Nanoscale doping of polymeric semiconductors with confined electrochemical ion implantation

Nanoresolved doping of polymeric semiconductors can overcome scaling limitations to create highly integrated flexible electronics, but remains a fundamental challenge due to isotropic diffusion of the dopants. Here we report a general methodology for achieving nanoscale ion-implantation-like electrochemical doping of polymeric semiconductors. This approach involves confining counterion electromigration within a glassy electrolyte composed of room-temperature ionic liquids and high-glass-transition-temperature insulating polymers. By precisely adjusting the electrolyte glass transition temperature (Tg) and the operating temperature (T), we create a highly localized electric field distribution and achieve anisotropic ion migration that is nearly vertical to the nanotip electrodes. The confined doping produces an excellent resolution of 56 nm with a lateral-extended doping length down to as little as 9.3 nm. We reveal a universal exponential dependence of the doping resolution on the temperature difference (Tg - T) that can be used to depict the doping resolution for almost infinite polymeric semiconductors. Moreover, we demonstrate its implications in a range of polymer electronic devices, including a 200% performance-enhanced organic transistor and a lateral p-n diode with seamless junction widths of <100 nm. Combined with a further demonstration in the scalability of the nanoscale doping, this concept may open up new opportunities for polymer-based nanoelectronics.

Optimizing the indication of initial radioiodine oncolytic treatment for metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer by diagnostic 131I scan

AIM

As a classic theranostic radiopharmaceutical, radioiodine (131I) has been utilized in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) for more than 8 decades, and the refinement of its clinical practice has been raised recently. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of a diagnostic (Dx) 131I scan in optimizing the indication of initial radioiodine oncolytic treatment (ROT) for metastatic DTC by predicting therapeutic outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients (Dx positive, n=29; Dx negative, n=71) were eligible for patient-based analysis. The matching rate was 83.0% between the Dx and the post-therapeutic scans (kappa = 0.648, P<0.001). The biochemical remission rate and structural shrinkage rate induced by the initial ROT in the Dx-positive group were, respectively, greater than those in the Dx-negative group (83.3% vs. 17.4%, P<0.001; 37.9% vs. 4.2%, P<0.001). Notably, the predictive values of positive Dx scans for ROT responsiveness and negative Dx scans for ROT nonresponsiveness reached up to 89.7% and 84.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This Dx scan approach seems viable in characterizing the 131I-avidity of metastatic DTC and plays a pivotal role in optimizing the indication of initial ROT for metastatic DTC.

Comparative analysis of adding cotton straw and corn stover to improve the combustion performance of municipal sludge

To address issues of high water content and low calorific value during combustion of municipal sludge, we added water-absorbent, easy-to-burn agricultural waste to improve the overall combustion performance. Cotton straw or corn stover were added to the sludge and mixed at high-speed to compare their capacities for improving combustion performance. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that cotton straw or corn stover attached to the surface of the municipal sludge particles after blending, while analysis of thermogravimetric curves and activation energies of the blends showed that combustion and exhaustion rates increased significantly when 40% cotton straw or corn stover were blended into the sludge. Using the quadrilateral cut-ring boiler as a prototype, the mix of sludge with cotton straw or corn stover was simulated, and FLUENT software was used to obtain the temperature and pollutant emissions of the boiler. Sludge blended with cotton straw or corn stover increased furnace temperature and reduced SO2 and NO emissions, while that with cotton straw burned at higher temperatures with lower SO2 and NO emissions. Overall, the CO content of sludge combustion was lower when blended with proportions of cotton straw or corn stover under 50%. The findings of this study lay a theoretical foundation for treatment of municipal sludge according to local conditions.

A time-averaged serum bicarbonate-based nomogram to predict the probability of residual kidney function preservation for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis

OBJECTIVE

Residual kidney function (RKF) is an important prognostic indicator in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. So far, there are no prediction tools available for RKF, and the association between serum bicarbonate and RKF has received little attention in patients with PD. We aimed to develop a nomogram for the preservation of RKF based on the time-averaged serum bicarbonate (TA-Bic) levels.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prediction model was established by conducting a retrospective cohort study of 151 PD patients who had been treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. The nomogram was developed using a multivariate Cox regression model. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the model were evaluated by the C-index, receiver operating curve (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

In the elderly PD onset, higher baseline values of residual glomerular filtration rate, total Kt/V and higher TA-Bic levels were identified as protective predictors of RKF loss. The nomogram was conducted on the basis of the minimum value of the Akaike Information Criterion and Bayesian Information Criterion with a reasonable C-index of 0.766, showing great discrimination, proper calibration, and high potential for clinical practice. Through the total score of the nomogram, the patients were classified into the high-risk group and low-risk group, and a higher cumulative incidence of complete RRF loss was found in the high-risk group compared with the patients in the low-risk group.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel predictive nomogram model can predict the probability of RKF preservation in long-term PD patients with high accuracy. Future studies are needed to externally validate the current nomogram before clinical application.

Circ_ST6GAL1-mediated competing endogenous RNA network regulates TGF-β1-stimulated matrix Metalloproteinase-13 expression via Runx2 acetylation in osteoblasts

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13, a bone-remodeling gene) expression, and this effect requires p300-mediated Runx2 (Runt-related transcription factor 2) acetylation in osteoblasts. p300 and Runx2 are transcriptional coactivator and bone transcription factor, respectively, which play key roles in the regulation of bone-remodeling genes. Non-coding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs), such as long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), have been linked to both physiological and pathological bone states. In this study, we proposed that TGF-β1-mediated stimulation of MMP-13 expression is due to the downregulation of p300 targeting miRNAs in osteoblasts. We identified miR-130b-5p as one of the miRNAs downregulated by TGF-β1 in osteoblasts. Forced expression of miR-130b-5p decreased p300 expression, Runx2 acetylation, and MMP-13 expression in these cells. Furthermore, TGF-β1 upregulated circ_ST6GAL1, (a circular lncRNA) in osteoblasts; circRNA directly targeted miR-130b-5p. Antisense-mediated knockdown of circ_ST6GAL1 restored the function of miR-130b-5p, resulting in downregulation of p300, Runx2, and MMP-13 in these cells. Hence, our results suggest that TGF-β1 influences circ_ST6GAL1 to sponge and degrade miR-130b-5p, thereby promoting p300-mediated Runx2 acetylation for MMP-13 expression in osteoblasts. Thus, the circ_ST6GAL1/miR-130b-5p/p300 axis has potential significance in the treatment of bone and bone-related disorders.

