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Purpose: Neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgical resection is one of the preferred treatment option for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For patients with mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) factor exon 14 skipping (METex14) mutations, the use of MET-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) showed high efficiency and reduced toxicity compared with first-line standard chemotherapy. However, it is unknown whether preoperative induction targeted therapy of MET-TKIs is feasible and safe. Methods: Here, we reported 3 cases of locally advanced unresectable NSCLC with METex14 mutations receiving induction therapy of MET-TKI savolitinib as first-line therapy or second-line therapy when they experienced disease progression after preoperative chemotherapy. Results: All these 3 patients achieved significant tumor size shrinkage and their unresectable tumors became resectable after the treatment of savolitinib. No serious adverse events were observed during the treatment. They recovered well postoperatively, and no significant events were identified. Conclusions: Preoperative induction treatment with MET-TKI savolitinib showed its safety and effectiveness and may be an alternative option for neoadjuvant therapy for NSCLC patients with METex14 mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravesical electrical stimulation (IVES) performed with a novel device in patients with underactive bladder (UAB). Patients and Methods: This was a multicentre, prospective, single‐blind, randomized controlled clinical trial of patients with UAB in China. Eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive conventional IVES (n = 38) or IVES with an open circuit (n = 38). The primary efficacy measure was change from baseline in post‐void residual urine volume (PVR) after 4 weeks of treatment. Secondary efficacy measures included changes in maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), bladder voiding efficiency (BVE), number of 24‐h clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) procedures, and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition‐Scale (PPBC‐S) and American Urological Association Symptom Index Quality of Life (AUA‐SI‐QoL) scores from baseline after 4 weeks of treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored throughout the trial. Results: In the full analysis set (FAS), the mean (sd) PVR changes in the trial and control groups at 4 weeks were −97.1 (107.5) mL and −10.5 (86.7) mL, respectively (P < 0.01). Similar results were obtained in the per‐protocol set (PPS): −102.9 (100.0) mL vs 0.7 (82.5) mL (P < 0.01). In the FAS and PPS, Qmax improved significantly at 4 weeks (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03). In the FAS and PPS, BVE was significantly improved at 4 weeks in the two groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01), whereas no significant differences in the number of 24‐h CIC procedures, PPBC‐S score or AUA‐SI‐QoL score were observed between the groups. Six possible therapy‐related AEs occurred in six patients (four in the trial group and two in the control group; P = 0.67), all of which were urinary tract infections. No severe AEs were reported. Conclusions: The results of this clinical study strongly demonstrate that UAB patients benefit from this novel IVES device. More research is needed to validate the clinical utility of this device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by the demands of carbon footprint reduction, the conventional fossil-based generators are gradually being replaced by grid-forming inverter. One crucial aspect of grid-forming inverter is synchronization stability, which is not only related to the inverter power-frequency (P-f) dynamic but also influenced by power grid characteristics as well as grid impedances. From the perspective of a local inverter, it is difficult to know the detailed information. As a result, severe oscillations and even the loss of synchronization may occur and pose a great threat to the power grid. To overcome this problem, a black-box approach is presented in this article. Initially, a frequency-domain identification approach is proposed to acquire the power grid characteristic by the inverter itself. Based on the measurement results, the P-f dynamic of grid-forming inverter is explicitly reshaped to ensure the synchronization stability. The proposed methodology does not require any prior power system knowledge or the trivial modeling process. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by hardware experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary pulmonary osteosarcoma (PPOS) is an uncommon malignancy originating from the lung with low incidence, and its clinical characteristics and prognosis have not been systematically reported. Therefore, we aimed to recognize the prognostic factors and constructed a survival prediction model for PPOS.Methods: We collected the data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and systematic review of previous studies. Demographical and clinical characteristics, radiographic manifestations, treatment modalities, and prognosis were analyzed. A prediction model via nomogram was constructed and then evaluated by the concordance index (C-index) and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: A total of 49 cases were included for analysis with a median age of 67 years old (range 33-94 years), of which 32 (65.3%) were male. The median size was 6 cm (range 1.8-25 cm), and the median overall survival (OS) was eight months (interquartile range 4.5-12 months) with a 1-year OS rate of 30.8%. Tumor size over 7 cm (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.98; P = 0.018) and those without microscopic findings of osteoid found in the tumors (HR = 2.11; P = 0.048) were referred to a poor OS, while surgery was associated with an improved OS (HR = 0.20; P < 0.001). The C-index of the nomogram prediction model was 0.771, and the area under curve, sensitivity and specificity of the ROC curve were 0.818, 0.848 and 0.800, respectively.Conclusions: Patients with PPOS had a poor prognosis, and tumor size was mostly prognostic. Surgery seemed to be an effective treatment, and the prediction model with a nomogram in our study could effectively predict the prognosis of patients with PPOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that the ocean‐bottom pressure associated with seismic seafloor motion is linearly proportional to the vertical seafloor acceleration, for frequencies much lower than the resonance frequency of water layer (c0/4h, c0 water sound speed, h water depth). In this article, we use realistic observations to verify a theoretical relation between the ocean‐bottom pressure and vertical acceleration up to the water resonance frequency. We then show two applications of the theoretical relation. First, the pressure amplitude recorded by differential pressure gauges is calibrated, and the calibration coefficient is found to vary by frequency. Second, Rayleigh wave phase velocity near the water resonance frequency can be calculated from recordings of pressure and vertical seafloor acceleration at a single station, which is useful to constrain the shallow Earth structure. Plain Language Summary: In ocean‐bottom seismology, traditional studies only use the recordings of vertical seafloor deformation because horizontal seismic measurements generally suffer from bad quality due to ocean‐bottom currents. Therefore, to image the Earth structure, research methods often require data from a station array, that is, multiple stations with small distances. In this study, we use realistic observations to demonstrate that the ocean‐bottom pressure and vertical seafloor acceleration satisfy a theoretical relation up to the resonance frequency of water layer. Based on the theoretical equation, a method is developed to derive the Rayleigh wave phase velocity using recordings of pressure and seafloor deformation. The method is applicable to data at a single station, and it is suitable to constrain shallow Earth properties. This study implies that it is worth exploring the usage of ocean‐bottom pressure of high frequencies in seafloor seismology. Key Points: We verify a theoretical solution between ocean‐bottom pressure and vertical seafloor acceleration