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Surgical treatment is the most important and effective therapy for resectable esophageal cancer. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) can reduce surgical trauma. A neck incision can be performed for extraction of surgical specimen. This study was performed to investigate the safety and feasibility of neck incision to extract surgical specimen in thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.Thirty-four patients who experienced thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and a neck incision for extraction of surgical specimen were enrolled. The clinical, surgical and follow-up data were analyzed.The procedure was successful in all patients (100%), with a neck incision to extract the surgical specimen. The median surgical time was 309 min, and the median blood loss was 186 ml, with the mean length of hospital stay of 11.5 days. Pulmonary complications occurred in 8 patients (23.5%). Anastomotic leakage occurred in 5 patients (14.7%), with one patient being treated conservatively to recover and four (11.8%) who received interventional drainage. One patient with interventional drainage died of severe infection, resulting in a 30-day surgical mortality of 2.9% (n = 1). Gastrointestinal complications happened in 5 patients (14.7%), including ileus in three patients and anastomotic stenosis in two patients. Follow-up was performed at a median time of 20 months (interquartile range, 14-32 months), with no death during this period. No recurrence was found in the first 12 months after radical resection.The cervical incision to extract surgical specimen is safe and feasible with improved cosmetic effect in thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is aggressive and ranks second among primary liver cancer. Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a predictor of poor prognosis in ICC, and preoperative prediction of MVI status can facilitate personalized therapeutic regime. Purpose: To establish a comprehensive model based on MR radiomics for MVI status stratification and overall survival prediction in ICC patients preoperatively. Methods: 249 ICC patients were randomized into training and validation cohort (174:75) and a time-independent test cohort with 47 ICC patients were enrolled. Independent clinical and imaging predictors were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The radiomic model was based on the robust radiomic features extracted by logistic regression classifier and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm. The imaging-radiomics (IR) model integrates the independent predictors and robust radiomics features. The predictive efficacy of models is evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve and decision curve. Multivariate Cox analysis identified the independent risk factors of overall survival, Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted and nomogram visualized the predictive model. Results: Imaging model comprises tumor size and intrahepatic duct dilatation, radiomics model comprises 25 stable radiomics features. The IR model shows desirable performance (AUCtraining= 0.890, AUCvalidation= 0.885 and AUCtest= 0.815). The calibration curve and decision curve validate the clinical utility. Overall survival predicted by histological and IR model-predicted MVI groups exhibit similar predictive efficacy. Conclusion: IR model and nomogram based on IR model-predicted MVI status may be a potential tool in MVI status stratification and overall survival prediction of ICC patients preoperatively.

The effect of high temperature annealing on microstructure evolution of Ni-24Fe-14Cr-8Mo alloy was investigated through Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Rockwell Hardness Testing Machine. Three kinds of grain growth patterns were found at different annealing temperatures due to carbides precipitation and dissolution. After a combination of high temperature annealing and aging treatment, the hardness versus time curves performed a parabolic pattern. The highest hardness was achieved under 1070°C/60 minutes treatment, and the desirable annealing time should be 60 minutes to 90 minutes.

