Role of hepatitis B core-related antigen in predicting the occurrence and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A systemic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the predictive value of hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) on the occurrence and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception to April 6, 2023. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the occurrence and recurrence of HCC. RESULTS: Of the 464 articles considered, 18 articles recruiting 10 320 patients were included. The pooled results showed that high serum HBcrAg level was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of HCC in CHB patients (adjusted HR = 3.12, 95% CI: 2.40-4.06, P < 0.001, I2 = 43.2%, P = 0.043; OR = 5.65, 95% CI: 3.44-5.82, P < 0.001, I2 = 0.00%, P = 0.42). Further subgroup analysis demonstrated that the predictive ability of HBcrAg for the occurrence of HCC is not influenced by the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status or the use of nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NAs). In addition, our meta-analysis also suggests that HBcrAg is a predictor of HCC recurrence (adjusted HR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.26-2.32, P < 0.001, I2 = 7.89%, P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with CHB, serum HBcrAg may be a potential predictive factor for the occurrence of HCC, regardless of HBeAg status or NA treatment. It may also serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for the recurrence of HCC. More studies are needed to confirm our conclusions.

Laparoscopic caudate lobe resections: How I do it: tips and pitfalls (with video).

BACKGROUND: The caudate lobe (S1) of the liver, due to its deep central position, presents a formidable challenge for laparoscopic resection. Historical skepticism about laparoscopic approaches has been overshadowed by advancements in technology and technique, with recent studies showing comparable outcomes to open surgery. METHODS: This paper introduces the "Easy First" technique and the Sextet strategies for laparoscopic hepatic caudate lobectomy. The strategies include meticulous preoperative planning, optimal trocar placement, and team positioning, tailored to the anatomical complexities of the caudate lobe. RESULTS: With a 0% conversion and mortality rate, our series demonstrates the safety of the "Easy First" technique. The Sextet strategies have been instrumental in navigating the technical challenges, emphasizing the importance of patient selection and surgeon expertise. CONCLUSION: The "Easy First" technique, with its structured approach and the Sextet strategies, offers a replicable method for laparoscopic caudate lobectomy. It underscores the need for stringent patient selection, advanced technical skill, and high-volume center expertise to ensure procedural success and patient safety.

Research on Magnetic Field-Based Damage Detection Technology for Ferromagnetic Microwires.

Composite materials are frequently exposed to external factors during their operational service, resulting in internal structural damage which subsequently impacts their structural performance. This paper employs ferromagnetic materials for their sensitivity to magnetic field strength. By detecting variations in the magnetic field within the embedded ferromagnetic microwires of composite materials, the aim is to indirectly assess the health status of the composite materials. Firstly, a theoretical numerical model for magnetic field intensity at the crack site was established. Subsequently, a finite element model was employed to analyze the variations in the magnetic characteristics of ferromagnetic microwires at the crack site. Under different parameter conditions, the patterns of magnetic signals at the crack site were determined. The results indicate that with an increase in the angle between the external magnetic field and the crack, the fitted curve of the magnetic signal shows a linear increase. The distance between the peak and valley of the radial magnetic signal in the axial direction decreases, and the axial magnetic signal transitions from double-peak to single-peak. With the increase in crack depth, the fitted curve of the magnetic signal shows a linear increase, and the magnetic signal at the crack tip also exhibits a linear increase. An increase in crack width leads to a non-linear decrease in the fitted curve of the magnetic signal, and after reaching a certain width, the magnetic signal stabilizes. For two identical cracks at different distances, the magnetic signal exhibits a transition from a complete pattern to two complete patterns. With the increase in the external magnetic field, the magnetic signal shows a completely regular linear increase. By analyzing and calculating the variations in magnetic signals, the patterns of magnetic characteristics under the damaged state of ferromagnetic microwires were obtained. This serves as a basis for assessing whether they can continue in service and for evaluating the overall health status of composite materials.

