WNT2B activates macrophages via NF-κB signaling pathway in inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammation is a significant pathological manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet its mechanism has remained unclear. Although WNT2B is enriched in the intestinal inflammatory tissue of IBD patients, the specific mechanism of WNT2B in the formation of intestinal inflammation remains unclear. This study was aimed to investigate whether macrophages expressing WNT2B can aggravate intestinal tissue inflammation. Samples were collected from both normal individuals and patients with IBD at multiple colon sites. Macrophages were identified using tissue immunofluorescence. IκB kinase (IKK)-interacting protein (IKIP), which interacts with WNT2B, was found by protein cross-linking and protein mass spectrometry. The expression of WNT2B, IKIP, the NF-κB pathway, and downstream molecules were analyzed. An acute colitis model of C57BL/6J mice was established using an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated WNT2B knockdown system and 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The degree of intestinal inflammation in mice was assessed upon WNT2B knockdown in macrophages. Macrophages expressing WNT2B were found to be enriched in the colitis tissues of IBD patients. WNT2B in macrophages activated the NF-κB pathway and enhanced the expression of downstream inflammatory cytokines. By competitively binding IKIP, WNT2B reduced the binding of IKIP to IKKß and promoted the activation of the NF-κB pathway. Using an AAV-mediated WNT2B knockdown system, WNT2B expression in intestinal macrophages was suppressed, leading to a reduction in intestinal inflammation. WNT2B activated the NF-κB pathway and enhanced the expression of downstream inflammatory cytokines by competitively binding to IKIP, potentially contributing to colon inflammatory injury in IBD.

Multiphonon-coupling yellow laser in Yb:La2CaB10O19 crystal.

Yellow lasers at 590 nm have many extensive applications in our daily life, but extremely difficult to attain by traditional solid-state laser technology, owing to the absence of highly-efficient transition channels at this spectral range. In this work, we proposed a cooperative lasing mechanism to obtain the yellow light emission, with multiphonon-assisted electronic transitions and phase-matched frequency-doubling. Based on the predictable configurational coordinate model, we can calculate the multiphonon-assisted emission step-by-step. Using Yb3+-doped La2CaB10O19 crystal as an example, it is capable of producing yellow laser at 581-590 nm, with a maximum output power of 4.83 W and a high slope efficiency of 31.6%. To the best of our knowledge, it represents the highest power of solid-state yellow laser realized in one single crystal pumped by a laser diode. This power scaling can be assigned to the amplified phonon-assisted emission beyond the fluorescence spectrum, and optimized crystal angle for phase-matching condition. Such a compact, low-cost, and high-power laser device, provides an alternative candidate for the spectral "yellow-gap" where no practical solid-state laser exists at present.

The Role of MR Assessments of Cardiac Morphology, Function, and Tissue Characteristics on Exercise Capacity in Well-Functioning Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between resting cardiac indices and exercise capacity in older adults was still not well understood. New developments in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enable a much fuller assessment of cardiac characteristics. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: To assess the association between exercise capacity and specific aspects of resting cardiac structure, function, and tissue. STUDY TYPE: Cross-sectional study. POPULATION: A total of 112 well-functioning older adults (mean age 69 years, 52 men). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: All participants underwent 3.0 T MRI, using scan protocols including balanced steady-state free precession cine sequence, modified look-locker inversion recovery, and T2-prepared single-shot balanced steady-state free precession. ASSESSMENT: Demographic and geriatric characteristics were collected. Blood samples were assayed for lipid and glucose related biomarkers. All participants performed a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test to achieve peakVO2 . Cardiac MRI parameters were measured with semi-automatic software by S.Y., an 18-year experienced radiologist. STATISTICAL TESTS: Demographic, geriatric characteristics and MR measurements were compared among quartiles of peakVO2, with different methods according to the data type. Spearman's partial correlation and least absolute shrinkage selection operator regression were performed to select significant MR features associated with peakVO2 . Mediation effect analysis was conducted to test any indirect connection between age and peakVO2 . A two-sided P value of <0.05 was defined statistical significance. RESULTS: Epicardial fat volume, left atrial volume indexed to height, right ventricular end-systolic volume indexed to body surface area and global circumferential strain (GCS) were correlated with peakVO2 (regression coefficients were -0.040, -0.093, 0.127, and 0.408, respectively). Mediation analysis showed that the total effect of peakVO2 change was 43.6% from the change of age. The proportion of indirect effect from epicardial fat volume and GCS were 11.8% and 15.1% in total effect, respectively. DATA CONCLUSION: PeakVO2 was associated with epicardial fat volume, left atrial volume, right ventricular volume and GCS of left ventricle. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 5.

