miR-927 regulates insect wing development by targeting the Hippo pathway.

How organ size is determined is a fundamental question in life sciences. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the Hippo pathway in regulating organ size. This pathway controls cell proliferation and cell death to maintain the proper number of cells. The activity of the Hippo pathway is tightly fine-tuned through various post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination. Here, we discover that miR-927 is a novel regulator of wing size. Overexpression of miR-927 decreases wing size, which can be rescued by co-expressing miR-927-sponge. Next, we show that miR-927 stimulates apoptosis and suppresses the expression of Drosophila inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1, a well-known target gene of the Hippo pathway. Genetic epistatic analyses position miR-927 upstream of Yorkie (Yki) to modulate the Hippo pathway. In addition, there is a matching miR-927 seed site in the yki 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR), and we demonstrate that yki 3'-UTR is the direct target of miR-927. Ultimately, our study reveals that the targeting of yki by miR-927 to regulate the Hippo pathway is conserved in Helicoverpa armigera. Administration of miR-927 via star polycation (SPc) nanocarrier effectively inhibits wing development in H. armigera. Taken together, our findings uncover a novel mechanism by which Yki is silenced at the post-transcriptional level by miR-927, and provide a new perspective on pest management.

Association of cardiovascular risk factors and intraplaque neovascularization in symptomatic carotid plaque.

Background and purpose: Cardiovascular risk factors are known to contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which can result in carotid stenosis. However, the extent to which these factors are associated with intraplaque neovascularization, a key indicator of plaque vulnerability, remains unclear. To investigate this relationship, a study was conducted utilizing contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to assess intraplaque neovascularization in symptomatic patients. Methods: A cohort of 157 symptomatic patients underwent evaluation using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) imaging to assess carotid intraplaque neovascularization, which was quantified based on the degree of plaque enhancement. The collected data encompassed baseline patient characteristics, results from biochemical examinations, cardiovascular risk factors, and medication usage history. Regression analyses were conducted to elucidate the relationship between carotid plaque neovascularization and various cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Patients with intraplaque neovascularization were more prone to have diabetes mellitus (OR 3.81, 95% CI 1.94-7.46, p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.22-4.55, p = 0.011) and hypertension (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.50-5.71, p = 0.002). Smoking increased the risk of having intraplaque neovascularization (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.12-4.54, p = 0.023). Treatment with statins was significantly lower in patients with intraplaque neovascularization (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19-0.72, p = 0.003). In the multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.10-9.78, p = 0.034) was independently related to the presence of intraplaque neovascularization. Meanwhile, compared to the patients in the first tertile of serum glucose (< 6.20 mmol/L), the patients in the third tertile (> 13.35 mmol/L) had the most significance of intraplaque neovascularization (OR 5.55, 95% CI 1.85-16.66, p = 0.002). Conclusion: The findings indicated that diabetes mellitus is a significant cardiovascular risk factor that is strongly associated with carotid intraplaque neovascularization.

A bifunctional lactoferrin-derived amyloid coating prevents bacterial adhesion and occludes dentinal tubules via deep remineralization.

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) manifests as sharp and uncomfortable pain due to the exposure of dentinal tubules (DTs) following the erosion of tooth enamel. Desensitizing agents commonly used in clinical practice have limitations such as limited depth of penetration, slow remineralization and no antimicrobial properties. To alleviate these challenges, our study designed a lactoferrin-derived amyloid nanofilm (PTLF nanofilm) inspired by the saliva-acquired membrane (SAP). The nanofilm utilises Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) to disrupt the disulfide bonds of lactoferrin (LF) under physiological conditions. The PTLF nanofilm modifies surfaces across various substrates and effectively prevents the early and stable adhesion of cariogenic bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Simultaneously, it adheres rapidly and securely to demineralized dentin surfaces, facilitating in-situ remineralization of HAP through a simple immersion process. This leads to the formation of a remineralized layer resembling natural dentin, with an occlusion depth of dentinal tubules exceeding 80 µm after three days. The in vivo and vitro results confirm that the PTLF nanofilm possesses good biocompatibility and its ability to exert simultaneous antimicrobial effects and dentin remineralization. Accordingly, this innovative bifunctional PTLF amyloid coating offers promising prospects for the management of DH-related conditions. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE.

