Defect and interface/surface engineering synergistically modulated electron transfer and nonlinear absorption properties in MoX2 (X = Se, S, Te)@ZnO heterojunction.

Systematic interface and defect engineering strategies have been demonstrated to be an effective way to modulate the electron transfer and nonlinear absorption properties in semiconductor heterojunctions. However, the role played by defects and interfacial strain in electron transfer at the interface of the MoX2 (X = Se, S, Te)@ZnO heterojunction remains poorly understood. Herein, using the MoX2@ZnO heterojunction, we reveal that vacancies play a critical role in the interfacial electron transfer of heterojunctions. Specifically, we present the defect and interface engineering of the MoX2@ZnO heterojunction for controlled charge transfer and electron excitation-relaxation. The experimental characterization combined with first-principles calculations showed that the presence of defects promoted the transport of photogenerated carriers at the heterojunction interface, thereby inhibiting their rapid recombination. The DFT calculation confirmed that the electron band structure, density of states and charge density distribution in the system changed after the formation of Mo-O bonds. On the basis of defects and interfacial stress and the effective charge transfer, the MoX2@ZnO heterojunction exhibited excellent excitation and emission behaviors. The nonlinear optical regulation behavior of TMDs is expected to be realized with the help of the defects and interface/surface synergistically modulated effect of ZnO nanoparticles. The local strain generation on the MoX2@ZnO heterojunction boundary provides a new method for the design of new heterogeneous materials and will be of great significance to investigate the contact physical behavior and application of metals and two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors. This work provides some inspiration for the construction of heterojunctions with rich defects and surface/interface charge transfer channels to promote tunable electron transfer dynamics, thereby achieving a good nonlinear optical conversion efficiency and efficient charge separation in optoelectronic functional materials.

Study on interface engineering and chemical bonding of the ReS2@ZnO heterointerface for efficient charge transfer and nonlinear optical conversion efficiency.

Rhenium sulfide (ReS2) has emerged as a promising two-dimensional material, demonstrating broad-spectrum visible absorption properties that make it highly relevant for diverse optoelectronic applications. Manipulating and optimizing the pathway of photogenerated carriers play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of charge separation and transfer in novel semiconductor composites. This study focuses on the strategic construction of a semiconductor heterostructure by synthesizing ZnO on vacancy-containing ReS2 (VRe-ReS2) through chemical bonding processes. The ingeniously engineered built-in electric field within the heterostructure effectively suppresses the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. A direct and well-established interfacial connection between VRe-ReS2 and ZnO is achieved through a robust Zn-S bond. This distinctive bond configuration leads to enhanced nonlinear optical conversion efficiency, attributed to shortened carrier migration distances and accelerated charge transfer rates. Furthermore, theoretical calculations unveil the superior chemical interactions between Re vacancies and sulfide moieties, facilitating the formation of Zn-S bonds. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity is increased by the formation of VRe-ReS2 and ZnO heterostructure and the PL quantum yield of VRe-ReS2 is improved. The intricate impact of the Zn-S bond on the nonlinear absorption behavior of the VRe-ReS2@ZnO heterostructure is systematically investigated using femtosecond Z-scan techniques. The charge transfer from ZnO to ReS2 defect levels induces a transition from saturable absorption to reverse saturable absorption in the VRe-ReS2@ZnO heterostructure. Transient absorption measurements further confirm the presence of the Zn-S bond between the interfaces, as evidenced by the prolonged relaxation time (τ3) in the VRe-ReS2@ZnO heterostructure. This study offers valuable insights into the rational construction of heterojunctions through tailored interfacial bonding and surface/interface charge transfer pathways. These endeavors facilitate the modulation of electron transfer dynamics, ultimately yielding superior nonlinear optical conversion efficiency and effective charge regulation in optoelectronic functional materials.

Comparison between preoperative hook-wire and liquid material localization for pulmonary nodules: a meta-analysis.

Introduction: Computed tomography (CT)-guided liquid material (LM) and hook-wire (HW) are usually localized for pulmonary nodules (PNs) before video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) resection, but the relative advantages of these 2 techniques remain uncertain. Aim: This meta-analysis was conceived to juxtapose the efficacy and safety of HW localization (HWL) and LM localization (LML), both guided by CT, for the preoperative localization of PNs. Material and methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, and Wanfang databases were searched to identify relevant studies published as of March 2023, after which pooled analyses of study outcomes were conducted. Results: A total of 7 studies were included in this meta-analysis from 142 relevant studies. These 7 studies included 551 patients (583 PNs) with CT-guided HWL and 551 patients (612 PNs) with LML. The successful localization rate was significantly higher in the LM group (LMG) than in the HW group (HWG) (p = 0.002). The LMG also exhibited significantly lower pooled total complication and lung haemorrhage rates than the HWG (p = 0.007 and 0.00001, respectively). Pooled localization duration, pneumothorax rates, and VATS procedure duration were comparable in both groups (p = 0.45, 0.15, and 0.74, respectively). Furthermore, the pooled postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LMG than in the HWG (p = 0.009). Significant heterogeneity was detected in the endpoints of localization duration and pneumothorax rate (I2 = 93% and 66%, respectively). Conclusions: CT-guided LML is safer and more successful than HWL for patients with PNs before VATS resection.

