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Defect structure has attracted significant attention because of its importance as design factor for exploring high‐performance functional materials. This study reports a defect‐engineering strategy to optimize the electrode performance of transition metal dichalcogenides and a clear elucidation of the underlying mechanism on the benefit of defect engineering with cycling‐induced transformation into small nanoclusters. The intercalative hybridization of monolayered MoS2 nanosheets with bulky tetraalkylammonium cations is effective for generating abundant crystal vacancies in the MoS2 lattice and improving the sodium‐ion electrode performance, achieving one of the excellent performances among MoS2‐based sodium‐ion anode materials. The improved electrode activity of the tetrapropylammonium−MoS2 nanohybrid is ascribed to the vacancy‐assisted transformation from monolayered MoS2 nanosheets into trimeric/dimeric MoSx nanoclusters during electrochemical cycling. 23Na/1H magic angle spinning‐nuclear magnetic resonance analyses demonstrated that cycling‐induced defective MoSx nanoclusters yields a complex Na environment with high ion mobility and enhanced electrolyte absorptivity, promoting the excellent electrode functionality of tetrapropylammonium‐assembled MoS2 nanosheets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Endometriosis, a gynecological disease, is difficult to be cured. Currently, to identify more potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of endometriosis is urgently needed. Insulin like growth factor 2 (IGF2) has been revealed to correlate with endometriosis. This research aimed to further explore the role of IGF2 and its up-stream mechanism in endometriosis. Methods: Primary ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EESCs) were extracted from ectopic endometrial tissues which were pathological endometrial tissues resected from three patients with II-III endometriosis. Primary normal endometrial stromal cells (NESCs) were extracted from normal endometrial tissues of two patients with grade III cervical dysplasia and one patient with uterine leiomyoma III. Four endometriotic cell lines (EEC145T, hEM15A, hEM5B2, and 12Z) and normal human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) were purchased. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated through functional assays. The molecular interaction between RNAs was investigated through mechanistic analyses. Results: We discovered that IGF2 was upregulated in purchased endometriotic cells and primary EESC. Suppression of IGF2 hampered cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, insulin-like growth factor 2 antisense RNA (IGF2-AS) was uncovered to positively regulate IGF2 expression and enhanced proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of endometriotic cells. Mechanistically, miR-370-3p was found to bind with IGF2-AS and IGF2. IGF2-AS competitively bind with miR-370-3p to upregulate IGF2. Furthermore, IGF2-AS was revealed to activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway through targeting miR-370-3p/IGF2 axis. Conclusion: IGF2-AS promotes endometriotic cell growth via regulating IGF2/miR-370-3p axis and further activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthquake-induced diffuse landslide can cause considerable harm. This study used discrete element modeling (DEM) to investigate the diffuse failure of soil slopes triggered by earthquakes. Initially, the DEM was validated through demonstrating satisfactory agreement with the experimental results of a shaking table test. Subsequently, the time and most realistic location of diffuse failure occurrence was quantified using discrete second-order work. Diffuse failure was associated with abrupt fluctuation of the second-order work and a local burst of kinetic energy. Within the context of second-order analysis, the frictional resistance of the slope was analyzed. Both the in-phase and the out-of-phase evolutions of frictional resistance and seismic loading were captured. The distinctive in-phase response was identified as an important feature of diffuse failure. Moreover, the predominant influence of particle rolling behavior on frictional resistance development during diffuse failure progression was highlighted. The magnitude and anisotropy of the contact force are profoundly influenced by the input vibration amplitude, resulting in variations in frictional resistance, which suggests that stress-induced anisotropy plays a crucial role in diffuse failure. The results of this study shed light on the grain-scale failure mechanisms of earthquake-induced landslides, and serve as the basis for elucidating the failure behavior of seismic-induced landslides. • This study used DEM to investigate the diffuse failure micro-mechanism of a soil slope under shaking table tests. • The timing and location of soil slope failure triggered by earthquakes were quantified using discrete second-order work. • The distinctive in-phase response between frictional resistance and vibration is an important mechanism for diffuse failure. • The particles rolling behavior and stress-induced anisotropy play a dominant role in the evolution of frictional resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecologically sustainable development is the environmental basis of sustainable development. In order to realize ecological sustainable development, we need to study the mental health status of college Chinese learners under the principle of prevention. This study analyzes the correlation and cognition between college Chinese learners' mental health and their mental health status during the learning time through statistical methods and different personalities under various factors. The results show that the learners' mental health state in learning college Chinese is different, the percentage of different personalities under certain factors is different, the relevance and recognition in the learning process are indispensable, and the effect is often different in the length of the learning time, so it is of great significance to the learners' mental health state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, neural network-based English-Chinese translation models have gradually supplanted traditional translation methods. The neural translation model primarily models the entire translation process using the "encoder-attention-decoder" structure. Simultaneously, grammar knowledge is essential for translation, as it aids in the grammatical representation of word sequences and reduces grammatical errors. The focus of this article is on two major studies on attention mechanisms and grammatical knowledge, which will be used to carry out the following two studies. Firstly, in view of the existing neural network structure to build translation model caused by long distance dependent on long-distance information lost in the delivery, leading to problems in terms of the translation effect which is not ideal, put forward a kind of embedded attention long short-term memory (LSTM) network translation model. Secondly, in view of the lack of grammatical prior knowledge in translation models, a method is proposed to integrate grammatical information into translation models as prior knowledge. Finally, the proposed model is simulated on the IWSLT2019 dataset. The results show that the proposed model has a better representation of source language context information than the existing translation model based on the standard LSTM model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybridization of conductive nanospecies has garnered significant research interest because of its high efficacy in improving the diverse functionalities of nanostructured materials. In this study, a novel synthetic strategy is developed to optimize the defect structure, structural ordering, and energy‐related functionality of nanostructured‐materials by employing a multilayer multicomponent two‐dimenstional (2D) graphene/metal oxide/graphene nanosheet (NS) as a versatile hybridization matrix. The hybridization of the robust trilayer, polydiallyldiammonium (PDDA)‐anchored reduced‐graphene oxide (prGO)/metal oxide/prGO NS effectively enhance the structural ordering and porosity of the hybridized MoS2/MnO2 NS through suppression of defect formation and tight stacking. In comparison with monolayer rGO/RuO2 NS‐based homologs, the 2D superlattice trilayer prGO/RuO2/prGO NS hybrids deliver better functionalities as a hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst and as a supercapacitor electrode, demonstrating the merits of hybridization with multilayer NSs. The advantages of using multilayer multicomponent conductive NSs as hybridization matrices arise from the enhancement of charge and mass transport through the layer flattening or defect suppression of the hybridized NSs and the increase in porosity, as evidenced by density functional theory calculations. Finally, the universal utility of multilayer NSs is confirmed by investigating the strong effect of the stacking order on the electrocatalytic functionality of MoS2/rGO/RuO2 films fabricated through layer‐by‐layer deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A defect engineering of inorganic solids garners great deal of research activities because of its high efficacy to optimize diverse energy‐related functionalities of nanostructured materials. In this study, a novel in situ defect engineering route to maximize electrocatalytic redox activity of inorganic nanosheet is developed by using holey nanostructured substrate with strong interfacial electronic coupling. Density functional theory calculations and in situ spectroscopic analyses confirm that efficient interfacial charge transfer takes place between holey TiN and Ni−Fe‐layered double hydroxide (LDH), leading to the feedback formation of nitrogen vacancies and a maximization of cation redox activity. The holey TiN−LDH nanohybrid is found to exhibit a superior functionality as an oxygen electrocatalyst and electrode for Li−O2 batteries compared to its non‐holey homologues. The great impact of hybridization‐driven vacancy introduction on the electrochemical performance originates from an efficient electrochemical activation of both Fe and Ni ions during electrocatalytic process, a reinforcement of interfacial electronic coupling, an increase in electrochemical active sites, and an improvement in electrocatalysis/charge‐transfer kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer enables pathological complete response (pCR) in patients initially diagnosed with axillary lymph node metastases, potentially obviating the need for axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Current targeted axillary dissection (TAD) techniques, guided by traditional tissue markers placed prior to NAC, face challenges such as marker loss and high costs. Carbon nanoparticle suspension injection (CNSI) offers a stable and reliable alternative for marking, which could enhance the TAD procedure. