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Materials Horizons Jul 2024Birefringent crystals can manipulate the phase and polarization of light, so they are widely used as essential components in various optical devices. Common strategies...
Birefringent crystals can manipulate the phase and polarization of light, so they are widely used as essential components in various optical devices. Common strategies to construct birefringent crystals are introducing metal cations that are either able to realize favorable coordination with functional anionic units or are susceptible to polarizability anisotropy. Herein, we report a metal-free crystal, NH(HCNO)·2HO, synthesized using the facile solution method. In the crystal structure of NH(HCNO)·2HO, (HCNO) functional units are assembled in an optimal manner by cooperative non-covalent interactions, , hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions. As a result, this metal-free crystal possesses exceptional birefringence up to 0.54@550 nm, which is larger than those of most metal-containing birefringent crystals. In addition, the interference color of this crystal does not change obviously from 243 K to 313 K, indicating that the birefringence is robust at different temperatures. This work will inspire useful insights into the role of non-covalent interactions in designing outstanding birefringent crystals for efficient polarized optical devices.
PubMed: 38946550
DOI: 10.1039/d4mh00422a -
Chemical Communications (Cambridge,... Jul 2024In recent years, there has been significant attention towards the development of catalysts that exhibit superior performance and environmentally friendly attributes.... (Review)
Review
In recent years, there has been significant attention towards the development of catalysts that exhibit superior performance and environmentally friendly attributes. This surge in interest is driven by the growing demands for energy utilization and storage as well as environmental preservation. Spin polarization plays a crucial role in catalyst design, comprehension of catalytic mechanisms, and reaction control, offering novel insights for the design of highly efficient catalysts. However, there are still some significant research gaps in the current study of spin catalysis. Therefore, it is urgent to understand how spin polarization impacts catalytic reactions to develop superior performance catalysts. Herein, we present a comprehensive summary of the application of spin polarization in catalysis. Firstly, we summarize the fundamental mechanism of spin polarization in catalytic reactions from two aspects of kinetics and thermodynamics. Additionally, we review the regulation mechanism of spin polarization in various catalytic applications and several approaches to modulate spin polarization. Moreover, we discuss the future development of spin polarization in catalysis and propose several potential avenues for further progress. We aim to improve current catalytic systems through implementing a novel and distinctive spin engineering strategy.
PubMed: 38946499
DOI: 10.1039/d4cc02012j -
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics :... Jul 2024Tuning the magnetic properties of two-dimensional van der Waals ferromagnets has special importance for their practical applications. Using first-principles...
Tuning the magnetic properties of two-dimensional van der Waals ferromagnets has special importance for their practical applications. Using first-principles calculations, we investigate the magnetic properties of Co-doped FeGaTe with different Co concentrations and different Co atomic sites. Calculation results show that Fe or Co atoms with relatively lower atomic concentrations preferentially occupy Fe1 sites with interlayer coupling, which is more energetically favorable. As the doping concentration of Co atoms increases, the total magnetic moment of the doped system decreases, while the average atomic magnetic moments of Fe1 and Fe2 increase and decrease, respectively, with Fe1 reaching ∼2.08. The spin polarization of the doped model 2Co-2 near the Fermi energy level is significantly reduced, while 4Co-3 exhibits an enhanced trend. At some doping level, a phase change from ferromagnetism to antiferromagnetism appears at high Co concentration. These results provide a theoretical basis for experimental studies and valuable information for the development of FeGaTe-based spintronic devices.
PubMed: 38946485
DOI: 10.1039/d4cp01573h -
British Journal of Haematology Jun 2024Erythroid cells undergo a highly complex maturation process, resulting in dynamic changes that generate red blood cells (RBCs) highly rich in haemoglobin. The end stages... (Review)
Review
Erythroid cells undergo a highly complex maturation process, resulting in dynamic changes that generate red blood cells (RBCs) highly rich in haemoglobin. The end stages of the erythroid cell maturation process primarily include chromatin condensation and nuclear polarization, followed by nuclear expulsion called enucleation and clearance of mitochondria and other organelles to finally generate mature RBCs. While healthy RBCs are devoid of mitochondria, recent evidence suggests that mitochondria are actively implicated in the processes of erythroid cell maturation, erythroblast enucleation and RBC production. However, the extent of mitochondrial participation that occurs during these ultimate steps is not completely understood. This is specifically important since abnormal RBC retention of mitochondria or mitochondrial DNA contributes to the pathophysiology of sickle cell and other disorders. Here we review some of the key findings so far that elucidate the importance of this process in various aspects of erythroid maturation and RBC production under homeostasis and disease conditions.
PubMed: 38946206
DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19600 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jun 2024Solution-based processing of van der Waals (vdW) one- (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) materials is an effective strategy to obtain high-quality molecular chains or atomic...
