Research Advances in the Analysis of Estrogenic Endocrine Disrupting Compounds in Milk and Dairy Products

Milk and dairy products are sources of exposure to estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds (e-EDCs). Estrogenic disruptors can accumulate in organisms through the food chain and may negatively affect ecosystems and organisms even at low concentrations. Therefore, the analysis of e-EDCs in dairy products is of practical significance. Continuous efforts have been made to establish effective methods to detect e-EDCs, using convenient sample pretreatments and simple steps. This review aims to summarize the recently reported pretreatment methods for estrogenic disruptors, such as solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid phase microextraction (LPME), determination methods including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), Raman spectroscopy, and biosensors, to provide a reliable theoretical basis and operational method for e-EDC analysis in the future.

Cholecystectomy-induced secondary bile acids accumulation ameliorates colitis through inhibiting monocyte/macrophage recruitment

Although post-cholecystectomy (PC) patients usually have gastrointestinal complications and a higher risk of colorectal cancer, previous studies undetected a heightened risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Thus, we tried to investigate cholecystectomy's impact and pathophysiological mechanism on murine colitis models and clarify the association among fecal bile acids (BAs), mucosal bacterial microbiota, and immune cells in the PC patients. One month or three months after cholecystectomy, mice have induced colitis and tested BAs and fecal microbiota analysis. Next, mice were treated with various cholecystectomy-accumulated bile acids in drinking water for three months before inducing colitis. All 14 paired PC patients and healthy subjects were enrolled for BAs and mucosal microbiota analysis. Cholecystectomy ameliorated DSS-induced murine colitis, accelerated mucosal repair, and induced a significant shifting of fecal microbiota and BAs profiles under colitis status, which featured a higher relative abundance of species involved in BAs metabolism and increased secondary BAs concentrations. Cholecystectomy-associated secondary BAs (LCA, DCA, and HDCA) also ameliorated DSS-induced colitis and accelerated mucosal repair in mice. Cholecystectomy and specific secondary BAs treatments inhibited monocytes/macrophages recruitment in colitis mice. In vitro, cholecystectomy-associated secondary BAs also downregulated monocytes chemokines in the THP-1 derived macrophages through activation of the LXRα-linked signaling pathway. The alterations of mucosal microbiota and fecal BAs profiles were found in the PC patients, characterized as increased species with potential immuno-modulating effects and secondary BAs, which were negatively associated with peripheral monocytes levels. Cholecystectomy-induced secondary bile acids accumulation ameliorated colitis through inhibiting monocyte/macrophage recruitment, which might be mediated by the LXRα-related signaling pathway. Cholecystectomy, after 3 months follow-up, has an immune-regulatory role in murine colitis, preliminarily explaining that no increased risk of IBD had been reported in the PC patients, which still warrants further studies.

A digital mask to safeguard patient privacy

The storage of facial images in medical records poses privacy risks due to the sensitive nature of the personal biometric information that can be extracted from such images. To minimize these risks, we developed a new technology, called the digital mask (DM), which is based on three-dimensional reconstruction and deep-learning algorithms to irreversibly erase identifiable features, while retaining disease-relevant features needed for diagnosis. In a prospective clinical study to evaluate the technology for diagnosis of ocular conditions, we found very high diagnostic consistency between the use of original and reconstructed facial videos (κ ≥ 0.845 for strabismus, ptosis and nystagmus, and κ = 0.801 for thyroid-associated orbitopathy) and comparable diagnostic accuracy (P ≥ 0.131 for all ocular conditions tested) was observed. Identity removal validation using multiple-choice questions showed that compared to image cropping, the DM could much more effectively remove identity attributes from facial images. We further confirmed the ability of the DM to evade recognition systems using artificial intelligence-powered re-identification algorithms. Moreover, use of the DM increased the willingness of patients with ocular conditions to provide their facial images as health information during medical treatment. These results indicate the potential of the DM algorithm to protect the privacy of patients' facial images in an era of rapid adoption of digital health technologies.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Using Perfluorobutane: Impact of Proposed Modified LI-RADS Criteria on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Detection

