Utility of gadoxetate disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating liver failure risk after major hepatic resection.

Background: Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is still a predominant cause of hepatectomy-related mortality. However, it is difficult to evaluate the remnant liver functional reserve accurately before surgery to prevent PHLF. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of gadoxetate disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating remnant liver functional reserve. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, the sample retrospectively included 56 patients undergoing liver resections of at least three segments between June 2019 and September 2022 at The General Hospital of the Western Theater Command. Pre-surgery assessments involved liver computer tomography (CT), an indocyanine green (ICG) clearance test, the Child-Pugh scoring system, and liver function serum biochemical indicators. Each patient underwent a gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI before the hepatectomy, and we measured the remnant hepatocellular uptake index (rHUI) as well as the standard remnant hepatocellular uptake index (SrHUI). We examined the diagnostic utility of rHUI, SrHUI, indocyanine green retention rate of 15 minutes (ICG R15), and Albumin for PHLF. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were used to measure the preoperative liver function parameters (namely, rHUI, SrHUI, ICG R15, and Albumin) for predicting PHLF. The areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated and compared between different preoperative liver function parameters using the Wilson/Brown method. The Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis between ICG R15, Albumin, and rHUI and between ICG R15, Albumin, and SrHUI, respectively. Results: Twelve patients (21.43%) had complications of PHLF. We found significant differences in rHUI, SrHUI, ICG R15, and Albumin between the non-PHLF and PHLF groups. The pooled r between ICG R15 and rHUI was -0.591 [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.740 to -0.389, P<0.001], and between ICG R15 and SrHUI was -0.534 (95% CI: -0.703 to -0.308, P<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) values of rHUI, SrHUI, ICG R15, and Ablumin were 0.871 (sensitivity 81.82%; specificity 91.67%), 0.878 (sensitivity 79.55%; specificity 83.33%), 0.835 (sensitivity 99.73%; specificity 66.67%), and 0.782 (sensitivity 88.64%; specificity 58.33%), respectively. Conclusions: We found that the rHUI and SrHUI calculated using the gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI reflected a combination of remnant hepatocyte function and liver volume, and these were useful as a quantitative assessment indicator of remnant liver functional reserve and can be a better predictor of PHLF after major hepatic resection.

Postoperative Lenvatinib plus PD-1 blockade reduces early tumor recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma with MVI (BCLC 0-A): A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

PURPOSE: This research seeks to determine the effectiveness of post-operative adjuvant lenvatinib plus PD-1 blockade for early-stage HCC patients with microvascular invasion (MVI). METHODS: 393 HCC patients (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0-A) who underwent curative hepatectomy with histopathologically proven MVI were enrolled according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and assigned to two groups: surgery alone (Surgery-alone) and surgery with lenvatinib and PD-1 blockade (Surgery+Len+PD-1) to compare recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), recurrence type, and annual recurrence rate following the application of propensity score matching (PSM). The Cox proportional hazards model was utilized for univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 99 matched pairs were selected using PSM. Patients in the Surgery+Len+PD-1 group had significantly higher three-year RFS (76.8%, 65.7%, and 53.5%) compared to patients in the Surgery-alone group (60.6%, 45.5%, and 37.4%) (P=0.012). The two groups showed no significant differences in recurrence types and OS. Surgery-alone, MVI-M2, and AFP≥200ng/mL were independent risk factors for RFS (P<0.05), and history of alcoholism was an independent risk factor for OS (P=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative lenvatinib plus PD-1 blockade improved the RFS in HCC patients with MVI and was particularly beneficial for specific individuals.

Large-Area Near-Infrared Emission Enhancement on Single Upconversion Nanoparticles by Metal Nanohole Array.

Single lanthanide (Ln) ion doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) exhibit great potential for biomolecule sensing and counting. Plasmonic structures can improve the emission efficiency of single UCNPs by modulating the energy transferring process. Yet, achieving robust and large-area single UCNP emission modulation remains a challenge, which obstructs investigation and application of single UCNPs. Here, we present a strategy using metal nanohole arrays (NHAs) to achieve energy-transfer modulation on single UCNPs simultaneously within large-area plasmonic structures. By coupling surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) with higher-intermediate state (1D2 → 3F3, 1D2 → 3H4) transitions, we achieved a remarkable up to 10-fold enhancement in 800 nm emission, surpassing the conventional approach of coupling SPPs with an intermediate ground state (3H4 → 3H6). We numerically simulate the electrical field distribution and reveal that luminescent enhancement is robust and insensitive to the exact location of particles. It is anticipated that the strategy provides a platform for widely exploring applications in single-particle quantitative biosensing.

