Sirt2 inhibition improves gut epithelial barrier integrity and protects mice from colitis

Sirt2 is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent protein lysine deacylase that can remove both acetyl group and long-chain fatty acyl groups from lysine residues of many proteins. It was reported to affect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms in a mouse model. However, conflicting roles were reported, with genetic knockout aggravating while pharmacological inhibition alleviating IBD symptoms. These seemingly conflicting reports cause confusion and deter further efforts in developing Sirt2 inhibitors as a potential treatment strategy for IBD. We investigated these conflicting reports and elucidated the role of Sirt2 in the mouse model of IBD. We essentially replicated these conflicting results and confirmed that Sirt2 inhibitors' protective effect is not through off-targets as two very different Sirt2 inhibitors (TM and AGK2) showed similar protection in the IBD mouse model. We believe that the differential effects of inhibitors and knockout are due to the fact that the Sirt2 inhibitors only inhibit some but not all the activities of Sirt2. This hypothesis is confirmed by the observation that a PROTAC degrader of Sirt2 did not protect mice in the IBD model, similar to Sirt2 knockout. Our study provides an interesting example where genetic knockout and pharmacological inhibition do not align and emphasizes the importance of developing substrate-dependent inhibitors. Importantly, we showed that the effect of Sirt2 inhibition in IBD is through regulating the gut epithelium barrier by inhibiting Arf6-mediated endocytosis of E-cadherin, a protein important for the intestinal epithelial integrity. This mechanistic understanding further supports Sirt2 as a promising therapeutic target for treating IBD.

Modified phosphogypsum whiskers for decontamination of mercury tailings

Mercury (Hg) tailings are hazardous solid wastes because of their high Hg concentrations. Modified phosphogypsum (PG) can decrease the bioactivity and mobility of heavy metals through chemisorption or electrostatic interactions. In this study, PG whiskers were modified by ZnCl2 and S, chitosan-hydrochloric acid, and thioglycolic materials; the resulting modified whiskers were used to decontaminate Hg tailings. Leaching tests and orthogonal experiments were conducted to optimize the modification parameters, including modifier quantity, pH, reaction temperature, and reaction time. The structure and physicochemical properties of the whiskers before and after modification were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The stabilization efficiency of the modified PG whiskers ranged from 93.05 to 97.50%, demonstrating excellent stabilization effects. The stabilization was achieved through chemisorption or complexation. The decontamination process using modified whiskers reduced the pH and total nitrogen of the tailings; increased the cation exchange, total phosphorus, organic carbon, and total carbon; and made the tailings suitable for planting. In addition, the modified PG promoted the morphological transformation of Hg in the tailings, thereby significantly decreasing the Hg content in the effective states and mitigating the risk of Hg contamination.

Seizure as the main presenting manifestation of three patients with acute glufosinate-ammonium poisoning

Glufosinate-ammonium herbicides are the most widely used broad-spectrum, non-selective herbicides in the world. Glufosinate-ammonium is a structural analogue of glutamate (Glu) which can irreversibly inhibit the activity of glutamine synthetase (GS) and Glu decarboxylase in plants, thereby blocking the synthesis of glutamine (Gln) from Glu and ammonia (Hoerlein, 1994). This causes the plants to die because of the nitrogen metabolism disorder and subsequent intracellular accumulation of ammonia. In humans, the characteristic features of glufosinate-ammonium herbicide poisoning include gastrointestinal symptoms and neurotoxicity (Watanabe and Sano, 1998). Currently, there are no antidotes for glufosinate-ammonium herbicide poisoning, and thus supportive care is the key treatment.

A comprehensive clinical evaluation of HER2-TKIs in patients with previously treated HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (HER2-TKIs) have been extensively utilized for treating HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC), with numerous clinical trial reports available. We aim to systematically perform a comprehensive clinical evaluation on HER2-TKIs, provide a reference for the clinical rational use of drugs, and serve for the decision-making of the national drug policy. We performed comprehensive clinical evaluation in six dimensions including safety, effectiveness, economy, suitability, accessibility, and innovation through meta-analysis, literature review, drug administration websites, and other relevant medication data to analyze HER2-TKIs in treating HER2-positive MBC. For safety, the risk of ≥ grade 3 adverse events among pyrotinib, lapatinib, and neratinib is not significantly different. Furthermore, pyrotinib and neratinib were found to be higher in the risk of ≥ grade 3 diarrhea than lapatinib, however the risk could be reversed and prevented with loperamide. Regarding effectiveness and economy, pyrotinib was confirmed to have the best efficacy and cost-utility value, neratinib the second, and lapatinib the third. As regards innovation and suitability, pyrotinib showed better than other HER2-TKIs. In addition, pyrotinib received a higher recommendation than other HER2-TKIs in patients with HER2-positive MBC. The accessibility of pyrotinib was found to be the best with better urban, rural, and national affordability and lower annual treatment costs. Pyrotinib is more valuable in clinics with better safety, effectiveness, economy, suitability, accessibility, and innovation in HER2-positive MBC. This study could provide references for the clinical application of HER2-TKIs in treating HER2-positive MBC.

Bazi Bushen ameliorates age-related energy metabolism dysregulation by targeting the IL-17/TNF inflammatory pathway associated with SASP

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction are key features of systemic aging, closely associated with the development and progression of age-related metabolic diseases. Bazi Bushen (BZBS), a traditional Chinese medicine used to alleviate frailty, delays biological aging by modulating DNA methylation levels. However, the precise mechanism of its anti-aging effect remains unclear. In this study, we developed the Energy Expenditure Aging Index (EEAI) to estimate biological age. By integrating the EEAI with transcriptome analysis, we aimed to explore the impact of BZBS on age-related metabolic dysregulation and inflammation in naturally aging mice.

METHODS

We conducted indirect calorimetry analysis on five groups of mice with different ages and utilized the data to construct EEAI. 12 -month-old C57BL/6 J mice were treated with BZBS or β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) for 8 months. Micro-CT, Oil Red O staining, indirect calorimetry, RNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and qRT-PCR were performed to investigate the regulatory effects of BZBS on energy metabolism, glycolipid metabolism, and inflammaging.

RESULTS

The results revealed that BZBS treatment effectively reversed the age-related decline in energy expenditure and enhanced overall metabolism, as indicated by the aging index of energy expenditure derived from energy metabolism parameters across various ages. Subsequent investigations showed that BZBS reduced age-induced visceral fat accumulation and hepatic lipid droplet aggregation. Transcriptomic analysis of perirenal fat and liver indicated that BZBS effectively enhanced lipid metabolism pathways, such as the PPAR signaling pathway, fatty acid oxidation, and cholesterol metabolism, and improved glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. Additionally, there was a significant improvement in inhibiting the inflammation-related arachidonic acid-linoleic acid metabolism pathway and restraining the IL-17 and TNF inflammatory pathways activated via senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP).

CONCLUSIONS

BZBS has the potential to alleviate inflammation in metabolic organs of naturally aged mice and maintain metabolic homeostasis. This study presents novel clinical therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of age-related metabolic diseases.

NLRP3 Cys126 palmitoylation by ZDHHC7 promotes inflammasome activation

Nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome hyperactivation contributes to many human chronic inflammatory diseases, and understanding how NLRP3 inflammasome is regulated can provide strategies to treat inflammatory diseases. Here, we demonstrate that NLRP3 Cys126 is palmitoylated by zinc finger DHHC-type palmitoyl transferase 7 (ZDHHC7), which is critical for NLRP3-mediated inflammasome activation. Perturbing NLRP3 Cys126 palmitoylation by ZDHHC7 knockout, pharmacological inhibition, or modification site mutation diminishes NLRP3 activation in macrophages. Furthermore, Cys126 palmitoylation is vital for inflammasome activation in vivo. Mechanistically, ZDHHC7-mediated NLRP3 Cys126 palmitoylation promotes resting NLRP3 localizing on the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and activated NLRP3 on the dispersed TGN, which is indispensable for recruitment and oligomerization of the adaptor ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD). The activation of NLRP3 by ZDHHC7 is different from the termination effect mediated by ZDHHC12, highlighting versatile regulatory roles of S-palmitoylation. Our study identifies an important regulatory mechanism of NLRP3 activation that suggests targeting ZDHHC7 or the NLRP3 Cys126 residue as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat NLRP3-related human disorders.

