Ultrasound reduces inflammation by modulating M1/M2 polarization of microglia through STAT1/STAT6/PPARγ signaling pathways.

Introduction: Activated microglia can be polarized to the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can attenuate pro-inflammatory responses in activated microglia.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of LIPUS on M1/M2 polarization of microglial cells and the regulatory mechanisms associated with signaling pathways.

Do We Need to Add Postoperative Radiotherapy in Patients Undergoing Trimodality Therapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Positive Lymph Nodes Disease?

Background: The role of adjuvant radiotherapy for positive lymph nodes (LN) in patients with esophageal cancer who received neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is not well established. This study is aimed at determining the impact of positive LN and the survival benefit of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) after CCRT plus surgery on esophageal cancer patients.

Methods: Seventy patients with positive LN after neoadjuvant CCRT followed by esophagectomy were enrolled in the study.

Roll-to-roll fabrication of large scale and regular arrays of three-dimensional nanospikes for high efficiency and flexible photovoltaics.

Three-dimensional (3-D) nanostructures have demonstrated enticing potency to boost performance of photovoltaic devices primarily owning to the improved photon capturing capability. Nevertheless, cost-effective and scalable fabrication of regular 3-D nanostructures with decent robustness and flexibility still remains as a challenging task. Meanwhile, establishing rational design guidelines for 3-D nanostructured solar cells with the balanced electrical and optical performance are of paramount importance and in urgent need.