Comparison of sulfide-induced transformation of biodegradable and conventional microplastics: Mechanism and environmental fate.

Biodegradable plastics have been massively produced and used as potential substitutes for conventional plastics, resulting in their inevitable entry into the environment and generation of biodegradable microplastics (MPs). The sulfidation transformation of MPs is an important process for their transformation in anoxic environments (e.g., sediments, anaerobic activated sludges) that can alter their environmental effects and risks. However, how sulfides induce the transformation of biodegradable MPs and whether they are similar to conventional MPs remains unknown. In the present study, we compared the transformation and mechanism of conventional polyethylene (PE) MPs and biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) MPs during sulfidation. The results demonstrated that sulfidation resulted in oxidation of PE MPs, whereas PBAT MPs underwent reduction and had higher physical damage, as evidenced by fragmentation, chain scission and organic compound release. Besides, reactive oxygen species and sulfide species played important roles in the sulfidation of PE and PBAT MPs, respectively. The presence of ester groups in PBAT MPs led to their hydrolysis, causing chain scission and further reduction. Furthermore, sulfidation caused a higher degree of adsorption and toxicity alterations in PBAT MPs than in PE MPs. This work uncovers critical abiotic transformation behaviors of biodegradable microplastics and highlights the necessity of considering microplastic structural features to accurately predict microplastic occurrence.

Formation of extracellular polymeric substances corona on TiO2 nanoparticles: Roles of crystalline phase and exposed facets.

Nanoparticles (NPs) in the environment can interact with macromolecules in the surrounding environment to form eco-corona on their surfaces, which in turn affects the environmental fate and toxicity of nanoparticles. Wastewater treatment plants containing large amounts of microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are an important source of NPs into the environment, where the formation of EPS coronas on NPs is critical. However, it remains unclear how the crystalline phase and exposed facets, which are intrinsic properties of NPs, affect the formation of EPS coronas on NPs. This study investigated the formation of EPS corona on three TiO2 NPs (representing the most widely used engineered NPs) with different crystalline phases and exposed facets. The protein type and abundance in EPS coronas on TiO2 NPs varied depending on the crystalline phase and exposed facets. Anatase with {101} facets and {001} facets preferred to adsorb proteins with lower molecular weights and higher H-bonding relevant amino acids, respectively, while EPS corona on rutile with {110} facets had proteins with higher hydrophobicity. In addition, the selective adsorption of proteins was primarily determined by steric hindrance, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interaction between TiO2 NPs and proteins, which were affected by changes in aggregation state, surface hydroxyl density, and hydrophobicity of TiO2 NPs induced by crystalline phase and exposed facets. Moreover, crystalline phase and exposed facets-induced EPS corona changes altered the aggregation state and oxidation potential of TiO2-EPS corona complexes. These findings emphasize the important role of crystalline phase and exposed facets in the environmental behavior of nanoparticles and may provide insights into the safe design of nanoparticles.

Effects of photochlorination on the physicochemical transformation of polystyrene nanoplastics: Mechanism and environmental fate.

With the increasingly severe plastic pollution, the environmental behavior and effects of nanoplastics (NPs) have attracted much attention. The transformation of NPs in natural and engineered environments (e.g., photooxidation, disinfection) can significantly alter the physicochemical properties and thus affect the fate and toxicity of NPs. However, how solar irradiation with free chlorine, an inevitable process once NPs enter the environment from wastewater treatment plants, affects the physicochemical properties of NPs is still unclear. In this study, the behavior and mechanism of polystyrene (PS) NPs transformation in the solar/chlorine process were evaluated. The results demonstrated that solar irradiation significantly enhanced the physicochemical transformation of PS NPs during chlorination, including chain scission, surface oxidation, and organic release. In addition, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and reactive species quenching experiments showed that chain scission and surface oxidation of PS NPs were primarily caused by direct oxidation of hydroxyl radicals and ozone, while reactive chlorine species played an indirect role. Moreover, photochlorination-induced changes in the properties of PS NPs enhanced the colloidal stability in synthetic wastewater solution and toxicity to Caenorhabditis elegans. These findings reveal an important transformation behavior of nanoplastics in the environment and emphasize the importance of accounting for photochlorination to accurately assess the ecological risk of nanoplastics.

