Lumbrokinase Extracted from Earthworms Synergizes with Bevacizumab and Chemotherapeutics in Treating Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Targeted Inactivation of BPTF/VEGF and NF-κB/COX-2 Signaling.

As a kind of proteolytic enzyme extracted from earthworms, lumbrokinase has been used as an antithrombotic drug clinically. Nevertheless, its potential in anti-cancer, especially in anti-non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as a single form of treatment or in combination with other therapies, is still poorly understood. In this study, we explored the anti-tumor role and the responsive molecular mechanisms of lumbrokinase in suppressing tumor angiogenesis and chemoresistance development in NSCLC and its clinical potential in combination with bevacizumab and chemotherapeutics. Lumbrokinase was found to inhibit cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner and caused metastasis suppression and apoptosis induction to varying degrees in NSCLC cells. Lumbrokinase enhanced the anti-angiogenesis efficiency of bevacizumab by down-regulating BPTF expression, decreasing its anchoring at the VEGF promoter region and subsequent VEGF expression and secretion. Furthermore, lumbrokinase treatment reduced IC50 values of chemotherapeutics and improved their cytotoxicity in parental and chemo-resistant NSCLC cells via inactivating the NF-κB pathway, inhibiting the expression of COX-2 and subsequent secretion of PGE2. LPS-induced NF-κB activation reversed its inhibition on NSCLC cell proliferation and its synergy with chemotherapeutic cytotoxicity, while COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib treatment boosted such effects. Lumbrokinase combined with bevacizumab, paclitaxel, or vincristine inhibited the xenograft growth of NSCLC cells in mice more significantly than a single treatment. In conclusion, lumbrokinase inhibited NSCLC survival and sensitized NSCLC cells to bevacizumab or chemotherapeutics treatment by targeted down-regulation of BPTF/VEGF signaling and inactivation of NF-κB/COX-2 signaling, respectively. The combinational applications of lumbrokinase with bevacizumab or chemotherapeutics are expected to be developed as promising candidate therapeutic strategies to improve the efficacy of the original monotherapy in anti-NSCLC.

Synergistic Effect of Doxorubicin and Blue Light Irradiation on the Antitumor Treatment of HepG2 Cells in Liver Cancer.

Doxorubicin (DOX) has been an effective antitumor agent for human liver cancer cells; however, an overdose might lead to major side effects appearing in clinical applications. In this work, we present a strategy of combining DOX and blue light (BL) irradiation for the antitumor treatment of HepG2 cells (one typical human liver cancer cell line). It is demonstrated that synergetic DOX and BL can significantly reduce cell proliferation and increase the apoptotic rate of HepG2 cells in comparison to individual DOX treatment. The additional BL irradiation is further helpful for enhancing the inhibition of cell migration and invasion. Analyses of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and Western blotting reveal that the strategy results in more ROS accumulation, mitochondrial damage, and the upregulation of proapoptotic protein (Bcl-2) and downregulation of antiapoptotic protein (Bax). In addition to the improved therapeutic effect, the non-contact BL irradiation is greatly helpful for reducing the dosage of DOX, and subsequently reduces the side effects caused by the DOX drug. These findings offer a novel perspective for the therapeutic approach toward liver cancer with high efficiency and reduced side effects.

Multifunctional Near-Infrared Phosphors Cr3+/Ni2+ Codoped Mg3Ga2GeO8 Based on Energy Transfer from Cr3+ to Ni2.

Currently, near-infrared (NIR) light-emitting materials have been widely used in many fields, such as night vision, bioimaging, and nondestructive analysis. However, it is difficult to achieve multifunction in certain NIR light emitting phosphor. Herein, we propose a new near-infrared phosphor Mg3Ga2GeO8:Cr3+,Ni2+ that can be applied to at least three fields, i.e., identification of compounds, temperature sensing, anticounterfeiting, and other applications. The multifunctional material exhibited efficient broadband emission of 650-1650 nm under 420 nm excitation. The emission intensity of Ni2+ in Mg3Ga2GeO8:Cr3+,Ni2+ is enhanced by two times compared with that of Ni2+ in Mg3Ga2GeO8:Ni2+ due to the energy transfer process. Compared with phosphor single doped with Ni2+, Mg3Ga2GeO8:Cr3+,Ni2+ is more convincing in organic compound recognition because it is based on two emission bands: 600-1100 nm and 1100-1650 nm. As a temperature sensor, Mg3Ga2GeO8:Cr3+,Ni2+ is an ideal temperature-sensing material. This work not only provides a super broadband NIR emitting phosphor with multiple functions but also presents a practical approach for the development of high-efficiency and multifunctional NIR phosphors.

