Multiphonon-coupling yellow laser in Yb:La2CaB10O19 crystal.

Yellow lasers at 590 nm have many extensive applications in our daily life, but extremely difficult to attain by traditional solid-state laser technology, owing to the absence of highly-efficient transition channels at this spectral range. In this work, we proposed a cooperative lasing mechanism to obtain the yellow light emission, with multiphonon-assisted electronic transitions and phase-matched frequency-doubling. Based on the predictable configurational coordinate model, we can calculate the multiphonon-assisted emission step-by-step. Using Yb3+-doped La2CaB10O19 crystal as an example, it is capable of producing yellow laser at 581-590 nm, with a maximum output power of 4.83 W and a high slope efficiency of 31.6%. To the best of our knowledge, it represents the highest power of solid-state yellow laser realized in one single crystal pumped by a laser diode. This power scaling can be assigned to the amplified phonon-assisted emission beyond the fluorescence spectrum, and optimized crystal angle for phase-matching condition. Such a compact, low-cost, and high-power laser device, provides an alternative candidate for the spectral "yellow-gap" where no practical solid-state laser exists at present.

Evaluation of the Genotoxicity of Almond Hull: Implications for Its Use as a Novel Food Ingredient.

Almond hull, a substantial byproduct comprising more than half of almond fresh weight, has recently gained attention due to its functionality and sustainability benefits. Despite heightened interest, information regarding its toxicity remains limited. In order to assess its genotoxic potential, we conducted Good Laboratory Practice-compliant in vitro and in vivo studies following Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. No evidence of toxicity or mutagenicity was observed in a bacterial reverse mutation assay using five tester strains, evaluating almond hull at concentrations up to 5 mg/plate, with or without metabolic activation. Almond hull did not induce chromosome structural damage in a chromosome aberration assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells, nor did it cause any spermatogonial chromosomal aberration in tested male BALB/c mice. To evaluate its ability to induce DNA damage in rodents, a combined micronucleus assay was conducted in KM mice of both sexes. Almond hull was administered at doses of 1250, 2500, and 5000 mg/kg/day via gavage once daily for 2 days. No adverse effects of almond hull were observed in the micronucleus assay. Our results indicate no evidence of the genotoxic potential of almond hull administered up to the maximum concentrations of 5 g/kg, as recommended by OECD guidelines.

WNT2B activates macrophages via NF-κB signaling pathway in inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammation is a significant pathological manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet its mechanism has remained unclear. Although WNT2B is enriched in the intestinal inflammatory tissue of IBD patients, the specific mechanism of WNT2B in the formation of intestinal inflammation remains unclear. This study was aimed to investigate whether macrophages expressing WNT2B can aggravate intestinal tissue inflammation. Samples were collected from both normal individuals and patients with IBD at multiple colon sites. Macrophages were identified using tissue immunofluorescence. IκB kinase (IKK)-interacting protein (IKIP), which interacts with WNT2B, was found by protein cross-linking and protein mass spectrometry. The expression of WNT2B, IKIP, the NF-κB pathway, and downstream molecules were analyzed. An acute colitis model of C57BL/6J mice was established using an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated WNT2B knockdown system and 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The degree of intestinal inflammation in mice was assessed upon WNT2B knockdown in macrophages. Macrophages expressing WNT2B were found to be enriched in the colitis tissues of IBD patients. WNT2B in macrophages activated the NF-κB pathway and enhanced the expression of downstream inflammatory cytokines. By competitively binding IKIP, WNT2B reduced the binding of IKIP to IKKß and promoted the activation of the NF-κB pathway. Using an AAV-mediated WNT2B knockdown system, WNT2B expression in intestinal macrophages was suppressed, leading to a reduction in intestinal inflammation. WNT2B activated the NF-κB pathway and enhanced the expression of downstream inflammatory cytokines by competitively binding to IKIP, potentially contributing to colon inflammatory injury in IBD.

Acute Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Almond Hull Powders in BALB/c Mice.

