Optimizing the stability of NiFeOOH via oxyanion intercalation for water oxidation at large current densities.

In alkaline water splitting, transition metals (Ni, Fe) have received extensive attention, and NiFe-oxyhydroxide (NiFeOOH) is regarded as an exceptionally active electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, maintaining the long-term stability of NiFeOOH at high current densities is challenging due to Fe segregation and catalyst degradation. Herein, this study proposes an approach to enhancing the stability of the Ni/Fe-O covalent bond by intercalating oxyanions (NO3-, PO43-, SO42-, and SeO42-) into the NiFeOOH substrate, improving its resistance to bond breakage. And the NiFeOOH-NO3- electrocatalyst was found to be optimal, achieving an overpotential of 311 mV and stable performance at 1 A cm-2 for several hundred hours. Consequently, NiFeOOH-NO3- exhibited a significantly improved OER stability, with a mere 3.33 % stability attenuation after 100 h, compared to 13.19 % for pristine NiFeOOH. Notably, the presence of NO3- in NiFeOOH effectively mitigates Fe segregation, leading to a fourfold enhancement in long-term stability relative to that of NiFeOOH without NO3- modification. Theoretical calculations show that the introduction of NO3- effectively shifts metal 3d band centers of NiFeOOH closer to the Fermi level. It is suggested that the oxyanions lead to increased strength of the Ni/Fe-O bonds, thereby inhibiting the dissolution of Fe and enhancing the stability of NiFeOOH phase. This research represents a significant advance in controlling Fe segregation to stabilize NiFe-based electrocatalysts for high-current-density water oxidation.

Lung autotransplantation combined with postoperative chemotherapy and immunotherapy: a three-year follow-up case report.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Autotransplantation has emerged as a potential surgical intervention in select cases, with the aim of achieving curative outcomes. This case report describes a novel approach combining lung autotransplantation with postoperative chemotherapy and immunotherapy, delineating the patient's journey over a period of three years. CASE PRESENTATION: We report on a 37-year-old patient with stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent lung autotransplantation. Despite the complexity of the procedure, the patient had a favorable postoperative course. Adjuvant therapy included a PD-1 inhibitor and a standard chemotherapy regimen. The patient's follow-up involved regular clinical assessment, imaging, and functional status evaluation, demonstrating a remarkable disease-free survival at the three-year mark postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the potential for lung autotransplantation coupled with immunotherapy and chemotherapy to yield significant long-term survival benefits in patients with NSCLC. The favorable outcome suggests that this integrative treatment strategy warrants further investigation and may offer hope to patients with similarly advanced lung cancer.

Event-free survival in neuroblastoma with MYCN amplification and deletion of 1p or 11q may be associated with altered immune status.

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma exhibits substantial heterogeneity, which is intricately linked to various genetic alterations. We aimed to explore immune status in the peripheral blood and prognosis of patients with neuroblastoma with different genetic characteristics. METHODS: We enrolled 31 patients with neuroblastoma and collected samples to detect three genetic characteristics. Peripheral blood samples were tested for immune cells and cytokines by fluorescent microspheres conjugated with antibodies and flow cytometry. Event-free survival (EFS) was analyzed using the Kaplan‒Meier method. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients had genetic aberrations, including MYCN amplification in 6 patients, chromosome 1p deletion in 9 patients, and chromosome 11q deletion in 14 patients. Two genetic alterations were present in seven patients. The EFS was worse in patients with MYCN amplification or 1p deletion than in the corresponding group, whereas 11q deletion was a prognostic factor only in patients with unamplified MYCN. Changes in immune status revealed a decrease in the proportion of T cells in blood, and an increase in regulatory T cells and immunosuppression-related cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-10. The EFS of the IL-10 high-level group was lower than that of the low-level group. Patients with concomitant genetic alterations and a high level of IL-10 had worse EFS than other patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with neuroblastoma characterized by these genetic characteristics often have suppressed T cell response and an overabundance of immunosuppressive cells and cytokines in the peripheral blood. This imbalance is significantly associated with poor EFS. Moreover, if these patients show an elevated levels of immunosuppressive cytokines such as IL-10, the prognosis will be worse.

Identification of senescence-related genes for potential therapeutic biomarkers of atrial fibrillation by bioinformatics, human histological validation, and molecular docking.

