Gas Molecule Assisted All-Inorganic Dual-Interface Passivation Strategy for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells.

The trap states at both the upper and bottom interfaces of perovskite layers significantly impact non-radiative carrier recombination. The widely used solvent-based passivation methods result in the disordered distribution of surface components, posing challenges for the commercial application of large-area perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To address this issue, a novel NH3 gas-assisted all-inorganic dual-interfaces passivation strategy is proposed. Through the gas treatment of the perovskite surface, NH3 molecules significantly enhanced the iodine vacancy formation energy (1.54 eV) and bonded with uncoordinated Pb2+ to achieve non-destructive passivation. Meanwhile, the reduction of the film defect states is accompanied by a decrease in the work function, which promotes carrier transport between the interface. Further, a stable passivation layer is constructed to manage the bottom interfacial defects using inorganic potassium tripolyphosphate (PT), whose ─P═O group effectively mitigated the charged defects and lowered the carrier transport barriers and nucleation barriers of PVK, while the gradient distribution of K+ improved the crystalline quality of PVK film. Based on the dual-interface synergistic effect, the optimal MA-contained PSCs with an effective area of 0.1 cm2 achieved an efficiency of 24.51% and can maintain 90% of the initial value after aging (10-20% RH and 20 °C) for 2000 h.

Resistance mechanisms of cereal plants and rhizosphere soil microbial communities to chromium stress.

Agricultural soils contaminated with heavy metals poison crops and disturb the normal functioning of rhizosphere microbial communities. Different crops and rhizosphere microbial communities exhibit different heavy metal resistance mechanisms. Here, indoor pot studies were used to assess the mechanisms of grain and soil rhizosphere microbial communities on chromium (Cr) stress. Millet grain variety 'Jingu 21' (Setaria italica) and soil samples were collected prior to control (CK), 6 hours after (Cr_6h), and 6 days following (Cr_6d) Cr stress. Transcriptomic analysis, high-throughput sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used for sample determination and data analysis. Cr stress inhibited the expression of genes related to cell division, and photosynthesis in grain plants while stimulating the expression of genes related to DNA replication and repair, in addition to plant defense systems resist Cr stress. In response to chromium stress, rhizosphere soil bacterial and fungal community compositions and diversity changed significantly (p < 0.05). Both bacterial and fungal co-occurrence networks primarily comprised positively correlated edges that would serve to increase community stability. However, bacterial community networks were larger than fungal community networks and were more tightly connected and less modular than fungal networks. The abundances of C/N functional genes exhibited increasing trends with increased Cr exposure. Overall, these results suggest that Cr stress primarily prevented cereal seedlings from completing photosynthesis, cell division, and proliferation while simultaneously triggering plant defense mechanisms to resist the toxic effects of Cr. Soil bacterial and fungal populations exhibited diverse response traits, community-assembly mechanisms, and increased expression of functional genes related to carbon and nitrogen cycling, all of which are likely related to microbial survival during Cr stress. This study provides new insights into resistance mechanisms, microbial community structures, and mechanisms of C/N functional genes responses in cereal plants to heavy metal contaminated agricultural soils. Portions of this text were previously published as part of a preprint (https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-2891904/v1).

Hypoxia promotes histone H3K9 lactylation to enhance LAMC2 transcription in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Hypoxia promotes tumorigenesis and lactate accumulation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Lactate can induce histone lysine lactylation (Kla, a recently identified histone marks) to regulate transcription. However, the functional consequence of histone Kla under hypoxia in ESCC remains to be explored. Here, we reveal that hypoxia facilitates histone H3K9la to enhance LAMC2 transcription for proliferation of ESCC. We found that global level of Kla was elevated under hypoxia, and thus identified the landscape of histone Kla in ESCC by quantitative proteomics. Furthermore, we show a significant increase of H3K9la level induced by hypoxia. Next, MNase ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analysis suggest that H3K9la is enriched at the promoter of cell junction genes. Finally, we demonstrate that the histone H3K9la facilitates the expression of LAMC2 for ESCC invasion by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Briefly, our study reveals a vital role of histone Kla triggered by hypoxia in cancer.

IL-27 Gene Therapy Ameliorates IPEX Syndrome Caused by Germline Mutation of Foxp3 Gene: A Major Role for Induction of IL-10.