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies examining the effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors on peripheral artery disease and risk of amputations.

AIM: Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) are used to maintain glycaemic control as well as for their beneficial cardiovascular and renal effects in diabetes patients. However, increased risk of amputation and peripheral artery disease (PAD) have been observed with the use of some SGLT-2is. A meta-analysis was conducted to understand the effect of SGLT-2is on amputation and PAD events using data from randomized controlled trials (RCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted using Medline and Central databases for RCTs that involved the administration of SGLT-2is versus placebo/active comparators to diabetic patients. The primary outcome was amputation events and PAD. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratio, and subgroup analyses was performed. RESULTS: A total of 51 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis with data from 97 589 patients. Meta-analysis of the data showed that there was a significant increase in PAD risk (p = 0.04) but no significant increase in amputation risk with SGLT-2i use versus placebo/active comparators (p = 0.43). Subgroup analyses demonstrated no significant difference between SGLT-2i type, duration of treatment or patient risk factors on amputation or PAD incidence. However, length of drug treatment (> 100 weeks) was associated with a significant increase in both PAD and amputation risks in the SGLT-2i treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the meta-analysis showed no significant association between SGLT-2i use and PAD and amputation risks in diabetic patients when used for shorter treatment durations.

Mechanochromic and Solvent-Induced Luminescence of a Supramolecular Pt(II)-Bipyridine Complex with Di(4-pyridylmethyl)aminedithiocarbamate.

[Pt(bpy)(DPMACS2)]2Cl2•3H2O (1•3H2O) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, DPMACS2 = di(4-pyridylmethyl)aminedithiocarbamate) was synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction studies, and its crystal structure displayed intermolecular Pt(II)···Pt(II) contacts of 3.471 and 5.065 Å. Upon excitation, 1•3H2O showed broad luminescence at 538 nm, which was red-shifted and enhanced to 560 nm while cooling to 77 K. To this end, the B3LYP/LanL2DZ calculation results were performed to clearly explain their excited-state origin. Moreover, complex 1•3H2O displayed a dramatic mechanochromic shift from 538 to 608 nm while grinding, and the above red-shift was also observed while exposed to air within 1 day, suggestive of the simultaneous mechanochromic and solvent-induced luminescence. It is noted that the luminescence almost reverted to the original luminescence at 535-542 nm upon immersion in various solvents for the ground samples of complex 1•3H2O. In addition, the luminescence for the acetone-immersed ground samples returned to 608 nm in 1 min. The possible interactions between halogenated solvents and the free pyridyl groups in DPMACS2, which were not expected for acetone, have been proposed to be responsible for such a dramatic difference in this study.

Novel Br-doped Bi2WO6 photocatalyst for high-efficiency removal of norfloxacin: mechanism and photocatalytic activity.

In this work, the bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) photocatalyst was successfully prepared, and the pure Bi2WO6 was modified with Br (Br-Bi2WO6). The effects of different experimental conditions on the degradation of norfloxacin (NOR) solution under visible light were investigated. The Br-Bi2WO6 photocatalyst was characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, BET, XPS, DRS, EIS, and EPR. The results show that the Br-modified Bi2WO6 photocatalyst can effectively improve the photocatalytic performance. The best photocatalytic performance of Br-Bi2WO6 was observed when the doping amount of Br was 3%. The degradation percentage of norfloxacin can reach 94.67%. The presence of anions and cations (Cl-, SO42-, Ag+, and Cu2+) in the solution significantly inhibited the photocatalytic activity of 3%Br-Bi2WO6. The photocatalytic degradation of norfloxacin by 3%Br-Bi2WO6 was not greatly affected in the presence of HCO3- and NO3-. The characterization analysis showed that Br was successfully doped on the Bi2WO6 photocatalyst, and the original structure of Bi2WO6 was not destroyed by the addition of Br. Br doping increased the specific surface area of Bi2WO6 and decreased the band gap of Bi2WO6 resulting in a broader visible light absorption range. In addition, Br doping promoted the migration rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The ·O2- and h+ played a major role in the photodegradation of norfloxacin, and the mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of norfloxacin by Br-Bi2WO6 was proposed.

