The dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder in older adults.Despite its prevalence,its pathogenesis remains unclea r.In addition to the most widely accepted causes,which in clude excessive amyloid-beta aggregation,tau hyperphosphorylation,and deficiency of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine,numerous studies have shown that the dopaminergic system is also closely associated with the occurrence and development of this condition.Dopamine is a crucial catecholaminergic neurotransmitter in the human body.Dopamine-associated treatments,such as drugs that target dopamine receptor D and dopamine analogs,can improve cognitive function and alleviate psychiatric symptoms as well as ameliorate other clinical manifestations.Howeve r,therapeutics targeting the dopaminergic system are associated with various adverse reactions,such as addiction and exacerbation of cognitive impairment.This review summarizes the role of the dopaminergic system in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease,focusing on currently available dopamine-based therapies for this disorder and the common side effects associated with dopamine-related drugs.The aim of this review is to provide insights into the potential connections between the dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease,thus helping to clarify the mechanisms underlying the condition and exploring more effective therapeutic options.

Ultimately Bounded Output Feedback Control for Networked Nonlinear Systems With Unreliable Communication Channel: A Buffer-Aided Strategy

This paper concerns ultimately bounded output-feedback control problems for networked systems with unknown nonlinear dynamics. Sensor-to-observer signal transmission is facilitated over networks that has communication constraints.These transmissions are carried out over an unreliable communication channel. In order to enhance the utilization rate of measurement data, a buffer-aided strategy is novelly employed to store historical measurements when communication networks are inaccessible. Using the neural network technique, a novel observer-based controller is introduced to address effects of signal transmission behaviors and unknown nonlinear dynamics.Through the application of stochastic analysis and Lyapunov stability, a joint framework is constructed for analyzing resultant system performance under the introduced controller. Subsequently, existence conditions for the desired output-feedback controller are delineated. The required parameters for the observerbased controller are then determined by resolving some specific matrix inequalities. Finally, a simulation example is showcased to confirm method efficacy.

Experiment on inducing apoptosis of melanoma cells by micro-plasma jet

As a promising cancer treatment method,cold atmospheric plasma has received widespread attention in recent years.However,previous research has focused more on how to realize and expand the anti-cancer scope of plasma jet.There are also studies on the killing of small-scale cancer cells,but the effects of plasma jet on normal cells and normal cell clusters have been ignored.Therefore,we proposed a 50μm sized micro-plasma jet device,and used the device to treat melanoma cells(A-375)and human glial cells(HA1800)to evaluate their anti-cancer effects and effects on normal cells.The experimental results show that this kind of micro-plasma jet device can effectively inactivate cancer cells in a short period of time,while having little effect on normal cells.This work provides a certain experimental basis for the application offine plasma jet to clinically inactivate cancer cells.

A Facile Li_(2)TiO_(3) Surface Modification to Improve the Structure Stability and Electrochemical Performance of Full Concentration Gradient Li-Rich Oxides

Full concentration gradient lithium-rich layered oxides are catching lots of interest as the next generation cathode for lithium-ion batteries due to their high discharge voltage,reduced voltage decay and enhanced rate performance,whereas the high lithium residues on its surface impairs the structure stability and long-term cycle performance.Herein,a facile multifunctional surface modification method is implemented to eliminate surface lithium residues of full concentration gradient lithium-rich layered oxides by a wet chemistry reaction with tetrabutyl titanate and the post-annealing process.It realizes not only a stable Li_(2)TiO_(3)coating layer with 3D diffusion channels for fast Li^(+)ions transfer,but also dopes partial Ti^(4+)ions into the sub-surface region of full concentration gradient lithium-rich layered oxides to further strengthen its crystal structure.Consequently,the modified full concentration gradient lithium-rich layered oxides exhibit improved structure stability,elevated thermal stability with decomposition temperature from 289.57℃to 321.72℃,and enhanced cycle performance(205.1 mAh g^(-1)after 150 cycles)with slowed voltage drop(1.67 mV per cycle).This work proposes a facile and integrated modification method to enhance the comprehensive performance of full concentration gradient lithium-rich layered oxides,which can facilitate its practical application for developing higher energy density lithium-ion batteries.

