Enhancing nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands: The role of influent substrate concentrations in integrated vertical-flow systems.

Recent advancements in constructed wetlands (CWs) have highlighted the imperative of enhancing nitrogen (N) removal efficiency. However, the variability in influent substrate concentrations presents a challenge in optimizing N removal strategies due to its impact on removal efficiency and mechanisms. Here we show the interplay between influent substrate concentration and N removal processes within integrated vertical-flow constructed wetlands (IVFCWs), using wastewaters enriched with NO3--N and NH4+-N at varying carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios (1, 3, and 6). In the NO3--N enriched systems, a positive correlation was observed between the C/N ratio and total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency, which markedly increased from 13.46 ± 2.23% to 87.00 ± 2.37% as the C/N ratio escalated from 1 to 6. Conversely, in NH4+-N enriched systems, TN removal efficiencies in the A-6 setup (33.69 ± 4.83%) were marginally 1.25 to 1.29 times higher than those in A-3 and A-1 systems, attributed to constraints in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels and alkalinity. Microbial community analysis and metabolic pathway assessment revealed that anaerobic denitrification, microbial N assimilation, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) predominated in NO3--N systems with higher C/N ratios (C/N ≥ 3). In contrast, aerobic denitrification and microbial N assimilation were the primary pathways in NH4+-N systems and low C/N NO3--N systems. A mass balance approach indicated denitrification and microbial N assimilation contributed 4.12-47.12% and 8.51-38.96% in NO3--N systems, respectively, and 0.55-17.35% and 7.83-33.55% in NH4+-N systems to TN removal. To enhance N removal, strategies for NO3--N dominated systems should address carbon source limitations and electron competition between denitrification and DNRA processes, while NH4+-N dominated systems require optimization of carbon utilization pathways, and ensuring adequate DO and alkalinity supply.

A novel model incorporating quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasound into PI-RADSv2-based nomogram detecting clinically significant prostate cancer.

The diagnostic accuracy of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADSv2) is limited by subjectivity in result interpretation and the false positive results from certain similar anatomic structures. We aimed to establish a new model combining quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasound, PI-RADSv2, clinical parameters to optimize the PI-RADSv2-based model. The analysis was conducted based on a data set of 151 patients from 2019 to 2022, multiple regression analysis showed that prostate specific antigen density, age, PI-RADSv2, quantitative parameters (rush time, wash-out area under the curve) were independent predictors. Based on these predictors, we established a new predictive model, the AUCs of the model were 0.910 and 0.879 in training and validation cohort, which were higher than those of PI-RADSv2-based model (0.865 and 0.821 in training and validation cohort). Net Reclassification Index analysis indicated that the new predictive model improved the classification of patients. Decision curve analysis showed that in most risk probabilities, the new predictive model improved the clinical utility of PI-RADSv2-based model. Generally, this new predictive model showed that quantitative parameters from contrast enhanced ultrasound could help to improve the diagnostic performance of PI-RADSv2 based model in detecting csPCa.

A Hexanuclear Gadolinium(III)-Based Nanoprobe for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Tumor Apoptosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is instrumental in the noninvasive evaluation of tumor tissues in patients subjected to chemotherapy, thereby yielding essential diagnostic data crucial for the prognosis of tumors and the formulation of therapeutic strategies. Currently, commercially available MRI contrast agents (CAs) predominantly consist of mononuclear gadolinium(III) complexes. Because there is only one Gd(III) atom per molecule, these CAs often require administration in high doses to achieve the desired contrast quality, which inevitably leads to some adverse events. Herein, we develop a six-nuclei, apoptosis-targeting T1 CA, Gd6-ZnDPA nanoprobe, which consists of a hexanuclear gadolinium nanocluster (Gd6) with an apoptosis-targeting group (ZnDPA). The amplification of Gd(III) by the hexanuclear structure generates its high longitudinal relaxivity (44.67 mM-1 s-1, 1T) and low r1/r2 ratio (0.68, 1T). Based on the Solomon-Bloembergen-Morgan (SBM) theory, this notable improvement is primarily ascribed to a long correlation tumbling time (τR). More importantly, the Gd6-ZnDPA nanoprobe shows excellent tumor apoptosis properties with an enhanced MR signal ratio (∼74%) and a long MRI imaging acquisition time window (∼48 h) in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. This study introduces an experimental gadolinium-based CA for the potential imaging of tumor apoptosis in the context of MRI.

