Seasonal variations and sources of atmospheric EPFRs in a megacity in severe cold region: Implications for the influence of strong coal and biomass combustion.

Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) can pose exposure risks by inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species. As a new class of pollutants, EPFRs have been frequently detected in atmospheric particulate matters. In this study, the seasonal variations and sources of EPFRs in a severe cold region in Northeastern China were comprehensively investigated, especially for the high pollution events. The geomean concentration of EPFRs in the total suspended particle was 6.58 × 1013 spins/m3 and the mean level in winter was one order of magnitude higher than summer and autumn. The correlation network analysis showed that EPFRs had significantly positive correlation with carbon component, K+ and PAHs, indicating that EPFRs were primarily emitted from combustion and pyrolysis process. The source appointment by the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model indicated that the dominant sources in the heating season were coal combustion (48.4%), vehicle emission (23.1%) and biomass burning (19.4%), while the top three sources in the non-heating season were others (41.4%), coal combustion (23.7%) and vehicle emissions (21.2%). It was found that the high EPFRs in cold season can be ascribed to the extensive use of fossil fuel for heating demand; while the high EPFRs occurred in early spring were caused by the large-scale opening combustion of biomass. In summary, this study provided important basic information for better understanding the pollution characteristics of EPFRs, which suggested that the implementation of energy transformation and straw utilization was benefit for the control of EPFRs in severe cold region.

Pollution characteristics, source apportionment and absorption spectra of size-resolved PAHs in atmospheric particles in a cold megacity of China.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have the capability for solar radiation absorption related to climate forcing. Herein, pollution characteristics and absorption spectra of size-resolved PAHs in atmospheric particles in a cold megacity were comprehensively investigated. The mean concentrations of Σ18PAHs in all the 11 particle size ranges were 3.95 ± 4.77 × 104 pg/m3 and 2.17 ± 1.54 × 103 pg/m3 in heating period (HP) and non-heating period (NHP), respectively. Except for most PAHs with 2 and 3 benzene rings in NHP, most other PAHs showed a unimodal distribution pattern with the peak at 0.56-1.0 µm in both periods, which was caused by PAH emission sources. The PAH-related climate forcing was mainly caused by the solar radiation absorptions at ∼325 (∼330) nm and ∼365 nm. In general, the absorption intensities were higher in HP than NHP. The absorption intensity in the particle size range of 0.56-1.0 µm was the highest, and benzo[e]pyrene was the dominant contributor. In colder periods in HP, higher PAH concentrations caused more intensive PAH-related climate forcing. This study provided new insights for pollution characteristics and absorption spectra of size-resolved PAHs in atmospheric particles, which will be useful for better understanding PAH-related climate forcing.

Carbon Nanofiber Membranes Loaded with MXene@g-C3N4: Preparation and Photocatalytic Property.

In this study, a Ti3C2 MXene@g-C3N4 composite powder (TM-CN) was prepared by the ultrasonic self-assembly method and then loaded onto a carbon nanofiber membrane by the self-assembly properties of MXene for the treatment of organic pollutants in wastewater. The characterization of the TM-CN and the C-TM-CN was conducted via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) to ascertain the successful modification. The organic dye degradation experiments demonstrated that introducing an appropriate amount of Ti3C2 MXene resulted in the complete degradation of RhB within 60 min, three times the photocatalytic efficiency of a pure g-C3N4. The C-TM-CN exhibited the stable and outstanding photocatalytic degradation of the RhB solution over a wide range of pH values, indicating the characteristics of the photodegradation of organic pollutants in a wide range of aqueous environments. Furthermore, the results of the cyclic degradation experiments demonstrated that the C-TM-CN composite film maintained a degradation efficiency of over 85% after five cycles, thereby confirming a notable improvement in its cyclic stability. Consequently, the C-TM-CN composite film exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance and is readily recyclable, making it an auspicious eco-friendly material in water environment remediation.

Responses of assembled structures of block polyelectrolytes to electrostatic interaction strength.