Vagus nerve stimulation protects against cerebral injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation by inhibiting inflammation through the TLR4/NF-κB and α7nAChR/JAK2 signaling pathways

BACKGROUND: Our previous research proved that vagus nerve stimulation(VNS) improved the neurological outcome after cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) by activating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(α7nAChR) in a rat model, but the underlying mechanism of VNS in neuroprotection after CPR remains unclear.METHODS: In vivo, we established a mouse model of cardiac arrest(CA)/CPR to observe the survival rate, and the changes in inflammatory factors and brain tissue after VNS treatment. In vitro, we examined the effects of α7nAChR agonist on ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)-induced inflammation in BV2 cells under oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R) conditions. We observed the changes in cell survival rate, the levels of inflammatory factors, and the expressions of α7nAChR/Janus kinase 2(JAK2) and toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB).RESULTS: In vivo, VNS preconditioning enhanced functional recovery, improved the survival rate, and reduced hippocampal CA1 cell damage, and the levels of inflammatory mediators after CA/CPR. The application of α7nAChR agonists provided similar effects against cerebral injury after the return of spontaneous circulation(ROSC), while α7nAChR antagonists reversed these neuroprotective impacts. The in vitro results mostly matched the findings in vivo. OGD/R increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), TLR4 and NF-κB p65. When nicotine was added to the OGD/R model, the expression of TLR4, NF-κB p65, and TNF-α decreased, while the phosphorylation of JAK2 increased, which was prevented by preconditioning with α7nAChR or JAK2 antagonists.CONCLUSION: The neuroprotective effect of VNS correlated with the activation of α7nAChR. VNS may alleviate cerebral IR injury by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB and activating the α7nAChR/JAK2 signaling pathway.

神经胶质细胞与神经突触的相互作用——从星形胶质细胞到小胶质细胞和少突胶质细胞谱系细胞

哺乳动物的大脑是一个由神经元、神经胶质细胞和超过1×1014个突触组成的复杂的器官。神经元是一组异质的电活性细胞,形成大脑复杂电回路的框架。然而,神经胶质细胞约占哺乳动物中枢神经系统(CNS)所有神经细胞的一半,主要分为星形胶质细胞、小胶质细胞、少突胶质细胞(OL)和少突胶质细胞前体细胞(OPC);神经胶质细胞主要为大脑中的神经元提供营养支持。近二十年来,“三联突触”的概念引起了广泛关注,该概念强调星形胶质细胞是突触的组成部分,并在接受神经元信号后以反馈方式调节神经元活动。自此,神经胶质细胞的突触调节得到了广泛的研究和实质性的修改。本综述总结了关于神经胶质细胞(特别是小胶质细胞和OL谱系细胞)如何影响和重塑大脑突触结构和功能的最新重要发现。我们的综述强调了神经元-神经胶质细胞串扰的细胞和分子方面,并提供了有关神经元和神经胶质细胞之间的异常突触通讯如何导致神经病理学的额外信息。

Adjuvant treatment for triple-negative breast cancer: a retrospective study of immunotherapy with autologous cytokine-induced killer cells in 294 patients

Objective: To examine the efficacy and safety of a sequential combination of chemotherapy and autologous cytokine-induced killer(CIK) cell treatment in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC) patients.Methods: A total of 294 post-surgery TNBC patients participated in the research from January 1, 2009 to January 1, 2015. After adjuvant chemotherapy, autologous CIK cells were introduced in 147 cases(CIK group), while adjuvant chemotherapy alone was used to treat the remaining 147 cases(control group). The major endpoints of the investigation were the disease-free survival(DFS) and overall survival(OS). Additionally, the side effects of the treatment were evaluated.Results: In the CIK group, the DFS and OS intervals of the patients were significantly longer than those of the control group(DFS:P = 0.047;OS: P = 0.007). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the TNM(tumor-node-metastasis) stage and adjuvant CIK treatment were independent prognostic factors for both DFS [hazard ratio(HR)= 0.520, 95% confidence interval(CI):0.271-0.998, P = 0.049;HR = 1.449, 95% CI:1.118-1.877, P = 0.005, respectively] and OS(HR=0.414, 95% CI:0.190-0.903, P = 0.027;HR= 1.581, 95% CI:1.204-2.077, P = 0.001, respectively) in patients with TNBC. Additionally, longer DFS and OS intervals were associated with increased number of CIK treatment cycles(DFS: P = 0.020;OS: P = 0.040). The majority of the patients who benefitted from CIK cell therapy were relatively early-stage TNBC patients.Conclusion: Chemotherapy in combination with adjuvant CIK could be used to lower the relapse and metastasis rate, thus effectively extending the survival time of TNBC patients, especially those at early stages.

