Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Cancer: Evaluation and Analysis of Surgical Efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Evidence is limited for the treatment of pancreatic cancer among minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy. METHODS: This retrospective analysis evaluated patients who underwent robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) or laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) from April 2016 to April 2023. Their baseline and perioperative data, including operative time, R0 resection rates, and severe complications rates, were analyzed, and the follow-up data, such as disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), were collected. RESULTS: A total of 253 cases of LPD and RPD were performed, and 101 cases with pancreatic cancer were included, of which 54 were LPD and 47 were RPD. The conversion rate (4.3% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.001) and blood loss (400 vs. 575 mL, p < 0.05) were lower in the RPD group. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of operative time, vessel resection rates, and TNM-stage diagnosis; however, R0 resection rates (80.9% vs. 70.4%) and lymph node harvest (24.2 vs. 21.9) had a higher tendency in the RPD group, and postoperative length of stay was shorter in the RPD cohort (11 vs. 13 days). Moreover, improved 1- to 3-years DFS (75.7%, 61.7%, and 36.0% vs. 59.0%, 35.6%, and 21.9%) and OS (94.7%, 84.7%, and 50.8% vs. 84.1%, 63.6%, and 45.5%) was found in the RPD group in comparison with the LPD group. CONCLUSIONS: RPD had advantages in surgical safety and oncological outcomes compared with LPD, but was similar to the latter in perioperative outcomes. Long-term outcomes require further study.

The Effect of Rifapentine and Rifampicin on Serum Voriconazole Levels Persist for 5 Days and 7 Days or More After Discontinuation in Tuberculosis Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis.

Purpose: Voriconazole, a first-line therapeutic agent for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, is metabolized by the cytochrome 450 enzymes, specifically CYP2C19 and CYP3A4. Rifampicin and rifapentine act as inducers of the cytochrome P450 enzyme. The current study explored the potential drug interactions arising from the co-administration of voriconazole with either rifampicin or rifapentine, as well as the duration of this effect on serum voriconazole levels after discontinuation of rifampicin or rifapentine. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in tuberculosis patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. These patients underwent a combination therapy involving voriconazole and rifampicin or rifapentine, or they were treated with voriconazole after discontinuation of rifampicin or rifapentine. The serum concentrations of voriconazole at steady-state were monitored. Data on demographic characteristics and the serum voriconazole levels were used for statistical analyses. Results: A total of 124 serum voriconazole concentrations from 109 patients were included in the study. The average serum concentration of voriconazole fell below the effective therapeutic range in patients treated with both voriconazole and rifampicin or rifapentine. Notably the co-administration of rifapentine led to a substantial (>70%) decrease in serum voriconazole levels in two patients. Moreover, this interfering effect persisted for at least 7 days following rifampicin discontinuation, while it endured for 5 days or more after discontinuation of rifapentine. Conclusion: Concomitant use of voriconazole and rifampicin or rifapentine should be avoided, and it is not recommended to initiate voriconazole therapy within 5 or 7 days after discontinuation of rifapentine or rifampicin. Therapeutic drug monitoring not only provides a basis for the adjustment of clinical dose, but also serves as a valuable tool for identifying drug interactions.

Efficacy of Whole-Brain Radiotherapy Plus Simultaneous Integrated Boost (SIB-WBRT) for Lung Cancer Brain Metastases.

