[Some HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analogue can achieve HBsAg loss after drug withdrawal: stop-to-cure may be coming]

Nucleoside/Nucleotide analogues (NAs) are widely used for the antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), however, it is difficult to achieve serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss with NAs therapy. In recent years, several prospective trails have reported that HBsAg loss (functional cure or clinical cure) also occurs in a small number of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative CHB patients who discontinued long-term treatment with NAs. Accordingly, the "stop-to-cure" strategy is proposed. Although the mechanism has not been fully elucidated, the known factors related to serum HBsAg loss with NAs withdrawal include HBV genotype, duration of NAs treatment, serum HBsAg and HBV RNA levels at end-of-treatment, and ethnic differences. In the review, we discuss the best time to stop NAs therapy, the potential markers for predicting relapse after cessation of NAs and the possible mechanism of "stop-to-cure" in HBeAg-negative CHB patients, and propose some suggestions on the time of retreatment.

Transcriptional data analysis reveals the association between infantile hemangiomas and venous malformations

Background: Infantile hemangiomas (IH) and venous malformations (VM) are the most common types of vascular abnormalities that seriously affect the health of children. Although there is evidence that these two diseases share some common genetic changes, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.

Methods: The microarray datasets of IH (GSE127487) and VM (GSE7190) were downloaded from GEO database. Extensive bioinformatics methods were used to investigate the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of IH and VM, and to estimate their Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Trough the constructing of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene models and hub genes were obtained by using Cytoscape and STRING. Finally, we analyzed the co-expression and the TF-mRNA-microRNA regulatory network of hub genes.

Results: A total of 144 common DEGs were identified between IH and VM. Functional analysis indicated their important role in cell growth, regulation of vasculature development and regulation of angiogenesis. Five hub genes (CTNNB1, IL6, CD34, IGF2, MAPK11) and two microRNA (has-miR-141-3p, has-miR-150-5p) were significantly differentially expressed between IH and normal control (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, our study investigated the common DEGs and molecular mechanism in IH and VM. Identified hub genes and signaling pathways can regulate both diseases simultaneously. This study provides insight into the crosstalk of IH and VM and obtains several biomarkers relevant to the diagnosis and pathophysiology of vascular abnormalities.

[Consideration on the possible etiological mechanisms and countermeasures about severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children]

Since April 2022, severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children has spread to 35 countries and regions around the world, and more than 1 010 cases have been reported. Since the severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin involves a wide range of areas and has a high rate, it is critical to identify the etiology and establish effective preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic measures as soon as possible. This study discusses the possible mechanisms and countermeasures of the severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children. It speculates that the occurrence of the recent severe acute hepatitis might be related to adenovirus, adeno-associated virus infection, and the COVID-19 epidemic, while the difference in HLA polymorphism among different races might be related to the fact that reported cases were more common in Europe and the United States. Based on the currently available evidence, it can be preliminarily judged that the risk of large-scale outbreak of severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children would be low in China, but the persistent awareness and vigilance of the etiology is still needed.

A series of naphthalenediimide-based metal-organic frameworks: synthesis, photochromism and inkless and erasable printing

Three new three-dimensional metal-organic frameworks were synthesized based on a naphthalenediimide derivative ligand, all of which exhibit photochromic behaviour due to the presence of the naphthalenediimide core. Interestingly, two of them possess significant colour changes under light, excellent stability, and appropriate photochromic lifetimes, thus showing potential for application in inkless and erasable printing media.

[Mechanism and clinical significance of HBV reactivation after anti-HCV therapy]

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can strongly inhibit the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and effectively clear the infection, but it may cause hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, leading to severe liver damage and fulminate hepatitis in patients with HCV/HBV coinfection. In this review, we summarized the different replication process of HCV and HBV in infected hepatocytes and consequent innate immune response, and then discussed the molecular mechanism and clinical significance of HBV reactivation, and put forward the clinical precaution.

A stable metal-azolate framework with cyclic tetracopper(I) clusters for highly selective electroreduction of CO2 to C2 products

It is of great significance for constructing electrocatalysts with accurate structures and compositions to pinpoint the active sites, thereby improving the C 2 products (C 2 H 4 , C 2 H 5 OH and CH 3 COOH) selectivity during electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction raction. Here, we report a tetracopper(I) cluster-based metal-organic framework that exhibits long-term stability and remarkable performance for electroreduction CO 2 towards C 2 products in an H-type cell with a maximum Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 72%, and delivers a current density of 350 mA cm -2 with a FE(C 2 ) up to 46% in a flow cell device, outperforming most of the Cu-based electrocatalysts such as Cu derivatives and Cu nanostructured materials. Importantly, no obvious degradation was observed at 350 mA cm -2 over 20 hours of continuous operation, strengthening the practicability. In-situ infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the cooperative effect of adjacent Cu(I) ions in tetracopper(I) cluster may promote the C-C coupling to generate C 2 products.

