Global, regional, and national burden and trends analysis of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer from 1990 to 2019 and predictions to 2030: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Objectives: Our aim was to explore the disease burden caused by gallbladder and biliary tract cancer globally, regionally, and nationally, by age and sex. Methods: The absolute number of cases and age-standardized rates (ASR) of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to gallbladder and biliary tract cancer were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019. We estimated the trends in disease burden by calculating the percentage change in the absolute number of cases and the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in ASR, by social development index (SDI), region, nation, sex, and age. Results: From 1990 to 2019, the number of incident cases, prevalent cases, deaths, and DALYs worldwide significantly increased by 1.85-fold, 1.92-fold, 1.82-fold, and 1.68-fold, respectively. However, the age-standardized rates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs tend to decrease globally over time. Nevertheless, heterogeneous disease burden patterns exist between geographic regions due to different geographical risk factors, distinct epidemiologically predominant gallbladder and biliary tract cancer subtypes, and potential genetic predispositions or ethnicity. Additionally, socioeconomic status mediates the regional variation in disease burden, with increasing SDI or HDI scores associated with downward trends in the age-standardized rates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs. Older individuals and females are at higher risk of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer, but the increasing burden of early-onset gallbladder and biliary tract cancer is a cause for concern, especially for those living in lower SDI areas and males. High BMI is the primary risk factors underlying gallbladder and biliary tract cancer, accounted for 15.2% of deaths and 15.7% DALYs globally in 2019. Conclusion: Our study comprehensively elucidated the distribution and dynamic trends of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer burden over the past three decades, from multiple dimensions. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle as a population-level cancer prevention strategy and tailoring cancer control actions based on localized risk factors and the epidemic profiles of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer by anatomical subtype.

Low-dose CT fluoroscopy-guided interventional minimally invasive robot.

Background: This study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and accuracy of a low-dose CT fluoroscopy-guided remote-controlled robotic real-time puncture procedure. Methods: The study involved two control groups with Taguchi method: Group A, which underwent low-dose traditional CT-guided manual puncture (blank control), and Group B, which underwent conditional control puncture. Additionally, an experimental group, Group C, underwent CT fluoroscopy-guided remote-controlled robotic real-time puncture. In a phantom experiment, various simulated targets were punctured, while in an animal experiment, attempts were made to puncture targets in different organs of four pigs. The number of needle adjustments, puncture time, total puncture operation time, and radiation dose were analyzed to evaluate the robot system. Results: Successful punctures were achieved for each target, and no complications were observed. Dates were calculated for all parameters using Taguchi method. Conclusion: The low-dose CT fluoroscopy-guided puncture robot system is a safe, feasible, and equally accurate alternative to traditional manual puncture procedures.

Syringic Acid Attenuates the IL-1ß-Induced Akt Pathway in Chondrocyte ATDC5 Cells.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic progressive joint ailment that is largely predominant worldwide. However, it typically gets worse over time, occurs more frequently, and becomes more crippling. OBJECTIVES: Syringic acid (SA) is a well-known phenolic compound reported to suppress inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis of various cancer cells. Since the role of SA in OA remains unknown, there is a need to hypothesize the anti-inflammatory activities of SA on IL- 1ß-induced ATDC5 chondrocyte­like cells and to elucidate its protective action against OA. METHODS: The cytotoxicity, inflammatory mediators, mRNA expression of MMPs, ADAMTS, COX-2, and Akt/NF-κB protein expression of SA activity on ATDC5 cells were examined through CCK-8 assay, ELISA, RT-qPCR, and western blot. It was found that SA (10, 20, and 30 µM) did not show any inhibitory effects on the viability of the ATDC5 cells in a concentrationdependent manner. RESULTS: SA markedly reduced the inflammatory mediators, cytokines, PGE2, MMPs, COX-2, and ADAMTS in a concentration-dependent manner. Likewise, SA expressively attenuated IL- 1ß-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and NF-κB activation as well as IL-1ß- induced ATDC5 chondrocytes. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that SA is a novel candidate applicable for the treatment of OA.