Predictive value of lesion morphology in rectal cancer based on MRI before surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship of MRI morphology of primary rectal cancer with extramural vascular invasion (EMVI), metastasis and local recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 153 patients with rectal cancer. Imaging factors and histopathological index including nodular projection (NP), cord sign (CS) at primary tumor margin, irregular nodules (IN) of mesorectum, MRI-detected peritoneal reflection invasion (PRI), range of rectal wall invasion (RRWI), patterns and length of tumor growth, maximal extramural depth (EMD), histologically confirmed local node involvement (hLN), MRI T stage, MRI N stage, MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion (mEMVI) and histologically confirmed extramural vascular invasion (hEMVI) were evaluated. Determining the relationship between imaging factors and hEMVI, synchronous metastasis and local recurrence by univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression, and a nomogram validated internally via Bootstrap self-sampling was constructed based on the latter. RESULTS: Thirty-eight cases of hEMVI, fourteen cases of synchronous metastasis and ten cases of local recurrence were observed among 52 NP cases. There were 50 cases of mEMVI with moderate consistency with hEMVI (Kappa = 0.614). NP, CS, EMD and mEMVI showed statistically significant differences in the negative and positive groups of hEMVI, synchronous metastasis, and local recurrence. Compared to patients with local mass growth, the rectal tumor with circular infiltration had been found to be at higher risk of synchronous metastasis and local recurrence (P < 0.05). NP and IN remained as significant predictors for hEMVI, and mEMVI was a predictor for synchronous metastasis, while PRI and mEMVI were predictors for local recurrences. The nomogram for predicting hEMVI demonstrated a C-index of 0.868, sensitivity of 86.0%, specificity of 79.6%, and accuracy of 81.7%. CONCLUSION: NP, CS, IN, large EMD, mEMVI, and circular infiltration are significantly associated with several adverse prognostic indicators. The nomogram based on NP has good predictive performance for preoperative EMVI. mEMVI is a risk factor for synchronous metastasis. PRI and mEMVI are risk factors for local recurrence.

Predictive value of infiltrating tumor border configuration of rectal cancer on MRI.

BACKGROUND: Infiltrating tumor border configuration (iTBC) is assessed by postoperative pathological examination, thus, is not helpful for preoperative treatment strategies. The study aimed to detect iTBC by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and evaluate its predictive value. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 153 patients with rectal cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Clinicopathological and MRI data mainly including tumor border configuration (TBC) on MRI, MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion (MEMVI), tumor length, tumor growth pattern, maximal extramural depth, pathology-proven lymph node metastasis (PLN) and pathology-proven extramural vascular invasion (PEMVI) were analyzed. The correlation of MRI factors with PEMVI and PLN was analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The nomograms were established based on multivariate logistic regression analysis and were confirmed by Bootstrap self-sampling. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency. RESULTS: Fifty cases of PEMVI and 48 cases of PLN were found. Forty cases of PEMVI and 34 cases of PLN in 62 cases of iTBC were also found. iTBC, MEMVI and maximal extramural depth were significantly associated with PEMVI and PLN (P < 0.05). iTBC (odds ratio = 3.84 and 3.02) and MEMVI (odds ratio = 7.27 and 3.22) were independent risk factors for PEMVI and PLN. The C-indices of the two nomograms for predicting PEMVI and PLN were 0.863 and 0.752, respectively. The calibration curves and ROC curves of the two nomograms showed that the correlation between the predicted and the actual incidence of PEMVI and PLN was good. The AUCs of iTBC for predicting PEMVI and PLN were 0.793 (95% CI: 0.714-0.872) and 0.721 (95% CI: 0.632-0.810), respectively. The DeLong test showed that the predictive efficiency of the nomogram in predicting PEMVI was better than that of iTBC (P = 0.0009) and MEMVI (P = 0.0095). CONCLUSION: iTBC and MEMVI are risk factors for PEMVI and pelvic lymph node metastasis. The nomograms based on iTBC show a good performance in predicting PEMVI and pelvic lymph node metastasis, possessing a certain clinical reference value. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Friendship Hospital, and individual consent was waived for this retrospective analysis.