Redox-Programmable Spin-Crossover Behaviors in a Cationic Framework

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide versatile platforms to construct multi-responsive materials. Herein, by introducing the neutral tetradentate ligand and the linear dicyanoaurate(I) anion, we reported a rare cationic MOF [Fe^II(TPB){Au^I(CN)₂}]I·4H₂O·4DMF (TPB = 1,2,4,5-tetra(pyridin-4-yl)benzene) with hysteretic spin-crossover (SCO) behavior near room temperature. This hybrid framework with an open metal site (Au^I) exhibits redox-programmable capability toward dihalogen molecules. By means of post-synthetic modification, all the linear [Au^I(CN)₂]^- linkers can be oxidized to square planar [Au^III(CN)₂X₂]^- units, which results in the hysteretic SCO behaviors switching from one-step to two-step for Br₂ and three-step for I₂. More importantly, the stepwise SCO behaviors can go back to one-step via the reduction by l-ascorbic acid (AA). Periodic DFT calculations using various SCAN-type exchange-correlation functionals have been employed to rationalize the experimental data. Hence, these results demonstrate for the first time that switchable one-/two-/three-stepped SCO dynamics can be manipulated by chemical redox reactions, which opens a new perspective for multi-responsive molecular switches.

Ant sting-induced whole-body pustules in an inebriated male: A case report

BACKGROUND

Many ant species can harm humans; however, only a few cause life-threatening allergic reactions. Normally, reactions caused by ants occur in patients who come into contact with ant venom. Venom contains various biologically active peptides and protein components, of which acids and alkaloids tend to cause anaphylaxis. Ant venom can cause both immediate and delayed reactions. The main histopathological changes observed in ant hypersensitivity are eosinophil recruitment and Th2 cytokine production.

CASE SUMMARY

A 70-year-old man was bitten by a large number of ants when he was in a drunken stupor and was hospitalized at a local hospital. Five days later, because of severe symptoms, the patient was transferred to our hospital for treatment. Numerous pustules were observed interspersed throughout the body, with itching and pain reported. He had experienced fever, vomiting, hematochezia, mania, soliloquy, sleep disturbances, and elevated levels of myocardial enzymes since the onset of illness. The patient had a history of hypertension for more than 1 year, and his blood pressure was within the normal range after hypotensive drug treatment. He had no other relevant medical history. Based on the clinical history of an ant bite and its clinical manifestations, the patient was diagnosed with an ant venom allergy. The patient was treated with 60 mg methylprednisolone for 2 d, 40 mg methylprednisolone for 3 d, and 20 mg methylprednisolone for 2 d. Oral antihistamines and diazepam were administered for 12 d and 8 d, respectively. Cold compresses were used to treat the swelling during the process. After 12 d of treatment, most pustules became crusts, whereas some had faded away. No symptoms of pain, itching, or psychological disturbances were reported during the follow-up visits within 6 mo.

CONCLUSION

This case report emphasizes the dangers of ant stings.

A Porous π-π Stacking Framework with Dicopper(I) Sites and Adjacent Proton Relays for Electroreduction of CO2 to C2+ Products

Crystalline porous materials sustained by supramolecular interactions (e.g., π-π stacking interactions) are a type of molecular crystals showing considerable stability, but their applications are rarely reported due to the high difficulty of their construction. Herein, a stable π-π stacking framework formed by a trinuclear copper(I) compound [Cu₃(HBtz)₃(Btz)Cl₂] (CuBtz, HBtz = benzotriazole) with pyrazolate-bridged dicopper(I) sites is reported and employed for electrochemical CO₂ reduction, showing an impressive performance of 73.7 ± 2.8% Faradaic efficiency for C₂₊ products [i.e., ethylene (44%), ethanol (21%), acetate (4.7%), and propanol (4%)] with a current density of 7.9 mA cm^-2 at the potential of -1.3 V versus RHE in an H-type cell and a Faradic efficiency (61.6%) of C₂₊ products with a current density of ≈1 A cm^-2 and a reaction rate of 5639 μmol m^-2 s^-1 at the potential of -1.6 V versus RHE in a flow cell device, representing an impressive performance reported to date. In-situ infrared spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations, and control experiments revealed that the uncoordinated nitrogen atoms of benzotriazolates in the immediate vicinity can act as proton relays and cooperate with the dicopper(I) site to promote the hydrogenation process of the *CO intermediate and the C-C coupling, resulting in the highly selective electroreduction of CO₂ to C₂₊ products.

[Rethinking the marketing strategy of anti-tumor drugs by single-arm trials supported]

Single-arm trial refers to a clinical trial design that does not set up parallel control group, adopts open design, and does not involve randomization and blind method. These features, on the one hand, speed up the process of clinical trials, significantly shorten the time to market and meet the needs of patients with advanced malignancies, but also lead to the uncertainty of single-arm clinical trials themselves. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration held a meeting of the oncologic drug advisory committee to discuss six tumor indications that have been accelerated approved, which once again triggered the discussion of single-arm trials. The basis of accelerated approval by single-arm trial is actually a compromise on the level of evidence-based medical evidence requirements after assessing the benefit risk. Therefore, the sponsor should strictly grasp the applicable conditions of single-arm trial in anti-tumor drugs and conduct single-arm trial scientifically. Post-marketing clinical trial should be implement as early as possible to ensure the benefit of patients. Based on the characteristics of single-arm trial, combined with two guidance relevant to single-arm trial issued by National Medical Products Administration recently, this article is supposed to propose and summarize the strategy of single-arm trial supporting the marketing of anti-tumor drugs.

