Porphyrin-based porous organic polymers synthesized using the Alder-Longo method: the most traditional synthetic strategy with exceptional capacity.

Porphyrin is a typical tetrapyrrole chromophore-based pigment with a special electronic structure and functionalities, which is frequently introduced into various porous organic polymers (POPs). Porphyrin-based POPs are widely used in various fields ranging from environmental and energy to biomedicine-related fields. Currently, most porphyrin-based POPs are prepared via the copolymerization of specific-group-functionalized porphyrins with other building blocks, in which the tedious and inefficient synthesis procedure for the porphyrin greatly hinders the development of such materials. This review aimed to summarize information on porphyrin-based POPs synthesized using the Alder-Longo method, thereby skipping the complex synthesis of porphyrin-bearing monomers, in which the porphyrin macrocycles are formed directly via the cyclic tetramerization of pyrrole with monomers containing multiple aldehyde groups during the polymerization process. The representative applications of porphyrin-based POPs derived using the Alder-Longo method are finally introduced, which pinpoints a clear relationship between the structure and function from the aspect of the building blocks used and porous structures. This review is therefore valuable for the rational design of efficient porphyrin-based porous organic polymer systems that may be utilized in various fields from energy-related conversion/storage technologies to biomedical science.

Frontier and hot topics in home enteral nutrition based on CiteSpace bibliometric analysis.

Background: The benefits of home enteral nutrition (HEN) are increasingly recognized, with more scholars focusing on this field. This study aimed to comprehensively identify collaborative networks, analyze, and track research trends, focus on current hotspots, and accurately predict the forefront and focus of home enteral nutrition. Methods: A computer search of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was conducted for studies related to home enteral nutrition published from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2023, and select them in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines. The CiteSpace software was used for bibliometric visualization and comparative analysis of countries, institutions, journals, references, and keywords. Results: A total of 1,113 documents were included, showing a steady annual increase in publication volume. The United States and the Mayo Clinic were the top publishing country and institution, with 302 and 41 papers, respectively. "CLIN NUTR" had the highest number of publications, totaling 221, while "ESPEN guideline on home enteral nutrition" was the most cited reference, with 43 citations. The most prolific author was Manpreet S with 29 papers. Conclusion: The management of HEN is a current research hotspot. The safety of HEN and how to improve patient compliance are critical areas for researchers to consider. Future research could focus on these aspects. The blurring of boundaries between hospital and home care and how to utilize telemedicine technologies to serve more patients deserve in-depth exploration. Researchers worldwide should combine their unique characteristics and advantages to strengthen international cooperation.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract against amyloid-beta-induced toxicity in the Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a critical global health challenge with limited therapeutic options, prompting the exploration of alternative strategies. A key pathology in AD involves amyloid beta (Aß) aggregation, and targeting both Aß aggregation and oxidative stress is crucial for effective intervention. Natural compounds from medicinal and food sources have emerged as potential preventive and therapeutic agents, with Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NLE) showing promising properties. Methods: In this study, we utilized transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) models to investigate the potential of NLE in countering AD and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Various assays were employed to assess paralysis rates, food-searching capabilities, Aß aggregate accumulation, oxidative stress, lifespan under stress conditions, and the expression of stress-resistance-related proteins. Additionally, autophagy induction was evaluated by measuring P62 levels and the formation of LGG-1+ structures, with RNAi-mediated inhibition of autophagy-related genes to confirm the mechanisms involved. Results: The results demonstrated that NLE significantly reduced paralysis rates in CL4176 and CL2006 worms while enhancing food-searching capabilities in CL2355 worms. NLE also attenuated Aß aggregate accumulation and mitigated Aß-induced oxidative stress in C. elegans. Furthermore, NLE extended the lifespan of worms under oxidative and thermal stress conditions, while concurrently increasing the expression of stress-resistance-related proteins, including SOD-3, GST-4, HSP-4, and HSP-6. Moreover, NLE induced autophagy in C. elegans, as evidenced by reduced P62 levels in BC12921 worms and the formation of LGG-1+ structures in DA2123 worms. The RNAi-mediated inhibition of autophagy-related genes, such as bec-1 and vps-34, negated the protective effects of NLE against Aß-induced paralysis and aggregate accumulation. Discussion: These findings suggest that NLE ameliorates Aß-induced toxicity by activating autophagy in C. elegans. The study underscores the potential of NLE as a promising candidate for further investigation in AD management, offering multifaceted approaches to mitigate AD-related pathology and stress-related challenges.

