Visceral and ectopic fat are more predictively associated with primary liver cancer than overall obesity from genetic sights: A Mendelian randomization study.

Several observational studies have reported an association between obesity and primary liver cancer (PLC), while the causality behind this association and the comparison of the risk effects of different obesity indicators on PLC remain unclear. In this study, we performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to assess the associations of genetically determined liver fat, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and body mass index (BMI) with the risk of PLC. The summary statistics of exposures were obtained from two genome-wide association studies (GWASs) based on the UK Biobank (UKB) imaging cohort and the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) cohort. GWAS summary statistics for PLC were obtained from FinnGen consortium R7 release data, including 304 PLC cases and 218 488 controls. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was used as the primary analysis, and a series of sensitivity analyses were performed to further verify the robustness of these findings. IVW analysis highlighted a significant association of genetically determined liver fat (OR per SD increase: 7.14; 95% CI: 5.10-9.99; P = 2.35E-30) and VAT (OR per SD increase: 5.70; 95% CI: 1.32-24.72; P = .020) with PLC but not of BMI with PLC. The findings were further confirmed by a series of MR methods. No evidence of horizontal pleiotropy between these associations existed. Our study suggested that genetically determined liver fat and VAT rather than BMI were associated with an increased risk of PLC, which suggested that visceral fat distribution is more predictive of the clinical risk of PLC than common in vitro measures.

Modulating Visible-Light Driven NIR Lanthanide Polymer Photocatalysis for Amplification Detection of Exosomal Proteins and Cancer Diagnosis.

Near-infrared (NIR) luminescent lanthanide materials hold great promise for bioanalysis, as they have anti-interference properties. The approach of efficient luminescence is sensitization through a reasonable chromophore to overcome the obstacle of the aqueous phase. The involvement of the surfactant motif is an innovative strategy to arrange the amphiphilic groups to be regularly distributed near the polymer to form a closed sensitized space. Herein, a lanthanide polymer (TCPP-PEI70K-FITC@Yb/SDBS) is designed in which the meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (TCPP) ligand serves as both a sensitizer and photocatalytic switch. The surfactant sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS) wraps the photosensitive polymers to form a hydrophobic layer, which augments the light-harvesting ability and expedites its photocatalysis. TCPP-PEI70K-FITC@Yb/SDBS is subsequently applied as an amplified photocatalysis toolbox for universally regulating the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Boosting 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation to produce blue products, a dual-mode biosensor is fabricated for improving the diagnosis of programmed death ligand-1-positive (PDL1) cancer exosomes. Exosomes were captured by Fe3O4 modified by the PDL1 aptamer, enabling replacement of alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-labeled multiple hybridized chains; then, the isolated ALP triggered a hydrolysis reaction to block the generation of oxTMB. Detection sensitivity improves by 1 order of magnitude through SDBS modulation, down to 104 particles/mL. The sensor performed well clinically in distinguishing cancer patients from healthy individuals, expanding physiological applications of near-infrared lanthanide luminescence.

CDPK protein in cotton: genomic-wide identification, expression analysis, and conferring resistance to heat stress.

BACKGROUND: Calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) plays a key role in cotton tolerance to abiotic stress. However, its role in cotton heat stress tolerance is not well understood. Here, we characterize the GhCDPK gene family and their expression profiles with the aim of identifying CDPK genes associated with heat stress tolerance. RESULTS: This study revealed 48 GhCDPK members in the cotton genome, distributed on 18 chromosomes. Tree phylogenetic analysis showed three main clustering groups of the GhCDPKs. Cis-elements revealed many abiotic stress and phytohormone pathways conserved promoter regions. Similarly, analysis of the transcription factor binding sites (TFBDS) in the GhCDPK genes showed many stress and hormone related sites. The expression analysis based on qRT-PCR showed that GhCDPK16 was highly responsive to high-temperature stress. Subsequent protein-protein interactions of GhCDPK16 revealed predictable interaction with ROS generating, calcium binding, and ABA signaling proteins. Overexpression of GhCDPK16 in cotton and Arabidopsis improved thermotolerance by lowering ROS compound buildup. Under heat stress, GhCDPK16 transgenic lines upregulated heat-inducible genes GhHSP70, GHSP17.3, and GhGR1, as demonstrated by qRT-PCR analysis. Contrarily, GhCDPK16 knockout lines in cotton exhibited an increase in ROS accumulation. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme activity was dramatically boosted in the GhCDPK16-ox transgenic lines. CONCLUSIONS: The collective findings demonstrated that GhCDPK16 could be a viable gene to enhance thermotolerance in cotton and, therefore, a potential candidate gene for improving heat tolerance in cotton.

