Membrane Proteins in Nanodiscs: Methods and Applications.

Membrane proteins, a principal class of drug targets, play indispensable roles in various biological processes and are closely associated with essential life functions. Their study, however, is complicated by their low solubility in aqueous environments and distinctive structural characteristics, necessitating a suitable native-like environment for molecular analysis. Nanodisc technology has revolutionized this field, providing biochemists with a powerful tool to stabilize membrane proteins and significantly enhance their research possibilities.

Pan-cancer analysis shows that TNFSF4 is a potential prognostic and immunotherapeutic biomarker for multiple cancer types including liver cancer.

Background: As a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 4 (TNFSF4) is expressed on antigen-presenting cells and activated T cells by binding to its receptor TNFRSF4. However, tumorigenicity of TNFSF4 has not been studied in pan-cancer. Therefore, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of pan-cancer was performed to determine the mechanisms through which TNFSF4 regulates tumorigenesis.

Multidimensional free shape-morphing flexible neuromorphic devices with regulation at arbitrary points.

Biological neural systems seamlessly integrate perception and action, a feat not efficiently replicated in current physically separated designs of neural-imitating electronics. This segregation hinders coordination and functionality within the neuromorphic system. Here, we present a flexible device tailored for neuromorphic computation and muscle actuation.

Enantioselective construction of silicon-stereogenic vinylsilanes from simple alkenes.

The diverse utility of acyclic vinylsilanes has driven the interest in the synthesis of enantioenriched vinylsilanes bearing a Si-stereogenic center. However, the predominant approaches for catalytic asymmetric generation of Si-stereogenic vinylsilanes have mainly relied on transition metal-catalyzed reactions of alkynes with different silicon sources. Here we successfully realize the enantioselective synthesis of linear silicon-stereogenic vinylsilanes with good yields and enantiomeric ratios from simple alkenes under rhodium catalysis.

Hydrochemical fingerprints and health risk assessment of groundwater contamination in the Bohai Sea region, China.

Seawater intrusion and human activities have significantly impacted coastal groundwater quality in many regions worldwide. This study systematically assessed groundwater chemistry, its suitability for drinking and irrigation (sample size, n = 3034), and exposure risks (n = 2863) across three key sub-regions of the Bohai Sea area: Bohai Bay, Liaodong Bay, and Laizhou Bay. Significant seasonal variations observed in groundwater chemistry at different depths in Bohai Bay region, with severe contamination from salinity-alkalinity and nitrogen-fluoride.

Oral iron sulfide prevents acute alcohol intoxication by initiating the endogenous multienzymatic antioxidant defense system.

Acute alcohol intoxication could cause multiorgan damage, including nervous, digestive, and cardiovascular systems, and in particular, irreversible damage to the brain and liver. Emerging studies have revealed that the endogenous multienzymatic antioxidant defense system (MEAODS) plays a central role in preventing oxidative stress and other toxicological compounds produced by alcohol. However, few available drugs could quickly regulate MEAODS.

Bioceramics for Guided Bone Regeneration: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: To compare the clinical effectiveness of a novel bioceramic (BC) with a control xenograft (BO) for guided bone regeneration (GBR) performed simultaneously with implant placement.

Materials And Methods: This clinical study enrolled patients with insufficient bone volume who required GBR during implant placement to increase bone width using either BC or BO. Outcome measures included a dimensional reduction in buccal bone thickness measured by cone beam computed tomography performed immediately post-surgery and at 6 months postoperatively (ΔHBBT), soft tissue healing at 14 days, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively, and complications rates.

Protocol for evaluating humoral immune responses in mice following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Binding and neutralizing antibodies are critical indicators of protection against viral pathogens and are essential for assessing the immunogenicity and efficacy of a vaccine. Here, we present a protocol comprising two assays for measuring the spike-specific binding and neutralizing antibodies in mouse plasma following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination. We describe steps for determining binding antibody titers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and assessing neutralizing antibody titers through a pseudovirus neutralization assay.

