Genome-wide analysis of the U-box E3 ligases gene family in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and overexpress StPUB25 enhance drought tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis.

BACKGROUND: Plant U-box (PUB) E3 ubiquitin ligases have vital effects on various biological processes. Therefore, a comprehensive and systematic identification of the members of the U-box gene family in potato will help to understand the evolution and function of U-box E3 ubiquitin ligases in plants. RESULTS: This work identified altogether 74 PUBs in the potato (StPUBs) and examined their gene structures, chromosomal distributions, and conserved motifs. There were seventy-four StPUB genes on ten chromosomes with diverse densities. As revealed by phylogenetic analysis on PUBs within potato, Arabidopsis, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), rice (Oryza sativa), and corn (Zea mays), were clustered into eight subclasses (C1-C8). According to synteny analysis, there were 40 orthologous StPUB genes to Arabidopsis, 58 to tomato, 28 to cabbage, 7 to rice, and 8 to corn. In addition, RNA-seq data downloaded from PGSC were utilized to reveal StPUBs' abiotic stress responses and tissue-specific expression in the doubled-monoploid potato (DM). Inaddition, we performed RNA-seq on the 'Atlantic' (drought-sensitive cultivar, DS) and the 'Qingshu NO.9' (drought-tolerant cultivar, DT) in early flowering, full-blooming, along with flower-falling stages to detect genes that might be involved in response to drought stress. Finally, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was carried out to analyze three candidate genes for their expression levels within 100 mM NaCl- and 10% PEG 6000 (w/v)-treated potato plantlets for a 24-h period. Furthermore, we analyzed the drought tolerance of StPUB25 transgenic plants and found that overexpression of StPUB25 significantly increased peroxidase (POD) activity, reduced ROS (reactive oxygen species) and MDA (malondialdehyde) accumulation compared with wild-type (WT) plants, and enhancing drought tolerance of the transgenic plants. CONCLUSION: In this study, three candidate genes related to drought tolerance in potato were excavated, and the function of StPUB25 under drought stress was verified. These results should provide valuable information to understand the potato StPUB gene family and investigate the molecular mechanisms of StPUBs regulating potato drought tolerance.

Density Functional Theory Calculations on Fluorescence-Enhanced Mechanisms of the Optical Sensor for Zinc Ions, ADPA.

N-(9-anthracenylmethyl)-N-(2-pyridinylmethyl)-2-pyridinemethanamine (ADPA) as a specific ion sensor for Zn2+ has been widely applied. Although the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) mechanism was proposed previously, its fluorescence-enhanced effect still remains somewhat ambiguous, according to unknown influences of non-radiative energy decay pathways, such as intersystem crossing and internal conversion. Herein, a thorough study using density functional theory has been performed for low-lying electronic states of the ADPA monomer and hydrated ADPA-Zn2+ complex. Based on interfragment charge transfer analyses, we quantitatively calculated the amount of transferred electrons in the monomer and complex, providing solid evidences for the PET mechanism and in line with the conclusion of frontier molecular orbital analyses. Moreover, the ISC process of S1→T2 was confirmed to play a considerable role in the excitation energy relaxation process of the ADPA monomer, but this influence was significantly suppressed in the hydrated ADPA-Zn2+ complex. These results provide additional clues for the design of new metal ion-specific fluorescence probes.

Safety and efficacy of CT-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for stage I non-small cell lung cancer in patients with comorbid idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted in patients with clinical stage I NSCLC who underwent CT-guided MWA from Nov 2016 to Oct 2021. The patients were divided into the IPF group and the non-IPF group. The primary endpoints were 90-day adverse events and hospital length of stay (HLOS). The secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: A total of 107 patients (27 with IPF and 80 without IPF) were finally included for analysis. No procedure-related acute exacerbation of IPF or death occurred post-MWA. The rates of adverse events were similar between the groups (48.6% vs. 47.7%; p = 0.998). The incidence of grade 3 adverse events in the IPF group was higher than that in the non-IPF group without a significant difference (13.5% vs. 4.6%; p = 0.123). Median HLOS was 5 days in both groups without a significant difference (p = 0.078). The 1-year and 3-year OS were 85.2%/51.6% in the IPF group, and 97.5%/86.4% in the non-IPF group. The survival of patients with IPF was significantly poorer than the survival of patients without IPF (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference for PFS (p = 0.271). CONCLUSION: MWA was feasible in the treatment of stage I NSCLC in patients with IPF. IPF had an adverse effect on the survival of stage I NSCLC treated with MWA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: CT-guided microwave ablation is a well-tolerated and effective potential alternative treatment for stage I non-small cell lung cancer in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. KEY POINTS: • Microwave ablation for stage I non-small cell lung cancer was well-tolerated without procedure-related acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and death in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. • No differences were observed in the incidence of adverse events between patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and those without idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after microwave ablation (48.6% vs. 47.7%; p = 0.998). • The 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates (85.2%/51.6%) in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis group were worse than those in the non- idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis group (97.5%/86.4%) (p < 0.001).

