Smart sensing hydrogel actuators conferred by MXene gradient arrangement.

Smart sensing and excellent actuation abilities of natural organisms have driven scientists to develop bionic soft-bodied robots. However, most conventional robots suffer from poor electrical conductivity, limiting their application in real-time sensing and actuation. Here, we report a novel strategy to enhance the electrical conductivity of hydrogels that integrated actuation and strain-sensing functions for bioinspired self-sensing soft actuators. Conductive hydrogels were synthesized in situ by copolymerizing MXene nanosheets with thermosensitive N-isopropylacrylamide and acrylamide under a direct current electric field. The resulting hydrogels exhibited high electrical conductivity (2.11 mS/cm), good sensitivity with a gauge factor of 4.79 and long-term stability. The developed hydrogels demonstrated remarkable capabilities in detecting human motions at subtle strains such as facial expressions and large strains such as knee bending. Additionally, the hydrogel electrode patch was capable of monitoring physiological signals. Furthermore, the developed hydrogel showed good thermally induced actuation effects when the temperature was higher than 30 °C. Overall, this work provided new insights for the design of sensory materials with integrated self-sensing and actuation capabilities, which would pave the way for the development of high-performance conductive soft materials for intelligent soft robots and automated machinery.

Validation of AI-assisted ThinPrep® Pap test screening using the GeniusTM Digital Diagnostics System.

Advances in whole-slide imaging and artificial intelligence present opportunities for improvement in Pap test screening. To date, there have been limited studies published regarding how best to validate newer AI-based digital systems for screening Pap tests in clinical practice. In this study, we validated the Genius™ Digital Diagnostics System (Hologic) by comparing the performance to traditional manual light microscopic diagnosis of ThinPrep® Pap test slides. A total of 319 ThinPrep® Pap test cases were prospectively assessed by six cytologists and three cytopathologists by light microscopy and digital evaluation and the results compared to the original ground truth Pap test diagnosis. Concordance with the original diagnosis was significantly different by digital and manual light microscopy review when comparing across: (i) exact Bethesda System diagnostic categories (62.1% vs 55.8%, respectively, p = 0.014), (ii) condensed diagnostic categories (76.8% vs 71.5%, respectively, p = 0.027), and (iii) condensed diagnoses based on clinical management (71.5% vs 65.2%, respectively, p = 0.017). Time to evaluate cases was shorter for digital (M = 3.2 min, SD = 2.2) compared to manual (M = 5.9 min, SD = 3.1) review (t(352) = 19.44, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.035, 95% CI [0.905, 1.164]). Not only did our validation study demonstrate that AI-based digital Pap test evaluation had improved diagnostic accuracy and reduced screening time compared to light microscopy, but that participants reported a positive experience using this system.

Dependable Automated Approach for Measuring the Retrograde Superior Ramus Screw Corridor in Pelvic Fracture Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Precise measurement of the intraosseous corridor within the superior pubic ramus is essential for the accurate percutaneous placement of a retrograde superior ramus screw (SRS). However, conventional manual measurement methods are often subjective, leading to variations in results among observers. Our goal was to develop an automated and dependable method for determining the retrograde SRS corridor. METHODS: We developed an automated technique that utilized a computed tomography (CT) image-based search algorithm to identify the retrograde SRS corridor with the maximum diameter. We evaluated the reliability of this automated approach in comparison to a manual method using 17 pelves. Subsequently, we used both methods to measure the diameter, length, and orientation of the retrograde SRS corridor in 204 pelves in a Chinese population and assessed the intra- and interobserver agreement of each method by calculating the root-mean-square error (RMSE) and constructing Bland-Altman plots. We determined the screw applicability (percentages of hemipelves that could be treated with specific sizes of screws) for each method. Additionally, we investigated potential factors influencing the corridor, such as sex, age, height, and weight, through regression analysis. RESULTS: The intra- and interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the automated method (0.998 and 0.995) were higher than those for the manual approach (0.925 and 0.918) in the assessment of the corridor diameter. Furthermore, the diameter identified by the automated method was notably larger than the diameter measured with the manual method, with a mean difference and RMSE of 0.9 mm and 1.1 mm, respectively. The automated method revealed a significantly smaller corridor diameter in females than in males (an average of 7.5 and 10.4 mm, respectively). Moreover, use of the automated method allowed 80.6% of the females to be managed with a 4.5-mm screw while a 6.5-mm screw could be utilized in 19.4%, surpassing the capabilities of the manual method. Female sex had the most substantial impact on corridor diameter (ß = -0.583). CONCLUSIONS: The automated method exhibited better reliability than the manual method in measuring the retrograde SRS corridor, and showed a larger corridor diameter for screw placement. Females had a significantly smaller corridor diameter than males. Given the intricate nature of the automated approach, which entails utilizing different software and interactive procedures, our current method is not readily applicable for traumatologists. We are working on developing integrated software with the goal of providing a more user-friendly solution for traumatologists in the near future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Photochromism, Thermochromism, and Electrochromism in Solid-State Host-Guest Inclusion Complexes of ß-Cyclodextrin with Dialkylcarboxyl-Substituted Viologens.

