Lupus Nephritis from Pathogenesis to New Therapies: An Update.

Lupus Nephritis (LN) still represents one of the most severe complications of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality. However, over the last few years, several studies have paved the way for a deeper understanding of its pathogenetic mechanisms and more targeted treatments. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update on progress on several key aspects in this setting: pathogenetic mechanisms of LN, including new insight into the role of autoantibodies, complement, vitamin D deficiency, and interaction between infiltrating immune cells and kidney resident ones; the evolving role of renal biopsy and biomarkers, which may integrate information from renal histology; newly approved drugs such as voclosporin (VOC) and belimumab (BEL), allowing a more articulate strategy for induction therapy, and other promising phase III-immunosuppressive (IS) agents in the pipeline. Several adjunctive treatments aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk and progression of chronic renal damage, such as antiproteinuric agents, represent an important complement to IS therapy. Furthermore, non-pharmacological measures concerning general lifestyle and diet should also be adopted when managing LN. Integrating these therapeutic areas requires an effort towards a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. At the same time, the availability of an increasingly wider armamentarium may translate into improvements in patient's renal outcomes over the next decades.

Lymph node dissection of station 8 improves the survival of T≤3 cmN0M0 lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Background: Mediastinal station 8 lymph node dissection (8LND) is recommended by guidelines but not routinely performed in real world clinical practice. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8LND on the prognosis of pT≤3 cmN0M0 lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: Patients undergoing lobectomy were retrospectively enrolled from West China Hospital from 2011 to 2019. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to investigate the effects of 8LND on the progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce the confounding effects. Multivariable analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of 8LND in the matched patients. Subgroup analyses were conducted to further identify patients who might benefit from 8LND. Results: A total of 1,209 patients were enrolled and 261 (21.59%) patients underwent 8LND. Before PSM, for patients who received 8LND (8LND+ patients) and who did not (8LND- patients), the 5-year PFS was 91.34%, 88.03% (P=0.03) respectively, the 5-year OS was 97.10%, 92.78% (P=0.03) respectively, and the 5-year CSS was 97.67%, 93.59% (P=0.05) respectively. After PSM, 8LND+ patients still had better PFS (P=0.006), OS (P=0.01), and CSS (P=0.03) as compared to 8LND- patients. Multivariable analyses showed that 8LND was associated with lower risk of disease progression [hazard ratio (HR): 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26-0.80; P=0.007], and lower risk of death (HR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.13-0.85; P=0.02). The survival benefit of 8LND was still found in subgroup analyses in male patients, smokers, patients with a pT2 tumor (≤3 cm), and patients with a poorly differentiated tumor. Conclusions: 8LND could improve the survival of T≤3 cmN0M0 lung adenocarcinoma patients. Routine 8LND is recommended, especially in male, smokers, patients with a pT2 tumor (≤3 cm), and patients with a poorly differentiated tumor.

Inhibitory effects of Gracilaria edulis and Gracilaria salicornia against the MGMT and VEGFA biomarkers involved in the onset and advancement of glioblastoma using in silico and in vitro approaches.

Glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive primary brain tumor originating from glial cells, poses significant treatment challenges due to its rapid growth and invasiveness. The exact mechanisms of GBM's brain damage remain unclear. This study examines primary molecular markers commonly assessed in GBM patients, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), platelet-derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA), O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) using computational approaches. The study revealed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in PDGFRA, EGFR, and VEGFA expression rates, which are particularly interesting. Additionally, MGMT and VEGFA showed higher hazard ratios. Expression levels of MGMT and VEGFA were visualized in immune and malignant cells using single-cell RNA datasets GSE103224 and GSE148842. From a total of 48 compounds in Gracilaria edulis and 86 in Gracilaria salicornia, we identified 15 compounds capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. Notably, 2-tridecanone (binding affinity [BA] = -4.2 kcal/mol; root mean square deviation [RMSD] = 1.479 Å) and decanoic acid, ethyl ester (BA = -4.2 kcal/mol; RMSD = 1.702 Å) from G. edulis interacted with MGMT via hydrogen bonds. The compound alpha-terpineol interacted with MGMT (BA = -5.7 kcal/mol; RMSD = 0.501 Å) and VEGFA (BA = -4.7 kcal/mol; RMSD = 2.483 Å). Ethanolic and methanolic extracts from G. edulis and G. salicornia demonstrated mild anti-cell proliferation properties in the GBM LN-229 cell line, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits. This study highlights the significance of molecular markers and natural compounds in understanding and potentially treating GBM.

