Establishment of a mortality risk nomogram for predicting in-hospital mortality of sepsis: cohort study from a Chinese single center.

Objective: To establish a mortality risk nomogram for predicting in-hospital mortality of sepsis patients in the Chinese population. Methods: Data were obtained from the medical records of sepsis patients enrolled at the Affiliated Huadu Hospital, Southern Medical University, between 2019 and 2021. A total of 696 sepsis patients were initially included in our research, and 582 cases were finally enrolled after screening and divided into the survival group (n = 400) and the non-survival group (n = 182) according to the incidence of mortality during hospitalization. Twenty-eight potential sepsis-related risk factors for mortality were identified. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to optimize variable selection by running cyclic coordinate descent with k-fold (tenfold in this case) cross-validation. We used binary logistic regression to build a model for predicting mortality from the variables based on LASSO regression selection. Binary logistic regression was used to establish a nomogram based on independent mortality risk factors. To validate the prediction accuracy of the nomogram, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, decision curve analysis (DCA) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were employed. Eventually, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve were used for nomogram calibration. Results: LASSO regression identified a total of ten factors, namely, chronic heart disease (CHD), lymphocyte count (LYMP), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), C reactive protein (CRP), Procalcitonin (PCT), lactic acid, prothrombin time (PT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (Tbil), interleukin-6 (IL6), that were incorporated into the multivariable analysis. Finally, a nomogram including CHD, LYMP, NLR, RDW, lactic acid, PT, CRP, PCT, Tbil, ALT, and IL6 was established by multivariable logistic regression. The ROC curves of the nomogram in the training and validation sets were 0.9836 and 0.9502, respectively. DCA showed that the nomogram could be applied clinically if the risk threshold was between 29.52 and 99.61% in the training set and between 31.32 and 98.49% in the testing set. RCS showed that when the value of independent risk factors from the predicted model exceeded the median, the mortality hazard ratio increased sharply. The results of the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ2 = 0.1901, df = 2, p = 0.9091) and the calibration curves of the training and validation sets showed good agreement with the actual results, which indicated good stability of the model. Conclusion: Our nomogram, including CHD, LYMP, NLR, RDW, lactic acid, PT, CRP, PCT, Tbil, ALT, and IL6, exhibits good performance for predicting mortality risk in adult sepsis patients.

The standardized training and assessment system for magnetically controlled capsule gastroscopy (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To explore the feasibility of a standardized training and assessment system for magnetically controlled capsule gastroscopy (MCCG). METHODS: The results of 90 trainees who underwent the standardized training and assessment system of the MCCG at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from May 2020 to November 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. The trainees were divided into three groups according to their medical backgrounds: doctor, nurse, and non-medical groups. The training and assessment system adopted the '7 + 2' mode, seven days of training plus two days of theoretical and operational assessment. The passing rates of theoretical, operational, and total assessment were the primary outcomes. Satisfaction and mastery of the MCCG was checked. RESULTS: Ninety trainees were assessed; theoretical assessment's passing rates in the three groups were 100%. The operational and total assessment passing rates were 100% (25/25), 97.92% (47/48), and 94.12% (16/17), for the doctor, nurse, and non-doctor groups respectively, with no significant difference (χ2 = 1.741, p = 0.419). No bleeding or perforation occurred during the procedure. Approximately, 96.00% (24/25), 95.83% (46/48), and 94.12% (16/17) of the doctor, nurse and non-medical groups anonymously expressed great satisfaction, respectively, without statistically significant difference (χ2 = 0.565, p = 1.000). The average follow-up time was 4-36 months, and 87 trainees (96.67%) had mastered the operation of the MCCG in daily work. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized training and assessment of magnetically controlled capsule endoscopists is effective and feasible. Additionally, a strict assessment system and long-term communication and learning can improve teaching effects.

Predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the prognosis and risk of death for adult sepsis patients: a meta-analysis.

