TiCT MXene Composite with Much Improved Stability for Superior Humidity Sensors.

MXenes have attracted tremendous attention in electromagnetic interference shielding, energy storage, and gas and humidity detections because of their ultralarge surface area and abundant functional groups. However, their poor stability against hydration and oxidation makes them challenging for long-term storage and applications. Herein, we proposed and demonstrated a TiCT MXene composite-based humidity sensor, of which the stability is pronouncedly enhanced by introducing an O adsorption competitor of extracted bentonite (EB).

Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicle-Assisted Secure Free Space Optical Transmission in Internet of Things: Intelligent Strategy for Optimal Fairness.

In this article, we consider an UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)-assisted free space optical (FSO) secure communication network. Since FSO signal is impossible to detect by eavesdroppers without proper beam alignment and security authentication, a BS employs FSO technique to transfer information to multiple authenticated sensors, to improve the transmission security and reliability with the help of an UAV relay with decode and forward (DF) mode. All the sensors need to first send information to the UAV to obtain security authentication, and then the UAV forwards corresponding information to them.

Global Identification of Anti-Melanoma Cellular Targets by Photochemically Induced Coupling of Reactions on the Surface of Magnetic Particles.

, an active component of Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst., has remarkable pharmacological effects, particularly in its anti-tumour activity. Nonetheless, the specific targets and mechanisms of action remain to be further explored.

Angiotensin II elicits robust calcium oscillations coordinated within juxtaglomerular cell clusters to suppress renin secretion.

Background: Juxtaglomerular (JG) cells are sensors that control blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte homeostasis. In response to a decrease in perfusion pressure or changes in the composition and/or volume of the extracellular fluid, JG cells release renin, which initiates an enzymatic cascade that culminates in the production of angiotensin II (Ang II), a potent vasoconstrictor that restores blood pressure and fluid homeostasis. In turn, Ang II exerts a negative feedback on renin release, thus preventing excess circulating renin and the development of hypertension.

Development of a two-component recombinant vaccine for COVID-19.

Introduction: Though COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) was declared to be ended by the WHO, it continues to pose a significant threat to human society. Vaccination remains one of the most effective methods for preventing COVID-19. While most of the antigenic regions are found in the receptor binding domain (RBD), the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the S protein is another crucial region for inducing neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against COVID-19.

Ellagic acid-protein nano-complex inhibits tumor growth by reducing the intratumor bacteria and inhibiting histamine production.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding the role of bacteria within tumors and their potential as targets for cancer therapy. In this work, we developed an ellagic acid (EA) - endogenous protein (eP) nanocomposite (eP-EA) to target tumors by EPR (enhanced permeability and retention), kill bacteria within tumors to regulate anti-tumor immune responses. The potential mechanism of eP-EA treatment is associated with the reduced abundance and diversity of microorganisms within the tumor, culminating with an altered metabolism within the Tumor microenvironment (TME).

Highly Efficient Monolithic Perovskite/TOPCon Silicon Tandem Solar Cells Enabled by "Halide Locking".

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs) are promising candidates for commercialization due to their outstanding power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). However, controlling the crystallization process and alleviating the phases/composition inhomogeneity represent a considerable challenge for perovskite layers grown on rough silicon substrates, ultimately limiting the efficiency and stability of TSC. Here, this study reports a "halide locking" strategy that simultaneously modulates the nucleation and crystal growth process of wide bandgap perovskites by introducing a multifunctional ammonium salt, thioacetylacetamide hydrochloride (TAACl), to bind with all types of cations and anions in the mixed halide perovskite precursor.

Forecasting for electricity demand utilizing enhanced inception-V4 using improved Osprey optimization.

This research examines the impact of temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed on the electricity demand. It presents a unique method that combines an Enhanced Inception-V4 model with an Improved Osprey Optimizer to analyze weather-related factors. The combined model, which has been validated from 2003 to 2023, surpasses traditional forecasting techniques and significantly improves prediction accuracy.

Propofol Suppresses Ferroptosis via Modulating eNOS/NO Signaling Pathway to Improve Traumatic Brain Injury.

Purpose: This study aims to explore the neuroprotective effect of propofol in improving traumatic brain injury (TBI) by inhibiting ferroptosis through the modulation of the endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS)/NO signaling pathway.

Methods: The GSE173975 dataset was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes between TBI and sham surgery control groups in the short and long term. A TBI model was established in 2-month-old male SPF C57BL/6 mice by impact exposure of the exposed dura mater.

Solar-Light-Mediated Phototransformation of Herbicide Tribenuron-Methyl Initiated by Its Coexisting Nitrate Ion in Sunlit Agricultural Drainages.

Understanding the environmental fate of chemical herbicides is crucial to sustainable agriculture. Due to their joint-use with nitrogen fertilizers, their residues often coexist with NO in agricultural drainages. In this study, tribenuron-methyl was used as a model to evaluate the role of NO in the phototransformation of chemical herbicides, which was characterized by a two-stage process.

Comparing and analyzing the accuracy and stability of calculating SF6 tracer gas mixing results in mine tunnels using RNG model and DES model through experiments.

