Passivation of 2D Cs2PbI2Cl2 Nanosheets for Efficient and Stable CsPbI3 Quantum Dot Solar Cells.

Inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) possess remarkable optical properties, making them highly promising for photovoltaic applications. However, the inadequate stability resulting from internal structural instability and the complex external surface chemical environment of CsPbI3 PQDs has hindered the development of CsPbI3 PQD solar cells (PQDSCs). In this work, the capping layer composed of inorganic two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) phase Cs2PbI2Cl2 nanosheets (NSs) is introduced, which may be effectively treated to improve the surface properties of the CsPbI3 PQD film. This modification serves to passivate defects by filling cesium and iodine vacancies while optimizing the energy band arrangement and preventing humidity intrusion, leading to the meliorative stability and photovoltaic performance. The optimized CsPbI3 PQDSCs achieve an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.73%, with the superb stability of only a 16% efficiency loss after being exposed to ambient conditions (30 ± 5% RH) for 432 h.

Surface and Interface Engineering for Highly Stable CsPbBr3/ZnS Core/Shell Nanocrystals.

Shelling with chalcogenides on the surface of lead halide perovskite (LHP) nanocrystals (NCs) is believed to be an effective approach to increase their stability under high-moisture/aqueous conditions, which is important for LHP NC-based optoelectronic devices. However, it is still a challenge to prepare high-quality LHP/chalcogenide core/shell NCs with moisture/aqueous stability. In this work, a surface-defect-induced strategy is carried out to facilitate the adsorption of Br- ions and subsequently Zn2+ ions to preform a bipolar surface, which reduces the energy barrier at the CsPbBr3/ZnS interface and promotes the epitaxial growth of the ZnS shell layer. The aqueous stability of the as-received NCs shows an increase of over 12 times compared to that of the original one. Likewise, Mn2+ ions are introduced to further reduce the geometric symmetry mismatch and defect density at the CsPbBr3/ZnS interface. Interestingly, aqueous stability characterizations illustrate negligible degradation even after 230 min of ultrasonication, suggesting their outstanding stability. This work proposes an effective approach to prepare high-quality LHP/chalcogenide core/shell NCs, which possess great potential in the fabrication of stable optoelectronic devices.

Heteroepitaxial Growth to Construct Hexagonal/Hexagonal ß-NaYF4 :Yb,Tm/Cs4 PbBr6 Multi-Code Emitting Core/Shell Nanocrystals.

Synthesis of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs)-metal halide perovskites (MHPs) heterostructure is garnered immense attentions due to their unparalleled photophysical properties. However, the obvious difference in their structural forms makes it a huge challenge. Herein, hexagonal ß-NaYF4 and hexagonal Cs4 PbBr6 are filtrated to construct the UCNP/MHP heterostructural luminescent material. The similarity in their crystal structures facilitate the heteroepitaxial growth of Cs4 PbBr6 on the surface of ß-NaYF4 NPs, leading to the formation of high-quality ß-NaYF4 :Yb,Tm/Cs4 PbBr6 core/shell nanocrystals (NCs). Interestingly, this heterostructure endows the core/shell NCs with typically narrow-band green emission centered at 524 nm under 980 nm excitation, which should be attributed to the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from Tm3+ to Cs4 PbBr6 . It is noteworthy that the FRET efficiency of ß-NaYF4 :Yb,Tm/Cs4 PbBr6 core/shell NCs (58.33%) is much higher than that of the physically mixed sample (1.84%). In addition, the reduced defect density, lattice anchoring effect, as well as diluted ionic bonding proportion induced by the core/shell structure further increase the excellent water-resistance and thermal cycling stability of Cs4 PbBr6 . These findings open up a new way to construct UCNP/MHP heterostructure with better multi-code luminescence performance and stability and promote its wide optoelectronic applications.

Androgen receptor inhibition suppresses anti-tumor neutrophil response against bone metastatic prostate cancer via regulation of TßRI expression.

