Efficacy and Safety of Iparomlimab, an Anti-PD-1 Antibody, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: A Phase 1c Study.

INTRODUCTION: Iparomlimab (QL1604) is a humanized immunoglobulin G4 mAb against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). Here, we report the preliminary efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity of iparomlimab in patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS: In this open-label, phase 1c study, patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors, either failed or had no standard therapies available, were enrolled and received intravenous iparomlimab at 3 mg/kg once every 3 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) assessed by the investigator per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1. RESULTS: Between July 20, 2020, and September 6, 2021, 71 patients were enrolled and received at least one dose of iparomlimab. The ORR was 9.9% (7/71) and disease control rate was 36.6% (26/71). Median duration of response of all responders was 10.7 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4-not estimable]. Additionally, the median time to progression, progression-free survival, and overall survival were 1.4 months (95% CI, 1.4-2.8), 1.4 months (95% CI, 1.4-2.7), and 9.7 months (95% CI, 7.2-15.3), respectively. A total of 52 (73.2%) patients experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) (grade ≥ 3, 19.7%). The most common TRAE (≥ 10%) was anemia (18.3%). A total of 20 (28.2%) experienced immune-related adverse events (grade ≥ 3, 7.0%). TRAEs leading to discontinuation of study drug occurred in 4 (5.6%) patients, including immune-mediated myocarditis (2 patients), Guillain-Barré syndrome (1 patient), and diarrhea (1 patient). CONCLUSIONS: Iparomlimab showed preliminary clinical activity and had a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced solid tumors. These results support further investigation of iparomlimab as monotherapy or in combination therapy in advanced solid tumors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT05801094. Retrospectively registered in 2023-03-24.

Rolling up 2D WSe2 Nanosheets to 1D Anisotropic Nanoscrolls for Polarization-Sensitive Photodetectors.

The intrinsic low-symmetry crystal structures or external geometries of low-dimensional materials are crucial for polarization-sensitive photodetection. However, these inherently anisotropic materials are limited in variety, and their anisotropy is confined to specific crystal directions. Transforming 2D semiconductors, such as WSe2, from isotropic 2D nanosheets into anisotropic 1D nanoscrolls expands their application in polarization photodetection. Despite this considerable potential, research on polarization photodetection based on nanoscrolls remains scarce. Here, the uniform crystalline orientation of WSe2 nanoscrolls is achieved conveniently and efficiently by applying ethanol droplets to vapor deposition-grown bilayer WSe2 nanosheets. Angle-resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy of WSe2 nanoscrolls demonstrates vibrational anisotropy. Photodetectors based on these nanoscrolls show competitive overall performance with a broadband detection range from 405 to 808 nm, a competitive on/off ratio of ≈900, a high detectivity of 3.4 × 108 Jones, and a fast response speed of ≈30 ms. Additionally, WSe2 nanoscroll-based photodetectors exhibit strong polarization-sensitive detection with a maximum dichroic ratio of 1.5. More interestingly, due to high photosensitivity, the WSe2 nanoscroll detectors can easily record sequential puppy images. This work reveals the potential of WSe2 nanoscrolls as excellent polarization-sensitive photodetectors and provides new insights into the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices.

Controlled growth of asymmetric chiral TeOx for broad-spectrum, high-responsivity and polarization-sensitive photodetection.

Low-dimensional nanostructures, especially one-dimensional materials, exhibit remarkable anisotropic characteristics due to their low symmetry, making them promising candidates for polarization-sensitive photodetection. Here, we present a chemical vapor deposition synthesis method for tellurium suboxide (TeOx), confirming the practicality of photodetectors constructed from TeOx nanowires (NWs) in high-responsivity, broadband, and polarization-sensitive detection. By precisely controlling the thermodynamics and kinetics of TeOx NWs growth, we achieve large-scale growth of TeOx NWs with highly controllable dimensions and propose a method to induce intrinsic built-in strain in TeOx NWs. Photodetectors based on quasi-one-dimensional TeOx NWs with ohmic contact demonstrate broadband spectral response (638-1550 nm), high responsivity (13 700 mA·W-1), and superior air stability. Particularly, owing to the inherent structural anisotropy of the photodetectors, they exhibit polarization-sensitive photodetection, with anisotropy ratios of 1.70 and 1.71 at 638 and 808 nm, respectively.