Charge Mobility and Strain Engineering in Two-Step MS-Grown MoS2/Seed Layer Heterointerface and Photo-Excitation Mechanism.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have potential application and wide development prospects in photoelectron and spintronic devices. However, the properties of different growth conditions are challenging to study in the future. This, in turn, hinders further research into 2D materials and the manufacture of high-quality devices. A comprehensive understanding of the ultrafast laser spectroscopy and dynamics that take into account the substrate-transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) interaction is lacking. Here, the strain effect is elucidated by systematically investigating the interfacial interaction between different substrates and MoS2. The strain and interface engineering of MoS2/seeds layer heterointerface and light-matter coupling are discussed in the Raman and photoluminescence spectra. The dramatic enhanced PL originates from the phase transition of MoS2 on different substrates and electron-hole pairs dissociated by exciton screening effect. Finite-difference time-domain simulation confirmed that the electric field, magnetic field, and polarization field of the heterojunction system changed after the strain was applied. In addition, based on the dependence of physical parameters of MoS2, the relative numerical changes of physical parameters of MoS2 films on different substrates as well as the photoelectric transfer, strain, and charge doping levels on the surface or interface will provide a direction for optimizing the selection of various devices.

Computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy for sub-centimeter pulmonary nodules.

Introduction: Based on the computed tomography (CT) pulmonary nodules (PNs) screening trial, sub-centimeter PNs (SCPNs) with a diameter ≤ 10 mm are observed in approximately 15% of the screened population, of which 48-56% of the cases occur in patients with lung cancer. Aim: To assess the safety and diagnostic precision of CT-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) for SCPNs. Material and methods: Between January 2016 and December 2018, consecutive patients with PNs underwent a CT-guided CNB procedure. These patients were divided into 2 groups. Group A included patients with SCPNs and group B included patients with PNs of 11-20 mm in diameter. The baseline data, diagnostic performance, and complication rates were compared. Results: The technical success rates of CT-guided CNB in groups A and B were both 100%. No statistically significant differences were observed in diagnostic yield (43.8% vs. 54.7%, p = 0.105), overall accuracy (89.5% vs. 94.0%, p = 0.221), and sensitivity (78.8% vs. 90.1%, p = 0.080) between the 2 groups. The independent risk factor related to diagnostic failure of SCPNs was CNB-related pneumothorax (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in the rates of pneumothorax (13.3% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.664) and pulmonary hemorrhage (10.5% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.624) between the 2 groups. The risk factors related to pneumothorax were decubitus position (p = 0.009) and more needle pathways (p = 0.004). A risk factor associated with pulmonary hemorrhage was greater lesion-pleura distance (p = 0.048). Conclusions: CT-guided CNB is a safe, reliable, and precise method for the diagnosis of SCPNs.

Computed tomography-guided cutting needle biopsy for lung nodules: when the biopsy-based benign results are real benign.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT)-guided cutting needle biopsy (CNB) is an effective diagnostic method for lung nodules (LNs). The false-negative rate of CT-guided lung biopsy is reported to be up to 16%. This study aimed to determine the predictors of true-negative results in LNs with CNB-based benign results. METHODS: From January 2011 to December 2015, 96 patients with CNB-based nonspecific benign results were included in this study as the training group to detect predictors of true-negative results. From January 2016 to December 2018, an additional 57 patients were included as a validation group to test the reliability of the predictors. RESULTS: In the training group, a total of 96 patients underwent CT-guided CNB for 96 LNs. The CNB-based results were true negatives for 82 LNs and false negatives for 14 LNs. The negative predictive value of the CNB-based benign results was 85.4% (82/96). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that CNB-based granulomatous inflammation (P = 0.013, hazard ratio = 0.110, 95% confidential interval = 0.019-0.625) was the independent predictor of true-negative results. The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.697 (P = 0.019). In the validation group, biopsy results for 47 patients were true negative, and 10 were false negative. When the predictor was used on the validation group, the area under the ROC curve was 0.759 (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the CNB-based benign results were true negatives, and CNB-based granulomatous inflammation could be considered a predictor of true-negative results.

Two-step strategy, growth mechanism and optical properties of plasmonic Ag-modified ZnO nanomaterials.

