Deciphering the role of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs in shaping the lung cancer immune microenvironment: A comprehensive prognostic model.

Cuproptosis plays an important role in cancer, but its role in lung cancer remains unknown. Transcriptional profiles, clinical details and mutation data were acquired from the Cancer Genome Atlas database through a variety of methods. The analysis of this publicly available data was comprehensively performed using R software along with its relevant packages, ensuring a thorough examination of the information. In this study, we conducted a detailed analysis of cuproptosis-related genes and lncRNA co-expression, identifying 129 relevant lncRNAs and establishing a prognostic model with four key lncRNAs (LINC00996, RPARP-AS1, SND1-IT1, TMPO-AS1). Utilizing data from TCGA and GEO databases, the model effectively categorized patients into high- and low-risk groups, showing significant survival differences. Correlation analysis highlighted specific relationships between individual lncRNAs and cuproptosis genes. Our survival analysis indicated a higher survival rate in the low-risk group across various cohorts. Additionally, the model's predictive accuracy was confirmed through independent prognostic analysis and ROC curve evaluations. Functional enrichment analysis revealed distinct biological pathways and immune functions between risk groups. Tumour mutation load analysis differentiated high- and low-risk groups by their mutation profiles. Drug sensitivity analysis and immune infiltration studies using the CIBERSORT algorithm further elucidated the potential treatment responses in different risk groups. This comprehensive evaluation underscores the significance of lncRNAs in cuproptosis and their potential as biomarkers for lung cancer prognosis and immune microenvironment.

High-Energy-Density Solid-State Metal-Air Batteries: Progress, Challenges, and Perspectives.

Next-generation batteries have long been considered a transition to more sustainable storage technologies. Among them, metal-air batteries (MABs) with low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness have shown great potential for future large-scale applications. Motivated by the desirable characteristics, significant progress is made in suppressing serious parasitic reactions, improving electrochemical performance, and increasing the energy density in MABs. Compared to the widely reported liquid electrolyte strategy, solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) can thoroughly solve the volatilization challenges of liquid electrolytes and protect the oxygen electrodes without the formation of diffusion-blocking oxide phases. Notably, SSEs for MABs are still in their infancy, and many thorny challenges still need to be solved. In this review, the main electrochemical mechanism, key challenges, and some important progress are sorted out for solid-state MABs, such as lithium-air, zinc-air, aluminum-air, and magnesium-air batteries. Besides their fundamental significance, these configurations are further compared in terms of energy density, cost, carbon footprint, energy consumption, rate performance, cycle performance, safety, and air stability of prevailing electrolytes.

Synergistic Layered Design of Aerogel Nanocomposite of Graphene Nanoribbon/MXene with Tunable Absorption Dominated Electromagnetic Interference Shielding.

Electromagnetic pollution presents growing challenges due to the rapid expansion of portable electronic and communication systems, necessitating lightweight materials with superior shielding capabilities. While prior studies focused on enhancing electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE), less attention is given to absorption-dominant shielding mechanisms, which mitigate secondary pollution. By leveraging material science and engineering design, a layered structure is developed comprising rGOnR/MXene-PDMS nanocomposite and a MXene film, demonstrating exceptional EMI shielding and ultra-high electromagnetic wave absorption. The 3D interconnected network of the nanocomposite, with lower conductivity (10-3-10-2 S/cm), facilitates a tuned impedance matching layer with effective dielectric permittivity, and high attenuation capability through conduction loss, polarization loss at heterogeneous interfaces, and multiple scattering and reflections. Additionally, the higher conductivity MXene layer exhibits superior SE, reflecting passed electromagnetic waves back to the nanocomposite for further attenuation due to a π/2 phase shift between incident and back-surface reflected electromagnetic waves. The synergistic effect of the layered structures markedly enhances total SE to 54.1 dB over the Ku-band at a 2.5 mm thickness. Furthermore, the study investigates the impact of hybridized layered structure on reducing the minimum required thickness to achieve a peak absorption (A) power of 0.88 at a 2.5 mm thickness.

Recent Progress in MOF-Aerogel Fabrication and Applications.

