Elucidating the Impact of Electron Accumulation in Quantum-Dot Light-Emitting Diodes.

Quantum-dot (QD) light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) are promising candidates for future display technology. An imbalance in the injection of electrons and holes into QLEDs leads to the accumulation of excess charges, predominantly electrons, in the QDs. The precise effects of these accumulated electrons have not yet been fully quantified. This study examines how electron accumulation affects QLED efficiency by operating multiple QLEDs at the same voltage and analyzing the correlation between device efficiency and the number of accumulated electrons, as measured by using electrically pumped transient absorption technology. We analyzed 186 QLED devices made with QDs of different colors and quantum yields. Our results show that when QLEDs utilize QDs with a quantum yield of 95%, electron accumulation indeed reduces device efficiency. However, in QLEDs using QDs with a quantum yield below 70%, a higher density of accumulated electrons enhances the device efficiency.

Exposure assessment to areca alkaloids in the Chinese populations through areca nut chewing.

Chewing areca nuts is popular in China. Areca alkaloids are the major toxic compounds in areca nuts. In this study, the levels of four areca alkaloids (i.e. arecoline, arecaidine, guvacoline and guvacine) in 119 areca nut samples were analyzed and 3030 areca nut consumption questionnaires were collected to investigate the exposure to areca alkaloids in the Chinese populations through areca nut chewing. The levels of arecoline, arecaidine, guvacoline and guvacine in different areca nut products were 0.46-4.97 mg/g, 0.57-7.51 mg/g, 0.08-1.44 mg/g and 0.03-8.48 mg/g, respectively. Chewing fresh areca fruits was the main source of arecoline and the total areca alkaloids exposure. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of arecoline and the total areca alkaloids for the Chinese populations were 1.126 and 2.625 mg/kg BW/day for average exposure, 4.411 and 9.739 mg/kg BW/day for high exposure (P95th). The EDI varied with age and gender. The young male population (≤ 34 years) had the highest EDI than other populations. Concentrated and focused efforts are required to educate the general public, especially the young male population, about the risks of areca nut chewing to reduce exposure to areca alkaloids of the Chinese population. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-05966-6.

Unraveling the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in allergic inflammation: implications for novel therapies.

Allergic diseases like asthma, allergic rhinitis and dermatitis pose a significant global health burden, driving the search for novel therapies. The NLRP3 inflammasome, a key component of the innate immune system, is implicated in various inflammatory diseases. Upon exposure to allergens, NLRP3 undergoes a two-step activation process (priming and assembly) to form active inflammasomes. These inflammasomes trigger caspase-1 activation, leading to the cleavage of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and IL-18) and GSDMD. This process induces pyroptosis and amplifies inflammation. Recent studies in humans and mice strongly suggest a link between the NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1ß, and IL-18, and the development of allergic diseases. However, further research is needed to fully understand NLRP3's specific mechanisms in allergies. This review aims to summarize the latest advances in NLRP3 activation and regulation. We will discuss small molecule drugs and natural products targeting NLRP3 as potential therapeutic strategies for allergic diseases.

Phytochemical fingerprint revealing antibacterial and antioxidant activities of endemic banana cultivars in Southeast Asia.

This study explores the bioactive secondary metabolite profiles of the peels of three major cultivars of bananas (Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana). These cultivars are primarily grown in Southeast Asia and are widely consumed due to their rich nutritional and fiber content. The research utilizes advanced analytical techniques, specifically HPLC-DAD-q-TOF-MS/MS, in conjunction with both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses, to analyze the ethanolic extracts of the banana peels. This study identifies phenolic acids, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins as significant contributors to the differentiation of the cultivars. The secondary metabolites rutin, chlorogenic acid, and gentisic acid are pinpointed as the key discriminants. Moreover, the research demonstrates a synergistic contribution of certain phytochemicals to the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the banana peel extracts. The fingerprint profiling tools introduced in this study offer a reliable method for identifying metabolite biomarkers for the discrimination of banana cultivars.

Probing the Operation of Quantum-Dot Light-Emitting Diodes Using Electrically Pumped Transient Absorption Spectroscopy.