ZEB1 interferes with human periodontal ligament stem cell proliferation and differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis can eventually contribute to tooth loss. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is identified as overexpressed in the gingival tissue of mice with periodontitis. This study is designed to decipher the mechanism of ZEB1's involvement in periodontitis. METHODS: Human periodontal mesenchymal stem cells (hPDLSCs) were exposed to LPS to mimic the inflammation in periodontitis. Following ZEB1 silencing, FX1 (an inhibitor of Bcl-6) treatment or ROCK1 overexpression, cell viability, and apoptosis were analyzed. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin red staining, RT-qPCR, and western blot were performed to evaluate osteogenic differentiation and mineralization. hPDLSCs were processed for luciferase reporter assay and ChIP-PCR to confirm the association between ZEB1 and ROCK1. RESULTS: The induction of ZEB1 silencing resulted in reduced cell apoptosis, enhanced osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization. Nevertheless, these effects were significantly blunted by FX1. ZEB1 was confirmed to bind to the promoter sites of ROCK1 and regulate the ROCK1/AMPK. Whereas ROCK1 overexpression reversed the effects of ZEB1 silencing on Bcl-6/STAT1, as well as cell proliferation and osteogenesis differentiation. CONCLUSION: hPDLSCs displayed decreased proliferation and weakened osteogenesis differentiation in response to LPS. These impacts were mediated by ZEB1 regulating Bcl-6/STAT1 via AMPK/ROCK1.

Maxillary anterior segmental distraction osteogenesis to correct maxillary hypoplasia and dental crowding in cleft palate patients: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to present comprehensive skeletal, dental and facial aesthetic outcomes and long-term stability of maxillary anterior segmental distraction osteogenesis (MASDO) for the treatment of maxillary hypoplasia in CLP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with maxillary hypoplasia treated with MASDO by a miniscrew assisted intraoral tooth-borne distractor were included. Cephalometric radiographs were obtained before distraction (T1), after the consolidation period (T2) and after orthodontic treatment or before orthognathic surgery (T3). Thirty-one cephalometric variables (12 skeletal, 9 dental, and 10 soft tissue variables) were used to evaluate changes in the dentofacial structures and the soft tissue profile. Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were applied to identify significant differences in hard and soft tissue changes during the T1-T2, T2-T3, and T1-T3 periods. RESULTS: All patients successfully underwent MASDO without serious complications. From T1 to T2, forward movements of ANS and A (FH ⊥ N-A, VRL-ANS and VRL-A) were significant (p < 0.05). Significant increases in SNA and ANB were noted. Significant upward movement of points ANS (CFH-ANS) and A (CFH-A) was observed (p < 0.05). After distraction, a significant decrease in overjet and an increase in overbite were obtained (p < 0.05). Anterior tipping of the upper incisors (U1/ANS-PNS and U1/SN) was observed (p < 0.05). The soft tissue points of Pn, Sn, Ss, and ls showed significant anterior movement (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant increase in the nasolabial angle was measured (p < 0.05). All of the above data showed no statistically significant changes between T2 and T3 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: MASDO using a miniscrew assisted tooth-borne distractor presented significant maxillary advancement and favorable long-term stability in treating CLP patients with maxillary hypoplasia.

An Immune-Related Gene Signature for Predicting Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Efficacy in Rectal Carcinoma.

