Perineural invasion and the "cold" tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer: mechanisms of crosstalk and therapeutic opportunities.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a devastating malignancy characterized by profound lethality, aggressive local invasion, dismal prognosis, and significant resistance to existing therapies. Two critical biological features underpin the challenges in treating PDAC: extensive perineural invasion (PNI), the process by which cancer cells infiltrate and migrate along nerves, and a profoundly immunosuppressive, or "cold," tumor microenvironment (TME). PNI is not only a primary route for local tumor dissemination and recurrence but also a major contributor to the severe pain often experienced by patients.

A Robust Immobilization Method for Membrane Protein SPR Assays Using SpyCatcher-SpyTag.

Membrane proteins are essential for numerous biological processes and constitute a significant portion of drug targets, making the study of their interactions with ligands crucial for drug discovery. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a powerful, label-free technique for real-time biomolecular interaction analysis, but its application to membrane proteins is limited by inherent difficulties in immobilizing these proteins on sensor surfaces while preserving their native conformation and functionality. Lipid nanodiscs offer a promising solution by providing a native-like membrane environment.

Comparing robot-assisted vs. laparoscopic proctectomy for rectal cancer surgical and oncological outcomes.

Background: Robotic-assisted proctectomy (RAP) is increasingly used for rectal cancer, but its long-term benefits over laparoscopic proctectomy (LP) remain debated. While RAP offers technical advantages, its clinical equivalence requires further validation, particularly in anatomically challenging cases.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all eligible patients who underwent RAP or LP for rectal cancer at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital between 2019 and 2024.

Evaluating the Impact of Carbon Nanoparticles on the Interfacial Properties of the Pulmonary Surfactant Film.

The interaction between carbon nanoparticles (CNs) and Langmuir monolayers of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) as a model pulmonary surfactant (PS) film was studied to shed light on the physicochemical bases underlying the potential adverse effects associated with pollutant inhalation. The results indicated that the surface pressure-area isotherms of the DPPC monolayers shifted toward lower molecular areas, and the compression modulus was reduced in the presence of CNs, hindering the ability of the DPPC monolayers to reduce the surface tension. The relaxation process of the DPPC monolayers were influenced, and the surface morphology and the continuity of the monolayers were destroyed by the penetration of CNs into the DPPC monolayers.

An Improved Interpolation Method for Simulating Electrohydrodynamic Atomization in the Cone-Jet Regime.

Electrospray technology in the cone-jet regime has been numerically studied with the development of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A novel interpolation method, the hybrid averaging mean (HAM), is presented in the present work, aimed at enhancing the accuracy of numerical simulations in electrohydrodynamic (EHD) atomization. Traditional methods such as the weighted arithmetic mean (WAM) and Weighted Harmonic Mean (WHM) have been widely used; however, the limitations are exhibited in terms of stability and computational efficiency.

PEDOT: PSS-Enabled CNT and BiSbTe Interface Microengineering for Integrated Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting and Corrosion Protection in Cementitious Composite.

Thermoelectric cement-based composites integrate thermoelectric effects with structural capabilities, presenting an effective solution for harvesting environmental heat in self-powered cathodic protection. While the prospects are promising, their performance has been constrained by the compatibility between functional fillers and cementitious materials. This study demonstrates that PEDOT: PSS(PP) significantly improves the dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) and Bi₀.

Enhancing Tight Oil Recovery in Aqueous-Affected Reservoirs: Experimental Investigation of Triphilic Surfactant Synergy with CO Huff-and-Puff Stimulation.

CO huff-and-puff demonstrates excellent injectivity and gas channeling resistance in tight reservoirs, yet aqueous phase invasion significantly diminishes its oil recovery efficiency. To investigate the mechanisms of aqueous phase impacts, CO huff-and-puff experiments were conducted under varying water saturation levels, complemented by extended core displacement tests with different injection patterns. A triphilic surfactant, CEOPOCOOCH (CEPC), was introduced to mitigate aqueous phase interference.

Effect of butyryl substitution degree in cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) on A3 plasticizer migration: Mechanism analysis.

Plasticizer migration is a significant issue in the utilization of polymer materials. For cellulose derivatives substituted with two or more different groups, such as cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), the varying proportions of acetyl and butyryl groups lead to different chemical structures, which influence the plasticizer migration properties. This paper investigates the effects of the butyryl substitution degree on plasticizer migration properties through experimental testing and molecular dynamics simulations.