Solution-based processing of van der Waals (vdW) one- (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) materials is an effective strategy to obtain high-quality molecular chains or atomic sheets in a large area with scalability. In this work, quasi-1D vdW TaPtSe was exfoliated via liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) to produce a stably dispersed TaPtSe nanowire solution. In order to screen the optimal exfoliation solvent, nine different solvents were employed with different total surface tensions and polar/dispersive (P/D) component (P/D) ratios. The LPE behavior of TaPtSe was elucidated by matching the P/D ratios between TaPtSe and the applied solvent, resulting in -methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as an optimal solvent owing to the well-matched total surface tension and P/D ratio. Subsequently, TaPtSe nanowire thin films are manufactured via vacuum filtration using a TaPtSe/NMP dispersion. Then, gas sensing devices are fabricated onto the TaPtSe nanowire thin films, and gas sensing property toward NO is evaluated at various thin-film thicknesses. A 50 nm thick TaPtSe thin-film device exhibited a percent response of 25.9% at room temperature and 32.4% at 100 °C, respectively. In addition, the device showed complete recovery within 14.1 min at room temperature and 3.5 min at 100 °C, respectively.
PubMed: 38946100
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c05091 -
Digestive and Liver Disease : Official... Jun 2024VETC (vessel that encapsulate tumor cluster) is a peculiar vascular phenotype observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), associated with distant metastases and poor...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
VETC (vessel that encapsulate tumor cluster) is a peculiar vascular phenotype observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), associated with distant metastases and poor outcome. VETC has been linked to the Tie2/Ang2 axis and is characterized by lymphocytes poor (cold) tumor microenvironment (TME). In this setting the role of Tumor Associated Macrophages (TAMs) has never been explored. Aim of the study is to investigate the presence and features of TAMs in VETC HCC and the possible interplay between TAMs and endothelial cells (ECs).
METHODS
The series under study included 42 HCC. Once separated according to the VETC phenotype (21 VETC; 21 VETC) we stained consecutive slides with immunohistochemistry for CD68, CD163 and Tie2. Slides were then scanned and QuPath used to quantify morphological features.
RESULTS
VETC cases were significantly (p < 0.001) enriched with large, lipid rich CD163+ TAMs (M2 oriented) that were spatially close to ECs; HCC cells significantly (p: 0.002) overexpressed Tie2 with a polarization toward ECs.
CONCLUSIONS
The pro-metastatic attitude of VETC is sustained by a strict morphological relationship between immunosuppressive M2-TAMs, ECs and Tie2-expressing HCC cells.
PubMed: 38945759
DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2024.06.016 -
Journal For Immunotherapy of Cancer Jun 2024How distinct methods of host preconditioning impact the efficacy of adoptively transferred antitumor T helper cells is unknown.
BACKGROUND
How distinct methods of host preconditioning impact the efficacy of adoptively transferred antitumor T helper cells is unknown.
METHODS
CD4 T cells with a transgenic T-cell receptor that recognize tyrosinase-related peptide (TRP)-1 melanoma antigen were polarized to the T helper 17 (Th17) phenotype and then transferred into melanoma-bearing mice preconditioned with either total body irradiation or chemotherapy.
RESULTS
We found that preconditioning mice with a non-myeloablative dose of total body irradiation (TBI of 5 Gy) was more effective than using an equivalently dosed non-myeloablative chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide (CTX) of 200 mg/kg) at augmenting therapeutic activity of antitumor TRP-1 Th17 cells. Antitumor Th17 cells engrafted better following preconditioning with TBI and regressed large established melanoma in all animals. Conversely, only half of mice survived long-term when preconditioned with CTX and infused with anti-melanoma Th17 cells. Interleukin (IL)-17 and interferon-γ, produced by the infused Th17 cells, were detected in animals given either TBI or CTX preconditioning. Interestingly, inflammatory cytokines (granulocyte colony stimulating factor, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-5, and keratinocyte chemoattractant) were significantly elevated in the serum of mice preconditioned with TBI versus CTX after Th17 therapy. The addition of fludarabine (FLU, 200 mg/kg) to CTX (200 mg/kg) improved the antitumor response to the same degree mediated by TBI, whereas FLU alone with Th17 therapy was ineffective.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate, for the first time, that the antitumor response, persistence, and cytokine profiles resulting from Th17 therapy are impacted by the specific regimen of host preconditioning. This work is important for understanding mechanisms that promote long-lived responses by adoptive cellular therapy, particularly as CD4 based T-cell therapies are now emerging in the clinic.
Topics: Animals; Th17 Cells; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Whole-Body Irradiation; Melanoma, Experimental; Cyclophosphamide; Adoptive Transfer; Female; Melanoma
PubMed: 38945552
DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008715 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Jun 2024Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by increased T helper (Th)1 polarization, T cell activation (e.g., CD71+ and CD40L+), and cannabinoid receptor type 2...
T cell activation and lowered T regulatory cell numbers are key processes in severe major depressive disorder: Effects of recurrence of illness and adverse childhood experiences.