Purpose To investigate the lymph node metastasis pattern and significance of dissection of the left gastric artery lymph nodes in radical en bloc esophagectomy for esophageal squamous carcinomas based on the lymphatic drainage pathway revealed by carbon nanoparticle labeling. Materials and methods Patients who underwent en bloc esophagectomy endoscopically were retrospectively enrolled. Carbon nanoparticles were injected in the submucosa of upper thoracic esophagus to label the relevant draining lymph nodes. The clinical data, lymph nodes dissected, surgical technique, and complications were analyzed. Results En bloc esophagectomy was successful in all 179 patients. Metastases to the left gastric artery lymph nodes were positive in 42 patients (23.5%) but negative in 137 (76.5%). The left gastric lymph nodes were labeled, whereas no celiac lymph nodes were labeled by carbon nanoparticles. A total of 4652 lymph nodes were resected, with 26 lymph nodes per patient. Seventy-three patients had lymph node metastasis (73/179). Seventeen patients had metastasis to the recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes (9.5%). The metastasis rate of the lower thoracic esophageal cancer to the left gastric artery lymph nodes was 37.0%, significantly greater than that at the middle (15.4%) or upper (6.7%) thoracic segment. The lymph node metastasis rate was significantly (P < 0.05) increased with the length of the cancerous lesion, infiltration depth, and poor differentiation. Univariate analysis revealed that the metastasis rate to the left gastric artery lymph nodes was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with paraesophageal lymph node metastasis, para-cardial lymph metastasis, and TNM classification. Multivariate analysis indicated that cancer location (odds ratio 8.32, 95% confidence interval 2.12–32.24) was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with metastasis to the left gastric artery lymph nodes, with the cancer at the middle and lower thoracic segments significantly more than in the upper thoracic segment. Conclusion Certain patterns exist in lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer, and in radical esophagectomy of esophageal cancers, dissection of the left gastric artery lymph nodes is necessary to prevent possible residual or metastasis of esophageal squamous carcinomas based on the lymphatic drainage pathway of esophageal carcinomas demonstrated by carbon nanoparticle labeling.

Herein, a novel pillar[5]arene-based gemini-[1]rotaxane molecule DEP5 was successfully designed and synthesized. Interestingly, the gemini-[1]rotaxane DEP5 serving as a chemosensor could selectively recognize L-Arg with high sensitivity and its lowest detection limit (LOD) was 1.43 × 10−7 M. Simultaneously, the gemini-[1]rotaxane DEP5 could assemble into the microsphere structure and its microsphere morphology could transform into cross-linked supramolecular networks through host–guest interactions with L-Arg. Furthermore, its microsphere morphology could be recovered again by the addition of competitive reagent guest trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Therefore, this work provides a new and simple approach to construct gemini-[1]rotaxane-based smart materials which could assemble into the microsphere in solution and achieve reversible regulation of morphology between the microsphere and cross-linked supramolecular networks by external chemical stimuli (L-Arg/TFA). This kind of material not only has a perspective in L-Arg sensors but also has potential for application in other fields such as drug control release.

A novel photochemical sensor (FQ-5) based on quinoline-functionalized phenazine derivatives was designed and synthesized. The FQ-5 showed a good response to certain pH values in a wide pH range (from 2.0 to 13.0). Particularly, at pH = 12 and 13, the fluorescence emission showed obvious enhancement, the fluorescence quantum yields could reach 80.9% and 77.0%, respectively, and the color of solution changed from yellow to purple. Meanwhile, the sensor not only showed a rapid response toward CO2, but also showed high selectivity and sensitivity for the detection of L-Arg in buffer solution (pH = 7), and the limit of detection (LOD) was 8.1 × 10−8. Furthermore, the FQ-5-based fluorescent writing material and CO2 gas reaction device were developed for the rapid detection of L-Arg and CO2. Therefore, this work will provide a new approach for photochemical sensing in the detection of multiple substrates.

Noise generated by trains running on elevated lines creates many disturbances to the normal lives of surrounding residents. Investigations have shown that people living along elevated lines complain that the noise is sometimes unbearable. To better control the noise and optimize the acoustic environment, noise spectrum characteristics were analyzed and compared with a field test and a numerical simulation. Through an energy analysis of the noise on the bridge side, the energy distribution characteristics of the noise at specific measuring points in different frequency bands were obtained. The influence of the Doppler effect on frequency shift was analyzed. Based on the partial coherence theory, a multi-input and single-output program was compiled to calculate the correlation and contribution degree of the bridge structure-borne noise and wheel/rail noise at the one-third octave center frequency. The results show that the peak noises of the bridge and the wheel/rail are concentrated at 31.5`-63 Hz and 400`-800 Hz, respectively. For environmental noise on the bridge side, the frequency band above 250 Hz is mainly affected by the wheel/rail noise. In areas of noise source strength, the relative ratio of noise energy above 250 Hz can reach 83.4%. Noise in the near ground and far bridge area is mainly low-frequency, and the relative energy ratio is about 8.9%. The Doppler effect has an influence of less than 6% on the frequency shift with a speed of 67.9 km/h. In the low-frequency band below 250 Hz, the noise in the acoustic shadow area near the bridge and the ground is mainly contributed to by the vibration-radiated noise of the bridge, of which the contribution of the bottom panel is the most prominent. The noise in the comprehensive noise area of the far bridge is mainly caused by the structure-borne noise of the bridge, and the contribution of each bridge panel is different. This study can provide a reference for finding the source of elevated rail noise in some challenging frequency ranges and for then determining optimal designs and measures for noise reduction.