Background: Locally advanced rectal cancers (LARC) show a highly variable response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), and the impact of the tumor immune response in this process is poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the immune-related gene expression profiles (GEP), pathways, and cell types associated with response or resistance to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Methods: The transcriptomic and clinical data of Rectal carcinoma from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and Immune-related genes (IRGs) from ImmPort were downloaded to identify the differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) between responder and non-responder to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Gene set enrichment analyses were performed to uncover significantly enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways. Immune cell infiltration was estimated from RNA-sequencing data using ImmuCellAI. Afterward, we constructed an immune-related gene-based predictive model (IRGPM) by Support Vector Machine and validated it in an external cohort. Result: A 15-gene signature (HLA-DPB1, HLA-DQA1, CXCL9, CXCL10, TAP2, INHBB, BMP2, CD74, IL33, CCL11, CXCL11, DEFB1, HLA-DPA1, CCN3, STAT1) was identified as DEIRGs and found to be significantly associated with nCRT outcomes. Gene set enrichment analyses indicated that the 15 genes play active roles in inflammation-related biological processes. In addition, ImmuCellAI revealed that CD4 naive T cells, Tex, Th1 were significantly up-regulated (p=0.035, p=0.02, p=0.0086, respectively), while Tfh were significantly down-regulated (p=0.015) in responder subgroup. Finally, a novel predictive model was developed by SVM based on DEIRGs with an AUC of 80% (internal validation) and 73.5% (external validation). Conclusion: Our team conducted a genomic study of the relationship between gene expression profile and response to nCRT in LARC. Our data suggested that the DEIRGs signature could help predict the efficacy of nCRT. And a DEIRGs-based SVM model was developed to monitor the outcomes of nCRT in LARC.

Evaluation of the position and morphology of tongue and hyoid bone in skeletal Class II malocclusion based on cone beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyze the morphology and position of the tongue and hyoid bone in skeletal Class II patients with different vertical growth patterns by cone beam computed tomography in comparison to skeletal Class I patients. METHODS: Ninety subjects with malocclusion were divided into skeletal Class II and Class I groups by ANB angles. Based on different vertical growth patterns, subjects in each group were divided into 3 subgroups: high-angle group (MP-FH ≥ 32.0°), average-angle group (22.0° ≤ MP-FH < 32°) and low-angle group (MP-FH < 22°). The position and morphology of the tongue and hyoid bone were evaluated in the cone beam computed tomography images. The independent Student's t-test was used to compare the position and morphology of the tongue and hyoid bone between skeletal Class I and Class II groups. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the measurement indexes of different vertical facial patterns in each group. RESULTS: Patients in skeletal Class II group had lower tongue posture, and the tongue body was smaller than that of those in the Class I group (P < 0.05). The position of the hyoid bone was lower in the skeletal Class II group than in Class I group (P < 0.05). The tongue length and H-Me in the skeletal Class I group with a low angle were significantly larger than those with an average angle and high angle (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the position or morphology of the tongue and hyoid bone in the skeletal Class II group with different vertical facial patterns (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion have lower tongue posture, a smaller tongue body, and greater occurrence of posterior inferior hyoid bone position than skeletal Class I patients. The length of the mandibular body in skeletal Class I patients with a horizontal growth type is longer. The position and morphology of the tongue and hyoid bone were not greatly affected by vertical facial development in skeletal Class II patients.

Comparative study of three composite materials in bonding attachments for clear aligners.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the operation time, shear bond strength, placement accuracy and wear resistance of 3 composite materials (Filtek Z350XT, Filtek Z350XT Flowable and SonicFill) that were used to make attachments for clear aligners. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Laboratory of Stomatology of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. A total of 129 human mandibular premolars were collected, 69 of which were assigned to 3 groups (A1, B1 and C1). The remaining 60 teeth were divided into 3 groups (A2, B2 and C2). METHODS: Z350XT composite resin was used in groups A1 and A2 to bond the attachments. Z350XT Flowable composite resin was used in groups B1 and B2. SonicFill composite resin was used in groups C1 and C2. The operation time, shear bond strength, the placement accuracy and wear volume loss of 3 composite materials were evaluated. RESULTS: The operation time of Z350XT Flowable and SonicFill was shorter than Z350XT (P < .05). The shear bond strength of SonicFill was higher than Z350XT and Z350XT Flowable (P < .05). The SEM showed that the bonding interface of Z350XT and SonicFill was compact. The 3D deviation and volumetric change in the 3D designed attachments and the attachments after actual bonding of Z350XT Flowable were greater than that of Z350XT and SonicFill (P < .05). The wear volume loss of SonicFill and Z350XT was less than that of Z350XT Flowable (P < .05). CONCLUSION: SonicFill seems to represent a suitable material for producing attachments, which optimized the property combination.

