Microfluidic Device-Based In Vivo Detection of PD-L1-Positive Small Extracellular Vesicles and Its Application for Tumor Monitoring.

Liquid biopsy is of great significance in tumor early diagnosis and treatment stratification. PD-L1-positive small extracellular vesicles (PD-L1+ sEVs) are closely related to tumor growth and immunotherapy response, which are considered valuable liquid biopsy biomarkers. In contrast to conventional in vitro detection, in vivo detection has the ability to improve the detection efficiency and enable continuous or real-time dynamic monitoring. However, in vivo detection of PD-L1+ sEVs has multiple difficulties, such as high cell background, complex blood environments, and lack of a specific and stable detection method. Herein, the in vivo detection of PD-L1+ sEVs method was constructed, which efficiently separated sEVs based on the microfluidic device and quantitatively analyzed PD-L1+ sEVs by aptamer recognition and hybridization chain reaction. The concentration of PD-L1+ sEVs was continuously monitored, and significant differences at different stages of tumor as well as a correlation with tumor volume were found. Diseased and healthy individuals could also be effectively distinguished based on the concentration of PD-L1+ sEVs. The method with good stability, biocompatibility, and detection performance provided a powerful means for in vivo detection of PD-L1+ sEVs, contributing to the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumor.

Two Different Three-Dimensional Uranium-Containing Polymolybdates Based on Zn(II) for the Heterogeneous Catalytic Construction of C-N Bond.

The introduction of transition metal (TM) ions into polyoxometalates (POMs) cannot only bring about interesting structural diversities but also enable changes in properties. However, TM-containing Silverton-type polyoxomolybdates are still lacking in terms of structural diversity and application development. Herein, two Zn(II)-containing Silverton-type {UMo12O42}-based polyoxomolybdates, H1.89Na4.11(H2O)9Zn[UMo12O42]·4.5H2O (Zn-1) and H1.8Na4.2(H2O)12Zn[UMo12O42] (Zn-2) were hydrothermally synthesized, demonstrating a practical strategy to assembly of TM-containing Silverton-type POMs. Zn-1 is proven to be an excellent and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst in cross-dehydrogenation coupling of 1,4-naphthoquinones with amines reactions, and a series of 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinones with potential medicinal value have been constructed.

Accurate Electronic and Optical Properties of Organic Doublet Radicals Using Machine Learned Range-Separated Functionals.

Luminescent organic semiconducting doublet-spin radicals are unique and emergent optical materials because their fluorescent quantum yields (Φfl) are not compromised by the spin-flipping intersystem crossing (ISC) into a dark high-spin state. The multiconfigurational nature of these radicals challenges their electronic structure calculations in the framework of single-reference density functional theory (DFT) and introduces room for method improvement. In the present study, we extended our earlier development of ML-ωPBE [J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2021, 12, 9516-9524], a range-separated hybrid (RSH) exchange-correlation (XC) functional constructed using the stacked ensemble machine learning (SEML) algorithm, from closed-shell organic semiconducting molecules to doublet-spin organic semiconducting radicals. We assessed its performance for a new test set of 64 doublet-spin radicals from five categories while placing all previously compiled 3926 closed-shell molecules in the new training set. Interestingly, ML-ωPBE agrees with the nonempirical OT-ωPBE functional regarding the prediction of the molecule-dependent range-separation parameter (ω), with a small mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0197 a0-1, but saves the computational cost by 2.46 orders of magnitude. This result demonstrates an outstanding domain adaptation capacity of ML-ωPBE for diverse organic semiconducting species. To further assess the predictive power of ML-ωPBE in experimental observables, we also applied it to evaluate absorption and fluorescence energies (Eabs and Efl) using linear-response time-dependent DFT (TDDFT), and we compared its behavior with nine popular XC functionals. For most radicals, ML-ωPBE reproduces experimental measurements of Eabs and Efl with small MAEs of 0.299 and 0.254 eV, only marginally different from those of OT-ωPBE. Our work illustrates a successful extension of the SEML framework from closed-shell molecules to doublet-spin radicals and will open the venue for calculating optical properties for organic semiconductors using single-reference TDDFT.

BRAF V600E mutation mediates invasive and growth features in ameloblastoma.