Precision medicine in lupus nephritis.

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a prominent manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), characterized by diverse clinical and histopathological features, imposing a substantial burden on patients. Although the exact cause of SLE remain undetermined, several genetic, epigenetics, hormonal, and other factors are implicated in LN pathogenesis. The management of LN rely on invasive renal biopsies, while the standard therapy of the proliferative form of LN remains empirical and relies on indiscriminate immunosuppressants (IS). These treatments exhibit unsatisfactory remission rates, trigger recurrent renal flares, and entail grave adverse effects (ADEs). The advent of precision medicine into LN entails a concentrated effort to pinpoint essential biomarkers, reshaping the landscape of LN management. The primary objective of this review is to synthesize and summarize existing research findings by elucidating the most prevalent immunological, genetic, and epigenetic alterations and deliberate on management strategies that can pave the way for precision medicine in tackling LN. Novel clinical biomarker such as serum anti-complement component 1q (anti-C1q), with urinary markers including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) and tumour necrosis-like weak inducers of apoptosis (TWEAK) are strongly correlated with LN. These biomarkers have good sensitivity and specificity and perform better than conventional biomarkers in assessing LN activity. Similarly, more renal-specific genetic and epigenetic alteration have been correlated with LN susceptibility and severity. This includes variants of hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA). In the future, integrating clinical, genetic, epigenetic, and targeted therapies holds promise for guiding precision medicine and improving LN outcomes.

A dual-channel sensing platform for the cross-interference-free detection of tetracycline and copper ion.

Tetracycline (TC) and copper ion (Cu2+), as important additives in animal feed, play a crucial role in disease prevention and growth regulation. However, the abuse leads to concentration accumulation, which seriously threatens human health and the ecological environment. There is an urgent need to develop a detection method to achieve fast and synchronous detection of these pollutants without cross-interference. Here, a carbon dots-doped lanthanide-based fluorescent nanosensor (CDs@Tb-MOFs@SiO2-NH2-Eu) was synthesized, which can detect TC in the 380 nm channel by "antenna effect" and internal filtering effects (IFE), and identify Cu2+ in the 320 nm channel. The sensor was highly sensitive to TC within 0-4 µM with a detection limit as low as 3.64 nM, and Cu2+ could be detected within 0-40 µM with a detection limit of 38 nM. A portable dual-channel visual fluorescence sensor was obtained by loading the probes onto test paper and cotton swabs in food samples, which indicates the practicability of this sensing strategy.