Almond hull, a substantial byproduct constituting more than half of almond fresh weight, has garnered recent attention due to its abundance in fiber and bioactive content. Despite this huge interest, data on its toxicity remain scarce. In line with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 423 guidelines, this study conducted an acute oral toxicity test using almond hull powders processed from three major almond varieties of Butte, Monterey, and Nonpareil on BALB/c female mice, administering dosages of 300 mg/kg body weight (bw), 2000 mg/kg bw, and 5000 mg/kg bw, with observations over a 14-day period. The results indicated that almond hull powders were non-toxic, aligning with the Globally Harmonized System's classification. Administering up to 5000 mg/kg bw of all three varieties of almond hull powders (female BALB/c mice) and 10,000 mg/kg bw of Monterey almond hull powders (both female and male mice) induced no adverse effects in terms of mortality, body weight changes, food intake, organ to weight ratio, and clinical biochemistry. Additionally, histopathological examination revealed no organ abnormalities. This study demonstrates the non-toxic nature of almond hull as an edible food ingredient under experimental conditions, encouraging the further exploration of its potential for safe consumption and its health benefits.

Predictive value of infiltrating tumor border configuration of rectal cancer on MRI.

BACKGROUND: Infiltrating tumor border configuration (iTBC) is assessed by postoperative pathological examination, thus, is not helpful for preoperative treatment strategies. The study aimed to detect iTBC by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and evaluate its predictive value. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 153 patients with rectal cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Clinicopathological and MRI data mainly including tumor border configuration (TBC) on MRI, MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion (MEMVI), tumor length, tumor growth pattern, maximal extramural depth, pathology-proven lymph node metastasis (PLN) and pathology-proven extramural vascular invasion (PEMVI) were analyzed. The correlation of MRI factors with PEMVI and PLN was analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The nomograms were established based on multivariate logistic regression analysis and were confirmed by Bootstrap self-sampling. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency. RESULTS: Fifty cases of PEMVI and 48 cases of PLN were found. Forty cases of PEMVI and 34 cases of PLN in 62 cases of iTBC were also found. iTBC, MEMVI and maximal extramural depth were significantly associated with PEMVI and PLN (P < 0.05). iTBC (odds ratio = 3.84 and 3.02) and MEMVI (odds ratio = 7.27 and 3.22) were independent risk factors for PEMVI and PLN. The C-indices of the two nomograms for predicting PEMVI and PLN were 0.863 and 0.752, respectively. The calibration curves and ROC curves of the two nomograms showed that the correlation between the predicted and the actual incidence of PEMVI and PLN was good. The AUCs of iTBC for predicting PEMVI and PLN were 0.793 (95% CI: 0.714-0.872) and 0.721 (95% CI: 0.632-0.810), respectively. The DeLong test showed that the predictive efficiency of the nomogram in predicting PEMVI was better than that of iTBC (P = 0.0009) and MEMVI (P = 0.0095). CONCLUSION: iTBC and MEMVI are risk factors for PEMVI and pelvic lymph node metastasis. The nomograms based on iTBC show a good performance in predicting PEMVI and pelvic lymph node metastasis, possessing a certain clinical reference value. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Friendship Hospital, and individual consent was waived for this retrospective analysis.

Predictive value of lesion morphology in rectal cancer based on MRI before surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship of MRI morphology of primary rectal cancer with extramural vascular invasion (EMVI), metastasis and local recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 153 patients with rectal cancer. Imaging factors and histopathological index including nodular projection (NP), cord sign (CS) at primary tumor margin, irregular nodules (IN) of mesorectum, MRI-detected peritoneal reflection invasion (PRI), range of rectal wall invasion (RRWI), patterns and length of tumor growth, maximal extramural depth (EMD), histologically confirmed local node involvement (hLN), MRI T stage, MRI N stage, MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion (mEMVI) and histologically confirmed extramural vascular invasion (hEMVI) were evaluated. Determining the relationship between imaging factors and hEMVI, synchronous metastasis and local recurrence by univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression, and a nomogram validated internally via Bootstrap self-sampling was constructed based on the latter. RESULTS: Thirty-eight cases of hEMVI, fourteen cases of synchronous metastasis and ten cases of local recurrence were observed among 52 NP cases. There were 50 cases of mEMVI with moderate consistency with hEMVI (Kappa = 0.614). NP, CS, EMD and mEMVI showed statistically significant differences in the negative and positive groups of hEMVI, synchronous metastasis, and local recurrence. Compared to patients with local mass growth, the rectal tumor with circular infiltration had been found to be at higher risk of synchronous metastasis and local recurrence (P < 0.05). NP and IN remained as significant predictors for hEMVI, and mEMVI was a predictor for synchronous metastasis, while PRI and mEMVI were predictors for local recurrences. The nomogram for predicting hEMVI demonstrated a C-index of 0.868, sensitivity of 86.0%, specificity of 79.6%, and accuracy of 81.7%. CONCLUSION: NP, CS, IN, large EMD, mEMVI, and circular infiltration are significantly associated with several adverse prognostic indicators. The nomogram based on NP has good predictive performance for preoperative EMVI. mEMVI is a risk factor for synchronous metastasis. PRI and mEMVI are risk factors for local recurrence.

