Application of 4D flow MRI for exploring factors affecting haemodynamics of iliac veins in asymptomatic population.

BACKGROUND: Haemodynamics plays an important role in the development of vascular disease. There is currently a lack of studies evaluating the characteristics and affecting factors of the iliac vein haemodynamics in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to use 4D flow MRI to explore the haemodynamic characteristics of iliac veins and its affecting factors in an asymptomatic population. METHODS: Thirty consecutive volunteers without venous-related symptoms or signs underwent four-dimensional postprocessing of their MRI images. Relevant parameters, the demographic data, common iliac vein-inferior vena cava angle, iliac vein area, tortuosity, iliac vein mean flow, mean velocity was computed and analysed. T tests and Spearman's tests were used for analysing. A P value of 0.05 or less was considered significant. RESULTS: Height and iliac vein area were positively correlated with flow, while degree of stenosis, and common iliac-inferior vena cava angle were negatively correlated with that. Degree of stenosis was positively correlated with velocity, but the common iliac-inferior vena cava angle and iliac vein tortuosity were negatively correlated with that. The mean flow and velocity of iliac veins in females were lower than males. The mean flow and velocity of the left iliac veins were lower than those of the right. CONCLUSION: The height, gender, tortuosity, degree of stenosis, common iliac vein-inferior vena cava angle of the iliac vein are important factors that affect flow and velocity of the iliac veins. There were differences in haemodynamic parameters of the bilateral iliac veins.

Stochastic growth and selective stabilization generate stereotyped dendritic arbors.

Stereotyped dendritic arbors are shaped by dynamic and stochastic growth during neuronal development. It remains unclear how guidance receptors and ligands coordinate branch dynamic growth, retraction, and stabilization to specify dendritic arbors. We previously showed that extracellular ligand SAX-7/LICAM dictates the shape of the PVD sensory neuron via binding to the dendritic guidance receptor DMA-1, a single transmembrane adhesion molecule. Here, we perform structure-function analyses of DMA-1 and unexpectedly find that robust, stochastic dendritic growth does not require ligand-binding. Instead, ligand-binding inhibits growth, prevents retraction, and specifies arbor shape. Furthermore, we demonstrate that dendritic growth requires a pool of ligand-free DMA-1, which is maintained by receptor endocytosis and reinsertion to the plasma membrane via recycling endosomes. Mutants defective of DMA-1 endocytosis show severely truncated dendritic arbors. We present a model in which ligand-free guidance receptor mediates intrinsic, stochastic dendritic growth, while extracellular ligands instruct dendrite shape by inhibiting growth.

Association between life's essential 8 and frailty status among cancer survivors in the United States: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Frailty not only affects disease survival but also impacts the long-term function and quality life of all adults diagnosed with and/or treated for cancer.The American Heart Association has introduced Life's Essential 8 (LE8) as a novel metric for assessing cardiovascular health. Currently, LE8's application in evaluating the frailty of cancer survivors remains unreported. This research seeks to explore the connection between LE8 scores and frailty levels in cancer survivors across the United States, thereby addressing a significant void in existing studies. METHODS: This study analyzed data from cancer survivors enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) spanning the years 2005 to 2018, providing a comprehensive dataset. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the linkage between LE8 rankings and frailty condition in cancer survivors. Furthermore, the study delved deeper into this correlation using restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves and subgroup analyses. RESULTS: In the fully adjusted model, an increased LE8 level was closely associated with a reduced odds ratio of frailty among cancer survivors, with an OR of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.94-0.96, p < 0.0001).This pattern persisted across different categorizations of LE8 into low, moderate, and high groups, demonstrating a consistent trend. The analysis revealed a non-linear relationship between LE8 scores and frailty status, further supporting a straightforward association (p-value for non-linearity = 0.0729). CONCLUSION: Studies have found that the higher the LE8 score, the less likely a cancer patient is to develop debilitating symptoms.This indicates that the LE8 scores may provide an opportunity for interventions aimed at improving the prognosis of cancer patients.