Bone metastatic disease of prostate cancer (PCa) is incurable and progression in bone is largely dictated by tumor-stromal interactions in the bone microenvironment. We showed previously that bone neutrophils initially inhibit bone metastatic PCa growth yet metastatic PCa becomes resistant to neutrophil response. Further, neutrophils isolated from tumor-bone lost their ability to suppress tumor growth through unknown mechanisms. With this study, our goal was to define the impact of metastatic PCa on neutrophil function throughout tumor progression and to determine the potential of neutrophils as predictive biomarkers of metastatic disease. Using patient peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), we identified that PCa progression dictates PMN cell surface markers and gene expression, but not cytotoxicity against PCa. Importantly, we also identified a novel phenomenon in which second generation androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) suppresses PMN cytotoxicity via increased transforming growth factor beta receptor I (TßRI). High dose testosterone and genetic or pharmacologic TßRI inhibition rescued androgen receptor-mediated neutrophil suppression and restored neutrophil anti-tumor immune response. These studies highlight the ability to leverage standard-care ADT to generate neutrophil anti-tumor responses against bone metastatic PCa.

Surface polarization-induced emission and stability enhancement of CsPbX3 nanocrystals.

Recently, the polarization effect has been receiving tremendous attention, as it can result in improved stability and charge transfer efficiency of metal-halide perovskites (MHPs). However, realizing the polarization effect on CsPbX3 NCs still remains a challenge. Here, metal ions with small radii (such as Mg2+, Li+, Ni2+, etc.) are introduced on the surface of CsPbX3 NCs, which facilitate the arising of electric dipole and surface polarization. The surface polarization effect promotes redistribution of the surface electron density, leading to reinforced surface ligand bonding, reduced surface defects, near unity photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs), and enhanced stability. Moreover, further introduction of hydroiodic acid results in the in situ formation of tert-butyl iodide (TBI), which facilitates the successful synthesis of pure iodine-based CsPbI3 NCs with high PLQY (95.3%) and stability under ambient conditions. The results of this work provide sufficient evidence to exhibit the crucial role of the surface polarization effect, which promotes the synthesis of high-quality MHPs and their applications in the fields of optoelectronic devices.

The beneficial effects of commensal E. coli for colon epithelial cell recovery are related with Formyl peptide receptor 2 (Fpr2) in epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Formyl peptide receptor 2 (Fpr2) plays a crucial role in colon homeostasis and microbiota balance. Commensal E. coli is known to promote the regeneration of damaged colon epithelial cells. The aim of the study was to investigate the connection between E. coli and Fpr2 in the recovery of colon epithelial cells. RESULTS: The deficiency of Fpr2 was associated with impaired integrity of the colon mucosa and an imbalance of microbiota, characterized by the enrichment of Proteobacteria in the colon. Two serotypes of E. coli, O22:H8 and O91:H21, were identified in the mouse colon through complete genome sequencing. E. coli O22:H8 was found to be prevalent in the gut of mice and exhibited lower virulence compared to O91:H21. Germ-free (GF) mice that were pre-orally inoculated with E. coli O22:H8 showed reduced susceptibility to chemically induced colitis, increased proliferation of epithelial cells, and improved mouse survival. Following infection with E. coli O22:H8, the expression of Fpr2 in colon epithelial cells was upregulated, and the products derived from E. coli O22:H8 induced migration and proliferation of colon epithelial cells through Fpr2. Fpr2 deficiency increased susceptibility to chemically induced colitis, delayed the repair of damaged colon epithelial cells, and heightened inflammatory responses. Additionally, the population of E. coli was observed to increase in the colons of Fpr2-/- mice with colitis. CONCLUSION: Commensal E. coli O22:H8 stimulated the upregulation of Fpr2 expression in colon epithelial cells, and the products from E. coli induced migration and proliferation of colon epithelial cells through Fpr2. Fpr2 deficiency led to an increased E. coli population in the colon and delayed recovery of damaged colon epithelial cells in mice with colitis. Therefore, Fpr2 is essential for the effects of commensal E. coli on colon epithelial cell recovery.

New genetic and epigenetic insights into the chemokine system: the latest discoveries aiding progression toward precision medicine.

Over the past thirty years, the importance of chemokines and their seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has been increasingly recognized. Chemokine interactions with receptors trigger signaling pathway activity to form a network fundamental to diverse immune processes, including host homeostasis and responses to disease. Genetic and nongenetic regulation of both the expression and structure of chemokines and receptors conveys chemokine functional heterogeneity. Imbalances and defects in the system contribute to the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including cancer, immune and inflammatory diseases, and metabolic and neurological disorders, which render the system a focus of studies aiming to discover therapies and important biomarkers. The integrated view of chemokine biology underpinning divergence and plasticity has provided insights into immune dysfunction in disease states, including, among others, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this review, by reporting the latest advances in chemokine biology and results from analyses of a plethora of sequencing-based datasets, we outline recent advances in the understanding of the genetic variations and nongenetic heterogeneity of chemokines and receptors and provide an updated view of their contribution to the pathophysiological network, focusing on chemokine-mediated inflammation and cancer. Clarification of the molecular basis of dynamic chemokine-receptor interactions will help advance the understanding of chemokine biology to achieve precision medicine application in the clinic.

