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Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by cisplatin (CDDP) is a complex, critical illness with no effective or specific treatment. The purpose of the study was to assess the protective effect of protopanaxadiol (PPD) on the kidneys in CDDP-induced AKI models and its possible mechanisms. Methods: In vitro, the protection of PPD was assessed in HK-2. KM mice were injected with CDDP to induce AKI models in vivo. The determination of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine (SCr) was performed, and pathological changes were examined by histopathological examination. Immunostaining and western blot analyses were used to analyze the expression levels of proteins. Results: PPD can increase the viability of HK-2 cells damaged by CDDP, improve cell morphology, and alleviate the symptoms of AKI in mice. In addition, PPD can down-regulate the protein expression of TRF and up-regulate the protein expression of Ferritin heavy chain, Glutathione peroxidase 4, and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 reduce the iron content in cells and kidney tissues, and restore the antioxidant defense system. Conclusion: PPD has an inhibitory effect on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, which may be related to the inhibition of ferroptosis by regulating iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXene is a novel two-dimensional nano material with exceptional performance, which can be applied in the fields of energy storage structural materials, optics, catalysis, and sensors etc. However, its synthesis is a challenge to date. From the perspective of environmental friendliness, the method of Lewis salt etching can effectively avoid the use of dangerous reagents and has been seen as a pollution-free economic approach. In this article ZnCl 2 molten salt was chosen as corrosive agent to etch Ti 3 AlC 2 MAX phase and investigated the synthesis mechanism of Ti 3 C 2 Cl x MXene. The influence of main process factor, like raw materials, sintering temperature, and holding time on synthesis product were studied and discussed. The synthesis route was investigated by XRD and thermal analysis. SEM and TEM technology was used to analyze the microstructure and lattice of synthesis product. The results showed that the optimal process conditions: the molar ratio of raw materials was 1:6 (Ti 3 AlC 2 : ZnCl 2), the synthesis temperature and holding time were 600～700 °C and 4 h, respectively. Ti 3 C 2 Cl x MXene material prepared by this method has a complete layered structure and uniform composition, and its synthesis mechanism can be concluded to two steps: the first step was the reaction between Ti 3 AlC 2 MAX phase and ZnCl 2 to generate Ti 3 ZnC 2 MAX phase; In the second step, the Ti 3 ZnC 2 MAX phase reacted with the remaining ZnCl 2 to generate Ti 3 C 2 Cl x MXene material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-based eco-friendly products are well-received globally due to increasingly scarce petroleum resources and growing public concern about human health risks and environmental concerns. In this study, wheat gluten (WG) as the raw material modified with transglutaminase (TGase) and epichlorohydrin (ECH) was used to develop an eco-friendly bio-based adhesive. Effects of TGase and ECH on the properties of the adhesive were emphatically discussed. The dry and wet shear strengths of the combined modified adhesive achieved at 3.21 MPa and 0.81 MPa, which was higher than the Chinese National Standard Ⅱ plywood requirements (0.7 MPa). Meanwhile, the solid content and the protein surface hydrophobicity H 0 were increased to 28.27 % and 636.54, respectively. These improvements were mainly because, during the modification, the structure of WG became more stretched after ethanol treatment. Then the TGase promoted the cross-linking of the protein molecules and enhanced the cohesion strength of the adhesive system. Finally the ECH further cross-linked and aggregated with exposed active groups to varying degrees, and formed a compact three-dimensional cross-linked network structure, which allowed the WG-based adhesive to form a smoother and more uniform microscopic surface and better water resistance. The obtained adhesives might be utilized to substitute petroleum-derived adhesives in the plywood sector, providing ideas and references for future eco-friendly adhesive research and increasing the high value usage of wheat starch processing by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we develop and investigate the performance of defect-free hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) based on a novel 6FDA-mPDA 0.65 -DABA 0.3 -TFMB 0.05 copolyimide for helium separation from multi-component natural gas. The copolyimide is synthesized using a two-step condensation polymerization, and the hollow fiber membranes are fabricated using a dry-jet/wet-quench spinning approach. Thermal crosslinking of hollow fiber membranes is conducted to enhance plasticization resistance. The crosslinked membranes exhibit improved He selectivity (α(He/CH 4) = 259) compared to the pristine hollow fiber membrane (α(He/CH 4) = 210). Gas permeation tests are performed on the pristine and crosslinked hollow fiber membranes using pure-gas and mixed-gas at various pressures. The results demonstrate that the crosslinked membranes effectively resist plasticization even under high-pressure gas feeds containing CO 2 , light hydrocarbons, and heavy hydrocarbons. In contrast, the uncrosslinked membranes experience plasticization, dramatically decreasing selectivity. The findings provide valuable insights into the plasticization behavior of different impurity compounds in hollow fiber membranes and highlight the potential of thermal crosslinking as an effective strategy to improve the plasticization resistance of HFMs for He recovery. These defect-free and plasticization-resistant membranes hold promise for efficient He recovery from mixed-gas streams, offering a viable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional separation methods. [Display omitted] • Novel 6FDA-mPDA 0.65 -DABA 0.3 -TFM B0.05 polymer is fabricated for He separation. • Defect-free HFMs are prepared using a dry-jet/wet-quench spinning approach. • Crosslinked membranes effectively resist plasticization under severe condition. • Heavy hydrocarbons displayed a competitive plasticization and adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Molecular mechanisms of peritoneal dialysis (PD) ultrafiltration failure, peritoneal neo-angiogenesis, and fibrosis remain to be determined. We aimed to determine the role of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) inhibition on angiogenesis of peritoneal membrane in a PD rat model.Methods: 32 male Wistar rats were assigned into (1) control group; (2) uremic