Single‐crystalline Ni‐rich cathode (SC‐NCM) has attracted increasing interest owing to its greater capacity retention in advanced solid‐state lithium batteries (SSLBs), while suffers from severe ...interfacial instability during cycling. Here, via atomic layer deposition, Li3PO4 is introduced to coat SC‐NCM (L‐NCM), to suppress undesired side reaction and enhance interfacial stability. The dynamic degradation and surface regulation of SC‐NCM are investigated inside a working SSLB by in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM). We directly observe the uneven cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) and surface defects on pristine SC‐NCM particle. Remarkably, the formed amorphous LiF‐rich CEI on L‐NCM maintains its initial structure upon cycling, and thus endows the battery with improved cycling stability and excellent rate capability. Such on‐site tracking provides deep insights into surface mechanism and structure–reactivity correlation of SC‐NCM, and thus benefits the optimizations of SSLBs.
Insights into the surface mechanism on the single‐crystalline LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (SC‐NCM) cathode are disclosed by in situ atomic force microscopy in solid‐state batteries. Via atomic layer deposition, the Li3PO4 is introduced to coat SC‐NCM, leading to the uniform formation of LiF‐rich cathode electrolyte interphase and suppression of undesired side reaction, which endows batteries with enhanced interfacial stability, durability and dynamics.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease driven by traditional and nontraditional risk factors. Genome-wide association combined with clonal lineage tracing and clinical trials have ...demonstrated that innate and adaptive immune responses can promote or quell atherosclerosis. Several signaling pathways, that are associated with the inflammatory response, have been implicated within atherosclerosis such as NLRP3 inflammasome, toll-like receptors, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, Notch and Wnt signaling pathways, which are of importance for atherosclerosis development and regression. Targeting inflammatory pathways, especially the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and its regulated inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β, could represent an attractive new route for the treatment of atherosclerotic diseases. Herein, we summarize the knowledge on cellular participants and key inflammatory signaling pathways in atherosclerosis, and discuss the preclinical studies targeting these key pathways for atherosclerosis, the clinical trials that are going to target some of these processes, and the effects of quelling inflammation and atherosclerosis in the clinic.
MADS-box genes are important transcription factors for plant development, especially floral organogenesis. Brachypodium distachyon is a model for biofuel plants and temperate grasses such as wheat ...and barley, but a comprehensive analysis of MADS-box family proteins in Brachypodium is still missing. We report here a genome-wide analysis of the MADS-box gene family in Brachypodium distachyon. We identified 57 MADS-box genes and classified them into 32 MIKC(c)-type, 7 MIKC*-type, 9 Mα, 7 Mβ and 2 Mγ MADS-box genes according to their phylogenetic relationships to the Arabidopsis and rice MADS-box genes. Detailed gene structure and motif distribution were then studied. Investigation of their chromosomal localizations revealed that Brachypodium MADS-box genes distributed evenly across five chromosomes. In addition, five pairs of type II MADS-box genes were found on synteny blocks derived from whole genome duplication blocks. We then performed a systematic expression analysis of Brachypodium MADS-box genes in various tissues, particular floral organs. Further detection under salt, drought, and low-temperature conditions showed that some MADS-box genes may also be involved in abiotic stress responses, including type I genes. Comparative studies of MADS-box genes among Brachypodium, rice and Arabidopsis showed that Brachypodium had fewer gene duplication events. Taken together, this work provides useful data for further functional studies of MADS-box genes in Brachypodium distachyon.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Dietary fiber has been shown to prevent high-fat diet induced obesity through modulating the gut microbiota; however, quality difference in fiber type is largely unknown. We performed a 6 week study ...on C57BL/6J mice fed a macronutrient matched high-fat diet with different fiber types including cellulose (HFC), bamboo shoot fiber (HFBS) and several other commonly consumed fibers. Our results showed that the HFBS group exhibited the lowest weight gain among all diet groups and had improved lipid profiles and glycemic control compared with the HFC group. As revealed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, loss of diversity in the gut microbiota induced by the HFC diet was largely prevented by the HFBS diet. Moreover, compared with the HFC diet, the HFBS diet resulted in markedly increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and strong inhibition of Verrucomicrobia, two divisions strongly correlated with body weight. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence of a quality difference among different types of dietary fibers and shows that bamboo shoot fiber is the most effective in suppressing high-fat diet induced obesity. Our findings indicate that bamboo shoot fiber is a potential prebiotic fiber which modulates the gut microbiota and improves host metabolism.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The primary prevention of CVD is dependent upon the ability to identify high-risk individuals long before the ...development of overt events. This highlights the need for accurate risk strati- fication. An increasing number of novel biomarkers have been identified to predict cardiovascular events. Biomarkers play a critical role in the definition, prognostication, and decision-making regarding the management of cardiovascular events. This review focuses on a variety of promising biomarkers that provide diagnostic and prognostic information. The myocardial tissue-specific biomarker cardiac troponin, high- sensitivity assays for cardiac troponin, and heart-type fatty acid binding proteinall help diagnose myocardial infarction (MI) in the early hours following symptoms. Inflammatory markers such as growth differentiation factor-15, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and uric acid predict MI and death. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, myeloperoxidase, and matrix metalloproteinases predict the risk of acute cor- onary syndrome. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and secretory phospholipase A2 predict incident and recurrent cardiovascular events. Finally, elevated natriuretic peptides, ST2, endothelin-1, mid-regional-pro-adrenomedullin, copeptin, and galectin-3 have all been well validated to predict death and heart failure following a MI and provide risk stratification information for heart failure. Rapidly develop- ing new areas, such as assessment ofmicro-RNA, are also explored. All the biomarkers reflect different aspects of the development ofather- osclerosis.
