Targeting RNA splicing modulation: new perspectives for anticancer strategy?

The excision of introns from pre-mRNA is a crucial process in the expression of the majority of genes. Alternative splicing allows a single gene to generate diverse mRNA and protein products. Aberrant RNA splicing is recognized as a molecular characteristic present in almost all types of tumors.

Airway morphology, hyoid position, and serum inflammatory markers of obstructive sleep apnea in children treated with modified twin-block appliances.

Objective: To investigate the effects of modified twin-block appliances (MTBA) on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and mandibular retrognathia and the changes in the upper airway, hyoid bone position, and hypoxia-related inflammatory marker levels in children with OSA.

Methods: This study included children with OSA and mandibular retrognathia and those with class I without mandibular retrognathia (n = 35 each). The experimental group comprised children with OSA and mandibular retrognathia managed using MTBA.

Differences and driving factors of leaf functional traits between old tree and mature tree of Pinus tabulaeformis in the Loess Plateau.

Background: Study the leaf functional traits is highly important for understanding the survival strategies and climate adaptability of old trees. In this study, the old (over 100 years old) and mature trees (about 50 years old) of Pinus tabulaeformis in the Loess Plateau were studied, and the variation of 18 leaf functional traits (6 economic, 4 anatomical, 2 photosynthetic and 6 physiological traits) was analyzed to understand the differences of survival strategies between old and mature trees. Combined with transcriptome and simple sequence repeats (SSR) techniques, the effects of soil property factors and genetic factors on leaf functional traits and the potential molecular mechanisms of traits differences were studied.

Ursodeoxycholic acid protects against sepsis-induced acute kidney injury by activating Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibiting NF-κB pathway.

Background: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), traditionally recognized for its hepatoprotective effects, has also shown potential in protecting kidney injury. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of UDCA against sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: Sixty male C57BL/6 N mice were utilized to establish a sepsis-induced AKI model through intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS, 10 mg/kg).

Superconducting quantum computing optimization based on multi-objective deep reinforcement learning.

Deep reinforcement learning is considered an effective technology in quantum optimization and can provide strategies for optimal control of complex quantum systems. More precise measurements require simulation control at multiple experimental stages. Based on this, we improved a multi-objective deep reinforcement learning method in mathematical convex optimization theory for multi-process quantum optimal control optimization.

Methylammonium-free, high-efficiency, and stable all-perovskite tandem solar cells enabled by multifunctional rubidium acetate.

All-perovskite tandem solar cells (APTSCs) offer the potential to surpass the Shockley-Queisser limit of single-junction solar cells at low cost. However, high-performance APTSCs contain unstable methylammonium (MA) cation in the tin-lead (Sn-Pb) narrow bandgap subcells. Currently, MA-free Sn-Pb perovskite solar cells (PSCs) show lower performance compared with their MA-containing counterparts.

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells facilitate neuronal lysosome release.

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) shape brain function through many non-canonical regulatory mechanisms beyond myelination. Here we show that OPCs form contacts with their processes on neuronal somata in a neuronal activity-dependent manner. These contacts facilitate exocytosis of neuronal lysosomes.

Asymmetric synthesis of stereogenic-at-iridium(III) complexes through Pd-catalyzed kinetic resolution.

Metal-centered chirality has been recognized for over one century, and stereogenic-at-metal complexes where chirality is exclusively attributed to the metal center due to the specific coordination pattern of achiral ligands around the metal ion, has been broadly utilized in diverse areas of natural science. However, synthesis of these molecules remains constrained. Notably, while asymmetric catalysis has played a crucial role in the production of optically active organic molecules, its application to stereogenic-at-metal complexes is less straightforward.

Versatile nitrate-respiring heterotrophs are previously concealed contributors to sulfur cycle.

Heterotrophic denitrifiers play crucial roles in global carbon and nitrogen cycling. However, their inability to oxidize sulfide renders them vulnerable to this toxic molecule, which inhibits the key enzymatic reaction responsible for reducing nitrous oxide (NO), thereby raising greenhouse gas emissions. Here, we applied microcosm incubations, community-isotope-corrected DNA stable-isotope probing, and metagenomics to characterize a cohort of heterotrophic denitrifiers in estuarine sediments that thrive by coupling sulfur oxidation with denitrification through chemolithoheterotrophic metabolism.

