Surface Modification of Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene and Applications: A Review.

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is often considered an ideal reinforcing material due to its extraordinary characteristics like high abrasion resistance, excellent toughness, and chemical stability. However, the poor surface properties have significantly hindered the progress of UHMWPE with high performance. This review is intended to introduce the physicochemical mechanisms of UHMWPE interfacial property modification.

Acute heat stress regulates estradiol synthesis in ovine ovarian granulosa cells through the SREBPs/MVK-LHR pathway.

The adverse effects of heat stress on reproductive performance of sheep are becoming increasingly severe. Previous research has revealed that heat stress decreases both cholesterol and estradiol content; however, regulation of estradiol by cholesterol and its regulatory mechanism under heat stress are unclear. Mevalonate kinase (MVK), a key cholesterol synthesis pathway enzyme, binds to the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR; a key gene regulating hormone synthesis) mRNA.

An enzyme-responsive double-locked amonafide prodrug for the treatment of glioblastoma with minimal side effects.

Amonafide (ANF), a topoisomerase II inhibitor and DNA intercalator, has exhibited promise in phase II trials but faces significant limitations due to adverse side effects. Here, we have developed a novel enzyme-triggered fluorogenic prodrug, AcKLP, that incorporates dual-locked enzyme activation, ensuring that the prodrug remains inactive until it confronts the unique enzymatic environment of glioblastoma cells. This approach minimizes premature activation and reduces toxicity to normal cells, with an IC > 100 μM for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and ∼2.

Is Microporous Carbon Confined Nano Si Composite the Best Anode Choice for High-Energy-Density Lithium-Ion Batteries?

Microporous carbon confined nano silicon composites (Si/m-C) are considered to be the best anode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries compared with the other Si-based materials such as SiO, due to high initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and capacity, as well as good cycling stability. However, there is a lack of multilevel comprehensive evaluation of Si/m-C, which poses potential risks to the commercial application. Herein, combined with quantitative titration, mechanical characterization, and bulk/interface evolution analysis, a systematic evolution of commercialized Si/m-C from the particle level to the cylindrical cell level is conducted, revealing the decay mechanism and proposing corresponding solutions.

Mitochondrial DNA copy number associated dementia risk by somatic mutations and frailty.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to physical impairment and dementia. Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) from blood may predict cognitive decline and dementia risk, but the effect of somatic mutations or frailty is unknown. We estimated mtDNAcn using fastMitoCalc and microheteroplasmies using mitoCaller, from Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data.

Association analysis of mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmic variants: Methods and application.

We rigorously assessed a comprehensive association testing framework for heteroplasmy, employing both simulated and real-world data. This framework employed a variant allele fraction (VAF) threshold and harnessed multiple gene-based tests for robust identification and association testing of heteroplasmy. Our simulation studies demonstrated that gene-based tests maintained an appropriate type I error rate at α = 0.

Atractyloside inhibits gefitinib‑resistant non‑small‑cell lung cancer cell proliferation.

Atractyloside is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat nasal congestion, and allergic rhinitis; however, its effects on cancer are unknown. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with high mortality rates worldwide, and relapse due to epidermal growth factor receptor mutations is a problem in clinical therapy. Therefore, novel biomarkers are required for the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.

O-Targeted Carbon Hybrid Orbital Conversion to Produce sp-Rich Closed Pores for Sodium-Storage Hard Carbon.

Biomass-based hard carbon has the advantages of a balanced cost and electrochemical performance, making it the most promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries. However, due to the structural limitations of biomass (such as macropores and impurities), it still faces the problems of low specific capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). Herein, an integrated strategy of biomass liquefaction and oxidation treatment is proposed to fabricate hard carbon with low ash content and sp-rich closed pores.

miR-144-3p Targets GABRB2 to Suppress Thyroid Cancer Progression In Vitro.

Thyroid cancer, as one of the most common cancers in many countries, has attracted increasing attention, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. This research explored the effects of miR-144-3p and GABRB2 on thyroid cancer cells and the underlying mechanism. Gene expression data was obtained from the GEO database to analyze differential expression of mRNAs and miRNAs in patients with thyroid cancer.

Decorating Cage-Shaped Cavities with Carboxyl Groups on Two-Dimensional MOF Nanosheet for Trace Uranium(VI) Trapping.

The efficient and complete extraction of uranium from aqueous solutions is crucial for safeguarding human health from potential radiotoxicity and chemotoxicity. Herein, an ultrathin 2D metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheet with cavity structures was elaborately constructed, based on a calix[4]arene ligand. The large molecular skeleton and cup-shaped feature of the calix[4]arene enabled the as-prepared MOFs with large layer separations, which can be readily delaminated into ultrathin single-layer (∼1.

Mussel-Bioinspired Lignin Adhesive for Wearable Bioelectrodes.

As a natural "binder," lignin fixes cellulose in plants to foster growth and longevity. However, isolated lignin has a poor binding ability, which limits its biomedical applications. In this study, inspired by mussel adhesive proteins, acidic/basic amino acids (AAs) are introduced in alkali lignin (AL) to form ionic-π/spatial correlation interactions, followed by demethylation to create catechol residues for enhanced adhesion activity.

Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha and synthetic RORα agonist against invasion and metastasis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα), an essential tumor suppressor in a range of human malignancies, is classified as a member of the orphan nuclear receptor family. The most prevalent form of oral cancer, tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is characterized by its severe malignancy and unfavorable prognosis. However, the extent to which its tumorigenesis mechanisms are associated with RORα expression levels is still not fully understood.

Beyond Mechanical Protection: The Electron-Shielding Effect of SWCNT for the Stabilized SiO Interface.

The single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) commonly serves as a conductive additive for SiO-based anode materials due to the excellent conductivity and mechanical properties. However, the potential action mechanisms for the SWCNT beyond conductivity and mechanical features have rarely been studied. Herein, an interfacial electron-shielding effect and preferential adsorption to the electrolyte components for the SWCNT are revealed through a series of advanced characterizations and density functional theory (DFT) simulations.

Pixel-wise programmability enables dynamic high-SNR cameras for high-speed microscopy.

High-speed wide-field fluorescence microscopy has the potential to capture biological processes with exceptional spatiotemporal resolution. However, conventional cameras suffer from low signal-to-noise ratio at high frame rates, limiting their ability to detect faint fluorescent events. Here, we introduce an image sensor where each pixel has individually programmable sampling speed and phase, so that pixels can be arranged to simultaneously sample at high speed with a high signal-to-noise ratio.

MRI-derived brain iron, grey matter volume, and risk of dementia and Parkinson's disease: Observational and genetic analysis in the UK Biobank cohort.

Background: Iron overload is observed in neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Homozygotes for the iron-overload (haemochromatosis) causing HFE p.C282Y variant have increased risk of dementia and PD.

An antagonist-based two-photon fluorogenic probe for imaging metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in neuronal cells.

The expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is subject to developmental regulation and undergoes significant changes in neuropsychiatric disorders and diseases. Visualizing mGluR5 by fluorescence imaging is a highly desired innovative technology for biomedical applications. Nevertheless, there are substantial problems with the chemical probes that are presently accessible.

Exposure to emissions generated by 3-dimensional printing with polycarbonate: effects on peripheral vascular function, cardiac vascular morphology and expression of markers of oxidative stress in male rat cardiac tissue.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing with polycarbonate (PC) plastic occurs in manufacturing settings, homes, and schools. Emissions generated during printing with PC stock and bisphenol-A (BPA), an endocrine disrupter in PC, may induce adverse health effects. Inhalation of 3D printer emissions, and changes in endocrine function may lead to cardiovascular dysfunction.

Cascading Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide and -Acetyltransferase 2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Using a Two-Photon Fluorescent Probe.

Hydrogen sulfide (HS), a critical gas signaling molecule, and -acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), a key enzyme in drug metabolism, are both known active biomarkers for liver function. However, the interactions and effects of HS and NAT2 in living cells or lesion sites remain unknown due to the lack of imaging tools to achieve simultaneous detection of these two substances, making it challenging to implement real-time imaging and precise tracking. Herein, we report an activity-based two-photon fluorescent probe, , for the cascade detection of HS and NAT2 in living liver cells.

Activatable Dual-Optical Molecular Probe for Bioimaging Superoxide Anion in Epilepsy.

Superoxide anion (O) plays a pivotal role in the generation of other reactive oxygen species within the body and is closely linked to epilepsy. Despite this connection, achieving precise imaging of O during epilepsy pathology remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we develop an activatable molecular probe, , to track the fluctuation of the level of O in epilepsy through simultaneous fluorescence imaging and chemiluminescence sensing.

Photoinduced arylation or alkylation of 1,2,4-triazine-3,5(2,4)-diones with hydrazines.

A light-induced method is developed for synthesizing azauracils. This method is independent from traditional methodology. Remarkably, this reaction can also be powered by sunlight.

Multisensory gamma stimulation promotes glymphatic clearance of amyloid.

The glymphatic movement of fluid through the brain removes metabolic waste. Noninvasive 40 Hz stimulation promotes 40 Hz neural activity in multiple brain regions and attenuates pathology in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Here we show that multisensory gamma stimulation promotes the influx of cerebrospinal fluid and the efflux of interstitial fluid in the cortex of the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Pulmonary evaluation of whole-body inhalation exposure of polycarbonate (PC) filament 3D printer emissions in rats.

During fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing with polycarbonate (PC) filament, a release of ultrafine particles (UFPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) occurs. This study aimed to determine PC filament printing emission-induced toxicity in rats via whole-body inhalation exposure. Male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to a single concentration (0.

Association analysis of mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmic variants: methods and application.

We rigorously assessed a comprehensive association testing framework for heteroplasmy, employing both simulated and real-world data. This framework employed a variant allele fraction (VAF) threshold and harnessed multiple gene-based tests for robust identification and association testing of heteroplasmy. Our simulation studies demonstrated that gene-based tests maintained an appropriate type I error rate at α=0.