Insights into the response of electroactive biofilm with petroleum hydrocarbons degradation ability to quorum sensing signals.

Bioelectrochemical technologies based on electroactive biofilms (EAB) are promising for petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) remediation as anode can serve as inexhaustible electron acceptor. However, the toxicity of PHs might inhibit the formation and function of EABs. Quorum sensing (QS) is ideal for boosting the performance of EABs, but its potential effects on reshaping microbial composition of EABs in treating PHs are poorly understood. Herein, two AHL signals, C4-HSL and C12-HSL, were employed to promote EABs for PHs degradation. The start-times of AHL-mediated EABs decreased by 18-26%, and maximum current densities increased by 28-63%. Meanwhile, the removal of total PHs increased to over 90%. AHLs facilitate thicker and more compact biofilm as well as higher viability. AHLs enhanced the electroactivity and direct electron transfer capability. The total abundance of PH-degrading bacteria increased from 52.05% to 75.33% and 72.02%, and the proportion of electroactive bacteria increased from 26.14% to 62.72% and 63.30% for MFC-C4 and MFC-C12. Microbial networks became more complex, aggregated, and stable with addition of AHLs. Furthermore, AHL-stimulated EABs showed higher abundance of genes related to PHs degradation. This work advanced our understanding of AHL-mediated QS in maintaining the stable function of microbial communities in the biodegradation process of petroleum hydrocarbons.

Ecological filter walls for efficient pollutant removal from urban surface water.

Urban surface water pollution poses significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Conventional nitrogen removal technologies used in urban surface water exhibit drawbacks such as high consumption of carbon sources, high sludge production, and focus on dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration while neglecting the impact of DO gradients. Here, we show an ecological filter walls (EFW) that removes pollutants from urban surface water. We utilized a polymer-based three-dimensional matrix to enhance water permeability, and emergent plants were integrated into the EFW to facilitate biofilm formation. We observed that varying aeration intensities within the EFW's aerobic zone resulted in distinct DO gradients, with an optimal DO control at 3.19 ± 0.2 mg L-1 achieving superior nitrogen removal efficiencies. Specifically, the removal efficiencies of total organic carbon, total nitrogen, ammonia, and nitrate were 79.4%, 81.3%, 99.6%, and 79.1%, respectively. Microbial community analysis under a 3 mg L-1 DO condition revealed a shift in microbial composition and abundance, with genera such as Dechloromonas, Acinetobacter, unclassified_f__Comamonadaceae, SM1A02 and Pseudomonas playing pivotal roles in carbon and nitrogen elimination. Notably, the EFW facilitated shortcut nitrification-denitrification processes, predominantly contributing to nitrogen removal. Considering low manufacturing cost, flexible application, small artificial trace, and good pollutant removal ability, EFW has promising potential as an innovative approach to urban surface water treatment.

Potassium peroxoborate: A sustained-released reactive oxygen carrier with enhanced PAHs contaminated soil remediation performance.

Seeking for a safe, efficient, inexpensive, and eco-friendly oxidizer is always a big challenge for in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) technology. This study adopted the potassium peroxoborate (PPB), a novel peroxide, for soil remediation for the first time. PPB based chemical oxidation system (PPB-CO) could efficiently degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) without other reagents added, reaching 72.1 %, 64.2 %, and 50.0 % removal rates for naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene after 24 h reaction, respectively. The superior total PAHs removal efficiency (60.6 %) was 3.6-4.7 times higher than that of other commercial peroxides (2Na2CO3•3H2O, CaO2, and H2O2). Mechanism analysis revealed that varieties of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be generated by PPB through Fenton-like or non-Fenton routines, including H2O2, perborates species, O2•-, •OH, and 1O2. The sustainable generation of H2O2 reduced the disproportionation effect of H2O2 by 86 %, significantly improving the utilization rate. Moreover, sandbox experiments and actual contaminated soil remediation experiments verified the feasibility of PPB-CO in a real polluted site. This work provides a novel strategy for effectively soil remediation, highlighting the selection and application of new oxidants.

Knowledge domains and emerging trends in immune-related adverse events from immune checkpoint inhibitors: A bibliometrics and visualized analysis.

