MnO(2) nanoflakes coated on carbon nanohorns (CNHs) has been synthesized via a facile solution method and evaluated as anode for lithium-ion batteries. By using CNHs as buffer carrier, MnO(2)/CNH composite displays an excellent capacity of 565 mA h/g measured at a high current density of 450 mA/g after 60 cylces.

No abstract

We identified an individual who was coinfected with two SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, the Beta and Delta variants. The ratio of the relative abundance between the two variants was maintained at 1:9 (Beta:Delta) in 14 days. Furthermore, possible evidence of recombinations in the Orf1ab and Spike genes was found.

No abstract

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a worldwide ongoing health threat causing diseases in both humans and animals. The interaction between IAV and host is a dynamic and evolving process that influences the pathogenicity and host specificity of the virus. TRIM14, a member of tripartite motif (TRIM) family, has been demonstrated to possess a strong capability of regulating type I interferon and NF-κB induction in host defense against viral infection. In this study, we found that TRIM14 could restrict the replication of IAV in a type I interferon and NF-κB independent manner. Mechanistically, different domains of TRIM14 could selectively interact with the viral nucleoprotein (NP), resulting in disparate influences on the RNP formation and viral replication. In particular, the PRYSPRY domain of TRIM14 exhibited a potent inhibitory activity on NP protein stability and IAV replication. On the contrary, the ΔS2 domain could rather antagonize the function of PRYSPRY domain and promote the IAV RNP formation by stabilizing NP. At the biochemical level, TRIM14-NP interaction could induce the K48-linked ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of NP. Moreover, due to the rapid degradation of newly synthesized NP, TRIM14 could effectively block the translocation of NP from cytoplasm to nucleus thus further restrain the propagation of IAV in host cells. Taken together, our study has unraveled a previously unknown mechanism of TRIM14 mediated inhibition on RNP formation and influenza virus replication, and provides a new paradigm of complex and multifaceted host–pathogen interaction between ISG and viral protein.

No abstract

We theoretically put forward a spin injector, which consists of a three-terminal ferromagnetic-metal (FM) nonmagnetic-semiconductor (NS)-superconductor (SC) mesoscopic hybrid system. This device can inject not only the spin-up current but also the pure spin current into the NS lead. The crossed Andreev reflection plays a key role in this device. Such a spin injector may be realized within the reach of the present-day technology.

Astragaloside IV (AST) is the major active saponin in Astragalus membranaceus and, reportedly, has a variety of pharmacological activities. However, the potential of AST to ameliorate high glucose-mediated renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remains undetermined. The aim of the present research was to explore the effect and mechanism of AST in EMT of renal tubular epithelial cells, as an underlying mechanism of renal fibrosis and a vital feature involved in diabetic nephropathy. The effect of AST on the EMT of renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) stimulated by high glucose was investigated and it was attempted to elucidate the potential underlying mechanism. The expression of E-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin were determined by western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. The expression of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)/ ribosomal protein S6 kinase β-1 (p70S6K) signaling pathway and protein levels of four transcriptional factors (snail, slug, twist and zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1) were also determined by western blotting. Additionally, extracellular matrix components, including fibronectin (FN) and collagen type IV (Col IV) were detected by ELISA. The results suggested that the EMT of HK-2 cells and the mTORC1/p70S6K pathway were activated by high glucose. The expression of snail and twist in HK-2 cells was elevated by high glucose. Furthermore, extracellular matrix components, FN and Col IV, were increased in HK-2 cells cultured with high glucose. In turn, treatment with AST reduced EMT features in HK-2 cells, inhibited mTORC1/p70S6K pathway activation, downregulated expression of snail and twist, and reduced secretion of FN and Col IV. In summary, the findings suggested that AST ameliorates high glucose-mediated renal tubular EMT by blocking the mTORC1/p70S6K signaling pathway in HK-2 cells.