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Diabetes has become a chronic metabolic disorder, and the growing diabetes population makes medical care more important. We investigated using a portable and noninvasive contact lens as an ideal sensor for diabetes patients whose tear fluid contains glucose. The key feature is the reversible covalent interaction between boronic acid and glucose, which can provide a noninvasive glucose sensor for diabetes patients. We present a phenylboronic acid (PBA)-based HEMA contact lens that exhibits a reversible swelling/shrinking effect to change its thickness. The difference in thickness can be detected in a picture taken with a smartphone and analyzed using software. Our novel technique offers the following capabilities: (i) non-enzymatic and continuous glucose detection with the contact lens; (ii) no need for an embedded circuit and power source for the glucose sensor; and (iii) the use of a smartphone to detect the change in thickness of the contact lens with no need for additional photo-sensors. This technique is promising for a noninvasive measurement of the glucose level and simple implementation of glucose sensing with a smartphone.

The global rise in electronic waste highlights the urgent need for green electronics that minimize environmental impact through sustainable material selection and fabrication methods. In this work, multifunctional, biodegradable paper electrodes, designated as MXNx/B‐CP, are prepared via a simple vacuum‐assisted assembly of homogenized MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets within bamboo‐derived cellulose nanofiber (CNF). These freestanding paper electrodes offer tunable electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and low‐cost, scalable production. To enhance their stability, the electrodes are encapsulated in a breathable, porous Ecoflex layer, which imparts waterproofing while maintaining gas permeability. Strong hydrogen bonding at the MXene‐CNF interface facilitates continuous electron transport and structural integrity, yielding a nonlinear piezoresistive response with a gauge factor increasing from 3.7 to 11.42 at small strain range, alongside a strain‐adaptive Young's modulus ranging from 0.064 to 1.768 MPa. Benefiting from this synergistic design, the electrodes support a wide range of sensing applications, including bending strain detection, surface electromyography, and human‐machine interfaces for exoskeleton control while exhibiting excellent stability, low noise, and long‐term durability under repeated deformation. This innovation not only expands the potential of paper‐based electronics but also offers a scalable pathway toward sustainable, high‐performance solutions for next‐generation wearable and assistive technologies. A biodegradable, soft, and conductive MXene‐cellulose nanofiber paper electrode integrates Ti3C2Tx nanosheets into bamboo‐derived scaffolds, with a porous Ecoflex coating that imparts waterproofing and breathability. The freestanding dry electrode enables high‐fidelity EMG sensing, strain and pressure detection, and wireless control of a knee exoskeleton. Upon disposal, the material degrades oxidatively, offering a sustainable route toward scalable, eco‐friendly human‐machine interfaces.

Autophagy is the spontaneous degradation of intracellular proteins and organelles in response to nutrient deprivation. The phagocytosis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) results in intracellular degradation that can be exploited for use in cancer treatment. Non-invasive magnetic control has emerged as an important technology, with breakthroughs achieved in areas such as magneto-thermal therapy and drug delivery. This study aimed to regulate autophagy in mouse B-lymphoma cells (A20) through the incorporation of IONPs–quantum dots (QDs). We hypothesized that with the application of an external magnetic field after phagocytosis of IONPs–QDs, autophagy of intracellular IONPs–QDs could be regulated in a non-invasive manner and subsequently modulate the regulation of inflammatory responses. The potential of this approach as a cancer treatment method was explored. The application of IONPs and an external magnetic force enabled the non-invasive regulation of cell autophagy and modulation of the self-regulatory function of cells. The combination of non-invasive magnetic fields and nanotechnology could provide a new approach to cancer treatment.

S100A11 is a small Ca2+-activatable protein with an established role in different cellular processes involving actin cytoskeleton remodeling, such as cell migration, membrane protrusion formation, and plasma membrane repair. It also displays Ca2+-dependent F-actin binding activity and localizes to actin stress fibers (SFs), but its precise role in regulating these structures remains unclear. Analyzing endogenous S100A11 localization in HeLa and U2OS osteosarcoma cells confirmed SF association but in addition revealed steady localization to stable focal adhesions (FAs), typically at the end of dorsal stress fibers. In contrast, S100A11 levels at FAs increased sharply, but transiently, at the onset of peripheral FA disassembly. Elevating intracellular Ca2+ levels using the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin reliably stimulated both S100A11 recruitment and subsequent FA disassembly. However, pre-incubation with the non-muscle myosin II (NM II) inhibitor blebbistatin, or with an inhibitor to the stretch-activatable Ca2+ channel Piezo1 effectively suppressed S100A11 recruitment, implicating S100A11 in an actomyosin contractility-driven FA disassembly mechanism involving Piezo1-dependent Ca2+ influx. Applying external mechanical forces on peripheral FAs via a micropipette likewise recruited S100A11 to FAs, even when NM II was inhibited by blebbistatin or in NM IIA knockout cells, corroborating the mechanosensitive recruitment mechanism of S100A11. However, extracellular Ca2+ and Piezo1 function was still indispensable, indicating that NM II-dependent contraction forces act upstream of Piezo1-mediated Ca2+ influx, in turn leading to S100A11 activation and FA recruitment. Moreover, S100A11 knockout cells feature enlarged FAs and display delayed FA disassembly during cell membrane retraction, consistent with impaired FA turnover in these cells. Our results thus demonstrate a novel mechano-sensitive function for S100A11 in promoting actomyosin contractility-driven FA disassembly.