The role of α7-nAChR-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in lung cancer induced by nicotine

Nicotine enters the environment mainly through human activity, as well as natural sources. This review article examines the increasing evidence implicating nicotine in the initiation and progression of lung cancer. Moreover, it primarily focuses on elucidating the activation mechanism of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB, also known as AKT) signaling pathway, regulated by α7 subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR), in relation to the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of lung cancer cells induced by nicotine, as well as nicotine-mediated anti-apoptotic effects. This process involves PI3K/AKT phosphorylated-B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family proteins, PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), PI3K/AKT/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/cellular-mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met)-induced PI3K/AKT and PI3K/AKT activated-hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways. In addition, we also deliberated on the related challenges and upcoming prospects within this field. These lay the foundation for further study on nicotine, lung tumorigenesis, and PI3K/AKT related molecular mechanisms. This work has the potential to significantly contribute to the treatment and prognosis of gastric cancer in smokers. Besides, the crucial significance of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in multiple molecular pathways also suggests that its target antagonists may inhibit the development and progression of lung cancer, providing a possible new perspective for solving the problem of nicotine-promoted lung cancer. The emerging knowledge about the carcinogenic mechanisms of nicotine action should be considered during the environmental assessment of tobacco and other nicotine-containing products.

A review on the effect of COX-2-mediated mechanisms on development and progression of gastric cancer induced by nicotine

Smoking is a documented risk factor for cancer, e.g., gastric cancer. Nicotine, the principal tobacco alkaloid, would exert its role of contribution to gastric cancer development and progression through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs), which then promote cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. As a key isoenzyme in conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been demonstrated to have a wide range of effects in carcinogenesis and tumor development. At present, many studies have reported the effect of nicotine on gastric cancer by binding to nAChR, as well as indirectly stimulating β-AR to mediate COX-2-related pathways. This review summarizes these studies, and also proposes more potential COX-2-mediated mechanisms. These events might contribute to the growth and progression of gastric cancer exposed to nicotine through tobacco smoke or cigarette substitutes. Also, this review article has therefore the potential not only to make a significant contribution to the treatment and prognosis of gastric cancer for smokers but also to the clinical application of COX-2 antagonists. In addition, this work also discusses the considerable challenges of this field with special reference to the future perspective of COX-2-mediated mechanisms in development and progression of gastric cancer induced by nicotine.

Effects of lysolecithins on performance, egg quality, blood profiles and liver histopathology in late-phase laying hens

1. This study investigated the effects of lysolecithins (LL) on performance, egg quality, blood profiles, relative organ weight and liver histopathology in laying hens.2. A total of 480 healthy 65-week-old Lohmann laying hens were randomly allocated into four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement design with two levels of energy (AMEn, 11.08 MJ/kg and 12.94 MJ/kg) and two levels of LL (0 and 0.05%).3. Birds fed high energy diets had lower (P < 0.05) average daily intake and feed conversion rate during weeks 0-4, 5-8 and 0-8, but higher (P < 0.05) average egg weight (AEW) during trial weeks 0-4. There was an interaction in (P < 0.05) AEW during trial weeks 0-14 and 0-8 for energy and LL. The high energy diets increased yolk colour at the end of weeks 2 and 4, while addition of LL increased albumen height at the end of week 2. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) in yolk colour between energy and LL at the end of week 2. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) in serum superoxide dismutase and LDL-C throughout the experiment.4. The high energy diets increased (P < 0.05) the relative weight of abdominal fat compared with low energy diets. The high energy diets increased (P < 0.05) liver ether extract content and liver pathological injury score compared with low energy diets at the end of week 8, while the addition of LL decreased (P < 0.05) liver pathological injury score.5. The supplementation of LL in high energy diets could alleviate some negative effects on liver injury in late laying hens.

[Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the management of imported malaria in China]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemic status of imported malaria and national malaria control program in China, so as to provide insights into post-elimination malaria surveillance.

METHODS

All data pertaining to imported malaria cases were collected from Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during the period from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2021. The number of malaria cases, species of malaria parasites, country where malaria parasite were infected, diagnosis and treatment after returning to China, and response were compared before (from January 1, 2018 to January 22, 2020) and after the COVID-19 pandemic (from January 23, 2020 to December 31, 2021).

RESULTS

A total of 2 054 imported malaria cases were reported in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021, and there were 1 722 cases and 332 cases reported before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. All cases were reported within one day after definitive diagnosis. The annual mean number of reported malaria cases reduced by 79.30% in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region after the COVID-19 pandemic (171 cases) than before the pandemic (826 cases), and the number of monthly reported malaria cases significantly reduced in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region since February 2020. There was a significant difference in the constituent ratio of species of malaria parasites among the imported malaria cases in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region before and after the COVID-19 pandemic (χ2 = 146.70, P < 0.05), and P. falciparum malaria was predominant before the COVID-19 pandemic (72.30%), while P. ovale malaria (44.28%) was predominant after the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by P. falciparum malaria (37.65%). There was a significant difference in the constituent ratio of country where malaria parasites were infected among imported malaria cases in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region before and after the COVID-19 pandemic (χ2 = 13.83, P < 0.05), and the proportion of malaria cases that acquired Plasmodium infections in western Africa reduced after the COVID-19 pandemic that before the pandemic (44.13% vs. 37.95%; χ2 = 4.34, P < 0.05), while the proportion of malaria cases that acquired Plasmodium infections in eastern Africa increased after the COVID-19 pandemic that before the pandemic (9.58% vs. 15.36%; χ2 = 9.88, P = 0.02). The proportion of completing case investigation within 3 days was significantly lower after the COVID-19 pandemic than before the pandemic (96.69% vs. 98.32%; χ2= 3.87, P < 0.05), while the proportion of finishing foci investigation and response within 7 days was significantly higher after the COVID-19 pandemic than before the pandemic (100.00% vs. 98.43%; χ2 = 3.95, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of imported malaria cases remarkably reduced in Anhui Province, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a decreased proportion of completing case investigations within 3 days. The sensitivity of the malaria surveillance-response system requires to be improved to prevent the risk of secondary transmission of malaria due to the sharp increase in the number of imported malaria cases following the change of the COVID-19 containment policy.

