The BTB-ZF gene Bm-mamo regulates pigmentation in silkworm caterpillars.

The color pattern of insects is one of the most diverse adaptive evolutionary phenotypes. However, the molecular regulation of this color pattern is not fully understood. In this study, we found that the transcription factor Bm-mamo is responsible for black dilute (bd) allele mutations in the silkworm. Bm-mamo belongs to the BTB zinc finger family and is orthologous to mamo in Drosophila melanogaster. This gene has a conserved function in gamete production in Drosophila and silkworms and has evolved a pleiotropic function in the regulation of color patterns in caterpillars. Using RNAi and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology, we showed that Bm-mamo is a repressor of dark melanin patterns in the larval epidermis. Using in vitro binding assays and gene expression profiling in wild-type and mutant larvae, we also showed that Bm-mamo likely regulates the expression of related pigment synthesis and cuticular protein genes in a coordinated manner to mediate its role in color pattern formation. This mechanism is consistent with the dual role of this transcription factor in regulating both the structure and shape of the cuticle and the pigments that are embedded within it. This study provides new insight into the regulation of color patterns as well as into the construction of more complex epidermal features in some insects.

Biofunctional lipid nanoparticles for precision treatment and prophylaxis of bacterial infections.

The lack of bacterial-targeting function in antibiotics and their prophylactic usage have caused overuse of antibiotics, which lead to antibiotic resistance and inevitable long-term toxicity. To overcome these issues, we develop neutrophil-bacterial hybrid cell membrane vesicle (HMV)-coated biofunctional lipid nanoparticles (LNP@HMVs), which are designed to transport antibiotics specifically to bacterial cells at the infection site for the effective treatment and prophylaxis of bacterial infection. The dual targeting ability of HMVs to inflammatory vascular endothelial cells and homologous Gram-negative bacterial cells results in targeted accumulation of LNP@HMVs in the site of infections. LNP@HMVs loaded with the antibiotic norfloxacin not only exhibit enhanced activity against planktonic bacteria and bacterial biofilms in vitro but also achieve potent therapeutic efficacy in treating both systemic infection and lung infection. Furthermore, LNP@HMVs trigger the activation of specific humoral and cellular immunity to prevent bacterial infection. Together, LNP@HMVs provide a promising strategy to effectively treat and prevent bacterial infection.

Preparation and characterization of quercetin@ZIF-L/GO@AgNPs nanocomposite film for room-temperature strawberry preservation.

Fresh strawberries are easily contaminated by microorganisms after picking. Therefore, how to effectively store and keep fresh strawberries has been a hot topic for scientists to study. In this study, we prepared a leaf shaped metal organic framework nanomaterial loaded with quercetin (Quercetin@ZIF-L) at first, which can achieve effective loading of quercetin (96%) within 45 min and has a controlled release effect under acidic conditions. In addition, by cleverly combining satellite graphene oxide @ silver nanoparticles (GO@AgNPs) with slow precipitation performance, Quercetin@ZIF-L/GO@AgNPs nanocomposite film with larger pore size and larger specific surface area was prepared by scraping method. The characterization data of water flux, retention rate, flux recovery rate and water vapor permeability show that the composite film has good physical properties. The experiment of film packaging showed that the fresh life of strawberry could be extended from 3 to 8 days, which significantly improved the storage and freshness cycle of strawberry. At the same time, the metal migration test proved that the residual amount of silver ion in strawberry met the EU standard and zinc ions are beneficial to the health, enriching the types of high-performance fresh-keeping materials and broadening the application.

