Optimizing Molecular Packing via Steric Hindrance for Reducing Non-Radiative Recombination in Organic Solar Cells.

Innovative molecule design strategy holds promise for the development of next-generation acceptor materials for efficient organic solar cells with low non-radiative energy loss (ΔEnr). In this study, we designed and prepared three novel acceptors, namely BTP-Biso, BTP-Bme and BTP-B, with sterically structured triisopropylbenzene, trimethylbenzene and benzene as side chains inserted into the shoulder of the central core. The progressively enlarged steric hindrance from BTP-B to BTP-Bme and BTP-Biso induces suppressed intramolecular rotation and altered the molecule packing mode in their aggregation states, leading to significant changes in absorption spectra and energy levels. By regulating the intermolecular π-π interactions, BTP-Bme possesses relatively reduced non-radiative recombination rate and extended exciton diffusion lengths. The binary device based on PB2:BTP-Bme exhibits an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.5% with a low ΔEnr of 0.19 eV. Furthermore, the ternary device comprising PB2:PBDB-TF:BTP-Bme achieves an outstanding PCE of 19.3%. The molecule design strategy in this study proposed new perspectives for developing high-performance acceptors with low ΔEnr in OSCs.

Higher N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level at onset of peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis is a risk factor for technique failure.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that the N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level serve as a significant risk factor for mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, the relationship between NT-proBNP levels and technique failure in peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (PDAP) remains unclear. This study investigated the relationship between NT-proBNP levels at the onset of PDAP and the risk of technique failure in patients with PDAP. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with PDAP from December 1, 2009, to December 31, 2021, at our peritoneal dialysis center. We recorded all demographic and baseline clinical data at the time of admission for each PDAP episode. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the association between NT-proBNP levels and technique failure. RESULTS: Of 485 PDAP episodes included in this study, 130 episodes of technique failure were observed. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that hospital stay, Na and NT-proBNP levels, and peritoneal dialysate white blood cell counts on days 3 and 5 were independently associated with technique failure. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that the NT-proBNP level was a better indicator than the other four variables in indicating technique failure. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, after adjusting for confounding factors, higher NT-proBNP levels (HR of 3.020, 95% CI 1.771, 5.150, P < 0.001) were associated with PDAP technique failure. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study identified the serum NT-proBNP level at the onset of PDAP as an independent risk factor for technique failure in these patients.

Placental inflammatory injury induced by chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (F-53B) through NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate, commercially known as F-53B, has been associated with adverse birth outcomes. However, the reproductive toxicology of F-53B on the placenta remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we examined the impact of F-53B on placental injury and its underlying molecular mechanisms in vivo. Pregnant C57BL/6 J female mice were randomly allocated to three groups: the control group, F-53B 0.8 µg/kg/day group, and F-53B 8 µg/kg/day group. After F-53B exposure through free drinking water from gestational day (GD) 0.5-14.5, the F-53B 8 µg/kg/day group exhibited significant increases in placental weights and distinctive histopathological alterations, including inflammatory cell infiltration, heightened syncytiotrophoblast knots, and a loosened trophoblastic basement membrane. Within the F-53B 8 µg/kg/day group, placental tissue exhibited increased apoptosis, as indicated by increased caspase3 activation. Furthermore, F-53B potentially induced the NF-κB signaling pathway activation through IκB-α phosphorylation. Subsequently, this activation upregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines and components of the NLRP3 inflammasome, including activated caspase1, IL-1ß, IL-18, and cleaved gasdermin D (GSDMD), ultimately leading to pyroptosis in the mouse placenta. Our findings reveal a pronounced inflammatory injury in the placenta due to F-53B exposure, suggesting potential reproductive toxicity at concentrations relevant to the human population. Further toxicological and epidemiological investigations are warranted to conclusively assess the reproductive health risks posed by F-53B.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and the risk of infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiovascular outcome trials.