Self-Rolled-Up WSe2 One-Dimensional/Two-Dimensional Homojunctions: Enabling High-Performance Self-Powered Polarization-Sensitive Photodetectors.

Mixed-dimensional heterostructures integrate materials of diverse dimensions with unique electronic functionalities, providing a new platform for research in electron transport and optoelectronic detection. Here, we report a novel covalently bonded one-dimensional/two-dimensional (1D/2D) homojunction structure with robust junction contacts, which exhibits wide-spectrum (from the visible to near-infrared regions), self-driven photodetection, and polarization-sensitive photodetection capabilities. Benefiting from the ultralow dark current at zero bias voltage, the on/off ratio and detectivity of the device reach 1.5 × 103 and 3.24 × 109 Jones, respectively. Furthermore, the pronounced anisotropy of the WSe2 1D/2D homojunction is attributed to its low symmetry, enabling polarization-sensitive detection. In the absence of any external bias voltage, the device exhibits strong linear dichroism for wavelengths of 638 and 808 nm, with anisotropy ratios of 2.06 and 1.96, respectively. These results indicate that such mixed-dimensional structures can serve as attractive building blocks for novel optoelectronic detectors.

QL1209 (pertuzumab biosimilar) versus reference pertuzumab plus trastuzumab and docetaxel in neoadjuvant treatment for HER2-positive, ER/PR-negative, early or locally advanced breast cancer: A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, parallel-controlled, phase III equivalence trial.

BACKGROUND: This randomized, parallel-controlled, double-blinded, phase III equivalence study evaluated the equivalence of a proposed pertuzumab biosimilar QL1209 to the pertuzumab (Perjeta®) each with trastuzumab and docetaxel in neoadjuvant treatment of early or locally advanced breast cancer patients with HER2-positive, ER/PR-negative. METHODS: Eligible patients were randomly (1:1) assigned to receive 4 cycles of neoadjuvant QL1209 or pertuzumab each with trastuzumab and docetaxel, and adjuvant treatment. The primary endpoint was total pathologic complete response (tpCR), with equivalence margins of 0.76 to 1.32. RESULTS: Among the 585 patients enrolled, 257 and 259 patients were assigned to the QL1209 and pertuzumab groups, respectively. The tpCR rates were comparable in the QL1209 (109/255, 42.75%; 90% CI 37.65 to 47.84) and pertuzumab (117/259, 45.17%; 90% CI 40.09 to 50.26) groups. The tpCR risk ratio was 0.95 (90% CI, 0.80 to 1.11), and the 90% CI fell within the predefined equivalence margin. The most common grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse event was decreased neutrophil count (10. 9% vs. 12.7%) in the QL1209 and pertuzumab groups. CONCLUSIONS: QL1209 demonstrated equivalent efficacy and comparable safety profile to the reference pertuzumab in neoadjuvant treatment of HER2-positive, ER/PR-negative, early, or locally advanced breast cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinadrugtrials.org CTR20201073; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04629846.

Comparison of the efficacy of the convex side short fusion combined with concave side single growing rod technique and the traditional bilateral growing rod technique in the treatment of early onset scoliosis.