Predictors and Prognostic value of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography for Unrecognized Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Unrecognized myocardial infarction (UMI) on delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (DE-CMR) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) derived high-risk features provide prognostic information in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). The study aimed to assess the prognostic value of UMI and predictors of UMI using CCTA in patients with CCS undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: This study enrolled 181 CCS patients underwent both DE-CMR and CCTA before elective PCI. The CCTA-derived predictors of UMI and the association of baseline clinical characteristics, CCTA findings, and CMR-derived factors including UMI with MACE, defined as death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unplanned late revascularization, hospitalization for congestive heart failure, and stroke were investigated. RESULTS: UMI was detected in 57 patients (31.5%). ROC analysis revealed the optimal cut-off values of Agatston score and mean pericoronary fat attenuation index (FAI) for predicting the presence of UMI were 397 and -69.8, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that left ventricular mass, Agatston score >397, mean FAI >-69.8, positive remodeling of the target lesion, and CCTA-derived stenosis severity were independent predictors of UMI. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with UMI were associated with increased risk of MACE. Cox's proportional hazards analysis showed post-PCI minimum lumen diameter and the presence of UMI were independent predictors of MACE. The risk of MACE significantly increased according to the number of 4 preprocedural CCTA relevant features of UMI. CONCLUSION: Preprocedural comprehensive CCTA analysis may help predict the presence of UMI and provide prognostic information in patients with CCS undergoing PCI.

Tryptophan As a New Member of RNA-Induced Silencing Complexes Prevents Colon Cancer Liver Metastasis.

Essential amino acids (EAA) and microRNAs (miRs) control biological activity of a cell. Whether EAA regulates the activity of miR has never been demonstrated. Here, as proof-of-concept, a tryptophan (Trp, an EAA) complex containing Argonaute 2 (Ago2) and miRs including miR-193a (Trp/Ago2/miR-193a) is identified. Trp binds miR-193a-3p and interacts with Ago2. Trp/Ago2/miR-193a increases miR-193a-3p activity via enhancing Argonaute 2 (Ago2) RNase activity. Other miRs including miR-103 and miR-107 in the Trp complex enhance miR-193a activity by targeting the same genes. Mechanistically, the Trp/Ago2/miR-193a complex interacts with Trp-binding pockets of the PIWI domain of Ago2 to enhance Ago2 mediated miR activity. This newly formed Ago2/Trp/miR-193a-3p complex is more efficient than miR-193a-3p alone in inhibiting the expression of targeted genes and inhibiting colon cancer liver metastasis. The findings show that Trp regulates miR activity through communication with the RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISC), which provides the basis for tryptophan based miR therapy.

Lappanolides A-N, fourteen undescribed sesquiterpenoids from Saussurea costus (Syn. Saussurea lappa) and their anti HBV activity.

Lappanolides A-N (1-14), 14 undescribed sesquiterpenoids, along with 23 known ones (15-37), were isolated from the roots of Saussurea costus, which were primarily categorized into eudesmane, guaiane, and germacrane types. Lappanolide A (1) possessed an unprecedented pseudo-disesquiterpenoids. Their structures and absolute configurations were established using physical data analyses (HRESIMS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR) and ECD calculations. All isolated compounds were tested for anti-hepatitis B virus (anti-HBV) activity. Ten compounds (1, 9, 11, 12, 19, 22, 28, 29, 31, and 36) exhibited activities against HBsAg secretions as determined by ELISA assay, with IC50 values ranging from 5.2 to 45.7 µM. In particular, compounds 28 and 29 showed inhibition of HBsAg secretion with IC50 values of 5.28 and 5.30 µM, and CC50 values of 9.85 and 6.37 µM, respectively, though they all exhibited low selectivity. Several compounds displayed cytotoxicity in the MTT assay. Among them, compound 28 was the most notable and was chosen for further study using flow cytometry. The result showed that it significantly induced HepG2 cell arrest in the S phase and induced apoptosis.

Research on the Construction of a Series of Transition Metal-Substituted Keggin-Type TMSPOMs@PCN-224 Composites through the Encapsulation Method and Their Electron Transfer Mechanism in CO2RR.