Enhancing Circularly Polarized Luminescence Dissymmetry Factor of Chiral Cylindrical Molecules to -0.56 through Intramolecular Short-Range Charge Transfer.

High-performance circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) materials have received wide attention recently by virtue of broad application in circularly polarized light-emitting diodes, 3D display, and encryption. Reaching both high luminescence efficiency and strong luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) is still a challenging goal that requires continuous efforts. Herein, we performed a systematic theoretical investigation on the chiroptical properties of helical cylindrical molecules (-)-[4]cyclo-2,6-anthracene [(-)-[4]CA2,6] and (P)-[4]cyclo-2,8-chrysenylene [(P)-[4]CC2,8], and found that the unique and symmetric cylindrical structure could make the transition dipole moment components offset along the cylindrical surface but concentrated along the vertical central axis. This structural superiority contributes the collinear electric and magnetic transition dipole moment vectors and thus the large glum. Based on the results of decomposed transition dipole moment vectors to individual atoms, an effective strategy to enhance the glum through introducing intramolecular short-range charge transfer by embedding B,N atoms is proposed. The decreased electric transition dipole moment and well-kept magnetic transition dipole moment enable the glum of B,N-embedded designed molecules (-)-[4]CA2,6-4BN and (P)-[4]CC2,8-4BN up to -0.31 and -0.56, respectively. This molecular-insight investigation deepens the understanding of the structure-property relationship and provides efficient guidance for improving glum of CPL materials.

Bone targeted nano-drug and nano-delivery.

There are currently no targeted delivery systems to satisfactorily treat bone-related disorders. Many clinical drugs consisting of small organic molecules have a short circulation half-life and do not effectively reach the diseased tissue site. This coupled with repeatedly high dose usage that leads to severe side effects. With the advance in nanotechnology, drugs contained within a nano-delivery device or drugs aggregated into nanoparticles (nano-drugs) have shown promises in targeted drug delivery. The ability to design nanoparticles to target bone has attracted many researchers to develop new systems for treating bone related diseases and even repurposing current drug therapies. In this review, we shall summarise the latest progress in this area and present a perspective for future development in the field. We will focus on calcium-based nanoparticle systems that modulate calcium metabolism and consequently, the bone microenvironment to inhibit disease progression (including cancer). We shall also review the bone affinity drug family, bisphosphonates, as both a nano-drug and nano-delivery system for bone targeted therapy. The ability to target and release the drug in a controlled manner at the disease site represents a promising safe therapy to treat bone diseases in the future.

Magnetic tuning with minimal thermal drift in high-Q microspheres coated with magnetorheological polydimethylsiloxane.

Integration of whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) resonators with high-quality factors (Q) into advanced timing, oscillator, and sensing systems demands a platform that enables precise resonance frequency modulation. This study investigates the tuning characteristics of magnetorheological polydimethylsiloxane (MR-PDMS) coated microspheres (µ-spheres) employed as magnetic microresonators, achieving a Q value of 107 at the 1550 nm wavelength. Magnetic WGM resonators not only endow the device with magnetic adjustability but also markedly improve thermal resistance. Experimental findings reveal that the magnetic µ-sphere demonstrates a sensitivity of -32.53 MHz/mT, outperforming conventional magnetic WGM resonators. Furthermore, analysis of the temperature dependence shows a reduction in fluctuation to -2.85 MHz/K, thereby greatly enhancing the sensor's practical detection limit.

Cascading CRISPR/Cas and Nanozyme for Enhanced Organic Photoelectrochemical Transistor Detection with Triple Signal Amplification.

Innovative signal amplification and transduction play pivotal roles in bioanalysis. Herein, cascading CRISPR/Cas and the nanozyme are integrated with electronic amplification in an organic photoelectrochemical transistor (OPECT) to enable triple signal amplification, which is exemplified by the miRNA-triggered CRISPR/Cas13a system and polyoxometalate nanozyme for OPECT detection of miRNA-21. The CRISPR/Cas13a-enabled release of glucose oxidase could synergize with peroxidase-like SiW12 to induce catalytic precipitation on the photogate, inhibiting the interfacial mass transfer and thus the significant suppression of the channel current. The as-developed OPECT sensor demonstrates good sensitivity and selectivity for miRNA-21 detection, with a linear range from 1 fM to 10 nM and an ultralow detection limit of 0.53 fM. This study features the integration of bio- and nanoenzyme cascade and electronic triple signal amplification for OPECT detection.

