Unraveling the controversy: exploring the link between sex hormones and skin cancers through a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Skin cancers continue to present unresolved challenges, particularly regarding the association with sex hormones, which remains a topic of controversy. A systematic review is currently warranted to address these issues. To analyze if sex hormones result in a higher incidence of skin cancers (cutaneous melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).

Alterations of amino acids in older adults with Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia.

Metabolomics provide a promising tool for understanding dementia pathogenesis and identifying novel biomarkers. This study aimed to identify amino acid biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Vascular Dementia (VD). By amino acid metabolomics, the concentrations of amino acids were determined in the serum of AD and VD patients as well as age-matched healthy controls.

Efficacy and safety of KN026 and docetaxel for HER2-positive breast cancer: a phase II clinical trial.

Background: The standard first-line treatment for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive recurrent/metastatic breast cancer currently includes pertuzumab plus trastuzumab and docetaxel. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of KN026, an anti-HER2 bispecific antibody, plus docetaxel in first-line treatment of HER2-positive recurrent/metastatic breast cancer.

Methods: This open-label, single-arm, phase II study enrolled patients with HER2-positive recurrent/metastatic breast cancer in 19 centers across China from December 30, 2019 to May 27, 2021.

Probing the Interaction Mechanisms of Dodecane and Mica/Calcite: Implications for Oil Recovery.

Understanding the interfacial interaction mechanisms between oil and minerals is of vital importance in the applications of petroleum production and environmental protection. In this work, the interactions of dodecane with mica and calcite in aqueous media were investigated by using the drop probe technique based on atomic force microscopy. For the dodecane-mica interactions, the electrical double layer (EDL) repulsion dominated in 10 mM NaCl solution, and a higher pH facilitated the detachment of dodecane.

X-ray Responsive Antioxidant Drug-Free Hydrogel for Treatment of Radiation Skin Injury.

Radiotherapy (RT) is widely applied in tumor therapy, but inevitable side effects, especially for skin radiation injury, are still a fatal problem and life-threatening challenge for tumor patients. The main components of topical radiation protection preparations currently available on the market are antioxidants, such as SOD, which are limited by their unstable activity and short duration of action, making it difficult to achieve the effects of radiation protection and skin radiation damage treatment. Therefore, we designed a drug-free antioxidant hydrogel patch with encapsulated bioactive epidermal growth factor (EGF) for the treatment of radiation skin injury.

A SPR aptamer sensor for mercury based on AuNPs@NaYF:Yb,Tm,Gd upconversion luminescent nanoparticles.

A new aptamer-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system has been designed to detect Hg that utilizes near-infrared (NIR)-to-NIR gold nanoparticle coated NaYF:Yb,Tm,Gd up-conversion nanoparticles (AuNPs@NaYF:Yb,Tm,Gd UCNPs) as probes. The AuNPs@NaYF:Yb,Tm,Gd UCNPs were prepared and excited by near-infrared light (980 nm) which emitted at a near-infrared wavelength (808 nm) using an inexpensive infrared continuous wave laser diode. The AuNPs@NaYF:Yb,Tm,Gd UCNPs were conjugated with Hg aptamers.

Inducible engineering precursor metabolic flux for synthesizing hyaluronic acid of customized molecular weight in Streptococcus zooepidemicus.

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is extensively employed in various fields such as medicine, cosmetics, food, etc. The molecular weight (MW) of HA is crucial for its biological functions. Streptococcus zooepidemicus, a prominent HA industrial producer, naturally synthetizes HA with high MW.

The association between the dietary index for gut microbiota and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The relationship between the gut microbiome and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has garnered increasing attention. However, the association between the dietary index for gut microbiota (DI-GM), a measure of microbiome diversity, and MAFLD has yet to be fully explored.

Methods: Data from the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed, including 7243 participants.

Finite element analysis of stress in mandibular molars repaired after fractured instrument removal.