Predictive value of MRI-detected tumor deposits in locally advanced rectal cancer.

Background: Although tumor deposits (TDs) are not the same as lymph nodes, the prognosis of patients with TDs is similar or worse than that of patients with metastatic lymph nodes. TDs are mostly assessed by the histology of samples after surgery, thus, not helpful for preoperative treatment strategies. The primary objective of this study was to detect TDs by MRI and evaluate its predictive value. Materials and methods: A total of 114 patients with rectal cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Clinicopathological and MRI data mainly including MRI- detected TDs (mTDs), tumor border configuration (TBC) on MRI, MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion (mEMVI), MRI-detected lymph node metastasis (mLN), MRI T stage, MRI N stage, the range of rectal wall involved by the tumor, peritoneal reflection invasion, tumor length, tumor location, cord sign at the tumor edge, nodular protrusion at the tumor edge, maximal extramural depth and pathology-proven lymph node involvement (pLN) were evaluated. The correlation of MRI factors with postoperative distant metastasis (PDM) and pLN were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, and nomograms were established based on the latter. The diagnostic efficiency was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC). Results: A total of 38 cases of pLN, 13 of PDM and 17 of pathology-proven TDs (pTDs) were found. Ten cases of PDM and 22 cases of pLN in 30 mTDs cases were also found. Chi-square test showed that mTDs, mLN, TBC, mEMVI, MRI T stage, nodular protrusion, cord sign, maximal extramural depth and peritoneal reflection invasion were correlated with PDM and pLN (P<0.05). mTDs and peritoneal reflection invasion were independent risk factors for PDM (odds ratio: 10.15 and 8.77, P<0.05), mTDs and mLN were independent risk factors for pLN (odds ratio: 5.50 and 5.91, P<0.05), and Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the results of two models were not statistically significant, suggesting that the fit was good. On this basis, two nomograms for predicting PDM and pLN were confirmed by Bootstrap self-sampling, and the C-indices of the two nomograms were 0.837 and 0.817, respectively. The calibration curves and ROC curves of the two nomograms showed that the correlation between the predicted and the actual incidence of PDM and pLN was good. The DeLong test showed that the predictive efficiency of the nomogram in predicting pLN was better than that of mLN (P=0.0129). Conclusion: mTDs are a risk factor for PDM and lymph node metastasis. The two nomograms based on mTDs showed a good performance in predicting PDM and lymph node metastasis, possessing a certain clinical value.

Identifying Tumor Deposits in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Using Multiplanar High-Resolution T2WI.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of postoperative tumor deposits (TDs) is worse than positive lymph node metastases alone. OBJECTIVE: To detect TDs by using multiplanar high-resolution T2-weighted imaging (HRT2WI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 130 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Using pathology-proven tumor deposits (pTDs) as the gold standard, all patients were divided into the pTDs-negative and pTDs-positive groups, the correlation of clinicopathological factors and image features [such as MRI-detected tumor deposits (mTDs), MRI-detected metastatic lymph node (mLN), MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion (mEMVI), maximal extramural depth (EMD), etc.] with pTDs were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, and the nomogram was established based on the latter. The diagnostic efficiency was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and area under curve (AUC). RESULTS: mTDs, mLN, mEMVI, and EMD were significantly different between the pTDs-positive and pTDs-negative groups (P < 0.05), with the AUC of 0.767, 0.746, 0.664 and 0.644, respectively. mTDs and mLN were independent risk factors for pTDs (odds ratio: 5.74 and 3.90, P < 0.05). The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the nomogram were 0.814 (95% CI: 0.720 ~ 0.908), 73.9%, 79.4%, 93.4%, and 78.5%, respectively. Seventeen of 23 patients with pTDs were identified as mTDs, with a moderate agreement between pTDs and mTDs (Kappa=0.419). CONCLUSION: Multiplanar HRT2WI can be used as a preoperative diagnostic tool to identify TDs in LARC. The combined model constructed by mTDs and mLN shows a good diagnostic performance for TDs.

