CSF2 Impairs Nrf2 Signaling through the Akt/Mtor Pathway in the Development of Bladder Cancer.

Bladder Cancer (BCa) is one of the most common cancers of the urinary system. Colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) is involved in many cancers, but not BCa. We investigated the effect of CSF2 on BCa in this study and the underlying molecular mechanisms. CSF2 mRNA levels in BCa were analyzed using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Western blot was conducted to verify CSF2 expression in BCa tissue samples and cell lines. The effect of CSF2 on the growth of BCa cells was assessed by CCK8 and colony formation. To determine the migration and invasion capabilities of BCa cells, transwell analysis and wound healing assays were conducted. Next, western blot was used to explore the underlying mechanism. In the end, a xenografted BCa mouse model was established to examine the effects of CSF2 on tumorigenesis in vivo. Results showed that CSF2 mRNA was upregulated in BCa samples. Knocking down CSF2 significantly inhibited the proliferation and tumorigenesis of BCa cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanism analysis revealed that CSF2 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and invasion of BCa cells via AKT/mTOR signaling. Based on these results, CSF2 promotes the proliferation and tumorigenesis of BCa.

Trace metals coupled with plasticisers in microplastics strengthen the denitrification function of the soil microbiome in the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau.

Due to the lack of research on the co-effects of microplastics and trace metals in the environment on nitrogen cycling-related functional microorganisms, the occurrence of microplastics and one of their plasticisers, phthalate esters, as well as trace metals, were determined in soils and river sediments in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Relationship between microplastics and phthalate esters in the area was determined; the co-effects of these potentially toxic materials, and key factors and pathways affecting nitrogen functions were further explored. Significant correlations between fibre- and film-shaped microplastics and phthalate esters were detected in the soils from the plateau. Copper, lead, cadmium and di-n-octyl phthalate detected significantly affected nitrogen cycling-related functional microorganisms. The co-existence of di-n-octyl phthalate and copper in soils synergistically stimulated the expression of denitrification microorganisms nirS gene and "nitrate_reduction". Additionally, di-n-octyl phthalate and dimethyl phthalate more significantly affected the variation of nitrogen cycling-related functional genes than the number of microplastics. In a dimethyl phthalate- and cadmium-polluted area, nitrogen cycling-related functional genes, especially nirK gene, were more sensitive and stressed. Overall, phthalate esters originated from microplastics play a key role in nitrogen cycling-related functions than microplastics themselves, moreover, the synergy between di-n-octyl phthalate and copper strengthen the expression of denitrification functions.

Brusatol hinders the progression of bladder cancer by Chac1/Nrf2/SLC7A11 pathway.

Bladder cancer is a common tumor that impacts the urinary system and marked by a significant fatality rate and an unfavorable prognosis. Promising antineoplastic properties are exhibited by brusatol, which is obtained from the dried ripe fruit of Brucea javanica. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of brusatol on the progression of bladder cancer and uncover the molecular mechanism involved. We used Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation and EdU assays to detect cell numbers, viability and proliferation. We used transwell migration assay to detect cell migration ability. The mechanism of brusatol inhibition of bladder cancer proliferation was studied by flow cytometry and western blotting. It was revealed that brusatol could reduce the viability and proliferation of T24 and 5637 cells. The transwell migration assay revealed that brusatol was able to attenuate the migration of T24 and 5637 cells. We found that treatment with brusatol increased the levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde and Fe2+, thereby further promoting ferroptosis in T24 and 5637 cells. In addition, treatment with RSL3 (an agonistor of ferroptosis) ferrostatin-1 (a selective inhibitor of ferroptosis) enhanced or reversed the brusatol-induced inhibition. In vivo, treatment with brusatol significantly suppressed the tumor growth in nude mice. Mechanistically, brusatol induced ferroptosis by upregulating the expression of ChaC glutathione-specific gamma-glutamylcyclotransferase (Chac1) and decreasing the expression of SLC7A11 and Nrf2 in T24 and 5637 cells. To summarize, the findings of this research demonstrated that brusatol hindered the growth of bladder cancer and triggered ferroptosis via the Chac1/Nrf2/SLC7A11 pathway.

Anticancer effects of solasonine: Evidence and possible mechanisms.

The effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine's active ingredients in anti-tumor effects have attracted widespread attention worldwide. Solasonine is the main anti-tumor component of the traditional Chinese medicine Solanum nigrum L, which can inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, induce ferroptosis in tumor cells, and inhibit of tumor cell metastasis, thereby inhibiting tumor progression. Therefore, we summarized anti-tumor mechanisms and targets of solasonine to provide new ideas and theoretical basis for its further development and application.

A Music-Driven Dance Generation Method Based on a Spatial-Temporal Refinement Model to Optimize Abnormal Frames.

Since existing music-driven dance generation methods have abnormal motion when generating dance sequences which leads to unnatural overall dance movements, a music-driven dance generation method based on a spatial-temporal refinement model is proposed to optimize the abnormal frames. Firstly, the cross-modal alignment model is used to learn the correspondence between the two modalities of audio and dance video and based on the learned correspondence, the corresponding dance segments are matched with the input music segments. Secondly, an abnormal frame optimization algorithm is proposed to carry out the optimization of the abnormal frames in the dance sequence. Finally, a temporal refinement model is used to constrain the music beats and dance rhythms in the temporal perspective to further strengthen the consistency between the music and the dance movements. The experimental results show that the proposed method can generate realistic and natural dance video sequences, with the FID index reduced by 1.2 and the diversity index improved by 1.7.

Functional-Group-Induced Single Quantum Well Dion-Jacobson 2D Perovskite for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells.

In two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) perovskite heterostructure, randomly distributed multiple quantum wells (QW) 2D perovskites are frequently generated, which are detrimental to carrier transport and structural stability. Here, the high quality 2D/3D perovskite heterostructure is constructed by fabricating functional-group-induced single QW Dion-Jacobson (DJ) 2D perovskites. The utilization of ─OCH3 in the precursor solution facilitates the formation of colloidal particles with uniform size, resulting in the production of a pure 2D DJ perovskite with an n value of 3. This strategy facilitates the improvement of 3D structural stability and expedites carrier transport. The resultant devices accomplish a power conversion efficiency of 25.26% (certified 25.04%) and 23.56% at a larger area (1 cm2 ) with negligible hysteresis. The devices maintain >96% and >89% of their initial efficiency after continuous maximum power point tracking under simulated AM1.5 illumination for 1300 h and under damp-heat conditions (85 °C and 85% RH) for 1010 h, respectively.

Development of a Diagnostic Model for Differentiating Tuberculous Spondylitis and Pyogenic Spondylitis With MRI: A Multicenter Retrospective Observational Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective observational study. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to distinguish tuberculous spondylitis (TS) from pyogenic spondylitis (PS) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Further, a novel diagnostic model for differential diagnosis was developed. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: TS and PS are the two most common spinal infections. Distinguishing between these types clinically is challenging. Delayed diagnosis can lead to deficits or kyphosis. Currently, there is a lack of radiology-based diagnostic models for TS and PS. METHODS: We obtained radiologic images from MRI imaging of patients with TS and PS and applied the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to select the optimal features for a predictive model. Predictive models were built using multiple logistic regression analysis. Clinical utility was determined using decision curve analysis, and internal validation was performed using bootstrap resampling. RESULTS: A total of 201 patients with TS (n=105) or PS (n=96) were enrolled. We identified significant differences in MRI features between both groups. We found that noncontiguous multivertebral and single-vertebral body involvement were common in TS and PS, respectively. Vertebral bone lesions were more severe in the TS group than in the PS group (Z=-4.553, P <0.001). The patients in the TS group were also more prone to vertebral intraosseous, epidural, and paraspinal abscesses ( P <0.001). A total of 8 predictors were included in the diagnostic model. Analysis of the calibration curve and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve suggested that the model was well-calibrated with high prediction accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study comparing MRI features in TS and PS and the first to develop an MRI-based nomogram, which may help clinicians distinguish between TS and PS.

Multidentate Chelation Achieves Bilateral Passivation toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells with Minimized Energy Losses.

