Neural Progenitor Cell-Mediated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Photothermal Therapy of Glioma.

Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor in the brain. The diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency of glioma are facing great challenges due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the high infiltration of glioma. There is an urgent need to explore the combination of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to achieve a more accurate diagnosis, as well as guidance before and after surgery. In this work, we induced human induction of pluripotent stem cell into neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and synthesized nanoprobes labeled with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP, abbreviated as MFe3O4-labeled EGFP-NPCs) for photothermal therapy. Nanoprobes carried by NPCs can effectively penetrate the BBB and target glioma for the purpose of magnetic resonance imaging and guiding surgery. More importantly, MFe3O4-labeled EGFP-NPCs can effectively induce local photothermal therapy, conduct preoperative tumor therapy, and inhibit the recurrence of postoperative glioma. This work shows that MFe3O4-labeled EGFP-NPCs is a promising nanoplatform for glioma diagnosis, accurate imaging-guided surgery, and effective photothermal therapy.

The salvage lenvatinib-based regimen provides survival benefit in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer.

Salvage treatment for refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has yet to be identified. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a salvage lenvatinib-based regimen for refractory mCRC. In total, 371 patients were categorized into lenvatinib-based and non-lenvatinib-based groups. In the lenvatinib-based group, patients who received lenvatinib at a dosage of 10 mg/day were categorized into lenvatinib/chemotherapy and lenvatinib/immunotherapy subgroups. We reported overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using the Kaplan-Meier method. OS1 was used to measure the time from disease progression after TAS-102 and regorafenib treatment to death, while OS2 was used to measure the time from TAS-102 or regorafenib treatment to death. Propensity score matching analysis was employed to compare the characteristics between the lenvatinib-based and non-lenvatinib-based groups. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) information was analyzed using R software. The lenvatinib-based group exhibited longer OS than did the non-lenvatinib-based group (OS1, 11.4 vs. 3.7 months; OS2, 27.2 vs. 8.2 months). The disease control rate (DCR) and objective response rate (ORR) of the lenvatinib-based regimens were 69.4% and 6.1%, respectively. Lenvatinib/chemotherapy and lenvatinib/immunotherapy had similar PFS, OS, DCR, and ORR. The adverse effects were manageable. After propensity score matching, the lenvatinib-based group continued to exhibit significantly longer OS1 and OS2 than did the non-lenvatinib-based group. NGS analysis revealed that GNAS and KRAS alterations were associated with a worse treatment response and prolonged survival, respectively. In conclusion, a moderate-dose salvage lenvatinib-based regimen demonstrated promising clinical activity and tolerability in treating refractory mCRC.

Short-term outcomes of short- and long-course chemoradiotherapy prior to total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal tumors: A single-center study in Taiwan utilizing propensity score matching.

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced rectal tumors are typically treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Short-course chemoradiotherapy (SCRT, 2,500 cGy in five fractions) is a convenient alternative to concurrent chemoradiotherapy with long-course radiotherapy (CCRT, 4,500 cGy in 25 fractions) without sacrificing efficacy. We aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of SCRT and CCRT in patients with mid- and low- rectal tumors who underwent total mesorectal excision using real-world data. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent radical resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy from 2011 to 2022. We analyzed the clinicopathological findings and prognostic factors for disease-free and overall survival in the SCRT and CCRT groups and compared the outcomes using propensity score matching. RESULTS: Among the 66 patients in the two groups, no disparities were noted in the demographic features, pathological remission, or downstaging rates. Nonetheless, the SCRT group exhibited superior 3-year disease-free survival (81.8% vs. 62.1%, p = 0.011), whereas the overall survival did not differ significantly between the two groups. The initial carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and neoadjuvant SCRT were associated with the recurrence rates [hazard ratio (HR) 1.13-4.10; HR 0.19-0.74], but the harvested lymph node count was not (HR 0.51-1.97). CONCLUSION: Among patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, SCRT combined with four cycles of FOLFOX was shown to enhance short-term disease-free survival. Factors impacting recurrence include the initial CEA level and SCRT, but not the harvested lymph node count.

The survival outcome differs between left-sided colon cancer and middle/low rectal cancer after colorectal hepatic metastasectomy.

