Structural Diversification of Pyrazinone Metabolites via Spontaneous Oxa-Michael Addition in Staphylococcus xylosus.

A family of pyrazinone metabolites (1-11) were characterized from Staphylococcus xylosus ATCC 29971. Six of them were hydroxylated or methoxylated, which were proposed to be produced by the rare noncatalytic oxa-Michael addition reaction with a water or methanol molecule. It was confirmed that isopropyl alcohol can also be the Michael donor of the reaction. 1-7 and the synthetic precursor 2a showed significant inhibition of breast cancer cell migration.

Nitrogen doped carbon dots and gold nanoparticles mediated FRET for the detection of creatinine in human urine samples.

Serum creatinine (CR) is regarded as one of the most sought out prognostic biomarkers in medical evaluation of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In light of the diagnostic significance of CR, the utility of a fluorescence biosensor for its detection in human urine specimens has been explored based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) across nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs). A straightforward microwave-assisted synthesis procedure has been adopted to prepare N-CDs (λexcitation = 400 nm, λemission = 540 ± 5 nm) with bright green emissions. On addition of pre-synthesized GNPs, the radiative emanation of the N-CDs is completely suppressed on account of FRET across the N-CDs and the GNPs. About 77 % of their fluorescence intensity is recovered after adding CR to GNPs@N-CDs nanocomposite. The limit of detection for CR sensing is estimated as 0.02 µg•mL-1. This biosensor is selective enough to recognize CR in the existence of potential interfering substances (e.g., ascorbic acid, glucose, glutathione, urea, and electrolytes). Its practical utility for CR detection has been validated further on the basis of satisfactory correlation with the benchmark Jaffe method, as observed in artificial/human urine specimens. Consequently, this manuscript marks a pioneering report on employing CDs and GNPs-based FRET for identifying CR in urine specimens of CKD patients.

Benzene Oxidation in Air by an Amine-Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework-Derived Carbon- and Nitrogen-Loaded Zirconium Dioxide-Supported Platinum Catalyst.

To learn more about the behavior of amine (NH2)-functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived noble metal catalysts in the removal of aromatic volatile organic compounds in air, benzene oxidation at low temperatures has been investigated using 0.2-, 0.8-, and 1.5%-platinum (Pt)/Universitetet i Oslo (UiO)-66-NH2. The benzene conversion (XB) of x%-Pt/UiO-66-NH2-R under dry conditions (175 °C) was 23% (x = 0.2%) < 52% (x = 0.8%) < 100% (x = 1.5%): 'R' suffix denotes reduction pretreatment using a hydrogen (10 vol %) and nitrogen mixture at 300 °C for the generation of metallic Pt (Pt0) sites and simultaneous partial MOF decomposition into carbon- and nitrogen-loaded zirconium dioxide. The prominent role of reduction pretreatment was apparent in benzene oxidation as 1.5%-Pt/UiO-66-NH2 did not exhibit catalytic activity below 175 °C (dry condition). The promotional role of moisture in benzene oxidation by 1.5%-Pt/UiO-66-NH2-R was evident with a rise in the steady-state reaction rate (r) at 110 °C (21 kPa molecular oxygen (O2)) from 1.3 × 10-3 to 5.0 × 10-3 µmol g-1 s-1 as the water (H2O) partial pressure increased from 0 to 1.88 kPa. In contrast, the activity was lowered with increasing RH due to catalyst poisoning by excess moisture (r (110 °C) of 6.6 × 10-04 µmol g-1 s-1 at 2.83 kPa H2O (21 kPa O2)). Kinetic modeling suggests that XB proceeds through the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism on the Pt/UiO-66-NH2-R surface (dissociative O2 chemisorption and the involvement of two oxygen species in benzene oxidation). According to the density functional theory simulation, the carbon and nitrogen impurities are to make the first XB step (i.e., hydrogen migration from the benzene molecule to the substrate) energetically favorable. The second hydrogen atom from the benzene molecule is also extracted effectively, while the oxygen derived from O2 facilitates further XB. The Pt0 sites dissociate the O2 and H2O molecules, while the product of the latter, i.e., free hydrogen and hydroxyl, makes the subsequent XB steps energetically favorable.

