Science Bulletin最新文献

The regeneration of sweat glands (SwGs) plays a pivotal role in the functional recovery of extensive skin wounds. Recent research has illuminated the possibility of reprogramming human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) into induced SwG cells through the ectopic expression of ectodysplasin A. However, the clinical application of this genetic manipulation approach is inherently limited. In this study, we present findings demonstrating that a combination of six compounds can effectively and speedily reprogram HEKs in culture into fully functional SwG cells. These chemically induced SwG-like cells (ciSGCs) closely resemble the morphology, phenotypes, and functional properties of human primary SwG ductal cells. Furthermore, ciSGCs can be stimulated to differentiate into mature SwG cell types in vitro. In a 3D culture system, they can also generate SwG organoids that exhibit structural and biological features akin to native SwGs. Upon transplantation into scalded mouse paw skin, ciSGCs significantly expedited cutaneous wound healing and completely restored the structural and functional aspects of the SwGs. In conclusion, the small molecule cocktail-directed SwG reprogramming offers a non-transgenic and controllable strategy for producing high-quality, clinical-grade SwG cells, showing immense potential for the treatment of burn patients.

Exploring the fundamental building block is essential for constructing functional materials with extended topological configurations. In the polymeric nitrogen system, no fundamental building blocks have been reported so far. Here, we successfully synthesize the buckled 1-dimensional (1D) band-shaped and 2-dimensional (2D) layered polymeric nitrogen frameworks with N₁₈ ring as a fundamental building block for the first time. Furthermore, the dimensions of the polymeric nitrogen frameworks can be regulated by pressure conditions. Bader charge analyses indicate that the charge transfer from the La atom to the low-order bonded nitrogen atom plays a crucial role in stabilizing these two low-dimensional polymeric frameworks. Both LaN₁₆ and LaN₈ are promising high-energy-density materials (HEDMs). This study reveals that the N₁₈ ring can serve as a fundamental building block, analogous to the six-membered ring in carbon-based materials, enabling the construction of novel polymeric nitrogen materials with extended frameworks.

To investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), reflux esophagitis (RE), digestive ulcer gastric ulcer (GU), duodenal ulcer (DU), and Helicobacter pylori infection in Chinese adults aged 18-64 years and their associated factors, a community-based cross-sectional study using a stratified multistage sampling method was conducted. A standardized questionnaire survey, the ¹³C-urea breath test, and gastroscopy were performed. Weighted methods were used to estimate the prevalence of diseases or infection mentioned above and their risk factors. Finally, 27,637 participants aged 18-64 years were enrolled from 2017 to 2018. The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of GERD, RE, GU, DU, and H. pylori infection was estimated to be 10.5% (7.8%-14.2%), 5.4% (3.9%-7.3%), 2.5% (1.7%-3.7%), 4.5% (3.6%-5.4%), and 41.5% (36.7%-46.4%), respectively. The fraction of H. pylori infection reached 58.6% and 61.1% among the GU and DU patients, respectively. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models showed that GERD, RE, and GU shared the common risk factors of age and obesity. Dose-response relationships were observed between smoking and all four diseases, as well as alcohol consumption and GERD and H. pylori infection. Northwest China had the highest prevalence of GERD (23.9%), RE (8.7%), GU (7.8%), DU (7.3%), and H. pylori infection (63.6%); however, the southwest region had the highest prevalence of GU but the lowest of DU, RE, and H. pylori infection. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were positively associated with GERD risk. On the contrary, a reduced risk of GU was observed among H. pylori-infected patients taking this drug. In summary, the prevalence of GERD, RE, and H. pylori infection still appears high in China. H. pylori infection eradication remains the priority to reduce the burden of peptic ulcer disease. The aging population, high prevalence of overweight or obesity, smoking, and drinking in China could explain the high burden of these diseases, thus suggesting the targeted preventive measures for upper gastrointestinal diseases in the future.

In Fenton-like reactions, high-valent cobalt-oxo (Co^IV=O) has attracted increasing interests due to high redox potential, long lifetime, and anti-interference properties, but its generation is hindered by the electron repulsion between the electron rich oxo- and cobalt centers. Here, we demonstrate Co^IV=O generation from peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation over cobalt single-atom catalysts (Co-SACs) using in-situ Co K-edge X-ray absorption spectra, and discern that Co^IV=O generation is dependent on the support work-function (W_F) due to the strong electronic metal-support interaction (EMSI). Supports with a high W_F value like anatase-TiO₂ facilitate the binding of PMS-terminal oxo-ligand to Co sites by extracting Co-d electrons, thus decreasing the generation barrier for the critical intermediate (Co-OOSO₃^2-). The Co atoms anchored on anatase-TiO₂ (Co-TiO₂) exhibited enhanced Co^IV=O generation and superior activity for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation during PMS activation. The normalized steady-state concentration of Co^IV=O in Co-TiO₂/PMS system was three orders of magnitude higher than that of free radicals, and 1.3- to 11-fold higher than that generated in other Co-SACs/PMS systems. Co-TiO₂/PMS sustained efficient removal of SMX with minimal Co²⁺ leaching under continuous flow operation, suggesting its attractive water purification potential. Overall, these results underscore the significance of support selection for enhanced generation of high-valent metal-oxo species and efficient PMS activation in supported metal SACs.