Diode-pumped continuous-wave laser of a self-frequency-doubling Yb:La2CaB10O19 crystal.

We report the first, to the best of our knowledge, laser operation of acentric Yb3+-doped La2CaB10O19 (Yb:LCB) crystal since its discovery in 1998. The polarized absorption and emission cross-section spectra of Yb:LCB were calculated at room temperature. Using a fiber-coupled 976 nm laser diode (LD) as the pump source, we realized effective dual-wavelength laser generation at around 1030 and 1040 nm. The highest slope efficiency of 50.1% was obtained in the Y-cut Yb:LCB crystal. In addition, via resonant cavity design on a phase-matching crystal, a compact self-frequency-doubling (SFD) green laser at 521 nm was also realized in a single Yb:LCB crystal with an output power of 152 mW. These results promote Yb:LCB as a competitive multifunctional laser crystal, especially for highly integrated microchip laser devices ranging from the visible to the near-infrared regime.

Enhanced Electron-Phonon Coupling Effect in Rare-Earth Borate Crystals Containing a "Quasi-Free-Oxygen" Motif.

Revealing the interaction between electrons and phonons, e.g., electron-phonon coupling or decoupling, is a great challenge for physics and functional material communities. For rare-earth single crystals, the electron-phonon coupling and fluorescence behaviors strongly depend on the crystal structure and constituent motifs. Here, we proposed a universal "quasi-free O" as an effective structural motif to enhance phonon-assisted electronic transitions and photoluminescence. Using Gd3+ ion as a probe, we studied Gd:La2CaB10O19 (Gd:LCB) and GdMgB5O10 (GdMB) crystals composed of double B-O layers and dangling "quasi-free O", respectively, which enable strengthened phonon-involved luminescence. Especially, a GdMB crystal features an infinite [O-Gd-O-Gd-O] chain (O represents quasi-free oxygen), thus greatly promoting the energy transfer and electron-phonon coupling effect. As a result, its Huang-Rhys S factor is two times larger than that of a Gd:LCB crystal under room temperature. These results put forward "quasi-free O" to improve the electron-phonon coupling intensity and allow LCB and GdMB crystals to serve as potential hosts for phonon-terminated vibronic lasers.

Efficacy and safety of lenvatinib monotreatment and lenvatinib-based combination therapy for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective, real-world study in China.

BACKGROUND: Lenvatinib and lenvatinib-based combination treatments are widely used in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) in clinical practice, but their curative effect and safety need further study in the real world. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving patients with uHCC receiving lenvatinib monotherapy and lenvatinib-based combination treatment between Nov, 2018 and Sep, 2020 in Nanfang Hospital. Efficacy was evaluated with objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), time to tumor progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were recorded and graded. Efficacy and safety of monotherapy and combination therapy were compared. Stratified analysis was performed according to systemic line of treatment and medication regimen for combination therapy. RESULTS: For lenvatinib monotherapy (n = 39), OS and PFS were 80 weeks and 24.3 weeks, respectively. For combination treatment (n = 72), median OS and PFS were 99 weeks and 45.6 weeks, respectively. OS, PFS, and TTP for patients in the combination treatment cohort were significantly longer compared to those of patients in the monotreatment cohort (OS: P = 0.04, PFS: P = 0.003; TTP, P = 0.005). The incidence of TRAEs could be controlled both in the monotherapy cohort and the combination treatment cohort. In the monotherapy cohort, OS and PFS were significantly decreased in the second-line treatment group compared with the first-line treatment group, while no differences were observed in the combination cohort. The efficacy of triple therapy (lenvatinib plus PD-1 antibody plus TACE or HAIF) was similar to lenvatinib plus PD-1 antibody or lenvatinib plus TACE or HAIF. CONCLUSIONS: Our real-world study showed that lenvatinib monotherapy and lenvatinib-based combination therapy were well tolerated, with encouraging efficacies in patients with uHCC. Lenvatinib-based combination therapy showed a better curative effect compared with lenvatinib single-agent therapy. In patients who have failed first-line TKI treatment, lenvatinib-based combination therapy may be a better choice than lenvatinib single-agent therapy. Lenvatinib-based triple therapy may not have an advantage over dual therapy.

