Blocking Interfacial Proton Transport via Self-Assembled Monolayer for Hydrogen Evolution-Free Zinc Batteries

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising next-generation energy storage devices, yet suffer from the issues of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and intricate side reactions on the Zn anode surface. The hydrogen (H)-bond networks play a critical role in interfacial proton transport that may closely relate to HER but are rarely investigated. Herein, we report a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) strategy which is constructed by anchoring ionic liquid cations on Ti3C2Tx substrate for HER-free Zn anode. Molecule dynamics simulations reveal that the rationally designed SAM with a high coordination number of water molecules (25-27, 4-6 for Zn2+) largely reduces the interfacial densities of H2O molecules, therefore breaking the connectivity of H-bond networks and blocking proton transport on the interface, by which the HER is suppressed. Then, a series of in situ characterizations demonstrate that negligible amounts of H2 gas are collected from the Zn@SAM-MXene anode. Consequently, the symmetric cell enables a long-cycling life of 3000 h at 1 mA cm-2 and 1000 h at 5 mA cm-2. More significantly, the stable Zn@SAM-MXene films are successfully used for coin full cells showing high-capacity retention of over 94 % after 1000 cycles and large-area (10×5 cm2) pouch cells with desired performance.

Cooperative Photoredox and Cobalt-Catalyzed Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Functionalization of Cyclopropylamides towards Allylic N,O-Acyl-acetal Derivatives

We disclose herein a novel photoredox and cobalt co-catalyzed ring-opening/acceptorless dehydrogenative functionalization of mono-donor cyclopropanes. This sustainable and atom-economic approach allows the rapid assembly of a wide range of allylic N,O-acyl-acetal derivatives. The starting materials are readily available and the reaction features mild conditions, broad substrate scope, and excellent functional group compatibility. The optimized conditions accommodate assorted cycloalkylamides and primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols, with applications in late-stage functionalization of pharmaceutically relevant compounds, stimulating further utility in medicinal chemistry. Moreover, selective nucleophilic substitutions with various carbon nucleophiles were achieved in a one-pot fashion, offering a reliable avenue to access some cyclic and acyclic derivatives.

Intratumoural and peritumoural CT-based radiomics for diagnosing lepidic-predominant adenocarcinoma in patients with pure ground-glass nodules: a machine learning approach

AIM

To develop and validate a diagnostic model utilising machine-learning algorithms that differentiates lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma (LPA) from other pathological subtypes in patients with pure ground-glass nodules (pGGNs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This bicentric study was conducted across two medical centres and included 151 patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma based on histopathological confirmation of pGGNs. The training cohort consisted of 99 patients from Institution 1, while the test cohort included 52 patients from Institution 2. Radiomics features were extracted from both tumours and the 2 mm peritumoural parenchyma. The tumoural and peritumoural radiomics were designated as Modeltumoural and Modelperitumoural, respectively. The diagnostic efficacy of various models was evaluated through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Subsequently, a machine-learning-based prediction model that combined Modeltumoural, Modelperitumoural, and Modelclinical-radiological was developed to differentiate LPA from other pathological subtypes in patients with pGGNs.

RESULTS

Modeltumoural achieved area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.762 and 0.783 in the training and validation sets, respectively. Modelperitumoural attained AUCs of 0.742 and 0.667, and Modelclinical-radiological generated an AUC of 0.727 and 0.739 in the training and validation sets, respectively. Among the machine-learning models evaluated, gradient boosting machines demonstrated the best diagnostic efficacy, with accuracy, AUC, F1 score, and log loss values of 0.885, 0.956, 0.943, and 0.260, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The combined model based on machine learning that incorporated tumour and peritumoural parenchyma, as well as clinical and imaging characteristics, may offer benefits in assessing the pathological subtype of pGGNs.

Highly Selective 1,4-Diacylation/Cycloisomerization of 1,3-Enynes: De Novo Synthetic Strategy to Polysubstituted Furans

The development of a de novo synthetic strategy for rapid assembly of biologically relevant multisubstituted furans is an appealing but challenging task. Herein, we disclose NHC and organophotocatalysis cocatalyzed three-component radical 1,4-diacylation/cycloisomerization cascade process of readily available 1,3-enynes, which provides an efficient and straightforward entry to a wide range of polysubstituted furans with good yields and excellent regio- and chemoselectivities. The reaction features mild conditions, broad substrate scopes, and good functional group compatibilities.

