Advances in colloidal inorganic nanocrystal synthesis and processing have led to the demonstration of organic–inorganic hybrid photovoltaic (PV) cells using low-cost solution processes from blends conjugated polymer nanocrystals. However, performance such PV has been limited due lack control at complex interfaces between organic active materials. Here we show that efficiency devices can be significantly enhanced by engineering polymer–nanocrystal interface with proper chemical treatment....

We report on a sexithienyl and two donor–acceptor−donor oligothiophenes, employing benzothiadiazole isoindigo as electron-acceptors, each functionalized with phosphonic acid group for anchoring onto TiO2 substrates light-harvesting molecules dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). These dyes absorb light to wavelengths long 700 nm, their optical HOMO/LUMO energy gaps are reduced from 2.40 1.77 eV increasing acceptor strength. The oligomers were adsorbed mesoporous films fluorine doped tin oxide...

Cisplatin has been widely used in the treatment of a various types cancers including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by damaging DNA and inducing apoptosis. However, its anti-cancer effects are often limited due to chemo-resistance, which is one main reasons causing relapse metastasis. To overcome resistance, cisplatin combination with other drugs or molecules. Our study found that targeted inhibition miR-221/222 MDA-MB-231 cells promoted cisplatin-induced cell apoptosis, increased...

Two kinds of ZnO@polymer core–shell nanoparticles were prepared through polymerization initiated by the inherent free radicals on ZnO surface. The as-prepared quantum dots exhibited intense blue fluorescence. They used as raw materials to synthesize blue-emitting microspheres which very stable, even in aqueous solutions strong acids or alkalis. These microspheres, stable suspensions, showed moderate yields, and their self-assembly behavior biomedical application could be expected.

Solid polymer nanocomposite electrolytes composed of polyethylene oxide (PEO) macromolecules, LiN(CF3SO2)2 (LiTFSI) and polyether-grafted nano-ZnO (designated ZnO(PEGME)), are prepared characterized in comparison with the prototypical PEO–LiTFSI film that doped conventional acetate group modified ZnO nanoparticles ZnO(Ac)). High resolution transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM) results show dispersed homogeneously present PEO–LiTFSI–ZnO(PEGME) films, while those particles...

Previous studies suggest that high glucose-induced RhoA/Rho kinase/CPI-17 activation is involved in diabetes-associated vascular smooth muscle hypercontractility. However, the upstream signaling links glucose and unknown. Here we report calcium-independent phospholipase A(2)beta (iPLA(2)beta) required for thereby contributes to We demonstrate increases iPLA(2)beta mRNA, protein, iPLA(2) activity a time-dependent manner. Protein kinase C protein up-regulation. Inhibiting with bromoenol...

AIM: To study the dose-dependent of progesterone (P) effect and interaction between oxytocin (OT) P on gastrointestinal motility. METHODS:In order to monitor gastric emptying intestinal transit, SD male rats were intubated via a catheter with normal saline (3ml/kg) containing Na 2 51 CrO 4 (0.5µ µ µCi/ml) 10% charcoal.OT was dissolved into 75% alcohol.RESULTS: Low does (1mg/kg, i.p.) enhanced (75±3%, P<0.05) high dose (5mg/kg, inhibit it (42±11.2%,P<0.01).P (1mg/kg) increased transit...

Three linear asymmetrically functionalized conjugated molecules composed of five or six aromatic rings were synthesized, bearing a terminal phosphonic acid group, with the objective enabling their grafting onto inorganic CdSe nanocrystals. These chromophores—oligo(phenylene ethynylenes), oligothiophenes, donor–acceptor–donor oligothiophenes benzothiadiazole acceptor—were designed decreasing HOMO–LUMO energy gaps such that increasing amounts light could be absorbed toward longer wavelengths...

Significance Statement Necroptosis has emerged as an important cell death pathway that contributes to inflammation and injury of many organs, including the kidney. The mechanisms underlying necroptosis are not well understood. authors have identified a previously unrecognized role integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in mediating collecting duct epithelial using genetically engineered mice lack Ilk principal cells These -knockout develop acute tubular injury, interstitial fibrosis kidneys. Treating...

A pair of anionic conjugated polyelectrolytes that contain three-ring (phenylene ethynylene) units linked by a single -CH(2)- or -O- tether (P1 and P2, respectively) are studied. The linkers serve to interrupt the π conjugation along polymer backbone. Fluorescence spectroscopy reveals P2 forms fluorescent aggregate in methanol water; however, fluorescence P1 is much weaker water, exhibits only weak fluorescence. quenching polymers was examined using methyl viologen (MV(2+)) as cationic...

