Diagnostic cholangioscopy for surgical planning of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

The recent clinical outcomes of multi-regimen chemotherapy included prolonged survival and a high rate of conversion to surgery in Asian patients with advanced biliary tract cancer. The ability of single-operator cholangioscopy (SOC) to detect and stage extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) in intraductal lesions is becoming more important in determining the extent of surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of SOC in surgical planning for extrahepatic CCC.

Interfacial sorption of 17β-E2 on nano-microplastics: effects of particle size, functional groups and hydrochemical conditions.

Nano-microplastics and 17β-E2 have been frequently detected as emerging high-concern pollutants in aquatic systems, and their interaction at the solid/liquid interface has become a research focus in environmental studies. The interfacial sorption kinetics and equilibrium characteristics of 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) on nano-polystyrene (Nano-PS) with different particle sizes and organic functional group modifications were systematically investigated in aqueous environments in this study. The interfacial interaction mechanism between Nano-PS particles and 17β-E2 was elucidated by utilizing SEM, FTIR, XPS and BET techniques.

Depression-related innate immune genes and pan-cancer gene analysis and validation.

Background: Depression, a prevalent chronic mental disorder, presents complexities and treatment challenges that drive researchers to seek new, precise therapeutic targets. Additionally, the potential connection between depression and cancer has garnered significant attention.

Methods: This study analyzed depression-related gene expression data from the GEO database.

Recyclability and recovery of carbon from waste printed circuit boards within a circular economy perspective: A review.

Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) are a significant component of electronic waste (e-waste) and are among the fastest-generating waste flows. The potentially negative impacts caused by e-waste on the environment and human health pose an increasingly apparent threat to people's everyday lives and well-being. The nonmetallic fraction (predominantly carbon) of WPCBs is characterized by heavy weight, low resource value, and complex composition, and these characteristics significantly restrict the recycling of the WPCBs to achieve a circular economy.

Non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging versus ultrasonography for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: A randomized, single-center trial.

Background & Aims: This study aimed to compare ultrasonography (US) and non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the surveillance of hepatic malignancy.

Methods: We conducted a randomized, non-blinded, single-center trial at a single center in South Korea. Eligible individuals were aged 20-70 years with liver cirrhosis, Child-Pugh class A, and no history of liver cancer or other recent malignancy.

Deep eutectic solvent-assisted recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries into electrocatalysts for polyethylene terephthalate upcycling.

We propose an effective method for selectively extracting the valuable metals from the spent LiNiCoMnO cathode material using an oxalic acid-based deep eutectic solvent. Through regulation of the coordination environment, NiO, CoO, and MnO are stepwise separated and further applied in the electrochemical conversion of raw PET bottles to high-purity formic acid.

Chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation of Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus).

The Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus), a finfish with the largest biomass of a single species in the Yellow and East China Seas, plays an important pivotal role in converting zooplanktons into high trophic fish in the food web. As a result, the fish is regard as a key species in its habiting ecosystem. However, the lack of genomic resources hampers our understanding of its genetic diversity and differentiation, as well as the evolutionary dynamics.

Genetic deficiency or pharmacological inhibition of cGAS-STING signalling suppresses kidney inflammation and fibrosis.

Background And Purpose: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterised by inflammation, which can lead to tubular atrophy and fibrosis. The molecular mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the functional role of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)- stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signalling in renal inflammation and fibrosis.

Polydopamine-coated montmorillonite micro/nanoparticles enhanced pectin-based sprayable multifunctional liquid mulching films: Wind erosion resistance, water retention, and temperature increase/heat preservation properties.

Natural biopolymer-based liquid mulching films (LMF) have received widespread attention, whereas the fragile structure and limited functionality have severely restricted their application. Herein, polydopamine-coated montmorillonite micro/nanoparticles enhanced pectin-based sprayable multifunctional liquid mulching films (P-MMT@PDA LMF) were prepared. Dopamine has abundant active sites, and its self-polymerization onto the surface of MMT improves the compatibility of MMT with pectin chains, facilitates the homogeneous dispersion of MMT@PDA in pectin polymers, and makes them more tightly entangled through hydrogen bonding.

