Electroacupuncture stimulation modulates functional brain connectivity in the treatment of pediatric cerebral palsy: a case report.

Background: Pediatric cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive brain injury syndrome characterized by central motor dysfunction and insufficient brain coordination ability. The etiology of CP is complex and often accompanied by diverse complications such as intellectual disability and language disorders, making clinical treatment difficult. Despite the availability of pharmacological interventions, rehabilitation programs, and spasticity relief surgery as treatment options for CP, their effectiveness is still constrained. Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation has demonstrated great improvements in motor function, but its comprehensive, objective therapeutic effects on pediatric CP remain to be clarified. Methods: We present a case of a 5-year-old Chinese female child who was diagnosed with CP at the age of 4. The patient exhibited severe impairments in motor, language, social, and cognitive functions. We performed a 3-month period of EA rehabilitation, obtaining resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) of the patient at 0 month, 3 months and 5 months since treatment started, then characterized brain functional connectivity patterns in each phase for comparison. Results: After a 12-month follow-up, notable advancements were observed in the patient's language and social symptoms. Changes of functional connectivity patterns confirmed this therapeutic effect and showed specific benefits for different recovery phase: starting from language functions then modulating social participation and other developmental behaviors. Conclusion: This is a pioneering report demonstrating the longitudinal effect of EA stimulation on functional brain connectivity in CP patients, suggesting EA an effective intervention for developmental disabilities (especially language and social dysfunctions) associated with pediatric CP.

Catalysts with Trimetallic Sites on Graphene-like C2N for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction: A Theoretical Investigation.

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a green and highly efficient way to replace the industrial Haber-Bosch process. Herein, clusters consisting of three transition metal atoms loaded on C2N as NRR electrocatalysts are investigated using density functional theory (DFT). Meanwhile, Ca was introduced as a promoter and the role of Ca in NRR was investigated. It was found that Ca anchored to the catalyst can act as an electron donor and effectively promote the activation of N2 on M3. In both M3@C2N and M3Ca@C2N (M = Fe, Co, Ni), the limiting potential (UL) is less negative than that of the Ru(0001) surface and has the ability to suppress the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Among them, Fe3@C2N is suggested to be the most promising candidate for NRR with high thermal stability, strong N2 adsorption ability, low limiting potential, and good NRR selectivity. The concepts of trimetallic sites and alkaline earth metal promoters in this work provide theoretical guidance for the rational design of atomically active sites in electrocatalytic NRR.

Venetoclax plus a hypomethylating agent versus cytarabine, aclarubicin, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor chemotherapy as a first-line therapy for newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia: A propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Both venetoclax plus a hypomethylating agent (VEN/HMA) and cytarabine, aclarubicin, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (CAG) are low-intensity regimens for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that show good efficacy and safety. It is unknown how VEN/HMA compares with the CAG regimen for the treatment of newly diagnosed AML. METHODS: The outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed AML treated with VEN/HMA were compared with those of patients treated with a CAG-based regimen. Propensity score matching between these two cohorts at a 1:1 ratio was performed according to age at diagnosis, sex, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, state of fitness, and European LeukemiaNet (ELN) 2022 risk stratification to minimize bias. RESULTS: A total of 84 of 96 patients in the VEN/HMA cohort were matched with 84 of 147 patients in the CAG cohort. VEN/HMA resulted in a better response than the CAG-based regimens, as indicated by a higher composite complete remission (CRc) rate (82.1% vs. 60.7%; p = .002) and minimal residual disease negativity rate (88.2% vs. 68.2%; p = .009). In patients with an ELN adverse risk, VEN/HMA was associated with a higher CRc rate compared to CAG (80.5% vs. 58.3%; p = .006). VEN/HMA was associated with longer event-free survival (EFS) (median EFS, not reached vs. 4.5 months; p = .0004), whereas overall survival (OS) was comparable between the two cohorts (median OS, not reached vs. 18 months; p = .078). CONCLUSIONS: The VEN/HMA regimen may result in a better response than CAG-based treatment in older patients with newly diagnosed AML.

