Long-term outcomes of radiofrequency ablation for intrathoracic goiter up to 5 years: evaluated by computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for intrathoracic goiter (ITG) over a follow-up period exceeding six months. METHODS: From 2017 to 2022, 22 patients (6 males, 16 females) with 24 ITGs treated with RFA at a single medical center were evaluated. All patients underwent ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before RFA. Follow-up CT/MRI was performed six months after the initial RFA and then every 6-12 months. The primary outcomes measured were the degree of extension, goiter volume, volume reduction rate (VRR), tracheal deviation, and tracheal lumen. Additionally, we assessed the outcomes of single-session RFA (n = 16) vs. multiple sessions (n = 8) on goiters and explored the correlation between ITG volume measurements obtained using ultrasonography and CT/MRI. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 12 months (interquartile range: 6-36.8 months). At the last follow-up, the nodule volume measured by CT/MRI had significantly decreased (76.2 vs. 24.6 mL; p < 0.05), with a VRR of 64.6%. Patients who underwent multiple RFA sessions showed a significantly higher VRR than the single-session patients (63.8 vs. 80.1%, p < 0.05). The intraclass correlation between goiter volumes measured using US and CT/MRI was moderate. CONCLUSION: This study affirms the long-term efficacy and safety of RFA for ITG, providing an alternative treatment for nonsurgical candidates. Multiple RFA sessions may be beneficial for achieving better volume reduction. Sole reliance on ultrasonography is inadequate; therefore, integrating CT/MRI is essential for accurate pre-RFA and follow-up assessments.

Intrathoracic goiters significantly impact both cosmetic appearance and induce numerous compressive symptoms.Radiofrequency ablation brought notable volume reduction and persistent, effective alleviation of compressive symptoms.Radiofrequency ablation presents a promising therapeutic modality with long-term benefits for patients with intrathoracic goiter.

Cost-effectiveness evaluation of mass-rearing Cadra cautella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) based on harvest theory for sustainable alternative prey production.

Cadra cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a pest in barn, and its eggs are often utilized as an alternative prey or as hosts for mass production of insect predators and parasitoids. To aid in developing a mass-rearing system for C. castella, the suitability of using an artificial diet based on brown rice flour and whole brown rice was compared using the age-stage, 2-sex life table. Compared with those reared on brown rice, the insects reared on an artificial diet had a shorter preadult period (32.08 vs 37.38 d), higher fecundity (468.14 vs 356.20 eggs/female), greater intrinsic rate of increase (0.1509 vs 0.1145 d-1), and higher net reproductive rate (199.28 vs 103.52 offspring). Small populations were required to rear the moth on an artificial diet to achieve the same daily production of C. cautella. Still, the food expense was only 60.2% of that of C. cautella reared on brown rice. Approximately 99.44% of the eggs in each rearing procedure could be supplied as alternative prey for predators, with the remainder served to maintain the colonies for subsequent batches. Only eggs laid within 6 d would be utilized to ensure the high quality of alternative prey for the mass production of predacious bugs. Additionally, a multifunctional device was designed for moth rearing and egg collection, reducing labor input and minimizing health risks for workers coping with inhaled scales. To encourage the production of natural enemies, a cost-effective diet for maintaining a sustainable colony, and a system for daily egg-harvesting of alternative prey were proposed.

Effect of CNT Oxidation on the Processing and Properties of Superacid-Spun CNT Fibers.

Spinning fibers from carbon nanotube (CNT)/superacid dispersions has emerged as a promising strategy for industrial-scale production of high-performance CNT fibers (CNTFs). The oxygen content and types of functional groups on CNT surfaces significantly influence dispersion, assembly processes, and fiber properties. In this study, Tuball-SWCNTs were purified and oxidized at varying levels. The dispersion behavior of CNTs with different oxidation levels in chlorosulfonic acid was systematically observed, and the mechanical properties of fibers spun from these dispersions were compared. By adjusting the dispersion concentration, highly oriented CNTFs were produced with a specific strength of 1.03 N/tex, a tensile strength of 1.59 GPa, and an electrical conductivity of 3.58 MS/m. Further investigations indicated that oxygen-containing functional groups decrease the coagulation rate, increasing the maximum draw ratio during spinning and improving CNT alignment in the fibers. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that these functional groups (-OH, -COOH) enhance load transfer between CNTs through hydrogen bonding. This specific strength is the highest achieved using Tuball-SWCNTs for superacid-spun fibers, surpassing previous works due to the oxidation-controlled coagulation rate, enhanced fiber orientation, and improved load transfer via hydrogen bonding. This study provides insights for designing and optimizing high-performance CNTFs.