BACKGROUND: Since adverse events during treatment affect adherence and subsequent glycemic control, understanding the safety profile of oral anti-diabetic drugs is imperative for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) therapy. AIM: To evaluate the risk of infection in patients with T2DM treated with dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched. The selection criteria included randomized controlled trials focused on cardiovascular outcomes. In these studies, the effects of DPP-4 inhibitors were directly compared to those of either other active anti-diabetic treatments or placebo. Six trials involving 53616 patients were deemed eligible. We calculated aggregate relative risks employing both random-effects and fixed-effects approaches, contingent upon the context. RESULTS: The application of DPP-4 inhibitors showed no significant link to the overall infection risk [0.98 (0.95, 1.02)] or the risk of serious infections [0.96 (0.85, 1.08)], additionally, no significant associations were found with opportunistic infections [0.69 (0.46, 1.04)], site-specific infections [respiratory infection 0.99 (0.96, 1.03), urinary tract infections 1.02 (0.95, 1.10), abdominal and gastrointestinal infections 1.02 (0.83, 1.25), skin structure and soft tissue infections 0.81 (0.60, 1.09), bone infections 0.96 (0.68, 1.36), and bloodstream infections 0.97 (0.80, 1.18)]. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis of data from cardiovascular outcome trials revealed no heightened infection risk in patients undergoing DPP-4 inhibitor therapy compared to control cohorts.

Triterpenoids with α-glucosidase inhibitory and cytotoxic activities from the fruits of Schisandra chinensis.

An intensive phytochemical investigation into the fruits of Schisandra chinensis afforded 28 triterpenoids incorporating diverse backbones with methyl-migration, ring-expansion and ring-opening features. Among them, ten compounds (1-10) including three likely extracting artefacts (8-10) were described for the first time. Their structures were fully characterized by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, with the absolute configurations established via electronic circular dichroism and Mosher's NMR techniques. Preliminary biological evaluations revealed that nine isolates showed inhibitory activity against the hyperglycemic target α-glycosidase and 12 compounds exerted cytotoxicity toward three female tumor cell lines (Hela (cervical), MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 (breast)). Compound 6 exhibited the most promising potency on all the three tested cancer cells, and further assessment demonstrated that it could induce significant cell apoptosis and cycle arrest, as well as suppress cell migration, by regulating relevant proteins in MDA-MB231 cells.

The FAITHS2 Model Predicts Functional Disability in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke.

The present study aimed to develop a model to predict functional disability at 3 months in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) (n = 5,406). The primary outcome was functional disability (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] >2) at 3 months. A prediction model including blood biomarkers was developed based on a multivariable logistic regression model, which was internally validated by the 100-time bootstrap method. A nomogram and a web-based calculator were developed for usage in clinical practice. At 3 months, 11% (638/5,406) of the patients had functional disability. Seven independent predictors of functional disability at 3 months were incorporated into the FAITHS2 model (fasting plasma glucose, age, interleukin-6, stroke history, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] at admission, sex, and systolic blood pressure). The Area Under Curves (AUCs) were 0.814 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.796-0.832) and 0.808 (95% CI 0.806-0.810), and the Brier scores were 0.088 ± 0.214 and 0.089 ± 0.003 for the derivation cohort and internal validation, respectively, showing optimal performance of the model. The FAITHS2 model has excellent potential to be a dependable application for individualized clinical decision making.

Dimensional and Doping Engineering of Chiral Perovskites with Enhanced Spin Selectivity for Green Emissive Spin Light-Emitting Diodes.

Chiral perovskites play a pivotal role in spintronics and optoelectronic systems attributed to their chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect. Specifically, they allow for spin-polarized charge transport in spin light-emitting diodes (LEDs), yielding circularly polarized electroluminescence at room temperature without external magnetic fields. However, chiral lead bromide-based perovskites have yet to achieve high-performance green emissive spin-LEDs, owing to limited CISS effects and charge transport. Herein, we employ dimensional regulation and Sn2+-doping to optimize chiral bromide-based perovskite architecture for green emissive spin-LEDs. The optimized (PEA)x(S/R-PRDA)2-xSn0.1Pb0.9Br4 chiral perovskite film exhibits an enhanced CISS effect, higher hole mobility, and better energy level alignment with the emissive layer. These improvements allow us to fabricate green emissive spin-LEDs with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 5.7% and an asymmetry factor |gCP-EL| of 1.1 × 10-3. This work highlights the importance of tailored perovskite architectures and doping strategies in advancing spintronics for optoelectronic applications.

Tunable photo/thermochromic properties of Cd(II)-viologen coordination polymers modulated by coordination modes for flexible imaging films and anti-counterfeiting.