Growth, Structure, and Properties of a Multifunctional Crystal Pr2CaB10O19.

A new praseodymium-based borate crystal Pr2CaB10O19 (PCB) has been grown through the high temperature solution method. PCB crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2 with unit cell parameters of a = 10.9475(10) Å, b = 6.5343(7) Å, c = 9.0336(8) Å, ß = 91.652(3)°, and Z = 2, in which B5O12 groups and PrO10 and CaO8 polyhedra constitute the three-dimensional framework. PCB exhibits a similar second harmonic response intensity to that of La2CaB10O19 and an intense orange fluorescence emission with a long fluorescence lifetime at about 610 nm excited by a xenon lamp light of 466 nm. The band gap, partial density of states, and birefringence have been investigated via theoretical calculations.

New 2D Carbon Nitride Organic Materials Synthesis with Huge-Application Prospects in CN Photocatalyst.

In recent years, 2D materials are attracting increased attention because of their excellent properties. In this paper, new 2D carbon nitride (CN) organic materials are successfully prepared on the basis of the organic synthesis theory, and the thickness is about 1.5 nm. This new 2D CN organic material further strengthens the 2D materials family. Meanwhile, their synthetic mechanism is theoretically speculated. Then CN photocatalysts of several structures are obtained by roasting 2D CN organic materials. Through the photocatalytic hydrogen production experiments, the results exhibit that these kinds of photocatalysts have good photocatalytic effects compared to common g-C3 N4 .

[Response characteristics of neurons to tone in dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus of the mouse].

The dorsal nucleus of lateral lemniscus (DNLL) is a nucleus in the auditory ascending pathway, and casts inhibitory efferent projections to the inferior colliculus. Studies on the DNLL are less than studies on the auditory brain stem and inferior colliculus. To date, there is no information about response characteristics of neurons in DNLL of albino mouse. Under free field conditions, we used extracellular single unit recording to study the acoustic signal characteristics of DNLL neurons in Kunming mice (Mus musculus). Transient (36%) and ongoing (64%) firing patterns were found in 96 DNLL neurons. Neurons with different firing patterns have significant differences in characteristic frequency and minimal threshold. We recorded frequency tuning curves (FTCs) of 87 DNLL neurons. All of the FTCs exhibit an open "V" shape. There is no significant difference in FTCs between transient and ongoing neurons, but among the ongoing neurons, the FTCs of sustained neurons are sharper than those of onset plus sustained neurons and pauser neurons. Our results showed that the characteristic frequency of DNLL neurons of mice was not correlated with depth, supporting the view that the DNLL of mouse has no frequency topological organization through dorsal-ventral plane, which is different from cats and some other animals. Furthermore, by using rate-intensity function (RIF) analysis the mouse DNLL neurons can be classified as monotonic (60%), saturated (31%) and non-monotonic (8%) types. Each RIF type includes transient and ongoing firing patterns. Dynamic range of the transient firing pattern is smaller than that of ongoing firing ones (P < 0.01), suggesting that the inhibitory inputs may underlie the formation of transient firing pattern. Multiple firing patterns and intensity coding of DNLL neurons may derive from the projections from multiple auditory nuclei, and play different roles in auditory information processing.

Does high-frequency resistance exercise offer additional benefits to older adults? learnings from a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Resistance exercise is an effective strategy to improve muscle strength in older adults. A limited-load resistance would be flexible and suitable for community-based training. It was unclear whether high-frequency resistance exercise offer additional benefits to older adults. Here, we aimed to examine the effect of limited-load resistance exercise among different frequency on muscle parameters in older adults. METHODS: The current study was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of different-frequency resistance exercise in older adults. Change in skeletal muscle was estimated with a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Demographics, physical examination, nutritional assessment, prealbumin and lymphocytes were also measured. Fisher's precision probability test and baseline-adjusted generalized linear models were applied accordingly to analyze the influence of dose-different exercise on prevalence of sarcopenia, muscle parameters and body composition. A two-sided p value of < 0.05 was defined statistical significance. RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 71.96 years and close gender ratio. One hundred and twenty-seven participants (control 40; low-dose 46; high-dose 41) completed the 6-month exercise intervention. In contrast to control group, only high-dose exercise groups experienced improvements in muscle mass (0.66 kg, p < 0.001) and max grip strength (+ 2.17 kg, p < 0.001). There were significant dose-response effects of muscle mass (index), fat mass (index), max grip strength, 5-times sit to stand test, 6-minute walking test and visceral fat area (all ptrend <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: As the proved dose-dependent effect, current findings supported high-frequency limited-load resistance exercise applied and extended among older adults in community. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Network (ChiCTR2200062007, Registered on 19 July 2022).