Achieving Cross Time-Domain Multiplexed Signal Cascade and Cancer Exosomes Identification by Bridging Long Lifetime Phosphor to NIR-II Lanthanide Energy Transfer.

Designing lanthanide luminescence lifetime sensors in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window holds great potentials for physiological studies. However, the single lifetime signal is confined to one or two orders of magnitude of signal variation, which limits the sensitivity of lifetime probes. In this study, a lifetime cascade system, i.e., ZGO:Mn, Eu-DNA-1/TCPP-PEI70K@Yb-AptEpCAM, with a variety of signals (τm, τn, τµ, τm/τn and τm/τµ) is constructed for exosome identification using time-domain multiplexing. The sensitized ligand TCPP acts as both target-modulated switch and a bridge for connecting long lifetime ZGO:Mn, Eu-DNA-1 emitter to lanthanide Yb3+. This drives successive dual-path energy transfer and forms two D(donor)-A(acceptor) pairs. The lifetime variation is dominantly modulated by arranging TCPP as energy intermediate relay to covert milliseconds to nanoseconds to microseconds. It enables a broad lifetime range of six orders of magnitude. The presence of exosome specifically recognizes aptamers on TCPP-PEI70K@Yb-AptEpCAM to impede D-A pairs and reverse multiplexed response signals of the lifetime cascade system. The ratio lifetime signals τm/τn and τm/τµ achieve prominent exosome quantification and exosome type differentiation attributed to signal amplification. The cascade system relying on lifetime criteria can realize precise quantization and provide an effective strategy for subsequent physiological study.

Keap1 recognizes EIAV early accessory protein Rev to promote antiviral defense.

The Nrf2/Keap1 axis plays a complex role in viral susceptibility, virus-associated inflammation and immune regulation in host cells. However, whether or how the Nrf2/Keap1 axis is involved in the interactions between equine lentiviruses and their hosts remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the Nrf2/Keap1 axis was activated during EIAV infection. Mechanistically, EIAV-Rev competitively binds to Keap1 and releases Nrf2 from Keap1-mediated repression, leading to the accumulation of Nrf2 in the nucleus and promoting Nrf2 responsive genes transcription. Subsequently, we demonstrated that the Nrf2/Keap1 axis represses EIAV replication via two independent molecular mechanisms: directly increasing antioxidant enzymes to promote effective cellular resistance against EIAV infection, and repression of Rev-mediated RNA transport through direct interaction between Keap1 and Rev. Together, these data suggest that activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 axis mediates a passive defensive response to combat EIAV infection. The Nrf2/Keap1 axis could be a potential target for developing strategies for combating EIAV infection.

Survival benefit of adjuvant TACE for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and child-pugh B7 or B8 after hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The benefit of postoperative adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (pTACE) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially those with Child-Pugh (CP) B, remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the survival benefit of pTACE for HCC patients with CP B. METHODS: Data from 297 HCC patients with CP B7 or B8 were analyzed, dividing them into groups with and without pTACE (70, 23.6% vs. 227, 76.4%). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to control for confounding bias, and competing-risk regression was applied to address bias from non-cancer-specific death (NCSD). RESULTS: Preliminary findings suggest that pTACE did not increase the incidence of severe complications in HCC patients with CP B7 or B8. Survival analysis indicated that the group receiving pTACE had better overall survival and recurrence-free survival than the group without pTACE after PSM. Furthermore, competitive risk analysis revealed that pTACE was an independent prognostic factor associated with reduced cancer-specific death incidence (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 0.644, 95%CI: 0.378-0.784, P = 0.011) and recurrence (SHR 0.635, 95% CI: 0.379-0.855, P = 0.001). Importantly, pTACE did not increase NCSD. Subgroup analysis corroborated these results. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant TACE demonstrates the potential to significantly enhance the long-term prognosis of HCC patients with CP B7 or B8 following hepatectomy, particularly those with multiple tumors, large tumor size, macrovascular or microvascular invasion, and narrow resection margin. Hence, pTACE should be considered for patients at high risk of recurrence following thorough evaluation.

