Decoding HiPSC-CM's Response to SARS-CoV-2: mapping the molecular landscape of cardiac injury.

BACKGROUND: Acute cardiac injury caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases mortality. Acute cardiac injury caused by COVID-19 requires understanding how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) directly infects cardiomyocytes. This study provides a solid foundation for related studies by using a model of SARS-CoV-2 infection in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) at the transcriptome level, highlighting the relevance of this study to related studies. SARS-CoV-2 infection in hiPSC-CMs has previously been studied by bioinformatics without presenting the full molecular biological process. We present a unique bioinformatics view of the complete molecular biological process of SARS-CoV-2 infection in hiPSC-CMs. METHODS: To validate the RNA-seq datasets, we used GSE184715 and GSE150392 for the analytical studies, GSE193722 for validation at the cellular level, and GSE169241 for validation in heart tissue samples. GeneCards and MsigDB databases were used to find genes associated with the phenotype. In addition to differential expression analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), we also performed protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, functional enrichment analysis, hub gene analysis, upstream transcription factor prediction, and drug prediction. RESULTS: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were classified into four categories: cardiomyocyte cytoskeletal protein inhibition, proto-oncogene activation and inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and intracellular cytoplasmic physiological function. Each of the hub genes showed good diagnostic prediction, which was well validated in other datasets. Inhibited biological functions included cardiomyocyte cytoskeletal proteins, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and electron transport chain (ETC), glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, citric acid cycle, nucleic acid metabolism, replication, transcription, translation, ubiquitination, autophagy, and cellular transport. Proto-oncogenes, inflammation, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) pathways, and interferon signaling were activated, as well as inflammatory factors. Viral infection activates multiple pathways, including the interferon pathway, proto-oncogenes and mitochondrial oxidative stress, while inhibiting cardiomyocyte backbone proteins and energy metabolism. Infection limits intracellular synthesis and metabolism, as well as the raw materials for mitochondrial energy synthesis. Mitochondrial dysfunction and energy abnormalities are ultimately caused by proto-oncogene activation and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Activation of the interferon pathway, proto-oncogene up-regulation, and mitochondrial oxidative stress cause the inflammatory response and lead to diminished cardiomyocyte contraction. Replication, transcription, translation, ubiquitination, autophagy, and cellular transport are among the functions that decline physiologically. CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 infection in hiPSC-CMs is fundamentally mediated via mitochondrial dysfunction. Therapeutic interventions targeting mitochondrial dysfunction may alleviate the cardiovascular complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Correlation and pathways of behavioral activation systems mediating physical activity level and depressive symptoms among college students.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a common mental disorder among college students. The main symptoms include being persistent low mood, sad emotional experiences, lack of pleasure, listlessness, and impaired cognitive function accompanied by tendencies of self-harm and suicide. AIM: To clarify the pathways and effects of the behavioral activation system between physical activity and depressive symptoms in college students with depressive symptoms. METHODS: This cross-sectional research screened 3047 college students. Of these, 472 had depressive symptoms, with a depression detection rate of 15.49%. Furthermore, 442 college students with depressive symptoms were analyzed. A one-way analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation, linear regression, and structural equation modeling analyses were used to explore the correlations and pathways of the interactions between the variables. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms were significantly negatively correlated with physical activity (r = -0.175, P < 0.001), the behavioral activation system (r = -0.197, P < 0.001), and drive (r = -0.113, P = 0.017). Furthermore, it was negatively correlated with fun-seeking (FS) (r = -0.055, P = 0.251); however, it was not significant. Physical activity was significantly positively correlated with reward responsiveness (RR) (r = 0.141, P = 0.003) and drive (r = 0.124, P = 0.009) and not significantly positively correlated with FS (r = 0.090, P = 0.058). The mediating effect of RR between physical activity and depressive symptoms was significant [B = -0.025, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): -0.051 to -0.008, P = 0.001]. The direct and total effects of physical activity on depressive symptoms and were significant (B = -0.150, 95%CI: -0.233 to -0.073, P < 0.001; B = -0.175, 95%CI: -0.260 to -0.099, P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: As physical activity levels increased, depression scores among college students decreased. The mediating effect of RR between physical activity and depressive symptoms was significant. Therefore, colleges and universities should encourage college students with depression to increase their physical activity and improve their behavioral activation system. Particular attention should be paid to RR, which may reduce the prevalence of depressive symptoms.

