Scalable Label Distribution Learning for Multi-Label Classification.

Multi-label classification (MLC) refers to the problem of tagging a given instance with a set of relevant labels. Most existing MLC methods are based on the assumption that the correlation of two labels in each label pair is symmetric, which is violated in many real-world scenarios. Moreover, most existing methods design learning processes associated with the number of labels, which makes their computational complexity a bottleneck when scaling up to large-scale output space. To tackle these issues, we propose a novel method named scalable label distribution learning (SLDL) for MLC, which can describe different labels as distributions in a latent space, where the label correlation is asymmetric and the dimension is independent of the number of labels. Specifically, SLDL first converts labels into continuous distributions within a low-dimensional latent space and leverages the asymmetric metric to establish the correlation between different labels. Then, it learns the mapping from the feature space to the latent space, resulting in the computational complexity is no longer related to the number of labels. Finally, SLDL leverages a nearest neighbor-based strategy to decode the latent representations and obtain the final predictions. Extensive experiments illustrate that SLDL achieves very competitive classification performances with little computational consumption.

Joint line convergence angle should be considered when constitutional alignment is predicted based on arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle: a retrospective cross-sectional observational study.

Few studies have illustrated the role of the joint line convergence angle (JLCA) in the correlation between the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA) and mechanical hip-knee-ankle angle (mHKA). We aimed to determine this role and to evaluate the effect of the JLCA in predicting constitutional alignment using the aHKA. A total of 107 normal participants (214 knees) and 246 patients (477 knees) with osteoarthritis(OA) were retrospectively examined using long-leg radiographs. The formula was calculated geometrically on plain radiographs of the knee based on the relationships among the mHKA, aHKA, and JLCA, and the distribution of the JLCA between the groups was determined. The effect of the JLCA on the prediction of constitutional alignment using the aHKA were evaluated. The geometric formula was determined to be 'mHKA=180°+aHKA - JLCA', and was verified. The median (quartile 1, quartile 3) JLCA was 2.0° (1.0°, 3.5°) and 2.5° (1.0°, 4.5°) in the normal and OA groups, respectively. The JLCA affected the prediction of constitutional alignment based on the aHKA. It should be considered when constitutional alignment is predicted based on the aHKA in patients with high JLCA values.

Hyaluronic acid-decorated lipid nanocarriers as novel vehicles for curcumin: Improved stability, cellular absorption, and anti-inflammatory effects.

This study aimed to investigate how hyaluronic acid interfacial decoration affects the stability, cellular absorption, and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers. Nanocarriers were synthesized with an ovalbumin single layer and ovalbumin/hyaluronic acid double, mixed, or conjugated layers. All nanocarriers were spherical (200-300 nm diameter), and their encapsulation efficiency exceeded 95 %. Among the layers, the conjugated one exhibited the highest elastic surface dilatational modulus of approximately 40 mN/m, and the longest curcumin half-life of 186.07 days at 4 °C. Spearman's correlation analysis showed a negative correlation (r = -0.6698) between the recrystallization index and curcumin stability. The layer's mechanical strength improved curcumin stability by preventing crystal transition. Hyaluronic acid decoration enhanced the curcumin uptake of Caco-2 cells by 1.96-2.48 folds. Among the layers, the conjugate one was the most effective because of its strong binding constant with the receptor. Hyaluronic acid decoration improved the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin.

Three-dimensional NTF-Ag composites for ultrasensitive SERS-based detection of malachite green on crucian carp skin.

Three-dimensional (3D) Na2Ti3O7 flower (NTF) systems were synthesized, followed by sputter coating with silver (Ag) nanoparticles to increase surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity. By varying the sputtering time, SERS activity of the Ag-decorated NTF (NTF-Ag) structures was optimized. Furthermore, the theoretical evidence from finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations confirmed that an appropriate density of Ag particles increased the electromagnetic field contribution. The electromagnetic field contribution is high because the special petal-shaped structure can promote multiple reflections and scattering, thus providing efficient resonance absorption for charge-transfer (CT) and exciton enhancements. Highly SERS-active NTF-Ag composites were developed and exploited for the detection of malachite green (MG), a model contaminant in the food industry. The detection limit of this method for MG reached 3.78 × 10-10 M, with a standard deviation of homogeneity of 6.83 %. This method was successfully applied to detect MG on crucian carp skin, and it showed high recovery, indicating that it can serve as a practical method for MG evaluation. All results demonstrated that the prepared NTF-Ag composite has great potential in the application of SERS-based contamination assessment in the food industry.

