Improving interface quality for 1-cm2 all-perovskite tandem solar cells.

All-perovskite tandem solar cells provide high power conversion efficiency at a low cost1-4. Rapid efficiency improvement in small-area (<0.1 cm2) tandem solar cells has been primarily driven by advances in low-bandgap (approximately 1.25 eV) perovskite bottom subcells5-7. However, unsolved issues remain for wide-bandgap (> 1.75 eV) perovskite top subcells8, which at present have large voltage and fill factor losses, particularly for large-area (>1 cm2) tandem solar cells. Here we develop a self-assembled monolayer of (4-(7H-dibenzo[c,g]carbazol-7-yl)butyl)phosphonic acid as a hole-selective layer for wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells, which facilitates subsequent growth of high-quality wide-bandgap perovskite over a large area with suppressed interfacial non-radiative recombination, enabling efficient hole extraction. By integrating (4-(7H-dibenzo[c,g]carbazol-7-yl)butyl)phosphonic acid in devices, we demonstrate a high open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.31 V in a 1.77-eV perovskite solar cell, corresponding to a very low VOC deficit of 0.46 V (with respect to the bandgap). With these wide-bandgap perovskite subcells, we report 27.0% (26.4% certified stabilized) monolithic all-perovskite tandem solar cells with an aperture area of 1.044 cm2. The certified tandem cell shows an outstanding combination of a high VOC of 2.12 V and a fill factor of 82.6%. Our demonstration of the large-area tandem solar cells with high certified efficiency is a key step towards scaling up all-perovskite tandem photovoltaic technology.

The kinase Jnk2 promotes stress-induced mitophagy by targeting the small mitochondrial form of the tumor suppressor ARF for degradation.

Mitophagy is essential for cellular homeostasis, but how mitophagy is regulated is largely unknown. Here we found that the kinase Jnk2 was required for stress-induced mitophagy. Jnk2 promoted ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of the small mitochondrial form of the tumor suppressor ARF (smARF). Loss of Jnk2 led to the accumulation of smARF, which induced excessive autophagy that resulted in lysosomal degradation of the mitophagy adaptor p62 at steady state. Depletion of p62 prevented Jnk2-deficient cells from mounting mitophagy upon stress. Jnk2-deficient mice displayed defective mitophagy, which resulted in tissue damage under hypoxic stress, as well as hyperactivation of inflammasomes and increased mortality in sepsis. Our findings define a unique mechanism of maintaining immunological homeostasis that protects the host from tissue damage and mortality.

ENL reads histone ß-hydroxybutyrylation to modulate gene transcription.

Histone modifications are typically recognized by chromatin-binding protein modules (referred to as 'readers') to mediate fundamental processes such as transcription. Lysine ß-hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb) is a new type of histone mark that couples metabolism to gene expression. However, the readers that prefer histone Kbhb remain elusive. This knowledge gap should be filled in order to reveal the molecular mechanism of this epigenetic regulation. Herein, we developed a chemical proteomic approach, relying upon multivalent photoaffinity probes to capture binders of the mark, and identified ENL as a novel target of H3K9bhb. Biochemical studies and CUT&Tag analysis further suggested that ENL favorably binds to H3K9bhb, and co-localizes with it on promoter regions to modulate gene expression. Notably, disrupting the interaction between H3K9bhb and ENL via structure-based mutation led to the suppressed expression of genes such MYC that drive cell proliferation. Together, our work offered a chemoproteomics approach and identified ENL as a novel histone ß-hydroxybutyrylation effector that regulates gene transcription, providing new insight into the regulation mechanism and function of histone Kbhb.

Elucidating the binding partners of histone post-translational modifications (hPTMs) is key to understanding epigenetic regulatory pathways. Lysine ß-hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb) is a novel hPTM that couples metabolism to transcription. However, the effectors reading this mark are poorly understood as the Kbhb-mediated protein­protein interactions are weak and transient. Here, we presented a quantitative chemical proteomics approach using multivalent photoaffinity probes to robustly capture interactors of this mark. Thus, we identified ENL as a novel binder of Kbhb of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9bhb). Biochemical studies and CUT&Tag analysis further revealed that ENL recognizes H3K9bhb and co-localizes with it on gene promoters to modulate transcription and tumorigenesis. This study highlights ENL as a histone Kbhb reader for the regulation of transcription.