In this paper, the responses of assembled behaviors of block polyelectrolytes (PEs) to the strength of electrostatic interactions are studied through molecular dynamic simulations. The results show that the assembled structures closely depend on the electrostatic strength. It should be noted that PE coacervation can outweigh the nucleation of hydrophobic blocks and invert the micelle structures at strong electrostatic strengths, leading to the formation of inverted micelles of PE cores and hydrophobic coronas. In the poor solvent condition for neutral block, diverse anisotropic micelles are presented; candy-like conventional micelles of hydrophobic cores and PE patches coexist with inverted candy-like micelles of PE cores and hydrophobic patches and with Janus micelles of semi-neutral aggregate and semi-PE cluster in the presence of divalent and trivalent counterions. The formation of conventional or inverted micelle is largely determined by the type of micellar fusion, which results from the nucleation competition between electrostatic correlation and hydrophobic interaction. The merge of micelles mediated by hydrophobic attraction leads to conventional hydrophobic cores, and the fusion induced by electrostatic correlations results in PE cores micelles. At strong electrostatic strengths, the PE chains exhibit rich conformations at trivalent counterions, ranging from a fully collapsed state to a rod-like state, and parallel alignment of PE chains is found.

Seasonal patterns, fate and ecological risk assessment of pharmaceutical compounds in a wastewater treatment plant with Bacillus bio-reactor treatment.

Pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs) pose a growing concern with potential environmental impacts, commonly introduced into the environment via wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The occurrence, removal, and season variations of 60 different classes of PhCs were investigated in the baffled bioreactor (BBR) wastewater treatment process during summer and winter. The concentrations of 60 PhCs were 3400 ± 1600 ng/L in the influent, 2700 ± 930 ng/L in the effluent, and 2400 ± 120 ng/g dw in sludge. Valsartan (Val, 1800 ng/L) was the main contaminant found in the influent, declining to 520 ng/L in the effluent. The grit chamber and BBR tank were substantially conducive to the removal of VAL. Nonetheless, the BBR process showcased variable removal efficiencies across different PhC classes. Sulfadimidine had the highest removal efficiency of 87 ± 17% in the final effluent (water plus solid phase). Contrasting seasonal patterns were observed among PhC classes within BBR process units. The concentrations of many PhCs were higher in summer than in winter, while some macrolide antibiotics exhibited opposing seasonal fluctuations. A thorough mass balance analysis revealed quinolone and sulfonamide antibiotics were primarily eliminated through degradation and transformation in the BBR process. Conversely, 40.2 g/d of macrolide antibiotics was released to the natural aquatic environment via effluent discharge. Gastric acid and anticoagulants, as well as cardiovascular PhCs, primarily experienced removal through sludge adsorption. This study provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of PhCs in wastewater treatment, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to effectively mitigate their release and potential environmental risks.

Ultrasensitive single-step CRISPR detection of monkeypox virus in minutes with a vest-pocket diagnostic device.

The emerging monkeypox virus (MPXV) has raised global health concern, thereby highlighting the need for rapid, sensitive, and easy-to-use diagnostics. Here, we develop a single-step CRISPR-based diagnostic platform, termed SCOPE (Streamlined CRISPR On Pod Evaluation platform), for field-deployable ultrasensitive detection of MPXV in resource-limited settings. The viral nucleic acids are rapidly released from the rash fluid swab, oral swab, saliva, and urine samples in 2 min via a streamlined viral lysis protocol, followed by a 10-min single-step recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)-CRISPR/Cas13a reaction. A pod-shaped vest-pocket analysis device achieves the whole process for reaction execution, signal acquisition, and result interpretation. SCOPE can detect as low as 0.5 copies/µL (2.5 copies/reaction) of MPXV within 15 min from the sample input to the answer. We validate the developed assay on 102 clinical samples from male patients / volunteers, and the testing results are 100% concordant with the real-time PCR. SCOPE achieves a single-molecular level sensitivity in minutes with a simplified procedure performed on a miniaturized wireless device, which is expected to spur substantial progress to enable the practice application of CRISPR-based diagnostics techniques in a point-of-care setting.

Rapid detection of furanyl fentanyl in complex matrices using Leidenfrost desorption-assisted low-temperature arc plasma ionization mass spectrometry.

The abuse of illicit drugs poses serious threats to the physical and mental health of users, as well as to the overall safety and welfare of society. In this work, we present a newly developed technique for drug detection based on mass spectrometry. This technique combines Leidenfrost desorption with low-temperature arc plasma ionization mass spectrometry. This method is applicable for detecting furanyl fentanyl in complex matrices. Key advantages of this technique include minimal sample fragmentation and high sensitivity for detection. The Leidenfrost desorption plays a pivotal role in this methodology, as it spontaneously concentrates analyte molecules during the gradual evaporation of the solvent. Eventually, these concentrated molecules are redistributed at their highest concentrations, resulting in exceptionally high sensitivity. In the course of our investigation, we achieved a remarkable detection limit of 10 pg mL-1 for furanyl fentanyl in pure water. Moreover, the characteristic ion peaks of furanyl fentanyl can be distinctly identified within complex matrices such as wine, beverages, urine, and lake water. This innovative drug detection technology offers several advantages, including a simple setup, cost-effectiveness, rapid detection, high sensitivity, and minimal sample pretreatment.