Phase II Multi-Institutional Study of a Low-Dose (4 Gy) Palliative Response-Adapted Radiotherapy Regimen for Symptomatic Bone Metastases from Multiple Myeloma: Planned Interim Analysis of First 40 Patients

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Painful bone lesions are common in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Radiotherapy (RT) is effective in providing pain relief from MM bone lesions in over 80% of patients. There is no consensus as to the most effective dose or fractionation for palliation. Shorter courses of therapy are not only more convenient for patients, but they also have less impact on timing of systemic therapies. There is precedent for using 4 Gy in the palliation of lymphomas, which have similar radiosensitivity to myeloma. The primary objective of this trial is to determine whether treatment with a total dose of 4 Gy to a painful myeloma bone lesion achieves patient-reported pain reduction comparable to historical controls at 4 weeks.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with a known diagnosis of MM and a painful bone lesion that was not at the base of skull, in need of stabilization, or causing cord compression were treated with 4 Gy (2 Gy x 2 or 4 Gy x 1). Patients' pain was measured using the brief pain index (BPI) prior to treatment and at 2, 4, 8 weeks and 6 months following treatment. Pain response was determined by the international consensus on palliative radiotherapy and considered change in BPI and oral morphine equivalent dose (OMED). A planned interim analysis for futility was completed after 40 patients. Reirradiation with clinician choice regimens could be considered at ≥4 weeks following initial treatment for indeterminate pain response or pain progression.

RESULTS

Forty patients were treated at 6 institutions between 2019 and 2022. Median age was 65 years with 40% women and 88% with an ECOG of 0-1. A complete response (CR) was defined as a BPI score of 0 with no concomitant increase in OMED. A partial response (PR) was defined as BPI reduction in 2 or more without analgesic increase, or an OMED reduction of 25% or more without an increase in pain. An indeterminate response (IR) was any response that is not captured by a CR, PR or pain progression. A CR was achieved in 48%, a PR in 38% of patients, an IR in 13% with 1 patient who refused participation. Pain response was achieved in 86% of patients. Seven patients (18%) requested reirradiation at ≥4 weeks. Median BPI at baseline and 4 weeks after RT for patients with CR, PR, and IR were 3.75 and 0, 4.00 and 1, and 5.25 and 4.75, respectively. Median change of BPI between baseline and 4 weeks after RT for all responders (CR and PR) was -3.25. The median PTV volume (cc) for patients with CR, PR and IR were 81, 140 and 226, respectively. Based on these results, the futility threshold was not met, and the recommendation by the DSMC is to continue the trial.

CONCLUSION

In the first 40 patients who received 4 Gy palliation for painful bone lesions from multiple myeloma, there were 86% that had a pain response (48% CR, 38% PR). This low dose, response-adapted treatment, led to reirradiation in less than 20% of patients.

[Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Wolbachia infection in common mosquito species in Henan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the infection and genotypes of Wolbachia in common mosquito species in Henan Province, so as to provide insights into management of mosquito-borne diseases.

METHODS

Aedes, Culex and Anopheles samples were collected from cowsheds, sheepfolds and human houses in Puyang, Nanyang City and Xuchang cities of Henan Province from July to September, 2022, and the infection of Wolbachia was detected. The 16S rDNA and wsp genes of Wolbachia were amplified and sequenced. Sequence alignment was performed using the BLAST software, and the obtained 16S rDNA gene sequence was compared with the sequence of the 16S rDNA gene in GenBank database. In addition, the phylogenetic trees were created based on 16S rDNA and wsp gene sequences using the software MEGA 11.0.

RESULTS

A total 506 female adult mosquitoes were collected from three sampling sites in Nanyang, Xuchang City and Puyang cities from July to September, 2022. The overall detection of Wolbachia was 45.1% (228/506) in mosquitoes, with a higher detection rate in A. albopictus than in Cx. pipiens pallens [97.9% (143/146) vs. 50.6% (85/168); χ2 = 88.064, P < 0.01]. The detection of Wolbachia in Cx. pipiens pallens was higher in Xuchang City (96.8%, 62/64) than in Nanyang (15.6%, 7/45) and Puyang cities (27.1%, 16/59) (χ2 = 89.950, P < 0.01). The homologies of obtained Wolbachia 16S rDNA and wsp gene sequences were 95.3% to 100.0% and 81.7% to 99.8%. Phylogenetic analysis based on wsp gene sequences showed Wolbachia supergroups A and B in mosquito samples, with wAlbA and wMors strains in supergroup A and wPip and wAlbB strains in supergroup B. Wolbachia strain wAlbB infection was detected in A. albopictus in Puyang and Nanyang Cities, while Wolbachia strain wPip infection was identified in A. albopictus in Xuchang City. Wolbachia strain wAlbA infection was detected in Cx. pipiens pallens sampled from three cities, and one Cx. pipiens pallens was found to be infected with Wolbachia strain wMors in Nanyang City.

CONCLUSIONS

Wolbachia infection is commonly prevalent in Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens pallens from Henan Province, and Wolbachia strains wAlbB and wAlbA are predominant in Ae. albopictus, while wPip strain is predominant in Cx. pipiens pallens. This is the first report to present Wolbachia wMors strain infection in Cx. pipiens pallens in Henan Province.

Metagenomics revealed a correlation of gut phageome with autism spectrum disorder

The human gut bacteriome is believed to have pivotal influences on human health and disease while the particular roles associated with the gut phageome have not been fully characterized yet with few exceptions. It is argued that gut microbiota can have a potential role in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The public microbiota database of ASD and typically developing (TD) Chinese individuals were analyzed for phage protein-coding units (pPCU) to find any link between the phageome and ASD. The gut phageome of ASD individuals showed a wider diversity and higher abundance compared to TD individuals. The ASD phageome was associated with a significant expansion of Caudoviricetes bacteriophages. Phages infecting Bacteroidaceae and prophages encoded within Faecalibacterium were more frequent in ASD than in TD individuals. The expansion and diversification of ASD phageome can influence the bacterial homeostasis by imposing pressure on the bacterial communities. In conclusion, the differences of phages community in in ASD and TD can be used as potential diagnosis biomarkers of ASD. Further investigations are needed to verify the role of gut phage communities in the pathogenesis of ASD.

