Engineering Gapless Edge States from Antiferromagnetic Chern Homobilayer.

We put forward that stacked Chern insulators with opposite chiralities offer a strategy to achieve gapless helical edge states in two dimensions. We employ the square lattice as an example and elucidate that the gapless chiral and helical edge states emerge in the monolayer and antiferromagnetically stacked bilayer, characterized by Chern number C=-1 and spin Chern number CS=-1, respectively. Particularly, for a topological phase transition to the normal insulator in the stacked bilayer, a band gap closing and reopening procedure takes place accompanied by helical edge states disappearing, where the Chern insulating phase in the monolayer vanishes at the same time. Moreover, EuO is revealed as a suitable candidate for material realization. This work is not only valuable to the research of the quantum anomalous Hall effect but also offers a favorable platform to realize magnetic topologically insulating materials for spintronics applications.

Layer-Polarized Anomalous Hall Effects from Inversion-Symmetric Single-Layer Lattices.

In the field of physics and materials science, the discovery of the layer-polarized anomalous Hall effect (LP-AHE) stands as a crucial development. The current research paradigm is rooted in topological or inversion-asymmetric valleytronic systems, making such a phenomenon rather rare. In this work, a universal design principle for achieving the LP-AHE from inversion-symmetric single-layer lattices is proposed. Through tight-binding model analysis, we demonstrate that by stacking into antiferromagnetic van der Waals bilayer lattices, the coupling physics between PT symmetry and vertical external bias can be realized. This coupling reveals the previously neutralized layer-locked Berry curvature, compelling the carriers to move in a specific direction within a given layer, thereby realizing the LP-AHE. Intriguingly, the chirality of the LP-AHE can be effectively switched by modulating the direction of vertical external bias. First-principles calculations validate this mechanism in bilayer T-FeCl2 and MnPSe3. Our results pave the way for new explorations of the LP-AHE.

Engineering Layertronics in Two-Dimensional Ferromagnetic Multiferroic Lattice.

Layertronics, rooted in the layer Hall effect (LHE), is an emerging fundamental phenomenon in condensed matter physics and spintronics. So far, several theoretical and experimental proposals have been made to realize LHE, but all are based on antiferromagnetic systems. Here, using symmetry and tight-binding model analysis, we propose a general mechanism for engineering layertronics in a two-dimensional ferromagnetic multiferroic lattice. The physics is related to the band geometric properties and multiferroicity, which results in the coupling between Berry curvature and layer degree of freedom, thereby generating the LHE. Using first-principles calculations, we further demonstrate this mechanism in bilayer (BL) TcIrGe2S6. Due to the intrinsic inversion and time-reversal symmetry breakings, BL TcIrGe2S6 exhibits multiferroicity with large Berry curvatures at both the center and corners of the Brillouin zone. These Berry curvatures couple with the layer physics, forming the LHE in BL TcIrGe2S6. Our work opens a new direction for research on layertronics.

Topology-Engineered Orbital Hall Effect in Two-Dimensional Ferromagnets.

Recent advances in the manipulation of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) within the paradigm of orbitronics presents a promising avenue for the design of future electronic devices. In this context, the recently observed orbital Hall effect (OHE) occupies a special place. Here, focusing on both the second-order topological and quantum anomalous Hall insulators in two-dimensional ferromagnets, we demonstrate that topological phase transitions present an efficient and straightforward way to engineer the OHE, where the OAM distribution can be controlled by the nature of the band inversion. Using first-principles calculations, we identify Janus RuBrCl and three septuple layers of MnBi2Te4 as experimentally feasible examples of the proposed mechanism of OHE engineering by topology. With our work, we open up new possibilities for innovative applications in topological spintronics and orbitronics.

A Conductive 3D Dual-Metal π-d Conjugated Metal-Organic Framework Fe3(HITP)2/bpm@Co for Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

Although 2D π-d conjugated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit high in-plane conductivity, the closely stacked layers result in low specific surface area and difficulty in mass transfer and diffusion. Hence, a conductive 3D MOF Fe3(HITP)2/bpm@Co (HITP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene) is reported through inserting bpm (4,4'-bipyrimidine) ligands and Co2+ into the interlayers of 2D MOF Fe3(HITP)2. Compared to 2D Fe3(HITP)2 (37.23 m2 g-1), 3D Fe3(HITP)2/bpm@Co displays a huge improvement in the specific surface area (373.82 m2 g-1). Furthermore, the combined experimental and density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations demonstrate the metallic behavior of Fe3(HITP)2/bpm@Co, which will benefit to the electrocatalytic activity of it. Impressively, Fe3(HITP)2/bpm@Co exhibits prominent and stable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance (an overpotential of 299 mV vs RHE at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 37.14 mV dec-1), which is superior to 2D Fe3(HITP)2 and comparable to commercial IrO2. DFT theoretical calculation reveals that the combined action of the Fe and Co sites in Fe3(HITP)2/bpm@Co is responsible for the enhanced electrocatalytic activity. This work provides an alternative approach to develop conductive 3D MOFs as efficient electrocatalysts.