Objective: To investigate the outcomes of SIB-WBRT in patients with brain metastases and analyze the impact of some factors on prognosis. Materials and Methods: This single-arm retrospective study analyzed patients with brain metastases who were treated with SIB-WBRT at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 2015 to December 2021. The primary endpoint was intracranial progression free survival (iPFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), intracranial new foci, and tumor control. The Kaplan-Meier method was then used to depict and estimate iPFS, OS, intracranial neoplasia, and tumor control. Finally, the Cox model was used to analyze the association between some relevant factors and outcomes. Results: A total of 107 patients were included and the median iPFS in these patients treated with SIB-WBRT was 13.4 (95% CI: 4.2-22.6) months, with 68.0% (95% CI: 57.4%-78.6%) and 50.8% (95% CI: 38.3%-63.3%) iPFS at 6- and 12-months. The median local control was 37.6 (95% CI: 28.3-46.8) months, with local control rates of 84.3% (95% CI: 80.6%-88.0%) and 73.3% (95% CI: 68.2%-78.4%) at 6- and 12-months. The median time to appearance of new intracranial foci was 17.4 (95% CI: 14.1-20.8) months, and the 6- and 12-month control rates were 74.5% (95% CI: 64.5%-84.5%) and 61.5% (95% CI: 49.0%-74.0%). The number of brain metastases in patients before treatment was significantly associated with iPFS (HR=0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.973, P=0.043). Conclusions: The iPFS, local control, and intracranial new foci of patients with brain metastases after treatment with SIB-WBRT were acceptable. In addition, the number of brain metastases in patients before treatment may be associated with iPFS.

Adeno-associated-virus-mediated delivery of CRISPR-CasRx induces efficient RNA knockdown in the mouse testis.

Rationale: In male mammals, many developmental-stage-specific RNA transcripts (both coding and noncoding) are preferentially or exclusively expressed in the testis, where they play important roles in spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, a reliable platform for efficiently depleting various types of RNA transcripts to study their biological functions during spermatogenesis in vivo has not been developed. Methods: We used an adeno-associated virus serotype nine (AAV9)-mediated CRISPR-CasRx system to knock down the expression of exogenous and endogenous RNA transcripts in the testis. Virus particles were injected into the seminiferous tubules via the efferent duct. Using an autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), we optimized the AAV9 transduction efficiency in germ cells in vivo. Results: AAV9-mediated delivery of CRISPR-CasRx effectively and specifically induces RNA transcripts (both coding and noncoding) knockdown in the testis in vivo. In addition, we showed that the co-microinjection of AAV9 and 3-MA into the seminiferous tubules enabled long-term transgene expression in the testis. Finally, we found that a promoter of Sycp1 gene induced CRISPR-CasRx-mediated RNA transcript knockdown in a germ-cell-type-specific manner. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the efficacy and versatility of the AAV9-mediated CRISPR-CasRx system as a flexible knockdown platform for studying gene function during spermatogenesis in vivo. This approach may advance the development of RNA-targeting therapies for conditions affecting reproductive health.

Leptin-mediated suppression of lipoprotein lipase cleavage enhances lipid uptake and facilitates lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is the primary mode of metastasis in gastric cancer (GC). However, the precise mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. Tumor cells necessitate lipid metabolic reprogramming to facilitate metastasis, yet the role of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), a pivotal enzyme involved in exogenous lipid uptake, remains uncertain in tumor metastasis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of lipid metabolic reprogramming during LNM of GC as well as the role of LPL in this process. METHODS: Intracellular lipid levels were quantified using oil red O staining, BODIPY 493/503 staining, and flow cytometry. Lipidomics analysis was employed to identify alterations in intracellular lipid composition following LPL knockdown. Protein expression levels were assessed through immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The mouse popliteal LNM model was utilized to investigate differences in LNM. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were employed to examine protein associations. In vitro phosphorylation assays and Phos-tag sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis assays were conducted to detect angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) phosphorylation. RESULTS: We identified that an elevated intracellular lipid level represents a crucial characteristic of node-positive (N+) GC and further demonstrated that a high-fat diet can expedite LNM. LPL was found to be significantly overexpressed in N+ GC tissues and shown to facilitate LNM by mediating dietary lipid uptake within GC cells. Leptin, an obesity-related hormone, intercepted the effect exerted by ANGPTL4/Furin on LPL cleavage. Circulating leptin binding to the leptin receptor could induce the activation of inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (IRE1) kinase, leading to the phosphorylation of ANGPTL4 at the serine 30 residue and subsequently reducing its binding affinity with LPL. Moreover, our research revealed that LPL disrupted lipid homeostasis by elevating intracellular levels of arachidonic acid, which then triggered the cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) pathway, thereby promoting tumor lymphangiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Leptin-induced phosphorylation of ANGPTL4 facilitates LPL-mediated lipid uptake and consequently stimulates the production of PGE2, ultimately facilitating LNM in GC.