Background: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a commonly used biomarker for acute inflammation that often rises during sepsis, making it a valuable diagnostic indicator for clinical practice. However, no consensus has been reached on the prognostic value of NLR for predicting the prognosis and mortality risk in adult sepsis patients. In light of this controversy, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify the prognostic significance of NLR in adult sepsis patients. The meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number CRD42023433143). Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Ovid, and Springer databases, using retrieval terms "sepsis" or "septic shock" and "prognosis" or "mortality" for studies published between January 1, 2000, and May 31, 2023. Children and neonates with sepsis were excluded from our research. Two independent researchers conducted the literature search and data extraction. Consensus was reached when discrepancies occurred, and in case of persistent discrepancies, the final decision was made by the research supervisor. The hazard ratio (HR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were extracted from each study included in the analysis. A random-effects model was used to synthesize all HRs and their 95% CIs. Sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify studies that had a significant impact on the overall results of the meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Egger's test was also used to investigate publication bias in this meta-analysis. Results: After a comprehensive literature search and screening, we included 12 studies comprising 10,811 patients for the meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that patients with a higher NLR level were associated with a poor prognosis (Random-effects model, HR: 1.6273, 95% CI: 1.3951-1.8981). Heterogeneity testing showed significant heterogeneity (I2 = 87.2%, 95% CI: 79.5-92, p<0.0001). Sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the sources of heterogeneity, which revealed that the omission of one highly sensitive study significantly reduced the I2 value. After removing this study, a strong association was found between a higher NLR level and poor prognosis and risk of death in adult sepsis patients (Random-effects model, HR: 1.6884, 95% CI: 1.4338-1.9882). Both subgroup analysis and meta-regression indicated that the study design and testing time of NLR were sources of heterogeneity. Egger's test showed no obvious publication bias in this meta-analysis. Conclusion: NLR is a reliable and valuable biomarker for predicting prognosis and the risk of death in adult sepsis patients. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023433143] PROSPERO, identifier [CRD42023433143].

Advances in research on biomarkers associated with acute myocardial infarction: A review.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the most severe cardiovascular event in clinical settings, imposes a significant burden with its annual increase in morbidity and mortality rates. However, it is noteworthy that mortality due to AMI in developed countries has experienced a decline, largely attributable to the advancements in medical interventions such as percutaneous coronary intervention. This trend highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment to preserve the myocardium at risk and improve patient outcomes. Conventional biomarkers such as myoglobin, creatine kinase isoenzymes, and troponin have been instrumental in the diagnosis of AMI. However, recent years have witnessed the emergence of new biomarkers demonstrating the potential to further enhance the accuracy of AMI diagnosis. This literature review focuses on the recent advancements in biomarker research in the context of AMI diagnosis.

A nomogram for predicting in-hospital overall survival of hypertriglyceridemia-induced severe acute pancreatitis: A single center, cross-sectional study.

Background: Hypertriglyceridemia-induced severe acute pancreatitis (HTG-SAP) is a type of pancreatitis characterized by an abnormal elevation of plasma triglyceride. HTG-SAP has been associated with various complications and a high mortality rate. In this study, we established a nomogram for predicting the overall survival (OS) of HTG-SAP patients during hospitalization. Methods: 128 HTG-SAP cases hospitalized at the Affiliated Huadu Hospital, Southern Medical University, from 2019 to 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. A nomogram including prognostic factors correlated with OS during hospitalization was established by multivariate Cox regression analysis. We internally validated the nomogram using time-dependent (at 1-, 2-, and 3- months) survival receiver operating characteristic (SROC) and calibration curve with 500 iterations of bootstrap resampling. Time-dependent decision curve analysis (DCA) was employed to validate the clinical value of the nomogram. Results: Multivariate Cox regression indicated that serum triglyceride, red blood cell distribution width (RDW), lactic acid, and interleukin-6 (IL6) were independent prognostic factors for OS of HTG-SAP patients during hospitalization and were used to construct a nomogram. The time-dependent area under the curve (AUC) values at 1-, 2-, and 3- months were 0.946, 0.913, and 0.929, respectively, and the Concordance index (C-index) of the nomogram was 0.916 (95%CI 0.871-0.961). The time-dependent calibration curves indicated good consistency between the observed and predicted outcomes. The time-dependent DCAs also revealed that the nomogram yielded a high clinical net benefit. After stratifying the included cases into two risk groups based on the risk score obtained from the nomogram, the high-risk group exhibited a significantly inferior overall survival (OS) compared to the low-risk group (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our nomogram exhibited good performance in predicting the overall survival of HTG-SAP patients during hospitalization.