Detecting and characterizing special nuclear material for nuclear nonproliferation applications

There is an urgent need for new, better instrumentation and techniques for detecting and characterizing special nuclear material (SNM), i.e., highly enriched uranium and plutonium. The development of improved instruments and techniques requires experiments performed with the SNM itself, which is of limited availability. This paper describes the findings of experiments performed at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center conducted using new instruments and techniques on unclassified, kg-quantity SNM objects. These experiments, performed in the framework of the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Consortium for Monitoring, Technology, and Verification, focused on detecting, characterizing, and localizing SNM samples with masses ranging from 3.3 to 13.8 kg, including plutonium and highly enriched uranium using prototype detectors and techniques. The work demonstrates SNM detection and characterization using recently-developed prototype detection systems. Specifically, we present new results in passive detection and imaging of plutonium and uranium objects using gamma-ray and dual particle (fast neutron and gamma-ray) imaging. We also present a new analysis of the delayed neutron emissions during active interrogation of uranium using a neutron generator.

A recent antitumor story of podophyllotoxin derivatives targeting tubulin: an update (2017-2022)

So far, numerous tubulin-targeted podophyllotoxin congeners were designed and synthesized to overcome the poor water-solubility and improve the pharmaceutical characteristics. However, few studies are dedicated to exploring the interaction of tubulin with the downstream signal transduction pathways, which is important for gaining insight into the role of tubulin in the anticancer action of podophyllotoxin-based conjugates. In this review, we described a detailed account of all the advances on tubulin targeting-podophyllotoxin derivatives from 2017 and 2022 with in depth knowledge about their antitumor action and potential molecular signaling pathways directly involved in tubulin depolymerization, aiming to help researchers design and develop better anticancer drugs derived from podophyllotoxin. Moreover, we also discussed the associated challenges and future opportunities in this field. Short teaser Recent reviews summarized podophyllotoxin-based analogues, with interaction between tubulin and signal pathways being rarely involved. This review comprehensively sum up how podophyllotoxin derivatives targeting tubulin exert their antitumor action via potential molecular signaling pathways.

Molecular cloning, expression analysis and functional characterization of chicken cytochrome P450 27A1: A novel mitochondrial vitamin D3 25-hydroxylase

Vitamin D₃ is hydroxylated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) before exerting biological effects. The chicken CYP involved in vitamin D₃ 25-hydroxylation has yet to be cloned, and little is known about its functional characteristics, tissue distribution, and cellular expression. We identified a novel, full-length CYP27A1 gene cloned from chicken hepatocyte cDNA that encodes a putative protein of 518 amino acids. Swiss modeling revealed that chicken CYP27A1 has a classic open-fold form. Multisequence homology alignment determined that CYP27A1 contains conserved motifs for substrate recognition and binding. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis in 2-mo-old Partridge Shank broilers demonstrated that CYP27A1 mRNA levels were highest in the liver, followed by the thigh muscles, the breast muscles, and kidneys. The transcripts of CYP27A1 in breast muscles were significantly higher in males than in females. A subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that CYP27A1 was mainly expressed in the mitochondria. In vitro enzyme assays suggested that recombinant CYP27A1 hydroxylates vitamin D₃ at the C-25 position to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃). The K_m and V_max values for CYP27A1-dependent vitamin D₃ 25-hydroxylation were estimated to be 4.929 μM and 0.389 mol min^-1 mg^-1 protein, respectively. In summary, these results suggest that CYP27A1 encodes a mitochondrial CYP that plays an important physiologic role in the 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D₃ in chickens, providing novel insights into vitamin D₃ metabolism in this species.

Overexpression of ClRAP2.4 in Chrysanthemum enhances tolerance to cold stress

The apetala/ethylene responsive factor (AP2/ERF) family is one of the largest plant-specific transcription factors and plays a vital role in plant development and response to stress. The apetala 2.4 (RAP2.4) gene is a member of the AP2/ERF family. In this study, ClRAP2.4 cDNA fragment with 768bp open reading frame was cloned and the resistance of ClRAP2.4 overexpression to low temperature was investigated to understand whether RAP2.4 is involved in low-temperature stress in chrysanthemum (Chrysamthemum lavandulifolium). Phylogenetic analysis showed that ClRAP2.4 belonged to the DREB subfamily and was most closely related to AT1G22190. ClRAP2.4 was localised in cell nucleus and promotes transcriptional activation in yeast. In addition, ClRAP2.4 was transformed by using the Agrobacterium-mediated leaf disc method, and four overexpression lines (OX-1, OX-2, OX-7, and OX-8) were obtained. The activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, and proline content in leaves in the four overexpression line were higher than those in the wild type (WT), whereas the electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde content were decreased, indicating that the tolerance of plants with ClRAP2.4 overexpression to cold stress was increased. RNA-Seq showed 390 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the transgenic and WT plants(229 upregulated, 161 downregulated). The number of ABRE, LTR, and DRE cis-elements in the promoters of DEGs were 175, 106, and 46, respectively. The relative expression levels of ClCOR, ClFe/MnSOD, ClPOD, ClNCL, ClPLK, ClFAD, and ClPRP in the transgenic plants were higher than those in WT plants at low temperatures. These data suggest that ClRAP2.4 may increase chrysanthemum tolerance to cold stress.

Technology Roadmap for Flexible Sensors

Humans rely increasingly on sensors to address grand challenges and to improve quality of life in the era of digitalization and big data. For ubiquitous sensing, flexible sensors are developed to overcome the limitations of conventional rigid counterparts. Despite rapid advancement in bench-side research over the last decade, the market adoption of flexible sensors remains limited. To ease and to expedite their deployment, here, we identify bottlenecks hindering the maturation of flexible sensors and propose promising solutions. We first analyze challenges in achieving satisfactory sensing performance for real-world applications and then summarize issues in compatible sensor-biology interfaces, followed by brief discussions on powering and connecting sensor networks. Issues en route to commercialization and for sustainable growth of the sector are also analyzed, highlighting environmental concerns and emphasizing nontechnical issues such as business, regulatory, and ethical considerations. Additionally, we look at future intelligent flexible sensors. In proposing a comprehensive roadmap, we hope to steer research efforts towards common goals and to guide coordinated development strategies from disparate communities. Through such collaborative efforts, scientific breakthroughs can be made sooner and capitalized for the betterment of humanity.

