Prevalence, outcomes and associated factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in psoriasis patients of Southwest China: a cross-sectional survey.

In this study we aimed to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in psoriasis patients, and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated risk factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 2023 to March 2023. Information was obtained with online questionnaire about psoriasis patients on demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcomes, vaccination, and routine protection against COVID-19. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore risk factors with SARS-CoV-2 infection and exacerbation of psoriasis. A total of 613 participants were recruited. 516 (84.2%) were infected, and associated factors were sex, working status, routine protection against COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccination, impaired nail, infection exacerbate psoriasis, and severity of psoriasis. Among the patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, 30 (5.8%) required hospitalization, 122 (23.6%) had psoriasis exacerbation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and associated factors were subtype of psoriasis, discontinuation of psoriasis treatment during SARS-CoV-2 infection, response following COVID-19 vaccination, and severity of psoriasis. Booster dose vaccination contributed a low probability of COVID-19 sequelae. COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness was unsatisfactory, while booster dose vaccination reduced the occurrence of COVID-19 sequelae in psoriasis patients of Southwest China. Patients treated with psoriasis shown to be safe, without a higher incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19hospitalization compared to untreated patients. Stopping treatment during SARS-CoV-2 infection led to psoriasis exacerbation, so psoriasis treatment could be continued except severe adverse reaction.

Ultrasonic reduction: an unconventional route to exsolute Ag from perovskite La(Ag)FeO3-δ for enhanced catalytic oxidation activity.

We explore an uncommon ultrasonic reduction method to exsolute Ag from perovskite La0.87Ag0.03FeO3-δ, forming a composite with enhanced catalytic oxidation activity. Such a mild exsolution is based on the coupling effect of ultrasonic cavitation and reducible BH4-, and holds great potential in the fields of energy and environment catalysis.

Multi-interface Combination of Bimetallic Selenide and V4C3Tx MXene for High-Rate and Ultrastable Sodium Storage Devices.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have great potential as electrochemical energy storage systems; however, their commercial viability is limited by the lack of anode materials with fast charge/discharge rates and long lifetimes. These challenges were addressed by developing a multi-interface design strategy using FCSe (FeSe2/CoSe2) nanoparticles on V4C3Tx MXene nanosheets as conductive substrates. The heterogeneous interface created between the two materials provided high-speed transport of sodium ions, suppressed the chalking-off of nanoparticles, and improved the cycling stability. Additionally, the Fe-Co bonds generated at the interface effectively relieved mechanical stress, further enhancing the electrode durability. The C@FCSe@V4C3 electrode exhibited high-speed charging and discharging characteristics, and maintained a high specific capacity of 260.5 mAh g-1 even after 15,000 cycles at 10 A g-1, with a capacity retention rate of 50.2% at an ultrahigh current density of 20 A g-1. Furthermore, the composite displayed a good cycling capability in the fast discharge and slow charge mode. This demonstrates its promising commercial potential. This multi-interface design strategy provides insights and guidance for solving the reversibility and cycling problems of transformed selenide anode materials.

Flexible TiVCTx MXene film for high-performance magnesium-ion storage device.

Magnesium-based battery system has emerged as the potential candidate to beyond Li-ion battery system due to the numerous advantageous of magnesium anode, such as natural abundance, high capacity and dendrites free. However, the selection of cathode materials and the intercalation of magnesium-ions in the cathode host material remains a challenge due to the strong interaction of highly polar divalent magnesium ions with the cathode material, making the diffusion of magnesium ions relatively difficult. Herein, the flexible TiVCTx MXene film was developed via a facile and economical approach. As the cathode host material for magnesium-ion storage, the freestanding TiVCTx MXene film displays a high specific capacity of 111 and 135 mAh g-1 at a current density of 0.05 A g-1 for magnesium-ion batteries (MIB) and Mg/Li hybrid batteries (MLHB). Furthermore, a long-term cycling stability over 1000 cycles was demonstrated and a detailed investigation of the unique long activation phenomenon of MXene films during cycling. More importantly, the reaction mechanism of magnesium-ion storage was validated, i.e., the MXene interlayer spacing variation with the reversible Mg2+ diffusion behavior. This work reveals the magnesium storage mechanism of MXene materials and provides a new pathway for high-performance storage of magnesium-ion cathode materials.

