Investigating the impact of clinical and genetic factors on the post-surgery prognosis of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma.

Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is an aggressive cancer affecting the nasal and sinus regions, with its progression factors, particularly genetic ones, not yet fully understood. Here, we first conducted a retrospective study with 219 SNSCC patients to identify clinical factors affecting SNSCC prognosis. Additionally, we mined a vast literature dataset to uncover genetic factors associated with SNSCC progression. Based on this data, we constructed SNSCC prognosis pathways and performed a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Clear operative margins were linked to a 73.5-86.3% improvement in overall survival and a 73.5-88.9% lower risk of recurrence. Nasal cavity-originated cases exhibited a 67.6-97.4% decrease in mortality and an 80.7-96.7% lower recurrence rate. Patients at T1-2 staging had a 65.0-80.6% reduced risk of death and recurrence compared to those at T3 stage. Additionally, we identified 53 genes associated with SNSCC, with 14 also implicated in primary tumor site, T stage, and operative margin. These genes, including EGFR, PIK3CA, ERBB2, PTEN, BCL2, BRAF, KRAS, and PRL, form a complex SNSCC-prognosis pathway and were significantly enriched in 42 KEGG pathways and Gene Ontology (GO) terms (FDR-corrected p-value < 0.001), influencing cell growth, apoptosis, and oncogenic signaling pathways. Our study suggests that three clinical parameters (operative margin type, primary tumor site, and T-stage) and 14 genetic factors may influence SNSCC prognosis post-surgery. These findings deepen our understanding of SNSCC and offer potential avenues to enhance its treatment and outcomes.

Using the Montgomery-Koyama-Smith equation to calculate the stomatal area per unit lamina area for 12 Magnoliaceae species.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Montgomery-Koyama-Smith (MKS) equation predicts that total leaf area per shoot is proportional to the product of the sum of individual leaf widths and maximum individual leaf length, which has been validated for some herbaceous and woody plants. The equation is also predicted to be valid in describing the relationship between the total stomatal area per micrograph (AT) and the product of the sum of individual stomatal widths (denoted as LKS) and maximum individual stomatal length (denoted by WKS) in any particular micrograph. METHODS: To test the validity of the MKS equation, 69,931 stomata (from 720 stomatal micrographs from 12 Magnoliaceae species) were examined. The area of each stoma was calculated using empirical measurements of stomatal length and width multiplied by a constant. Six equations describing the relationships among AT, LKS, and WKS were compared. The root-mean-square (RMSE) and the Akaike information criterion (AIC) were used to measure the goodness of fit, and the trade-off between the goodness of fit and the structural complexity of each model, respectively. KEY RESULTS: Analyses supported the validity of the MKS equation and the power-law equation AT ∝ (LKS∙WKS)α, where a is a scaling exponent. The estimated values of α at the species level and for the pooled data were all statistically smaller than unity, which did not support the hypothesis that AT ∝ LTS∙WTS. The power-law equation had smaller RMSE and AIC values than the MKS equation for the data from the 12 individual species and the pooled data. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that AT tends to allometrically scale with LKS∙WKS, and that increases in AT do not keep pace with increases in LTS∙WTS. In addition, using the product of LKS and WKS is better than using only one of the two variables.

Coupled Thermal and Power Transport of Optical Waveguide Arrays: Photonic Wiedemann-Franz Law and Rectification Effect.

In isolated nonlinear optical waveguide arrays, simultaneous conservation of longitudinal momentum flow ("internal energy") and optical power ("particle number") of the optical modes enables study of coupled thermal and particle transport in the negative temperature regime. Based on exact numerical simulation and rationale from Landauer formalism, we predict generic photonic version of the Wiedemann-Franz law in such systems, with the Lorenz number L∝|T|^{-2}. This is rooted in the spectral decoupling of thermal and particle current, and their different temperature dependence. In addition, in asymmetric junctions, relaxation of the system toward equilibrium shows apparent asymmetry for positive and negative biases, indicating rectification behavior. This Letter illustrates the possibility of simulate nonequilibrium transport processes using optical networks, in parameter regimes difficult to reach in natural condensed matter or atomic gas systems. It also provides new insights in manipulating power and momentum flow of optical waves in artificial waveguide arrays.

