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Conjugated polymers are promising candidates for molecular wires in nanoelectronics, with flexibility in mechanics, stability in chemistry and variety in electrical conductivity. Polyene, as a segment of polyacetylene, is a typical conjugated polymer with straightforward structure and wide-range adjustable conductance. To obtain atomic scale understanding of charge transfer in polyene, we have measured the conductance of a single polyene-based molecular chain via lifting it up with scanning tunneling microscopy tip. Different from semiconducting characters in pristine polyene (polyacetylene), high conductance and low decay constant are obtained, along with an electronic state around Fermi level and characteristic vibrational mode. These observed phenomena result from pinned molecular orbital owing to molecule-electrode coupling at the interface, and weakened bond length alternation due to electron-phonon coupling inside single molecular chain. Our findings emphasize the interfacial characteristics in molecular junctions and promising properties of polyene, with single molecular conductance as a vital tool for bringing insights into the design and construction of nanodevices. Polyene is a segment of polyacetylene, a conductive polymer. Here, the authors measured the conductance of single molecular chain of trans -polyene and found a high conductivity and low decay constant, attributed to the alignment of the energy levels.

Our objective was to observe the effects of extracorporeal circulation (ECC) with different time on platelet count in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A total of 427 patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery under ECC in affiliated hospital of north Sichuan medical college from January 1, 2018 to July 31, 2021 were divided into three groups according to ECC time. We concluded that thrombocytopenia was common after ECC, maximum drop of the platelet counts after ECC was usually seen on the second day after ECC, and platelet counts started to recover on the fifth day after ECC. With the extension of ECC time, the drop in platelet counts is more pronounced, the volume of perioperative blood loss and blood products transfusion are more, and the recovery level and speed of platelet counts is lower.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy with a persistently high mortality rate, largely attributable to therapy resistance and tumor recurrence. This review comprehensively explores the critical interplay between epigenetic dysregulation and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in driving OSCC progression. We detail how key epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), intrinsically transform cancer cells and actively orchestrate pro-tumorigenic TME. These alterations substantially contribute to resistance against conventional therapies. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting these pathways using epigenetic drugs (epi-drugs), such as DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, as well as engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs). The primary objective of this review is to synthesize current knowledge on the epigenetic-TME axis, thereby providing a mechanistic foundation for developing novel therapeutic strategies. We emphasize that rational combinations of epigenetic-targeting agents with conventional treatments or immunotherapy hold significant promise for overcoming drug resistance and improving clinical outcomes in OSCC patients.

Background Emerging metabolomics-based studies suggested links between amino acid metabolism and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) risk; however, whether there exists an aetiological role of amino acid metabolism in MAFLD development remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess the causal relationship between circulating levels of amino acids and MAFLD risk. Methods We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to evaluate the causal relationship between genetically predicted circulating levels of amino acids and the risk of MAFLD. In the discovery MR analysis, we used data from the largest MAFLD GWAS (8434 cases and 770,180 controls), while in the replication MR analysis, we used data from a GWAS on MAFLD (1483 cases and 17,781 controls) where MAFLD cases were diagnosed using liver biopsy. We used Wald ratios or inverse variance-weighted (IVW) methods in the MR main analysis and weighted median and MR-Egger regression analyses in sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, we performed a conservative MR analysis by restricting genetic instruments to those directly involved in amino acid metabolism pathways. Results We found that genetically predicted higher alanine (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.13–1.81) and lower glutamine (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.96) levels were associated with a higher risk of developing MAFLD based on the results from the MR main and conservative analysis. The results from MR sensitivity analyses and complementary analysis using liver proton density fat fraction as a continuous outcome proxying for MAFLD supported the main findings. Conclusions Novel causal metabolites related to MAFLD development were uncovered through MR analysis, suggesting future potential for evaluating these metabolites as targets for MAFLD prevention or treatment.

