The spin polarization strategy regulates heterogeneous catalytic activity performance: from fundamentals to applications.

In recent years, there has been significant attention towards the development of catalysts that exhibit superior performance and environmentally friendly attributes. This surge in interest is driven by the growing demands for energy utilization and storage as well as environmental preservation. Spin polarization plays a crucial role in catalyst design, comprehension of catalytic mechanisms, and reaction control, offering novel insights for the design of highly efficient catalysts. However, there are still some significant research gaps in the current study of spin catalysis. Therefore, it is urgent to understand how spin polarization impacts catalytic reactions to develop superior performance catalysts. Herein, we present a comprehensive summary of the application of spin polarization in catalysis. Firstly, we summarize the fundamental mechanism of spin polarization in catalytic reactions from two aspects of kinetics and thermodynamics. Additionally, we review the regulation mechanism of spin polarization in various catalytic applications and several approaches to modulate spin polarization. Moreover, we discuss the future development of spin polarization in catalysis and propose several potential avenues for further progress. We aim to improve current catalytic systems through implementing a novel and distinctive spin engineering strategy.

Six-Cyclic Crown Ether-Type Pillar[5]arene: Enhanced Binding Ability to Bispyridinium Derivatives.

A six-cyclic crown ether-type pillar[5]arene was synthesized, and the five ethylene oxide loops were located outside the cavity and not affected by temperature changes which was confirmed by variable-temperature NMR experiment in DMSO-d6 and CDCl3 and 2D 1H-1H NOESY experiment in CDCl3. The six-cyclic pillar[5]-crown also showed greater binding ability of host-guest with bis(pyridinium) derivatives than conventional alkoxy pillar[5]arenes that illustrated through 1H NMR titration spectroscopic experiment in acetone-d6/CDCl3 (1:1) and UV-vis titration experiments in CHCl3 at room temperature. The five benzocrown ethers at the periphery were able to bind metal cations by 1H NMR titration spectroscopic experiment in CD2Cl2/methanol-d4(9:1).

"Treat-all" Strategy for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in China: Are We There Yet?

Chronic hepatitis B remains the primary cause of liver-related events in China. The World Health Organization set a goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. However, achieving this goal appears challenging due to the current low rates of diagnosis and treatment. The "Treat-all" strategy, which proposes treating all patients with detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA or even all patients with positive HBsAg, has been suggested to simplify anti-HBV treatment. In 2022, the Chinese Society of Hepatology and the Chinese Society of Infectious Diseases updated the guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B in China, expanding antiviral indications and simplifying the treatment algorithm. According to this latest guideline, nearly 95% of patients with detectable HBV DNA are eligible for antiviral treatment. This review aimed to provide a detailed interpretation of the treatment indications outlined in the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B (version 2022) and to identify gaps in achieving the "Treat-all" strategy in China.

Patterns of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction management and associated factors among Chinese community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury.

To identify different patterns of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction management among Chinese community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury and explore the factors associated with latent classes. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in communities throughout China Mainland. Participants were recruited through the China Association of Persons with Physical Disability and a total of 2582 participants was included in the analysis. The data were collected by a questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic factors, disease-related factors, and a list of 8 bladder management methods. Latent class analysis was used to identify different latent classes of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction management. Then the multinomial logistic regression was applied to analyze the relationship between neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction management patterns and socio-demographic and disease-related factors. Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction management pattern among community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury was divided into four latent classes: "urinal collecting apparatus dominated pattern" (40.3%), "bladder compression dominated pattern" (30.7%), "intermittent catheterization dominated pattern" (19.3%) and "urethral indwelling catheterization dominated pattern" (9.6%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis found that the employment status, residential region, nursing need, payment method for catheterization products, hand function, time since spinal cord injury, urinary incontinence and concerns about social interaction affected by urination problems were significantly associated with latent classes. Only 19.3% of people used the intermittent catheterization as their main neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction management method. More attention needs to be paid to the promotion of the standardization process of intermittent catheterization in community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury. The associated factors of the four classes can be used for tailored and targeted interventions to increase the use of intermittent catheterization.