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(butylene glycol adipate-co-terephthalate/diphenylsilanediol adipate-co-terephthalate) Copolyester.

The copolyester poly(butylene glycol adipate-co-terephthalate/diphenylsilanediol adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBDAT) was synthesized by the melt polycondensation method using terephthalic acid, adipic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and diphenylsilylene glycol as the raw materials. The molecular chain structure, thermal properties, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and degradation behaviors of the copolyesters were investigated. The results showed that the prepared PBDAT copolyesters exhibited good thermal stability and mechanical properties. With the increase in diphenylsilanediol (DPSD) content, the thermal stability of PBDAT and the melting temperature both increased. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of PBDAT also exhibited an increasing tend. When the DPSD content was 12.5% (PBDAT-12.5), the tensile strength, the elastic modulus, and elongation at break were 30.56 MPa, 238 MPa, and 219%, respectively. With the increase in diphenylsilanediol content, the hydrophilicity of PBDAT decreased, but PBDAT still shows good degradability and the thermal degradation T5% temperature was 355 °C. The thermal degradation of PBDAT was also improved.

Efficient Tin-Lead Perovskite Solar Cells with a Ultrawide Usage Windows of Precursor Solution Opened by SnF2.

High quality tin-lead perovskite solar cells (Sn─Pb PSCs) can be fabricated via simple solution processing methods. However, the instability of precursor solutions and their narrow usage windows still pose challenges in manufacturing efficient and reproducible Sn─Pb PSCs, hindering the commercialization of PSCs. Fluorine tin (SnF2 ) is widely used as an antioxidant to improve the crystallinity of perovskite. In this study, another role of SnF2 as a stabilizer is found to restrain the deprotonation of methylammonium iodide (MAI) in the precursor solution, which improves their stability and expands their usage windows. Due to the inhibition of SnF2 on oxidation and deprotonation, stable large-sized colloidal clusters form gradually in perovskite precursor solution during aging, leading to uniform nucleation/crystallization during film growth, significantly reducing the roughness and defect density in the films. Because of the competitive deprotonation and oxidation process of Sn2+ , the benefit of larger cluster maximizes after about ten days storage of precursor solution. The champion efficiency of Sn─Pb PSCs prepared with 10 days aged precursor solution is 22.00%. High performance of devices fabricated with precursor solution stored for even ≈40 days discloses the wide usage windows of precursor solution with SnF2 additive.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a sunscreen containing ultra-long UVA1 and other UVR broad-spectrum filters on skin barrier protection and melanin content reduction in Chinese adults: A single-center study.

Background and Aims: The protection for ultra-long UVA1 is lacked in the market, posing potential damage from ultra-long UVA1 irradiation. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a sunscreen containing multiple components, especially Mexoryl® 400 for improving skin barrier function and reducing melanin content. Methods: This single-center study included adults with sensitive and normal skin in China in November 2022. Participants received the test sunscreen for 4 weeks. Melanin and hemoglobin content, sebum secretion skin hydration, and trans-epidermal water loss were evaluated at T0d, T7d, and T28d. The self-assessment was done at T15min, T7d, and T28d. Results: Sixty participants were included, including 30 self-claimed sensitive skin in the sunscreen group. The sunscreen demonstrated significant improvements in skin parameters. Skin redness reduced by 9.84% at T28d, sebum content in the forehead area decreased by 22.70% at T28d, and skin stratum corneum hydration increased by 38.44% at T28d, p < 0.001 respectively. Most notably, skin melanin content significantly reduced by 13.49% after 4 weeks' usage (p < 0.001). No adverse reactions were reported in either group. Conclusions: The study sunscreen improved the skin condition by decreasing the melanin content, regulating skin barrier function, and achieving a balance of skin hydration and sebum secretion.

Transarterial Chemoembolization with Epirubicin-Loaded Microspheres for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Prospective, Single-Arm, Multicenter, Phase 2 Study (STOPPER Trial).

