Inhibition of the maize salt overly sensitive pathway by ZmSK3 and ZmSK4.

Soil salinity is a worldwide problem that adversely affects plant growth and crop productivity. The salt overly sensitive (SOS) pathway is evolutionarily conserved and essential for plant salt tolerance. In this study, we reveal how the maize shaggy/glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)-like kinases ZmSK3 and ZmSK4, orthologs of brassinosteroid insensitive 2 (BIN2) in Arabidopsis thaliana, regulate the maize SOS pathway. ZmSK3 and ZmSK4 interact with and phosphorylate ZmSOS2, a core member of the maize SOS pathway. The mutants defective in ZmSK3 or ZmSK4 are hyposensitive to salt stress, with higher salt-induced activity of ZmSOS2 than that in the wild type. Furthermore, the Ca2+ sensors ZmSOS3 and ZmSOS3-like calcium binding protein 8 (ZmSCaBP8) activate ZmSOS2 to maintain Na+/K+ homeostasis under salt stress, and may participate in the regulation of ZmSOS2 by ZmSK3 and ZmSK4. These findings discover the regulation of the maize SOS pathway and provide important gene targets for breeding salt-tolerant maize.

The Unexpected Detection of a Novel Mutation in a Patient with Hb G-Taipei During Glycated Hemoglobin Test.

BACKGROUND: There are occasional unexpected detections in HbA1c tests. Here, we described a novel ß-globin gene mutation and its hematological phenotype. METHODS: The proband is a 60-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital for two weeks due to chest pain. Complete blood count, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin tests were performed before admission. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) were used to detect HbA1c. The hemoglobin variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: An abnormal peak was observed on HPLC and CE, but the value of HbA1c was normal. Sanger sequencing revealed a GAA>GGA mutation at codon 22 (corresponding to Hb G-Taipei) and a deletion (-GCAATA) at position 659_664 of the second intron of the ß-globin gene. The proband and her son, who inherited this new mutation, have no hematological phenotype changes. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of this mutation, named IVS II-659_664 (-GCAATA). It has a normal phenotype and does not cause thalassemia. IVS II-659_664 (-GCAATA) compounded Hb G-Taipei did not affect the detection of HbA1c.

Association of Tumor Cell Metabolic Subtype and Immune Response With the Clinical Course of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

AIM: Tumor metabolism plays an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. This study evaluated the potential association of tumor cell metabolism and immune cell tumor infiltration with the clinical course of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Gene-wise normalization and principal component analysis were performed to evaluate the metabolic system. A tumor microenvironment score system of tumor immune cell infiltration was constructed to evaluate its association with metabolic subtypes. Finally, we analyzed the impact of metabolism and immune cell infiltration on the clinical course of HCC. RESULTS: A total of 673 HCC patients were categorized into cholesterogenic (25.3%), glycolytic (14.6%), mixed (10.4%), and quiescent (49.8%) types based on glycolysis and cholesterol biosynthesis gene expression. The subgroups including the glycolytic genotyping expression (glycolytic and mixed types) showed a higher mortality rate. The glycolytic, cholesterogenic, and mixed types were positively correlated with M0 macrophage, resting mast cell, and naïve B-cell infiltration (P = .013, P = .019, and P = .006, respectively). In TCGA database, high CD8+ T cell and low M0 macrophage infiltration were associated with prolonged overall survival (OS, P = .0017 and P < .0001, respectively). Furthermore, in glycolytic and mixed types, patients with high M0 macrophage infiltration had a shorter OS (P = .03 and P = .013, respectively), and in quiescent type, patients with low naïve B-cell infiltration had a longer OS (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor metabolism plays a prognostic role and correlates with immune cell infiltration in HCC. M0 macrophage and CD8+ T cell appear to be promising prognostic biomarker for HCC. Finally, M0 macrophages may represent a useful immunotherapeutic target in patients with HCC.

Pathogenicity, tissue tropism and potential vertical transmission of SARSr-CoV-2 in Malayan pangolins.

