Effect of postharvest grape dehydration on chemical composition, antioxidant activity and sensory characeteristics of Marselan wines.

To explore the effect of postharvest dehydration on grape berries and wine quality, we determined physicochemical properties, polyphenols, antioxidant activities, volatile compounds and sensory characteristics for wines brewed by 'Marselan' (Vitis vinifera L.) grapes with 0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% of water loss. The result showed that postharvest dehydration improved the alcohol content, residual sugar and titratable acidity of Marselan wine. Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities in wines with a dehydration of 20% have significantly increased. Postharvest dehydration increased the contents of isobutanol, isoamyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate and ethyl butyrate in Marselan wines, and enhanced the floral, fruity and sweet taste of wines. Marselan wine had the lowest acceptability score under the condition of severe dehydration (25% dehydration), which was related to the significant increase of tannins content. In summary, postharvest dehydration was beneficial in improving the quality of Marselan wine.

Increased CD56 expression after photodynamic therapy indicates an increased natural killer cell count following early photodynamic therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising therapeutic method for managing cSCC due to its proven ability to target specific areas over time and its low risk of side effects. PDT may cause tissue damage and vascular shutdown, and may regulate local immunological responses. The present study aimed to investigate and compare the early lymphocyte modifications before and after PDT for SCC. A total of 10 patients with SCC were identified by pathological investigation. Initially, all wounds were treated with 20% aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-PDT as the initial stage in the therapeutic procedure. The wounds were treated by exposing them to red LED light with a wavelength of 635 nm, an energy density of 100 J/cm2 and an intensity of 80 mW/cm2. The tumor tissue was surgically removed 24 h later, and another round of PDT therapy was administered. Immunohistochemistry for CD3 and CD56 was conducted on the wound tissue post-surgery. If the wound showed granulation, necrosis or secretion, debridement was added to the therapy. All patients were monitored for 0.6-1.0 year post-treatment. ALA-PDT combination surgery fully controlled the tumor tissue in all 10 patients. The immunohistochemical analysis of the wound tissues showed that the expression of CD56 increased, while the expression of CD3 was not different after photodynamic therapy. These results also indirectly indicated that the overall count of NK cells in the 10 patients increased, nevertheless, there was no alteration in the T lymphocyte count. In conclusion, the ALA-PDT combination surgical therapy for cSCC demonstrates favorable results. An increase in CD56 expression may be a mechanism for the effective treatment of cSCC with PDT.

Case Report: Coil embolization of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm in patient with Behcet's disease.

Background: Behcet's disease (BD) is a systematic vasculitis that affects vessels with various sizes, presenting as venous thrombosis and arterial pseudoaneurysms. The most severe manifestation in BD is ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm, which is associated with high risks of rupture and mortality. Case presentation: We present a case of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm in a 50-year-old patient with BD. After preoperative evaluation, coil embolization was successfully performed to treat the pseudoaneurysm, resulting in a satisfactory outcome at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: Coil embolization serves as an effective treatment option for ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm in BD when open surgical repair and stent graft placement are unsuitable.

Preparation and Evaluation of a Novel 99mTc-Labeled Niraparib Isonitrile Complex as a Potential PARP-1 Imaging Agent.

Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) plays an important role in the DNA repair process and has become an attractive target for cancer therapy in recent years. Given that niraparib has good clinical efficacy as a PARP inhibitor, this study aimed to develop radiolabeled niraparib derivatives for tumor imaging to detect PARP expression and improve the accuracy of stratified patient therapy. The niraparib isonitrile derivative (CNPN) was designed, synthesized, and radiolabeled to obtain the [99mTc]Tc-CNPN complex with high radiochemical purity (>95%). It was lipophilic and stable in vitro. In HeLa cell experiments, the uptake of [99mTc]Tc-CNPN was effectively inhibited by the ligand CNPN, indicating the binding affinity for PARP. According to the biodistribution studies of HeLa tumor-bearing mice, [99mTc]Tc-CNPN has moderate tumor uptake and can be effectively inhibited, demonstrating its specificity for targeting PARP. The SPECT imaging results showed that [99mTc]Tc-CNPN had tumor uptake at 2 h postinjection. All of the results of this study indicated that [99mTc]Tc-CNPN is a promising tumor imaging agent that targets PARP.