Background: Cellular senescence is pivotal in the occurrence and progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to identify senescence-related genes that could be potential therapeutic biomarkers for AF. Methods: AF-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to analyze important modules and potential hub genes. Integrating senescence-related genes, potential biomarkers were identified. Their differential expression levels were then validated in human atrial tissue, HL-1 cells, and Angiotensin II-infused mice. Finally, molecular docking analysis was conducted to predict potential interactions between potential biomarkers and the senolytic drug Navitoclax. Results: We identified seven genes common to AF-related DEGs and senescence-related genes. Three significant modules were selected from WGCNA analysis. Taken together, three senescence-related genes (ETS1, SP1, and WT1) were found to be significantly associated with AF. Protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed biological connections among the predicted target genes of ETS1, SP1, and WT1. Notably, ETS1, SP1, and WT1 exhibited significant differential expression in clinical samples as well as in vitro and in vivo models. Molecular docking revealed favorable binding affinity between senolytic Navitoclax and these potential biomarkers. Conclusions: This study highlights ETS1, SP1, and WT1 as crucial senescence-related genes associated with AF, offering potential therapeutic targets, with supportive evidence of binding affinity with senolytic Navitoclax. These findings provide novel insights into AF pathogenesis from a senescence perspective.

GAS5 promotes glucose metabolism reprogramming and resistance to ferroptosis of endothelial progenitor cells through the miR-495-3p/SIX1 and IGF2BP2/NRF2 dual-regulatory pathways in coronary heart disease.

We aimed to explore the potential along with mechanism of lncRNA growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) in modulating glucose metabolism and ferroptosis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in coronary heart disease (CHD). CCK-8, flow cytometry, EdU, colony formation, scratch test as well as transwell assays were implemented to assess cell biological behaviors. Glucose uptake testing, lactic acid production assay, and detection of extracellular acidification rate (EACR) together with oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were used to assess glucose metabolism. Iron, GSH and MDA detection were used to measure ferroptosis. Besides, a series of mechanical experiments were implemented to clarify the modulatory relationship between GAS5 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) as well as sine oculis homeobox 1 (SIX1). We found that GAS5 was down-regulated in CHD patients relative to healthy controls. GAS5 depletion repressed EPCs proliferation, migration along with invasion while elevated cell apoptosis. GAS5 promoted the reprogramming of glucose metabolism and inhibited ferroptosis in EPCs. GAS5 affected glycometabolic reprogramming and ferroptosis resistance through regulating SIX1 and NRF2. On the one hand, GAS5 promoted NRF2 mRNA stability through IGF2BP2. On the other hand, GAS5 regulated the miR-495-3p/SIX1 axis in EPCs. To sum up, GAS5 promotes glucose metabolism reprogramming and resistance to ferroptosis of EPCs through the miR-495-3p/SIX1 and IGF2BP2/NRF2 dual-regulatory pathways in CHD.

Two- and Three-Dimensional Ag-Au Nanoalloying: Heterogeneous Building Blocks Enhancing Near-Field Focusing.

In this study, we report a strategy for fabricating binary surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates composed of plasmonic Pt@Ag and Pt@Au truncated-octahedral (TOh) dual-rim nanoframes (DNFs) functioning as a "nanoalloy." Pt TOh frameworks act as a scaffold to develop nanoarchitectures with surface decoration using plasmonically active materials (i.e., Au or Ag), resulting in identical sizes and shapes for the two distinct plasmonic elements, facilitating the fabrication of a "nanoalloy" blend of two shape-complex building blocks. The structural complexity from the dual-rim on (111) facets, combined with the mirror charge effect (i.e., enhanced polarization between Ag and Au) at the interface of heterogeneous components, significantly amplifies SERS activity. We carefully investigated near-field focusing of binary SERS substrates through single-particle and bulk SERS measurements corroborated by finite element method (FEM) calculations. Crucially, we developed free-standing superpowders (SPs) in which each heterogeneous building block formed micron-sized supercrystals with adjustable component ratios. These plasmonic SPs were applied to contaminated areas for analyte detection, demonstrating their potential for practical SERS applications.

A real-world pharmacovigilance analysis of eslicarbazepine acetate using the FDA adverse events reporting system (FAERS) database from 2013 (Q4) to 2024 (Q1).