[Fibroblasts overpressing WNT2b cause impairment of intestinal mucosal barrier]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism by which fibroblasts with high WNT2b expression causes intestinal mucosa barrier disruption and promote the progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

Caco-2 cells were treated with 20% fibroblast conditioned medium or co-cultured with fibroblasts highly expressing WNT2b, with the cells without treatment with the conditioned medium and cells co-cultured with wild-type fibroblasts as the control groups. The changes in barrier permeability of Caco-2 cells were assessed by measuring transmembrane resistance and Lucifer Yellow permeability. In Caco-2 cells co-cultured with WNT2b-overexpressing or control intestinal fibroblasts, nuclear entry of β-catenin was detected with immunofluorescence assay, and the expressions of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and E-cadherin were detected with Western blotting. In a C57 mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced IBD-like enteritis, the therapeutic effect of intraperitoneal injection of salinomycin (5 mg/kg, an inhibitor of WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway) was evaluated by observing the changes in intestinal inflammation and detecting the expressions of tight junction proteins.

RESULTS

In the coculture system, WNT2b overexpression in the fibroblasts significantly promoted nuclear entry of β-catenin (P < 0.01) and decreased the expressions of tight junction proteins in Caco-2 cells; knockdown of FZD4 expression in Caco-2 cells obviously reversed this effect. In DSS-treated mice, salinomycin treatment significantly reduced intestinal inflammation and increased the expressions of tight junction proteins in the intestinal mucosa.

CONCLUSION

Intestinal fibroblasts overexpressing WNT2b causes impairment of intestinal mucosal barrier function and can be a potential target for treatment of IBD.

Uniaxial cyclic stretch enhances osteogenic differentiation of OPLL-derived primary cells via YAP-Wnt/β-catenin axis

The pathogenesis of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification (OPLL) remains inadequately understood. Mechanical stimulation is one of the important pathogenic factors in OPLL. As one of the mechanical stimulation transduction signals, the yes-associated protein (YAP) interacts with the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, which plays an important role in osteogenic differentiation. This study aimed to demonstrate the role of YAP-Wnt/β-catenin axis in cell differentiation induced by mechanical stress. Primary cells extracted from posterior longitudinal ligament tissues from OPLL or non-OPLL patients were subjected to sinusoidal uniaxial cyclic stretch (5 %, 0.5 Hz, 3 d). The expression of runt-related transcription factor 2, collagen I, osterix, osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase were compared between the static and the experimental groups. In addition, the cytoskeleton was detected using phalloidin staining while YAP phosphorylation states and nuclear location were identified using immunofluorescence. The results showed that mechanical stretching loading increased the expression of osteogenic genes and proteins in the OPLL group, while it had no significant effect on the control group. When OPLL cells were stretched, YAP exhibited an obvious nuclear translocation and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was activated. Knocking down YAP or β-catenin could weaken the impact upon osteogenic differentiation induced by mechanical stimulation. YAP-mediated mechanical stimulation promoted osteogenic differentiation of OPLL cells through Wnt/β-catenin pathway and this progress was independent of the Hippo pathway.

Triggering ZT to 0.40 by Engineering Orientation in One Polymeric Semiconductor

Breaking the thermoelectric (TE) trade-off relationship is an important task for maximizing the TE performance of polymeric semiconductors. Existing efforts have focused on designing high-mobility semiconductors and achieving ordered molecular doping, ignoring the critical role of the molecular orientation during TE conversion. Herein, the achievement of ZT to 0.40 is reported by fine-tuning the molecular orientation of one diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)-based polymer (DPP-BTz). Films with bimodal molecular orientation yield superior doping efficiency by increasing the lamellar spacing and achieve increased splitting between the Fermi energy and the transport energy to enhance the thermopower. These factors contribute to the simultaneous improvement in the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity in an unexpected manner. Importantly, the bimodal film exhibits a maximum power factor of up to 346 µW m^-1 K^-2 , >400% higher than that of unimodal films. These results demonstrate the great potential of molecular orientation engineering in polymeric semiconductors for developing state-of-the-art organic TE (OTE) materials.

The J-shape Association between Total Bilirubin and Stroke in Older Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the relationship between total bilirubin (TBil) and stroke risk in older patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

METHODS

A total of 1,007 patients with OSAS without stroke history aged ≥ 60 years and with complete serum TBil records were enrolled in this study. The median follow-up was 42 months. Participants were divided into four groups based on the quartile of the baseline serum TBil concentration. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to investigate the association of TBil with the incidence of new-onset stroke.

RESULTS

The PRIMARY part: the third quantile TBil level group had the lowest prevalence of stroke among the four groups. The RCS functions depicted a J-type curve relationship between TBil (3.3-33.3 µmol/L) and stroke (nonlinear P < 0.05). When the TBil level was in the range of 3.3 to 11.5 µmol/L, the possible protective influence of bilirubin against stroke in patients with OSAS enhanced with an increasing TBil level. However, when the TBil level exceeded 11.5 µmol/L and gradually increased, the effect of TBil on stroke risk became more and more pronounced. The SECONDARY part: for every 1 µmol/L increase in TBil levels in the range of 11.5 to 33.3 µmol/L, the risk of stroke in patients with OSAS increased by 16.2% (P < 0.001). In addition, there was a higher risk in women with OSAS (hazard ratio (HR)=1.292, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.093-1.528; P = 0.003). Moreover, an increased TBil level alone was significantly associated with stroke in subjects aged < 75 years (HR: 1.190, 95%CI: 1.069-1.324), patients with mild-to-moderate OSAS (HR: 1.215, 95%CI: 1.083-1.364), and individuals without atrial fibrillation (AF) (HR: 1.179, 95%CI: 1.083-1.285) within a TBil level in the range of 11.5 to 33.3 µmol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Both lower and higher bilirubin levels may increase the risk of stroke in older persons with OSAS, and there was a J-type dose-response relationship. The risk of stroke was lowest when the TBil level was approximately 11.5 µmol/L.

