CXCL13 expression in mouse 4T1 breast cancer microenvironment elicits antitumor immune response by regulating immune cell infiltration

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer type and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Previous studies have reported contradictory performance of chemokine CXC motif ligand 13 (CXCL13) in breast cancer. In this study, The Cancer Genome Atlas database analysis revealed that CXCL13 was overexpressed in various human cancers including breast carcinoma, and associated with good clinical prognosis in breast cancer. Flow cytometry detection also found upregulated intracellular CXCL13 expression in human breast cancer cell lines. To explore the possible role of CXCL13 in the breast cancer microenvironment, mouse triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) was lentivirally transfected to stably overexpress mouse CXCL13 (4T1-CXCL13). Both parental 4T1 and 4T1-CXCL13 strains showed no in vitro or in vivo endogenous cell surface CXCR5 expression. In immune-competent BALB/c mice, the in vivo tumor growth of 4T1-CXCL13 was significantly inhibited and even completely eradicated, accompanied with increased infiltrations of CD4⁺, CD8⁺ T lymphocytes and CD11b⁺CD11c⁺ DCs. Further investigations showed that CXCL13 expression in the 4T1 tumor microenvironment elicited long-term antitumor immune memory, and rejection of distal parental tumor. The antitumor activity of CXCL13 was remarkedly impaired in BALB/cA-nu nude mice, or in BALB/c mice with CD8⁺ T lymphocyte or NK cell depletion. Our investigation indicated that CXCL13 expression in TNBC triggered effective antitumor immunity by chemoattracting immune cell infiltrations and could be considered as a novel prognostic marker for TNBC.

MicroRNA-mRNA Regulatory Networking Fine-Tunes Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Synthesis and Metabolism in the Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat

Fatty acid composition is an important aspect of meat quality in ruminants. Improving the beneficial fatty acid level in cashmere goat meat is important to its economic value. To investigate microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs that regulate or coregulate polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) synthesis and metabolism in the Inner Mongolia cashmere goat, we used longissimus dorsi muscle (WLM) and biceps femoris muscle (WBM) for transcript-level sequencing. RT-qPCR was used to evaluate the expression of mRNAs and miRNAs associated with PUFA synthesis and metabolism. The total PUFA content in the WBM was significantly higher than that in the WLM (P < 0.05). Our study is the first to systematically report miRNAs in cashmere goat meat. At the mRNA level, 20,375 genes were identified. ACSL1, CD36 and TECRL were at the center of a gene regulatory network and contributed significantly to the accumulation and metabolic regulation of fatty acids. At the miRNA level, 426 known miRNAs and 30 novel miRNAs were identified. KEGG analysis revealed that the miRNA target genes were involved mainly in the PPAR signaling pathway. The mRNA-miRNA coregulation analysis showed that ACSL1 was negatively targeted by nine miRNAs: chi-miR-10a-5p, chi-miR-10b-5p, chi-miR-130b-5p, chi-miR-15a-5p_R-1, chi-miR-15b-5p, chi-miR-16a-5p, chi-miR-16b-5p, chi-miR-181c-5p_R+1, and chi-miR-26b-5p. Finally, we speculated that the simultaneous silencing of ACSL1 by one or more of these nine miRNAs through PPAR signaling led to low ACSL1 expression in the WLM and, ultimately to high PUFA content in the WBM. Our study helps elucidate the metabolic regulation of fatty acids in Inner Mongolia cashmere goats.

Enhanced Organic Photocatalysis in Confined Flow through a Carbon Nitride Nanotube Membrane with Conversions in the Millisecond Regime

Bioinspired nanoconfined catalysis has developed to become an important tool for improving the performance of a wide range of chemical reactions. However, photocatalysis in a nanoconfined environment remains largely unexplored. Here, we report the application of a free-standing and flow-through carbon nitride nanotube (CNN) membrane with pore diameters of 40 nm for confined photocatalytic reactions where reactants are in contact with the catalyst for <65 ms, as calculated from the flow. Due to the well-defined tubular structure of the membrane, we are able to assess quantitatively the photocatalytic performance in each of the parallelized single carbon nitride nanotubes, which act as spatially isolated nanoreactors. In oxidation of benzylamine, the confined reaction shows an improved performance when compared to the corresponding bulk reaction, reaching a turnover frequency of (9.63 ± 1.87) × 10⁵ s^-1. Such high rates are otherwise only known for special enzymes and are clearly attributed to the confinement of the studied reactions within the one-dimensional nanochannels of the CNN membrane. Namely, a concave surface maintains the internal electric field induced by the polar surface of the carbon nitride inside the nanotube, which is essential for polarization of reagent molecules and extension of the lifetime of the photogenerated charge carriers. The enhanced flow rate upon confinement provides crucial insight on catalysis in such an environment from a physical chemistry perspective. This confinement strategy is envisioned not only to realize highly efficient reactions but also to gain a fundamental understanding of complex chemical processes.

Reattempt Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Chronic Total Occlusions after Prior Failures: A Single-Center Analysis of Strategies and Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The initial recanalization rate of coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs) is >85% when performed by experienced operators, but only 10% of prior failed CTO patients receive reattempted recanalization. This retrospective study analyzed the success rate and strategies used in reattempt percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of CTOs after prior failures.

METHODS

Overall, 206 patients with 212 CTOs were enrolled. All patients with prior recanalization failures received reattempt PCIs from January 2015 to March 2019 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. Data on clinical factors (age, sex, comorbidities, left ventricular ejection fraction, history of cigarette usage, and revascularization), angiographic characteristics of CTOs (target lesion, Japanese Chronic Total Occlusion (J-CTO) score, the morphology of CTO lesions, and collateral channel scale), strategies (procedural approach and use of devices), and major adverse events were obtained and analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of enrolled patients was 60.96 ± 12.36 years, with a male predominance of 90.3%. Of the patients, 47.1% had a prior myocardial infarction and 70.4% underwent stent implantation previously, while the in-stent occlusion rate was 6.6%. CTOs were primarily localized in the left anterior descending artery (43.9%) and the right coronary artery (43.9%). 80.7% of lesions were classified as very difficult (J-CTO score ≥3), and the overall success rate was 81.1%. In multivariable regression analysis, J-CTO score, collateral channel scale, application of coronary multispiral computed tomography angiography, dual injection, intravascular ultrasound, active greeting technique, parallel wiring, and CTO morphology were predictors of recanalization success. There were no significant differences in rates of procedural complications between the final recanalization success and failure groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Recanalization of complex CTOs is associated with high success rate and low complication rates when performed by high-volume CTO operators and after multiple reattempts.