Older patients undergoing laparoscopic radical rectal cancer surgery under general anesthesia with mechanical ventilation face an increased risk of postoperative pulmonary atelectasis due to the Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum. This study aims to assess whether lung ultrasound-guided individualized positive end-expiratory pressure(PEEP) ventilation can reduce postoperative atelectasis in older patients. Forty patients aged > 65 years scheduled for elective laparoscopic radical rectal cancer surgery were randomly assigned to two groups: the ultrasound-guided group (Group P) received individualized PEEP titrated by lung ultrasound, and the control group (Group C) maintained a fixed PEEP of 5 cmH 2 O. PEEP was maintained until extubation in both groups. Post-extubation, lung ultrasound assessed 12 regions in both lungs. Ultrasound-guided individualized PEEP values varied significantly between individuals [median (IQR): 11 (7-11.75) ]. Compared with the PEEP with a fixed 5 cmH 2 O, the incidence of postoperative pulmonary atelectasis (postoperative day 1: 0 vs. 25%; P  = 0.047) and severity [lung ultrasound score (LUS):8.5 (6-9.75) vs. 12.5 (10-13.75); P  < 0.001)] were lower in the patients undergoing the lung ultrasound PEEP titration strategy. Meanwhile, the intraoperative drive pressure(ΔP) (6.5 ± 2.8 vs. 10.4 ± 5.8; P  = 0.01) and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications(PPCs) (5% vs. 35%; P  = 0.044) were lower in the ultrasound-guided group, and intraoperative oxygenation index(OI) (461.5 ± 39.5 vs. 415.7 ± 69.1; P  = 0.014) and dynamic compliance(Cdyn) (36.4 ± 8.2 vs. 25.8 ± 8.9; P  < 0.001) were elevated. The perioperative hemodynamic characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Lung ultrasound-guided individualized PEEP decreased the incidence and severity of postoperative atelectasis in older patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. This strategy improved intraoperative respiratory mechanics (Cdyn, ΔP, OI) and reduced PPCs without hemodynamic compromise. Trial registration This clinical trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No.:ChiCTR2300078385, 07/12/2023, www.chictr.org.cn ).

Background As the predominant and most aggressive subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), clear cell RCC (ccRCC) represents the considerable heterogeneity present across RCC subtypes. Although tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are implicated in tumor immunity, their prognostic role and underlying mechanisms in ccRCC remain unclear. Characterizing TLS-associated genes may offer novel insights into disease progression and support improved risk stratification and personalized therapy. Methods The single-cell transcriptome and spatial transcriptome data were utilized to analyze the B-cell infiltration in ccRCC and to screen for differentially expressed genes within TLS of ccRCC. Next, consensus clustering and survival analysis based on Lasso-Cox regression were applied to identify TLS prognostic markers in ccRCC. Subsequently, a prognostic prediction model for ccRCC was established by integrating key clinical characteristics and these prognostic biomarkers. The immunofluorescence experiments were performed on ccRCC clinical specimens to validate the clinical relevance of proteins in candidate biomarkers for ccRCC. Results Aberrant expression of three TLS-associated genes ( CEMIP , PLA2G2A , and IGHGP ) was associated with poor prognosis in ccRCC, identifying them as potential prognostic biomarkers. Then, the protein-coding biomarkers were validated in ccRCC pathological tissue samples by immunofluorescence. Mechanistically, aberrant expression underlies the functional transition in TLS from anti-tumor immunity to tumor promotion, potentially mediated by dysregulation of oncogenic processes via multi-pathway interactions. A prognostic model based on these biomarkers demonstrated high predictive accuracy. Conclusions Combining single-cell analysis with spatial transcriptomic profiling identifies spatially-resolved functional heterogeneity in ccRCC-associated TLS, demonstrating their context-dependent immunomodulatory roles. Aberrant expression of specific TLS-associated proteins is associated with a functional transition from anti-tumor immunity to tumor promotion. CEMIP , PLA2G2A , and IGHGP may serve as potential prognostic biomarkers; derived models achieve high predictive accuracy, highlighting clinical potential. Immunofluorescence confirmed the enrichment of protein-level biomarkers within TLS in ccRCC clinical specimens. Our findings elucidate TLS-related genes regulating tumor-immune interactions, advancing understanding of ccRCC prognosis and providing tools for prediction and personalized therapy.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as master regulators of the lung cancer tumor microenvironment (TME), where they reprogram immune cell functions, cytokine networks, and checkpoint signaling to create an immunosuppressive and therapy-resistant landscape. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of how lncRNAs mediate the interplay between tumor cells and immune components, underscoring their context-dependent roles as both oncogenic drivers and microenvironmental suppressors. It also highlights their clinical utility as liquid-biopsy biomarkers and their central role in conferring resistance to chemo- and radio-therapy. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the interplay between lncRNAs and the TME, highlighting the targeting of specific lncRNAs as a novel therapeutic strategy for precision lung cancer therapy.