PURPOSE: While the role of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is established, questions regarding appropriate bead size for use in patients remain. This trial evaluated the effectiveness and safety of DEB-TACE using small-size (≤ 100 µm) microspheres loaded with epirubicin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, single-arm, multicenter study enrolled patients diagnosed with HCC who underwent DEB-TACE using 40 (range, 30-50), 75 (range, 60-90), or 100 (range, 75-125) µm epirubicin-loaded microspheres (TANDEM microspheres, Varian Medical). Bead size was at the discretion of treating physicians and based on tumor size and/or vascular structure. The primary outcome measure was 6-month objective response rate (ORR). Secondary outcome measures were 30-day and 3-month ORR, time to tumor progression and extrahepatic spread, proportion of progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) at one year, and incidence of treatment-associated adverse events. RESULTS: Data from 108 patients from ten centers was analyzed. Six-month ORR was 73.3 and 71.3% based on European association for the study of the liver (EASL) and modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST) criteria, respectively. Thirty-day ORR was 79.6% for both EASL and mRECIST criteria with 3-month ORR being 80.0 and 81.0%, respectively, for each criteria. One-year PPF and OS rate were 60.3 and 94.3%. There was a total of 30 SAEs reported to be likely to definitely associated with microsphere (n = 9), epirubicin (n = 9), or procedure (n = 12) with none resulting in death. CONCLUSION: DEB-TACE using epirubicin-loaded small-sized (≤ 100 µm) microspheres demonstrates promising local tumor control and acceptable safety in patients with HCC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03113955; registered April 14, 2017. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03113955; registered April 14, 2017. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2, Prospective, Non-randomized, Single-arm, study.

Efficacy and safety of a panthenol-enriched mask for individuals with distinct impaired skin barrier subtypes.

BACKGROUND: The protection for different skin types with impaired skin barrier in the market is insufficient. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a panthenol-enriched mask (La Roche-Posay Mask Pro) in addressing various skin barrier impairment subgroups, including dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin. METHODS: A total of 177 participants were enrolled in the study and divided into three subgroups based on their skin type. Participants used the mask following the specified protocol, with measurements taken for skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum content, and skin redness-factors that are directly influenced by skin barrier function. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 1 day (tested 15 min post-application), 7 days, and 14 days of application using Sebumeter, Tewameter, Corneometer, Mexameter, and VISIA. RESULTS: Results showed significant improvements in skin parameters across all subgroups. In the dry sensitive skin subgroup, the mask increased skin hydration, sebum content, and reduced redness. For the oily sensitive skin subgroup, the mask regulated sebum production and improved skin hydration. In the oily acne skin subgroup, the mask reduced sebum content, redness, TEWL, and post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation. Tolerance was excellent for all skin types, with no adverse reactions observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the efficacy and safety of the panthenol-enriched LRP Mask Pro for individuals with distinct skin barrier impairment subgroups. The mask's versatile formulation and proven efficacy make it a valuable skincare product for addressing various skin concerns and achieving healthier, more balanced skin.

Efficacy of a moisturizing cream and facial mask for alleviating skin problems associated with medical mask use: A half-face, randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged use of medical masks has increased skin-related issues. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of a facial cream and facial mask in mitigating medical mask related skin symptoms. METHODS: Healthy women were randomly assigned to apply a facial cream (n = 32) or a facial mask plus a facial cream (n = 32) on half-faces after wearing medical masks for 4 h (Tb ). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dryness score, and redness area were assessed at Tb and 10 min after using the cream (T1 ) in the facial cream group, and at Tb , 1 h after using the facial mask (T2 ), and 10 min after using the cream (T3 ) in the combined use group. RESULTS: In the facial cream group, the treated half-face showed significantly better improvements from Tb to T1 in TEWL (-2.95 ± 0.38 vs. -0.68 ± 0.35 g/h·cm2 , p < 0.001) and skin dryness score (-1.00 ± 0.12 vs. 0.00 ± 0.00, p < 0.001). In the combined use group, the treated half-face showed significantly better improvements from Tb to T2 and T3 in TEWL (T2 , -3.46 ± 0.33 vs. -0.09 ± 0.13 g/h·cm2 ; T3 , -4.67 ± 0.31 vs. -0.28 ± 0.22 g/h·cm2 ) and skin dryness score (T2 , -0.63 ± 0.13 vs. 0.03 ± 0.03; T3 , -0.94 ± 0.17 vs. 0.19 ± 0.07) (all p < 0.001) then the untreated half-face. The combined use group had significantly lower TEWL at T3 than T2 (p < 0.05). The reduction in redness area was similar between the treated and untreated half-faces in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The test facial cream and mask significantly improved skin barrier function and alleviated dryness symptoms associated with medical mask use, with the combined use offering superior benefits.