Genetic identification of human remains from the Korean War.

The genetic identification of skeletal remains from Chinese People's Volunteers (CPVs) of the Korean War has been challenging because of the degraded DNA samples and the lack of living close relatives. This study established a workflow for identifying CPVs by combining Y-chromosome short tandem repeats (Y-STRs), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) hypervariable regions I and II, autosomal STRs (aSTRs), and identity-informative SNPs (iiSNPs). A total of 20 skeletal remains of CPVs and 46 samples from their alleged relatives were collected. The success rate of DNA extraction from human remains was 100%. Based on Y-STRs, six remains shared the same male lineages with their alleged relatives. Meanwhile, mtDNA genotyping supports two remains sharing the same maternal lineages with their alleged relatives. Likelihood ratios (LRs) were further obtained from 27 aSTRs and 94 iiSNPs or 1936 iiSNPs to confirm their relationship. All joint pedigree LRs were >100. Finally, six remains were successfully identified. This pilot study for the systematic genetic identification of CPVs from the Korean War can be applied for the large-scale identification of CPVs in the future.

Occurrence and fate of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in a wastewater treatment plant with Bacillus bio-reactor treatment.

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have attracted wide attention due to their environmental impacts and health risks. PPCPs released through wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are estimated to be 80 %. Nevertheless, the occurrence of PPCPs in the WWTPs equipped with Bacillus spec.-based bioreactors (BBR) treatment system remains unclear. In this study, sludge and waste water samples were collected during separate winter and summer sampling campaigns from a typical BBR treatment system. The results indicate that out of 58 target PPCPs, 27 compounds were detected in the waste water (0.06-1900 ng/L), and 23 were found in the sludge (0.6-7755 ng/g dw). Paraxanthine was the chemical of the highest abundance in the influent due to the high consumption of the parent compounds caffeine and theobromine. The profile for PPCPs in the wastewater and sludge exhibited no seasonal variation. Overall, the removal of target PPCPs in summer is more effective than the winter. In the BBR bio-reactor, it was found that selected PPCPs (at ng/L level) can be completely removed. The efficiency for individual PPCP removal was increased from 1.0 % to 50 % in this unit, after target specific adjustments of the process. The effective removal of selected PPCPs by the BBR treatment system is explained by combined sorption and biodegradation processing. The re-occurrence of PPCPs in the wastewater was monitored. Negative removal efficiency was explained by the cleavage of Phase II metabolites after the biotransformation process, and the lack of equilibrium for PPCPs in the sludge of the second clarifier. A compound specific risk quotient (RQ) was calculated and applied for studying the potential environmental risks. Diphenhydramine is found with the highest environmental risk in wastewater, and 15 other PPCPs show negligible risks in sewage sludge.

Preparation of phosphorus-doped chitosan derivative and its applications in polylactic acid: Crystallization, flame retardancy, anti-dripping and mechanical properties.

The topic of biobased flame-retardant PLA has always been of great interest. In our study, we successfully synthesized a phosphorus-containing chitosan derivative (PCS) and combined it with aluminum hypophosphate (AP) to create an effective flame-retardant PLA system. PCS acted as an enhancer, enhancing the thermal performance, crystallinity, and toughness of PLA/AP. Compared to PLA modified with 12 wt% AP achieving UL-94 V-2 level and 24.3 % of limited oxygen index, PLA containing 3 wt% PCS and 9 wt% AP achieved UL-94 V-0 level and limited oxygen index of 28 %. The system testing studies such as CCT, Raman, XPS, and TG-IR results indicated that PLA/AP/PCS exhibited a dual flame-retardant mechanism of condensed and gas phases.

CRISPR/Cas13a-based single-nucleotide polymorphism detection for reliable determination of ABO blood group genotypes.