Prognostic value of the Naples prognostic score in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The Naples Prognostic Score (NPS), integrating inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers, has been reported to be associated with the prognosis of various malignancies, but there is no report on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of NPS in patients with ICC. METHODS: Patients with ICC after hepatectomy were collected, and divided into three groups. The prognosis factors were determined by Cox regression analysis. Predictive efficacy was evaluated by the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients were included (Group 1: 33 (19.0%) patients; Group 2: 83 (47.7%) patients; and Group 3: 58 (33.3%) patients). The baseline characteristics showed the higher the NPS, the higher the proportion of patients with cirrhosis and Child-Pugh B, and more advanced tumors. The Kaplan-Meier curves reflect higher NPS were associated with poor survival. Multivariable analysis showed NPS was an independent risk factor of overall survival (NPS group 2 vs. 1: HR = 1.671, 95% CI: 1.022-3.027, p = 0.009; NPS group 3 vs. 1: HR = 2.208, 95% CI: 1.259-4.780, p = 0.007) and recurrence-free survival (NPS group 2 vs. 1: HR = 1.506, 95% CI: 1.184-3.498, p = 0.010; NPS group 3 vs. 1: HR = 2.141, 95% CI: 2.519-4.087, P = 0.001). The time ROC indicated NPS was superior to other models in predicting prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: NPS is a simple and effective tool for predicting the long-term survival of patients with ICC after hepatectomy. Patients with high NPS require close follow-up, and improving NPS may prolong the survival time.

Comparison of percutaneous microwave/radiofrequency ablation liver partition and portal vein embolization versus transarterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization for planned hepatectomy with insufficient future liver remnant.

BACKGROUND: In China, both percutaneous microwave/radiofrequency ablation liver partition plus portal vein embolization (PALPP) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus portal vein embolization (PVE) have been utilized in planned hepatectomy. However, there is a lack of comparative studies on the effectiveness of these two techniques for cases with insufficient future liver remnant (FLR). METHODS: Patients were categorized into either the PALPP group or the TACE + PVE group. Clinical data, including FLR growth rate, complications, secondary resection rate, and overall survival rate, were compared and analyzed for both groups retrospectively. RESULTS: Between December 2014 and October 2021, a total of 29 patients underwent TACE + PVE (n = 12) and PALPP (n = 17). In the TACE + PVE group, 7 patients successfully underwent two-stage hepatectomy, while in the PALPP group, 13 patients underwent the procedure (two-stage resection rate: 58.3% vs. 76.5%, P = 0.42). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications of one-stage procedures (11.8% vs. 8.3%, P > 0.05) and second-stage resection complication (0% vs. 46.2%, P = 0.05) between the TACE + PVE and PALPP groups. However, the PALPP group demonstrated a shorter time to FLR volume growth for second-stage resection (18.5 days vs. 66 days, P = 0.001) and KGR (58.5 ml/week vs. 7.7 ml/week, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with TACE + PVE, PALPP results in a more significant increase in FLR volume and a higher rate of two-stage resection without increasing postoperative complications.

Observation of the hexatic phase in a two-dimensional complex plasma using machine learning.

Complex plasmas consist of ionized gas and charged solid microparticles, representing the plasma state of soft matter. We apply machine learning methods to investigate a melting transition in a two-dimensional complex plasma. A convolutional neural network is constructed and trained with the numerical simulation. The hexatic phase is successfully identified and the evolution of topological defects is studied during melting transition in both simulations and experiments.