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that includes spermatogonia self-renewal, spermatocyte meiosis and spermatozoa assembly. Recent studies have revealed that WD40-repeat domain-containing (WDR) proteins play important roles in spermatocyte division, spermatozoa flagella assembly and head shaping. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of WDR87 and found that it was highly expressed in the testis of both humans and mice. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that mouse WDR87 was distributed in the perinuclear cytoplasm of primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes and round spermatids. In the spermiogenesis stage, with extension of the nucleus, WDR87 migrated to the manchette and finally localized to the middle piece of the spermatozoa tail. Furthermore, we identified a cilia- and flagella-associated protein, CFAP47, which interacted with WDR87 in the flagellar midpiece of the spermatozoa, suggesting that WDR87 may be associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF). Subsequently, we screened gene mutations in seven MMAF individuals and found two novel mutations in CFAP47 (c.706G>A, Val236Met; c.1337C>T, Thr446Met) in one case. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence revealed that CFAP47 was dramatically reduced in spermatozoa from the CFAP47-mutated man. Meanwhile, the expression of WDR87 was also significantly decreased, and weak signals were detected adjacent to the spermatozoa nuclei, indicating that CFAP47 was necessary for WDR87 transportation during spermatozoa flagella biogenesis. These data indicate that WDR87 is located in the middle piece of the sperm tail and interacts with CFAP47 to form a complex which is involved in spermatozoa tail assembly.

Multifunctional stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymers have applications in the field of smart materials. Herein, a tri-pillar[5]arene-based multifunctional stimuli-responsive supramolecular po...

Tryptophan (Trp) is very necessary for biosystems; therefore, high-efficient detection of Trp is an important subject. Hereof, based on our early research works on fluorescent sensors, we rationally designed and synthesized a fluorescent sensor (SNP5) based on N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-(hexylthio) acetamide-functionalized pillar[5]arene, which showed high selectivity and sensitive recognition for l-Trp (LOD = 2.19 × 10-8 M). Moreover, SNP5 exhibited aggregation-induced emission enhancement fluorescence. Within SNP5, the pillar[5]arene group could act as N-H···π- and C-H···π-interaction sites, as well as a H-bond-interaction site; meanwhile, the N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-(hexylthio) acetamide group also served as a multihydrogen-bonding site. As a result, SNP5 could selectively detect l-Trp through the synergy of the pillar[5]arene group and the N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-(hexylthio) acetamide group. Compared with previous work, the results of this work support the strategy that changing the functionalized group of the pillar[5]arene can adjust the selectivity of the pillar[5]arene-based sensor and achieve the detection of different amino acids. The detection mechanism was specifically researched through experiments and theoretical calculations including frontier orbitals, electrostatic potential, and the independent gradient model approach. Interestingly, these theoretical calculations not only supported the experimental results but also provided a visualized understanding of guest-adaptive multisupramolecular interactions between SNP5 and l-Trp.

The multi-modal imaging contrast agent has been attracted an increased interest to the tumor detecting and diagnosis in these recent years since the multi-modal imaging technology combines the adva...