Recent advancements in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) underscore their significant potential in chemical and materials research, owing to their remarkable properties and diverse structures. Despite challenges like intrinsic brittleness, powdered crystalline nature, and limited stability impeding direct applications, MOF-based aerogels have shown superior performance in various areas, particularly in water treatment and contaminant removal. This review highlights the latest progress in MOF-based aerogels, with a focus on hybrid systems incorporating materials like graphene, carbon nanotube, silica, and cellulose in MOF aerogels, which enhance their functional properties. The manifold advantages of MOF-based aerogels in energy storage, adsorption, and catalysis are discussed, with an emphasizing on their improved stability, processability, and ease of handling. This review aims to unlock the potential of MOF-based aerogels and their real-world applications. Aerogels are expected to reshape the technological landscape of MOFs through enhanced stability, adaptability, and efficiency.

Diagnostic value of MRI in traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries commonly manifest as ulnar-sided wrist pain and can be associated with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability and subsequent wrist functional decline. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of MRI compared to wrist arthroscopy in identifying traumatic TFCC injuries and to determine the distribution of different TFCC injury subtypes in a normal clinical setting. METHODS: The data of 193 patients who underwent both preoperative wrist MRI and wrist arthroscopy were retrospectively reviewed. The analysis focused on the proportion of subtypes and the diagnostic value of MRI in traumatic TFCC injuries, utilizing Palmer's and Atzei's classification with wrist arthroscopy considered as the gold standard. RESULTS: The most prevalent subtype of TFCC injuries were peripheral injuries (Palmer 1B, 67.9%), followed by combined injuries (Palmer 1 A + 1B, 14%; Palmer 1B + 1D, 8.3%). Compared with wrist arthroscopy, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and Kappa value of MRI was as follows: traumatic TFCC tears 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97-1), 0.90 (0.78-0.96), 0.97 (0.87-1), and 0.93; styloid lamina tears 0.93 (0.88-0.96), 0.53 (0.30-0.75), 0.47 (0.26-0.69), and 0.44; and foveal lamina tears 0.85 (0.74-0.92), 0.38 (0.29-0.49), 0.79 (0.65-0.89), and 0.21. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic value of MRI in traumatic TFCC injuries has been confirmed to be almost perfect using Palmer's classification. In more detailed classification of TFCC injuries, such as pc-TFCC tears classified by Atzei's classification, the diagnostic accuracy of MRI remains lower compared to wrist arthroscopy. Radiological associated injuries may offer additional diagnostic value in cases with diagnostic uncertainty.

The predictive value of baseline symptom score and the peripheral CD4CD8 double-positive T cells in patients with AECOPD.

BACKGROUND: Accurate prediction of acute exacerbation helps select patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for individualized therapy. The potential of lymphocyte subsets to function as clinical predictive factors for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) remains uncertain. METHODS: In this single-center prospective cohort study with a 2-year follow-up, 137 patients aged 51 to 79 with AECOPD were enrolled. We examined the prognostic indicators of AECOPD by analyzing lymphocyte subsets and baseline symptom score. Furthermore, a predictive model was constructed to anticipate the occurrence of respiratory failure in patients experiencing AECOPD. RESULTS: The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score combined with home oxygen therapy and CD4+CD8+ T cells% to predict respiratory failure in AECOPD patients were the best (the area under the curves [AUC] = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.70-0.86, P < 0.0001, sensitivity: 60.4%, specificity: 86.8%). The nomogram model, the C index, calibration plot, decision curve analysis, and clinical impact curve all indicate the model's good predictive performance. The observed decrease in the proportions of CD4+CD8+ T cells appears to be correlated with more unfavorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram model, developed to forecast respiratory failure in patients with AECOPD, utilizing variables such as home oxygen therapy, CAT score, and CD4+CD8+ T cells%, demonstrated a high level of practicality in clinical settings. CD4+CD8+ T cells serve as a reliable and readily accessible predictor of AECOPD, exhibiting greater stability compared to other indices. It is less susceptible to subjective influences from patients or physicians. This model facilitated personalized estimations, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding preventive interventions.