Mechanistic insight into homogeneous catalytic crosslinking behavior between cellulose and epoxide by explicit solvent models

Inspired by recent advances on functional modification of cellulosic materials, the crosslinking behaviors of epoxide with cellulose under the catalysis of different homogeneous catalysts including H2O, Brønsted acid, Brønsted base, Lewis acid and neutral salt were systematically investigated using density functional theory (DFT) methods with hybrid micro-solvation-continuum approach. The results showed that catalytic activity, reaction mechanism and regioselectivity are determined by the combined effect of catalyst type, electronic effect and steric hindrance. All the homogeneous catalysts have catalytic activity for the crosslinking reaction, which decreases in the order of NaOH > HCl > NCl3 > MCl2 > CH3COOH > NaCl (N = Fe3+, Al3+; M = Zn2+, Ca2+). Upon the catalysis of NaOH, hydroxyl group of cellulose is firstly deprotonated to form a carbanion-like intermediate which will further attack the less sterically hindered C atom of epoxide showing excellent regioselectivity. Acidic catalysts readily cause epoxide protonated, which suffers from nucleophilic attack of cellulose and forms the carbocation-like intermediate. Brønsted acid exhibits poor regioselectivity, however, Lewis acid shows an interesting balance between catalytic activity and regioselectivity for the crosslinking reaction, which may be attributed to the unique catalysis and stabilization effects of its coordinated H2O on the transition state structure.

Charging Metal-Organic Framework Membranes by Incorporating Crown Ethers to Capture Cations for Ion Sieving

Protein channels on the biofilm conditionally manipulate ion transport via regulating the distribution of charge residues, making analogous processes on artificial membranes a hot spot and challenge. Here, we employ metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) membrane with charge-adjustable subnano-channel to selectively govern ion transport. Various valent ions are binded with crown ethers embedded in the MOF cavity, which act as charged guest to regulate the channels' charge state from the negativity to positivity. Compared with the negatively charged channel, the positive counterpart obviously enhances Li+ /Mg2+ selectivity, which benefit from the reinforcement of the electrostatic repulsion between ions and the channel. Meanwhile, theoretical calculations reveal that Mg2+ transport through the more positively charged channel needed to overcome higher entrance energy barrier than that of Li+ . This work provides a subtle strategy for ion-selective transport upon regulating the charge state of insulating membrane, which paves the way for the application like seawater desalination and lithium extraction from salt lakes.

Development of a novel combined nomogram integrating deep-learning-assisted CT texture and clinical-radiological features to predict the invasiveness of clinical stage IA part-solid lung adenocarcinoma: a multicentre study

AIM

To develop a novel combined nomogram based on deep-learning-assisted computed tomography (CT) texture (DL-TA) and clinical-radiological features for the preoperative prediction of invasiveness in patients with clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinoma manifesting as part-solid nodules (PSNs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted from January 2015 to October 2021 at three centres: 355 patients with 355 PSN lung adenocarcinomas who underwent surgical resection were included and classified into the training (n=222) and validation (n=133) cohorts. PSN segmentation on CT images was performed automatically with a commercial deep-learning algorithm, and CT texture features were extracted. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was used for feature selection and transformed into a DL-TA score. The combined nomogram that incorporated the DL-TA score and identified clinical-radiological features was developed for the prediction of pathological invasiveness of the PSNs and validated in terms of discrimination and calibration.

RESULTS

The present study generated a combined nomogram for predicting the invasiveness of PSNs that included age, consolidation-to-tumour ratio, smoking status, and DL-TA score, with a C-index of 0.851 (95% confidence interval: 0.826-0.877) for the training cohort and 0.854 (95% confidence interval: 0.817-0.891) for the validation cohort, indicating good discrimination. Furthermore, the model had a Brier score of 0.153 for the training cohort and 0.135 for the validation cohort, indicating good calibration.