Aggregation induced emission (AIE) active molecules are widely applied for multi-analyte detection due to their unique advantages over conventional fluorescent probes. Herein, a novel coumarin functionalized pillar[5]arene (PX) has been designed and synthesized. It has strong AIE activity, and the fluorescence quantum yield of PX turned out to be 35.0% in DMF/H2O (7 : 3, v/v) binary solution (1.0 × 10−4 M). Meanwhile, the optimized structure of PX was obtained by theoretical calculation at the B3LYP/6-311G level. Interestingly, the PX displays high sensitivity to multiple analytes, such as Fe3+ and Ba2+. The limits of detection (LODs) of PX for Fe3+ and Ba2+ are 1.67 × 10−7 M and 5.89 × 10−8 M, respectively. In addition, by introducing metal ions into the AIE chemosensor of PX, a metal-coordinated chemosensor (PX–M) was obtained. The PX–Fe and PX–Ba show selective fluorescence “turn on” detection of H2PO4− (LOD = 1.50 × 10−7 M) and CN− (LOD = 6.20 × 10−7 M), respectively. The multi-analyte detection mechanism of PX was based on multiple competitions of “exo-wall π–π” interactions and cation–π interactions. Notably, we have prepared logic gates controlled by Fe3+/Ba2+ and H2PO4−/CN− at the molecular level, which can quickly and efficiently detect ions in aqueous solutions. Moreover, we also prepared test films, and an Fe3+ test kit was prepared by loading PX on a silica gel plate. This study provides a new way for multi-analyte detection.

Electroactive hydrogels have received increasing attention due to the possibility of being used in biomimetics, such as for soft robotics and artificial muscles. However, the applications are hindered by the poor mechanical properties and slow response time. To address these issues, in this study, supramolecular ionic polymer–carbon nanotube (SIPC) composite hydrogels were fabricated via in situ free radical polymerization. The polymer matrix consisted of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), styrene sulfonic sodium (SSNa), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)-grafted acrylamide, and ferrocene (Fc)-grafted acrylamide, with the incorporation of SSNa serving as the ionic source. On applying an external voltage, the ions accumulate on one side of the matrix, leading to localized swelling and bending of the structure. Therefore, a controllable and reversible actuation can be achieved by changing the applied voltage. The tensile strength of the SIPC was improved by over 300%, from 12 to 49 kPa, due to the reinforcement effect of the CNTs and the supramolecular host–guest interactions between the β-CD and Fc moieties. The inclusion of CNTs not only improved the tensile properties but also enhanced the ion mobility, which lead to a faster electromechanical response. The presented electro-responsive composite hydrogel shows a high potential for the development of robotic devices and soft smart components for sensing and actuating applications.

1,8-Naphthalimide, as one of the classical dyes and fluorophores, has been widely used in analytical chemistry, materials chemistry, and biochemistry fields because of its excellent characteristic photostability, good structural flexibility, high fluorescence quantum yield, and large Stokes shift. This review mainly focuses on 1,8-naphthalimide and its derivatives in ion detection, molecular recognition, material applications, and bioimaging in the past five years. Simultaneously, we hope to develop more powerful fluorescent chemosensors for broad and exciting applications in the future.

Application of zero-valent iron (ZVI) has become one of the most promising innovative technologies for the remediation of environmental pollutants. However, ZVI may suffer from the low intrinsic reactivity toward refractory pollutants, which seriously restricts its practical application in fields. Therefore, strategies have been developing to enhance the reactivity of ZVI. Until now, the most commonly used strategies include pretreatment of ZVI, synthesis of highly-active ZVI-based materials and additional auxiliary measures. In this review, a systematic and comprehensive summary of these commonly used strategies has been conducted for the following purposes: (1) to understand the fundamental mechanisms of the selected approaches; (2) to point out their advantages and shortcomings; (3) to illustrate the main problems of their large-scale application; (4) to forecast the future trend of developing ZVI technologies. Overall, this review is devoted to providing a fundamental understanding on the mechanism for enhancing the reactivity of ZVI and facilitating the practical application of ZVI technologies in fields.

