Light-Induced Phase Segregation Evolution of All-Inorganic Mixed Halide Perovskites

Light-induced phase segregation in mixed halide perovskites is a major roadblock for commercialization of optoelectronics utilizing these materials. We investigate the phenomenon in a model material system consisting of only surfaces and the bulk of a single-crystalline-like microplate. We utilize environmental in-situ time-dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy to observe the bandgap evolution of phase segregation under illumination. This enables analysis of the evolution of the iodide-rich phase composition as a function of the environment (i.e., surface defects) and carrier concentration. Our study provides microscopic insights into the relationship among photocarrier generations, surface structural defects, and subsequently iodide ion migrations that result in the complex evolution of phase segregation. We elucidate the significance of surface defects with respect to the evolution of phase segregation, which may provide new perspectives for modulating ion migration by engineering of defects and carrier concentrations

Spherical Nucleic Acid Probe Based on 2′-Fluorinated DNA Functionalization for High-Fidelity Intracellular Sensing

Traditional spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) assembled through Au–S covalent bonds are widely used in DNA-programmable assembly, biosensing, imaging, and therapeutics. However, biological thiols and other chemical substances can break the Au–S bonds and cause response distortion during the application process, specifically in cell environments. Herein, we report a new type of SNAs based on 2′-fluorinated DNA-functionalized AuNPs with excellent colloidal stability under high salt conditions (up to 1 M NaCl) and over a broad pH range (1–14), as well as resistance to biothiols. The fluorinated spherical nucleic acid probe (Au/FDNA probe) could detect targeted cancer cells with high fidelity. Compared to the traditional thiolated DNA-functionalized AuNP probe (Au–SDNA probe), the Au/FDNA probe exhibited a higher sensitivity to the target and a lower signal-to-background ratio. Furthermore, the Au/FDNA probe could discriminate target cancer cells in a mixed culture system. Using the proposed FDNA functionalization method, previously developed SNAs based on AuNPs could be directly adapted, which might open a new avenue for the design and application of SNAs

Prevalence and associated factors of secondary traumatic stress in emergency nurses: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Nurses in emergency departments are at a high risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress because of their frequent exposure to trauma patients and high-stress environments. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the overall prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among emergency nurses and to identify the contributing factors. Method: We conducted a systematic search for cross-sectional studies in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Wanfang Database, and China National Knowledge Internet up to October 21, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s appraisal checklists for prevalence and analytical cross-sectional studies were used for quality assessment. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using Cochrane’s Q test and the I2 statistic. A random effects model was applied to estimate the pooled prevalence of secondary traumatic stress, and subgroup analyses were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Descriptive analysis summarized the associated factors. Results: Out of 345 articles retrieved, 14 met the inclusion criteria, with 11 reporting secondary traumatic stress prevalence. The pooled prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among emergency nurses was 65% (95% CI: 58%–73%). Subgroup analyses indicated the highest prevalence in Asia (74%, 95% CI: 72%–77%), followed by North America (59%, 95% CI: 49%–72%) and Europe (53%, 95% CI: 29%–95%). Nine studies identified associated factors, including personal, work-related, and social factors. In the subgroup of divided by recruitment period, emergency department nurses in the COVID-19 outbreak period had a higher prevalence of secondary traumatic stress (70%, 95% CI: 62%–78%). Conclusions: Secondary traumatic stress prevalence is notably high among emergency department nurses, with significant regional variations and period differences. The factors affecting secondary traumatic stress also varied across studies. Future research should focus on improving research designs and sample sizes to pinpoint risk factors and develop prevention strategies. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022301167. Secondary traumatic stress is considered an occupational hazard for nurses. Emergency department nurses, in particular, face a greater risk of secondary traumatic stress compared to other professions.While various studies have investigated the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among these nurses, findings have been inconsistent.The pooled prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among emergency nurses is 65%. Subgroup analysis by region shows that Asia experiences the highest combined prevalence at 74%, with North America at 59% and Europe at 53%. Emergency department nurses in the COVID-19 outbreak period had a higher prevalence of secondary traumatic stress (70%, 95% CI: 62%–78%). Secondary traumatic stress is considered an occupational hazard for nurses. Emergency department nurses, in particular, face a greater risk of secondary traumatic stress compared to other professions. While various studies have investigated the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among these nurses, findings have been inconsistent. The pooled prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among emergency nurses is 65%. Subgroup analysis by region shows that Asia experiences the highest combined prevalence at 74%, with North America at 59% and Europe at 53%. Emergency department nurses in the COVID-19 outbreak period had a higher prevalence of secondary traumatic stress (70%, 95% CI: 62%–78%).</p