Flexible Ti3 C2 Tx MXene Bonded Bio-Derived Carbon Fibers Support Tin Disulfide for Fast and Stable Sodium Storage.

High energy density and flexible electrodes, which have high mechanical properties and electrochemical stability, are critical to the development of wearable electronics. In this work, a free-standing MXene bonded SnS2 composited nitrogen-doped carbon fibers (MXene/SnS2 @NCFs) film is reported as a flexible anode for sodium-ion batteries. SnS2 nanoparticles with high-capacity properties are covalently decorated in bio-derived nitrogen-doped 1D carbon fibers (SnS2 @NCFs) and further assembled with highly conductive MXene sheets. The addition of bacterial cellulose (BC) can further improve the flexibility of the film. The unique 3D structure of points, lines, and planes can not only offset the disadvantage of low conductivity of SnS2 nanoparticles but also expand the distance between MXene sheets, which is conducive to the penetration of electrolytes. More importantly, the MXene sheets and N-doped 1D carbon fibers (NCFs) can accommodate the large volume expansion of SnS2 nanoparticles and trap polysulfide during the cycle. The MXene/SnS2 @NCFs film exhibits better sodium storage and excellent rate performance compared to the SnS2 @NCFs. The in situ XRD and ex situ (XRD, XPS, and HRTEM) techniques are used to analyze the sodiation process and to deeply study the reaction mechanism of the films. Finally, the quasi-solid-state full cells with MXene/SnS2 @NCFs and Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 @carbon cloth (NVP@CC) fully demonstrate the application potential of the flexible electrodes.

Review of Design Routines of MXene Materials for Magnesium-Ion Energy Storage Device.

Renewable energy storage using electrochemical storage devices is extensively used in various field applications. High-power density supercapacitors and high-energy density rechargeable batteries are some of the most effective devices, while lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the most common. Due to the scarcity of Li resources and serious safety concerns during the construction of LIBs, development of safer and cheaper technologies with high performance is warranted. Magnesium is one of the most abundant and replaceable elements on earth, and it is safe as it does not generate dendrite following cycling. However, the lack of suitable electrode materials remains a critical issue in developing electrochemical energy storage devices. 2D MXenes can be used to construct composites with different dimensions, owing to their suitable physicochemical properties and unique magnesium-ion adsorption structure. In this study, the construction strategies of MXene in different dimensions, including its physicochemical properties as an electrode material in magnesium ion energy storage devices are reviewed. Research advancements of MXene and MXene-based composites in various kinds of magnesium-ion storage devices are also analyzed to understand its energy storage mechanisms. Finally, current opportunities, challenges, and future prospects are also briefly discussed to provide crucial information for future research.

Fabrication and Evaluation of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube-Containing Bijels and Bijels-Derived Porous Nanocomposites.

Structures having continuous porous networks are of great interest for applications in areas such as separation, energy storage, and tissue engineering. Bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels ("bijels") have been actively investigated as templates for fabricating useful structures for such applications. However, the fabrication of bijels-templated porous nanocomposites incorporated with reinforcing or functional nanoparticles (or nanofibers) to provide specific, targeted functions is still a challenge, stemming from the difficulties of fabricating functional nanoparticle-containing bijels. In this study, bijels-derived porous nanocomposites incorporated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which possessed interconnected channels inside the structures, were made via a facile phase inversion technique for bijels fabrication. For the composite manufacture, in the first step of bijels fabrication, MWCNT adsorption into the oil phase of bijels was observed. It was revealed that MWCNTs were physically absorbed into the oil-rich phase without disrupting the bicontinuous structure of bijels. The successful fabrication of non-crosslinked and crosslinked porous structures containing MWCNTs was evidenced through imaging by confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. For potential controlled release applications, an anticancer drug, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), was incorporated into bijels-derived structures and nanocomposites. The in vitro DOX release profiles from drug delivery systems based on bijels-derived MWCNT-containing nanocomposites suggested that the photothermal effect of MWCNTs initiated by near-infrared irradiation could modulate the drug release behavior. Overall, this study has developed a facile approach to fabricate bijels-templated bicontinuous porous structures incorporated with functional nanoparticles (or nanofibers) and opened an avenue for making MWCNT-containing porous nanocomposites for controlled drug release applications.