IL-6/gp130 signaling in CD4+ T cells drives the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by stenosis and occlusions of small pulmonary arteries, leading to elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and right heart failure. Although accumulating evidence shows the importance of interleukin (IL)-6 in the pathogenesis of PAH, the target cells of IL-6 are poorly understood. Using mice harboring the floxed allele of gp130, a subunit of the IL-6 receptor, we found substantial Cre recombination in all hematopoietic cell lineages from the primitive hematopoietic stem cell level in SM22α-Cre mice. We also revealed that a CD4+ cell-specific gp130 deletion ameliorated the phenotype of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in mice. Disruption of IL-6 signaling via deletion of gp130 in CD4+ T cells inhibited phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and suppressed the hypoxia-induced increase in T helper 17 cells. To further examine the role of IL-6/gp130 signaling in more severe PH models, we developed Il6 knockout (KO) rats using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and showed that IL-6 deficiency could improve the pathophysiology in hypoxia-, monocrotaline-, and Sugen5416/hypoxia (SuHx)-induced rat PH models. Phosphorylation of STAT3 in CD4+ cells was also observed around the vascular lesions in the lungs of the SuHx rat model, but not in Il6 KO rats. Blockade of IL-6 signaling had an additive effect on conventional PAH therapeutics, such as endothelin receptor antagonist (macitentan) and soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator (BAY41-2272). These findings suggest that IL-6/gp130 signaling in CD4+ cells plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of PAH.

A novel method for precise implantation of tracheal Y-shaped stent.

The tracheal Y-shaped stent is mainly used for the treatment of critical patients with airway stenosis or esophagotracheal fistula near carina. A novel method for precise implantation of Y-shaped tracheal stents was developed using double-lumen endotracheal intubation and flexible bronchoscopy. This approach aims to address the limitations associated with X-ray or rigid bronchoscopy guidance, such as operational difficulties and the risk of inaccurate stent placement leading to implantation failure or suffocation. With this new technique, 13 tracheal Y-shaped stents were successfully implanted. This method shows promise in reducing the complexity of stent implantation and facilitating timely treatment for patients in need. Additionally, it has the potential to update current operating standards and guidelines for this procedure.

Sex similarities and dopaminergic differences in interval timing.

Rodent behavioral studies have largely focused on male animals, which has limited the generalizability and conclusions of neuroscience research. Working with humans and rodents, we studied sex effects during interval timing that requires participants to estimate an interval of several seconds by making motor responses. Interval timing requires attention to the passage of time and working memory for temporal rules. We found no differences between human females and males in interval timing response times (timing accuracy) or the coefficient of variance of response times (timing precision). Consistent with prior work, we also found no differences between female and male rodents in timing accuracy or precision. In female rodents, there was no difference in interval timing between estrus and diestrus cycle stages. Because dopamine powerfully affects interval timing, we also examined sex differences with drugs targeting dopaminergic receptors. In both female and male rodents, interval timing was delayed after administration of sulpiride (D2-receptor antagonist), quinpirole (D2-receptor agonist), and SCH-23390 (D1-receptor antagonist). By contrast, after administration of SKF-81297 (D1-receptor agonist), interval timing shifted earlier only in male rodents. These data illuminate sex similarities and differences in interval timing. Our results have relevance for rodent models of both cognitive function and brain disease by increasing representation in behavioral neuroscience. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Glutaredoxin-1 modulates the NF-κB signaling pathway to activate inducible nitric oxide synthase in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), regulated by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), is crucial for intestinal inflammation and barrier injury in the progression of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The NF-κB pathway is inhibited by S-glutathionylation of inhibitory κB kinase ß (IKKß), which can be restored by glutaredoxin-1 (Grx1). Thus, we aim to explore the role of Grx1 in experimental NEC. Wild-type (WT) and Grx1-knockout (Grx1-/-) mice were treated with an NEC-inducing regimen. Primary intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) were subjected to LPS treatment. The production of iNOS, NO, and inflammation injuries were assessed. NF-κB and involved signaling pathways were also explored. The severity of NEC was attenuated in Grx1-/- mice. Grx1 ablation promoted IKKß glutathionylation, NF-κB inactivation, and decreased iNOS, NO, and O2·- production in NEC mice. Furthermore, Grx1 ablation restrained proinflammatory cytokines and cell apoptosis, ameliorated intestinal barrier damage, and promoted proliferation in NEC mice. Grx1 ablation protected NEC through iNOS and NO inhibition, which related to S-glutathionylation of IKKß to inhibit NF-κB signaling. Grx1-related signaling pathways provide a new therapeutic target for NEC.

