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Immune-related genes (IRGs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are significantly associated with both tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) and disease prognosis. Therefore, exploring the correlation between IRGs with HCC and its related mechanism will provide new evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. The current paper analyzed the TICs in 374 HCC samples retrieved from the TCGA-LIHC dataset using ssGSEA and divided them according to the level of immune cell. A total of 177 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Four IRGs (C7, CTSV, MMP1, and VCAN) were found to be indicators of the immune prognosis for HCC according to the PPI network and Cox regression analyses of 177 DEGs, which was independently validated using an external dataset. A prognosis risk model was constructed for factors dependent on the four IRGs. Prognostic risk was associated with the subtype of infiltrating immune cells. Four effective IRGs were identified as novel independent prognostic factors that were correlated with tumor immune infiltration in HCC. This signature may guide the choice of immunotherapy for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor with a global prevalence. In addition to the existing clinical guidelines, the effectiveness of anlotinib and Aurora-A inhibitors in treating HCC has also been demonstrated. However, Anlotinib, as an anti-angiogenesis therapy, has shown significant benefits in clinical trials but is limited by its single-agent treatment and the development of drug resistance. Aurora-A inhibitors are currently being tested in clinical trials but have limited efficacy. Combination therapy may offer clear advantages over monotherapy in this context. In this study, we used HCC cell lines to investigate whether the combination of the two drugs could enhance their individual strengths and mitigate their weaknesses, thereby providing greater clinical benefits both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings confirmed that the Aurora-A inhibitor alisertib and anlotinib exhibited a time-dose-dependent inhibitory effect on HCC cells. In vitro cytological experiments demonstrated that the combination of the two drugs synergistically inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, while promoting cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we identified the underlying molecular mechanism by which the combination of the Aurora-A inhibitor alisertib and anlotinib inhibited HCC through the inhibition of the NF-ĸB signaling pathway. In summary, we have demonstrated the effectiveness of combining anlotinib with an Aurora-A inhibitor, which expands the potential applications of anlotinib in the clinical treatment of HCC in the future. • Anlotinib and alisertib have synergistic effects in hepatocellular carcinoma. • The combination of anlotinib and alisertib affects the NF-κB pathway. • The results contain two parts: in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the ongoing global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emission and dependence on oil, electrical energy storage (EES) devices such as Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors have become ubiquitous. Today, EES devices are entering the broader energy use arena and playing key roles in energy storage, transfer, and delivery within, for example, electric vehicles, large-scale grid storage, and sensors located in harsh environmental conditions, where performance at temperatures greater than 25 °C are required. The safety and high temperature durability are as critical or more so than other essential characteristics (e.g., capacity, energy and power density) for safe power output and long lifespan. Consequently, significant efforts are underway to design, fabricate, and evaluate EES devices along with characterization of device performance limitations such as thermal runaway and aging. Energy storage under extreme conditions is limited by the material properties of electrolytes, electrodes, and their synergetic interactions, and thus significant opportunities exist for chemical advancements and technological improvements. In this review, we present a comprehensive analysis of different applications associated with high temperature use (40–200 °C), recent advances in the development of reformulated or novel materials (including ionic liquids, solid polymer electrolytes, ceramics, and Si, LiFePO4, and LiMn2O4 electrodes) with high thermal stability, and their demonstrative use in EES devices. Finally, we present a critical overview of the limitations of current high temperature systems and evaluate the future outlook of high temperature batteries with well-controlled safety, high energy/power density, and operation over a wide temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the increased use of room temperature ionic liquid electrolytes in Li-ion batteries, due to their non-flammability and negligible volatility, this study evaluates the lithiation kinetics to understand and improve the rate performance of Li-ion batteries. Lithium titanate spinel is used as a model electrode and the electrolyte is composed of LiTFSI and TFSI-coordinated alkoxy-modified phosphonium ionic liquid. Based on the analysis of activation energies for each process, we report that the charge-transfer reaction at the electrode/electrolyte interface is the rate-limiting step for cell operation. This finding is further supported by the observation that a 50-fold decrease