Two photochromic Cd(II)-CPs were obtained based on the viologen ligand using different synthetic routes, named {[Cd4(p-BDC)4(CPB)2(H2O)2]·2H2O·EtOH}n (1) and {[Cd(p-BDC)(CPB)(H2O)]·(L)·DMF}n (2) (p-H2BDC = 1,4-benzene-dicarboxylate, HCPB·Cl = 1-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium·Cl, L = 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene, and DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide), respectively. Due to different coordination modes, the two Cd(II)-CPs show different structures. Compound 1 exhibits a three-dimensional (3D) framework with bimetallic nodes, while compound 2 displays a 2-fold interpenetrated (4,4) net topology. Notably, the two Cd(II)-CPs exhibit substantial disparities in photo/thermochromism, which can be attributed to variations in donor-acceptor (D-A) distances arising from structural differences. Compound 1 showed visually sensitive photo- and thermochromic behavior due to multi-pathway electron transfer and short D-A distances, which is relatively rare in electron-transfer type photochromic systems. In contrast, 2 only demonstrates insensitive photochromic behavior, with a slight deepening of the color observed after 2 hours of UV light, which is due to the mono-pathway electron transfer and long D-A distance. Moreover, we first combined Cd(II)-viologen CPs with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to prepare a 1@PDMS flexible UV imaging film. 1@PDMS exhibits excellent bendability and stretchability and maintains good photochromic properties after 100 bending cycles. To demonstrate the rapid color response and distinct color contrast of 1, its application in anti-counterfeiting is also demonstrated.

Mechanism and deterioration pattern of sandstone surrounding rock voiding at bottom of heavy-haul railway tunnel.

This study combines laboratory experiments and discrete element simulation methods to analyze the mechanism and deterioration patterns of sandstone surrounding rock voiding the bottom of a heavy-haul railway tunnel. It is based on previously acquired measurement data from optical fiber grating sensors installed in the Taihangshan Mountain Tunnel of the Wari Railway. By incorporating rock particle wastage rate results, a method for calculating the peak strength and elastic modulus attenuation of surrounding rock is proposed. Research indicates that the operation of heavy-haul trains leads to an instantaneous increase in the dynamic water pressure on the bottom rock ranging 144.4-390.0%, resulting in high-speed water flow eroding the rock. After 1-2 years of operation, the bottom water and soil pressures increase by 526.5% and 390.0%, respectively. Focusing on sandstone surrounding rock with high observability, laboratory experiments were conducted to monitor the degradation stages of infiltration, particle loss, and voiding of rock under the action of dynamic water flow. The impact of water flow on the "cone-shaped" bottom rock deformation was also clarified. The extent of rock deterioration and voiding was determined using miniature water and soil pressure sensors in conjunction with discrete element numerical simulations. The measured rock particle loss was used as a criterion. Finally, a fitting approach is derived to calculate the peak strength and elastic modulus attenuation of surrounding rock, gaining insight into and providing a reference for the maintenance and disposal measures for the bottom operation of heavy-haul railway tunnels.

Effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in postmenopausal individuals with osteoporosis using in vitro cell experiments. METHODS: We assessed the effect of long-term LBP consumption on the intestinal metabolites of individuals using a simulation of the human intestinal microbiota ecosystem. We also tested the capacity of LBP in proliferating MC3T3-E1 cells using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method and analyzed the effect of intestinal metabolites on the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells by testing bone metabolism viability with relevant indicators. RESULTS: The level of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid all showed an upward trend after the treatment using LBP. At appropriate concentrations, the fermentation supernatant can enhance osteoblast proliferation by significantly increasing the active expression of bone-alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) in osteoblasts (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: By modulating the metabolites of intestinal microbiota, production of SCFAs, the prebiotic properties of LBP can enhance osteoblast differentiation through in vitro simulation experiment and cell-based assay.

Revealing the pharmacological mechanisms of nao-an dropping pill in preventing and treating ischemic stroke via the PI3K/Akt/eNOS and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

Nao-an Dropping Pill (NADP) is a Chinese patent medicine which commonly used in clinic for ischemic stroke (IS). However, the material basis and mechanism of its prevention or treatment of IS are unclear, then we carried out this study. 52 incoming blood components were resolved by UHPLC-MS/MS from rat serum, including 45 prototype components. The potential active prototype components hydroxysafflor yellow A, ginsenoside F1, quercetin, ferulic acid and caffeic acid screened by network pharmacology showed strongly binding ability with PIK3CA, AKT1, NOS3, NFE2L2 and HMOX1 by molecular docking. In vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) experimental results showed that NADP protected HA1800 cells from OGD/R-induced apoptosis by affecting the release of LDH, production of NO, and content of SOD and MDA. Meanwhile, NADP could improve behavioral of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) rats, reduce ischemic area of cerebral cortex, decrease brain water and glutamate (Glu) content, and improve oxidative stress response. Immunohistochemical results showed that NADP significantly regulated the expression of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, eNOS, p-eNOS, Nrf2 and HO-1 in cerebral ischemic tissues. The results suggested that NADP protects brain tissues and ameliorates oxidative stress damage to brain tissues from IS by regulating PI3K/Akt/eNOS and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways.