The quantum-dot light-emitting diode (QLED) is a new generation light emission source that holds great promise for display and lighting applications. Understanding the dynamics of electrons and holes in QLEDs during their operation is crucial for future QLED optimization, but a time-resolved technology capable of characterizing electrons is still lacking. To tackle this challenge, we develop a unique electrically pumped transient absorption (E-TA) spectroscopy to probe the density of electrons in the QD layer with a nanosecond time resolution. The E-TA result provides a comprehensive understanding of the electron dynamics in QLEDs by quantifying the electron injection time after external voltage on, electron release time after external voltage off, and equilibrated electron density (Ne) in the QD layer during device operation. By combining E-TA technology with time-resolved electroluminescence and transient current measurements, we present a comprehensive overview of the dynamics of both electrons and holes in a QLED during operation.

Nocardamine mitigates cellular dysfunction induced by oxidative stress in periodontal ligament stem cells.

BACKGROUND: The role of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in repairing periodontal destruction is crucial, but their functions can be impaired by excessive oxidative stress (OS). Nocardamine (NOCA), a cyclic siderophore, has been shown to possess anti-cancer and anti-bacterial properties. This study aimed to investigate the protective mechanisms of NOCA against OS-induced cellular dysfunction in PDLSCs. METHODS: The cytotoxicity of NOCA on PDLSCs was assessed using a CCK-8 assay. PDLSCs were then treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce OS. ROS levels, cell viability, and antioxidant factor expression were analyzed using relevant kits after treatment. Small molecule inhibitors U0126 and XAV-939 were employed to block ERK signaling and Wnt pathways respectively. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity staining and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining of mineralized nodules. Expression levels of osteogenic gene markers and ERK pathway were determined via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) or western blot (WB) analysis. ß-catenin nuclear localization was examined by western blotting and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: NOCA exhibited no significant cytotoxicity at concentrations below 20 µM and effectively inhibited H2O2-induced OS in PDLSCs. NOCA also restored ALP activity, mineralized nodule formation, and the expression of osteogenic markers in H2O2-stimulated PDLSCs. Mechanistically, NOCA increased p-ERK level and promoted ß-catenin translocation into the nucleus; however, blocking ERK pathway disrupted the osteogenic protection provided by NOCA and impaired its ability to induce ß-catenin nuclear translocation under OS conditions in PDLSCs. CONCLUSIONS: NOCA protected PDLSCs against H2O2-induced OS and effectively restored impaired osteogenic differentiation in PDLSCs by modulating the ERK/Wnt signaling pathway.

Genome-wide CRISPR screenings identified SMCHD1 as a host-restricting factor for AAV transduction.

AAV-mediated gene therapy typically requires a high dose of viral transduction, risking acute immune responses and patient safety, part of which is due to limited understanding of the host-viral interactions, especially post-transduction viral genome processing. Here, through a genome-wide CRISPR screen, we identified SMCHD1 (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes Hinge Domain 1), an epigenetic modifier, as a critical broad-spectrum restricting host factor for post-entry AAV transgene expression. SMCHD1 knock-down by RNAi and CRISPRi or knock-out by CRISPR all resulted in significantly enhanced transgene expression across multiple viral serotypes, as well as for both single-strand and self-complementary AAV genome types. Mechanistically, upon viral transduction, SMCHD1 effectively repressed AAV transcription by the formation of an LRIF1-HP1-containing protein complex and directly binding with the AAV genome to maintain a heterochromatin-like state. SMCHD1-KO or LRIF1-KD could disrupt such a complex and thus result in AAV transcriptional activation. Together, our results highlight the host factor-induced chromatin remodeling as a critical inhibitory mechanism for AAV transduction and may shed light on further improvement in AAV-based gene therapy.

Template Synthesis of Cyclometalated Macrocycle Iridium(III) Complexes Based on Photoinduced C-N Cross-Coupling Reactions In Situ.

