Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 31 in total

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  1. Iida M, Liu K, Huang XJ, Depei W, Kuwatsuka Y, Moon JH, et al.
    Blood Cell Ther, 2022 Nov 25;5(4):87-98.
    PMID: 36713681 DOI: 10.31547/bct-2022-002
    The Asia-Pacific Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group (APBMT) has been conducting annual surveys on the activity of hematopoietic stem cell transplants since 2007. The APBMT Data Center collected the following data in 2017. A total of 21,504 transplants were registered from 733 transplant centers of 20 countries/regions in the Asia-Pacific (AP) region. Five countries/regions comprised 89.4% of all transplants - China (6,979), Japan (5,794), South Korea (2,626), India (2,034), and Australia (1,789). The number of centers in these five countries/regions also comprised 88.9% of all centers: Japan (373), China (123), India (66), Australia (45), and South Korea (44). The overall ratio between autologous and allogeneic transplants was 37.0% and 63.0%, respectively, but the ratios varied significantly among countries/regions. Autologous transplants have surpassed allogeneic transplants in Thailand, Australia, Vietnam, New Zealand, Singapore, and Iran. In contrast, the proportion of allogeneic transplants comprised over 70% of all transplants in Pakistan, China, and Hong Kong. These ratios were compared by the Data Center among countries/regions that performed more than 50 transplants. The proportion of related and unrelated transplants also differed among countries/regions. The number of unrelated transplants was more than related ones in Japan (2,551 vs. 1,202) and Australia (329 vs. 291), whereas more than 80% of all transplants were related transplants in Malaysia (90.9%), India (89.5%), Iran (87.2%), Vietnam (85.7%), China (80.9%), and Thailand (80.6%). All transplant activities were related transplants in Pakistan, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Nepal, and no allogeneic transplants were performed in Bangladesh and Mongolia. Regarding the indications for transplants, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was the most common disease for allogeneic transplant (4,759, 35.1% of allogeneic transplants), while plasma cell disorder (PCD) was the most common disease for autologous transplant (3,701, 27.3% of all autologous transplants). Furthermore, the number of transplants for hemoglobinopathy has steeply increased in this region compared with the rest of disease indications (677, 3.1% of all transplants). APBMT covers a broad area globally, including countries/regions with diverse disease distribution, development of HSCT programs, population, and economic power. Consistent and continuous activity surveys considering those elements in each country/region revealed the HSCT field's diverse characteristics and background factors in this region.
  2. Jin M, Dang J, Paudel YN, Wang X, Wang B, Wang L, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2021 Jul 01;776:145963.
    PMID: 33639463 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145963
    Fluorene-9-bisphenol (BHPF) is a bisphenol A substitute, which has been introduced for the production of so-called 'bisphenol A (BPA)-free' plastics. However, it has been reported that BHPF can enter living organisms through using commercial plastic bottles and cause adverse effects. To date, the majority of the toxicologic study of BHPF focused on investigating its doses above the toxicological threshold. Here, we studied the effects of BHPF on development, locomotion, neuron differentiation of the central nervous system (CNS), and the expression of genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in zebrafish exposed to different doses of BHPF ranging from 1/5 of LD1 to LD50 (300, 500, 750, 1500, 3000, and 4500 nM). As a result, the possible hormetic effects of BHPF on regulating the HPT axis were revealed, in which low-dose BHPF positively affected the HPT axis while this regulation was inhibited as the dose increased. Underlying mechanism investigation suggested that BHPF disrupted myelination through affecting HPT axis including related genes expression and TH levels, thus causing neurotoxic characteristics. Collectively, this study provides the full understanding of the environmental impact of BHPF and its toxicity on living organisms, highlighting a substantial and generalized ongoing dose-response relationship with great implications for the usage and risk assessment of BHPF.
  3. Liu K, Li W, Yao Y, Li C, Li S
    Biodivers Data J, 2022;10:e93637.
    PMID: 36761648 DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.10.e93637
    BACKGROUND: The genus Ibana Benjamin, 2014 was established, based on the type species Ibanasenagang Benjamin, 2014 from Borneo, Malaysia. No species of this genus has been recorded from China.