Electronic Spin Alignment within Homologous NiS2/NiSe2 Heterostructures to Promote Sulfur Redox Kinetics in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

The catalytic activation of the Li-S reaction is fundamental to maximize the capacity and stability of Li-S batteries (LSBs). Current research on Li-S catalysts mainly focuses on optimizing the energy levels to promote adsorption and catalytic conversion, while frequently overlooking the electronic spin state influence on charge transfer and orbital interactions. Here, hollow NiS2/NiSe2 heterostructures encapsulated in a nitrogen-doped carbon matrix (NiS2/NiSe2@NC) are synthesized and used as a catalytic additive in sulfur cathodes. The NiS2/NiSe2 heterostructure promotes the spin splitting of the 3d orbital, driving the Ni3+ transformation from low to high spin. This high spin configuration raises the electronic energy level and activates the electronic state. This accelerates the charge transfer and optimizes the adsorption energy, lowering the reaction energy barrier of the polysulfides conversion. Benefiting from these characteristics, LSBs based on NiS2/NiSe2@NC/S cathodes exhibit high initial capacity (1458 mAh·g⁻1 at 0.1C), excellent rate capability (572 mAh·g⁻1 at 5C), and stable cycling with an average capacity decay rate of only 0.025% per cycle at 1C during 500 cycles. Even at high sulfur loadings (6.2 mg·cm⁻2), high initial capacities of 1173 mAh·g⁻1 (7.27 mAh·cm⁻2) are measured at 0.1C, and 1058 mAh·g⁻1 is retained after 300 cycles.

Cyclophilin A supports translation of intrinsically disordered proteins and affects haematopoietic stem cell ageing

Loss of protein function is a driving force of ageing. We have identified peptidyl-prolyl isomerase A (PPIA or cyclophilin A) as a dominant chaperone in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Depletion of PPIA accelerates stem cell ageing. We found that proteins with intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are frequent PPIA substrates. IDRs facilitate interactions with other proteins or nucleic acids and can trigger liquid-liquid phase separation. Over 20% of PPIA substrates are involved in the formation of supramolecular membrane-less organelles. PPIA affects regulators of stress granules (PABPC1), P-bodies (DDX6) and nucleoli (NPM1) to promote phase separation and increase cellular stress resistance. Haematopoietic stem cell ageing is associated with a post-transcriptional decrease in PPIA expression and reduced translation of IDR-rich proteins. Here we link the chaperone PPIA to the synthesis of intrinsically disordered proteins, which indicates that impaired protein interaction networks and macromolecular condensation may be potential determinants of haematopoietic stem cell ageing.

Rev-erbα attenuates refractory periapical periodontitis via M1 polarization: An in vitro and in vivo study

AIM

Rev-erbα has been reported to regulate the healing of inflammatory lesions through its effect on the immune system in a variety of inflammatory disease. Moreover, the balance of macrophages polarization plays a crucial role in immune response and inflammatory progression. However, in refractory periapical periodontitis (RAP), the role of Rev-erbα in inflammatory response and bone resorption by regulating macrophage polarization remains unclarified. The aims of the present study were to investigate the expression of Rev-erbα in experimental RAP and to explore the relationship between Rev-erbα and macrophage polarization through the application of its pharmacological agonist SR9009 into the in vivo and in vitro experiments.

METHODOLOGY

Enterococcus faecalis-induced RAP models were established in SD rats. Histological staining and micro-computed tomography scanning were used to evaluate osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone resorption. The expression of Rev-erbα and macrophage polarization were detected in the periapical tissues from rats by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and western blots. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to explore the relationship between Rev-erbα and inflammatory cytokines related to macrophage polarization.

RESULT

Compared to healthy periapical tissue, the expression of Rev-erbα was significantly down-regulated in macrophages from inflammatory periapical area, especially in Enterococcus faecalis-induced periapical lesions, with obvious type-1 macrophage (M1)-like dominance and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, Rev-erbα activation by SR9009 could induce type-2 macrophage (M2)-like polarization in periapical tissue and THP1 cell line, followed by increased secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β. Furthermore, intracanal application of SR9009 reduced the lesion size and promoted the repair of RAP by decreasing the number of osteoclasts and enhancing the formation of mineralized tissue in periapical inflammatory lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Rev-erbα played an essential role in the pathogenesis of RAP through its effect on macrophage polarization. Targeting Rev-erbα might be a promising and prospective therapy method for the prevention and management of RAP.

Conformal Conversion of Polyphosphazene@Sb2MoO6 Nanowires to N/S-Doped/Carbon-Coated SbPO4/MoOx for High-performance Lithium Storage

Alloy-type antimony (Sb) and conversion-type molybdenum (Mo) anodes have attracted extensive attention in the application of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their high theoretical capacity. In this study, Sb2MoO6 nanowires are prepared via a hydrothermal method and assessed their thermal behavior upon heat treatment, observing an intriguing transformation from nanowire to Sb2O3/MoOx nanosheets. To enhance structure stability, the Sb2MoO6 nanowires are successfully coated with a polyphosphazene layer (referred to as PZS@Sb2MoO6), which not only preserved the nanowires form but also yielded N/S co-doped carbon-coated SbPO4/MoOx (NS-C@SbPO4/MoOx) nanowires following annealing in an inert environment. This composite benefits from the stable PO4 3- anion that serve as a buffer against volume expansion and form a Li3PO4 matrix during cycling, both of which substantially bolster ion transport and cycle endurance. Doping with heteroatoms introduces numerous oxygen vacancies, augmenting the number of electrochemically active sites, and carbon integration considerably enhances the electronic conductivity of the electrode and alleviates the volume-change-induced electrode pulverization. Employed as anode materials in LIBs, the NS-C@SbPO4/MoOx electrode exhibits remarkable cycling performance (449.8 mA h g-1 at 1000 mA g-1 over 700 cycles) along with superior rate capability (394.2 mA h g-1 at 2000 mA g-1).

Two-Phase Fermentation Systems for Microbial Production of Plant-Derived Terpenes

Microbial cell factories, renowned for their economic and environmental benefits, have emerged as a key trend in academic and industrial areas, particularly in the fermentation of natural compounds. Among these, plant-derived terpenes stand out as a significant class of bioactive natural products. The large-scale production of such terpenes, exemplified by artemisinic acid-a crucial precursor to artemisinin-is now feasible through microbial cell factories. In the fermentation of terpenes, two-phase fermentation technology has been widely applied due to its unique advantages. It facilitates in situ product extraction or adsorption, effectively mitigating the detrimental impact of product accumulation on microbial cells, thereby significantly bolstering the efficiency of microbial production of plant-derived terpenes. This paper reviews the latest developments in two-phase fermentation system applications, focusing on microbial fermentation of plant-derived terpenes. It also discusses the mechanisms influencing microbial biosynthesis of terpenes. Moreover, we introduce some new two-phase fermentation techniques, currently unexplored in terpene fermentation, with the aim of providing more thoughts and explorations on the future applications of two-phase fermentation technology. Lastly, we discuss several challenges in the industrial application of two-phase fermentation systems, especially in downstream processing.

Betulinic acid inhibits the proliferation of human laryngeal carcinoma cells through reactive oxygen species-mediate mitochondrial apoptotic pathway

Betulinic acid (BA), a natural pentacyclic triterpene, was extracted from the white birch tree, Triphyophyllum peltatum and the jujube tree. In a variety of human cancer cell lines, this substance displays anticancer properties. In this study, we examined how BA works to inhibit human laryngeal cancer growth. We discovered that BA minimally exhibited cytotoxicity in normal cells (human normal cell line GES-1), while remarkably inhibiting viability of AMC-HN-8, TU212, HEp-2 and M4e cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In AMC-HN-8 cancer cells, BA induced apoptosis, activated caspase-3/9/PARP, significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), increased the expression of cytochrome C in the cytoplasm, transported Bax to the mitochondria, increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine can reduce apoptosis. All data showed that BA triggered apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway, in which ROS production was likely involved. The findings support the development of BA as a viable drug for the treatment of human laryngeal carcinoma.

Biphasic release of betamethasone from an injectable HA hydrogel implant for alleviating lumbar disc herniation induced sciatica

Epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a common therapeutic approach for managing sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation (LDH). However, the short duration of therapeutic efficacy and the need for repeated injections pose challenges in LDH treatment. The development of a controlled delivery system capable of prolonging the effectiveness of ESI and reducing the frequency of injections, is highly significant in LDH clinical practice. In this study, we utilized a thiol-ene click chemistry to create a series of injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) based release systems loaded with diphasic betamethasone, including betamethasone dipropionate (BD) and betamethasone 21-phosphate disodium (BP) (BD/BP@HA). BD/BP@HA hydrogel implants demonstrated biocompatibility and biodegradability to matched neuronal tissues, avoiding artificial compression following injection. The sustained release of betamethasone from BD/BP@HA hydrogels effectively inhibited both acute and chronic neuroinflammation by suppressing the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway. In a mouse model of LDH, the epidural administration of BD/BP@HA efficiently alleviated LDH-induced sciatica for at least 10 days by inhibiting the activation of macrophages and microglia in dorsal root ganglion and spinal dorsal horn, respectively. The newly developed HA hydrogels represent a valuable platform for achieving sustained drug release. Additionally, we provide a simple paradigm for fabricating BD/BP@HA for epidural injection, demonstrating greater and sustained efficiency in alleviating LDH-induced sciatica compared to traditional ESI and displaying potentials for clinical translation. This system has the potential to revolutionize drug delivery for co-delivery of both soluble and insoluble drugs, thereby making a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common degenerative disorder leading to sciatica and spine surgery. Although epidural steroid injection (ESI) is routinely used to alleviate sciatica, the efficacy is short and repeated injections are required. There remains challenging to prolong the efficacy of ESI. Herein, an injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel implant by crosslinking acrylated-modified HA (HA-A) with thiol-modified HA (HA-SH) was designed to achieve a biphasic release of betamethasone. The hydrogel showed biocompatibility and biodegradability to match neuronal tissues. Notably, compared to traditional ESI, the hydrogel better alleviated sciatica in vivo by synergistically inhibiting the neuroinflammation in central and peripheral nervous systems. We anticipate the injectable HA hydrogel implant has the potential for clinical translation in treating LDH-induced sciatica.