Tumor immunogenicity regulates host immune responses, and conventional dendritic cell type 2 uptakes the majority of tumor antigens in an orthotopic lung cancer model.

Human lung cancer carries high genetic alterations, expressing high tumor-specific neoantigens. Although orthotopic murine lung cancer models recapitulate many characteristics of human lung cancers, genetically engineered mouse models have fewer somatic mutations than human lung cancer, resulting in scarce immune cell infiltration and deficient immune responses. The endogenous mouse lung cancer model driven by Kras mutation and Trp53 deletion (KP model) has minimal immune infiltration because of a scarcity of neoantigens. Fine-tuning tumor antigenicity to trigger the appropriate level of antitumor immunity would be key to investigating immune responses against human lung cancer. We engineered the KP model to express antigens of OVA peptides (minOVA) as neoantigens along with ZsGreen, a traceable fluorescent conjugate. The KP model expressing minOVA exhibited stronger immunogenicity with higher immune cell infiltration comprised of CD8+ T cells and CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs). Consequentially, the KP model expressing minOVA exhibits suppressed tumor growth compared to its origin. We further analyzed tumor-infiltrated DCs. The majority of ZsGreen conjugated with minOVA was observed in the conventional type 2 DCs (cDC2), where cDC1 has minimal. These data indicate that tumor immunogenicity regulates host immune responses, and tumor neoantigen is mostly recognized by cDC2 cells, which may play a critical role in initiating anti-tumor immune responses in an orthotopic murine lung cancer model.

Tuning strategies of MIL metal organic frameworks for adsorptive removal of formaldehyde in air.

Materials Institute Lavoisier (MIL) metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are known for their potential to adsorb gaseous organic pollutants. This study explores the synergistic effects between the selection of central metals (e.g., titanium, iron, and aluminum) and the incorporation of -NH2 groups in terms of adsorption efficiency against gaseous formaldehyde (FA). A group of the pristine MIL MOFs is synthesized using three different metals (i.e., titanium, iron, and aluminum) and terephthalic acid along with their NH2 derivatives using 2-aminoterephthalic acid. Among the pristine forms, MIL-125(Ti) achieves the highest FA adsorption capacity (Q) of 26.96 mg g-1 and a partition coefficient (PC) of 0.0898 mol kg-1 Pa-1. Further, amination significantly improves the FA adsorption potential of NH2-MIL-125(Ti) with a Q value of 91.22 mg g-1 (PC = 0.3038 mol kg-1 Pa-1). In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy reveals that the FA adsorption of plain MILs should be governed primarily by physisorption. In contrast, FA adsorption of NH2-MILs appears to be regulated by both physisorption and chemisorption, while the latter being affected mainly through FA-NH2 interactions (Schiff base reactions). These findings provide valuable insights into the utility of aminated MIL sorbents, possibly toward the efficient management of indoor air quality.