Striatal functional alterations link to distinct symptomatology across mood states in bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: As a central hub in cognitive and emotional brain circuits, the striatum is considered likely to be integrally involved in the psychopathology of bipolar disorder (BD). However, it remains unclear how alterations in striatal function contribute to distinct symptomatology of BD during different mood states. METHODS: Behavioral assessment (i.e., emotional symptoms and cognitive performance) and neuroimaging data were collected from 125 participants comprising 31 (hypo)manic, 31 depressive and 31 euthymic patients with BD, and 32 healthy controls. We compared the functional connectivity (FC) of striatal subregions across BD mood states with healthy controls and then used a multivariate data-driven approach to explore dimensional associations between striatal connectivity and behavioral performance. Finally, we compared the FC and behavioral composite scores, which reflect the individual weighted representation of the associations, among different mood states. RESULTS: Patients in all mood states exhibited increased FC between the bilateral ventral rostral putamen (VRP) and ventrolateral thalamus. Bipolar (hypo)mania uniquely exhibited increased VRP connectivity and superior ventral striatum connectivity. One latent component was identified, whereby increased FCs of striatal subregions were associated with distinct psychopathological symptomatology (more manic symptoms, elevated positive mood, less depressive symptoms and worse cognitive performance). Bipolar (hypo)manic patients had the highest FC and behavioral composite scores while bipolar depressive patients had the lowest. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated both trait features of BD and state features specific to bipolar (hypo) mania. The findings underscored the fundamental role of the striatum in the pathophysiological processes underlying specific symptomatology across all mood states.

LASSO-based nomogram predicts the risk factors of low anterior resection syndrome for middle and low rectal cancer underwent robotic surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to analyze the influencing factors of postoperative Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) in patients with middle and low rectal cancer who underwent robotic surgery. It also seeks to predict the probability of LARS through a visual, quantitative, and graphical nomogram. This approach is expected to lower the risk of postoperative LARS in these patients and improve their quality of life through effective prevention and early intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This research involved patients with middle and low rectal cancer who underwent robotic surgery in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2015 to October 2022. A series of intestinal dysfunction symptoms arising from postoperative rectal cancer were diagnosed and graded using LARS scoring criteria. After the initial screening of all variables related to LARS with Lasso regression, they were included in logistic regression for further univariate and multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors for LARS. A prediction model was then constructed. RESULTS: The study included 358 patients. The parameters identified by Lasso regression included obstruction, BMI, tumor localization, maximum tumor diameter, AJCC stage, stoma, neoadjuvant therapy (NAT), and postoperative adjuvant therapy (AT). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that a higher BMI, lower tumor localization, higher AJCC stage, neoadjuvant therapy, and postoperative adjuvant therapy were independent risk factors for total LARS. The AUC of the prediction nomogram was 0.834, with a sensitivity of 0.825 and specificity of 0.741. The calibration curve demonstrated excellent concordance with the nomogram, indicating the prediction curve fit the diagonal well. CONCLUSION: Higher BMI, lower tumor localization, higher AJCC stage, neoadjuvant therapy, and adjuvant therapy were identified as independent risk factors for total LARS. A new predictive nomogram for postoperative LARS in patients with middle and low rectal cancer undergoing robotic surgery was developed, proving to be stable and reliable. This tool will assist clinicians in managing the postoperative treatment of these patients, facilitating better clinical decision-making and maximizing patient benefits.

Machine learning models for diagnosis of essential tremor and dystonic tremor using grey matter morphological networks.

BACKGROUND: Essential tremor (ET) and dystonic tremor (DT) are the two most common tremor disorders, and misdiagnoses are very common due to similar tremor symptoms. In this study, we explore the structural network mechanisms of ET and DT using brain grey matter (GM) morphological networks and combine those with machine learning models. METHODS: 3D-T1 structural images of 75 ET patients, 71 DT patients, and 79 healthy controls (HCs) were acquired. We used voxel-based morphometry to obtain GM images and constructed GM morphological networks based on the Kullback-Leibler divergence-based similarity (KLS) method. We used the GM volumes, morphological relations, and global topological properties of GM-KLS morphological networks as input features. We employed three classifiers to perform the classification tasks. Moreover, we conducted correlation analysis between discriminative features and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: 16 morphological relations features and 1 global topological metric were identified as the discriminative features, and mainly involved the cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuits and the basal ganglia area. The Random Forest (RF) classifier achieved the best classification performance in the three-classification task, achieving a mean accuracy (mACC) of 78.7%, and was subsequently used for binary classification tasks. Specifically, the RF classifier demonstrated strong classification performance in distinguishing ET vs. HCs, ET vs. DT, and DT vs. HCs, with mACCs of 83.0 %, 95.2 %, and 89.3 %, respectively. Correlation analysis demonstrated that four discriminative features were significantly associated with the clinical characteristics. CONCLUSION: This study offers new insights into the structural network mechanisms of ET and DT. It demonstrates the effectiveness of combining GM-KLS morphological networks with machine learning models in distinguishing between ET, DT, and HCs.