Nonlocal Huygens' meta-lens for high-quality-factor spin-multiplexing imaging.

Combining bright-field and edge-enhanced imaging affords an effective avenue for extracting complex morphological information from objects, which is particularly beneficial for biological imaging. Multiplexing meta-lenses present promising candidates for achieving this functionality. However, current multiplexing meta-lenses lack spectral modulation, and crosstalk between different wavelengths hampers the imaging quality, especially for biological samples requiring precise wavelength specificity.

Mechanisms of removing terdizolamide phosphate from water by the activation of potassium peroxymonosulfate with CeFeO biochar.

Terdizolamide phosphate (TZD), a second-generation oxazolidinone antibiotic with a long half-cycle, poses a potential threat to ecosystems and humans if present in water over an extended duration. Magnetic biochar (CF-biochar) loaded with CeFeO was firstly synthesized by microwave ablation-anaerobic carbonization using corn straw as raw material and Ce(NO) and Fe(NO) as modifiers. These modifiers were used as activators for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and adsorbents for removing TZD.

Thermal-Sensitive Artificial Ionic Skin with Environmental Stability and Self-Healing Property.

Wearable temperature-sensitive electronic skin enables robots to rapidly detect environmental changes and respond intelligently, thereby reducing temperature-related mechanical failures. Additionally, this temperature-sensitive skin can measure and record the temperature of external objects, broadening its potential applications in the medical field. In this study, we designed a thermally sensitive artificial ionic skin using ionic liquids (ILs) as solvents and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as thermally conductive fillers.

Electroselective and Controlled Cross-Coupling of Isoindolinones with Alcohols.

A novel and efficient electrochemical method for electroselective and controlled cross-coupling of isoindolinones with equivalent alcohols has been developed without the need for metal catalysts and strong bases under mild conditions. The reaction provides a novel strategy for the controllable and effective synthesis of 3-alkoxyl and -hydroxymethyl-substituted isoindolinones, which is adjusted by 4-OH-TEMPO and tolerates various substrates. This protocol is an efficient tool for the construction of C-O and C-N bonds with high chemoselectivity.

Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the world has suffered significant losses. At present, the pneumonia disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus has not been eliminated, and SARS-CoV-2 has a high mutation rate, and its variant strains also have a high prevalence rate, which has always threatened the health of all mankind. This study aims to develop a rapid and sensitive method to complement existing SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tools by utilizing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for the direct detection of the intrinsic SERS signal from the S proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants (Omicron and Delta) within 5 min using a portable Raman spectrometer.

Antagonistic Effects of Distance and Overlap toward Anomalous Pressure-Induced Blueshift of π-π Excimer Fluorescence in 9-(2,2-Diphenylvinyl)anthracene Crystals.

Piezochromic materials usually exhibit a gradual redshift of emission as pressure increases due to the formation of a low-energy "dark" state, e.g., excimer.

DNA methylation-induced suppression of PRDM16 in colorectal cancer metastasis through the PPARγ/EMT pathway.

Background: PR/SET domain 16 (PRDM16) is an important transcription factor in the differentiation process of brown adipocytes, which plays an important role in maintaining the special morphological characteristics and cellular function of brown adipocytes. However, the role of PRDM16 in human colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently unknown.

Methods: Methylation sequencing, methylation-specific PCR (MSP), multiple bioinformatics analyses, Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay and Immunofluorescence (IF) staining, in vitro and in vivo functional experiments were performed to study the biological role of PRDM16 in CRC progression.

Anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of small-molecule pectin from Premna ligustroides Hemsl leaves: Modulation of inflammatory markers and gut microbiota in mice.

Small-molecule pectin (SMP) extracted from the leaves of Premna ligustroides Hemsl, with a molecular weight range of 5000-35,000 Da, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties in vitro. This study explored the effects of SMP on hypercholesterolemia in mice, with a focus on inflammation, lipid profiles, and cholesterol metabolism. Mice received SMP at doses of 607, 303, and 152 mg/kg body weight.

The synergistic effect of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride and glycerol on the performance of chitosan films.

