Dimensional and Doping Engineering of Chiral Perovskites with Enhanced Spin Selectivity for Green Emissive Spin Light-Emitting Diodes.

Chiral perovskites play a pivotal role in spintronics and optoelectronic systems attributed to their chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect. Specifically, they allow for spin-polarized charge transport in spin light-emitting diodes (LEDs), yielding circularly polarized electroluminescence at room temperature without external magnetic fields. However, chiral lead bromide-based perovskites have yet to achieve high-performance green emissive spin-LEDs, owing to limited CISS effects and charge transport. Herein, we employ dimensional regulation and Sn2+-doping to optimize chiral bromide-based perovskite architecture for green emissive spin-LEDs. The optimized (PEA)x(S/R-PRDA)2-xSn0.1Pb0.9Br4 chiral perovskite film exhibits an enhanced CISS effect, higher hole mobility, and better energy level alignment with the emissive layer. These improvements allow us to fabricate green emissive spin-LEDs with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 5.7% and an asymmetry factor |gCP-EL| of 1.1 × 10-3. This work highlights the importance of tailored perovskite architectures and doping strategies in advancing spintronics for optoelectronic applications.

MOF-derived xPd-NPs@ZnO porous nanocomposites for ultrasensitive ppb-level gas detection with photoexcitation: Design, diverse-scenario characterization, and mechanism.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been regarded as a potential candidate with great application prospects in the field of gas sensing. Although plenty of previous efforts have been made to improve the sensitivity of MOF-based nanocomposites, it is still a great challenge to realize ultrafast and high selectivity to typical flammable gases in a wide range. Herein, porous xPd-NPs@ZnO were prepared by optimized heat treatment, which maintained the controllable morphology and high specific surface area of 471.08 m2g-1. The coupling effects of photoexcitation and thermal excitation on the gas-sensing properties of nanocomposites were systematically studied. An ultrafast high response of 88.37 % towards 200 ppm H2 was realized within 1.2 s by 5.0Pd-NPs@ZnO under UV photoexcitation. All xPd-NPs@ZnO exhibited favorable linearity over an extremely wide range (0.2-4000 ppm H2) of experimental tests, indicating the great potential in quantitative detection. The photoexcited carriers enabled the nanocomposites a considerable response at lower operating temperatures, which made diverse applications of the sensors. The mechanisms of high sensing performances and the photoexcitation enhancement were systematically explained by DFT calculations. This work provides a solid experimental foundation and theoretical basis for the design of controllable porous materials and novel photoexcited gas detection.

Identification of biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets of kidney stone disease using bioinformatics.

PURPOSE: Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a common urological disease, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we screened KSD-related hub genes using bioinformatic methods and predicted the related pathways and potential drug targets. METHODS: The GSE75542 and GSE18160 datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were selected to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We conducted Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses to identify enriched pathways. Finally, we constructed a hub gene-miRNA network and drug-DEG interaction network. RESULTS: In total, 44 upregulated DEGs and 1 downregulated DEG were selected from the GEO datasets. Signaling pathways, such as leukocyte migration, chemokine activity, NF-κB, TNF, and IL-17, were identified in GO and KEGG. We identified 10 hub genes using Cytohubba. In addition, 21 miRNAs were predicted to regulate 4 or more hub genes, and 10 drugs targeted 2 or more DEGs. LCN2 expression was significantly different between the GEO datasets. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses showed that seven hub gene expressions in HK-2 cells with CaOx treatment were significantly higher than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The 10 hub genes identified, especially LCN2, may be involved in kidney stone occurrence and development, and may provide new research targets for KSD diagnosis. Furthermore, KSD-related miRNAs may be targeted for the development of novel drugs for KSD treatment.

Phylogenetic and Taxonomic Analyses Reveal Three New Wood-Inhabiting Fungi (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) in China.