An unusual case of hyperthyroidism with recurrent vomiting and hypercalcemia as the main manifestations

Complicated vomiting and hypercalcemia are clinically rare in patients with hyperthyroidism. We describe a case of a woman whose main symptoms were palpitations, sweating, and vomiting. She was diagnosed with Graves' disease by an analysis of thyroid function, thyroid-related antibodies, and color Doppler ultrasound. Biochemical tests showed that her serum calcium levels were greatly elevated. Her symptoms were relieved following the administration of antithyroid drugs, propranolol for heart rate control, fluid replacement, diuresis and calcium reduction, antiemesis, and liver protection. This case suggests that the thyroid function should be screened when hypercalcemia is seen in the clinic.

[Expert consensus on measurement and clinical application of serum HBV RNA in patients with chronic HBV infection]

Since the discovery of circulating hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA in the peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B in 1996, a growing number of studies have focused on clarifying the biological characteristics and clinical application value of serum HBV RNA. This consensus mainly summarizes the research progress of serum HBV RNA existing profiles, quantitative detection methods, and current clinical applications. In order to better apply this indicator for the clinical management of patients with chronic HBV infection, recommendations on quantitative detection target regions, detection results, and clinical applications are put forward.

Insights into the Molecular Dynamics of Quasi-Spherical (Chloromethyl)triethylammonium Confined in a Weakly Bound Ionic Cocrystal

Here, we report a weakly bound ionic cocrystal, (Et₃NCH₂Cl)₂[ZnCl₄], which undergoes a reversible structural phase transition owing to the switched molecular dynamics of the quasi-spherical (Et₃NCH₂Cl)⁺ cation from static to dynamic. Interestingly, a unique rolling and moving mechanism is uncovered for such a cation in the high-temperature phase, where its two methylene groups exhibit different kinetic energy barriers. This study provides a meaningful insight into the solid-state molecular dynamics of large-size quasi-spherical molecules that contain both a rigid core and flexible shell.

Coupling Ruthenium Bipyridyl and Cobalt Imidazolate Units in a Metal-Organic Framework for an Efficient Photosynthetic Overall Reaction in Diluted CO2

Artificial photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, using water as the reductant, is challenging mainly because it is difficult for multiple functional units to cooperate efficiently. Here, we show that the classic photosensitive and H₂O-oxidizing ruthenium bipyridyl units and CO₂-reducing cobalt imidazolate units can be incorporated into a metal-organic framework using a classic organic ligand, imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline. Under visible light without additional sacrificial agents and photosensitizers, the overall conversion of CO₂ and H₂O to CO and O₂ was achieved by the multifunctional photocatalyst in the CH₃CN/H₂O mixed solvent with a high CO production rate of 11.2 μmol g^-1 h^-1 and CO selectivity of ca. 100%. Thanks to its ultramicroporous structure with moderately strong CO₂ adsorption ability, the photocatalyst also exhibited high performances with CO/CH₄ production rates of 5.15/0.62 and 4.26/0.20 μmol g^-1 h^-1 in the gas phase with pure and even diluted CO₂, respectively. Photoluminescence emission spectroscopy and photoelectrochemical tests confirmed that the photosensitive and catalytic units cooperated well to give suitable photocatalytic redox potentials and fast electron-hole separation.

[Clinical characteristics and comprehensive treatment of patients with cleidocranial dysplasia]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) and analyze their treatment methods. Methods: From January 2000 to December 2020, patients with CCD who completed comprehensive treatment in the Department of Orthodontics and the First Dental Clinic, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 14 CCD patients [7 males and 7 females, aged (16.1±4.5) years] were collected. There were 153 impacted permanent teeth in this study. In addition to the teeth that needed to be extracted due to special conditions, 147 impacted teeth were pulled into the dentition using closed traction. Patients were divided into adolescent group (≥12 years and<18 years, 10 patients) and adult group (≥18 years, 4 patients). Failure rate of traction was compared between the two groups. Factors affecting the success rate of closed traction such as vertical position of teeth (high, middle and low) and horizontal position of the teeth (palatal, median and buccal) were analyzed. Results: The incidence of maxillary impacted teeth [69.3% (97/140)] was higher than that of mandibular impacted teeth [40% (56/140)]. The difference was statistically significant (χ²=24.22, P<0.001). The supernumerary teeth were mainly located in the premolar area 61.4% (21/44), and most of them were in the palatal region of the permanent teeth 95.5% (42/44). They were generally located at the same height or the occlusal side of the corresponding permanent teeth. The success rate of closed traction was 93.9% (138/147). The success rate in the adolescent group [98.2% (108/110)] was higher than that in the adult group [81.1% (30/37)], and the difference was significant (χ²=14.09, P<0.05). Failure after closed traction of 9 teeth was found totally, including 7 second premolars. The success rate of traction in impacted second premolars at different vertical (χ²=11.44, P<0.05) and horizontal (χ²=9.71, P<0.05) positions in alveolar bone was different significantlly. The success rates of the second premolars were high (15/16), middle (12/13), low (2/7), and lingual palatine (10/17), median (19/19), lip-buccal (0/0), respectively. Conclusions: The closed traction of impacted teeth in patients with CCD was effective, and the age was the main variable affecting the outcome. The success rate of traction in impacted second premolars located in low position vertically or in palatal position was low, which required close observation during treatment.