Construction of a resting EEG-based depression recognition model for college students and possible mechanisms of action of different types of exercise.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the method of resting EEG assessment of depressive symptoms in college students and to clarify the relationship between physical activity level and depressive symptoms in college students. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, 140 current full-time college students were recruited to complete the Self-Rating Depression Scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and 10-min resting EEGs were obtained. RESULTS: 1) The power values of δ and α2 in the central (C3, C4) and parietal (P3, P4) regions of depressed college students were significantly higher than those of normal college students. And the degree of lateralization of δ, θ, α1, and α2 in the prefrontal regions (F3, F4) of depressed college students was significantly higher than that of normal college students (all P < 0. 008). 2) The recall rate of the depression recognition model for college students based on resting EEG was 66.67%, the precision was 65.05%, and the AUCs of the training group and validation group were 0.791 and 0.786, respectively, with better detection effects. 3) The two indicators, δ (C3 + C4) and α1 (F4-F3), are significantly correlated with IPAQ scores, and among college students who engage in ball games most commonly, those with a higher level of physical activity have lower δ (C3 + C4) and higher α1 (F4-F3), while among those who engage in resistance training most commonly, higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower δ (C3 + C4). CONCLUSION: The resting EEG of depressed college students has a certain specificity that can objectively assess the risk of developing depressive symptoms in college students. Physical activity is associated with abnormal EEG signals of depressive symptoms. Different types of physical activity may modulate the relationship between physical activity levels and EEG indicators.

Predictive Value of Post-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Quantitative Flow Ratio for Vessel-Oriented Composite Endpoint.

At present, there is a lack of indicators, which can accurately predict the post-percutaneous coronary intervention (post-PCI) vessel-oriented composite endpoint (VOCE). Recent studies showed that the post-PCI quantitative flow ratio (QFR) can predict post-PCI VOCE. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched from inception to March 27, 2022, and the cohort studies about that the post-PCI QFR predicts post-PCI VOCE were screened. Meta-analysis was performed, including 6 studies involving 4518 target vessels. The results of the studies included in this meta-analysis all showed that low post-PCI QFR was an independent risk factor for post-PCI VOCE after adjusting for other factors, HR (95% CI) ranging from 2.718 (1.347-5.486) to 6.53 (2.70-15.8). Our meta-analysis showed that the risk of post-PCI VOCE was significantly higher in the lower post-PCI QFR group than in the higher post-PCI QFR group (HR: 4.14, 95% CI: 3.00-5.70, P < 0.001, I2 = 27.9%). Post-PCI QFR has a good predictive value for post-PCI VOCE. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with CRD42022322001.

Wireless, Smart Hemostasis Device with All-Soft Sensing System for Quantitative and Real-Time Pressure Evaluation.

The properly applied pressure between the skin and hemostasis devices is an essential parameter for preventing bleeding and postoperative complications after a transradial procedure. However, this parameter is usually controlled based on the subjective judgment of doctors, which might cause insufficient hemostatic effect or thrombosis. Here this study develops a compact and wireless sensing system for continuously monitoring the pressure applied on the radial artery and wrist skin in clinical practice. A liquid metal (LM)-based all-soft pressure sensor is fabricated to enable conformal attachment between the device and skin even under large deformation conditions. The linear sensitivity of 0.007 kPa-1 among the wide pressure range of 0-100 kPa is achieved and the real-time detection data can be wirelessly transmitted to mobile clients as a reference pressure value. With these devices, detailed pressure data can be collected, analyzed, and stored for medical assistance as well as to improve surgery quality.