How economic development affects healthcare access for people with disabilities: A multilevel study in China.

Meeting the healthcare needs of people with disabilities is an important challenge in achieving the central promise of "leave no one behind" during the Sustainable Development Goals era. In this study, we describe the accessibility of healthcare for people living with disabilities, as well as the potential influences of individuals' socioeconomic status and regional economic development. Our data covered 324 prefectural cities in China in 2019 and captured the access to healthcare services for people with disabilities. First, we used linear probability regression models to investigate the association between individual socioeconomic status, including residence, poverty status, education, and healthcare access. Second, we conducted an ecological analysis to test the association between prefectural economic indicators, including GDP (gross domestic product) per capita, urbanization ratio, average years of education, Engel's coefficient, and the overall prevalence of access to healthcare for people with disabilities within prefectures. Third, we used multilevel regression models to explore the association between the individual's socio-economic status, prefectural economic indicators, and access to healthcare at the individual level for people with disabilities. The results showed, first, that higher individual socioeconomic status (urban residence or higher educational level) was associated with better access to healthcare for people with disabilities. Second, regional economic indicators were positively associated with access to healthcare at the aggregate and individual levels. This study suggests that local governments, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, should promote economic development and conduct poverty alleviation policies to improve healthcare access for disadvantaged groups.

Efficacy and safety of a cream containing panthenol, prebiotics, and probiotic lysate for improving sensitive skin symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Sensitive skin is a common condition affecting a significant proportion of the population, and there is a growing demand for effective and safe management. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a cream containing panthenol, prebiotics, and probiotic lysate as an optimal care for facial sensitive skin. METHODS: A total of 110 participants (64 in group A and 46 in group B) with facial sensitive skin applied the cream twice daily for 28 days. Group A evaluated their sensitive skin, product efficacy, and product use experience at D0 (15 min), D1, D14, and D28. In group B, skin barrier function-related indicators were measured at baseline and on D1, D7, D14, and D28. Dermatologists evaluated tolerance for all participants. RESULTS: After 28 days of use, in group A, 100% of participants reported mildness and comfort with product use. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in skin barrier function-related indicators, including increased stratum corneum moisture content, reduced erythema index, elevated sebum content, decreased trans-epidermal water loss, and diminished skin redness parameter a* value (all p < 0.05). Dermatologist evaluations revealed excellent tolerance among all participants. CONCLUSION: The panthenol-enriched cream with prebiotics and probiotic lysate exhibited substantial clinical efficacy in ameliorating facial sensitive skin conditions, coupled with a high safety profile.

Clinical application of optical and electromagnetic navigation system in CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of lung metastases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical value of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary metastases under optical and electromagnetic navigation. METHODS: Data on CT-guided radiofrequency ablation treatment of 93 metastatic lung lesions in 70 patients were retrospectively analyzed. There were 46 males and 24 females with a median age of 60.0 years (16-85 years). All lesions were ≤3cm in diameter. 57 patients were treated with 17 G radiofrequency ablation needle puncture directly ablated the lesion without biopsy, and 13 patients were treated with 16 G coaxial needle biopsy followed by radiofrequency ablation. There were 25 cases in the optical navigation group, 25 in the electromagnetic navigation group, and 20 in the non-navigation group. The navigation group was performed by primary interventionalists with less than 5 years of experience, and the non-navigation group was performed by interventionalists with more than 5 years of experience. RESULT: All operations were successfully performed. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall distribution of follow-up results among the optical, electromagnetic, and no navigation groups. Complete ablation was achieved in 84 lesions (90.3%). 7 lesions showed incomplete ablation and were completely inactivated after repeat ablation. 2 lesions progressed locally, and one of them still had an increasing trend after repeat ablation. No serious complications occurred after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with optical and electromagnetic navigation systems by less experienced operators has similar outcomes to traditional treatments without navigational systems performed by more experienced operators.

