Artificial Heterointerfaces with Regulated Charge Distribution of Ni Active Sites for Urea Oxidation Reaction.

In contrast to the thermodynamically unfavorable anodic oxygen evolution reaction, the electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction (UOR) presents a more favorable thermodynamic potential. However, the practical application of UOR has been hindered by sluggish kinetics. In this study, hierarchical porous nanosheet arrays featuring abundant Ni-WO3 heterointerfaces on nickel foam (Ni-WO3/NF) is introduced as a monolith electrode, demonstrating exceptional activity and stability toward UOR. The Ni-WO3/NF catalyst exhibits unprecedentedly rapid UOR kinetics (200 mA cm-2 at 1.384 V vs. RHE) and a high turnover frequency (0.456 s-1), surpassing most previously reported Ni-based catalysts, with negligible activity decay observed during a durability test lasting 150 h. Ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations elucidate that the WO3 interface significantly modulates the local charge distribution of Ni species, facilitating the generation of Ni3+ with optimal affinity for interacting with urea molecules and CO2 intermediates at heterointerfaces during UOR. This mechanism accelerates the interfacial electrocatalytic kinetics. Additionally, in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provides deep insights into the substantial contribution of interfacial Ni-WO3 sites to UOR electrocatalysis, unraveling the underlying molecular-level mechanisms. Finally, the study explores the application of a direct urea fuel cell to inspire future practical implementations.

Enabling Internal Electric Field in Heterogeneous Nanosheets to Significantly Accelerate Alkaline Hydrogen Electrocatalysis.

Efficient bifunctional hydrogen electrocatalysis, encompassing both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), is of paramount significance in advancing hydrogen-based societies. While non-precious-metal-based catalysts, particularly those based on nickel (Ni), are essential for alkaline HER/HOR, their intrinsic catalytic activity often falls short of expectations. Herein, an internal electric field (IEF) strategy is introduced for the engineering of heterogeneous nickel-vanadium oxide nanosheet arrays grown on porous nickel foam (Ni-V2 O3 /PNF) as bifunctional electrocatalysts for hydrogen electrocatalysis. Strikingly, the Ni-V2 O3 /PNF delivers 10 mA cm-2 at an overpotential of 54 mV for HER and a mass-specific kinetic current of 19.3 A g-1 at an overpotential of 50 mV for HOR, placing it on par with the benchmark 20% Pt/C, while exhibiting enhanced stability in alkaline electrolytes. Density functional theory calculations, in conjunction with experimental characterizations, unveil that the interface IEF effect fosters asymmetrical charge distributions, which results in more thermoneutral hydrogen adsorption Gibbs free energy on the electron-deficient Ni side, thus elevating the overall efficiency of both HER and HOR. The discoveries reported herein guidance are provided for further understanding and designing efficient non-precious-metal-based electrocatalysts through the IEF strategy.

Heteroatom-Induced Accelerated Kinetics on Nickel Selenide for Highly Efficient Hydrazine-Assisted Water Splitting and Zn-Hydrazine Battery.

Hydrazine-assisted water electrolysis is a promising energy conversion technology for highly efficient hydrogen production. Rational design of bifunctional electrocatalysts, which can simultaneously accelerate hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)/hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) kinetics, is the key step. Herein, we demonstrate the development of ultrathin P/Fe co-doped NiSe2 nanosheets supported on modified Ni foam (P/Fe-NiSe2) synthesized through a facile electrodeposition process and subsequent heat treatment. Based on electrochemical measurements, characterizations, and density functional theory calculations, a favorable "2 + 2" reaction mechanism with a two-step HER process and a two-step HzOR step was fully proved and the specific effect of P doping on HzOR kinetics was investigated. P/Fe-NiSe2 thus yields an impressive electrocatalytic performance, delivering a high current density of 100 mA cm-2 with potentials of - 168 and 200 mV for HER and HzOR, respectively. Additionally, P/Fe-NiSe2 can work efficiently for hydrazine-assisted water electrolysis and Zn-Hydrazine (Zn-Hz) battery, making it promising for practical application.

Erratum: HIF-1α or HOTTIP/CTCF Promotes Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression and Drug Resistance by Targeting HOXA9.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.12.045.].