PdSe2/2H-MoTe2 Heterojunction Self-Powered Photodetector: Broadband Photodetection and Linear/Circular Polarization Capability.

In this research, we introduce a PdSe2/2H-MoTe2 heterojunction photodetector that exhibits both broadband self-powered photodetection and linear/circular polarization detection capabilities. It has a broad spectral response range (covering 375-2200 nm) and reaches a peak sensitivity at 532 nm, exhibiting a notable responsivity of 7.3 × 103 A/W and a substantial specific detectivity of 8.5 × 1012 Jones. Even in the near-infrared region of 1310 nm, it still has a high responsivity of 20 A/W. The self-powered photodetection capabilities of the PdSe2/2H-MoTe2 heterojunction are equally impressive, covering a broad range from 375 to 1550 nm, with a responsivity of 243 mA/W, a specific detectivity of 6.46 × 1010 Jones, a fill factor of 0.8, and an external quantum efficiency of 56.73%. Finally, simultaneous implementation of linear/circular polarization detection on the PdSe2/2H-MoTe2 heterojunction provides a powerful solution for near-infrared full-Stokes polarization detectors with high integration, miniaturization, and portability.

The Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homologue OsRBOHE is crucial for root hair formation, drought resistance and tillering in rice.

Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homologues (RBOHs) are involved in plant growth, development, and stress adaptation. How OsRBOHs affect root hair formation and consequently nutrient acquisition and drought resistance in rice is not well understood. We knocked out six OsRBOH genes in rice that were expressed in roots and identified OsRBOHE as the only one affecting root hair formation. OsRBOHE was strongly expressed in the root epidermis, root hairs and tiller buds. OsRBOHE is localised at the plasma membrane. Knockout of OsRBOHE decreased reactive oxygen species generation in the root hairs and tiller buds, downregulated genes involved in cell wall biogenesis, and decreased root hair length and tillering by 90% and 30%, respectively. Knockout of OsRBOHE decreased phosphorus acquisition only in low available P soil under aerobic conditions, but not in high P soil or under flooded conditions when P was likely not limited by diffusion. Knockout of OsRBOHE markedly decreased drought resistance of rice plants through the effect on root hair formation and the associated rhizosheath. Taken together, OsRBOHE is crucial for root hair formation and tillering and consequently on drought resistance in rice. The contribution of root hairs to P acquisition in rice is limited to aerobic soil.

Advancing microvascular invasion diagnosis: a multi-center investigation of novel MRI-based models for precise detection and classification in early-stage small hepatocellular carcinoma (≤ 3 cm).

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop two preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based models for detecting and classifying microvascular invasion (MVI) in early-stage small hepatocellular carcinoma (sHCC) patients. METHODS: MVI is graded as M0 (no invasion), M1 (invasion of five or fewer vessels located within 1 cm of the tumor's peritumoral region), and M2 (invasion of more than five vessels or those located more than 1 cm from the tumor's surface). This study enrolled 395 early-stage sHCC (≤ 3 cm) patients from three centers who underwent preoperative gadopentetate-enhanced MRI. From the first two centers, 310 patients were randomly divided into training (n = 217) and validation (n = 93) cohorts in a 7:3 ratio to develop the first model for predicting MVI presence. Among these, 153 patients with identified MVI were further divided into training (n = 112) and validation (n = 41) cohorts, using the same ratio, to construct the second model for MVI classification. An independent test cohort of 85 patients from the third center to validate both models. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent predictors of MVI and its classification in the training cohorts. Based on these predictors, two nomograms were developed and assessed for their discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical usefulness. Besides, considering the two models are supposed applied in a serial fashion in the real clinical setting, we evaluate the performance of the two models together on the test cohorts by applying them simultaneously. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was employed to assess the correlation between predicted MVI status and early recurrence, similar to the association observed with actual MVI status and early recurrence. RESULTS: The MVI detection nomogram, with platelet count (PLT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), rim arterial phase hyperenhancement (Rim APHE) and arterial peritumoral enhancement, achieved area under the curve (AUC) of 0.827, 0.761 and 0.798 in the training, validation, and test cohorts, respectively. The MVI classification nomogram, integrating Total protein (TP), Shape, Arterial peritumoral enhancement and enhancement pattern, achieved AUC of 0.824, 0.772, and 0.807 across the three cohorts. When the two models were applied on the test cohorts in a serial fashion, they both demonstrated good performance, which means the two models had good clinical applicability. Calibration and decision curve analysis (DCA) results affirmed the model's reliability and clinical utility. Notably, early recurrence was more prevalent in the MVI grade 2 (M2) group compared to the MVI-absent and M1 groups, regardless of the actual or predicted MVI status. CONCLUSIONS: The nomograms exhibited excellent predictive performance for detecting and classifying MVI in patients with early-stage sHCC, particularly identifying high-risk M2 patients preoperatively.