Developmental and homeostatic signaling transmitted by the G-protein coupled receptor FPR2.

Formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) and its mouse counterpart Fpr2 are the members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. FPR2 is the only member of the FPRs that interacts with ligands from different sources. FPR2 is expressed in myeloid cells as well as epithelial cells, endothelial cells, neurons, and hepatocytes. During the past years, some unusual properties of FPR2 have attracted intense attention because FPR2 appears to possess dual functions by activating or inhibiting intracellular signal pathways based on the nature, concentration of the ligands, and the temporal and spatial settings of the microenvironment in vivo, the cell types it interacts with. Therefore, FPR2 controls an abundant array of developmental and homeostatic signaling cascades, in addition to its "classical" capacity to mediate the migration of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells including malignant cells. In this review, we summarize recent development in FPR2 research, particularly in its role in diseases, therefore helping to establish FPR2 as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction using La-Ni bimetallic sites within a covalent organic framework.

The precise construction of photocatalysts with diatomic sites that simultaneously foster light absorption and catalytic activity is a formidable challenge, as both processes follow distinct pathways. Herein, an electrostatically driven self-assembly approach is used, where phenanthroline is used to synthesize bifunctional LaNi sites within covalent organic framework. The La and Ni site acts as optically and catalytically active center for photocarriers generation and highly selective CO2-to-CO reduction, respectively. Theory calculations and in-situ characterization reveal the directional charge transfer between La-Ni double-atomic sites, leading to decreased reaction energy barriers of *COOH intermediate and enhanced CO2-to-CO conversion. As a result, without any additional photosensitizers, a 15.2 times enhancement of the CO2 reduction rate (605.8 µmol·g-1·h-1) over that of a benchmark covalent organic framework colloid (39.9 µmol·g-1·h-1) and improved CO selectivity (98.2%) are achieved. This work presents a potential strategy for integrating optically and catalytically active centers to enhance photocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Study of Intermolecular Reconfiguration of Flexible COF-5 Film and Its Ultra-high Chemiresistive Humidity Sensitivity.

Recently, abundant active materials are developed to achieve the wearable detection of human body humidity. However, the limited response signal and sensitivity restrict further application due to their moderate affinity to water. Herein, we propose a flexible COF-5 film synthesized by a brief vapor-assisted method at room temperature. Intermediates are calculated by DFT simulation to investigate the interaction between COF-5 and water. The adsorption and desorption of water molecule result in a reversible deformation of COF layers while creating new conductive path by π-π stacking. The as-prepared COF-5 films are applied to the flexible humidity sensors, exhibiting a resistance change in 4 orders of magnitude with remarkable linear relation between log function of resistance and relative humidity (RH) in 11 %-98 % RH range. Applications including respiratory monitoring and non-contact switch are tested, providing a promising prospect for the detection of human body humidity.

A highly selective and rapid solvatochromic material for amide solvent detection.

The detection of amide solvents is essential to human health due to their carcinogenicity. A simple, solvatochromic luminescent material is presented for quick and accurate detection of amides. The luminescence color variation from blue to yellow is ascribed to the amide-induced phase transformation from Cs2ZnBr4:Cu to CsBr:Cu+/Cu2+.

Efficacy comparison of oxcarbazepine and levetiracetam monotherapy among patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy in China: A multicenter, open-label, randomized study.

AIMS: This multicenter, open-label, randomized study (Registration No. ChiCTR-OCH-14004528) aimed to compare the efficacy and effects of oxcarbazepine (OXC) with levetiracetam (LEV) as monotherapies on patient quality of life and mental health for patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy from China. METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy who had experienced 2 or more unprovoked seizures at greater than a 24-h interval during the previous year were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to the OXC group or LEV group. Efficacy, safety, quality of life, and mental health were evaluated over 12-week and 24-week periods. RESULTS: In total, we recruited 271 newly diagnosed patients from 23 centers. Forty-four patients were excluded before treatment for reasons. The rate of seizure freedom of OXC was significantly superior to that of LEV at 12 weeks and 24 weeks (p < 0.05). The quality of life (except for the seizure worry subsection) and anxiety scale scores also showed significant differences from before to after treatment in the OXC and LEV groups. CONCLUSIONS: OXC monotherapy may be more effective than LEV monotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. Both OXC and LEV could improve the quality of life and anxiety state in adult patients with focal epilepsy.

