Embolization coils in treating postoperative bronchopleural fistula: a systematic review.

Objective: This study aims to comprehensively evaluate embolization coils in treating postoperative bronchopleural fistula (BPF). Methods: A systematic review based on PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library studies was conducted. All cases receiving embolization coils in treating postoperative BPF were included. The primary outcome was the efficacy of embolization coils in achieving closure of postoperative BPF. Results: 20 patients from 9 studies were included in this systematic review. A median number of 3 (range: 1-10) embolization coils with sealants obtained a complete closure rate of 80% in patients with postoperative BPF with sizes ranging from 2 to 3.1 mm. Three patients with BPF over 3 mm and one with multiple organ failure failed this treatment. Two cases of coil migration were reported without causing respiratory failure or fistula recurrence. Conclusion: Embolization coils might be considered a safe and effective bronchoscopic treatment for small postoperative BPF of less than 3 mm in size. More extensive and rigorous studies are needed to further evaluate and confirm the optimal use of embolization coils in the context of an alternative to surgical repair.

Analysis of factors related to recanalization of portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis, yet there are fewer studies about predictors of PVT recanalization. We aimed to further explore the predictors of recanalization in cirrhotic PVT to facilitate accurate prediction of patients' clinical status and timely initiation of appropriate treatment and interventions. To further investigate the benefits and risks of anticoagulant therapy in cirrhotic PVT patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients with cirrhotic PVT in our hospital between January 2016 and December 2022, The primary endpoint was to analyze predictors of PVT recanalization by COX regression. Others included bleeding rate, liver function, and mortality. RESULTS: This study included a total of 82 patients, with 30 in the recanalization group and 52 in the non-recanalization group. Anticoagulation therapy was the only independent protective factor for portal vein thrombosis recanalization and the independent risk factors included massive ascites, history of splenectomy, Child-Pugh B/C class, and main trunk width of the portal vein. Anticoagulation therapy was associated with a significantly higher rate of PVT recanalization (75.9% vs. 20%, log-rank P < 0.001) and a lower rate of PVT progression (6.9% vs. 54.7%, log-rank P = 0.002). There was no significant difference between different anticoagulation regimens for PVT recanalization. Anticoagulation therapy did not increase the incidence of bleeding complications(P = 0.407). At the end of the study follow-up, Child-Pugh classification, MELD score, and albumin level were better in the anticoagulation group than in the non-anticoagulation group. There was no significant difference in 2-year survival between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Anticoagulation, massive ascites, history of splenectomy, Child-Pugh B/C class, and main portal vein width were associated with portal vein thrombosis recanalization. Anticoagulation may increase the rate of PVT recanalization and decrease the rate of PVT progression without increasing the rate of bleeding. Anticoagulation may be beneficial in improving liver function in patients with PVT in cirrhosis.

Novel PATL2 variants cause female infertility with oocyte maturation defect.

PURPOSE: Oocyte maturation defect (OOMD) is a rare cause of in vitro fertilization failure characterized by the production of immature oocytes. Compound heterozygous or homozygous PATL2 mutations have been associated with oocyte arrest at the germinal vesicle (GV), metaphase I (MI), and metaphase II (MII) stages, as well as morphological changes. METHODS: In this study, we recruited three OOMD cases and conducted a comprehensive multiplatform laboratory investigation. RESULTS: Whole exome sequence (WES) revealed four diagnostic variants in PATL2, nonsense mutation c.709C > T (p.R237*) and frameshift mutation c.1486_1487delinsT (p.A496Sfs*4) were novel mutations that have not been reported previously. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of these variants was predicted using in silico analysis, which indicated detrimental effects. Molecular dynamic analysis suggested that the A496S variant disrupted the hydrophobic segment, leading to structural changes that affected the overall protein folding and stability. Additionally, biochemical and molecular experiments were conducted on cells transfected with wild-type (WT) or mutant PATL2 (p.R237* and p.A496Sfs*4) plasmid vectors. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that PATL2A496Sfs*4 and PATL2R237* had impacts on protein size and expression level. Interestingly, expression levels of specific genes involved in oocyte maturation and early embryonic development were found to be simultaneously deregulated. The findings in our study expand the variation spectrum of the PATL2 gene, provide solid evidence for counseling on future pregnancies in affected families, strongly support the application of in the diagnosis of OOMD, and contribute to the understanding of PATL2 function.

