Pharmacokinetic analysis on compatibility of Atractylodes macrocephala and Paeoniae radix herb pair ameliorates functional constipation model rats using microdialysis with ultra-performance liquid chromatography.

Background: In a previous study, we found that Atractylodes macrocephala and Paeoniae radix (AM-PR) was useful for the alleviation of functional constipation (FC). However, the precise mechanism underlying the compatibility between AM and PR in the treatment of FC remains uncertain. This study aims to analyze the pharmacokinetic differences in the active ingredients in the blood of rat models with FC when applied individually and in combination with AM-PR.

Low Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA5248, XBB15 and JN1 by Homologous Booster and Breakthrough Infection.

Immunity against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be induced through either infection with the virus or vaccination, providing protection against reinfection or reducing the risk of severe clinical outcomes. In this study, we recruited 172 volunteers who received different vaccination regimens, including 124 individuals who had recovered from breakthrough infections caused by the Omicron variant (27 with 2 doses, 49 with 3 doses, and 48 with 4 doses) and 48 healthy donors who did not experience breakthrough infections (all of whom received a fourth dose during the infection wave). We measured neutralizing antibody levels against Omicron BA.

Sub-micrometer LiPSCl regulated cathodic Li kinetics in sulfide based all-solid-state batteries.

The practical applications of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are hindered by poor Li kinetics in electrodes due to the inadequate contact between the cathode active materials (CAMs) and solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). Therefore, improving the contact interface between CAMs and SSEs is necessary to improve the cathodic Li kinetics by increasing the lithium-ion transport sites. To address this issue, sub-micrometer LiPSCl (SU-LPSC) particles of high specific areas were utilized to fabricate cathodes with high mass loading.

Bioinspired Superwettability Surface Strategies for Condensation Heat Transfer.

Along with the development of miniaturization, integration, and high power of electronic chips in the 5G and artificial intelligence era and their urgent need for technologies enabled to solve high heat flux dissipation in limited space, investigating bioinspired extreme superwettability surfaces with high-efficiency condensation heat transfer (CHT) performance has attracted great interest in academic and industrial communities. Compared with filmwise condensation of flat hydrophilic surfaces featured with continuous liquid films, dropwise condensation of flat hydrophobic surfaces is a more efficient type of energy transport way. However, discrete condensate drops can only shed off the hydrophobic flat surfaces under gravity until their sizes reach the capillary length of liquid, e.

Rational design of a donor-acceptor structure in covalent heptazine frameworks to boost photocatalytic nitrogen fixation.

Herein, the construction of potential donor-acceptor (D-A) structures was guided using density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. The photocatalytic nitrogen fixation performance of TAPT-CHF was then experimentally determined to be 327.58 μmol g h, which was attributed to its efficient photo-induced charge separation and migration ability.

Dendritic Antifungal Peptides as Potent Agents against Drug-Resistant and Biofilm.

infection is a major public health problem, exacerbated by the emergence of drug-resistant fungi with the widespread use of antifungal drugs. Therefore, the development of novel antifungal drugs for drug-resistant infections is crucial. We constructed a series of dendritic antifungal peptides (AFPs) with different chain lengths of fatty acids as hydrophobic ends and 2 or 3 protease-stable repeats (Arg-Pro) as dendritic peptide branches.

Synergistic Intramolecular Charge Transfer Promotes Au Nanoclusters with Enhanced NIR-II Photoluminescence.

Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) protected by molecular ligands represent a new class of second-generation near-infrared (NIR-II) luminescent materials that have been widely studied. However, the photoluminescence efficiencies of most NIR-II emitting Au NCs in aqueous solution are generally lower than 0.2%, and to fully exploit the advantages of AuNCs in the NIR-II region, improving their photoluminescence efficiency has become an urgent need.

Seeding Janus Zn-Fe Diatomic Pairs on a Hollow Nanobox for Potent Catalytic Therapy.

Dual atomic nanozymes (DAzymes) are promising for applications in the field of tumor catalytic therapy. Here, integrating with ultrasmall FeC nanoclusters, asymmetric coordination featuring Janus Zn-Fe dual-atom sites with an ON-Fe-Zn-N moiety embedded in a carbon vacancy-engineered hollow nanobox (Janus ZnFe DAs-FeC) was elaborately developed. Theoretical calculation revealed that the synergistic effects of Zn centers acting as both adsorption and active sites, oxygen-heteroatom doping, carbon vacancy, and FeC nanoclusters jointly downshifted the d-band center of Fe 3d orbitals, optimizing the desorption behaviors of intermediates *OH, thereby significantly promoting catalytic activity.