The dysfunction of CD8+ T cells triggered by endometriotic stromal cells promotes the immune survival of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is defined as an oestrogen-dependent and inflammatory gynaecological disease of which the pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the cellular heterogeneity and reveal the effect of CD8+ T cells on the progress of endometriosis. Three ovarian endometriosis patients were collected, and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) progressed and delineated the cellular landscape of endometriosis containing five cell clusters. The endometrial cells (EMCs) were the major component, of which the mesenchymal cells were preponderant and characterized with increased inflammation and oestrogen synthesis in endometriosis. The proportion of T cells, mainly CD8+ T cells rather than CD4+, was reduced in endometriotic lesions, and the cytokines and cytotoxicity of ectopic T cells were depressed. CD8+ T cells depressed the proliferation of ESCs through inhibiting CDK1/CCNB1 pathway to arrest the cell cycle and triggered inflammation through activating STAT1 pathway. Correspondingly, the coculture with ESCs resulted in the dysfunction of CD8+ T cells through upregulating STAT1/PDCD1 pathway and glycolysis-promoted metabolism reprogramming. The endometriotic lesions were larger in nude mouse models with T-cell deficiency than the normal mouse models. The inhibition of T cells via CD90.2 or CD8A antibody increased the endometriotic lesions in mouse models, and the supplement of T cells to nude mouse models diminished the lesion sizes. In conclusion, this study revealed the global cellular variation of endometriosis among which the cellular count and physiology of EMCs and T cells were significantly changed. The depressed cytotoxicity and aberrant metabolism of CD8+ T cells were induced by ESCs with the activation of STAT1/PDCD1 pathway resulting in immune survival to promote endometriosis.

Application of ionic liquid extractant in enhanced separation of 2-propanol-n-hexane azeotrope system.

2-Propanol and n-hexane are widely used (as) chemical reagents in electronic, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. An efficient separation of the azeotropic system of 2-propanol-n-hexane is of profound practical significance. By using the conductor-like screening model for real solve (COSMO-RS) predictive model, ionic liquids as extractants for separating the azeotropic system of 2-propanol-n-hexane were evaluated with selectivity coefficients (S) and capacity (C) as the evaluation indexes. Based on the evaluation results, one high-performance extractants named hydroxylamine Cl (C8A19) was selected from 435 kinds of ionic liquids designed by combining 29 kinds of anions and 15 kinds of cations. Moreover, the reliability of the model in predicting the vapor-liquid phase equilibrium behavior of 2-propanol-n-hexane system was verified. Then, the effect of C8A19 on the vapor-liquid phase equilibrium of the 2-propanol-n-hexane system was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The results show that the azeotrope of the system can be broken when the molar fraction of C8A19 is 0.02, denoting that C8A19 can be used for enhanced separation of 2-propanol-n-hexane system. On the basis of the aforementioned study, the selectivity mechanism of the extractant was analyzed from the perspective of microscopic molecular interactions by using the descriptor (σ-profiles) of COSMO-RS. This study provides both theoretical and data support for further designing high-performance ionic liquid extractants and extraction process.

Maize requires Arogenate Dehydratase 2 for resistance to Ustilago maydis and plant development.

Maize (Zea mays) smut is a common biotrophic fungal disease caused by Ustilago maydis and leads to low maize yield. Maize resistance to U. maydis is a quantitative trait. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the resistance of maize to U. maydis is poorly understood. Here, we reported that a maize mutant caused by a single gene mutation exhibited defects in both fungal resistance and plant development. maize mutant highly susceptible to U. maydis (mmsu) with a dwarf phenotype forms tumors in the ear. A map-based cloning and allelism test demonstrated that one gene encoding a putative arogenate dehydratase/prephenate dehydratase (ADT/PDT) is responsible for the phenotypes of the mmsu and was designated as ZmADT2. Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that mmsu had substantial differences in multiple metabolic pathways in response to U. maydis infection compared with the wild type. Disruption of ZmADT2 caused damage to the chloroplast ultrastructure and function, metabolic flux redirection, and reduced the amounts of salicylic acid (SA) and lignin, leading to susceptibility to U. maydis and dwarf phenotype. These results suggested that ZmADT2 is required for maintaining metabolic flux, as well as resistance to U. maydis and plant development in maize. Meanwhile, our findings provided insights into the maize response mechanism to U. maydis infection.

