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It is always very difficult to efficiently and accurately solve a system of differential equations coupled with moving free boundaries, while such a system has been widely applied to describe many physical/biological phenomena such as the dynamics of spreading population. The main purpose of this paper is to introduce efficient numerical methods within a general framework for solving such systems with moving free boundaries. The major numerical challenge is to track the moving free boundaries, especially for high spatial dimensions. To overcome this, a front tracking framework coupled with implicit solver is first introduced for the 2D model with radial symmetry. For the general 2D model, a level set approach is employed to more efficiently treat complicated topological changes. The accuracy and order of convergence for the proposed methods are discussed, and the numerical simulations agree well with theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invented decades ago, whirling is a machining process primarily employed for producing helical surfaces. In view of its cost-effectiveness, this paper proposes to adapt the whirling process for manufacturing airfoil blades. Considering that chatter often occurs during the whirling process due to the low stiffness of blade workpiece, which impairs the machining quality, theoretical issues in relation to chatter and its prediction for the blade whirling process are investigated. Firstly, the principle of blade whirling is briefly introduced and vibration components in the cutter-workpiece system are analyzed in order to identify the characteristics of blade whirling and establish a reasonable dynamic model. Then, a theoretical model for stability prediction in blade whirling is presented and verified, which fully considers the geometric immersion of the whirling cutter and the dynamic parameters of the workpiece system. In order to ensure accuracy of the prediction results, non-symmetric frequency response function (FRF) matrices are adopted in modeling the system and identifying the modal parameters. After that, the effect of material removal on machining stability is examined. Since a large proportion of material is to be removed, the whirling operation is divided into several steps for exploration. The results show that the material removal changes the natural frequency and modal shape of the system which causes the variation of the limit on cutting depth. Finally, the proposed approach is verified with a scaled propeller blade being machined as a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have found that melatonin was related to the growth and development in avian. Therefore, the newly hatched broilers were exposed to colors of light to establish a model of pinealectomy and explored the mechanism of pineal melatonin promoting growth hormone (GH) secretion. The results showed that green light (GL) promoted the levels of GH, pituitary‐specific transcription factor‐1 (Pit‐1) genes and proteins in pituitary. Moreover, the mRNA and protein levels of melatonin receptor subtypes Mel1b and Mel1c in the pituitary in GL were higher than other monochromatic light groups. After pinealectomy, the expression of Pit‐1, GH, Mel1b and Mel1c in pituitary decreased. In vitro, exogenous melatonin promoted the level of Pit‐1 mRNA and the secretion of GH in anterior pituitary cells. However, when melatonin was added with exogenous selective Mel1b antagonist (4‐phenyl‐2‐propionamideotetralin) and selective Mel1c antagonist (prazosin), the level of Pit‐1 mRNA and the GH secretion decreased. When selective Mel1b and Mel1c antagonists were added simultaneously, the decrease in Pit‐1 mRNA and GH secretion was more significant. These results indicated that pineal melatonin promotes the expression of Pit‐1 under GL by binding to melatonin receptor subtypes Mel1b and Mel1c in the pituitary, thereby increasing GH secretion and promoting the growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs), which are the stem cells present in the dental follicle tissue of the tooth germ and are derived from the neural crest, are direct precursor cells of periodontal tissues and can form the periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone proper in the late stage of tooth development. DFSCs have the ability to achieve osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, neural, and cardiomyocytic differentiation in a specific induced environment. Recently, isolated dental follicle epithelial stem cells from DFSCs were also found to have the ability to form salivary gland cells and ductal cells. In recent years, DFSCs have also been reported to play an active role in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases in animal models. Therefore, DFSCs could not only be used as a good seed source for tissue regeneration but also provide new treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases. The study of DFSCs in tissue regeneration and immunoregulation has developed from in vitro experiments to animal experiments. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in our understanding of DFSCs in tissue regeneration and immunomodulation. We expect DFSCs to be considered for stem cell-based therapies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As a disorder of the brain in adults and children, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered the major cause of mortality and morbidity. As a serious complication of TBI, post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is commonly identified and significantly associated with neurocognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, and growth impairment. The long-term functional outcomes after shunt dependence are totally not clear. Methods: This study included 6279 patients between 2012 and 2022. To identify the unfavorable functional outcomes and the PTH-related factors, we carried out univariable logistic regression analyses. To identify the occurrence time of PTH, we conducted the log-rank test and Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results: Mean patient age was 51.03 ± 22.09 years. Of the 6279 patients with TBI, 327 developed PTH (5.2%). Several PTH development-associated factors, such as intracerebral hematoma, diabetes, longer initial hospital stay, craniotomy, low GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale), EVD (external ventricular drain), and DC (decompressive craniectomy) (p < 0.01), were identified. We also analyzed the factors of unfavorable outcomes after TBI including > 80 years, repeated operations, hypertension, EVD, tracheotomy, and epilepsy (p < 0.01). Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) itself is not an independent factor of the unfavorable outcome but shunt complication is a strong independent factor of unfavorable outcome (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We should emphasize the practices that can minimize the risks of shunt complications. Additionally, the rigorous radiographic and clinical surveillance will benefit those patients at high risk of developing PTH. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, ChiCTR2300070016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the factors influencing the short-term response to the initial radioiodine therapy (RT) course in patients with intermediate- and high-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). A total of 182 patients with intermediate- and high-risk PTC who underwent RT in our hospital from March 2018 to October 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were divided into incomplete response (IR) and nonincomplete response (Non-IR) groups according to the response observed in clinical follow-up within 6–12 months after RT. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the effects of 15 observed factors on the response to RT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the value of factors found to be significant in multivariate analyses for predicting an IR. A total of 182 patients with intermediate- and high-risk PTC were analyzed; the percentage of patients with a Non-IR was 61.54% (112/182), and the percentage of patients with an IR was 38.46% (70/182). The CD4+ T-cell percentage (t = 4.757, P = 0.000), CD4/CD8 (z = − 2.632, P = 0.008), stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg) level (z = − 8.273, P = 0.000) and M stage (χ2 = 17.823, P = 0.000) of the two groups were significantly different. Multivariate analysis showed that only the sTg level (OR: 1.116, 95% CI 1.068–1.165, P < 0.001) and CD4+ T-cell percentage (OR: 0.909, 95% CI 0.854–0.968, P = 0.003) were independent factors associated with the therapeutic response to RT. The cutoff sTg level and CD4+ T-cell percentage for predicting an IR were 7.62 μg/L and 40.95%, respectively. The sTg level and CD4+ T-cell percentage were verified to be independent predictive factors of RT response. Higher sTg levels and lower CD4+ T-cell percentages were related to an IR in patients with intermediate- and high-risk PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are a promising platform for new photonic and optoelectronic devices. Exciton‐phonon interaction is critical in determining their characteristics such as the exciton coherence lifetime and linewidth. However, the exciton linewidth obtained by conventional reflection spectrum is greatly affected by the background signals, and the research into exciton‐phonon coupling difference induced by stacking‐order in multi‐layer structures is still lacking. In this work, the temperature‐dependent exciton linewidths of CVD‐grown large‐area monolayer, 2H and 3R‐stacking bilayer WS2 based on a self‐designed reflective magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectrum are systematically investigated. It is found that 2H‐bilayer WS2 exhibits significantly larger exciton linewidth compared with monolayer and 3R bilayer, which can be attributed to the appearance of new phonon‐assisted relaxation channels caused by interlayer coupling. Meanwhile, 3R bilayer with a redshifted exciton peak has a narrower linewidth than 2H phase because the interlayer hopping is suppressed, resulting in the absence of interlayer scattering channel. These results provide intuitive evidence for the exciton linewidth‐broadening and exciton‐phonon coupling in different stacked layers and open up new vistas for the development of TMD‐based narrow‐linewidth nano‐sensors devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glycemic gap, as a novel index of acute glycemic excursion, is associated with poor prognosis of different diseases. This study aimed to explore the association of the glycemic gap with long‐term stroke recurrence in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: This study included patients with ischemic stroke from the Nanjing Stroke Registry Program. The glycemic gap was calculated by subtracting the estimated average blood glucose from the blood glucose at admission. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to explore the association between the glycemic gap and the risk of stroke recurrence. The Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression model was used to estimate the effects of the glycemic gap on stroke recurrence stratified by diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation. Results: Among 2734 enrolled patients, 381 (13.9%) patients experienced stroke recurrence during a median follow‐up of 3.02 years. In multivariate analysis, glycemic gap (high group vs. median group) was associated with significantly increased risk for stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.488; 95% confidence interval, 1.140–1.942; p =.003) and had varying effects on stroke recurrence depending on atrial fibrillation. The restricted cubic spline curve showed a U‐shaped relationship between the glycemic gap and stroke recurrence (p =.046 for nonlinearity). Conclusion: Our study found that the glycemic gap was significantly associated with stroke recurrence in patients with ischemic stroke. The glycemic gap was consistently associated with stroke recurrence across subgroups and had varying effects depending on atrial fibrillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterostructured transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have received much attention due to their tunable optical and electronic properties. Here, a strategy for facile fabrication of porous anodic alumina (PAA) membrane‐supported monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is described. PAA is either empty or filled with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Such nanopore/nanosphere‐supported MoS2 (i.e., PAA‐MoS2 and PAA‐Au‐MoS2) exhibits greatly enhanced optical performances compared with those of silicon wafer‐supported MoS2 (i.e., Si/SiO2‐MoS2). Notably, 11‐fold Raman enhancement, 13‐fold photoluminescence enhancement, and 419‐fold second‐harmonic generation enhancement are achieved in PAA‐Au‐MoS2. Moreover, the optical enhancement mechanism of this unique structure is proposed. This work provides a platform for the construction of curved/heterostructured TMDs and exploration of their strong light‐matter interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layer‐by‐layer all‐polymer solar cells (LbL all‐PSCs) are prepared with PM6 and PY‐IT by using sequential spin coating method. The exciton dissociation efficiency in acceptor layer near electrode is rather low due to the limited exciton diffuse distance and impossible energy transfer from narrow bandgap acceptor to wide bandgap donor. In this study, less PM6 is incorporated into PY‐IT layer to enhance exciton dissociation in PY‐IT layer near electrode. A power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.45% is achieved in the LbL all‐PSCs incorporating 10 wt% PM6 into PY‐IT layer, which is much larger than 16.04% PCE of PM6/PY‐IT‐based LbL all‐PSCs. Over 8% PCE enhancement can be realized by incorporating 10 wt% PM6 into PY‐IT layer, which is attributed to the enhanced exciton utilization efficiency in PY‐IT layers near electrode. The enhanced exciton utilization efficiency in PY‐IT layer can be confirmed from the quenched photoluminescence (PL) emission in PY‐IT:PM6 films. Meanwhile, charge transport in acceptor layers can be optimized by incorporating less PM6, as confirmed from the optimized molecular arrangement. This study indicates that the strategy of incorporating less donor into acceptor layer has great potential in fabricating efficient LbL all‐PSCs by improving exciton utilization efficiency in acceptor layer near electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuroinflammation is a vital pathophysiological process during ischemic stroke. Activated astrocytes play a major role in inflammation. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), secreted by activated astrocytes, promotes neuroinflammation. Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death that has emerged as a new area of research in stroke. Nevertheless, the potential role of LCN2 in astrocyte pyroptosis remains unclear. Methods: An ischemic stroke model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in vivo. In this study, in vitro, oxygen–glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (O/R) were applied to cultured astrocytes. 24p3R (the LCN2 receptor) was inhibited by astrocyte-specific adeno-associated virus (AAV-GFAP-24p3Ri). MCC950 and Nigericin sodium salt (Nig) were used to inhibit or promote the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome pharmacologically, respectively. Histological and biochemical analyses were performed to assess astrocyte and neuron death. Additionally, the neurological deficits of mice were evaluated. Results: LCN2 expression was significantly induced in astrocytes 24 h after stroke onset in the mouse MCAO model. Lcn2 knockout (Lcn2−/−) mice exhibited reduced infarct volume and improved neurological and cognitive functions after MCAO. LCN2 and its receptor 24p3R were colocalized in astrocytes. Mechanistically, suppression of 24p3R by AAV-GFAP-24p3Ri alleviated pyroptosis-related pore formation and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines via LCN2, which was then reversed by Nig-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Astrocyte pyroptosis was exacerbated in Lcn2−/− mice by intracerebroventricular administration of recombinant LCN2 (rLCN2), while this aggravation was restricted by blocking 24p3R or inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation with MCC950. Conclusion: LCN2/24p3R mediates astrocyte pyroptosis via NLRP3 inflammasome activation following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Two early basilar artery occlusion (BAO) randomized controlled trials did not establish the superiority of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) over medical management. While many providers continue to recommend EVT for acute BAO, perceptions of equipoise in randomizing patients with BAO to EVT versus medical management may differ between clinician specialties. Methods: We conducted an international survey (January 18, 2022 to March 31, 2022) regarding management strategies in acute BAO prior to the announcement of two trials indicating the superiority of EVT, and compared responses between interventionalists (INTs) and non‐interventionalists (nINTs). Selection practices for routine EVT and perceptions of equipoise regarding randomizing to medical management based on neuroimaging and clinical features were compared between the two groups using descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 1245 respondents (nINTs = 702), INTs more