Evidence for Chiral Wobbler in Nuclei

Three ΔI=1 bands with the πg_{9/2}⊗νg_{9/2} configuration have been identified in _{35}^{74}Br_{39}. Angular distribution, linear polarization, and lifetime measurements were performed to determine the multipolarity, type, mixing ratio, and absolute transition probability of the transitions. By comparing these experimental observations with the corresponding fingerprints and the quantum particle rotor model calculations, the second and third lowest bands are, respectively, suggested as the chiral partner and one-phonon wobbling excitation built on the yrast band. The evidence indicates the first chiral wobbler in nuclei.

Improved small vessel visibility in diabetic foot arteriography using dual-energy CT

AIM

To test the feasibility and performance of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in foot arteriography of diabetic patients, where contrast medium is largely reduced within the small vessels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 diabetic patients were enrolled prospectively, where DECT was acquired immediately after the CT angiography (CTA, group A) of the lower extremity. Two images were derived from the DECT data, one optimal virtual monochromatic image (VMI, group B) and one fusion image (group C), both of which were compared against the CTA image for visualising the foot arteries. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were evaluated. The arterial course and contrast were graded each using a five-point scale. The clarity of small vessel depiction was quantified by comparing the number of plantar metatarsal arteries found in the maximum intensity projection image.

RESULTS

The median CNRs and SNRs obtained in group B were approximately 45% and 20% higher than those in groups A and C, respectively (p<0.05). Group B also received higher subjective scores on the posterior tibial artery and the foot arteries (all >3) than groups A and C. The number of visible branches of the plantar metatarsal arteries was found to be substantially higher (p<0.05) in group B (median=6) than in groups A (median=2) and C (median=4).

CONCLUSION

DECT was found to be superior to conventional CTA in foot arteriography, and beyond the lower extremity, it might be a general favourable solution for imaging regions with small vessels and reduced contrast medium.

LINC00839 in Human Disorders: Insights into its Regulatory Roles and Clinical Impact, with a Special Focus on Cancer

LINC00839 has captured significant attention within a spectrum of human disorders, including acute lung injury, osteoarthritis, and childhood obesity. Notably, aberrant expression patterns of LINC00839 have been observed across diverse cancer tissues and cell lines. LINC00839 emerges as an oncogenic factor in tumorigenesis and exerts a positive influence on tumor-associated behaviors. Its therapeutic potential for various cancers is underscored by its modulatory impact on pivotal signaling pathways, such as PI3K/AKT, OXPHOS, and Wnt/β-catenin. Additionally, LINC00839's role in reducing sensitivity to drug and radiotherapy interventions presents opportunities for targeted intervention. Furthermore, elevated LINC00839 expression indicates advanced clinicopathological features and foretells unfavorable prognoses, as validated by publications and comprehensive analyses of tumor types using TCGA datasets. This review elucidates the multiple regulatory mechanisms and functional implications of LINC00839 in various diseases, especially malignancies, emphasizing its potential as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target across multiple disease domains in humans.

3D mixed ion/electron-conducting scaffolds for stable sodium metal anodes

Sodium (Na) metal batteries represent an optimal choice for the forthcoming generation of large-scale, cost-effective energy storage systems. However, Na metal anodes encounter several formidable challenges during the Na plating and stripping processes, which encompass the formation of an unstable solid electrolyte interface, uncontrollable dendrite growth, and infinite volume expansion. These issues result in a reduced Coulombic efficiency, shortened battery lifespan, and potential safety hazards, thereby constraining their commercial development. Therefore, addressing these challenges to ensure the cycling stability of Na metal anodes stands as a paramount requirement for practical applications. Among the reported strategies, three-dimensional conductive scaffolds possessing a high surface area and porous structure are acknowledged for their significant potential in stabilizing Na metal anodes. Compared with conventional electron-conducting scaffolds, emerging mixed ion/electron-conductive (MIEC) scaffolds provide rapid ion/electron transport pathways, which enable uniform Na+ flux and promote dendrite-free Na deposition, thus improving the cycle life of Na metal anodes, even at high current densities and large areal capacities. Therefore, this review primarily emphasizes the recent progress in applying MIEC scaffolds to Na metal anodes. It introduces diverse design methods, examines the electrochemical performance of MIEC scaffolds, and delves into their regulation mechanisms over Na deposition behaviour. Finally, the development prospects and research strategies for MIEC scaffolds from both fundamental research and practical application perspectives are discussed, suggesting directions for further designing high-performance Na metal batteries.

Identification of ITGB4 as a novel tumor promoting gene in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD)

As the most frequently diagnosed cancer, lung cancer (LC) is the most common cause of cancer‑related death worldwide. In total, ~85% of malignant lung tumors belong to non‑small cell LC, of which ~50% are lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Integrin subunit β4 (ITGB4) is upregulated in lung glandular cancer and elevated ITGB4 levels predict an adverse clinical outcome. However, the biological function of ITGB4 in promoting LUAD progression remains unclear. In the present study, the upregulation of ITGB4 in LUAD tissue samples was demonstrated. To understand the biological role of ITGB4, ITGB4 expression was knocked down in A549 and PC9 cells through transfection with specific small interfering RNAs. The results demonstrated that the downregulation of ITGB4 attenuated A549 and PC9 cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited colony formation, cell migration and cell invasion. To understand the mechanism of ITGB4, high throughput sequencing was performed using ITGB4‑knocked down A549 cells, followed by bioinformatics analysis. It was found that the genes upregulated by ITGB4 were significantly enriched in metabolism and related pathways, and the genes downregulated by ITGB4 were enriched in cell cycle and related pathways. In conclusion, the findings of the present study highlighted the oncogenic function of ITGB4 in LUAD and uncovered potential mechanisms fundamental to the progression of the disease.

Perspectives on Privacy in the Post-Roe Era: A Mixed-Methods of Machine Learning and Qualitative Analyses of Tweets

Abortion is a controversial topic that has long been debated in the US. With the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, access to safe and legal reproductive care is once again in the national spotlight. A key issue central to this debate is patient privacy, as in the post-HITECH Act era it has become easier for medical records to be electronically accessed and shared. This study analyzed a large Twitter dataset from May to December 2022 to examine the public's reactions to Roe v. Wade's overruling and its implications for privacy. Using a mixed-methods approach consisting of computational and qualitative content analysis, we found a wide range of concerns voiced from the confidentiality of patient-physician information exchange to medical records being shared without patient consent. These findings may inform policy making and healthcare industry practices concerning medical privacy related to reproductive rights and women's health.

Bazi Bushen capsule improves the deterioration of the intestinal barrier function by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis through microbiota-gut-brain axis

Purpose

The senescence-accelerated prone mouse 8 (SAMP8) is a widely used model for accelerating aging, especially in central aging. Mounting evidence indicates that the microbiota-gut-brain axis may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of central aging-related diseases. This study aims to investigate whether Bazi Bushen capsule (BZBS) attenuates the deterioration of the intestinal function in the central aging animal model.

Methods

In our study, the SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into the model group, the BZ-low group (0.5 g/kg/d BZBS), the BZ-high group (1 g/kg/d BZBS) and the RAPA group (2 mg/kg/d rapamycin). Age-matched SAMR1 mice were used as the control group. Next, cognitive function was detected through Nissl staining and two-photon microscopy. The gut microbiota composition of fecal samples was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The Ileum tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the intestinal barrier function was observed by immunofluorescence. The expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, including P53, TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Macrophage infiltration and the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry. We also detected the inflammasome and pyroptosis levels in ileum tissue by western blotting.

