Visual supplementation is an effective tool in cataract surgery counselling by eye-care practitioners

BACKGROUND

Informed consent constitutes an important aspect of eye care. However, patients often experience difficulties understanding and retaining information presented to them during consultations. This study investigates the efficacy of pictorial aids in supplementing preoperative counselling of patients undergoing cataract surgery.

METHODS

Patients attending routine pre-cataract surgery counselling were randomized to receive either a standard verbal consultation (control) or a verbal consultation with a digitalized pictorial aid illustrating key surgical steps (intervention). Patients were assessed after the consultation on their knowledge, satisfaction, anxiety and preparedness using an anonymous questionnaire.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients were recruited and randomized into the control and intervention groups. The intervention group attained better Knowledge Scores (control: 5 [2-6] vs. intervention: 6 [6]), and more patients "strongly agreed" that they were more prepared (control: 78.9% vs. intervention: 97.4%, P=0.028). A higher proportion of patients in the control group either "disagreed" or "neither disagree nor agreed (neutral)" that they were less worried (control: 15.8% vs. intervention: 0.0%, Fisher's Exact Test P=0.025). Although the consultation duration was shorter in the intervention group (21±4mins vs. 27±6mins, P<0.001), the use of digital pictorial aids during consultation resulted in more effective counselling with increased patient knowledge, easier decision-making process and reduced patient anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Pictorial aids add to the repository of tools available to eye-care practitioners and are low-cost, easy to implement, and can effectively augment existing preoperative counselling processes to ensure accurate and effective preoperative counselling of patients.

Using bacterial cellulose to bridge covalent and physical crosslinks in hydrogels for fabricating multimodal sensors

Network optimization is vital for the polysaccharide based hydrogels with multiple crosslinks. In this study, we developed a 'two-step' strategy to activate synergistic effect of chemical and physical crosslinks using a poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/bacterial cellulose (BC) hydrogel as a template. The BC nanofibers, on the one hand, acted as nucleating agents, participating in the crystallization of PVA, and on the other hand, were also involved in the formation of boronic ester bond, anchored with the PVA chains via chemical bonding. Therefore, the existence of BC nanofibers, as 'bridge', linked the crystalline regions and amorphous parts of PVA together, associating the two characteristic crosslinks, which was conducive to load transfer. The mechanical properties of resultant hydrogels, including the tensile elongation and strength, as well as fracture toughness, were significantly improved. Moreover, the dually cross-linked hydrogels possessed ionic conductivity, which was sensitive to the tensile deformation and environmental temperature. This study clarifies a unique role of BC nanofibers in hydrogels, and proposes an effective approach to construct multiple networks in the nanocellulose reinforced PVA hydrogels.

An analysis of emerging food safety and fraud risks of novel insect proteins within complex supply chains

Food consumption play a crucial role in human life, yet conventional food production and consumption patterns can be detrimental to the environment. Thus, research and development has been directed towards alternative proteins, with edible insects being promising sources. Edible insects have been recognised for their sustainable benefits providing protein, with less emission of greenhouse gas, land and water usage compared to sources, such as beef, chicken, and dairy products. Among the over 2000 known edible insect species, only four, namely yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), migratory locust/grasshopper (Locusta migratoria), grain mould beetle, also known as lesser mealworm which is a larval form of Alphitobius diaperinus (from the family of Tenebrionidae of darkling beetles) and house cricket (Acheta domesticus), are currently authorised in specific products through specific producers in the EU. The expansion of such foods into Western diets face challenges such as consumer barriers, gaps in microbiological and chemical safety hazard data during production and processing, and the potential for fraudulent supply chain activity. The main aim of this study was to map the supply chain, through interviews with personnel along the supply chain, coupled with searches for relevant publications and governmental documents. Thus, the main potential points of food safety and fraud along the edible insect supply chain were identified. Feed substrate was identified as the main area of concern regarding microbiological and chemical food safety and novel processing techniques were forecast to be of most concern for future fraudulent activity. Despite the on-going authorisation of insect species in many countries there are substantial food safety and authenticity information gaps in this industry that need to be addressed before edible insects can be viewed as a safe and sustainable protein sources by Western consumers.