Homer1 ameliorates ischemic stroke by inhibiting necroptosis-induced neuronal damage and neuroinflammation.

OBJECTIVE: Proinflammatory necroptosis is the main pathological mechanism of ischemic stroke. Homer scaffolding protein 1 (Homer1) is a postsynaptic scaffolding protein that exerts anti-inflammatory effects in most central nervous system diseases. However, the relationship between Homer1 and proinflammatory necroptosis in ischemic stroke remains unclear. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the role of Homer1 in ischemia-induced necroptosis. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion model (pMCAO). Homer1 knockdown mice were generated using adeno-associated virus (AAV) infection to explore the role of Homer1 and its impact on necroptosis in pMCAO. Finally, Homer1 protein was stereotaxically injected into the ischemic cortex of Homer1flox/flox/Nestin-Cre +/- mice, and the efficacy of Homer1 was investigated using behavioral assays and molecular biological assays to explore potential mechanisms. RESULTS: Homer1 expression peaked at 8 h in the ischemic penumbral cortex after pMCAO and colocalized with neurons. Homer1 knockdown promoted neuronal death by enhancing necroptotic signaling pathways and aggravating ischemic brain damage in mice. Furthermore, the knockdown of Homer1 enhanced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, injection of Homer1 protein reduced necroptosis-induced brain injury inhibited the expression of proinflammatory factors, and ameliorated the outcomes in the Homer1flox/flox/Nestin-Cre+/- mice after pMCAO. CONCLUSIONS: Homer1 ameliorates ischemic stroke by inhibiting necroptosis-induced neuronal damage and neuroinflammation. These data suggested that Homer1 is a novel regulator of neuronal death and neuroinflammation.

The Synthesis and Properties of Spirophenanthrene.

Motivated by the success of 9,9'-spirobifluorene (SBF) in optoelectronic materials, we synthesized a novel spiro compound, spirophenanthrene (SP). Incorporating a phenanthrene unit as the core, we aimed to leverage the π-conjugation of SPs to surpass the limitations of SBF. Experimental and theoretical studies revealed significant advantages over SBF, including red-shifted wavelengths, tunable LUMO energy levels, and enhanced thermal stability. These advantages suggest the potential of SPs as versatile building blocks for diverse optoelectronic devices.

Outcomes of First-line Microwave Ablation of Treatment-Naive Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Mutated Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma Treated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.

PURPOSE: To investigate the outcomes of first-line image-guided microwave ablation (MWA) plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in untreated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and to compare with TKIs alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients between December 2015 and December 2021, and was divided into two groups (group A: first-line MWA+TKIs; group B: TKIs alone). Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint, whereas overall survival (OS) was the secondary endpoint, and were compared via the Kaplan-Meier methods. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate the predictors of PFS and OS. Propensity score matching (PSM; 1:1 ratio) was applied between group B and the subgroup of complete ablation in group A. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients were included (group A: n=43; group B: n=74). In a mean follow-up of 47.0±19.4 months, group A had significantly longer median PFS (19.0 vs. 10.0 months, P<0.001) and OS (41.0 vs. 25.0 months, P=0.044) than group B. Predictors of PFS included first-line MWA (P<0.001) and tumor stage (P=0.020), while that of OS included first-line MWA (P=0.039), tumor stage (P=0.014) and usage of third-generation TKIs (P=0.001). There were 23 pairs of patients obtained after PSM (group A1: complete ablation+TKIs; group B1: TKIs alone). Group A1 had significantly longer median PFS (24.0 vs. 10.0 months, P<0.001) and OS (48.0 vs. 24.0 months, P=0.012) than group B1. CONCLUSIONS: First-line MWA significantly improved the outcomes of patients with untreated EGFR-mutant advanced LUAD treated with TKIs. Complete ablation predicts a better prognosis.