Results

BZBS improved the cognitive function and neuronal density of SAMP8 mice. BZBS also restored the intestinal villus structure and barrier function, which were damaged in SAMP8 mice. BZBS reduced the expression of SASP factors and the infiltration of macrophages in the ileum tissues, indicating a lower level of inflammation. BZBS enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal cells, which are essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis. BZBS modulated the gut microbiota composition, by which BZBS inhibited the activation of inflammasomes and pyroptosis in the intestine.

Conclusion

BZBS could restore the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and prevent the deterioration of intestinal barrier function by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. These results suggested that BZBS attenuated the cognitive aging of SAMP8 mice, at least partially, by targeting the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

[A multi-dimensional analysis of pollen broadcasting concerns in Chinese population: a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey]

Objective: To investigate the concern about pollen broadcasting in Chinese population from multiple dimensions and to understand the information about allergic rhinitis (AR) in China by analyzing related factors. Methods: From March 1 to September 30, 2022, a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted based on the Questionnaire Star platform in 21 Chinese hospitals. A total of 7 056 subjects from 7 regions in China: Northeast, North, East, Central, South, Southwest, and Northwest China were included. Basic characteristics (including social demographic characteristics and disease characteristics of AR patients), concern about pollen broadcasting, the willingness of pollen-induced AR (PiAR) patients to receive pollen broadcasting, and the treatment satisfaction rate of AR patients were collected. The chi-square test, multivariate linear regression model, and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the concern about pollen broadcasting in the Chinese population and related factors from multiple dimensions. Results: Among 7 056 subjects, 23.02% were concerned about pollen broadcasting. Among 3 176 self-reported AR and 1 019 PiAR patients, 25.60% and 39.16% were concerned about pollen broadcasting, respectively, which was higher than that of non-AR or non-PiAR subjects (χ2 value was 21.74 and 175.11, respectively, both P<0.001). Among AR patients, the proportion of spring and autumn allergen-positive patients concerned about pollen broadcasting was higher than that in perennial allergen-positive patients (χ2 value was 20.90 and 19.51, respectively, both P<0.001). The proportion of AR patients with asthma, sinusitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was higher than those without complications (χ2 value was 50.83, 21.97, 56.78, 7.62, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of AR patients in North China who could find pollen broadcasting locally was 31.01%, significantly higher than those in other regions (all P<0.05). Multivariate linear regression model analysis showed that among PiAR patients, those with higher per capita household income and higher AR disease cognition levels had been concerned about pollen broadcasting in the past, and those complicated with allergic conjunctivitis had stronger intention to receive pollen broadcasting (B value was 0.24, 0.13, 0.66, 0.47, respectively, all P<0.05). The higher the disease cognition level of PiAR patients, the stronger their willingness to actively participate in treatment (R2=0.72, P<0.001). Only 18.89% of AR patients felt satisfied with the treatment effect. Logistic regression analysis showed that in AR patients, the treatment satisfaction rate was significantly higher among those concerned about pollen broadcasting compared to those who were not (OR=1.83, P<0.001). Conclusions: Currently, the dissemination of pollen broadcasting in China is hindered by various factors such as disease cognition level. The treatment satisfaction among AR patients remains unsatisfactory.

The clinical trajectory of peripheral blood immune cell subsets, T-cell activation, and cytokines in septic patients

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

Changes in the immune status of patients with sepsis may have a major impact on their prognosis. Our research focused on changes in various immune cell subsets and T-cell activation during the progression of sepsis.

METHODS AND SUBJECTS

We collected data from 188 sepsis patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The main focus was on the patient's immunocyte subset typing, T-cell activation/Treg cell analysis, and cytokine assay, which can indicate the immune status of the patient.

RESULTS

The study found that the number of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, NK cells, and B cells decreased early in the disease, and the decrease in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was more pronounced in the death group. T lymphocyte activation was inhibited, and the number of Treg cells increased as the disease progressed. T lymphocyte inhibition was more significant in the death group, and the increase in IL-10 was more significant in the death group. Finally, we used patients' baseline conditions and immunological detection indicators for modeling and found that IL-10, CD4+ Treg cells, CD3+HLA-DR+ T cells, and CD3+CD69+ T cells could predict patients' prognosis well.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that immunosuppression occurs in patients early in sepsis. Early monitoring of the patient's immune status may provide a timely warning of the disease.

Effectiveness of in vivo T-cell-depleted regimen containing porcine anti-lymphocyte globulin or rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin in preventing acute graft-versus-host disease after haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

To compare the clinical efficacy of porcine anti-lymphocyte globulin (p-ALG) and rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG) in the treatment of haematological malignancies using haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT), this study was conducted. The incidences of neutrophil and platelet engraftment, respectively, were 100%, 93.6% and 94.4%; 100%, 93.6% and 90.3% in p-ALG 75 mg/kg (n = 57), p-ALG 90 mg/kg (n = 49), and r-ATG 7.5 mg/kg (n = 72). The median time to neutrophil engraftment and platelet engraftment were 11, 12 and 12 days (p = 0.032); 13, 14 and 13 days (p = 0.013), respectively. The incidence of grades II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease and cumulative incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease were 16.7% versus 12.5% versus 13.3% (p = 0.817) and 14.7% versus 12.1% versus 19.5% in p-ALG 75 mg/kg, p-ALG 90 mg/kg and r-ATG groups. Notably, the cytomegalovirus infection rate in the p-ALG 75 mg/kg group was significantly lower than the other two groups. The cumulative incidence of 2-year relapse and 2-year overall survival rates were similar (p = 0.901, p = 0.497). The lower dose of p-ALG (75 mg/kg) had a similar efficacy and safety profile compared with r-ATG (7.5 mg/kg) in the setting of haplo-HSCT. Therefore, p-ALG (75 mg/kg) may be an appropriate alternative to r-ATG in the conditioning regimen of haplo-HSCT.

A Layered Bi2 Te3 @PPy Cathode for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: Mechanism and Application in Printed Flexible Batteries

Low-cost, safe, and environmental-friendly rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising as next-generation energy storage devices for wearable electronics among other applications. However, sluggish ionic transport kinetics and the unstable electrode structure during ionic insertion/extraction hamper their deployment. Herein, a new cathode material based on a layered metal chalcogenide (LMC), bismuth telluride (Bi2 Te3 ), coated with polypyrrole (PPy) is proposed. Taking advantage of the PPy coating, the Bi2 Te3 @PPy composite presents strong ionic absorption affinity, high oxidation resistance, and high structural stability. The ZIBs based on Bi2 Te3 @PPy cathodes exhibit high capacities and ultra-long lifespans of over 5000 cycles. They also present outstanding stability even under bending. In addition, here the reaction mechanism is analyzed using in situ X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and computational tools and it is demonstrated that, in the aqueous system, Zn2+ is not inserted into the cathode as previously assumed. In contrast, proton charge storage dominates the process. Overall, this work not only shows the great potential of LMCs as ZIB cathode materials and the advantages of PPy coating, but also clarifies the charge/discharge mechanism in rechargeable ZIBs based on LMCs.

Anti-BPH lignans from Urtica triangularis subsp. pinnatifida (Hand.-Mazz.) C.J.Chen

A new lignan named (-)-ginkgool-9-O-β-glucopyranoside (1) together with eight known lignans (2-9) were isolated from Urtica triangularis subsp. pinnatifida (Hand.-Mazz.) C.J.Chen. According to the mass spectrometry and spectroscopic analyses, the gross structure and absolute configuration of the new lignan were elucidated. The cytotoxic effects of compounds 1-9 on BPH-1 cells and the docking results on type II 5α-reductase were analysed to evaluate their anti-BPH activity. The results showed better anti-BPH activity that compound 4 displaying an IC50 of 79.75 ± 3.68 μM than finasteride presenting an IC50 of 91.8 ± 3.74 μM. Compounds 1, 2 and 5 had moderate anti-BPH activity compared with finasteride.

A comparative study on source of water masses and nutrient supply in Zhanjiang Bay during the normal summer, rainstorm, and typhoon periods: Insights from dual water isotopes

Typhoons and rainstorms (rainfall >250 mm day-1) are extreme weather events that seriously impact coastal oceanography and biogeochemical cycles. However, changes in the mixing of water masses and nutrient supply induced by typhoons and rainstorms can hardly be identified and quantified by traditional methods owing to the complex hydrological conditions in coastal waters. In this study, we analysed a comparative data set of dual water isotopes (δD and δ18O), hydrological parameters, nutrients, and chlorophyll-a from three periods (normal summer, rainstorm, and typhoon periods) in Zhanjiang Bay, a typical semi-enclosed mariculture bay in South China, to address this issue. The results revealed a significant increase in contributions from freshwater during rainstorms and typhoons. Correspondingly, nutrient supplies from freshwater during these periods remarkably increased compared to the normal summer, indicating that heavy rainfall can transport substantial amounts of terrestrial nutrients into the bay. Furthermore, disparities in hydrodynamic processes between typhoon and rainstorm periods were notable due to inconsistencies in freshwater diffusion paths. During rainstorms, freshwater primarily diffuses towards the outer bay in the upper layer due to strong stratification and cannot form an ocean front. However, under intense external forces caused by the typhoon, high-salinity water intruded into the bay, and enhancement of vertical mixing disrupted stratification. The massive influx of freshwater column during the typhoon mixed with higher salinity seawater column in the bay led to the formation of an ocean front, which could retain contaminants. This study suggests that although both rainstorms and typhoons can discharge large quantities of terrestrial nutrients into Zhanjiang Bay, the front formed during the typhoon period impedes the contaminant transportation to open sea thereby deteriorating water quality and affecting mariculture activities within the bay.