Late Neoarchean crustal growth under paired continental arc-back arc system in the North China Craton

The late Archean(~3.0-2.5 Ga)was a key period of continental growth globally,which is widely considered to reflect the onset of vigorous plate tectonic activity,although related continental growth modes remain contentious.Here we investigate a suite of late Neoarchean metavolcanic rocks from the southwest Qixia area of the Jiaobei terrane in the North China Craton.The rocks in this suite include amphibolites,clinopyroxene amphibolites,and hornblende plagioclase gneisses.We present zircon U-Pb isotopic data which indicate that the protoliths of these rocks formed during~2549-2511 Ma.The(clinopyroxene)amphibolites correspond to meta-basaltic rocks,with some containing high modal content of titanite.These rocks show moderate to high FeO_(T)(8.96-13.62 wt.%)and TiO_(2)(0.59-1.59 wt.%),flat to less fractionated REE patterns,and mildly negative Th,Nb,and Ta anomalies,resembling those of Fe-tholeiites.In addition,they display positive zirconε_(Hf)(t)values(+2.6 to+8.7),and are devoid of crustal contamination or fractional crystallization.Combined with the low Nb/Yb(mostly<1.60)and(Hf/Sm)_N(mostly<0.95),low to moderate Th/Yb(0.08-0.54),and low V/Sc(5.53-9.19)ratios,these basaltic rocks are interpreted to have been derived from a relatively reduced and depleted mantle source that was mildly metasomatized by hydrous fluids.The hornblende plagioclase gneisses are meta-andesitic rocks,and occur interlayered with the basaltic rocks.They are transitional between tholeiitic and calc-alkaline rock series,and show fractionated REE patterns with evidently negative Th,Nb,and Ta anomalies.The depleted zirconε_(Hf)(t)values(+2.4 to+8.4)and quantitative chemical modeling suggest that the andesitic rocks were most likely generated by injection and mixing of juvenile felsic magmas with the tholeiitic basaltic magmas.In general,the chemical features and genesis of late Neoarchean meta-basaltic rocks in our study area resemble those of Mariana back-arc basin basalts.Combined with regional geological data,it is proposed that the Jiaobei terrane witnessed late Neoarchean crustal growth under a paired continental arc-back arc setting.On a regional context,we propose two distinct geodynamic mode of late Neoarchean continental growth across North China Craton(particularly the Eastern Block),i.e.,(1)arc-continent accretion along northwestern part of the Eastern Block;and(2)paired continental arc-back arc system surrounding the~3.8-2.7 Ga continental nuclei to the southeast.

Experimental evidence that cuckoos preferentially parasitize host nests early in their laying cycle

Brood parasites,such as the Common Cuckoo(Cuculus canorus),rely on manipulating hosts from other species to raise their offspring.Selection should favor individuals that are able to identify and choose host nests that closely match the incubation stage of their own eggs.While intuitive,and supported by the findings of numerous longterm monitoring studies,experimental evidence of this remains sparse.By using video monitoring,we used three experimental groups to explore whether Common Cuckoos preferentially choose host Oriental Reed Warbler(Acrocephalus orientalis)nests that are early in their laying cycle.We found that Common Cuckoos preferentially parasitize nests of the host Oriental Reed Warbler that are earlier in their laying(less vs.more eggs)or nesting cycle(eggs vs.chicks),and videos of our experiments provide direct insights into their decision making process.Our results provide strong experimental evidence that Common Cuckoos are able to assess nesting stage and strategically choose nests that increase the likelihood of successful parasitism.

Realizing high efficiency and large-area sterilization by a rotating plasma jet device

By tilting a plasma jet and rotating 360°,a large-area can be scanned and sterilized in a short time.Compared with the previous array device,this pipe has the significant advantages of high sterilization uniformity and low gas consumption.Firstly,a rotatable plasma jet device,which can control the swing and rotation of a jet pipe,is designed,and a corresponding theoretical model is established to guide the experiment.Secondly,with Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)and Escherichia coli(E.coli)as the target bacteria,the device achieves a short sterilization time of 158 s—the minimum sterilization flow of S.aureus and E.coli is 0.8 slm and 0.6 slm,respectively.The device is compared with an array plasma sterilization device in terms of sterilization speed and gas consumption.The results show that the device is not only better than an array plasma sterilization device with respect to scanning uniformity,but also far less than the array plasma sterilization device in gas consumption of 5 slm.Therefore,the device has great potential in applications involving efficient,large-area sterilization.