In order to take advantage of the distinct reversible multielectron transfer properties of polyoxometalates (POMs) and increase the electron density at the active sites during the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR), a range of transition metal-doped polyoxometalates (TMSPOMs) was entrapped within the porphyrin-based framework of PCN-224 via an encapsulation method, known as TMSPOMs@PCN-224 (TMSPOMs = [XW11O39MII(H2O)]n-, [XW11O40VIV]n-, M = CoII, MnII; X = Si, n = 6; X = P, n = 5). The central elements (Si, P) and the incorporated transition metals (VIV, CoII, and MnII) both play a role in adjusting the electronic structure and electron transfer during the CO2RR process. Remarkably, the composite material with cobalt substitution displayed significantly improved performance. Through fine-tuning the POM loading, the electrocatalytic activity was optimized, leading to an impressive Faradaic efficiency for CO production (FECO) of 89.9% for SiW11Co@PCN-224, a significant improvement compared to the 12.1% FECO of PCN-224. Furthermore, the electrochemical stability of this catalyst was demonstrated over 20 h. Comparative analyses involving six composite materials indicated a relationship between the negative charge of the polyanions and their ability to facilitate effective electron transfer, ultimately enhancing the catalyst's performance. Meanwhile, these findings were supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

The Relationship Between MRI Findings of Posterior Ligamentous Complex and Lumbar Instability in Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.

Background: To determine the factors in posterior ligamentous complex indicating lumbar instability in patients diagnosed with degenerative spondylolisthesis on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent PLIF surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis at our institution between 2018 and 2020 and who had complete eligible preoperative imaging data for review and study, including lumbar MRI and anteroposterior and flexion-extension radiographs. Results: Fifty-three patients were confirmed to have lumbar instability (Unstable Group, 44%), while sixty-seven patients (Stable Group, 56%) did not have instability on radiographs. The patients in the stable group had more advanced status of the degeneration of intervertebral disc than in the unstable group (p<0.05). The degeneration of supraspinous ligament (SSL) was more severe in the unstable group (p<0.05). Compared with the patients with rotatory instability, advanced degeneration of interspinous ligament (ISL) and SSL was observed in patients with translatory instability (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference with regard to the height of the spinous process and the interspinous distance in patients with or without instability. Conclusion: This MRI analysis showed that abnormal segmental motion is closely associated with the pathological characteristics of supraspinal ligament. Advanced degeneration of SSL in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis should raise the suspicion for lumbar instability and additional evaluations. The status of ISL and ligamentum flavum (LF) may not be helpful for the diagnosis of lumbar instability. Functional radiographs combined with MRI may provide valuable information when diagnosing lumbar instability in patients with mechanical back pain.

Nanostructured High Entropy Alloys as Structural and Functional Materials.

Since their introduction in 2004, high entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted significant attention due to their exceptional mechanical and functional properties. Advances in our understanding of atomic-scale ordering and phase formation in HEAs have facilitated the development of fabrication techniques for synthesizing nanostructured HEAs. These materials hold immense potential for applications in various fields including automobile industries, aerospace engineering, microelectronics, and clean energy, where they serve as either structural or functional materials. In this comprehensive Review, we conduct an in-depth analysis of the mechanical and functional properties of nanostructured HEAs, with a particular emphasis on the roles of different nanostructures in modulating these properties. To begin, we explore the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence the formation and stability of nanostructures in HEAs. Subsequently, we delve into an examination of the mechanical and electrocatalytic properties exhibited by bulk or three-dimensional (3D) nanostructured HEAs, as well as nanosized HEAs in the form of zero-dimensional (0D) nanoparticles, one-dimensional (1D) nanowires, or two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets. Finally, we present an outlook on the current research landscape, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with nanostructure design and the understanding of structure-property relationships in nanostructured HEAs.

Green preparation of CaO-based CO2 adsorbent by calcium-induced hydrogenation of shell wastes at room/moderate temperature.

Capturing CO2 using clamshell/eggshell-derived CaO adsorbent can not only reduce carbon emissions but also alleviate the impact of trash on the environment. However, organic acid was usually used, high-temperature calcination was often performed, and CO2 was inevitably released during preparing CaO adsorbents from shell wastes. In this work, CaO-based CO2 adsorbent was greenly prepared by calcium-induced hydrogenation of clamshell and eggshell wastes in one pot at room/moderate temperature. CO2 adsorption experiments were performed in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The adsorption performance of the adsorbents obtained from the mechanochemical reaction (BM-C/E-CaO) was superior to that of the adsorbents obtained from the thermochemical reaction (Cal-C/E-CaO). The CO2 adsorption capacity of BM-C-CaO at 650 °C is up to 36.82 wt%, but the adsorption decay rate of the sample after 20 carbonation/calcination cycles is only 30.17%. This study offers an alternative energy-saving method for greenly preparing CaO-based adsorbent from shell wastes.