Progressively worsening ptosis in a woman: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Filler injections into the upper eyelid may cause levator aponeurosis fibrosis and ptosis. This risk must be considered. When ptosis appears, treatment might be difficult. Understanding the upper eyelid anatomy and procedures is essential to prevent eyelid damage. Abstract: Ptosis is a prevalent condition in cosmetic surgery that occurs due to malfunction of the levator palpebrae superioris or insufficient Müller muscle action. It is characterized by the upper eyelid edge appearing lower than usual when seen at eye level. Ptosis may be categorized into congenital and acquired forms. The primary cause of congenital ptosis is attributed to abnormalities of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle or the motor nerve innervation that controls it. The condition arises from atypical development and malfunction of the oculomotor system. Acquired ptosis may be classified into many categories including traumatic, neurogenic, myogenic, senile, mechanical, and fake ptosis. Currently, there is little documentation of ptosis resulting from the degeneration of the aponeurosis of the muscle in the upper eyelid. We received a case of ptosis caused by fibrosis of the levator palpebrae superioris aponeurotic membrane. We used the technique of levator palpebrae superioris great advancement. The levator palpebrae superioris-Müller muscle was folded to create a stable composite construction via the levator palpebrae superioris high progress.

CircST6GAL1 knockdown alleviates pulmonary arterial hypertension by regulating miR-509-5p/multiple C2 and transmembrane domain containing 2 axis.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a main contributing factor of cardiovascular diseases; deregulated circular RNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Herein, we evaluated the function and mechanism of circST6GAL1 in PAH process. METHODS: Human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) were cultured in hypoxic environment for functional analysis. The cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, wound healing, and flow cytometry assays were used to investigate cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. qRT-PCR and Western blotting analyses were used for level measurement of genes and proteins. The binding between miR-509-5p and circST6GAL1 or multiple C2 and transmembrane domain containing 2 (MCTP2) was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, and pull-down assays. The monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH mouse models were established for in vivo assay. RESULTS: CircST6GAL1 was highly expressed in PAH patients and hypoxia-induced HPASMCs. Functionally, circST6GAL1 deficiency reversed hypoxia-induced proliferation and migration, as well as apoptosis arrest in HPASMCs. Mechanistically, circST6GAL1 directly targeted miR-509-5p, and MCTP2 was a target of miR-509-5p. Rescue assays showed that the regulatory effects of circST6GAL1 deficiency on hypoxia-induced HPASMCs were abolished. Moreover, forced expression of miR-509-5p suppressed HPASMC proliferation and migration and induced cell apoptosis under hypoxia stimulation, while these effects were abolished by MCTP2 overexpression. Moreover, circST6GAL1 silencing improved MCT-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling and PAH. CONCLUSION: CircST6GAL1 deficiency reversed hypoxia-induced proliferation and migration, as well as apoptosis arrest in HPASMCs, and alleviated pulmonary vascular remodeling in MCT-induced PAH mouse models through the miR-509-5p/MCTP2 axis, indicating a potential therapeutic target for PAH.

Partial Alleviation of Homologous Superinfection Exclusion of SeMNPV Latently Infected Cells by G1 Phase Infection and G2/M Phase Arrest.

