Efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-based immune combination therapy versus sorafenib in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-based immunotherapy (hereafter referred to as “combination immunotherapy”) compared with that of sorafenib in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsDatabases such as PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from the date of their establishment to September 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of combination immunotherapy versus sorafenib for the treatment of advanced HCC. Two reviewers independently evaluated the quality of the included studies, extracted the data, and cross-checked the information. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 5 RCTs were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed the following: (1) Effectiveness. Compared to sorafenib, combination immunotherapy significantly improved overall survival (OS, HR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.58 ~ 0.82, p < 0.01) and progression-free survival (PFS, HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.50 ~ 0.78, p < 0.001) in patients with advanced HCC. (2) Safety. Both groups had comparatively high incidences of adverse events (AEs), but the difference in any treatment-related adverse events was not significant between the two arms (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.95 ~ 1.02, p = 0.34). The difference in the incidence of grade 1–2 adverse reactions was statistically significant (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49–0.90, p = 0.001). There were no differences in grade 3/4 TRAEs or grade 5 TRAEs (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 0.78 ~ 2.71, p = 0.24; OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.73 ~ 1.58, p = 0.71).ConclusionCombined immunotherapy can significantly prolong the OS and PFS of patients with advanced HCC without increasing the incidence of adverse effects in terms of safety, but the incidence of AEs in different systems is different

Analysis of Stator Slots and Rotor Pole Pairs Combinations of Rotor-Permanent Magnet Flux-Switching Machines

This paper investigates the influence of stator slots and rotor pole pairs combinations on torque performances in rotor permanent magnet flux switching (RPM-FS) machines. Based on a magnetomotive force (MMF) permeance model, the candidates of stator slots and rotor pole pairs combinations with higher torque capability can be determined by analyzing the PM-MMF and winding factor. Meanwhile, the candidates with a lower torque ripple can be obtained by referring to the cogging torque, which is related to the greatest common divisor of stator slots and rotor pole pairs. In addition, from the field modulation principle, the RPM-FS machines with the same fundamental magnetic loadings and winding factors exhibit identical fundamental harmonic torque, but different modulation harmonic components. Finally, four candidates with attractive torque performance are chosen, and the characteristics are verified by finite-element analysis and experiments.</p

Comparative efficacy of different exercise methods to improve cardiopulmonary function in stroke patients: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundAlthough some studies have shown that exercise has a good effect on improving the cardiopulmonary function of stroke patients, it still needs to be determined which exercise method does this more effectively. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different exercise methods in improving cardiovascular function in stroke patients through a network meta-analysis (NMA), providing a basis to select the best treatment plan for stroke patients.MethodsWe systematically searched CNKI, WanFang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library databases from establishment to 30 April 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTS) on exercise improving cardiopulmonary function in stroke patients were included, and we screened the included articles and extracted the relevant data. RevMan (version 5.4) and Stata (version 17.0) were used for data analysis.ResultsWe included 35 RCTs and a total of 2,008 subjects. Intervention measures included high-intensity interval training (HIIT), aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT), combined aerobic and resistance exercise (CE), and conventional therapy (CT). In the network meta-analysis, the surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) ranking result indicated that HIIT improved peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and 6 mins walking distance (6MWD) optimally, with rankings of HIIT (100.0%) &gt; CE (70.5%) &gt; AT (50.2%) &gt; RT (27.7%) &gt; CT (1.6%), and HIIT (90.9%) &gt; RT (60.6%) &gt; AT (48.9%) &gt; RT (48.1%) &gt; CT (1.5%), respectively. The SUCRA ranking result showed that CE improved systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) optimally, with rankings of CE (82.1%) &gt; HIIT (49.8%) &gt; AT (35.3%) &gt; CT (32.8%), and CE (86.7%) &gt; AT (45.0%) &gt; HIIT (39.5%) &gt; CT (28.8%), respectively.ConclusionWe showed that exercise can effectively improve the cardiopulmonary function of stroke patients. HIIT was the most effective in improving VO2peak and 6MWD in stroke patients. CE was the most effective in improving SBP and DBP in stroke patients. However, due to the limitations of existing clinical studies and evidence, larger sample size, multi-center, and high-quality RCTs are needed to verify the above conclusions in the future.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier [CRD42023436773]