Transcriptome Dynamics and Cell Dialogs Between Oocytes and Granulosa Cells in Mouse Follicle Development

The development and maturation of follicles is a sophisticated and multistage process.The dynamic gene expression of oocytes and their surrounding somatic cells and the dialogs between these cells are critical to this process.In this study,we accurately classified the oocyte and follicle development into nine stages and profiled the gene expression of mouse oocytes and their surrounding granulosa cells and cumulus cells.The clustering of the transcriptomes showed the trajectories of two distinct development courses of oocytes and their surrounding somatic cells.Gene expression changes precipitously increased at Type 4 stage and drastically dropped afterward within both oocytes and granulosa cells.Moreover,the number of differentially expressed genes between oocytes and granulosa cells dramatically increased at Type 4 stage,most of which persistently passed on to the later stages.Strikingly,cell communications within and between oocytes and granulosa cells became active from Type 4 stage onward.Cell dialogs connected oocytes and granulosa cells in both unidirectional and bidirectional manners.TGFB2/3,TGFBR2/3,INHBA/B,and ACVR1/1B/2B of TGF-βsignaling pathway functioned in the follicle development.NOTCH signaling pathway regulated the development of granulosa cells.Additionally,many maternally DNA methylation-or H3K27me3-imprinted genes remained active in granulosa cells but silent in oocytes during oogenesis.Collectively,Type 4 stage is the key turning point when significant transcription changes diverge the fate of oocytes and granulosa cells,and the cell dialogs become active to assure follicle development.These findings shed new insights on the transcriptome dynamics and cell dialogs facilitating the development and maturation of oocytes and follicles.

Caspase-8 activation regulates enterovirus D68 infection-induced inflammatory response and cell death

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infection causes severe acute respiratory infection and severe neurological complications, such as acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), in children. However, although EV-D68 has pandemic potential, no effective drugs or vaccines are currently clinically available. Furthermore, EV-D68 infection-induced inflammatory response and cell death are not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrated that several inflammatory cytokines were upregulated in a multiplicity of infection (MOI) dependent manner in EV-D68-infected human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) confirmed that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-C motif chemokine ligand-5 (CCL-5), and CXC motif chemokine ligand-5 (CXCL-5) mRNA levels were highly upregulated after EV-D68 infection. IL-1β processing and maturation mediated by caspase-8 was inhibited by the caspase-8 inhibitor Z-IETD-FMK. EV-D68 infection activates caspase-8 to mediate IL-1β maturation and secretion. Additionally, EV-D68 activated cell death-related proteins such as caspase-3, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), phosphorylation of Mixed Lineage Kinase domain-like protein (pMLKL), and gasdermin E (GSDME). Thus, EV-D68 infection activates caspase-8, which triggers the necroptosis and apoptosis pathways. Overall, our data suggest that caspase-8 activation is associated with the inflammatory response and cell death in EV-D68-infected RD cells. This mechanism represents a novel target for the treatment of EV-D68 infection by inhibiting caspase-8 activation.

基于铁电-顺电相变增强全固态锂电池高温安全性的新设计

All-solid-state lithium batteries(ASSLBs)utilizing a nonflowing and low-flammable solid-state electrolyte are considered the most promising candidate to tackle the safety issue of stateof-the-art lithium ion batteries[1].However,recent studies have revealed that ASSLBs may not be as safe as anticipated.At high temperatures,various aging and degradation processes evolve inside ASSLBs,such as electrode decay,electrolyte decomposition。

Deep learning reconstruction enables full-Stokes single compression in polarized hyperspectral imaging

Polarized hyperspectral imaging,which has been widely studied worldwide,can obtain four-dimensional data including polarization,spectral,and spatial domains.To simplify data acquisition,compressive sensing theory is utilized in each domain.The polarization information represented by the four Stokes parameters currently requires at least two compressions.This work achieves full-Stokes single compression by introducing deep learning reconstruction.The four Stokes parameters are modulated by a quarter-wave plate(QWP)and a liquid crystal tunable filter(LCTF)and then compressed into a single light intensity detected by a complementary metal oxide semiconductor(CMOS).Data processing involves model training and polarization reconstruction.The reconstruction model is trained by feeding the known Stokes parameters and their single compressions into a deep learning framework.Unknown Stokes parameters can be reconstructed from a single compression using the trained model.Benefiting from the acquisition simplicity and reconstruction efficiency,this work well facilitates the development and application of polarized hyperspectral imaging.