Syringic acid attenuates acute lung injury by modulating macrophage polarization in LPS-induced mice.

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a continuum of lung changes caused by multiple lung injuries, characterized by a syndrome of uncontrolled systemic inflammation that often leads to significant morbidity and death. Anti-inflammatory is one of its treatment methods, but there is no safe and available drug therapy. Syringic acid (SA) is a natural organic compound commonly found in a variety of plants, especially in certain woody plants and fruits. In modern pharmacological studies, SA has anti-inflammatory effects and therefore may be a potentially safe and available compound for the treatment of acute lung injury. PURPOSE: This study attempts to reveal the protective mechanism of SA against ALI by affecting the polarization of macrophages and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. Trying to find a safer and more effective drug therapy for clinical use. METHODS: We constructed the ALI model using C57BL/6 mice by intratracheal instillation of LPS (10 mg/kg). Histological analysis was performed with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The wet-dry ratio of the whole lung was measured to evaluate pulmonary edema. The effect of SA on macrophage M1-type was detected by flow cytometry. BCA protein quantification method was used to determine the total protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The levels of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in BALF were determined by the ELISA kits, and RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α mRNA of lung tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 and the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα in the NF-κB pathway in lung tissue. In vitro experiments were conducted with RAW267.4 cell inflammation model induced by 100 ng/ml LPS and A549 cell inflammation model induced by 10 µg/ml LPS. The effects of SA on M1-type and M2-type macrophages of RAW267.4 macrophages induced by LPS were detected by flow cytometry. The toxicity of compound SA to A549 cells was detected by MTT method which to determine the safe dose of SA. The expressions of COX-2 and the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα protein in NF-κB pathway were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: We found that the pre-treatment of SA significantly reduced the degree of lung injury, and the infiltration of neutrophils in the lung interstitium and alveolar space of the lung. The formation of transparent membrane in lung tissue and thickening of alveolar septum were significantly reduced compared with the model group, and the wet-dry ratio of the lung was also reduced. ELISA and RT-qPCR results showed that SA could significantly inhibit the production of IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α. At the same time, SA could significantly inhibit the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins, and could inhibit the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα proteins. in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro experiments, we found that flow cytometry showed that SA could significantly inhibit the polarization of macrophages from M0 type macrophages to M1-type macrophages, while SA could promote the polarization of M1-type macrophages to M2-type macrophages. The results of MTT assay showed that SA had no obvious cytotoxicity to A549 cells when the concentration was not higher than 80 µM, while LPS could promote the proliferation of A549 cells. In the study of anti-inflammatory effect, SA can significantly inhibit the expression of COX-2 and the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα proteins in LPS-induced A549 cells. CONCLUSION: SA has possessed a crucial anti-ALI role in LPS-induced mice. The mechanism was elucidated, suggesting that the inhibition of macrophage polarization to M1-type and the promotion of macrophage polarization to M2-type, as well as the inhibition of NF-κB pathway by SA may be the reasons for its anti-ALI. This finding provides important molecular evidence for the further application of SA in the clinical treatment of ALI.

Exploring ALK fusion in colorectal cancer: a case series and comprehensive analysis.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion-positive colorectal cancer (CRC) is a rare and chemotherapy-refractory subtype that lacks established and effective treatment strategies. Additionally, the efficacy and safety of ALK inhibitors (ALKi) in CRC remain undetermined. Herein, we examined a series of ALK-positive CRC patients who underwent various lines of ALKi treatment. Notably, we detected an ALK 1196M resistance mutation in a CRC patient who received multiple lines of chemotherapy and ALKi treatment. Importantly, we found that Brigatinib and Lorlatinib demonstrated some efficacy in managing this patient, although the observed effectiveness was not as pronounced as in non-small cell lung cancer cases. Furthermore, based on our preliminary analyses, we surmise that ALK-positive CRC patients are likely to exhibit inner resistance to Cetuximab. Taken together, our findings have important implications for the treatment of ALK-positive CRC patients.

Biological scaffold as potential platforms for stem cells: Current development and applications in wound healing.