Effectiveness of Baduanjin (a Type of Qigong) on Physical, Cognitive, and Mental Health Outcomes: A Comprehensive Review.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to comprehensively review empirical evidence on the effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise, one type of mind-body focused qigong exercise, on individuals' physical, cognitive, and mental well-being; outline potential mechanisms; and, suggest potential implication strategies for using Baduanjin in clinical practices and for future research. Methods: Recent randomized-controlled studies and systematic reviews/meta-analyses published in English were searched in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus up to July 2022. The search terms include Baduanjin and sleep, chronic illness, cognition, mental health, etc. We only selected papers that specifically studied the health effects of Baduanjin, excluding those that involved other forms of Qigong or other traditional Chinese medical practices. Since many RCT studies have already been included in the review papers that we selected, only those not covered in the review papers were selected to avoid repetition. Results: 19 recent randomized-controlled studies and 8 systematic reviews were identified. In general, the effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise on individuals' physical, cognitive, and mental health is evident. Baduanjin has proven to be effective in improving sleep quality, including reducing difficulties in getting asleep and reducing daytime sleepiness. It also reduces fatigue and improves the quality of life for patients with other physical health issues, such as cancer, musculoskeletal pain, and chronic illnesses. The effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise is also evident in cognition, improving executive functions, and slowing down age-related cognitive deterioration. Similarly, Baduanjin alleviates various types of mental illnesses, increases patients' social competence, and enhances emotional regulation. Conclusion: There is initial evidence on the safety and efficacy of Baduanjin in improving individuals' various aspects of health and well-being, suggesting that Baduanjin may serve as an effective adjunct to conventional treatments for a variety of clinical health benefits. More research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of Baduanjin in other non-Chinese ethnic populations.

Culturally tailored group Qigong exercise in older Chinese immigrants: A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Culturally tailored group exercise bridges health disparities among new immigrants, particularly older adults. We designed a Chinese Qigong (Baduanjin) exercise intervention testing the feasibility and acceptability among older Chinese at a senior daycare center in Philadelphia, PA, US. METHODS: 10-week Qigong group in-person exercise was delivered 5 days a week, using a 12-minute video tutorial under trained research assistants' guidance. Daily attendance and attrition was recorded. Participants completed baseline self-report assessments on physical and mental health, and two computerized cognitive tests, the psychomotor vigilance test and a memory test. RESULTS: 53 older adults participated (mean age: 78, female: 88.7%). Average daily attendance was 65.28%. Stratification analysis on age groups <80 and ≥80 shows no significant differences on key variables. CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment for Baduanjin Qigong exercise was feasible in senior daycare centers, and older adults could easily learn and safely follow exercise movements. Preliminarily findings call for further research.

Flexible integrated sensor with asymmetric structure for simultaneously 3D tactile and thermal sensing.

The human body detects tactile stimuli through a combination of pressure force and temperature signals via various cutaneous receptors. The development of a multifunctional artificial tactile perception system has potential benefits for future robotic technologies, human-machine interfaces, artificial intelligence, and health monitoring devices. However, constructing systems beyond simple pressure sensing capabilities remains challenging. Here, we propose an artificial flexible and ultra-thin (50 µ m) skin system to simultaneously capture 3D tactile and thermal signals, which mimics the human tactile recognition process using customized sensor pairs and compact peripheral signal-converting circuits. The 3D tactile sensors have a flower-like asymmetric structure with 5-ports and 4 capacitive elements in pairs. Differential and average signals would reveal the curl and amplitude values of the fore field with a resolution of 0.18/mm. The resistive thermal sensors are fabricated with serpentine lines and possess stable heat-sensing performance (165 mV/°C) under shape deformation conditions. Real-time monitoring of the skin stimuli is displayed on the user interface and stored on mobile clients. This work offers broad capabilities relevant to practical applications ranging from assistant prosthetics to artificial electronic skins.

