Dynamically Precise Constructing Dual-Atom Pd2 Catalyst:A Monodisperse Catalyst With High Stability for Semi-Hydrogenation of Alkyne.

Dual-atom catalysts (DACs) originate unprecedented reactivity and maximize resource efficiency. The fundamental difficulty lies in the high complexity and instability of DACs, making the rational design and targeted performance optimization a grand challenge. Here, an atomically dispersed Pd2 DAC with an in situ generated Pd─Pd bond is constructed by a dynamic strategy, which achieves high activity and selectivity for semi-hydrogenation of alkynes and functional internal acetylene, twice higher than commercial Lindlar catalyst. Density functional theory calculations and systematic experiments confirms the ultrahigh properties of Pd2 DAC originates from the synergistic effect of the dynamically generated Pd─Pd bonds. This discovery highlights the potential for dynamic strategies and opens unprecedented possibilities for the preparation of robust DACs on an industrial scale.

Imaging Single Prussian Blue Nanoparticles with Extraordinary Low-Spin Iron Capacity.

In attempts to obtain high-capacity Prussian blue nanomaterials, current efforts are predominantly focused on the particle-ensemble-level understanding of their structure-activity relationships. Complementarily, it would be insightful to screen out extraordinary individuals from the nanoparticle population. Using a simple and efficient technique of bright-field microscopy, this work enables, for the first time, quantitative characterization of the overall two-redox-center electrochemistry of single Prussian blue nanoparticles many at a time. Quantitative optical voltammograms with little interference from solvent breakdown and non-Faradaic electrode charging/discharging are extracted for each single nanoparticle, revealing clear heterogeneity among them. On this basis, the microscopic method allows a detailed comparative analysis between the two redox-active sites. It is found that while the synthesized nanoparticles show a similar specific capacity of the high-spin (HS-Fe) sites with STD/mean = 30%, most individual nanoparticles exhibit monodispersedly small capacities of the low-spin iron (LS-Fe) sites, only about 17±1 of the HS-Fe capacity. Most importantly, it is discovered that there is always a small fraction (∼8%) of the single nanoparticles showing an impressively tripled LS-Fe capacity. Facilitated by optical imaging, the discovery of this easily overlooked extraordinary subpopulation confers alternative opportunities for targeted efforts for material chemists to improve synthesis and material design based on these unusual individuals, which in turn implies the general significance of nanoparticle screening.

Covalently linked molecular catalysts in conjugated polymer dots boost photocatalytic alcohol oxidation in neutral condition.

As a new class of organic photocatalysts, polymer dots show a potential application in photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production coupled with chemical oxidation such as methanol oxidation. However, the poor methanol oxidation ability by polymer dots still inhibits the overall photocatalytic reaction occurring in the neutral condition. In this work, an organic molecular catalyst 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical is covalently linked to a fluorene unit in a polymer skeleton, eventually enabling photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production coupled with methanol oxidation in the neutral condition. By conducting various spectroscopic measurements, charge transfer between components in this molecular catalyst-immobilized polymer dots system is studied and found to be very efficient for hydrogen peroxide production coupled with alcohol oxidation. This work proves a strategy for designing polymer dots photocatalysts with molecular catalysts, facilitating their future development and potential applications in other fields such as water splitting, CO2 reduction, photoredox catalysis and photodynamic therapy.

CgIκB2 negatively regulates the expression of interferon-like protein by Rel/NF-κB signal in Crassostrea gigas.

Inhibitors of NF-κB (IκBs) have been implicated as major components of the Rel/NF-κB signaling pathway, playing an important negative regulatory role in host antiviral immunity such as in the activation of interferon (IFN) in vertebrates. In the present study, the immunomodulatory effect of IκB (CgIκB2) on the expression of interferon-like protein (CgIFNLP) was evaluated in Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas). After poly (I:C) stimulation, the mRNA expression level of CgIκB2 in haemocytes was significantly down-regulated at 3-12 h while up-regulated at 48-72 h. The mRNA expression of CgIκB2 in haemocytes was significantly up-regulated at 3 h after rCgIFNLP stimulation. In the CgIκB2-RNAi oysters, the mRNA expression of CgIFNLP, interferon regulatory factor-8 (CgIRF8) and NF-κB subunit (CgRel), the abundance of CgIFNLP and CgIRF8 protein in haemocytes, as well as the abundance of CgRel protein in nucleus were significantly increased after poly (I:C) stimulation. Immunofluorescence assay showed that nuclear translocation of CgIRF8 and CgRel protein was promoted in CgIκB2-RNAi oysters compared with that in EGFP-RNAi group. In the CgRel-RNAi oysters, the mRNA and protein expression level of CgIFNLP significantly down-regulated after poly (I:C) stimulation. The collective results indicated that CgIκB2 plays an important role in regulating CgIFNLP expression through its effects on Rel/NF-κB and IRF signaling pathways.

