The cuproptosis-related signature predicts the prognosis and immune microenvironments of primary diffuse gliomas: a comprehensive analysis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence has revealed a connection between cuproptosis and the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. While the efficacy of a model based on cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in predicting the prognosis of peripheral organ tumors has been demonstrated, the impact of CRGs on the prognosis and the immunological landscape of gliomas remains unexplored. METHODS: We screened CRGs to construct a novel scoring tool and developed a prognostic model for gliomas within the various cohorts. Afterward, a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between the CRG risk signature and the immunological landscape of gliomas was undertaken from multiple perspectives. RESULTS: Five genes (NLRP3, ATP7B, SLC31A1, FDX1, and GCSH) were identified to build a CRG scoring system. The nomogram, based on CRG risk and other signatures, demonstrated a superior predictive performance (AUC of 0.89, 0.92, and 0.93 at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively) in the training cohort. Furthermore, the CRG score was closely associated with various aspects of the immune landscape in gliomas, including immune cell infiltration, tumor mutations, tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion, immune checkpoints, cytotoxic T lymphocyte and immune exhaustion-related markers, as well as cancer signaling pathway biomarkers and cytokines. CONCLUSION: The CRG risk signature may serve as a robust biomarker for predicting the prognosis and the potential viability of immunotherapy responses. Moreover, the key candidate CRGs might be promising targets to explore the underlying biological background and novel therapeutic interventions in gliomas.

Investigating distinct clinical features and constructing a nomogram model for survival probability in adults with cerebellar high-grade gliomas.

BACKGROUND: The clinical features of cerebellar high-grade gliomas (cHGGs) in adults have not been thoroughly explored. This large-scale, population-based study aimed to comprehensively outline these traits and construct a predictive model. METHODS: Patient records diagnosed with gliomas were collected from various cohorts and analyzed to compare the features of cHGGs and supratentorial HGGs (sHGGs). Cox regression analyses were employed to identify prognostic factors for overall survival and to develop a nomogram for predicting survival probabilities in patients with cHGGs. Multiple machine learning methods were applied to evaluate the efficacy of the predictive model. RESULTS: There were significant differences in prognosis, with SEER-cHGGs showing a median survival of 7.5 months and sHGGs 14.9 months (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that race, WHO grade, surgical procedures, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for cHGGs. Based on these factors, a nomogram was developed to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival probabilities, with AUC of 0.860, 0.837, and 0.810, respectively. The model's accuracy was validated by machine learning approaches, demonstrating consistent predictive effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Adult cHGGs are distinguished by distinctive clinical features different from those of sHGGs and are associated with an inferior prognosis. Based on these risk factors affecting cHGGs prognosis, the nomogram prediction model serves as a crucial tool for clinical decision-making in patient care.

Fission Dynamics of a Ferrofluid Droplet on a Smooth Plate under a Nonuniform Magnetic Field.

A ferrofluid droplet on a plate undergoes interesting fission under a magnetic field. In this article, a recently developed simplified multiphase lattice Boltzmann method coupled with a self-correction solution for the magnetic potential equation is employed to explore this complex flow phenomenon. It is found that the droplet fission follows a four-pattern process under a nonuniform magnetic field. The mechanisms behind this behavior are influenced by the strength and gradient of the magnetic field, surface tension, droplet size, and the wetting boundary condition. These findings provide valuable insights into the application of ferrofluids in droplet microfluidics and contribute to advancements in this field.

Sacral dural arteriovenous fistula supplied by bilateral lateral sacral arteries: case report and literature review.

