Reversibly Reactive Affinity Selection-Mass Spectrometry Enables Identification of Covalent Peptide Binders

Covalent peptide binders have found applications as activity-based probes and as irreversible therapeutic inhibitors. Currently, there is no rapid, label-free, and tunable affinity selection platform to enrich covalent reactive peptide binders from synthetic libraries. We address this challenge by developing a reversibly reactive affinity selection platform termed ReAct-ASMS enabled by tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to identify covalent peptide binders to native protein targets. It uses mixed disulfide-containing peptides to build reversible peptide-protein conjugates that can enrich for covalent variants, which can be sequenced by MS/MS after reduction. Using this platform, we identified covalent peptide binders against two oncoproteins, human papillomavirus 16 early protein 6 (HPV16 E6) and peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 protein (Pin1). The resulting peptide binders efficiently and selectively cross-link Cys58 of E6 at 37 °C and Cys113 of Pin1 at room temperature, respectively. ReAct-ASMS enables the identification of highly selective covalent peptide binders for diverse molecular targets, introducing an applicable platform to assist preclinical therapeutic development pipelines.

Lymphatic plastic bronchitis and primary chylothorax: A study based on computed tomography lymphangiography

BACKGROUND

This study presents an evaluation of the computed tomography lymphangiography (CTL) features of lymphatic plastic bronchitis (PB) and primary chylothorax to improve the diagnostic accuracy for these two diseases.

AIM

To improve the diagnosis of lymphatic PB or primary chylothorax, a retrospective analysis of the clinical features and CTL characteristics of 71 patients diagnosed with lymphatic PB or primary chylothorax was performed.

METHODS

The clinical and CTL data of 71 patients (20 with lymphatic PB, 41 with primary chylothorax, and 10 with lymphatic PB with primary chylothorax) were collected retrospectively. CTL was performed in all patients. The clinical manifestations, CTL findings, and conventional chest CT findings of the three groups of patients were compared. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare the differences among the three groups. A difference was considered to be statistically significant when P < 0.05.

RESULTS

(1) The percentages of abnormal contrast medium deposits on CTL in the three groups were as follows: Thoracic duct outlet in 14 (70.0%), 33 (80.5%) and 8 (80.0%) patients; peritracheal region in 18 (90.0%), 15 (36.6%) and 8 (80.0%) patients; pleura in 6 (30.0%), 33 (80.5%) and 9 (90.0%) patients; pericardium in 6 (30.0%), 6 (14.6%) and 4 (40.0%) patients; and hilum in 16 (80.0%), 11 (26.8%) and 7 (70.0%) patients; and (2) the abnormalities on conventional chest CT in the three groups were as follows: Ground-glass opacity in 19 (95.0%), 18 (43.9%) and 8 (80.0%) patients; atelectasis in 4 (20.0%), 26 (63.4%) and 7 (70.0%) patients; interlobular septal thickening in 12 (60.0%), 11 (26.8%) and 3 (30.0%) patients; bronchovascular bundle thickening in 14 (70.0%), 6 (14.6%) and 4 (40.0%) patients; localized mediastinal changes in 14 (70.0%), 14 (34.1%), and 7 (70.0%) patients; diffuse mediastinal changes in 6 (30.0%), 5 (12.2%), and 3 (30.0%) patients; cystic lesions in the axilla in 2 (10.0%), 6 (14.6%), and 2 (20.0%) patients; and cystic lesions in the chest wall in 0 (0%), 2 (4.9%), and 2 (4.9%) patients.

CONCLUSION

CTL is well suited to clarify the characteristics of lymphatic PB and primary chylothorax. This method is an excellent tool for diagnosing these two diseases.

Exploring and Engineering 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides toward Ultimate SERS Performance

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an ultrasensitive surface analysis technique that is widely used in chemical sensing, bioanalysis, and environmental monitoring. The design of the SERS substrates is crucial for obtaining high-quality SERS signals. Recently, 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDs) have emerged as high-performance SERS substrates due to their superior stability, ease of fabrication, biocompatibility, controllable doping, and tunable bandgaps and excitons. In this review, a systematic overview of the latest advancements in 2D TMDs SERS substrates is provided. This review comprehensively summarizes the candidate 2D TMDs SERS materials, elucidates their working principles for SERS, explores the strategies to optimize their SERS performance, and highlights their practical applications. Particularly delved into are the material engineering strategies, including defect engineering, alloy engineering, thickness engineering, and heterojunction engineering. Additionally, the challenges and future prospects associated with the development of 2D TMDs SERS substrates are discussed, outlining potential directions that may lead to significant breakthroughs in practical applications.

The value of the dermal rim sign on nonenhanced magnetic resonance imaging for predicting dermal backflow in patients with primary lower extremity lymphedema

PURPOSE

The dermal rim sign (DRS) on nonenhanced magnetic resonance imaging has been shown to predict dermal backflow (DBF) in patients with secondary upper limb lymphedema. However, whether the DRS has the same effects on primary lower extremity lymphedema (PLEL) has not been clearly reported. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether the DRS can be used to diagnose DBF on lymphoscintigraphy in patients with PLEL.

METHODS

A total of 94 patients who were diagnosed with PLEL were recruited for this retrospective study from January 2022 to December 2023. All the patients were divided into two groups according to the lymphoscintigraphy findings: no DBF and DBF. The magnetic resonance imaging data of the two groups were recorded and statistically compared for the following indicators: range of lymphedema involvement (left, right, whole lower limbs, only thigh, only calf and ankle), signs of lymphedema (notable thickening of skin, parallel line sign, grid sign, honeycomb sign, band sign, lymph lake sign, crescent sign, DRS), and lymphedema measurement (skin thickness, band width). The DRS is characterized by notable thickening of the skin plus the grid sign and/or honeycomb sign, plus the band sign.

RESULTS

The following statistically significant differences in the following indicators were found between the two groups (P < .05): notable skin thickening, parallel line sign, grid sign, honeycomb sign, band sign, DRS, skin thickness, and band width. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for predicting for DBF with the DRS was 82%, 64%, and 77%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed good consistency between the DRS and DBF from the perspective of imaging. This tool is suitable for children, adolescents, and patients with contraindications to lymphoscintigraphy. The DRS has important value in assessing the severity of PLEL. The DRS is suggested for the clinical use of combined surgical treatment of PLEL.

Neighbouring Synergy in High-Density Single Ir Atoms on CoGaOOH for Efficient Alkaline Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution

The catalytic performance of single-atom catalysts was strictly limited by isolated single-atom sites. Fabricating high-density single atoms to realize the synergetic interaction in neighbouring single atoms could optimize the adsorption behaviors of reaction intermediates, which exhibited great potential to break performance limitations and deepen mechanistic understanding of electrocatalysis. However, the catalytic behavior governed by neighbouring single atoms is particularly elusive and has yet to be understood. Herein, we revealed that the synergetic interaction in neighbouring single atoms contributes to superior performance for oxygen evolution relative to isolated Ir single atoms. Neighbouring single atoms was achieved by fabricating high-density single atoms to narrow the distance between single atoms. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the Nei-Ir1/CoGaOOH with neighbouring Ir single atoms exhibited a low overpotential of 170 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2, and long-durable stability over 2000 h for oxygen evolution. Mechanistic studies revealed that neighbouring single atoms synergetic stabilized the *OOH intermediates via extra hydrogen bonding interactions, thus significantly reducing the reaction energy barriers, as compared to isolated Ir single atoms. The discovery of the synergetic interaction in neighbouring single atoms could offer guidance for the development of efficient electrocatalysts, thus accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy.

