Space-Confined Growth for Thickness-Controlled Cs3Bi2I9 Perovskite Single Crystal Wafers for X-Ray Detectors.

The Cs3Bi2I9 single crystal, as an all-inorganic non-lead perovskite, offers advantages such as stability and environmental friendliness. Its superior photoelectric properties, attributed to the absence of grain boundary influence, make it an outstanding X-ray detection material compared to polycrystals. In addition to material properties, X-ray detector performance is affected by the thickness of the absorption layer. Addressing this, a space-confined method is proposed. The temperature field is determined through finite element simulation, effectively guiding the design of the space-confined method. Through this innovative method, a series of thickness-controlled perovskite single crystal wafers (PSCWs) are successfully prepared. Corresponding X-ray detectors are then prepared, and the impact of single crystal thickness on device performance is investigated. With an increase in single crystal thickness, a rise followed by a decline in device sensitivity is observed, reaching an optimal value at 0.7 mm thickness at 40V mm-1 with a device performance of 11313.6µC Gy-1 cm-2. This space-confined method enables the direct growth of high-quality perovskite single crystals with specified thickness, eliminating the need for slicing or etching.

Optimizing Thermoelectric Performance of Tellurium via Doping with Antimony and Selenium.

Forming solid solutions is one of the most effective strategies to suppress the thermal conductivity of thermoelectric materials. However, the accompanying increase in impurity ion scattering usually results in an undesirable loss in hall mobility, negatively impacting the electrical transport properties. In this work, a tellurium-selenium (Te-Se) solid solution with trace antimony (Sb) doping was synthesized via the high pressure and high temperature method. It was found that slight Se doping into the Te sites not only had no impact on the hall mobility and carrier concentration, but also enhanced the density-of-state effective mass of Sb0.003Te0.997, leading to an enhanced power factor near room temperature. Additionally, the presence of Se doping caused a significant reduction in the phonon thermal conductivity of Te due to fluctuations in the mass and strain field. The lowest phonon thermal conductivity was as low as ~0.42 Wm-1K-1 at 600 K for Sb0.003Se0.025Te0.972, which approached the theoretical minimum value of Te (~0.28 Wm-1K-1). The effects of Se doping suppressed thermal conductivity, while Sb doping enhanced the power factor, resulting in a larger ZT of ~0.94 at 600 K. Moreover, these findings demonstrate that Sb and Se doping can effectively modulate the electrical and thermal transport properties of Te in a synergistic manner, leading to a significant increase in the average ZT across a wide temperature range.

Composition Engineering Growth of Cs3Bi2I9 Single Crystals with Low Defect Density for X-ray Detectors.

Cs3Bi2I9 (CBI) single crystal (SC) is a promising material for a higher-performance direct X-ray detector. However, the composition of CBI SC prepared by the solution method usually deviates from the ideal stoichiometric ratio, which limits the detector performance. In this paper, based on the finite element analysis method, the growth model of the top-seed solution method has been established, and then the influence of precursor ratio, temperature field, and other parameters on the composition of CBI SC has been simulated. The simulation results were used to guide the growth of the CBI SCs. Finally, a high-quality CBI SC with a stoichiometric ratio of Cs/Bi/I = 2.87:2:8.95 has been successfully grown, and the defect density is as low as 1.03 × 109 cm-3, the carrier lifetime is as high as 16.7 ns, and the resistivity is as high as 1.44 × 1012 Ω·cm. The X-ray detector based on this SC has a sensitivity of 29386.2 µC·Gyair-1 cm-2 at an electric field of 40 V·mm-1, and a low detection limit of 0.36 nGyair·s-1, creating a record for the all-inorganic perovskite materials.

Supramolecular nanoprodrug based on a chloride channel blocker and glycosylated pillar[5]arenes for targeted chemoresistance cancer therapy.

