Thermoplastic Polyurethane Derived from CO2 for the Cathode Binder in Li-CO2 Battery.

High-energy-density Li-CO2 batteries are promising candidates for large-capacity energy storage systems. However, the development of Li-CO2 batteries has been hindered by low cycle life and high overpotential. In this study, we propose a CO2-based thermoplastic polyurethane (CO2-based TPU) with CO2 adsorption properties and excellent self-healing performance to replace traditional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the cathode binder. The CO2-based TPU enhances the interfacial concentration of CO2 at the cathode/electrolyte interfaces, effectively increasing the discharge voltage and lowering the charge voltage of Li-CO2 batteries. Moreover, the CO2 fixed by urethane groups (-NH-COO-) in the CO2-based TPU are difficult to shuttle to and corrode the Li anode, minimizing CO2 side reactions with lithium metal and improving the cycling performance of Li-CO2 batteries. In this work, Li-CO2 batteries with CO2-based TPU as the multifunctional binders exhibit stable cycling performance for 52 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g-1, with a distinctly lower polarization voltage than PVDF bound Li-CO2 batteries.

Block Copoly (Ester-Carbonate) Electrolytes for LiFePO4|Li Batteries with Stable Cycling Performance.

To address the challenges posed by the narrow oxidation decomposition potential window and the characteristic of low ionic conductivity at room temperature of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), carbon dioxide (CO2), epichlorohydrin (PO), caprolactone (CL), and phthalic anhydride (PA) were employed in synthesizing di-block copolymer PCL-b-PPC and PCL-b-PPCP. The carbonate and ester bonds in PPC and PCL provide high electrochemical stability, while the polyether segments in PPC contribute to the high ion conductivity. To further improve the ion conductivity, we added succinonitrile as a plasticizer to the copolymer and used the copolymer to assemble lithium metal batteries (LMBs) with LiFePO4 as the cathode. The LiFePO4/SPE/Li battery assembled with PCL-b-PPC electrolyte exhibited an initial discharge-specific capacity of 155.5 mAh·g-1 at 0.5 C and 60 °C. After 270 cycles, the discharge-specific capacity was 140.8 mAh·g-1, with a capacity retention of 90.5% and an average coulombic efficiency of 99%, exhibiting excellent electrochemical performance. The study establishes the design strategies of di-block polymer electrolytes and provides a new strategy for the application of LMBs.

Aliphatic Polycarbonate-Based Binders for High-Loading Cathodes by Solvent-Free Method Used in High Performance LiFePO4|Li Batteries.

The binder ratio in a commercial lithium-ion battery is very low, but it is one of the key materials affecting the battery's performance. In this paper, polycarbonate-based polymers with liner or chain extension structures are proposed as binders. Then, dry LiFePO4 (LFP) electrodes with these binders are prepared using the solvent-free method. Polycarbonate-based polymers have a high tensile strength and a satisfactory bonding strength, and the rich polar carbonate groups provide highly ionic conductivity as binders. The batteries with poly (propylene carbonate)-plus (PPC-P) as binders were shown to have a long cycle life (350 cycles under 1 C, 89% of capacity retention). The preparation of dry electrodes using polycarbonate-based polymers can avoid the use of solvents and shorten the process of preparing electrodes. It can also greatly reduce the manufacturing cost of batteries and effectively use industrial waste gas dioxide oxidation. Most importantly, a battery material with this kind of polycarbonate polymer as a binder is easily recycled by simply heating after the battery is discarded. This paper provides a new idea for the industrialization and development of a novel binder.

Biodegradable and Ultra-High Expansion Ratio PPC-P Foams Achieved by Microcellular Foaming Using CO2 as Blowing Agent.

Poly(propylene carbonate-co-phthalate) (PPC-P) is an amorphous copolymer of aliphatic polycarbonate and aromatic polyester; it possesses good biodegradability, superior mechanical performances, high thermal properties, and excellent affinity with CO2. Hence, we fabricate PPC-P foams in an autoclave by using subcritical CO2 as a physical blowing agent. Both saturation pressure and foaming temperature affect the foaming behaviors of PPC-P, including CO2 adsorption and desorption performance, foaming ratio, cell size, porosity, cell density, and nucleation density, which are investigated in this research. Moreover, the low-cost PPC-P/nano-CaCO3 and PPC-P/starch composites are prepared and foamed using the same procedure. The obtained PPC-P-based foams show ultra-high expansion ratio and refined microcellular structures simultaneously. Besides, nano-CaCO3 can effectively improve PPC-P's rheological properties and foamability. In addition, the introduction of starch into PPC-P can lead to a large number of open cells. Beyond all doubt, this work can certainly provide both a kind of new biodegradable PPC-P-based foam materials and an economic methodology to make biodegradable plastic foams. These foams are potentially applicable in the packaging, transportation, and food industry.

