Reduction-Tolerance Electrolyte Design for High-Energy Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries employing Li or silicon (Si) anodes hold promise for the next-generation energy storage systems. However, their cycling behavior encounters rapid capacity degradation due to the vulnerability of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs). Though anion-derived SEIs mitigate this degradation, the unavoidable reduction of solvents introduces heterogeneity to SEIs, leading to fractures during cycling. Here, we elucidate how the reductive stability of solvents, dominated by the electrophilicity (EPT) and coordination ability (CDA), delineates the SEI formed on Li or Si anodes. Solvents exhibiting lower EPT and CDA demonstrate enhanced tolerance to reduction, resulting in inorganic-rich SEIs with homogeneity. Guided by these criteria, we synthesized three promising solvents tailored for Li or Si anodes. The decomposition of these solvents is dictated by their EPTs under similar solvation structures, imparting distinct characteristics to SEIs and impacting battery performance. The optimized electrolyte, 1 M lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) in N-Pyrrolidine-trifluoromethanesulfonamide (TFSPY), achieves 600 cycles of Si anodes with a capacity retention of 81 % (1910 mAh g-1). In anode-free Cu||LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) pouch cells, this electrolyte sustains over 100 cycles with an 82 % capacity retention. These findings illustrate that reducing solvent decomposition benefits SEI formation, offering valuable insights for the designing electrolytes in high-energy lithium batteries.

Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) as a grouping imaging biomarker combined with a decision-tree mode to preoperatively predict the pathological grade of bladder cancer

AIM

To investigate whether the Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) could be used to develop a new non-invasive preoperative grade-prediction system to partially predict high-grade bladder cancer (HG-BC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study enrolled 89 primary BC patients prospectively from March 2022 to June 2023. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of VI-RADS for predicting HG-BC and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in the entire group. In the low VI-RADS (≤2) group, the decision tree-based method was used to obtain significant predictors and construct the decision-tree model (DT model). The performance of the DT model and low VI-RADS scores for predicting HG-BC was determined using ROC, calibration, and decision curve analyses.

RESULTS

At a cut-off of ≥3, the specificity and positive predictive value of VI-RADS for predicting HG-BC in the entire group was 100%, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.697. Among 65 patients with low VI-RADS scores, the DT model showed an AUC of 0.884 in predicting HG-BC compared to 0.506 for low VI-RADS scores. Calibration and decision curve analyses showed that the DT model performed better than the low VI-RADS scores.

CONCLUSION

Most VI-RADS scores ≥3 correspond to HG-BCs. VI-RADS could be used as a grouping imaging biomarker for a pathological grade-prediction procedure, which in combination with the DT model for low VI-RADS (≤2) populations, would provide a potential preoperative non-invasive method of predicting HG-BC.

LiF/Li3N-Rich Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces Enabled by Multi-Functional Electrolyte Additive to Achieve High-Performance Li/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Batteries

LiPF6-based carbonate electrolytes have been extensively employed in commercial Li-ion batteries, but they face numerous interfacial stability challenges while applicating in high-energy-density lithium-metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, this work proposes N-succinimidyl trifluoroacetate (NST) as a multifunctional electrolyte additive to address these challenges. NST additive could optimize Li+ solvation structure and eliminate HF/H2O in the electrolyte, and preferentially be decomposed on the Ni-rich cathode (LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, NCM811) to generate LiF/Li3N-rich cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) with high conductivity. The synergistic effect reduces the electrolyte decomposition and inhibits the transition metal (TM) dissolution. Meanwhile, NST promotes the creation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) rich in inorganics on the Li metal anode (LMA), which restrains the growth of Li dendrites, minimizes parasitic reactions, and fosters rapid Li+ transport. As a result, compared with the reference, the Li/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cell with 1.0 wt.% NST exhibits higher capacity retention after 200 cycles at 1C (86.4% vs. 64.8%) and better rate performance, even at 9C. In the presence of NST, the Li/Li symmetrical cell shows a super-stable cyclic performance beyond 500 h at 0.5 mA cm-2/0.5 mAh cm-2. These unique features of NST are a promising solution for addressing the interfacial deterioration issue of high-capacity Ni-rich cathodes paired with LMA.

Development of visual detection of African swine fever virus using CRISPR/LwCas13a lateral flow strip based on structural protein gene D117L

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a large double stranded DNA arbovirus that is highly contagious and seriously endangers domestic and wild pigs. In the past decade, African swine fever (ASF) has spread in many countries in the Caucasus, Russian Federation, Eastern Europe and Asia, causing significant losses to the pig industry. At present, there is a lack of effective vaccine and treatment for ASF. Therefore, the rapid and accurate detection is crucial for ASF prevention and control. In this study, we have developed a portable lateral flow strip (LFS) detection mediated by recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and CRISPR/LwCas13a, which is performed at 37 ℃ and visualized by eyes without the need for complex instruments. This RPA-LwCas13a-LFS is based on the ASFV structural protein p17 gene (D117L), with a detection sensitivity up to 2 gene copies. This method is highly specific and has no cross reactivity to 7 other pig viruses. In the detection of two batches of 100 clinical samples, the p17 (D117L) RPA-LwCas13a-LFS had 100% coincidence with conventional quantitative PCR (qPCR). These findings demonstrate the potential of this simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific ASFV detection method for on-site ASFV detection.

The factors influencing the occurrence of post-ischemic stroke depression and its relationship with the burden score of cerebral small vessel disease

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the determinants of post-stroke depression (PSD) in ischemic stroke (AIS) patients and its association with the burden score of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed 374 AIS patients treated between January 2020 and January 2022. Patients were categorized into 90 with PSD and 284 without PSD, enabling an investigation into PSD risk factors and the CSVD-PSD relationship.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in health factors between PSD and non-PSD patients (p>0.05). However, significant disparities were noted in age, gender, initial Barthel Index (BI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, plasma fibrinogen, homocysteine, red cell distribution width, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and CSVD burden score (p<0.05). Regression analysis indicated that these variables were pivotal PSD predictors (OR>1, p<0.05). Surprisingly, a positive correlation with PSD occurrence was found for age, NIHSS score, plasma fibrinogen, homocysteine levels, red cell distribution width, CSVD burden score (r=0.565, 0.615, 0.482, 0.514, 0.572, 0.608, respectively; p<0.05). Meanwhile, the MMSE score and BI index were inversely related to PSD onset (r=-0.604, -0.590; p<0.05). The ROC curve analysis of the combination model based on MMSE, NIHSS and CSVD score revealed an AUC of 0.926 and Youden's index of 0.744.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, MMSE score, BI index, NIHSS score, plasma fibrinogen concentration, homocysteine level, red blood cell distribution width, and CSVD burden score are all major influencing factors in the occurrence of PSD. The combination model based on MMSE, NIHSS, and CSVD scores presented a valuable approach to predicting PSD.

Bound states in the continuum in circular waveguides: toward the on-chip integration of nanofiber on silicon platform

In previously reported researches on bound state in the continuum (BIC) waveguides, almost all of them are demonstrated with top-down fabrication procedures, leading to inconvenience for post-manipulation and size tuning. Nanofibers with circular cross sections are the fundamental components to transport energy due to their intrinsic advantages of high flexibility and adjustability, which is replaceable and can be readily manipulated over size and position on the substrate. In this work, we explore the possibility of achieving on-chip integration of silica nanofiber onto a silicon-on-insulator platform. By constructing additional leakage channels in coupled nanofiber waveguides, coherently destructive interferences are successfully achieved. The heavy leakage losses from the low-index nanofiber to a high-index silicon substrate are completely eliminated with BIC, and the propagation length of the nanofiber waveguide is significantly improved.

Mammalian enabled protein enhances tamoxifen sensitivity of the hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients by suppressing the AKT signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Mammalian enabled (MENA) protein is a member of the enabled/vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein (Ena/VASP) protein family, which regulates cytoplasmic actin network assembly. It plays a significant role in breast cancer invasion, migration, and resistance against targeted therapy and chemotherapy. However, its role in the efficacy of endocrine therapy for the hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer patients is not known. This study investigated the role of MENA in the resistance against tamoxifen therapy in patients with HR+ breast cancer and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

MENA expression levels in the clinical HR+ breast cancer samples (n = 119) were estimated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine its association with the clinicopathological features, tamoxifen resistance, and survival outcomes. Western blotting (WB) and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to estimate the MENA protein and mRNA levels in the tamoxifen-sensitive and -resistant HR+ breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, CCK8, colony formation, and the transwell invasion and migration assays were used to analyze the effects of MENA knockdown on the biological behavior and tamoxifen sensitivity of the HR+ breast cancer cell lines. Xenograft tumor experiments were performed in the nude mice to determine the tumor growth rates and tamoxifen sensitivity of the control and MENA knockdown HR+ breast cancer cells in the presence and absence of tamoxifen treatment. Furthermore, we estimated the growth rates of organoids derived from the HR+ breast cancer patients (n = 10) with high and low MENA expression levels when treated with tamoxifen.