Background: This study assessed stress distributions in simulated mandibular molars filled with various materials after the removal of fractured instruments from the apical thirds of the root canals.

Methods: Finite element models of the mesial and distal root canals were created, where fractured instruments were assumed to be removed using a staging platform established with a modified Gates-Glidden bur (Woodpecker, Guangxi, P.R.

Interaction of STIL with FOXM1 regulates SF3A3 transcription in the hepatocellular carcinoma development.

Background: Dysregulation of SF3A3 has been related to the development of many cancers. Here, we investigated the functional role of SF3A3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: SF3A3 expression in HCC tissues and cell lines was examined using RT-qPCR.

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease in children: a single-center retrospective analysis.

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, pathological phenotype, treatment and prognosis of idiopathic multicenter Castleman disease (iMCD)in children.

Methods: From January 2017 to September 2023, basic information, laboratory tests, treatment and prognosis of children diagnosed with iMCD who attended Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University were collected.

Results: A total of 9 children were enrolled, with a median age of onset of median 11 (2-15) years, 6 males and 3 female.

Arteriolar Elasticity Measurement in the Fingertip Based on Photoplethysmographic Volume-Oscillometry: A New Approach to the Assessment of Vasomotor Functions in the Microvasculature.

Purpose: Dysfunction of vasomotor reactions due to arteriolar smooth muscle causes serious adverse events, such as loss of hemodynamic coherence. This in turn can increase risks of cardiovascular-related diseases. A noninvasive and quantitative evaluation of microvascular disorder is therefore very important for early diagnosis and treatment.

Biochar and bentonite application improves aeolian sandy soil health and enhances soil carbon sequestration and emission reduction potential.

Aeolian sandy soil is barren and readily leads to low fertilizer utilization rates and yields. Therefore, it is imperative to improve the water and fertilizer retention capacity of these soils. In this paper, three kinds of biochar (rice husk, corn stalk, and bamboo charcoal) and bentonite were used as amendments in the first year of the experiment.

Construction of cuproptosis-related genes risk model predicts the prognosis of Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma.

Cuproptosis, a recently discovered form of cell death, has emerged as a crucial player in tumor development, although its role in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) remains inadequately explored. This study aims to identify prognostically relevant cuproptosis-related genes in endometrial cancer. Cuproptosis-related genes were sourced from previously published studies and the FerrDb database.

Immunogenic dying cells elicit potent anti-tumor T cell immunity against lung metastasis and tumorigenesis.

Purpose: Immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) are promising, however they do not fit all types of tumor, such as those lack of tumor antigens. Induction of potent anti-tumor T cell immunity is critical for cancer therapy. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of immunotherapy via the immunogenic cell death (ICD) dying tumor cells in mouse models of lung metastasis and tumorigenesis.

Climate change influences on the potential geographic distribution of the invasive Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis.

The Asian long-horned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, 1901, is the competent vector for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). Haemaphysalis longicornis originated mainly in eastern Asia and invaded many areas like Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands, and was recently introduced to eastern parts of the USA. This species is characterized by high adaptability to a wide range of temperatures and can reproduce parthenogenically under stressful conditions.

Non-metallic iodine single-atom catalysts with optimized electronic structures for efficient Fenton-like reactions.

In this study, we introduce a highly effective non-metallic iodine single-atom catalyst (SAC), referred to as I-NC, which is strategically confined within a nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) scaffold. This configuration features a distinctive C-I coordination that optimizes the electronic structure of the nitrogen-adjacent carbon sites. As a result, this arrangement enhances electron transfer from peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to the active sites, particularly the electron-deficient carbon.

Tuning Dual Catalytic Active Sites of Pt Single Atoms Paired with High-Entropy Alloy Nanoparticles for Advanced Li-O Batteries.