Suppression of inflammation and acute lung injury by Miz1 via repression of C/EBP-δ.

Inflammation is essential for host defense but can cause tissue damage and organ failure if unchecked. How the inflammation is resolved remains elusive. Here we report that the transcription factor Miz1 was required for terminating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. Genetic disruption of the Miz1 POZ domain, which is essential for the transactivation or repression activity of Miz1, resulted in hyperinflammation, lung injury and greater mortality in LPS-treated mice but a lower bacterial load and mortality in mice with Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia. Loss of the Miz1 POZ domain prolonged the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. After stimulation, Miz1 was phosphorylated at Ser178, which was required for recruitment of the histone deacetylase HDAC1 to repress transcription of the gene encoding C/EBP-δ, an amplifier of inflammation. Our data provide a long-sought mechanism underlying the resolution of LPS-induced inflammation.

Decreased AMPK/SIRT1/PDK4 induced by androgen excess inhibits human endometrial stromal cell decidualization in PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Ovulatory dysfunction is recognized as a primary infertile factor, however, even when ovulation is medically induced and restored, PCOS patients continue to experience reduced cumulative pregnancy rates and a higher spontaneous miscarriage rate. Hyperandrogenism, a hallmark feature of PCOS, affects ovarian folliculogenesis, endometrial receptivity, and the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Decidualization denotes the transformation that the stromal compart of the endometrium must undergo to accommodate pregnancy, driven by the rising progesterone levels and local cAMP production. However, studies on the impact of hyperandrogenism on decidualization are limited. In this study, we observed that primary endometrial stromal cells from women with PCOS exhibit abnormal responses to progesterone during in vitro decidualization. A high concentration of testosterone inhibits human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) decidualization. RNA-Seq analysis demonstrated that pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) expression was significantly lower in the endometrium of PCOS patients with hyperandrogenism compared to those without hyperandrogenism. We also characterized that the expression of PDK4 is elevated in the endometrium stroma at the mid-secretory phase. Artificial decidualization could enhance PDK4 expression, while downregulation of PDK4 leads to abnormal decidualization both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, testosterone excess inhibits IGFBP1 and PRL expression, followed by phosphorylating of AMPK that stimulates PDK4 expression. Based on co-immunoprecipitation analysis, we observed an interaction between SIRT1 and PDK4, promoting glycolysis to facilitate decidualization. Restrain of AR activation resumes the AMPK/SIRT1/PDK4 pathway suppressed by testosterone excess, indicating that testosterone primarily acts on decidualization through AR stimulation. Androgen excess in the endometrium inhibits decidualization by disrupting the AMPK/SIRT1/PDK4 signaling pathway. These data demonstrate the critical roles of endometrial PDK4 in regulating decidualization and provide valuable information for understanding the underlying mechanism during decidualization.

Multiomics Analysis Revealed Colorectal Cancer Pathogenesis.

Gut microbiota-derived microbial compounds may link to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of the host-microbiome in the incidence and progression of CRC remains elusive. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing, metabolomics, and proteomic studies on samples from 85 CRC patients who underwent colonoscopy examination and found two distinct changed patterns of microbiome in CRC patients. The relative abundances of Catabacter and Mogibacterium continuously increased from intramucosal carcinoma to advanced stages, whereas Clostridium, Anaerostipes, Vibrio, Flavonifractor, Holdemanella, and Hungatella were significantly altered only in intermediate lesions. Fecal metabolomics analysis exhibited consistent increases in bile acids, indoles, and urobilin as well as a decrease in heme. Serum metabolomics uncovered the highest levels of bilin, glycerides, and nucleosides together with the lowest levels of bile acids and amino acids in the stage of intermediate lesions. Three fecal and one serum dipeptides were elevated in the intermediate lesions. Proteomics analysis of colorectal tissues showed that oxidation and autophagy through the PI3K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway contribute to the development of CRC. Diagnostic analysis showed multiomics features have good predictive capability, with AUC greater than 0.85. Our overall findings revealed new candidate biomarkers for CRC, with potentially significant diagnostic and prognostic capabilities.