Inactivating mutations of Foxp3, the master regulator of regulatory T cell development and function, lead to immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome in mice and humans. IPEX is a fatal autoimmune disease, with allogeneic stem cell transplant being the only available therapy. In this study, we report that a single dose of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-IL-27 to young mice with naturally occurring Foxp3 mutation (Scurfy mice) substantially ameliorates clinical symptoms, including growth retardation and early fatality. Correspondingly, AAV-IL-27 gene therapy significantly prevented naive T cell activation, as manifested by downregulation of CD62L and upregulation of CD44, and immunopathology typical of IPEX. Because IL-27 is known to induce IL-10, a key effector molecule of regulatory T cells, we evaluated the contribution of IL-10 induction by crossing IL-10-null allele to Scurfy mice. Although IL-10 deficiency does not affect the survival of Scurfy mice, it largely abrogated the therapeutic effect of AAV-IL-27. Our study revealed a major role for IL-10 in AAV-IL-27 gene therapy and demonstrated that IPEX is amenable to gene therapy.

Ginsenoside Rh4 inhibits colorectal cancer via the modulation of gut microbiota-mediated bile acid metabolism.

INTRODUCTION: Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is emerging as a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Ginsenoside Rh4 (Rh4) is an active compound isolated from ginseng with beneficial effects in modulating intestinal inflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis, but how Rh4 regulates the gut microbiota to alleviate CRC remains underexplored. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the impact of Rh4 on CRC and the mechanism of its action in inhibiting CRC via modulation of gut microbiota. METHODS: We used the AOM/DSS model and employed transcriptomics, genomics and metabolomics techniques to explore the inhibitory impact of Rh4 on CRC. Furthermore, we employed experiments involving antibiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to investigate the role of the gut microbiota. Finally, we elucidated the pivotal role of key functional bacteria and metabolites regulated by Rh4 in CRC. RESULTS: Our research findings indicated that Rh4 repaired intestinal barrier damage caused by CRC, alleviated intestinal inflammation, and inhibited the development of CRC. Additionally, Rh4 inhibited CRC in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Rh4 increased the diversity of gut microbiota, enriched the probiotic Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), and alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by CRC. Subsequently, Rh4 regulated A. muciniphila-mediated bile acid metabolism. A. muciniphila promoted the production of UDCA by enhancing the activity of 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7α-HSDH). UDCA further activated FXR, modulated the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway, thus inhibiting the development of CRC. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that Rh4 inhibits CRC in a gut microbiota-dependent manner by modulating gut microbiota-mediated bile acid metabolism and promoting the production of UDCA, which further activates the FXR receptor and regulates the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway. Our results confirm that Rh4 has the potential to be used as a modulator of gut microbiota for preventing and treatment of CRC.

SDS3 regulates microglial inflammation by modulating the expression of the upstream kinase ASK1 in the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Microglia, the main innate immune cells in the central nervous system, are key drivers of neuroinflammation, which plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The Sin3/histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex, a highly conserved multiprotein co-repressor complex, primarily performs transcriptional repression via deacetylase activity; however, the function of SDS3, which maintains the integrity of the complex, in microglia remains unclear. METHODS: To uncover the regulatory role of the transcriptional co-repressor SDS3 in microglial inflammation, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation to identify SDS3 target genes and combined with transcriptomics and proteomics analysis to explore expression changes in cells following SDS3 knocking down. Subsequently, we validated our findings through experimental assays. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed that SDS3 modulates the expression of the upstream kinase ASK1 of the p38 MAPK pathway, thus regulating the activation of signaling pathways and ultimately influencing inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide important evidence of the contributions of SDS3 toward microglial inflammation and offer new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of microglial inflammatory responses.

Eddy Current Sensor Array for Electromagnetic Sensing and Crack Reconstruction with High Lift-Off in Railway Tracks.

A reliable and efficient rail track defect detection system is essential for maintaining rail track integrity and avoiding safety hazards and financial losses. Eddy current (EC) testing is a non-destructive technique that can be employed for this purpose. The trade-off between spatial resolution and lift-off should be carefully considered in practical applications to distinguish closely spaced cracks such as those caused by rolling contact fatigue (RCF). A multi-channel eddy current sensor array has been developed to detect defects on rails. Based on the sensor scanning data, defect reconstruction along the rails is achieved using an inverse algorithm that includes both direct and iterative approaches. In experimental evaluations, the EC system with the developed sensor is used to measure defects on a standard test piece of rail with a probe lift-off of 4-6 mm. The reconstruction results clearly reveal cracks at various depths and spacings on the test piece.

