OXA) is one of the critical obstacles in the therapy of advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). As an ethyl derivative of the natural compound epigallocatechin gallate (epigallocatechin-3-gallate, EGCG), Y6 was found to be able to enhance the sensitivity of HCC cells to doxorubicin. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Y6 on oxaliplatin resistance in HCC. METHODS: MTT was used to determine the reversal effect of Y6 on OXA resistance. To further explore the reversal mechanism, we treated OXA alone or in combination with Y6 or EGCG in drugresistant cells and observed the morphological changes of the cells. At the same time, transwell assay was used to detect the invasion and migration ability of cells. Moreover, Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to determine the expression levels of the miR-338-3p gene, HIF-1α/Twist proteins, and EMT-related proteins. RESULTS: We found that Y6 could inhibit the proliferation of HCC cells and effectively reverse the drug resistance of oxaliplatin-resistant human liver cancer cells (SMMC-7721/OXA) to OXA, and the reversal effect was more significant than that of its lead drug EGCG. Most of the cells in the control group and OXA group showed typical mesenchymal-like cell morphology, while most of the cells in co-administration groups showed typical epithelioid cell morphology, and the ability of the cells to invade and migrate decreased dramatically, particularly in Y6 plus OXA group. At the same time, Y6 could up-regulate the EMT epithelial marker protein E-cadherin and down-regulate the interstitial marker protein Vimentin. In addition, in co-administration groups, the expression of miR-338-3p was up-regulated, while the expression of HIF-1α and Twist was down-regulated. CONCLUSION: Y6 significantly enhanced the susceptibility of drug-resistant cells to OXA, and the process may be related to the regulation of miR-338-3p/HIF-1α / TWIST pathway to inhibit EMT. Therefore, Y6 could be considered an effective medication resistance reversal agent, which could improve the therapeutic effect for hepatocellular cancer patients.

Exploring the mechanisms driving elderly Fintech engagement: the role of social influence and the elderly's digital literacy.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the elderly digital engagement (acceptance and utilization of technology), with a focus on the widespread application of financial technology: mobile banking (m-banking). Methods: Guided by social influence theory, the research examines the various social dynamics that encourage elderly engagement with m-banking and the moderating effects of their digital literacy. Data was gathered online utilizing a disjunctive approach and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results: The study reveals that both word-of-mouths (WOMs) and peer engagement significantly influence the elderly's perceived usefulness of the platform, thereby influencing their m-banking engagement. Additionally, the level of digital literacy among older adults was found to impact their perceived usefulness of m-banking services. Interestingly, digital literacy among older adults negatively moderates the positive associations of WOMs and peer engagement on perceived usefulness. Discussion: These insights advance our understanding of how social interactions can steer technological engagement, particularly for the silver generation with diverse levels of digital literacy. As society ages and becomes increasingly digitized, it is imperative to promote digital engagement among the elderly and foster a more inclusive digital environment.

SEMPER: Stoichiometric expression of mRNA polycistrons by eukaryotic ribosomes for compact, ratio-tunable multi-gene expression.

Here, we present a method for expressing multiple open reading frames (ORFs) from single transcripts using the leaky scanning model of translation initiation. In this approach termed "stoichiometric expression of mRNA polycistrons by eukaryotic ribosomes" (SEMPER), adjacent ORFs are translated from a single mRNA at tunable ratios determined by their order in the sequence and the strength of their translation initiation sites. We validate this approach by expressing up to three fluorescent proteins from one plasmid in two different cell lines. We then use it to encode a stoichiometrically tuned polycistronic construct encoding gas vesicle acoustic reporter genes that enables efficient formation of the multi-protein complex while minimizing cellular toxicity. We also demonstrate that SEMPER enables polycistronic expression of recombinant monoclonal antibodies from plasmid DNA and of two fluorescent proteins from single mRNAs made through in vitro transcription. Finally, we provide a probabilistic model to elucidate the mechanisms underlying SEMPER. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.

Genome-Wide Association Analysis and Genetic Parameters for Egg Production Traits in Peking Ducks.