Application of CUBE-STIR MRI and high-frequency ultrasound in contralateral cervical 7 nerve transfer surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the feasibility of CUBE-SITR MRI and high-frequency ultrasound for the structural imaging of the brachial plexus to exclude neoplastic brachial plexopathy or structural variation and measure the lengths of anterior and posterior divisions of the C7 nerve, providing guidelines for surgeons before contralateral cervical 7 nerve transfer. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with CNS and 20 with brachial plexus injury were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent brachial plexus CUBE-STIR MRI and high-frequency ultrasound, and the lengths of the anterior and posterior divisions of C7 nerve were measured before surgery. Precise length of anterior and posterior divisions of contralateral C7 nerve was measured during surgery. RESULTS: MRI-measured lengths of anterior and posterior divisions of C7 nerves were positively correlated with that measured during surgery (anterior division, r = 0.94, p < .01; posterior division, r = 0.92, p < .01). High agreement was found between MRI-measured and intra-surgery measured length of anterior and posterior divisions of C7 nerve by BLAD-ALTMAN analysis. Ultrasonography could feasibly image supraclavicular C7 nerve and recognize small variant branches derived from middle trunk of C7 nerve root, which could be dissected intra-operatively and confirmed by electromyography during the procedure of contralateral C7 nerve transfer. CONCLUSION: CUBE-STIR MRI had advantages for the imaging of the brachial plexus and measurement of the length of root-trunk-anterior/posterior divisions of C7 nerve. The clinical role of ultrasonography may be a simple way of evaluating general condition of C7 nerve and provide guidelines for contralateral C7 nerve transfer surgery.

Accelerated Multi-step Sulfur Redox Reactions in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Enabled by Dual Defects in Metal-Organic Framework-based Catalysts.

The sluggish sulfur redox kinetics and shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) are recognized as the main obstacles to the practical applications of the lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Accelerated conversion by catalysis can mitigate these issues, leading to enhanced Li-S performance. However, a catalyst with single active site cannot simultaneously accelerate multiple LiPSs conversion. Herein, we developed a novel dual-defect (missing linker and missing cluster defects) metal-organic framework (MOF) as a new type of catalyst to achieve synergistic catalysis for the multi-step conversion reaction of LiPSs. Electrochemical tests and first-principle density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that different defects can realize targeted acceleration of stepwise reaction kinetics for LiPSs. Specifically, the missing linker defects can selectively accelerate the conversion of S8 →Li2 S4 , while the missing cluster defects can catalyze the reaction of Li2 S4 →Li2 S, so as to effectively inhibit the shuttle effect. Hence, the Li-S battery with an electrolyte to sulfur (E/S) ratio of 8.9 mL g-1 delivers a capacity of 1087 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C after 100 cycles. Even at high sulfur loading of 12.9 mg cm-2 and E/S=3.9 mL g-1 , an areal capacity of 10.4 mAh cm-2 for 45 cycles can still be obtained.

Linker-Compensated Metal-Organic Framework with Electron Delocalized Metal Sites for Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis.

Metal-organic frameworks with tailorable coordination chemistry are propitious for regulating catalytic performance and deciphering genuine mechanisms. Herein, a linker compensation strategy is proposed to alter the intermediate adsorption free energy on the Co-Fe zeolitic imidazolate framework (CFZ). This grants zinc-air battery superior high current density capability with a small discharge-charge voltage gap of 0.88 V at 35 mA cm-2 and an hourly fading rate of less than 0.01% for over 500 h. Systematic characterization and theoretical modeling reveal that the performance elevation is closely correlated with the compensation of CFZ unsaturated metal nodes by S-bridging heterogeneous linkers, which exhibit electron-withdrawing characteristic that drives the delocalization of d-orbital electrons. These rearrangements of electronic structures establish a favorable adsorption/desorption pathway for key intermediates (OH*) and a stable coordination environment in bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis.

Quasi-Covalently Coupled Ni-Cu Atomic Pair for Synergistic Electroreduction of CO2.

Developing highly active, selective, and stable electrocatalysts for the carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is crucial to establish a CO2 conversion system for industrial implementation and, therefore, to realize an artificially closed carbon loop. This can only be achieved through the rational material design based upon the knowledge of the operational active site at the molecular scale. Enlightened by theoretical screening, herein, we for the first time manipulate a novel Ni-Cu atomic pair configuration toward improved CO2RR performance. Systematic characterizations and theoretical modeling reveal that the secondary Cu metal incorporation positively shifts the Ni 3d orbital energy to the Fermi level and thus accelerates the rate-determining step, *COOH formation. In addition, the intrinsic inactivity of Cu toward the competing hydrogen evolution reaction causes a considerable reaction barrier for water dissociation on the Ni-Cu moiety. Due to these attributes, the as-developed Ni/Cu-N-C catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity and selectivity, with a record-high turnover frequency of 20,695 h-1 at -0.6 V (vs RHE) and a maximum Faradaic efficiency of 97.7% for CO production. Furthermore, the dynamic structure evolution monitored by operando X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy unveils the interaction between the Ni center and CO2 molecules and the synergistic effect of the Ni-Cu atomic pair on CO2RR activity.