Targeting CD45 by gene-edited CAR T cells for leukemia eradication and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation preconditioning.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is widely used to treat patients with life-threatening hematologic and immune system disorders. Current nontargeted chemo-/radiotherapy conditioning regimens cause tissue injury and induce an array of immediate and delayed adverse effects, limiting the application of this life-saving treatment. The growing demand to replace canonical conditioning regimens has led to the development of alternative approaches, such as antibody-drug conjugates, naked antibodies, and CAR T cells.

Multifocality increases the risk of central compartment lymph node metastasis but is not related to the risk of recurrence and death in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Background: Multifocality is a distinctive feature of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC); however, the biological behavior of PTC and its optimal management strategy remain unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical features and prognostic differences of multifocal papillary carcinoma and to guide the precise treatment of multifocal papillary carcinoma.

Methods: The medical records of 1,139 patients with PTC who had undergone total or hemi-thyroidectomy between April and October 2013 at the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital were reviewed.

2D MXenes: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications in Silicon-Based Optoelectronic Devices.

MXenes, a rapidly emerging class of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have attracted significant attention for their outstanding properties, including high electrical conductivity, tunable work function, and solution processability. These characteristics have made MXenes highly versatile and widely adopted in the next generation of optoelectronic devices, such as perovskite and organic solar cells. However, their integration into silicon-based optoelectronic devices remains relatively underexplored, despite silicon's dominance in the semiconductor industry.

Creating a Halotolerant Degrader for Efficient Mineralization of p-Nitrophenol-Substituted Organophosphorus Pesticides in High-Saline Wastewater.

The bioaugmentation performance is severely reduced in the treatment of high-saline pesticide wastewater because the growth and degradation activity of pesticide degraders are significantly inhibited by high salt concentrations. In this study, a heterologous biodegradation pathway comprising the seven genes mpd/pnpABCDEF responsible for the bioconversion of p-nitrophenol (PNP)-substituted organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) into β-oxoadipate and the genes encoding Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) were integrated into the genome of a salt-tolerant chassis Halomonas cupida J9, to generate a genetically engineered halotolerant degrader J9U-MP. RT-PCR assays demonstrated that the nine exogenous genes are successfully transcribed to mRNA in J9U-MP.

Relationship Between Axial Length and Retinal Oxygen Dynamics in Adults With Myopia.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between axial length (AL) and retinal oxygen dynamic parameters in adult patients.

Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study with 79 Chinese adults with myopia aged 18 to 37 years. All participants underwent AL measurements, cycloplegic refraction, and other ophthalmic examinations.

A Dual-Mode Colorimetric and Fluorescence Biosensor Based on a Nucleic Acid Multiplexing Platform for the Detection of .

() is one of the most prevalent threats, capable of inducing diverse illnesses and presenting a serious threat to public health. Herein, we demonstrate a novel dual-mode colorimetric/fluorescence biosensor based on the xponential mplification reaction and trand isplacement eactions (EASDR), which has multiplexing capability that significantly promotes the anchoring and trapping of Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) and fluorescent dyes for sensitive detection of (). The method works by targeting specific bacteria with aptamers and promoting repeated EASDR to affect the immobilization of Pt NPs and fluorescent dyes in the orifice plate, which could produce changes in fluorescence and colorimetric signals.

Ultrabright aggregation-induced materials for the highly sensitive detection of Ag and T-2 toxin.

Heavy metals and mycotoxins are important contaminants in food pollution. Sensitive, reliable, and rapid detection of heavy metals and mycotoxins is crucial for human health. In this work, imidazole-functionalized aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecule tetra-(4-pyridylphenyl) ethylene (TPPE) was used as a precise and specific probe for Ag detection, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.

Interlayer Spacing Optimization Combined with Zinc-Philic Engineering Fostering Efficient Zn Storage of VCT MXenes for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

As emerging cutting-edge energy storage technologies, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have garnered extensive research attention for its high safety, low cost, abundant raw materials, and, eco-friendliness. Nevertheless, the commercialization of AZIBs is mainly limited by insufficient development of cathode materials. Among potential candidates, MXene-based materials stand out as a promising option for their unique combination of hydrophilicity and conductivity.