in charge-transfer resistance at higher temperatures leads to a significant performance improvement over that of a traditional organic electrolyte at room temperature. Charge-transfer resistance and electrolyte wetting on the electrode surface are critical processes for optimal battery performance, and such processes need to be included when designing new ionic liquids in order to exceed the power density obtained with the use of current carbonate-based electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ionic polymeric network based on a disulfide diphosphonium ionic liquid and a tetraanion was designed and studied in order to explore two self-assembly strategies: weak covalent bonds and ionic interactions. When the disulfide diphosphonium ionic liquid was complexed with a multianion, a crosslinked network structure was obtained. By applying external stimuli such as temperature or inducing a mild redox reaction, the network could be disrupted. The disruption/formation of the network is reversible. The thermal, rheological and electrochemical properties were also studied to further characterize these materials and to better understand the resulting structure–property relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supramolecular structures assembled via noncovalent interactions have found diverse applications in mechanical, biological, electronic, and manufacturing-related fields. Ionic interactions represent key noncovalent interactions, which can be used, for example, to create highly ordered, responsive, conductive, reversible, and/or viscoelastic supramolecular assemblies. The recent advances in the field of ionic supramolecular assemblies, including those prepared from polymers, small molecules, or a combination of the two are reviewed. The versatility and simplicity of constructing ionic supramolecular assemblies are illustrated through several examples. Finally, the outstanding issues and potential opportunities are discussed to stimulate critical discussions and encourage further discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A noncovalent synthetic strategyto supramolecular polymeric assemblies,including network structures, is described by the complexation ofvarious phosphonium monocations and dications with the multianion,poly(acrylic acid). The alkyl chains surrounding the phosphonium cationwere systematically varied from butyl, hexyl, to octyl in order toprobe the effect of sterics and ion pairing on the resulting macroscopicproperties of the assemblies. The supramolecular assemblies were characterizedby TGA, DSC, oscillatory rheometry, steady-state flow rheometry, andSAXS. The rheological and thermal properties, as well as the flowactivation energies, are highly dependent on the alkyl chain length.All of the supramolecular assemblies have glass transition temperatureslower than room temperature and range from 8 °C to below −40°C. Di-ButC10PAA has the shortest alkyl chain length and affordsthe highest glass transition temperature. Correspondingly, it showsthe largest viscosity and storage and loss moduli. For example, itsviscosity is 3 orders of magnitude greater than di-OctC10PAA. In creep-recoveryexperiments, di-ButC10PAA shows the highest percent of strain recoveryafter the stress is removed, followed by di-HexC10PAA and di-OctC10PAA.The rheological and thermal properties of monoIL-PAA assemblies showsimilar alkyl chain length dependence, but the magnitude is significantlyless because of the lack of cross-linking. A reversibility test ofthe supramolecular networks demonstrates that the ionic network materialcan fully reassemble within a short time period after disruption ofthe network due to heat or shear without sacrificing the mechanicalproperties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignancy with a pressing need for improved therapeutic response and prognosis prediction. This study delves into a novel predictive model related to ferroptosis, a regulated cell death mechanism disrupting metabolic processes. Results: Single-cell sequencing data analysis identified subpopulations of HCC cells exhibiting activated ferroptosis and distinct gene expression patterns compared to normal tissues. Utilizing the LASSO-Cox algorithm, we constructed a model with 10 single-cell biomarkers associated with ferroptosis, namely STMN1, S100A10, FABP5, CAPG, RGCC, ENO1, ANXA5, UTRN, CXCR3, and ITM2A. Comprehensive analyses using these biomarkers revealed variations in immune infiltration, tumor mutation burden, drug sensitivity, and biological functional profiles between risk groups. Specific associations were established between particular immune cell subtypes and certain gene expression patterns. Treatment response analyses indicated potential benefits from anti-tumor immune therapy for the low-risk group and chemotherapy advantages for the high-risk group. Conclusions: The integration of this single-cell level model with clinicopathological features enabled accurate overall survival prediction and effective risk stratification in HCC patients. Our findings illuminate the potential of ferroptosis-related genes in tailoring therapy and prognosis prediction for HCC, offering novel insights into the intricate interplay among ferroptosis, immune response, and HCC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prolonged use of medical masks has increased skin‐related issues. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of a facial cream and facial mask in mitigating medical mask related skin symptoms. Methods: Healthy women were randomly assigned to apply a facial cream (n = 32) or a facial mask plus a facial cream (n = 32) on half‐faces after wearing medical masks for 4 h (Tb). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dryness score, and redness area were assessed at Tb and 10 min after using the cream (T1) in the facial cream group, and at Tb, 1 h after using the facial mask (T2), and 10 min after using the cream (T3) in the combined use group. Results: In the facial cream group, the treated half‐face showed significantly better improvements from Tb to T1 in TEWL (−2.95 ± 0.38 vs. −0.68 ± 0.35 g/h·cm2, p < 0.001) and skin dryness score (−1.00 ± 0.12 vs. 0.00 ± 0.00, p < 0.001). In the combined use group, the treated half‐face showed significantly better improvements from Tb to T2 and T3 in TEWL (T2, −3.46 ± 0.33 vs. −0.09 ± 0.13 g/h·cm2; T3, −4.67 ± 0.31 vs. −0.28 ± 0.22 g/h·cm2) and skin dryness score (T2, −0.63 ± 0.13 vs. 0.03 ± 0.03; T3, −0.94 ± 0.17 vs. 0.19 ± 0.07) (all p < 0.001) then the untreated half‐face. The combined use group had significantly lower TEWL at T3 than T2 (p < 0.05). The reduction in redness area was similar between the treated and untreated half‐faces in both groups. Conclusions: The test facial cream and mask significantly improved skin barrier function and alleviated dryness symptoms associated with medical mask use, with the combined use offering superior benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topology influences the properties and applications of polymers. Consequently, considerable efforts have been made to control topological structures. In this work, we have developed a photoorganocatalyzed divergent synthetic approach based on reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) that enables the preparation of both linear and branched fluoropolymers of low dispersity (Ð), a tunable degree of branching and high chain‐end fidelity by exposure to LED light irradiation under metal‐free conditions. This method promotes the generation of complicated structures (e.g. necklace‐like and mop‐like fluoropolymers) via chain‐extension photo‐RDRP, and provides a novel and versatile platform to access fluoropolymer electrolytes with high Li‐ion transference number and good ionic conductivity, which should create improved opportunities for advanced material engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topology influences the properties and applications of polymers. Consequently, considerable efforts have been made to control topological structures. In this work, we have developed a photoorganocatalyzed divergent synthetic approach based on reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) that enables the preparation of both linear and branched fluoropolymers of low dispersity (Ð), a tunable degree of branching and high chain‐end fidelity by exposure to LED light irradiation under metal‐free conditions. This method promotes the generation of complicated structures (e.g. necklace‐like and mop‐like fluoropolymers) via chain‐extension photo‐RDRP, and provides a novel and versatile platform to access fluoropolymer electrolytes with high Li‐ion transference number and good ionic conductivity, which should create improved opportunities for advanced material engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrite growth on electrode‐electrolyte interphase has severely limited applications of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Here, we developed an ionic alternating polymer with fluorocarbons and phosphonium cations in repeating units to regulate Li deposition for the first time. The combined functionalities in the F/P hybrid polymer exhibit remarkable characteristics as a protective layer on top of Li anode, demonstrating outstanding electrochemical stability, ion flux redistributing capability and adaptive chain mobility. Based on characterizations and simulations, this cationic interlayer could effectively furnish long‐standing electrostatic shielding for anodes, allowing restrained coating decomposition and homogenized electric field distribution to induce dendrite‐free Li deposition, and enabling full cells with enhanced rate and long‐term cycling performance. Given the importance of LMBs, this work will promote polymer design to stabilize anodes with superior electrochemical behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrite growth on electrode‐electrolyte interphase has severely limited applications of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Here, we developed an ionic alternating polymer with fluorocarbons and phosphonium cations in repeating units to regulate Li deposition for the first time. The combined functionalities in the F/P hybrid polymer exhibit remarkable characteristics as a protective layer on top of Li anode, demonstrating outstanding electrochemical stability, ion flux redistributing capability and adaptive chain mobility. Based on characterizations and simulations, this cationic interlayer could effectively furnish long‐standing electrostatic shielding for anodes, allowing restrained coating decomposition and homogenized electric field distribution to induce dendrite‐free Li deposition, and enabling full cells with enhanced rate and long‐term cycling performance. Given the importance of LMBs, this work will promote polymer design to stabilize anodes with superior electrochemical behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 247 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) that can offer flexible processability, highly tunable chemical functionality, and cost effectiveness are