The electrochemical corrosion behaviors of Ti3SiC2/Cu composite and polycrystalline Ti3SiC2 in a 3.5% NaCl medium were investigated by dynamic potential polarization, potentiostat polarization, and ...electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The polycrystalline Ti3SiC2 was tested on the identical condition as a control. The characterizations of XRD, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and energy‐dispersive spectrometer were used to study the relevant passivation behavior and corrosive mechanism. The self‐corrosion current density of Ti3SiC2/Cu (6.46 × 10−6 A/cm2) was slightly higher than that of Ti3SiC2 (1.64 × 10−7 A/cm2). Under open circuit potential, the corrosion resistance of Ti3SiC2/Cu was better than that of Ti3SiC2. Ti3SiC2/Cu exhibited a typical passivation feature with a narrow passivation interval and a breakdown phenomenon. The better corrosion resistance of Ti3SiC2 was due to the more stable Si layer of the former. In comparison, for Ti3SiC2/Cu composites, Cu reacted with the reactive Si layers in Ti3SiC2 to form Cu–Si compounds and TiC, destroying the weak interaction between Si layers and Ti–C layers. In the other hand, the as‐formed Cu–Si compounds and TiC dissolved during the corrosion of Ti3SiC2/Cu in the 3.5% NaCl medium, causing to the destruction of the passivation film on its surface.
Abstract Mitochondria play a crucial role in numerous biological processes; however, limited methods and research have focused on revealing mitochondrial heterogeneity at the single‐cell level. In ...this study, we optimized the DNBelab C4 single‐cell ATAC (assay for transposase‐accessible chromatin) sequencing workflow for single‐cell mitochondrial sequencing (C4_mtscATAC‐seq). We validated the effectiveness of our C4_mtscATAC‐seq protocol by sequencing the HEK‐293T cell line with two biological replicates, successfully capturing both mitochondrial content (~68% of total sequencing data) and open chromatin status simultaneously. Subsequently, we applied C4_mtscATAC‐seq to investigate two mouse tissues, spleen and bone marrow, obtained from two mice aged 2 months and two mice aged 23 months. Our findings revealed higher mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content in young tissues compared to more variable mitochondrial content in aged tissues, consistent with higher activity scores of nuclear genes associated with mitochondrial replication and transcription in young tissues. We detected a total of 22, 15, and 21 mtDNA mutations in the young spleen, aged spleen, and bone marrow, respectively, with most variant allele frequencies (VAF) below 1%. Moreover, we observed a higher number of mtDNA mutations with higher VAF in aged tissues compared to young tissues. Importantly, we identified three mtDNA variations (m.9821A>T, m.15219T>C, and m.15984C>T) with the highest VAF in both aged spleen and aged bone marrow. By comparing cells with and without these mtDNA variations, we analyzed differential open chromatin status to identify potential genes associated with these mtDNA variations, including transcription factors such as KLF15 and NRF1 . Our study presents an alternative single‐cell mitochondrial sequencing method and provides crude insights into age‐related single‐cell mitochondrial variations.
Abstract
The electrochemical corrosion behaviors of Ti
3
SiC
2
/Cu composite and polycrystalline Ti
3
SiC
2
in a 3.5% NaCl medium were investigated by dynamic potential polarization, potentiostat ...polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The polycrystalline Ti
3
SiC
2
was tested on the identical condition as a control. The characterizations of XRD, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and energy‐dispersive spectrometer were used to study the relevant passivation behavior and corrosive mechanism. The self‐corrosion current density of Ti
3
SiC
2
/Cu (6.46 × 10
−6
A/cm
2
) was slightly higher than that of Ti
3
SiC
2
(1.64 × 10
−7
A/cm
2
). Under open circuit potential, the corrosion resistance of Ti
3
SiC
2
/Cu was better than that of Ti
3
SiC
2
. Ti
3
SiC
2
/Cu exhibited a typical passivation feature with a narrow passivation interval and a breakdown phenomenon. The better corrosion resistance of Ti
3
SiC
2
was due to the more stable Si layer of the former. In comparison, for Ti
3
SiC
2
/Cu composites, Cu reacted with the reactive Si layers in Ti
3
SiC
2
to form Cu–Si compounds and TiC, destroying the weak interaction between Si layers and Ti–C layers. In the other hand, the as‐formed Cu–Si compounds and TiC dissolved during the corrosion of Ti
3
SiC
2
/Cu in the 3.5% NaCl medium, causing to the destruction of the passivation film on its surface.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is regarded as one of the commonest cancer types around the world. Due to the poor understanding on the causes of CRC formation and progression, this study sets out to ...investigate the physiological mechanisms by which
Astragalus mongholicus
Bunge
-Curcuma aromatica
Salisb
.