The synthesis of metal macrocycle complexes holds paramount importance in coordination and supramolecular chemistry. Toward this end, we report a new, mild, and efficient protocol for the synthesis of cyclometalated macrocycle Ir(III) complexes: [Ir(L1)](PF6) (1), [Ir(L2)](PF6) (2), and [Ir(L3)](PF6) (3), where L1 presents 10,17-dioxa-3,6-diaza-2(2,8),7(8,2)-diquinolina-1,8(1,4)-dibenzenacyclooctadecaphane, L2 is 10,13,16,19,22,25-hexaoxa-3,6-diaza-2(2,8),7(8,2)-diquinolina-1,8(1,4)-dibenzenacyclohexacosaphane, and L3 is 4-methyl-10,13,16,19,22,25-hexaoxa-3,6-diaza-2(2,8),7(8,2)-diquinolina-1,8(1,4)-dibenzenacyclohexacosaphane. This synthesis involves the preassembly of two symmetric 2-phenylquinoline arms into C-shape complexes, followed by cyclization with diamine via in situ interligand C-N cross-coupling, employing a metal ion as a template. Moreover, the synthetic yield of these cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes, tethered by an 18-crown-6 ether-like chain, is significantly enhanced in the presence of K+ ion as a template. The resultant cyclometalated macrocycle Ir(III) complexes exhibit high stability, efficient singlet oxygen generation, and superior catalytic activity for the aerobic selective oxidation of sulfides into sulfoxides under visible light irradiation in aqueous media at room temperature. The photocatalyst 2 demonstrates recyclability and can be reused at least 10 times without a significant loss of catalytic activity. These results unveil a new and complementary approach to the design and in situ synthesis of cyclometalated macrocycle Ir(III) complexes via a mild interligand-coupling strategy.

Knockdown of vitellogenin receptor based on minute insect RNA interference methods affects the initial mature egg load in the pest natural enemy Trichogramma dendrolimi.

Vitellogenin receptor (VgR) plays a crucial role in oogenesis by mediating endocytosis of vitellogenin and a portion of the yolk proteins in many insect species. However, the function of VgR in minute parasitoid wasps is largely unknown. Here, we applied Trichogramma dendrolimi, a minute egg parasitoid, as a study model to investigate the function of VgR in parasitoids. We developed RNA interference (RNAi) methods based on microinjection of prepupae in T. dendrolimi. RNAi employs nanomaterial branched amphipathic peptide capsules (BAPC) as a carrier for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), significantly enhancing delivery efficiency. Also, artificial hosts without medium were used to culture the injected prepupae in vitro. Utilizing these methods, we found that ovarian growth was disrupted after knockdown of TdVgR, as manifested by the suppressed development of the ovariole and the inhibition of nurse cell internalization by oocytes. Also, the initial mature egg load in the ovary was significantly reduced. Notably, the parasitic capacity of the female adult with ovarian dysplasia was significantly decreased, possibly resulting from the low availability of mature eggs. Moreover, ovarian dysplasia in T. dendrolimi caused by VgR deficiency are conserved despite feeding on different hosts. The results confirmed a critical role of TdVgR in the reproductive ability of T. dendrolimi and provided a reference for gene functional studies in minute insects.

[Discussion on hepatic damage mechanism of Asari Radix et Rhizoma based on network pharmacology and untargeted metabolomics].