Case report: nanopore targeted sequencing in the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary Aspergillus infection in a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an infectious disease with a high mortality rate due to diagnostic difficulties associated with the lack of a typical clinical presentation and the inadequacy of the available laboratory testing methods. Nanopore targeted sequencing (NTS) is an alternative method of broad-based pathogen discovery, associated with rapid turnaround and high accuracy. This case report presents a patient with IPA and acute promyelocytic leukemia, diagnosed using the NTS method, which detected Aspergillus flavus in the patient's blood and pleural fluid. The patient was treated effectively with antifungal therapy. Early diagnosis of IPA improved long-term patient prognosis and quality of life.

[Molecular epidemiological characteristics of newly diagnosed HIV-1 cases in Fujian Province in 2020]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the HIV-1 genotype and distribution of newly diagnosed HIV-1 cases in Fujian Province in 2020, so as to provide insights into formulation of the precise AIDS control strategy in the province.

METHODS

Newly diagnosed HIV-1 cases without antiretroviral therapy (excluding AIDS patients) were randomly sampled from each city of Fujian Province in 2020 at a proportion of 50% of the mean number of HIV-infected cases reported across 9 cities of Fujian Province during the past three years. Subjects' demographic and epidemiological data were collected and blood samples were collected. The HIV-1 pol gene was amplified using nested reverse-transcription PCR assay, and the gene sequences were used for HIV-1 genotyping and phylogenetic analysis. The gene sequences were uploaded to the HIV Drug Resistance Database (http://hivdb.stanford.edu) for genotypic drug resistance assays, and the scores and level of HIV drug resistance were estimated using the HIVDB Algorithm version 9.5.

RESULTS

A total of 1 043 newly diagnosed HIV-1 cases were reported in Fujian Province in 2020, and 936 gene sequences were successfully obtained following sequencing of blood samples. There were 9 HIV-1 genotypes characterized in blood samples from 936 newly diagnosed HIV-1 cases, with CRF07_BC (52.1%) and CRF01_AE (30.4%) as predominant subtypes, followed by CRF08_BC (4.9%), CRF55_01B (3.0%), subtype C (2.5%), subtype B (2.1%), CRF85_BC (1.7%), CRF59_01B (0.3%) and CRF65_CPX (0.1%), and unidentified subtypes were found in 26 blood samples. HIV-1 drug resistance was detected in 43 out of the 936 newly diagnosed HIV-1 cases, with 4.6% prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance prior to therapy, and the highest drug resistance was found in the HIV CRF59_01B subtype, followed by in CRF08_BC, B, C, CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC and other subtypes, with a significant difference in the genotype-specific prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance (χ2 = 45.002, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a HIV-1 genotype diversity in Fujian Province in 2020, and emerging recombinant and drug-resistant HIV-1 strains were detected and spread across patients and regions. Monitoring of HIV-1 genotypes is recommended to be reinforced for timely understanding of the transmission and spread of novel recombinant and drug-resistant HIV-1 strains.

[Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human ocular helaziasis in China from 2011 to 2022 based on bibliometrics]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of human ocular thelaziasis patients in China.

METHODS

Case reports regarding human ocular thelaziasis cases in China were retrieved in international and national electronic databases, including CNKI, VIP, CBM, Traditional Chinese Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System, Wanfang Database, PubMed and Web of Science from 2011 to 2022. Patients' gender, age, clinical symptoms, treatment, recurrence, site of infections, time of onset, affected eye, affected sites, number of infected Thelazia callipaeda, sex of T. callipaeda and source of infections were extracted for descriptive analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 85 eligible publications were included, covering 101 cases of human ocular thelaziasis, including 57 males (56.44%) and 44 females (43.56%) and aged from 3 months to 85 years. The main clinical manifestations included foreign body sensation (56 case-times, 22.49%), eye itching (38 case-times, 15.26%), abnormal or increased secretions (36 case-times, 14.46%), tears (28 case-times, 11.24%) and eye redness (28 case-times, 11.24%), and conjunctival congestion (50 case-times, 41.67%) was the most common clinical sign. The most common main treatment (99/101, 98.02%) was removal of parasites from eyes using ophthalmic forceps, followed by administration with ofloxacin and pranoprofen. In publications presenting thelaziasis recurrence, there were 90 cases without recurrence (97.83%) and 2 cases with recurrence (2.17%). Of all cases, 51.96% were reported in four provinces of Hubei, Shandong, Sichuan, Hebei and Henan, and ocular thelaziasis predominantly occurred in summer (42.19%) and autumn (42.19%). In addition, 56.45% (35/62) had a contact with dogs.

CONCLUSIONS

The human thelaziasis cases mainly occur in the continental monsoon and subtropical monsoon climate areas such as the Yellow River and the Yangtze River basin, and people of all ages and genders have the disease, with complex clinical symptoms and signs. Personal hygiene is required during the contact with dogs, cats and other animals, and individual protection is required during outdoor activities to prevent thelaziasis.

Epidemiology and transmission of hepatitis A in Shaanxi (western China) after more than ten years of universal vaccination

Background

Hepatitis A (HepA) vaccination and economic factors can change the epidemiology of HepA. In China, the implementation of free vaccination for children under 1.5 years of age in 2008 has resulted in a decline in the overall incidence of HepA. Nevertheless, further investigation is required to comprehensively understand the epidemiological patterns of HepA in economically disadvantaged regions of China.

Method

In this study, we evaluated the incidence, seroprevalence, and transmission characteristics of HepA in Shaanxi with less economically developed. We obtained data on reported cases of HepA from 2005 to 2020. Blood samples from 1,559 individuals aged 0 to 60 years were tested for anti-hepatitis A (HAV) antibodies. A questionnaire survey and blood sample collection were conducted in two sentinel sites from 2019 to 2021.

Result

Between 2008 to 2020, the number of reported cases of HepA decreased from 3.44/100,000 person-years to 0.65/100,000 person-years, indicating an 81.1% decrease, which was particularly pronounced among younger age groups (0-19 years). From 2015-2020, infections were more likely to occur in people in their 40s and those over the age of 60. Farmers were still the most common occupation of HepA in the last decade. The results of the serological investigation showed the highest anti-HAV seroprevalence was observed in adults aged 39-60 years (94.6%) and those aged 28-38 years (87.8%). The 10-15 years group had the lowest seroprevalence at 49.3%. During the study period, a total of 22 cases were reported by sentinel sites, but the common risk factors (like raw food exposure, travel history, and closed contact with patients) were not identified.

Conclusion

Given the greater severity of illness in the adult population and the ambiguous transmission routine, enhanced surveillance for HepA and evaluations that identify feasible approaches to mitigate the risk of HAV transmission are urgent priorities.

Salvage hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with higher leukemia burden in relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia: a ten-year study

Patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R-R AML), especially those in non-remission (NR) have a poor prognosis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). In order to optimize the entire allo-HSCT process for R-R AML patients and identify potential factors affecting clinical outcomes after HSCT, we retrospectively analyzed 44 adult patients with R-R AML who underwent salvage allo-HSCT while in NR or with concomitant extramedullary leukemia at the Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from 2013 to 2022. The 1-year and 2-year overall survival (OS) of the 44 patients were 55.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 41.1%-74.3%) and 44.4% (95%CI, 30.2%-65.4%), respectively. The 1-year and 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) were 39.4% (95%CI, 38.0%-40.7%) and 53.0% (95%CI, 51.0%-55.1%), respectively, and the 1-year and 2-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) were 37.8% (95%CI, 24.8%-57.7%) and 20.3% (95%CI, 9.1%-45.3%), respectively. The 100-day, 1-year and 2-year treatment-related mortality (TRM) was 13.8% (95%CI, 13.3%-14.4%), 22.8% (95%CI, 21.9%-23.7%) and 26.7% (95%CI, 25.5%-27.8%), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients who developed chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after transplantation had lower relapse rate. Our analysis also indicated that patients with blast counts in bone marrow (BM) <20% and those with ≥20% had comparable clinical outcomes after allo-HSCT. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that R-R AML patients in NR or with concomitant extramedullary leukemia can benefit from allo-HSCT, regardless of leukemia burden at the time of transplantation. Patients who experience cGVHD after allo-HSCT may have lower relapse rate due to enhanced graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects, but cGVHD should be controlled at mild to moderate level to avoid life-threatening complications.

