TiO2 is the most investigated photocatalyst because of its nontoxicity, low cost, chemical stability, and strong photooxidative ability. Because of the morphology- and structure-dependent ...photocatalytic properties of TiO2, accurate characterization of the crystal and electronic structures of TiO2-based materials and their performance during the photocatalytic process is crucial not only for understanding the photocatalytic mechanism but also for providing experimental guidelines as well as a theoretical framework for the synthesis of high performance photocatalysts. In this review, we focused on the advanced characterization techniques that are utilized in the studies on the TiO2 structures and photocatalytic performance of TiO2 and TiO2-based materials. It is therefore anticipated that this review can provide a novel perspective to understand the fundamental aspects of photocatalysis and inspire the development of new photocatalysts with superior performances.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
Summary Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a highly malignant neoplasm and lacks of effective treatment, characterized by dense desmoplastic stroma rich in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), ...which have been indicated to facilitate tumor progression in several types of human cancer. However, the clinical relevance of CAFs in ICC has not been fully characterized. Here, we evaluated the histological phenotype of CAFs and immunohistochemical expressions of α-SMA, FSP-1, and PDGFRβ in 71 ICC cases, and found that immature CAF phenotype was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (P = .045), advance TNM stage (P = .025) and poor 5-year overall survival (OS) (38.5% vs. 78.6%, P = .015). In addition, α-SMA, FSP-1, and PDGFRβ were positively expressed in stromal fibroblasts in 63.4% (45/71), 84.5% (60/71), and 78.9% (56/71) of patients, respectively. Positive expression of α-SMA was correlated with poor differentiation (P = .032); FSP-1 expression in stromal fibroblasts was linked with lymph node metastasis (P = .022) and immature phenotype (P = .048). What's more, positive expression of FSP-1 in cancer cells was observed in 22.5% (16/71) of cases and was correlated with worse 5-year OS (36.4% vs.76.7%, P = .014). Importantly, in multivariate analysis, histological CAF phenotype was an independent prognostic factor for OS in ICC. Our findings demonstrated histological categorization of CAFs was a useful predictor for prognosis, providing new evidence that CAFs play crucial role in tumor progression and can serve as potential therapeutic targets in ICC.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Aims
To propose a novel S.I.S technique during the robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), encompassing pubourethral suspension, posterior wall intensification, and bladder neck stripping, and ...to present functional and oncological outcomes with a special focus on long‐term continence.
Methods
From January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019, consecutive patients who underwent RARP were retrospectively investigated and separated into the S.I.S group and the conventional group. Preoperative patient characteristics, tumor status, and perioperative parameters were collected, followed by the assessment of self‐reported status on continence, using an International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire—urinary incontinence short form (ICIQ‐UI‐SF). Statistical comparisons were performed on variables between the two surgery groups, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictive factors for postoperative incontinence severity.
Results
A total of 602 subjects were analyzed with a median follow‐up of 24 months. There was no significant difference regarding baseline characteristics and perioperative parameters, except for a more advanced tumor stage in the S.I.S group. The application of the S.I.S technique did not jeopardize the positive surgical margin rate at the bladder neck or long‐term tumor control. Notably, the patient‐reported degree of incontinence was significantly reduced with the assistance of S.I.S technique, as evidenced by the diminished severe‐to‐very severe cases. On multivariate analysis, both preoperative body mass index and use of S.I.S modification were independent predictive factors for the long‐term incontinence severity.
Conclusions
The application of S.I.S technique during RARP is feasible and superior compare with the conventional approach, with a significantly alleviated long‐term incontinence severity, without compromising cancer control.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Aptamers for Ebola virus (EBOV) offer a powerful means for prevention and diagnostics. Unfortunately, few aptamers for EBOV have been discovered yet. Herein, assisted by magnetism-controlled ...selection chips to strictly manipulate selection conditions, a highly efficient aptamer selection platform for EBOV is proposed. With highly stringent selection conditions of rigorous washing, manipulation of minuscule amounts of magnetic beads, and real-time evaluation of the selection effectiveness, the selection performance of the platform was improved significantly. In only three rounds of selection, the high-performance aptamers for EBOV GP and NP proteins were obtained simultaneously, with dissociation constants (K d) in the nanomolar range. The aptamer was further applied to the detection of EBOV successfully, with a detection limit of 4.2 ng/mL. The whole detection process that consisted of sample mixing, separation, and signal acquisition was highly integrated and conducted in a magnetism-controlled detection chip, showing high biosafety and great potential for point-of-care detection. The method may open up new avenues for prevention and control of EBOV.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
Background and Aims
Although many studies revealed transcriptomic subtypes of HCC, concordance of the subtypes are not fully examined. We aim to examine a consensus of transcriptomic subtypes and ...correlate them with clinical outcomes.
Approach and Results
By integrating 16 previously established genomic signatures for HCC subtypes, we identified five clinically and molecularly distinct consensus subtypes. STM (STeM) is characterized by high stem cell features, vascular invasion, and poor prognosis. CIN (Chromosomal INstability) has moderate stem cell features, but high genomic instability and low immune activity. IMH (IMmune High) is characterized by high immune activity. BCM (Beta‐Catenin with high Male predominance) is characterized by prominent β‐catenin activation, low miRNA expression, hypomethylation, and high sensitivity to sorafenib. DLP (Differentiated and Low Proliferation) is differentiated with high hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A activity. We also developed and validated a robust predictor of consensus subtype with 100 genes and demonstrated that five subtypes were well conserved in patient‐derived xenograft models and cell lines. By analyzing serum proteomic data from the same patients, we further identified potential serum biomarkers that can stratify patients into subtypes.