Asari Radix et Rhizoma is a common drug for relieving exterior syndrome in clinics, but its toxicity limits its use. In this study, the mechanism of hepatic damage of Asari Radix et Rhizoma was studied by network pharmacology and metabolomics. The hepatic damage-related dataset, namely GSE54257 was downloaded from the GEO database. The Limma package was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes in the dataset GSE54257. Toxic components and target genes of Asari Radix et Rhizoma were screened by TCMSP, ECTM, and TOXNET. The hepatic damage target genes of Asari Radix et Rhizoma were obtained by mapping with the differentially expressed gene of GSE54257, and a PPI network was constructed. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of target genes were performed, and a "miRNA-target gene-signal pathway" network was drawn with upstream miRNA information. Thirty rats were divided into a blank group, a high-dose Asari Radix et Rhizoma group, and a low-dose Asari Radix et Rhizoma group, which were administered once a day. After continuous administration for 28 days, liver function indexes and liver pathological changes were detected. Five liver tissue samples were randomly collected from the blank group and high-dose Asari Radix et Rhizoma group, and small molecule metabolites were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS). The orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) method was used to screen differential metabolites, and enrichment analysis, correlation analysis, and cluster analysis were conducted for differential metabolites. Finally, the MetaboAnalyst platform was used to conduct pathway enrichment analysis for differential metabolites. It was found that there were 14 toxic components in Asari Radix et Rhizoma, corresponding to 37 target genes, and 12 genes related to liver toxicity of Asari Radix et Rhizoma were obtained by mapping to differentially expressed genes of GSE54257. The animal test results showed that Asari Radix et Rhizoma could significantly increase the liver function index, reduce the activity of the free radical scavenging enzyme, change the liver oxidative stress level, and induce lipid peroxidation damage in rats. The results of untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that compared with the blank group, nine metabolites were up-regulated, and 16 metabolites were down-regulated in the liver tissue of the Asari Radix et Rhizoma group. These 25 metabolites had strong correlations and good clustering. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that these differential metabolites and the 12 hepatotoxic target genes of Asari Radix et Rhizoma were mainly involved in purine metabolism, as well as the biosynthesis and metabolism of valine, leucine, glycine, serine, and threonine. The study confirmed that the hepatica damage effect of Asari Radix et Rhizoma was the result of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-signaling pathways, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting nucleotide synthesis and affecting protein metabolism.

Melatonin alleviates endoplasmic reticulum stress and follicular granulosa cell apoptosis by regulating ATF4 to activate mTOR signaling pathway in chickens.

Follicular atresia in chickens reduces the number of follicles that can further develop, leading to decrease egg laying. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) can initiate a unique pathway inducing the apoptosis of follicular granulosa cells, thus reducing egg laying. Melatonin (MEL) is involved in the regulation of follicle development, ovulation, and oocyte maturation, and is closely related to follicle fate. Mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays an important role in cell growth regulation, and that there is a possible crosstalk between melatonin and mTOR activity in granular cells maturation and ovulation. This study aimed to investigate whether MEL inhibits ERS and follicular granulosa cell apoptosis by regulating ATF4 to activate mTOR signaling pathway in chickens. Frist, we established an in vitro ERS cell model using tunicamycin (TM). The results showed that different concentrations of TM exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of cell activity and induction of granulosa cells (P<0.01). Therefore, we chose 5 µg/mL of TM and a treatment time for 6 h as the optimal concentration for the following experiments. Then we investigate whether melatonin can inhibit ERS. TM treatment decreased the cell viability and Bcl-2 expression, increasing ROS levels and the mRNA expression of Grp78, ATF4, CHOP, PERK, eIF-2α, and BAX (P<0.01), whereas TM+MEL treatment significantly inhibited these changes (P<0.01). Then we explored whether melatonin protects follicular granulosa cells from ERS-induced apoptosis through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway by regulating ATF4, we found that ATF4 knockdown inhibited ERS by decreasing the expression of ERS-related genes and proteins and activating mTOR signaling pathway by increasing the protein expression of p4E-BP1 and pT389-S6K (P<0.001), while these changes were promoted by TM+si-ATF4+MEL treatment (P<0.01). These results indicate that MEL could alleviate TM-induced ERS by regulating ATF4 to activate mTOR signaling pathway in follicular granulosa cells, thus providing a new perspective for prolonging the laying cycle in chickens.

A Multichannel Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode Based on Fluorinated Poly(3-octylthiophene-2,5-diyl) and Purified Mesoporous Carbon Black Simultaneously Detects Na+, K+, Ca2+, and NO2.

Preparation of nanocomposites based on fluorinated poly(3-octylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (POTF) and purified mesoporous carbon black (PMCB) as the solid-contact layer of a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) is proposed. POTF is used as a dispersant for PMCB. The obtained nanocomposites possess unique characteristics including high conductivity, capacitance, and stability. The SPCE based on POTF and PMCB is characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronopotentiometry, demonstrating simultaneous detection of Na+, K+, Ca2+, and NO2- ions with detection limits of 10-6.5, 10-6.4, 10-6.7, and 10-6.3 M, respectively. Water layer and anti-interference tests revealed that the electrode has high hydrophobicity, and the static contact angle is >140°. The electrode shows excellent selectivity, repeatability, reproducibility, and stability and is not easily affected by light, O2, or CO2.

