Interdigitation of Radiation Earlier in the Multimodal Treatment of Patients with Lymphoma: The Effect on Opiate Analgesic Requirements

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Delay in radiation therapy (RT) as part of multimodality therapy in Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is associated with worse pain scores. In a heterogeneous cohort of lymphoma patients, we hypothesize that interdigitating RT before fewer (versus more) lines of chemotherapy (C) will be associated with lower opiate analgesic requirement.

MATERIALS/METHODS

From 2009-2019, patients with HL or NHL received palliative (36.5%) or definitive (63.3%) RT at a single institution. An IRB approved database with baseline treatment/disease characteristics, including oral morphine equivalent (OME) requirement, was reviewed. OME was recorded for a) 3-month period prior to RT, b) the month during RT, and c) 3 months after RT. Post-RT change in OME was calculated as the difference in "b" and "c" such that greater or less OME use post-RT was defined as positive or negative value respectively. We performed one-tailed t-test analyses to determine differences in OME during RT between different cohorts. Correlations between baseline characteristics and OME were performed using Spearman correlations, controlling for lymphoma subtype, stage, tumor volume, relapsed/refractory disease, duration of radiation and bulky disease.

RESULTS

Of 180 patients, 57.8% had NHL, 40.6% were stage IV and 29.4% had bulky disease. At median of 19 days [6-80] from diagnosis, 74% of patients received C with a median of 2 lines [1-4] before RT. The median interval from diagnosis to RT was 11 months [4-36]. Pearson correlation showed a negative association between time from diagnosis to RT and postRT OME in the definitive cohort (R2 = 0.42, F = 4.54, p = 0.002) such that the longer the time to RT, the larger the decrease in OME postRT as compared to during RT. T-test showed higher mean OME during RT for those receiving > 2 lines of C preRT (148.3mg) as compared to those receiving ≤ 2 lines before RT (51.5mg, p = 0.02). In patients receiving definitive RT, the difference remained significant: those receiving >2 lines of C had higher OME during RT as compared to those receiving ≤ 2 lines (207.5mg versus 48.3mg, p = 0.02). The difference in mean OME for patients receiving >2 C lines versus ≤ 2 lines was not significantly different in the palliative cohort (75.6 vs 60.6, p = 0.33). OME use during RT was also found to be higher in patients with bulky disease as compared to non-bulky disease (175.7 versus 52.0, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

In our single-center experience, patients who received >2 lines of C prior to RT were found to have a significantly higher mean OME requirement during RT. In patients receiving definitive RT, longer time to receipt of RT was found to be associated with a larger decrease in OME post-RT, likely related to starting with a higher OME. Interdigitation of RT early on, prior to the 3rd line of chemotherapy, may help reduce pain and improve quality of life.

Phase-Separated Dielectric Gels Based on Christiansen Effect

Phase separation is a trivial phenomenon but a mature strategy in materials science. The flexible materials are provided toughness and strength by phase separation, yet there are few applications in optics and electronics industry. A novel phase-separated dielectric gel (PSDG) with a strong Christiansen effect is prepared via radical polymerization using hydroxyethyl methacrylate as a monomer, 4-cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl and tributyl citrate as mixed solvents, and polyethylene glycol as a softener. The solvent ratios and ambient conditions can efficiently change the color of PSDG which makes it strongly selective for the wavelength of transmitted light. Besides, it has a high dielectric constant (10 at 1 kHz), sensitively responding to the electric field. The phase separation degree of PSDG varies with applied electric field, which will induce its transmittance alteration accordingly. The current field sensitive PSDG provides a novel idea for "smart windows". Additionally, varying the size and shape of the electrodes can precisely control the phase separation in PSDG and also enables the function of free writing on flexible materials. Therefore, the designed PSDG has great application potential for flexible touch and interesting interactions.

Could immune-related hepatitis rapidly progress to immune-related cirrhosis?

BACKGROUND

Immune-related hepatitis is one of the prevalent adverse events associated with immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). For patients without a history of liver disease, autoimmune disease, or alcohol consumption, it is not clear whether immune-related hepatitis could rapid progress to immune-related cirrhosis.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 54-year-old female with stage IIIB primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (PLELC) diagnosed with immune-related hepatitis. After 15 months, a liver biopsy demonstrated the rapid progression of liver cirrhosis although systematic corticosteroid administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term immune activation caused by ICIs may exacerbate the process of cirrhosis. Great attention should be paid to the rapid progression to liver cirrhosis of immune-related hepatitis in the clinic.