Elevated ITGA1 levels in type 2 diabetes: implications for cardiac function impairment.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is known to contribute to the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, identifying HFpEF in individuals with type 2 diabetes early on is often challenging due to a limited array of biomarkers. This study aims to investigate specific biomarkers associated with the progression of HFpEF in individuals with type 2 diabetes, for the purpose of enabling early detection and more effective management strategies. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from individuals with type 2 diabetes, both with and without HFpEF, for proteomic analysis. Plasma integrin α1 (ITGA1) levels were measured and compared between the two groups. Participants were further categorised based on ITGA1 levels and underwent detailed transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and during a median follow-up period of 30 months. Multivariable linear and Cox regression analyses were conducted separately to assess the associations between plasma ITGA1 levels and changes in echocardiography indicators and re-hospitalisation risk. Additionally, proteomic data for the individuals' left ventricles, from ProteomeXchange database, were analysed to uncover mechanisms underlying the change in ITGA1 levels in HFpEF. RESULTS: Individuals with type 2 diabetes and HFpEF showed significantly higher plasma ITGA1 levels than the individuals with type 2 diabetes without HFpEF. These elevated ITGA1 levels were associated with left ventricular remodelling and impaired diastolic function. Furthermore, during a median follow-up of 30 months, multivariable analysis revealed that elevated ITGA1 levels independently correlated with deterioration of both diastolic and systolic cardiac functions. Additionally, higher baseline plasma ITGA1 levels independently predicted re-hospitalisation risk (HR 2.331 [95% CI 1.387, 3.917], p=0.001). Proteomic analysis of left ventricular myocardial tissue provided insights into the impact of increased ITGA1 levels on cardiac fibrosis-related pathways and the contribution made by these changes to the development and progression of HFpEF. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: ITGA1 serves as a biomarker for monitoring cardiac structural and functional damage, can be used to accurately diagnose the presence of HFpEF, and can be used to predict potential deterioration in cardiac structure and function as well as re-hospitalisation for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Its measurement holds promise for facilitating risk stratification and early intervention to mitigate the adverse cardiovascular effects associated with diabetes. DATA AVAILABILITY: The proteomic data of left ventricular myocardial tissue from individuals with type 2 diabetes, encompassing both those with and without HFpEF, is available from the ProteomeXchange database at http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org .

Widespread slow oscillations support interictal epileptiform discharge networks in focal epilepsy.

Interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) often co-occur across spatially-separated cortical regions, forming IED networks. However, the factors prompting IED propagation remain unelucidated. We hypothesized that slow oscillations (SOs) might facilitate IED propagation. Here, the amplitude and phase synchronization of SOs preceding propagating and non-propagating IEDs were compared in 22 patients with focal epilepsy undergoing intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) evaluation. Intracranial channels were categorized into the irritative zone (IZ) and normal zone (NOZ) regarding the presence of IEDs. During wakefulness, we found that pre-IED SOs within the IZ exhibited higher amplitudes for propagating IEDs than non-propagating IEDs (delta band: p = 0.001, theta band: p < 0.001). This increase in SOs was also concurrently observed in the NOZ (delta band: p = 0.04). Similarly, the inter-channel phase synchronization of SOs prior to propagating IEDs was higher than those preceding non-propagating IEDs in the IZ (delta band: p = 0.04). Through sliding window analysis, we observed that SOs preceding propagating IEDs progressively increased in amplitude and phase synchronization, while those preceding non-propagating IEDs remained relatively stable. Significant differences in amplitude occurred approximately 1150 ms before IEDs. During non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, SOs on scalp recordings also showed higher amplitudes before intracranial propagating IEDs than before non-propagating IEDs (delta band: p = 0.006). Furthermore, the analysis of IED density around sleep SOs revealed that only high-amplitude sleep SOs demonstrated correlation with IED propagation. Overall, our study highlights that transient but widely distributed SOs are associated with IED propagation as well as generation in focal epilepsy during sleep and wakefulness, providing new insight into the EEG substrate supporting IED networks.

