Ion Flux Research Articles

From Recognition to Response: Resistance–Effector Gene Interactions in the Brassica napus and Leptosphaeria maculans Patho-System

Blackleg disease, caused by the hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, poses a serious threat to Brassica crops and requires a broad understanding of the plant defence mechanisms. The Brassica. napus-L. maculans pathosystem provides a useful model to understand plant resistance response to hemibiotrophs. This review aims to explain the mechanisms underlying R-Avr interaction, signalling cascades, and the hypersensitive response (HR) produced by B. napus towards L. maculans, causing local cell death that restricts the pathogen to the site of infection. The role of transcription factors is pivotal to the process of HR, coordinating the regulation of genes involved in pathogen recognition and the activation of SA responsive genes and production of secondary metabolites. The R-Avr interaction signalling cascade involves production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium ion influx, Salicylic acid (SA) hormonal signalling and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which are critical in the HR in B. napus. The in-depth understanding of molecular signalling pathway of the R-Avr interaction between B. napus-L. maculans pathosystem provides valuable information for future research endeavours regarding enhancing disease resistance in Brassica crops.

Regulation of Zinc Deposition by In Situ Formed Liquid Metal Interface for Dendrite‐Free Zinc Metal Anodes

AbstractUncontrolled dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution and corrosion challenges associated with zinc (Zn) anodes significantly restrict the practical application of zinc batteries. Herein, a liquid metal gallium (Ga) interface is in situ formed on carbon paper (CP) by electrochemical co‐deposition to construct a dendrite‐free Zn‐Ga@CP composite electrode which can regulate the transport and chemistry of Zn deposition at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Notably, the concurrent reduction of Zn2+ and Ga3+ on carbon paper results in the formation of a self‐supporting Zn electrode with 3D interpenetrating structure of Zn and Ga. Compared to zinc foil electrodes, the highly conductive liquid Ga layer lowers the nucleation energy barrier of Zn promotes the homogeneity of the electric field and ion flux, and induces uniform deposition of Zn. In addition, the low chemical activity of liquid Ga prevents a high rate of hydrogen evolution reaction and associated parasitic reactions. As a result, the Zn‐Ga@CP symmetric cell delivers stable cycling of >350 h at a discharge depth of 23.3% and ultra‐low voltage hysteresis. Moreover, the coin‐type and pouch‐type full cells exhibit excellent durability and good mechanical stability. This work provides a novel interface regulation strategy for achieving high‐performance dendrite‐free anode in Zn metal batteries.

Biocompatible EDOT-Pyrrole Conjugated Conductive Polymer Coating for Augmenting Cell Attachment, Activity, and Differentiation.

Developing scaffolds supporting functional cell attachment and tissue growth is critical in basic cell research, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine approaches. Though poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and its derivatives are attractive for hydrogels and scaffold fabrication, they often require bioactive modifications due to their bioinert nature. In this work, biomimetic synthesized conductive polypyrrole-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) copolymer doped with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PPy-PEDOT:PSS) was used as a biocompatible coating for poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel to support neuronal and muscle cells' attachment, activity, and differentiation. The synthesized copolymer was characterized by Raman spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. Its electrochemical properties were studied using galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) and voltammetry. PPy-PEDOT:PSS-coated hydrogels were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, and protein adsorption was assessed using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring. Attachment and differentiation of the ND7/23 neuron hybrid cell line and C2C12 myoblasts were evaluated by cell cytoskeleton staining and quantification of morphological parameters. Viability was assessed by live/dead staining using flow cytometry. Cortex neural activity was studied by calcium ion influx that could be detected through the dynamic fluorescence changes of Fluo-4. The PPy-PEDOT:PSS coating supported cell attachment and differentiation and was nontoxic to cells. Primary neurons attached and remained responsive to electrical stimulation. Altogether, the biocompatible copolymer PPy-PEDOT:PSS is a simple yet effective alternative for hydrogel coating and presents great potential as an interface for nervous and other electrically excitable tissues.

Regulation of Zinc Hydroxide Sulfate Growth Environment for Stable Zinc Anode/Electrolyte Interfaces.