Enhanced quantum secret sharing protocol for anonymous secure communication utilizing W states.

Quantum secret sharing (QSS) represents the fusion of quantum mechanics principles with secret information sharing, allowing a sender to distribute a secret among receivers for collective recovery. This paper introduces the concept of quantum anonymous secret sharing (QASS) to enhance the practicality of such protocols. We propose a QASS protocol leveraging W states, ensuring both recover-security and anonymity of shared secrets. Our protocol undergoes rigorous evaluation verifying their accuracy and fortifying their security against scenarios involving the active adversary. Additionally, acknowledging the imperfections inherent in real-world communication channels, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of protocol security and efficacy in noisy quantum networks. Our investigations reveal that W states exhibit good performance in mitigating noise interference, making them apt for practical applications.

Chemo-, Regio- and Stereoselective Preparation of (Z)-2-Butene-1,4-Diol Monoesters via Pd-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Acyloxylation.

(Z)-alkenes are useful synthons but thermodynamically less stable than their (E)-isomers and typically more difficult to prepare. The synthesis of 1,4-hetero-bifunctionalized (Z)-alkenes is particularly challenging due to the inherent regio- and stereoselectivity issues. Herein we demonstrate a general, chemoselective and direct synthesis of (Z)-2-butene-1,4-diol monoesters. The protocol operates within a Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative acyloxylation regime involving vinyl ethylene carbonates (VECs) and various carboxylic acids as the reaction partners under mild and operationally attractive conditions. The newly developed process allows access to a structurally diverse pool of (Z)-2-butene-1,4-diol monoesters in good yields and with excellent regio- and stereoselectivity. Various synthetic transformations of the obtained (Z)-2-butene-1,4-diol monoesters demonstrate how these synthons are of great use to rapidly diversify the portfolio of these formal desymmetrized (Z)-alkenes.

Comprehensive dry eye therapy: overcoming ocular surface barrier and combating inflammation, oxidation, and mitochondrial damage.

BACKGROUND: Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a prevalent multifactorial ocular disease characterized by a vicious cycle of inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction on the ocular surface, all of which lead to DED deterioration and impair the patients' quality of life and social functioning. Currently, anti-inflammatory drugs have shown promising efficacy in treating DED; however, such drugs are associated with side effects. The bioavailability of ocular drugs is less than 5% owing to factors such as rapid tear turnover and the presence of the corneal barrier. This calls for investigations to overcome these challenges associated with ocular drug administration. RESULTS: A novel hierarchical action liposome nanosystem (PHP-DPS@INS) was developed in this study. In terms of delivery, PHP-DPS@INS nanoparticles (NPs) overcame the ocular surface transport barrier by adopting the strategy of "ocular surface electrostatic adhesion-lysosomal site-directed escape". In terms of therapy, PHP-DPS@INS achieved mitochondrial targeting and antioxidant effects through SS-31 peptide, and exerted an anti-inflammatory effect by loading insulin to reduce mitochondrial inflammatory metabolites. Ultimately, the synergistic action of "anti-inflammation-antioxidation-mitochondrial function restoration" breaks the vicious cycle associated with DED. The PHP-DPS@INS demonstrated remarkable cellular uptake, lysosomal escape, and mitochondrial targeting in vitro. Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that PHP-DPS@INS effectively normalized the elevated level of mitochondrial proinflammatory metabolite fumarate in an in vitro hypertonic model of DED, thereby reducing the levels of key inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α). Additionally, PHP-DPS@INS strongly inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and facilitated mitochondrial structural repair. In vivo, the PHP-DPS@INS treatment significantly enhanced the adhesion duration and corneal permeability of the ocular surface in DED mice, thereby improving insulin bioavailability. It also restored tear secretion, suppressed ocular surface damage, and reduced inflammation in DED mice. Moreover, it demonstrated favorable safety profiles both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: In summary, this study successfully developed a comprehensive DED management nanosystem that overcame the ocular surface transmission barrier and disrupted the vicious cycle that lead to dry eye pathogenesis. Additionally, it pioneered the regulation of mitochondrial metabolites as an anti-inflammatory treatment for ocular conditions, presenting a safe, efficient, and innovative therapeutic strategy for DED and other inflammatory diseases.

Dinuclear gold-catalyzed divergent dechlorinative radical borylation of gem-dichloroalkanes.