Transforming growth factor-β1-induced podocyte injury is associated with increased microRNA-155 expression, enhanced inflammatory responses and MAPK pathway activation

MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is associated with various diseases. However, the potential role of miR-155 in early glomerular disease (EGD) remains elusive. In the present study, the clinical significance of urinary miR-155 expression was explored in patients with EGD using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes were cultured in vitro and treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) at different concentrations and durations. The gene expression levels of mRNAs and miR-155 were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Synaptopodin, CD2-associated protein (CD2AP), p38, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) 1/2 expressions were detected using western blotting. Cell supernatants were collected for assaying tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between miR-155 levels and TNF-α or IL-6. It was found that miR-155 levels in urine have high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of EGD. Time- and dose-dependent TGF-β1 treatments downregulated synaptopodin and CD2AP expression levels, and activated the p38 and Erk 1/2 pathway. However, these effects were attenuated by p38 and Erk 1/2 phosphorylation inhibitors. Additionally, TNF-α and IL-6 secretions were elevated, and their concentrations were positively correlated with the expression of miR-155 during podocyte injury. Thus, the present study indicated that miR-155 is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of EGD, and its expression is associated with the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in TGF-β1-induced podocyte injury. The present study suggests that the TGF-β1/miR-155/MAPK axis is a novel target in the mechanism of EGD.

Spike-sorting analysis of neural electrical signals evoked by acupuncture based on model

Acupuncturing the Zusanli (ST 36) point with different types of manual acupuncture manipulations (MAs) and different frequencies can evoke a lot of neural response activities in spinal dorsal root neurons. The action potential is the basic unit of communication in the neural response process. With the rapid development of the electrode acquisition technology, we can simultaneously obtain neural electrical signals of multiple neurons in the target area. So it is crucial to extract spike trains of each neuron from raw recorded data. To solve the problem of variability of the spike waveform, this paper adopts a optimization algorithm based on model to improve the wave-cluster algorithm, which can provide higher accuracy and reliability. Further, through this optimization algorithm, we make a statistical analysis on spike events evoked by different MAs. Results suggest that numbers of response spikes under reinforcing manipulations are far more than reducing manipulations, which mainly embody in synchronous spike activities.

Homocysteine Impairs Endothelial Cell Barrier Function and Angiogenic Potential via the Progranulin/EphA2 Pathway

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a well-recognized independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. To date, the mechanism of pathological plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level elevation remains to be elucidated. We aimed to investigate the levels of progranulin (PGRN), Eph-receptor tyrosine kinase-type A2 (EphA2), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and Hcy in patients with arteriosclerosis and investigate their functions in Hcy-injured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). EphA2 knockdown was induced in HUVECs by shRNA lentivirus infection with EphA2-RNAi, and bulk RNA-seq assay was performed. Then we investigated the mechanism underlying the effect of recombinant human PGRN (rhPGRN) combined with shRNA interference of EphA2 on cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in Hcy-injured HUVECs. Results showed that serum EphA2, VCAM-1, and Hcy levels in acute coronary syndrome patients were significantly higher than those in chronic coronary syndrome patients (p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.033, respectively). In vitro, we demonstrated that knockdown of EphA2 significantly impaired cell adhesion and inhibited HUVECs migration and angiogenesis (p < 0.001), which was associated with reduction in VCAM1 and VE-cadherin (p < 0.05). Hcy modulated the expression of PGRN and EphA2 in a time-and dose-dependent manner. However, rhPGRN ameliorated the Hcy-induced reduction in cell viability and migration (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, we found that PGRN/EphA2 and its downstream AKT/NF-κB signaling might be the primary signal transduction pathways underlying Hcy-induced injury. The present study illustrated that PGRN plays a previously unrecognized role in Hcy-induced endothelial injury, which is achieved through its interaction with EphA2 signaling, implying a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease.

Over-expression of Apolipoprotein J Inhibits Cholesterol Crystal-Induced Inflammatory Responses via Suppressing NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in THP-1 Macrophages

Apolipoprotein J (clusterin) is a component of high-density lipoproteins, the high level of which is reversely correlated with the risk of coronary heart disease. In addition, it exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects on endothelial cells and inhibits smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, indicating that it may play a protective role in cardiovascular disease. However, the exact mechanisms by which this occurs remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify these underlying protective mechanisms by researching the inhibitory effects of apolipoprotein J via the NOD-like receptor protein 3 pathway on the inflammation induced by cholesterol crystals in THP‑1 macrophages. In culture, THP-1 macrophages were infected with adenoviral vectors containing apolipoprotein J genes and subsequently treated with cholesterol crystals. The inflammatory cytokines interleukin‑1β, interleukin 18 and tumour necrosis factor α were quantitatively measured with ELISA kits. NOD-like receptor protein 3, cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1 and interleukin 1β were evaluated by Western blot and PCR analysis. As a result, apolipoprotein J expression was found to remarkably decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor α, interleukin 18 and interleukin 1β, secreted by THP‑1 macrophages. It was also found capable of inhibiting the levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3, cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase 1 and interleukin 1β both at the protein and mRNA levels. In the current study, we revealed that over-expression of apolipoprotein J attenuated the inflammation induced by cholesterol crystals through inhibition of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome pathway.

An FexNi4−xPy/N, P co-doped carbon nanotube composite as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for oxygen and hydrogen electrode reactions

The Fe_xNi_4−xP_y/N, P-CNT complex exhibits excellent bifunctional catalytic performance towards HER and OER due to the synergy of high electrical conductivity, multicomponent active sites, and anchoring effect of carbon nanotubes.