Background: Sepsis can cause unpredictable harm, and early identification of risk for mortality may be conducive to clinical diagnosis. The present study proposes to assess the efficacy of the monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) combined with the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on the day of admission in predictive efficacy in the 28-day mortality risk in critical patients with sepsis.Material and Methods: We administered observational and retrospective cohort research from a single center. The correlation of the clinical variables, together with the system severity scores of APACHE II and SOFA, are displayed by correlation analysis, and a Cox regression model could be performed to screen the independent risk factors and estimate the capacity of multiple markers in predicting 28-day mortality. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve served as an applied method to output cutoff values for the diagnosis and prognostic risk, and the area under the ROC curve and net reclassification improvement index (NRI), as well as integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI) were employed to assess the feasibility of multiple parameters for predictive value in 28-day mortality of septic patients.Results: The study enrolled 274 eligible patients with sepsis. The correlation analysis indicated NLR and MHR were related to the sepsis severity. A multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that NLR together with MHR displayed a close relation to death rate after adjusting for other potential confounders (NLR, HR = 1.404 [95% CI 1.170–1.684], P < 0.001; MHR, HR = 1.217 [95% CI 1.112–1.331], P < 0.001). The AUC of NLR, MHR, NLR_MHR was 0.827, 0.876, and 0.934, respectively. The addition on the biomarker NLR_MHR to the prediction model improved IDI by 18.5% and NRI by 37.8%.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that NLR and MHR trend to an elevated level in non-surviving patients with sepsis. Evaluation of NLR_MHR, an independent risk factor for increased mortality, might improve the predictive efficacy for 28-day mortality risk in septic patients.

Laparoscopic surgery could be considered as an art of geometric algebra. However, very little is studied in the context of bariatric surgery. The current study aims to explore the possible influence concept of geometric algebra on the surgical process in the overweight and obese patients in the setting of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). During the study period, clinical data of subjects who underwent LSG was retrospectively analyzed. Parameters examined include body mass index (BMI), umbilical-xiphoidal interval (U-X) and umbilical-fundus (U-F) interval. In this study, LSG was performed via central view approach (C) and left view approach (L). In both groups, the body surface projection points of viewing hole (V), main and accessory operating holes (O1 and O2) and surface display of fundus (F) were connected to form a geometric figure. The accessibility of the surgical instrument into the fundus, the need for elongated instruments and related intra- and post-operative parameters were noted. The overweight and obese subjects showed a significant increased U-X and U-F interval compared to the non-obese subjects. The length of both U-X and U-F interval were correlated with the BMI. The geometric figure is quite different between L and C approach with significant increase of area of quadrangle. Significant longer O1-F, O2-F and V-F interval was calculated in C approach of patients and thus the elongated instruments were frequently required. The integration of the concept geometric algebra with the proper selection of troca may provide a better surgical experience and smooth surgical process.

Surgery is the only curative approach for resectable esophageal cancer. This retrospective study was to investigate the immediate effect and operative complications of conventional and modified thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy with a cervical or abdominal incision to extract specimen for the treatment of patients with esophageal cancer. Eighty-one patients were enrolled, among which 55 patients underwent conventional McKeown thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy (conventional MTE) and 26 patients underwent modified MTE with a cerivical incision (modified MTE). The clinical, surgical, and postoperative data were analyzed. No significant (P.05) difference was detected in the clinical data between two groups. The surgical procedure was successful in all patients (100%). The surgical time was significantly (P = .018) shorter in the conventional MTE group than in the modified MTE group (280 min vs 317 min). However, no significant (P.05) difference was found in blood loss (200 mL vs 180 mL), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (31.3 ± 11.3 vs 25.2 ± 6.4 hours), first flatus after surgery (2.9 ± 1.9 vs 3.3 ± 1.6 days), postoperative hospital stay (12.9 ± 5.6 vs 12.6 ± 3.3 days), total number of lymph nodes dissected (27.9 ± 4.1 vs 26.7 ± 5.7), types of carcinoma, and pathological classification. No significant (P.05) differences were detected in postoperative complications between the two groups. Assessment of postoperative pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score showed a significant (P.05) difference in the VAS score at day 2 (4.81 ± 1.70 vs 3.87 ± 1.14) and day 3 (5.10 ± 0.83 vs 4.61 ± 1.12) between the conventional and modified MTE groups. The modified McKeown thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy with only one cervical incision is more minimally invasive, more cosmetic, and less painful than the conventional approach.