Immunomodulation Pathogenesis and Treatment of Bone Nonunion.

Fractures and bone nonunion commonly require surgical intervention. Serious outcomes of non-healing in the late stages of fracture place a significant financial burden on society and families. Bone nonunion occurs when a fracture stops healing, for many reasons, and leads to a variety of bad outcomes. Numerous factors, including biomechanics and immunology, are involved in the complicated mechanisms of bone nonunion. The immune-inflammatory response plays a significant part in the emergence of bone nonunion, and the occurrence, control, and remission of inflammation in the bone healing process have a significant influence on the ultimate success of bone tissue repair. In the bone microenvironment, immune cells and associated cytokines control bone repair, which is significantly influenced by macrophages, T cells, and fibroblast growth factor. To limit acute inflammation and  balance osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis for tissue repair and regeneration, immune cells and various cytokines in the local microenvironment must be precisely regulated. As a bad complication of late-stage fractures, bone nonunion has a significant effect on patients' quality of life and socioeconomic development. Therefore, in-depth research on its pathogenesis and treatment methods has important clinical value. To provide more precise, focused therapeutic options for the treatment of bone nonunion, we discuss the regulatory roles of the key immune cells engaged in bone healing within the microenvironment during bone healing and their effect on osteogenesis.

Intestinal health of squab pigeons responded to parental dietary protein levels during breeding period.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) levels on intestinal antioxidant status, tight junction proteins expression, and amino acids transporters levels in squabs. A total of 180 pairs of White King parent pigeons approximately 10 mo old were randomly assigned to 5 groups with 6 replications of 6 pairs of parental pigeons each, and were fed with 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18% CP diets for 46 d, respectively. Dietary increasing CP levels increased final body weight (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05), serum urea nitrogen (linear, P<0.05) and triglyceride levels (quadratic, P < 0.05), and reduced kidney relative weight (quadratic, P < 0.05) in squabs. Final body weight of squabs in the 18% CP diet group was higher than that of the 14, 15, and 16% CP diet groups (P < 0.05) but was similar to that of the 17% CP diet group (P > 0.05). Increasing dietary CP levels reduced intestinal malondialdehyde contents (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) and jejunal total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity (linear, P < 0.05), and enhanced (linear and quadratic, P<0.05) ileal catalase and T-SOD activities in squabs, and these effects were more prominent in the 17% CP diet group. Graded CP levels up-regulated the mRNA expression of intestinal zonula occludens 1 (linear, P < 0.05), solute carrier family 7 members 9 (linear, P < 0.05) and claudin 1 (CLDN1, linear and quadratic, P < 0.05), ileal CLDN3 and solute carrier family 6 members 14 (linear, P < 0.05) but lowered jejunal solute carrier family 6 member 14 (quadratic, P<0.05) mRNA expression in squabs. The effects of dietary CP levels on intestinal tight junction proteins expression were more apparent when its supplemental levels were 18%. These results suggested that increasing parental dietary CP levels ranged from 14 to 18% during breeding period improved growth and intestinal function of squabs, with its recommended level being 17%.

Enhancing the sequence coverage of nanodiamond-extracted early secretory proteins from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.