This research constructs a set of scales based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore whether car drivers with motorcycle riding experience or not will have different behaviors and psychological latent traits when they drive automobiles. A survey through face-to-face interviews and SurveyCake on internet was conducted in this study, and 475 effective samples were finally collected, including 271 interview samples and 204 internet samples. The empirical study results show that car drivers with motorcycle riding experience are more likely to have risky driving behaviors and positive attitude towards risky driving behaviors, and perceive that their important others or groups often do risky driving behaviors. Furthermore, among the respondent car drivers with motorcycle riding experience, those riding motorcycle less than 10 years and those riding motorcycle less than 3 days a week are found to have significantly more dangerous driving behaviors than their counterparts. In addition, regression analysis fu

Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) provides gentle, non-contact cell surface imaging, but it has not been used to investigate intracellular structures because the plasma membrane restricts nanopipette access. Here, we combined SICM with microsonication-based cell de-roofing to expose intracellular actin stress fibers (SFs) in U2OS cells for nanotopographical and -mechanical characterization. Importantly, the de-roofing conditions preserved actomyosin contractility, allowing analysis of SF structural and biomechanical changes during ATP-induced contraction. Resting SFs displayed an average height of 203±38 nm and width of 357±73 nm, and a complex surface architecture characterized by regularly spaced long-range height modulations (∼500 nm periodicity; Wq ∼25 nm) and smaller irregular corrugations (Ra ∼19.2 nm). ATP stimulation reduced SF height and width by ∼39% and ∼15%, respectively, while largely preserving surface corrugation patterns. During contraction, some SFs separated into two longitudinal strands. High-resolution SICM imaging also revealed filamentous crosslinks mechanically coupling neighboring SFs, and nanomechanical measurements demonstrated local stiffening during contraction. These findings provide new insight into the structural and mechanical regulation of SF contraction and highlight the potential of SICM combined with cell de-roofing as a powerful platform for studying dynamic intracellular processes at nanometer resolution.

Aim： To study the effect of adenovirus5-mediated human hepatocyte growth factor （Ad5-HGF） transfer on post-infarct heart failure in a swine model. Methods： Twelve young Suzhong swine were randomly divided into 2 groups： the Ad5-HGF group （n=6） and the null-Ad5 group （n=6）. Four weeks after left anterior descending coronary artery （LAD） ligation, Ad5-HGF was transferred into the myocardium via the right coronary artery. Coronary angiography and gated cardiac perfusion imaging were performed at the end of 4 and 7 weeks after LAD ligation, respectively, to evaluate collateral artery growth and cardiac perfusion. Then all animals were killed, the expression of HGF and α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry. Results： Compared with the null-Ad5 group, higher expression of human HGF was observed in the myocardium in the Ad5-HGF group （109.3±7.8 vs 6.2±2.6, t=30.685, P〈0.01）. The left ventricular ejection fraction was higher in the Ad5-HGF group than in the null-Ad5 group （43.9±4.3 vs 30.4±2.8, t=6.514, P〈 0.01）. From the 4th week to the 7th week after operation, left ventricular end systolic volume （42.1±3.0 vs 31.0±4.9, t=12.800, P〈0.01） and left ventricular end diastolic volume （62.2±4.2 vs 55.0±4.8 t=13.207, P〈0.01） were improved in the Ad5-HGF group. Cardiac perfusion was significantly improved in the Ad5-HGF group. In the Ad5-HGF group, growth of collateral arteries was obviously greater （average rank sum 9.17 vs 3.83, n=6, u=-2.687, P〈0.01）, and the number of α-SMA^＋ vessels/mm^2 was significantly greater （56.1±4.2 vs 16.4±3.5, t=17.731, P〈 0.01） than in the null-Ad5 group. Conclusion： High expression levels of human HGF were observed in the myocardium because of non-infarct-related vessel transfer. HGF can increase the number of functional arterioles and improve collateral artery growth. HGF can improve cardiac perfusion and heart function.