Viral infection can regulate the cell cycle, thereby promoting viral replication. Hijacking and altering the cell cycle are important for the virus to establish and maintain a latent infection. Previously, Spodoptera exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV)-latently infected P8-Se301-C1 cells, which grew more slowly than Se301 cells and interfered with homologous SeMNNPV superinfection, were established. However, the effects of latent and superinfection with baculoviruses on cell cycle progression remain unknown. In this study, the cell cycle profiles of P8-Se301-C1 cells and SeMNPV or Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV)-infected P8-Se301-C1 cells were characterized by flow cytometry. The results showed that replication-related genes MCM4, PCNA, and BAF were down-regulated (p < 0.05) in P8-Se301-C1 cells, and the S phase of P8-Se301-C1 cells was longer than that of Se301 cells. P8-Se301-C1 cells infected with SeMNPV did not arrest in the G2/M phase or affect the expression of Cyclin B and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). Furthermore, when P8-Se301-C1 cells were infected with SeMNPV after synchronized treatment with hydroxyurea and nocodazole, light microscopy and qRT-PCR analysis showed that, compared with unsynchronized cells and S and G2/M phase cells, SeMNPV-infected P8-Se301-C1 cells in G1 phase induced G2/M phase arrest, and the amount of virus adsorption and intracellular viral DNA replication were significantly increased (p < 0.05). In addition, budded virus (BV) production and occlusion body (OB)-containing cells were both increased at 120 h post-infection (p < 0.05). The expression of Cyclin B and CDK1 was significantly down-regulated at 48 h post-infection (p < 0.05). Finally, the arrest of SeMNPV-infected G1 phase cells in the G2/M phase increased BV production (p < 0.05) and the number of OB-containing cells. In conclusion, G1 phase infection and G2/M arrest are favorable to SeMNPV proliferation in P8-Se301-C1 cells, thereby alleviating the homologous superinfection exclusion. The results contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between baculoviruses and insect cell cycle progression and regulation.

Regulatory networks of senescence-associated gene-transcription factors promote degradation in Moso bamboo shoots.

Bamboo cultivation, particularly Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), holds significant economic importance in various regions worldwide. Bamboo shoot degradation (BSD) severely affects productivity and economic viability. However, despite its agricultural consequences, the molecular mechanisms underlying BSD remain unclear. Consequently, we explored the dynamic changes of BSD through anatomy, physiology and the transcriptome. Our findings reveal ruptured protoxylem cells, reduced cell wall thickness and the accumulation of sucrose and reactive oxygen species (ROS) during BSD. Transcriptomic analysis underscored the importance of genes related to plant hormone signal transduction, sugar metabolism and ROS homoeostasis in this process. Furthermore, BSD appears to be driven by the coexpression regulatory network of senescence-associated gene transcription factors (SAG-TFs), specifically PeSAG39, PeWRKY22 and PeWRKY75, primarily located in the protoxylem of vascular bundles. Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays demonstrated that PeWRKY22 and PeWRKY75 activate PeSAG39 expression by binding to its promoter. This study advanced our understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms governing BSD, offering a valuable reference for enhancing Moso bamboo forest productivity.

Preparation, Biological Evaluation, and First-in-Human Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Study of 99mTc-Labeled Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)-Targeted Radiotracers Containing Triazole with Reduced Kidneys Accumulation.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a well-established biological marker for prostate cancer (PCa) imaging and therapy, is overexpressed on the surface of prostate cancer lesions. In this study, a triazole ring was introduced into the linker by click chemistry to generate a HYNIC-derived ligand (T), which exhibited good PSMA affinity (Ki = 2.23 nM). Eight stable 99mTc-labeled complexes, [99mTc]Tc-T-Mn (n = 1-8), with hydrophilic properties were synthesized by incorporating different coligands at high radiochemical yields and purities without purification. The radioligands were concentrated in the kidneys of healthy Kunming male mice and were significantly blocked by the PSMA inhibitor ZJ-43. The uptake of the optimized complex [99mTc]Tc-T-M2 was correlated with PSMA, and it had good PSMA affinity (Kd = 5.42 nM). [99mTc]Tc-T-M2 accumulated on LNCaP (PSMA++) tumors and was significantly blocked by ZJ-43 at 2 h p.i., indicating high PSMA specificity. Relatively suitable kidney uptake was beneficial for reducing kidneys exposure in patients. SPECT/CT imaging of [99mTc]Tc-T-M2 in LNCaP (PSMA++) or 22Rv1 (PSMA+) tumor-bearing mice revealed high tumor uptake, low background uptake (especially low kidney uptake (49.06 ± 9.20 %ID/g) at 2 h p.i.), and obvious inhibition by ZJ-43, whereas PC-3 (PSMA-) tumors were undetectable. A freeze-dried [99mTc]Tc-T-M2 kit was successfully developed (T-M2 kit). Preliminary clinical trials showed that [99mTc]Tc-T-M2 clearly identified small prostate cancer lesions and has potential for clinical application.