可同时增强驱动应力和应变的近红外光驱动液晶弹性体

液晶弹性体(LCEs)在先进软执行器和机器人的应用中引起了广泛关注.具有高驱动应力和驱动应变的新兴LCEs始终是实际应用的理想选择.然而,一个常识是,LCEs特定机械性能的改善必须以牺牲其他性能为代价.在本工作中,通过简单的硫醇-丙烯酸酯反应制备了LCE,随后进行光引发的自由基聚合.通过调节侧链液晶(LC)基元的含量,调控了液晶网络的交联密度,优化了LCE的驱动.侧链LC基元的引入降低了驱动温度并且提高了驱动应变,而丙烯酸酯官能化的MXene纳米片交联了LCE基体,确保了高驱动应力和光热转化.因此,本工作通过引入侧链基元和MXene纳米片作为交联剂,同时增强了LCE的驱动应力和驱动应变,克服了LCE致动器以往高温或有害紫外光驱动、物理掺杂引起的分子扰动等局限性,大大提高了整体驱动性能(驱动应力为0.773 MPa,驱动应变为45%),实现了近红外光下的可逆变形(54%).该策略可能为优化LCE执行器的性能提供一条新途径.

Ginsenoside Rg1 ameliorates bloodebrain barrier disruption and traumatic brain injury via attenuating macrophages derived exosomes miR-21 release

During the traumatic brain injury(TBI),improved expression of circulatory miR-21 serves as a diagnostic feature.Low levels of exosome-miR-21 in the brain can effectively improve neuroinflammation and bloodebrain barrier(BBB)permeability,reduce nerve apoptosis,restore neural function and ameliorate TBI.We evaluated the role of macrophage derived exosomes-miR-21(M-Exos-miR-21)in disrupting BBB,deteriorating TBI,and Rg1 interventions.IL-1β-induced macrophages(ⅡA)-Exos-miR-21 can activate NF-kB signaling pathway and induce the expressions of MMP-1,-3 and-9 and downregulate the levels of tight junction proteins(TJPs)deteriorating the BBB.Rg1 reduced miR-21-5 p content in ⅡA-Exos(RⅡA-Exos).The interaction of NMIIAe HSP90 controlled the release of Exos-miR-21,this interaction was restricted by Rg1.Rg1 could inhibit the Exos-miR-21 release in peripheral blood flow to brain,enhancing TIMP3 protein expression,MMPs proteolysis,and restricting TJPs degradation thus protected the BBB integrity.Conclusively,Rg1 can improve the cerebrovascular endothelial injury and hold the therapeutic potential against TBI disease.

Global and regional trends in incidence and mortality of female breast cancer and associated factors at national level in 2000 to 2019

Background: Female breast cancer (FBC) has become the most prevalent malignancy worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the global and regional burden in epidemiological trends and factors associated with the incidence and mortality of FBC.Methods: FBC incidence and mortality in 60 selected countries by cancer registry data integrity in 2020 were estimated from the GLOBOCAN database, and their association with the human development index (HDI) was further evaluated. Trends of age-standardized rates of incidence and mortality in 60 countries from 2000 through 2019 were evaluated by joinpoint regression analysis using data of Global Burden of Disease 2019. The association between potential behavioral, metabolic, and socioeconomic risk factor exposure at the nation level retrieved from the World Bank and Global Health Observatory and the incidence and mortality of FBC were evaluated by multivariate linear regression.Results: FBC incidence and mortality varied greatly in the 60 included countries. Higher incidence and mortality rates were typically observed in countries with higher HDIs and vice versa. During 2000 to 2019, significantly increasing trends in incidence and mortality were observed in 26 (average annual percent changes [AAPCs], 0.35-2.96) and nine countries (AAPC, 0.30-1.65), respectively, while significantly decreasing trends in both incidence and mortality were observed in 22 countries, most of which were high-HDI countries. Among the population aged ≥40 years, there were 26 and 11 countries showing significantly increased trends in incidence and mortality, respectively. Ecological analysis showed that countries with higher prevalence rates of high cholesterol and higher health expenditures were more likely to have higher FBC incidence, and countries with higher rates of obesity and poorer universal health coverage were more likely to have higher FBC mortality.Conclusions: Despite decreased or stabilized FBC incidence and mortality rates were observed in some countries with high HDI over the past decades, disease burden became even severer in developing countries, especially for the population aged ≥40 years. Effective targeted preventive programs are strongly encouraged to reduce the FBC disease burden worldwide.