Rapid intracellular pH measurement based on electroporation- surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

In this study, electroporation-surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was applied to rapidly measure intracellular pH. The generation of a sensitive SERS probe for measuring pH in the range of 6.0-8.0 was accomplished through the conjugation of the pH-sensitive molecule 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) to the surface of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) through its thiol functional group. This bioprobe was then rapidly introduced into nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-1 cells by electroporation, followed by SERS scanning and the fitting of intensity ratios of each detection point's Raman peaks at 1423 cm-1 and 1072 cm-1, to create the pH distribution map of CNE-1 cells. The electroporation-SERS assay introduces pH bioprobes into a living cell in a very short time and disperses the nanoprobe throughout the cytoplasm, ultimately enabling rapid and comprehensive pH analysis of the entire cell. Our work demonstrates the potential of electroporation-SERS for the biochemical analysis of live cells.

Correlation of amniotic fluid inflammatory markers with preterm birth: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between amniotic fluid inflammatory biomarkers and preterm birth in second- or third-trimester pregnancy has been a focus, and understanding the correlation between these markers and preterm birth is important for early identification and intervention in preterm birth. The aim of this study was to explore potential inflammatory biomarkers in second- or third-trimester pregnancy amniotic fluid associated with preterm birth. METHODS: On November 30, 2023, we searched literature involved the influence of second- or third-trimester pregnancy amniotic fluid inflammatory biomarkers on preterm birth through PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scope, CNKI, WanFang, VIP and China Biomedical Databases. The search languages were Chinese and English. Included outcomes indexes were combined utility analysis via R software. RESULTS: A total of 11 articles were included in the combined utility analysis. This combined analysis revealed significant differences in several inflammatory biomarkers in amniotic fluid between the two groups (MD = 6.87, 95%CI: 0.26 - 13.47, P < 0.01); the difference in amniotic fluid IL-6 between the two groups (MD = 5.73, 95%CI: 3.13-8.32, P < 0.01); the difference in amniotic fluid IL-10 between the two groups (MD = 0.11, 95%CI: -3.26-3.48, P < 0.01); the difference in amniotic fluid CRP between the two groups (MD = 21.34, 95%CI: 11.69-30.89, P < 0.01); the difference in amniotic fluid MCP-1 between the two groups (MD = 312.14, 95%CI: 211.34-412.97, P < 0.01); the difference in the amniotic fluid MMP-9 between the two groups (MD = 0.86, 95%CI: -0.10-1.82, P < 0.01); and the difference in TNF-α in amniotic fluid between the two groups (MD = 22.78, 95%CI: -5.05-50.61, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory biomarkers IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, CRP, TNFα, MCP-1 and MMP-9 in the amniotic fluid of patients in the second- or third-trimester pregnancy were all correlated with preterm birth.

The premature foetus has many serious complications in the near and long term because of the immature organs, which is related to the long-term incidence of cerebral palsy, developmental delay and retinopathy of prematurity, which is the main cause of perinatal foetal death. Preterm birth cases are accompanied by infection of pathogenic microorganisms in amniotic cavity, which then leads to inflammatory reaction in amniotic cavity. However, research on the correlation between inflammatory markers and preterm birth has shown certain complexity and differences. The results of this meta-analysis show that the inflammatory biomarkers interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in amniotic fluid of patients in the second- or third-trimester pregnancy are significant between the preterm birth group and the control group, and the expression level of inflammatory factors in amniotic fluid of patients in the preterm birth group is elevated, thus suggesting that these inflammatory factors may be able to predict preterm birth.

Validation of the Chinese version of the 'caring ability of family caregivers of patients with cancer scale (CAFCPCS)' in family caregivers of elderly patients with cancer: A study protocol.

