Positive Correlation between BMI and Left Ventricle and Atrium Inside Diameter Size in Chinese Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Left Ventricular and Atrial Enlargement.

Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) commonly exhibit overlooked left ventricular and atrial hypertrophy. This research identifies potential risk factors and intervention targets. Methods: T2DM patients with normal ejection fraction values were enrolled, while we eliminated influences on heart size, such as hypertension and coronary heart disease. Variables for each participant, including height, weight, age, body mass index (BMI), and blood biochemistry, were recorded before patients were categorized into four groups based on heart size. Multiple linear regression and Pearson's correlation analyses were applied to investigate the possible correlations. Results: Three years of clinical data were collected for each T2DM patient, while patients with incomplete data or interference factors affecting heart size were excluded. BMI, adjusted fasting blood glucose (FBG), glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and age all showed a significant positive correlation with the inner diameter of the left ventricle and atrium in groups exhibiting hypertrophy. Conclusions: In T2DM patients, BMI correlated positively with left ventricular enlargement, suggesting its potential role as a risk factor. Weight control may be an effective intervention for left ventricular enlargement, to reduce the likelihood of heart failure.

Coordination Polymers from an Amino-Functionalized Terphenyl-Tetracarboxylate Linker: Structural Multiplicity and Catalytic Properties.

An amino-functionalized terphenyl-tetracarboxylic acid, 2'-amino-[1,1':4',1″-terphenyl]-3,3″,5,5″-tetracarboxylic acid (H4tpta), was used as an adaptable linker to synthesize, under hydrothermal conditions, eight coordination polymers (CPs). The obtained products were formulated as [Co(µ6-H2tpta)]n (1), [Co(µ3-H2tpta)(2,2'-bipy)]n (2), [M3(µ6-Htpta)2(2,2'-bipy)2]n (M = Mn (3), Cd (4)), [Ni2(µ4-tpta)(phen)2(H2O)4]n (5), [Zn2(µ6-tpta)(phen)2]n (6), {[Zn2(µ6-tpta)(µ-4,4'-bipy)]·H2O}n (7), and [Zn2(µ6-tpta)(µ-H2biim)(H2O)2]n (8), wherein 2,2'-bipyridine (2,2'-bipy), 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bipy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), or 2,2'-biimidazole (H2biim) are present as additional stabilizing ligands. The structural types of 1-8 vary from one-dimensional (1D) (2, 5) and two-dimensional (2D) (3, 4, 6) CPs to three-dimensional (3D) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (1, 7, and 8) with a diversity of topologies. The products 1-8 were investigated as catalysts in the Knoevenagel condensation involving aldehydes and active methylene derivatives (malononitrile, ethyl cyanoacetate, or tert-butyl cyanoacetate), leading to high condensation product yields (up to 99%) under optimized conditions. Various reaction conditions, substrate scope, and catalyst recycling were investigated. This work broadens the application of H4tpta as a versatile tetracarboxylate linker for the generation of diverse CPs/MOFs.

Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Catalytic Properties of Three Cu(II) and Cobalt(II) Coordination Compounds Based on an Ether-Bridged Tetracarboxylic Acid.

Three new products, [Cu2(µ3-dppa)(2,2'-bipy)2(H2O)]n·2nH2O (1), [Co4(µ4-dppa)2(phen)4(H2O)4]·2H2O (2), and [Co2(µ6-dppa)(µ-4,4'-bipy)(H2O)2]n·3nH2O (3) were synthesized using a hydrothermal method from Cu(II) and Co(II) metal(II) chlorides, 3-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phthalic acid (H4dppa), and different auxiliary ligands, namely 2,2'-bipyridine (2,2'-bipy),1,10-phenanthroline (phen), and 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bipy). Products 1-3 were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, TGA, PXRD, SEM, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The structure of 1 features a 1D chain of the 2C1 topological type. Compound 2 shows a discrete tetrameric complex. Product 3 demonstrates a 3D metal-organic framework (MOF) with the new topology. Their structure and topology, thermal stability, and catalytic activity were studied. In particular, excellent catalytic activity was demonstrated for copper(II)-polymer 1 in the cyanosilylation reaction at 35 °C.