Prolonged vs shorter awake prone positioning for COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure: a multicenter, randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Awake prone positioning has been reported to reduce endotracheal intubation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). However, it is still unclear whether using the awake prone positioning for longer periods can further improve outcomes. METHODS: In this randomized, open-label clinical trial conducted at 12 hospitals in China, non-intubated patients with COVID-19-related AHRF were randomly assigned to prolonged awake prone positioning (target > 12 h daily for 7 days) or standard care with a shorter period of awake prone positioning. The primary outcome was endotracheal intubation within 28 days after randomization. The key secondary outcomes included mortality and adverse events. RESULTS: In total, 409 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to prolonged awake prone positioning (n = 205) or standard care (n = 204). In the first 7 days after randomization, the median duration of prone positioning was 12 h/d (interquartile range [IQR] 12-14 h/d) in the prolonged awake prone positioning group vs. 5 h/d (IQR 2-8 h/d) in the standard care group. In the intention-to-treat analysis, intubation occurred in 35 (17%) patients assigned to prolonged awake prone positioning and in 56 (27%) patients assigned to standard care (relative risk 0.62 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-0.9]). The hazard ratio (HR) for intubation was 0.56 (0.37-0.86), and for mortality was 0.63 (0.42-0.96) for prolonged awake prone positioning versus standard care, within 28 days. The incidence of pre-specified adverse events was low and similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Prolonged awake prone positioning of patients with COVID-19-related AHRF reduces the intubation rate without significant harm. These results support prolonged awake prone positioning of patients with COVID-19-related AHRF.

Prospective Comparison of 2D and 3D T2-Weighted Imaging in Multiparametric MRI for Assessing Muscle Invasion Accuracy Using VI-RADS in Bladder Cancer.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) is an essential sequence for assessing the staging of bladder cancer. This study aimed to compare the image quality and diagnostic performance of three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) T2WI in diagnosing muscle invasion of bladder cancer using Vesical Imaging Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2022 and May 2023, 101 participants with bladder cancer underwent multiparametric MRI including 3D and 2D T2WI. Two radiologists independently reviewed 2D and 3D T2WI, evaluating image quality and muscle invasion based on VI-RADS scoring. The paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test assessed the differences between 2D and 3D T2WI. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were utilized to compare the diagnostic performance. RESULTS: 3D T2WI demonstrated significantly superior overall image quality scores with less artifacts than 2D T2WI. Compared to 2D T2WI, 3D T2WI categories had significantly higher AUC for both readers (reader 1: 0.937 vs. 0.909, p = .02; reader 2: 0.923 vs.0.884, p = .04). The VI-RADS score of 3D MR protocol had higher accuracy than 2D MR protocol (reader 1: 0.931 vs. 0.921, p = .02; reader 2: 0.931 vs. 0.911, p = .02). However, there were no significant differences in AUC values of VI-RADS categories between 2D and 3D MR protocol (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In assessing muscle invasion of bladder cancer, 3D T2WI exhibited superior overall image quality and diagnostic performance than 2D T2WI. However, 3D T2WI did not significantly improve the diagnostic performance of VI-RADS.