BCI Improves Alcohol-Induced Cognitive and Emotional Impairments by Restoring pERK-BDNF.

Binge drinking causes a range of problems especially damage to the nervous system, and the specific neural mechanism of brain loss and behavioral abnormalities caused by which is still unclear. Extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) maintain neuronal survival, growth, and regulation of synaptic plasticity by phosphorylating specific transcription factors to regulate expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Dual-specific phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) and DUSP6 dephosphorylate tyrosine and serine/threonine residues in ERK1/2 to inactivate them. To investigate the molecular mechanism by which alcohol affects memory and emotion, a chronic intermittent alcohol exposure (CIAE) model was established. The results demonstrated that mice in the CIAE group developed short-term recognition memory impairment and anxiety-like behavior; meanwhile, the expression of DUSP1 and DUSP66 in the mPFC was increased, while the levels of p-ERK and BDNF were decreased. Micro-injection of DUSP1/6 inhibitor BCI into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) restored the dendritic morphology by reversing the activity of ERK-BDNF and ultimately improved cognitive and emotional impairment caused by CIAE. These findings indicate that CIAE inhibits ERK-BDNF by increasing DUSP1/6 in the mPFC that may be associated with cognitive and emotional deficits. Consequently, DUSP1 and DUSP6 appear to be potential targets for the treatment of alcoholic brain disorders.

A bibliometric analysis of interstitial cells of Cajal research.

Objective: The significance of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the gastrointestinal tract has garnered increasing attention. In recent years, approximately 80 articles on ICC have been published annually in various journals. However, no bibliometric study has specifically focused on the literature related to ICC. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of ICC to reveal dynamic scientific developments, assisting researchers in exploring hotspots and emerging trends while gaining a global perspective. Methods: We conducted a literature search in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2023, to identify relevant literature on ICC. We employed bibliometric software, namely VOSviewer and CiteSpace, to analyze various aspects including annual publication output, collaborations, research hotspots, current status, and development trends in this domain. Results: A total of 891 English papers were published in 359 journals by 928 institutions from 57 countries/regions. According to the keyword analysis of the literature, researchers mainly focused on "c-Kit," "expression," "smooth muscle," and "nitric oxide" related to ICC over the past 11 years. However, with "SIP syncytium," "ANO1," "enteric neurons," "gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)," and "functional dyspepsia (FD)," there has been a growing interest in the relationship between ANO1, SIP syncytium, and ICC, as well as the role of ICC in the treatment of GIST and FD. Conclusion: Bibliometric analysis has revealed the current status of ICC research. The association between ANO1, SIP syncytium, enteric neurons and ICC, as well as the role of ICC in the treatment of GIST versus FD has become the focus of current research. However, further research and collaboration on a global scale are still needed. Our analysis is particularly valuable to researchers in gastroenterology, oncology, and cell biology, providing insights that can guide future research directions.

Synthesis and anti-proliferative effect of novel 4-Aryl-1, 3-Thiazole-TPP conjugates via mitochondrial uncoupling process.

With the advent of mitochondrial targeting moiety such as triphenlyphosphonium cation (TPP+), targeting mitochondria in cancer cells has become a promising strategy for combating tumors. Herein, a series of novel 4-aryl-1,3-thiazole derivatives linked to TPP+ moiety were designed and synthesized. The cytotoxicity against a panel of four cancer cell lines was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Most of these compounds exhibited moderate to good inhibitory activity over HeLa, PC-3 and HCT-15 cells while MCF-7 cells were less sensitive to most compounds. Among them, compound 12a exhibited a significant anti-proliferative activity against HeLa cells, and prompted for further investigation. Specifically, 12a decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and enhanced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The flow cytometry analysis revealed that compound 12a could induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in HeLa cells. In addition, mitochondrial bioenergetics assay revealed that 12a displayed mild mitochondrial uncoupling effect. Taken together, these findings suggest the therapeutic potential of compound 12a as an antitumor agent targeting mitochondria.

Polymorphism rs2327430 in TCF21 predicts the risk and prognosis of gastric cancer by affecting the binding between TFAP2A and TCF21.