A nomogram based on dual-layer detector spectral computed tomography quantitative parameters and morphological quantitative indicator for distinguishing metastatic and nonmetastatic regional lymph nodes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Background: There is no unified scope for regional lymph node (LN) dissection in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Incomplete regional LN dissection can lead to postoperative recurrence, while blind expansion of the scope of regional LN dissection significantly increases the perioperative risk without significantly prolonging overall survival. We aimed to establish a noninvasive visualization tool based on dual-layer detector spectral computed tomography (DLCT) to predict the probability of regional LN metastasis in patients with PDAC. Methods: A total of 163 regional LNs were reviewed and divided into a metastatic cohort (n=58 LNs) and nonmetastatic cohort (n=105 LNs). The DLCT quantitative parameters and the nodal ratio of the longest axis to the shortest axis (L/S) of the regional LNs were compared between the two cohorts. The DLCT quantitative parameters included the iodine concentration in the arterial phase (APIC), normalized iodine concentration in the arterial phase (APNIC), effective atomic number in the arterial phase (APZeff), normalized effective atomic number in the arterial phase (APNZeff), slope of the spectral attenuation curves in the arterial phase (APλHU), iodine concentration in the portal venous phase (PVPIC), normalized iodine concentration in the portal venous phase (PVPNIC), effective atomic number in the portal venous phase (PVPZeff), normalized effective atomic number in the portal venous phase (PVPNZeff), and slope of the spectral attenuation curves in the portal venous phase (PVPλHU). Logistic regression analysis based on area under the curve (AUC) was used to analyze the diagnostic performance of significant DLCT quantitative parameters, L/S, and the models combining significant DLCT quantitative parameters and L/S. A nomogram based on the models with highest diagnostic performance was developed as a predictor. The goodness of fit and clinical applicability of the nomogram were assessed through calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: The combined model of APNIC + L/S (APNIC + L/S) had the highest diagnostic performance among all models, yielding an AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.878 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.825-0.931], 0.707, and 0.886, respectively. The calibration curve indicated that the APNIC-L/S nomogram had good agreement between the predicted probability and the actual probability. Meanwhile, the decision curve indicated that the APNIC-L/S nomogram could produce a greater net benefit than could the all- or-no-intervention strategy, with threshold probabilities ranging from 0.0 to 0.75. Conclusions: As a valid and visual noninvasive prediction tool, the APNIC-L/S nomogram demonstrated favorable predictive efficacy for identifying metastatic LNs in patients with PDAC.

Predictors of lateral lymph node metastasis and skip metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Background: Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is characterized by its favorable prognosis and potential for active surveillance (AS) as a management option. However, the presence of cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis, especially lateral LN metastasis, significantly impacts management and prognosis. Previous studies have focused on post-surgery risk factors for cervical LN metastasis. This study aims to identify predictors of lateral LN metastasis by analyzing pre-operative ultrasonographic findings alongside clinicopathological factors. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for patients with PTMC who underwent surgery at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital between 2004 and 2013. This is a case-control study that compares patients with lateral LN metastasis (N1b) to age- and sex-matched patients without LN metastasis (N0). Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate risk factors of skip metastasis. Results: The study included 90 patients with PTMC with lateral LN metastasis (N1b) and 268 age- and sex-matched patients without LN metastasis (N0). The mean age was 49.3 years, and female patients were dominant in both groups. Structural recurrences of 4.4% (4/90) were observed only in the N1b group. The N1b group exhibited a higher frequency of upper lobe tumor location compared to the N0 group (38.9% vs. 16.0%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the locations with the presence of invasion to adjacent organs. A higher proportion of non-parallel shape was observed in the N1b group than the N0 group (80.0% vs. 66.0%, p = 0.013). There were no differences in echogenicity, sonographic feature, margin, and AP diameter of the thyroid gland between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for lateral LN metastasis included extrathyroidal extension, multiplicity, upper lobe tumor location, and non-parallel shape. Skip metastasis in patients with PTMC was associated with upper lobe tumor location. Conclusion: Detailed ultrasound examinations, evaluating tumor location, number, orientation, and the presence of ETE, are crucial in accurately predicting lateral LN metastasis especially when primary tumor was in the upper lobe to avoid missing skip metastasis. These evaluations can help guide the decision between AS and immediate surgery in patients with PTMC.

Photophysical Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of α-Mangostin-Loaded HDL Mimetic Nano-Complex in LN-229 Glioblastoma Spheroid Model.