commonly believed that EVT was superior to medical management in acute BAO (98.5% vs. 95.1%, p <.01). A similar proportion of INTs and nINTs responded that they would not randomize a patient with BAO to EVT (29.4% vs. 26.7%), or that they would only under specific clinical circumstances (p =.45). Among respondents who would recommend EVT for BAO, there was no difference in the maximum prestroke disability, minimum stroke severity, or infarct burden on computed tomography between the two groups (p >.05), although nINTs more commonly preferred perfusion imaging (24.2% vs. 19.7%, p =.04). Among respondents who indicated they would randomize to medical management, INTs were more likely to randomize when the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was ≥10 (15.9% vs. 6.9%, p <.01). Conclusions: Following the publication of two neutral clinical trials in BAO EVT, most stroke providers believed EVT to be superior to medical management in carefully selected patients, with most indicating they would not randomize a BAO patient to medical treatment. There were small differences in preference for advanced neuroimaging for patient selection, although these preferences were unsupported by clinical trial data at the time of the survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1H NMR-based metabolic profiling combined with multivariate data analysis was used to explore the metabolic phenotype of functional dyspepsia (FD) in stressed rats and evaluate the intervention effects of the Chinese medicine Weikangning (WKN). After a 7-day period of model establishment, a 14-day drug administration schedule was conducted in a WKN-treated group of rats, with the model and normal control groups serving as negative controls. Based on 1H NMR spectra of urine and serum from rats, PCA, PLS-DA, and OPLS-DA were performed to identify changing metabolic profiles. According to the key metabolites determined by OPLS-DA, alterations in energy metabolism, stress-related metabolism, and gut microbiota were found in FD model rats after stress stimulation, and these alterations were restored to normal after WKN administration. This study may provide new insights into the relationship between FD and psychological stress and assist in research into the metabolic mechanisms involved in Chinese medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite has attracted great attention recently for its potentials for next-generation green-color lasing devices owing to the relatively high structural stability and the high emission efficiency among the perovskite family. Herein, we explore the origins of cavity modes in CsPbBr3 microplatelets (MPs) lasers by using angle-resolved microphotoluminescence Fourier imaging technique, which is still controversial so far. In-plane Fabry–Pérot (F-P) mode lasing transition to whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) lasing is verified at room temperature, which mostly occurs in large MPs with edge length (L) over 13 μm. The F-P lasing is suppressed upon decreasing L or increasing excitation density, and the WGM lasing is predominant for all MPs at high excitation density. Furthermore, the parity and symmetry of in-plane F-P modes are classified. These results advance the fundamental understanding of lasing modes in planar microcavities as well as their applications in on-chip interconnection and quantum optics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No abstract available Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of COVID-19 on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and infection spectrum of viral and bacterial respiratory infections in Western China is unknown. Methods: We conducted an interrupted time series analysis based on surveillance of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in Western China to supplement the available data. Results: The positive rates of influenza virus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and viral and bacterial coinfections decreased, but parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, human adenovirus, human rhinovirus, human bocavirus, non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydia pneumoniae infections increased after the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic. The positive rate for viral infection in outpatients and children aged <5 years increased, but the positive rates of bacterial infection and viral and bacterial coinfections decreased, and the proportion patients with clinical symptoms of ARI decreased after the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic. Non-pharmacological interventions reduced the positive rates of viral and bacterial infections in the short term but did not have a long-term limiting effect. Moreover, the proportion of ARI patients with severe clinical symptoms (dyspnea and pleural effusion) increased in the short term after COVID-19, but in the long-term, it decreased. Conclusions: The epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and infection spectrum of viral and bacterial infections in Western China have changed, and children will be a high-risk group for ARI after the COVID-19 epidemic. In addition, the reluctance of ARI patients with mild clinical symptoms to seek medical care after COVID-19 should be considered. In the post-COVID-19 era, we need to strengthen the surveillance of respiratory pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the piezoelectric effect of CsPbBr3 perovskite is utilized for the first time to enhance the nanolasers performance based on the flexible poly(ethylenenaphthalate) PEN/single‐crystal‐Au/MgF2/CsPbBr3 (ScAu/M/CPB) structure. The dynamic‐modulated plasmonic lasing mode blueshift is achieved by the piezoelectric polarization effect (PPE)‐induced effective refractive index (neff) change by varying the applied strain (ε). In particular, taking advantage of the increased cavity mode frequency, the lasing threshold (Pth) reduces from 4.5 µJ cm−2 (ε = 0) to 1.5 µJ cm−2 (ε = −1.02%). The ε‐dependent carrier dynamics results reveal the nature of ultralow Pth being PPE‐induced spontaneous emission (SE) decay rate enhancement, leading to the reduction in radiation loss of the plasmonic cavity. The corresponding enhancement mechanism is put forward to elucidate the principle of piezoelectric‐induced dynamic modulation nanolasers characteristic. This work demonstrates that coupling of piezoelectric effect and plasmonics is an effective route to enhance the performance of plasmonic nanolasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite colloidal quantum wells (QWs) are promising to realize narrow deep‐blue emission, but the poor optical performance and stability suppress their practical application. Here, we creatively propose a water‐driven synthesis strategy to obtain size‐homogenized and strongly confined deep‐blue CsPbBr3 QWs, corresponding to three monolayers, which emit at the deep‐blue wavelength of 456 nm. The water controls the orientation and distribution of the ligands on the surface of the nanocrystals, thus inducing orientated growth through the Ostwald ripening process by phagocytizing unstable nanocrystals to form well‐crystallized QWs. These QWs present remarkable stability and high photoluminescence quantum yield of 94 %. Furthermore, we have prepared light‐emitting diodes based on the QWs via the all‐solution fabrication strategy, achieving an external quantum efficiency of 1 % and luminance of 2946 cd m−2, demonstrating state‐of‐the‐art brightness for perovskite QW‐based LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite colloidal quantum wells (QWs) are promising to realize narrow deep‐blue emission, but the poor optical performance and stability suppress their practical application. Here, we creatively propose a water‐driven synthesis strategy to obtain size‐homogenized and strongly confined deep‐blue CsPbBr3 QWs, corresponding to three monolayers, which emit at the deep‐blue wavelength of 456 nm. The water controls the orientation and distribution of the ligands on the surface of the nanocrystals, thus inducing orientated growth through the Ostwald ripening process by phagocytizing unstable nanocrystals to form well‐crystallized QWs. These QWs present remarkable stability and high photoluminescence quantum yield of 94 %. Furthermore, we have prepared light‐emitting diodes based on the QWs via the all‐solution fabrication strategy, achieving an external quantum efficiency of 1 % and luminance of 2946 cd m−2, demonstrating state‐of‐the‐art brightness for perovskite QW‐based LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroptosis is a form of non-apoptotic cell death caused by iron-dependent peroxidation of lipids. It contributes to ischemic stroke-induced neuronal damage. Elabela (ELA), a novel endogenous ligand for Apelin receptor (APJ), regulates oxidative