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Abstract Background Meningioma, the most prevalent intracranial tumor, possesses a significant propensity for malignant transformation. Circular RNAs (circ-RNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, have emerged as crucial players in tumorigenesis. This study explores the functional relevance of hsa_circ_0004872, a specific circ-RNA, in the context of meningioma. Methods Molecular structure and stability of hsa_circ_0004872 were elucidated through PCR identification. Meningioma cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Gene and protein expression were analyzed via qRT-PCR and western blot. Molecular interactions were confirmed through dual-luciferase reporter gene and RIP assays. Results Hsa_circ_0004872, derived from exons 2 to 4 of the host gene MAPK1, demonstrated enhanced stability compared to its host MAPK1. Clinical data described that hsa_circ_0004872 was reduced in meningioma tissues and cell lines, and negatively correlated to poor survival rate of meningioma patients. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0004872 exhibited inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and promotion of apoptosis in vitro. Subsequent investigations unveiled a direct interaction between hsa_circ_0004872 and miR-190a-3p, leading to the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through targeting PTEN. Notably, miR-190a-3p silence accelerated the apoptosis and proliferation inhibition of meningioma cells by inactivating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling, while miR-190a-3p overexpression showed an opposite effect, which greatly reversed the anti-tumor effects of hsa_circ_0004872 overexpression. Conclusion In summary, our findings highlighted the intricate role of hsa_circ_0004872 in meningioma, shedding light on the regulatory mechanisms involving circ-RNAs in tumor progression. This positions hsa_circ_0004872 as a potential key regulatory factor in meningioma with implications for future therapeutic interventions.

Abstract As an eco‐friendly oxidant and energy carrier, H2O2 is used in various fields. The industrial production of H2O2 mostly depends on the large‐scale anthraquinone oxidation processes with high costs. Electrocatalytic production of H2O2 has attracted attention as a renewable and cost‐effective approach to replace traditional ones. With the recent development of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts, remarkable progress in electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic H2O2 production by 2e− ORR has been reported. This review summarizes a detailed overview of the recent progress in 2e− ORR for H2O2 production with the mechanism and various efficient catalysts. The catalysts were divided into three parts: noble metal‐based catalyst, non‐noble metal‐based catalyst, and non‐metal‐based catalyst. The influences of the catalytic activity and selectivity were also discussed. Finally, this review explores the prospects of electrocatalytic 2e− ORR for H2O2 synthesis and potential research directions for electrocatalysts. It aims to offer guidance in designing efficient 2e− ORR electrocatalysts and inspire further innovation in electrocatalytic H2O2 synthesis.

Abstract The non‐noble Mn coordinated N, P co‐doping graphene materials were investigated theoretically in this work based on density functional theory calculation. The electronic structure is effectively tuned after the introduction of P heteroatom. The moderate d band center and density of states at Fermi energy of MnN4‐P1‐G indicate that it is of modest adsorption ability for these O‐containing intermediates. The rank of adsorption energies of O‐containing intermediates for MnN4‐P1‐G is OH* > 2OH* > OOH* > O* > O2* > H2O*, whereas the MnN4‐P1‐G favors a four‐electron process instead of two‐electron process. The doping of P on MnN4‐P1‐G can increase the kinetic activity for the rate‐determining step as well as the Ulim for MnN4‐P1‐G significantly increases from 0.38 to 0.45 V compared with MnN4‐G. The spin density and magnetic moments of Mn are effectively tuned by d, p hybridization to lower the adsorption energy of OH intermediates (rate‐determining step [RDS]) so as to improve the catalytic activity. It is concluded that the P‐doped MnN4 catalysts with excellent oxygen reduction reaction activity can be obtained and this study can provide theoretical guidance for the rational design of high‐performance Mn‐based carbon materials catalysts.

As a raw material for producing chemical fertilizers, ammonia plays an essential role in human production and life. Due to the severe energy consumption and pollution caused by the industrial Haber–Bosch process of NH3 synthesis, developing the NH3 synthesis reaction under ambient conditions is vital. Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has recently emerged as a potential method. However, its limited NH3 yield and selectivity are unsatisfactory. NO3 −, as an oxidized form of nitrogen, universally exists in drinking water (