Hydrothermal Assembly, Structural Multiplicity, and Catalytic Knoevenagel Condensation Reaction of a Series of Coordination Polymers Based on a Pyridine-Tricarboxylic Acid.

A pyridine-tricarboxylic acid, 5-(3',5'-dicarboxylphenyl)nicotinic acid (H3dpna), was employed as a adjustable block to assemble a series of coordination polymers under hydrothermal conditions. The seven new coordination polymers were formulated as [Co(µ3-Hdpna)(µ-dpey)]n·nH2O (1), [Zn4.5(µ6-dpna)3(phen)3]n (2), [Co1.5(µ6-dpna)(2,2'-bipy)]n (3), [Zn1.5(µ6-dpna)(2,2'-bipy)]n (4), [Co3(µ3-dpna)2(4,4'-bipy)2(H2O)8]n·2nH2O (5),[Co(bpb)2(H2O)4]n[Co2(µ3-dpna)2(H2O)4]n·3nH2O (6), and [Mn1.5(µ6-dpna)(µ-dpea)]n (7), wherein 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene (dpey), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2,2'-bipyridine(2,2'-bipy),4,4'-bipyridine(4,4'-bipy),1,4-bis(pyrid-4-yl)benzene (bpb), and 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethane (dpea) were employed as auxiliary ligands. The structural variation of polymers 1-7 spans the range from a 2D sheet (1-4, 6, and 7) to a 3D metal-organic framework (MOF, 5). Polymers 1-7 were investigated as heterogeneous catalysts in the Knoevenagel condensation reaction, leading to high condensation product yields (up to 100%) under optimized conditions. Various reaction conditions, substrate scope, and catalyst recycling were also researched. This work broadens the application of H3dpna as a versatile tricarboxylate block for the fabrication of functional coordination polymers.

An Endogenous Prompting Mechanism for Sulfur Conversions Via Coupling with Polysulfides in Li-S Batteries.

The sluggish kinetics process and shuttling of soluble intermediates present in complex conversion between sulfur and lithium sulfide severely limit the practical application of lithium-sulfur batteries. Herein, by introducing a designated functional organic molecule to couple with polysulfide intermediators, an endogenous prompting mechanism of sulfur conversions has thus been created leading to an alternative sulfur-electrode process, in another words, to build a fast "internal cycle" of promotors that can promote the slow "external cycle" of sulfur conversions. The coupling-intermediators between the functional organic molecule and polysulfides, organophosphorus polysulfides, to be the "promotors" for sulfur conversions, are not only insoluble in the electrolyte but also with higher redox-activity. So the sulfur-electrode process kinetics is greatly improved and the shuttle effect is eliminated simultaneously by this strategy. Meanwhile, with the endogenous prompting mechanism, the morphology of the final discharge product can be modified into a uniform covering film, which is more conducive to its decomposition when charging. Benefiting from the effective mediation of reaction kinetics and control of intermediates solubility, the lithium-sulfur batteries can act out excellent rate performance and cycling stability.

High-intensity focused ultrasound alone or combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with unsuitable indications for hepatectomy and radiofrequency ablation: a phase II clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) alone or combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but were contraindicated for hepatectomy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). METHODS: Patients between 20 and 80 years of age with 1-3 foci of HCC were selected. Included patients have had primary or recurrent liver lesions with no evidence of extra-hepatic metastasis prior to the study. Patients were treated with ultrasound-guided HIFU alone or HIFU combined with TACE (treated with TACE once within 4 weeks prior to receiving HIFU). RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were enrolled, for a total of 45 lesions. The 2-year local control (LC) rate was 73.0% and the median LC time was 22 months. The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 29.7% and the median PFS time was 9 months. Finally, the 2-year overall survival (OS) was 70.3%, and the median OS time was 24 months. The most common adverse events (AEs) were elevated liver enzymes, followed by fatigue, and pain, no grade 4 AEs or death occurred. Multivariate analysis showed that age, Child-Pugh class, and the number of tumors were independent prognostic factors for PFS and that the AFP levels and the number of tumors were significantly correlated with the OS. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the HIFU/HIFU combined with TACE treatment is safe, and is capable of achieving both a good LC rate and a considerably good prognosis. The procedure should be considered for patients who were deemed unsuitable for other local treatments.