A supramolecular nanoprodrug (DOX@GP5⊃Pro-NFA) was constructed based on the host-guest complexation of chloride channel blocker prodrug (Pro-NFA) and glycosylated pillar[5]arene (GP5), which could target tumor cells via galactose and release DOX/NFA responsively under esterase stimulation. In vitro studies revealed that this supramolecular nanoprodrug can overcome drug resistance through inhibiting chloride channels as well as inhibiting the migration of HepG2/ADR cells. This strategy can therefore achieve enhanced potency in chemotherapy through reverse chemoresistance.

Fecal and oral microbiome analysis of snakes from China reveals a novel natural emerging disease reservoir.

Introduction: The gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity of animal species harbor complex microbial communities, the composition of which is indicative of the behavior, co-evolution, diet, and immune system of the host. Methods: This study investigated the microbial composition in snakes from varying altitudinal ranges by assessing the fecal and oral bacterial communities in Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, Elaphe dione, and Gloydius angusticeps from Sichuan Province, China, using metagenomic sequencing. Results and discussion: It was revealed that Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Fusobacteria were the core microbial phyla in fecal samples across all three species, while Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes were the core microbial phyla in oral samples across all three species. Notably, the dominance of Armatimonadetes was documented for the first time in the feces of all three species. Comparative analysis of the microbiomes of the three species indicated distinct microbiological profiles between snakes living at low- and high-altitude regions. Furthermore, 12 to 17 and 22 to 31 bacterial pathogens were detected in the oral and fecal samples, respectively, suggesting that snakes may serve as a novel reservoir for emerging diseases. Overall, this study provides a comparative analysis of the fecal and oral microbiomes in three snake species. Future investigations are anticipated to further elucidate the influence of age, genetics, behavior, diet, environment, ecology, and evolution on the gut and oral microbial communities of snakes.

A supramolecular nano-delivery system based on AIE PARP inhibitor prodrug and glycosylated pillar[5]arene for drug-resistance therapy.

A supramolecular nano-delivery system GP5⊃Pro-ANI based on the host-guest complex of glycosylated pillar[5]arene (GP5) and an amide linked fluorescent PARP inhibitor (4-amino-1,8-naphthimide, ANI) was constructed. The PARP inhibitor ANI, capable of inhibiting the ability of DNA damage repair, was modified into an AIE prodrug (Pro-ANI), which allows for the visualization of real-time cancer cellular drug uptake tracing and selective drug release. In vitro studies revealed that the DOX-loaded GP5⊃Pro-ANI achieved targeted drug delivery and dual-drug synergistic chemotherapy for DNA repair interference and tumor DNA collapse aggravation, which enhanced the chemosensitivity and overcame tumor drug resistance and migration. This strategy paves a new avenue for utilizing PARP inhibitors to construct AIE supramolecular nano-delivery systems for drug uptake visualization and synergistic chemotherapy.

Correlation between Electrode Location and Anxiety Depression of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease.

Objectives: our group explored the correlation between postoperative coordinates of the electrode contacts, VTA, and anxiety and depression symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS). Methods: STN-DBS was conducted on PD patients (n = 57) for six months with follow-up. Clinical outcomes were explored using the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale Part III (UPDRS-III), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) before and after surgery. At the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI), the location of active contacts and the volume of tissue activated (VTA) were calculated. Results: patient evaluations took place preoperatively and follow-ups took place at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The average patient improvement rates for HAM-A and HAM-D scores at the 6-month follow-up were 41.7% [interquartile range (IQR) 34.9%] and 37.5% (IQR 33.4%), respectively (both p < 0.001). In medication-off, there were negative correlations between the HAM-A improvement rate and the Z-axis coordinate of the active contact (left side: r = −0.308, p = 0.020; right side: r = −0.390, p = 0.003), and negative correlations between the HAM-D improvement rate and the Z-axis coordinate of the active contact (left side: r = −0.345, p = 0.009; right side: r = −0.521, p = 0.001). There were positive correlations between the HAM-A and HAM-D scores improvement rate at 6 months after surgery and bilateral VTA in the right STN limbic subregion (HAM-A: r = 0.314, p = 0.018; HAM-D: r = 0.321, p = 0.015). Conclusion: bilateral STN-DBS can improve anxiety and depression symptoms in PD patients. The closer the stimulation to the ventral limbic region of the STN, the more significant the improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms of PD patients.