Egg production traits are crucial in the poultry industry, including age at first egg (AFE), egg number (EN) at different stages, and laying rate (LR). Ducks exhibit higher egg production capacity than other poultry species, but the genetic mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, we collected egg-laying data of 618 Peking ducks from 22 to 66 weeks of age and genotyped them by whole-genome resequencing. Genetic parameters were calculated based on SNPs, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed for these traits. The SNP-based heritability of egg production traits ranged from 0.09 to 0.54. The GWAS identified nine significant SNP loci associated with AFE and egg number from 22 to 66 weeks. These loci showed that the corresponding alleles were positively correlated with a decrease in the traits. Moreover, three potential candidate genes (ENSAPLG00020011445, ENSAPLG00020012564, TMEM260) were identified. Functional enrichment analyses suggest that specific immune responses may have a critical impact on egg production capacity by influencing ovarian function and oocyte maturation processes. In conclusion, this study deepens the understanding of egg-laying genetics in Peking duck and provides a sound theoretical basis for future genetic improvement and genomic selection strategies in poultry.

Risk factors for AKI or mortality and long-term follow-up in COVID-19 infected patients in the era nefore vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is associated with a higher risk of mortality. Understanding the risk factors contributing to COVID-19-related AKI and mortality before vaccination is important for the initiation of preventative measures and early treatment strategies. METHODS: This study included patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with COVID-19 through polymerase chain reaction from May 2020 to July 2021, admitted in three local hospitals in Taiwan, with an extended follow-up until June 30, 2022. A median follow-up period of 250 days was used to assess AKI development and mortality. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Multivariate Cox regression analysis of AKI and mortality-related risk factors was performed. RESULTS: Of the 720 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 90 (22%) developed AKI. Moreover, 80%, 10.1%, and 8.9% of the patients had stage 1, 2, and 3 AKI, respectively. Patients with stage 1-3 AKI had significantly lower survival rates than those without AKI (p = 0.0012). The mean duration of post-admission AKI occurrence was 9.50 ± 11.32 days. Older age, hypoalbuminemia, and higher D-dimer and ferritin levels were associated with COVID-19 mortality. In COVID-19 AKI, in addition to older age and high D-dimer and ferritin levels, chronic kidney disease emerged as an independent risk factor. CONCLUSION: COVID-19-related AKI develops early, exhibits a temporal association with respiratory failure, and is linked to an unfavorable prognosis. The mortality rate increased according to the AKI stage (p = 0.0012). Age; albumin, D-dimer, and ferritin levels; and the underlying chronic kidney disease status upon admission are crucial factors for predicting AKI development, which increases the mortality risk. Monitoring the renal function not only within 10 days of COVID-19 onset, but also within one month after the disease onset.

Identifying Person-Specific Drivers of Depression in Adolescents: Protocol for a Smartphone-Based Ecological Momentary Assessment and Passive Sensing Study.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is marked by an increasing risk of depression and is an optimal window for prevention and early intervention. Personalizing interventions may be one way to maximize therapeutic benefit, especially given the marked heterogeneity in depressive presentations. However, empirical evidence that can guide personalized intervention for youth is lacking. Identifying person-specific symptom drivers during adolescence could improve outcomes by accounting for both developmental and individual differences. OBJECTIVE: This study leverages adolescents' everyday smartphone use to investigate person-specific drivers of depression and validate smartphone-based mobile sensing data against established ambulatory methods. We describe the methods of this study and provide an update on its status. After data collection is completed, we will address three specific aims: (1) identify idiographic drivers of dynamic variability in depressive symptoms, (2) test the validity of mobile sensing against ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and actigraphy for identifying these drivers, and (3) explore adolescent baseline characteristics as predictors of these drivers. METHODS: A total of 50 adolescents with elevated symptoms of depression will participate in 28 days of (1) smartphone-based EMA assessing depressive symptoms, processes, affect, and sleep; (2) mobile sensing of mobility, physical activity, sleep, natural language use in typed interpersonal communication, screen-on time, and call frequency and duration using the Effortless Assessment of Risk States smartphone app; and (3) wrist actigraphy of physical activity and sleep. Adolescents and caregivers will complete developmental and clinical measures at baseline, as well as user feedback interviews at follow-up. Idiographic, within-subject networks of EMA symptoms will be modeled to identify each adolescent's person-specific drivers of depression. Correlations among EMA, mobile sensor, and actigraph measures of sleep, physical, and social activity will be used to assess the validity of mobile sensing for identifying person-specific drivers. Data-driven analyses of mobile sensor variables predicting core depressive symptoms (self-reported mood and anhedonia) will also be used to assess the validity of mobile sensing for identifying drivers. Finally, between-subject baseline characteristics will be explored as predictors of person-specific drivers. RESULTS: As of October 2023, 84 families were screened as eligible, of whom 70% (n=59) provided informed consent and 46% (n=39) met all inclusion criteria after completing baseline assessment. Of the 39 included families, 85% (n=33) completed the 28-day smartphone and actigraph data collection period and follow-up study visit. CONCLUSIONS: This study leverages depressed adolescents' everyday smartphone use to identify person-specific drivers of adolescent depression and to assess the validity of mobile sensing for identifying these drivers. The findings are expected to offer novel insights into the structure and dynamics of depressive symptomatology during a sensitive period of development and to inform future development of a scalable, low-burden smartphone-based tool that can guide personalized treatment decisions for depressed adolescents. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/43931.

