Salvage surgery and conversion surgery for patients with non-small cell lung cancer: A narrative review.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. With the development of screening, patient selection and treatment strategies, patients' survival outcomes and living quality significantly improved. However, some patients still have local recurrence or residual tumors after receiving definitive therapies. Salvage surgery has been regarded as an effective option for recurrent or residual NSCLC, but its effectiveness remains undetermined. Furthermore, conversion surgery is a special type of salvage surgery for tumors converted from "initially unresectable" to "potentially resectable" status due to a favorable response to systemic treatments. Although conversion surgery is a promising curative procedure for advanced NSCLC, its concept and clinical value remain unfamiliar to clinicians. In this narrative review, we provided an overview of the safety and efficacy of salvage surgery, especially salvage surgery after sublobar resection in early-stage NSCLC. More importantly, we highlighted the concept and value of conversion surgery after systemic treatment in advanced NSCLC to gain some insights into its role in the treatment of lung cancer.

Postoperative rehabilitation and quality of life evaluation for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach.

There are no targeted rehabilitation training modalities and assessment tools for patients after transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA). Herein, we develop a new assessment questionnaire and rehabilitation training modality and evaluate its safety and effectiveness. The THYCA-QoL-TOETVA questionnaire was compiled, and reliability and validity analyses were performed. Patients were divided into the new rehabilitation training group (N) or the conventional rehabilitation training group (C), and 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed after administering questionnaires to patients in both groups. Cervical range of motion (CROM) data were also measured and collected for statistical analysis. The questionnaire used in this study showed good expert authority, coordination, internal consistency, and questionnaire reliability. A total of 476 patients were included after PSM, and the questionnaire results showed that recovery and quality of life were better in the N group than in the C group (124.55 ± 8.171 vs. 122.94 ± 8.366, p = 0.026). Analysis of cervical spine mobility showed that rehabilitation was better in the N group compared to the C group at postoperative one month (flexion: 1.762°, extension: 4.720°, left lateral bending: 3.912°, right lateral bending: 4.061°, left axial rotation: 5.180°, right axial rotation: 5.199°, p value all of these < 0.001), and at postoperative three months (flexion: 2.866°, extension: 2.904°, left lateral bending: 3.927°, right lateral bending: 3.330°, left axial rotation: 4.395°, right axial rotation: 3.992°, p value all of these < 0.001). The THYCA-QoL-TOETVA provides an appropriate and effective tool for measuring the postoperative quality of life of TOETVA patients. This new rehabilitation training can effectively alleviate the problem of limited neck movement and improve the quality of life of patients after TOETVA surgery.Trial registration: ChiCTR2300069097.

Phlorizin from Lithocarpus litseifolius [Hance] Chun ameliorates FFA-induced insulin resistance by regulating AMPK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is the central pathophysiological feature in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, and dyslipidemia. As the main active ingredient in Lithocarpus litseifolius [Hance] Chun, previous studies have shown that phlorizin (PHZ) can reduce insulin resistance in the liver. However, the effect of phlorizin on attenuating hepatic insulin resistance has not been fully investigated, and whether this effect is related to AMPK remains unclear. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to further investigate the effect of phlorizin on attenuating insulin resistance and the potential action mechanism. METHODS: Free fatty acids (FFA) were used to induce insulin resistance in HepG2 cells. The effects of phlorizin and FFA on cell viability were detected by MTT analysis. Glucose consumption, glycogen synthesis, intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) contents were quantified after phlorizin treatment. Glucose uptake and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in HepG2 cells were assayed by flow cytometry. Potential targets and signaling pathways for attenuating insulin resistance by phlorizin were predicted by network pharmacological analysis. Moreover, the expression levels of proteins related to the AMPK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were detected by western blot. RESULTS: Insulin resistance was successfully induced in HepG2 cells by co-treatment of 1 mM sodium oleate (OA) and 0.5 mM sodium palmitate (PA) for 24 h. Treatment with phlorizin promoted glucose consumption, glucose uptake, and glycogen synthesis and inhibited gluconeogenesis in IR-HepG2 cells. In addition, phlorizin inhibited oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in IR-HepG2 cells. Network pharmacological analysis showed that AKT1 was the active target of phlorizin, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may be the potential action mechanism of phlorizin. Furthermore, western blot results showed that phlorizin ameliorated FFA-induced insulin resistance by activating the AMPK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Phlorizin inhibited oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in IR-HepG2 cells and ameliorated hepatic insulin resistance by activating the AMPK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our study proved that phlorizin played a role in alleviating hepatic insulin resistance by activating AMPK, which provided experimental evidence for the use of phlorizin as a potential drug to improve insulin resistance.