The Latest Research Progress on Cell-Free DNA and Prospects of Its Forensic Application.

In recent years, with the continuous progress of DNA extraction and detection technology, cell-free DNA(cfDNA)has been widely used in the life science field, and its potential application value in forensic identification is becoming more and more obvious. This paper reviews the concept, formation mechanism, and classification of cfDNA, etc., and describes the latest research progress of cfDNA in personal identification of crime scene touch DNA samples and non-invasive prenatal paternity testing (NIPPT). Meanwhile, this paper summarizes the potential application of cfDNA in injury inference, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of common cfDNA analysis methods and techniques, and its application prospects, to provide a new idea for the wide application of cfDNA in the field of forensic science.

Body fluids should be identified before estimating the time since deposition (TsD) in microbiome-based stain analyses for forensics.

Identification and the time since deposition (TsD) estimation of body fluid stains from a crime scene could provide valuable information for solving the cases and are always difficult for forensics. Microbial characteristics were considered as a promising biomarker to address the issues. However, changes in the microbiota may damage the specific characteristics of body fluids. Correspondingly, incorrect body fluid identification may result in inaccurate TsD estimation. The mutual influence is not well understood and limited the codetection. In the current study, saliva, semen, vaginal secretion, and menstrual blood samples were exposed to indoor conditions and collected at eight time points (from fresh to 30 days). High-throughput sequencing based on the 16S rRNA gene was performed to characterize the microbial communities. The results showed that a longer TsD could decrease the discrimination of different body fluid stains. However, the accuracies of identification still reached a quite high value even without knowing the TsD. Correspondingly, the mean absolute error (MAE) of TsD estimation significantly increased without distinguishing the types of body fluids. The predictive TsD of menstrual blood reached a quite low MAE (1.54 ± 0.39 d). In comparison, those of saliva (6.57 ± 1.17 d), semen (6.48 ± 1.33 d), and vaginal secretion (5.35 ± 1.11 d) needed to be further improved. The great effect of individual differences on these stains limited the TsD estimation accuracy. Overall, microbial characteristics allow for codetection of body fluid identification and TsD estimation, and body fluids should be identified before estimating TsD in microbiome-based stain analyses.IMPORTANCEEmerged evidences suggest microbial characteristics could be considered a promising tool for identification and time since deposition (TsD) estimation of body fluid stains. However, the two issues should be studied together due to a potential mutual influence. The current study provides the first evidence to understand the mutual influence and determines an optimal process for codetection of identification and TsD estimation for unknown stains for forensics. In addition, we involved aged stains into our study for identification of body fluid stains, rather than only using fresh stains like previous studies. This increased the predictive accuracy. We have preliminary verified that individual differences in microbiotas limited the predictive accuracy of TsD estimation for saliva, semen, and vaginal secretion. Microbial characteristics could provide an accurate TsD estimation for menstrual blood. Our study benefits the comprehensive understanding of microbiome-based stain analyses as an essential addition to previous studies.

Gradient oxygen doping triggered a microscale built-in electric field in CdIn2S4 for photoelectrochemical water splitting.

Construction of a built-in electric field has been identified as an attractive improvement strategy for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting by facilitating the carrier extraction from the inside to the surface. However, the promotion effect of the electric field is still restrained by the confined built-in area. Herein, we construct a microscale built-in electric field via gradient oxygen doping. The octahedral configuration of the synthesized CdIn2S4 (CIS) provides a structural basis, which enables the subsequent oxygen doping to reach a depth of ∼100 nm. Accordingly, the oxygen-doped CIS (OCIS) photoanode exhibits a microscale built-in electric field with band bending. Excellent PEC catalytic activity with a photocurrent density of 3.69 mA cm-2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE is achieved by OCIS, which is 3.1 times higher than that of CIS. Combining the results of thorough characterization and theoretical calculations, accelerating migration and separation of charge carriers have been determined as the reasons for the improvement. Meanwhile, the recombination risk at the doping centers has also been reduced to the minimum via optimal experiments. This work provides a new-generation idea for constructing a built-in electric field from the view point of bulky configuration towards PEC water splitting.

Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction alleviates depressive-like behavior and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis in chronic unpredictable mild stress induced mice via activating the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction (ZZHP), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classic recipe, has been extensively applied for the remedy of depression. However, the underlying mechanism of ZZHP hasn't been fully elucidated and it needs to be further clarified. AIM OF STUDY: The aim of the study is to uncover the mechanisms of ZZHP's effect on depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were employed to establish Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) models. Behavioral tests were conducted for evaluating the antidepressant effects of ZZHP. Then, the monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus through High Performance Liquid Chromatography Electrochemical Detection (HPLC-ECD) were utilized to assess the effect of ZZHP on the maintenance of monoamine neurotransmitter homeostasis. Immunofluorescence staining and Golgi staining were detected to analyze the effects of ZZHP on neuroplasticity in the hippocampus. Western Blot (WB) was utilized to examine the effects of ZZHP on BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathways. Finally, behavioral tests, WB and immunofluorescence staining were repeated after TrkB receptor antagonist was added to further confirm the underlying mechanism. RESULTS: Our results shown that ZZHP attenuated depressive-like symptoms in CUMS mice. Moreover, ZZHP remarkably reversed the reduction and maintained the homeostasis of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus. Simultaneously, ZZHP protected neuronal synaptic plasticity and promoted hippocampal neurogenesis. Furthermore, ZZHP stimulated the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway in the hippocampus. The addition of TrkB receptor antagonist inhibited the antidepressant effects of ZZHP, suggesting that ZZHP could not work without triggering the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that ZZHP can alleviate depressive-like behavior and promote hippocampal neurogenesis in CUMS mice via activating the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway.

The clinical value of the Duke Anesthesia Resistance Scale in predicting postoperative delirium after hip fracture surgery: a retrospective study.

Aim: This study aims to investigate the clinical value of the Duke Anesthesia Resistance Scale (DARS) in predicting postoperative delirium (POD) after hip fracture surgery. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. Clinical data were collected from the patients who had hip fracture and underwent elective total hip arthroplasty in Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between January 2022 and June 2023. The Consciousness Fuzzy Assessment Scale was used to evaluate the occurrence of POD on postoperative day 3 (POD 3). The enrolled patients were divided into the POD group (n = 26) and the non-POD group (n = 125). Baseline characteristics, surgical data, postoperative information, and laboratory test results were collected. DARS scores were calculated using the minimum alveolar concentration, end-tidal concentration average (ETAC), and bispectral index (BIS). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to recognize the independent risk factors for POD after hip fracture surgery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the value of DARS in POD prediction. Results: The average age of POD group was significantly higher, comparing to non-POD group (P < 0.05). DARS scores were statistically lower in the POD group compared to non-POD group (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that age and DARS scores were factors impacting post-operative delirium occurrence after hip fracture surgery (P < 0.05). ROC showed that the area under the curve for DARS in predicting POD after hip fracture surgery was 0.929 (95% CI [0.861-0.997]). The optimal cutoff value was 30. The sensitivity was 95.45%, while the specificity was 84.09%. Conclusion: DARS score demonstrates good predictive value in hip fracture patients and is feasible in clinical practice, making it suitable for clinical application and promotion.

Analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus abdominis plane block in laparoscopic gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications are important factors affecting the survival time and quality of life of patients undergoing radical gastrectomy. AIM: To investigate and compare the anesthetic effects of intravenous general anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia or ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus abdominal plane block (TAPB) in gastric cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. METHODS: The clinical data of 85 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy in our hospital from December 2020 to January 2023 were retrospectively collected and divided into a TAPB group (n = 45) and epidural anesthesia group (n = 40) according to the different anesthesia and analgesia programs used. The TAPB group received general anesthesia combined with TAPB, and the epidural anesthesia group received general anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia. The pain status, cognitive status, intestinal barrier indicators, recovery quality, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with the epidural anesthesia group, the TAPB group's visual analog scale scores were significantly lower 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after surgery (P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in the TAPB group was significantly lower than that in the epidural anesthesia group, and the Mini-mental State Examination score 24 h after surgery was significantly higher in the TAPB group than the epidural anesthesia group (P < 0.05). The levels of diamine oxidase and plasma D-lactate were significantly lower in the TAPB group than the epidural anesthesia group 24 h after surgery (P < 0.05). The agitation score and the incidence of agitation during recovery were significantly lower in the TAPB group than epidural anesthesia group (P < 0.05). The total incidence of postoperative complications in the TAPB group was 4.44%, significantly lower than the 20.00% in the epidural anesthesia group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with epidural anesthesia combined with general anesthesia, TAPB combined with general anesthesia had a good analgesic effect in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and can further reduce the incidence of POCD and postoperative complications, improve the levels of intestinal barrier indicators, and improve postoperative recovery quality.

Getting Good Sleep with Family Support: The Role of Fear of Crime and Loneliness.

Sleep problems in middle-aged and older people can threaten their physical and mental health. Family support is regarded as a key factor that affects sleep quality, but the influence mechanism remains underexplored. This study analyzes the mediating effects of fear of crime (FOC) and loneliness in the relationship between family support and sleep quality, and explores whether gender plays a moderating role between family support and FOC. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1043 Chinese middle-aged and older people aged 45-93 years. Using 10,000 bootstrapped samples, the study shows that middle-aged and older people who receive more family support have better sleep quality, and FOC and loneliness play mediating role in this association. Gender moderates the relationship between family support and FOC. Compared with men, family support for females has a greater impact on their FOC condition, and the mediating effect of family support on sleep quality through FOC is also greater among women. Family support can affect sleep quality through the chain mediating effect of FOC and loneliness for women. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the relationship between family support and sleep quality.

Digestibility of Malondialdehyde-Induced Dietary Advanced Lipoxidation End Products and Their Effects on Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Mice.

Advanced lipoxidation end products (ALEs) are formed by modifying proteins with lipid oxidation products. The health effects of ALEs formed in vivo have been extensively studied. However, the digestibility, safety, and health risk of ALEs in heat-processed foods remain unclear. This investigation was performed to determine the structure, digestibility, and effect on the mice liver of dietary ALEs. The results showed that malondialdehyde (MDA) was able to alter the structure of myofibrillar proteins (MPs) to form linear, loop, and cross-linked types of Schiff bases and dihydropyridine derivatives under simulated heat processing, leading to the intra- and intermolecular aggregation of MPs and, thus, reducing the digestibility of MPs. In addition, dietary ALE intake resulted in abnormal liver function and lipid accumulation in mice. The core reason for these adverse effects was the destructive effect of ALEs on the intestinal barrier. Because the damage to the intestinal barrier leads to an increase in lipopolysaccharide levels in the liver, it induces liver damage by modulating hepatic lipid metabolism.

Detection of ß-lactoglobulin under different thermal-processing conditions by immunoassay based on nanobody and monoclonal antibody.

The problems of inaccurate detection values of thermal-processed ß-lactoglobulin (ß-LG) content seriously affect the screening of allergens. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) against ß-LG was successfully prepared and a highly sensitive sandwich ELISA (sELISA) was constructed with specific nanobody (Nb) as the capture antibody with detection limit of 0.24 ng/mL. Based on this sELISA, the ability of Nb and mAb to recognize ß-LG and ß-LG interacting with milk components was explored. Combined with protein structure analysis to elaborate the mechanism of shielding ß-LG antigen epitopes during thermal-processing, thus enabling the differentiation between pasteurized and ultra-high temperature sterilized milk, the detection of milk content in milk-containing beverages, and the highly sensitive detection and analysis of ß-LG allergens in dairy-free products. The method provides methodological support for identifying the quality of dairy products and reducing the risk of ß-LG contamination in dairy-free products.