The unambiguous identification of protein species requires high sequence coverage. In this study, we successfully improved the sequence coverage of early secretory 10 kDa cell filtrate protein (CFP-10) and 6 kDa early secretory antigenic target (ESAT-6) proteins from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) in broth culture media with the use of the 4-chloro-α-cyanocinnamic acid (Cl-CCA) matrix. Conventional matrices, α-cyano-hydroxy-cinnamic acid (CHCA) and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), were also used for comparison. After nanodiamond (ND) extraction, the sequence coverage of the CFP-10 protein was 87% when CHCA and DHB matrices were used, and the ESAT-6 protein was not detected. On the other hand, the sequence coverage for ND-extracted CFP-10 and ESAT-6 could reach 94% and 100%, respectively, when the Cl-CCA matrix was used and with the removal of interference from bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein and α-crystallin (ACR) protein. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was also adopted to analyze the protein mass spectra. A total of 6 prominent ion signals were observed, including ESAT-6 protein peaks at mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) of ∼7931, ∼7974, ∼9768, and ∼9813 and CFP-10 protein peaks at m/z of ∼10 100 and ∼10 660. The ESAT-6 ion signals were always detected concurrently with CFP-10 ion signals, but CFP-10 ion signals could be detected alone without the ESAT-6 ion signals. Furthermore, the newly found ESAT-6 peaks were also confirmed using a Mag-Beads-Protein G kit with an ESAT-6 antibody to capture the ESAT-6 protein, which was also consistent with the sequence coverage analysis.

Gradient gyroid Ti6Al4V scaffolds with TiO2 surface modification: Promising approach for large bone defect repair.

Large bone defects, particularly those exceeding the critical size, present a clinical challenge due to the limited regenerative capacity of bone tissue. Traditional treatments like autografts and allografts are constrained by donor availability, immune rejection, and mechanical performance. This study aimed to develop an effective solution by designing gradient gyroid scaffolds with titania (TiO2) surface modification for the repair of large segmental bone defects. The scaffolds were engineered to balance mechanical strength with the necessary internal space to promote new bone formation and nutrient exchange. A gradient design of the scaffold was optimized through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to enhance fluid flow and cell adhesion. In vivo studies in rabbits demonstrated that the G@TiO2 scaffold, featuring a gradient structure and TiO2 surface modification, exhibited superior healing capabilities compared to the homogeneous structure and TiO2 surface modification (H@TiO2) and gradient structure (G) scaffolds. At 12 weeks post-operation, in a bone defect representing nearly 30 % of the total length of the radius, the implantation of the G@TiO2 scaffold achieved a 27 % bone volume to tissue volume (BV/TV) ratio, demonstrating excellent osseointegration. The TiO2 surface modification provided photothermal antibacterial effects, enhancing the scaffold's biocompatibility and potential for infection prevention. These findings suggest that the gradient gyroid scaffold with TiO2 surface modification is a promising candidate for treating large segmental bone defects, offering a combination of mechanical strength, bioactivity, and infection resistance.

Suillusgrevillei and Suillus luteus promote lead tolerance of Pinus tabulaeformis and biomineralize lead to pyromorphite.

Lead (Pb) is a hazardous heavy metal that accumulates in many environments. Phytoremediation of Pb polluted soil is an environmentally friendly method, and a better understanding of mycorrhizal symbiosis under Pb stress can promote its efficiency and application. This study aims to evaluate the impact of two ectomycorrhizal fungi (Suillus grevillei and Suillus luteus) on the performance of Pinus tabulaeformis under Pb stress, and the biomineralization of metallic Pb in vitro. A pot experiment using substrate with 0 and 1,000 mg/kg Pb2+ was conducted to evaluate the growth, photosynthetic pigments, oxidative damage, and Pb accumulation of P. tabulaeformis with or without ectomycorrhizal fungi. In vitro co-cultivation of ectomycorrhizal fungi and Pb shots was used to evaluate Pb biomineralization. The results showed that colonization by the two ectomycorrhizal fungi promoted plant growth, increased the content of photosynthetic pigments, reduced oxidative damage, and caused massive accumulation of Pb in plant roots. The structural characteristics of the Pb secondary minerals formed in the presence of fungi demonstrated significant differences from the minerals formed in the control plates and these minerals were identified as pyromorphite (Pb5(PO4)3Cl). Ectomycorrhizal fungi promoted the performance of P. tabulaeformis under Pb stress and suggested a potential role of mycorrhizal symbiosis in Pb phytoremediation. This observation also represents the first discovery of such Pb biomineralization induced by ectomycorrhizal fungi. Ectomycorrhizal fungi induced Pb biomineralization is also relevant to the phytostabilization and new approaches in the bioremediation of polluted environments.