Three-Dimensional Nickel Foam-Based Lithiophilic LPP-Ni3S2@Ni Current Collector for Dendrite-Free Lithium Anode.

Lithium metal has been treated as one of the most promising anode materials for next-generation rechargeable batteries due to its extremely high theoretical capacity. However, its practical application is hindered by inhomogeneous lithium deposition and uncontrolled dendrite growth. In this work, we prepared a three-dimensional nickel foam (NF)-based current collector with a lithiophilic interface layer through facile hydrothermal and coating methods. The lithiophilic Ni3S2 array synthesized via a hydrothermal method has been demonstrated to facilitate the nucleation of Li+. Moreover, it has been observed that the outer coating comprising LPP effectively enhances the inward diffusion of Li+. Additionally, this interface layer can serve as an isolating barrier between the electrodes and the electrolyte. The prepared LPP-Ni3S2@Ni shows significant reversibility both in symmetric cells (1200 h, 1 mA cm-2) and half-cells (CE: 99.60%, 500 cycles, 1 mA cm-2) with low interfacial resistance (35 Ω). Full cells with LiFePO4 as a cathode also exhibit promising electrochemical performance with over 76.78% capacity retention over 200 cycles at 1 C.

Long-Term Stable Cycling of Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Batteries Using ZIF-90@PP Composite Separator.

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are anticipated to meet the demand for high energy density, but the growth of lithium dendrites seriously hinders its practical application. Herein, we constructed a kind of composite separator (ZIF-90@PP) consisting of zeolite imidazole framework-90 (ZIF-90) and polypropylene (PP) to promote the uniform deposition of Li+ and inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites. The aldehyde groups interacting with TFSI- and the nitrogen-containing negative groups attracting Li+ of ZIF-90 can facilitate the dissociation of LiTFSI to release more Li+, thus alleviating the influence of space charge near the electrode surface and accelerating the transfer of Li+. Not only does the excellent electrolyte wettability of ZIF-90 enhance the electrolyte retention capacity of the separator, but the orderly nano-channels in ZIF-90 also restrict the free migration of anions and homogenize the distribution of Li+. Consequently, the functional separator achieves a long-term stable Li plating/stripping cycling for over 780 h at 2 mA cm-2. Moreover, an impressive average coulombic efficiency of 98.67% at 0.5 C after 300 cycles is realized by Li || LFP full cells based on ZIF-90@PP with a capacity retention rate of 71.22%. The high-rate and long cycling performance of the modified Li || LFP cells further demonstrates the advantages of the ZIF-90@PP composite separator.

Modified Scalp Replantation for Total Scalp Avulsion: Scalp-Shifting Technique.

BACKGROUND: Scalp replantation is the best treatment for scalp avulsion due to its functional and esthetic benefits. Regular scalp replantation requires only unilateral or bilateral superficial temporal vascular anastomosis. However, shear force always damages vessels in severe scalp avulsions. Short, superficial temporal vessels (STVs) make tension-free anastomosis challenging. PURPOSE: The objective of this article is to improve the regular scalp replantation technique. When the STVs are short, tension-free anastomosis, and cosmetic symmetry can be achieved without vein grafts or vascular replacement. METHOD: This study retrospectively reviewed 18 patients with scalp avulsion, of which 10 underwent scalp-shifting replantation, and 8 underwent regular scalp replantation with direct anastomosis of the STVs. Postoperatively, the authors, assessed whether there was a significant difference in the percentage of scalp survival and in the facial symmetry of patients between the 2 methods. RESULT: The percentages of scalp survival and facial symmetry were good after surgeries using both methods, and no significant differences were observed. CONCLUSION: The authors use scalp-shifting replantation to create tension-free anastomoses in cases where scalp avulsion injuries have left the superficial temporal arteries too short. This technique ensures facial symmetry, scalp reimplantation survival, and equally excellent results in function and esthetics.

Covalent Organic Framework Enhanced Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Batteries.