Tumor-infiltrating immune cell profiles and changes associate with additional trastuzumab in preoperative chemotherapy for patients with HER2-positive gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: HER2(+) gastric cancer (GC) can benefit from trastuzumab. However, the impact of additional trastuzumab in preoperative treatment on immune cells remains largely unknown. METHODS: In cohort I, immune cells were detected by immunohistochemistry in 1321 patients. Then 88 HER2(+) patients received preoperative therapy were collected as cohort II. Immune cell profiles and changes were analyzed in paired pre- and post-operative specimens using multiple immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS: In the treatment-naive GC patients (n = 1002), CD3+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration was significantly lower in the HER2(+) GC patients together with higher FoxP3+ T cells compared with HER2(-). However, FoxP3+ T and CD20+ B cell infiltration was significantly higher in HER2(+) GC after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 319). The trastuzumab-exposed group had higher CD8+ T and lower FoxP3+ T cell infiltration and CD8+ T cell was even more significant in responders. Additionally, tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) density increased in invasion margin of residual tumors. Patients with lower TLS in the tumor core or lower FoxP3+ T cells had better overall survival in the trastuzumab-exposed group. CONCLUSION: Addition of trastuzumab modulates the immune microenvironment, suggesting the potential mechanism of the favorable outcome of anti-HER2 therapy and providing a theoretical rationale for the combinational immunotherapy in resectable HER2(+) GC patients.

Single-Crystal Perovskite for Solar Cell Applications.

The advent of organic-inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskites has revolutionized photovoltaics, with polycrystalline thin films reaching over 26% efficiency and single-crystal perovskite solar cells (IC-PSCs) demonstrating ≈24%. However, research on single-crystal perovskites remains limited, leaving a crucial gap in optimizing solar energy conversion. Unlike polycrystalline films, which suffer from high defect densities and instability, single-crystal perovskites offer minimal defects, extended carrier lifetimes, and longer diffusion lengths, making them ideal for high-performance optoelectronics and essential for understanding perovskite material behavior. This review explores the advancements and potential of IC-PSCs, focusing on their superior efficiency, stability, and role in overcoming the limitations of polycrystalline counterparts. It covers device architecture, material composition, preparation methodologies, and recent breakthroughs, emphasizing the importance of further research to propel IC-PSCs toward commercial viability and future dominance in photovoltaic technology.

Stretchable Electronics with Strain-Resistive Performance.

Stretchable electronics have attracted tremendous attention amongst academic and industrial communities due to their prospective applications in personal healthcare, human-activity monitoring, artificial skins, wearable displays, human-machine interfaces, etc. Other than mechanical robustness, stable performances under complex strains in these devices that are not for strain sensing are equally important for practical applications. Here, a comprehensive summarization of recent advances in stretchable electronics with strain-resistive performance is presented. First, detailed overviews of intrinsically strain-resistive stretchable materials, including conductors, semiconductors, and insulators, are given. Then, systematic representations of advanced structures, including helical, serpentine, meshy, wrinkled, and kirigami-based structures, for strain-resistive performance are summarized. Next, stretchable arrays and circuits with strain-resistive performance, that integrate multiple functionalities and enable complex behaviors, are introduced. This review presents a detailed overview of recent progress in stretchable electronics with strain-resistive performances and provides a guideline for the future development of stretchable electronics.

Managing Pb-Related Imperfections via Rationally Designed Aniline Derivative with Bilateral Cyano and Acetyl Groups as Lewis Base for High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells Exceeding 24.