RESULTS

HR+ breast cancer patients with low MENA expression demonstrated tamoxifen resistance and poorer prognosis compared to those with high MENA expression. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that MENA expression was an independent predictor of tamoxifen resistance in patients with HR+ breast cancer. MENA knockdown HR+ breast cancer cells showed significantly reduced tamoxifen sensitivity in the in vitro experiments and the in vivo xenograft tumor mouse model compared with the corresponding controls. Furthermore, MENA knockdown increased the in vitro invasion and migration of the HR+ breast cancer cells. HR+ breast cancer organoids with low MENA expression demonstrated reduced tamoxifen sensitivity than those with higher MENA expression. Mechanistically, P-AKT levels were significantly upregulated in the MENA-knockdown HR + breast cancer cells treated with or without 4-OHT compared with the corresponding controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that downregulation of MENA promoted tamoxifen resistance in the HR+ breast cancer tissues and cells by enhancing the AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, MENA is a promising prediction biomarker for determining tamoxifen sensitivity in patients with HR+ breast cancer.

Magnetic droplet soliton pairs

We demonstrate magnetic droplet soliton pairs in all-perpendicular spin-torque nano-oscillators (STNOs), where one droplet resides in the STNO free layer (FL) and the other in the reference layer (RL). Typically, theoretical, numerical, and experimental droplet studies have focused on the FL, with any additional dynamics in the RL entirely ignored. Here we show that there is not only significant magnetodynamics in the RL, but the RL itself can host a droplet driven by, and coexisting with, the FL droplet. Both single droplets and pairs are observed experimentally as stepwise changes and sharp peaks in the dc and differential resistance, respectively. While the single FL droplet is highly stable, the coexistence state exhibits high-power broadband microwave noise. Furthermore, micromagnetic simulations reveal that the pair dynamics display periodic, quasi-periodic, and chaotic signatures controlled by applied field and current. The strongly interacting and closely spaced droplet pair offers a unique platform for fundamental studies of highly non-linear soliton pair dynamics.

[Key microbial monitoring and clinical analysis of bloodstream infections and CRO colonization after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in hematological patients]

Objective: To investigate the distribution and clinical characteristics of pathogenic bacteria following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), as well as to provide a preliminary research foundation for key microbial monitoring, and clinical diagnosis and treatment of infections after HSCT in hematological patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 190 patients who tested positive for microbial testing [G-bacteria blood culture and/or carbapenem-resistant organism (CRO) screening of perianal swabs] at our center from January 2018 to December 2022. Patients were divided into blood culture positive, perianal swab positive, and double positive groups based on the testing results. The three patient groups underwent statistical analysis and comparison. Results: The top four pathogenic bacteria isolated from sixty-three patients with G-bacteria bloodstream infection (BSI) were Escherichia coli (28 strains, 43.75% ), Klebsiella pneumonia (26 strains, 40.63% ), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3 strains, 4.69% ), and Enterobacter cloacae (3 strains, 4.69% ). The top three pathogenic bacteria isolated from 147 patients with CRO perianal colonization were carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (58 strains, 32.58% ), carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (49 strains, 27.53% ), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae (20 strains, 11.24% ). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS ) and overall survival (OS) of double positive group patients were significantly lower compared to those in the blood culture and perianal swab positive groups (DFS: 35.6% vs 53.7% vs 68.6%, P=0.001; OS: 44.4% vs 62.4% vs 76.9%, P<0.001), while non-relapse mortality (NRM) was significantly higher (50.0% vs 34.9% vs 10.6%, P<0.001). Failed engraftment of platelets and BSI are independent risk factors for NRM (P<0.001). Using polymyxin and/or ceftazidime-avibactam for more than 7 days is an independent protective factor for NRM (P=0.035) . Conclusion: This study suggests that the occurrence of BSI significantly increases the NRM after HSCT in patients with hematological diseases; CRO colonization into the bloodstream has a significant impact on the DFS and OS of HSCT patients.

Osteocalcin activates lipophagy via the ADPN-AMPK/PPARα-mTOR signaling pathway in chicken embryonic hepatocyte

Fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome (FLHS) is the leading cause of noninfectious mortality in caged layers worldwide. Osteocalcin (OCN) is a protein secreted by osteoblasts, and its undercarboxylated form (ucOCN) acts as a multifunctional hormone that protects laying hens from FLHS. Lipophagy is a form of selective autophagy that breaks down lipid droplets (LDs) through lysosomes, and defective lipophagy is associated with FLHS. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ucOCN on the lipophagy of chicken embryonic hepatocytes and associated the function of the adiponectin (ADPN) signaling pathway. In this study, chicken embryonic hepatocytes were divided into 5 groups: control (CONT), fat emulsion (FE, 10% FE, v/v), FE with ucOCN at 1 ng/mL (FE-LOCN), 3 ng/mL (FE-MOCN), and 9 ng/mL (FE-HOCN). In addition, 4 μM AdipoRon, an adiponectin receptor agonist, was used to investigate the function of ADPN. The results showed that compared with CONT group, FE promoted the levels of phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) (P < 0.05) and decreased the mRNA expression of ADNP receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2). Compared with FE group, 3 and 9 ng/mL ucOCN inhibited the levels of autophagy adaptor p62 and p-mTOR (P < 0.05), increased the ratios of LC3-II/LC3-I (P < 0.05) and phosphorylated adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK)/AMPK (P < 0.05), as well as the levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) and ADPN (P < 0.05). In addition, ucOCN at the tested concentrations increased the colocalization of LC3 and LDs in fatty hepatocytes. Administrated 4 μM AdipoRon activated AdipoR1 and AidpoR2 mRNA expression (P < 0.05), decreased the concentrations of triglyceride (P < 0.05), without effects on cell viability (P > 0.05). AdipoRon also increased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio (P < 0.05) and the levels of p-AMPK/AMPK and PPAR-α (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results reveal that ucOCN regulates lipid metabolism by activating lipophagy via the ADPN-AMPK/PPARα-mTOR signaling pathway in chicken embryonic hepatocytes. The results may provide new insights for controlling FLHS in laying hens.

[Role and related mechanisms of LiaSR two-component system in acid tolerance and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans]

Objective: To investigate the role and related mechanisms of the LiaSR two-component system in acid tolerance and biofilm formation abilities of Streptococcus mutans (Sm) 593. Methods: The growth curves of various Sm strains in pH=5.5 brian heart infusion (BHI) medium were analyzed. And colony forming unit (CFU) was also performed to evaluate the acid tolerance of Sm. Laurdan probe, H+-K+adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase activity analysis kit, proton permeability assay and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were conducted to detect the acid tolerant mechanisms of LiaSR two-component system in Sm. Crystal violet staining, CFU, SYTOX probe and anthrone-sulfuric method were used to analyze the properties and structures of the Sm biofilms. RT-qPCR was conducted to detect the expression levels of underlying regulated genes. Results: The growth of mutants in acidic BHI were inhibited (P<0.05). The acid tolerance of mutants significantly decreased compared to the wild-type strain (P<0.05). In mutants, the activity of H+-ATPase (917.06±59.53 and 469.53±47.65) were elevated by 7.22-folds and 3.70-folds compared to the wild-type strain (127.00±50.71) (P<0.001, P<0.001) and the encoded gene atpD (3.39±0.21 and 1.94±0.17) were also elevated by 3.39-folds and 1.94-folds compared to the wild-type strain (1.00±0.15) (P<0.001, P=0.001). The Laurdan generalized polarization of mutants (0.18±0.04 and 0.18±0.05) increased significantly compared to the wild-type strain (0.08±0.05) (P=0.006, P=0.003) and the expression levels of fabM gene were decreased in mutants (0.52±0.11 and 0.57±0.05) by 1/2 (P=0.014, P=0.022). In liaR deletion mutant, the reduced terminal pH (4.76±0.01) can also be observed (P<0.001). The total amount of the biofilms of three Sm didn't show significant differences (P>0.05). But the number of viable bacteria of mutants' biofilms were decreased [Sm 593: (12.00±2.80)×107 CFU/ml; Sm ΔliaS: (2.95±1.13)×107 CFU/ml; Sm ΔliaR: (7.25±1.60)×107 CFU/ml] (P=0.001, P=0.024). The extracellular DNA were increased by 18.00-folds and 6.50-folds in mutants' biofilms (128.73±15.65 and 46.38±5.52) compared to the wild-type strain (7.16±3.62) (P<0.001, P=0.003). Water-soluble exopolysaccharides could be found up-regulated in liaS deletion mutant [(138.73±10.12) μg/ml] (P=0.003) along with the expression level of gtfC gene (1.65±0.39) (P=0.014). The expression level of gtfD were elevated by 47.43-folds and 16.90-folds in mutants (P<0.001, P=0.010). Conclusions: The LiaSR two-component system can promote the expression of fabM gene and increase the fluidity of Sm which contributes to acid tolerance. The LiaR can also decrease the proton permeability and restrict the entrance of H+. The LiaSR two-component system can negatively regulate the production of the extracellular matrix in Sm biofilm.