Silver(I)-Based Molecular Perovskite Energetic Compounds with Exceptional Thermal Stability and Energetic Performance

In recent years, molecular perovskite energetic materials have attracted more attention because of their simple synthesis processes, high thermal stabilities, excellent performances, and great significance as a design platform for energetic materials. To explore the possibility of the application of molecular perovskite energetic materials in heat-resistant explosives, four silver(I)-based molecular perovskite energetic compounds, (H₂A)[Ag(ClO₄)₃], where H₂A = piperazine-1,4-diium (H₂pz²⁺) for PAP-5, 1-methyl-piperazine-1,4-diium (H₂mpz²⁺) for PAP-M5, homopiperazine-1,4-diium (H₂hpz²⁺) for PAP-H5, and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-diium (H₂dabco²⁺) for DAP-5, were synthesized by a one-pot self-assembly strategy and structurally characterized. The single-crystal structures indicated that PAP-5, PAP-M5, and DAP-5 possess cubic perovskite structures while PAP-H5 possesses a hexagonal perovskite structure. Differential thermal analyses showed that their onset decomposition temperatures are >308.3 °C. For PAP-5 and DAP-5, they have not only exceptional calculated detonation parameters (D values of 8.961 and 8.534 km s^-1 and P values of 42.4 and 37.9 GPa, respectively) but also the proper mechanical sensitivity (impact sensitivities of ≤10 J for PAP-5 and 3 J for DAP-5 and friction sensitivities of ≤5N for both PAP-5 and DAP-5) and thus are of interest as potential heat-resistant primary explosive components.

Photochromic Metal-Organic Framework for High-Resolution Inkless and Erasable Printing

Inkless and erasable printing as a new technology has received intense attention in reducing paper waste and environmental hazards caused by the use of large amounts of ink. However, achieving high-resolution printing by inkless and erasable printing for practical applications remains a huge challenge. Herein, a new metal-organic framework (MOF) has been synthesized, which exhibits a reversible photochromic behavior. None of the unpaired electrons of metal ions and a unique three-dimensional network hinder electron transfer between the ligands and metal nodes, as well as between the ligands themselves, which are conducive to prolonging the photo-generated color lifetime and suitable for inkless and erasable printing. By virtue of the proper photo-generated color lifetime, strong contrast color before and after light irradiation, and reversible color transformation, a high-resolution printing content for inkless and erasable printing can be achieved by light irradiation. Notably, the paper coated with this MOF can be used for printing not only simple patterns such as pictures but also even texts for practical applications, surpassing other photochromic MOF materials for inkless and erasable printing, and almost comparable to ink and laser printing in terms of practicality and resolution. In addition, the MOF-coated paper can be reused for multiple cycles without significant deterioration.

Above-Room-Temperature Ferroelastic Phase Transitions in Two Tetrafluoroborate-Based Hexagonal Molecular Perovskites

ABX₃-type molecular perovskites provide an important platform to tune phase transitions, via judiciously choosing A-, B-, and X-site components, to approach advanced functional materials for applications. Although tetrafluoroborate can act as X-site component to assemble ten instances of ABX₃ molecular perovskites, only two of them possess hexagonal perovskite structures. Herein, we report two tetrafluoroborate-based hexagonal molecular perovskites, A[Na(BF₄)₃], by judiciously choosing two different A-site cations: 1-methyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-diium (Hmdabco²⁺) for 1 and 1-methylpiperazine-1,4-diium (H₂mpz²⁺) for 2. They have high-temperature phases in the same space group (P6₃/mmc) revealing highly disordered A-site cations. Upon cooling, 1 undergoes two-step P6₃/mmc ↔ P3̅c1 ↔ P2₁/n transitions at 344 and 338 K, respectively, including a ferroelastic one (3̅mF2/m) accompanied by a spontaneous strain of 0.013. In contrast, the smaller H₂mpz²⁺ cation with more adoptable conformations induces a one-step sharp P6₃/mmc ↔ P2₁/c ferroelastic transition (6/mmmF2/m(s)) at 418 K in 2, leading to more significant symmetry breaking and a considerable spontaneous strain of 0.129. This study provides important clues to modulate structural phase transitions by tuning diverse components for the multicomponent dense hybrid crystals.

[Clinical application of serum Golgi protein 73 in patients with chronic liver diseases]

Golgi protein 73 (GP73) is a transmembrane protein on the Golgi apparatus and can be cut and released into the blood. In recent years, an increasing number of clinical studies have shown that the elevated serum GP73 level is closely related to liver diseases. And thus GP73 is expected to be used as a new serum marker for assessing progress of chronic liver diseases. Herein, the clinical application of serum GP73 in chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma with different etiologies was reviewed based on available literatures; and a research outlook in this field is made.