The importance of preoperative T3 stage substaging by 3D endorectal ultrasonography for the prognosis of middle and low rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to validate the role of 3D-endorectal ultrasonography in prognosis and recurrence for patients with T3-stage rectal cancer by evaluating the preoperative extramural depth of tumor invasion. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the medical records of rectal cancer patients who were admitted to Changhai Hospital's Colorectal Surgery Division. The sample group was categorized into three subgroups (T3a, T3b, and T3c) based on the extent of tumor progression (<5 mm, 5-10 mm, and >10 mm) to assess the endorectal ultrasonography diagnostic performance. The 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and a log rank test. Cox regression analysis verified the tumor invasion depth's significance as a prognostic predictor, and it was also utilized to evaluate other independent risk variables for recurrence after surgery. RESULTS: The study included 72 individuals with low and middle rectal cancer from January 2014 to November 2019. Twenty-two individuals had stage T3a, 22 had stage T3b, and 28 had stage T3c based on preoperative endorectal ultrasonography. Endorectal ultrasonography had 88.0%, 86.8%, and 76.2% overall accuracy for stratifying subgroups, respectively. According to the Kaplan-Meier curve, 5-year OS was 100%, 83.5%, and 92.9% for T3a, T3b, and T3c (p = 0.172), and 5-year disease-free survival was 100%, 80.8%, and 72.9% for T3a, T3b, and T3c, respectively (p = 0.014). A distinct risk factor for 5-year disease-free survival was the degree of tumor infiltration (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Preoperative T3 stage subdivision allows for categorization of prognosis and survival. Endorectal ultrasonography reports should make explicit declarations of T3a, T3b, and T3c scales.

Surface Lattice Modulation Enables Stable Cycling of High-Loading All-solid-state Batteries at High Voltages.

Halide solid electrolytes, known for their high ionic conductivity at room temperature and good oxidative stability, face notable challenges in all-solid-state Li-ion batteries (ASSBs), especially with unstable cathode/solid electrolyte (SE) interface and increasing interfacial resistance during cycling. In this work, we have developed an Al3+-doped, cation-disordered epitaxial nanolayer on the LiCoO2 surface by reacting it with an artificially constructed AlPO4 nanoshell; this lithium-deficient layer featuring a rock-salt-like phase effectively suppresses oxidative decomposition of Li3InCl6 electrolyte and stabilizes the cathode/SE interface at 4.5 V. The ASSBs with the halide electrolyte Li3InCl6 and a high-loading LiCoO2 cathode demonstrated high discharge capacity and long cycling life from 3 to 4.5 V. Our findings emphasize the importance of specialized cathode surface modification in preventing SE degradation and achieving stable cycling of halide-based ASSBs at high voltages.

Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic spread: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 54 studies with 6187 hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The impacts of macrovascular invasion (MVI) or extrahepatic spread (EHS) on the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients remain unclear. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify whether ICI therapy is a feasible treatment option for HCC with MVI or EHS. METHODS: Eligible studies published before September 14, 2022, were retrieved. In this meta-analysis, the objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and occurrence of adverse events (AEs) were outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Fifty-four studies involving 6187 individuals were included. The findings indicated that the presence of EHS in ICI-treated HCC patients may indicate an inferior ORR (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.63-0.96), but may not significantly affect the PFS (multivariate analyses: HR 1.27, 95% CI 0.70-2.31) and OS (multivariate analyses: HR 1.23, 95% CI 0.70-2.16). Additionally, the presence of MVI in ICI-treated HCC patients may not have significant prognostic impact on ORR (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.64-1.10), but may indicate inferior PFS (multivariate analyses: HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07-2.84) and OS (multivariate analyses: HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.31-3.14). The presence of EHS or MVI in ICI-treated HCC patients may not significantly impact the occurrence of any serious immune-related adverse events (irAEs) (grades ≥ 3) (EHS: OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.12-1.56; MVI: OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.24-1.88). CONCLUSION: The presence of MVI or EHS in ICI-treated HCC patients may not significantly impact the occurrence of serious irAEs. However, the presence of MVI (but not EHS) in ICI-treated HCC patients may be a significant negative prognostic factor. Therefore, ICI-treated HCC patients with MVI warrant more attention.