Combined forms of Pb and its detoxification and absorption in Cladophora rupestris subcells.

This study aims to analyze the combined form, detoxification, and adsorption mechanism of Pb in Cladophora rupestris subcells. The chemical form analysis at different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 mg/L) indicated that most of the Pb (37%-76%) were integrated with oxalate and undissolved phosphate, which were important to the detoxification of C. rupestris. The characterization of Pb (0, 0.5, and 5.0 mg/L) at the subcellular was conducted via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy (3D-EEM), and protein secondary structure fitting. Results revealed that Pb-polysaccharides ((C6H5)-OO-Pb-OH, C-O-Pb, and symmetric Pb-O-Pb), Pb-functional-groups ((C6H5)-COO-Pb and (C6H5)-P = O-Pb), and Pb-protein complexes (OH-C7H6-CN-Pb-COOH, C9H10-NH-CN-C = O-Pb, Pb-S-C, and Pb-S) were formed. The cell wall produced transport proteins, such as metallothionein and glutathione, which bound and helped Pb2+ enter the cell. After entering the soluble fraction, the Pb-organic acid ((C6H5)-COO-Pb, (C6H5)-O-Pb, and (C6H5)-P = O-Pb) and Pb-sulfhydryl compound (Pb-S-C/Pb-S) assumed the most important role in resisting the toxicity of Pb2+. Pb2+ was absorbed in the organelle and formed (C6H5)-C-O-Pb and (C6H5)-P = O-Pb, and complexed with protein (Pb-C-N) when treated with 5.0 mg/L Pb. Results could help understand the role of subcellular fraction in the algal adaptation to stressful heavy metal conditions.

Prognostic factors and patterns of recurrence after curative resection for patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the prognostic factors and generate an atlas of a distribution of locoregional recurrence (LRR) in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCCA), after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) without adjuvant radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 124 DCCA cases registered in our institutional database from 2006 to 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariable analysis. All recurrence sites were centrally reviewed, and LRRs were plotted on one CT scan of a template that represents the relapse pattern of the patients. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 35.3 months (95% CI 22.1-48.5 months). Independent prognostic factor for locoregional recurrence-free survival was lymph node metastasis (p = 0.014). Older age, pancreas invasion, and lymph node metastasis were associated with poor survival (both p < 0.05). During the follow-up period, 69 patients (55.6%) developed disease progression. Among them, 45 patients (65.2%) had recurrence in the locoregional components. 21 patients (30.4%) were diagnosed with liver metastasis. Of the patients with LRR, most recurrences occurred in the nodes along the superior mesenteric artery (36.2%), nodes around the abdominal aorta (26.1%), nodes in the hepatoduodenal ligament (13.0%), nodes around the celiac artery (10.1%), and anastomotic stoma (10.1%). CONCLUSION: The high-risk sites of LRR after PD for primary DCCA are the nodes along the superior mesenteric artery, abdominal aorta, nodes in the hepatoduodenal ligament, nodes around the celiac artery, and anastomotic stoma. Adjuvant radiation should cover these areas to improve locoregional control for these patients.

[Comparison of skeletal structure of temporomandibular joint through cone-beam CT between Angle Classâ , â ¡1, â ¡2, â ¢ malocclusion patients with permanent dentition].

