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Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) or exosomes have recently been shown to play vital regulatory or communication roles in cancer biology. However, the roles and mechanisms of exosomal lncRNAs in tumor invasion or metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the detailed roles and mechanisms of tumor-generated exosomes in progression and metastasis of PDAC in vitro and in vivo. We identified a lncRNA-Sox2ot from exosomes of highly invasive PDAC cells, and analyzed the expression of Sox2ot in the plasma samples and found that the plasma exosomal Sox2ot expression was high and correlated with TNM stage and overall survival rate of PDAC patients. Further research showed that Sox2ot promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem cell like properties by regulating Sox2 expression. Sox2ot competitively binds to the miR-200 family to regulate the expression of Sox2, thus promoting invasion and metastasis of PDAC. We also confirmed the transmission of the exosomes from producer cells to recipient PDAC cells, exosomal Sox2ot can promote tumor invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. We further confirmed tumor generated exosomes could excrete to tumor cell or blood circulation in vivo condition. Finally, we observed a decreased exosomal Sox2ot expression in postoperative blood samples of PDAC patients. The exosomal lncRNA Sox2ot plays important roles in tumor progression and may be a useful maker for pancreatic cancer prognosis.

Amorphous molybdenum sulfide (MoS x ) has been regarded as a promising hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst due to its mild preparation conditions and low-cost precursor materials. In this work, we report a simple strategy combining the growth of amorphous MoS x on the surface of metal organic frameworks (ZIF-67) and annealing treatment to prepare Co-doped MoS x nanopolyhedrons (denoted as CoMoS x NPs). The CoMoS x NPs exhibit excellent HER activity in acid condition with an overpotential of 188 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm −2 (η 10 ), and a relatively stable overpotential after 2000 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles testing. The excellent HER performance of the CoMoS x NPs can be attributed to the doping of Co element adjust the electronic structure and increase the conductivity of catalyst, and the nanopolyhedrons structure which can expose more active sites for HER electrocatalytic. This study offers a low-cost and simple strategy to prepare high-activity HER catalyst, which holds great promises in developing advanced electrocatalysts for energy storage.

Amity, cultivated through close interpersonal contact, is vital for good international relations. China’s Cooperative Breeding Program for Giant Pandas exemplifies the nation’s dedication to fostering international goodwill and cultural exchange. To empirically evaluate the impact of this program on inbound tourism to China, a staggered difference-in-differences model was utilized, analyzing tourism inflow data from 158 countries from 2004 to 2019. The findings reveal that the panda breeding program has positively influenced tourism inflows, with effects persisting over time. Notably, the birth of panda cubs abroad also encourages travel to China. Additionally, the strongest positive effects are observed in countries less open to the external world and those with effective governance. These results remain consistent after employing instrumental variables, propensity score matching techniques to refine samples, and excluding special cases. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers on strategically leveraging natural and cultural heritage to achieve mutual benefits in global tourism.

Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECCA) is a malignant tumor. The precise role of T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), an emerging immunosuppressive receptor, in ECCA, and its impact on CD8+ T cell exhaustion (Tex) remains unclear. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to characterize tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) isolated from ECCA. We found that TIGIT was significantly overexpressed in TOX+CD8 T cells. Tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that increased TIGIT expression was associated with poorer patient survival. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that TIGIT+CD8+ T cells exhibited decreased TNF-α, IFN-γ, and TCF-1 expression, accompanied by elevated PD-1 and TIM-3 expression compared to TIGIT−CD8+ T cells. In the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, the anti-TIGIT treatment group demonstrated reduced tumor weight, enhanced CD8 frequency, and an increased IFN-γ proportion compared to the PBS treatment group. The TIGIT antibody-treated group exhibited a notably higher fraction of GRZB, and anti-TIGIT treatment led to elevated TCF-1 protein levels and decreased protein levels of TOX1 and NR4A1. Moreover, TIGIT+CD8 T cells from TILs appear to be in a state of exhaustion with low potential killing capacity in ECCA, as shown by scRNA-seq. Taken together, the present study underscores the significant role of TIGIT in ECCA, contributing to T cell exhaustion and a compromised CD8+ T cell immune response. Targeting TIGIT presents a promising therapeutic avenue to enhance the CD8+ T-cell response, thereby potentially improving ECCA therapeutic benefits.