Murine diabetic models for dengue virus infection

Dengue virus (DENV) is a critical public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Thus, immunocompetent murine models of DENV infection with robust viremia are required for vaccine studies. Diabetes is highly prevalent worldwide, making it frequent comorbidity in patients with dengue fever. Therefore, murine models are needed to understand viral pathogenesis and disease progression. Acquired-induced and inherently diabetic C57BL/6 and db/db mice were inoculated with DENV-3 via the tail vein. After infection, both the diabetic C57BL/6 and db/db mice showed obvious weight loss with clinical manifestations. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed robust and replicable viremia in the two types of diabetic mice. Immunohistochemical detection showed persistent DENV-3 infection in the liver. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for cytokine detection revealed that diabetic mice showed more severe inflammatory responses than did nondiabetic mice, and significant histological alterations were observed in diabetic mice. Thus, the diabetic mice were more susceptible to DENV infection than the nondiabetic mice. Taken together, we established two types of immunocompetent diabetic mice for DENV infection, which can be used to further study the mechanisms of dengue pathogenesis in diabetes and to develop antiviral pharmaceuticals and treatments.

Structural-Functional Pluralistic Modification of Silk Fibroin via MOF Bridging for Advanced Wound Care

Silk fibroin (SF) is widely used to fabricate biomaterials for skin related wound caring or monitoring, and its hydrogel state are preferred for their adaptability and easy to use. However, in-depth development of SF hydrogel is restricted by their limited mechanical strength, increased risk of infection, and inability to accelerate tissue healing. Therefore, a structure-function pluralistic modification strategy using composite system of metal organic framework (MOF) as bridge expanding SF's biomedical application is proposed. After developing the photocuring and bonding SF hydrogel, a MOF drug-loading system is utilized to enhance hydrogel's structural strength while endowing its antibacterial and angiogenic properties, yielding a multifunctional SF hydrogel. The synergy between the MOF and SF proteins at the secondary structure level gives this hydrogel reliable mechanical strength, making it suitable for conventional wound treatment, whether for closing incisions quickly or acting as adhesive dressings (five times the bonding strength of ordinary fibrin glue). Additionally, with the antibacterial and angiogenic functions getting from MOF system, this modified SF hydrogel can even treat ischemic trauma with cartilage exposure. This multiple modification should contribute to the improvement of advanced wound care, by promoting SF application in the production of tissue engineering materials.

Portable diagnostic package for Thomson scattering and optical emission spectroscopy on Princeton field-reversed configuration 2 (PFRC 2)

An Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy funded diagnostic system has been deployed to the Princeton field-reversed configuration 2 (PFRC-2) device, located at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. The Portable Diagnostic Package (PDP), designed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, allows for the measurement of Thomson Scattering (TS) for electron density and temperature and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) for ion temperature, impurity density, and ion velocity. A tunable spectrometer on the PDP with three gratings provides the flexibility to measure low (1 eV) and high (1000 eV) electron temperature ranges from TS. Additionally, using a second spectrometer, the OES diagnostic can survey light emission from various ion excitation levels for wide wavelength ranges. The electron density (<2 × 10¹⁹ m^-3) of plasmas generated in PFRC-2 has been below the PDP TS discrimination threshold, which has made TS signal detection challenging against a high-background of laser stray light. The laser stray light was iteratively reduced by making modifications to the entrance and exit geometry on PFRC-2. Rayleigh scattering experiments on PFRC have yielded the TS discrimination sensitivity to be >1 × 10²⁰ m^-3 for the PDP. A recently implemented narrow-band notch spectral filter that masks the second harmonic 532 nm Nd:YAG laser wavelength has increased the system's TS light discrimination sensitivity 65 times compared to the instance when the notch filter was not implemented. The hardware implementation including design changes to the flight tubes and Brewster windows will be discussed, along with results from Rayleigh and rotational Raman scattering sensitivity analyses, which were used to establish a quantitative figure of merit on the system performance. The Raman scattering calibration with the notch filter has improved the PDP electron density threshold to 1 ± 0.5 × 10¹⁸ m^-3.

Implementation of a portable diagnostic system for Thomson scattering measurements on an electrothermal arc source

To fulfill the increasing needs of diagnostic support for researchers in plasma technology, a portable diagnostic package (PDP) equipped for both laser Thomson scattering (TS) and optical emission spectroscopy has been designed and constructed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), aiming to measure the temperature and number density of electrons and temperatures of ions in plasma devices. The PDP has been initially implemented on a high density and low temperature electrothermal arc source (ET-arc) at ORNL to test its TS capability. TS from the plasmas in the ET-arc has been obtained using the PDP. The electron temperature and number density were determined from TS spectra. These results were then compared to measurements from previous studies on the ET-arc. The TS diagnostic measured 0.8 ± 0.1, 1.3 ± 0.2, and 0.7 ± 0.1 eV and (4.4 ± 0.5) × 10²¹, (5.9 ± 0.7) × 10²¹, and (4.3 ± 0.5) x 10²¹ m^-3, respectively, from three lines of sight that transect the plasma column.

Integration of metabolome and transcriptome analyses reveals the mechanism of anthocyanin accumulation in purple radish leaves

Anthocyanins are natural pigments and play significant roles in multiple growth, development, and stress response processes in plants. The vegetables with high anthocyanin content have better colours, higher antioxidant activity than green vegetables and are potent antioxidants with health benefits. However, the mechanism of anthocyanin accumulation in purple and green leaves of Raphanus sativus (radish) is poorly understood and needs further investigation. In the present study, the pigment content in a green leaf cultivar "RA9" and a purple-leaf cultivar "MU17" was characterized and revealed that the MU17 had significantly increased accumulation of anthocyanins and reduced content of chlorophyll and carotenoid compared with that in RA9. Meanwhile, these two cultivars were subjected to a combination of metabolomic and transcriptome studies. A total of 52 massively content-changed metabolites and 3463 differentially expressed genes were discovered in MU17 compared with RA9. In addition, the content of significantly increased flavonoids (such as pelargonidin and cyanidin) was identified in MU17 compared to RA9 using an integrated analysis of metabolic and transcriptome data. Moreover, the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results also confirmed the differences in the expression of genes related to pathways of flavonoids and anthocyanin metabolism in MU17 leaves. The present findings provide valuable information for anthocyanin metabolism and further genetic manipulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in radish leaves.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01245-w.

