The complete chloroplast genome sequence and phylogenetic relationship analysis of Eomecon chionantha, one species unique to China.

Eomecon chionantha Hance, an endemic species in China, has a long medical history in Chinese ethnic minority medicine and is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. However, studies of E. chionantha are lacking. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of the E. chionantha chloroplast genome and determined the taxonomic position of E. chionantha in Papaveraceae via phylogenetic analysis. In addition, we determined molecular markers to identify E. chionantha at the molecular level by comparing the chloroplast genomes of E. chionantha and its closely related species. The complete chloroplast genomic information indicated that E. chionantha chloroplast DNA (178,808 bp) contains 99 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs. Meanwhile, we were able to identify a total of 54 simple sequence repeats through our analysis. Our findings from the phylogenetic analysis suggest that E. chionantha shares a close relationship with four distinct species, namely Macleaya microcarpa, Coreanomecon hylomeconoides, Hylomecon japonica, and Chelidonium majus. Additionally, using the Kimura two-parameter model, we successfully identified five hypervariable regions (ycf4-cemA, ycf3-trnS-GGA, trnC-GCA-petN, rpl32-trnL-UAG, and psbI-trnS-UGA). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the complete chloroplast genome of E. chionantha, providing a scientific reference for further understanding of E. chionantha from the perspective of the chloroplast genome and establishing a solid foundation for the future identification, taxonomic determination and evolutionary analysis of this species.

AflaILVB/G/I and AflaILVD are involved in mycelial production, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and fungal virulence in Aspergillus flavus.

Aflatoxins (AFs) are produced by fungi such as Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus and are one of the most toxic mycotoxins found in agricultural products and food. Aflatoxin contamination, which requires the control of A. flavus, remains problematic because of the lack of effective strategies and the exploration of new compounds that can inhibit A. flavus growth and mycotoxin production is urgently required to alleviate potential deleterious effects. Acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) and dihydroxy acid dehydratase are important enzymes in the biosynthetic pathways of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including isoleucine, leucine, and valine. Enzymes involved in BCAA biosynthesis are present in bacteria, plants, and fungi, but not in mammals, and are therefore, attractive targets for antimicrobial and herbicide development. In this study, we characterized AflaILVB/G/I and AflaILVD, which encode the catalytic and regulatory subunits of AHAS and dihydroxy acid dehydratase, from the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus flavus. The AflaILVB/G/I and AflaILVD deletion mutant grew slower and produced smaller colonies than the wild-type strain when grown on glucose minimal medium, potato dextrose agar, and yeast extract medium for three days at 28°C, and disruption of AflaILVB/G/I caused a significant reduction in conidia production when grown on all kinds of media. Cellular stress assays determined that all strains were sensitive to H2O2. Importantly, the pathogenicity and aflatoxin production were affected when AflaILVB/G/I and AflaILVD were knocked out, particularly AflaILVB/G/I. A series of genes that encoded enzymes involved in aflatoxin synthesis were downregulated, meaning that the knockout of AflaILVB/G/I influenced aflatoxin synthesis in A. flavus strain WT. Collectively, our results demonstrate the potential value of antifungals targeting AflaILVB/G/I in A. flavus.

Exploring the molecular biology of ischemic cardiomyopathy based on ferroptosis­related genes.

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is a serious cardiac disease with a very high mortality rate worldwide, which causes myocardial ischemia and hypoxia as the main damage. Further understanding of the underlying pathological processes of cardiomyocyte injury is key to the development of cardioprotective strategies. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides to lethal levels, resulting in oxidative damage to the cell membrane. The current understanding of the role and regulation of ferroptosis in ICM is still limited, especially in the absence of evidence from large-scale transcriptomic data. Through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of human ICM transcriptome data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, the present study identified differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DEFRGs) in ICM. Subsequently, their potential biological mechanisms and cross-talk were analyzed, and hub genes were identified by constructing protein-protein interaction networks. Ferroptosis features such as reactive oxygen species generation, changes in ferroptosis marker proteins, iron ion aggregation and lipid oxidation, were identified in the H9c2 anoxic reoxygenation injury model. Finally, the diagnostic ability of Gap junction alpha-1 (GJA1), Solute carrier family 40 member 1 (SLC40A1), Alpha-synuclein (SNCA) were identified through receiver operating characteristic curves and the expression of DEFRGs was verified in an in vitro model. Furthermore, potential drugs (retinoic acid) that could regulate ICM ferroptosis were predicted based on key DEFRGs. The present article presents new insights into the role of ferroptosis in ICM, investigating the regulatory role of ferroptosis in the pathological process of ICM and advocating for ferroptosis as a potential novel therapeutic target for ICM based on evidence from the ICM transcriptome.