Capture and Utilization of CO2 with Morpholine for Effective Photocatalytic N-Formylmorpholine Production.

Converting into high-value-added products represents the most optimal approach to CO2 utilization. The substitution of CO with CO2 as a potential critical material for formamide production is widely regarded as an ideal pathway and has garnered significant attention. However, high temperatures and pressures remain essential for the reaction, exerting a substantial influence on the utilization process. Herein, N-formylmorpholine was creatively synthesized by integrating the capture and solar-driven utilization of CO2 with morpholine. Notably, a remarkable N-formylmorpholine yield of 11433.3 µmol·h-1·g-1 was obtained, surpassing pure MoO3 by an astounding factor of 89.1 with a N-formylmorpholine yield of 63.8 µmol in 6 h, which is an astonishing increase of 57.5 times compared to MoO3. Both experimental results and density functional theory calculations suggest that the inclusion of Fe can effectively reduce the formation energy barrier while facilitating the desorption process of N-formylmorpholine, thereby optimizing the overall performance.

Multiple-matrices metabolomics combined with serum pharmacochemistry for discovering the potential targets and active constituents of Qifu decoction against heart failure.

Qifu decoction (QFD) is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription for the treatment of heart failure. However, the mechanisms and active constituents of QFD are poorly understood. In this study, multi-matrices metabolomics (serum, urine, and myocardial mitochondria) based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOFMS), were employed for exploring the mechanisms of QFD against heart failure in rat model. Twenty-one, seventeen, and fifteen endogenous metabolite biomarkers associated with heart failure were identified from serum, urine, and myocardial mitochondria datasets, respectively. Fourteen, twelve, and ten of the identified serum, urine, and mitochondria biomarkers were significantly reversed by QFD, respectively. QFD-targeted pathways were involved in TCA cycle, branched chain amino acids metabolism, fatty acid ß-oxidation, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, purine metabolism. In addition, QFD-derived constituents in serum were fully analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOFMS and SUS-plot, and 24 QFD-derived components were identified in serum. Then, the correlation analysis between the QFD-reversed serum biomarkers and QFD-derived constituents in serum was employed to dissect the active constituents of QFD. It was found that eight prototypical components and three metabolites were highly correlated with efficacy and could serve as the active constituents of QFD against heart failure. Finally, neoline and calycosin, which highly correlated with branched-chain amino acid metabolism and fatty acid ß-oxidation, were selected to validate in Na2S2O4-induced cell model. It was found that neoline and calycosin provided a significant protective effect against Na2S2O4-induced cell death in a low dose-dependent manner and increased the expressions of the pathway-related protein CPT1B and BCAT2 in the cell model. In conclusions, these findings provided light on the mechanisms and active constituents of QFD against heart failure. Neoline and calycosin could be selected as potential quality-markers of QFD against heart failure.

Association between immune-inflammatory indexes and lower urinary tract symptoms: an analysis of cross-sectional data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2008).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically investigate the relationship between immune-inflammatory indexes with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2005-2008). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2709 men with complete information for immune-inflammatory indexes and LUTSs were included from NHANES 2005-2008. OUTCOMES AND ANALYSES: Automated haematology analysing devices are used to measure blood cell counts, and LUTSs were presented by standard questionnaires. Non-linear and logistic regression analyses were used to estimate their association after adjustment for confounders. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression showed that pan-immune-inflammation value (OR (95% CI)=1.60 (1.14 to 2.23)), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) (OR (95% CI)=1.82 (1.21 to 2.73)), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (OR (95% CI)=1.81 (1.31 to 2.49)), derived NLR (dNLR) (OR (95% CI)=1.91 (1.35 to 2.70)) and C reactive protein (CRP) (OR (95% CI)=1.71 (1.05 to 2.79)) was positively associated with LUTS. Additionally, composite immune-inflammation markers exhibited a stronger association with LUTS than any single index, with the ORs for high SIRI+high CRP, high NLR+high CRP and high dNLR+high CRP being 2.26, 2.44 and 2.16, respectively (all p<0.05). Furthermore, subgroup analyses revealed that age, smoking status and hypertension have different effects on the relationship between immune-inflammatory markers and LUTS. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that high levels of immune-inflammatory markers were associated with an increased risk of clinical LUTS. The combination of CRP with SIRI, NLR and dNLR, respectively, showed a stronger positive correlation with clinical LUTS compared with any single index.