Phonon engineering in Yb:La2CaB10O19 crystal for extended lasing beyond the fluorescence spectrum.

Since the first invention of the laser in 1960, direct lasing outside the fluorescence spectrum is deemed impossible owing to the "zero-gain" cross-section. However, when electron-phonon coupling meets laser oscillation, an energy modulation by the quantized phonon can tailor the electronic transitions, thus directly creating some unprecedented lasers with extended wavelengths by phonon engineering. Here, we demonstrate a broadband lasing (1000-1280 nm) in a Yb-doped La2CaB10O19 (Yb:LCB) crystal, far beyond its spontaneous fluorescence spectrum. Numerical calculations and in situ Raman verify that such a substantial laser emission is devoted to the multiphonon coupling to lattice vibrations of a dangling "quasi-free-oxygen" site, with the increasing phonon numbers step-by-step (n = 1-6). This new structural motif provides more alternative candidates with strong-coupling laser materials. Moreover, the quantitative relations between phonon density distribution and laser wavelength extension are discussed. These results give rise to the search for on-demand lasers in the darkness and pave a reliable guideline to study those intriguing electron-phonon-photon coupled systems for integrated photonic applications.

Important parameters should be paid attention in PTMC radiofrequency ablation.

In order to provide clinical references for the RFA procedure and to study the pivotal factors affecting the recovery time of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), 176 patients with low-risk intrathyroidal PTMC were included in this research. We randomly divided the whole cohort into training and test groups at a ratio of 7:3. The two-sample t-test was used to detect differences between the two groups. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select the best predictor variables for predicting the status of RFA zone. Multiple test methods were used to ensure the scientific nature and accuracy of the Cox proportional hazards model. We tested the performance for the parameters and revealed the best cut-off value of each variable by the ROC curve and log-rank tests. The results showed patients aged above 49 years old, with RFA energy above 2800 J, the average diameter of the original tumour above 0.6 cm, or the average diameter of ablation zone at 1 month after RFA above 1.1 cm are risk factors for RFA zone delayed healing.

Oxygen vacancies induced band gap narrowing for efficient visible-light response in carbon-doped TiO2.

The band gap of rutile TiO2 has been narrowed, via the formation of oxygen vacancies (OVs) during heat treatment in carbon powder (cHT) with embedding TiO2 coatings. The narrowed band gap efficiently improves the visible light response of TiO2 coatings, to further enhance the visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity. The change in OVs during cHT has been studied by manipulation of cHT temperature and time. The effect of OVs on the band structure of nonstoichiometric TiO2-x has been further calculated by first-principles calculations. With raising the temperature, SEM images show that the nano-size fiber-like structure forms on the surface of TiO2 coatings, and the amount of the fiber-like structure significantly increases and their size changes from nano to micro under 800 °C, contributing to cause an increase in accessible surface area. The UV-Vis results reveal that the band gap of TiO2 has been narrowed during cHT, due to the formed oxygen vacancies. The XPS results further confirm that the formation of surface defects including OVs, and the XPS depth profile further shows the decreased relative amount of O whereas increased relative amount of carbon. Notably, after cHT for TiO2 coatings, the photocatalytic activity first increases then decreases with raising the temperature, achieving approximately 3 times at 850 °C. The first-principles calculation suggest that the OVs in TiO2 coatings with localized electrons could facilitate the band gap narrowing, further favoring to enhance the photocatalytic activity under visible light.