PURPOSE: To compare characteristics of temporomandibular joint and related structures according to gender and Angle Ⅰ, Ⅱ1, Ⅱ2 and Ⅲ class. METHODS: Cone-beam CT (CBCT) was performed in 123 patients with malocclusion, and three-dimensional reconstruction was performed with Mimics 19.0 software. The anterior, upper, and posterior spaces of temporomandibular joint, width and depth of acetabulum, height and horizontal angle of condyle, radius of condyle, and anteroposterior and long-axis diameter of condyle were analysed on sagittal plane. The position of condyle in the joint fossa was analyzed using Pullinger methods. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the long axis and radius of the condyles between Class Ⅰ and Ⅲ, Class Ⅰ and Ⅱ1, respectively (P<0.05). The widest acetabulum was observed in Class Ⅲ, followed by Class Ⅰ, Ⅱ1, and Ⅱ2. Moreover, the deepest acetabulum was found in Class Ⅱ2, followed by Class Ⅱ1, Ⅰ, and Ⅲ. No significant differences were detected in the left and right condyle-related structures among different temporomandibular articulation. In addition, the anterior articular space was significantly larger in Class Ⅰ patients, compared with Class Ⅱ2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences in condylar morphology, joint space, joint fossa morphology and condylar position between different Angle classifications.

Feasibility of relatively low neoadjuvant radiation doses for locally advanced rectal cancer: A propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy is part of the standard treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Although various options for modifying preoperative radiotherapy protocols have been researched and proposed, there is still no consensus as to the most appropriate dose regimen of neoadjuvant therapy for this disease. AIM: To evaluate the effects of relatively low-dose radiation regimens on tumor regression and clinical outcomes in rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant CRT followed by mesorectal excision. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with LARC who underwent neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) in our hospital from June 2010 to December 2015. A total of 259 consecutive patients were enrolled, receiving 42 to 44 Gy (RLD, n = 31), 46 Gy (SD1, n = 69), or 50 Gy (SD2, n = 159) of CRT, combined with either capecitabine/oxaliplatin or capecitabine only or mFOLFOX6, followed by total mesorectal excision. A 1:4 propensity score matching was employed, and all patients in the RLD group were matched with 124 patients in the SD2 group. Rates of pCR, 3-year local/regional recurrence (LRR), overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) in the RLD group were all not significantly different (0.313 for pCR; 0.884 for LRR; and 0.762 for OS; 0.101 for DFS) from those in SD1 and SD2 groups. The RLD group showed a lower incidence of grade 3 to 4 hematologic toxicity than SD2 group (0.019). A propensity score analysis demonstrated no significant differences in the pCR rates and 3-year outcomes between the RLD and SD2 group. CONCLUSION: Relatively low-dose regimen (≤44 Gy) of neoadjuvant CRT combined with standard concurrent chemotherapy appears to be both safe and effective in Chinese patients with LARC. Further testing by prospective randomized trials is needed.

Fusion of Dendritic Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts for Activation of Anti-Tumor Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes.

Here we explored the fusion of dendritic cells (DCs), potent antigen-presenting cells that initiate primary immune responses, with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are a stromal component needed for tumor progression, with the aim of stimulating T cells to inhibit tumor growth. Dendritic cells from the bone marrow of BALB/c mice were co-cultured with CAFs from H22 mouse hepatoma cells. CAFs were found to express fibroblast activation protein and α-smooth muscle actin by flow cytometry, Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Polyethylene glycol was added to the co-culture medium to encourage fusion, and the ability of the resulting fusion cells to produce TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-12p70 was confirmed using ELISA. These fusion cells efficiently stimulated T lymphocytes in vitro, causing them to generate IFN-α and IFN-γ. T cells activated by DC/CAF fusion cells led to strong CTL response against CAFs in vitro. The activated T cells also inhibited growth of H22 xenografts in vivo. These results indicate that DC/CAF fusion cells show potential for stimulating T cells as a novel anti-tumor vaccine.

