ERK signaling expands mammalian cortical radial glial cells and extends the neurogenic period.

The molecular basis for cortical expansion during evolution remains largely unknown. Here, we report that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling promotes the self-renewal and expansion of cortical radial glial (RG) cells. Furthermore, FGF-ERK signaling induces bone morphogenic protein 7 (Bmp7) expression in cortical RG cells, which increases the length of the neurogenic period. We demonstrate that ERK signaling and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling mutually inhibit each other in cortical RG cells. We provide evidence that ERK signaling is elevated in cortical RG cells during development and evolution. We propose that the expansion of the mammalian cortex, notably in human, is driven by the ERK-BMP7-GLI3R signaling pathway in cortical RG cells, which participates in a positive feedback loop through antagonizing SHH signaling. We also propose that the relatively short cortical neurogenic period in mice is partly due to mouse cortical RG cells receiving higher SHH signaling that antagonizes ERK signaling.

"Hard" Emulsion-Induced Interface Super-Assembly: A General Strategy for Two-Dimensional Hierarchically Porous Metal-Organic Framework Nanoarchitectures.

Two-dimensional (2D) hierarchically porous metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoarchitectures with tailorable meso-/macropores hold great promise for enhancing mass transfer kinetics, augmenting accessible active sites, and thereby boosting performance in heterogeneous catalysis. However, achieving the general synthesis of 2D free-standing MOF nanosheets with controllable hierarchical porosity and thickness remains a challenging task. Herein, we present an ingenious "hard" emulsion-induced interface super-assembly strategy for preparing 2D hierarchically porous UiO-66-NH2 nanosheets with highly accessible pore channels, tunable meso-/macropore sizes, and adjustable thicknesses. The methodology relies on transforming the geometric shape of oil droplet templates within appropriate oil-in-water emulsions from conventional zero-dimensional (0D) "soft" liquid spheres to 2D "hard" solid sheets below the oil's melting/freezing point. Subsequent surfactant exchange on the surface of 2D "hard" emulsions facilitates the heterogeneous nucleation and interfacial super-assembly of in situ formed mesostructured MOF nanocomposites, serving as structural units, in a loosely packed manner to produce 2D MOF nanosheets with multimodal micro/meso-/macroporous systems. Importantly, this strategy can be extended to prepare other 2D hierarchically porous MOF nanosheets by altering metal-oxo clusters and organic ligands. Benefiting from fast mass transfer and highly accessible Lewis acidic sites, the resultant 2D hierarchically porous UiO-66-NH2 nanosheets deliver a fabulous catalytic yield of approximately 96% on the CO2 cycloaddition of glycidyl-2-methylphenyl ether, far exceeding the yield of approximately 29% achieved using conventional UiO-66-NH2 microporous crystals. This "hard" emulsion-induced interface super-assembly strategy paves a new path toward the rational construction of elaborate 2D nanoarchitecture of hierarchical MOFs with tailored physicochemical properties for diverse potential applications.

Influence of subcutaneous adipose tissue index on prognosis in cirrhotic patients following endoscopic therapy: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The relation of adipose tissue depletion with prognostic outcome of variceal bleeding among cirrhotic patients is still inconclusive. The present work explored whether adipose tissue, which was measured based on computed tomography (CT), was valuable for analyzing rebleeding and mortality among patients with variceal bleeding who had undergone endoscopic therapy. METHODS: The study encompassed cirrhotic patients who underwent endoscopic therapy to prevent variceal rebleeding between January 2016 and October 2022. The L3-level CT images were obtained. Besides, impacts of subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI), visceral adipose tissue index (VATI), as well as total adipose tissue index (TATI) on rebleeding and mortality among cirrhotic patients following endoscopic therapy were examined. RESULTS: In this work, our median follow-up period was 31 months. Among those adipose tissue indexes, only SATI exhibited an independent relation to higher rebleeding (HR 0.981, 95% CI, 0.971-0.991, p < 0.001) and mortality (HR 0.965, 95% CI, 0.944-0.986, p = 0.001) risks. Upon multivariate Cox regression, low SATI (male < 30.15 cm2/m2, female < 39.82 cm2/m2) was independently linked to higher rebleeding risk (HR 2.511, 95% CI, 1.604-3.932, p < 0.001) and increased mortality risk (HR 3.422, 95% CI, 1.489-7.864, p = 0.004) after adjusting for other predictors. Furthermore, subgroups were created based on using nonselective ß-blockers (NSBBs), demonstrating that quantitatively assessing SATI exerts a vital role in evaluating rebleeding incidence in patients with or without NSBB therapy. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the potential of quantifying SATI as a means for achieving a more accurate risk classification for individual patients and identifying patients that can gain more benefits from nutritional intervention.