Sulfadiazine degradation by Bjerkandera adusta DH0817 at low temperatures and its cold-adaptation mechanisms.

The prolonged period of low temperatures in northern China poses a significant challenge to the bioremediation of antibiotic pollution. This study reports that a white-rot fungus Bjerkandera adusta DH0817, isolated from a poultry farm in Liaoning Province, can remove 60 % of SDZ within 20 days at 10℃ and reduce the biotoxicity of SDZ. Six degradation pathways were proposed. SDZ biodegradation was primarily driven by cytochrome P450. Transcriptome analysis revealed that DH0817 upregulated genes associated with cell membrane, transcription factors and soluble sugars in response to low temperatures. Subsequently, genes associated with fatty acid, proteins and enzymes were upregulated to remove SDZ at low temperatures. This study provides valuable microbial resources and serves as a theoretical reference for addressing antibiotic pollution in livestock and poultry farms under low temperature conditions.

Elevated 68Ga-FAPI Activity in Benign Carotid Body Tumors.

ABSTRACT: We present 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT findings of benign carotid body tumor in a 33-year-old woman. Benign carotid body tumor demonstrated intense tracer uptakes on 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT. Our case suggests that benign carotid body tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neck mass with elevated 68Ga-FAPI activity.

Identification of formation mechanism and key elements of quality geriatric care behavior of nursing assistants in nursing homes: a grounded theory study.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the key elements and develop a formation mechanism model of quality geriatric care behavior for nursing assistants. Methods: This qualitative research employed the strategy of grounded theory proposed by Strauss and Corbin. Furthermore, the data was collected by participatory observation and semi-structured interviews. A total of 12 nursing managers, 63 nursing assistants, and 36 older people from 9 nursing homes in 6 cities were interviewed, whereas for the observatory survey, participants were recruited from 2 nursing homes. Results: The comparative and analysis process revealed 5 key elements of quality geriatric care behavior, including holistic care, personalized care, respect, positive interaction, and empowerment. Based on the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model, key elements and the 3 stages of quality geriatric care behavior (negative behavior cognition stage, practice exchange run-in stage, and positive behavior reinforcement stage), the theoretical framework of the formation mechanism was established. Conclusion: The results indicated that nursing assistants' capabilities, motivation, and organizational and environmental support are vital for quality care behaviors. The theoretical framework established in this study provides theoretical support and practical reference to policymakers, institutional administrators, and healthcare professionals for improving nursing assistant's care behaviors.

Metagenomic profiling uncovers microbiota and antibiotic resistance patterns across human, chicken, pig fecal, and soil environments.

The ongoing and progressive evolution of antibiotic resistance presents escalating challenges for the clinical management and prevention of bacterial infections. Understanding the makeup of resistance genomes and accurately quantifying the current abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are crucial for assessing the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to public health. This comprehensive study investigated the distribution and diversity of bacterial community composition, ARGs, and virulence factors (VFs) across human, chicken, pig fecal, and soil microbiomes in various provinces of China. As a result, multidrug resistance was identified across all samples. Core ARGs primarily related to multidrug, MLS (Macrolides-Lincosamide-Streptogramins), and tetracycline resistance were characterized. A significant correlation between ARGs and bacterial taxa was observed, especially in soil samples. Probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus harbored ARGs, potentially contributing to the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. We screened subsets of ARGs from samples from different sources as indicators to assess the level of ARGs contamination in samples, with high accuracy. These results underline the complex relationship between microbial communities, resistance mechanisms, and environmental factors, emphasizing the importance of continued research and monitoring to better understand these dynamics.

Low-temperature subcritical water dechlorination composites of waste PVC/coal fly ash with powerful sensing activity for chemiluminescent detection of acetamiprid and imidacloprid.

