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Background: Emerging surgical methods are utilized to treat endometrial cancer. The study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of four common surgical methods of hysterectomy. Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library databases, Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science from their inception until April 30, 2024. We used hazard ratios (HR) for overall survival (OS) and disease-free (DFS), odds ratios (OR) for categorical outcomes, and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals. These were pooled in Bayesian network meta-analysis models. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used to illuminate the probability that each method would be the best for each outcome. Results: Thirty studies comprising 13446 patients were included. Robotic hysterectomy (RH) retrieved fewer pelvic lymph nodes than open hysterectomy (OH). OH showed a significantly higher postoperative complication rate than laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and RH. LH had a higher intraoperative complication rate than OH. According to SUCRA values, OH ranked the highest in the number of retrieved pelvic lymph nodes (0.89), intraoperative complications (0.73), and operative time (0.97). LH ranked the highest in DFS (0.81) and overall survival (OS) (0.87). RH ranked the highest in the postoperative complications (0.95). Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) ranked the highest in number of retrieved para-aortic lymph nodes (0.72). Conclusions: There are no significant differences among the four surgical methods in DFS or OS. The use of uterine manipulators does not affect prognosis. OH is the best method for shortening operative time, dissecting the pelvic lymph nodes and controlling intraoperative complications. LH and LAVH have an advantage in para-aortic lymph node dissection. Besides, LH has the best advantage in DFS and OS. RH has advantages in controlling surgical complications. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ , identifier CRD42024529974. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interdisciplinary progress in nanotechnology has yielded environmentally friendly and cost-effective strategies to enhance bioherbicidal efficacy. This study presents the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (M-AgNPs) using the fungus Exserohilum rostratum, specifically targeting the Leptochloa chinensis weed in paddy fields. The M-AgNPs were characterized with an aqueous solution size of 107.9 nm and a zeta potential of −24.0 ± 0.20 mV, and their properties were analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The application of M-AgNP suspension at different concentrations of 70 µg∙mL−1, 80 µg∙mL−1, and 100 µg∙mL−1 to L. chinensis at the 3–4 leaf stage resulted in significant herbicidal effects. These nanoparticles induced oxidative stress and significantly reduced the activities of peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase in the weed seedlings. Meanwhile, M-AgNP treatments significantly increased the activity of cell wall-degrading enzymes, including polygalacturonase and cellulase, in L. chinensis leaves and caused organelle damage in plant leaf cells. Safety assessments showed no significant impact on rice growth after treatment with M-AgNP3 (100 µg∙mL−1) suspension. Our results suggest that M-AgNPs represent a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to weed control that is compatible with rice cultivation, thus supporting the adoption of green agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the crystal structure analysis by particle swarm optimization (CALYPSO) was used to search the structure of negative LiBn− (n = 2–12) clusters, and the corresponding ground-state structures and low energy isomers were determined. Based on the predicted ground state structures, the doped Li atom has little modification on Bn− skeleton, which can be seen from the charge analysis that it is caused by the transfer of electron from dopant to Bn− part. The photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) simulations were conducted using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). By analyzing the stability, we find LiB8− cluster with high symmetry C7V with ideal stability, and it has a classic umbrella structure. Deep analysis of the bonding characteristics of the LiB8− cluster shows that the B–B covalent bonds in the B8− part and the electrostatic interaction between the B8− wheel and the Li atom stabilize the LiB8− cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature measurement based on thermally dependent emissions from intra-configurational 4f–4f transitions of rare earth ions has been developed as an efficient method for non-contact thermometry, but it remains challenging for high resolution temperature measurement due to the inherent limitation of the energy gap (200–2000 cm−1) between the thermally coupled energy levels (TCELs). In this work, a group of oxide phosphors, Y2O3:xEr3+, yLi+, prepared by a low-temperature combustion method (LCM) were developed for dual-mode optical thermometry by leveraging the temperature-responsive upconversion (UC) emission from Er3+ ions. We discover that the introduction of the dopant (Li+ ion) into Y2O3: Er3+ synthesized by the LCM can significantly regulate the original crystal configuration and its surface structure. Its transition to a monocrystalline state can solve the problem of high impurity defects and possible high dislocation density that cannot be overcome by a polycrystalline state, thus remarkably increasing the emission intensity of UC (about 28 times). In addition, the