BACKGROUND. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS version 2017 (v2017) applies only to CEUS examinations performed using pure blood pool agents, noting that future versions will address combined blood pool and Kupffer cell agents such as perfluorobutane. Such agents may improve hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detection by visualization of a defect in the Kupffer phase (obtained ≥ 10 minutes after injection). OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to compare the diagnostic performance of the LR-5 category for HCC detection in at-risk patients between CEUS LI-RADS v2017 and proposed modified criteria for CEUS examinations performed using perfluorobutane. METHODS. This retrospective study included 293 patients at risk for HCC (259 men, 34 women; mean age, 55 ± 12 [SD] years) who underwent CEUS using perfluorobutane from March 1, 2020, to October 30, 2020, showing a total of 304 observations (274 HCC, 14 non-HCC malignancy, and 16 benign lesions). Two readers independently assessed examinations and assigned categories using both CEUS LI-RADS v2017 and the proposed modified criteria. In the modified criteria, observations 10 mm or greater with not rim arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE), no washout, and a Kupffer defect were upgraded from LR-4 to LR-5, and observations 10 mm or greater with not rim APHE, early washout, and a mild Kupffer defect were reassigned from LR-M to LR-5. Interreader agreement was assessed, and consensus interpretations were reached. Diagnostic performance was evaluated. RESULTS. Interreader agreement for LI-RADS category assignments, expressed using kappa coefficients, was 0.839 for CEUS LI-RADS v2017 and 0.854 for the modified criteria. Modified criteria upgraded 35 observations from LR-4 to LR-5 on the basis of a Kupffer defect, of which 34 were HCC and one was benign. Modified criteria reassigned 22 observations from LR-M to LR-5 on the basis of a mild Kupffer defect, of which all were HCC. LR-5 using modified criteria, compared with CEUS LI-RADS v2017, had significantly increased sensitivity (89% vs 69%, p < .001), a nonsignificant decrease in specificity (83% vs 87%, p > .99), and significantly increased accuracy (89% vs 71%, p < .001) for HCC. CONCLUSION. When using perfluorobutane for CEUS in at-risk patients, modified criteria incorporating Kupffer defects significantly improve sensitivity without significant loss of specificity in HCC detection. CLINICAL IMPACT. Future CEUS LI-RADS updates seeking to address the use of combined blood pool and Kupffer cell agents should consider adoption of the explored criteria.

Genetic features of bovine viral diarrhea virus subgenotype 1c in newborn calves at nucleotide and synonymous codon usages

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), serving as an important pathogen for newborn calves, poses threat to reproductive and economic losses in the cattle industry. To survey the infection rate and genetic diversity of BVDV in newborn calves in northern China, a total of 676 sera samples of newborn calves were collected from four provinces between 2021 and 2022. All sera samples were individually detected for BVDV infection by RT-PCR and ELISA. Our results showed that the overall serological rate was 9.76% (66/676) and the average positive rate of BVDV RNA was 8.14% (55/676) in the newborn calves. Eight BVDV strains were successfully isolated from RT-PCR positive sera samples, and four isolates displayed the cytopathic effect (CPE). Based on phylogenetic tree at the genome level, the eight strains were classified into subgenotype 1c. Moreover, the BVDV isolates had a close genetic relationship with the GSTZ strain at either nucleotide or codon usage level. Interestingly, in comparison of synonymous codon usage patterns between the BVDV isolates with CPE and ones without CPE, there were four synonymous codons (UCG, CCC, GCA, and AAC) which displayed the significant differences (p < 0.05) at codon usage pattern, suggesting that synonymous codon usage bias might play a role in BVDV-1c biotypes. In addition, the usage of synonymous codons containing CpG dinucleotides was suppressed by the BVDV-1c isolates, reflecting one of strategies of immune evasion of BVDV to its host. Taken together, our study provided data for monitoring and vaccination strategies of BVDV for newborn calves in northern China.