BACKGROUND: The clinical outcomes between left-sided colon cancer and middle/low rectal cancer seem to be different. This study aimed to examine the effect of primary tumor location regarding the left-sided colon and middle/low rectum on the overall survival (OS) of patients who underwent colorectal hepatic metastasectomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent colorectal hepatic metastasectomy were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to the primary tumor location (left-sided colon and middle/low rectum). Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test or Fisher exact test, and continuous variables were analyzed using the Student t test. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The prognostic factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses using Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: Overall, 365 patients were enrolled. Patients with left-sided colon cancer had significantly better OS than those with middle/low rectal cancer (hazard ratio [HR], 0.725; P = .018), with median OS estimates of 48 and 38 months, respectively. In the subgroup analysis of RAS mutations, patients with left-sided colon cancer had significantly prolonged OS compared with those with middle/low rectum cancer (HR, 0.608; P = .034), with median OS estimates of 49 and 26 months, respectively. This observation was limited to patients with RAS mutations. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, patients with middle/low rectal cancer had poorer survival outcome and should not be categorized together with patients with left-sided colon cancer in terms of OS after colorectal hepatic metastasectomy.

Ultrasensitive Detection of Prostate Specific Antigen by an Unlabeled Fluorescence Aptasensor Based on the AIE Effect.

The accurate and sensitive detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) is vital for the early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To this end, an unlabeled fluorescent aptasensor was constructed by using a novel Compound B {1,1'-(1,4-phenylene) bis(3-ethyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium) iodide} with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) activity as a fluorescence signal and NH2-Fe3O4 particle as an adsorption platform. Compound B could combine with prostate specific antigen aptamers (PSA-Apt) to form a PSA-Apt/B complex, which further generated the AIE effect. Then, PSA was added to the PSA-Apt/B solution. PSA combined with PSA-Apt/B to form the PSA-Apt/B/PSA complex. Next, NH2-Fe3O4 magnetic particles were added to the solution. Given that PSA-Apt/B/PSA would no longer combine with NH2-Fe3O4 magnetic particles, the PSA-Apt/B/PSA complex remained in the supernate after magnet separation, and the supernate showed strong fluorescence (I). When no PSA was added to the PSA-Apt/B solution, PSA-Apt/B could combine with NH2-Fe3O4 magnetic particles and would be sucked into the bottom of the test tube by magnet, and the supernate would show weak fluorescence (I0). Result showed that the difference between the above-mentioned two fluorescence values (∆I = I - I0) had an excellent linear relationship with the PSA concentration within the concentration range of 0.01-10 ng/mL, and its limit of detection was 3 pg/mL (S/N = 3). In addition, the sensor has high accuracy and can be directly used to test PSA in actual serum samples.

Rescue Blood Contamination in scRNA-Seq Data by Originator, a Computational Deciphering Tool using Genetic and Contextual Information.

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data from complex human tissues have prevalent blood cell contamination due to the sample preparation process and may comprise cells of different genetic makeups. To reveal such complexity and annotate cells appropriately, we propose the first-of-its-kind computational framework, Originator, which deciphers single cells by genetic origin and separates blood cells from tissue-resident cells. We show that blood contamination is widely spread in scRNA-Seq data from a variety of tissues. We warn of the significant biases in downstream analysis without considering blood contamination and genetic contexts using pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and placenta data, respectively.

Biomimetic Self-Propelled Asymmetric Nanomotors for Cascade-Targeted Treatment of Neurological Inflammation.

The precise targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to deep regions of the brain is crucial for the effective treatment of various neurological diseases. However, achieving this goal is challenging due to the presence of the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) and the complex anatomy of the brain. Here, a biomimetic self-propelled nanomotor with cascade targeting capacity is developed for the treatment of neurological inflammatory diseases. The self-propelled nanomotors are designed with biomimetic asymmetric structures with a mesoporous SiO2 head and multiple MnO2 tentacles. Macrophage membrane biomimetic modification endows nanomotors with inflammatory targeting and BBB penetration abilities The MnO2 agents catalyze the degradation of H2O2 into O2, not only by reducing brain inflammation but also by providing the driving force for deep brain penetration. Additionally, the mesoporous SiO2 head is loaded with curcumin, which actively regulates macrophage polarization from the M1 to the M2 phenotype. All in vitro cell, organoid model, and in vivo animal experiments confirmed the effectiveness of the biomimetic self-propelled nanomotors in precise targeting, deep brain penetration, anti-inflammatory, and nervous system function maintenance. Therefore, this study introduces a platform of biomimetic self-propelled nanomotors with inflammation targeting ability and active deep penetration for the treatment of neurological inflammation diseases.