High ionic conductivity, outstanding mechanical stability, and a wide electrochemical window are the keys to the application of solid-state lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Due to their regular channels for ion transport and tailored functional groups, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been applied to solid electrolytes to improve their performance. Herein, we report a flexible polyethylene oxide-COF-LZU1 (abbreviated as PEO-COF) electrolyte membrane with a high lithium ion transference number and satisfactory mechanical strength, allowing for dendrite-free and long-time cycling for LMBs. Benefiting from the interaction between bis(triflfluoromethanesulonyl)imide anions (TFSI-) and aldehyde groups in COF-LZU1, the Li+ transference number of the PEO-5% COF-LZU1 electrolyte reached up to 0.43, much higher than that of neat PEO electrolyte (0.18). Orderly channels are conducive to the homogenous Li-+ deposition, thereby inhibiting the lithium dendrites. The assembled LiFePO4|PEO-5% COF-LZU1/Li cells delivered a discharge specific capacity of 146 mAh g-1 and displayed a capacity retention of 80% after 200 cycles at 0.1 C (60 °C). The Li/Li symmetrical cells of the PEO-5% COF-LZU1 electrolyte presented a longer working stability at different current densities compared to that of the PEO electrolyte. Therefore, the enhanced comprehensive performance of the solid electrolyte shows potential application prospects for use in LMBs.

Interface Defects and Carrier Regulation in MOF-Derived Co3O4/In2O3 Composite Materials for Enhanced Selective Detection of HCHO.

Gas sensors for real-time monitoring of low HCHO concentrations have promising applications in the field of health protection and air treatment, and this work reports a novel resistive gas sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity to HCHO. The MOF-derived hollow In2O3 was mixed with ZIF-67(Co) and calcined twice to obtain a hollow Co3O4/In2O3 (hereafter collectively termed MZO-6) composite enriched with oxygen vacancies, and tests such as XPS and EPR proved that the strong interfacial electronic coupling increased the oxygen vacancies. The gas-sensitive test results show that the hollow composite MZO-6 with abundant oxygen vacancies has a higher response value (11,003) to 10 ppm of HCHO and achieves a fast response/recovery time (11/181 s) for HCHO at a lower operating temperature (140 °C). The MZO-6 material significantly enhances the selectivity to HCHO and reduces the interference of common pollutant gases such as ethanol, acetone, and xylene. There is no significant fluctuation of resistance and response values in the 30-day long-term stability test, and the material has good stability. The synergistic effect of the heterostructure and oxygen vacancies altered the formaldehyde adsorption intermediate pathway and reduced the reaction activation energy, enhancing the HCHO responsiveness and selectivity of the MZO-6 material.

Bi-Doped and Bi Nanoparticles Loaded CeO2 Derived from Ce-MOF for Photocatalytic Degradation of Formaldehyde Gas and Tetracycline Hydrochloride.

Bi/CeO2 (BC-x) photocatalysts are successfully prepared by solvothermal loading Bi nanoparticles and Bi-doped CeO2 derived by Ce-MOF (Ce-BTC). Formaldehyde gas (HCHO) and tetracycline hydrochloride (HTC) are used to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized Bi/CeO2. For BC-1000 photocatalyst, the degradation of HTC by 420 nm < λ < 780 nm light reaches 91.89% for 90 min, and HCHO by 350 nm < λ < 780 nm light reaches 94.66% for 120 min. The photocatalytic cycle experiments prove that BC-1000 has good cyclic stability and repeatability. The results of photoluminescence spectra, fluorescence lifetime, photocurrent response, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) effect of Bi nanoparticles acted as a bridge and promoted electron transfer and enhanced the response-ability of Bi/CeO2 to visible light. Bi-doping produced more oxygen vacancies to provide adsorption sites for adsorbing oxygen and generated more ·O2 - thus promoting photocatalytic reactions. The mechanism of photocatalytic degradation is analyzed in detail utilizing active free radical capture experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) characterization. The experimental results indicate that ·O2 - and h+ active free radicals significantly promote the degradation of pollutants.

Comparative analysis of models in predicting the effects of SNPs on TF-DNA binding using large-scale in vitro and in vivo data.