Sacral dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with bilateral arterial supplies are extremely rare. To date, only two cases with arterial supply from bilateral lateral sacral arteries (LSAs) were reported. We report a rare case of sacral DAVF with arterial supply from bilateral LSAs. A 56-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of progressive weakness and numbness in his lower extremities, along with urinary incontinence. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive edema of the spinal cord, vascular flow voids, and intraparenchymal enhancement. Spinal angiography revealed a spinal DAVF at the level of S1 supplied by bilateral LSAs and drained ascending into the perimedullary venous plexus. The fistula was successfully treated with endovascular embolization. Sacral DAVFs present various diagnostic and treatment difficulties because of the complex angioarchitecture. Successful management of these lesions requires a profound understanding of the variable patterns of arterial supply in this region.

Preparation, Properties and Therapeutic Effect of a TPL Nanoparticle Thermosensitive Gel for Intra-Articular Injection.

Most injectable preparations for the articular cavity are solution-type preparations that are frequently administered because of rapid elimination. In this study, triptolide (TPL), an effective ingredient in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), was prepared in the form of a nanoparticle thermosensitive gel (TPL-NS-Gel). The particle size distribution and gel structure were investigated by TEM, laser particle size analysis and laser capture microdissection. The effect of the nanoparticle carrier material PLGA on the phase transition temperature was investigated by 1H variable temperature NMR and DSC. The tissue distribution, pharmacokinetic behavior, four inflammatory factors and therapeutic effect were determined in a rat RA model. The results suggested that PLGA increased the gel phase transition temperature. The drug concentration of the TPL-NS-Gel group in joint tissues was higher than that in other tissues at different time points, and the retention time was longer than that of the TPL-NS group. After 24 days of administration, TPL-NS-Gel significantly improved the joint swelling and stiffness of the rat models, and the improvement degree was better than that of the TPL-NS group. TPL-NS-Gel significantly decreased the levels of hs-CRP, IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and joint fluid. There was a significant difference between the TPL-NS-Gel and TPL-NS groups on Day 24 (p < 0.05). Pathological section results showed that inflammatory cell infiltration was lower in the TPL-NS-Gel group, and no other obvious histological changes were observed. Upon articular injection, the TPL-NS-Gel prolonged drug release, reduced the drug concentration outside the articular tissue and improved the therapeutic effect in a rat RA model. The TPL-NS-Gel can be used as a new type of sustained-release preparation for articular injection.

Highly emissive green CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 composites: formation kinetics, excellent heat, light, and polar solvent resistance, and flexible light-emitting application.

Benefit from their near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY), narrow emission band, and widely tunable bandgap, metal halide perovskites have shown promising in light-emitting applications. Despite such promise, how to facile, environmentally-friendly, and large-scale prepare solid metal halide perovskite with high emission and stability remains a challenging. Herein, we demonstrate a convenient and environmentally-friendly method for the mass synthesis of solid CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 composites using high-power ultrasonication. Adjusting key experimental parameters, bright emitting CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 solids with a maximum PL QY of 71% were obtained within 30 min. XRD, SEM, TEM, Abs/PL, XPS, and lifetime characterizations provide solid evidence for forming CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 composites. Taking advantage of these composites, the photostability, thermostability, and polar solvent stability of CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 are much improved compared to CsPbBr3. We further demonstrated CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 use in flexible/stretchable film and high-power WLEDs. After being subjected to bending, folding, and twisting, the film retains its bright emission and exhibits good resistance to mechanical deformation. Additionally, our WLEDs display a superior, durable high-power-driving capability, operating currents up to 300 mA and maintaining high luminous intensity for 50 hours. Such highly emissive and stable metal halide perovskites make them promising for solid-state lighting, lasing, and flexible/stretchable display device applications.

Maximum Spreading of Impacting Ferrofluid Droplets under the Effect of Nonuniform Magnetic Field.

This article investigates the maximum spreading of ferrofluid droplets impacting on a hydrophobic surface under nonuniform magnetic fields. A generalized model for scaling the maximum spreading is developed. It is observed that, if the magnetic field strength is zero, a ferrofluid droplet not only demonstrates similar spreading dynamics as the water droplet but also obeys the same scaling law for the maximum spreading factor. Therefore, this article emphasizes the effects of magnetic field strength. In this regard, a dimensionless parameter (Nm) is introduced as the ratio between inertial force and Kelvin force, with an assumption that the kinetic energy mainly transforms to thermal energy. This parameter allows us to rescale all experimental data on a single curve with the Padé approximant, which is applicable to a wide range of impact velocities and magnetic field strengths.