Multi-stimuli-responsive chromic materials have immense potential for utilization. Herein, two supramolecular inclusion complexes were prepared by self-assembly of ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) with dialkylcarboxyl-substituted viologens, N,N'-di(3-carboxy-propyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride (CPV·Cl2) and N,N'-di(6-carboxy-hexyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium dibromide (CHV·Br2). The self-assembled inclusion complexes CPV2+@ß-CD and CHV2+@ß-CD2 in the solid-state exhibited naked-eye photochromism, thermochromism, and electrochromism in response to multiple external stimuli including light, temperature, and electric field, respectively. Solid-state UV-vis diffuse reflectance and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy revealed that the observed photochromism, thermochromism and electrochromism are attributed to the formation of viologen free radicals induced by electron transfer under external stimuli. The excellent stimuli-response chromic properties of the title inclusion complexes support their practical utility in visual display, multiple anticounterfeiting, and multilevel information encryption.

Association of Accommodation and Convergence with Axial Length Elongation in Children with Basic Intermittent Exotropia: A 12-Month Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to investigate the association of parameters related to accommodation and convergence and axial elongation in basic intermittent exotropia (IXT) patients and the potential clinical predictors of axial length (AL) growth. METHODS: A total of 140 basic IXT patients were recruited in this study. The medians of AL growth in different age brackets were chosen to divide the subjects into group A (slower axial elongation group, n = 69) and group B (faster axial elongation group, n = 71). Parameters of dominant and nondominant eyes were compared and analyzed during the 12-month follow-up period. The parameters, including baseline refraction, angle of deviation, Newcastle control score (NCS), accommodative amplitude (AMP), accommodative facility (AMF), accommodative response, positive or negative relative accommodation (PRA/NRA), and near point of convergence (NPC), were analyzed via univariate and multivariate regression. RESULTS: Subjects in the faster axial elongation group tended to have more myopic spherical equivalents (t = 3.956, p < 0.001), greater AMPs of dominant eyes (t = -2.238, p = 0.027), and fewer near points of convergence (t = 2.347, p = 0.020) than in the slower axial elongation group. For dominant eyes, logistic and linear regression analysis revealed that more negative spherical equivalents (OR = 0.603, p < 0.001; ß = -0.045, p < 0.001), greater AMPs (OR = 1.201, p = 0.027; ß = 0.023, p = 0.010), and less near points of convergence (OR = 0.883, p = 0.021; ß = -0.012, p = 0.019) were correlated with the faster axial elongation. For nondominant eyes, a more myopic spherical equivalent (OR = 0.682; p = 0.001; ß = -0.029, p = 0.005) was the only parameter correlated with faster axial elongation through regression analysis. CONCLUSION: In children with basic IXT, faster axial elongation in the dominant eyes was associated with more myopic spherical equivalents, greater AMPs, and lower NPCs. These accommodative parameters can serve as potential clinical indicators for monitoring myopia progression in addition to AL.