The Prediction of LptA and LptC Protein-Protein Interactions and Virtual Screening for Potential Inhibitors.

Antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria remains one of the most pressing challenges to global public health. Blocking the transportation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a crucial component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, is considered a promising strategy for drug discovery. In the transportation process of LPS, two components of the LPS transport (Lpt) complex, LptA and LptC, are responsible for shuttling LPS across the periplasm to the outer membrane, highlighting their potential as targets for antibacterial drug development. In the current study, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) model of LptA and LptC was constructed, and a molecular screening strategy was employed to search a protein-protein interaction compound library. The screening results indicated that compound 18593 exhibits favorable binding free energy with LptA and LptC. In comparison with the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on currently known inhibitors, compound 18593 shows more stable target binding ability at the same level. The current study suggests that compound 18593 may exhibit an inhibitory effect on the LPS transport process, making it a promising hit compound for further research.

Fabrication of caffeoylquinic acid-loaded burdock polysaccharide nanoparticles and their antioxidant activity in hydrogen peroxide-damaged HepaRG cells.

Herein, burdock polysaccharide (BP) and modified burdock polysaccharide (MBP) were prepared, followed by the fabrication of chlorogenic acid (CA)-BP, CA-MBP, isochlorogenic acid A (ICA)-BP, and ICA-MBP nanoparticles. Afterward, the structural characteristics, physical stability, digestive characteristics, and antioxidant activity of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-damaged HepaRG cells were evaluated. The result indicated that the loading capacities of CA in BP-CA and MBP-CA were 0.14 and 0.53 µg/mg, respectively. Conversely, the loading capacities of ICA in BP-ICA and MBP-ICA were 0.36 and 0.60 µg/mg, respectively. Four complex nanoparticles exhibited excellent physical stability under different pH values, temperatures, and ionic concentrations, especially MBP-CA and MBP-ICA. Moreover, four complex nanoparticles could protect caffeoylquinic acid from being released in gastric fluid. All six samples exhibited high antioxidant activity in H2O2-induced HepaRG cells, especially BP and MBP-CA. These findings indicated that caffeoylquinic acid-polysaccharide complexes were successfully prepared and highlighted the potential of polysaccharides as natural carriers for hydrophobic bioactive molecules.

Ultra-Efficient and Cost-Effective Platinum Nanomembrane Electrocatalyst for Sustainable Hydrogen Production.

Hydrogen production through hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) offers a promising solution to combat climate change by replacing fossil fuels with clean energy sources. However, the widespread adoption of efficient electrocatalysts, such as platinum (Pt), has been hindered by their high cost. In this study, we developed an easy-to-implement method to create ultrathin Pt nanomembranes, which catalyze HER at a cost significantly lower than commercial Pt/C and comparable to non-noble metal electrocatalysts. These Pt nanomembranes consist of highly distorted Pt nanocrystals and exhibit a heterogeneous elastic strain field, a characteristic rarely seen in conventional crystals. This unique feature results in significantly higher electrocatalytic efficiency than various forms of Pt electrocatalysts, including Pt/C, Pt foils, and numerous Pt single-atom or single-cluster catalysts. Our research offers a promising approach to develop highly efficient and cost-effective low-dimensional electrocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production, potentially addressing the challenges posed by the climate crisis.

Outer Membrane Vesicles Released from Garlic Exosome-like Nanoparticles (GaELNs) Train Gut Bacteria that Reverses Type 2 Diabetes via the Gut-Brain Axis.

Gut microbiota function has numerous effects on humans and the diet humans consume has emerged as a pivotal determinant of gut microbiota function. Here, a new concept that gut microbiota can be trained by diet-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) to release healthy outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) is introduced. Specifically, OMVs released from garlic ELN (GaELNs) trained human gut Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) can reverse high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in mice. Oral administration of OMVs released from GaELNs trained A. muciniphila can traffick to the brain where they are taken up by microglial cells, resulting in inhibition of high-fat diet-induced brain inflammation. GaELNs treatment increases the levels of OMV Amuc-1100, P9, and phosphatidylcholines. Increasing the levels of Amuc-1100 and P9 leads to increasing the GLP-1 plasma level. Increasing the levels of phosphatidylcholines is required for inhibition of cGas and STING-mediated inflammation and GLP-1R crosstalk with the insulin pathway that leads to increasing expression of Insulin Receptor Substrate (IRS1 and IRS2) on OMV targeted cells. These findings reveal a molecular mechanism whereby OMVs from plant nanoparticle-trained gut bacteria regulate genes expressed in the brain, and have implications for the treatment of brain dysfunction caused by a metabolic syndrome.