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of different TAD strategies using CNSIs and to explore their clinical utility in locally advanced breast cancer. Methods: This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial will enroll 126 biopsy-proven breast cancer patients with suspicious axillary lymph node metastases (cN1-2a) who achieve ycN0 status following NAC. Participants will be randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to undergo TAD guided by: [1] conventional tissue clips (CG-TAD); [2] CNSI lymph node marking (CN-LNM); or [3] peritumoral CNSI mapping (PCN-MAP). Primary endpoints include retrieval rate of marked lymph nodes, number of sentinel and marked lymph nodes, concordance rates, and complication rates. Secondary endpoints encompass regional and distant recurrence rates, survival outcomes, surgical duration, postoperative complications, quality of life scores, and margin status in breast-conserving surgery. Statistical analyses will adhere strictly to the CONSORT guidelines. Discussion: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of CNSI for targeted axillary dissection in breast cancer patients following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and to explore its clinical significance in reducing surgical complications and costs, as well as improving surgical precision. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04744506, Registered 27 December 2020, Updated 24 September 2024. Protocol Version Ver 1.2, 17/9/2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been demonstrated that postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) was beneficial for breast cancer patients who are axillary lymph node-positive. However, the effectiveness of radiotherapy in pathological negative nodes (ypN0) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) remains open to considerable debate. Here, we aim to evaluate whether PMRT improves loco-regional control and survival for such patients.Methods: The literature from January 2004 to June 2019 was searched. The effects of PMRT on local-regional recurrence (LRR) and survival was evaluated in a meta-analysis. Pooled relative risk (RR) values with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using random and fixed-effect model. Subgroup and heterogeneity analyses were also conducted.Results: Twelve studies that included 17,747 patients met the inclusion criteria. Pooled results showed that PMRT was associated with reduced LRR (RR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.19-0.77, P = 0.007), particularly in patients with stage III breast cancer (RR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.07-0.37, P < 0.001). However, no significant difference in disease-free survival were observed with the addition of PMRT for ypN0 patients (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.21-2.27, P = 0.55). Also, there was no statistically significant association between radiotherapy with overall survival (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.64-1.04, P = 0.10).Conclusions: Our meta-analysis indicated that PMRT might reduce local-regional recurrence for ypN0 patients after NAC, but lack of benefit for survival outcomes. Prospective randomized clinical trial data will be needed to confirm our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization with conductive nanospecies has attracted intense research interest as a general effective means to improve the photocatalytic functionalities of nanostructured materials. To establish universal design rules for high‐performance hybrid photocatalysts, correlations between versatile roles of conductive species and interfacial interaction between hybridized species are systematically investigated through fine‐control of intersheet distance between photocatalytically active TiO2 and metallic reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/RuO2 nanosheets. Molecular‐level tailoring of intersheet distance and electronic coupling between 2D nanosheets can be successfully achieved by restacking of colloidal nanosheet mixture with variable‐sized organic intercalants. While the shortest intersheet distance between restacked TiO2 and rGO nanosheets leads to the highest visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic activity, the best UV–vis photocatalyst performance occurs for moderate intersheet spacing. These results highlight the greater sensitivity of photoinduced electronic excitation to the intersheet distance than that of interfacial charge transfer. The rGO nanosheet can function as effective charge transport pathway and cocatalyst within ≈1.7 nm distance from the semiconducting nanosheet, and as efficient stabilizer for hybridized photocatalyst within ≈1.8 nm. The present study underscores that the intercalative restacking of colloidal nanosheet mixture with intercalants enables molecular‐level control of distance between 2D inorganic/graphene nanosheets, which provides a rational design strategy for high‐performance hybrid photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia miltiorrhiza is one of the most commonly used medicinal materials in China. In recent years, the quality of S. miltiorrhiza has attracted much attention. Biotic and abiotic elicitors are widely used in cultivation to improve the quality of medicinal plants. We isolated an endophytic fungus, Mucor fragilis, from S. miltiorrhiza. We compared the effects of endophytic fungal elicitors with those of yeast extract together with silver ion, widely used together as effective elicitors, on S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. Seventeen primary metabolites (amino acids and fatty acids) and five secondary metabolites (diterpenoids and phenolic acids) were analyzed after elicitor treatment. The mycelium extract promoted the accumulation of salvianolic acid B, rosmarinic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. Additionally, qPCR revealed that elicitors affect the accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites by regulating the expression of key genes (SmAACT , SmGGPPS , and SmPAL). This is the first detection of both the primary and secondary metabolites of S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots, and the results of this work should help guide the quality control of S. miltiorrhiza. In addition, the findings confirm that Mucor fragilis functions as an effective endophytic fungal elicitor with excellent application prospect for cultivation of medicinal plants. • 5 primary metabolites, 17 secondary metabolites, and 3 key genes were simultaneously detected in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. • A novel endophytic fungal elicitor derived from S. miltiorrhiza was isolated and prepared. • The fungal elicitor exhibited a similar effect with YE + Ag+ when up-regulating C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1 contents. • The effects of elicitors on primary and secondary metabolite accumulations in S. miltiorrhiza were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abnormal long noncoding RNA FOXF1 adjacent noncoding developmental regulatory RNA (FENDRR) expression has been discovered in multiple human cancers pathogenesis, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells is rarely reported. Its effects on HCC cells are covered in this study. Materials and Methods: MiR-362-5p and NPR3 expressions in HCC tissues and cell were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot as needed. