Insect metamorphosis and chitin metabolism under miRNA regulation: a review with current advances.

Insect metamorphosis is a complex developmental process regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) and hormonal signaling pathways. Key genes driving insect ontogenic changes are precisely modulated by miRNAs, which interact with 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) to coordinate developmental transitions. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in understanding miRNA biogenesis, their regulatory roles in gene expression, and their involvement in critical biological processes, including metamorphosis and chitin metabolism.

Electrosynthesis of Atomically Precise Au Nanoclusters.

Innovation in synthesis methodologies is crucial for advancing the discovery of new materials. This work reports the electrosynthesis of a [Au(4-BuPhC≡C)(Dppe)]Cl nanocluster (Au NC) protected by alkynyl and phosphine ligands. From simple precursor, HAuCl and ligands, the whole synthesis is driven by a constant potential in single electrolytic cell.

Organelle-targeted BODIPY-conjugated platinum(IV) anticancer prodrugs for overcoming drug resistance.

Platinum-based chemotherapy, despite being a cornerstone of cancer treatment, faces significant challenges due to acquired drug resistance. To address this issue, we have designed three organelle-targeting platinum(IV) prodrugs conjugated with BODIPY fluorophores, enabling spatiotemporal control through green light irradiation. These BODIPY-Pt(IV) conjugates exhibit excellent stability in PBS buffer, demonstrating resilience under physiological conditions.

Genome-Wide Association Studies Reveal the Genetic Architecture of Ionomic Variation in Grains of Tartary Buckwheat.

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is esteemed as a medicinal crop due to its high nutritional and health value. However, the genetic basis for the variations in Tartary buckwheat grain ionome remains inadequately understood. Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on grain ionome, 52 genetic loci are identified associated with 10 elements undergoing selection.

Controversy and multiple roles of the solitary nucleus receptor Nur77 in disease and physiology.

Neuron-derived clone 77 (Nur77), a member of the orphan nuclear receptor family, is expressed and activated rapidly in response to diverse physiological and pathological stimuli. It exerts complex biological functions, including roles in the nervous system, genome integrity, cell differentiation, homeostasis, oxidative stress, autophagy, aging, and infection. Recent studies suggest that Nur77 agonists alleviate symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in such conditions.

Spermidine alleviates copper-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and cuproptosis in the liver.

Copper exposure poses potential detrimental effects on both public and ecosystem health. Spermidine, an antioxidant, has shown promise in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation within the liver. However, its specific role in mitigating copper-induced hepatic cuproptosis and disturbances in copper metabolism remains unexplored.

Exploring the impact of RPN1 on tumorigenesis and immune response in cancer.

The ribophorin family, including RPN1, has been associated with tumor progression, but its specific role in pan-cancer dynamics remains unclear. Using data from TCGA, GTEx, and Ualcan databases, we investigated the relationship of RPN1 with prognosis, genomic alterations, and epigenetic modifications across various cancers. Differential analysis revealed elevated RPN1 expression in multiple cancer types, indicating a potential prognostic value.

Potential biological roles of exosomal non-coding RNAs in breast cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumors among women, accounting for 24.5% of all cancer cases and leading to 15.5% of cancer-related mortality.

Protective effects of Paeonia suffruticosa callus extract in skin through anti-inflammation and repair UVB-induced damage.

Objective: The study investigated effects of peony callus extracts (PCE) on the protective efficacy against Ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoageing, using in vitro and in vivo studies. The research focused on PCE's ability to protect against inflammatory factors, DNA damage and accumulation of senescent cells, along with the evaluation of the extract's potential anti-photoageing benefits to skin.

Methods: Human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT cells), mast cells and fibroblasts were used to evaluate the role of PCE in anti-photoageing.

Temporal Profiling of Male Cortical Astrocyte Transcription Predicts Molecular Shifts From Early Development to Aging.

Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell type in the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are born during the early postnatal period in the rodent brain and mature alongside neurons, demonstrating remarkable morphological structural complexity, which is attained in the second postnatal month. Throughout this period of development and across the remainder of the lifespan, astrocytes participate in CNS homeostasis, support neuronal partners, and contribute to nearly all aspects of CNS function.