    NEW INFORMATION: A new species of Ibana is described and illustrated, representing the first record of the genus for China. Ibanagan sp. n. differs from its congener by the yellowishbrown longitudinal band on the abdomen and the round, contiguous spermathecae. The distribution of the new species in Jiangxi Province is mapped.

  4. Li W, Manoharan P, Cui X, Liu F, Liu K, Dai L
    Front Hum Neurosci, 2023;17:1304929.
    PMID: 38173798 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1304929
    INTRODUCTION: Metacognition and self-directed learning are key components in educational research, recognized for their potential to enhance learning efficiency and problem-solving skills. This study explores the effects of musical feedback training on these competencies.

    METHODS: The study involved 84 preservice teachers aged 18 to 21. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which received musical feedback training, or a control group.

    RESULTS: The findings indicate that musical feedback training effectively improved metacognitive abilities. However, its impact on the readiness for self-directed learning was inconclusive. A notable difference in metacognition and self-directed learning readiness was observed between the experimental and control groups during the session, indicating a significant interaction effect. Furthermore, a positive correlation was identified between metacognition and self-directed learning.

    DISCUSSION: These results contribute to educational discourse by providing empirical evidence on the utility of musical feedback training in fostering metacognition. They also highlight the importance of consistent and long-term engagement in self-directed learning practices. The significance of these findings advocates for incorporating music feedback training into music education curricula to enhance metacognition and improve overall learning efficiency.