To achieve a long cycle life and high-capacity performance for Li-O batteries, it is critical to rationally modulate the formation and decomposition pathway of the discharge product LiO. Herein, we designed a highly efficient catalyst containing dual catalytic active sites of Pt single atoms (Pt) paired with high-entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in Li-O batteries. HEA is designed with a moderate d-band center to enhance the surface adsorbed LiO intermediate (LiO(ads)), while Pt active sites exhibit weak adsorption energy and promote the soluble LiO pathway (LiO(sol)).

Boosting Thermal Generation in Cation-Exchanged Transparent MXene Composite Films with Hierarchical Wrinkled Structure.

Efficient thermal generation from solar/electric energy in transparent films remains challenging due to the limited toolbox of high-performance thermal generation materials and methods for microstructure engineering. Here, we proposed a two-step strategy to introduce hierarchical wrinkles to the MXene composite films with high transparency, leading to upgraded photo/electrothermal conversion efficiency. Specifically, the thin film contains protic acid-treated MXene layers assembled with Ag nanowires (H-MXene/Ag NWs).

Copper-Catalyzed 1,4-Alkylarylation of 1,3-Enynes with Ethers and Aryl Boronic Acids Enabled via C(sp)-H Functionalization.

Herein, we present a copper-catalyzed, three-component intermolecular 1,4-alkylarylation of 1,3-enynes with ethers and aryl boronic acids. This method, driven by α-C(sp)-H functionalization of the oxygen atom in ethers, regioselectively produces various tetrasubstituted allenes from simple, readily available precursors. Key features include mild reaction conditions and a simple catalytic system.

Aptamer-Proximity Ligation Coupled with Rolling Circle Amplification Strategy for an Ultrasensitive Analysis of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles PD-L1.

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (T-EVs) PD-L1 are an important biomarker for predicting immunotherapy response and can help us understand the mechanism of resistance to immunotherapy. However, this is due to the interference from a large proportion of nontumor-derived EVs. It is still challenging to accurately analyze T-EVs PD-L1 in complex human fluids.

Three-Dimensional SERS-Active Hydrogel Microbeads Enable Highly Sensitive Homogeneous Phase Detection of Alkaline Phosphatase in Biosystems.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a biomarker for many diseases, and monitoring its activity level is important for disease diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we used the microdroplet technology combined with an laser-induced polymerization method to prepare the Ag nanoparticle (AgNP) doped hydrogel microbeads (HMBs) with adjustable pore sizes that allow small molecules to enter while blocking large molecules. The AgNPs embedded in the hydrogel microspheres can provide SERS activity, improving the SERS signal of small molecules that diffuse to the AgNPs.

Bioinspired Assembly of Natural Polyphenol-Amino Acid Surfactants as Multifunctional Durable Coatings for Anticorrosion Fruit Packaging.

Challenges emerge in the quest for highly efficient and biocompatible coatings to tackle microbial contamination. Here, we propose a bioinspired paradigm combining (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and l-arginine surfactants (LAM) as all-green building blocks for advanced coatings with superior performance. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the natural assembly process of the EGCG/LAM supramolecular nanoparticles (ELA NPs).

Spermidine antagonizes the anti-cancer effect of cold atmospheric plasma and induces transit G/G cell cycle arrest of triple negative breast cancers.

Cancer remains as a global health threat, with the incidence of breast cancers keep increasing. Dis-regulated redox homeostasis has been considered with essential roles for tumor initiation and progression. Using triple negative breast cancers, the most malignant subtype of breast cancers, as the tumor model, we explored the roles of the anti-oxidant spermidine, the pro-oxidative tool cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), and their combined use in cancer growth, anti-oxidative ability and cell cycle.

Human Urinary Occurrence of Thiourea Vulcanization Accelerators and Their Human Exposure.

Thiourea vulcanization accelerators (TVAs) have been detected in various household dust samples, indicating their widespread human exposure. Until now, the occurrence of TVAs in human urine, a suitable matrix for assessing human exposure, has remained unknown. The present study comprehensively examined eight kinds of TVAs in urine samples (n = 277) from participants living in Taizhou, China.