Influence of Chloride Concentration on Fretting Wear Behavior of Inconel 600 Alloy.

The nickel-based alloy Inconel 600, strengthened by solution treatment, finds extensive application as a heat exchange pipe material in steam generators within nuclear power plants, owing to its exceptional resistance to high-temperature corrosion. However, fretting corrosion occurs at the contact points between the pipe and support frame due to gas-liquid flow, leading to wear damage. This study investigates the fretting wear behavior and damage mechanism of the nickel-based alloy Inconel 600 and 304 stainless steel friction pairs under point contact conditions in a water environment. Characterization was performed using laser confocal scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Results indicate that the friction coefficient remains consistent across different chloride ion concentrations, while the wear volume increases with increasing chloride concentrations. Notably, friction coefficient oscillations are observed in the gross slip regime (GSR). Moreover, the stability of the oxide layer formed in water is compromised, diminishing its protective effect against wear. In the partial slip regime (PSR), friction coefficient oscillations are absent. An oxide layer forms within the wear scar, with significantly fewer cracks compared to those within the oxide layer in the GSR. It is worth noting that in GSR, the friction coefficient oscillates.

Risks of SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 infection and COVID-19 associated emergency-department (ED) visits/hospitalizations following updated boosters and prior infection: a population-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Data on protection afforded by updated COVID-19 vaccines (bivalent/XBB 1.5 monovalent) against the emergent JN.1 variant remains limited. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study amongst all boosted Singaporeans aged ≥18 years during a COVID-19 wave predominantly driven by JN.1, from 26th November 2023 to 13th January 2024. Multivariable Cox regression was utilised to assess risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 associated emergency-department (ED) visits/hospitalizations, stratified by vaccination status/prior infection; with individuals last boosted ≥1 year utilized as the reference category. Vaccination and infection status were classified using national registries. RESULTS: 3,086,562 boosted adult Singaporeans were included in the study population, accounting for 146,863,476 person-days of observation. During the JN.1 outbreak, 28,160 SARS-CoV-2 infections were recorded, with 2,926 hospitalizations and 3,747 ED-visits. Compared with individuals last boosted ≥1 year prior with ancestral monovalent vaccines, receipt of an updated XBB.1.5 booster 8-120 days prior was associated with lower risk of JN.1 infection (adjusted-hazard-ratio, aHR = 0.59[0.52-0.66]), COVID-19 associated ED-visits (aHR = 0.50[0.34-0.73]) and hospitalizations(aHR = 0.58[0.37-0.91]), while receipt of a bivalent booster 121-365 days prior was associated with lower risk of JN.1 infection (aHR = 0.92[0.88-0.95]) and ED-visits (aHR = 0.80[0.70-0.90]). Lower risk of COVID-19 hospitalization during the JN.1 outbreak (aHR = 0.57[0.33-0.97]) was still observed following receipt of an updated XBB.1.5 booster 8-120 days prior, even when analysis was restricted to previously infected individuals. CONCLUSION: Recent receipt of updated boosters conferred protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and ED-visits/hospitalization during a JN.1 variant wave, in both previously infected and uninfected individuals. Annual booster doses confer protection during COVID-19 endemicity.

High Hydrostatic Pressure Exacerbates Bladder Fibrosis through Activating Piezo1.