Non-coding variants associated with complex traits can alter the motifs of transcription factor (TF)-deoxyribonucleic acid binding. Although many computational models have been developed to predict the effects of non-coding variants on TF binding, their predictive power lacks systematic evaluation. Here we have evaluated 14 different models built on position weight matrices (PWMs), support vector machines, ordinary least squares and deep neural networks (DNNs), using large-scale in vitro (i.e. SNP-SELEX) and in vivo (i.e. allele-specific binding, ASB) TF binding data. Our results show that the accuracy of each model in predicting SNP effects in vitro significantly exceeds that achieved in vivo. For in vitro variant impact prediction, kmer/gkm-based machine learning methods (deltaSVM_HT-SELEX, QBiC-Pred) trained on in vitro datasets exhibit the best performance. For in vivo ASB variant prediction, DNN-based multitask models (DeepSEA, Sei, Enformer) trained on the ChIP-seq dataset exhibit relatively superior performance. Among the PWM-based methods, tRap demonstrates better performance in both in vitro and in vivo evaluations. In addition, we find that TF classes such as basic leucine zipper factors could be predicted more accurately, whereas those such as C2H2 zinc finger factors are predicted less accurately, aligning with the evolutionary conservation of these TF classes. We also underscore the significance of non-sequence factors such as cis-regulatory element type, TF expression, interactions and post-translational modifications in influencing the in vivo predictive performance of TFs. Our research provides valuable insights into selecting prioritization methods for non-coding variants and further optimizing such models.

Recent Progress of Biodegradable Polymer Package Materials: Nanotechnology Improving Both Oxygen and Water Vapor Barrier Performance.

Biodegradable polymers have become a topic of great scientific and industrial interest due to their environmentally friendly nature. For the benefit of the market economy and environment, biodegradable materials should play a more critical role in packaging materials, which currently account for more than 50% of plastic products. However, various challenges remain for biodegradable polymers for practical packaging applications. Particularly pertaining to the poor oxygen/moisture barrier issues, which greatly limit the application of current biodegradable polymers in food packaging. In this review, various strategies for barrier property improvement are summarized, such as chain architecture and crystallinity tailoring, melt blending, multi-layer co-extrusion, surface coating, and nanotechnology. These strategies have also been considered effective ways for overcoming the poor oxygen or water vapor barrier properties of representative biodegradable polymers in mainstream research.

The Z-Scheme MIL-88B(Fe)/BiOBr Heterojunction Promotes Fe(III)/Fe(II) Cycling and Photocatalytic-Fenton-Like Synergistically Enhances the Degradation of Ciprofloxacin.

The Z-scheme MIL-88B/BiOBr (referred to as MxBy, whereas x and y are the mass of MIL-88B(Fe) and BiOBr) heterojunction photocatalysts are successfully prepared by a facile ball milling method. By adding low concentration H2O2 under visible light irradiation, the Z-scheme heterojunction and photocatalytic-Fenton-like reaction synergistically enhance the degradation and mineralization of ciprofloxacin (CIP). Among them, M50B150 showed efficient photodegradation efficiency and excellent cycling stability, with 94.6% removal of CIP (10 mg L-1) by M50B150 (0.2 g L-1) under 90 min of visible light. In the MxBy heterojunctions, the rapid transfer of photo-generated electrons not only directly decomposed H2O2 to generate ·OH, but also improved the cycle of Fe3+/Fe2+ pairs, which facilitated the reaction with H2O2 to generate ·OH and ·O2 - radicals. In addition, the effects of photocatalyst dosages, pH of CIP solution, and coexisting substances on CIP removal are systematically investigated. It is found that the photocatalytic- Fenton-like reaction can be carried out at a pH close to neutral conditions. Finally, the charge transfer mechanism of the Z-scheme is verified by electron spin resonance (ESR) signals. The ecotoxicity of CIP degradation products is estimated by the T.E.S.T tool, indicating that the constructed photocatalysis-Fenton-like system is a green wastewater treatment technology.

Double-Solvent-Induced Derivatization of Bi-MOF to Vacancy-Rich Bi4O5Br2: Toward Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin in Water and HCHO Gas.

MOF-derived photocatalytic materials have potential in degrading ciprofloxacin (CIP) in water and HCHO gas pollutants. Novel derivatization means and defect regulation are effective techniques for improving the performance of MOF-derived photocatalysis. Vacancy-rich Bi4O5Br2 (MBO-x) were derived in one step from Bi-MOF (CAU-17) by a modified double-solvent method. MBO-50 produced more oxygen vacancies due to the combined effect of the CAU-17 precursor and double solvents. The photocatalytic performance of MBO was evaluated by degrading CIP and HCHO. Thanks to the favorable morphology and vacancy structure, MBO-50 demonstrated the best photocatalytic efficiency, with 97.0% removal of CIP (20 mg L-1) and 90.1% removal of HCHO (6.5 ppm) at 60 min of light irradiation. The EIS Nyquist measurement, transient photocurrent response, photoluminescence spectra, and the calculation of energy band information indicated that the vacancy sites can effectively capture photoexcited electrons during the charge transfer process, thus limiting the recombination of electrons and holes, improving the energy band structure, and making it easier to produce superoxide anion radical (·O2-) and to degrade CIP and HCHO. The improvement of photocatalytic performance of MBO-50 in HCHO degradation due to the bromine vacancy generation and filling mechanism was discussed in detail. This work provides a promising new idea for the modulation of MOF-derived photocatalytic materials.