Pb-related imperfections (surface or halide vacancy induced uncoordinated Pb2+, Pb-I antisite, and Pb2+ vacancy defects) of the ionic crystal perovskite film seriously restrict the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, an aniline derivative N-(4-cyanophenyl)acetamide (CAL) is rationally designed, incorporating bilateral functional sites of cyano and acetyl groups, acting as Lewis base molecule for managing the Pb-related imperfections in perovskite surface through post-treatment. Theoretical calculation and experimental verification together proved the reduced defect density, improved crystallinity, and inhibited ion migration in the CAL-modified perovskite. Precisely, cyano as a side group and acetyl as another side group can both coordinate with Pb2+ for its low electrostatic potential energy. Further, the aniline core and the π-π conjugate structure in the benzene ring of the ligand tend to form a dimer to improve the mobility for carrier transportation and collection. The strategy demonstrates a champion PCE of 24.35% for the air-processed PSCs with over 1200 hours of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) stability. This study presents a comprehensive approach to overcoming the current Pb-related imperfections induced limitations in PSCs, paving the way for their integration into mainstream solar technologies.

Synchronous Regulation Strategy of Pyrrolidinium Thiocyanate Enables Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells and Self-Powered Photodetectors.

Developing inventive approaches to control crystallization and suppress trap defects in perovskite films is crucial for achieving efficient perovskite photovoltaics. Here, a synchronous regulation strategy is developed that involves the infusion of a zwitterionic ionic liquid additive, pyrrolidinium thiocyanate (PySCN), into the perovskite precursor to optimize the subsequent crystallization and defects. PySCN modification not only orchestrates the crystallization process but also deftly addresses trap defects in perovskite films. Within this, SCN- compensates for positively charged defects, while Py+ plays the role of passivating negatively charged defects. Based on the vacuum flash evaporation without anti-solvent, the air-processed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with PySCN modification can achieve an extraordinary champion efficiency of 22.46% (0.1 cm2) and 21.15% (1.0 cm2) with exceptional stability surpassing 1200 h. Further, the self-powered photodetector goes above and beyond, showcasing an ultra-low dark current of 2.13 × 10-10 A·cm-2, a specific detection rate of 6.12 × 1013 Jones, and an expansive linear dynamic range reaching an astonishing 122.49 dB. PySCN modification not only signifies high efficiency but also ushers in a new era for crystallization regulation, promising a transformative impact on the optoelectronic performance of perovskite-based devices.

Metaproteomics analysis of anaerobic digestion of food waste by the addition of calcium peroxide and magnetite.

Adding trace calcium peroxide and magnetite into a semi-continuous digester is a new method to effectively improve the anaerobic digestion of food waste. However, the microbial mechanism in this system has not been fully explored. Metaproteomics further revealed that the most active and significantly regulated genus u_p_Chloroflexi had formed a good cooperative relationship with Methanomicrobiales and Methanothrix in the system. u_p_Chloroflexi decomposed more organic compounds into CO2, acetate, amino acids, and other substances by alternating between short aerobic-anaerobic respiration. It perceived and adapted to the surrounding environment by producing biofilm, extracellular enzymes, and accelerating substrate transport, formed a respiratory barrier, and enhanced iron transport capacity by using highly expressed cytochrome C. The methanogens formed reactive oxygen species scavengers and reduced iron transport to prevent oxidative damage. This study provides new insight for improving the efficiency of anaerobic digestion of food waste and identifying key microorganisms and their regulated functional proteins in the calcium peroxide-magnetite digestion system.IMPORTANCEPrevious study has found that the combination of calcium peroxide and magnetite has a good promoting effect on the anaerobic digestion process of food waste. Through multiple omics approaches, information such as microbial population structure and changes in metabolites can be further analyzed. This study can help researchers gain a deeper understanding of the digestion pathway of food waste under the combined action of calcium peroxide and magnetite, further elucidate the impact mechanisms of calcium peroxide and magnetite at the microbial level, and provide theoretical guidance to improve the efficiency and stability of anaerobic digestion of food waste, as well as reduce operational costs. This research contributes to improving energy recovery efficiency, promoting sustainable management and development of food waste, and is of great significance to environmental protection.