A Photo-induced Cross-Linking Enhanced A and B Combined Multi-Functional Spray Hydrogel Instantly Protects and Promotes of Irregular Dynamic Wound Healing.

Wounds in harsh environments can face long-term inflammation and persistent infection, which can slow healing. Wound spray is a product that can be rapidly applied to large and irregularly dynamic wounds, and can quickly form a protective film in situ to inhibit external environmental infection. In this study, a biodegradable A and B combined multi-functional spray hydrogel is developed with methacrylate-modified chitosan (CSMA1st ) and ferulic acid (FA) as type A raw materials and oxidized Bletilla striata polysaccharide (OBSP) as type B raw materials. The precursor CSMA1st -FA/OBSP (CSOB-FA1st ) hydrogel is formed by the self-cross-linking of dynamic Schiff base bonds, the CSMA-FA/OBSP (CSOB-FA) hydrogel is formed quickly after UV-vis light, so that the hydrogel fits with the wound. Rapid spraying and curing provide sufficient flexibility and rapidity for wounds and the hydrogel has good injectability, adhesive, and mechanical strength. In rats and miniature pigs, the A and B combined spray hydrogel can shrink wounds and promote healing of infected wounds, and promote the enrichment of fibrocyte populations. Therefore, the multifunctional spray hydrogel combined with A and B can protect irregular dynamic wounds, prevent wound infection and secondary injury, and be used for safe and effective wound treatment, which has a good prospect for development.

Insights on a National Safety Improvement Learning Collaborative: Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Background: There is a growing interest in quality improvement collaboratives (QICs), even though less remains known about contextual factors that impact collective and local project implementation. A study was undertaken that used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to explore the contextual factors impacting the use of this nationwide QIC in Canada. Methods: A deductive or direct qualitative content analysis using CFIR was employed to explore the contextual factors impacting the implementation of a nationwide QIC and participating organizations. Data were used from document analysis and semi-structured interviews with participants from 30 participating healthcare organizations across Canada. Results: A variety of contextual factors emerged, which influenced the uptake of the QICs across different settings, including intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting, and process factors. This study illustrates how organizations can consider a multi-pronged, theory-driven approach to guide the evaluation of safety and quality improvement efforts. Conclusions: This study provides insights into contextual factors that impact the implementation of local safety projects involved in a larger QIC, which may serve as a template or blueprint for healthcare leaders in their efforts to guide the co-design, implementation and evaluation of safety and quality improvement efforts.

Local delivery of stem cell spheroids with protein/polyphenol self-assembling armor to improve myocardial infarction treatment via immunoprotection and immunoregulation.

Stem cell therapies have shown great potential for treating myocardial infarction (MI) but are limited by low cell survival and compromised functionality due to the harsh microenvironment at the disease site. Here, we presented a Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroid-based strategy for MI treatment by introducing a protein/polyphenol self-assembling armor coating on the surface of cell spheroids, which showed significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy by actively manipulating the hostile pathological MI microenvironment and enabling versatile functionality, including protecting the donor cells from host immune clearance, remodeling the ROS microenvironment and stimulating MSC's pro-healing paracrine secretion. The underlying mechanism was elucidated, wherein the armor protected to prolong MSCs residence at MI site, and triggered paracrine stimulation of MSCs towards immunoregulation and angiogenesis through inducing hypoxia to provoke glycolysis in stem cells. Furthermore, local delivery of coated MSC spheroids in MI rat significantly alleviated local inflammation and subsequent fibrosis via mediation macrophage polarization towards pro-healing M2 phenotype and improved cardiac function. In general, this study provided critical insight into the enhanced therapeutic efficacy of stem cell spheroids coated with a multifunctional armor. It potentially opens up a new avenue for designing immunomodulatory treatment for MI via stem cell therapy empowered by functional biomaterials.

A dual network cross-linked hydrogel with multifunctional Bletilla striata polysaccharide/gelatin/tea polyphenol for wound healing promotion.