CONCLUSION

The developed combined nomogram consisting of the DL-TA score and clinical-radiological features and has the potential to predict the individual risk for the invasiveness of stage IA PSN lung adenocarcinomas.

Development of nomograms to predict recurrence after conversion hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma previously treated with transarterial interventional therapy

BACKGROUND

Lack of opportunity for radical surgery and postoperative tumor recurrence are challenges for surgeons and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. This study aimed to develop nomograms to predict recurrence risk and recurrence-free survival (RFS) probability after conversion hepatectomy for patients previously receiving transarterial interventional therapy.

METHODS

In total, 261 HCC patients who underwent conversion liver resection and previously received transarterial interventional therapy were retrospectively enrolled. Nomograms to predict recurrence risk and RFS were developed, with discriminative ability and calibration evaluated by C-statistics, calibration plots, and the Area under the Receiver Operator Characteristic (AUROC) curves.

RESULTS

Univariate/multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were used to identify predictive factors for recurrence risk and RFS, respectively. The following factors were selected as predictive of recurrence: age, tumor number, microvascular invasion (MVI) grade, preoperative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score (ECOG PS). Similarly, age, tumor number, postoperative AFP, postoperative protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), and ECOG PS were incorporated for the prediction of RFS. The discriminative ability and calibration of the nomograms revealed good predictive ability. Calibration plots showed good agreement between the nomogram predictions of recurrence and RFS and the actual observations.

CONCLUSIONS

A pair of reliable nomograms was developed to predict recurrence and RFS in HCC patients after conversion resection who previously received transarterial interventional therapy. These predictive models can be used as guidance for clinicians to help with treatment strategies.

Voltage-Mediated Water Dynamics Enables On-Demand Transport of Sugar Molecules in Two-Dimensional Channels

The constructing of artificial channels with gating functions is an important undertaking for gaining insight into biological process and achieving efficient bionic functions. Typically, controllable transport within such channels relies on either electrostatic or specific interactions between the transporting species and the channel. However, for molecules with weak interactions with the channel, achieving precise gating of the transport remains a significant challenge. In this regard, this study proposes a voltage gating membrane of two-dimensional channels that selectively transport of neutral molecules glucose with a dimension of 0.60 nm. The permeation of glucose is switched on/off by electrochemically manipulating the water dynamics in the nanochannel. Voltage driven-intercalation of ion into the two-dimensional channel causes water to stratify and move closer to the channel walls, thereby resulting in the channel center being emptier for glucose diffusion. Due to the sub-nanometer size dimension of the channel, selective permeation of glucose over sucrose is also achieved in this approach.

Famine Exposure during Early Life and Risk of Cancer in Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Emerging evidences have explored the association between famine exposure during early life and cancer risk in adulthood, but the results remain controversial and inconsistent. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive evidence on the relation of famine exposure to later cancer risk.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Relevant reports published up to March, 2022 were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of sciences and Medline databases. Pooled relative ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the effect famine exposure on cancer risk.

RESULTS

Totally, 18 published articles with 6,061,147 subjects were included in this study. Compared with unexposed group, early life famine exposure dramatically increased the risk of cancer in adulthood (RR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.22). The pooled RRs were different in terms of sex, exposure severity, exposure period, famine type, study design type and cancer location. A remarkably elevated risk for cancer was discerned in women exposed to famine (RR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.00-1.18), severe exposure (RR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.22) and adolescence exposure (RR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.02-2.50), Chinese famine exposure (RR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.29-1.82) and cohort studies (RR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.13-1.42). Moreover, a significant association of early-life famine exposure with increased risk of breast (RR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.05-1.27) and stomach cancers (RR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.24-2.54) was observed.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that exposure to famine during early life may increase the risk of cancer in adulthood. The above-mentioned association is pronounced in women exposed to famine, severe exposure, adolescence exposure, Chinese famine, cohort studies, breast and stomach cancers. It is essential for decision-makers to take targeted measures for improving population awareness regarding the long-term effect of early life nutritional status.