The Role of MR Assessments of Cardiac Morphology, Function, and Tissue Characteristics on Exercise Capacity in Well-Functioning Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between resting cardiac indices and exercise capacity in older adults was still not well understood. New developments in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enable a much fuller assessment of cardiac characteristics. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: To assess the association between exercise capacity and specific aspects of resting cardiac structure, function, and tissue. STUDY TYPE: Cross-sectional study. POPULATION: A total of 112 well-functioning older adults (mean age 69 years, 52 men). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: All participants underwent 3.0 T MRI, using scan protocols including balanced steady-state free precession cine sequence, modified look-locker inversion recovery, and T2-prepared single-shot balanced steady-state free precession. ASSESSMENT: Demographic and geriatric characteristics were collected. Blood samples were assayed for lipid and glucose related biomarkers. All participants performed a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test to achieve peakVO2 . Cardiac MRI parameters were measured with semi-automatic software by S.Y., an 18-year experienced radiologist. STATISTICAL TESTS: Demographic, geriatric characteristics and MR measurements were compared among quartiles of peakVO2, with different methods according to the data type. Spearman's partial correlation and least absolute shrinkage selection operator regression were performed to select significant MR features associated with peakVO2 . Mediation effect analysis was conducted to test any indirect connection between age and peakVO2 . A two-sided P value of <0.05 was defined statistical significance. RESULTS: Epicardial fat volume, left atrial volume indexed to height, right ventricular end-systolic volume indexed to body surface area and global circumferential strain (GCS) were correlated with peakVO2 (regression coefficients were -0.040, -0.093, 0.127, and 0.408, respectively). Mediation analysis showed that the total effect of peakVO2 change was 43.6% from the change of age. The proportion of indirect effect from epicardial fat volume and GCS were 11.8% and 15.1% in total effect, respectively. DATA CONCLUSION: PeakVO2 was associated with epicardial fat volume, left atrial volume, right ventricular volume and GCS of left ventricle. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 5.

Identification of potential biomarkers of inflammation-related genes for ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Objective: Inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). We aimed to identify potential biomarkers of inflammation-related genes for ICM and build a model based on the potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of ICM. Materials and methods: The microarray datasets and RNA-Sequencing datasets of human ICM were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We integrated 8 microarray datasets via the SVA package to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ICM and non-failing control samples, then the differentially expressed inflammation-related genes (DEIRGs) were identified. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, support vector machine recursive feature elimination, and random forest were utilized to screen the potential diagnostic biomarkers from the DEIRGs. The potential biomarkers were validated in the RNA-Sequencing datasets and the functional experiment of the ICM rat, respectively. A nomogram was established based on the potential biomarkers and evaluated via the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and Clinical impact curve (CIC). Results: 64 DEGs and 19 DEIRGs were identified, respectively. 5 potential biomarkers (SERPINA3, FCN3, PTN, CD163, and SCUBE2) were ultimately selected. The validation results showed that each of these five potential biomarkers showed good discriminant power for ICM, and their expression trends were consistent with the bioinformatics results. The results of AUC, calibration curve, DCA, and CIC showed that the nomogram demonstrated good performance, calibration, and clinical utility. Conclusion: SERPINA3, FCN3, PTN, CD163, and SCUBE2 were identified as potential biomarkers associated with the inflammatory response to ICM. The proposed nomogram could potentially provide clinicians with a helpful tool to the diagnosis and treatment of ICM from an inflammatory perspective.

Catalytic reforming of polyethylene pyrolysis vapors to naphtha range hydrocarbons with low aromatic content over a high silica ZSM-5 zeolite.