Prognostic and predictive roles of DNA mismatch repair status in colon cancer patients treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy: a retrospective study

This study aims to evaluated the prognostic and predictive roles of DNA mismatch repair status in colon cancer patients treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. From 2005 to 2008, patients who underwent curative surgical resection for high-risk stage II or stage III colon cancer were recruited in this study. These patients had been received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. A total 324 patients were included (41.7% at stage II and 58.3% at stage III), and 59 patients (18.2%) exhibited mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR). The prognostic analysis revealed an increase in disease-free survival (DFS) for dMMR patients versus proficient MMR (pMMR) patients (81.4% versus 64.2%, P = 0.009), and overall survival (OS) (86.4% versus 69.1%, P = 0.004). Among the 82 patients who did not receive adjuvant therapy, the 5-year DFS was significantly higher in patients with dMMR (81.3%) than in patients with pMMR (49.7%, P = 0.040). In the multivariate models, dMMR was independently associated with improved DFS (HR = 2.171, 95% CI: 1.108 - 4.253, P = 0.024) and OS (HR = 2.521, 95% CI: 1.190 - 5.339, P = 0.016). In the predictive analysis, it was observed that the benefit of treatment significantly differed according to the DNA MMR status (P = 0.020). Compared with surgery alone, oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy improved the 5-year DFS (69.9% versus 56.2%, P = 0.024) among patients with pMMR in the multivariable analysis (HR = 0.794, 95% CI = 0.646 - 0.976, P = 0.029). In contrast, the oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in the group with dMMR had no benefit in DFS (83.1% versus 81.8%, HR 1.040, 95% CI: 0.276 - 3.922, P = 0.954). Patients with dMMR colon cancer are associated with improved survival rates, compared with pMMR colon cancer. MMR status is an independent prognostic biomarker for DFS in patients with high-risk stage II and stage III colon cancer. Oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy mainly benefits patients with pMMR, but may not benefit patients with tumors exhibiting dMMR.

Spiking Correlation Analysis of Synchronous Spikes Evoked by Acupuncture Mechanical Stimulus

Acupuncturing the ST36 acupoint can evoke the response of the sensory nervous system, which is translated into output electrical signals in the spinal dorsal root. Neural response activities, especially synchronous spike events, evoked by different acupuncture manipulations have remarkable differences. In order to identify these network collaborative activities, we analyze the underlying spike correlation in the synchronous spike event. In this paper, we adopt a log-linear model to describe network response activities evoked by different acupuncture manipulations. Then the state-space model and Bayesian theory are used to estimate network spike correlations. Two sets of simulation data are used to test the effectiveness of the estimation algorithm and the model goodness-of-fit. In addition, simulation data are also used to analyze the relationship between spike correlations and synchronous spike events. Finally, we use this method to identify network spike correlations evoked by four different acupuncture manipulations. Results show that reinforcing manipulations (twirling reinforcing and lifting-thrusting reinforcing) can evoke the third-order spike correlation but reducing manipulations (twirling reducing and lifting-thrusting reducing) does not. This is the main reason why synchronous spikes evoked by reinforcing manipulations are more abundant than reducing manipulations.

Nur77 deficiency exacerbates cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction through promoting endothelial to mesenchymal transition

Background

Cardiac fibrosis is a reparative process after myocardial infarction (MI), which leads to cardiac remodeling and finally heart failure. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is induced after MI and contributes to cardiac fibrosis after MI. Orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 is a key regulator of inflammation, angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. Here, we investigated the role of orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 in EndMT and cardiac fibrosis after MI.

Methods and results

Cardiac fibrosis was induced through MI by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Results suggested that Nur77 knockout aggravated cardiac dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis 30 days after MI. Moreover, Nur77 deficency resulted in enhanced EndMT as shown by increased expression of FSP-1, SM22α, Snail and decreased expression of PECAM-1 and eNOS compared with WT mice after MI. Then we found overexpression Nur77 in HCAECs significantly inhibited IL-1β and TGFβ2 induced EndMT, as shown by reduced transition to a fibroblast-like phenotype and preserved angiogenesis potential. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that Nur77 downregulated EndMT through inhibiting NF-κB-dependent pathway

Conclusion

Nur77 plays a role in cardiac fibrosis through inhibition of EndMT, and may be a promising target for therapy of cardiac fibrosis after MI.

Nur77 inhibited EndMT

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Natural Science Foundation of China

Electrochemical N2 Reduction to Ammonia Using Single Au/Fe Atoms Supported on Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to ammonia (NH₃) is a promising alternative route for an NH₃ synthesis at ambient conditions to the conventional high temperature and pressure Haber-Bosch process without the need for hydrogen gas. Single metal ions or atoms are attractive candidates for the catalytic activation of non-reactive nitrogen (N₂), and for future targeted improvement of NRR catalysts, it is of utmost importance to get detailed insights into structure-performance relationships and mechanisms of N₂ activation in such structures. Here, we report density functional theory studies on the NRR catalyzed by single Au and Fe atoms supported in graphitic C₂N materials. Our results show that the metal atoms present in the structure of C₂N are the reactive sites, which catalyze the aforesaid reaction by strong adsorption and activation of N₂. We further demonstrate that a lower onset electrode potential is required for Fe-C₂N than for Au-C₂N. Thus, Fe-C₂N is theoretically predicted to be a potentially better NRR catalyst at ambient conditions than Au-C₂N owing to the larger adsorption energy of N₂ molecules. Furthermore, we have experimentally shown that single sites of Au and Fe supported on nitrogen-doped porous carbon are indeed active NRR catalysts. However, in contrast to our theoretical results, the Au-based catalyst performed slightly better with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 10.1% than the Fe-based catalyst with an FE of 8.4% at -0.2 V vs. RHE. The DFT calculations suggest that this difference is due to the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction and higher desorption energy of ammonia.

