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Purpose: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) are the most common tumor markers detected before and after gastric cancer (GC) surgery. However, the impact of post-preoperative CEA/CA19-9 increments on prognosis of GC remains unclear. In addition, there is no research incorporating post-preoperative CEA/CA19-9 increments into the prognostic model. Methods: Patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for GC at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University and Anhui Provincial Hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 were enrolled and divided into the discovery and validation cohort. Prognostic value of post-preoperative CEA/CA19-9 increments and preoperative CEA/CA199 levels were assessed by Kaplan–Meier log-rank analysis and compared by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (t-ROC) curves. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was applied to establish the nomogram. The performance of the prognostic model was validated by the concordance index (C-index), calibration curve, and ROC curve analysis. Results: A total of 562 GC patients were included in this study. Overall survival (OS) rates decreased with an increasing number of incremental tumor markers after surgery. The t-ROC curves implied that the prognostic ability of the number of incremental post-preoperative tumor markers was superior to that of the number of positive preoperative tumor markers. Cox regression analysis suggested that the number of incremental post-preoperative tumor markers was an independent prognostic factor. The nomogram incorporated with the post-preoperative CEA/CA19-9 increments showed reliable accuracy. Conclusions: Incremental post-preoperative CEA/CA19-9 were indicator of poor prognosis of GC. The prognostic value of post-preoperative CEA/CA19-9 increments exceed that of preoperative CEA/CA19-9 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pathologic complete response (pCR) following preoperative systemic therapy is associated with improved outcomes after subsequent liver transplant/resection in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the relationship between radiographic and histopathological response remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively examined patients with initially unresectable HCC who received tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) plus anti–programmed death 1 (PD-1) therapy before undergoing liver resection between March 2019 and September 2021 across 7 hospitals in China. Radiographic response was evaluated using mRECIST. A pCR was defined as no viable tumor cells in resected samples. Results: We included 35 eligible patients, of whom 15 (42.9%) achieved pCR after systemic therapy. After a median follow-up of 13.2 months, tumors recurred in 8 non-pCR and 1 pCR patient. Before resection, there were 6 complete responses, 24 partial responses, 4 stable disease cases, and 1 progressive disease case, per mRECIST. Predicting pCR by radiographic response yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.727 (95% CI: 0.558–0.902), with an optimal cutoff value of 80% reduction in the enhanced area in MRI (called major radiographic response), which had a 66.7% sensitivity, 85.0% specificity, and a 77.1% diagnostic accuracy. When radiographic response was combined with α-fetoprotein response, the AUC was 0.926 (95% CI: 0.785–0.999); the optimal cutoff value was 0.446, which had a 91.7% sensitivity, 84.6%, specificity, and an 88.0% diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: In patients with unresectable HCC receiving combined TKI/anti–PD 1 therapy, major radiographic response alone or combined with α-fetoprotein response may predict pCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Major hepatectomy is associated with high incidence of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of future remnant liver volume combined with liver function tests on predicting PHLF.Methods: Patients who underwent major hepatectomy from April 2009 to May 2017 were enrolled in the training cohort. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors of PHLF and generate a logistic regression model for the prediction of PHLF. A conditional inference tree was generated based on the optimal cutoff value of independent predictive factors of PHLF. The precedent results were validated in an independent cohort from June 2017 to March 2018.Results: One hundred and eighteen patients were included in the training cohort, while another 34 in the validation cohort. Future remnant liver volume/estimated standard total liver volume (FLV/eTV) and preoperative platelet count were independent predictive factors of PHLF (P = 0.0021 and P = 0.012, respectively). The conditional inference tree showed that patients with FLV/eTV ≤0.56 and PLT count ≤145 × 109/L were at high risk of developing PHLF.Conclusion: FLV/eTV combined with preoperative PLT count is effective in predicting PHLF after major hepatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fly-ash, a kind of large solid waste in energy industry, has brought about serious environmental problems and safety consequences. No efficient way has been found yet to deal with it worldwide. The focus of contemporary research are mainly placed on the reuse of aluminum and iron, but with a low utilization rate less than 30%. Having destroyed the ecological balance, fly-ash has become a challenge drawing the attention of people in the solid waste industry. In this paper, a smoke-suppressant and flame-retardant layered double hydroxide (LDH) featuring Mg-Al-Fe ternary was successfully synthesized by fly-ash after coprecipitation. XRD results presented LDHs successful synthesis. Then, exploration on the flame retarding properties of LDHs in composites composed by ethylene vinyl acetate (hereinafter referred to as EVA)/LDHs was carried out by UL-94, limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter (CCT), smoke density (SDT), and thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG-IR) tests. UL testing results showed that most of the samples had a vertical combustion rating of V-0. LOI results showed the highest LOI value of ELDH-1, amounting to as high as 28.5 ± 0.1 while CCT results showed that the rate of heat releasing, mass loss, and smoke production of composite materials were decreased significantly compared with corresponding data of pure EVA. The ELDH-1 sample displayed the lowest peaks of heat release rate (pHRR) value of 178.4 ± 12.8 Kw·m−2 and the lowest total heat release (THR) value of 114.5 ± 0.35 KJ·m−2. Then, SDT indicated that under respective ignition and non-ignition conditions, all composite materials present a good smoke suppression performance. Additionally, digital photographs after CCT demonstrated that EVA/LDHs composites could enhance the formation of compact charred layers, and prevent their splitting, which effectively prevent the underlying materials from burning. Finally, TG-IR findings showed that compared with pure EVA, EVA/LDHs composites also achieved a higher-level thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical activity is known to have anti-cancer effects, including immunomodulatory actions. This study investigated the hypothesis that physical activity synergizes with combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 therapy to enhance efficacy in patients with unresectable HCC. Methods: The physical activity levels of patients with unresectable HCC receiving combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 therapy were recorded by questionnaire. Patients were categorized according to physical activity levels (active vs. sedentary). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). A subcutaneous syngeneic HCC model was generated in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were randomized to receive placebo, combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 antibodies or combination therapy plus physical activity. Tumors were measured every 3 days and harvested for immunohistochemistry analysis at 20 mm maximum diameter. Results: Fifty-nine patients with unresectable HCC were categorized to active (n = 28) or sedentary (n = 31) groups. The active group had higher albumin and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin levels and lower hepatitis B virus load at baseline; other clinical and oncologic characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Patients in the active group had significantly longer OS (HR = 0.220, 95% CI 0.060–0.799) and PFS (HR = 0.158, 95% CI 0.044–0.562) and higher ORR (OR = 4.571, 95% CI 1.482–14.102) than patients in the sedentary group. Regular physical activity was independently associated with OS, PFS and ORR. The mouse model showed that physical activity significantly suppressed tumor growth and prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, physical activity inhibited Treg cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression (including CTLA4, TIGIT and TIM3) induced by long-term combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 