Limited column formation in the embryonic growth plate implies divergent growth mechanisms during pre- and postnatal bone development.

Chondrocyte columns, which are a hallmark of growth plate architecture, play a central role in bone elongation. Columns are formed by clonal expansion following rotation of the division plane, resulting in a stack of cells oriented parallel to the growth direction. In this work, we analyzed hundreds of Confetti multicolor clones in growth plates of mouse embryos using a pipeline comprising 3D imaging and algorithms for morphometric analysis. Surprisingly, analysis of the elevation angles between neighboring pairs of cells revealed that most cells did not display the typical stacking pattern associated with column formation, implying incomplete rotation of the division plane. Morphological analysis revealed that although embryonic clones were elongated, they formed clusters oriented perpendicular to the growth direction. Analysis of growth plates of postnatal mice revealed both complex columns, composed of ordered and disordered cell stacks, and small, disorganized clusters located in the outer edges. Finally, correlation between the temporal dynamics of the ratios between clusters and columns and between bone elongation and expansion suggests that clusters may promote expansion, whereas columns support elongation. Overall, our findings support the idea that modulations of division plane rotation of proliferating chondrocytes determines the formation of either clusters or columns, a multifunctional design that regulates morphogenesis throughout pre- and postnatal bone growth. Broadly, this work provides a new understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying growth plate activity and bone elongation during development.

As we develop, the long bones in our arms and legs must grow bigger and stronger to support our weight and movements. The width and length of these bones increase rapidly while in the womb, but after birth, they lengthen more quickly than they widen. Both expansion and extension occur at the growth plates, two narrow zones located at each bone's ends and which host cells that can divide and increase in size. Traditionally, bone lengthening has been understood resulting from these 'chondrocytes' expanding in size after having organized themselves into columns that run parallel to the long axis of the bone. This is possible due to newly born cells performing a complex 90-degree rotation that results in this characteristic organization in column stacks. How bones widen, however, is less well-understood. To shed light on these mechanisms, Rubin, Agrawal et al. took advantage of recent technologies that allowed them to track the spatial organization of cells in 3D during development. Their experiments showed that, in mice, chondrocytes in the growth plate were rarely organized in columns before birth, with most cells not performing a 90-degree rotation of their division plane. This led to most clusters growing perpendicularly to the long axis of the bone, resulting in bone widening. After birth, however, most chondrocytes successfully completed the rotation, establishing columns running parallel to the long axis; fewer clusters contributing to the widening of the bone were present. Taken together, these results suggest that controlling the rotation of the division plane in chondrocytes helps create different growth strategies before and after birth. They also indicate that elongation in the womb may not require chondrocytes to be systematically organized in columns. Overall, the findings by Rubin, Agrawal et al. point to new mechanisms underpinning bone growth, which could be important to investigate further in both health and disease.

Room-Temperature Synthesis of Covalently Bridged MOP@TpPa-CH3 Composite Photocatalysts for Artificial Photosynthesis.

The conversion of CO2 into useful chemicals via photocatalysts is a promising strategy for resolving the environmental problems caused by the addition of CO2. Herein, a series of composite photocatalysts MOP@TpPa-CH3 based on MOP-NH2 and TpPa-CH3 through covalent bridging have been prepared via a facile room-temperature evaporation method and employed for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The photocatalytic performances of MOP@TpPa-CH3 are greater than those of TpPa-CH3 and MOP-NH2, where the CO generation rate of MOP@TpPa-CH3 under 10% CO2 still reaches 119.25 µmol g-1 h-1, which is 2.18 times higher than that under pure CO2 (54.74 µmol g-1 h-1). To investigate the structural factors affecting the photocatalytic activity, MOP@TBPa-CH3 without C═O groups is synthesized, and the photoreduction performance is also evaluated. The controlling experimental results demonstrate that the excellent photoreduction CO2 performance of MOP@TpPa-CH3 in a 10% CO2 atmosphere is due to the presence of C═O groups in TpPa-CH3. This work offers a new design and construction strategy for novel MOP@COF composites.