HDAC inhibitors as a potential therapy for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.

Cancer, a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled cell development, kills millions of people globally. The WHO reported over 10 million cancer deaths in 2020. Anticancer medications destroy healthy and malignant cells. Cancer treatment induces neuropathy. Anticancer drugs cause harm to spinal cord, brain, and peripheral nerve somatosensory neurons, causing chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. The chemotherapy-induced mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain are not fully understood. However, neuroinflammation has been identified as one of the various pathways associated with the onset of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. The neuroinflammatory processes may exhibit varying characteristics based on the specific type of anticancer treatment delivered. Neuroinflammatory characteristics have been observed in the spinal cord, where microglia and astrocytes have a significant impact on the development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The patient's quality of life might be affected by sensory deprivation, loss of consciousness, paralysis, and severe disability. High cancer rates and ineffective treatments are associated with this disease. Recently, histone deacetylases have become a novel treatment target for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain may be treated with histone deacetylase inhibitors. Histone deacetylase inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Common chemotherapeutic drugs, mechanisms, therapeutic treatments for neuropathic pain, and histone deacetylase and its inhibitors in chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain are covered in this paper. We propose that histone deacetylase inhibitors may treat several aspects of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, and identifying these inhibitors as potentially unique treatments is crucial to the development of various chemotherapeutic combination treatments.

Electrochemical ring-opening carboxylation of cyclic carbonate with carbon dioxide.

Electroreductive ring-opening carboxylation of styrene carbonates with CO2 to achieve dicarboxylic acids and/or ß-hydroxy acids has been developed via the selective cleavage of the C(sp3)-O bond in cyclic carbonates. The product selectivity is probably determined by the stability and reactivity of the key benzylic radical and carbanion intermediate.

Flexible Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Motion Artifacts in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

In recent years, magnetic resonance imaging has been widely used in the medical field. During the scan, if the human body moves, then there will be motion artifacts on the scan image, which will interfere with the diagnosis and only be found after the end of the scan sequence, resulting in a waste of manpower and resources. However, there is a lack of technology that halts scanning once motion artifacts arise. Here, we designed a real-time monitoring sensor (RMS) to dynamically perceive the movement of the human body and to pause in time when the movement exceeds a certain amplitude. The sensor has an array structure that can accurately sense the position of the human body in real time. The selection of the RMS ensures that there is no additional interference with the scanning results. Based on this design, the RMS can achieve the monitoring function of motion artifact generation.

A Tellurium-Boosted High-Areal-Capacity Zinc-Sulfur Battery.

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-sulfur (Zn-S) batteries are a promising, cost-effective, and high-capacity energy storage technology. Still, they are challenged by the poor reversibility of S cathodes, sluggish redox kinetics, low S utilization, and unsatisfactory areal capacity. This work develops a facile strategy to achieve an appealing high-areal-capacity (above 5 mAh cm-2) Zn-S battery by molecular-level regulation between S and high-electrical-conductivity tellurium (Te). The incorporation of Te as a dopant allows for manipulation of the Zn-S electrochemistry, resulting in accelerated redox conversion, and enhanced S utilization. Meanwhile, accompanied by the S-ZnS conversion, Te is converted to zinc telluride during the discharge process, as revealed by ex-situ characterizations. This additional redox reaction contributes to the S cathode's total excellent discharge capacity. With this unique cathode structure design, the carbon-confined TeS cathode (denoted as Te1S7/C) delivers a high reversible capacity of 1335.0 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 with a mass loading of 4.22 mg cm-2, corresponding to a remarkable areal capacity of 5.64 mAh cm-2. Notably, a hybrid electrolyte design uplifts discharge plateau, reduces overpotential, suppresses Zn dendrites growth, and extends the calendar life of Zn-Te1S7 batteries. This study provides a rational S cathode structure to realize high-capacity Zn-S batteries for practical applications.

Neural-network-based carrier-less amplitude phase modulated signal generation and end-to-end optimization for fiber-terahertz integrated communication system.