by real observationsThe solution is used to calibrate differential pressure gauge data, and the calibration coefficient is found to vary by frequencyRayleigh wave phase velocity near the water resonance frequency can be derived from pressure and acceleration recorded at a single station [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advancements in diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies, the mortality rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains as high as its incidence rate. Most liver cancers are detected in the advanced stages, when treatment options are limited. Small HCC is difficult to diagnose and is often overlooked by current imaging methods because of the complexity of the liver environment, especially in cirrhotic livers. In the present study, we developed a tumor "cruise missile", mesoporous Fe3O4-containing glucose oxidase-conjugated GPC3 peptide nanoparticles (FGP NPs). It was designed to enhance the accuracy of small HCC visualization to 85.7% using combined ultrasound/photoacoustic imaging in complex liver environment, which facilitated sequential catalytic targeted therapy for small HCC. In a carcinogen-induced mouse HCC model, FGP NPs could be used to accurately diagnose HCC in a liver cirrhosis background as well as distinguish HCC nodules from other abnormal liver nodules, such as cirrhosis nodules and necrotic nodules, by dynamic contrast-enhanced photoacoustic imaging. In a mouse xenograft HCC model, highly reactive oxygen species were formed by sequential catalytic reactions, which promoted HCC cell apoptosis, significantly increasing the survival of the model mice. The present study provides a basis for the precise detection and elimination of small HCCs in the complex liver environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing penetration of renewable energy resources facilitates the carbon footprint reduction process yet reduces the power system inertia. As a result, the grid frequency and the rate of change of frequency (RoCoF) might probably go beyond the normal range, resulting in unexpected load shedding, generator tripping, and even frequency instability. To address this problem, grid-connected inverters are designed to participate in frequency regulation and provide the equivalent inertial support. Nevertheless, the inertia emulation effect is affected by the inverter synchronization dynamic and high RoCoF events may occur as the result of poor synchronization dynamics. In view of this limitation, a synthetic inertia control is developed in this article considering the synchronization dynamics. The synthetic inertia principles and control design guideline are explicitly provided. Finally, hardware experimental results of a scaled-down power system prototype are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of negative zinc dendrite and the deformation of zinc electrode are the important factors affecting nickel–zinc battery life. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) network carbon felt via microwave oxidation was used as ZnO support and filled with 30% H2O2-oxidised activated carbon to improve the performance of the battery. The energy density and power density of the nickel–zinc battery reached 81.8 and 181.7 Wh kg−1, respectively, at the first cycle of the charge and discharge. The coulomb efficiency and voltage efficiency of the battery were respectively 85% and 65.5% at the 921st cycle. The coulomb efficiency and voltage efficiency of the battery filled with 30% H2O2-oxidised activated carbon were respectively increased by 0.8% and 2.6% compared with those of the nickel–zinc battery filled with activated carbon, and by 31.2% and 6.9% compared with those of the nickel–zinc battery without the activated carbon. The adhesion between carbon felt and zinc was strengthened by polar groups, and the specific capacitance and hydrophilicity of zinc electrode were improved by filling the zinc electrode with 30% H2O2-oxidised activated carbon. Moreover, the hydrophilicity of carbon felt support and activated carbon capacitor material can promote the penetration and diffusion of electrolyte in the electrode and help eliminate zinc dendrite. The carbon felt electrode has the flexibility to avoid deformation of zinc electrode. The cycle stability of the battery was considerably improved by 935 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to compare the effectiveness of acupotomy based on the meridian-sinew theory with acupotomy based on the anatomical theory in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A total of 124 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomized into the meridian-sinew (MS) group (63 patients) and anatomy group (61 patients). In the MS group, acupotomy based on the meridian-sinew theory was performed. In the anatomy group, acupotomy based on anatomy was applied. Patients were subgrouped by TCM Constitutions. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to evaluate treatment effectiveness. The results showed that VAS (F = 22.61, p < 0.01) and WOMAC (F = 24.84, p < 0.01) scores declined with time, and there was no significant difference between the two groups nor subgroups (Yang deficiency subgroup, Yin-Yang harmony subgroup, and the subgroup of the others). A total of 5 patients reported 6 cases of the minor adverse effect, and all patients achieved complete recovery without medical intervention. This study indicates that the effectiveness and safety of acupotomy based on the meridian-sinew theory are equivalent to that of acupotomy based on anatomy in KOA treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a promising low-cost energy storage device, the development of a rechargeable potassium-ion battery (KIB) is severely hindered by the limited capacity of cathode candidates. Regarded as an attractive capacity-boosting strategy, triggering the O-related anionic redox activity has not been achieved within a sealed KIB system. Herein, in contrast to the typical gaseous open K-O2 battery (O2/KO2 redox), we originally realize the reversible superoxide/peroxide (KO2/K2O2) interconversion on a KO2-based cathode. Controlled within a sealed cell environment, the irreversible O2 evolution and electrolyte decomposition (induced by superoxide anion (O2−) formation) are effectively restrained. Rationally controlling the reversible depth-of-charge at 300 mAh/g (based on the mass of KO2), no obvious cell degradation can be observed during 900 cycles. Moreover, benefitting from electrolyte modification, the KO2-based cathode is coupled with a limited amount of K-metal anode (merely 2.5 times excess), harvesting a K-metal full-cell with high energy efficiency (∼90%) and long-term cycling stability (over 300 cycles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Whether sex has any impact on the risk of lymph node (LN) metastasis (LNM) in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to objectively compared the risk of LNM between female and male patients with early-stage NSCLC so as to figure out whether sex-different extent of surgery may be justified for treating these patients. Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical data of patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy with systematic hilar and mediastinal LN dissection for clinical stage IA peripheral NSCLC from June 2014 to April 2019. Both multivariate logistic regression analysis and propensity score-matched(PSM) analysis were applied to compare the risk of LNM between female and male patients. Results: We finally included a total of 660 patients for analysis. In the analysis of unmatched cohorts, there was no significant different rate of LNM (12.4% Vs 13.9%, P=0.556), hilar/intrapulmonary LNM (8.4% Vs 10.7%, P=0.318) and mediastinal LNM(7.9% Vs 7.5%, P=0.851) between female and male patients. In the multivariate analysis, sex was not found to be an independent predictor of LN in these patients. Moreover, in the analysis of well-matched cohorts generated by PSM analysis, there was still no significant different rate of LNM (13.8% Vs 13.4%, P=0.892), hilar/intrapulmonary LNM (9.1% Vs 11.2%, P=0.442) and mediastinal LNM (9.1% Vs 6.5%, P=0.289) between female and male patients. Conclusions: Sex was not an independent predictor of LNM in early-stage NSCLC and there is no sufficient evidence justifying for sex-different extent of surgical resection for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing provides potential for therapeutic development. Efficacy and long-term safety represent major concerns that remain to be adequately addressed in preclinical studies. Here we show that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in two distinct SOD1-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) transgenic mouse models prevented the development of ALS-like disease and pathology. The disease-linked transgene was effectively edited, with rare off-target editing events. We observed frequent large DNA deletions, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand base pairs. We determined that these large deletions were mediated by proximate identical sequences in Alu elements. No evidence of other diseases was observed beyond 2 years of age in these genome edited mice. Our data provide preclinical evidence of the efficacy and long-term safety of the CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutic approach. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of proximate identical sequences-mediated recombination provides mechanistic information to optimize therapeutic targeting design, and to avoid or minimize unintended and potentially deleterious recombination events. Deng et al. assess the effects of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in two transgenic mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for up to 2 years. They find that the genomic editing prevented the development of ALS-like pathology without any notable side-effects, which provides preclinical evidence of the effectiveness and long-term safety of the CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) sleeve lobectomy could be an alternative to traditional thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy in treating centrally located non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted the first meta-analysis to compare the effects of VATS sleeve lobectomy with thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy. Methods: We systematically searched relevant studies from Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science on May 12, 2020. Data for analysis included short-term outcomes (blood loss, lymph node dissected, operation time, hospital stay, complications) and long-term outcomes (3-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates). We calculated the weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous data and risk ratio (RR) for pooling categorical data. Results: We finally included 5 retrospective cohort study consisting of 436 patients. VATS sleeve lobectomy yielded significantly less blood loss (WMD = −37.83; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) = [−58.56, −17.11]; P < 0.001) than thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy and comparable total number of dissected lymph node to thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy (WMD = − 0.07; 95%CI = [−1.14, 0.99]; P = 0.89). However, VATS sleeve lobectomy consumed significantly more operation time than thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy (WMD = 49.00; 95%CI = [14.67, 83.34]; P = 0.005). VATS sleeve lobectomy yielded significantly less postoperative hospital stay time than thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy (WMD = −1.68; 95%CI = [−2.98, −0.39]; P = 0.011) and comparable postoperative complication rate to thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy (RR = 0.84; 95%CI = [0.49, 1.44]; P = 0.52). Moreover, VATS sleeve lobectomy yielded comparable 3-year OS (RR = 1.08; 95%CI = [0.95, 1.22]; P = 0.23) and PFS (RR = 1.15; 95%CI = [0.96, 1.37]; P = 0.13) rates to thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy. No significant heterogeneities were observed. Conclusions: VATS sleeve lobectomy yielded less surgical trauma than thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy and improved postoperative recovery without compromising oncological prognosis. Even though VATS sleeve lobectomy may consume more operation time, it could be recommended as an alternative to thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy for treating centrally located NSCLC in carefully selected cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In more-electronics power systems, grid-forming power converters, which operate as ac voltage sources, regulate the grid frequency and voltages in replacement of synchronous generators. Notably, grid impedances greatly influence the small signal and voltage stability of grid-forming converters. As such, prior knowledge of grid impedances can be very helpful for controller design. However, grid impedance estimation schemes are normally designed for current-controlled grid-following converters. Moreover, they are either very complicated or only yield grid inductances in a generally intrusive way. To fill this research gap, an impedance estimation method well suited to grid-forming converters is proposed. The method consists of four operating modes, which work well in voltage and power control cases. In the voltage control case, the voltage amplitude perturbation or phase angle information is exploited. Subsequently, the grid inductance and resistance are derived from power measurement. Alternatively, the active or reactive power information serves to estimate the grid impedance in the power control case. The proposed method features an easy implementation without any harmonic distortion, safety concern, or dependence on control parameters. Moreover, the method operates nonintrusively in most scenarios. Furthermore, a novel Kalman filtering scheme is proposed to provide added incentives. Finally, simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness and simplicity of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunoassay based on organic-inorganic BiVO 4 /rGO/FeOOH/C dot as cascade-sensitized photoactive material was fabricated for the ultrasensitive detection of β2-MG protein. Specifically, the composite BiVO 4 /rGO/FeOOH/C dot integrated the merits of high light absorption efficiency of organic material with fast electric carrier mobility of inorganic material. Additionally, the composite possessed a narrow energy level gradient, result in that the utilization of light energy improved greatly. More importantly, the composite with well-matched energy level would mediate multi-electron transport, thereby effectively promoting electron transfer and improving charge separation with an excellent photocurrent. Thereafter, through a typical sandwiched immunoreaction, quencher SiO 2 -labeled antibody that related to target was captured on electrode to decrease the initial photocurrent signal. The results showed that the proposed immunosensor exhibited high sensitivity and excellent stability in the linear range from 0.1 pg/mL to 1 μg/mL with a detection limit of 0.0383 pg/mL. This PEC biosensor offers a well-matched organic-inorganic cascade-sensitized strategy, providing novel insights to explore the high-performance photoactive material for application in early diagnosis of diseases. [Display omitted] • The BiVO 4 /rGO/FeOOH/C dot structure with well-matched energy level would mediate multielectron transport. • The typical sandwiched immunoreaction could load quencher, thereby obtaining significantly deceased PEC signal. • The proposed PEC biosensor of composites achieved ultra-sensitive detection of β2-MG protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel photoelectric active material Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/Ag 2 S with strong photocurrent signal was prepared to construct the photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of target miRNA-141. Impressively, Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene with excellent metal conductivity could shorten the electron transmission path to prominently improve the separation of electron-hole pairs and significantly enhance the photocurrent signal of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/Ag 2 S nanocomposite. Meanwhile, streptavidin (SA) was used as a scaffold to assemble a DNA tetrad for constructing a spatial DNA structure by a nonlinear hybrid chain reaction (HCR) triggered via target miRNA-141, which embedded amount of thionine as a sensitizer for significantly increasing the photocurrent response. The biosensor could achieve the sensitive detection of miRNA-141 with detection limit of 34 aM. This strategy demonstrated a novel photoactive material to construct the PEC biosensor for sensitive detection of biomarkers with potential application value in disease diagnosis. • Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene can reduce electron-hole pairs recombination with excellent metal conductivity and adjustable band gap. • Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/Ag 2 S composite with a wide light absorption range exhibited an admirable photocurrent signal. • The nonlinear HCR as an amplifier achieves the sensitive detection of miRNA-141 with a lower detection limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal extent of lung resection and lymph nodes dissection for peripheral early-stage right middle non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) still remains controversial. In this study, we analyzed the patterns of lymph nodes metastasis (LNM) of patients with peripheral right middle NSCLC ≤ 3 cm, aiming to provide evidences for surgical choice for early-stage peripheral right middle lobe NSCLC. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the clinical and pathological data of patients diagnosed with peripheral right middle lobe NSCLC ≤ 3 cm between January 2015 and December 2019. The LNM patterns were analyzed by tumor size. Results: A total of 60 patients were included for analysis. The tumor size was preoperatively divided as follows: ≤ 1 cm (13 patients); > 1 cm but ≤ 2 cm (36 patients); > 2 cm but ≤ 3 cm (11 patients). Fifty-four patients were categorized as N0 group, 1 patient as N1 group, and 5 patients as N2 group. In the upper zone, 3 patients were found to have LNM. In the subcarinal zone, another 3 patients had LNM. But the lymph nodes of all these patients were negative in the lower zone. In station 10, 1 patient (1.67%) was found to have LNM, while in station 11–13, 2 patients (3.33%) were found to have LNM. Conclusion: For the right middle lobe peripheral NSCLC ≤ 1 cm, sublobar resection with lymph node sampling may be a feasible treatment. For cancers > 1 cm but ≤ 2 cm, lobectomy with lobe-specific lymph node dissection (especially station 2R and 4R) may be a preferred choice. For tumors > 2 cm but ≤ 3 cm, lobectomy with systematic lymph node dissection may still be the standard of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colonization of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterale (CRE) is considered as one of vital preconditions for infection, with corresponding high morbidity and mortality. It is important to construct a reliable prediction model for those CRE carriers with high risk of infection. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in two Chinese tertiary hospitals for patients with CRE colonization from 2011 to 2021. Univariable analysis and the Fine-Gray sub-distribution hazard model were utilized to identify potential predictors for CRE-colonized infection, while death was the competing event. A nomogram was established to predict 30-day and 60-day risk of CRE-colonized infection. Results: 879 eligible patients were enrolled in our study and divided into training (n = 761) and validation (n = 118) group, respectively. There were 196 (25.8%) patients suffered from subsequent CRE infection. The median duration of subsequent infection after identification of CRE colonization was 20 (interquartile range [IQR], 14–32) days. Multisite colonization, polymicrobial colonization, catheterization and receiving albumin after colonization, concomitant respiratory diseases, receiving carbapenems and antimicrobial combination therapy before CRE colonization within 90 days were included in final model. Model discrimination and calibration were acceptable for predicting the probability of 60-day CRE-colonized infection in both training (area under the curve [AUC], 74.7) and validation dataset (AUC, 81.1). Decision-curve analysis revealed a significantly better net benefit in current model. Our prediction model is freely available online at https://ken-zheng.shinyapps.io/PredictingModelofCREcolonizedInfection/. Conclusions: Our nomogram has a good predictive performance and could contribute to early identification of CRE carriers with a high-risk of subsequent infection, although external validation would be required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether age has any impact on the risk of lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to objectively compare the risk of LN metastasis between elderly and young patients so as to justify for age-different extent of surgical resection for treating these patients. We retrospectively collected clinical data of patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy with systematic hilar and mediastinal LN dissection for clinical stage IA peripheral NSCLC from January 2015 to December 2018. Both multivariate logistic regression analysis and propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis were applied to compare the risk of LN metastasis between elderly (>65 years old) and young (≤65 years old) patients. We finally included a total of 590 patients for analysis (142 elderly patients and 448 young patients). In the analysis of unmatched cohorts, young patients tended to have higher rates of hilar/intrapulmonary LN (13.4% VS 9.2%) and mediastinal LN metastasis (10.5% VS 6.3%) than elderly patients. In the multivariate analysis, age was found to be an independent predictor of both hilar/intrapulmonary (Odds ratio(OR) = 2.065, 95%confidence interval(CI): 1.049–4.064, P = 0.036) and mediastinal (OR = 2.400, 95%CI: 1.083–5.316, P = 0.031) LN metastasis. Moreover, in the analysis of well-matched cohorts generated by PSM analysis, young patients had significantly higher rates of hilar/intrapulmonary (18.8% VS 9.4%, P = 0.039) and mediastinal LN metastasis (17.1% VS 6.0%, P = 0.008) than elderly patients. Therefore, age remains to be an independent predictor of LN metastasis in early-stage NSCLC and age-different extent of surgical resection may be justified for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Local recurrence is the main cause of death among patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study assessed near-infrared fluorescence (NIF) imaging and spectroscopy to monitor surgical margins intraoperatively for OSCC. Methods: Cytological and animal experiments were first performed to confirm the feasibility of monitoring surgical margins with NIF imaging and spectroscopy. Then, 20 patients with OSCC were included in the clinical trials. At 6–8 h after 0.75 mg/kg indocyanine green (ICG) injection, all patients underwent surgery with NIF imaging. During the surgery, both NIF images and quantified fluorescence intensity were acquired to monitor the surgical margins. Results: In cytological and animal experiments, the results showed it was feasible to monitor surgical margins with NIF imaging and spectroscopy. Fluorescence was detected in primary tumors in all patients. The fluorescence intensities of the tumor, peritumoral, and normal tissues were 398.863 ± 151.47, 278.52 ± 84.89, and 274.5 ± 100.93 arbitrary units (AUs), respectively (P < 0.05). The SBR of tumor to peritumoral tissue and normal tissues was computed to be 1.45 ± 0.36 and 1.56 ± 0.41, respectively. After primary tumor excision, the wounds showed abnormal fluorescence in four patients (4/20), and residual cancer cells were confirmed by pathological examination in two patients (2/20). Conclusion: These findings confirmed the complementary value of NIF imaging during radical tumor resection of OSCC. Before tumor resection, we could utilize the fluorescence margin produced by ICG NIF imaging to determine the surgical margin. Moreover, after tumor blocks were removed, the status of surgical margin could also be evaluated rapidly by ICG NIF imaging of tumor bed and in vitro specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safe rechargeable batteries of improved energy density and high power performance are urgently needed for the development of large electric devices. Herein, an Li‐based organic liquid anode is proposed, and an organic oxygen battery with a metal organic framework membrane separator is realized, which is able to conduct Li ions and separate other large species in the system. Equipped with the dual redox mediator strategy, the organic oxygen