therapy, improving efficacy. Conclusions: Regular physical activity was associated with improved outcomes in unresectable HCC receiving combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 therapy. Physical activity may improve therapeutic efficacy by reprograming the tumor microenvironment from an immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• One-step fabrication of interlayer-spacing-regulated 3D micro-supercapacitors. • The precise fabrication of an interdigital micro-electrode structure. • Strong mechanical stability of the micro-electrode structure. • 3D MXene-rGO MSCs achieve a high areal capacitance. Three-dimensional micro-supercapacitors (3D MSCs) as microenergy-storage modules in miniaturized electronics exist complex construction strategies and limited assembly accuracy. Herein, we propose a one-step construction strategy of 3D MSCs with customizable layer spacing using two-dimensional (2D) film through laser direct writing technology. Laser shaping process induces a substantial enthalpy change, initiating a multi-step reaction that results in the reduction of graphene oxide while facilitating the rapid release of abundant gas generated by its functional groups. This results in an "explosion" of the MXene-graphene oxide (MXene-GO) film, thereby causing its transition from a 2D stacked structure to a 3D skeletal framework. The coexistence of MXene and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets induces a heterogeneous film bonding effect, consolidating the loose and disordered MXene-rGO during the reduction process. When the current density is 0.9 mA cm−2, the area capacitance of 3D MXene-rGO MSCs reaches 66.69 mF cm−2, and its area energy density soars to an impressive 83.4 μW h cm−2, surpassing most of the reported 3D MSCs. Upon increasing the current density from 0.9 mA cm−2 to 1.7 mA cm−2, a remarkable capacitance retention rate of 74 % is achieved. This fabrication strategy promotes the development of next-generation 3D MSC with high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), one of the key enzymes in the process of lipid transport, is involved in the disease progression of various types of tumors. This article is to study the role of PCSK9 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of PCSK9 in tumor specimens from 105 HCC patients who underwent curative resection. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were used to test the protein and mRNA expression levels in HCC cell lines. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and clone formation assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation ability of different kinds of cells in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate. A xenograft model was established to study the effect of PCSK9 on HCC growth in vivo. TUNEL and immunofluorescence assays were used to detect cell apoptosis. Results: High expression of PCSK9 in tumor tissues was related to microvascular invasion (p = 0.036) and large tumor size (p = 0.001) in HCC patients. Overall survival and disease-free survival after surgery were poor in patients with high expression of PCSK9 (p = 0.035 and p = 0.007, respectively). In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that PCSK9 promoted the growth of HCC by inhibiting cell apoptosis. A mechanistic study revealed that PCSK9 increases FASN expression, thereby inhibiting apoptosis of HCC cells via the Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase9/Caspase3 pathway. Conclusions: PCSK9 expression level in HCC is an indicator of poor prognosis for patients with HCC. FASN-mediated anti-apoptosis plays an important role in PCSK9-induced HCC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Molecular dynamics simulation of rubber film nano-coating on (0 0 1) CSH surface. • Efficiency of coating with TPI (1,4- trans -Polyisoprene) and CPB (1,4-cis Polybutadiene). • A drastic decrease of the surface energy to 46.3–48.4 mJ/m2, in good agreement with experiments. • A hydrophobic behavior of rubber nano-coated on CSH surface with a contact angle in the range of 92.85° and 98.11°. • Our results found the structure of –CH = is easier to adsorb onto the (0 0 1) CSH surface. The lifetime of building materials is a significant challenge and is strongly related to their surface state and impermeability. This work is dedicated to an in-depth analysis of rubber coating process on Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate (CSH) surface. By means of molecular dynamics simulations and using a combination potential of a general force field (CLAYFF) and the consistent-valence force field (CVFF), it is found that the efficiency of coating with TPI (1,4- trans -Polyisoprene) and CPB (1,4- cis -Polybutadiene) than CPI (1,4- cis -Polyisoprene) and TPB (1,4- trans -Polybutadiene). The obtained surface energy of TPI and CPB coated CSH drastically drops from the range of 698–740 mJ/m2 to 46.3–48.4 mJ/m2. Consequently, the averaged contact angle between water nanodroplet and rubber coated CSH surface is obtained in the range of 92.85° and 98.11°, making hydrophobic the nano-coated CSH surface. The interfacial adhesion analysis between rubber film and CSH surface gives a work of adhesion in the range of 49.42 mJ / m 2 to 92.76 mJ / m 2 , in agreement with experimental measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The durability of cement binding paste is an important challenge in building sector that can be improved by increasing the resistance to water infiltration in the cement paste. The aim of the present work is mainly devoted to analyze at nanoscale level the interfacial interaction of epoxy resins coated on (001) surface of the nanogranular Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate (CSH) paste. By means of molecular dynamics simulations, a full nano-coated CSH surfaces show that m -phenylenediamine (MPD) would highly improve the coating efficiency. Results reveal that the coated (001) CSH surface models are more stable and the calculated surface free energy is roughly 95% loss compared with the non-coated surface, reducing therefore the hydrophilicity of the CSH surface. The related values are found in the range of 33.7 mJ/ m 2 - 45.5 mJ/ m 2 , in agreement with experimental findings. The obtained averaged contact angle between the equilibrated water-nanodroplet and the best coated CSH is in the range of 84.29°- 91.97°, which corresponds to the observed experimental measurements. Finally, the calculated work of adhesion is estimated to102.81 mJ / m 2 , which is close to the experimental findings of 102.79 and 90.17 mJ / m 2 , corresponding to 2 and 28 days hydration of cement. Consequently, our findings reveal that 16.46 wt% of epoxy coating including 2.61% of MDP reduces by 3.14–3.57 times the hydrophilicity of CSH (001) surface, leading to a promising future of sustainable cementitious materials. [Display omitted] • Nanoscale analysis of the interfacial interaction of epoxy resins coated on (001) CSH. • Adhesion between epoxy resins films and (001) CSH surface is 102.81 mJ / m 2. • Epoxy coating highly decreased the hydrophilicity of (001) CSH surface. • Contact angle between the relaxed water-nanodroplet and the best coated CSH surface is found between 84.29° and 91.97°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel hybrid, composed of Co3O4 quantum dots supported on Ti3C2Tx (MXene) nanosheets, exhibits a strong synergetic effect, and shows superior lithium storage (capacity = 766.5 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 400 cycles) and oxygen evolution (overpotential = 340 mV at 10 mA cm−2) activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the development of advanced anode materials is highly desirable for the increasing demand for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Nanostructured MnO2 has received utmost attention due to high theoretical capacity (1230 mA h g−1), abundant resources, environmental benignity, and shortened electron and ion diffusion paths. Unfortunately, poor electronic conductivity and strong aggregation inclination of MnO2 nanostructures result in disappointing electrochemical performances, which restrict their practical application as sole institute. Here, we propose smartly designed MnO2@Fe3O4/CNT hybrid films, in which MnO2 nanosheets, Fe3O4 nanoparticles and CNTs are hierarchically assembled in a unique stage of nanosheets–nanoparticles–nanotubes. The resulting MnO2@Fe3O4/CNT hybrid films can be directly used as anodes without any polymer binders, and exhibit significant synergistic interactions among three components, achieving excellent reversible capacity and rate performance. Elegant! MnO2@Fe3O4/CNT hybrid films are smartly designed, in which MnO2 nanosheets, Fe3O4 nanoparticles and CNTs are hierarchically assembled in a unique stage of nanosheets–nanoparticles–nanotubes. The resulting binder‐free hybrid films achieve significant synergistic interactions among three components for superior lithium storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report, for the first time, delicate ternary nanostructures