Large-scale analysis of protein crotonylation reveals its diverse functions in Pinellia ternata

BACKGROUND

Pinellia ternata is an important traditional medicine in China, and its growth is regulated by the transcriptome or proteome. Lysine crotonylation, a newly identified and important type of posttranslational modification, plays a key role in many aspects of cell metabolism. However, little is known about its functions in Pinellia ternata.

RESULTS

In this study, we generated a global crotonylome analysis of Pinellia ternata and examined its overlap with lysine succinylation. A total of 2106 crotonylated sites matched on 1006 proteins overlapping in three independent tests were identified, and we found three specific amino acids surrounding crotonylation sites in Pinellia ternata: K^crF, K***Y**K^cr and K^cr****R. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that two crucial alkaloid biosynthesis-related enzymes and many stress-related proteins were also highly crotonylated. Furthermore, several enzymes participating in carbohydrate metabolism pathways were found to exhibit both lysine crotonylation and succinylation modifications.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that lysine crotonylation performs important functions in many biological processes in Pinellia ternata, especially in the biosynthesis of alkaloids, and some metabolic pathways are simultaneously regulated by lysine crotonylation and succinylation.

P11.75.B Survival benefit of radiotherapy and surgery in patients with lung cancer brain metastases with poor prognosis factors

Background

Radiotherapy and surgery are the standard treatments for lung cancer brain metastases (BMs). However, limitted studies focused on the treatments for patients with lung cancer BMs with poor prognosis factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of radiotherapy and surgery in patients with lung cancer BMs with poor prognosis factors, providing reference for clinical strategies.

Material and Methods

We analyzed retrospectively 714 patients with lung cancer BMs. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance potential confounders. Analyses of overall survival (OS) and risk factors for OS were assessed by log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Age ≥65 years, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score ≤70, anaplastic large-cell lymphoma kinase (ALK)/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild type, extracranial metastases, non-surgery and non-radiotherapy led to poor prognosis. Patients were stratified according to these factors. Radiotherapy and surgery showed no survival benefit in patients with aged ≥65 years or pretreatment KPS score ≤70 before and after PSM. Before PSM, whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) improved the OS and predicted good prognosis in patients with ALK/EGFR wild type or extracranial metastases. WBRT also predicted good prognosis in patients with non-surgery. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) improved the OS and predicted good prognosis in patients with ALK/EGFR wild type or non-surgery. WBRT plus SRS improved the OS and predicted good prognosis in patients with extracranial metastases or non-surgery. WBRT plus SRS also predicted good prognosis in patients with ALK/EGFR wild type. Surgery improved the OS and predicted good prognosis in patients with non-radiotherapy. After PSM, SRS improved the OS and predicted good prognosis in patients with non-surgery. WBRT plus SRS improved the OS and predicted good prognosis in patients with non-surgery or extracranial metastases. WBRT plus SRS also predicted good prognosis in patients with ALK/EGFR wild type. Surgery improved the OS of patients with non-radiotherapy. We defined that the treatment would provide significant survival benefit if it both prolonged the OS and predicted good prognosis. Meanwhile, the results after PSM were more convincing than the results before PSM.

Conclusion

Radiotherapy has significant survival benefit in patients with lung cancer BMs with poor prognosis factors, including patients with ALK/EGFR wild type or extracranial metastases or non-surgery. Surgery only has significant survival benefit in patients with non-radiotherapy.

Logic-Based Diagnostic and Therapeutic Nanoplatform with Infection and Inflammation Monitoring and Microenvironmental Regulation Accelerating Wound Repair

Infectious cutaneous wounds are a thorny clinical problem. The microenvironment of the infectious wound is complicated and changes at different healing stages. Traditional treatments either have a single effect such as anti-inflammation, antibacteria, or angiogenesis or a simple mixture of several functions. They fail to deal with the change of the physiological healing process, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes. Herein, we have designed a logic-based smart nanoplatform (named as ZEM), aiming to self-monitor the wound microenvironment and accordingly react to the changes of the healing process, fitting multiple needs of physiological repair at different stages. ZEM was synthesized using zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) coated with an epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)/Mg²⁺ complex. We characterized ZEM in the aspects of morphology, physical and chemical properties, and ion release pattern. At the initial stage, ZEM sensed the weakly acidic environment and responsively released a large number of zinc ions to eliminate bacterial infection. Then came the second inflammation stage, where ZEM responded to the oxidative stress of the local wound area with EGCG absorbing excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to the downregulation of intracellular ROS. Meanwhile, local inflammation was alleviated by reducing the expression of proinflammatory M1 phenotype factors (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β). Since the balance of local ROS had been achieved, the resulting disintegration of the EGCG/Mg²⁺ complex gave rise to the sustainable release of Mg²⁺ at the proliferation stage, promoting vascularized healing. In vivo animal experiments further proved the diagnostic and therapeutic functions of ZEM. All these results demonstrated that ZEM was a promising treatment strategy in soft tissue engineering.

Selective effects of perinatal estrogen on proliferation and new neurons in hippocampus and piriform cortex of rats at weaning

BACKGROUND

A recent report links heightened prenatal amniotic estrogen levels to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we examined the developmental effects of perinatal estrogen treatment on stem cell activity in weaned rats.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats received ethinyl estradiol (EE2, 10µg/kg/day) or vehicle orally from gestational day 6 until parturition. Offspring were then treated with the same daily dose from postnatal days (PNDs) 1-21. The effects of perinatal estrogen treatment on stem cell activities in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus and the piriform cortex were evaluated in male and female rat pups.