Hippocampal warburg effect mediates hydrogen sulfide-ameliorated diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction: Involving promotion of hippocampal synaptic plasticity.

Our previous studies have reported that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has ability to improve diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction (DACD), but the exact mechanisms remain unknown. Recent research reveals that Warburg effect is associated with synaptic plasticity which plays a key role in cognition promotion. Herein, the present study was aimed to demonstrate whether hippocampal Warburg effect contributes to H2S-ameliorated DACD and further explore its potential mechanism. We found that H2S promoted the hippocampal Warburg effect and inhibited the OxPhos in the hippocampus of STZ-induced diabetic rats. It also improved the hippocampal synaptic plasticity in STZ-induced diabetic rats, as evidenced by the change of microstructures and the expression of different key-enzymes. Furthermore, inhibited hippocampal Warburg effect induced by DCA markedly abolished the improvement of H2S on synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of STZ-induced diabetic rats. DCA blocked H2S-attenuated the cognitive dysfunction in STZ-induced diabetic rats, according to the Y-maze, Novel Objective Recognition, and Morris Water Maze tests. Collectively, these findings indicated that the hippocampal Warburg effect mediates H2S-ameliorated DACD by improving hippocampal synaptic plasticity.

Monitoring CaCO3 Content in Recycled Polypropylene with Raman Spectrometry.

As a commonly used filler, CaCO3 frequently finds its way into recycled polypropylene (rPP) as a contaminant during the mechanical recycling process. Given the substantial impact of CaCO3 on the properties of PP materials, close monitoring of their content is important to ensure the quality of rPP. In the present work, Raman spectrometry was employed to develop a rapid, accurate, and convenient method for determining CaCO3 content in rPP. Partial least-squares (PLS) regression was used to construct prediction models. Various spectrum pretreatment methods, including multivariate scatter correction (MSC), standard normal variate transformation (SNV), smoothing, and first derivative, were investigated to improve the model performance. In independent validation, the optimal PLS model reached an R 2 of 0.9735 and a root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 2.7786 CaCO3 wt %. Furthermore, linear and second-order polynomial regressions, utilizing the intensity ratios of characteristic CaCO3 and PP Raman peaks, were conducted. The most effective quadratic regression curve demonstrated superior independent validation performance with an R 2 of 0.9926 and an RMSEP of 1.6999 CaCO3 wt %. Validation with recycled PP samples confirmed that the quadratic regression was more accurate and reliable to quantify CaCO3 in rPP. The observed quadratic relationship between the CaCO3 and PP Raman peak intensity ratio and the CaCO3 wt % can be attributed to the significant difference in the densities of the two components. The outcomes of this research will help to facilitate the proper recycling of PP materials.

[Baduanjin improves sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes possibly via regulating Bmal1 gene].

The incidence of diabetes mellitus is increasing, and the sleep quality of patients with diabetes mellitus is often affected. Baduanjin may act on biological rhythm of the body, skeletal muscle glucose metabolism, skeletal muscle fibers and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) by regulating the expression of Bmal1 gene, thus regulating the blood glucose level and circadian rhythm of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and improving their physiological functions. This article reviews the regulatory effect and mechanism of Baduanjin on Bmal1 gene expression in diabetes patients, and discusses the possibility of Baduanjin to improve the sleep quality of T2DM patients by regulating Bmal1 gene expression. This review can provide a new field for the clinical application of traditional Chinese Qigong Baduanjin, and provide a new scientific basis for exercise therapy of diabetes.

CuO (111) Microcrystalline Evoked Indium-Organic Framework for Efficient Electroreduction of CO2 to Formate.