consisting of TiO 2 nanoplatelets co-doped with Ag and V 2 O 5 nanoparticles. The relationship between the composition and the morphology is systematically studied. We find a remarkable synergistic effect among the three components, and the resulting delicate Ag/V 2 O 5 /TiO 2 ternary nanostructures exhibit a superior photocatalytic performance over neat TiO 2 nanoplatelets as well as Ag/TiO 2 and V 2 O 5 /TiO 2 binary nanostructures for the degradation of methyl orange. We believe our delicate Ag/V 2 O 5 /TiO 2 ternary nanostructures may lay a basis for developing next-generating, high-performance composite photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: The super-elastic and robust MXene aerogels are created herein by assembling the 1D fibrous MXenes with sufficiently large aspect ratios and superior flexibility. The underlying regulatory mechanism and a complete diagram for the pore structure evolution of MXene aerogels are revealed for the first time, which are particularly instructive for future structure-specific designs. Fibrous MXene aerogels exhibit 8.3% plastic deformation at the 1000th compressions and achieve high evaporation rate (1.48 kg m−2 h−1) and light to thermal conversion efficiency (92.08%) on oil-contaminated seawater. The seawater desalination based on solar-driven interfacial evaporation has emerged as a promising technique to alleviate the global crisis on freshwater shortage. However, achieving high desalination performance on actual, oil-contaminated seawater remains a critical challenge, because the transport channels and evaporation interfaces of the current solar evaporators are easily blocked by the oil slicks, resulting in undermined evaporation rate and conversion efficiency. Herein, we propose a facile strategy for fabricating a modularized solar evaporator based on flexible MXene aerogels with arbitrarily tunable, highly ordered cellular/lamellar pore structures for high-efficiency oil interception and desalination. The core design is the creation of 1D fibrous MXenes with sufficiently large aspect ratios, whose superior flexibility and plentiful link forms lay the basis for controllable 3D assembly into more complicated pore structures. The cellular pore structure is responsible for effective contaminants rejection due to the multi-sieving effect achieved by the omnipresent, isotropic wall apertures together with underwater superhydrophobicity, while the lamellar pore structure is favorable for rapid evaporation due to the presence of continuous, large-area evaporation channels. The modularized solar evaporator delivers the best evaporation rate (1.48 kg m−2 h−1) and conversion efficiency (92.08%) among all MXene-based desalination materials on oil-contaminated seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel three-dimensional MoS2@Fe3O4 nanohybrid, composed of tubular MoS2 uniformly and densely decorated with particulate Fe3O4, is constructed, which exhibits significantly improved lithium storage performances through an impressive synergistic interplay between the two active materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the ever-increasing demand for large-size power tools has provoked worldwide competition in developing lithium-ion batteries having higher energy and power densities. In this context, advanced anode materials are being extensively pursued, among which TiO2 is particularly promising owing to its high safety, excellent cost and environmental performances, and high cycle stability. However, TiO2 is faced with two detrimental deficiencies, that is, extremely low theoretical capacity and conductivity. Herein, a smart hybridization strategy is proposed for the hierarchical co-assembly of TiO2 nanorods and Fe3O4 nanoparticles on pristine graphene nanosheets, aiming to simultaneously address the capacity and conductivity deficiencies of TiO2 by coupling it with high-capacity (Fe3O4) and high-conductivity (pristine graphene) components. The resulting novel, multifunctional ternary heterostructures effectively integrate the intriguing functionalities of the three building blocks: TiO2 as the major active material can adequately retain such merits as high safety and cycle stability, Fe3O4 as the auxiliary active material can contribute extraordinarily high capacities, and pristine graphene as the conductive dopant can guarantee sufficient percolation pathways. Benefiting from a remarkable synergy, the ternary heterostructures deliver superior reversible capacities and rate capabilities, thus casting new light on developing next-generation, high-performance anode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma at an early disease stage is important, we attempted to distinguish between patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and noncancer controls by using serum protein profiles. Methods: Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and CM10 protein chip were used to detect the serum proteomic patterns of 65 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma before radiotherapy and 93 noncancer controls. Proteomic spectra of serum samples from 50 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and 60 noncancer controls were used as a training set. The validity of the classification tree was then challenged with a blind test set which included another 15 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 33 noncancer controls. Biomarker Wizard 3.01 and Biomarker Pattern 5.01 were used in combination to analyze the data and to develop diagnostic models. Results: 21 protein peaks were significantly different between nasopharyngeal carcinoma and controls. 4 mass peaks (M4182, M5343, M5913 and M8702 mass/charge ratio) were chosen automatically to construct a classification tree. The classification tree correctly determined 93.8 % (45/48) of the test samples with 93.3 % (14/15) of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma samples and 93.9 % (31/33) of the noncancer samples. Using a combination of serum protein profiles and Epstein−Barr viral capsid antigen immunoglobulin A antibody tests, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were increased to 100 and 97 %, respectively. Conclusions: Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry could correctly distinguish nasopharyngeal carcinoma from noncancer individuals and showed great potential for the development of a screening test for the detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze–thaw cycles and loads are key external factors affecting moisture migration features and frost deformation of coarse-grained fillings. The objective of this study was to clarify the moisture migration features and mesoscopic mechanism of coarse-grained fillings with different initial water contents in seasonal frozen regions under short-term freeze–thaw cycles in the spring thawing period. To this end, a series of experiments realized by mesoscopic observation with X-ray computed tomography (CT) were conducted with fluorescein as a tracer. We then investigated the trends in the temperature field, frost depth and water replenishment, final distribution of the water content, moisture migration images, and changes in the CT value of coarse-grained fillings with different initial water contents under freeze–thaw cycles and static/dynamic loads in a system with an open-water supply. The experimental results demonstrated that under the freeze–thaw cycles and loads, the temperature fields of samples with different water contents change regularly with the change in the external temperature, while the loading pattern has a negligible influence. During the entire process, the external moisture migrated upward, and the initial water content affected the migration process. Typically, the external water replenishment and migration height of the liquid water were inversely proportional to the initial water content, while the final overall water content was higher than the initial value. Under freeze–thaw cycles and dynamic loads, thaw settlement compression deformations were observed during thawing. CT scanning revealed that the pore filling induced by moisture migration leads to grain dislocations after multiple freeze–thaw cycles. Specifically, moisture concentrates in unfrozen areas, the sample density increases, and damage increments are typically negative, which reduces the porosity, thus resulting in thaw settlement compression deformations during thawing. • Coarse-grained fillings under short freeze-thaw cycles were carried out. • External water replenishment were inverse proportion to the initial water content. • Pore filling induced by moisture migration leads to grain dislocations. • Sample density increases, and damage increments are typically negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-PD-1 therapy and chemotherapy is a recommended first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but the role of PD-1 blockade remains unknown in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We assessed the addition of sintilimab, a PD-1 inhibitor, to standard chemoradiotherapy in this patient population. This multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial was conducted at nine hospitals in China. Adults aged 18–65 years with newly diagnosed high-risk non-metastatic stage III–IVa locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (excluding T3–4N0 and T3N1) were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) using blocks of four to receive gemcitabine and cisplatin induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent cisplatin radiotherapy (standard therapy group) or standard therapy with 200 mg sintilimab intravenously once every 3 weeks for 12 cycles (comprising three induction, three concurrent, and six adjuvant cycles to radiotherapy; sintilimab group). The primary endpoint was event-free survival from randomisation to disease recurrence (locoregional or distant) or death from any cause in the intention-to-treat population. Secondary endpoints included adverse events. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03700476) and is now completed; follow-up is ongoing. Between Dec 21, 2018, and March 31, 2020, 425 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the sintilimab (n=210) or standard therapy groups (n=215). At median follow-up of 41·9 months (IQR 38·0–44·8; 389 alive at primary data cutoff [Feb 28, 2023] and 366 [94%] had at least 36 months of follow-up), event-free survival was higher in the sintilimab group compared with the standard therapy group (36-month rates 86% [95% CI 81–90] vs 76% [70–81]; stratified hazard ratio 0·59 [0·38–0·92]; p=0·019). Grade 3–4 adverse events occurred in 155 (74%) in the sintilimab group versus 140 (65%) in the standard therapy group, with the most common being stomatitis (68 [33%] vs 64 [30%]), leukopenia (54 [26%] vs 48 [22%]), and neutropenia (50 [24%] vs 46 [21%]). Two (1%) patients died in the sintilimab group (both considered to be immune-related) and one (<1%) in the standard therapy group. Grade 3–4 immune-related adverse events occurred in 20 (10%) patients in the sintilimab group. Addition of sintilimab to chemoradiotherapy improved event-free survival, albeit with higher but manageable adverse events. Longer follow-up is necessary to determine whether this regimen can be considered as the standard of care for patients with high-risk locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. National Natural Science Foundation of China, Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province, Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, Overseas Expertise Introduction Project for Discipline Innovation, Guangzhou Municipal Health Commission, and Cancer Innovative Research Program of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three‐dimensional asymmetric supercapacitors (3D ASC) have garnered significant attention due to their high operating window, theoretical energy density, and circularity. However, the practical application of 3D electrode materials is limited by brittleness and excessive dead volume. Therefore, we propose a controlled contraction strategy that regulates the pore structure of 3D electrode materials, eliminates dead volume in the 3D skeleton structure, and enhances mechanical strength. In this study to obtain reduced graphene oxide/manganese dioxide (rGO/MnO2) and reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube (rGO/CNT) composite aerogels with a stable and compact structure. MnO2 and CNT as nanogaskets, preventing the self‐stacking of graphene nanosheets during the shrinkage process. Additionally, the high specific capacitor nanogaskets significantly enhance the specific energy density of the rGO aerogel electrode. The prepared rGO/MnO2//rGO/CNT 3D ASC exhibits a high mass‐specific capacitance of 216.15 F g−1, a high mass energy density of 74 Wh kg−1 at 3.5 A g−1, and maintains a retention rate of capacitance at 99.89 % after undergoing 10,000 cycles of charge and discharge at 5 A g−1. The versatile and integrated assembly of 3D ASC units is achieved through the utilization of the robust mechanical structure of rGO‐based aerogel electrodes, employing a mortise and tenon structural design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, amorphous/crystalline Fe-doped CoSe was synthesized (Fe-CoSe/NF), and it exhibited high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. The synergistic effect of the Fe dopant and the amorphous/crystalline structure is conducive to the formation of high valence Co3+ and Fe3+ active sites. Fe-CoSe/NF shows low overpotentials of 269 mV@50 mA cm−2 and 280 mV@100 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of short-term versus long-term hormonotherapy (HT) plus radiotherapy (RT) or prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer. Methods: Literatures were searched from Embase, PubMed, Web of science and Cochrane Library up to October, 2012. Quality of the study was evaluated according to the Cochrane's risk of bias of randomized controlled trial (RCT); the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation System was used to rate the level of evidence. RevMan 5.1 was used for statistical analysis. Two comparisons were of interest: RT plus short-term HT versus RT plus long-term HT and RP plus short-term HT versus RP plus long-term HT. Pooled risk ratio or standardized mean differences were calculated; HT adverse reactions were descriptively evaluated. Results: Nine RCTs (total 4,743 patients) were included, 7 RCTs compared RT plus short-term HT with RT plus long-term HT, 2 RCTs compared RP plus short-term HT with RP plus long-term HT. Meta-analysis showed there was no significant difference in overall survival, disease-free survival and PSA level before RP; long-term was superior to short-term hormonotherapy in biochemical failure rate, clinical progression rate, prostate cancer-specific mortality, positive surgical margin rate and prostate volume before RP. Systematic review demonstrated adverse events caused by the increased length of HT were more common. Conclusions: Long-term HT plus RT showed a trend toward improved overall survival; long-term HT plus RP declined positive surgical margin rate and prostate volume before RP. So, long-term HT may benefit more, but it did not significantly improve the patients' overall survival, and the adverse reactions are inevitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CuCrO2 was synthesized by a sol–gel technique. CuCrO2 anodes with common conductive agents (carbon black or acetylene black) show low discharge capacities. However, the electrochemical performances of CuCrO2 anodes are improved remarkably after replacing the ordinary conductive agent with carbon nano-tubes (CNTs). The CCO–CNTs anode possesses the 436mAhg−1 (0.2C) of discharge capacity after the 80th cycle. The addition of CNTs contributed to the formation of a 3D conductive network. Such a networks structure has pivotal effects to improve the composite conductivity and restrain the volume variations during cycling processes, which collaboratively improve the discharge specific capacity and cycling performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our previous study has found that the abundance of peritumoral CD68+ macrophages was associated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after resection. However, CD68 staining could not discriminate the protumoral or tumoricidal subpopulations from pan-macrophages. CD163 is a marker of alternatively activated macrophages. In this study, the clinical significance of CD163+ cells in tumors and peritumoral liver tissues was evaluated in a cohort of 295 patients with HCC after curative resection. We found that the density of CD163+ cells was well correlated with that of CD68+ cells in both tumors and peritumoral liver tissues but was much more. Immunostaining on consecutive sections and flow cytometry assay on surgical resected specimens further supported the findings that the CD163+ cells was more abundant than CD68+ cells. The density of peritumoral CD68+ cells was associated with poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) and poor overall survival (OS) (P = 0.004 and P = 0.001, respectively), whereas the CD163+ cells have no prognostic values either in tumors or in peritumoral liver tissues. In another cohort of 107 HCC patients, preoperative plasma concentration of soluble form of CD163 (sCD163) was associated with active hepatitis-related factors but not associated with the markers of tumor invasion. In conclusion, both the CD163+ cells local infiltration and plasma sCD163 were of limited significance in HCC, and they were more likely markers related to active hepatitis rather than tumor progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study aims to estimate the three greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (i.e. CO2, CH4, N2O) from a vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland (VSSF CW, 1000m2) and a cluster of conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the city of Changzhou, China. The two estimated emissions are set up for comparison. The results show that the WWTP system emits 7.3kg CO2-eq to remove 1kg BOD in the studied life cycle, while the VSSF system only emits 3.18kg CO2-eq, which is only half of the amount given off by the WWTP system. Especially at the treatment stage, the WWTP system''s GHG emissions are almost 7 times higher than the VSSF system''s. N2O emissions in both systems are only a minor fraction of the total emissions. Therefore, this study has concluded that the VSSF system is an effective option for GHG emissions mitigation in the wastewater sector. The study further suggests that developing countries like China should extensively build up VSSF systems for decentralized wastewater treatment, which could also potentially reduce GHG emissions by 8–17 million ton CO2-eq per year compared with the centralized scenario. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pre-treated LSGM starting powders decrease in particle size, leading to an increase in the LSGM relative density and electric conductivity. The starting powders are ball-milled with the assistance of absolute ethanol to reduce the particle size, dried ultrasonically to prevent the agglomeration of the powders and pre-calcined and re-balled to increase the rate of grain growth. These improvements make it possible to obtain single phase LSGM powders with small particle size at the calcination temperature of 1300°C. A large-area (9cm×9cm) LSGM electrolyte substrate has been prepared successfully by tape casting from these powders. The LSGM electrolyte exhibits a dense structure, the relative density reaches 96%, and the electrical conductivity is 0.08Scm−1 at 800°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Data take the form of continuous data streams rather than traditional stored databases in a growing number of applications, including network traffic monitoring, network intrusion detection, sensor networks, fraudulent transaction detection, financial monitoring, etc. People are interested in the potential rules in data streams such as association rules and decision rules. Compared with much work on developing algorithms of data streams mining, there is little attention paid on the modeling data mining and data streams mining. Considering the problem of conceptual modeling data streams mining, we put forward a data streams oriented decision logic language as a granular computing formal approach and a rules extracting model based on granular computing. In this model, we propose the notion of granular drifting, which accurately interpret the concept drifting problem in data streams. This model is helpful to understand the nature of data streams mining. Based on this model, new algorithms and techniques of data streams mining could be developed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To identify risk factors relevant to radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) and to determine the hepatic tolerance to radiation. Methods and Materials: The data of 109 primary liver carcinomas (PLC) treated with hypofractionated three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) were analyzed. Seventeen patients were diagnosed with RILD and 13 of 17 died of it. Results: The risk factors for RILD were late T stage, large gross tumor volume, presence of portal vein thrombosis, association with Child-Pugh Grade B cirrhosis, and acute hepatic toxicity. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the severity of hepatic cirrhosis was a unique independent predictor. For Child-Pugh Grade A patients, the hepatic radiation tolerance was as follows: (1) Mean dose to normal liver (MDTNL) of 23 Gy was tolerable. (2) For cumulative dose–volume histogram, the tolerable volume percentages would be less than: V5 of 86%, V10 of 68%, V15 of 59%, V20 of 49%, V25 of 35%, V30 of 28%, V35 of 25%, and V40 of 20%. (3) Tolerable MDTNL could be estimated by MDTNL (Gy) = −1.686 + 0.023 * normal liver volume (cm3). Conclusion: The predominant risk factor for RILD was the severity of hepatic cirrhosis. The hepatic tolerance to radiation could be estimated by dosimetric parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To determine whether progestins counteract the cardioprotective effects of estrogen.Controlled animal study.Academic laboratory environment.Female apolipoprotein E–deficient mice.Mice were randomly assigned to groups receiving a sham operation plus placebo pellet, bilateral gonadectomy plus placebo pellet, or gonadectomy plus one of nine combinations of estrogen/progestin SC pellets.Total plasma cholesterol, body weight, fat depot weight, uterine weight and size, and the cross-sectional area of fatty streaks in the aortic sinus were measured in each animal.After 8 weeks of treatment, plasma cholesterol levels were significantly higher only in the ovariectomized and sham-operated animals that received placebo pellets. No differences in plasma cholesterol were observed relative to the type or amount of progestin administered. There was a reduction in fatty streaks in all of the hormone treatment groups as compared with both the ovariectomized and sham-operated animals that received placebo pellets.There were no significant differences in lesion area in response to estrogen alone or to estrogen plus the different types and doses of progestins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The total content of Cr in biogas residues markedly increased after composting. • Organic or inorganic functional groups contributed the binding sites for Cr. • 23–31% of Cr was removed under 60 g earthworm/kg and with worms of 0.7 ~ 1.0 g. • Co-fermentation process of biogas residues and Trichoderma was optimized. Removing pollutants and producing high value-added products are essential steps for sustainable disposal and utilization of biogas residues. Here, a coupled thermophilic composting and vermicomposting process was used to remove Cr from biogas residues, and the composting products were co-fermented with the plant growth-promoting fungus Trichoderma to produce high value-added biofertilizers. The results showed that thermophilic composting for 37 d markedly increased the total content of Cr but decreased the percentage of available Cr fractions. Synchrotron-radiation-based observations further provided direct evidence of the binding sites to support the results from traditional sequential extraction. At a density of 60 g earthworm/kg biogas residues, vermicomposting removed 23–31% of Cr from biogas residues. After vermicomposting, co-fermentation of biogas residues and Trichoderma was optimized, in which Trichoderma spores were 2–5 × 108 cfu/g substrates. Together, coupling thermophilic composting and vermicomposting processes is a promising technique to remove a portion of heavy metals from biogas residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a decent synergetic effect produced by delicate hybridization between exfoliated MoSe 2 nanosheets and high conductive Ag nanoparticles during self-assemble process. Uniformly dispersed Ag NPs on MoSe 2 nanosheets would accelerate electrons transfer as well as efficiently inhabit the stack of MoSe 2 nanosheets, exposing more active edge sites to enhance electrocatalytic activity on hydrogen reduction as well as facilitate electrochemical storage of lithium ions. • Controllable construction of Ag/MoSe 2 hybrid architectures. • The homogeneous decorated Ag NPs can greatly improve the conductivity of MoSe 2 nanosheets. • MoSe 2 nanosheets buffer the volume variation during repeated lithium ions insertion and extraction process. • Ag/MoSe 2 hybrid architectures exhibited stronger HER and lithium storage property. Tradition metal selenides have triggered extensive attentions in the field of electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Herein we propose a decent synergetic effect produced by delicate hybridization between exfoliated MoSe 2 nanosheets and high conductive Ag nanoparticles (NPs) during self-assemble process. The Ag/MoSe 2 hybrid architecture (weight ratio, 5:100) can reach 10 mA cm−2 current density at a potential as low as 0.187 V, which almost is ~3-fold lower than that for the bare MoSe 2 nanosheets. Additionally, the Ag/MoSe2 hybrid architecture also exhibits an enhanced capacity, excellent rate abilities and superior cycling stability for lithium storage than pristine MoSe 2 nanosheets. The comprehensive explorations of the synergistic effects occurring between MoSe 2 nanosheets and Ag NPs have insights for the rational constructions of low cost electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution as well as high performance electrode materials for lithium storage based on transition metal chalcogenides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flexible and robust MoS2–graphene hybrid paper with an excellent lithium storage capacity is fabricated through cross-linking by a polymer ligand, PEO, and shows potential for the development of high-performance film anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The CuCrO2–carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanocomposites synthesized by the in-situ hydrothermal method exhibit excellent specific capacity retention and cyclic performances. Due to the poor conductivity and large volume