non-PD group: subtotal nephrectomy-induced uremic rats without PD; (3) uremic rats subjected to PD: uremic rats that were dialyzed with Dianeal® for 4 weeks; (4) CRM 197 group: dialyzed uremic rats were supplemented with CRM197, a specific HB-EGF inhibitor. Peritoneal transport function was examined by peritoneal equilibration test. Expression of HB-EGF and EGFR in peritoneal samples were examined by real-time PCR, immunohistochemical staining, and western blot.Results: Progressive angiogenesis and fibrosis were observed in uremic PD rats, and there were associated with decreased net ultrafiltration (nUF), increased permeability of peritoneal membrane, and reduced expression of HB-EGF and EGFR protein and mRNA in uremic PD rats compared to uremic non-PD or control groups (both p < 0.05). CRM197 significantly induced peritoneal membrane permeability, decreased nUF, increased higher vessel density, and reduced pericyte count compared to that of uremic PD rats. The levels of HB-EGF and EGFR expression negatively correlated with vessel density in peritoneal membrane (both p < 0.001).Conclusion: PD therapy was associated with peritoneal angiogenesis, functional deterioration, and downregulation of HB-EGF/EGFR. Pharmacological inhibition of HB-EGF promoted PD-induced peritoneal angiogenesis and fibrosis and ultrafiltration decline, suggesting that HB-EGF downregulation contributes to peritoneal functional deterioration in the uremic PD rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Using wheat gluten to prepare environment-friendly biological materials to increase its added value. • Wheat gluten was treated with ethanol to promote its dispersion and dissolution. • Co-modification of the protein by IPDI and ethanol makes the structure more dense and hydrophobic. • The protein re-crosslinked in ethanol-dispersed protein solution to form a more stable three-dimensional network. • Wheat gluten adhesive is non-toxic and has strong usability. A highly efficient method was developed for preparing wheat gluten (WG) based wood adhesives with high performance using ethanol and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) as main chemical additives. The performance of the resulting adhesives was evaluated by manufacturing artificial wood products (AWP). The effects of IPDI content on the water resistance, viscosity, solid content and modification mechanism of the adhesives and the optimal method to prepare artificial wood products were investigated. The results showed that ethanol could disperse the stacked protein structures and expose some internal groups of proteins, so that IPDI could be cross-linked with protein molecules to form a more compact three-dimensional reticulum protein structure, confirmed by both the increases of the decomposition temperature and the smoother and more uniform surface of the resulting adhesives. The structural changes enhanced the hydrophobicity of the modified adhesive samples and were beneficial to resist the invasion of water molecules, which improved the water resistance of the adhesives. When the IPDI concentration was 15 wt%, the dry and wet shear strength of the adhesive reached 2.61 MPa and 0.97 MPa with the best water resistance respectively, and the viscosity and solid content increased to 32.8 Pa·s and 34.41 %, respectively. It was found that the resulting adhesives had better performance and could be used as an environment-friendly plywood adhesive instead of petroleum-based adhesive, which was more conducive to the extension of the wheat industry chain to high value-added products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separating helium (He) and hydrogen (H2), two gases that are extremely similar in molecular size and condensation properties, presents a formidable challenge in the helium industry. The development of membranes capable of precisely differentiating between these gases is crucial for achieving large‐scale, energy‐efficient He/H2 separation. However, the limited selectivity of current membranes has hindered their practical application. In this study, we propose a novel approach to overcome this challenge by engineering submicroporous membranes through the fluorination of partially carbonized hollow fibers. We demonstrate that the fluorine substitution on the inner rim of the micropore walls within the carbon hollow fibers enables tunability of the microporous architecture. Furthermore, it enhances interactions between H2 molecules and the micropore walls through the polarization and hydrogen bonding induced by C−F bonds, resulting in simultaneous improvements in both He/H2 diffusivity and solubility selectivities. The fluorinated HFM‐550‐F‐1 min membrane exhibits exceptional mixed‐gas separation performance, with a binary mixed‐gas He/H2 selectivity of 10.5 and a ternary mixed‐gas He/(H2+CO2) selectivity of 20.8, at 40 bar feed pressure and 35 °C, surpassing all previously reported polymer‐based gas separation membranes, and remarkable plasticization resistance and long‐term continuous stability over 30 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separating helium (He) and hydrogen (H2), two gases that are extremely similar in molecular size and condensation properties, presents a formidable challenge in the helium industry. The development of membranes capable of precisely differentiating between these gases is crucial for achieving large‐scale, energy‐efficient He/H2 separation. However, the limited selectivity of current membranes has hindered their practical application. In this study, we propose a novel approach to overcome this challenge by engineering submicroporous membranes through the fluorination of partially carbonized hollow fibers. We demonstrate that the fluorine substitution on the inner rim of the micropore walls within the carbon hollow fibers enables tunability of the microporous architecture. Furthermore, it enhances interactions between H2 molecules and the micropore walls through the polarization and hydrogen bonding induced by C−F bonds, resulting in simultaneous improvements in both He/H2 diffusivity and solubility selectivities. The fluorinated HFM‐550‐F‐1 min membrane exhibits exceptional mixed‐gas separation performance, with a binary mixed‐gas He/H2 selectivity of 10.5 and a ternary mixed‐gas He/(H2+CO2) selectivity of 20.8, at 40 bar feed pressure and 35 °C, surpassing all previously reported polymer‐based gas separation membranes, and remarkable plasticization resistance and long‐term continuous stability over 30 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ternary nanocomposite integrating polyethyleneimine (PEI), magnetite (Fe 3 O 4) nanoparticles, and illite/smectite clay nanoflakes (denoted as PEI-MI/S) was prepared via a mechanochemical route in a high-energy density stirred bead mill. The ternary PEI-MI/S nanocomposite was determined