OBJECTIVE: Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) results in significant fibrosis in the chronic stage and elevated bladder pressure. Piezo1 is a type of mechanosensitive (MS) channel that directly responds to mechanical stimuli. To identify new targets for intervention in the treatment of BOO-induced fibrosis, this study investigated the impact of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on Piezo1 activity and the progression of bladder fibrosis. METHODS: Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to assess the protein abundance of Piezo1 in fibroblasts from obstructed rat bladders. Bladder fibroblasts were cultured under normal atmospheric conditions (0 cmH2O) or exposed to HHP (50 cmH2O or 100 cmH2O). Agonists or inhibitors of Piezo1, YAP1, and ROCK1 were used to determine the underlying mechanism. RESULTS: The Piezo1 protein levels in fibroblasts from the obstructed bladder exhibited an elevation compared to the control group. HHP significantly promoted the expression of various pro-fibrotic factors and induced proliferation of fibroblasts. Additionally, the protein expression levels of Piezo1, YAP1, ROCK1 were elevated, and calcium influx was increased as the pressure increased. These effects were attenuated by the Piezo1 inhibitor Dooku1. The Piezo1 activator Yoda1 induced the expression of pro-fibrotic factors and the proliferation of fibroblasts, and elevated the protein levels of YAP1 and ROCK1 under normal atmospheric conditions in vitro. However, these effects could be partially inhibited by YAP1 or ROCK inhibitors. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that HHP may exacerbate bladder fibrosis through activating Piezo1.

Recent Developments in Nickel-Based Layered Double Hydroxides for Photo(-/)electrocatalytic Water Oxidation.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), especially those containing nickel (Ni), are increasingly recognized for their potential in photo(-/)electrocatalytic water oxidation due to the abundant availability of Ni, their corrosion resistance, and their minimal toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive examination of Ni-based LDHs in electrocatalytic (EC), photocatalytic (PC), and photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) water oxidation processes. The review delves into the operational principles, highlighting similarities and distinctions as well as the benefits and limitations associated with each method of water oxidation. It includes a detailed discussion on the synthesis of monolayer, ultrathin, and bulk Ni-based LDHs, focusing on the merits and drawbacks inherent to each synthesis approach. Regarding the EC oxygen evolution reaction (OER), strategies to improve catalytic performance and insights into the structural evolution of Ni-based LDHs during the electrocatalytic process are summarized. Furthermore, the review extensively covers the advancements in Ni-based LDHs for PEC OER, including an analysis of semiconductors paired with Ni-based LDHs to form photoanodes, with a focus on their enhanced activity, stability, and underlying mechanisms facilitated by LDHs. The review concludes by addressing the challenges and prospects in the development of innovative Ni-based LDH catalysts for practical applications. The comprehensive insights provided in this paper will not only stimulate further research but also engage the scientific community, thus driving the field of photo(-/)electrocatalytic water oxidation forward.

Regulating the Critical Intermediates of Dual-Atom Catalysts for CO2 Electroreduction.

Electrocatalysis is a very attractive way to achieve a sustainable carbon cycle by converting CO2 into organic fuels and feedstocks. Therefore, it is crucial to design advanced electrocatalysts by understanding the reaction mechanism of electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) with multiple electron transfers. Among electrocatalysts, dual-atom catalysts (DACs) are promising candidates due to their distinct electronic structures and extremely high atomic utilization efficiency. Herein, the eCO2RR mechanism and the identification of intermediates using advanced characterization techniques, with a particular focus on regulating the critical intermediates are systematically summarized. Further, the insightful understanding of the functionality of DACs originates from the variable metrics of electronic structures including orbital structure, charge distribution, and electron spin state, which influences the active sites and critical intermediates in eCO2RR processes. Based on the intrinsic relationship between variable metrics and critical intermediates, the optimized strategies of DACs are summarized containing the participation of synergistic atoms, engineering of the atomic coordination environment, regulation of the diversity of central metal atoms, and modulation of metal-support interaction. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities of atomically dispersed catalysts for eCO2RR processes are discussed.

Advances of biological macromolecules hemostatic materials: A review.