The enormous and widespread use of organoboronic acids has prompted the development of innovative synthetic methodologies to meet the demands on structural diversity and functional group tolerance. The existing photoinduced defunctionalization radical borylation, typically focused on the conversion of one C-X bond (X= Br, I, or other leaving group) into only one C-B bond. Herein, we disclose a divergent radical dechloroborylation reaction enabled by dinuclear gold catalysis with visible light irradiation. A wide range of structurally diverse alkyl boronic, α-chloroboronic, and gem-diboronic esters can be synthesized in moderate to good yields (up to 92%). Its synthetic robustness is further demonstrated on a preparative scale and applied to late-stage diversification of complex molecules. The process hinges on a C-Cl bond relay activation in readily available gem-dichloroalkanes through inner-sphere electron transfer, overcoming the redox potential limits of unreactive alkyl chlorides.

A radiomics signature derived from CT imaging to predict MSI status and immunotherapy outcomes in gastric cancer: a multi-cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Accurate microsatellite instability (MSI) testing is essential for identifying gastric cancer (GC) patients eligible for immunotherapy. We aimed to develop and validate a CT-based radiomics signature to predict MSI and immunotherapy outcomes in GC. METHODS: This retrospective multicohort study included a total of 457 GC patients from two independent medical centers in China and The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) databases. The primary cohort (n = 201, center 1, 2017-2022), was used for signature development via Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and logistic regression analysis. Two independent immunotherapy cohorts, one from center 1 (n = 184, 2018-2021) and another from center 2 (n = 43, 2020-2021), were utilized to assess the signature's association with immunotherapy response and survival. Diagnostic efficiency was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and survival outcomes were analyzed via the Kaplan-Meier method. The TCIA cohort (n = 29) was included to evaluate the immune infiltration landscape of the radiomics signature subgroups using both CT images and mRNA sequencing data. RESULTS: Nine radiomics features were identified for signature development, exhibiting excellent discriminative performance in both the training (AUC: 0.851, 95%CI: 0.782, 0.919) and validation cohorts (AUC: 0.816, 95%CI: 0.706, 0.926). The radscore, calculated using the signature, demonstrated strong predictive abilities for objective response in immunotherapy cohorts (AUC: 0.734, 95%CI: 0.662, 0.806; AUC: 0.724, 95%CI: 0.572, 0.877). Additionally, the radscore showed a significant association with PFS and OS, with GC patients with a low radscore experiencing a significant survival benefit from immunotherapy. Immune infiltration analysis revealed significantly higher levels of CD8 + T cells, activated CD4 + B cells, and TNFRSF18 expression in the low radscore group, while the high radscore group exhibited higher levels of T cells regulatory and HHLA2 expression. CONCLUSION: This study developed a robust radiomics signature with the potential to serve as a non-invasive biomarker for GC's MSI status and immunotherapy response, demonstrating notable links to post-immunotherapy PFS and OS. Additionally, distinct immune profiles were observed between low and high radscore groups, highlighting their potential clinical implications.

A Fast Online Elastic-Spine-Based Stiffness Adjusting Mechanism for Fishlike Swimming.

Fish tunes fishtail stiffness by coordinating its tendons, muscles, and other tissues to improve swimming performance. For robotic fish, achieving a fast and online fishlike stiffness adjustment over a large-scale range is of great significance for performance improvement. This article proposes an elastic-spine-based variable stiffness robotic fish, which adopts spring steel to emulate the fish spine, and its stiffness is adjusted by tuning the effective length of the elastic spine. The stiffness can be switched in the maximum adjustable range within 0.26 s. To optimize the motion performance of robotic fish by adjusting fishtail stiffness, a Kane-based dynamic model is proposed, based on which the stiffness adjustment strategy for multistage swimming is constructed. Simulations and experiments are conducted, including performance measurements and analyses in terms of swimming speed, thrust, and so on, and online stiffness adjustment-based multistage swimming, which verifies the feasibility of the proposed variable stiffness robotic fish. The maximum speed and lowest cost of transport for robotic fish are 0.43 m/s (equivalent to 0.81 BL/s) and 7.14 J/(kg·m), respectively.

Robust Tunability and Newly Emerged Q Resonance of Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3-Based Microwave Capacitors under Gamma Irradiations.