BACKGROUND: Single nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs) have been published to be correlated with multiple diseases. Transcription Factor 21 (TCF21) is a critical transcription factor involved in various types of cancers. However, the association of TCF21 genetic polymorphisms with gastric cancer (GC) susceptibility and prognosis remains unclear. METHODS: A case-control study comprising 890 patients diagnosed with GC and an equal number of cancer-free controls was conducted. After rigorous statistical analysis, molecular experiments were carried out to elucidate the functional significance of the SNPs in the context of GC. RESULTS: TCF21 rs2327430 (OR = 0.78, P = 0.026) provides protection against GC, while rs4896011 (OR = 1.39, P = 0.005) exhibit significant associations with GC risk. Furthermore, patients with the (TC + CC) genotype of rs2327430 demonstrate a relatively favorable prognosis (OR = 0.47, P = 0.012). Mechanistically, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase reporter assay revealed that the C allele of rs2327430 disrupts the binding of Transcription Factor AP-2 Alpha (TFAP2A) to the promoter region of TCF21, resulting in increased expression of TCF21 and inhibition of malignant behaviors in GC cells. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the significant role of TCF21 SNPs in both the risk and prognosis of GC and provide valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms. Specifically, the disruptive effect of rs2327430 on TCF21 expression and its ability to modulate malignant cell behaviors suggest that rs2327430 may serve as a potential predictive marker for GC risk and prognosis.

Exploring Causal Relationships between Circulating Inflammatory Proteins and Thromboangiitis Obliterans: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

BACKGROUND: Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is a vascular condition characterized by poor prognosis and an unclear etiology. This study employs Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal impact of circulating inflammatory proteins on TAO. METHODS: In this MR analysis, summary statistics from a genome-wide association study meta-analysis of 91 inflammation-related proteins were integrated with independently sourced TAO data from the FinnGen consortium's R10 release. Methods such as inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger regression, weighted median approaches, MR-PRESSO, and multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis were utilized. RESULTS: The analysis indicated an association between higher levels of C-C motif chemokine 4 and a reduced risk of TAO, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.44 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29-0.67; p = 1.4 × 10-4; adjusted p = 0.013). Similarly, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor exhibited a suggestively protective effect against TAO (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22-0.81; p = 0.010; adjusted p = 0.218). Conversely, higher levels of C-C motif chemokine 23 were suggestively linked to an increased risk of TAO (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.21-2.93; p = 0.005; adjusted p = 0.218). The sensitivity analysis and MVMR revealed no evidence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy. CONCLUSION: This study identifies C-C motif chemokine 4 and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor as potential protective biomarkers for TAO, whereas C-C motif chemokine 23 emerges as a suggestive risk marker. These findings elucidate potential causal relationships and highlight the significance of these proteins in the pathogenesis and prospective therapeutic strategies for TAO.