Polymeric Electrolytes for Solid-state Lithium Ion Batteries: Structure Design, Electrochemical Properties and Cell Performances.

Solid-state electrolytes are key to achieving high energy density, safety, and stability for lithium-ion batteries. In this Review, core indicators of solid polymer electrolytes are discussed in detail including ionic conductivity, interface compatibility, mechanical integrity, and cycling stability. Besides, we also summarize how above properties can be improved by design strategies of functional monomers, groups, and assembly of batteries. Structures and properties of polymers are investigated here to provide a basis for all-solid-state electrolyte design strategies of multi-component polymers. In addition, adjustment strategies of quasi-solid-state polymer electrolytes such as adding functional additives and carrying out structural design are also investigated, aiming at solving problems caused by simply adding liquids or small molecular plasticizer. We hope that fresh and established researchers can achieve a general perspective of solid polymer electrolytes via this Review and spur more extensive interests for exploration of high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Effect of sodium fluorescein strip application on cornea parameters commonly used in laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis.

To assess the effect of sodium fluorescein (NaF) strip on corneal parameters commonly used in Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Eighty-six subjects (172 eyes) scheduled for LASIK were recruited between January and March 2022. The study and statistical analysis test were conducted in April 2022. Topographic measurements of corneal parameters, including central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior keratometric (K) readings (K1, flat keratometry; K2, steep keratometry), horizontal corneal diameter (white to white, WTW), and corneal asphericity (Q value), were obtained using a Scheimpflug device (Pentacam) before and 10 min after NaF strip treatmentThe Pentacam recorded a small significant increase in CCT (mean 538.88 ± 28.78 µm to 547.90 ± 29.94 µm; p < .001), with no differences in K1 and K2 (mean 42.24 ± 1.35D to 42.24 ± 1.35D, and mean 43.34 ± 1.50D to 43.32 ± 1.51D; P > .05, for all) as well as WTW(mean 11.58 ± 0.32 mm to 11.58 ± 0.32 mm, P > .05) before and after NaF strip intervention. Furthermore, there was no significant difference was observed in Q value (mean - 0.30 ± 0.13 to - 0.30 ± 0.14, P > .05). These results indicate that clinicians should avoid NaF strip application before obtaining precise topographic measurements of cornea parameters using the Pentacam.

Genome-wide identification of the longan R2R3-MYB gene family and its role in primary and lateral root.

R2R3-MYB is an important transcription factor family that regulates plant growth and development. Root development directly affects the absorption of water and nutrients by plants. Therefore, to understand the regulatory role of R2R3-MYB transcription factor family in root development of longan, this study identified the R2R3-MYB gene family members at the genome-wide level, and analyzed their phylogenetic characteristics, physical and chemical properties, gene structure, chromosome location and tissue expression. The analysis identified 124 R2R3-MYB family members in the longan genome. Phylogenetic analysis divided these members into 22 subfamilies, and the members of the unified subfamily had similar motifs and gene structures. The result of qRT-PCR showed that expression levels of DlMYB33, DlMYB34, DlMYB59, and DlMYB77 were significantly higher in main roots than in lateral as opposed to those of DlMYB35, DlMYB69, DlMYB70, and DlMYB83, which were significantly lower. SapBase database prediction and miRNAs sequencing results showed that 34 longan miRNAs could cleave R2R3-MYB, including 17 novel miRNAs unique to longan. The qRT-PCR and subcellular localization experiments of DlMYB92 and DlMYB98 showed that DlMYB92 is a key factor that regulates transcription in the nucleus and participates in the regulation of longan lateral root development. Longan also has a conserved miRNA-MYB-lateral root development regulation mechanism. This study provides a reference for further research on the transcriptional regulation of the miRNA-R2R3-MYB module in the root development of longan.

Review of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) in China's water environments: Implications for environmental fate, transport and health risks.

Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) are ubiquitous in soil and water system and have become a great issue of environmental and public health concern since the 1990s. However, the occurrence and mechanism(s) of EDCs' migration and transformation at the watershed scale are poorly understood. A review of EDCs pollution in China's major watersheds (and comparison to other countries) has been carried out to better assess these issues and associated ecological risks, compiling a large amount of data. Comparing the distribution characteristics of EDCs in water environments around the world and analyzing various measures and systems for managing EDCs internationally, the significant insights of the review are: 1) There are significant spatial differences and concentration variations of EDCs in surface water and groundwater in China, yet all regions present non-negligible ecological risks. 2) The hyporheic zone, as a transitional zone of surface water and groundwater interaction, can effectively adsorb and degrade EDCs and prevent the migration of high concentrations of EDCs from surface water to groundwater. This suggests that more attention needs to be paid to the role played by critical zones in water environments, when considering the removal of EDCs in water environments. 3) In China, there is a lack of comprehensive and effective regulations to limit and reduce EDCs generated during human activities and their discharge into the water environment. 4) To prevent the deterioration of surface water and groundwater quality, the monitoring and management of EDCs in water environments should be strengthened in China. This review provides a thorough survey of scientifically valid data and recommendations for the development of policies for the management of EDCs in China's water environment.

CD39 Expression in Peripheral T Cells is Associated with Clinicopathological Characteristics in Patients with Cervical Cancer.

Background: CD39 is an inhibitory checkpoint exerting rate-limiting effects on the ATP-adenosine pathway. It can be targeted to block adenosine-mediated immunosuppression. Objective: To analyze the relationship between the CD39 expression and clinicopathological characteristics including FIGO stage, lymph node and distant metastasis, and to further explore its potential role in cervical cancer. Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from 59 healthy people and 43 patients with cervical cancer. The percentage and absolute counts of CD3-positive, CD4-positive and CD8-positive T lymphocytes, CD4/CD8 ratio and the percentage of the CD39+ T cells in T lymphocytes were assessed by flow cytometry, and their correlations with clinical parameters were analyzed. Results: Absolute numbers of CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4/CD8 ratios, and the percentage of the CD39+ T cells were linked with FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. The total numbers of CD8+ T lymphocytes were significantly higher in the peripheral blood of patients with cervical cancer in the early and middle stages than in the advanced stage. In addition, patients with early and middle-stage cervical cancer had considerably lower percentage of CD4+ CD39 + and CD8 + CD39 + T lymphocytes than those with advanced cervical cancer. Conclusion: These results suggest that the absolute counts of CD8+ T lymphocytes may be associated with the patient's prognosis and that the CD39 molecule, expressed on the surface of CD8+ T cells, is also related to FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. CD39 expression on CD8-positive T cells exhibits a negative correlation with the number of CD8-positive T lymphocytes.

Yersiniabactin-Producing E. coli Induces the Pyroptosis of Intestinal Epithelial Cells via the NLRP3 Pathway and Promotes Gut Inflammation.

The high-pathogenicity island (HPI) was initially identified in Yersinia and can be horizontally transferred to Escherichia coli to produce yersiniabactin (Ybt), which enhances the pathogenicity of E. coli by competing with the host for Fe3+. Pyroptosis is gasdermin-induced necrotic cell death. It involves the permeabilization of the cell membrane and is accompanied by an inflammatory response. It is still unclear whether Ybt HPI can cause intestinal epithelial cells to undergo pyroptosis and contribute to gut inflammation during E. coli infection. In this study, we infected intestinal epithelial cells of mice with E. coli ZB-1 and the Ybt-deficient strain ZB-1Δirp2. Our findings demonstrate that Ybt-producing E. coli is more toxic and exacerbates gut inflammation during systemic infection. Mechanistically, our results suggest the involvement of the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway in E. coli infection. Ybt promotes the assembly and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to GSDMD cleavage into GSDMD-N and promoting the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, ultimately aggravating gut inflammation. Notably, NLRP3 knockdown alleviated these phenomena, and the binding of free Ybt to NLRP3 may be the trigger. Overall, our results show that Ybt HPI enhances the pathogenicity of E. coli and induces pyroptosis via the NLRP3 pathway, which is a new mechanism through which E. coli promotes gut inflammation. Furthermore, we screened drugs targeting NLRP3 from an existing drug library, providing a list of potential drug candidates for the treatment of gut injury caused by E. coli.