A Mechanism Study on the Antioxidant Pathway of Keap1-Nrf2-ARE Inhibiting Ferroptosis in Dopaminergic Neurons

BACKGROUND

The pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD) indicates that iron deposition exists in dopaminergic neurons, which may be related to the death of cellular lipid iron peroxide. The extracellular autophagy adaptor SQSTM1(p62) of dopamine (DA) neurons can activate the intracellular Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis, which has a protective effect on DA neurons.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the protective mechanism of the Keap1- Nrf2-ARE antioxidant pathway against iron death in dopaminergic neurons.

METHODS

The experiment was divided into a control group (Control group), 1-methyl-4- phenylpyridiniumion control group (MPP+ Control group), p62 overexpression group (MPP+OVp62), and p62 overexpression no-load group (MPP+ OV-P62-NC). The inhibitors brusatol and ZnPP inhibited the activation of NF-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2) and Heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), respectively, and were divided into brusatol group (MPP+OV-p62+brusatol) and ZnPP group (MPP+OV-p62+ZnPP). RT-qPCR was used to detect transfection efficiency, and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) was used to detect cell activity. FerroOrange, 2,7-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), and Liperfluo probes were used to detect intracellular iron, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. Western Blotting detected the levels of Nrf2, HO-1, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein1 (Keap1), and their downstream Glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) and Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4). The levels of LGlutathione (GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by GSH and MDA kits, and the activation of Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway was verified at the cellular level to have an antioxidant protective effect on iron death in dopaminergic neurons.

RESULTS

(1) The results of RT-qPCR showed that compared with the control group, the expression of the p62 gene was significantly increased in the MPP+OV-p62 groups (P = 0.039), and the p62 gene was significantly increased in the brusatol and ZnPP groups, indicating successful transfection (P =0.002; P=0.008). (2) The immunofluorescence probe flow results showed that compared to the normal control group, the contents of three kinds of probes in MPP+ model group were significantly increased (P =0.001; P ＜0.001; P＜0.001), and the contents of three kinds of probes in MPP+OV-p62 group were decreased compared to the MPP+ model group (P =0.004). The results indicated that the levels of iron, ROS, and LPO were increased in the MPP+ group and decreased in the MPP+OV-p62 group. (3) Compared with the control group, the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 in the MPP+OV-p62 group were increased (P =0.007; P =0.004; P=0.010), and the expressions of Keap1 and ACSL4 in MPP+p62 overexpression group were decreased (P =0.017; P =0.005). Compared with the MPP+ control group, Nrf2 and GPX4 were increased in the MPP+OV-p62 group, and ACSL4 was decreased in the MPP+OVp62 group (P =0.041; P ＜0.001; P ＜0.001). The results of the GSH and MDA kit showed that compared with the normal control group, the content of GSH in the MPP+ control group was decreased (P < 0.01), and the content of MDA was increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the MPP+ model group, GSH content was increased (P = 0.003), and MDA content was decreased in the MPP+OV-p62 group (P < 0.001). Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 increased in the MPP+p62 overexpression group but decreased in the brusatol group and ZnPP group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Based on the transfection of P62 plasmid, it was found that P62 plasmid can inhibit the lipid peroxidation of iron death in dopaminergic nerve cells by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thus playing a protective role in dopaminergic nerve cells.

Regional variations in retinopathy of prematurity incidence for preterm infants <32 weeks' gestation in China

OBJECTIVES

National-level data on the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in different regions of China is insufficient. This study aimed to compare ROP incidences and care practices in different regions of China and their relationship with regional gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

All infants born at <32 weeks gestational age (GA) and admitted to 70 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, were enrolled. Hospitals were categorised into three regional groups according to geographical locations and GDP per capita from high to low: Eastern, Central, and Western China. The incidence of death or ROP, and care practices were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 18,579 infants were enrolled. Median GA was 29.9 (interquartile range 28.4-31.0) weeks and birth weight was 1318.1 (317.2) g. The percentage of GA <28 weeks, complete administration of antenatal steroids, and weight gain velocity during NICU stay were highest in Eastern China and lowest in Western China (all P < 0.01). In Eastern, Central, and Western China, the rates of death or any stage of ROP were 33.3%, 38.5%, and 39.2%, respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

There were considerable regional disparities in ROP incidence in preterm infants with GA <32 weeks in China. The incidence of death or ROP ranged from high to low in Western, Central, and Eastern China.

Poly-1,3-dioxolane anchoring graphitic carbon nitride to achieve high-energy-density solid-state Li metal batteries

Solid-state Li metal batteries (SSLMBs) are promising solutions for the next-generation energy storage devices with high energy densities and safety. Accordingly, the advanced solid-state electrolytes are further needed to address the challenges-low ionic conductivity, poor interfacial compatibility and uncontrollably Li dendrites, boosting the electrochemical and safety performances of SSLMBs. Herein, a "flexible and rigid" strategy is proposed to enhance the electrochemical and mechanical properties of polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based electrolytes. Specifically, the flexible poly-1,3-dioxolane (poly-DOL) and rigid graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) are coordinated by a coupling reaction to prepare g-C3N4-poly-DOL, which is further employed as the filler for the PEO matrix to fabricate a composite polymer electrolyte g-C3N4-pDOL-PEO. The flexible poly-DOL and rigid g-C3N4 together endow the PEO-based electrolyte with good interfacial stability, high ion-conductivity and strong mechanical strength. Consequently, the Li/g-C3N4-pDOL-PEO/LiFePO4 cell delivers high cyclability with a capacity retention ratio of 89.7 % after 150 cycles and an average Coulombic efficiency over 99.9 %, and, the Li/g-C3N4-pDOL-PEO/Li cell can stably cycle beyond 300 h at 0.2 mAh cm-2 with small polarization (13 mV). The "flexible and rigid" strategy coupling the polymer with the filler provides an effective electrolyte design for high-performance SSLMBs.

[Construction of a surveillance and early warning index system for schistosomiasis transmission risk along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a surveillance and early warning index system for schistosomiasis transmission risk along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin, so as to provide insights into creation of a sensitive and highly efficient surveillance and early warning system for schistosomiasis.

METHODS

National and international publications, documents, laws and regulations pertaining to schistosomiasis control were retrieved with keywords including schistosomiasis, surveillance, early warning and control interventions from 2008 to 2022, and a thematic panel discussion was held to preliminarily construct surveillance and early warning index system for schistosomiasis transmission risk along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin. The index system was then comprehensively scored and screened using the Delphi method, and the weight of each index was determined using analytic hierarchy process and the modified proportional allocation method. In addition, the credibility of the Delphi method was evaluated using positive coefficient, authority coefficient, degree of concentration and degree of coordination of experts.

RESULTS

Following two rounds of expert consultation, a surveillance and early warning index system for schistosomiasis transmission risk in endemic areas along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin was preliminarily constructed, including 3 primary indicators, 9 secondary indicators and 41 tertiary indicators. The normalized weights of primary indicators epidemics, natural and social factors and comprehensive control were 0.639 8, 0.145 6 and 0.214 6, respectively, and among all secondary indicators, snail status (0.321 3) and schistosomiasis prevalence (0.318 5) had the highest combined weights, while social factors had the lowest combined weight (0.030 4). Of all tertiary indicators, human egg-positive rate (0.041 9), number of acute schistosomiasis cases (0.041 5), number of stool-positive bovine and sheep (0.041 1), and prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum in free-ranging livestock (0.041 1) had the highest combined weights. During two rounds of consultation, the positive coefficient of experts was both 100%, and the authority coefficient was both 0.9 and greater, while the coordination coefficients were 0.338 to 0.441 and 0.426 to 0.565 (χ2 = 22.875 to 216.524, both P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The established surveillance and early warning index system for schistosomiasis transmission risk along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin is of great scientific values and authority, which may provide insights into construction of the sensitive and highly efficient surveillance and early warning system for schistosomiasis in the context of low prevalence and low intensity of infection in China.