Micron-Scale Fabrication of Ultrathin Amorphous Copper Nanosheets Templated by DNA Scaffolds.

Two-dimensional (2D) amorphous materials could outperform their crystalline counterparts toward various applications because they have more defects and reactive sites and thus could exhibit a unique surface chemical state and provide an advanced electron/ion transport path. Nevertheless, it is challenging to fabricate ultrathin and large-sized 2D amorphous metallic nanomaterials in a mild and controllable manner due to the strong metallic bonds between metal atoms. Here, we reported a simple yet fast (10 min) DNA nanosheet (DNS)-templated method to synthesize micron-scale amorphous copper nanosheets (CuNSs) with a thickness of 1.9 ± 0.4 nm in aqueous solution at room temperature. We demonstrated the amorphous feature of the DNS/CuNSs by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Interestingly, we found that they could transform to crystalline forms under continuous electron beam irradiation. Of note, the amorphous DNS/CuNSs exhibited much stronger photoemission (∼62-fold) and photostability than dsDNA-templated discrete Cu nanoclusters due to the elevation of both the conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB). Such ultrathin amorphous DNS/CuNSs hold great potential for practical applications in biosensing, nanodevices, and photodevices.

The clinical characteristics of focal acute pancreatitis based on imaging diagnosis: comparison with non-localized acute pancreatitis- a preliminary result.

BACKGROUND: Focal acute pancreatitis is a special type of acute pancreatitis, which diagnosis is based on image showing a focal mass formation in the pancreas. For acute pancreatitis with or without focal inflammatory enlargement, little is known on differences between them. Our purpose was to find differences between focal acute pancreatitis and non-localized acute pancreatitis. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of a total of 24 patients diagnosed with focal acute pancreatitis by imaging and clinical diagnosis, and 27 cases of acute pancreatitis which manifest non-localized pancreas inflammation were selected as the control group. The differences of the two groups were compared to describe their clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Differences in bloating (4.2% VS 29.6%,P = 0.026), abdominal tenderness (58.3% VS 85.2%,P = 0.032), peripheral blood neutrophil ratio (60.1 ± 23.3VS 75.9 ± 12.6,P = 0.004), serum D-Dimer (0.40(0.25,0.98) VS 1.59(0.49,4.63),P = 0.008), serum GGT (40(25,91) VS120(22,383),P = 0.046), serum amylase(435(241,718) VS 591(394,1333),P = 0.044) and lipase(988(648,1067) VS 1686(525,2675),P = 0.027) between focal acute pancreatitis and non-localized acute pancreatitis groups were statistically significant. However, difference of the severity of two groups was not statistically significant (P = 1.000). CONCLUSION: Compared with non-localized acute pancreatitis, changes in symptoms, signs and laboratory indicators of focal acute pancreatitis are non-obvious, however, there was no significant difference in the severity of two groups, indicating that we should pay more attention to diagnosis of focal acute pancreatitis in clinical practice.

Constructing Intrapenetrated Hierarchical Zeolites with Highly Complete Framework via Protozeolite Seeding.

Creation of intrapenetrated mesopores with open highway from external surface into the interior of zeolite crystals are highly desirable that can significantly improve the molecular transport and active sites accessibility of microporous zeolites to afford enhanced catalytic properties. Here, different from traditional zeolite-seeded methods that generally produced isolated mesopores in zeolites, nanosized amorphous protozeolites with embryo structure of zeolites were used as seeds for the construction of single-crystalline hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolites with intrapenetrated mesopores (mesopore volume of 0.51 cm3 g-1 ) and highly complete framework. In this strategy, in contrast to the conventional synthesis, only a small amount of organic structure directing agents and a low crystallization temperature were adopted to promise the protozeolites as the dominant growth directing sites to induce crystallization. The protozeolite nanoseeds provided abundant nucleation sites for surrounding precursors to be crystallized, followed by oriented coalescence of crystallites resulting in the formation of intrapenetrated mesopores. The as-prepared hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolites exhibited ultra-long lifetime of 443.9 hours and a high propylene selectivity of 47.92 % at a WHSV of 2 h-1 in the methanol-to-propylene reaction. This work provides a facile protozeolite-seeded strategy for the synthesis of intrapenetrated hierarchical zeolites that are highly effective for catalytic applications.

