From CaBaM2F12 to K2BaM2F12 (M = Zr, Hf): Heterovalent Cation-Substitution-Induced Symmetry Break and Nonlinear-Optical Activity.

Designing short-wavelength nonlinear-optical (NLO) crystals is of vital importance for laser applications. Here, the combination of alkaline-earth metals, d0 transition metals, and F atom has generated two new and isostructural fluorides, CaBaZr2F12 (CBZF) and CaBaHf2F12 (CBHF), which adopt centrosymmetric space group I4/mmm. Taking CBZF and CBHF as the parents, two new fluorides, K2BaZr2F12 (KBZF) and K2BaHf2F12 (KBHF), with an Imm2 polar structure were obtained via a heterovalent cation substitution strategy. All four compounds feature ZrF8-dodecahedra-built {[Zr2F12]4-}∞ chains and show short ultraviolet cutoff edges (<200 nm). KBZF and KBHF show phase-matchable behavior with moderate second-harmonic-generation responses [0.6 and 0.35 × KH2PO4 (KDP)] under 1064 nm laser radiation. This work enriches fluorides as promising short-wavelength NLO materials.

Hallmarks of cancer resistance.

This review explores the hallmarks of cancer resistance, including drug efflux mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, metabolic reprogramming characterized by the Warburg effect, and the dynamic interplay between cancer cells and mitochondria. The role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in treatment resistance and the regulatory influence of non-coding RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are studied. The chapter emphasizes future directions, encompassing advancements in immunotherapy, strategies to counter adaptive resistance, integration of artificial intelligence for predictive modeling, and the identification of biomarkers for personalized treatment. The comprehensive exploration of these hallmarks provides a foundation for innovative therapeutic approaches, aiming to navigate the complex landscape of cancer resistance and enhance patient outcomes.

KBa3M2F14Cl (M = Zr, Hf): novel short-wavelength mixed metal halides with the largest second-harmonic generation responses contributed by mixed functional moieties.

The development of short-wavelength nonlinear optical (NLO) materials is indispensable and urgently required for further applications. Halides have been disregarded as potential NLO materials with deep-ultraviolet (DUV) cutoff edges due to their weak second-harmonic generation (SHG) response and poor birefringence. Here, two novel and isostructural halides, KBa3M2F14Cl (M = Zr (KBZFC), Hf (KBHFC)), possess structures that are formed by isolated MF7 monocapped triangular prisms and dissociative K+, Ba2+, and Cl- ions. Compared with reported metal halides that are transparent to the DUV region, KBZFC and KBHFC possess the strongest SHG responses (approximately 1, 0.9 × KH2PO4), which are contributed by the synergistic effect of MF7 (M = Zr, Hf) groups, Ba2+ cations, and Cl- ions. The zero-dimensional structures favour sufficient birefringences (0.12, 0.10 @ 1064 nm) for phase-matchable (PM) behaviours. The discovery of KBZFC and KBHFC showcases the potential of NLO mixed metal halides transparent to the DUV region.

The impact of the combat method on radiomics feature compensation and analysis of scanners from different manufacturers.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether the Combat compensation method can remove the variability of radiomic features extracted from different scanners, while also examining its impact on the subsequent predictive performance of machine learning models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 135 CT images of Credence Cartridge Radiomic phantoms were collected and screened from three scanners manufactured by Siemens, Philips, and GE. 100 radiomic features were extracted and 20 radiomic features were screened according to the Lasso regression method. The radiomic features extracted from the rubber and resin-filled regions in the cartridges were labeled into different categories for evaluating the performance of the machine learning model. Radiomics features were divided into three groups based on the different scanner manufacturers. The radiomic features were randomly divided into training and test sets with a ratio of 8:2. Five machine learning models (lasso, logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, neural network) were employed to evaluate the impact of Combat on radiomic features. The variability among radiomic features were assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Accuracy, precision, recall, and area under the receiver curve (AUC) were used as evaluation metrics for model classification. RESULTS: The principal component and ANOVA analysis results show that the variability of different scanner manufacturers in radiomic features was removed (P˃0.05). After harmonization with the Combat algorithm, the distributions of radiomic features were aligned in terms of location and scale. The performance of machine learning models for classification improved, with the Random Forest model showing the most significant enhancement. The AUC value increased from 0.88 to 0.92. CONCLUSIONS: The Combat algorithm has reduced variability in radiomic features from different scanners. In the phantom CT dataset, it appears that the machine learning model's classification performance may have improved after Combat harmonization. However, further investigation and validation are required to fully comprehend Combat's impact on radiomic features in medical imaging.

HgBr2: an easily growing wide-spectrum birefringent crystal.