Comparison of the safety profile, conversion rate and hospitalization duration between early and delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Although the past decade has witnessed unprecedented medical progress, no consensus has been reached on the optimal approach for patients with acute cholecystitis. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the differences in patient outcomes between Early Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (ELC) and Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (DLC) in the treatment of acute cholecystitis. Our protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42023389238). Objectives: We sought to investigate the differences in efficacy, safety, and potential benefits between ELC and DLC in acute cholecystitis patients by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The online databases PubMed, Springer, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies published between Jan 1, 1999 and Jan 1, 2022. Results: 21 RCTs and 13 retrospective studies with a total of 7,601 cases were included in this research. After a fixed-effects model was applied, the pooled analysis showed that DLC was associated with a significantly high conversion rate (OR: 0.6247; 95%CI: 0.5115-0.7630; z = -4.61, p < 0.0001) and incidence of postoperative complications (OR: 0.7548; 95%CI: 0.6197-0.9192; z = -2.80, p = 0.0051). However, after applying a random-effects model, ELC was associated with significantly shorter total hospitalization duration than DLC (MD: -4.0657; 95%CI: -5.0747 to -3.0566; z = -7.90, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: ELC represents a safe and feasible approach for acute cholecystitis patients since it shortens hospitalization duration and decreases the incidence of postoperative complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=389238, identifier (CRD42023389238).

Competing endogenous RNA network analysis of Turner syndrome patient-specific iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes reveals dysregulation of autosomal heart development genes by altered dosages of X-inactivation escaping non-coding RNAs.

BACKGROUND: A 45,X monosomy (Turner syndrome, TS) is the only chromosome haploinsufficiency compatible with life. Nevertheless, the surviving TS patients still suffer from increased morbidity and mortality, with around one-third of them subjecting to heart abnormalities. How loss of one X chromosome drive these conditions remains largely unknown. METHODS: Here, we have generated cardiomyocytes (CMs) from wild-type and TS patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells and profiled the mRNA, lncRNA and circRNA expression in these cells. RESULTS: We observed lower beating frequencies and higher mitochondrial DNA copies per nucleus in TS-CMs. Moreover, we have identified a global transcriptome dysregulation of both coding and non-coding RNAs in TS-CMs. The differentially expressed mRNAs were enriched of heart development genes. Further competing endogenous RNA network analysis revealed putative regulatory circuit of autosomal genes relevant with mitochondrial respiratory chain and heart development, such as COQ10A, RARB and WNT2, mediated by X-inactivation escaping lnc/circRNAs, such as lnc-KDM5C-4:1, hsa_circ_0090421 and hsa_circ_0090392. The aberrant expressions of these genes in TS-CMs were verified by qPCR. Further knockdown of lnc-KDM5C-4:1 in wild-type CMs exhibited significantly reduced beating frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has revealed a genomewide ripple effect of X chromosome halpoinsufficiency at post-transcriptional level and provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying heart abnormalities in TS patients.

Hydrogen Peroxide Electrochemical Sensor Based on Ag/Cu Bimetallic Nanoparticles Modified on Polypyrrole.

Due to the strong oxidizing properties of H2O2, excessive discharge of H2O2 will cause great harm to the environment. Moreover, H2O2 is also an energetic material used as fuel, with specific attention given to its safety. Therefore, it is of great importance to explore and prepare good sensitive materials for the detection of H2O2 with a low detection limit and high selectivity. In this work, a kind of hydrogen peroxide electrochemical sensor has been fabricated. That is, polypyrrole (PPy) has been electropolymerized on the glass carbon electrode (GCE), and then Ag and Cu nanoparticles are modified together on the surface of polypyrrole by electrodeposition. SEM analysis shows that Cu and Ag nanoparticles are uniformly deposited on the surface of PPy. Electrochemical characterization results display that the sensor has a good response to H2O2 with two linear intervals. The first linear range is 0.1-1 mM (R2 = 0.9978, S = 265.06 µA/ (mM × cm2)), and the detection limit is 0.027 µM (S/N = 3). The second linear range is 1-35 mM (R2 = 0.9969, 445.78 µA/ (mM × cm2)), corresponding to 0.063 µM of detection limit (S/N = 3). The sensor reveals good reproducibility (σ = 2.104), repeatability (σ = 2.027), anti-interference, and stability. The recoveries of the electrode are 99.84-103.00% (for 0.1-1 mM of linear range) and 98.65-104.80% (for 1-35 mM linear range). Furthermore, the costs of the hydrogen peroxide electrochemical sensor proposed in this work are reduced largely by using non-precious metals without degradation of the sensing performance of H2O2. This study provides a facile way to develop nanocomposite electrochemical sensors.