The tracer gas wind measurement method must measure the average concentration based on the known mixing distance of the tracer gas in order to accurately calculate the air volume. we established a T-shaped cross-ventilation duct with a square cross-sectional side of 0.3 m to simulate mine tunnels experimentally, and created the above duct model in Fluent software.

Pain management and social functioning limitations among adults with chronic pain by diabetes status: National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2019-2020.

Aims: This study aims to describe pain management technique usage and social functioning limitations among adults with chronic pain by diabetes status.

Methods: The 2019 and 2020 National Health Interview Survey data were pooled to complete this analysis. Use of the following techniques in the past 3 months were measured: 1) prescription opioids; 2) physical, rehabilitative, or occupational therapy; 3) talk therapies; 4) chiropractic care; 5) yoga, Tai Chi, or Qi Gong; 6) massage; and 7) relaxation techniques.

Engineering bacteria for cancer immunotherapy by inhibiting IDO activity and reprogramming CD8+ T cell response.

Inhibiting indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) for anticancer therapy has garnered significant attention in recent years. However, current IDO inhibitors face significant challenges which limit their clinical application. Here, we genetically engineered a high tryptophan-expressing (L-Trp CB) strain that can colonize tumors strictly following systemic administration.

Dexmedetomidine Regulates Macrophage Phenotype Remodeling Through AMPK/SIRT1 to Alleviate Inflammatory Mediators and Lung Injury.

Acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU) and can cause excessive inflammation. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a drug that exerts anti-inflammatory effects. Identifying the anti-inflammatory mechanism of DEX in the context of ALI/ARDS possesses potential significance for the prevention and treatment of ARDS.

Association between serum uric acid and all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Background: The association between serum uric acid (UA) and all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients is conflicting. We investigated this association and explored the effect modification of underlying nutritional status, as reflected in the lean tissue index (LTI) and the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), which serve as markers of muscle mass and nutritional risk in HD patients.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2023.

Cerebrospinal fluid tau and disease progression in early Parkinson's disease: an 8-year longitudinal study.

Objective: To explore whether CSF phosphorylated tau-181 (P-tau181) and total tau (T-tau) are associated with disease progression in early PD patients.

Methods: We analyzed 8-year longitudinal clinical data from 368 early, drug-naive PD patients and 185 matched controls from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative cohort. CSF P-tau181 and T-tau were measured over 5 years, while CSF α-synuclein was measured over 3 years.

Astragaloside IV Alleviates Acute Hepatic Injury by Regulating Macrophage Polarization and Pyroptosis via Activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 Signaling Pathway.

Acute hepatic injury (AHI) is associated with poor prognosis in sepsis patient; however, to date, no specific therapeutic approach has been established for this disease. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effects and action mechanisms of Astragaloside IV (AS) on AHI. C57BL/6 mice, RAW264.

[Study of a case of Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis due to compound heterozygous variants of PPT1 gene].

Objective: To report and analyze a case of Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) due to compound heterozygous variants of PPT1 gene.

Methods: A child who was admitted to the Department of Neurology of West China Hospital of Sichuan University in April 2021 due to "intellectual decline and behavioral abnormalities for more than 5 years and movement disorder for more than 1 year" was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child was collected.

A robust hybrid estimation method for local bearing defect size based on analytical model and morphological analysis.

This paper presents a robust hybrid method using an analytical model and morphological analysis for estimating defect sizes on bearings, addressing inaccuracies in traditional peak-based approaches. First, a spatial contact analytical model is developed to analyze roller movement through defects. Numerical results indicate that radial defect sizes significantly impact dual-impulse intervals for accurate estimation, while axial size has minimal effect.

Quantitative assessment of thalamic damage and serum neurofilament light chain in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Background: The study assessed group differences in the thalamus microstructural parameters among healthy individuals and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and examined the relationship between quantitative MRI (qMRI) parameters and neurological scores, T2 lesion load, and serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels.

Methods: A total of 30 patients with RRMS and 26 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited in this study. The qMRI images were obtained from these individuals.

Artificial trimerization of β-glucosidase for enhanced thermostability and activity via computational redesign.

The improvement of enzyme thermostability is of great significance in the biotechnology industry. Herein, we modified the C-terminus of β-glucosidase via the computer-aided rational design and successfully obtained six variants that exhibit improved optimal temperatures and thermal inactivation half-lives at 65 °C. Among these variants, the thermal inactivation half-life and hydrolytic activity of TrCel1b-H13 at 65 °C were increased by 416 and 3223 folds, respectively, compared to those of the wild type.

Key amino acid residues govern the substrate selectivity of the transporter Xltr1p from for glucose, mannose, and galactose.

This research identified four amino acid residues (Leu174, Asn297, Tyr301, and Gln291) that contribute to substrate recognition by the high-affinity glucose transporter Xltr1p from . Potential hotspots affecting substrate specificity were selected through homology modeling, evolutionary conservation analyses, and substrate-docking modeling of Xltr1p. Variants carrying mutations at these hotspots were subsequently obtained via in silico screening.