Correction: Metal-free oxidative synthesis of benzimidazole compounds by dehydrogenative coupling of diamines and alcohols

Correction for 'Metal-free oxidative synthesis of benzimidazole compounds by dehydrogenative coupling of diamines and alcohols' by Jiaming Hu et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2022, DOI: 10.1039/d2ob00165a.

Identification of HMOX1 as a Critical Ferroptosis-Related Gene in Atherosclerosis

Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed iron-dependent cell death. The ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) have been recognized as biomarkers for cancers. Increasing evidence has indicated that ferroptosis is involved in the process of atherosclerosis. However, the potential FRGs used for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy for atherosclerosis are still unclear. We aimed to identify the ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of atherosclerosis. We downloaded the mRNA-sequencing data of patients with atherosclerosis from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. HMOX1 was identified as an essential ferroptosis-related DEG by bioinformatic analysis of the GSE28829 and GSE43292 datasets. The pro-ferroptotic effect of HMOX1 was validated through cell experiments. Then we conducted a single-gene analysis of HMOX1 and found that high-expression of HMOX1 in atherosclerotic plaques was accompanied by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) producing and M0 macrophages infiltration. Taken together, our present study suggested HMOX1 as a potential diagnostic biomarker for atherosclerosis and provided more evidence about the vital role of ferroptosis in atherosclerosis progression.

RAFT-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly (RAFT-PISA): current status and future directions

Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) combines polymerization and self-assembly in a single step with distinct efficiency that has set it apart from the conventional solution self-assembly processes. PISA holds great promise for large-scale production, not only because of its efficient process for producing nano/micro-particles with high solid content, but also thanks to the facile control over the particle size and morphology. Since its invention, many research groups around the world have developed new and creative approaches to broaden the scope of PISA initiations, morphologies and applications, etc. The growing interest in PISA is certainly reflected in the increasing number of publications over the past few years, and in this review, we aim to summarize these recent advances in the emerging aspects of RAFT-mediated PISA. These include (1) non-thermal initiation processes, such as photo-, enzyme-, redox- and ultrasound-initiation; the achievements of (2) high-order structures, (3) hybrid materials and (4) stimuli-responsive nano-objects by design and adopting new monomers and new processes; (5) the efforts in the realization of upscale production by utilization of high throughput technologies, and finally the (6) applications of current PISA nano-objects in different fields and (7) its future directions.

Micrometer-Sized SiMgy Ox with Stable Internal Structure Evolution for High-Performance Li-Ion Battery Anodes

In recent years, micrometer-sized Si-based anode materials have attracted intensive attention in the pursuit of energy-storage systems with high energy and low cost. However, the significant volume variation during repeated electrochemical (de)alloying processes will seriously damage the bulk structure of SiO_x microparticles, resulting in rapid performance fade. This work proposes to address the challenge by preparing in situ magnesium-doped SiO_x (SiMg_y O_x ) microparticles with stable structural evolution against Li uptake/release. The homogeneous distribution of magnesium silicate in SiMg_y O_x contributes to building a bonding network inside the particle so that it raises the modulus of lithiated state and restrains the internal cracks due to electrochemical agglomeration of nano-Si. The prepared micrometer-sized SiMg_y O_x anode shows high reversible capacities, stable cycling performance, and low electrode expansion at high areal mass loading. A 21700 cylindrical-type cell based on the SiMg_y O_x -graphite anode and LiNi_0.8 Co_0.15 Al_0.05 O₂ cathode demonstrates a 1000-cycle operation life using industry-recognized electrochemical test procedures, which meets the practical storage requirements for consumer electronics and electric vehicles. This work provides insights on the reasonable structural design of micrometer-sized alloying anode materials toward realization of high-performance Li-ion batteries.

A Polymorphism in the BDNF Gene (rs11030101) is Associated With Negative Symptoms in Chinese Han Patients With Schizophrenia

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia.

Methods: This study used a case-control design, and diagnoses were made based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition criteria. One hundred and thirty-four patients with schizophrenia were recruited from the Third People’s Hospital of Zhongshan City from January 2018 to April 2020. Sixty-four healthy controls were recruited from the same region. Genotypes at the BDNF gene single nucleotide polymorphisms rs11030101, rs2030324, and rs6265 and the CREB gene single nucleotide polymorphisms rs6740584 and rs2551640 were determined using a MassARRAY mass spectrometer. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analyses were performed, and genotype and allele frequencies were compared between groups. The positive and negative symptom scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate the association between the BDNF and CREB gene polymorphisms and schizophrenic symptoms.