Melatonin mitigates the lipopolysaccharide-induced myocardial injury in rats by blocking the p53/xCT pathway-mediated ferroptosis.

This article examined the therapeutic effect of melatonin (MT) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myocardial injury, and the mechanisms involved. Septic rat model was constructed by exposing to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and treated by MT, Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) and Erastin (Era). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was executed to appraise myocardial injury. H9c2 cells that exposed to LPS to induce in vitro sepsis cell model were treated by MT. p53 overexpression vectors were transfected into H9c2 cells. Inflammation- and ferroptosis-related indicators were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of p53, xCT and GPX4 was scrutinized by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. MT relieved myocardial injury in septic rats. It decreased IL-6 and TNF-α, elevated GPX4 and GSH, and reduced MDA and Fe2+ in myocardial tissues of septic rats. LPS induced p53 elevation and xCT reduction in rats' myocardial tissues. Nevertheless, MT treatment declined p53 and increased xCT in myocardial tissues of septic rats. Interestingly, the relieving effect of MT on myocardial injury in septic rats was enhanced by Fer-1, but reversed by Era. The LPS-induced H9c2 cell damage was relieved by MT treatment. Besides, MT decreased LDH, IL-6 and TNF-α, elevated xCT, GPX4 and GSH, and reduced MDA and Fe2+ in the LPS-induced H9c2 cells. Conversely, these influences of MT on the LPS-induced H9c2 cells were reversed by p53 overexpression. MT is proposed to be a promising agent for treating the LPS-induced myocardial injury, as it relieves myocardial injury by hindering the p53/xCT-mediated ferroptosis in the LPS-induced septic rats.

Novel shish-kebab structured nanofibrous decorating chitosan unidirectional scaffolds to mimic extracellular matrix for tissue engineering.

Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds are renowned for their ability to mimic the microstructure of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, they often fail to replicate the geometry of target tissues, and the biocompatibility of these scaffolds those made from synthetic polymers is always limited due to the lack of cell binding sites. To address these issues, we proposed an innovative approach that combined unidirectional freeze-drying and electrospinning. During this process, electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers were chopped into nanofibrils, which range in size up to several hundred micrometers, and were incorporated into the chitosan scaffolds via unidirectional freeze-drying. In these scaffolds, the chitosan phase was responsible for maintaining the structural integrity at the macroscale, while the embedded nanofibers enhanced the surface topography at the microscale. The resulting scaffolds exhibited a high porosity of 90% and an impressive water uptake capacity of 2500%. Furthermore, 3T3 fibroblast cells showed strong interactions with the scaffolds, characterized by high rates of cell proliferation and viability. The cells also displayed significant orientation along the direction of the pores, suggesting that the scaffolds effectively guided cellular growth.

Enhanced electrochemical performance of NiMn layered double hydroxides/graphene oxide composites synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method for supercapacitors.

This study aims to enhance the performance of supercapacitors, focusing particularly on optimizing electrode materials. While pure NiMn layered double hydroxides (LDHs) exhibit excellent electrochemical properties, they have limitations in achieving high specific capacitance. Therefore, this paper successfully synthesized composite materials of NiMn LDHs with varying loadings of graphene oxide (GO) using a hydrothermal method. Systematic physicochemical characterization of the synthesized materials, such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Raman spectroscopy, revealed the influence of GO doping on the microstructure and electrochemical performance of NiMn LDHs. Electrochemical tests demonstrated that the NiMn LDHs/GO electrode material exhibited optimal electrochemical performance with a specific capacitance of 2096 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 current density and 1471 F g-1 at 10 A g-1, when GO doping level was 0.45 wt%. Furthermore, after 1000 cycles of stability testing, the material retained 53.3% capacitance at 5 A g-1, indicating good cyclic stability. This study not only provides new directions for research on supercapacitor electrode materials but also offers new strategies for developing low-cost and efficient electrode materials.

Offspring nursing extends mother's longevity in a long-term maternal cared spider.