[Development and Evaluation of Prognostic Nomogram Model for Adult Ventricle Glioma Patients].

Objective: To explore the prognostic factors of adult ventricle glioma (AVG) and to construct and evaluate a survival-related prognostic nomogram model, which could provide further reference for the clinical management of AVG patients. Methods: The patients covered in the study were selected from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database (1973-2016). They all had definite histological diagnosis of AVG. They were assigned randomly to the training cohort and the validation cohort by random number table at a 2/1 ratio. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox regression analysis was employed to determine the independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Then, integrating the basic characteristics of patients, the survival-related nomogram predictive model for OS and CSS in the training cohort was constructed, respectively. After that, internal cross validation and external validation of the model were carried out with the training cohort and the validation cohort in succession. The authenticity and reliability of the nomogram model were evaluated by calculating the concordance index (C-index). Calibration plots were constructed to assess the agreement between the predicted values and the observed values in the training cohort and the validation cohort. Results: A total of 369 AVG patients, including 218 males and 151 females, were included. The median age of the patients was 53. According to the WHO classification of gliomas, 66 (17.9%) patients had grade Ⅱ gliomas, 73 (19.8%) had grade Ⅲ gliomas, and 230 (62.3%) had grade Ⅳ gliomas. Regarding the extent of resection (EOR), 59 (16.0%) had gross total resection (GTR) and 145 (39.3%) had subtotal resection (STR) or partial resection (PR). Of all the patients, 167 (45.3%) received postoperative radiotherapy and 143 (38.8%) received postoperative chemotherapy. Patients were randomized into the training cohort ( n=246) and the validation cohort ( n=123), and there was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in the basic clinical characteristics between the training cohort and the validation cohort. In the training cohort, Cox regression analysis revealed that the independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS included age≥65, grades Ⅲ and Ⅳ according to the WHO classification of gliomas, and not receiving radiotherapy. Furthermore, 5 variables, including age, gender, WHO grades, surgery, and radiotherapy, were used to construct the nomogram model for predicting 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year OS and CSS. The results of internal cross validation in the training cohort showed that the C-indexes of OS and CSS were 0.758 and 0.765, respectively. The external validation results of the validation cohort showed that the C-indexes of OS and CSS were 0.733 and 0.719, respectively. Calibration plots for 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year OS in the training cohort showed relatively good agreement, while in the validation cohort the agreement was relatively low. The 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year CSS calibration plots had results similar to the calibration plots of OS. Conclusion: This nomogram predictive model of OS and CSS showed moderately reliable predictive performance, providing helpful reference information for clinicians to make quick and simple assessment of the survival probability of AVG patients.

Distribution and chemical speciation of arsenic in different sized atmospheric particulate matters.

The distribution and chemical speciation of arsenic (As) in different sized atmospheric particulate matters (PMs), including total suspended particles (TSP), PM10, and PM2.5, collected from Baoding, China were analyzed. The average total mass concentrations of As in TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 were 31.5, 35.3, and 54.1 µg/g, respectively, with an order of PM2.5 >PM 10 > TSP, revealing that As is prone to accumulate on fine particles. Due to the divergent toxicities of different As species, speciation analysis of As in PMs is further conducted. Most of previous studies mainly focused on inorganic arsenite (iAsIII), inorganic arsenate (iAsV), monomethylarsonate (MMA), and dimethylarsinate (DMA) in PMs, while the identification and sensitive quantification of trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO) were rarely reported. In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry system was optimized for As speciation including TMAO in PMs. An anion exchange column was used to separate MMA, DMA and iAsV, while a cation exchange column to separate TMAO and iAsIII. Results showed that iAsV was the dominate component in all the samples, corresponding to a portion of 79.2% ± 9.3% of the total extractable species, while iAsIII, TMAO and DMA made up the remaining 21%. Our study demonstrated that iAsIII accounted for about 14.4% ± 11.4% of the total extracted species, with an average concentration of 1.7 ± 1.6 ng/m3. It is worth noting that TMAO was widely present in the samples (84 out of 97 samples), which supported the assumption that TMAO was ubiquitous in atmospheric particles.