Efficacy of ceramide-containing sunscreen on skin barrier.

BACKGROUND: UV rays not only cause oxidative damage to the skin, but also damage its barrier function. The use of sunscreen is crucial in preventing skin from UV radiation, but it may have an impact on the function of the skin barrier. While much research has focused on the protective effects of sunscreen against UV oxidative damage, little is known about the impact of daily sunscreen use on the skin barrier. OBJECTIVE: This study mainly investigated the changes in skin barrier function of volunteers (including those with sensitive skin) before and after using a ceramide-containing sunscreen. METHODS: A total of 60 volunteers used SPF30 sunscreen containing ceramide every morning. Using non-invasive methods to detect skin barrier changes in TEWL, hydration, facial redness based on VISIA-CR image, and Erythema index (EI) value after 4 weeks of using ceramide-containing sunscreen. Adverse reactions were also assessed. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of using ceramide-containing sunscreen, significant reductions were observed in skin redness with both an 11.89% decrease in a* value and a 5.68% decrease in skin EI, while there was also a significant decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) with a reduction of 22.96%, and a significant increase in skin hydration with a 21.96% increase in the moisture content of the stratum corneum. No adverse events occurred during the entire testing process. CONCLUSION: Daily application of ceramide-containing sunscreen can increase skin hydration while enhancing the function of the skin barrier.

Gradient Quasi-Solid Electrolyte Enables Selective and Fast Ion Transport for Robust Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

The quasi-solid electrolytes (QSEs) attract extensive attention due to their improved ion transport properties and high stability, which is synergistically based on tunable functional groups and confined solvent molecules among the polymetric networks. However, the trade-off effect between the polymer content and ionic conductivity exists in QSEs, limiting their rate performance. In this work, the epitaxial polymerization strategy is used to build the gradient hydrogel networks (GHNs) covalently fixed on zinc anode. Then, it is revealed that the asymmetric distribution of negative charges benefits GHNs with fast and selective ionic transport properties, realizing a higher Zn2+ transference number of 0.65 than that (0.52) for homogeneous hydrogel networks (HHNs) with the same polymer content. Meanwhile, the high-density networks formed at Zn/GHNs interface can efficiently immobilize free water molecules and homogenize the Zn2+ flux, greatly inhibiting the water-involved parasitic reactions and dendrite growth. Thus, the GHNs enable dendrite-free stripping/plating over 1000 h at 8 mA cm-2 and 1 mAh cm-2 in a Zn||Zn symmetric cell, as well as the evidently prolonged cycles in various full cells. This work will shed light on asymmetric engineering of ion transport channels in advanced quasi-solid battery systems to achieve high energy and safety.

Highly oxygenated guaiane-type sesquiterpene lactones from Artemisia sacrorum and their antihepatoma activity.

The ethanol and EtOAc extracts of Artemisia sacrorum exhibited inhibitory effect against HepG2, Huh7, and SK-Hep-1 cell lines with inhibitory ratios of 65.5%, 28.1%, 84.6%, and 93.5%, 82.0%, 89.0% at 200 µg/mL. Twenty-three undescribed guaiane-type sesquiterpene lactones, artemisacrolides A‒W, were isolated from A. sacrorum under the guidance of antihepatoma activity. Their structures were elucidated by spectral data (HRESIMS, IR, UV, 1D and 2D NMR), ECD calculations, and a single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Artemisacrolides A‒U were guaiane-type sesquiterpene lactones possessing α-methylene-γ-lactone and containing acetoxyl groups at C-8, and artemisacrolides V and W represented the first report from the genus Artemisia with a 1,10-rearranged guaiane-type sesquiterpene lactone. Antihepatoma assay suggested that artemisacrolides A‒U demonstrated better inhibitory activity in Huh7 and SK-Hep-1 cells than those of HepG2 cells. Among them, nine compounds exhibited significant inhibitory activity against Huh7 cells with IC50 values of 8.2-14.3 µM, superior or equal to that of sorafenib; seven compounds demonstrated obvious activity against SK-Hep-1 cells with IC50 values of 13.5-19.2 µM, which were equivalent to that of sorafenib. Artemisacrolides B and E were the most active ones in three human hepatoma cell lines with IC50 values of 21.9, 8.2, 16.9 and 22.6, 9.0, 17.3 µM.