Regulatory mucosa-associated invariant T cells controlled by ß1 adrenergic receptor signaling contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma progression.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The innate-like mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are enriched in human liver and have been linked to human HCC. However, their contributions to the progression of HCC are controversial due to the heterogeneity of MAIT cells, and new MAIT cell subsets remain to be explored. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Combining single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and flow cytometry analysis, we performed phenotypic and functional studies and found that FOXP3 + CXCR3 + MAIT cells in HCC patients were regulatory MAIT cells (MAITregs) with high immunosuppressive potential. These MAITregs were induced under Treg-inducing condition and predominantly from FOXP3 - CXCR3 + MAIT cells, which displayed mild Treg-related features and represented a pre-MAITreg reservoir. In addition, the induction and function of MAITregs were promoted by ß1 adrenergic receptor signaling in pre-MAITregs and MAITregs, respectively. In HCC patients, high proportion of the intratumoral MAITregs inhibited antitumor immune responses and was associated with poor clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Together, we reveal an immunosuppressive subset of MAIT cells in HCC patients that contributes to HCC progression, and propose a control through neuroimmune crosstalk.

Model-based dosing optimization and therapeutic drug monitoring practices of teicoplanin in patients with complicated or non-complicated methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infection.

AIMS: This study aims to establish a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of teicoplanin in Chinese adult patients to evaluate the dosing regimen in the label sheet and optimize it. METHODS: Nonlinear mixed-effects modelling was used to estimate PK parameters. Monte Carlo simulations were used to evaluate the attainment of various dosing regimens in achieving the target trough concentrations in patients with normal or decreased renal function. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Creatinine clearance (CrCL) and albumin (ALB) were identified as covariates on the clearance of teicoplanin. For the treatment of non-complicated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in patients with normal renal function and serum ALB concentration, the recommended dosing regimen was 600 mg q12h with five administrations as the loading dose followed by 600 mg qd as the maintenance dose; for the treatment of serious and/or complicated MRSA infections, the recommended dosing regimen was 800 mg q12h with five administrations as the loading dose followed by 800 mg qd as the maintenance dose. It is worth noting that both the loading and maintenance doses ought to be modified based on the patient's renal function and serum ALB concentration. In addition, trough concentrations of teicoplanin were significantly increased every other week. CONCLUSIONS: Both loading dosing and maintenance dosing regimens were recommended to be adjusted according to patient's renal function and serum ALB concentration. In addition, it is necessary to perform follow-up therapeutic drug monitoring of teicoplanin at least once every week.

Circulating blood biomarkers correlated with the prognosis of advanced triple negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can improve survivals of metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC); however, we still seek circulating blood biomarkers to predict the efficacy of ICIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we analyzed the data of ICIs treated mTNBC collected in Anhui Medical University affiliated hospitals from 2018 to 2023. The counts of lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, and ratio indexes (NLR, MLR, PLR) in peripheral blood were investigated via the Kaplan-Meier curves and the Cox proportional-hazards model. RESULTS: The total of 50 mTNBC patients were treated with ICIs. High level of peripheral lymphocytes and low level of NLR and MLR at baseline and post the first cycle of ICIs play the predictable role of immunotherapies. Lymphocytes counts (HR = 0.280; 95% CI: 0.095-0.823; p = 0.021) and NLR (HR = 1.150; 95% CI: 1.052-1.257; p = 0.002) are significantly correlated with overall survival. High NLR also increases the risk of disease progression (HR = 2.189; 95% CI:1.085-4.414; p = 0.029). When NLR at baseline ≥ 2.75, the hazard of death (HR = 2.575; 95% CI:1.217-5.447; p = 0.013) and disease progression (HR = 2.189; 95% CI: 1.085-4.414; p = 0.029) significantly rise. HER-2 expression and anti-tumor therapy lines are statistically correlated with survivals. CONCLUSIONS: Before the initiation of ICIs, enriched peripheral lymphocytes and poor neutrophils and NLR contribute to the prediction of survivals.

