Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Contributes to the Early Diagnosis of Mixed Infections in Central Nervous System.

Central nervous system (CNS) infections represent a challenge due to the complexities associated with their diagnosis and treatment, resulting in a high incidence rate and mortality. Here, we presented a case of CNS mixed infection involving Candida and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), successfully diagnosed through macrogenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in China. A comprehensive review and discussion of previously reported cases were also provided. Our study emphasizes the critical role of early pathogen identification facilitated by mNGS, underscoring its significance. Notably, the integration of mNGS with traditional methods significantly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of CNS infections. This integrated approach has the potential to provide valuable insights for clinical practice, facilitating early diagnosis, allowing for treatment adjustments, and ultimately, improving the prognosis for patients with CNS infections.

Congener-specific fate and impact of microcystins in the soil-earthworm system.

Microcystins (MCs) have a significant influence on aquatic ecosystems, but little is known about their terrestrial fate and impact. Here, we investigated the fate of two MCs (MC-LR and MC-RR) in the soil-earthworm system, with consideration of their congener-specific impact on earthworm health, soil bacteria, and soil metabolome. Although MCs had little acute lethal effect on earthworms, they caused obvious growth inhibition and setae rupture. Relative to MC-RR, MC-LR exhibited higher bioaccumulation and the resulting dermal lesions and deformation of longitudinal muscles. While the incorporation of both MCs into soils stimulated pathogenic bacteria and depressed oxidative stress tolerant bacteria, the response among soil nitrification and glutathione metabolism differed between the two congeners. The dissipation kinetics of MCs obeyed the first-order model. Earthworms stimulated soil N-cycling enzyme activities, increased the abundance of MC-degrading bacteria, and promoted bacterial metabolic functions related to glutathione metabolism, xenobiotics biodegradation, and metabolism of amino acids that comprise MCs, which accelerated the dissipation of MC-LR and MC-RR by 227% and 82%, respectively. These results provide evidence of significant congener differences in the terrestrial fate and impact of MCs, which will enable a better understanding of their role in mediating soil functions and ecosystem services.

Prediction of the Nottingham prognostic index and molecular subtypes of breast cancer through multimodal magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: To explore the ability of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and background parenchyma enhancement (BPE) to predict the Nottingham prognostic index (NPI) and molecular subtypes of breast cancer (BC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 93 patients with BC were included, and they all underwent DKI, IVIM and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) examinations. The corresponding mean kurtosis value (MK), pure diffusion (MD), perfusion fraction (f), pseudo diffusion coefficient (D*), true diffusion coefficient (D), and BPE were measured. We used logistic regression analysis to investigate the relevance between the NPI, molecular subtypes and variables. The diagnostic efficacy was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC). RESULTS: The MD and D values of the high-level NPI group were significantly lower than those of the low-level NPI group (p < 0.01), and the f value of the high-level NPI group was obviously higher than that of low-level NPI group (p < 0.001). The area under curve (AUC) of the combined model (f + D) was 0.824. Comparing with non-Luminal subtypes, the Luminal subtypes showed obviously lower MK, f and D*, and the AUC of the combined model (MK + f + D*) was 0.785. In comparison to other subtypes, the MK and D* values of triple-negative subtype were higher than other subtypes, and the combined model (MK + D*) represented an AUC of 0.865. CONCLUSION: The quantitative parameters of DKI and IVIM have vital value in predicting the NPI and molecular subtypes of BC, while BPE could not provide additional information. Besides, these combined models can obviously improve the prediction performance.

Ru doped NiMoO4 nanoarray as a high-efficiency electrocatalyst for nitrite reduction to ammonia.

The electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite to recyclable ammonia (NH3) is essential to maintain nitrogen balance and meet growing energy requirements. Herein, we report that Ru doped honeycomb NiMoO4 nanosheet with copious oxygen vacancies grown on nickel foam substrate has been prepared by a facile hydrothermal synthesis and immersion process, which can act as an efficient electrocatalyst for NH3 synthesis by reduction of nitrite. By optimizing the concentration of RuCl3 solution, 0.01Ru-NiMoO4/NF possesses excellent NO2-RR performance with NH3 yield of 20249.17 ± 637.42 µg h-1 cm-2 at -0.7 V and FE of 95.56 ± 0.72 % at -0.6 V. When assembled into a Zn-NO2- battery, it provides a remarkable level of power density of 13.89 mW cm-2, outperforming the performance of virtually all previous reports. The efficient adsorption and activation of NO2- over Ru-doped NiMoO4 with oxygen vacancy have been verified by density functional theory calculations, as well as the possible reaction pathway.

Cathepsin B Responsive Peptide-Purpurin Conjugates Assembly-Initiated in Situ Self-Aggregation for Cancer Sonotheranostics.

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) was hampered by the sonosensitizers with low bioavailability, tumor accumulation, and therapeutic efficiency. In situ responsive sonosensitizer self-assembly strategy may provide a promising route for cancer sonotheranositics. Herein, an intelligent sonotheranostic peptide-purpurin conjugate (P18-P) is developed that can self-assemble into supramolecular structures via self-aggregation triggered by rich enzyme cathepsin B (CTSB). After intravenous injection, the versatile probe could achieve deep tissue penetration because of the penetration sequence of P18-P. More importantly, CTSB-triggered self-assembly strongly prolonged retention time, amplified photoacoustic imaging signal for sensitive CTSB detection, and boosted reactive oxygen species for advanced SDT, evoking specific CTSB responsive sonotheranostics. This peptide-purpurin conjugate may serve as an efficient sonotheranostic platform for the early diagnosis of CTSB activity and effective cancer therapy.

Fabrication of a hierarchical NiTe@NiFe-LDH core-shell array for high-efficiency alkaline seawater oxidation.

Herein, a hierarchical NiTe@NiFe-LDH core-shell array on Ni foam (NiTe@NiFe-LDH/NF) demonstrates its effectiveness for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline seawater electrolyte. This NiTe@NiFe-LDH/NF array showcases remarkably low overpotentials of 277 mV and 359 mV for achieving current densities of 100 and 500 mA cm-2, respectively. Also, it shows a low Tafel slope of 68.66 mV dec-1. Notably, the electrocatalyst maintains robust stability over continuous electrolysis for at least 50 h at 100 mA cm-2. The remarkable performance and hierarchical structure advantages of NiTe@NiFe-LDH/NF offer innovative insights for designing efficient seawater oxidation electrocatalysts.

A brush-like Cu2O-CoO core-shell nanoarray: an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall seawater splitting.

Herein, a brush-like Cu2O-CoO core-shell nanoarray on copper foam (Cu2O-CoO/CF) can achieve efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance in alkaline seawater electrolyte. This Cu2O-CoO/CF shows overpotentials as low as 315 and 295 mV at 100 mA cm-2 for the OER and HER, respectively. Moreover, it could also be operated at 1.82 V with 100 mA cm-2 in a two-electrode electrolyzer and exhibits strong stability for at least 50 hours of electrolysis. The excellent performance and hierarchical structure advantages of Cu2O-CoO/CF provide new ideas for designing efficient seawater splitting electrocatalysts.

High-efficiency electrocatalytic nitrite reduction toward ammonia synthesis on CoP@TiO2 nanoribbon array.

Electrochemical reduction of nitrite (NO2-) can satisfy the necessity for NO2- contaminant removal and deliver a sustainable pathway for ammonia (NH3) generation. Its practical application yet requires highly efficient electrocatalysts to boost NH3 yield and Faradaic efficiency (FE). In this study, CoP nanoparticle-decorated TiO2 nanoribbon array on Ti plate (CoP@TiO2/TP) is verified as a high-efficiency electrocatalyst for the selective reduction of NO2- to NH3. When measured in 0.1 M NaOH with NO2-, the freestanding CoP@TiO2/TP electrode delivers a large NH3 yield of 849.57 µmol h-1 cm-2 and a high FE of 97.01% with good stability. Remarkably, the subsequently fabricated Zn-NO2- battery achieves a high power density of 1.24 mW cm-2 while delivering a NH3 yield of 714.40 µg h-1 cm-2.