ILC2s: Unraveling the innate immune orchestrators in allergic inflammation.

The prevalence rate of allergic diseases including asthma, atopic rhinitis (AR) and atopic dermatitis (AD) has been significantly increasing in recent decades due to environmental changes and social developments. With the study of innate lymphoid cells, the crucial role played by type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) have been progressively unveiled in allergic diseases. ILC2s, which are a subset of innate lymphocytes initiate allergic responses. They respond swiftly during the onset of allergic reactions and produce type 2 cytokines, working in conjunction with T helper type 2 (Th2) cells to induce and sustain type 2 immune responses. The role of ILC2s represents an intriguing frontier in immunology; however, the intricate immune mechanisms of ILC2s in allergic responses remain relatively poorly understood. To gain a comphrehensive understanding of the research progress of ILC2, we summarize recent advances in ILC2s biology in pathologic allergic inflammation to inspire novel approaches for managing allergic diseases.

MDSC-targeting gold nanoparticles enhance PD-1 tumor immunotherapy by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasomes.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a crucial role in the immune escape mechanisms that limit the efficacy of immunotherapeutic strategies. In the tumor microenvironment, NLRP3 inflammasome-driven Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) production serves to dampen antitumor immune responses, promoting tumor growth, progression, and immunosuppression. In this study, we revealed that gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with a size of 30 nm disrupted NLRP3 inflammasome, but not other inflammasomes, in bone marrow-derived macrophages through abrogating NLRP3-NEK7 interactions mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided insights into the mechanism underlying the exceptional ROS scavenging capabilities of Au NPs. Additionally, when coupled with H6, a small peptide targeting MDSCs, Au NPs demonstrated the capacity to effectively reduce IL-1ß levels and diminish the MDSCs population in tumor microenvironment, leading to enhanced T cell activation and increased immunotherapeutic efficacy in mouse tumor models that are sensitive and resistant to PD-1 inhibition. Our findings unraveled a novel approach wherein peptide-modified Au NPs relieved the suppressive impact of the tumor microenvironment by inhibiting MDSCs-mediated IL-1ß release, which is the first time reported the employing a nanostrategy at modulating MDSCs to reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment and may hold promise as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer immunotherapy.

Research on the Flow Characteristics and Reaction Mechanisms of Lateral Flow Immunoassay under Non-Uniform Flow.

Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is extensively utilized for point-of-care testing due to its ease of operation, cost-effectiveness, and swift results. This study investigates the flow dynamics and reaction mechanisms in LFIA by developing a three-dimensional model using the Richards equation and porous media transport, and employing numerical simulations through the finite element method. The study delves into the transport and diffusion behaviors of each reaction component in both sandwich LFIA and competitive LFIA under non-uniform flow conditions. Additionally, the impact of various parameters (such as reporter particle concentration, initial capture probe concentrations for the T-line and C-line, and reaction rate constants) on LFIA performance is analyzed. The findings reveal that, in sandwich LFIA, optimizing parameters like increasing reporter particle concentration and initial capture probe concentration for the T-line, as well as adjusting reaction rate constants, can effectively enhance detection sensitivity and broaden the working range. Conversely, in competitive LFIA, the effects are inverse. This model offers valuable insights for the design and enhancement of LFIA assays.

Arenarialins A-F, Anti-inflammatory Meroterpenoids with Rearranged Skeletons from the Marine Sponge Dysidea arenaria.

Six new sesquiterpene quinone/hydroquinone meroterpenoids, arenarialins A-F (1-6), were isolated from the marine sponge Dysidea arenaria collected from the South China Sea. Their chemical structures and absolute configurations were determined by HRMS and NMR data analyses coupled with DP4+ and ECD calculations. Arenarialin A (1) features an unprecedented tetracyclic 6/6/5/6 carbon skeleton, whereas arenarialins B-D (2-4) possess two rare secomeroterpene scaffolds. Arenarialins A-F showed inhibitory activity on the production of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages with arenarialin D regulating the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway.