  5. Liu K, Fadzly N, Mansor A, Zakaria R, Ruppert N, Lee CY
    Plant Signal Behav, 2017 Oct 03;12(10):e1371890.
    PMID: 28841358 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2017.1371890
    Amorphophallus bufo is a rarely studied plant in Malaysian tropical rainforests. We measured the spectral reflectance of different developmental stages of A. bufo (seedlings, juveniles and adults), background soil/ debris and leaves from other neighboring plant species. Results show that the leaves of A. bufo seedling have a similar reflectance curve as the background soil and debris. Adults and juveniles of A. bufo are similar to other neighboring plants' leaf colors. We hypothesize that the cryptic coloration of A. bufo seedlings plays an important role in camouflage and that the numerous black spots on the surface of the petioles and rachises, may serve as a defensive mimicry against herbivores.
  6. Iida M, Dodds A, Akter M, Srivastava A, Moon JH, Dung PC, et al.
    Blood Cell Ther, 2021 May 25;4(2):20-28.
    PMID: 36712901 DOI: 10.31547/bct-2020-013
    This report describes the results of the Asia-Pacific Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group (APBMT) Activity Survey 2016, focusing on the trends of haploidentical and cord blood (CB) transplants in the Asia-Pacific region. Mongolia and Nepal submitted their first activity data in this survey, and the number of countries/regions participating in the activity survey grew to 20. The annual number of transplants exceeded 20,000 for the first time in 2016, and the total number of centers increased to 686. About 87.9% of all hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs) were performed in China, Japan, Korea, India, and Australia with China performing the highest number. Beginning with the 2016 survey, APBMT modified the survey forms and initiated the collection of the exact number of haploidentical transplants. The total number of such transplants was 3,871, and 66.0% of those were performed in China. Meanwhile, cord blood transplants in this region remained high (1,612), and 81.8% of them (1,319) were performed in Japan. The number of facilities and transplants, the ratio of haploidentical transplants to related transplants, the ratio of CB transplants to unrelated transplants, and proportions of haploidentical and CB transplants per capita significantly differed among countries/regions in the Asia-Pacific region. Data collection and analysis revealed the transition and diversity of transplants in this region. This report also shows a dramatic increase in haploidentical transplants as seen in other parts of the world, while revealing uniquely that the activity of cord blood transplant remains high in this region.
  7. Feng Y, Xiong Y, Hall-Spencer JM, Liu K, Beardall J, Gao K, et al.
    Glob Chang Biol, 2024 Jan;30(1):e17018.
    PMID: 37937464 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17018
    Blooms of microalgal red tides and macroalgae (e.g., green and golden tides caused by Ulva and Sargassum) have caused widespread problems around China in recent years, but there is uncertainty around what triggers these blooms and how they interact. Here, we use 30 years of monitoring data to help answer these questions, focusing on the four main species of microalgae Prorocentrum donghaiense, Karenia mikimotoi, Noctiluca scintillans, and Skeletonema costatum) associated with red tides in the region. The frequency of red tides increased from 1991 to 2003 and then decreased until 2020, with S. costatum red tides exhibiting the highest rate of decrease. Green tides started to occur around China in 1999 and the frequency of green tides has since been on the increase. Golden tides were first reported to occur around China in 2012. The frequency of macroalgal blooms has a negative linear relationship with the frequency and coverage of red tides around China, and a positive correlation with total nitrogen and phosphorus loads as well as with atmospheric CO2 and sea surface temperature (SST). Increased outbreaks of macroalgal blooms are very likely due to worsening levels of eutrophication, combined with rising CO2 and SST, which contribute to the reduced frequency of red tides. The increasing grazing rate of microzooplankton also results in the decline in areas affected by red tides. This study shows a clear shift of algal blooms from microalgae to macroalgae around China over the past 30 years driven by the combination of eutrophication, climate change, and grazing stress, indicating a fundamental change in coastal systems in the region.
  8. Tobias DK, Merino J, Ahmad A, Aiken C, Benham JL, Bodhini D, et al.
    Nat Med, 2023 Oct;29(10):2438-2457.
    PMID: 37794253 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02502-5
    Precision medicine is part of the logical evolution of contemporary evidence-based medicine that seeks to reduce errors and optimize outcomes when making medical decisions and health recommendations. Diabetes affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, many of whom will develop life-threatening complications and die prematurely. Precision medicine can potentially address this enormous problem by accounting for heterogeneity in the etiology, clinical presentation and pathogenesis of common forms of diabetes and risks of complications. This second international consensus report on precision diabetes medicine summarizes the findings from a systematic evidence review across the key pillars of precision medicine (prevention, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis) in four recognized forms of diabetes (monogenic, gestational, type 1, type 2). These reviews address key questions about the translation of precision medicine research into practice. Although not complete, owing to the vast literature on this topic, they revealed opportunities for the immediate or near-term clinical implementation of precision diabetes medicine; furthermore, we expose important gaps in knowledge, focusing on the need to obtain new clinically relevant evidence. Gaps include the need for common standards for clinical readiness, including consideration of cost-effectiveness, health equity, predictive accuracy, liability and accessibility. Key milestones are outlined for the broad clinical implementation of precision diabetes medicine.
  9. Dang J, Paudel YN, Yang X, Ren Q, Zhang S, Ji X, et al.
    ACS Chem Neurosci, 2021 07 07;12(13):2542-2552.
    PMID: 34128378 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00314
    The lack of disease-modifying therapeutic strategies against epileptic seizures has caused a surge in preclinical research focused on exploring and developing novel therapeutic candidates for epilepsy. Compounds from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have gained much attention for a plethora of neurological diseases, including epilepsy. Herein, for the first time, we evaluated the anticonvulsive effects of schaftoside (SS), a TCM, on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epileptic seizures in zebrafish and examined the underlying mechanisms. We observed that SS pretreatments significantly suppressed seizure-like behavior and prolonged the onset of seizures. Zebrafish larvae pretreated with SS demonstrated downregulation of c-fos expression during seizures. PTZ-induced upregulation of apoptotic cells was decreased upon pretreatment with SS. Inflammatory phenomena during seizure progression including the upregulation of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were downregulated upon pretreatment with SS. The PTZ-induced recruitment of immunocytes was in turn reduced upon SS pretreatment. Moreover, SS pretreatment modulated oxidative stress, as demonstrated by decreased levels of catalase (CAT) and increased levels of glutathione peroxidase-1a (GPx1a) and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD). However, pretreatment with SS modulated the PTZ-induced downregulation of the relative enzyme activity of CAT, GPx, and SOD. Hence, our findings suggest that SS pretreatment ameliorates PTZ-induced seizures, suppresses apoptosis, and downregulates the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which potentially protect against further seizures in zebrafish.
  10. Huang Q, Zhao G, Chen Y, Wu P, Li S, Peng C, et al.
    J Urol, 2023 Jan;209(1):99-110.
    PMID: 36194169 DOI: 10.1097/JU.0000000000002952
    PURPOSE: We introduce an intrapericardial control technique using a robotic approach in the surgical treatment of renal tumor with level IV inferior vena cava thrombus to decrease the severe complications associated with cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients with level IV inferior vena cava thrombi not extending into the atrium underwent transabdominal-transdiaphragmatic robot-assisted inferior vena cava thrombectomy obviating cardiopulmonary bypass/deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (cardiopulmonary bypass-free group) by an expert team comprising urological, hepatobiliary, and cardiovascular surgeons. The central diaphragm tendon and pericardium were transabdominally dissected until the intrapericardial inferior vena cava were exposed and looped proximal to the cranial end of the thrombi under intraoperative ultrasound guidance. As controls, 14 patients who underwent robot-assisted inferior vena cava thrombectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass (cardiopulmonary bypass group) and 25 patients who underwent open thrombectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass/deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (cardiopulmonary bypass/deep hypothermic circulatory arrest group) were included. Clinicopathological, operative, and survival outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