stress and exerts a protective role in cardiovascular disease. However, the effect of ELA-APJ axis on cellular ferroptosis in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) remains elusive. The present study showed that ELA and APJ were expressed on neurons and increased after cerebral I/R injury. The I/R insult triggered typical molecular and morphological features of neuronal ferroptosis, including iron and MDA accumulation, mitochondrial shrink and membrane rupture, upregulation of positive ferroptosis regulators and downregulation of negative regulators. ELA-32 treatment reduced brain infarction and ameliorated neurobehavioral deficits and cognitive dysfunction. Moreover, ELA-32 administration alleviated neuronal ferroptosis, accompanied by reduced iron deposition, decreased mitochondrial damage, relived lipid peroxidation and glutathione reduction. Such effects of ELA-32 were abolished by AAV-APJ-RNAi or nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) inhibitor ML385. Mechanistically, ELA was shown to bind to APJ and activate NRF2/ARE anti-oxidative signaling pathway via Gα13. Together, these findings suggested that ELA-APJ axis mitigates neuronal ferroptosis after ischemic stroke and that the ELA-32 peptide may be a putative therapeutic avenue for ischemic stroke. [Display omitted] • Ischemic stroke induces Elabela and APJ expression and neuronal ferroptosis. • Activation of APJ with ELA-32 ameliorates ischemia/reperfusion injury and cognitive dysfunction. • Treatment with ELA-32 reduces neuronal lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis via NRF2/ARE signaling pathway. • Elabela binds to APJ and subsequently triggers NRF2-mediated anti-oxidative response through Gα13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of microRNAs (miRNAs) may alter miRNA transcription, maturation and target specificity, thus affecting stroke susceptibility. We aimed to investigate whether miR-200b and miR-495 SNPs may be associated with ischemic stroke (IS) risk and further explore underlying mechanisms including related genes and pathways. MiR-200b rs7549819 and miR-495 rs2281611 polymorphisms were genotyped among 712 large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) stroke patients and 1,076 controls in a case–control study. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to explore potential association of miR-200b/495 with IS and to examine the effects of these two SNPs on miR-200b/495. Furthermore, we evaluated the association between these two SNPs and stroke using the public GWAS datasets. In our case–control study, rs7549819 was significantly associated with a decreased risk of LAA stroke (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.58–0.92; p = 0.007), while rs2281611 had no significant association with LAA stroke risk. These results were consistent with the findings in East Asians from the GIGASTROKE study. Combined effects analysis revealed that individuals with 2–4 protective alleles (miR-200bC and miR-495 T) exhibited lower risk of LAA stroke than those with 0–1 variants (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.61–0.96; p = 0.021). Bioinformatic analyses showed that miR-200b and miR-495 were significantly associated with genes and pathways related to IS pathogenesis, and rs7549819 and rs2281611 markedly influenced miRNA expression and structure. MiR-200b rs7549819 polymorphism and the combined genotypes of miR-200b rs7549819 and miR-495 rs2281611 polymorphisms were associated with decreased risk of LAA stroke in Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CMYA1 is a protein that plays an important role in muscle development and contains a highly conserved Xin repeats region. However, the function of the Xin-repeats in CMYA1 is unknown, and there is little information regarding proteins that interact with the CMYA1/Xin-repeats in the bovine system. In this study, we generated a high-quality bovine muscle cDNA library and performed a yeast two-hybrid screen twice using both CMYA1 and the Xin-repeats as bait. There were 27 candidate-interacting proteins identified in this screen. Three of the 27 proteins (RPL35A, RPL21 and EIF3G) interacted with both CMYA1 and the Xin-repeats, and this interaction was further confirmed using one-to-one Y2H mating. These results showed that the three candidate proteins interacted with CMYA1/Xin-repeats and indicated that the Xin-repeats is a key region of CMYA1 required for protein interaction. In conclusion, our results provide new targets on the bovine CMYA1/Xin-repeats interacting proteins, and these findings provide an important reference for the study of how bovine muscle development is regulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor micro/nano-cavities with high quality factor (Q) and small modal volume provide critical platforms for exploring strong light-matter interactions and quantum optics, enabling further development of coherent and quantum photonic devices. Constrained by exciton binding energy and thermal fluctuation, only a handful of wide-band semiconductors such as ZnO and GaN have stable excitons at room temperature. Metal halide perovskite with cubic lattice and well-controlled exciton may provide solutions. In this work, high-quality single-crystalline cesium lead halide CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microcavities are synthesized by vapor-phase van der Waals epitaxy method. The as-grown perovskites show strong emission and stable exciton at room temperature over the whole visible spectra range. By varying the halide composition, multi-color (400-700 nm).WGM excitonic lasing is achieved at room temperature with low threshold (~ 2.0 μJ cm−2) and high spectra coherence (~0.14-0.15 nm). The results advocate the promise of inorganic perovskites towards development of optoelectronic devices and strong light-matter coupling in quantum optics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quasi‐2D perovskite solar cells have recently emerged as a highly prospective and inexpensive solution for sustainable energy due to their intrinsic optoelectronic properties and stability. The qualities of these promising quasi‐2D perovskite cells are generally affected by different intermediates derived from the precursor solution during film fabrication processing. However, efficient solutions to inhibit intermediates remain insufficient to date. Here, an effective strategy is prsented to inhibit the growth of 1D solvate intermediate during the fabricating process of quasi‐2D perovskite films by introducing a guanidinium thiocyanate (GUASCN) inhibitor. Theoretical calculations reveal that the SCN− anions spontaneously replace the iodide ions in the inorganic framework [PbI6]3− and induce the decomposition of the solvate intermediate. The resulted perovskite solar cells exhibit a significant improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE), benefiting from the reduced trap‐state density and enhanced carrier mobilities. The unencapsulated devices retain 91% and 95% of the original PCEs under 45 ± 10% humidity in air or under continuous light irradiation at 100 mW cm−2 and 45 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere for 1000 h. Particularly, devices without electron‐transporting layers maintain 85% of the peak PCE under maximum power point tracking at 45 °C for 1000 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese dioxide (MnO2) is considered to be one of the nanomaterials with enormous value in research and application because of its high theoretical specific capacitance, large specific surface area and porosity, excellent electron transfer ability, and excellent light absorption ability. However, exploring superior nonlinear absorption of MnO2 in the broadband spectrum is still the key challenge to harvesting their greatest potential. In this paper, the optical modulator based on MnO2 is fabricated, and its nonlinear optical performance is measured. The results indicate that the modulation depth is 4.4% and the saturable intensity is 32.8 MW cm−2 at 1.5 µm region. What's more fascinating is that the modulator based on MnO2 is integrated into Er‐doped and Tm‐doped fiber resonators to successfully demonstrate its broadband mode‐locking operations. The coexistence of harmonic bound state pulse and conventional soliton pulse, as well as dual‐wavelength solitons, have been obtained in a communication window and conventional soliton in a 2 µm‐band can be also achieved. This demonstrates that MnO2 serves as a broadband optical modulator, which makes MnO2 more competitive in the future ultrafast photonics and helps to expand the frontier of photonic technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aimed to explore the possible role of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), an epigenetic modifying enzyme, in the improvement of oocyte