Decoupling Carrier-Phonon Scattering Boosts the Thermoelectric Performance of n-Type GeTe-Based Materials.

The coupled relationship between carrier and phonon scattering severely limits the thermoelectric performance of n-type GeTe materials. Here, we provide an efficient strategy to enlarge grains and induce vacancy clusters for decoupling carrier-phonon scattering through the annealing optimization of n-type GeTe-based materials. Specifically, boundary migration is used to enlarge grains by optimizing the annealing time, while vacancy clusters are induced through the aggregation of Ge vacancies during annealing. Such enlarged grains can weaken carrier scattering, while vacancy clusters can strengthen phonon scattering, leading to decoupled carrier-phonon scattering. As a result, a ratio between carrier mobility and lattice thermal conductivity of ∼492.8 cm3 V-1 s-1 W-1 K and a peak ZT of ∼0.4 at 473 K are achieved in Ge0.67Pb0.13Bi0.2Te. This work reveals the critical roles of enlarged grains and induced vacancy clusters in decoupling carrier-phonon scattering and demonstrates the viability of fabricating high-performance n-type GeTe materials via annealing optimization.

Pan-cancer analysis identifies migrasome-related genes as a potential immunotherapeutic target: A bulk omics research and single cell sequencing validation.

Introduction: The migrasome is a newly discovered organelle that resembles extracellular vesicles in structure. However, the function of the migrasome in tumors, particularly in relation to tumor immunity and tumor microenvironment, is unclear. Methods: Gene expression data, copy number variation raw data, and methylation data of 33 cancer types were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) based on 114 case of colorectal cancer was used to validate the expression of the migrasome hub-gene. We analyzed the expression, prognosis, genetic variation, and drug sensitivity profiles of migrasome-related genes (MRGs) in pan-cancer datasets. A migrasome score was constructed based on gene set enrichment analysis, and the correlation of migrasomes with the tumor microenvironment was assessed. The CancerSEA was used to perform a single-cell level functional analysis of the migrasome. Additionally, we also analyzed the correlation between migrasomes and tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion scores. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) data was used to assess the activation state of migrasomes in the tumor microenvironment. Results: PIGK expression was significantly up-regulated in 22 of 33 tumors, and high expression of migrasome was estimated to have contributed to poor prognosis. Missense mutations are the most common type of mutation in MRGs. We identified piperlongumine as a potential drug targeting migrasomes. The migrasome score was significantly and positively correlated with the tumor immunity score and the stroma score. In most tumors, the abundance of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment was significantly and positively correlated with the migrasome score. Additionally, the migrasome scores were significantly correlated with the immune checkpoint genes in pan-cancer as well as immune checkpoint therapy-related markers including TMB and MSI. According to scRNA-seq analysis, migrasome differed significantly among cells of the tumor microenvironment. IHC confirmed low expression of ITGA5 and PIGK in colorectal cancer. Discussion: We performed the first pan-cancer analysis of migrasomes and discovered that they play an important role in tumor development and immune escape. Our study provides new insights into the role of migrasomes in tumor prognosis and immunotherapy.

An integrative analysis revealing POLD2 as a tumor suppressive immune protein and prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer.

Introduction: POLD2 is an indispensable subunit of DNA polymerase δ, which is responsible for the synthesis of the backward accompanying strand in eukaryotic organisms. Current studies have found an association between POLD2 and the development of a variety of cancers. However, its value in cancer immunotherapy has not been fully established. Methods: POLD2 expression was analyzed using RNA expression and clinical data from TCGA and GTEx databases. The prognostic impact of POLD2 on tumor patients was analyzed using clinical survival data from TCGA. Gene enrichment analysis was performed using the R package "cluster analyzer" to explore the role of POLD2. We used the TIMER2 database to analyze the relationship between immune cell infiltration and POLD2 expression in TCGA. We downloaded relevant data from TCGA and analyzed the relationship between POLD2 and immune checkpoints, immunosuppressive genes, immune activating genes, chemokines and chemokine receptors. Results: POLD2 was significantly overexpressed in most tumors compared to normal tissue. High POLD2 expression was significantly associated with advanced tumor stage, significantly shorter overall survival and progression-free survival. Also, we found that POLD2 expression correlated strongly with immunomodulatory genes, and significantly negatively with most immune checkpoints (PD-L1, CTLA4, TIM3, and CD28). Pathway enrichment analysis suggests that low expression of POLD2 promotes immune regulation-related pathways and high expression promotes metabolic and DNA repair-related pathways. Furthermore, tumor microenvironment analysis suggests that high POLD2 expression inhibits infiltration of CD8+ T cells and CD4+ memory T cells. Discussion: In conclusion, POLD2 may be a molecular biomarker for pan-cancer prognosis and immunotherapy. It may serve as a potential target for new insights in human tumor prognosis prediction and immunotherapy assessment.

Research on trajectory tracking control of 7-DOF picking manipulator.