What CBT Modules Work Best for Whom? Identifying Subgroups of Depressed Youths by Their Differential Response to Specific Modules.

Prior research suggests that the effects of specific cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) modules on symptom outcomes can be estimated. We conducted a study utilizing idiographic and nomothetic methods to clarify which CBT modules are most effective for youth depression, and for whom they are most effective. Thirty-five youths received modular CBT for depression. Interrupted time series models estimated whether the introduction of each module was associated with changes in internalizing symptoms, whereby significant symptom reduction would suggest a therapeutic response to the module. Regression models were used to explore whether participant characteristics predicted subgroups of youths based on their estimated response to certain types (e.g., cognitive) of modules, and whether group membership was associated with posttreatment outcomes. Thirty youths (86%) had at least one module associated with a significant change in internalizing symptoms from premodule delivery to postmodule delivery. The specific modules associated with these changes varied across youths. Behavioral activation was most frequently associated with symptom decreases (34% of youths). No participant characteristics predicted estimated response to module type, and group membership was not significantly associated with posttreatment outcomes. Youths display highly heterogeneous responses to treatment modules, indicating multiple pathways to symptom improvement for depressed youths.

Compliance of healthcare workers in a psychiatric inpatient ward to infection control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: a participant observation study supplemented with a self-reported survey.

BACKGROUND: As an emerging infectious disease with a heterogenous and uncertain transmission pattern, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created a catastrophe in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and posed a significant challenge to infection control practices (ICPs) in healthcare settings. While the unique characteristics of psychiatric patients and clinical settings may make the implementation of ICPs difficult, evidence is lacking for compliance with ICPs among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a psychiatric setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional multi-method study based on participant unobtrusive observation coupled with the completion of a self-administered ICP survey was conducted to assess compliance with ICPs among HCWs in a psychiatric inpatient ward in a regional hospital. An online checklist, called eRub, was used to record the performance of HCWs in hand hygiene (HH) and other essential ICPs. Furthermore, a well-validated questionnaire (i.e., Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale, CSPS) was used to collect the participants' self-reported ICP compliance for later comparison. RESULTS: A total of 2,670 ICP opportunities were observed from January to April 2020. The overall compliance rate was 42.6%. HCWs exhibited satisfactory compliance to the wearing of mask (91.2%) and the handling of clinical waste (87.5%); suboptimal compliance to the handling of sharp objects (67.7%) and linen (72.7%); and poor compliance to HH (3.3%), use of gloves (40.9%), use of personal protective equipment (20%), and disinfection of used surface/area (0.4%). The compliance rates of the nurses and support staff to HH were significantly different (χ2 = 123.25, p < 0.001). In the self-reported survey, the overall compliance rate for ICPs was 64.6%. CONCLUSION: The compliance of HCWs in a psychiatric inpatient ward to ICPs during the COVID-19 pandemic ranged from poor to suboptimal. This result was alarming. Revisions of current ICP guidelines and policies that specifically target barriers in psychiatric settings will be necessary.