Wound healing is a dynamic and complex biological process, and traditional biological excipients cannot meet the needs of the wound healing process, and there is an urgent need for a biological dressing with multifunctionality and the ability to participate in all stages of wound healing. This study developed tea polyphenol (TP) incorporated multifunctional hydrogel based on oxidized Bletilla striata polysaccharide (OBSP) and adipic acid dihydrazide modified gelatin (Gel-ADH) with antimicrobial, antioxidant hemostatic, and anti-inflammatory properties to promote wound healing. The composite OBSP, Gel-ADH, TP (OBGTP) hydrogels prepared by double crosslinking between OBSP, TP and Gel-ADH via Schiff base bonding and hydrogen bonding had good rheological and swelling properties. The introduction of TP provided the composite hydrogel with excellent antioxidant antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coil). In the rat liver hemorrhage model and skin injury model, the OBGTP composite hydrogel had significant (p < 0.001) hemostatic ability, and had the ability to accelerate collagen deposition, reduce the expression of inflammatory factors, and promote rapid wound healing. In addition, OBGTP hydrogels had adhesive properties and good biocompatibility. In conclusion, OBGTP multifunctional composite hydrogels have great potential for wound healing applications.

Selenium in rice: Impact on protein content and distribution for enhanced food and feed security in agroclimatic challenges.

Countries face exasperating and inclement climate worldwide. Food and feed security could be their paramount life objective. The study aimed to investigate the impact of selenium on the protein content and distribution in different parts of rice. For this purpose, advanced selenium biofortified breeding material developed after generations of breeding efforts was investigated at the field area, rice research institute, Chengdu, China during cropping season 2021-22. The accumulation and distribution of selenium and protein contents were observed in various fractions of selenium-enriched rice (Z3057B) and positive control (727). The correlation studies for selenium and protein quantification leads to the optimization of the breeding material and relevance in virtue. The rice fractions indicated rice embryo retains highest selenium contents, which gradually decreases in succession (other rice parts). The difference in protein content between the embryo and endosperm of Se-enriched rice is significant, while that between embryo and aleurone layer is not obvious. The selenium protein was found with molecular weight of 13.6-122.6 kDa. The protein of each molecular weight is found to bind with selenium, but the binding strength of selenium is negatively correlated with the molecular weight of protein. The 67.5% of the total selenium sticks with protein having molecular weight less than 38.8 kDa. In summary, protein with low molecular weight (13.4 kDa) binds maximum selenium and accounts for highest total protein content (40.76%).

Effect of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on postoperative pain in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal tumor Surgery:A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: Postoperative pain is prevalent and severe complication in elderly surgical patients. Multiple studies propose that a small dose of esketamine administered intraoperatively can alleviate postoperative pain and curtail opioid usage. We aimed to evaluate the impact of esketamine on postoperative acute pain among elderly patients with gastrointestinal tumors. Patients and methods: This is a prospective, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Ninety patients aged 60 and above, undergoing resection of gastrointestinal tumors, were randomly assigned to two groups: esketamine group (Group S, a single dose of 0.25 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg/h infusion) and control group (Group C, saline). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores were the primary outcome. Remifentanil consumption, instances of rescue analgesia, delirium, sleep quality, postoperative recovery quality, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, and adverse events within 72 h post-surgery were secondary outcomes, respectively. Results: Data of 87 of 99 eligible patients were analyzed. VAS scores at rest in Group S were lower than those in Group C at 6 h [1.2 (0.6, 1.6) vs 1.6 (1.0, 2.0), P = 0.003], 12 h [1.4 (1.0, 2.0) vs 2.0 (1.5, 2.0), P < 0.001], and 24 h [1.8 (1.3, 2.0) vs 2.2 (1.6, 2.6), P < 0.001] postoperatively. At 6 h post-surgery, VAS score during coughing was lower in Group S than Group C [2.0 (2.0, 2.3) vs 2.0 (2.0, 3.0), P = 0.009]. The instances of rescue analgesia were fewer in group S compared to group C (P = 0.007). Furthermore, the esketamine group showed improved sleep quality and QoR-15 score (P < 0.05) postoperatively. Conclusion: Intravenous administration of esketamine as an adjunct to general anesthesia can decrease the intensity of pain for 24 h without additional adverse effects after laparoscopic gastrointestinal tumor surgery.

miR-200a-3p inhibits the PDGF-BB-induced proliferation of VSMCs by affecting their phenotype-associated proteins.