Adsorption Equilibrium and Mechanism and of Water Molecule on the Surfaces of Molybdenite (MoS2) Based on Kinetic Monte-Carlo Method

The oxidation/weathering of molybdenite (MoS₂) is too slow to be monitored, even under pure oxygen and high temperatures, while it proceeds rapidly through humid air. The adsorption of water molecules on molybdenite is necessary for the wet oxidation/weathering of molybdenite. Therefore, we employ kinetic Monte Carlo modeling to clarify the adsorption isotherm, site preferences and kinetics of water on different surfaces of molybdenite. Our results indicate that (1) the adsorption capacity and adsorption rate coefficient of H₂O on the (110) surface are significantly larger than those on the (001) surface at a temperature of 0~100 °C and a relative humidity of 0~100%, suggesting that the (110) surface is the predominant surface controlling the reactivity and solubility of molybdenite in its interaction with water; (2) the kinetic Monte Carlo modeling considering the adsorption/desorption rate of H₂O, dissociation/formation rate of H₂O and adsorption/desorption of dissociated H indicates that the adsorption and dissociation of H₂O on the (110) surface can be completed in one microsecond (ms) at 298 K and in wet conditions; (3) the adsorption and dissociation of H₂O on molybdenite are not the rate-limiting steps in the wet oxidation/weathering of molybdenite; and (4) kinetic Monte Carlo modeling explains the experimental SIMS observation that H₂O and OH (rather than H⁺/H^- or H₂O) occupy the surface of MoS₂ in a short time. This study provides new molecular-scale insights to aid in our understanding of the oxidation/weathering mechanism of molybdenite as the predominant mineral containing molybdenum in the Earth's crust.

Tailoring Coordination in Conventional Ether-Based Electrolytes for Reversible Magnesium-Metal Anodes

Rechargeable magnesium (Mg) batteries based on conventional electrolytes are seriously plagued by the formation of the ion-blocking passivation layer on the Mg metal anode. By tracking the Mg²⁺ solvation sheath, this work links the passivation components to the Mg²⁺ -solvents (1,2-dimethoxyethane, DME) coordination and the consequent thermodynamically unstable DME molecules. On this basis, we propose a methodology to tailor solvation coordination by introducing the additive solvent with extreme electron richness. Oxygen atoms in phosphorus-oxygen groups compete with that in carbon-oxygen groups of DME for the coordination with Mg²⁺ , thus softening the solvation sheath deformation. Meanwhile, the organophosphorus molecules in the rearranged solvation sheath decompose on the Mg surface, increasing the Mg²⁺ transport and electrical resistance by three and one orders of magnitude, respectively. Consequently, the symmetric cells exhibit superior cycling performance of over 600 cycles with low polarization.

Sodium MRI at 7T for Early Response Evaluation of Intracranial Tumors following Stereotactic Radiotherapy Using the CyberKnife

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Conventionally, early treatment response to stereotactic radiotherapy in intracranial tumors is often determined by structural MR imaging. Tissue sodium concentration is altered by cellular integrity and energy status in cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of sodium MR imaging at 7T for the preliminary evaluation of radiotherapeutic efficacy for intracranial tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected from 16 patients (12 men and 4 women, 24-75 years of age) with 22 intracranial tumors who were treated with stereotactic radiation therapy using CyberKnife at our institution between December 1, 2016, and August 15, 2019. Sodium MR imaging was performed at 7T before and 48 hours, 1 week, and 1 month after CyberKnife radiation therapy. Tissue sodium concentration (TSC) was calculated and analyzed based on manually labeled regions of tumors.

RESULTS

Ultra-high-field sodium MR imaging clearly showed the intratumoral signal, which is significantly higher than that of normal tissue (t = 5.250, P <.001)., but the edema zone has some influence. The average TSC ratios of tumor to CSF in the 22 tumors, contralateral normal tissues, edema zones, frontal cortex, and frontal white matter were 0.66 (range, 0.23-1.5), 0.30 (range, 0.15-0.43), 0.58 (range, 0.25-1.21), 0.25 (range, 0.17-0.42), and 0.30 (range, 0.19-0.49), respectively. A total of 12 tumors in 8 patients were scanned at 48 hours, 1 week, and 1 month after treatment. The average TSC at 48 hours after treatment was 0.06 higher than that before treatment and began to decrease at 1 week. The TSC ratios of 10 continued to decline and 2 tumors increased at 1 month, respectively. Tumor volume decreased by 2.4%-99% after 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in the TSC can be quantified by sodium MR imaging at 7T and used to detect radiobiologic alterations in intracranial tumors at early time points after CyberKnife radiation therapy.