by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The results show that ternary PEI-MI/S nanocomposite can be prepared in the presence of intense grinding, which can graft a more amount of PEI rather than that prepared in the absence of grinding. The compressive and shear stresses in intense grinding can disperse Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles and exfoliate/destruct I/S clay nanoflakes. Also, the mechanochemical effect facilitates the hydrogen bond and electrostatic interaction between PEI and magnetic I/S, and the crosslink reaction between PEI and glutaraldehyde in grinding, resulting in a more grafting amount of PEI. Ternary PEI-MI/S nanocomposite was applied for the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) anions in aqueous solution. The effect of parameters (i.e., pH value, adsorption time, temperature, and initial concentration of Cr(VI) anions) on the adsorption performance was investigated. It is indicated that the adsorption of Cr(VI) anions onto PEI-MI/S nanocomposite be related to the adsorption/reduction process. Ternary magnetic PEI-MI/S nanocomposite with a saturated magnetization (Ms) of 14.7 emu/g facilitates the magnetic separation and reusability. The regenerated ternary PEI-MI/S nanocomposite can maintain 71.43% of initial activity for adsorption of Cr(VI) anions after 6 cycles. A ternary nanocomposite was prepared by integrating polyethyleneimine (PEI), magnetite (Fe 3 O 4), and illite/smectite (I/S) via a mechanochemical route (a) for the removal of Cr(VI) anions (b). Unlabelled Image • A ternary magnetic clay nanocomposite was prepared by mechanochemical route. • Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles are effectively dispersed during grinding. • Mechanochemical effect favors a more grafting amount of polyethyleneimine. • Removal of Cr(VI) anions is due to adsorption/reduction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to assess the pharmacokinetics of henagliflozin in dialysis patients with diabetes. Methods: In this prospective, randomized, open-label study where 10 hemodialysis and 10 peritoneal dialysis patients with diabetes were randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to oral administration of henagliflozin in doses of 5 and 10 mg/day. The pharmacokinetics of a single dose of henagliflozin on Days 1 and 2, the minimum plasma concentration (Cmin) of the steady state on Day 10, and single hemodialysis clearance of henagliflozin were measured. Results: The mean values of Cmax were 70.2–77.0 ng/mL and 105–143 ng/mL in the 5 mg and 10 mg henagliflozin groups, respectively; the mean values of AUCinf were 777–811 h*ng/mL and 1290–1730 h*ng/mL in the 5 mg and 10 mg henagliflozin groups, respectively. The median Tmax values ranged from 1 to 3 h across the dose range. The mean values of T1/2 of henagliflozin were 14.1–14.5 and 16.2–21.0 h in the 5 mg and 10 mg groups, respectively. The Cmin values of the steady state in dialysis patients taking 5 mg and 10 mg of henagliflozin were 15.0 ± 4.4 ng/mL and 26.8 ± 16.3 ng/mL, respectively, which were 123.8% and 131.0% higher than those in diabetic patients with normal renal function, respectively. Henagliflozin concentration was decreased by 1.1% after hemodialysis treatment. No treatment-related serious adverse events or discontinuations occurred. Conclusions: Henagliflozin at the current recommended dosage may be safe, although it is possible to result in slight accumulation in patients on dialysis. Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry number ChiCTR2200062872. The date of registration: August 22, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate identification and visualization of peritoneal metastases (PM) are clinically essential to improving the prognosis for gastric cancer. However, owing to the multifocal spread of peritoneal metastasis nodules, small size, and close contact with adjacent organs, identifying and completely removing them during surgery is extremely challenging, resulting in cancer treatment failure and recurrence. This study develops a T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent (FeGdNP)‐loaded indocyanine green/glucose oxidase (ICG/GOx) with conjugation of an RGD dimer (RGD2) and acid‐labile polymer mPEG (FeGdNP‐ICG/GOx‐RGD2‐mPEG). Compared with commercial Magnevist, the proposed FeGdNP‐ICG/GOx‐RGD2‐mPEG shows a two to three‐fold higher tumor ΔSNR in MRI of peritoneal metastasis and subcutaneous animal models. Compared with free ICG, the increased fluorescent signal of FeGdNP‐ICG/GOx‐RGD2‐mPEG allows for the detection of tiny tumor metastatic nodules (<3 mm), and the removal of the peritoneum transplanted tumors. Abundant gluconic acid and H2O2 are generated during the GOx‐mediated glucose depletion process in cancer cells, thereby enhancing Fenton reaction efficiency. Accumulated toxic ·OH can damage the mitochondrial function and induce the release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, which activates the ferroptosis pathway. The data indicate the potential of the nanoparticles for MRI preoperative diagnosis, intraoperative fluorescence‐guided navigation, and ferroptosis tumor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The mixed matrix membranes based on COFs for separation are systematically reviewed. • The development of COF fillers and structure–property relationships are highlighted. • The challenges involved in COF-based mixed matrix membranes are presented. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) combining the virtues of porous fillers with polymeric matrices have been widely investigated due to their potential to overcome the permeability-selectivity trade-off. However, the compatibility issues at the organic/inorganic interface have barred their large-scale applications. With the rapid advances in chemistry and material science, recent research has turned to covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with regular pore structure, high specific surface area, and good compatibility with polymer matrix as promising fillers to improve the separation performance of MMMs. This review summarizes the research progresses on COF-based MMMs for gas and liquid separations, including various COF linkages, properties of COFs, and the selection principle of COF materials for target applications. Moreover, according to the geometric symmetry of building blocks and the different dimensions of the covalently connected frameworks, COFs fillers are categorized into two types: (1) 2D COFs; (2) 3D COFs. The applications of COF-based MMMs are subsequently reviewed, focusing on the effects of COF fillers on the performance of mixed matrix membranes in gas and liquid separations. Finally, the prospects and challenges of COF-based MMMs in industrial applications are briefly summarized to guide the future design of high-performance COF-based MMMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The meta-analysis we conducted was for RCTs only. • we searched and included English and Chinese databases up to July 31, 2023. • we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the effects of exercise on autism. • we summarized the preliminary evidence on the dose of exercise for the treatment of autism. • we found limitations in the improvement of executive function in autism. Physical Exercise Therapy (PET) is increasingly applied in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), yet the empirical evidence supporting its efficacy remains ambiguous. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of PET for individuals with ASD, providing evidence-based support for clinical and scientific research. We systematically searched four international databases (Medline via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Libraries, and Web of Science) and three Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP Libraries) up to July 31, 2023. The search was conducted in both English and Chinese for original research articles employing randomized-controlled-trial (RCT) designs to study PET's effects on individuals diagnosed with ASD according to DSM or other established criteria. Co-primary outcomes focused on the overall severity of autism, while secondary outcomes included measures of stereotyped behaviors, social deficits, social skills, and executive functioning. Data from the included studies were synthesized and analyzed using RevMan 5.4. This systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023443951). A total of 28 RCTs comprising 1081 participants were analyzed. Of these, only three studies met high-quality standards. Compared to control groups, PET showed improvement in at least one core symptom of autism, including Motor Performance (SMD=1.72, 95%CI[1.01, 2.44], I2=90%), Restricted Repetitive Behaviors (SMD=-0.81, 95%CI[-1.00, -0.62], I2=0%), Social Dysfunction (SMD=-0.76, 95%CI[-1.06, -0.46], I2=47%). PET may offer benefits in reducing the overall severity and associated symptoms in individuals with ASD. However, given the high overall risk of bias in the included studies, these findings should be interpreted with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a substantial role in cancer onset and recurrence. Anomalous iron and lipid metabolism have been documented in CSCs, suggesting that ferroptosis, a recently discovered form of regulated cell death characterised by lipid peroxidation, could potentially exert a significant influence on CSCs. However, the precise role of ferroptosis in gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) remains unknown. To address this gap, we screened ferroptosis-related genes in GCSCs using The Cancer Genome Atlas and corroborated our findings through quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. These results indicate that stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1) is a key player in the regulation of ferroptosis in GCSCs. This study provides evidence that SCD1 positively regulates the transcription of squalene epoxidase (SQLE) by eliminating transcriptional inhibition of P53. This mechanism increases the cholesterol content and the elevated cholesterol regulated by SCD1 inhibits ferroptosis via the mTOR signalling pathway. Furthermore, our in vivo studies showed that SCD1 knockdown or regulation of cholesterol intake affects the stemness of GCSCs and their sensitivity to ferroptosis inducers. Thus, targeting the SCD1/squalene epoxidase/cholesterol signalling axis in conjunction with ferroptosis inducers may represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of gastric cancer based on GCSCs. • SCD1 can play a role in the regulation of ferroptosis by regulating cholesterol metabolism. • Gastric cancer stem cells exhibit aberrant cholesterol metabolism. • The elevated cholesterol levels induced by SCD1 facilitate the resistance of gastric cancer stem cells against ferroptosis via the mTOR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal cancer is among the most common cancers worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-based cancer immunotherapy has become an innovative approach in cancer treatment; however, its efficacy in gastrointestinal cancer is limited by the absence of infiltration of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, it is therefore urgent to develop a novel therapeutic drug to enhance immunotherapy. In this study, we describe a previously unreported potentiating effect of Icariside I (ICA I, GH01), the main bioactive compound isolated from the Epimedium species, on anti-tumor immune responses. Mechanistically, molecular docking and SPR assay result show that ICA I binding with TRPV4. ICA I induced intracellular Ca2+ increasing and mitochondrial DNA release by targeting TRPV4, which triggered cytosolic ox-mitoDNA release. Importantly, these intracellular ox-mitoDNA fragments were taken up by immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, which amplified the immune response. Moreover, our study shows the remarkable efficacy of sequential administration of ICA I and anti-α-PD-1 mAb in advanced tumors and provides a strong scientific rationale for recommending such a combination therapy for clinical trials. ICA I enhanced the anti-tumor effects with PD-1 inhibitors by regulating the TRPV4/Ca2+/Ox-mitoDNA/cGAS/STING axis. We expect that these findings will be translated into clinical therapies, which will benefit more patients with cancer in the near future. [Display omitted] • ICA I was efficiently extracted by computer-aided protein design strategy. • ICA I induces mitochondrial dysfunction by binding to TRPV4 channel and increasing intracellular Ca2+ concentration • ICA I enhanced anti-tumor effects of PD-1 inhibitors by modulating the TRPV4/Ca2+/Ox-mitoDNA/cGAS/STING axis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic glycolysis accelerates tumor proliferation and progression, and inhibitors or drugs targeting abnormal cancer metabolism have been developing. Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) significantly contribute to tumor initiation, metastasis, therapy resistance, and recurrence. Formyl peptide receptor 3 (FPR3), a member of FPR family, involves in inflammation, tissue repair, and angiogenesis. However, studies in exploring the regulatory mechanisms of aerobic glycolysis and CSCs by FPR3 in gastric cancer (GC) remain unknown. Here, we demonstrated that overexpressed FPR3 suppressed glycolytic capacity and stemness of tumor cells, then inhibited GC cells proliferation. Mechanistically, FPR3 impeded cytoplasmic calcium ion flux and hindered nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) nuclear translocation, leading to the transcriptional inactivation of NFATc1-binding neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 3 (NOTCH3) promoter, subsequently obstructing NOTCH3 expression and the AKT/mTORC1 signaling pathway, and ultimately downregulating glycolysis. Additionally, NFATc1 directly binds to the sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) promoter and modifies stemness in GC. In conclusion, our work illustrated that FPR3 played a negative role in GC progression by modulating NFATc1-mediated glycolysis and stemness in a calcium-dependent manner, providing potential insights into cancer therapy. • FPR3 served as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer. • FPR3 reprograms glycolysis and stemness in GC. • FPR3 influences cytoplasmic calcium ion and downstream NFATc1 activity. • NFATc1 bound to NOTCH3 promoter to modulate AKT/mTORC1 pathway. • FPR3 interferes with cancer stemness via NOTCH3 and SOX2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pedodiversity was higher in southern China than northern China. • Analysis unit sizes had little effect on spatial pattern analysis of pedodiversity. • Overall, parent material and topography were major driving factors of pedodiversity. Knowledge of pedodiversity is essential for the protection and management of soil resources. The analysis of regional pedodiversity is typically based on analysis units of different sizes. However, the effect of analysis unit size on regional pedodiversity studies remains unclear. In this paper, the effects of analysis unit size on the studies of spatial distribution characteristics of pedodiversity and its major driving factor in China were studied based on two levels of geomorphological regions. A combined method encompassing the moving window, soil richness, and Shannon index was used to analyze the spatial distribution pattern of pedodiversity in China. A geographical detector was used to determine a major driving factor of pedodiversity in each geomorphological region. The spatial distribution pattern of pedodiversity based on two levels of geomorphological regions both showed that pedodiversity was highest in southern China, followed by northern China, and lowest in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which indicated that analysis unit sizes had little effect on the study on spatial distribution pattern of pedodiversity. The major driving factor analysis of pedodiversity based on first-order geomorphological regions showed that the major driving factor in China, except for the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, was parent material. However, the results based on second-order geomorphological regions showed that the major driving factors of pedodiversity, except for the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, were parent material and topography in hilly regions, topography in mountainous regions, and parent material in regions occupied by alluvial landforms, aeolian landforms, or karst landforms. The driving factor analysis of pedodiversity based on the two levels of geomorphological regions suggested that the effect of the analysis unit sizes on the major driving factor study was significant. The results of this study are an important supplement for pedodiversity studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many studies have shown that compared with those who use other dialysis modalities, patients using home hemodialysis (HHD) have an increased rate of survival and better quality of life. It was noted in 2006 that there was opportunity for significant expansion of the use of HHD in many countries. China covers a vast area and has a large amount of end‐stage renal failure patients. But in mainland China, all dialysis treatments are in‐center, and the number of HHD patients is zero. In 2018, our hospital received the permission of the Shanghai government to carry out HHD. Case presentation: We initiated four incident hemodialysis patients on an HHD regimen, one patient has been dialyzed in the home safely for 8 months. The biochemical parameters of the first patient remained stable on the regimen and he achieved standard Kt/V urea targets. Treatment‐related adverse events were not reported during the follow‐up. We combined HHD with intelligent "Internet Plus" real‐time remote monitoring and introduced the Internet, especially visualization software, to replace traditional telephone and home visit methods. It is more intuitive and quicker to assist patients in performing home hemodialysis and improve the safety of treatment. Conclusions: HHD can be performed by selected trained patients in mainland China. Combined with the internet, visualization software, and traditional telephone and home visits, it is intuitive and quick to assist patients in carrying out HHD and improve the safety of treatment. HHD broadens the choices for uremia patients in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assisted PD is used as an alternative option for the growing group of frail, older ESKD patients unable to perform their own PD. This study was undertaken to investigate the outcomes of assisted PD in older patients by comparing assisted PD patients with self-care PD patients. This study included all patients aged 70 and above who started on PD in our hospital from 2009 to 2018. Patients were followed up until death, PD cessation or to the end of the study (December 31, 2019). Risk factors associated with mortality, peritonitis and technique failure were evaluated using both cause-specific hazards and subdistribution hazards models. 180 patients were enrolled, including 106 (58.9%) males with a median age of 77.5 (77.2–81.2) years. Among the 180 patients, 62 patients (34.4%) were assisted. Patients on assisted PD group were older, more likely to be female, more prevalent in DM and CVD, with a higher Charlson score than patients undergoing self-care PD (P all < 0.05). In the multivariable analysis, assisted patients had a comparable patient survival and peritonitis-free survival compared to self-care PD patients either in the Cox or in the FG models. According to a Cox model, the use of assisted PD was associated with a lower risk of technique failure (cs-HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04–0.76), but the association lost its statistical significance in the Fine and Gray model. Our results suggest that assisted PD could be a safe and effective KRT modality for older ESKD patients who need assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective laser melting (SLM), as a revolutionary technology for metal manufacturing, attracts tremendous attention because it can produce complex components to benefit the customised production. Here we report that additively manufactured 304L austenitic stainless steel (SS) with low stacking fault energy (SFE) show superior fatigue resistance than its conventional counterparts due to