Background: The approval of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 marked an advancement in the treatment of adult patients with partial-onset seizures. However, there still remains a paucity of real-world studies regarding the adverse events (AEs) associated with this compound. The principal aim of the present study was to scrutinize ESL-related AEs by leveraging data from the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Methods: By extracting all available data since the FDA approval of ESL (2013Q4-2024Q1), disproportionality analysis was performed using reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) algorithms. AE signals that simultaneously met the requirements of all four algorithms were identified as significant positive signals. Demographic information, time of onset and gender-specific signal detection were also examined. In addition, a special screening process for designated medical events (DME) was implemented to focus on the evaluation and comparison of safety signals within DME and System Organ Classification (SOC) level, as well as SMQ (Standardised MedDRA Queries) level. Stratified analysis by logistic regression is employed to examine the variations across different gender (male and female) and age groups (<18 years old, 18-64 years old, >65 years old). Results: A total of 5,719 AE reports and 1,907 reported cases were obtained. ESL related AEs were identified in relation to 27 SOCs, among which the significant positive SOCs were nervous system disorders, injury poisoning and procedural complications, etc. There were 86 severely disproportional preferred terms that complied with the four algorithms. Most AEs occurred within the first month after treatment. According to the 86 valuable positive signals with DME screening results, 3 signals of dermatitis exfoliative, stevens-johnson syndrome, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms were consistent with PT signals on the DME-list, with the 3 PTs focusing on skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders and hypersensitivity. Males are more commonly affected by seizures than females. Seizures, hyponatremia, and confusional states were more frequently observed in the elderly population, while aggression, irritability, DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms), and abnormal behavior were found to be more common in the pediatric population. Both the children and elderly groups exhibited a higher proportion of agitation than the adult group. Conclusion: Our research enhances the safety and tolerability profile of ESL, but the clinical use of ESL should be noticed and avoided in relation to AEs since it raises the risk of dermatitis exfoliative, stevens-johnson syndrome. Particular attention should be paid to DRESS in children and hyponatremia in the elderly.

Plasmonic Nanotrenches with 1 nm Nanogaps for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering-Based Screening of His-Tagged Proteins.

This study represents a highly sensitive and selective approach to protein screening using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) facilitated by octahedral Au nanotrenches (OANTs). OANTs are a novel class of nanoparticles characterized by narrow, trench-like excavations indented into the eight facets of a Au octahedron. This unique configuration maximizes electromagnetic near-field focusing as the gap distance decreases to ∼1 nm. Owing to geometrical characteristics of the OANTs, near-field focusing can be maximized through the confinement and reflectance of light trapped within the trenches. We used Ni ions and molecular linkers to confer selective binding affinity for His-tagged proteins on the surfaces of the OANTs for SERS-based protein screening. Remarkably, SERS-based protein screening with the surface-modified OANTs yielded outstanding screening capabilities: 100% sensitivity and 100% selectivity in distinguishing His-tagged human serum albumin (HSA) from native HSA. This highlights the significantly enhanced protein screening capabilities achieved through the synergistic combination of SERS and the OANTs.

Liver protects neuron viability and electrocortical activity in post-cardiac arrest brain injury.

Brain injury is the leading cause of mortality among patients who survive cardiac arrest (CA). Clinical studies have shown that the presence of post-CA hypoxic hepatitis or pre-CA liver disease is associated with increased mortality and inferior neurological recovery. In our in vivo global cerebral ischemia model, we observed a larger infarct area, elevated tissue injury scores, and increased intravascular CD45+ cell adhesion in reperfused brains with simultaneous hepatic ischemia than in those without it. In the ex vivo brain normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) model, we demonstrated that addition of a functioning liver to the brain NMP circuit significantly reduced post-CA brain injury, increased neuronal viability, and improved electrocortical activity. Furthermore, significant alterations were observed in both the transcriptome and metabolome in the presence or absence of hepatic ischemia. Our study highlights the crucial role of the liver in the pathogenesis of post-CA brain injury.

Silica-induced ROS in alveolar macrophages and its role on the formation of pulmonary fibrosis via polarizing macrophages into M2 phenotype: a review.