Advanced Material Engineering to Tailor Nucleation and Growth towards Uniform Deposition for Anode-Less Lithium Metal Batteries.

Anode-less lithium metal batteries (ALMBs), whether employing liquid or solid electrolytes, have significant advantages such as lowered costs and increased energy density over lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Among many issues, dendrite growth and non-uniform plating which results in poor coulombic efficiency are the key issues that viciously decrease the longevity of the ALMBs. As a result, lowering the nucleation barrier and facilitating lithium growth towards uniform plating is even more critical in ALMBs. While extensive reviews have focused to describe strategies to achieve high performance in LMBs and ALMBs, this review focuses on strategies designed to directly facilitate nucleation and growth of dendrite-free ALMBs. The review begins with a discussion of the primary components of ALMBs, followed by a brief theoretical analysis of the nucleation and growth mechanism for ALMBs. The review then emphasizes key examples for each strategy in order to highlight the mechanisms and rationale that facilitate lithium plating. By comparing the structure and mechanisms of key materials, the review discusses their benefits and drawbacks. Finally, major trends and key findings are summarized, as well as an outlook on the scientific and economic gaps in ALMBs.

Load-Bearing Radioulnar Distances to Evaluate an Unstable Distal Radioulnar Joint in Patients With Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears.

PURPOSE: Tears of the proximal component of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (pc-TFCC) lead to instability in the distal radioulnar joint. The aim of this study was to measure the load-bearing radioulnar distances (RaUls) and to evaluate its diagnostic suitability in patients with pc-TFCC tears. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed and compared the lateral wrist radiographs of 61 adult patients with arthroscopically confirmed tears of pc-TFCC with those of a control group of 64 healthy participants. The RaUl was measured on lateral radiographs, and the difference in RaUl (D-value) between load-bearing and nonloading conditions was calculated in the 2 groups. Receiver operator characteristic curves were plotted to determine the diagnostic accuracy and optimal cutoff-score of load-bearing RaUl and RaUl D-value. The diagnostic performance was verified in a validation sample of patients (30 wrists) with pc-TFCC tears and a control group of healthy individuals (30 wrists). RESULTS: In the training sample, load-bearing RaUls of the affected wrists were higher than the same side of the controls (12.0 mm vs 7.1 mm). The TFCC-injury group showed a significantly higher RaUl D-value than the control group (8.5 mm vs 3.4 mm). Using a receiver operator characteristic curve, the cutoff value of load-bearing RaUl was 10 mm (sensitivity = 97.6%, specificity = 85.7%) and that of RaUl D-value was 6.5 mm (sensitivity = 90.2%, specificity = 78.5%). The areas under the curve of load-bearing RaUl and RaUl D-value were 0.96 and 0.88, respectively. In the test sample, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of RaUl were 0.93, 0.70, and 0.82 and those of RaUl D-value were 0.77, 0.83, and 0.80 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Load-bearing RaUl measurement is a simple method to diagnose an unstable distal radioulnar joint in patients with TFCC injury. The load bearing RaUl of >10 mm or RaUl D-value of >6.5 mm can be used to differentiate TFCC injuries and showed acceptable accuracy. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic II.

Microporous framework membranes for precise molecule/ion separations.

Microporous framework membranes such as metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes and covalent organic framework (COF) membranes are constructed by the controlled growth of small building blocks with large porosity and permanent well-defined micropore structures, which can overcome the ubiquitous tradeoff between membrane permeability and selectivity; they hold great promise for the enormous challenging separations in energy and environment fields. Therefore, microporous framework membranes are endowed with great expectations as next-generation membranes, and have evolved into a booming research field. Numerous novel membrane materials, versatile manipulation strategies of membrane structures, and fascinating applications have erupted in the last five years. First, this review summarizes and categorizes the microporous framework membranes with pore sizes lower than 2 nm based on their chemistry: inorganic microporous framework membranes, organic-inorganic microporous framework membranes, and organic microporous framework membranes, where the chemistry, fabrications, and differences among these membranes have been highlighted. Special attention is paid to the membrane structures and their corresponding modifications, including pore architecture, intercrystalline grain boundary, as well as their diverse control strategies. Then, the separation mechanisms of membranes are covered, such as diffusion-selectivity separation, adsorption-selectivity separation, and synergetic adsorption-diffusion-selectivity separation. Meanwhile, intricate membrane design to realize synergistic separation and some emerging mechanisms are highlighted. Finally, the applications of microporous framework membranes for precise gas separation, liquid molecule separation, and ion sieving are summarized. The remaining challenges and future perspectives in this field are discussed. This timely review may provide genuine guidance on the manipulation of membrane structures and inspire creative designs of novel membranes, promoting the sustainable development and steadily increasing prosperity of this field.