    RESULTS: Eight robot-assisted inferior vena cava thrombectomies were successfully performed without cardiopulmonary bypass, with 1 open conversion. The median operation time and first porta hepatis occlusion time were shorter, and estimated blood loss was lower in the cardiopulmonary bypass-free group as compared to the cardiopulmonary bypass group (540 vs 586.5 minutes, 16.5 vs 38.5. minutes, and 2,050 vs 3,500 mL, respectively). Severe complications (level IV-V) were also lower in the cardiopulmonary bypass-free group than in cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiopulmonary bypass/deep hypothermic circulatory arrest groups (25% vs 50% vs 40%). Oncologic outcomes were comparable among the 3 groups in short-term follow-up.

    CONCLUSIONS: Pure transabdominal-transdiaphragmatic robot-assisted inferior vena cava thrombectomy without cardiopulmonary bypass/deep hypothermic circulatory arrest represents as an alternative minimally invasive approach for selected level IV inferior vena cava thrombi.

  11. Shi T, Huang Q, Liu K, Du S, Fan Y, Yang L, et al.
    Eur Urol, 2020 10;78(4):592-602.
    PMID: 32305170 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2020.03.020
    BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted thrombectomy (RAT) for inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus (RAT-IVCT) is being increasingly reported. However, the techniques and indications for robot-assisted cavectomy (RAC) for IVC thrombus are not well described.

    OBJECTIVE: To develop a decision-making program and analyze multi-institutional outcomes of RAC-IVCT versus RAT-IVCT.

    DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Ninety patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with level II IVCT were included from eight Chinese urological centers, and underwent RAC-IVCT (30 patients) or RAT-IVCT (60 patients) from June 2013 to January 2019.

    SURGICAL PROCEDURE: The surgical strategy was based on IVCT imaging characteristics. RAT-IVCT was performed with standardized cavotomy, thrombectomy, and IVC reconstruction. RAC-IVCT was mainly performed in patients with extensive IVC wall invasion when the collateral blood vessels were well-established. For right-sided RCC, the IVC from the infrarenal vein to the infrahepatic veins was stapled. For left-sided RCC, the IVC from the suprarenal vein to the infrahepatic veins was removed and caudal IVC reconstruction was performed to ensure the right renal vein returned through the IVC collaterals.

    MEASUREMENTS: Clinicopathological, operative, and survival outcomes were collected and analyzed.

    RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: All procedures were successfully performed without open conversion. The median operation time (268 vs 190 min) and estimated blood loss (1500 vs 400 ml) were significantly greater for RAC-IVCT versus RAT-IVCT (both p < 0.001). IVC invasion was a risk factor for progression-free and overall survival at midterm follow-up. Large-volume and long-term follow-up studies are needed.

    CONCLUSIONS: RAC-IVCT or RAT-IVCT represents an alternative minimally invasive approach for selected RCC patients with level II IVCT. Selection of RAC-IVCT or RAT-IVCT is mainly based on preoperative IVCT imaging characteristics, including the presence of IVC wall invasion, the affected kidney, and establishment of the collateral circulation.

    PATIENT SUMMARY: In this study we found that robotic surgeries for level II inferior vena cava thrombus were feasible and safe. Preoperative imaging played an important role in establishing an appropriate surgical plan.

