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Controlling the crystal structure is a powerful approach for manipulating the fundamental properties of solids. In van der Waals materials, this control can be achieved by modifying the stacking order through rotation and translation between the layers. Here, we observed stacking-dependent interlayer magnetism in the two-dimensional (2D) magnetic semiconductor chromium tribromide (CrBr3), which was enabled by the successful growth of its monolayer and bilayer through molecular beam epitaxy. Using in situ spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, we directly correlate the atomic lattice structure with the observed magnetic order. Although the individual monolayer CrBr3 is ferromagnetic, the interlayer coupling in bilayer depends on the stacking order and can be either ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic. Our observations pave the way for manipulating 2D magnetism with layer twist angle control.

Layered antiferromagnetism is the spatial arrangement of ferromagnetic layers with antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling. The van der Waals magnet chromium triiodide (CrI 3 ) has been shown to be a layered antiferromagnetic insulator in its few-layer form 1 , opening up opportunities for various functionalities 2 – 7 in electronic and optical devices. Here we report an emergent nonreciprocal second-order nonlinear optical effect in bilayer CrI 3 . The observed second-harmonic generation (SHG; a nonlinear optical process that converts two photons of the same frequency into one photon of twice the fundamental frequency) is several orders of magnitude larger than known magnetization-induced SHG 8 – 11 and comparable to the SHG of the best (in terms of nonlinear susceptibility) two-dimensional nonlinear optical materials studied so far 12 , 13 (for example, molybdenum disulfide). We show that although the parent lattice of bilayer CrI 3 is centrosymmetric, and thus does not contribute to the SHG signal, the observed giant nonreciprocal SHG originates only from the layered antiferromagnetic order, which breaks both the spatial-inversion symmetry and the time-reversal symmetry. Furthermore, polarization-resolved measurements reveal underlying C 2 h crystallographic symmetry—and thus monoclinic stacking order—in bilayer CrI 3 , providing key structural information for the microscopic origin of layered antiferromagnetism 14 – 18 . Our results indicate that SHG is a highly sensitive probe of subtle magnetic orders and open up possibilities for the use of two-dimensional magnets in nonlinear and nonreciprocal optical devices. Large second-harmonic generation is observed in antiferromagnetic bilayers of CrI 3 , providing information about the microscopic origin of layered antiferromagnetism and motivating the use of two-dimensional magnets in nonlinear optical devices.

Low-molecular-weight polypeptides (<3 kDa) were prepared from Periplaneta americana via enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrafiltration, yielding 3.53 ± 0.01 mg/g of peptide-rich extract. The extract was primarily composed of peptides, proteins, polysaccharides, phenolics, and flavonoids. HPLC-MS analysis identified 1402 peptide sequences, 80.51% of which were below 1000 Da, predominantly consisting of tri-, tetra-, and octapeptides. Monosaccharide profiling detected D-(+)-galactose, and quantitative assays determined the contents of total phenolics (12.28 mg/g), flavonoids (15.50 mg/g), proteins (85.84 mg/g), and total sugars (17.62 mg/g). The biological activities of the extract were systematically evaluated. The peptide fraction inhibited hyaluronidase activity by 58% at 5 mg/mL, suggesting protection of extracellular matrix integrity. In HaCaT keratinocytes, it promoted cell proliferation by 62.6%, accelerated scratch wound closure by 54%, upregulated Wnt-10b and β-catenin expression, and reduced intracellular ROS levels under oxidative stress. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, the extract decreased TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β production by 30%, 25%, and 28%, respectively, reduced MDA levels by 35.2%, and enhanced CAT and SOD activities by 12.3% and 60.3%. In vivo, complete closure of full-thickness skin wounds in mice was achieved by day 14. Safety evaluations using the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay and human patch tests confirmed the extract to be non-irritating and non-toxic. These findings highlight Periplaneta americana extract as a promising multifunctional bioactive ingredient for cosmetic and dermatological applications. Further studies on its active components, mechanisms of action, and clinical efficacy are warranted to support its development in skin health and aesthetic medicine.

To investigate the productivity laws of coalbed gas (CBG) wells in carbon dioxide (CO 2 )-rich coalfield, the Haishiwan coal mine in Yaojie coalfield, Gansu Province, China, which is rich in CO 2 of different concentrations in CBG, was selected as the study area. Using numerical simulation technology, the production capacity of CBG wells was simulated, and the thermodynamic factors influencing gas adsorption differences on production capacity were discussed. Numerical simulation indicates that with the increase of CO 2 concentration, the gas breakthrough time is prolonged, and the gas production first increases and then decreases. Research considers that changes in CBG production capacity result from the combined effects of temperature and pressure on gas adsorption. At shallow coal seams, pressure is the dominant factor that promotes gas adsorption, resulting in increased gas content and production. However, due to the competitive adsorption of CO 2 and methane (CH 4 ), CO 2 preferentially adsorbs on coal, hindering desorption. Therefore, gas breakthrough in CBG wells with high CO 2 concentration is slower, but the production period is longer. On the contrary, high temperatures inhibit gas adsorption in deeper coal seams, reducing gas content and promoting CH 4 desorption. Therefore, CBG wells with low CO 2 concentration have faster gas breakthroughs, but overall production is lower. The findings of this study help to better understand the drainage characteristics of CO 2 -rich CBG wells and provide guidance for developing such resources.