Three new wood-inhabiting fungal species, Cerioporus yunnanensis, Perenniporiopsis sinensis, and Sarcoporia yunnanensis, are proposed based on a combination of the morphological features and molecular evidence. Cerioporus yunnanensis is characterized by the pileate basidiomata having a fawn brown to black pileal surface, a dimitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and the presence of the fusoid cystidioles and cylindrical basidiospores (9-12.5 × 3.5-5 µm). Perenniporiopsis sinensis is distinct from the osseous pileus with verrucose, an orange-yellow to dark reddish-brown pileal surface with a cream margin, a trimitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and the presence of the fusiform cystidioles and ellipsoid basidiospores (9-11 × 5.5-6.5 µm). Sarcoporia yunnanensis is typical of the pileate basidiomata with a salmon to reddish-brown pileal surface, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and the presence of the ellipsoid basidiospores (4-5.5 × 2.5-4 µm). Sequences of ITS + nLSU + mt-SSU + TEF1 + RPB1 + RPB2 genes were used for the phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The multiple genes with six loci analysis showed that the three new species nested within the order Polyporales, in which C. yunnanensis and P. sinensis nested into the family Polyporaceae, and S. yunnanensis grouped into the family Sarcoporiaceae.

Simvastatin ameliorates synaptic plasticity impairment in chronic mild stress-induced depressed mice by modulating hippocampal NMDA receptor.

BACKGROUND: In our previous study, we showed simvastatin exerts an antidepressant effect and inhibits neuroinflammation. Given the role of synaptic impairment in depression development, we investigate the effect of simvastatin on synaptic plasticity in depression and the related mechanisms. METHODS: Electrophysiological analysis, Golgi staining, and transmission electron microscope were performed to analyze the effect of simvastatin on synaptic impairment in depression. In addition, the localization and reactivity of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits and the downstream signaling were investigated to explore the mechanism of simvastatin's effect on synaptic plasticity. RESULTS: Simvastatin ameliorated the reduction of the magnitude of long-term potentiation (LTP) in Schaffer collateral-CA1, restored hippocampal dendritic spine density loss, improved the number of spine synapses, reversed the reduction in BrdU-positive cells in chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced depressed mice, and ameliorated NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in hippocampal neurons. Dysfunction of NMDAR activity in the hippocampus is associated with depression. Simvastatin treatment reversed the surface expression and phosphorylation changes of NMDAR subunits in NMDA-treated hippocampal neurons and depressed mice. In addition, simvastatin further increased the levels of mature BDNF, activating TrkB-Akt-mTOR signaling, which is critical for synaptic plasticity. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that simvastatin can improve the dysfunction of NMDAR and ameliorate hippocampal synaptic plasticity impairment in depressed mice.

Large-Area Flexible Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes Enabled by Inkjet Printing.

Metal halide perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are attracting increasing attention due to their potential applications in flat panel lighting and displays. The solution process, large-area fabrication, and flexibility are attractive properties of PeLEDs over traditional inorganic LEDs. However, it is still very challenging to deposit uniform perovskite films on flexible substrates using a blade or slot-die coating, as the flexible substrate is not perfectly flat. Here, the inkjet printing technique is adopted, and the key challenges are overcome step-by-step in preparing large-area films on flexible substrates. Double-hole transporting layers are first used and a wetting interfacial layer to improve the surface wettability so that the printed perovskite droplets can form a continuous wet film. The fluidic and evaporation dynamics of the perovskite wet layer is manipulated to suppress the coffee ring effect by solvent engineering. Uniform perovskite films are obtained finally on flexible substrates with different perovskite compositions. The peak external quantum efficiency of the inkjet-printed PeLEDs reaches 14.3%. Large-area flexible PeLEDs (4 × 7 cm2 ) also show very uniform emission. This work represents a significant step toward real applications of large-area PeLEDs in flexible flat-panel lighting.

Amorphous Chloride Solid Electrolytes with High Li-Ion Conductivity for Stable Cycling of All-Solid-State High-Nickel Cathodes.