Influence of tree size on the scaling relationships of lamina and petiole traits: A case study using Camptotheca acuminata Decne.

There is a lack of research on whether tree size affects lamina and petiole biomass allocation patterns, whereas the trade-off between leaf biomass allocated to the lamina and the petiole is of significance when considering the hydraulic and mechanical function of the leaf as a whole. Here, Camptotheca acuminata Decne was selected for study because of the availability of trees differing in size growing under the same conditions. A total of 600 leaves for two tree size groups and 300 leaves per group differing in height and trunk diameter were collected. The lamina fresh mass (LFM), lamina dry mass (LDM), lamina area (LA), petiole fresh mass (PFM), and petiole length (PL) of each leaf was measured, and reduced major axis regression protocols were used to determine the scaling relationships among the five functional traits. The bootstrap percentile method was used to determine if the scaling exponents of the traits differed significantly between the two tree size groups. The results indicated that (i) there was a significant difference in the LFM, LDM, PFM, PL, LMA, LFMA and PFM/LFM between large and small trees, but no significant difference in LA; (ii) the LA versus LFM, LA versus LDM, LFM versus PFM, LA versus PFM, and PL versus PFM scaling relationships of the two groups were allometric (i.e., not isometric); (iii) there were significant differences in the scaling exponents of LA versus LFM, LA versus PFM, PL versus PFM between the two groups, but there was no significant difference in the LFM versus PFM scaling relationship between the two groups of trees. The data were also consistent with the phenomenon known as "diminishing returns". These data indicate that tree size influences leaf biomass allocation patterns in ways that can potentially influence overall plant growth, and therefore have an important bearing on life-history strategies.

Discrete unified gas kinetic scheme for the solution of electron Boltzmann transport equation with Callaway approximation.

Electrons are the carriers of heat and electricity in materials and exhibit abundant transport phenomena such as ballistic, diffusive, and hydrodynamic behaviors in systems with different sizes. The electron Boltzmann transport equation (eBTE) is a reliable model for describing electron transport, but it is a challenging problem to efficiently obtain the numerical solutions of the eBTE within one unified scheme involving ballistic, hydrodynamics, and/or diffusive regimes. In this work, a discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (DUGKS) in the finite-volume framework is developed based on the eBTE with the Callaway relaxation model for electron transport. By reconstructing the distribution function at the cell interface, the processes of electron drift and scattering are coupled together within a single time step. Numerical tests demonstrate that the DUGKS can be adaptively applied to multiscale electron transport, across different regimes.

Genetic predisposition to milder forms of COVID-19 may provide some resilience to head and neck cancers.

Introduction: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on head and neck cancer (HNC) has been suggested, but the causal relationship remains unclear. Methods: We explore this connection by utilizing the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach applied to publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary datasets for COVID-19 and HNC. The datasets included critical COVID-19 (13,769 cases, 1,072,442 controls), hospitalized COVID-19 (32,519 cases, 2,062,805 controls), SARS-CoV-2 infection (122,616 cases, 2,475,240 controls), and HNC (2,131 cases, 287,137 controls). Mechanistic underpinnings of the causal relationships identified by MR analysis were explored through functional annotation augmented by AI-based literature data mining. Results: Surprisingly, a genetic predisposition to contracting a milder form of COVID-19 substantially reduced the risks of developing HNC (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35-0.78, p = 1.42E-03), with no significant association between genetic liability to severe COVID-19 and the risk of HNC detected. Additionally, our findings highlighted 14 genes linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection, potentially playing a protective role in the context of HNC. These genes include OAS1, LOC107985887, BCL11A, DPP9, LOC107984685, LINC02326, MUC4, NXPE3, IFNAR2, LZTFL1, LOC105372437, NAPSA, LOC105376622, LOC107986082, and SLC6A20. Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the protective role of the genetic liability to milder COVID-19 in reducing the risk of HNC while refuting a causal relationship between severe COVID-19 and HNC.