Objective: The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the research hotspots and future trends of immune-related adverse events induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors, offering valuable insights for researchers in this field. Methodology: Using the visual analysis software, this study conducted quantitative statistics and visualization research on the relevant literature concerning immune-related adverse events caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors in the Web of Science Core Collection Database. By evaluating the publication trends, countries, institutions, keywords, research status, cited documents, and document co-citations, among several others, the discussion revolved around the hot spots and future development trends in this field and provided references for future research. Findings and conclusions: A total of 514 English articles were included, and the top three countries in the research field at the time of this study were the United States, Japan, and China. More specifically, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Massachusetts General Hospital have been the top three research institutes with more than 10 publications. The frequency of keyword use linked to immune-related adverse events caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors in literature research has been steadily growing over the years. Additionally, the research with respect to the disease focuses on melanoma, cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and breast cancer. In the context of drugs, cancer-related research has mainly focused on the combined use of nivolumab, pembrolizumab, ipilimumab, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Meanwhile, research on adverse events has delved into the immune checkpoint inhibitors causing vitiligo, thyroid dysfunction, pancreatitis, cholangitis, and rheumatism. Related studies cover acute arthritis, myositis, acute kidney injury, as well as the combination therapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and docetaxel, management of irAEs in cancer immunotherapy, and biomarkers of immune adverse reactions of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Finally, case report studies of immune adverse reactions caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors could serve as research hotspots in the future.

Type I/II Immune Balance Contributes to the Protective Effect of AIF-1 on Hepatic Immunopathology Induced by Schistosoma japonicum in a Transgenic Mouse Model.

Schistosomiasis is the second most debilitating neglected tropical disease in the world. Liver egg granuloma and fibrosis are the main damage of schistosomiasis. In this study, the role of allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) in liver pathology and its regulation in immune responses were investigated in a transgenic mouse infected with Schistosoma japonicum. We found that AIF-1 overexpression reduced worm burden and decreased egg granuloma sizes and serum alanine aminotransferase levels, along with inhibited hepatic collagen deposition and serum hydroxyproline levels during S. japonicum infection. Moreover, AIF-1 overexpression resulted in an increased ratio of Th1/Th2, increased levels of IFN-γ and T-bet, and lower levels of GATA-3 in the spleen, accompanied by increased M1 percentages, decreased M2 percentages, and thus a higher ratio of M1/M2 in the peritoneal cavity and liver. AIF-1 induced CD68 and iNOS mRNA expression and protein levels of cytoplasmic p-P38 and nuclear NF-κB, along with enhanced levels of TNF-α and TGF-ß in macrophages in vitro. Moreover, the hepatic pathology had a negative correlation with Th1/Th2 and M1/M2 ratios in the infected mice. The findings reveal that the beneficial role of AIF-1 in alleviating hepatic damage is related to restoring type I/II immune balance in S. japonicum infection.

Boosting Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction of CoFe-Layered Double Hydroxides Nanosheets via Co-Coordination Mechanism of W-Doping and Oxygen Defect Engineering.

While surface defects and heteroatom doping exhibit promising potential in augmenting the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), their performance remains unable to rival that of the costly Pt-based catalysts. Yet, the concurrent modification of catalysts by integrating both approaches stands as a promising strategy to effectively address the aforementioned limitation. In this work, tungsten dopants are introduced into self-supported CoFe-layered double hydroxides (LDH) on nickel foam using a hydrothermal method, and oxygen vacancies (Ov) are further introduced through calcination. The analysis results demonstrated that tungsten doping reduces the Ov formation energy of CoFeW-LDH. The Ov acted as oxophilic sites, facilitating water adsorption and dissociation, and reducing the barrier for cleaving HO─H bonds from 0.64 to 0.14 eV. Additionally, Ov regulated the electronic structure of CoFeW-LDH to endow optimized hydrogen binding ability on tungsten atoms, thereby accelerating alkaline Volmer and Heyrovsky reaction kinetics. Specifically, the abundance of Ov induced a transition of tungsten from a six-coordinated to highly active four-coordinated structure, which becomes the active site for HER. Consequently, an ultra-low overpotential of 41 mV at 10 mA cm-2 , and a low Tafel slope of 35 mV dec-1 are achieved. These findings offer crucial insights for the design of efficient HER electrocatalysts.