Circular RNA circPRMT5 is upregulated in breast cancer and is required for cell proliferation and migration.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the role of cyclic protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (circPRMT5) in the occurrence and development of breast cancer (BC). METHODS: A total of 90 BC patients who underwent radical mastectomy and 40 age-matched healthy female controls were recruited in the Second People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang Second People's Hospital from 2017 to 2020. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of circPRMT5 in BC tissues, serum, normal breast cell line (MCF-10A), and BC cell line (T47D, MCF-7, BT549, Hs-578T, and MDA-MB-231, MDAMB-468). The associations between circPRMT5 expression level and age, tumor size, degree of differentiation, TNM stage, distant metastasis, estrogen receptor (ER) or progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status were analyzed. BC cell lines with circPRMT5 knockdown or overexpression were subject to CCK-8 cell proliferation assay, and transwell cell invasion/migration assay. RESULTS: CircPRMT5 expression in BC tissue was higher than that in adjacent normal breast tissue. Consistently, the expression level of circPRMT5 was also elevated in serum samples collected from BC patients when compared with healthy controls. And in multiple breast cancer cell lines, circPRMT5 was upregulated as compared to normal breast epithelial MCF-10A cells. CircPRMT5 expression level was correlated with tumor size, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis distant metastasis, but no correlation was observed with ER, PR, HER2 status. Overexpression of circPRMT5 promoted the proliferation, invasion, and migration of MCF7 cells; while the knockdown of circPRMT5 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. DISCUSSION: CircPRMT5 seems to act as an oncogene in the progression of BC. Our data suggest that CircPRMT5 may be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and targeted therapy of breast cancer.

Hierarchically Nanostructured Solid-State Electrolyte for Flexible Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries.

The construction of safe and environmentally-benign solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) with intrinsic hydroxide ion-conduction for flexible zinc-air batteries is highly desirable yet extremely challenging. Herein, hierarchically nanostructured CCNF-PDIL SSEs with reinforced concrete architecture are constructed by nanoconfined polymerization of dual-cation ionic liquid (PDIL, concrete) within a robust three-dimensional porous cationic cellulose nanofiber matrix (CCNF, reinforcing steel), where plenty of penetrating ion-conductive channels are formed and undergo dynamic self-rearrangement under different hydrated levels. The CCNF-PDIL SSEs synchronously exhibit good flexibility, mechanical robustness, superhigh ion conductivity of 286.5 mS cm-1 , and decent water uptake. The resultant flexible solid-state zinc-air batteries deliver a high-power density of 135 mW cm-2 , a specific capacity of 775 mAh g-1 and an ultralong cycling stability with continuous operation of 240 hours for 720 cycles, far outperforming those of the state-of-the-art solid-state batteries. The marriage of biomaterials with the diversity of ionic liquids creates enormous opportunities to construct advanced SSEs for solid-state batteries.

Fluorinated Rocksalt Cathode with Ultra-high Active Li Content for Lithium-ion Batteries.

The key to increasing the energy density of lithium-ion batteries is to incorporate high contents of extractable Li into the cathode. Unfortunately, this triggers formidable challenges including structural instability and irreversible chemistry under operation. Here, we report a new kind of ultra-high Li compound: Li4+x MoO5 Fx (1≤x≤3) for cathode with an unprecedented level of electrochemically active Li (>3 Li+ per formula), delivering a reversible capacity up to 438 mAh g-1 . Unlike other reported Li-rich cathodes, Li4+x MoO5 Fx presents distinguished structure stability to immunize against irreversible behaviors. Through spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques, we find an anionic redox-dominated charge compensation with negligible oxygen release and voltage decay. Our theoretical analysis reveals a "reductive effect" of high-level fluorination stabilizes the anionic redox by reducing the oxygen ions in pure-Li conditions, enabling a facile, reversible, and high Li-portion cycling.