OBJECTIVES: The application of a growing rod technique can retain the growth and development potential of the spine and thorax while controlling the progression of scoliosis deformity. Theoretically, convex side short fusion combined with a concave side single growing rod technique can significantly reduce the asymmetric growth of the spine in the vertex region in most patients. However, the final clinical outcome of various techniques is yet to be clearly determined and compared between studies. Therefore, we compared the efficacy of these two growing rod techniques in treating early onset scoliosis. METHODS: In a retrospective study of 152 EOS patients seen between 2013.1 and 2019.12, 36 cases of EOS patients were selected for inclusion. Among the 36 cases, 11 cases were treated with convex side short fusion combined with a concave side single growing rod technique, group (A) The remaining 25 cases were treated with traditional bilateral growing rod technique, group (B) Age, gender, etiology, follow-up time, Cobb angle of main curve, T1-S1 height, coronal trunk shift, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), Cobb angle of thoracic kyphosis at last follow-up, and Cobb angle at proximal junction kyphosis of the first and last post-operation follow-up were recorded. In addition, internal fixation related complications, infection, nervous system complications were recorded as well. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between group A and group B in preoperative age, Cobb angle of main curve, coronal trunk shift, T1-S1 height, SVA, Cobb angle of thoracic kyphosis (p > 0.05). However, at the last follow-up (Group A, mean 4.4 ± 1.01 years; Group B, mean 3.6 ± 0.01 years) the Cobb angle of the main curve was less and T1-S1 height greater in group A compared with group B (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between group A and group B in the correction rate of the Cobb angle of the main curve or the growth rate of T1-S1 height (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the coronal imbalance ratio, thoracic kyphosis abnormality ratio, or the occurrence PJK ratio between group A and group B at the last follow-up (p > 0.05), but the sagittal imbalance ratio and internal fixation abnormality ratio were higher in group A than in the group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: During the treatment of EOS, both the convex side short fusion combined with concave side single growing rod technique and traditional bilateral growing rod technique can correct the Cobb angle of main curve with no significant hindering of the spinal growth observed. The traditional bilateral growing rod technique has advantages in control of the sagittal balance of the spine, and the complications associated with internal fixation were lower.

QL1604 plus paclitaxel-cisplatin/carboplatin in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer: an open-label, single-arm, phase II trial.

OBJECTIVE: QL1604 is a highly selective, humanized monoclonal antibody against programmed death protein 1. We assessed the efficacy and safety of QL1604 plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with advanced cervical cancer. METHODS: This was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase II study. Patients with advanced cervical cancer and not previously treated with systemic chemotherapy were enrolled to receive QL1604 plus paclitaxel and cisplatin/carboplatin on day 1 of each 21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles, followed by QL1604 maintenance treatment. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were enrolled and the median follow-up duration was 16.5 months. An 84.8% of patients had recurrent disease and 13.0% had stage IVB disease. The objective response rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Advanced Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 was 58.7% (27/46). The immune ORR per immune RECIST was 60.9% (28/46). The median duration of response was 9.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]=5.5-not estimable). The median progression-free survival was 8.1 months (95% CI=5.7-14.0). Forty-five (97.8%) patients experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). The most common grade≥3 TRAEs (>30%) were neutrophil count decrease (50.0%), anemia (32.6%), and white blood cell count decrease (30.4%). CONCLUSION: QL1604 plus paclitaxel-cisplatin/carboplatin showed promising antitumor activity and manageable safety profile as first-line treatment in patients with advanced cervical cancer. Programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy may be a potential treatment option for the patient population who have contraindications or can't tolerate bevacizumab, which needs to be further verified in phase III confirmatory study. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04864782.