Semiconducting polymer dots as fluorescent probes for in vitro biosensing

Semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) have emerged as novel fluorescent probes with excellent characteristics, such as ultrahigh molar extinction coefficient, easy tunable absorption and emission bands, high brightness, and excellent photostability. Combined with good biocompatibility properties, much effort has been devoted to Pdots for in vivo biological imaging and therapy applications, such as deep-tissue fluorescent imaging, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and nanocarriers of genes or chemical drugs. Many reviews have been presented in these fields. On the other hand, a large number of studies employing Pdots for in vitro biosensing applications have been reported during the past few years, and there are barely any relevant reports to summarize the progress in this area. Hence, it is necessary to review these studies to promote the comprehensive application of Pdots. Herein, we introduce the properties and functionalization of Pdots, and systematically summarize the progress in the in vitro applications of Pdots, including the detection of DNAs, microRNAs, proteins, enzymatic activity, and some biological small molecules and ions. Finally, we share our perspectives on the future direction of this field.

[Measurement of morphological features of Oncomelania hupensis shells in Yunnan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the morphological variation of Oncomelania hupensis shells in Yunnan Province, so as to provide insights into the understanding of O. hupensis genetic evolution and control.

METHODS

According to the O. hupensis density, geographical location, altitude, water system and environmental type, 12 administrative villages were sampled from 10 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (districts) in 3 prefectures (cities) of Yunnan Province as snail collection sites. From December 2021 to January 2022, about 200 snails were collected from each collection site, among which thirty adult snails (6 to 7 spirals) were randomly selected from each site, and the 11 morphological indexes of snail shells were measured and subjected to cluster analysis and principal component analysis.

RESULTS

Of O. hupensis snails from 12 localities of Yunnan Province, the longest shell (7.33 mm) was detected in snails from Yongle Village, Eryuan County, with the shortest (4.68 mm) in Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District, and the largest angle of apex (59.47°) was measured in snails from Caizhuang Village, Midu County, with the smallest (41.40°) in Qiandian Village, Eryuan County. The mean coefficient of variation was 9.075% among O. hupensis snails from 12 localities of Yunnan Province, with the largest coefficient of variation seen in the thickness of the labra brim (29.809%). Among O. hupensis snails from 12 localities of Yunnan Province, the mean Euclidean distance was 2.26, with the shortest Euclidean distance seen between O. hupensis snails from Qiandian Village of Eryuan County and Wuxing Village of Dali City (0.26), and the largest found between O. hupensis snails from Caizhuang Village of Midu County and Cangling Village of Chuxiong County (8.17). Cluster analysis and principal component analysis classified O. hupensis snails from 12 localities of Yunnan Province into three categories, including the O. hupensis snail samples from Caizhuang Village of Midu County, O. hupensis snail samples from Cangling Village of Chuxiong County, and O. hupensis snail samples from Qiandian Village of Eryuan County, Wuxing Village of Dali City, Yangwu Village of Yongsheng County, Xiaoqiao Village of Xiangyun County, Yongle Village of Eryuan County, Xiaocen Village of Dali City, Anding Village of Nanjian County, Dongyuan Village of Gucheng District, Lianyi Village of Heqing County, and Dianzhong Village of Weishan County. The variations in these three categories of snail samples were mainly measured in the principal component 2 related to the angle of apex and the thickness of the labra brim.

CONCLUSIONS

The variations in the Euclidean distance and morphological features of shells of O. hupensis from 12 localities of Yunnan Province gradually rise with the decrease in the latitude of the collection sites. The angle of apex is an indicator for the growth of O. hupensis whorl.

Parental Phubbing and Internet Gaming Addiction in Children: Mediating Roles of Parent-Child Relationships and Depressive Symptoms

Mounting research has well documented that parental phubbing is significantly associated with Internet gaming addiction (IGA) in children. However, the mediating mechanisms of this relations are poorly understood. This study used a multi-informant design to investigate whether parent-child relationships (closeness and conflict) and depressive symptoms mediate the relation between parental phubbing and IGA. A total of 1,021 Chinese children (44.30 percent girls; M_age = 10.33, standard deviation = 0.98) and their mothers completed anonymous questionnaires. The results showed that parent-child conflict and depressive symptoms each played a mediating role between parental phubbing and the children's IGA, whereas parent-child closeness did not. Moreover, parental phubbing demonstrated an indirect effect on the children's IGA successively through the parent-child conflict and children's depressive symptoms. The findings suggest that improved parent-child relationships and immediate intervention for depressive symptoms can reduce the risk of IGA among children.