[Effects of Grazing on Plant Diversity and Their Carbon Stocks in Different Types of Grasslands].

With the drying and warming of the climate and irrational grazing, various types of grasslands in Inner Mongolia have been degraded to different degrees, and different management modes will inevitably affect the plant diversity and vegetation carbon stock of soil grasslands. To clarify the changes and influencing factors of plant diversity and carbon stock in different types of grasslands under different management modes, plant species composition, aboveground biomass, and vegetation carbon were analyzed based on 18 sentinel monitoring stations across three different types of grasslands in Inner Mongolia. The results showed that grazing increased the dominance of typical grassland and desert grassland, whereas meadow grassland decreased, and the evenness index and Shannon Wiener diversity index increased less in meadow grassland and desert grassland. Grazing decreased graminaceous biomass in meadow grassland and typical grassland, whereas it increased in desert grassland. Above-ground vegetation and below-ground root carbon stocks were much higher than those in grazing areas, 1.5 and 1.2 higher, respectively, but vegetation carbon stocks in long-term grazing sites were significantly lower than those in short-term grazing. Further, the structural equations showed that the effects of geographic location, climatic factors, and soil factors on the biomass and vegetation carbon stocks of the three grassland types differed significantly. The results can provide a reference for the ecologically sustainable development of grassland and the optimization of management mode.

Wireless antenna sensor with CuO@Cu-vertical graphene and cysteine-PDMS composite for ethanol gas detection.

BACKGROUND: Ethanol gas sensors are widely used in driving safety, security, and clinical respiratory monitoring applications. However, most ethanol sensors are large and exhibit poor stability owing to their integrated controller and high-temperature operation. Moreover, the development of wireless controller-free room-temperature ethanol sensors with long-term reliability is challenging. RESULTS: In this study, a wireless room-temperature ethanol gas antenna sensor was developed by combining a Cu radiation electrode with vertical graphene (VG) embedded with CuO@Cu nanoparticles and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) dielectric substrate filled with cysteine (Cys). In the patch-antenna sensor, changes in the ethanol gas concentration resulted in frequency shift differences in the generation and transmission processes of the synchronized sensing signal. The VG-Cu/Cys-PDMS ethanol gas sensor had a detection range of 50-2100 ppm and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.112 ppm, with a response/recovery time of only 20/21 s for 1200 ppm ethanol, thus demonstrating superior long-term stability and satisfactory humidity tolerance. Therefore, the synergistic sensitization mechanism between the VG sensing/radiation layer and Cys-PDMS substrate was investigated. SIGNIFICANCE: This approach effectively addresses the issues of low-temperature operation, miniaturization, and long-term reliability. The proposed patch-antenna gas sensor is suitable for large-scale production owing to its use of industrial chemical vapor deposition technology and could be used to develop Internet-of-Things gas sensor nodes owing to its wireless propagation of electromagnetic waves with sensing information.