Dual and poly-nicotine and tobacco use among adolescents in the United States from 2011 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent nicotine and tobacco product use remains common despite declining smoking rates in the United States, likely due to the emergence of novel products. Concurrent use of multiple products may increase the risk of nicotine dependency and subsequent substance use. AIM: To identify patterns and trends of dual and poly nicotine and tobacco use among adolescents in the US and explore associations of dual and poly nicotine and tobacco use with sociodemographic factors. METHODS: 12 years of annual National Youth Tobacco Survey data (2011-2022) from 242,637 respondents were used to examine prevalence trends of different combinations of nicotine or tobacco product use among adolescents in the US using weighted point estimates for each year. Poisson regression models examined sociodemographic factors associated with different patterns of dual and poly-product use from 2011 to 2022. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of dual (i.e. at least two products) and poly (i.e. at least three products) use decreased between 2011 and 2021 (from 9.5 % to 2.8 % and from 5.1 % to 1.1 %, respectively), but showed signs of increase between 2021 and 2022 (3.7 % for dual and 1.7 % for poly use). The most common combinations included a combustible product with either a novel or noncombustible product. The risk for dual and poly-product use was higher among non-Hispanic Whites, males, and high school students. CONCLUSIONS: Previously declining trends in the prevalence of tobacco/nicotine dual and poly use may have been reversed. Close monitoring and targeted tobacco control policies are essential to tackle multiple product use among adolescents.

A first-in-human, open-label, dose-escalation and dose-expansion phase I study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of QL1604, a humanized anti-PD-1 mAb, in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors.

Background: QL1604 is a humanized immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody against programmed cell death protein 1. This first-in-human, open-label phase I study aimed to investigate the safety and tolerability and to identify the recommended doses of QL1604 for future studies. Pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) and preliminary antitumor activity were also assessed. Methods: Patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors who failed or had no standard therapies available were recruited. In the dose-escalation phase, patients were treated with QL1604 at 0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg intravenously once every 2 weeks (Q2W) in an accelerated titration with a traditional 3 + 3 design, followed by a dose-expansion phase at 3 mg/kg Q2W, 3 mg/kg once every 3 weeks (Q3W), 10 mg/kg Q2W and a fixed dose of 200 mg Q3W. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were assessed during the first 28 days after the first dose of study drug. Adverse events (AEs) were graded per National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0, and antitumor activity of QL1604 was evaluated by investigators on the basis of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Results: A total of 35 patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors were enrolled. DLTs were reported in one patient at the dose level of 3 mg/kg Q2W (grade 3 immune-mediated myositis and myasthenia gravis), and maximum tolerated dose was not reached. The most frequent treatment-related AEs (≥10%) were fatigue (37.1%), anemia (22.9%), increased blood thyroid-stimulating hormone (17.1%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (17.1%), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (14.3%), decreased white blood cell (WBC) count (11.4%), rash (14.3%), and pruritus (14.3%). AEs leading to discontinuation of QL1604 occurred in three of the 35 patients (8.6%). Partial responses (PRs) occurred in seven patients, resulting in an objective response rate of 20.0% (7/35). Single dose of QL1604 exhibited a dose-dependent increase in the exposure ranging from 0.3 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg. Mean receptor occupancy (RO) for QL1604 at the dose of 3 mg/kg (Q2W and Q3W) and 200 mg (Q3W) was greater than 80% during cycle 1 after one infusion. Conclusion: QL1604 monotherapy exhibited favorable safety, PK, and signal of antitumor activity in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors, and the results supported further clinical studies of QL1604. On the basis of the safety, PK, and RO data, the recommended dosage for further clinical trials is 3 mg/kg or a fixed dose of 200 mg given every 3 weeks. Clinical Trial Registration: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05649761?term=QL1604&draw=2&rank=1, identifier NCT05649761.

Taxonomic study of the genus Macquartia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera, Tachinidae) from China.

Background: The genus Macquartia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera, Tachinidae) with 29 known species is a large group of Macquartiini of Tachininae and widely distributed in the Old World and the Nearctic Region. New information: In this study, Chinese specimens of Macquartia were collected and examined, sixteen species are recognised: thirteen previously described, M.brunneisqua Zhang et Li, M.chinensis Zhang et Li, M.flavifemorata Zhang et Li, M.flavipedicel Zhang et Li, M.chalconota (Meigen), M.dispar (Fallén), M.grisea (Fallén), M.macularis Villeneuve, M.nudigena Mesnil, M.picta (Meigen), M.pubiceps (Zetterstedt), M.tenebricosa (Meigen) and M.viridana Robineau-Desvoidy and three species new to science, M.barkamensis sp. n. (Sichuan), M.setifacies sp. n. (Qinghai) and M.sichuanensis sp. n. (Sichuan). An identification key to the sixteen species of Macquartia known from China is included, along with 80 anatomical figures.