Dietary vitamin A modifies the gut microbiota and intestinal tissue transcriptome, impacting intestinal permeability and the release of inflammatory factors, thereby influencing Aß pathology.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder with no effective interventions for curing or modifying its progression. However, emerging research suggests that vitamin A in the diet may play a role in both the prevention and treatment of AD, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the dietary vitamin A modifies the gut microbiota and intestinal tissue transcriptome, impacting intestinal permeability and the release of inflammatory factors, thereby influencing Aß pathology shedding light on its potential as a dietary intervention for AD prevention and treatment. Methods: The APP/PS1-AD mouse model was employed and divided into three dietary groups: vitamin A-deficient (VAD), normal vitamin A (VAN), and vitamin A-supplemented (VAS) for a 12-week study. Neurobehavioral functions were assessed using the Morris Water Maze Test (MWM). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify levels of Diamine Oxidase (DAO), D-lactate, IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-a cytokines. Serum vitamin A levels were analyzed via LC-MS/MS analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis and morphometry were performed to evaluate the deposition of Aß in brain tissue. The gut microbiota of APP/PS1 mice was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis was conducted on intestinal tissue from APP/PS1 mice. Results: No significant changes in food intake and body weight were observed among the groups. However, the VAD and VAS groups showed reduced food intake compared to the VAN group at various time points. In terms of cognitive function, the VAN group performed better in the Morris Water Maze Test, indicating superior learning and memory abilities. The VAD and VAS groups exhibited impaired performance, with the VAS group performing relatively better than the VAD group. Serum vitamin A concentrations differed significantly among the groups, with the VAS group having the highest concentration. Aß levels were significantly higher in the VAD group compared to both the VAN and VAS groups. Microbial analysis revealed that the VAS and VAN groups had higher microbial diversity than the VAD group, with specific taxa characterizing each group. The VAN group was characterized by taxa such as Actinohacteriota and Desulfovibrionaceae, while the VAD group was characterized by Parabacteroides and Tannerellaceae. The VAS group showed similarities with both VAN and VAD groups, with taxa like Desulfobacterota and Desulfovibrionaceae being present. The VAD vs. VAS, VAD vs. VAN, and VAS vs. VAN comparisons identified 571, 313, and 243 differentially expressed genes, respectively, which associated with cellular and metabolic processes, and pathway analysis revealed enrichment in pathways related to chemical carcinogenesis, drug metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and immune-related processes. The VAD group exhibited higher levels of D-lactate, diamine oxidase, and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1ß, IL-6) compared to the VAN and VAS groups. Conclusion: Dietary vitamin A supplementation modulates the gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, inflammatory factors, and Aß protein formation, offering insights into the pathogenesis of AD and potential therapeutic avenues for further exploration. This research highlights the intricate interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and neurodegenerative processes, emphasizing the importance of dietary interventions in managing AD-related pathologies.

FBXO43 promotes cell cycle progression in cancer cells through stabilizing SKP2.

FBXO43 is a member of the FBXO subfamily of F-box proteins, known to be a regulatory hub during meiosis. A body of data showed that FBXO43 is overexpressed in a number of human cancers. However, whether and how FBXO43 affects cell cycle progression and growth of cancer cells remain elusive. In this study, we provide first piece of evidence, showing a pivotal role of FBXO43 in cell cycle progression and growth of cancer cells. Specifically, FBXO43 acts as a positive cell cycle regulator with an oncogenic activity in variety types of human cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and sarcoma. Mechanistically, FBXO43 interacts with phosphorylated SKP2 induced by AKT1, leading to reduced SKP2 auto-ubiquitylation and subsequent proteasome degradation. Taken together, our study demonstrates that FBXO43 promotes cell cycle progression by stabilizing SKP2, and FBXO43 could serve as a potential anti-cancer target.

DDX20 is required for cell-cycle reentry of prospermatogonia and establishment of spermatogonial stem cell pool during testicular development in mice.

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), as key regulators of mRNA fate, are abundantly expressed in the testis. However, RBPs associated with human male infertility remain largely unknown. Through bioinformatic analyses, we identified 62 such RBPs, including an evolutionarily conserved RBP, DEAD-box helicase 20 (DDX20). Male germ-cell-specific inactivation of Ddx20 at E15.5 caused T1-propsermatogonia (T1-ProSG) to fail to reenter cell cycle during the first week of testicular development in mice. Consequently, neither the foundational spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) pool nor progenitor spermatogonia were ever formed in the knockout testes. Mechanistically, DDX20 functions to control the translation of its target mRNAs, many of which encode cell-cycle-related regulators, by interacting with key components of the translational machinery in prospermatogonia. Our data demonstrate a previously unreported function of DDX20 as a translational regulator of critical cell-cycle-related genes, which is essential for cell-cycle reentry of T1-ProSG and formation of the SSC pool.