Malayan pangolin SARS-CoV-2-related coronavirus (SARSr-CoV-2) is closely related to SARS-CoV-2. However, little is known about its pathogenicity in pangolins. Using CT scans we show that SARSr-CoV-2 positive Malayan pangolins are characterized by bilateral ground-glass opacities in lungs in a similar manner to COVID-19 patients. Histological examination and blood gas tests are indicative of dyspnea. SARSr-CoV-2 infected multiple organs in pangolins, with the lungs the major target, and histological expression data revealed that ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were co-expressed with viral RNA. Transcriptome analysis indicated that virus-positive pangolins were likely to have inadequate interferon responses, with relative greater cytokine and chemokine activity in the lung and spleen. Notably, both viral RNA and viral proteins were detected in three pangolin fetuses, providing initial evidence for vertical virus transmission. In sum, our study outlines the biological framework of SARSr-CoV-2 in pangolins, revealing striking similarities to COVID-19 in humans.

Thioredoxin1 Binding Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 Attenuates Inflammation and Apoptosis after Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Post-transcriptional regulation and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play vital roles in the occurrence of secondary injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Therefore, we identified RBPs distinctively expressed after ICH by screening and determined thioredoxin1 (Txn1) as one of the most distinctive RBPs. We employed an ICH model and in vitro experiments to investigate the role of Txn1 in ICH. Firstly, we found that Txn1 was mainly expressed in microglia and neurons in the central nervous system, and its expression was significantly reduced in perihematomal tissue. Additionally, adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying Txn1 was injected into the ICH rat model. Our results showed that overexpression of Txn1 reduced secondary injury and improved outcome in the ICH rat model. Moreover, to understand the therapeutic mechanism of Txn1 after ICH, we performed RNA immunoprecipitation combined with high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that Txn1 binds to inflammation- and apoptosis-related mRNAs and affects gene expression through RNA splicing and translation. Finally, RNA pull-down assays and in vitro experiments confirmed that Txn1 binds to metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), leading to reduced inflammation and apoptosis. Our study suggests that Txn1 is a potential therapeutic target for alleviating ICH-induced brain injury.

Anti-SSA/SSB-negative primary Sjögren's syndrome showing different clinical phenotypes: a retrospective study of 934 cases.

BACKGROUND: Currently, only a few studies have described the general characteristics of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) who tested negatives for anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. We aimed to further investigate the clinical characteristics of these patients in a large sample. METHODS: Data from patients with pSS who were treated at a tertiary hospital in China between 2013 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics of the patients were compared between those with and without anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibody negativity. Factors associated with anti-SSA and anti-SSB negativity were identified by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 934 patients with pSS were included in this study, among whom 299 (32.0%) tested negative for anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. Compared with patients testing positive for anti-SSA or anti-SSB antibodies, that testing negative for the two antibodies had a lower proportion of females (75.3% vs. 90.6%, p < 0.001) and thrombocytopenia (6.7% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.002), but a higher proportion of abnormal Schirmer I tests (96.0% vs. 89.1%, p = 0.001) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) (59.2% vs. 28.8%, p = 0.001). Anti-SSA and anti-SSB negativity was positively associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05, 3.31), abnormal Schirmer I tests (OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.24, 6.53), and ILD (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.67, 3.85). However, it was negatively related to thrombocytopenia (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.95). CONCLUSION: Approximately one third of pSS patients had anti-SSA and anti-SSB negativity. pSS patients testing negative for anti-SSA and anti-SSB showed a higher risk of abnormal Schirmer I tests and ILD, but a lower risk of thrombocytopenia.

Design of carbon dots as nanozymes to mediate redox biological processes.

Nanozymes are a new type of artificial enzyme based on engineered nanomaterials, developed to help understand and mimic natural enzymes in order to make better catalytic materials, understand the structure-function relationship and utilize the unique properties of artificial nanozymes. Carbon dot (CD)-based nanozymes have attracted great attention due to their biocompatibility, high catalytic activity and simple surface functionalization, and have shown great potential in biomedical and environmental applications. In this review, we propose a possible precursor selection method to synthesize CD nanozymes with enzyme-like activities. Doping or surface modification methods are introduced as effective strategies to enhance the catalytic performance of CD nanozymes. Recently, CD-based single-atom nanozymes and hybrid nanozymes have been reported, which bring a new perspective to the research of nanozymes. Finally, the challenges of CD nanozymes in clinical transformations are discussed, and the research direction is proposed. The latest research progress and application of CD nanozymes in mediating redox biological processes are summarized in order to further explore the potential of carbon dots in biological therapy. We also provide more ideas for researchers who focus on the design of nanomaterials with antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and other functions.