Cytotoxic activity has been reported for the xanthone α-mangostin (AMN) against Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive malignant brain cancer with a poor prognosis. Recognizing that AMN's high degree of hydrophobicity is likely to limit its systemic administration, we formulated AMN using reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) nanoparticles. The photophysical characteristics of the formulation, including fluorescence lifetime and steady-state anisotropy, indicated that AMN was successfully incorporated into the rHDL nanoparticles. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the fluorescent characteristics of AMN with an HDL-based drug carrier. Cytotoxicity studies in a 2D culture and 3D spheroid model of LN-229 GBM cells and normal human astrocytes showed an enhanced therapeutic index with the rHDL-AMN formulation compared to the unincorporated AMN and Temozolomide, a standard GBM chemotherapy agent. Furthermore, treatment with the rHDL-AMN facilitated a dose-dependent upregulation of autophagy and reactive oxygen species generation to a greater extent in LN-229 cells compared to astrocytes, indicating the reduced off-target toxicity of this novel formulation. These studies indicate the potential therapeutic benefits to GBM patients via selective targeting using the rHDL-AMN formulation.

Fungal cryopreservation across 61 genera: Practical application and method evaluation.

Fungi occupy important environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic roles. However, biological research of this diverse kingdom has lagged behind that of other phylogenetic groups. This is partially the result of the notorious difficulty in culturing a diverse array of filamentous fungal species due to their (i) often unpredictable growth, (ii) unknown preferences for culturing conditions, and (iii) long incubation times compared with other microorganisms such as bacteria and yeasts. Given the complexity associated with concurrently culturing diverse fungal species, developing practical methods for preserving as many species as possible for future research is vital. The widely accepted best practice for preserving fungal tissue is the use of cryogenic biobanking at -165 C, allowing for the preservation and documentation of stable genetic lineages, thus enabling long-term diversity-centered research. Despite the extensive literature on fungal cryopreservation, substantial barriers remain for implementation of cryogenic biobanks in smaller mycological laboratories. In this work, we present practical considerations for the establishment of a fungal culture biobank, as well as provide evidence for the viability of 61 fungal genera in cryogenic storage. By providing a pragmatic methodology for cryogenically preserving and managing many filamentous fungi, we show that creating a biobank can be economical for independently owned and operated mycology laboratories, which can serve as a long-term resource for biodiversity, conservation, and strain maintenance.

DNA methylation and whole-genome transcription analysis in CD4+ T cells from systemic lupus erythematosus patients with or without renal damage.

BACKGROUND: Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common cause of kidney injury in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and is associated with increased mortality. DNA methylation, one of the most important epigenetic modifications, has been reported as a key player in the pathogenesis of SLE. Hence, our article aimed to explore DNA methylation in CD4+ T cells from LNs to identify additional potential biomarkers and pathogenic genes involved in the progression of LN. METHODS: Our study enrolled 46 SLE patients with or without kidney injury and 23 healthy controls from 2019 to 2022. CD4+ T cells were sorted for DNA methylation genotyping and RNA-seq. Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified the significant differentially methylated CpG positions (DMPs) only in the LN group and validated them by Bisulfite PCR. Integration analysis was used to screen for differentially methylated and expressed genes that might be involved in the progression of LN, and the results were analyzed via cell experiments and flow cytometry. RESULTS: We identified 243 hypomethylated sites and 778 hypermethylated sites only in the LN cohort. Three of these DMPs, cg08332381, cg03297029, and cg16797344, were validated by Bisulfite PCR and could be potential biomarkers for LN. Integrated analysis revealed that the expression of BCL2L14 and IFI27 was regulated by DNA methylation, which was validated by azacytidine (5-aza) treatment. The overexpression of BCL2L14 in CD4+ T cells might induce renal fibrosis and inflammation by regulating the differentiation and function of Tfh cells. CONCLUSION: Our study identified novel aberrant DMPs in CD4+ T cells only in LN patients and DNA methylation-regulated genes that could be potential LN biomarkers. BCL2L14 is likely involved in the progression of LN and might be a treatment target.

A Comprehensive and Practical Approach to the Management of Lupus Nephritis in the Current Era.