A Low-Voltage and Power-Efficient Capless LDO Based on the Biaxially Driven Power Transistor Technique for Respiration Monitoring System.

In this study, a 0.8-V- Vin 200-mA- Io capless low-dropout voltage regulator (LDO) is developed for a wireless respiration monitoring system. The biaxially driven power transistor (BDP) technique is proposed in the LDO, with a current driven stimulation on the bulk and a voltage on the gate terminal. With the BDP technique, an adaptively biased current-driven loop (ABCL) is designed which can reduce the high threshold voltage of power transistor, thus presenting lower input voltage and reduced power consumption. Moreover, this loop can provide an improved dynamic response due to its increased discharging current. Based on an error amplifier with enhanced DC gain and gain bandwidth, the capless LDO achieves superior power supply rejection (PSR) and stability without a complex frequency compensation mechanism. The proposed LDO is fabricated in the SMIC 180 nm process with a chip area of 0.046 mm 2. Measurement results indicate that this LDO can obtain a 200-mA load current range and greater than -66 dB PSR up to 1 kHz at a supply voltage as low as 0.8 V.

Quantitative and Real-Time Evaluation of Human Respiration Signals with a Shape-Conformal Wireless Sensing System.

Respiration signals reflect many underlying health conditions, including cardiopulmonary functions, autonomic disorders and respiratory distress, therefore continuous measurement of respiration is needed in various cases. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of effective portable electronic devices that meet the demands for medical and daily respiration monitoring. This work showcases a soft, wireless, and non-invasive device for quantitative and real-time evaluation of human respiration. This device simultaneously captures respiration and temperature signatures using customized capacitive and resistive sensors, encapsulated by a breathable layer, and does not limit the user's daily life. Further a machine learning-based respiration classification algorithm with a set of carefully studied features as inputs is proposed and it is deployed into mobile clients. The body status of users, such as being quiet, active and coughing, can be accurately recognized by the algorithm and displayed on clients. Moreover, multiple devices can be linked to a server network to monitor a group of users and provide each user with the statistical duration of physiological activities, coughing alerts, and body health advice. With these devices, individual and group respiratory health status can be quantitatively collected, analyzed, and stored for daily physiological signal detections as well as medical assistance.

PGRN exacerbates the progression of non-small cell lung cancer via PI3K/AKT/Bcl-2 antiapoptotic signaling.

Progranulin (PGRN) is a growth factor that is involved in the progression of multiple tumors. However, the effects and molecular mechanisms by which PGRN induces lung cancer remain unclear. The expression level of PGRN was analyzed by conducting immunohistochemistry of the histological sections of lung tissues from non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells were assessed by the MTT assay, Western blot, degree of wound healing, and Transwell assays. A nude mouse xenograft model was used to validate the role of PGRN in vivo. The expression level of PGRN was higher in male patients with lung adenocarcinoma than in those with lung squamous cell carcinoma; by contrast, no difference was observed in female patients. The overexpression of PGRN promoted the proliferation and anti-apoptosis of H520 (derived from lung squamous cell carcinoma) cells, whereas knockdown of PGRN inhibited the proliferation and anti-apoptosis of A549 (derived from lung adenocarcinoma) cells. Copanlisib (targeting PI3K) inhibited the increase in the expression of cell anti-apoptosis marker Bcl-2 induced by rhPGRN protein; the PI3K agonist 740 Y-P partially reversed the decrease in Bcl-2 expression induced by PGRN deficiency in both A549 and H520 cells. PGRN increased the expression of Ki-67, PCNA, and Bcl-2 in vivo. PGRN inhibited cell apoptosis depending on the PI3K/Akt/Bcl-2 signaling axis; PGRN positivity correlated with lung adenocarcinoma. PGRN is a potential biomarker for the treatment and diagnosis of NSCLC, especially in lung adenocarcinoma.