  12. Iida M, Liu K, Huang XJ, Huang H, Kuwatsuka Y, Moon JH, et al.
    Blood Cell Ther, 2023 Nov 25;6(4):114-123.
    PMID: 38149021 DOI: 10.31547/bct-2023-015
    The number of hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HCTs) is increasing annually worldwide, and the Asia-Pacific (AP) region is no exception. We report on the absolute number of HCTs in 2018 and 2019 and the trends in graft selection and disease indication in the past few decades. In 2018, 24,292 HCTs were performed in the AP region, of which 8,754 (36.0%) were autologous and 15,538 (64.0%) were allogeneic. Among the allogeneic HCTs, 10,552 (67.9%) of the recipients were related to their donors, whereas 4,986 (32.1%) were unrelated. In 2019, 27,583 HCTs were reported, of which 17,613 (63.9%) were allogeneic and 9,970 (36.1%) were autologous. Although, in 2010, there was a nearly equal number of related and unrelated HCTs, the difference has shown an annual increase, with more than double (2.05) the number of related than unrelated HCTs in 2019. Recent trends in the AP region show that peripheral blood has overwhelmingly surpassed the bone marrow as a graft source for both related and unrelated HCTs, with the haploidentical donor type being preferred; however, their trends in each country/region were quite different among countries/regions. In 2019, the main conditions requiring HCT were acute myelogenous leukemia (n=6,629 [24.0%]), plasma cell disorders (PCD) (n=4,935 [17.9%]), malignant lymphoma (ML) (n=4,106 [14.9%]), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (AML) (n=3,777 [13.7%]), myelodysplastic syndrome or myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm (n=1,913 [6.9%]), severe aplastic anemia (n=1,671 [6.1%]), and hemoglobinopathy (n=910 [3.3%]). PCD and ML were the main indications for autologous HCT, and the number of PCD cases has grown more prominent than the corresponding of ML. The increased number of allogeneic transplants for hemoglobinopathy remains prominent, as well as that of AML and acute lymphocytic leukemia for the past 5 years. There was a significant regional variation in the number of facilities performing HCTs, ranging from one in Mongolia and Nepal to 313 in Japan, and differing regional densities varying from 0.1 in Indonesia and Pakistan to 24.7 in Japan. The total transplant density per 10 million population in each country/region also differed (0.2 in Indonesia and 627 in New Zealand). This annual Activity Survey aims to help all participating countries/regions understand the changes in HCT, serve as an asset in promoting HCT activities in the AP region, and be used as a reference for comparison with other registries from Europe and the United States.
  13. Liu K, Mansor A, Ruppert N, Fadzly N
    Plant Signal Behav, 2020 10 02;15(10):1795393.
    PMID: 32693670 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2020.1795393
    Rattan spines are most often regarded as an identification trait and perhaps as a physical protection structure. In this study, we study the spinescence traits from five different species rattan: Daemonorops lewisiana, Daemonorops geniculata, Calamus castaneus, Plectomia griffithii, and Korthalsia scortechinii. We tested length, width, angle, strength, spine density, cross-section surface, spine color, and leaf trichomes (only for D. lewisiana, C. castaneus and D. geniculata). We also tested whether the spines were capable of deterring small climbing mammals (for Plectomia griffithii and Calamus castaneus) by using a choice selection experiment. Due to a variety of spine traits, we could not categorize whether any species is more or less spinescent than the others. We suggest that spines have a much more significant role than merely as a physical defense and work together with other rattan characteristics. This is also evidenced by our choice selection experiment, in which the spines on a single stem donot deter small climbing mammals. However, this is a work in progress, and we have outlined several alternative methods to be used in future work.
  14. Liu K, Mansor A, Ruppert N, Lee CY, Azman NM, Fadzly N
    Plant Signal Behav, 2019;14(8):1621245.
    PMID: 31132922 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2019.1621245
    Rattan is an important climbing palm taxon in Malaysian tropical rain forests. Many rattan species have unique structures directly associated with certain ant species. In this study, four rattan species (Daemonorops lewisiana, Calamus castaneus, Daemonorops geniculata and Korthalsia scortechinii) were inspected and documented in a field survey concerning their relationships with several ant species. We noticed that two rattan species (D. lewisiana and C. castaneus) were more likely to be associated with ants compared to their neighbouring rattan (Plectomia griffithii). However, D. lewisiana and C. castaneus did not directly provide shelters for ant colonies, but possessed unique structures: upward-pointing spines and funnel-shaped leaves, which are equipped to collect more litter than P. griffithii. To test our litter collecting hypothesis, we measured the inclination of spines from the stem. Our results showed the presence of ant colonies in the litter-collecting rattans (D. lewisiana and C. castaneus), which was significantly higher compared to a non-litter-collecting rattan (P. griffithii). We propose a complex and novel type of adaptation (litter-collection and provision of nesting materials) for rattans, which promotes interactions between the rattan and ants through the arrangements of leaves, leaflets, and spines. In return, the rattan may benefit from ants' services, such as protection, nutrient enhancement, and pollination.
