Genetic instability of tumor cells often leads to the occurrence of a large number of mutations, and expression of non-synonymous mutations can produce tumor-specific antigens called neoantigens. Neoantigens are highly immunogenic as they are not expressed in normal tissues. They can activate CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to generate immune response and have the potential to become new targets of tumor immunotherapy. The development of bioinformatics technology has accelerated the identification of neoantigens. The combination of different algorithms to identify and predict the affinity of neoantigens to major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) or the immunogenicity of neoantigens is mainly based on the whole-exome sequencing technology. Tumor vaccines targeting neoantigens mainly include nucleic acid, dendritic cell (DC)-based, tumor cell, and synthetic long peptide (SLP) vaccines. The combination with immune checkpoint inhibition therapy or radiotherapy and chemotherapy might achieve better therapeutic effects. Currently, several clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. Further development of sequencing technologies and bioinformatics algorithms, as well as an improvement in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying tumor development, will expand the application of neoantigen vaccines in the future.

Non-coding RNAs do not encode proteins and regulate various oncological processes. They are also important potential cancer diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Bioinformatics and translation omics have begun to elucidate the roles and modes of action of the functional peptides encoded by ncRNA. Here, recent advances in long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and circular RNA (circRNA)-encoded small peptides are compiled and synthesized. We introduce both the computational and analytical methods used to forecast prospective ncRNAs encoding oncologically functional oligopeptides. We also present numerous specific lncRNA and circRNA-encoded proteins and their cancer-promoting or cancer-inhibiting molecular mechanisms. This information may expedite the discovery, development, and optimization of novel and efficacious cancer diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic protein-based tools derived from non-coding RNAs. The role of ncRNA-encoding functional peptides has promising application perspectives and potential challenges in cancer research. The aim of this review is to provide a theoretical basis and relevant references, which may promote the discovery of more functional peptides encoded by ncRNAs, and further develop novel anticancer therapeutic targets, as well as diagnostic and prognostic cancer markers.

This paper describes the analysis, simulation and testing of a microengineered motion-driven power generator, suitable for application in sensors within or worn on the human body. Micro-generators capable of powering sensors have previously been reported, but these have required high frequency mechanical vibrations to excite a resonant structure. However, bodydriven movements are slow and irregular, with large displacements, and hence do not effectively couple energy into such generators. The device presented here uses an alternative, non-resonant operating mode. Analysis of this generator shows its potential for the application considered, and shows the possibility to optimise the design for particular conditions. An experimental prototype based on a variable parallel-plate capacitor operating in constant charge mode is described which confirms the analysis and simulation models. This prototype, when precharged to 30 V, develops an output voltage of 250 V, corresponding to 0.3 µJ per cycle. The experimental test procedure and the instrumentation are also described.

Herein, a mini review is presented concerning the most recent research progress of carbon nanodots, which have emerged as one of the most attractive photoluminescent materials. Different synthetic methodologies to achieve advanced functions and better photoluminescence performances are summarized, which are mainly divided into two classes: top-down and bottom-up. The inspiring properties, including photoluminescence emission, chemiluminescence, electrochemical luminescence, peroxidase-like activity and toxicity, are discussed. Moreover, the biomedical applications in biosensing, bioimaging and drug delivery are reviewed.