Substituent effect on the chemical and biological properties of diisatin dihydrazone Schiff bases: DFT and docking studies.

According to the considered role of lipophilicity-hydrophobicity on organic Schiff base hydrazones, different substituents of phenyl, ethyl, and methyl groups were inserted in the synthetic strategy of diisatin dihydrazones (L1-4). The biochemical enhancement was evaluated depending on their inhibitive potential of the growth power of three human tumor cells, fungi, and bacteria. The biochemical assays assigned the effected role of different substituents of phenyl, ethyl, and methyl groups on the effectiveness of their diisatin dihydrazone reagents. The interacting modes with calf thymus DNA (i.e. Ct-DNA) were studied via viscometric and spectrophotometric titration. The organo-reagent L1 with the oxalic derivative assigned a performed inhibitive action for the examined microbes and the human tumor cell lines growing up over the terephthalic (L4) > malonic (L2) > succinic (L3) ones. From Kb = binding constant, and ∆Gb≠ = Gibb's free energy values, the binding of interaction within Ct-DNA was evaluated for all compounds (L1-4), in which L1, L3, and L4 assigned the highest reactivity referring to the covalent/non-covalent modes of interaction, as given for (L1-4), 14.32, 13.28, 10.87, and 12.41 × 107 mol-1 dm3, and -45.17, -43.24, -43.75, and -44.05 kJ mol-1, respectively. DFT and docking studies were achieved to support the current work.

A Computer Vision Algorithm to Predict Superior Mesenteric Artery Margin Status for Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of developing a computer vision algorithm that uses preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans to predict superior mesenteric artery (SMA) margin status in patients undergoing Whipple for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and to compare algorithm performance to that of expert abdominal radiologists and surgical oncologists. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Complete surgical resection is the only chance to achieve a cure for PDAC; however, current modalities to predict vascular invasion have limited accuracy. METHODS: Adult patients with PDAC who underwent Whipple and had preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scans were included (2010-2022). The SMA was manually annotated on the CT scans, and we trained a U-Net algorithm for SMA segmentation and a ResNet50 algorithm for predicting SMA margin status. Radiologists and surgeons reviewed the scans in a blinded fashion. SMA margin status per pathology reports was the reference. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were included. Forty patients (20%) had a positive SMA margin. For the segmentation task, the U-Net model achieved a Dice Similarity Coefficient of 0.90. For the classification task, all readers demonstrated limited sensitivity, although the algorithm had the highest sensitivity at 0.43 (versus 0.23 and 0.36 for the radiologists and surgeons, respectively). Specificity was universally excellent, with the radiologist and algorithm demonstrating the highest specificity at 0.94. Finally, the accuracy of the algorithm was 0.85 versus 0.80 and 0.76 for the radiologists and surgeons, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the feasibility of developing a computer vision algorithm to predict SMA margin status using preoperative CT scans, highlighting its potential to augment the prediction of vascular involvement.

Graft choice in pancreatectomy with vascular resection: equivalent safety in selected patients.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with surgical resection being the only option for long-term survival. The ability to manage vascular involvement has expanded the pool of patients who are able to undergo resection with curative intent. However, not all vascular involvements can be detected preoperatively. This study aimed to investigate the patterns of vascular resection and methods of repair or reconstruction METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective review of adult patients undergoing pancreatectomy with vascular involvement at a tertiary care referral hospital between 2010 and 2022. The primary endpoint was graft thrombosis within 90 days. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients were included in the study. Of note, 21.8% of patients were not suspected of having vascular involvement preoperatively. Moreover, 68.0% of patients required vascular reconstruction, whereas the remaining 32.0% of patients underwent repair (either primary repair or patch angioplasty). Most patients who underwent reconstruction underwent primary end-to-end anastomosis (63.0%), with 19 patients requiring autologous interposition grafts and 16 patients requiring CryoVein interposition grafts. Univariate analysis found no clinical or technical predictors of early or 90-day thrombosis, including graft choice. In addition, 30- and 90-day mortalities occurred in 1 and 7 patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Pancreatectomy with vascular resection can be performed with low mortality in carefully selected patients. Unsuspected vascular involvement is relatively common (1 in 5). If autologous graft is not readily available, CryoVein is a safe alternative with similar perioperative outcomes.

NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Rectal Cancer, Version 3.2024.