Extracellular Matrix Stiffness Regulates Microvascular Stability by Controlling Endothelial Paracrine Signaling to Determine Pericyte Fate.

BACKGROUND: The differentiation of pericytes into myofibroblasts causes microvascular degeneration, ECM (extracellular matrix) accumulation, and tissue stiffening, characteristics of fibrotic diseases. It is unclear how pericyte-myofibroblast differentiation is regulated in the microvascular environment. Our previous study established a novel 2-dimensional platform for coculturing microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes derived from the same tissue. This study investigated how ECM stiffness regulated microvascular ECs, pericytes, and their interactions. METHODS: Primary microvessels were cultured in the TGM2D medium (tubular microvascular growth medium on 2-dimensional substrates). Stiff ECM was prepared by incubating ECM solution in regular culture dishes for 1 hour followed by PBS wash. Soft ECM with Young modulus of ≈6 kPa was used unless otherwise noted. Bone grafts were prepared from the rat skull. Immunostaining, RNA sequencing, RT-qPCR (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction), Western blotting, and knockdown experiments were performed on the cells. RESULTS: Primary microvascular pericytes differentiated into myofibroblasts (NG2+αSMA+) on stiff ECM, even with the TGFß (transforming growth factor beta) signaling inhibitor A83-01. Soft ECM and A83-01 cooperatively maintained microvascular stability while inhibiting pericyte-myofibroblast differentiation (NG2+αSMA-/low). We thus defined 2 pericyte subpopulations: primary (NG2+αSMA-/low) and activated (NG2+αSMA+) pericytes. Soft ECM promoted microvascular regeneration and inhibited fibrosis in bone graft transplantation in vivo. As integrins are the major mechanosensor, we performed RT-qPCR screening of integrin family members and found Itgb1 (integrin ß1) was the major subunit downregulated by soft ECM and A83-01 treatment. Knocking down Itgb1 suppressed myofibroblast differentiation on stiff ECM. Interestingly, ITGB1 phosphorylation (Y783) was mainly located on microvascular ECs on stiff ECM, which promoted EC secretion of paracrine factors, including CTGF (connective tissue growth factor), to induce pericyte-myofibroblast differentiation. CTGF knockdown or monoclonal antibody treatment partially reduced myofibroblast differentiation, implying the participation of multiple pathways in fibrosis formation. CONCLUSIONS: ECM stiffness and TGFß signaling cooperatively regulate microvascular stability and pericyte-myofibroblast differentiation. Stiff ECM promotes EC ITGB1 phosphorylation (Y783) and CTGF secretion, which induces pericyte-myofibroblast differentiation.

Electromagnetic navigation system for computed tomography-guided synchronous percutaneous lung biopsy and microwave ablation of pulmonary nodules: a prospective, single-center, single-arm clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the electromagnetic navigation (EMN) system designed for computed tomography (CT)-guided synchronous percutaneous lung biopsy and microwave ablation (MWA) of pulmonary nodules. METHODS: This prospective, single-center, single-arm clinical cohort study was conducted in Beijing Hospital from March 2023 to May 2023. Patients who underwent CT-guided synchronous percutaneous lung biopsy and MWA via the EMN system were prospectively enrolled in our study. All the interventional procedures were performed by the same interventional radiologist. The technical success rate, the technical efficacy rates of biopsy and MWA were assessed as the primary outcomes. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were also recorded and analyzed for each patient. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients were enrolled in the study. The technical success rate was 100%. The technical efficacy rate of biopsy was 95.8% (46/48), and the technical efficacy rate of WMA was 100% (48/48) with no recurrence during follow-up. The total and subpleural needle trajectory length and distance error were 8.3 ± 2.6 cm, 3.6 ± 1.6 cm, and 1.84 ± 1.08 mm, respectively. The median numbers of needle adjustments and CT acquisitions were 1 (range 1-3) and 3 (range 3-5), respectively. The time to reach the target and procedure time were 4.4 ± 1.7 and 19.7 ± 5.2 min, respectively. The dose length product was 748.8 ± 221.8 mGy*cm. The median postoperative hospital stay was 1 (range 1-7) days. No major complications (grade ≥3) occurred and only seven minor complications (14.6%) occurred, including six cases of pneumothorax and one case of hemoptysis. The radiologists achieved high satisfaction scores after surgery. CONCLUSION: The EMN system is feasible, safe and effective for CT-guided synchronous percutaneous lung biopsy and MWA of pulmonary nodules.