Gallbladder sarcomatoid carcinoma: Seven case reports

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare and aggressive tumor, and little is known about its clinical behavior, prognosis, and optimal treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

From 1997 to 2017, we collected seven cases of gallbladder sarcomatoid carcinoma at our institution. The median patient age was 68.5 years. Six (85.7%) patients were female. Overall, 85.7% (6/7) of the tumors had a maximal diameter greater than 7 cm. Late TNM stage was associated with a significantly poor prognosis. All patients with advanced-stage (III/IV) disease died from metastases or disease progression shortly after surgery. One patient with stage IIIB disease who received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (gemcitabine and capecitabine) achieved a progression-free survival (PFS) of 12 mo and overall survival of 15 mo, which might be the longest PFS reported among patients who ultimately experienced recurrence or metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a unique and aggressive gallbladder malignancy. Surgery is suggested as the first and only recognized treatment. There is a significant difference in prognosis between patients with early-stage and advanced-stage disease. Postoperative adjuvant therapy may bring survival benefits for locally advanced patients. Gemcitabine combined with fluorouracil and radiotherapy could be a potential strategy.

Procedural and In-hospital Outcomes of Rotational Atherectomy in Retrograde Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention

Coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are characterized by a high incidence of severe plaque calcifications, which are associated with a high use of the retrograde approach and a low success rate of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the feasibility of rotational atherectomy (RA) in retrograde CTO-PCI remains unknown. The aim of the present study is to examine the safety and efficacy of RA in retrograde CTO-PCI. Consecutive patients (n = 129) who underwent RA during CTO-PCI were categorized into anterograde and retrograde groups according to the CTO crossing approach. The distributions of the baseline characteristics were similar in the 2 groups, but the lesion type was more complex (P = .001), and the starting burr size was smaller (P = .003) in the retrograde group than in the anterograde group. There was a trend of a higher incidence of procedural complications in the retrograde group than in the anterograde group (P = .054). Technical and procedural success and in-hospital outcomes were not significantly different between the 2 groups. In conclusion, RA was feasible in retrograde CTO PCI, but some specific precautions are required before and during the procedure. In addition, further investigation of the long-term outcomes of RA in retrograde CTO PCI is necessary.

[Pollution and Source Analysis of Heavy Metal in Surface Dust from Xi'an University Campuses]

Surface dust samples were collected from university campuses in Xi'an, and X-ray fluorescent spectrometry was used to determine the contents of nine heavy metals (Mn, As, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, V, and Zn). Enrichment factors were subsequently used to determine the enrichment degree of each element and the preliminary determination of the pollution sources. The R programming language and SPSS were used for cluster analysis and principal components analysis to identify the pollution sources. The results showed that the average concentrations of all nine heavy metal elements were higher than their surface soil background values in Shaanxi Province; however, Mn, Co, As, V, and Ni exhibited relatively little enrichment and were less affected by human interference. Cr and Cu were moderately enriched, whereas Zn and Pb were significantly enriched, and human activities played a major role in the enrichment of these four elements. The main sources of Mn, Co, As, V, and Ni in surface dust samples from the university campuses were natural sources, whereas the accumulation of Zn, Cr, and Pb were mainly due to traffic sources, and Cu originated both from the auto repair industry and from paint coatings.

Measurement of fission cross sections for 232Th(n,f)XZ84 reaction around the neutron energy of 14 MeV

Neutron induced fission cross sections of ²³²Th(n,f)⁸⁴Se, ²³²Th(n,f)^84mBr, ²³²Th(n,f)^84gBr reactions were measured based on neutrons from the D-T source. The α-particles emitted from the T(d,n)⁴He reaction were measured to monitor the neutron flux, while the ratio of ⁹⁰Zr(n,2n)⁸⁹Zr to ⁹³Nb(n,2n)^92mNb reactions was used to determine the neutron energy. The gamma-ray activity of samples was measured with a well calibrated HPGe-γ detector. In the ²³²Th(n,f) reaction at the neutron energies of 14.1 ± 0.3, 14.5 ± 0.3 and 14.7 ± 0.1 MeV, the cross sections are 2.74 ± 0.23, 2.75 ± 0.25, and 2.30 ± 0.21 mb for ^84mBr, 3.41 ± 0.37, 3.35 ± 0.37, and 3.81 ± 0.42 mb for ^84gBr, and roughly 8.79 ± 0.58, 9.36 ± 0.62, and 9.26 ± 0.62 mb for ⁸⁴Se, respectively.

Retrograde recanalization of native right coronary artery chronic total occlusion (CTO) through left coronary artery CTO after bypass graft failure: A case report

RATIONALE

With the development and standardization of modern chronic total occlusions (CTOs) recanalization technique, percutaneous coronary intervention has become a promising treatment alternative to surgery after bypass graft failure. Treatment of a native coronary CTO lesion is preferable to treatment of a saphenous vein graft (SVG) CTO supplying the same territory; however, technical expertise is required.

PATIENT CONCERNS

This is a 69-year-old male with prior history of coronary artery bypass grafting presented with severe dyspnea at mild exertion (NYHA III) of 2 months duration.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed as heart failure caused by ischemia after SVG failure (SVG to right coronary artery) according to electrocardiogram, plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and coronary angiogram.

INTERVENTIONS

We recanalized native right coronary artery CTO by retrograde approach using septal collaterals by surfing technique after recanalization of totally occluded left coronary artery.

OUTCOMES

Dyspnea was relieved at discharge. At 6-month follow-up, the patient had no recurrence of dyspnea.

LESSONS

In case of SVG failure, percutaneous coronary intervention of native vessel should be considered as a treatment option. Retrograde approach through native vessel is safe but has requirements for operators' volume, skill, and experience.

Fe, Al-co-doped NiSe2 nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting

Developing low-cost and highly efficient electrocatalysts for overall water splitting is of far-reaching significance for new energy conversion. Herein, dual-cation Fe, Al-co-doped NiSe2 nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (Fe, Al-NiSe2/rGO) were prepared as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting. The dual-cation doping can induce a stronger electronic interaction between the foreign atoms and host catalyst, for optimizing the adsorption energy of reaction intermediates. Meanwhile, the leaching out of Al from the crystal structure of the target product during the alkaline wash creates more defects and increases the active site exposure. As a result, the Fe, Al-NiSe2/rGO catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activities for both the OER and HER with an overpotential of 272 mV @η10 for the OER in 1.0 M KOH and 197 mV @η10 for the HER in 0.5 M H2SO4, respectively. A two-electrode electrolyzer using Fe, Al-NiSe2/rGO as the anode and cathode shows a low voltage of 1.70 V at the current density of 10 mA cm-2. This study emphasizes the synergistic contribution of the dual-cation co-doping effect and more defects created by Al leaching to boost the performance of water splitting.