METTL3 promotes proliferation of goat endometrial epithelial cells by regulating CTGF in an m6A-dependent manner†.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an epigenetic modification on RNAs, plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes. However, the involvement of m6A in goat uterus during early pregnancy remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that the total m6A level was increasing in goat uterus as early pregnancy progressed. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is a core catalytic subunit of the m6A methyltransferase. We thus determined the expression and regulation of METTL3 in goat uterus. METTL3 was highly expressed in the luminal and glandular epithelia from day 16 (D16) to D25 of pregnancy, and it could be up-regulated by estrogen and progesterone in goat uterus and primary endometrial epithelial cells (EECs). In EECs, knockdown or overexpression of METTL3 resulted in a significant decrease or increase of cell proliferation, respectively. METTL3 knockdown reduced the m6A level of not only total RNA but also connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA. Luciferase assay suggested that METTL3 might target the potential m6A sites in the 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of CTGF mRNA. Moreover, METTL3 positively regulated CTGF expression, and CTGF knockdown significantly counteracted the promoting effect of METTL3 overexpression on EEC proliferation. Collectively, METTL3 is dynamically expressed in goat uterus and can affect EEC proliferation by regulating CTGF in an m6A-dependent manner. Our results will lay a foundation for further studying the crucial mechanism of METTL3-mediated m6A modification in goat uterus during early pregnancy.

Theoretical modeling and simulation of fiber Bragg grating sensor interrogator based on linear variable filter.

With the increasing frequency of aviation accidents in recent years, aircraft safety has received increasing attention. Aircraft operating condition detection is an important part of aviation safety. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, with their excellent characteristics, enable online monitoring of aircraft operating conditions. However, the application of FBG sensors in aviation is currently limited because it is difficult for FBG sensor interrogators to meet the requirements of small size, light weight, and good vibration resistance in the aviation field. Therefore, this paper proposes a linear variable filter (LVF)-based FBG sensor interrogator to meet the requirements. An optical model of the interrogator is established. The parameters which determine the performances of the interrogator are analyzed and the design criteria are discussed. According to the requirements in the aviation field, the optical system of the interrogator is designed. The simulation results show that the LVF-based FBG sensor interrogation system has a bandwidth range of 90 nm (1505 nm-1595 nm), a resolution of 2 pm, and a capacity of 15 FBG sensors.

Is laparoscopic surgery a preferred option for benign conditions in the caudate lobe of the liver?

BACKGROUND/AIM: Laparoscopic hepatectomy has become a common management strategy for liver tumors owing to its less invasive nature and enhanced visual perspective. Yet, its use in the caudate lobe poses challenges. This study evaluates the experiences of patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatic tumors in the caudate lobe and aims to propose strategies for performing such procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of twelve patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatic caudate lobe resection at the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. RESULTS: All twelve laparoscopic procedures were successful, with none requiring conversion to open surgery. The surgical methods varied: five cases involved simple resection of the Spiegel lobe, one case involved total caudate lobe resection, three cases involved paravena cava lobe resection, and three cases involved resection of the caudate process. The operation time ranged from 49 to 319 min (mean, 219 min). Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 20 to 500 ml, averaging 194 ml. No patients needed blood transfusions during or after the operation, and there were no instances of postoperative bleeding, bile leakage, or abdominal infection. CONCLUSION: Given adequate control of hepatic inflow, sufficient exposure to the surgical field, and an appropriate approach, laparoscopic hepatectomy in the caudate lobe could potentially become a standard surgical technique.

A cross-sectional study: family communication, anxiety, and depression in adolescents: the mediating role of family violence and problematic internet use.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between family communication, family violence, problematic internet use, anxiety, and depression and validate their potential mediating role. METHODS: The study population consisted of Chinese adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, and a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022. Structural equation models were constructed using AMOS 25.0 software to examine the factors that influence adolescent anxiety and depression and the mediating effects of problematic internet use and family violence. RESULTS: The results indicate that family communication was significantly and negatively related to family violence (ß = -.494, p < 0.001), problematic internet use (ß = -.056, p < .05), depression (ß = -.076, p < .01), and anxiety (ß = -.071, p < .05). And the finds also indicate that family violence mediated the relationships between family communication and depression (ß = -.143, CI: -.198 -.080), and between family communication and anxiety (ß = -.141; CI: -.198 -.074). Chain indirect effects between family communication and depression (ß = -.051; CI: -.081 -.030) or anxiety (ß = -.046; CI: -.080 -.043) via family violence and then through problematic internet use were also found in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, positive family communication is crucial in reducing anxiety and depression in adolescents. Moreover, problematic internet use and family violence mediate the effects of positive family communication on anxiety and depression. Therefore, improving family communication and promoting interventions aimed at reducing family violence and problematic internet use can help reduce anxiety and depression in adolescents, thus promoting their healthy development.