A novel M2-like tumor associated macrophages-related gene signature for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (M2-like TAMs) play key roles in tumor progression and the immune response. However, the clinical significance and prognostic value of M2-like TAMs-associated regulatory genes in gastric cancer (GC) have not been clarified. METHODS: Herein, we identified M2-like TAM-related genes by weighted gene coexpression network analysis of TCGA-STAD and GSE84437 cohort. Lasso-Cox regression analyses were then performed to screen for signature genes, and a novel signature was constructed to quantify the risk score for each patient. Tumor mutation burden (TMB), survival outcomes, immune cells, and immune function were analyzed in the risk groups to further reveal the immune status of GC patients. A gene-drug correlation analysis and sensitivity analysis of anticancer drugs were used to identify potential therapeutic agents. Finally, we verified the mRNA expression of signature genes in patient tissues by qRT-PCR, and analyzed the expression distribution of these genes by IHC. RESULTS: A 4-gene (SERPINE1, MATN3, CD36, and CNTN1) signature was developed and validated, and the risk score was shown to be an independent prognostic factor for GC patients. Further analyses revealed that GC patients in the high-risk group had a worse prognosis than those in the low-risk group, with significant differences in TMB, clinical features, enriched pathways, TIDE score, and tumor microenvironment features. Finally, we used qRT-PCR and IHC analysis to verify mRNA and protein level expression of signature genes. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the importance of M2-like TAMs, provide a new perspective on individualized immunotherapy for GC patients.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of frontline immunotherapy combinations in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a network meta-analysis highlighting the value of PD-L1 expression positivity scores.

Introduction: The systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) consolidate all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to initial immunotherapy treatments for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Our goal is to thoroughly assess the effectiveness and safety of various immunotherapy methods, focusing on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among patients with advanced ESCC positive for PD-L1. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, covering all records from their inception until January 22, 2024. The inclusion criteria targeted patients with advanced ESCC undergoing first-line immunotherapy or chemotherapy, limiting the study selection to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exclusively. The study upholds the values of openness, originality, and dependability, as evidenced by its enrollment in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42024504992). Results: Our analysis encompasses 7 RCTs, totaling 4688 patients, and evaluates 8 distinct immunotherapy combinations. In advanced ESCC patients irrespective of PD-L1 expression, both sintilimab-chemotherapy and toripalimab-chemotherapy regimens demonstrated comparable OS benefits (HR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.64-1.33). The most pronounced PFS advantages were seen with sintilimab-chemotherapy and camrelizumab-chemotherapy as compared to standard chemotherapy (HR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.46-0.58). Notably, camrelizumab-chemotherapy (HR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.59-1.16) and nivolumab-ipilimumab (HR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.60-1.17) demonstrated significant safety profiles over chemotherapy alone. Subgroup analysis based on PD-L1 expression revealed nivolumab-chemotherapy to yield the highest OS benefit (HR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.37-0.79) in ESCC patients with PD-L1 expression ≥1%. Furthermore, camrelizumab-chemotherapy (HR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.39-0.67) exhibited superior PFS benefits. Among patients with PD-L1 expression ≥10%, camrelizumab-chemotherapy (HR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.35-0.78) emerged as the most efficacious in improving OS, while serplulimab-chemotherapy (HR=0.48, 95% CI: 0.34-0.68) was associated with the longest PFS benefit. Conclusion: The integration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with chemotherapy appears to significantly enhance survival outcomes in patients with advanced ESCC compared to chemotherapy alone. Sintilimab-chemotherapy is potentially the optimal regimen for patients without PD-L1 expression. In contrast, nivolumab-chemotherapy and camrelizumab-chemotherapy are likely to offer the best OS and PFS benefits, respectively, in patients with PD-L1 expression ≥1%. Among those with PD-L1 expression ≥10%, camrelizumab-chemotherapy is projected to provide the greatest OS advantage, whereas serplulimab-chemotherapy is anticipated to offer the most prolonged PFS benefit. Since most of the patients in this study originated from Asia, the above findings are more applicable to the Asian population. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024504992.