[Study on revision of standard limits for benzene in"Standards for indoor air quality（GB/T 18883-2022）"in China]

Benzene, as a major indoor pollutant, has received widespread attention. In order to better control indoor benzene pollution and protect people's health, the limit value of benzene in the"Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022)'' was reduced from 0.11 mg/m3 to 0.03 mg/m3. This study reviewed and discussed the relevant technical contents of the determination of benzene limit value, including the exposure status of benzene, health effects, and derivation of the limit value. It also proposed prospects for the future direction of formulating indoor air benzene standards.

Chinese expert consensus on transradial access in percutaneous peripheral interventions

Transradial access (TRA) is a safe and comfortable approach and the preferred access for percutaneous coronary intervention. However, TRA is not widely used for peripheral interventions. Currently, there is a lack of data on patient selection, appropriate medical devices, complication prevention, and TRA adoption. Therefore, the Chinese Society of Interventional Oncology of the China Anti-Cancer Association organized nationwide experts to establish a Working Group of China Expert Consensus on TRA in percutaneous peripheral interventions in 2022, and jointly formulated this consensus to better promote the application of TRA in peripheral interventions to guide clinicians on patient selection, technical recommendations, and physician training. This consensus mainly focuses on the current situation, advantages and limitations of TRA in peripheral interventions, anatomical characteristics of the radial artery, patient selection, technical aspects, prevention and management of complications, radiation dose, and learning curve. A consensus was reached through a literature evaluation and by referring to the opinions of the expert group.

Atomic Engineering Modulates Oxygen Reduction of Hollow Carbon Matrix Confined Single Metal-Nitrogen Sites for Zinc-Air Batteries

The systematical understanding of metal-dependent activity in electrocatalyzing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a vital reaction with sluggish kinetics for zinc-air batteries, remains quite unclear. An atomic and spatial engineering modulating ORR activity over hollow carbon quasi-sphere (HCS) confined in a series of single M-N (M = Cu, Mn, Ni) sites is reported here. Based on the theoretical prediction and experimental validation, Cu-N4 site with the lowest overpotential shows a better ORR kinetics than Mn-N4 and Ni-N4 . The ORR activity of single-atom Cu center can be further improved by decreasing the coordination number of N to two, namely Cu-N2 , due to the enhancement of electrons with lower coordination structure. Benefitting from the unique spatial confinement effect of the HCS structure in modulating electronic feature of active sites, the Cu-N2 site confined in HCS also delivers highly improved ORR kinetics and activity relative to that on planner graphene. Additionally, the best catalyst holds excellent promise in the application of zinc-air batteries. The findings will pave a new way to atomically and electronically tune active sites with high efficiency for other single-atom catalysts.

The subfamily Xerocomoideae (Boletaceae, Boletales) in China

Xerocomoideae is an ecologically and economically important Boletaceae subfamily (Boletales) comprising 10 genera. Although many studies have focused on Xerocomoideae in China, the diversity, taxonomy and molecular phylogeny still remained incompletely understood. In the present study, taxonomic and phylogenetic studies on Chinese species of Xerocomoideae were carried out by morphological examinations and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Eight genera in Xerocomoideae, viz. Aureoboletus, Boletellus, Heimioporus, Hemileccinum, Hourangia, Phylloporus, Pulchroboletus, and Xerocomus were confirmed to be distributed in China; 97 species of the subfamily were accepted as being distributed in China; one ambiguous taxon was tentatively named Bol. aff. putuoensis; two synonyms, viz. A. marroninus and P. dimorphus were defined. Among the Chinese accepted species, 13 were newly described, viz. A. albipes, A. conicus, A. ornatipes, Bol. erythrolepis, Bol. rubidus, Bol. sinochrysenteroides, Bol. subglobosus, Bol. zenghuoxingii, H. squamipes, P. hainanensis, Pul. erubescens, X. albotomentosus, and X. fuscatus, 36 known species were redescribed, and the other 48 species were reviewed. Keys to accepted species of Aureoboletus, Boletellus, Heimioporus, Hemileccinum, Hourangia, Phylloporus, and Xerocomus in China were also provided. Taxonomic novelties: New species: Aureoboletus albipes N.K. Zeng, Xu Zhang & Zhi Q. Liang, A. conicus N.K. Zeng, Xu Zhang & Zhi Q. Liang, A. ornatipes N.K. Zeng, Xu Zhang & Zhi Q. Liang, Boletellus erythrolepis N.K. Zeng, R. Xue, S. Jiang & Zhi Q. Liang, Bol. rubidus N.K. Zeng, R. Xue, Y.J. Hao & Zhi Q. Liang, Bol. sinochrysenteroides N.K. Zeng, R. Xue & Kuan Zhao, Bol. subglobosus N.K. Zeng, R. Xue, S. Jiang & Zhi Q. Liang, Bol. zenghuoxingii N.K. Zeng, R. Xue, S. Jiang & Zhi Q. Liang, Hemileccinum squamipes N.K. Zeng, Chang Xu & Zhi Q. Liang, Phylloporus hainanensis N.K. Zeng, L.L. Wu, & Zhi Q. Liang, Pulchroboletus erubescens N.K. Zeng, Chang Xu & Zhi Q. Liang, Xerocomus albotomentosus N.K. Zeng, H.J. Xie, Chang Xu & Zhi Q. Liang, and X. fuscatus N.K. Zeng, H.J. Xie, Chang Xu & Zhi Q. Liang. Citation: Xue R, Zhang X, Xu C, Xie HJ, Wu LL, Wang Y, Tang LP, Hao YJ, Zhao K, Jiang S, Li Y, Yang YY, Li Z, Liang ZQ, Zeng NK (2023). The subfamily Xerocomoideae (Boletaceae, Boletales) in China. Studies in Mycology 106: 95-197. doi: 10.3114/sim.2022.106.03.

In situ observation of melt pool evolution in ultrasonic vibration-assisted directed energy deposition

The presence of defects, such as pores, in materials processed using additive manufacturing represents a challenge during the manufacturing of many engineering components. Recently, ultrasonic vibration-assisted (UV-A) directed energy deposition (DED) has been shown to reduce porosity, promote grain refinement, and enhance mechanical performance in metal components. Whereas it is evident that the formation of such microstructural features is affected by the melt pool behavior, the specific mechanisms by which ultrasonic vibration (UV) influences the melt pool remain elusive. In the present investigation, UV was applied in situ to DED of 316L stainless steel single tracks and bulk parts. For the first time, high-speed video imaging and thermal imaging were implemented in situ to quantitatively correlate the application of UV to melt pool evolution in DED. Extensive imaging data were coupled with in-depth microstructural characterization to develop a statistically robust dataset describing the observed phenomena. Our findings show that UV increases the melt pool peak temperature and dimensions, while improving the wettability of injected particles with the melt pool surface and reducing particle residence time. Near the substrate, we observe that UV results in a 92% decrease in porosity, and a 54% decrease in dendritic arm spacing. The effect of UV on the melt pool is caused by the combined mechanisms of acoustic cavitation, ultrasound absorption, and acoustic streaming. Through in situ imaging we demonstrate quantitatively that these phenomena, acting simultaneously, effectively diminish with increasing build height and size due to acoustic attenuation, consequently decreasing the positive effect of implementing UV-A DED. Thus, this research provides valuable insight into the value of in situ imaging, as well as the effects of UV on DED melt pool dynamics, the stochastic interactions between the melt pool and incoming powder particles, and the limitations of build geometry on the UV-A DED technique.

LiF-Rich Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces Enabled by Bifunctional Electrolyte Additive to Achieve High-Performance Li/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Batteries

Commercial Li-ion batteries use LiPF6-based carbonate electrolytes extensively, but there are many challenges associated with them, like dendritic Li growth and electrolyte decomposition, while supporting the aggressive chemical and electrochemical reactivity of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). This work proposes 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl methacrylate (HFM) as a multifunctional electrolyte additive, constructing protective solid-/cathode-electrolyte interphases (SEI/CEI) on the surfaces for both lithium metal anode (LMA) and Ni-rich cathode to solve these challenges simultaneously. The highly fluorinated group (-CF3) of the HFM molecule contributes to the construction of SEI/CEI films rich in LiF that offer excellent electronic insulation, high mechanical strength, and surface energy. Accordingly, the HFM-derived LiF-rich interphases can minimize the electrolyte-electrode parasitic reactions and promote uniform Li deposition. Also, the problems of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 particles' inner microcrack evolution and the growth of dendritic Li are adequately addressed. Consequently, the HFM additive enables a Li/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cell with higher capacity retention after 200 cycles at 1 C than the cell with no additive (74.7 vs 52.8%), as well as a better rate performance, especially at 9 C. Furthermore, at 0.5/0.5 mAh cm-2, the Li/Li symmetrical battery displays supersteadfast cyclic performance beyond 500 h when HFM is present. For high-performance LMBs, the HFM additive offers a straightforward, cost-effective route.