Results: There was no significant difference in genotype or allele frequencies for rs11030101, rs2030324, rs6265, rs6740584, or rs2551640 between schizophrenic patients and controls (p > 0.05). In addition, there were no significant differences in rs11030101, rs2030324, rs6265, rs6740584, or rs2551640 genotype frequencies between the two groups in the dominant, recessive, or over-dominant models (p > 0.05). Three loci in the BDNF gene and two loci in the CREB gene were in a state of strong linkage disequilibrium. The frequency of haplotype AAC (rs11030101/rs2030324/rs626), composed of three loci in the BDNF gene, was significantly increased in schizophrenic patients compared with control subjects. There were significant differences in the subscores of PANSSS for negative symptoms, in patients with different rs11030101 genotypes of the BDNF gene (p < 0.05). There was also significant differences in the PANSS scores for the general symptom G12 (judgment and lack of insight) in patients with different rs6265 genotypes of the BDNF gene (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The BDNF gene rs11030101/rs2030324/rs6265 AAC haplotype was potentially associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia. In addition, genotypes at the rs11030101 and rs6265 loci may affect the negative symptoms and general symptoms of schizophrenic patients, respectively.

Microfluidics-enabled functional 3D printing

Microfluidic technology has established itself as a powerful tool to enable highly precise spatiotemporal control over fluid streams for mixing, separations, biochemical reactions, and material synthesis. 3D printing technologies such as extrusion-based printing, inkjet, and stereolithography share similar length scales and fundamentals of fluid handling with microfluidics. The advanced fluidic manipulation capabilities afforded by microfluidics can thus be potentially leveraged to enhance the performance of existing 3D printing technologies or even develop new approaches to additive manufacturing. This review discusses recent developments in integrating microfluidic elements with several well-established 3D printing technologies, highlighting the trend of using microfluidic approaches to achieve functional and multimaterial 3D printing as well as to identify potential future research directions in this emergent area.

An Air-Stable High-Nickel Cathode with Reinforced Electrochemical Performance Enabled by Convertible Amorphous Li2 CO3 Modification

High-nickel (Ni ≥ 90%) cathodes with high specific capacity hold great potential for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, their practical application is restricted by the high interfacial reactivity under continuous air erosion and electrolyte assault. Herein, a stable high-nickel cathode is rationally designed via in situ induction of a dense amorphous Li₂ CO₃ on the particle surface by a preemptive atmosphere control. Among the residual lithium compounds, Li₂ CO₃ is the most thermodynamically stable one, so a dense Li₂ CO₃ coating layer can serve as a physical protection layer to isolate the cathode from contact with moist air. Furthermore, amorphous Li₂ CO₃ can be transformed into a robust F-rich cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) during cycling, which reinforces the cathode's interfacial stability and improves the electrochemical performance. The assembled coin cell with this modified cathode delivers a high discharge capacity of 232.4 mAh g^-1 with a superior initial Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 95.1%, and considerable capacity retention of 90.4% after 100 cycles. Furthermore, no slurry gelation occurs during the large-scale electrode fabrication process. This work opens a valuable perspective on the evolution of amorphous Li₂ CO₃ in LIBs and provides guidance on protecting unstable high-capacity cathodes for energy-storage devices.

Enhanced removal efficiency of sulfamethoxazole by acclimated microalgae: Tolerant mechanism, and transformation products and pathways

This study utilized sulfamethoxazole (SMX) acclimatization to enhance the tolerance and biodegradation capacity of Chlorella vulgaris. Compared to wild C. vulgaris, the growth inhibition and oxidative damage induced by SMX evidently decreased in acclimated C. vulgaris, and meanwhile photosynthetic and antioxidant activities were significantly promoted. The physiological analyses with the aid of principal component analysis revealed the increase of catalase and glutathione reductase activities was the critical tolerant mechanism of acclimated C. vulgaris. As the consequence, the acclimated C. vulgaris exhibited enhanced efficiency and (pseudo-first-order) kinetic rate for removal of SMX. The distribution analysis of residual SMX demonstrated the biodegradation was the major removal mechanism of SMX by C. vulgaris, while bioadsorption and bioaccumulation made pimping contributions. During the degradation process of SMX, nine transformation products (TPs) were identified. Based on the identified TPs, a possible transformation pathway was proposed.