In vitro modeling of recurrent Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: Assessment of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, low-grade malignant tumor of the dermis with a high recurrence rate post-surgery. Current treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy, have limitations. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a promising non-invasive approach, but its efficacy in DFSP treatment remains underexplored. METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of 5-ALA PDT using an in vitro model derived from a recurrent DFSP patient. The cells were treated with varying concentrations of 5-ALA and exposed to red light, followed by assessments of cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and expression of DFSP-related genes and proteins. RESULTS: 5-ALA PDT significantly reduced DFSP cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis. It also effectively inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as suppressed angiogenic activity in conditioned media. Furthermore, 5-ALA PDT downregulated the expression of COL1A1 and PDGFRB, key genes in DFSP pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide the first evidence of 5-ALA PDT's in vitro anti-tumor efficacy against DFSP, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic approach for DFSP. Further studies are warranted to explore the clinical utility of 5-ALA PDT in preventing DFSP recurrence.

Predicting adverse events after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for patients with type B aortic dissection.

The potential of adverse events (AEs) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD) has been reported. To avoid the occurrence of AEs, it is important to recognize high-risk population for prevention in advance. The data of 261 patients with TBAD who received TEVAR between June 2017 and June 2021 at our medical center were retrospectively reviewed. After the implementation of exclusion criteria, 172 patients were finally included, and after 2.8 years (range from 1 day to 5.8 years) of follow up, they were divided into AEs (n = 41) and non-AEs (n = 131) groups. We identified the predictors of AEs, and a prediction model was constructed to calculate the specific risk of postoperative AEs at 1, 2, and 3 years, and to stratify patients into high-risk (n = 78) and low-risk (n = 94) group. The prediction model included seven predictors: Age > 75 years, Lower extremity malperfusion (LEM), NT-proBNP > 330 pg/ml, None distal tear, the ratio between the diameter of the ascending aorta and descending aorta (A/D ratio) > 1.2, the ratio of the area of the false lumen to the total aorta (FL ratio) > 64%, and acute TEVAR, which exhibited excellent predictive accuracy performance and discriminatory ability with C statistic of 82.3% (95% CI 77.3-89.2%). The prediction model was contributed to identify high-risk patients of postoperative AEs, which may serve to achievement of personalized treatment and follow-up plans for patients.

CDK1 and CCNA2 play important roles in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant tumor that occurs in oral cavity and is dominated by squamous cells. The relationship between CDK1, CCNA2, and OSCC is still unclear. The OSCC datasets GSE74530 and GSE85195 configuration files were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and were derived from platforms GPL570 and GPL6480. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis, functional enrichment analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, construction and analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database analysis were performed. Gene expression heatmap was drawn. TargetScan was used to screen miRNAs that regulate central DEGs. A total of 1756 DEGs were identified. According to Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, they were predominantly enriched in processes related to organic acid catabolic metabolism, centromeric, and chromosomal region condensation, and oxidoreductase activity. In Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, the DEGs were mainly concentrated in metabolic pathways, P53 signaling pathway, and PPAR signaling pathway. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed with a soft-thresholding power set at 9, leading to the identification of 6 core genes (BUB1B, CCNB1, KIF20A, CCNA2, CDCA8, CDK1). The gene expression heatmap revealed that core genes (CDK1, CCNA2) were highly expressed in OSCC samples. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database analysis demonstrated associations between the 6 genes (BUB1B, CCNB1, KIF20A, CCNA2, CDCA8, CDK1) and oral tumors, precancerous lesions, inflammation, immune system disorders, and tongue tumors. The associated miRNAs for CDK1 gene were hsa-miR-203a-3p.2, while for CCNA2 gene, they were hsa-miR-6766-3p, hsa-miR-4782-3p, and hsa-miR-219a-5p. CDK1 and CCNA2 are highly expressed in OSCC. The higher the expression of CDK1 and CCNA2, the worse the prognosis.