Wound repair is a complex challenge for both clinical practitioners and researchers. Conventional approaches for wound repair have several limitations. Stem cell-based therapy has emerged as a novel strategy to address this issue, exhibiting significant potential for enhancing wound healing rates, improving wound quality, and promoting skin regeneration. However, the use of stem cells in skin regeneration presents several challenges. Recently, stem cells and biomaterials have been identified as crucial components of the wound-healing process. Combination therapy involving the development of biocompatible scaffolds, accompanying cells, multiple biological factors, and structures resembling the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) has gained considerable attention. Biological scaffolds encompass a range of biomaterials that serve as platforms for seeding stem cells, providing them with an environment conducive to growth, similar to that of the ECM. These scaffolds facilitate the delivery and application of stem cells for tissue regeneration and wound healing. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current developments and applications of biological scaffolds for stem cells in wound healing, emphasizing their capacity to facilitate stem cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and paracrine functions. Additionally, we identify the pivotal characteristics of the scaffolds that contribute to enhanced cellular activity.

Facial adult female acne in China: An analysis based on artificial intelligence over one million.

BACKGROUND: To further clarify the acne profile of Chinese adult women, we included 1,156,703 adult women. An artificial intelligence algorithm was used to analyze images taken by high-resolution mobile phones to further explore acne levels in Chinese adult women. METHOD: In this study, we assessed the severity of acne by evaluating patients' selfies through a smartphone application. Furthermore, we gathered basic user information through a questionnaire, including details such as age, gender, skin sensitivity, and dietary habits. RESULTS: This study showed a gradual decrease in acne severity from the age of 25 years. A trough was reached between the ages of 40 and 44, followed by a gradual increase in acne severity. In terms of skin problems and acne severity, we have found that oily skin, hypersensitive skin, frequent makeup application and unhealthy dietary habits can affect the severity of acne. For environment and acne severity, we observed that developed city levels, cold seasons and high altitude and strong radiation affect acne severity in adult women. For the results of the AI analyses, the severity of blackheads, pores, dark circles and skin roughness were positively associated with acne severity in adult women. CONCLUSIONS: AI analysis of high-res phone images in Chinese adult women reveals acne severity trends. Severity decreases after 25, hits a low at 40-44, then gradually rises. Skin type, sensitivity, makeup, diet, urbanization, seasons, altitude, and radiation impact acne. Blackheads, pores, dark circles, and skin roughness are linked to acne severity. These findings inform personalized skincare and public health strategies for adult women.

Early postoperative complications after transverse colostomy closure, a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Ostomy is a common surgery usually performed to protect patients from clinical symptoms caused by distal anastomotic leakage after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery and perforation or to relieve intestinal obstruction. AIM: To analyze the complications after transverse colostomy closure. METHODS: Patients who underwent transverse colostomy closure from Jan 2015 to Jan 2022 were retrospectively enrolled in a single clinical center. The differences between the complication group and the no complication group were compared. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to find independent factors for overall complications or incision infection. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients who underwent transverse colostomy closure were enrolled in the current study. Seventy (68.6%) patients underwent transverse colostomy because of CRC related causes. Postoperative complications occurred in 30 (29.4%) patients and the most frequent complication occurring after transverse colostomy closure was incision infection (46.7%). The complication group had longer hospital stays (P < 0.01). However, no potential risk factors were identified for overall complications and incision infection. CONCLUSION: The most frequent complication occurring after transverse colostomy closure surgery in our center was incision infection. The operation time, interval from transverse colostomy to reversal, and method of anastomosis might have no impact on the postoperative complications. Surgeons should pay more attention to aseptic techniques.

Dissecting the association between gut microbiota and hypertrophic scarring: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Hypertrophic scars affect a significant number of individuals annually, giving rise to both cosmetic concerns and functional impairments. Prior research has established that an imbalance in the composition of gut microbes, termed microbial dysbiosis, can initiate the progression of various diseases through the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and the host. However, the precise nature of the causal link between gut microbiota and hypertrophic scarring remains uncertain. In this study, after compiling summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving 418 instances of gut microbiota and hypertrophic scarring, we conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the potential existence of a causal relationship between gut microbiota and the development of hypertrophic scar and to discern the directionality of causation. By utilizing MR analysis, we identified seven causal associations between gut microbiome and hypertrophic scarring, involving one positive and six negative causal directions. Among them, Intestinimonas, Ruminococcus2, Barnesiella, Dorea, Desulfovibrio piger, and Ruminococcus torques act as protective factors against hypertrophic scarring, while Eubacterium rectale suggests a potential role as a risk factor for hypertrophic scars. Additionally, sensitivity analyses of these results revealed no indications of heterogeneity or pleiotropy. The findings of our MR study suggest a potential causative link between gut microbiota and hypertrophic scarring, opening up new ways for future mechanistic research and the exploration of nanobiotechnology therapies for skin disorders.