Association between the severity of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and the risk of colorectal neoplasm: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The severity of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) reportedly plays a part in the etiology of colorectal tumors. However, there is no consensus. METHODS: Studies relevant with the impact of MAFLD severity on the risk of colorectal neoplasms published before 24th April 2022 were screened. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was obtained using standard and cumulative meta-analyses. Subgroup, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were carried out to identify heterogeneity. RESULTS: Fourteen studies with data from 37,824 MAFLD patients were included. The prevalence of colorectal neoplasms escalated with the progression of MAFLD compared to simple steatosis (OR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.42-2.62). The magnitude and direction of the effect on these outcomes remained largely constant over time. Even after limiting the meta-analysis to 8 studies with available adjusted OR (aOR), the findings still suggested that MAFLD severity was positively related to colorectal neoplasms (aOR = 3.03; 95% CI = 2.02-4.53). Severe MAFLD was more likely to cause left colon tumors (OR = 3.86, 95% CI = 2.16-6.91) than right colon neoplasms (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.15-3.28). CONCLUSION: The severity of MAFLD was independently related to colorectal neoplasms and severe MAFLD was more likely to cause left colon tumors.

Management of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the main reasons for malignancy-related death. Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is the most common form of macrovascular invasion related to HCC occurring in 10%-60% of patients. HCC with PVTT is usually characterized by worsening liver function, vulnerability to blood metastasis, higher incidence of complications associated with portal hypertension, and intolerance to treatment when compared with that without PVTT. If only treated with supportive care, the median survival of HCC with PVTT is about 2.7 months. In the past, sorafenib was the only recommended therapy by guidelines with limited effectiveness. This narrative review aimed to describe the current management options for HCC with PVTT. DATA SOURCES: We have reviewed literature from PubMed on the treatment of HCC with PVTT and compiled evidence-based facts on effective therapies available for different types of PVTT. RESULTS: Sorafenib monotherapy is not much effective, but combining it with other methods can improve survival. Each type of PVTT can benefit from the combination of transarterial chemoembolization and sorafenib than sorafenib monotherapy. The tumor downstaging can be realized possibly after transarterial chemoembolization, but tumor invasion into the main trunk of the portal vein greatly impairs efficacy. Although surgery is a curative approach, it is often not recommended for Vp4 PVTT. Some new methods can broaden the indication, but further explorations are needed. Radiotherapy can decrease the possibility of Vp3 progression to Vp4, but building a forecast model of best radiation dose and response is necessary. Systemic chemotherapy, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, portal stenting, and traditional Chinese medicine are also beneficial in Vp3-4 PVTT. The accurate diagnosis of PVTT can be made by radiomics, and prognostic classification models can be used to design personalized treatments. The application of new treatment methods such as the atezolizumab plus bevacizumab scheme may increase survival. CONCLUSIONS: HCC with PVTT is still a thorny problem, and effective therapeutics need to be explored.

Risk of Severe COVID-19 Increased by Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients and whether it affects the outcomes of COVID-19 requires investigation. GOALS: The aim was to determine the prevalence of MAFLD among COVID-19 patients and its influence on the outcomes of COVID-19 by meta-analysis. METHODS: Our study protocol has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021242243). The studies published on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science before March 11, 2021 were screened. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality scale were used to assess the quality of the studies. Pooled analysis was conducted using the software RevMan version 5.3 and Stata version 15.0 SE. The stability of the results was assessed by sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots, Egger test, and trim-and-fill analysis. RESULTS: Seven studies covering 2141 COVID-19 patients were included. It was confirmed that MAFLD increased the risk of severe COVID-19 (odds ratios: 1.80, 95% confidence interval: 1.53-2.13, P<0.00001). No association was found between the presence of MAFLD and the occurrence of COVID-19 death. The pooled prevalence of MAFLD among COVID-19 patients was 36% (95% confidence interval: 0.23-0.49, P<0.00001). Sensitivity analysis confirmed that the initial results were stable. CONCLUSIONS: MAFLD can increase the incidence of severe COVID-19, but the correlation between MAFLD and COVID-19 death has not been confirmed. Further investigation is needed to explore the possible mechanism of this association. Since MAFLD is common among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, more care should be given to COVID-19 patients with underlying MAFLD.

