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With the implementation of plastic restrictions and the increasingly serious problem of environmental pollution, paper with green and recyclable characteristics is gradually becoming a substitute for packaging materials. However, the rich cellulose structure in the paper, which contains hydroxyl groups leading to its hydrophilicity, allows water molecules to penetrate the paper and disrupt the hydrogen bonds between cellulose, resulting in a decrease in mechanical properties. Therefore, waterproof coatings are crucial for paper‐based materials to be used in many applications. Based on this, the paper surface was chemically modified with castor oil‐based resin (CO‐590) monomer prepared by coupling agent and castor oil (CO). The results indicated that the modified paper with the contact angle (CA) of 114° had excellent waterproof performance and had a reduction by 40.3% in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), but also its mechanical increased to 26.9 MPa and the decomposition temperature to 410.5°C. In addition, the coating on its surface could be removed in an alkaline solution and had a possibility to recycle blank paper in the future for manufacturing sustainable production. This work not only provides a method for preparing modified packaging paper, but also expands the application fields of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the genotype–phenotype relationship in two Chinese family members with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA). Methods: We collected blood samples and clinical data from each pedigree family member. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral leukocytes using standard methods. Targeted next‐generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to find the pathogenic mutation in this family. Minigene assays were used to verify whether the novel intronic mutation SLC26A4c.765+4A>G influenced mRNA splicing. Results: Hearing loss in the patients with EVA was diagnosed using auditory tests and imaging examinations. Two pathogenic mutations, c.765+4A>G and c.919‐2A>G were detected in SLC26A4. In vitro minigene analysis confirmed that c.765+4A>G variant could cause aberrant splicing, resulting in skipping over exon 6. Conclusions: The SLC26A4c.765+4A>G mutation is the causative variant in the Chinese family with EVA. Particular attention should be paid to intronic variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phospholipid phosphatase related 4 (PLPPR4), a neuron‐specific membrane protein located at the postsynaptic density of glutamatergic synapses, is a putative regulator of neuronal plasticity. However, PLPPR4 dysfunction has not been linked to genetic disorders. In this study, we report three unrelated patients with intellectual disability (ID) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who harbour a de novo heterozygous copy number loss of PLPPR4 in 1p21.2p21.3, a heterozygous nonsense mutation in PLPPR4 (NM_014839, c.4C > T, p.Gln2*) and a homozygous splice mutation in PLPPR4 (NM_014839: c.408 + 2 T > C), respectively. Bionano single‐molecule optical mapping confirmed PLPPR4 deletion contains no additional pathogenic genes. Our results suggested that the loss of function of PLPPR4 is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. To test the pathogenesis of PLPPR4, peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from the patient with heterozygous deletion of PLPPR4 were induced to specific iPSCs (CHWi001‐A) and then differentiated into neurons. The neurons carrying the deletion of PLPPR4 displayed the reduced density of dendritic protrusions, shorter neurites and reduced axon length, suggesting the causal role of PLPPR4 in neurodevelopmental disorders. As the mTOR signalling pathway was essential for regulating the axon maturation and function, we found that mTOR signalling was inhibited with a higher level of p‐AKT, p‐mTOR and p‐ERK1/2, decreased p‐PI3K in PLPPR4‐iPSCs neurons. Additionally, we found silencing PLPPR4 disturbed the mTOR signalling pathway. Our results suggested PLPPR4 modulates neurodevelopment by affecting the plasticity of neurons via the mTOR signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recurrence and metastasis of bladder cancer are major factors affecting patient prognosis. Endoscopic cryoablation achieved a better clinical outcome among clinical patients and could be synergistic with ICIs. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the immunological mechanism of cryoablation for bladder cancer to reveal the therapeutic mechanism. Methods: We systematically reviewed the clinical prognosis of patients underwent cryoablation at Huashan Hospital in these first‐in‐human studies (ChiCTR‐INR‐17013060). Murine models were constructed to explore cryoablation‐induced tumour‐specific immunity, which was further confirmed by primary bladder tumour organoids and autologous lymphocytes cocultured system. Results: Cryoablation improved progression‐free survival and recurrence‐free survival respectively. Assessment of murine models after cryoablation confirmed microenvironment remodelling and tumour‐specific T cells expansion. Enhanced antitumour effects were found after coculture of organoids with autologous lymphocytes collected from post‐cryoablation. We also demonstrated cryoablation‐induced tumour elimination required