Ameliorative effects of Wikstroemia trichotoma 95% EtOH extract on a mouse model of DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Wikstroemia has been extensively utilized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the management of conditions such as coughs, edema, arthritis, and bronchitis. Studies have indicated that the crude extracts of Wikstroemia exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, anti-aging, skin psoriasis, anti-cancer, and antiviral properties. In addition, these extracts are known to contain bioactive substances, including flavonoids, coumarins, and lignans. However, few studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory or anti-allergic activities of Wikstroemia trichotoma (Thunb.) Makino against atopic dermatitis (AD). AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to explore the potential of a 95% ethanol extract of W. trichotoma (WTE) on the dysfunction of skin barrier and immune system, which are primary symptoms of AD, in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced SKH-1 hairless mice and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin or immunoglobulin E (IgE) + 2,4-dinitrophenylated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA) stimulated rat basophilic leukemia cell line (RBL-2H3). Furthermore, we sought to identify the chemical contents of WTE using high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro study was conducted using RBL-2H3 cells stimulated with PMA/ionomycin or IgE + DNP-BSA to assess the inhibitory effects of WTE on mast cell degranulation and interleukin-4 (IL-4) mRNA expression levels. For the in vivo study, AD was induced in SKH-1 hairless mice by applying 1% DNCB to the dorsal skin daily for 7 days. Subsequently, 0.1% DNCB solution was applied on alternate days, and mice were orally administered WTE (at 30 or 100 mg/kg/day) dissolved in 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) daily for 2 weeks. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, skin pH, and total serum IgE levels were measured. RESULTS: In DNCB-stimulated SKH-1 hairless mice, WTE administration significantly improved AD symptoms and ameliorated dorsal skin inflammation. Oral administration of WTE led to a significant decrease in skin thickness, infiltration of mast cells, and level of total serum IgE, thus restoring skin barrier function in the DNCB-induced skin lesions. In addition, WTE inhibited ß-hexosaminidase release and reduced IL-4 mRNA levels in RBL-2H3 cells. Chemical profile analysis of WTE confirmed the presence of three phenolic compounds, viz. chlorogenic acid, miconioside B, and matteucinol-7-O-ß-apiofuranosyl (1 â†’ 6)-ß-glucopyranoside. CONCLUSIONS: WTE ameliorates AD symptoms by modulating in the skin barrier and immune system dysfunction. This suggests that W. trichotoma extract may offer therapeutic benefits for managing AD.

The BTLA-HVEM axis restricts CAR T cell efficacy in cancer.

The efficacy of T cell-based immunotherapies is limited by immunosuppressive pressures in the tumor microenvironment. Here we show a predominant role for the interaction between BTLA on effector T cells and HVEM (TNFRSF14) on immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment cells, namely regulatory T cells. High BTLA expression in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells correlated with poor clinical response to treatment. Therefore, we deleted BTLA in CAR T cells and show improved tumor control and persistence in models of lymphoma and solid malignancies. Mechanistically, BTLA inhibits CAR T cells via recruitment of tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2, upon trans engagement with HVEM. BTLA knockout thus promotes CAR signaling and subsequently enhances effector function. Overall, these data indicate that the BTLA-HVEM axis is a crucial immune checkpoint in CAR T cell immunotherapy and warrants the use of strategies to overcome this barrier.

Molecular networking and computational NMR analyses uncover six polyketide-terpene hybrids from termite-associated Xylaria isolates.

Fungi constitute the Earth's second most diverse kingdom, however only a small percentage of these have been thoroughly examined and categorized for their secondary metabolites, which still limits our understanding of the ecological chemical and pharmacological potential of fungi. In this study, we explored members of the co-evolved termite-associated fungal genus Xylaria and identified a family of highly oxygenated polyketide-terpene hybrid natural products using an MS/MS molecular networking-based dereplication approach. Overall, we isolated six no yet reported xylasporin derivatives, of which xylasporin A (1) features a rare cyclic-carbonate moiety. Extensive comparative spectrometric (HRMS2) and spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR) studies allowed to determine the relative configuration across the xylasporin family, which was supported by chemical shift calculations of more than 50 stereoisomers and DP4+ probability analyses. The absolute configuration of xylasporin A (1) was also proposed based on TDDFT-ECD calculations. Additionally, we were able to revise the relative and absolute configurations of co-secreted xylacremolide B produced by single x-ray crystallography. Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis allowed us to deduce the putative biosynthetic assembly line of xylasporins in the producer strain X802, and could guide future engineering efforts of the biosynthetic pathway.

Cardiovascular disease risk and associated physical activity factors in gastrointestinal cancer survivors.