In this paper, plasma silver (Ag) modified zinc oxide (ZnO) (AZO) was used to form AZO nanomaterials (including AZO nanofilms (NFm), AZO nanowires (NWs) and AZO nanoflowers (NFw)) in a two-step-controlled manner to investigate the effect of compounding different contents of Ag on the linear optical aspects of ZnO materials. The growth mechanism of the AZO nanomaterials with different strategies is discussed. If Ag nanoparticles (NPs) grow on the ZnO NFm surface, they first grow with ZnO as the core and then self-core into islands, which are undoubtedly influenced by factors such as the growth mechanism of ZnO as well as Ag. If Ag is grown on the surface of the ZnO NWs and ZnO NFw, it is more likely to self-core owing to factors such as the roughness of the ZnO NWs and ZnO NFw surfaces. The AZO nanomaterials have excellent optical properties based on the surface plasmon resonance, local electromagnetic field and charge transfer mechanism between Ag and ZnO. With the increase in Ag content, the absorption edges of AZO NFm are red-shifted, and the absorption edges of AZO NWs and AZO NFw are first blue-shifted and then red-shifted. The results show that AZO nanomaterials prepared using different methods not only have different growth morphologies, but also have different optical properties with potential for the preparation of optical devices.

In vitro and in vivo antitumor evaluation of berbamine for lung cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: Lung cancer, one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the world, is characterized by relatively high morbidity and mortality. Berbamine (BER) has been initially reported to exert anti-proliferative effects against a series of cancers. METHODS: In this study the in vitro cytotoxicity of BER was measured by MTT assay. In vivo anti-cancer efficacy of BER was assessed in A549 xenografts. RESULTS: Cytotoxicity tests showed dose-dependent cell growth inhibition effects of BER against A549 cells. Moreover, BER significantly reduced the growth of lung cancer in a dose-dependent manner in nude mice with prolonged survival time. CONCLUSION: Therefore, BER might be in herbal medicine for cancer therapy and further efforts are needed to explore therapeutic strategies.

Potential therapeutic efficacy of curcumin in liver cancer.

PURPOSE: Liver cancer, one of the most common cancers in China, is reported to feature relatively high morbidity and mortality. Curcumin (Cum) is considered as a drug possessing anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation effect. Previous research has demonstrated antitumor effects in a series of cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study the in vitro cytotoxicity of Cum was measured by MTT assay and pro-apoptotic effects were assessed by DAPI staining and measurement of caspase-3 activity. In vivo anti-hepatoma efficacy of Cum was assessed with HepG2 xenografts. RESULTS: It is found that Cum dose-dependently inhibited cell growth in HepG2 cells with activation of apoptosis. Moreover, Cum delayed the growth of liver cancer in a dose-dependent manner in nude mice. CONCLUSIONS: Cum might be a promising phytomedicine in cancer therapy and further efforts are needed to explore this therapeutic strategy.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the antitumor efficiency of resveratrol against lung cancer.

Lung cancer remains a deadly disease with unsatisfactory overall survival. Resveratrol (Res) has the potential to inhibit growth of several types of cancer such as prostate and colorectal examples. In the current study, we evaluated in vitro and in vivo anticancer efficiency of Res in a xenograft model with A549 cells. Cell inhibition effects of Res were measured by MTT assay. Apoptotis of A549 cells was assessed with reference to caspase-3 activity and growth curves of tumor volume and bodyweight of the mice were measured every two days. In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation indicated Res to exert dose-dependent cell inhibition effects against A549 cells with activation of caspase-3. In vivo evaluation showed Res to effectively inhibit the growth of lung cancer in a dose- dependent manner in nude mice. Therefore, we believe that Res might be a promising phytomedicine for cancer therapy and further efforts are needed to explore this potential therapeutic strategy.

In vivo evaluation of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles in a A549 xenograft mice model.

Curcumin (Cum) has been reported to have potential chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic activity through influencing various processes, inducing cell cycle arrest, differentiation and apoptosis in a series of cancers. However, the poor solubility of Cum limits its further applications in the treatment of cancer. We have previously reported Cum-loaded nanoparticles (Cum-NPs) prepared with amphilic methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-polycaprolactone (mPEG-PCL) block copolymers. The current study demonstrated superior antitumor efficacy of Cum-NPs over free Cum in the treatment of lung cancer. In vivo evaluation further demonstrated superior anticancer effects of Cum-NPs by delaying tumor growth compared to free Cum in an established A549 transplanted mice model. Moreover, Cum-NPs showed little toxicity to normal tissues including bone marrow, liver and kidney at a therapeutic dose. These results suggest that Cum-NPs are effective to inhibit the growth of human lung cancer with little toxicity to normal tissues, and could provide a clinically useful therapeutic regimen. They thus merit more research to evaluate the feasibility of clinical application.