Bioengineering Liver Organoids for Diseases Modelling and Transplantation.

Organoids as three-dimension (3D) cellular organizations partially mimic the physiological functions and micro-architecture of native tissues and organs, holding great potential for clinical applications. Advances in the identification of essential factors including physical cues and biochemical signals for controlling organoid development have contributed to the success of growing liver organoids from liver tissue and stem/progenitor cells. However, to recapitulate the physiological properties and the architecture of a native liver, one has to generate liver organoids that contain all the major liver cell types in correct proportions and relative 3D locations as found in a native liver. Recent advances in stem-cell-, biomaterial- and engineering-based approaches have been incorporated into conventional organoid culture methods to facilitate the development of a more sophisticated liver organoid culture resembling a near to native mini-liver in a dish. However, a comprehensive review on the recent advancement in the bioengineering liver organoid is still lacking. Here, we review the current liver organoid systems, focusing on the construction of the liver organoid system with various cell sources, the roles of growth factors for engineering liver organoids, as well as the recent advances in the bioengineering liver organoid disease models and their biomedical applications.

A Modified Single-Frequency PPP Method for the Positioning and Time Transfer with BDS-3.

In this paper, time-frequency transfer and positioning experiments with signal coexistence in the BDS system were conducted using the four types of open service signals of the BDS-3 satellite (B1I, B1C, B2a, and B3I), as well as the B2I signals broadcast by the BDS-2 satellites. The experiments used the single-frequency PPP (precise point positioning) method. The experiment validated a modified version of the group and phase ionospheric correction (GRAPHIC) technique. The results demonstrate that, with a single frequency, 18 selected stations may provide positioning results accurate to within a few decimeters. The positioning accuracy of five frequencies signals is improved by 40.4%, 32.2%, 80.3%, 12.4%, and 10.3% when compared to the positioning accuracy of the same signals when using the general observation approach. Currently, the frequency stability may be as precise as dual frequencies with BDS.

A model for the early identification of sentinel lymph node metastasis in patients with breast cancer based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound and clinical features.

The present study was designed to establish a model for the early identification of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in patients with breast cancer (BC). The SLN metastasis predictive model was established with a retrospective training set of 365 patients with BC and was re-evaluated using a prospective validation set of 402 patients with BC. The multivariable analysis indicated that the tumor diameter [odds ratio (OR), 1.189; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.124-1.257; P<0.001], menopause (OR, 1.011; 95% CI, 0.603-1.436; P<0.001), estrogen receptor (ER) expression (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.077-6.567; P=0.043) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) type (OR, 10.563; 95% CI, 6.890-28.372; P<0.001) were independent predictors of SLN status in patients with BC. The SLN metastasis predictive model was as follows: (0.173 × tumor diameter)-(4.490 × menopause) + (2.322 × ER) + (5.445 × CEUS type)-1.9521. In the training set, the model was highly sensitive (83.6%) and specific (94.3%) for the early identification of SLN metastasis. Similarly, in the validation set, the model was highly sensitive (70.4%) and specific (89.5%) for the early identification of SLN metastasis in patients with BC. Overall, in the present study, a model was successfully established to predict SLN metastasis in patients with BC that includes tumor diameter, menopausal status, ER expression and CEUS detection.

MXene/ZIF-67/PAN Nanofiber Film for Ultra-sensitive Pressure Sensors.

Flexible pressure sensors may be used in electronic skin (e-skin), artificial intelligence devices, and disease diagnosis, which require a large response range and high sensitivity. An appropriate design of the structure of the active layer can help effectively solve this problem. Herein, we aim at developing a wearable pressure sensor using the MXene/ZIF-67/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber film, fabricated by electrospinning technology. Owing to the rough structure and three-dimensional network architecture, the MXene/ZIF-67/PAN film-based device displays a broad working range (0-100 kPa), good sensitivity (62.8 kPa-1), robust mechanical stability (over 10,000 cycles), and fast response/recovery time (10/8 ms). Moreover, the fabricated pressure sensors can be used to detect and differentiate between different body motion information, including elbow bending, finger movements, and wrist pulses. Overall, this design of a rough three-dimensional conductive network structure shows potential in the field of wearable electronics and medical devices.

