Short-term responses of soil enzyme activities and stoichiometry to litter input in Castanopsis carlesii and Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations.

Litter input triggers the secretion of soil extracellular enzymes and facilitates the release of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) from decomposing litter. However, how soil extracellular enzyme activities were controlled by litter input with various substrates is not fully understood. We examined the activities and stoichiometry of five enzymes including ß-1,4-glucosidase, ß-D-cellobiosidase, ß-1,4-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, leucine aminopeptidase and acidic phosphatase (AP) with and without litter input in 10-year-old Castanopsis carlesii and Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations monthly during April to August, in October, and in December 2021 by using an in situ microcosm experiment. The results showed that: 1) There was no significant effect of short-term litter input on soil enzyme activity, stoichiometry, and vector properties in C. carlesii plantation. In contrast, short-term litter input significantly increased the AP activity by 1.7% in May and decreased the enzymatic C/N ratio by 3.8% in August, and decreased enzymatic C/P and N/P ratios by 11.7% and 10.3%, respectively, in October in C. lanceolata plantation. Meanwhile, litter input increased the soil enzymatic vector angle to 53.8° in October in C. lanceolata plantations, suggesting a significant P limitation for soil microorganisms. 2) Results from partial least squares regression analyses showed that soil dissolved organic matter and microbial biomass C and N were the primary factors in explaining the responses of soil enzymatic activity to short-term litter input in both plantations. Overall, input of low-quality (high C/N) litter stimulates the secretion of soil extracellular enzymes and accelerates litter decomposition. There is a P limitation for soil microorganisms in the study area.

Crosslinking-induced patterning of MOFs by direct photo- and electron-beam lithography.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with diverse chemistry, structures, and properties have emerged as appealing materials for miniaturized solid-state devices. The incorporation of MOF films in these devices, such as the integrated microelectronics and nanophotonics, requires robust patterning methods. However, existing MOF patterning methods suffer from some combinations of limited material adaptability, compromised patterning resolution and scalability, and degraded properties. Here we report a universal, crosslinking-induced patterning approach for various MOFs, termed as CLIP-MOF. Via resist-free, direct photo- and electron-beam (e-beam) lithography, the ligand crosslinking chemistry leads to drastically reduced solubility of colloidal MOFs, permitting selective removal of unexposed MOF films with developer solvents. This enables scalable, micro-/nanoscale (≈70 nm resolution), and multimaterial patterning of MOFs on large-area, rigid or flexible substrates. Patterned MOF films preserve their crystallinity, porosity, and other properties tailored for targeted applications, such as diffractive gas sensors and electrochromic pixels. The combined features of CLIP-MOF create more possibilities in the system-level integration of MOFs in various electronic, photonic, and biomedical devices.

NADPH oxidase 2 mediates cardiac sympathetic denervation and myocyte autophagy, resulting in cardiac atrophy and dysfunction in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.

Doxorubicin has been used extensively as a potent anticancer agent, but its clinical use is limited by its cardiotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we tested whether NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) mediates cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities and myocyte autophagy, resulting in cardiac atrophy and dysfunction in doxorubicin-induced heart failure. Nox2 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were randomly assigned to receive a single injection of doxorubicin (15 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline. WT doxorubicin mice exhibited the decreases in survival rate, left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and LV fractional shortening and the increase in the lung wet-to-dry weight ratio 1 week after the injections. These alterations were attenuated in Nox2 KO doxorubicin mice. In WT doxorubicin mice, myocardial oxidative stress was increased, myocardial noradrenergic nerve fibers were reduced, myocardial expression of PGP9.5, GAP43, tyrosine hydroxylase and norepinephrine transporter was decreased, and these changes were prevented in Nox2 KO doxorubicin mice. Myocyte autophagy was increased and myocyte size was decreased in WT doxorubicin mice, but not in Nox2 KO doxorubicin mice. Nox2 mediates cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities and myocyte autophagy-both of which contribute to cardiac atrophy and failure after doxorubicin treatment.