[Research Progress of CAR-T Cell Immunotherapy in B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma--Review].

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy is a rapidly developing new immunotherapy in recent years. Compared with other therapies, CAR-T has significant advantages for high-risk and relapsed/refractory B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) patients. Currently, a variety of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of B-NHL, such as axicabtagene ciloleucel, tisagenlecucel, lisocababtagene maraleucel and brexucabtagene autoleucel. In addition, many studies are actively exploring and developing different targeted CAR-T cells, which show great potential in B-NHL. This review briefly summarized the latest research progress on the application of CAR-T in common B-NHL.

Hierarchical NiCo2Se4 Arrays Composed of Atomically Thin Nanosheets: Simultaneous Improvements in Thermodynamics and Kinetics for Electrocatalytic Water Splitting in Neutral Media.

The inefficiency of electrocatalysts for water splitting in neutral media stems from a comprehensive impact of poor intrinsic activity, a limited number of active sites, and inadequate mass transport. Herein, hierarchical ultrathin NiCo2Se4 nanosheets are synthesized by the selenization of NiCo2O4 porous nanoneedles. Theoretical and experimental investigations reveal that the intrinsic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity primarily originate from the NiCo2Se4, whereas the high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance is related to the NiCoOOH due to the structural reconstruction. The abundant Se and O vacancies introduced by atomically thin nanostructure modulate the electronic structure of NiCo2Se4 and NiCoOOH, thereby improving the intrinsic HER and OER activities, respectively. COMSOL simulation demonstrate the edges of extended nanosheets from the main body significantly promote the charge aggregation, boosting the reduction and oxidation current during HER/OER process. This charge aggregation effect notably exceeds the tip effect for the nanoneedle, highlighting the unique advantage of the hierarchical nanosheet structure. Benefiting from abundant vacancies and unique nanostructure, the hierarchical ultrathin nanosheet simultaneously improve the thermodynamics and kinetics of the electrocatalyst. The optimized samples display an overpotential of 92 mV for HER and 214 mV for OER at 100 mA cm-2, significantly surpassing the performance of currently reported HER/OER catalysts in neutral media.

Injectable thermo-sensitive hydrogel enhances anti-tumor potency of engineered Lactococcus lactis by activating dendritic cells and effective memory T cells.

Engineered bacteria have shown great potential in cancer immunotherapy by dynamically releasing therapeutic payloads and inducing sustained antitumor immune response with the crosstalk of immune cells. In previous studies, FOLactis was designed, which could secret an encoded fusion protein of Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand and co-stimulator OX40 ligand, leading to remarkable tumor suppression and exerting an abscopal effect by intratumoral injection. However, it is difficult for intratumoral administration of FOLactis in solid tumors with firm texture or high internal pressure. For patients without lesions such as abdominal metastatic tumors and orthotopic gastric tumors, intratumoral injection is not feasible and peritumoral maybe a better choice. Herein, an engineered bacteria delivery system is constructed based on in situ temperature-sensitive poloxamer 407 hydrogels. Peritumoral injection of FOLactis/P407 results in a 5-fold increase in the proportion of activated DC cells and a more than 2-fold increase in the proportion of effective memory T cells (TEM), playing the role of artificial lymph island. Besides, administration of FOLactis/P407 significantly inhibits the growth of abdominal metastatic tumors and orthotopic gastric tumors, resulting in an extended survival time. Therefore, these findings demonstrate the delivery approach of engineered bacteria based on in situ hydrogel will promote the efficacy and universality of therapeutics.

Structural insights into drug transport by an aquaglyceroporin.

Pentamidine and melarsoprol are primary drugs used to treat the lethal human sleeping sickness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Cross-resistance to these two drugs has recently been linked to aquaglyceroporin 2 of the trypanosome (TbAQP2). TbAQP2 is the first member of the aquaporin family described as capable of drug transport; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of TbAQP2 bound to pentamidine or melarsoprol. Our structural studies, together with the molecular dynamic simulations, reveal the mechanisms shaping substrate specificity and drug permeation. Multiple amino acids in TbAQP2, near the extracellular entrance and inside the pore, create an expanded conducting tunnel, sterically and energetically allowing the permeation of pentamidine and melarsoprol. Our study elucidates the mechanism of drug transport by TbAQP2, providing valuable insights to inform the design of drugs against trypanosomiasis.