Multiple Topological Magnetism in van der Waals Heterostructure of MnTe2/ZrS2.

Topological magnetism in low-dimensional systems is of fundamental and practical importance in condensed-matter physics and material science. Here, using first-principles and Monte Carlo simulations, we present that multiple topological magnetism (i.e., skyrmion and bimeron) can survive in van der Waals heterostructure MnTe2/ZrS2. Arising from interlayer coupling, MnTe2/ZrS2 can harbor a large Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. This, combined with exchange interaction, yields an intriguing skyrmion phase under a tiny magnetic field of 75 mT. Meanwhile, upon harnessing a small electric field, magnetic bimeron can be observed in MnTe2/ZrS2, suggesting the existence of multiple topological magnetism. Through interlayer sliding, both topological magnetisms can be switched on-off. In addition, the impacts of d∥ and Keff on these spin textures are revealed, and a dimensionless parameter κ is utilized to describe their joint effect. These explored phenomena and insights not only are useful for fundamental research in topological magnetism but also enable novel applications in nanodevices.

Robust Second-Order Topological Insulators with Giant Valley Polarization in Two-Dimensional Honeycomb Ferromagnets.

Magnetic topological states have attracted great attention that provide exciting platforms for exploring prominent physical phenomena and applications of topological spintronics. Here, using a tight-binding model and first-principles calculations, we put forward that, in contrast to previously reported magnetic second-order topological insulators (SOTIs), robust SOTIs can emerge in two-dimensional ferromagnets regardless of magnetization directions. Remarkably, we identify intrinsic ferromagnetic 2H-RuCl2 and Janus VSSe monolayers as experimentally feasible candidates of predicted robust SOTIs with the emergence of nontrivial corner states along different magnetization directions. Moreover, under out-of-plane magnetization, we unexpectedly point out that the valley polarization of SOTIs can be huge and much larger than that of the known ferrovalley materials, opening up a technological avenue to bridge the valleytronics and higher-order topology with high possibility of innovative applications in topological spintronics and valleytronics.

Layer Hall Effect in Multiferroic Two-Dimensional Materials.

The layer Hall effect (LHE) is of fundamental and practical importance in condensed-matter physics and material science; however, it was rarely observed and usually based on the paradigms of persistent electric field and sliding ferroelectricity. Here, a new mechanism of LHE is proposed by coupling layer physics with multiferroics using symmetry analysis and a low-energy k·p model. Due to time-reversal symmetry breaking and valley physics, the Bloch electrons on one valley will be subject to a large Berry curvature. This combined with inversion symmetry breaking gives rise to layer-polarized Berry curvature and can force the electrons to deflect in one direction of a given layer, thereby generating the LHE. We demonstrate that the resulting LHE is ferroelectrically controllable and reversible. Using first-principles calculations, this mechanism and predicted phenomena are verified in the multiferroic material of bilayer Co2CF2. Our finding opens a new direction for LHE and 2D materials research.

In Situ Monitoring of the Spatial Distribution of Oxygen Vacancies and Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance at the Single-Particle Level.

Oxygen vacancies (OVs) on specific sites/facets can strengthen the interaction between reactants and oxide surfaces, facilitating interfacial charge transfer. However, precise monitoring of the spatial distribution of OVs remains a grand challenge. We report here that a single-particle spectroscopy technique addresses this challenge by establishing a positive correlation relationship between defects and bound exciton luminescence across different facets. Taking monoclinic BiVO4 as an example, on the basis of theoretical guidance, by in situ tracking the PL lifetimes and PL spectra of different facets on single particles before and after hydrogen treatment, we provide evidence that the PL emission originates from the OV state and determine that OVs is more inclined to be generated at the {010} facets. This anisotropic defect engineering significantly prolongs the lifetime of carriers and accelerates the activation of molecular oxygen. These findings not only verify preference rules of OVs in metal oxides but also provide a time-space-resolved monitoring method.

[Betulinic acid inhibits non-small cell lung cancer by repolarizing tumor-associated macrophages via mTOR signaling pathway].