The complicated problems confronted by lithium (Li) anode hinder the practical application of quasi‐solid‐state lithium‐sulfur (QSSLS) batteries. However, the interfacial processes and reaction ...mechanisms, which are still vague, pose challenges to disclose. Herein, the insoluble sulfides stacking and Li dendrites growth on the Li anode are real‐time monitored via in‐situ atomic force microscopy inside the working QSSLS batteries. In the LiNO3‐added electrolyte, it is detected that the formation process of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) involves two stages, forming loose nanoparticles (NPs, ≈102 nm) at the open circuit potential and dense NPs (≈74 nm) during discharging owing to the synergism of Li polysulfides (LiPSs) and LiNO3. The compact SEI film not only blocks the erosion of LiPSs but also homogenizes the Li deposition behaviors, leading to the electrochemical performance enhancement of QSSLS batteries. These straightforward insights uncover the additive‐manipulated morphological/chemical evolution and interfacial properties and thus facilitate the improvement of QSSLS batteries.
The electrochemical processes on the lithium anode in quasi‐solid‐state lithium‐sulfur batteries are revealed via in‐situ atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The insoluble sulfides accumulation and lithium dendrites growth take responsibilities for anode degradation. In‐situ analyses reveal that the on‐site formed solid electrolyte interphase induced by the addition of LiNO3 blocks erosion of polysulfides and further regulates Li deposition behaviors.
Laser‐driven white light exhibits exceptional brightness and directionality, making it particularly well‐suited for spotlight applications. Yet, attaining high‐quality white light remains challenging ...due to the sluggish heat dispersion and inconsistent light uniformity of color converters. In this study, an innovative phosphor‐in‐glass (PiG) film architecture is introduced, aiming to achieve superior quality laser‐driven light, where the traditional Y3(Ga,Al)5O12:Ce3+ (YAGG:Ce3+) PiG film is topped with a Al2O3‐in‐glass (AiG) film. The heightened thermal conductivity of the AiG film facilitates quicker dissipation of heat, consequently elevating the luminescence saturation threshold from 14 to 16 W mm−2 and luminous flux from 1243.8 to 1475.9 lm. The increased light scattering attributed to the AiG film also effectively disperses both laser and emitted light, significantly enhancing the angular consistency of color rendering index (Ra). This improvement is evident as the coefficient of variation (Cv) decreases dramatically from 16.69% to 0.25%. Moreover, by integrating CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ (CASN:Eu2+) into the PiG film and fine‐tuning the YAGG:Ce3+ and CASN:Eu2+ ratio, a high‐quality laser‐driven white light achieving an impressive color rendering index (Ra) of 88.7 and offering an adjustable correlated color temperature (CCT) has been developed. This innovation holds tremendous potential as a versatile spotlight solution for both indoor and outdoor settings.
An innovative phosphor‐in‐glass (PiG) film architecture is introduced, aiming to achieve superior quality laser‐driven light, where the traditional PiG film is topped with a Al2O3‐in‐glass film (AiG film). The heat dissipation performance and light uniformity of PiG film are enhanced due to the AiG film, enabling improved luminance and color quality.