Multiple frequency combs via pump modulation in a three-mode optomechanical system.

Parametric frequency conversion involving phonons is an intriguing physical issue in cavity optomechanics. Here, this phenomenon is exploited to devise multiple frequency combs in a three-mode optomechanical system assisted by a degenerate parametric amplifier (DPA). In the optomechanical model, the configuration of optical-mechanical-mechanical coupled resonators provides a well-established environment containing photon-phonon and phonon-phonon interactions.

Tailoring Solvent-Mediated CO Reservoirs at Heterointerfaces for Enhanced Electrochemical CO-to-CH Conversion.

Transforming waste CO into value-added fuels and chemicals, while simultaneously enabling renewable electricity storage, presents a viable strategy for achieving a sustainable energy economy. However, efficient conversion to C products remains challenging, primarily due to the low CO concentration at the catalyst surface in aqueous environments. Herein, we addressed this issue by designing CuO-MgO catalysts with abundant nanointerfaces serving as effective CO reservoirs under aqueous conditions.

Optimal age selection for posterior hemivertebra resection and short fusion of a solitary simple lower thoracic or lumbar hemivertebra.

Hemivertebra (HV) is a leading cause of congenital scoliosis; however, the optimal timing for surgical intervention remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare surgical outcomes in children under 10 years old with scoliosis caused by a solitary simple lower thoracic or lumbar HV (T8-L5). From January 2015 to January 2024, we retrospectively analyzed 49 consecutive congenital scoliosis patients treated with posterior hemivertebra resection, fusion, and pedicle screw fixation.

High-throughput screening accelerated by machine learning for the morphology of silica nanoparticles with high cell permeability.

In recent years, silica nanoparticles have garnered tremendous attention as drug-delivery carriers. However, the cell permeability of nanoparticles remains a major obstacle that limits the drug-delivery efficiency of drug carriers. It is a common practice to regulate the low-dimensional characteristics of nanoparticles, such as charge and size, to promote their permeability.

RNA m6A methylation regulates CDH6 to promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cholangiocytes of biliary atresia.

Purpose: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in biliary atresia (BA), however the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study aims to explore the involvement of m6A modification and its role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in BA cholangiocytes.

Method: A published single-cell RNA sequencing dataset (HRA003163) was analyzed, focusing on cholangiocytes for differential gene expression, pathway enrichment, and correlation analyses.

Combined nomogram for differentiating adrenal pheochromocytoma from large-diameter lipid-poor adenoma using multiphase CT radiomics and clinico-radiological features.

Background And Objective: Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are predominantly adrenal adenomas (80%), with a smaller proportion (7%) being pheochromocytomas(PHEO). Adenomas are typically non-functional tumors managed through observation or medication, with some cases requiring surgical removal, which is generally safe. In contrast, PHEO secrete catecholamines, causing severe blood pressure fluctuations, making surgical resection the only treatment option.

Myricetin Alleviates Formaldehyde-Exacerbated Inflammation in Asthmatic Mice Through Inhibition of Ferrous Iron Accumulation in Pulmonary Macrophages.

Myricetin, a natural flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory bioactivity, has also been documented as a chelator of iron in cells. The aim of the study was to examine whether myricetin could alleviate formaldehyde (FA)-exacerbated asthmatic inflammation through chelation of Fe(II). In this study, FA exposure at 2.

The Risks of Risk Assessment: Causal Blind Spots When Using Prediction Models for Treatment Decisions.

Clinicians increasingly rely on prediction models to guide treatment choices. Most prediction models, however, are developed using observational data that include some patients who have already received the treatment the prediction model is meant to inform. Special attention to the causal role of those earlier treatments is required when interpreting the resulting predictions.

Single-Cell Transcription Reveals the Fibroblast Heterogeneity and Neural Cells' Significance in Desmoid Fibromatosis.

Desmoid fibromatosis (DF) is a refractory tumor with a high recurrence rate, resulting in severe organ's deformity, morbidity, and mortality. The cellular characteristics of DF remain elusive. Herein, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to reveal the cell landscape of DF.