The determination of an optimal treatment plan for an individual patient with rectal cancer is a complex process. In addition to decisions relating to the intent of rectal cancer surgery (ie, curative or palliative), consideration must also be given to the likely functional results of treatment, including the probability of maintaining or restoring normal bowel function/anal continence and preserving genitourinary functions. Particularly for patients with distal rectal cancer, finding a balance between curative-intent therapy while having minimal impact on quality of life can be challenging. Furthermore, the risk of pelvic recurrence is higher in patients with rectal cancer compared with those with colon cancer, and locally recurrent rectal cancer is associated with a poor prognosis. Careful patient selection and the use of sequenced multimodality therapy following a multidisciplinary approach is recommended. These NCCN Guidelines Insights detail recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Rectal Cancer, including the addition of endoscopic submucosal dissection as an option for early-stage rectal cancer, updates to the total neoadjuvant therapy approach based on the results of recent clinical trials, and the addition of a "watch-and-wait" nonoperative management approach for clinical complete responders to neoadjuvant therapy.

Distinct Indications for Adjuvant Therapy in Resected Invasive Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms of the Pancreas Compared with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Surgical and adjuvant management of mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) lacks formal guidelines and data is limited to institutional studies. Factors associated with receipt of adjuvant therapy and any associated impact on survival remain to be clarified. In the absence of other data, guidelines that recommend adjuvant chemotherapy for invasive pancreatic adenocarcinoma have been extrapolated to MCN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The National Cancer Database (2004-2019) was utilized to identify all patients that underwent pancreatic resection for invasive MCNs. Patients that received neoadjuvant therapy or did not undergo lymphadenectomy were excluded. Patient, tumor, and treatment factors associated with survival were assessed. RESULTS: For 161 patients with invasive MCN, median overall survival (OS) was 133 months and 45% of patients received adjuvant therapy. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that poorly differentiated tumors [odds ratio (OR) 4.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47-11.98; p = 0.008] and positive lymph node status (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.02-6.98; p = 0.042) were independent predictors of receiving adjuvant therapy. Lymph node positivity [hazard ratio (HR) 2.90, 95% CI 1.47-5.73; p = 0.002], positive margins (HR 5.28, 95% CI 2.28-12.27; p < 0.001), and stage III disease (HR 12.46, 95% CI 1.40-111.05; p = 0.024) were associated with worse OS. Receipt of adjuvant systemic therapy was independently associated with decreased risk of mortality in node positive patients (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.10-0.69; p = 0.002). Survival was not associated with adjuvant therapy in patients with negative lymph nodes or margin negative status. CONCLUSION: In contrast to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), where adjuvant therapy improves OS for every tumor stage, surgery alone for invasive MCN is not associated with improved OS compared with surgery plus adjuvant therapy in node-negative patients. Surgery alone is likely sufficient for a subset of invasive MCN.

Long-Duration Neoadjuvant Therapy with FOLFIRINOX Yields Favorable Outcomes for Patients Who Undergo Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer.

BACKGROUND: In 2023 alone, it's estimated that over 64,000 patients will be diagnosed with PDAC and more than 50,000 patients will die of the disease. Current guidelines recommend neoadjuvant therapy for patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced PDAC, and data is emerging on its role in resectable disease. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may increase the number of patients able to receive complete chemotherapy regimens, increase the rate of microscopically tumor-free resection (R0) margin, and aide in identifying unfavorable tumor biology. To date, this is the largest study to examine surgical outcomes after long-duration neoadjuvant chemotherapy for PDAC. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of single-institution data. RESULTS: The routine use of long-duration therapy in our study (median cycles: FOLFIRINOX = 10; gemcitabine-based = 7) is unique. The majority (85%) of patients received FOLFIRINOX without radiation therapy; the R0 resection rate was 76%. Median OS was 41 months and did not differ significantly among patients with resectable, borderline-resectable, or locally advanced disease. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that in patients who undergo surgical resection after receipt of long-duration neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX therapy alone, survival outcomes are similar regardless of pretreatment resectability status and that favorable surgical outcomes can be attained.

Colon Cancer, Version 3.2024, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Management of disseminated metastatic CRC involves various active drugs, either in combination or as single agents. The choice of therapy is based on consideration of the goals of therapy, the type and timing of prior therapy, the mutational profile of the tumor, and the differing toxicity profiles of the constituent drugs. This manuscript summarizes the data supporting the systemic therapy options recommended for metastatic CRC in the NCCN Guidelines for Colon Cancer.