Multi-factor regulatory network and different clusters in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Practical biosignatures and thorough understanding of regulatory processes of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) are still lacking. METHODS: Firstly, public data from GSE36961 and GSE89714 datasets of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Gene database of NCBI (National Center of Biotechnology Information) and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database were merged into a candidate gene set of HOCM. Secondly, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) for the candidate gene set was carried out to determine premier co-expressed genes. Thirdly, significant regulators were found out by virtue of a multi-factor regulatory network of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), messenger RNAs (mRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) with molecule interreactions from starBase v2.0 database and TRRUST v2 database. Ultimately, HOCM unsupervised clustering and "tsne" dimensionality reduction was employed to gain hub genes, whose classification performance was evaluated by a multinomial model of lasso logistic regression analysis binded with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Two HOCM remarkably-interrelated modules were from WGCNA, followed by the recognition of 32 crucial co-expressed genes. The multi-factor regulatory network disclosed 7 primary regulatory agents, containing lncRNAs (XIST, MALAT1, and H19), TFs (SPI1 and SP1) and miRNAs (hsa-miR-29b-39 and has-miR-29a-3p). Four clusters of HOCM and 4 hub genes (COMP, FMOD, AEBP1 and SULF1) significantly expressing in preceding four subtypes were obtained, while ROC curve demonstrated satisfactory performance of clustering and 4 genes. CONCLUSIONS: Our consequences furnish valuable resource which may bring about prospective mechanistic and therapeutic anatomization in HOCM.

Dynamic association between perceived conflict and communication behavior in intimate relationships: The moderating effect of traumatic experience.

Many individuals may face traumatic events throughout their lives. For intimate relationship partners, early traumatic experiences can have a specific effect on their interpersonal communication. This study examined the moderating effect of traumatic experiences at early ages between perceived conflict and communication behavior among individuals in an intimate relationship. A total of 186 college students in intimate relationships reported their perceived conflict and communication behaviors with their partners three times a day for 14 days using ambulatory assessment. Findings from the multilevel model showed that a higher level of perceived conflict significantly positively associated with negative communication and negatively correlated with positive communication at the within-person level. Traumatic experiences at the between-person level moderated the within-person level associations between the dynamic perceived conflict and negative and positive communication behavior. However, the moderating effect of traumatic experiences on the association between perceived conflict and positive communication was contrary to the hypothesis. Daily perceived conflict was associated with daily communication behavior. For those with early traumatic experiences, the relationship between negative communication and conflict was stronger than for those who had not experienced such trauma.

CX3 CL1 promotes tumour cell by inducing tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin in lung cancer.

It has been reported that chemokine CX3 CL1 can regulate various tumours by binding to its unique receptor CX3 CR1. However, the effect of CX3 CL1-CX3 CR1 on the lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma is still unclear. Here, we showed that CX3 CL1 can further invasion and migration of lung adenocarcinoma A549 and lung squamous cell carcinoma H520. In addition, Western blot and immunofluorescence test indicated CX3 CL1 up-regulated the phosphorylation level of cortactin, which is a marker of cell pseudopodium. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation levels of c-Src and c-Abl, which are closely related to the regulation of cortactin phosphorylation, are elevated. Nevertheless, the src/abl inhibitor bosutinib and mutations of cortactin phosphorylation site could inhibit the promotion effect of CX3 CL1 on invasion and migration of A549 and H520. Moreover, these results of MTT, Hoechst staining and Western blot suggested that CX3 CL1 had no effect on the proliferation and apoptosis of A549 and H520 in vitro. The effects of CX3 CL1 were also verified by the subcutaneous tumour formation in nude mice, which showed that it could promote proliferation and invasion of A549 in vivo. In summary, our results indicated that CX3 CL1 furthered invasion and migration in lung cancer cells partly via activating cortactin, and CX3 CL1 may be a potential molecule in regulating the migration and invasion of lung cancer.