Fueling sentinel node via reshaping cytotoxic T lymphocytes with a flex-patch for post-operative immuno-adjuvant therapy.

Clinical updates suggest conserving metastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) of breast cancer (BC) patients during surgery; however, the immunoadjuvant potential of this strategy is unknown. Here we leverage an immune-fueling flex-patch to animate metastatic SLNs with personalized antitumor immunity. The flex-patch is implanted on the postoperative wound and spatiotemporally releases immunotherapeutic anti-PD-1 antibodies (aPD-1) and adjuvants (magnesium iron-layered double hydroxide, LDH) into the SLN. Genes associated with citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation are enriched in activated CD8+ T cells (CTLs) from metastatic SLNs. Delivered aPD-1 and LDH confer CTLs with upregulated glycolytic activity, promoting CTL activation and cytotoxic killing via metal cation-mediated shaping. Ultimately, CTLs in patch-driven metastatic SLNs could long-termly maintain tumor antigen-specific memory, protecting against high-incidence BC recurrence in female mice. This study indicates a clinical value of metastatic SLN in immunoadjuvant therapy.

NiMoO4 nanorods with oxygen vacancies self-supported on Ni foam towards high-efficiency electrocatalytic conversion of nitrite to ammonia.

As an eco-friendly and sustainable strategy, the electrochemical reduction of nitrite (NO2-) can simultaneous generation of NH3 and treatment of NO2- contamination in the environment. Herein, monoclinic NiMoO4 nanorods with abundant oxygen vacancies self-supported on Ni foam (NiMoO4/NF) are considered high-performance electrocatalysts for ambient NH3 synthesis by reduction of NO2-, which can deliver an outstanding yield of 18089.39 ± 227.98 µg h-1 cm-2 and a preferable FE of 94.49 ± 0.42% at -0.8 V. Additionally, its performance remains relatively stable during long-term operation as well as cycling tests. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations unveil the vital role of oxygen vacancies in promoting nitrite adsorption and activation, ensuring efficient NO2-RR towards NH3. A Zn-NO2- battery with NiMoO4/NF as the cathode shows high battery performance as well.

Copper-based catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide: progress and future prospects.

There is an urgent need for the development of high performance electrocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to address environmental issues such as global warming and achieve carbon neutral energy systems. In recent years, Cu-based electrocatalysts have attracted significant attention in this regard. The present review introduces fundamental aspects of the electrocatalytic CO2RR process together with a systematic examination of recent developments in Cu-based electrocatalysts for the electroreduction of CO2 to various high-value multicarbon products. Current challenges and future trends in the development of advanced Cu-based CO2RR electrocatalysts providing high activity and selectivity are also discussed.

Ambient ammonia synthesis via nitrite electroreduction over NiS2 nanoparticles-decorated TiO2 nanoribbon array.

Nitrite (NO2-), as a N-containing pollutant, widely exists in aqueous solution, causing a series of environmental and health problems. Electrocatalytic NO2- reduction is a promising and sustainable strategy to remove NO2-, meanwhile, producing high value-added ammonia (NH3). But the NO2- reduction reaction (NO2-RR) involves complex 6-electron transfer process that requires high-efficiency electrocatalysts to accomplish NO2--to-NH3 conversion. Herein, we report NiS2 nanoparticles decorated TiO2 nanoribbon array on titanium mesh (NiS2@TiO2/TM) as a fantastic NO2-RR electrocatalyst for ambient NH3 synthesis. When tested in NO2--containing solution, NiS2@TiO2/TM achieves a satisfactory NH3 yield of 591.9 µmol h-1 cm-2 and a high Faradaic efficiency of 92.1 %. Besides, it shows remarkable stability during 12-h electrolysis test.

Ambient Ammonia Synthesis via Nitrate Electroreduction in Neutral Media on Fe3O4 Nanoparticles-decorated TiO2 Nanoribbon Array.