Trends and projection of burden on lung cancer and risk factors in China from 1990 to 2060.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer (LC) is currently the number one malignancy death rate disease in China, and its disease burden is serious. The study aimed to analyze trends of LC and its risk factor attributable disease in China from 1990 to 2019 and predict the next 41 years. METHODS: The average annual percentage change (AAPC) was used to analyze the trend of LC and its risk factor attributable incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate in China from 1990 to 2019, collected in the Global Burden of Disease 2019. Cochran-Armitage trends examine trends in lung cancer disease burden by sex, age, and attributable risk factor groups in China from 1990 to 2019. In addition, based on data on death and DALYs rate due to LC and its risk factors between 1990 and 2019, an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was developed to predict the change in the trend of burden of disease due to LC and its risk factors over the next 41 years, and the model was evaluated using the model parameters root mean square error, mean absolute error, and mean absolute percentage error. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2019, the incidence, mortality and DALYs of LC were all increased. Among the eight risk factors associated with lung cancer, the DALYs rate and mortality rate of lung cancer risk factors for Chinese residents increased from 1990 to 2019, except for household air pollution from solid fuels and diet low in fruit, which showed a decrease; among them, the DALYs rate and mortality rate due to ambient particulate matter pollution showed the greatest increase with AAPC values of 2.880 and 3.310, respectively, while DALYs and mortality rates due to household air pollution from solid fuels showed the largest decreases, with AAPC values of -4.755 and -4.348, respectively. The results of the ARIMA model predictions show that both the mortality rate and the rate of DALYs for lung cancer are increasing yearly, and it is predicted that the rate of DALYs for lung cancer by 2060 will reach 740.095/100 000 and the mortality rate will reach 35.151/100 000. It is expected that by 2060, the top four risk factors for lung cancer in China will be, in order of DALYs rate and mortality rate, smoking, ambient particulate matter pollution, high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG), and secondhand smoke, with HFPG showing the greatest increase. CONCLUSIONS: The LC burden increased from 1990 to 2019 in China, the LC burden that could be attributed to HFPG will continue to increase in the next 40 years, and will be the third most factor by 2060. Targeted interventions are warranted to facilitate the prevention of LC and improvement of health-related quality of life patients with LC.

Assessment on malvidin-3-glucoside interaction with TLR4 via multi-spectroscopic analysis and molecular docking.

As one innate immune pattern recognition receptor, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) recently has been considered as a critical player in glucolipid metabolism. Blueberries contain high level of anthocyanins, especially malvidin-3-glucoside (Mv-3-glc), which contribute the anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. It is speculated that Mv-3-glc is able to possess these functions by binding to TLR4. Here, the noncovalent interactions of Mv-3-glc and TLR4 was explored through multi-techniques including fluorescence and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, as well as molecular docking. The results demonstrated that Mv-3-glc was able to quench TLR4 intrinsic fluorescence effectively. A stable complex was formed spontaneously and the reaction was exothermic. The degree of binding of Mv-3-glc to TLR4 showed a strong dependence on the chemical concentration, temperature, and pH values. The negative signs for enthalpy (ΔH = -69.1 ± 10.8 kJ/mol) and entropy (ΔS = -105.0 ± 12.3 J/mol/K) from the interaction of the Mv-3-glc and TLR4 shows that the major driving forces are the hydrogen bonding and van der Waals' force, which is consistent with the molecular docking results. In addition, molecular docking predicted that the active center with specific amino acid residues, Phe126, Ser127, Leu54, Ile153, and Tyr131 was responsible for the site of Mv-3-glc binding to TLR4/myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD-2). These findings confirmed that Mv-3-glc could bind to TLR4, which would be beneficial to understand the target therapeutic effects of blueberry anthocyanins on TLR4 in regulating glucolipid metabolism.

Nomogram prediction of vessels encapsulating tumor clusters in small hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 3 cm based on enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) represent a recently discovered vascular pattern associated with novel metastasis mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it seems that no one have focused on predicting VETC status in small HCC (sHCC). This study aimed to develop a new nomogram for predicting VETC positivity using preoperative clinical data and image features in sHCC (≤ 3 cm) patients. AIM: To construct a nomogram that combines preoperative clinical parameters and image features to predict patterns of VETC and evaluate the prognosis of sHCC patients. METHODS: A total of 309 patients with sHCC, who underwent segmental resection and had their VETC status confirmed, were included in the study. These patients were recruited from three different hospitals: Hospital 1 contributed 177 patients for the training set, Hospital 2 provided 78 patients for the test set, and Hospital 3 provided 54 patients for the validation set. Independent predictors of VETC were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic analyses. These independent predictors were then used to construct a VETC prediction model for sHCC. The model's performance was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, and clinical decision curve. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to confirm whether the predicted VETC status by the model is associated with early recurrence, just as it is with the actual VETC status and early recurrence. RESULTS: Alpha-fetoprotein_lg10, carbohydrate antigen 199, irregular shape, non-smooth margin, and arterial peritumoral enhancement were identified as independent predictors of VETC. The model incorporating these predictors demonstrated strong predictive performance. The AUC was 0.811 for the training set, 0.800 for the test set, and 0.791 for the validation set. The calibration curve indicated that the predicted probability was consistent with the actual VETC status in all three sets. Furthermore, the decision curve analysis demonstrated the clinical benefits of our model for patients with sHCC. Finally, early recurrence was more likely to occur in the VETC-positive group compared to the VETC-negative group, regardless of whether considering the actual or predicted VETC status. CONCLUSION: Our novel prediction model demonstrates strong performance in predicting VETC positivity in sHCC (≤ 3 cm) patients, and it holds potential for predicting early recurrence. This model equips clinicians with valuable information to make informed clinical treatment decisions.