maturation recovered from the Tan sheep of China. We supplemented a specific inhibitor of HDAC1 to in vitro-cultured cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs). The results showed that the cumulus cell expansion and oocyte maturation ratio were impaired, while the production of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) was only slightly changed, despite the fact that the pan-acetylation levels of the histones were significantly elevated. This study implies that HDAC1 may participate in the maturation of oocytes in Tan sheep independently of the classic gonadotrophin-induction pathway. Previous studies have shown that some of the histone deacetylases (HDACs) play diverse roles in the regulation of ovarian somatic cell development, oocyte maturation and early embryonic development in different species including sheep. This study aimed to clarify whether HDAC1 also played pivotal roles in regulating oocyte maturation in Tan sheep. The results showed that HDAC1 was expressed in the nuclei of both the granulosa cells and oocytes of the growing follicles in the Tan sheep's ovaries. However, the level of HDAC1 was unaffected by luteinizing hormone (LH) induction in cultured granulosa cells. Meanwhile, the specific inhibition of HDAC1 using pyroxamide did not induce significant changes in the expression levels of EGF-like growth factors in vitro, whereas both the cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation of the cultured cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were significantly inhibited by pyroxamide. Additionally, the numbers of histone acetylation sites (H4K5, H4K12, H3K14 and H3K9) in ovarian granulosa cells were significantly increased. In conclusion, a constant expression of HDAC1 in the growing follicles of Tan sheep may be pivotal for supporting oocyte growth and maturation, although its action may not be closely correlated with LH induction, nor does it directly affect the expression of the EGF-like factors. Our study implies that there may exist diverse functions of the respective HDACs in modulating female reproduction in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO) is a devastating disease in stroke patients. This study was aimed to identify the initial symptoms of patients with acute VBAO receiving endovascular treatment and determine its associations with clinical outcomes. Methods: Patients with VBAO receiving endovascular treatment at 21 stroke centres in China were recruited for this derivation cohort A data-driven approach of latent class analysis was applied to identify distinct symptom typologies of VBAO patients. Multivariable binary and ordinary logistic regressions were used to evaluate the associations between symptom subtypes and clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 548 patients were analysed in this study. Four distinct subgroups were defined: the vestibular symptom group (32.8%), anterior circulation mimic group (26.5%), non-specific symptom group (14.8%) and severe VBAO symptom group (25.9%). Compared with severe VBAO symptoms, non-specific symptoms were independently associated with higher rates of favourable outcome and functional independence at the 3 months [odds ratio (OR) 2.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–5.28; OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.54–7.79]and 1 year follow-up (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.05–4.82; OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.22–5.92), and better functional improvement (shift in mRS score) at the 3 months (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.15–3.67). Conclusion: We identified four distinctive subtypes based on the initial symptoms of VBAO patients. Severe VBAO symptoms were associated with poor outcomes while non-specific and vestibular symptoms were indicators of a favourable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the complementary value of high-resolution multi-contrast MRI (hrMRI) in identifying symptomatic patients with intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) who are likely to experience recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, eighty patients with acute ischemic events attributed to ICAS who underwent hrMRI examination between January 2015 and January 2019 were included. Median follow-up for all patients was 30 months (range: 1 to 52 months) and recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events were recorded. Cox regression analysis and time-dependent ROC were performed to quantify the association between the plaque characteristics and recurrent events. Results: During the follow-up, 14 patients experienced recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events. Young males and those with diabetes and poor medication persistence were more likely to experience recurrent events. ICAS in patients with recurrence had significantly higher enhancement ratio and steepness which is defined as the ratio between the plaque height and length than those without (p < 0.001 and p = 0.015, respectively). After adjustment of clinical factors, enhancement ratio (HR, 13.13 [95% CI, 3.58–48.20], p < 0.001) and plaque steepness (HR, 110.27 [95% CI, 4.75–2560.91], p = 0.003) were independent imaging biomarkers associated with recurrent events. Time-dependent ROC indicated that integrated high enhancement ratio and steepness into clinical risk factors improved discrimination power with the ROC increased from 0.79 to 0.94 (p = 0.008). Conclusions: The enhancement ratio and plaque steepness improved the accuracy over traditional clinical risk factors in predicting recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events for patients with ICAS. Key Points: • High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging helps clinicians to evaluate high-risk Intracranial plaque. • The higher enhancement ratio and plaque steepness (= height/length) were the primary biomarkers associated with future ischemic cerebrovascular events. • High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging combined with clinical characteristics showed a higher accuracy for the prediction of recurrent events in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐light‐level photodetections are highly desired in the fields of astronomy and quantum information. However, the existing techniques suffer from high operation voltages and complexity of fabrication, which reduces its compatibility with complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS) based read‐out circuit and prevent the use of imaging. Here, a low‐light‐level phototransistor that employs a photo‐induced ferroelectric reversal mechanism in a ferroelectric semiconductor channel: α‐In2Se3 is demonstrated. It shows a record‐low noise‐equivalent power of 7.9 × 10−22 W Hz−1/2, a record‐high specific detectivity of 6.34 × 1017 Jones, and sensitivity approaching 20 photons in a photon‐counting mode, and fast time response of 260 µs/50 ns in the rise/decay period. It also works as an optoelectronic memory with an on/off ratio of 2.9 × 105, retention of longer than 10 years, and endurance of more than 106 cycles. Due to its high performance, simple architecture, and small operation voltage, the phototransistor provides a feasible platform for new‐generation low‐light‐level image sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruddlesden–Popper phase 2D perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exhibit improved lifetime while still facing challenges such as phase alignment and up‐scaling to module‐level devices. Herein, polyelectrolytes are explored to tackle this issue. The contact between perovskite and hole‐transport layer (HTL) is important for decreasing interfacial non‐radiative recombination and scalable fabrication of uniform 2D perovskite films. Through exploring compatible butylamine cations, we first demonstrate poly(3‐(4‐carboxybutyl)thiophene‐2,5‐diyl)‐butylamine (P3CT‐BA) as an efficient HTL for 2D PSCs due to its great hydrophilicity, relatively high hole mobility and uniform surface. More importantly, the tailored P3CT‐BA has an anchoring effect and acts as the buried passivator for 2D perovskites. Consequently, a best efficiency approaching 18 % was achieved and we further first report large‐area (2×3 cm2, 5×5 cm2) 2D perovskite minimodules with an impressive efficiency of 14.81 % and 11.13 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruddlesden–Popper phase 2D perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exhibit improved lifetime while still facing challenges such as phase alignment and up‐scaling to module‐level devices. Herein, polyelectrolytes are explored to tackle this issue. The contact between perovskite and hole‐transport layer (HTL) is important for decreasing interfacial non‐radiative recombination and scalable fabrication of uniform 2D