The abnormal activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) is closely associated with distant metastasis, drug resistance, tumor immune escape, and low overall survival. The present study reported that betulinic acid(BA), a potent inhibitor of mTOR signaling pathway, exhibited an inhibitory activity against NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. CCK-8 and colony formation results demonstrated that BA significantly inhibited the viability and clonogenic ability of H1299, A549, and LLC cells. Additionally, the treatment with BA induced mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis of H1299 and LLC cells. Furthermore, BA inhibited the mobility and invasion of H1299 and LLC cells by down-regulating the expression level of matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2) and impairing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The results demonstrated that the inhibition of mTOR signaling pathway by BA decreased the proportion of M2 phenotype(CD206 positive) cells in total macrophages. Furthermore, a mouse model of subcutaneous tumor was established with LLC cells to evaluate the anti-tumor efficiency of BA in vivo. The results revealed that the administration of BA dramatically retarded the tumor growth and inhibited the proliferation of tumor cells. More importantly, BA increased the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages in the tumor tissue, which implied the enhancement of anti-tumor immunity. In conclusion, BA demonstrated the inhibitory effect on NSCLC by repolarizing tumor-associated macrophages via the mTOR signaling pathway.

Enhanced Charge Transfer Process and Photocatalytic Activity over a Phosphonate-based MOF via Amorphization Strategy.

Recently, amorphous materials have gained great attention as an emerging kind of functional material, and their characteristics such as isotropy, absence of grain boundaries, and abundant defects are very likely to outrun the disadvantages of crystalline counterparts, such as low conductivity, and ultimately lead to improved charge transfer efficiency. Herein, we investigated the effect of amorphization on the charge transfer process and photocatalytic performance with a phosphonate-based metal-organic framework (FePPA) as the research object. Comprehensive experimental results suggest that compared to crystalline FePPA, amorphous FePPA has more distorted metal nodes, which affects the electron distribution and consequently improves the photogenerated charge separation efficiency. Meanwhile, the distorted metal nodes in amorphous FePPA also greatly promote the adsorption and activation of O2. Hence, amorphous FePPA exhibits a better performance of photocatalytic C(sp3)-H bond activation for selective oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde. This work illustrates the advantages of amorphous MOFs in the charge transfer process, which is conducive to the further development of high performance MOFs-based photocatalysts.

Unveiling pH-Dependent Adsorption Strength of *CO2 - Intermediate over High-Density Sn Single Atom Catalyst for Acidic CO2-to-HCOOH Electroreduction.

The acidic electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) for direct formic acid (HCOOH) production holds promise in meeting the carbon-neutral target, yet its performance is hindered by the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Understanding the adsorption strength of the key intermediates in acidic electrolyte is indispensable to favor CO2RR over HER. In this work, high-density Sn single atom catalysts (SACs) were prepared and used as catalyst, to reveal the pH-dependent adsorption strength and coverage of *CO2 - intermediatethat enables enhanced acidic CO2RR towards direct HCOOH production. At pH=3, Sn SACs could deliver a high Faradaic efficiency (90.8 %) of HCOOH formation and a corresponding partial current density up to -178.5 mA cm-2. The detailed in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic studies reveal that a favorable alkaline microenvironment for CO2RR to HCOOH is formed near the surface of Sn SACs, even in the acidic electrolyte. More importantly, the pH-dependent adsorption strength of *CO2 - intermediate is unravelled over the Sn SACs, which in turn affects the competition between HER and CO2RR in acidic electrolyte.

Silencing of OGDHL promotes liver cancer metastasis by enhancing hypoxia inducible factor 1 α protein stability.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant diseases associated with a high rate of mortality. Frequent intrahepatic spread, extrahepatic metastasis, and tumor invasiveness are the main factors responsible for the poor prognosis of patients with HCC. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) has been verified to play a critical role in the metastasis of HCC. HIFs are also known to be modulated by small molecular metabolites, thus highlighting the need to understand the complexity of their cellular regulation in tumor metastasis. In this study, lower expression levels of oxoglutarate dehydrogenase-like (OGDHL) were strongly correlated with aggressive clinicopathologic characteristics, such as metastasis and invasion in three independent cohorts featuring a total of 281 postoperative HCC patients. The aberrant expression of OGDHL reduced cell invasiveness and migration in vitro and HCC metastasis in vivo, whereas the silencing of OGDHL promoted these processes in HCC cells. The pro-metastatic role of OGDHL downregulation is most likely attributed to its upregulation of HIF-1α transactivation activity and the protein stabilization by promoting the accumulation of L-2-HG to prevent the activity of HIF-1α prolyl hydroxylases, which subsequently causes an epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in HCC cells. These results demonstrate that OGDHL is a dominant factor that modulates the metastasis of HCC.

Fitness changes in wild soybean caused by gene flow from genetically modified soybean.