Geopolymers, combining some characteristics of organic polymers, cements and ceramics for its special poly-condensed network structure, have received extensive attention of the researchers as a green cementitious material because of favorable and unique characteristics. This study mainly presents an overview on the progress of geopolymers research and development in recent decades. The works on raw materials, geopolymerization kinetics, the applications development and challenges of geopolymers are reviewed. This paper focuses on the applications progress of geopolymer as green civil engineering materials, rapidly-repair and dealing with poisonous and radioactive waste materials, coatings, novel ceramic materials, functional composite, three-dimensional printing materials and biological materials, etc. The main contribution of this review is to systematically summarize the complex and diverse of published results on geopolymers application in reality and present future challenges, which is beneficial to the further research activities of civil engineers, environmental scientists, chemists and materials scientists. The current investigation indicates that the geopolymers not only exhibit widespread application prospect to be used as sustainable construction materials, but also have great potential in the fields of three-dimensional printing materials, biological materials and other emerging geopolymer functional materials.

Background Geraniol is an acyclic monoterpene alcohol, which is extracted from the ethereal oils of aromatic plants. A systematic analysis of its mechanism of action has not yet been carried out. Methods In this study, the druggability of geraniol was assessed via Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP), and the potential targets of geraniol were identified using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). Additionally, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed using WebGestalt. Drug-target-pathway networks were constructed using Cytoscape to give a visual view. Results Our findings showed that geraniol has superb druggability with 38 putative identified target genes. GO, KEGG, and network analyses revealed that these targets were associated with cancer, inflammatory immunoreactions, and other physiological processes. Conclusion Geraniol is predicted to target multiple proteins and pathways that shape a network which can exert systematic pharmacological effects.

The rheology of potato starch paste (PSP) in an ultrasonic field was studied by an RS600 HAAKE rheometer. The effects of ultrasonic time on the rheological model and on shear thinning of PSP were studied. The thixotropy of PSP in the ultrasonic field and the spatial conformation of the PSP molecular chain were also investigated. From experiments under different ultrasonic times, PSP exhibited pseudoplastic fluid characteristics and conformed to the power law τ = k·γm (where k and m are constants). PSP has the characteristics of a Newtonian fluid after ultrasonic action. At the same shear rate, the apparent viscosity of PSP decreased with increasing ultrasonic time. The degree of shear thinning of PSP was greatly reduced, and the thixotropy of PSP was lower after ultrasonic action.

In this work, silver nanoparticles/polydopamine coated polyvinyl alcohol (AgNPs/D-PVA) sponge were prepared via anchoring silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the inner wall of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge with dopamine as intermediate. The AgNPs/D-PVA were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyzer, X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of the AgNPs/D-PVA was evaluated for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol using NaBH4 at room temperature. The coupling effect of dopamine enables AgNPs to be firmly anchored on the inner-wall of PVA sponges. AgNPs/D-PVA exhibits excellent catalytic performance for 4-NP and a good stability up to 4 cycles without a significant loss of its catalytic activity. This work develop a low-cost, high-performance and reusable of AgNPs/D-PVA sponge for the efficient and eco-friendly conversion of toxic 4-nitrophenol into harmless 4-aminophenol, which has potential application in sewage treatment.

