Efficient single-component white light emitting diodes enabled by lanthanide ions doped lead halide perovskites via controlling Förster energy transfer and specific defect clearance

Currently, a major challenge for metal-halide perovskite light emitting diodes (LEDs) is to achieve stable and efficient white light emission due to halide ion segregation. Herein, we report a promising method to fabricate white perovskite LEDs using lanthanide (Ln³⁺) ions doped CsPbCl₃ perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs). First, K⁺ ions are doped into the lattice to tune the perovskite bandgap by partially substituting Cs⁺ ions, which are well matched to the transition energy of some Ln³⁺ ions from the ground state to the excited state, thereby greatly improving the Förster energy transfer efficiency from excitons to Ln³⁺ ions. Then, creatine phosphate (CP), a phospholipid widely found in organisms, serves as a tightly binding surface-capping multi-functional ligand which regulates the film formation and enhances the optical and electrical properties of PeNC film. Consequently, the Eu³⁺ doped PeNCs based-white LEDs show a peak luminance of 1678 cd m^-2 and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 5.4%, demonstrating excellent performance among existing white PeNC LEDs from a single chip. Furthermore, the method of bandgap modulation and the defect passivation were generalized to other Ln³⁺ ions doped perovskite LEDs and successfully obtained improved electroluminescence (EL). This work demonstrates the comprehensive and universal strategies in the realization of highly efficient and stable white LEDs via single-component Ln³⁺ ions doped PeNCs, which provides an optimal solution for the development of low-cost and simple white perovskite LEDs.

Chlamydia psittaci inhibits apoptosis of human neutrophils by activating P2X7 receptor expression

This study tested the hypothesis that Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) survives and multiplies in human neutrophils by activating P2X7, a nonselective cationic channel receptor expressed constitutively on the surface of these cells. Findings illustrated that P2X7 receptor expression was enhanced in C. psittaci-infected neutrophils. C. psittaci was able to inhibite spontaneous apoptosis of neutrophils through mitochondrial-induced ATP release and IL-8 production. Importantly, inhibiting ATP activation of the P2X7 receptor with AZ10606120 promotes apoptosis, while stimulating P2X7 receptor expression with BzATP delayed spontaneous apoptosis of human neutrophils, suggesting that C. psittaci inhibits apoptosis of human neutrophils by activating P2X7 receptor. This study reveals new insights into the survival advantages of the latent persistent state of C. psittaci and the mechanism by which it evades the innate immune response.

Potential molecular mechanism of Guiqi Baizhu Decoction in radiation-induced intestinal edema by regulating HIF-1a, AQP4 and Na+/K+-ATPase

BACKGROUND

Guiqi Baizhu Decoction (GQBZD) has a good protective effect on radiation-induced intestinal edema (RIIE). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms need further elucidation.

PURPOSE

To reveal the potential mechanism of RIIE and GQBZD treatment.

METHODS

SD rats were irradiated with 6Gy X-ray to establish RIIE model. The general condition of the rats was observed; the dry/wet weight ratio of colon tissue was detected; the morphological changes of colon tissue were observed by HE staining; the expressions of ROS, HIF-1α and AQP4 in colon tissue were detected by confocal laser scanning; the expression of edema-related proteins was detected by Western blot. In addition, human colon epithelial cells (NCM460) was irradiated with 2Gy X-ray, and HIF-1α expression in NCM460 was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection, and the activity of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase was detected by enzyme activity kit; the ROS expression was detected by flow cytometer; the AQP4 expression was detected by laser confocal microscopy; and the expression of edema-related proteins were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

We found that after irradiation, the colon tissue of rats was significantly edema, mainly manifested as mucosal and submucosal edema, and the ultrastructure was reflected in the structural damage of nucleus and mitochondria. ROS, HIF-1α and AQP4 were significantly expressed, and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase expression/activity was decreased. After the intervention of GQBZD, the edema of the colon tissue of the rats was improved, the expressions of ROS, HIF-1α and AQP4 were decreased, and the expression/activity of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase was increased.