CpG Site-Specific Methylation-Modulated Divergent Expression of PRSS3 Transcript Variants Facilitates Nongenetic Intratumor Heterogeneity in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal human tumors with extensive intratumor heterogeneity (ITH). Serine protease 3 (PRSS3) is an indispensable member of the trypsin family and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several malignancies, including HCC. However, the paradoxical effects of PRSS3 on carcinogenesis due to an unclear molecular basis impede the utilization of its biomarker potential. We hereby explored the contribution of PRSS3 transcripts to tumor functional heterogeneity by systematically dissecting the expression of four known splice variants of PRSS3 (PRSS3-SVs, V1~V4) and their functional relevance to HCC. Methods: The expression and DNA methylation of PRSS3 transcripts and their associated clinical relevance in HCC were analyzed using several publicly available datasets and validated using qPCR-based assays. Functional experiments were performed in gain- and loss-of-function cell models, in which PRSS3 transcript constructs were separately transfected after deleting PRSS3 expression by CRISPR/Cas9 editing. Results: PRSS3 was aberrantly differentially expressed toward bipolarity from very low (PRSS3Low ) to very high (PRSS3High ) expression across HCC cell lines and tissues. This was attributable to the disruption of PRSS3-SVs, in which PRSS3-V2 and/or PRSS3-V1 were dominant transcripts leading to PRSS3 expression, whereas PRSS3-V3 and -V4 were rarely or minimally expressed. The expression of PRSS3-V2 or -V1 was inversely associated with site-specific CpG methylation at the PRSS3 promoter region that distinguished HCC cells and tissues phenotypically between hypermethylated low-expression (mPRSS3-SVLow ) and hypomethylated high-expression (umPRSS3-SVHigh ) groups. PRSS3-SVs displayed distinct functions from oncogenic PRSS3-V2 to tumor-suppressive PRSS3-V1, -V3 or PRSS3-V4 in HCC cells. Clinically, aberrant expression of PRSS3-SVs was translated into divergent relevance in patients with HCC, in which significant epigenetic downregulation of PRSS3-V2 was seen in early HCC and was associated with favorable patient outcome. Conclusions: These results provide the first evidence for the transcriptional and functional characterization of PRSS3 transcripts in HCC. Aberrant expression of divergent PRSS3-SVs disrupted by site-specific CpG methylation may integrate the effects of oncogenic PRSS3-V2 and tumor-suppressive PRSS3-V1, resulting in the molecular diversity and functional plasticity of PRSS3 in HCC. Dysregulated expression of PRSS3-V2 by site-specific CpG methylation may have potential diagnostic value for patients with early HCC.

Diagnosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma based on metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing.

BACKGROUND: The clinical treatment of patients suspected of pulmonary infections often rely on empirical antibiotics. However, preliminary diagnoses were based on clinical manifestations and conventional microbiological tests, which could later be proved wrong. In this case, we presented a patient whose initial diagnosis was lung abscess, but antibiotic treatments had no effect, and metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) indicated presence of neoplasm. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old female was diagnosed with lung abscess at three different health facilities. However, mNGS of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid did not support pulmonary infections. Rather, the copy number variation analysis using host DNA sequences suggested neoplasm. Using H&E staining and immunohistochemistry of lung biopsy, the patient was eventually diagnosed with lung squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: mNGS not only detects pathogens and helps diagnose infectious diseases, but also has potential in detecting neoplasm via host chromosomal copy number analysis. This might be beneficial for febrile patients with unknown or complex etiology, especially when infectious diseases were initially suspected but empirical antibiotic regimen failed.