IFNGR expression on tumour cells. In addition, a long‐lasting antitumour memory response is achieved by cryoablation and could be enhanced after combination with ICIs. Conclusions: This study revealed endoscopic cryoablation is an efficient and safe therapy for bladder tumour treatment. The tumour‐specific immune responses induced by cryoablation could reduce tumour recurrence and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to develop an autophagy‐related prognostic model with single‐cell RNA sequencing (ScRNA‐Seq) data for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Methods: ScRNA‐Seq datasets of HCC patients were analyzed by Seurat. The expression of genes involved in canonical and noncanonical autophagy pathways in scRNA‐seq data was also compared. Cox regression was applied to construct an AutRG risk prediction model. Subsequently, we examined the characteristics of AutRG high‐risk and low‐risk group patients. Results: Six major cell types (hepatocytes, myeloid cells, T/NK cells, B cells, fibroblast cells, and endothelial cells) were identified in the scRNA‐Seq dataset. The results showed that most of the canonical and noncanonical autophagy genes were highly expressed in hepatocytes, with the exception of MAP 1LC3B, SQSTM1, MAP 1LC3A, CYBB, and ATG3. Six AutRG risk prediction models originating from different cell types were constructed and compared. The AutRG prognostic signature (GAPDH, HSP90AA1, and TUBA1C) in endothelial cells had the best overall performance for predicting the overall survival of HCC patients, with 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year AUCs equal to 0.758, 0.68, and 0.651 in the training cohort and 0.760, 0.796, and 0.840 in the validation cohort, respectively. The different tumor mutation burden, immune infiltration, and gene set enrichment characteristics of the AutRG high‐risk and low‐risk group patients were identified. Conclusion: We constructed an endothelial cell‐related and autophagy‐related prognostic model of HCC patients using the ScRNA‐Seq dataset for the first time. This model demonstrated the good calibration ability of HCC patients and provided a new understanding of the evaluation of prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the low utilization rate, a large amount of metallurgical slag was piled up or buried each year, resulting in serious environmental pollution and resource waste. This study focused on the value‐add utilization of secondary aluminum dross (SAD) and ferronickel slag (FNS) by preparing porous cordierite–mullite ceramics (CMC) for thermal insulation. The detailed thermodynamic calculation of the preparing process was carried out by using the phase diagram and equilibrium component function module in FactSage 8.1 software, which provided precise theoretical guidance for the practical synthesis experiment. The phase component, microstructure, and mechanical and thermal insulation properties of the prepared CMC at an FNS addition from 5 to 30 wt% were investigated by an X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy assembled with an energy‐dispersive spectrometer, and a laser thermal conductivity testing instrument, respectively. It was shown that the original mineral phase of the raw materials applied can be converted to cordierite, mullite, and spinel after sintering at 1350°C, which results in higher strength and lower thermal conductivity of the prepared ceramics. Moreover, the increase of FNS addition promoted the content of cordierite and the microstructure densification of CMC. With the increase of FNS addition, the apparent porosity of CMC decreased from 41.7% to 34.4%, and the average pore size varied from 46.7 to 29.0 μm. The CMC with the lowest thermal conductivity of 0.86 W/(m K) was achieved at 20 wt% of FNS addition, which also had a good compressive strength of 52.8 MPa. The results proved the feasibility of preparing high‐strength thermal insulation ceramics by recycling hazardous metallurgical slag of SAD and FNS, proposing a novel route for high value‐added utilization of industrial solid waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cryotherapy is a prevalent percutaneous ablative therapy for solid tumors. Here, we report a novel device using liquid nitrogen for endoscopic cryotherapy of bladder cancer. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, parallel controlled, Phase 2 trial, we compared endoscopic balloon cryoablation (EBCA) with a single instillation (SI) of pirarubicin after transurethral resection (TUR). Eligible participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to the TUR‐EBCA or TUR‐SI group. Repeat TUR or tissue biopsies were performed to evaluate residual tumor at 4 to 6 weeks after primary treatment. The primary end point was the local control rate. The secondary end points included the tumor upgrading/upstaging, catheter indwelling duration, and adverse events. Results: In total, 205 patients received EBCA or SI after TUR between November 2017 and September 2020, of whom 163 completed all the required interventions. In the per‐protocol set, the local control rate was 91.5% (75/82) in TUR‐EBCA group compared with 76.5% (61/81) in TUR‐SI group (risk difference, 15%; 95% CI, 0.03–0.27, p <.001), meeting the criteria for noninferiority. Similar results were found in the modified intention‐to‐treat analysis. Tumor upgrading/upstaging was found in five