In order to solve the problem of poor robustness of the traditional method of calculating torque in the mechanical model of 7-DOF picking manipulator, this paper proposes a control strategy of calculating torque plus fuzzy compensation by using adaptive fuzzy logic system to compensate the uncertain part of the mechanical model of 7-DOF picking manipulator. By using Lagrange method, the dynamic model of 7-DOF manipulator is established, and the relationship between joint motion and applied torque (force) is obtained. Using ADAMS and MATLAB to establish a co-simulation platform, the manipulator and trajectory tracking control system are simulated. The results show that the trajectory tracking error of each joint in the algorithm is obviously reduced and the convergence trend is obvious. The average trajectory tracking accuracy of joint 1 to joint 7 was improved by 70.22%, 94.78%, 0.62%, 74.23%, 89.78%, 86.45%, and 67.15%, respectively. In this control scheme, the control force (moment) of each joint changes regularly, and the output force (moment) does not appear chattering and mutation when the disturbance signal is added. The research results can provide support for the further study of picking manipulator trajectory tracking control system.

Platycodon grandiflorum extract attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury via TLR4/NF-κBp65 pathway in rats.

The traditional Chinese medicine Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) is often used for the treatment of a number of chronic inflammatory diseases. In Chinese veterinary clinic, PG is always extracted by decoction and taken orally, however, the molecular mechanism of PG extract (PE) to reduce LPS-induced inflammation, especially acute lung injury (ALI) in vivo, are not known. Thus, we have studied the anti-inflammatory effects of PE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury via TLR4/NF-κBp65 pathway in rat. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, LPS group, LPS±PE low dose group and LPS±PE high dose group. All rats were given corresponding PE solution or the same amount of normal saline by intragastric administration for 7 days. On the 7th day, 1 h after the last administration, 500 µg of LPS were introduced intratracheally to establish ALI rat model, and the same volume of normal saline was given to control group. The results showed that PE reduced the levels of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators including IL-6, PGE2, and TNF-α, alleviated the lung injury histologically, and down-regulated LPS-induced mRNA and protein levels of TLR4/NF-κBp65 in lung tissue. This study demonstrated that PE has the anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced ALI in rats through TLR4/NF-κBp65 signaling pathway, indicating that PE is an effective suppressor for anti-inflammatory activities.

Bayesian network analysis of open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: We have performed the direct and network meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of robot-assisted (RARC) versus laparoscopic (LRC) versus open radical cystectomy (ORC) for bladder cancer (BCa). METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase was performed up until Dec 20, 2019. Outcome indexes include oncologic outcomes (the recurrence rate, mortality), pathologic outcomes (lymph node yield (LNY), positive lymph node (PLN), positive surgical margins (PSM)), perioperative outcomes (operating time (OP), estimated blood loss (EBL), blood transfusion rate, the length of hospital stay (LOS) and the time to regular diet) and postoperative 90-day complications. RESULTS: We have analyzed 6 RCTs, 23 prospective studies, and 25 retrospective studies (54 articles: 6382 patients). On one hand, the direct meta-analysis shows RARC is better than LRC or ORC. On the other hand, the clinical effects of the recurrence rate, Morbidity, PSM, LNY, PLN, and postoperative 90-day complications of RARC, LRC and ORC are all no statistical significance by network meta-analysis. Moreover, the probability rank shows that the comprehensive rank of RARC is better than LRC or ORC. The clinical effects of OP, EBL, LOS, blood transfusion rate and the time to regular diet are all statistical significance by network meta-analysis. There are ORC > LRC > RARC in the EBL ranking. Patients with RARC exhibited a decrease of LOS compared to those with LRC or ORC. Patients with RARC exhibited a decrease in blood transfusion rate and the time to regular diet compared to those with ORC. Patients with ORC exhibited an increase of OP compared to those with RARC or LRC. The heterogeneity tests of most studies are < 50%. Most studies have no publication bias and the quality of the selected studies is good. CONCLUSION: The direct meta-analysis and network meta-analysis suggest that RARC is better than LRC or ORC according to comprehensive analysis. However, we need a large sample size and more high-quality studies to verify and improve in the further.

Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz Seed Extract inhibits human hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration and invasion in vitro.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The high recurrence rate postoperative and extensive metastases have become the obstacle of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) efficacy improvements, which contribute to most of the patient mortality. Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz has been shown pharmacological activities in clinical and anti-HCC biological activity in previous research, but its potential function of anti-metastasis remains unknown. AIM OF THIS STUDY: To make sure whether ATKSE inhibits migration and invasion in HCC cell lines in vitro and the potential mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A UHPLC-HRMS analysis was adopted to identify and control the quality of the ethanol extract of Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz Seed (abbreviated ATKSE). Cell viability of three kinds of HCC cell lines (HEPG2, HUH7, and SMMC7721) was detected using MTT assay and Flow cytometry. Adhesion capacity was measured by cell-matrigel adhesion assay. Wounded healing and Matrigel-transwell invasion assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion, respectively. Western blot assay was used to detect several metastasis-related protein molecules, including FAK adhesion signaling, cadherin molecules, and MMPs. ELISA assay was used to evaluate the secreted MMP9 level. RESULTS: ATKSE significantly suppressed HCC cells viability and proliferation (from 0.9 up to 3.0 mg/ml); then under sub-lethal concentration (from 0.25 up to 1.0 mg/ml), ATKSE inhibited cell adhesion, migration, and invasion in a way of dose-dependent. Several metastatic-related molecules or pathway, including FAK adhesion signaling, cadherin molecules, and MMPs, took part in this process. There are both differences and commonalities in various cell lines: typically such as p-FAK was down-regulated by ATKSE in both HEPG2 and SMMC7721, while was raised in HUH7; Further attempts on the combination of ATKSE and FAK inhibitors, provide us with the enhanced inhibitory effects of invasion and migration in HEPG2 and HUH7 cells, as well as antagonistic effects in SMMC7721. As a target or potential mechanism, it may be more valuable to concern FAK inhibition by ATKSE in HEPG2 cells than in the other two cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ATKSE has anti-metastasis potency in HCC cells.

Molecular detection and genomic characterization of Torque teno canis virus in domestic dogs in Guangxi Province, China.

The Torque teno canis virus (TTCaV) is a small virus with circular single-stranded DNA that has been reported to cause infections in dogs. The present study aimed to identify the presence of TTCaV in blood samples obtained from domestic dogs, and examine its diversity and evolution of the genomes. Five strains of TTCaV were detected, and the overall prevalence was found to be 7% (28/400). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the five genomes were closely clustered with the previously known Cf-TTV10 and LDL strains and formed a Thetatorque virus. Homology analysis of the whole genome showed a sequence identity of 94.6%-96.8% among the five genomes. The percent sequence similarity among the five complete genomes ranged from 95.3% to 97.4% and from 95.1% to 97% compared to the Cf-TTV10 and LDL strains respectively. The ORF1-encoded amino acid sequences showed 94.4%-97.2% identity among the five isolates. Our findings suggest that the TTCaV has a large genetic diversity and showed that TTCaV and canine parvovirus (CPV) co-infection exists in China. Further studies on the pathogenicity of TTCaV are required.

Akebia trifoliate (Thunb.) Koidz Seed Extract Inhibits the Proliferation of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines via Inducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.

Akebia Fructus has long been used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China, while the molecular mechanism remains obscure. Our recent work found that Akebia trifoliate (Thunb.) Koidz seed extract (ATSE) suppressed proliferation and induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in SMMC-7721. The present study aimed to throw more light on the mechanism. ER stress occurred after ATSE treatment in HepG2, HuH7, and SMMC-7721 cells, manifested as ER expansion, and SMMC-7721 was the most sensitive kind in terms of morphology. Cell viability assay showed that ATSE significantly inhibited cells proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that ATSE leads to an upward tendency of G0/G1 phase and a reduced trend of the continuous peak after G2/M phase in HepG2; ATSE promoted apoptosis in HuH7 and a notable reduction in G0/G1 phase; ATSE does not quite influence cell cycles of SMMC-7721. Western blot analysis showed an increased trend of the chosen ER stress-related proteins after different treatments but nonsignificantly; only HYOU1 and GRP78 were decreased notably by ATSE in HuH7. Affymetrix array indicated that lots of ER stress-related genes' expressions were significantly altered, and downward is the main trend. These results suggest that ATSE have anticancer potency in HCC cells via partly inducing ER stress.

Bias induced transition from an ohmic to a non-ohmic interface in supramolecular tunneling junctions with Ga2O3/EGaIn top electrodes.

This study describes that the current rectification ratio, R ≡ |J|(-2.0 V)/|J|(+2.0 V) for supramolecular tunneling junctions with a top-electrode of eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) that contains a conductive thin (0.7 nm) supporting outer oxide layer (Ga2O3), increases by up to four orders of magnitude under an applied bias of >+1.0 V up to +2.5 V; these junctions did not change their electrical characteristics when biased in the voltage range of ±1.0 V. The increase in R is caused by the presence of water and ions in the supramolecular assemblies which react with the Ga2O3/EGaIn layer and increase the thickness of the Ga2O3 layer. This increase in the oxide thickness from 0.7 nm to ∼2.0 nm changed the nature of the monolayer-top-electrode contact from an ohmic to a non-ohmic contact. These results unambiguously expose the experimental conditions that allow for a safe bias window of ±1.0 V (the range of biases studies of charge transport using this technique are normally conducted) to investigate molecular effects in molecular electronic junctions with Ga2O3/EGaIn top-electrodes where electrochemical reactions are not significant. Our findings also show that the interpretation of data in studies involving applied biases of >1.0 V may be complicated by electrochemical side reactions which can be recognized by changes of the electrical characteristics as a function voltage cycling or in current retention experiments.