[A short half-life of cccDNA offer or ignite hope for hepatitis B cure under nucleos(t)ide analogues treatment]

Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the template for HBV replication. Currently, there is a lack of therapeutic drugs that directly target cccDNA. Therefore, blocking cccDNA supplements as fast as possible and reducing the existing cccDNA is the key to achieving a complete cure of chronic hepatitis B. Previous studies have suggested that cccDNA had a long half-life, but a recent study showed that it only took a few months to update cycle of cccDNA pool, and its number was much less than previously predicted. In the future, with the advent of new antiviral drugs that can completely inhibit HBV replication, it is expected that the cccDNA pool will be completely cleared due to its supplement complete blockade, so as to achieve virological cure of chronic hepatitis B.

[Effect evaluation of surgical plus radio(chemo)therapy and non-surgery chemoradiotherapy treatment strategies for advanced tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: Using propensity score matching method(PSM) to investigate the clinical effect of surgical plus radio(chemo)therapy and non-surgery chemoradiotherapy treatment strategies for advanced tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 324 patients diagnosed with advanced tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma and treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2000 to 2018, confirmed by pathology and without distant metastasis. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimates, the Cox proportional hazards model, and propensity score matching(PSM). Results: Of the 324 patients, 102 were treated with non-surgery chemoradiotherapy treatment strategies and 222 with surgical plus radio(chemo)therapy treatment. Cox multivariate analysis showed that the non-surgery treatment group had a favorable prognosis than the surgical treatment group, however, these outcomes were not significantly different [overall survival(OS): adjusted Hazard Ratios(aHR): 0.92, 95% confidence interval(CI): 0.60-1.42; disease-specific survival(DSS): aHR: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.43-1.20; disease-free survival(DFS): aHR: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.53-1.28]. The new patient cohort consisted of 102 subpairs after PSM. There were no significant differences between two groups(OS: aHR: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.51-1.40; DSS: aHR: 0.62, 95%CI: 0.35-1.11; DFS: aHR: 0.80, 95%CI: 0.49-1.33). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that patients with non-surgical treatment do not have significantly better survival outcomes compared to surgical treatment group, while non-surgical treatment has advantages in improving the quality of life of patients, so comprehensive treatment based on radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be recommended for advanced tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma.

A porphyrin-based metal-organic framework with highly efficient adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes

Organic dye pollution has become an urgent issue due to their toxicity to humans and potential for damage to the environment. However, achieving highly efficient adsorption and degradation materials for...

Subtly tuning intermolecular hydrogen bonds in hybrid crystals to achieve ultrahigh-temperature molecular ferroelastic

Molecule-based ferroic phase-transition materials attracted increasing attentions in the past decades due to their promising potentials as sensors, switches, and memories. One of long-term challenges in the development of molecule-based...

A Conductive Dinuclear Cuprous Complex Mimicking the Active Edge Site of the Copper(100)/(111) Plane for Selective Electroreduction of CO 2 to C 2 H 4 at Industrial Current Density

Inorganic solids are a kind of important catalysts, and their activities usually come from sparse active sites, which are structurally different from inactive bulk. Therefore, the rational optimization of activity depends on studying these active sites. Copper is a widely used catalyst and is expected to be a promising catalyst for the electroreduction of CO 2 to C 2 H 4 . Here, we report a conductive dinuclear cuprous complex with a short Cu···Cu contact for the electroreduction of CO 2 to C 2 H 4 . By using 1 H -[1,10]phenanthrolin-2-one and Cu(I) ions, a dinuclear cuprous complex [Cu 2 (ophen) 2 ] (Cuophen) with a remarkable conductivity (3.9 × 10 −4 S m −1 ) and a short intramolecular Cu···Cu contact (2.62 Å) was obtained. Such a short Cu···Cu contact is close to the distance of 2.54 Å between 2 adjacent Cu atoms in the edge of the copper(100)/(111) plane. Detailed examination of Cuophen revealed a high activity for the electroreduction of CO 2 to C 2 H 4 with a Faradaic efficiency of 55(1)% and a current density of 580 mA cm −2 , and no obvious degradation was observed over 50 h of continuous operation. Comparing the properties and mechanisms of Cuophen and 2 other copper complexes with different Cu···Cu distances, we found that the shorter Cu···Cu distance is conducive not only for a *CO species to bridge 2 copper ions into a more stable intermediate transition state but also for C–C coupling.

[A possible mechanism for low-level viremia occurrence in nucleos(t)ide analog-treated chronic hepatitis B patients]

The first-line nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) based antiviral drugs can effectively inhibit HBV replication and slow down the progression of chronic hepatitis B. However, about 20% of patients receiving standard NAs antiviral therapy will still develop low-level viremia (LLV). Therefore, understanding the occurrence mechanism of LLV will help to optimize antiviral treatment regimens and improve the prognosis of patients with chronic hepatitis B. This article systematically summarizes the possible mechanisms of LLV occurrence, and the important factor of NAs failure. Taking into account the unique limitations of NAs competitive inhibition of virus replication, weakening host's immune response is not enough to directly eliminate infected hepatocytes. This makes it difficult to achieve a complete virological response in some patients with the active compensatory proliferation of residual infected hepatocytes and the accompanying effective removal or dilution of covalent, closed, circular DNA (cccDNA) pools. Therefore, it is speculated that activating host immunity can eliminate infected liver cells and may be more conducive to address LLV.