Carotid blood flow changes following a simulated end-inspiratory occlusion maneuver measured by ultrasound can predict hypotension after the induction of general anesthesia: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive value of alterations in cervical artery hemodynamic parameters induced by a simulated end-inspiratory occlusion test (sEIOT) measured by ultrasound for predicting postinduction hypotension (PIH) during general anesthesia. METHODS: Patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor resection under general anesthesia were selected for this study. Ultrasound has been utilized to assess hemodynamic parameters in carotid artery blood flow before induction, specifically focusing on variations in corrected flow time (ΔFTc) and peak blood flow velocity (ΔCDPV), both before and after sEIOT. Anesthesia was induced by midazolam, sufentanil, propofol, and rocuronium, and blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded within the first 10 min following endotracheal intubation. PIH was defined as fall in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or mean arterial pressure (MAP) by > 30% of baseline or MAP to < 60 mm Hg. RESULTS: The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) for carotid artery ΔFTc was 0.88 (95%CI, 0.81 to 0.96; P < 0.001), and the optimal cutoff value was -16.57%, with a sensitivity of 91.4% and specificity of 77.60%. The gray zone for carotid artery ΔFTc was -16.34% to -15.36% and included 14% of the patients. The AUC for ΔCDPV was 0.54, with an optimal cutoff value of -1.47%. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated as 55.20% and 57.10%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The corrected blood flow time changes in the carotid artery induced by sEIOT can predict hypotension following general anesthesia-induced hypotension, wherein ΔFTc less than 16.57% is the threshold. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( www.chictr.org.cn ; 20/06/2023; ChiCTR2300072632).

Janus membrane with asymmetric wettability for efficient oil/water separation.

The rapid development of society and industry as well as the frequent occurrence of oil spills cause the shortage of fresh water resources, which not only affects human safety and life, but also impedes the world-wide sustainable development. To address these challenges, novel membrane materials with unique wettability properties have gained significant attention, particularly in the field of oil/water separation. In this research, we modified the hydrophobic PET fabric to achieve superhydrophilic characteristics using impregnation method. Subsequently, we electrospun hydrophobic PVDF fibers onto the superhydrophilic fabric surface, and PVDF/Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2@PET Janus membrane with asymmetric wettability was obtained. The membrane has an excellent unidirectional liquid transport capacity, and can effectively separate heavy oil or light oil, the separation efficiency is more than 90 %. The results also show that the Janus membrane can be used under alkaline conditions and has satisfactory tensile resistance and re-use performance. This work provides a new idea for Janus membrane design and effectively improves the application potential of the Janus membrane in the field of oil/water separation.

Evaluations of the diagnostic performance of ZOOMit diffusion-weighted imaging and conventional diffusion-weighted imaging for breast lesions.

Background: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is valuable in the screening, diagnosis, and grading of breast lesions. However, conventional DWI (C-DWI) is prone to chemical shift and distortion. ZOOMit DWI (Z-DWI), as an advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, applies two spatially selective parallel excitation pulses to focus sampling in the hope of obtaining more valuable information. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the image quality and feasibility of Z-DWI with those of C-DWI in breast lesions. Methods: The study included 51 patients with breast lesions who underwent breast MRI from May 2021 to February 2022. All patients received Z-DWI and C-DWI sequences, with b values selected as 50 and 800 s/mm2 (Z-DWIb50, Z-DWIb800, C-DWIb50, and C-DWIb800). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values based on Z-DWI and C-DWI were calculated. For qualitative analysis, four image quality parameters were selected and assessed on a 4-point Likert scale (1 = poor and 4 = excellent). For quantitative analysis, ADC, relative ADC (rADC), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and tumor-to-parenchymal contrast (TPC) values were selected for comparison. Results: Z-DWI had higher scores compared to C-DWI in terms of lesion conspicuity, anatomical details, distortion and artifacts, and overall image quality (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the agreement between the two readers was reasonably good [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) range, 0.360-0.881]. The SNR of Z-DWIb800 was better than that of C-DWIb800 (P<0.001). The Z-DWI ADC and rADC values of breast lesions were statistically significantly lower than those of C-DWI (mean ADC: P<0.001; rADC; P=0.005). Conclusions: Z-DWI sequences were shown to have superior image quality. The ADC map of Z-DWI is more conducive to the imaging evaluation of breast lesions.

Fluorometric detection of alpha-fetoprotein based on the use of a novel organic compound with AIE activity and aptamer-modified magnetic microparticles.