Ultrasensitive Molecular Detection at Subpicomolar Concentrations by the Diffraction Pattern Imaging with Plasmonic Metasurfaces and Convex Holographic Gratings

Compact and cost-effective optical devices for highly sensitive detection of trace molecules are significant in many applications, including healthcare, pollutant monitoring and explosive detection. Nanophotonic metasurface-based sensors have been intensively attracting attentions for molecular detection. However, conventional methods often involve spectroscopic characterizations that require bulky, expensive and sophisticated spectrometers. Here, a novel ultrasensitive sensor of plasmonic metasurfaces is designed and fabricated for the detection of trace molecules. The sensor features a convex holographic grating, of which the first-order diffraction pattern of a disposable metasurface is recorded by a monochrome camera.The diffraction pattern changes with the molecules attached to the metasurface, realizing label-free and spectrometer-free molecular detection by imaging and analyzing of the diffraction pattern. By integrating the sensor with a microfluidic setup, the quantitative characterization of rabbit anti-human Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and human IgG biomolecular interactions is demonstrated with an excellent limit of detection (LOD) of 0.6 pm. Moreover, both the metasurface and holographic grating are obtained through vacuum-free solution-processed fabrications, minimizing the manufacturing cost of the sensor. A prototype of the imaging-based sensor, consisting of a white light-emitting diode (LED) and a consumer-level imaging sensor is achieved to demonstrate the potential for on-site detection.

Design and selection of high energy materials based on 4,8-dihydrodifurazano[3,4-b,e]pyrazine

In order to search for high energy density materials, various 4,8-dihydrodifurazano[3,4-b,e]pyrazine based energetic materials were designed. Density functional theory was employed to investigate the relationships between the structures and properties. The calculated results indicated that the properties of these designed compounds were influenced by the energetic groups and heterocyclic substituents. The -N3 energetic group was found to be the most effective substituent to improve the heats of formation of the designed compounds while the tetrazole ring/-C(NO2)3 group contributed much to the values of detonation properties. The analysis of bond orders and bond dissociation energies showed that the addition of -NHNH2, -NHNO2, -CH(NO2)3 and -C(NO2)3 groups would decrease the bond dissociation energies remarkably. Compounds A8, B8, C8, D8, E8, and F8 were finally screened as the potential candidates for high energy density materials since these compounds possess excellent detonation properties and acceptable thermal stabilities. Additionally, the electronic structures of the screened compounds were calculated.

Diagnosis of hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor by fine-needle biopsy

Hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) is a benign lesion characterized by chronic infiltration of inflammatory cells and fibrosis that clinically, radiologically, and pathologically mimics malignancy. However, the epidemiology of IPTs remains unclear. IPTs are often misdiagnosed as malignant lesions because of the lack of characteristic features. We present the case of a 32-year-old man that was misdiagnosed as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma by CECT, CEMRI, and CEUS, which was finally confirmed as IPT by fine-needle liver biopsy. In this report, the key factor in the diagnosis of liver inflammatory masses was the presence of hepatic perfusion disorder.

Advanced cathodic free-standing interlayers for lithium-sulfur batteries: understanding, fabrication, and modification

In the past decades, lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have demonstrated huge practical potential due to their ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity, low price, and environmental friendliness. However, LSBs are still faced with the problems of volumetric expansion, slow reaction kinetics, and short working life due to the shuttling of polysulfides. The introduction of a free-standing interlayer is a good way to solve the problems because of the physical confinement, chemical entrapment, and conversion. This review summarizes the common fabrication methods of free-standing interlayers, including the power-originated and film-originated methods. The modification of the as-prepared free-standing interlayers is also accomplished into physical treatment, atomic doping, and compound introduction. Finally, we conclude and compare the different fabrication methods of free-standing interlayers and their modifications and put forward the outlook of the high-performance free-standing interlayers.