1,3-Oxyalkynylation of Aryl Cyclopropanes with Ethylnylbenziodoxolones Using Photoredox Catalysis

Alkynes and cyclopropanes are vital motifs in chemistry. Herein, a photoredox catalyzed 1,3-oxyalkynylation of aryl cyclopropanes with ethylnylbenziodoxolones (EBXs) in an atom-economic fashion is described. This cascade comprises single-electron oxidation of the aryl cyclopropane and nucleophilic ring opening followed by radical alkynylation at the benzylic position. The EBX compounds act as bifunctional reagents providing the nucleophilic acid as well as the alkynyl entity. The introduced method features mild conditions and wide substrate scope.

CT texture analysis-based nomogram for the preoperative prediction of visceral pleural invasion in cT1N0M0 lung adenocarcinoma: an external validation cohort study

AIM

To develop a nomogram based on computed tomography (CT) texture analysis for the preoperative prediction of visceral pleural invasion in patients with cT1N0M0 lung adenocarcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A dataset of chest CT containing lung nodules was collected from two institutions, and all surgically resected nodules were classified pathologically based on the presence of visceral pleural invasion. Each nodule on the CT image was segmented automatically by artificial-intelligence software and its CT texture features were extracted. The dataset was divided into training and external validation cohorts according to the institution, and a nomogram for predicting visceral pleural invasion was developed and validated.

RESULTS

Of a total of 313 patients enrolled from two independent institutions, 63 were diagnosed with visceral pleural invasion. Three-dimensional (3D) CT long diameter, skewness, and sphericity, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were identified as independent predictors for visceral pleural invasion by multivariable logistic regression. The nomogram based on multivariable logistic regression showed great discriminative ability, as indicated by a C-index of 0.890 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.867-0.914) and 0.864 (95% CI: 0.817-0.911) for the training and external validation cohorts, respectively. Additionally, calibration of the nomogram revealed good predictive ability, as indicated by the Brier score (0.108 and 0.100 for the training and external validation cohorts, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A nomogram was developed that could compute the probability of visceral pleural invasion in patients with cT1N0M0 lung adenocarcinoma with good calibration and discrimination. The nomogram has potential as a reliable tool for clinical evaluation and decision-making.

Cooperative NHC/Photoredox Catalyzed Ring-Opening of Aryl Cyclopropanes to 1-Aroyloxylated-3-Acylated Alkanes

Cyclopropanes are an important class of building blocks in organic synthesis. Herein, a ring‐opening/arylcarboxylation/acylation cascade reaction for the 1,3‐difunctionalization of aryl cyclopropanes enabled by cooperative NHC and organophotoredox catalysis is reported. The cascade works on monosubstituted cyclopropanes that are in contrast to the heavily investigated donor–acceptor cyclopropanes more challenging to be difunctionalized. The key step is a radical/radical cross coupling of a benzylic radical generated in the photoredox catalysis cycle with a ketyl radical from the NHC catalysis cycle. The transformation features metal‐free reaction conditions and tolerates a diverse range of functionalities.

Characterization of serum adiponectin and leptin in healthy perinatal dairy cows or cows with ketosis, and their effectson ketosis involved indices

We investigated changes in concentrations of ADP (adiponectin), LEP (leptin), BHBA (beta-hydroxybutyric acid), NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid), Glucose (Glu) and INS (insulin) in serum of healthy perinatal dairy cows and cows with ketosis. Twenty-one healthy cows and seventeen cows with ketosis from a herd of a total 60 Holstein cows (near dry period i.e. 56 days antepartum) were selected. Blood was collected through the tail vein every 7 days, from 56 day antepartum to 56 day postpartum. Serum ADP, LEP, BHBA, NEFA, Glu, and INS concentrations were determined, and ketosis was diagnosed through serum BHBA (≥1.2 mmol/L). We showed the concentration of serum adipokines and energy balancing indices were stable during antepar- tum period. However, ADP concentration increased while LEP decreased, and there were a significant increase in cows with ketosis compared to that of in healthy cows. Serum BHBA and NEFA concentrations increased significantly at first, and then gradually decreased in both healthy cows and cows with ketosis. However, cows with ketosis showed higher concentrations of BHBA and NEFA which restored later. The serum concentration of Glu in both healthy dairy cows and cows with ketosis showed a decreasing trend. INS concentration in healthy cows was decreased while it was increased in cows with ketosis. The results reflect the extent of hypo- glycemia and lipid mobilization postpartum, suggest IR exists in cows with ketosis while serum ADP and LEP might play roles in the development of ketosis.