Targeting Immunosuppressive Myeloid Cells and Exhausted CD8+ T Cells Overcomes Radioresistance in NSCLC

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Although stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has achieved great success in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), local relapses still occur and abscopal effects are rarely seen even when combined with immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs). Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly understand the immune responses after SBRT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We characterized the dynamic changes of tumor-infiltrating immune cells at early and late time points after SBRT in a therapy-resistant murine tumor model using single-cell transcriptomes and T-cell receptor sequencing.

RESULTS

At the early stage, the innate and adaptive immune systems were activated, including activation of NKs and NKTs, and infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. At the late stage, however, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) shifted into immunosuppressive properties, containing enrichment of immunosuppressive tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and terminal exhausted CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, our study revealed that inhibition of CD39 combined with SBRT preferentially reinvigorated exhausted CD8+ T cells and promoted their proliferation, infiltration, and cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, it also promoted M1-like macrophage infiltration and DCs maturation. On the other hand, consequently increased infiltration of immunosuppressive myeloid cells after SBRT could be a potential mechanism mediating CD8+ T cell dysfunction. Moreover, we found that combination treatment with anti-VISTA and SBRT synergistically reduced immunosuppressive myeloid cells, containing TANs, M-MDSCs, and M2-like TAMs, and further activated CD8+ T cells. Clinically, high VISTA expression was associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC patients.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, our data provides deep insight into acquired resistance to SBRT from an immune perspective and presents rational combination strategies.

Porcine IKKε is involved in the STING-induced type I IFN antiviral response of the cytosolic DNA signaling pathway

The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase and stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (cGAS-STING) pathway serves as a crucial component of innate immune defense and exerts immense antiviral activity by inducing the expression of type I IFNs. Currently, STING-activated production of type I IFNs has been thought to be mediated only by TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Here, we identified that porcine IKKε (pIKKε) is also directly involved in STING-induced type I IFN expression and antiviral response by using IKKε-/- porcine macrophages. Similar to pTBK1, pIKKε interacts directly with pSTING on the C-terminal tail. Furthermore, the TBK1-binding motif of pSTING C-terminal tail is essential for its interaction with pIKKε, and within the TBK1-binding motif, the leucine (L) 373 is also critical for the interaction. On the other hand, both kinase domain and scaffold dimerization domain of pIKKε participate in the interactions with pSTING. Consistently, the reconstitution of pIKKε and its mutants in IKKε-/- porcine macrophages corroborated that IKKε and its kinase domain and scaffold dimerization domain are all involved in the STING signaling and antiviral function. Thus, our findings deepen the understanding of porcine cGAS-STING pathway, which lays a foundation for effective antiviral therapeutics against porcine viral diseases.

Oligo-Residual Disease in PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors Treated Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Incidence, Pattern of Failure and Clinical Value of Local Consolidative Therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Growing numbers of clinical trials are testing the efficacy of incorporating local therapy into programmed death receptor (ligand) 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the optimal timing and patient selection are still controversial. We aimed to examine the patterns of maximum tumor response and treatment failure in PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-treated NSCLC, and explore the potential clinical value of local consolidative therapy (LCT) in those with oligo-residual disease (ORD).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Metastatic NSCLC treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in three academic centers from May 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed and those derived clinical benefit, defined as having objective response or durable stable disease lasting≥6months, were finally enrolled. Patterns of tumor response and treatment failure were extensively analyzed. ORD was defined as residual tumor distribution limited to 3 organs and 5 lesions, otherwise was defined as multiple residual disease (MRD). Local therapies targeting the residual tumor lesions performed after PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors initiation and before initial disease progression, were considered as LCT. The primary endpoints were the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Of the 318 patients enrolled, ORD and MRD were documented in 122 (38.4%) and 196 (61.6%) patients, respectively. Those who developed ORD had a significantly longer OS than those with MRD (p = 0.006). The median time to best response was 4 months and more than 50% of the initial disease progression developed only from the residual tumor lesions, providing the preliminary rationale of LCT. Among the 122 patients with ORD, those receiving LCT (n = 39) had significantly longer PFS (p = 0.04) and OS (p<0.001) than those without LCT. Moreover, LCT remained one of the independent predictors of improved PFS and OS after Cox analyses.

CONCLUSION

Local consolidative therapy seems to be feasible and may provide extra survival benefit for metastatic NSCLC patients with oligo-residual disease after PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment.

The Chicken cGAS-STING Pathway Exerts Interferon-Independent Antiviral Function via Cell Apoptosis

It has been recently recognized that the DNA sensing innate immune cGAS-STING pathway exerts an IFN-independent antiviral function; however, whether and how chicken STING (chSTING) exerts such an IFN-independent antiviral activity is still unknown. Here, we showed that chSTING exerts an antiviral activity in HEK293 cells and chicken cells, independent of IFN production. chSTING was able to trigger cell apoptosis and autophagy independently of IFN, and the apoptosis inhibitors, rather than autophagy inhibitors, could antagonize the antiviral function of chSTING, suggesting the involvement of apoptosis in IFN-independent antiviral function. In addition, chSTING lost its antiviral function in IRF7-knockout chicken macrophages, indicating that IRF7 is not only essential for the production of IFN, but also participates in the other activities of chSTING, such as the apoptosis. Collectively, our results showed that chSTING exerts an antiviral function independent of IFN, likely via apoptosis.

[Analysis of mortality trend and characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among residents in China from 2004 to 2020]

Objective: To analyze the mortality trend and characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among residents in China from 2004 to 2020. Methods: From the area, gender, region, and age dimensions, the Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend of COPD mortality rate from 2004 to 2020, extracted from the China Death Surveillance Dataset. Results: From 2004 to 2020, the mortality rate and age-adjusted mortality rate of COPD showed a downward trend (AAPC=-3.68%, P<0.001; AAPC=-7.27%, P<0.001), which were consistent with urban and rural subpopulations (mortality rate: AAPC=-3.62%, P=0.009, AAPC=-3.23%, P=0.014; age-adjusted mortality rate: AAPC=-7.26%, P<0.001, AAPC=-6.78%, P<0.001). The mortality rate of COPD in rural was higher than that of urban subpopulations (P<0.001). Also, the mortality rate and age-adjusted mortality rate of COPD showed a downward trend in males and females (mortality rate: AAPC=-3.00%, P<0.001, AAPC=-4.37%, P<0.001; age-adjusted mortality rate: AAPC=-6.73%, P<0.001, AAPC=-8.11%, P<0.001), and the COPD mortality rate for male was generally higher than female (P<0.001). Meanwhile, the mortality rate of COPD in eastern, central and western regions also showed a downward trend (AAPC=-3.87%, P<0.001; AAPC=-3.12%, P<0.001; AAPC=-1.37%, P=0.001), and western regions were significantly higher than that in central (P<0.001) and eastern (P<0.001) regions. The mortality rate of COPD in the age group of Chinese people showed a downward trend in<45, 45-59, and≥60 years groups (AAPC=-9.48%, P<0.001; AAPC=-9.03%, P<0.001; AAPC=-5.91%, P<0.001). Among them,≥60 years groups was significantly higher than that in<45 (P<0.001) and 45-59 (P<0.001) years groups, and the decline rate was slowest. Conclusion: In China, the mortality rate of COPD decreases from 2004 to 2020, and more efforts are needed to reduce COPD mortality, especially in western regions, rural populations, males and the elderly.

Multiple Porcine Innate Immune Signaling Pathways Are Involved in the Anti-PEDV Response

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has caused great damage to the global pig industry. Innate immunity plays a significant role in resisting viral infection; however, the exact role of innate immunity in the anti-PEDV response has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we observed that various porcine innate immune signaling adaptors are involved in anti-PEDV (AJ1102-like strain) activity in transfected Vero cells. Among these, TRIF and MAVS showed the strongest anti-PEDV activity. The endogenous TRIF, MAVS, and STING were selected for further examination of anti-PEDV activity. Agonist stimulation experiments showed that TRIF, MAVS, and STING signaling all have obvious anti-PEDV activity. The siRNA knockdown assay showed that TRIF, MAVS, and STING are also all involved in anti-PEDV response, and their remarkable effects on PEDV replication were confirmed in TRIF-/-, MAVS-/- and STING-/- Vero cells via the CRISPR approach. For further verification, the anti-PEDV activity of TRIF, MAVS, and STING could be reproduced in porcine IPEC-DQ cells treated with siRNAs. In summary, this study reveals that multiple pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) signaling pathways of porcine innate immunity play an important role in the anti-PEDV infection, providing new and useful antiviral knowledge for prevention and control of PEDV spreading.