BACKGROUND
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by increased T helper (Th)1 polarization, T cell activation (e.g., CD71+ and CD40L+), and cannabinoid receptor type 2 bearing CD20+ B cells; and lower T regulatory (Treg) numbers.
AIMS
To delineate the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and recurrence of illness (ROI) on activated T and CB2-bearing B populations, and Tregs, including FoxP3 + CD152+, FoxP3 + GARP+, and FoxP3 + CB1+ cells.
METHODS
We measured ROI, ACEs, the number of activated T cells, Tregs, and CD20 + CB2+ B cells, in 30 MDD patients and 20 healthy controls.
RESULTS
A larger part of the variance in the depression phenome (40.8 %) was explained by increased CD20 + CB2+ and activated T cells, and lowered Tregs. ROI and lifetime suicidal behaviors were significantly and positively associated with CD20 + CB2+, CD3 + CD71+, CD3 + CD40L+, CD4 + CD71+, CD4 + CD40L+, and CD4HLADR+ numbers. ROI was significantly correlated with CD8 + CD40L+ numbers. The sum of ACEs was significantly associated with CD20 + CB2+, CD3 + CD40L+, CD4 + 40 L+ numbers, T cell activation (positively) and Treg (inversely) indices. One replicable latent vector could be extracted from activated T cells, lifetime and current suicidal behaviors, number of depressive episodes, and severity of depression, and 48.8 % of its variance was explained by ACEs.
CONCLUSIONS
ACE-induced activation of T effector and cytotoxic cells and B cells with autoimmune potential, coupled with lowered Treg numbers are a key component of depression. The findings indicate that increasing ROI, the phenome of depression and suicidal behaviors, are caused by autoimmune processes, which are the consequence of ACEs and increasing sensitization of immune responses.
PubMed: 38945402
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.06.097 -
Parasitology International Jun 2024The coastal waters of Vietnam are home to a wide diversity of fishes, but the parasite diversity of these potential hosts is much less well characterized. To begin...
Phylogenetic analysis of Ellipsomyxa species (Myxosporea) and description of Ellipsomyxa gordeyi n. sp. from the gall bladder of mullets (Mugiliformes: Mugilidae) in Nha Trang Bay of the East Sea, Vietnam.
The coastal waters of Vietnam are home to a wide diversity of fishes, but the parasite diversity of these potential hosts is much less well characterized. To begin addressing this knowledge gap, we carried out surveys of myxozoan parasites in fishes collected from Nha Trang Bay in Vietnam's East Sea in 2018-2019. Mugilid fishes were collected in March-April 2018, January-February 2019, and November-December 2019, and examined for myxozoans. Myxospores consistent with those of the genus Ellipsomyxa were found in the gall bladder of four mullet species, and we thoroughly characterized those from Planiliza melinoptera. Myxospores were elliptoid and devoid of striation, with a distinct sinuous suture line. Polar capsules were pyriform and oriented toward the poles of the spore. Morphological features were compared to nominal species and this species from Vietnam was distinct. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial small subunit rDNA sequence revealed that broadly, Ellipsomyxa species split into three phylogenetic lineages, and although in some branches there are groupings by host family, habitat or locality, there are no clear phylogenetic patterns. The new species we encountered in P. melinoptera had a close sister relationship with Ellipsomyxa adlardi, with both species part of a larger subclade within the Ellipsomyxa lineage. Despite this phylogenetic similarity, these species were morphologically distinct, and partial large subunit DNA sequences were only 93% similar to each other. A combination of the morphological characteristics and molecular data suggest that this is an undescribed species and we propose the name Ellipsomyxa gordeyi n. sp.
PubMed: 38945391
DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102918 -
Pharmacological Research Jun 2024Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii) has been recognized for its various intestinal and extraintestinal benefits to human. And reduction of F. prausnitzii has...
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii) has been recognized for its various intestinal and extraintestinal benefits to human. And reduction of F. prausnitzii has been linked to an increased risk of intestinal fibrosis in patients of Crohn's disease (CD). In this study, oral administration of either live F. prausnitzii or its extracellular vesicles (FEVs) can markedly mitigate the severity of fibrosis in mice induced by repetitive administration of DSS. In vitro experiment revealed that FEVs were capable of directing the polarization of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) towards an M2b macrophage phenotype, which has been associated with anti-fibrotic activities. This effect of FEV was found to be stable under various conditions that promote the development of pro-fibrotic M1/M2a/M2c macrophages. Proteomics and RNA sequencing were performed to uncover the molecular modulation of macrophages by FEVs. Notably, we found that FEVs reprogramed every metabolism of macrophages by damaging the mitochondria, and inhibited oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. Moreover, FEV-treated macrophages showed a decreased expression of PPARγ and an altered lipid processing phenotype characterized by decreased cholesterol efflux, which may promote energy reprogramming. Taken together, these findings identify FEV as a driver of macrophage reprogramming, suggesting that triggering M2b macrophage polarization by oral admiration of FEV may serve as strategy to alleviate hyperfibrotic intestine conditions in CD.
PubMed: 38945379
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107277