Metallic Zn is a promising anode for high-safety, low-cost, and large-scale energy storage systems. However, it is strongly hindered by unstable electrode/electrolyte interface issues, including zinc dendrite, corrosion, passivation, and hydrogen evolution reactions. In this work, an in situ interface protection strategy is established by turning the corrosion/passivation byproducts (zinc hydroxide sulfates, ZHSs) into a stable hybrid protection layer. The hydrolysis of the diglycolamine buffer layer on the zinc anode provides a homogeneous basic electrolyte environment for the generation of small-sized ZHS, thereby leading to the formation of a ZHS-based hybrid layer. Benefiting from this hybrid layer, uniform zinc ion flux and high anticorrosion ability can be achieved. As a result, the decorated symmetric cell presents a long cycling lifespan of over 1500 h at a current density of 1 mA cm-2 and an area capacity of 1 mAh cm-2. It also contributes to the appealing cycling and rate performance of Zn|NH4V4O10 full cells. This work provides insight into regulating and reusing interfacial byproducts for high-performance zinc metal batteries.

Harvesting ionic power from a neutralization reaction through a heterogeneous graphene oxide membrane.

Nanofluidics is a system of fluid transport limited to a nano-confined space, including the transport of ions and molecules. The use of intelligent nanofluidics has shown great potential in energy conversion. However, ion transport is hindered by homogeneous membranes with uniform charge distribution and concentration polarization, which often leads to an undesirable power conversion performance. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of a neutralization reaction-enhanced energy conversion process based on heterogeneous graphene oxide (GO) nanofluidics with a bipolar structure. The asymmetric charge distribution inherent to the heterogeneous nanofluidics facilitates a complementary two-way ion diffusion process, which in turn promotes efficient charge separation and superposed ionic diffusion. An output power density of up to 29.58 W m-2 is achieved with 0.1 M HCl/NaOH as the acid-base pair (ABP), which is about 712% and 117% higher than using symmetric unipolar pGO and nGO membranes. Both experiments and theoretical simulations indicate that the tunable asymmetric heterostructure contributes to regulating diffusion-based ion transport and enhancing the ion flux. This work not only establishes a significant paradigm for the utilization of chemical reactions within nanofluidic systems but also opens up new avenues for ground-breaking discoveries in the fields of chemistry, nanotechnology, and materials science.

Recent advances on brain drug delivery via nanoparticles: alternative future materials for neuroscience applications; a review.

Essentially, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) serves as a line of demarcation between neural tissues and the bloodstream. A unique and protective characteristic of theblood-brain barrier is its ability to maintain cerebral homeostasis by regulating the flux of molecules and ions. The inability to uphold proper functioning in any of these constituents leads to the disruption of this specialized multicellular arrangement, consequently fostering neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Recent advancements in nanomedicine have been regarded as a promising avenue for improving the delivery of drugs to the central nervous system in the modern era. A major benefit of thisinnovation is that it allows drugs to accumulate selectively within the cerebral area by circumventing theblood-brain barrier. Although brain-targeted nanomedicines have demonstrated impressive achievements, certain limitations in targeting specificity still exist. In thisexamination, we scrutinize the distinctive physical andchemical attributes of nanoparticles (NPs) contributing totheir facilitation in BBB traversal. We explore the various mechanisms governing NP passage over the BBB, encompassing paracellular conveyance, mediated transport, as wellas adsorptive- and receptor-mediated transcytosis. The therapeutic success of NPs for the treatment ofbrain tumors has been extensively investigated through the use of various categories of NPs. Among these are polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, quantum dots, and nanogels. The potential utility of nanoparticles goes beyond their ability to transport pharmaceuticals. They can serve as adept imaging contrast agents, capable of being linked with imaging probes. This will facilitate tumor visualization, delineate lesion boundaries and margins, and monitor drug delivery and treatment response. Versatile nanoparticles can be engineered to effectively target neoplastic lesions, serving dual roles in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions. Subsequently, this discourse explores the constraints associated with nanoparticles in the context of treating brain tumors.

Nano-Zinc Sulfide Modified 3D Reconstructed Zinc Anode with Induced Deposition Effect Assists Long-Cycle Stable Aqueous Zinc Ion Battery.