Alveolar macrophages (AMs), the first line against the invasion of foreign invaders, play a predominant role in the pathogenesis of silicosis. Studies have shown that inhaled silica dust is recognized and engulfed by AMs, resulting in the production of large amounts of silica-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), including particle-derived ROS and macrophage-derived ROS. These ROS change the microenvironment of the AMs where the macrophage phenotype is stimulated to swift from M0 to M1 and/or M2, and ultimately emerge as the M2 phenotype to trigger silicosis. This is a complex process accompanied by various molecular biological events. Unfortunately, the detailed processes and mechanisms have not been systematically described. In this review, we first systematically introduce the process of ROS induced by silica in AMs. Then, describe the role and molecular mechanism of M2-type macrophage polarization caused by silica-induced ROS. Finally, we review the mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis induced by M2 polarized AMs. We conclude that silica-induced ROS initiate the fibrotic process of silicosis by inducing macrophage into M2 phenotype, and that targeted intervention of silica-induced ROS in AMs can reprogram the macrophage polarization and ameliorate the pathogenesis of silicosis.

Enhancing Gene Transfection Efficiency of Star-Shaped Poly(ß-amino ester)s via "Top-down" Hydrolysis.

Gene therapy has emerged as a potent tool for treating a wide range of hereditary and acquired disorders. However, the development of high-performance nonviral gene delivery vectors remains a significant challenge. Here we report the development of a new type of star-shaped poly(ß-amino ester) (SPAE) through a "top-down" hydrolysis approach and demonstrate its exceptional DNA transfection efficiency and safety profiles. Two SPAEs with different monomer combinations are first synthesized using an "arm first" strategy and then hydrolyzed sequentially to produce h-SPAEs with varied chemical compositions and molecular weights. Results demonstrate that hydrolysis significantly influences the physiological characteristics of the resulting h-SPAEs and h-SPAE/DNA polyplexes. Dependent on the chemical composition, h-SPAEs with low to moderate hydrolysis degrees exhibit superior gene transfection efficiency and cell viability across various cell types. Notably, the leading candidate, h-SPAE-1-5h, achieves up to 88.8% gene transfection efficiency, which was 154-257% higher compared to SPAE-1. This study not only establishes an easy-to-operate "top-down" approach for reshaping the topological structure and chemical composition of SPAEs, but also identifies promising candidates for effective gene transfection. This strategy can be applied to other cationic polymers to enhance their gene transfection performance.

Fluorescence assay for aflatoxin B1 based on aptamer-binding triggered DNAzyme activity.

As a kind of mycotoxin, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is often found in agricultural products, poses a threat to human health. Developing a simple sensitive method for AFB1 detection is in great demand. Here, we reported an aptamer-based fluorescence assay for AFB1 detection by using DNAzyme to generate and amplify a signal. We redesigned a pair of DNA sequences, which originated from the anti-AFB1 aptamer and RNA-cleaving DNAzyme 10-23. In the absence of AFB1, the aptamer hybridized with the region of the substrate-binding arm of the DNAzyme, inhibiting the activity of the DNAzyme. In the presence of AFB1, the binding of AFB1 to the aptamer led to the displacement of the DNAzyme from the aptamer. The substrate-binding arm was unblocked, and the activity of the DNAzyme was restored for the hydrolysis of the fluorophore and quencher-labeled substrate, causing a significant fluorescence increase. This assay could detect AFB1 in the dynamic range from 0.98 to 2000 nmol/L with high selectivity, and the detection limit was 0.98 nmol/L. Moreover, the assay was able to detect AFB1 in a complex sample matrix. This work provides a useful tool for the analysis of AFB1.

Programmable Persistent Room Temperature Phosphorescence Switches through Wavelength-Selective Photoactivation.

Controlling multicolor persistent room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) through photoirradiation holds fundamental significance but remains a significant challenge. In this study, we engineered a wavelength-selective photoresponsive system utilizing the Förster resonance energy transfer strategy. This system integrates a photoactivated long-lived luminescent material as the energy donor with a fluorescent photoswitch as the energy acceptor, facilitating programmable persistent luminescence switches. Distinct afterglow color states, such as initial nonemissive, green, yellow, and orange, were achieved through irradiation at 400 nm, 365 nm, and 254 nm, respectively. Based on this capability, we established an interacting network for multistate afterglow color switching among these four emissive states. In addition, we demonstrate the potential of this wavelength-selective photoresponsive system in the photo-controlled rewritable printing of multicolor afterglow images on a single thin film. This work represents a substantial step towards the fabrication of sophisticated wavelength-selective photoresponsive systems, potentially revolutionizing applications in optical data storage, security labeling, and smart displays by enabling precise control over photoresponsive behaviors under various photoirradiation wavelengths.