(ARCR) regulates CRC growth and metastasis, and the role in which M2 macrophage polarization plays in this process. An orthotopic-transplant model of CRC was established to evaluate the influence of ARCR on the polarization of M2 macrophage and the growth and metastasis of tumors. Next, the binding affinity among Sp1, ZFAS1, miR-153-5p, and CCR5 was identified using multiple assays. Finally, after co-culture of bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDM) with CRC cell line CT26.WT, the cell proliferative, invasive, and migrated abilities were assessed in gain- or loss-of-function experiments. ARCR inhibited the infiltration of M2 macrophages into tumor microenvironment to suppress the CRC growth and metastasis
in vivo
. Additionally, ARCR inhibited the transcription of ZFAS1 by reducing Sp1 expression to repress M2 macrophage polarization. Moreover, ZFAS1 competitively binds to miR-153-3p to upregulate the CCR5 expression. Finally, ARCR suppressed the polarization of M2 macrophages to inhibit the tumor growth and tumor metastasis in CRC by mediating the Sp1/ZFAS1/miR-153-3p/CCR5 regulatory axis. Collectively, ARCR appears to suppress the CRC cell growth and metastasis by suppressing M2 macrophage polarization via Sp1/ZFAS1/miR-153-3p/CCR5 regulatory axis.
Graphical abstract
1. ARCR suppress the CRC cell growth and metastasis
2. ZFAS1 promotes CCR5 expression by competitively binding to miR-153-3p.
3. Sp1 promotes M2 macrophage polarization by activating ZFAS1 via miR-153-3p/CCR5.
4. The study unveiled a protective target against CRC.
Objective
Young adult patients with cancer are a growing concern. By means of network analysis, this study aimed to explore the interplay between dignity‐related distress and quality of life (QoL) in ...young adult patients with cancer when they undergo active treatments.
Methods
In this cross‐sectional study, 309 young adults aged 18–39 and diagnosed with malignant tumors were recruited from an oncology center in China between September 2020 and August 2021. Participants completed the Patient Dignity Inventory and SF‐36 questionnaires. Network analysis was applied to examine the network structure.
Results
Overall, the core facets of dignity‐related distress were negatively related to QoL and its corresponding domains, either directly or indirectly. Developmental distress played a central role among estimated networks and strongly interplayed with most QoL domains, especially the mental domains. Symptom distress was the only facet consistently interplayed with the physical domains of QoL (i.e., physical function and bodily pain). The social aspects were also revealed in the association between limited social support and vitality.
Conclusions
Early attention must be paid to guarantee the need of preserving dignity and enhancing QoL for young adult patients.
Abstract
Background
Chordoma is a rare mesenchymal malignancy, with a high recurrence rate and unclear tumorigenic mechanism. Genetic alterations, epigenetic regulators, and chromatin spatial ...organization play crucial roles in the initiation and progression of chordoma. In the current study, we aim to uncover the novel therapeutical targets for chordoma via using integrated multi-omics analysis.
Methods
The RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), assay for transposable accessible chromatin by high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq), and Hi-C were performed between chordoma and human nucleus pulposus (HNP), along with imageological examination and clinical information. The expressions of identified targets were validated by clinical samples and their functions were further evaluated by cell and animal experiments via gene knockdown and inhibitors.