Birefringent materials are of great significance to the development of modern optical technology; however, research on halide birefringent crystals with a wide transparent range remains limited. In this work, mercuric bromide (HgBr2) has been investigated for the first time as a promising birefringent material with a wide transparent window spanning from ultraviolet (UV) to far-infrared (far-IR) spectral regions (0.34-22.9 µm). HgBr2 has an exceptionally large birefringence (Δn, 0.235 @ 546 nm), which is 19.6 times that of commercial MgF2. The ordered linear motif [Br-Hg-Br] with high polarizability anisotropy within the molecule is the inherent source of excellent birefringence, making it an efficient building block for birefringent materials. In addition, HgBr2 can be easily grown under mild conditions and remain stable in air for prolonged periods. Studying the birefringent properties of HgBr2 crystals would provide new ideas for future exploration of wide-spectrum birefringent materials.

Salvianolic acid B protects against UVB-induced skin aging via activation of NRF2.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged exposure to sun radiation may result in harmful skin photoaging. Therefore, discovering novel anti-photoaging treatment modalities is critical. An active component isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), Salvianolic acid B (Sal-B), is a robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. This investigation aimed to discover the therapeutic impact and pathways of salvianolic acid B for UVB-induced skin photoaging, an area that remains unexplored. METHODS: We conducted in vitro experiments on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) exposed to UVB radiation, assessing cellular senescence, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, cell viability, proliferation, migration, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial health. The potential mechanism of Sal-B was analyzed using RNA sequencing, with further validation through Western blotting, PCR, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) silencing methods. In vivo, a model of skin photoaging induced by UVB in nude mice was employed. The collagen fiber levels were assessed utilizing hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson, and Sirus red staining. Additionally, NRF2 and related gene and protein expression levels were identified utilizing PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Sal-B was found to significantly counteract photoaging in UVB-exposed skin fibroblasts, reducing aging-related decline in fibroblast proliferation and an increase in apoptosis. It was observed that Sal-B aids in protecting mitochondria from excessive ROS production by promoting NRF2 nuclear translocation. NRF2 knockdown experiments established its necessity for Sal-B's anti-photoaging effects. The in vivo studies also verified Sal-B's anti-photoaging efficacy, surpassing that of tretinoin (Retino-A). These outcomes offer novel insights into the contribution of Sal-B in developing clinical treatment modalities for UVB-induced photodamage in skin fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: In this investigation, we identified the Sal-B protective impact on the senescence of dermal fibroblasts and skin photoaging induced by radiation of UVB. The outcomes suggest Sal-B as a potential modulator of the NRF2 signaling pathway.

Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling to overcome drug resistance in cancer.

This review comprehensively explores the challenge of drug resistance in cancer by focusing on the pivotal PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, elucidating its role in oncogenesis and resistance mechanisms across various cancer types. It meticulously examines the diverse mechanisms underlying resistance, including genetic mutations, feedback loops, and microenvironmental factors, while also discussing the associated resistance patterns. Evaluating current therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway, the article highlights the hurdles encountered in drug development and clinical trials. Innovative approaches to overcome resistance, such as combination therapies and precision medicine, are critically analyzed, alongside discussions on emerging therapies like immunotherapy and molecularly targeted agents. Overall, this comprehensive review not only sheds light on the complexities of resistance in cancer but also provides a roadmap for advancing cancer treatment.

The role of USP7-YY1 interaction in promoting colorectal cancer growth and metastasis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health issue with high incidence and mortality. Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a powerful transcription factor that acts dual roles in gene activation and repression. High expression level of YY1 has been reported in CRC, indicating the existence of stable factors of YY1 in CRC cells. We aimed to identify the key molecules and underlying mechanisms responsible for stabilizing YY1 expression in CRC. Mass spectrometry analysis was utilized to identify USP7 as a potential molecule that interacted with YY1. Mechanically, USP7 stabilizes YY1 expression at the protein level by interfering its K63 linkage ubiquitination. YY1 exerts its oncogenic function through transcriptionally activating TRIAP1 but suppressing LC3B. In addition, at the pathological level, there is a positive correlation between the expression of YY1 and the budding of CRC. This study has revealed the intricate interplay between YY1 and USP7 in CRC, suggesting that they could serve as novel therapeutic targets or predictive biomarkers for CRC patients.

Water masses influence the variation of microbial communities in the Yangtze River Estuary and its adjacent waters.