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Target gene and potential binding sites of FENDRR, miR-362-5p, and NPR3 were predicted and confirmed by TargetScan and Starbase, and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: FENDRR expression was downregulated while miR-362-5p expression was upregulated in HCC tissues and cells. FENDRR upregulation inhibited HCC cells viability yet induced apoptosis, which was reversed by miR-362-5p. In addition, miR-362-5p resulted in p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation and NPR3 expression decrease in HCC cells, which was reversed by FENDRR. Conclusion: FENDRR inhibited HCC cells viability yet promoted apoptosis by targeting miR-362-5p by promoting NPR3 and deactivating p38-MAPK pathway, thus exerting its anticarcinogenic effects in HCC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is usually done by metallic catalysts with a gaseous carbon precursor at high temperature. Yet, mild synthesis conditions can broaden the application of CNTs and their composites. In the present work, it is unraveled why partially substituted Fe ions in 2D MnO2 nanosheets lead to the growth of CNTs at low temperatures of 400−500 °C. The local formation of Fe3C by carbon precursor explains the unusually high catalytic activity of 2D FexMn1−xO2 nanosheets for preparing CNTs. Finally, Fe3C is oxidized to Fe3C/FeOx yolk/shell morphology in ambient atmosphere after the CNT formation reaction. These results shed light on the development of novel catalyst materials that allow for efficiently prepare CNTs under mild conditions for their wider use in energy‐harvesting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the regulatory mechanism of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00461 underlying the breast cancer invasion and migration via the miR-144-3p/KPNA2 axis. Methods: Bioinformatics methods were applied to screen differentially expressed mRNAs, miRNAs and lncRNAs for construction of a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. LINC00461, KPNA2 and miR-144-3p were identified, and KPNA2 was predicted to be a target of miR-144-3p and significantly correlated with breast cancer prognosis. To make the findings more convincible, we used qRT-PCR to detect the expression levels of LINC00461 and miR-144-3p in breast cancer cells, and conducted western blot to determine KPNA2 protein level. Then, RIP was performed to assess the combination between miR-144-3p and LINC00461 or KPNA2, and dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the targeted relationship between miR-144-3p and KPNA2. Furthermore, Transwell was employed for the examination of cell invasion and migration in breast cancer. Results: LINC00461 was predicted to regulate KPNA2 through sponging miR-144-3p as revealed by the ceRNA network. Besides, LINC00461 and KPNA2 were found to be remarkably highly-expressed in breast cancer cells, while miR-144-3p was poorly-expressed. Silencing LINC00461 could promote miR-144-3p expression, thus inhibiting cell invasion and migration. In addition, KPNA2 was confirmed to be a direct target of miR-144-3p. Silencing miR-144-3p or overexpressing KPNA2 could reverse the inhibitory effect of LINC00461 silencing on cell invasion and migration in breast cancer. Conclusion: LINC00461 promoted the expression of KPNA2 by competitively binding to miR-144-3p, thereby promoting the invasion and migration of breast cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient electrocatalysts of cobalt phosphide‐cobalt sulfide 1D composite nanorods for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are synthesized by heat‐treatment of cobalt phosphide nanorod under CS2 flow. The reaction of cobalt phosphide with CS2 molecule leads to the formation of CoP−CoS composite with the maintenance of original 1D nanorod morphology. In comparison with the pristine CoP nanorod, the CoP−CoS composite nanorod shows much higher HER electrocatalytic activity with much lower overpotential, highlighting the beneficial effect of composite formation with metal sulfide on electrocatalyst performance of metal phosphide. The composite formation with CoS domain results in the remarkable enhancement of HER kinetics, electrochemical active surface area, and charge transfer kinetics, which is mainly responsible for the enhanced electrocatalytic activity of composite nanorod. The present study underscores that hybridization with metal sulfide can provide an efficient methodology to improve the electrocatalyst functionality of metal phosphide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exsolution is an effective method for synthesizing robust nanostructured metal‐based functional materials. However, no studies have investigated the exsolution of metal nanoparticles into metal nitride substrates. In this study, a versatile nitridation‐driven exsolution method is developed for embedding catalytically active metal nanoparticles in conductive metal nitride substrates via the ammonolysis of multimetallic oxides. Using this approach, Ti1−xRuxO2 nanowires are phase‐transformed into holey TiN nanotubes embedded with exsolved Ru nanoparticles. These Ru‐exsolved holey TiN nanotubes exhibit outstanding electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction with excellent durability, which is significantly higher than that of Ru‐deposited TiN nanotubes. The enhanced stability of the Ru‐exsolved TiN nanotubes can be attributed to the Ru nanoparticles embedded in the robust metal nitride matrix and the formation of interfacial Ti3+─N─Ru4+ bonds. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the exsolved Ru nanoparticles have a lower d‐band center position and optimized hydrogen affinity than deposited Ru nanoparticles, indicating the superior electrocatalyst performance of the former. In situ Raman spectroscopic analysis reveals that the electron transfer from TiN to Ru nanoparticles is enhanced during the electrocatalytic process. The proposed approach opens a new avenue for stabilizing diverse metal nanostructures in many conductive matrices like metal phosphides and chalcogenides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the variation types kaunene synthase-like (KSL) gene in Danshen (Salvia Root, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) from different producing areas in China, and investigate primarily the influence of KSL gene polymorphism on enzyme-catalyzed reaction of its codases. Methods Specific primers were designed, and full-length KSL genes of Danshen from different producing areas (Henan, Shandong, Sichuan, Hubei, Shanxi, Neimonggu, Hebei) in China were homologously cloned. The variation types were compared and mutation samples were selected to establish a prokaryotic expression system and inducible expression in vitro. The enzyme-catalyzed products of KSL gene were detected by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GS MS), and influence of KSL gene polymorphism of Danshen on protease catalytic efficiency was further analyzed. Results The full-length KSL gene was 1 788 bp, and there were totally 595 amino acid residues encoded. The sequencing results showed that there were polymorphisms in KSL gene of Danshen from different producing areas in China, which could cause synonymous and non synonymous mutations. The catalytic efficiency of different genotypes of KSL was significantly different, which was the highest in Shanxi and the lowest in Inner Mongolia. The KSL gene containing Atype variation mutated at 1 047 bp in Danshen from 4 producing areas including Shanxi, Hubei, Shandong, and Sichuan, and the catalytic efficiency of which was significantly higher than those containing no A type variation in Danshen from 4 producing areas including Henan, Hebei and Inner Mongolia. Conclusion KSL genes have gene polymorphisms indeed in Danshen from different producing areas. The non-synonymous mutations induced by polymorphisms can further lead to changes of amino acid sequences and finally resulting in difference in the catalytic efficiency of encoded enzymes. The polymorphisms of key enzyme genes in the synthesis pathway of tanshinones can be taken as a starting point to provide further reference for revealing the accumulation mechanism of tanshinones and breeding the excellent germplasm of Danshen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing methods for online signature verification are generally writer independent, as a common set of features is used for all writers during verification. In this paper, we propose a new method of online handwritten signature verification. Our approach is based on the writer dependent feature as well as writer dependent partition. The two decisions namely optimal feature suitable for a writer and a partition to be used for authenticating the writer, they are taken based on the error rate at the training phase. It is difficult for the forger to imitate the shape and dynamic characteristics of the signer at the same time. According to this feature, we propose to decompose signature trajectories depending upon pressure, velocity direction angle, and velocity information and perform verification on the most stable partition. Experimental results demonstrate superiority of our approach in online signature verification in comparison with other schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A critical role of bond competition in tailoring Mn valence state and bifunctional electrocatalyst activity of manganese oxide is evidenced by the remarkable improvement of the electrocatalyst activity of α-MnO 2 upon the partial substitution of electronegative Ru 4+ ion. The replacement of Mn 4+ ion with more electronegative Ru 4+ one is quite effective in weakening adjacent (Mn−O) bonds in terms of bond competition, leading to the stabilization of Jahn-Teller active Mn 3+ species, as well as in providing electrocatalytically active Ru sites. The resulting Ru-substituted α-Mn 1−x Ru x O 2 nanowires show much higher electrocatalyst activities for both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) than does the physical mixture of α-MnO 2 and RuO 2 , indicating the main role of (Mn−O) bond covalency in the optimization of the bifunctional electrocatalyst activity of manganese oxide. The present study underscores that, like the previous strategy of structural disorder enhancement, the substitution of highly