the unique heterogeneous microstructure despite containing relatively high porosity. A series of detailed microstructural characterisations were applied to systematically disclose the fatigue enhancement mechanism of additively manufactured parts. Direct evidence is offered to show the obvious progressive work hardening and strain rate hardening caused by the heterogeneous microstructure during cyclic deformation, thus enhancing the fatigue crack initiation resistance. The microstructural results reveal that the cellular substructure plays a decisive role in regulating the dislocation motion during cyclic deformation, resulting in the intergranular fatigue cracking along HAGBs rather than twin boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations in the control of the thermal isomerization of trans fatty acids (TFAs) in edible oils are of great significance in effectively improving the safety of edible oil. The mitigation mechanism of resveratrol (Res) on thermally induced trans -α-linolenic acids (TALAs) of trilinolenin was delved by gas chromatography and density functional theory. The results revealed that the mitigative rate of Res on TALAs in trilinolenin increased with the heating temperature and time, and C18-3:9 c ,12 c ,15 t (3.82 ∼ 13.90%) > C18-3:9 t ,12 c ,15 c (3.47 ∼ 11.50%) > C18-3:9 c ,12 t ,15 c (4.22 ∼ 4.72%). After heating at 180 °C and 200 °C for 4 h and 8 h without oxygen, the mitigation of TALAs by Res was mainly exerted by the hydrogen extraction and proton transfer isomerism mechanism. Both mitigation mechanisms were that Res firstly bound to the Ln allyl position to increase molecular steric hindrance, thereby preventing the bond rotation and proton transfer to inhibit the formation of TALAs; Res was preferentially bound to the di -allyl sites (Ln-11 site > Ln-14 site), followed by the mono -allyl sites (Ln-17 site > Ln-8 site). The study provides a theoretical foundation for the precise control of TALAs in edible oil systems. [Display omitted] • Resveratrol (Res) can mitigate trans -α-linolenic acid formed from heated trilinolenin. • The mitigation rate of Res was C18-3:9 c ,12 c ,15 t > C18-3:9 t ,12 c ,15 c > C18-3:9 c ,12 t ,15 c. • The mitigation acted by Res via hydrogen abstraction and proton transfer mechanism. • The binding sites of Res mitigating trans -α-linolenic acid are mono - or di- allyl sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A high-throughput screening platform for screening metal oxide (MOX) gas sensing materials with high sensitivity was designed and established. It consisted of gas-sensing film parallel synthesis platform and high-throughput gas-sensing unmanned testing platform. • Thirty-one SnO 2 sensing films with different metal ions surface modified and an intrinsic SnO 2 film were parallel deposited with this platform efficiently. • Ir-modified and Ag-modified SnO 2 sensing films obtained high sensitivity to formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and xylene under temperature programmed cooling. The detection limits to formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and xylene were 20 ppb, meeting the need of IAQS of China (GB/T 18883-2002). • SnO 2 modified with Ir and Ag respectively, which have high performance were screened out. The dynamic responses of Ir-modified SnO 2 to formaldehyde and xylene were bigger than that to benzene and toluene. While Ag-modified SnO 2 was more sensitive to toluene and xylene. Abstract Hazardous gases such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and xylene are harmful to human health. Utilizing sensors with extraordinary gas sensing performances to detect these gases is essential to air quality monitoring. According to indoor air quality standard of China (IAQS, GB/T 18883-2002), the detection limits for formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and xylene are 0.075 ppm, 0.034 ppm, 0.047 ppm, 0.042 ppm respectively. While the detection limits of current commercial metal oxide (MOX) gas sensors to these four gases are approximately 1 ppm or more, which does not meet the IAQS. In this research, a high-throughput screening platform for screening MOX gas sensing materials with high gas sensing performances was designed and established. Thirty-one metal ions modified sensing films based on SnO 2 and an intrinsic SnO 2 sensing film were parallel deposited. Their sensing performances were characterized with this platform. Ir-modified SnO 2 and Ag-modified SnO 2 with high sensing performances were selected out. The detection limits of these four gases were 20 ppb by temperature programmed cooling method. This platform and study contribute to improve the efficiency of material screening and realize the detection of low concentration hazardous gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 causes significant mortality during the recent pandemic. Data regarding the effectiveness of Paxlovid on COVID-19 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD, eGFR <90 ml/min) are limited. A retrospective cohort study was performed on the clinical data of the hospitalized adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection collected at Renji Hospital from April 7, 2022 to June 21, 2022. The association of Paxlovid treatment with early (within 5 days post diagnosis) or late (5 days or later post diagnosis) initiation time with clinical outcomes was assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression model with time-dependent covariates. 1279 of 2387 enrollees were included in the study. Patients with early initiation of Paxlovid had a lower all-cause death rate compared to those with late initiation or without Paxlovid treatment (P = 0.046). For the CKD patients with Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) > 7, the early initiation of Paxlovid was associated with a lower all-cause death rate compared to the later initiation or the lack of Paxlovid treatment (P = 0.041). Cox regression analyses revealed that eGFR (HR 4.21 [95%, CI 1.62–10.99]), Paxlovid treatment (0.32 [0.13–0.77]), CCI (4.32 [1.64–11.40]), ICU admission (2.65 [1.09–6.49]), hsCRP (3.88 [1.46–7.80]), chronic liver disease (4.02 [1.09–14.85]) were the independent risk factors for all-cause death for CKD patients after adjusting for demographics and biochemical indexes. All-cause death, invasive ventilation, and ICU admission were all significantly lowered by an early initiation of Paxlovid treatment in COVID-19 patients with severe CKD. • The Viral load decreased faster in patients with eGFR<90 ml/min who received Paxlovid treatment≤5 days. • All-cause death was lower by taking Paxlovid in severe COVID-19 patients with chronic kidney disease. • eGFR, Paxlovid treatment were the independent risk factors for all-cause death in patients with eGFR<90 ml/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Electrochemical