Accumulating evidence shows that the abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) can significantly affect the long-term prognosis of coronary artery bypass grafting. This study aimed to explore the factors affecting the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transformation of VSMCs. First, we stimulated VSMCs with different platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) concentrations, analyzed the expression of phenotype-associated proteins by Western blotting, and examined cell proliferation by scratch wound healing and the 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay. VSMC proliferation was induced most by PDGF-BB treatment at 20 ng/mL. miR-200a-3p decreased significantly in A7r5 cells stimulated with PDGF-BB. The overexpression of miR-200a-3p reversed the downregulation of α-SMA (p < 0.001) and the upregulation of vimentin (p < 0.001) caused by PDGF-BB. CCK8 and EdU analyses showed that miR-200a-3p overexpression could inhibit PDGF-BB-induced cell proliferation (p < 0.001). However, flow cytometric analysis showed that it did not significantly increase cell apoptosis. Collectively, the overexpression of miR-200a-3p inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs induced by PDGF-BB, partly by affecting phenotypic transformation-related proteins, providing a new strategy for relieving the restenosis of vein grafts.

Lymphatic vessels in patients with crescentic glomerulonephritis: association with renal pathology and prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Various immune cells, including T cells, B cells, macrophages, and neutrophils contribute to the development of crescentic glomerulonephritis. Previous animal studies have suggested that lymphangiogenesis is involved in the migration of inflammatory cells and the activation of adaptive immunity. However, the extent of the association between lymphatic vessels and crescentic glomerulonephritis severity and prognosis remains unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, we assessed lymphatic vessel density in 71 patients with crescentic glomerulonephritis who underwent renal biopsies between June 2017 and June 2022. By immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, we identified increased lymphatic vessel density in the kidneys of patients with crescentic glomerulonephritis compared to controls. Lymphatic vessels were categorized as total, periglomerular, and interstitial. Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between total and periglomerular lymphatic vessel density and glomerular crescent proportion. High lymphatic vessel density (total and periglomerular) correlated with declining kidney function, increased proteinuria, and severe glomerular and interstitial pathology. Interstitial lymphatic vessel density had minimal relationship with renal lesions. After a median duration of 13 months of follow-up, higher total and periglomerular lymphatic vessel density was associated with poorer prognosis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased immune cell activation and migration in crescentic glomerulonephritis patients compared to healthy controls. Periglomerular lymphatic vessels might play a significant role in immune cell infiltration and renal injury. CONCLUSION: Elevated lymphatic vessel density in patients with crescentic glomerulonephritis is associated with poor prognosis and may serve as a predictive factor for adverse outcomes in these patients.

Association between Atopic Dermatitis and Colorectal Cancer: TET2 as a Shared Gene Signature and Prognostic Biomarker.

Background: Recent studies have linked atopic dermatitis (AD) to colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Their causality and potential molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the causality between AD and CRC. Summary statistic data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis was used to identify CRC-related causal genes. Transcriptome analyses and immunohistochemical methods were applied to investigate the shared gene signature and potential mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of both AD and CRC. A predictive analysis was performed to examine the shared gene signature associated with immunotherapy response in CRC. Results: MR analysis indicated a causal association between AD and a decreased risk of CRC. SMR analysis uncovered TET2 as a CRC-related causal gene, showing an inverse relationship with the risk of CRC. Transcriptome analyses identified TET2 as a shared gene signature between AD and CRC. Decreased TET2 expression is associated with impaired demethylation and worse prognosis in CRC patients. We observed ten pathways related to the inflammatory response and immune regulation that may be shared mechanisms underlying both AD and CRC. These findings were validated through single-cell analysis. TET2 shows promise as a powerful predictive biomarker for cancer prognosis and immunotherapy response in CRC. Conclusion: There is a causal association between AD and a decreased risk of CRC. AD may influence the occurrence of CRC by modulating immune and inflammatory responses. TET2 could serve as a potential biomarker for prognosis and may be considered a novel therapeutic target for methylation and immune-related interventions.

Gclc as a Marker for Injured Distal Nephron in Ischemia-Reperfusion Induced Acute Kidney Injury.