The Yangtze River estuary (YRE) are strongly influenced by the Kuroshio and terrigenous input from rivers, leading to the formation of distinct water masses, however, there remains a limited understanding of the full extent of this influence. Here the variation of water masses and bacterial communities of 58 seawater samples from the YRE and its adjacent waters were investigated. Our findings suggested that there were 5 water masses in the studied area: Black stream (BS), coastal water in the East China Sea (CW), nearshore mixed water (NM), mixed water in the middle and deep layers of the East China Sea (MM), and deep water blocks in the middle of the East China Sea (DM). The CW mass harbors the highest alpha diversity across all layers, whereas the NM mass exhibits higher diversity in the surface layer but lower in the middle layers. Proteobacteria was the most abundant taxa in all water masses, apart from that, in the surface layer masses, Cyanobacterium, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota were the highest proportion in CW, while Bacteroidota and Actinobacteriota were the highest proportion in NM and BS; in the middle layer, Bacteroidota and Actinobacteriota were dominant phylum in CW and BS masses, but Cyanobacterium was main phylum in NM mass; in the bottom layer, Bacteroidota and Actinobacteriota were the dominant phylum in CW, while Marininimicrobia was the dominated phylum in DM and MM masses. Network analysis suggests water masses have obvious influence on community topological characteristics, moreover, community assembly across masses also differ greatly. Taken together, these results emphasized the significant impact of water masses on the bacterial composition, topological characteristics and assembly process, which may provide a theoretical foundation for predicting alterations in microbial communities within estuarine ecosystems under the influence of water masses.

Pentanary Oxythiogermanates Ba3MGe3O2S8 (M = Ca, Zn) Featuring [Ge3O2S8]8- Trimers and {[MGe3O2S8]6-}∞ Chains: Structural Chemistry and Physical Properties.

Oxychalcogenides are increasingly attracting wide attention because they contain multiple anions that may combine the advantages of oxides and chalcogenides. In this work, two new pentanary oxythiogermanates, Ba3MGe3O2S8 [M = Ca (1), Zn (2)], were synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state reaction. They crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pnma, and their structures contain isolated [Ge3O2S8]8- units constructed by one [GeO2S2] and two [GeOS3] tetrahedra that link with M2+ ions to build the {[MGe3O2S8]6-}∞ chain, representing a new type of oxythiogermanate. Notably, a [ZnS5] square pyramid exists in 2. Their structural chemistry and relationship with relevant structures are analyzed. 1 and 2 exhibit wide band gaps of 3.93 and 2.63 eV, birefringences of 0.100 and 0.089 at 2100 nm, respectively, and also obvious photocurrent responses. This work may be extended to a family of AE3MIIMIV3O2Q8 (AE = alkali-earth metal; MII = Ca, Zn, Cd, Hg; MIV = Si, Ge, Sn; Q = S, Se), and further systematic survey on them can be performed to enrich the study of multifunctional oxychalcogenides.

Design of Pentanary Mixed-Chalcogenides Ag2In2SiS6-xSex (x = 1, 2) Based on the Bucket Effect: Local Structural Difference and High-Performance Nonlinear-Optical Properties Realized by Partial Congener Substitution.

Noncentrosymmetric chalcogenides are promising candidates for infrared nonlinear-optical (NLO) crystals, and exploring high-performance ones is a hot topic and challengeable. Herein, the combination of AgQ4, InQ4, and SiQ4 (Q = S, Se) units with different S/Se ratios resulted in the discovery of the tetrahedral chalcogenides Ag2In2SiS4Se2 (1) and Ag2In2SiS5Se (2). They both crystallize in the monoclinic Cc space group with different local structures. Co-occupied S/Se sites only exist in 2, and the arrangement of [In2SiQ3] six-membered rings builds different helical chains and 3D [(In2SiQ6)2-]n polyanionic frameworks in 1 and 2. They show balanced NLO performances, including phase-matchable moderate NLO responses (0.7 and 0.5 × AGS) and enhanced laser-induced damage thresholds (4.5 and 5.1 × AGS). Theoretical calculations reveal that their NLO responses are predominantly contributed by the AgQ4 and InQ4 units.

Does voice endorsement by supervisors enhance or constrain voicer's personal initiative? Countervailing effects via feeling pride and feeling envied.