Zinc Complex-Based Multifunctional Reactive Lithium Polysulfide Trapper Approaching Its Theoretical Efficiency

The "shuttle effect" of soluble lithium polysulfides (LPS), which causes rapid capacity fading, remains a lingering issue for lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs). Herein, we report a new type of reactive molecule-based LPS trapper, zinc acetate-diethanolamine (Zn(OAc)₂·DEA), which demonstrates a molecular efficiency of 1.8 for LPS trapping, approaching its theoretical limit of 2, which is the highest trapping capability reported so far. Furthermore, the catalytic effect of Zn²⁺·DEA on the redox of sulfur species promotes the thermodynamics for the reduction of trapped LPS and decreases the energy barrier for the oxidation of Zn(SLi)₂·DEA formed in the discharging process. LSBs using Zn(OAc)₂·DEA as the LPS trapper, binder, and redox catalyst exhibited excellent long-term cycling stability (with a capacity retention of 85% after 1000 cycles at a rate of 0.5C) and enhanced rate performance. This work demonstrated the potential of this novel type of multifunctional metal complex-based reactive molecular LPS trapper for high-capacity and stable LSBs.

Pd(0)-Catalyzed Diastereo- and Enantioselective Intermolecular Cycloaddition for Rapid Assembly of 2-Acyl-methylenecyclopentanes

A highly regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective trimethylenemethane (TMM) cycloaddition reaction for the rapid assembly of 2-acyl-methylenecyclopentane in an atom-economic fashion is described. This intermolecular protocol allows for facile and divergent access to an array of structurally attractive cyclic adducts. The choice of a robust chiral diamidophosphite ligand, developed by our group, proved to be crucial for the success of this transformation.

Extensible artificial intelligence model predicts post-ablation AF recurrence using coronary sinus electrogram

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major public health problem with significant adverse outcomes and catheter ablation is a widely adopted treatment. The CABANA trial showed that catheter ablation reduced AF recurrence to a greater extent than medications. However, some of patients who underwent this procedure still experience relapse. Here, we present an innovative way to identify this subgroup using an artificial intelligence (AI) -assisted coronary sinus electrogram.

Hypothesis

Our hypothesis is that credible features in the electrogram can be extracted by AI for prediction, therefore rigorous drug administration, close follow-up or potential second procedure can be applied to these patients.

Methods

67 patients from two independent hospitals (SPH & ZSH) with non-valvular persistent AF undergoing circumferential pulmonary vein isolation were enrolled in this study, 23 of which experienced recurrence 6 months after the procedure. We collected standard 2.5-second fragments of coronary sinus electrogram from ENSITE NAVX (SPH) and Carto (ZSH)system before the ablation started. A total of 1429 fragments were obtained and a transfer learning-based ResNet model was employed in our study. Fragments from ZSH were used for training and SPH for validation of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN). The AI model performance was evaluated by accuracy, recall, precision, F-Measure and AUC.

Results

The prediction accuracy of the DCNN in single center reached 96%, while that in different ablation systems reached 74.3%. Also, the algorithm yielded values for the AUC, recall, precision and F-Measure of 0.76, 86.1%, 95.9% and 0.78, respectively, which shows satisfactory classification results and extensibility in different cardiology centers and brands of electroanatomic mapping instruments.