Extracellular vesicles of Bacteroides fragilis regulated macrophage polarization through promoted Sema7a expression.

Abnormal activation of macrophage and gut Bacteroides fragilis (BF) are the important induction factors in the occurrence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and vascular complications. However, it remains unknown whether BF involves in macrophage polarization. In this study, we found that BF extracellular vesicles (EV) can be uptaken by macrophage. BF-EV promote macrophage M1/M2 polarization significantly, and increase Sting expression significantly. Bioinformatics analysis found that Sema7a is an important gene involving in macrophage polarization. The expression of Sema7a can be induced by BF-EV and can be inhibited after C-176 treated. The inhibition expression of Sema7a prevent BF-EV to induce macrophage polarization. Further analysis reveals that there is no direct interaction between Sting and Sema7a, but Sgpl1 can interact with Sting or Sema7a. BF-EV promote the expression of Sgpl1, which the phenomenon can be inhibited after C-176 treated. Importantly, overexpression of Sgpl1 reversed the effect of C-176 for Sema7a expression, while inhibit Sema7a expression has limitation influence for Sting and Sgpl1 expression. In conclusion, this study confirms that Sting-Sgpl1-Sema7a is a key mechanism by which BF-EV regulates macrophage polarization.

Highly efficient fluorescent and hybrid white organic light-emitting diodes based on a bimolecular excited system: publisher's note.

This publisher's note contains a correction to Opt. Lett.48, 5771 (2023)10.1364/OL.506371.

Endometrial preparation protocols did not impact pregnancy outcomes of patients with cured chronic endometritis.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Do endometrial preparation protocols have an effect on pregnancy outcomes in patients with cured chronic endometritis? DESIGN: A retrospective study was conducted on 3721 infertile patients from December 2018 to August 2020. Endometrial tissues obtained during the proliferative phase were immunostained for CD138. The presence of CD138-positive cells within the stromal cells indicated chronic endometritis. All patients diagnosed with chronic endometritis received oral antibiotics. Patients underwent endometrial preparation and frozen embryo transfer once chronic endometritis was cured. This study compared various endometrial preparation protocols to assess their effects on pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, it aimed to investigate differences in pregnancy outcomes between patients without chronic endometritis and patients with cured chronic endometritis while following the same endometrial preparation protocol. RESULTS: Almost no differences in pregnancy outcomes were observed between natural cycle, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist-HRT (GnRH agonist-HRT) protocols in patients without chronic endometritis and patients with cured chronic endometritis. The only notable difference was that, among women without chronic endometritis, the early miscarriage rate was higher for the GnRH agonist-HRT protocol (25.8%) compared with the natural cycle (17.4%) and HRT (17.7%) protocols (P = 0.025). However, this difference was not significant after adjusting for confounders (adjusted OR 1.383, 95% CI 0.931-2.055). The live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate, ectopic pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy rate did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between patients without chronic endometritis and patients with cured chronic endometritis who underwent natural cycle, HRT and GnRH agonist-HRT protocols. CONCLUSION: Endometrial preparation protocols had no impact on pregnancy outcomes in patients with cured chronic endometritis.

A predictive model of herpes zoster after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: VZV reactivation following antiviral prophylaxis discontinuation.