In this paper, a novel mono-methacrylated β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) monomer mediated by disulfide bond was synthesized, and then thermal copolymerized with HEMA monomer in the presence of a little crosslinker to prepare redox-responsive hydrogel for regulated drug delivery. The structure of the monomer was confirmed by FTIR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR spectroscopy. The substitution degree of polymerizable methacrylated group grafted onto β-CD was about 1 by calculating by 1 H NMR (0.987) and element analysis (0.937). The mono-methacrylated β-CD monomer can well copolymerize with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomer with gel fraction over 80%. The hydrogel shows low cytotoxicity, and copolymerization of the mono-methacrylated β-CD monomer in the hydrogels increases its equilibrium swelling degree (ESD) and tensile strength, while its transmittance slightly decreases. Drug loading and release rate are dependent on the β-CD content. The hydrogel with high β-CD content of 13.83 wt% shows 1.8 and 8.5 folds puerarin (PUE) and curcumin (CUR) loading than pure pHEMA hydrogel, respectively. The incorporation of β-CD sustained drug release, especially CUR release was prolonged more than 24 h from 5 h of pure pHEMA hydrogel (80% release). The hydrogels are highly sensitive to reduced glutathione (GSH), and low concentration of GSH of 3 mM can significantly accelerate drug release rate. The higher of β-CD content, the more sensitive the hydrogels to GSH, resulting in rapider drug release rate.

Background High parental expectations are increasingly recognized as a risk factor for youth mental health, yet the mechanisms underlying this association remain understudied, particularly in contexts like China where academic and familial pressures are pronounced. Existing literature highlights links between parental expectations and psychological distress but lacks clarity on mediating pathways. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 1,445 Chinese college students, using structural equation modeling (SEM). The model examined direct and indirect effects of parental expectations on psychological distress, with perceived stress and core self-worth as mediators, while controlling for co-variables. Results Parental expectations exhibited a substantial total effect on psychological distress (β = 0.216, p  < 0.001). Direct effects accounted for 43% of this association (β = 0.093), while 57% operated indirectly through three pathways: (1) perceived stress alone (27.3% mediation, β = 0.059), (2) a sequential chain of heightened stress, reduced core self-worth, and exacerbated distress (22.7% mediation, β = 0.049), and (3) reduced core self-worth alone (7.0% mediation, β = 0.015). The dual-mediator model revealed how parental expectations trigger stress-driven erosion of self-worth and, independently, a direct erosion of self-worth, disproportionately affecting young adults. Conclusion These findings underscore the dual nature of parental expectations as both direct and cascading stressors. The study advances stress-appraisal theories by elucidating mechanisms through which external pressures from parental expectation internalize as psychological harm. Culturally tailored interventions should target stress resilience and core self-worth reinforcement. By addressing conditional acceptance and fostering autonomy, strategies can mitigate mental health risks tied to excessive parental demands. This research calls for policy and educational reforms to balance parental aspirations with children’s well-being, emphasizing systemic support for marginalized youth.

Hyperuricemia (HUA) refers to a physiological condition of high serum uric acid (SUA) level in the body, which may cause an increased risk of several chronic diseases. The kidney’s impaired uric acid (UA) metabolism is an important reason for HUA. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that circulating factors produced during exercise regulate the expression of ABCC4, ABCG2, URAT1, and GLUT9 in normal rat kidneys and normal rat kidney cells (NRK-52E) and their relationship with NF-κB and NRF-2. NRK-52E cells were separately cultured by serum from 10 healthy SD rats who did not exercise (CON) and 10 healthy SD rats who did aerobic treadmill exercise for 6 weeks. Cells cultured by serum from rats who did aerobic treadmill exercise for 6 weeks were separated by without NRF-2 inhibitor (EXE) and with NRF-2 inhibitor (EXE + ML). SUA level of rats was tested by using dry chemical assays, xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity in serum and liver were tested by using enzyme colorimetry assays, protein expression in kidney and NRK-52E cells were tested by using Western-blot, and UA levels in the upper or lower chamber were tested by colorimetry assays. Aerobic exercise reduced SUA levels in rats but did not significantly affect on liver xanthine oxidase. It also increased the expression of some UA transporters in the kidney and NRK-52E cells and increased the cells’ ability in UA excretion. When the NRF-2 was inhibited, the NF-κB and ABCG2 increased, and the expression of ABCC4, URAT1, and GLUT9 decreased. In conclusion, this study suggested that 6 weeks of aerobic treadmill exercise intervention may help to improve the excretion of UA in renal cells, suggesting that long-term aerobic exercise may be a means to prevent hyperuricemia.