The ABO blood group plays an important role in blood transfusion, linkage analysis, individual identification, etc. Serologic methods of blood typing are gold standards for the time being, which require stable typing antisera and fresh blood samples and are labor intensive. At present, reliable determination of ABO blood group genotypes based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among A, B, and O alleles remains necessary. Thus, in this work, CRISPR/Cas13a-mediated genotyping for the ABO blood group by detecting SNPs between different alleles was proposed. The ABO*O.01.01(c.261delG) allele (G for the A/B allele and del for the O allele) and ABO*B.01(c.796C > A) allele (C for the A/O allele and A for the B allele) were selected to determine the six genotypes (AA, AO, BB, BO, OO, and AB) of the ABO blood group. Multiplex PCR was adapted to simultaneously amplify the two loci. CRISPR/Cas13a was then used to specifically differentiate ABO*O.01.01(c.261delG) and ABO*B.01(c.796C > A) of A, B, and O alleles. Highly accurate determination of different genotypes was achieved with a limit of detection of 50 pg per reaction within 60 min. The reliability of this method was further validated based on its applicability in detecting buccal swab samples with six genotypes. The results were compared with those of serological and sequencing methods, with 100% accuracy. Thus, the CRISPR/Cas13a-mediated assay shows great application potential in the reliable identification of ABO blood group genotypes in a wide range of samples, eliminating the need to collect fresh blood samples in the traditional method.

Inhibition of NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways in osteoclasts and M1 macrophage polarization: Mechanistic insights into the anti-osteoporotic effects of Pseudolaric acid B.

Osteoporosis, characterized by bone metabolism disruption leading to gradual bone loss and increased fracture susceptibility, is linked to the excessive activation of osteoclasts. Pseudolaric acid B (PAB), identified as an NF-κB signaling inhibitor crucial for osteoclastogenesis, is explored here for its protective effects in osteoporosis. Noncytotoxic PAB's impact on osteoclast differentiation was assessed through cell viability and osteoclast formation assays, with subsequent testing of osteoclast function via bone resorption assays. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction evaluated PAB's genetic-level impact on osteoclastogenesis. Network pharmacology, western blot, and luciferase reporter gene assays were employed to elucidate PAB's regulatory mechanism. In an in vivo model of osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy (OVX) in mice, micro-CT, H&E staining, and TRAP staining facilitated histomorphometry analysis, while flow cytometry verified macrophage polarization. PAB demonstrated inhibitory effects on osteoclast formation and bone resorption in BMM and RAW264.7 cells, suppressing osteoclast-specific genes. Bioinformatic analysis, western blot, and luciferase assay results indicated PAB's inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation in the NF-κB signaling pathway and ERK in MAPKs, elucidating its mechanism. In vivo experiments confirmed PAB's attenuation of osteoporosis by reducing osteoclast formation in OVX mice. PAB further facilitated macrophage conversion from M1 to M2 and suppressed IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 synthesis. In conclusion, PAB prevents osteoporosis by inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis through NF-κB and ERK signaling pathway suppression, coupled with macrophage polarization. These findings indicate the potential therapeutic role of PAB in osteoporosis.

Unpacking a female language teacher's identity transformations: a perspective of multiple I-positions.

The narrative inquiry investigates the construction and evolution of a female Chinese language teacher's identity across her pre-service and in-service phases. Utilising data from interviews, class observation and written reflections, the research examines how internal and external aspects shape her identity development. It specifically explores the role of third positions, meta positions, and promoter positions drawing on the dialogical self theory. The findings reaffirm that a teacher's identity is fluid and influenced by personal and professional factors. Over time, however, strong teaching beliefs and a growth mindset emerge as pivotal drivers for sustained and positive teacher development. The paper concludes by offering implications for pre-service teacher education and female teachers' continuing professional development.

Analysis of Secondary Metabolites of Elaeagnus Angustifolia Leaves Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS.

BACKGROUND: The leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia, belonging to the Elaeagnaceae Juss. family, are known for their medicinal properties for relieving cough and asthma, as well as treating dysentery and diarrhea. OBJECTIVE: To establish a rapid qualitative method for the detection of secondary metabolites in leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia, including the identification and analysis of various secondary metabolites in leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia. METHOD: Samples were separated using a Waters ACQUITY H-Class ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) system (FTN autosampler, quaternary LC pump) and ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C18 column (1.7 µm, 2.1 mm× 100 mm). The flow rate was set to 0.4 mL/min, the injection volume was 1.0 µL, and the column temperature was set to 45 °C. The mobile phase was methanol (A) with) -0.1% formic acid in water (B). Samples were analyzed by quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF-MS). RESULTS: A total of 182 different secondary metabolites were detected from 10 varieties of leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia, including 77 flavonoids, 20 steroids, 7 alkaloids, 15 amino acids, 18 organic acids, and 45 other compound types. CONCLUSIONS: A method for the rapid analysis of leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was established, and the secondary metabolites in leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia were identified. The enrichment of secondary metabolites in leaves of different varieties of Elaeagnus angustifolia was clarified. HIGHLIGHTS: The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method is very fast and possesses a high degree of selectivity, precision, and sensitivity. These findings provide a reliable foundation for the development of medicinal resources derived from Elaeagnus angustifolia leaves.