patients from the TUR‐SI group. There was no significant difference in the catheter indwelling duration (5.1 vs. 5.2 days, p =.76) or serious adverse event rate (3.0% vs. 3.9%, p =.52). The median follow‐up time of post hoc analysis was 31 (range, 15–50) months. Patients in the TUR‐EBCA group had a better recurrence‐free survival and progression‐free survival. Conclusion: EBCA is a safe and effective adjuvant therapy with TUR for non–muscle‐invasive bladder cancer. Plain language summary: This is the first randomized trial that evaluated endoscopic cryotherapy after transurethral resection (TUR) of bladder tumors. The efficacy and safety analysis shows endoscopic balloon cryoablation (EBCA) is a promising alternative.Results report that EBCA is not inferior to a single instillation of intravesical chemotherapy in eliminating residual bladder tumor. Further analysis with ∼3 years' median follow‐up suggested a better prognosis in patients who received EBCA after TUR. This is the first multicenter randomized controlled trial of endoscopic cryotherapy for intraluminal malignancies. Endoscopic balloon cryoablation is a promising choice for bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progress of aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) is limited by the poor cycling life due to Zn anode instability, including dendrite growth, surface corrosion, and passivation. Inspired by the anti‐corrosion strategy of steel industry, a compounding corrosion inhibitor (CCI) is employed as the electrolyte additive for Zn metal anode protection. It is shown that CCI can spontaneously generate a uniform and ≈30 nm thick solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on Zn anode with a strong adhesion via ZnO bonding. This SEI layer efficiently prohibits water corrosion and guides homogeneous Zn deposition without obvious dendrite formation. This enables reversible Zn deposition and dissolution for over 1100 h under the condition of 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2 in symmetric cells. The Zn‐MnO2 full cells with CCI‐modified electrolyte deliver an ultralow capacity decay rate (0.013% per cycle) at 0.5 A g−1 over 1000 cycles. Such an innovative strategy paves a low‐cost way to achieve AZBs with long lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puccinellia tenuiflora is a forage grass with high nutritional value that is an extreme alkali‐tolerant halophyte: it can survive at pH 10–11. Root secretion is perceived as a major plant alkali tolerance mechanism. In the present study, we applied a widely targeted metabolomic approach to identify and quantify the root exudates of P. tenuiflora under alkali stress. We also surveyed the transcriptional and metabolic profiling of P. tenuiflora roots under salt (96‐mM Na+, pH 6.8) and alkali (96‐mM Na+, pH 9.6) stresses to reveal the biological processes mediating root secretion. In P. tenuiflora plants, 493 root exudates were detected under control conditions, 544 root exudates under salt stress conditions, and 607 root exudates under alkali stress conditions. Salt‐stressed plants and alkali‐stressed plants shared 64 root exudates, and 60 root exudates were unique to alkali‐stressed plants. The secretion rate of 56 phenolic acids, 43 fatty acids, and 9 organic acids was faster in alkali‐stressed roots than in control and salt‐stressed roots. In P. tenuiflora roots, alkali stress enhanced the accumulation of 23 phenolic acids, five organic acids, and only one fatty acid. In addition, transcriptomic analysis revealed that alkali stress upregulated glycolysis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways in P. tenuiflora roots. Taken together, extensive secretion of phenolic acids and fatty acids promotes rhizosphere pH regulation of P. tenuiflora under alkali stress, which contributes to its strong alkali tolerance. The root secretion of P. tenuiflora upon alkali stress is highly organized. Enhanced glycolysis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and organic acid synthesis in the roots provide more reducing power and carbon source for the root secretion process of alkali‐stressed P. tenuiflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil aggregate breakdown is the key step of splash erosion. Recent studies have shown that it is the soil internal forces that induce aggregate breakdown and subsequent splash erosion. However, little is known about the size characteristics of soil aggregate breakdown and corresponding effects on splash erosion. In this study, Cinnamon soil and Heilu soil were adopted to investigate the effects of soil internal forces on the characteristics of aggregate fragments and splash erosion through wet sieving and rainfall simulation. The results showed the following. (1) With a decrease in electrolyte concentration in soil solution, soil net repulsive force increased; meanwhile, aggregate stability decreased and splash erosion rate increased. Additionally, when the electrolyte concentration was less than 10−2 mol L−1, soil net repulsive force hardly changed, and aggregate stability and splash erosion rate accordingly varied very little. (2) With the increase in the soil net repulsive force, the content of fragments <0.053 mm released from aggregates increased, whereas the content of fragments >0.25 mm decreased, thus suggesting that the aggregates tended to break into fine fractions as soil net repulsive