AIM: This study aims to translate the English version of the 'caring ability of family caregivers of patients with cancer scale (CAFCPCS)' into Chinese and validate its psychometric properties in the family caregivers of elderly patients with cancer. DESIGN: A methodological study. METHODS: Based on the Brislin translation model, the original scale will be translated and back-translated, the Delphi expert consultation method will be adopted for cross-cultural adaptation, and the pilot will be carried out in 20-30 family caregivers of elderly patients with cancer. Then, a dual-centre prospective study will be conducted by recruiting 371-542 family caregivers of elderly patients with cancer to validate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of CAFCPCS. RESULTS: The scale's content validity will be evaluated using the Delphi expert inquiry method, and the face validity will be evaluated using a pre-experiment. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) will be used to assess structural validity, while internal consistency reliability and split-half reliability will be used to assess reliability. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Public involvement is of great significance for this study. Participants will be used in a pre-test to give feedback on whether the contents of the clinical pilot version of CAFCPCS after expert consultation can reflect real problems and whether the sentences can be well understood. Based on their opinions, the research group will further refine the scale.

PIM1/NF-κB/CCL2 blockade enhances anti-PD-1 therapy response by modulating macrophage infiltration and polarization in tumor microenvironment of NSCLC.

Elevated infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) drives tumor progression and correlates with poor prognosis for various tumor types. Our research identifies that the ablation of the Pim-1 proto-oncogene (PIM1) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) suppresses TAM infiltration and prevents them from polarizing toward the M2 phenotype, thereby reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment (TME). The predominant mechanism through which PIM1 exerts its impact on macrophage chemotaxis and polarization involves CC motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). The expression level of PIM1 is positively correlated with high CCL2 expression in NSCLC, conferring a worse overall patient survival. Mechanistically, PIM1 deficiency facilitates the reprogramming of TAMs by targeting nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) signaling and inhibits CCL2 transactivation by NSCLC cells. The decreased secretion of CCL2 impedes TAM accumulation and their polarization toward a pro-tumoral phenotype. Furthermore, Dual blockade of Pim1 and PD-1 collaboratively suppressed tumor growth, repolarized macrophages, and boosted the efficacy of anti-PD-1 antibody. Collectively, our findings elucidate the pivotal role of PIM1 in orchestrating TAMs within the TME of NSCLC and highlight the potential of PIM1 inhibition as a strategy for enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.

Serum bile acid profiles are associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: An exploratory study.

AIM: To analyse the association between serum bile acid (BA) profile and heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). METHODS: We enrolled 163 individuals with biopsy-proven MAFLD undergoing transthoracic echocardiography for any indication. HFpEF was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction >50% with at least one echocardiographic feature of HF (left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, abnormal left atrial size) and at least one HF sign or symptom. Serum levels of 38 BAs were analysed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Among the 163 patients enrolled (mean age 47.0 ± 12.8 years, 39.3% female), 52 (31.9%) and 43 (26.4%) met the HFpEF and pre-HFpEF criteria, and 38 serum BAs were detected. Serum ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and hyocholic acid (HCA) species were lower in patients with HFpEF and achieved statistical significance after correction for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, decreases in glycoursodeoxycholic acid and tauroursodeoxycholic acid were associated with HF status. CONCLUSIONS: In this exploratory study, specific UDCA and HCA species were associated with HFpEF status in adults with biopsy-confirmed MAFLD.

Reproductive concerns and its correlation with fear of recurrence and level of family support in patients of childbearing age with gynecologic malignancies.