An enhanced A* method incorporating an encrypted memory database for ASV efficient local path planning

For the autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) planning problem, an enhanced A* method incorporating encrypted memory database for ASV efficient local path planning is proposed. Considering the current various path planning problems mostly use methods with high time complexity, such as neural networks, we select the A* algorithm with low time complexity as the basis. To speed up the path planning rate and further improve the real-time and realistic algorithm, this paper modifies the heuristic function of the A* algorithm by combining the motion mode of ASV. In response to the problem that the target point is far from the detection, we improve the target point design mechanism and create a new temporary target point within the detection range. In addition, the algorithm incorporates a memory database, which can record commonly used waters or retain the environmental path of navigated waters as a priori information. When the same waters are reencountered, the memory database information can be read directly to complete the navigation. Moreover, the memory database is encrypted to prevent information leakage. Finally, a simulation environment is built to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm by comparison with some existing algorithms.

Regional variations in retinopathy of prematurity incidence for preterm infants <32 weeks' gestation in China

OBJECTIVES

National-level data on the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in different regions of China is insufficient. This study aimed to compare ROP incidences and care practices in different regions of China and their relationship with regional gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

All infants born at <32 weeks gestational age (GA) and admitted to 70 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, were enrolled. Hospitals were categorised into three regional groups according to geographical locations and GDP per capita from high to low: Eastern, Central, and Western China. The incidence of death or ROP, and care practices were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 18,579 infants were enrolled. Median GA was 29.9 (interquartile range 28.4-31.0) weeks and birth weight was 1318.1 (317.2) g. The percentage of GA <28 weeks, complete administration of antenatal steroids, and weight gain velocity during NICU stay were highest in Eastern China and lowest in Western China (all P < 0.01). In Eastern, Central, and Western China, the rates of death or any stage of ROP were 33.3%, 38.5%, and 39.2%, respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

There were considerable regional disparities in ROP incidence in preterm infants with GA <32 weeks in China. The incidence of death or ROP ranged from high to low in Western, Central, and Eastern China.

Dietary supplementation of proteases on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics and gut microbiota of growing pigs fed sorghum-based diets

Low-tannin sorghum is an excellent energy source in pig diets. However, sorghum contains several anti-nutritional factors that may have negative effects on nutrient digestibility. The impacts of proteases on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and gut microbiota of growing pigs fed sorghum-based diets were studied in this study. Ninety-six pigs (20.66 ± 0.65 kg BW) were allocated into three groups (eight pens/group, four pigs/pen): (1) CON (control diet, sorghum-based diet included 66.98% sorghum), (2) PRO1 (CON + 200 mg/kg proteases), (3) PRO2 (CON + 400 mg/kg proteases) for 28 d. No differences were observed in growth performance and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients between CON and PRO1 groups. Pigs fed PRO2 diet had increased (P < 0.05) BW on d 21 and 28, and increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain during d 14-21 and the overall period compared with pigs fed CON diet. In addition, pigs fed PRO2 diet had improved (P < 0.05) ATTD of gross energy, CP, and DM compared with pigs fed CON and PRO1 diets. Pigs fed PRO2 diet had lower (P < 0.05) plasma globulin (GLB) level and higher (P < 0.05) plasma glucose, albumin (ALB) and immunoglobulin G levels, and ALB/GLB ratio than pigs fed CON and PRO1 diets. Furthermore, pigs fed PRO2 diet had decreased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Acidobacteriota at the phylum level and increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Prevotella_9 at the genus level. The linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis also showed that pigs fed PRO2 diet had significantly enriched short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, such as Subdoligranulum and Parabacteroides. In conclusion, protease supplementation at 400 mg/kg improved the growth performance of growing pigs fed sorghum-based diets, which may be attributed to the improvement of nutrient digestibility, host metabolism, immune status and associated with the altered gut microbiota profiles.