A Supramolecular Assembly of EGCG for Long-Term Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a type-I hypersensitivity disease mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). Although antihistamines, glucocorticoids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and other drugs are widely used to treat AR, the various adverse side effects of long-term use of these drugs should not be ignored. Therefore, more effective and safe natural alternative strategies are urgently needed. To this end, this study designed a nanosupramolecular delivery system composed of ß-cyclodextrin supramolecular polymer (PCD), thiolated chitosan (TCS), and natural polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) for intranasal topical continuous treatment of AR. The TCS/PCD@EGCG nanocarriers exhibited an excellent performance in terms of retention and permeability in the nasal mucosa and released the vast majority of EGCG responsively in the nasal microenvironment, thus resulting in the significantly high antibacterial and antioxidant capacities. According to the in vitro model, compared with free EGCG, TCS/PCD@EGCG inhibited mast cell activity and abnormal histamine secretion in a more long-term and sustained manner. According to the in vivo model, whether in the presence of continuous or intermittent administration, TCS/PCD@EGCG substantially inhibited the secretion of allergenic factors and inflammatory factors, mitigated the pathological changes of nasal mucosa, alleviated the symptoms of rhinitis in mice, and produced a satisfactory therapeutic effect on AR. In particular, the therapeutic effect of TCS/PCD@EGCG systems were even superior to that of budesonide during intermittent treatment. Therefore, the TCS/PCD@EGCG nanocarrier is a potential long-lasting antiallergic medicine for the treatment of AR.

NADPH oxidase 2 inhibitor GSK2795039 prevents doxorubicin-induced cardiac atrophy by attenuating cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities and myocyte autophagy.

Doxorubicin is widely used for the treatment of human cancer, but its clinical use is limited by a cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. However, the mechanism of doxorubicin-induced cardiac atrophy and failure remains to be fully understood. In this study, we tested whether the specific NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) inhibitor GSK2795039 attenuates cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities and myocyte autophagy, leading to the amelioration of cardiac atrophy and dysfunction in chronic doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. Mice were randomized to receive saline, doxorubicin (2.5 mg/kg, every other day, 6 times) or doxorubicin plus GSK2795039 (2.5 mg/kg, twice a day, 9 weeks). Left ventricular (LV) total wall thickness and LV ejection fraction were decreased in doxorubicin-treated mice compared with saline-treated mice and the decreases were prevented by the treatment of the specific Nox2 inhibitor GSK2795039. The ratio of total heart weight to tibia length and myocyte cross-sectional area were decreased in doxorubicin-treated mice, and the decreases were attenuated by the GSK2795039 treatment. In doxorubicin-treated mice, myocardial Nox2 and 4-hydroxynonenal levels were increased, myocardial expression of GAP43, tyrosine hydroxylase and norepinephrine transporter, markers of sympathetic nerve terminals, was decreased, and these changes were prevented by the GSK2795039 treatment. The ratio of LC3 II/I, a marker of autophagy, and Atg5, Atg12 and Atg12-Atg5 conjugate proteins were increased in doxorubicin-treated mice, and the increases were attenuated by the GSK2795039 treatment. These findings suggest that inhibition of Nox2 by GSK2795039 attenuates cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities and myocyte autophagy, thereby ameliorating cardiac atrophy and dysfunction after chronic doxorubicin treatment.

Comorbidity increases the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis: a nested case-control study using multi-source big data.

BACKGROUND: Some medical conditions may increase the risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB); however, no systematic study on PTB-associated comorbidities and comorbidity clusters has been undertaken. METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted from 2013 to 2017 using multi-source big data. We defined cases as patients with incident PTB, and we matched each case with four event-free controls using propensity score matching (PSM). Comorbidities diagnosed prior to PTB were defined with the International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10). The longitudinal relationships between multimorbidity burden and PTB were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation. The associations between PTB and 30 comorbidities were examined using conditional logistic regression, and the comorbidity clusters were identified using network analysis. RESULTS: A total of 4265 cases and 17,060 controls were enrolled during the study period. A total of 849 (19.91%) cases and 1141 (6.69%) controls were multimorbid before the index date. Having 1, 2, and ≥ 3 comorbidities was associated with an increased risk of PTB (aOR 2.85-5.16). Fourteen out of thirty comorbidities were significantly associated with PTB (aOR 1.28-7.27), and the associations differed by sex and age. Network analysis identified three major clusters, mainly in the respiratory, circulatory, and endocrine/metabolic systems, in PTB cases. CONCLUSIONS: Certain comorbidities involving multiple systems may significantly increase the risk of PTB. Enhanced awareness and surveillance of comorbidity are warranted to ensure early prevention and timely control of PTB.

Mobile Health System for Meeting Health Information Needs in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy: Development and Feasibility Study.

Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy encounter physical and psychosocial challenges, indicating unmet needs. Mobile health technology can potentially support patients. This single-armed feasibility study included 30 patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Patients were asked to use the Health Enjoy System, a mobile health support system that provides a disease-related resource for 1 week. We assessed the usability of the system and its limited efficacy in meeting patients' health information needs. The result showed that the system was well received by patients and effectively met their health information needs. They also reported free comments on the system's content, backend maintenance, and user engagement. This study supplies a foundation for further research to explore the potential benefits of the Health Enjoy System in supporting patients with head and neck cancer.

[Retracted] Upregulation of miR­183­5p is responsible for the promotion of apoptosis and inhibition of the epithelial­mesenchymal transition, proliferation, invasion and migration of human endometrial cancer cells by downregulating Ezrin.

Following the publication of this article, a concerned reader drew to the Editor's attention that, in Fig. 9C on p. 2478 showing the results of Transwell invasion assay experiments, unexpected areas of similarity were identified in terms of the cellular patterns revealed both within the data panels for the six different experiments portrayed in this figure, and comparing among them. After having conducted an internal investigation, the Editor of International Journal of Molecular Medicine has reached the conclusion that the overlapping sections of data shown in this figure were unlikely to have arisen by coincidence. Therefore, on the grounds of a lack of confidence in the integrity of these data, the Editor has decided that the article should be retracted from the publication. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused, and thanks the interested reader for drawing this matter to our attention. [International Journal of Molecular Medicine 42: 2469­2480, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3853].

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Soil fauna play an important role in key functions of ecosystem such as material cycling. Litter quality and microenvironment of different tree species may regulate soil fauna community structure. In this study, we investigated soil fauna community structure, the differences of taxonomic and functional groups, and the regulatory factors under eight dominant tree species in August 2022. We captured 567 soil fauna (except for termites and ants), belonging to 3 phyla, 10 classes, 26 orders, and 99 families, with Achipteriidae, Trygoniidae, Poduridae, and Isotomidae as the dominant species. Tree species significantly affected soil fauna abundance, following an order: Michelia macclurei > Elaeocarpus decipiens > Castanopsis carlesii > Cunninghamia lanceolata > Lindera communis > Schima superba > Pinus massoniana > Liquidambar formosana. However, the richness, evenness, and diversity of soil fauna under different tree species were significantly different. Richness and diversity of M. macclurei, C. lanceolatas soil fauna were relatively high, while L. formosana, C. carlesii were relatively low. The evenness of meso-microfauna of L. formosana was the highest, which was significantly higher than that of M. macclureis and E. decipiens. The evenness of macrofauna and total soil fauna was not significantly different among the eight tree species. In addition, the abundance of omnivores and herbivores soil fauna was relatively high under M. macclurei, but relatively low under E. decipiens. The abundance of saprophages and predators soil fauna of E. decipiens, M. macclurei was higher than L. formosana, while saprophages was mainly meso-microfauna. Results of redundancy analysis showed that litter N, C:N, and K were the main factors affecting soil fauna community structure. The results indicated that the tree species with thicker litter layer and higher N and K contents may be conducive to enhancing the diversity of soil fauna community and affecting the distribution of different functional groups, thus contributing to the maintenance of forest biodiversity.

Double-Layer Hydrogel with Glucose-Activated Two-Stage ROS Regulating Properties for Programmed Diabetic Wound Healing.

Slow healing of wounds induces great pain in diabetic patients. However, developing new approaches to promote diabetic wound healing is still one of the toughest challenges in the medical field. Here, we constructed a new double-layer hydrogel to effectively regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the wound and promote diabetic wound healing. The inner layer contains glucose oxidase (Gox), ferrocene-modified quaternary ammonium chitosan (Fc-QCs), and poly(ß-cyclodextrin) (Pß-CD), which is used to generate hydroxyl radicals (•OH) for antibacterial in the early stage of wound healing and collapses gradually. The outer layer is composed of gelatin and dopamine. In the later stage of wound healing, the outer layer contacts the skin, which is beneficial for ROS clearance on the wound. Antibacterial, ROS scavenging, and wound healing experiments have shown that the double-layer hydrogel possesses two-stage ROS regulating properties for programmed diabetic wound healing. In conclusion, it will be one of the most potential dressings for treating diabetic wounds in the future.