Microwave ablation versus radiofrequency ablation for perivascular hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as first-line treatments for perivascular HCC. METHODS: This multicentre study enrolled 170 patients with perivascular HCC who underwent MWA or RFA. The ablation response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and complications between the treatment groups for the total and propensity score-matched (PSM) cohorts were compared. RESULTS: The disease control rates for MWA and RFA were similar in total (94% vs. 91%, p = 0.492) and PSM (93% vs. 93%, p = 1.00) cohorts. The PFS rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 71%, 55% and 52% in MWA group and 61%, 33% and 28% in RFA group (p = 0.017). The OS rates were comparable between two groups in total (p = 0.249) and PSM cohorts (p = 0.345). In subgroup analyses, the PFS of patients with periportal HCC (45 vs. 36 months, p = 0.048) and a single HCC nodule (51 vs. 42 months, p = 0.014) were significantly better in MWA group than RFA. Major complications were more frequent in the MWA group than in RFA (27% vs. 7%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared with RFA, MWA provides better control of tumour progression especially in periportal HCC or single-nodule perivascular HCC patients.

Real-Time Imaging of Single-Molecule Enzyme Cascade Using a DNA Origami Raft.

The dynamics of enzymes are directly associated with their functions in various biological processes. Nevertheless, the ability to image motions of single enzymes in a highly parallel fashion remains a challenge. Here, we develop a DNA origami raft-based platform for in-situ real-time imaging of enzyme cascade at the single-molecule level. The motions of enzymes are rationally controlled via different tethering modes on a two-dimensional (2D) supported lipid bilayer (SLB). We construct an enzyme cascade by anchoring catalase on cholesterol-labeled double-stranded (ds) DNA and glucose oxidase on cholesterol-labeled origami rafts. DNA functionalized with cholesterol can be readily incorporated in SLB via the cholesterol-lipid interaction. By using a total internal reflection fluorescence microscope (TIRFM), we record the moving trajectory of fluorophore-labeled single enzymes on the 2D surface: the downstream catalase diffuses freely in SLB, whereas the upstream glucose oxidase is relatively immobile. By analyzing the trajectories of individual enzymes, we find that the lateral motion of enzymes increases in a substrate concentration-dependent manner and that the enhanced diffusion of enzymes can be transmitted via the cascade reaction. We expect that this platform sheds new light on studying dynamic interactions of proteins and even cellular interactions.

High mobility group box 1/toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88 signaling promotes progression of gastric cancer.

High mobility group box 1 and toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88 signaling pathway have been indicated to have oncogenic effects in many cancers. However, the role of high mobility group box 1/toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88 signaling pathway in the development of gastric cancer remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that high mobility group box 1, toll-like receptor 4, and myeloid differentiation factor 88 were overexpressed in gastric cancer tumors compared with the adjacent non-tumor tissues. The overexpression of high mobility group box 1, toll-like receptor 4, and myeloid differentiation factor 88 were correlated with tumor-node-metastasis stage (p = 0.0068, p = 0.0063, p = 0.0173) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.0272, p = 0.0382, and p = 0.0495). Furthermore, we observed that knockdown of high mobility group box 1 by high mobility group box 1-small interfering RNA suppressed the expression of toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88. Blockage of high mobility group box 1/toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88 signaling by high mobility group box 1-small interfering RNA resulted in elevation of apoptotic ratio and inhibition of cell growth, migration, and invasion by upregulating Bax expression and downregulating Bcl-2, matrix metalloproteinase-2, nuclear factor kappa B/p65 expression, and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B/p65 in gastric cancer cells. Our findings suggest that high mobility group box 1/toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88 signaling pathway may contribute to the development and progression of gastric cancer via the nuclear factor kappa B pathway and it also represents a novel potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