Programmable Optoelectronic Synaptic Transistors Based on MoS2/Ta2NiS5 Heterojunction for Energy-Efficient Neuromorphic Optical Operation.

The optoelectronic synaptic transistors with various functions, broad spectral perception, and low power consumption are an urgent need for the development of advanced optical neural network systems. However, it remains a great challenge to realize the functional diversification of the systems on a single device. 2D van der Waals (vdW) materials can combine unique properties by stacking with each other to form heterojunctions, which may provide a strategy for solving this problem. Herein, an all-2D vdW heterojunction-based programmable optoelectronic synaptic transistor based on MoS2/Ta2NiS5 heterojunctions is demonstrated. The device implements reconfigurable, multilevel non-volatile memory (NVM) states through sequential modulation of multiple optical and electrical stimuli to achieve broadband (532-808 nm), energy-efficient (17.2 fJ), hetero-synaptic functionality in a bionic manner. The intrinsic working mechanisms of the photogating effect caused by band alignment and the interfacial trapping defect modulation induced by gate voltage are revealed by Kelvin-probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements and carrier transport analysis. Overall, the (opto)electronic synaptic weight controllability for combined in-sensor and in-memory logic processors is realized by the heterojunction properties. The proposed findings facilitate the technical realization of generic all 2D hetero-synapses for future artificial vision systems, opto-logical systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) entities.

Optimizing predictions: improved performance of preoperative gadobenate-enhanced MRI hepatobiliary phase features in predicting vessels encapsulating tumor clusters in hepatocellular carcinoma-a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Vessels Encapsulating Tumor Clusters (VETC) are now recognized as independent indicators of recurrence and overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, there has been limited investigation into predicting the VETC pattern using hepatobiliary phase (HBP) features from preoperative gadobenate-enhanced MRI. METHODS: This study involved 252 HCC patients with confirmed VETC status from three different hospitals (Hospital 1: training set with 142 patients; Hospital 2: test set with 64 patients; Hospital 3: validation set with 46 patients). Independent predictive factors for VETC status were determined through univariate and multivariate logistic analyses. Subsequently, these factors were used to construct two distinct VETC prediction models. Model 1 included all independent predictive factors, while Model 2 excluded HBP features. The performance of both models was assessed using the Area Under the Curve (AUC), Decision Curve Analysis, and Calibration Curve. Prediction accuracy between the two models was compared using Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI) and Integrated Discriminant Improvement (IDI). RESULTS: CA199, IBIL, shape, peritumoral hyperintensity on HBP, and arterial peritumoral enhancement were independent predictors of VETC. Model 1 showed robust predictive performance, with AUCs of 0.836 (training), 0.811 (test), and 0.802 (validation). Model 2 exhibited moderate performance, with AUCs of 0.813, 0.773, and 0.783 in the respective sets. Calibration and decision curves for both models indicated consistent predictions between predicted and actual VETC, benefiting HCC patients. NRI showed Model 1 increased by 0.326, 0.389, and 0.478 in the training, test, and validation sets compared to Model 2. IDI indicated Model 1 increased by 0.036, 0.028, and 0.025 in the training, test, and validation sets compared to Model 2. CONCLUSION: HBP features from preoperative gadobenate-enhanced MRI can enhance the predictive performance of VETC in HCC.

Decreased GATA3 levels cause changed mouse cutaneous innate lymphoid cell fate, facilitating hair follicle recycling.

