Recent advances in rational design for high-performance potassium-ion batteries.

The growing global energy demand necessitates the development of renewable energy solutions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. To efficiently utilize renewable yet intermittent energy sources such as solar and wind power, there is a critical need for large-scale energy storage systems (EES) with high electrochemical performance. While lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been successfully used for EES, the surging demand and price, coupled with limited supply of crucial metals like lithium and cobalt, raised concerns about future sustainability. In this context, potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have emerged as promising alternatives to commercial LIBs. Leveraging the low cost of potassium resources, abundant natural reserves, and the similar chemical properties of lithium and potassium, PIBs exhibit excellent potassium ion transport kinetics in electrolytes. This review starts from the fundamental principles and structural regulation of PIBs, offering a comprehensive overview of their current research status. It covers cathode materials, anode materials, electrolytes, binders, and separators, combining insights from full battery performance, degradation mechanisms, in situ/ex situ characterization, and theoretical calculations. We anticipate that this review will inspire greater interest in the development of high-efficiency PIBs and pave the way for their future commercial applications.

Enhanced Recognition of a Herbal Compound Epiberberine by a DNA Quadruplex-Duplex Structure.

The small molecule epiberberine (EPI) is a natural alkaloid with versatile bioactivities against several diseases including cancer and bacterial infection. EPI can induce the formation of a unique binding pocket at the 5' side of a human telomeric G-quadruplex (HTG) sequence with four telomeric repeats (Q4), resulting in a nanomolar binding affinity (KD approximately 26 nM) with significant fluorescence enhancement upon binding. It is important to understand (1) how EPI binding affects HTG structural stability and (2) how enhanced EPI binding may be achieved through the engineering of the DNA binding pocket. In this work, the EPI-binding-induced HTG structure stabilization effect was probed by a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) invasion assay in combination with a series of biophysical techniques. We show that the PNA invasion-based method may be useful for the characterization of compounds binding to DNA (and RNA) structures under physiological conditions without the need to vary the solution temperature or buffer components, which are typically needed for structural stability characterization. Importantly, the combination of theoretical modeling and experimental quantification allows us to successfully engineer Q4 derivative Q4-ds-A by a simple extension of a duplex structure to Q4 at the 5' end. Q4-ds-A is an excellent EPI binder with a KD of 8 nM, with the binding enhancement achieved through the preformation of a binding pocket and a reduced dissociation rate. The tight binding of Q4 and Q4-ds-A with EPI allows us to develop a novel magnetic bead-based affinity purification system to effectively extract EPI from Rhizoma coptidis (Huang Lian) extracts.

[Authenticity discrimination for Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum based on UPLC-MS/MS and peptidomics].

Peptidomics was employed to systematically analyze the characteristic peptides in Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum and its adulterants and establish a method for distinguishing Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum from its adulterants, including the gizzard membranes from ducks, geese, and pigeons. UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS was combined with multivariate statistical analysis to analyze the peptides in Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum and its adulterants. The structures of peptides were identified by pNovo combined with manual recognition of spectra, and synthetic peptide standards were used for validation. LC-MS/MS was used to optimize the sample pre-processing conditions, including the extraction procedure, extraction time, extraction solvents, and solvent volumes, for the characteristic peptide LESY in Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum. Multiple reaction monitoring(MRM) in the ESI~+ mode with m/z 511.24→269.11 and 511.24→243.13 as detection ions was employed for qualitative and quantitative analyses. The established UPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated good specificity, stability, and durability. The content of LESY in 16 batches of Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum samples ranged from 55.03 to 113.36 µg·g~(-1). Additionally, a qualitative detection method for the common peptide RDPVLVSR in adulterants was established with m/z 471.28→785.45 and 471.28→670.41 as the detection ions. This study established a convenient, rapid, and accurate detection method for the characteristic peptides in Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum and its adulterants. The method possesses good specificity, stability, and durability, providing a valuable reference for the identification and quality control of Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum and other traditional Chinese medicines derived from animal sources.

The threshold effect of triglyceride glucose index on diabetic kidney disease risk in patients with type 2 diabetes: unveiling a non-linear association.