[Safety and feasibility of intrathoracic modified overlap esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic radical resection of Siewert type Ⅱ adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction]

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of intrathoracic modified overlap method in laparoscopic radical resection of Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). Methods: A descriptive case series study was conducted. The clinical data of 27 patients with Siewert type II AEG who underwent transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic total gastrectomy and intrathoracic modified overlap esophagojejunostomy in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from May 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The intrathoracic modified overlap esophagojejunostomy was performed as follows: (1) The Roux-en-Y loop was made; (2) The jejunum side was prepared extraperitoneal for overlap anastomosis; (3) The esophagus side was prepared intraperitoneal for overlap anastomosis; (4) The overlap esophagojejunostomy was performed; (5) The common outlet was closed after confirmation of anastomosis integrity without bleeding; (6) A thoracic drainage tube was inserted into the thoracic hole with the diaphragm incision closed. The intraoperative and postoperative results were reviewed. Results: All 27 patients were successfully operated, without mortality or conversion to laparotomy. The operative time, digestive tract reconstruction time and esophageal-jejunal anastomosis time were (327.5±102.0) minute, 50 (28-62) minute and (29.0±7.4) minute, respectively. The blood loss was 100 (20-150) ml. The postoperative time to flatus and postoperative hospital stay were (4.7±3.7) days and 9(6-73) days, respectively. Three patients (11.1%) developed postoperative grade III complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, including 1 case of anastomotic fistula with empyema, 1 case of pleural effusion and 1 case of pancreatic fistula, all of whom were cured by puncture drainage and anti-infective therapy. Conclusions: The intrathoracic modified overlap esophagojejunostomy is safe and feasible in laparoscopic radical resection of Siewert type II AEG.

[The disease burden of degenerative mitral valve disease in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019]

Objective: To explore the trend of disease burden of degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Based on the 2019 Global Burden of Disease database (GBD 2019), the number of patients, the number of new cases, the number of deaths, the disability-adjusted life years (DALY) as well as the prevalence, incidence and death rate, DALY rate and their age-standardized rates were used to analyze the trend of the burden of DMVD in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019. Results: In 2019, the number of patients, the number of new cases, and the number of deaths with DMVD in China were 461.2, 27.0 and 0.129 ten thousand, respectively, which increased by 209.0%, 199.1% and 13.2% when compared with 1990. In 2019, the age-standardized prevalence, incidence and death rate were 228.1/100 000, 12.7/100 000 and 0.075/100 000, respectively. Compared with 1990, the change of the age-standardized prevalence, incidence and death rate were 32.6%, 42.8% and -54.1%, respectively. In addition, the 2019 data also showed that the age-standardized prevalence and incidence were higher in females than in males (the age-standardized prevalence was 190.1 (181.5-198.9)/100 000 for males and 262.0 (250.3-273.9)/100 000 for females); the age-standardized incidence was 10.5 (10.0-11.0)/100 000 for males and 14.9 (14.3-15.6)/100 000 for females. The age group with the largest number of DMVD patients was 65 to 69 years old, and the highest incidence was 60 to 64 years old. From 1990 to 2019, DALY caused by DMVD showed an upward trend in China, from 46 439 person-years in 1990 to 69 402 person-years in 2019, with an increase of 49.4%. While the age-standardized DALY rate continued to decline, from 5.5/100 000 in 1990 to 3.8/100 000 in 2019, with a drop of 30.8%. The DALY and the age-standardized DALY rate of females were always higher than that of males in different years. Conclusion: From 1990 to 2019, DALY and the age-standardized prevalence and incidence of DMVD in China shows an increasing trend, and the disease burden caused by DMVD is severe in China.

An artificial neural network chip based on two-dimensional semiconductor

Recently, research on two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors has begun to translate from the fundamental investigation into rudimentary functional circuits. In this work, we unveil the first functional MoS₂ artificial neural network (ANN) chip, including multiply-and-accumulate (MAC), memory and activation function circuits. Such MoS₂ ANN chip is realized through fabricating 818 field-effect transistors (FETs) on a wafer-scale and high-homogeneity MoS₂ film, with a gate-last process to realize top gate structured FETs. A 62-level simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) model is utilized to design and optimize our analog ANN circuits. To demonstrate a practical application, a tactile digit sensing recognition was demonstrated based on our ANN circuits. After training, the digit recognition rate exceeds 97%. Our work not only demonstrates the protentional of 2D semiconductors in wafer-scale integrated circuits, but also paves the way for its future application in AI computation.