HIFU for the treatment of difficult colorectal liver metastases with unsuitable indications for resection and radiofrequency ablation: a phase I clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) but were contraindicated for resection and radiofrequency ablation. METHODS: Patients between 20 and 80 years of age with 1-3 liver metastases from colorectal cancer were selected. Included patients have had their primary lesions removed with no evidence of extrahepatic metastasis prior to the study. Ultrasound-guided HIFU was employed and target regions' ablation was achieved with repeated sonications from the deep to shallow regions of the tumors section by section. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were enrolled. The most common adverse events (AEs) were pain (n = 8), followed by fatigue (n = 7), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (n = 7), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (n = 5), and skin edema (n = 4). No grade ≥ 3 AEs occurred and while most patients (76.9%) achieved a complete response, three patients achieved a partial response. The objective response rate was 100% after the first HIFU treatment. Nine patients relapsed but the tumors were mostly isolated to the liver (8/9). The median follow-up period was 25 months. The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 16.7%, and the median PFS was 9 months. Notably, the 2-year overall survival (OS) was 77.8%, and the median OS was 25 months. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the HIFU treatment is safe, is able to achieve a good tumor response rate and long-term prognosis even when the foci were in high-risk locations, and should be considered for patients who were considered unsuitable for other local treatments.

HIFU for the treatment of gastric cancer with liver metastases with unsuitable indications for hepatectomy and radiofrequency ablation: a prospective and propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in gastric cancer with liver metastasis (GCLM) patients who were contraindicated for either hepatectomy or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study on GCLM patients with 1-3 liver metastases. The primary gastric lesions were thoroughly resected and any case that exhibited extra-hepatic metastasis was excluded. A 1:2:2 propensity score-matching analysis was performed using a logistic regression model on the HIFU group, best supportive care (BSC) group, and palliative chemotherapy (PC) group. The primary endpoints include progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Forty patients were finally included, there were 8 cases in HIFU group, 16 cases in BSC group, and 16 cases in PC group. The median follow-up time for the entire cohort was 10 months. The median PFS was 16.5 months in HIFU group, 2 months in BSC group, and 5 months in PC group. The median OS was 27.5 months in the HIFU group, 7 months in the BSC group, and 11.5 months in the PC group. Additionally, no grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred in the HIFU group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that HIFU treatment could improve the long-term prognosis of GCLM patients without a significant increase in the occurrence of adverse events. Compared with PC and BSC, HIFU is the preferred treatment option when GCLM patients without extra-hepatic metastasis are unable to undergo either surgery or RFA.

Network analysis of KLF5 targets showing the potential oncogenic role of SNHG12 in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: KLF5 is a member of the Kruppel-like factor, subfamily of zinc finger proteins that are involved in cancers. KLF5 functions as a transcription factor and regulates the diverse protein-coding genes (PCGs) in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulated by KLF5 in CRC are currently unknown. METHODS: In this study, we first designed a computational pipeline to determine the PCG and lncRNA targets of KLF5 in CRC. Then we analyzed the motif pattern of the binding regions for the lncRNA targets. The regulatory co-factors of KLF5 were then searched for through bioinformatics analysis. We also constructed a regulatory network for KLF5 and annotated its functions. Finally, one of the KLF5 lncRNA targets, SNHG12, was selected to further explore its expression pattern and functions in CRC. RESULTS: We were able to identify 19 lncRNA targets of KLF5 and found that the motifs of the lncRNA binding sites were GC-enriched. Next, we pinpointed the transcription factors AR and HSF1 as the regulatory co-factors of KLF5 through bioinformatics analysis. Then, through the analysis of the regulatory network, we found that KLF5 may be involved in DNA replication, DNA repair, and the cell cycle. Furthermore, in the cell cycle module, the SNHG12 up-regulating expression pattern was verified in the CRC cell lines and tissues, associating it to CRC invasion and distal metastasis. This indicates that SNHG12 may play a critical part in CRC tumorigenesis and progression. Additionally, expression of SNHG12 was found to be down-regulated in CRC cell lines when KLF5 expression was knocked-down by siRNA; and a strong correlation was observed between the expression levels of SNHG12 and KLF5, further alluding to their regulatory relationship. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the network analysis of KLF5 targets indicates that SNHG12 may be a significant lncRNA in CRC.