OShnscc: a novel user-friendly online survival analysis tool for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma based on RNA expression profiles and long-term survival information.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), as the most common type (>90%) of head and neck cancer, includes various epithelial malignancies that arise in the nasal cavity, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. In 2020, approximately 878 | 000 new cases and 444 000 deaths linked to HNSCC occurred worldwide (Sung et al., 2021). Due to the associated frequent recurrence and metastasis, HNSCC patients have poor prognosis with a five-year survival rate of 40%-50% (Jou and Hess, 2017). Therefore, novel prognostic biomarkers need to be developed to identify high-risk HNSCC patients and improve their disease outcomes.

Whole-genome sequencing revealed genetic diversity and selection of Guangxi indigenous chickens.

Guangxi chickens play a crucial role in promoting the high-quality development of the broiler industry in China, but their value and potential are yet to be discovered. To determine the genetic diversity and population structure of Guangxi indigenous chicken, we analyzed the whole genomes of 185 chickens from 8 phenotypically and geographically representative Guangxi chicken breeds, together with 12 RJFt, 12 BRA and 12 WL genomes available from previous studies. Calculation of heterozygosity (Hp), nucleotide diversity (π), and LD level indicated that Guangxi populations were characterized by higher genetic diversity and lower differentiation than RJFt and commercial breeds except for HGFC. Population structure analysis also confirmed the introgression from commercial broiler breeds. Each population clustered together while the overall differentiation was slight. MA has the richest genetic diversity among all varieties. Selective sweep analysis revealed BCO2, EDN3 and other candidate genes had received strong selection in local breeds. These also provided novel breeding visual and data basis for future breeding.

Melatonin Attenuates Chromium (VI)-Induced Spermatogonial Stem Cell/Progenitor Mitophagy by Restoration of METTL3-Mediated RNA N6-Methyladenosine Modification.

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the basis of spermatogenesis, and any damage to SSCs may result in spermatogenic disorder and male infertility. Chromium (Cr) (VI) is a proven toxin, mutagen, and carcinogen, perpetually detrimental to environmental organisms due to its intricate and enduring detoxification process in vivo. Despite this, the deleterious effects of Cr (VI) on SSCs and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified that Cr (VI) impaired male reproductive system in mouse testes and induced mitochondrial dynamic imbalance and mitophagy in SSCs/progenitors. Cr (VI) also downregulated the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification levels in mitochondrial dynamic balance and mitophagy genes in SSCs/progenitors. Inspiringly, the toxic effects of Cr (VI) could be relieved by melatonin pretreatment. Melatonin alleviated Cr (VI)-induced damage to male reproductive system and autophagy in mouse testes. Melatonin also attenuated Cr (VI)-induced cell viability loss and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as well as mitochondrial dynamic disorders and mitophagy in SSCs/progenitors. The protective roles of melatonin against Cr (VI)-induced mitophagy were exerted by restoration of METTL3-mediated RNA m6A modification and activation of mitochondrial fusion proteins MFN2 and OPA1, as well as inhibition of the mitophagy BNIP3/NIX receptor pathway. Thus, our study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms for RNA m6A modification underlying the gene regulatory network responsible for mitochondrial dynamic balance, and also lays new experimental groundwork for treatment of Cr (VI)-induced damage to male fertility.

Whole-genome resequencing reveals genetic characteristics of different duck breeds from the Guangxi region in China.