Brassica napus (2 n  = 4 x  = 38, AACC) is an important allopolyploid crop derived from interspecific crosses between Brassica rapa (2 n  = 2 x  = 20, AA) and Brassica oleracea (2 n  = 2 x  = 18, CC). However, no truly wild B. napus populations are known; its origin and improvement processes remain unclear. Here, we resequence 588 B. napus accessions. We uncover that the A subgenome may evolve from the ancestor of European turnip and the C subgenome may evolve from the common ancestor of kohlrabi, cauliflower, broccoli, and Chinese kale. Additionally, winter oilseed may be the original form of B. napus . Subgenome-specific selection of defense-response genes has contributed to environmental adaptation after formation of the species, whereas asymmetrical subgenomic selection has led to ecotype change. By integrating genome-wide association studies, selection signals, and transcriptome analyses, we identify genes associated with improved stress tolerance, oil content, seed quality, and ecotype improvement. They are candidates for further functional characterization and genetic improvement of B. napus . Brassica napus is a globally important oil crop, but the origin of the allotetraploid genome and its improvement process are largely unknown. Here, the authors take a population genetic approach to resolve its origin and evolutionary history, and identify candidate genes related to important agricultural traits.

The effectiveness of existing tissue‐engineering cartilage (TEC) is known to be hampered by weak integration of biocompatibility, biodegradation, mechanical strength, and microenvironment supplies. The strategy of hydrogel‐based TEC holds considerable promise in circumventing these problems. Herein, a non‐toxic, biodegradable, and mechanically optimized double‐network (DN) hydrogel consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and kartogenin (KGN)‐conjugated chitosan (CHI) is constructed using a simple soaking strategy. This PEG‐CHI‐KGN DN hydrogel possesses favorable architectures, suitable mechanics, remarkable cellular affinity, and sustained KGN release, which can facilitate the cartilage‐specific genes expression and extracellular matrix secretion of peripheral blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (PB‐MSCs). Notably, after tracing the transplanted cells by detecting the rabbit sex‐determining region Y‐linked gene sequence, the allogeneic PB‐MSCs are found to survive for even 3 months in the regenerated cartilage. Here, the long‐term release of KGN is able to efficiently and persistently activate multiple genes and signaling pathways to promote the chondrogenesis, chondrocyte differentiation, and survival of PB‐MSCs. Thus, the regenerated tissues exhibit well‐matched histomorphology and biomechanical performance such as native cartilage. Consequently, it is believed this innovative work can expand the choice for developing the next generation of orthopedic implants in the loadbearing region of a living body. Polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐chitosan (CHI)‐kartogenin (KGN) double‐network (DN) gel combined with peripheral blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (PB‐MSCs) is employed to treat knee cartilage defects. Compared with current tissue‐engineering products, it has optimized mechanics, high biosafety, and a simple preparation process. PEG‐CHI‐KGN DN gel promotes the chondrogenic differentiation and survival of PB‐MSCs, ultimately enhancing the regeneration of cartilage defects and providing an innovative clinical treatment strategy from a tissue engineering perspective.

ObjectiveAre physical therapy or orthopaedic equipment efficacious in reducing the biomechanical risk factors in people with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (OA)? Is there a better therapeutic intervention than others to improve these outcomes?DesignSystematic review with network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomised trials.Data sourcesPubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase and MEDLINE were searched through January 2021.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesWe included randomised controlled trials exploring the benefits of using physical therapy or orthopaedic equipment in reducing the biomechanical risk factors which included knee adduction moment (KAM) and knee adduction angular impulse (KAAI) in individuals with tibiofemoral OA.Data extraction and synthesisTwo authors extracted data independently and assessed risk of bias. We conducted an NMA to compare multiple interventions, including both direct and indirect evidences. Heterogeneity was assessed (sensitivity analysis) and quantified (I2 statistic). Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation assessed the certainty of the evidence.ResultsEighteen randomised controlled trials, including 944 participants, met the inclusion criteria, of which 14 trials could be included in the NMA. Based on the collective probability of being the overall best therapy for reducing the first peak KAM, lateral wedge insoles (LWI) plus knee brace was closely followed by gait retraining, and knee brace only. Although no significant difference was observed among the eight interventions, variable-stiffness shoes and neuromuscular exercise exhibited an increase in the first peak KAM compared with the control condition group. And based on the collective probability of being the overall best therapy for reducing KAAI, gait retraining was followed by LWI only, and lower limb exercise.ConclusionThe results of our study support the use of LWI plus knee brace for reducing the first peak KAM. Gait retraining did not rank highest but it influenced both KAM and KAAI and therefore it was the most recommended therapy for reducing the biomechanical risk factors.