dual-mode optical thermometry based on thermally coupled energy levels (TCELs) and non-thermally coupled energy levels (NTCELs) was examined with respect to the different temperature dependence of the three characteristic emission peaks of the Er3+ ions (i.e., from excited levels of 2H11/2, 4S3/2 and 4F9/2). At temperatures from 123 to 443 K, the maximum relative sensitivities (SRmax) are 6.67% K−1 and 1.13% K−1 and the maximum absolute sensitivity (SAmax) reaches 0.42% K−1and 2.48% K−1, respectively. The excellent sensitivity at low temperatures indicates that our results not only provide an effective doping strategy for improving the crystal type character and surface structure of oxide phosphors, but also provide an effective guideline for the low temperature environmental applications of functional upconversion optical thermometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Accurate identification and evaluation of the parathyroid glands (PGs) intraoperatively is critical to reduce the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIFI), including the autofluorescence (AF) and indocyanine green fluorescence (ICGF) imaging, is a promising technique to protect PGs. This study aimed to assess whether the combined use of AF and ICGF could reduce the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and improve the identification and evaluation of PGs during total thyroidectomy. Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 180 patients who were randomized into two groups and underwent total thyroidectomy with unilateral or bilateral central lymph node dissection. In the control group, the PGs were identified and evaluated by the naked eye. In the NIFI group, AF was used to identify the PGs and ICGF was applied to assess the blood perfusion of the PGs in situ. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism. The secondary outcomes included the number of identified PGs, autotransplanted PGs, and known preserved PGs in situ. Results: The incidence of postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism was significantly lower in the NIFI group than in the control group (27.8% vs. 43.3%, P = 0.029). More PGs were identified in the NIFI group than in the control group (3.6 ± 0.5 vs. 3.2 ± 0.4, P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in the number of autotransplanted PGs between the two groups (P = 0.134). Compared with the control group, a greater number of known PGs were preserved in situ in the NIFI group (1.3 ± 0.6 vs. 1.0 ± 0.5, P < 0.001). In the NIFI group, only 4.5% of the patients with at least one well-perfused PG (ICG score of 2) developed postoperative hypoparathyroidism, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (34.6%, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Combined use of AF and ICGF during total thyroidectomy reduces the risk of transient postoperative hypoparathyroidism, enhances the ability to identify and preserve PGs, and improves the accuracy of evaluating the perfusion of PGs during surgery. Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Register (www.chictr.org.cn), identifier ChiCTR2100045320. Registered on April 12, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal-doped boron clusters have attracted much attention due to the novelty of electronic properties and structural evolution in recent years. In this work, we use the efficient CALYPSO structure search method to perform the globally minimum structure search for the neutral and negative Ta2Bn(n = 1–10) clusters. Then DFT optimisation was carried out at the pbe1pbe level to obtain a lot of low-energy stable structures. Finally, the total energy was sorted to select the ground-state and low energy structure. The results show that the cluster forms a B ring when n = 6. With the number of B atoms increases, the B ring with the line of two Ta atoms as the axis becomes larger and larger. Neutral Ta2B6 clusters with bipyramid structure and protruding stability were found by relative stability analysis, the HOMO–LUMO gap was 2.75 eV. The chemical bonds of closed-shell D6h Ta2B6 were analysed by using the adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP) method. It was found that the interaction between the B6 ring and the apex Ta atom is carried out by six 4c-2e π bonds. In addition, bonding analysis shows that the strong d-p interaction between tantalum and boron atomic orbitals can effectively improve the stability of Ta2B6 clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With inspiration derived from recent discoveries of the tubular molecular rotor TaB20−, we performed the structural, electronic and spectral properties of a NbB20− cluster by using the CALYPSO searching method and density functional theory. The calculated results showed that a metal-centred tubular molecular rotor (Cs) with a B2 unit over the B18 drum is the global minimum. Photoelectron spectra are simulated by using the Multiwfn program, which is a powerful method to validate our obtained ground state structure. From the lowest energy structure, electronic and spectral properties are analysed, respectively, by calculating molecular orbitals, charge transfer, bond order, dipole moment and polarisability, the infrared spectra and Raman spectra. We hope that knowledge obtained from this study can be helpful for future theoretical and experimental syntheses of novel niobium-doped boron-based nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 33-year-old woman was admitted to our department with multiple subcutaneous nodules secondary to endoscopic parathyroidectomy by an anterior chest approach with 6 mmHg of CO SB 2 sb pressure. (g) Resected lesions in the right thyroid lobe, right central lymph node, recurrent parathyroid nodules in situ, and subcutaneous nodules. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] • The structural evolution and relative stability for Ta 2 Mg n (n = 10–20) clusters. • The properties of electrons and bonds of the most stable structures are elucidated. • The aromaticity of Ta 2 Mg 16,18 is clarified by ICSS method. • The source of electronic excitation of Ta 2 B 16, 18 clusters is confirmed. In this work, we combine the CALYPSO method with DFT calculations to conduct a comprehensive structural search of Ta 2 B n (n = 10 ∼ 20) clusters. Among all the candidate structures obtained by CALYPSO searching, the structures of ground state Ta 2 B n clusters at each size are determined according to their total energy and symmetry. The relative stability analysis indicates that the ground state Ta 2 B 16 and Ta 2 B 18 clusters with the unique bicyclic boron ring and two Ta atoms as axes exhibit excellent stability in the studied range, with their HOMO-LUMO gaps of 2.374 and 2.640 eV, respectively. The bonding analyses reveal that the strong interaction between two Ta atoms and the outer B 16/18 bicyclic ring dominates their significant stability, especially the interaction between Ta- d AOs and B- s / p AOs. It is confirmed that both Ta 2 B 16 and Ta 2 B 18 have strong aromaticity by examining the isochemical shielding surface (ICSS). Finally, the strong coupling between their outer boron rings (B 16/18) and two Ta atoms inside the structures of Ta 2 B 16 and Ta 2 B 18 is further elucidated by the electronic absorption spectrum (UV–vis and CTS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We conducted a comprehensive search for the global minimum structures of the M 2 B 16 0/- (M =Be, Mg, Ca, Sr) clusters. • The PES of the M 2 B 16 0/- (M =Be, Mg, Ca, Sr) clusters have been simulated. • It is discussed infrared absorption and Raman scattering spectra of M 2 B 16 0/- (M =Be, Mg, Ca, Sr). • The binding characteristics of cluster M 2 B 16 0/- (M =Be, Mg, Ca, Sr) are analyzed. In this work, the structure and physicochemical properties of M 2 B 16 0/- (M =Be, Mg, Ca, Sr) clusters were explored using the CALYPSO combined with DFT method. The study reveals that atomic doping leads to significant changes in the structure of B 16 , with the ground-state structure of Sr 2 B 16 exhibiting higher symmetry C 4V. The addition of extra electrons notably affects the stability of these clusters, and molecular orbital studies on the cluster system indicate that s and p orbitals dominate. Through localized orbital studies on Sr 2 B 16 clusters, the presence of hybridization between s and p orbitals enhancing the stability of the cluster was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on density functional theory calculation, we have investigated the hydrogen storage properties of three types of Ca-decorated borophene which have been recently synthesized experimentally. It is found that Ca atoms have strong bonding strength with borophene without the problem of aggregation. The configuration of borophene has an important effect on the H 2 storage capacity. Ca-decorated borophene of S2 and S3 are promising materials system for high-capacity hydrogen storage with gravimetric hydrogen density 9.5 wt% and 7.2 wt% while that of S1 are not. Not only the polarization mechanism but also the orbital hybridization are involved in the adsorption of H 2 . The temperature and pressure have also been taken into consideration. All the hydrogen adsorbed structures of S2 and S3 are stable at room temperature under mild pressure. Our results indicate that Ca-decorated borophene of S2 and S3 structures could be expected to be promising H 2 storage materials for H 2 fuel battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome 10 gene (PTEN) is known as a tumor-suppressor gene. Previous studies demonstrated that PTEN dysfunction affects the function of insulin. However, investigations of PTEN single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and IR-related disease associations are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether its polymorphism could be involved in the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: The genotype frequency of PTEN −9C>G polymorphism was determined by using a Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) method in 530 subjects with MetS and 202 healthy control subjects of the Han Ethnic Chinese population in a case–control analysis. Results: The PTEN −9C>G polymorphism was not associated with MetS or its hyperglycemia, hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia components. In the control individuals aged <60years or ≥60years, the CG genotype individuals had lower insulin sensitivity than CC individuals (P <0.05). In the <60-year-old MetS group and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) subgroup, the CG individuals had lower insulin sensitivity and higher waist circumference (WC) and waist-height-ratio (WHtR) than CC individuals (P <0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the PTEN polymorphism (P =0.001) contributed independently to 4.2% (adjusted R2) of insulin sensitivity variance (estimated by Matsuda ISI), while age (P =0.004), gender (P =0.000) and the PTEN polymorphism (P =0.032) contributed independently to 5.6% (adjusted R2) of WHtR variance. Conclusions: The CG genotype of PTEN −9C>G polymorphism was not associated with MetS and some of its components as well. However, it may not only decrease insulin sensitivity in the healthy control and MetS in pre-elderly or NGT subjects, but may also increase the risk of central obesity among these MetS individuals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]