In mice, skin-resident type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) exhibit some ILC3-like characteristics. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we observed lower expression of the ILC2 master regulator GATA3 specifically in cutaneous ILC2s (cILC2s) compared with canonical ILC2s, in line with its functionally divergent role in transcriptional control in cILC2s. Decreased levels of GATA3 enabled the expansion of RORγt fate-mapped (RORγtfm+) cILC2s after postnatal days, displaying certain similarities to ILC3s. Single-cell trajectory analysis showed a sequential promotion of the RORγtfm+ cILC2 divergency by RORγt and GATA3. Notably, during hair follicle recycling, these RORγtfm+ cILC2s accumulated around the hair follicle dermal papilla (DP) region to facilitate the process. Mechanistically, we found that GATA3-mediated integrin α3ß1 upregulation on RORγtfm+ cILC2s was required for their positioning around the DP. Overall, our study demonstrates a distinct regulatory role of GATA3 in cILC2s, particularly in promoting the divergence of RORγtfm+ cILC2s to facilitate hair follicle recycling.

Imaging findings of Epstein-Barr Virus-positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of spleen: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Spleen Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is rare, and the imaging signs are unclear. The COVID-19 has been confirmed to be the cause of pneumonia and can cause a variety of diseases including myocarditis. However, it has not been reported to be the cause of the exacerbation or activation of EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to extract the imaging features of EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS in the spleen and analyze the reasons for the special features of this case. METHODS: By analyzing the patient's treatment process and imaging examinations (A 77-year-old female was admitted to the hospital due to generalized discomfort and pain symptoms. When she was admitted to the hospital a year earlier with COVID-19 pneumonia, a chest CT scan showed that she had a splenic tumor. During this admission, CT scans showed two irregularly shaped and unevenly dense soft tissue density masses within the spleen, with uneven enhancement on contrast-enhanced im-aging within the solid components and along the edges. PET/CT scans revealed elevated glucose metabolism in the masses. Postoperative pathological diagnosis confirmed splenic EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS.), reading the literature, sorting out the disease cognitive process, epidemiology, and pathological data of EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS, we discussed the imaging manifestations and possible differential diagnosis of the disease. RESULTS: The patient was finally diagnosed with splenic EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging features of EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS in the spleen include a high incidence of hemorrhage and necrosis, persistent moderate enhancement of the solid portion, a "capsular-like enhancement" structure at the tumor edge, and possibly active glucose metabolism with high Standardized Uptake Values (SUVs). COVID-19 infection and long-term COVID-19 sequelae may exacerbate and activate EBV-positive inflammatory FDCS in the spleen, and the mechanism remains to be further studied.

A surface-modified Na3V2(PO4)2F3 cathode with high rate capability and cycling stability for sodium ion batteries.

High voltage, high rate, and cycling-stable cathodes are urgently needed for development of commercially viable sodium ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, we report a facial ball-milling to synthesize a carbon-coated Na3V2(PO4)2F3 composite (C-NVPF). Benefiting from the highly conductive carbon layer, the C-NVPF material exhibits a high reversible capacity (110.6 mA h g-1 at 0.1C), long-term cycle life (54% of capacity retention up to 2000 cycles at 5C), and excellent rate performance (35.1 mA h g-1 at 30C). The present results suggest promising applications of the C-NVPF material as a high-performance cathode for sodium ion batteries.

Environmental-Friendly Ag2S QD-Multilayer MoSe2 van Der Waals Heterostructure for High-Performance Broadband Photodetection.

Broadband photodetectors have drawn intensive attention owing to their wide application prospects in optical communication, imaging, astronomy, and so on. Two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are considered as highly potential candidates for photodetection applications, benefiting from their excellent photoelectric properties. However, most of the photodetectors based on TMDs suffer from low performance in the near-infrared (NIR) region due to the weak optical absorption efficiency near their absorption band edge, which severely constrains their usage for broadband optoelectronics. Here, by taking advantage of the high absorption coefficient and environment-friendly property of Ag2S quantum dots (QDs), the hybrid of multilayer MoSe2/Ag2S QDs is demonstrated with a high-performance broadband photodetection capability (532-1270 nm). The favorable energy band alignment of MoSe2/Ag2S QDs facilitates effective separation and collection of photogenerated carriers, and the heterostructure device exhibits significant enhancement of performance compared to the bare MoSe2 device. High responsivity, detectivity, and external quantum efficiency of 25.5 A/W, 1.45 × 1011 Jones, and 1070% are obtained at a low working voltage of 1 V under 980 nm illumination. The responsivity of the device can reach up to 1.2 A/W at 1270 nm wavelength, which is competitive to the commercial NIR photodetectors. Meanwhile, broadband imaging capability is demonstrated. Our work may open up a facile and eco-friendly approach to construct high-performance broadband photodetectors for next-generation compact optoelectronic applications.