Substrate recruitment via eIF2γ enhances catalytic efficiency of a holophosphatase that terminates the integrated stress response

Dephosphorylation of pSer51 of the α subunit of translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2αP) terminates signaling in the integrated stress response (ISR). A trimeric mammalian holophosphatase comprised of a protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) catalytic subunit, the conserved C-terminally located ~70 amino acid core of a substrate-specific regulatory subunit (PPP1R15A/GADD34 or PPP1R15B/CReP) and G-actin (an essential cofactor) efficiently dephosphorylate eIF2αP in vitro. Unlike their viral or invertebrate counterparts, with whom they share the conserved 70 residue core, the mammalian PPP1R15s are large proteins of more than 600 residues. Genetic and cellular observations point to a functional role for regions outside the conserved core of mammalian PPP1R15A in dephosphorylating its natural substrate, the eIF2 trimer. We have combined deep learning technology, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, X-ray crystallography, and biochemistry to uncover binding of the γ subunit of eIF2 to a short helical peptide repeated four times in the functionally important N terminus of human PPP1R15A that extends past its conserved core. Binding entails insertion of Phe and Trp residues that project from one face of an α-helix formed by the conserved repeats of PPP1R15A into a hydrophobic groove exposed on the surface of eIF2γ in the eIF2 trimer. Replacing these conserved Phe and Trp residues with Ala compromises PPP1R15A function in cells and in vitro. These findings suggest mechanisms by which contacts between a distant subunit of eIF2 and elements of PPP1R15A distant to the holophosphatase active site contribute to dephosphorylation of eIF2αP by the core PPP1R15 holophosphatase and to efficient termination of the ISR in mammals.

Metabolome and microbiome analyses of the anti-fatigue mechanism of Acanthopanax senticosus leaves

Acanthopanax senticosus leaves, widely used as a vegetable and tea, are reported to be beneficial in treating neurological disorders. At present, their anti-fatigue effect remains to be established. In this study, we analyzed the composition of the extracts from A. senticosus leaves and confirmed their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties at the cellular level. In mice subjected to exhaustive running on a treadmill, supplementation with A. senticosus leaf extracts enhanced exercise performance and alleviated fatigue via the reversal of exercise-induced 5-HT elevation, metabolic waste accumulation, organ damage, and glucose metabolism-related gene expression. The collective findings from microbiome and metabolomic analyses indicate that A. senticosus leaf extracts increase α-diversity, regulate microbial composition, and reverse exercise-mediated disruption of carbohydrate, creatine, amino acid, and trimethylamine metabolism. This study provides preliminary evidence for the utility of A. senticosus leaves as a promising anti-fatigue food and offers insights into the underlying mechanism.

MRI-Based Machine Learning Fusion Models to Distinguish Encephalitis and Gliomas

This paper aims to compare the performance of the classical machine learning (CML) model and the deep learning (DL) model, and to assess the effectiveness of utilizing fusion radiomics from both CML and DL in distinguishing encephalitis from glioma in atypical cases. We analysed the axial FLAIR images of preoperative MRI in 116 patients pathologically confirmed as gliomas and clinically diagnosed with encephalitis. The 3 CML models (logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM) and multi-layer perceptron (MLP)), 3 DL models (DenseNet 121, ResNet 50 and ResNet 18) and a deep learning radiomic (DLR) model were established, respectively. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) and sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated for the training and validation sets. In addition, a deep learning radiomic nomogram (DLRN) and a web calculator were designed as a tool to aid clinical decision-making. The best DL model (ResNet50) consistently outperformed the best CML model (LR). The DLR model had the best predictive performance, with AUC, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, NPV and PPV of 0.879, 0.929, 0.800, 0.875, 0.867 and 0.889 in the validation sets, respectively. Calibration curve of DLR model shows good agreement between prediction and observation, and the decision curve analysis (DCA) indicated that the DLR model had higher overall net benefit than the other two models (ResNet50 and LR). Meanwhile, the DLRN and web calculator can provide dynamic assessments. Machine learning (ML) models have the potential to non-invasively differentiate between encephalitis and glioma in atypical cases. Furthermore, combining DL and CML techniques could enhance the performance of the ML models.

Value of the short time inversion recovery sequence of magnetic resonance imaging in the staging of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome complicated with lymphedema

OBJECTIVE

Currently, the focus on limb lymphedema (LE) is on classification and staging. However, few scholars have conducted staging for Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome complicated LE (KTS-LE). This study aimed to investigate the value of the short time inversion recovery sequence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the staging of KTS-LE.

METHODS

Forty-six patients who were diagnosed with KTS-LE were recruited for this retrospective study from July 2011 to November 2022. Referring to the clinical staging standard of lower extremity LE of the International Society of Lymphology in 2020, all patients were divided into three groups: stages I, II, and III. The MRI indicators of the three groups were recorded and statistically compared: LE range (unilateral bilateral, lower limbs, only thighs, only calves and ankles), abnormal parts (skin thickening, abnormal subcutaneous fat signal, abnormal muscle signal, muscle hypertrophy or contraction, abnormal bone signal, hyperostosis), and subcutaneous soft tissue signs (parallel line sign, grid sign, band sign, honeycomb sign, lymph lake sign, crescent sign, and nebula sign).

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the honeycomb sign among the three periods (P = .028). There was a significant difference between stage II and stage I disease (P < .05). There was a significant difference between stage II and stage III disease (P < .05). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the honeycomb sign in diagnosing KTS-LE of stage II were 87.5%, 63.2%, 33.3%, 96.0%, and 67.4%, respectively. In contrast, the other signs were not statistically significant among the three periods.

CONCLUSIONS

The short time inversion recovery sequence of MRI is of great value in KTS-LE. The honeycomb sign is an important imaging indicator for the diagnosis of stage II disease. It is necessary to evaluate the severity of edema with MRI for KTS-LE, which is very important for therapeutic options.

Structure of the p53 degradation complex from HPV16

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant contributor to the global cancer burden, and its carcinogenic activity is facilitated in part by the HPV early protein 6 (E6), which interacts with the E3-ligase E6AP, also known as UBE3A, to promote degradation of the tumor suppressor, p53. In this study, we present a single-particle cryoEM structure of the full-length E6AP protein in complex with HPV16 E6 (16E6) and p53, determined at a resolution of ~3.3 Å. Our structure reveals extensive protein-protein interactions between 16E6 and E6AP, explaining their picomolar binding affinity. These findings shed light on the molecular basis of the ternary complex, which has been pursued as a potential therapeutic target for HPV-driven cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers over the last two decades. Understanding the structural and mechanistic underpinnings of this complex is crucial for developing effective therapies to combat HPV-induced cancers. Our findings may help to explain why previous attempts to disrupt this complex have failed to generate therapeutic modalities and suggest that current strategies should be reevaluated.