A Biomimetic Nanoplatform with Improved Inflammatory Targeting Behavior for ROS Scavenging-Based Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a refractory disease, has become a global problem. Herein, a biomimetic nanoplatform (AU-LIP-CM) comprising Au cluster enzymes (AU)-loaded liposomes (AU-LIP) camouflaged with the fusion membrane (CM) consisting of neutrophil (NC) and red blood cell (RBC) membrane is designed for the treatment of UC. Briefly, revealed by second near-infrared (NIR-II) imaging through collection of fluorescence emitting >1200 nm from AU, the improved inflammatory targeting behavior contributed by CM cloaking, which inherits abilities of inflammatory targeting and immune escape from NC and RBC, respectively, promotes specific accumulation of AU within inflammatory intestines with up to ≈11.5 times higher than that of bare AU. Afterward, AU possessing superoxide dismutase- and catalase-like activities realizes high-efficiency scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to repair of intestinal barriers, regulation of the immune system, and modulation of gut microbiota, which surpass first-line UC drug. In addition, study of underlying therapeutic mechanism demonstrated that the treatment with AU-LIP-CM can alter the gene signature associated with response to ROS for UC mice to a profile similar to that of healthy mice, deciphering related signal pathways. The strategy developed here provides insights of learning from properties of natural bio-substances to empower biomimetic nanoplatform to confront diseases.

A 3d-4d-5d High Entropy Alloy as a Bifunctional Oxygen Catalyst for Robust Aqueous Zinc-Air Batteries

High entropy alloys (HEAs) are highly suitable candidate catalysts for oxygen evolution and reduction reactions (OER/ORR) as they offer numerous parameters for optimizing the electronic structure and catalytic sites. Herein, FeCoNiMoW HEA nanoparticles are synthesized using a solution-based low-temperature approach. Such FeCoNiMoW nanoparticles show high entropy properties, subtle lattice distortions, and modulated electronic structure, leading to superior OER performance with an overpotential of 233 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and 276 mV at 100 mA cm-2 . Density functional theory calculations reveal the electronic structures of the FeCoNiMoW active sites with an optimized d-band center position that enables suitable adsorption of OOH* intermediates and reduces the Gibbs free energy barrier in the OER process. Aqueous zinc-air batteries (ZABs) based on this HEA demonstrate a high open circuit potential of 1.59 V, a peak power density of 116.9 mW cm-2 , a specific capacity of 857 mAh gZn -1 , and excellent stability for over 660 h of continuous charge-discharge cycles. Flexible and solid ZABs are also assembled and tested, displaying excellent charge-discharge performance at different bending angles. This work shows the significance of 4d/5d metal-modulated electronic structure and optimized adsorption ability to improve the performance of OER/ORR, ZABs, and beyond.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of solitary and multiple adult gliomas: a retrospective study based on propensity score matching

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to compare the survival and prognostic factors in patients with solitary gliomas to those with multiple to improve the understanding of multiple gliomas and investigate their heterogeneous dissemination pathways.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data on 358 patients diagnosed with adult gliomas confirmed by postoperative pathology were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The clinical characteristics, survival rates and prognosis of patients were analyzed by propensity score matching (PSM).

RESULTS

Between the two groups, statistically significant differences were identified in multiple general clinical characteristics, including age, pathological grade, lesion location, 1p19q co-deletion, IDH1 mutation, MGMT promoter methylation expression rate, p53 mutation and NF1 mutation (p<0.05). Before PSM, the mOS for patients with multiple gliomas was shorter than that for those with solitary (p=0.0045). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age, pathological grade IV, and absence of concurrent chemotherapy were significant risk factors affecting OS. Pathological grade IV, ki-67 expression range of 25-50%, and absence of concurrent chemotherapy were identified as risk factors for PFS. After PSM, the prognostic factors associated with OS were age and concurrent chemotherapy, while those associated with PFS were ki-67 expression range of 50-75% and lesion located in the right frontal lobe (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis for multiple gliomas is extremely poor, which is related to the fact that the most common pathological types are glioblastomas and the surgical procedure is challenging. Concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the strongest protective prognostic factors, and the differences in their molecular pathology expression compared to solitary gliomas remain for further investigation.

[Rapamycin mediated caspase 9 homodimerization to safeguard human pluripotent stem cell therapy]

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are promising in regenerative medicine. However, the pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) may form clumps of cancerous tissue, which is a major safety concern in PSCs therapies. Rapamycin is a safe and widely used immunosuppressive pharmaceutical that acts through heterodimerization of the FKBP12 and FRB fragment. Here, we aimed to insert a rapamycin inducible caspase 9 (riC9) gene in a safe harbor AAVS1 site to safeguard hiPSCs therapy by drug induced homodimerization. The donor vector containing an EF1α promoter, a FRB-FKBP-Caspase 9 (CARD domain) fusion protein and a puromycin resistant gene was constructed and co-transfected with sgRNA/Cas9 vector into hiPSCs. After one to two weeks screening with puromycin, single clones were collected for genotype and phenotype analysis. Finally, rapamycin was used to induce the homodimerization of caspase 9 to activate the apoptosis of the engineered cells. After transfection of hiPSCs followed by puromycin screening, five cell clones were collected. Genome amplification and sequencing showed that the donor DNA has been precisely knocked out at the endogenous AAVS1 site. The engineered hiPSCs showed normal pluripotency and proliferative capacity. Rapamycin induced caspase 9 activation, which led to the apoptosis of all engineered hiPSCs and its differentiated cells with different sensitivity to drugs. In conclusion, we generated a rapamycin-controllable hiPSCs survival by homodimerization of caspase 9 to turn on cell apoptosis. It provides a new strategy to guarantee the safety of the hiPSCs therapy.

Lymphatic endothelial transcription factor Tbx1 promotes an immunosuppressive microenvironment to facilitate post-myocardial infarction repair

The heart is an autoimmune-prone organ. It is crucial for the heart to keep injury-induced autoimmunity in check to avoid autoimmune-mediated inflammatory disease. However, little is known about how injury-induced autoimmunity is constrained in hearts. Here, we reveal an unknown intramyocardial immunosuppressive program driven by Tbx1, a DiGeorge syndrome disease gene that encodes a T-box transcription factor (TF). We found induced profound lymphangiogenic and immunomodulatory gene expression changes in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) after myocardial infarction (MI). The activated LECs penetrated the infarcted area and functioned as intramyocardial immune hubs to increase the numbers of tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs) and regulatory T (Treg) cells through the chemokine Ccl21 and integrin Icam1, thereby inhibiting the expansion of autoreactive CD8+ T cells and promoting reparative macrophage expansion to facilitate post-MI repair. Mimicking its timing and implementation may be an additional approach to treating autoimmunity-mediated cardiac diseases.

Evaluation of growth adaptation of Cinnamomum camphora seedlings in ionic rare earth tailings environment

The root system is an important organ for nutrient uptake and biomass accumulation in plants, while biomass allocation directly affects essential oils content, which plays an essential role in plant growth and development and resistance to adverse environmental conditions. This study was undertaken to investigate the differences and correlation of biomass allocation, root traits and essential oil content (EOC), as well as the adaptations of camphor tree with different chemical types to the ionic rare earth tailing sand habitats. Data from 1-year old cutting seedlings of C. camphora showed that the biomass of C. camphora cuttings was mainly distributed in root system, with the ratio of root biomass 49.9-72.13% and the ratio of root to canopy 1.00-2.64. The total biomass was significantly positively correlated with root length (RL), root surface area (RSA) and dry weight of fine roots (diameter ≤ 2 mm) (P < 0.05). Root biomass and leaf biomass were negatively and positively with specific root length (SRL) and specific root surface area (SRSA), respectively. Leaf biomass presented a positive effect on EOC (P < 0.05), with the correlation coefficient of 0.808. The suitability sort of these camphor trees was as follows: C. camphora β-linalool, C. camphora α-linaloolII, C. camphora α-linaloolI being better adapted to the ionic rare earth tailings substrate, C. camphora citral being the next, and C. porrectum β-linalool and C. camphora borneol being the least adaptive. EOC played a positive role in the adaptation of C. camphora (R2 = 0.6099, P < 0.05). Therefore camphor tree with linalool type is the appropriate choice in the ecological restoration of ionic rare earth tailings. The study could provide scientific recommendations for the ecological restoration of ionic rare earth tailings area combined with industrial development.