In this study, we examined the plasticizing effects of 1-butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride (BmimCl), glycerol, and their combination on chitosan (CS) films. Additionally, we examined the effect of plasticizers for chitosan films structure and physicochemical properties of CS films by FTIR, XRD, SEM and mechanism of action of plasticizers on the structure of CS films. The results indicated that the interaction between BmimCl and chitosan is mainly ionic interaction and hydrogen bonding, while the interaction between glycerol and CS is mainly hydrogen bonding.

Post-acid modification-enhanced gelation of casein-tamarind seed polysaccharide-based medium internal phase emulsion and its application in 3D printing.

Printable protein-based medium internal phase emulsions (MIPEs) with low oil fraction have the advantages of reducing the incidence of obesity, coronary heart disease and hypertension. However, the development of printable protein-based MIPEs is still a considerable challenge because reducing oil content will cause phase separation and increase the fluidity of emulsion. In this study, we successfully prepared printable MIPEs (φ = 40 %) inks by co-stabilizing with casein and tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) and using post-acid modification technology.

The mechanism of 3D-printed high internal phase Pickering emulsion gels improved by soybean protein isolate / bacterial cellulose co-assemblies.

In this study, soybean protein isolate (SPI) / bacterial cellulose (BC) co-assemblies replicate the fibrous network structure in animal fat to stabilize the 3D-printed high internal phase Pickering emulsion (HIPPE) gels with excellent processing characteristics. The SPI/BC co-assemblies, structured through pH shifting treatment, displayed exceptional emulsification and gelation properties. The relevant results indicate that the SPI/BC co-assemblies possess numerous hydrophobic and thiol groups on their surfaces.

Gelatin methacryloyl-phenylboronic acid/Hydroxyadamantane self-healing microgels for the periodontitis treatment by promoting alveolar bone regeneration.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition mainly caused by the interaction between the host immune system and periodontal tissue pathogens, and may lead to consequences, such as alveolar bone defects and tooth loss. Incomplete bacterial removal, persistent inflammation and high reactive oxygen species (ROS) environment are the main challenges for periodontal tissue repair and alveolar bone regeneration. In this study, an injectable composite microgel (Gelatin methacryloyl-Phenylboronic acid/Hydroxyadamantane, GPH) loaded with antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and cerium dioxide (CeO) microspheres was developed to achieve a synergistic function of bacteriostasis, immunomodulation, and ROS removal.

Fucoidan and chitosan electrostatically coated nanoliposomes enhance physicochemical stability and bioavailability of rutin.

Rutin, a promising bioactive hydrophobic compound, suffers from poor physicochemical stability, resulting in low bioavailability. Herein, we used positively charged chitosan and negatively charged fucoidan as biopolymers coating rutin-nanoliposome (RNL) via electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly approach to prepare fucoidan/chitosan-coated rutin-nanoliposome (FC-RNL). The FC-RNL exhibited the encapsulation efficiency of 77.

Proteoglycan-degrading enzymes engineered for enhanced tumor microenvironment interaction in renal cell carcinoma.

This work optimized proteoglycan-degrading enzymes through targeted mutagenesis to enhance their interaction with the tumor microenvironment in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). A comprehensive mutagenesis approach identified 60 key mutations significantly improving enzymatic activity, stability, and structural integrity. When compared to Wild Type (WT) enzyme, a remarkable increase in specific activity by 35 % (p < 0.

Tomato B-cell lymphoma2 (Bcl2)-associated athanogene 5 (SlBAG5) contributes negatively to immunity against necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea through interacting with SlBAP1 and modulating catalase activity.

The evolutionarily conserved and multifunctional B-cell lymphoma2 (Bcl2)-associated athanogene proteins (BAGs), serving as co-chaperone regulators, play a pivotal role in orchestrating plant stress responses. In this study, the possible involvement of tomato SlBAG genes in resistance to Botrytis cinerea was examined. The SlBAG genes respond with different expression change patterns to B.

Enhanced capacity in cellulose aerogel for carbon dioxide capture through modified by metal-organic framework.

Microporous metal-organic frameworks (MOF) exhibit excellent carbon dioxide (CO) adsorption performance and selectivity for CO/N separation. However, the challenges associate with the recycling and reuse of MOF powders hinder their practical applications. To address these limitations, a flexible and stable MOF-based composite material was designed by immobilizing UiO-66(Zr)-(OH) onto cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) aerogels (MOF-CNFs), which featured high porosity.