Bisphosphonates-related tendinopathies and ligament disorders: Cases analysis from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are known to induce serious tendinopathies and ligament disorders (TPLDs) on rare occasion, but it is less well-appreciated whether such adverse reactions result from the use of bisphosphonates (BPs). In this study, we assessed the correlation between TPLDs and the use of BPs via U.S. FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Bayesian and nonproportional analyses were applied to data retrieved from the FAERS database from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2022. A total of 3202 reported cases of TPLDs were associated with five BPs (alendronate, pamidronate, ibandronate, risedronate, zoledronate), with statistically significant reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), and information component (IC). Alendronate showed the highest association with tendinopathies and ligament disorders (ROR = 16.30, PRR = 15.47, IC = 3.88), while zoledronate had the lowest association (ROR = 2.13, PRR = 2.12, IC = 1.08), which was consistent with the results of top 10 preferred terms (PTs) under the narrow standardized MedDRA queries (SMQs) sorted by frequency of reports. Excluding zoledronate, over half of patients who reported BP-related TPLDs were hospitalized, either briefly or extendedly. This was especially true for alendronate, which showed the highest rate of hospitalization (83.25 %), however, the mortality rate reported by those taking alendronate were significantly lower than those of zoledronate and pamidronate. In addition, the clinical characteristics of BP-related TPLDs was analyzed. It is more common to reported in middle-aged and elderly females, the highest proportion was in 50-69 years old. Except for osteoporosis, osteopenia, and osteoporosis prophylaxis, cancer bone metastasis was also the indication of some BPs. The most often reported concomitant/prior medicines were calcium supplements, another BPs, antitumor agents, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In conclusion, we provide a comprehensive overview of the correlation and clinical characteristics, and prognosis of BP-related TPLDs deserving continued surveillance and appropriate management.

3D printing of inorganic nanomaterials by photochemically bonding colloidal nanocrystals.

3D printing of inorganic materials with nanoscale resolution offers a different materials processing pathway to explore devices with emergent functionalities. However, existing technologies typically involve photocurable resins that reduce material purity and degrade properties. We develop a general strategy for laser direct printing of inorganic nanomaterials, as exemplified by more than 10 semiconductors, metal oxides, metals, and their mixtures. Colloidal nanocrystals are used as building blocks and photochemically bonded through their native ligands. Without resins, this bonding process produces arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) structures with a large inorganic mass fraction (~90%) and high mechanical strength. The printed materials preserve the intrinsic properties of constituent nanocrystals and create structure-dictated functionalities, such as the broadband chiroptical responses with an anisotropic factor of ~0.24 for semiconducting cadmium chalcogenide nanohelical arrays.

Probing the Origin of Viscosity of Liquid Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries.

Viscosity is an extremely important property for ion transport and wettability of electrolytes. Easy access to viscosity values and a deep understanding of this property remain challenging yet critical to evaluating the electrolyte performance and tailoring electrolyte recipes with targeted properties. We proposed a screened overlapping method to efficiently compute the viscosity of lithium battery electrolytes by molecular dynamics simulations. The origin of electrolyte viscosity was further comprehensively probed. The viscosity of solvents exhibits a positive correlation with the binding energy between molecules, indicating viscosity is directly correlated to intermolecular interactions. Salts in electrolytes enlarge the viscosity significantly with increasing concentrations while diluents serve as the viscosity reducer, which is attributed to the varied binding strength from cation-anion and cation-solvent associations. This work develops an accurate and efficient method for computing the electrolyte viscosity and affords deep insight into viscosity at the molecular level, which exhibits the huge potential to accelerate advanced electrolyte design for next-generation rechargeable batteries.

Exploring the common diagnostic gene KCNJ15 and shared pathway of ankylosing spondylitis and ulcerative colitis through integrated bioinformatics.