NanoSuit-Assisted Liquid-Cell Scanning Electron Microscopy Enables Dynamic Gold Nanoparticle Monitoring for the Aggregation and Transmembrane Processes in Living Cells

Dynamic observation of the behaviors of nanomaterials in the cellular environment is of great significance in mechanistic investigations on nanomaterial-based diagnostics and therapeutics. Realizing label-free observations with nanometer resolution is necessary but still has major challenges. Herein, we propose a NanoSuit-assisted liquid-cell scanning electron microscopy (NanoSuit-LCSEM) method that enables imaging of the behaviors of nanoparticles in living cells. Taking A549 cells and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a cell-nanoparticle interaction model, the NanoSuit-LCSEM method showed a significantly improved resolution to 10 nm, which is high enough to distinguish single and two adjacent 30 nm AuNPs in cells. The continuous observation time for living cells is extended to 30 min, and the trajectories and velocities for the transmembrane movement of AuNP aggregates are obtained. This study provides a new approach for dynamic observation of nanomaterials in intact living cells and will greatly benefit the interdisciplinary research of nanomaterials, nanomedicine, and nanotechnology.

Deep Learning of Liver Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound to Predict Microvascular Invasion and Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background and Aims

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a well-known risk factor for poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to develop a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) model based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to predict MVI, and thus to predict prognosis in patients with HCC.

Methods

A total of 436 patients with surgically resected HCC who underwent preoperative CEUS were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into training (n = 301), validation (n = 102), and test (n = 33) sets. A clinical model (Clinical model), a CEUS video-based DCNN model (CEUS-DCNN model), and a fusion model based on CEUS video and clinical variables (CECL-DCNN model) were built to predict MVI. Survival analysis was used to evaluate the clinical performance of the predicted MVI.

Results

Compared with the Clinical model, the CEUS-DCNN model exhibited similar sensitivity, but higher specificity (71.4% vs. 38.1%, p = 0.03) in the test group. The CECL-DCNN model showed significantly higher specificity (81.0% vs. 38.1%, p = 0.005) and accuracy (78.8% vs. 51.5%, p = 0.009) than the Clinical model, with an AUC of 0.865. The Clinical predicted MVI could not significantly distinguish OS or RFS (both p > 0.05), while the CEUS-DCNN predicted MVI could only predict the earlier recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] with 95% confidence interval [CI 2.92 [1.1–7.75], p = 0.024). However, the CECL-DCNN predicted MVI was a significant prognostic factor for both OS (HR with 95% CI: 6.03 [1.7–21.39], p = 0.009) and RFS (HR with 95% CI: 3.3 [1.23–8.91], p = 0.011) in the test group.

Conclusions

The proposed CECL-DCNN model based on preoperative CEUS video can serve as a noninvasive tool to predict MVI status in HCC, thereby predicting poor prognosis.

The Hippo Pathway Effector Transcriptional Co-activator With PDZ-Binding Motif Correlates With Clinical Prognosis and Immune Infiltration in Colorectal Cancer

The transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) is a downstream effector of the Hippo pathway. It has been identified as an oncogene in certain tumor types; however, the function and role of TAZ in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been illustrated. Here, we aimed to analyze the expression and role of TAZ in CRC. In this study, we investigated the expression level of TAZ in 127 CRC and matched adjacent normal tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and analyzed its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics in CRC. Moreover, we further analyzed the role of TAZ in the CRC-associated immunology using integrative bioinformatic analyses. The cBioPortal and WebGestalt database were used to analyze the co-expressed genes and related pathways of TAZ in CRC by gene ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analyses. Meanwhile, the correlations between TAZ and the infiltrating immune cells and gene markers were analyzed by TIMER database. Our study revealed that TAZ expression is higher in CRC tissues than in matched adjacent non-tumor tissues. In addition, CRC patients with higher TAZ expression demonstrated poor overall survival (OS) and recurrent-free survival rates as compared to CRC patients with lower expression of TAZ. Furthermore, the TAZ expression was identified to closely associate with the immune infiltration of CD4 + T, CD8 + T, and B cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that TAZ may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in CRC.