Probing Oxidation Mechanisms in Plasmonic Catalysis: Unraveling the Role of Reactive Oxygen Species

Plasmon-induced oxidation has conventionally been attributed to the transfer of plasmonic hot holes. However, this theoretical framework encounters challenges in elucidating the latest experimental findings, such as enhanced catalytic efficiency under uncoupled irradiation conditions and superior oxidizability of silver nanoparticles. Herein, we employ liquid surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as a real-time and in situ tool to explore the oxidation mechanisms in plasmonic catalysis, taking the decarboxylation of p-mercaptobenzoic acid (PMBA) as a case study. Our findings suggest that the plasmon-induced oxidation is driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS) rather than hot holes, holding true for both the Au and Ag nanoparticles. Subsequent investigations suggest that plasmon-induced ROS may arise from hot carriers or energy transfer mechanisms, exhibiting selectivity under different experimental conditions. The observations were substantiated by investigating the cleavage of the carbon-boron bonds. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms were clarified by energy level theories, advancing our understanding of plasmonic catalysis.

Gram-level NH3 Electrosynthesis via NOx reduction on a Cu Activated Co Electrode

Ambient electrochemical ammonia (NH3 ) synthesis is one promising alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch route. However, the industrial requirement for the electrochemical NH3 production with amperes current densities or gram-level NH3 yield remains a grand challenge. Herein, we report the high-rate NH3 production via NO2 - reduction using the Cu activated Co electrode in a bipolar membrane (BPM) assemble electrolyser, wherein BPM maintains the ion balance and the liquid level of electrolyte. Benefited from the abundant Co sites and optimal structure, the target modified Co foam electrode delivers a current density of 2.64 A cm-2 with the Faradaic efficiency of 96.45 % and the high NH3 yield rate of 279.44 mg h-1  cm-2 in H-type cell using alkaline electrolyte. Combined with in situ experiments and theoretical calculations, we found that Cu optimizes the adsorption behavior of NO2 - and facilitates the hydrogenation steps on Co sites toward a rapid NO2 - reduction process. Importantly, this activated Co electrode affords a large NH3 production up to 4.11 g h-1 in a homemade reactor, highlighting its large-scale practical feasibility.

Fusion Radiomics-Based Prediction of Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Osteosarcoma

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is the most crucial prognostic factor for osteosarcoma (OS), it significantly prolongs progression-free survival and improves the quality of life. This study aims to develop a deep learning radiomics (DLR) model to accurately predict the response to NAC in patients diagnosed with OS using preoperative MR images.

METHODS

We reviewed axial T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (T1CE) of 106 patients pathologically confirmed as OS. First, the Auto3DSeg framework was utilized for automated OS segmentation. Second, using three feature extraction methods, nine risk classification models were constructed based on three classifiers. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value and positive predictive value were calculated for performance evaluation. Additionally, we developed a deep learning radiomics nomogram with clinical indicators.

RESULTS

The model for OS automatic segmentation achieved a Dice coefficient of 0.868 across datasets. To predict the response to NAC, the DLR model achieved the highest prediction performance with an accuracy of 93.8% and an AUC of 0.961 in the test sets. We used calibration curves to assess the predictive ability of the models and performed decision curve analysis to evaluate the clinical net benefit of the DLR model.

CONCLUSION

The DLR model can serve as a pragmatic prediction tool, capable of identifying patients with poor response to NAC, providing information for risk counseling, and assisting in making clinical treatment decisions. Poor responders are better advised to undergo immunotherapy and receive the best supportive care.

[Progress in research of epidemiology of relapsing fever and prevention and control measures]

Relapsing fever, caused by Borreliae of the relapsing fever groups, is an infectious disease, which would cause spirochaetaemia and repeated fever in human. To comprehensively understand the classification and distribution of relapsing fever, as well as correlated factors, this paper summarizes the progress in research of epidemiology of relapsing fever in the world, and suggests prevention and control measures. The disease is heterogenous and can be divided into three groups according to vectors, i.e. tick-borne relapsing fever, louse-borne relapsing fever and the avian relapsing fever. Tick borne relapsing fever can be further divided into two types: soft tick transmission and hard tick transmission. Soft tick-borne relapsing fever generally has obvious geographical distribution characteristics, while hard tick-borne relapsing fever is widely distributed all over the world. Louse-borne relapsing fever, also known as epidemic forms of relapsing fever, is caused by body lice, and the incidence is usually associated with war, famine, refugees and poor sanitation. The prevention and control of relapsing fever should be based on local conditions.

Discovery of reactive peptide inhibitors of human papillomavirus oncoprotein E6

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections account for nearly all cervical cancer cases, which is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. High-risk variants, including HPV16, drive tumorigenesis in part by promoting the degradation of the tumor suppressor p53. This degradation is mediated by the HPV early protein 6 (E6), which recruits the E3 ubiquitin ligase E6AP and redirects its activity towards ubiquitinating p53. Targeting the protein interaction interface between HPV E6 and E6AP is a promising modality to mitigate HPV-mediated degradation of p53. In this study, we designed a covalent peptide inhibitor, termed reactide, that mimics the E6AP LXXLL binding motif by selectively targeting cysteine 58 in HPV16 E6 with quantitative conversion. This reactide provides a starting point in the development of covalent peptidomimetic inhibitors for intervention against HPV-driven cancers.

Cryo-EM structure of human PAPP-A2 and mechanism of substrate recognition

Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A isoforms, PAPP-A and PAPP-A2, are metalloproteases that cleave insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) to modulate insulin-like growth factor signaling. The structures of homodimeric PAPP-A in complex with IGFBP5 anchor peptide, and inhibitor proteins STC2 and proMBP have been recently reported. Here, we present the single-particle cryo-EM structure of the monomeric, N-terminal LG, MP, and the M1 domains (with the exception of LNR1/2) of human PAPP-A2 to 3.13 Å resolution. Our structure together with functional studies provides insight into a previously reported patient mutation that inactivates PAPP-A2 in a distal region of the protein. Using a combinational approach, we suggest that PAPP-A2 recognizes IGFBP5 in a similar manner as PAPP-A and show that PAPP-A2 cleaves IGFBP5 less efficiently due to differences in the M2 domain. Overall, our studies characterize the cleavage mechanism of IGFBP5 by PAPP-A2 and shed light onto key differences with its paralog PAPP-A.

MRI-based volume measurement methods for staging primary lower extremity lymphedema: a single-center study of asymmetric volume difference-a diagnostic study

BACKGROUND

Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) staging is mainly assessed by systems that solely depend on physical examinations and lack quantitative assessment based on modern imaging.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the value of MRI-based asymmetric volume measurements in the clinical staging of primary LEL.