The complex resonance of dielectric quality factor Q, combined with a capacitance tunability n higher than 3:1 without any dispersion, was achieved in the voltage-tunable interdigital capacitors (IDCs) based on epitaxial Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 ferroelectric thin films across the microwave L (1-2 GHz), S (2-4 GHz), and C (4-8 GHz) bands at room temperature. The resonant Q and n features were driven by the microwave responses of the ferroelectric nanodomains engineered in the films. To promote their application in space radiation environments, the evolutions of Q and n both as functions of frequency f (1-8 GHz) and applied electric field E (0-240 kV/cm) were systematically investigated under a series of gamma-ray irradiations up to 100 kGy. The robust capacitance tunability was accompanied by the emergence of an additional Q resonance at 2.3 GHz in most post-irradiated devices, which is ascribed to extra polar nanoregions of expanded surface lattices associated with oxygen vacancies induced by irradiations.

Gestational Ectopic Hyperparathyroidism: A Case Report of Perioperative and Perinatal Outcomes.

In the realm of obstetric care, discerning the subtle signs of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) amidst common pregnancy symptoms remains a formidable challenge. Our exploration into a case of gestational hypercalcemia peels back the layers of this complexity, revealing the clinical conundrum posed by overlapping gastrointestinal manifestations. The journey from diagnosis through surgical intervention to the resolution of symptoms underscores the importance of vigilance for PHPT in pregnant patients. This case further prompts consideration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a potential piece in the puzzle of persistent symptoms post-calcium normalization, inviting a broader dialogue on the intricacies of parathyroid pathology in pregnancy.

The effect of age, sex, and eastern cooperative oncology group performance status on the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effect of age, sex, and eastern cooperative oncology group performance status (ECOG PS) on the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients remains elusive. Thus, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate whether such effects exist. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Eligible studies in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were retrieved. RESULTS: One-hundred-and-eleven studies involving 14,768 HCC patients were included. The findings indicated that the ECOG PS didn't have a significant effect on the ORR and PFS in ICI-treated HCC patients (higher ECOG PS vs. lower ECOG PS: ORR: OR = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.55-1.10; PFS: HR = 1.15, 95%CI = 0.97-1.35), while those patients with a higher ECOG PS may have a worse OS (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.26-1.84). There is no significant evidence of the effect of age (older vs. younger) or sex (males vs. females) on the efficacy of ICI therapy in HCC. CONCLUSION: ICI therapy in HCC should not be restricted strictly to certain patients in age or sex categories, while HCC patients with higher ECOG PS may require closer medication or follow-up strategy during ICI therapy. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42024518407.

Single-center experience of thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis with long-term postoperative questionnaire survey.

OBJECTIVES: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is an effective treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. However, compensatory hyperhidrosis occurs frequently as a postoperative complication of the procedure. The goal of this study was to elucidate the clinical significance of thoracoscopic sympathectomy using our surgical procedure. METHODS: Consecutive 151 patients who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis were studied. In addition, to investigate patients' satisfaction and long-term quality of life, 111 patients were asked to complete a mailing questionnaire survey, and 84 responded (response rate of 75.7%). RESULTS: All of the 151 patients reported a reduction in palmar sweating during the immediate postoperative period. None of the patients had pneumothorax, hemothorax, Horner's syndrome, or worsening of bradycardia. Based on the questionnaire, the surgical success rate was 98.8%. None of the patients had a recurrence of palmar hyperhidrosis during the long-term postoperative period. However, compensatory hyperhidrosis was reported in 82 patients (97.6%). In total, 94.0% of patients had high levels of postoperative satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is an effective surgical treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. By contrast, the careful preoperative explanation of compensatory hyperhidrosis is considered to be very important.

A Microfluidic Chip for Single-Cell Capture Based on Stagnation Point Flow and Boundary Effects.

The capture of individual cells using microfluidic chips represents a widely adopted and efficient approach for investigating the biochemical microenvironment of singular cells. While conventional methods reliant on boundary effects pose challenges in precisely manipulating individual cells, single-cell capture grounded in the principle of stagnation point flow offers a solution to this limitation. Nevertheless, such capture mechanisms encounter inconsistency due to the instability of the flow field and stagnation point. In this study, a microfluidic device for the stable capture of single cells was designed, integrating the principle of fluid mechanics by amalgamating stagnation point flow and boundary effects. This innovative microfluidic chip transcended the limitations associated with single methodologies, leveraging the strengths of both stagnation point flow and boundary effects to achieve reliable single-cell capture. Notably, the incorporation of capture ports at the stagnation point not only harnessed boundary effects but also enhanced capture efficiency significantly, elevating it from 31.9% to 83.3%, thereby augmenting capture stability. Furthermore, computational simulations demonstrated the efficacy of the capture ports in entrapping particles of varying diameters, including 9 µm, 14 µm, and 18 µm. Experiment validation underscored the capability of this microfluidic system to capture single cells within the chip, maintaining stability even under flow rate perturbations spanning from 60 µL/min to 120 µL/min. Consequently, cells with dimensions between 8 µm and 12 µm can be reliably captured. The designed microfluidic system not only furnishes a straightforward and efficient experimental platform but also holds promise for facilitating deeper investigations into the intricate interplay between individual cells and their surrounding microenvironment.