OBJECTIVES: Ameloblastoma (AM), a locally aggressive tumor with extensive growth capacity, causes significant damage to the jaw and affects facial appearance. Although the high prevalence of BRAF V600E mutation in AM is known, its specific impacts on patients with AM remain unclear. Thus, the present study investigated the role of BRAF V600E mutation, thereby focusing on its impact on AM invasion and growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis was used to compare BRAF V600E, MMP2, MMP9, and Ki-67 expressions in AM (n = 49), normal oral mucosa (NOM) (n = 10), and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) (n = 15) tissues. AM was further classified according to the presence or absence of BRAF V600E. The relationship between BRAF V600E and invasion as well as growth was evaluated. In addition, correlation analysis was performed using immunohistochemistry and confirmed via double-labeling immunofluorescence. Finally, comparative analyses using mass spectrometry, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were performed to explore and identify underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: AM exhibited a higher incidence of BRAF V600E mutation than NOM and OKC. BRAF V600E expression was positively correlated with the invasion-associated proteins MMP2 and MMP9 and the growth-related protein Ki-67. Proteomic data revealed that BRAF V600E primarily activates the MAPK signaling pathway in AM, particularly driving the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the findings suggested that the BRAF V600E mutation enhances the invasion and growth abilities of AM via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Thus, targeting BRAF V600E or the MAPK/ERK pathway may be a potential AM therapy.

Ultrasonography in Children With Congenital Pyriform Sinus Fistula: Analysis of 31 Cases.

OBJECTIVES: Congenital pyriform sinus fistula (CPSF) is a rare disease that can be easily misdiagnosed. This study investigates the value of ultrasonography in the early diagnosis and treatment of CPSF in children. METHODS: Clinical features and ultrasonography images of 31 CPSF pediatric patients confirmed by operation were retrospectively analyzed, different sonographic features during the infection period and the quiescence period were summarized and the consistency test of ultrasonic recognition and diagnosis between observers was conducted. RESULTS: In this study, 25 CPSF children had thick-walled cystic masses during the infection period, and cystic masses of 8 cases showed gas echo inside; after the modified valsalva maneuver, gas echo was found in another 5 cases. The detection rate of gas can be enhanced through the modified valsalva maneuver and infants' cry so as to provide an important basis for the diagnosis of pyriform sinus fistula. During the quiescent period of inflammation of 6 cases, fistula can be completely shown, and the wall structure has not been completely destroyed, so that the running position of fistula can be clearly seen. Ultrasonography boasted a good inter-observer consistency in identification and determination (Kappa:0.799-0.857; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography could clearly reveal the position and direction of CPSF fistula. Different ultrasonic characteristics in different periods could provide relevant information for the selection of clinical operation timing and evaluate the post-operative effects.

Stripping away ion hydration shells in electrical double-layer formation: Water networks matter.

The double layer at the solid/electrolyte interface is a key concept in electrochemistry. Here, we present an experimental study combined with simulations, which provides a molecular picture of the double-layer formation under applied voltage. By THz spectroscopy we are able to follow the stripping away of the cation/anion hydration shells for an NaCl electrolyte at the Au surface when decreasing/increasing the bias potential. While Na+ is attracted toward the electrode at the smallest applied negative potentials, stripping of the Cl- hydration shell is observed only at higher potential values. These phenomena are directly measured by THz spectroscopy with ultrabright synchrotron light as a source and rationalized by accompanying molecular dynamics simulations and electronic-structure calculations.

Immunosuppressive effect of small extracellular vesicle PD-L1 is restricted by co-expression of CD80.