INTRODUCTION: Although the risk of CVD is increased in cancer survivors, few studies have investigated the CVD risk in survivors of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Therefore, we evaluated the CVD risk using the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score for GI cancer survivors and associated physical activity factors. METHODS: Using the 2014-2019 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, data were collected for 262 GI cancer survivors and 1,310 cancer-free controls matched at a 1:5 ratio based on age and sex. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form was used to assess physical activity, and the Euro QoL Questionnaire 5-Dimensional Classification (EQ-5D) was used to assess the health-related quality of life. RESULTS: A multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated a lower risk of ASCVD in GI cancer survivors than in controls (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.55-0.97). Moreover, the risk of having a high ASCVD score was significantly lower in individuals who performed sufficient aerobic physical activity (aOR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.47-0.75) and those with an EQ-5D score 1 or 2 (aOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.20-0.65 and aOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.16-0.58, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study demonstrated that engaging in sufficient physical activity can reduce the ASCVD risk among GI cancer survivors.

Cancer therapeutic potential of hovetrichoside C from Jatropha podagrica on apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.

Phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extracts of Jatropha podagrica stalks and roots using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) led to the isolation of six compounds: corchoionoside C (1), isobiflorin (2), fraxin (3), hovetrichoside C (4), fraxetin (5), and corillagin (6). The isolated compounds (1-6) were tested for their cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Remarkably, compound 4 (hovetrichoside C) exhibited robust cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells, displaying an IC50 value of 50.26 ± 1.22 µM, along with an apoptotic cell death rate of 24.21 ± 2.08% at 100 µM. Treatment involving compound 4 amplified protein levels of cleaved caspase-8, -9, -3, -7, BH3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (cleaved PARP), while concurrently reducing B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels. In totality, these findings underscore that hovetrichoside C (4) possesses anti-breast cancer activity that revolves around apoptosis induction via both extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways.

Glycomacropeptide: A comprehensive understanding of its major biological characteristics and purification methodologies.

Glycomacropeptide (GMP) is a bioactive peptide derived from whey protein, consisting of 64 amino acids. It is a phenylalanine-free peptide, making it a beneficial dietary option for individuals dealing with phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of phenylalanine in the bloodstream, resulting from a deficiency of phenylalanine dehydrogenase in affected individuals. Consequently, patients with PKU require lifelong adherence to a low-phenylalanine diet, wherein a significant portion of their protein intake is typically sourced from a phenylalanine-free amino acid formula. GMP has several nutritional values, numerous bioactivity properties, and therapeutic effects in various inflammatory disorders. Despite all these features, the purification of GMP is an imperative requirement; however, there are no unique methods for achieving this goal. Traditionally, several methods have been used for GMP purification, such as thermal or acid treatment, alcoholic precipitation, ultrafiltration (UF), gel filtration, and membrane separation techniques. However, these methods have poor specificity, and the presence of large amounts of impurities can interfere with the analysis of GMP. More efficient and highly specific GMP purification methods need to be developed. In this review, we have highlighted and summarized the current research progress on the major biological features and purification methodologies associated with GMP, as well as providing an extensive overview of the recent developments in using charged UF membranes for GMP purification and the influential factors.

Short-term storability of volatile organic compounds in bag sampling systems under ambient conditions.

Although bag sampling is a common quantification tool for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it can serve as a major source of experimental bias, when storing even over a short duration (<24 h). To learn more about the reliability of the bag sampling method, the temporal stability of 27 VOCs (classified into five groups (i.e., aldehydes, nonpolar aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic carboxylic acids, phenol and methylphenols, and miscellaneous odorants) is assessed using poly-ester aluminum (PEA) bags at five intervals over a day (0.17, 1, 2, 6, and 24 h). In terms of reproducibility (e.g., relative standard error [RSEt, %]), nonpolar aromatic hydrocarbons (BTXS) exhibit the highest consistency (e.g., average RSE <1.55%). Considerable loss of VOCs is observed in the preparation of gaseous standards from a liquid phase standard when assessed by gas/liquid (G/L) ratio. Further, VOCs with lower molecular weights (e.g., propionaldehyde: 77%-94.4%) and branched molecular structures (e.g., isovaleraldehyde: 67.2%-78.9%) tend to have high G/L ratio (e.g., relative to valeraldehyde: 55.1%-66%). The overall relative recovery (RR; %) values of VOCs indicate an exponential decrease over 24 h. BTXS maintain fairly good RR values (above 94.3% at all intervals), possibly due to the nonpolar structure with uniform distribution of π electrons. In contrast, indole and skatole show the least preservation after 24 h (e.g., RR4 values of 10.9% and 24.6%, respectively) due to their highly reactive characteristics. The storability of VOCs appears to be affected by a number of variables (e.g., molecular weight, presence of ethyl branch, and time: e.g., R2 > 0.9). The results of this study offer valuable guidelines for the accurate quantification of VOC levels in air.