Platinum Cluster/Carbon Quantum Dots Derived Graphene Heterostructured Carbon Nanofibers for Efficient and Durable Solar-Driven Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution.

Large scale solar-driven hydrogen production is a crucial step toward decarbonizing society. However, the solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency, long-term stability, and cost-effectiveness in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) still need to be improved. Herein, an efficient approach is demonstrated to produce low-dimensional Pt/graphene-carbon nanofibers (CNFs)-based heterostructures for bias-free, highly efficient, and durable HER. Carbon dots are used as efficient building blocks for the in situ formation of graphene along the CNFs surface. The presence of graphene enhances the electronic conductivity of CNFs to ≈3013.5 S m-1  and simultaneously supports the uniform Pt clusters growth and efficient electron transport during HER. The electrode with a low Pt loading amount (3.4 µg cm-2 ) exhibits a remarkable mass activity of HER in both acidic and alkaline media, which is significantly better than that of commercial Pt/C (31 µg cm-2  of Pt loading). In addition, using a luminescent solar concentrator-coupled solar cell to provide voltage, the bias-free water splitting system exhibits an STH efficiency of 0.22% upon one-sun illumination. These results are promising toward using low-dimensional heterostructured catalysts for future energy storage and conversion applications.

Measurement of green total factor productivity on Chinese laying hens: From the perspective of regional differences.

Eggs contain the essential cholesterol and protein for the human body, which plays an irreplaceable role in human survival, production and life. There are significant differences in the development of laying hens feeding in different regions. It is of great significance to improve egg production and reduce pollution emission for China's laying hens industry. Based on the SBM model, this paper constructs MML index, considering unexpected output under common frontier, to comprehensively evaluate the green total factor productivity on Chinese laying hens (GTCL). The results show that: (1) GTCL shows a large spatial and temporal differentiation under both the common frontier and the regional frontier. Compared with the eastern region and central region, the western region has obvious advantages in GTCL. (2) GTCL overall shows a downward trend, however, it emerges an upward trend in recent years. (3) Compared with small-scale and large-scale, middle-scale GTCL has advantages. According to the above empirical results, combined with the China's actual national situation, this paper finally puts forward some policy recommendations to improve GTCL.

Preparation and evaluation of reduction-responsive micelles based on disulfide-linked chondroitin sulfate A-tocopherol succinate for controlled antitumour drug release.

OBJECTIVES: The study was to construct reduction-responsive chondroitin sulfate A (CSA)-conjugated TOS (CST) micelles with disulfide bond linkage, which was used for controlled doxorubicin (DOX) release and improved drug efficacy in vivo. METHODS: CST and non-responsive CSA-conjugated TOS (CAT) were synthesized, and the chemical structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectrophotometer and dynamic light scattering. Antitumour drug DOX was physically encapsulated into CST and CSA by dialysis method. Cell uptake of DOX-based formulations was investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In vitro cytotoxicity was studied in A549 and AGS cells. Furthermore, antitumour activity was evaluated in A549-bearing mice. KEY FINDINGS: CST and CAT can form self-assembled micelles, and have low value of critical micelle concentration. Notably, DOX-containing CST (D-CST) micelles demonstrated reduction-triggered drug release in glutathione-containing media. Further, reduction-responsive uptake of D-CST was observed in A549 cells. In addition, D-CST induced stronger cytotoxicity (P < 0.05) than DOX-loaded CAT (D-CAT) against A549 and AGS cells. Moreover, D-CST exhibited significantly stronger antitumour activity in A549-bearing nude mice than doxorubicin hydrochloride and D-CAT. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction-responsive CST micelles enhanced the DOX effect at tumour site and controlled drug release.

Knitted Ti3C2Tx MXene based fiber strain sensor for human-computer interaction.