electronegative cation can provide a novel efficient way of improving the electrocatalyst performance of manganese oxide via the bond competition between adjacent (Ru−O) and (Mn−O) bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide and leads to a great many deaths each year. However, the underlying mechanisms that regulate colorectal cancer development and progression remain elusive. Here we identified an uncharacteristic long noncoding RNA TMEM75 that was upregulated in colorectal cancer compared to non-tumor tissues. We found that TMEM75 expression levels are positively correlated with advanced clinical stage. TMEM75 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CaCo2 and HCT116 cells in vitro. Moreover, TMEM75 silence delayed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, TMEM75 was demonstrated to initiate the expression of transcription factor SIM2. We also found that the expression of SIM2 was upregulated and positively correlated that of TMEM75 in colorectal cancer tissues. Furthermore, ectopic expression of SIM2 rescued TMEM75 depletion-induced inhibition on cell proliferation, migration and invasion in colorectal cancer. Altogether, our findings indicated that TMEM75 functions as an oncogene relying on activation of SIM2 in colorectal cancer for the first time. Highlights • TMEM75 expression was upregulated and correlated with clinical severity in CRC. • TMEM75 contributed to CRC progression. • TMEM75 promoted SIM2 expression. • TMEM75 suppressed tumor growth in vivo by regulating SIM2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A surface modification route to high‐performance oxygen evolution electrocatalysts was developed by immobilization of highly‐oxidized SeO42− species on the surface of exfoliated MnO2 nanosheets. The enhanced stability of tetragonally‐distorted MnO6 octahedron could be achieved by the weakening of axial Mn–O bond due to competition with highly covalent Se6+–O bonds. The selenate anchoring was found to be quite effective in improving the electrocatalyst functionality of MnO2 nanosheets for oxygen evolution reaction, which could be ascribed to the improvement of charge transfer kinetics and the enhancement of Mn3+ stability. This study emphasized that the fine‐control of bonding nature via surface modification with selenate anchoring can offer useful means to explore efficient electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient chemical way to finely control the layer-by-layer stacking of inorganic nanosheets (NS) is developed by tuning the type and composition of intercalant ion, and the reaction temperature for restacking process. The finely controlled stacking of NS relies on a kinetic control of the self-assembly of NS in the presence of coordinating organic cations. A critical role of organic cations in this assembly highlights the importance of the appropriate activation energy. Of prime importance is that a fine-control of the interstratification of 2D NS is highly effective not only in tailoring its pore structure but also in enhancing its electrode activity. The present study clearly demonstrates that the kinetically controlled restacking of NS provides a facile and powerful method to tailor their stacking number and functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient chemical way to finely control the layer-by-layer stacking of inorganic nanosheets (NS) is developed by tuning the type and composition of intercalant ion, and the reaction temperature for restacking process. The finely controlled stacking of NS relies on a kinetic control of the self-assembly of NS in the presence of coordinating organic cations. A critical role of organic cations in this assembly highlights the importance of the appropriate activation energy. Of prime importance is that a fine-control of the interstratification of 2D NS is highly effective not only in tailoring its pore structure but also in enhancing its electrode activity. The present study clearly demonstrates that the kinetically controlled restacking of NS provides a facile and powerful method to tailor their stacking number and functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High performance Pt-free electrocatalyst can be synthesized by adding small amount of exfoliated layered metal oxide (CoO 2 /Ti 1−x O 2 /RuO 2 ) nanosheets into N-doped reduced graphene oxide (rG-O) matrix. The incorporation of 2D metal oxide nanosheet is highly effective not only in increasing the surface area and pyridinic N content of N-doped rG-O but also in promoting its ion transport. Of prime importance is that, even at low content of metal oxide nanosheet (<4 wt%), the metal oxide nanosheet–N-doped rG-O nanocomposites exhibit much higher electrocatalyst activity for oxygen reduction reaction with better selectivity and long-term stability than does N-doped rG-O. Such a beneficial effect of metal oxide nanosheet is much more prominent than that of metal oxide nanoparticle, underscoring unique merit of 2D nanosheet morphology. The superior role of metal oxide nanosheet is attributable to the surface expansion, the increase of pyridinic N content, the provision of catalytically active sites, and the enhanced transport of ion and hydrated O 2 upon the addition of metal oxide nanosheet. The present study clearly demonstrates that the incorporation of exfoliated metal oxide 2D nanosheets into the graphene matrix can provide an efficient and scalable method to explore high performance Pt-free electrocatalysts via the optimization of the functionalities of graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Miliary tuberculosis is a form of tuberculosis that is characterized by a wide dissemination into lung fields. So far, no report has shown a miliary tuberculosis case where diffuse miliary nodules can be observed in airways by bronchoscopy. Here we reported a case of military tuberculosis that can easily be misdiagnosed as sarcoidosis. Methods Report of one case. Results Bronchoscopy showed the presence of diffuse miliary nodules in the mucosa of bilateral bronchi. Pathological examination revealed non-caseating necrotic granuloma. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was not detected. Our case was extremely difficult to differentiate sarcoidosis from tuberculosis. With patient's safety in mind, we finally administered anti-tuberculosis therapy and obtained satisfactory results. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report of a miliary tuberculosis case where diffuse miliary nodules were observed by bronchoscopy. Therefore, when diffused miliary nodules are observed during bronchoscopy, all of the patient's test results should be thoroughly analyzed to rule out miliary tuberculosis. If the diagnosis is very difficult, anti-tuberculosis therapy should be considered first to ensure patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-driven proton directional transport is important in living beings as it could subtly realize the light energy conversion for living uses. In the past years, 2D materials-based nanochannels have shown great potential in active ion transport due to controllable properties, including surface charge distribution, wettability, functionalization, electric structure, and external stimuli responsibility, etc. However, to fuse the inorganic materials into bio-membranes still faces several challenges. Here, we proposed peptide-modified WS 2 nanosheets via cysteine linkers to realize tunable band structure and, hence, enable light-driven proton transmembrane transport. The modification was achieved through the thiol chemistry of the –SH groups in the cysteine linker and the S vacancy on the WS 2 nanosheets. By tuning the amino residues sequences (lysine-rich peptides, denoted as KFC; and aspartate-rich peptides, denoted as DFC), the ζ-potential, surface charge, and band energy of WS 2 nanosheets could be rationally regulated. Janus membranes formed by assembling the peptide-modified WS 2 nanosheets could realize the proton transmembrane transport under visible light irradiation, driven by a built-in potential due to a type II band alignment between the KFC-WS 2 and DFC-WS 2. As a result, the proton would be driven across the formed nanochannels. These results demonstrate a general strategy to build bio-semiconductor materials and provide a new way for embedding inorganic materials into biological systems toward the development of bioelectronic devices. • The designed peptides could be well modified to WS 2 nanosheets through the cysteine linker. • The electronic band structures of the peptide-WS 2 nanosheets were verified through experiments and theoretical calculation. • The assembled bio-semiconductor membrane could realize the light-driven proton transmembrane transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Heat-treatment in C 2 H 2 flow causes simultaneous Ru ex-solution and carbon coating. • Ex-solution of Ru nanoclusters remarkably improves the electrocatalytic stability. • Ru embedding enhances the interfacial interaction and the graphitization of carbon. • The increased HER activity originates from promoted interfacial charge transfer. The immobilization of metal nanoclusters in an inorganic matrix has attracted intense research interest because of its usefulness in exploring highly efficient electrocatalyst materials. In this study, a novel one-pot carbon-coating-ex-solution route to robust high-performance electrocatalysts of metal-nanocluster-embedded carbon-coated inorganic nanostructures was developed by the C 2 H 2 treatment of metal-substituted MnO 2 nanowires at elevated temperatures. The calcination of Ru-substituted