In fiber-terahertz integrated communication systems, nonlinear distortion and inter-symbol interference (ISI) will degrade transmission performance. Pre-compensation is an efficient method to handle the channel distortion as it can avoid noise boosting during channel compensation and reduce receiver side signal processing algorithmic complexity at user-end (UE) considering the asymmetric access scenario. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a neural-network (NN)-based carrier-less amplitude phase (CAP) modulated signal generation and end-to-end optimization method for a fiber-terahertz integrated communication system. The CAP signal is generated directly from quadrature amplitude modulation symbols and pre-compensated through a transmitter NN, which allows the receiver to demodulate the signal with simple linear digital signal process (DSP). In generating the CAP signal, the NN based transmitter learns a group of filters, which can generate, up-convert, and pre-compensate the signals. Based on the proposed method, a fiber-terahertz integration access system at 220 GHz is demonstrated and a sensitivity gain of 1.2 dB is achieved at a transmission speed of 50 Gbps and the forward error correction (FEC) bit error rate (BER) threshold of 1 × 10-2 compared with the baseline after 10-km fiber transmission and 1-m wireless delivering.

STK16 promoted colorectal cancer progress in a c-MYC signaling-dependent manner.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer standed as a global health challenge, ranking third in cancer incidence and second in cancer-related deaths worldwide. A deeper understanding of the intricate mechanisms driving colorectal cancer development was pressing need. STK16 had garnered attention in recent researches, while its involvement in cancer had been minimally explored. c-MYC had emerged as a key player in cancer biology. Due to its complex structure, multifunctionality, and intricate interactions, directly inhibiting the activity of c-MYC proves to be challenging. Hence, current research was directing efforts towards modulating c-MYC expression levels. METHODS: Immunoblot, Immunohistochemistry and immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to assess the indicated protein expression levels. RT-PCR was performed to detect the corresponding mRNA expression levels. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation abilities of the specified cancer cells were investigated using CCK8 assays, Brdu assays, transwell assays, and colony formation assays, respectively. Cellular and animal experiments were performed to investigate the correlation between STK16 signaling and c-MYC signaling. RESULTS: STK16 plays a positive regulatory role in the progression of colorectal cancer. Delving into the molecular mechanisms, we unveiled that STK16 phosphorylated c-MYC at serine 452, a pivotal event hindering the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway degradation of c-MYC. Importantly, colorectal cancer proliferation mediated by STK16 was found to be dependent on the phosphorylation of c-MYC at S452. Furthermore, the researchers demonstrated that STK16 knockout or pharmacological inhibition significantly curtailed colorectal cancer proliferation and c-MYC expression in in vivo animal models. CONCLUSION: We discovered that STK16 phosphorylates c-MYC at serine 452, hindering its degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. STK16 inhibition, either genetically or pharmacologically, effectively curtails cancer growth and c-MYC expression in vivo. These findings highlight STK16 as a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.

Molybdenum Sulfide Nanoflowers as Electrodes for Efficient and Scalable Lithium-Ion Capacitors.

Hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs) bridge the unique advantages of batteries and capacitors and are considered promising energy storage devices for hybrid vehicles and other electronic gadgets. Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) have attained particular interest due to their higher energy and power density than traditional supercapacitor devices. The limited voltage window and the deterioration of anode materials upsurged the demand for efficient and stable electrode materials. Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) is a promising candidate for developing efficient and durable LICs due to its wide lithiation potential and unique layer structure, enhancing charge storage efficiency. Modifying the extrinsic features, such as the dimensions and shape at the nanoscale, serves as a potential path to overcome the sluggish kinetics observed in the LICs. Herein, the MoS2 nanoflowers have been synthesized through a hydrothermal route. The developed LIC exhibited a specific capacitance of 202.4 F g­1 at 0.25 A g­1 and capacitance retention of > 90% over 5,000 cycles. Using an ether electrolyte improved the voltage window (2.0 V) and enhanced the stability performance. The ex-situ material characterization after the stability test reveals that the storage mechanism in MoS2-LICs is not diffusion-controlled. Instead,  fast surface redox reactions, especially intercalation/deintercalation, are more prominent for charge storage.

Targeting Fatty Acid Desaturase I Inhibits Renal Cancer Growth Via ATF3-mediated ER Stress Response.

Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) play a pivotal role in maintaining endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis, an emerging hallmark of cancer. However, the role of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) desaturation in persistent ER stress driven by oncogenic abnormalities remains elusive. Fatty Acid Desaturase 1 (FADS1) is a rate-limiting enzyme controlling the bioproduction of long-chain PUFAs. Our previous research has demonstrated the significant role of FADS1 in cancer survival, especially in kidney cancers. We explored the underlying mechanism in this study. We found that pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of the expression of FADS1 effectively inhibits renal cancer cell proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest. The stable knockdown of FADS1 also significantly inhibits tumor formation in vivo. Mechanistically, we show that while FADS1 inhibition induces ER stress, its expression is also augmented by ER-stress inducers. Notably, FADS1-inhibition sensitized cellular response to ER stress inducers, providing evidence of FADS1's role in modulating the ER stress response in cancer cells. We show that, while FADS1 inhibition-induced ER stress leads to activation of ATF3, ATF3-knockdown rescues the FADS1 inhibition-induced ER stress and cell growth suppression. In addition, FADS1 inhibition results in the impaired biosynthesis of nucleotides and decreases the level of UPD-N-Acetylglucosamine, a critical mediator of the unfolded protein response. Our findings suggest that PUFA desaturation is crucial for rescuing cancer cells from persistent ER stress, supporting FADS1 as a new therapeutic target.

Visual analysis on the study status and trends of acupuncture and moxibustion for Alzheimer's disease. / é’ˆç¸æ²»ç–—é˜¿å°”èŒ¨æµ·é»˜ç— ç ”ç©¶çŠ¶å†µåŠè¶‹åŠ¿çš„å¯è§†åŒ–åˆ†æž.

The research history, hot spots and frontier trends of acupuncture and moxibustion for Alzheimer's disease (AD) were explored using knowledge graph technology. The articles on acupuncture and moxibustion for AD were searched from 6 databases, i.e. CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed, Pubmed and Web of Science, from January 1st, 1993 to January 1st, 2023. Using CiteSpace6.2.R2 Advance and VOSviewer V1.6.19 softwares, the knowledge map was graphed and the visual analysis was performed. A total of 1 228 Chinese and 309 English articles were included. The high-frequency keywords were generally divided into the keywords of clinical diseases (AD, dementia), those of therapeutic methods (electroacupuncture, acupuncture-moxibustion and acupuncture) and those of mechanism study (ß-amyloid, mice). Thirteen keyword clusters were formed among the articles of Chinese version, e.g. acupuncture-moxibustion, dementia, acupuncture and electroacupuncture; and 8 clusters were obtained among English articles, e.g. electroacupuncture, drug therapy and hippocampus. The high-frequency keywords of acupoints included Baihui (GV 20), Dazhui (GV 14), Yintang (GV 24+), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), etc. Six clusters of "acupuncture techniques → acupoints" were obtained for the treatment of AD with acupuncture and moxibustion. The therapeutic methods and modes of AD with acupuncture and moxibustion are constantly progressed, the development of clinical research tends to the evaluation of novel therapeutic mode and clinical effect, and the mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion for the effect on AD are more deeply explored. Among the various therapeutic methods, acupuncture-moxibustion, acupuncture and electroacupuncture have been early predominant; while, many novel methods are gradually displayed later, such as music electroacupuncture and hydro-acupuncture. In recent 30 years, among Chinese and English articles for the studies of AD treated with acupuncture and moxibustion, the theme of them focuses on the two aspects, the observation of clinical effect and the mechanism research. It is found that the clinical therapeutic methods have been gradually improved and the mechanism exploration been deepened.

Electrocatalysis Boosts the Methanol Thermocatalytic Dehydrogenation for High-Purity H2 and CO Production.

Hydrogen production from methanol represents an energy-sustainable way to produce ethanol, but it normally results in heavy CO2 emissions. The selective conversion of methanol into H2 and valuable chemical feedstocks offers a promising strategy; however, it is limited by the harsh operating conditions and low conversion efficiency. Herein, we realize efficient high-purity H2 and CO production from methanol by coupling the thermocatalytic methanol dehydrogenation with electrocatalytic hydrogen oxidation on a bifunctional Ru/C catalyst. Electrocatalysis enables the acceleration of C-H cleavage and reduces the partial pressure of hydrogen at the anode, which drives the chemical equilibrium and significantly enhances methanol dehydrogenation. Furthermore, a bilayer Ru/C + Pd/C electrode is designed to mitigate CO poisoning and facilitate hydrogen oxidation. As a result, a high yield of H2 (558.54 mmol h-1 g-1) with high purity (99.9%) was achieved by integrating an applied cell voltage of 0.4 V at 200 °C, superior to the conventional thermal and electrocatalytic processes, and CO is the main product at the anode. This work presents a new avenue for efficient H2 production together with valuable chemical synthesis from methanol.

