Oral microbiota can alter cancer susceptibility and progression by modulating metabolism and inflammation. We assessed the association between the oral microbiome and lymph node (LN) metastasis in ...oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We collected a total of 54 saliva samples from patients with OSCC before surgery. LN metastasis was assessed based on postoperative pathological examination. We used QIIME2, linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe), and PICRUSt2 methods to analyze microbial dysbiosis. A random forest classifier was used to assess whether the oral microbiome could predict LN metastasis. Among the 54 OSCC samples, 20 had LN metastasis, and 34 had no evidence of metastasis. There was a significant difference in β-diversity between the metastasis and no metastasis groups. Through LEfSe analysis, the metastasis group was enriched in the genera Prevotella, Stomatobaculum, Bifidobacterium, Peptostreptococcaceae, Shuttleworthia and Finegoldia. Pathways related to signal peptidase II were predominant in the no metastasis group. The RF model showed a modestly high accuracy for predicting metastasis. Differences in microbial community composition and functions were observed in the oral microbiome of patients with OSCC with and without LN metastasis. However, the finding that specific taxa may be associated with LN metastasis should be verified in a further prospective study.
Calf diarrhea is associated with enteric infections, and also provokes the overuse of antibiotics. Therefore, proper treatment of diarrhea represents a therapeutic challenge in livestock production ...and public health concerns. Here, we describe the ability of a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), to ameliorate diarrhea and restore gut microbial composition in 57 growing calves. We conduct multi-omics analysis of 450 longitudinally collected fecal samples and find that FMT-induced alterations in the gut microbiota (an increase in the family Porphyromonadaceae) and metabolomic profile (a reduction in fecal amino acid concentration) strongly correlate with the remission of diarrhea. During the continuous follow-up study over 24 months, we find that FMT improves the growth performance of the cattle. This first FMT trial in ruminants suggest that FMT is capable of ameliorating diarrhea in pre-weaning calves with alterations in their gut microbiota, and that FMT may have a potential role in the improvement of growth performance.
Background
With improved short-term surgical outcomes, laparoscopic distal gastrectomy has rapidly gained popularity. However, the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) has ...not yet been proven due to the difficulty of the technique. This single-arm prospective multi-center study was conducted to evaluate the use of LTG for clinical stage I gastric cancer.
Methods
Between October 2012 and January 2014, 170 patients with pathologically proven, clinical stage I gastric adenocarcinoma located at the proximal stomach were enrolled. Twenty-two experienced surgeons from 19 institutions participated in this clinical trial. The primary end point was the incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality at postoperative 30 days. The severity of postoperative complications was categorized according to Clavien–Dindo classification, and the incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality was compared with that in a historical control.
Results
Of the enrolled patients, 160 met criteria for inclusion in the full analysis set. Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates reached 20.6% (33/160) and 0.6% (1/160), respectively. Fifteen patients (9.4%) had grade III or higher complications, and three reoperations (1.9%) were performed. The incidence of morbidity after LTG in this trial did not significantly differ from that reported in a previous study for open total gastrectomy (18%).
Conclusions
LTG performed by experienced surgeons showed acceptable postoperative morbidity and mortality for patients with clinical stage I gastric cancer.
Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery improves survival of patients with stage II–III, resectable gastric cancer. However, the overall survival benefit observed after adjuvant chemotherapy is moderate, ...suggesting that not all patients with resectable gastric cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy benefit from it. We aimed to develop and validate a predictive test for adjuvant chemotherapy response in patients with resectable, stage II–III gastric cancer.
In this multi-cohort, retrospective study, we developed through a multi-step strategy a predictive test consisting of two rule-based classifier algorithms with predictive value for adjuvant chemotherapy response and prognosis. Exploratory bioinformatics analyses identified biologically relevant candidate genes in gastric cancer transcriptome datasets. In the discovery analysis, a four-gene, real-time RT-PCR assay was developed and analytically validated in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour tissues from an internal cohort of 307 patients with stage II–III gastric cancer treated at the Yonsei Cancer Center with D2 gastrectomy plus adjuvant fluorouracil-based chemotherapy (n=193) or surgery alone (n=114). The same internal cohort was used to evaluate the prognostic and chemotherapy response predictive value of the single patient classifier genes using associations with 5-year overall survival. The results were validated with a subset (n=625) of FFPE tumour samples from an independent cohort of patients treated in the CLASSIC trial (NCT00411229), who received D2 gastrectomy plus capecitabine and oxaliplatin chemotherapy (n=323) or surgery alone (n=302). The primary endpoint was 5-year overall survival.