High Lithium Salt Content PVDF-Based Solid-State Composite Polymer Electrolyte Enhanced by h-BN Nanosheets

Due to the unique safety qualities, solid composite polymer electrolyte (SCPE) has achieved considerable attentions to fabricate high-energy-density lithium metal batteries, but its overall performance still has to be improved. Herein, a high lithium salt content poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based SCPE was developed, enhanced by hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets, presenting perfect electrochemical performance, fast ion transport, and efficient inhibition of lithium dendrite growth. The optimized SCPE (PVDF-L70-B5) could deliver high ionic conductivity (2.98×10^-4  S cm^-1 ), ultra-high Li⁺ ion transfer number (0.62), wide electrochemical stability window (5.24 V), and strong mechanical strength (3.45 MPa) at room temperature. Density functional theory calculation further confirmed that the presence of h-BN could promote the dissociation of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide lithium (LiTFSI) and the rapid transfer of Li⁺ ions. As a result, the assembled symmetric Li/Li battery and asymmetric Li/LiFePO₄ battery using PVDF-L70-B5 SCPEs both exhibited high reversible capacity, long-term cycle stability, and high-rate performance when cycled at 60 or 30 °C. The designed SCPEs will open up a new route to synthesize solid-state lithium batteries with high energy density and high safety.

Genome-wide association study for reproduction-related traits in Chinese domestic goose

1. This study measured six reproduction traits in a Sichuan white goose population (209 individuals), including fertility, qualified egg rate, plasma concentrations of progesterone (P), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL) and oestrogen (E2).2. Whole-genome resequencing data from the same goose population (209 individuals) were used in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) utilising a mixed linear model to investigate the genes and genetic markers associated with reproduction traits. The frequency of the selected SNPs and haplotypes were determined using the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) method.3. In total, 42 SNPs significantly associated with these traits were identified. A haplotype block was constructed based on five SNPs that were significantly associated with qualified egg rate, with individuals having the haplotype CCTTAAGGAA having the lowest qualified egg rate.4. In conclusion, these results provided potential markers for marker-assisted selection to improve goose reproductive performance and a basis for elucidating the genetics of goose reproduction.

Quasi-Solid-State Ion-Conducting Arrays Composite Electrolytes with Fast Ion Transport Vertical-Aligned Interfaces for All-Weather Practical Lithium-Metal Batteries

The rapid improvement in the gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) with high ionic conductivity brought it closer to practical applications in solid-state Li-metal batteries. The combination of solvent and polymer enables quasi-liquid fast ion transport in the GPEs. However, different ion transport capacity between solvent and polymer will cause local nonuniform Li⁺ distribution, leading to severe dendrite growth. In addition, the poor thermal stability of the solvent also limits the operating-temperature window of the electrolytes. Optimizing the ion transport environment and enhancing the thermal stability are two major challenges that hinder the application of GPEs. Here, a strategy by introducing ion-conducting arrays (ICA) is created by vertical-aligned montmorillonite into GPE. Rapid ion transport on the ICA was demonstrated by ⁶Li solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and synchrotron X-ray diffraction, combined with computer simulations to visualize the transport process. Compared with conventional randomly dispersed fillers, ICA provides continuous interfaces to regulate the ion transport environment and enhances the tolerance of GPEs to extreme temperatures. Therefore, GPE/ICA exhibits high room-temperature ionic conductivity (1.08 mS cm^-1) and long-term stable Li deposition/stripping cycles (> 1000 h). As a final proof, Li||GPE/ICA||LiFePO₄ cells exhibit excellent cycle performance at wide temperature range (from 0 to 60 °C), which shows a promising path toward all-weather practical solid-state batteries.