Solid electrolytes (SEs) are central components that enable high-performance, all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). Amorphous SEs hold great potential for ASSLBs because their grain-boundary-free characteristics facilitate intact solid-solid contact and uniform Li-ion conduction for high-performance cathodes. However, amorphous oxide SEs with limited ionic conductivities and glassy sulfide SEs with narrow electrochemical windows cannot sustain high-nickel cathodes. Herein, we report a class of amorphous Li-Ta-Cl-based chloride SEs possessing high Li-ion conductivity (up to 7.16 mS cm-1) and low Young's modulus (approximately 3 GPa) to enable excellent Li-ion conduction and intact physical contact among rigid components in ASSLBs. We reveal that the amorphous Li-Ta-Cl matrix is composed of LiCl43-, LiCl54-, LiCl65- polyhedra, and TaCl6- octahedra via machine-learning simulation, solid-state 7Li nuclear magnetic resonance, and X-ray absorption analysis. Attractively, our amorphous chloride SEs exhibit excellent compatibility with high-nickel cathodes. We demonstrate that ASSLBs comprising amorphous chloride SEs and high-nickel single-crystal cathodes (LiNi0.88Co0.07Mn0.05O2) exhibit ∼99% capacity retention after 800 cycles at ∼3 C under 1 mA h cm-2 and ∼80% capacity retention after 75 cycles at 0.2 C under a high areal capacity of 5 mA h cm-2. Most importantly, a stable operation of up to 9800 cycles with a capacity retention of ∼77% at a high rate of 3.4 C can be achieved in a freezing environment of -10 °C. Our amorphous chloride SEs will pave the way to realize high-performance high-nickel cathodes for high-energy-density ASSLBs.

Homogenizing out-of-plane cation composition in perovskite solar cells.

Perovskite solar cells with the formula FA1-xCsxPbI3, where FA is formamidinium, provide an attractive option for integrating high efficiency, durable stability and compatibility with scaled-up fabrication. Despite the incorporation of Cs cations, which could potentially enable a perfect perovskite lattice1,2, the compositional inhomogeneity caused by A-site cation segregation is likely to be detrimental to the photovoltaic performance of the solar cells3,4. Here we visualized the out-of-plane compositional inhomogeneity along the vertical direction across perovskite films and identified the underlying reasons for the inhomogeneity and its potential impact for devices. We devised a strategy using 1-(phenylsulfonyl)pyrrole to homogenize the distribution of cation composition in perovskite films. The resultant p-i-n devices yielded a certified steady-state photon-to-electron conversion efficiency of 25.2% and durable stability.

Molecular Systematics and Taxonomic Analyses of Three New Wood-Inhabiting Fungi of Hyphoderma (Hyphodermataceae, Basidiomycota).

In this present study, three new wood-inhabiting fungal taxa, Hyphoderma niveomarginatum, H. sordidum and H. weishanense, are proposed. Hyphoderma niveomarginatum is characterized by the ceraceous basidiomata having a smooth, cracking hymenial surface and the presence of the moniliform cystidia and ellipsoid basidiospores (7-9 × 3.5-5 µm). Hyphoderma sordidum is characterized by its resupinate basidiomata with a smooth hymenial surface with the fimbriate margin, the presence of the tubular cystidia and ellipsoid basidiospores (3-4.5 × 2-3 µm). Hyphoderma weishanense differs in its membranous basidiomata with a slightly buff to buff hymenial surface and the presence of broadly ellipsoid basidiospores (4.5-8.5 × 4-7 µm). Sequences of ITS+nLSU+mt-SSU+RPB1+RPB2 genes were used for the phylogenetic analyses using three methods. The ITS+nLSU+mt-SSU+RPB1+RPB2 analysis of the genus Hyphoderma indicated that the 3 new species of Hyphoderma were nested into genus Hyphoderma, in which H. niveomarginatum formed a single group and then grouped with H. membranaceum and H. sinense; H. sordidum was a sister to H. nudicephalum; and H. weishanense closely grouped with H. crystallinum.

Unraveling the Solvent Effect on Solid-Electrolyte Interphase Formation for Sodium Metal Batteries.

Ether-based electrolytes are considered as an ideal electrolyte system for sodium metal batteries (SMBs) due to their superior compatibility with the sodium metal anode (SMA). However, the selection principle of ether solvents and the impact on solid electrolyte interphase formation are still unclear. Herein, we systematically compare the chain ether-based electrolyte and understand the relationship between the solvation structure and the interphasial properties. The linear ether solvent molecules with different terminal group lengths demonstrate remarkably distinct solvation effects, thus leading to different electrochemical performance as well as deposition morphologies for SMBs. Computational calculations and comprehensive characterizations indicate that the terminal group length significantly regulates the electrolyte solvation structure and consequently influences the interfacial reaction mechanism of electrolytes on SMA. Cryogenic electron microscopy clearly reveals the difference in solid electrolyte interphase in various ether-based electrolytes. As a result, the 1,2-diethoxyethane-based electrolyte enables a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.9 %, which also realizes the stable cycling of Na||Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 full cell with a mass loading of ≈9 mg cm-2 over 500 cycles.