Effect of surface acetylation of chitin nanocrystals on the preparation and viscoelasticity of sunflower seed oil-in-water Pickering emulsions

Acetylated chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) were used as stabilizer in this work to prepare sunflower seed oil-in-water emulsions for the morphological and rheological studies. The results revealed that the acetylation with moderate degree of substitution (0.38) reduced hydrophilicity and increased surface charge level of rod-like ChNCs, and as a result, significantly improved the emulsifying ability of ChNCs. At the same oil/water ratio and particle loading, the emulsions stabilized with the acetylated ChNCs had far smaller droplet size (∼3 μm) as compared to the emulsions stabilized with the pristine ChNCs (5-7 μm). The increased droplets numbers and improved surface coating level resulted in the enhanced viscous resistance and yield stress level, which improved the physical stability of the acetylated ChNC-stabilized emulsions as a result. In addition, the droplet clusters easily formed in this system, contributing to weak strain overshoot and decreased large-deformation sensitivity during dynamic shear flow. Therefore, the acetylated ChNC-stabilized system showed enhanced transient stress overshoot during startup flow and weakened thixotropy during cyclic ramp shear flow as compared to the pristine ChNC-stabilized system. The relationships between surface acetylation of ChNCs and flow behavior of emulsions were then established, which provide valuable information on the modulation of the ChNC-stabilized Pickering emulsions.

Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Dental Pulp and Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells

The regeneration of periodontal, periapical, and pulpal tissues is a complex process requiring the direct involvement of cells derived from pluripotent stem cells in the periodontal ligament and dental pulp. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are spatially distinct with the potential to differentiate into similar functional and phenotypic cells. We aimed to identify the cell heterogeneity of DPSCs and PDLSCs and explore the differentiation potentials of their specialized organ-specific functions using single-cell transcriptomic analysis. Our results revealed 7 distinct clusters, with cluster 3 showing the highest potential for differentiation. Clusters 0 to 2 displayed features similar to fibroblasts. The trajectory route of the cell state transition from cluster 3 to clusters 0, 1, and 2 indicated the distinct nature of cell differentiation. PDLSCs had a higher proportion of cells (78.6%) at the G1 phase, while DPSCs had a higher proportion of cells at the S and G2/M phases (36.1%), mirroring the lower cell proliferation capacity of PDLSCs than DPSCs. Our study suggested the heterogeneity of stemness across PDLSCs and DPSCs, the similarities of these 2 stem cell compartments to be potentially integrated for regenerative strategies, and the distinct features between them potentially particularized for organ-specific functions of the dental pulp and periodontal ligament for a targeted regenerative dental tissue repair and other regeneration therapies.

Continuous and Periodic Event-Triggered Sliding-Mode Control for Path Following of Underactuated Surface Vehicles

This article develops continuous and periodic event-triggered sliding-mode control (SMC) algorithms for path following of underactuated surface vehicles (USVs). Based on the SMC technology, a continuous path-following control law is designed. The upper bounds of quasi-sliding modes for path following of USVs are established for the first time. Subsequently, both continuous and periodic event-triggered mechanisms are considered and added into the proposed continuous SMC scheme. It is demonstrated that with appropriate selecting of control parameters, the use of hyperbolic tangent functions does not affect the boundary layer of quasi-sliding mode caused by event-triggered mechanisms. The proposed continuous and periodic event-triggered SMC strategies can make the sliding variables reach the quasi-sliding modes and stay in there. Moreover, energy consumption can be reduced. Stability analysis shows that the USV can follow a reference path by using the designed method. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control methods.

Effects of dietary methionine supplementation from different sources on growth performance and meat quality of barrows and gilts