Photoelastic Organogel with Multiple Stimuli Responses

The photoelastic effect has many uses in mechanics today, but it is usually disregarded in flexible materials. Using 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate as a monomer and 4-cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl (5CB) as a solvent, a multiple responsive photoelastic organogel (PO) with strong birefringence but low modulus is created. 5CB is a liquid crystal molecule that does not participate in the polymerization process and is always present as tiny molecules in the polymer. It endows the PO low modulus and high birefringence, as well as the ability to drive the birefringence using an electric field. This PO not only has high sensitivity and fast response as a photoelastic strain sensor, but also has a very sensitive response to heat, especially in the range of human body temperature. It also has a high dielectric constant and a strong correlation between the interference color and the applied electric field, allowing for easy writing and erasure of encrypted data. This unique multisignal response feature and low modulus that mimics human skin bring up new opportunities in the potential applications such as multiple information encryption, anticounterfeiting, and multifunctional wearable sensors.

An Ionically Conductive, Self-Powered and Stable Organogel for Pressure Sensing

Gel-based ionic conductors are promising candidates for flexible electronics, serving as stretchable sensors or electrodes. However, most of them suffer from a short operating life, low conductivity and rely on an external power supply, limiting their practical application. Herein, we report a stable organogel ionic conductor with high conductivity and self-powering ability. Briefly, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, as a conductive salt, provides high conductivity and the poly(1,1-difluoroethylene) layers, as a self-powering system, supply stable energy output under the influence of pressure. Moreover, the proposed conductors withstand long-term and multi-cycle durability tests. The prepared auxiliary training device can withstand the impact of a basketball and detect the impact force, showing potential in passive sensing during practical applications.

Blowing Iron Chalcogenides into Two-Dimensional Flaky Hybrids with Superior Cyclability and Rate Capability for Potassium-Ion Batteries

Chalcogenide-based anodes are receiving increasing attention for rechargeable potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) due to their high theoretical capacities. However, they usually exhibit poor electrochemical performance due to poor structural stability, low conductivity, and severe electrolyte decomposition on the reactive surface. Herein, a method analogous to "blowing bubbles with gum" is used to confine FeS₂ and FeSe₂ in N-doped carbon for PIB anodes with ultrahigh cyclic stability and enhanced rate capability (over 5000 cycles at 2 A g^-1). Several theoretical and experimental methods are employed to understand the electrodes' performance. The density functional theory calculations showed high affinity for potassium adsorption on the FeS₂ and FeSe₂. The in situ XRD and ex situ TEM analysis confirmed the formation of several intermediate phases of the general formula K_xFeS₂. These phases have high conductivity and large interlayer distance, which promote reversible potassium insertion and facilitate the charge transfer. Also, the calculated potassium diffusion coefficient during charge/discharge further proves the enhanced kinetics. Furthermore, The FeS₂@NC anode in a full cell also exhibits high cyclic stability (88% capacity retention after 120 cycles with 99.9% Coulombic efficiency). Therefore, this work provides not only an approach to overcome several challenges in PIB anodes but also a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism and kinetics of the potassium interaction with chalcogenides.

Iron Selenide Microcapsules as Universal Conversion-Typed Anodes for Alkali Metal-Ion Batteries

Rechargeable alkali metal-ion batteries (AMIBs) are receiving significant attention owing to their high energy density and low weight. The performance of AMIBs is highly dependent on the electrode materials. It is, therefore, quite crucial to explore suitable electrode materials that can fulfil the future requirements of AMIBs. Herein, a hierarchical hybrid yolk-shell structure of carbon-coated iron selenide microcapsules (FeSe₂ @C-3 MCs) is prepared via facile hydrothermal reaction, carbon-coating, HCl solution etching, and then selenization treatment. When used as the conversion-typed anode materials (CTAMs) for AMIBs, the yolk-shell FeSe₂ @C-3 MCs show advantages. First, the interconnected external carbon shell improves the mechanical strength of electrodes and accelerates ionic migration and electron transmission. Second, the internal electroactive FeSe₂ nanoparticles effectively decrease the extent of volume expansion and avoid pulverization when compared with micro-sized solid FeSe₂ . Third, the yolk-shell structure provides sufficient inner void to ensure electrolyte infiltration and mobilize the surface and near-surface reactions of electroactive FeSe₂ with alkali metal ions. Consequently, the designed yolk-shell FeSe₂ @C-3 MCs demonstrate enhanced electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and potassium-ion batteries with high specific capacities, long cyclic stability, and outstanding rate capability, presenting potential application as universal anodes for AMIBs.