forces increased. (3) Regression analyses showed that soil splash erosion rate decreased linearly with increases in the aggregate stability; moreover, correlation analyses showed that splash erosion rate was significantly and positively correlated with the fragments with a diameter of <0.053 mm, and negatively correlated with the fragments with a diameter of >0.25 mm. This study suggests that soil internal forces induce the aggregate crush and determine the size distribution of fragments available for mobilization by the raindrop impact force. Also, the raindrop impact force is the driving mechanism leading to the movement of fragments. This study provides new insights into the mechanism responsible for splash erosion and could be valuable for controlling soil erosion. Highlights: Soil aggregates breakdown dynamics and splash erosion were quantitatively investigated.Soil internal forces determined the size distribution of fragments after aggregates breakdown.The movement of soil fragments largely depended on raindrop impact force.Splash erosion was driven by the soil internal forces and raindrop impact force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhibition performance of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 2‐mercaptopyridine (2MP) corrosion inhibitors on A3 steel in 0.5 M HCl increase with increasing of the inhibitor concentration (50–200 mg L−1). SDS and 2MP inhibitor follow Freundlich adsorption isotherm and Langmuir adsorption isotherm, respectively. These two inhibitors exhibit good synergistic inhibition effect on the corrosion of A3 steel in 0.5 M HCl solution when the mass ratio of SDS:2MP is 1:4. Gibbs free energy of the mixture is lower and the mixture exhibit good adsorption stability. 2MP molecule are adsorbed on metal surface through N atom and sulfhydryl group. SDS molecule interacts with metal through O atoms while the alkyl chain pointing to the test solution. This adsorption configuration is beneficial to the formation of the inhibitor film, the migration of the corrosive particles to the metal surface was hindered and thus the metal surface was protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effect between 4‐mercaptopyridine (4MP) and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (C16TAB) was studied using electrochemical method combined with weight loss measurements. The spontaneous adsorption of the inhibitor follows Langmuir isotherm. They work as mix‐type inhibitor with predominant control of the cathodic process. The inhibition efficiency of the inhibitor mixture (C16TAB–MP) is higher than those of the individual component and increases with increasing of the inhibitor concentration. 4MP molecule adsorb on metal chemically through N and S atom, whereas C16TAB molecule through physisorption of N atom, after they coadsorbed on the iron surface, both of them adsorb through chemisorption. The distance between N‐Fe and S‐Fe in C16TAB–MP is shorter than that in the 4MP or C16TAB containing system. C16TAB and 4MP show good synergistic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For delivering the nanoscaled extraordinary characteristics in macroscopical bulk, it is essential to integrate two‐dimensional nanosheets into three‐dimensional (3D) porous monoliths, alternatively called as 3D architectures, 3D networks, or aerogels. The intersupported structure of porous monolithic 3D graphene (3DG) can prevent aggregation or restacking of graphene individuals, and the interconnected sp2 network of 3DG not only can provide the highway for the transport of electron/phonon but also can present continual cavities/channels for mass transfer. This review summarizes the synthesis methodology of 3DG porous monoliths and highlights the application for electric double‐layer capacitors. Present challenges and future prospects about the manufacture and application of 3DG are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

M6A methylation is likely to be closely associated with the occurrence and development of tumours. In this study, we demonstrated that the transcription levels of the m6A RNA methylation regulators are closely related to the prognosis of glioma. Univariate Cox analysis was performed on the expression levels of methylation regulators and selected three hub genes in glioma. Next, we systematically compared the expression of these m6A RNA methylation regulators in gliomas with different clinicopathological features. The overall survival (OS) curve of the hub genes was initially established based on TCGA database information. YTHDF1 was selected from the hub genes following survival and prognosis analysis. A nomogram was developed to predict the survival probability. We further performed cell function and in vivo xenograft tumour experiments to further verify its role in tumour progression. Next, based on the miRanda and miRDB databases, we predicted one microRNA, hsa‐mir‐346, that might regulate and bind to 3'UTR of YTHDF1, which was confirmed by our fluorescent enzyme reporter gene experiment. In summary, m6A RNA methylation regulators play a potential role in the progression of gliomas. YTHDF1 may have an essential function in glioma diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating multifunctional semiconducting metal oxide powders into a 3D printing technique to construct hierarchical porous structures is highly desirable and remains a