Nur77 deficiency exacerbates cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction by promoting endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Cardiac fibrosis is a reparative process after myocardial infarction (MI), which leads to cardiac remodeling and finally heart failure. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is induced after MI and contributes to cardiac fibrosis after MI. Orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 is a key regulator of inflammation, angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. Here, we investigated the role of orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 in EndMT and cardiac fibrosis after MI. Cardiac fibrosis was induced through MI by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. We demonstrated that Nur77 knockout aggravated cardiac dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis 30 days after MI. Moreover, Nur77 deficiency resulted in enhanced EndMT as shown by increased expression of FSP-1, SM22α, Snail, and decreased expression of PECAM-1 and eNOS compared with wild-type mice after MI. Then, we found overexpression Nur77 in human coronary artery endothelial cells significantly inhibited interleukin 1β and transforming growth factor β2-induced EndMT, as shown by a reduced transition to a fibroblast-like phenotype and preserved angiogenesis potential. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that Nur77 downregulated EndMT by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB-dependent pathway. In conclusion, Nur77 is involved in cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting EndMT and may be a promising target for therapy of cardiac fibrosis after MI.

The impacts of gene polymorphisms on methotrexate in Chinese psoriatic patients

BACKGROUND

Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line treatment for psoriasis in China. The metabolic processes of MTX include various proteins and genes. Previous studies have shown that gene polymorphisms had significant impacts on the efficacy of MTX. However, the influence of gene polymorphisms has not been reported in the Chinese psoriatic patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to verify the impacts of candidate genes polymorphisms on the effectiveness of MTX in a Chinese psoriatic population.

METHODS

In this study, we enrolled 259 psoriasis patients from two clinical centres. Each of them received MTX treatment at 7.5-15 mg/week for at least 8 weeks. Patients were stratified as responders and non-responders according to whether the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score declined more than 75% (PASI75). According to previous reports, 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected and genotyped for each patient using the Sequenom platform. Fisher's exact test, the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney tests and ANOVA analyses were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Among 259 patients, there were 182 males and 77 females, 63 patients with psoriatic arthritis and 196 patients without arthritis phenotype, and the age of all patients ranged from 19 to 70 years (49.7 ± 13.6). The baseline PASI value of patients was 13.8 ± 8.5, and 33.2% of patients achieved a PASI75 response after MTX treatment. Patients carrying the ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 gene (ABCB1) rs1045642 TT genotype were associated with more severe psoriasis skin lesion (P = 0.032). Furthermore, the ABCB1 rs1045642 TT genotype was found to be more frequent in non-responders (P = 0.017), especially in moderate-to-severe patients (P = 0.002) and patients without psoriatic arthritis (P = 0.026) after MTX treatment.

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated for the first time that polymorphism of the ABCB1 rs1045642 TT genotype is predictive of a worse clinical response of skin lesions to MTX therapy in a Chinese psoriatic population.

[Short-term efficacy of robotic-assisted total mesorectal excision with and without lateral lymph node dissection for mid-low advanced rectal cancer: a propensity score matching analysis]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted lateral lymph node dissection for mid-low advanced rectal cancer. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. Inclusion criteria: (1) age between 18 and 80 years old; (2) rectal adenocarcinoma diagnosed by pathology; (3) without distant metastasis by preoperative CT or MRI; (4) patients underwent robotic-assisted total mesorectal resection (TME). Exclusion criteria: (1) conversion to open surgery; (2) multiple primary tumors; (3) patients underwent combined multiple organ resection. According to the above criteria, 137 patients undergoing robotic-assisted mid-low rectal cancer resection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from December 2016 to April 2019 were enrolled. Ninety-seven cases underwent robotic-assisted total mesorectal excision (TME group) and 40 underwent robotic-assisted total mesorectal resection with lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) (TME+LLND group, pelvic LLND was performed with neurovascular guidance to retain pelvic autonomic nerves in the order of the left side the first and then the right side). The propensity score matching of 1:1 was performed with R software, based on age, sex, BMI, ASA classification, distance from tumor to the anal verge, preoperative chemoradiotherapy history, preoperative abdominal surgery history, the size of tumors and TNM stage. The operative indicators, postoperative recovery, pathology and postoperative complications within 30 days were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 72 cases were successfully matched (36 in each group), and there were no statistically significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). The operation time of TME+LLND group was significantly longer than that of TME group [275.0 (180-405) minutes vs. 220.0 (140-320) minutes, Z=-3.680, P<0.001], while there were no statistically significant differences in blood loss during operation, time to postoperative first flatus, postoperative hospital stay, total hospital cost, tumor differentiation, and distal resection length of margin (all P>0.05). Circumferential resection margin was all negative in both groups. The number of harvested lymph modes in the TME+LLND groups was higher than that in the TME group [26 (18-37) vs. 14 (9-36), Z=-6.407, P<0.001]. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in postoperative morbidity and Clavien-Dindo classification of complication within 30 days between the two groups (both P>0.05). Conclusions: Although robotic lateral lymph node dissection requires longer operation time, it is a feasible, safe and effective procedure.

Combination of N, N'-dicyclohexyl-N-arachidonic acylurea and tacrolimus prolongs cardiac allograft survival in mice

Current immunosuppressive agents for organ transplantation are not ideal because of their strong toxicity and adverse effects. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop novel immunosuppressive agents. The compound N, N'-dicyclohexyl-N-arachidonic acylurea (DCAAA) is a novel highly unsaturated fatty acid from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Radix Isatidis. In this study, we systematically investigated the toxicity, immunosuppressive effect and mechanisms underlying the activity of DCAAA. The toxicity tests showed that DCAAA treatment did not lead to red blood cell hemolysis and did not affect the liver and kidney functions in mice. The lymphocyte transformation test showed that DCAAA treatment inhibited lymphocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. An in vivo cardiac allotransplantation experiment showed that DCAAA treatment could suppress the immune rejection and significantly prolong the survival of cardiac allografts in recipient mice by reducing the proportion of CD4⁺ T cells in the spleen and grafts, concentration of interferon-γ in the supernatant and serum and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the grafts. Moreover, a combination treatment with DCAAA and tacrolimus had a synergistic effect in preventing acute rejection of heart transplants. In vitro molecular biology experiments showed that DCAAA treatment inhibited activation of the T-cell receptor-mediated phosphoinostide 3-kinase-protein kinase B pathway, thereby arresting cell cycle transition from the G₁ to the S phase, and inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation. Overall, our study reveals a novel, low-toxicity immunosuppressive agent that has the potential to reduce the toxic side effects of existing immunosuppressive agents when used in combination with them.