Highly Stretchable and Transparent Ionic Conductor with Novel Hydrophobicity and Extreme-Temperature Tolerance

Highly stretchable and transparent ionic conducting materials have enabled new concepts of electronic devices denoted as iontronics, with a distinguishable working mechanism and performances from the conventional electronics. However, the existing ionic conducting materials can hardly bear the humidity and temperature change of our daily life, which has greatly hindered the development and real-world application of iontronics. Herein, we design an ion gel possessing unique traits of hydrophobicity, humidity insensitivity, wide working temperature range (exceeding 100°C, and the range covered our daily life temperature), high conductivity (10⁻³~10⁻⁵ S/cm), extensive stretchability, and high transparency, which is among the best-performing ionic conductors ever developed for flexible iontronics. Several ion gel-based iontronics have been demonstrated, including large-deformation sensors, electroluminescent devices, and ionic cables, which can serve for a long time under harsh conditions. The designed material opens new potential for the real-world application progress of iontronics.

Suppressing the Shuttle Effect and Dendrite Growth in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Practical applications of lithium-sulfur batteries are simultaneously hindered by two serious problems occurring separately in both electrodes, namely, the shuttle effects of lithium polysulfides and the uncontrollable growth of lithium dendrites. Herein, to explore a facile integrated approach to tackle both problems as well as guarantee the efficient charge transfer, we used two-dimension hexagonal VS₂ flakes as the building blocks to assemble nanotowers on the separators, forming a symmetrical double-side-modified polypropylene separator without blocking the membrane pores. Benefiting from the "sulfiphilic" and "lithiophilic" properties, high interfacial electronic conductivity, and the unique hexagonal tower-form nanostructure, the D-HVS@PP separator not only guarantees the effective suppression of the lithium polysulfide shuttle and the rapid ion/electron transfer but also realizes uniform and stable lithium nucleation and growth during cycling. Hence, just at the expense of an 11% increase in the separator weight (0.14 mg cm^-2), the D-HVS@PP separator delivers an over 16 times higher initial areal capacity (8.3 mAh cm^-2) than a conventional PP separator (0.5 mAh cm^-2) under high sulfur-loading conditions (9.24 mg cm^-2). Even when used under a low electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 4 mL g^-1 and a practically relevant N/P ratio of 1.7, the D-HVS@PP separator still enabled stable cycling with a high cell-level gravimetric energy density. The potentials in broader applications (Li-S pouch battery and Li-LiFePO₄ battery) and the promising commercial prospect (large-scale production and recyclability) of the developed separator are also demonstrated.

Whole-genome sequencing reveals breed-differential CNVs between Tongcheng and Large White pigs

Large phenotypic differences have been observed between Tongcheng and Large White pigs. However, little is known about their genetic basis. This study performed a genome-wide comparison of CNVs between Tongcheng and Large White pigs using genome sequencing data. By combining the advantages of three different strategies (read depth, paired-end mapping and split read), we detected in total 18 687 CNVs that covered approximately 3.5% of the pig genome length for Tongcheng and Large White pigs. We identified 1864 breed-stratified CNVs (top 10%) by performing V_ST statistics. Functional enrichment analyses for genes located in breed-stratified CNVs were found to be involved in pigmentation, behavior, immune system and reproductive processes, which coincide with phenotypic differences between the two breeds. Using a systematic analysis of the genome and transcriptome data, we further identified four novel breed-differential CNVs on the functional genes (disease-resistant, DCUN1D2 and SPARCL1; lipid metabolism, PLEKHA2 and SLCO1A2). Subsequent PCR validation confirmed their accurate breakpoint positions in 33 Tongcheng pigs and 33 Large White pigs. This study provides essential information on differential CNVs for further research on the genetic basis of phenotypic differences between Tongcheng and Large White pigs.