Quanzhenyiqitang Reverses LPS-Induced Inflammation via Inhibiting PYK2/p38MAPK/HDAC2/CK2 Signaling Pathway in Rat Alveolar Macrophage.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic pulmonary disease with multiple etiologies and pathological changes. PYK2 expression is significantly increased in lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury, but it mediates chronic lung inflammation. The mechanism of its occurrence remains unclear. Quanzhenyiqitang is often used in clinical treatment of COPD, so this study explored the mechanism of its treatment of lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury. In this study, transfection, flow cytometry, QRT-PCR, and Western blotting methods were used to study the mechanism of Quanzhenyiqitang lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury. The results showed that the mechanism of occurrence remains unclear. Our novel observations imply that the PYK2/p38MAPK/HDAC2/CK2 pathway is one of the fundamental underlying mechanisms that mediate the pathogenic progression of COPD, and Quanzhenyiqitang may be the therapeutic drug to prevent chronic inflammation and delay the progression of COPD by inhibiting PYK2 signaling pathways.

Reconstruction Layout Optimization of Multivariety and Small Batch Workshop in Aerospace Industry.

To cope with the problems of frequent mold changes, long production cycles and serious logistics crossings in workshop of aerospace enterprise. First, a manufacturing cell layout planning method based on the feature bit code domain method and K-Means++ is proposed to realize the accurate division of manufacturing cells. Then, a multiobjective optimization method of dynamic reconstruction layout based on improved fruit fly optimization algorithm (IFOA) is proposed to solve the reconstruction layout optimization of the production workshop problem with the optimization objectives of logistics cost, reconstruction cost, loss cost, and cell integrated area. Finally, plant simulation software is applied to simulate the workshop layout before and after optimization. The simulation results show that the logistics cost of the workshop cell layout after optimization is reduced by 8.7%, the utilization rate of the workshop area is improved by 5.2%, and the value-added rate of products is increased by 6.6%, which verifies the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed model and method.

The potentials of short fragments of human anti-microbial peptide LL-37 as a novel therapeutic modality for diseases.

Human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37 (LL-37) is an antimicrobial peptide derived from its precursor protein hCAP18, which is an only cathelicidin in human. LL-37 not only serves as a mediator of innate immune defense against invading microorganisms, but it also plays an essential role in tissue homeostasis, regenerative processes, regulation of proinflammatory responses, and inhibition of cancer progression. Therefore, LL-37 has been considered as a drug lead for diseases. However, high levels of LL-37 may reduce cell viability and promote apoptosis of osteoblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells, periodontal ligament cells, neutrophils, airway epithelial cells and T cells. Recent evidence reveals that LL-37-derived short peptides possess similar biological activities as the whole LL-37 with reduced cytotoxicity. Thus, such small molecules constitute a pool of potential therapeutic agents for diseases.

Water-Dispersible CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals with Ultra-Stability and its Application in Electrochemical CO2 Reduction.

Thanks to the excellent optoelectronic properties, lead halide perovskites (LHPs) have been widely employed in high-performance optoelectronic devices such as solar cells and light-emitting diodes. However, overcoming their poor stability against water has been one of the biggest challenges for most applications. Herein, we report a novel hot-injection method in a Pb-poor environment combined with a well-designed purification process to synthesize water-dispersible CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs). The as-prepared NCs sustain their superior photoluminescence (91% quantum yield in water) for more than 200 days in an aqueous environment, which is attributed to a passivation effect induced by excess CsBr salts. Thanks to the ultra-stability of these LHP NCs, for the first time, we report a new application of LHP NCs, in which they are applied to electrocatalysis of CO2 reduction reaction. Noticeably, they show significant electrocatalytic activity (faradaic yield: 32% for CH4, 40% for CO) and operation stability (> 350 h).

Subwavelength-Polarized Quasi-Two-Dimensional Perovskite Single-Mode Nanolaser.

When approaching the subwavelength or deep subwavelength scale, there is a fundamental trade-off between the ultimate shrinking size and the performance for miniaturized lasers. Herein, to overcome this trade-off, we investigated the excitonic gain nature of quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) perovskites and revealed that both singlet excitons and polarons would make nearly the entire contribution within ∼50 ps to a high net gain of 558 cm-1. Inspired by the gain characteristic, we successfully shrank the quasi-2D perovskites laser to the subwavelength scale using only a layer of ultraviolet glue and a glass substrate in the vertical dimension. In spite of the compact and simple cavity structure, single-mode lasing with a highly linear polarization degree of 81% and a quality factor of 1635 was achieved. The extremely short cavity, excellent lasing performance, and simple structure of the quasi-2D perovskite laser are expected to provide insights into next-generation integrated laser sources.