METHODS

92 patients with unilateral primary LEL underwent MRI examinations to determine the volume of the mid-calf (Vcl) calculated using the clinical dermatome method as well as the total volume (Vmri), musculoskeletal volume (VM), and subcutaneous volume (VS) volume of the middle calves. The difference between Vmri (DVmri) and VS (DVS) of the affected and unaffected calves was obtained and defined as the asymmetric volume difference. Meanwhile, the volume of the mid-calf (Vcl) and the difference in volume (DVcl) were calculated using the clinical circumferential method. The relationship between the asymmetric volume difference and clinical staging was then evaluated. Interobserver consistency was assessed through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Volume comparisons between the three groups were performed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or the Kruskal-Wallis test. Spearman's correlation was used to assess volume and clinical stage correlation. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the value of asymmetric volume difference for clinical staging.

RESULTS

The asymmetric volume difference was statistically significant in stage I compared to stages II and III (p < 0.05). The asymmetric volume difference (DVmri: r = 0.753; DVS: r = 0.759) correlated more with the clinical stage than the affected Vcl (r = 0.581), Vmri (r = 0.628), VS (r = 0.743), and DVcl (r = 0.718). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for identifying the clinical stage by the asymmetric volume difference was greater than that for the affected Vcl, Vmri, VS, and DVcl, with DVS (AUC = 0.951) having the largest area under the curve to distinguish between stages I and II.

CONCLUSION

MRI-based asymmetric volume difference is an adjunctive measure for LEL clinical staging with good reproducibility. DVS could be the best indicator for differentiating between stages I and II of primary LEL.

Long-term effects of natalizumab on MRI activity and clinical outcomes in Japanese patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most common phenotype of multiple sclerosis (MS), and its active stage is characterized by active T2 lesions with or without gadolinium (Gd) enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Natalizumab is indicated as monotherapy in adults with active RRMS in Japan. The main objective of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of natalizumab on disease progression in Japanese patients with RRMS using MRI data.

METHODS

This retrospective, chart review study was conducted at a single center in Japan. The main study outcome was the yearly proportion of patients with active T2-weighted image lesions detected with or without Gd enhancement on brain MRI (incidence rate) after treatment initiation for up to 5 years. Additional endpoints included annual relapse rate (ARR) and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score.

RESULTS

This study included data from 85 patients with RRMS who had received natalizumab for ≥ 1 year; of these, 65 (76.5%) were female and the mean ± standard deviation (SD) age at baseline was 37.5 ± 10.0 years. The incidence rate of active T2 lesions was 52.9% (45/85) in the year prior to natalizumab treatment (Year - 1), which decreased to 2.4% and 1.6% in Year 0.5-1.5 and Year 1.5-2.5, respectively. No active T2 lesions were detected in Year 2.5-5.5 in patients who continued natalizumab treatment. EDSS score was stable, improved, and worsened in 61.8%, 26.3%, and 11.8% of patients, respectively. The median (range) EDSS score was 2.0 (0.0-7.0) at baseline (n = 85) and remained within a similar range (median score between 1.0 and 2.25 during Years 1-5). ARR decreased from 1.12 relapses per year at baseline to 0.12 relapses per year during Year 1 and remained below 0.15 relapses per year up to Year 5.

CONCLUSION

The results of this first long-term study evaluating the effect of natalizumab on MRI activity and clinical outcomes in Japanese patients with RRMS suggest that natalizumab markedly reduced disease activity and maintained effectiveness over several years.

Alloy Engineering Allows On-Demand Design of Ultrasensitive Monolayer Semiconductor SERS Substrates

The chemical mechanism (CM) of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been recognized as a decent approach to mildly amplify Raman scattering. However, the insufficient charge transfer (CT) between the SERS substrate and molecules always results in unsatisfying Raman enhancement, exerting a substantial restriction for CM-based SERS. In principle, CT is dominated by the coupling between the energy levels of a semiconductor-molecule system and the laser wavelength, whereas precise tuning of the energy levels is intrinsically difficult. Herein, two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenide alloys, whose energy levels can be precisely and continuously tuned over a wide range by simply adjusting their compositions, are investigated. The alloys enable on-demand construction of the CT resonance channels to cater to the requirements of a specific target molecule in SERS. The SERS signals are highly reproducible, and a clear view of the SERS dependences on the energy levels is revealed for different CT resonance terms.

Quantitative evaluation of primary lower extremity lymphedema staging using MRI: a preliminary study

Background

The staging of primary lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) is difficult yet vital in clinical work, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used for quantitative assessment of primary LEL due to its high resolution for soft tissues. In this study, we evaluated the value of MRI-based soft tissue area measurements for staging primary LEL.

Methods

A total of 90 consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed primary lower limb lymphoedema from January 2017 to December 2019 in Beijing Shijitan Hospital were enrolled retrospectively. Short time inversion recovery (STIR) sequence was applied to measure the total, muscle, bone, and subcutaneous areas in the upper 1/3 level of the bilateral lower calf. The difference between the affected and unaffected calf regarding the subcutaneous area was obtained, and (subcutaneous area)/(bone area) and (subcutaneous area)/(muscle area) were calculated. According to the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) clinical staging standard established in 2020, all patients were divided into stages I, II, and III, accordingly. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the validity of MRI measurements in staging LEL.

Results

There were 33 patients classified as stage I clinically, 44 patients as stage II, and 13 patients as stage III. There were significant differences in total, subcutaneous, the difference in subcutaneous area of limbs, subcutaneous/bone (S/B), and subcutaneous/muscle (S/M) between stage I and II as well as between stage I and III (P<0.001), but not between stage II and III (P=0.706, 0.329, and 0.229, respectively). A positive correlation was detected between the clinical stage and difference in subcutaneous area of limbs (rho =0.752, P<0.001), S/B (rho =0.747, P<0.001), S/M (rho =0.709, P<0.001), and subcutaneous (rho =0.723, P<0.001). For staging primary LEL, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated that the difference in subcutaneous area of limbs had the best discrimination ability among parameters [area under the ROC curve (AUC) =0.950; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.875-0.987; sensitivity: 95.45%; specificity: 84.85%], followed by S/B (AUC =0.930; 95% CI: 0.848-0.975; sensitivity: 77.27%; specificity: 93.94%) and S/M (AUC =0.895; 95% CI: 0.804-0.953; sensitivity: 77.27%; specificity: 90.91%). The ROC curves indicated that subcutaneous area (AUC =0.927; 95% CI: 0.844-0.974; sensitivity: 84.09%, specificity: 90.91%) and total (AUC =0.852; 95% CI: 0.753-0.923; sensitivity: 70.45%; specificity: 90.91%) also had discrimination ability between stage I and II.

Conclusions

The measurement of the soft tissue area of the calf may be used as an auxiliary method for staging primary LEL. For patients with unilateral primary LEL, the difference in subcutaneous area of limbs could be a specific indicator to distinguish clinical stage I from II.