BACKGROUND: Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, and it seriously threatens human life and health. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), as a carcinogenic glycoprotein, is an important serum marker for detecting liver cancer. Therefore, the accurate and sensitive determination of AFP is crucial for the early diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. To this end, a label-free fluorescence aptasensor for detecting AFP based on the use of a novel organic Compound D with an aggregation-induced emission activity and aptamer-modified magnetic microparticles was constructed. RESULTS: Compound D could combine with the complementary short chain of the aptamer (CSC-Apt) of AFP to form the D/CSC-Apt complex and realize the fluorescence enhancement of Compound D. Then, magnetic particles modified by the Apt of AFP (Apt-Fe3O4) were prepared. When AFP (or nontarget substance) and D/CSC-Apt were successively added to the Apt-Fe3O4 solution, Apt-Fe3O4 selectively bound to AFP or the D/CSC-Apt complex. Magnetic separation technology showed the changes in the fluorescence intensity of the supernatant. The research results revealed a good linear relationship between the changes in the fluorescence intensity of the supernatant and concentration of AFP within the concentration range of 10-10000 pg mL-1. The proposed aptasensor could achieve high-sensitivity and high-specificity detection of AFP, and its limit of detection was 3 pg mL-1 (S/N = 3). SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY: The sensor combines the advantages of high selectivity of Apt, high sensitivity of fluorescence analysis, AIE effect and good water solubility of Compound D, and rapid separation using magnetic separation technology. And it can be directly used for the detection of AFP in actual serum samples with high accuracy, whereas most of the methods reported in the literature can only detect AFP in spiked serum samples.

Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance on NiSx@Co3O4/Nickel Foam Electrocatalysts with Their Photothermal Property.

Based on the principle of heterogeneous catalysis for water electrolysis, electrocatalysts with appropriate electronic structure and photothermal property are expected to drive the oxygen evolution reaction effectively. Herein, amorphous NiSx-coupled nanourchin-like Co3O4 was prepared on nickel foam (NiSx@Co3O4/NF) and investigated as a electrocatalyst for photothermal-assisted oxygen evolution reaction. The experimental investigations and simulant calculations jointly revealed NiSx@Co3O4/NF to be of suitable electronic structure and high near-infrared photothermal conversion capability to achieve the oxygen evolution reaction advantageously both in thermodynamics and in kinetics. Relative to Co3O4/NF and NiSx/NF, better oxygen evolution reaction activity, kinetics, and stability were achieved on NiSx@Co3O4/NF in 1.0 M KOH owing to the NiSx/Co3O4 synergetic effect. In addition, the oxygen evolution reaction performance of NiSx@Co3O4/NF can be obviously enhanced under near-infrared light irradiation, since NiSx@Co3O4 can absorb the near-infrared light to produce electric and thermal field. For the photothermal-mediated oxygen evolution reaction, the overpotential and Tafel slope of NiSx@Co3O4/NF at 50 mA cm-2 were reduced by 23 mV and 13 mV/dec, respectively. The present work provides an inspiring reference to design and develop photothermal-assisted water electrolysis using abundant solar energy.

Efficient Semi-Artificial Photosynthesis of Ethylene by a Self-Assembled InP-Cyanobacterial Biohybrid System.

Biomanufacturing of ethylene is particularly important for modern society. Cyanobacterial cells are able to photosynthesize various valuable chemicals. A promising platform for next-generation biomanufacturing, the semiconductor-cyanobacterial hybrid systems are capable of enhancing the solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency. Herein, the native ethylene-producing capability of a filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc sphaeroides is confirmed experimentally. The self-assembly characteristic of N. sphaeroides is exploited to facilitate its interaction with InP nanomaterial, and the resulting biohybrid system gave rise to further elevated photosynthetic ethylene production. Based on chlorophyll fluorescence measurement and metabolic analysis, the InP nanomaterial-augmented photosystem I activity and enhanced ethylene production metabolism of biohybrid cells are confirmed, the mechanism underlying the material-cell energy transduction as well as nanomaterial-modulated photosynthetic light and dark reactions are established. This work not only demonstrates the potential application of semiconductor-N. sphaeroides biohybrid system as a good platform for sustainable ethylene production but also provides an important reference for future studies to construct and optimize nano-cell biohybrid systems for efficient solar-driven valuable chemical production.

Recent Advances in Pro-PROTAC Development to Address On-Target Off-Tumor Toxicity.

Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology represents a novel and promising modality for targeted protein degradation with transformative implications for the clinical management of various diseases. Despite notable advantages, the possibility of on-target off-tumor toxicity in healthy cells represents a critical challenge to clinical applications in cancer treatment. Researchers are currently exploring strategies to enhance targeted degradation activity in a cell-selective manner to minimize undesirable side effects. In this Perspective, we highlight innovative approaches for prodrug-based PROTACs (pro-PROTACs) that facilitate tumor-targeted release. The development of such approaches may further expand the range of potential applications of PROTAC technology within drug development.

Modeling the survival of colorectal cancer patients based on colonoscopic features in a feature ensemble vision transformer.

The prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) mostly relies on the classic tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging classification. A more accurate and convenient prediction model would provide a better prognosis and assist in treatment. From May 2014 to December 2017, patients who underwent an operation for CRC were enrolled. The proposed feature ensemble vision transformer (FEViT) used ensemble classifiers to benefit the combinations of relevant colonoscopy features from the pretrained vision transformer and clinical features, including sex, age, family history of CRC, and tumor location, to establish the prognostic model. A total of 1729 colonoscopy images were enrolled in the current retrospective study. For the prediction of patient survival, FEViT achieved an accuracy of 94 % with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93, which was better than the TNM staging classification (90 %, 0.83) in the experiment. FEViT reduced the limited receptive field and gradient disappearance in the conventional convolutional neural network and was a relatively effective and efficient procedure. The promising accuracy of FEViT in modeling survival makes the prognosis of CRC patients more predictable and practical.

Anti-VEGF Therapy Possibly Extends Survival in Patients With Colorectal Brain Metastasis by Protecting Patients From Neurologic Disability.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal brain metastases (CBMs) are rare with poor prognosis. There is still no standard systemic treatment for multiple or unresectable CBM. our study aimed to explore the impact of anti-VEGF therapy on overall survival, brain-specific disease control, and neurologic symptom burden in patients with CBM. METHODS: A total of 65 patients with CBM under treatment were retrospectively enrolled and divided into anti-VEGF based systemic therapy or non-anti-VEGF based therapy. A total of 25 patients who received at least 3 cycles of anti-VEGF agent and 40 patients without anti-VEGF therapy were analyzed by endpoints of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), intracranial PFS (iPFS) and neurogenic event-free survival (nEFS). Gene expression in paired primary metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), liver, lung and brain metastasis from NCBI data was analyzed using top Gene Ontology (GO) and cBioPortal. RESULTS: Patients who treated with anti-VEGF therapy had significantly longer OS (19.5 vs. 5.5 months, P = .009), iPFS (14.6 vs. 4.1 months, P < .001) and nEFS (17.6 vs. 4.4 months, P < .001). Patients who received anti-VEGF therapy beyond any disease progression presented with superior OS (19.7 vs. 9.4 months, P = .039). Top GO and cBioPortal analysis revealed a stronger molecular function of angiogenesis in intracranial metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-VEGF based systemic therapy showed favorable efficacy that was reflected in longer overall survival, iPFS and NEFS in patients with CBM.

Genome-wide analysis of R2R3-MYB genes in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.): Gene duplications, functional conservation, and diversification.

The cultivated Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), an important oilseed and edible legume, are widely grown worldwide. The R2R3-MYB transcription factor, one of the largest gene families in plants, is involved in various plant developmental processes and responds to multiple stresses. In this study we identified 196 typical R2R3-MYB genes in the genome of cultivated peanut. Comparative phylogenetic analysis with Arabidopsis divided them into 48 subgroups. The motif composition and gene structure independently supported the subgroup delineation. Collinearity analysis indicated polyploidization, tandem, and segmental duplication were the main driver of the R2R3-MYB gene amplification in peanut. Homologous gene pairs between the two subgroups showed tissue specific biased expression. In addition, a total of 90 R2R3-MYB genes showed significant differential expression levels in response to waterlogging stress. Furthermore, we identified an SNP located in the third exon region of AdMYB03-18 (AhMYB033) by association analysis, and the three haplotypes of the SNP were significantly correlated with total branch number (TBN), pod length (PL) and root-shoot ratio (RS ratio), respectively, revealing the potential function of AdMYB03-18 (AhMYB033) in improving peanut yield. Together, these studies provide evidence for functional diversity in the R2R3-MYB genes and will contribute to understanding the function of R2R3-MYB genes in peanut.

Sensitive determination of prostate-specific antigen with graphene quantum dot-based fluorescence aptasensor using few-layer V2CTx MXene as quencher.