Surgical treatment and survival outcome of patients with adult thalamic glioma: a single institution experience of 8 years.

PURPOSE: Given the rarity in the population with adult thalamic gliomas (ATGs), comprehensive characteristics, treatments and survival outcome are not well characterized. This study was conducted to investigate the comprehensive characteristic and treatment of ATGs and identify the prognostic factors associated with overall survival (OS). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of newly diagnosed ATGs who underwent surgical resection consecutively was conducted. Survival analysis of OS was performed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox proportional hazard model was used to investigate the possible prognostic factors associated with OS. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients with ATG were enrolled in this study. The median age was 41 years (range 18-68 years). There were 56 (54.9%) males. Sixty-two patients (60.8%) had glioblastoma (GBM). Among these patients, 46 patients (45.1%) had GTR/NTR, 50 patients (49.0%) had STR and 6 patients (5.9%) had PR. Postoperatively, 71.6% of these patients received adjuvant therapy. The median OS was 13.6 months (range 1 week-75 months). COX regression analysis revealed that ATG patients with longer duration of symptoms (p = 0.024), better pre-KPS (p = 0.045), maximal resection (p = 0.013), or lower tumor grade (p = 0.002) had longer OS, and these predictors are considered as independent prognostic factors. Survival analysis showed that ATGs with GTR/NTR plus chemoradiotherapy had significant OS advantage compared with other treatment regimens. CONCLUSIONS: This study comprehensively summarized the characteristics, treatments and survival outcomes of ATGs in the largest sample size. Maximal surgical resection can bring survival benefit. Combined-modality therapy regimen of GTR/NTR plus chemoradiotherapy may be better beneficial for OS than other regimens.

Clinical Significance of Various Classification Standards of Age Groups in Predicting Survival of Patients with Glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND The present study aimed to assess the association of various age groups with survival in patients with glioblastoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to extracted data on new diagnoses of glioblastoma between 2005 and 2015. Four age models were constructed according to the age at diagnosis. RESULTS A total of 28 734 patients with glioblastoma (16 823 men and 11 911 women) were enrolled in the study. In multivariate analysis, variables including sex, race, tumor, and clinical information were identified as confounding factors to adjust 4 age models. In model 1, ages 39-58, 59-78, and 79+ years were risk factors of survival compared with age 0-18 years. In model 2, ages 18-65, 66-79, and 80+ years were prognostic factors of shorter survival compared with ages 0-17 years. In model 3, ages 45-59, 60-74, and 75+ years were associated with poor prognosis, while ages 18-44 years was associated with favorable clinical outcomes compared with ages 0-17 years. In model 4, ages 18-53, 54-64, and 65+ years were associated with poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS The differences in prognoses in different age groups of glioblastoma patients suggest that clinicians should incorporate age into routine clinical assessments and develop appropriate treatment strategies.

PM2.5-bound potentially toxic elements (PTEs) fractions, bioavailability and health risks before and after coal limiting.