Radiogenomic analysis of ultrasound phenotypic features coupled to proteomes predicts metastatic risk in primary prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Primary prostate cancer with metastasis has a poor prognosis, so assessing its risk of metastasis is essential. METHODS: This study combined comprehensive ultrasound features with tissue proteomic analysis to obtain biomarkers and practical diagnostic image features that signify prostate cancer metastasis. RESULTS: In this study, 17 ultrasound image features of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), primary prostate cancer without metastasis (PPCWOM), and primary prostate cancer with metastasis (PPCWM) were comprehensively analyzed and combined with the corresponding tissue proteome data to perform weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), which resulted in two modules highly correlated with the ultrasound phenotype. We screened proteins with temporal expression trends based on the progression of the disease from BPH to PPCWOM and ultimately to PPCWM from two modules and obtained a protein that can promote prostate cancer metastasis. Subsequently, four ultrasound image features significantly associated with the metastatic biomarker HNRNPC (Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C) were identified by analyzing the correlation between the protein and ultrasound image features. The biomarker HNRNPC showed a significant difference in the five-year survival rate of prostate cancer patients (p < 0.0053). On the other hand, we validated the diagnostic efficiency of the four ultrasound image features in clinical data from 112 patients with PPCWOM and 150 patients with PPCWM, obtaining a combined diagnostic AUC of 0.904. In summary, using ultrasound imaging features for predicting whether prostate cancer is metastatic has many applications. CONCLUSION: The above study reveals noninvasive ultrasound image biomarkers and their underlying biological significance, which provide a basis for early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of primary prostate cancer with metastasis.

Foodborne Carbon Dots Aggravate High-Fat-Diet-Induced Glucose Homeostasis Imbalance by Disrupting the Gut-Liver Axis.

Foodborne carbon dots (CDs) are generally produced during cooking and exist in food items. Generally, CDs are regarded as nontoxic materials, but several studies have gradually confirmed the cytotoxicity of CDs, such as oxidative stress, reduced cellular activity, apoptosis, etc. However, studies focusing on the health effects of long-term intake of food-borne CDs are scarce, especially in populations susceptible to metabolic disease. In this study, we reported that CDs in self-brewing beer had no effect on glucose metabolism in CHOW-fed mice but exacerbated high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced glucose metabolism disorders via the gut-liver axis. Chronic exposure to foodborne CDs increased fasting glucose levels and exacerbated liver and intestinal barrier damage in HFD-fed mice. The 16s rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that CDs significantly altered the gut microbiota composition and promoted lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis-related KEGG pathways (superpathway of (Kdo)2-lipid A, Kdo transfer to lipid IVA Ill (Chlamydia), lipid IVA biosynthesis, and so on) in HFD-fed mice. Mechanically, CD exposure increased the abundance of Gram-negative bacteria (Proteobacteria and Desulfovibrionaceae), thus producing excessive endotoxin-LPS, and then LPS was transferred by the blood circulation to the liver due to the damaged intestinal barrier. In the liver, LPS promoted TLR4/NF-κB/P38 MAPK signaling, thus enhancing systemic inflammation and exacerbating HFD-induced insulin resistance. However, pretreating mice with antibiotics eliminated these effects, indicating a key role for gut microbiota in CDs exacerbating glucose metabolism disorders in HFD-fed mice. The finding herein provides new insight into the potential health risk of foodborne nanoparticles in susceptible populations by disturbing the gut-liver axis.

Circ_0002395 promotes aerobic glycolysis and proliferation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells via miR-548c-3p/PDK1 axis.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) showing unusual expressions have been discovered in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). However, the functions and underlying mechanisms of these circRNAs still remain largely unclear. Our current study discovered a notable increase in the expression of circRNA hsa_circ_0002395 (circ_0002395) in both PAAD tissues and cell lines. This up-regulation of circ_0002395 was found to be associated with larger tumor sizes and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, our findings showed that circ_0002395 facilitated aerobic glycolysis and cell proliferation in PAAD cells by regulating the miR-548c-3p/PDK1 axis. Mechanistically, we identified circ_0002395 as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that sponged miR-548c-3p, thereby promoting PDK1 expression and aerobic glycolysis, and ultimately resulting in the enhancement of cell proliferation. Our findings found that circ_0002395 promoted proliferation of PAAD cells by enhancing PDK1 expression and aerobic glycolysis by sponging miR-548c-3p.

Cotton fiber-based dressings with wireless electrical stimulation and antibacterial activity for wound repair.