battery exhibits superior rate performance with long cycling life and low overpotential. A "solid electrolyte interface"‐like layer is observed between the organic liquid anode and the ion conducting separator. This work not only introduces a new type of anode for Li‐based batteries, but also provides fundamental insights for the better application of biphenyl‐based liquid anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The impact of delivery pressure on the design and cost of CO 2 liquefaction is investigated. • Different impurity and purity requirement scenarios are considered. • The CO 2 liquefaction cost decreases significantly with pressure for the range 7–40 bar. • Impurities have a strong impact on design, cost and comparison of the different pressures. • Purity requirements can have a strong impact on the pressure level comparison. As a first step towards identifying the optimal transport conditions for shipping CO 2 , this study investigates the impact of post-liquefaction delivery pressure on the design and cost of CO 2 liquefaction for (a) pure CO 2 (b) three impurity scenarios (c) two purity requirements. For pure CO 2 , the highest liquefaction cost is obtained at 7 bar amongst the range considered (7 to 70 bar), while a minimum lies around 40–50 bar. When different potential impurity scenarios are considered, impurities need to be purged for the low-pressure cases as these are not necessarily soluble in the liquefied CO 2 stream. As a consequence, the liquefaction cost increases significantly for low-pressure cases (up to 34% compared to the pure CO 2), and wider differences between the pressure levels are obtained. Purity requirements also have a significant impact on comparisons of delivery pressures, although this impact depends on both the impurities present and the purity requirement considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer is a major public health problem and research using cell culture models has improved understanding of this disease. The human cervix contains three anatomic regions; ectocervix with stratified squamous epithelium, endocervix with secretory epithelium, and transformation zone (TZ) with metaplastic cells. Most cervical cancers originate within the TZ. However, little is known about the biology of TZ cells or why they are highly susceptible to carcinogenesis. The goal of this study was to develop and optimize methods to compare growth and differentiation of cells cultured from ectocervix, TZ or endocervix. We examined the effects of different serum‐free media on cell attachment, cell growth and differentiation, and cell population doublings in monolayer culture. We also optimized conditions for organotypic culture of cervical epithelial cells using collagen rafts with human cervical stromal cells. Finally, we present a step‐by‐step protocol for culturing cells from each region of human cervix. The goal of this study was to develop and optimize methods to compare growth and differentiation of cells cultured from ectocervix, transformation zone (TZ) or endocervix. We examined the effects of different serum‐free media on cell attachment, cell growth and differentiation, and cell population doublings in monolayer culture. In addition, we present a step‐by‐step protocol for culturing cells from each region of human cervix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Key amino acid residues located at halide ion channels of HheC PS were modified. • The kinetic parameters of HheC PS were regulated. • Optically pure (S)-ECH was biosynthesized for the first time by HheC PS mutants. Abstract Asymmetric synthesis of chiral epichlorohydrin (ECH) from 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) using halohydrin dehalogenases (HHDHs) is of great value due to the 100% theoretical yield and high enantioselectivity. The vital problem in the asymmetric synthesis is to prepare optically pure ECH. In this study, key amino acid residues located at halide ion channels of HheC (P175S/W249P) (HheC PS) were modified to regulate the kinetic parameters. HheC PS I81W, F86N and V94R were constructed with the corresponding halide ion channels destroyed. The catalytically efficiencies (k cat / K m) of the three mutants exhibited 0.38-, 0.23- and 0.23-fold decrease toward (S) - ECH and the reverse reaction was significantly inhibited. As the results, (S)-ECH was synthesized with >99% enantiomeric excess (e.e.) and 63.42%, 67.08% and 57.01% yields, respectively, under 20 mM 1,3-DCP as substrate. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of the molecule kinetic modification of HHDHs and also the first report for the biosynthesis of optically pure (S)-ECH from 1,3-DCP using HHDHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Controversy still exists in which subtype of non-small-cell lung cancer [squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or adenocarcinoma] is more likely to have lymph node (LN) metastasis. The aim of this study is to compare the pattern of LN metastasis in two cohorts of matched patients surgically treated for SCC or adenocarcinoma.Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy without preoperative treatment for lung SCC or adenocarcinoma was conducted in this study. Data for analysis consisted of age, gender, tumor size, lobe-specific tumor location, tumor location (peripheral or central), and pathologic findings. We conducted the propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis to eliminate potential bias effects of possible confounding factors.Results: From January 2015 to December 2016 in our department, we finally included a total of 387 patients (including 63 patients with SCC and 324 patients with adenocarcinoma) for analysis. For the unmatched cohort, there was no sufficient evidence of significantly different number of positive LNs (P = 0.90) and rate of LN metastasis (P = 0.23) between SCC patients and adenocarcinoma patients. However, potential confounding factors, for example gender, tumor size, tumor location, tumor differentiation, and total number of dissected LNs, were significantly different between patients with SCC and those with adenocarcinoma. In the analysis of matched cohort after PSM analysis, those above confounding factors were comparable between the two groups. However, patients with adenocarcinoma had significantly more mean positive LNs (2.2 and 0.7; P = 0.008) and a higher rate of LN metastasis (53% and 29%; P = 0.016) than those with SCC.Conclusions: Lung adenocarcinoma had a higher risk of LN metastasis than SCC, suggesting that different therapeutic modalities may be indicated for the two different subtypes of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common comorbidities in surgically treated non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and has a negative impact on short‐term outcomes. However, the impact of DM on long‐term survival of such patients remains controversial; therefore, we conducted a comprehensive updated meta‐analysis. Methods: We systematically searched relevant studies in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to 6 September 2018. Hazard ratios (HRs) for the impact of DM on overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) of patients with surgically treated NSCLC were extracted and analyzed using the STATA 12.0 package. Results: We included 13 cohort studies consisting of 4343 patients (730 patients with DM and 3613 patients without) with surgically treated NSCLC. Meta‐analysis showed that patients with DM had significantly poorer OS (random effects: HR 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.60; P = 0.016) than those without. However, with a limited sample size, there was no significant difference in RFS (random effects: HR 1.06, 95% confidence interval 0.71–1.58; P = 0.786) between patients with and without DM after surgical resection of NSCLC. Conclusion: DM is an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for patients with surgically treated NSCLC. High‐quality studies with appropriate adjustment for confounding factors are needed to confirm our conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Recent studies indicate that therapies targeting the vasculature can significantly sensitize tumors to radiation. Ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles (USMBs) are regarded as a promising radiosensitizer. In this study, we investigated the effect of USMBs on the sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) to radiation. Methods: Human NPC (CNE-2) cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to radiation (0, 2, and 8 Gy) alone or in combination with USMBs. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured with the MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The angiogenic activity of HUVECs was detected using matrigel tubule formation. The in vitro effects induced by these treatments were confirmed in vivo with xenograft models of CNE-2 cells in nude mice by examining vascular integrity using color Doppler flow imaging and cell survival using immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the in vivo and in vitro expressions of angiotensin II (ANG II) and its receptor (AT1R) were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting, respectively. With CNE-2 cells and HUVECs transfected with control, ANG II, or AT1R, perindopril (an inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme) and candesartan (an inhibitor of AT1R) were used to verify the role of ANG II and AT1R in the radiosensitivity of tumor and endothelial cells by USMBs, by determining cell viability and apoptosis and angiogenic activity. Results: In the NPC xenografts, USMBs slightly reduced blood flow and CD34 expression, increased tumor cell death and ANG II and AT1R expression, and significantly enhanced the effects of radiation. With CNE-2 cells and HUVECs, the USMBs further enhanced the inhibition of tumor cell viability and endothelial tubule formation and further enhanced the increase in ANG II and AT1R due to radiation. Furthermore, perindopril and candesartan significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of radiation and USMBs on tumor cell growth and angiogenesis in vitro. Conclusions: We have demonstrated for the first time that USMB exposure can significantly enhance the destructive effect on NPC of radiation, and this effect might be further increased by ANG II and AT1R inhibition. Our findings suggest that USMBs can be used as a promising sensitizer of radiotherapy to treat NPC, and the clinical effect might be increased by ANG II and AT1R inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Esophageal neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a rare malignant tumor. The role of surgery in resectable limited disease of esophageal NEC remains unclear. How to select a specific group of limited disease of esophageal NEC who might benefit from surgery remains to be answered.Methods: Patients undergoing esophagectomy for resectable limited disease of esophageal NEC in our department from January 2007 to June 2015 were analyzed. TNM staging system was applied to describe those patients, and according to their different long-term prognosis after surgery, those patients were subgrouped into surgery response limited disease (SRLD) group and surgery non-response limited disease (SNRLD) group. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to identify potential prognostic factors.Results: A total of 72 patients with resectable limited disease of esophageal NEC were identified for analysis. The median survival time of those patients was 21.5 months. There was no significant survival differences among stage I, stage IIA, and stage IIB patients, but all these patients had significantly longer survival than stage III patients. Therefore, stage I, stage IIA, and stage IIB patients were aggregated together as SRLD group, and stage III patients were aggregated as SNRLD group. SRLD patients obtained significantly longer survival than SNRLD patients in both univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. Moreover, adjuvant therapy could significantly benefit SRLD patients (P = 0.004) but could not benefit SNRLD patients (P = 0.136).Conclusions: Different responses to surgery existed in resectable limited disease of esophageal NEC indicating the need of further subgrouping for those patients. The resectable limited disease of esophageal NEC could be further subgrouped into SRLD group and SNRLD group according to the TNM staging system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Primary mediastinum immature teratoma with somatic‐type malignant transformation (SM) is extremely rare, and the clinical prognosis is poor. Immature teratoma with SM is difficult to eradicate by chemotherapy due to poor sensitivity; therefore, surgical resection is recommended whenever possible because it may offer better survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Greater than 90% of these cancers originate in the cervical transformation zone (TZ), a narrow region of metaplastic squamous epithelium that develops at the squamocolumnar junction between the ectocervix and endocervix. It is unclear why the TZ has high susceptibility to malignant transformation and few studies have specifically examined cells from this region. We hypothesized that cells cultured from TZ are more susceptible to cellular immortalization, an alteration that contributes to malignant development. We cultured primary epithelial cells from each region of human cervix (ectocervix, endocervix and TZ) and measured susceptibility to immortalization after transfection with the complete HPV-16 genome or infection of HPV16 E6/E7 retroviruses. Cells cultured from each cervical region expressed keratin markers (keratin 14 and 18) that confirmed their region of origin. In contrast to our prediction, cells from TZ were equally susceptible to immortalization as cells from ectocervix or endocervix. Thus, increased susceptibility of the TZ to cervical carcinogenesis is not due to increased frequency of immortalization by HPV-16. We developed a series of HPV16-immortalized cell lines from ectocervix, endocervix and TZ that will enable comparisons of how these cells respond to factors that promote cervical carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel energetic polynorbornene with pendant bisazidoacetyloxymethyl (named PNBAA) was designed, by combining its intrinsic energetic properties, potential good mechanical properties, its compatibility with a plasticizer and odourless polynorbornene in one polymer. A green synthesis of PNBAA was achieved starting from easily available materials, by using the solvent-free Diels–Alder reaction, chloroacetylation of norbornene dimethanol in water, solvent-free ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), azidation in aqueous 3-pentanone and tandem ROMP and azidation in one pot. In addition, the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technique was utilized to investigate the key ROMP and azidation steps in situ. PNBAA as an energetic polymer was demonstrated by measuring its TG-IR, DSC and mechanical sensitivity. The strategy reported in this paper will lead to the general green synthesis of diverse energetic polymers in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of enzymatic deglycosylation following ultrasound pretreatment on structure and immunoreactivity of soybean 7S globulin. Soybean 7S globulin was pretreated by ultrasound (40 kHz, 300 W) and enzymatically deglycosylated by peptide-N-glycosidase F (PNGase F). Changes in structure of processed soybean 7S globulin were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, ultraviolet absorption spectrum, circular dichroism spectrum, and surface hydrophobicity analysis. Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay was used to evaluate IgE-binding ability. The results showed that the glycan moieties of soybean 7S globulin were effectively removed by PNGase F, which significantly modified protein structures including the secondary and tertiary structures of 7S globulin. Individual enzymatic deglycosylation could reduce IgE-binding capacity of 7S globulin, whereas enzymatic deglycosylation following ultrasound pretreatment enhanced its IgE-binding capacity. In conclusion, soybean 7S globulin treated by single enzymatic deglycosylation can reduce potential allergenicity and may be employed in hypoallergenic food preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li-O 2 battery is the leading next-generation battery system, which is known for its extremely high theoretic specific energy. However, the Li metal used in Li-O 2 batteries suffers from low Li utilization and safety hazards. In this work, as an alternative to Li anode, Li 21 Si 5 powders, which are synthesized by an easy mechanical process, are incorporated into a Li-ion oxygen battery. The electrochemical property of the prepared battery and its cycling stability are investigated. Without electrochemical prelithiation, the pursuit of Li-Si alloy anodes in this study provides an easy and scalable strategy for preparing Li-ion oxygen batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelet count to spleen diameter ratio (PSR) was studied extensively as a noninvasive method of diagnosis for varices. The present study aimed to systematically assess the performance of PSR in the diagnosis of varices. PubMed, EMBASE, and article references were searched. The summary receiver operating characteristic curves (AUSROCs), sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated. The heterogeneity, quality, and publication bias of studies were evaluated. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. A total of 49 papers were included. The AUSROCs of PSR for any varices and high-risk varices were 0.8719 and 0.8132, respectively. The summary sensitivities of PSR for any varices and high-risk varices were 0.84 and 0.78, respectively. The summary specificities of PSR for any varices and high-risk varices were 0.78 and 0.67, respectively. The AUSROC of PSR for any varices at the threshold of 909 was 0.8867. The AUSROC of PSR for any varices in viral liver cirrhosis was 0.8675. The overall quality of studies was moderate. Significant heterogeneity and publication bias existed in the study. In conclusion, PSR can be used to identify varices in liver cirrhosis. PSR had a high sensitivity in viral liver cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim Esophageal variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication of liver cirrhosis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was the gold standard for the diagnosis of esophageal varices (EVs). The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of EVs and moderate-severe EVs in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods Medical records in cirrhotic patients who were admitted to our hospital between June 2012 and June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Two observers reviewed the contrast-enhanced CT scans to evaluate the presence and diameter of EVs. Area under curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Results A total of 52 cirrhotic patients were included in our study. According to the endoscopic results, 13.5% of these patients did not have any EVs, 11.5% had mild EVs, and 75% had moderate-severe EVs. The AUC of contrast-enhanced CT scans for the diagnosis of EVs was 0.835. The sensitivity and specificity were 95.56% and 71.43%, respectively. The AUC of contrast-enhanced T scans for the diagnosis of moderate-severe EVs was 0.821. When the cut-off value for the diameter of EVs on contrast-enhanced CT scans was 3.9 mm, the sensitivity and specificity were 89.74% and 69.23%, respectively. Conclusions Contrast-enhanced CT scans had a moderate diagnostic accuracy for EVs in liver cirrhosis. It might be useful to decrease the use of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a novel method for the detection of inert gas radon using a label-free, specific, fluorescence-sensing aptamer in the context of PW17-OG system. This method utilizes the cyanine dye OliGreen (OG) as a signal reactor and the aptamer PW17 as a fluorescent identification probe. When OG integrates into the free curling PW17, a strong fluorescence signal is generated. After radon decays, the long lived naturally occurring radon progeny Pb being disposed and introduced to the system. Lead ions induce PW17 to form a stable G-quadruplex, thereby inhibiting the interaction between OG and PW17 and resulting in a reduction of the fluorescence intensity. The fluorescence intensity show a good linear relationship with lead ion and the radon concentration ( D ), thereinto, We fitted linear regression of radon concentration in the range of 0.92–4.22 (×10 4 Bqhm −3 ) to receive a good relationship between Δ F and the concentration of radon with the detection limit of 1963 Bqhm −3 . This method has been successfully applied for detecting standard cumulative concentration of radon and the detection limit reached the national standard of China. This sensitive method can exclude radiation damage in field testing, furthermore, it explores a new field in biological analysis using an aptamer to detected inorganic, gaseous, and radioactive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to accelerate the deployment of CO 2 capture and storage (CCS), engineers need experimentally validated models, among other things, to predict the mass flow rate in process equipment and flow restrictions like valves, nozzles and orifices. There are few available, relevant data for choked CO 2 flow in such geometries. To amend the situation, in this work, we report on six pipe-depressurization experiments from a pressure of 12 MPa and a temperature of 25 °C through three sizes (4.5, 9.0 and 12.7 mm) of orifices and nozzles. The results indicate that for the present cases, the choke point is at a non-equilibrium state. In order to predict quasi-steady choked flow in restrictions, the homogeneous equilibrium model (HEM) and the Henry–Fauske (HF) model are commonly used. The HEM often underpredicts the mass flow rate because it does not account for delayed phase transition. Here we develop a delayed HEM (D-HEM) where evaporation starts at the superheat limit described using classical nucleation theory. We then employ the HEM, D-HEM, and HF model in 1D CFD pipe simulations to describe the outflow of depressurization experiments and we also compare with experimental data for converging–diverging nozzles. In the CFD simulations, HF gave the best results, while HEM consistently underpredicted the mass flux. For the nozzle calculations, we found D-HEM to be the best model with a relative absolute error of 2.5 % for the predicted mass flux. • Tube-depressurization experiments are presented for pure CO 2 in a dense phase. • The tube is depressurized through nozzles and orifices of the same size. • The nozzle gives lower pressure plateaux corresponding to a higher mass-flow rate. • A delayed homogeneous equilibrium model (D-HEM) is proposed for restricted flow. • D-HEM gives very good results in the high-temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRISPR technology has been used to revolutionize various facets of life sciences because of its potent gene editing capabilities. In particular, CRISPR technology is anticipated to be used to cure congenital disorders, and malignant cancers brought on by gene mutation. In this article, we introduce a Split-Cas9 system, in which Cas9 protein is split into two or more parts and recombined in cells to function specific induction circumstances. Split-Cas9 system can improve the therapeutic index of CRISPR technology by splitting Cas9 proteins into small fragments, thus enhancing their compatibility with virus vectors and precise temporal and spatial control. This article examined the combination mode of Split-Cas9 system, contrasted the differences in its split sites and activity efficiency, and discussed the use and clinical transformation in vivo and in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kagimoto recently compared the survival difference between segmentectomy and lobectomy by retrospectively analysing 321 patients with early-stage small-sized non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with invasive characteristics, including lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, pleural invasion and/or lymph node (LN) metastasis [[1]]. We also explored the regional LN metastasis patterns in clinical stage IA NSCLC, which could help to manage the surgical choice [[6]]. Surgical choice for clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer: view from regional lymph node metastasis. [Extracted from the article]