BACKGROUND: The PD-L1 on tumor cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) can suppress the proliferation and cytokine production of T cells. However, PD-L1 can also be expressed by non-tumor cells. The present study is designed to test whether immunocytes release immunosuppressive PD-L1-positive sEVs. METHODS: sEVs were isolated from different clinical samples of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, the level and cellular origins of PD-L1-positive sEVs were assessed. Co-expression of CD80 on PD-L1-positive sEVs was examined to evaluate the immunosuppressive and tumor-promotive effects. RESULTS: PD-L1-positive sEVs in HNSCC patients had various cellular origins, including tumor cell, T cell, B cell, dendritic cell and monocyte/macrophage. However, PD-L1-positive sEVs derived from immune cells did not exert immunosuppressive functions due to the co-expression of CD80. It was verified that co-expression of CD80 disrupted the binding of sEV PD-L1 to its receptor PD-1 on T cells and attenuated the immunosuppression mediated by sEV PD-L1 both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that PD-L1-positive sEVs have the cellular origin and functional heterogeneity. Co-expression of CD80 could restrict the immunosuppressive effect of sEV PD-L1. A greater understanding of PD-L1-positive sEV subsets is required to further improve their clinical application.

Simultaneous Detection of Two Extracellular Vesicle Subpopulations in Saliva Assisting Tumor T Staging of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), acting as important mediators of intercellular communication, play an essential role in physiological processes, which have unique potential in the medical field. However, the heterogeneity of EVs limits their development for disease diagnosis and therapy, making the EV subpopulation analysis extremely valuable. In this article, a simple microfluidic approach was presented for the on-chip specific isolation and detection of two phenotypes of EVs (Annexin V+ EGFR+ EVs and Annexin V- EGFR+ EVs) based on different biomolecule-modified magnetic nanospheres and a fluorescence labeling technique. Combined with the control of the magnetic field in the microzone and fluid flow, it was easy to form two separate functional regions in the chip to capture different EV subpopulations. This method was successfully applied to the tests of clinical saliva samples in 75 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients and 10 healthy people. The results showed that the total level of EGFR+ EVs was much higher in OSCC patients that in healthy people. Meantime, the ratio of Annexin V+ EGFR+ EVs to Annexin V- EGFR+ EVs was found to be negatively correlated with tumor T stage of OSCC patients with a statistical difference, which suggested the ratio as a clinical index for monitoring the progression of OSCC in real time based on a noninvasive method. The approach provided a novel idea for evaluating the tumor T stage of OSCC and a powerful tool for clinical application.

Inserting Single-Atom Zn by Tannic Acid Confinement To Regulate the Selectivity of Pd Nanocatalysts for Hydrogenation Reactions.

Precisely controlling the selectivity of nanocatalysts has always been a hot topic in heterogeneous catalysis but remains difficult owing to their complex and inhomogeneous catalytic sites. Herein, an effective strategy to regulate the chemoselectivity of Pd nanocatalysts for selective hydrogenation reactions by inserting single-atom Zn into Pd nanoparticles is reported. Taking advantage of the tannic acid coating-confinement strategy, small-sized Pd nanoparticles with inserted single-atom Zn are obtained on the O-doped carbon-coated alumina. Compared with the pure Pd nanocatalyst, the Pd nanocatalyst with single-atom Zn insertion exhibits prominent selectivity for the hydrogenation of p-iodonitrobenzene to afford the hydrodeiodination product instead of nitro hydrogenation ones. Further computational studies reveal that the single-atom Zn on Pd nanoparticles strengthens the adsorption of the nitro group to avoid its reduction and increases the d-band center of Pd atoms to facilitate the reduction of the iodo group, which leads to enhanced selectivity. This work provides new guidelines to tune the selectivity of nanocatalysts with guest single-atom sites.

Overexpression of RAB27A in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Promotes Tumor Migration and Invasion via Modulation of EGFR Membrane Stability.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent subtype of head and neck tumors, highly prone to lymph node metastasis. This study aims to examine the expression pattern of Ras-related protein Rab-27A (RAB27A) and explore its potential implications in OSCC. The expression of RAB27A was assessed through immunohistochemical analysis utilizing tissue microarrays. In vitro experiments were conducted using RAB27A-knockdown cells to investigate its impact on OSCC tumor cells. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing was performed to elucidate potential underlying mechanisms. RAB27A was significantly overexpressed in OSCC, and particularly in metastatic lymph nodes. It was positively correlated with the clinical progression and poor survival prognosis. Silencing RAB27A notably decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of OSCC cells in vitro. A Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated a strong association between RAB27A and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway. Further investigations revealed that RAB27A regulated the palmitoylation of EGFR via zinc finger DHHC-type containing 13 (ZDHHC13). These findings provide insights into OSCC progression and highlight RAB27A as a potential therapeutic target for combating this aggressive cancer.