The efficacy of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries crucially hinges on the sulfur immobilization process, representing a pivotal avenue for bolstering their operational efficiency and durability. This dissertation primarily tackles the formidable challenge posed by the high solubility of polysulfides in electrolyte solutions. Quantum chemical computations were leveraged to scrutinize the interactions of MXene materials, graphene (Gr) oxide, and ionic liquids with polysulfides, yielding pivotal binding energy metrics. Comparative assessments were conducted with the objective of pinpointing MXene materials, with a specific focus on d-Ti3C2 materials, evincing augmented binding energies with polysulfides and ionic liquids demonstrating diminished binding energies. Moreover, a diverse array of Gr oxide materials was evaluated for their adsorption capabilities. Scrutiny of the computational outcomes unveiled an augmentation in the solubility of selectively screened d-Ti3C2 MXene and ionic liquids—vis à vis one or more of the five polysulfides. Therefore, the analysis encompasses an in-depth comparative assessment of the stability of polysulfide adsorption by d-Ti3C2 MXene materials, Gr oxide materials, and ionic liquids across diverse ranges.

Converting superfluous CO2 into value-added chemicals is regarded as a practical approach for alleviating the global warming problem. Powered by renewable electricity, CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR) have attracted intense interest owing to their favorable efficiency. Metal catalysts exhibit high catalytic efficiency for CO2 reduction. However, the reaction mechanisms have yet to be investigated. In this study, CO2RR to CH3OH catalyzed by CuAg bimetal is theoretically investigated. The configurations and stability of the catalysts and the reaction pathway are studied. The results unveil the mechanisms of the catalysis process and prove the feasibility of CuAg clusters as efficient CO2RR catalysts, serving as guidance for further experimental exploration. This study provides guidance and a reference for future work in the design of mixed-metal catalysts with high CO2RR performance.

Abstract As one of the most important chemicals and carbon‐free energy carriers, ammonia (NH3) has significant energy‐related applications in industry and agriculture. Ninety percent of NH3 is produced by the Haber–Bosch process using high‐purity N2 and H2 at high temperatures and pressures, which consumes about 1% of the total energy production and causes 1.4% of global CO2 emissions. The environmentally friendly electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) with low energy consumption is a promising alternative to the conventional Haber–Bosch process. However, the main issue is the low Faradaic efficiency and NH3 selectivity of electrochemical NRR, caused by inert nitrogen molecules and competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. As one of the cheapest and most abundant transition metals widely utilized in the Haber–Bosch process, the Fe element has presented the potential high performance for the electrochemical NRR. This article summarizes recent advances and research progress in non‐noble Fe‐based catalysts used for NH3 electrosynthesis. Various synthetic protocols, structure/morphology modification, performance improvement, and reaction mechanisms are comprehensively presented. Based on recent experimental and theoretical studies, we aim to illuminate the structure–property relationship and offer an excellent opportunity for engineering advanced Fe‐based catalysts for nitrogen fixation. The most critical challenges and opportunities for Fe‐based catalysts are also provided. This review would open up a promising avenue toward developing platinum‐group‐metal‐free catalysts for electrochemical NRR applications in the future.

Abstract The toxicity of lead ions in halide perovskite absorbing materials is the main bottleneck for practical application. To replace the traditional lead halide perovskites by environmental friendly double perovskite, computational tools based on density functional theory were employed to predict the intrinsic properties of potential double perovskites to efficiently and rapidly find more double perovskites with properties suitable for optoelectronic applications. Screening homovalent alternatives for B and X‐site ions in vacancy‐ordered double perovskite Cs2BX6 for solar cell applications and photocatalyst was done using Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof and Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof functional with spin‐orbit coupling. Three empirical factors and formation enthalpy were used to evaluate the stability of 30 materials at different temperatures. Finally, the Cs‐based vacancy‐ordered double perovskites with suitable bandgap for optoelectronic applications can thus be obtained. Using computational techniques, this study can also provide theoretical guidance for the rational design of possible double perovskite materials with improved photocatalytic characteristics.

BackgroundCuproptosis, a newly reported type of programmed cell death, takes part in the regulation of tumor progression, treatment response, and prognosis. But the specific effect of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) on glioblastoma (GBM) is still unclear.MethodsThe transcriptome data and corresponding clinical data of GBM samples were downloaded from the TCGA and GEO databases. R software and R packages were used to perform statistical analysis, consensus cluster analysis, survival analysis, Cox regression analysis, Lasso regression analysis, and tumor microenvironment analysis. The mRNA and protein expression levels of model-related genes were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot assays, respectively.ResultsThe expression profile of CRGs in 209 GBM samples from two separate datasets was obtained. Two cuproptosis subtypes, CRGcluster A and CRGcluster B, were identified by consensus cluster analysis. There were apparent differences in prognosis, tumor microenvironment, and immune checkpoint expression levels between the two subtypes, and there were 79 prognostic differentially expressed genes (DEGs). According to the prognostic DEGs, two gene subtypes, geneCluster A and geneCluster B, were identified, and a prognostic risk score model was constructed and validated. This model consists of five prognostic DEGs, including PDIA4, DUSP6, PTPRN, PILRB, and CBLN1. Ultimately, to improve the applicability of the model, a nomogram was established. Patients with GBM in the low-risk cluster have a higher mutation burden and predict a longer OS than in the high-risk group. Moreover, the risk score was related to drug sensitivity and negatively correlated with the CSC index.ConclusionWe successfully constructed a cuproptosis-related prognostic model, which can independently predict the prognosis of GBM patients. These results further complement the understanding of cuproptosis and provide new theoretical support for developing a more effective treatment strategy.