Comparative multi-model study of PM2.5 acidity trend changes in ammonia-rich regions in winter: Based on a new ammonia concentration assessment method

Air quality in ammonia-rich regions such as Zhengzhou is improving year by year, however, fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) pollution is serious in winter. Aerosol acidity (pH) affects every aspect of the surrounding particle composition and environment. Thermodynamic models of gaseous and particulate composition datasets can provide pH estimates. Nevertheless, for ammonia-rich regions in the presence of prolonged NH₃ deficiency, the thermodynamic model is limited in calculating pH by using only datasets composed of the particulate phase. In this study, an NH₃ concentration calculation method was established via SPSS-coupled multiple linear regression to simulate the trend of NH₃ concentration over a long period of time and to assess the long-term pH value in ammonia-rich regions. The reliability of this method was verified using multiple models. The range of NH₃ concentration change from 2013 to 2020 was found to be 4.3-68.6 μg·m^-3, and the range of pH change was 4.5-6.0. The pH sensitivity analysis indicated that decreasing aerosol precursor concentrations and variations in temperature and relative humidity were the driving factors for aerosol pH changes. Therefore, policies to reduce NH₃ emissions are becoming increasingly necessary. This study provides a feasibility analysis for reducing PM_2.5, thus achieving standards in ammonia-rich regions, including Zhengzhou.

Can Cytokine Detection Predict the Occurrence and Outcome of aGVHD after Allo-HCT? A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Many cytokines play essential roles in the occurrence and development of acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD). This study aims to validate whether 11 proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines can be a candidate for aGVHD biomarkers to predict its occurrence and outcome.

METHODS

Out of 178 patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, we retrospectively enrolled 32 cases into the pre-transplant cohort and 45 cases into the post-transplant cohort. The serum cytokine concentrations were determined by flow cytometry. The control and experimental groups were non-aGVHD, I-II aGVHD and III-IV aGVHD groups, respectively. Risk factors and overall survival (OS) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

In the pre-transplant cohort, interleukin (IL)-2 decreased in patients with aGVHD, and IL-4 only reduced in patients with III-IV aGVHD. In the post-transplant cohort, only IL-4 increased 1.79 times more in patients with III-IV aGVHD than in the other two groups. Patients with gastrointestinal (GI) aGVHD had lower IL-2, IL-4 and IL-17F levels pre-transplant and lower IL-2 post-transplant. None of the other cytokines was significantly different. Logistic regression analysis showed that no cytokine could predict the occurrence and outcome of aGVHD. Diarrhea within 15 days post-transplant is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of aGVHD and a risk factor for a fatal outcome. Patients without diarrhea had longer survival time of 672 (586-757) days vs 444 (229-548) days and better 2-year OS (85.7% vs 46.4%) than those with diarrhea. Compared to patients with aGVHD, patients without aGVHD had a longer survival time of 618 (530-706) days vs 449 (353-545) days and better 2-year OS (76.2% vs 47.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines can provide specific indications for the occurrence and progression of aGVHD. However, to truly guide the diagnosis and prognosis, cytokines with larger sample sizes, more detection time points and more accurate diagnostic efficacy need to be further studied.

[Changes in Secondary Inorganic Ions in PM2.5 at Different Pollution Stages Before and After COVID-19 Control]

To investigate the change characteristics of secondary inorganic ions in PM_2.5 at different pollution stages before and after COVID-19, the online monitoring of winter meteorological and atmospheric pollutant concentrations in Zhengzhou from December 15, 2019 to February 15, 2020 was conducted using a high-resolution (1 h) online instrument. This study analyzed the causes of the haze process of COVID-19, the diurnal variation characteristics of air pollutants, and the distribution characteristics of air pollutants at different stages of haze.The results showed that Zhengzhou was mainly controlled by the high-pressure ridge during the haze process, and the weather situation was stable, which was conducive to the accumulation of air pollutants. SNA was the main component of water-soluble ions, accounting for more than 90%. Home isolation measures during COVID-19 had different impacts on the distribution characteristics of air pollutants in different haze stages. After COVID-19, the concentration of PM_2.5 in the clean, occurrence, and dissipation stages increased compared with that before COVID-19 but significantly decreased in the development stage. The home isolation policy significantly reduced the high value of PM_2.5. The concentrations of NO₂, SO₂, NH₃, and CO were the highest in the haze development stage, showing a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The concentration of O₃ was lowest in the pre-COVID-19 development stage but highest in the post-COVID-19 development stage. The linear correlation between[NH₄⁺]/[SO₄^2-] and[NO₃^-]/[SO₄^2-] at different time periods before and after COVID-19 was strong, indicating that the home isolation policy of COVID-19 did not change the generation mode of NO₃^-, and the corresponding reaction was always the main generation mode of NO₃^-. The correlation between[excess-NH₄⁺] and[NO₃^-] was high in different periods before COVID-19, and NO₃^- generation was related to the increase in NH₃ or NH₄⁺ in the process of PM_2.5 pollution in Zhengzhou.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes for treatment of sepsis

Introduction

The pathogenesis of sepsis is an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. At the onset of sepsis, the lungs are severely affected, and the injury progresses to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with a mortality rate of up to 40%. Currently, there is no effective treatment for sepsis. Cellular therapies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been initiated in clinical trials for both ARDS and sepsis based on a wealth of pre-clinical data. However, there remains concern that MSCs may pose a tumor risk when administered to patients. Recent pre-clinical studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) for the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI) and sepsis.

Methods

After recovery of initial surgical preparation, pneumonia/sepsis was induced in 14 adult female sheep by the instillation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (~1.0×1011 CFU) into the lungs by bronchoscope under anesthesia and analgesia. After the injury, sheep were mechanically ventilated and continuously monitored for 24 h in a conscious state in an ICU setting. After the injury, sheep were randomly allocated into two groups: Control, septic sheep treated with vehicle, n=7; and Treatment, septic sheep treated with MSC-EVs, n=7. MSC-EVs infusions (4ml) were given intravenously one hour after the injury.

Results

The infusion of MSCs-EVs was well tolerated without adverse events. PaO2/FiO2 ratio in the treatment group tended to be higher than the control from 6 to 21 h after the lung injury, with no significant differences between the groups. No significant differences were found between the two groups in other pulmonary functions. Although vasopressor requirement in the treatment group tended to be lower than in the control, the net fluid balance was similarly increased in both groups as the severity of sepsis progressed. The variables reflecting microvascular hyperpermeability were comparable in both groups.

Conclusion

We have previously demonstrated the beneficial effects of bone marrow-derived MSCs (10×106 cells/kg) in the same model of sepsis. However, despite some improvement in pulmonary gas exchange, the present study demonstrated that EVs isolated from the same amount of bone marrow-derived MSCs failed to attenuate the severity of multiorgan dysfunctions.

Flexible plasmonic nanocavities: a universal platform for the identification of molecular orientations

The molecular orientation provides fundamental images to understand molecular behaviors in chemistry. Herein, we propose and demonstrate sandwich plasmonic nanocavities as a surface-selection ruler to illustrate the molecular orientations by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The field vector in the plasmonic nanocavity presents a transverse spinning feature under specific excitations, allowing the facile modulation of the field polarizations to selectively amplify the Raman modes of the target molecules. It does not require the knowledge of the Raman spectrum of a bare molecule as a standard and thus can be extended as a universal ruler for the identification of molecular orientations. We investigated the most widely used Raman probe, Rhodamine 6G (R6G) on the Au surface and tried to clarify the arguments about its orientations from our perspectives. The experimental results suggest concentration-dependent adsorption configurations of R6G: it adsorbs on Au primarily via an ethylamine group with the xanthene ring lying flatly on the metal surface at low concentrations, and the molecular orientation gradually changes from "flat" to "upright" with the increase of molecular concentrations.