significant challenge. Herein, an extrusion‐based 3D printing strategy is developed that can assemble TiO2 powders into hierarchical porous structures with multiscale pores at both the macro‐ and microscale. Powder‐based TiO2 inks with a significant shear‐thinning behavior and adequate storage modulus and yield stress are developed to meet the requirements of 3D printing of TiO2 in an air environment without the need for an additional solidification treatment, which provides good printing flexibility. The hierarchical porous structures with a relatively high compressive strength provide the 3D‐printed TiO2 structures with great potential for use in many applications, including filtration, thermal insulation, biomedical scaffolds, catalyst supports, and energy conversion. Compared with scaffolds with a compact morphology, the hierarchical porous TiO2 scaffold as a photoelectrode achieves a higher nitrogen photofixation yield due to its high surface adsorption and activation capacity caused by its porous morphology. Importantly, the powder‐based ink design and extrusion‐based 3D printing approach are readily extended to other semiconducting metal oxides such as ZnO and their composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electrochemical method has been developed to achieve arylation of electron‐deficient arenes through reductive activation. Various electron‐deficient arenes and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates are amenable to this transformation within the conditions of an undivided cell, providing the desired products in up to 92 % yield. Instead of preparing diazonium reagents, these reactions can begin from anilines, and they can be carried out in one pot. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies indicate that cathodic reduction of quinoxaline occurs using the transformation. Moreover, cyclic voltammetry indicates that both quinoxaline and aryl diazonium salt have relatively low reduction potentials, which suggests they can be activated through reduction during the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N‐Mannich bases are an important structure in various functional molecules. A new protocol to synthesize N‐Mannich bases was established through electrochemical external‐oxidant‐free C(sp3)−H/N−H cross‐coupling with hydrogen evolution. Various N‐methylanilines were explored in this transformation. Moreover, simple amides, heteroatom‐containing amides, and succinimides were well tolerated in moderate‐to‐good yields. In addition, the electrochemical dehydrogenative C(sp3)−H/N−H cross‐coupling could be scaled up to 5 mmol. By using triethyl phosphite as trapping agent, the phosphorylation product was detected. At the same time, kinetic isotope effect experiments showed that the cleavage of the C−H bond is the rate‐limiting step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the first large Chinese pedigree of keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans resulting from a missense mutation in membrane-bound transcription factor protease site 2 (MBTPS2) and predicts the transmembrane domains. The proband was a 20-year-old man, who is the second son of non-consanguineous parents. Findings on the dermatological examination are offered including erythrokeratoderma on both cheeks. The study extends the spectrum of MBTPS2 mutations.

Background: Image integration has the potential to display three-dimensional (3D) scar anatomy and facilitate substrate characterization for ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. However, the current generation of clinical mapping systems cannot display 3D left ventricle (LV) anatomy with embedded 3D scar reconstructions or allow display of border zone and high-resolution anatomic scar features. Objective: This study reports the first clinical experience with a mapping system allowing an integrated display of 3D LV anatomy with detailed 2D/3D scar and border zone reconstruction. Methods: Ten patients scheduled for VT ablation underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and Rubidium-82 perfusion/F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose metabolic Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging to reconstruct 3D LV and scar anatomy. LV and scar models were co-registered using a 3D mapping system and analyzed with a 17-segment model. Metabolic thresholding was used to reconstruct the 3D border zone. Real-time display of CT images was performed during ablation. Results: Co-registration (error 4.3 ± 0.7 mm) allowed simultaneous visualization of 3D LV anatomy and embedded scar and guided additional voltage mapping. Segments containing homogenous or partial scar correlated in 94.4% and 85.7% between voltage maps and 3D PET scar reconstructions, respectively. Voltage-defined scar and normal myocardium had relative FDG uptakes of 40 ± 13% and 89 ± 30% (P < 0.05). The 3D border zone correlated best with a 46% metabolic threshold. Real-time display of registered high-resolution CT images allowed the simultaneous characterization of scar-related anatomic changes. Conclusion: Integration of PET/CT reconstruction allows simultaneous 3D display of myocardial scar and border zone embedded into the LV anatomy as well as the display of detailed scar anatomy. Multimodality imaging may enable a new image-guided approach to substrate-guided VT ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]