Detection of peripheral blood circulating tumor cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its clinical significance.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of peripheral blood circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its correlation with the clinicopathological features of OSCC. METHODS: Ninety-three patients diagnosed as OSCC in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2019 to May 2020 were selected as the experimental group, and 20 healthy volunteers were employed as the control group. The CTCs value of peripheral blood of the patients were measured by CTCs detection technology, and its clinical significance was analyzed. RESULTS: The CTCs values in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.000 1). The CTCs value in the peripheral blood of patients in the experimental group were not correlated with gender, site of onset, and presence or absence of peripheral tissue infiltration (P>0.05), but was correlated with age (P=0.022), tumor T stage (P=0.02), tumor N stage (P=0.007 5), tumor M stage (P=0.013), clinical stage (P=0.029), early or late stage (P=0.022), tumor differentiation degree (P<0.001), and node metastasis (P=0.006 4). The AUC value of CTCs in OSCC diagnosis was 0.925, and the energy efficiency was statistically significant [P=0.000, 95%CI (0.876, 0.974)]. When the CTC value was 8.450 FU/3 mL, the maximum value of the Yoden index was 0.853, and the sensitivity and specificity of OSCC diagnosis were 90.3% and 95.0%, respectively. The AUC value of CTCs in the diagnosis of OSCC metastasis was 0.691, and the energy efficiency was statistically significant [P=0.000, 95%CI (0.580, 0.803)]. When the blood CTC value was 12.250 FU/3 mL, the maximum value of Yoden index was 0.367, the sensitivity was 63.6%, and the specificity was 73.3%. Multivariate regression analysis showed that buccal tumor was negatively correlated with CTCs in patients with OSCC (P=0.001 08), N2 stage (P=0.000 74) and M stage (P=0.026 38). High differentiation (P<0.000 1) and moderate differentiation (P=0.001 5) were negatively correlated with CTCs values in patients with OSCC. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral blood CTCs has important clinical value for early screening, auxiliary diagnosis, evaluation of metastasis, and determination of malignant degree, progression, and pathological grade of OSCC and a relatively reliable tumor detection indicator.

[Clinical value of oral repair membrane and ß-tricalcium phosphate in the treatment of the postoperative bone defect of jaw cyst].

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the clinical effect of oral repair membrane and ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) on the treatment of jaw cyst. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 81 cases of jaw cysts, and clinical data were collected for the comparison of traditional surgical curettage (group A, 27 cases), biofilm covering bone wounds after curettage (group B, 27 cases), and ß-TCP filling combined with biofilm covering. RESULTS: No recurrence occurred in 81 patients, and no significant difference in preoperative CT value among the three groups (P<0.05). Follow-up CT reexamination 3, 6, and 12 months after operation showed significant differences among the three groups of CT values (P<0.05). Group C was better than Group B or Group A (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In traditional jaw cyst curettage, the application of biofilm exhibited good osteogenesis effect, and the combined application of ß-TCP and biofilm exerted a better effect.

HIF-1α or HOTTIP/CTCF Promotes Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression and Drug Resistance by Targeting HOXA9.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. However, the clinical outcomes remain unsatisfactory. The aim of this study is to unravel the functional role and regulatory mechanism of HOXA9 in HNSCC. A cohort of 25 HNSCC tumor tissues and normal tissue counterparts was collected. qRT-PCR and western blotting were performed to determine the levels of HOXA9 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were conducted to monitor cell viability and cytotoxicity. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to determine cell migration and invasion. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (FITC/PI) staining was performed to detect cell apoptosis. Bioinformatic analysis, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were performed to investigate the direct binding between HIF-1α or CCCTC binding factor (CTCF) and HOXA9. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down and RNA pull-down assays were used to validate the interaction between CTCF and HOTTIP. HOXA9 was upregulated in HNSCC tissues and cells. Knockdown of HOXA9 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance but promoted apoptosis in CAL-27 and KB cells. Knockdown of HOXA9 also regulated EMT-related marker via targeting YAP1/ß-catenin. Silencing of HOTTIP or CTCF exerted similar tumor-suppressive effects in HNSCC. Mechanistically, HIF-1α or CTCF transcriptionally regulated HOXA9, and HOTTIP/CTCF cooperatively regulated HOXA9 in KB cells. HIF-1α or HOTTIP/CTCF transcriptionally modulates HOXA9 expression to regulate HNSCC progression and drug resistance.