CONCLUSION

Ionizing radiation (IR) can cause significant intestinal edema. AQP4 and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase are the key factors of RIIE, which are regulated by ROS and HIF-1α. GQBZD can improve hypoxia and oxidative stress, regulate the expression of AQP4 and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, and achieve a protective effect on RIIE. This study is the first to reveal the mechanism of RIIE.

When do patients with Tetralogy of Fallot need a transannular patch

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of main pulmonary artery (MPA) Z score, pulmonary valve annulus (PVA) prop, great aortic valve annulus (GA) ratio, PVA index (PAI), and PVA area index (PAAI) indicators in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and whether or not to undergo transannular patch (TAP).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 263 patients with TOF who underwent radical operations from 2010 to 2021 at Beijing Children's Hospital. Sixteen cases were excluded, and 247 cases (male/female = 155/92) were included in this study. Based on whether TAP was selected intraoperatively, the patients were divided into the TAP group (82/247) and the non-TAP group (165/247). The diameter of the PVA, the aortic valve annulus, and the MPA were measured by echocardiography, and the PVA Z score, MPA Z score, PVA prop, GA ratio, PAI, and PAAI indexes were calculated, and statistical analysis was carried out.

RESULTS

The PVA Z score, MPA Z score, PVA prop, GA ratio, PAI, and PAAI of the TAP group were lower than those of the non-TAP group (p < .0001, p < .0001, p < .0001, p < .0001, p < .0001, and p < .0001). Receiver-operating curve analysis showed that the cut-off value of PVA Z score was -1.96 (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.822; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.769-0.874); the cut-off value of MPA Z score was -1.04 (AUC: 0.778; 95% CI: 0.711-0.845); the cut-off value of PVA prop was 0.37 (AUC: 0.812; 95% CI: 0.751-0.874); the cut-off value of GA ratio was 0.64 (AUC: 0.812; 95% CI: 0.750-0.874); the cut-off value of PAI is 0.78 (AUC: 0.812; 95% CI: 0.750-0.874); and the cut-off value of PAAI is 0.4 (AUC: 0.812; 95% CI: 0.750-0.874). Pulmonary valve bicuspid malformation is one reason why predictive models fail to predict the possible avoidance of TAP. Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis showed that PAI had the strongest correlation with PVA Z score, followed by that between PVA prop and PVA Z score, and the weakest correlation between PAAI and PVA Z score.

CONCLUSIONS

PVA prop, GA ratio, PAI, and PAAI can well predict TAP selection, and the measurement is simple and convenient. Compared with PVA Z score, they are not hindered by other confounding factors, and can well replace the application value of PVA Z score in TAP prediction. The predictive efficacy of PAI and PVA prop is numerically better than the GA ratio, and PAAI, PAI, and PVA prop combined with MPA Z score can improve the predictive value of PAI and PVA prop, respectively. Although various echocardiographic parameters can be used as indicators to predict surgical approach in patients with TOF, PV morphology and tissue characteristics should also be considered.

[Research progress of the application of methacrylic anhydride gelatin hydrogel in wound repair]

Wound repair is a common clinical problem, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients and also brings a heavy burden to the society. Hydrogel-based multifunctional dressing has shown strong potential in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds. In addition to its good histocompatibility, cell adhesion, and biodegradability, methacrylic anhydride gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel has also attracted much attention due to its low cost, mild reaction conditions, adjustable physicochemical properties, and wide clinical applications. In this paper, the characteristics of GelMA hydrogel and its research progress in wound repair are introduced, and the future development of multifunctional GelMA hydrogel dressing for wound treatment is prospected.