Sharp needle reconstructs peripheral outflow for patients with malfunctional arteriovenous fistula.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of combining ultrasound-guided sharp needle technique with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for treating outflow stenosis or dysfunction in arteriovenous fistula (AVF) among hemodialysis patients. METHODS: From October 2021 to March 2023, patients with occluded or malfunctional fistula veins not amenable to regularly angioplasty were retrospectively enrolled in the study. They underwent ultrasound-guided sharp needle intervention followed by PTA. Data on the location and length between the two veins, technical success, clinical outcomes, and complications were collected. Patency rates post-angioplasty were calculated through Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were included. The mean length of the reconstructed extraluminal segment was 3.18 cm. The sharp needle opening was performed on the basilic vein (60.9%), brachial vein (26.1%), or upper arm cephalic vein (13%) to create outflow channels. Postoperatively, all cases presented with mild subcutaneous hematomas around the tunneling site and minor diffuse bleeding. The immediate patency rate for the internal fistulas was 100%, with 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month patency rates at 91.3%, 78.3%, and 43.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Sharp needle technology merged with PTA presents an effective and secure minimally invasive method for reconstructing the outflow tract, offering a new solution for recanalizing high-pressure or occluded fistulas.

Genome-Wide Identification of LOX Gene Family and Its Expression Analysis under Abiotic Stress in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

The lipoxygenases (LOXs) are non-heme iron-containing dioxygenases that play an important role in plant growth and defense responses. There is scarce knowledge regarding the LOX gene family members and their involvement in biotic and abiotic stresses in potato. In this study, a total of 17 gene family members (StLOXs) in potato were identified and clustered into three subfamilies: 9-LOX type I, 13-LOX type I, and 13-LOX type II, with eleven, one, and five members in each subfamily based on phylogenetic analysis. By exploiting the RNA-seq data in the Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium (PGSC) database, the tissue-specific expressed and stress-responsive StLOX genes in double-monoploid (DM) potato were obtained. Furthermore, six candidate StLOX genes that might participate in drought and salt response were determined via qPCR analysis in tetraploid potato cultivars under NaCl and PEG treatment. Finally, the involvement in salt stress response of two StLOX genes, which were significantly up-regulated in both DM and tetraploid potato under NaCl and PEG treatment, was confirmed via heterologous expression in yeast under salt treatment. Our comprehensive analysis of the StLOX family provides a theoretical basis for the potential biological functions of StLOXs in the adaptation mechanisms of potato to stress conditions.

Comprehensive Characterization of the C3HC4 RING Finger Gene Family in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.): Insights into Their Involvement in Anthocyanin Biosynthesis.

The C3HC4 RING finger gene (RING-HC) family is a zinc finger protein crucial to plant growth. However, there have been no studies on the RING-HC gene family in potato. In this study, 77 putative StRING-HCs were identified in the potato genome and grouped into three clusters based on phylogenetic relationships, the chromosome distribution, gene structure, conserved motif, gene duplication events, and synteny relationships, and cis-acting elements were systematically analyzed. By analyzing RNA-seq data of potato cultivars, the candidate StRING-HC genes that might participate in tissue development, abiotic stress, especially drought stress, and anthocyanin biosynthesis were further determined. Finally, a StRING-HC gene (Soltu.DM.09G017280 annotated as StRNF4-like), which was highly expressed in pigmented potato tubers was focused on. StRNF4-like localized in the nucleus, and Y2H assays showed that it could interact with the anthocyanin-regulating transcription factors (TFs) StbHLH1 of potato tubers, which is localized in the nucleus and membrane. Transient assays showed that StRNF4-like repressed anthocyanin accumulation in the leaves of Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana benthamiana by directly suppressing the activity of the dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR) promoter activated by StAN1 and StbHLH1. The results suggest that StRNF4-like might repress anthocyanin accumulation in potato tubers by interacting with StbHLH1. Our comprehensive analysis of the potato StRING-HCs family contributes valuable knowledge to the understanding of their functions in potato development, abiotic stress, hormone signaling, and anthocyanin biosynthesis.