Tracing recent outdoor geolocation by analyzing microbiota from shoe soles and shoeprints even after indoor walking.

The microbial communities on shoe soles and shoeprints could carry microbial information about where someone walked. This is possible evidence to link a suspect in a crime case to a geographic location. A previous study had shown that the microbiota found on shoe soles depend on the microbiota of the soil on which people walk. However, there is a turnover of microbial communities on shoe soles during walking. The impact of microbial community turnover on tracing recent geolocation from shoe soles has not been adequately studied. In addition, it is still unclear whether the microbiota of shoeprints can be used to determine recent geolocation. In this preliminary study, we investigated whether the microbial characteristics of shoe soles and shoeprints can be used to trace geolocation and whether this information can be destroyed by walking on indoor floors. In this study, participants were asked to walk outdoors on exposed soil, then walk indoors on a hard wood floor. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed to characterize the microbial communities of shoe soles, shoeprints, indoor dust, and outdoor soil. Samples of shoe soles and shoeprints were collected at steps 5, 20, and 50 while walking indoors. The PCoA result showed that the samples were clustered by geographic origin. The shoeprint showed a more rapid turnover of microbial community than the shoe sole during indoor walking. The result of FEAST showed that the microbial communities of shoe sole and shoeprint were mainly (shoe sole, 86.21∼92.34 %; shoeprint, 61.66∼90.41 %) from the soil of the outdoor ground where the individual recently walked, and a small portion (shoe sole, 0.68∼3.33 %; shoeprint, 1.43∼27.14 %) from the indoor dust. Based on the matching of microbial communities between geolocation and shoe sole or shoeprint, we were able to infer the recent geolocation of the individual with relatively high accuracy using the random forest prediction model (shoe sole: 100.00 %, shoeprint: 93.33∼100.00 %). Overall, we are able to accurately infer the geolocation of an individual's most recent outdoor walk based on the microbiota of shoe sole and shoeprint, even though these microbiotas show a turnover when walking indoor floor. The pilot study was expected to provide a potential method for tracing recent geolocation of suspects.

The Antimicrobial Potential and Aquaculture Wastewater Treatment Ability of Penaeidins 3a Transgenic Duckweed.

With the development of aquaculture, wastewater treatment and diseases have been paid more and more attention. The question of how to improve the immunity of aquatic species, as well as treat aquaculture wastewater, has become an urgent problem. In this study, duckweed with a high protein content (37.4%) (Lemna turionifera 5511) has been employed as a feedstock for aquatic wastewater treatment and the production of antimicrobial peptides. Penaeidins 3a (Pen3a), from Litopenaeus vannamei, were expressed under the control of CaMV-35S promoter in duckweed. Bacteriostatic testing using the Pen3a duckweed extract showed its antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Transcriptome analysis of wild type (WT) duckweed and Pen3a duckweed showed different results, and the protein metabolic process was the most up-regulated by differential expression genes (DEGs). In Pen3a transgenic duckweed, the expression of sphingolipid metabolism and phagocytosis process-related genes have been significantly up-regulated. Quantitative proteomics suggested a remarkable difference in protein enrichment in the metabolic pathway. Pen3a duckweed decreased the bacterial number, and effectively inhibited the growth of Nitrospirae. Additionally, Pen3a duckweed displayed better growth in the lake. The study showed the nutritional and antibacterial value of duckweed as an animal feed ingredient.

The Effects of Drug Addiction and Detoxification on the Human Oral Microbiota.