Comparison of egg-shape equations using relative curvature measures of nonlinearity.

A 2-dimensional (2D) egg-shape equation can be used to construct a 3D egg geometry based on the hypothesis that an egg is a solid of revolution, which helps to calculate egg volume and surface area. The parameters in the 2D egg-shape equation are potentially valuable for providing a clue to the ecology and evolution of avian eggs. In this study, the 5-parameter Preston equation (PE), the 4-parameter Troscianko equation (TE), and another 2 egg-shape equations, were compared in describing real 2D egg-shape data of 300 Gallus gallus domesticus eggs and additional 50 eggs that represented the variation in avian egg geometries. Adjusted root-mean-square error was used to quantify each equation's prediction error. Given that the 4 equations are nonlinear, relative curvature measures of nonlinearity were used to assess the extent of nonlinearity in each equation. PE was found to be the best among the 4 equations in terms of adjusted root-mean-square error and minimizing nonlinearity. The empirically determined egg volumes using a graduated cylinder were compared with the predicted egg volumes using the formula for a solid of revolution based on 2D predictions from the 4 egg-shape equations. There were negligible differences in the predicted egg volumes and surface areas among the 4 equations, indicating that these equations are all valid in calculating egg volume and surface area. In addition, we proposed a 5-parameter TE and found that it outperformed the above 4 equations in describing the 2D egg shape of G. gallus, but was less general than PE for other egg shapes. This work provides statistical evidence to show which equation is the best for describing the geometry of avian eggs and nondestructively calculating their volume and surface area, helping to classify poultry eggs into different grades according to the morphological characteristics of the eggs.

Scaling relationships between the total number of leaves and the total leaf area per culm of two dwarf bamboo species.

Total leaf area per plant is an important measure of the photosynthetic capacity of an individual plant that together with plant density drives the canopy leaf area index, that is, the total leaf area per unit ground area. Because the total number of leaves per plant (or per shoot) varies among conspecifics and among mixed species communities, this variation can affect the total leaf area per plant and per canopy but has been little studied. Previous studies have shown a strong linear relationship between the total leaf area per plant (or per shoot) (A T) and the total number of leaves per plant (or per shoot) (N T) on a log-log scale for several growth forms. However, little is known whether such a scaling relationship also holds true for bamboos, which are a group of Poaceae plants with great ecological and economic importance in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. To test whether the scaling relationship holds true in bamboos, two dwarf bamboo species (Shibataea chinensis Nakai and Sasaella kongosanensis 'Aureostriatus') with a limited but large number of leaves per culm were examined. For the two species, the leaves from 480 and 500 culms, respectively, were sampled and A T was calculated by summing the areas of individual leaves per culm. Linear regression and correlation analyses reconfirmed that there was a significant log-log linear relationship between A T and N T for each species. For S. chinensis, the exponent of the A T versus N T scaling relationship was greater than unity, whereas that of S. kongosanensis 'Aureostriatus' was smaller than unity. The coefficient of variation in individual leaf area increased with increasing N T for each species. The data reconfirm that there is a strong positive power-law relationship between A T and N T for each of the two species, which may reflect adaptations of plants in response to intra- and inter-specific competition for light.

A modified glycosylase base editor without predictable DNA off-target effects.

Glycosylase base editor (GBE) can induce C-to-G transversion in mammalian cells, showing great promise for the treatment of human genetic disorders. However, the limited efficiency of transversion and the possibility of off-target effects caused by Cas9 restrict its potential clinical applications. In our recent study, we have successfully developed TaC9-CBE and TaC9-ABE by separating nCas9 and deaminase, which eliminates the Cas9-dependent DNA off-target effects without compromising editing efficiency. We developed a novel GBE called TaC9-GBEYE1, which utilizes the deaminase and UNG-nCas9 guided by TALE and sgRNA, respectively. TaC9-GBEYE1 showed comparable levels of on-target editing efficiency to traditional GBE at 19 target sites, without any off-target effects caused by Cas9 or TALE. The TaC9-GBEYE1 is a safe tool for gene therapy.