Low-temperature thermocatalytic removal of formaldehyde in air using copper manganite spinels.

The removal of formaldehyde (FA) is vital for indoor air quality management in light of its carcinogenic propensity and adverse environmental impact. A series of copper manganite spinel structures (e.g., CuMn2O4) are prepared using the sol-gel combustion method and treated with reduction or oxidation pretreatment at 300 °C condition. Accordingly, CuMn2O4-O ("O" suffix for oxidation pre-treatment in air) is identified as the best performer to achieve 100% conversion (XFA) of FA (50 ppm) at 90 °C; its performance, if assessed in terms of reaction kinetic rate (r) at XFA = 10%, is 5.02E-03 mmol g-1 h-1. The FA removal performance increases systematically with decreases in flow rate, FA concentration, and relative humidity (RH) or with increases in bed mass. The reaction pathways and intermediates of FA catalytic oxidation on CuMn2O4-A are studied with density functional theory simulations, temperature-programmed characterization experiments, and in-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. The synergistic combination of large quantities of adsorbed oxygen (OA) species and oxidized metal species (e.g., Cu2+) contribute to the enhanced catalytic performance of CuMn2O4-O to oxidize FA into CO2 with the reaction intermediates of H2CO2 (DOM), HCOO-, and CO. The present study is expected to provide valuable insights into the thermocatalytic oxidation of FA over spinel CuMn2O4 materials and their catalytic performances in relation to the key process variables.

Development of a FRET aptasensor based on MoS2-doped Zn-MOF as luminophore for selective detection of cadmium in aqueous solutions.

A robust "on-off" fluorescent aptasensor was developed using nanohybrids of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) quantum dot (QD)-doped zinc metal-organic frameworks (Zn-MOF) for selective and sensitive detection of cadmium ions (Cd2+) in water. This nanohybrid (MoS2@Zn-MOF), synthesized via "bottle around the ship" methodology, exhibited a high-intensity fluorescence emission centered at 430 nm (λEm) (blue) on excitation at 320 nm (λEx). Further, the conjugation of this fluorophore to phosphate-modified cadmium aptamer (Cd-2-2) was achieved through carbodiimide reaction. The hybridization of prepared sensing probe (MoS2@Zn-MOF/Cd-2-2 aptamer) was done with dabcyl-conjugated complementary DNA (cDNA), acting as energy donor-acceptor pair in the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system. This hybridization causes the fluorescence quenching of the nanohybrid. In the presence of Cd2+, the aptamer from the fabricated nano-biosensing probe binds to these ions, resulting in release of dabcyl-cDNA oligomer. This release of dabcyl-cDNA oligomer from the sensing probes restores the fluorescence of the nanohybrid. Under optimized conditions (sensing probe/dabcyl-cDNA ratio 1/7, pH 7.4, and temp 28 °C), the sensing probe showed a fast response time of 1 min. The fluorescence intensity of the nanohybrid can be utilized to determine the concentration of Cd2+. The proposed aptasensor achieved highly sensitive detection of Cd2+ with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.24 ppb over the range of 1 × 10-9 to 1 × 10-4 M along with minimal effects of interferences (e.g., Hg2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+) and good reproducibility. The designed aptasensor based on MoS2@Zn-MOF nanofluorophore offers a highly sensitive and selective approach for rapid screening of metal ions in aqueous environments.

Constructed wetlands for the removal of organic micropollutants from wastewater: Current status, progress, and challenges.