Removal effect of enrofloxacin from mariculture sediments by bioelectrochemical system and analysis of microbial community structure

Based on the application of sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) in the bioremediation of sediment, this study used the sediment microbial fuel cell technology as the leading reactor. Modification of anode carbon felts (CF) by synthesis of PANI/MnO₂ composited to improve the electrical performance of the sediment microbial fuel cell. This study investigated the degradation effects, degradation pathways of the specific contaminant enrofloxacin and microbial community structure in sediment microbial fuel cell systems. The results showed that the sediment microbial fuel cell system with modified anode carbon felt (PANI-MnO₂/CF) prepared by in-situ chemical polymerization had the best power production performance. The maximum output voltage was 602 mV and the maximum power density was 165.09 mW m^-2. The low concentrations of enrofloxacin (12.81 ng g^-1) were effectively degraded by the sediment microbial fuel cell system with a removal rate of 59.52%.

Associations of segment-specific pulse wave velocity with vascular calcification: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a non-invasive measure of arterial stiffness and a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Vascular calcification, especially coronary artery calcium (CAC) measured by computed tomography (CT), is one of the strongest predictors of CVD but requires radiation for measurement. PWV may be helpful to identify persons with vascular calcification who may benefit from formal assessment of vascular calcification with CT. However, the associations between PWV and vascular calcification across different vascular beds have not been fully investigated.

Purpose

The aims of this study were to quantify the association between PWV and calcification at different segments and to explore whether PWV can identify individuals with vascular calcification beyond traditional risk factors.

Methods

Among 1486 ARIC Study participants (mean age 79.3 [SD 4.2] years), we measured PWV by OMRON VP1000plus at the following segments: heart-carotid (hcPWV), heart-femoral (hfPWV), carotid-femoral (cfPWV), heart-ankle (haPWV), brachial-ankle (baPWV) and femoral-ankle (faPWV). Participants were stratified into four groups based on quartiles of each PWV measure. Dependent (i.e., outcome) variables were high calcium score (≥75th percentile of Agatston score by CT) of the following vascular beds (including valves): coronary arteries, aortic valve ring, aortic valve, mitral valve, ascending aorta, and descending aorta. We ran multivariable logistic regression models and assessed c-statistics as a measure of prediction discrimination.

Results

Only cfPWV was significantly positively associated with high CAC (adjusted odds ratio [OR] for the highest vs. lowest quartile: 1.73 [95% CI: 1.17–2.55]) (green dot in figure). The associations were overall most evident for descending aorta calcification, with significantly positive results for hfPWV (gold dot in figure), cfPWV (green dot), haPWV (emerald dot), and baPWV (blue dot). For example, adjusted OR for the highest vs. lowest quartile of cfPWV was 4.08 (2.70–6.24). hfPWV and cfPWV were significantly associated with mitral valve calcification as well. In contrast, faPWV (purple dots) was inversely associated with calcification of aortic valve ring, ascending aorta, and descending aorta. For descending aorta calcification, even the second highest quartile of the following measures demonstrated significant adjusted OR: hfPWV (3.21 [2.11–4.95]), cfPWV (2.11 [1.40–3.20]), and baPWV (1.75 [1.14–2.69]). Simultaneously adding cfPWV and hfPWV improved c-statistic for CAC (Δc-statistic 0.011 [0.0007–0.022]) and descending aorta calcification (0.035 [0.017–0.053]).

Conclusions

The associations of PWV with vascular calcification varied substantially across segments, with descending aorta calcification most closely linked to PWV measures and cfPWV most robustly associated with calcification of multiple vascular beds. cfPWV and hfPWV, together, improved discrimination of high CAC beyond traditional risk factors.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health

Chlamydia psittaci plasmid-encoded CPSIT_P7 induces macrophage polarization to enhance the antibacterial response through TLR4-mediated MAPK and NF-κB pathways