Clinical analysis of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for recurrent colorectal liver metastases after hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: RFA is designed to produce localized tumor destruction by heating the tumor and surrounding liver tissue, especially suitable for patients who do not qualify for hepatic resection. Many studies have reported that RFA was inferior to hepatectomy in the treatment of recurrent colorectal liver metastases. However, strong evidence is lacking in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the effect and clinical outcome of percutaneous ultrasound-guided RFA and repeat hepatic resection for recurrent colorectal liver metastases after hepatectomy. METHODS: From January 2007 to January 2014, 194 patients with recurrent colorectal liver metastases after hepatectomy diagnosed in our hospital was performed, and then divided into two groups based on different regimens: repeat hepatic resection group and RFA group. The clinical data of the two groups were analyzed. After treatment, the liver function-related indexes, complication rate, survival rate, and tumor recurrence of the two groups were recorded. The difference in short-term and long-term effects between repeat hepatic resection and RFA was identified by propensity score analysis. RESULTS: The number of metastases and the proportion of left and right lobe involved by tumor and preoperative chemotherapy in the RFA group were higher than those in the repeat hepatic resection group. The clinical data showed no significant difference between the two groups after using propensity score analysis. Compared with the RFA group, the liver function of the repeat hepatic resection group was significantly improved. After adjustment for potential confounders, no significant difference in liver function-related indexes was found between RFA and repeat hepatic resection, and the incidence of complications in the RFA group was lower. In survival analysis, there was no significant difference in OS and DFS between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: RFA is a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with recurrent colorectal liver metastases after hepatectomy.

Pedestrian injury patterns and risk in minibus collisions in China.

BACKGROUND: The minibus, with a nearly flat front, is widely used in China, especially in the underdeveloped regions, and results in large numbers of pedestrian injuries and deaths. The purpose of this study was to determine the injury patterns and risk for pedestrians involved in these crashes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted an in-depth investigation of minibus/pedestrian accidents in Chongqing, China, occurring between September 2000 and April 2014. The enrolled pedestrians was classified into 3 groups: young (aged 14-44 years), middle-aged (aged 45-59 years), and elderly (aged over 60 years). Pedestrian injuries were coded according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). RESULTS: A total of 109 pedestrians, with an average age of 55.7±16.2 years, were injured or killed--30.3% were young, 23.9% were middle-aged, and 45.9% were elderly. Pedestrians hit by a minibus had a high proportion of head, chest, and extremity injuries--84.4%, 50.5%, and 52.3%, respectively. In addition, impact speeds in excess of 75 km/h all ultimately resulted in fatalities. At an impact speed of 30 km/h, the risk of pedestrian fatality and AIS3+ injury are approximately 12.0% and 37.2%, respectively. At 50 km/h the risks are 65.2% and 96.9%, respectively, and at 70 km/h the risks are 96.3% and 99.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A higher likelihood of chest injury was associated with being older and impact speed of over 40 km/h in minibus/pedestrian collision. Our data suggest that the injury patterns of pedestrians in minibus collisions differ from that in other vehicle/pedestrian collisions. These findings could contribute to better understanding of the injury patterns and risk of pedestrian in minibus collisions in China, which may play an important role in developing measures to improve traffic safety.

Study on pedestrian thorax injury in vehicle-to-pedestrian collisions using finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the collision parameters of vehicle and the pedestrian thorax injury by establishing the chest simulation models in car-pedestrian collision at different velocities and angles. METHODS: 87 cases of vehicle-to-pedestrian accidents, with detailed injury information and determined vehicle impact parameters, were included. The severity of injury was scaled in line with the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). The chest biomechanical response parameters and change characteristics were obtained by using Hyperworks and LS-DYNA computing. Simulation analysis was applied to compare the characteristics of injuries. RESULTS: When impact velocities at 25, 40 and 55 km/h, respectively, 1) the maximum values of thorax velocity criterion (VC) were for 0.29, 0.83 and 2.58 m/s; and at the same collision velocity, the thorax VC from the impact on pedestrian's front was successively greater than on his back and on his side; 2) the maximum values of peak stress on ribs were 154, 177 and 209 MPa; and at the same velocity, peak stress values on ribs from the impact on pedestrian's side were greater than on his front and his back. CONCLUSION: There is a positive correlation between the severity and risk of thorax injury and the collision velocity and angle of car-thorax crashes. At the same velocity, it is of greater damage risk when the soft tissue of thorax under a front impact; and there is also a greater risk of ribs fracture under a side impact of the thorax. This result is of vital significance for diagnosis and protection of thorax collision injuries.

