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Copyright of Rare Metals is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To investigate whether prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is affected by the abundance and subgroups of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) as well as subtypes and expression of apolipoprotein E (apoE). Methods: 31 HCC patients were divided into three groups according to blood total apoE level for detecting the abundance of immunoregulatory cells by flow cytometry. Tumour tissue microarrays from 360 HCC patients were evaluated about the abundance and subgroups of MDSCs and the expression of apoE2, apoE3, apoE4 by immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry staining. Survival analysis by means of univariate, multivariate COX regression and Kaplan-Meier methods of the 360 patients was performed based on clinical and pathological examinations along with 10 years’ follow-up data. Results: The lower apoE group presented higher abundance of MDSCs in the peripheral blood of HCC patients than higher apoE group. The abundance of monocyte-like MDSCs (M-MDSCs) was higher in the apoE low level group than high level group (p = 0.0399). Lower H-score of apoE2 (HR = 6.140, p = 0.00005) and higher H-score of apoE4 (HR = 7.001, p = 0.009) in tumour tissue were significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS). The higher infiltration of polymorphonuclear granulocyte-like MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs, HR = 3.762, p = 0.000009) and smaller proportion of M-MDSCs of total cells (HR = 0.454, p = 0.006) in tumour tissue were independent risk factors for shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS). Conclusion: The abundance of MDSCs in HCC patients’ plasma negatively correlates with the level of apoE. The expression of apoE4 in HCC tissue indicated a poor prognosis while apoE2 might be a potential protective factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & aims: Patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) respond poorly to immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs). In this study, we aimed to dissect the potential mechanisms underlying poor response to ICBs and explore a rational ICB-based combination therapy in iCCA. Methods: scRNA-seq dataset GSE151530 was analyzed to investigate the differentially expressed genes in malignant cells following ICBs therapy. RNA-seq analysis and western blot assays were performed to examine the upstream and downstream signaling pathways of CD73. Subcutaneous tumor xenograft models were utilized to investigate the impact of CD73 on iCCA growth. Plasmid AKT/NICD-induced spontaneous murine iCCAs were used to explore the therapeutic efficacy of CD73 enzymatic inhibitor AB680 combined with PD-1 blockade. Time-of-flight mass cytometry (CyTOF) was conducted to identify the tumor-infiltrating immune cell populations and their functional changes in murine iCCAs treated with AB680 in combination with PD-1 antibody. Results: scRNA-seq analysis identified elevated CD73 expression in malignant cells in response to ICBs therapy. Mechanistically, ICBs therapy upregulated CD73 expression in malignant cells via TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway. In vivo studies revealed that CD73 inhibition suppressed the growth of subcutaneous tumors, and achieved synergistic depression effects with gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC). Adenosine produced by CD73 activates AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling axis in iCCA cells. CD73 inhibitor AB680 potentiates anti-tumor efficacy of PD-1 antibody in murine iCCAs. CyTOF analysis showed that AB680 combined with anti-PD-1 therapy promoted the infiltration of CD8+ T, CD4+ T cells, and NK cells in murine iCCAs, while simultaneously decreased the proportions of macrophages and neutrophils. Moreover, AB680 combined with anti-PD-1 significantly upregulated the expression of Granzyme B, Tbet and co-stimulatory molecule ICOS in infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Conclusions: CD73 inhibitor AB680 limits tumor progression and potentiates therapeutic efficacy of GC chemotherapy or anti-PD-1 treatment in iCCA. AB680 combined with anti-PD-1 therapy effectively elicits anti-tumor immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a critical global health concern, with existing treatments benefiting only a minority of patients. Recent findings implicate the chemokine ligand 17 (CCL17) and its receptor CCR4 as pivotal players in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of various cancers. This investigation aims to delineate the roles of CCL17 and CCR4 in modulating the tumor’s immune landscape, assessing their potential as therapeutic interventions and prognostic markers in HCC. Methods: 873 HCC patients post-radical surgery from 2008 to 2012 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University were retrospectively examined. These individuals were stratified into a training cohort (n = 354) and a validation cohort (n = 519). Through immunohistochemical analysis on HCC tissue arrays, the expressions of CCL17, CCR4, CD73, CD47, HHLA2, and PD-L1 were quantified. Survival metrics were analyzed using the Cox model, and a prognostic nomogram was devised via R software. Results: The investigation confirmed the presence of CCL17 and CCR4 within the cancerous and stromal compartments of HCC tissues, associating their heightened expression with adverse