Kinesin 26B modulates M2 polarization of macrophage by activating cancer-associated fibroblasts to aggravate gastric cancer occurrence and metastasis.

BACKGROUND: The regulatory effects of KIF26B on gastric cancer (GC) have been confirmed, but the specific mechanism still needs further exploration. Pan-cancer analysis shows that the KIF26B expression is highly related to immune infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and CAFs promote macrophage M2 polarization and affect cancers' progression. AIM: To investigate the regulatory functions of KIF26B on immune and metastasis of GC. METHODS: We analyzed genes' mRNA levels by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Expression levels of target proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and Western blotting. We injected AGS cells into nude mice for the establishment of a xenograft tumor model and observed the occurrence and metastasis of GC. The degree of inflammatory infiltration in pulmonary nodes was observed through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed for the evaluation of cell invasion and migration ability. Tube formation assay was used for detecting angiogenesis. M2-polarized macrophages were estimated by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. RESULTS: KIF26B was significantly overexpressed in cells and tissues of GC, and the higher expression of KIF26B was related to GC metastasis and prognosis. According to in vivo experiments, KIF26B promoted tumor formation and metastasis of GC. KIF26B expression was positively associated with CAFs' degree of infiltration. Moreover, CAFs could regulate M2-type polarization of macrophages, affecting GC cells' migration, angiogenesis, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. CONCLUSION: KIF26B regulated M2 polarization of macrophage through activating CAFs, regulating the occurrence and metastasis of GC.

The impact of cleaner energy sources, advanced technology firms, and economic expansion on ecological footprints is critical in sustainable development.

The environmental degradation accompanying economic growth, despite the potential mitigating effects of technological advancements and cleaner energy sources. This study examines the critical impact of cleaner energy sources, advanced technology firms, and economic expansion on ecological footprints within the context of sustainable development, focusing on the period between 2010 and 2022. By comparing the E7 (emerging seven) and G7 (Group of Seven) economies, the research aims to delineate how these factors collectively influence environmental sustainability in both developing and developed nations. Utilizing a robust panel estimation technique, the study systematically explores the relationship between the adoption of renewable energy technologies, the growth of high-tech industries, and macroeconomic expansion, alongside their respective effects on the ecological footprint, a key indicator of environmental impact. Our statistical analysis reveals significant differences between the E7 and G7 countries. For the G7, investments in cleaner energy and technology sectors have shown a more pronounced effect in reducing ecological footprints, attributed to higher efficiency standards and greater public awareness. In contrast, the E7 countries exhibit a delayed response, owing to varying stages of economic development and technological adoption, although promising trends are emerging. Notably, the G7 demonstrates a more pronounced inclination towards financial imperialism (0.043), while the E7 is significantly influenced by green energy sources (0.258). Policy implications drawn from the findings suggest that targeted investments in green technologies and renewable energy sources, coupled with robust policies supporting economic expansion in a sustainable manner, are crucial for both groups of countries. For the E7, accelerating technology transfer and adopting stricter environmental regulations are key, while the G7 should focus on innovation and the continuous improvement of energy efficiency standards. This dual approach is essential for mitigating the environmental impacts of economic growth and steering the global economy towards a more sustainable trajectory.

Comparison of four performance models in quantifying the inequality of leaf and fruit size distribution.

The inequality in leaf and fruit size distribution per plant can be quantified using the Gini index, which is linked to the Lorenz curve depicting the cumulative proportion of leaf (or fruit) size against the cumulative proportion of the number of leaves (or fruits). Prior researches have predominantly employed empirical models-specifically the original performance equation (PE-1) and its generalized counterpart (GPE-1)-to fit rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curves. Notably, another potential performance equation (PE-2), capable of generating similar curves to PE-1, has been overlooked and not systematically compared with PE-1 and GPE-1. Furthermore, PE-2 has been extended into a generalized version (GPE-2). In the present study, we conducted a comparative analysis of these four performance equations, evaluating their applicability in describing Lorenz curves related to plant organ (leaf and fruit) size. Leaf area was measured on 240 culms of dwarf bamboo (Shibataea chinensis Nakai), and fruit volume was measured on 31 field muskmelon plants (Cucumis melo L. var. agrestis Naud.). Across both datasets, the root-mean-square errors of all four performance models were consistently smaller than 0.05. Paired t-tests indicated that GPE-1 exhibited the lowest root-mean-square error and Akaike information criterion value among the four performance equations. However, PE-2 gave the best close-to-linear behavior based on relative curvature measures. This study presents a valuable tool for assessing the inequality of plant organ size distribution.