Elevated Saliva Pepsin Concentration as a Risk Factor for Asthma in Children with Allergic Rhinitis: A Preliminary Study.

Objective: This study aimed to explore whether saliva pepsin concentration (SPC) could be regarded as a risk factor for the occurrence and unfavorable control of asthma in children with allergic rhinitis. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on a group of 20 consecutive children newly diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and asthma (referred to as the asthma group). All these children underwent fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement, lung function tests, and assessment of asthma control using the 7-item Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) score. Simultaneously, a control group consisting of 20 children with simple allergic rhinitis, matched for baseline characteristics, was included. SPC measurement was performed in the two groups. Results: The SPC value was significantly higher in the asthma group than that in the control group (165.0 ± 82.8 ng/mL vs 68.4 ± 34.5 ng/mL) (P < 0.001). In the asthma group, SPC was independently associated with FeNO, the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory flow at 50% and 75% of FVC (FEF50 and FEF75) (all P < 0.05). The severity of nasal symptoms evaluated by the visual analogue scale (N-VAS) was independently associated with FEF75, the maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), and C-ACT score (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Direct pepsin exposure and uncontrolled nasal symptoms may play crucial roles in the pathogenesis and progression of childhood allergic asthma. The SPC value can be considered as a risk factor for asthma in children with allergic rhinitis.

A Photo-induced Cross-Linking Enhanced A and B Combined Multi-Functional Spray Hydrogel Instantly Protects and Promotes of Irregular Dynamic Wound Healing.

Wounds in harsh environments can face long-term inflammation and persistent infection, which can slow healing. Wound spray is a product that can be rapidly applied to large and irregularly dynamic wounds, and can quickly form a protective film in situ to inhibit external environmental infection. In this study, a biodegradable A and B combined multi-functional spray hydrogel is developed with methacrylate-modified chitosan (CSMA1st) and ferulic acid (FA) as type A raw materials and oxidized Bletilla striata polysaccharide (OBSP) as type B raw materials. The precursor CSMA1st-FA/OBSP (CSOB-FA1st) hydrogel is formed by the self-cross-linking of dynamic Schiff base bonds, the CSMA-FA/OBSP (CSOB-FA) hydrogel is formed quickly after UV-vis light, so that the hydrogel fits with the wound. Rapid spraying and curing provide sufficient flexibility and rapidity for wounds and the hydrogel has good injectability, adhesive, and mechanical strength. In rats and miniature pigs, the A and B combined spray hydrogel can shrink wounds and promote healing of infected wounds, and promote the enrichment of fibrocyte populations. Therefore, the multifunctional spray hydrogel combined with A and B can protect irregular dynamic wounds, prevent wound infection and secondary injury, and be used for safe and effective wound treatment, which has a good prospect for development.

(111) Facet-oriented Cu2Mg Intermetallic Compound with Cu3-Mg Sites for CO2 Electroreduction to Ethanol with Industrial Current Density.