Although the protective effects of Chlamydia psittaci plasmid-encoded protein CPSIT_P7 as vaccine antigens to against chlamydial infection have been confirmed in our previous study, the function and mechanism of CPSIT_P7 inducing innate immunity in the antibacterial response remain unknown. Here, we found that plasmid protein CPSIT_P7 could induce M1 macrophage polarization upregulating the genes of the surface molecule CD86, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), and antibacterial effector NO synthase 2 (iNOS). During M1 macrophage polarization, macrophages acquire phagocytic and microbicidal competence, which promotes the host antibacterial response. As we observed that CPSIT_P7-induced M1 macrophages could partially reduce the infected mice pulmonary Chlamydia psittaci load. Furthermore, CPSIT_P7 induced M1 macrophage polarization through the TLR4-mediated MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Collectively, our results highlight the effect of CPSIT_P7 on macrophage polarization and provide new insights into new prevention and treatment strategies for chlamydial infection.

Discussion on Collection of Clinical Questions in International Clinical Practice Guidelines of Acupuncture-Moxibustion

The clinical questions of acupuncture-moxibustion (Acup-Mox) guidelines are complicated, including not only the curative effect of Acup-Mox intervention measures, but also the operational elements of Acup-Mox. This paper aimed to put forward the idea and process of collecting clinical questions in developing international acupuncture clinical practice guidelines. The experience was collected and the idea of collecting clinical questions of Acup-Mox was formed through expert consultation and discussion in combination with expert opinions. Based on the characteristics of Acup-Mox discipline. This paper put forward the thinking of collecting elements of clinical questions following the intervention-population-outcome-control (I-P-O-C) inquiry process, according to the discipline of Acup-Mox. It was emphasized that in the process of collecting clinical questions, "treatable population" and "alleviable outcome indicators" for a specific Acup-Mox intervention with certain therapeutic effect should be focused on, so as to highlight the pertinence of clinical questions of Acup-Mox guidelines in terms of population and outcome elements.

Association of serum reproductive hormones changes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with hormone receptors expression alterations and survival outcomes in breast cancer

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) on circulating levels of reproductive hormones and evaluate the correlation of hormone changes after NAC with hormone receptors expression alterations and relapse-free survival (RFS) outcomes in breast cancer.

Methods

Information from 181 breast cancer patients who received NAC was retrospectively analyzed. For hormones parameters, the median and interquartile range (IQR) were provided at baseline and the end of NAC then was compared by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Categorical variables were represented as numbers and percentages and were compared via two-sided chi-square and Fisher's tests. The RFS outcomes were compared between patients according to hormone changes using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses with hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were carried out using Cox regression.

Results

Sex steroids including estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels decreased significantly after NAC among both premenopausal and postmenopausal patients (all P < 0.05). Decreased estradiol levels were associated with reduced progesterone receptor (PR) expression (P = 0.030). In multivariate survival analysis, the non-decreased progesterone level was strongly associated with worse RFS (non-decreased vs. decreased, HR = 7.178, 95% CI 2.340–22.019, P = 0.001). Patients with decreased progesterone levels exhibited better 3-year RFS compared with those with non-decreased (87.6% vs. 58.3%, log-rank, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Multiple reproductive hormone levels were influenced by NAC. The change in estradiol level had a positive connection with PR expression alteration. Furthermore, an inverse association between the change in progesterone level and RFS outcomes was found. These findings may provide a theoretical basis for pre-operative endocrine therapy combined with NAC in breast cancer patients.

Application of sutureless technique in total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair

The sutureless technique was initially used for the treatment of postoperative pulmonary vein obstruction (PVO) in patients with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). However, as the effectiveness of the sutureless technique has been confirmed and widely developed, the sutureless technique has been used for the primary treatment of high-risk children with TAPVC who are at high risk of PVO. Compared with traditional surgery, the sutureless technique significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative PVO, re-intervention rate due to PVO, and postoperative mortality, but there are potential complications such as pericardial and confluent venous anastomosis, phrenic nerve damage, air embolism. In addition, the sutureless technique is not effective in dealing with the progressive stenosis of the pulmonary veins after sutureless surgery and diffuse stenosis of extrapulmonary proximal veins and intrapulmonary veins. These make the efficacy and safety of this procedure controversial. This paper reviews the research status of the sutureless technique in TAPVC repair at home and abroad over the years.