An MOF-like Interpenetrated 2D Plus 2D to 3D Inorganic Grid Assembled by Linear Inorganic Pillars, Structures, and Properties in Supercapacitance.

Remarkable progresses regarding pure inorganic frameworks and metal-organic frameworks (MOF) have been made. However, pure inorganic frameworks with MOF-like grid structures are rarely reported due to the weakness of inorganic moiety as a long linear linker. We report herein a fascinating inorganic framework assembled by a [Ge4S10]4- cluster node and a linear [-Cu-MS4-Cu-] (M = Mo (1) and W (2)) inorganic pillar. Their network shows MOF-like orthogonal structure with two interpenetrated two-dimensional (2D) plus 2D to 3D framework and a 1D nano tunnel. Electrodes with crystalline sample of 1 and 2, inorganic sulfide framework, were prepared, and their quasi-capacitance behaviors were investigated. Electrochemical performances were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques in CsOH, KOH, NaOH, and LiOH electrolytes. The results revealed that the crystal materials exhibit moderate specific capacitance values that are comparable to those of porous sulfide materials.

Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Curatively Resected Gallbladder Carcinoma: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare overall survival (OS) between patients receiving radical resection followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (S+CCRT) and patients receiving radical resection only (S) for advanced resectable gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ninety-four GBC patients with stage pT2-4, N0-1, and M0 consented to inclusion in a clinical database from June 2003 to July 2013. Patients who received S+CCRT were matched by propensity score with those who received S through nearest-neighbor matching, with a caliper width of 0.2 to ensure similar baseline characteristics between each group. The effects of CCRT on OS and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed on the entire cohort. Adverse effects and oncologic outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients with GBC (39 S+CCRT; 39 S) were matched according to propensity score; the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS was 74.4%, 56.4%, and 42.4% for the S+CCRT group and 51.3%, 30.8%, and 17.9% for the S group. The median survival time was 27 months (interquartile range [IQR], 12-58 months) for the S+CCRT group versus 13 months (IQR, 5-30 months) for the S group (P=.004), with the 1-year and 3-year DFS being 59.0% versus 35.9% and 48.7% versus 13.5%, respectively, and the median DFS being 23 months (IQR, 8-57 months) versus 7 months (IQR, 4-23 months) (P=.004). CONCLUSIONS: The OS of matched patients with stage II-IVA GBC is significantly improved by CCRT. Radiation therapy combined with single-agent or dual-agent chemotherapy was feasible and well tolerated.

Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration combining with immunohistochemistry and genotype in lung cancer: A single-center, 55 cases retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of EBUS-TNA for mediastinal mass or suspected lung cancer patients with mediastinal or hilar lymph node enlarged. Further to investigate the clinical value of EBUS-TBNA combining with immunohistochemistry and genotype in lung cancer. METHODS: A total of 55 patients with mediastinal, and/or hilar lymphadenopathy, and/or mediastinal mass previously detected by CT or PET/CT scan and who underwent EBUS-TBNA. An additional immunohistological analysis was performed for establishing a reliable diagnosis and sub classification when necessary. Some samples were tested for the EGFR and/or ALK mutations to provide suitable mutational genotyping for adenocarcinoma by using the PCR assays. RESULTS: Of the 55 patients, the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of lung cancer were 92.5% (37/40) and 94.5% (52/55), respectively. 37 samples were further confirmed and obtained particular type by Immunohistochemistry. 6 cases of EBUS-TBNA samples from patients with lung adenocarcinoma referred for EGFR testing were analyzed, 4 patients were found to have EGFR gene mutations. The procedure was uneventful without any complications. CONCLUSION: EBUS-TBNA is a safe and efficient method with high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of lung cancer. Uniquely combining with Immunohistochemistry and molecular testing has significant clinical value in subtype diagnosis and guiding the treatment strategy in lung cancer.