Ultrasound evaluation of cardiac and diaphragmatic function at different positions during a spontaneous breathing trial predicting extubation outcomes: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The ratio (E/Ea) of mitral Doppler inflow velocity to annular tissue Doppler wave velocity by transthoracic echocardiography and diaphragmatic excursion (DE) by diaphragm ultrasound have been confirmed to predict extubation outcomes. However, few studies focused on the predicting value of E/Ea and DE at different positions during a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT), as well as the effects of △E/Ea and △DE (changes in E/Ea and DE during a SBT). METHODS: This study was a reanalysis of the data of 60 difficult-to-wean patients in a previous study published in 2017. All eligible participants were organized into respiratory failure (RF) group and extubation success (ES) group within 48 h after extubation, or re-intubation (RI) group and non-intubation (NI) group within 1 week after extubation. The risk factors for respiratory failure and re-intubation including E/Ea and △E/Ea, DE and △DE at different positions were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of E/Ea (septal, lateral, average) and DE (right, left, average) were compared with each other, respectively. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients, 29 cases developed respiratory failure within 48 h, and 14 of those cases required re-intubation within 1 week. Multivariate logistic regression showed that E/Ea were all associated with respiratory failure, while only DE (right) and DE (average) after SBT were related to re-intubation. There were no statistic differences among the ROC curves of E/Ea at different positions, nor between the ROC curves of DE. No statistical differences were shown in △E/Ea between RF and ES groups, while △DE (average) was remarkably higher in NI group than that in RI group. However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that △DE (average) was not associated with re-intubation. CONCLUSIONS: E/Ea at different positions during a SBT could predict postextubation respiratory failure with no statistical differences among them. Likewise, only DE (right) and DE (average) after SBT might predict re-intubation with no statistical differences between each other.

The effects of telemedicine on Rotator cuff-related shoulder function and pain symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of telemedicine in aiding rehabilitation exercises among patients with rotator cuff (RC) disorders remains unknown. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of telemedicine in patients with RC disorders. METHODS: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of telemedicine in patients with RC disorders were summarized through a meta-analysis. A systematic search for these RCTs was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to July 2024. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 16. Publication bias was estimated with the funnel plot and Egger's test. RESULTS: Ten studies involving 497 participants (telemedicine group = 248 and conventional group = 249) were enrolled, with follow-up durations ranging from 8 weeks to 48 weeks. Functional outcomes measured by the Constant-Murley score were markedly improved after treatment in the telemedicine group compared to the conventional group. Moreover, compared to conventional treatment, telemedicine significantly improved shoulder function evaluated by Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score, relieved pain assessed by visual analog scale pain score, and improved range of motion after treatment and in the final follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine has demonstrated potential in alleviating pain and enhancing shoulder function and motion in patients with RC injuries. It may be a feasible intervention for rehabilitation exercises. Further research with a large sample size and standardized treatment is warranted to validate these findings.

MDM2 Is Essential to Maintain the Homeostasis of Epithelial Cells by Targeting p53.

INTRODUCTION: MDM2 is known as the primary negative regulator of p53, and MDM2 promotes lung cancer fibrosis and lung injury through p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways. However, the mechanism by which MDM2 influences the pathogenesis of asthma is unknown. In this study, we investigated the function of MDM2 in lung epithelial cells in type 2 lung inflammation. METHODS: We used type II alveolar epithelial cell-specific heterozygous knockout of Mdm2 mice to validate its function. Then papain-induced asthma model was established, and changes in inflammation were observed by measuring immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS: In this study, we knockdown the mouse Mdm2 gene in type 2 alveolar epithelial cells. We demonstrated that heterozygous Mdm2 gene-deleted mice were highly susceptible to protease allergen papain-induced pulmonary inflammation characterized by increased ILC2 numbers, IL-5 and IL-13 cytokine levels, and lung pathology. A mechanistic study showed that following the decreased expression of Mdm2 in lung epithelial cells and A549 cell line, p53 was overactivated, and the expression of its downstream genes p21, Puma, and Noxa was elevated, which resulted in apoptosis. After Mdm2 knockdown, the mRNA expression of inflammation-related gene IL-25, HMGB1, and TNF-α were increased, which further amplified the downstream ILC2 response and lung inflammation. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that Mdm2 maintains the homeostasis of lung epithelial cells by targeting P53 and regulates the function of lung epithelial cells under type 2 lung inflammation.