We identified four classifier genes related to relevant gastric cancer features (GZMB, WARS, SFRP4, and CDX1) that formed the single patient classifier assay. In the validation cohort, the prognostic single patient classifier (based on the expression of GZMB, WARS, and SFRP4) identified 79 (13%) of 625 patients as low risk, 296 (47%) as intermediate risk, and 250 (40%) as high risk, and 5-year overall survival for these groups was 83·2% (95% CI 75·2–92·0), 74·8% (69·9–80·1), and 66·0% (60·1–72·4), respectively (p=0·012). The predictive single patient classifier (based on the expression of GZMB, WARS, and CDX1) assigned 281 (45%) of 625 patients in the validation cohort to the chemotherapy-benefit group and 344 (55%) to the no-benefit group. In the predicted chemotherapy-benefit group, 5-year overall survival was significantly improved in those patients who had received adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery compared with those who received surgery only (80% 95% CI 73·5–87·1 vs 64·5% 56·8–73·3; univariate hazard ratio 0·47 95% CI 0·30–0·75, p=0·0015), whereas no such improvement in 5-year overall survival was observed in the no-benefit group (72·9% 66·5–79·9 in patients who received chemotherapy plus surgery vs 72·5% 65·8–79·9 in patients who only had surgery; 0·93 0·62–1·38, p=0·71). The predictive single patient classifier groups (chemotherapy benefit vs no-benefit) could predict adjuvant chemotherapy benefit in terms of 5-year overall survival in the validation cohort (pinteraction=0·036 in univariate analysis). Similar results were obtained in the internal evaluation cohort.
The single patient classifiers validated in this study provide clinically important prognostic information independent of standard risk-stratification methods and predicted chemotherapy response after surgery in two independent cohorts of patients with resectable, stage II–III gastric cancer. The single patient classifiers could complement TNM staging to optimise decision making in patients with resectable gastric cancer who are eligible for adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery. Further validation of these results in prospective studies is warranted.
Ministry of ICT and Future Planning; Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy; and Ministry of Health and Welfare.
High power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stretchability are the dual requirements for the wearable application of polymer solar cells (PSCs). However, most efficient photoactive films are ...mechanically brittle. In this work, highly efficient (PCE = 18%) and mechanically robust (crack‐onset strain (COS) = 18%) PSCs are acheived by designing block copolymer (BCP) donors, PM6‐b‐PDMSx (x = 5k, 12k, and 19k). In these BCP donors, stretchable poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) blocks are covalently linked with the PM6 blocks to effectively increase the stretchability. The stretchability of the BCP donors increases with a longer PDMS block, and PM6‐b‐PDMS19k:L8‐BO PSC exhibits a high PCE (18%) and 9‐times higher COS value (18%) compared to that (COS = 2%) of the PM6:L8‐BO‐based PSC. However, the PM6:L8‐BO:PDMS12k ternary blend shows inferior PCE (5%) and COS (1%) due to the macrophase separation between PDMS and active components. In the intrinsically stretchable PSC, the PM6‐b‐PDMS19k:L8‐BO blend exhibits significantly greater mechanical stability PCE80% ((80% of the initial PCE) at 36% strain) than those of the PM6:L8‐BO blend (PCE80% at 12% strain) and the PM6:L8‐BO:PDMS ternary blend (PCE80% at 4% strain). This study suggests an effective design strategy of BCP PD to achieve stretchable and efficient PSCs.
Polymer solar cells (PSCs) with high‐performance and ‐stretchability are developed by designing block copolymer donors comprising PM6 and elastomeric PDMS blocks (PM6‐b‐PDMS). High power conversion efficiency (PCE ≈ 18%) and stretchability (crack onset point > 18%) are demonstrated for the PM6‐b‐PDMS19k‐based PSC. The PM6‐b‐PDMS19k‐based intrinsically stretchable PSCs show superior mechanical stability (PCE retention > 80% at 32% strain) than the PM6‐based and PM6:PDMS‐blend‐based devices.
The imperative to electrify the transport sector in the past few decades has put millions of electric vehicles on the road worldwide with an extended mile range from critical technological ...breakthroughs in developing the rechargeable energy storage systems, which also covers electronic devices and smart grid applications. However, the available energy density of prevailing systems in the market (i.e., batteries) is reaching its boundaries due to the limited choice of electrochemical reactions that necessarily depend on the thermodynamics and kinetics of the components (e.g., cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator, and current collectors). Reaching the high energy density of batteries exploits new redox chemistry such as sensitive metal anodes, insulating and highly dissolving sulfur cathodes, etc., thus requiring novel designs of various multiscale functional materials to address the corresponding issues. Here, the recent achievements on the designs of smart functional materials for emerging problems in the whole range of systems are discussed: i) interfacial control/kinetic regulation of Li–S battery; ii) self‐healing‐driven structural stability in the electrode and electrolyte; iii) ion‐sieving functional membranes for selective scavenging capability; and iv) functional materials to ensure battery safety.