The Development of Visible-Light Organic Photocatalysts for Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization via Conjugation Extension.

This work aimed to develop organic photocatalysts (PCs) that could mediate organocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization (O-ATRP) under visible light. Through the core-modification of known chromophoric structures and ring-locking to reach a conjugation extension, annulated N-aryl benzo[kl]acridines were identified as effective visible light-responsive photocatalysts. The corresponding selenium-doped structure showed excellent performance in the O-ATRP of methacrylates, which could afford polymer products with controlled molecular weights and low dispersities under the irradiation of visible light at a 100 ppm catalyst loading.

Construction and validation of a risk prediction model for early hungry bone syndrome in maintenance hemodialysis patients post-parathyroidectomy. / ç»´æŒæ€§è¡€æ¶²é€æžæ‚£è€ ç”²çŠ¶æ—è ºåˆ‡é™¤æœ¯åŽæ—©æœŸéª¨é¥¥é¥¿ç»¼åˆå¾é£Žé™©é¢„æµ‹æ¨¡åž‹çš„æž„å»ºä¸ŽéªŒè¯.

OBJECTIVES: Parathyroidectomy (PTX) is an effective treatment for refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), but it can lead to hungry bone syndrome (HBS), significantly threatening the health of maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients. While previous studies have analyzed the risk factors for HBS post-PTX, the predictive performance and clinical applicability of these risk models need further validation. This study aims to construct and validate a risk prediction model for HBS in MHD patients with SHPT post-PTX. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 368 MHD patients with SHPT who underwent PTX at Changsha Jieao Nephrology Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021. Patients were divided into a HBS group and a non-HBS group based on the occurrence of HBS. General data, surgical information, and biochemical indicators were compared between the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing HBS, and a risk prediction model was established. The model's performance was evaluated using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, decision curves, and calibration curves. External validation was performed on 170 MHD patients with SHPT who underwent PTX at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January to December 2022. RESULTS: The incidence of HBS post-PTX in MHD patients with SHPT was 60.60%. Logistic regression analysis identified preoperative bone involvement (OR=3.908, 95% CI 2.179 to 7.171), preoperative serum calcium (OR=7.174, 95% CI 2.291 to 24.015), preoperative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) (OR=1.001, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.001), preoperative alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (OR=1.001, 95% CI 1.000 to 1.001), and serum calcium on the first postoperative day (OR=0.006, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.038) as independent risk factors for HBS (all P<0.01). The constructed risk prediction model demonstrated good predictive performance in both internal and external validation cohorts. The internal validation cohort showed an accuracy of 0.821, sensitivity of 0.890, specificity of 0.776, Youden index of 0.666, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.882 (95% CI 0.845 to 0.919). The external validation cohort showed an accuracy of 0.800, sensitivity of 0.806, specificity of 0.799, Youden index of 0.605, and AUC of 0.863 (95% CI 0.795 to 0.932). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative bone involvement, serum calcium, iPTH, ALP, and serum calcium on the first postoperative day are influencing factors for HBS in MHD patients with SHPT post-PTX. The constructed risk prediction model based on these factors is reliable.

Methylene-Bridged [6]-, [8]-, and [10]Cycloparaphenylenes: Size-Dependent Properties and Paratropic Belt Currents.

Cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) and carbon nanobelts (CNBs) represent some of the most iconic cyclic molecular nanocarbons in recent chemistry owing to their unique properties derived from rigid, strained, and cyclic π-conjugated systems. In the last decade, the synthesis of various sizes of CPPs and CNBs has been achieved that allowed not only for investigating their size-dependent properties and strategically using such properties in various applications but also understanding the fundamental features of cyclic π-conjugated systems and molecular nanocarbons in general. Herein, we report on the synthesis, size-dependent properties, and paratropic belt currents of methylene-bridged [n]cycloparaphenylenes ([n]MCPP, n = 6, 8, 10). [8]MCPP and [10]MCPP were synthesized by the same strategy we developed for [6]MCPP synthesis. With readily available ethoxy-substituted pillar[8]arene and pillar[10]arene as precursors, [8]MCPP and [10]MCPP were successfully synthesized in three steps consisting of de-ethylation, triflation, and nickel-mediated aryl-aryl coupling. The structural and electronic properties of MCPPs were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance analyses, absorption/fluorescence measurements, X-ray crystallographic analyses, and computational studies, revealing their interesting size-dependent properties. The differences in the size dependency between MCPPs and CPPs reflect the belt-form features of MCPPs, namely, methylene-bridging effects on MCPPs. Moreover, an interesting paratropic belt current along the MCPP backbone has been uncovered both experimentally and theoretically. The 1H NMR chemical shifts of MCPPs confirmed the presence of a paratropic belt current, whose strength rapidly decreases with increasing nanobelt size.

Microwave Ablation for Inoperable Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Patients Aged ≥70 Years: A Prospective, Single-Center Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and survival outcomes of computed tomography-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for medically inoperable Stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients aged ≥70 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a prospective, single-arm, single-center clinical trial. The MWA clinical trial enrolled patients aged ≥70 years with medically inoperable Stage I NSCLC from January 2021 to October 2021. All patients received biopsy and MWA synchronously with the coaxial technique. The primary endpoints were 1-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoint was adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients were enrolled. Ninety-seven patients were eligible and analyzed. The median age was 75 years (range, 70-91 years). The median diameter of tumors was 16 mm (range, 6-33 mm). Adenocarcinoma (87.6%) was the most common histologic finding. With a median follow-up of 16.0 months, the 1-year OS and PFS rates were 99.0% and 93.7%, respectively. There were no procedure-related deaths in any patient within 30 days after MWA. Most of the adverse events were minor. CONCLUSION: MWA is an effective and safe treatment for patients aged ≥70 years with medically inoperable Stage I NSCLC.

Mechanism of lncRNA FOXD3-AS1/miR-338-3p in the malignant progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma through ceRNA.

This work aimed to analyze the impact of lncRNA FOXD3-AS1 (F-A) on the regulation of miR-338-3p (M) on the proliferation (Pro), migration (Mig), and invasion (Inv) of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. F-A and M levels in human normal nasopharyngeal (NNP) NP69 cells and NPC CNE1 and CNE2 cells were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. After transfection or cotransfection with F-A shRNA, miR-338-3p mimic (MM), and miR-338-3p inhibitor (MI), cell Pro, Mig, and Inv (PMI) were detected using CCK-8, scratch healing, and Transwell chamber experiments, respectively. As a result, relative to NP69 cells, F-A was upregulated in CNE1 and CNE2 cells, while M was downregulated (P<0.01). F-A in CNE1 and CNE2 cells was downregulated and M was upregulated relative to shF-A (P<0.01). Furthermore, shF-A and MM groups demonstrated drastically reduced cell proliferative activity, Mig, and Inv versus CNE1/CNE2 groups. The cell proliferative activity, Mig, and Inv number of the MI group increased substantially (P<0.01). The shF-A+MM group exhibited markedly reduced cell proliferative activity, Mig, and cell number of Inv relative to those of CNE1/CNE2 (P<0.01). Moreover, the shF-A+MI group exhibited greatly increased cell proliferative activity, Mig, and cell number of Inv versus the shF-A+MM group (P<0.01). In short, lncRNA F-A level was abnormally upregulated, and that of M was downregulated in NPC. Interfering with lncRNA F-A level can upregulate M expression. Silencing of lncRNA F-A can inhibit PMI of NPC cells.

Synchronous percutaneous core-needle biopsy and microwave ablation for stage I non-small cell lung cancer in patients with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: initial experience.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the safety and feasibility of computed tomography (CT)-guided synchronous percutaneous core-needle biopsy (CNB) and microwave ablation (MWA) for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). METHODS: From January 2019 to January 2023, nineteen stage I NSCLC patients with IPF underwent CT-guided synchronous percutaneous CNB and MWA in this study. The technical success rate, complications, local tumor progression (LTP) and overall survival (OS) were observed, and the effect of synchronous percutaneous CNB and MWA were evaluated. RESULTS: The technical success rate of synchronous percutaneous CNB and MWA was 100%. With a median follow-up time of 20.36 months, the median OS was 25 months (95% CI: 21.79, 28.20). The six-, twelve- and eighteen-month OS rates were 94.73%, 89.47% and 57.89%, respectively. The six-, twelve- and eighteen-month LTP rates were 0%, 10.52% and 31.57%, respectively. Major complications including pneumothorax, bronchopleural fistula and pneumonia occurred in 26.32% (5/19) patients. None of the patients died during the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the current study, CT-guided synchronous percutaneous CNB and MWA appears to be a safe and effective for stage I NSCLC in patients with IPF and providing an alternative therapeutic option for local control of pulmonary malignancy in high-risk patients.