RNA polymerase II associated proteins regulate stomatal development through direct interaction with stomatal transcription factors in Arabidopsis thaliana.

RNA polymerase II (Pol II) associated proteins (RPAPs) have been ascribed diverse functions at the cellular level; however, their roles in developmental processes in yeasts, animals and plants are very poorly understood. Through screening for interactors of NRPB3, which encodes the third largest subunit of Pol II, we identified RIMA, the orthologue of mammalian RPAP2. A combination of genetic and biochemical assays revealed the role of RIMA and other RPAPs in stomatal development in Arabidopsis thaliana. We show that RIMA is involved in nuclear import of NRPB3 and other Pol II subunits, and is essential for restraining division and for establishing cell identity in the stomatal cell lineage. Moreover, plant RPAPs IYO/RPAP1 and QQT1/RPAP4, which interact with RIMA, are also crucial for stomatal development. Importantly, RIMA and QQT1 bind physically to stomatal transcription factors SPEECHLESS, MUTE, FAMA and SCREAMs. The RIMA-QQT1-IYO complex could work together with key stomatal transcription factors and Pol II to drive cell fate transitions in the stomatal cell lineage. Direct interactions with stomatal transcription factors provide a novel mechanism by which RPAP proteins may control differentiation of cell types and tissues in eukaryotes.

Particle-Laden Droplet-Driven Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Real-Time Sediment Monitoring Using a Deep Learning Method.

Continuous information on the suspended sediment in the water system is critical in various areas of industry and hydrological studies. However, because of the high variation of suspended sediment flow, challenges still remain in developing new techniques implementing simple, reliable, and real-time sediment monitoring. Herein, we report a potential method to realize real-time sediment monitoring by introducing a particle-laden droplet-driven triboelectric nanogenerator (PLDD-TENG) combined with a deep learning method. The PLDD-TENG was operated under the single-electrode mode with a triboelectric layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) thin film. The working mechanism of the PLDD-TENG was proved to be induced by liquid-PTFE contact electrification and sand particle-electrode electrostatic induction. Then, its performance was explored under various particle parameters, and the results indicated that the output signal of the PLDD-TENG was very sensitive to the sand particle size and mass fraction. A convolutional neural network-based deep learning method was finally adopted to identify the particle parameters based on the output signal. High identifying accuracies over 90% were achieved in most of the cases by the proposed method, which sheds light on the application of the PLDD-TENG in real-time sediment monitoring.

Ring-Opening Alternating Copolymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides of Lactic Acid and Malic Acid Using Hafnium Alkoxide Initiators with Different Stereo Selectivities and Activities.

Monomer sequence controllable syntheses of copolymers, including copolyesters, remain a challenge in polymer science. Although alternating sequence-controlled copolymerization of O-carboxyanhydrides (OCAs) can be achieved via using syndioselective initiators, the alternating copolymerization of lactic acid-derived O-carboxyanhydride (LacOCA) with other monomers still suffers from a lack of highly syndioselective initiators. In this work, a highly syndioselective system for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of LacOCA was achieved using a bulky amine tris(phenolate) hafnium alkoxide initiator with a high Pr value of 0.91. However, the stereoselectivities of amine tris(phenolate) hafnium alkoxide initiators for the ROP of malic acid O-carboxyanhydride (MalOCA) change to be modestly or lowly isoselective. Interestingly, despite the different stereoselectivities of this system for the two different monomers, the high syndioselectivity of the initiator for the ROP of LacOCA and the low activity of MalOCA in the ROP allow comparatively high rates of cross-propagation; consequently, the ring-opening alternating copolymerization (ROAP) of LacOCA and MalOCA was achieved successfully.

Ciprofloxacin promotes polarization of CD86+CD206­ macrophages to suppress liver cancer.