Predictive value of systematic immune-inflammation index combined with Ki-67 index on prognosis of prostate cancer patients after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Abstract Background Prostate cancer (PCa) presents a wide spectrum. Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and Ki-67 index are new biomarkers that can predict prognosis in different types of cancer. We explored the predictive value of their combination on the prognosis of PCa patients after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). Methods In this retrospective study, 290 patients who underwent LRP at Nanjing Lishui People’s Hospital between January 2016 and February 2021 were enrolled. They were divided into the good prognosis group (N = 235) and poor prognosis group (N = 55) based on the follow-up results. Both the baseline data and postoperative pathological results were collected. The Ki-67 index was determined using immunohistochemical kits, and the patients were allocated to the SII/Ki-67 index high/low expression groups according to the cut-off values to further analyze their relationship with clinical/pathological data of PCa patients. Logistics multivariate regression analysis was utilized to analyze the independent factors affecting post-LRP prognosis of CPa patients. ROC curve was plotted to assess the predictive value for post-LRP prognosis, and Kaplan-Meier curve/Log-rank were used for analysis. Results Significant differences were found in PSA/Gleason score/T stage/lymph node metastasis/seminal vesicle invasion/neutrophils/lymphocytes/platelets/preoperative SII/Ki-67 index between the good/poor prognosis groups. Preoperative SII/Ki-67 were related to PSA/lymphocytes/platelets in PCa. Seminal vesicle invasion and preoperative SII + Ki-67 index were independent factors affecting post-LRP prognosis. Preoperative SII + Ki-67 index had a better predictive value than preoperative SII or Ki-67 index alone. Patients with high preoperative SII and Ki-67 index levels had an increased risk of poor prognosis after LRP. Conclusion Preoperative SII + Ki-67 index had a better predictive value for poor prognosis after LRP than SII or Ki-67 index alone

Solvothermal Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Optical Properties of Pr-Doped CeO2 and Their Degradation for Acid Orange 7

Pr-doped CeO2 with different doping levels was prepared from Ce(NO3)3&#8729;6H2O and Pr(NO3)3&#8729;6H2O by solvothermal method without any additional reagents, in which the mixed solution of ethylene glycol and distilled water was employed as a solvent. The influences of Pr-doping on phase composition, crystal structure and morphology were investigated, as well as Pr valence and oxygen vacancy defects. The Pr cations entered into the CeO2 crystal lattice with normal trivalence and formed a Pr-CeO2 solid solution based on the fluorite structure. The larger trivalent Pr was substituted for tetravalent Ce in the CeO2 crystal and compensated by oxygen vacancy defects, which caused the local lattice expansion of the crystal lattice. Moreover, the Pr-doped CeO2 solid solutions exhibited visible color variation from bright cream via brick red to dark brown with the increasing of Pr contents. The degradation of AO7 dye was also investigated using a domestic medical ultraviolet lamp; the removal efficiency of AO7 by 1% and 2% Pr-doped CeO2 approached 100%, much higher than 66.2% for undoped CeO2

miR-224-5p Attenuates Allergic Responses in Mice with Allergic Rhinitis by Modulating the Th1/Th2 Response

Background. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic respiratory disease that has become a global health problem. miRNAs play an important role in multiple immune and inflammatory diseases, including AR. In this work, the mechanism by which miR-224-5p regulates AR in vivo and in vitro was examined. Methods. Human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) were used to establish an AR cell model induced by Der P1, and C57BL/6 mice were used to establish an AR animal model induced by OVA (ovalbumin). RT-qPCR was used to determine the level of miR-224-5p; western blot analysis was used to determine GATA3; ELISA was used to determine the levels of OVA-specific IgE, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13; flow cytometry was used to determine the differentiation of Th1 and Th2 cells; and HE and PAS staining was used to observe the histopathological alterations in the mouse nasal mucosa and spleen. Results. miR-224-5p was downregulated in nasal mucosa from mice with AR and an AR cell model. Overexpressed miR-224-5p can improve AR development and attenuate AR symptoms by regulating GATA3-mediated Th1/Th2 responses. Conclusion. miR-224-5p attenuates allergic reactions in mice with AR by regulating the Th1/Th2 response