Purpose: The distal nephron of kidney plays a pivotal role in advancing acute kidney injury (AKI). Understanding the role of distal nephrons in AKI and identifying markers of injured distal nephrons are critical to comprehending the mechanism of renal injury and identifying novel therapeutic targets. Methods: We analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from mice with AKI induced by ischemia-reperfusion (IR), unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), cisplatin (CP), sodium oxalate (SO) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, we analyzed renal transcriptomics samples for AKI. Subsequently, we validated the effectiveness of targeting the biomarker Gclc in vitro and in vivo through metabolomics and immunofluorescence. Results: The LOH-Inj and DCT-Inj subtypes were identified through scRNA-seq. Compared to normal distal nephrons, the injured distal nephrons exhibited higher levels of ferroptosis, pro-inflammation, and fibrosis. The expression of ferroptosis-related gene Gclc were high in various AKI models. Furthermore, Gclc was exclusively expressed in the distal nephron and upregulated in the injury subtype. To confirm our findings, we suppressed GCLC expression in the kidneys, resulting to aggravated IR-induced AKI. Inhibition of Gclc promoted damage to primarily renal tubular epithelial cells by promoting inflammatory infiltration, inhibiting glutathione metabolism and exacerbating oxidative stress. Conclusion: Our research findings suggest that Gclc is a potential marker for injured distal nephron.

Case report: Clinical complete response in advanced ALK-positive lung squamous cell carcinoma: a case study of successful anti-PD-1 immunotherapy post ALK-TKIs failure.

In patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) harboring the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4) -anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement, targeted therapy typically demonstrates superior efficacy as an initial treatment compared to chemotherapy. Following resistance to ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), regimens incorporating platinum-based dual agents or combined with bevacizumab often show effectiveness. However, therapeutic alternatives become constrained after resistance develops to both TKIs and platinum-based therapies. Given that the majority of ALK-positive non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) are LADC, the benefits of TKIs for patients with ALK-positive lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and the optimal treatment strategy for these patients remain a subject of debate. In this case study, we report on a patient with advanced LSCC, in whom the EML4-ALK rearrangement was identified via ARMS-PCR (Amplification Refractory Mutation System-Polymerase Chain Reaction). The patient underwent oral treatment with crizotinib and alectinib, showing effectiveness in both first-line and second-line ALK-TKI therapies, albeit with limited progression-free survival (PFS). Subsequent resistance to second-generation TKI was followed by the detection of tumors in the left neck region via computed tomography (CT). Biopsy pathology revealed non-squamous cell carcinoma, and subsequent treatment with platinum-based double-drug therapy proved ineffective. Further analysis through next-generation sequencing (NGS) indicated ALK negativity but a high expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). Immunotherapy was then initiated, resulting in a PFS of over 29 months and clinical complete remission (cCR). This case underscores the potential benefit of ALK-TKIs in patients with ALK-positive LSCC. Resistance to second-generation TKIs may lead to ALK negativity and histological transformation, highlighting the necessity of repeated biopsies post-TKI resistance for informed treatment decision-making. As of November 2023, imaging studies continue to indicate cCR in the patient, with a survival time exceeding 47 months.

The "crosstalk" between microbiota and metabolomic profile in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice supplemented with Bletilla striata polysaccharides and composite polysaccharides.

The potential prebiotic feature of Bletilla striata polysaccharides (BSP) has been widely accepted, while the beneficial effect of BSP on high-fat-diet-induced obesity is unclear. Moreover, the "crosstalk" between microbiota and metabolomic profile in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice supplemented with BSP still need to be further explored. The present study attempted to illustrate the effect of BSP and/or composite polysaccharides on high-fat-diet-induced obese mice by combining multi-matrix (feces, urine, liver) metabolomics and gut microbiome. The results showed that BSP and/or composite polysaccharides were able to reduce the abnormal weight gain induced by high-fat diet. A total of 175 molecules were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) in feces, urine and liver, suggesting that multi-matrix metabolomics could provide a comprehensive view of metabolic regulatory mechanism of BSP in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. Several pathways were altered in response to BSP supplementation, mainly pertaining to amino acid, purine, pyrimidine, ascorbate and aldarate metabolisms. In addition, BSP ameliorated high-fat-diet-induced imbalanced gut microbiome, by lowering the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. Significant correlations were illustrated between particular microbiota's features and specific metabolites. Overall, the anti-obesity effect of BSP could be attributed to the amelioration of the disorders of gut microbiota and to the regulation of the "gut-liver axis" metabolism.

The research of touch screen usability in civil aircraft cockpit.