Prospective and multi-reader evaluation of deep learning reconstruction-based accelerated rectal MRI: image quality, diagnostic performance, and reading time.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate deep learning reconstruction (DLR)-based accelerated rectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with standard MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with biopsy-confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma between November/2022 and May/2023 in a single centre were prospectively enrolled for an intra-individual comparison between standard fast spin-echo (FSEstandard) and DLR-based FSE (FSEDL) sequences. Quantitative and qualitative image quality metrics of the pre-therapeutic MRIs were evaluated in all patients; diagnostic performance and evaluating time for T-staging, N-staging, extramural vascular invasion (EMVI), and mesorectal fascia (MRF) status was further analysed in patients undergoing curative surgery, with histopathologic results as the diagnostic gold standard. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients were enrolled, with 60 patients undergoing curative surgery. FSEDL reduced the acquisition time by 65% than FSEstandard. FSEDL exhibited higher signal-to-noise ratios, contrast-to-noise ratio, and subjective scores (noise, tumour margin clarity, visualisation of bowel wall layering and MRF, overall image quality, and diagnostic confidence) than FSEstandard (p < 0.001). Reduced artefacts were observed in FSEDL for patients without spasmolytics (p < 0.05). FSEDL provided higher T-staging accuracy by junior readers than FSEstandard (reader 1, 58.33% vs 70.00%, p = 0.016; reader 3, 60.00% vs 76.67%, p = 0.021), with similar N-staging, EMVI, and MRF performance. No significant difference was observed for senior readers. FSEDL exhibited shorter diagnostic time in all readers' T-staging and overall evaluation, and junior readers' EMVI and MRF (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: FSEDL provided improved image quality, reading time, and junior radiologists' T-staging accuracy than FSEstandard, while reducing the acquisition time by 65%. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: DLR is clinically applicable for rectal MRI, providing improved image quality with shorter scanning time, which may ease the examination burden. It is beneficial for diagnostic optimisation in improving junior radiologists' T-staging accuracy and reading time. KEY POINTS: The rising incidence of rectal cancer has demanded enhanced efficiency and quality in imaging examinations. FSEDL demonstrated superior image quality and had a 65% reduced acquisition time. FSEDL can improve the diagnostic accuracy of T-staging and reduce the reading time for assessing rectal cancer.

Mechanical Property Analysis of a Boom-Membrane Structure Used for Aerospace Technologies.

Traditional deployable truss space structures previously had upper limits on their key indicators, such as the deployed area, folded ratio and total weight, and hence, the application of new extendable mechanisms with novel deployment types is desired. Foldable extendable tape spring booms made from FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) laminate composites and their corresponding boom-membrane structures were invented in recent years to satisfy the needs of the large-scale requirements of spacecraft, especially for antennas, solar sails and solar arrays. This paper aimed to analyze the properties of the deployed states of extendable tape spring booms and their boom-membrane structures. By establishing an analytical model of the boom and the structure, the bending stiffness, critical buckling load of the boom and the fundamental frequency of the membrane structure were acquired. To provide more guidance on the boom-membrane structure design, a geometric and material parametric study was carried out. Meanwhile, an experimental study to investigate the deployed properties of the booms and membrane structures was introduced to afford some practical verification.

Edge-Rich Pt-O-Ce Sites in CeO2 Supported Patchy Atomic-Layer Pt Enable a Non-CO Pathway for Efficient Methanol Oxidation.

Rational design of efficient methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) catalyst that undergo non-CO pathway is essential to resolve the long-standing poisoning issue. However, it remains a huge challenge due to the rather difficulty in maximizing the non-CO pathway by the selective coupling between the key *CHO and *OH intermediates. Here, we report a high-performance electrocatalyst of patchy atomic-layer Pt epitaxial growth on CeO2 nanocube (Pt ALs/CeO2) with maximum electronic metal-support interaction for enhancing the coupling selectively. The small-size monolayer material achieves an optimal geometrical distance between edge Pt-O-Ce sites and *OH absorbed on CeO2, which well restrains the dehydrogenation of *CHO, resulting in the non-CO pathway. Meanwhile, the *CHO/*CO intermediate generated at inner Pt-O-Ce sites can migrate to edge, inducing the subsequent coupling reaction, thus avoiding poisoning while promoting reaction efficiency. Consequently, Pt ALs/CeO2 exhibits exceptionally catalytic stability with negligible degradation even under 1000 s pure CO poisoning operation and high mass activity (14.87 A/mgPt), enabling it one of the best-performing alkali-stable MOR catalysts.