Research on the signaling pathway and the related mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine intervention in chronic gastritis of the "inflammation-cancer transformation".

Objective: The aim of this study is to uncover the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments for chronic gastritis and their potential targets and pathways involved in the "inflammation-cancer" conversion in four stages. These findings can provide further support for future research into TCM and its active components. Materials and methods: The literature search encompassed PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP, employing keywords such as "chronic gastritis", "gastric cancer", "traditional Chinese medicine", "medicinal herb", "Chinese herb", and "natural plant". Results: Herbal remedies may regulate the signaling pathways linked to the advancement of chronic gastritis. Under the multi-target and multi-pathway independent or combined reaction, the inflammatory microenvironment may be enhanced, leading to repair of damaged gastric mucosal cells, buffering the progress of mucosal atrophic degeneration via the decrease of inflammatory factor expression, inhibition of oxidative stress-induced damage, facilitation of microvascular neovascularization in the gastric mucosa and regulation of the processes of gastric mucosal cell differentiation and proliferation. Simultaneously, the decreased expression of inflammatory factors may impact the expression of associated oncogenes and regulate the malignant proliferation of cells, thereby achieving the treatment and prevention objectives of gastric cancer through the reduction of cell metastasis and apoptosis. Conclusion: Chinese medicine formulations and individual drugs can be utilised at various stages of the "inflammation-cancer" progression of chronic gastritis to prevent and treat gastric cancer in a multi-level, multi-targeted, and multi-directional fashion. This can provide guidance for the accurate application of medicines during different stages of "inflammation-cancer" transformation. New insights into the mechanism of inflammation-cancer transformation and the development of novel drugs for chronic gastritis can be gained through an extensive investigation of TCM treatment in this condition.

Four-Leaf Clover Shape Agglomerate Keratoacanthomas: A Case Report.

Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a papule, plaque, or nodule in an exposed area, with a crater-like horn plug in the center. Multiple KAs are rare disorders, especially when the lesions are agglomerated together. Herein, we report a case of 65-year-old man who presented with four red nodules of different sizes on the right side of the chest. The lesions were clustered, with central keratotic cores, similar in appearance to a four-leaf clover. The nodules were completely removed by excisional surgery and the diagnosis of Agglomerate KAs was made based on clinical and pathological results. A 6-year follow-up found no recurrence.

Mapping the lymph node metastasis landscape: A bibliometric Odyssey of papillary thyroid carcinoma publications (2012-2022).

Objective: Lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has become an area of great interest in the study of thyroid diseases. The aim of this study was to elucidate the research trends and impact of lymph node metastasis of PTC in the study of thyroid diseases through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Methods: We conducted an extensive bibliometric review of the literature on lymph node metastasis in PTC using the Web of Science Core Database (WOSCC), which included approximately 3292 publications from 2012 to 2022. Data analysis and visualization were performed, using advanced bibliometric tools including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and bibliometrix R software packages. Results: A total of 3292 publications from 81 one countries were identified. The analysis showed a pattern of growth in the number of publications per year from 2012 to 2022, with China having the highest number of papers. Outstanding contributions were made by China, Korea, USA, Italy and Japan, with Thyroid being the most important journal. The author who published the most papers was Jingqiang Zhu. The institutions that published the most papers were Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Yonsei University. The analysis found that prognosis, recurrence, and ultrasound were the keywords with the highest frequency of occurrence in addition to those related to the title of this article. Conclusion: Our bibliometric analysis outlines the current state of research on lymph node metastasis in PTC, highlighting significant contributions, trends, and future research directions.

circ_JMJD1C expedites breast cancer progression by regulating miR-182-5p/JMJD1C/SOX4 axis.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are engaged in various types of cancers. This study aimed to investigate the roles of circ_0006743 (circ_JMJD1C) in breast cancer. The downstream of circ_JMJD1C and their interaction network was determined by bioinformatic analyses. Gene expression were analyzed through western blot and qRT-PCR assays. Functional assays were conducted in vitro and in vivo to verify circ_JMJD1C role in BC. FISH and confocal analysis indicated the cellular distribution of circ_JMJD1C. Luciferase reporter, RNA immune-precipitation (RIP) assays, as well as Pearson's correlation analysis, were implemented to test the relation of miR-182-5p, JMJD1C and circ_JMJD1C. Circ_JMJD1C and JMJD1C expression were both elevated, and their expression was positively correlated in BC. Circ_ JMJD1C knockdown hindered BC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, along with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in vivo. Circ_JMJD1C facilitated BC progression by the miR-182-5p-JMJD1C axis. Circ_JMJD1C epigenetically upregulated SOX4. Circ_JMJD1C promotes the aggressiveness of BC via regulating miR-182-5p/JMJD1C/SOX4 axis. This may provide a novel and promising therapy targeting BC.