Aqueous zinc ion batteries are often adversely affected by the poor stability of zinc metal anodes. Persistent water-induced side reactions and uncontrolled dendrite growth have seriously damaged the long-term service life of aqueous zinc ion batteries. In this paper, it is reported that a zinc sulfide with optimized electron arrangement on the surface of zinc anode is used to modify the zinc anode to achieve long-term cycle stability of zinc anode. The effective active sites of the zinc metal anode surface are first significantly improved by a simple ultrasound-assisted etching strategy, and then the in situ zinc sulfide interface phase further guides the zinc ion deposition behavior on the surface of the zinc metal anode. The zinc sulfide protective layer well regulates the interfacial electric field and the migration of Zn2+, thereby significantly promoting the homogenization of zinc ion flux to achieve dendrite-free deposition. In addition, the aqueous zinc ion full cell assembled based on ZnS@3D-Zn anode achieves better output performance in long-term cycles. In summary, this work sheds light on the importance of reasonable interfacial modification for the development of dendrite-free and stable zinc anode chemistry, which opens up a new path for promoting the development of zinc-based batteries.

Commentary: Why do many cell biology papers contain fundamental bioenergetic errors?

To professional bioenergeticists, the thermodynamic and kinetic constraints on mitochondrial function are self-evident. It is therefore profoundly concerning that high-profile cell biology papers continue to appear containing fundamental bioenergetic errors that appear to have evaded the scrutiny of the principal investigator, co-authors, editors and, apparently, at least some of the referees. The problem is not new, and seems to stem from a perception that bioenergetics is a 'difficult' subject, both at undergraduate level, if it is taught in any depth, and in research, where cell biologists are faced with biophysical concepts such as protonmotive force, ion flux, redox potential and Gibbs free energy.

A nanoparticle-based wireless deep brain stimulation system that reverses Parkinson's disease.

Deep brain stimulation technology enables the neural modulation with precise spatial control but requires permanent implantation of conduits. Here, we describe a photothermal wireless deep brain stimulation nanosystem capable of eliminating α-synuclein aggregates and restoring degenerated dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra to treat Parkinson's disease. This nanosystem (ATB NPs) consists of gold nanoshell, an antibody against the heat-sensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid family member 1 (TRPV1), and β-synuclein (β-syn) peptides with a near infrared-responsive linker. ATB NPs by stereotactic injection target dopamine neurons expressing TRPV1 receptors in the substantia nigra. Upon pulsed near-infrared irradiation, ATB NPs, serving as nanoantennae, convert the light into heat, leading to calcium ion influx, depolarization, and action potentials in dopamine neurons through TRPV1 receptors. Simultaneously, β-synuclein peptides released from ATB NPs cooperate with chaperone-mediated autophagy initiated by heat shock protein, HSC70, to effectively eliminate α-synuclein fibrils in neurons. These orchestrated actions restored pathological dopamine neurons and locomotor behaviors of Parkinson's disease.

Space Charge Improved Poly(Aryl Ether Sulfone) Composite Membrane for Osmotic Energy Conversion

Comprehensive SummaryThe ion‐selective porous membrane is the key component in osmotic energy conversion, and optimizing its permeability and selectivity is crucial for improving output performance. Here, to construct a permeability and selectivity synergistically enhanced osmotic energy generator, the surface and space charge synergistically enhanced 3D composite membrane is prepared by inserting sulfonated hydrogels into the 3D ion channels with tunable surface charge. The membrane's selectivity is improved from 0.66 to 0.94 by increasing the charge density on the membrane surface and the spatial charge density of the membrane. The experimental and simulation results showed that the synergistic enhancement of the spatial and surface charges significantly improved the electrostatic interactions between the ions and the ion channels, which led to the enhancement of selectivity, net ionic fluxes, and output performance. The space charge improved composite membrane presents an advanced power density of about 6.4 W·m–2 under a 50‐fold concentration gradient, which is nearly 2 times that of the phase inversion membrane without hydrogels. Our study provides a promising solution for constructing high‐performance osmotic energy generators.