Distinctive indigenous duck (Anas platyrhynchos) populations of Guangxi, China, evolved due to the geographical, cultural, and environmental variability of this region. To investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of the indigenous ducks of Guangxi, 78 individuals from eight populations were collected and sequenced by whole-genome resequencing with an average depth of ∼9.40×. The eight indigenous duck populations included four breeds and four resource populations. Moreover, the genome data of 47 individuals from two typical meat-type breeds and two native egg-type breeds were obtained from a public database. Calculation of heterozygosity, nucleotide diversity (π), Tajima's D, and FST indicated that the Guangxi populations were characterized by higher genetic diversity and lower differentiation than meat-type breeds. The highest diversity was observed in the Xilin-Ma ducks. Principal component, structure, and phylogenetic tree analyses revealed the relationship between the indigenous duck populations of Guangxi. A mild degree of differentiation was observed among the Guangxi populations, although three populations were closer to the meat or egg breeds. Indigenous populations are famous for their special flavor, small body size, and slow growth rates. Selective sweep analysis revealed the candidate genes and pathways associated with these growth traits. Our findings provide a valuable source of information regarding genetic diversity, population conservation, and genome-associated breeding of ducks.

Correlation Analysis between GDM and Gut Microbial Composition in Late Pregnancy.

The prevalence of GDM is very high worldwide. The specific pathogenesis of GDM is currently not very clear. Recent research suggests that changes in the intestinal flora during pregnancy play a key role in it. Therefore, this study is aimed at exploring the characteristics of the intestinal flora of patients with gestational diabetes in the third trimester of pregnancy and at finding the intestinal flora with significant differences in healthy pregnant women to provide a basis for future clinical attempts of using intestinal microecological agents to treat gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We sequenced the V3-V4 regions of the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene from stool samples of 52 singleton pregnant women at >28 weeks of gestation. Our results showed that there were significant differences between the NOR group vs. GDM group and the G group vs. LG group among Bacteroides, Firmicutes, and Firmicutes/Bacteroides. At the species level, there were significant differences in the abundance of eight species in the NOR and GDM groups. Among them, the relative abundance of Clostridium_spiroforme, Eubacterium_dolichum, and Ruminococcus_gnavus was positively correlated with FBG, and Pyramidobacter_piscolens was negatively correlated with FBG, whereas there were significant differences in the abundance of five species in the G and LG groups. Functional analysis showed that there were differences in the biosynthesis and metabolism of polysaccharides, digestive system, classification, and degradation of the intestinal microbes between the NOR and GDM groups and between the G and LG groups. These results indicated that the gut microbes between GDM patients in the third trimester of pregnancy and healthy controls had essential characteristic changes and might be involved in the regulation of patients' blood glucose levels.

Genome-Wide Association Study and Fine Mapping Reveals Candidate Genes for Birth Weight of Yorkshire and Landrace Pigs.

Birth weight of pigs is an important economic factor in the livestock industry. The identification of the genes and variants that underlie birth weight is of great importance. In this study, we integrated two genotyping methods, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip analysis and restriction site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) to genotype genome-wide SNPs. In total, 45,175 and 139,634 SNPs were detected with the SNP chip and RAD-seq, respectively. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the combined SNP panels identified two significant loci located at chr1: 97,745,041 and chr4: 112,031,589, that explained 6.36% and 4.25% of the phenotypic variance respectively. To reduce interval containing causal variants, we imputed sequence-level SNPs in the GWAS identified regions and fine-mapped the causative variants into two narrower genomic intervals: a ∼100 kb interval containing 71 SNPs and a broader ∼870 kb interval with 432 SNPs. This fine-mapping highlighted four promising candidate genes, SKOR2, SMAD2, VAV3, and NTNG1. Additionally, the functional genes, SLC25A24, PRMT6 and STXBP3, are also located near the fine-mapping region. These results suggest that these candidate genes may have contribute substantially to the birth weight of pigs.

Antifungal Activity of Crude Extract from the Rhizome and Root of Smilacina japonica A. Gray.