Females typically outlive males in animals, especially in species that provide long-term maternal care. However, life history theory predicts that investments in reproduction, such as lactation and offspring nursing, often shorten caretakers' longevity. Aiming to interpret this paradox, we selected the lactating jumping spider Toxeus magnus to investigate the effects of reproductive activities on longevity for two sexes. We found that: (1) although "milk" provisioning reduces female's longevity, mothers who cared for offspring (provisioned "milk" and nursing) lived the longest compared to virgins and those did not provide care; (2) copulation increased female's longevity but had no effects on males; and (3) the two sexes have comparable developmental duration, but the female adult's longevity was 2.1 times that of male's. This study suggests that the time requirement for offspring dispersal might act as a key selective force favoring females' adulthood extension, which ultimately generates the longer-lived females in maternal cared species.

Ants may buffer the Janzen-Connell effect in a tropical forest in Southwest China.

Mutualistic symbioses between ants and plants are widespread in nature. Ants can deter unwanted pests and provide protection for plants in return for food or housing rewards. Using a long-term demographic dataset in a tropical seasonal rain forest in Southwest China, we found that associations with ants positively influenced seedling survival and adult growth, and also, species with extrafloral nectaries experienced weaker conspecific negative density dependence compared with species without extrafloral nectaries. Furthermore, we found strong evidence suggesting that species in our forest experienced conspecific density dependence, which we interpreted as heavy pest pressure that may drive the development of anti-pest symbioses such as the plant-ant relationship. Our findings suggest that ants and conspecific neighbors play important but inverse roles on plant survival and growth and that ants can buffer tree neighborhood interactions in this tropical forest.

Utilizing green finance to promote low-carbon transition of Chinese cities: insights from technological innovation and industrial structure adjustment.

Green finance (GF) has emerged as a promising tool to promote low-carbon development, while knowledge is rather limited regarding the underlying mechanism. This article aims to address this void by constructing a city-level GF index covering seven dimensions and identifying the main pathways through which GF can facilitate the low-carbon development of cities. Using a balanced panel data covering 277 Chinese cities from 2010 to 2020, the results show that: (1) China's GF development exhibits an overall spatial differentiation of 'high in the east and low in the west', while the distribution of carbon intensity (CI) displays an overall spatial differentiation of 'high in the north and low in the south'; (2) GF significantly decreases CI of cities, which is robust to employing DID strategies and IV estimations; (3) The role of GF on CI varies with the level of CI whereas not with the level of GF. Specifically, the mitigating effect of GF on CI is significant in both high GF and low GF groups, but only in high CI group; and (4) GF promotes low-carbon transition of cities through mainly on adjusting industrial structure rather than stimulating technological innovation. Despite we also demonstrate green finance enhances green innovation, due to multi-factors, such technology progress it brings may not always translate into a tangible improvement in green productivity. For most developing countries including China, the future policy objective of green finance should focus on enhancing sustainable technological progress.

Unraveling the modulatory manner and function of circRNAs in the Asian honey bee larval guts.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that can participate in biological processes such as gene expression, growth, and development. However, little has been explored about the function of circRNAs in the development of Apis cerana larval guts. By using our previously gained deep sequencing data from the guts of A. cerana worker larvae at 4-, 5-, and 6-day-old (Ac4, Ac5, and Ac6 groups), the expression pattern and regulatory role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) during the development process was comprehensively investigated, with a focus on differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) relevant to immunity pathways and developmental signaling pathways, followed by validation of the binding relationships among a key competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) axis. Here, 224 (158) DEcircRNAs were detected in the Ac4 vs. Ac5 (Ac5 vs. Ac6) comparison group. It's suggested that 172 (123) parental genes of DEcircRNAs were involved in 26 (20) GO terms such as developmental process and metabolic process and 138 (136) KEGG pathways like Hippo and Wnt signaling pathways. Additionally, ceRNA network analysis indicated that 21 (11) DEcircRNAs could target seven (three) DEmiRNAs, further targeting 324 (198) DEmRNAs. These DEmRNAs can be annotated to 33 (26) GO terms and 168 (200) KEGG pathways, including 12 (16) cellular and humoral immune pathways (endocytosis, lysosome, Jak-STAT, etc.) and 10 (nine) developmental signaling pathways (Hippo, mTOR, Hedgehog, etc.). Interestingly, DEcircRNAs in these two comparison groups could target the same ace-miR-6001-y, forming complex sub-networks. The results of PCR and Sanger sequencing confirmed the back-splicing sites within four randomly selected DEcircRNAs. RT-qPCR detection of these four DEcircRNAs verified the reliability of the used transcriptome data. The results of dual-luciferase reporter assay verified the binding relationships between novel_circ_001627 and ace-miR-6001-y and between ace-miR-6001-y and apterous-like. Our data demonstrated that DEcircRNAs were likely to modulate the developmental process of the A. cerana worker larval guts via regulation of parental gene transcription and ceRNA network, and novel_circ_001627/ace-miR-6001-y/apterous-like was a potential regulatory axis in the larval gut development. Findings from this work offer a basis and a candidate ceRNA axis for illustrating the circRNA-modulated mechanisms underlying the A. cerana larval guts.