Quantitative and biosafe modification of bifunctional groups onto carbon dots by click chemistry.

Surface functionalization can effectively affect the properties of carbon dots (CDs), for example, improved solubility and dispersibility as well as enhanced selectivity and sensitivity. However, it is still a challenging task to tailor one or more specific functionalities of CDs via precise surface modification. In this study, click chemistry is applied to engineer CD surface functionalization, where the fluorescent molecule Rhodamine B (RhB) can be efficiently grafted onto the glucose-based bare CDs. The reaction process is quantitatively analyzed, which provides the basic theory for the functionalization of glucose-based CDs by double fluorescent molecules, namely RhB and Cy7. The fluorescence behavior of CDs can be accurately regulated by adjusting the molar ratio of the two molecules. The results of cell proliferation and apoptosis behavior of functionalized carbon dots show that the linkers (triazole structure) introduced by click chemistry have good biocompatibility. This quantitative and multifunctional modification method of CDs has undoubtedly greatly expanded its application field, especially in biological and medical aspects.

Pregnancy outcomes of intrauterine insemination without ovarian stimulation in couples affected by unilateral tubal occlusion and male infertility.

BACKGROUND: Information available to date regarding the pregnancy outcomes of intrauterine insemination (IUI) without ovarian stimulation (OS) in infertile patients with unilateral tubal occlusion remains scarce. The objectives of this study were to investigate for couples affected by unilateral tubal occlusion (diagnosed via hysterosalpingography (HSG)/transvaginal real-time three-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (TVS RT-3D-HyCoSy)) and male infertility: (1) whether significant differences exist in pregnancy outcomes between IUI with or without OS cycles, and (2) whether the pregnancy outcomes of IUI without OS in women with unilateral tubal occlusion were similar to those of women with bilateral patent tubes. METHODS: 258 couples affected by male infertility completed 399 IUI cycles. The cycles were divided into three groups: group A, IUI without OS in women with unilateral tubal occlusion; group B, IUI with OS in women with unilateral tubal occlusion; and group C, IUI without OS in women with bilateral patent tubes. The main outcome measures, including clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR), and first trimester miscarriage rate, were compared between either groups A and B or groups A and C. RESULTS: Although the number of dominant follicles > 16 mm were significantly higher in group B than that in group A (group B vs. group A: 1.6 ± 0.6 vs. 1.0 ± 0.2, P < 0.001), the CPR, LBR, and first trimester miscarriage rate were comparable between these two groups. When comparing group C to group A, the duration of infertility was significantly longer in group C than that in group A (group A vs. group C: 2.3 ± 1.2 (year) vs. 2.9 ± 2.1 (year), P = 0.017). Except for the first trimester miscarriage rate, which was significantly higher in group A (42.9%, 3/7) than that in group C (7.1%, 2/28) (P = 0.044), no significant differences were observed in the CPR and LBR in these two groups. After adjusting for female age, body mass index, and the duration of infertility, similar results were obtained between groups A and C. CONCLUSIONS: In couples affected by unilateral tubal occlusion (diagnosed via HSG/TVS RT-3D-HyCoSy) and male infertility, IUI without OS might be an alternative treatment strategy. However, when compared to patients with bilateral patent tubes, the patients with unilateral tubal occlusion showed a higher first trimester miscarriage rate following IUI without OS cycles. Further studies are warranted to clarify this relationship.

Ferromagnetic single-atom spin catalyst for boosting water splitting.