Comparative bioactivity evaluation and metabolic profiling of different parts of Duhaldea nervosa based on GC-MS and LC-MS.

Duhaldea nervosa (Wallich ex Candolle) Anderberg has been widely used as medicine and food additive in China for a long history. Its roots, known as Xiaoheiyao, are the mainly used medicinal part, while the other tissues of D. nervosa are ignored as non-medicinal parts despite their high biomass, resulting in a huge waste of resources. To mine and expand the medicinal values of different parts of D. nervosa, metabolic analysis by GC/LC-MS and bioactivity evaluation were performed. Based on the antioxidant activity and correlation analysis, a metabolite-related network was constructed. A total of 45 volatile and 174 non-volatile compounds were identified. Among them, caffeoylquinic acids and derivatives were more abundant in roots and flowers, while coumaroyltartaric acids and derivatives were mainly present in stems and leaves. By multivariate analysis, 13 volatile and 37 non-volatile differential metabolites were found, respectively. In the bioactivity evaluation of different parts, the order of antioxidant capacity was flowers > roots > leaves or stems. The flowers showed the highest FRAP value (354.47 µM TE/g DW) and the lowest IC50 values in the DPPH (0.06 mg/mL) and ABTS (0.19 mg/mL) assay, while higher inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase was exhibited by flowers and leaves. This study first established the similarities and differences of phytochemicals and bioactivities in D. nervosa, providing a scientific basis for developing non-medicinal parts and guiding the clinical application of this medicinal and edible herb.

Comprehensive assessment of the efficacy and safety of a clay mask in oily and acne skin.

BACKGROUND: Oily skin, characterized by excessive sebum production, can lead to acne and have psychosocial impacts due to changes in appearance. Recent research has shown interest in treatments for oil control, with kaolin and bentonite emerging as promising options. Despite their potential, comprehensive studies on these ingredients are still in the nascent stages. AIM: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a clay mask (La Roche-Posay Effaclar Sebo-Controlling Mask) in reducing skin oiliness and acne, and its safety for use. METHODS: In this study, 75 adults with oily or combination skin were enrolled and provided with a clay mask for twice-weekly use over 4 weeks. Clinical assessments, using instruments like Sebumeter, Vapometer, and Corneometer, were conducted at baseline, and after 1, 2, and 4 weeks, evaluating acne lesions, skin irritation, sebum content, and skin hydration. Participant self-assessment questionnaires were also utilized for subjective evaluation. Statistical analyses were performed accordingly. RESULTS: The study revealed significant improvements in acne-related outcomes, sebum content, skin evenness, stratum corneum water content, and transepidermal water loss following the application of the clay mask. Pore area and porphyrin area showed no significant changes. Tolerance assessment showed reduced dryness and irritation, with self-assessment indicating high product acceptability and perceived oil control effectiveness. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the clay mask's efficacy in managing acne and oily skin, improving hydration and texture. Significant improvements in skin parameters and high product safety were observed, supporting its suitability.

Effectiveness of booster vaccination with inactivated COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 infection in Guangdong, China: a cohort study.