A novel fluorescence aptasensor of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was established using few-layer vanadium carbide (FL-V2CTx) nanosheet as a quencher. First, FL-V2CTx was prepared by the delamination of multi-layer V2CTx (ML-V2CTx) with tetramethylammonium hydroxide. The aptamer-carboxyl graphene quantum dots (CGQDs) probe was prepared by combining the aminated PSA aptamer and CGQDs. Then, the aptamer-CGQDs were absorbed onto the surface of FL-V2CTx by hydrogen bond interaction, which led to the decrease in fluorescence of aptamer-CGQDs due to photoinduced energy transfer. After addition of PSA, PSA-aptamer-CGQDs complex was released from FL-V2CTx. The fluorescence intensity of aptamer-CGQDs-FL-V2CTx with PSA was higher than that without PSA. The FL-V2CTx-based fluorescence aptasensor provided a PSA detection linear range from 0.1 to 20 ng mL-1 with detection limit of 0.03 ng mL-1. The ΔF value of fluorescence intensities for aptamer-CGQDs-FL-V2CTx with and without PSA was 5.6, 3.7, 7.7, and 5.4 times of ML-V2CTx, few-layer titanium carbide (FL-Ti3C2Tx), ML-Ti3C2Tx and graphene oxide aptasensors, respectively, indicating the advantage of FL-V2CTx. The aptasensor had high selectivity for PSA detection compared with some proteins and tumor markers. This proposed method had convenience and high sensitivity for PSA determination. The determination results of PSA in human serum samples using the aptasensor were consistent with those by chemiluminescent immunoanalysis. The fluorescence aptasensor can be successfully applied for PSA determination in serum samples of prostate cancer patients.

Protective loop ileostomy or colostomy? a risk evaluation of all common complications.

Purpose: Protective ileostomy and colostomy are performed in patients undergoing low anterior resection with a high leakage risk. We aimed to compare surgical, medical, and daily care complications between these 2 ostomies in order to make individual choice. Methods: Patients who underwent low anterior resection for rectal tumors with protective stomas between January 2011 and September 2018 were enrolled. Stoma-related complications were prospectively recorded by wound, ostomy, and continence nurses. The cancer stage and treatment data were obtained from the Taiwan Cancer Database of our Big Data Center. Other demographic data were collected retrospectively from medical notes. The complications after stoma creation and after the stoma reversal were compared. Results: There were 176 patients with protective colostomy and 234 with protective ileostomy. Protective ileostomy had higher proportions of high output from the stoma for 2 consecutive days than protective colostomy (11.1% vs. 0%, P<0.001). Protective colostomy resulted in more stoma retraction than protective ileostomy (21.6% vs. 9.4%, P=0.001). Female sex, open operation, ileostomy, and carrying stoma more than 4 months were also significantly associated with a higher risk of stoma-related complications during diversion. The incidence of complication after stoma reversal did not differ between colostomy group and ileostomy group (24.3% vs. 20.9%, P=0.542). Conclusion: We suggest avoiding colostomy in patients who are female and potential prolong diversion when stoma retraction is a concern. Otherwise, ileostomy should be avoided for patients with impaired renal function. Wise selection and flexibility are more important than using one type of stoma routinely.

Strengthening Intraframework Interaction within Flexible MOFs Demonstrates Simultaneous Sieving Acetylene from Ethylene and Carbon Dioxide.

Efficient separation of acetylene (C2 H2 )/ethylene (C2 H4 ) and acetylene/carbon dioxide (CO2 ) by adsorption is an industrially promising process, but adsorbents capable of simultaneously capturing trace acetylene from ethylene and carbon dioxide are scarce. Herein, a gate-opening effect on three isomorphous flexible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) named Co(4-DPDS)2 MO4 (M = Cr, Mo, W; 4-DPDS = 4,4-dipyridyldisulfide) is modulated by anion pillars substitution. The shortest CrO4 2- strengthens intraframework hydrogen bonding and thus blocks structural transformation after activation, striking a good balance among working capacity, separation selectivity, and trace impurity removal of flexible MOFs out of nearly C2 H2 /C2 H4 and C2 H2 /CO2 molecular sieving. The exceptional separation performance of Co(4-DPDS)2 CrO4 is confirmed by dynamic breakthrough experiments. It reveals the specific threshold pressures control in anion-pillared flexible materials enabled elimination of the impurity leakage to realize high purity products through precise control of the intraframework interaction. The adsorption mechanism and multimode structural transformation property are revealed by both calculations and crystallography studies. This work demonstrates the feasibility of modulating flexibility for controlling gate-opening effect, especially for some cases of significant aperture shrinkage after activation.