Conclusions

Our work has revealed the potential intrinsic correlation between coronary sinus electrical activity and AF recurrence using DCNN-based model. Moreover, the DCNN model we developed shows great prospects in the relapse prediction for personalized post-procedural management.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The National Natural Science Foundation of China

Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Cycloaddition Reactions to Access Seven-Membered Rings

The efficient and selective synthesis of functionalized seven-membered rings remains an important pursuit within synthetic organic chemistry, as this motif appears in numerous drug-like molecules and natural products. Use of cycloaddition reactions remains an attractive approach for their construction within the perspective of atom and step economy. Additionally, the ability to combine multiple components in a single reaction has the potential to allow for efficient combinatorial strategies of diversity-oriented synthesis. The inherent entropic penalty associated with achieving these transformations has impressively been overcome with development of catalysis, whereby the reaction components can be pre-organized through activation by transition-metal-catalysis. The fine-tuning of metal/ligand combinations as well as reaction conditions allows for achieving chemo-, regio-, diastereo- and enantioselectivity in these transformations. Herein, we discuss recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed construction of seven-membered rings via combination of 2-4 components mediated by a variety of metals. An emphasis is placed on the mechanistic aspects of these transformations to both illustrate the state of the science and to highlight the unique application of novel processes of transition-metals in these transformations.

A positive, growth-based PAM screen identifies noncanonical motifs recognized by the S. pyogenes Cas9

CRISPR technologies have overwhelmingly relied on the Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpyCas9), with its consensus NGG and less preferred NAG and NGA protospacer-adjacent motifs (PAMs). Here, we report that SpyCas9 also recognizes sequences within an N(A/C/T)GG motif. These sequences were identified on the basis of preferential enrichment in a growth-based screen in Escherichia coli. DNA binding, cleavage, and editing assays in bacteria and human cells validated recognition, with activities paralleling those for NAG(A/C/T) PAMs and dependent on the first two PAM positions. Molecular-dynamics simulations and plasmid-clearance assays with mismatch-intolerant variants supported induced-fit recognition of an extended PAM by SpyCas9 rather than recognition of NGG with a bulged R-loop. Last, the editing location for SpyCas9-derived base editors could be shifted by one nucleotide by selecting between (C/T)GG and adjacent N(C/T)GG PAMs. SpyCas9 and its enhanced variants thus recognize a larger repertoire of PAMs, with implications for precise editing, off-target predictions, and CRISPR-based immunity.

Relationship of adiponectin, leptin, visfatin and IGF-1 in cow's venous blood and venous cord blood with calf birth weight

The Intrauterine fetal development process is complicated and affected by many regulating factors such as maternal nutritional status, transcription factors and adipokines. Adipokines are kinds of active substances secreted by adipose tissue, including more than 50 kinds of molecules. To explore the correlation between calf birth weights and adipokines including adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1 in cows venous and venous cord blood. Fifty-four healthy multiparous Chinese Holstein cows were used; in which, cows with a calf weight less than 40 kg were included in group A (n=9); those with a calf weight between 40 kg~45 kg were included in group B (n=25) and ≥45 kg were included in group C (n=20), venous blood and cord venous blood was collected. An ELISA kit was used to evaluate the concentration of adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1, correlations between index-index and index-calf birth weight were analysed. In both cows venous and cord venous blood, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1 levels were significantly correlated with each other (p⟨0.01), and levels of these adipokines in venous blood were significantly higher than cord venous blood (p⟨0.01). Adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1 in venous cord blood were positively correlated with calf birth weights, and significantly correlated with calf birth weights respectively (p⟨0.01). Our study showed that adiponectin, leptin, and IGF-1 were found in venous blood and cord venous blood, and adiponectin, leptin, and IGF-1 in venous and cord venous blood potentially inter-regulated each other; adiponectin, leptin, and IGF-1 in venous blood were not significantly correlated with calf birth weights, while adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and IGF-1 in venous cord blood were significantly correlated with calf birth weights, respectively.

A borane-mediated palladium-catalyzed reductive allylic alkylation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

The development of the palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation of in situ generated boron enolates via tandem 1,4-hydroboration is reported. Investigation of the reaction revealed insights into specific catalyst electronic features as well as a profound leaving group effect that proved crucial for achieving efficient allylic alkylation of ester enolates at room temperature and ultimately a highly preparatively useful synthesis of notoriously challenging acyclic all-carbon quaternary stereocenters. The method demonstrates boron enolates as viable pro-nucleophiles in transition-metal catalyzed allylic alkylation, potentially opening up further transformations outside their traditional use.