reduction of CO2 provides an opportunity to reach a carbon‐neutral energy recycling regime, in which CO2 emissions from fuel use are collected and converted back to fuels. The reduction of CO2 to CO is the first step toward the synthesis of more complex carbon‐based fuels and chemicals. Therefore, understanding this step is crucial for the development of high‐performance electrocatalyst for CO2 conversion to higher order products such as hydrocarbons. Here, atomic iron dispersed on nitrogen‐doped graphene (Fe/NG) is synthesized as an efficient electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction to CO. Fe/NG has a low reduction overpotential with high Faradic efficiency up to 80%. The existence of nitrogen‐confined atomic Fe moieties on the nitrogen‐doped graphene layer is confirmed by aberration‐corrected high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis. The Fe/NG catalysts provide an ideal platform for comparative studies of the effect of the catalytic center on the electrocatalytic performance. The CO2 reduction reaction mechanism on atomic Fe surrounded by four N atoms (Fe–N4) embedded in nitrogen‐doped graphene is further investigated through density functional theory calculations, revealing a possible promotional effect of nitrogen doping on graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Time-dependent dynamic model of linear guideway with crowning is established. • The idea of coordinate transformation is used to propose the five DOF model. • The possible contact states of each ball are considered due to load distribution. • The ball passage vibration in five directions is predicted. The motion accuracy of linear guideway is adversely affected by ball passage vibration (BPV) when rolling balls within carriage move in a loop. Reduced vibration amplitude can be realized by a carriage with crowning design by now. However, few dynamic models are availability for the BPV analysis when linear guideway is subjected to actual external load in five directions. In this paper, a nonlinear dynamic model is proposed to investigate the periodic micro fluctuation of linear guideway with crowning subjected to load in five directions. The idea of coordinate transformation is adopted for the easier derivations of time-dependent and piecewise restoring force function. The different contact states of each ball are described in detail due to load distribution. The numerical simulation is employed to deal with equation of motion and discuss the effects of ball grouping, external load, preload and carriage speed. Experiment is also conducted for the verification of proposed model. The analytical model developed here is promising to clarify the mechanism of BPV from a dynamic perspective and serve the walking parallelism accuracy monitoring of linear guideway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the characteristics of lymphocyte subsets and the association with patient outcomes in COVID-19 with and without impaired kidney function. Lymphocyte subsets were compared in COVID-19 patients with or without kidney dysfunction. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality or intensive care unit admission. Secondary outcomes included duration of viral shedding, length of hospital stay, and acute kidney injury. Lymphocyte subset cell counts demonstrated the lowest in patients with severe/critical COVID-19 and kidney dysfunction. Among all lymphocyte subset parameters, Th cell count was the most significant indicator for outcomes. ROC of the combined model of Th cell count and eGFR presented better predictive value than that of the other parameters. Th cell count <394.5 cells/μl and eGFR <87.5 ml/min/1·73m2 were independently associated with poor outcomes. The propensity score matching analysis revealed consistent results. Reduced Th cell count and eGFR may be applied as promising predictive indicators for identifying COVID-19 patients with high risk and poor outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Biomimetic CMnMPt exhibited homologous targeting function for gastric cancer. • Upon exposure to GSH, MnMPt was biodegraded, resulting in Mn2+ and Pt(II) release. • Pt(II) enhance Mn2+-mediated Fenton reaction, contributing to LPO generation. • The accumulation of LPO and consumption of GSH caused by CMnMPt, lead to ferroptosis. • CMnMPt activates anti-tumor immunity via triggering ferroptosis-mediated ICD effect. Selective induction of ferroptosis of cancer cells would be a promising approach to trigger immunogenic cell death (ICD) and sequentially potentiate immunotherapy. Actually, the efficiency to produce toxic lipid peroxides (LPO) and deplete glutathione (GSH) at the tumor site plays a key role in inducing ferroptosis. Herein, a cancer targeted cascade nanosystem (CCM@Mn@MSN-Pt(IV), CMnMPt) was constructed for synergistic chemo-dynamic and chemotherapy by conjugating Mn ions-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Mn@MSN) and cisplatin prodrug (Pt(IV)), with cancer cell membrane cloaking. Owing to the bio-mimetic surface functionalization, the immune escape and homologous targeting behaviors of CMnMPt would dramatically enhance its cancer targeting and retention abilities. Once internalized by cancer cells, intracellular GSH would be depleted attributed to the bio-degradation of Mn@MSN and reduced of Pt(IV), resulting in Mn2+ release and cisplatin transform (from Pt(IV) to Pt(II)). Subsequently, generated Pt(II)) could damage nuclear DNA, and further activate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NOXs) to enhance downstream H 2 O 2 levels. Additionally, Mn2+ ions could catalyze H 2 O 2 into highly reactive hydroxyl radical (OH), which results in a further increase in LPO content. In summary, CMnMPt could induce ferroptosis-mediated ICD, and recruit cytotoxic T lymphocytes cells, offering potential clinical applications to facilitate anti-tumor immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the long-term outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with diabetes as primary renal disease and patients with diabetes as a comorbid condition. Methods: All diabetic patients who commenced PD between January 1, 1995 and June 30, 2012 at Ren Ji Hospital, China were included. Patients were divided into diabetic nephropathy group (DN group) and non-diabetic nephropathy group (NDN group) according to their diagnosis of primary renal disease at the initiation of PD. They were followed until death, cessation of PD, transferred to other centers or to the end of study (June 30, 2013). Outcomes were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models. Results: A total of 163 diabetic patients were enrolled in the study, including 121 (74.2%) in DN group and 42 (25.8%) in NDN group. The 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year patient survival rates were 89%, 78%, 66% and 51% for DN group, and 85%, 63%, 53% and 25% for NDN group, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients in NDN group had a worse patient survival compared with DN group (log rank 4.830, P=0.028). Patients in NDN group had a marginally shorter peritonitis-free period (log rank 3.297, P=0.069), however, there was no significant difference in technique survival (log rank 0.040, P=0.841). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that older age (HR 1.047, 95% CI 1.022-1.073, p<0.001), cardiovascular disease comorbidity (HR 2.200, 95% CI 0.1.269-3.814, P=0.005) and diabetes as a comorbidity condition (HR 1.806, 95% CI 1.003-3.158, P=0.038) were the independent predictors of increased mortality. Conclusions: PD patients with diabetes as a comorbidity had an inferior patient survival compared to those with diabetic nephropathy, and closer monitoring and extra attention in the former subgroup of patients are therefore warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A dynamic model is proposed for the feed system and verified by an experiment. • The deflection angle caused by assembly error is considered. • The system parameters are investigated with different control parameters. In this study, a multi-degree-of-freedom dynamic model is developed to investigate the nonlinear dynamic characteristic of the ball screw feed system. The fourth-order Runge–Kutta method is used to obtain the numerical solution of the governing equations. In the proposed dynamic model, the assembly error of the system is considered as the deflection angle around the geometric center of the screw shaft. The motion of the system at each point is illustrated by displacement waveform, spectrum, phase diagram and Poincaré section. The influence of excitation amplitude and assembly error is discussed with excitation amplitude, deflection angle, and excitation frequency as control parameter in the bifurcation diagram and 3-D frequency spectrum. The results show that the assembly error has impacts on dynamic response, and the region of chaotic motion near resonance frequency broadens. Beyond that, an experiment is setup, and acceleration signals with different excitation frequencies and different excitation amplitudes are collected to validate the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tunable broadband terahertz (THz) absorber is designed in this paper, which is composed of graphene, silica medium and phase change material Vanadium dioxide (VO 2). By simultaneously changing the fermi level of graphene and conductivity of VO 2 , the dual-controlled absorber can be realized. The results show that the full width at half maximum of the absorption spectrum is 1.03 THz, the bandwidth with the absorptance above 90% is 0.65 THz, and the absorptance is close to 100% at 1.2 THz. Moreover, the absorptance, transmittance and reflectance of the absorber can be dynamically adjusted from 0 to 99%, 0–65%, and 0–74%, respectively. The large tunability allows the proposed absorber to be used as THz tunable filters, sensors, switches and modulators. • A broadband metamaterial absorber has been proposed based on the patterned graphene resonators. • Dual control and tunability is realized based on graphene array and phase change material vanadium dioxide. • The proposed structure can be dynamically tuned to act as an absorber or reflector. • The structure can be made to work in transmission or absorption mode by changing the conductivity of vanadium dioxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study carried out the fatigue tests of selective laser melting (SLM) 304L austenitic stainless steel (SS) made by different scanning speeds. The purpose is to deeply understand the microstructure, fatigue failure process and fatigue failure mechanism of SLMed 304L SS. For this purpose, the microstructure, surface roughness and porosity were tested by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), while the residual stress was obtained by μ-X360 residual stress analyzer. In addition, the fatigue failure process of SLMed 304L SS was in-situ monitored through acoustic emission (AE) technique and thermal imager. The results show that SLMed 304L SS has excellent fatigue performance. The 'critical' value is defined to distinguish the critical influence of surface roughness and porosity. In addition, the temperature rise caused by the stored energy deriving from the active dislocation motions is affected by the loading direction and scanning direction by regulating the dislocation motions during fatigue testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions, vegetable yields, and soil microbial properties were studied in response to different rates of rice-straw biochar applied to an intensive vegetable soil (Ultisol) in South China. The study was conducted over a one-year period as a block-designed field experiment (n = 3) with two successive crops and five harvests in total. Biochar was applied at rates of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 Mg ha−1 and splits of nitrogen (N) fertilizer were added in the form of urea (1010 kg N in total). References without biochar and N fertilization were included. Biochar significantly decreased the cumulative annual N 2 O emissions by 34–67%, which concurred with decreased denitrification enzyme activity and increased nosZ gene abundance in the vegetable soil. The absolute N 2 O mitigation increased with increasing flux rates, which were positively correlated to soil temperature and water-filled pore space. Conversely, weak increases of N 2 O emissions were recurrently induced by biochar when the soil temperature was lower than 20 °C and the absolute fluxes were low. A significant 17–29% increase in vegetable yield was induced by biochar, which also ameliorated soil fertility by increasing the soil carbon content and the cation exchange capacity. Overall, biochar significantly decreased the yield-scaled N 2 O emissions by 44–71% with the lowest yield-scaled N 2 O emissions for the intermediate biochar application rate of 20 Mg ha−1. Higher biochar application rates failed to further decrease the yield-scaled N 2 O emissions, but rather caused weak increases. Based on the present results, a biochar application rate of 20 Mg ha−1 combined with N fertilization seemed to be recommendable to achieve highest vegetable yield with lowest N 2 O emissions in intensive vegetable production in South China. Unlabelled Image • Biochar considerably mitigated N 2 O emissions along with the increase of denitrifiers in vegetable soil. • N 2 O reduction induced by biochar enhanced with the increasing of soil temperature (>20 °C) and WFPS • Biochar at 20 Mg ha−1 can be optimal biochar rate in mitigating yield-scaled N 2 O emissions from Ultisols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]