Updated Insights Into the Mechanism of Salt-Induced Aggregation-Based Single-Molecule Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

Since its discovery in 1997, the single molecule surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SM-SERS) has attracted wide interest owing to its enormous potential in many fields. However, the commercialized applications of SM-SERS are still limited by the lack of a clear understanding of the relevant mechanism in the famous SM-SERS experiments. In this study, a salt-gradient model is proposed to deeply investigate the physical nature and update insights into the morphological, structural, and component evolution processes of Ag NPs from dispersed nanostructures to aggregation states in the salt-induced aggregation SERS strategy.

Interface Engineering for High Strength and High Toughness Ceramic Matrix Composites.

Ceramics exhibit exceptional strength, hardness, and structural stability, rendering them indispensable as aerospace, national defense, and biomedical applications. However, the presence of robust covalent or ionic bonds within the ceramic leads to its inherent poor fracture toughness. The incorporation of toughening phases into ceramics is widely recognized as an optimal toughening strategy for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) based on chemical means, with the interplay between toughening phase and ceramic at the interface playing a crucial role in achieving superior mechanical properties.

On-site genetic diagnosis for the invasive pest Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius) and its possible application.

Background: Forests in nearly all regions worldwide are affected by invasions of non-native bark beetles. Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius) is a globally invasive bark beetle that stealthily jeopardizes pine health and spreads worldwide insidiously. The worldwide occurrence of Hylurgus ligniperda challenges trade in pine logs or wooden materials.

Treat-And-Extend Versus Pro Re Nata Regimen of Intravitreal Conbercept Injection for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Results from COCOA, a Prospective, Open-Label, Multicenter, Randomized Phase IV Clinical Trial.

Purpose: To evaluate and contrast the effectiveness and safety of two conbercept treatment protocols-a three-dose treat-and-extend (3+T&E) regimen and a three-dose pro re nata (3+PRN) regimen-in Chinese patients diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Methods: Eligible patients, who had not undergone anti-VEGF intraocular injections within 3 months prior to enrollment, were randomly assigned to either the 3+T&E or 3+PRN regimen. The 3+T&E group received at least three monthly injections, with subsequent visit intervals extended based on disease activity assessment.

Tailoring OER/ORR activity in TMN catalysts through first-/second-shell nitrogen doping: a density functional theory investigation.

Proposing an effective modification strategy to optimize catalyst reaction potentials is crucial for enhancing catalytic performance. In this study, we employed a combined approach by adjusting nitrogen dopants in the first- and second-shell environments to tailor the OER/ORR reaction potentials of FeN, CoN, and NiN active centers. Using density functional theory simulations, we systematically compared the effects of first- and second-shell nitrogen dopants on the local atomic/electronic structures and catalytic activities.

Lithium Bond-Mediated Molecular Cascade Hydrogel for Injury-Free and Repositionable Adhesive Bioelectronic Interfaces.

Flexible bioelectronic interfaces with adhesive properties are essential for advancing modern medicine and human-machine interactions. However, achieving both stable adhesion and non-damaging detachment remains a significant challenge. In this study, a lithium bond-mediated molecular cascade hydrogel (LMCH) for bioelectronic interfaces is designed, which facilitates robust adhesion at the tissue level and permits atraumatic detachment for repositioning as required.

Carboxyl-CNTs Act as "Defensive Shield" to Boost Proton Insertion for Stable and Fast-Charging Aqueous Zn-Mn Batteries.

Proton insertion mechanism with fast reaction kinetics is attracting more and more attention for high-rate and durable aqueous Zn─MnO batteries. However, hydrated Zn insertion reaction accompanied with Jahn-Teller effect and Mn disproportionation generally leads to sluggish rate capability and irreversible structure transformation. Here, carboxyl-carbon nanotubes supported α-MnO nanoarrays (C─MnO) cathode is successfully fabricated by a convent grinding process for high-performance Zn batteries.

March2 Alleviates Aortic Aneurysm/Dissection by Regulating PKM2 Polymerization.

Background: Aortic aneurysm/dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening disease lacking effective pharmacological treatment. Protein ubiquitination plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular diseases. However, the possible contribution of the E3 ubiquitin ligase March2 (membrane-associated RING finger protein 2) to the cause of AAD remains elusive.