BACKGROUND: To discuss the current status of reproductive concerns and its correlation with fear of recurrence and level of family support in patients of childbearing age with gynecologic malignancies. METHODS: A convenient sampling method was used to enroll 188 patients with gynecologic malignancies in Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, and Haian Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from September 2022 to April 2023. Patients were assessed using general information questionnaire, Reproductive Concerns After Cancer Scale (RCAC), Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) questionnaire, and Perceived Social Support-Family (PSS-FA) Scale. RESULTS: Among patients of childbearing age with gynecologic malignancies, the total RCAC score was (54.35 ± 7.52), indicating a moderate level of reproductive concerns. Patients scored (20.98 ± 4.51) on FCRI, implying a moderate level of fear of recurrence. The PSS-FA score was (9.57 ± 2.76), denoting a moderate level of family support. The total score and each dimensional score of RCAC were positively correlated with FCRI total score (P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with PSS-FA total score (P < 0.05). Fear of recurrence, family support level, number of children, educational background, treatment modality, and fertility intention were influencing factors for reproductive concerns in patients of childbearing age with gynecologic malignancies (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The reproductive concerns, fear of recurrence and family support are all at moderate levels in patients of childbearing age with gynecologic malignancies, and reproductive concerns are positively correlated with fear of recurrence and negatively correlated with family support.

Recent advances on signaling pathways and their inhibitors in spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious and disabling central nervous system injury. Its complex pathological mechanism can lead to sensory and motor dysfunction. It has been reported that signaling pathway plays a key role in the pathological process and neuronal recovery mechanism of SCI. Such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NF-κB, and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathways. According to reports, various stimuli and cytokines activate these signaling pathways related to SCI pathology, thereby participating in the regulation of pathological processes such as inflammation response, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and glial scar formation after injury. Activation or inhibition of relevant pathways can delay inflammatory response, reduce neuronal apoptosis, prevent glial scar formation, improve the microenvironment after SCI, and promote neural function recovery. Based on the role of signaling pathways in SCI, they may be potential targets for the treatment of SCI. Therefore, understanding the signaling pathway and its inhibitors may be beneficial to the development of SCI therapeutic targets and new drugs. This paper mainly summarizes the pathophysiological process of SCI, the signaling pathways involved in SCI pathogenesis, and the potential role of specific inhibitors/activators in its treatment. In addition, this review also discusses the deficiencies and defects of signaling pathways in SCI research. It is hoped that this study can provide reference for future research on signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of SCI and provide theoretical basis for SCI biotherapy.

Chinese patent medicine Tongxinluo: A review on chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, quality control, and clinical applications.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing a significant economic burden on individuals and societies. For the past few years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has attracted much attention due to its advantages such as fewer side effects in the treatment of CCVD. TXL has shown great promise in the treatment of CCVD. PURPOSE: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to TXL, covering its chemical constituents, quality control, pharmacological properties, adverse reactions, and clinical applications through an extensive search of relevant electronic databases while discussing its current challenges and provides opinions for future study. METHODS: The following electronic databases were searched up to 2023: "TXL", "CCVD", "Chemical constituents", "Quality control" and "Pharmacological properties" were entered as keywords in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database and WANFANG DATA databases. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in this review process. RESULTS: Studies have confirmed that TXL is effective in treating patients with CCVD and has fewer adverse effects. The aim of this review is to explore TXL anti-CCVD effects in relation to oxidative stress, lipid metabolism and enhanced cardiac function. This review also provides additional information on safety issues. CONCLUSION: TXL plays a key role in the treatment of CCVD by regulating various pathways such as lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation. However, further clinical trials and animal experiments are needed to provide more evidence and recommendations for its clinical application. This article provides an overview of TXL research to inform and inspire future studies.

Does pasteurization inactivate bird flu virus in milk?

Recently, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1), which carries the clade 2.3.4.4b hemagglutinin (HA) gene and has been prevalent among North American bird populations since the winter of 2021, was reported in dairy cows in the United States. As of 24 May 2024, the virus has affected 63 dairy herds across nine states and has resulted in two human infections. The virus causes unusual symptoms in dairy cows, including an unexpected drop in milk production, and thick colostrum-like milk. Notably, The US Food and Drug Administration reported that around 20% of tested retail milk samples contained H5N1 viruses, with a higher percentage of positive results from regions with infected cattle herds. Data are scant regarding how effectively pasteurization inactivates the H5N1 virus in milk. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the thermal stability of the H5 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses, along with one human H3N2 virus and other influenza subtype viruses, including H1, H3, H7, H9, and H10 subtype viruses. We also assessed the effectiveness of pasteurization in inactivating these viruses. We found that the avian H3 virus exhibits the highest thermal stability, whereas the H5N1 viruses that belong to clade 2.3.4.4b display moderate thermal stability. Importantly, our data provide direct evidence that the standard pasteurization methods used by dairy companies are effective in inactivating all tested subtypes of influenza viruses in raw milk. Our findings indicate that thermally pasteurized milk products do not pose a safety risk to consumers.