Peripheral T-Cell Priming and Micrometastatic Disease Control with Metastasis-Directed Therapy: Multidimensional Immunogenomic Profiling of Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer in the EXTEND Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Comprehensive metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) for oligometastatic prostate cancer extended progression-free survival (PFS) and time to new lesion formation in the intermittent hormone therapy (HT) basket of EXTEND. To better understand the mechanism of MDT benefit, we pooled the intermittent and continuous HT baskets of EXTEND and tested the hypothesis that adding MDT to HT would program systemic T-cells to control micrometastatic disease.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 174 men were randomized to HT with or without MDT to up to 5 sites of metastases. HT was given for 6 months (intermittent basket, n = 87) or indefinitely (continuous basket, n = 87). Peripheral blood samples were drawn at enrollment, at the end of MDT, at 3 months follow-up (3 mo F/U), and at progression and then analyzed by flow cytometry, T-cell receptor (TCR)-β CDR3 variable region sequencing, multiplex cytokine profiling, and next-generation circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) sequencing. TCR clonal expansion was determined using a published betabinomial model. Repertoire changes were assessed by Morisita's index, and dominant TCR repertoire motifs were characterized with ImmunoMap. Associations between blood markers and PFS were evaluated with Cox regression adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) accounting for randomization arm and stratifying for intermittent vs continuous HT.

RESULTS

Randomization to MDT+HT was associated with T-cell activation, proliferation, and clonal expansion. This response was first observed at end-MDT as upregulated expression of T-cell activation and inhibition markers (i.e., ICOS, Tim-3, and LAG-3) and increases in highly proliferative CD4+ and CD8+ Ki67hi T-cells (all P<0.05). TCR sequencing of 7,678,911 T-cells revealed that MDT+HT was associated with TCR clonal expansion, remodeling of the TCR repertoire, and changes in dominant TCR motifs at end-MDT and 3 mo F/U (all P<0.05). Observed T-cell priming could be driven by signaling networks of canonical T-cell stimulatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, and IL-15), which were upregulated at end-MDT and persisted at 3 mo F/U (all P<0.05). This modulation of T-cell phenotype, clonotype, and cytokine concentrations was not observed in the HT-monotherapy arm. At end-MDT, systemic T-cell responses were associated with improved PFS, most notably CD8+ T-cell expression of LAG-3 (aHR 0.22, 95% CI 0.03-0.91) and high TCR clonal expansion (aHR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.52). High ctDNA burden at end-MDT correlated with worse PFS (aHR 1.41, 95% CI 1.04-2.54), as did CD8+ T-cell expression of inhibitory receptor TIGIT at 3 mo F/U (aHR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06).

CONCLUSION

The addition of MDT to HT induced systemic T-cell activation and expansion, which was not observed in the HT-only arm. This systemic immune response was independently associated with improved PFS. In addition to cytoreduction of macroscopic disease, MDT-induced immune education may be an important complementary mechanism of micrometastatic control in oligometastatic prostate cancer.

Numerical and experimental investigations on the jet and shock wave dynamics during the cavitation bubble collapsing near spherical particles based on OpenFOAM

The interaction between cavitation bubbles and particles is essential for the operational performance many kinds of fluid machineries. In the present paper, jet dynamics and shock waves induced by the cavitation bubble collapsing near two spherical particles are numerically investigated based on OpenFOAM. The numerical scheme is validated by the experimental data obtained based on our high-speed camera cavitation system. Our results reveal that bubble split induced by annular jet is the primary feature during bubble collapsing with four typical cases defined. For the jet formation, the localized high pressure produced at the bubble split point is the main reason and the split point also serves as the source of the shock waves shown by the numerical schlieren. Furthermore, the nondimensional bubble-particle distance is the most paramount parameter influencing the jet phenomenon (e.g. jet velocity).

A Novel Planning and Delivery Technology: Dose, Dose Rate and Linear Energy Transfer (LET) Optimization Based on Spot-Scanning Proton Arc Therapy FLASH (SPLASHLET)

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To achieve a high conformal dose with Linear Energy Transfer (LET) optimized FLASH proton therapy, we introduced a new planning and delivery technique concept, the voxel-wised optimization of LET distribution and dose rate based on scanning arc therapy (SPLASHLET) MATERIALS/METHODS: The algorithm optimizes (1) the clinical dose-volume constraint based on dose distribution and (2) the clinical LET-volume constraint based on LET distribution using Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) with Limited-memory BFGS solver by minimizing the monitor unit (MU) constraint on spot weight and (3) the effective dose-average dose rate by minimizing the accelerator's beam current sequentially. Such optimization framework enables the high dose conformal dynamic arc therapy with the capability of LET painting with voxel-based FLASH dose rate in an open-source proton planning platform (MatRad, Department of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center-DKFZ). It aiming to minimize the overall cost function value combined with plan quality and voxel-based LET and dose rate constraints. Three representative cases (brain, liver and prostate cancer) were used for testing purposes. Dose-volume histogram (DVH), LET volume histogram (LVH) dose rate volume histogram (DRVH) and dose rate map were assessed compared to the original SPArc plan (SPArcoriginal).

RESULTS

SPLASHLET plan could offer comparable plan quality compared to SPArcoriginal plan. The DRVH results indicated that SPArcoriginal could not achieve FLASH using the clinic beam current configuration, while SPLASHLET could significantly not only improve V40Gy/s in target and region of interest (ROI) but also improve the mean LET in the target and reduce the high LET in organ at risk (OAR) in comparison with SPArcoriginal (Table 1).

CONCLUSION

SPLASHLET offers the first LET painting with voxel-based ultra-dose-rate and high-dose conformity treatment using proton beam therapy. Such technique has the potential to take full vantage of LET painting, FLASH and SPArc.

Low-Dose Staphylococcal Enterotoxin C2 Mutant Maintains Bone Homeostasis via Regulating Crosstalk between Bone Formation and Host T-Cell Effector Immunity

Studies in recent years have highlighted an elaborate crosstalk between T cells and bone cells, suggesting that T cells may be alternative therapeutic targets for the maintenance of bone homeostasis. Here, it is reported that systemic administration of low-dose staphylococcal enterotoxin C2 (SEC2) 2M-118, a form of mutant superantigen, dramatically alleviates ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss via modulating T cells. Specially, SEC2 2M-118 treatment increases trabecular bone mass significantly via promoting bone formation in OVX mice. These beneficial effects are largely diminished in T-cell-deficient nude mice and can be rescued by T-cell reconstruction. Neutralizing assays determine interferon gamma (IFN-γ) as the key factor that mediates the beneficial effects of SEC2 2M-118 on bone. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that IFN-γ stimulates Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling, leading to enhanced production of nitric oxide, which further activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) signaling and promotes osteogenic differentiation. IFN-γ also directly inhibits osteoclast differentiation, but this effect is counteracted by proabsorptive factors tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) secreted from IFN-γ-stimulated macrophages. Taken together, this work provides clues for developing innovative approaches which target T cells for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Stereospecificity of Ginsenoside AD-1 and AD-2 Showed Anticancer Activity via Inducing Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Reactive Oxygen Species Mediate Cell Apoptosis

In this paper, the anti-cancer activity and molecular mechanisms of the isomers of AD-1 and AD-2 (20(R)-AD-1, 20(R)-AD-2, 20(S)-AD-1 and 20(S)-AD-2) were investigated. The results indicated that all of the four compounds obviously suppressed the viability of various cancer cells, and the anti-cancer activity of 20(R)-AD-1 and 20(R)-AD-2 was significantly better than 20(S)-AD-1 and 20(S)-AD-2, especially for gastric cancer cells (BGC-803). Then, the differences in the anti-cancer mechanisms of the isomers were investigated. The data showed that 20(R)-AD-1 and 20(R)-AD-2 induced apoptosis and decreased MMP, up-regulated the expression of cytochrome C in cytosol, transferred Bax to the mitochondria, suppressed oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis and stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Apoptosis can be attenuated by the reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetylcysteine. However, 20(S)-AD-1 and 20(S)-AD-2 barely exhibited the same results. The results indicated that 20(R)-AD-1 and 20(R)-AD-2 suppressed cellular energy metabolism and caused apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, which ROS generation was probably involved in. Above all, the data support the development of 20(R)-AD-1 and 20(R)-AD-2 as potential agents for human gastric carcinoma therapy.

Analysis of 6 pediatric nephrotic syndrome cases with complications of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis and literature review

Background

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare but serious complication of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children. To investigate the clinical characteristics of CVST in children with NS in order to timely diagnose this complication and reduce poor outcome.

Methods

Collect and analyze clinical data and magnetic resonance venography (MRV) results of children with NS complicated with CVST.