Clinical manifestations and endoscopic presentations of gastric lymphoma: a multicenter seven year retrospective survey.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To improve the diagnostic rate of gastric lymphoma by analyzing clinical and endoscopic features of patients with gastric lymphoma and suspected gastric lymphoma. METHODS: Clinical and endoscopic records of 35 patients with gastric lymphoma (positive group) and 133 patients with suspected gastric lymphoma but subsequent non-malignant pathology (negative group) were analyzed retrospectively. Data from another 99 gastric lymphoma patients with malignant pathology but nonspecific endoscopy (endoscopy non-suspect group) were analyzed. RESULTS: Abdominal pain was the predominant symptom reported in both the positive and negative lymphoma groups, representing 60.0 and 52.5%, respectively. No significant differences in age, sex and clinical manifestations in subjects from the two groups were found. In the positive group, 54.3% were ulcerative; 34.3%, infiltrative; 8.5%, polypoid; and 2.9%, granulonodular. In the negative group, 52.6% were infiltrative; 42.1%, ulcerative; 4.5%, granulonodular; and 0.75%, polypoid. The endoscopic results varied between the two groups (p < 0.05). In the non-suspect group, 66.7% were ulcerative; 17.2%, infiltrative; 14.1%, polypoid; and 2.0%, granulonodular. With regards to histology, diffuse large B cell lymphoma was the most common subtype. The sensitivity of endoscopy was 60% for detecting malignancy and 21% for gastric lymphoma. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that gastric lymphoma and suspected gastric lymphoma have similar clinical features. Gastric lymphoma presented mainly as macroscopic ulcerative lesions, whereas suspected gastric lymphoma appeared mainly as infiltrative lesions. Although the diagnostic rate of gastric lymphoma was relatively low (21%), it can be identified by endoscopy (60%). To improve diagnosis, repetitive endoscopic biopsies should be performed and novel endoscopic techniques developed in the future.

Catalysis-Driven Self-Thermophoresis of Janus Plasmonic Nanomotors.

It is highly demanding to design active nanomotors that can move in response to specific signals with controllable rate and direction. A catalysis-driven nanomotor was constructed by designing catalytically and plasmonically active Janus gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), which generate an asymmetric temperature gradient of local solvent surrounding NPs in catalytic reactions. The self-thermophoresis behavior of the Janus nanomotor is monitored from its inherent plasmonic response. The diffusion coefficient of the self-thermophoresis motion is linearly dependent on chemical reaction rate, as described by a stochastic model.

Optimal staging system for predicting the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in China: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Several staging systems have been developed to evaluate patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including the China Staging System (CS), the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system, and seventh edition; the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, and Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) staging system. The optimal staging system for to evaluate patients in China with HCC has not been determined. This study was designed to determine the optimal staging system for predicting patient prognosis by comparing the performances of these four staging systems in a cohort of Chinese patients with HCC. METHODS: This study enrolled 307 consecutive Chinese patients with HCC in Shandong Province. The performances of the CS, TNM, BCLC, and CLIP staging systems were compared and ranked using a concordance index. Predictors of survival were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox model analyses. RESULTS: The mean overall survival of the patient cohort was 12.08 ± 11.87 months. Independent predictors of survival included tumor size, number of lesions, tumor thromboses, cirrhosis, serum albumin level and serum total bilirubin level. Compared with the other three staging systems, the CS staging system showed optimal performance as an independent predictor of patient survival. The BCLC staging system showed the poorest performance; its treatment algorithm was not suitable for patients in this study. CONCLUSIONS: CS was the most suitable staging system for predicting survival of patients with HCC in China.

Increased expression of LncRNA BANCR and its prognostic significance in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proved to play important roles in the tumorigenesis and development of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of our study is to investigate the expression and function of BRAF-activated noncoding RNA (BANCR) in HCC. METHODS: BANCR expression was detected in HCC tissues and cell lines by using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Association between BANCR levels and clinicopathological factors and patient prognosis was also analyzed. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and transwell invasion and migration assays were used to investigate the role of BANCR in the regulation of biological behaviors of HCC cells. RESULTS: BANCR expression was remarkably increased in HCC tissues compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues (P<0.001). BANCR expression in four HCC cell lines was also significantly upregulated (P<0.05). Clinicopathologic analysis revealed that high BANCR expression correlated with high tumor grade, large tumor size, venous infiltration, advanced tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) stage, and shorter overall survival. Multivariate regression analysis identified BANCR overexpression as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor (relative risk [RR] 4.245; P=0.015) in HCC patients. Moreover, BANCR downregulation in Hep3B cells impaired cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, reduced cell invasion and migration, led to downregulated vimentin, and upregulated E-cadherin protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that BANCR may contribute to HCC initiation and progression and would be used as not only a novel prognostic marker but also a potential therapeutic target for this disease.