In this study, the microwave-assisted pyrolysis coupled with ex-situ catalytic reforming of polyethylene for naphtha range hydrocarbons, with low aromatic content, was investigated. Experimental results revealed that ZSM-5 zeolites with low SiO2/Al2O3 ratios led to high aromatic selectivity, while an extremely high SiO2/Al2O3 ratio significantly reduced the aromatic selectivity. The high selectivity of C5-C12 hydrocarbons (98.9 %) with low selectivity of C5-C12 aromatics (28.5 %) was obtained over a high silica ZSM-5 zeolite at a pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C, catalytic cracking temperature of 460 °C, and a weight hourly space velocity of 7 h-1. The liquid oil produced was mainly composed of C5-C12 olefins that can be easily converted into paraffin-rich naphtha by hydrogenation or hydrogen transfer reactions as the feedstock for new plastic manufacturing. 8 cycles of regeneration-reaction cycles were carried out successfully with little change on the product distribution, showing the great potential for continuous production of low-aromatic liquid oil. Catalyst characterization showed that the catalyst deactivation was primarily caused by coke deposition (approximately 16.0 wt%) on the surface of the catalysts, and oxidative regeneration was able to recover most of the pore structure and acidity of the zeolite by effectively removing coke. This study provides a better understanding for the plastic-to-naphtha process and even for scale-up studies.

Enhanced Electron-Phonon Coupling Effect in Rare-Earth Borate Crystals Containing a "Quasi-Free-Oxygen" Motif.

Revealing the interaction between electrons and phonons, e.g., electron-phonon coupling or decoupling, is a great challenge for physics and functional material communities. For rare-earth single crystals, the electron-phonon coupling and fluorescence behaviors strongly depend on the crystal structure and constituent motifs. Here, we proposed a universal "quasi-free O" as an effective structural motif to enhance phonon-assisted electronic transitions and photoluminescence. Using Gd3+ ion as a probe, we studied Gd:La2CaB10O19 (Gd:LCB) and GdMgB5O10 (GdMB) crystals composed of double B-O layers and dangling "quasi-free O", respectively, which enable strengthened phonon-involved luminescence. Especially, a GdMB crystal features an infinite [O-Gd-O-Gd-O] chain (O represents quasi-free oxygen), thus greatly promoting the energy transfer and electron-phonon coupling effect. As a result, its Huang-Rhys S factor is two times larger than that of a Gd:LCB crystal under room temperature. These results put forward "quasi-free O" to improve the electron-phonon coupling intensity and allow LCB and GdMB crystals to serve as potential hosts for phonon-terminated vibronic lasers.

LRP1B is a Potential Biomarker for Tumor Immunogenicity and Prognosis of HCC Patients Receiving ICI Treatment.

Background: New predictors of the efficacy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) immunotherapy are needed. The ability of a single gene mutation to predict the therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in HCC remains unknown. Methods: The most frequently mutated genes in HCC were analyzed using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) datasets. Mutant genes that correlated with the tumor mutational burden (TMB) and prognosis were obtained. The mutation pattern and immunological function of one of the most frequently mutated genes, LRP1B, were determined. A pan-tumor analysis of LRP1B expression, association with cancer prognosis, and immunological role was also explored. A retrospective clinical study was conducted using 102 HCC patients who received ICI treatment to further verify whether gene mutations can predict the effectiveness of immunotherapy and prognosis of HCC. Results: LRP1B is among the most frequently mutated genes in HCC cohorts in TCGA and ICGC datasets. TCGA data showed that the LRP1B mutation activated immune signaling pathways and promoted mast cell activation. Patients with LRP1B mutations had significantly higher TMB than those with wild-type LRP1B. LRP1B expression correlated with the cancer-immunity cycle and immune cell infiltration. High LRP1B expression was also associated with poor survival among HCC patients. Results from the clinical study showed that HCC patients in the LRP1B mutation group had a poor response to ICI and worse prognosis than the wild-type group. The LRP1B mutation group had significantly higher TMB and mast cell infiltration in tumor tissues. Conclusion: This study is the first to report that a single gene LRP1B mutation is associated with a poor clinical response to ICI treatment and negative outcomes in HCC patients. HighLRP1B expression correlated with tumor immunity and HCC prognosis.

Integrated marine microalgae biorefineries for improved bioactive compounds: A review.