Scalable synthesis of (±)-gregatin A a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition strategy.

A 6-step gram-scale synthesis of the fungal polyketide (±)-gregatin A is described. The synthetic route features an intermolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, a Mo-mediated disconnection of the isoxazole skeleton, and an acid-mediated deprotection/enamine hydrolysis and hemiketalization cascade.

Discovery of indole analogue Tc3 as a potent pyroptosis inducer and identification of its combination strategy against hepatic carcinoma.

Hepatic carcinoma, one of the most malignant cancers in the world, has limited success with immunotherapy and a poor prognosis in patients. While pyroptosis is considered as a promising immunotherapy strategy for tumors, it still suffers from a lack of effective inducers. We designed, synthesized and screened an indole analogue, , featuring a 2, 4-thiazolidinedione substituted indole scaffold.

Unveiling urinary extracellular vesicle mRNA signature for early diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer (BC) ranks as one of the most prevalent cancers. Its early diagnosis is clinically essential but remains challenging due to the lack of reliable biomarkers. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry abundant biological cargoes from parental cells, rendering them as promising cancer biomarkers.

The application of a virtual rubber dam isolation training system in dental preclinical education.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of a virtual rubber dam isolation training system in enhancing preclinical dental education.

Methods: A total of 28 Grade 4 undergraduate dental students were randomly divided into two groups: a virtual simulation priority group and a conventional phantom-head priority group. The virtual simulation priority group underwent virtual simulation training initially, followed by conventional phantom-head training.

Light-induced Enhancement of Energetic Charge Carrier Extraction and Modulation of Local Charge Density to Impact Selectivity in Plasmonic Nanometals.

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) metals exhibit remarkable light-absorbing property and unique catalytic activity, attracting significant attention in photocatalysts recently. However, the practical application of plasmonic nanometal is hindered by challenge of energetic electrons extraction and low selectivity. The energetic carriers generated in nanometal under illumination have extremely short lifetimes, leading to rapid energy loss.

Hysteroscopy combined with laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of omentum majus incarceration secondary to uterine perforation: A case report and literature review.

Cervical dilatation, uterine evacuation, and curettage (D&E&C) are common gynecological procedures for abortion, yet they carry risks of complications such as uterine perforation and intra-abdominal organ incarceration. Here, we report a rare case of a breastfeeding patient who had an embedded abdominal greater omentum in the anterior wall of the uterus and into the uterine cavity during D&E&C. We used combined hysteroscopic and laparoscopic treatment for this case and successfully removed the embedded greater omentum.

Nuclear adenine activates hnRNPA2B1 to enhance antibacterial innate immunity.

Bacterial infection reprograms cellular metabolism and epigenetic status, but how the metabolic-epigenetic crosstalk empowers host antibacterial defense remains unclear. Here, we report that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (hnRNPA2B1) is a sensor for metabolite adenine to launch an antimicrobial innate response through increasing Il1b transcription. Myeloid cell-specific Hnrnpa2b1-cKO mice are more susceptible to bacterial infection, while interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) supplementation rescues the phenotype.

Assembly-enhanced recognition: A biomimetic pathway to achieve ultrahigh affinities.

On the one hand, nature utilizes hierarchical assemblies to create complex biological binding pockets, enabling ultrastrong recognition toward substrates in aqueous solutions. On the other hand, chemists have been fervently pursuing high-affinity recognition by constructing covalently well-preorganized stereoelectronic cavities. The potential of noncovalent assembly, however, for enhancing molecular recognition has long been underestimated.

Current applications and research trends of ultrasound examination in acute kidney injury assessment: a bibliometric analysis.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant clinical condition, and ultrasound examination has emerged as a crucial non-invasive imaging method for assessing kidney status, especially in its diagnosis and management. This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis to clarify current research trends in ultrasound assessment of AKI.

Methods: We conducted a literature search in the Web of Science database using keywords related to ultrasound examinations of acute kidney injury, up to November 15, 2023.