Heterogeneous single-atom spin catalysts combined with magnetic fields provide a powerful means for accelerating chemical reactions with enhanced metal utilization and reaction efficiency. However, designing these catalysts remains challenging due to the need for a high density of atomically dispersed active sites with a short-range quantum spin exchange interaction and long-range ferromagnetic ordering. Here, we devised a scalable hydrothermal approach involving an operando acidic environment for synthesizing various single-atom spin catalysts with widely tunable substitutional magnetic atoms (M1) in a MoS2 host. Among all the M1/MoS2 species, Ni1/MoS2 adopts a distorted tetragonal structure that prompts both ferromagnetic coupling to nearby S atoms as well as adjacent Ni1 sites, resulting in global room-temperature ferromagnetism. Such coupling benefits spin-selective charge transfer in oxygen evolution reactions to produce triplet O2. Furthermore, a mild magnetic field of ~0.5 T enhances the oxygen evolution reaction magnetocurrent by ~2,880% over Ni1/MoS2, leading to excellent activity and stability in both seawater and pure water splitting cells. As supported by operando characterizations and theoretical calculations, a great magnetic-field-enhanced oxygen evolution reaction performance over Ni1/MoS2 is attributed to a field-induced spin alignment and spin density optimization over S active sites arising from field-regulated S(p)-Ni(d) hybridization, which in turn optimizes the adsorption energies for radical intermediates to reduce overall reaction barriers.

CRTC2 promotes paclitaxel resistance by inducing autophagy in ovarian cancer in part via the PI3K-AKT signaling axis.

Background: Ovarian cancer is the most malignant gynecological disease, which seriously threatens female physical and mental health. Paclitaxel is a first-line chemotherapy drug in the clinical treatment of ovarian cancer, but drug resistance has become an important factor affecting the survival of ovarian cancer patients. However, the main mechanism of chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the Integrated Gene Expression Database (GEO) dataset using comprehensive bioinformatics tools to provide new therapeutic strategies and search for prognostic targets for ovarian cancer. Methods: Ovarian cancer related genes were extracted from GSE18520 by bioinformatics method. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by differential analysis, and related genes and functions were elucidated. The key gene CRTC2 was identified by prognostic analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of CRTC2 in chemotherapy-resistant and chemotherapy-sensitive ovarian cancer tissues. Functional analysis (cell assay) confirmed the role of CRTC2 in paclitaxel resistance. Autophagy related proteins were detected by Western blot. Autophagy flux analysis was performed using the GFP/RFP-LC3 adenovirus reporter. Results: A total of 3,852 DEGs were identified in the GEO microarray dataset. Key genes were screened by prognostic analysis. We found that CRTC2 was highly expressed in chemoresistant tissues of ovarian cancer. In 110 patients with ovarian cancer, high expression of CRTC2 was associated with poorer prognostic factors and shorter survival. At the same time, we found that CRTC2 can promote the proliferation and invasion ability of ovarian cancer cells. In addition, CRTC2 can affect the expression of PI3K, AKT, autophagic flux and sensitivity to paclitaxel chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. Conclusion: CRTC2 can affect autophagy partially through PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and then affect the sensitivity of ovarian cancer to paclitaxel chemotherapy. CRTC2 may be a potential predictor or target for ovarian cancer therapy.

A Novel Targeted RIG-I Receptor 5'Triphosphate Double Strain RNA-Based Adjuvant Significantly Improves the Immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta-Omicron Chimeric RBD-Dimer Recombinant Protein Vaccine.

The rapid mutation and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants recently, especially through the emerging variants Omicron BA5, BF7, XBB and BQ1, necessitate the development of universal vaccines to provide broad spectrum protection against variants. For the SARS-CoV-2 universal recombinant protein vaccines, an effective approach is necessary to design broad-spectrum antigens and combine them with novel adjuvants that can induce high immunogenicity. In this study, we designed a novel targeted retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) receptor 5'triphosphate double strain RNA (5'PPP dsRNA)-based vaccine adjuvant (named AT149) and combined it with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron chimeric RBD-dimer recombinant protein (D-O RBD) to immunize mice. The results showed that AT149 activated the P65 NF-κB signaling pathway, which subsequently activated the interferon signal pathway by targeting the RIG-I receptor. The D-O RBD + AT149 and D-O RBD + aluminum hydroxide adjuvant (Al) + AT149 groups showed elevated levels of neutralizing antibodies against the authentic Delta variant, and Omicron subvariants, BA1, BA5, and BF7, pseudovirus BQ1.1, and XBB compared with D-O RBD + Al and D-O RBD + Al + CpG7909/Poly (I:C) groups at 14 d after the second immunization, respectively. In addition, D-O RBD + AT149 and D-O RBD + Al + AT149 groups presented higher levels of the T-cell-secreted IFN-γ immune response. Overall, we designed a novel targeted RIG-I receptor 5'PPP dsRNA-based vaccine adjuvant to significantly improve the immunogenicity and broad spectrum of the SARS-CoV-2 recombinant protein vaccine.