PurposeThe purpose of the current study was to compare the effects of local anesthesia (LA) and general anesthesia (GA) on the surgical process and postoperative recovery of patients with unilateral chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH).Patients and MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with unilateral CSDH who underwent burr hole surgery between the years 2013 and 2018. Patients who received local anesthesia were allocated to the LA group, and the patients who received general anesthesia were allocated to the GA group. The clinical data, postoperative complication, length of stay, and hospitalization cost of these two groups were compared and analyzed.ResultsData from 105 patients was collected for this study. Fifty one patients were assigned to the LA group and 54 to GA group. The duration of anesthesia and operation of the LA group was 37.71 (10.55) min; while for the GA group the duration was 56.04 (8.37) min (p < 0.001). The time from operation to discharge in GA group was greatly longer than that in LA group [(8.51 (1.49) days vs. 10.46 (2.34) days, respectively; p < 0.001]. Hospitalization cost for LA group was 2,721.54 (504.66) USD, which was significantly lesser than that for GA patients [3,314.82 (493.52) USD; p < 0.001]. The total number of complications in LA patients was less than that in GA patients [6 vs. 29 cases, respectively; p < 0.001]. The number of patients with residual hematoma in the LA group was

Abstract Background Recent evidences have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are frequently dysregulated and play paramount roles in various cancers. circRNAs are abundant in central nervous system (CNS); however, few studies describe the clinical significance and role of circRNAs in gliomas, which is the most common and aggressive primary malignant tumor in the CNS. Methods A bioinformatics analysis was performed to profile and screen the dyregulated circRNAs during early neural development. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of circ-MAPK4 and target miRNAs. Glioma cells were transfected with circ-MAPK4 siRNAs, then cell proliferation, apoptosis, transwell assays, as well as tumorigenesis and TUNEL assays, were performed to examine effect of circ-MAPK4 in vitro and vivo. Biotinylated-circ-MAPK4 probe based pull-down assay was conducted to confirm the relationship between circ-MAPK4 and miR-125-3p. Results In this study, we identified a circRNA, circ-MAPK4 (has_circ_0047688), which was downregulated during early neural differentiation. In gliomas, circ-MAPK4 acted as an oncogene, was inversely upregulated and linked to clinical pathological stage of gliomas (P

Objective: Stand-to-sit task is an important daily function, but there is a lack of research evidence on whether knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) affects the postural balance during the task. This study aimed to compare individuals with knee OA and asymptomatic controls in postural balance and identify kinematic and lower extremity muscle activity characteristics in individuals with knee OA during the stand-to-sit task.Methods: In total, 30 individuals with knee OA and 30 age-matched asymptomatic controls performed the 30-s Chair Stand Test (30sCST) at self-selected speeds. Motion analysis data and surface electromyography (sEMG) were collected while participants performed the 30sCST. To quantify postural balance, the displacement of the center of mass (CoM) and the peak instantaneous velocity of the CoM were calculated. The kinematic data included forward lean angles of the trunk and pelvic, range of motion (RoM) of the hip, knee, and ankle joints in the sagittal plane. The averaged activation levels of gluteus maximus, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), and medial head of gastrocnemius muscles were indicated by the normalized root mean square amplitudes.Results: Compared with the asymptomatic control group, the knee OA group prolonged the duration of the stand-to-sit task, demonstrated significantly larger CoM displacement and peak instantaneous CoM velocity in the anterior-posterior direction, reduced ankle dorsiflexion RoM, greater anterior pelvic tilt RoM, and lower quadriceps femoris and muscles activation level coupled with higher BF muscle activation level during the stand-to-sit task.Conclusion: This study indicates that individuals with knee OA adopt greater pelvic forward lean RoM and higher BF muscle activation level during the stand-to-sit task. However, these individuals exist greater CoM excursion in the anterior-posterior direction and take more time to complete the task. This daily functional activity should be added to the rehabilitation goals for individuals with knee OA. The knee OA group performs reduced ankle dorsiflexion RoM, quadriceps femoris, and TA activation deficit. In the future, the rehabilitation programs targeting these impairments could be beneficial for restoring the functional transfer in individuals with knee OA.