Background Biliary complications, especially non‐anastomotic stricture (NAS), are the main complications after liver transplantation. Insufficient sampling and no recognized animal models obstruct the investigation. Thus, the mechanisms and alterations that occur during endoscopic treatment (ET) of NAS remain unclear. Methods Samples were obtained with endoscopic forceps from the hilar bile ducts of NAS patients receiving continuous biliary stent implantation after diagnosis. Retrospective analysis of multiple studies indicated that the duration of ET for NAS was approximately 1–2 years. Thus, we divided the patients into short‐term treatment (STT) and long‐term treatment (LTT) groups based on durations of less or more than 1 year. Samples were subjected to single‐cell RNA sequencing. Transcriptomic differences between STT and normal groups were defined as the NAS mechanism. Similarly, alterations from STT to LTT groups were regarded as endoscopic‐treatment‐induced evolution. Results In NAS, inflammation and immune‐related pathways were upregulated in different cell types, with nonimmune cells showing hypoxia pathway upregulation and immune cells showing ATP metabolism pathway upregulation, indicating heterogeneity. We confirmed a reduction in bile acid metabolism‐related SPP1+ epithelial cells in NAS. Increases in proinflammatory and profibrotic fibroblast subclusters indicated fibrotic progression in NAS. Furthermore, immune disorders in NAS were exacerbated by an increase in plasma cells and dysfunction of NK and NKT cells. ET downregulated multicellular immune and inflammatory responses and restored epithelial and endothelial cell proportions. Conclusions This study reveals the pathophysiological and genetic mechanisms and evolution of NAS induced by ET, thereby providing preventive and therapeutic insights into NAS. Highlights For the first time, single‐cell transcriptome sequencing was performed on the bile ducts of patients with biliary complications. scRNA‐seq analysis revealed distinct changes in the proportion and phenotype of multiple cell types during Nonanastomotic stricture (NAS) and endoscopic treatment. A reduction in bile acid metabolism‐related SPP1+ epithelial cells and VEGFA+ endothelial cells, along with explosive infiltration of plasma cells and dysfunction of T and NK cells in NAS patients. SPP1+ macrophages and BST2+ T cells might serve as a surrogate marker for predicting endoscopic treatment. For the first time, single‐cell transcriptome sequencing was performed on the bile ducts of patients with biliary complications. This study reveals the mechanism of NAS and the evolution of cells and genes during endoscopic treatment. A reduction in bile acid metabolism‐related SPP1+ epithelial cells and VEGFA+ endothelial cells, along with explosive infiltration of plasma cells and dysfunction of T‐ and NK cells in NAS patients.