Sesquiterpenoids from aged Artemisia argyi and their 3D-QSAR for anti-HBV activity.

Artemisia argyi Levl. Et Vant, commonly known as "Chinese Mugwort," has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine for centuries. Aged Chinese Mugwort has been uncovered to possess superior quality and safety, and its ethyl acetate extract has been found to exhibit anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity. In this study, twenty-five sesquiterpenoids were isolated and characterized from three-year-aged A. argyi. Among them, 14 previously undescribed sesquiterpenoids (1-14), featuring double bond oxidation or ring opening. It is hypothesized that during the aging process, sesquiterpenes undergo oxidative transformation of their double bonds to form alcohols due to external factors and inherent properties. The anti-HBV activity and cytotoxicity of all compounds were assessed in vitro using HepG 2.2.15 cells, and their structure-activity relationships were analyzed through three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QASR) techniques. The α-methylene-γ-lactone sesquiterpenoid derivatives were discovered to have potent inhibitory activity against HBV. This research may broaden the potential applications of Chinese Mugwort and offer further guidance for its development and utilization as functional food or traditional Chinese medicine.

The alterations of cardiac function during venovenous artificial placenta support in fetal goats.

INTRODUCTION: Venovenous artificial placenta (VVAP) may mimic the intrauterine environment for maintaining fetal circulation. However, changes in ventricular function in fetal goats undergoing VVAP support remain unclear. METHODS: Pump-assisted VVAPs were established in five fetal goats for 9 h. The myocardial performance index (Tei index), cardiac output (CO), and blood biochemical parameters were measured during VVAP support. RESULTS: An increasing trend of the right ventricular (RV) Tei index was seen during VVAP support (p for trend < 0.01). The right ventricular cardiac output (RVCO) increased after the initiation of VVAP, while a significant trend of reduction was observed after 3 h (p for trend = 0.03). During VVAP support, we observed remarkable elevations of plasma cTnI and arterial lactic acid, which were positively correlated with the RV Tei index, but not the left ventricular (LV) Tei index, LVCO, and RVCO. CONCLUSIONS: The RVCO increases initially while a tendency of decrease could be observed during VVAP support. Special attention should be paid to right ventricular dysfunction during VVAP support.

[Textual research on Bungarus Parvus].

Bungarus Parvus, a precious animal Chinese medicinal material used in clinical practice, is believed to be first recorded in Ying Pian Xin Can published in 1936. This study was carried out to analyze the names, geographical distribution, morphological characteristics, ecological habits, poisonousness, and medicinal parts by consulting ancient Chinese medical books and local chronicles, Chinese Pharmacopeia, different processing standards of trditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction pieces, and modern literatures. The results showed that the earliest medicinal record of Bungarus Parvus was traced to 1894. In 1930, this medicinal material was used in the formulation of Annao Pills. The original animal, Bungarus multicinctus, was recorded by the name of "Bojijia" in 1521. The morphological characteristics, ecological habits, and poisonousness of the original animal are the same in ancient and modern records. The geographical distribution is similar between the ancient records and modern documents such as China Medicinal Animal Fauna. The dried body of young B. multicinctus is used as Bungarus Parvus, which lack detailed references. As a matter of fact, it is still inconclusive whether there are differences between young snakes and adult snakes in terms of active ingredients, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications. This study clarified the medicinal history and present situation of Bungarus Parvus. On the basis of the results, it is suggested that systematic comparison on young and adult B. multicinctus should be carried out to provide references for revising the medicinal parts of B. multicinctus.

