Regulation of enzymatic lipid peroxidation in osteoblasts protects against postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in postmenopausal osteoporosis, yet its impact on osteoblasts remains underexplored, limiting therapeutic advances. Our study identifies phospholipid peroxidation in osteoblasts as a key feature of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Estrogen regulates the transcription of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), an enzyme crucial for reducing phospholipid peroxides in osteoblasts.

Tuning Dual Catalytic Active Sites of Pt Single Atoms Paired with High-Entropy Alloy Nanoparticles for Advanced Li-O Batteries.

To achieve a long cycle life and high-capacity performance for Li-O batteries, it is critical to rationally modulate the formation and decomposition pathway of the discharge product LiO. Herein, we designed a highly efficient catalyst containing dual catalytic active sites of Pt single atoms (Pt) paired with high-entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in Li-O batteries. HEA is designed with a moderate d-band center to enhance the surface adsorbed LiO intermediate (LiO(ads)), while Pt active sites exhibit weak adsorption energy and promote the soluble LiO pathway (LiO(sol)).

Enhancing Catalytic Removal of Autoexhaust Soot Particles via the Modulation of Interfacial Oxygen Vacancies in Cu/CeO Catalysts.

The purification efficiency of autoexhaust carbon strongly depends on the heterogeneous interface structure between active metal and oxide, which can modulate the local electronic structure of defect sites to promote the activation of reactant molecules. Herein, the high-dispersion CuO clusters supported on the well-defined CeO nanorods were prepared using the complex deposition slow method. The formation of heteroatomic Cu-O-Ce interfacial structural units as active sites can capture electrons to achieve activation of the NO and O molecules.

Boosting Thermal Generation in Cation-Exchanged Transparent MXene Composite Films with Hierarchical Wrinkled Structure.

Efficient thermal generation from solar/electric energy in transparent films remains challenging due to the limited toolbox of high-performance thermal generation materials and methods for microstructure engineering. Here, we proposed a two-step strategy to introduce hierarchical wrinkles to the MXene composite films with high transparency, leading to upgraded photo/electrothermal conversion efficiency. Specifically, the thin film contains protic acid-treated MXene layers assembled with Ag nanowires (H-MXene/Ag NWs).

Copper-Catalyzed 1,4-Alkylarylation of 1,3-Enynes with Ethers and Aryl Boronic Acids Enabled via C(sp)-H Functionalization.

Herein, we present a copper-catalyzed, three-component intermolecular 1,4-alkylarylation of 1,3-enynes with ethers and aryl boronic acids. This method, driven by α-C(sp)-H functionalization of the oxygen atom in ethers, regioselectively produces various tetrasubstituted allenes from simple, readily available precursors. Key features include mild reaction conditions and a simple catalytic system.

Aptamer-Proximity Ligation Coupled with Rolling Circle Amplification Strategy for an Ultrasensitive Analysis of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles PD-L1.

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (T-EVs) PD-L1 are an important biomarker for predicting immunotherapy response and can help us understand the mechanism of resistance to immunotherapy. However, this is due to the interference from a large proportion of nontumor-derived EVs. It is still challenging to accurately analyze T-EVs PD-L1 in complex human fluids.

Three-Dimensional SERS-Active Hydrogel Microbeads Enable Highly Sensitive Homogeneous Phase Detection of Alkaline Phosphatase in Biosystems.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a biomarker for many diseases, and monitoring its activity level is important for disease diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we used the microdroplet technology combined with an laser-induced polymerization method to prepare the Ag nanoparticle (AgNP) doped hydrogel microbeads (HMBs) with adjustable pore sizes that allow small molecules to enter while blocking large molecules. The AgNPs embedded in the hydrogel microspheres can provide SERS activity, improving the SERS signal of small molecules that diffuse to the AgNPs.

End-to-End CT Radiomics-Based Pipeline for Predicting Renal Interstitial Fibrosis Grade in CKD Patients.

Rationale And Objectives: Non-invasive assessment of renal fibrosis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a clinical challenge. This study aims to integrate radiomics and clinical factors to develop an end-to-end pipeline for predicting interstitial fibrosis (IF) in CKD patients.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study included 80 patients with CKD, with 53 patients in training set and 27 patients in test set.

Enhancing biosensing of trace tau protein in clinical samples via emergence macroscopic directed aggregation.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder that poses a significant risk to human health and well-being. The high cost and invasiveness of neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis underscores the necessity for accessible early screening via blood samples. In this study, we developed an ultrasound-based strategy for emergent macroscopic that enhances the acoustic response enrichment of specific proteins by introducing functionalized microspheres.

In vitro enzyme characterization and several inhibitors for monkeypox virus core protease I7L.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the genus Orthopoxvirus within the family Poxviridae, which also includes the variola virus. On Aug. 14, 2024, WHO Director-General declared monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

Bioinspired Assembly of Natural Polyphenol-Amino Acid Surfactants as Multifunctional Durable Coatings for Anticorrosion Fruit Packaging.

Challenges emerge in the quest for highly efficient and biocompatible coatings to tackle microbial contamination. Here, we propose a bioinspired paradigm combining (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and l-arginine surfactants (LAM) as all-green building blocks for advanced coatings with superior performance. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the natural assembly process of the EGCG/LAM supramolecular nanoparticles (ELA NPs).

Norepinephrine (NE) promotes activated B cells to identify and kill effector CD8 T cells through FasL/Fas pathway in spleen mononuclear cells isolated from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

It has been reported that the nervous system can regulate immune reactions through various mechanisms. However, the role of splenic sympathetic nerve activity in the autoimmune reactions during the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) remained unclear. Here, we blocked the activity of the splenic sympathetic nerve and found that the number of adaptive immune cells, such as CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells and B cells, were upregulated.