Recommendations for Design, Execution, and Reporting of Studies on Experimental Thoracic Aortopathy in Preclinical Models.

There is a recent dramatic increase in research on thoracic aortic diseases that includes aneurysms, dissections, and rupture. Experimental studies predominantly use mice in which aortopathy is induced by chemical interventions, genetic manipulations, or both. Many parameters should be deliberated in experimental design in concert with multiple considerations when providing dimensional data and characterization of aortic tissues.

Root morphology, exudate patterns, and mycorrhizal symbiosis are determinants to improve phosphorus acquisition in alfalfa.

Differences in phosphorus (P) utilisation efficiency (PUtE) and/or yield are closely linked to differences in root functional traits under low soil P availability. However, our understanding of how soil P availability mediates the intraspecific variation in root functional traits for breeding high-P efficiency genotypes to increase PUtE and yield remains limited. We investigated that plant growth parameters and pivotal root functional traits associated with P acquisition in 20 alfalfa genotypes with contrasting P efficiencies and supplied with low, medium or high levels of P.

Intratumoral Injection of R848 and Poly(I:C) Synergistically Promoted Antitumour Immune Responses by Reprogramming Macrophage Polarization and Activating DCs in Lung Cancer.

Introduction: Immunotherapy has rapidly become a primary treatment option for many lung cancer patients because of its success in treating this prevalent and deadly disease. However, the success of immunotherapy relies on overcoming the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, making remodelling this environment a potential strategy for lung cancer therapy. Research suggests that Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists can impede tumour growth by promoting the conversion of tumour-associated macrophages into an M1-like state or enhancing dendritic cell development.

Cascade-Responsive Nanoprodrug Disrupts Immune-Fibroblast Communications for Potentiated Cancer Mechanoimmunotherapy.

The abnormal tumor mechanical microenvironment due to specific cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) subset and low tumor immunogenicity caused by inefficient conversion of active chemotherapeutic agents are two key obstacles that impede patients with desmoplastic tumors from achieving stable and complete immune responses. Herein, it is demonstrated that FAP-αCAFs-induced stromal stiffness accelerated tumor progression by precluding cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Subsequently, a cascade-responsive nanoprodrug capable of re-educating FAP-αCAFs and amplifying tumor immunogenicity for potentiated cancer mechanoimmunotherapy is ingeniously designed.

Flexible Patterned Fuel Cell Patches Stimulate Nerve and Myocardium Restoration.

The distribution of electrical potentials and current in exogenous electrostimulation has significant impacts on its effectiveness in promoting tissue repair. However, there is still a lack of a flexible, implantable power source capable of generating customizable patterned electric fields for in situ electrostimulation(electrical stimulation). Herein, this study reports a fuel cell patch (FCP) that can provide in situ electrostimulation and a hypoxic microenvironment to promote tissue repair synergistically.

Controlled Modulation of Intrinsic Electron Response in C/CoT Nanoplates Toward Multispectral Excitation Devices.

Electromagnetic materials with adjustable dielectric and magnetic properties are constantly sought after in electronic and industrial fields. In this study, an innovative strategy that customizes anchored Co-based nanoparticles to optimize the electronic behaviors is proposed for the first time, enabling a controllable and high-efficiency evolution of the macroscopic electromagnetic response of Co-based (C/CoT) nanoplates across the X-ray, light in the solar band and gigahertz band. Specifically, in the gigahertz band, the C/Co and C/CoSe nanoplates with high-power loss capabilities can effectively attenuate and convert electromagnetic energy into heat energy, which not only prevents space electromagnetic radiation but also powers energy for various electromagnetic devices such as thermoelectric generators and microwave actuators.

Dual-Carriers of Tartary Buckwheat-Derived Exosome-Like Nanovesicles Synergistically Regulate Glucose Metabolism in the Intestine-Liver Axis.

The utilization of plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNs) as nanocarriers for oral delivery of bioactives has garnered significant attention. However, their distinctive lipid membrane composition may result in elevated membrane permeability within the gastrointestinal environment, leading to the leakage of carried bioactives. Inspired by the concept of projectile design, Tartary buckwheat-derived ELNs (TB-ELNs) based dual-carriers are fabricated by loading chlorogenic acid (CGA) into the cores and bonding selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) to the lipid membrane.