Bi-regional dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for prediction of microvascular invasion in solitary BCLC stage A hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To construct a combined model based on bi-regional quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), as well as clinical-radiological (CR) features for predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) in solitary Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to assess its ability for stratifying the risk of recurrence after hepatectomy. METHODS: Patients with solitary BCLC stage A HCC were prospective collected and randomly divided into training and validation sets. DCE perfusion parameters were obtained both in intra-tumoral region (ITR) and peritumoral region (PTR). Combined DCE perfusion parameters (CDCE) were constructed to predict MVI. The combined model incorporating CDCE and CR features was developed and evaluated. Kaplan-Meier method was used to investigate the prognostic significance of the model and the survival benefits of different hepatectomy approaches. RESULTS: A total of 133 patients were included. Total blood flow in ITR and arterial fraction in PTR exhibited the best predictive performance for MVI with areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.790 and 0.792, respectively. CDCE achieved AUCs of 0.868 (training set) and 0.857 (validation set). A combined model integrated with the α-fetoprotein, corona enhancement, two-trait predictor of venous invasion, and CDCE could improve the discrimination ability to AUCs of 0.966 (training set) and 0.937 (validation set). The combined model could stratify the prognosis of HCC patients. Anatomical resection was associated with a better prognosis in the high-risk group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined model integrating DCE perfusion parameters and CR features could be used for MVI prediction in HCC patients and assist clinical decision-making. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The combined model incorporating bi-regional DCE-MRI perfusion parameters and CR features predicted MVI preoperatively, which could stratify the risk of recurrence and aid in optimizing treatment strategies. KEY POINTS: Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a significant predictor of prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Quantitative DCE-MRI could predict MVI in solitary BCLC stage A HCC; the combined model improved performance. The combined model could help stratify the risk of recurrence and aid treatment planning.

Reduced field-of-view DWI based on deep learning reconstruction improving diagnostic accuracy of VI-RADS for evaluating muscle invasion.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether reduced field-of-view (rFOV) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with deep learning reconstruction (DLR) can improve the accuracy of evaluating muscle invasion using VI-RADS. METHODS: Eighty-six bladder cancer participants who were evaluated by conventional full field-of-view (fFOV) DWI, standard rFOV (rFOVSTA) DWI, and fast rFOV with DLR (rFOVDLR) DWI were included in this prospective study. Tumors were categorized according to the vesical imaging reporting and data system (VI-RADS). Qualitative image quality scoring, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and ADC value were evaluated. Friedman test with post hoc test revealed the difference across the three DWIs. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to calculate the areas under the curve (AUCs). RESULTS: The AUC of the rFOVSTA DWI and rFOVDLR DWI were higher than that of fFOV DWI. rFOVDLR DWI reduced the acquisition time from 5:02 min to 3:25 min, and showed higher scores in overall image quality with higher CNR and SNR, compared to rFOVSTA DWI (p < 0.05). The mean ADC of all cases of rFOVSTA DWI and rFOVDLR DWI was significantly lower than that of fFOV DWI (all p < 0.05). There was no difference in mean ADC value and the AUC for evaluating muscle invasion between rFOVSTA DWI and rFOVDLR DWI (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: rFOV DWI with DLR can improve the diagnostic accuracy of fFOV DWI for evaluating muscle invasion. Applying DLR to rFOV DWI reduced the acquisition time and improved overall image quality while maintaining ADC value and diagnostic accuracy. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The diagnostic performance and image quality of full field-of-view DWI, reduced field-of-view (rFOV) DWI with and without DLR were compared. DLR would benefit the wide clinical application of rFOV DWI by reducing the acquisition time and improving the image quality. KEY POINTS: Deep learning reconstruction (DLR) can reduce scan time and improve image quality. Reduced field-of-view (rFOV) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with DLR showed better diagnostic performances than full field-of-view DWI. There was no difference of diagnostic accuracy between rFOV DWI with DLR and standard rFOV DWI.

Near-infrared visualisation of single microparticle electrochemistry for batteries.

While optical microscopy of single particle electrochemistry has proven insightful for future nanoparticle-based batteries, little is explored for micron-sized particles of more practical interest. This is largely hindered by the currently limited methodology. Accordingly, we report transmission optical microscopy using near-infrared light for accessing intra-particle electrochemistry in virtue of strong light penetration as compared to visible light. Using near-infrared (λ > 730 nm) bright-field microscopy, the redox electrochemistry of single LiCoO2 microparticles can be readily measured based on the measurements of optical contrast changes during electrochemical cycling. Further using the established methodology, we discover that the solid-state diffusion inside most single microparticles is distinctly directional, instead of in an isotropic manner from outer to inner as observed for the other particles. This phenomenon is also observed using dark field scattering microscopy with near-infrared light, suggesting non-uniform crystal inner structures responsible for the geometrically asymmetric heterogeneity of charge transfer kinetics within each single particle. These results indicate potential opportunities offered by the near-infrared optical methodology for operando studying practical battery materials.