Drug addiction can powerfully and chronically damage human health. Detoxification contributes to health recovery of the body. It is well established that drug abuse is associated with poor oral health in terms of dental caries and periodontal diseases. We supposed that drug addiction and detoxification might have significant effects on the oral microbiota. To test the hypothesis, we assessed the effects of drug (heroin and methylamphetamine) addiction/detoxification on the oral microbiota based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing by an observational investigation, including 495 saliva samples from participants. The oral microbial compositions differed between non-users, current and former drug users. Lower alpha diversities were observed in current drug users, with no significant differences between non-users and former drug users. Heroin and METH addiction can cause consistent variations in several specific phyla, such as the enrichment of Acidobacteria and depletion of Proteobacteria and Tenericutes. Current drug users had significantly lower relative abundances of Neisseria subflava and Haemophilus parainfluenzae compared to non-users and former drug users. The result of random forest prediction model suggested that the oral microbiota has a powerful classification potential for distinguishing current drug users from non-users and former drug users. A cooccurrence network analysis showed that current drug users had more complex oral microbial networks and lower functional modularity. Overall, our study suggested that drug addiction may damage the balance of the oral microbiota. These results may have benefits for further understanding the effects of addiction-related oral microbiota on the health of drug users and promoting the microbiota to serve as a potential tool for accurate forensic identification. IMPORTANCE Drug addiction has serious negative consequences for human health and public security. The evidence indicates that drug abuse can cause poor oral health. In the current study, we observed that drug addiction caused oral microbial dysbiosis. Detoxication have positive effects on the recovery of oral microbial community structures to some extent. Understanding the effects of drug addiction and detoxification on oral microbial communities will promote a more rational approach for recovering the oral function and health of drug users. Furthermore, specific microbial species might be considered biomarkers that could provide information regarding drug abuse status for saliva left at crime scenes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the role of the oral microbiota in drug addiction and detoxification. Our findings give new clues to understand the association between drug addiction and oral health.

Dual GGDEF/EAL-Domain Protein RmcA Controls the Type III Secretion System of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Interaction with CbrB.

Cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) is a major bacterial secondary signaling molecule that controls a multitude of cellular processes. More than 40 genes encoding diguanylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases have been identified in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and many of them have been intensively investigated. However, the mechanism through which they achieve signaling specificity remains unclear. Here, we revealed that the absence of the dual GGDEF/EAL-domain protein RmcA significantly affected biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa PAO1 and led to upregulated expression of the type III secretion system (T3SS) genes; overexpression of RmcA strongly reduced the expression of T3SS. Further investigation showed that the regulatory function of RmcA was independent of the Gac/Rsm pathway. To identify the interaction partners of RmcA involved in this process, bacterial two-hybrid library screening was performed. We found that RmcA directly interacts with a two-component response regulator CbrB, which is involved in the regulation of biofilm formation and T3SS expression by RmcA. These findings reveal that the dual-domain GGDEF/EAL protein RmcA could achieve specificity of action through physical interaction with CbrB, which extends understanding the complex regulatory network of the c-di-GMP signaling.

CoP/Fe-Co9 S8 for Highly Efficient Overall Water Splitting with Surface Reconstruction and Self-Termination.

Highly efficient electrochemical water splitting is of prime importance in hydrogen energy but is suffered from the slow kinetics at the anodic oxygen evolution reaction. Herein, combining the surface activation with the heterostructure construction strategy, the CoP/Fe-Co9 S8 heterostructures as the pre-catalyst for highly efficient oxygen evolution are successfully synthesized. The catalyst only needs 156 mV to reach 10 mA cm-2 and keeps stable for more than 150 h. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, in situ Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations verify that the introduction of Fe can promote the formation of highly active Co(IV)-O sites and lead to a self-termination of surface reconstruction, which eventually creates a highly active and stable oxygen evolution catalytic surface. Besides, the catalyst also demonstrates high hydrogen evolution reaction activity with an overpotential of 62 mV@10 mA cm-2 . Benefiting from its bifunctionality and self-supporting property, the membrane electrode assembly electrolyzer equipped with these catalysts achieves high overall water splitting efficiency of 1.68 V@1 A cm-2 .

circ-LIMK1 regulates cisplatin resistance in lung adenocarcinoma by targeting miR-512-5p/HMGA1 axis.