Serum cytokines and creatinine/cystatin C ratio as prognostic biomarkers in advanced cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), specifically targeting the programmed cell death protein-1 or its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1), have been extensively used in the treatment of a spectrum of malignancies, although the predictive biomarkers remain to be elucidated. This study aims to investigate the association between baseline circulating levels of cytokines and the creatinine/cystatin C ratio (CCR) with the treatment outcomes of ICIs in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: The pre-treatment circulating levels of 10 cytokines (PD-L1, CTLA4, CXCL10, LAG3, HGF, CCL2, MIG, GRANB, IL-18, and IL-6) were measured via automated capillary-based immunoassay platform in the serum of 65 advanced cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1-based systemic therapy and 10 healthy volunteers. The levels of cytokines and CCR were quantified and categorized into high and low groups based on the median value. The associations of serum cytokines and CCR with response to treatment, survival, and immune-related adverse events were assessed. RESULTS: Elevated circulating levels of 6 cytokines (PD-L1, CXCL10, HGF, CCL2, MIG, and IL-6) were observed in cancer patients compared with that in healthy volunteers. The correlation coefficients between cytokines, CCR and nutritional risk index were also calculated. In the cancer cohort (N = 65), low circulating HGF (P = 0.023, P = 0.029), low IL-6 (P = 0.002, P < 0.001), and high CCR (P = 0.031, P = 0.008) were associated with significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Multi-variable COX analyses adjusted for clinicopathological factors revealed that low HGF, low IL-6, and high CCR were independent favorable prognostic factors for PFS (P = 0.028, P = 0.010, and P = 0.015, respectively) and OS (P = 0.043, P = 0.003, and P = 0.026, respectively). Grade 2 irAEs occurred more frequently in patients with low levels of circulating CCL2 and LAG3. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-treatment circulating levels of serum IL-6, HGF, and CCR may serve as independent predictive and prognostic biomarkers in advanced cancer patients treated with ICIs-based systemic therapy. These findings might help to identify potential patients who would benefit from these therapies.

Development and evaluation of a test strip for the rapid detection of antibody against equine infectious anemia virus.

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a contagious disease of horses caused by the equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV). The clinical signs at the acute phase include intermittent high fever, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage, edema, and anemia. The clinical signs at chronic and relapsing subclinical levels include emaciation and progressive weakness. Surviving horses become lifelong carriers because of the integration of the viral genome into that of the host, and these horses can produce and transmit the virus to other animals. This increases the difficulty of imposing practical control measures to prevent epidemics of this disease. Serological tests measuring the antibodies in equine sera are considered to be a reliable tool for the long-term monitoring of EIA. However, the standard serological tests for EIV either have low sensitivity (e.g., agar gel immunodiffusion test, AGID) or are time consuming to perform (e.g., ELISA and western blotting). The development of a rapid and simple method for detecting the disease is therefore critical to control the spread of EIA. In this study, we designed and developed a colloidal gold immunochromatographic (GICG) test strip to detect antibodies against EIAV based on the double-antigen sandwich. Both the p26 and gp45 proteins were used as the capture antigens, which may help to improve the positive detection rate of the strip. We found that the sensitivity of the test strip was 8 to 16 times higher than those of two commercially available ELISA tests and 128 to 256 times higher than AGID, but 8 to 16 times lower than that of western blotting. The strip has good specificity and stability. When serum samples from experimental horses immunized with the attenuated EIAV vaccine (n = 31) were tested, the results of the test strip showed 100% coincidence with those from NECVB-cELISA and 70.97% with AGID. When testing clinical serum samples (n = 1014), the test strip surprisingly provided greater sensitivity and a higher number of "true positive" results than other techniques. Therefore, we believe that the GICG test strip has demonstrated great potential in the field trials as a simple and effective tool for the detection of antibodies against EIAV. KEY POINTS: • A colloidal gold immunochromatographic (GICG) fast test strip was developed with good specificity, sensitivity, stability, and repeatability • The test strip can be used in point-of-care testing for the primary screening of EIAV antibodies • Both the p26 and gp45 proteins were used as the capture antigens, giving a high positive detection rate in the testing of experimentally infected animal and field samples.

Effect of Structure and Wearing Modes on the Protective Performance of Industrial Safety Helmet.

This study aims to explore the effects of helmet structure designs and wearing modes on the protective performance of safety helmets under the impact of falling objects. Four helmet types (no helmet, V-shaped, dome-shaped, and motorcycle helmets) and five wearing modes (left and right tilt by 5 deg, backward tilt by 15 deg, 0 deg without chin strap, 0 deg with chin strap) were included in this study. The axial impact of a concrete block under various impact velocities was simulated. The results indicate that the energy absorption and shock mitigation effects of the foam cushion are superior to those of the suspension system in traditional industrial safety helmets. The structure of the top of V-shaped helmets is designed to withstand greater impact. Regarding the wearing mode, the helmet strap's deflection angle increases stress in the brain tissue and skull, heightens intracranial pressure, and causes pressure diffusion toward the forehead.

Marine toxins in environment: Recent updates on depuration techniques.