Selenium in the liver facilitates the biodilution of mercury in the muscle of Planiliza haematocheilus in the Jiaozhou Bay, China.

There are increasing evidences that the biodilution effect can significantly reduce the biomagnification of mercury (Hg) in fish. The significant antagonism of selenium (Se) -Hg may have a potential diluting effect on Hg in fish; however, there is still lack of knowledge on such effect. To reveal the Se-Hg interaction and its role in controlling the biodilution effect of Hg, we investigated levels of Hg and Se in the muscle and liver of redlip mullet from Jiaozhou Bay, China, an urbanized semi-enclosed bay highly impacted by human activities. In general, Hg levels in fish muscle were significantly negatively correlated to the levels of Se in the liver and fish size for fish with a size of < 200 mm, indicating that the antagonistic effect of Se on Hg increased with fish growth. This relationship was not significant for fish with a size of > 200 mm, possibly because the normal metabolism of Hg in muscle was hindered by homeostatic regulation or physiological activities such as gonadal development in vivo. Furthermore, the molar ratio of Se in the liver/Hg in the muscle was significantly increasing with Se/Hg in the liver, suggesting that the liver may be the key organ involved in Se-Hg antagonism. Moreover, both ratios continued to decrease with increasing fish size, implying that the antagonistic effect weakens with fish growth. These results indicate that Hg sequestration by liver may be a key mechanism of Se-Hg antagonism in fish and function as a driver for the biodilution effect of Hg, especially at a size of < 200 mm. These findings are further supported by the established linear model of Se-Hg antagonism at different developmental stages.

Ligand-induced activation and G protein coupling of prostaglandin F2α receptor.

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), an endogenous arachidonic acid metabolite, regulates diverse physiological functions in many tissues and cell types through binding and activation of a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), the PGF2α receptor (FP), which also is the primary therapeutic target for glaucoma and several other diseases. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the human FP bound to endogenous ligand PGF2α and anti-glaucoma drugs LTPA and TFPA at global resolutions of 2.67 Å, 2.78 Å, and 3.14 Å. These structures reveal distinct features of FP within the lipid receptor family in terms of ligand binding selectivity, its receptor activation, and G protein coupling mechanisms, including activation in the absence of canonical PIF and ERY motifs and Gq coupling through direct interactions with receptor transmembrane helix 1 and intracellular loop 1. Together with mutagenesis and functional studies, our structures reveal mechanisms of ligand recognition, receptor activation, and G protein coupling by FP, which could facilitate rational design of FP-targeting drugs.

Structural characteristics and thermal performances of lauric-myristic-palmitic acid introduced into modified water hyacinth porous biochar for thermal energy storage.

Water hyacinth (WH) was used to prepare biochar for phase change energy storage field to realize encapsulation and enhance thermal conductivity of phase change materials (PCMs) in this work. The maximum specific surface area of modified water hyacinth biochar (MWB) obtained by lyophilization and carbonization at 900 °C was 479.966 m2/g. Lauric-myristic-palmitic acid (LMPA) was used as phase change energy storage material, LWB900 and VWB900 were used as porous carriers respectively. Modified water hyacinth biochar matrix composite phase change energy storage materials (MWB@CPCMs) were prepared by vacuum adsorption method, with loading rates of 80 % and 70 % respectively. The enthalpy of LMPA/LWB900 was 105.16 J/g, which was 25.79 % higher than that of LMPA/VWB900, and the energy storage efficiency was 99.1 %. Moreover, the introduction of LWB900 increased the thermal conductivity (k) of LMPA from 0.2528 W/(m·K) to 0.3574 W/(m·K). MWB@CPCMs have good temperature control capability, and the heating time of LMPA/LWB900 was 15.03 % higher than that of LMPA/VWB900. In addition, after 500 thermal cycles, the maximum change rate of enthalpy of LMPA/LWB900 was 6.56 %, and it maintains a phase change peak, showing better durability than LMPA/VWB900. This study shows that the preparation process of LWB900 is the best, and the adsorption of LMPA has high enthalpy value and stable thermal performance, realizing the sustainable development of biochar.