Prevention and management of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in kidney transplant: A consensus statement of the Transplantation Society of Taiwan.

Kidney transplant recipients have an increased risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease. A strategy for mitigating the risk of CMV infection in kidney transplant recipients has not yet been established in Taiwan. The Transplantation Society of Taiwan aimed to develop a consensus by expert opinion on the prevention and management of CMV infection. Based on the results of Consensus Conference, we suggested low-dose valganciclovir prophylaxis (450 mg once daily) for kidney transplant recipients. The prophylaxis duration was ≥6 months for high-risk (D+/R-) patients and 3 months for moderate-risk (R+) patients. Even for low-risk (D-/R-) patients, prophylaxis for at least 3 months is recommended because of the high seroprevalence of CMV in Taiwan. CMV prophylaxis was suggested after anti-thymocyte globulin treatment but not after methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Routine surveillance after prophylaxis, secondary prophylaxis after CMV disease treatment, and mTOR inhibitors for primary CMV prophylaxis were not recommended. Letermovir and marabavir are emerging CMV agents used for prophylaxis and refractory CMV disease. CMV immunoglobulins have been used to treat refractory CMV disease in Taiwan. We hope this consensus will help professionals manage patients with CMV in Taiwan to improve the quality of care.

Interprofessional Differences in Multidimensional Self-Efficacy Associated With Professional Performance in Nephrology During Case-Based Learning.

Introduction: Postgraduate medical education assumes rising importance in the rapidly advancing field of medicine. Case-based learning (CBL), a learner-centered pedagogy employing clinical cases to improve decision-making, is widely embraced in postgraduate medical education, including nephrology. Studies suggest that learning self-efficacy (SE) was closely associated with learning motivation and academic performance; however, very few studies examined this association in postgraduate nephrology education. None evaluated whether there were interprofessional differences concerning such association. Methods: In 2022, we prospectively enrolled physicians and nurses participating in chronic kidney disease (CKD) care from institutions around Taiwan. They completed the Professional Medical Learning Self-efficacy (PMLS) questionnaire after attending >1 CBL session involving CKD care. We undertook confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), followed by structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate associations between 5 dimensions of learning SE (conceptual understanding [CU], higher-order cognitive skills [HC], practical work [PW], everyday application [EA], and medical science communication [MSC]) and their professional SE in nephrology according to participants' medical professions. Results: A total of 513 healthcare providers were surveyed. The convergent and construct validity of our questionnaire were satisfied after analyses. We found that better perceived professional performance in the form of higher professional SE in nephrology was significantly associated with all 5 dimensions of learning SE among physicians and nurses. Only CU and PW were significantly associated with physicians' professional performance; whereas among nurses, only HC and MSC were significantly associated. Conclusion: We showed that learning SE was an important determinant of nephrology professional performance. Different medical professions posed influences on major SE dimensions.

Leakage Proof, Flame-Retardant, and Electromagnetic Shield Wood Morphology Genetic Composite Phase Change Materials for Solar Thermal Energy Harvesting.

Phase change materials (PCMs) offer a promising solution to address the challenges posed by intermittency and fluctuations in solar thermal utilization. However, for organic solid-liquid PCMs, issues such as leakage, low thermal conductivity, lack of efficient solar-thermal media, and flammability have constrained their broad applications. Herein, we present an innovative class of versatile composite phase change materials (CPCMs) developed through a facile and environmentally friendly synthesis approach, leveraging the inherent anisotropy and unidirectional porosity of wood aerogel (nanowood) to support polyethylene glycol (PEG). The wood modification process involves the incorporation of phytic acid (PA) and MXene hybrid structure through an evaporation-induced assembly method, which could impart non-leaking PEG filling while concurrently facilitating thermal conduction, light absorption, and flame-retardant. Consequently, the as-prepared wood-based CPCMs showcase enhanced thermal conductivity (0.82 W m-1 K-1, about 4.6 times than PEG) as well as high latent heat of 135.5 kJ kg-1 (91.5% encapsulation) with thermal durability and stability throughout at least 200 heating and cooling cycles, featuring dramatic solar-thermal conversion efficiency up to 98.58%. In addition, with the synergistic effect of phytic acid and MXene, the flame-retardant performance of the CPCMs has been significantly enhanced, showing a self-extinguishing behavior. Moreover, the excellent electromagnetic shielding of 44.45 dB was endowed to the CPCMs, relieving contemporary health hazards associated with electromagnetic waves. Overall, we capitalize on the exquisite wood cell structure with unidirectional transport inherent in the development of multifunctional CPCMs, showcasing the operational principle through a proof-of-concept prototype system.