The efficient ethanol electrosynthesis from CO2 is challenging with low selectivity at high CO2 electrolysis rates, due to the competition with H2 and other reduction products. Copper-based bimetallic electrocatalysts are potential candidates for the CO2-to-ethanol conversion, but the secondary metal has mainly been focused on active components (such as Ag, Sn) for CO2 electroreduction, which also promote selectivity of ethylene or other reduction products rather than ethanol. Limited attention has been given to alkali-earth metals due to their inherently active chemical property. Herein, we rationally synthesized a (111) facet-oriented nano Cu2Mg (designated as Cu2Mg(111)) intermetallic compound with high-density ordered Cu3-Mg sites. The in situ Raman spectroscopy and density function theory calculations revealed that the Cu3 - δ $_{^{\rm{{\rm \delta} }} }$ --Mg- δ $_{^{\rm{{\rm \delta} }} }$ + active sites allowed to increase *CO surface coverage, decrease reaction energy for *CO-CO coupling, and stabilize *CHCHOH intermediates, thus promoting the ethanol formation pathway. The Cu2Mg(111) catalyst exhibited a high FEC2H5OH of 76.2±4.8 % at 600 mA⋅cm-2, and a peak value of |jC2H5OH| of 720±34 mA⋅cm-2, almost 4 times of that using conventional Cu2Mg with (311) facets, comparable to the best reported values for the CO2-to-ethanol electroreduction.

Nitrogen fertilization practices alter microbial communities driven by clonal integration in Moso bamboo.

Nitrogen (N) fertilization is crucial for maintaining plant productivity. Clonal plants can share resources between connected ramets through clonal integration influencing microbial communities and regulating soil biogeochemical cycling, especially in the rhizosphere. However, the effect of various N fertilization practices on microbial communities in the rhizosphere of clonal ramets remain unknown. In this study, clonal fragments of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), consisting of a parent ramet, an offspring ramet, and an interconnecting rhizome, were established in the field. NH4NO3 solution was applied to the parent, offspring ramets or rhizomes to investigate the effect of fertilization practices on the structure and function of rhizosphere microbial communities. The differences in N availability, microbial biomass and community composition, and abundance of nitrifying genes among rhizosphere soils of ramets gradually decreased during the rapid growth of Moso bamboo, irrespective of fertilization practice. The soil N availability variation, particularly in NO3-, caused by fertilization practices altered the rhizosphere microbial community. Soil N availability and stable microbial biomass N in parent fertilization were the highest, being 9.0 % and 18.7 %, as well as 60.8 % and 90.4 % higher than rhizome and offspring fertilizations, respectively. The microbial network nodes and links in rhizome fertilization were 1.8 and 7.5 times higher than in parent and offspring fertilization, respectively. However, the diversity of bacterial community and abundance of nitrifying and denitrifying genes were the highest in offspring fertilization among three practices, which may be associated with increased N loss. Collectively, the rhizosphere microbial community characteristics depended on fertilization practices by altering the clonal integration of N in Moso bamboo. Parent and rhizome fertilization were favorable for N retention in plant-soil system and resulted in more stable microbial functions than offspring fertilization. Our findings provide new insights into precision fertilization for the sustainable Moso bamboo forest management.

Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Novel 99mTc-Labeled FAPI-46 Derivatives with Significant Tumor Uptake and Improved Tumor-to-Nontarget Ratios.

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which is expressed on the cell membranes of fibroblasts in most solid tumors, has become an important target for tumor diagnosis and treatment. However, previously reported 99mTc-labeled FAPI-04 complexes have high blood uptake, limiting their use in the clinic. In this work, six 99mTc-labeled FAPI-46 derivatives with different linkers (different amino acids, peptides, or polyethylene glycol) were prepared and evaluated. They had good in vitro stability, hydrophilicity, and good specificity for FAP. The biodistribution and MicroSPECT images revealed that they all had high specific tumor uptake for FAP, and their blood uptake was significantly decreased. Among them, [99mTc]Tc-6-1 exhibited the highest target-to-nontarget ratios (tumor/blood: 6.06 ± 1.19; tumor/muscle: 10.26 ± 0.44) and good tumor uptake (16.15 ± 0.83%ID/g), which also had significantly high affinity for FAP, good in vivo stability, and safety. Therefore, [99mTc]Tc-6-1 holds great potential as a promising molecular tracer for FAP tumor imaging.

Ligand-channel-enabled ultrafast Li-ion conduction.