Defects in the electron transport layer (ETL), perovskite, and buried interface will result in considerable nonradiative recombination. Here, a bottom-up bilateral modification strategy is proposed by incorporating arsenazo III (AA), a chromogenic agent for metal ions, to regulate SnO2 nanoparticles. AA can complex with uncoordinated Sn4+/Pb2+ in the form of multidentate chelation. Furthermore, by forming a hydrogen bond with formamidinium (FA), AA can suppress FA+ defects and regulate crystallization. Multiple chemical bonds between AA and functional layers are established, synergistically preventing the agglomeration of SnO2 nanoparticles, enhancing carrier transport dynamics, passivating bilateral defects, releasing tensile stress, and promoting the crystallization of perovskite. Ultimately, the AA-optimized power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the methylammonium-free (MA-free) devices (Rb0.02(FA0.95Cs0.05)0.98PbI2.91Br0.03Cl0.06) is boosted from 20.88% to 23.17% with a high open-circuit voltage (VOC) exceeding 1.18 V and ultralow energy losses down to 0.37 eV. In addition, the optimized devices also exhibit superior stability.

Dendrimer-conjugated isotretinoin for controlled transdermal drug delivery.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we aimed to develop a novel isotretinoin delivery model for treating skin diseases, revealing its potential advantages in drug delivery and targeted therapy. Using a self-assembly strategy, we grafted a dendrimer, based on a well-defined branched structure for nanomedical devices, with a well-defined nanoarchitecture, yielding spherical, highly homogeneous molecules with multiple surface functionalities. Accordingly, a self-assembled dendrimer-conjugated system was developed to achieve the transdermal delivery of isotretinoin (13cRA-D). RESULTS: Herein, 13cRA-D showed remarkable controlled release, characterized by slow release in normal tissues but accelerated release in tissues with low pH, such as sites of inflammation. These release characteristics could abrogate the nonteratogenic side effects of isotretinoin and allow efficient skin permeation. Moreover, 13cRA-D exhibited high therapeutic efficacy in acne models. Based on in vitro and in vivo experimental results, 13cRA-D afforded better skin penetration than isotretinoin and allowed lesion targeting. Additionally, 13cRA-D induced minimal skin irritation. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that 13cRA-D is a safe and effective isotretinoin formulation for treating patients with skin disorders.

Additive Conformational Engineering To Improve the PbI2 Framework for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells.

The PbI2 framework is critical for two-step fabricated perovskite solar cells. This study investigates the effects of introducing two functional urea-based molecules, biuret (BU) and dithiobiuret (DTBU), into the PbI2 precursor solution on the absorber layer and overall device performance. BU, which contains C═O, enhanced device performance and stability, whereas DTBU, which contains C═S, had negative effects. Research analysis revealed the differences in the spatial structures of the two urea-based molecules. The introduction of symmetrical BU molecules facilitated the crystallization of PbI2, whereas the introduction of DTBU with a twisted molecular structure led to inferior crystallization performance of PbI2. The perovskite thin film, obtained by introducing BU into the PbI2 precursor solution, demonstrated superior performance, characterized by a decreased defect density and an extended carrier lifetime. The device performance and stability were enhanced, resulting in higher open-circuit voltage and fill factor. The highest achieved power conversion efficiency was 23.50%. After 1300 h of storage under unpackaged conditions at 30-40% humidity, the devices maintained 93% of their initial efficiency. Conversely, the devices prepared with DTBU doping exhibited inferior performance and stability, displaying power conversion efficiency below 10% and faster degradation under the same humidity conditions.

A mechanistic updated overview on Cepharanthine as potential anticancer agent.

The antitumor effects of traditional drugs have received increasing attention and active antitumor components extracted from traditional drugs have shown good efficacy with minimal adverse events. Cepharanthine(CEP for short) is an active component derived from the Stephania plants of Menispermaceae, which can regulate multiple signaling pathways alone or in combination with other therapeutic drugs to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, regulate autophagy, and inhibit angiogenesis, thereby inhibiting tumor progression. Therefore, we retrieved studies concerning CEP's antitumor effects in recent years and summarized the antitumor mechanism and targets, in order to gain new insights and establish a theoretical basis for further development and application of CEP.

High-performance lead-free quaternary antiperovskite photovoltaic candidate Ca6N2AsSb.

Accurate many-body perturbation theory-based calculations were used to study the electronic and excitonic properties of lead-free quaternary antiperovskite Ca6N2AsSb; large quasiparticle band gap renormalization, strong optical absorption, and low exciton binding energy, as well as high efficiency of >32% with a thickness of 500 nm were predicted.

Low-Temperature Solution Synthesis of Stable Cs3Cu2Br5 Single Crystals for Visible Light Communications.