Narrowband Near-Infrared Photodetectors Based on Perovskite Waveguide Devices

Organic-inorganic perovskites have attracted great interest for developing wavelength-selective photodetectors. Currently, the spectral response range of narrowband photodetectors is mainly concentrated within the visible light region, lacking near-infrared photodetectors. Here, we present perovskite narrowband near-infrared photodetectors achieved by transverse propagation of light in perovskite waveguide devices for the first time. The response spectra of photodetectors are continuously tuned from 750 to 1000 nm by changing the perovskite component and the position of the incident light with the full width at half-maximum of 25-80 nm. The theoretical and experimental results reveal that the typical perovskite photodetectors serve as an optical waveguide to confine and propagate the light, in which the long wavelength light propagates a longer distance; oppositely, the short wavelength light with the higher loss in devices fails to produce a photoresponse, owing to the wavelength dependent absorption of perovskite. This provides a new concept for designing narrowband photodetectors and will simulate new applications.

Tislelizumab versus chemotherapy as second-line treatment of advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (RATIONALE 302): impact on health-related quality of life

Background

RATIONALE 302 (NCT03430843) an open-label, phase III study of second-line treatment of advanced/metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), reported that tislelizumab, relative to investigator-chosen chemotherapy (ICC), was associated with improvements in overall survival and a favorable safety profile. This study assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and ESCC-related symptoms of patients in RATIONALE 302.

Methods

Adults with advanced/metastatic ESCC whose disease progressed following prior systemic therapy were randomized 1 : 1 to receive either tislelizumab or ICC (paclitaxel, docetaxel, or irinotecan). HRQoL was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 items (EORTC QLQ-C30), the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Oesophageal Cancer Module 18 items (QLQ-OES18), and the EuroQoL Five-Dimensions Five-Levels (EQ-5D-5L) visual analogue scale. Mixed effect modeling for repeated measurements examined changes from baseline to weeks 12 and 18. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to examine time to deterioration.

Results

Overall, 512 patients were randomized to tislelizumab (n = 256) or ICC (n = 256). The tislelizumab arm maintained QLQ-C30 global health status/quality whereas the ICC arm worsened at week 12 {difference in least square (LS) mean change: 5.8 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0-9.5], P = 0.0028} and week 18 [difference in LS mean change: 8.1 (95% CI: 3.4-12.8), P = 0.0008]. Physical functioning (week 18) and fatigue (weeks 12 and 18) worsened less in the tislelizumab compared with the ICC arm. The tislelizumab arm improved in reflux symptoms, whereas the ICC worsened at week 12 [difference in LS mean change: −4.1 (95% CI: −7.6 to −0.6), P = 0.0229]. The visual analogue scale remained consistent in the tislelizumab arm whereas it worsened in the ICC arm. The hazard of time to deterioration was lower in tislelizumab patients compared with ICC for physical functioning and reflux.

Conclusions

HRQoL, including fatigue symptoms and physical functioning, was maintained in patients with advanced or metastatic ESCC receiving tislelizumab compared with ICC-treated patients. These results provide additional support for the benefits of tislelizumab in this patient population.

•

Global health status and HRQoL remained consistent in the tislelizumab arm whereas the ICC arm experienced worsening.

•

Fatigue and physical functioning worsened in both arms; however, the worsening was greater in the ICC arm.

•

The tislelizumab arm was at lower risk of reaching the threshold for worsening in physical functioning and reflux.