Mechanism of the Discontinuous Structure in Heat-Induced Natural Egg Yolk Mediated by Accumulation of Yolk Sphere Microgels: Morphology, 4D-DIA Proteomics, and Physicochemical Properties.

The heat-induced natural egg yolk is a discontinuous object formed by the accumulation of yolk spheres. However, the reason why yolk spheres form individual microgels rather than continuous gels has not been elucidated. This study investigated the different gelation behaviors in the yolk sphere exterior (EYSE) and the yolk sphere interior (EYSI) by using 4D-DIA proteomics, electron microscopy, and multispectral techniques.

A steric hindrance-regulated probe with single excitation dual emissions for self-adaptive detection of biothiols and HS in human urine samples and living cells.

Sulfur-containing small molecules, mainly including cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), glutathione (GSH), and hydrogen sulfide (HS), are crucial biomarkers, and their levels in different body locations (living cells, tissues, blood, urine, saliva, ) are inconsistent and constantly changing. Therefore, it is highly meaningful and challenging to synchronously and accurately detect them in complex multi-component samples without mutual interference. In this work, we propose a steric hindrance-regulated probe, NBD-2FDCI, with single excitation dual emissions to achieve self-adaptive detection of four analytes.

A facile combined therapy of chemotherapeutic agent and microRNA for hepatocellular carcinoma using non-cationic nanogel.

High drug resistance remains a challenge for chemotherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Combining chemotherapeutic agents with microRNA (miRNA), which simultaneously regulates multiple pathways, offers a promising approach to improve therapeutic efficacy against HCC. Although cationic amphiphilic copolymers have been used to co-deliver these agents, their effectiveness is often limited by low co-encapsulation efficiency and inherent cationic toxicity.

Assessment of hemodynamic disturbances and impaired ventricular filling in asymptomatic fontan patients: A 4D flow CMR study.

Background: The Fontan procedure is a surgical intervention designed for patients with single ventricle physiology, wherein the systemic venous return is redirected into the pulmonary circulation, thereby facilitating passive pulmonary blood flow without the assistance of ventricular propulsion. Consequently, long-term follow-up of individuals who have undergone the asymptomatic Fontan procedure is essential.

Objectives: The aims of this investigation were to: 1) examine the impact of flow components and kinetic energy (KE) parameters on hemodynamic disturbances in asymptomatic Fontan patients and control group; 2) Assess left ventricular diastolic dysfunction through the analysis of 4D flow parameters across different Fontan sub-groups; 3) Compare intracardiac flow parameters among Fontan sub-groups based on morphological features of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV).

High-level production of free fatty acids from lignocellulose hydrolysate by co-utilizing glucose and xylose in yeast.

Lignocellulose bio-refinery via microbial cell factories for chemical production represents a renewable and sustainable route in response to resource starvation and environmental concerns. However, the challenges associated with the co-utilization of xylose and glucose often hinders the efficiency of lignocellulose bioconversion. Here, we engineered yeast to effectively produce free fatty acids from lignocellulose.

Engineered enhances bone regeneration via immunoregulation and anti-Infection.

Chronic osteomyelitis caused by implant infections is a common complication following orthopedic surgery. Preventing bacterial infection and simultaneously improving bone regeneration are the key for osteomyelitis. Current treatments include systemic antibiotics and multiple surgical interventions, but the strategies available for treatment are limited.

Cancer vaccine designed from homologous ferritin-based fusion protein with enhanced DC-T cell crosstalk for durable adaptive immunity against tumors.

Peptide vaccines based on tumor antigens face the challenges of rapid clearance of peptides, low immunogenicity, and immune suppressive tumor microenvironment. However, the traditional solution mainly uses exogenous substances as adjuvants or carriers to enhance innate immune responses, but excessive inflammation can damage adaptive immunity. In the current study, we propose a straightforward novel nanovaccine strategy by employing homologous human ferritin light chain for minimized innate immunity and dendritic cell (DC) targeting, the cationic KALA peptide for enhanced cellular uptake, and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) siRNA for modulating DC activity.

Efficient ternary organic solar cells with suppressed nonradiative recombination via B‒N based polymer donor.

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have developed rapidly in recent years. However, the energy loss ( ) remains a major obstacle to further improving the photovoltaic performance. To address this issue, a ternary strategy has been employed to precisely tune the and boost the efficiency of OSCs.

Generative design of crystal structures by point cloud representations and diffusion model.