Electrochemical nitrate (NO3-) reduction is a potential approach to produce high-value ammonia (NH3) while removing NO3- pollution, but it requires electrocatalysts with high efficiency and selectivity. Herein, we report the development of Fe3O4 nanoparticles decorated TiO2 nanoribbon array on titanium plate (Fe3O4@TiO2/TP) as an efficient electrocatalyst for NO3--to-NH3 conversion. When operated in 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline and 0.1 M NO3-, such Fe3O4@TiO2/TP achieves a prominent NH3 yield of 12394.3 µg h-1 cm-2 and a high Faradaic efficiency of 88.4%. In addition, it exhibits excellent stability during long-time electrolysis.

Higher magnetic susceptibility of globus pallidus in patients after macrocyclic GBCAs: assessment using quantitative susceptibility mapping.

BACKGROUND: As previous studies reported, gadolinium deposits in globus pallidus (GP) and dentate nucleus (DN) after repeated administrations of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and a signal intensity (SI) increase on T1-weighted images were related to linear GBCAs, not macrocyclic GBCAs. PURPOSE: To identify whether quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) could measure a subtle increase in magnetic susceptibility in DN and GP in patients after repeated administrations of gadoteric acid meglumine (Gd-DOTA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 50 patients with cerebral tumors who had received at least three injections of Gd-DOTA (GBCA group) and 50 individuals without a history of GBCA injections (non-GBCA group) were included. The image data for QSM and T1-weighted images were reviewed. Spearman rank correlation was used to estimate the associations between the values (magnetic susceptibility of QSM and SI ratios of T1-weighted images) and the number of Gd-DOTA injections. RESULTS: The mean magnetic susceptibility of GP in GBCA group was 0.136 ± 0.031 ppm, which was significantly higher than that in control group (0.114 ± 0.030 ppm) (P = 0.001). In the GBCA group (n = 50), we found a substantial positive correlation between magnetic susceptibility of GP and the number of Gd-DOTA injections according to Spearman rank correlation coefficient (ρ = 0.673, P = 0.0001). There was a modest but significant correlation between magnetic susceptibility of DN and the number of Gd-DOTA injections (ρ = 0.311, P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: In comparison to the control group, the magnetic susceptibility of GP in the GBCA group was significantly higher and had a substantial positive association with the number of Gd-DOTA injections.

Engineering metal-phenolic networks for enhancing cancer therapy by tumor microenvironment modulation.

The complicated tumor microenvironment (TME) is featured by low pH values, high redox status, and hypoxia, which greatly supports the genesis, development, and metastasis of tumors, leading to drug resistance and clinical failure. Moreover, a lot of immunosuppressive cells infiltrate in such TME, resulting in depressing immunotherapy. Therefore, the development of TME-responsive nanoplatforms has shown great significance in enhancing cancer therapeutics. Metal-phenolic networks (MPNs)-based nanosystems, which self-assemble via coordination of phenolic materials and metal ions, have emerged as excellent TME theranostic nanoplatforms. MPNs have unique properties including fast preparation, tunable morphologies, pH response, and biocompatibility. Besides, functionalization and surface modification can endow MPNs with specific functions for application requirements. Here, the representative engineering strategies of various polyphenols are first introduced, followed by the introduction of the engineering mechanisms of polyphenolic nanosystems, fabrication, and distinct properties of MPNs. Then, their advances in TME modulation are highlighted, such as antiangiogenesis, hypoxia relief, combination therapy sensitization, and immunosuppressive TME reversion. Finally, we will discuss the challenges and future perspectives of MPNs-based nanosystems for enhancing cancer therapy. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

Co/N-doped carbon nanospheres derived from an adenine-based metal organic framework enabled high-efficiency electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia.

Electrocatalytic nitrate (NO3-) reduction provides us a dual-function strategy for N-contaminant removal and value-added ammonia (NH3) synthesis. However, there is still a lack of efficient electrocatalysts for selective NO3- reduction. Herein, we report the development of Co/N-doped carbon nanospheres derived from an adenine-based metal organic framework (Co@NC) as an attractive electrocatalyst for efficient NH3 synthesis through the reduction of NO3-. Such Co@NC manifests a notable faradaic efficiency of 96.5% and a high NH3 yield of up to 758.0 µmol h-1 mgcat.-1 in 0.1 M NO3--containing 0.1 M NaOH. Moreover, it also demonstrates strong electrochemical stability.