"Two Ships in a Bottle" Design for Zn-Ag-O Catalyst Enabling Selective and Long-Lasting CO2 Electroreduction.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) using renewable energy sources represents a sustainable means of producing carbon-neutral fuels. Unfortunately, low energy efficiency, poor product selectivity, and rapid deactivation are among the most intractable challenges of CO2RR electrocatalysts. Here, we strategically propose a "two ships in a bottle" design for ternary Zn-Ag-O catalysts, where ZnO and Ag phases are twinned to constitute an individual ultrafine nanoparticle impregnated inside nanopores of an ultrahigh-surface-area carbon matrix. Bimetallic electron configurations are modulated by constructing a Zn-Ag-O interface, where the electron density reconfiguration arising from electron delocalization enhances the stabilization of the *COOH intermediate favorable for CO production, while promoting CO selectivity and suppressing HCOOH generation by altering the rate-limiting step toward a high thermodynamic barrier for forming HCOO*. Moreover, the pore-constriction mechanism restricts the bimetallic particles to nanosized dimensions with abundant Zn-Ag-O heterointerfaces and exposed active sites, meanwhile prohibiting detachment and agglomeration of nanoparticles during CO2RR for enhanced stability. The designed catalysts realize 60.9% energy efficiency and 94.1 ± 4.0% Faradaic efficiency toward CO, together with a remarkable stability over 6 days. Beyond providing a high-performance CO2RR electrocatalyst, this work presents a promising catalyst-design strategy for efficient energy conversion.

Association between cytochrome P450 2C19 polymorphism and clinical outcomes in clopidogrel-treated Uygur population with acute coronary syndrome: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has become a vital disease with high mortality in the Uygur populations. Clopidogrel plays an important role in reducing the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events after ACS; however, it is a prodrug that requires biotransformation by cytochrome P450 (CYP450). OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19*2, *3, and *17, and along with clinical, demographic factors, on variation in response to clinical outcomes in Uygur patients. METHODS: A total of 351 patients with ACS were treated with clopidogrel and aspirin for at least 12 months; we recorded major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) or bleeding within 1 year. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with MACE or bleeding. RESULTS: We analyze risk factors include age, BMI (body mass index), smoking, alcohol intake, NSTEMI (non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction), hypertension, dyslipidemia, concomitant medication, CYP2C19*2 carriers, CYP2C19*17 carriers and metabolizer phenotype. CYP2C19*2 carriers had an odds of having MACE of 2.51 (95% CI: 1.534-4.09) compared with noncarriers (P < .001). However, no factors were significantly associated with bleeding (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The CYP2C19*2 gene polymorphism contributes to the risk of MACE in dual clopidogrel-treated Uygur population with ACS with or without PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention). These data may provide valuable insights into the genetic polymorphisms affecting clopidogrel metabolism among minority groups in China.

Study on the activity of recombinant mutant tissue-type plasminogen activator fused with the C-terminal fragment of hirudin.

In the present study, bifunctional fusion proteins were designed by fusing the kringle 2 and protease domains of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) to the C-terminal fragment of hirudin. The thrombolytic and anticoagulant activities of these recombinant proteins from mammalian cells were investigated using in vitro coagulation models and chromogenic assays. The results showed that all assayed tPA mutants retained catalytic activity. The C-terminal fragment of hirudin may have weak affinity to thrombin and thus was insufficient to suppress thrombin-mediated fibrin agglutination. The strength of the thrombolytic activity only relied on the selected tPA sequences, and the fibrinolytic efficiency of single-chain protein significantly decreased. Our data indicate that truncated tPA combined with a hirudin peptide may provide a framework for the further development of a new antithrombotic agent.

Developing high safety Li-metal anodes for future high-energy Li-metal batteries: strategies and perspectives.

Developing high-safety Li-metal anodes (LMAs) is extremely important for the application of high-energy Li-metal batteries (LMBs), especially Li-S and Li-O2 battery systems. However, the notorious Li-dendrite growth problem results in serious safety concerns for any energy storage application. Through a recent combination of interface-based science, nanotechnology-based solutions and characterization methods, the LMA is now primed for a technological boom. In this review, the recent emerging strategies and perspectives on LMAs are summarized, following which the current huge evolution in interfacial chemistry regulation, optimizing electrolyte components, designing a rational 'host' for lithium metal, optimizing "solid-state electrolytes" and other emerging strategies for developing high-safety LMAs is highlighted. Furthermore, several state-of-the-art in situ/operando synchrotron-based X-ray techniques for high safety LMB research are introduced. With the further development of LMAs in the future, subsequent application in high energy LMBs is to be expected.