We report the photophysics and fluorescence quenching of a series monodisperse, anionic π-conjugated oligomers that are molecularly dissolved in aqueous solution. These structurally well-defined feature oligo(phenylene ethynylene) backbones with two -CH2COO(-) units on each repeat unit, overall lengths 5, 7, 9 repeats. The ionic display structured band high quantum efficiency water, contrast to low pronounced aggregation displayed by similar oligomeric polymeric (phenylene conjugated...

The renal collecting duct (CD) contains two major cell types, intercalated (ICs) and principal cells (PCs). A previous report showed that deletion of β1-integrin in the entire CD causes defective morphogenesis resulting kidney dysfunction. However, subsequent specifically ICs PCs, respectively, did not cause any morphological defects CDs. discrepancy between these studies prompts us to reinvestigate role cells, PCs. We conditionally deleted mouse PCs using a specific aquaporin-2 (AQP2)...

Patients with type 1 diabetes are at a risk of hypertension. However, the mechanisms behind findings not completely known. The aim present study was to investigate involvement interleukin-6 (IL-6) on contraction abdominal aorta in rats diabetes. IL-6 levels plasma streptozotocin-induced were determined by ELISA. dissected free fat and connective tissues then cut into spiral rings. endothelium-denuded strip vertically suspended tissue chambers containing 5 ml Krebs solution 37℃ bubbled...

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is applied to investigate aggregation behavior of an anionic conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) featuring branched carboxylate groups (PPE-(d)CO2) upon the addition different metal ions. FCS results reveal that monovalent ions (Na(+), K(+)) bind CPE chain but do not induce aggregation, and divalent (Ca(2+), Cu(2+)) formation small aggregates. Iron cations (Fe(2+) Fe(3+)) strongly large This believed be because propensity these metals six ligands thus...

Helium ion scanning microscopy (HIM) is a novel technology that directly visualizes the cell surface ultrastructure without coating. Despite its very high resolution, it has not been applied extensively to study biological or pathology samples. Here we report application of this powerful examine three-dimensional ultrastructural characteristics proteinuric glomerulopathy in mice with CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) deficiency. HIM revealed serial alteration glomerular features including...

Areca is a Chinese herbal medicine that widely used for constipation. However the mechanisms of its action are not clear. We investigated effects arecoline, most active component areca, on motility rat distal colonic smooth muscle strips. In longitudinal colon (LMDC) and circular (CMDC), arecoline increased contraction in dose-dependent manner. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) did inhibit arecoline. The contractile response to was completely antagonized by atropine. 4-Diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine...

Background . Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36), Quchi (LI11), and Tianshu (ST25) is commonly used in septic patients by traditional Chinese physicians. The protective effect of acupuncture ST36 on the intestinal barrier associated with Cholinergic Anti‐Inflammatory Pathway (CAIP). However, its detailed mechanism whether LI11 ST25 have similar effects to remain unclear. Aim To explore electroacupuncture (EA) ST36, LI11, rats investigate role spleen treatment EA ST36. Methods A rat model caused...

To compare different rat models of sepsis at time points, based on pulmonary or extrapulmonary injury mechanisms, to identify a model which is more stable and reproducible cause sepsis-associated acute lung (ALI). Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected (1) cecal ligation puncture (CLP) with single (CLP1 group) two repeated through-and-through punctures (CLP2 group); (2) tail vein injection lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 10mg/kg (IV-LPS10 20mg/kg (IV-LPS20 (3) intratracheal instillation LPS...

Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is a water channel protein expressed in principal cells (PCs) of the kidney collecting ducts (CDs) and plays critical role mediating reabsorption urine concentration. AQP2 undergoes both regulated trafficking mediated by vasopressin (VP) constitutive recycling, which independent VP. For pathways, actin cytoskeletal dynamics key determinant trafficking. We report here that manganese chloride (MnCl 2 ) novel potent regulator cultured kidney. MnCl treatment promoted...

Sini Decoction (SND) is composed of Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, having been used in China for centuries collapsing phrase disease. Studies reported that SND could alleviate inflammatory response, ameliorate microcirculatory disturbances, improve shock reversal adrenal gland glucocorticoid stress response during sepsis shock, yet the underlying mechanism still elusive. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 demonstrated to be crucially...