A novel ratiometric sensor for fluorimetric and visual dual-mode detection of Al3+ in environmental water based on the target-regulated formation of Eu MOFs.

Herein, a novel ratiometric sensor for fluorimetric and smartphone-assisted visual detection of Al3+ in environmental water was developed based on the target-regulated formation of Eu metal-organic frameworks (Eu MOFs). By employing 2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl) piperazin-1-yl] ethanesulfonic acid (Hepes), Eu3+ and tetracycline (TC) as raw materials, Eu MOFs with red emission were facilely synthesized through the coordination of Eu3+ with Hepes and TC. However, upon the introduction of Al3+, a higher affinity of TC towards Al3+ resulted in the formation of a TC-Al3+ complex with green fluorescence and inhibited the generation of Eu MOFs. This led to an increase in green fluorescence and a decrease in red fluorescence accompanied by the fluorescence color of the solution changing from red to green under the illumination of the UV lamp. Thus, a ratiometric sensor for fluorimetric and the smartphone-assisted visual detection of Al3+ was established. The ratiometric sensor exhibited high sensitivity for Al3+ detection with a detection limit of 0.14 µM for fluorescence detection and 1.21 µM for visual detection. Additionally, the proposed strategy was successfully applied to detect Al3+ in the environmental water samples with satisfactory results, indicating great application prospects for environmental monitoring.

Ultra-low-Potential Methanol Oxidation on Single-Ir-Atom Catalyst.

Methanol oxidation plays a central role to implement sustainable energy economy, which is restricted by the sluggish reaction kinetics due to the multi-electron transfer process accompanied by numerous sequential intermediate. In this study, an efficient cascade methanol oxidation reaction is catalyzed by single-Ir-atom catalyst at ultra-low potential (< 0.1 V) with the promotion of the thermal and electrochemical integration in a high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzer. At the elevated temperature, the electron deficient Ir site with higher methanol affinity could spontaneous catalyze the CH3OH dehydrogenation to CO under the voltage, then the generated CO and H2 was electrochemically oxidized to CO2 and proton. However, the methanol cannot thermally decompose with the voltage absence, which confirm the indispensable of the coupling of thermal and electrochemical integration for the methanol oxidation. By assembling the methanol oxidation reaction with hydrogen evolution reaction in the HT-PEME with single-Ir-atom catalysts in the anode chamber, a max hydrogen production rate reaches 18 mol gIr-1 h-1, which is much greater than that of Ir nanoparticles and commercial Pt/C catalyst. This study also demonstrated the electrochemical MOR activity of the single atom catalysts, which broadens the renewable energy devices and the catalyst design by an integration concept.

MitoQ protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatocyte ferroptosis and acute liver injury by suppressing mtROS-mediated ACSL4 upregulation.

Ferroptosis has been shown to be involved in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury (ALI). The mitochondrion-targeted antioxidant MitoQ can eliminate the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). This study investigated the role of MitoQ in CCl4-induced hepatocytic ferroptosis and ALI. MDA and 4HNE were elevated in CCl4-induced mice. In vitro, CCl4 exposure elevated the levels of oxidized lipids in HepG2 cells. Alterations in the mitochondrial ultrastructure of hepatocytes were observed in the livers of CCl4-evoked mice. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) attenuated CCl4-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial ultrastructure alterations and ALI. Mechanistically, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) was upregulated in CCl4-exposed human hepatocytes and mouse livers. The ACSL4 inhibitor rosiglitazone alleviated CCl4-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation and ALI. ACSL4 knockdown inhibited oxidized lipids in CCl4-exposed human hepatocytes. Moreover, CCl4 exposure decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential and OXPHOS subunit levels and increased the mtROS level in HepG2 cells. Correspondingly, MitoQ pretreatment inhibited the upregulation of ACSL4 in CCl4-evoked mouse livers and HepG2 cells. MitoQ attenuated lipid peroxidation in vivo and in vitro after CCl4 exposure. Finally, MitoQ pretreatment alleviated CCl4-induced hepatocytic ferroptosis and ALI. These findings suggest that MitoQ protects against hepatocyte ferroptosis in CCl4-induced ALI via the mtROS-ACSL4 pathway.