Function and mechanism of exogenous AGR2 in colorectal cancer cells.

Background: Anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) is highly enriched in several malignant tumors and can boost tumor metastasis. Whereas, AGR2 role in colorectal cancer (CRC) is not clear. Methods: AGR2 expression in the GEPIA database was studied, and the results were confirmed by Western blot in CRC cell lines (SW480, SW620, and HT-29). The impact of AGR2 on the multiplication, migration, invasion and EMT of CRC cells were studied by CCK-8 assay, as well as clone formation, wound healing and transwell assays. The protein concent related to the AKT/ß-catenin signaling pathway were accessed via Western blot. Results: AGR2 concent in CRC tissues was notablely boosted versus normal colorectal tissues. Exogenous AGR2 boosted the multiplication of CRC cells. In addition, exogenous AGR2 induced EMT, which demonstrated that ZEB1, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Slug, Snail protein concent boosted and E-cadherin protein abated in CRC cells. In terms of mechanism, exogenous AGR2 upgulated p-AKT/AKT, p-GSK3ß/GSK3ß and ß-catenin concent. Exogenous AGR2 combined with AKT agonist IGF- Ⅰ can further enhance the multiplication, migration and invasion of CRC cells. Conclusion: Exogenous AGR2 enhances the multiplication of CRC cells and induces EMT process, the mechanism of which is related to AKT/ß-catenin signal pathway.

Impact of metabolic syndrome on postoperative outcomes of transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: analysis of U.S. nationwide inpatient sample data 2005-2018.

Introduction: Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is the preferred surgical method for most pituitary adenomas owing to high efficacy and low mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on postoperative outcomes of TSS for pituitary adenoma. Methods: This population-based, retrospective observational study extracted data of adults 20-79 y receiving TSS for pituitary adenoma from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 2005-2018. Primary outcomes were pituitary-related complications, poor outcomes (i.e., in-hospital mortality or unfavorable discharge), prolonged length of stay (LOS), and patient safety indicators (PSIs). Univariate and multivariate regressions were performed to determine the associations between study variables and outcomes. Results: 19,076 patients (representing a 93,185 US in-patient population) were included, among which 2,109 (11.1%) patients had MetS. After adjustment, pre-existing MetS was not significantly associated with presence of pituitary-related complications and poor outcomes. In contrast, MetS was significantly associated with an increased risk for prolonged LOS (adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.05-1.34), PSIs (aOR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.07-1.59) and greater hospital costs (adjusted ß = 8.63 thousand USD; 95% CI: 4.98-12.29). Among pituitary-related complications, MetS was independently associated with increased risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.47) but lowered diabetes insipidus (aOR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.97). Discussion: MetS does not pose excessive risk of in-hospital mortality or unfavorable discharge. However, MetS independently predicted having PSIs, prolonged LOS, greater hospital costs, and CSF rhinorrhea. Study findings may help clinicians achieve better risk stratification before TSS.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Coronary Protection Guided by Deep Learning and 3-Dimensional Printing.

OBJECTIVE: In this case report, the auxiliary role of deep learning and 3-dimensional printing technology in the perioperative period was discussed to guide transcatheter aortic valve replacement and coronary stent implantation simultaneously. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old man had shortness of breath and chest tightness, accompanied by paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, 2 weeks before presenting at our hospital. Echocardiography results obtained in the outpatient department showed severe aortic stenosis combined with regurgitation and pleural effusion. The patient was first treated with closed thoracic drainage. After 800 mL of pleural effusion was collected, the patient's symptoms were relieved and he was admitted to the hospital. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography showed severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis combined with calcification and aortic regurgitation (mean pressure gradient, 42 mmHg). Preoperative computed tomography results showed a type I bicuspid aortic valve with severe eccentric calcification. The leaflet could be seen from the left coronary artery plane, which indicated an extremely high possibility of coronary obstruction. After preoperative imaging assessment, deep learning and 3-dimensional printing technology were used for evaluation and simulation. Guided transcatheter aortic valve replacement and a coronary stent implant were completed successfully. Postoperative digital subtraction angiography showed that the bioprosthesis and the chimney coronary stent were in ideal positions. Transesophageal echocardiography showed normal morphology without paravalvular regurgitation. CONCLUSION: The perioperative guidance of deep learning and 3-dimensional printing are of great help for surgical strategy formulation in patients with severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis with calcification and high-risk coronary obstruction.