Inorganic perovskites CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) have shown great potential as luminescent materials for a wide range of photoelectric devices. However, the practical use of these materials is limited due to the toxicity of lead and poor stability. Here, we present a facile low-temperature, solution-based method to synthesize lead-free and highly stable Cs3Cu2Br5 single crystals (SCs) without the use of organic solvents. Owing to the self-trapped exciton emissions, Cs3Cu2Br5 SCs exhibit a strong broadband blue emission with a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) upon 254 nm ultraviolet light excitation. In addition, the Cs3Cu2Br5 SCs show a high stability against heat, humidity, and UV light. Therefore, the Cs3Cu2Br5 SCs are utilized as emitters in white light emitting diodes (WLEDs), demonstrating a high color rendering index of 81 and a decent commission internationale de l'Eclairage coordinate of (0.30, 0.34). Furthermore, the prepared WLEDs are used in wireless visible light communications, showing a -3 dB bandwidth of 6.7 MHz and an achievable data rate of 45 Mbps. Our study provides a novel organic-solvent-free, low-temperature method to synthesize Cs3Cu2Br5 SCs and could promote the development of Cu-based metal halides in visible light communications.

Suppressing Phase Segregation in CsPbIBr2 Films via Anchoring Halide Ions toward Underwater Solar Cells.

Inorganic CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have accomplished many milestones, yet their progress has been constrained by ion migration and phase separation. This study explores the modulation of perovskite crystallization kinetics and halide ion migration through chlorobenzene (CB) antisolvent with bis(pentafluorophenyl)zinc (Zn(C6F5)2) additive. The photoluminescence and absorption spectra reveal the significantly reduced phase segregaton in CsPbIBr2 film treated by CB with Zn(C6F5)2. Moreover, this research analyzes the CsPbIBr2 film's free carrier lifetime, diffusion length, and mobility using time-resolved microwave conductivity and transient absorption spectroscopy after Zn(C6F5)2 modification. Consequently, the modified CsPbIBr2 PSCs offer a 12.57% power conversion efficiency (PCE), the highest value among CsPbIBr2 PSCs with negligible hysteresis and prolonged stability. Furthermore, under 1-m-deep water, CsPbIBr2 PSCs display a PCE of 14.18%. These findings provide an understanding of the development of phase-segregation-free CsPbIBr2 films and showcase the prospective applications of CsPbIBr2 PSCs in underwater power systems.

Preliminary observation of thyroid function changes in subclinical thyroid diseases.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that 1.95% and 5.55% of adults in China suffer from subclinical thyroid diseases, which is difficult to diagnose and treat. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the development and prognosis of subclinical thyroid diseases to provide a reference from our single center experience. METHODS: A total of 240 cases from April 2019 to August 2021 in the laboratory information system database of Huanghua Development Boai Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Binary logistic regression was conducted to analyze odds ratio (OR) of subclinical thyroid disease types returning to a normal state. RESULTS: Among the patients hypothyroidism Ia and hyperthyroidism Ia were the most common type with conversion to the normal state (P< 0.001). TSH level of patients with conversion to a normal state was significantly lower than that of those who developed to abnormal disease (P= 0.015). The OR values of hyperthyroidism Ia and hypothyroidism Ia that returned to a normal state compared with hyperthyroidism Ib were 2.659 (1.159 ∼ 6.096, P= 0.021) and 3.138 (1.1.278 ∼ 7.709, P= 0.013), respectively. The OR value of hypothyroidism Ib that returned to normal compared with hyperthyroidism Ib was 0.629 (0.131 ∼ 3.010, P= 0.561). Thyroid hormone levels, age, and gender at first diagnosis were not impact factor for prognosis of subclincal thyroid disease (P> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cases with grade hypothyroidism Ia and hyperthyroidism Ia are more likely to revert to normal state than other subclinical thyroid diseases. TSH reference range should be explored for diagnosis and treatment.

Detecting phosphate using lysine-sensitized terbium coordination polymer nanoparticles as ratiometric luminescence probes.