A Cu(111)@metal-organic framework as a tandem catalyst for highly selective CO2 electroreduction to C2H4

Here, we report an improved tandem catalytic mechanism for electroreduction of CO₂ to C₂H₄. Cu(111) nanoparticles with an average size of 5.5 ± 0.9 nm were anchored on a conductive Cu-based metal-organic framework (Cu-THQ) by in situ electrochemical synthesis. Compared to Cu(111) nanoparticles, the C₂H₄ faradaic efficiency of the tandem catalyst Cu(111)@Cu-THQ was increased doubly.

Novel roles of lipopolysaccharide and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in inflammatory response to liver injury in Budd-Chiari syndrome

BACKGROUND

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is an uncommon disorder characterized by obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. To date, the exact mechanism underlying hepatic injury derived from the hepatic venous outflow obstruction in BCS remains largely unknown.

AIM

To assess the role of NF-κB-mediated inflammation in BCS-induced liver injury in humans and rats.

METHODS

A total of 180 rats were randomly assigned into nine groups, including four BCS model groups (1, 3, 6 and 12 wk), four sham-operated groups (1, 3, 6 and 12 wk), and a control group. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in each group were detected by the Tachypleus Amebocyte Lysate assay. The mRNA and protein levels of TLR4, NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ were quantified. In addition, 60 patients with BCS and 30 healthy controls were enrolled, and their blood samples were analyzed.

RESULTS

Hepatic and plasma LPS levels were significantly increased in rats. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-2 and IFN-γ) in liver tissues were significantly higher in the BCS model groups compared with the other two groups. In addition, the model groups (1, 3, 6 and 12 wk after BCS induction) showed significant differences in the levels of LPS, TLR4, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-2 and IFN-γ. Notably, there was a significant correlation between the LPS concentrations and mRNA and protein levels of TLR4, NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines. Importantly, it was revealed that the levels of LPS, TLR4, NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines were significantly greater in chronic BCS patients than healthy controls and acute BCS patients.

CONCLUSION

LPS level is markedly elevated in BCS, in turn activating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to induction of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-2 and IFN-γ) in response to BCS-induced liver injury.

Electrostatic Attraction-Driven Assembly of a Metal-Organic Framework with a Photosensitizer Boosts Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to CO

Reducing CO₂ into fuels via photochemical reactions relies on highly efficient photocatalytic systems. Herein, we report a new and efficient photocatalytic system for CO₂ reduction. Driven by electrostatic attraction, an anionic metal-organic framework Cu-HHTP (HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene) as host and a cationic photosensitizer [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) as guest were self-assembled into a photocatalytic system Ru@Cu-HHTP, which showed high activity for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction under laboratory light source (CO production rate of 130(5) mmol g^-1 h^-1, selectivity of 92.9%) or natural sunlight (CO production rate of 69.5 mmol g^-1 h^-1, selectivity of 91.3%), representing the remarkable photocatalytic CO₂ reduction performance. More importantly, the photosensitizer [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ in Ru@Cu-HHTP is only about 1/500 in quantity reported in the literature. Theoretical calculations and control experiments suggested that the assembly of the catalysts and photosensitizers via electrostatic attraction interactions can provide a better charge transfer efficiency, resulting in high performance for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction.

[The mechanisms of the translation of polymerase from HBV pregenomic RNA]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important pathogen that causes different liver diseases such as viral hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. HBV pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) plays a crucial role in HBV life cycle, which is not only the translation template of core (C) and polymerase (P), but also the template of reverse transcription. The ratio of P protein to core protein is tightly regulated. Since P and core are both translated by pgRNA and the open reading frame (ORF) of P is located downstream of the ORF of core, how to initiate P protein translation is a key scientific question. Previous studies suggest that P can be translated through different mechanisms, such as leaky scanning and reinitiation. In this review, we summarized the proposed mechanisms relevant to the translation of polymerase from HBV pgRNA through literature review and derivation.

An Exceptional Thermally Induced Four-State Nonlinear Optical Switch Arising from Stepwise Molecular Dynamic Changes in a New Hybrid Salt

Switching materials in channels of nonlinear optics (NLOs) are of particular interest in NLO material science. Numerous crystalline NLO switches based on structural phase transition have emerged, but most of them reveal a single-step switch between two different second-harmonic-generation (SHG) states, and only very rare cases involve three or more SHG states. Herein, we report a new organic-inorganic hybrid salt, (Me₃ NNH₂ )₂ [CdI₄ ], which is an unprecedented case of a reversible three-step NLO switch between SHG-silent, -medium, -low, and -high states, with high contrasts of 25.5/4.3/9.2 in a temperature range of 213-303 K. By using the combined techniques of variable-temperature X-ray single-crystal structural analyses, dielectric constants, solid-state ¹³ C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and Hirshfeld surface analyses, we disclose that this four-state switchable SHG behavior is highly associated with the stepwise-changed molecular dynamics of the polar organic cations. This finding demonstrates well the complexity of molecular dynamics in simple hybrid salts and their potential in designing new advanced multistep switching materials.