Impact of 12-Month Late-in-Life Exercise Training on Cardiopulmonary Reserve, Static Cardiac Structure, and Function: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Although the cardiac benefits of maintaining a lifelong exercise routine are undisputed, to what extent late-in-life exercise training can ameliorate cardiac aging remains unclear. We examined the impact of a 12-month exercise training program on cardiac reserve, static cardiac structure, and cardiac function in older adults. DESIGN: This study was a single-center, randomized trial using Zelen design. Participants in the center-based exercise (CBE) group underwent an individualized multicomponent exercise training program. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: In total, 120 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-85 years were evenly divided into a CBE group and a control group. METHODS: The primary outcome indicator was absolute change in peak oxygen uptake (peakVO2) per kilogram from baseline to 12 months. The secondary outcome indicators were the absolute changes in other cardiopulmonary exercise test indices and cardiac magnetic resonance parameters. This study has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Network (ChiCTR2400081824). RESULTS: In total, 47 older adults in the control group and 49 in the CBE group ultimately completed the 12-month follow-up and were analyzed. Of all participants, 52 (46.4%) were men, and the mean age was 71.22 ± 4.55 years. The absolute change in peakVO2/kg was significantly different between the CBE and control groups by +3.32 mL/kg/min (95% CI 2.10-4.53; P < .001), and a sex-related difference was observed. Additionally, the right ventricular peak filling and ejection rate improved to a greater degree in the CBE than control group (+65.57 mL/s, P = .006; +56.39 mL/s, P = .026, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: A 12-month exercise training program started later in life was effective in improving cardiopulmonary reserve, and men showed a better response to training than women. The right ventricular function increased after late-in-life exercise training.

Evaluation of the Genotoxicity of Almond Hull: Implications for Its Use as a Novel Food Ingredient.

Almond hull, a substantial byproduct comprising more than half of almond fresh weight, has recently gained attention due to its functionality and sustainability benefits. Despite heightened interest, information regarding its toxicity remains limited. In order to assess its genotoxic potential, we conducted Good Laboratory Practice-compliant in vitro and in vivo studies following Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. No evidence of toxicity or mutagenicity was observed in a bacterial reverse mutation assay using five tester strains, evaluating almond hull at concentrations up to 5 mg/plate, with or without metabolic activation. Almond hull did not induce chromosome structural damage in a chromosome aberration assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells, nor did it cause any spermatogonial chromosomal aberration in tested male BALB/c mice. To evaluate its ability to induce DNA damage in rodents, a combined micronucleus assay was conducted in KM mice of both sexes. Almond hull was administered at doses of 1250, 2500, and 5000 mg/kg/day via gavage once daily for 2 days. No adverse effects of almond hull were observed in the micronucleus assay. Our results indicate no evidence of the genotoxic potential of almond hull administered up to the maximum concentrations of 5 g/kg, as recommended by OECD guidelines.

WNT2B high­expressed fibroblasts induce the fibrosis of IBD by promoting NK cells secreting IL-33.