More than half the domestic population in China were infected with COVID-19 in two months after ending “zero-infection policy”, which severely overwhelmed frontline healthcare providers with stress and fear. However, there is no study to date investigating the associations between nurses' fear of pandemic and cyberchondria. This study aimed to 1) investigate the correlations between fear pandemic and cyberchondria among frontline nurses, and 2) discover its potential mechanism. A cross-sectional sample of frontline nurses (N = 8161) was recruited from 98 hospitals across China in February 2023. Participants were invited to complete an online, self-rated standardized questionnaire focused on pandemic fear, alexithymia, psychological distress, and cyberchondria. Environmental, clinical and socioeconomic information were collected for adjustment while conducting chain mediation analysis. When other covariates were controlled, it was found that fear of the pandemic significantly contributed to cyberchondria (b = 0.58, 95%CI [0.56, 0.60], p < .001). The chain mediation model suggested that both alexithymia and psychological distress were mediating factors between pandemic fear and cyberchondria. The higher the perceived fear, the greater the cyberchondria, which suggests that reducing fear about the pandemic and providing adequate support could reduce the incidence of cyberchondria. As alexithymia and psychological distress may be transdiagnostic mechanisms between fear and cyberchondria, targeted interventions focused on expression dysregulation and emotional identification could be useful. •Frontline nurses' pandemic fear significantly contributed to cyberchondria (β=0.58, 95%CI, 0.56 to 0.60], p<.001).•Alexithymia was a mediating factor between pandemic fear and cyberchondria.•Psychological distress mediated the association between pandemic fear and cyberchondria.•Alexithymia was associated with psychological distress.

Van der Waals (vdW) magnets provide a rich landscape for innovative spintronic applications at atomic thickness. Among them, chromium sulfide bromide (CrSBr) stands out as a semiconducting antiferromagnet with the potential for magnetoelectric manipulation. However, the detection and electrical control of 2D magnetism in CrSBr are constrained by its centrosymmetric structure and in-plane antiferromagnetism. To address this challenge, we construct heterostructure devices composed of trilayer CrSBr and monolayer graphene, where interfacial charge transfer breaks the inversion symmetry of both magnetic order and crystallographic structure. The inversion symmetry breaking by charge transfer thus allows a full discrimination of the otherwise degenerate magnetic states using optical second harmonic generation, including the charge transfer induced intermediate magnetic states that consist of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic vdW interfaces. Furthermore, gate voltage enables the tuning of charge transfer, effectively modulating the interlayer magnetic coupling and magnetic transitions. Our findings deepen the understanding of optospintronic interaction and magnetoelectric manipulation in vdW magnets, paving the way for electrically tunable 2D spintronic devices. CrSBr is an air-stable van der Waals semiconducting layered antiferromagnet, holding the promise for a variety of spintronic applications. However, like all antiferromagnets, readout and control of the magnetic structures are challenging. Here, using a graphene gate on trilayer CrSBr, Hong, Sun, and coauthors succeed in full discrimination of otherwise degenerate magnetic states and electrical control of magnetic transitions.

Background Dysregulation of alternative splicing (AS) is a critical signature of cancer. However, the regulatory mechanisms of cancer-specific AS events, especially the impact of DNA methylation, are poorly understood. Methods By using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) SpliceSeq and TCGA data for ten solid tumor types, association analysis was performed to characterize the potential link between cancer-specific AS and DNA methylation. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed with the String website. The prognostic analysis was carried out with multivariate Cox regressions models. Results 15,818 AS events in 3955 annotated genes were identified across ten solid tumor types. The different DNA methylation patterns between tumor and normal tissues at the corresponding alternative spliced exon boundaries were shown, and 51.3% of CpG sites (CpGs) revealed hypomethylated in tumors. Notably, 607 CpGs were found to be highly correlated with 369 cancer-specific AS events after permutation tests. Among them, the hypomethylated CpGs account for 52.7%, and the number of down-regulated exons was 173. Furthermore, we found 38 AS events in 35 genes could serve as new molecular biomarkers to predict patient survival. Conclusions Our study described the relationship between DNA methylation and AS events across ten human solid tumor types and provided new insights into intragenic DNA methylation and exon usage during the AS process.