Endothelial cells induce degradation of ECM through enhanced secretion of MMP14 carried on extracellular vesicles in venous malformation.

Venous malformations (VMs), featuring localized dilated veins, are the most common developmental vascular anomalies. Aberrantly organized perivascular extracellular matrix (ECM) is one of the prominent pathological hallmarks of VMs, accounting for vascular dysfunction. Although previous studies have revealed various proteins involved in ECM remodeling, the detailed pattern and molecular mechanisms underlying the endothelium-ECM interplay have not been fully elucidated. Our previous studies revealed drastically elevated extracellular vesicle (EV) secretion in VM lesions. Here, we identified increased EV-carried MMP14 in lesion fluids of VMs and culture medium of TIE2-L914F mutant endothelial cells (ECs), along with stronger ECM degradation. Knockdown of RAB27A, a required regulator for vesicle docking and fusion, led to decreased secretion of EV-carried MMP14 in vitro. Histochemical analysis further demonstrated a highly positive correlation between RAB27A in the endothelium and MMP14 in the perivascular environment. Therefore, our results proved that RAB27A-regulated secretion of EV-MMP14, as a new pattern of endothelium-ECM interplay, contributed to the development of VMs by promoting ECM degradation.

Reference Module-Based Analysis of Ovarian Cancer Transcriptome Identifies Important Modules and Potential Drugs.

Ovarian cancer (OVC) is often diagnosed at the advanced stage resulting in a poor overall outcome for the patient. The disease mechanisms, prognosis, and treatment require imperative elucidation. A rank-based module-centric framework was proposed to analyze the key modules related to the development, prognosis, and treatment of OVC. The ovarian cancer cell line microarray dataset GSE43765 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database was used to construct the reference modules by weighted gene correlation network analysis. Twenty-three reference modules were tested for stability and functionally annotated. Furthermore, to demonstrate the utility of reference modules, two more OVC datasets were collected, and their gene expression profiles were projected to the reference modules to generate a module-level expression. An epithelial-mesenchymal transition module was activated in OVC compared to the normal epithelium, and a pluripotency module was activated in ovarian cancer stroma compared to ovarian cancer epithelium. Seven differentially expressed modules were identified in OVC compared to the normal ovarian epithelium, with five up-regulated, and two down-regulated. One module was identified to be predictive of patient overall survival. Four modules were enriched with SNP signals. Based on differentially expressed modules and hub genes, five candidate drugs were screened. The hub genes of those modules merit further investigation. We firstly propose the reference module-based analysis of OVC. The utility of the analysis framework can be extended to transcriptome data of other kinds of diseases.

Curative effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise on urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy-Comparisons of different approaches at different time point.

Pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) is widely applied for urinary incontinence (UI) after radical prostatectomy (RP). This research aimed to explore the relationship between PFME and UI after RP. We searched databases for studies that met our requirements until 17/4/2021. The UI symptoms of the PFME group and the control group were compared at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the operation. Subgroup analysis based on surgical approach (open radical prostatectomy vs laparoscopy & robotics radical prostatectomy) and UI definition (questionnaire vs. pad weight) were also conducted. The UI rate in PFME group is significantly lower when compared with control group at each time point. According to subgroup analysis, PFME is more effective to alleviate UI after laparoscopy & robotics radical prostatectomy when compared with open RP at mid-term (3s and 6 months) whereas no significant difference was detected between two groups at short (1 month) or long (12 months) term. According to this meta-analysis, post-operation PFME treatment can effectively alleviate the symptoms of UI after RP at any time point; pre-operation PFME alone was not sufficient to relieve UI. Compared with open prostatectomy, PFME is more effective for the UI after laparoscopy & robotics radical prostatectomy.

Self-adaptive metasurface platform based on computer vision.