Methionine is indispensable for growth and meat formation in pigs. However, it is still unclear that increasing dietary sulphur-containing amino acid (SAA) levels using different methionine sources affects the growth performance and meat quality of barrows and gilts. To investigate this, 144 pigs (half barrows and half gilts) were fed the control (100% SAA, CON), DL-Methionine (125% SAA, DL-Met)-supplemented, or OH-Methionine (125% SAA, OH-Met)-supplemented diets during the 11-110 kg period. The results showed that plasma methionine levels varied among treatments during the experimental phase, with increased plasma methionine levels observed following increased SAA consumption during the 25-45 kg period. In contrast, pigs fed the DL-Met diet had lower plasma methionine levels than those fed the CON diet (95-110 kg). Additionally, gilts fed the DL-Met or OH-Met diets showed decreased drip loss in longissimus lumborum muscle (LM) compared to CON-fed gilts. OH-Met-fed gilts had higher pH45min values than those fed the CON or DL-Met diets, whereas OH-Met-fed barrows had higher L45min values than those fed the CON or DL-Met diets. Moreover, increased consumption of SAA, regardless of the methionine source, tended to decrease the shear force of the LM in pigs. In conclusion, this study indicates that increasing dietary levels of SAA (+25%) appeared to improve the meat quality of gilts by decreasing drip loss and increasing meat tenderness.

Longitudinal Microbiome Changes in Supragingival Biofilm Transcriptomes Induced by Orthodontics

INTRODUCTION

Common oral diseases are known to be associated with dysbiotic shifts in the supragingival microbiome, yet most oral microbiome associations with clinical end points emanate from cross-sectional studies. Orthodontic treatment is an elective procedure that can be exploited to prospectively examine clinically relevant longitudinal changes in the composition and function of the supragingival microbiome.

METHODS

A longitudinal cohort study was conducted among 24 adolescent orthodontic patients who underwent saliva and plaque sampling and clinical examinations at time points: before fixed appliance bonding and at 1, 6, and 12 wk thereafter. Clinical indices included bleeding on probing (BOP), mean gingival index (GI), probing depths (PDs), and plaque index (PI). To study the biologically (i.e., transcriptionally) active microbial communities, RNA was extracted from plaque and saliva for RNA sequencing and microbiome bioinformatics analysis. Longitudinal changes in microbiome beta diversity were examined using PERMANOVA tests, and the relative abundance of microbial taxa was measured using Kruskal-Wallis tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and negative binomial and zero-inflated mixed models.

RESULTS

Clinical measures of oral health deteriorated over time-the proportion of sites with GI and PI ≥1 increased by over 70% between prebonding and 12 wk postbonding while the proportion of sites with PD ≥4 mm increased 2.5-fold. Streptococcus sanguinis, a health-associated species that antagonizes cariogenic pathogens, showed a lasting decrease in relative abundance during orthodontic treatment. Contrarily, caries- and periodontal disease-associated taxa, including Selenomonas sputigena, Leptotrichia wadei, and Lachnoanaerobaculum saburreum, increased in abundance after bonding. Relative abundances of Stomatobaculum longum and Mogibacterium diversum in prebonding saliva predicted elevated BOP 12 wk postbonding, whereas Neisseria subflava was associated with lower BOP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers insights into longitudinal community and species-specific changes in the supragingival microbiome transcriptome during fixed orthodontic treatment, advancing our understanding of microbial dysbioses and identifying targets of future health-promoting clinical investigations.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

Bonding braces was associated with subsequent changes in the oral microbiome characterized by increases in disease-associated species, decreases in health-associated species, and worsened clinical measures of oral health.

Identifying Gene-Treatment Interactions and Targetable Radiation Vulnerabilities in Glioblastoma through Coupling of In Vivo CRISPR Perturbation and Single Cell Transcriptomics

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an incurable brain tumor comprised of dynamic malignant cell states and microenvironment components that underlie treatment resistance. Here we use genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 functional genomics to define biological drivers and therapeutic vulnerabilities across human and mouse GBM models. To interrogate these mechanisms in the context of the tumor microenvironment and in vivo physiology, we established in vivo Perturb-seq intracranially, a technique coupling functional genomics with single cell transcriptomics, where each cell is an individual experiment.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Orthotopic intracranial tumor models were established using human (GBM6, GBM43) or mouse (GL261, SB28) GBM cells stably expressing CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) machinery. Perturb-seq target selection for phenotyping of gene-treatment interactions was performed using genome-wide CRISPRi screens ± radiotherapy in cell cultures. Dual sgRNA lentivirus libraries were transduced either ex vivo prior to intracranial GBM cell transplantation or in vivo using intratumor convection enhanced delivery (CED). Transcriptional phenotyping was performed using single-cell RNA-seq with CRISPR direct capture following focal brain radiotherapy (2 Gy x 5) or mock treatment. GBM cell states were validated using single-nucleus RNA-seq data from 86 primary-recurrent patient-matched GBMs. Mechanistic and functional validation was performed using small molecule inhibitors, immunohistochemistry, clonogenic assays, and in vivo survival experiments.