Biomechanical behavior of brain injury caused by sticks using finite element model and Hybrid-III testing.

OBJECTIVE: To study the biomechanical mechanism of head injuries beaten with sticks, which is common in the battery or assaultive cases. METHODS: In this study, the Hybrid-III anthropomorphic test device and finite element model (FEM) of the total human model for safety (THUMS) head were used to determine the biomechanical response of head while being beaten with different sticks. Total eight Hybrid-III tests and four finite element simulations were conducted. The contact force, resultant acceleration of head center of gravity, intracranial pressure and von Mises stress were calculated to determine the different biomechanical behavior of head with beaten by different sticks. RESULTS: In Hybrid-III tests, the stick in each group demonstrated the similar kinematic behavior under the same loading condition. The peak values of the resultant acceleration for thick iron stick group, thin iron stick group, thick wooden stick group and thin wooden stick group were 203.4 g, 221.1 g, 170.5 g and 122.2 g respectively. In finite element simulations, positive intracranial pressure was initially observed in the frontal comparing with negative intracranial pressure in the contra-coup site. Subsequently the intracranial pressure in the coup site was decreasing toward negative value while the contra-coup intracranial pressure increasing toward positive values. CONCLUSIONS: The results illustrated that the stiffer and larger the stick was, the higher the von Mises stress, contact force and intracranial pressure were. We believed that the results in the Hybrid-III tests and THUMS head simulations for brain injury beaten with sticks could be reliable and useful for better understanding the injury mechanism.

[Effects of rocuronium on gastric insufflation related to facemask ventilation in general anaesthesia patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of rocuronium on gastric insufflation related to facemask ventilation in general anaesthesia patients. METHODS: Eighty patients from June to October 2015 undergoing elective operation under general anaesthesia at Ningbo NO.2 Hospital , ASA I or II grade, aged 18-65, were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups (n=40): Group R (rocuronium) and Group C (for control). Facemask pressure-controlled ventilation was started after general anaesthesia induced with propofol and remifentanil for a 2 min period while gastric insufflation was detected by ultrasonography of the antrum. The cross-sectional antral area (CSA) was measured using ultrasonography before and after facemask ventilation. Respiratory parameters were also recorded. RESULTS: Compared to the antral area before FMV, the CSA significantly increased in group R and C after FMV [post-FMV:(579.5 ± 167.3), (508.1 ± 112.2)mm²; pre-FMV(479.4 ± 110.2), (451.2 ± 103.4) mm²; t=5.938, 4.302, P<0.001]. All the patients were divided into four subgroups according to the gastric insufflation (R+, R-, C +, C-) and there were significant increases in the values of CSA before and after FMV in groups R+ and C+[post-FMV(647.7 ± 150.6), (546.2 ± 121.1) mm²; pre-FMV (501.2 ± 113.6), (422.6 ± 101.5) mm²; t=7.885, 8.719, P<0.001], without any significant increase in groups R- and C-[post-FMV(496.0 ± 150.9), (489.8 ± 105.1) mm²; pre-FMV (452.9 ± 102.8), (465.0 ± 103.3) mm²; t=1.793, 1.663, P>0.05]. Compared with the group R- , the CSA of group R+ significantly increased before and after FMV[group R+ (146.6 ± 87.2) mm²; group R- (43.1 ± 102.1) mm²; t=3.458, P<0.001]; compared with the group C- , the CSA of group C+ significantly increased before and after FMV [group C+ (123.6 ± 51.1) mm²; group C- (24.8 ± 77.4) mm²; t=4.172, P<0.001]; there was no significant difference between the difference value of CSA in groups R+ and C+ before and after FMV (t=0.983, P>0.05). The incidence of gastric insufflation was 55% and 32.5% in group R and C, respectively (χ² =4.114, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in respiratory parameters between group R and C. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that rocuronium may promote gastric insufflation related to facemask ventilation (15 cmH2O PCV)in general anaesthesia patients.