Optimization of the quantitative protocol for organic acid in fecal samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Organic acids (OAs) play important roles in a variety of intracellular metabolic pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle, fatty acid oxidation, glycolysis. The accurate detection of OAs in fecal samples was crucial for comprehending the metabolic changes associated with various metabolic disease. However, the analytical protocol detecting OAs profiling in feces have received scant attention. In this work, an optimized protocol based on chromatography-mass spectrometry for simultaneous quantification of 23 OAs in rat feces was developed. The optimal conditions involved using a 40-mg fecal sample mixed with isopropyl alcohol, acetonitrile, and deionized water (3:2:2 vol ratio) with a total volume of 1500 µL, followed by ultrasonic extraction and a derivatization reaction with an 80 µL derivative agent. The protocol showed an acceptable linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9906), the satisfactory precision (RSD% ≤ 14.87%), the low limits of detection (0.001 to 1 µg/mL) and the limit of quantification (0.005 to 1.5 µg/mL). Moreover, the dried residues of the extracted solution showed the better stability of OAs at -20 °C, which was more suitable for a large-scale sample analysis. Finally, the developed protocol was successfully applied to compare the difference of OAs profiling in fecal samples harvested from normal and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rats, which was beneficial to find out the metabolic change of OAs profiling and explain the related mechanism of the disease.

Prevalence and risk factors for abnormal glucose metabolism in first-episode and drug-naïve major depressive disorder outpatients with comorbid anxiety: A cross-sectional study from a large sample of the Chinese Han population.

BACKGROUND: Both abnormal glucose metabolism and anxiety have been reported to be common in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, few studies have explored glucose disturbances in first-episode and drug-naive (FEDN) MDD patients with anxiety. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of glucose disturbance in FEND MDD patients comorbid with anxiety. METHODS: 1718 FEDN MDD patients were included in this study. The positive subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) were used to measure psychotic, anxiety and depressive symptoms respectively. Sociodemographic and biochemical indicators were also collected. RESULTS: The prevalence of glucose disorders in MDD patients combined with anxiety was 15.7 %, significantly higher than in MDD patients without anxiety symptoms (7.1 %). Glucose disturbances were associated with HAMD score, HAMA score, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), anti-thyroglobulin (TGAb), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), suicide attempts, and psychotic symptoms. Further logistic regression showed that illness duration, TSH, TGAb, and TPOAb levels were correlates of glucose disturbances in MDD patients with anxiety. LIMITATIONS: No causal relationship could be drawn due to the cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that TSH, TGAb and TPOAb may be promising biomarkers of glucose disturbances in MDD comorbid with anxiety, suggesting the importance of regular assessment of thyroid function parameters for abnormal glucose metabolism prevention.

Cooperation of ferrous ions and hydrated ferric oxide for advanced phosphate removal over a wide pH range: Mechanism and kinetics.

Excessive phosphate loading leads to eutrophication problems in rivers or lakes and causes serious environmental and economic damages, urging new technologies to reduce effluent phosphate at ultra-low levels. As a promising candidate, adsorption over metal oxides is restricted by the released hydroxide anions (OH-) through ligand exchange, which elevates pH and suppresses further adsorption. In this contribution, we found ferrous ions (Fe2+) significantly enhance phosphate removal over hydrated ferric oxide (HFO) in a wide pH range via a cooperation of adsorption and precipitation, and clarified the synergistic mechanism by a series of characterizations and the modified models of adsorption isotherms and pseudo second-order kinetics. The combination of Fe2+and HFO removed up to 51.7 mg/g of phosphate at pH 4.0, with 43.6 and 8.1 mg/g attributing to adsorption and precipitation, respectively. In comparison to HFO alone, HFO/Fe2+ system achieved 2.2-fold increase in phosphate removal, 1.9-fold increase in phosphate adsorption capacity, and 3.4-fold increase in phosphate removal rate. The enhancement is understood by that hydroxide anions released from ligand exchange over HFO are neutralized by protons produced from the oxidative precipitation of ferrous ions. The HFO/Fe2+ combining system is promising to realize advanced removal of low concentration phosphate containing wastewater, and these findings bring new insights for the development of novel phosphate removal technologies through a rational design of a combination process.