Reprogramming Tumor-Associated Macrophages To Reverse EGFR^T790M Resistance by Dual-Targeting Codelivery of Gefitinib/Vorinostat

Gefitinib is a first-line therapy in the EGFR-mutated nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the development of drug resistance is almost unavoidable, thus leading to an unsustainable regimen. EGFR^T790M mutation is the major cause responsible for the molecular-targeting therapy failure in NSCLC. Although the recently approved osimertinib is effective for the EGFR^T790M-positive NSCLC, the osimertinib-resistant EGFR mutation is rapidly developed, too. In this study, we proposed a tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) reprogramming strategy for overcoming the EGFR^T790M-associated drug resistance via a dual-targeting codelivery system of gefitinib/vorinostat that acted on both TAM with overexpression of mannose receptors and the HER-2 positive NSCLC cells. The trastuzumab-modified, mannosylated liposomal system was able to repolarize the protumor M2 phenotype to the antitumor M1 and cause the elevating ROS in the cancer cells, consequently modulating the intracellular redox balance via ROS/NOX3/MsrA axis. The suppressed MsrA facilitated the EGFR^T790M degradation through 790M oxidation by ROS, thus resensitizing the EGFR^T790M-positive cells to gefitinib. The dual-targeting codelivery and TAM-reprogramming strategies provided a potential method for rescuing the EGFR^T790M-caused resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment

Blood–Brain-Barrier-Penetrating Albumin Nanoparticles for Biomimetic Drug Delivery <i>via</i> Albumin-Binding Protein Pathways for Antiglioma Therapy

Nutrient transporters have been explored for biomimetic delivery targeting the brain. The albumin-binding proteins (<i>e.g.</i>, SPARC and gp60) are overexpressed in many tumors for transport of albumin as an amino acid and an energy source for fast-growing cancer cells. However, their application in brain delivery has rarely been investigated. In this work, SPARC and gp60 overexpression was found on glioma and tumor vessel endothelium; therefore, such pathways were explored for use in brain-targeting biomimetic delivery. We developed a green method for blood–brain barrier (BBB)-penetrating albumin nanoparticle synthesis, with the capacity to coencapsulate different drugs and no need for cross-linkers. The hydrophobic drugs (<i>i.e.</i>, paclitaxel and fenretinide) yield synergistic effects to induce albumin self-assembly, forming dual drug-loaded nanoparticles. The albumin nanoparticles can penetrate the BBB and target glioma cells <i>via</i> the mechanisms of SPARC- and gp60-mediated biomimetic transport. Importantly, by modification with the cell-penetrating peptide LMWP, the albumin nanoparticles display enhanced BBB penetration, intratumoral infiltration, and cellular uptake. The LMWP-modified nanoparticles exhibited improved treatment outcomes in both subcutaneous and intracranial glioma models, with reduced toxic side effects. The therapeutic mechanisms were associated with induction of apoptosis, antiangiogenesis, and tumor immune microenvironment regulation. It provides a facile method for dual drug-loaded albumin nanoparticle preparation and a promising avenue for biomimetic delivery targeting the brain tumor based on combination therapy

Rational Design of Tetrahedral Derivatives as Efficient Light-Emitting Materials Based on “Super Atom” Perspective

Traditional semiconductor quantum dots of groups II–VI are key ingredients of next-generation display technology. Yet, the majority of them contain toxic heavy-metal elements, thus calling for alternative light-emitting materials. Herein, we have explored three novel categories of multicomponent compounds, namely, tetragonal II-III2-VI4 porous ternary compounds, cubic I2-II3-VI4 ternary compounds, and cubic I-II-III3-V4 quaternary compounds. This is achieved by judicious introduction of a “super atom” perspective and concurrently varying the solid-state lattice packing of involved super atoms or the population of surrounding counter cations. Based on first-principles calculations of 392 candidate materials with designed crystal structures, 53 highly stable materials have been screened. Strikingly, 34 of them are direct-bandgap semiconductors with emitting wavelengths covering the near-infrared and visible-light regions. This work provides a comprehensive database of highly efficient light-emitting materials, which may be of interest for a broad field of optoelectronic applications