Aim
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1Ras) have been reported to prevent non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the potential mechanisms are still debated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) ...play a prominent role in the field of metabolic disorders, including NAFLD. Our study was designed to further evaluate the effect of GLP‐1Ra liraglutide on NAFLD in terms of miRNAs.
Methods
MicroRNA expression was evaluated by clustering analysis of microRNA arrays in high fat diet‐fed mice. The luciferase reporter assay was carried out to validate the cross‐talk between adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and miR‐124a. MicroRNA‐124a mimics and inhibitor plasmids were transfected to study the role of miR‐124a in palmitate‐treated normal human liver cell line (HL‐7702). Liraglutide treatment was used to observe the effect of GLP‐1Ra on the miR‐124a/ATGL pathway.
Results
Expression of ATGL decreased and miR‐124a expression increased in hepatosteatosis in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, miR‐124a interacted with the 3′‐untranslated region of ATGL mRNA and induced its degradation. MicroRNA‐124a overexpression antagonized the effect of liraglutide on NAFLD by inhibiting ATGL expression, whereas miR‐124a knockdown led to elevated ATGL and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) expression, and subsequently decreased lipid accumulation and inflammation in cells.
Conclusions
MicroRNA‐124a overexpression contributes to the progression of NAFLD through reduction of ATGL expression, whereas miR‐124a knockdown can reverse this trend, suggesting that miR‐124a and its downstream target ATGL can be novel therapeutic targets of NAFLD. We reveal a novel mechanism by which liraglutide attenuates NAFLD by the miR‐124a/ATGL/Sirt1 pathway.
Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) are a class of transcription factors that contain zinc finger domains and play important roles in growth, aging, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. These ...proteins activate or inhibit gene transcription by binding to single‐stranded DNA or RNA and through RNA/DNA bidirectional binding and protein–protein interactions. However, few studies have focused on the oxidation resistance functions of ZFPs in insects, particularly Apis cerana. In the current study, we identified a ZFP41 gene from A. cerana, AcZFP41, and verified its function in oxidative stress responses. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that the transcription level of AcZFP41 was upregulated to different degrees during exposure to oxidative stress, including that induced by extreme temperature, UV radiation, or pesticides. In addition, the silencing of AcZFP41 led to changes in the expression patterns of some known antioxidant genes. Moreover, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) in AcZFP41‐silenced honeybees were higher than those in a control group. In summary, the data indicate that AcZFP41 is involved in the oxidative stress response. The results provide a theoretical basis for further studies of zinc finger proteins and improve our understanding of the antioxidant mechanisms of honeybees.
AcZFP41 is involved in oxidative stress.
Research Highlights
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The expression of AcZFP41 was induced by oxidative stress.
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AcZFP41 overexpression enhanced the cell tolerance to oxidative stress.
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AcZFP41 knockdown disrupted the original balance and caused oxidative stress.
Objective
Amiodarone (AM) is a drug commonly used in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. It can damage vascular endothelial cells and easily cause phlebitis. At present, the prevention and ...treatment of phlebitis induced by the use of AM is not clear due to the lack of corresponding primary research. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) has an anti‐inflammatory effect, but until now, has not been explored much in the field of research in primary care nursing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of action of ISL in treating phlebitis induced by AM.
Methods
In our study, we used human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) that were divided into three groups: the NC group (normal), the AM group (AM 30 μmol/L for 24 h), and the ISL pretreatment group (isoliquiritigenin 10 μmol/L after 1 h of pretreatment with amiodarone for 24 h). We used CCK‐8 to detect cell proliferation, cell scratch assay to detect the migration capability of cells, flow cytometry to measure apoptosis, angiogenesis assay to check the total length and total branches of angiogenesis, and PCR and WB to detect the expression of PCNA, casepase‐3, and VEGFA. WB was used to detect NF‐κBp65 and p‐NF‐κBp65 expression.
Results
Compared with the AM group, the ISL pretreatment promoted cell proliferation and migration, inhibited cell apoptosis, increased the total length and total branches of angiogenesis, and downregulated p‐NF‐κBp65 expression.
Conclusion
ISL shows promise in the prevention and treatment of clinical phlebitis and can be used as a potential therapeutic drug to prevent phlebitis.
Previously, researchers studied chronic inflammatory diseases in clinical practice, while this study focused on acute inflammation in the nursing field. This is also the innovation of this study. This shows that ISL has significance in the prevention and treatment of clinical phlebitis and can be used as a potential therapeutic drug to prevent phlebitis. At the same time, this study can enrich nurses’ understanding of the prevention and treatment mechanism of phlebitis.