The effect of epidural infusion of dexmedetomidine on haemodynamics is unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of epidural or intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine on haemodynamics during lower extremity varicose veins surgery (saphenectomy) under epidural anaesthesia. Ninety patients were randomly allocated to three groups: ED group (epidural: 0.59% ropivacaine plus 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine, intravenous: normal saline), VD group (epidural: 0.59% ropivacaine plus normal saline, intravenous: 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine), or NS group (epidural: 0.59% ropivacaine plus normal saline, intravenous: normal saline). The primary outcome was the systolic blood pressure (SBP) at before anaesthesia (T 0 ) and at 5 (T 1 ), 15 (T 2 ), and 30 min (T 3 ) and 1 (T 4 ), 2 (T 5 ), 4 (T 6 ), 6 (T 7 ), and 8 h (T 8 ) after dexmedetomidine infusion. The secondary outcomes were diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) at T 0 − 8 , plasma norepinephrine (NE), myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO 2 ) and anesthesia efficacy. Adverse reactions and other general data were also recorded. Compared with those in the NS group, the SBP at T 3 − 7 and DBP at T 4 − 5,7 were significantly lower in the ED group ( P  = 0.008, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.038 and P  = 0.017, 0.006, 0.044, respectively), and the SBP and DBP at T 1 − 8 were lower in the VD group ( P  < 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.004 and P  < 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.002, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.036, respectively). The SBP and DBP at T 1 − 2 in the ED group were greater than those in the VD group ( P =  0.021, 0.01 and P =  0.001, 0.011, respectively). The HR at T 3 − 4,6−7 was lower in the ED group than in the NS group ( P  < 0.001, 0.021, 0.002, 0.004, respectively). Compared with that in the VD group, the HR in the ED group at T 7 was significantly lower ( P  < 0.001). Anaesthesia efficiency was improved in the ED group compared with VD and NS groups. The incidence of hypotension was lower in the ED group than in the VD group ( P  = 0.003). The combination of 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine and 0.59% ropivacaine for epidural anaesthesia provides more stable haemodynamics with a lower incidence of hypotension and improved efficiency of epidural anaesthesia in patients undergoing saphenectomy.

4D printing of metallic shape‐morphing systems can be applied in many fields, including aerospace, smart manufacturing, naval equipment, and biomedical engineering. The existing forming materials for metallic 4D printing are still very limited except shape memory alloys. Herein, a 4D printing method to endow non‐shape‐memory metallic materials with active properties is presented, which could overcome the shape‐forming limitation of traditional material processing technologies. The thermal stress spatial control of 316L stainless steel forming parts is achieved by programming the processing parameters during a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. The printed parts can realize the shape changing of selected areas during or after forming process owing to stress release generated. It is demonstrated that complex metallic shape‐morphing structures can be manufactured by this method. The principles of printing parameters programmed and thermal stress pre‐set are also applicable to other thermoforming materials and additive manufacturing processes, which can expand not only the materials used for 4D printing but also the applications of 4D printing technologies. A 4D printing method to endow non‐shape‐memory metal materials with programmable shape‐morphing behaviors via pre‐stress assemblies enabled by laser powder bed fusion is reported. The printed parts can realize the shape changing of selected areas during or after forming process owing to stress release generated. The methodology opens new avenues to create metallic shape‐morphing 3D structures for high‐performance engineering applications.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has already spread around the world. The modality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with Western medicine (WM) approaches is being used to treat COVID-19 patients in China. Several systematic reviews (SRs) are available highlighting the efficacy and safety of TCM combined with WM approaches in COVID-19 patients. However, their evidence quality is not completely validated. Purpose: We aimed to assess the methodological quality and the risk of bias of the included SRs, assess the evidence quality of outcomes, and present their trends and gaps using the evidence mapping method. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, CBM, and Wanfang Data were searched from inception until March 2021 to identify SRs pertaining to the field of TCM combined with WM approaches for COVID-19. The methodological quality of the SRs was assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), the risk of bias of the included SRs was assessed with the Risk of Bias in Systematic Review (ROBIS) tool, and the evidence quality of outcomes was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results: In total, 23 SRs were found eligible. Twenty-one were rated of moderate confidence by AMSTAR 2, while 12 were rated at low risk using the ROBIS tool. In addition, most outcomes were graded as having moderate quality using the GRADE system. We found that the combined use of TCM and WM approaches could improve the CT recovery rate, effective rate, viral nucleic acid negative conversion rate, and the disappearance rate of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Also, these approaches could decrease the conversion rate from mild to critical, white blood cell counts, and lymphocyte counts and shorten the time to viral assay conversion and the length of hospital stay. Conclusion: TCM combined with WM approaches had advantages in efficacy, laboratory, and clinical symptom outcomes of COVID-19, but the methodological deficiencies of SRs should be taken into consideration. Therefore, to better guide clinical practice in the future, the methodological quality of SRs should still be improved, and high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies should also be carried out.