This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of hydroalcoholic extract from Smilacina japonica A. Gray (SJA) against different fungi. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for SJA was determined by the broth microdilution method. The antifungal effects of SJA against Candida albicans were further confirmed by cell growth test and time-kill curve test. The effects of SJA on the fungal morphology and ultrastructure were also evaluated. SJA has a broad-spectrum antifungal activity. The MICs of SJA against different fungi, including fluconazole-sensitive and -resistant Candida albicans, other Candida species, and Cryptococcus neoformans, ranged from 208 µg/ml to 1665 µg/ml. Furthermore, SJA displayed fungicidal activity against varied fungi and obviously inhibited the hyphal growth of fungi. The mechanism study revealed that the antifungal activity of SJA might be associated with its effect on the cell morphology and ultrastructure.

Fluorescent N-Doped Carbon Dots as in Vitro and in Vivo Nanothermometer.

The fluorescent N-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) obtained from C3N4 emit strong blue fluorescence, which is stable with different ionic strengths and time. The fluorescence intensity of N-CDs decreases with the temperature increasing, while it can recover to the initial one with the temperature decreasing. It is an accurate linear response of fluorescence intensity to temperature, which may be attributed to the synergistic effect of abundant oxygen-containing functional groups and hydrogen bonds. Further experiments also demonstrate that N-CDs can serve as effective in vitro and in vivo fluorescence-based nanothermometer.

Endogenous target mimics down-regulate miR160 mediation of ARF10, -16, and -17 cleavage during somatic embryogenesis in Dimocarpus longan Lour.

MicroRNA160 plays a critical role in plant development by negatively regulating the auxin response factors ARF10, -16, and -17. However, the ways in which miR160 expression is regulated at the transcriptional level, and how miR160 interacts with its targets during plant embryo development, remain unknown. Here, we studied the regulatory relationships among endogenous target mimics (eTMs), and miR160 and its targets, and their involvement in hormone signaling and somatic embryogenesis (SE) in Dimocarpus longan. We identified miR160 family members and isolated the miR160 precursor, primary transcript, and promoter. The promoter contained cis-acting elements responsive to stimuli such as light, abscisic acid, salicylic acid (SA) and heat stress. The pri-miR160 was down-regulated in response to SA but up-regulated by gibberellic acid, ethylene, and methyl jasmonate treatment, suggesting that pri-miR160 was associated with hormone transduction. Dlo-miR160a, -a(∗) and -d(∗) reached expression peaks in torpedo-shaped embryos, globular embryos and cotyledonary embryos, respectively, but were barely detectable in friable-embryogenic callus. This suggests that they have expression-related and functional diversity, especially during the middle and later developmental stages of SE. Four potential eTMs for miR160 were identified. Two of them, glucan endo-1,3-beta- glucosidase-like protein 2-like and calpain-type cysteine protease DEK1, were confirmed to control the corresponding dlo-miR160a(∗) expression level. This suggests that they may function to abolish the binding between dlo-miR160a(∗) and its targets. These two eTMs also participated in 2,4-D and ABA signal transduction. DlARF10, -16, and -17 targeting by dlo-miR160a was confirmed; their expression levels were higher in friable-embryogenic callus and incomplete compact pro-embryogenic cultures and responded to 2,4-D, suggesting they may play a major role in the early stages of longan SE dependent on 2,4-D. The eTMs, miR160, and ARF10, -16, and -17 exhibited tissue specificity in 'Sijimi' longan vegetative and reproductive organs, but were not significant negatively correlated. These results provide insights into the possible role of the eTM-miR160-ARF10-16-17 pathway in longan somatic embryo development.

A practical and highly sensitive C3N4-TYR fluorescent probe for convenient detection of dopamine.