While the previous research has examined antecedents of supervisors' voice endorsement, it has generally overlooked its effects on voicers' affective and behavioral reactions, probably because of the underlying assumption that supervisors' voice endorsement is inherently beneficial and likely to encourage more proactive behaviors in the future. In this research, we offer a theoretical model of the double-edged effects of supervisors' voice endorsement on voicers' subsequent personal initiative. Drawing on cognitive appraisal theory and related research, we proposed that supervisors' voice endorsement prompts two different cognitive appraisal processes in voicers that evoke two distinct emotional experiences-feeling pride and feeling envied-with countervailing effects on voicers' subsequent personal initiative. Specifically, voice endorsement results in voicers not only feeling pride, which enhances their subsequent personal initiative, but also in their feeling envied, which reduces their later personal initiative. Moreover, we extend the cognitive appraisal theory of emotion from a social constructionist approach by incorporating coworker support-an important relational context-as a contingent factor shaping the effects of voice endorsement on feeling pride and feeling envied and on voicers' subsequent personal initiative. The results from two field studies-a weekly experience sampling study with 574 observations from 119 employees and an event-based daily experience sampling study with 787 observations from 180 employees-largely support our theoretical model. This research suggests the importance of considering the perspectives of all the stakeholders in the proactivity triad (i.e., the focal employee, the supervisor, and coworkers) in order to sustain employee proactivity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Hg16O12(NO3)6F2(H2O): A Mercury-Rich Nitrate Oxyfluoride with Diverse Triple-Coordinated Mercury-Based Units That Exhibits an Unparalleled [(Hg16O12F2(H2O))6+]∞ Cationic Framework and a Large Birefringence.

Designing new compounds based on anion regulation has been widely favored due to the production of diverse crystal structures and excellent optical properties. Here, a new nitrate oxyfluoride, Hg16O12(NO3)6F2(H2O), has been obtained through a hydrothermal reaction. It crystallizes in the centric Ibca space group and shows a novel three-dimensional [(Hg16O12F2(H2O))6+]∞ cationic framework composed of interconnected HgO2F, HgO3, and HgO2(H2O) units, with isolated NO3- groups as balanced anions to build the whole structure. Notably, the HgO2F and HgO2(H2O) units are first presented here among mercury (Hg)-based compounds. Additionally, Hg16O12(NO3)6F2(H2O) exhibits a large birefringence of 0.17 at 546 nm. This work enriches the multiformity of Hg-based compounds and provides a route for developing promising birefringent materials.

Prognostic Value of a Combined Nomogram Model Integrating 3-Dimensional Deep Learning and Radiomics for Head and Neck Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The preoperative prediction of the overall survival (OS) status of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) is significant value for their individualized treatment and prognosis. This study aims to evaluate the impact of adding 3D deep learning features to radiomics models for predicting 5-year OS status. METHODS: Two hundred twenty cases from The Cancer Imaging Archive public dataset were included in this study; 2212 radiomics features and 304 deep features were extracted from each case. The features were selected by univariate analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and then grouped into a radiomics model containing Positron Emission Tomography /Computed Tomography (PET/CT) radiomics features score, a deep model containing deep features score, and a combined model containing PET/CT radiomics features score +3D deep features score. TumorStage model was also constructed using initial patient tumor node metastasis stage to compare the performance of the combined model. A nomogram was constructed to analyze the influence of deep features on the performance of the model. The 10-fold cross-validation of the average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration curve were used to evaluate performance, and Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was developed for interpretation. RESULTS: The TumorStage model, radiomics model, deep model, and the combined model achieved areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.604, 0.851, 0.840, and 0.895 on the train set and 0.571, 0.849, 0.832, and 0.900 on the test set. The combined model showed better performance of predicting the 5-year OS status of HNC patients than the radiomics model and deep model. The combined model was shown to provide a favorable fit in calibration curves and be clinically useful in decision curve analysis. SHAP summary plot and SHAP The SHAP summary plot and SHAP force plot visually interpreted the influence of deep features and radiomics features on the model results. CONCLUSIONS: In predicting 5-year OS status in patients with HNC, 3D deep features could provide richer features for combined model, which showed outperformance compared with the radiomics model and deep model.

Polysubstitution Induced Centrosymmetric-to-Noncentrosymmetric Structural Transformation and Nonlinear-Optical Behavior: The Case of Na0.45Ag0.55Ga3Se5.

Obtaining compounds with large nonlinear-optical (NLO) coefficients and wide band gaps is challenging due to their competitive requirements for chemical bonds. Herein, the first member with mixed cations on the A site in the A-M3-Q5 or A-Ag-M6-Q10 (A = alkali metal; M = Ga, In; Q = S, Se, Te) family, viz. Na0.45Ag0.55Ga3Se5 (NAGSe), was obtained by a solid-state reaction. Its structure features [GaSe4] tetrahedra built three-dimensional {[Ga3Se5]-}∞ network, with Na and Na/Ag cations located at the octahedral cavities. Noncentrosymmetric (R32) NAGSe can also be transformed from centrosymmetric RbGa3S5 (P21/c) via multiple-site cosubstitution. NAGSe exhibits the highest NLO response (1.9 × AGS) in the A-Ag-M-Q family. Crystal structure analysis and theoretical calculations suggest that the NLO response is mainly contributed by the regularly arranged [GaSe4] units. This work enriches the exploration of the undeveloped A-M3-Q5 or A-Ag-M6-Q10 family as potential infrared NLO materials.