Silicon photocathode functionalized with osmium complex catalyst for selective catalytic conversion of CO2 to methane.

Solar-driven CO2 reduction to yield high-value chemicals presents an appealing avenue for combating climate change, yet achieving selective production of specific products remains a significant challenge. We showcase two osmium complexes, przpOs, and trzpOs, as CO2 reduction catalysts for selective CO2-to-methane conversion. Kinetically, the przpOs and trzpOs exhibit high CO2 reduction catalytic rate constants of 0.544 and 6.41 s-1, respectively. Under AM1.5 G irradiation, the optimal Si/TiO2/trzpOs have CH4 as the main product and >90% Faradaic efficiency, reaching -14.11 mA cm-2 photocurrent density at 0.0 VRHE. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the N atoms on the bipyrazole and triazole ligands effectively stabilize the CO2-adduct intermediates, which tend to be further hydrogenated to produce CH4, leading to their ultrahigh CO2-to-CH4 selectivity. These results are comparable to cutting-edge Si-based photocathodes for CO2 reduction, revealing a vast research potential in employing molecular catalysts for the photoelectrochemical conversion of CO2 to methane.

Integrated Solution for As(III) Contamination in Water Based on Crystalline Porous Organic Salts.

A stable crystalline organic porous salt (CPOSs-NXU-1) with 1D apertures has been assembled by the solvothermal method, which shows high-sensitivity "turn-on" fluorescence detection and large-capacity adsorption of As(III) ions in water. The detection limits, saturated adsorption capacity, and removal rate of CPOSs-NXU-1 for As(III) ions in an aqueous solution can reach 74.34 nm (5.57 ppb), 451.01 mg g-1, and 99.6%, respectively, at pH = 7 and room temperature. With the aid of XPS, IR, Raman, and DFT theoretical calculations, it is determined that CPOSs-NXU-1 adsorbed As(III) ions in the form of H2AsO3 - and H3AsO3 through hydrogen bonding between the host and guest. The mechanism for fluorescence sensitization of As(III) ions to CPOSs-NXU-1 is mainly to increase the energy level difference between the ground state and excited state investigated by UV-vis absorption spectra, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra, and theoretical calculations. By constructing fluorescent CPOSs, an integrated solution has been achieved to treating As(III) contamination in the water that is equipped with detection and removal. These results blaze a promising path for addressing trivalent arsenic contamination in water efficiently, rapidly, and economically.

Leaf isotopes reveal tree diversity effects on the functional responses to the pan-European 2018 summer drought.