Ionic liquid assisted electrochemical coating zinc nanoparticles on carbon cloth as lithium dendrite suppressing host

The application of lithium metal anode with high specific capacity and energy density is limited by the volume expansion and pulverization caused by dendrite growth during cycle process. We propose a composite lithium anode by immersing molten lithium on the flexible three-dimensional (3D) carbon cloth scaffold with the zinc nanoparticles. The lithiophilic zinc nanoparticles layer of framework is synthesized by fast and easy electrochemical deposition from ionic liquid avoiding high temperature, high pressure and toxic reagent. The lithium is infused into the 3D lithiophilic framework, the composite anode is obtained. The steady network structure can confine the lithium and lead to Li dendrite restraining and reducing volume change due to the low interfacial resistance and reduce the effective current density, which induced the homogeneous Li growth. Benefiting from this, the Li infused 3D carbon cloth-Zn symmetric battery exhibits a low stripping/plating overpotential (~30 mV) and can be stable over 900 h at 1 mA cm^-2. The Li//LiFePO₄ battery delivers higher reversible capacity (140 mAh g^-1 at 2 C and 120 mAh g^-1 at 5 C) and stable cycling for 1500 and 2000 cycles than bare Li.

miR-152 promotes spinal cord injury recovery via c-jun amino terminal kinase pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research is to explore the possible role of miR-152 in spinal cord injury and its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After a mouse model of spinal cord injury (SCI) was developed, Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-152 and c-jun in the mouse. In addition, the expression levels of interleukin-1b (IL-1b), interleukin-18 (IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Subsequently, miR-152 was overexpressed and the levels of inflammation and c-jun after spinal cord injury were detected by Western blot. Furthermore, the grip strength of double forelimb, left forelimb or right forelimb of the mice was detected using a grip force test after miR-152 was overexpressed in the injured area of each group.

RESULTS

By constructing a mouse model of spinal cord injury, we found that the expression of miR-152 in the injured area decreased with time; meanwhile, the inflammatory relative genes including IL-1b, IL18, TNF-α, and c-jun were significantly increased. However, miR-152 overexpression significantly reduced the levels of inflammation genes as well as the expression of c-jun. Besides, the strength of the forelimbs in the spinal cord injury mice was restored.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-152 could inhibit inflammatory responses and promote the recovery of the spinal cord injury through the c-jun N-terminal kinase pathway and it can be a target molecular for treating spinal cord injury.

[Clinicopathological and molecular features of pulmonary enteric adenocarcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of pulmonary enteric adenocarcinoma (PEAC). Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 19 cases of PEAC in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively collected from 2015 to 2019. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the relevant immunophenotypes, amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to detect the expression of EGFR, KRAS and ALK genes. The patients were followed up, and the relevant literature was reviewed and analyzed. Results: There were 19 cases, including 10 males and 9 females, with a mean age of 58 years (range 33-71 years). Microscopically, the tumors showed moderately to highly differentiated adenoid and/or papillary growth patterns. The tumor cells were highly columnar and sometimes showed pseudostratification. Inflammatory necrosis and scattered nuclear fragmentation were seen in some glandular lumens. IHC showed variable expression of CK7 (19/19), TTF1 (8/19), Napsin A (6/19), villin (17/19), CK20 (16/19) and CDX2 (10/19). Molecular testing showed KRAS mutation in nine cases (9/19), EGFR mutation in one case (1/19), and positive ALK split signal in one case (1/19). In the literature, the reported mutation rate of KRAS in PEAC was much higher than that of EGFR and ALK. All 19 cases underwent surgical resection and 11 cases were subjected to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Conclusions: PEAC is a rare variant of invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma, and has similar histological and cytological features to that of colorectal adenocarcinoma. However, detailed medical history, histologic heterogeneity, an IHC combination of CK7(+)/villin(+) and high KRAS mutation rate are the key points of diagnosis. The prognosis needs long-term follow-up and big data statistics.

High loading cotton cellulose-based aerogel self-standing electrode for Li-S batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have attracted considerable attention due to their high energy density (2600 Wh kg^-1). However, its commercialization is hindered seriously by the low loading and utilization rate of sulfur cathodes. Herein, we designed the cellulose-based graphene carbon composite aerogel (CCA) self-standing electrode to enhance the performance of Li-S batteries. The CCA contributes to the mass loading and utilization efficiency of sulfur, because of its unique physical structure: low density (0.018 g cm^-3), large specific surface area (657.85 m² g^-1), high porosity (96%), and remarkable electrolyte adsorption (42.25 times). Compared to Al (about 49%), the CCA displayed excellent sulfur use efficiency (86%) and could reach to high area capacity of 8.60 mAh cm^-2 with 9.11 mg S loading. Meanwhile, the CCA exhibits the excellent potential for pulse sensing applications due to its flexibility and superior sensitivity to electrical response signals.