National practice patterns in the use of endoscopic ultrasound biopsy for resectable Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Insights into the role of DOTATATE PET/CT in diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are typically diagnosed using endoscopic ultrasound-guided (EUS) biopsy, which can be associated with complications. Since 2016, DOTATATE PET/CT has emerged as an effective tool to localize and stage PNETs. METHODS: Patients with PNETs who underwent R0 resections were identified from the 2004-2019 National Cancer Database PUF. Joinpoint regression and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze trends in the use of biopsy. RESULTS: Of 16,746 R0 resected PNET patients, 44 â€‹% underwent diagnostic biopsy. Joinpoint regression showed a significant increase in the use of biopsy from 2004 to 2019 (APC 1.80, p â€‹< â€‹0.001). A higher percentage of patients diagnosed after DOTATATE approval underwent biopsy compared to those diagnosed before (48 â€‹% vs. 42 â€‹%, p â€‹< â€‹0.001). Adjusted analysis showed diagnosis after 2016 was associated with increased odds of biopsy (OR â€‹= â€‹1.67, p â€‹< â€‹0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite technologic advancement with DOTATATE PET/CT, there has been a significant increase in the proportion of resectable PNETs undergoing preoperative biopsy.

Somatic Mutations in Surgically Treated Colorectal Liver Metastases: An Overview.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, and up to half of patients develop colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). Notably, somatic genetic mutations, such as mutations in RAS, BRAF, mismatch repair (MMR) genes, TP53, and SMAD4, have been shown to play a prognostic role in patients with CRLM. This review summarizes and appraises the current literature regarding the most relevant somatic mutations in surgically treated CRLM by not only reviewing representative studies, but also providing recommendations for areas of future research. In addition, advancements in genetic testing and an increasing emphasis on precision medicine have led to a more nuanced understanding of these mutations; thus, more granular data for each mutation are reviewed when available. Importantly, such knowledge can pave the way for precision medicine with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.

A machine learning approach for predicting textbook outcome after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal carcinomatosis is considered a late-stage manifestation of neoplastic diseases. Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) can be an effective treatment for these patients. However, the procedure is associated with significant morbidity. Our aim was to develop a machine learning model to predict the probability of achieving textbook outcome (TO) after CRS-HIPEC using only preoperatively known variables. METHODS: Adult patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis and who underwent CRS-HIPEC were included from a large, single-center, prospectively maintained dataset (2001-2020). TO was defined as a hospital length of stay ≤14 days and no postoperative adverse events including any complications, reoperation, readmission, and mortality within 90 days. Four models (logistic regression, neural network, random forest, and XGBoost) were trained, validated, and a user-friendly risk calculator was then developed. RESULTS: A total of 1954 CRS-HIPEC procedures for peritoneal carcinomatosis were included. Overall, 13% (n = 258) achieved TO following CRS-HIPEC procedure. XGBoost and logistic regression had the highest area under the curve (AUC) (0.76) after model optimization, followed by random forest (AUC 0.75) and neural network (AUC 0.74). The top preoperative variables associated with achieving a TO were lower peritoneal cancer index scores, not undergoing proctectomy, splenectomy, or partial colectomy and being asymptomatic from peritoneal metastases prior to surgery. CONCLUSION: This is a data-driven study to predict the probability of achieving TO after CRS-HIPEC. The proposed pipeline has the potential to not only identify patients for whom surgery is not associated with prohibitive risk, but also aid surgeons in communicating this risk to patients.

Improved survival of patients receiving immunotherapy and chemotherapy following curative-intent resection of colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Despite significant advancements in the treatment of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs), only a minority will experience long-term survival. This study aimed to determine the effect of chemotherapy (CT) and immunotherapy (IT) compared with that of CT alone on patient survival after surgical resection. METHODS: Patients undergoing curative-intent liver resection followed by adjuvant systemic therapy for stage IV colon cancer were identified using the National Cancer Database. Patients were stratified into type of therapy (CT alone vs CT + IT) and microsatellite status. Propensity score-weighted analysis was performed through 1:1 matching based on the nearest neighbor method. RESULTS: Of 9943 patients who underwent resection of CRLMs, 7971 (80%) received systemic adjuvant therapy. Of 7971 patients, 1432 (18%) received a combination of CT and IT. Microsatellite status was not associated with overall survival (OS). Adjuvant CT + IT was associated with increased 3-year OS compared with that of CT alone in both the unmatched cohort (55% vs 48%, respectively; P < .001) and matched cohort (52% vs 48%, respectively; P = .050). On multivariate analysis, older age, positive resection margins, and KRAS mutation were independent predictors of poor survival, whereas the administration of adjuvant CT + IT was an independent predictor of improved survival. CONCLUSION: IT combined with CT was associated with improved survival compared with that of CT alone after curative-intent resection of CRLMs, regardless of microsatellite instability status. Clinical trials to determine optimal patient selection, IT regimen, and long-term efficacy to improve outcomes of patients with CRLMs are warranted.