Objective To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) and the prognostic factors influencing survival in patients with malignant IPNB. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinicopathological data and postoperative follow-up records of 62 IPNB patients who underwent surgical treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from September 2010 to March 2021. Clinical and pathological characteristics were compared among patients with different histopathological grades (e.g., low-grade vs. high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) and anatomical subtypes (e.g., intrahepatic, extrahepatic, and diffuse types). Prognostic factors affecting survival in malignant IPNB cases were analyzed using multivariate statistical methods.  Results Based on pathological findings, the 62 IPNB patients were categorized into three groups: low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN group, n  = 20), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN group, n  = 23), and associated invasive carcinoma (IC group, n  = 19). The LGIN group exhibited a significantly lower proportion of patients with elevated CA19-9 (> 37 U/mL) compared to the other two groups ( p =  0.009). No statistically significant differences were observed in demographic or perioperative parameters among the three groups. Patients in the HGIN and IC groups demonstrated inferior overall survival rates compared to the LGIN group ( p =  0.007). After merging HGIN and IC groups into a malignant cohort, the malignant group showed significantly worse overall survival than the LGIN group ( p =  0.002). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified postoperative recurrence, abdominal pain, and non-radical surgery as independent predictors of poor prognosis in the malignant group ( p  < 0.05). According to the modified anatomical classification system, the 62 patients were stratified into intrahepatic ( n  = 43), extrahepatic ( n  = 15), and diffuse ( n  = 4) subtypes. The intrahepatic group had a significantly higher rate of radical resection compared to the extrahepatic and diffuse groups ( p =  0.006). Surgical approaches differed markedly among subtypes: intrahepatic cases predominantly underwent partial hepatectomy ( p  < 0.001), whereas extrahepatic cases more frequently required extrahepatic bile duct resection ( p  < 0.001). Conclusion The modified anatomical classification system provides partial guidance for determining the optimal surgical resection extent in IPNB patients. Radical resection demonstrates superior prognosis compared to palliative treatment. Postoperative recurrence, abdominal pain, and non-radical surgery are identified as independent risk factors for adverse prognosis in malignant IPNB cases. In patients with suspected IPNB, radical resection should be pursued aggressively, especially in those presenting with abdominal pain or elevated CA19-9.

Introducing oxygenated species into carbon-based catalysts is an efficient method to enhance the activity of electrochemical hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) production. Here, we report a low-temperature plasma strategy for preparing carbon materials rich in epoxy groups. This catalyst exhibits effective electrocatalytic activity, achieving H 2 O 2 selectivity over 90% and a Faraday efficiency of 94.9% after 12 h of constant H 2 O 2 production. The exceptional electrochemical activity is attributed to the epoxy group species, which are formed through the reaction between carbon defects and oxygen. This work offers an effective approach for preparing carbon-based catalysts for H 2 O 2 production and provides insights into the impact of oxygenated species on the activity for H 2 O 2 generation.

The reflection characteristics of radar waves in coastal high-rise buildings form a certain shielding area, which makes it difficult for vessel traffic service to control the ship dynamic situation in sheltered waters. To study the overshadowing influence of coastal buildings on the vessel traffic service radar, an expression model of shielding area is established based on the structure characteristics of buildings and the relative height of radar. Then, the coordinate system is established, and the range and height of the shelter area are calculated, according to the geometric relation. Based on the theory of radar electromagnetic wave diffraction, the target height is calculated. Finally, taking the prince’s Bay Cruise Terminal Building on the radar Shekou radar as an example, the shielding area and height are calculated and visualized by the numerical calculation model and verified by real vessel test and observation. The building with a height of 60 m has covered 973,090 m2 of sheltered area for Shekou radar. The results can be used not only to analyze the influence of buildings on existing vessel traffic service radar stations but also to provide an important reference for site selection of vessel traffic service radar stations.

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the feasibility of adopting a market-based land use model, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), which is very popular in America and other countries as a positive land use control mechanism for conservation, in an evolving socialist land economy, namely China. Design/methodology/approach - This paper utilizes a case study approach, supplemented by a cost-benefit model, to estimate the feasibility of establishing a TDR model in Chongqing, China. Findings - From the analysis, it is found that a market-based land use mechanism can serve to maximize the benefits of all parties and can balance the interests between development pressures and conservation needs. However, this is based on a number of conditions, including: that a well-developed legal framework should be set up, to clearly delineate property rights; that a good and enforceable planning system should be in place; and that a mature land market mechanism should be developed that allows open market prices to be realized in the trading of development rights. Research limitations/implications - This case study is based on a hypothetical situation of one case. More data are needed to support the argument in the future. Practical implications - Conservation is a major concern for the local governments in China, given the recent high speed economic growth. A model that can balance development pressure, while allowing the market to compensate fully for the infringement of property rights in the process of urban regeneration, is worthy of the authority's attention in future policy formulation. Social implications - This paper shows that the society as a whole can strike a balance between the need for economic development and conservation of historic sites, provided some conditions can be met. Originality/value - This paper fulfills an identified need to study the establishment of a market-based land use model in the conservation policy of land in China.