Pesticide residues in agricultural products are serious threat to people's health. Real-time monitoring of pesticides residues in the environment and agricultural products posed challenges to sustainable methods with high analytical performance for pesticide detection. Herein, waste PVC/coal fly ash (the mass ratio of PVC and coal fly ash was 4:1) was dechlorinated in subcritical water at low temperature to achieve nearly 100 % dechlorination of PVC and obtain carbon-based composite materials (CM-Fe/Al/Si-dPVC) with strong sening activity. For CM-Fe/Al/Si-dPVC, CFe bonding resulted in strong electron migration, and nano/µm SiO2 and Al2O3 doping in the layered polyene C matrix provided large specific surface area, and silicon hydroxyl created good heterogeneous catalytic interfaces. CM-Fe/Al/Si-dPVC could strongly trigger luminol chemiluminescence (CL) reaction and produce intense CL signals. Neonicotinoid pesticides (acetamiprid and imidacloprid) bonded with CM-Fe/Al/Si-dPVC through coordination chelation and hydrogen bonding, which shielded the catalytic active site and increased the Fermi level of system, thus quenching CL reaction. Inspired by these, a cheap CL assay was constructed for detecting neonicotinoids combinations of acetamiprid and imidacloprid (NICs). The detection limits of NICs were 0.7 ng/L. Satisfactory recoveries were obtained for real agricultural products and environmental samples. The results of life cycle evaluation (LCA) revealed that the strategy had significantly small global warming potential (GWP). This work presented a sustainable method with environmental benefits for the detection of neonicotinoids, and also opened up new way for the recycling of organic solid wastes.

Association of DAZ and DAZLA Gene Loci with Spermatogenesis in Patients with Idiopathic Azoospermia and Severe Oligospermia.

Aim: To explore the relationship between DAZ (Deleted in Azoospermia, DAZ) and DAZLA (Deleted in Azoospermia-like autosomal) gene deletion and male idiopathic azoospermia and oligozoospermia. Methods: 80 patients with azoospermia (azoospermia group) and 80 patients with oligozoospermia (oligozoospermia group) who were treated at our hospital from April 2021 to April 2023, and male volunteers who underwent health examinations at our hospital during the same period were selected as the control group, The incidence of DAZ and DAZLA gene locus deletion in three groups of men was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the differences of reproductive hormone levels and main semen parameters among the three groups were compared. The azoospermia were stratified according to whether DAZ and DAZLA gene locus deletion occurred. Results: DAZ gene locus deletion rate in azoospermia and oligospermia groups was considerably higher than in the control group (P < .05). The DAZLA gene locus deletion rate in the azoospermia group was apparently higher than that in the oligospermia and control groups (P < .05). The semen volume was compared between azoospermia and oligospermia patients and controls (P > .05). Sperm concentration, sperm survival rate, the proportion of normal morphological sperm, and the proportion of progressive motility sperm in the oligospermia group were lower than those in the control group (P < .05). The levels of serum T (Testosterone, T) and T/LH in the azoospermiaspermia group were lower than those in the control group (P < .05). Serum LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicular Stimulating Hormone) in azoospermia group and oligospermia group were higher than those in the control group (P < .05). The Serum LH determination value of the azoospermia group is higher than the oligospermia group (P < .05). Serum T/LH in the azoospermia group was lower than in the oligospermia group (P < .05). The serum T and T/LH values in azoospermia male patients with DAZ and DAZLA gene deletion were lower than those without deletion (P < .05). Sperm concentration and survival rate of oligospermatism male patients with DAZ gene deletion were lower than those without deletion (P < .05). Sperm and serum T and T/LH values of oligospermatism male patients with DAZ gene deletion were lower than those without deletion (P < .05). Conclusion: The incidence of DAZ and DAZLA gene locus deletion in male patients with idiopathic azoospermia and oligozoospermia was higher than in normal males. The gene locus deletion was related to decreased androgen level, sperm count and motility.

Polymorphisms of the SCD1 Gene and Its Association Analysis with Carcass, Meat Quality, Adipogenic Traits, Fatty Acid Composition, and Milk Production Traits in Cattle.

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids and is considered a candidate gene for improving milk and meat quality traits. Sanger sequencing was employed to investigate the genetic polymorphism of the fifth exon and intron of bovine SCD1, revealing four SNPs, g.21272246 A>G, g.21272306 T>C, g.21272422 C>T, and g.21272529 A>G. Further variance analysis and multiple comparisons were conducted to examine the relationship between variation sites and economic traits in Chinese Simmental cattle, as well as milk production traits in Holstein cows. The findings revealed these four loci exhibited significant associations with carcass traits (carcass weight, carcass length, backfat thickness, and waist meat thickness), meat quality (pH value, rib eye area, and marbling score), adipogenic traits (fat score and carcass fat coverage rate), and fatty acid composition (linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid). Furthermore, these loci were additionally found to be significantly associated with average milk yield and milk fat content in cows. In addition, a haplotype analysis of combinations of SNPs showed that H2H3 has a significant association with adipogenic traits and H2H2 was associated with higher levels of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid than the other combinations. These results suggest that the four SNPs are expected to be prospective genetic markers for the above economic traits. In addition, the function of SNPs in exon 5 of SCD1 on gene expression and protein structure needs to be explored in the future.