Although cotton dressing is one of the most commonly used wound management materials, it lacks antimicrobial and healing-promoting activity. This work developed a multilayer electroactive composite cotton dressing (Ag/Zn@Cotton/Paraffin) with exudate-activated electrical stimulation and antibacterial activity by the green and sustainable magnetron-sputtering and spraying methods. The inner hydrophilic layer of the cotton dressing was magnetron sputtered with silver/zinc galvanic couple arrays (Ag/Zn), which can be activated by wound exudate, generating an electrical stimulation (ES) into the wound. The Ag/Zn@Cotton showed efficient antibacterial activities against S. aureus and E. coli. Meanwhile, the paraffin-sprayed outer surface showed excellent antibacterial adhesion rates for S. aureus (99.82 %) and E. coli (97.92 %). The in vitro cell experiments showed that the ES generated by Ag/Zn@Cotton/Paraffin increased the migration of fibroblasts, and the in vivo mouse model indicated that the Ag/Zn@Cotton/Paraffin could enhance wound healing via re-epithelialization, inflammatory inhibition, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis. MTT method and live/dead staining showed that Ag/Zn@Cotton/Paraffin had no significant cytotoxic effects. This work may shed some light on designing and fabricating multi-functional electroactive composited dressings based on traditional biomedical textiles.

Performance and mechanism of pilot-scale carbon fibers enhanced ecological floating beds for urban tail water treatment in optimized ecological floating beds water surface coverage.

A pilot-scale carbon fibers enhanced ecological floating beds (CF-EFBs) was constructed. Compared to EFBs without carbon fibers enhancement, CF-EFBs have the better removal of total inorganic nitrogen (TIN), total phosphorus (TP), and chemical oxygen demand (COD), the removal efficiencies were 3.19, 3.49, and 2.74 times higher than EFBs. Throughout the pilot test (under three different coverage rates), the concentrations of COD, TIN and TP of effluent were 18.11 ± 4.52 mgL-1, 1.95 ± 0.92 mgL-1 and 0.13 ± 0.08 mgL-1. Meanwhile, the average removal of TIN, TP and COD from tailwater was 0.96 gm-2d-1, 0.07 gm-2d-1 and 2.37 gm-2d-1 respectively. When the coverage was 30 %, the CF-EFBs had better nitrogen removal effectiveness (TIN purification ability of 1.49 gm-2d-1). The enrichment of denitrifying bacteria, such as Aridibacter, Nitrospira, Povalibacter, and Phaeodactylibacter increased denitrification efficiency. These results verified the feasibility of CF-EFBs in tailwater treatment at pilot-scale, which was of great significance for the practical application of CF-EFBs.

Long-term prognosis and risk factors associated with post-ERCP pneumobilia in patients with common bile duct stones.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Post-ERCP pneumobilia is not uncommon; however, studies focusing on the long-term prognosis of patients with post-ERCP pneumobilia are limited. This study aimed to explore long-term prognosis and risk factors associated with post-ERCP pneumobilia in patients with common bile duct stones (CBDSs). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1380 patients who underwent ERCP for CBDSs at our hospital from January 2010 to December 2017. Patients were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into pneumobilia and nonpneumobilia groups, followed by propensity score matching. The matched groups were then compared in terms of incidence rates of both single and multiple recurrences of CBDSs, acute cholangitis, and acute cholecystitis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore risk factors associated with pneumobilia. RESULTS: After propensity matching, there was no significant difference in the rate of single recurrence of CBDSs (22.5% vs 30%; P = .446) between the pneumobilia and nonpneumobilia groups. However, the incidences of multiple recurrences of CBDSs (32.5% vs 12.5%; P = .032) and acute cholangitis without stone recurrence (32.5% vs 2.5%; P = <.001) were significantly higher in the pneumobilia group. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, in addition to a dilated CBD (diameter of >1 cm) (odds ratio [OR], 2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-3.76; P = .043), endoscopic sphincterotomy with moderate incision (OR, 5.38; 95% CI, 1.14-25.47; P = .034) and with large incision (OR, 8.7; 95% CI, 1.83-41.46; P = .007) were identified as independent risk factors for pneumobilia after initial ERCP. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with post-ERCP pneumobilia have increased risk of multiple recurrences of CBDSs and acute cholangitis without stone recurrence. Independent risk factors for pneumobilia include peripapillary diverticulum, a dilated CBD (>1 cm), and endoscopic sphincterotomy with moderate and large incisions. A normal-sized CBD appears to serve as a secondary barrier against enterobiliary reflux, necessitating further research for confirmation.