Mn 1-x Ru x O 2 nanowires under a flow of C 2 H 2 /Ar led not only to the simultaneous carbon coating and reductive formation of MnO, but also to the ex-solution embedding of Ru nanoclusters between the MnO substrate and the coated carbon layers. The resulting Ru-embedded Ru-MnO@C nanowires showed a promising electrocatalytic performance with an improved stability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and this performance was superior to those of Ru-deposited Ru-MnO@C nanowires, Ru-free MnO@C nanowires, and Mn 1-x Ru x O 2 nanowires. The Ru-MnO@C nanowires possessed an excellent electrochemical stability due to the formation of strong interfacial Ru4+-O-Mn2+ bonding and the promoted crystallization of the tight graphitic carbon layer by Ru anchoring. Furthermore, in situ surface-enhanced Raman scattering and electron paramagnetic resonance analyses provided strong evidence for the improved interfacial charge transfer kinetics and enhanced electron injection from MnO to the Ru nanoclusters. This is responsible for the beneficial effect of the simultaneous carbon-coating-ex-solution process on the HER electrocatalyst functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Heat-treatment in C 2 H 2 flow causes simultaneous Ru ex-solution and carbon coating. • Ex-solution of Ru nanoclusters remarkably improves the electrocatalytic stability. • Ru embedding enhances the interfacial interaction and the graphitization of carbon. • The increased HER activity originates from promoted interfacial charge transfer. The immobilization of metal nanoclusters in an inorganic matrix has attracted intense research interest because of its usefulness in exploring highly efficient electrocatalyst materials. In this study, a novel one-pot carbon-coating-ex-solution route to robust high-performance electrocatalysts of metal-nanocluster-embedded carbon-coated inorganic nanostructures was developed by the C 2 H 2 treatment of metal-substituted MnO 2 nanowires at elevated temperatures. The calcination of Ru-substituted Mn 1-x Ru x O 2 nanowires under a flow of C 2 H 2 /Ar led not only to the simultaneous carbon coating and reductive formation of MnO, but also to the ex-solution embedding of Ru nanoclusters between the MnO substrate and the coated carbon layers. The resulting Ru-embedded Ru-MnO@C nanowires showed a promising electrocatalytic performance with an improved stability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and this performance was superior to those of Ru-deposited Ru-MnO@C nanowires, Ru-free MnO@C nanowires, and Mn 1-x Ru x O 2 nanowires. The Ru-MnO@C nanowires possessed an excellent electrochemical stability due to the formation of strong interfacial Ru4+-O-Mn2+ bonding and the promoted crystallization of the tight graphitic carbon layer by Ru anchoring. Furthermore, in situ surface-enhanced Raman scattering and electron paramagnetic resonance analyses provided strong evidence for the improved interfacial charge transfer kinetics and enhanced electron injection from MnO to the Ru nanoclusters. This is responsible for the beneficial effect of the simultaneous carbon-coating-ex-solution process on the HER electrocatalyst functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic coupling and photocatalytic activity of Ag 2 CO 3 –TiO 2 nanocomposite can be optimized by the fine-tuning of the band position of titanium oxide with nitrogen doping. The increase of the valence band energy of TiO 2 by N-doping leads not only to the enhanced absorption of visible light but also to the promoted hole transfer from Ag 2 CO 3 to TiO 2 , resulting in the efficient spatial separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. While the undoped Ag 2 CO 3 –TiO 2 nanocomposite shows an inferior photocatalytic activity to the pure Ag 2 CO 3 , the photocatalyst performance of N-doped nanocomposite is better than those of Ag 2 CO 3 and undoped Ag 2 CO 3 –TiO 2 nanocomposite. This observation underscores a significant enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of nanocomposite upon N-doping, a result of enhanced electronic coupling between the hybridized species. The present results clearly demonstrate the importance of the fine-tuning of band position in optimizing the photocatalytic activity of hybrid-type photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dimerization of monomeric beryllium species was studied via density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and the influences of deprotonation and substitution with various halide anions on the polymerization were explored. The results indicate that the dimerization was accomplished by aggregation followed by a nucleophilic attack reaction, and the hydrolysis that provides the nucleophilic hydroxyl group is a prerequisite for polymerization. An activation energy of 49.7 kJ mol and an aggregation energy of −52.2 kJ mol were found for the formation of Be(OH)(HO), indicating a exothermic reaction. Deprotonation promotes aggregation and increases the energy barrier to activation. Replacing a bound water with an F anion makes aggregation more thermodynamically favorable, but it does not significantly change the energy barrier. It was concluded that the charge and electronegativity of the anion are crucial influences on the energy of the activation barrier, whereas the aggregation energy is influenced not only by the charge but also by the symmetry of the bridging structure in the aggregate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, CdS/ethanediamine (protonated) hybrid nanowires (CdS/EDA NW) three - dimensional (3D) network structure photocatalysts with tunable sulfur vacancy concentrations were fabricated. The protonated EDA molecules modified on the surafce of CdS to assemble into 3D structure with large specific surface area can not only effectively capture visible light, but also significantly enhance the separation and transportation of charge carriers. And EDA is also conducive to CO 2 adsorption. Meanwhile, the rich sulfur vacancies (V S -R) on the surface of CdS/EDA NW can trap more photogenerated electrons to further prolong carries lifetime as well as effectively promote the hydrogen adsorption and CO 2 activation. Hence, the V S -R mediated 3D CdS/EDA NW exhibits the high visible light photocatalytic syngas CO and H 2 formation rate of 115.6 and 959.4 μmol g−1 h−1 (CO: H 2 = 1: 8.3) respectively. This work provides a promising idea to design efficient catalysts through multiple collaborative strategies for syngas production via CO 2 photoreduction. [Display omitted] • 3D network structure CdS/EDA nanowires with tunable surface sulfur vacancies were fabricated. • EDA molecules modified on the surafce of CdS to assemble into 3D structure can effectively capture visible light and enhance the charge carriers transport. • Surface sulfur vacancies offer abundant coordinatively unsaturated active sites cooperate with amino modification for efficient hydrogen adsorption and CO 2 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A hybridization strategy is developed to optimize mass activity of metal nanocluster. • Holey 2D TiO 1−x N x nanosheet shows superior efficiency as a hybridization matrix. • Defects and interfacial anion linkers are crucial in maximizing hybridization effect. • 2D Pt−holey-TiO 1−x N x nanohybrid shows an unusually high gravimetric HER efficiency. Highly porous holey inorganic nanosheets have received growing attention as emerging 2D nanostructures because of their excellent functionalities as active materials and hybridization matrices. Here we report the composition-controlled synthesis of ultrathin holey metal oxynitride nanosheets with subnanometer-level thickness of ∼0.8 nm and tunable defect/surface structures. The application of the obtained holey TiO 1−x N x nanosheets as immobilization substrates allowed to maximize mass electrocatalytic activity of hybridized Pt nanoclusters via enhanced interfacial interaction at defective sites. The strong electronic coupling between positively-charged Pt nanoclusters and holey TiO 1−x N x nanosheets with interfacial oxygen linkers enabled to achieve a superior electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction with an unusually high gravimetric efficiency (20.8 AmgPt−1), i.e. , one of the most efficient values for Pt nanostructures. Density functional theory calculations and in-situ Raman analysis emphasize the significant contributions of interfacial oxygen linker in holey TiO 1−x N x substrates and positive charge of Pt nanocluster to optimizing the electrocatalytic activity. The present study underscores that employing composition-controlled holey TiO 1−x N x nanosheets as immobilization substrates provides a novel efficient methodology to explore high-performance electrocatalysts via the improvement of charge/mass transport and electrocatalytic kinetics, and the optimization of d -band center upon hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed on the structures and water-exchange reactions of aqueous Al(III)–salicylate complexes. Based on the four models (gas phase (GP); polarizable continuum model (PCM), which estimates the bulk solvent effect; supermolecule model (SM), which considers the explicit solvent effect, and supermolecule–polarizable continuum model (SM–PCM), which accounts for both types of solvent effects), we systematically conducted this study by examining three different properties of the complexes. (1) The microscopic properties of the aqueous Al(III)–salicylate complexes were studied by optimizing their various structures (including the possible 1:1 mono- and bidentate complexes, cis and trans