Smart, functional materials in the nano/microscale that are specially designed for rechargeable batteries are comprehensively discussed. The designed materials aim to address the issues in interfacial chemistry of Li metal anodes and sulfur cathodes, integration of electrodes or electrolytes during unusual deformations, selectivity of membranes, and safety of systems.
Aims
Poor oral hygiene is closely associated with bacteraemia and systemic inflammation, which are known mediators of cancer development. We investigated the relationship between oral hygiene ...indicators and the risk of gastrointestinal cancer in a nationwide population‐based cohort.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted on data from 150,774 subjects from the Korean National Health Screening Cohort. The occurrence of gastrointestinal cancer was analysed according to the presence of periodontal disease and oral hygiene indicators: frequency of toothbrushing, dental visits for any reason, professional dental cleanings and number of missing teeth. Gastrointestinal cancer was defined using International Statistical Classification of Diseases‐10 codes C15–C26.
Results
During a median 11.6 years of follow‐up, the estimated 10‐year event rate for gastrointestinal cancer was 6.76%. In a multivariable analysis, after adjusting for age, sex, income level, regular exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking status, body mass index, history of comorbidities, systolic blood pressure and laboratory findings, frequent toothbrushing (≥3/day) was significantly associated with a reduced risk for gastrointestinal cancer (hazard ratio: 0.91, 95% confidence interval (0.86–0.96), p < .001, p for trend < .001).
Conclusions
Good oral hygiene behaviour, especially frequent toothbrushing, could be associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal cancer.
The biodegradable electronics are on the rise, not just due to their role in medical implants, but also because of their eco‐friendly attributes. A variety of methods, including transfer printing, ...have been employed to integrate inorganic electronics onto biodegradable polymer substrates. However, the use of expensive materials, multiple intermediary steps, and labor‐intensive procedures can undermine their environment‐friendly benefits. Here, a straightforward yet efficient fabrication method is introduced for creating high‐performance biodegradable electronic devices. This method leverages the controlled adhesion between the biodegradable device and substrate using self‐assembled monolayers of octadecyltrichlorosilane. Mechanical and thermal analyses based on scratch tests and time‐domain thermoreflectance quantify the adhesion by adjusting the packing density of octadecyltrichlorosilane. Controlled adhesion allows the photolithography process without delamination while facilitating easy delamination during transfer printing. The authors demonstrate the direct fabrication of electronics consisted of inorganic materials (Mg, Zn, SiO2, Si nanomembrane) on wafers and transfer‐printing onto polymer substrates via a single transfer step. This streamlined approach enables wafer‐scale fabrication of biodegradable electronics, highlighting its potential for mass manufacturing. Pilot conceptual demonstration of mass‐produced edible hydration sensors and their application in salivation measurement through in vivo model show the potential capability of proposed fabrication method in the use of practical level.
A novel, yet simple transfer printing process for the fabrication of biodegradable electronics is outlined in this study by using entirely biodegradable materials, aligning with eco‐friendly principles. This process enables photolithography‐based fabrication and transfer printing onto biodegradable polymer substrates, offering a versatile, pragmatic, and eco‐friendly solution for diverse and sustainable biodegradable electronics.
All-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs) exhibiting superior device stability and mechanical robustness have attracted considerable interest. Emerging polymerized small-molecule acceptors (PSMAs) have ...promoted the progress of all-PSCs exceeding a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14%. However, most of the all-PSCs are processed with halogenated solvents that are hazardous towards humans and the environment. Herein, halogen-free processing solvents of CS
2
, 1,2,4-TMB and
o
-XY are utilized for producing eco-friendly and highly efficient all-PSCs. In particular,
o
-XY solvent-processed all-PSCs achieve a high PCE of 15.6%, which is among the highest values in green-solvent-processed all-PSCs to date. Detailed investigations reveal that such enhancement is mainly attributed to the optimal blend morphology and polymer crystalline structures, which is resulted from aggregated structures of polymers formed in
o
-XY. Importantly,
o
-XY-processed-all-PSCs are successfully fabricated in ambient conditions, affording a high PCE approaching 15.0%. This work highlights the importance of green solvent strategy in controlling the polymer aggregated structures and blend film morphology of all-PSCs, paving the way towards high-performance and eco-friendly all-PSCs for practical applications.
The nonhalogenated solvent
o
-XY-processed-all-PSCs achieved a highly-efficient PCE of 15.6% along with decent processability under ambient conditions.
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