A Low-Cost Multibeam Switching Antenna Using Reconfigurable Hybrid Metasurface for Beamforming Applications.

In this paper, we proposed a multibeam switching antenna based on a low-cost reconfigurable hybrid metasurface applied for beamforming systems. The antenna consists of two parts: a microstrip feed antenna and a transmission hybrid metasurface. The latter is composed of three types of units with different amplitude and phase responses to electromagnetic waves so as to control the beams of the feed antenna. Sixteen PIN diodes are arranged in the metasurface with a simple bias network. When two different direct-current voltages are applied to the PIN diodes, the antenna can dynamically switch between two beams and four beams. For demonstration, the proposed antenna is fabricated, and the measured results show that the antenna operates at 9.07-9.42 GHz (-10 dB bandwidth) with a total size of 1.80λ0 × 1.52λ0 × 0.22λ0 (λ0 corresponds to the wavelength of 9.28 GHz in free space). With the merits of a compact structure, low cost and good radiation performance, the proposed design is suitable for beamforming applications.

Design of Tunable Broadband Graphene-Based Metasurface with Amplitude-Phase Modulation.

Due to the growing scarcity of spectrum resources in the low-frequency band, the requirement of beam-reconfigurable antennas in the millimeter wave band is urgent. In this paper, a W-band graphene-based metasurface working in a broad bandwidth is proposed with reflective amplitude coding. Here, graphene sheets play a dual role in radiating and regulating electromagnetic waves. By adjusting the Fermi levels of graphene, the reflective amplitude and phase of the metasurface can be modulated simultaneously, enabling multi-beam switching and beam deflection in far-field. The proposed metasurface achieves amplitude-phase modulation within a significantly wide bandwidth which covers 75-91.5 GHz and 99.3-115 GHz. By optimizing the coding patterns, the proposed graphene-based metasurfaces are able to not only realize 2-D beam steering, but also achieve beam switching from single beam to four beams at 87 GHz. The proposed design provides a novel solution for the flexible manipulation of millimeter waves, which can be applied to various fields such as vehicle radar, satellite communication, 6G wireless communication, and beyond.

The role of transient receptor potential channels in metastasis.

Metastasis is the hallmark of failed tumor treatment and is typically associated with death due to cancer. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels affect changes in intracellular calcium concentrations and participate at every stage of metastasis. Further, they increase the migratory ability of tumor cells, promote angiogenesis, regulate immune function, and promote the growth of tumor cells through changes in gene expression and function. In this review, we explore the potential mechanisms of action of TRP channels, summarize their role in tumor metastasis, compile inhibitors of TRP channels relevant in tumors, and discuss current challenges in research on TRP channels involved in tumor metastasis.

Momordica Grosvenori Shell-Derived Porous Carbon Materials for High-Efficiency Symmetric Supercapacitors.

Porous carbon materials derived from waste biomass have received broad interest in supercapacitor research due to their high specific surface area, good electrical conductivity, and excellent electrochemical performance. In this work, Momordica grosvenori shell-derived porous carbons (MGCs) were synthesized by high-temperature carbonization and subsequent activation by potassium hydroxide (KOH). As a supercapacitor electrode, the optimized MGCs-2 sample exhibits superior electrochemical performance. For example, a high specific capacitance of 367 F∙g-1 is achieved at 0.5 A∙g-1. Even at 20 A∙g-1, more than 260 F∙g-1 can be retained. Moreover, it also reveals favorable cycling stability (more than 96% of capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles at 5 A∙g-1). These results demonstrate that porous carbon materials derived from Momordica grosvenori shells are one of the most promising electrode candidate materials for practical use in the fields of electrochemical energy storage and conversion.

Improved Hydrogen Generation of Al-H2O Reaction by BiOX (X = Halogen) and Influence Rule.