Molecular cloning of the goose GnRH gene and identification of GnRH polymorphisms associated with laying traits

1. Egg-laying traits are important economic characteristics in goose production (Anser cygnoides). The gene GnRH, which encodes gonadotropin-releasing hormone, is a strong candidate gene for egg-laying traits in avian species. 2. In this study, a 3520 bp genomic sequence and a 279 bp mRNA sequence for GnRH, which encoded 92 amino acids, were determined. The GnRH DNA sequence contains four exons and three introns, and the DNA and deduced amino acid sequences were highly conserved across mammals (human, macaque, cow, and sheep) and avians (chicken, fulmar and quail). 3. Using a direct sequencing method, 46 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the GnRH genomic sequence that were shared between two Sichuan White goose populations (217 and 208 individuals). Furthermore, 44 haplotypes were constructed using a sliding window approach. Association analysis between the SNPs and haplotypes and egg-laying traits showed that 10 SNPs affected the first egg weight, average egg weight, egg number at 48 weeks and egg number at 64 weeks. 4. These results lay the foundation for further studies of the function of GnRH in geese and provide a theoretical basis for marker-assisted selection of egg-laying traits in the Sichuan white goose population.

HER2 exon 20 insertions in non-small-cell lung cancer are sensitive to the irreversible pan-HER receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor pyrotinib

BACKGROUND

Effective targeted therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) mutations remains an unmet need. This study investigated the antitumor effect of an irreversible pan-HER receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, pyrotinib.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using patient-derived organoids and xenografts established from an HER2-A775_G776YVMA-inserted advanced lung adenocarcinoma patient sample, we investigated the antitumor activity of pyrotinib. Preliminary safety and efficacy of pyrotinib in 15 HER2-mutant NSCLC patients in a phase II clinical trial are also presented.

RESULTS

Pyrotinib showed significant growth inhibition of organoids relative to afatinib in vitro (P = 0.0038). In the PDX model, pyrotinib showed a superior antitumor effect than afatinib (P = 0.0471) and T-DM1 (P = 0.0138). Mice treated with pyrotinib displayed significant tumor burden reduction (mean tumor volume, -52.2%). In contrast, afatinib (25.4%) and T-DM1 (10.9%) showed no obvious reduction. Moreover, pyrotinib showed a robust ability to inhibit pHER2, pERK and pAkt. In the phase II cohort of 15 patients with HER2-mutant NSCLC, pyrotinib 400 mg resulted in a objective response rate of 53.3% and a median progression-free survival of 6.4 months.

CONCLUSION

Pyrotinib showed activity against NSCLC with HER2 exon 20 mutations in both patient-derived organoids and a PDX model. In the clinical trial, pyrotinib showed promising efficacy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02535507.

The direct effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on proliferation of granulosa cells and development of follicles in goose

1. The study objectives were to determine the direct effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and the development of follicles in geese (Anser cygnoides) by colorimetry and ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) cell proliferation assays, in which primary GCs were treated with different concentrations of GnRH agonist (alarelin acetate) and an antagonist (cetrorelix acetate). Differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA-sequencing and validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. 2. The EdU assays showed that the proliferation of GCs was affected by the GnRH agonist and antagonist in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of treatment on cell proliferation was statistically significant at the concentrations of 10^-5 mol/l alarelin and 1 mg/l cetrorelix acetate. A total of 134 DEGs (76 downregulated and 58 upregulated for alarelin treatment) and 226 DEGs (90 downregulated and 136 upregulated for cetrorelix) were identified by RNA-sequencing analysis, respectively. Enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were enriched in the GO terms of cell-cell signalling and cell junctions. The pathways that regulate the development of follicles were identified, including the biological progress of cAMP accumulation, ovulation cycle and vasculature that are essential to follicular selection. 3. The results suggested that GnRH might directly regulate GC proliferation via autocrine or paracrine pathways related to cell junctions. In particular, it was confirmed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of the oestrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) gene, a negative transcription factor involved in follicular maturation and ovulation, were affected by GnRH agonist or antagonist in GCs. 4. In conclusion, GnRH might play an important role in follicular development by changing the expression of genes that participate in cAMP accumulation, ovulation cycle and cell junctions in ovarian GCs.