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with SLE. It is estimated that up to 60% of individuals with SLE will develop LN, which can manifest at any stage of a patient's life; however, it commonly emerges early in the course of SLE and tends to exhibit a more aggressive phenotype in men compared to women. Black and Hispanic patients are more likely to progress to kidney failure than white patients. LN is characterized by kidney inflammation and chronic parenchymal damage, leading to impaired kidney function and potential progression to kidney failure. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of LN, highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment of LN to prevent progressive, irreversible kidney damage and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, the article discusses current and emerging therapies for LN, including traditional immunosuppressive agents, biological agents, and novel therapies targeting specific pathways involved in LN pathogenesis, to provide a practical guide for clinicians in properly diagnosing LN and determining a patient-centered treatment plan.

Urinary complement biomarkers in immune-mediated kidney diseases.

The complement system, an important part of the innate system, is known to play a central role in many immune mediated kidney diseases. All parts of the complement system including the classical, alternative, and mannose-binding lectin pathways have been implicated in complement-mediated kidney injury. Although complement components are thought to be mainly synthesized in the liver and activated in the circulation, emerging data suggest that complement is synthesized and activated inside the kidney leading to direct injury. Urinary complement biomarkers are likely a better reflection of inflammation within the kidneys as compared to traditional serum complement biomarkers which may be influenced by systemic inflammation. In addition, urinary complement biomarkers have the advantage of being non-invasive and easily accessible. With the rise of therapies targeting the complement pathways, there is a critical need to better understand the role of complement in kidney diseases and to develop reliable and non-invasive biomarkers to assess disease activity, predict treatment response and guide therapeutic interventions. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on urinary complement biomarkers of kidney diseases due to immune complex deposition (lupus nephritis, primary membranous nephropathy, IgA nephropathy) and due to activation of the alternative pathway (C3 glomerulopathy, thrombotic microangiography, ANCA-associated vasculitis). We also address the limitations of current research and propose future directions for the discovery of urinary complement biomarkers.

Can we predict kidney involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus? A retrospective cohort study with independent validation.

OBJECTIVES: To discern predictive factors for incident kidney involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Patients with SLE from the 'Attikon' Lupus cohort were monitored for lupus nephritis (LN), defined by kidney histology and/or classification criteria. Demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline were compared against patients who did not develop LN. LN-free survival curves were generated by Kaplan-Meier. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent predictors of LN. Independent validation was performed in the University of Crete Lupus registry. RESULTS: Among the 570 patients in the derivation cohort, 59 exhibited LN as their initial presentation, while an additional 66 developed LN during the follow-up period (collectively, 21.9% incidence). In the latter group, baseline factors predictive of subsequent kidney involvement were male sex (multivariable-adjusted [a]HR 4.31, 95% CI: 1.82-10.2), age of SLE diagnosis below 26 years (aHR 3.71, 95% CI: 1.84-7.48), high anti-dsDNA titre (aHR 2.48, 95% CI: 1.03-5.97) and low C3 and/or C4 (although not statistically significant, aHR 2.24, 95% CI: 0.83-6.05, p= 0.11). A combination of these factors at time of diagnosis conferred an almost 90-fold risk compared with serologically inactive, older, female patients (aHR 88.77, 95% CI : 18.75-420.41), signifying a very high-risk group. Independent validation in the Crete Lupus registry showed concordant results with the original cohort. CONCLUSION: Male sex, younger age and serologic activity at SLE diagnosis are strongly associated with subsequent kidney involvement. Vigilant surveillance and consideration of early use of disease-modifying drugs is warranted in these subsets of patients.

Flow-cytometry Assessment of DNA content and Immunophenotyping of Immune-cells in Lymph-node-specimens as a Potential Diagnostic Signature of Aggressiveness in B-Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas.