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) to formate is economically beneficial but suffers from poor selectivity and high overpotential. Herein, enriched microcrystalline copper oxide is introduced on the surface of indium-based metal-organic frameworks. Benefiting from the CuO (111) microcrystalline shell and formed catalytic active In-Cu interfaces, the obtained MIL-68(In)/CuO heterostructure display excellent CO2RR to formate with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) as high as 89.7% at low potential of only -0.7 V vs. RHE in a flow cell. Significantly, the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) cell based on MIL-68(In)/CuO exhibit a remarkable current density of 640.3 mA cm-2 at 3.1 V and can be stably operated for 180 h at 2.7 V with a current density of 200 mA cm-2. The ex/in situ electrochemical investigations reveal that the introduction of CuO increases the formation rate of the carbon dioxide reduction intermediate *HCOO- and inhibits the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. This work not only provides an in-depth study of the mechanism of the CO2RR pathways on In/Cu composite catalyst but also offers an effective strategy for the interface design of electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction.

Low thermal contact resistance boron nitride nanosheets composites enabled by interfacial arc-like phonon bridge.

Two-dimensional materials with ultrahigh in-plane thermal conductivity are ideal for heat spreader applications but cause significant thermal contact resistance in complex interfaces, limiting their use as thermal interface materials. In this study, we present an interfacial phonon bridge strategy to reduce the thermal contact resistance of boron nitride nanosheets-based composites. By using a low-molecular-weight polymer, we are able to manipulate the alignment of boron nitride nanosheets through sequential stacking and cutting, ultimately achieving flexible thin films with a layer of arc-like structure superimposed on perpendicularly aligned ones. Our results suggest that arc-like structure can act as a phonon bridge to lower the contact resistance by 70% through reducing phonon back-reflection and enhancing phonon coupling efficiency at the boundary. The resulting composites exhibit ultralow thermal contact resistance of 0.059 in2 KW-1, demonstrating effective cooling of fast-charging batteries at a thickness 2-5 times thinner than commercial products.

Precutting Endoscopic Band Ligation-Assisted Resection Is Safe and Effective for Treating Gastric Submucosal Tumors from the Muscularis Propria.

BACKGROUND: We previously treated small gastric submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer by precutting endoscopic band ligation but lacked precise pathological results. Then, precutting endoscopic band ligation was modified by additional snare resection after ligation to obtain tumor specimens, termed precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection. AIMS: In this study, we aimed to explore the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection. METHODS: From 2021 to 2022, a total of 16 consecutive patients underwent precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection to treat small gastric submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria. The clinical demography, perioperative data, and follow-up outcomes were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: With a mean operative time of 21.3 min, all lesions were successfully and completely resected, and no severe adverse events or local recurrences occurred postoperatively. More importantly, en bloc and R0 resection were achieved in all 16 patients. CONCLUSION: Precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection is a safe, effective, and time-saving endoscopic technique for managing gastric small gastric submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria for both diagnosis and eradication.

A novel metal-organic framework based electrochemical immunosensor for the rapid detection of Salmonella typhimurium detection in milk.

Salmonella is one of the most prevalent pathogens causing foodborne diseases. In this study, a novel electrochemical immunosensor was designed for the rapid and accurate detection of Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) in milk. Platinum nanoparticles and Co/Zn-metal-organic framework @carboxylic multiwalled carbon nanotubes in the immunosensor acted synergistically to enhance the sensing sensitivity and stability. The materials and sensors were characterised using X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, and other techniques. The optimised immunosensor showed a linear response for S. typhimurium concentrations in the range from 1.3 × 102 to 1.3 × 108 CFU mL-1, with a detection limit of 9.4 × 101 CFU mL-1. The assay also demonstrates good specificity, reproducibility, stability, and practical application potential, and the method can be extended to other foodborne pathogens.

Precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection versus endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with small gastric submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The management of small gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) originating from the muscularis propria layer (SMT-MPs) remains a subject of debate. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is currently considered the optimal treatment for resection. However, high expenses, complex procedures, and the risk of complications have limited its application. Our previously proposed novel operation, precutting endoscopic band ligation (precutting EBL), has been demonstrated in a long-term, single-arm study to be an effective and safe technique for removing small gastric SMTs. However, the absence of a pathological examination and the potential for delayed perforation have raised concerns. Thus, we modified the precutting EBL by adding endoscopic resection to the snare after ligation and closure, yielding the precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection (precutting EBLR). Moreover, the initial pilot study confirmed the safety and efficacy of the proposed approach and we planned a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to further validate its clinical feasibility. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center, open-label, parallel group, and randomized controlled trial. Approximately 40 patients with SMT-MPs will be included in this trial. The patients included were allocated to two groups: ESD and precutting EBLR. The basic clinical data of the patients were collected in detail. To better quantify the difference between ESD and precutting EBLR, the primary outcome was set as the operation duration. The secondary outcomes included total operation cost and hospitalization, intraoperative adverse events, and postoperative recurrence. The primary outcome was tested for superiority, while the secondary outcomes were tested for noninferiority. SPSS is commonly used for statistical analysis. DISCUSSION: This study was designed to validate the feasibility of a novel operation for removing gastric SMT-MPs. To intuitively assess this phenomenon, the operation durations of precutting EBLR and ESD were compared, and other outcomes were also recorded comprehensively. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200065473 . Registered on November 5, 2022.

Correlation of endoplasmic reticulum stress patterns with the immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma: a prognostic signature analysis.

Backgrounds: The extended duration of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) can impact the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the efficacy of immunotherapies by interacting with immune cells that have infiltrated the tumor microenvironment (TME). Methods and results: The study utilized a training cohort of 364 HCC patients with complete information from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) database, and a validation cohort of 231 HCC patients from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. The genes related to ERS exhibiting a strong correlation with overall survival (OS) were identified using univariate Cox regression analysis. A 13-gene predictive signature was then produced through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression approach. The data revealed that the ERS-associated gene signature effectively stratified patients into high- or low-risk groups regarding OS in both the training and validation cohorts (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.00029, respectively). Using the multivariate method, it is still an independent prognostic factor in both the training and validation cohorts (P < 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively). Moreover, several metabolic pathways were identified to be enriched among the 13 genes in the predictive signature. When the ERS-associated gene signature was combined with the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, the ERS nomogram performed better than either the gene signature or the TNM stage alone (C-index values: 0.731, 0.729, and 0.573, respectively). Further analysis revealed that patients in the high-risk group exhibited increased infiltration of immune cells. Additionally, GP6 was downregulated in HCC tissues among these signature genes (P < 0.05), which was related to poor OS. Conclusions: The data suggest that this novel ERS-associated gene signature could contribute to personalized cancer management for HCC. Moreover, targeting GP6 inhibition might be a potential method for HCC therapy.

A retrospective cohort study on the efficacy and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty combined with bone-filling mesh container in vertebral metastases with posterior wall defect.

Background: To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) combined with bone-filling mesh containers (BFMCs) for vertebral metastases with posterior wall defect. Methods: From January 2019 to December 2021, patients with vertebral metastases and posterior wall defect who received BFMCs combined with PVP were included. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were evaluated before and 72 hours after the operation, respectively. Post-operational X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scans were conducted to observe bone cement leakage, and complications were recorded. Follow-up CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were conducted to evaluate the condition of the operated vertebrae and the recurrence or progression of other bone metastases. Results: A total of 43 patients with 44 operated vertebrae were included. All patients successfully completed the surgery. The average VAS score decreased from 7.35 ± 0.78 to 1.63 ± 0.93 (p < 0.05), and the ODI score decreased from 80.06 ± 8.91 to 32.5 ± 4.87 (p < 0.05). Bone cement leakage was observed in 18 operated vertebrae, which were all asymptomatic. No intraspinal leakage, post-operative spinal nerve compression, pulmonary embolism, or other serious complications were recorded. A total of 21 patients had a follow-up of more than 1 year, with no operated vertebral progression, 13 target vertebrae showed obvious sclerosis and necrosis, and no adjacent pathological fracture occurred. Of these patients, 16 had different degrees of bone metastasis of other sites other than the operated vertebrae. Conclusion: For spinal metastases with posterior wall defect, PVP combined with BFMCs was highly safe and can effectively relieve pain for patients. A 1-year follow-up showed a local antitumor effect.