Peripheral Soluble Immune Checkpoint-Related Proteins Were Associated with Survival and Treatment Efficacy of Osteosarcoma Patients, a Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The immune checkpoint blockade remains obscure in osteosarcoma (OS). We aim to explore the clinical significance of soluble immune checkpoint (ICK)-related proteins in OS. METHODS: We profiled 14 soluble ICK-related proteins (BTLA, GITR, HVEM, IDO, LAG-3, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, TIM-3, CD28, CD80, CD137, CD27, and CTLA-4) in the plasma of 76 OS patients and matched controls. We evaluated the associations between the biomarkers and the risk of OS using unconditional multivariate logistic regression. The multivariate Cox model was utilized to develop the prediction model of OS. Immune subtypes were established from the identified biomarkers. Transcriptional data from GEO were analyzed to elucidate potential mechanisms. RESULTS: We found that sTIM3, sCD137, sIDO, and sCTLA4 were significantly correlated with OS risk (all p < 0.05). sBTLA, sPDL2, and sCD27 were significantly associated with the risk of lung metastasis, whereas sBTLA and sTIM3 were associated with the risk of disease progression. We also established an immune subtype based on sBTLA, sPD1, sTIM3, and sPDL2. Patients in the sICK-type2 subtype had significantly decreased progression-free survival (PFS) and lung metastasis-free survival (LMFS) than those in the sICK-type1 subtype (log-rank p = 2.8 × 10-2, 1.7 × 10-2, respectively). Interestingly, we found that the trend of LMFS and PFS in the subtypes of corresponding ICK genes' expression was opposite to the results in the blood (log-rank p = 2.6 × 10-4, 9.5 × 10-4, respectively). CONCLUSION: Four soluble ICK-related proteins were associated with the survival of OS patients. Soluble ICK-related proteins could be promising biomarkers for the outcomes and immunotherapy of OS patients, though more research is warranted.

MRI evaluation of vesical imaging reporting and data system for bladder cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) has demonstrated effectiveness in predicting muscle invasion in bladder cancer before treatment. The urgent need currently is to evaluate the muscle invasion status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for bladder cancer. This study aims to ascertain the accuracy of VI-RADS in detecting muscle invasion post-NAC treatment and assess its diagnostic performance across readers with varying experience levels. METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after NAC from September 2015 to September 2018 were included. VI-RADS scores were independently assessed by five radiologists, consisting of three experienced in bladder MRI and two inexperienced radiologists. Comparison of VI-RADS scores was made with postoperative histopathological diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (ROC) was used for evaluating diagnostic performance, calculating sensitivity, specificity, and area under ROC (AUC)). Interobserver agreement was assessed using the weighted kappa statistic. RESULTS: The final analysis included 46 patients (mean age: 61 years ± 9 [standard deviation]; age range: 39-70 years; 42 men). The pooled AUC for predicting muscle invasion was 0.945 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.893-0.977) for experienced readers, and 0.910 (95% CI: 0.831-0.959) for inexperienced readers, and 0.932 (95% CI: 0.892-0.961) for all readers. At an optimal cut-off value ≥ 4, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 74.1% (range: 66.0-80.9%) and 94.1% (range: 88.6-97.7%) for experienced readers, and 63.9% (range: 59.6-68.1%) and 86.4% (range: 84.1-88.6%) for inexperienced readers. Interobserver agreement ranged from substantial to excellent between all readers (k = 0.79-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: VI-RADS accurately assesses muscle invasion in bladder cancer patients after NAC and exhibits good diagnostic performance across readers with different experience levels.

Bladder MRI with deep learning-based reconstruction: a prospective evaluation of muscle invasiveness using VI-RADS.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of deep learning reconstruction (DLR) on bladder MRI, specifically examination time, image quality, and diagnostic performance of vesical imaging reporting and data system (VI-RADS) within a prospective clinical cohort. METHODS: Seventy participants with bladder cancer who underwent MRI between August 2022 and February 2023 with a protocol containing standard T2-weighted imaging (T2WIS), standard diffusion-weighted imaging (DWIS), fast T2WI with DLR (T2WIDL), and fast DWI with DLR (DWIDL) were enrolled in this prospective study. Imaging quality was evaluated by measuring signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and qualitative image quality scoring. Additionally, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of bladder lesions derived from DWIS and DWIDL was measured and VI-RADS scoring was performed. Paired t-test or paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test were performed to compare image quality score, SNR, CNR, and ADC between standard sequences and fast sequences with DLR. The diagnostic performance for VI-RADS was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: Compared to T2WIS and DWIS, T2WIDL and DWIDL reduced the acquisition time from 5:57 min to 3:13 min and showed significantly higher SNR, CNR, qualitative image quality score of overall image quality, image sharpness, and lesion conspicuity. There were no significant differences in ADC and AUC of VI-RADS between standard sequences and fast sequences with DLR. CONCLUSIONS: The application of DLR to T2WI and DWI reduced examination time and significantly improved image quality, maintaining ADC and the diagnostic performance of VI-RADS for evaluating muscle invasion in bladder cancer.