Transactional processes among perceived parental warmth, positivity, and depressive symptoms from middle childhood to early adolescence: Disentangling between- and within-person associations

RATIONALE

Previous cross-sectional and unidirectional longitudinal studies have investigated the associations among perceived parental warmth, positivity, and depressive symptoms among children and adolescents without distinguishing between-person effects from within-person effects.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to examine the dynamic longitudinal associations among perceived parental warmth, positivity, and depressive symptoms, including whether positivity functioned as a mediator of the reciprocal relations between perceived maternal/paternal warmth and depressive symptoms at the within-person level encompassing middle childhood to early adolescence.

METHODS

A sample of 3765 Chinese students (45.8% girls; M age = 9.92 years, SD = 0.72; range = 9-12 years at Time 1) completed self-report measures on 4 occasions across 2 years, using 6-month intervals. Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Models were employed to disentangle between- and within-person effects.

RESULTS

(a) Perceived maternal/paternal warmth and depressive symptoms reciprocally and negatively predicted each other; (b) positivity and depressive symptoms reciprocally and negatively predicted each other; (c) perceived maternal/paternal warmth and positivity reciprocally and positively predicted each other; (d) depressive symptoms indirectly predicted perceived maternal/paternal warmth via positivity; (e) perceived maternal warmth displayed earlier and more stable effects on positivity and depressive symptoms than perceived paternal warmth; and (f), no childhood sex differences existed in the observed associations.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the longitudinal within-person transactions among perceived parental warmth, positivity, and depressive symptoms, and the differential roles of perceived maternal/paternal warmth. These findings may help provide a potential theoretical framework through which to precisely identify objectives for early intervention.

Dihydromyricetin ameliorates diet-induced obesity and promotes browning of white adipose tissue by upregulating IRF4/PGC-1α

BACKGROUND

Promoting the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) is a promising approach for the treatment of obesity and related comorbidities because it increases energy expenditure. In this study, we investigated whether Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a flavonoid component, could ameliorate diet-induced obesity through promoting the browning of WAT.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 J mice were received a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity and subsequently were treated with DHM (100 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 4 weeks. The effects of DHM on weight reduction and metabolic phenotype improvement were observed in the mice. The expression of genes and protein involved in browning of WAT were assessed in inguinal WAT (iWAT) of the mice. Then, the effect of DHM on the inducing browning program was verified in adipocytes differentiated from stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells of mouse iWAT. Finally, the mechanism by which DHM improves the browning of WAT was explored using RNA-seq and luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

We find that DHM reduces body weight, decreases WAT mass, improves glucose and lipid metabolic disorders, and ameliorates hepatic steatosis in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Further studies show that DHM induces WAT browning, which is manifested by increased expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator (PGC)-1α and enhanced mitochondrial activity in iWAT and primary adipocytes. In addition, we also find that DHM enhances interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) expression, which is a key transcriptional regulator of PGC-1α.

CONCLUSION

Our findings identify that DHM prevents obesity by inducing the browning of WAT through the upregulation of IRF4/PGC-1α, which may have potential therapeutic implications for the treatment of obesity.

The combination of mean and maximum Hounsfield Unit allows more accurate prediction of uric acid stones