[Effect of long chain non-coding RNA H19 on the migration and invasion of oral cancer cells and its molecular mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the long chain non-coding RNA H19 (lncRNA H19) on the invasion and migration of oral cancer cells and its related molecular mechanism. METHODS: The expression levels of lncRNA H19, miR-107, and cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) in the immortalized oral epithelial cell line HIOEC and the oral cancer cell line CAL27 were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. CAL27 cells were transfected with siRNA H19, miR-107 mimics, pcDNA H19, or anti-miR-107, and the effects of H19 and miR-107 on the invasion and migration of cells were examined via Transwell assay. The TargetScan database predicted the targeting of H19, miR-107, and CDK6. Double luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to detect interactions among H19, miR-107, and CDK6. Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the effects of H19 and miR-107 on the protein level of the target gene CDK6. RESULTS: Compared with that in HIOEC cells, the expression of H19 was significantly increased in CAL27 cells (P<0.05). After transfection with siRNA H19, the expression of H19 decreased, and the invasion and migration ability of CAL27 cells were inhibited (P<0.05). H19 could bind specifically to the 3'-UTR of miR-107 to modulate the expression of miR-107. Compared with that in HIOEC cells, the expression of miR-107 significantly decreased in CAL27 cells (P<0.05). The expression of miR-107 increased after transfection with siRNA H19, and anti-mir-107 co-transfection could promote the invasion and migration ability of siRNA H19 in CAL27 cells (P<0.05). Compared with that in HIOEC cells, CDK6 expression significantly increased in CAL27 cells (P<0.05), and the expression level of the gene was coregulated by H19 and miR-107 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: lncRNA H19 plays an important role in the development of oral cancer. It can regulate the invasion and migration of oral cancer cells by targeting the miR-107/CDK6 signaling axis.

[Effect of down-regulation of sex determining region Y-box 9 on epithelial mesenchymal transition and cloning of oral squamous carcinoma cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of sex determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9) on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cloning of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: siRNA control, SOX9 siRNA were transfected into BcaCD885 cells in OSCC. Simultaneously, cells that did not undergo transfection were used as the control. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to select SOX9 siRNA1 with enhanced interference effect. A cell cloning assay was used to determine the cell's clone formation ability. E-cadherin and Vimentin expressions were detected by immunofluorescence. The expressions of E-cadherin, matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP-2), Vimentin and matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP-9) were detected by Western blot. Cell invasion and migration were detected in the Transwell compartment. RESULTS: The levels of SOX9 mRNA and protein in SOX9 siRNA cells were significantly lower than those of the control (P<0.05). An increase in the number of SOX9 siRNA1 cell clonesled to the considerable decrease of the number of cell invasion and migration. In addition, levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins in cells decreased significantly compared with the control (P<0.05). The level of Vimentin expression in SOX9 siRNA1 cells decreased, and expression level of E-cadherin was elevated. Cell EMT was inhibited compared with the control, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Down-regulation of SOX9 inhibited EMT, clonogenic formation, cell invasion and OSCC migration.

[Clinical value of vacuum sealing drainage in the treatment of oral and maxillofacial space infection].

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to observe the efficacy of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) by continuous negative pressure drainage and saline irrigation in the treatment of oral and maxillofacial space infection. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted on 116 cases of maxillofacial space infection, and clinical data were collected to compare the therapeutic effects of routine incision with drainage treatment (traditional treatment group, 58 cases) and VSD treatment (VSD group, 58 cases). RESULTS: The length of hospital stay, white blood cell count, scar length, frequency of dressing change, and pain degree of patients in the VSD group were all lower than those in the traditional treatment group. Moreover, the improvement degree of mouth opening in the VSD groups was better than that in the traditional treatment group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: VSD is a more effective method for the treatment of oral and maxillofacial space infection.

[The application of microvascular anastomotic device for free flap transfer in reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effect and summarize the experience of vein anastomosis by microvascular anastomotic device in reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects. METHODS: From September 2014 to May 2015, twenty-one free flaps were used to repair oral and maxillofacial defects. During surgery, facial artery or supra thyroid artery were selected as feeding arteries, and external jugular vein or the branch of jugular vein was used as the recipient vein. Eighteen arteries of the free flap were anastomosed by hand, 3 arteries and 21 veins were anastomosed by microvascular anastomotic device. The time of anastomosis and patency of vessels were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS l7.0 software package. RESULTS: There was no flap necrosis due to venous thrombosis in this series．The facial artery was used as feeding artery 16 times, supra thyroid artery was used 5 times. The external jugular vein was used as reflux vein 13 times, the branch of jugular vein was used 8 times. The duration of artery anastomosis were 17.20±2.31 minutes by hand and 5.48±1.33 minutes by microvascular anastomotic device. The duration of vein anastomosis were 18.39±3.48 minutes by hand and 6.45±0.60 minutes by microvascular anastomotic device. CONCLUSIONS: Application of microvascular anastomotic device can significantly improve the anastomotic speed and vein flow rate. The preliminary results show that blood vessel anastomosis by device is effective and safe.