Identification of Molecular Markers Predicting the Outcome of Anti-thrombotic Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Atrial fibrillation: Evidence from a Meta-analysis and Experimental Study.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) often coexist in clinical practice, and patients with these conditions often have a critical illness with high risk of both ischemia and bleeding. This study aims to report potential molecular markers for predicting the efficacy based on a meta-analysis of microarray data from the GEO database. In 40 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with PCI, P2RX1's effects on platelet aggregation, medication resistance, and predictive value were examined. Twenty up-regulated genes in peripheral blood samples of ACS and AF patients were down-regulated after PCI, while 7 down-regulated genes were up-regulated. ACS affected eight potential genes. P2RX1, one of the four LASSO analysis-retrieved disease characteristic genes, accurately predicted AF patients' thrombosis risk and PCI's anti-thrombotic impact. Therefore, P2RX1 may be a molecular marker to predict the effect of anti-thrombotic therapy in patients with ACS and AF after PCI.

Generation of symmetry-protected bound states in the continuum in a graphene plasmonic waveguide system for optical switching.

A graphene-involved plasmonic lossy system that allows coupling between surface plasmon polaritons and waveguide modes is proposed. The physical mechanism behind the hybrid resonance modes is investigated carefully through finite element method (FEM) simulations and rigorous coupled wave theory (RCWA). We demonstrate that by introducing an incident angle to break the symmetry of the structure, the bound states in the continuum (BIC) evolve to an observable quasi-BIC with new resonance dips, and the generated signals possess a very high Q-factor. Such transformation is investigated carefully by calculating the band structure of the system and the corresponding Q-factors. The results showed that the calculated results from the band structure are consistent with the simulations. In addition, the hybrid plasmonic system allows for switching modulation due to the tunability of graphene, and the max modulation depth of nearly 100% is reached. The outstanding Q-factor and dynamic tunability of this easy-to-fabricate hybrid structure may be helpful in engineering various plasmonic devices, including tunable optical switches, absorbers, sensors, etc.

CM3-SII polysaccharide obtained from Cordyceps militaris ameliorates hyperlipidemia in heterozygous LDLR-deficient hamsters by modulating gut microbiota and NPC1L1 and PPARα levels.

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that polysaccharides derived from edible fungi have lipid-lowering effects in mice. However, the lipid metabolism mechanisms in mice and humans are different. We have previously elucidated the structural characteristics of the alkali-extracted polysaccharide CM3-SII obtained from Cordyceps militaris. This study aimed to investigate whether CM3-SII could ameliorate hyperlipidemia in a heterozygous low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)-deficient hamster model of hyperlipidemia. Our data demonstrated that CM3-SII significantly decreased total plasma cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in heterozygous LDLR-deficient hamsters. Unlike ezetimibe, CM3-SII could enhance the concentration of plasma apolipoprotein A1 and the expression of liver X receptor α/ATP-binding cassette transporter G8 mRNA pathway and suppress the expression of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1, which help to reduce cholesterol levels further. Moreover, the results of molecular docking analysis demonstrated that CM3-SII could directly bind to Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 with high affinity. The triglyceride-lowering mechanisms of CM3-SII were related to its downregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c and upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. Importantly, CM3-SII increased the abundance of Actinobacteria and Faecalibaculum and the ratio of Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes. Thus, CM3-SII attenuated hyperlipidemia by modulating the expression of multiple molecules involved in lipid metabolism and the gut microbiota.

Slow-light effects based on the tunable Fano resonance in a Tamm state coupled graphene surface plasmon system.