Li-ion batteries (LIBs) for electric vehicles and aviation demand high energy density, fast charging and a wide operating temperature range, which are virtually impossible because they require electrolytes to simultaneously have high ionic conductivity, low solvation energy and low melting point and form an anion-derived inorganic interphase1-5. Here we report guidelines for designing such electrolytes by using small-sized solvents with low solvation energy. The tiny solvent in the secondary solvation sheath pulls out the Li+ in the primary solvation sheath to form a fast ion-conduction ligand channel to enhance Li+ transport, while the small-sized solvent with low solvation energy also allows the anion to enter the first Li+ solvation shell to form an inorganic-rich interphase. The electrolyte-design concept is demonstrated by using fluoroacetonitrile (FAN) solvent. The electrolyte of 1.3 M lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) in FAN exhibits ultrahigh ionic conductivity of 40.3 mS cm-1 at 25 °C and 11.9 mS cm-1 even at -70 °C, thus enabling 4.5-V graphite||LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 pouch cells (1.2 Ah, 2.85 mAh cm-2) to achieve high reversibility (0.62 Ah) when the cells are charged and discharged even at -65 °C. The electrolyte with small-sized solvents enables LIBs to simultaneously achieve high energy density, fast charging and a wide operating temperature range, which is unattainable for the current electrolyte design but is highly desired for extreme LIBs. This mechanism is generalizable and can be expanded to other metal-ion battery electrolytes.

Efficacy and safety of fractional carbon dioxide laser followed by 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for keloids.

BACKGROUND: Keloids are aggressive fibroproliferative disorders that cause aesthetic and functional damage. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown promise as a novel treatment for keloids. However, the limited penetration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and unsatisfactory outcomes in dense scars hinder its effectiveness as a monotherapy. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser followed by 5-ALA PDT for keloids. METHODS: A total of 12 patients with keloid were included in our study. Each lesion was pretreated by fractional CO2 laser with 26-28 W to create microthermal zones. After topical application of 5-ALA solution, an irradiation of 635 nm red light with 120 J/cm2 was performed. The treatment was repeated at least every 2 weeks. Efficacy and safety were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for keloid-related symptoms and documentation of postoperative complications. Statistical analysis was performed to compare VSS and keloid-related symptom VAS scores of the baseline and final treatment sessions. RESULTS: The final treatment resulted in a statistically significant decrease in all parameters of VSS and VAS for pruritus and pain compared to the baseline. Except for postoperative hyperpigmentation, no infections, scar aggravation, or recurrence were observed during at least 6 months of follow-up. Overall, patients expressed a high level of satisfaction with the treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Fractional CO2 laser followed by 5-ALA PDT is a promising method for treating keloids. However, its synergetic effects need to be validated through clinical trials involving larger patient cohorts.

Mucoadhesive and thermosensitive Bletilla striata polysaccharide/chitosan hydrogel loaded nanoparticles for rectal drug delivery in ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease with diffuse mucosal inflammation limited to the colon. A topical drug delivery system that could be facilely performed and efficiently retained at colon are attractive for clinical ulcerative colitis treatment. Herein, a novel platform for rectal administration of thermosensitive hydrogel co-loaded with nanoparticles to treat ulcerative colitis was developed. Thiolated-hyaluronic acid was synthesized, and prepared nanoparticles with zein and Puerarin. And the Bletilla striata polysaccharide with colonic mucosa repair effect was oxidized, and mixed with chitosan and ß-sodium glycerophosphate to prepare thermosensitive hydrogel. Thermosensitive hydrogels were combined with nanoparticles to investigate their mucosal adhesion, retention, and permeability, as well as their therapeutic effects on ulcerative colitis. Thiolated-hyaluronic acid nanoparticles had good stability, and could be quickly converted into hydrogel at body temperature when combined with thermosensitive hydrogel. The nanoparticles-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel also was excellent at mucosal penetration, enhancing the retention time of drugs in colon, and effectively controlling drug release. In vivo ulcerative colitis treatment revealed that the nanoparticles-loaded hydrogel significantly repaired the colonic mucosa and inhibit colonic inflammation. Therefore, the thermosensitive hydrogel co-loaded nanoparticles will have a promising application in effective treatment of ulcerative colitis by topical administration.