Targeted FTO knockout in endothelial cells Boosts adhesion and lowers inflammatory infiltration to alleviate pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a syndrome characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and elevated pulmonary artery pressure, ultimately leading to right heart failure and even death. Increasing evidence implicates the fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) in various metabolic and inflammatory pathways; however, its role in pulmonary endothelial function and PAH remains largely unexplored. In this study, we examined the effects of endothelial cell-specific FTO knockout on PAH development.

Polylactic Acid Micro/Nanoplastic Exposure Induces Male Reproductive Toxicity by Disrupting Spermatogenesis and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Mice.

Although considered an "eco-friendly" biodegradable plastic, polylactic acid (PLA) microplastic (PLA-MP) poses a growing concern for human health, yet its effects on male reproductive function remain underexplored. This study investigated the reproductive toxicity of PLA in male mice and its potential mechanisms. To this end, our in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that after degradation in the digestive system, a significant number of PLA-MP-derived nanoparticles could penetrate the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and localize within the spermatogenic microenvironment.

Gold(I)-Catalyzed 2-Deoxy-β-glycosylation via 1,2-Alkyl/Arylthio Migration: Synthesis of Velutinoside A Pentasaccharide.

2-Deoxy-β-glycosides are essential components of natural products and pharmaceuticals; however, the corresponding 2-deoxy-β-glycosidic bonds are challenging to chemically construct. Herein, we describe an efficient catalytic protocol for synthesizing 2-deoxy-β-glycosides via either IPrAuNTf-catalyzed activation of a unique 1,2--positioned C2--propargyl xanthate (OSPX) leaving group or (PhO)PAuNTf-catalyzed activation of a 1,2--C2--alkynylbenzoate (OABz) substituent of the corresponding thioglycosides. These activation processes trigger 1,2-alkyl/arylthio-migration glycosylation, enabling the synthesis of structurally diverse 2-deoxy-β-glycosides under mild reaction conditions.

Surface-Sensitive Waveguide Imaging for In Situ Analysis of Membrane Protein Binding Kinetics.

Ligand binding to membrane proteins initiates numerous therapeutic processes. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR), a popular method for analyzing molecular interactions, has emerged as a promising tool for in situ determination of membrane protein binding kinetics owing to its label-free detection, high surface sensitivity, and resistance to intracellular interference. However, the excitation of SPR relies on noble metal films, typically gold, which are biologically incompatible and can cause fluorescence quenching.

Advances in RNA editing in hematopoiesis and associated malignancies.

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is a prevalent RNA modification essential for cell survival. The process is catalyzed by the Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA (ADAR) enzyme family that converts adenosines in double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) into inosines, which are read as guanosines during translation. Deep sequencing has helped to reveal that A-to-I editing occurs across various types of RNAs to affect their functions.

Carbonate fluorapatite coatings on phillipsite represent a significant sink of phosphorus in abyssal plains of the western Pacific Ocean.

As an essential micronutrient, phosphorus plays a key role in oceanic biogeochemistry, with its cycling intimately connected to the global carbon cycle and climate change. Authigenic carbonate fluorapatite (CFA) has been suggested to represent a significant phosphorus sink in the deep ocean, but its formation mechanisms in oceanic low-productivity settings remain poorly constrained. Applying X-ray absorption near edge structure, transmission electron microscopy, and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer analyses, we report a unique mineral assemblage where CFA crystals coat phillipsite in abyssal sediments of the East Mariana Basin and the Philippine Sea.

Rational Design of Nanozymes for Engineered Cascade Catalytic Cancer Therapy.

Nanozymes have shown significant potential in cancer catalytic therapy by strategically catalyzing tumor-associated substances and metabolites into toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) , thereby inducing oxidative stress and promoting cancer cell death. However, within the complex tumor microenvironment (TME), the rational design of nanozymes and factors like activity, reaction substrates, and the TME itself significantly influence the efficiency of ROS generation. To address these limitations, recent research has focused on exploring the factors that affect activity and developing nanozyme-based cascade catalytic systems, which can trigger two or more cascade catalytic processes within tumors, thereby producing more therapeutic substances and achieving efficient and stable cancer therapy with minimal side effects.

Protozoa-enhanced conjugation frequency alters the dissemination of soil antibiotic resistance.

Protozoa, as primary predators of soil bacteria, represent an overlooked natural driver in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. However, the effects of protozoan predation on antibiotic resistance genes dissemination at the community level, along with the underlying mechanisms, remain unclear. Here we used fluorescence-activated cell sorting, qPCR, combined with metagenomics and reverse transcription quantitative PCR, to unveil how protozoa (Colpoda steinii and Acanthamoeba castellanii) influence the plasmid-mediated transfer of antibiotic resistance genes to soil microbial communities.