Spinel Nanostructures for the Hydrogenation of CO2 to Methanol and Hydrocarbon Chemicals.

Composite oxides have been widely applied in the hydrogenation of CO/CO2 to methanol or as the component of bifunctional oxide-zeolite for the synthesis of hydrocarbon chemicals. However, it is still challenging to disentangle the stepwise formation mechanism of CH3OH at working conditions and selectively convert CO2 to hydrocarbon chemicals with narrow distribution. Here, we investigate the reaction network of the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol over a series of spinel oxides (AB2O4), among which the Zn-based nanostructures offer superior performance in methanol synthesis. Through a series of (quasi) in situ spectroscopic characterizations, we evidence that the dissociation of H2 tends to follow a heterolytic pathway and that hydrogenation ability can be regulated by the combination of Zn with Ga or Al. The coordinatively unsaturated metal sites over ZnAl2Ox and ZnGa2Ox originating from oxygen vacancies (OVs) are evidenced to be responsible for the dissociative adsorption and activation of CO2. The evolution of the reaction intermediates, including both carbonaceous and hydrogen species at high temperatures and pressures over the spinel oxides, has been experimentally elaborated at the atomic level. With the integration of a series of zeolites or zeotypes, high selectivities of hydrocarbon chemicals with narrow distributions can be directly produced from CO2 and H2, offering a promising route for CO2 utilization.

The bone nonunion microenvironment: A place where osteogenesis struggles with osteoclastic capacity.

Bone nonunion is a common and serious orthopedic disorder, the occurrence of which is associated with a disruption of the dynamic balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts during bone repair. However, the critical molecular mechanisms affecting this homeostasis are not well understood, and it is essential to investigate the specific components of this mechanism and to restore the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts to promote bone repair. First, we defined this complex local environmental factor as the "bone nonunion microenvironment" and identified the importance of the "struggle" between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which is the most essential element in determining the process of repair. On this basis, we also explored the cellular factors that influence osteogenesis and the molecular signals that influence the balance between osteoclast and osteoblasts, which are important for restoring homeostasis. Further, we explored other factors involved in osteogenesis, such as the biomechanical environment, the nutritional environment, the acid-base environment, and the temperature environment, which are important players in osteogenesis. In conclusion, we found that the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts is the essence of bone healing, which is based on the "bone nonunion microenvironment". Therefore, investigating the role of the bone nonunion microenvironment in the system of osteoblast-osteoclast "struggle" provides an important basis for further understanding of the mechanism of nonunion and the development of new therapeutic approaches.

Exploration of the mode of death and potential death mechanisms of nucleus pulposus cells.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a common chronic orthopaedic disease in orthopaedics that imposes a heavy economic burden on people and society. Although it is well established that IVDD is associated with genetic susceptibility, ageing and obesity, its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Previously, IVDD was thought to occur because of excessive mechanical loading leading to destruction of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), but studies have shown that IVDD is a much more complex process associated with inflammation, metabolic factors and NPCs death and can involve all parts of the disc, characterized by causing NPCs death and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. The damage pattern of NPCs in IVDD is like that of some programmed cell death, suggesting that IVDD is associated with programmed cell death. Although apoptosis and pyroptosis of NPCs have been studied in IVDD, the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration can still not be fully elucidated by using only traditional cell death modalities. With increasing research, some new modes of cell death, PANoptosis, ferroptosis and senescence have been found to be closely related to intervertebral disc degeneration. Among these, PANoptosis combines essential elements of pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis to form a highly coordinated and dynamically balanced programmed inflammatory cell death process. Furthermore, we believe that PANoptosis may also crosstalk with pyroptosis and senescence. Therefore, we review the progress of research on multiple deaths of NPCs in IVDD to provide guidance for clinical treatment.

Dual substitution of host lattice ions to enhance the luminescence properties of Zn2TiO4:Cr3+ phosphor.