Based on mean Hounsfield Unit (HuMean), we aimed to evaluate the additional use of standard deviation of Hounsfield Unit (HuStd), minimum Hounsfield Unit (HuMin), and maximum Hounsfield Unit (HuMax) in noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) to evaluate uric acid (UA) stones more accurately. The data of patients who underwent the NCCT examination and infrared spectroscopy in our hospital from August 2017 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Based on CT scans, the HuMean, HuStd, HuMin, and HuMax of all patients were measured. The patients were divided into groups according to the stone composition. The attenuation value of mixed stones was in the middle of their pure stones. Except for Str, statistically significant differences between UA stones and other pure stones were observed for HuMean, HuStd, HuMin, and HuMax. A moderate correlation was found between HuMean, HuStd, HuMin, and HuMax and UA stones (r_s showed -0.585, -0.409, -0.492, and -0.577, respectively). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of HuMean and HuMax were higher than those of HuStd and HuMin (AUC = 0.896, AUC = 0.891 vs. AUC = 0.777, AUC = 0.833). Higher AUC (0.904), specificity (0.899) and positive predictive value (PPV) (0.712) can be obtained by combining HuMean and HuMax in the diagnosis of UA stones. In conclusion, HuMean and HuMax can better predict UA stones than HuStd and HuMin. The combined use of HuMean and HuMax can lead to higher accuracy.

Alterations of Fungal Microbiota in Patients With Cholecystectomy

Increasing evidence suggests a high risk of gastrointestinal postoperative comorbidities (such as colorectal cancer) in patients with postcholecystectomy (PC). Although previous studies implicated the role of fungi in colon carcinogenesis, few reports focused on the fungal profile in patients with PC. We enrolled 104 subjects, including 52 patients with PC and 52 non-PC controls (CON), for fecal collection to detect the fungal composition by an internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 rDNA sequencing. Data showed that Candida (C.) glabrata and Aspergillus (A.) Unassigned were enriched, and Candida albicans was depleted in patients with PC. In addition, postoperative duration was the main factor to affect the fungal composition. Machine learning identified that C. glabrata, A. Unassigned, and C. albicans were three biomarkers to discriminate patients with PC from CON subjects. To investigate the fungal role in colon carcinogenesis, the subjects of the PC group were divided into two subgroups, namely, patients with PC without (non-CA) and with precancerous lesions or colorectal cancer (preCA_CRC), by histopathological studies. C. glabrata was found to be gradually accumulated in different statuses of patients with PC. In conclusion, we found fungal dysbiosis in patients with cholecystectomy, and the postoperative duration was a potent factor to influence the fungal composition. The accumulation of C. glabrata might be connected with carcinogenesis after cholecystectomy.

Elaboration and Validation of a Nomogram Based on Axillary Ultrasound and Tumor Clinicopathological Features to Predict Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With Breast Cancer

Background

This study aimed at constructing a nomogram to predict axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) based on axillary ultrasound and tumor clinicopathological features.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 281 patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer was performed between January 2015 and March 2018. All patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 197) and a validation cohort (n = 84). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the clinically important predictors of ALNM when developin1 g the nomogram. The area under the curve (AUC), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the nomogram.

Results

In univariate and multivariate analyses, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), axillary lymph node (ALN) cortex thickness, and an obliterated ALN fatty hilum were identified as independent predictors and integrated to develop a nomogram for predicting ALNM. The nomogram showed favorable sensitivity for ALNM with AUCs of 0.87 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.81–0.92) and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.73–0.92) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The calibration plots of the nomogram showed good agreement between the nomogram prediction and actual ALNM diagnosis (P > 0.05). Decision curve analysis (DCA) revealed the net benefit of the nomogram.

Conclusions

This study developed a nomogram based on three daily available clinical parameters, with good accuracy and clinical utility, which may help the radiologist in decision-making for ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology/biopsy (US-FNAC/B) according to the nomogram score.

Bifunctional polypyrrole-based conductive paper towards simultaneous efficient solar-driven water evaporation and electrochemical energy storage

The thriving solar-driven water evaporation (SDWE) technology is considered the ideal candidate for next-generation water treatment because of its high efficiency, environment-friendliness, and low cost. The irresistible trend of diversified energy demand presents multi-functional requirements for a successful SWDE. However, the current SDWE technology rarely breaks through this technical dilemma. Here, we have designed a bifunctional polypyrrole-based capacitor to achieve water purification and energy storage. The hydrophilicity of the filter paper and the high light absorptance of polypyrrole (96.18%) promote the generation of solar steam. The evaporation rate of the PPy-200 (Polypyrrole-200) filter paper reached 1.54 kg m^-2 h^-1 under 1 kW m^-2. Interestingly, the symmetric supercapacitor assembled with PPy-based filter paper electrodes could simultaneously realize efficient evaporation (1.94 kg m^-2 h^-1) and electrochemical energy storage. As a single electrode, the PPy-200 filter paper exhibited ultra-high specific capacitance (4129.50 mF cm^-2) and favorable cycling stability (71.16% after 4000 cycles). More importantly, the capacitance of PP-PPy-200 (Polyvinyl alcohol/Polyethylene glycol-Polypyrrole-200) increased to 2.55 times under one sun illumination. This work not only points out a direction for solar thermal utilization, but also provides new design inspiration for high-efficiency flexible electrochemical energy storage devices.