PPARG and the PTEN-PI3K/AKT Signaling Axis May Cofunction in Promoting Chemosensitivity in Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

It has been demonstrated that PPARG may interact with the PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway, contributing to its involvement in the chemotherapy treatment of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC). However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, gene expression profiles of 17 HSCC patients, comprising 8 chemotherapy-sensitive patients (CSP) and 9 chemotherapy-nonsensitive patients (CNSP), were collected and analyzed to investigate expression patterns, correlations, influencing factors of the PPARG-PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway, and its role in regulating chemosensitivity. The results revealed significantly increased expression (p < 0.04) of AKT1, AKT2, AKT3, PIK3CA, PPARG, and PTEN in the CSP group compared to the CNSP group. Specifically, AKT2 exhibited significant overexpression in tumor tissue (p = 0.01), while AKT2, AKT3, PPARG, and PTEN displayed significant increases in normal tissue (p ≤ 0.04). Positive correlations (R ∈ [0.43, 0.71], p < 0.014) were observed between PIK3CA, AKT1, AKT2, AKT3, and PTEN, with AKT2, AKT3, and PTEN also showing significant correlations with PPARG (R ∈ [0.35, 0.47], p < 0.04). Age, gender, and disease stage had no influence on PPARG, PIK3CA, and PTEN expression, but they may affect AKT expressions. Pathway analysis revealed that PPARG may interact with the PTEN-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, playing a crucial role in regulating chemosensitivity in the normal tissue microenvironment. Our results suggest that AKT1 and PIK3CA may be associated with chemosensitivity in HSCC tumor cells, while PPARG and PTEN might exhibit a correlation with a specific segment of the PI3K/AKT pathway, potentially influencing chemosensitivity in the normal tissue microenvironment of HSCC patients.

Scaling Relationships among the Mass of Eggshell, Albumen, and Yolk in Six Precocial Birds.

The proportions in the size of the avian egg albumen, yolk, and shell are crucial for understanding bird survival and reproductive success because their relationships with volume and surface area can affect ecological and life history strategies. Prior studies have focused on the relationship between the albumen and the yolk, but little is known about the scaling relationship between eggshell mass and shape and the mass of the albumen and the yolk. Toward this end, 691 eggs of six precocial species were examined, and their 2-D egg profiles were photographed and digitized. The explicit Preston equation, which assumes bilateral symmetrical geometry, was used to fit the 2-D egg profiles and to calculate surface areas and volumes based on the hypothesis that eggs can be treated as solids of profile revolution. The scaling relationships of eggshell mass (Ms), albumen mass (Ma), and yolk mass (My), as well as the surface area (S), volume (V), and total mass (Mt) were determined. The explicit Preston equation was validated in describing the 2-D egg profiles. The scaling exponents of Ma vs. Ms, My vs. Ms, and My vs. Ma were smaller than unity, indicating that increases in Ma and My fail to keep pace with increases in Ms, and that increases in My fail to keep pace with increases in Ma. Therefore, increases in unit nutrient contents (i.e., the yolk) involve disproportionately larger increases in eggshell mass and disproportionately larger increases in albumen mass. The data also revealed a 2/3-power scaling relationship between S and V for each species, that is, the simple Euclidean geometry is obeyed. These findings help to inform our understanding of avian egg construction and reveal evolutionary interspecific trends in the scaling of egg shape, volume, mass, and mass allocation.

Highly Porous Yet Transparent Mechanically Flexible Aerogels Realizing Solar-Thermal Regulatory Cooling.