Fibrosis is an important pathological change in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the mechanism has yet to be elucidated. WNT2B high­expressed fibroblasts are enriched in IBD intestinal tissues, although the precise function of this group of fibroblasts remains unclear. This study investigated whether WNT2B high­expressed fibroblasts aggravated intestinal tissue damage and fibrosis. Our study provides evidence that WNT2B high­expressed fibroblasts and NK cells were enriched in colitis tissue of patients with IBD. WNT2B high­expressed fibroblasts secreted wnt2b, which bound to FZD4 on NK cells and activated the NF-κB and STAT3 pathways to enhance IL-33 expression. TCF4, a downstream component of the WNT/ß-catenin pathway, bound to p65 and promoted binding to IL-33 promoter. Furthermore, Salinomycin, an inhibitor of the WNT/ß-catenin pathway, inhibited IL-33 secretion in colitis, thereby reducing intestinal inflammation.Knocking down WNT2B reduces NK cell infiltration and IL-33 secretion in colitis, and reduce intestinal inflammation and fibrosis. In conclusion, WNT2B high­expressed fibroblasts activate NK cells by secreting wnt2b, which activates the WNT/ß-catenin and NF-κB pathways to promote IL-33 expression and secretion, potentially culminating in the induction of colonic fibrosis in IBD. KEY MESSAGES: WNT2B high-expressed fibroblasts and NK cells are enriched in colitis tissue, promoting NK cells secreting IL-33. Wnt2b activates NF-κB and STAT3 pathways promotes IL-33 expression by activating p65 and not STAT3. syndrome TCF4 binds to p65 and upregulates the NF- κB pathway. Salinomycin reduces NK cell infiltration and IL-33 secretion in colitis. Knocking down WNT2B mitigates inflammation and fibrosis in chronic colitis.

Predictive value of MRI-detected tumor deposits in locally advanced rectal cancer.

Background: Although tumor deposits (TDs) are not the same as lymph nodes, the prognosis of patients with TDs is similar or worse than that of patients with metastatic lymph nodes. TDs are mostly assessed by the histology of samples after surgery, thus, not helpful for preoperative treatment strategies. The primary objective of this study was to detect TDs by MRI and evaluate its predictive value. Materials and methods: A total of 114 patients with rectal cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Clinicopathological and MRI data mainly including MRI- detected TDs (mTDs), tumor border configuration (TBC) on MRI, MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion (mEMVI), MRI-detected lymph node metastasis (mLN), MRI T stage, MRI N stage, the range of rectal wall involved by the tumor, peritoneal reflection invasion, tumor length, tumor location, cord sign at the tumor edge, nodular protrusion at the tumor edge, maximal extramural depth and pathology-proven lymph node involvement (pLN) were evaluated. The correlation of MRI factors with postoperative distant metastasis (PDM) and pLN were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, and nomograms were established based on the latter. The diagnostic efficiency was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC). Results: A total of 38 cases of pLN, 13 of PDM and 17 of pathology-proven TDs (pTDs) were found. Ten cases of PDM and 22 cases of pLN in 30 mTDs cases were also found. Chi-square test showed that mTDs, mLN, TBC, mEMVI, MRI T stage, nodular protrusion, cord sign, maximal extramural depth and peritoneal reflection invasion were correlated with PDM and pLN (P<0.05). mTDs and peritoneal reflection invasion were independent risk factors for PDM (odds ratio: 10.15 and 8.77, P<0.05), mTDs and mLN were independent risk factors for pLN (odds ratio: 5.50 and 5.91, P<0.05), and Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the results of two models were not statistically significant, suggesting that the fit was good. On this basis, two nomograms for predicting PDM and pLN were confirmed by Bootstrap self-sampling, and the C-indices of the two nomograms were 0.837 and 0.817, respectively. The calibration curves and ROC curves of the two nomograms showed that the correlation between the predicted and the actual incidence of PDM and pLN was good. The DeLong test showed that the predictive efficiency of the nomogram in predicting pLN was better than that of mLN (P=0.0129). Conclusion: mTDs are a risk factor for PDM and lymph node metastasis. The two nomograms based on mTDs showed a good performance in predicting PDM and lymph node metastasis, possessing a certain clinical value.

Identifying Tumor Deposits in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Using Multiplanar High-Resolution T2WI.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of postoperative tumor deposits (TDs) is worse than positive lymph node metastases alone. OBJECTIVE: To detect TDs by using multiplanar high-resolution T2-weighted imaging (HRT2WI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 130 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Using pathology-proven tumor deposits (pTDs) as the gold standard, all patients were divided into the pTDs-negative and pTDs-positive groups, the correlation of clinicopathological factors and image features [such as MRI-detected tumor deposits (mTDs), MRI-detected metastatic lymph node (mLN), MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion (mEMVI), maximal extramural depth (EMD), etc.] with pTDs were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, and the nomogram was established based on the latter. The diagnostic efficiency was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and area under curve (AUC). RESULTS: mTDs, mLN, mEMVI, and EMD were significantly different between the pTDs-positive and pTDs-negative groups (P < 0.05), with the AUC of 0.767, 0.746, 0.664 and 0.644, respectively. mTDs and mLN were independent risk factors for pTDs (odds ratio: 5.74 and 3.90, P < 0.05). The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the nomogram were 0.814 (95% CI: 0.720 ~ 0.908), 73.9%, 79.4%, 93.4%, and 78.5%, respectively. Seventeen of 23 patients with pTDs were identified as mTDs, with a moderate agreement between pTDs and mTDs (Kappa=0.419). CONCLUSION: Multiplanar HRT2WI can be used as a preoperative diagnostic tool to identify TDs in LARC. The combined model constructed by mTDs and mLN shows a good diagnostic performance for TDs.