[Pancreas multidisciplinary team optimizes the diagnosis and treatment of pancreas-related diseases and improves the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients]

Objectives: To evaluate the role of pancreas multidisciplinary team(MDT) clinic in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases,patient compliance with MDT advice,and the impact of MDT on the postoperative survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods: The study included 927 patients(554 males,373 females,aged (58.1±13.3)years (range: 15 to 89 years)) that had visited the pancreas MDT clinic of Zhongshan Hospital from May 2015 to December 2021,and 677 patients(396 males, 281 females, aged (63.6±8.9)years(range: 32 to 95 years)) who underwent radical surgery and with pathologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma from January 2012 to December 2020,of whom 79 patients had attended the pancreas MDT. The clinical and pathological data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Diseases were classified in accordance with 2010 WHO classification of tumors of the digestive system and usual clinical practices. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for drawing the survival curve and calculating the survival rate. The univariate analysis was done by Log-rank test and the multivariate analysis was done by COX proportional hazards model. Survival rates were compared using χ2 test. Results: Among the 927 patients that had visited the MDT clinic,233 patients(25.1%) were referred due to undetermined diagnosis. A direct diagnosis was made in 109 cases (46.8%,109/233) by the MDT clinic, of which 98 were consistent with the final diagnosis,resulting in an accuracy of 89.9%(98/109). The direct diagnosis rate in the recent years(36.6%(41/112),from June 2019 to December 2021) decreased compared to that in the previous years(56.2%(68/121),from May 2015 to May 2019),yet the accuracy in the recent years(90.2%,37/41) was basically the same as before (89.7%,61/68). The rate of compliance of the entire cohort was 71.5%(663/927), with the compliance rate in the recent two and a half years(81.4%,338/415) remarkably higher than that in the previous four years(63.4%,325/512). Patients with pancreatic cancer that attended the MDT exhibited a trend toward longer median postoperative survival than patients that did not attend the MDT,but the difference was not statistically significant(35.2 months vs.30.2 months,P>0.05). The 1-year and 3-year survival rates of patients that attended the MDT were significanly higher than patients that did not attend the MDT(88.6% vs. 78.4%,P<0.05;32.9% vs. 21.9%,P<0.05,respectively),but the 5-year survival rate was not statistically different(7.6% vs. 4.8%,P>0.05). Conclusions: The pancreas MDT clinic is an accurate and convenient way to diagnose intractable pancreatic diseases,and in the recent years the patients' compliance rate with MDT advice has increased. Pancreatic cancer patients that have attended the MDT have higher 1-year and 3-year postoperative survival rates,but the long-term survival benefits of MDT still needs to be proved by clinical studies on a larger scale.

Comparative pharmacokinetic studies of five C-glycosylflavones in normal and urolithiasis model rats following administration of total flavonoids from Desmodium styracifolium by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

The total flavonoids of Desmodium styracifolium are the flavonoid extracts purified from Desmodii Styracifolii Herba, which has conventionally been used for treating urolithiasis in China. In this study, a sensitive and simple liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to simultaneously determine five active components of the extracts in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation of the analytes (schaftoside, vicenin-1, vicenin-2, vicenin-3 and isovitexin) was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 Column under gradient elution conditions. The calibration curves were linear over ranges from 0.5 to 100 ng·mL^-1 for schaftoside, vicenin-1, vicenin-2, and vicenin-3, and 0.2 to 20 ng·mL^-1 for isovitexin. The RSD of intra- and inter-day precisions were ≤ 6.8% and ≤ 8.3%, respectively, and the accuracies (relative error) were within ±7.6%. The recoveries of the analytes ranged between 97.3 and 100.3%, and the matrix effects ranged from 98.6 to 113.8%. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic studies of the five active ingredients of Desmodium styracifolium, for the first time, in both normal and urolithiasis model rats. Results revealed that the plasma levels of these components were significantly increased under the pathological state. This study provided valuable information facilitating the clinical investigation of this medicine. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Prognosis and related risk factors analysis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection correction

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to analyze the surgical outcomes of our center biventricular correction with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) and to explore the risk factors associated with postoperative mortality and postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO).

METHODS

In total, 104 patients diagnosed with TAPVC and underwent biventricular correction from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2021, in Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated with Capital Medical University were included. The primary endpoints were early and late postoperative mortality and postoperative pulmonary vein obstruction.