Background: Previous studies have confirmed that the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, recognized as a reliable marker of insulin resistance, is an important risk factor for diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, it is still unclear whether the DKD risk continues to increase linearly with the elevation of TyG index. This study aimed to thoroughly investigated the intrinsic relationship between TyG index and DKD risk in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 933 patients with T2D in China, who were categorized into DKD and non-DKD groups and stratified by TyG index levels. Logistic regression analysis identified the independent risk factors for DKD. The association between DKD risk and TyG index was evaluated using the restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves analysis. The R package 'CatPredi' was utilized to determine the optimal cut-off point for the relationship between DKD risk and TyG index, followed by threshold effect analysis. Results: The prevalence of DKD was 33.01%. After adjusting for confounding factors, TyG index was identified as a prominent clinical risk factor for DKD, showing the highest odds ratio (OR 1.57 (1.26 - 1.94), P<0.001). RCS analysis revealed a non-linear relationship with a threshold interval effect between the TyG index and DKD risk. When TyG index ≤ 9.35, DKD risk plateaued at a low level; however, when TyG index > 9.35, DKD risk increased gradually with rising TyG index. Among patients with TyG index > 9.35, each 1-unit increase was associated with a 1.94-fold increased DKD risk (OR=1.94 (1.10 - 3.43), P=0.022). Conclusion: The DKD risk presented a threshold effect with the increase of TyG index, initially stable at a low level, and then gradually rising when the TyG index is above 9.35.

The value of lipid accumulation products in predicting type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study on elderlies over 65 in Shanghai.

Purpose: As lifestyle changes, there is an increasing number of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in China. The present study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the lipid accumulation product (LAP) for T2DM in Chinese elderlies over 65 years. Methods: The present cross-sectional study recruited 2,092 adults from communities of Pudong New Area of Shanghai. Questionnaires were filled and anthropometric and laboratory examinations were completed by all participants. The predictive value of different risk factors for T2DM was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC). Results: LAP was found to be closely related to T2DM (adjusted OR: 0.613, 95% CI: 0.581-0.645). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), LAP, and urea nigrogen (UN) were associated with T2DM in females, whereas FPG, LAP, neck circumference (NC) were associated with T2DM in males. When the cut-off value was 33.8, LAP displayed the optimal predictive performance. A gender difference was observed with an LAP of 37.95 demonstrating the best predictive value in males (AUC = 0.604, 95% CI: 0.577-0.652) and 60.2 in females (AUC = 0.617, 95% CI: 0.574-0.660), respectively. Conclusion: LAP is more significantly associated with the risk of T2DM in elderlies than FPG, UN or NC, and it serves as a strong predictor of T2DM. However, this is impacted by FPG and neck circumference to a certain extent. Future large-scale studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in predicting diabetes.

Genome Analysis of Multiple Polysaccharide-Degrading Bacterium Microbulbifer thermotolerans HB226069: Determination of Alginate Lyase Activity.

Polysaccharide-degrading bacteria are key participants in the global carbon cycle and algal biomass recycling. Herein, a polysaccharide lyase-producing strain HB226069 was isolated from Sargassum sp. from Qingge Port, Hainan, China. Results of the phylogenetic of the 16S rRNA gene and genotypic analysis indicated that the isolate should be classified as Microbulbifer thermotolerans. The whole genome is a 4,021,337 bp circular chromosome with a G+C content of 56.5%. Analysis of the predicted genes indicated that strain HB226069 encoded 161 carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), and abundant putative enzymes involved in polysaccharide degradation were predicted, including alginate lyase, fucosidase, agarase, xylanase, cellulase, pectate lyase, amylase, and chitinase. Three of the putative polysaccharide lyases from PL7 and PL17 families were involved in alginate degradation. The alginate lyases of strain HB226069 showed the maximum activity of 117.4 U/mL at 50 °C, pH 7.0, and 0.05 M FeCl3, while exhibiting the best stability at 30 °C and pH 7.0. The Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) analyses indicated that the alginate oligosaccharides (AOSs) degraded by the partially purified alginate lyases contained oligosaccharides of DP2-DP5 and monosaccharide while reacting for 36 h. The complete genome of M. thermotolerans HB226069 enriches our understanding of the mechanism of polysaccharide lyase production and supports its potential application in polysaccharide degradation.

Effects of different anesthesia methods on labor process and postpartum serum estrogen and progesterone levels in primiparas with painless labor.

OBJECTIVE: To look into the effects of different anesthesia methods on the labor process and the expression of serum estrogen and progesterone in primiparas with painless labor. METHODS: 60 primiparas receiving painless labor were selected as the research objects, and they were divided into either a Spinal & Continuous epidural anesthesia group (n = 30) or a continuous epidural anesthesia group (n = 30), anesthesia is administered using the corresponding anesthesia method. The authors compared serum estrogen and progesterone, inflammatory index expression, pain degree and neonatal health status in different periods. RESULTS: At T2 and T3, serum P, LH, FSH and E2 levels in the Spinal & Continuous epidural anesthesia group were signally lower than those in the Spinal & Continuous epidural anesthesia group (p < 0.05). Spinal & Continuous epidural anesthesia group harbored faster onset and longer duration of sensory block and motor block than the Continuous epidural anesthesia group (p < 0.05). SAS and SDS scores of the Spinal & Continuous epidural anesthesia group were clearly lower than those of the Continuous epidural anesthesia group (p < 0.05). VAS score and serum TNF-α, IL-6 levels of pregnant women in the Spinal & Continuous epidural anesthesia group were memorably lower than those in the Continuous epidural anesthesia group at T2 and T3 (p < 0.05). The total incidence of postoperative complications in the Spinal & Continuous epidural anesthesia group was distinctively lower than that in the Continuous epidural anesthesia group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Spinal anesthesia combined with continuous epidural anesthesia has a better anesthesia effect in the painless labor of primiparas, which can effectually ameliorate the labor process and the expression of serum estrogen and progesterone.