Probes for detecting phosphate ions (Pi) are required for environmental monitoring and to protect human health. Here, novel ratiometric luminescent lanthanide coordination polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) were successfully prepared and used to selectively and sensitively detect Pi. The nanoparticles were prepared from adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and Tb3+, and lysine (Lys) was used as a sensitizer (through the antenna effect) to switch on Tb3+ luminescence at 488 and 544 nm while Lys luminescence at 375 nm was quenched because of energy transfer from Lys to Tb3+. The complex involved is here labeled AMP-Tb/Lys. Pi destroyed the AMP-Tb/Lys CPNs and therefore decreased the AMP-Tb/Lys luminescence intensity at 544 nm and increased the luminescence intensity at 375 nm at an excitation wavelength of 290 nm, meaning ratiometric luminescence detection was possible. The ratio between the luminescence intensities at 544 and 375 nm (I544/I375) was strongly associated with the Pi concentration between 0.1 and 6.0 µM, and the detection limit was 0.08 µM. The dual-emission reverse-change ratio luminescence sensing method can exclude environmental effects, so the proposed assay was found to be very selective. The method was successfully used to detect Pi in real water samples, and acceptable recoveries were found, suggesting that the method could be used in practice to detect Pi in water samples.

Diagnostic strategy for the combined effects of microplastics and potentially toxic elements on microbial communities in catchment scale.

Combined effects of potentially toxic materials (PTMs) released from production activities on microbial communities in environmental flimsy area are poorly recognised. Microplastics (MPs) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were investigated in soils and river sediments in a headwater catchment from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Their co-effects on microbial communities and the controlling factors affecting communities were further explored. Results showed that MPs and PTEs significantly accumulated in soils and sediments. Among which fragment-shaped MPs and copper (Cu) dominated, with mean contents of 1.11 × 104 and 1.81 × 104 items kg-1 and 13.80 and 7.33 mg kg-1 in soils and sediments, respectively. Distribution index (0.54) suggested that fiber-shaped MPs preferred to transport into rivers and deposited in sediments. The film mulching contributed significantly to the occurrence of fragment-shaped MPs, while Cu may be derived from industrial wastewater. The antagonistic effect between fiber-shaped MPs and zinc (Zn) on soil microbial structure was found based on their obtuse angle in canonical correlation analysis. While the synergistic effect between total phosphorus (TP) and Cu on diversity was detected by interaction detector model (q(TP ∩ Cu) >q(TP) >q(Cu), p < 0.05). Soil TP and Cu were identified as controlling factors influencing diversity through random forest model and factor detector (q(TP) = 0.49, q(Cu) = 0.36, p < 0.05), which may be related to direct nutrient supply and microbial resistance, respectively. The negative effects of MPs on structure might be counteracted by increasing Zn content, while the co-existence of TP and Cu further increased diversity. A diagnostic framework, which involves background data collection, sampling analysis, characterisation and relationship investigation, was proposed to explore the co-effects of complex pollution and factors on communities. This study may provide strategies to mitigate the negative effects on microorganisms in the environment.

Ratiometric fluorescence nanoprobe based on carbon dots and terephthalic acid for determining Fe2+ in environmental samples.

A ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe using carbon dots (CDs) and involving oxidation of terephthalic acid (TPA) induced by hydroxyl radicals (·OH) was developed for sensitively and selectively determining Fe2+ ions. When Fe2+ ions are added to the TPA@CDs/H2O2 system, ·OH produced through the Fenton reaction oxidizes the non-fluorescent TPA to give 2-hydroxyl terephthalic acid, which fluoresces at 423 nm when excited at 286 nm. The ·OH and Fe3+ produced quench CD fluorescence at 326 nm. The 2-hydroxyl terephthalic acid to CD fluorescence intensity ratio linearly increased as the Fe2+ concentration increased in the range 0.5-50 µM, and the detection limit was 0.25 µM. The new assay is very selective because it involves dual-emission reverse change ratio fluorescence sensing, which can exclude matrix effects. The new nanoprobe was used to determine Fe2+ concentrations in real water samples, and the recoveries were found to be acceptable. Schematic of the ratiometric fluorometric method for determining Fe2+ based on CDs and TPA.

Research progress on classical traditional Chinese medicine Taohong Siwu decoction in the treatment of coronary heart disease.

The pathogenesis of coronary heart disease is closely related to blood stasis. Taohong Siwu decoction (THSW for short) is one of the most widely used prescriptions for activating blood and removing stasis. Clinical research has confirmed its curative effect on coronary heart disease. However, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this paper reviewed the clinical efficacy of THSW and determine its effective components based on a comprehensive literature review. Furthermore, the core components and targets of THSW in treating coronary heart disease using molecular docking were verified, and the interaction sites were predicted to construct a theoretical basis for the clinical application of THSW.