perovskite films. Through exploring compatible butylamine cations, we first demonstrate poly(3‐(4‐carboxybutyl)thiophene‐2,5‐diyl)‐butylamine (P3CT‐BA) as an efficient HTL for 2D PSCs due to its great hydrophilicity, relatively high hole mobility and uniform surface. More importantly, the tailored P3CT‐BA has an anchoring effect and acts as the buried passivator for 2D perovskites. Consequently, a best efficiency approaching 18 % was achieved and we further first report large‐area (2×3 cm2, 5×5 cm2) 2D perovskite minimodules with an impressive efficiency of 14.81 % and 11.13 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) effect makes W18O49 an effective visible and near‐infrared (NIR) light antenna to realize full‐spectrum solar‐light driven photocatalysis, yet the precise origin remains elusive. Here, the LSPR originates from the localized electron confinement around lattice W5+–W5+ pairs in the unique structure of W18O49 by density‐functional theory calculation, which gives W18O49 a broad absorption ranging from visible to NIR region, independent of the particle shape and size is confirmed. This unique periodic LSPR simplifies the design of W18O49‐sensitized photocatalytic composite into enhancing the light absorbance of W18O49 and screening photocatalytic semiconductors with suitable energy band potentials. To this end, hierarchical‐structure W18O49 microflowers with high absorbance have been coated with ZnIn2S4 nanosheets to achieve cocatalyst‐free photocatalytic composite, which presents an outstanding H2 production rate of 902.57 µmol within 3 h under simulated solar‐light. Comprehensive characterizations, including ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, prove the injection of hot electrons from W18O49 to ZnIn2S4 and the increase of long‐lived active electrons. This work clarifies the LSPR origin of oxygen‐deficient semiconductors and paves the way for the search of broad‐spectrum active photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most cells involved in atherosclerosis release extracellular vesicles (EVs), which can carry bioactive substances to downstream tissues via circulation. We hypothesized that EVs derived from atherosclerotic plaques could promote atherogenesis in remote locations, a mechanism that mimics the blood metastasis of cancer. Ldlr gene knockout (Ldlr KO) rats were fed on a high cholesterol diet and underwent partial carotid ligation to induce local atherosclerosis. EVs were separated from carotid artery tissues and downstream blood of carotid ligation by centrifugation. MiRNA sequencing and qPCR were then performed to detect miRNA differences in EVs from rats with and without induced carotid atherosclerosis. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that EVs derived from atherosclerosis could increase the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin in endothelial cells in vitro. EVs derived from atherosclerosis contained a higher level of miR-23a-3p than those derived from controls. MiR-23a-3p could promote endothelial inflammation by targeting Dusp5 and maintaining ERK1/2 phosphorylation in vitro. Inhibiting EV release could attenuate atherogenesis and reduce macrophage infiltration in vivo. Intravenously administrating atherosclerotic plaque-derived EVs could induce intimal inflammation, arterial wall thickening and lumen narrowing in the carotids of Ldlr KO rats, while simultaneous injection of miR-23a-3p antagomir could reverse this reaction. The results suggested that EVs may transfer atherosclerosis to remote locations by carrying proinflammatory factors, particularly miR-23a-3p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convincing evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of stroke. This study aimed to examine whether miRNA biogenesis genes polymorphisms are associated with risk of large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) stroke. Three polymorphisms (DROSHA rs10719 T>C, RAN rs3803012 A>G, and PIWIL1 rs10773771 C>T) were screened by certain criteria. A total of 1,785 (710 cases and 1,075 controls) study subjects were included in this study. We found that rs10773771 CC genotype was associated with a decreased risk of LAA stroke (CC vs. TT/CT: OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46–0.86, P = 3 × 10–3). In silico analysis suggested that rs10773771 can change the mRNA secondary structure of PIWIL1 and affect the binding of the miRNAs and regulatory motifs to the 3′-UTR of PIWIL1. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis showed that rs10773771 could change the expression of PIWIL1 in human skin (P = 1.534 × 10–10) and thyroid tissues (P = 4.869 × 10–6). These findings suggested that PIWIL1 rs10773771 may be associated with a decreased risk of LAA stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 75% of diagnosed breast cancer tumors are estrogen-receptor-positive tumors and are associated with a better prognosis due to response to hormonal therapies. However, around 40% of patients relapse after hormonal therapies. Genomic analysis of gene expression profiles in primary breast cancers and tamoxifen-resistant cell lines suggested the potential role of miR-489 in the regulation of estrogen signaling and development of tamoxifen resistance. Our in vitro analysis showed that loss of miR-489 expression promoted tamoxifen resistance, while overexpression of miR-489 in tamoxifen-resistant cells restored tamoxifen sensitivity. Mechanistically, we found that miR-489 is an estrogen-regulated miRNA that negatively regulates estrogen receptor signaling by using at least the following two mechanisms: (i) modulation of the ER phosphorylation status by inhibiting MAPK and AKT kinase activities; (ii) regulation of nuclear-to-cytosol translocation of estrogen receptor α (ERα) by decreasing p38 expression and consequently ER phosphorylation. In addition, miR-489 can break the positive feed-forward loop between the estrogen-Erα axis and p38 MAPK in breast cancer cells, which is necessary for its function as a transcription factor. Overall, our study unveiled the underlying molecular mechanism by which miR-489 regulates an estrogen signaling pathway through a negative feedback loop and uncovered its role in both the development of and overcoming of tamoxifen resistance in breast cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims at exploring the 3-month outcome predicting ability of delayed neurological improvement and the cause of delayed neurological improvement. Materials and methods: Early neurological improvement and delayed neurological improvement were calculated to represent the neurological improvements. Good functional outcome was defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0–2. We used multivariant logistic regression to explore the influential factors of good functional outcome as well as delayed neurological improvement. We applied net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement to assess the quantitative improvement of the predictive model. Results: Early neurological improvement was observed in 50 (23%) patients and delayed neurological improvement exhibited in 67 (30%) patients. Early neurological improvement and delayed neurological improvement were both independent predictive factors to good functional outcome. In the basic model (adjusted for age, admission glucose level, baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, and complications and number of retrieval attempts), early neurological improvement and delayed neurological improvement statistically improved the predictive ability (early neurological improvement: net reclassification improvement = 0.34, 95% confidence interval, 95% confidential interval (0.06, 0.69); integrated discrimination improvement = 0.05, p < 0.001; delayed neurological improvement: net reclassification improvement = 0.79, 95% confidential interval (0.47, 1.12); integrated discrimination improvement = 0.14, p < 0.001) delayed neurological improvement could predict clinical outcomes more accurately than early neurological improvement (early neurological improvement vs. delayed neurological improvement: integrated discrimination improvement = 0.09, p < 0.001). Moreover, delayed neurological improvement was affected by hypertension (odds ratio = 0.40, 95% CI (0.18, 0.88), p = 0.02), early neurological improvement (odds ratio = 20.10, 95% confidential interval (8.24, 19.02), p < 0.001), number of retrieval attempts (odds ratio = 0.39, 95% confidential interval (0.24, 0.66), p < 0.001), and complication (odds ratio = 0.25, 95% confidential interval (0.12, 0.54), p < 0.001). Conclusions: Delayed neurological improvement could predict clinical outcomes more accurately than early neurological improvement. Hypertension, early neurological improvement, numbers of retrieval attempts, and complications were all predicting factors to delayed neurological improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and hypothesis: Recently, two multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCT) failed to show a significantly beneficial effect of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). However, both trials suffered from equipoise issues which may have hindered the validity of the trial results. Therefore, additional RCT studies are needed to explore the potential benefit of EVT in patients presenting with BAO. Study design: ATTENTION is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial with open-label treatment and blinded outcome assessment (PROBE) of EVT versus best medical management (BMM). The primary effect parameter is a modified Rankin Score of 0–3 at day 90. Discussion: ATTENTION will provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of EVT in stroke patients within 12 h after BAO. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04751708 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) has been used as a sensitive marker for liver injury in people and in preclinical toxicity studies. But measurement of ALT isoenzymes, ALT1 and ALT2, was reported to be of more diagnostic value. The aim of this study is to develop an ideal pair of anti-ALT1 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) of high specificity and affinity, and subsequently prepare a Immunochromatographic lateral flow device (LFD) for rapid test of ALT1 in human serums. Methods The complete coding sequence of ALT1 gene (1500 bp) was cloned from human hepatoma G2 cells (HepG2) and inserted into the expression vector pET-32a(+). ALT1 recombinant protein was routinely prepared by E . coli BL21 (DE3) expression and Ni 2+ affinity purification. Balb/c mice were immunized with purified ALT1 and the splenocytes were fused with Sp2/0 myeloma cells. The positive clones, verified by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using purified ALT1, were subcloned to single clones by limiting dilution process. A MAb pair was selected from the obtained MAbs according the sandwich ELISA pairing results and then used for lateral flow device (LFD) production. After evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity, the LFD strips were employed to test human serum samples with known ALT activity levels. Results ALT1 recombinant protein was expectedly prepared by expression and purification. A total of 8 stable clones that produced antibodies specifically recognizing ALT1 protein were developed. After sandwich ELISA pairing, an ideal pair of anti-ALT1 MAbs, designated as BD7 and DG3, were selected and proved to be of high specificity, titer and affinity. Based on the MAb pair, LFD strips specifically for ALT1 rapid test were subsequently prepared. The detection threshold of the LFD strips was 12 U/L. No cross reaction was found. Conclusions The ALT1 LFD with high sensitivity and specificity was successfully developed. It is valuable for testing ALT1 protein in human sera and can be a beneficial complement for traditional ALT test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance to cisplatin-based chemotherapy is a major cause of treatment failure in advanced bladder cancer (BC) patients. There is increasing evidence that microRNAs are involved in the development and progression of BC. However, little is known about the function of microRNAs in predicting the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on BC survival and regulating response to cisplatin. To address this issue, we employed RT-qPCR to evaluate the clinical significance of miR-203 expression in 108 tissues of BC patients receiving cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy, and performed in vitro studies to explore chemotherapeutic sensitivity to cisplatin in miR-203 overexpressing BC cells. We found miR-203 levels were significantly lower in BC progression group than non-progression group (P<0.001). ROC curve analysis illustrated miR-203 could significantly distinguish progressed patients from those without progression (P<0.001), yielding an area under the ROC curve of 0.839 (95% CI, 0.756–0.903). Moreover, low miR-203 expression correlated with shortened progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of BC patients, and was an independent prognostic factor. Overexpression of miR-203 in 5637 and T24 BC cells could decrease cell viability, enhance cisplatin cytotoxicity, and promote apoptosis. Western blotting and luciferase reporter assay showed Bcl-w and Survivin were direct downstream targets of miR-203. There was also a significant inverse association between miR-203 and Bcl-w or Survivin expression in BC tissues (r = -0.781, -0.740, both P<0.001). In conclusion, decreased miR-203 predicts progression and poor prognosis for BC patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy while miR-203 overexpression can enhance cisplatin sensitization by promoting apoptosis via directly targeting Bcl-w and Survivin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prevent epidemic and pandemic cholera disease, an indispensible approach is to develop cholera vaccines based on comprehensive epitope information of this pathogen. This study aimed to utilize our previously raised monoclonal antibody IXiao 3 G 6, which can recognize an epitope in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sites of Ogawa, to identify mimetic peptides, which may represent Ogawa LPS's epitope information. A phage display library screening using IXiao 3 G 6 antibody resulted in identification of a mimic peptide (MP) with high avidity. A recombinant protein, containing one cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) and two MP repeats (CTB-(MP) 2 ), was subsequently constructed and investigated for its immunological characteristics. The findings collectively demonstrated that the MP presenting phages and CTB-(MP) 2 recombinant protein were both capable of inhibiting the interaction between IXiao 3 G 6 and Ogawa/Ogawa LPS specifically in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photo-piezocatalysis based on homojunction emerges as an auspicious approach for the environmental crisis, while it is still in early stage with limited strategies and ambiguous reaction mechanisms. Herein, a heteroatom-free homojunction of ultrathin g-C 3 N 4 with N vacancies/pristine g-C 3 N 4 has been innovatively constructed through surface coupling effect. It achieves higher performance on both photo-piezocatalytic RhB degradation and H 2 O 2 production than solely piezocatalysis or photocatalysis. The underlying causes lie in the synergistic effects of the internal electric field constructed in the type II homojunction and the polarized electric field stimulated by the non-centrosymmetric structure, which cooperatively facilitate the driving force of the charge carriers. Notably, due to the unfixed polarization direction, the charge transfer pathways undergo transitions between type-II and Z-scheme mechanisms, which both promote the spatial separation and migration dynamics of electrons and holes. This work provides new insights into structural design and mechanism exploration for highly efficient photo-piezocatalytic applications. [Display omitted] • A heteroatom-free homojunction of ultrathin g-C 3 N 4 /pristine g-C 3 N 4 with stable surface coupling is flexibly constructed. • The photo-piezocatalytic RhB degradation efficiency reaches 99.0% in 2 h and H 2 O 2 production of 672.6 μmol in 1 h. • The dual-field coupling effect of internal electric field and polarized electric field synergistically facilitates the transfer of charge carriers. • The charge transfer dynamics undergo transitions between type-II and Z-scheme mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium‐based nanoplatelets as optical display and lasing materials are widely explored and exhibit great advantages, owing to their narrow emission linewidths, anisotropic transition‐dipole distributions, and low lasing thresholds. However, in the green range, the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and emission tunability of nanoplatelets are still inferior to that of quantum dots. In this work, a new synthesis protocol is developed, enabling core/crown nanoplatelets to grow continuously from elementary precursors to their final form. A new heterostructure of CdSe/CdSeS core/alloyed‐crown nanoplatelets is produced that realizes 100% PLQY, the continuous tunability of emission peaks in between 502 and 550 nm, and low full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum (FWHM) of less than 15 nm. Achieving these excellent properties in all three aspects at the same time is unprecedented. In addition, the time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectra of these nanoplatelets show a mono‐exponential decay characteristic, and the nanoplatelet film