Hypoxia induced exosomal Circ-ZNF609 promotes pre-metastatic niche formation and cancer progression via miR-150-5p/VEGFA and HuR/ZO-1 axes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Exosomes derived from cancer are regarded as significant mediators of cancer-host crosstalk. Hypoxia, on the other hand, is one of the essential characteristics of solid tumors. This research set out to discover how circulating exosomes from hypoxic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) contribute to the formation of metastatic niches and distant metastasis. First, we noticed that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) had their tight connections disrupted and the expression of proteins involved in angiogenesis boosted by ESCC hypoxic exosomes. Hypoxia significantly induced Circ-ZNF609 expression in exosomes from ESCC, which was then internalized by HUVECs, as determined by circular RNA screening. High Circ-ZNF609 expression in HUVECs facilitated angiogenesis and vascular permeability, thereby promoting pre-metastatic niche formation, and enhancing distant metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Exosomal Circ-ZNF609 activated vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) mechanistically by sponging miR-150-5p. Exosomal Circ-ZNF609 also interacted with HuR and inhibited HuR binding to ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin mRNAs, thereby reducing their translation. Collectively, our findings identified an essential function for exosomal Circ-ZNF609 from ESCC cells, suggesting the potential therapeutic value of exosomes for ESCC patients.

Trait anxiety and corresponding neuromarkers predict internet addiction: A longitudinal study.

Background and Aims: The high prevalence of internet addiction (IA) has become a worldwide problem that profoundly affects people's mental health and executive function. Empirical studies have suggested trait anxiety (TA) as one of the most robust predictors of addictive behaviors. The present study investigated the neural and socio-psychological mechanisms underlying the association between TA and IA. Methods: Firstly, we tested the correlation between TA and IA. Then we investigated the longitudinal influence of TA on IA using a linear mixed effect (LME) model. Secondly, connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) was employed to explore neuromarkers of TA, and we tested whether the identified neuromarkers of TA can predict IA. Lastly, stressful life events and default mode network (DMN) were considered as mediating variables to explore the relationship between TA and IA. Findings: A significant positive correlation between TA and IA was found and the high TA group demonstrated higher IA across time. CPM results revealed that the functional connectivity of cognitive control and emotion-regulation circuits and DMN were significantly correlated with TA. Furthermore, a significant association was found between the neuromarkers of TA and IA. Notably, the CPM results were all validated in an independent sample. The results of mediation demonstrated that stressful life events and correlated functional connectivity mediated the association between TA and IA. Conclusions: Findings of the present study facilitate a deeper understanding of the neural and socio-psychological mechanisms linking TA and IA and provide new directions for developing neural and psychological interventions.

Tenascin-C modulates alveolarization in bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease characterized by retarded alveolarization. Tenascin-C (TN-C), an extracellular matrix glycoprotein and soluble molecule, is involved in tissue morphogenesis. In the present study, we demonstrated that the level of TN-C in lung tissues was greater in a mouse model of BPD induced by 85% oxygen. TN-C deficiency, however, impaired alveolarization in the hyperoxia-induced BPD model. In contrast, a functional TN-C blocking antibody ameliorated alveolar dysplasia in BPD-like mice. Mechanistically, hyperoxia increased the soluble TN-C (sTN-C) released from respiratory epithelial cells. On one hand, low-dose sTN-C promoted lung epithelial cell proliferation and migration, which was mediated by ICAM-1. On the other hand, high-dose sTN-C hindered the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells. Overall, this study revealed that TN-C plays a dual role in lung alveolarization and that TN-C may be a target in BPD therapy.

Charting the course of ferroptosis research in lung cancer: Insights from a bibliometric analysis.