In this work, the practical utility of constructed wetlands (CWs) is described as a promising treatment option for micropollutants (MPs) in wastewater with the aid of their eco-friendly, low-energy, economically feasible, and ecologically sustainable nature. This paper offers a comprehensive review on CW technology with respect to the key strategies for MP removal such as phytoremediation, substrate adsorption, and microbial degradation. It explores the important factors controlling the performance of CWs (e.g., in terms of configurations, substrates, plant-microbe interactions, temperature, pH, oxygen levels, hydraulic loading rate, and retention time) along with the discussions on the pivotal role of microbial populations in CWs and plant-microbe cooperative remediation dynamics, particularly in relation to diverse organic MP patterns in CWs. As such, this review aims to provide valuable insights into the key strategies for optimizing MP treatment and for enhancing the efficacy of CW systems. In addition, the process-based models of constructed wetlands along with the numerical simulations based on the artificial neural network (ANN) method are also described in association with the data exploratory techniques. This work is thus expected to help open up new possibilities for the application of plant-microbe cooperative remediation approaches against diverse patterns of organic MPs present in CWs.

Clinical outcomes of colorectal neoplasm with positive resection margin after endoscopic submucosal dissection.

A positive resection margin after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is associated with an increased risk of recurrence. We aimed to identify the clinical significance of positive resection margins in colorectal neoplasms after ESD. We reviewed 632 patients who had en bloc colorectal ESD at two hospitals between 2015 and 2020. The recurrence rates and presence of residual tumor after surgery were evaluated. The rate of additional surgery after ESD and recurrence rate were significantly higher in patients with incomplete resection (n = 75) compared to patients with complete resection (n = 557). When focusing solely on non-invasive lesions, no significant differences in recurrence rates were observed between the groups with complete and incomplete resection (0.2% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.057). Among 84 patients with submucosal invasive carcinoma, 39 patients underwent additional surgery due to non-curative resection. Positive vertical margin and lymphovascular invasion were associated with residual tumor. Lymphovascular invasion was associated with lymph node metastasis. However, no residual tumor nor lymph node metastases were found in patients with only one unfavorable histological factor. In conclusion, a positive resection margin in non-invasive colorectal lesions, did not significantly impact the recurrence rate. Also, in T1 colorectal cancer with a positive vertical resection margin, salvage surgery can be considered in selected patients with additional risk factors.

Evaluation of Esthetic Results after Mass Removal with Elliptical Skin Excision Using Ultrasonography to Measure Skin Thickness.

Background: The growth of benign cutaneous masses causes the overlaying skin to expand and become thinner, especially at the central, most projected point. In this retrospective study, a surgical technique comprising an elliptical skin excision was employed to account for these skin changes. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 980 patients with benign masses. Preoperatively, all patients underwent ultrasonography to evaluate the mass depth and thickness of the attached skin, and mass excision was performed using the elliptical skin-excision method. The operative time was recorded, and complications and esthetic outcomes were assessed using the Cutometer® and the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) during 1- and 3-month follow-up visits. Results: The mean operative time (17.48 ± 3.46 min) was significantly shorter than that of conventional methods (p < 0.05). Cutometer parameters showed no significant differences from those of intact skin. The average mVSS scores were 5.21 ± 1.42 and 3.50 ± 1.79 at 1- and 3-month follow-ups, respectively. Conclusions: Mass excision with an elliptical skin attachment resulted in improved esthetic results and easy removal. The attached skin enabled convenient handling without damaging the capsule or other adjacent structures, leaving a thick dermis on both wound edges. Thus, this technique resulted in minimal scarring.

The effects of metal-oxide content in MnO2-activated carbon composites on reactive adsorption and catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde and toluene in air.