Near-infrared light sources have potential applications in many fields. Cr3+ is a good luminescence centre to prepare near-infrared phosphors. Improving the performance of existing near-infrared luminescent materials has indeed attracted great interest from researchers. The luminescence properties of Zn2TiO4:Cr3+ were improved by crystal field engineering strategies. Zn2+-Ti4+ was partially replaced using a Li+-Nb5+ ion pair based on the Zn2TiO4:Cr3+ phosphors. Luminescence Cr3+-activated luminescent materials are sensitive to changes in the local crystal structure and crystal field environment. Doping of Li+-Nb5+ increased the luminescence intensity up to 2.7 times that of the undoped sample. Also, the thermal stability of the phosphor was greatly increased by the replacement of Li+-Nb5+.

UBD participates in neutrophilic asthma by promoting the activation of IL-17 signaling.

Neutrophilic asthma is a persistent and severe inflammatory lung disease characterized by neutrophil activation and the mechanisms of which are not completely elucidated. Ubiquitin D (UBD) is a ubiquitin-like modifier participating in infections, immune responses, and tumorigenesis, while whether UBD involves in neutrophilic asthma needs further study. In this study, we initially found that UBD expression was significantly elevated and interleukin 17 (IL-17) signaling was enriched in the endobronchial biopsies of severe asthma along with neutrophils increasing by bioinformatics analysis. We further confirmed that UBD was upregulated in the lung tissues of neutrophilic asthma mouse model. UBD overexpression promoted IL-17 signaling activation. Knockdown of UBD suppressed the activation of IL-17 signaling. UBD interacted with TRAF2 and reduced the total and the K48-linked ubiquitination of TRAF2. However, IL-17 A stimulation increased both the total and the K48-linked ubiquitination of TRAF2. Together, these findings indicated that UBD was upregulated and played a critical role in IL-17 signaling which contributed to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms in neutrophilic asthma.

Selectivity Control by Relay Catalysis in CO and CO2 Hydrogenation to Multicarbon Compounds.

ConspectusThe hydrogenative conversion of both CO and CO2 into high-value multicarbon (C2+) compounds, such as olefins, aromatic hydrocarbons, ethanol, and liquid fuels, has attracted much recent attention. The hydrogenation of CO is related to the chemical utilization of various carbon resources including shale gas, biomass, coal, and carbon-containing wastes via syngas (a mixture of H2 and CO), while the hydrogenation of CO2 by green H2 to chemicals and liquid fuels would contribute to recycling CO2 for carbon neutrality. The state-of-the-art technologies for the hydrogenation of CO/CO2 to C2+ compounds primarily rely on a direct route via Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis and an indirect route via two methanol-mediated processes, i.e., methanol synthesis from CO/CO2 and methanol to C2+ compounds. The direct route would be more energy- and cost-efficient owing to the reduced operation units, but the product selectivity of the direct route via FT synthesis is limited by the Anderson-Schulz-Flory (ASF) distribution. Selectivity control for the direct hydrogenation of CO/CO2 to a high-value C2+ compound is one of the most challenging goals in the field of C1 chemistry, i.e., chemistry for the transformation of one-carbon (C1) molecules.We have developed a relay-catalysis strategy to solve the selectivity challenge arising from the complicated reaction network in the hydrogenation of CO/CO2 to C2+ compounds involving multiple intermediates and reaction channels, which inevitably lead to side reactions and byproducts over a conventional heterogeneous catalyst. The core of relay catalysis is to design a single tandem-reaction channel, which can direct the reaction to the target product controllably, by choosing appropriate intermediates (or intermediate products) and reaction steps connecting these intermediates, and arranging optimized yet matched catalysts to implement these steps like a relay. This Account showcases representative relay-catalysis systems developed by our group in the past decade for the synthesis of liquid fuels, lower (C2-C4) olefins, aromatics, and C2+ oxygenates from CO/CO2 with selectivity breaking the limitation of conventional catalysts. These relay systems are typically composed of a metal or metal oxide for CO/CO2/H2 activation and a zeolite for C-C coupling or reconstruction, as well as a third or even a fourth catalyst component with other functions if necessary. The mechanisms for the activation of H2 and CO/CO2 on metal oxides, which are distinct from that on the conventional transition or noble metal surfaces, are discussed with emphasis on the role of oxygen vacancies. Zeolites catalyze the conversion of intermediates (including hydrocracking/isomerization of heavier hydrocarbons, methanol-to-hydrocarbon reactions, and carbonylation of methanol/dimethyl ether) in the relay system, and the selectivity is mainly controlled by the Brønsted acidity and the shape-selectivity or the confinement effect of zeolites. We demonstrate that the thermodynamic/kinetic matching of the relay steps, the proximity and spatial arrangement of the catalyst components, and the transportation of intermediates/products in sequence are the key issues guiding the selection of each catalyst component and the construction of an efficient relay-catalysis system. Our methodology would also be useful for the transformation of other C1 molecules via controlled C-C coupling, inspiring more efforts toward precision catalysis.