The demand for highly porous yet transparent aerogels with mechanical flexibility and solar-thermal dual-regulation for energy-saving windows is significant but challenging. Herein, a delaminated aerogel film (DAF) is fabricated through filtration-induced delaminated gelation and ambient drying. The delaminated gelation process involves the assembly of fluorinated cellulose nanofiber (FCNF) at the solid-liquid interface between the filter and the filtrate during filtration, resulting in the formation of lamellar FCNF hydrogels with strong intra-plane and weak interlayer hydrogen bonding. By exchanging the solvents from water to hexane, the hydrogen bonding in the FCNF hydrogel is further enhanced, enabling the formation of the DAF with intra-layer mesopores upon ambient drying. The resulting aerogel film is lightweight and ultra-flexible, which possesses desirable properties of high visible-light transmittance (91.0%), low thermal conductivity (33 mW m-1 K-1), and high atmospheric-window emissivity (90.1%). Furthermore, the DAF exhibits reduced surface energy and exceptional hydrophobicity due to the presence of fluorine-containing groups, enhancing its durability and UV resistance. Consequently, the DAF has demonstrated its potential as solar-thermal regulatory cooling window materials capable of simultaneously providing indoor lighting, thermal insulation, and daytime radiative cooling under direct sunlight. Significantly, the enclosed space protected by the DAF exhibits a temperature reduction of 2.6 °C compared to that shielded by conventional architectural glass.

Single-cell integrated transcriptomics reveals the role of keratinocytes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent malignant tumor with significant morbidity and mortality. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of HNSCC and identifying prognostic markers and therapeutic targets are crucial for improving patient outcomes. In this study, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA-seq data to comprehensively analyze HNSCC at the cellular level. We identified keratinocytes as the predominant cell type in tumor samples, suggesting their potential role in HNSCC development. Through hdWGCNA co-expression network analysis, we identified gene modules associated with HNSCC progression. Furthermore, we constructed a prognostic model based on specific genes and demonstrated its robust predictive performance in multiple datasets. The model exhibited strong correlations with immune cell infiltration patterns and signaling pathways related to tumor progression. Additionally, drug sensitivity analysis revealed potential chemotherapeutic targets for HNSCC treatment. Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular characteristics and immune microenvironment of HNSCC, offering new perspectives for prognosis prediction and therapeutic interventions in clinical practice. Further research is warranted to validate and expand upon these findings, ultimately improving patient outcomes in HNSCC.

Radiation exposure in augmented fluoroscopic bronchoscopy procedures: a comprehensive analysis for patients and physicians.

Cancer is a major health challenge and causes millions of deaths worldwide each year, and the incidence of lung cancer has increased. Augmented fluoroscopic bronchoscopy (AFB) procedures, which combine bronchoscopy and fluoroscopy, are crucial for diagnosing and treating lung cancer. However, fluoroscopy exposes patients and physicians to radiation, and therefore, the procedure requires careful monitoring. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement and the International Commission on Radiological Protection have emphasised the importance of monitoring patient doses and ensuring occupational radiation safety. The present study evaluated radiation doses during AFB procedures, focusing on patient skin doses, the effective dose, and the personal dose equivalent to the eye lens for physicians. Skin doses were measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters. Peak skin doses were observed on the sides of the patients' arms, particularly on the side closest to the x-ray tube. Differences in the procedures and experience of physicians between the two hospitals involved in this study were investigated. AFB procedures were conducted more efficiently at Hospital A than at Hospital B, resulting in lower effective doses. Cone-beam computed tomography (CT) contributes significantly to patient effective doses because it has higher radiographic parameters. Despite their higher radiographic parameters, AFB procedures resulted in smaller skin doses than did image-guided interventional and CT fluoroscopy procedures. The effective doses differed between the two hospitals of this study due to workflow differences, with cone-beam CT playing a dominant role. No significant differences in left and right eyeHp(3) values were observed between the hospitals. For both hospitals, theHp(3) values were below the recommended limits, indicating that radiation monitoring may not be required for AFB procedures. This study provides insights into radiation exposure during AFB procedures, concerning radiation dosimetry, and safety for patients and physicians.