RESULTS

Multivariable analysis indicated that prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was the only independent risk factor for early postoperative mortality. Emergency surgery, preoperative moderate, and severe pulmonary hypertension (PH), and prolonged CPB time were independent risk factors for postoperative PVO. According to ROC curve analysis, the cut-off value of CPB time for predicting early mortality was 148 min (AUC = 0.916, 95% CI 0.811-1.000).

CONCLUSION

In the past 12 years, with surgical technique and perioperative management advancement, the prognosis of children treated with TAPVC biventricular correction in our center has generally improved. However, surgical repair remains challenging, and early mortality remains high in children with prolonged CPB time during surgery. Postoperative PVO often occurs in children who underwent emergency surgery, combined with moderate and severe PH and prolonged CPB time.

MiR-663a Inhibits Radiation-Induced Epithelium-to-Mesenchymal Transition by Targeting TGF-β1

OBJECTIVE

miR-663a has been reported to be downregulated by X-ray irradiation and participates in radiation-induced bystander effect via TGF-β1. The goal of this study was to explore the role of miR-663a during radiation-induced Epithelium-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

METHODS

TGF-β1 or IR was used to induce EMT. After miR-663a transfection, cell migration and cell morphological changes were detected and the expression levels of miR-663a, TGF-β1, and EMT-related factors were quantified.

RESULTS

Enhancement of cell migration and promotion of mesenchymal changes induced by either TGF-β1 or radiation were suppressed by miR-663a. Furthermore, both X-ray and carbon ion irradiation resulted in the upregulation of TGF-β1 and downregulation of miR-663a, while the silencing of TGF-β1 by miR-663a reversed the EMT process after radiation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate an EMT-suppressing effect by miR-663a via TGF-β1 in radiation-induced EMT.

AGK regulates the progression to NASH by affecting mitochondria complex I function

Background: Impaired mitochondrial function contributes to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Acylglycerol kinase (AGK) is a subunit of the translocase of the mitochondrial inner membrane 22 (TIM22) protein import complex. AGK mutation is the leading cause of Sengers syndrome, characterized by congenital cataracts, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy, lactic acidosis, and liver dysfunction. The potential roles and mechanisms of AGK in NASH are not yet elucidated.

Methods: Hepatic-specific AGK-deficient mice and AGK G126E mutation (AGK kinase activity arrest) mice were on a choline-deficient and high-fat diet (CDAHFD) and a methionine choline-deficient diet (MCD). The mitochondrial function and the molecular mechanisms underlying AGK were investigated in the pathogenesis of NASH.

Results: The levels of AGK were significantly downregulated in human NASH liver samples. AGK deficiency led to severe liver damage and lipid accumulation in mice. Aged mice lacking hepatocyte AGK spontaneously developed NASH. AGK G126E mutation did not affect the structure and function of hepatocytes. AGK deficiency, but not AGK G126E mice, aggravated CDAHFD- and MCD-induced NASH symptoms. AGK deficiency-induced liver damage could be attributed to hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction. The mechanism revealed that AGK interacts with mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I subunits, NDUFS2 and NDUFA10, and regulates mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism. Moreover, the AGK DGK domain might directly interact with NDUFS2 and NDUFA10 to maintain the hepatic mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I function.

Conclusions: The current study revealed the critical roles of AGK in NASH. AGK interacts with mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I to maintain mitochondrial integrity via the kinase-independent pathway.