[Lymphatic targeting study of pingyangmycin-activated carbon nanoparticles treating oral cancer lymph node metastasis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the drug distribution in tissues of cervical lymph node metastasis mice model after submucosa adjacent cancer injection of pingyangmycin-activated carbon nanoparticles (PYM-CH-NP) and evaluate the lymph targeting effect of PYM-CH-NP. METHODS: Pingyangmycin (PYM) was radiolabeled with 125I by modified the chloramine T method. Cervical lymph node metastasis mice model was established by buccal submucosa inoculation of a high lymph metastasis cell line U14 cancer cell. 360 mice models burdened with cervical lymph metastasis were randomly divided into 3 groups. PYM group was treated with PYM water solution, PYM-CH-NP group was treated with PYM-CH-NP. Negative control group was injected with activated carbon nanoparticles. PYM-CH-NP and pingyangmycin water solution were injected in pericancer submucosa of the mice respectively. The radioactivity of drug in blood, heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and cervical lymph node were measured after 0.5, 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168 h administration. The radioactivity of each samples per unit weight were calculated. The selectivity index (SI) and targeting index (TI) of drug were calculated. RESULTS: The radioactivity of drug in cervical lymph node of PYM-CH-NP group was much higher than PYM group in each time point (P < 0.001), whereas the blood, heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney uptake of pingyangmycin was greatly decreased in PYM-CH-NP group after 4 h administration (P < 0.001). The SI value of PYM group at each time point was less than 1. While the minimum SI and TI value of PYM-CH-NP was 1.793 and 1.562, the maximum value reached to 68.126 and 14.623 after 72 h administration. CONCLUSION: PYM-CH-NP can increase drug dosage in metastasized cervical lymph nodes, and decrease drug dosage of other organs. So better therapeutic outcome and little adverse reaction may be achieved for lymph node metastasis.

[Effect of Matrine on cell cycle and human telomerase reverse transcriptase of human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the traditional Chinese medicine Matrine on cell cycle and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) of human ACC-M cell lines. METHODS: Different concentrations of Matrine were used in the medium of ACC-M cells. Change of cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry after ACC-M cell were cultivated with different concentrations Matrine (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 mg x mL(-1)). Expression of hTERT was investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and indirect immunofluorescene and flow cytometry quantitative analysis. RESULTS: Matrine caused obviously the GdG1 phase block and inhibited proliferation of ACC-M cells. At same time, this effect was positive correlation to Matrine concentration and treat time. Matrine can inhibit the expression of hTERT mRNA and protein. CONCLUSION: Matrine can obviously inhibit cell cycle and down-regulate expression of hTERT. Inhibition of cell cycle is possible correlation with down-regulation expression of hTERT.

[Anticancer effects of Pingyangmycin-activated carbon nanoparticles against human oral squamous carcinoma Tca8113 and BcaCD885 cell lines in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: The cytotoxic effects of a new formulation of Pingyangmycin-activated carbon nanoparticles (PYM-CH-NP) on two human oral squamous cell carcinoma Tca8113 and BcaCD885 cell lines were studied in vitro. METHODS: The inhibitory effects of PYM-CH-NP and Pingyangmycin (PYM) were evaluated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay at 1-7 days. The 50% inhibition concentration values (IC50) and relative antitumor activity (RAA) of PYM-CH-NP and PYM against Tca8113 and BcaCD885 with different drug concentration were evaluated. The time-dependent cytotoxic effects of PYM-CH-NP and PYM were during 1-5 days, so the doseeffect relationship was investigated at 5th day. RESULTS: Both PYM-CH-NP and PYM had high anticancer effects on Tca8113 and BcaCD885, and the cytotoxic effects were dose-dependent and time-dependent. CONCLUSION: The activated carbon nanoparticles (CH-NP) may serve as a new drug delivery carrier of PYM. The new formulation PYM-CH-NP could slow down drug release, prolonged the drug concentration and its acting time, so more effective anticancer efficacy could be achieved.

[Preparation of lymphatic targeting dosage form: pingyangmycin absorbed on activated carbon nanoparticles].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare anticancer nanoparticles for targeting therapy for oral cancer lymph node metastasis. METHODS: The activated carbon nanoparticles (CH-NP) were prepared for drug carrier. Pingyangmycin (PYM), a high sensitive anticancer drug for oral squamous cell carcinoma, were selected as model drug. The activated carbon nanoparticles and PYM were mixed with saline and shaken 20 minutes so that PYM was absorbed on activated carbon enough, resulting in a new formulation of PYM (PYM-CH-NP). The absorbency of PYM on activated carbon nanoparticles was evaluated. RESULTS: The diameter distribution for CH-NP ranged form 136 nm, to 540 nm, the average diameter was 176 nm. The proportion of CH-NP to PYM was increased and more absorbency of PYM on activated carbon nanoparticles was achieved. CONCLUSION: The activated carbon nanoparticles has high absorbency of PYM. The new formulation PYM-CH-NP can be used as targeting therapy of cervical lymph node metastasis by peri-cancer submucosal injection.