Smad1/5 signal transduction regulates the ameloblastic differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells could be induced into ameloblast-like cells by ameloblasts serum-free conditioned medium (ASF-CM), and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) might be essential during the regulation of this process. The present study investigates the signal transduction that regulates the ameloblastic differentiation of iPS cells induced by ASF-CM. Mouse iPS cells were characterized and then cultured for 14 days in epithelial cell medium (control) or ASF-CM. Bone morphogenetic protein receptor II (BMPR-II) siRNA, inhibitor of Smad1/5 phosphorylation activated by activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) receptors, and inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) phosphorylation were used to treat the iPS cells in combination with ASF-CM. Real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescent staining were used to evaluate the expressions of ameloblast markers ameloblastin, enamelin, and cytokeratin-14. BMPR-II gene and protein levels increased markedly in ASF-CM-treated iPS cells compared with the controls, while the mRNA levels of Bmpr-Ia and Bmpr-Ib were similar between the ASF-CM and control groups. ASF-CM stimulation significantly increased the gene and protein expression of ameloblastin, enamelin and cytokeratin-14, and phosphorylated SMAD1/5, p38 MAPK, and ERK1/2 MAPK compared with the controls. Knockdown of BMPR-II and inhibition of Smad1/5 phosphorylation both could significantly reverse the increased expression of ameloblastin, enamelin, and cytokeratin-14 induced by ASF-CM, while neither inhibition of p38 nor ERK1/2 phosphorylation had significant reversing effects. We conclude that smad1/5 signaling transduction, activated by ALK receptors, regulates the ameloblastic differentiation of iPS cells induced by ameloblast-conditioned medium.

[Prognostic value and initial exploratory research on TNM staging method of tumor deposits in stage III colon cancer]

Objective: To investigate the effect of tumor deposits (TD) on the prognosis of patients with stage III colon cancer, and to explore whether TD number included into regional lymph node count can predict the prognosis more accurately. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out. Case inclusion criteria: (1) primary colon cancer; (2) undergoing colon cancer radical operation; (3) definite pathological diagnosis; (4) colon cancer stage III according to AJCC 8th edition; (5) complete follow-up data; (6) without preoperative neoadjuvant treatment. Clinicopathological data of 296 patients undergoing colon cancer radical operation from January 2005 to December 2008 in the Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were retrospectively collected. The effect of TD and its amount on the prognosis was evaluated. Colon cancer TNM staging method based on the 8th edition of AJCC was compared with the modified TNM staging (mTNM) adjusted by the number of TD. The differences of the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between groups were also examined. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to analyze the survival, and prognostic factors were analyzed by Cox univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Among 296 patients with stage III colon cancer, 78 patients had TD. The median number of TD was 2 (1-10). Tumor T stage, N stage, vascular tumor thrombus and preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were associated with TD in patients with colon cancer (all P<0.05). The right hemicolon appears likely to have TD than left hemicolon, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.059). The median follow-up of the whole group was 71 (6-102) months. During the follow-up period, 129 patients (43.6%) had recurrence or metastasis, and 111 patients died (37.5%). The 5-year DFS in TD group was 44.9%, which was lower than that in the non-TD group (60.6%), with statistically significant difference (P=0.003). The 5-year OS in TD group was 50.0%, which was also lower than 67.0% in the non-TD group, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.002). According to TD number, patients were divided into 3 groups: 1 TD (25 cases), 2-3 TD (32 cases), ≥4 TD (21 cases). The 5-year DFS in these 3 groups was 68%, 56.3%, and 0, respectively (P<0.001), and 5-year OS was 76%, 59.4%, and 4.8% respectively (P<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that TD presence (95% CI: 1.234-2.694, P=0.003) and TD number (95% CI: 3.531-14.138, P<0.001) were associated with the prognosis of patients with stage III colon cancer. At the same time, age, tumor N stage, tumor location, chemotherapy, and preoperative CEA elevation were also associated with the prognosis of stage III colon cancer patients (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that TD presence (HR=1.957, 95%CI: 1.269-3.017, P=0.002) and TD number (HR=8.020, 95% CI: 3.414-18.842, P<0.001) were still independent risk factors for the prognosis of patients with stage III colon cancer.According to the TD number counted as metastatic lymph nodes, in 78 patients with TD, 24 patients were upstaged in N stage, and 16 patients upstaged from TNM stage IIIB to stage IIIC. For 16 stage IIIB cases with staging modification, 30 unadjusted stage IIIB cases with TD, and 148 stage IIIB cases without TD, the 5-year OS was 37.5%, 73.3% and 76.4%, respectively with significant difference (P<0.001). However, for 16 patients adjusted as stage IIIC (mTNM), 32 patients with unchanged stage IIIC with TD (TNM, AJCC 8th edition), and 63 stage IIIC cases without TD, the 5-year OS was 37.5%, 36.4%, and 41.3%, respectively without significant difference (P=0.707). Conclusions: TD presence and TD number are independent risk factors for prognosis of stage III colon cancerpatients. TNM staging evaluation with lymph node number including TD number can predict the prognosis of patients more accurately.

FexNiy/CeO2 loaded on N-doped nanocarbon as an advanced bifunctional electrocatalyst for the overall water splitting

The synergy of each component in the Fe_xNi_y/CeO₂/NC renders outstanding electrocatalytic activities and stability toward the HER and OER.