Fibrin sealant for closure of mucosal penetration at the oesophagus or cardia during submucosal tunnelling endoscopic resection for gastrointestinal submucosal tumours.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of a fibrin sealant for the prevention of leak resulting from mucosal penetration at the esophagus or cardia during a STER procedure to remove gastrointestinal submucosal tumors (SMTs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2014 and October 2022, a total of 290 patients with oesophageal or cardiac SMTs underwent STER at our centre. We retrospectively identified patients with oesophageal or cardia SMTs who underwent STER and experienced mucosal penetration of the cardia or oesophagus during the procedure. A total of 31 mucosal penetrations in 30 procedures were included. Of the 31 mucosal penetrations, 12 occurred in the cardia, and the other 19 occurred in the oesophagus. All 31 sites received the fibrin sealant to close the mucosal penetration. Clinical characteristics, procedure-related parameters, detailed data of the mucosal penetrations, and treatment outcomes using the fibrin sealant were reviewed for all 30 patients to assess the efficacy and safety of the fibrin sealant for closure of mucosal penetration at the cardia or oesophagus. RESULTS: For the 31 mucosal penetrations, the mean size was 0.08 ± 0.06 cm2 (range 0.01-0.25 cm2). Mucosal closure using the fibrin sealant was performed successfully in all 31 mucosal penetrations. Of the 31 mucosal penetrations, clips were used in 13 cases. All 30 patients were discharged after a median of 7 days (range 4-20 day) postoperatively. During a mean 62 months (range 6-107 months) follow-up, all 31 mucosal penetrations successfully healed without the occurrence of infection, ulcer, oesophagitis, chest infection or abdominal infection. CONCLUSION: For the closure of mucosal penetration during STER at the cardia or oesophagus, a fibrin sealant is both safe and efficacious. It is necessary to conduct more research on the viability, effectiveness, and safety of using a fibrin sealant to close wider mucosal penetrations.

Re-evaluating the Contribution of a Fe-Based Current Collector to Bioelectrochemical Methanogenesis: Role and Mechanisms.

The metal-based current collector has been adopted as an essential component of cathodes for electron delivery in microbial electrosynthesis (MES) cells, while the effect of its corrosion on biofilm development and electromethanogenesis activity was overlooked. In this study, the corrosion of the Fe-based current collector was identified to in situ decorate cathode naturally which substantially boosted the performance of CO2 electromethanogenesis in terms of taking over two-thirds less time starting up MES and increasing the CH4 production rate by 3.5 times. Despite the low concentration of Fe (0.13 at%), the electrochemical analysis indicated that it was possible for these Fe deposits to act as electron shuttles and catalysts for H2 production to benefit methanogenesis. The Fe aggregates weakened the dependence of methanogens on electroactive bacteria (EABs) to conduct methanogenesis via interspecies electron transfer as the proportion of EABs on Bio FeCF (with Fe current collector, where CF is carbon felt) was only 25.5% of that on Bio CF (without Fe current collector). On the contrary, the abundance of genes encoding the proteins to uptake extracellular electrons of methanogens on Bio FeCF was 2.3 times higher than that on Bio CF. The enhanced energy transfer maintained high amounts of methanogens and live microorganisms. This study comprehensively explored the multiple roles of Fe-based current collectors in enhancing CO2 electromethanogenesis.

Establishment and validation of a nomogram model for preoperative prediction of the risk of cholangiocarcinoma with perineural invasion.

OBJECTIVE: To establish and validate a nomogram model for predicting the risk of cholangiocarcinoma with perineural invasion. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 356 patients with surgically confirmed cholangiocarcinoma, including 98 cases of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA), 197 cases of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), and 61 cases of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). RESULTS: Based on these data, we determined the influencing factors of preoperative perineural invasion risk in patients with cholangiocarcinoma by forward multivariate regression analysis. Based on these variables, we established two nomogram models. The model variables for predicting perineural invasion of eCCA included prothrombin time, high-density lipoprotein and tumor size (all P<0.05). The consistency index (C-index) of internal and external validation was 0.845 and 0.806, respectively. In addition, the model variables for predicting perineural invasion of iCCA included carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and tumor size (all P<0.05). The internal and external validation of the C-index was 0.735 and 0.886, respectively. Both models have considerable results in terms of calibration accuracy and clinical decision-making. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the survival time of patients with perineural invasion was significantly reduced (P=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: We established a predictive model for preoperative perineural invasion in patients with iCCA and eCCA, and this model can provide good predictive value for clinicians. However, we have not obtained relevant predictive variables for predicting perineural invasion of pCCA, and the number of modeling cases was relatively small, so this study needs to be further explored.