Six metal-organic architectures from a 5-methoxyisophthalate linker: assembly, structural variety and catalytic features.

A methoxy-functionalized isophthalic acid, 5-methoxy isophthalic acid (H2mia), was used a versatile linker for assembling six new metal(ii) compounds under hydrothermal conditions. The obtained products were [Cu2(µ2-mia)2(phen)2(H2O)2]·2H2O (1), [Mn(µ3-mia)(phen)]n (2), [Co(µ2-mia)(2,2'-bipy)(H2O)]n·nH2O (3), [Co(µ3-mia)(µ2-4,4'-bipy)]n·nH2O (4), [Co(µ3-mia)(py)2]n (5), and [Cd(µ2-mia)(py)(H2O)2]n·nH2O (6), where phen(1,10-phenanthroline), 2,2'-bipy(2,2'-bipyridine), 4,4'-bipy(4,4'-bipyridine) or py(pyridine) were incorporated as auxiliary ligands. The crystal structures of 1-6 range from 0D (1) and 1D (2, 3, 5, 6) CPs to a 2D network (4) with a variety of topological types. The catalytic behavior of 1-6 was studied in the cyanosilylation reaction between trimethylsilyl cyanide and aldehydes, resulting in up to 99% yields of products under optimized conditions. Various reaction parameters as well as catalyst recycling and substrate scope were investigated. This study widens the use of H2mia as a versatile dicarboxylate linker for assembling a diversity of functional metal-organic architectures with remarkable structural features and catalytic properties.

Suppression of the transforming growth factor-ß signaling pathway produces a synergistic effect of combination therapy with programmed death receptor 1 blockade and radiofrequency ablation against hepatic carcinoma in mice.

Primary liver cancer (PLC) significantly affects the health of patients globally owing to its high morbidity and low survival rate. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has recently been introduced for the clinical treatment of PLC. However, significant immunosuppressive effects are induced by RFA, which limits its application. This study aimed to explore the potential of combination therapy with RFA by investigating the effects of siRNAs against programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) on the antitumor effect induced by RFA. We observed that compared with si-NC, cell viability was reduced, apoptosis rate was elevated, release of inflammatory factors and percentage of CD3+CD8+ cells were increased, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was repressed in the co-culture of RFA-treated H22 cells and CD8+ T cells by transfection with si-PD-1 and si-TGF-ß; these effects were further enhanced by co-transfection with si-PD-1 and si-TGF-ß. Additionally, in H22 cell xenograft-bearing mice treated with RFA, compared with the si-NC group, repressed tumor growth, prolonged survival, increased production of inflammatory factors and expression of CD3 and CD8 in tumor tissues, and downregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were observed in the si-PD-1 and si-TGF-ß groups; these effects were further enhanced in the si-PD-1 + si-TGF-ß group. Taken together, our data revealed that suppression of the TGF-ß signaling pathway produced a synergistic antitumor effect of combination therapy with PD-1 blockade and RFA against PLC. [Figure: see text].

In Situ Constructing a Catalytic Shell for Sulfur Cathode via Electrochemical Oxidative Polymerization.

Sluggish multiphase reaction kinetics and severe shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) are two major challenges facing lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, which largely prevent them from becoming a reality. Herein, a shell with catalytic function for sulfur cathode is in situ constructed through an ingenious electrochemical oxidative polymerization strategy by introducing hexafluorocyclotriphosphazene (HFPN) as additives, which suppresses the shuttle effect and promotes efficient sulfur conversion. The shell with abundant heteroatoms effectively confines polysulfides to the cathode matrix by chemically interacting with them to eliminate capacity degradation. Moreover, the shell exhibits high catalytic activities, which turns Li2S(2) into an activated state and facilitates its dissociation. The functionalized shell substantially advances the performance of Li-S batteries, thanks to efficient lithium-ion transportation and abundant adsorption-catalytic sites. As a result, Li-S batteries demonstrate superb resistance to self-discharge, ultrastable cycle performance, and greatly enhanced rate capability. Impressively, the batteries show an ultralow capacity decay rate of 0.034% throughout 700 cycles at 2C. They deliver a capacity of 517 mAh g-1 even at a 4C rate, exhibiting relieved electrochemical polarization and excellent sulfur utilization. This work provides an ingenious strategy to construct adsorption-catalytic nets for next-generation Li-S batteries with enhanced lifespan and electrochemical performance.