Differences between VOCs and NOx transport contributions, their impacts on O3, and implications for O3 pollution mitigation based on CMAQ simulation over the Yangtze River Delta, China

The relationship between O₃ and its precursors during urban polluted episodes remains unclear. In this study, the simultaneous source apportionment of VOCs, NO_x, and O₃ over the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region during the O₃ polluted episode on July 24-30, 2018, was performed based on the Integrated Source Apportionment Method (ISAM) embedded in the Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System (CMAQ). The results of the ISAM were compared with those of the Brute Force Method (BFM) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF). Furthermore, the differences between the transport contributions of VOCs and NO_x, and their impacts on O₃ were analyzed. The results indicate that observations of VOCs species can be well captured by simulated VOCs, and the ISAM has a significant advantage in the source apportionment of VOCs, especially for sources emitting highly reactive species. In the clean and polluted periods, the local contribution percentages of VOCs in urban sites ranged from 60 % to 77 %, much higher than those of NO_x (31 %-43 %) and O₃ (16 %-33 %). NO_x and O₃ have strong transport abilities with high and close contribution percentages, which are highly correlated, mainly because oxygen atoms produced by the photolysis of NO₂ in the aged air mass combined rapidly with O₂ to form O₃ during transport. The VOCs chemical loss caused by the oxidation of OH radicals during transport makes the ability of VOCs for long-distance transport much weaker than that of NO_x. Furthermore, owing to the sufficient aging of VOCs, those contributed by long-distance transport have little effect on O₃. To a certain extent, controlling one's NO_x emissions can help other cities more, while controlling one's VOCs emissions can help itself more. Therefore, it is recommended to attach enough importance to joint prevention and control of NO_x among cities and even long-distance areas to alleviate regional O₃ pollution.

Halloysite nanotubes modified poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)-based polymer-in-salt electrolyte to achieve high-performance Li metal batteries

Solid-state Li metal batteries (SSLMBs) are one of the most promising energy storage devices, as they offer high energy density and improved safety compared to conventional Li-ion batteries. However, the large-scale application of SSLMBs at room temperature is restricted by the main challenges such as low ionic conductivity and poor cyclic performance. Herein, a composed polymer-in-salt electrolyte (CPISE) is fabricated, which is composed of polyvinylidene vinylidene hexafluoropropene (PVDF-HFP) and high-concentration Li bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)imide (LiTFSI), reinforced with natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The High concentration of LiTFSI and introduced HNTs synergized with PVDF-HFP to provide more various Li⁺ transport pathways. Additionally, the backbones of the uniform dispersion of HNTs in the CPISE effectively boosts the physicochemical nature of the CPISE. As a result, the prepared CPISE achieves excellent mechanical strength, high ionic conductivity (1.23*10^-3 S cm^-1) and high Li⁺ transference number (0.57) at room temperature. Consequently, in existence of the CPISE, the Li symmetric cell cycles stably beyond 800 h at 0.15 mA cm^-2 and the LiFePO₄/Li cell displays impressive cyclic performance with capacity retention of 79% after 1000 cycles at 30 °C. Furthermore, the superiority and the functional mechanism of the CPISE are discovered in detail. This work provides a promising strategy for the development of high-performance SSMLBs at room temperature.

High-performance Li/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 batteries enabled by optimizing carbonate-based electrolyte and electrode interphases via triallylamine additive

Lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs), paired with high-energy-density cathode materials, are promising to meet the ever-increasing demand for electric energy storage. Unfortunately, the inferior electrode-electrolyte interfaces and hydrogen fluoride (HF) corrosion in the state-of-art carbonate-based electrolytes lead to dendritic Li growth and unsatisfactory cyclability of LMBs. Herein, a multifunctional electrolyte additive triallylamine (TAA) is proposed to circumvent those issues. The TAA molecule exhibits strong nucleophilicity and contains three unsaturated carbon-carbon double bonds, the former for HF elimination, the later for in-situ passivation of aggressive electrodes. As evidenced theoretically and experimentally, the preferential oxidation and reduction of carbon-carbon double bonds enable the successful regulation of components and morphologies of electrode interfaces, as well as the binding affinity to HF effectively blocks HF corrosion. In particular, the TAA-derived electrode interfaces are packed with abundant lithium-containing inorganics and oligomers, which diminishes undesired parasitic reactions of electrolyte and detrimental degradation of electrode materials. When using the TAA-containing electrolyte, the cell configuration with Li anode and nickel-rich layered oxide cathode and symmetrical Li cell deliver remarkably enhanced electrochemical performance with regard to the additive-free cell. The TAA additive shows great potential in advancing the development of carbonate-based electrolytes in LMBs.

Developed compositional source profile and estimated emissions of condensable particulate matter from coal-fired power plants: A case study of Yantai, China

The emission and environmental impact of condensable particulate matter (CPM) from coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) are of increasing concern worldwide. Many studies on the characteristics of CPM emission have been conducted in China, but its source profile remains unclear, and its emission inventory remains high uncertainty. In this work, the latest measurements reported in the latest 33 studies for CPM inorganic and organic species emitted from CFPPs in China were summarized, and then a compositional source profile of CPM for CFPPs was developed for the first time in China, which involved 10 inorganic species and 71 organic species. In addition, the CPM emission inventory of CFPPs in Yantai of China was developed based on surveyed activity data, continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS), and the latest measurement data. The results show that: (1) Inorganic species accounted for 77.64 % of CPM emitted from CFPPs in Yantai, among which SO₄^2- had the highest content, accounting for 23.74 % of CPM, followed by Cl^-, accounting for 11.95 %; (2) Organic matter accounted for 22.36 % of CPM, among which alkanes accounted for the largest proportion of organic fraction (72.7 %); (3) Emission concentration method (EC) and CEMS-based emission ratio method (ER_FPM,CEMS) were recommended to estimate CPM emissions for CFPPs; (4) The estimated CPM emission inventories of Yantai CFPPs in 2020 by the EC method and the ER_FPM,CEMS method were 1231 tons and 929 tons, respectively, with uncertainties of -34 % ∼ 33 % and -27 % ∼ 57 %, respectively; (5) CPM emissions were mainly distributed in the northern coastal areas of Yantai. This developed CPM source profile and emission inventory can provide basic data for assessing the impacts of CPM on air quality and health. In addition, this study can provide an important methodology for developing CPM emission inventories and CPM emission source profiles for stationary combustion sources in other regions.

Radiomics model and clinical scale for the preoperative diagnosis of silent corticotroph adenomas

OBJECTIVE

Silent corticotroph adenomas (SCAs) are a subtype of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas that exhibit more aggressive behavior. However, rapid and accurate preoperative diagnostic methods are currently lacking.

DESIGN

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between SCA and non-SCA features and to establish radiomics models and a clinical scale for rapid and accurate prediction.

METHODS

A total of 260 patients (72 SCAs vs. 188 NSCAs) with nonfunctioning adenomas from Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled in the study as the internal dataset. Thirty-five patients (6 SCAs vs. 29 NSCAs) from Fuzhou General Hospital were enrolled as the external dataset. Radiomics models and an SCA scale to preoperatively diagnose SCAs were established based on MR images and clinical features.

RESULTS

There were more female patients (internal dataset: p < 0.001; external dataset: p = 0.028) and more multiple microcystic changes (internal dataset: p < 0.001; external dataset: p = 0.012) in the SCA group. MRI showed more invasiveness (higher Knosp grades, p ≤ 0.001). The radiomics model achieved AUCs of 0.931 and 0.937 in the internal and external datasets, respectively. The clinical scale achieved an AUC of 0.877 and a sensitivity of 0.952 in the internal dataset and an AUC of 0.899 and a sensitivity of 1.0 in the external dataset.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on clinical information and imaging characteristics, the constructed radiomics model achieved high preoperative diagnostic ability. The SCA scale achieved the purpose of rapidity and practicality while ensuring sensitivity, which is conducive to simplifying clinical work.