We theoretically realize the tunable Fano resonance in a hybrid structure that allows the coupling between Tamm plasmon-polaritons (TPPs) and graphene surface plasmon-polaritons (SPPs). In this coupling system, a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR)/Ag structure is designed to generate the TPP with a narrow resonance, and the graphene SPP is excited by grating coupling with a broad resonance. The overlap of these two kinds of resonances results in the Fano resonance with a high-quality factor close to 1500. The behaviors of the Fano resonance are discussed carefully, and the results show that both the graphene Fermi level and the incidence angle can actively tune the profile of the Fano resonance. Owing to the ultrasharp spectrum of the tunable Fano resonance, our design may offer an alternative strategy for developing various optoelectronic devices such as filters, sensors, and nonlinear and slow-light devices. Finally, as an example of the potential applications, we apply the tunable Fano resonance to the slow-light effect, a high performance slow-light effect can be achieved, and the group delay can reach up to 52 ps.

Four New Species of Macquartia (Diptera: Oestroidea) from China and Phylogenetic Implications of Tachinidae.

Macquartia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Tachinidae, Tachininae) represents one of the most ancient evolutionary lineages of tachinids, parasitizing Chrysomelidae larvae. We found four new Macquartia species collected by malaise traps, namely M. brunneisquama sp. nov., M. chinensis sp. nov., M. flavifemorata sp. nov., and M. flavipedicel sp. nov. These new species are described and illustrated, and their comparison with congeners as well as an identification key to the 12 species of Macquartia from China known to date are included. To determine the significance of the mitogenome architecture and evolution across different tachinid lineages of this primitive taxonomic group, four complete mitochondrial genomes were sequenced, annotated, and analyzed. The gene arrangements are consistent with the ancestral insect mitogenomes. The full-length sequences and protein-coding genes (PCGs) of the mitogenomes of the four species are all AT-biased. Analyses of Ka/Ks and overall p-genetic distance demonstrated that nad5 showed the highest evolutionary rate and nad1/nad4L were the most conserved genes among the four species. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on 13 PCGs strongly supported the monophyly of Macquartia, and the relationships of the four species are (M. flavifemorata + (M. flavipedicel + (M. brunneisquama + M. chinensis))). This study will help enhance our understanding of the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships in Tachinidae.

Efficacy of Intrathoracic Intercostal Nerve Block on Postoperative Acute and Chronic Pains of Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery.

Background: Patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) frequently suffered postoperative acute and chronic pains. In recent years, intrathoracic intercostal nerve block (INB) is regularly used thanks to its safety and accuracy, especially under the circumstance of lacking ultrasound or in face of the contraindications of the thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB). However, clinical evidence of comparing TPVB and INB for pain management after VATS has been limited and the observation of the chronic pain has been less than clear. Methods: A total of 180 patients undergoing VATS were randomly divided into three groups: A single multi-point paravertebral nerve block (Group P), intrathoracic intercostal nerve block (Group I), and general anesthesia without any regional block (Group C). Postoperative acute pain was scored at rest and coughing by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for recording 24h, 48h and 72h after VATS. All patients were interviewed 1, 3 and 6 months after the surgery to investigate both the incidence and intensity of chronic pains. Results: There were significantly less incidence and intensity of acute pain in Group P and Group I, compared to those in Group C. The patients in Group I showed the least incidence and intensity of chronic pain after 3 months compared with those in Group P and Group C. There are 89 of 98 patients suffering pains after 1 month, which grew into chronic pains after 3 months and 78 of them still suffered chronic pains even after 6 months. Conclusion: The intrathoracic INB offers excellent relief from acute and chronic pains, which does as effectively as TPVB. Besides, one-month postoperative pain could increase the risk of a chronic one.

Dynamically tunable bound states in the continuum supported by asymmetric Fabry-Pérot resonance.