Marine microalgae offer a promising feedstock for biofuels and other valuable compounds for biorefining and carry immense potential to contribute to a clean energy and environment future. However, it is currently not economically feasible to use marine algae to produce biofuels, and the potential bioactive chemicals account for only a small market share. The production of algal biomass with multiple valuable chemicals is closely related to the algal species, cultivation conditions, culture systems, and production modes. Thus, higher requirements for screening of dominant algal strains, developing integrated technologies with the optimum culture conditions, efficient cultivation systems, and production modes to exploit algal biomass for biorefinery applications, are all needed. This review summarizes the screening of dominant microalgae, discusses the environmental conditions that may affect the growth, as well as the culture systems and production modes, and further emphasizes the valorization options of the algal biomass, which should help to offer a sustainable approach to run a profitable marine algae production system.

Diode-pumped continuous-wave laser of a self-frequency-doubling Yb:La2CaB10O19 crystal.

We report the first, to the best of our knowledge, laser operation of acentric Yb3+-doped La2CaB10O19 (Yb:LCB) crystal since its discovery in 1998. The polarized absorption and emission cross-section spectra of Yb:LCB were calculated at room temperature. Using a fiber-coupled 976 nm laser diode (LD) as the pump source, we realized effective dual-wavelength laser generation at around 1030 and 1040 nm. The highest slope efficiency of 50.1% was obtained in the Y-cut Yb:LCB crystal. In addition, via resonant cavity design on a phase-matching crystal, a compact self-frequency-doubling (SFD) green laser at 521 nm was also realized in a single Yb:LCB crystal with an output power of 152 mW. These results promote Yb:LCB as a competitive multifunctional laser crystal, especially for highly integrated microchip laser devices ranging from the visible to the near-infrared regime.

Efficacy and safety of lenvatinib monotreatment and lenvatinib-based combination therapy for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective, real-world study in China.

BACKGROUND: Lenvatinib and lenvatinib-based combination treatments are widely used in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) in clinical practice, but their curative effect and safety need further study in the real world. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving patients with uHCC receiving lenvatinib monotherapy and lenvatinib-based combination treatment between Nov, 2018 and Sep, 2020 in Nanfang Hospital. Efficacy was evaluated with objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), time to tumor progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were recorded and graded. Efficacy and safety of monotherapy and combination therapy were compared. Stratified analysis was performed according to systemic line of treatment and medication regimen for combination therapy. RESULTS: For lenvatinib monotherapy (n = 39), OS and PFS were 80 weeks and 24.3 weeks, respectively. For combination treatment (n = 72), median OS and PFS were 99 weeks and 45.6 weeks, respectively. OS, PFS, and TTP for patients in the combination treatment cohort were significantly longer compared to those of patients in the monotreatment cohort (OS: P = 0.04, PFS: P = 0.003; TTP, P = 0.005). The incidence of TRAEs could be controlled both in the monotherapy cohort and the combination treatment cohort. In the monotherapy cohort, OS and PFS were significantly decreased in the second-line treatment group compared with the first-line treatment group, while no differences were observed in the combination cohort. The efficacy of triple therapy (lenvatinib plus PD-1 antibody plus TACE or HAIF) was similar to lenvatinib plus PD-1 antibody or lenvatinib plus TACE or HAIF. CONCLUSIONS: Our real-world study showed that lenvatinib monotherapy and lenvatinib-based combination therapy were well tolerated, with encouraging efficacies in patients with uHCC. Lenvatinib-based combination therapy showed a better curative effect compared with lenvatinib single-agent therapy. In patients who have failed first-line TKI treatment, lenvatinib-based combination therapy may be a better choice than lenvatinib single-agent therapy. Lenvatinib-based triple therapy may not have an advantage over dual therapy.

Growth, Structure, and Properties of a Multifunctional Crystal Pr2CaB10O19.

A new praseodymium-based borate crystal Pr2CaB10O19 (PCB) has been grown through the high temperature solution method. PCB crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2 with unit cell parameters of a = 10.9475(10) Å, b = 6.5343(7) Å, c = 9.0336(8) Å, ß = 91.652(3)°, and Z = 2, in which B5O12 groups and PrO10 and CaO8 polyhedra constitute the three-dimensional framework. PCB exhibits a similar second harmonic response intensity to that of La2CaB10O19 and an intense orange fluorescence emission with a long fluorescence lifetime at about 610 nm excited by a xenon lamp light of 466 nm. The band gap, partial density of states, and birefringence have been investigated via theoretical calculations.