Gut microbiota can promote tumor development by producing toxic metabolites and inhibiting the function of immune cells. Previous studies have demonstrated that gut microbiota can reach the liver through the circulation and promote the occurrence of liver cancer. Ciprofloxacin, an effective broad­spectrum antimicrobial agent, can promote cell apoptosis and regulate the function of immune cells. As an important part of the tumor microenvironment, macrophages play an important role in tumor regulation. The present study demonstrated that the treatment of macrophages with ciprofloxacin was able to promote the production of interleukin­1ß, tumor necrosis factor­α and the polarization of CD86+CD206­ macrophages, while inhibiting the polarization of CD86­CD206+ macrophages. This transformation may help macrophages promote tumor cell apoptosis, inhibit tumor cell proliferation, reduce metastasis and downregulate the phosphoinositide 3­kinase/AKT signaling pathway in liver cancer cell lines. In vivo experiments demonstrated that macrophages treated with ciprofloxacin inhibited the growth of subcutaneous implanted tumors in nude mice. In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated that ciprofloxacin may inhibit liver cancer by upregulating the expression of CD86+CD206­ macrophages. This study further revealed the biological mechanism underlying the potential value of ciprofloxacin in antitumor therapy and provided new targets for the treatment of liver cancer.

Electron-Induced Perpendicular Graphene Sheets Embedded Porous Carbon Film for Flexible Touch Sensors.

Graphene-based materials on wearable electronics and bendable displays have received considerable attention for the mechanical flexibility, superior electrical conductivity, and high surface area, which are proved to be one of the most promising candidates of stretching and wearable sensors. However, polarized electric charges need to overcome the barrier of graphene sheets to cross over flakes to penetrate into the electrode, as the graphene planes are usually parallel to the electrode surface. By introducing electron-induced perpendicular graphene (EIPG) electrodes incorporated with a stretchable dielectric layer, a flexible and stretchable touch sensor with "in-sheet-charges-transportation" is developed to lower the resistance of carrier movement. The electrode was fabricated with porous nanostructured architecture design to enable wider variety of dielectric constants of only 50-µm-thick Ecoflex layer, leading to fast response time of only 66 ms, as well as high sensitivities of 0.13 kPa-1 below 0.1 kPa and 4.41 MPa-1 above 10 kPa, respectively. Moreover, the capacitance-decrease phenomenon of capacitive sensor is explored to exhibit an object recognition function in one pixel without any other integrated sensor. This not only suggests promising applications of the EIPG electrode in flexible touch sensors but also provides a strategy for internet of things security functions.

Compromised Air Quality and Healthcare Safety from Smoking inside Hospitals in Shantou, China.

Achieving smoke-free healthcare facilities remains a great challenge in countries with a high smoking prevalence and weak regulation. Assessment of the impact of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and its constituent PM2.5 on the air quality in Chinese hospitals has not been reported. In this study, we conducted air quality surveys by measuring real-time PM2.5 concentrations with Dylos Air Quality Monitors in five tertiary hospitals in Shantou, China during summer (July-August 2016) and winter (November-February 2017). Twenty-eight-day surveys inside the hospitals showed median PM2.5 concentrations above the China Air Quality Standard in elevator lobbies (51.0 µg/m3, IQR 34.5-91.7), restrooms (40.2, 27.1-70.3), and corridors (36.5, 23.0-77.4). Evidence of tobacco smoking was significantly associated with PM2.5 spikes observed in all the survey locations, contributing to the air quality undesirable for health in 49.1% of total survey hours or 29.3% of summer and 75.4% of winter survey hours inside the buildings, and 33.5%, 25.7%, and 6.8% of survey hours in doctor offices, nurse stations, and patient rooms, respectively. In conclusion, smoking inside hospitals induces PM2.5 spikes that significantly compromise the air quality and impose significant health risk to the hospital inhabitants. Reinforcing comprehensive smoking ban with the vested interest of all stakeholders followed by creative disciplinary actions are suggested to ensure healthcare safety.