variation of CuCrO2, its discharge capacity only remains 304mAhg–1 (0.2C) after 140 cycles. However, the electrochemical performances of CuCrO2 anodes are improved remarkably by adding 5–20wt% CNTs. The CuCrO2–CNTs composite anodes maintain a specific capacity of 742mAhg−1 after 60 cycles (0.2C) when the CNTs proportion is over 10wt%. Even at 1C charge/discharge rates, they still exhibit high capacity retention of 530mAhg−1 after 40 cycles. The SEM micrographs show that CNTs are dispersed well within the CuCrO2 matrix to form a 3D network. Such a network structure provides good electrical conductivity and restrains the volume variations during the cycling processes, which collaboratively improve the discharge specific capacity and cycling performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The AJCC/UICC TNM classification describes anatomic extent of tumor progression and guides treatment decisions. Our comprehensive analysis of 8,834 newly diagnosed patients with non-metastatic Epstein-Barr virus related nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from six Chinese centers indicates certain limitations in the current staging system. The 8th edition of the AJCC/UICC TNM classification inadequately differentiates patient outcomes, particularly between T2 and T3 categories and within the N classification. We propose reclassifying cases of T3 NPC with early skull-base invasion as T2, and elevating N1-N2 cases with grade 3 image-identified extranodal extension (ENE) to N3. Additionally, we suggest combining T2N0 with T1N0 into a single stage IA. For de novo metastatic (M1) NPC, we propose subdivisions of M1a, defined by 1–3 metastatic lesions without liver involvement, and M1b, characterized by >3 metastatic lesions or liver involvement. This proposal better reflects responses of NPC patients to the up-to-date treatments and their evolving risk profiles. [Display omitted] • T3 NPC with early skull invasion-only is reclassified as T2 • N1-N2 with grade 3 image-identified ENE is reclassified as N3 • T2N0 and T1N0 are merged to a single stage IA • M1 subdivides to M1a (1–3 lesions, none in liver) and M1b (>3 lesions or liver met) Du et al. develop a refinement for the current 8th editor of AJCC/UICC TNM staging system for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) related nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This proposal offers several advancements including improved hazard discrimination, enhanced hazard consistency, better sample size balance, and superior outcome prediction. Additionally, it is more in line with contemporary therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ultrafine Mn 3 O 4 nanoparticles are confined on MXene nanosheets as superior nitrogen reduction reaction electrocatalyst. • Elaborate 0/2D heteroarchitecture is fabricated through facile and versatile van der Waals assembly. • Evident synergy effect guarantees commendable activity, stability and durability of composite electrocatalyst. To date, the application of electrochemical nitrogen fixation into ammonia is severely hindered by the deficiency of high-performance electrocatalysts. In this paper, a facile approach is proposed for the preparation of MXene/Mn 3 O 4 composite catalyst, where Mn 3 O 4 nanoparticles are anchored tightly on the MXene nanosheets through van der Waals interactions. The obtained composite catalyst exhibiting powerful synergetic effect is able to provide abundant active sites for nitrogen reduction reaction. The introduction of MXene nanosheets dramatically improves the N 2 adsorption and charge transfer. When operated in 0.1 M Na 2 SO 4 aqueous media, MXene/Mn 3 O 4 achieves a proper Faradaic efficiency of 5.51% and superior NH 3 yield rate of 25.95 μg h−1 mg cat. −1 at −0.5 V under ambient conditions, outperforming either of individual components. Notably, this composite catalyst delivers superb stability, durability and selectivity as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The ultrathin MgB 2 nanosheets were prepared by ultrasonic-assisted exfoliation technology. • MgB 2 @PP as separator contributes to the adsorption and catalytic conversion of polysulfides and inhibits the shuttle effect. • MgB 2 @PP as separator significantly improves the sulfur utilization, high specific capacity and cycle stability in Li-S batteries. The separator is an important component in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. However, the conventional polypropylene (PP) separators have the problem of easy shuttling of lithium polysulfide (LiPSs). Herein, ultrathin magnesium boride (MgB 2) nanosheets were prepared by ultrasonic-assisted exfoliation technology, and were suction-filtered onto a separator to serve as a separator modification layer. The introduction of a microporous structure into MgB 2 nanosheets after ultrasonic peeling increases the specific surface area and pore volume, with more adsorption sites, which can fully utilize the surface adsorption/catalytic performance of MgB 2 for LiPSs and accommodate the volume expansion of lithium sulfide (Li 2 S). Therefore, MgB 2 @PP as a separator significantly improves the sulfur utilization and cycle stability in Li-S batteries. When the MgB 2 @PP separator is used, the reversible specific capacity of the assembled Li-S battery at 0.1 C (current rate) is 1184 mAh/g, and the specific capacity at 2 C is 732 mAh/g. After 500 cycles at 2 C, it remains at 497 mAh/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new heterostructure of V 2 O 5 hollow spheres wrapped by nitrogen-doped graphene (VOHS/NG) is conceived to enhance the lithium polysulfides anchoring capability through chemical process for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries. • V 2 O 5 hollow spheres/N-doped graphene heterostructure as S host of Li-S batteries. • Integrate physical adsorption and chemical process together to anchor polysulfide. • Efficient polysulfide anchoring performance was obtained. • Excellent Li-S battery electrochemical performance was achieved. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are attracting intense attention due to its high specific capacity and low cost. However, serious lithium polysulfides (LiPS) shuttle effect and the insulating property of sulfur restrict the practical application of Li-S batteries. In this work, we put forward an efficient strategy to anchor soluble LiPS through a combination of physical adsorption and chemical conversion, which is accomplished by using a heterostructure of V 2 O 5 hollow spheres wrapped in nitrogen-doped graphene network (VOHS/NG) as the sulfur host. The nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) network not only provides excellent conductivity but also traps the LiPS rapidly with high specific surface area. The initially adsorbed LiPS chemically react with V 2 O 5 hollow spheres (VOHS) to form thiosulfate intermediates. These intermediates convert the soluble "high-order" LiPS to insoluble "low-order" LiPS. Hence, the shuttle effect can be restrained efficiently. Owing to the physical and chemical synergy of the two components, the VOHS/NG heterostructure with 71 wt% sulfur can deliver superior rate performance and excellent cycling stability. A high specific capacity of 970 mAh g−1 can be obtained after 100 cycles at 0.2 C. Even cycled at 2 C for 1000 times, a reversible capability of 623 mAh g−1 can still be achieved with the decay rate as low as 0.017% per cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver cancer, mostly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the second leading cause of cancer mortality globally. Most patients need at least one systemic therapy at different phases of their treatment for HCC. Sorafenib was the first agent shown to improve the survival of patients with advanced HCC. A decade after the approval of sorafenib, most agents failed to improve patient survival more than sorafenib. In recent years, treatment practices have changed, with lenvatinib as another first-line treatment choice and regorafenib, ramucirumab, and cabozantinib as second-line treatment options. Anti-PD-1 antibodies, including nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and camrelizumab, have demonstrated promising anti-tumor effects as monotherapy for advanced HCC in phase II clinical trials. The combination of an anti-PD-1 antibody and an anti-angiogenesis agent has shown more potent anti-tumor effects in early phase clinical trials and is now the hotspot in clinical studies. Furthermore, these agents are investigated in combination treatment with surgery or other loco-regional therapies in patients with early or intermediate-stage HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To assess the clinical characteristics and treatment strategies of Kaposi form hemangioendothelioma (KHE) in children. Methods. The retrospective study was carried out on 19 cases of children diagnosed with KHE from January 2009 to December 2017 in Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The general demographics, tumor characteristics, presence or absence of Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP), treatment