The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines wanes over time and the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant led to the accelerated expansion of efforts for booster vaccination. However, the effect and contribution of booster vaccination with inactivated COVID-19 vaccines remain to be evaluated. We conducted a retrospective close contacts cohort study to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and Omicron infection risk, and to evaluate the effectiveness of booster vaccination with inactivated COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptomatic COVID-19, and COVID-19 pneumonia during the outbreaks of Omicron BA.2 infection from 1 February to 31 July 2022 in Guangdong, China. A total of 46,547 close contacts were identified while 6.3% contracted Omicron BA.2 infection, 1.8% were asymptomatic infection, 4.1% developed mild COVID-19, and 0.3% had COVID-19 pneumonia. We found that females and individuals aged 0-17 or ≥ 60 years old were more prone to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The vaccinated individuals showed lower infection risk when compared with the unvaccinated people. The effectiveness of booster vaccination with inactivated COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic COVID-19 was 28.6% (95% CI: 11.6%, 35.0%) and 39.6% (95% CI: 30.0, 47.9) among adults aged ≥ 18 years old, respectively when compared with full vaccination. Booster vaccination provided a moderate level of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection (VE: 49.9%, 95% CI: 22.3%-67.7%) and symptomatic COVID-19 (VE: 62.6%, 95% CI: 36.2%-78.0%) among adults aged ≥ 60 years old. Moreover, the effectiveness of booster vaccination was 52.2% (95% CI: 21.3%, 70.9%) and 83.8% (95% CI: 28.1%, 96.3%) against COVID-19 pneumonia in adults aged ≥ 18 and ≥ 60 years old, respectively. The reduction of absolute risk rate of COVID-19 pneumonia in the booster vaccination group was 0·96% (95% CI: 0.33%, 1.11%), and the number needed to vaccinate to prevent one case of COVID-19 pneumonia was 104 (95% CI: 91, 303) in adults aged ≥ 60 years old. In summary, booster vaccination with inactivated COVID-19 vaccines provides a low level of protection against infection and symptomatic in adults of 18-59 years old, and a moderate level of protection in older adults of more than 60 years old, but a high level of protection against COVID-19 pneumonia in older adults.

A Functional Stent Encapsulating Radionuclide in Temperature-Memory Spiral Tubes for Malignant Stenosis of Esophageal Cancer.

Stent implantation is a commonly used palliative treatment for alleviating stenosis in advanced esophageal cancer. However, tissue proliferation induced by stent implantation and continuous tumor growth can easily lead to restenosis. Therefore, functional stents are required to relieve stenosis while inhibiting tissue proliferation and tumor growth, thereby extending the patency. Currently, no ideal functional stents are available. Here, iodine-125 (125 I) nuclides are encapsulated into a nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) tube to develop a novel temperature-memory spiral radionuclide stent (TSRS). It has the characteristics of temperature-memory, no cold regions at the end of the stent, and a uniform spatial dose distribution. Cell-viability experiments reveal that the TSRS can reduce the proliferation of fibroblasts and tumor cells. TSRS implantation is feasible and safe, has no significant systemic radiotoxicity, and can inhibit in-stent and edge stenosis caused by stent-induced tissue proliferation in healthy rabbits. Moreover, TSRS can improve malignant stenosis and luminal patency resulting from continuous tumor growth in a VX2 esophageal cancer model. As a functional stent, the TSRS combines the excellent properties of NiTi with brachytherapy of the 125 I nuclide and will make significant contributions to the treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis.

Down-Regulation of miRNA-1303 Promotes the Angiogenesis of HUVECs via Targeting THSD7A.

Angiogenesis promotes neurological recovery after acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and microRNAs play crucial roles in cerebral angiogenesis. This study found that Homo sapiens-microRNA-1303(miR-1303) was reduced in blood specimens of AIS patients and human umbilical vein endothelial cells after suffering from oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion. The experiment detected the effect of miR-1303 on angiogenesis by wound healing assay, tube formation assay, and transwell assay. Down-regulation of miRNA-1303 promotes angiogenesis in vitro experiments, while miR-1303 over-expression reverses this effect. Based on bioinformatics analyses and dual-luciferase reporter assay, the thrombospondin type 1 domain containing 7A (THSD7A) was investigated and further validated as the downstream gene of miR-1303. Furthermore, the knockdown of miR-1303 decreased the protein translation and mRNA transcript levels of THSD7A. Our results reveal a novel miR-1303/THSD7A pathway for angiogenesis and further imply that miR-1303 can be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for AIS.