Effect of deleting four Toxoplasma gondii calcium-binding EGF domain-containing proteins on parasite replication and virulence.

Several calcium-binding proteins including calcium-dependent protein kinases play important roles in several facets of the intracellular infection cycle of the apicomplexan protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. However, the role of the calcium-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF) domain-containing proteins (CBDPs) remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the functions of four CBDP genes in T. gondii RH strain of type I by generating knock-out strains using CRISPR-Cas9 system. We investigated the ability of mutant strains deficient in CBDP1, CBDP2, CBDP3, or CBDP4 to form plaques, replicate intracellularly, and egress from the host cells. The results showed that no definite differences between any of these four CBDP mutant strains and the wild-type strain in terms of their ability to form plaques, intracellular replication, and egress. Additionally, CBDP mutants did not exhibit any significant attenuated virulence compared to the wild-type strain in mice. The expression profiles of CBDP2-4 genes were conserved among T. gondii strains of different genotypes, life cycle stages, and developmental forms. Whether other CBDP genes play any roles in the pathogenicity of T. gondii strains of different genotypes remains to be elucidated.

Label-Free DNA Detection Using Etched Tilted Bragg Fiber Grating-Based Biosensor.

A label-free-based fiber optic biosensor based on etched tilted Bragg fiber grating (TFBG) is proposed and practically demonstrated. Conventional phase mask technic has been utilized to inscribe tilted fiber Bragg grating with a tilt angle of 10°, while the etching has been accomplished with hydrofluoric acid. A composite of polyethylenimine (PEI)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) has been thermally deposited on the etched TFBG, followed by immobilization of probe DNA (pDNA) on this deposited layer. The hybridization of pDNA with the complementary DNA (cDNA) has been monitored using wavelength-dependent interrogation. The reproducibility of the probes has been demonstrated by fabricating three identical probes and their response has been investigated for cDNA concentration ranging from 0 µM to 3 µM. The maximum sensitivity has been found to be 320 pm/µM, with the detection limit being 0.65 µM. Furthermore, the response of the probes towards non-cDNA has also been investigated in order to establish its specificity.

Production of all-male non-transgenic zebrafish by conditional primordial germ cell ablation.

Many fish species exhibit remarkable sexual dimorphism, with males possessing numerous advantageous traits for commercial production by aquaculture such as faster growth rate, more efficient food energy utilization for muscle development, and better breeding performance. Several studies have shown that a decrease in the number of primordial germ cells (PGCs) during early development leads predominantly to male progeny. In this study, we developed a method to obtain all-male zebrafish (Danio rerio) by targeted PGC ablation using the nitroreductase/metronidazole (NTR/Mtz) system. Embryos generated by female heterozygous Tg(nanos3:nfsB-mCherry-nanos3 3'UTR) and male wild-types (WTs) were treated with vehicle or Mtz. Compared to vehicle-treated controls, 5.0 and 10.0 mM Mtz treatment for 24 h significantly reduced the number of PGCs and yielded an exclusively male phenotype in adulthood. The gonads of offspring treated with 5.0 mM Mtz exhibited relatively normal morphology and histological characteristics. Furthermore, these males were able to chase females, spawn, and produce viable offspring, while about 20.0% of males treated with 10.0 mM Mtz were unable to produce viable offspring. The 5.0 mM Mtz treatment protocol may thus be suitable for large-scale production of fertile male offspring. Moreover, about half of these males were WT as evidenced by the absence of nfsB gene expression. It may thus be possible to breed an all-male WT fish population by Mtz-mediated PGC ablation.

[Compound Tinglizi Decoction intervenes COPD-associated pulmonary hypertension through regulation of HMGB1-mediated pyroptosis and immune imbalance].