Introduction: The similarity between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in incidence rate and pathogenesis has been revealed. But the common pathogenesis that explains the relationship between AS and UC is still lacked, and the related genetic research is limited. We purposed to explore shared biomarkers and pathways of AS and UC through integrated bioinformatics. Methods: Gene expression data of AS and UC were obtained in the GEO database. We applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify AS-related and UC-related co-expression gene modules. Subsequently, machine learning algorithm was used to further screen hub genes. We validated the expression level and diagnostic efficiency of the shared diagnostic gene of AS and UC in external datasets. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to analyze pathway-level changes between disease group and normal group. Finally, we analyzed the relationship between hub biomarker and immune microenvironment by using the CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm. Results: 203 genes were obtained by overlapping AS-related gene module and UC-related gene module. Through SVM-RFE algorithm, 19 hub diagnostic genes were selected for AS in GSE25101 and 6 hub diagnostic genes were selected for UC in GSE94648. KCNJ15 was obtained as a common diagnostic gene of AS and UC. The expression of KCNJ15 was validated in independent datasets, and the results showed that KCNJ15 were similarly upregulated in AS samples and UC samples. Besides, ROC analysis also revealed that KCNJ15 had good diagnostic efficacy. The GSEA analysis revealed that oxidative phosphorylation pathway was the shared pathway of AS and UC. In addition, CIBERSORT results revealed the correlation between KCNJ15 gene and immune microenvironment in AS and UC. Conclusion: We have explored a common diagnostic gene KCNJ15 and a shared oxidative phosphorylation pathway of AS and UC through integrated bioinformatics, which may provide a potential diagnostic biomarker and novel insight for studying the mechanism of AS-related UC.

Inhibition of Structural Transformation and Surface Lattice Oxygen Activity for Excellent Stability Li-Rich Mn-Based Layered Oxides.

Li-rich Mn-based layered oxides (LLOs) are one of the most promising cathode materials, which have exceptional anionic redox activity and a capacity that surpasses 250 mA h/g. However, the change from a layered structure to a spinel structure and unstable anionic redox are accompanied by voltage attenuation, poor rate performance, and problematic capacity. The technique of stabilizing the crystal structure and reducing the surface oxygen activity is proposed in this paper. A coating layer and highly concentrated oxygen vacancies are developed on the material's surface, according to scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In situ EIS shows that structural transformation and oxygen release are inhibited during the first charge and discharge. Optimized 3@LRMA has an average attenuation voltage of 0.55 mV per cycle (vs 1.7 mV) and a capacity retention rate of 93.4% after 200 cycles (vs 52.8%). Postmortem analysis indicates that the successful doping of Al ions into the crystal structure effectively inhibits the structural alteration of the cycling process. The addition of oxygen vacancies reduces the surface lattice's redox activity. Additionally, surface structure deterioration is successfully halted by N- and Cl-doped carbon coating. This finding highlights the significance of lowering the surface lattice oxygen activity and preventing structural alteration, and it offers a workable solution to increase the LLO stability.

DNA barcoding of Chinese snakes reveals hidden diversity and conservation needs.

DNA barcoding has greatly facilitated studies of taxonomy, biodiversity, biological conservation, and ecology. Here, we establish a reliable DNA barcoding library for Chinese snakes, unveiling hidden diversity with implications for taxonomy, and provide a standardized tool for conservation management. Our comprehensive study includes 1638 cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences from Chinese snakes that correspond to 17 families, 65 genera, 228 named species (80.6% of named species) and 36 candidate species. A barcode gap analysis reveals gaps, where all nearest neighbour distances exceed maximum intraspecific distances, in 217 named species and all candidate species. Three species-delimitation methods (ABGD, sGMYC, and sPTP) recover 320 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), of which 192 OTUs correspond to named and candidate species. Twenty-eight other named species share OTUs, such as Azemiops feae and A. kharini, Gloydius halys, G. shedaoensis, and G. intermedius, and Bungarus multicinctus and B. candidus, representing inconsistencies most probably caused by imperfect taxonomy, recent and rapid speciation, weak taxonomic signal, introgressive hybridization, and/or inadequate phylogenetic signal. In contrast, 43 species and candidate species assign to two or more OTUs due to having large intraspecific distances. If most OTUs detected in this study reflect valid species, including the 36 candidate species, then 30% more species would exist than are currently recognized. Several OTU divergences associate with known biogeographic barriers, such as the Taiwan Strait. In addition to facilitating future studies, this reliable and relatively comprehensive reference database will play an important role in the future monitoring, conservation, and management of Chinese snakes.

GSK2795039 prevents RIP1-RIP3-MLKL-mediated cardiomyocyte necroptosis in doxorubicin-induced heart failure through inhibition of NADPH oxidase-derived oxidative stress.