Effects of New Mutations in BMPRIB, GDF9, BMP15, LEPR, and B4GALNT2 Genes on Litter Size in Sheep

Prolificacy is a crucial characteristic of livestock, particularly for species such as sheep that have many births. The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to investigate the genetic diversity of the 13 new and 7 known variants in the BMPRIB, GDF9, BMP15, LEPR, and B4GALNT2 genes in Ujimqin (UM), the F1 population of Dorper × Ujimqin crossbred (DPU), the F1 population of Suffolk × Ujimqin crossbred (SFKU), Sonid sheep (SN), Tan sheep (Tan), Hu sheep (Hu), and Small-tailed Han sheep (STH) sheep breeds/populations; (2) to perform an association analysis of the above 20 variants with litter size in 325 UM, 304 DPU, and 66 SFKU sheep populations; (3) to compare the frequencies of the litter-size-related alleles of these 20 variants among 8 sheep breeds/populations (the above seven sheep breeds + Mongolia sheep breed). With the use of the Sequenom MassARRAY®SNP assay technology, these 20 mutations were genotyped. The association analysis results showed that the c.746A>G (FecB) mutation in BMPR1B was significantly associated with the litter size of UM and DPU, the c.994A>G (FecGA) in GDF9 was significantly associated with the litter size of SFKU, and the c.31_33CTTinsdel (B1) in BMP15 was significantly associated with the litter size of UM. Our findings might provide valuable genetic markers for expanding sheep litter sizes.

Supply chains create global benefits from improved vaccine accessibility

Ensuring a more equitable distribution of vaccines worldwide is an effective strategy to control global pandemics and support economic recovery. We analyze the socioeconomic effects - defined as health gains, lockdown-easing effect, and supply-chain rebuilding benefit - of a set of idealized COVID-19 vaccine distribution scenarios. We find that an equitable vaccine distribution across the world would increase global economic benefits by 11.7% ($950 billion per year), compared to a scenario focusing on vaccinating the entire population within vaccine-producing countries first and then distributing vaccines to non-vaccine-producing countries. With limited doses among low-income countries, prioritizing the elderly who are at high risk of dying, together with the key front-line workforce who are at high risk of exposure is projected to be economically beneficial (e.g., 0.9%~3.4% annual GDP in India). Our results reveal how equitable distributions would cascade more protection of vaccines to people and ways to improve vaccine equity and accessibility globally through international collaboration.

Risk prediction of second primary malignancies in primary colorectal neuroendocrine neoplasms patients: a population-based study

PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to identify risk factors for developing second primary malignancies (SPMs) in colorectal neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) patients and develop a competing-risk nomogram to predict SPMs' probabilities quantitatively.

METHODS

Patients with colorectal NENs were retrospectively collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database during 2000-2013. Potential risk factors for SPMs' occurrence in colorectal NENs' patients were identified by the Fine and Gray's proportional sub-distribution hazards model. Then, a competing-risk nomogram was constructed to quantify SPMs' probabilities. The discriminative abilities and calibrations of this competing-risk nomogram were assessed by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) and calibration curves.

RESULTS

We identified 11,017 colorectal NENs' patients, and randomly divided them into training (n = 7711 patients) and validation (n = 3306 patients) cohorts. In the whole cohort, 12.4% patients (n = 1369) had developed SPMs during the maximum follow-up of approximately 19 years (median 8.9 years). Sex, age, race, primary tumor location, and chemotherapy were identified as risk factors for SPMs' occurrence in colorectal NENs' patients. Such factors were selected to develop a competing-risk nomogram and showed excellent predictive ability for SPMs' occurrence (the 3-, 5-, and 10-year AUC values were 0.631, 0.632, and 0.629 in the training cohort and 0.665, 0.639, 0.624 in the validation cohort, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This research identified risk factors for SPMs' occurrence in colorectal NENs' patients. Competing-risk nomogram was constructed and proved to have good performance.

VSe2-x O x @Pd Sensor for Operando Self-Monitoring of Palladium-Catalyzed Reactions

Operando monitoring of catalytic reaction kinetics plays a key role in investigating the reaction pathways and revealing the reaction mechanisms. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been demonstrated as an innovative tool in tracking molecular dynamics in heterogeneous reactions. However, the SERS performance of most catalytic metals is inadequate. In this work, we propose hybridized VSe_2-x O _x @Pd sensors to track the molecular dynamics in Pd-catalyzed reactions. Benefiting from metal-support interactions (MSI), the VSe_2-x O _x @Pd realizes strong charge transfer and enriched density of states near the Fermi level, thereby strongly intensifying the photoinduced charge transfer (PICT) to the adsorbed molecules and consequently enhancing the SERS signals. The excellent SERS performance of the VSe_2-x O _x @Pd offers the possibility for self-monitoring the Pd-catalyzed reaction. Taking the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction as an example, operando investigations of Pd-catalyzed reactions were demonstrated on the VSe_2-x O _x @Pd, and the contributions from PICT resonance were illustrated by wavelength-dependent studies. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of improved SERS performance of catalytic metals by modulating the MSI and offers a valid means to investigate the mechanisms of Pd-catalyzed reactions based on VSe_2-x O _x @Pd sensors.

High-specificity molecular sensing on an individual whispering-gallery-mode cavity: coupling-enhanced Raman scattering by photoinduced charge transfer and cavity effects

Optical whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) cavities have gained considerable interest because of their unique properties of enhanced light-matter interactions. Conventional WGM sensing is based on the mechanisms of mode shift, mode broadening, or mode splitting, which requires a small mode volume and an ultrahigh Q-factor. Besides, WGM sensing suffers from a lack of specificity in identifying substances, and additional chemical functionalization or incorporation of plasmonic materials is required for achieving good specificity. Herein, we propose a new sensing method based on an individual WGM cavity to achieve ultrasensitive and high-specificity molecular sensing, which combines the features of enhanced light-matter interactions on the WGM cavity and the "fingerprint spectrum" of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This method identifies the substance by monitoring the Raman signal enhanced by the WGM cavity rather than monitoring the variation of the WGM itself. Therefore, ultrasensitive and high-specificity molecular sensing can be accomplished even on a low-Q cavity. The working principles of the proposed sensing method were also systematically investigated in terms of photoinduced charge transfer, Purcell effect, and optical resonance coupling. This work provides a new WGM sensing approach as well as a strategy for the design of a high-performance SERS substrate by creating an optical resonance mode.

[Preclinical Image Quality Evaluation of Simultaneous Vision Intraocular Lenses]

Three different preclinical evaluation methods of MTF through-frequency response, MTF through-focus-response and expected visual acuity were used to compare and analyze the imaging differences of IOLs with four different optical designs. The research work could be used in the simultaneous vision IOLs in the optical design stage and verify the optical quality of the IOLs, the results can predict the visual representation of the patients better. The evaluation results can provide reference for IOL manufacturers and users in product design, development, validation and application selection.

