Pre-activated nanoparticles with persistent luminescence for deep tumor photodynamic therapy in gallbladder cancer.

Phototherapy of deep tumors still suffers from many obstacles, such as limited near-infrared (NIR) tissue penetration depth and low accumulation efficiency within the target sites. Herein, stimuli-sensitive tumor-targeted photodynamic nanoparticles (STPNs) with persistent luminescence for the treatment of deep tumors are reported. Purpurin 18 (Pu18), a porphyrin derivative, is utilized as a photosensitizer to produce persistent luminescence in STPNs, while lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) exhibit bioimaging properties and possess high photostability that can enhance photosensitizer efficacy. STPNs are initially stimulated by NIR irradiation before intravenous administration and accumulate at the tumor site to enter the cells through the HER2 receptor. Due to Pu18 afterglow luminescence properties, STPNs can continuously generate ROS to inhibit NFκB nuclear translocation, leading to tumor cell apoptosis. Moreover, STPNs can be used for diagnostic purposes through MRI and intraoperative NIR navigation. STPNs exceptional antitumor properties combined the advantages of UCNPs and persistent luminescence, representing a promising phototherapeutic strategy for deep tumors.

Changes in soil C-N-P stoichiometry after 20 years of typical artificial vegetation restoration in semiarid continental climate zones.

Vegetation restoration is one of the principal strategies for ecosystem recovery in degraded land of fragile regions, which is an important driving factor for soil fertility and elemental circulation. While the relationship between revegetation and soil C-N-P stoichiometry remains unclear. To evaluate the relationships between vegetation restoration and soil C-N-P stoichiometry, the distribution of soil C, N, and P within 0-30 cm soil depth under five typical artificial restored vegetation types on the Loess Plateau was analyzed and the influencing factors were evaluated. The results showed that soil C, N, and P contents were relatively lower at the study site than the mean values for topsoil in China. Compared with other vegetation types (Populus simonii Carr., Pinus tabuliformis Carr., and Caragana korshinskii Kom.), Medicago Sativa L. and Stipa bungeana Trin. helped improve soil fertility better; the soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) contents within the 0-30 cm soil layer respectively maximized under Stipa bungeana Trin. (3.30 g kg-1), Medicago Sativa L. (0.34 g kg-1), and Medicago Sativa L. (0.41 g kg-1). The values of soil C/N, C/P, and N/P for the five vegetation types were 9.50-11.85, 15.36-21.47, and 1.29-1.90, respectively. The contents of SOC and TN under the five vegetation types were significantly (P < 0.001) affected by soil depth and vegetation type (P < 0.001) and decreased with increasing soil depth. However, the TP content was significantly (P < 0.001) affected by vegetation type and not by soil depth. Considering the better adaptability of native species, native herb vegetation types should be considered first for ecological restoration in semiarid continental climate zones.

The role of acupotomy in treatment of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: A protocol for a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is some clinical evidence supporting the use of acupuncture in alleviating pain and dysfunction in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). However, the question of whether acupuncture could be efficacious for ageing patients remains unanswered. We designed a randomized controlled study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of acupuncture for participants with symptomatic LSS. METHODS: This study is a randomized, single-blind, noninferiority trial. This clinical trial was approved by the Linyi Cancer Hospital. We received informed consent from all patients before surgery. In preparing this report, we adhered to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines. We randomized consented study participants on a 1:1 ratio to one of two study groups (acupuncture and control groups) using a computer-generated list of random numbers in varying block sizes. Three outcome measures were selected to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the treatment: visual analogue score and Oswestry disability index, and complicatins. A P < .05 was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: The hypothesis was that the acupuncture group would achieve acceptable clinical outcomes as compared to the control group in LSS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study protocol was registered in Research Registry (researchregistry5744).

Efficacy of Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation versus Nissen Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Short Term: A Meta-Analysis.

Background. The efficacy of Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA) and its outcomes for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) are uncertain. Therefore, we aimed to summarize and analyze the efficacy of two treatments for GERD. Methods. The meta-analysis search was performed, using four databases. All studies from 2005 to 2016 were included. Pooled effect was calculated using either the fixed or random effects model. Results. A total of 4 trials included 624 patients and aimed to evaluate the differences in proton-pump inhibitor use, complications, and adverse events. MSA had a shorter operative time (MSA and NF: RR = -18.80, 95% CI: -24.57 to -13.04, and P = 0.001) and length of stay (RR = -14.21, 95% CI: -24.18 to -4.23, and P = 0.005). Similar proton-pump inhibitor use, complication (P = 0.19), and severe dysphagia for dilation were shown in both groups. Although there is no difference between the MSA and NF in the number of adverse events, the incidence of postoperative gas or bloating (RR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54-0.94, and P = 0.02) showed significantly different results. However, there is no significant difference in ability to belch and ability to vomit. Conclusions. MSA can be recommended as an alternative treatment for GERD according to their short-term studies, especially in main-features of gas-bloating, due to shorter operative time and less complication of gas or bloating.