Chelatococcus albus sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from hot spring microbial mat.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-endospore-forming, motile, short rod-shaped strain, designated SYSU G07232T, was isolated from a hot spring microbial mat, sampled from Rehai National Park, Tengchong, Yunnan Province, south-western China. Strain SYSU G07232T grew at 25-50 °C (optimum, 37 °C), at pH 5.5-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0) and tolerated NaCl concentrations up to 1.0 % (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain SYSU G07232T showed closest genetic affinity with Chelatococcus daeguensis K106T. The genomic features and taxonomic status of this strain were determined through whole-genome sequencing and a polyphasic approach. The predominant quinone of this strain was Q-10. Major cellular fatty acids comprised C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and summed feature 8. The whole-genome length of strain SYSU G07232T was 4.02 Mbp, and the DNA G+C content was 69.26 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANIm ≤84.85 % and ANIb ≤76.08  %) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (≤ 21.9 %) values between strain SYSU G07232T and the reference species were lower than the threshold values recommended for distinguishing novel prokaryotic species. Thus, based on the provided phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genetic data, it is proposed that strain SYSU G07232T (=KCTC 8141T=GDMCC 1.4178T) be designated as representing a novel species within the genus Chelatococcus, named Chelatococcus albus sp. nov.

[Effects of α1-antitrypsin on motor function in mice with immature brain white matter injury]. / α1-æŠ—èƒ°è›‹ç™½é ¶å¯¹æœªæˆç†Ÿè„‘ç™½è´¨æŸä¼¤å°é¼ è¿åŠ¨åŠŸèƒ½çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of α1-antitrypsin (AAT) on motor function in adult mice with immature brain white matter injury. METHODS: Five-day-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the sham surgery group (n=27), hypoxia-ischemia (HI) + saline group (n=27), and HI+AAT group (n=27). The HI white matter injury mouse model was established using HI methods. The HI+AAT group received intraperitoneal injections of AAT (50 mg/kg) 24 hours before HI, immediately after HI, and 72 hours after HI; the HI+saline group received intraperitoneal injections of the same volume of saline at the corresponding time points. Brain T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed at 7 and 55 days after modeling. At 2 months of age, adult mice were evaluated for static, dynamic, and coordination parameters using the Catwalk gait analysis system. RESULTS: Compared to the sham surgery group, mice with HI injury showed high signal intensity on brain T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging at 7 days after modeling, indicating significant white matter injury. The white matter injury persisted at 55 days after modeling. In comparison to the sham surgery group, the HI+saline group exhibited decreased paw print area, maximum contact area, average pressure, maximum pressure, paw print width, average velocity, body velocity, stride length, swing speed, percentage of gait pattern AA, and percentage of inter-limb coordination (left hind paw → left front paw) (P<0.05). The HI+saline group showed increased inter-paw distance, percentage of gait pattern AB, and percentage of phase lag (left front paw → left hind paw) compared to the sham surgery group (P<0.05). In comparison to the HI+saline group, the HI+AAT group showed increased average velocity, body velocity, stride length, and swing speed (right front paw) (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The mice with immature brain white matter injury may exhibit significant motor dysfunction in adulthood, while the use of AAT can improve some aspects of their motor function.

Lenvatinib combined with sintilimab plus transarterial chemoembolization as first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Recently, combination therapy has shown a better trend towards improved tumour response and survival outcomes than monotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, research on triple therapy [lenvatinib + sintilimab + transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)] as a first-line treatment for advanced HCC is limited. AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of triple therapy as a first-line treatment for advanced HCC. METHODS: HCC patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C treated with triple therapy were enrolled. All patients were treated with lenvatinib every day and sintilimab once every 3 wk. Moreover, TACE was performed every 4-6 wk if necessary. The primary outcome of the study was overall survival (OS). The secondary outcomes were the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: Forty HCC patients who underwent triple therapy were retrospectively analysed from January 2019 to January 2022. With a median follow-up of 8.5 months, the 3-, 6-, and 12-mo OS rates were 100%, 88.5%, and 22.5%, respectively. The ORR and DCR were 45% and 90%, respectively. The median progressive free survival and median OS were not reached. Common complications were observed in 76% of the patients (grade 3, 15%; grade 4, 2.5%). CONCLUSION: Combination therapy comprising lenvatinib, sintilimab and TACE achieved promising outcomes in advanced HCC patients and had manageable effects.