Excited electronic states of Na2 and K2: The potential for long-lived "reservoir" states leading to collision induced population inversions.

Potential energy curves (PECs) for the spin-free (ΛS) and spin-orbit (Ω) states associated with the four lowest-lying dissociation channels of Na2 and K2 were calculated at the SA-CASSCF/SO-CASPT2/aug-cc-pwCVQZ-DK level. The PECs of Na2 were consistent with the experimental data and with the FS-CCSD (2,0) calculations, reproducing the double-well and the "shelf" character for some of the potentials of the excited states. For K2, the PECs behaved in a similar way and the spectroscopic parameters for the ground and the excited states are in good agreement with the available experimental values.

miR-224-5p Suppresses Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via IL6ST-Mediated Regulation of the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway.

Background: Our study aimed to explore the specific functions and potential mechanisms of miR-224-5p in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: We first analyzed the expression of miR-224-5p in NSCLC patients and cell lines through the GEO database and qRT-PCR analysis. Then, we used MTT assays, wound healing assays, Transwell assays, and western blotting to evaluate the effects of miR-224-5p on NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Drug-Coated Balloon-Based Treatment of Left Main True Bifurcation Lesion.

Background: There is a paucity of data regarding drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment in the context of left main (LM) true bifurcation lesions.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DCB-based treatment for unprotected LM true bifurcation lesions.

Methods: A total of 39 patients with LM true bifurcation lesion (Medina: 1,1,1/0,1,1/1,0,1) who were successfully treated with DCB alone or in combination with drug-eluting stent (DES) were retrospectively enrolled into the DCB-based group.

Significant Efficiency Enhancements in Non-Y Series Acceptors by the Addition of Outer Side Chains.

Most current highly efficient organic solar cells utilize small molecules like Y6 and its derivatives as electron acceptors in the photoactive layer. In this work, a small molecule acceptor, SC8-IT4F, is developed through outer side chain engineering on the terminal thiophene of a conjugated 6,12-dihydro-dithienoindeno[2,3-d:2',3'-d']-s-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene (IDTT) central core. Compared to the reference molecule C8-IT4F, which lacks outer side chains, SC8-IT4F displays notable differences in molecule geometry (as shown by simulations), thermal behavior, single-crystal packing, and film morphology.

Mechanisms and strategic prospects of cannabinoids use: Potential applications in antimicrobial food packaging-A review.

This review focuses on antimicrobial packaging for food safety, critically examining the activity and efficacy of cannabinoids against commonly found microorganisms and exploring their antimicrobial mechanisms. Specifically, the review considers cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp plants, which are characterized by low levels of psychoactive components. It also outlines viable strategies to control the sustained release of cannabinoids from the packaging, enabling extended storage and enhanced safety of food products.

Masquelet Inspired in Vivo Engineered Extracellular Matrix as Functional Periosteum for Bone Defect Repair and Reconstruction.

The Masquelet technique that combines a foreign body reaction (FBR)-induced vascularized tissue membrane with staged bone grafting for reconstruction of segmental bone defect has gained wide attention in Orthopedic surgery. The success of Masquelet hinges on its ability to promote formation of a "periosteum-like" FBR-induced membrane at the bone defect site. Inspired by Masquelet's technique, here a novel approach is devised to create periosteum mimetics from decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), engineered in vivo through FBR, for reconstruction of segmental bone defects.

[Shaking hands or not after the COVID pandemic?].

The tradition of physicians to shake hands with patients is controversial due to the risk of transmitting germs and because of cultural sensitivity. Nevertheless, handshaking is a common way of greeting in Western culture, although some patients prefer not to shake hands for religious or cultural reasons. It is also known that a handshake can transmit pathogenic microorganisms.

[Neurological side-effects associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors].

The use of checkpoint inhibitors has shown significant clinical benefit in various cancer types but also carries a risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). As the use of checkpoint inhibitors continues to rise, so does the incidence of irAEs. Among these, neurological adverse events (neuro-irAEs) are particularly challenging to detect since they can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, often mimicking disease progression.

[Residency attrition in orthopaedic surgery; an explanatory model based on qualitative research].

Objective: Many factors can lead to residency attrition. The underlying process however and how these factors interact remains unclear. Understanding this process can provide background to put the available evidence into perspective.

[Mucosal disorders of the tongue].

Mucosal diseases of the tongue, such as lingua geographica and lingua villosa, are relatively common and are usually harmless, such as lingua geographica and lingua villosa, but can also be more serious, such as oral cavity carcinoma of the tongue. In this article we discuss the diagnosis and treatment of the most common mucosal diseases of the tongue. The influence of underlying systemic conditions, certain medications and preventive advice are also discussed.

Hinged Carboxylate in the Artificial Distal Pocket of an Iron Porphyrin Enhances CO Electroreduction at Low Overpotential.

To efficiently capture, activate, and transform small molecules, metalloenzymes have evolved to integrate a well-organized pocket around the active metal center. Within this cavity, second coordination sphere functionalities are precisely positioned to optimize the rate, selectivity, and energy cost of catalytic reactions. Inspired by this strategy, an artificial distal pocket defined by a preorganized 3D strap is introduced on an iron-porphyrin catalyst (sc-Fe) for the CO-to-CO electrocatalytic reduction.

Brachial Artery Access for Carotid Artery Stenting: A Pooled Analysis.

Introduction In the realm of Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS), various access methods such as Transfemoral access (TFA), Transradial Artery access (TRA), and Transbrachial access (TBA) have been employed. While TFA is widely established, TRA and TBA offer alternative options. TBA lacks comprehensive studies, and there is a notable lack of comprehensive evidence systematically evaluating its outcomes.