Results
The integrated multi-omics analysis revealed the important roles of bone microenvironment in chordoma tumorigenesis. By comparing the hierarchical structures, CA2 (carbonic anhydrase II) and THNSL2 (threonine synthase-like 2) were identified in the switched compartments, cell-specific boundaries, and loops. Additionally, CA2 was highly expressed in chordoma but barely found in HNP. The cell growth and migration of chordoma cells were dramatically suppressed via inhibition of CA2 either with genetic deletion or pharmaceutical treatment with Dorzolamide HCl. Furthermore, Dorzolamide HCl also regulated the bone microenvironment by blocking the osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow monocytes.
Conclusion
This study uncovers the roles of bone microenvironment in the chordoma tumorigenesis and identifies CA2 as a novel therapeutic target for chordoma. Besides, our findings suggest Dorzolamide HCl as a promising therapeutic option for chordoma.
A non‐enzyme photoelectrochemical (PEC) glucose sensor based on α‐Fe2O3 film is investigated. The α‐Fe2O3 film was fabricated via a simple spin coating method. The proposed glucose sensor exhibits ...good selectivity, a fast response time of <5 s, a linear range of 0.05 to 6.0 mM, sensitivity of 17.23 μA mM−1 cm−2 and a detection limit of 0.05 μM. Meanwhile, the excellent performances of the α‐Fe2O3 sensor were obtained in reproducibility and the long‐term stability under ambient condition. The linear amperometric response of the sensor covers the glucose levels in physiological and clinical for diabetic patients. Therefore, this non‐enzyme PEC sensor based on α‐Fe2O3 film has a great potential application in the development of glucose sensors.
Method of soft metal (Cu) strengthening of Ti
SiC
was conducted to increase the hardness and improve the wear resistance of Ti
SiC
. Ti
SiC
/Cu composites containing 15 vol.% Cu were fabricated by ...Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) in a vacuum. The effect of the sintering temperature on the phase composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites was investigated in detail. The as-synthesized composites were thoroughly characterized by scanning electron micrography (SEM), optical micrography (OM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD), respectively. The results indicated that the constituent of the Ti
SiC
/Cu composites sintered at different temperatures included Ti
SiC
, Cu
Si and TiC. The formation of Cu
Si and TiC originated from the reaction between Ti
SiC
and Cu, which was induced by the presence of Cu and the de-intercalation of Si atoms Ti
SiC
. OM analysis showed that with the increase in the sintering temperature, the reaction between Ti
SiC
and Cu was severe, leading to the Ti
SiC
getting smaller and smaller. SEM measurements illustrated that the uniformity of the microstructure distribution of the composites was restricted by the agglomeration of Cu, controlling the mechanical behaviors of the composites. At 1000 °C, the distribution of Cu in the composites was relatively even; thus, the composites exhibited the highest density, relatively high hardness and compressive strength. The relationships of the temperature, the current and the axial dimension with the time during the sintering process were further discussed. Additionally, a schematic illustration was proposed to explain the related sintering characteristic of the composites sintered by SPS. The as-synthesized Ti
SiC
/Cu composites were expected to improve the wear resistance of polycrystalline Ti
SiC
.
Novel porous Co
3
O
4
nanosheets (NSs) were synthesized on the flexible carbon cloth (CC) substrate by a facile hydrothermal method and applied to construct a non-enzymatic sensor for glucose ...detection. The sensor is based on the electro-catalytic oxidation of glucose on the surface of Co
3
O
4
NSs. Since this particular nanostructure can provide large surface area and more active sites, the Co
3
O
4
NSs non-enzymatic sensor exhibits excellent analytical performance, such as a high sensitivity (8506 μA mM
−1
cm
−2
), a fast response time (less than 6 s), low detection limit of 1 μM, good selectivity, and long-term stability. The results suggest that the porous Co
3
O
4
NSs have great potential applications in the development of sensors for enzyme-free detection of glucose.