The significant complexity of the chemical forms and reactions of HgCl 2 in clay-water systems make elucidating the corresponding interaction mechanisms and activities challenging. The specific ion effect and its mechanisms for HgCl 2 adsorption at charged clay surfaces were investigated in this study. Experimental results showed that (1) at a fixed background concentration, the adsorption capacity and adsorption energy of HgCl 2 on montmorillonite surface decreased in the order Li+> > Na+ > K+, and HgCl 2 adsorption exhibited a strong specific cation effect. (2) For the same background cation (Li+, Na+ or K+), the adsorption capacity and energy of HgCl 2 decreased as the cation concentration increased. An analysis of the origin of the adsorption energy for HgCl 2 showed that this energy linearly increased with the surface electric field strength of montmorillonite. On the basis of orbital asymmetric hybridization theory, we speculated that specific adsorption of the HgCl 2 molecule occurs via "polarization-induced covalent bonding" adsorption between O (clay surface) and Hg (HgCl 2) atoms. The adsorption energy linearly increased with the surface electric field strength in the clay-water system. These findings provide useful information on modifying the physical, chemical and biological activities of HgCl 2 in clay-water systems. • Adsorption of HgCl 2 at clay surface shows a strong specific cation effect. • Orbital asymmetric hybridization initiates the specific cation effect. • Polarization-induced covalent bonding controls HgCl 2 adsorption. • HgCl 2 adsorption energy is positively proportional to surface potential. • Surface charge, cation type and concentration determine HgCl 2 activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large-scale practical application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is difficult to achieve if their performance and durability cannot be improved. We successfully synthesized N-doped carbon nanotube (NCNT) supported Pt nanowire catalysts (PtNW/NCNTs) using the soft template method with NCNTs as support. The results of transmission electron microscopy show that the Pt nanowires are uniformly loaded on the support (NCNTs). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that the N atom doped on the surface is in the form of graphite N and pyridine N. The electrocatalytic activity of PtNW/NCNTs is studied via the half-cell electrochemistry test. The PtNW/NCNTs show better oxygen reduction reaction activity than commercial Pt/C catalysts. The results of the single-cell polarization experiment reveal that the performance of PEMFCs with PtNW/NCNTs is improved, and the maximum power density is 966 mW cm−2. After 500 h dynamic cycle durability test, the average voltage loss of the single cell is 3.6% for the PtNW/NCNTs catalyst and 7.2% for the Pt/C catalyst. The Pt/C catalyst demonstrates severe Pt nanoparticle growth and aggregation with a broad size distribution, the PtNW along with minimal changes observed. PtNW/NCNTs are a promising replacement to traditional Pt/C catalysts as electrocatalyst in PEMFC applications. [Display omitted] • PtNW/NCNTs were synthesized using the soft template method with NCNTs as support. •The ORR activity of the PtNW/NCNTs catalyst were remarkably improved. •The PtNW has reduced the mass transfer resistance values. •The PtNW/NCNTs catalyst has better performance and life of single cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular ATP is known to permeabilize certain cell types to polyatomic cations like YO-PRO1. Here, we report that extracellularly applied ATP stimulated rapid uptake and accumulation of an otherwise weakly membrane permeable fluorescent DNA-binding cytotoxin, Hoechst 33258, into cervical cancer cells. While ATP stimulated Hoechst 33258 uptake in 20–70% of cells from seven cervical cancer cell lines, it stimulated uptake in less than 8% of cervical epithelial cells obtained from the normal transformation zone and ectocervix tissue of 11 patients. ATP-evoked Hoechst 33258 uptake was independent of ionotropic P2X receptors, but dependent on activation of P2Y receptors. Thus, we show here that cervical cancer cells can be selectively induced to take up and accumulate an ionic cytotoxin by exposure to extracellular ATP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow and heat transfer characteristics of binary refrigerant mixtures in a heated horizontal tube were investigated numerically. The pressure drop, temperature profile, and heat transfer coefficient for non-azeotropic and near-azeotropic mixtures of different bulk compositions were obtained. It is found that the non-linear physical properties of the mixtures strongly affect the pressure drop characteristics. Both the fluid properties and mass transfer resistance are responsible for the heat transfer characteristics. The mass transfer resistance has a more significant influence on the nucleate boiling than the convective evaporation for non-azeotropic mixtures, while the resistance can be neglected for near-azeotropic mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a model to study condensation heat and mass transfer characteristics of binary mixtures inside mini-channels. By considering the mass and heat transfer resistances in the vapor phase, the conservation equations of mass, species, momentum and energy are solved using higher order finite element method. The model is validated by comparing the predicted results with experimental data from the literature, in particular for the case of methane/ethane mixtures at different compositions and working conditions in a tube of 1.0 mm in diameter. The results show a reasonably good prediction of the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop by comparing with these experimental data. The model is then used to study the effect of mass flux, wall heat flux and system inlet pressure on the heat and mass transfer resistances during condensation of binary mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second, during pre-operative evaluation of patients with lung cancer, azygos vein aneurysm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses in the right upper mediastinum, especially for those mimicking metastatic lymph node in the absence of PET/CT. Therefore, during pre-operative evaluation of thoracic malignancies, azygos vein aneurysm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses in the right upper mediastinum, especially for those suspected to be metastatic lymph node involving the azygos arch in the absence of PET/CT. [Extracted from the article]

Photocathodic biosensor has great capability in anti-interference from reductive substances, however, the low signal intensity of photoactive species with inferior detection sensitivity restricts its wide application. In this work, the P3HT-PbS nanocomposites were synthesized as signal tags, by integrating with target-trigger generated hemin/G-quadruplex nanotail as bi-enhancer to significantly apmplify the photocurrent, an ultrasensitive photocathodic biosensor was proposed for detection of β 2-microglobulin (β 2-MG). Impressively, P3HT with cathode signal is an attractive polymer consisted of substantial thiophene groups with high absorption coefficient and mobility of photo-generated holes, which could anchor with the PbS dots as sensitizer, providing a high charge mobility and strong photosensitivity. More importantly, target-trigger generated hemin/G-quadruplexes could accept the electron from illuminated photoactive species through the conversion of Fe(III)/Fe(II) in hemin, effectively reducing charge recombination rate as well as accelerating the generation of electron acceptor O 2 in the assistant of H 2 O 2. Moreover, hemin/G-quadruplexes inherited the HRP mimicking catalytic capability that further improved the produce of plentiful O 2. As a result, PEC cathode signal was significantly enhanced for sensitive analysis of β 2-MG protein with a good detection range of 0.1 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL. It would provide a path for establishing PEC platform with excellent anti-interference ability and extend the application of photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor in bioanalysis and early disease diagnosis. [Display omitted] • The p-typed P3HT could be sensitized by PbS dots , providing a high charge mobility and strong photosensitivity. • The hemin/G-quadruplexes could accelerate the generation of electron acceptor O 2 in the assistant of H 2 O 2. • Hemin/G-quadruplexes inherited the HRP mimicking catalytic capability that further improved the produce of plentiful O 2. • The cathode signal was enhanced significantly to improve the detection sensitivity and extend the detection range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]