This study aimed to unveil the detailed role and new mechanism of circ-LIMK1 in lung adenocarcinoma. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the expression of circ-LIMK1, miR-512-5p, and HMGA1. 3-(4,5)-Dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide assay was employed to test the half maximal inhibitory concentration of cisplatin (DDP). Western blot was used to measure the expression of HMGA1, multidrug resistance protein 1, mitochondrial 37S ribosomal protein, and vascular endothelial growth factor A. Colony formation assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay, and tube formation assay were performed to analyze cell functions. Animal models were established to assay the role of circ-LIMK1 in vivo. The expression of circ-LIMK1 was up-regulated in DDP-resistant tumor tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ-LIMK1 reduced DDP resistance, impaired cancer cell growth, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. circ-LIMK1 targeted miR-512-5p, and HMGA1 was targeted by miR-512-5p. MiR-512-5p absence could restore the repressive effects of circ-LIMK1 knockdown on lung adenocarcinoma cell phenotypes. Overexpression of HMGA1 could restore the inhibitory effects of miR-512-5p enrichment on lung adenocarcinoma cell malignant phenotypes. Knockdown of circ-LIMK1 could reduce growth of DDP-resistant tumors in vivo. Collectively, circ-LIMK1 regulated DDP resistance in lung adenocarcinoma by targeting miR-512-5p/HMGA1 axis.

Novel assays for quality evaluation of XueBiJing: Quality variability of a Chinese herbal injection for sepsis management.

XueBiJing is an intravenous five-herb injection used to treat sepsis in China. The study aimed to develop a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)- or liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (LC-UV)-based assay for quality evaluation of XueBiJing. Assay development involved identifying marker constituents to make the assay therapeutically relevant and building a reliable one-point calibrator for monitoring the various analytes in parallel. Nine marker constituents from the five herbs were selected based on XueBiJing's chemical composition, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. A selectivity test (for "similarity of response") was developed to identify and minimize interference by non-target constituents. Then, an intercept test was developed to fulfill "linearity through zero" for each analyte (absolute ratio of intercept to C response, <2%). Using the newly developed assays, we analyzed samples from 33 batches of XueBiJing, manufactured over three years, and found small batch-to-batch variability in contents of the marker constituents (4.1%-14.8%), except for senkyunolide I (26.5%).

Trimetallic clusters in the sumanene bowl for dinitrogen activation.

It is of great importance to find catalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) with high stability and reactivity. A series of M3 clusters (M = Ti, Zr, V, and Nb) supported on sumanene (C21H12) were designed as potential catalysts for the NRR by taking advantage of the high reactivity of trimetallic clusters and the unique geometric and electronic properties of sumanene, a bowl-like organic molecule. Detailed mechanisms of NN bond cleavage on C21H12-M3 were investigated by DFT calculations and compared with those on bare M3 clusters. M3 in the sumanene bowl is very stable with large binding energies, which prohibits the cohesion of M3 into M6. In the bowl, M3 has a (quasi-) equilateral triangle structure with lengthened M-M bonds, which is particularly beneficial to the N2 transfer process on Ti3 and V3 clusters. The N-N bond can be dissociated by both M3 and C21H12-M3 clusters without the overall energy barriers. A blurring effect is found in which some geometric and electronic properties of different metal types become similar when M3 is supported on the substrate. Our work demonstrates that sumanene is a suitable substrate to support M3 in the activation of N2 with enhanced stability and maintained a high level of reactivity compared to bare M3.