Achieving hemostasis is a necessary intervention to rapidly and effectively control bleeding. Conventional hemostatic materials currently used in clinical practice may aggravate the damage at the bleeding site due to factors such as poor adhesion and poor adaptation. Compared to most traditional hemostatic materials, polymer-based hemostatic materials have better biocompatibility and offer several advantages. They provide a more effective method of stopping bleeding and avoiding additional damage to the body in case of excessive blood loss. Various hemostatic materials with greater functionality have been developed in recent years for different organs using diverse design strategies. This article reviews the latest advances in the development of polymeric hemostatic materials. We introduce the coagulation cascade reaction after bleeding and then discuss the hemostatic mechanisms and advantages and disadvantages of various polymer materials, including natural, synthetic, and composite polymer hemostatic materials. We further focus on the design strategies, properties, and characterization of hemostatic materials, along with their applications in different organs. Finally, challenges and prospects for the application of hemostatic polymeric materials are summarized and discussed. We believe that this review can provide a reference for related research on hemostatic materials, contributing to the further development of polymer hemostatic materials.

Persistence and free chlorine disinfection of human coronaviruses and their surrogates in water.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic illustrates the importance of understanding the behavior and control of human pathogenic viruses in the environment. Exposure via water (drinking, bathing, and recreation) is a known route of transmission of viruses to humans, but the literature is relatively void of studies on the persistence of many viruses, especially coronaviruses, in water and their susceptibility to chlorine disinfection. To fill that knowledge gap, we evaluated the persistence and free chlorine disinfection of human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) and its surrogates, murine hepatitis virus (MHV) and porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), in drinking water and laboratory buffer using cell culture methods. The decay rate constants of human coronavirus and its surrogates in water varied, depending on virus and water matrix. In drinking water without disinfectant addition, MHV showed the largest decay rate constant (estimate ± standard error, 2.25 ± 0.09 day-1) followed by HCoV-OC43 (0.99 ± 0.12 day-1) and TGEV (0.65 ± 0.06 day-1), while in phosphate buffer without disinfectant addition, HCoV-OC43 (0.51 ± 0.10 day-1) had a larger decay rate constant than MHV (0.28 ± 0.03 day-1) and TGEV (0.24 ± 0.02 day-1). Upon free chlorine disinfection, the inactivation rates of coronaviruses were independent of free chlorine concentration and were not affected by water matrix, though they still varied between viruses. TGEV showed the highest susceptibility to free chlorine disinfection with the inactivation rate constant of 113.50 ± 7.50 mg-1 min-1 L, followed by MHV (81.33 ± 4.90 mg-1 min-1 L) and HCoV-OC43 (59.42 ± 4.41 mg-1 min-1 L). IMPORTANCE: This study addresses an important knowledge gap on enveloped virus persistence and disinfection in water. Results have immediate practical applications for shaping evidence-based water policies, particularly in the development of disinfection strategies for pathogenic virus control.

Persistence of human respiratory viral RNA in wastewater-settled solids.

Wastewater-based epidemiology has emerged as a valuable tool for monitoring respiratory viral diseases within communities by analyzing concentrations of viral nucleic-acids in wastewater. However, little is known about the fate of respiratory virus nucleic-acids in wastewater. Two important fate processes that may modulate their concentrations in wastewater as they move from household drains to the point of collection include sorption or partitioning to wastewater solids and degradation. This study investigated the decay kinetics of genomic nucleic-acids of seven human respiratory viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human coronavirus (HCoV)-OC43, HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, human rhinovirus (HRV), and influenza A virus (IAV), as well as pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) in wastewater solids. Viruses (except for PMMoV) were spiked into wastewater solids and their concentrations were followed for 50 days at three different temperatures (4°C, 22°C, and 37°C). Viral genomic RNA decayed following first-order kinetics with decay rate constants k from 0 to 0.219 per day. Decay rate constants k were not different from 0 for all targets in solids incubated at 4°C; k values were largest at 37°C and at this temperature, k values were similar across nucleic-acid targets. Regardless of temperature, there was limited viral RNA decay, with an estimated 0% to 20% reduction, over the typical residence times of sewage in the piped systems between input and collection point (<1 day). The k values reported herein can be used directly in fate and transport models to inform the interpretation of measurements made during wastewater surveillance.IMPORTANCEUnderstanding whether or not the RNA targets quantified for wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) efforts decay during transport between drains and the point of sample collection is critical for data interpretation. Here we show limited decay of viral RNA targets typically measured for respiratory disease WBE.