Analysis of risk factors for lateral lymph node metastasis in T1 stage papillary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: The occurrence of cervical lymph node metastasis in T1 stage papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is frequently observed. Notably, lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) emerges as a critical risk factor adversely affecting prognostic outcomes in PTC. The primary aim of this investigation was to delineate the risk factors associated with LLNM in the initial stages of PTC. Methods: This retrospective analysis encompassed 3,332 patients diagnosed with T1 stage PTC without evident LLNM at the time of diagnosis. These individuals underwent primary surgical intervention at West China Hospital, Sichuan University between June 2017 and February 2023. The cohort was divided into two groups: patients manifesting LLNM and those without metastasis at the time of surgery. Additionally, T1 stage PTC patients were subdivided into T1a and T1b categories. Factors influencing LLNM were scrutinized through both univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The incidence of LLNM was observed in 6.2% of the cohort (206 out of 3,332 patients). Univariate analysis revealed significant correlations between LLNM and male gender (P<0.001), tumor localization in the upper lobe (P<0.001), maximal volume of the primary tumor (P<0.001), largest tumor diameter (P<0.001), multifocality (P<0.001), and bilaterality (P<0.001), with the exception of age (P=0.788) and duration of active surveillance (AS) (P=0.978). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified male gender (P<0.001), upper lobe tumor location (P<0.001), maximal primary tumor volume (P<0.001), and multifocality (P<0.001) as independent predictors of LLNM. However, age categories (≤55, >55 years), maximum tumor diameter, bilaterality, and surveillance duration did not exhibit a significant impact. Comparative analyses between T1a and T1b subgroups showed congruent univariate results but revealed differences in multivariate outcomes. In the T1a subgroup, gender, tumor location, and multifocality (all P<0.05) were associated with elevated LLNM risk. Conversely, in the T1b subgroup, tumor location, dimensions, and multifocality (all P<0.05) were significant predictors of LLNM risk, whereas gender (P=0.097) exerted a marginal influence. Conclusions: The investigation highlights several key risk factors for LLNM in T1 stage PTC patients, including gender, upper lobe tumor location, larger tumor size, and multifocality. Conversely, prolonged AS and younger age did not significantly elevate LLNM risk, suggesting the viability of AS as a strategic option in selected cases.

3D Printed Room Temperature Phosphorescence Materials Enabled by Edible Natural Konjac Glucomannan.

Shaping room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials into 3D bodies is important for stereoscopic optoelectronic displays but remains challenging due to their poor processability and mechanical properties. Here, konjac glucomannan (KGM) is employed to anchor arylboronic acids with various π conjugations via a facile B─O covalent reaction to afford printable inks, using which full-color high-fidelity 3D RTP objects with high mechanical strength can be obtained via direct ink writing-based 3D printing and freeze-drying. The doubly rigid structure supplied by the synergy of hydrogen bonding and B─O covalent bonding can protect the triplet excitons; thus, the prepared 3D RTP object shows a striking lifetime of 2.14 s. The printed counterparts are successfully used for 3D anti-counterfeiting and can be recycled and reprinted nondestructively by dissolving in water. This success expands the scope of printable 3D luminescent materials, providing an eco-friendly platform for the additive manufacturing of sophisticated 3D RTP architectures.

The Flame Retardant and Mechanical Properties of the Epoxy Modified by an Efficient DOPO-Based Flame Retardant.

Currently, the mechanical performance reduction caused by excessive phosphorus content in the halogen-free flame-retardant EP has been an obstacle to its extensive application. This study presents the effective synthesis of a novel flame-retardant BDD with great efficiency, achieving an optimum phosphorus level of merely 0.25 wt %. The structure of BDD was verified by FTIR, 1H NMR, 31P NMR and XPS spectra. To investigate the flame-retardant properties of BDD, several EPs with various phosphorus levels were synthesized. The addition of phosphorus to the EP significantly increases its LOI value from 25.8% to 33.4% at a phosphorus level of 0.25 wt%. Additionally, the resin achieves a V-0 grade in the UL 94 test. The P-HRR and THR of the modified resin measured by the cone calorimeter are also significantly reduced. At the same time, the addition of a modest quantity of BDD has a minimal impact on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin. This study shows that the removal of hydroxyl groups significantly enhances the fire resistance of phosphate-based flame retardants, thereby providing a novel approach to synthesizing efficient flame retardants.