RESULTS

In vivo Perturb-seq ± radiotherapy of 48 genes underlying GBM radiotherapy responses, which were enriched for DNA damage response and metabolic pathways, was performed in > 425,000 single cells. Radiotherapy induced 16 distinct GBM cell states, and genetic perturbations reprogrammed these cell states in a treatment-dependent fashion. Quantitative modeling of gene/radiotherapy interactions using high dimensional manifolds revealed in vivo-specific genetic dependencies. We revealed a critical role for Prkdc, the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), as a radiotherapy sensitizer through regulation of cell intrinsic growth and oxidative stress pathways, and cell extrinsic interferon and signaling pathways that altered cell-cell interactions in vivo. These pathways were also disrupted in single-nucleus RNA-seq analysis of post-radiotherapy human GBM tumors. Inhibition of Prkdc using a Food and Drug Administration approved small molecule sensitized GBM cells to radiotherapy and extended survival in mice harboring human intracranial xenografts.

CONCLUSION

We establish in vivo Perturb-seq in orthotopic GBM models as a platform for simultaneous functional genomic discovery and characterization of therapeutic targets, revealing an underappreciated role for Prkdc in GBM tumors in vivo that is targetable using small molecules. These tools are adaptable for a wide range of disease models and treatment modalities.

A prospective multicentre controlled study of Gaoweikang (Chinese multiherb extract-based tincture) used in high-risk HPV infections

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the safety and antiviral efficacy of a Chinese multiherb extract-based tincture (GWK) on a population of patients with high-risk human papilloma (hrHPV) infections and hrHPV-caused cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with persistent hrHPV infection were enrolled in Group A, including A1 subjects, who received the intervention, and A2 subjects, who received the control. Patients with hrHPV infection causing cervical LSIL were enrolled in Group B, which included B1 subjects, who received the intervention, and B2 subjects, who served as the control. For Groups A1 and B1, hrHPV was tested at 3 months (M3) and 6 months (M6) after the intervention. The side effects were also analyzed.

RESULTS

At baseline (D0), a total of 99 patients were enrolled in Group A, with 50 subjects in Group A1 and 49 subjects in Group A2. A total of 91 patients were enrolled in Group B, with 45 subjects in Group B1 and 46 subjects in Group B2. There was no significant difference in the characteristics, including average age, age stratification, and HPV genotype. At M6, both Group A1 and Group B1 had a higher hrHPV clearance rate than the control group (A1/A2: 80.0% vs. 20.4%; B1/B2: 64.4% vs. 15.2%, p<0.001). At M6, the effective rates of Group A1 and Group B1 were 84% (42/50) and 68.9% (31/45), respectively. The side effect rates of Groups A1 and B1 were 11.5% (6/52) and 11.1% (5/45), respectively. Most adverse reactions involved local discomfort, including vulvar erythema, vulvar itch, increased vaginal discharge, cervical bleeding, and mild pain in the lower abdomen. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the intervention had an OR of 12 (95% CI 4.431-32.50) for clearing persistent HPV infection (p<0.001). For cervical LSIL, the intervention had an OR of 10.1 for clearing persistent HPV infection (95% CI 3.68-27.7) (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that the Chinese multiherb extract-based tincture GWK is safe and well tolerated. Furthermore, this preliminary study showed that this Chinese multiherb extract-based tincture is helpful for promoting HPV clearance in cases of persistent HPV and HPV-induced LSIL.