Programmable metasurfaces allow real-time electromagnetic (EM) manipulation in a digital manner, showing great potential to construct advanced multifunctional EM devices. However, the current programmable metasurfaces typically need human participation to achieve various EM functions. In this Letter, we propose, design, and construct a self-adaptive metasurface platform that can achieve beam control automatically based on image recognition. Such a platform is composed of a metasurface with 36×36 active units, a single-board computer, and two independent cameras that can detect the position of the objects. The single-board computer, Raspberry Pi, is used to calculate the information of the objects and generate the coding sequences to control the digital metasurface based on a low complexity binocular localization algorithm. Such a smart metasurface platform can generate different beams according to the location of the receiver and can be used as intelligent antennas in future communications and radars.

Targeting miR-10a-5p/IL-6R axis for reducing IL-6-induced cartilage cell ferroptosis.

BACKGROUND: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) causes lower back pain, and is often accompanied with robust inflammation. However, whether inflammation plays a role in IDD remains controversial, and the mechanism is ill-elucidated. METHODS: Cartilage specimens from patients with scoliosis (control) and IDD were examined for IL-6 and its receptor expression by qPCR and western blot. Primary human articular chondrocyte was employed as a model for in vitro assessment of IL-6 effects in cell viability, cellular oxidative stress and iron homeostasis by MTT, MDA, ROS and Iron Colorimetric assays. The underlying mechanism was explored by qPCR, western blot, RIP in combination with bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS: We found in this study that IL-6 and its receptor were aberrantly expressed in cartilage tissues of IDD patients. IL-6 down-regulated miR-10a-5p, which subsequently derepressed IL-6R expression. IL-6 exposure caused cartilage cell ferroptosis by inducing cellular oxidative stress and disturbing iron homeostasis. Overexpressing miR-10a-5p suppressed IL-6R expression, and partially abolished IL-6-induced ferroptosis. CONCLUSION: Results from current study suggests that inflammatory cytokine IL-6 appeared in IVD aggravates its degeneration by inducing cartilage cell ferroptosis. This is caused partially by inhibiting miR-10a-5p and subsequently derepressing IL-6R signaling pathway. Our study provides a novel mechanism explaining inflammatory cytokine-caused cartilage cell death in degenerative IVD, and makes IL-6/miR-10a-5p/IL-6R axis a potential therapeutic target for intervention of IDD.

Challenges for density functional theory: calculation of CO adsorption on electrocatalytically relevant metals.

Density Functional Theory (DFT) is currently the most tractable choice of theoretical model used to understand the mechanistic pathways for electrocatalytic processes such as CO2 or CO reduction. Here, we assess the performance of two DFT functionals designed specifically to describe surface interactions, RTPSS and RPBE, as well as two popular meta-GGA functionals, SCAN and B97M-rV, that have not been a priori optimized for better interfacial properties. We assess all four functionals against available experimental data for prediction of bulk and bare surface properties on four electrocatalytically relevant metals, Au, Ag, Cu, and Pt, and for binding CO to surfaces of these metals. To partially mitigate issues such as thermal and anharmonic corrections associated with comparing computations with experiments, molecular benchmarks against high level quantum chemistry are reported for CO complexes with Au, Ag, Cu and Pt atoms, as well as the CO-water complex and the water dimer. Overall, we find that the surface modified RPBE functional performs reliably for many of the benchmarks examined here, and the meta-GGA functionals also show promising results. Specifically B97M-rV predicts the correct site preference for CO binding on Ag and Au (the only functional tested here to do so), while RTPSS performs well for surface relaxations and binding of CO on Pt and Cu.

Association of Elevated Cord Blood Oxidative Stress Biomarkers with Neonatal Outcomes in Mothers with Pre-Eclampsia: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the levels of stress biomarkers in cord blood and pre-eclampsia (PE) in a hospital-based population of pregnant patients and evaluate the effects on pregnancy outcomes. DESIGN: This was an observational, case-control study. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods: This case-control study included 282 patients with severe PE and 534 women with normal pregnancy. The umbilical cord was collected at delivery and tested for malonaldehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase, and homocysteine (Hcy) analysis. We performed a univariate general linear regression model analysis to control potential confounders and determined the underlying influencing factors for high MDA and ROS. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to determine the cutoff values for identifying severe PE. Further, the severe PE group was divided into the low- or high-MDA and low- or high-ROS subgroups according to the cutoff values. Finally, we created logistic regression models to estimate the adjusted odds ratio for each perinatal outcome in the high-MDA and high-ROS subgroup. RESULTS: The levels of MDA and ROS levels were higher in women with severe PE than in normotensive pregnant patients. However, when adjusted for cord blood Hcy levels, the difference was insignificant. Additionally, both MDA (r = 0.359, p < 0.001) and ROS (r = 0.473, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with the cord blood Hcy level. The areas under the curve of MDA and ROS levels were 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60-0.69) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.86-0.90), respectively. Higher MDA and ROS levels were associated with increased risks of a low Apgar score, admission to the NICU, and assisted ventilation for the newborn. LIMITATIONS: The study design led to the exclusion of several participants. CONCLUSIONS: Increased levels of oxidative stress markers in the cord blood might be significantly associated with negative effects on newborns. High levels of Hcy in the cord blood might be associated with elevated MDA and ROS concentrations in women with severe PE.