The dynamic regulation of quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BIC) is a research hotspot, such as incident angle, polarization angle, temperature, a medium refractive index, and medium position regulation. In this paper, a dual-band ultra-high absorber composed of upper asymmetric graphene strips and lower graphene nanoribbons can generate a symmetry-protected quasi-BIC and Fabry-Pérot resonance (FPR) mode. The band structure further demonstrates the symmetry-protected BIC. Research shows that the absorption system can withstand a relatively wide range of incidence and polarization angles. Interestingly, the quasi-BIC and FPR modes can be modulated by the Fermi levels of the graphene1 and graphene2, respectively, realizing a multifunctional switch with high modulation depth (MD > 94%), low insertion loss (IL < 0.23 dB), and large dephasing time (DT > 4.35 ps). This work provides a new approach for the dynamic regulation of quasi-BIC and stimulates the development of multifunctional switches in the absorber.

Triglyceride and Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins in Atherosclerosis.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the leading cause of death globally, and atherosclerosis is the main pathological basis of CVDs. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a strong causal factor of atherosclerosis. However, the first-line lipid-lowering drugs, statins, only reduce approximately 30% of the CVD risk. Of note, atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) cannot be eliminated in a great number of patients even their LDL-C levels meet the recommended clinical goals. Previously, whether the elevated plasma level of triglyceride is causally associated with ASCVD has been controversial. Recent genetic and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that triglyceride and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TGRL) are the main causal risk factors of the residual ASCVD. TGRLs and their metabolites can promote atherosclerosis via modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and formation of foam cells. In this article, we will make a short review of TG and TGRL metabolism, display evidence of association between TG and ASCVD, summarize the atherogenic factors of TGRLs and their metabolites, and discuss the current findings and advances in TG-lowering therapies. This review provides information useful for the researchers in the field of CVD as well as for pharmacologists and clinicians.

Investigation of bound states in the continuum in dual-band perfect absorbers.

Enhancing the light-matter interaction of two-dimensional materials in the visible and near-infrared regions is highly required in optical devices. In this paper, the optical bound states in the continuum (BICs) that can enhance the interaction between light and matter are observed in the grating-graphene-Bragg mirror structure. The system can generate a dual-band perfect absorption spectrum contributed by guided-mode resonance (GMR) and Tamm plasmon polarition (TPP) modes. The optical switch can also be obtained by switching the TE-TM wave. The dual-band absorption response is analyzed by numerical simulation and coupled-mode theory (CMT), with the dates of each approach displaying consistency. Research shows that the GMR mode can be turned into the Fabry-Pérot BICs through the transverse resonance principle (TRP). The band structures and field distributions of the proposed loss system can further explain the BIC mechanism. Both static (grating pitch P) and dynamic parameters (incident angle θ) can be modulated to generate the Fabry-Pérot BICs. Moreover, we explained the reason why the strong coupling between the GMR and TPPs modes does not produce the Friedrich-Wintgen BIC. Taken together, the proposed structure can not only be applied to dual-band perfect absorbers and optical switches but also provides guidance for the realization of Fabry-Pérot BICs in lossy systems.

Integrated bioinformatics analysis of the anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of the polysaccharide CM1 from Cordyceps militaris.

Cordyceps militaris is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine. Studies have demonstrated that the polysaccharides of C. militaris have various bioactivities. However, their mechanisms of action remain unclear. We previously purified a water-soluble polysaccharide CM1 from C. militaris and found that it has a cholesterol efflux improving capacity. This study further investigates the effect of CM1 in anti-atherosclerosis and its underlying mechanism in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Our data indicated that CM1 significantly decreased the total cholesterol and triglyceride in the plasma of mice, and decreased lipid deposition and formation of atherosclerotic plaque in a dose-dependent manner. Integrated bioinformatics analysis revealed that CM1 interacted with multiple signaling pathways, including those involved in lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, oxidoreductase activity and fluid shear stress, to exert its anti-atherosclerotic effect. Molecular technology analysis showed that CM1 enhanced the expression of proteins involved in lipid metabolism, reduced the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the aorta, and decreased the content of oxidative products by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Microarray analysis and biochemical data indicated that CM1 can improve lipid metabolism, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Taken together, CM1 could be used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.