isomers of the 1:2 bidentate complexes and 1:3 bidentate complexes) at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d, p) level. (2) The 27Al and 13C NMR chemical shifts were calculated using the GIAO method at the HF/6-311+G(d, p) level. The calculation results show that the values obtained with the SM–PCM models are in good agreement with the experimental data available in the literature, indicating that the models we employed are appropriate for Al(III)–salicylate complexes. (3) The water-exchange reactions of 1:1 mono- and bidentate Al(III)–salicylate complexes were simulated using supermolecule models at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d, p) level. The logarithm of the water-exchange rate constant (log k ex) of the 1:1 bidentate complex predicted using the “log k ex–d Al–OH2” correlation is 4.0, which is in good agreement with the experimental value of 3.7, whereas the calculated range of log k ex of the 1:1 monodentate complexes is 1.3–1.9. By effectively combining the results for the thermodynamic static structures with the simulations of the kinetic water-exchange reactions, this work promotes further understanding of the configurations and formation mechanism of Al(III)–salicylate complexes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The interaction of monomeric aluminium and chloride ion in aqueous solution is investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The computational results show that it is difficult for Cl−to enter the inner-coordination shell of aluminium complexes by replacing the bound water molecules, independent of pH and the concentration of Cl−. However, pH and the concentration of Cl−might influence the conformations, bond lengths and natural charge populations of monomeric aluminium complexes to a given extent. Based on the computed Gibbs energies, pKavalues of various hydrolysis species in the presence and absence of Cl−are evaluated, respectively. It is concluded that pKaincreases with the introduction of Cl−. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms for the substitution of an aqua ligand with F−in monomeric Al complexes were studied with density functional theory (DFT). Typical mechanisms are modeled to determine the preferred substitution pathway according to the activation energy barriers. The present computational results are in favor of interchange associative (Ia) mechanism for the substitution of F−into Al(H2O)63+, whereas interchange dissociative (Id) mechanism is preferred for the substitution into Al(H2O)5(OH)2+, which is in agreement with the previous experimental findings. This implies the mechanistic changeover from Iato Idinduced by the spectator hydroxyl ligand. Like the water-exchange reaction, the substitution rate is accelerated by OH−ligand. The difference of the computational and experimental activation enthalpy values is interpreted as the DFT errors in energy and the deviation of transmission coefficient from unity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bazhong City is located on stratum dominated by red-bed conditions. This type of weak geological condition with sand and mudstone interbedding is very easily affected by climatic conditions to produce rainfall-type landslides. On the basis of landslide data statistics collected in Bazhong City from 2011 to 2019, this paper uses ERA5-Land rainfall data to statistically analyze the correlation between rainfall and landslide events in Bazhong City. The landslide events in Bazhong City are greatly affected by rainfall events lasting for 10 days. Considering the influence of rainfall seepage and other processes, an effective cumulative rainfall-duration threshold curve for Bazhong City is obtained via median nonlinear fitting. Then, on the basis of the prediction interval, the rainfall threshold formula under different landslide occurrence probabilities is obtained and the critical threshold curve with a non-exceeding probability of 1% in Bazhong City is calculated and verified. Subsequently, a continuous probability distribution fitting function of landslide occurrence is established and a continuous probability distribution surface with a good fitting effect in Bazhong City is obtained. This allows a definite probability of whether future rainfall events will induce landslides to be obtained, providing an important basis for engineering disaster prevention and mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Exploring the influences of F− and OH− ligands on dimerization and dissociation in weakly acidic solutions. • The transition of terminal F to bridging F. • The effect of anion on the stability of dimers formed in strongly alkaline conditions once crystallization. Dimerization mechanism of aluminum species is investigated in weakly acidic solutions and in strongly alkaline solutions using density functional theory, respectively. The results indicate the dimerization is controlled by dehydration of monomeric aluminum and the dissolution of dimer is controlled by the hydroxyl bridge cleavage in weakly acidic solutions. The two processes are enhanced by the rising pH. In addition, the main pathway generating the fluorine bridge is not the direct polymerization, but the terminal substitution of F− into polymeric aluminum followed by the transition of terminal F to bridging F. The formation of fluorine bridge promotes dissolution and di-fluorine-bridged dimer should be excluded. In strongly alkaline solutions, the formation processes of three dimers were speculated, and the existence of mono-hydroxyl-bridged dimer is denied due to the extraordinary instability and high formation energy barriers. It is possible that mono-oxygen-bridged and di-hydroxyl-bridged dimers coexist in highly alkaline solutions. However, the salts of mono-oxygen-bridged anion are much more stable than salts of di-hydroxyl-bridged anion due to the effect of counter cations and the removal of ambient water molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In article number 2004530, Seong-Ju Hwang and co-workers investigate the molecular-level control intersheet distance and electronic coupling between 2D graphene/inorganic nanosheets by restacking of a colloidal nanosheet mixture with variable-sized intercalants. The optimal conditions for the efficacy of the conductive nanosheet as a photosensitizer, electron reservoir, charge transport pathway, cocatalyst, and stabilizer can be established with restacked organic-semiconductor-conductor nanohybrids, providing a novel rational design strategy for high-performance hybrid photocatalysts. High-Performance Hybrid Photocatalysts: Molecular-Level Control of the Intersheet Distance and Electronic Coupling between 2D Semiconducting and Metallic Nanosheets: Establishing Design Rules for High-Performance Hybrid Photocatalysts (Adv. Sci. 7/2021). [Extracted from the article]

• A comprehensive account on inorganic nanosheet-based electrocatalysts is presented. • 2D inorganic nanosheets are versatile precursors for novel hybrid electrocatalysts. • Diverse applications of inorganic nanosheet-based electrocatalysts are presented. • Crucial roles of inorganic nanosheets in electrocatalysis are discussed in detail. • Future perspectives for electrocatalyst application of 2D nanosheets are discussed. Among diverse nanostructured materials, two-dimensional (2D) inorganic nanosheets have attracted intense research interest because of their unique characteristics such as high morphological anisotropy, expanded 2D surface area with many surface active sites, and unique electronic structures. The existence of many surface- and edge-exposed active sites as well as tunable chemical composition with large concentration of redoxable component ions renders 2D inorganic nanosheets as promising electrocatalysts for diverse electrochemical reactions. Additionally, highly anisotropic 2D inorganic nanosheet with high surface-to-volume ratio can be used as efficient hybridization matrix to optimize the electrocatalyst performance of nanostructured material via strong interfacial interaction and synergistic coupling between hybridized species. For the electrocatalyst application, 2D inorganic nanosheets can play crucial roles as main active components, substrates, additives, and hybrid building blocks in hybrid-type electrocatalysts. In this review, unique advantages of 2D inorganic nanosheets in the design and synthesis of electrocatalysts are discussed with in-depth discussion about their critical roles in 2D nanosheet-based electrocatalysts. Depending on target electrocatalysis reactions, diverse examples of 2D inorganic nanosheet-based electrocatalysts are surveyed along with their versatile characterization techniques. Future research perspectives for the exploration of 2D inorganic nanosheet-based electrocatalysts are presented to provide valuable insights for the development of high-performance electrocatalysts applicable for emerging fields of renewable energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resulting 5% In 2 O 3 /g-C 3 N 4 B heterojunction catalyst with a proper In 2 O 3 and B content exhibits excellent visible-light photocatalytic activities. Its conversion ratio for TH and NO is 2.0,1.9 time higher than that of In 2 O 3 ,g-C 3 N 4 ,g-C 3 N 4 Band g-C 3 N 4 B-R(reference sample),respectively. And its CH4 evolution rate is 9.0,3.6,2.2 and 2.5 times higher than that of In 2 O 3 ,g-C 3 N 4 ,g-C 3 N 4 B and g-C 3 N 4 B-R, respectively. • Novel In2O3/g-C3N4B catalyst was constructed by boron, cubic In2O3 and 2D g-C3N4. • It has excellent photocatalytic activity in TH and NO oxidation, and CO2 reduction. • 5% In2O3/g-C3N4B