and outcome were statistically analyzed. The difference between the children with KMP and without KMP were compared in whether the tumor involved the skin and the deep muscles. Results. Of the 19 children with KHE, 13 (68.4%) were male and 6 (31.6%) were female; 17 children (89.5%) presented within the first year of life and 12 children (63.2%) were detected at birth; 6 cases occurred on head and neck, 4 cases in the trunk, 9 cases in the extremities, and none was multifocal.Seven cases (36.8%) were complicated with KMP after onset. There was no significant difference in cutaneous lesions (P=0.617), while there was a significant difference in deep muscles involvement (P=0.017) between the cases complicated with KMP and without KMP. All cases were diagnosed on the basis of histopathology and immunohistochemistry after operation, in which 8 were completely removed, 5 were partially excised, and 6 were performed biopsy. All the tumors were substantial and aggressive growth. Seven children were treated by propranolol before operation but no obvious effect was found. Ten children were given oral corticosteroids, and five of them were found tumor shrinking and underwent operation. The treatment of corticosteroids resulted in higher effect than that of propranolol (P=0.044). Two children who showed resistance to corticosteroids accepted a combination therapy of corticosteroids and vincristine, and the tumor shrank at last. During the follow-up of 2 to 5 years, the cases which performed complete resection were without recurrence, and those who accepted partial excision also survived with postoperative corticosteroids treatment. Conclusion. Most KHE cases occur in infancy. The cases might be predisposed with KPM when the tumors involve the deep muscles. The children with typical clinical features should undergo operation as soon as possible. Besides, those with atypical characters should take biopsy to achieve definite diagnosis. The cases with KMP or with giant tumors that are impossible to be removed could be given corticosteroids treatment with or without vincristine. Although propranolol showed a poor curative effect, it could be used for a diagnostic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original article [1] contains an error in Fig. 5a whereby the Western blot bands representing CyclinD1 have mistakenly been duplicated over the Western blot bands intended to represent SGK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

M2-polarized (alternatively activated) macrophages play an important role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF1) is overexpressed in M2-polarized macrophages. This study explored the role of AIF1 in tumor-associated macrophages in HCC. Macrophages were stimulated with colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) to characterize the regulatory pathway of AIF1 in macrophages. The chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter gene assay were conducted to examine transcription factors associated with AIF1 expression. AIF1 was down or upregulated, and the effects on tumor progression were evaluated by usingin vitroandin vivoco-culture systems. A cytokine array was performed to screen the downstream functional components of AIF1. Tumor tissue from 206 patients with HCC were used to explore the clinical significance of AIF1. AIF1 induced a M2-like phenotype of macrophages. By facilitating the binding of c-Jun to the promoter of AIF1, CSF1 secreted from hepatoma cells increased AIF1 expression through the CSF1R-MEK1/2-Erk1/2-c-Jun axis. AIF1 expressed in macrophages promoted the migration of hepatoma cells in co-culture system of RAW264.7 and Hepa1-6 and tumor growth in an animal model. The cytokine array showed that CXCL16 was increased in RAW264.7 cells with overexpressed AIF1, leading to enhanced tumor cell migration. In human HCC tissue, AIF1-positive macrophages in the adjacent microenvironment was associated with microvascular invasion and advanced TNM stages and with patients' overall and disease-free survival (p= 0.002 for both). AIF1 expression in macrophages plays a pivotal role in the interaction between macrophages and hepatoma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract Nowadays, lithium−ion batteries (LIBs) are attracting great interest for energy storage applications ranging from small−size cell phones to large−size electric vehicles. Among different cathode materials which have been widely investigated, vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5) is particularly attractive because of its high specific capacity and low cost. However, drawbacks such as low electronic conductivity and poor ion diffusion kinetics restrict its further applications in large−size electric vehicles. In this work, we report a one−step hydrothermal strategy to integrate nitrogen doping, aerogel formation and V 2 O 5 loading on graphene nanosheets simultaneously. The introduction of 3D nitrogen−doped graphene (3DNG) can provide higher electronic conductivity and Li+ ion diffusion kinetics. The resulting V 2 O 5 @3DNG aerogels can be used as cathodes directly without any binders, conductive additives and metallic collectors. The free−standing and flexible cathodes can effectively promote rapid capacity response and buffer the stress generated during the high−rate charging/discharging processes, which are responsible for superior cyclability and rate capabilities. This strategy may provide new insight into the improvements of LIB performances. Graphical abstract A new concept is conceived to integrate nitrogen doping, aerogel formation and V 2 O 5 loading simultaneously (V 2 O 5 @3DNG), achieving a significant synergy for high-performance lithium storage. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Except for excision repair cross-complementing 1 (ERCC1), mRNA expression of the remaining ERCC genes has not been investigated in the prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). The present study aimed to explore the mRNA expression and prognostic values of each member of the ERCC family in GC patients by using the Kaplan–Meier (KM) plotter tool. The details of each ERCC family member were entered into a database and GC patients were separated into high and low expression to draw survival plots using the KM plotter. In the present study, we observed that high expression of ERCC1 mRNA was significantly associated with longer overall survival (OS) for all GC patients (hazard ratio [HR]=0.77, 95% confidence intervals [CI]=0.63–0.95, P=0.016) compared with low expression. High expression of ERCC4 and ERCC6 mRNA indicated a worse OS for all GC patients (HR=1.28, 95% CI=1.02–1.6, P=0.035 and HR=1.25, 95% CI=1.02–1.54, P=0.029, respectively) and especially for patients with intestinal-type GC (HR=1.87, 95% CI=1.26–2.79, P=0.0018 and HR=1.62, 95% CI=1.04–2.54, P=0.033, respectively). High ERCC8 mRNA expression indicated a worse OS for all GC patients (HR=1.34, 95% CI=1.02–1.76, P=0.034) and especially for patients with diffuse-type GC (HR=2.25, 95% CI=1.36–3.75, P=0.0013). In conclusion, our findings indicate that ERCC4, ERCC6, and ERCC8 may be potential biomarkers for GC prognosis and may serve as potential therapeutic targets for GC. However, these findings still need further verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1 or CD31) is a well-known marker of endothelial cells and a key factor for adhesion and accumulation of platelets. CD31 plays roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and cellular immunity. CD31 is also expressed on tumor cells, such as breast cancer cells and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and contributes to tumor cell invasion. Here, our experiments show that CD31 promotes metastasis by inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma by up-regulating integrin β1 via the FAK/Akt signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lenvatinib plus anti‐programmed death‐1 (anti‐PD‐1) antibody combinations have shown potent anti‐tumor effect in phase I/II trials in advanced or unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but real‐world data are limited. Methods: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of lenvatinib plus anti‐PD‐1 antibodies in a real‐world cohort, we retrospectively evaluated 210 patients with unresectable or advanced HCC treated with these regimens between October 2018 and February 2022. Results: The objective response rate and disease control rate per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 were 28.1% and 75.2%. Median overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) in the overall cohort were 17.2 and 8.4 months, respectively. Median OS and PFS of patients receiving first‐line treatment reached 18.9 and 9.6 months. Median OS was significantly longer in patients with Child‐Pugh class A versus B (18.8 vs. 5.9 months, respectively), as was median PFS (9.1 vs. 4.4 months). Patients with albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade 1 versus grade 2/3 also had significantly greater median OS (23.5 vs. 13.4 months). Treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) occurred in 79.5% of patients. Patients with ALBI grade 2/3 had a higher rate of grade 3/4 AEs than patients with ALBI grade 1 (57.5% vs. 38.5%). Conclusion: Lenvatinib combined with anti‐PD‐1 antibody therapy was effective in patients with sufficient liver function reserve. Further study is needed to improve therapeutic efficacy and AE management in patients with Child‐Pugh class B or ALBI grade 2/3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of chemotherapy among intermediate-risk (stage II/T3N0) nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients receiving radiotherapy (RT). Methods: We identified stage II/T3N0 NPC patients who received radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database (2004–2019). Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy. Subgroup analysis was also conducted based on the baseline characteristics. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance the intergroup covariates. Results: A total of 1623 patients were enrolled in the study, 1444 received chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and 179 received RT alone. CRT, compared to RT alone, was independently associated with a better OS (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.45–0.71) and CSS (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.39–0.79). After PSM, similar results were obtained, and CRT was superior to RT alone in terms of OS (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.39–0.92) and CSS (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.40–0.91). Subgroup analysis revealed that OS benefits from CRT were mainly observed in T0-2N1(HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.38–0.70) and T3N0 (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42–0.98) rather than T2N0 (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.51–1.94). Interestingly, after PSM, OS benefits were still seen in T0-2N1 (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.24–0.82), while not seen in T2N0 (HR 1.83, 95% CI 0.56–5.97) and T3N0 (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.28–1.12). Conclusion: For T0-2N1 NPC patients, CRT was superior to RT alone with better survival, whereas, for T2-3N0 patients, CRT was comparable to RT alone. Prospective large studies should be encouraged to verify the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal number of cycles of induction chemotherapy (IC) in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC) is unclear. We aimed to combine the tumor response during IC and tumor stage to individualize the number of IC cycles. Methods: Totally, 498 LANPC patients who received IC plus CCRT between 2014 and 2018 were reviewed. Tumor response during IC was used to stratify patients with different risks. All patients were classified into those who received two cycles of IC and those who were treated with three cycles. Propensity score matching methods were performed to compare the treatment efficiency. Results: After two cycles of IC, 340/498 (68.3%) cases showed complete tumor response (CR)/partial response (PR) and 158 (31.7%) achieved stable disease (SD)/disease progression (PD). Unfavorable responders (SD/PD) exhibited poor survival outcomes. The three‐cycle IC regimen was correlated with better OS and PFS than the two‐cycle regimen for N2‐3 patients in the CR/PR group. However, the use of different IC cycle strategies achieved similar survival outcomes for SD/PD or N0‐1 patients. The incidences of acute toxicities were higher in the IC = 3 group. Conclusions: Tumor response during IC could be a powerful predictor of LANPC and could be used to guide the individualized number of IC cycles. A three‐cycle IC regimen seemed to be preferable for N2‐3 patients who received CR/PR during IC. However, an additional cycle of IC could not benefit N0‐1 or SD/PD patients, and the optimal treatment strategies for these patients require further consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High frequency of recurrence is the major cause of the poor outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). microRNA (miR)-182-5p emerged as a high-priority miRNA in HCC and was found to be related to HCC metastasis. Whether the expression of miR-182-5p in tumor tissue correlated with early recurrence in HCC patients underwent curative surgery was unknown. Methods: Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) were conducted to assess the expression of miR-182-5p in HCC cells and tissues. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell assays were performed to detected cells proliferation and migration ability. Flow cytometry assays were used to detect cell apoptosis rate, and xenograft model was employed to study miR-182-5p in HCC growth and lung metastasis. The target of miR-182-5p was validated with a dual-luciferase reporter assay and western blotting. Immunohistochemistry, immumoblotting, and immunoprecipitation were performed to test relative protein expression. Results: We showed that high expression of miR-182-5p in tumor tissues correlated with poor prognosis as well as early recurrence in HCC patients underwent curative surgery. miR-182-5p enhanced motility and invasive ability of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. miR-182-5p directly targets 3'-UTR of FOXO3a and repressed FOXO3a expression, activating AKT/FOXO3a pathway to promote HCC proliferation. Notably, miR-182-5p activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling by inhibiting the degradation of β-catenin and enhancing the interaction between β-catenin and TCF4 which was mediated by repressed FOXO3a. Conclusions: Consistently, miR-182-5p can be a potential predictor of early recurrence for HCC patients underwent curative surgery, and FOXO3a plays a key mediator in miR-182-5p induced HCC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Comparison of compensatory curve spontaneous derotation after selective thoracic or lumbar fusions in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis," by T. F. Ritzman, V. V. Upasani, T. P. Bastrom, and colleagues in the 2008 issue.

Purpose. To compare the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs combined with antiangiogenic agents between non-small cell lung cancer patients with exon 19 deletion and patients with exon 21 Leu858 Arg mutation. Methods. Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were systematically searched for studies published until March 2022. Randomized control trials comparing the survival of EGFR-TKIs plus antiangiogenic agents with EGFR-TKI were extracted. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results. Five randomized control trials involving 1533 patients were as follows: 818 patients had exon 19 deletion, and 715 patients with exon 21 Leu858 Arg mutation. The methodological quality of the 5 randomized control trials was high. EGFR-TKIs plus antiangiogenic agents improved PFS in patients with exon 19 deletion (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.75) and exon 21 Leu858 Arg mutation (HR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.50–0.75). PFS did not differ between the exon 19 deletion and exon 21 Leu858 Arg mutation groups (Z = 0.07, P = 0.94). Conclusions. PFS was comparable between patients receiving EGFR-TKIs combined with antiangiogenic agents with exon 19 deletion and those with exon 21 Leu858 Arg mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Depression and cognitive impairment are both common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may play an important role in both cognitive function and depression. In this study, we examined BDNF levels, cognitive function, and the relationship between BDNF and cognitive function in PD patients with and without depressive symptoms, which has not been reported yet.Methods: We recruited 96 PD patients with (n = 46) and without depression (n = 50) and 102 controls and examined the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and BDNF levels in all groups. The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) was used to assess the severity of depression and the Hoehn-Yahr staging test was used to assess motor abilities in PD patients.Results: BDNF levels were lower in patients with depressive symptoms than in patients without depressive symptoms (p<0.01). The RBANS total score and the immediate memory, language and attention scores were lower in patients with depressive than in patients without depressive (all p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that BDNF was independent contributor to immediate memory, language and RBANS total score in the patients with depressive symptoms. BDNF and SDS were independent contributors to attention, and SDS was an independent contributor to delay memory (all p < 0.001).Conclusions: BDNF may be involved in the pathophysiology of PD patients with depressive symptoms. Moreover, the association between BDNF and cognitive performance only in patients with depressive symptoms suggest a close relationship in BDNF, cognition and depressive symptoms in PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]