High Biocompatible Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-Based Nanosensitizer With Magnetic Resonance Imaging Capacity for Tumor Targeted Microwave Hyperthermia and Chemotherapy

Microwave (MW) hyperthermia has been widely studied in tumor therapy, while the lack of specificity, and the potential toxicity induced by instability or difficulty in degradation of existed MW thermal sensitizers still limits the application. Herein, a new biocompatible Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanosensitizer of Dtxl-Gd@PLGA-PEG-TPP (DGPPT) with capacities of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and mitochondrial targeting for MW hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy was constructed via a double emulsion solvent evaporation method. The modified TPP significantly enhanced the specificity of sensitizer for targeting mitochondria, a heat-sensitive energy supply plant in cells. Thus the MW thermal damage induced by the loaded Gd in PLGA nanospheres was also strengthened. Together, the system could also achieve MR imaging due to the existence of Gd. In addition, the encapsulated Dtxl performed the chemotherapy of inhibiting mitochondrial function for assisting with MW hyperthermia. In vivo experiments demonstrated that PLGA had high biocompatibility that no obvious damage occurred even the dose was up to 200 mg/kg. Meanwhile, DGPPT+MW representing the combination of mitochondrial targeting and MW hyperthermia-chemotherapy has also been proved to shrink tumor size effectively. This study provides a new direction for building biosafe and multifunctional MW sensitizer with active targeting ability to impede tumor growth.

Identification of a Novel Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Gene Signature for Endometrial Carcinoma Prognosis

(1) Background: Endometrial cancer is the most prevalent cause of gynecological malignant tumor worldwide. The prognosis of endometrial carcinoma patients with distant metastasis is poor. (2) Method: The RNA-Seq expression profile and corresponding clinical data were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas database and the Gene Expression Omnibus databases. To predict patients’ overall survival, a 9 EMT-related genes prognosis risk model was built by machine learning algorithm and multivariate Cox regression. Expressions of nine genes were verified by RT-qPCR. Responses to immune checkpoint blockades therapy and drug sensitivity were separately evaluated in different group of patients with the risk model. (3) Endometrial carcinoma patients were assigned to the high- and low-risk groups according to the signature, and poorer overall survival and disease-free survival were showed in the high-risk group. This EMT-related gene signature was also significantly correlated with tumor purity and immune cell infiltration. In addition, eight chemical compounds, which may benefit the high-risk group, were screened out. (4) Conclusions: We identified a novel EMT-related gene signature for predicting the prognosis of EC patients. Our findings provide potential therapeutic targets and compounds for personalized treatment. This may facilitate decision making during endometrial carcinoma treatment.

[Induction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to hepatocyte-like cells and preliminary study of cell response to injury under the effect of acetaminophen]

Objective: To establish a method for the induction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to hepatocyte-like cells, and preliminarily investigate cell response to injury under the effect of acetaminophen (APAP). Methods: The surface marker CD45 of peripheral blood mononuclear cells wase detected cells by using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence methods. The cellular morphology of induced hepatocyte-like cells was observed under an inverted microscope. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of hepatocyte-specific genes, such as cytochrome (CY) P1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, albumin (ALB), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)4α mRNA. Immunofluorescence method was used to detect intracellular hepatocyte markers AFP, HNF4α, and ALB expression at the protein level. Biochemical analyzer was used to detect hepatocyte-specific secretory functions of AFP, ALB, and urea. Luciferase chemiluminescence method was used to detect the activity of key drug metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4. Colorimetric assay was used to detect the effect of the drug acetaminophen on hepatocyte-like cells, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was used as an indicator of liver cell injury. The statistical differences between the data were compared with t-test and rank-sum test. Results: The positive expression rate of CD45 cell surface markers isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was about 98%, and hepatocyte-like cell morphology changes appeared on 15th day of induction. Compared with isolated mononuclear cells, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, ALB, AFP and HNF4α mRNA was markedly elevated. The expression level of AFP, ALB and HNF4α protein were equally increased, and the secretory function of AFP, ALB and urea were enhanced. Compared with primary hepatocytes, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, AFP, HNF4α mRNA, and CYP3A4 mRNA did not decrease. The expression levels of AFP, ALB, and HNF4α proteins in the cells did not decrease, and the secretory function of AFP, ALB, and urea did not decrease. In addition, the CYP3A4 enzyme activity produced by hepatocyte-like cells was similar to that of primary hepatocytes. Compared with hepatocyte-like cells incubated without APAP, hepatocyte-like cells incubated with APAP had higher ALT level. Under the effect of APAP, the ALT level of hepatocyte-like cells was higher than isolated mononuclear cells. Conclusion: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells can be induced into hepatocyte-like cells with partial characteristics of hepatocytes, including the activity of CYP3A4, a key enzyme of hepatocyte drug metabolism. Additionally, preliminarily ALT secretory features reflect the hepatocytes injury under the effect of acetaminophen.