Non-POEMS osteosclerotic multiple myeloma: Clinical characteristics and differential diagnosis.

Osteosclerosis in multiple myeloma (MM) is typically associated with rare POEMS syndrome, characterized by polyneuropathy (P), organomegaly (O), endocrinopathy (E), M-protein (M), and skin changes (S). However, osteosclerosis in multiple myeloma (MM) without POEMS syndrome, defined as non-POEMS Osteosclerotic MM, is exceedingly rare. We report a 70-year-old man with rib pain, remarkably high bone mineral density and diffuse osteosclerosis. The diagnosis of non-POEMS osteosclerotic MM was confirmed by biopsy and aspiration of bone marrow through surgery. A literature review spanning from 1990 identified 12 cases of similar non-POEMS osteosclerotic MM, including 5 males and 7 females with a mean age of 59.7 ± 10.6 years. The non-POEMS osteosclerotic MM can be divided into two subtypes, the osteosclerotic lesion subtype and the diffuse osteosclerosis subtype. Absence of polyneuropathy and organomegaly are the main factors that differentiate non-POEMS osteosclerotic MM from POEMS. A hyperactive osteoblastic process might be the etiology of diffuse osteosclerosis. Further research is needed to understand its etiology and pathophysiology.

Survival outcome and optimal candidates of primary tumor resection for patients with metastatic medullary thyroid cancer.

CONTEXT: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) often exhibits aggressive growth with distant organ metastasis, leading to poor survival. OBJECTIVE: The question of whether primary tumor resection (PTR) is beneficial for patients with metastatic MTC remains a subject of debate. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic significance of organ-specific metastases and the number of metastatic organs in these patients, and we also conducted an analysis to determine the therapeutic value of PTR in managing this rare malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients initially diagnosed with metastatic MTC were identified within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to identify survival predictors. Survival outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank tests. RESULTS: A total of 186 patients with metastatic MTC at initial diagnosis from 2010 to 2020 were included. Bone, lung and liver were the most common metastatic organs. Patients with brain metastasis had significantly worse overall survival (OS) (p = 0.007) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p = 0.0013). Among all patients, 105 (56.45%) underwent PTR, and this group showed reduced overall mortality (OM) and cancer-specific mortality (CSM) (all p < 0.05). When analyzing different metastatic patterns, PTR significantly lowered the risk of OM and CSM for patients with bone, lung, liver, or distant lymph node (DLN) involvement (all p < 0.05). Additionally, among patients with one or two metastases, those undergoing surgical resection were significantly associated with favorable OS (p = 0.008) and CSS (p = 0.0247). CONCLUSIONS: PTR may confer therapeutic benefits for carefully selected individuals with metastatic MTCs. To integrate these insights into clinical decision-making settings, it is imperative to undertake multicenter prospective studies in the future.

Research on the tilt-to-length coupling noise suppression method inside the gravitational wave detection telescope.

As an integral component of the laser interferometry measurement system, the tilt-to-length (TTL) coupling noise inside the telescope stands out as a critical noise factor that requires meticulous consideration. In the TianQin project, the non-geometric TTL-coupled noise inside the telescope should be less than 0.22 pm/Hz1/2. Additionally, the wavefront aberration RMS at the small pupil of the telescope needs to be better than 0.0065 λ. These requirements set for the telescope are exceptionally stringent. To address this challenge, this study aims to relax the wavefront aberration requirements by mitigating non-geometric TTL coupling noise, while ensuring the non-geometric TTL coupling noise remains below 0.22 pm/Hz1/2. By controlling the coupling aberration proportion, the wavefront aberration RMS at the small pupil of the telescope can be relaxed to 0.014 λ. Alternatively, optimizing the Gaussian beam waist radius can relax the wavefront aberration RMS to 0.016 λ. By simultaneously utilizing two optimization methods, the wavefront aberration at the small pupil of the telescope can be reduced to 0.033 λ, resulting in an impressive success rate of 91.15% in meeting the noise requirements.