Marine toxins pose a significant safety risk, leading to human intoxications and causing substantial economic losses in seafood-producing regions. The development of rapid, cost-effective, efficient, and reliable approaches for the containment of these substances is therefore crucial in order to mitigate the adverse impact of marine toxins. This research conducted a comprehensive review on the toxicity and influencing factors of marine toxins production. Additionally, depuration technologies, including adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, biodegradation, heating treatment, temporary maintenance and purification, and drug inhibition, were systematically summarized. The study also provided a comparative analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of various depuration technologies and proposed strategies for future development.

Triazoles in the environment: An update on sample pretreatment and analysis methods.

Triazoles, due to their high bactericidal performance, have been widely used in the agricultural, clinical, and chemical industry. However, triazoles have been proven to cause endocrine-toxic and organ impairment in humans as a potentially toxic substance. Besides, because of the improper use and difficulty of degradation, triazoles pesticide residues left in the environment could pose a threat to the environment. Therefore, the rapid, reliable, accurate, and high-sensitivity triazoles analysis methods are significantly essential to effectively monitor their presence in various samples and safeguard human health. This review aims to summarize and update the progress of the pretreatment and analytical methods of triazole fungicides in environmental samples from 2012 to 2024. Common pretreatment methods used to extract and purify targets include simple steps (e.g., protein precipitation and coated blade spray), liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, and various microextraction methods such as liquid-phase microextraction and solid-phase microextraction, among others. Detection methods mainly include liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, supercritical fluid chromatography, sensing methods, and capillary electrophoresis. In addition, we elaborate and compare the advantages and disadvantages of different pretreatment and analytical methods, and their development prospects are discussed.

Radiation-induced nasopharyngeal ulcers after re-irradiation with intensity-modulated radiotherapy in locoregional recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients: a dose-volume-outcome analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the interrelation between radiation dose and radiation-induced nasopharyngeal ulcer (RINU) in locoregional recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). METHODS: Clinical data were collected from 363 patients with locoregional recurrent NPC who received re-irradiated with definitive IMRT from 2009 to 2017. Twenty-nine patients were diagnosed with RINU. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to re-evaluate the first and second radiotherapy plans and to identify predictive dosimetric factors. RESULTS: All dosimetric parameters were notably associated with the progression to RINU (p < 0.01) using paired samples Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Multivariate analysis showed that EQD2_ [Formula: see text]D80 (dose for 80 percent volume of the unilateral nasopharynx lesion) was an independent prognostic factor for RINU (p = 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for EQD2_ [Formula: see text]D80 was 0.846 (p < 0.001), and the cutoff point of 137.035 Gy could potentially be the dose tolerance of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: The sum of equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) in the overlapping volumes between initial and re-irradiated nasopharyngeal mucosal tissue can be effective in predicting the hazard of developing RINU in NPC patients undergoing radical re­irradiation with IMRT and we propose a EQD2_ [Formula: see text]D80 threshold of 137.035 Gy for the nasopharynx.

Precise planning based on 3D-printed dry-laboratory models can reduce perioperative complications of laparoscopic surgery for complex hepatobiliary diseases: a preoperative cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Complications after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) are important factors affecting the prognosis of patients, especially for complex hepatobiliary diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the value of a three-dimensional (3D) printed dry-laboratory model in the precise planning of LLR for complex hepatobiliary diseases. METHODS: Patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases who underwent LLR were preoperatively enrolled, and divided into two groups according to whether using a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model (3D vs. control group). Clinical variables were assessed and complications were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) scores were calculated and compared for each patient. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of postoperative complications. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases underwent the precise planning of LLR. Among them, thirty-one patients acquired the guidance of a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model, and others were only guided by traditional enhanced CT or MRI. The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characters. However, compared to the control group, the 3D group had a lower incidence of intraoperative blood loss, as well as postoperative 30-day and major complications, especially bile leakage (all P < 0.05). The median score on the CCI was 20.9 (range 8.7-51.8) in the control group and 8.7 (range 8.7-43.4) in the 3D group (mean difference, -12.2, P = 0.004). Multivariable analysis showed the 3D model was an independent protective factor in decreasing postoperative complications. Subgroup analysis also showed that a 3D model could decrease postoperative complications, especially for bile leakage in patients with intrahepatic cholelithiasis. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed models can help reduce postoperative complications. The 3D-printed models should be recommended for patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases undergoing precise planning LLR.

Determining the Number of Graphene Nanoribbons in Dual-Gate Field-Effect Transistors.