Endovascular recanalization for pediatric hypertension secondary to total renal artery occlusion.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) for pediatric renovascular hypertension (RVH) secondary to total renal artery occlusion (RAO). METHODS: From 2011 to 2021, 13 pediatric patients with RVH confirmed with 14 occluded renal artery lesions were reviewed. The mean age was11.2 years (range 4 to 16). Nine lesions involved main artery occlusion, while five lesions featured branch occlusion. Blood Pressure Ratio (BPR) was defined as the ratio of the actual BP value to the 95th percentile value adjusted for age, gender, and height. RESULTS: PTRA was performed on nine patients (9/13, 69%). Technical success was achieved in five patients (5/9, 56%), with stent placement in two children (2/9, 22%). During the 12-month follow-up, restenosis was identified in two stent-receiving patients at the 12-month follow-up visit (2/9, 22%). Mean systolic BPR decreased from 1.20 ± 0.07 to 0.96 ± 0.06 (p = 0.003), mean diastolic BPR decreased from 1.19 ± 0.07 to 0.95±0.08 (p = 0.005) and the number of required medications decreased from 3.8 ± 0.8 to 2.4 ± 0.9 (p = 0.052) following PTRA. Subsequent to PTRA, the mean GFR of the occluded kidney improved from 19.5 ± 12.3 mL/ min to 36.3 ± 10.8 mL/ min (p = 0.007) and the mean longitudinal dimension of the affected kidneys significantly increased from 8.2 ± 1.5 cm to 9.2 ± 1.7 cm (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment is feasible for pediatric RAO, results in acceptable BP control and preserves renal function.

Core network traffic prediction based on vertical federated learning and split learning.

Wireless traffic prediction is vital for intelligent cellular network operations, such as load-aware resource management and predictive control. Traditional centralized training addresses this but poses issues like excessive data transmission, disregarding delays, and user privacy. Traditional federated learning methods can meet the requirement of jointly training models while protecting the privacy of all parties' data. However, challenges arise when the local data features among participating parties exhibit inconsistency, making the training process difficult to sustain. Our study introduces an innovative framework for wireless traffic prediction based on split learning (SL) and vertical federated learning. Multiple edge clients collaboratively train high-quality prediction models by utilizing diverse traffic data while maintaining the confidentiality of raw data locally. Each participant individually trains dimension-specific prediction models with their respective data, and the outcomes are aggregated through collaboration. A partially global model is formed and shared among clients to address statistical heterogeneity in distributed machine learning. Extensive experiments on real-world datasets demonstrate our method's superiority over current approaches, showcasing its potential for network traffic prediction and accurate forecasting.

The development of a novel bio-based corrosion inhibitor: using biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) as a starting material.

An environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor was prepared from the bio-based platform 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. This corrosion inhibitor was confirmed to be an efficient mixed-type corrosion inhibitor through a weight loss experiment and electrochemical experiment. Both thermodynamic and kinetic parameters were calculated and discussed, indicating that the adsorption of this bio-based inhibitor on a steel surface is a chemisorption process. Moreover, quantum chemical calculations were performed and further confirmed the formation of an effective productive film of this bio-based inhibitor on the metal surface. It is worth noting that the synthesis route of this bio-based corrosion inhibitor is green and environmentally friendly, and does not involve toxic chemical reagents.

The impact of age and number of mutations on the size of clonal hematopoiesis.

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) represents the clonal expansion of hematopoietic stem cells and their progeny driven by somatic mutations. Accurate risk assessment of CH is critical for disease prevention and clinical decision-making. The size of CH has been showed to associate with higher disease risk, yet, factors influencing the size of CH are unknown. In addition, the characteristics of CH in long-lived individuals are not well documented. Here, we report an in-depth analysis of CH in longevous (≥90 y old) and common (60~89 y old) elderly groups. Utilizing targeted deep sequencing, we found that the development of CH is closely related to age and the expression of aging biomarkers. The longevous elderly group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of CH and significantly higher frequency of TET2 and ASXL1 mutations, suggesting that certain CH could be beneficial to prolong life. Intriguingly, the size of CH neither correlates significantly to age, in the range of 60 to 110 y old, nor to the expression of aging biomarkers. Instead, we identified a strong correlation between large CH size and the number of mutations per individual. These findings provide a risk assessment biomarker for CH and also suggest that the evolution of the CH is influenced by factor(s) in addition to age.