TSG-SLAM: SLAM Employing Tight Coupling of Instance Segmentation and Geometric Constraints in Complex Dynamic Environments.

Although numerous effective Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) systems have been developed, complex dynamic environments continue to present challenges, such as managing moving objects and enabling robots to comprehend environments. This paper focuses on a visual SLAM method specifically designed for complex dynamic environments. Our approach proposes a dynamic feature removal module based on the tight coupling of instance segmentation and multi-view geometric constraints (TSG). This method seamlessly integrates semantic information with geometric constraint data, using the fundamental matrix as a connecting element. In particular, instance segmentation is performed on frames to eliminate all dynamic and potentially dynamic features, retaining only reliable static features for sequential feature matching and acquiring a dependable fundamental matrix. Subsequently, based on this matrix, true dynamic features are identified and removed by capitalizing on multi-view geometry constraints while preserving reliable static features for further tracking and mapping. An instance-level semantic map of the global scenario is constructed to enhance the perception and understanding of complex dynamic environments. The proposed method is assessed on TUM datasets and in real-world scenarios, demonstrating that TSG-SLAM exhibits superior performance in detecting and eliminating dynamic feature points and obtains good localization accuracy in dynamic environments.

Panchromatic Light-Absorbing [70]Fullerene-Perylene-BODIPY Triad with Cascade of Energy Transfer as an Efficient Singlet Oxygen Sensitizer.

A panchromatic light-absorbing [70]fullerene-perylene-BODIPY triad (C70-P-B) was synthesized and applied as a heavy atom-free organic triplet photosensitizer for photooxidation. The photophysical processes were comprehensively investigated by the methods of steady-state spectroscopy, time-resolved spectroscopy, as well as theoretical calculations. C70-P-B shows a strong absorption ability from 300-620 nm. Efficient cascading intramolecular singlet-singlet energy transfer in C70-P-B was confirmed by the luminescence study. The backward triplet excited state energy transfer from C70 moiety to perylene then occurs to populate 3perylene*. Thus, the triplet excited states of C70-P-B are distributed on both C70 and perylene moiety with lifetimes of 23 ± 1 µs and 175 ± 17 µs, respectively. C70-P-B exhibits excellent photooxidation capacity, and its yield of singlet oxygen reaches 0.82. The photooxidation rate constant of C70-P-B is 3.70 times that of C70-Boc and 1.58 times that of MB, respectively. The results in this paper are useful for designing efficient heavy atom-free organic triplet photosensitizers for practical application in photovoltaics, photodynamic therapy, etc.

Boryl Radicals Enabled a Three-Step Sequence to Assemble All-Carbon Quaternary Centers from Activated Trichloromethyl Groups.

The construction of diversely substituted all-carbon quaternary centers has been a longstanding challenge in organic synthesis. Methods that add three alkyl substituents to a simple C(sp3) atom rely heavily on lengthy multiple processes, which usually involve several preactivation steps. Here, we describe a straightforward three-step sequence that uses a range of readily accessible activated trichloromethyl groups as the carbon source, the three C-Cl bonds of which are selectively functionalized to introduce three alkyl chains. In each step, only a single C-Cl bond was cleaved with the choice of an appropriate Lewis base-boryl radical as the promoter. A vast range of diversely substituted all-carbon quaternary centers could be accessed directly from these activated CCl3 trichloromethyl groups or by simple derivatizations. The use of different alkene traps in each of the three steps enabled facile collections of a large library of products. The utility of this strategy was demonstrated by the synthesis of variants of two drug molecules, whose structures could be easily modulated by varying the alkene partner in each step. The results of kinetic and computational studies enabled the design of the three-step reaction and provided insights into the reaction mechanisms.