Doxorubicin (DOX), which is widely used for the treatment of cancer, induces cardiomyopathy associated with NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species. GSK2795039 is a novel small molecular NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) inhibitor. In this study, we investigated whether GSK2795039 prevents receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1)-RIP3-mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL)-mediated cardiomyocyte necroptosis in DOX-induced heart failure through NADPH oxidase inhibition. Eight-week old mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, GSK2795039, DOX and DOX plus GSK2795039. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were treated with DOX and GSK2795039. In DOX-treated mice, the survival rate was reduced, left ventricular (LV) end-systolic dimension was increased and LV fractional shortening was decreased, and these alterations were attenuated by the GSK2795039 treatment. GSK2795039 inhibited not only myocardial NADPH oxidase subunit gp91phox (Nox2) protein, but also p22phox, p47phox and p67phox proteins and prevented oxidative stress 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels in DOX-treated mice. RIP3 protein and phosphorylated RIP1 (p-RIP1), p-RIP3 and p-MLKL proteins, reflective of their respective kinase activities, markers of necroptosis, were markedly increased in DOX-treated mice, and the increases were prevented by GSK2795039. GSK2795039 prevented the increases in serum lactate dehydrogenase and myocardial fibrosis in DOX-treated mice. Similarly, in DOX-treated cardiomyocytes, GSK2795039 improved cell viability, attenuated apoptosis and necrosis and prevented the increases in p-RIP1, p-RIP3 and p-MLKL expression. In conclusion, GSK2795039 prevents RIP1-RIP3-MLKL-mediated cardiomyocyte necroptosis through inhibition of NADPH oxidase-derived oxidative stress, leading to the improvement of myocardial remodeling and function in DOX-induced heart failure. These findings suggest that GSK2795039 may have implications for the treatment of DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.

Direct Photo-Patterning of Efficient and Stable Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes via Light-Triggered, Carbocation-Enabled Ligand Stripping.

Next generation displays based on quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) require robust patterning methods for quantum dot layers. However, existing patterning methods mostly yield QLEDs with performance far inferior to the state-of-the-art individual devices. Here, we report a light-triggered, carbocation-enabled ligand stripping (CELS) approach to pattern QLEDs with high efficiency and stability. During CELS, photogenerated carbocations from triphenylmethyl chlorides remove native ligands of quantum dots, thereby producing patterns at microscale precision. Chloride anions passivate surface defects and endow patterned quantum dots with preserved photoluminescent quantum yields. It works for both cadmium-based and heavy-metal-free quantum dots. CELS-patterned QLEDs show remarkable external quantum efficiencies (19.1%, 17.5%, 12.0% for red, green, blue, respectively) and a long operation lifetime (T95 at 1000 nits up to 8700 h). Both are among the highest for patterned QLEDs and approach the records for nonpatterned devices, which makes CELS promising for building high-performance QLED displays and related integrated devices.

Urogenital tract and rectal microbiota composition and its influence on reproductive outcomes in infertile patients.

Introduction: Microbiota in the human body are closely related to human diseases. Female urogenital tract and rectal microbes have been considered as important factors affecting female pregnancy, but the mechanism is unknown. Methods: Cervical, vaginal, urethral, and rectal swabs were collected from 22 infertile patients and 10 controls, and follicular fluid was extracted from 22 infertile patients. The microbial composition of different sampling sites of infertile patients was examined. By comparing the microbial composition difference between infertile patients and controls and combining bioinformatics methods to analyze the potential impact of the female urogenital tract (cervical, vaginal and urethral) and rectal microbial diversity on female infertility and pregnancy outcomes. Results: Lactobacillus predominated in the female urogenital tract, but its abundance decreased in infertile patients, whereas the abundance of Gardnerella and Atopobium increased. The microbial changes in the urethra had the same trend as that in the vagina. Compared with healthy controls, the cervical and rectal microbial diversity of infertile patients were significantly increased and decreased, respectively. There might be interactions between microbes in different parts of female. Geobacillus thermogeniticans was enriched in the urogenital tract and rectum of infertile patients, and has a good predictive effect on infertility. Compared with infertile patients, L. johnsonii was enriched in the vagina, urethra, and intestine of the control group. L. acidophilus in follicular fluid might be associated with Non-pregnancy. Conclusion: This study found that the microbial composition of infertile patients was changed compared with that of healthy people. The translocation of Lactobacillus between the rectum and urogenital tract might play a protective barrier role. The changes of Lactobacillus and Geobacillus might be related to female infertility or pregnancy outcome. The study provided a theoretical basis for the future treatment of female infertility from the perspective of microorganisms by detecting the microbial changes associated with female infertility.