In this work, three additives BiOX (BiOI, BiOBr, and BiOF) for Al-H2O reaction have been synthesized using chemical methods. SEM analysis shows that the structure of BiOF is nanoparticles, while BiOBr and BiOI have flower-like structures composed of nanosheets. Then, Al-BiOI, Al-BiOBr, and Al-BiOF composites have been prepared using the ball milling method. The effect of halogen ions on the performance of hydrogen generation from Al hydrolysis has been explored. The results indicate that the conversion yields of Al-BiOBr, Al-BiOI, and Al-BiOF for hydrogen generation are 96.3%, 95.3%, and 8.9%, respectively. In particular, the maximum hydrogen generation rate (MHGR) of Al-BiOI is as high as 3451.8 mL g-1 min-1, eight times higher than that of Al-BiOBr. Furthermore, the influence rule of BiOX (X = F, Cl, Br, and I) on Al-H2O reaction has been studied using density functional theory. The results illustrate that HI can be more easily adsorbed on the Al surface as compared with HF, HCl, and HBr. Meanwhile, the bond length between halogen ions and the Al atom increased in the order of F-, Cl-, Br-, and I-. Therefore, the dissociation of I- from the Al surface becomes easier and will expose more active sites to enhance the reaction activity of Al. In summary, the BiOI has the most favorable performance to Al-H2O reaction.

The gene regulatory role of non-coding RNAs in non-obstructive azoospermia.

Non-coding RNAs are classified as small non-coding RNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, which are involved in a variety of biological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and pathological conditions of various diseases. Many studies have shown that non-coding RNAs are related to spermatogenesis, maturation, apoptosis, function, etc. In addition, the expression of non-coding RNAs in testicular tissue and semen of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia was different. However, the role of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of non-obstructive azoospermia has not been fully elucidated, and the role of non-coding RNAs in non-obstructive azoospermia is rarely reviewed. Here we summarize the research progress of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of non-obstructive azoospermia.

Translation and validation of the Chinese version of the orthorexia nervosa assessment questionnaires among college students.

PURPOSE: The main objective of the study was to translate, validate, and compare the Chinese ORTO scales (ORTO-15 and ORTO-R). The secondary objective was to assess factors that may be related with risk of orthorexia nervosa (ON). METHODS: Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted on March-to-June 2021 for ORTO-15 and April 2022 for ORTO-R. ORTO questionnaires were translated into Chinese using the forward-backward-forward method. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), discriminant validity and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to examine the construct validity of the questionnaires. The internal consistency was assessed using the Cronbach alpha coefficient and the test-retest reliability. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to explore potential factors related with ON scores. RESULTS: Totally, 1289 and 1084 eligible participants were included for assessment of ORTO-15 and ORTO-R, with the mean age of 20.9 ± 2.0 years and 21.0 ± 2.3 years. The internal consistency of Chinese ORTO-15 scale and ORTO-R scale were both satisfactory (α = 0.79, ICC = 0.79; α = 0.77, ICC = 0.82). However, all ORTO-15 models showed a poor fit using CFA whereas the ORTO-R was characterized by acceptable goodness-of-fit. Multivariate linear regression indicated that physical activities and mental disorders were positively associated with ON risk assessed by both ORTO-R and ORTO-15. CONCLUSION: The Chinese ORTO-R scale was a more reliable tool to screen for ON tendencies than the Chinese version of ORTO-15. Mental disorders and physical activities might be associated with the increased ON risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V (descriptive cross-sectional study).

A comprehensive evaluation of pre- and post-processing sperm parameters for predicting successful pregnancy rate following intrauterine insemination with the husband's sperms.

BACKGROUND: To determine the predictive values of sperm parameters pre- and post-processing by density gradient centrifugation for clinical pregnancy rates (CPRs) following artificial insemination by husband (AIH) in infertile Chinese couples. METHODS: A total of 3,522 AIH cycles from 1,918 couples were retrospectively analyzed. The parameters were compared between the pregnant and non-pregnant groups and further between different etiological groups (Male-factor, Both-male-and-female-factor, and Other-factor). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to create models for predicting the CPRs of each etiological group. RESULTS: The overall CPR was 13.3%. There were significant improvements for most sperm parameters after DGC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that, in overall AIH cases, the top parameters significantly influencing the CPR of AIH were pre-STR (OR = 1.037; P = 0.048) and post-VSL (OR = 1.036; P = 0.011). In the Male-factor Group, the top influencing parameters were pre-VCL (OR = 2.096; P = 0.008), pre-LIN (OR = 1.930; P = 0.002) and post-VSL (OR = 1.316; P = 0.023). In the Both-factor Group, the top influencing parameters were pre-VCL (OR = 1.451; P = 0.008) and post-motility (OR = 1.218; P = 0.049). In the Other-factor Group, the top influencing parameters were pre-VAP (OR = 1.715; P = 0.024), pre-STR (OR = 1.20; P = 0.011) and post-VSL (OR = 1.04; P = 0.017). Moreover, receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the logistic regression models of the Male- and Both-factor Groups had greater powers for prognostic classification than those of other groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that some sperm parameters have a collinearity relationship in predicting the CPR following AIH. Moreover, the predictive capacity of a multivariate logistic regression model is better than those of individual parameters, especially for the Male- and Both-factor Groups. In these cases, pre-VCL is the common top influencing factor.