Recent droughts have strongly impacted forest ecosystems and are projected to increase in frequency, intensity, and duration in the future together with continued warming. While evidence suggests that tree diversity can regulate drought impacts in natural forests, few studies examine whether mixed tree plantations are more resistant to the impacts of severe droughts. Using natural variations in leaf carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotopic ratios, that is δ13C and δ15N, as proxies for drought response, we analyzed the effects of tree species richness on the functional responses of tree plantations to the pan-European 2018 summer drought in seven European tree diversity experiments. We found that leaf δ13C decreased with increasing tree species richness, indicating less drought stress. This effect was not related to drought intensity, nor desiccation tolerance of the tree species. Leaf δ15N increased with drought intensity, indicating a shift toward more open N cycling as water availability diminishes. Additionally, drought intensity was observed to alter the influence of tree species richness on leaf δ15N from weakly negative under low drought intensity to weakly positive under high drought intensity. Overall, our findings suggest that dual leaf isotope analysis helps understand the interaction between drought, nutrients, and species richness.

Stepwise Toward Pure Blue Organic Light-Emitting Diodes by Synergetically Locking and Shielding Carbonyl/Nitrogen-Based MR-TADF Emitters.

Deep-blue multi-resonance (MR) emitters with stable and narrow full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) are of great importance for widening the color gamut of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, most planar MR emitters are vulnerable to intermolecular interactions from both the host and guest, causing spectral broadening and exciton quenching in thin films. Their emission in the solid state is environmentally sensitive, and the color purity is often inferior to that in solutions. Herein, a molecular design strategy is presented that simultaneously narrows the FWHM and suppresses intermolecular interactions by combining intramolecular locking and peripheral shielding within a carbonyl/nitrogen-based MR core. Intramolecularly locking carbonyl/nitrogen-based bears narrower emission of 2,10-dimethyl-12,12-diphenyl-4H-benzo[9,1]quinolizino[3,4,5,6,7-defg]acridine-4,8(12H)-dione in solution and further with peripheral-shielding groups, deep-blue emitter (12,12-diphenyl-2,10-bis(9-phenyl-9H-fluoren-9-yl)-4H-benzo[9,1]quinolizino[3,4,5,6,7-defg]acridine-4,8(12H)-dione, DPQAO-F) exhibits ultra-pure emission with narrow FWHM (c.a., 24 nm) with minimal variations (∆FWHM ≤ 3 nm) from solution to thin films over a wide doping range. An OLED based on DPQAO-F presents a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 19.9% and color index of (0.134, 0.118). Furthermore, the hyper-device of DPQAO-F exhibits a record-high EQEmax of 32.7% in the deep-blue region, representing the first example of carbonyl/nitrogen-based OLED that can concurrently achieve narrow bandwidth in the deep-blue region and a high electroluminescent efficiency surpassing 30%.

Novel Environmentally Friendly RNAi Biopesticides: Targeting V-ATPase in Holotrichia parallela Larvae Using Layered Double Hydroxide Nanocomplexes.

RNA interference (RNAi)-based biopesticides offer an attractive avenue for pest control. Previous studies revealed high RNAi sensitivity in Holotrichia parallela larvae, showcasing its potential for grub control. In this study, we aimed to develop an environmentally friendly RNAi method for H. parallela larvae. The double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) of the V-ATPase-a gene (HpVAA) was loaded onto layered double hydroxide (LDH). The dsRNA/LDH nanocomplex exhibited increased environmental stability, and we investigated the absorption rate and permeability of dsRNA-nanoparticle complexes and explored the RNAi controlling effect. Silencing the HpVAA gene was found to darken the epidermis of H. parallela larvae, with growth cessation or death or mortality, disrupting the epidermis and midgut structure. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and confocal microscopy confirmed the effective absorption of the dsRNA/LDH nanocomplex by peanut plants, with distribution in roots, stems, and leaves. Nanomaterial-mediated RNAi silenced the target genes, leading to the death of pests. Therefore, these findings indicate the successful application of the nanomaterial-mediated RNAi system for underground pests, thus establishing a theoretical foundation for developing a green, safe, and efficient pest control strategy.