  15. Ji X, Wang B, Paudel YN, Li Z, Zhang S, Mou L, et al.
    Front Mol Biosci, 2021;8:655549.
    PMID: 34179077 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.655549
    Lead (Pb) is among the deleterious heavy metal and has caused global health concerns due to its tendency to cause a detrimental effect on the development of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite being a serious health concern, treatment of Pb poisoning is not yet available, reflecting the pressing need for compounds that can relieve Pb-induced toxicity, especially neurotoxicity. In the quest of exploring protective strategies against Pb-induced developmental neurotoxicity, compounds from natural resources have gained increased attention. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) and its analogues neochlorogenic acid (NCGA) and cryptochlorogenic acid (CCGA) are the important phenolic compounds widely distributed in plants. Herein, utilizing zebrafish as a model organism, we modeled Pb-induced developmental neurotoxicity and investigated the protective effect of CGA, NCGA, and CCGA co-treatment. In zebrafish, Pb exposure (1,000 μg/L) for 5 days causes developmental malformation, loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons, and brain vasculature, as well as disrupted neuron differentiation in the CNS. Additionally, Pb-treated zebrafish exhibited abnormal locomotion. Notably, co-treatment with CGA (100 µM), NCGA (100 µM), and CCGA (50 µM) alleviated these developmental malformation and neurotoxicity induced by Pb. Further underlying mechanism investigation revealed that these dietary phenolic acid compounds may ameliorate Pb-induced oxidative stress and autophagy in zebrafish, therefore protecting against Pb-induced developmental neurotoxicity. In general, our study indicates that CGA, NCGA, and CCGA could be promising agents for treating neurotoxicity induced by Pb, and CCGA shows the strongest detoxifying activity.
  16. Alias N, Ali Umar A, Malek NAA, Liu K, Li X, Abdullah NA, et al.
    ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2021 Jan 20;13(2):3051-3061.
    PMID: 33410652 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c20137
    A deficiency in the photoelectrical dynamics at the interface due to the surface traps of the TiO2 electron transport layer (ETL) has been the critical factor for the inferiority of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) in the perovskite solar cells. Despite its excellent energy level alignment with most perovskite materials, its large density of surface defect as a result of sub lattice vacancies has been the critical hurdle for an efficient photovoltaic process in the device. Here, we report that atoms thick 2D TiS2 layer grown on the surface of a (001) faceted and single-crystalline TiO2 nanograss (NG) ETL have effectively passivated the defects, boosting the charge extractability, carrier mobility, external quantum efficiency, and the device stability. These properties allow the perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to produce a PCE as high as 18.73% with short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), and fill-factor (FF) values as high as 22.04 mA/cm2, 1.13 V, and 0.752, respectively, a 3.3% improvement from the pristine TiO2-NG-based PSCs. The present approach should find an extensive application for controlling the photoelectrical dynamic deficiency in perovskite solar cells.
  17. Ren Q, Jiang X, Zhang S, Gao X, Paudel YN, Zhang P, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2022 Mar;147:112629.
    PMID: 35030435 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112629
    Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn). Current PD therapies merely provide symptomatic relief, lacking the disease-modifying therapeutic strategies against that could reverse the ongoing neurodegeneration. In the quest of exploring novel disease modifying therapeutic strategies, compounds from natural sources have gained much attention in recent days. YIAEDAER (Tyr-Ile-Ala-Glu-Asp-Ala-Glu-Arg) peptide is a multi-functional peptide isolated and purified from the visceral mass extract of Neptunea arthritica cumingii (NAC) with plethora of pharmacological activities, however its neuroprotective effect against MPTP induced PD model is not yet reported. We found YIAEDAER peptide co-treatment could suppressed the MPTP-induced locomotor impairment in zebrafish, ameliorates the MPTP induced degeneration of DA neurons, inhibited the loss of vasculature and loss of cerebral vessels, suppressed α-syn levels. Moreover, YIAEDAER peptide modulates several genes related to autophagy (α-syn, pink1, parkin, atg5, atg7, beclin1, ulk1b, ulk2, and ambra1a), and oxidative stress (sod1, sod2, gss, gpx4a, gsto2, and cat). Hence, our finding suggests that YIAEDAER peptide might be a potential therapeutic candidate against MPTP-induced PD like condition.