With the advancement of touch screen technology, the application of touch screens in civil aircraft cockpits has become increasingly popular. However, further analysis and research are required to fully promote its applications. The paper researched the usability of touch screens in aircraft cockpit considering the operation performance and subjective NASA-TLX workload evaluation, conducted experimental research on three touch gestures: click, drag, and zoom. Additionally, a comparative analysis was conducted on the touch performance under different layouts, positions, touch sizes, dragging direction angles, and zoom multiples. The touch performance indicators include operation time, error rate, operation speed, and workload. The experimental results show that the 21 mm size has the minimum operation time and workload, and 18 mm size has the lowest error rate in the clicking tasks. Additionally, the performance and workload of the captain's layout are better than those of the co-pilot's layout, and the performance of the center console position is best. The operation speed of the dragging tasks is faster when performed at position R3 compared to other positions. The dragging moving angles with better operation speed are 80°-190° and 250°-290°. The operation performance and workload of the zooming tasks vary depending on the zoom multiples. As the multiple increases, the operation time and workload also increase. There is no difference in operation performance or workload between zooming in and zooming out. The paper provides experimental support and suggestions based on human operation and subjective NASA-TLX workload evaluation for the application of touch screens in civil aircraft cockpits.

Simple-Structured Acceptor with Highly Interconnected Electron-Transport Pathway Enables High-Efficiency Organic Solar Cells.

Achieving desirable charge-transport highway is of vital importance for high-performance organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, it is shown how molecular packing arrangements can be regulated via tuning the alkyl-chain topology, thus resulting in a 3D network stacking and highly interconnected pathway for electron transport in a simple-structured nonfused-ring electron acceptor (NFREA) with branched alkyl side-chains. As a result, a record-breaking power conversion efficiency of 17.38% (certificated 16.59%) is achieved for NFREA-based devices, thus providing an opportunity for constructing low-cost and high-efficiency OSCs.

Reinforced hydrogel building via formation of alginate-chitosan double network with pH & salt-responsiveness and electric conductivity for soft actuators.

Aiming at green and friendly environmental protection, polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate/chitosan (PSCS) double network hydrogel was successfully prepared through diffusing the high molecular weight chitosan into PVA/sodium alginate (PS) hydrogel without any other toxic reagents. The polyanion hydrogels could be significantly enhanced by immersing the polyanion hydrogel in high molecular weight chitosan solution without requiring specific structure. The PSCS hydrogel had a compact and rough surface structure with the smaller porosities and larger crystallization degree compared with polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate hydrogels and polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate/Ca2+ (PSCa) hydrogels. The PSCS hydrogel possessed excellent hydrolysis resistance, the significant pH-sensitive and salt-sensitive swelling. In addition, the flexibility, Young's modulus and mechanical properties of PSCS hydrogel can be adjusted through the changing the content of sodium alginate. Moreover, PS, PSCa and PSCS had electric conductivity, and PSCS showed twice the conductivity compared to PS hydrogel. Based on differences of swelling ratio, a PSCS bilayer hydrogel was designed and showed excellent pH-driven deformation ability. The PSCS hydrogel is expected to expand the application of hydrogels in conditions involving stimulus response, and might serve as a promising intelligent actuators or soft robots.

CLOSE protocol versus lower ablation index value for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: A randomized noninferior clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The optimized ablation index (AI) value for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains to be defined. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of CLOSE protocol and lower AI protocol in paroxysmal AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with symptomatic, drug-resistant paroxysmal AF for first ablation were prospectively enrolled from September 2020 to January 2022. The patients were randomly divided into CLOSE group (AI ≥ 550 for anterior/roof segments and ≥400 for posterior/inferior segments) and lower AI group (AI ≥ 450 for anterior/roof segments and ≥350 for posterior/inferior segments). First-pass isolation, acute pulmonary vein (PV) reconnections, 1-year arrhythmia recurrence, and major complications were assessed. Of the 270 enrolled patients, 238 completed 1-year follow-up (118 in CLOSE group and 120 in lower AI group). First-pass isolation in left PVs was higher in CLOSE group (71.2% vs. 53.3%, p = .005). Acute PV reconnections were comparable between groups (9.3% vs. 14.2%, p = .246). At 1 year, 86.4% in CLOSE group versus 81.7% in lower AI group were free from atrial arrhythmia (log rank p = .334). The proportion difference was -4.8% (95% CI: -14.1% to 4.6%), and p = .475 for noninferiority. Stroke occurred in four patients of lower AI group, and no cardiac tamponade, atrioesophageal fistula, major bleeding or death occurred post procedure. CONCLUSION: For patients with paroxysmal AF and treated by AI-guided PV ablation, lower AI is not noninferior to CLOSE protocol.