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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]

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]

• 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]

Background: This study aimed to assess the benefits and limitations of four intraoperative visualization of parathyroid gland (IVPG) strategies in the identification and functional protection of parathyroid glands (PGs)., Methods: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CNKI, EMBASE, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases until 30 June 2023. Four IVPG strategies were composed of the naked eyes (NE) and three imaging strategies: autofluorescence (AF), indocyanine green fluorescence (ICGF), and carbon nanoparticles (CN). We performed a pairwise meta-analysis (PMA) for direct comparisons and a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) for indirect comparisons., Results: A total of 29 eligible studies were included. According to NMA and PMA, AF had significantly lower rates of postoperative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism, PG inadvertent resection, and PG auto-transplantation compared to NE, while had significantly higher rate of PG identification. CN showed significantly lower rates of postoperative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism, and PG inadvertent resection compared to NE in PMA and NMA. ICGF showed a significantly higher rate of PG auto-transplantation compared to NE in PMA and AF in NMA. According to SUCRA values, AF showed the best advantage in reducing the rate of postoperative hypocalcemia (0.85) and PG inadvertent resection (0.89), and increasing the rate of PG identification (0.80). CN had the greatest advantage in reducing the rate of postoperative hypoparathyroidism (0.95). ICGF ranked the highest in the rate of PG auto-transplantation (0.98)., Conclusions: Three imaging strategies demonstrate significant superiority over NE in the intraoperative PG identification and functional protection. AF is the best strategy in reducing the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia, increasing the rate of PG identification, and reducing the rate of PG inadvertent resection and auto-transplantation. ICGF has great value in assessing PG viability, leading to the trend towards PG auto-transplantation. CN is the best strategy in reducing the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Background: Emerging remote-access surgical methods are utilized to treat differentiated thyroid cancer. The study aimed to compare the surgical integrity, safety, efficacy, and postoperative experience of patients among common surgical methods., Methods: The PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched from their inception until March 2023. Pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis were performed. 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-two studies comprising 7042 patients were included. Robotic bilateral axillo-breast approach (RBABA) and robotic gasless transaxillary approach (RGAA) retrieved fewer lymph nodes (LNs) than open thyroidectomy (OT). RBABA showed a significantly lower permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy rate than OT. According to SUCRA values, endoscopic transoral approach (EOA) ranked the highest in retrieved LNs (0.84), the proportion of stimulated serum thyroglobulin less than 1.0 ng/ml (0.77), and the pain score (0.77). Endoscopic bilateral areola approach (EBAA) ranked the highest in the transient RLN palsy rate (0.72). The endoscopic gasless transaxillary approach (EGAA) ranked the highest in the transient hypoparathyroidism rate (0.78). RBABA ranked the highest in the rate of permanent RLN palsy (0.94) and hypoparathyroidism (0.77). OT ranked the highest in operative time (0.92)., Conclusions: Each surgical method of total thyroidectomy has benefits and limitations. EOA performed the best in maintaining surgical integrality and reducing the pain score, while taking a long operative time. Generally, RBABA showed the best advantage in protecting parathyroid glands and RLN but with the longest operative time. OT had the best advantage in operative time. Therefore, OT and EOA are ideal methods for patients with a higher risk of central LN metastasis. RBABA and EOA may not be suitable for elderly patients or those with high anesthesia risk., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)