Mechanosensitive Ca2+ channel TRPV1 activated by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound ameliorates acute kidney injury through Notch1-Akt-eNOS signaling.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a significant medical condition characterized by the abrupt decline in kidney function.Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), a non-invasive therapeutic technique employing low-intensity acoustic wave pulses, has shown promise in promoting tissue repair and regeneration. A novel LIPUS system was developed and evaluated in rat AKI models, focusing on its effects on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), and the Notch1-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway. The results demonstrated that LIPUS treatment improved GFR, BUN, SCr levels, and renal pathology in AKI rats. Invitro experiments using HUVEC cells revealed that LIPUS stimulation promoted angiogenesis, cell migration mechanically-dependent calcium ion influx, which was partially attenuated by TRPV1 knockdown. RNA sequencing analysis indicated LIPUS-induced activation of the Notch pathway, phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS. Furthermore, inhibition or genetic silencing of Notch1 abolished the beneficial effects of LIPUS on angiogenesis, renal function, and Akt-eNOS phosphorylation in both cells and AKI rats. These findings suggest that LIPUS-induced calcium influx promotes Akt-eNOS phosphorylation, nitric oxide (NO) production, angiogenesis, and improved renal function in AKI via Notch1-Akt-eNOS signaling, positioning LIPUS as a promising therapeutic strategy for AKI by targeting vascular regeneration.

Ion homeostasis and coordinated salt tolerance mechanisms in a barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)doubled haploid line

Salinization poses a significant challenge in agriculture. Identifying salt-tolerant plant germplasm resources and understanding their mechanisms of salt tolerance are crucial for breeding new salt-tolerant plant varieties. However, one of the primary obstacles to achieving this goal in crops is the physiological complexity of the salt-tolerance trait. In a previous study, we developed a salt-tolerant barley doubled haploid (DH) line, designated as DH20, through mutagenesis combined with microspore culture, establishing it as an idea model for elucidating the mechanisms of salt tolerance. In this study, ion homeostasis, key osmotic agents, antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression were compared between Hua30 (the original material used as a control) and DH20. The results indicated that under salt treatment, DH20 exhibited significantly higher shoot fresh and dry weight, relative plant height, shoot K+/Na+ ratio, improved stomatal guard cell function, and better retention of chloroplast ultrastructure compared to Hua30. Notably, the K+ efflux in DH20 was significantly lower while the Na+ and H+ efflux was significantly higher than those in Hua30 under salt stress in mesophyll cells. Furthermore, the activities of ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase, along with the levels of proline, betaine, malondialdehyde, and soluble protein, were correlated with ion efflux and played a vital role in the response of DH20 to salt stress. Compared to Hua30, the relative expression levels of the HvSOS1, HvSOS2, HvSOS3, HvHKT1;3, HvNHX1, HvNHX2, and HvNHX3 genes, which showed a strong correlation with Na+, K+, and H+ efflux, exhibited significant differences at 24 h under salt stress in DH20. These findings suggest that ion homeostasis, key osmolytes, antioxidant enzyme activities, and associated gene expression are coordinated in the salt tolerance of DH20, with K+ retention and Na+ and H+ efflux serving as important mechanisms for coping with salt stress. These findings present new opportunities for enhancing salinity tolerance, not only in barley but in other cereals as well, including wheat and rice, by integrating this trait with other traditional mechanisms. Furthermore, MIFE measurements of NaCl-induced ion fluxes from leaf mesophyll provide plant breeders with an efficient method to screen germplasm for salinity stress tolerance in barley and potentially other crops. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

Piezo1 Enhances Macrophage Phagocytosis and Pyrin Activation to Ameliorate Fungal Keratitis.