Niraparib plus abiraterone acetate with prednisone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and homologous recombination repair gene alterations: second interim analysis of the randomized phase III MAGNITUDE trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and BRCA alterations have poor outcomes. MAGNITUDE found patients with homologous recombination repair gene alterations (HRR+), particularly BRCA1/2, benefit from first-line therapy with niraparib plus abiraterone acetate and prednisone (AAP). Here we report longer follow-up from the second prespecified interim analysis (IA2).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with mCRPC were prospectively identified as HRR+ with/without BRCA1/2 alterations and randomized 1 : 1 to niraparib (200 mg orally) plus AAP (1000 mg/10 mg orally) or placebo plus AAP. At IA2, secondary endpoints [time to symptomatic progression, time to initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy, overall survival (OS)] were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 212 HRR+ patients received niraparib plus AAP (BRCA1/2 subgroup, n = 113). At IA2 with 24.8 months of median follow-up in the BRCA1/2 subgroup, niraparib plus AAP significantly prolonged radiographic progression-free survival {rPFS; blinded independent central review; median rPFS 19.5 versus 10.9 months; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.55 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.78]; nominal P = 0.0007} consistent with the first prespecified interim analysis. rPFS was also prolonged in the total HRR+ population [HR = 0.76 (95% CI 0.60-0.97); nominal P = 0.0280; median follow-up 26.8 months]. Improvements in time to symptomatic progression and time to initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy were observed with niraparib plus AAP. In the BRCA1/2 subgroup, the analysis of OS with niraparib plus AAP demonstrated an HR of 0.88 (95% CI 0.58-1.34; nominal P = 0.5505); the prespecified inverse probability censoring weighting analysis of OS, accounting for imbalances in subsequent use of poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase inhibitors and other life-prolonging therapies, demonstrated an HR of 0.54 (95% CI 0.33-0.90; nominal P = 0.0181). No new safety signals were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

MAGNITUDE, enrolling the largest BRCA1/2 cohort in first-line mCRPC to date, demonstrated improved rPFS and other clinically relevant outcomes with niraparib plus AAP in patients with BRCA1/2-altered mCRPC, emphasizing the importance of identifying this molecular subset of patients.

Breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis using a high b-value non-Gaussian continuous-time random-walk model

AIM

To compare the diagnostic performance of mono-exponential model-derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), continuous-time random-walk (CTRW) model-derived D_m, α, β and their combinations in discriminating malignancy of breast lesions, and investigate the association between model-derived parameters and prognosis-related immunohistochemical indices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 85 patients with breast lesions (51 malignant, 34 benign) were analysed in this retrospective study. Clinical characteristics include oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2), and Ki-67. The ADC was fitted using a mono-exponential model (b-values = 0, 800 s/mm²), while D_m, α, and β were fitted using a CTRW model. Independent Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test were used for the comparison of parameters. Discrimination performance was accomplished by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and Spearman's correlation analysis was used to explore the association between immunohistochemical indices and diffusion parameters, the statistical significance level was p<0.05.

RESULTS

D_m and ADC demonstrated similar performance in differentiating malignant and benign lesions (AUC = 0.928 versus 0.930), while the combination of D_m, α, and β could improve the AUC to 0.969. The combined parameter generated by ADC, D_m, α, and β was effective in identifying the ER+/ER- and PR+/PR- patients. Temporal heterogeneity parameter α correlated significantly with the expression of PR.

CONCLUSION

Diffusion parameters derived from the CTRW model could effectively discriminate the malignancy of breast lesions. Meanwhile, the hormone receptor expression could be distinguished by combined diffusion parameters, and have the potential to reflect the prognosis.

Enabling early detection of knee osteoarthritis using diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging

AIM

To present a technique that enables detection of early stage OA of the knee using diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging (DR-CSI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-five early osteoarthritis patients (OA, Kellgren-Lawrence [KL] score 1 to 2; mean age, 56.4 years) and 49 healthy volunteers (mean age, 56.7 years) were underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with T2-mapping and DR-CSI techniques. Maps of mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), T2 relaxation time and volume fraction Vi for DR-CSI compartment i (A, B, C, D) sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratio (PLR, NLR) were assessed to determine the diagnostic accuracy for detection of early-stage degeneration of knee articular cartilage. The structural abnormalities of articular cartilage were evaluated using modified Whole-Organ MR Imaging Scores (WORMS).