Flow-cytometry (FC) is a powerful tool that can assist in lymphoma diagnosis in lymph node (LN) specimens. Although lymphoma diagnosis and classification are mainly based on tumor cell characteristics, surrounding cells are less employed in this process. We retrospectively investigated alterations in the ploidy status, proliferative cell fraction (PF) and the percentages of surrounding immune cells in 62 consecutive LN specimens with B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL) that were submitted for FC evaluation between 2019-2022. Compared with indolent B-NHLs, aggressive B-NHLs show increased DNA aneuploidy and PF, increased monocytes, immature-granulocytes, mature granulocytes, CD8+ T-cells, Double-Negative-T-cells and Double-Positive-T-cells, and decreased total CD45+ cells, total lymphocytes, CD4+ T-cells and CD4/CD8 ratio. Receiver operating characteristic analysis determined PF > 6.8% and immature-granulocytes > 0.9% as optimal cutoffs with highest specificity and sensitivity in differentiating aggressive and indolent B-NHLs. These findings further strength the diagnostic value of DNA content analysis by FC and suggest the utilization of tumor surrounding immune cells in NHL diagnosis and classification.

Chemical constituents from the Saposhnikovia divaricata and their antiproliferative activity.

Nine compounds were isolated and identified from ethanolic extracts of Saposhnikovia divaricata, including one new alkaloid (1), one new pentacyclic triterpenoid (9), and seven known alkaloids (2-8). Structural elucidation of compounds 1 and 9 was established by 1D and 2D NMR spectra referring to the literature, together with high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis. All compounds were evaluated for antiproliferative activity against two cancer cell lines (LN229, A549) in vitro. Compounds (1-9) showed no significant antiproliferative activity.

Evaluation of LN34 Pan-Lyssavirus RT-qPCR assay for rabies diagnosis in Brazil.

Rabies, a fatal zoonotic viral disease affecting mammals, including humans, remains a significant global health concern, particularly in low-income countries. The disease, primarily transmitted through infected animal saliva, prompts urgent diagnosis for timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The gold standard diagnostic test, direct fluorescent antibody test (dFAT), while sensitive, suffers from limitations such as subjective interpretation and high costs. As a confirmatory technique, the LN34 Pan-Lyssavirus RT-qPCR assay has emerged as a promising tool for universal Lyssavirus detection. This study evaluated its performance using 130 rabies virus isolates representing eleven Brazilian variants and 303 clinical samples from surveillance operations. The LN34 assay demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity compared to dFAT. Additionally, it detected all samples, including those missed by dFAT, indicating superior sensitivity. The assay's specificity was confirmed through Sanger nucleotide sequencing, with only a minimal false-positive rate. Comparative analysis revealed higher accuracy and concordance with dFAT than traditional rabies tissue culture infection tests (RTCIT). False-negative RTCIT results were attributed to low viral load or suboptimal sampling. These findings underscore the LN34 assay's utility as a confirmatory technique, enhancing rabies surveillance and control in Brazil. Its widespread adoption could significantly improve diagnostic sensitivity, crucial for effective PEP and public health interventions.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of IN690 Ni-Based Alloy/316LN Stainless-Steel Dissimilar Ring Joint Welded by Inertia Friction Welding.

Inertia friction welding (IFW) was used to join large-diameter hollow bars made of Inconel 690 and 316LN successfully. The interfacial characteristics, microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of welded joints under different process parameters were investigated. The results indicated that a joining mechanism with mechanical interlocking and metallurgical bonding was found in IFW joints. There was a significant mechanical mixing zone at the welding interface. The elemental diffusion layer was found in the "wrinkles" of the mechanical mixing zone. A tiny quantity of C elements accumulated on the friction and secondary friction surfaces. The tensile strength and impact toughness of the joints increased with the total welding energy input. Increasing the friction pressure could make the grain in all parts of the joint uniformly refined, thus enhancing the mechanical properties of welded joints. The maximum tensile strength and impact toughness of the welded joint were 639 MPa and 146 J/cm2, reaching 94% and 68% of that for Inconel 690, respectively, when the flywheel was initially set at 760 rpm, 200 MPa for friction pressure, and 388 kg/m2 for rotary inertia. Due to the Kirkendall effect in the welded joint, superior metallurgical bonding was at the welding interface close to the Inconel 690 side compared to the 316LN side.

Enhancements in Radiological Detection of Metastatic Lymph Nodes Utilizing AI-Assisted Ultrasound Imaging Data and the Lymph Node Reporting and Data System Scale.