Efficiently generating energetically stable crystal structures has long been a challenge in material design, primarily due to the immense arrangement of atoms in a crystal lattice. To facilitate the discovery of stable materials, we present a framework for the generation of synthesizable materials leveraging a point cloud representation to encode intricate structural information. At the heart of this framework lies the introduction of a diffusion model as its foundational pillar.

A review of electrospun metal oxide semiconductor-based photocatalysts.

In recent years, photocatalytic materials with a nanofiber-like morphology have garnered a surge of academic attention due to their distinctive properties, including an expansive specific surface area, a considerable high aspect ratio, a pronounced resistance to agglomeration, superior electron survivability, and robust surface activity. Consequently, the synthesis of photocatalytic nanofiber materials through various methodologies has drawn considerable attention. The electrospinning technique has been established as a prevalent method for fabricating nanofiber-structured materials, owing to its advantageous properties, including the ability for mass production and the assurance of high continuity.

Modular assembly of amines and diborons with photocatalysis enabled halogen atom transfer of organohalides for C(sp)-C(sp) bond formation.

In the past few years, the direct activation of organohalides by ligated boryl radicals has emerged as a potential synthetic tool for cross-coupling reactions. In most existing methods, ligated boryl radicals are accessed from NHC-boranes or amine-boranes. In this work, we report a new photocatalytic platform by modular assembly of readily available amines and diboron esters to access a library of ligated boryl radicals for reaction screening, thus enabling the cross-coupling of organohalides and alkenes including both activated and unactivated ones for C(sp)-C(sp) bond formation by using the assembly of DABCO A1 and BNepB1.

Engineering the solid electrolyte interphase for enhancing high-rate cycling and temperature adaptability of lithium-ion batteries.

In overcoming the barrier of rapid Li transfer in lithium-ion batteries at extreme temperatures, the desolvation process and interfacial charge transport play critical roles. However, tuning the solvation structure and designing a kinetically stable electrode-electrolyte interface to achieve high-rate charging and discharging remain a challenge. Here, a lithium nonafluoro-1-butanesulfonate (NFSALi) additive is introduced to optimize stability and the robust solid electrolyte interface film (SEI), realizing a rapid Li transfer process and the structural integrity of electrode materials.

ScRNA-seq unveils the functional characteristics of glioma-associated macrophages and the regulatory effects of chlorogenic acid on the immune microenvironment-a study based on mouse models and clinical practice.

Introduction: Glioma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor. Despite advances in surgical techniques and treatment regimens, the therapeutic effects of glioma remain unsatisfactory. Immunotherapy has brought new hope to glioma patients, but its therapeutic outcomes are limited by the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Effect of hybrid blood purification on nutritional status, inflammation, and cardiovascular events in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Objective: To explore the effects of hybrid blood purification on nutritional status and cardiovascular events in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods: A total of 135 patients with ESRD who received treatment in The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital of Hengyang Medical School from March 2021 to June 2023 were included in this retrospective study. Of them, 66 patients were treated with hemodialysis purification (hemodialysis group), and 69 patients underwent hybrid blood purification (hybrid group).

Therapeutic effect of titanium locking plate combined with suture anchor repair in proximal humeral fractures.

Objective: To explore the therapeutic effect of titanium locking plate combined with suture anchor (SA) repair in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures (PHF).

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted by analyzing the clinical data of 113 patients with PHF admitted to Wuhan Fourth Hospital from March 2021 to October 2023. Among them, 55 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (OR/IF) using titanium locking plate (OR/IF group), and 58 patients underwent surgery with titanium locking plate combined with SA (SA group).

Survival after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute high-risk Pulmonary Embolism: A meta-analysis of comparative studies.

Objective: The survival benefit of venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for the management of acute high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) remains unclear. This meta-analysis combines data from comparative studies to assess the risk of mortality after ECMO vs standard care in the management of acute high-risk PE.

Methods: Databases of PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched from 01 January 2000 to 24 March 2023 for comparative studies with at least 10 patients/group comparing ECMO vs standard treatment.

Efficacy of supra-inguinal fascia iliaca compartment block in proximal femoral nail antirotation internal fixation for patients with intertrochanteric fractures.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of supra-inguinal fascia iliaca compartment block (S-FICB) in patients undergoing proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) internal fixation surgery for intertrochanteric fracture (ITF).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 95 patients with ITF undergoing PFNA internal fixation surgery in the First People's Hospital of Yong Kang from March 2021 to August 2023 was performed. Among them, 49 patients received general anesthesia (GA; GA group) and 46 patients received S-FICB combined with general anesthesia (S-FICB group).