clinical markers and survival outcomes. Notably, the interplay between CD73 and CCR4 expression in tumor stroma highlighted a novel cellular entity, CCR4 + CD73 + stromal cells, impacting overall and relapse-free survival. A prognostic nomogram amalgamating these immunological markers and clinical variables was established, offering refined prognostic insights and aiding in the management of HCC. The findings suggest that reduced CCR4 and CCR4 + CD73 + cell prevalence may forecast improved outcomes post-TACE. Conclusion: This comprehensive evaluation of CCR4, CCL17, and associated markers introduces a nuanced understanding of the HCC immunological milieu, proposing CCR4 + CD73 + stromal cells as critical to HCC pathogenesis and patient stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rare Metals is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: We sought to summarize the value of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in the differential diagnosis of bladder paraganglioma (BPG) and bladder cancer. Methods: The medical records of 19 patients with BPG (13 males, 6 females) and 56 patients with bladder cancer (49 males, 7 females) between November 2007 and June 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT scanning. Results: Patient age (46.4 ± 11.1 years vs. 58.6 ± 16.0 years), tumor calcification (1/19 vs. 18/56), stalk (0/19 vs. 10/56), internal vessels (15/19 vs. 19/56) and the enlarged adjacent supplying artery (14/19 vs. 10/56) were significantly different between BPG and bladder cancer (P < 0.05). The CT value in the corticomedullary phase (92.4 ± 16.6 HU vs. 64.0 ± 14.5 HU) and the contrast-enhanced value in the corticomedullary phase (54.5 ± 17.4 HU vs. 28.5 ± 12.8 HU) were significantly greater in BPG patients than in bladder cancer patients (P < 0.001), with corresponding area under the curve values of 0.930 and 0.912, respectively. The optimal cutoff values were 83.2 HU and 38.5 HU, respectively. A CT value > 83.2 HU in the corticomedullary phase and a contrast-enhanced CT value > 38.5 HU in the corticomedullary phase were used to indicate BPG with sensitivities of 78.9% and 89.5%, respectively, and specificities of 94.6% and 75.0%, respectively. Conclusion: The corticomedullary phase of CECT plays an important role in the preoperative differential diagnosis of BPG and bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A survival paradox between T4N0 (Stage IIB/IIC) and Stage IIIA colon cancer exists, even after adjusting for adequate lymph node (LN) retrieval and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy (C). We conducted a large hospital-based study to re-evaluate this survival paradox based on the newest 8th edition staging system. Methods: The National Cancer Data Base was queried to evaluate 35,606 patients diagnosed with Stage IIB, IIC, and IIIA colon cancer between 2010 and 2017. The Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test were used to compare unadjusted overall survival (OS). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the association of stage with hazard ratios adjusted for relevant demographic and clinical variables including ≥ 12 LNs retrieved and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The 5-year OS for optimally treated stage IIIA colon cancer (receipt of C) was 84.3%, which was significantly higher than stage IIB/C (≥ 12 LNs retrieved + C) (72.8%; P < 0.0001). Stage was an independent predictor of OS. Among optimally treated Stage IIIA patients, T1N1 had the best survival (90.6%) while stage T4bN0 (stage IIC) had the worst (70.9%) (P < 0.0001). Compared to stage IIB, stage IIC had a 17% increased risk of overall death while stage IIIA had a 21% reduction in death (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Stage IIB/C and Stage IIIA survival paradox persists even after accounting for receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy and adequate lymph node retrieval. Future iteration of the TNM system should take this paradox into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herringbone gear planetary gear transmission system has the advantages of high contact ratio and high bearing capacity and is widely used in various heavy load fields. However, the gear generates a large amount of heat during the meshing transmission, which affects the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the system. In this paper, the various nonlinear factors are considered, including time-varying meshing stiffness, engagement damping, backlash, and engagement error. A nonlinear dynamic model of the herringbone planetary gear system considering temperature effects is established by using the lumped-parameter method. The nonlinear vibration differential equation of the system is solved by using the Runge–Kutta method. The impact law of temperature and engagement damping ratio changes on the bifurcation features of the herringbone planetary gear system is studied by combining the maximum Lyapunov exponent diagram, bifurcation diagram, time domain diagram, phase diagram, Poincare diagram, and spectrogram. And the chaos phenomenon of the system is analyzed and controlled by using a non-feedback control method with the external periodic signal. The result shows that with the change of temperature rise and meshing damping ratio, the system exhibits the kinematics response of chaotic, multi-period, and single-period. Higher temperature rise (∆T > 64 °C) and larger engagement damping ratio (ξ > 0.122) can make the gear system enter stable