Discovery of Metabolic Reprogramming 2-Quinolones as Effective Antimicrobials for MRSA-Infected Wound Therapy.

To date, the abuse of antibiotics and a gradual decline in novel antibiotic discovery enlarge the threat of drug-resistant bacterial infections, especially methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Herein, inspired by the unique structures and antibacterial activities of 2-quinolones, a class of novel 2-quinolones with substituted pyridines was synthesized. Notably, compound , the derivative with a methylpyridine fragment, showed potent antibacterial and antibiofilm activities, especially for MRSA strains (MIC = 0.

Solidified lake sediment with industrial waste and construction waste used as barrier cover material: mechanical strength, water resistance performance, and microscopic analysis.

This study introduces a novel landfill cover material, employing lake sediment as a substrate, stabilised with fly ash, slag, desulfurisation gypsum and construction waste. The mechanical properties, including shear strength parameters, unconfined compressive strength, hydraulic conductivity, volumetric shrinkage, and water content, of the solidified sludge were evaluated. The microscopic mechanism of the solidified sludge were investigated through XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDS techniques.

Supraspinal facilitation of painful stimuli by glutamatergic innervation from the retrosplenial to the anterior cingulate cortex.

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is recognized as a pivotal cortical region involved in the perception of pain. The retrosplenial cortex (RSC), located posterior to the ACC, is known to play a significant role in navigation and memory processes. Although the projections from the RSC to the ACC have been found, the specifics of the synaptic connections and the functional implications of the RSC-ACC projections remain less understood.

PbOI: A Lead Oxyhalide IR Optical Crystal with an Unprecedented [OPb] Chain Featuring a Wide Transmittance Range and Large Birefringence.

Among the infrared (IR) optical material systems, the heavy-metal oxyhalide system has become an emerging system in recent years. Introducing heavy-metal cations and halogen anions with large atomic numbers is conducive to widening the IR transparency window and improving the birefringence value. Our experiments focus on the PbO-PbI system and find a new lead oxyhalide, PbOI.

An evolutionary game theory analysis on the environmental impact of discharging Fukushima's nuclear wastewater: International stakeholders and strategic dynamics.

On August 24, 2023, Japan controversially decided to discharge nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean, initiating intense domestic and global debates. This study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating quantitative evolutionary game theory and qualitative data analysis to explore the strategic dynamics among Japan, other nations, and the Japan Fisheries Association regarding this decision. The data includes international environmental reports and economic statistics, served as the basis for simulating decision-making processes under various legal, economic, and environmental pressures.

Green Manufacture of Hydrated Polymers Coatings with On-Demand Mechanics and Lubricity Based on Novel Biobased Polymerizable Deep Eutectic Solvents.

The aging population necessitates a critical need for medical devices, where polymers-based surface lubrication coating is essential for optimal functionality. In fact, lubrication and mechanical requirements vary depending on the service environment of different medical devices. Until now, key mean is still blank for general preparation of hydrophilic polymers-based lubrication coatings with on-demand mechanics and lubricity.

METTL3 Potentiates M2 Macrophage-Driven MMT to Aggravate Renal Allograft Fibrosis via the TGF-β1/Smad3 Pathway.

METTL3, a key enzyme in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, plays a crucial role in the progression of renal fibrosis, particularly in chronic active renal allograft rejection (CAR). This study explored the mechanisms by which METTL3 promotes renal allograft fibrosis, focusing on its role in the macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT). Using a comprehensive experimental approach, including TGF-β1-induced MMT cell models, METTL3 conditional knockout (METTL3 KO) mice, and renal biopsy samples from patients with CAR, the study investigates the involvement of METTL3/Smad3 axis in driving MMT and renal fibrosis during the episodes of CAR.

The Ubiquitin Ligase CHIP Accelerates Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Metastasis via the Transgelin-Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Axis.

The carboxyl-terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein (CHIP) plays crucial roles in tumorigenesis and immunity, with previous studies suggesting a double-edged sword in thyroid cancer. However, its precise functions and underlying molecular mechanisms in thyroid cancer remained unclear. Here, we demonstrate through immunohistochemistry (IHC) that CHIP expression progressively increases from normal thyroid tissue to primary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and lymph node metastases, with CHIP levels positively correlating with lymph node metastasis ( = 0.