Activating transcription factor 6 contributes to cisplatin­induced ototoxicity via regulating the unfolded proteins response.

As a broad-spectrum anticancer drug, cisplatin is widely used in the treatment of tumors in various systems. Unfortunately, several serious side effects of cisplatin limit its clinical application, the most common of which are nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Studies have shown that cochlear hair cell degeneration is the main cause of cisplatin-induced hearing loss. However, the mechanism of cisplatin-induced hair cell death remains unclear. The present study aimed to explore the potential role of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized protein, on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we observed that cisplatin exposure induced apoptosis of mouse auditory OC-1 cells, accompanied by a significant increase in the expression of ATF6 and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). In cell or cochlear culture models, treatment with an ATF6 agonist, an ER homeostasis regulator, significantly ameliorated cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. Further, our in vivo experiments showed that subcutaneous injection of an ATF6 agonist almost completely prevented outer hair cell loss and significantly alleviated cisplatin-induced auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold elevation in mice. Collectively, our results revealed the underlying mechanism by which activation of ATF6 significantly improved cisplatin-induced hair cell apoptosis, at least in part by inhibiting apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 expression, and demonstrated that pharmacological activation of ATF6-mediated unfolded protein response is a potential treatment for cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

Reciprocal regulation of T follicular helper cells and dendritic cells drives colitis development.

The immunological mechanisms underlying chronic colitis are poorly understood. T follicular helper (TFH) cells are critical in helping B cells during germinal center reactions. In a T cell transfer colitis model, a lymphoid structure composed of mature dendritic cells (DCs) and TFH cells was found within T cell zones of colonic lymphoid follicles. TFH cells were required for mature DC accumulation, the formation of DC-T cell clusters and colitis development. Moreover, DCs promoted TFH cell differentiation, contributing to colitis development. A lineage-tracing analysis showed that, following migration to the lamina propria, TFH cells transdifferentiated into long-lived pathogenic TH1 cells, promoting colitis development. Our findings have therefore demonstrated the reciprocal regulation of TFH cells and DCs in colonic lymphoid follicles, which is critical in chronic colitis pathogenesis.

Locally advanced breast cancer patients should be cautious about the immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy: a pooling analysis of safety and efficacy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare safety and efficacy outcomes between immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) and mastectomy alone in locally advanced breast cancer patients. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature search of PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The primary outcomes evaluated were overall survival, disease-free survival, and local recurrence. The secondary outcome was the incidence of surgical complications. All data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Sixteen studies, involving 15,364 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled data demonstrated that patients underwent IBR were more likely to experience surgical complications than those underwent mastectomy alone (HR: 3.96, 95%CI [1.07,14.67], p = 0.04). No significant difference was found in overall survival (HR: 0.94, 95%CI [0.73,1.20], p = 0.62), disease-free survival (HR: 1.03, 95%CI [0.83,1.27], p = 0.81), or breast cancer specific survival (HR: 0.93, 95%CI [0.71,1.21], p = 0.57) between IBR group and Non-IBR group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that IBR after mastectomy does not affect the overall survival and disease-free survival of locally advanced breast cancer patients. However, IBR brings with it a nonnegligible higher risk of complications and needs to be fully evaluated and carefully decided.

Defect detection and imaging using electromagnetic acoustic transducer with butterfly coil.

Electromagnetic ultrasonic detection technology utilizes the electromagnetic coupling method to generate and receive ultrasonic waves without a couplant, which is suitable for rapid detection. However, the detection can be affected by the spatial distribution of the acoustic field and the polarization direction of the shear wave, which can result in suboptimal detection performance. The acoustic field directivity of the shear wave generated by the butterfly coil electromagnetic acoustic transducer was measured using the transmission method. The data indicate that the acoustic pressure amplitude of the shear wave is maximized along the axis of the acoustic field, thereby meeting the requirements of synthetic aperture focusing technique imaging. We used the reflection method to detect the through-hole defects and investigated the effect of shear wave polarization direction. By comparing the experimental data and imaging results, it can be concluded that higher echo amplitudes are obtained when the polarization direction of the shear wave is perpendicular to the axis of the through-hole defects. Based on the explosive reflection model, the frequency domain phase shift migration (PSM) method converts the time-domain signal to the frequency domain for processing and uses a phase-shift factor for layer-by-layer imaging. We used the PSM method to process the experimental data, which not only produced high-resolution images but also had a high computational speed.