Role of CD4+ T-cells for regulating splenic myelopoiesis and monocyte differentiation after experimental myocardial infarction.

Myocardial infarction (MI) induces the generation of proinflammatory Ly6Chigh monocytes in the spleen and the recruitment of these cells to the myocardium. CD4+ Foxp3+ CD25+ T-cells (Tregs) promote the healing process after myocardial infarction by engendering a pro-healing differentiation state in myocardial monocyte-derived macrophages. We aimed to study the effects of CD4+ T-cells on splenic myelopoiesis and monocyte differentiation. We instigated MI in mice and found that MI-induced splenic myelopoiesis is abrogated in CD4+ T-cell deficient animals. Conventional CD4+ T-cells promoted myelopoiesis in vitro by cell-cell-contact and paracrine mechanisms, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) signalling. Depletion of regulatory T-cells enhanced myelopoiesis in vivo, as evidenced by increases in progenitor cell numbers and proliferative activity in the spleen 5 days after MI. The frequency of CD4+ T-cells-producing factors that promote myelopoiesis increased within the spleen of Treg-depleted mice. Moreover, depletion of Tregs caused a proinflammatory bias in splenic Ly6Chigh monocytes, which showed predominantly upregulated expression of IFN-γ responsive genes after MI. Our results indicate that conventional CD4+ T-cells promote and Tregs attenuate splenic myelopoiesis and proinflammatory differentiation of monocytes.

The quality of crowdsourcing virtual community and users' voice behavior: An analysis of stimulus-organism-response framework among Chinese users.

The quality of a crowdsourcing virtual community is an essential factor that stimulates users' perceptions of belonging and attachment to the community, thereby influencing their behavior. As a prerequisite for the development of "creative crowdsourcing," it is particularly important to study how users' voice behavior can be promoted in virtual communities. Drawing on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework and the Social Identification Theory, this study developed a conceptual model that investigates the impact of crowdsourcing virtual communities in system, information, interaction, and service quality on users' voice behavior. Furthermore, we introduce community identification and self-disclosure to further analyze the influencing mechanism between these two variables. Data were collected through 672 survey questionnaires from participants in well-known crowdsourcing virtual communities such as Xiaohongshu, Bilibili, Haier Hope, Test Baidu, and Test China. Using hierarchical regression and bootstrap analysis, we found a positive correlation between the quality of the crowdsourcing virtual community and users' voice behavior, with community identification acting as a mediator. Furthermore, self-disclosure showed a significant moderating effect on the relationship between community identification and voice behavior. These findings significantly contribute to the theoretical landscape by advancing the SOR framework within a virtual community. This not only deepens the understanding of the quality of the crowdsourcing virtual community, but also provides theoretical and practical implications for managers and users on how to promote voice behavior.

[Effects of Four Amendments on Fertility and Labile Organic Carbon Fractions of Acid Purple Soil].