Fractions, bioavailability, health risks of fine particulate maters (PM2.5)-bound potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn) were investigated before and after coal limiting in Baoding city. The winter PM2.5 samples were collected at different functional areas such as residential area (RA), industrial area (IA), suburb (SB), street (ST) and Botanical Garden Park (BG) in 2016 (coal dominated year) and 2017 (gas dominated year). The fractions and bioavailability of PTEs were determined and evaluated based on BCR sequential extraction. Health risks through inhalation exposure were evaluated by US EPA health risk assessment model. The results from different years and functional areas were compared and discussed. The fractions and bioavailability of PM2.5-bound PTEs varied with functional areas. The percentages of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) in acid-soluble fraction (F1-Cd and F1-Zn) to the total amount of Cd and Zn were low in BG samples (p < 0.05). Bioavailability of Cd were high in SB samples (p < 0.05). Total contents of PM-bound PTEs in 2017 generally decreased compared with 2016. The differences of fraction and bioavailability between 2016 and 2017 depended on the elements and areas. Higher proportions of copper (Cu) in acid-soluble fraction (F1-Cu) and bioavailability of Cu (p < 0.05) were found in 2017 samples. Significant differences were found just at IA and RA for Pb, Cd and Zn. Our results indicated that the health risks from inhalation exposure for PTEs in PM2.5 declined about 11%-52% after the coal limiting in this city.

Copper-Catalyzed Tandem Reactions for Synthesis of Pyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines with Heterocyclic Ketene Aminals as Ligands.

A CuI-catalyzed tandem reaction of 5-(2-bromoaryl)-N-aryl-1H-pyrazol-3-amines with active acetonitrile derivatives to prepare pyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines in good to excellent yields has been successfully developed under mild conditions with heterocyclic ketene aminals (HKAs) as new ligands. This is the first time HKAs have been used as ligands for copper-catalyzed coupling reactions.

Quality appraisal of clinical practice guidelines on glioma.

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) play an important role in healthcare. The guideline development process should be precise and rigorous to ensure that the results are reproducible and not vague. To determine the quality of guidelines, the Appraisal of Guidelines and Research and Evaluation (AGREE) instrument was developed and introduced. The aim of the present study was to assess the methodological quality of clinical practice guidelines on glioma. Eight databases (including MEDLINE and Embase) were searched till to August, 2013. The methodological quality of the guidelines was assessed by four authors independently using the AGREE II instrument. Fifteen relevant guidelines were included from 940 citations. The overall agreement among reviewers was moderate (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.92). The mean scores were moderate for the domains "scope and purpose" (59.54) and "clarity of presentation" (65.46); however, there were low scores for the domains "stakeholder involvement" (43.80), "rigor of development" (39.01), "applicability" (31.89), and "editorial independence" (30.83). Only one third of the guidelines described the systematic methods for searching, and nearly half of the (47%) guidelines did not give a specific recommendation. Only four of 15 described a procedure for updating the guideline; meanwhile, just six guidelines in this field can be considered to be evidence-based. The quality and transparency of the development process and the consistency in the reporting of glioma guidelines need to be improved. And the quality of reporting of guidelines was disappointing. Many other methodological disadvantages were identified. In the future, glioma CPGs should be based on the best available evidence and rigorously developed and reported. Greater efforts are needed to provide high-quality guidelines that serve as a useful and reliable tool for clinical decision-making in this field.

[Non-linear rectification of sensor based on immune genetic algorithm].

A non-linear rectification based on immune genetic algorithm (IGA) is proposed in this paper, for the shortcoming of the non-linearity rectification. This algorithm introducing the biologic immune mechanism into the genetic algorithm can restrain the disadvantages that the poor precision, slow convergence speed and early maturity of the genetic algorithm. Computer simulations indicated that the algorithm not only keeps population diversity, but also increases the convergent speed, precision and the stability greatly. The results have shown the correctness and effectiveness of the method.

Co-culture models for investigating cellular crosstalk in the glioma microenvironment.