To develop low-cost and high-performance self-healing antifogging coatings, polyvinyl alcohol/hydrolyzed poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (PVA/H-PSMA) coatings were prepared from a mixed solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hydrolyzed poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (H-PSMA) via spin coating and annealing. The microstructure, antifogging behavior, and self-healing ability were investigated. High transparency and low surface roughness were observed when the PVA/H-PSMA film was coated on glass slides. The PVA/H-PSMA coatings showed excellent antifogging performance in a warm, humid environment. The coatings also performed well when transferred from a refrigerator to room temperature. The antifogging coatings showed desirable water resistance due to strong chemical bonding between PVA and H-PSMA, as well as excellent self-healing ability due to hydrogen bonding self-assembly in the PVA/H-PSMA structure. The coatings still exhibited excellent antifogging effects after 20 scratching-repairing cycles, illustrating their potential use in practical applications.

To investigate the effectiveness and clinical significance of thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy with mesoesophagus excision.Patients who underwent en bloc mesoesophageal esophagectomy through thoracoscopy combined with laparoscopy were retrospectively enrolled. Carbon nanoparticles were used in some patients to label the esophageal drainage lymph nodes. The clinical data were analyzed.En bloc mesoesophageal esophagectomy was successfully performed in 135 patients (100%). The carbon nanoparticles were used in 10 patients, among which the left gastric arterial lymph nodes were labeled in all patients and excised together with the left gastric mesentery, mesoesophagus, esophageal cancer, lymph nodes, vessels, nerves, and adipose tissues as one intact package. The mean operation time was 182.5 ± 26.4 min, intraoperative blood loss 45.9 ± 17.6 ml, mean number of lymph nodes dissected 20.9 ± 8.12, extubation time of drainage tubes 7.5 ± 3.8 days, first oral feeding time 7.5 ± 1.8 days, and postoperative hospital stay 13 ± 5.11 days. Postoperatively, anastomotic leakage occurred in six patients (4.4%), anastomotic stenosis in eight (5.9%), hoarseness in seven (5.2%), and inflammation of the remnant stomach in four (3.0%), with a complication rate of 18.5%. Patients were followed up for 13-34 months (median 23). Eighteen patients presented with organ metastasis. No local recurrence or death during follow-up.Based on the membrane anatomy or mesoesophagus theory, thoracolaparoscopic en bloc mesoesophageal esophagectomy is safe, with decreased blood loss, and it is necessary to resect the left gastric artery lymph nodes together with the left gastric mesentery and its contents to completely remove the cancer.

Extensive efforts have been made to discover new biofungicides of high efficiency for control of

BackgroundBiallelic mutations in LOXHD1 have been identified as the cause of DFNB77 (deafness, autosomal recessive 77). It is a novel, progressive, severe-profound, and late-onset non-syndromic hearing loss, and is genetically and phenotypically highly heterogeneous. This study aimed to provide an additional three cases of DFNB77 to analyze this complex disease.MethodsWe presented three cases of pediatric patients with prelingual milder form of the DFNB77 with residual hearing at low frequencies. Trio whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted to identify the pathogenic variants. Additionally, we reviewed the literature to further analyze the relationships between the genotype and audiology phenotype of LOXHD1 worldwide.ResultsSix novel possible pathogenic LOXHD1 variants in three patients were identified by WES, including three missense, one nonsense, and two splicing variants. The literature review showed that 68.5% of DFNB77 patient onset before five years old; Most variants (60%) were associated with a milder phenotype, particularly variants in the protein domain of PLAT 7 and PLAT 9. We found that compared with homozygous LOXHD1 variants, individuals with heterozygous compound variants had a significantly milder phenotype, especially individuals carrying one missense and one splicing or bi-allelic missense variants (P <0.05). Audiometric analysis at different ages showed that the hearing loss degree was aggravated at all frequencies in adulthood and more severe in elderhood.Conclusions We report three children with hearing loss carrying six novel LOXHD1 variants identified by WES. Furthermore, our work indicates that DFNB77 may be milder than previously reported, and recommends considering the genotype combination and mutation location of LOXHD1 and race-specificity in DFNB77 molecular diagnoses and management.