Herpes zoster (HZ) refers to the rash appearing on dermatomes due to varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation. The incidence of HZ is significantly higher in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients than in non-HSCT recipients. Although acyclovir prophylaxis is routinely administered to every allo-HSCT recipient for 1 year after transplantation, some individuals eventually develop late-onset HZ after completing prophylaxis. Little information is known about the clinical features of HZ after prophylactic antiviral treatment discontinuation, and an effective predictive model of late-onset HZ needs to be established. A total of 3366 patients who had received allo-HSCT from 2012 to 2017 were included in our study, among whom 201 developed HZ after 1 year (late-onset HZ). We designed a nested case-control study to identify potential predictors of late-onset HZ. Finally, we established a predictive model using binary logistic regression analysis. Age (p < .001), use of immunosuppressants at +1 year (p < .001), CD4-CD8 ratio at +1 year (p < .001), certain mental disorders (depression, anxiety, insomnia and adjustment disorder) (p < .001), engraftment time of neutrophils (p < .001), and CD8+ cell count at +30 days (p < .001) were independent predictors of late-onset HZ. A risk grading system was established based on regression coefficients. Discrimination and calibration analysis indicated that the model had good performance. We also identified several predictive factors of the incidence of HZ-related complications. This is the first scoring system for predicting the incidence of late-onset HZ after allo-HSCT. This model can be applied to identify individuals at high risk of late-onset HZ in the early period after receiving allo-HSCT.

Safety and efficacy of baricitinib in steroid-resistant or relapsed immune thrombocytopenia: An open-label pilot study.

Patients with steroid-resistant or relapsed immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) suffer increased bleeding risk and impaired quality of life. Baricitinib, an oral Janus-associated kinases (JAK) inhibitor, could alleviate both innate and adaptive immune disorders without inducing thrombocytopenia in several autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, an open-label, single-arm, phase 2 trial (NCT05446831) was initiated to explore the safety and efficacy of baricitinib in ITP. Eligible patients were adults with primary ITP who were refractory to corticosteroids and at least one subsequent treatment, and had platelet counts below 30 × 109/L at enrolment. Participants received baricitinib 4 mg daily for 6 months. The primary endpoint was durable response at the 6-month follow-up. A total of 35 patients were enrolled. Durable response was achieved in 20 patients (57.1%, 95% confidence interval, 39.9 to 74.4), and initial response in 23 (65.7%) patients. For patients responding to baricitinib, the median time to response was 12 (IQR 6-20) days, and the median peak platelet count was 94 (IQR 72-128) × 109/L. Among the 27 patients undergoing extend observation, 12 (44.4%) remained responsive for a median duration of approximately 20 weeks after baricitinib discontinuation. Adverse events were reported in 11 (31.4%) patients, including infections in 6 (17.1%) patients during the treatment period. Treatment discontinuation due to an adverse event was reported in 2 (5.7%) patients. Evidence from this pilot study suggested that baricitinib might be a novel candidate for the armamentarium of ITP-modifying agents. Future studies are warranted to validate the safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing of baricitinib in patients with ITP.

Tidal channel meanders serve as stepping-stones to facilitate cordgrass landward spread by creating invasion windows.

Understanding the mechanisms by which the geomorphic structures affect habitat invasibility by mediating various abiotic and biotic factors is essential for predicting whether these geomorphic structures may provide spatial windows of opportunity to facilitate range-expansion of invasive species in salt marshes. Many studies have linked geomorphic landscape features such as tidal channels to invasion by exotic plants, but the role of tidal channel meanders (i.e., convex and concave sides) in regulating the Spartina alterniflora invasion remains unclear. Here, we examined the combined effects of tidal channel meander-mediated hydrodynamic variables, soil abiotic stresses, and propagule pressure on the colonization of Spartina in the Yellow River Delta, China, by conducting field observations and experiments. The results showed that lower hydrodynamic disturbance, bed shear stress, and higher propagule pressure triggered by eddies due to the convex structure of channel meanders facilitated Spartina seedling establishment and growth, whereas the concave side considerably inhibited the Spartina invasion. Lower soil abiotic stresses also significantly promoted the invasibility of the channel meanders by Spartina. Based on these findings, we propose a conceptual framework to illustrate the effects of the meandering geomorphology of tidal channels on the mechanisms that might allow the landward spread of Spartina and related processes. Our results demonstrate that the meandering geomorphic structures of tidal channels could act as stepping-stones to significantly facilitate the landward invasion of Spartina along tidal channels. This implies that geomorphic characteristics of tidal channels should be integrated into invasive species control and salt marsh management strategies.