Glioma is the most prevalent primary malignant tumor in the central nervous system (CNS). It represents a diverse group of brain malignancies characterized by the presence of various cancer cell types as well as an array of noncancerous cells, which together form the intricate glioma tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the interactions between glioma cells/glioma stem cells (GSCs) and these noncancerous cells is crucial for exploring the pathogenesis and development of glioma. To invesigate these interactions requires in vitro co-culture models that closely mirror the actual TME in vivo. In this review, we summarize the two- and three-dimensional in vitro co-culture model systems for glioma-TME interactions currently available. Furthermore, we explore common glioma-TME cell interactions based on these models, including interactions of glioma cells/GSCs with endothelial cells/pericytes, microglia/macrophages, T cells, astrocytes, neurons, or other multi-cellular interactions. Together, this review provides an update on the glioma-TME interactions, offering insights into glioma pathogenesis.

Variable screening and model construction for prognosis of elderly patients with lower-grade gliomas based on LASSO-Cox regression: a population-based cohort study.

Background: This study aimed to identify prognostic factors for survival and develop a prognostic nomogram to predict the survival probability of elderly patients with lower-grade gliomas (LGGs). Methods: Elderly patients with histologically confirmed LGG were recruited from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. These individuals were randomly allocated to the training and validation cohorts at a 2:1 ratio. First, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and subgroup analysis were performed. Second, variable screening of all 13 variables and a comparison of predictive models based on full Cox regression and LASSO-Cox regression analyses were performed, and the key variables in the optimal model were selected to construct prognostic nomograms for OS and CSS. Finally, a risk stratification system and a web-based dynamic nomogram were constructed. Results: A total of 2307 elderly patients included 1220 males and 1087 females, with a median age of 72 years and a mean age of 73.30 ± 6.22 years. Among them, 520 patients (22.5%) had Grade 2 gliomas, and 1787 (77.5%) had Grade 3 gliomas. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed four independent prognostic factors (age, WHO grade, surgery, and chemotherapy) that were used to construct the full Cox model. In addition, LASSO-Cox regression analysis revealed five prognostic factors (age, WHO grade, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy), and a LASSO model was constructed. A comparison of the two models revealed that the LASSO model with five variables had better predictive performance than the full Cox model with four variables. Ultimately, five key variables based on LASSO-Cox regression were utilized to develop prognostic nomograms for predicting the 1-, 2-, and 5-year OS and CSS rates. The nomograms exhibited relatively good predictive ability and clinical utility. Moreover, the risk stratification system based on the nomograms effectively divided patients into low-risk and high-risk subgroups. Conclusion: Variable screening based on LASSO-Cox regression was used to determine the optimal prediction model in this study. Prognostic nomograms could serve as practical tools for predicting survival probabilities, categorizing these patients into different mortality risk subgroups, and developing personalized decision-making strategies for elderly patients with LGGs. Moreover, the web-based dynamic nomogram could facilitate its use in the clinic.

Prognostic nomogram models for predicting survival probability in elderly glioblastoma patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic factors of survival and develop a predictive nomogram model for elderly GBM patients. METHODS: Elderly patients (> = 65 years) with histologically diagnosed GBM were extracted from the SEER database. Survival analysis of overall survival (OS) was performed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine independent prognostic factors and these factors were used to further construct the nomogram model. RESULTS: A total of 9068 elderly GBM patients (5122 males and 3946 females) were included, with a median age of 72 years (65-96 years). All patients were divided randomly into the training group (n = 6044) and the validation group (n = 3024) by a ratio of 2:1. Cox regression analyses on OS showed eight independent prognostic factors (race, age, tumor side, tumor size, metastasis, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy) in the training cohort. Also, seven variables (except for race) were identified on CSS in the training group. By comprising these variables, the nomogram models on OS and CSS for predicting the 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year survival probability were constructed and exhibited moderate consistency, respectively. Then, they could be validated well in the validation cohort and by C-index, time-dependent ROC curve, calibration plot, and DCA curve. CONCLUSIONS: Nomogram models on OS and CSS could provide an applicable tool to predict the survival probability and provide clinical references regarding treatment strategies and prognosis.