Facile hydrothermal assembly of three-dimensional GO-MTZE composite and its adsorption properties toward Cu2.

Three-dimensional (3D) graphene oxide (GO)-based aerogels, GO and 4-methyl-5-thiazoleethanol (MTZE) composites, were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. Due to the hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions, the produced 3D GO-MTZE composites possessed large cylindrical structures. The morphologies, composition, and chemical states of 3D GO-MTZE3:1 composite were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms based on the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The existence of nitrogen (N)-containing heterocyclic system and oxygen (O)-containing branched chain of MTZE contributed to the formation of 3D structures, while the complexation effect of heterocyclic sulfur (S)- and N-containing functional groups of MTZE for metal cations dominated the adsorption performance of 3D GO-MTZE3:1 composite, which could selectively adsorb copper ions (Cu2+). In addition, the better hydrophobic property of 3D GO-MTZE3:1 composite facilitates its facile recycling from aqueous solution after adsorption. The adsorption data of 3D GO-MTZE3:1 composite toward Cu2+ fitted well (R2 = 0.9996) with the linear pseudo-second-order kinetic model, giving an equilibrium rate constant (k2) of 0.0187 g mg-1 min-1. The linear Langmuir isothermal model could more accurately describe the experimental data, indicating the adsorption process is mainly dominated by the complexation interactions between MTZE and Cu2+. The thermodynamic parameters of ΔG° (< 0), ΔH° (> 0), and ΔS° (> 0) further indicate that the adsorption is a spontaneous and endothermic, confirming that the complexation between Cu2+ and 3D GO-MTZE3:1 composite occurs. Due to its high selectivity for Cu2+, good hydrophobicity, and excellent stability, the developed 3D GO-MTZE3:1 composite possesses might be promisingly used in the aqueous selective enrichment/removal of Cu2+.

Endothelial deubiquinatase YOD1 mediates Ang II-induced vascular endothelial-mesenchymal transition and remodeling by regulating ß-catenin.

Hypertension is a prominent contributor to vascular injury. Deubiquinatase has been implicated in the regulation of hypertension-induced vascular injury. In the present study we investigated the specific role of deubiquinatase YOD1 in hypertension-induced vascular injury. Vascular endothelial endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was induced in male WT and YOD1-/- mice by administration of Ang II (1 µg/kg per minute) via osmotic pump for four weeks. We showed a significantly increased expression of YOD1 in mouse vascular endothelial cells upon Ang II stimulation. Knockout of YOD1 resulted in a notable reduction in EndMT in vascular endothelial cells of Ang II-treated mouse; a similar result was observed in Ang II-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We then conducted LC-MS/MS and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) analyses to verify the binding between YOD1 and EndMT-related proteins, and found that YOD1 directly bound to ß-catenin in HUVECs via its ovarian tumor-associated protease (OTU) domain, and histidine at 262 performing deubiquitination to maintain ß-catenin protein stability by removing the K48 ubiquitin chain from ß-catenin and preventing its proteasome degradation, thereby promoting EndMT of vascular endothelial cells. Oral administration of ß-catenin inhibitor MSAB (20 mg/kg, every other day for four weeks) eliminated the protective effect of YOD1 deletion on vascular endothelial injury. In conclusion, we demonstrate a new YOD1-ß-catenin axis in regulating Ang II-induced vascular endothelial injury and reveal YOD1 as a deubiquitinating enzyme for ß-catenin, suggesting that targeting YOD1 holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating ß-catenin-mediated vascular diseases.