The paper presents a novel approach for the automatic detection of neoplastic lesions in lymph nodes (LNs). It leverages the latest advances in machine learning (ML) with the LN Reporting and Data System (LN-RADS) scale. By integrating diverse datasets and network structures, the research investigates the effectiveness of ML algorithms in improving diagnostic accuracy and automation potential. Both Multinominal Logistic Regression (MLR)-integrated and fully connected neuron layers are included in the analysis. The methods were trained using three variants of combinations of histopathological data and LN-RADS scale labels to assess their utility. The findings demonstrate that the LN-RADS scale improves prediction accuracy. MLR integration is shown to achieve higher accuracy, while the fully connected neuron approach excels in AUC performance. All of the above suggests a possibility for significant improvement in the early detection and prognosis of cancer using AI techniques. The study underlines the importance of further exploration into combined datasets and network architectures, which could potentially lead to even greater improvements in the diagnostic process.

Enhanced gas separation performance for H2 purification using MIL-68(ln)-nh2/PES mixed-matrix membranes.

The growing demand for sustainable and efficient gas separation technologies has prompted the exploration of advanced materials to enhance the gas permeability and selectivity. Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes are widely used in gas separation, gas upgrading, and clean energy production owing to their environmental friendliness and low cost. However, their gas permeability and selectivity can be further improved for commercial application. This study explored the incorporation of 10 wt % of MIL-68(ln)-NH2 into PES membranes using a phase-inversion approach to enhance gas permeability and selectivity. The morphological, structural, and thermal properties of the resulting MOF/PES membrane were characterized using SEM, AFM, BET, XRD, FTIR, and TGA-DTG. Gas permeation experiments were conducted using different gases (CO2, N2, CH4, and H2) under different heating conditions (20-60 °C) to evaluate the gas permeability and selectivity of the MOF/PES membrane. The results showed that the incorporation of MOF into the mixed matrix membrane (MMMs) led to a 9% increase in porosity, 87% reduction in roughness, and 32% decrease in pore size compared to neat PES membranes. Significant changes in the morphology, crystallinity, and thermal stability were observed, with notable improvements of up to 22%. Moreover, the MOF/PES membrane exhibited high gas permeability (CO2 = 124656, N2 = 83650, CH4 = 159298, and H2 = 427075 Barrer) and selectivity (H2/N2 = 5.7, H2/CO2 = 4, CH4/N2 = 2, and CH4/CO2 = 1.7) for flammable gases. The optimal gas separation performance was observed at 20 °C and 60 °C for H2/N2 and H2/CO2 separation, respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential of MOF-based PES membranes for gas separation applications, particularly in H2 purification.

Efficient Multi-stimulus-Responsive Luminescent Eu(III)-Modified HOFs Materials: Detecting Thiram and Caffeic Acid and Constructing a Flexible Substrate Anti-counterfeiting Platform.

The powerful capability of multi-stimulus-responsive luminescent hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) to respond to external chemical or physical stimuli in various manners makes them appealing in the luminescence anti-counterfeiting field. Herein, a novel Eu3+-functionalized HOF (Eu@GC-2) that combines the emission of HOFs with the characteristic emission of Eu3+ ions has been successfully synthesized, which can generate various fluorescence at different excitation wavelengths. Eu@GC-2 has enormous potential as a raw material for a paper-based sensor that is designed for detecting the pesticides thiram and caffeic acid in crops with favorable selectivity, anti-interference, and high efficiency. Based on the above excellent properties, Ln3+-functionalized HOFs (Ln@GC-2) were then employed to produce four luminescent anti-counterfeiting inks. With the incorporation of back-propagation neural network and Gray code conversion functions, a multi-stimulus-responsive luminescent anti-counterfeiting platform, coregulated by the excitation light and the chemical reagent, has been constructed. This approach can not only achieve multiple encryptions and fast information identification but also enhance the code-breaking complexity, making it an efficient strategy for information encryption and decryption.