When antibiotics encounter microplastics in aquatic environments: Interaction, combined toxicity, and risk assessments.

Antibiotics and microplastics (MPs), known as emerging pollutants, are bound to coexist in aquatic environments due to their widespread distribution and prolonged persistence. To date, few systematic summaries are available for the interaction between MPs and antibiotics in aquatic ecosystems, and a comprehensive reanalysis of their combined toxicity is also needed. Based on the collected published data, we have analyzed the source and distribution of MPs and antibiotics in global aquatic environments, finding their coexistence occurs in a lot of study sites. Accordingly, the presence of MPs can directly alter the environmental behavior of antibiotics. The main influencing factors of interaction between antibiotics and MPs have been summarized in terms of the characteristics of MPs and antibiotics, as well as the environmental factors. Then, we have conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the combined toxicity of antibiotics and MPs on aquatic organisms and the related toxicity indicators, suggesting a significant adverse effect on algae, and inapparent on fish and daphnia. Finally, the environmental risk assessments for antibiotics and MPs were discussed, but unfortunately the standardized methodology for the risk assessment of MPs is still challenging, let alone assessment for their combined toxicity. This review provides insights into the interactions and environment risks of antibiotics and MPs in the aquatic environment, and suggests perspectives for future research.

Role of hepatitis B core-related antigen in predicting the occurrence and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A systemic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the predictive value of hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) on the occurrence and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception to April 6, 2023. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the occurrence and recurrence of HCC. RESULTS: Of the 464 articles considered, 18 articles recruiting 10 320 patients were included. The pooled results showed that high serum HBcrAg level was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of HCC in CHB patients (adjusted HR = 3.12, 95% CI: 2.40-4.06, P < 0.001, I2 = 43.2%, P = 0.043; OR = 5.65, 95% CI: 3.44-5.82, P < 0.001, I2 = 0.00%, P = 0.42). Further subgroup analysis demonstrated that the predictive ability of HBcrAg for the occurrence of HCC is not influenced by the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status or the use of nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NAs). In addition, our meta-analysis also suggests that HBcrAg is a predictor of HCC recurrence (adjusted HR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.26-2.32, P < 0.001, I2 = 7.89%, P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with CHB, serum HBcrAg may be a potential predictive factor for the occurrence of HCC, regardless of HBeAg status or NA treatment. It may also serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for the recurrence of HCC. More studies are needed to confirm our conclusions.

A scoping review of functional near-infrared spectroscopy biomarkers in late-life depression: Depressive symptoms, cognitive functioning, and social functioning.

Late-life depression is one of the most damaging mental illnesses, disrupting the normal lives of older people by causing chronic illness and cognitive impairment. Patients with late-life depression, accompanied by changes in appetite, insomnia, fatigue and guilt, are more likely to experience irritability, anxiety and somatic symptoms. It increases the risk of suicide and dementia and is a major challenge for the public health systems. The current clinical assessment, identification and effectiveness assessment of late-life depression are primarily based on history taking, mental status examination and scale scoring, which lack subjectivity and precision. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy is a rapidly developing optical imaging technology that objectively reflects the oxygenation of hemoglobin in different cerebral regions during different tasks and assesses the functional status of the cerebral cortex. This article presents a comprehensive review of the assessment of functional near-infrared spectroscopy technology in assessing depressive symptoms, social functioning, and cognitive functioning in patients with late-life depression. The use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy provides greater insight into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying depression and helps to assess these three aspects of functionality in depressed patients. In addition, the study discusses the limitations of previous research and explores potential advances in the field.

Iron-containing nanominerals for sustainable phosphate management: A comprehensive review and future perspectives.