Modeling early gastrulation in human blastoids with DNA methylation patterns of natural blastocysts.

Blastoids are a promising model for studying early human embryogenesis, but current models have limitations in post-implantation development and lack comprehensive epigenetic assessments, especially regarding genomic imprinting. These issues can lead to failures in accurately modeling early embryonic development. In this study, we developed a high-fidelity blastoid model using 4 chemicals + leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) (4CL) naive human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) (4CL blastoids).

Bamboo-Inspired Hierarchically Hollow Aerogel MXene Fibers with Ultrafast Ionic Channels and Multiple Electromagnetic Wave Attenuation Routes Toward High-Performance Supercapacitors and Microwave Absorption.

2D materials feature large specific surface areas and abundant active sites, showing great potential in energy storage and conversion. However, the dense, stacked structure severely restricts its practical application. Inspired by the structure of bamboo in nature, hollow interior and porous exterior wall, hollow MXene aerogel fiber (HA-TiCT fiber) is proposed.

Effects of reactive oxygen species on fruit ripening and postharvest fruit quality.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) serve as important signaling molecule, involved in numerous biological processes, particularly in the physiological changes associated with fruit ripening and postharvest handing. This review explores ROS key role in plant fruit ripening and postharvest quality. The mechanism of ROS production and degradation in maintaining ROS homeostasis are analyzed in detail.

Highly polarized single-crystal organic light-emitting devices with low turn-on voltage and high brightness.

Linearly-polarized organic electroluminescent devices have gained significant attention due to their potential applications across various fields. However, traditional thin-film organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) face significant challenges, primarily due to the necessity of incorporating complex optical elements. In this study, we present linearly-polarized OLEDs (LP-OLEDs) based on organic single crystals that we have designed and prepared.

Evaluation of Safety and Probiotic Properties of spp. in Fermented Vegetables From Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.

The genus , commonly found in fermented foods, is a significant group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with potential probiotic properties. Several strains have been proposed as probiotics due to their biotechnological capabilities. However, a few strains may exhibit opportunistic pathogenic behavior, which restricts the widespread use of all strains in food applications.

Leveraging explainable AI and large-scale datasets for comprehensive classification of renal histologic types.

Recently, as the number of cancer patients has increased, much research is being conducted for efficient treatment, including the use of artificial intelligence in genitourinary pathology. Recent research has focused largely on the classification of renal cell carcinoma subtypes. Nonetheless, the broader categorization of renal tissue into non-neoplastic normal tissue, benign tumor and malignant tumor remains understudied.

Advancements in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury: Acupuncture combined with mesenchymal stem cells transplantation.

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) constitutes a significant etiology of exacerbated cerebral tissue damage subsequent to intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular mechanical thrombectomy in patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. The treatment of CIRI has been extensively investigated through a multitude of clinical studies. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to be effective in treating CIRI.

Risk stratification and diagnostic evaluation of patients found to have microscopic hematuria by their primary care providers.

Background: Our goal was to identify, and risk stratify primary care patients with microscopic hematuria (MH), describe the diagnostic evaluations they received, and determine whether the evaluations were consistent with the recommendations of the 2020 AUA/SUFU microscopic hematuria guidelines.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients presenting to primary care clinics with a diagnosis of MH was performed. The patient risk category was determined based on the 2020 AUA/SUFU guidelines.

Design of Polydopamine@iron Oxide-Coated Ammonium Perchlorate Core-Shell Composites for Enhancing the Combustion Performance of HTPB-Based Propellants.

