Yan'an University

The cure rate for chronic neurodegenerative diseases remains low, creating an urgent need for improved intervention methods. Recent studies have shown that enhancing mitochondrial function can mitigate the effects of these diseases. This paper comprehensively reviews the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic neurodegenerative diseases, aiming to uncover the potential use of targeted mitochondrial interventions as viable therapeutic options. We detail five targeted mitochondrial intervention strategies for chronic neurodegenerative diseases that act by promoting mitophagy, inhibiting mitochondrial fission, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis, applying mitochondria-targeting antioxidants, and transplanting mitochondria. Each method has unique advantages and potential limitations, making them suitable for various therapeutic situations. Therapies that promote mitophagy or inhibit mitochondrial fission could be particularly effective in slowing disease progression, especially in the early stages. In contrast, those that enhance mitochondrial biogenesis and apply mitochondria-targeting antioxidants may offer great benefits during the middle stages of the disease by improving cellular antioxidant capacity and energy metabolism. Mitochondrial transplantation, while still experimental, holds great promise for restoring the function of damaged cells. Future research should focus on exploring the mechanisms and effects of these intervention strategies, particularly regarding their safety and efficacy in clinical settings. Additionally, the development of innovative mitochondria-targeting approaches, such as gene editing and nanotechnology, may provide new solutions for treating chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Implementing combined therapeutic strategies that integrate multiple intervention methods could also enhance treatment outcomes.

Overactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is prevalent in various tumours, rendering it a promising target for cancer therapy, particularly in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although the first through third generations of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have demonstrated significant efficacy, the emergence of drug resistance continues to pose a challenge. Current research is now focused on fourth-generation EGFR-TKIs, which specifically target the EGFR harbouring the C797S mutation. This review examines the design strategies, antitumor activity both in vivo and in vitro, binding modes, pharmacokinetics, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each inhibitor, alongside the progress of clinical stage research related to fourth-generation inhibitors. Additionally, the review discusses future development directions for fourth-generation EGFR-TKIs, aiming to provide insights for successful research and development in this field.

Electrocatalytic urea wastewater treatment technology has emerged as a promising method for environmental remediation. However, the realization of highly efficient and scalable electrocatalytic urea wastewater treatment (SEUWT) is still an enormous challenge. Herein, through regulating the adsorption behavior of urea functional groups, the efficient SEUWT coupled hydrogen production is realized in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE). Density functional theory calculations indicate that self-driven electron transfer at the heterogeneous interface (NiO/Co3O4) can induce charge redistribution, resulting in electron-rich NiO and electron-deficient Co3O4, which are superior to adsorbing C=O (electron-withdrawing group) and –NH2 (electron-donating group), respectively, regulating the adsorption behavior of urea molecule and accelerating the reaction kinetics of urea oxidation. This viewpoint is further verified by temperature-programmed desorption experiments. The SEUWT coupled hydrogen production in AEMWE assembled with NiO/Co3O4 (anode) and NiCoP (cathode) can continuously treat urea wastewater at an initial current density of 600 mA cm−2, with the average urea treatment efficiency about 53%. Compared with overall water splitting, the H2 production rate (8.33 mmol s−1) increases by approximately 3.5 times. This work provides a cost-effective strategy for scalable purifying urea-rich wastewater and energy-saving hydrogen production.