Fungal keratitis (FK) remains a treatment challenge, necessitating new therapeutic targets. Piezo1, a mechanosensitive ion channel, regulates calcium signaling and immune cell function. This study investigates its role in macrophage-mediated antifungal responses in FK. Piezo1 and Pyrin expression in corneas and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were assessed by RNAseq, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Intracellular calcium ion concentration was detected by Fluo-4 AM fluorescent probe staining. Heterozygous Piezo1 deficiency (Piezo1+/-) mice and Yoda1 were performed to regulate the expression of Piezo1. Our investigation demonstrates elevated expression of Piezo1 in the corneas of patients with FK and infected mice. This upregulation of Piezo1 corresponded with the swift recruitment of macrophages via the limbus. Additionally, Piezo1+/- mice exacerbate the progression of FK in the infection model. Furthermore, Piezo1 knockdown in macrophages exhibit a notable reduction phagocytic capacity, accompanied by an increase in viable colony-forming units in an in vitro model of fungal infection. Moreover, using a pharmacologic activator of Piezo1 (Yoda1), a calcium ion (Ca2+) chelator of BAPTA or Piezo1+/- mice, we demonstrate that Piezo1 activation triggers the Pyrin inflammasome via augmented calcium ion influx, which is required for protection against FK in murine hosts. Piezo1 is crucial for innate immunity in FK, enhancing macrophage recruitment, activation, and Pyrin inflammasome-mediated antifungal activity via calcium signaling. Using Piezo1+/- mice and Yoda1, we confirm Piezo1's role in fungal clearance. Targeting Piezo1 offers a novel strategy to improve FK outcomes by boosting macrophage function and immune response.

Bioelectrically Reprogramming Hydrogels Rejuvenate Vascularized Bone Regeneration in Senescence.

Senescent bone tissue displays a pathological imbalance characterized by decreased angiogenesis, disrupted bioelectric signaling, ion dysregulation, and reduced stem cell differentiation. Once bone defects occur, this pathological imbalance makes them difficult to repair. An innovative synergistic therapeutic strategy is utilized to reverse these pathological imbalances via a conductive hydrogel doped with magnesium ion (Mg2+)-modified black phosphorus (BP). The hydrogel reprograms electrical signals, restores Mg2+ homeostasis, reconstructs physiological signals, and promotes blood vessel regeneration in senile bone defects. The conductive hydrogel synergistically restores both the chemical and bioelectric signals within the bone microenvironment. This hydrogel increases the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2), activates the PI3K-AKT-eNOS pathway, and significantly increases the angiogenic ability of vascular endothelial cells in the aged state. In addition, the conductive hydrogel normalizes calcium ion (Ca2+) influx, increases the accumulation of osteogenic transcription factors in the nucleus, and promotes the osteogenic differentiation of senescent stem cells. This innovative treatment strategy restores bone-vascular coupling in areas of senile bone defects, achieves effective vascularized bone regeneration, and has good potential for the treatment of senile bone defects.

Tailoring a High Loading Atomic Zinc with Weak Binding to Sodium Toward High-Energy Sodium Metal Batteries.

Single-atom materials provide a platform to precisely regulate the electrochemical redox behavior of electrode materials with atomic level. Here, a multifield-regulated sintering route is reported to rapidly prepare single-atom zinc with a very high loading mass of 24.7 wt.% by significantly improved diffusion kinetics and stronger charge transfer between zinc and nitrogen atoms. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra for Zn K-edges during the charge and discharge process verify the stable single-atom zinc structure and the reversible slight reduction and oxidation of Zn sites, which is much different from the previous report of the alloying reaction process. This result suggests atomic Zn acts as an active sites through weak binding with sodium to regulate the Na ion fluxes. Finally, Cu foil coated with a ≈2µm layer of such material exhibits a high Coulombic efficiency of ≈99.99% up to 1700 cycles at 1mAhcm-2. An ultra-low overpotential of 3mV and an unprecedented life span of over 3200h in a symmetrical cell is achieved. Due to the very thin coating layer, anode-free sodium battery fabricated by Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode displays a prominent energy density of 320WhKg-1, demonstrating strong potential in practical application.

Enhanced pedestal transport driven by edge collisionality on Alcator C-Mod and its role in regulating H-mode pedestal gradients

Abstract Experimental measurements of plasma and neutral profiles across the pedestal are used in conjunction with 2D edge modeling to examine pedestal stiffness in Alcator C-Mod H-mode plasmas. Enhanced D α experiments on Alcator C-Mod observed pedestal degradation and loss in confinement below a critical value of net power crossing the separatrix, P net = P net crit ≈ 2.3 MW, in the absence of any external fueling. New analysis of ionization and particle flux profiles reveal saturation of the pedestal electron density, n e ped , despite continuous increases in ionization throughout the pedestal, inversely related to P net . A limit to the pedestal ∇ n e emerges as the particle flux, Γ D , continues to grow, implying increases in the effective particle diffusivity, D eff . This is well-correlated with the separatrix collisionality, ν sep ∗ and a turbulence control parameter, α t , implying a possible transition in type of turbulence. The transition is well correlated with the experimentally observed value of P net crit . SOLPS-ITER modeling is performed for select discharges from the power scan, constrained with experimental electron and neutral densities, measured at the outer midplane. The modeling confirms general growth in D eff , consistent with experimental findings, and additionally suggests even larger growth in χ e at the same P net crit .