Epimedin B exhibits pigmentation by increasing tyrosinase family proteins expression, activity, and stability.

Epimedin B (EB) is one of the main flavonoid ingredients present in Epimedium brevicornum Maxim., a traditional herb widely used in China. Our previous study showed that EB was a stronger inducer of melanogenesis and an activator of tyrosinase (TYR). However, the role of EB in melanogenesis and the mechanism underlying the regulation remain unclear. Herein, as an extension to our previous investigation, we provide comprehensive evidence of EB-induced pigmentation in vivo and in vitro and elucidate the melanogenesis mechanism by assessing its effects on the TYR family of proteins (TYRs) in terms of expression, activity, and stability. The results showed that EB increased TYRs expression through microphthalmia-associated transcription factor-mediated p-Akt (referred to as protein kinase B (PKB))/glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß)/ß-catenin, p-p70 S6 kinase cascades, and protein 38 (p38)/mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (MAPK) and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK)/MAPK pathways, after which EB increased the number of melanosomes and promoted their maturation for melanogenesis in melanoma cells and human primary melanocytes/skin tissues. Furthermore, EB exerted repigmentation by stimulating TYR activity in hydroquinone- and N-phenylthiourea-induced TYR inhibitive models, including melanoma cells, zebrafish, and mice. Finally, EB ameliorated monobenzone-induced depigmentation in vitro and in vivo through the enhancement of TYRs stability by inhibiting TYR misfolding, TYR-related protein 1 formation, and retention in the endoplasmic reticulum and then by downregulating the ubiquitination and proteolysis processes. These data conclude that EB can target TYRs and alter their expression, activity, and stability, thus stimulating their pigmentation function, which might provide a novel rational strategy for hypopigmentation treatment in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Stable anchoring of single rhodium atoms by indium in zeolite alkane dehydrogenation catalysts.

Maintaining the stability of single-atom catalysts in high-temperature reactions remains extremely challenging because of the migration of metal atoms under these conditions. We present a strategy for designing stable single-atom catalysts by harnessing a second metal to anchor the noble metal atom inside zeolite channels. A single-atom rhodium-indium cluster catalyst is formed inside zeolite silicalite-1 through in situ migration of indium during alkane dehydrogenation. This catalyst demonstrates exceptional stability against coke formation for 5500 hours in continuous pure propane dehydrogenation with 99% propylene selectivity and propane conversions close to the thermodynamic equilibrium value at 550°C. Our catalyst also operated stably at 600°C, offering propane conversions of >60% and propylene selectivity of >95%.

Bioinformatics-based discovery of intervertebral disc degeneration biomarkers and immune-inflammatory infiltrates.

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a common chronic disease in orthopedics, and its molecular mechanisms are still not well explained. Aim: This study's objective was to bioinformatics-based discovery of IVDD biomarkers and immune-inflammatory infiltrates. Materials and Methods: The IVDD illness gene collection was gathered from GeneCards, DisGeNet, and gene expression profiles were chosen from the extensive Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE124272, GSE150408, and GSE153761). The STRING database was used to create a network of protein-protein interactions, while the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) databases were used for functional enrichment analysis. Using hub genes, the immune cell infiltration between IVDD patient samples and control tissues was examined. Finally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot experiments were used to verify the expression of hub genes. Results: A total of 27 differentially expressed hub genes were identified by bioinformatics. According to GO and KEGG analyses, hub genes were prominent in immunological responses, chemokine-mediated signaling pathways, and inflammatory responses, with the key signaling pathways engaged in cellular senescence, apoptosis, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, and Th17 cell differentiation. Immune cell infiltration research revealed that T cells, lymphocytes, B cells, and NK cells were decreased in IVDD patients while monocytes, neutrophils, and CD8 T cells were increased. The expression levels of the senescence hub genes SP1, VEGFA, IL-6, and the apoptosis key gene CASP3 were considerably greater in the IVDD model group than in the control group, according to in vitro validation. Conclusion: In conclusion, the cellular senescence signaling pathway, the apoptosis signaling pathway, and associated hub genes play significant roles in the development and progression of IVDD, this finding may help direct future research on the senescence signaling route in IVDD.