Alanine Production from Chemical Upcycling of Polylactic Acid Waste over Fe Doped Ru/CeO2.

Biodegradable polyesters, such as polylactic acid (PLA), is one of the most promising plastics with great potential to contribute to enabling a sustainable global circular economy. However, the efficient chemical upcycling of PLA plastic waste into high-value chemicals remains a grand challenge. Herein, a series of Ru/CeFeOx catalysts with varying Ru loadings were developed for the catalytic amination of PLA plastic waste to alanine in the presence of ammonia. The as-prepared catalysts exhibited exceptional catalytic activity, high selectivity, and excellent recyclability, achieving an alanine yield of 70.5% at 180 °C for 18 h, significantly surpassing previous reports. The outstanding catalytic performance can be primarily attributed to the presence of Fe species in Ru/CeFeOx, which generated more oxygen vacancies, provided abundant base sites, and enhanced reducibility, therefore accelerating the reaction rate and enhancing catalytic efficiency. This study presents an alternative strategy for the sustainable chemical upcycling of PLA plastic waste into alanine and the realization of a circular economy.

Shugan Jieyu capsule effects on peripheral blood micro-124, micro-132, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with mild to moderate depression.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effectiveness of Shugan Jieyu capsules on peripheral blood miR-124, miR-132, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients with mild to moderate depression following coronary artery intervention [percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)] for coronary heart disease. AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Shugan Jieyu capsules and their effects on the peripheral blood levels of miR-124, miR-132, and BDNF in patients with mild to moderate depression following PCI for coronary heart disease. METHODS: Patients with mild-to-moderate depression of the liver-qi stagnation type after PCI for coronary heart disease at the 305th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army were enrolled from June 2022 to November 2023 and randomly assigned to two groups: Experimental (treated with Shugan Jieyu capsules) and control (treated with escitalopram oxalate tablets). This study compared the antidepressant effects of these treatments using 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) scores, metabolic equivalents, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, BDNF, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, miR-124 and miR-132 levels, distribution of immune-related lymphocyte subsets, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores before and after 6 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in any index between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05). After treatment, the total efficacy rates were 93.33% and 90.00% in the experimental and control groups, respectively. Experimental group had significantly lower scores for the main and secondary syndromes compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the metabolic equivalents between the two groups before and after treatment (P > 0.05). The levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and miR-132 were significantly lower, whereas those of miR-124, BDNF, CD3+T lymphocytes, CD3+CD4+T helper lymphocytes, and CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ cells were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions during experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Shugan Jieyu capsules have good efficacy in patients with mild-to-moderate depression after PCI, and its mechanism may contribute to the regulation of miR-124, miR-132, BDNF levels, and lymphoid immune cells.

The First Case of Intra-portal Islet Implantation During Liver Machine Perfusion Allowing Simultaneous Islet-liver Transplantation in A Human: A New and Safe Treatment for End-stage Liver Disease Combined With Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the safety and efficacy of implanting a liver with islet grafts into patients with end-stage liver disease and diabetes mellitus (DM). BACKGROUND: DM and end-stage liver diseases are significant health concern worldwide, often coexisting and mutually influencing each other. Addressing both diseases simultaneously is paramount. METHODS: We utilized the islet transplantation combined ischemia-free liver transplantation (ITIFLT) technique to treat a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The liver was procured and preserved using the ischemia-free liver transplantation (IFLT) technique, and during normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), isolated and purified islet grafts were transplanted into the liver through the portal vein. Finally, the liver, incorporating with the transplant islet grafts, was implanted into the recipient without interruption of blood supply. RESULTS: The patient received both liver and islet graft from the same donor. The patient achieved insulin-independence by post-transplant day (PTD) 9, and both liver and islet function remained robust. The patient was discharged on PTD 18 and experienced no surgical or transplantation-related complications during the follow-up period. Furthermore, islet grafts presence was observed in liver biopsies after islet transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: This landmark case marks the inaugural application of ITIFLT in humans, signifying its potential as a promising treatment modality for end-stage liver disease with DM.

All-in-One 2D Molecular Crystal Optoelectronic Synapse for Polarization-Sensitive Neuromorphic Visual System.