Cardio-renal Exosomes in Myocardial Infarction Serum Regulate Proangiogenic Paracrine Signaling in Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Rationale: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play important roles in tissue repair and regeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying MSCs activation remain largely unknown, thus hindering their clinical translation. Exosomes are small vesicles that act as intercellular messengers, and their potential for stem cell activation in pathological conditions has not been fully characterized yet. Here, we aim to investigate whether serum exosomes are involved in the remote activation of MSCs after myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods: We established MI mouse model by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. Afterwards, serum exosomes were isolated from control (Con Exo) and MI mice (MI Exo) by differential centrifugation. Exosomes were characterized through transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The cell proliferation rate was evaluated by CCK-8 and EdU incorporation assays. Exosomal miRNA and protein levels were assessed using qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. VEGF levels in the supernatant and serum were quantified by ELISA. Matrigel plug and tube formation assays were used to evaluate angiogenesis. To explore miR-1956 roles, overexpression and knock-down experiments were performed using mimic and inhibitor, respectively. Finally, miR-1956 target genes were confirmed using the luciferase reporter assay.

Results: Both types of exosomes exhibited typical characteristics and could be internalized by adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs). MI Exo enhanced ADMSCs proliferation through the activation of ERK1/2. Gain- and loss-of-function studies allowed the validation of miR-1956 (enriched in MI Exo) as the functional messenger that stimulates ADMSCs-mediated angiogenesis and paracrine VEGF signaling, by downregulating Notch-1. Finally, we found that the ischemic myocardium and kidney may be the main sources that release serum exosomes after MI.

Conclusions: Cardio-renal exosomes deliver miR-1956 and activate paracrine proangiogenic VEGF signaling in ADMSCs after MI; this process also involves Notch-1, which functions as the core mediator.

P6526Short and long-term outcomes of coronary perforation managed by coil embolization: a single-center experience

Background

Coronary perforation is a serious complication in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), as it can lead to pericardial effusion causing tamponade, often necessitating emergency pericardiocentesis and rarely, cardiac surgery. With increasing treatment of complex coronary lesions, such as chronic total occlusion (CTO), the incidence of coronary perforation is also increasing. Distal wire perforation and collateral vessel perforation can be managed by coil embolization during PCI, which prevented the need of cardiac surgery.

Purpose

To report the short and long-term outcomes of patients with coronary perforation as a complication of PCI managed by coil embolization in our center

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 66 patients who had coronary perforation treated by coil embolization during PCI from 32007 PCI procedures performed in our center from Oct 2012 to June 2018.

Results

Of sixty-six cases of coronary perforation, twenty-six cases were distal coronary perforation, while 40 cases were collateral perforation. The average coil number used in distal coronary and collateral perforation lesion is 1.8±0.9 and 1.8±1.0, respectively. The maximum number of coil implanted in each patient is 4 in both groups. Two emergency cardiac surgery to seal the perforation was performed after coil embolization in distal coronary perforation and pericardiocentesis, including one distal left circumflex artery perforation and one distal left anterior descending artery perforation. In collateral perforation, one case of CABG was performed due to myocardial ischemia caused by CTO lesion. During a follow-up of 707±476 days, one patient in collateral perforation group had CABG one month later, while no death or myocardial infarction (MI) was detected. Fifty-four (81.2%) cases of perforations occurred while treating chronic total occlusion, and 74.0% of these perforations were located in collateral vessels, mostly epicardial vessels. Thirty-nine CTO cases (72.2%) were revascularized successfully with the aid of coil embolization.

Conclusion

Coil embolization is feasible and effective in treating distal coronary perforation and collateral perforation during PCI procedure. In CTO lesions, coil embolization facilitates the success of revascularization by PCI.

P5397Mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow promotes cardiomyocytes survival under hypoxia through exosomal miR-210

Background

A paracrine effect was regarded as the key mechanism involved in the MSC (mesenchymal stem cell)-based treatment for myocardial infarction. In our pilot experiments, hypoxia remarkably promotes MSC to paracrine exosomal miR-210, which could significantly enhance the cardiomyocytes survival in hypoxic incubation, suggesting that exosomal miR-210 played critical roles in the favorable paracrine effect of MSC on cardiomyocytes.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the important mechanism by which MSCs promote the tolerance of cardiomyocytes to hypoxia by secreting exosomal miR-210.

Methods and results

The exosomes were isolated from MSCs conditioned medium through ultracentrifugation, and we detected that miR-210 was the most abundant in MSC-exosome and increased most prominently in the hypoxia. The extracted exosomes were prepared for conditioned medium and the effect on myocardial protection was examined. The viability of control group was much better than the cardiomyocytes treated with hypoxia, but it was further increased in the presence of MSC-exosome, however, measurement was significantly lower in cardiomyocytes in hypoxia with exosomes derived from MSCs treated with GW4869. Subsequently, the co-localization of miR-210 with exosome-specific surface markers CD81 and CD63 were observed by immunofluorescence technique. Continuous magnetic live cell imaging was used to observe the uptake of exosome by cardiomyocytes, and fluorescence localization was used to observe the localization of miR-210 with Cy3 fluorescence in cardiomyocytes. Then, we demonstrated that MSCs exosomal miR-210 exerts the cardioprotective effect by regulating the AIFM3 (apoptosis-inducing factor mitochondria-associated protein 3), and we directly overexpressed miRNA-210 in cardiomyocytes and the results showed that the regulatory activity of the intake of exosomal miR-210 was consistent with that of the biological exosomal miR-210. Finally, we verified the protective effect on the ischemic myocardium by constructing rat myocardial infarction models. The level of apoptosis was detected at 1 week after myocardial infarction. The left ventricular ejection fraction and ventricular remodeling were measured at 4 weeks. In vivo, we demonstrated that explanted miR-210 from transplanted MSCs significantly reduced myocardial necrosis and apoptosis induced by ischemia and improved cardiac function and myocardial remodeling.

Conclusion

Here, we show that the exosomal miR-210 secreted by MSCs significantly increase the viability of cardiomyocytes and cardiac function. These findings suggest that exosomal miR-210 is a key effector that mediates the protection against hypoxia.