RESULTS

EE₂ treatment increased the total Ki67-immunoreactive (Ki67-ir) cell counts in the SGZ of males and females (p<0.05). However, no treatment or sex differences were detectable in the density of the doublecortin (DCX)-immunoreactive (DCX-ir) deposits in the hippocampus. In the piriform cortex, no treatment or sex differences were detected in Ki67-ir cell counts. However, the EE₂ treatment significantly reduced the DCX-ir cell count in male, but not female rats (male EE₂ group=29₂±22/mm², male vehicle group=402±19/mm², female EE² group=34₂±15/mm², female vehicle group=331±9/mm²).

CONCLUSIONS

Perinatal estrogen treatment increased hippocampal Ki67-ir cell counts in both sexes and selectively reduced DCX-ir cell counts in the piriform cortex of males. These data suggest that exposure to abnormally high levels of estrogens early in life may have an impact on neural cell development. Alterations in development so early in life may have long-term cognitive impact.

[The efficacy and prognostic factors of immunotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients with different driver gene mutations]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and prognostic factors of immunotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with different driver gene mutations. Methods: Medical records of advanced NSCLC patients who harbored driver gene mutations (EGFR, KRAS, ALK and etc.) and received PD-1 inhibitors in Henan Cancer Hospital from April 2016 to May 2021 were collected. Treatment patterns, progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and prognostic factors of patients with driver gene mutations were estimated. Results: A total of 120 patients were included. There were 70 males and 50 females, with a median age [M(Q₁,Q₃)] of 57 (50, 65) years. Of these, 52 patients harbored KRAS mutations, 42 patients harbored EGFR mutations, 16 patients harbored ERBB2 mutations, 5 patients harbored MET mutations or amplifications, 5 patients harbored ROS-1 mutations, 2 patients harbored BRAF mutations, and the last 2 patients harbored ALK and RET mutations, respectively. The PFS and OS [M (95%CI)] were 6.4 (5.1-7.8) and 31.2 (22.0-40.3) months in 120 participated patients. Patients with KRAS mutations showed the greatest survival benefit from Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with the PFS of 9.7 (4.8-14.6) months and OS of 31.2 (19.4-50.6) months. They mostly received the first-line (34.6%, 18/52) and second-line (38.5%, 20/52) ICIs. The PFS and OS of EGFR mutant patients were 3.9 (1.8-6.1) months and 18.0 (12.1-23.8) months, respectively. They tended to receive ICIs after resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and the proportion of second-, third-, fourth or further-line drugs was 38.1% (16/42), 11.9% (5/42), and 47.6% (20/42), respectively. PD-L1 expression level (negative vs ≥50% positive: HR=3.710, 95%CI: 1.372-10.031, P=0.010; 1%-49% positive vs ≥50% positive: HR=2.738, 95%CI: 0.841-8.912, P=0.094), age (every additional year: HR=0.957, 95%CI: 0.933-0.982, P=0.001) and different driver mutations status (EGFR vs KRAS: HR=2.676, 95%CI: 1.317-5.436, P=0.006; ERBB2 vs KRAS: HR=3.411, 95%CI: 1.493-7.792, P=0.004; other mutations vs KRAS: HR=0.727, 95%CI: 0.322-1.643, P=0.444) were prognostic factors for PFS. While PD-L1 expression level (negative vs ≥50% positive: HR=2.305, 95%CI: 0.748-7.103, P=0.146; 1%-49% positive vs ≥50% positive: HR=1.286, 95%CI: 0.337-4.913, P=0.713), and treatment lines of ICIs (first-line vs ≥ third-line: HR=0.322, 95%CI: 0.114-0.914, P=0.033; second-line vs ≥ third-line: HR=0.375, 95%CI: 0.178-0.789, P=0.010) were prognostic factors for OS. Conclusions: KRAS mutant NSCLC patients mostly receive ICIs at the front line, and have best survival benefits from immunotherapy. While EGFR mutant NSCLC patients tend to receive ICIs at the back line, and obtain reasonable survival benefits. PD-L1 expression level, age, and different driver mutations status are prognostic factors for PFS, and PD-L1 expression level and treatment lines of ICIs are prognostic factors for OS.

Advances in materials and devices for mimicking sensory adaptation

Adaptive devices, which aim to adjust electrical behaviors autonomically to external stimuli, are considered to be attractive candidates for next-generation artificial perception systems. Compared with typical electronic devices with stable signal output, adaptive devices possess unique features in exhibiting dynamic fitness to varying environments. To meet this requirement, increasing efforts have been made focusing on developing new materials, functional interfaces and novel device geometry for sensory perception applications. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in materials and devices for mimicking sensory adaptation. Keeping this in mind, we first introduce the fundamentals of biological sensory adaptation. Thereafter, the recent progress in mimicking sensory adaptation, such as tactile and visual adaptive systems, is overviewed. Moreover, we suggest five strategies to construct adaptive devices. Finally, challenges and perspectives are proposed to highlight the directions that deserve focused attention in this flourishing field.

[Identification of factors affecting Oncomelania hupensis density in Eastern Dongting Lake regions]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of water pollutants, water levels and meteorological factors on the Oncomelania hupensis density in Eastern Dongting Lake regions, so as to provide insights into schistosomiasis control.

METHODS

O. hupensis snails were surveyed using a systematic sampling method in snail-infested marshlands in Eastern Dongting Lake regions from 2007 to 2014, and data pertaining to water pollutants, water levels and meteorological factors were collected. The duration of submergence and the date of the start of submergence were calculated. The snail density and its influencing factors were descriptively analyzed, and a linear mixed model was generated to examine the impacts of variables on the snail density. In addition, smooth curves were fitted to investigate the relationship between snail density and variables.

RESULTS

The snail density appeared a fluctuation in Eastern Dongting Lake regions during the period from 2007 to 2014, with the highest density on October, 2010 (52.79 snails/0.1 m²) and the lowest density on January 2009 (2.15 snails/0.1 m²). Linear mixed-model analysis showed that permanganate index, total phosphorus and the date of the start of submergence affected the snail density (t = 6.386, -2.920 and -3.892, all P values < 0.01). Smooth curve analysis revealed that the associations of the snail density with the permanganate index and total phosphorus appeared an approximately quadratic curve. After the end of April, the earlier date of the start of submergence resulted in a higher snail density.

CONCLUSIONS

Permenganate index, total phosphorus and the date of the start of submergence affect the O. hupensis snail density in Eastern Dongting Lake regions.