DEC1 deficiency promotes osteoclastic activity by augmenting NFATc1 signaling via transactivation and the Ca/calcineurin pathway.

We have previously demonstrated that DEC1 promotes osteoblast differentiation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of DEC1 knockout on osteopenic activities, such as osteoclast differentiation and the expression of bone-degrading genes. To gain mechanistic insights, we employed both in vivo and in vitro experiments, utilizing cellular and molecular approaches, including osteoclast differentiation assays and RNA-seq in combination with ChIP-seq.

Spermidine antagonizes the anti-cancer effect of cold atmospheric plasma and induces transit G/G cell cycle arrest of triple negative breast cancers.

Cancer remains as a global health threat, with the incidence of breast cancers keep increasing. Dis-regulated redox homeostasis has been considered with essential roles for tumor initiation and progression. Using triple negative breast cancers, the most malignant subtype of breast cancers, as the tumor model, we explored the roles of the anti-oxidant spermidine, the pro-oxidative tool cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), and their combined use in cancer growth, anti-oxidative ability and cell cycle.

The interactive toxic effect of homocysteine and copper on cardiac microvascular endothelial cells during ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with the development and progression of chronic cardiovascular diseases through the deleterious effects of high levels of homocysteine (Hcy) on the cardiovascular system. However, the exact mechanism of action of Hcy on the acute injury of the cardiovascular system following ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) remains unclear. The present study demonstrated that copper mobilization occurs during cardiac I/R, and the interactive toxic effect of Hcy and mobile Cu during cardiac I/R induces necroptosis of cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) and thus enhances cardiac dysfunction.

Microencapsulation using a novel wall material prepared via Maillard reaction-derived mung bean protein-peach gum conjugates to enhance stability and functionality of chia seed oil.

This study investigated the potential of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) derived from mung bean protein isolate (MBPI) and peach gum (PG) conjugates as wall materials for microencapsulating chia seed oil (CSO). Four formulations (MMRP) were prepared using spray-drying and compared to a commercial sample (CMMRP). The MMRP formulation exhibited the highest encapsulation yield (91 %) and encapsulation efficiency (96 %), along with favorable physical properties, including a spherical shape and smooth surface.

Polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan hydrogel based on deep eutectic solvent for promoting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected wound healing.

Bacterial-infected wounds usually lead to slow wound healing due to increased inflammation, especially wounds infected by drug-resistant bacteria, which is a serious challenge in the biomedical field. Traditional antimicrobial strategies such as antibiotics lead to a significant increase in drug-resistant strains and have limited efficacy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop multifunctional dressings with excellent antibacterial activity and promotion of wound healing.

Polybutylene succinate/lignin composites with tunable optical, mechanical, and thermal properties based on fractionation treatment.

The inherent heterogeneity, poor compatibility with polymers, and dark color of lignin limit its application in composites. In this study, original lignin (OL) was fractionated sequentially using four green organic solvents to obtain lignin fractions with different chemical structures. These well-defined lignin fractions were then blended with polybutylene succinate (PBS) to fabricate biocomposites.

Dual-mode CRISPR/Cas12a-assisted fluorescent and lateral flow aptasensor based on a newly truncated aptamer for Fumonisin B1 detection.

As a Group 2B carcinogen, accurate and efficient detection for Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is essential. The emergence of aptamers presents a viable solution to meet this demand. In this study, a truncated aptamer named Apt40 was developed, showcasing remarkable binding affinity to FB1.

Structural and functional modifications of quinoa protein via hyaluronic acid-induced Maillard reaction.

In recent years, quinoa protein (QP) has attracted attention for its balanced amino acids composition, but its limited techno-functional properties continue to pose challenges for its utilization. Non-enzymatic Maillard glycation is considered as a promising strategy to expand the utilization of plant proteins in food processing due to its cost-effectiveness, spontaneous nature, and the lack of need for additives to initiate the reaction. Furthermore, the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) as an ingredient in food products is becoming increasingly accepted and popular.

Integrated GelMA and liposome composite hydrogel with effective coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis for promoting bone regeneration.

In clinical scenarios, bone defects stemming from trauma, infections, degenerative diseases, or hereditary conditions necessitate considerable bone grafts. Researchers ardently focus on creating diverse biomaterials to expedite and enhance these intricate restorative processes. These biomaterials play a pivotal role in aiding osteogenesis and angiogenesis factors for reconstructing stable, fully developed bone tissue.

Enhanced pullulanase production through expression system optimization and biofilm-immobilized fermentation strategies.

Pullulanase (PUL) plays a crucial role in breaking down α-1,6-glycosidic bonds in starch, a key process in starch processing and conversion. Based on PulB with high enzymatic activity, the expression of PUL in Bacillus subtilis was enhanced by plasmid screening, double promoter optimization, and signal peptide engineering. Furthermore, we innovatively employed a mussel foot protein to enhance the cell adhesion to carriers and utilized biofilm-based cell immobilization technology to optimize the fermentation process and stimulate biofilm formation.

Quercetin-functionalized nanomaterials: Innovative therapeutic avenues for Alzheimer's disease management.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a major global health challenge, largely due to its complex pathology and the limited effectiveness of existing treatments. Quercetin, a bioactive compound belonging to the flavonoid class, its promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects in addressing AD. However, its therapeutic potential is hindered by challenges such as low bioavailability, instability, and restricted permeability across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Human Urinary Occurrence of Thiourea Vulcanization Accelerators and Their Human Exposure.

Thiourea vulcanization accelerators (TVAs) have been detected in various household dust samples, indicating their widespread human exposure. Until now, the occurrence of TVAs in human urine, a suitable matrix for assessing human exposure, has remained unknown. The present study comprehensively examined eight kinds of TVAs in urine samples (n = 277) from participants living in Taizhou, China.