Prediction Model and Mechanism for Drying Shrinkage of High-Strength Lightweight Concrete with Graphene Oxide.

The excellent performance of graphene oxide (GO) in terms of mechanical properties and durability has stimulated its application potential in high-strength lightweight concrete (HSLWC). However, more attention needs to be paid to the long-term drying shrinkage of HSLWC. This work aims to investigate the compressive strength and drying shrinkage behavior of HSLWC incorporating low GO content (0.00-0.05%), focusing on the prediction and mechanism of drying shrinkage. Results indicate the following: (1) GO can acceptably reduce slump and significantly increase specific strength by 18.6%. (2) Drying shrinkage increased by 8.6% with the addition of GO. A modified ACI209 model with a GO content factor was demonstrated to have high accuracy based on the comparison of typical prediction models. (3) GO not only refines the pores but also forms flower-like crystals, which results in the increased drying shrinkage of HSLWC. These findings provide support for the prevention of cracking in HSLWC.

Protective Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) against the Jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai Envenoming.

Jellyfish stings are the most common marine animal injuries worldwide, with approximately 150 million envenomation cases annually, and the victims may suffer from severe pain, itching, swelling, inflammation, arrhythmias, cardiac failure, or even death. Consequently, identification of effective first aid reagents for jellyfish envenoming is urgently needed. Here, we found that the polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) markedly antagonized the hemolytic toxicity, proteolytic activity, and cardiomyocyte toxicity of the jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai venom in vitro and could prevent and treat systemic envenoming caused by N. nomurai venom in vivo. Moreover, EGCG is a natural plant active ingredient and widely used as a food additive without toxic side effects. Hence, we suppose that EGCG might be an effective antagonist against systemic envenoming induced by jellyfish venom.

Carbon dots as a new class of multifunctional nanomaterial in mesenchymal stem cells: opportunities and challenges.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have long been regarded as a potential treatment in regenerative medicine. However, due to the lack of effective methods to track and regulate the behavior of implanted MSCs, their application has been greatly limited. Carbon dots (CDs), as a new type of zero-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterial, have attracted extensive attention as nanoprobes, carriers and agents. The focus of this review is to clarify the noninvasive tracing of MSCs by CD-based nanoprobes, including conventional and dual modality imaging, and introduce several means to adjust the labeling performance. The effects of CDs on the differentiation behavior of MSCs and their underlying mechanism are summarized. As an excellent delivery carrier, CDs can easily carry genes and direct MSCs to differentiate. Other biological effects of CDs as agents, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, photodynamic and photothermal effects, are also introduced. Finally, the significant therapeutic effect of the combination of CDs and MSCs, the existing problems of CDs and the future development direction are proposed. This review aims to inform researchers in materials science, biology and medicine to fully exploit the potential of CDs and purposefully modified MSCs, so as to provide some ideas for the application of engineered cell therapy in clinical transformation.

Geranylated or prenylated flavonoids from Cajanus volubilis.

Five new flavonoid derivatives, cajavolubones A-E (1-5), along with six known analogues (6-11) were isolated from Cajanus volubilis, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and quantum chemical calculations. Cajavolubones A and B (1 and 2) were identified as two geranylated chalcones. Cajavolubone C (3) was a prenylated flavone, while cajavolubones D and E (4 and 5) were two prenylated isoflavanones. Compounds 3, 8, 9 and 11 displayed cytotoxicity against HCT-116 cancer cell line.