RESULTS

All intra- and interobserver agreements for DR-CSI compartment volume fractions and modified WORMS of cartilage were excellent. Early OA versus the controls had higher V_C, lower V_A and V_B (p<0.001), but comparable V_D (p>0.05). V_A, V_B and V_C had a moderate association with WORMS. No significant correlation was identified between V_D and WORMS. V_C had better ability than V_A,V_B, V_D, T2 and ADC to discriminate early OA patients from healthy controls (area under the curve, 0.898). Sensitivity, specificity, PLR, and NLR of V_C with a cut-off value of 29.9% were 81.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69.1-90.9%), 95.9% (86-99.5%), 20.05% (5.13-78.34%), and 0.19% (0.11-0.33%).

CONCLUSIONS

DR-CSI compartment volume fractions may be sensitive indicators for detecting early-stage degeneration in knee articular cartilage.

Effect of chitin nanocrystals on stereocomplexation of poly( -lactide)/poly( -lactide) blends

Using polysaccharide nanocrystals such as chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) as nanofiller for biodegradable aliphatic polymers is an attractive way of developing all-degradable nanocomposites. Crystallization study is vital for well regulating final performance of these type polymeric nanocomposites. In this work, ChNCs were incorporated with the poly(l-lactide)/poly(d-lactide) blends and as-obtained nanocomposites were used as target samples for the study. The results showed that ChNCs acted as nucleating agent, promoting the formation of stereocomplex (SC) crystallites and accelerating overall crystallization kinetics as a result. Therefore, the nanocomposites possessed higher SC crystallization temperatures and lower apparent activation energy as compared to the blend. However, the formation of homocrystallites (HC) was dominated by nucleation effect of SC crystallites and accordingly, the fraction of SC crystallites reduced more or less in the presence of ChNCs, despite the nanocomposites possessed higher rate of HC crystallization. This study also provided valuable information on accessing more applications of ChNCs to be used as SC nucleator for polylactide.

Heterogeneity Regulation of Bilayer Polysaccharide Hydrogels for Integrating pH- and Humidity-Responsive Actuators and Sensors

Bilayer hydrogel-based actuators have attracted much interest because inhomogeneous structures are easily constructed in hydrogels. We used three kinds of polysaccharides, including anionic carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), cationic chitosan (CS), and amphoteric carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), as both structure-constructing units and actuation-controlling units in this work to fabricate physically crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) bilayer hydrogels. The spatial heterogeneity was tuned by changing the types and concentrations of polysaccharides in different layers, to regulate pH- and humidity-driven actions of bilayer hydrogels. Based on the distortion of the ionic channel during the humidity-motivated deformation of bilayer hydrogels, a two-in-one flexible device integrating a humidity-driven actuator and humidity-responsive sensor was then developed, which could detect the alterations of environmental humidity in real time. Moreover, good tensile toughness and interfacial bonding as well as the strain-resistance effect endowed the bilayer hydrogels with the capability of identifying human motion as a strain sensor, unlocking more application scenarios. This work provides an overall insight into the heterogeneity regulation of bilayer hydrogels using polysaccharides as stimulus-responsive units and also proposes an interesting strategy of manufacturing hydrogel-based flexible devices with both actuating and sensing capabilities.

[Challenges to global pertussis prevention and control]

Pertussis is an acute, highly infectious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, and is one of the leading causes of infant disease and death worldwide. The pertussis vaccine has been used in the expanded program on immunization globally since 1974 and the vaccination coverage remains high. In recent years, the pertussis incidence rate increased, even pertussis outbreaks occurred, in more and more countries or areas after years with low incidence level. The disease burden of pertussis has been seriously underestimated, and the prevention and control of pertussis is facing many challenges. This article reviews the epidemic status of pertussis worldwide, the factors affecting the reemergence of pertussis, and the challenges in the prevention and control to provide a reference for prevention and control of pertussis.

Potential ultrasonic anatomical markers of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome

AIM

To investigate the potential value of ultrasonography in evaluating the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) by assessing the correlation of critical ultrasonic anatomical characteristics of the oropharynx with the severity of OSAHS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and seventy-one patients with suspected OSAHS underwent oropharyngeal sonographic examination and overnight polysomnography. Ultrasonic measurement was compared with the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) and other parameters. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to identify potential ultrasonic anatomical markers for OSAHS.