Enlargement of the knowledge of Cortinarius section Anomali (Agaricales, Basidiomycota): introducing three new species from China.

Cortinarius is a globally distributed agaricoid genus that has been well studied in Europe and America with over 1,000 described species. However, as part of an ongoing effort to investigate the diversity of Cortinarius section Anomali in China, the resource investigation and classification research are still limited, and the species diversity has not been clarified by far. During the re-examination of the Chinese Cortinarius specimens, C. cinnamomeolilacinus, C. subclackamasensis, and C. tropicus, belonging to the sect. Anomali, were described in China as new to science based on morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis. The three new species are described and illustrated in detail according to the Chinese materials. The phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer sequences confirmed the placement of the three species in the Cortinarius sect. Anomali clade. Phylogenetically related and morphologically similar species to these three new species are discussed.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of Sidera (Hymenochaetales, Rickenella clade) from China and North America revealing two new species.

Sidera, belonging to the Rickenella clade of Hymenochaetales, is a worldwide genus with mostly poroid hymenophore of wood-inhabiting fungi. Two new species in the genus, Sideraamericana and S.borealis, are described and illustrated from China and North America based on morphological and molecular evidence. They were mainly found growing on rotten wood of Abies, Picea and Pinus. S.americana is characterized by annual, resupinate basidiomata with silk sheen when dry, round pores (9-11 per mm), a dimitic hyphal system, and allantoid basidiospores measuring 3.5-4.2 × 1 µm. S.borealis is characterized by annual, resupinate basidiomata with cream to pinkish buff dry pore surface, angular pores (6-7 per mm), a dimitic hyphal system, and allantoid basidiospores measuring 3.9-4.1 × 1-1.1 µm. Phylogenetic analysis based on a combined 2-locus dataset [ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) + nuclear large subunit RNA (nLSU)] shows that the two species are members of Sidera, and they are compared with morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species, respectively. An identification key to 18 accepted species of Sidera in worldwide is provided.

Novel Nomograms and Web-Based Tools Predicting Overall Survival and Cancer-specific Survival of Solitary Plasmacytoma of the Spine.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish nomograms for predicting overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with solitary plasmacytoma of the spine (SPS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: SPS is a rare type of malignant spinal tumor. A systematic study of prognostic factors associated with survival can provide guidance to clinicians and patients. Consideration of other causes of death (OCOD) in CSS will improve clinical practicability. METHODS: A total of 1078 patients extracted from the SEER database between 2000 and 2018 were analyzed. Patients were grouped into training and testing data sets (7:3). Factors associated with OS and CSS were identified by Cox regression and competing risk regression, respectively, for the establishment of nomograms on a training data set. The testing data set was used for the external validation of the performance of the nomograms using calibration curves, Brier's scores, C-indexes, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: Age and grade were identified as factors associated with both OS and CSS, along with marital status, radiation for OS, and chemotherapy for CSS. Heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus were found to be the 3 most common causes of OCOD. The nomograms showed satisfactory agreement on calibration plots for both training and testing data sets. Integrated Brier score, C-index, and overall area under the curve on the testing data set were 0.162/0.717/0.789 and 0.173/0.709/0.756 for OS and CSS, respectively. DCA curves showed a good clinical net benefit. Nomogram-based web tools were developed for clinical application. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence for risk factors and prognostication of survival in SPS patients. The novel nomograms and web-based tools we developed demonstrated good performance and might serve as accessory tools for clinical decision-making and SPS management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Morphological and phylogenetic evidence reveal three new Pseudohydnum (Auriculariales, Basidiomycota) species from North China.