The impact of sitagliptin in palmitic acid-induced insulin resistance in human HepG2 cells through the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3/phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway

Patients with type 2 diabetes respond differently to sitagliptin, an oral anti-hyperglycemic medication. Patients whose blood sugar levels were effectively managed while using sitagliptin had significantly lower levels of a protein called suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), according to our earlier research. In this study, we established an in vitro insulin resistance cell model for human HepG2 cells to investigate the possible mechanism of the effect of sitagliptin on glucose metabolism via the SOCS3/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. Since insulin resistance first develops in the liver, palmitic acid was used to generate an insulin resistance cell model in human HepG2 cells, after which small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA)-SOCS3 and sitagliptin were used to intervene. We then examined the changes in cell viability and biochemical indices in the insulin resistance cell model. SOCS3, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3β) gene expression levels were quantified using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the protein expression levels of SOCS3, Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), GSK-3β, and phosphorylated GSK-3β (p-GSK-3β) were quantified using Western blot. In results: the expression of the SOCS3 gene was considerably raised in both the insulin resistance model group and the insulin resistance model + siRNA-negative control group, but decreased following treatment with sitagliptin. After sitagliptin intervention, the protein expression of Akt, p-Akt, and p-GSK-3β were dramatically decreased in the model group, while SOCS3 was significantly decreased. We conclude that sitagliptin can reduce insulin resistance by downregulating SOCS3 and regulating glucose metabolism in a hypoglycemic manner.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolation is an important predictor for recurrent hemoptysis after bronchial artery embolization in patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis: a multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

Nearly half of bronchiectasis patients receiving bronchial artery embolization (BAE) still have recurrent hemoptysis, which may be life-threatening. Worse still, the underlying risk factors of recurrence remain unknown.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort was conducted of patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis who received BAE from 2015 to 2019 at eight centers. Patients were followed up for at least 24 months post BAE. Based on the outcomes of recurrent hemoptysis and recurrent severe hemoptysis, a Cox regression model was used to identify risk factors for recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 588 individuals were included. The median follow-up period was 34.0 months (interquartile range: 24.3-53.3 months). The 1-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year cumulative recurrent hemoptysis-free rates were 87.2%, 67.5%, 57.6%, and 49.4%, respectively. The following factors were relative to recurrent hemoptysis: 24-h sputum volume (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.99 [95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.25-3.15, p = 0.015]), isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (HR = 1.50 [95% CI: 1.13-2.00, p = 0.003]), extensive bronchiectasis (HR = 2.00 [95% CI: 1.29-3.09, p = 0.002]), and aberrant bronchial arteries (AbBAs) (HR = 1.45 [95% CI: 1.09-1.93, p = 0.014]). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the nomogram was 0.728 [95% CI: 0.688-0.769].

CONCLUSIONS

Isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important independent predictor of recurrent hemoptysis. The clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa might effectively reduce the hemoptysis recurrence rate.

LiF-Rich Interfaces and HF Elimination Achieved by a Multifunctional Additive Enable High-Performance Li/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Batteries

Li-metal batteries (LMBs), especially in combination with high-energy-density Ni-rich materials, exhibit great potential for next-generation rechargeable Li batteries. Nevertheless, poor cathode-/anode-electrolyte interfaces (CEI/SEI) and hydrofluoric acid (HF) attack pose a threat to the electrochemical and safety performances of LMBs due to aggressive chemical and electrochemical reactivities of high-Ni materials, metallic Li, and carbonate-based electrolytes with the LiPF₆ salt. Herein, the carbonate electrolyte based on LiPF₆ is formulated by a multifunctional electrolyte additive pentafluorophenyl trifluoroacetate (PFTF) to adapt the Li/LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ (NCM811) battery. It is theoretically illustrated and experimentally revealed that HF elimination and the LiF-rich CEI/SEI films are successfully achieved via the chemical and electrochemical reactions of the PFTF additive. Significantly, the LiF-rich SEI film with high electrochemical kinetics facilitates Li homogeneous deposition and prevents dendritic Li from forming and growing. Benefiting from the collaborative protection of PFTF on the interfacial modification and HF capture, the capacity ratio of the Li/NCM811 battery is boosted by 22.4%, and the cycling stability of the symmetrical Li cell is expanded over 500 h. This provided strategy is conducive to the achievement of high-performance LMBs with Ni-rich materials by optimizing the electrolyte formula.

A97 LARGE NON-PEDUNCULATED COLONIC POLYP (LNPCP) OUTCOMES REFERRED FOR ENDOSCOPIC RESECTION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA: A QUALITY ASSURANCE INITIATIVE

Background

Endoscopic resection techniques have become the primary treatment strategy for the vast majority of large (≥ 20mm) non-pedunculated colonic polyps (LNPCPs). Despite this, surgery is still commonly performed with evidence suggesting an increasing trend over time. There is limited Canadian data confirming the effectiveness and safety of an endoscopic management strategy for LNPCPs.

Purpose

To investigate clinical outcomes of patients referred for endoscopic management of a LNPCP.

Method

Retrospective single-centre analysis of patients referred to a single endoscopist for the management of LNPCPs within a tertiary referral practice. LNPCPs were further subdivided into non-complicated (NC-LNPCP) or complicated (C-LNPCP) defined as those involving the ileocecal valve, appendiceal orifice, circumferential or previously attempted. Performance outcomes were evaluated by the frequencies of technical success (removal of all polypoid tissue during index procedure) and need for colorectal surgery. Safety was evaluated by the frequencies of clinically significant intraprocedural bleeding (CSIPB), clinically significant post-endoscopic resection bleeding (CSPEB), intra-procedural perforation and delayed perforation. Recurrence (either endoscopic or histologic) was evaluated at first surveillance colonoscopy (SC1). Continuous variables were summarized using median (IQR). Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies (%). To test for association between categorical variables, the Pearson χ2 or the Fisher exact test were used, where appropriate. For continuous variables, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. A probability (p) value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result(s)

Between January 2021 to March 2022, 263 LNPCP were referred for endoscopic resection and 41 LNPCP were excluded (23 pedunculated, 14 optical evaluation suggestive of deeply invasive cancer, 4 other). 222 LNPCP (188 NC-LNPCP, 34 C-LNPCP) underwent endoscopic resection. Median size was 25mm (IQR 20-30mm) with the majority undergoing cold snare resection (115, 51.8%). Polyposis (Adenomatous or serrated) was present in 23 (12.6%) cases respectively. Technical success was 97.3%. Cancer was present in 5 (2%). Clinically significant bleeding (CSPEB) occurred in 2.7%, DMI IV in 1.8% and there were no delayed perforations. Recurrence occurred in 4 (3.5%) at SC1 and 11 (5%) required surgery due to technical failure, submucosal invasion on pathology and clinically significant bleeding.

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Conclusion(s)

Endoscopic resection as the primary treatment strategy for LNPCPs offers a safe and effective alternative to surgery in British Columbia.

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Disclosure of Interest

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Manganese Mediates Its Antiviral Functions in a cGAS-STING Pathway Independent Manner

The innate immune system is the first line of host defense sensing viral infection. Manganese (Mn) has recently been found to be involved in the activation of the innate immune DNA-sensing cGAS-STING pathway and subsequent anti-DNA virus function. However, it is still unclear whether Mn2+ mediates host defense against RNA viruses. In this study, we demonstrate that Mn2+ exhibited antiviral effects against various animal and human viruses, including RNA viruses such as PRRSVs and VSV, as well as DNA viruses such as HSV1, in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, cGAS and STING were both investigated in the Mn2+ mediated antiviral roles using the knockout cells made by the CRISPR-Cas9 approach. Unexpectedly, the results revealed that neither cGAS knockout nor STING knockout had any effect on Mn2+-mediated antiviral functions. Nevertheless, we verified that Mn2+ promoted the activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. These findings suggest that Mn2+ has broad-spectrum antiviral activities in a cGAS-STING pathway independent manner. This study also provides significant insights into redundant mechanisms participating in the Mn2+ antiviral functions, and also indicates a new target for Mn2+ antiviral therapeutics.

CircRNA_0075723 protects against pneumonia-induced sepsis through inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis by sponging miR-155-5p and regulating SHIP1 expression

Introduction

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been linked to regulate macrophage polarization and subsequent inflammation in sepsis. However, the underlying mechanism and the function of circRNAs in macrophage pyroptosis in pneumonia-induced sepsis are still unknown.

Methods

In this study, we screened the differentially expressed circRNAs among the healthy individuals, pneumonia patients without sepsis and pneumonia-induced sepsis patients in the plasma by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Then we evaluated macrophage pyroptosis in sepsis patients and in vitro LPS/nigericin activated THP-1 cells. The lentiviral recombinant vector for circ_0075723 overexpression (OE-circ_0075723) and circ_0075723 silence (sh-circ_0075723) were constructed and transfected into THP-1 cells to explore the potential mechanism of circ_0075723 involved in LPS/nigericin induced macrophage pyroptosis.

Results

We found circ_0075723, a novel circRNA that was significantly downregulated in pneumonia-induced sepsis patients compared to pneumonia patients without sepsis and healthy individuals. Meanwhile, pneumonia-induced sepsis patients exhibited activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and production of the pyroptosis-associated pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. circ_0075723 inhibited macrophage pyroptosis via sponging miR-155-5p which promoted SHIP1 expression directly. Besides, we found that circ_0075723 in macrophages promoted VE-cadherin expression in endothelial cells through inhibiting the release of NLRP3 inflammasome-related cytokines, IL-1β and IL-18, and protects endothelial cell integrity.