Coexistence of liver abscess, hepatic cystic echinococcosis and hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a life-threatening zoonosis caused by the Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. The coexistence of CE and HCC is exceedingly rare, and only several well-documented cases have been reported. In addition to this coexistence, there is no report of the coexistence of CE, HCC, and liver abscess to date. Herein, we aimed to report a case of coexistence of liver abscess, hepatic CE, and HCC. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old herdsman presented to the department of interventional therapy with jaundice, right upper abdominal distension and pain for 10 d. Laboratory test showed that he had positive results for HBsAg, HBeAb, HBcAb, and echinococcosis IgG antibody. The test also showed an increased level of alpha fetoprotein of 3400 ng/mL. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an uneven enhanced lesion of the liver at the arterial phase with enhancement and was located S4/8 segment of the liver. In addition, CT scan also revealed a mass in the S6 segment of the liver with a thick calcified wall and according to current guideline and medical images, the diagnoses of hepatic CE (CE4 subtype) and HCC were established. Initially, transarterial chemoembolization was performed for HCC. In the follow-up, liver abscess occurred in addition to CE and HCC; thus, percutaneous liver puncture drainage was performed. In the next follow-up, CE and HCC were stable. The liver abscess was completely resolved, and the patient was discharged with no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case on the coexistence of liver abscess, hepatic CE, and HCC. Individualized treatment and multidisciplinary discussions should be performed in this setting. Therefore, treatment and diagnosis should be based on the characteristics of liver abscess, hepatic CE, and HCC, and in future clinical work, it is necessary to be aware of the possibility of this complex composition of liver diseases.

Malignant risk of pediatric Bethesda category III thyroid nodules subcategorized by nuclear atypia and other: A single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: The 2023 Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) divides AUS diagnoses into two major subcategories: atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) nuclear atypia (AUS-N) and other (AUS-O). This study aims to compare the histological outcome and malignant rate of pediatric AUS thyroid nodules classified into AUS-N and AUS-O subcategories. DESIGN: A search of our institutional electronic pathology database for the period from January 2012 to July 2023 was conducted to identify pediatric (<21 years old) thyroid nodules that were interpreted as AUS and subsequently had surgery. Cases were further divided into AUS-N and AUS-O subcategories. Results of follow-up surgical resections were collected. The malignant rate was calculated and compared between AUS-N and AUS-O groups. RESULTS: The study identified 62 thyroid nodules from 58 pediatric patients. Among these nodules, 29 and 33 were subcategorized as AUS-N and AUS-O, respectively. Both groups exhibited a female predominance and displayed a similar nodule size distribution. Histological analysis revealed 15 carcinomas in AUS-N nodules, including 11 cases of classic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and four cases of follicular type of PTC. In contrast, in the AUS-O group, a total of five carcinomas were documented, including two PTCs and three oncocytic thyroid carcinomas. Notably, the malignant rate of AUS-N nodules (52%) is significantly higher than that of AUS-O nodules (15%) (p = .002). CONCLUSION: In pediatric AUS thyroid nodules, the malignant risk in AUS-N is significantly higher than that in AUS-O. These findings may guide more appropriate clinical triage and/or improve management of pediatric patients with AUS thyroid nodules.

Ultrastable and supersensitive conductive hydrogels conferred by "sodium alginate stencil" anchoring strategy.

Although conductive hydrogels have been widely developed currently, their low sensitivity and poor stability severely limited their practical application in flexible wearable devices. Herein, a green "stencil" anchoring strategy was proposed in this study to engineer an ultra-stable and supersensitive hydrogel by virtue of polydopamine decorating sodium alginate molecular chains as "stencil" to anchor polyaniline as conductive component. The dispersion of polyaniline was significantly improved by the sodium alginate "stencil" in the conductive hydrogel. The developed conductive hydrogel exhibited outstanding properties that outperformed most conventional ones, including extraordinary sensitivity with a gauge factor of 38.2 and excellent stability with negligible shifting upon long-term cyclic stretching. Moreover, the conductive hydrogel displayed great self-adhesion and reliable self-healing performance endowed by its abundant catechol groups, hydrogen bondings and π-π stackings, respectively. Furthermore, the prepared hydrogel was also assembled as flexible strain and self-powered sensors, which displayed excellent sensing performance, indicating great potential in human-machine interactions, information transmission and road transportation.