Xiao Cheng Qi Decoction, an Ancient Chinese Herbal Mixture, Relieves Loperamide-Induced Slow-Transit Constipation in Mice: An Action Mediated by Gut Microbiota.

Xiao Cheng Qi (XCQ) decoction, an ancient Chinese herbal mixture, has been used in treating slow-transit constipation (STC) for years. The underlying action mechanism in relieving the clinical symptoms is unclear. Several lines of evidence point to a strong link between constipation and gut microbiota. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbial metabolites have been shown to affect 5-HT synthesis by activating the GPR43 receptor localized on intestinal enterochromaffin cells, since 5-HT receptors are known to influence colonic peristalsis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of XCQ in alleviating clinical symptoms in a mouse model of STC induced by loperamide. The application of loperamide leads to a decrease in intestinal transport and fecal water, which is used to establish the animal model of STC. In addition, the relationship between constipation and gut microbiota was determined. The herbal materials, composed of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (Rhizomes of Rheum palmatum L., Polygonaceae) 55.2 g, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (Barks of Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils, Magnoliaceae) 27.6 g, and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Fruitlet of Citrus aurantium L., Rutaceae) 36.0 g, were extracted with water to prepare the XCQ decoction. The constipated mice were induced with loperamide (10 mg/kg/day), and then treated with an oral dose of XCQ herbal extract (2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 g/kg/day) two times a day. Mosapride was administered as a positive drug. In loperamide-induced STC mice, the therapeutic parameters of XCQ-treated mice were determined, i.e., (i) symptoms of constipation, composition of gut microbiota, and amount of short-chain fatty acids in feces; (ii) plasma level of 5-HT; and (iii) expressions of the GPR43 and 5-HT4 receptor in colon. XCQ ameliorated the constipation symptoms of loperamide-induced STC mice. In gut microbiota, the treatment of XCQ in STC mice increased the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Prevotellaceae_UCG_001, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Muribaculaceae, and Roseburia in feces and decreased the relative abundances of Desulfovibrio, Tuzzerella, and Lachnospiraceae_ NK4A136_group. The levels of SCFAs in stools from the STC group were significantly lower than those the control group, and were greatly elevated via treatment with XCQ. Compared with the STC group, XCQ increased the plasma level of 5-HT and the colonic expressions of the GPR43 and 5-HT4 receptor, significantly. The underlying mechanism of XCQ in anti-constipation could be related to the modulation of gut microbiota, the increase in SCFAs, the increase in plasma 5-HT, and the colonic expressions of the GPR43 and 5-HT4 receptor. Our results indicate that XCQ is a potent natural product that could be a therapeutic strategy for constipation.

Shedding Light on the Role of Exosomal PD-L1 (ExoPD-L1) in Cancer Progression: an Update.

Exosomes are the primary category of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are lipid-bilayer vesicles with biological activity spontaneously secreted from either normal or tansformed cells. They serve a crucial role for intercellular communication and affect extracellular environment and the immune system. Tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) enclose high levels of immunosuppressive proteins, including programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). PD-L1 and its receptor PD-1 act as crucial immune checkpoint molecules, thus facilitating tumor advancement by inhibiting immune responses. PDL-1 is abundantly present on tumor cells and interacts with PD-1 on activated T cells, resulting in T cell suppression and allowing immune evasion of cancer cells. Various FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction are commonly used to treat a diverse range of tumors. Although the achieved results are significant, some individuals have a poor reaction to PD-1/PD-L1 blocking. PD-L1-enriched TEXs may mimic the impact of cell-surface PD-L1, consequently potentiating tumor resistance to PD1/PD-L1 based therapy. In light of this, a strong correlation between circulating exosomal PD-L1 levels and response rate to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody treatment has been evinced. This article inspects the function of exosomal PDL-1 in developing resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy for opening new avenues for overcoming tumor resistance to such modalities and development of more favored combination therapy.