BACKGROUND: Crop-wild hybridization has generated great concerns since gene flow can be an avenue for transgene escape. However, a rather limited number of studies on risk assessment regarding the dispersion of transgenes from GM soybean to populations of its wild relatives have been previously conducted. RESULTS: The results of the 3-year experiment demonstrated that hybrids between GM soybeans and wild soybean had lower seed germination and higher seed productivity than GM soybean. Both of these features of hybrid (especially F2 and F3) were similar to those of wild soybean. Furthermore, the foreign protein was stably expressed in hybrid EPSPS positive plants; however, no difference was observed in agronomic measurements between hybrids that are glyphosate sensitive or resistant, homozygous or heterozygous for the transgene, indicating that the presence of the EPSPS transgene does not affect the vigor of hybrid. In contrast, hybridization between GM soybean and wild soybean may have more impact on hybrid growth and fecundity, this increase in biomass and yield confers a potential competition benefit to hybrids. CONCLUSIONS: Gene flow from GM soybean to wild soybean has the potential to promote the adaptability of hybrids and may increase the possibility of dispersal of transgenes in wild soybean relatives.

Tuning the Coordination Microenvironment of Central Fe Active Site to Boost Water Electrolysis and Oxygen Reduction Activity.

In heterogeneous catalysis, single-atom catalysts are the frontier and important prototypes for many reactions, and revealing the intrinsic structure-activity relationship is presently a critical task, but remains challenging. In this work, water electrolysis and oxygen reduction performances of FeXYi N3 -i (X, Y = B, C, O, P and S; i = 0, 1) moiety in Fe-porphyrin are studied by the first-principles calculations, aiming at unraveling how and why tuning the coordination microenvironment of the active metal atom can improve the activity. It can be concluded that breaking the coordination shell symmetry breaks the well-accepted standard scaling relationship, adjusts *O adsorption behavior and thus optimizes the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity, for example, to an extremely low overpotential of 0.17 V. In combination with the Fe atom spin configuration and ligand field theory, the dramatically improved OER activity can be well explained. In the present work, the significance of the coordination microenvironment of central metal atom in studies of electrocatalysis is highlighted.

Engineering Second-Order Corner States in 2D Multiferroics.

The understanding and manipulate of the second-order corner states are central to both fundamental physics and future topotronics applications. Despite the fact that numerous second-order topological insulators (SOTIs) are achieved, the efficient engineering in a given material remains elusive. Here, the emergence of 2D multiferroics SOTIs in SbAs and BP5 monolayers is theoretically demonstrated, and an efficient and straightforward way for engineering the nontrivial corner states by ferroelasticity and ferroelectricity is remarkably proposed. With ferroelectric polarization of SbAs and BP5 monolayers, the nontrivial corner states emerge in the mirror symmetric corners and are perpendicular to orientations of the in-plane spontaneous polarization. And remarkably the spatial distribution of the corner states can be effectively tuned by a ferroelastic switching. At the intermediate states of both ferroelectric and ferroelastic switchings, the corner states disappear. These finding not only combines exotic SOTIs with multiferroics but also pave the way for experimental discovery of 2D tunable SOTIs.

Tetrahydrocurcumin regulates the tumor immune microenvironment to inhibit breast cancer proliferation and metastasis via the CYP1A1/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The NF-κB signaling pathway is overactivated in tumor cells, and the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway releases a large number of inflammatory factors, which enhance tumor immunosuppression and promote tumor metastasis. The cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system consists of important metabolic enzymes present in different tissues and progressive tumors, which may lead to changes in the pharmacological action of drugs in inflammatory diseases such as tumors. In this study, the anticancer effect of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), an active metabolite of curcumin, on breast cancer cells and the underlying mechanism were investigated. Result showed that THC selectively inhibited proliferation and triggered apoptosis in breast cancer cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, THC-induced cell apoptosis via a mitochondria-mediated pathway, as indicated by the upregulated ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction. In addition, THC could affect the CYP450 enzyme metabolic pathway and inhibit the expression of CYP1A1 and activation of the NF-κB pathway, thereby inhibiting the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, after overexpression of CYP1A1, the inhibitory effects of THC on the proliferation, metastasis, and induction of apoptosis in breast cancer cells were weakened. The knockdown of CYP1A1 significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of THC on the proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis induction of breast cancer cells. Notably, THC exhibited a significant tumor growth inhibition and anti-pulmonary metastasis effect in a tumor mouse model of MCF-7 and 4T1 cells by regulating the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Collectively, these results showed that TH could effectively trigger apoptosis and inhibit the migration of breast cancer cells via the CYP1A1/NF-κB signaling pathway, indicating that THC serves as a potential candidate drug for the treatment of breast cancer.