Fiber-based stretchable electronics with feasibility of weaving into textiles and advantages of light-weight, long-term stability, conformability and easy integration are highly desirable for wearable electronics to realize personalized medicine, artificial intelligence and human health monitoring. Herein, a fiber strain sensor is developed based on the Ti3C2Tx MXene wrapped by poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) polymer nanofibers prepared via electrostatic spinning. Owing to the good conductivity of Ti3C2Tx and unique 3D reticular structure with wave shape, the resistance of Ti3C2Tx@P(VDF-TrFE) polymer nanofibers changes under external force, thus providing remarkable strain inducted sensing performance. As-fabricated sensor exhibits high gauge factor (GF) of 108.8 in range of 45-66% strain, rapid response of 19 ms, and outstanding durability over 1600 stretching/releasing cycles. The strain sensor is able to monitor vigorous human motions (finger or wrist bending) and subtle physiological signals (blinking, pulse or voice recognition) in real-time. Moreover, a data glove is designed to connect different gestures and expressions to form an intelligent gesture-expression control system, further confirming the practicability of our Ti3C2Tx@P(VDF-TrFE) strain sensors in multifunctional wearable electronic devices.

Ti3 C2 Tx MXene Conductive Layers Supported Bio-Derived Fex -1 Sex /MXene/Carbonaceous Nanoribbons for High-Performance Half/Full Sodium-Ion and Potassium-Ion Batteries.

Owing to their cost-effectiveness and high energy density, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are becoming the leading candidates for the next-generation energy-storage devices replacing lithium-ion batteries. In this work, a novel Fex -1 Sex heterostructure is prepared on fungus-derived carbon matrix encapsulated by 2D Ti3 C2 Tx MXene highly conductive layers, which exhibits high specific sodium ion (Na+ ) and potassium ion (K+ ) storage capacities of 610.9 and 449.3 mAh g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1 , respectively, and excellent capacity retention at high charge-discharge rates. MXene acts as conductive layers to prevent the restacking and aggregation of Fex -1 Sex sheets on fungus-derived carbonaceous nanoribbons, while the natural fungus functions as natural nitrogen/carbon source to provide bionic nanofiber network structural skeleton, providing additional accessible pathways for the high-rate ion transport and satisfying surface-driven contribution ratios at high sweep rates for both Na/K ions storages. In addition, in situ synchrotron diffraction and ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements are performed to reveal the mechanisms of storage and de-/alloying conversion process of Na+ in the Fex -1 Sex /MXene/carbonaceous nanoribbon heterostructure. As a result, the assembled Na/K full cells containing MXene-supported Fex -1 Sex @carbonaceous anodes possess stable large-ion storage capabilities.

Strongly Coupled 2D Transition Metal Chalcogenide-MXene-Carbonaceous Nanoribbon Heterostructures with Ultrafast Ion Transport for Boosting Sodium/Potassium Ions Storage.

HIGHLIGHTS: Unique "Janus" interfacial assemble strategy of 2D MXene nanosheets was proposed firstly. Ternary heterostructure consisting of high capacity transitional metal chalcogenide, high conductive 2D MXene and N rich fungal carbonaceous matrix was achieved for larger radius Na/K ions storages. The highly accessible surfaces and interfaces of the strongly coupled 2D based ternary heterostructures provide superb surficial pseudocapacitive storages for both Na and K ions with low energy barriers was verified. Combining with the advantages of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, MXenes have shown great potential in next generation rechargeable batteries. Similar with other 2D materials, MXenes generally suffer severe self-agglomeration, low capacity, and unsatisfied durability, particularly for larger sodium/potassium ions, compromising their practical values. In this work, a novel ternary heterostructure self-assembled from transition metal selenides (MSe, M = Cu, Ni, and Co), MXene nanosheets and N-rich carbonaceous nanoribbons (CNRibs) with ultrafast ion transport properties is designed for sluggish sodium-ion (SIB) and potassium-ion (PIB) batteries. Benefiting from the diverse chemical characteristics, the positively charged MSe anchored onto the electronegative hydroxy (-OH) functionalized MXene surfaces through electrostatic adsorption, while the fungal-derived CNRibs bonded with the other side of MXene through amino bridging and hydrogen bonds. This unique MXene-based heterostructure prevents the restacking of 2D materials, increases the intrinsic conductivity, and most importantly, provides ultrafast interfacial ion transport pathways and extra surficial and interfacial storage sites, and thus, boosts the high-rate storage performances in SIB and PIB applications. Both the quantitatively kinetic analysis and the density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the interfacial ion transport is several orders higher than that of the pristine MXenes, which delivered much enhanced Na+ (536.3 mAh g-1@ 0.1 A g-1) and K+ (305.6 mAh g-1@ 1.0 A g-1 ) storage capabilities and excellent long-term cycling stability. Therefore, this work provides new insights into 2D materials engineering and low-cost, but kinetically sluggish post-Li batteries.