Background: Lung cancer, a major cause of cancer-related mortality globally, necessitates innovative therapeutic strategies. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent, non-apoptotic cell death form, has risen as a crucial therapeutic target. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of ferroptosis in lung cancer, highlighting principal research trends, influential publications, and prospective future directions. Methods: This study utilized bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix" to thoroughly analyze 488 articles on ferroptosis in lung cancer from 2014 to October 2023. Data from the Web of Science Core Collection were analyzed to determine spatial and temporal trends, identify prominent authors and seminal works, and uncover emerging hotspots and frontiers of the field. The literature was segmented into coherent thematic groups through cluster analysis. Results: Our analysis revealed a significant exponential growth in publications from 2019 to 2023, mirroring the increasing interest in this area. Predominantly, the influential research was published in high-impact journals, with Scott J. Dixon's works being the most cited. The study identified four primary research themes: Lung Cancer Specifics; Biomarker Identification and Prognosis; Cellular Death Mechanisms and Metabolic Regulation; and Cancer Stem Cells and Therapeutic Resistance. Recent studies have increasingly focused on areas such as the immune microenvironment and mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, the analysis highlighted the field's global collaborative nature, with significant contributions from China, the USA, and Germany. Conclusion: This extensive bibliometric analysis emphasizes the growing importance of ferroptosis in lung cancer research. The identified themes and emerging topics underline the field's complexity and suggest new research avenues. This study promotes a holistic research approach, advocating for the exploration of innovative ferroptosis-targeting therapies that could revolutionize lung cancer treatment.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Engineered Macrophage-Derived Exosomes for Targeted Pathological Angiogenesis Therapy.

Engineering exosomes with nanomaterials usually leads to the damage of exosomal membrane and bioactive molecules. Here, pathological angiogenesis targeting exosomes with magnetic imaging, ferroptosis inducing, and immunotherapeutic properties is fabricated using a simple coincubation method with macrophages being the bioreactor. Extremely small iron oxide nanoparticle (ESIONPs) incorporated exosomes (ESIONPs@EXO) are acquired by sorting the secreted exosomes from M1-polarized macrophages induced by ESIONPs. ESIONPs@EXO suppress pathological angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo without toxicity. Furthermore, ESIONPs@EXO target pathological angiogenesis and exhibit an excellent T1-weighted contrast property for magnetic resonance imaging. Mechanistically, ESIONPs@EXO induce ferroptosis and exhibit immunotherapeutic ability toward pathological angiogenesis. These findings demonstrate that a pure biological method engineered ESIONPs@EXO using macrophages shows potential for targeted pathological angiogenesis therapy.

Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement for functional tricuspid regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) following left-sided valve surgery (LSVS) is of clinical significance due to its high recurrence and mortality rates. Transcatheter therapy presents a potential solution to address this issue. AIMS: The study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement using the Lux-Valve system in a single center for patients with FTR after LSVS. METHODS: From June 2020 to April 2023, 20 patients with symptomatic severe FTR after LSVS were referred to our center. A multidisciplinary cardiac team evaluated these patients for suitability for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement with Lux-Valve systems. Primary efficacy and safety endpoints were immediate postoperative tricuspid regurgitation severity ≤ moderate and major adverse events during follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty patients (average age 65.7 ± 7.4 years; 65.0% women) successfully underwent Lux-Valve system implantation after LSVS. All patients achieved ≤ moderate tricuspid regurgitation immediately after the procedure. Only one patient (5.0%) experienced a procedure-related major adverse event, leading to in-hospital mortality due to pulmonary infection. At the 6-month follow-up, 17 patients (89.5%) improved to New York Heart Association functional class I to II (p < 0.001). The overall Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score significantly improved (35.9 ± 6.7 points to 58.9 ± 5.8 points, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Lux-Valve system was found to be safe and effective for treating FTR after LSVS. It resulted in positive early outcomes, including a significant reduction in FTR, improved functional status, and enhanced quality of life, especially in high-risk patients.

DPCD is a regulator of R2TP in ciliogenesis initiation through Akt signaling.

R2TP is a chaperone complex consisting of the AAA+ ATPases RUVBL1 and RUVBL2, as well as RPAP3 and PIH1D1 proteins. R2TP is responsible for the assembly of macromolecular complexes mainly acting through different adaptors. Using proximity-labeling mass spectrometry, we identified deleted in primary ciliary dyskinesia (DPCD) as an adaptor of R2TP. Here, we demonstrate that R2TP-DPCD influences ciliogenesis initiation through a unique mechanism by interaction with Akt kinase to regulate its phosphorylation levels rather than its stability. We further show that DPCD is a heart-shaped monomeric protein with two domains. A highly conserved region in the cysteine- and histidine-rich domains-containing proteins and SGT1 (CS) domain of DPCD interacts with the RUVBL2 DII domain with high affinity to form a stable R2TP-DPCD complex both in cellulo and in vitro. Considering that DPCD is one among several CS-domain-containing proteins found to associate with RUVBL1/2, we propose that RUVBL1/2 are CS-domain-binding proteins that regulate complex assembly and downstream signaling.