The deterioration in air quality caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has become an important environmental issue. Here, activated carbon (AC) composites with manganese oxide (MnO2: 1 % to 50 %) are synthesized as MAC for the removal of formaldehyde (FA) and toluene in air through a combination of reactive adsorption and catalytic oxidation (RACO) at room temperature (RT). The best-performing composite (MAC-20: 20 % of MnO2) exhibits a 10 % breakthrough volume (BTV10%) of FA and toluene at 41.2 and 377 L g-1, respectively while realizing complete oxidation of FA and toluene into carbon dioxide (CO2) at 100 °C and 275 °C, respectively. The reaction kinetic rates (r) for 10 % removal efficiency of FA and toluene (XFA or T) at RT are estimated as 9.82E-02 and 3.20E-02 mmol g-1 h-1, respectively. The high performance of MAC-20 can be attributed to its enriched adsorption capacity of oxygen vacancy (OV) and the presence of adsorbed oxygen (OA), as shown by an Mn3+/Mn4+ ratio of 0.729 and an OA/lattice­oxygen (OL) ratio of 1.50. The results of this study highlight the interactive roles of oxygen abundance and temperature in the generation of distinctive oxidation patterns for FA in reference to toluene. This study is expected to offer practical guidance for the implementation of RACO against diverse VOCs for efficient management of air quality.

The practical utility of ternary nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide-supported platinum catalysts for room-temperature oxidative removal of formaldehyde from the air.

Formaldehyde (FA), a carcinogenic oxygenated volatile organic compound, is present ubiquitously in indoor air. As such, it is generally regarded as a critical target for air quality management. The oxidative removal of FA under dark and room-temperature (RT) conditions is of practical significance. A series of ternary nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide-supported platinum catalysts (Pt/NiCoMnO4) have been synthesized for FA oxidative removal at RT in the dark. Their RT conversion values for 50 ppm FA (XFA) at 5,964 h-1 gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) decrease in the following order: 1 wt% Pt/NiCoMnO4 (100 %) > 0.5 wt% Pt/NiCoMnO4 (25 %) > 0.05 wt% Pt/NiCoMnO4 (14 %) > NiCoMnO4 (6 %). The catalytic performance of 1 wt% Pt/NiCoMnO4 has been examined further under the control of various process variables (e.g., catalyst mass, flow rate, relative humidity, FA concentration, time on stream, and molecular oxygen content). The catalytic oxidation of FA at low temperatures (e.g., RT and 60 °C) is accounted for by Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism (single-site competitive-adsorption), while Mars van Krevelen kinetics is prevalent at higher temperatures. In situ diffuse-reflectance infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy reveals that FA oxidation proceeds through a series of reaction intermediates such as DOM, HCOO-, and CO32-. Based on the density functional theory simulations, the unique electronic structures of the nearest surface atoms (platinum and nickel) are suggested to be responsible for the superior catalytic activity of Pt/NiCoMnO4.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue sampling induced pancreatic duct leak resolved by the placement of a pancreatic stent: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal leaks complicated by endoscopic ultrasonography-guided tissue sampling (EUS-TS) can manifest as acute pancreatitis. CASE SUMMARY: A 63-year-old man presented with persistent abdominal pain and weight loss. Diagnosis: Laboratory findings revealed elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (5920 U/mL) and carcinoembryonic antigen (23.7 ng/mL) levels. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pancreas revealed an approximately 3 cm ill-defined space-occupying lesion in the inferior aspect of the head, with severe encasement of the superior mesenteric artery. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was confirmed after pathological examination of specimens obtained by EUS-TS using the fanning method. Interventions and outcomes: The following day, the patient experienced severe abdominal pain with high amylase (265 U/L) and lipase (1173 U/L) levels. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed edematous wall thickening of the second portion of the duodenum with adjacent fluid collections and a suspicious leak from either the distal common bile duct or the main pancreatic duct in the head. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed dye leakage in the head of the main pancreatic duct. Therefore, a 5F 7 cm linear plastic stent was deployed into the pancreatic duct to divert the pancreatic juice. The patient's abdominal pain improved immediately after pancreatic stent insertion, and amylase and lipase levels normalized within a week. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was then initiated. CONCLUSION: Using the fanning method in EUS-TS can inadvertently cause damage to the pancreatic duct and may lead to clinically significant pancreatitis. Placing a pancreatic stent may immediately resolve acute pancreatitis and shorten the waiting time for curative therapy. When using the fanning method during EUS-TS, ductal structures should be excluded to prevent pancreatic ductal leakage.