Chk1 Inhibition Hinders the Restoration of H3.1K56 and H3.3K56 Acetylation and Reprograms Gene Transcription After DNA Damage Repair

H3K56 acetylation (H3K56Ac) was reported to play a critical role in chromatin assembly; thus, H3K56ac participates in the regulation of DNA replication, cell cycle progression, DNA repair, and transcriptional activation. To investigate the influence of DNA damage regulators on the acetylation of histone H3 and gene transcription, U2OS cells expressing SNAP-labeled H3.1 or SNAP-labeled H3.3 were treated with ATM, ATR, or a Chk1 inhibitor after ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The levels of H3.1K56ac, H3.3K56ac, and other H3 site-specific acetylation were checked at different time points until 24 h after UV radiation. The difference in gene transcription levels was also examined by mRNA sequencing. The results identified Chk1 as an important regulator of histone H3K56 acetylation in the restoration of both H3.1K56ac and H3.3K56ac. Moreover, compromising Chk1 activity via chemical inhibitors suppresses gene transcription after UV radiation. The study suggests a previously unknown role of Chk1 in regulating H3K56 and some other site-specific H3 acetylation and in reprograming gene transcription during DNA damage repair.

A novel approach for designing efficient broadband photodetectors expanding from deep ultraviolet to near infrared

Broadband photodetection (PD) covering the deep ultraviolet to near-infrared (200-1000 nm) range is significant and desirable for various optoelectronic designs. Herein, we employ ultraviolet (UV) luminescent concentrators (LC), iodine-based perovskite quantum dots (PQDs), and organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) as the UV, visible, and near-infrared (NIR) photosensitive layers, respectively, to construct a broadband heterojunction PD. Firstly, experimental and theoretical results reveal that optoelectronic properties and stability of CsPbI₃ PQDs are significantly improved through Er³⁺ doping, owing to the reduced defect density, improved charge mobility, increased formation energy, tolerance factor, etc. The narrow bandgap of CsPbI₃:Er³⁺ PQDs serves as a visible photosensitive layer of PD. Secondly, considering the matchable energy bandgap, the BHJ (BTP-4Cl: PBDB-TF) is selected as to NIR absorption layer to fabricate the hybrid structure with CsPbI₃:Er³⁺ PQDs. Thirdly, UV LC converts the UV light (200-400 nm) to visible light (400-700 nm), which is further absorbed by CsPbI₃:Er³⁺ PQDs. In contrast with other perovskites PDs and commercial Si PDs, our PD presents a relatively wide response range and high detectivity especially in UV and NIR regions (two orders of magnitude increase that of commercial Si PDs). Furthermore, the PD also demonstrates significantly enhanced air- and UV- stability, and the photocurrent of the device maintains 81.5% of the original one after 5000 cycles. This work highlights a new attempt for designing broadband PDs, which has application potential in optoelectronic devices.

Knockdown of circ_0003928 ameliorates high glucose-induced dysfunction of human tubular epithelial cells through the miR-506-3p/HDAC4 pathway in diabetic nephropathy

Background

Previous data have indicated the importance of circular RNA (circRNA) in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The study is designed to investigate the effects of circ_0003928 on oxidative stress and apoptosis of high glucose (HG)-treated human tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The DN cell model was established by inducing HK-2 cells using 30 mmol/L D-glucose. RNA expression of circ_0003928, miR-506-3p and histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability and proliferation were investigated by cell counting kit-8 and 5-Ethynyl-29-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, respectively. Oxidative stress was evaluated by commercial kits. Caspase 3 activity and cell apoptotic rate were assessed by a caspase 3 activity assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Protein expression was detected by Western blotting analysis. The interactions among circ_0003928, miR-506-3p and HDAC4 were identified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays.

Results

Circ_0003928 and HDAC4 expression were significantly upregulated, while miR-506-3p was downregulated in the serum of DN patients and HG-induced HK-2 cells. HG treatment inhibited HK-2 cell proliferation, but induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis; however, these effects were reversed after circ_0003928 depletion. Circ_0003928 acted as a miR-506-3p sponge, and HDAC4 was identified as a target gene of miR-506-3p. Moreover, the circ_0003928/miR-506-3p/HDAC4 axis regulated HG-induced HK-2 cell dysfunction.

Conclusion

Circ_0003928 acted as a sponge for miR-506-3p to regulate HG-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of HK-2 cells through HDAC4, which suggested that circ_0003928 might be helpful in the therapy of DN.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40001-022-00679-y.