Ethnic Groups Differences in the Prevalence of Sarcopenia Using the AWGS Criteria

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in different ethnic groups and the association with cultural life styles in west China.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTINGS

The communities in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Xinjiang provinces.

PARTICIPANTS

4500 participants aged 50 years or older in west China were enrolled in this study. Sarcopenia was defined according to the diagnostic algorithm of the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS).

MEASUREMENTS

We measured gait speed, handgrip strength and muscle mass by using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for all eligible participants. Life-style information were collected by reviewers. Relationships between sarcopenia and ethnic groups were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

We found 869 (19.31%) adults aged 50 years old or older were sarcopenia. The mean age is 62.4±8.3 years. The main ethnic groups enrolled in this study is Han, Tibetan, Qiang, Yi and Hui. The crude prevalence of sarcopenia is 22.3% in Han, 18.2% in Tibetan, 11.8% in Qiang, 34.7% in Yi and 26.7% in Hui. Compared to Han, after adjusting sex and age, Qiang has a lower prevalence of sarcopenia (odds ratio [OR]: 0.44, 95% CI 0.35-0.55), Yi has a higher prevalence of sarcopenia (OR: 1.78, 95% CI 1.29-2.43). While adding adjusting other potential cofounders, sarcopenia is still less prevalent in Qiang (OR: 0.44, 95% CI 0.34-0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

The crude prevalence of sarcopenia is 22.3% in Han, 18.2% in Tibetan, 11.8% in Qiang, 34.7% in Yi and 26.7% in Hui. Sarcopenia was less prevalent in Qiang compared with Han. Further studies to determine related factors of sarcopenia among different ethnic groups are recommended.

Association Between Number of Teeth, Denture Use and Frailty: Findings from the West China Health and Aging Trend Study

OBJECTIVE

Frailty and poor oral health are both common age-related conditions. However, the association between oral health and frailty has not been explored thoroughly among older Chinese adults. We aimed to investigate the associations between number of teeth, denture use, and frailty among older adults in western China.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Community-based.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were 4037 community-dwelling individuals aged 60 and older from the West China Health and Aging Trend (WCHAT) study.

MEASUREMENTS

Frailty was assessed using the physical frailty phenotype (PFP) and categorized as non-frail, prefrail and frail. In addition, number of teeth and denture use were examined by calibrated dentists. Multinomial logistic regression models were performed to examine the association between number of teeth, denture use, and frailty.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of frailty was 6.7% among 4037 participants aged 60 and older in western China. Participants with no more than 20 teeth were associated with higher odds of being prefrail or frail whether wearing dentures or not. Denture using could not help lower the odds of being prefrail or frail for older adults with fewer teeth.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that frailty was associated with having fewer teeth (≤20 teeth) among older Chinese adults. Future research involving targeted interventions addressing number of teeth may help provide information to establish effective strategies for frailty prevention in older adults.

Activating Three-Dimensional Networks of Fe@Ni Nanofibers via Fast Surface Modification for Efficient Overall Water Splitting

Developing facile approaches to synthesize highly active and stable oxygen and hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts under mild conditions is crucial in water-splitting technology. Herein, Ni-nanofiber-based three-dimensional (3D) network is prepared by a magnetic-field-assisted reduction reaction and then a fast surface modification within only 3 s at room temperature is developed to prepare Fe@Ni-nanofiber-based 3D porous electrode. The unique structure of the nanofiber-based 3D electrode ensures large electrochemical active surface area, short electron diffusion pathway, and fast mass transportation, while the introduction of Fe enhances the activity of each active site with abundant Ni(Fe) (oxy)hydroxide on the surface. Hence, the obtained Fe@Ni nanofiber electrode exhibits excellent activity and stability toward oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction, with overpotentials as low as 230 and 55 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 in alkaline electrolyte, respectively. Moreover, when assembled into a two-electrode configuration, the cell voltage of only 1.53 V is needed to drive the water-splitting cell at 10 mA cm^-2.