Machine learning improves prediction of postoperative outcomes after gastrointestinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Machine learning (ML) approaches have become increasingly popular in predicting surgical outcomes. However, it is unknown whether they are superior to traditional statistical methods such as logistic regression (LR). This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the performance of ML vs LR models in predicting postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing gastrointestinal (GI) surgery. METHODS: A systematic search of Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was performed through December 2022. The primary outcome was the discriminatory performance of ML vs LR models as measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). A meta-analysis was then performed using a random effects model. RESULTS: A total of 62 LR models and 143 ML models were included across 38 studies. On average, the best-performing ML models had a significantly higher AUC than the LR models (ΔAUC, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.04-0.09; P < .001). Similarly, on average, the best-performing ML models had a significantly higher logit (AUC) than the LR models (Δlogit [AUC], 0.41; 95% CI, 0.23-0.58; P < .001). Approximately half of studies (44%) were found to have a low risk of bias. Upon a subset analysis of only low-risk studies, the difference in logit (AUC) remained significant (ML vs LR, Δlogit [AUC], 0.40; 95% CI, 0.14-0.66; P = .009). CONCLUSION: We found a significant improvement in discriminatory ability when using ML over LR algorithms in predicting postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing GI surgery. Subsequent efforts should establish standardized protocols for both developing and reporting studies using ML models and explore the practical implementation of these models.

Robotic-assisted endoluminal gastric leiomyoma resection: a novel surgical technique for benign gastroesophageal junction tumors.

Gastric leiomyomas are rare, benign smooth muscle tumors that arise from the muscularis propria and can be found in any part of the stomach. The American College of Gastroenterologists recommends resection only for symptomatic leiomyomas, which can often present with bleeding, abdominal pain, or dyspepsia. Notably, symptomatic leiomyomas that arise at the gastroesophageal (GE) junction, especially those that are large, pose unique challenges. Specifically, total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy is often necessary, which can be associated with a compromised quality of life and possible complications such as anastomotic stricture or reflux esophagitis. In this context, we present the case of a young, male patient with a large symptomatic leiomyoma at the GE junction who was offered a robotic-assisted endoluminal leiomyoma resection. By placing endoluminal trocars and utilizing the Da Vinci® robot, we were able to carefully excise the tumor without perforating the stomach or causing GE junction stenosis. This allowed the patient to preserve his stomach and avoid a high-risk anastomosis. Another notable highlight of the case included the use of the endoscope as both a bougie and a source of insufflation. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and a rapid recovery, highlighting the feasibility of this approach for patients with benign GE junction tumors.

Bimetallic bis-Aroyldihydrazone-Isatin Complexes of High O=V(IV) and Low Cu(II) Valent Ions as Effective Biological Reagents for Antimicrobial and Anticancer Assays.

Due to the versatile bioreactivity of aroyldihydrazone complexes as cost-effective alternatives with different transition metals, two novel bimetallic homo-complexes (VOLph and CuLph) were prepared via the coordination of a terephthalic dihydrazone diisatin ligand (H2Lph) with VO2+ and Cu2+ ions, respectively. The structure elucidation was confirmed by alternative spectral methods. Biologically, the H2Lph ligand and its MLph complexes (M2+ = VO2+ or Cu2+) were investigated as antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Their biochemical activities towards ctDNA (calf thymus DNA) were estimated using measurable titration viscometrically and spectrophotometrically, as well as the gel electrophoresis technique. The growth inhibition of both VOLph and CuLph complexes against microbial and cancer cells was measured, and the inhibition action, MIC, and IC50 were compared to the inhibition action of the free H2Lph ligand. Both VOLph and CuLph showed remarkable interactive binding with ctDNA compared to the free ligand H2Lph, based on Kb = 16.31, 16.04 and 12.41 × 107 mol-1 dm3 and ΔGb≠ = 47.11, -46.89, and -44.05 kJ mol-1 for VOLph, CuLph, and H2Lph, respectively, due to the central metal ion (VIVO and CuII ions). VOLph (with a higher oxidation state of the V4+ ion and oxo-ligand) exhibited enhanced interaction with the ctDNA molecule compared to CuLph, demonstrating the role and type of the central metal ion within the performed electronegative and electrophilic characters.