This paper aimed to investigate the effects of high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)-mediated pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell pyroptosis and immune imbalance on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-associated pulmonary hypertension(COPD-PH) in rats and the intervening mechanism of Compound Tinglizi Decoction. Ninety rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose Compound Tinglizi Decoction groups, and a simvastatin group. The rat model of COPD-PH was established by fumigation combined with lipopolysaccharide(LPS) intravascular infusion, which lasted 60 days. Rats in the low, medium, and high-dose Compound Tinglizi Decoction groups were given 4.93, 9.87, and 19.74 g·kg~(-1) Compound Tinglizi Decoction by gavage, respectively. Rats in the simvastatin group were given 1.50 mg·kg~(-1) simvastatin by gavage. After 14 days, the lung function, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and arterial blood gas of rats were analyzed. Lung tissues of rats were collected for hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining to observe the pathological changes. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expression of related mRNA in lung tissues, Western blot(WB) was used to determine the expression of related proteins in lung tissues, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the levels of inflammatory factors in the lung tissues of rats. The ultrastructure of lung cells was observed by transmission electron microscope. The forced vital capacity(FVC), forced expiratory volume in 0.3 second(FEV_(0.3)), FEV_(0.3)/FVC, peek expiratory flow(PEF), respiratory dynamic compliance(Cdyn), arterial partial pressure of oxygen(PaO_2), and arterial oxygen saturation(SaO_2) were increased, and resistance of expiration(Re), mean pulmonary arterial pressure(mPAP), right ventricular hypertrophy index(RVHI), and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO_2) were decreased by Compound Tinglizi Decoction in rats with COPD-PH. Compound Tinglizi Decoction inhibited the protein expression of HMGB1, receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE), pro caspase-8, cleaved caspase-8, and gasdermin D(GSDMD) in lung tissues of rats with COPD-PH, as well as the mRNA expression of HMGB1, RAGE, and caspase-8. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell pyroptosis was inhibited by Compound Tinglizi Decoction. Interferon-γ(IFN-γ) and interleukin-17(IL-17) were reduced, and interleukin-4(IL-4) and interleukin-10(IL-10) were incresead by Compound Tinglizi Decoction in lung tissues of rats with COPD-PH. In addition, the lesion degree of trachea, alveoli, and pulmonary artery in lung tissues of rats with COPD-PH was improved by Compound Tinglizi Decoction. Compound Tinglizi Decoction had dose-dependent effects. The lung function, pulmonary artery pressure, arterial blood gas, inflammation, trachea, alveoli, and pulmonary artery disease have been improved by Compound Tinglizi Decoction, and its mechanism is related to HMGB1-mediated pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell pyroptosis and helper T cell 1(Th1)/helper T cell 2(Th2), helper T cell 17(Th17)/regulatory T cell(Treg) imbalance.

[Neonatal systemic pseudohypoaldosteronism type I]. / æ–°ç”Ÿå„¿å¤šè„å™¨åž‹å‡æ€§é†›å›ºé ®å‡å°‘ç—‡â 型.

An 18-day-old male infant was admitted to the hospital due to recurrent hyperkalemia for more than 10 days. The neonate had milk refusal and dyspnea. The blood gas analysis revealed recurrent hyperkalemia, hyponatremia and metabolic acidosis. Adrenocortical hormone replacement therapy was ineffective. Additional tests showed a significant increase in aldosterone levels. Family whole exome sequencing revealed that the infant had compound heterozygous in the SCNNIA gene, inherited from both parents. The infant was diagnosed with neonatal systemic pseudohypoaldosteronism type I. The infant's electrolyte levels were stabilized through treatment with sodium polystyrene sulfonate and sodium supplement. The infant was discharged upon clinical recovery. This study provides a focused description of differential diagnosis of salt-losing syndrome in infants and introduces the multidisciplinary management of neonatal systemic pseudohypoaldosteronism type I.

Interfacial Evolution of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase and Lithium Deposition in Graphdiyne-Based Lithium-Ion Batteries.

All-carbon graphdiyne (GDY)-based materials have attracted extensive attention owing to their extraordinary structures and outstanding performance in electrochemical energy storage. Straightforward insights into the interfacial evolution at GDY electrode/electrolyte interface could crucially enrich the fundamental comprehensions and inspire targeted regulations. Herein, in situ optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy monitoring of the GDY and N-doped GDY electrodes reveal the interplay between the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and Li deposition. The growth and continuous accumulation of the flocculent-like SEI is directly tracked at the surface of GDY electrode. Moreover, the nanoparticle-shaped SEI homogeneously propagates at the interface when N configurations are involved, providing a critical clue for the N-doping effects of stabilizing interfaces and homogenizing Li deposition. This work probes into the dynamic evolution and structure-reactivity correlation in detail, creating effective strategies for GDY-based materials optimization in lithium-ion batteries.