In Situ Alkyl Radical Recycling-Driven Decoupled Electrophotochemical Deamination

Molecular electrophotocatalysis has emerged as a powerful strategy for the development of sustainable synthetic protocols. With the proof-of-concept, we exploited a versatile electrophotocatalytic deaminative alkylation approach. Mechanistic investigation indicated that in situ recycling of the alkyl radicals was the key point. Notably, ligand modification and late-stage functionalization of pharmaceuticals were also established, highlighting its feasibility in practical utilization.

Improved Brain-Computer Interface Signal Recognition Algorithm Based on Few-Channel Motor Imagery

Common spatial pattern (CSP) is an effective algorithm for extracting electroencephalogram (EEG) features of motor imagery (MI); however, CSP mainly aims at multichannel EEG signals, and its effect in extracting EEG features with fewer channels is poor-even worse than before using CSP. To solve the above problem, a new combined feature extraction method has been proposed in this study. For EEG signals from fewer channels (three channels), wavelet packet transform, fast ensemble empirical mode decomposition, and local mean decomposition were used to decompose the band-pass filtered EEG into multiple time-frequency components, and the corresponding components were selected according to the frequency characteristics of MI or the correlation coefficient between its time-frequency components and the original EEG signal. Furthermore, phase space reconstruction (PSR) was performed on the selected components after the three time-frequency decompositions, the maximum Lyapunov index was calculated, and the features were reconstructed; then, CSP projection mapping was used for the reconstructed features. The support vector machine probability output model was trained by the obtained three mappings. Probability outputs by three different support vector machines were then obtained. Finally, the classification of test samples was determined by the fusion of the Dempster-Shafer evidence theory at the decision level. The results showed that the accuracy of the proposed method was 95.71% on data set III of BCI competition II (left- and right-hand MI), which was 2.88% higher than the existing methods. On data set IIb of BCI competition IV, the average accuracy was 86.60%, which was 2.3% higher than the existing methods. This study verified the effectiveness of the proposed method and provided an approach for the research and development of the MI-BCI system based on fewer channels.

Uniaxial and Coaxial Vertical Embedded Extrusion Bioprinting

The 3D bioprinting technologies have attracted increasing attention due to their flexibility in producing architecturally relevant tissue constructs. Here, a vertical embedded extrusion bioprinting strategy using uniaxial or coaxial nozzles is presented, which allows formation of vertical structures of homogeneous or heterogeneous properties. By adjusting the bioprinting parameters, the characteristics of the bioprinted vertical patterns can be precisely controlled. Using this strategy, two proof-of-concept applications in tissue biofabrication are demonstrated. Specifically, intestinal villi and hair follicles, two liner-shaped tissues in the human body, are successfully generated with the vertical embedded bioprinting method, reconstructing some of their key structures as well as restoring partial functions in vitro. Caco-2 cells in the bioprinted intestinal villus constructs proliferated and aggregated properly, also showing functional biomarker expressions such as ZO-1 and villin. Moreover, preliminary hair follicle structures featuring keratinized human keratinocytes and spheroid-shaped human dermal papilla cells are formed after vertical bioprinting and culturing. In summary, this vertical embedded extrusion bioprinting technique harnessing a uniaxial or coaxial format will likely bring further improvements in the reconstruction of certain human tissues and organs, especially those with a linear structure, potentially leading to wide utilities in tissue engineering, tissue model engineering, and drug discovery.