Cell-free DNA from bile outperformed plasma as a potential alternative to tissue biopsy in biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are rare and highly heterogenous malignant neoplasms. Because obtaining BTC tissues is challenging, the purpose of this study was to explore the potential roles of bile as a liquid biopsy medium in patients with BTC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-nine consecutive patients with suspected BTC were prospectively enrolled in this study. Capture-based targeted sequencing was performed on tumor tissues, whole blood cells, plasma, and bile samples using a large panel consisting of 520 cancer-related genes.

RESULTS

Of the 28 patients enrolled in this cohort, tumor tissues were available in eight patients, and plasma and bile were available in 28 patients. Somatic mutations were detected in 100% (8/8), 71.4% (20/28), and 53.6% (15/28) of samples comprising tumor tissue DNA, bile cell-free DNA (cfDNA), and plasma cfDNA, respectively. Bile cfDNA showed a significantly higher maximum allele frequency than plasma cfDNA (P = 0.0032). There were 56.2% of somatic single-nucleotide variant (SNVs)/insertions and deletions (indels) shared between bile and plasma cfDNA. When considering the genetic profiles of tumor tissues as the gold standard, the by-variant sensitivity and positive predictive value for SNVs/indels in bile cfDNA positive for somatic mutations were both 95.5%. The overall concordance for SNVs/indels in bile was significantly higher than that in plasma (99.1% versus 78.3%, P < 0.0001). Moreover, the sensitivity of CA 19-9 combined with bile cfDNA achieved 96.4% in BTC diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that bile cfDNA was superior to plasma cfDNA in the detection of tumor-related genomic alterations. Bile cfDNA as a minimally invasive liquid biopsy medium might be a supplemental approach to confirm BTC diagnosis.

Multiferroic order parameters in rhombic antiferromagnetsRCrO3

Currently, active research is aimed at perovskite-based oxides, including rare earth orthochromites, which exhibit magnetoelectric properties owed to intrinsic magnetic interactions in external electric and magnetic fields. Due to a variety of structural instabilities and couplings in these materials, understanding the underlying magnetoelectric mechanisms is a challenge. In this paper, we explore magnetoelectric properties of the rare earth orthochromites in the framework of symmetry analysis. Our calculations show the presence inRCrO₃of electric dipole moments localized in the vicinity of Cr³⁺ions. The electric dipole moments, appearing due to the displacements of oxygen ions from their highly symmetric positions in the parent perovskite phase, are arranged in an antiferroelectric mode. We have demonstrated the presence of electric dipole moments in the unit cell ofRCrO_3,localized in the vicinity of Cr³⁺ions. The inversion symmetry breaks due to the displacements of oxygen ions from their highly symmetric positions in the parent perovskite phase, the electric dipoles become arranged in an antiferroelectric mode. We have introduced the basic distortive order parameters in consistence with the symmetry ofRCrO₃: the polar order parameters (D,Q₂,Q₃,P) and the axial order parameterΩ_band classified them according to the irreducible representations of theRCrO₃symmetry group (D_2h¹⁶). We have determined the symmetry-allowed couplings between distortive, ferroelectric and magnetic orderings and found possible exchange-coupled magnetic and ferroelectric structures. The presented analysis makes it possible to explain experimentally observed polarization reversal and the concomitant reorientation of spins in a series ofRCrO₃compounds and to predict the possible scenarios of phase transitions inRCrO₃.

A microfluidic generator of dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals based on autonomously oscillatory flow

Biological cells in vivo typically reside in a dynamic flowing microenvironment with extensive biomechanical and biochemical cues varying in time and space. These dynamic biomechanical and biochemical signals together act to regulate cellular behaviors and functions. Microfluidic technology is an important experimental platform for mimicking extracellular flowing microenvironment in vitro. However, most existing microfluidic chips for generating dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals require expensive, large peripheral pumps and external control systems, unsuitable for being placed inside cell incubators to conduct cell biology experiments. This study has developed a microfluidic generator of dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals based on autonomously oscillatory flow. Further, based on the lumped-parameter and distributed-parameter models of multiscale fluid dynamics, the oscillatory flow field and the concentration field of biochemical factors has been simulated at the cell culture region within the designed microfluidic chip. Using the constructed experimental system, the feasibility of the designed microfluidic chip has been validated by simulating biochemical factors with red dye. The simulation results demonstrate that dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals with adjustable period and amplitude can be generated at the cell culture chamber within the microfluidic chip. The amplitudes of dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals is proportional to the pressure difference and inversely proportional to the flow resistance, while their periods are correlated positively with the flow capacity and the flow resistance. The experimental results reveal the feasibility of the designed microfluidic chip. Conclusively, the proposed microfluidic generator based on autonomously oscillatory flow can generate dynamic shear stress and biochemical signals without peripheral pumps and external control systems. In addition to reducing the experimental cost, due to the tiny volume, it is beneficial to be integrated into cell incubators for cell biology experiments. Thus, the proposed microfluidic chip provides a novel experimental platform for cell biology investigations.