An ammonium perchlorate (AP) composite system with double-coating encapsulation based on the interfacial polymerization behavior of dopamine (DA) in Pickering emulsions was designed to enhance the combustion performance of HTPB-based propellants. The composite system proved highly effective in mitigating the agglomeration issues associated with iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) as catalysts, with the AP exhibiting superior performance compared to the composite comprising pure FeO NPs. The results of the thermal decomposition experiments showed that the HTD temperature of AP@PDA@FeO was reduced to 318.

Insights into the Genomic Background of Nine Common Chinese Medicinal Plants by Flow Cytometry and Genome Survey.

Medicinal plants have long played a crucial role in healthcare systems, but limited genomic information on these species has impeded the integration of modern biological technologies into medicinal plant research. In this study, we selected nine common medicinal plants, each belonging to a different plant family, including (Chloranthaceae), (Vitaceae), (Fabaceae), (Cucurbitaceae), (Polygonaceae), (Caryophyllaceae), (Rubiaceae), (Lamiaceae), and (Asteraceae), to estimate their genome sizes and conduct preliminary genomic surveys. The estimated genome sizes by flow cytometry were 3.

Efficacy study of intermittent theta burst stimulation(iTBS) in the treatment of adolescents with affective disorders.

Background: Affective disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a safe and effective brain stimulation therapy for reducing depressive symptoms in adolescents. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy of iTBS in treating adolescent patients with depressive disorders and the factors influencing clinical symptoms.

Surgical resection versus thermal ablation: comparison of sequential options after successful TACE downstaging therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an effective and safe downstaging therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the selection of sequential therapeutic modalities is still controversial.

Objectives: This study compared the effectiveness and safety of surgical resection (SR) and thermal ablation (TA) after patients with HCC underwent TACE downstaging therapy.

To cleave or not and how? The DNA exonucleases and endonucleases in immunity.

DNA exonucleases and endonucleases are key executors of the genome during many physiological processes. They generate double-stranded DNA by cleaving damaged endogenous or exogenous DNA, triggering the activation of the innate immune pathways such as cGAS-STING-IFN, and enabling the body to produce anti-viral or anti-tumor immune responses. This is of great significance for maintaining the stability of the genome and improving the therapeutic efficacy of tumors.

KGPM: A Knowledge-Guided Predictive Model for Virtual Metering in Gas Wells.

One of the key points in the construction of smart oil and gas fields is the effective utilization of data. Virtual Flow Metering (VFM), as one of the representative research directions for digital transformation, can obtain real-time production from oil and gas wells without the need for additional field instrumentation, utilizing pressure and temperature data obtained from sensors and employing multiphase flow mechanism models. The data-driven VFM demonstrates a commendable capacity in capturing the nonlinear relationship between sensor data and flow rates, while circumventing the necessity for rigorous analysis of the underlying mechanistic processes.

Multiscale Structural Control by Matrix Engineering for Polydimethylsiloxane Filled Graphene Woven Fabric Strain Sensors.

Elastomer cure shrinkage during composite fabrication often induces wrinkling in conductive networks, significantly affecting the performance of flexible strain sensors, yet the specific roles of such wrinkles are not fully understood. Herein, a highly sensitive polydimethylsiloxane-filled graphene woven fabric (PDMS-f-GWF) strain sensor by optimizing the PDMS cure shrinkage through careful adjustment of the base-to-curing-agent ratio is developed. This sensor achieves a gauge factor of ∼700 at 25% strain, which is over 6 times higher than sensors using commercially formulated PDMS.

SegRap2023: A benchmark of organs-at-risk and gross tumor volume Segmentation for Radiotherapy Planning of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Radiation therapy is a primary and effective treatment strategy for NasoPharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC). The precise delineation of Gross Tumor Volumes (GTVs) and Organs-At-Risk (OARs) is crucial in radiation treatment, directly impacting patient prognosis. Despite that deep learning has achieved remarkable performance on various medical image segmentation tasks, its performance on OARs and GTVs of NPC is still limited, and high-quality benchmark datasets on this task are highly desirable for model development and evaluation.