Enzyme/pH Dual-Responsive Engineered Nanoparticles for Improved Tumor Immuno-Chemotherapy.

Combining immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy with chemotherapy can enhance the efficacy of ICB and expand its indications. However, the limited tumor specificity of chemotherapy drugs results in severe adverse reactions. Additionally, the low tissue penetration and immune-related adverse events associated with monoclonal antibodies restrict their widespread application. To address challenges faced by traditional combination therapies, we design a dual-responsive engineered nanoparticle based on ferritin (denoted as CMFn@OXA), achieving tumor-targeted delivery and controlled release of the anti-PD-L1 peptide CLP002 and oxaliplatin (OXA). Our results demonstrate that CMFn@OXA not only exhibits tumor-specific accumulation but also responds to matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP-2/9), facilitating the controlled release of CLP002 to block PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Simultaneously, it ensures the precise delivery of the OXA to tumor cells and its subsequent release within the acidic environment of lysosomes, thereby fostering a synergistic therapeutic effect. Compared to traditional combination therapies, CMFn@OXA demonstrates superior performance in inhibiting tumor growth, extending the survival of tumor-bearing mice, and exhibiting excellent biocompatibility. Collectively, our results highlight CMFn@OXA as a novel and promising strategy in the field of cancer immunotherapy.

First-line treatment with camrelizumab plus famitinib in advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients with PD-L1 TPS ≥1%: results from a multicenter, open-label, phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: The combination of immune-checkpoint inhibitors and antiangiogenic agents can synergistically modulate the tumor microenvironment and represents a promising treatment option. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab plus famitinib (a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor) as a first-line treatment for advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients with a programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) tumor proportion score (TPS) of ≥1%, in an open-label, multicenter, phase 2 basket trial. METHODS: Eligible patients received camrelizumab (200 mg once every 3 weeks via intravenous infusion) plus oral famitinib at an initial dose of 20 mg once daily. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR), as assessed by the investigator per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors V.1.1. Key secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), duration of respons, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), 12-month OS rate, and safety profile. RESULTS: Of the enrolled 41 patients, 21 (51.2%) had a PD-L1 TPS of 1-49%. As of the cut-off date on June 22, 2022, the combination regimen of camrelizumab and famitinib achieved an ORR of 53.7% (95% CI 37.4% to 69.3%) and a DCR of 92.7% (95% CI 80.1% to 98.5%). The median PFS was 16.6 months (95% CI 8.3 to not reached), and OS data were not yet mature, with an estimated 12-month OS rate of 76.8% (95% CI 60.0% to 87.3%). The most common treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or higher included hypertension (22.0%), increased alanine aminotransferase (12.2%), decreased neutrophil count (9.8%), proteinuria (7.3%), decrease platelet count (7.3%), and hypokalemia (7.3%). One (2.4%) patient died from grade 5 hemoptysis, which was considered possibly related to the study treatment by the investigator. CONCLUSION: Camrelizumab plus famitinib demonstrated promising antitumor activity in advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients and had an acceptable safety profile. These findings suggest that this combination regimen could be an alternative therapeutic option and warrant further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04346381.

Involvement and repair of epithelial barrier dysfunction in allergic diseases.

The epithelial barrier serves as a critical defense mechanism separating the human body from the external environment, fulfilling both physical and immune functions. This barrier plays a pivotal role in shielding the body from environmental risk factors such as allergens, pathogens, and pollutants. However, since the 19th century, the escalating threats posed by environmental pollution, global warming, heightened usage of industrial chemical products, and alterations in biodiversity have contributed to a noteworthy surge in allergic disease incidences. Notably, allergic diseases frequently exhibit dysfunction in the epithelial barrier. The proposed epithelial barrier hypothesis introduces a novel avenue for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases. Despite increased attention to the role of barrier dysfunction in allergic disease development, numerous questions persist regarding the mechanisms underlying the disruption of normal barrier function. Consequently, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the epithelial barrier's role in allergic diseases, encompassing influencing factors, assessment techniques, and repair methodologies. By doing so, it seeks to present innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.