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Purpose: Given the unique features of the liver, it is necessary to combine immunotherapy with other therapies to improve its efficacy in patients of advanced cancer with liver metastases (LM). High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation is now widely used in clinical practice and can enhanced immune benefits. The study is intended to prospectively evaluate the safety and clinical feasibility of HIFU ablation in combination with systemic immunotherapy for patients with liver metastases. Methods: The study enrolled 14 patients with LM who received ultrasound-guided HIFU ablation combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1 agents manufactured in China) at Mianyang Central Hospital. Patients were followed up for adverse events (AEs) during the trial, using the CommonTerminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0(CTCAE v5.0) as the standard. Tumour response after treatment was assessed using computerized tomography. Results: The 14 patients (age range, 35–84 years) underwent HIFU ablation at 19 metastatic sites and systemic immunotherapy. The mean lesion volume was 179.9 cm3 (maximum: 733.1 cm3). Median follow-up for this trial was 9 months (range: 3–21) months. The study is clinically feasible and acceptable to patients. Conclusion: This prospective study confirmed that HIFU combined with immunotherapy is clinically feasible and safe for treating liver metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local structure of the metal single-atom site is closely related to the catalytic activity of metal single-atom catalysts (SACs). However, constructing SACs with homogeneous metal active sites is a challenge due to the surface heterogeneity of the conventional support. Herein, we prepared two Rh1/CeO2 SACs (0.5Rh1/r-CeO2 and 0.5Rh1/c-CeO2, respectively) using two shaped CeO2 (rod and cube) exposing different facets, i.e., CeO2 (111) and CeO2 (100). In CO oxidation reaction, the T100 of 0.5Rh1/r-CeO2 SACs is 120 °C, while the T100 of 0.5Rh1/c-CeO2 SACs is as high as 200 °C. Via in-situ CO diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (CO-DRIFTS), we found that the proximity between OH group and Rh single atom on the plane surface plays an important role in the catalytic activity of Rh1/CeO2 SAC system in CO oxidation. The Rh single atom trapped at the CeO2 (111) crystal surface forms the Rh1(OH)adjacent species, which is not found on the CeO2 (100) crystal surface at room temperature. Furthermore, during CO oxidation, the OH group far from Rh single atom on the 0.5Rh1/c-CeO2 disappears and forms Rh1(OH)adjacent species when the temperature is above 150 °C. The formation of Rh1(OH)adjacentCO intermediate in the reaction is pivotal for the excellent catalytic activity, which explains the difference in the catalytic activity of Rh single atoms on two different CeO2 planes. The formed Rh1(OH)adjacent-O-Ce structure exhibits good stability in the reducing atmosphere, maintaining the Rh atomic dispersion after CO oxidation even when pre-reduced at high temperature of 500 °C. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations validate the unique activity and reaction path of the intermediate Rh1(OH)adjacentCO species formed. This work demonstrates that the proximity between metal single atom and hydroxyl can determine the formation of active intermediates to affect the catalytic performances in catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]