Neuromorphic visual systems (NVSs) hold the potential to not only preserve but also enhance human visual capabilities. One such augmentation lies in harnessing polarization information from light reflected or scattered off surfaces like bees, which can disclose unique characteristics imperceptible to the human eyes. While creating polarization-sensitive optoelectronic synapses presents an intriguing avenue for equipping NVS with this capability, integrating functions like polarization sensitivity, photodetection, and synaptic operations into a singular device has proven challenging. This integration typically necessitates distinct functional components for each performance metric, leading to intricate fabrication processes and constraining overall performance. Herein, a pioneering linear polarized light sensitive synaptic organic phototransistor (OPT) based on 2D molecular crystals (2DMCs) with highly integrated, all-in-one functionality, is demonstrated. By leveraging the superior crystallinity and molecular thinness of 2DMC, the synaptic OPT exhibits comprehensive superior performance, including a linear dichroic ratio up to 3.85, a high responsivity of 1.47 × 104 A W-1, and the adept emulation of biological synapse functions. A sophisticated application in noncontact fingerprint detection achieves a 99.8% recognition accuracy, further highlights its potential. The all-in-one 2DMC optoelectronic synapse for polarization-sensitive NVS marks a new era for intelligent perception systems.

Frequent gene mutations and the correlations with clinicopathological features in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: preliminary study based on Chinese population and TCGA database.

BACKGROUND: Large-scale sequencing plays important roles in revealing the genomic map of ccRCC and predicting prognosis and therapeutic response to targeted drugs. However, the relevant clinical data is still sparse in Chinese population. METHODS: Fresh tumor specimens were collected from 66 Chinese ccRCC patients, then the genomic RNAs were subjected to whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS). We comprehensively analyzed the frequently mutated genes from our hospital's cohort as well as TCGA-KIRC cohort. RESULTS: VHL gene is the most frequently mutated gene in ccRCC. In our cohort, BAP1 and PTEN are significantly associated with a higher tumor grade and DNM2 is significantly associated with a lower tumor grade. The mutant type (MT) groups of BAP1 or PTEN, BAP1 or SETD2, BAP1 or TP53, BAP1 or MTOR, BAP1 or FAT1 and BAP1 or AR had a significantly correlation with higher tumor grade in our cohort. Moreover, we identified HMCN1 was a hub mutant gene which was closely related to worse prognosis and may enhance anti-tumor immune responses. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary research, we comprehensively analyzed the frequently mutated genes in the Chinese population and TCGA database, which may bring new insights to the diagnosis and medical treatment of ccRCC.

Shape-Regulated Motion and Energy Conversion of Polyelectrolyte Membrane Actuators.

Smart actuators hold great potential in soft robotics and sensors, but their movement at the fluid interface is less understood and controlled, hindering their performances and applications in complicated fluids. Here an ethanol-containing polyelectrolyte actuator is prepared that demonstrates excellent actuating performance via the Marangoni effect. These actuators exhibit enduring (17 min), repeatable (50 cycles), and autonomous motion on the water surface. More importantly, the motion of actuators are dependent on their shapes. Polygonal actuators with more edges exhibit round motion attached to walls of containers, while the actuators with few edges move randomly. On the basis of this property, the circular actuators can pass through pipe bends with S-shaped complex geometry. These unique advantages lend the actuators to successful applications in wireless sensing (standard 0-5 V level signals) for locating obstructions inside invisible pipes and continuous energy harvesting (7700 nC per cycle) for micro mechanical energy.

Multitasking Integrated Metasurface for Electromagnetic Wave Modulation with Reflection, Transmission, and Absorption.

Accommodating multiple tasks within a tiny metasurface unit cell without them interfering with each other is a significant challenge. In this paper, an electromagnetic (EM) wave modulation metasurface capable of reflection, transmission, and absorption is proposed. This multitasking capability is achieved through a cleverly designed multi-layer structure comprising an EM Wave Shield Layer (ESL), a Polarization Modulation Layer (PML), and a Bottom Plate Layer (BPL). The functionality can be arbitrarily switched by embedding control materials within the structure. Depending on external excitation conditions, the proposed metasurface can realize reflection-type co-planar polarization to cross-polarization conversion, transmission-type electromagnetically induced transparency-like (EIT-like) modes, and broadband absorption. Notably, all tasks operate approximately within the same operating frequency band, and their performance can be regulated by the intensity of external excitation. Additionally, the operating principle of the metasurface is analyzed through impedance matching, an oscillator coupling model, and surface current distribution. This metasurface design offers a strategy for integrated devices with multiple functionalities.