Fabrication of Metal-Organic Framework-Based Mixed-Matrix Membranes by "Soft Spray" Technique.

Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) represent a class of composite membranes that seamlessly integrate the properties of MOF fillers and polymer matrix into a hybrid system and have been widely used in countless advanced technologies. However, there remains a need for scalable and simple manufacturing techniques that can fabricate a MOF-based MMM with uniform dispersion. Herein, a series of MMMs with well-dispersed MOFs are constructed by a soft spray technique. In brief, by uniformly spraying metal ions onto the surface of a mixed solution containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and organic ligands, a free-standing MMM is synthesized at the miscible liquid-liquid interface, facilitated by the dual function of metal ions. Moreover, soft spray technology can also introduce multifunctional materials into the MMM to customize performance. We have successfully introduced carbon black into a MOF-based MMM by soft spray, resulting in MMMs with excellent photothermal effects. The resulted MOF-based MMM exhibits favorable catalytic performance in the condensation reaction of benzaldehyde with primary amines, and the MOF-based MMM modified with carbon black significantly boosts the endothermic CO2 conversion. The work opens a new avenue for the development of MOF-based MMMs with a promising future.

Red mud accommodated mesoporous black TiO2 framework with enhanced organic pollutant photodegradation.

In this work, black TiO2 (BTiO2) loaded on black red mud (BRM) was successfully prepared with the conversion of Fe2O3 into magnetic Fe3O4 in red mud and the reduction of partial Ti4+ to Ti3+ in TiO2 via the facile sol-gel method and H2 reduction treatment. The obtained low-cost BRM/BTiO2 composites exhibit remarkable photocatalytic degradation toward rhodamine B (91.2%) and tetracycline (83.6%) under visible light irradiation, much better than pristine TiO2. This enhancement is attributed to the narrow bandgap with the desired solar-light excitation, the black color with good solar-light absorption, and the heterojunctions with the efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Moreover, the desired magnetic separation of BRM/BTiO2 composites realizes the recycle and recovery of photocatalysts, favoring practical applications in environment. This work provides a cost-efficiency way to prepare RM-supported TiO2 composites for treating organic pollutants in the wastewater, which is of great significance to the comprehensive utilization of RM waste, the cost saving of the photocatalyst, and the visible-light active enhancement of TiO2.

A Compound Essential Oil Alters Stratum Corneum Structure, Potentially Promoting the Transdermal Permeation of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Ingredients.

BACKGROUND: The stratum corneum (SC) is the main barrier of the skin, and cosmeceuticals are different from ordinary cosmetics in that they need to deliver active ingredients targeting specific skin problems through the SC into the deeper layers of the skin. Thus, we designed a compound essential oil (CEO) extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge and Cinnamomum cassia Presl, supplemented with borneol to deliver active ingredients through the SC. METHODS: The CEO was prepared by flash extraction combined with the microwave method. Moreover, the main components of the CEO were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). Visualization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), were used to study the permeationpromoting mechanism of the CEO on the skin. Furthermore, the permeation-promoting effects of the CEO on both hydrophobic and hydrophilic ingredients were tested via in vitro skin penetration experiments and in vivo microdialysis experiments. RESULTS: The results indicated the ability of the CEO to alter the structure of the SC, leading to enhanced transdermal permeation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic ingredients. The 1.5% CEO group demonstrated the best permeation-promoting effect compared to the other CEO groups and blank groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, the CEO displayed an expedited permeability-promoting effect on hydrophobic ingredients compared to hydrophilic ingredients. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the prepared CEO can promote the transdermal permeation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic ingredients. This study will provide a reference for the application of the prepared CEO in the development of cosmeceuticals with natural efficacy.