Tannins extract from Galla Chinensis can protect mice from infection by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli O101.

BACKGROUND: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is classically associated with acute secretory diarrhea, which induces 2 million people death in developing countries over a year, predominantly children in the first years of life. Previously, tannins (47.75%) were extracted from Galla Chinensis and prepared as Galla Chinensis oral solution (GOS) which showed significant antidiarrheal activity in a castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice. Whether the tannins extract were also effective in treatment of ETEC-induced diarrhea was determined in this study. METHODS: Mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 22). The mice in the normal and untreated groups were given normal saline. Three GOS-treated groups were received different concentrations of GOS (5, 10 and 15%, respectively) at a dose of 10 mL/kg. Mice in the positive control group were fed with loperamide (10 mg/kg). The treatment with GOS started 3 days before infection with ETEC and continued for 4 consecutive days after infection. On day 3, mice were all infected with one dose of LD50 of ETEC, except those in the normal group. Survival of mice was observed daily and recorded throughout the study. On days 4 and 7, samples were collected from 6 mice in each group. RESULTS: GOS could increase the survival rate up to 75%, while in the untreated group it is 43.75%. The body weights of mice treated with 15% GOS were significantly increased on day 7 in comparison with the untreated group and the normal group. GOS-treatment recovered the small intestine coefficient enhanced by ETEC-infection. The diarrhea index of mice treated with GOS was significantly decreased. GOS increased the levels of IgG and sIgA in the terminal ileum and decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-8) in serum. GOS could increase the amount of intestinal probiotics, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. GOS could alleviate colon lesions induced by ETEC-infection. GOS showed higher potency than loperamide. CONCLUSIONS: GOS could be a promising drug candidate for treating ETEC infections.

miR-23a-3p is involved in drug resistance by directly targeting the influx drug transporter organic anion-transporting polypeptide 2.

OBJECTIVE: Drug transporters are involved in the drug resistance of individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy by influencing the intracerebral transport of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The expression of drug transporters is associated with microRNAs. We previously revealed that miR-23a-3p levels were elevated in the blood of patients with intractable epilepsy. Additionally, the influx drug transporter organic anion-transporting polypeptide 2 (Oatp2) is involved in the intracerebral transport of valproic acid (VPA), the most commonly used AED; repeated seizures lead to decreased expression of Oatp2. However, the role of miR-23a-3p in the expression of Oatp2 and in the development of drug resistance has not been established. Herein, we aimed to determine the potential role of miR-23a-3p in VPA-resistant epilepsy through in vivo and in vitro experiments. METHODS: Epilepsy was elicited after status epilepticus (SE) was induced by lithium-pilocarpine in adult Sprague-Dawley rats, followed by VPA treatment to select rats with VPA resistance. The expression of miR-23a-3p was detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A miR-23a-3p inhibitor was intracerebrally injected into VPA-resistant rats, and histological staining and Morris water maze tests were performed to evaluate brain damage and learning/memory functions in these rats. Subsequently, a dual-luciferase reporter assay and a VPA uptake assay were performed in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) to investigate the underlying mechanism of action of miR-23a-3p. RESULTS: Our results indicated that compared to that in control rats, miR-23a-3p was elevated in VPA-resistant rats. Intracerebral injection of a miR-23a-3p inhibitor reduced brain damage and the associated deficits in learning and memory functions in rats with VPA resistance. Further investigation indicated that Oatp2 was the direct target of miR-23a-3p, and it was negatively regulated by miR-23a-3p in the brain and BMECs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-23a-3p reduced VPA uptake in BMECs by regulating Oatp2 expression. CONCLUSIONS: miR-23a-3p is involved in VPA resistance in epilepsy by directly targeting the influx drug transporter Oatp2, indicating that miR-23a-3p could be a potential therapeutic target for intractable epilepsy.