Spatial variations in CO2 fluxes in a subtropical coastal reservoir of Southeast China were related to urbanization and land-use types

Carbon dioxide(CO_(2))emissions from aquatic ecosystems are important components of the global carbon cycle,yet the CO_(2)emissions from coastal reservoirs,especially in developing countries where urbanization and rapid land use change occur,are still poorly understood.In this study,the spatiotemporal variations in CO_(2)concentrations and fluxes were investigated in Wenwusha Reservoir located in the southeast coast of China.Overall,the mean CO_(2)concentration and flux across the whole reservoir were 41.85±2.03μmol/L and 2.87±0.29 mmol/m2/h,respectively,and the reservoir was a consistent net CO_(2)source over the entire year.The land use types and urbanization levels in the reservoir catchment significantly affected the input of exogenous carbon towater.The mean CO_(2)fluxwasmuch higher from waters adjacent to the urban land(5.05±0.87 mmol/m2/hr)than other land use types.Sites with larger input of exogenous substance via sewage discharge and upstream runoff were often the hotspots of CO_(2)emission in the reservoir.Our results suggested that urbanization process,agricultural activities,and large input of exogenous carbon could result in large spatial heterogeneity of CO_(2)emissions and alter the CO_(2)biogeochemical cycling in coastal reservoirs.Further studies should characterize the diurnal variations,microbial mechanisms,and impact of meteorological conditions on reservoir CO_(2)emissions to expand our understanding of the carbon cycle in aquatic ecosystems.

LncRNA DACH1 protects against pulmonary fibrosis by binding to SRSF1 to suppress CTNNB1 accumulation

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)is a progressive disease with unknown etiology and limited therapeutic options.Activation of fibroblasts is a prominent feature of pulmonary fibrosis.Here we report that lncRNA DACH1(dachshund homolog 1)is downregulated in the lungs of IPF patients and in an experimental mouse model of lung fibrosis.LncDACH1 knockout mice develop spontaneous pulmonary fibrosis,whereas overexpression of LncDACH1 attenuated TGF-β1-induced aberrant activation,collagen deposition and differentiation of mouse lung fibroblasts.Similarly,forced expression of LncDACH1 not only prevented bleomycin(BLM)-induced lung fibrosis,but also reversed established lung fibrosis in a BLM model.Mechanistically,LncDACH1 binding to the serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1(SRSF1)protein decreases its activity and inhibits the accumulation of Ctnnb1.Enhanced expression of SRSF1 blocked the anti-fibrotic effect of LncDACH1 in lung fibroblasts.Furthermore,loss of LncDACH1 promoted proliferation,differentiation,and extracellular matrix(ECM)deposition in mouse lung fibroblasts,whereas such effects were abolished by silencing of Ctnnb1.In addition,a conserved fragment of LncDACH1 alleviated hyperproliferation,ECM deposition and differentiation of MRC-5 cells driven by TGF-β1.Collectively,LncDACH1 inhibits lung fibrosis by interacting with SRSF1 to suppress CTNNB1 accumulation,suggesting that LncDACH1 might be a potential therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.

Realization of vertical and lateral van der Waals heterojunctions using two-dimensional layered organic semiconductors

Van der Waals （vdW） heterojunctions based on two-dimensional （2D） atomic crystals have been extensively studied in recent years. Herein, we show that both vertical and lateral vdW heterojunctions can be realized with layered molecular crystals using a two-step physical vapor transport （PVT） process. Both types of heterojunctions show clean and sharp interfaces without phase mixing under atomic force microscopy （AFM）. They also exhibit a strong interfacial built-in electric field similar to that of their inorganic counterparts. These heterojunctions have greater potential for device applications than individual materials. The lateral heterojunction （LHJ） devices show rectifying characteristics due to the asymmetric energy barrier for holes at the interface, while the vertical heterojunction （VHJ） devices behave like metal-insulator-semiconductor tunnel junctions, with pronounced negative differential conductance （NDC）. Our work extends the concept of vdW heterojunctions to molecular materials, which can be generalized to other layered organic semiconductors （OSCs） to obtain new device functionalities.