The C3N4-tyrosinase (TYR) hybrid is a highly accurate, sensitive and simple fluorescent probe for the detection of dopamine (DOPA). Under optimized conditions, the relative fluorescence intensity of C3N4-TYR is proportional to the DOPA concentration in the range from 1 × 10(-3) to 3 × 10(-8) mol L(-1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.995. In the present system, the detection limit achieved is as low as 3 × 10(-8) mol L(-1). Notably, these quantitative detection results for clinical samples are comparable to those of high performance liquid chromatography. Moreover, the enzyme-encapsulated C3N4 sensing arrays on both glass slide and test paper were evaluated, which revealed sensitive detection and excellent stability. The results reported here provide a new approach for the design of a multifunctional nanosensor for the detection of bio-molecules.

C3N4-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays with enhanced visible-light photoelectrochemical performance.

A C3N4-sensitized TiO2 nanotube array-based photoanode was designed and fabricated via the in situ growth of C3N4 on the surface of TiO2 nanotubes. It shows stable and significantly improved PEC activity for hydrogen generation under visible light irradiation with a hydrogen production rate of about 19.1 µmol h(-1) (a Faradaic efficiency of nearly 100%).

DlRan3A is involved in hormone, light, and abiotic stress responses in embryogenic callus of Dimocarpus longan Lour.

Ras-related nuclear protein (Ran) GTPase plays an important role in nucleo-cytoplasmic transportation of proteins and RNA, mitotic spindle assembly, microtubule assembly and nuclear envelope (NE) assembly. We previously identified the full-length cDNAs and a DNA of DlRan3A from longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) somatic embryos and demonstrated its possible roles in cell activities during longan somatic embryogenesis (SE). However, thus far little is known of how Ran functions in the signaling pathways in plant embryos in response to changing environmental stimuli. To discover more biological roles of DlRan3A, we observed DlRan3A located in the nucleus and detected abundant accumulation of DlRan3As in globular and cotyledon embryos during longan SE, which suggested its involvement in auxin signal pathways in longan early SE. The transcript level of the DlRan3A gene were also determined in longan embryogenic callus (EC) in response to different levels of exogenous phytohormones (indoleacetic acid (IAA), gibberellin A3 (GA3), salicylic acid (SA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and ethephon (Eth)), salt, sucrose, prolonged culturing period and light quality treatments. IAA (1mg/L), GA3 (12 mg/L), SA (75 µm), MeJA (50 and 100 µm), and Eth (50mg/L) modulate expression of DlRan3A to 1.3-1.4 folds, and the expression of DlRan3A was significantly affected by light quality, significantly induced to 2-fold by salt (10 g/L), 2.7-fold by sucrose (90 g/L) and was completely suppressed by prolonged cultivation (>40 days). Deletion analysis suggested that both activation and repression regulatory elements co-exist in the DlRan3A promoter sequence and that the key cis-acting elements included ones in response to auxin, SA, MeJA, and stress. Promoter activities were induced to the highest level by IAA followed by SA, GA3 and MeJA, while suppressed by ABA and Eth. Together, these results showed DlRan3A close involvement in phytohormones, light, and abiotic stress responsiveness during longan SE.

Genetic characterization and authentication of Gardenia jasminoides in different regions of China by using improved RAPD analysis.

Gardenia jasminoides is a common garden medicinal plant known for its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombic, anti-fibrotic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, lung-protective, renal-protective, retina-protective and neuroprotective activities. It is found in several regions of the world, including China, but information about its genetic characteristics is limited. Here, we employed an improved method of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis (with increased RAMP time) to investigate the genetic link between G. jasminoides samples collected from six different regions of Southern China. Total 26 RAPD primers were selected randomly, among which 23 primers generated reproducible polymorphic amplification bands. A total of 174 bands were obtained, where each primer had amplified 5-13 bands with an average of 7.56 bands per primer. The band size ranged approximately 150-2200 bp. Cluster dendrogram was obtained based on the improved RAPD amplification profiles, which showed that the similarity coefficients among six varieties of G. jasminoides ranged 0.67-0.88. To our knowledge, this is the first report of genetic characterization of G. jasminoides using improved RAPD analysis, which may be useful for the preservation of genetic diversity and identification of Gardenia population.