Phonon engineering in Yb:La2CaB10O19 crystal for extended lasing beyond the fluorescence spectrum.

Since the first invention of the laser in 1960, direct lasing outside the fluorescence spectrum is deemed impossible owing to the "zero-gain" cross-section. However, when electron-phonon coupling meets laser oscillation, an energy modulation by the quantized phonon can tailor the electronic transitions, thus directly creating some unprecedented lasers with extended wavelengths by phonon engineering. Here, we demonstrate a broadband lasing (1000-1280 nm) in a Yb-doped La2CaB10O19 (Yb:LCB) crystal, far beyond its spontaneous fluorescence spectrum. Numerical calculations and in situ Raman verify that such a substantial laser emission is devoted to the multiphonon coupling to lattice vibrations of a dangling "quasi-free-oxygen" site, with the increasing phonon numbers step-by-step (n = 1-6). This new structural motif provides more alternative candidates with strong-coupling laser materials. Moreover, the quantitative relations between phonon density distribution and laser wavelength extension are discussed. These results give rise to the search for on-demand lasers in the darkness and pave a reliable guideline to study those intriguing electron-phonon-photon coupled systems for integrated photonic applications.

Oxygen vacancies induced band gap narrowing for efficient visible-light response in carbon-doped TiO2.

The band gap of rutile TiO2 has been narrowed, via the formation of oxygen vacancies (OVs) during heat treatment in carbon powder (cHT) with embedding TiO2 coatings. The narrowed band gap efficiently improves the visible light response of TiO2 coatings, to further enhance the visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity. The change in OVs during cHT has been studied by manipulation of cHT temperature and time. The effect of OVs on the band structure of nonstoichiometric TiO2-x has been further calculated by first-principles calculations. With raising the temperature, SEM images show that the nano-size fiber-like structure forms on the surface of TiO2 coatings, and the amount of the fiber-like structure significantly increases and their size changes from nano to micro under 800 °C, contributing to cause an increase in accessible surface area. The UV-Vis results reveal that the band gap of TiO2 has been narrowed during cHT, due to the formed oxygen vacancies. The XPS results further confirm that the formation of surface defects including OVs, and the XPS depth profile further shows the decreased relative amount of O whereas increased relative amount of carbon. Notably, after cHT for TiO2 coatings, the photocatalytic activity first increases then decreases with raising the temperature, achieving approximately 3 times at 850 °C. The first-principles calculation suggest that the OVs in TiO2 coatings with localized electrons could facilitate the band gap narrowing, further favoring to enhance the photocatalytic activity under visible light.

Acute Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Almond Hull Powders in BALB/c Mice.

Almond hull, a substantial byproduct constituting more than half of almond fresh weight, has garnered recent attention due to its abundance in fiber and bioactive content. Despite this huge interest, data on its toxicity remain scarce. In line with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 423 guidelines, this study conducted an acute oral toxicity test using almond hull powders processed from three major almond varieties of Butte, Monterey, and Nonpareil on BALB/c female mice, administering dosages of 300 mg/kg body weight (bw), 2000 mg/kg bw, and 5000 mg/kg bw, with observations over a 14-day period. The results indicated that almond hull powders were non-toxic, aligning with the Globally Harmonized System's classification. Administering up to 5000 mg/kg bw of all three varieties of almond hull powders (female BALB/c mice) and 10,000 mg/kg bw of Monterey almond hull powders (both female and male mice) induced no adverse effects in terms of mortality, body weight changes, food intake, organ to weight ratio, and clinical biochemistry. Additionally, histopathological examination revealed no organ abnormalities. This study demonstrates the non-toxic nature of almond hull as an edible food ingredient under experimental conditions, encouraging the further exploration of its potential for safe consumption and its health benefits.