Base-Promoted Nucleophilic Phosphorylation of Benzyl Fluorides via C(sp3)-F Cleavage.

Herein, a transition-metal-free phosphorylation of benzyl fluorides with P(O)-H compounds is disclosed. In the presence of tBuOK, various benzyl fluorides react with P(O)-H compounds to produce the corresponding benzyl phosphine oxides, phosphinates, and phosphonates in good to high yields. This base-promoted phosphorylation reaction offers a facile and general strategy for the construction of a C(sp3)-P bond.

Recent advances in computational prediction of molecular properties in food chemistry.

The combination of food chemistry and computational simulation has brought many impacts to food research, moving from experimental chemistry to computer chemistry. This paper will systematically review in detail the important role played by computational simulations in the development of the molecular structure of food, mainly from the atomic, molecular, and multicomponent dimension. It will also discuss how different computational chemistry models can be constructed and analyzed to obtain reliable conclusions. From the calculation principle to case analysis, this paper focuses on the selection and application of quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics and coarse-grained molecular dynamics in food chemistry research. Finally, experiments and computations of food chemistry are compared and summarized to obtain the best balance between them. The above review and outlook will provide an important reference for the intersection of food chemistry and computational chemistry, and is expected to provide innovative thinking for structural research in food chemistry.

Metal-Free Carbon Co-Catalysts for Up-Conversion Photo-Induced Catalytic Cancer Therapy.

Near-infrared (NIR)-responsive metal-free carbon co-catalysts that convert glucose into H2O2 to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) are developed from phosphorus-doped carbon nitride (P-C3N4) and graphene quantum dots (GQD) composites, for enhanced photocatalytic cancer therapy by light exposure in the targeted tumor microenvironment. Upon irradiation, the NIR light is converted by GQD with up-conversion function into visible light to excite P-C3N4 for photocatalytic conversion of glucose into H2O2, which subsequently decomposes into ROS. ROS thus generated exhibits an excellent anticancer efficacy for efficient cancer therapy with minimal side effects, as evidenced by both in vitro and in vivo studies. This study demonstrates, for the first time, a cancer therapeutic of GQD/P-C3N4 composite that utilizes a two-step cascade effect using initially NIR-triggered GQD nanoparticles to activate P-C3N4 to photocatalytically generate ROS for effective and targeted cancer therapy.

Multi-omics integration reveals the oncogenic role of eccDNAs in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma through STING signalling.

BACKGROUND: Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs), a type of double-stranded DNAs (dsDNAs) that facilitate the activation of the DNA sensing machinery, have been implicated in the progression and prognosis of various diseases. While the roles of eccDNAs remain contentious, their significance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has not been reported. METHODS: Circular DNA sequencing (circle-seq) was used to demonstrate the expression profile of eccDNAs in DLBCL, and atomic force microscopy to validate the presence of eccDNAs. CCK-8 and scRNA-seq techniques were employed to uncover the activation of eccDNA in the STING pathway, leading to enhanced cell proliferation. Chemotherapeutic drugs were used to test the hypothesis that DNA damage induces the production of eccDNA, thereby activating the STING pathway independent of cGAS. GEO databases were used for verification of the prognosis of the eccDNA-related genes, and animal models were used to investigate the synergistic effects of DNA damage therapy in combination with STING inhibitors on anti-tumour responses. RESULTS: EccDNAs were widely expressed in DLBCL and associated with the prognosis of patients. Elevated abundance of eccDNAs promoted the progression of DLBCL. Chemotherapeutic drugs-induced DNA damage triggered the generation of eccDNAs, resulting in the activation of the STING signalling in a cGAS-independent manner. Moreover, inhibition of STING exerted a synergistic anti-tumour effect with cisplatin. CONCLUSIONS: EccDNAs induced by DNA damage exert an oncogenic role in DLBCL via activating the STING signalling independently of cGAS. This finding offers a rational therapeutic strategy combining chemotherapy with targeting STING. HIGHLIGHTS: EccDNAs induced by DNA damage exert an oncogenic role in DLBCL via activating the STING signalling independently of cGAS. The combined treatment of chemotherapeutic drugs with STING inhibitor significantly delayed the tumor progression, providing new insights into the therapeutic strategy for patients with DLBCL, particularly the relapsed and/or refractory (R/R) ones.