In Situ Derived Co2B Nanosheet Array: A High-Efficiency Electrocatalyst for Ambient Ammonia Synthesis via Nitrate Reduction.

Ambient ammonia synthesis via electrochemical nitrate (NO3-) reduction is regarded as a green alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. Herein, we report the in situ derivation of an amorphous Co2B layer on a Co3O4 nanosheet array on a Ti mesh (Co2B@Co3O4/TM) for efficient NH3 production via selective electroreduction of NO3- under ambient conditions. In 0.1 M PBS and 0.1 M NaNO3, Co2B@Co3O4/TM exhibits a maximum Faradaic efficiency of 97.0% at -0.70 V and a remarkable NH3 yield of 8.57 mg/h/cm2 at -1.0 V, with durability for stable NO3--to-NH3 conversion over eight recycling tests and 12 h of electrolysis. Additionally, it can be applied as an efficient cathode material for Zn-NO3- batteries to produce NH3 while generating electricity. The catalytic mechanisms on Co2B@Co3O4 are further revealed by theoretical calculations.

Ni nanoparticle-decorated biomass carbon for efficient electrocatalytic nitrite reduction to ammonia.

Electrocatalytic nitrite (NO2-) reduction to ammonia (NH3) can not only synthesize value-added NH3, but also remove NO2- pollutants from the environment. However, the low efficiency of NO2--to-NH3 conversion hinders its applications. Here, Ni nanoparticle-decorated juncus-derived biomass carbon prepared at 800 °C (Ni@JBC-800) serves as an efficient catalyst for NH3 synthesis by selective electroreduction of NO2-. This catalyst shows a remarkable NH3 yield of 4117.3 µg h-1 mgcat.-1 and a large faradaic efficiency of 83.4% in an alkaline electrolyte. The catalytic mechanism is further investigated by theoretical calculations.

High-Efficiency Ammonia Electrosynthesis on Anatase TiO2-x Nanobelt Arrays with Oxygen Vacancies by Selective Reduction of Nitrite.

Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite to NH3 provides a new route for the treatment of nitrite in wastewater, as well as an attractive alternative to NH3 synthesis. Here, we report that an oxygen vacancy-rich TiO2-x nanoarray with different crystal structures self-supported on the Ti plate can be prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and by subsequently annealing it in an Ar/H2 atmosphere. Anatase TiO2-x (A-TiO2-x) can be a superb catalyst for the efficient conversion of NO2- to NH3; a high NH3 yield of 12,230.1 ± 406.9 µg h-1 cm-2 along with a Faradaic efficiency of 91.1 ± 5.5% can be achieved in a 0.1 M NaOH solution containing 0.1 M NaNO2 at -0.8 V, which also exhibits preferable durability with almost no decay of catalytic performances after cycling tests and long-term electrolysis. Furthermore, a Zn-NO2- battery with such A-TiO2-x as a cathode delivers a power density of 2.38 mW cm-2 as well as a NH3 yield of 885 µg h-1 cm-2.

Co Nanoparticles Decorated Corncob-Derived Biomass Carbon as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia.

Nitrate (NO3-) is a type of common pollutant in aqueous systems. Electrochemical NO3- reduction is an ecofriendly and sustainable strategy, which can selectively reduce NO3- to highly value-added NH3 and remove NO3- pollutants at the same time. In this work, Co nanoparticles decorated corncob-derived biomass carbon as a highly active electrocatalyst for NO3- to NH3 conversion. Such a catalyst can achieve an amazing Faradaic efficiency of 93.4% and a large NH3 yield of 0.60 mmol h-1 cm-2 in alkaline media. 15N-Labeling experiment proves that the detected NH3 is derived from NO3- electroreduction. In addition, it also displays excellent durability in long-term and cycle-electrolysis tests.