Alternative Magnification Devices for Microsurgical Training. Comparative analysis.

Aim: Determine if low-cost magnification devices (USB computer microscope, smartphone) enable the acquisition and maintenance of basic microsurgical skills by comparing skills learned using these devices against those learned using a surgical microscope. Determine whether skills acquired using these devices can be transferred to the surgical microscope.

Material And Methods: Twelve neurosurgical participants, ranging from faculty to postgraduate year-1 trainees, were randomly divided into three groups for training using a surgical microscope, smartphone, or USB microscope.

Chiral and Quantum Plasmonic Sensors: New Frontiers in Selective and Ultra-Sensitive Sensing.

Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs) and Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances (LSPRs) are fundamental phenomena in plasmonics that enable the confinement of electromagnetic waves beyond the diffraction limit. This confinement results in a significant enhancement of the electric field, making this phenomenon particularly beneficial for sensitive detection applications. However, conventional plasmonic sensors face several challenges, notably their difficulty in distinguishing chiral molecules, which are vital in drug development.

Nanodrugs Targeting Key Factors of Ferroptosis Regulation for Enhanced Treatment of Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a globally prevalent degenerative joint disease. Recent studies highlight the role of ferroptosis in OA progression. Targeting ferroptosis regulation presents a promising therapeutic strategy for OA; however, current research primarily focuses on single targets associated with ferroptosis.

Examining the Impact of Diet-and-Exercise-Induced Weight Loss on Drug Metabolism and Gastric Emptying in Patients with Obesity.

Obesity significantly influences drug pharmacokinetics (PK), which challenges optimal dosing. This study examines the effects of diet-and-exercise-induced weight loss on key drug-metabolizing enzymes and gastric emptying in patients with obesity, who frequently require medications for comorbidities. Participants followed a structured weight management program promoting weight loss over 3-6 months and were not concomitantly on potential CYP inducers or inhibitors.

Peptide-Drug Conjugate for Therapeutic Reprogramming of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Breast Cancer.

In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), pro-tumoral macrophages promote metastasis and suppress the immune response. To target these cells, a previously identified CD206 (mannose receptor)-binding peptide, mUNO was engineered to enhance its affinity and proteolytic stability. The new rationally designed peptide, MACTIDE, includes a trypsin inhibitor loop, from the Sunflower Trypsin Inhibitor-I.

Targeting MAPK14 by Lobeline Upregulates Slurp1-Mediated Inhibition of Alternative Activation of TAM and Retards Colorectal Cancer Growth.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) usually creates an immunosuppressive microenvironment, thereby hindering immunotherapy response. Effective treatment options remain elusive. Using scRNA-seq analysis in a tumor-bearing murine model, it is found that lobeline, an alkaloid from the herbal medicine lobelia, promotes polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) toward M1-like TAMs while inhibiting their polarization toward M2-like TAMs.

Dual Interface Modification for Reduced Nonradiative Recombination in n-i-p Methylammonium-Free Perovskite Solar Cells.

High defect concentrations at the interfaces are the basis of charge extraction losses and instability in perovskite solar cells. Surface engineering with organic cations is a common practice to solve this issue. However, the full implications of the counteranions of these cations for device functioning are often neglected.

Temporal and Spatial Metabolic Shifts Revealing the Transition from Ulcerative Colitis to Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer.

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), however, the metabolic shifts during the UC-to-CRC transition remain elusive. In this study, an AOM-DSS-induced three-stage colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) model is constructed and targeted metabolomics analysis and pathway enrichment are performed, uncovering the metabolic changes in this transition. Spatial metabolic trajectories in the "normal-to-normal adjacent tissue (NAT)-to-tumor" transition, and temporal metabolic trajectories in the "colitis-to-dysplasia-to-carcinoma" transition are identified through K-means clustering of 74 spatially and 77 temporally differential metabolites, respectively.

FXa-Responsive Hydrogels to Craft Corneal Endothelial Lamellae.

Cell-instructive polymer hydrogels are instrumental in tissue engineering for regenerative therapies. Implementing defined and selective responsiveness to external stimuli is a persisting challenge that critically restricts their functionality. Addressing this challenge, this study introduces a versatile, modular hydrogel system composed of four-arm poly(ethylene glycol)(starPEG)-peptide and glycosaminoglycan(GAG)-maleimide conjugates.

Phase Transition Process of Graphite to Diamond Induced by Monodispersed Tantalum Atoms at Ordinary Pressure.

The transformation of graphite into diamond (2-10 nm) at ordinary pressure by monodispersed Ta atoms was recently reported, while the effects of Ta concentration on the transition process remain obscure. Here, by regulating the Ta wire treatment time, as well as the annealing time and temperature, larger diamond grians (5-20 nm) are successfully synthesized, and the transition process of graphite to diamond is revealed to vary with Ta concentration. Specifically, short Ta wire treatments (5-10 min) induce graphite to form a "circle" structure and transforms into diamond directly after annealing.

Smart Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles in Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, Immunogenicity, and Clinical Translation.

In cancer research and personalized medicine, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have emerged as a significant breakthrough in both cancer treatment and diagnosis. MSNs offer targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects on healthy cells. Due to their unique characteristics, MSNs provide targeted drug delivery, maximizing therapeutic effectiveness with minimal adverse effects on healthy cells.

Severe phlebitis and cutaneous necrosis following peripheral administration of high-concentration potassium chloride: A case report and vascular access management implications.

Electrolyte imbalance management is crucial in diverse clinical scenarios, with intravenous potassium repletion often required. High-concentration infusions can pose severe complications if extravasation occurs, leading to phlebitis, local tissue damage, or in severe cases, cutaneous necrosis. This risk is elevated in geriatric patients due to factors like reduced tissue elasticity and sensitivity.