The calcium-dependent protein kinase CPK16 regulates hypoxia-induced ROS production by phosphorylating the NADPH oxidase RBOHD in Arabidopsis.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is a key event in modulating plant responses to hypoxia and post-hypoxia reoxygenation. However, the molecular mechanism by which hypoxia-associated ROS homeostasis is controlled remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that the calcium-dependent protein kinase CPK16 regulates plant hypoxia tolerance by phosphorylating the plasma membrane-anchored NADPH oxidase RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG D (RBOHD) to regulate ROS production in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). In response to hypoxia or reoxygenation, CPK16 was activated through phosphorylation of its Ser274 residue. The cpk16 knockout mutant displayed enhanced hypoxia tolerance, whereas CPK16-overexpressing (CPK16-OE) lines showed increased sensitivity to hypoxic stress. In agreement with these observations, hypoxia and reoxygenation both induced ROS accumulation in the rosettes of CPK16-OEs more strongly than in rosettes of the cpk16-1 mutant or the wild type. Moreover, CPK16 interacted with and phosphorylated the N terminus of RBOHD at four serine residues (Ser133, Ser148, Ser163, and Ser347) that were necessary for hypoxia- and reoxygenation-induced ROS accumulation. Furthermore, the hypoxia-tolerant phenotype of cpk16-1 was fully abolished in the cpk16 rbohd double mutant. Thus, we have uncovered a regulatory mechanism by which the CPK16-RBOHD module shapes ROS production during hypoxia and reoxygenation in Arabidopsis.

Heterologous synthesis of ginsenoside F1 and its precursors in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Ginsenoside F1 has high medicinal values, which is a kind of rare triterpene saponin isolated from Panax plants. The extremely low content of ginsenoside F1 in herbs has limited its research and application in medical field. In this work, we constructed a pathway in tobacco for the biosynthesis of ginsenoside F1 by metabolic engineering. Four enzyme genes (PnDDS, CYP716A47, CYP716S1 and UGT71A56) isolated from Panax notoginseng were introduced into tobacco. Thus, a biosynthetic pathway for ginsenoside F1 synthesis was artificially constructed in tobacco cells; moreover, the four exogenous genes could be expressed in the roots, stems and leaves of transgenic plants. Consequently, ginsenoside F1 and its precursors were successfully synthesized in the transgenic tobacco, compared with Panax plants, the content of ginsenoside F1 in transgenic tobacco was doubled. In addition, accumulation of ginsenoside F1 and its precursors in transgenic tobacco shows organ specificity. Based on these results, a new approach was established to produce rare ginsenoside F1; meanwhile, such strategy could also be employed in plant hosts for the heterologous synthesis of other important or rare natural products.

Engineering a Low-Strain Si@TiSi2@NC Composite for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

The huge volume expansion/contraction of silicon (Si) during the lithium (Li) insertion/extraction process, which can lead to cracking and pulverization, poses a substantial impediment to its practical implementation in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The development of low-strain Si-based composite materials is imperative to address the challenges associated with Si anodes. In this study, we have engineered a TiSi2 interface on the surface of Si particles via a high-temperature calcination process, followed by the introduction of an outermost carbon (C) shell, leading to the construction of a low-strain and highly stable Si@TiSi2@NC composite. The robust TiSi2 interface not only enhances electrical and ionic transport but also, more critically, significantly mitigates particle cracking by restraining the stress/strain induced by volumetric variations, thus alleviating pulverization during the lithiation/delithiation process. As a result, the as-fabricated Si@TiSi2@NC electrode exhibits a high initial reversible capacity (2172.7 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1), superior rate performance (1198.4 mAh g-1 at 2.0 A g-1), and excellent long-term cycling stability (847.0 mAh g-1 after 1000 cycles at 2.0 A g-1). Upon pairing with LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622), the assembled Si@TiSi2@NC||NCM622 pouch-type full cell exhibits exceptional cycling stability, retaining 90.1% of its capacity after 160 cycles at 0.5 C.