obviously shows a higher photocatalytic activity than g-C3N4B-R. • The significantly enhanced photo catalytic properties were discussed. Novel In 2 O 3 /boron doped graphite-like carbon nitride (In 2 O 3 /g-C 3 N 4 B) heterojunction catalysts were successfully fabricated via a facile water-bath combined with calcination method. The resulting 5% In 2 O 3 /g-C 3 N 4 B catalyst with a proper In 2 O 3 and B content exhibits excellent visible-light photocatalytic activities. Its conversion ratio for tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) and nitric oxide (NO) is 2.0, 1.9 times higher than that of In 2 O 3 , g-C 3 N 4 , g-C 3 N 4 B, g-C 3 N 4 B-R (reference sample), respectively. And its CH 4 evolution rate is 9.0, 3.6, 2.2, 2.5 times higher than that of In 2 O 3 , g-C 3 N 4 , g-C 3 N 4 B, g-C 3 N 4 B-R, respectively. The remarkably enhanced photocatalytic properties are mainly attributed to the result that an appropriate boron and In 2 O 3 modified the g-C 3 N 4 promoted the efficient separation and transfer of photoinduced electrons and holes from the heterojunction interface by the band alignment between In 2 O 3 and g-C 3 N 4 B. The probable mechanism on the activity enhancement was also discussed. Moreover, 5% In 2 O 3 /g-C 3 N 4 B shows good activity stability as evidenced by three recycling reactions. This work offers some useful insights to design and fabricate other highly efficient and stable g-C 3 N 4 -based heterojunction multifunctional materials for energy conversion and environmental restoration applications in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to tune the coordination configuration of dual‐atom catalyst (DAC), especially in the first coordination sphere, to render high intrinsic catalytic activities for oxygen reduction/evolution reactions (ORR/OER). Herein, a type of atomically dispersed and boron‐coordinated DAC structure, namely, FeN4B‐NiN4B dual sites, is reported. In this structure, the incorporation of boron into the first coordination sphere of FeN4/NiN4 atomic sites regulates its geometry and electronic structure by forming "Fe‐B‐N" and "Ni‐B‐N" bridges. The FeN4B‐NiN4B DAC exhibits much enhanced ORR and OER property compared to the FeN4‐NiN4 counterparts. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the boron‐induced charge transfer and asymmetric charge distributions of the central Fe/Ni atoms optimize the adsorption and desorption behavior of the ORR/OER intermediates and reduce the activation energy for the potential‐determining step. Zinc‐air batteries employing the FeN4B‐NiN4B cathode exhibit a high maximum power density (236.9 mW cm−2) and stable cyclability up to 1100 h. The result illustrates the pivotal role of the first‐coordination sphere of DACs in tuning the electrochemical energy conversion and storage activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To investigate the oncolytic effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) delivering reovirus type 3 (Reo3) on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) K562 cells. METHODS: The expression of junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), a receptor susceptible to Reo3, on the surface of hUMSCs and K562 cells was assessed by flow cytometry. Intracellular viral inclusion body distribution 72 h after Reo3 infection in hUMSCs was observed by electron microscopy. The hUMSCs were infected with various multiplicities of infection (MOI) of Reo3 (M01=0, 1, 2 and 3) for 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h, and the most suitable MOI was identified by CCK-8 assay. Subsequently, hUMSCs were infected with the optimal titer of Reo3 for the same durations, and supernatants were collected. The titer of Reo3 in the supernatant from each group was measured using mouse fibroblast L929 cells combined with median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) method, determining the optimal infection time. The K562 cells were divided into 4 groups: control group, hUMSCs group, Reo3 group, and hUMSCs-Reo3 group. Ratios of hUMSCs to K562 cells in hUMSCs group and hUMSCs-Reo3 group were set at low, medium and high (5^1, 10^1 and 20: 1). The changes of K562 cell viability after co-cultured with hUMSCs-Reo3 for 24, 48 and 72 h were analyzed by CCK-8 assay. The apoptosis of K562 cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of anti-Reo3 monoclonal antibody was determined using L929 cells. The oncolytic effect of hUMSCs-Reo3 on K562 cells with antibody present in vitro was verified. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein levels of Bcl-2, Bax, survivin and cleaved caspase-3 in K562 cells after treatment. A BALB/c nude mouse subcutaneous tumor model was constructed with K562 cells (n=6) to analyze the in vivo anti-tumor effect of hUMSCs-Reo3. RESULTS: The expression levels of JAM-A on the surfaces of hUMSCs and K562 cells were found to be 11. 0% and 99. 0%, respectively. Electron microscopy revealed a significant presence of viral inclusion bodies within hUMSCs 72 h following infection with Reo3. Within 120 h, no statistically significant difference was observed in the viability of hUMSCs between Reo3 (MOI=1) group and uninfected group, establishing the optimal MOI. The TCID50 results indicated that the highest virus titer in the lysate of hUMSCs in Reo3 (MOI=1) group occurred 48 h after infection, determining 48 h as the optimal infection time. The K562 cells co-cultured with hUMSCs-Reo3 for 24, 48 and 72 h showed a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of cell viability. The EC50 of the anti-Reo3 monoclonal antibody was found to be 1: 34. Even in the presence of antibodies at various concentrations (1: 34, 1 • 300 and 1: 600), hUMSCs were capable of transporting Reo3 to inhibit K562 cell viability and induce apoptosis in vitro. Compared with control group, significant down-regulation of Bcl-2 and survivin expression levels in K562 cells was noted after 48 h of co-culture with hUMSCs-Reo3 (P<0. 05), while Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression levels were significantly up-regulated (P< 0. 05 or P<0. 01). In the BALB/c nude mouse tumor-bearing model, determination of tumor volume changes, pathological examination of tumor tissue and major organs, and assessment of cathepsin B/L activity using a small animal live imaging system confirmed the oncolytic effect of hUMSCs-Reo3 on K562 cells in vivo without adverse effects on normal tissues. CONCLUSION: The hUMSCs are effective in transporting Reo3, and this delivery system is capable of releasing sufficient quantities of Reo3 in both in vivo and in vitro settings to inhibit the malignant proliferation of K562 cells and promote apoptosis, thereby exerting an oncolytic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify and describe existing models for predicting knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception to May 2023 for any studies to develop and validate a prediction model for predicting knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text qualifications, and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using the PROBAST. Data extraction of eligible articles was extracted by a data extraction form based on CHARMS. The quality of evidence was graded according to GRADE. The results were summarized with descriptive statistics. Results: The search identified 2693 records. Sixteen articles reporting on 26 prediction models were included targeting occurrence (n = 9), others (n = 7), progression (n = 5), persistent (n = 2), incident (n = 1), frequent (n = 1), and flares (n = 1) of knee pain. Most of the studies (94%) were at high risk of bias. Model discrimination was assessed by the AUROC ranging from 0.62 to 0.81. The most common predictors were age, BMI, gender, baseline pain, and joint space width. Only frequent knee pain had a moderate quality of evidence; all other types of knee pain had a low quality of evidence. Conclusion: There are many prediction models for knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis that do show promise. However, the clinical extensibility, applicability, and interpretability of predictive tools should be considered during model development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: The g-C3N4 monolayer in the perfect 2D limit was successfully realized, for the first time, by the well-defined chemical strategy based on the bottom-up process. The most striking evidence was made from Cs–high resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements by observing directly the atomic structure of g-C3N4 unit cell, which was again supported by the corresponding high resolution transmission electron microscopy image simulation results. We demonstrated that the newly prepared g-C3N4 monolayer showed outstanding photocatalytic activity for H2O2 generation as well as excellent electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction. The exfoliation of bulk graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) into monolayer has been intensively studied to induce maximum surface area for fundamental studies, but ended in failure to realize chemically and physically well-defined monolayer of g-C3N4 mostly due to the difficulty in reducing the layer thickness down to an atomic level. It has, therefore, remained as a challenging issue in two-dimensional (2D) chemistry and physics communities. In this study, an “atomic monolayer of g-C3N4 with perfect two-dimensional limit” was successfully prepared by the chemically well-defined two-step routes. The atomically resolved monolayer of g-C3N4 was also confirmed by spectroscopic and microscopic analyses. In addition, the experimental Cs-HRTEM image was collected, for the first time, which was in excellent agreement with the theoretically simulated; the evidence of monolayer of g-C3N4 in the perfect 2D limit becomes now clear from the HRTEM image of orderly hexagonal symmetry with a cavity formed by encirclement of three adjacent heptazine units. Compared to bulk g-C3N4, the present g-C3N4 monolayer showed significantly higher photocatalytic generation of H2O2 and H2, and electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction. In addition, its photocatalytic efficiency for H2O2 production was found to be the best for any known g-C3N4 nanomaterials, underscoring the remarkable advantage of monolayer formation in optimizing the catalyst performance of g-C3N4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Targeting ferroptosis mediated by autophagy presents a novel therapeutic approach to breast cancer, a mortal neoplasm on the global scale. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 4 (PDK4) has been denoted as a determinant of breast cancer metabolism. The target of this study was to untangle the functional mechanism of PDK4 in ferroptosis dependent on autophagy in breast cancer. Methods: RT-qPCR and western blotting examined PDK4 mRNA and protein levels in breast cancer cells. Immunofluorescence staining appraised light chain 3 (LC3) expression. Fe (2 +) assay estimated total iron level. Relevant assay kits and C11-BODIPY (591/581) staining evaluated lipid peroxidation level. DCFH-DA staining assayed intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. Western blotting analyzed the protein levels of autophagy, ferroptosis and apoptosis-signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway-associated proteins. Results: PDK4 was highly expressed in breast cancer cells. Knockdown of PDK4 induced the autophagy of breast cancer cells and 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an autophagy inhibitor, countervailed the promoting role of PDK4 interference in ferroptosis in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, PDK4 knockdown activated ASK1/JNK pathway and ASK1 inhibitor (GS-4997) partially abrogated the impacts of PDK4 absence on the autophagy and ferroptosis in breast cancer cells. Conclusion: To sum up, deficiency of PDK4 activated ASK1/JNK pathway to stimulate autophagy-dependent ferroptosis in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To explore the synergistic sensitization effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant (hUMSC-CM) combined with temozolomide (TMZ) on various glioma cell lines, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The hUMSC-CM was harvested using two different serum deprivation techniques at 24 and 48 h, and was converted into freeze-dried powder, which was then given to rat malignant glioma cell line RG-2, human astrocytoma cell line U251 and human glioblastoma cell line LN-428 at 5 concentrations (0, 1, 3, 6 and 9 g/L). The effectiveness and sensitivity of hUMSC-CM for inhibiting growth of glioma cells at 24, 48 and 72 h were assessed using CCK-8 assay. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining combined with CCK-8 assay was employed to evaluate the chemotherapy sensitivity of glioma cells after 48 h of treatment with TMZ at 6 concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 µmol/L). Two concentrations (3 and 9 g/L) of hUMSC-CM and 3 concentrations (50, 100 and 200 µmol/L) of TMZ were chosen for concurrent treatment of glioma cells to assess the proliferation and pathological alterations. TUNEL staining was utilized to detect apoptosis. Flow cytometry was utilized to analyze cell cycle modifications. The expression alterations of apoptosis-inducing proteins, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8 and cleaved PARP1, as well as autophagy-inducing proteins beclin-1 and LC3, were examined using Western blot to investigate the synergistic sensitization mechanism of hUMSC-CM combined with TMZ in vitro. RESULTS: The susceptibility of glioma cell lines to hUMSC-CM and TMZ varied, with RG-2 showing the highest sensitivity, followed by U251, and then LN-428. The inhibitory effect of hUMSC-CM (3 and 9 g/L) and TMZ (50, 100 and 200 µmol/L) combined treatment on glioma cells was significantly greater than that that of single-agent treatments (P<0. 05), demonstrating a dose- and concentration-dependent enhancement. Notably, the combination of 9 g/L hUMSC-CM (C9) with 50 µmol/L TMZ (T50) effectively suppressed glioma cell growth. CCK-8 assay indicated a significant reduction of cell viability in C9+T50 group compared with either C9 or T50 alone (P<0. 05). HE staining and TUNEL staining revealed pronounced morphological changes and significant apoptotic features in glioma cells treated with C9+T50. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed that C9+T50 induced cell cycle arrest in glioma cells. Furthermore, compared with control group, the levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8, cleaved PARP1, beclin-1, and LC3-II/LC3-I were significantly elevated in the C9+T50-treated glioma cells (P<0. 01). CONCLUSION: (1) The concomitant administration of hUMSC-CM and TMZ exerts a broad inhibitory effect on glioma cells, with a synergistic sensitization observed across different cell lines. (2) The enhancement of glioma cell sensitivity to TMZ by hUMSC-CM may be attributed to the modulation of caspase-8/caspase-3/PARP1 signaling pathway and the induction of both apoptosis and autophagy in glioma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) emerged in December 2019 and has spread globally. Diabetics are at increased risk of infections caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses. The present research aims to describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID‐19 patients with diabetes. Methods: A retrospective multicenter study of COVID‐19 patients with diabetes was conducted in four hospitals in Wuhan, Shanghai, and Anhui Province. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or next‐generation sequencing was carried out to confirm the existence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 from respiratory specimens. Results: A total of 54 diabetics (10.36%) were recruited from among 521 COVID‐19 patients, with a median age of 63 (interquartile range, 52‐70) years. Among them, 51 had been previously diagnosed with diabetes and 3 had been newly diagnosed based on glycosylated hemoglobin over 6.5%. For COVID‐19, 47 of the 54 patients had an exposure history. Fever (47/54, 87.04%), dry cough (36/54, 66.67%), and expectoration (21/53, 39.62%) were among the top three symptoms. Lung infiltration was bilateral (46/52, 88.46%) and multilobe (47/52, 90.38%), and ground‐glass opacity (36/37, 97.30%) was the most common pattern in radiological images. Moreover, COVID‐19 patients with diabetes were prone to be classified as severe or critical cases (46.30%, 25/54) and had complications such as acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and acute kidney injury. The proportions of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths among the COVID‐19 diabetics were 14.81% (8/54) and 12.96% (7/54), respectively. Conclusions: With older age, diabetics diagnosed as having COVID‐19 were prone to develop into severe cases and exhibited a high rate of ICU admission and mortality. HighlightsWe provide a primary and comprehensive description of the clinical features and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients with diabetes.With older age, COVID‐19 patients with diabetes are susceptible to developing a severe or critical type of COVID‐19 and to having complications such as acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney injury.Thus, special attention should be paid to diabetics infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 because they exhibit a higher incidence of intensive care unit admission and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human cardiovascular system has evolved to accommodate the gravity of Earth. Microgravity during spaceflight has been shown to induce vascular remodeling, leading to a decline in vascular function. The underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Our previous study demonstrated that miR‐214 plays a critical role in angiotensin II‐induced vascular remodeling by reducing the levels of Smad7 and increasing the phosphorylation of Smad3. However, its role in vascular remodeling evoked by microgravity is not yet known. This study aimed to determine the contribution of miR‐214 to the regulation of microgravity‐induced vascular remodeling. The results of our study revealed that miR‐214 expression was increased in the forebody arteries of both mice and monkeys after simulated microgravity treatment. In vitro, rotation‐simulated microgravity‐induced VSMC migration, hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation were repressed by miR‐214 knockout (KO) in VSMCs. Additionally, miR‐214 KO increased the level of Smad7 and decreased the phosphorylation of Smad3, leading to a decrease in downstream gene expression. Furthermore, miR‐214 cKO protected against simulated microgravity induced the decline in aorta function and the increase in stiffness. Histological analysis showed that miR‐214 cKO inhibited the increases in vascular medial thickness that occurred after simulated microgravity treatment. Altogether, these results demonstrate that miR‐214 has potential as a therapeutic target for the treatment of vascular remodeling caused by simulated microgravity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]