Adsorption, which is a quick and effective method for phosphate management, can effectively address the crisis of phosphorus mineral resources and control eutrophication. Phosphate management systems typically use iron-containing nanominerals (ICNs) with large surface areas and high activity, as well as modified ICNs (mICNs). This paper comprehensively reviews phosphate management by ICNs and mICNs in different water environments. mICNs have a higher affinity for phosphates than ICNs. Phosphate adsorption on ICNs and mICNs occurs through mechanisms such as surface complexation, surface precipitation, electrostatic ligand exchange, and electrostatic attraction. Ionic strength influences phosphate adsorption by changing the surface potential and isoelectric point of ICNs and mICNs. Anions exhibit inhibitory effects on ICNs and mICNs in phosphate adsorption, while cations display a promoting effect. More importantly, high concentrations and molecular weights of natural organic matter can inhibit phosphate adsorption by ICNs and mICNs. Sodium hydroxide has high regeneration capability for ICNs and mICNs. Compared to ICNs with high crystallinity, those with low crystallinity are less likely to desorb. ICNs and mICNs can effectively manage municipal wastewater, eutrophic seawater, and eutrophic lakes. Adsorption of ICNs and mICNs saturated with phosphate can be used as fertilizers in agricultural production. Notably, mICNs and ICNs have positive and negative effects on microorganisms and aquatic organisms in soil. Finally, this study introduces the following: trends and prospects of machine learning-guided mICN design, novel methods for modified ICNs, mICN regeneration, development of mICNs with high adsorption capacity and selectivity for phosphate, investigation of competing ions in different water environments by mICNs, and trends and prospects of in-depth research on the adsorption mechanism of phosphate by weakly crystalline ferrihydrite. This comprehensive review can provide novel insights into the research on high-performance mICNs for phosphate management in the future.

Eugenol Possesses Colitis Protective Effects: Impacts on the TLR4/MyD88/NF-[Formula: see text]B Pathway, Intestinal Epithelial Barrier, and Macrophage Polarization.

Eugenol (EU) has been shown to ameliorate experimental colitis due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities. In this study, DSS-induced acute colitis was established and applied to clarify the regulation efficacy of EU on intestinal barrier impairment and macrophage polarization imbalance along with the inflammatory response. Besides, the adjusting effect of EU on macrophages was further investigated in vitro. The results confirmed that EU intervention alleviated DSS-induced colitis through methods such as restraining weight loss and colonic shortening and decreasing DAI scores. Microscopic observation manifested that EU maintained the intestinal barrier integrity in line with the mucus barrier and tight junction protection. Furthermore, EU intervention significantly suppressed the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathways and pro-inflammatory cytokines gene expressions, while enhancing the expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Simultaneously, WB and FCM analyses of the CD86 and CD206 showed that EU could regulate the DSS-induced macrophage polarization imbalance. Overall, our data further elucidated the mechanism of EU's defensive effect on experimental colitis, which is relevant to the protective efficacy of intestinal barriers, inhibition of oxidative stress and excessive inflammatory response, and reprogramming of macrophage polarization. Hence, this study may facilitate a better understanding of the protective action of the EU against UC.

Radiotherapy alone versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with stage II and T3N0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma with adverse features: A propensity score-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Whether concurrent chemoradiotherapy would provide survival benefits in patients with stage II and T3N0 NPC with adverse factors remains unclear in IMRT era. We aimed to assess the value of concurrent chemotherapy compared to IMRT alone in stage II and T3N0 NPC with adverse features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 287 patients with stage II and T3N0 NPC with adverse factors were retrospectively analyzed, including 98 patients who received IMRT alone (IMRT alone group) and 189 patients who received cisplatin-based concurrent chemotherapy (CCRT group). The possible prognostic factors were balanced using propensity score matching (PSM). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate the survival rates, and log-rank tests were employed to compare differences between groups. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 90.8 months (interquartile range = 75.6-114.7 months). The IMRT alone and the CCRT group were well matched; however, for all survival-related endpoints, there were no significant differences between them (5-year failure-free survival: 84.3% vs. 82.7%, P value = 0.68; 5-year overall survival: 87.3% vs. 90.6%, P value = 0.11; 5-year distant metastasis-free survival: 92.8% vs. 92.5%, P value = 0.97; 5-year locoregional relapse-free survival: 93.4% vs. 89.9%, P value = 0.30). The incidence of acute toxicities in the IMRT alone group was significantly lower than that in the CCRT group. CONCLUSION: For patients with stage II and T3N0 NPC with adverse features treated using IMRT, no improvement in survival was gained by adding concurrent chemotherapy; however, the occurrence of acute toxicities increased significantly. For those combined with non-single adverse factors, the comprehensive treatment strategy needs further exploration.