Early reapplication of prone position during venovenous ECMO for acute respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective observational study and propensity-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: A combination of prone positioning (PP) and venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is safe, feasible, and associated with potentially improved survival for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, whether ARDS patients, especially non-COVID-19 patients, placed in PP before VV-ECMO should continue PP after a VV-ECMO connection is unknown. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that early use of PP during VV-ECMO could increase the proportion of patients successfully weaned from ECMO support in severe ARDS patients who received PP before ECMO. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, patients with severe ARDS who were treated with VV-ECMO were divided into two groups: the prone group and the supine group, based on whether early PP was combined with VV-ECMO. The proportion of patients successfully weaned from VV-ECMO and 60-day mortality were analyzed before and after propensity score matching. RESULTS: A total of 165 patients were enrolled, 50 in the prone and 115 in the supine group. Thirty-two (64%) and 61 (53%) patients were successfully weaned from ECMO in the prone and the supine groups, respectively. The proportion of patients successfully weaned from VV-ECMO in the prone group tended to be higher, albeit not statistically significant. During PP, there was a significant increase in partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) without a change in ventilator or ECMO settings. Tidal impedance shifted significantly to the dorsal region, and lung ultrasound scores significantly decreased in the anterior and posterior regions. Forty-five propensity score-matched patients were included in each group. In this matched sample, the prone group had a higher proportion of patients successfully weaned from VV-ECMO (64.4% vs. 42.2%; P = 0.035) and lower 60-day mortality (37.8% vs. 60.0%; P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe ARDS placed in PP before VV-ECMO should continue PP after VV-ECMO support. This approach could increase the probability of successful weaning from VV-ECMO. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.Gov: NCT04139733. Registered 23 October 2019.

RGD Density on Tadpole Nanostructures Regulates Cancer Stem Cell Proliferation and Stemness.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) make up a small population of cancer cells, primarily responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, and drug resistance. They overexpress Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) binding integrin receptors that play crucial roles in cell proliferation and stemness through interaction with the extracellular matrix. Here, we showed that monodisperse polymeric tadpole nanoparticles covalently coupled with different RGD densities regulated colon CSC proliferation and stemness in a RGD density-dependent manner. These tadpoles penetrated deeply and evenly into tumor spheroids and specifically entered cells with cancer stem markers CD24 and CD133. Low RGD density tadpoles triggered integrin α5 expression that further activated TGF-ß3 and TGF-ß2 signaling pathways, confirmed by the increase of pERK and Bcl-2 protein levels. This process is associated with the RGD cluster presentation controlled by the RGD density on the tadpole surface.

Multifunctional Self-Assembled Bio-Interfacial Layers for High-Performance Zinc Metal Anodes.

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion (Zn-ion) batteries are widely regarded as important candidates for next-generation energy storage systems for low-cost renewable energy storage. However, the development of Zn-ion batteries is currently facing significant challenges due to uncontrollable Zn dendrite growth and severe parasitic reactions on Zn metal anodes. Herein, we report an innovative strategy to improve the performance of aqueous Zn-ion batteries by leveraging the self-assembly of bovine serum albumin (BSA) into a bilayer configuration on Zn metal anodes. BSA's hydrophilic and hydrophobic fragments form unique and intelligent ion channels, which regulate the migration of Zn ions and facilitate their desolvation process, significantly diminishing parasitic reactions on Zn anodes and leading to a uniform Zn deposition along the Zn (002) plane. Notably, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell with BSA as the electrolyte additive demonstrated a stable cycling performance for up to 2400 hours at a high current density of 10 mA cm-2. This work demonstrates the pivotal role of self-assembled protein bilayer structures in improving the durability of Zn anodes in aqueous Zn-ion batteries.