Absence of Quantum-Confined Stark Effect in GaN Quantum Disks Embedded in (Al,Ga)N Nanowires Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Several of the key issues of planar (Al,Ga)N-based deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes could potentially be overcome by utilizing nanowire heterostructures, exhibiting high structural perfection, and improved light extraction. Here, we study the spontaneous emission of GaN/(Al,Ga)N nanowire ensembles grown on Si(111) by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The nanowires contain single GaN quantum disks embedded in long (Al,Ga)N nanowire segments essential for efficient light extraction. These quantum disks are found to exhibit intense light emission at unexpectedly high energies, namely, significantly above the GaN bandgap, and almost independent of the disk thickness. An in-depth investigation of the actual structure and composition of the nanowires reveals a spontaneously formed Al gradient both along and across the nanowire, resulting in a complex core/shell structure with an Al-deficient core and an Al-rich shell with continuously varying Al content along the entire length of the (Al,Ga)N segment. This compositional change along the nanowire growth axis induces a polarization doping of the shell that results in a degenerate electron gas in the disk, thus screening the built-in electric fields. The high carrier density not only results in the unexpectedly high transition energies but also in radiative lifetimes depending only weakly on temperature, leading to a comparatively high internal quantum efficiency of the GaN quantum disks up to room temperature.

3D ordered mesoporous TiO2@CMK-3 nanostructure for sodium-ion batteries with long-term and high-rate performance

Sodium ion battery is abundant in resources and costs low, making it very competitive in the large-scale energy storage devices. The anatase TiO₂ electrode material with insertion/extraction mechanism shows stable cycling performance, which is more in line with the technical requirements of large-scale energy storage batteries. To improve the electrical conductivity and stability of the TiO₂ electrode materials, we have synthesized anatase TiO₂ and CMK-3 composite. TiO₂ nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of CMK-3 by hydrothermal reaction, and the anode material of the SIBs with 3D network structure was prepared. With the CMK-3, the structure stability, conductivity and reaction kinetics of TiO₂@CMK-3 composite is improved. The electrochemical behavior is dominated by pseudocapacitance, which gives the material excellent high-rate performance. It delivers a reversible specific capacity of 186.3 mA h g^-1 after 100 cycles at the current density of 50 mA g^-1, 124.5 mA h g^-1 after 500 long-term cycles, meanwhile it shows an outstanding rate performance, a reversible specific capacity of 105.9 mA h g^-1 at 1600 mA g^-1, 177.3 mA h g^-1 when the current density drops to 50 mA g^-1.

Interfacial reactions during the molecular beam epitaxy of GaN nanowires on Ti/Al2O3

We investigate the occurrence of interfacial reactions during the self-assembled formation of GaN nanowires on Ti/Al₂O₃(0001) substrates in plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The conditions typical for the synthesis of ensembles of long nanowires (>1 μm) are found to promote several chemical reactions. In particular, the high substrate temperature leads to the interdiffusion of Al and O at the Ti/Al₂O₃ interface resulting in the formation of Al _x Ti _y O_1-x-y and Ti _x O_1-x compounds. Furthermore, O is found to incorporate into the nanowires degrading their luminescence by heavy n-type doping. At the same time, impinging Ga and N species react with the substrate giving rise to the simultaneous formation of single-crystalline TiN and Ga _x Ti _y O_1-x-y compounds. The latter compounds tend to form hillocks at the substrate surface, on top of which nanowires elongate with large tilt angles with respect to the substrate normal. We develop here a specific process in order to mitigate the detrimental effects of these interfacial reactions, while maintaining the low areal density and absence of coalescence which is the strong asset of growing nanowires on Ti/Al₂O₃. We find that the combination of a thick Ti film with an intentional low temperature nitridation step preceding nanowire growth and a limited growth temperature results in ensembles of uncoalesced and well-oriented nanowires with luminescence properties comparable to those of standard GaN nanowires prepared on Si. All these properties, together with the inherent benefits of integrating semiconductors on metals, make the present materials combination a promising platform for the further development of group-III nitride nanowire-based devices.