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of four amendments on soil fertility and labile carbon fraction characteristics of acid purple soil, so as to provide scientific basis for nutrient management and carbon storage stability in purple soil. Field experiments were carried out, and six treatments were set up:no fertilization (CK), only chemical fertilizer (F), lime + chemical fertilizer (SF), organic fertilizer + chemical fertilizer (OM), biochar + chemical fertilizer (BF), and vinasse biomass ash + chemical fertilizer (JZ). The contents of soil organic matter, pH, available nutrients, soil integrated fertility index (IFI), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), particulate organic carbon (POC), their effective rates, and soil carbon pool management index (CPMI) under different treatments were studied to clarify their relationships. The results showed that:① the application of amendments significantly increased soil pH and the contents of organic matter, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium (P<0.05). The OM and JZ treatments had the most significant increase in soil comprehensive fertility index (P<0.05), with increases of 1.96 and 0.77 and 170.43% and 66.96%, respectively. ② Compared with those in the control treatment, the contents of POC, MBC, and DOC in JZ and OM increased by 110.30% and 84.81%, 61.08% and 46.56%, and 195.87% and 141.67%, respectively. The application of amendments significantly increased the soil carbon pool index (CPI) and CMPI (P<0.05), in which the OM treatment showed the most significant increase, with soil CPI and CMPI values increasing by 107.34% and 90.75% compared with those of the control, respectively. ③ Soil organic carbon and its labile fractions were positively correlated with IFI (P<0.05), and redundancy analysis showed that there were significant differences among different treatments. The interpretation rates of soil IFI, pH, and available potassium to organic carbon and its components reached significant levels, and the order of interpretation rates was IFI(74.6%)>pH (11.7%)>AK(6.5%). The application of vinasse biomass ash and organic fertilizer to acid purple soil had the most significant effect on improving soil fertility and soil quality and was conducive to promoting the accumulation and activation of soil carbon fractions.

Evaluation of the Nutritional Quality of Chinese Processed Meat Products: Comparison of Two Nutrient Profile Models.

Processed meat products are one of the most consumed pre-packaged foods in China. They are also group-1 carcinogens, whose consumption has proved to be positively associated with the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The purpose of this study is to analyze the nutrient content on the food label of processed meat products based on the China Standardized Database for the Composition of Pre-packaged Food and the National Open Database of the UK and France. The Chilean front-of-pack warning label (FOPWL) and the Chinese Healthier Choice Logo were used to compare the nutrient content of processed meat products from the three countries. It was found that cured meat products have the highest median energy (483 kcal/100 g), total fat content (38.7 g/100 g), and sodium content (2076 mg/100 g) and dried meat products have the highest median protein content (30.2 g/100 g) and carbohydrate content (38.2 g/100 g). In addition, there were significant differences in energy content and contents of total fat, protein, and carbohydrate across different products of the three countries (p < 0.001). A large number of processed meat products currently collected did not meet the criteria of the Chilean FOPWL and the Chinese Healthier Choice Logo. This study provided information on the healthiness of Chinese processed meat products and provided data for improving food formulations for different categories of processed meat products.

Corrigendum: ITGB5 promotes innate radiation resistance in pancreatic adenocarcinoma by promoting DNA damage repair and the MEK/ERK signaling pathway.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.887068.].

Regulating ion affinity and dehydration of metal-organic framework sub-nanochannels for high-precision ion separation.

Membrane consisting of ordered sub-nanochannels has been pursued in ion separation technology to achieve applications including desalination, environment management, and energy conversion. However, high-precision ion separation has not yet been achieved owing to the lack of deep understanding of ion transport mechanism in confined environments. Biological ion channels can conduct ions with ultrahigh permeability and selectivity, which is inseparable from the important role of channel size and "ion-channel" interaction. Here, inspired by the biological systems, we report the high-precision separation of monovalent and divalent cations in functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes (UiO-66-(X)2, X = NH2, SH, OH and OCH3). We find that the functional group (X) and size of the MOF sub-nanochannel synergistically regulate the ion binding affinity and dehydration process, which is the key in enlarging the transport activation energy difference between target and interference ions to improve the separation performance. The K+/Mg2+ selectivity of the UiO-66-(OCH3)2 membrane reaches as high as 1567.8. This work provides a gateway to the understanding of ion transport mechanism and development of high-precision ion separation membranes.

Assessment of Pulmonary Circulation of Critically Ill Patients Based on Critical Care Ultrasound.

Pulmonary circulation is crucial in the human circulatory system, facilitating the oxygenation of blood as it moves from the right heart to the lungs and then to the left heart. However, during critical illness, pulmonary microcirculation can be vulnerable to both intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary injuries. To assess these potential injuries in critically ill patients, critical point-of-care ultrasound can be used to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary artery, lung, pulmonary vein, and left atrium along the direction of blood flow. This assessment is particularly valuable for common ICU diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiogenic pulmonary edema. It has significant potential for diagnosing and treating these conditions in critical care medicine.