Ultra-dense plasmonic nanogap arrays for reorientable molecular fluorescence enhancement and spectrum reshaping

Understanding interactions between molecular transition and intense electromagnetic fields confined by plasmon nanostructures is of great significance due to their huge potential in fundamental cavity quantum electrodynamics and practical applications. Here, we report reorientable plasmon-enhanced fluorescence leveraging the flexibilities in densely-packed gold nanogap arrays by template-assisted depositions. By finely adjusting the symmetry of the unit structure, arrays of nanogaps along two nearly-orthogonal axes can be tailored collectively with spacing down to sub-10 nm on a single chip, facilitating distinct "inter-cell" and "intra-cell" plasmon couplings. Through engineering two sets of nanogaps, the varying hybridization-induced plasmonic bonding modes lead to adjustable splitting of the fluorescence emission peak with a width up to 81 nm and narrowing of linewidths up to a factor of 3. Besides, polarization anisotropy with a ratio up to 63% is obtained on the basis of spectrally separated local hotspots with discrepant oscillation directions. The developed plasmonic nanogap array is envisaged to provide a promising chip-scale, cost-effective platform for advancing fluorescence-based detection and emission technologies in both classical and quantum regimes.

The Effect of Cementitious Materials on the Engineering Properties and Pore Structure of Concrete with Recycled Fine Aggregate

With the rapid development of urbanization, the construction industry consumes a lot of cement and produces a large amount of construction waste. To overcome this situation, the rational use of recycled aggregate produced from waste concrete is one of solutions. In some countries, the building industry has approved the use of recycled coarse aggregates in concrete, with some limits. However, practically all existing standards and regulations prohibit the use of recycled fine aggregate (RFA) in concrete. Therefore, study on improving the performance of RFA concrete is vital. In this study, the effects of fly ash and GGBS on concrete with RFA were investigated. Compressive strength, pore structure, drying shrinkage and accelerated carbonation were tested. The correlation between the pore structure and properties of concrete was analyzed. The results show that adding fly ash and GGBS to RFA concrete increased its compressive strength, modified pore structure, reduced drying shrinkage, and even achieved higher compressive strength and lower drying shrinkage than normal concrete. The compressive strength was mainly affected by the capillary pores, and the carbonation was mainly affected by the gel pores.

High-Energy and Long-Lived Zn-MnO2 Battery Enabled by a Hydrophobic-Ion-Conducting Membrane

Alkaline Zn-MnO₂ batteries feature high security, low cost, and environmental friendliness while suffering from severe electrochemical irreversibility for both the Zn anode and MnO₂ cathode. Although neutral electrolytes are supposed to improve the reversibility of the Zn anode, the MnO₂ cathode indeed experiences a capacity degradation caused by the Jahn-Teller effect of the Mn³⁺ ion, thus shortening the lifespan of the neutral Zn-MnO₂ batteries. Theoretically, the MnO₂ cathode undergoes a highly reversible two-electron redox reaction of the MnO₂/Mn²⁺ couple in strongly acidic electrolytes. However, acidic electrolytes would inevitably accelerate the corrosion of the Zn anode, making long-lived acidic Zn-MnO₂ batteries impossible. Herein, to overcome the challenges faced by Zn-MnO₂ batteries, we propose a hybrid Zn-MnO₂ battery (HZMB) by coupling the neutral Zn anode with the acidic MnO₂ cathode, wherein the neutral anode and acidic cathode are separated by a proton-shuttle-shielding and hydrophobic-ion-conducting membrane. Benefiting from the optimized reaction conditions for both the MnO₂ cathode and Zn anode as well as the well-designed membrane, the HZMB exhibits a high working voltage of 2.05 V and a long lifespan of 2275 h (2000 cycles), breaking through the limitations of Zn-MnO₂ batteries in terms of voltage and cycle life.

Investigation of the Plasmon-Activated C-C Coupling Reactions by Liquid-State SERS Measurement

The implementation of plasmonic materials in heterogeneous catalysis was limited due to the lack of experimental access in managing the plasmonic hot carriers. Herein, we propose a liquid-state surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique to manipulate and visualize heterogeneous photocatalysis with transparent plasmonic chips. The liquid-state measurement conquers the difficulties that arise from the plasmon-induced thermal effects, and thus the plasmon based strategies can be extended to investigate a wider range of catalytic reactions. We demonstrated the selection of reaction products by modulating the plasmonic hot carriers and explored the mechanisms in several typical C-C coupling reactions with 4-bromothiophenol (4-BTP) as reactants. The real-time experimental results suggest brand new mechanisms of the formation of C-C bonds on plasmonic metal nanoparticles (NPs): the residue of 4-BTP, but not thiophenol (TP), is responsible for the C-C coupling. Furthermore, this technique was extended to study the evolution of the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction on nonplasmonic palladium metals by establishing the charge transfer channels between palladium and Au NPs. The cleavage and formation of chemical bonds in each individual reaction step were discerned, and the corresponding working mechanisms were clarified.

Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Yellow ZrN Ceramic with Addition of Solid Solution of TiN

As a superhard ceramic with a yellow color and excellent electrical conductivity, ZrN has potential applications in the field of decoration, but it is limited by its poor mechanical properties. In this work, the mechanical properties of ZrN ceramic were improved by forming a (Zr, Ti)N solid solution via spark plasma sintering of a ZrN and TiN powder mixture. The influences of the amount of TiN additive on the sinterability, microstructure, color, and mechanical properties of ZrN ceramic were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and microstructural images indicated that Ti atoms dissolved into a ZrN lattice, and a (Zr, Ti)N solid solution was formed during the sintering process. When the content of TiN was 10 vol%, the obtained (Zr, Ti)N composite exhibited the best comprehensive mechanical properties; the Vickers hardness, flexural strength, and fracture toughness were 15.17 GPa, 520 MPa, and 6.03 MPa·m^1/2, respectively. The color coordinates and color temperature diagram revealed the addition of TiN hardly impacted the color performance of the ZrN ceramic.

[Study on Clear Optic Evaluation Method of Intraocular Lenses]

The study explored the methods of determining the diameter of clear optic of intraocular lenses by analyzing the design principles and influencing factors of clear optic. Measure and compare the clear optic diameters of intraocular lenses from -10.0 D to 36.0 D respectively. The measurement results of the two methods have good consistency and can be used in the measurement of clear optic. But considering the accuracy and convenience of actual measurement, profile projector measurement principle is more suitable for conventional mass production testing. The Schlieren technique method can provide more useful information in product development and feature description stage, and can be used as an auxiliary verification method for clear optic diameter measurement.

Structure of the PAPP-ABP5 complex reveals mechanism of substrate recognition

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling is highly conserved and tightly regulated by proteases including Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A). PAPP-A and its paralog PAPP-A2 are metalloproteases that mediate IGF bioavailability through cleavage of IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). Here, we present single-particle cryo-EM structures of the catalytically inactive mutant PAPP-A (E483A) in complex with a peptide from its substrate IGFBP5 (PAPP-A_BP5) and also in its substrate-free form, by leveraging the power of AlphaFold to generate a high quality predicted model as a starting template. We show that PAPP-A is a flexible trans-dimer that binds IGFBP5 via a 25-amino acid anchor peptide which extends into the metalloprotease active site. This unique IGFBP5 anchor peptide that mediates the specific PAPP-A-IGFBP5 interaction is not found in other PAPP-A substrates. Additionally, we illustrate the critical role of the PAPP-A central domain as it mediates both IGFBP5 recognition and trans-dimerization. We further demonstrate that PAPP-A trans-dimer formation and distal inter-domain interactions are both required for efficient proteolysis of IGFBP4, but dispensable for IGFBP5 cleavage. Together the structural and biochemical studies reveal the mechanism of PAPP-A substrate binding and selectivity.