Acknowledgement/Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 81470467)

Current-induced magnetization switching in all-oxide heterostructures

The electrical switching of magnetization through spin-orbit torque (SOT)¹ holds promise for application in information technologies, such as low-power, non-volatile magnetic memory. Materials with strong spin-orbit coupling, such as heavy metals^2-4 and topological insulators^5,6, can convert a charge current into a spin current. The spin current can then execute a transfer torque on the magnetization of a neighbouring magnetic layer, usually a ferromagnetic metal like CoFeB, and reverse its magnetization. Here, we combine a ferromagnetic transition metal oxide⁷ with an oxide with strong spin-orbit coupling⁸ to demonstrate all-oxide SOT devices. We show current-induced magnetization switching in SrIrO₃/SrRuO₃ bilayer structures. By controlling the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of SrRuO₃ on (001)- and (110)-oriented SrTiO₃ (STO) substrates, we designed two types of SOT switching schemes. For the bilayer on the STO(001) substrate, a magnetic-field-free switching was achieved, which remained undisturbed even when the external magnetic field reached 100 mT. The charge-to-spin conversion efficiency for the bilayer on the STO(110) substrate ranged from 0.58 to 0.86, depending on the directionality of the current flow with respect to the crystalline symmetry. All-oxide SOT structures may help to realize field-free switching through a magnetocrystalline anisotropy design.

Specific genes related to nucleopolyhedrovirus in Bombyx mori susceptible and near-isogenic resistant strains through comparative transcriptome analysis

Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is one of the primary pathogens that causes severe economic losses to sericulture. Comparative transcriptomics analysis has been widely applied to explore the antiviral mechanism in resistant strains. Here, to identify genes involved in BmNPV infection, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) between two Bombyx mori strains: strain 871 (susceptible to BmNPV infection) and the near-isogenic strain 871C (resistant to BmNPV). Our results showed that 400 genes were associated with resistance in strain 871C, and 76 genes were related to susceptibility in strain 871. In addition, the correlation analysis of DEGs and WGCNA showed that 40 genes related to resistance were highly expressed in the resistant strain. Among them, gene BGIBMGA004291 was the most noticeable. We further identified the effect of gene BGIBMGA004291, which encoded a multiprotein bridge factor 2 (MBF2) family member (MBF2-10), on viral infection in cells. Our data suggested that MBF2-10 inhibited viral infection. Taken together, this study showed specific module trait correlations related to viral infection in strains 871 and 871C, and we identified a resistance-related gene. These findings suggested promising candidate genes with antiviral activity, aiding in the analysis of the antiviral molecular mechanisms in resistant strains.

MoS2 /NiS Yolk-Shell Microsphere-Based Electrodes for Overall Water Splitting and Asymmetric Supercapacitor

Rational designing of the composition and structure of electrode material is of great significance for achieving highly efficient energy storage and conversion in electrochemical energy devices. Herein, MoS₂ /NiS yolk-shell microspheres are successfully synthesized via a facile ionic liquid-assisted one-step hydrothermal method. With the favorable interface effect and hollow structure, the electrodes assembled with MoS₂ /NiS hybrid microspheres present remarkably enhanced electrochemical performance for both overall water splitting and asymmetric supercapacitors. In particular, to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 , the MoS₂ /NiS-based electrolysis cell for overall water splitting only needs an output voltage of 1.64 V in the alkaline medium, lower than that of Pt/C-IrO₂ -based electrolysis cells (1.70 V). As an electrode for supercapacitors, the MoS₂ /NiS hybrid microspheres exhibit a specific capacitance of 1493 F g^-1 at current density of 0.2 A g^-1 , and remain 1165 F g^-1 even at a large current density of 2 A g^-1 , implying outstanding charge storage capacity and excellent rate performance. The MoS₂ /NiS- and active carbon-based asymmetric supercapacitor manifests a maximum energy density of 31 Wh kg^-1 at a power density of 155.7 W kg^-1 , and remarkable cycling stability with a capacitance retention of approximately 100% after 10 000 cycles.

Angle-resolved broadband ferromagnetic resonance apparatus enabled through a spring-loaded sample mounting manipulator

Broadband ferromagnetic resonance is a useful technique to determine the magnetic anisotropy and study the magnetization dynamics of magnetic thin films. We report a spring-loaded sample loading manipulator for reliable sample mounting and rotation. The manipulator enables maximum signal, enhances system stability, and is particularly useful for fully automated in-plane-field angle-resolved measurements. This angle-resolved broadband ferromagnetic resonance apparatus provides a viable method to study anisotropic damping and weak magnetic anisotropies, both vital for fundamental research and applications.

Coupling a Low Loading of IrP2, PtP2, or Pd3P with Heteroatom-Doped Nanocarbon for Overall Water-Splitting Cells and Zinc-Air Batteries

Noble metal-based catalysts are currently the most advanced electrocatalysts for many applications, such as for energy conversion and for chemical industry. Because of the high cost and scarcity of noble metals, reducing the usage is a practical way to achieve scalable applications. Herein, for the first time, three novel electrocatalysts composed of noble metal phosphide (IrP₂, Pd₃P, or PtP₂) nanoparticles with N,P-codoped nanocarbon were synthesized by the pyrolysis of mixtures of IrCl₄, PdCl₂, or PtCl₄ with phytic acid under an ammonia atmosphere. With an ultralow loading of Pd (1.5 μg), Pt (1.4 μg), or Ir (1.6 μg) on the electrode, the Pd₃P/NPC, PtP₂/NPC, and IrP₂/NPC catalysts, respectively, exhibited excellent trifunctional catalytic activities for the oxygen reduction reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and oxygen evolution reaction. Notably, the IrP₂/NPC-, Pd₃P/NPC-, and PtP₂/NPC-based water-splitting cells required only 1.62, 1.65, and 1.68 V, respectively, to deliver the current density of 10 mA cm^-2. Furthermore, the IrP₂/NPC-, Pd₃P/NPC-, and PtP₂/NPC-based zinc-air batteries exhibited higher specific capacities than that of Pt/C. IrP₂/NPC exhibited a comparable performance to that of Pt/C-IrO₂ for use in rechargeable zinc-air batteries.