Linear Enhanced 3D Nanofluid Force-Electric Conversion Device.

The inherent trade-off between permeability and selectivity has constrained further improvement of passive linear force-electric conversion performance in nanofluidic pressure sensors. To overcome this limitation, a 3D nanofluidic membrane with high mechanical strength utilizing aramid nanofibers/carbon nanofiber (ANF/CNF) dual crosslinking is developed. Due to the abundant surface functional groups of CNF and the high mechanical strength of ANF, this large-scale integrated 3D nanofluidic membrane exhibits advantages of high flux, high porosity, and short ion transport path, demonstrating superior force-electric response compared to conventional 1D and 2D configurations. The enhancement mechanism of the ANF/CNF membrane is systematically investigated through experimental results and theoretical calculations. The optimized device has a sensitivity of 111 nA cm-2kPa-1, a response/recovery time of 63/68ms, and a stability of 45000 cycles. This study successfully overcomes the inherent performance limitations of traditional nanofluidic membranes, offering promising potential for applications across artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and smart wearable devices.

TransLeish: Identification of membrane transporters essential for survival of intracellular Leishmania parasites in a systematic gene deletion screen

For the protozoan parasite Leishmania, completion of its life cycle requires sequential adaptation of cellular physiology and nutrient scavenging mechanisms to the different environments of a sand fly alimentary tract and the acidic mammalian host cell phagolysosome. Transmembrane transporters are the gatekeepers of intracellular environments, controlling the flux of solutes and ions across membranes. To discover which transporters are vital for survival as intracellular amastigote forms, we carried out a systematic loss-of-function screen of the L. mexicana transportome. A total of 312 protein components of small molecule carriers, ion channels and pumps were identified and targeted in a CRISPR-Cas9 gene deletion screen in the promastigote form, yielding 188 viable null mutants. Forty transporter deletions caused significant loss of fitness in macrophage and mouse infections. A striking example is the Vacuolar H+ ATPase (V-ATPase), which, unexpectedly, was dispensable for promastigote growth in vitro but essential for survival of the disease-causing amastigotes.

Intracellular metal ion-based chemistry for programmed cell death.

Intracellular metal ions play essential roles in multiple physiological processes, including catalytic action, diverse cellular processes, intracellular signaling, and electron transfer. It is crucial to maintain intracellular metal ion homeostasis which is achieved by the subtle balance of storage and release of metal ions intracellularly along with the influx and efflux of metal ions at the interface of the cell membrane. Dysregulation of intracellular metal ions has been identified as a key mechanism in triggering programmed cell death (PCD). Despite the importance of metal ions in initiating PCD, the molecular mechanisms of intracellular metal ions within these processes are infrequently discussed. An in-depth understanding and review of the role of metal ions in triggering PCD may better uncover novel tools for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Specifically, the essential roles of calcium (Ca2+), iron (Fe2+/3+), copper (Cu+/2+), and zinc (Zn2+) ions in triggering PCD are primarily explored in this review, and other ions like manganese (Mn2+/3+/4+), cobalt (Co2+/3+) and magnesium ions (Mg2+) are briefly discussed. Further, this review elaborates on the underlying chemical mechanisms and summarizes these metal ions triggering PCD in cancer therapy. This review bridges chemistry, immunology, and biology to foster the rational regulation of metal ions to induce PCD for cancer therapy.

Decoupling the effects of potential energy, kinetic energy, and ion flux on crystallinity of V-Al and V-Al-N thin films in pulsed filtered cathodic arc deposition

Decoupling the effects of potential energy, kinetic energy, and ion flux on crystallinity of V-Al and V-Al-N thin films in pulsed filtered cathodic arc deposition