Conclusions
Five HCC subtypes are correlated with genomic phenotypes and clinical outcomes and highly conserved in preclinical models, providing a framework for selecting the most appropriate models for preclinical studies.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated systemic disease with associated comorbidities, including metabolic syndrome (MetS) which contributes substantially to premature mortality in patients with psoriasis. ...However, the pathological mechanisms underlying this comorbidity are unclear. Studies have shown that the pathological parameters of psoriasis mediate the development of MetS. We reviewed the potential mechanisms which mediate the association between psoriasis and MetS, including endoplasmic reticulum stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine releases, excess production of reactive oxygen species, alterations in adipocytokine levels and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Here, we highlight important research questions regarding this association and offer insights into MetS research and treatment.
In situ forming gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is one of the most feasible ways to improve the safety and cycle performances of lithium metal batteries with high energy density. However, most of the ...in situ formed GPEs are not compatible with high‐voltage cathode materials. Here, this work provides a novel strategy to in situ form GPE based on the mechanism of Ritter reaction. The Ritter reaction in liquid electrolyte has the advantage of appropriate reaction temperature and no additional additives. The polymer chains are cross‐linked by amide groups with the formation of GPE with superior electrochemical properties. The GPE has high ionic conductivity (1.84 mS cm−1), wide electrochemical stability window (>5.25 V) and high lithium ion transference number (≈0.78), compatible with high‐voltage cathode materials. The Li|LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 batteries with in situ formed GPE show excellent long‐term cycle stability (93.4%, 300 cycles). The density functional theory calculation and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results verify that the amide and nitrile groups are beneficial for stabilizing cathode structure and promoting uniform Li deposition on Li anode. Furthermore, the in situ formed GPE exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in Graphite|LiMn2O4 and Graphite|LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 pouch batteries. This approach is adaptable to current battery technologies, which will be sure to promote the development of high energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries.
Gel polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical stability window and high lithium‐ion transference number is developed. It can improve the cycle performance of lithium metal batteries by stabilizing cathode structure and promoting uniform Li deposition, which is also applicable to current battery technologies.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Black phosphorus (BP) is a new rediscovered layered material, which has attracted enormous interests in the field of electrocatalysis. Recent investigations reveal that bulk BP is a promising ...electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reactions (OER), whereas its bulk crystal structure restricts sufficient active sites for achieving highly efficient OER catalytic performances. Toward this end, few‐layer BP nanosheets prepared by facile liquid exfoliation are applied as electrocatalysts and exhibit preferable electrocatalytic OER activity in association with structural robustness; subsequently, the dependence of current density and applied bias potential on the concentration of OH− has also been uncovered. Most importantly, we are aware that reduction in the thickness of BP nanosheets would generate extra active sites from the ultrathin planar structure and complimenting to the electrocatalytic activities. It is further anticipated that the current work might provide further implementation about the OER performance of BP nanosheets, thereby, offering extendable availabilities for BP‐based electrocatalysts in constructing high‐performance OER devices.
Few‐layerblack phosphorus (BP) nanosheets demonstrate preferable electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reactions (OER) behavior as well as high stability in KOH electrolyte. Besides that, further accelerating the centrifugation speed can result in extra active sites and improve the electrochemical OER performance of BP nanosheets. This work provides implementation about BP nanosheets and selective centrifugation approach in constructing high‐performance OER devices.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Currently, there is no effective molecular-based therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Canonical transient receptor potential isoform 3 (TRPC3) was previously shown to be upregulated in ...breast cancer biopsy tissues when compared to normal breast tissues. However, the biological role of TRPC3 in breast cancer still remains to be elucidated. In this study, subcellular fractionation followed by Western blot and immunocytochemistry showed that TRPC3 was over-expressed on the plasma membrane of TNBC line MDA-MB-231 when compared to an estrogen receptor-positive cell line MCF-7. TRPC3 blocker Pyr3 and dominant negative of TRPC3 attenuated proliferation, induced apoptosis and sensitized cell death to chemotherapeutic agents in MDA-MB-231 as measured by proliferation assays. Interestingly, Ras GTPase-activating protein 4 (RASA4), a Ca
-promoted Ras-MAPK pathway suppressor, was found to be located on the plasma membrane of MDA-MB-231. Blocking TRPC3 decreased the amount of RASA4 located on the plasma membrane, with concomitant activation of MAPK pathways. Our results suggest that, in TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells, Ca
influx through TRPC3 channel sustains the presence of RASA4 on the plasma membrane where it inhibits the Ras-MAPK pathway, leading to proliferation and apoptosis resistance. Our study reveals the novel TRPC3-RASA4-MAPK signaling cascade in TNBC cells and suggests that TRPC3 may be exploited as a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
We introduce notions of continuous orbit equivalence and its one-sided version for countable left Ore semigroup actions on compact spaces by surjective local homeomorphisms, and characterize them in ...terms of the corresponding transformation groupoids and their operator algebras. In particular, we show that two essentially free semigroup actions on totally disconnected compact spaces are continuously orbit equivalent if and only if there is a canonical abelian subalgebra preserving
C
*-isomorphism between the associated transformation groupoid
C
*-algebras. We also give some examples of orbit equivalence, consider the special case of semigroup actions by homeomorphisms and relate continuous orbit equivalence of semigroup actions to that of the associated group actions.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
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