Pseudohydnum is characterized by gelatinous basidiomata with hydnoid hymenophores and longitudinally septate basidia. In this study, samples of the genus from North China were examined morphologically and phylogenetically using a dataset of the internal transcribed spacer of the ribosomal RNA gene and the nuclear large subunit rDNA. This study describes three new species, namely Pseudohydnum abietinum, Pseudohydnum candidissimum, and Pseudohydnum sinobisporum. Pseudohydnum abietinum is characterized by pileate and pale clay pink basidiomata when fresh, with a rudimentary stipe base, four-celled basidia, and broadly ellipsoid to ovoid or subglobose basidiospores (6-7.5 × 5-6.3 µm). P. candidissimum is characterized by very white basidiomata when fresh, frequently four-celled basidia, and broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores (7.2-8.5 × 6-7 µm). P. sinobisporum is characterized by ivory basidiomata when fresh, two-celled basidia, ovoid to broadly ellipsoid, or subglobose basidiospores (7.5-9.5 × 5.8-7.2 µm). The main characteristics, type localities, and hosts of Pseudohydnum species are listed.

Two new species of Antrodia (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) in western China.

Two new species of Antrodia, A. aridula and A. variispora, are described from western China. Phylogeny based on a six-gene dataset (ITS + nLSU + nSSU + mtSSU + TEF1 + RPB2) demonstrates that samples of the two species form two independent lineages within the clade of Antrodia s.s. and are different in morphology from the existing species of Antrodia. Antrodia aridula is characterized by its annual and resupinate basidiocarps with angular to irregular pores of 2-3 mm each and oblong ellipsoid to cylindrical basidiospores measuring 9-12 × 4.2-5.3 µm, growing on gymnosperm wood in a dry environment. Antrodia variispora is characterized by its annual and resupinate basidiocarps with sinuous or dentate pores with a size of 1-1.5 mm each and oblong ellipsoid, fusiform, pyriform, or cylindrical basidiospores measuring 11.5-16 × 4.5-5.5 µm, growing on the wood of Picea. The differences between the new species and morphologically similar species are discussed in this article.

Pretreatment with Eupatilin Attenuates Inflammation and Coagulation in Sepsis by Suppressing JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway.

Purpose: Sepsis is an aggressive and life-threatening organ dysfunction induced by infection. Excessive inflammation and coagulation contribute to the negative outcomes for sepsis, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. In this study, we explored whether Eupatilin could alleviate lung injury, reduce inflammation and coagulation during sepsis. Methods: We constructed an in vitro sepsis model by stimulating RAW264.7 cells with 1 µg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 6 hours. The cells were divided into control group, LPS group, LPS+ Eupatilin (Eup) group, and Eup group to detect their cell activity and inflammatory cytokines and coagulation factor levels. Cells in LPS+Eup and Eup group were pretreated with Eupatilin (10µM) for 2 hours. In vivo, mice were divided into sham operation group, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group and Eup group. Mice in the CLP and Eup groups were pretreated with Eupatilin (10mg/kg) for 2 hours by gavage. Lung tissue and plasma were collected and inflammatory cytokines, coagulation factors and signaling were measured. Results: In vitro, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tissue factor (TF) expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells was downregulated by Eupatilin (10µM). Furthermore, Eupatilin inhibited phosphorylation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and suppressed p-STAT3 nuclear translocation. In vivo, Eupatilin increased the survival rate of the mice. In septic mice, plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6, as well as TF, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), D-dimer, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) and fibrinogen were improved by Eupatilin. Moreover, Eupatilin alleviated lung injury by improving the expression of inflammatory cytokines and TF, fibrin deposition and macrophage infiltration in lung tissue. Conclusion: Our results revealed that Eupatilin may modulate inflammation and coagulation indicators as well as improve lung injury in sepsis via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Inhibition of hexokinase 2 with 3-BrPA promotes MDSCs differentiation and immunosuppressive function.

The adoptive transfer of ex vivo generated myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) may be a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing allograft rejection after solid organ transplantation. Currently, the precise role of immune-metabolic pathways in the differentiation and function of MDSCs is not fully understood. Hexokinase 2 (HK2) is an isoform of hexokinase and is a key enzyme involved in the increased aerobic glycolysis of different immune cells during their activation and function. Here, we demonstrate that the addition of HK2 inhibitor 3-Bromopyruvic acid (3-BrPA) into traditional MDSCs induction system in vitro significantly promoted MDSCs production and enhanced their immunosuppressive function. Treatment with 3-BrPA increased the expression of MDSC-related immunosuppressive molecules, such as iNOS, Arg1, and CXCR2. Moreover, the adoptive transfer of 3-BrPA-treated MDSCs significantly prolonged the survival time of mouse heart allografts. This study provides a novel strategy to solve the problems of harvesting enough autologous cells for MDSC production from sick patients, and producing functionally enhanced MDSCs for preventing graft rejection and inducing tolerance.