Intervention effects of nedaplatin and cisplatin on proliferation and apoptosis of human tumour cells in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To study synergistic effects of nedaplatin and cisplatin on three human carcinoma cell lines (esophageal carcinoma cell line Eca-109, ovarian carcinoma Skov-3 and cervical carcinoma Hela). METHODS: Inhibition effects were evaluated by MTT assay and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. In addition, changes of Ki-67, Bax and Bcl-2 at mRNA and protein levels were quantified by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Growth inhibition in each cell lines was dose-dependent after exposure to nedaplatin or cisplatin alone. The interaction of the two drugs was synergistic at higher concentrations according to the median-effect principle. The inhibition rates with nedaplatin, cisplatin and combined treatment were 41.9±4.1%, 47.4±2.9%, 52.5±0.9%(Eca-109), 39.0±1.26%, 45.0±1.45% , 56.2±1.44% (Skov-3) and 44.8±2.11%, 46.9±0.99%, 56.6±1.83% (Hela) respectively, with increase in apoptosis. Compared with the nedaplatin or cisplatin alone treatment group, the combinative treatment group's Ki-67 and bcl-2 mRNA (protein) expression was decreased while that of Bax mRNA (protein) was increased. CONCLUSION: Compared to the effects of nedaplatin or cisplatin alone at high concentrations, combination of nedaplatin and cisplatin at low concentrations proved to be much more effective for inhibition of proliferation and the induction of apoptosis in the Eca-109, Skov-3 and Hela cell lines.

High p27 expression is associated with a better prognosis in East Asian non-small cell lung cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The role of the anti-apoptotic protein p27 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains controversial. To clarify its association with survival in NSCLC, we performed a systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis. METHODS: Trials were selected for further analysis if they provided an independent assessment of p27 in NSCLC and reported the analysis of survival data based on p27 status. A total of 11 trials, which comprised 1646 patients, provided sufficient information for the meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using histology, disease stage and ethnicity. RESULTS: The combined hazard ratio (HR) of 1.50 (95% CI=1.15-1.97; P<0.001 for heterogeneity) suggested that high p27 expression has a favorable impact on survival. When the studies were restricted to those of East Asian populations, patients that expressed high levels of p27 showed a better survival rate (HR 1.73, 95% CI=1.36-2.21; P=0.169 for heterogeneity) than those that did not express high levels of p27. In addition, the heterogeneity and publication bias disappeared. CONCLUSION: In NSCLC, high p27 expression is associated with a better prognosis among East Asians.

beta-Tubulin III mRNA expression and docetaxel sensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: Despite the success of docetaxel as an anti-tumour agent, the inter-individual variability in drug response still poses a major impediment to further use of this agent in the treatment of cancer. Current knowledge about predictive biomarkers of docetaxel sensitivity in malignant effusions is poor. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between beta-tubulin III mRNA expression and chemosensitivity to docetaxel in metastatic malignant effusions. METHODS: Real-time quantitative PCR was used for analysis of beta-tubulin III mRNA expression in 37 malignant effusions collected prospectively. Viable tumour cells obtained from malignant effusions were tested for sensitivity to docetaxel using ATP-TCA assay. RESULTS: beta-tubulin III expression was inversely correlated with sensitivity to docetaxel in pleural effusions of NSCLC patients (P =0.022). The lower level of beta-tubulin III mRNA expression in malignant effusions was associated with higher chemosensitivity to docetaxel in NSCLC patients in vitro. No correlation was found between beta-tubulin III mRNA expression and docetaxel sensitivity in malignant effusions of gastric cancer patient. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that beta-tubulin III mRNA expression level in malignant effusions, in which all cancer cells were metastatic, was correlated with docetaxel sensitivity in NSCLC. This highlights the potential role of biomarkers in malignant effusions in further customized chemotherapy.

[Effect of arsenic trioxide on drug transporting molecules in acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on expression of drug transporting molecules in APL MR2 cell line. METHODS: MR2 resistant to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and non-ATRA resistant APL cell line NB4 was used in this in vitro study. Expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), multidrug resistance protein (MRP) and lung resistance-related protein (LRP) was detected by immunocytochemical assay. RESULTS: The expression of Pgp was significantly higher in MR2 (30%-40%) than in NB4 (10%-20%) (P < 0.001), and that of MRP was also higher in MR2 (56.9 +/- 3.4-21.2 +/- 1.1) than in NB4 (20.6 +/- 5.3-16.7 +/- 1.2) (P < 0.001). As2O3 at concentrations ranging from 0.5 approximately 2.0 micromol/L could significantly decrease the expression of Pgp and MRP, but not that of LRP. The decrease in the expression of Pgp and MRP in MR2 cell line was negatively correlated with the dose and duration of action of As2O3. CONCLUSION: Pgp and MRP, but not LRP, may be the sensitive targets of As2O3 to overcome drug-resistance. ATRA might be the substrates of Pgp and MRP.