Discussion

Our findings propose a unique approach wherein circ_0075723 suppresses macrophage pyroptosis and inflammation in pneumonia-induced sepsis via sponging with miR-155-5p and promoting SHIP1 expression. These findings indicate that circRNAs could be used as possible potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for pneumonia-induced sepsis.

Clinical outcomes of vinorelbine loading CalliSpheres beads in the treatment of previously treated advanced lung cancer with progressive refractory obstructive atelectasis

Background: Drug-eluting beads bronchial arterial chemoembolization (DEB-BACE) has been used in the treatment of locally advanced lung cancer and has the potential to improve outcomes and reduce recurrence. However, DEB-BACE shows a poor therapeutic effect in advanced lung cancer after failure of multiple therapies. This study assessed the effect of DEB-BACE in the treatment of progressive lung cancer with refractory obstructive atelectasis. Methods: Progressive advanced lung cancer patients with refractory obstructive atelectasis were voluntarily enrolled in this study after failure of multiple conventional therapies. Baseline information, DEB-BACE treatment process, and changes in clinical symptoms were recorded. The primary endpoints were the objective response rate (ORR) and improvement rate of dyspnea. The secondary endpoints were time-to-progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and rate of pulmonary re-expansion. Treatment-related adverse events and serious adverse events were analyzed to assess the safety of DEB-BACE. The Cox regression model was performed to analyze the possible factors impacting prognosis of DEB-BACE. Results: DEB-BACE was successfully performed with CalliSpheres beads loaded with vinorelbine in the 20 enrolled patients. ORR and disease control rate were 80% and 85%, respectively, at the first follow-up (43.4 ± 15.26 days). The improvement rate of dyspnea was 85% and 80% at 1 week and 1 month (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001), respectively. TTP was 41.25 ± 14.43 days and 89.55 ± 61.7 days before and after DEB-BACE, respectively; DEB-BACE delayed the progression of advanced lung cancer (p < 0.0001). OS was 238.03 ± 33.74 days (95% confidence interval: 171.9-304.16). The rate of pulmonary re-expansion was 80% at the first follow-up. The reasons for poor prognosis were tumor necrosis, longer disease duration, and pulmonary atelectasis duration (p = 0.012, p = 0.038, p = 0.029). Massive hemoptysis was observed in two cases, and one patient died of asphyxia caused by hemoptysis. Moderate hemoptysis occurred in one case. All three adverse events were considered as the result of the tumor cavity after DEB-BACE. Conclusion: DEB-BACE loaded with vinorelbine is a feasible option for progressive advanced lung cancer with obstructive atelectasis after failure of other treatments.

[Application and prospect of digital technology on personalized precision nutrition]

Nowadays in China, digital technology is sweeping all walks of life. To deal with the increasing incidence of chronic diseases and people's pursuit of a healthy life expectancy, modern nutrition, which is a core element in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, has gradually entered the digital age and raised broader needs and higher standards for achieving individualized precision nutrition. Artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies have been used to improve the accuracy of dietary surveys. The digital dietary quality monitoring and evaluation system established by integrating multiple nutritional and health databases are conducive to scientifically and effectively assessing the overall dietary quality. Wearable devices and chemical sensors have made nutrition assessment more efficient. Digital and precise nutrition developed for different populations and different diseases are realized. Nutrition education has been carried out rapidly with the popularization of "Internet+", new media, and application software. The various digital intelligent technologies have gradually penetrated into the dietetics field and empowered personalized health management. In addition, the technologies of digital nutrition in China still face a lot of challenges from theory to practice. How to promote scientific and technological innovation in digital nutrition to stimulate and enhance people's nutritional health is the major task ahead of nutrition science nowadays. This article will briefly introduce digital nutrition survey and assessment, digital nutrition intervention, and intelligent nutrition education, in order to provide a reference for realizing national nutrition and health by digital means.

A prognostic nomogram based on log odds of positive lymph nodes to predict the overall survival in biliary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) patients after surgery

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of biliary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) patients is affected by the status of metastatic lymph nodes. The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic value of the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) and develop a novel nomogram to predict the overall survival (OS) in biliary NENs patients.

METHODS

A total of 125 patients with histologically confirmed biliary NENs were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database and further divided into training and validation cohorts. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (time-dependent AUC), and calibration plots. The net benefits and clinical utility of the nomogram were quantified and compared with those of the SEER staging system using decision curve analysis (DCA), net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). The risk stratifications of the nomogram and the SEER staging system were compared.

RESULTS

LODDS showed the highest accuracy in predicting OS for biliary NENs. The C-index (0.789 for the training cohort and 0.890 for the validation cohort) and the time-dependent AUC (> 0.7) indicated the satisfactory discriminative ability of the nomogram. The calibration plots showed a high degree of consistency. The DCA, NRI, and IDI indicated that the nomogram performed significantly better than the SEER staging system.

CONCLUSION

A novel LODDS-incorporated nomogram was developed and validated to assist clinicians in evaluating the prognosis of biliary NENs patients.

SrB4O7:Sm2+ fluorescence improves the accuracy of temperature measurements in externally heated diamond anvil cells

The sample temperature in an externally heated diamond anvil cell (EHDAC) is generally measured by a thermocouple fixed to the pavilions of diamond anvils, ignoring the temperature difference between the thermocouple and the sample. However, the measured temperature depends strongly on the placement of the thermocouple, thus seriously reducing the accuracy of the temperature measurement and hindering the use of EHDAC in experiments requiring precise temperature measurements, such as high-pressure melting and phase-diagram investigations. In this study, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the 0-0 fluorescence line of strontium borate doped with bivalent samarium ions (SrBO₄:Sm²⁺, SBO) is found to be highly sensitive to temperature and responds extremely rapidly to small temperature fluctuations, which makes it an excellent temperature indicator. We propose herein a precise method to measure temperature that involves measuring the FWHM of the 0-0 fluorescence line of SBO. This method is used to correct the temperature discrepancy between the thermocouple and the sample in an EHDAC. These corrections significantly improve the accuracy of temperature measurements in EHDACs. The accuracy of this method is verified by measuring the melting point of tin at ambient pressure. We also use this method to produce a tentative elementary phase diagram of tin up to 109 GPa and 495 K. This method facilitates high-pressure, high-temperature experiments demanding accurate temperature measurements in various disciplines. The study also discusses, in general, the experimental approach to measuring temperature.

Porcine cGAS-STING signaling induced autophagy inhibits STING downstream IFN and apoptosis

The innate immune DNA sensing cGAS-STING signaling pathway has been widely recognized for inducing interferons (IFNs) and subsequent antiviral state. In addition to IFN, the cGAS-STING pathway also elicits other cell autonomous immunity events including autophagy and apoptosis. However, the downstream signaling events of this DNA sensing pathway in livestock have not been well defined. Here, we systematically analyzed the porcine STING (pSTING) induced IFN, autophagy and apoptosis, revealed the distinct dynamics of three STING downstream events, and established the IFN independent inductions of autophagy and apoptosis. Further, we investigated the regulation of autophagy on pSTING induced IFN and apoptosis. Following TBK1-IRF3-IFN activation, STING induced Atg5/Atg16L1 dependent autophagy through LIR motifs. In turn, the autophagy likely promoted the pSTING degradation, inhibited both IFN production and apoptosis, and thus restored the cell homeostasis. Therefore, this study sheds lights on the molecular mechanisms of innate immunity in pigs.

Effect of MNCQQ Cells on Migration of Human Dermal Fibroblast in Diabetic Condition

A major symptom of diabetes mellitus (DM) is unfit hyperglycemia, which leads to impaired wound healing. It has been reported that the migration of fibroblasts can be suppressed under high glucose (HG) conditions. In our previous study, we introduced a serum-free culture method for mononuclear cells (MNCs) called quantity and quality control culture (QQc), which could improve the vasculogenic and tissue regeneration ability of MNCs. In this study, we described a culture model in which we applied a high glucose condition in human dermal fibroblasts to simulate the hyperglycemia condition in diabetic patients. MNC-QQ cells were cocultured with fibroblasts in this model to evaluate its role in improving fibroblasts dysfunction induced by HG and investigate its molecular mechanism. It was proven in this study that the impaired migration of fibroblasts induced by high glucose could be remarkably enhanced by coculture with MNC-QQ cells. PDGF B is known to play important roles in fibroblasts migration. Quantitative PCR revealed that MNC-QQ cells enhanced the gene expressions of PDGF B in fibroblasts under HG. Taken with these results, our data suggested a possibility that MNC-QQ cells accelerate wound healing via improving the fibroblasts migration and promote the gene expressions of PDGF B under diabetic conditions.