Cpeb4-mediated Dclk2 promotes neuronal pyroptosis induced by chronic cerebral ischemia through phosphorylation of Ehf.

Chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) is a clinical syndrome characterised by brain dysfunction due to decreased chronic cerebral perfusion. CCI initiates several inflammatory pathways, including pyroptosis. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play important roles in CCI. This study aimed to explore whether the interaction between RBP-Cpeb4 and Dclk2 affected Ehf phosphorylation to regulate neuronal pyroptosis. HT22 cells and mice were used to construct oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)/CCI models. We found that Cpeb4 and Dclk2 were upregulated in OGD-treated HT22 cells and CCI-induced hippocampal CA1 tissues. Cpeb4 upregulated Dclk2 expression by increasing Dclk2 mRNA stability. Knockdown of Cpeb4 or Dclk2 inhibited neuronal pyroptosis in OGD-treated HT22 cells and CCI-induced hippocampal CA1 tissues. By binding to the promoter regions of Caspase1 and Caspase3, the transcription factor Ehf reduced their promoter activities and inhibited the transcription. Dclk2 phosphorylated Ehf and changed its nucleoplasmic distribution, resulting in the exit of p-Ehf from the nucleus and decreased Ehf levels. It promoted the expression of Caspase1 and Caspase3 and stimulated neuronal pyroptosis of HT22 cells induced by OGD. Cpeb4/Dclk2/Ehf pathway plays an important role in the regulation of cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal pyroptosis.

Analysis on metabolic functions of rhizosphere microbial communities of Pinus massoniana provenances with different carbon storage by Biolog Eco microplates.

Introduction: Rhizosphere microorganisms are influenced by vegetation. Meanwhile, they respond to vegetation through their own changes, developing an interactive feedback system between microorganisms and vegetation. However, it is still unclear whether the functional diversity of rhizosphere soil microorganisms varies with different carbon storage levels and what factors affect the functional diversity of rhizosphere soil microorganisms. Methods: In this study, the Biolog-Eco microplate technique was used to analyze the metabolic diversity of carbon source of rhizosphere soil microorganisms from 6 Pinus massoniana provenances with three levels of high, medium and low carbon storage. Results: The results showed that the average well color development(AWCD) value of rhizosphere microorganisms was significantly positive correlated with carbon storage level of Pinus massoniana (p < 0.05). The AWCD value, Simpson and Shannon diversity of high carbon sequestrance provenances were 1.40 (144h incubation) 0.96 and 3.24, respectively, which were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of other P. massoniana provenances. The rhizosphere microbial AWCD, Shannon and Simpson diversity of the 6 provenances showed the same variation trend (SM>AY>QJ>SX>HF>SW). Similarly, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) content was positively correlated with carbon storage level, and there were significant differences among high, medium and low carbon storage provenances. The PCA results showed that the differences in the carbon source metabolism of rhizosphere microorganisms were mainly reflected in the utilization of amino acids, carboxylic acids and carbohydrates. Pearson correlation analysis showed that soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and pH were significantly correlated with rhizosphere AWCD (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Soil properties are important factors affecting rhizosphere microbial carbon source metabolism. The study confirmed that the microorganisms of high carbon storage provenances had relatively high carbon metabolic activity. Among them, the carbon metabolic activity of rhizosphere microorganisms of SM provenance was the highest, which was the preferred provenances in effective ecological service function.

Identification and Expression Patterns of WOX Transcription Factors under Abiotic Stresses in Pinus massoniana.

WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors (TFs) play a crucial role in regulating plant development and responding to various abiotic stresses. However, the members and functions of WOX proteins in Pinus massoniana remain unclear. In this study, a total of 11 WOX genes were identified, and bioinformatics methods were used for preliminary identification and analysis. The phylogenetic tree revealed that most PmWOXs were distributed in ancient and WUS clades, with only one member found in the intermediate clade. We selected four highly conserved WOX genes within plants for further expression analysis. These genes exhibited expressions across almost all tissues, while PmWOX2, PmWOX3, and PmWOX4 showed high expression levels in the callus, suggesting their potential involvement in specific functions during callus development. Expression patterns under different abiotic stresses indicated that PmWOXs could participate in resisting multiple stresses in P. massoniana. The identification and preliminary analysis of PmWOXs lay the foundation for further research on analyzing the resistance molecular mechanism of P. massoniana to abiotic stresses.

Facile Route to Synthesize a Highly Sinterable Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 Solid Electrolyte.

NASICON-type Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) is a widely used solid electrolyte in solid-state lithium batteries, owing to its excellent chemical stability against moisture and high total ionic conductivity. However, traditionally, densification of LATP has been achieved through a high-temperature sintering process (approximately 1000 °C) owing to its poor sinterability. Herein, we report a facile synthesis route to obtain highly sinterable LATP solid electrolyte using tetrabutyl titanate (C16H36O4Ti) as the titanium source and incorporating the traditional solid-state reaction method. The synthetic LATP powder mixed with a low ratio of LiTiPO5 exhibited a hybrid crystalline-amorphous phase structure, which facilitated grain fusion, promoted structural homogeneity, and facilitated structural densification under low-temperature sintering. The sintered LATP pellet, which exhibited an interconnected structure and indistinct grain boundaries, achieved a relative density of >90% and an ionic conductivity of 0.667 mS/cm at a sintering temperature of only 750 °C. Additionally, we systematically studied and demonstrated the synthesis reaction mechanism, sintering behavior, and ionic diffusion kinetics of LATP electrolytes. Our study paves the way for synthesizing highly sinterable LATP solid electrolytes using a simple, additive-free, and cost-effective method.

Symmetry-Broken Ru Nanoparticles with Parasitic Ru-Co Dual-Single Atoms Overcome the Volmer Step of Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation.

Efficient dual-single-atom catalysts are crucial for enhancing atomic efficiency and promoting the commercialization of fuel cells, but addressing the sluggish kinetics of hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkaline media and the facile dual-single-atom site generation remains formidable challenges. Here, we break the local symmetry of ultra-small ruthenium (Ru) nanoparticles by embedding cobalt (Co) single atoms, which results in the release of Ru single atoms from Ru nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (Co1 Ru1,n /rGO). In situ operando spectroscopy and theoretical calculations reveal that the oxygen-affine Co atom disrupts the symmetry of ultra-small Ru nanoparticles, resulting in parasitic Ru and Co dual-single-atom within Ru nanoparticles. The interaction between Ru single atoms and nanoparticles forms effective active centers. The parasitism of Co atoms modulates the adsorption of OH intermediates on Ru active sites, accelerating HOR kinetics through faster formation of *H2 O. As anticipated, Co1 Ru1,n /rGO exhibits ultrahigh mass activity (7.68 A mgRu -1 ) at 50 mV and exchange current density (0.68 mA cm-2 ), which are 6 and 7 times higher than those of Ru/rGO, respectively. Notably, it also displays exceptional durability surpassing that of commercial Pt catalysts. This investigation provides valuable insights into hybrid multi-single-atom and metal nanoparticle catalysis.