Assessing left ventricular systolic function in children with a history of Kawasaki disease.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Kawasaki disease (KD) is increasing. Indeed, KD has become the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children. Previous studies have well summarized the acute phase left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE); however, changes in LV systolic function after long-term follow-up remain unclear. METHODS: One hundred children with a history of KD, but without coronary artery aneurysms, were enrolled. These children were divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of coronary artery dilatation (CAD). The duration of follow-up was > 7 years. The control group consisted of 51 healthy children. The LV myocardial strain were measured by two- and three-dimensional STE. RESULTS: Two-dimensional STE not only revealed that LV longitudinal strain decreased in part of segments in both KD groups, but also showed that global strain decreased in the KD group with CAD compared to the controls (P < 0.05). Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), and global area strain (GAS) were obtained by 3D STE. Compared to the controls, GLS and GAS decreased in both KD groups (P < 0.05). GCS and GRS decreased in the KD group with CAD, but was unchanged in the KD group without CAD (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LV systolic dysfunction in children with KD and CAD was more severe than KD children without CAD compared to healthy children. This dysfunction can be assessed by LV regional and global myocardial strain using two- and three-dimensional STE.

Association between serum homocysteine level and unexplained infertility in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI): A retrospective, hospital-based, case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Lower serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels are found to correlate with a better chance of clinical pregnancy and better embryo grades in assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, there is little knowledge on the association between Hcy level and unexplained infertility until now. METHODS: A total of 388 infertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatments were recruited, including 129 women with unexplained causes (case group) and 259 women with known causes (control group), and the case group was further divided into subgroups A (≤8 µmol/L), B (>8 and <15 µmol/L), and C (≥15 µmol/L) based on the serum Hcy level. The associations between serum Hcy level and IVF/ICSI pregnancy outcomes were examined in infertile women with unknown causes. RESULTS: A significantly higher serum Hcy level was measured in the case group than in the control group (P = .008). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant difference in the total number of oocytes retrieved among subgroups A, B, and C (P = .031), and no significant difference was seen among these three groups in terms of age, BMI, E2 level on the hCG day, number of M-II oocytes, number of fertilized oocytes, or total number of high-quality embryos (P > .05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between serum Hcy level and total number of oocytes retrieved (r = -.406, P = .019). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that serum Hcy level had no correlations with any IVF/ICSI outcomes. CONCLUSION: Serum Hcy level has no associations with IVF/ICSI pregnancy outcomes.

Explaining the Incorporation of Oxygen Derived from Solvent Water into the Oxygenated Products of CO Reduction over Cu.

The electrochemical reduction of CO and CO2 over Cu produces a variety of multicarbon products. Interestingly, recent isotope experiments have suggested that the oxygen atoms contained in the multicarbon alcohols produced over Cu are derived from solvent water. This observation has brought into question many of the proposed reaction mechanisms by which these multicarbon alcohols are produced over Cu. However, these surprising experimental observations are likely the result of isotopic scrambling between transiently produced carbonyl-containing intermediate reaction products, such as acetaldehyde, with solvent water and not another mechanism. The existence of such carbonyl-containing intermediate reaction products is supported by both experimental and theoretical studies. Furthermore, theoretical calculations support the notion that the reversible hydration of these carbonyl-containing species is facile in the vicinity of the Cu surface.