Controlling the crystallographic orientations of 2D perovskite is regarded as an effective way to improve the efficiency of PSCs based on 2D perovskite. In this paper, five different assistant solvents were selected to unveil the effect of solvents on crystallization and morphology of 2D perovskite in a solvent-assisted method. Results demonstrated that the effect of Lewis basicity on the crystallization process was the most important factor for preparing 2D perovskite. The stability of the intermediate, reacted between the solvent and the Pb2+, determined the quality of 2D film. The stronger the Lewis basicity was, the more obvious the accurate control effect on the top-down crystallization process of 2D perovskite would be. This could enhance the crystallographic orientation of 2D perovskite. The effect of Lewis basicity played a more important role than other properties of the solvent, such as boiling point and polarity.

Summary: Objective: Trials testing promising interventions in knee osteoarthritis (OA) often fail to show pain reductions. This may be due to change in activity whereby a person's pain decreases, leading them to increase their activity levels, in turn increasing pain back to baseline levels. Using data from a trial of a beneficial treatment for knee pain, we explored whether activity changes might mask a treatment's effect on pain, by looking at whether activity levels increased with effective treatment and whether change in activity level related to change in pain. Design: During the InRespond trial (ISRCTN55059760) participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days before and during treatments. We assessed change in pain on treatment using scores for overall knee pain and pain in a nominated pain-aggravating activity both in the last week and evaluated change in different types of activity using accelerometer data. Principal components analysis tested whether change in activity and pain outcomes were correlated and created composites combining them. We then tested whether activity, pain or the composites showed a treatment effect, and examined their responsiveness. Results: In the 61 participants (mean age 64.5 years, 38% women, mean overall knee pain score 5.08 (0–10)), activity levels mostly decreased during the trial. Principal component analyses suggested that pain and activity did not correlate highly, loading on different components. Treatment that showed significant effects on pain did not show similar effects on either activity (e.g. the active treatment had a slightly greater reduction in total steps taken than the control treatment (difference 1942.6 steps/week, p = 0.42) nor on composites combining activity and pain. Pain outcomes were the most responsive; static loading (standing) outcomes were the most responsive activity outcome. Conclusion: We found no evidence to support the hypothesis that activity levels increase during effective OA treatment and might account for the negligible pain effects of OA treatments.

A heat source model is the key issue for laser welding simulation. The Gaussian heat source model is not suitable to match the actual laser weld profile accurately. Furthermore, fiber lasers are widely recognized to result in good-quality laser beam output, a narrower weld zone, less distortion, and high process efficiency, compared with other types of lasers (such as CO2, Nd : YAG, and diode lasers). At present, there are few heat source models for fiber laser welding. Most of researchers evaluate the weld profile only by the bead width and depth of penetration, which is not suitable for the laser keyhole welding nail-like profile. This paper reports an experimental study and FEA simulation of fiber laser butt welding on 1 mm thick A304 stainless steel. A new heat source model (cylindrical and cylindrical) is established to match the actual weld profile using Marc and Fortran software. Four bead geometry parameters (penetration depth, bead width, waist width, and depth of the waist) are used to compare between the experimental and simulation results. The results show that the heat source model of cylindrical and cylindrical can match the actual shape of the fiber laser welding feasibly. The error range of the penetration depth, bead width, waist width, and depth of the waist between experimental and simulation results is about 4.1 ± 1.6%, 2.9 ± 2.0%, 13.6 ± 7.4/%, and 18.3 ± 8.0%, respectively. In addition, it is found that the depth of penetration is more sensitive to laser power rather than bead width, waist width, and depth of the waist. Welding speed has a similar influence on the depth of penetration, weld width, waist width, and depth of the waist.