Flexible Two-Dimensional Vanadium Carbide MXene-Based Membranes with Ultra-Rapid Molecular Enrichment for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

Two-dimensional (2D) MXene materials have attracted broad interest in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications by virtue of their abundant surface terminations and excellent photoelectric properties. Herein, we propose to design highly sensitive MXene-based SERS membranes by integrating a 2D downsizing strategy with molecular enrichment approaches. Two types of 2D vanadium carbide (V₄C₃ and V₂C) MXenes are demonstrated for ultrasensitive SERS sensing, and corresponding SERS mechanisms including the effect of 2D vanadium carbide thickness on their electron density states and interfacial photoinduced charge transfer resonance were discussed. A 2D downsizing strategy authorizes nonplasmonic SERS detection with a sensitivity of 1 × 10^-7 M. Moreover, the performance can be further upgraded by vacuum-assisted filtration, which enables an ultrarapid molecular enrichment (within 2 min), ultrahigh molecular removal rate (over 95%), and improved sensitivity (5 × 10^-9 M). This work may shed light on the MXene-based materials as an innovative platform for nonplasmonic SERS detection.

How trust in coworkers fosters knowledge sharing in virtual teams? A multilevel moderated mediation model of psychological safety, team virtuality, and self-efficacy

Examining the influence of trust in fostering knowledge sharing behavior (KSB) in virtual teams is of great research value in the current complex, dynamic, and competitive era of a knowledge economy. This study investigated the relationship between trust in coworkers (TC) and KSB. Based on social information processing theory and social cognitive theory, we developed a multilevel moderated mediation model where the team members’ psychological safety (PS) was considered a mediator, while team virtuality (TV) and knowledge sharing self-efficacy (KSSE) acted as team and individual-level moderators, respectively. On surveying 282 individuals in 37 virtual teams of three Chinese internet companies, we found that TC positively affected team members’ KSB and this relationship was fully mediated by team members’ PS. Our findings also demonstrated that the effect of TC on KSB depended on the degree of TV and employees’ KSSE. Specifically, when TV and KSSE were higher, the TC–PS and PS–KSB relationship and the mediating effects of PS in the TC–PS–KSB relationship were all stronger. Our study extends the trust-KSB literature by identifying the psychological mechanism and boundary conditions in the TC-KSB relationship. Moreover, our findings also offer valuable managerial implications for virtual team managers on facilitating team members’ PS and KSB.

Systematic lymphatic abnormality-related osseous lesions: a study based on CT lymphangiography

Background

Few studies have focused on the morphology of systematic lymphatic abnormality-related osseous lesions. In this study, we classified systematic lymphatic abnormality-related osseous lesions into four types based on their morphology and density. We also discussed the imaging features of computed tomography lymphangiography (CTL) in this disease.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, the clinical and imaging data of 39 patients with systematic lymphatic abnormality-related osseous lesions were collected. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and abdomen after direct lymphangiography, and two experienced radiologists evaluated the CTL features of intraosseous and extraosseous lymphatic vessel abnormalities.

Results

Intraosseous osteolytic changes were observed in all 39 patients. According to the morphological density of the lesions, systematic lymphatic abnormality-related osseous lesions were classified into four types: cyst-like (76.9%), canal-like or honeycomb-like (87.2%), osteoporosis-like (41.0%), and osteosclerosis-like (20.5%), with abnormal deposits of lipiodol seen in the first two types. Enhanced CT of the thorax and abdomen was performed in 11 cases, and enhancement was not seen in any intraosseous lesions.

Conclusions

The CTL features of systematic lymphatic abnormality-related osseous lesions have specific characteristics and are often accompanied by extraosseous abnormalities, which can provide a vital imaging basis for the diagnosis and differentiation of this disease.

Hyaluronic acid restored protein permeability across injured human lung microvascular endothelial cells

Lung endothelial permeability is a key pathological feature of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a major component of the glycocalyx layer on the endothelium, is generated by HA synthase (HAS) during inflammation and injury and is critical for repair. We hypothesized that administration of exogenous high molecular weight (HMW) HA would restore protein permeability across human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) injured by an inflammatory insult via upregulation of HAS by binding to CD44. A transwell coculture system was used to study the effects of HA on protein permeability across HLMVEC injured by cytomix, a mixture of IL‐1β, TNFα, and IFNγ, with or without HMW or low molecular weight (LMW) HA. Coincubation with HMW HA, but not LMW HA, improved protein permeability following injury at 24 h. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that exogenous HMW HA partially prevented the increase in “actin stress fiber” formation. HMW HA also increased the synthesis of HAS2 mRNA expression and intracellular HMW HA levels in HLMVEC following injury. Pretreatment with an anti‐CD44 antibody or 4‐methylumbelliferone, a HAS inhibitor, blocked the therapeutic effects. In conclusion, exogenous HMW HA restored protein permeability across HLMVEC injured by an inflammatory insult in part through upregulation of HAS2.

Electromagnetic Mechanisms or Chemical Mechanisms? Role of Interfacial Charge Transfer in the Plasmonic Metal/Semiconductor Heterojunction

The plasmonic metal/semiconductor heterojunction provides a unique paradigm for manipulating light to improve the efficiency of plasmonic materials. Previous studies suggest that the improvement originates from the enhanced carrier exchanges between the plasmonic component of the heterojunction and molecules. This viewpoint, known as the chemical mechanism, is reasonable but insufficient, because the construction of the heterojunction will lead to a charge redistribution in the plasmonic component and cause changes in its physical characteristics. Herein, we will try to clarify that these changes are decisive factors in specific applications by investigating the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) behavior of a typical Ag/TiO₂ heterojunction. We observed significant changes in SERS spectra by modulating the band alignment of the heterojunction in a loop. Identical trends in SERS spectra were observed despite the fact that the charge transfer from the heterojunction to molecules was blocked, suggesting that the major SERS enhancement originates from electromagnetic mechanisms rather than chemical ones.

Esophageal cancer-related gene 4 and solid tumors: a brief literature review

Esophageal cancer-related gene 4 (ECRG4) plays key roles in various malignancies, including lung cancer, prostate cancer, esophageal cancer, and breast cancer, and has potential applications in the early diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and prognosis of cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of ECRG4 in cancer remain elusive. An association between ECRG4 and proliferation, migration, cell cycle, apoptosis, methylation, and ubiquitination in cancer has been found. Additionally, some studies have investigated the regulatory mechanism of the relationship between ECRG4 and long non-coding RNAs, co-factors, and resistance to chemotherapy. Drugs that demethylate ECRG4 are in clinical use. Thus, further investigation of the mechanisms by which ECRG4 influences tumorigenesis, and its clinical significance, are needed. The present study outlines the current understanding of the functions of ECRG4 in cancer and discusses its potential value in cancer therapy.