[Energy metabolism characteristic with risk of secondary bacterial infection in patients with hepatitis B virus-related chronic liver disease]

Objective: To investigate and analyze the energy metabolism characteristics and the correlation between energy metabolism and the risk of secondary bacterial infection in patients with hepatitis B virus-related chronic liver disease (HBV-CLD). Methods: Data of 183 cases admitted to the Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University from November 2017 to November 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. 79 cases of chronic hepatitis B, 51 cases of hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis, and 53 cases of hepatitis B-related liver failure were collected. Among them patients with liver failure and decompensated liver cirrhosis were defined as severe liver disease group. The Quark RMR indirect calorimetry (COSMED Corporation, Italy) was used to exam the patients' energy metabolism condition, and the incidences of secondary bacterial infection of the patients during hospitalization were recorded. Shapiro-Wilk test and normal QQ plot were used to analyze the normal distribution of continuous variable data, which was consistent with the normal distribution and was described by mean ± standard deviation. In addition, if it did not conform to the normal distribution, the median and interquartile distance were used to describe it. Levene's test was used to test the homogeneity of variance of the data, which was consistent with the normal distribution. The t-test was used to compare the means of the two groups of samples. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the mean values of the three groups of samples, and then the Tukey's test was used to compare the two groups. If the variance was uneven or did not conform to the normal distribution, the Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the differences between the two groups. Kruskal-Wallis test (H test) was used to compare the differences between the three groups of samples, and then the Dunnett's test (Z test) was used for comparison between the two groups. Categorical variable data were analyzed using chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen independent risk factors, and the criteria for variable inclusion (P < 0.05). Results: The respiratory entropy (RQ) and non-protein respiratory entropy (npRQ) of the three groups had statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Among them, the RQ and npRQ of the chronic hepatitis B group were higher than hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis group and hepatitis B-related liver failure group. There were statistically significant differences in fat oxidation rate (FAT%) and carbohydrate oxidation rate (CHO%) between the three groups (P < 0.05). Compared with hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis group and hepatitis B-related liver failure group, chronic hepatitis B group (P < 0.05) had lower FAT% and higher CHO%. There were no statistically significant differences in the measured and predicted resting energy expenditure and protein oxidation rate (PRO%) between the three groups. The incidence of secondary bacterial infection in patients with severe liver disease was 48.39% (45/93). Compared with the non-infected group, the RQ and npRQ values ​​of the infected group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while FAT% was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that glutamyltransferase, cholesterol, and npRQ were independent risk factors for secondary bacterial infections in patients with severe liver disease. Glutamyltransferase elevation, and cholesterol and npRQ depletion had suggested an increased risk of secondary bacterial infection. Subgroup analysis of patients with hepatitis B-related liver failure also showed that compared with non-infected group, RQ value and npRQ value of secondary bacterial infection group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while FAT% was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with hepatitis B virus-related chronic liver disease generally have abnormal energy metabolism. Low RQ, npRQ, CHO% and high FAT% are related to the severity of the disease; while npRQ reduction is related to the risk of secondary bacterial infection in patients with severe liver disease, and thus can be used as a clinical prognostic indicator.

Room-temperature ferroelectric and ferroelastic orders coexisting in a new tetrafluoroborate-based perovskite

The coexistence of multiferroic orders has attracted increasing attention for its potential applications in multiple-state memory, switches, and computing, but it is still challenging to design single-phase crystalline materials hosting multiferroic orders at above room temperature. By utilizing versatile ABX3-type perovskites as a structural model, we judiciously introduced a polar organic cation with easily changeable conformations into a tetrafluoroborate-based perovskite system, and successfully obtained an unprecedented molecular perovskite, (homopiperazine-1,4-diium)[K(BF4)3], hosting both ferroelectricity and ferroelasticity at above room temperature. By using the combined techniques of variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray structural analyses, differential scanning calorimetry, and dielectric, second harmonic generation, and piezoresponse force microscopy measurements, we demonstrated the domain structures for ferroelectric and ferroelastic orders, and furthermore disclosed how the delicate interplay between stepwise changed dynamics of organic cations and cooperative deformation of the inorganic framework induces ferroelectric and ferroelastic phase transitions at 311 K and 455 K, respectively. This instance, together with the underlying mechanism of ferroic transitions, provides important clues for designing advanced multiferroic materials based on organic-inorganic hybrid crystals.

Graphene-Like Hydrogen-Bonded Melamine-Cyanuric Acid Supramolecular Nanosheets as Pseudo-Porous Catalyst Support

Behaving as structural protectors and electronic modulators, catalyst supports such as graphene derivatives are generally constructed by covalent bonds. Here, hydrogen-bonded ultrathin nanosheets are reported as a new type of catalyst support. Melamine (M) and cyanuric acid (CA) molecules self-assemble to form the graphite-like hydrogen-bonded co-crystal M-CA, which can be easily exfoliated by ultrasonic treatment to yield ultrathin nanosheets with thickness of ≈1.6 nm and high stability at pH = 0. The dynamic nanosheets form adaptive defects/pores in the synthetic process of CoP nanoparticles, giving embedded composite with high hydrogen evolution activity (overpotential of 66 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 ) and stability. Computational calculations, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy unveil the electron modulation effects of the nanosheets. This pseudo-porous catalyst support also can be applied to other metal phosphides.