periodic motion. The chaotic motion region of the system is effectively controlled to the periodic motion orbit by introducing the periodic signal feedback controller. The relevant conclusions can provide a theoretical basis for the optimal design of the dynamic structure stability of herringbone planetary gear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mAh·g–1), low cost, and high safety of the sulfur cathodes, they are expected to be one of the most promising rivals for a new generation of energy storage systems. However, the shuttle effect, low conductivity of sulfur and its discharge products, volume expansion, and other factors hinder the commercialization of lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). The development of sulfur-fixing materials and the design of multifunctional materials to enhance the electrochemical performance of LSBs have been the main research priorities in recent years. Because of the advantages of high conductivity, built-in electric field, and good synergism, more and more researchers have employed heterostructure into sulfur-fixing materials to enhance the catalytic and absorption ability for polysulfides. In this review, the principle of heterostructure and the mechanism of enhancing the performance of lithium–sulfur batteries are described. The applications of heterostructure in cathode and interlayer of LSBs in the latest years are summarized. Finally, the cutting-edge troubles and possibilities of heterostructures in LSBs are briefly presented. 摘要: 锂硫电池 (LSBs) 由于硫正极的高理论比容量 (1675 mAh·g–1), 成本低, 安全性高等优势, 有望成为新一代最有前途的储能系统之一. 然而, 穿梭效应, 硫及其放电产物的绝缘性, 体积膨胀等因素阻碍了LSBs的商业化进程. 开发固硫材料和设计多功能材料以提高LSBs的电化学性能, 是近年来的主要研究重点. 异质结构因具有高导电性, 内建电场和良好的协同作用等优点, 越来越多的研究人员将其引入到固硫材料中, 以增强固硫材料对多硫化物的吸附和催化能力. 在这篇综述中, 描述了异质结构的原理和增强锂硫电池性能的机制. 总结了近几年异质结构在LSBs正极和隔膜中的应用. 最后, 简要地提出了异质结构在LSBs中的前沿问题和可能性. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heteroatom doping of carbon materials can effectively alter the microstructure and conductivity, thereby improving the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) hard carbon anodes. Herein, a resin-based hard carbon material (NFHC-1200) with co-doped N and F was prepared by one-step pyrolysis method using phenolic resin as the carbon source and ammonium fluoride as the doped N and F sources. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of co-doping, NFHC-1200 exhibited a wider interlayer distance (0.385 nm), a larger specific surface area (93.31 m2 g−1), and a greater number of Li+ storage active sites (ID/IG = 1.754) when compared to undoped HC-1200 and single-atom doped NHC-1200 hard carbon materials. The results of electrochemical performance demonstrated that the electrochemical properties of NFHC-1200 was significantly improved for co-doped N and F. It exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 614.6 mAh g−1 at 37.2 mA g−1, a reversible capacity of 365.2 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention rate of 97.66% even after 150 cycles, and a rate performance of 131 mAh g−1 even at a high current density of 5C (1C = 372 mAh g−1), which were much higher than those observed from NHC-1200 and HC-1200 under the same test conditions. Overall, this work clearly clarifies the mechanism of N/F co-doping synergistic effects to enhance the electrochemical properties of hard carbon materials by comparing the differences in microstructure and electrochemical properties of NFHC-1200 with NHC-1200 and HC-1200, which may provide a new insight into the modification of hard carbon materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Planetary gears generate a lot of heat during the meshing transmission process, which results in thermal deformation of the gear teeth and affects the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the system. It is valuable to study the influence of the thermal effect on the chaotic characteristics of planetary gear systems. Method: Based on the law of thermal deformation, considering the temperature effect and multiple nonlinear factors, including the coupling effects of time-varying meshing stiffness, meshing error, and gear backlash, a nonlinear dynamics model of the planetary gear system is established. The system's differential equation is derived from the gear system dynamics theory and solved using the Runge–Kutta method. The impact law of temperature, time-varying stiffness coefficient, and damping ratio changes on the bifurcation features of the planetary gear system is studied by combining the maximum Lyapunov exponent diagram, bifurcation diagram, time domain diagram, phase diagram, Poincare diagram, and spectrogram. Results: The planetary gear system exhibits chaotic and rich bifurcation characteristics under the coupling effect of multiple nonlinear factors. With the increase in temperature, the system experiences a kinematic process of chaos-four period-two period-single period. As the time-varying stiffness coefficient changes, the system exhibits chaotic, three-periodic, and two-periodic motion states. The effect of the engagement damping ratio change on the nonlinear characteristics of the system is significant when the value of the temperature is in the range of 0 < ∆T < 68 °C. Conclusion: The chaotic motion of the system is weakened under higher temperature and larger damping ratio, which has an obvious effect on improving the system's stability. The pertinent conclusions can be used as future references for gear system development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]