Background: Neurite outgrowth is one of the important therapeutic strategies for neuronal plasticity and regeneration in neural disorders. Fasudil is a clinical medication that is used to treat subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and that is beneficial for many animal models of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. In this study, we hypothesised that fasudil administration would promote neurite outgrowth in neural stem cells (NSCs). Methods: Changes in cell morphology were imaged under a light microscope, and neurite-bearing cells were counted. Cell viability and the necrosis rate were determined by MTT and LDH assays, respectively. Additionally, western blot and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to detect protein expression levels. Results: We found that fasudil promoted neurite outgrowth in C17.2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The neurite-bearing C17.2 cells were differentiated by detecting the changes in neural and astrocytic markers after fasudil treatment through down-regulating Notch signalling. Previously, fasudil was reported to induce autophagy, which plays an important role in neural differentiation. However, both rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, and 3-methyl-adenine (3-MA), an autophagy inhibitor, had no effects on the fasudil-induced neurite outgrowth, suggesting that autophagy may be not involved in this process. Conclusion: In summary, fasudil could stimulate neurite outgrowth and differentiation in C17.2 cells by modulating Notch signalling but not autophagy.

The mechanical properties of an extruded 6013-T4 alloy were tested at a temperature range from 25 to 400 °C and strain rate range from 1 × 103 to 5 × 103 s−1. The results demonstrate that the stress level is sensitive to strain rate and temperature. The stress level increases slightly with increasing strain rate and decreases remarkably with increasing temperature. The dislocation and precipitate undergo great changes. When deformed at 25 °C, the density of the dislocation increases with strain and strain rate; which leads to a higher stress level. A great number of needle-like precipitates were observed at samples deformed at 200 °C. It is clear that the density of dislocation increases with strain and strain rate. When impacted at 400 °C, the coarser precipitates were found in the specimen; the density of the dislocation increases with strain and strain rate.

Abstract Background Understanding motion in the normal healthy foot is a prerequisite for understanding the effects of pathology and thereafter setting targets for interventions. Quality foot kinematic data from healthy feet will also assist the development of high quality and research based clinical models of foot biomechanics. To address gaps in the current literature we aimed to describe 3D foot kinematics using a 5 segment foot model in a population of 100 pain free individuals. Methods Kinematics of the leg, calcaneus, midfoot, medial and lateral forefoot and hallux were measured in 100 self reported healthy and pain free individuals during walking. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise foot movements. Contributions from different foot segments to the total motion in each plane were also derived to explore functional roles of different parts of the foot. Results Foot segments demonstrated greatest motion in the sagittal plane, but large ranges of movement in all planes. All foot segments demonstrated movement throughout gait, though least motion was observed between the midfoot and calcaneus. There was inconsistent evidence of movement coupling between joints. There were clear differences in motion data compared to foot segment models reported in the literature. Conclusions The data reveal the foot is a multiarticular structure, movements are complex, show incomplete evidence of coupling, and vary person to person. The data provide a useful reference data set against which future experimental data can be compared and may provide the basis for conceptual models of foot function based on data rather than anecdotal observations.

Hydrogen production by electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using eco-friendly seawater electrolysis can help address the energy shortage. However, insoluble precipitates form from elements of magnesium, calcium, and chlorine ions with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) will cause electrode degradation. Currently, commercially viable catalysts are mostly comprised of precious metal Pt-based catalysts, which are expensive and limited in availability. The critical factor for hydrogen production from seawater electrolysis is the development of highly efficient and corrosion-resistant catalysts. Nickelbased electrocatalysts, which are cost-effective with conductivity and corrosion resistance, are a prospective substitute for precious metal catalysts. This review summarizes contemporary methods and ideas for improving the performance of nickel-based electrocatalysts and stability for HER and OER in seawater, focusing on strengthening electrochemical performance and corrosion resistance. It is a comprehensive resource for advancing nickel-based electrocatalysts in seawater electrolysis, guiding the development of more efficient electrocatalysts and bolstering long-term reliability and stability in seawater environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an eco-friendly oxidant and energy carrier, H2O2 is used in various fields. The industrial production of H2O2 mostly depends on the large-scale anthraquinone oxidation processes with high costs. Electrocatalytic production of H2O2 has attracted attention as a renewable and cost-effective approach to replace traditional ones. With the recent development of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts, remarkable progress in electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic H2O2 production by 2e- ORR has been reported. This review summarizes a detailed overview of the recent progress in 2e- ORR for H2O2 production with the mechanism and various efficient catalysts. The catalysts were divided into three parts: noble metal-based catalyst, non-noble metal-based catalyst, and non-metalbased catalyst. The influences of the catalytic activity and selectivity were also discussed. Finally, this review explores the prospects of electrocatalytic 2e- ORR for H2O2 synthesis and potential research directions for electrocatalysts. It aims to offer guidance in designing efficient 2e- ORR electrocatalysts and inspire further innovation in electrocatalytic H2O2 synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]