can also show 100% PLQY and a mono‐exponential decay characteristic, indicating the suppression of trap states. The high‐quality nanoplatelets achieved in this work provide a solid foundation for developing nanoplatelet‐based light sources, like light‐emitting diodes and lasers, with much higher efficiency, color purity, and lower working thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is an ongoing debate on the off-hour effect on endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute large vessel occlusion (LVO). Aim: This meta-analysis aimed to compare time metrics and clinical outcomes of acute LVO patients who presented/were treated during off-hour with those during working hours. Summary of review: Structured searches on the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were conducted through 23 February 2021. The primary outcomes were onset to door (OTD), door to imaging, door to puncture (DTP), puncture to recanalization, procedural time, successful recanalization, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH), mortality in hospital, good prognosis (90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2), and 90-day mortality. The secondary outcomes were imaging to puncture (ITP), onset to puncture (OTP), onset to recanalization (OTR), door to recanalization (DTR) time, mRS 0–2 at discharge, and consecutive 90-day mRS score. The odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of the outcomes were calculated using random-effect models. Heterogenicity and publication bias were analyzed. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted as appropriate. Nineteen studies published between 2014 and 2021 with a total of 14,185 patients were eligible for quantitative synthesis. Patients in the off-hour group were significantly younger than those in the on-hour group and with comparable stroke severity and intravenous thrombolysis rate. The off-hour group had longer OTD (WMD [95% CI], 12.83 [1.84–23.82] min), DTP (WMD [95% CI], 11.45 [5.93–16.97] min), ITP (WMD [95% CI], 10.39 [4.61–16.17] min), OTP (WMD [95% CI], 25.30 [13.11–37.50] min), OTR (WMD [95% CI], 25.16 [10.28–40.04] min), and DTR (WMD [95% CI], 18.02 [10.01–26.03] min) time. Significantly lower successful recanalization rate (OR [95% CI], 0.85 [0.76–0.95]; p = 0.004; I 2 = 0%) was detected in the off-hour group. No significant difference was noted regarding SICH and prognosis. But a trend toward lower OR of good prognosis was witnessed in the off-hour group (OR [95% CI], 0.92 [0.84–1.01]; p = 0.084; I 2 = 0%). Conclusions: Patients who presented/were treated during off-hour were associated with excessive delays before the initiation of EVT, lower successful reperfusion rate, and a trend toward worse prognosis when compared with working hours. Optimizing the workflows of EVT during off-hour is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating high charge‐carrier mobility and low‐threshold lasing action in an organic semiconductor is crucial for the realization of an electrically pumped laser, but remains a great challenge. Herein, we present an organic semiconductor, named as 2,7‐di(2‐naphthyl)‐9H‐fluorene (LD‐2), which shows an unexpected high charge‐carrier mobility of 2.7 cm2 V−1 s−1 and low‐threshold lasing characteristic of 9.43 μJ cm−2 and 9.93 μJ cm−2 and high‐quality factor (Q) of 2131 and 1684 at emission peaks of 420 and 443 nm, respectively. Detailed theoretical calculations and photophysical data analysis demonstrate that a large intermolecular transfer integral of 10.36–45.16 meV together with a fast radiative transition rate of 8.0×108 s−1 are responsible for the achievement of the superior integrated optoelectronic properties in the LD‐2 crystal. These optoelectronic performances of LD‐2 are among the highest reported low‐threshold lasing organic semiconductors with efficient charge transport, suggesting its promise for research of electrically pumped organic lasers (EPOLs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating high charge‐carrier mobility and low‐threshold lasing action in an organic semiconductor is crucial for the realization of an electrically pumped laser, but remains a great challenge. Herein, we present an organic semiconductor, named as 2,7‐di(2‐naphthyl)‐9H‐fluorene (LD‐2), which shows an unexpected high charge‐carrier mobility of 2.7 cm2 V−1 s−1 and low‐threshold lasing characteristic of 9.43 μJ cm−2 and 9.93 μJ cm−2 and high‐quality factor (Q) of 2131 and 1684 at emission peaks of 420 and 443 nm, respectively. Detailed theoretical calculations and photophysical data analysis demonstrate that a large intermolecular transfer integral of 10.36–45.16 meV together with a fast radiative transition rate of 8.0×108 s−1 are responsible for the achievement of the superior integrated optoelectronic properties in the LD‐2 crystal. These optoelectronic performances of LD‐2 are among the highest reported low‐threshold lasing organic semiconductors with efficient charge transport, suggesting its promise for research of electrically pumped organic lasers (EPOLs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the risk of stroke is heterogeneous. Therefore, we aimed to examine any potential causal relationship between these two traits through Mendelian randomization. Methods: The genetic instruments associated with NAFLD were selected from a large genome‐wide association study in individuals of European ancestry (1483 cases and 17,781 controls, replicated in 559 cases and 945 controls). The genetic associations for stroke (40,585 cases and 406,111 controls) and ischemic stroke (34,217 cases and 406,111 controls) were selected from the MEGASTROKE consortium of European ancestry participants. The causal effects on ischemic stroke subtypes, including large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) (4373 cases and 146,392 controls), small vessel occlusion (SVO) (5386 cases and 192,662 controls), and cardioembolic stroke (7193 cases and 204,570 controls), were also analyzed. The inverse variant weighted method was performed to obtain the casual estimates. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy of individual single nucleotide polymorphisms were also tested for the robustness of the results. Results: NAFLD was not associated with stroke (odds ratio [OR] 1.015; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.996–1.034; p = 0.121) and ischemic stroke (OR 1.017; 95% CI 0.997–1.037; p = 0.092). Regarding ischemic stroke subtypes, there were positive causal inferences on LAA (OR 1.065; 95% CI 1.004–1.129; p = 0.037) and SVO (OR 1.058; 95% CI 1.003–1.116; p = 0.037), while it was not significant for cardioembolic stroke (OR 1.026; 95% CI 0.983–1.071; p = 0.243). Conclusion: This study suggests that the potential causal effect of NAFLD on ischemic stroke may be confined to the LAA and SVO subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common CCD camera was equipped with a specially designed filter to constitute a vision system, which was used to capture the weld pool and the keyhole images during plasma arc welding process. Through image processing and calibration, the shapes and sizes of both the keyhole and the weld pool were measured under different welding conditions. The dynamic variations of the keyhole/weld pool sizes with time and their relations with the main process parameters were experimentally determined. Six stages of the keyhole/weld pool evolution were observed during the whole welding process. The observation results lay solid foundation for optimizing the welding process parameters and implementing process control of plasma arc welding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near-infrared (NIR) solid-state micro/nanolasersare importantbuilding blocks for true integration of optoelectronic circuitry.1 Although significant progress has been made inIII–V nanowire lasers with achieving NIR lasing at room temperature,2−4 challenges remain including low quantum efficiencies and high Augerlosses. Importantly, the obstacles toward integrating one-dimensionalnanowires on the planar ubiquitous Si platform need to be effectivelytackled. Here we demonstrate a new family of planar room-temperatureNIR nanolasers based on organic–inorganic perovskite CH3NH3PbI3-aXa(X = I, Br, Cl)nanoplatelets. Their large exciton binding energies, long diffusionlengths, and naturally formed high-quality planar whispering-gallerymode cavities ensure adequate gain and efficient optical feedbackfor low-threshold optically pumped in-plane lasing. We show that theseremarkable wavelength tunable whispering-gallery nanolasers can beeasily integrated onto conductive platforms (Si, Au, indium tin oxide,and so forth). Our findings open up a new class of wavelength tunableplanar nanomaterials potentially suitable for on-chip integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]