Neurotrophic keratopathy: Clinical presentation and outcomes in 354 eyes in a community-based population.

PURPOSE: To describe the frequency, clinical presentation, and outcomes of neurotrophic keratopathy (NK). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of Kaiser Permanente Northern California patients diagnosed with NK using ICD-10 code H16.23X from October 1, 2016 through May 31, 2021 was conducted. The electronic medical record was used to obtain demographic information, systemic and ocular comorbidities, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), Mackie stage, laterality, etiology, complications, interventions, and medications. The data were analyzed using cross-tabulations. RESULTS: 354 eyes in 322 patients presented with an initial or recurrent episode of NK. 9.9% had bilateral NK, 40% were 75 years and older, and 55% were women. Baseline vision was worse than 20/100 in 47.5%. Mackie staging was stage 1 in 37.3%, stage 2 in 32.5%, and stage 3 in 30.2%. Herpetic causes comprised 34.9%, followed by diabetes (12.4%), ocular surgery (10.4%), and central nervous system etiologies (9.0%). Topical antibiotics (74.5%), steroids (54.0%), autologous serum tears (46.0%), and oral antivirals (43.8%) were the most used treatments. There were 8 eyes with perforation, 4 endophthalmitis, and 3 evisceration/enucleations. An increased difference of approximately 0.1 logMAR in CDVA in the affected eye compared with the unaffected eye over one year was not statistically significant. Clinic utilization for stage 2 (average visits per month, 3.2) and stage 3 (5.0) NK gradually decreased over 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Summary of the current management, outcomes, and healthcare utilization of NK provides valuable benchmarks in assessing the disease burden in the community and for further development of novel therapies.

Pomolic acid and its glucopyranose ester promote apoptosis through autophagy in HT-29 colon cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Colon cancer remains a leading cause of death globally. Pomolic acid (PA) can be separated from the ethyl acetate fraction of achyrocline satureioides. AIM: To determine the effects of PA and its glucopyranose ester, pomolic acid-28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester (PAO), on colon cancer HT-29 cells. METHODS: 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was used to measure cell viability. Apoptosis was detected via hoechst 33342 staining. PI single staining was identified by flow cytometry to determine the cycle and scratch assay was used to observe the migration of HT-29 cells. The levels of mRNA and proteins were evaluated by q polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: PA and PAO considerably inhibited the growth of the HT-29 cell line in a time and dose-dependent manner. After the administration of PA and PAO for 24 and 48 h, cell apoptosis was significantly promoted and HT-29 cells were arrested in the G0/G1 stage. The Bax/Bcl2 ratio was also increased, which activated cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3, leading to apoptosis; it also increased the expression of light chain 3 II/I and Beclin1, which activated autophagy and caused cell death. This in turn increased the expression of p62 to promote cell apoptosis, inhibiting the levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and p-STAT3, suppressing the level of Bcl2, and promoting cell. CONCLUSION: Both PA and PAO provide novel therapeutic strategies for treating colorectal cancer.

Comprehensive Management of a Giant Venous Malformation of the Lip: Vascular Embolization Followed by Surgical Resection and Reconstruction.

Venous malformations often manifest in early childhood and do not spontaneously resolve. Most vein malformations of the lips are typically treated at a young age, with giant arteriovenous malformations being particularly rare. Herein, we introduce the case of a 47-year-old man who presented to our department complaining of a progressive mass on his lower lip. Clinical examination revealed a mass measuring 10 cm × 8 cm × 4 cm in size, characterized by a soft texture and smooth edges. Despite a series of sclerotherapy interventions, the lesion remained unresponsive. Consequently, we performed a preoperative embolization of the malformed vessel using digital angiography, followed by extensive resection of the lesion and repair of the defect using an adjacent flap. The postoperative period was uneventful, and no local recurrence was observed during a 4-year follow-up period. Therefore, we recommend preoperative angioembolization as a valuable approach for addressing large lower lip deformities to enable extensive surgical resection and robust therapeutic outcomes.