  18. Liu K, Nakamura K, Katsukawa H, Nydahl P, Ely EW, Kudchadkar SR, et al.
    Front Med (Lausanne), 2021;8:735860.
    PMID: 34778298 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.735860
    Background: Data regarding delivery of evidence-based care to critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial but lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation rate of the ABCDEF bundle, which is a collection of six evidence-based ICU care initiatives which are strongly recommended to be incorporated into clinical practice, and ICU diaries for patients with and without COVID-19 infections in ICUs, and to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on implementation of each element of the bundle and independent associated factors. Methods: A world-wide 1-day point prevalence study investigated the delivery of the ABCDEF bundle and ICU diary to patients without or with COVID-19 infections on 27 January 2021 via an online questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for patient demographics evaluated the impact of COVID-19 and identified factors in ICU administrative structures and policies independently associated with delivery. Results: From 54 countries and 135 ICUs, 1,229 patients were eligible, and 607 (49%) had COVID-19 infections. Implementation rates were: entire bundle (without COVID-19: 0% and with COVID-19: 1%), Element A (regular pain assessment: 64 and 55%), Element B (both spontaneous awakening and breathing trials: 17 and 10%), Element C (regular sedation assessment: 45 and 61%), Element D (regular delirium assessment: 39 and 35%), Element E (exercise: 22 and 25%), Element F (family engagement/empowerment: 16 and 30%), and ICU diary (17 and 21%). The presence of COVID-19 was not associated with failure to implement individual elements. Independently associated factors for each element in common between the two groups included presence of a specific written protocol, application of a target/goal, and tele-ICU management. A lower income status country and a 3:1 nurse-patient ratio were significantly associated with non-implementation of elements A, C, and D, while a lower income status country was also associated with implementation of element F. Conclusions: Regardless of COVID-19 infection status, implementation rates for the ABCDEF bundle, for each element individually and an ICU diary were extremely low for patients without and with COVID-19 infections during the pandemic. Strategies to facilitate implementation of and adherence to the complete ABCDEF bundle should be optimized and addressed based on unit-specific barriers and facilitators.
  19. Zhao N, Liu K, He C, Zhao D, Zhu L, Zhao C, et al.
    Environ Pollut, 2022 Feb 05;300:118965.
    PMID: 35134429 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118965
    Zero valent iron-loaded biochar (Fe0-BC) has shown promise for the removal of various organic pollutants, but is restricted by reduced specific surface area, low utilization efficiency and limited production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, iron carbide-loaded activated biochar (Fe3C-AB) with a high surface area was synthesized through the pyrolysis of H3PO4 activated biochar with Fe(NO3)3, tested for removing bisphenol A (BPA) and elucidated the adsorption and degradation mechanisms. As a result, H3PO4 activated biochar was beneficial for the transformation of Fe0 to Fe3C. Fe3C-AB exhibited a significantly higher removal rate and removal capacity for BPA than that of Fe0-BC within a wide pH range of 5.0-11.0, and its performance was maintained even under extremely high salinity and different water sources. Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectra and density functional theory calculations confirmed that hydrogen bonds were formed between the COOH groups and BPA. 1O2 was the major reactive species, constituting 37.0% of the removal efficiency in the degradation of BPA by Fe3C-AB. Density functional reactivity theory showed that degradation pathway 2 of BPA was preferentially attacked by ROS. Thus, Fe3C-AB with low cost and excellent recycling performance could be an alternative candidate for the efficient removal of contaminants.
  20. Klionsky DJ, Abdelmohsen K, Abe A, Abedin MJ, Abeliovich H, Acevedo Arozena A, et al.
    Autophagy, 2016;12(1):1-222.
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