A Novel Machine Learning Approach to Predict Textbook Outcome in Colectomy.

BACKGROUND: Several calculators exist to predict risk of postoperative complications. However, in low-risk procedures such as colectomy, a tool to determine the probability of achieving the ideal outcome could better aid clinical decision-making, especially for high-risk patients. A textbook outcome is a composite measure that serves as a surrogate for the ideal surgical outcome. OBJECTIVE: To identify the most important factors for predicting textbook outcomes in patients with nonmetastatic colon cancer undergoing colectomy and to create a textbook outcome decision support tool using machine learning algorithms. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis study. SETTINGS: Data were collected from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. PATIENTS: Adult patients undergoing elective colectomy for nonmetastatic colon cancer (2014-2020) were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Textbook outcome was the main outcome, defined as no mortality, no 30-day readmission, no postoperative complications, no 30-day reinterventions, and a hospital length of stay of ≤5 days. Four models (logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting) were trained and validated. Ultimately, a web-based calculator was developed as proof of concept for clinical application. RESULTS: A total of 20,498 patients who underwent colectomy for nonmetastatic colon cancer were included. Overall, textbook outcome was achieved in 66% of patients. Textbook outcome was more frequently achieved after robotic colectomy (77%), followed by laparoscopic colectomy (68%) and open colectomy (39%, p < 0.001). eXtreme Gradient Boosting was the best performing model (area under the curve = 0.72). The top 5 preoperative variables to predict textbook outcome were surgical approach, patient age, preoperative hematocrit, preoperative oral antibiotic bowel preparation, and patient sex. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective nature of the analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Using textbook outcome as the preferred outcome may be a useful tool in relatively low-risk procedures such as colectomy, and the proposed web-based calculator may aid surgeons in preoperative evaluation and counseling, especially for high-risk patients. See Video Abstract . UN NUEVO ENFOQUE DE APRENDIZAJE AUTOMTICO PARA PREDECIR EL RESULTADO DE LOS LIBROS DE TEXTO EN COLECTOMA: ANTECEDENTES:Existen varias calculadoras para predecir el riesgo de complicaciones posoperatorias. Sin embargo, en procedimientos de bajo riesgo como la colectomía, una herramienta para determinar la probabilidad de lograr el resultado ideal podría ayudar mejor a la toma de decisiones clínicas, especialmente para pacientes de alto riesgo. Un resultado de libro de texto es una medida compuesta que sirve como sustituto del resultado quirúrgico ideal.OBJETIVO:Identificar los factores más importantes para predecir el resultado de los libros de texto en pacientes con cáncer de colon no metastásico sometidos a colectomía y crear una herramienta de apoyo a la toma de decisiones sobre los resultados de los libros de texto utilizando algoritmos de aprendizaje automático.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio de análisis retrospectivo.AJUSTES:Los datos se obtuvieron de la base de datos del Programa Nacional de Mejora de la Calidad del Colegio Americano de Cirujanos.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes adultos sometidos a colectomía electiva por cáncer de colon no metastásico (2014-2020).MEDIDAS PRINCIPALES DE RESULTADO:El resultado de los libros de texto fue el resultado principal, definido como ausencia de mortalidad, reingreso a los 30 días, complicaciones posoperatorias, reintervenciones a los 30 días y una estancia hospitalaria ≤5 días. Se entrenaron y validaron cuatro modelos (regresión logística, árbol de decisión, bosque aleatorio y XGBoost). Finalmente, se desarrolló una calculadora basada en la web como prueba de concepto para su aplicación clínica.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron un total de 20.498 pacientes sometidos a colectomía por cáncer de colon no metastásico. En general, el resultado de los libros de texto se logró en el 66% de los pacientes. Los resultados de los libros de texto se lograron con mayor frecuencia después de la colectomía robótica (77%), seguida de la colectomía laparoscópica (68%) y la colectomía abierta (39%) (p<0,001). XGBoost fue el modelo con mejor rendimiento (AUC=0,72). Los cinco principales variables preoperatorias para predecir el resultado en los libros de texto fueron el abordaje quirúrgico, la edad del paciente, el hematocrito preoperatorio, la preparación intestinal con antibióticos orales preoperatorios y el sexo femenino.LIMITACIONES:Este estudio estuvo limitado por la naturaleza retrospectiva del análisis.CONCLUSIONES:El uso de los resultados de los libros de texto como resultado preferido puede ser una herramienta útil en procedimientos de riesgo relativamente bajo, como la colectomía, y la calculadora basada en la web propuesta puede ayudar a los cirujanos en la evaluación y el asesoramiento preoperatorios, especialmente para pacientes de alto riesgo. (Traducción-Yesenia Rojas-Khalil ).