Effect of Nano-Silver on Formation of Marine Snow and the Underlying Microbial Mechanism

Roller experiments were conducted to explore the effect of nano-silver on the formation of marine snow and the underlying microbial mechanism. With the increasing concentration of nano-Ag from 1 ng/L to 1 mg/L, the formation and aggregation of marine snow particles were solidly suppressed in a dose-dependent pattern. Moreover, the formed marine snows tended to be thinner fibrous particles with smaller size and increased edge smoothness and compactness in the presence of nano-Ag. The microbial analyses indicated that nano-Ag not only inhibited the development of biomass but also changed the species composition and functional profile of the microbial community. Nano-Ag obviously inhibited most of the abundant species, except for some myxobacteria, which is unfavorable for the microbial community stability. For the microbial functions, some major biological processes including the growth, metabolic, and cellular processes were also inhibited by the high dosage of nano-Ag. The strong microbial inhibition of nano-Ag would contribute to the suppression on the formation of marine snow. Specifically, the function genes of extracellular polymeric substance synthesis and secretion were significantly reduced by nano-Ag, which might be the key and straight microbial factor in suppressing the formation of marine snow.

Metal-free oxidative synthesis of benzimidazole compounds by dehydrogenative coupling of diamines and alcohols

A general catalytic protocol for the synthesis of substituted N-heterocycles by dehydrogenative coupling of diamines and alcohols.

Photoluminescent polymer cubosomes prepared by RAFT-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly

The preparation of photoluminescent polymer assemblies with a wide range of morphologies, including spongosomes and cubosomes, via an efficient RAFT-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly (RAFT-PISA) process, was demonstrated.

Band alignment of ZnO-based nanorod arrays for enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance

A ternary semiconductor ZnO/MoS₂/Ag₂S nanorod array in an intimate core–shell structure was synthesized on glass substrates. The physicochemical properties and photocatalytical performance of the specimen were characterized and compared with single ZnO and binary ZnO/Ag₂S and ZnO/MoS₂ nanorod arrays. It is found that the coating layers depressed the band edge emission of the ZnO core, improved light absorption in the visible range, reduced charge transfer resistance, and increased photocatalytic activity. The ternary heterojunction nanorod array possessed full solar absorption with an efficiency of 52.88% for the degradation of methylene blue under visible light in 30 min. The efficiency was higher than other arrays and was 7.6 times that of the ZnO array. Theory analysis revealed that the coating layer brought different band alignment in the heterojunctions for efficient charge separation and conduction, which was beneficial for the photocatalytic performance.

The ternary ZnO/MoS₂/Ag₂S nanorod array in a core–shell structure brings different band alignments at the interfacial heterojunctions to achieve full solar absorption with efficient charge separation and conduction and photocatalytic performance.

Luminescence properties of Cr3+-doped near-infrared emissive fluoroyttrates for light-emitting diodes

In this work, a series of Cr3+-doped A2NaYF6 (denoted as ANYF:Cr; A = K, Rb, Cs) fluoroyttrate double-perovskites with broad blue excitation and near-infrared (NIR) emission bands was fabricated using...

Ultraintense Zero-Phonon Line from a Mn4+ Red-Emitting Phosphor for High-Quality Backlight Display Applications

The zero-phonon line (ZPL) of Mn⁴⁺, which highly depends on its local environment, is usually much weaker than the vibrational phonon sidebands. In this work, an ultraintense ZPL emission, coming from a brand new red-emitting Rb₂LiGaF₆:Mn⁴⁺ (RLGFM) phosphor upon blue light excitation, is presented. The interesting spectral characteristic originates from the nonequivalent substitution of Mn⁴⁺ for Ga³⁺ in a rigid octahedral structure with a low symmetry, which induces neighboring cation vacancies that distort the local symmetry of the [MnF₆] octahedra. Benefiting from the ultraintense ZPL emission, a wide color gamut is achieved using RLGFM and β-SiAlON:Eu²⁺ as color converters. Moreover, a comprehensive investigation on the thermal quenching behavior is also conducted to provide detailed insights to explore novel Mn⁴⁺ red phosphors for high-quality backlight display applications.