A nano-scale triangular ring cluster of indium-selenide: the structure and templating effect.

Different from the dominating supertetrahedral structure of InSe clusters, co-assembled nano-scale In33Se60 triangular ring clusters and wheel-shaped In18Se30 clusters have been found. The unusual second-sphere coordination templating effect of the Mn(dach) complexes and the central Mn(2+) ion is responsible for the formation of the triangular ring. The optical and electronic properties are discussed.

Photo-electroactive ternary chalcogenido-indate-stannates with a unique 2-D porous structure.

A lot of ternary In-Sb-Q (Q = S, Se) chalcogenido-metalates with amines or complex cations have been recently reported for their diverse structures, however, such a type of In-Sn-Q chalcogenido-metalate has been rarely announced. Herein, we report a series of 2-D In-Sn-Q compounds prepared using a metal-phenanthroline cationic template, [M(Phen)3](In2Sn2Q8)·(amine)·nH2O (M = Ni(II), Fe(II) or Co(II); amine = cyclohexylamine (Cha) or 1,6-diaminohexane (Dah); Q = S or Se). Their anions are isostructural and a 2-D porous network with large 16-tetrahedron-rings. The 2-D network joint of In-Sn-Q is a (In/Sn)3Q3 six-membered ring, which is different from the Sn3Q4 pseudosemicube of most 2-D Sn-Q binary compounds. The materials exhibit photocurrent response properties measured using a photo-electrochemical cell. The result shows that (1) the selenides exhibit more intense photocurrents than the sulfides and (2) the current intensity is related to the metal-phenanthroline cations.

Fluorescence and energy transfer properties of heterometallic lanthanide-titanium oxo clusters coordinated with anthracenecarboxylate ligands.

Two 9-anthracenecarboxylate (9-AC) coordinated heterometallic TOC compounds, [Ln2Ti10O14(ClO4)2(O(i)Pr)14(9-AC)2(CH3CN)2]·2H2O, Ln = Nd 1() and Eu (2), along with two benzoate (bza) analogues, [Ln2Ti10O14(ClO4)2(O(i)Pr)14(bza)2(HO(i)Pr)2], Ln = Nd (3) and Eu (4), were prepared by one step in situ solvothermal synthesis, and characterized by single crystal analysis. To date, only about ten lanthanum-titanium oxo clusters have been reported. Except for two Ti28 clusters, the compounds are all small clusters (Ti ≤ 4). The cluster structures of 1-4 adopt a Ti10Ln2 core structure with pseudo-Ci symmetry, which is similar to the fundamental structure of Ti12 clusters. Furthermore, except for their structures, the properties of lanthanum-titanium oxo clusters have never been studied. Herein, the fluorescence properties of these compounds are studied in detail. The metal centered emission of Eu(III) is completely quenched by 9-AC due to the lower triplet energy of the coordinated ligand. Enhanced ligand centered fluorescence is found for 2 in comparison with that of 1.

Ion pair charge-transfer thiogermanate salts [MV]2Ge4S10·xSol: solvent induced crystal transformation and photocurrent responsive properties.

As most of the chalcogenidometalate anions are well-known electron-rich systems, design and preparation of ion pair compounds, by integrating an organic acceptor (A) with an inorganic chalcogenidometalate donor (D), are an attractive strategy to obtain new functional materials. We report herein the single-crystal structures and properties of three new ion pair charge-transfer (IPCT) compounds by incorporating thiogermanates with methylviologen (MV(2+), N,N'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dication), [MV]2Ge4S10·xSol (Sol = solvent). Sharp and fast solvent-induced color changes and switchable fluorescence emission are observed for the compounds. The weak interactions that relate to the solvent and ions in the structures are likely the key points to modulate the cation-anion charge-transfer. A photocurrent response is observed for the photoelectric system of the IPCT compound upon repetitive switching of light on and off.