Bioinformatics analysis of KLF2 as a potential prognostic factor in ccRCC and association with epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a primary pathological subtype of RCC and has poor clinical outcome. Krüppel-like factors (KLFs), which are zinc-finger proteins, may be involved in ccRCC development and progression. KLFs belong to the zinc-finger family of DNA-binding transcription factors and regulate transcription of downstream target genes. KLFs are involved in cancer development. The present study aimed to investigate the role of KLFs in ccRCC prognosis. The Cancer Genome Atlas database and multifactorial analysis showed that KLFs were widely expressed in pan-cancers and KLF2 was an independent protective factor for ccRCC prognosis. Patients with low KLF2 expression had a low survival probability and expression of KLF2 was downregulated in patients with ccRCC with high pathological grade (II + III vs. I). In addition, western blot and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed that KLF2 was expressed at low levels in ccRCC cell lines and overexpression of KLF2 inhibited cell migration. In addition, KLF2 expression was negatively correlated with methylation. KLF2 expression was elevated following treatment of ccRCC cells with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor. A prognostic risk index prediction model was constructed based on multiple Cox regression. The receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.780 (area under curve >0.5). Furthermore, Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that 'cell adhesion' and 'junction' were negatively correlated with KLF2 and that high-risk group exhibited significantly activated 'epithelial-mesenchymal transition'. Western blot analysis showed that overexpression of KLF2 increased expression of E-cadherin, while decreasing levels of N-cadherin and vimentin. The present study highlighted the role of KLFs in ccRCC prognosis prediction and provides a research base for the search of validated prognostic biological markers for ccRCC.

Recent advances of aggregation-induced emission materials for fluorescence image-guided surgery.

Real-time intraoperative guidance is essential during various surgical treatment of many diseases. Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials have shown great potential for guiding surgeons during complex interventions, with the merits of deep tissue penetration, high quantum yield, high molar absorptivity, low background, good targeting ability and excellent photostability. Herein, we provided insights to design efficient AIE materials regarding three key parameters, i.e., deep-tissue penetration ability, high brightness of AIE luminogens (AIEgens), and precise tumor/other pathology nidus targeting strategies, for realizing better application of fluorescence image-guided surgery. Representative interdisciplinary achievements were outlined for the demonstration of this emerging field. Challenges and future opportunities of AIE materials were briefly discussed. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive view of AIE materials for intraoperative guidance for researchers and surgeons, and to inspire more further correlational studies in the new frontiers of image-guided surgery.

Organic Crosslinked Polymer-Derived N/O-Doped Porous Carbons for High-Performance Supercapacitor.

Supercapacitors, as a new type of green electrical energy storage device, are a potential solution to environmental problems created by economic development and the excessive use of fossil energy resources. In this work, nitrogen/oxygen (N/O)-doped porous carbon materials for high-performance supercapacitors are fabricated by calcining and activating an organic crosslinked polymer prepared using polyethylene glycol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate. The porous carbon exhibits a large specific surface area (1589 m2·g-1) and high electrochemical performance, thanks to the network structure and rich N/O content in the organic crosslinked polymer. The optimized porous carbon material (COCLP-4.5), obtained by adjusting the raw material ratio of the organic crosslinked polymer, exhibits a high specific capacitance (522 F·g-1 at 0.5 A·g-1), good rate capability (319 F·g-1 at 20 A·g-1), and outstanding stability (83% retention after 5000 cycles) in a three-electrode system. Furthermore, an energy density of 18.04 Wh·kg-1 is obtained at a power density of 200.0 W·kg-1 in a two-electrode system. This study demonstrates that organic crosslinked polymer-derived porous carbon electrode materials have good energy storage potential.