Interplay of graphene-DNA interactions: Unveiling sensing potential of graphene materials.

Graphene-based materials and DNA probes/nanostructures have emerged as building blocks for constructing powerful biosensors. Graphene-based materials possess exceptional properties, including two-dimensional atomically flat basal planes for biomolecule binding. DNA probes serve as excellent selective probes, exhibiting specific recognition capabilities toward diverse target analytes. Meanwhile, DNA nanostructures function as placement scaffolds, enabling the precise organization of molecular species at nanoscale and the positioning of complex biomolecular assays. The interplay of DNA probes/nanostructures and graphene-based materials has fostered the creation of intricate hybrid materials with user-defined architectures. This advancement has resulted in significant progress in developing novel biosensors for detecting DNA, RNA, small molecules, and proteins, as well as for DNA sequencing. Consequently, a profound understanding of the interactions between DNA and graphene-based materials is key to developing these biological devices. In this review, we systematically discussed the current comprehension of the interaction between DNA probes and graphene-based materials, and elucidated the latest advancements in DNA probe-graphene-based biosensors. Additionally, we concisely summarized recent research endeavors involving the deposition of DNA nanostructures on graphene-based materials and explored imminent biosensing applications by seamlessly integrating DNA nanostructures with graphene-based materials. Finally, we delineated the primary challenges and provided prospective insights into this rapidly developing field. We envision that this review will aid researchers in understanding the interactions between DNA and graphene-based materials, gaining deeper insight into the biosensing mechanisms of DNA-graphene-based biosensors, and designing novel biosensors for desired applications.

Prevalence and risk factors for cirrhotic cardiomyopathy: a prospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess cardiac structure and function in patients with cirrhosis, to investigate the prevalence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) in patients with cirrhosis of different etiologies and to analyze the risk factors for the development of CCM. METHODS: This study selected cirrhotic patients aged 18-75 years who were hospitalized in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. Patients with known heart disease, chronic lung disease, severe renal insufficiency, malignancy, thyroid disease, hypertension, diabetes or pregnancy were excluded. A total of 131 patients with cirrhosis were finally included. Based on the results of echocardiography, patients who met the diagnostic definition of CCM were included in the CCM group, otherwise, they were classified as the non-CCM group. The demographic and clinical data of the two groups were compared, and the clinical characteristics and risk factors of CCM were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of CCM was 24.4%, and the occurrence of CCM was not related to the etiology of liver cirrhosis. The prevalence of CCM was significantly higher among cirrhotic patients complicated with ascites (31.4% vs. 16.4%; P  = 0.046) or with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) (42.9% vs. 17.1%; P  = 0.003). Older age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.058; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.005-1.113; P  = 0.032] and PVT (OR = 2.999; 95% CI, 1.194-7.533; P  = 0.019) were independent risk factors for the development of CCM. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CCM in cirrhotic patients was 24.4%, and the occurrence of CCM was not related to the etiology of cirrhosis. The prevalence of CCM was higher in cirrhotic patients with ascites or PVT. Older age and PVT are independent risk factors for CCM, but validation in larger sample studies is still needed.

Rapid Silicification of a DNA Origami with Shape Fidelity.

High-fidelity patterning of DNA origami nanostructures on various interfaces holds great potential for nanoelectronics and nanophotonics. However, distortion of a DNA origami often occurs due to the strong interface interactions, e.g., on two-dimensional (2D) materials. In this study, we discovered that the adsorption of silica precursors in rapid silicification can prevent the distortion caused by graphene and generates a high shape-fidelity DNA origami-silica composite on a graphene interface. We found that an incubation time of 1 min and silicification time of 16 h resulted in the formation of DNA origami-silica composites with the highest shape fidelity of 99%. By comparing the distortion of the DNA origami on the graphene interface with and without silicification, we observed that rapid silicification effectively preserved the integrity of the DNA origami. Statistical analysis of scanning electron microscopy data indicates that compared to bare DNA origami, the DNA origami-silica composite has an increased shape fidelity by more than two folds. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that rapid silicification effectively suppresses the distortion of the DNA origami through the interhelical insertion of silica precursors. Our strategy provides a simple yet effective solution to maintain the shape-fidelity DNA origami on interfaces that have strong interaction with DNA molecules, expanding the applicable interfaces for patterning 2D DNA origamis.