regarded as attractive alternatives for liquid electrolytes (LE) to address their safety and energy density limitations. However, it remains a great challenge for SPEs to stabilize Li+ deposition at the electrolyte–electrode interface and impede lithium dendrite proliferation compared with LE‐based systems. Herein, a design of solid‐state fluorinated bifunctional SPE (FB‐SPE) that covalently tethers fluorinated chains with polyether‐based segments is proposed and synthesized via photo‐controlled radical polymerization (photo‐CRP). In contrast to the conventional non‐fluorinated polyether‐derived SPEs, FB‐SPE is able to provide conducting Li+ transport pathways up to ≈5.0 V, while simultaneously forming a LiF interaction that can enhance Li anode compatibility and prevent Li dendrites growth. As a result, the FB‐SPE exhibits outstanding cycling stability in Li||Li symmetrical cells of over 1500 operating hours at as high current density as 0.2 mA cm−2. A thin and uniform Li deposition layer and LiF‐rich SEI at the surface of Li anode are found, and stable cycling with average coulombic efficiencies of 99% is demonstrated in Li||LFP and Li||NCM all‐solid‐state batteries based on such bifunctional fluorinated SPEs. The interesting fluorine effect and effective self‐suppression of lithium dendrites will inform rational molecular design of novel electrolytes and practical development of all‐solid‐state Li metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the conventional living cationic polymerization (LCP) provided opportunities to synthesizing well‐defined polymers with predetermined molecular weights, desirable chemical structures and narrow dispersity, it is still important to continuously innovate new synthetic methods to meet the increasing requirements in advanced material engineering. Consequently, a variety of novel initiation/controlling systems have be demonstrated recently, which have enabled LCP with spatiotemporal control, broadened scopes of monomers and terminals, more user‐friendly operations and reaction conditions, as well as improved thermomechanical properties for obtained polymers. In this work, recent advances in LCP is summarized with emerging initiation/controlling systems, including chemical‐initiated/controlled cationic reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, photoinitiated/controlled LCP, electrochemical‐controlled LCP, thionyl/selenium halide‐initiated LCP, organic acid‐assisted LCP, and stereoselective LCP. It is hoped that this summary will provide useful knowledge to people in related fields and stimulate new ideas to promote the development and application of LCP in both academia and industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nanoporous all-solid-state MOF-laden polymer electrolyte that is simply mediated by an electronic effect shows remarkably high lithium electrodeposition stability of hundreds of charge–discharge cycles and over 1500 operating hours, while maintaining a very small voltage polarization. This result is a significant improvement relative to conventional PEO and, when used in an all-solid-state battery (ASSB), this electrolyte enabled enhanced cycle life. This new all-solid-state electrolyte shows a promising rational design for the emerging microporous polymeric materials as novel SPEs in ASSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and physicochemical properties of a series of non-flammable, thermally stable alkyl ether containing piperidinium ionic liquid electrolytes, containing lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, are described along with the superior performance of a lithium-ion supercapacitor containing a piperidinium electrolyte compared to a standard carbonate-based electrolyte at 100 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polystyrenylphosphonium polymer was synthesized andcomplexed with various carboxylic acid derivatives to form new solid-statepolyelectrolyte–surfactant assemblies. The properties of theseionic materials were highly dependent on the nature of the anion andincluded a brittle material, a rubbery ball that bounces, or a stickyfiber. The values for the equilibrium modulus, storage modulus, andloss modulus were dependent on the composition of the carboxylic acidand the number of electrostatic interactions. Small-angle X-ray scatteringstudies on the supramolecular assemblies confirmed a bilayer structurefor two of the assemblies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most commonly diagnosed solid cancer and the main origin of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Current strategies to treat advanced NSCLC are based on a combined approach of targeted therapy and chemotherapy. But most patients will eventually get resistance to either chemotherapy or targeted therapy, leading to the poor prognosis. The mechanism of NSCLC drug resistance is inconclusive and is affected by multiple factors. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) longer than 200 nucleotides. Recent studies show that lncRNAs are involved in many cellular physiological activities, including drug resistance of NSCLC. It is of great clinical significance to understand the specific mechanisms and the role of lncRNAs in it. Herein, we focus on the functional roles and the underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs in acquired drug resistance of NSCLC. LncRNAs have potential values as novel prognostic biomarkers and even therapeutic targets in the clinical management of NSCLC. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]