The Relationship between Preoperative Urine Culture and Post-Percutaneous Nephrostolithotomy Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: To predict the occurrence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) after percutaneous nephrostrolithotomy(PCNL), preoperative urine culture is a popular method, but the debate about its predictive value is ongoing. In order to better evaluate the value of urine culture before percutaneous nephrolithotomy, we conducted a single-center retrospective study. METHODS: A total of 273 patients who received PCNL in Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Urine culture results, bacterial profiles, and other clinical information were collected. The primary outcome observed was the occurrence of SIRS after PCNL. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive factors of SIRS after PCNL. A nomogram was constructed using the predictive factors, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration plot were drawn. RESULTS: Our results showed that there was a significant correlation between positive preoperative urine cultures and the occurrence of postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Meanwhile, diabetes, staghorn calculi, and operation time were also risk factors for postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Our results suggest that among the positive bacteria in urine culture before percutaneous nephrolithotomy, Enterococcus faecalis has become the dominant strain. CONCLUSION: Urine culture is still an important method of preoperative evaluation. A comprehensive evaluation of multiple risk factors should be undertaken and heeded to before percutaneous nephrostrolithotomy. In addition, the impact of changes in bacterial drug resistance is also worthy of attention.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) ameliorates the coagulation abnormalities in sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulation of the host response to infection. There is still a lack of specific treatment for sepsis. Here, we report that Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) can reduce the mortality of sepsis by ameliorating the coagulation abnormalities. METHODS: FGF2 was intraperitoneally injected into septic mice induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then assessed for coagulation response, organ damage and survival. RAW264.7 cells with or without FGF2 pretreating were exposed to LPS, and then changes in coagulation related factors expression and signaling were tested. RESULTS: The findings showed that intraperitoneal injection of FGF2 inhibited coagulation activity, reduced lung and liver damage, and increased survival in septic mice. In RAW264.7 cells, LPS upregulated the expression of tissue factor (TF) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1); however, pretreatment with FGF2 prevented this upregulation, while FGF2 knockdown exacerbated TF upregulation. Moreover, FGF2 suppressing the AKT/mTOR/S6K1 signaling pathway in septic mice and RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a therapeutic role of FGF2 in ameliorating the coagulation abnormalities during sepsis.

Web-Based Nomograms for Overall Survival and Cancer-Specific Survival of Bladder Cancer Patients with Bone Metastasis: A Retrospective Cohort Study from SEER Database.

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to explore the prognostic factors of bladder cancer with bone metastasis (BCBM) and develop prediction models to predict the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of BCBM patients. METHODS: A total of 1438 patients with BCBM were obtained from the SEER database. Patients from 2010 to 2016 were randomly divided into training and validation datasets (7:3), while patients from 2017 were divided for external testing. Nomograms were established using prognostic factors identified through Cox regression analyses and validated internally and externally. The concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of nomogram models, while decision curve analyses (DCA) and Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves were used to estimate the clinical applicability. RESULTS: Marital status, tumor metastasis (brain, liver, and lung), primary site surgery, and chemotherapy were indicated as independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS. Calibration plots and the overall C-index showed a novel agreement between the observed and predicted outcomes. Nomograms revealed significant advantages in OS and CSS predictions. AUCs for internal and external validation were listed as follows: for OS, 3-month AUCs were 0.853 and 0.849; 6-month AUCs were 0.873 and 0.832; 12-month AUCs were 0.825 and 0.805; for CSS, 3-month AUCs were 0.849 and 0.847; 6-month AUCs were 0.870 and 0.824; 12-month AUCs were 0.815 and 0.797, respectively. DCA curves demonstrated good clinical benefit, and KM curves showed distinct stratification performance. CONCLUSION: The nomograms as web-based tools were proved to be accurate, efficient, and clinically beneficial, which might help in patient management and clinical decision-making for BCBM patients.