Prognostic performance of MRI LI-RADS version 2018 features and clinical-pathological factors in alpha-fetoprotein-negative hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) version 2018 features and clinical-pathological factors for predicting the prognosis of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-negative (≤ 20 ng/ml) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and to compare with other traditional staging systems. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 169 patients with AFP-negative HCC who received preoperative MRI and hepatectomy between January 2015 and August 2020 (derivation dataset:validation dataset = 118:51). A prognostic model was constructed using the risk factors identified via Cox regression analysis. Predictive performance and discrimination capability were evaluated and compared with those of two traditional staging systems. RESULTS: Six risk factors, namely the LI-RADS category, blood products in mass, microvascular invasion, tumor size, cirrhosis, and albumin-bilirubin grade, were associated with recurrence-free survival. The prognostic model constructed using these factors achieved C-index of 0.705 and 0.674 in the derivation and validation datasets, respectively. Furthermore, the model performed better in predicting patient prognosis than traditional staging systems. The model effectively stratified patients with AFP-negative HCC into high- and low-risk groups with significantly different outcomes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A prognostic model integrating the LI-RADS category, blood products in mass, microvascular invasion, tumor size, cirrhosis, and albumin-bilirubin grade may serve as a valuable tool for refining risk stratification in patients with AFP-negative HCC.

Assessment of central nervous system vasculitis in children based on high-resolution vascular wall imaging.

Objectives: Central nervous system vasculitis (CNSV) is a rare disease. High-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) enables the identification of inflammatory changes within the vessel wall. Few studies have applied HR-VWI to assess CNSV in children. This study delves into the utility of HR-VWI for diagnosing and treating CNSV in children, with the aim of enhancing clinical diagnosis and efficacy evaluation. Methods: Imaging data were acquired from children who underwent HR-VWI examinations. The study meticulously analysed clinical data and laboratory tests to discern the characteristics and distribution patterns of diverse vasculitis forms. Results: In children, CNSV mainly involves medium vessels with grade 1 and 2 stenosis (grade 4 stenosis is rare), and the imaging features generally show centripetal and moderate enhancement, suggesting that this feature is specific for the diagnosis of CNSV. High-grade stenosis, concentric enhancement and strong enhancement of the vasculature indicate more severe disease activity. Remarkably, HR-VWI proved to be significantly more sensitive than magnetic resonance angiography in detecting CNSV. Among the 13 cases subjected to imaging review, 8 demonstrated a reduction or resolution of vessel wall inflammation. In contrast, five patients exhibited worsening inflammation in the vessel wall. HR-VWI demonstrated that changes in vessel wall inflammation were closely correlated with changes in brain parenchymal lesions and symptoms. Conclusion: This study underscores the diagnostic value of HR-VWI in CNSV assessment and treatment monitoring, offering a quantitative evaluation of CNSV in children.

Role of the Benzothiadiazole Unit in Organic Polymers on Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.

Organic polymers based on the donor-acceptor structure are a promising class of efficient photocatalysts for solar fuel production. Among these polymers, poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-1,2,3-benzothiadiazole) (PFBT) consisting of fluorene donor and benzothiadiazole acceptor units has shown good photocatalytic activity when it is prepared into polymer dots (Pdots) in water. In this work, we investigate the effect of the chemical environment on the activity of photocatalysis from PFBT Pdots for hydrogen production. This is carried out by comparing the samples with various concentrations of palladium under different pH conditions and with different sacrificial electron donors (SDs). Moreover, a model compound 1,2,3-benzothiadiazole di-9,9-dioctylfluorene (BTDF) is synthesized to investigate the mechanism for protonation of benzothiadiazole and its kinetics in the presence of an organic acid-salicylic acid by cyclic voltammetry. We experimentally show that benzothiadiazole in BTDF can rapidly react with protons with a fitted value of 0.1-5 × 1010 M-1 s-1 which should play a crucial role in the photocatalytic reaction with a polymer photocatalyst containing benzothiadiazole such as PFBT Pdots for hydrogen production in acidic conditions. This work gives insights into why organic polymers with benzothiadiazole work efficiently for photocatalytic hydrogen production.