Spatioselective Imaging of Noncoding RNAs in Mitochondria via an Organelle-Specific DNA Assembly Strategy.

Precise imaging of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in specific organelles allows decoding of their functions at subcellular level but lacks advanced tools. Here we present a DNA-based nanobiotechnology for spatially selective imaging of ncRNA (e.g.

Clinical value of aortic arch morphology in transfemoral TAVR: artificial intelligence evaluation.

Background: The impact of aortic arch (AA) morphology on the management of the procedural details and the clinical outcomes of the transfemoral artery (TF)-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has not been evaluated. The goal of this study was to evaluate the AA morphology of patients who had TF-TAVR using an artificial intelligence algorithm and then to evaluate its predictive value for clinical outcomes.

Materials And Methods: A total of 1480 consecutive patients undergoing TF-TAVR using a new-generation transcatheter heart valve at 12 institutes were included in this retrospective study.

Multimodal assessment predicts cognitive impairment after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Risk factors and mechanisms of cognitive impairment (CI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are unclear. This study used a neuropsychological battery, MRI, ERP and CSF and plasma biomarkers to predict long-term cognitive impairment after aSAH.

Materials And Methods: 214 patients hospitalized with aSAH (n = 125) or unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) (n = 89) were included in this prospective cohort study.

Developing predictive nomogram models using quantitative electroencephalography for brain function in type a aortic dissection: a prospective observational study.

Background: Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) remains a significant challenge in cardiac surgery, presenting high risks of adverse outcomes such as permanent neurological dysfunction and mortality despite advances in medical technology and surgical techniques. This study investigates the use of quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) to monitor and predict neurological outcomes during the perioperative period in TAAD patients.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the hospital, involving patients undergoing TAAD surgery from February 2022 to January 2023.

Synergistic Effect of Boron Doping and Porous Structures on Titanium Dioxide for Efficient Photocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Nitrogen in Pure Water.

Photocatalytic reduction of nitrate to N holds great significance for environmental governance. However, the selectivity of nitrate reduction to N is influenced by sacrificial agents and the kinds of cocatalysts (such as Pt and Ag). The presence of unconsumed sacrificial agents can aggravate environmental pollution, while noble metal-based cocatalysts increase application costs.

Immersion Phase-Change Liquid Cooling Devices Based on Copper Microgroove/Nanocone Composite Structure.

Along with the rapid development of the digital economy and artificial intelligence, heat sinks available for immersion phase-change liquid cooling (IPCLC) of chips are facing huge challenges. Here, we design a high-performance IPCLC heat sink based on a copper microgroove/nanocone (MGNC) composite structure. Maximal heat fluxes () of the MGNC structure, microgroove structure, and flat copper reach 112.

Rare-earth oxide promoted Pd electrocatalyst for formic acid oxidation.

The development of Pd-based materials with high activity and long-term stability is crucial for their practical applications as an anode catalyst in direct formic acid fuel cells. Herein, we reveal that the catalytic activity of Pd towards formic acid oxidation can be enhanced by incorporation of a series of rare-earth oxides, including ScO, CeO, LaO, and PrO. For example, Pd nanoparticles incorporated with ScO supported on nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (Pd-ScO/N-rGO-, = 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1, and 3/2; "" denotes the molar ratio of Pd : Sc) can be obtained using a sodium borohydride reduction method.

Piezo-Capacitive Flexible Pressure Sensor with Magnetically Self-Assembled Microneedle Array.

Flexible pressure sensors are pivotal in advancing artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and wearable technologies. While microstructuring the functional layer of these sensors effectively enhances their performance, current fabrication methods often require complex equipment and time-consuming processes. Herein, we present a novel magnetization-induced self-assembly method to develop a magnetically grown microneedle array as a dielectric layer for flexible capacitive pressure sensors.

Palladium-Catalyzed Alkoxycarbonylation of Alcohols for the Synthesis of Cyclobutanecarboxylates with α-Quaternary Carbon Centers.

A palladium-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation with two different alcohols for the synthesis of cyclobutanecarboxylates bearing an α-quaternary carbon center is presented. The reaction utilizes readily accessible starting materials, tolerates a broad scope of functional groups, and provides a straightforward and efficient approach for the synthesis of a diverse array of cyclobutanecarboxylates bearing an α-quaternary carbon. Meanwhile, this strategy effectively prevents the transition-metal-catalyzed ring-opening of cyclobutanols, preserves the cyclobutane framework, and affords 1,1-disubstituted cyclobutanecarboxylates in high yields with excellent regioisomeric ratios.