Advances in Atherosclerosis Theranostics Harnessing Iron Oxide-Based Nanoparticles.

Atherosclerosis, a multifaceted chronic inflammatory disease, has a profound impact on cardiovascular health. However, the critical limitations of atherosclerosis management include the delayed detection of advanced stages, the intricate assessment of plaque stability, and the absence of efficacious therapeutic strategies. Nanotheranostic based on nanotechnology offers a novel paradigm for addressing these challenges by amalgamating advanced imaging capabilities with targeted therapeutic interventions. Meanwhile, iron oxide nanoparticles have emerged as compelling candidates for theranostic applications in atherosclerosis due to their magnetic resonance imaging capability and biosafety. This review delineates the current state and prospects of iron oxide nanoparticle-based nanotheranostics in the realm of atherosclerosis, including pivotal aspects of atherosclerosis development, the pertinent targeting strategies involved in disease pathogenesis, and the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of iron oxide nanoparticles. Furthermore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of theranostic nanomedicine approaches employing iron oxide nanoparticles, encompassing chemical therapy, physical stimulation therapy, and biological therapy. Finally, this review proposes and discusses the challenges and prospects associated with translating these innovative strategies into clinically viable anti-atherosclerosis interventions. In conclusion, this review offers new insights into the future of atherosclerosis theranostic, showcasing the remarkable potential of iron oxide-based nanoparticles as versatile tools in the battle against atherosclerosis.

Low-coordination Nanocrystalline Copper-based Catalysts through Theory-guided Electrochemical Restructuring for Selective CO2 Reduction to Ethylene.

Revealing the dynamic reconstruction process and tailoring advanced copper (Cu) catalysts is of paramount significance for promoting the conversion of CO2 into ethylene (C2H4), paving the way for carbon neutralization and facilitating renewable energy storage. In this study, we initially employed density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to elucidate the restructuring behavior of a catalyst under electrochemical conditions and delineated its restructuring patterns. Leveraging insights into this restructuring behavior, we devised an efficient, low-coordination copper-based catalyst. The resulting synthesized catalyst demonstrated an impressive Faradaic efficiency (FE) exceeding 70 % for ethylene generation at a current density of 800 mA cm-2. Furthermore, it showed robust stability, maintaining consistent performance for 230 hours at a cell voltage of 3.5 V in a full-cell system. Our research not only deepens the understanding of the active sites involved in designing efficient carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) catalysts but also advances CO2 electrolysis technologies for industrial application.

Machine learning model to preoperatively predict T2/T3 staging of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer based on the CT radiomic signature.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and assess a radiomics-based prediction model for distinguishing T2/T3 staging of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LHSCC) METHODS: A total of 118 patients with pathologically proven LHSCC were enrolled in this retrospective study. We performed feature processing based on 851 radiomic features derived from contrast-enhanced CT images and established multiple radiomic models by combining three feature selection methods and seven machine learning classifiers. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were used to assess the performance of the models. The radiomic signature obtained from the optimal model and statistically significant morphological image characteristics were incorporated into the predictive nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed by calibration curve and decision curve analysis. RESULTS: Using analysis of variance (ANOVA) feature selection and logistic regression (LR) classifier produced the best model. The AUCs of the training, validation, and test sets were 0.919, 0.857, and 0.817, respectively. A nomogram based on the model integrating the radiomic signature and a morphological imaging characteristic (suspicious thyroid cartilage invasion) exhibited C-indexes of 0.899 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.843-0.955), fitting well in calibration curves (p > 0.05). Decision curve analysis further confirmed the clinical usefulness of the nomogram. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram based on the radiomics model derived from contrast-enhanced CT images had good diagnostic performance for distinguishing T2/T3 staging of LHSCC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Accurate T2/T3 staging assessment of LHSCC aids in determining whether laryngectomy or laryngeal preservation therapy should be performed. The nomogram based on the radiomics model derived from contrast-enhanced CT images has the potential to predict the T2/T3 staging of LHSCC, which can provide a non-invasive and robust approach for guiding the optimization of clinical decision-making. KEY POINTS: • Combining analysis of variance with logistic regression yielded the optimal radiomic model. • A nomogram based on the CT-radiomic signature has good performance for differentiating T2 from T3 staging of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. • It provides a non-invasive and robust approach for guiding the optimization of clinical decision-making.