Single-dispersed polyoxometalate clusters embedded on multilayer graphene as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for efficient Li-S batteries.

The redox reactions occurring in the Li-S battery positive electrode conceal various and critical electrocatalytic processes, which strongly influence the performances of this electrochemical energy storage system. Here, we report the development of a single-dispersed molecular cluster catalyst composite comprising of a polyoxometalate framework ([Co4(PW9O34)2]10-) and multilayer reduced graphene oxide. Due to the interfacial charge transfer and exposure of unsaturated cobalt sites, the composite demonstrates efficient polysulfides adsorption and reduced activation energy for polysulfides conversion, thus serving as a bifunctional electrocatalyst. When tested in full Li-S coin cell configuration, the composite allows for a long-term Li-S battery cycling with a capacity fading of 0.015% per cycle after 1000 cycles at 2 C (i.e., 3.36 A g-1). An areal capacity of 4.55 mAh cm-2 is also achieved with a sulfur loading of 5.6 mg cm-2 and E/S ratio of 4.5 µL mg-1. Moreover, Li-S single-electrode pouch cells tested with the bifunctional electrocatalyst demonstrate a specific capacity of about 800 mAh g-1 at a sulfur loading of 3.6 mg cm-2 for 100 cycles at 0.2 C (i.e., 336 mA g-1) with E/S ratio of 5 µL mg-1.

A carbon-based material with a hierarchical structure and intrinsic heteroatom sites for sodium-ion storage with ultrahigh rate and capacity.

The storage of sodium ions with carbon materials has huge potential for large-scale application due to its resource-rich and environmental advantages. However, how to realize high power density, high energy density and long cycle life are the bottlenecks restricting its development. Herein, by using a facile synthesis strategy, a carbon-based framework with a hierarchical structure and intrinsic heteroatom sites which are the characteristics contributing to ultrahigh rate and capacity has been achieved. As a result, the hierarchical carbon-based material exhibits excellent performance when used as both the anode and cathode for sodium-ion capacitors (SICs), which can deliver a high energy density of 224 W h kg-1 (at 180 W kg-1), an ultrahigh power density of 17 160 W kg-1 (at 128 W h kg-1) and ultralong cycle life (91% capacity retention after 10 000 cycles at 2 A g-1), outperforming most of the previously reported SICs with other configurations.

Regulatory Network Analysis of Mutated Genes Based on Multi-Omics Data Reveals the Exclusive Features in Tumor Immune Microenvironment Between Left-Sided and Right-Sided Colon Cancer.

Left-sided colon cancer (LCC) and right-sided colon cancer (RCC) have distinct characteristics in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Although existing studies have shown a strong association between gene mutations and TIME, whether the regulatory mechanisms between gene mutations and TIME are different between RCC and LCC is still unclear. In this study, we showed the fractions of CD8+ T cells were higher while those of regulatory T cells were lower in RCC. Besides, a stronger association between gene mutations and TIME was observed in RCC. Specifically, using multi-omics data, we demonstrated the mutations of most top mutated genes (TMGs) including BRAF, PCLO, MUC16, LRP2, ANK3, KMT2D, RYR2 made great contributions to elevated fraction of immune cells by up-regulating immune-related genes directly or indirectly through miRNA and DNA methylation, whereas the effects of APC, TP53 and KRAS mutations on TIME were reversed in RCC. Remarkably, we found the expression levels of several immune checkpoint molecules such as PD-1 and LAG3 were correlated with corresponding DNA methylation levels, which were associated with the mutations of TMGs in RCC. In contrast, the associations between gene mutations and TIME were less significant in LCC. Besides, survival analyses showed APC mutation had adverse impact on immunotherapy while patients with BRAF mutation were more suitable for immunotherapy in colon cancer. We hope that our results will provide a deeper insight into the sophisticated mechanism underlying the regulation between mutations and TIME, and thus boost the discovery of differential immunotherapeutic strategies for RCC and LCC.