An Analytical Solution for Unsteady Aerodynamic Forces on Streamlined Box Girders with Coupled Vibration

This paper is a contribution to analyzing the aerodynamic forces on a streamlined box girder (SBG) with coupled vibration in a potential flow. The key enabling step was to assume that the normal velocity of the airflow at an arbitrary point on the surface of the SBG was equal to the normal velocity of the surface motion. The aerodynamic drag force, lift force, and pitching moment were expressed as functions of the motion state of the SBG and the SBG’s shape-related parameters. To investigate the applicability of this force model, the analytical solution at various angles of attack was compared with a numerical simulation in a viscous flow. The results imply that the amplitude of the analytical lift force and pitching moment agree well with the numerical results under the angles of attack of 0° and ±3°. Furthermore, the analytical drag force effectively predicts the second-order phenomenon resulting from the multiplication of the vertical and torsional vibration velocities. As a consequence, the present analytical solution provides an effective method for analyzing the aerodynamic forces acting on SBGs with coupled vibration

Mechanism of Surface Hydroxylation Acceleration and Laser-Induced Damage Threshold Reduction during Ion Beam Sputtering of Fused Silica

The mechanism of the combined process of ion beam sputtering (IBS) and HF acid etching on the chemical structure defects of fused silica and its laser damage resistance performance were investigated in this paper. During the removal process of surface material, the sputtering effect causes lattice atoms to flee their native space locations, and a large amount of unsaturated chemical structures are produced on the silica surface, which improves the chemical activity of Si and O atoms, accelerates the chemical reaction process between surface atoms and water molecules, increases the content of hydroxyl groups (OH-) in the shallow layer, and enhances the photothermal weak absorption intensity. However, the increase in hydroxyl content weakens the binding strength of silicon–oxygen bonds, destroys the spatial network structure of silica bulk, and reduces its mechanical strength, resulting in a decrease in its laser damage resistance performance. The paper reveals for the first time the mechanism by which IBS changes the structure characteristics of silica material, accelerates the surface hydroxylation process, and thereby reduces the laser damage resistance performance. This work provides technical guidance for effectively suppressing chemical structure defects on silica surfaces and improving the laser damage resistance performance of optical components under high-flux laser irradiation

Isopentyl-Sulfide-Impregnated Nano-MnO2 for the Selective Sorption of Pd(II) from the Leaching Liquor of Ores

Conventional separation methods are not suitable for recovering palladium present in low concentrations in ore leaching solutions. In this study, a novel isopentyl sulfide (S201)-impregnated α-MnO2 nanorod adsorbent (BISIN) was prepared, characterized, and applied for the selective adsorption and separation of palladium from the leaching liquor of ores. Batch studies were carried out, and the main adsorption parameters were systematically investigated, in addition to the relevant thermodynamic parameters, isotherms, and kinetic models. The thermodynamic parameters reflected the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption. Moreover, the experimental results indicated that the Langmuir isotherm model fits the palladium adsorption data well and the adsorption was well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The main adsorption mechanisms of palladium were elucidated at the molecular level by X-ray crystal structure analysis. Thiourea was found to be an excellent desorption agent, and the palladium-thiourea complex was also confirmed by X-ray crystal structure analysis. The results indicated that almost all of the Pd(II) (&gt;99.0%) is adsorbed on BISIN, whereas less than 2% of the adsorbed Pt(IV), Fe3+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ is observed under the optimum conditions. The proposed method can be used for the efficient adsorption and separation of palladium from the leaching liquor of ores