Human Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine.

Modern medicine now has the capacity to improve therapy for many human diseases by introducing adult somatic stem cells that can repair or replace defective or damaged tissues. However, the area is still in an early phase of development, so all new applications must be carefully designed for maximal safety as well as effectiveness.

A Prospective Multicenter Study on the Additive Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Biopsy Decision of Ultrasound BI-RADS 4 Breast Lesions.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to determine whether the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) could improve the categorization of suspicious breast lesions based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), thereby reducing the number of benign breast lesions referred for biopsy. METHODS: This prospective study, conducted between January 2017 and December 2018, enrolled consenting patients from eight teaching hospitals in China, who had been diagnosed with solid breast lesions classified as BI-RADS 4 using conventional ultrasound. CEUS was performed within 1 wk of diagnosis for reclassification of breast lesions. Histopathological results obtained from core needle biopsies or surgical excision samples served as the reference standard. The simulated biopsy rate and cancer-to-biopsy yield were used to compare the accuracy of CEUS and conventional ultrasound (US). RESULTS: Among the 1490 lesions diagnosed as BI-RADS 4 with conventional ultrasound, 486 malignant and 1004 benign lesions were confirmed based on histology. Following CEUS, 2, 395, and 211 lesions were reclassified as CEUS-based BI-RADS 2, 3, and 5, respectively, while 882 (59%) remained as BI-RADS 4. The actual cancer-to-biopsy yield based on US was 32.6%, which increased to 43.4% when CEUS-based BI-RADS 4A was used as the cut-off point to recommend biopsy. The simulated biopsy rate decreased to 73.4%. Overall, in this preselected BI-RADS 4 population, only 2.5% (12/486) of malignant lesions would have been miscategorized as BI-RADS 3 using CEUS-based reclassification. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of contrast-enhanced ultrasound reclassification were 57.65%, 97.53%, and 38.35%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our collective findings indicate that CEUS is a valuable tool in further triage of BI-RADS category 4 lesions and facilitates a reduction in the number of biopsies while increasing the cancer-to-biopsy yield.

Metabolomic analysis, extraction, purification and stability of the anthocyanins from colored potatoes.

Colored potatoes have many health benefits because they are rich in anthocyanins. However, the constituent and property of anthocyanins in colored potatoes have not been systematically studied yet. Herein, metabolomic analysis was carried out to investigate the chemical composition of anthocyanins in the four different colored potatoes. After that, the extract and purification conditions, and the stability of the anthocyanins were further studied. The results indicated that the four colored potatoes contained abundant of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Cyanidin, delphinidin, and malvidin were identified as the major anthocyanidins in purple potatoes, whereas red potatoes were mainly consisted of pelargonidin and its derivatives. 84.47 mg C3GE/100 g DW of anthocyanins was obtained at the optimal conditions, which could be effectively purified macroporous resin of D101. Moreover, the anthocyanins were sensitive to pH, temperature, light, redox agents, and divalent or trivalent metal ions, but stable to sugars and univalent metal ions.

PbBeB2O5: A High-Performance Ultraviolet Nonlinear-Optical Crystal with Functional [BeB2O8]8- Group.

High-performance nonlinear-optical (NLO) crystals need to simultaneously meet multiple basic and conflicting performance requirements. Here, by using a partial chemical substitution strategy, the first noncentrosymmetric (NCS) PbBeB2O5 crystal with a BeB2O8 group was synthesized, exhibiting a two-dimensional [BeB2O5]∞ layer constructed by interconnecting BeB2O8 groups and bridged PbO4 with an active lone pair. The crystal shows a promising UV NLO functional feature, including a strong SHG effect of 3.5 × KDP (KH2PO4), large birefringence realizing phase matchability in the whole transparency region from 246 to 2500 nm, a short UV absorption edge of 246 nm, and single-crystal easy growth. Remarkably, theoretical studies reveal that the BeB2O8 group has high nonlinear activity, which could stimulate the discovery of a series of excellent NLO beryllium borates.