Bottom-up synthesized graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are increasingly attracting interest due to their atomically controlled structure and customizable physical properties. In recent years, a range of GNR-based field-effect transistors (FETs) has been fabricated, with several demonstrating quantum-dot (QD) behavior at cryogenic temperatures. However, understanding the relationship between the cryogenic charge-transport characteristics and the number of the GNRs in the device is challenging, as the length and location of the GNRs in the junction are not precisely controlled. Here, we present a methodology based on a dual-gate FET that allows us to identify different scenarios, such as single GNRs, double or multiple GNRs in parallel, and a single GNR interacting with charge traps. Our dual-gate FET architecture therefore offers a quantitative approach for comprehending charge transport in atomically precise GNRs.

Multicenter propensity score-matched analysis to compare perioperative morbidity after laparoscopic or robotic complex hepatectomy for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications are vital factors affecting the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially for complex hepatectomy. The present study aimed to compare perioperative complications between laparoscopic and robotic complex hepatectomy (LCH vs. RCH). METHODS: Patients with solitary HCC after complex hepatectomy were collected from a multicenter database. Propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis was adopted to control confounding bias. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the prognostic factors. RESULTS: 436 patients were included. After PSM, 43 patients were included in both the LCH and RCH groups. The results showed that compared to LCH, RCH had lower rates of blood loss and transfusion, and lower postoperative 30-day and major morbidity, and post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the length of hospital stay was shorter in the RCH group (P = 0.026). Multivariable analysis showed RCH is an independent protective factor for reducing the 30-day morbidity, major morbidity and PHLF. CONCLUSION: RCH has advantages over LCH in the minimally invasive treatment of complex HCC, as it can reduce the incidence of postoperative morbidity. Therefore, RCH should be considered for patients with HCC who require complex hepatectomy.

Anion Chemistry towards On-Site Construction of Solid-Electrolyte Interface for Highly Stable Metallic Zn Anode.

Reversibility of metallic Zn anode serves as the corner stone for the development of aqueous Zn metal battery, which motivates scrutinizing the electrolyte-Zn interface. As the representative organic zinc salt, zinc trifluorosulfonate (Zn(OTf)2) facilitates a broad class of aqueous electrolytes, however, the stability issue of Zn anode remains crucial. The great challenge lies in the lack of Zn anode protection by the pristinely formed surface structure in aqueous Zn(OTf)2 electrolytes. Accordingly, an electrochemical route was developed to grow a uniform zinc trifluorosulfonate hydroxide (ZTH) layer on Zn anode as an artificial SEI, via regulation on metal dissolution and strong coordination ability of zinc ions. Co-precipitation was proposed to be the formation mechanism for the artificial SEI, where the reduction stability of OTf- anion and the low-symmetry layer structure of ZTH was unmasked. This artificial SEI favors interfacial kinetics, depresses side reactions, and well maintains its integrity during cycling, leading to a prolonged lifespan of Zn stripping/plating with a high DOD of ~85 %, and an improved cycling stability of ~92 % retention rate for V2O5/Zn cell at 1 A g-1. The unveiled role of anion on Zn anode drives the contemplation on the surface chemistry for the blooming aqueous rechargeable battery.

Dean-Flow-Coupled Elasto-Inertial Focusing Accelerates Exosome Purification to Facilitate Single Vesicle Profiling.

Exosomes are recognized as noteworthy biomarkers playing unprecedented roles in intercellular communication and disease diagnosis and treatment. It is a prerequisite to obtain high-purity exosomes for the comprehension of exosome biochemistry and further illustration of their functionality/mechanisms. However, the isolation of nanoscale exosomes from endogenous proteins is particularly challenging for small-volume biological samples. Herein, a Dean-flow-coupled elasto-inertial microfluidic chip (DEIC) was developed. It consists of a spiral microchannel with dimensional confined concave structures and facilitates elasto-inertial separation of exosomes with lower protein contaminants from cell culture medium and human serum. The presence of 0.15% (w/v) poly-(oxyethylene) controls the elastic lift force acting on suspended nanoscale particles and makes it feasible for field-free purification of integrity exosomes with a 70.6% recovery and a 91.4% removal rate for proteins. As a proof of concept, the technique demonstrated the individual-vesicle-level biomarker (EpCAM and PD-L1) profiling in combination with simultaneous aptamer-mediated analysis to disclose the sensibility for immune response. Overall, DEIC enables the collection of high-purity exosomes and exhibits potential in integration with downstream analyses of exosomes.