C6orf120 gene knockout in rats mitigates concanavalin A­induced autoimmune hepatitis via regulating NKT cells.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the role of the functional unknown gene C6orf120 in the pathogenesis of AIH and its mechanism of action, using C6orf120 knockout rats. METHODS: An autoimmune hepatitis model was established with 35 mg/kg intravenous injection of concanavalin A (Con A) in C6orf120-knockout (C6orf120-/-) and wild-type (WT) rats. Rats were sacrificed after administering Con A for 0, 12, and 24 h. The peripheral blood, liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes were collected for follow-up studies. RESULTS: C6orf120 knockout significantly decreased the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and improved the histological damage in Con A-induced autoimmune liver injury.Loss of C6orf120 function significantly increased the frequency of CD3+ CD161+ NKT cells in the peripheral blood, liver, and spleen; downregulated the expression of CD314 (NKG2D) in the liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes; reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines; and suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of Fas and FasL in the liver. Additionally, C6orf120 knockout significantly downregulated the expression of p-JAK1, p-JAK2, p-STAT1, and p-STAT3 in liver tissue. CONCLUSION: The protective effect of C6orf120 knockout against Con A-induced hepatitis may be due to the inhibition of NKT cell activation, restriction of cytokine and chemokine activities, inhibition of JAK-STAT and Fas/FasL signaling pathway activation, and reduction in liver inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis.

Exploring the influence of pump beam quality on designing millijoule diode-end-pumped passively Q-switched lasers.

To practically predict the design criteria of diode-end-pumped passively Q-switched (PQS) lasers with energy scaling to millijoule region, an analytical model with longitudinally spatial dependence is derived to investigate the influence of pump beam quality. In comparison with PQS theory that considers transverse spatial dependence only, it is found that the threshold pump power can be up to 5 times larger when the beam quality factor was 80. This result indicates the importance of considering pump beam quality when designing PQS lasers especially for operation at high pump power level. The theoretical results are verified by a series of PQS experiments. The influence of thermal lensing effect on cavity design is further discussed to obtain good laser quality. Finally, an end-pumped millijoule PQS laser is successfully realized based on the theoretical analysis and the resonator design.

The synergetic effect of an aqua ligand and metal site on the performance of single-atom catalysts in H2O2 synthesis: a density functional theory study.

Studying the effect of the coordination field on the catalytic property is critical for the rational design of outstanding electrocatalysts for H2O2 synthesis. Herein, via density functional theory (DFT) calculations and ab initio molecular dynamic (AIMD) simulations, we built an effective computational framework to identify the synergetic effect of an aqua ligand and metal ion on the 2e- ORR catalytic performance under gas condition and aqua solvent. Specifically, the screening results of 29 single-atom catalysts (SACs), TM@C6N6 (TM = transition metal), indicated that Cu@C6N6 features excellent catalytic property with thermal stability, lowest 2e- ORR overpotential (0.02 V) and high selectivity of 99.99%. Once an aqua ligand binds with the Cu site, the activity is reduced to the overpotential of 0.42 V and the selectivity decreased slightly (99.98%) due to the reduction of the adsorption strength for the reaction intermediates. A combination of geometric structures and electronic properties revealed that such changes are correlated with the charge of the Cu site. Furthermore, based on molecular orbital theory, the essence of the high catalytic property deeply lies in the effect of the moderate electron back donation bond (dyz & dxz→) between Cu and O2. This work will provide a route to better design high-performance SACs for H2O2 synthesis effectively.

Redefining the invertebrate RNA virosphere.

Current knowledge of RNA virus biodiversity is both biased and fragmentary, reflecting a focus on culturable or disease-causing agents. Here we profile the transcriptomes of over 220 invertebrate species sampled across nine animal phyla and report the discovery of 1,445 RNA viruses, including some that are sufficiently divergent to comprise new families. The identified viruses fill major gaps in the RNA virus phylogeny and reveal an evolutionary history that is characterized by both host switching and co-divergence. The invertebrate virome also reveals remarkable genomic flexibility that includes frequent recombination, lateral gene transfer among viruses and hosts, gene gain and loss, and complex genomic rearrangements. Together, these data present a view of the RNA virosphere that is more phylogenetically and genomically diverse than that depicted in current classification schemes and provide a more solid foundation for studies in virus ecology and evolution.