Identification of neutrophil-related genes and development of a prognostic model for cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cholangiocarcinoma is a prevalent gastrointestinal tumor with limited effective early diagnostic methods. The role of neutrophils in the context of cholangiocarcinoma remains largely unexplored. METHODS: A comprehensive analysis was performed on a cohort of cholangiocarcinoma samples (TCGA-CHOL) from the TCGA database to investigate the relationship between cholangiocarcinoma and neutrophils. Methodologies included single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). RESULTS: The study identified a significant decrease of neutrophils in cholangiocarcinoma via ssGSEA. WGCNA and differential expression analysis led to the identification of a neutrophil-related gene module comprised of 1059 genes. Cluster 1, showing a higher proportion of neutrophils, was linked to better survival outcomes. GSEA disclosed downregulation of complement, inflammatory response and interferon response pathways in Cluster 2, hinting at possible cholangiocarcinoma development triggers. A notable upregulation of PD1, PD-L1 and CTLA4 was observed in Cluster 1, suggesting potential benefits from immunotherapy. A prognostic model was developed based on clinical data and expression levels of three prognostic genes (SOWAHD, TNFAIP8 and EBF3) showing satisfactory discrimination, calibration and clinical benefits. An overexpression of TNFAIP8 in cholangiocarcinoma cells was found, with its knockdown significantly inhibiting cell proliferation and migration. CONCLUSIONS: This study elucidates a neutrophil-related gene module and prognostic genes, offering insights into the role of neutrophils in cholangiocarcinoma development and progression. It also introduces a clinical prediction model for enhanced prognosis assessment. These findings may lay the groundwork for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies in cholangiocarcinoma treatment.

YAP1 Recognizes Inflammatory and Mechanical Cues to Exacerbate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia via Promoting Cell Survival and Fibrosis.

Chronic prostatic inflammation promotes cell survival and fibrosis, leading to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with aggravated urinary symptoms. It is investigated whether yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), an organ size controller and mechanical transductor, is implicated in inflammation-induced BPH. The correlation between YAP1 expression and fibrosis in human and rat BPH specimens is analyzed. Furthermore, the effects of YAP1 activation on prostatic cell survival and fibrosis, as well as the underlying mechanism, are also studied. As a result, total and nuclear YAP1 expression, along with downstream genes are significantly upregulated in inflammation-associated human and rat specimens. There is a significant positive correlation between YAP1 expression and the severity of fibrosis or clinical performance. YAP1 silencing suppresses cell survival by decreasing cell proliferation and increasing apoptosis, and alleviates fibrosis by reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in prostatic BPH-1 and WPMY-1 cells. Mechanistically, inflammatory stimulus and rigid matrix stiffness synergistically activate the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway to provoke cytoskeleton remodeling, thereby promoting YAP1 activation to exacerbate BPH development. Overall, inflammation-triggered mechanical stiffness reinforcement activates the RhoA/ROCK1/F-actin/YAP1 axis, thereby promoting prostatic cell survival and fibrosis to accelerate BPH progression.

Cu- and Al-Decorated Monolayer TiSe2 for Enhanced Gas Detection Sensitivity: A DFT Study.

The rapid industrial development has contributed to worsening global pollution, necessitating the urgent development of highly sensitive, cost-effective, and portable gas sensors. In this work, the adsorption of CO, CO2, H2S, NH3, NO, NO2, O2, and SO2 gas molecules on pristine and Cu- and Al-decorated monolayer TiSe2 has been investigated based on first-principles calculations. First, the results of the phonon spectrum and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that TiSe2 is dynamically stable. In addition, compared to pristine TiSe2 (-0.029 to -0.154 eV), the adsorption energy of gas molecules (excluding CO2) significantly decreased after decorated with Cu or Al (-0.212 to -0.977 eV in Cu-decorated TiSe2, -0.438 to -2.896 eV in Al-decorated TiSe2). Among them, NH3 and NO2 have the lowest adsorption energies in Cu and Al-decorated TiSe2, respectively. Further research has shown that the decrease in adsorption energy of gas molecules is mainly due to orbital hybridization and charge transfer between decorated Cu and Al atoms and gas molecules. These findings suggest that TiSe2 decorated with Cu and Al can effectively improve its sensitivity to NH3 and NO2, respectively, making it promising in gas sensing applications.