Results

Data of 6 patients with NS complicated with CVST were collected. 4 of the patients were steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) and 2 were steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). The occurrence of CVST was observed within a time frame ranging from 12 days to 3 years following the diagnosis of NS. One patient had two episodes of thrombosis in three years, while the other five patients had only one episode of thrombosis. All patients had proteinuria at the time of episode of thrombosis. All patients presented with headache, and three of them had strabismus, seizures, and transient blindness, respectively. Neurological examination was negative. All patients were diagnosed with CVST by MRV within 3-16 days of the onset of headache. Two patients had TRPC6 gene mutation. All patients had resolution of neurological symptoms after anticoagulation treatment.

Conclusion

CVST may occur in the early stages of NS. There is currently a lack of specific diagnostic indicators to reliably identify the presence of CVST in patients with NS. Children with NS who have neurological symptoms should be promptly evaluated with imaging studies. Whether TRPC6 gene mutation is also a risk factor for CVST remains to be further studied.

Modulation of the proteostasis network promotes tumor resistance to oncogenic KRAS inhibitors

Despite substantial advances in targeting mutant KRAS, tumor resistance to KRAS inhibitors (KRASi) remains a major barrier to progress. Here, we report proteostasis reprogramming as a key convergence point of multiple KRASi-resistance mechanisms. Inactivation of oncogenic KRAS down-regulated both the heat shock response and the inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) branch of the unfolded protein response, causing severe proteostasis disturbances. However, IRE1α was selectively reactivated in an ER stress-independent manner in acquired KRASi-resistant tumors, restoring proteostasis. Oncogenic KRAS promoted IRE1α protein stability through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent phosphorylation of IRE1α, leading to IRE1α disassociation from 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl reductase degradation (HRD1) E3-ligase. In KRASi-resistant tumors, both reactivated ERK and hyperactivated AKT restored IRE1α phosphorylation and stability. Suppression of IRE1α overcame resistance to KRASi. This study reveals a druggable mechanism that leads to proteostasis reprogramming and facilitates KRASi resistance.

[Safety evaluation of simultaneous administration of quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in adults aged 60 years and older]

Objective: To evaluate the safety of simultaneous administration of quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in adults aged 60 years and older. Methods: From November 2021 to May 2022, eligible participants aged 60 years and older were recruited in Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, and a total of 2 461 participants were ultimately enrolled in this study. Each participant simultaneously received one dose of quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and one dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. The safety was observed within 28 days after vaccination. Safety information was collected through voluntary reporting and regular follow-ups. Results: All 2 461 participants completed the simultaneous administration of both vaccines and the safety follow-ups for 28 days after vaccination. The mean age of the participants was (70.66±6.18) years, with 54.61% (1 344) being male, and all participants were Han Chinese residents. About 22.51% (554) of the participants had underlying medical conditions. The overall incidence of adverse reactions within 0-28 days after simultaneous vaccination was 2.07% (51/2 461), mainly consisting of Grade 1 adverse reactions [1.83% (45/2 461)], with no reports of Grade 4 or higher adverse reactions or vaccine-related serious adverse events. The incidence of local adverse reactions was 0.98% (24/2 461), primarily presenting as pain at the injection site [0.93% (23/2 461)]. The incidence of systemic adverse reactions was 1.42% (35/2 461), with fever [0.85% (21/2 461)] being the main symptom. In the group with underlying medical conditions and the healthy group, their overall incidence of adverse reactions was 2.53% (14/554) and 1.94% (37/1 907), respectively. The incidence of local adverse reactions in the two groups was 1.62% (9/554) and 0.79% (15/1 907), respectively, and the incidence of systemic adverse reactions was 1.44% (8/554) and 1.42% (27/1 907), respectively, with no statistically significant differences between them (all P>0.05). Conclusion: It is safe for adults aged 60 years and older to receive quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine at the same time.

Measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters from the T2K experiment using 3.6×1021 protons on target

The T2K experiment presents new measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters using 19.7 ( 16.3 ) × 10 20 protons on target (POT) in (anti-)neutrino mode at the far detector (FD). Compared to the previous analysis, an additional 4.7 × 10 20 POT neutrino data was collected at the FD. Significant improvements were made to the analysis methodology, with the near-detector analysis introducing new selections and using more than double the data. Additionally, this is the first T2K oscillation analysis to use NA61/SHINE data on a replica of the T2K target to tune the neutrino flux model, and the neutrino interaction model was improved to include new nuclear effects and calculations. Frequentist and Bayesian analyses are presented, including results on sin 2 θ 13 and the impact of priors on the δ CP measurement. Both analyses prefer the normal mass ordering and upper octant of sin 2 θ 23 with a nearly maximally CP-violating phase. Assuming the normal ordering and using the constraint on sin 2 θ 13 from reactors, sin 2 θ 23 = 0 . 561 - 0.032 + 0.021 using Feldman-Cousins corrected intervals, and Δ m 32 2 = 2 . 494 - 0.058 + 0.041 × 10 - 3 eV 2 using constant Δ χ 2 intervals. The CP-violating phase is constrained to δ CP = - 1 . 97 - 0.70 + 0.97 using Feldman-Cousins corrected intervals, and δ CP = 0 , π is excluded at more than 90% confidence level. A Jarlskog invariant of zero is excluded at more than 2 σ credible level using a flat prior in δ CP , and just below 2 σ using a flat prior in sin δ CP . When the external constraint on sin 2 θ 13 is removed, sin 2 θ 13 = 28 . 0 - 6.5 + 2.8 × 10 - 3 , in agreement with measurements from reactor experiments. These results are consistent with previous T2K analyses.

Risk factors for bloodstream infection in paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), a standard treatment for paediatric haematological diseases, is highly associated with bloodstream infection (BSI), which may increase mortality.

AIM

To explore the risk factors for BSI in paediatric HSCT recipients.

METHODS

Three English databases and four Chinese databases were searched from inception to March 17th, 2022. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies that enrolled HSCT recipients aged ≤18 years and reported BSI risk factors. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), certainty of body of evidence was assessed.

FINDINGS

Fourteen studies involving 4602 persons were included. The incidences of BSI and associated mortality in paediatric HSCT recipients were approximately 10-50% and 5-15%, respectively. Meta-analysis of all studies revealed that previous BSI before HSCT (relative effect (RE): 2.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19-4.34, moderate certainty) and receiving an umbilical cord blood transplant (RE: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.22-1.97, moderate certainty) were probably associated with an increased risk of BSI. Meta-analysis of studies with low risk of bias reassured that previous BSI before HSCT probably increased the risk of BSI (RE: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.19-4.34, moderate certainty), and revealed that steroid use (RE: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.31-5.64, moderate certainty) was likely a risk factor whereas autologous HSCT was probably a protective factor of BSI (RE: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45-0.94, moderate certainty).

CONCLUSION

These findings could inform the management of paediatric HSCT recipients, helping identify who may benefit from prophylactic antibiotics.

A review of the marine biogeochemical response to typhoons

Typhoons are extreme weather events that can not only affect marine dynamics, but also change marine biogeochemistry, considerably impacting the climate. Based on the satellite remote sensing data, the upwelling of abundant nutrients induced by typhoons from deeper eutrophic water to the upper oligotrophic layer triggers phytoplankton blooms in the upper oceans, thereby increasing new productivity (as a carbon sink). However, field observations have shown that organic matter decomposition (as a carbon source) is the dominant process regardless of whether phytoplankton blooms occur after typhoons, resulting in oxygen consumption in the water column. Therefore, it is particularly important to comprehensively study the coupling mechanisms of biogeochemistry and dynamics in the ocean after typhoons. Here, we present a systematic overview summarizing the effects of typhoons on marine dynamics and biogeochemistry and elaborating on the characteristics and mechanisms of organic matter decomposition induced by typhoons.

Identifying the Role of the Cationic Geometric Configuration in Spinel Catalysts for Polysulfide Conversion in Sodium-Sulfur Batteries

An AB2X4 spinel structure, with tetrahedral A and octahedral B sites, is a paradigmatic class of catalysts with several possible geometric configurations and numerous applications, including polysulfide conversion in metal-sulfur batteries. Nonetheless, the influence of the geometric configuration and composition on the mechanisms of catalysis and the precise manner in which spinel catalysts facilitate the conversion of polysulfides remain unknown. To enable controlled exposure of single active configurations, herein, Cotd2+ and Cooh3+ in Co3O4 catalysts for sodium polysulfide conversion are in large part replaced by Fetd2+ and Feoh3+, respectively, generating FeCo2O4 and CoFe2O4. Through an examination of electrochemical activation energies, the characterization of symmetric cells, and theoretical calculations, we determine that Cooh3+ serves as the active site for the breaking of S-S bonds, while Cotd2+ functions as the active site for the formation of S-Na bonds. The current study underlines the subtle relationship between activity and geometric configurations of spinel catalysts, providing unique insights for the rational development of improved catalysts by optimizing their atomic geometric configuration.