A comprehensive approach for clustering analysis using follower-leading clustering algorithm (FLCA): Bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are 3 issues in bibliometrics that need to be addressed: The lack of a clear definition for author collaborations in cluster analysis that takes into account collaborations with and without self-connections; The need to develop a simple yet effective clustering algorithm for use in coword analysis, and; The inadequacy of general bibliometrics in regard to comparing research achievements and identifying articles that are worth reading and recommended for readers. The study aimed to put forth a clustering algorithm for cluster analysis (called following leader clustering [FLCA], a follower-leading clustering algorithm), examine the dissimilarities in cluster outcomes when considering collaborations with and without self-connections in cluster analysis, and demonstrate the application of the clustering algorithm in bibliometrics. METHODS: The study involved a search for articles and review articles published in JMIR Medical Informatics between 2016 and 2022, conducted using the Web of Science core collections. To identify author collaborations (ACs) and themes over the past 7 years, the study utilized the FLCA algorithm. With the 3 objectives of; Comparing the results obtained from scenarios with and without self-connections; Applying the FLCA algorithm in ACs and themes, and; Reporting the findings using traditional bibliometric approaches based on counts and citations, and all plots were created using R. RESULTS: The study found a significant difference in cluster outcomes between the 2 scenarios with and without self-connections, with a 53.8% overlap (14 out of the top 20 countries in ACs). The top clusters were led by Yonsei University in South Korea, Grang Luo from the US, and model in institutes, authors, and themes over the past 7 years. The top entities with the most publications in JMIR Medical Informatics were the United States, Yonsei University in South Korea, Medical School, and Grang Luo from the US. CONCLUSION: The FLCA algorithm proposed in this study offers researchers a comprehensive approach to exploring and comprehending the complex connections among authors or keywords. The study suggests that future research on ACs with cluster analysis should employ FLCA and R visualizations.

Radiotherapy dosimetry and radiotherapy related complications of immediate implant-based reconstruction after breast cancer surgery.

Backgrounds: The impact of immediate implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) on the delivery of radiotherapy plans remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the differences in radiotherapy dosimetry, complications of radiotherapy, and quality of life in patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy combined with or without IBBR. Methods: We retrospectively collected 104 patients with breast cancer who underwent intensity-modulated radiation therapy after modified radical mastectomy with IBBR (n =46) or not (n =58) from January 2017 to December 2021. The dosimetric differences in radiotherapy of planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk and the differences in complications of radiotherapy between the two groups were compared. We also applied the functional assessment of cancer therapy-breast cancer (FACT-B) score to compare the difference in quality of life. The chi-square test and independent samples t-test were used to analyze the above data. Results: IBBR group was associated with higher PTV volumes, PTV D98, V95, and lower PTV Dmean, D2 compared with the non-reconstruction group (P<0.05). IBBR group also had lower radiotherapy dosimetric parameters in the ipsilateral lung and the heart of left breast cancer patients. The differences in the rates of radiation pneumonia (RP) and radiation dermatitis (RD) between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Moreover, FACT-B scores at 6 months after radiotherapy in patients with IBBR were higher than those without reconstruction (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with IBBR achieved better radiation dosimetry distribution and higher quality of life without more complications of radiotherapy.

Global research trends in artificial intelligence for critical care with a focus on chord network charts: Bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: The field of critical care-related artificial intelligence (AI) research is rapidly gaining interest. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive bibliometric studies that measure and analyze scientific publications on a global scale. Network charts have traditionally been used to highlight author collaborations and coword phenomena (ACCP). It is necessary to determine whether chord network charts (CNCs) can provide a better understanding of ACCP, thus requiring clarification. This study aimed to achieve 2 objectives: evaluate global research trends in AI in intensive care medicine on publication outputs, coauthorships between nations, citations, and co-occurrences of keywords; and demonstrate the use of CNCs for ACCP in bibliometric analysis. METHODS: The web of science database was searched for a total of 1992 documents published between 2013 and 2022. The document type was limited to articles and article reviews, and titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility. The characteristics of the publications, including preferred journals, leading research countries, international collaborations, top institutions, and major keywords, were analyzed using the category-journal rank-authorship-L-index score and trend analysis. The 100 most highly cited articles are also listed in detail. RESULTS: Between 2018 and 2022, there was a sharp increase in publications, which accounted for 92.8% (1849/1992) of all papers included in the study. The United States and China were responsible for nearly 50% (936/1992) of the total publications. The leading countries, institutes, departments, authors, and journals in terms of publications were the US, Massachusetts Gen Hosp (US), Medical School, Zhongheng Zhang (China), and Science Reports. The top 3 primary keywords denoting research hotspots for AI in critically ill patients were mortality, model, and intensive care unit, with mortality having the highest burst strength (4.49). The keywords risk and system showed the highest growth trend (0.98) in counts over the past 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable insights into the potential for ACCP and future research opportunities. For AI-based clinical research to become widely accepted in critical care practice, collaborative research efforts are necessary to strengthen the maturity and robustness of AI-driven models using CNCs for display.