Rapid hydrothermal synthesis of mesoporous NiS2 and NiSe2 nanostructures for wastewater treatment.

In the present study, single phase nickel based disulphide (NiS2) and diselenide (NiSe2) nanostructures were prepared hydrothermally in a short time span (4 h) under subcritical temperature (160 °C). The nanostructures grow in cubic crystal phases. Average crystallite sizes and intrinsic microstrains were determined using Williamson-Hall (W-H) plot analysis. Hollow NiS2 nanospheres and bipyramidal NiSe2 nanostructures are reported that are suitable for surface related applications. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated high stability of the nanostructures at elevated temperatures. Optical studies indicated visible light activeness of the nanostructures exhibiting sharp band edges. The nanostructures are mesoporous in nature with NiS2 and NiSe2 having respectively a large specific surface area of 310 m2/g and 177 m2/g. A primarily work done to determine the electrochemical nature of the nanostructures showed the materials are pseudo-capacitive in nature with specific capacitances of 1022 F/g and 480 F/g respectively for NiS2 and NiSe2. The photo-catalytic activity of the nanostructures was explored against a colourless pollutant; phenol. The nanostructures degraded most of the phenol (>90 %) under visible light illumination and the reusability experiments performed determined industrial value of the photocatalysts.

Inadequate Lymph Node Yield: An Inadequate Indication for Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage II Colon Cancer.

Background: Optimal therapy for stage II colon cancer remains unclear, and national guidelines recommend "consideration" of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in the presence of high-risk features, including inadequate lymph node yield (LNY, <12 nodes). This study aims to determine whether the survival benefit of ACT in stage II disease varies based on the adequacy of LNY. Methods: We used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to identify adults who underwent resection for a single primary T3 or T4 colon cancer between 2006 and 2018. Multivariable logistic regression tested for associations between ACT and prespecified demographic and clinical characteristics, including the adequacy of LNY. We used Cox proportional hazards models to assess overall survival and restricted cubic splines to estimate the optimal LNY threshold to dichotomize patients based on overall survival. Results: Unadjusted 5- and 10-year survival rates were 84% and 75%, respectively, among patients who received ACT and 70% and 50% among patients who did not (log-rank P < 0.01). Inadequate LNY was independently associated with both receipt of ACT (odds ratios, 1.50; P < 0.01) and decreased overall survival [hazard ratio (HR), 1.56; P < 0.01]. ACT was independently associated with improved survival (HR, 0.67; P < 0.01); this effect size did not change based on the adequacy of LNY (interaction P = 0.41). Results were robust to re-analysis with our cohort-optimized threshold of 18 lymph nodes. Conclusions: Consistent with contemporary guidelines, patients with inadequate LNY are more likely to receive ACT. LNY adequacy is an independent prognostic factor but, in isolation, should not dictate whether patients receive ACT.

Ultrasound Imaging in Subjects with Sickle Cell Disease: The Saudi Arabia Experiences.

Background: Abdominal organ sonography is a crucial part of the workup for treating sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the abdominal organs in SCD patients using ultrasonography. Methodology: A non-interventional descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Asir region Saudi Arabia from April 2019 to July 2020. The study was conducted in 78 patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Data were gathered using a data collection sheet included demographic information, clinical information including medication types, and complications linked to SCD. Furthermore, the study evaluated abdominal ultrasound findings pertaining to the liver, gall bladder, spleen, and kidneys. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: More than half of the study participants 43 (55.1%) were females. About 53.8% of the study participants received blood transfusions, and (11.5%) receive extra-vaccine. Concerning ultrasound findings, hepatomegaly was found in seventeen (21.8%), focal liver lesions in four (5.1%), gallstones in five (6.4%), splenomegaly in fifteen (19.3%), and the presence of splenic focal lesions was found in seven (9.0%). The most frequent complication associated with SCD was osteomyelitis sepsis in six cases (7.7%). The study revealed a significant correlation between the type of crisis and type of medication used and the size of the spleen (P-value <0.01), and no notable correlation was found between the types of crises and the size of the liver (P-value >0.05). Conclusion: Abdominal sonography in SCD patients revealed a wide range of alterations in the liver, gallbladder, and spleen. The most frequently observed complications in SCD were hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, localized lesions in both organs, and the presence of gallstones.