Nanoemulsion as the Pioneer Carrier for Future Green Nanopesticides.

Nanotechnology, as a transformative tool in modern agriculture, is particularly prominent for the control of plant pests and is emerging as a solution to the limitations of traditional pesticide formulations. This review systematically reviews the preparation and application of nanoemulsion pesticides, focusing on their formulation mechanisms, functional advantages, and practical uses. Nanoemulsions are characterized by nanosized droplets (20-200 nm), which enhance the solubility, dispersion, and stability of active ingredients, thereby improving bioavailability and reducing environmental impact.

The efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemo(radio)therapy combined with surgery in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer harboring defective mismatch repair system: a large-scale multicenter propensity score analysis.

Background: For locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) with a deficient mismatch repair/microsatellite instability-high (dMMR/MSI-H), particularly in patients not eligible for immunotherapy, the optimal treatment remains undetermined. This study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of surgery, surgery and chemotherapy, surgery and chemoradiotherapy, in patients with LARC harboring dMMR/MSI-H.

Methods: Patients included from three university centers between August 1, 2012 and March 1, 2023, were categorized into three treatment groups: surgery .

An osteoblast-like cell line derived from mice expressing FRET-based tension sensor reveals cellular tension increase during osteogenic differentiation.

Mechanical stimuli significantly influence bone remodeling, although the detailed molecular mechanisms involving changes in intracellular tension during osteoblast differentiation remain unclear. The present study was performed to investigate the role of intracellular tension in osteogenic differentiation by utilizing a newly established osteoblast-like cell line. In this study, we established a novel osteoblast-like cell line derived from calvarial explants of transgenic mice ubiquitously expressing a Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based tension sensor, capable of real-time measurement of intracellular tension and mineralization.

Curating a knowledge base for patients with neurosyphilis: a study protocol of a DEep learning Framework for pErsonalized prediction of Adverse prognosTic events in NeuroSyphilis (DEFEAT-NS).

Introduction: Adverse prognostic events (APE) of neurosyphilis include ongoing syphilitic meningitis, meningovascular syphilis, parenchymatous neurosyphilis and death. Its complexity and rarity have the potential to result in the underestimated true burden of neurosyphilis worldwide, due to lack of recognition and under-reporting. The unmet need for a modern method of refined and targeted treatment of neurosyphilis is strengthened by the currently various distinct diagnostic criteria.

Prediction of glycaemic control and quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes using glucose-lowering drugs with machine learning-The Maastricht study.

Background: Despite the heterogeneity of type 2 diabetes (T2D), all patients are treated according to the same guideline. Some people have more difficulty reaching treatment goals (adequate glycaemic control) and maintaining quality of life (QoL). Therefore, a prediction model identifying who is unlikely to reach these goals within the next year would be useful to allow specific attention to these people.

Synergistic effects of cryoablation and GM-CSF in colorectal liver metastases management in tumor-bearing mice.

Objectives: The use of cryoablation for colorectal liver metastases (CLM) remains limited and controversial. This study aimed to investigate the antitumor immune response following cryoablation combined with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) treatment in a CLM mouse model.

Materials And Methods: A CLM mouse model was established using BALB/c mice.

Enclosed-terrain urbanized areas require vertically stratified air quality management: Insights from particulate matter vertical observations in China's Sichuan Basin.

Urbanized basins are widely recognized as hotspots‌ of particulate matter (PM) pollution. Characterizing the vertical stratification of PM in these regions is essential to elucidate the influence of regional air pollutant transport, dynamics of planetary boundary layer, and pollution-meteorology feedbacks. Using Mount Emei (500-3100 m a.

Fungal 4-Hydroxy-2-Pyridone alkaloids: Structures, synthesis, biosynthesis, and bioactivities (2010-2024).

4-Hydroxy-2-pyridone alkaloids are a significant class of natural products with notable biological activities, including antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, attracting increasing research interest in recent years. The continuous isolation of novel 4-hydroxy-2-pyridones has significantly broadened the scope of this compound class. To provide a comprehensive understanding of their current research status and potential applications in human health, this review summarizes 133 novel 4-hydroxy-2-pyridone alkaloids from fungi reported between 2010 and 2024, and explores their chemical synthesis, biosynthesis, and bioactivities.