RESULTS

The AHI was significantly correlated with lingual height (r=0.40, p<0.01), maximal width of the tongue (r=0.35, p<0.01), and distance from the symphysis of the mandible to the hyoid bone (M-HB) (r=0.24, p<0.01). A positive relationship between Friedman tongue position (FTP) grades and lingual height (r=0.24, p<0.01), between FTP grades and maximal width of the tongue (r=0.23, p<0.01), and between FTP grades and width of tongue base (TB; r=0.17, p<0.05) was found. Multivariate models adjusted for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) revealed that lingual height (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.24; p=0.004) is independently associated with a higher risk for the severity of OSAHS.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography may be a potential imaging method for providing additional useful information about the correlation between ultrasound findings and the severity of OSAHS. Lingual height could be considered an ultrasonic anatomical marker for determining the severity of OSAHS patients independent of age, sex, and BMI.

TRAF3IP2-IL-17 Axis Strengthens the Gingival Defense against Pathogens

Recent genome-wide association studies have suggested novel risk loci associated with periodontitis, which is initiated by dysbiosis in subgingival plaque and leads to destruction of teeth-supporting structures. One such genetic locus was the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 interacting protein 2 (TRAF3IP2), a gene encoding the gate-keeping interleukin (IL)-17 receptor adaptor. In this study, we first determined that carriers of the lead exonic variant rs13190932 within the TRAF3IP2 locus combined with a high plaque microbial burden was associated with more severe periodontitis than noncarriers. We then demonstrated that TRAF3IP2 is essential in the IL-17-mediated CCL2 and IL-8 chemokine production in primary gingival epithelial cells. Further analysis suggested that rs13190932 may serve a surrogate variant for a genuine loss-of-function variant rs33980500 within the same gene. Traf3ip2 null mice (Traf3ip2^-/-) were more susceptible than wild-type (WT) mice to the Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periodontal alveolar bone loss. Such bone loss was associated with a delayed P. gingivalis clearance and an attenuated neutrophil recruitment in the gingiva of Traf3ip2^-/- mice. Transcriptomic data showed decreased expression of antimicrobial genes, including Lcn2, S100a8, and Defb1, in the Traf3ip2^-/- mouse gingiva in comparison to WT mice prior to or upon P. gingivalis oral challenge. Further 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing analysis identified a distinct microbial community in the Traf3ip2^-/- mouse oral plaque, which was featured by a reduced microbial diversity and an overabundance of Streptococcus genus bacteria. More P. gingivalis was observed in the Traf3ip2^-/- mouse gingiva than WT control animals in a ligature-promoted P. gingivalis invasion model. In agreement, neutrophil depletion resulted in more local gingival tissue invasion by P. gingivalis. Thus, we identified a homeostatic IL-17-TRAF3IP2-neutrophil axis underpinning host defense against a keystone periodontal pathogen.

Ultrastretchable Composite Organohydrogels with Dual Cross-Links Enabling Multimodal Sensing

Building multiple cross-links or networks is a favorable way of diversifying applications of the hydrogels, which is also available for the organohydrogels prepared via the solvent replacement way. However, the situations become more complicated for organohydrogels due to the presence of replaced solvents. Therefore, the correlations between the multiple cross-links and final performance need to be better understood for the organohydrogels, which is vital for tailoring their inherent properties to expand final application scenarios. Polyacrylamide (PAM)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/MXene composite organohydrogels with dual cross-links, namely, the covalently cross-linked PAM chains as the primary network and the physically cross-linked PVA/PAM chains with MXene particles as the secondary cross-links, were developed here for the study. The occurrence of the secondary cross-links plays multiple roles as sacrificial units endowing the system with ultrastretchability with an excellent strain-resistance effect and as temperature-sensitive units endowing the system with thermosensation ability with an outstanding temperature coefficient of resistance. Thus, the optimized sample can be used as a strain sensor with excellent environmental tolerance for detecting human motion as a pressure sensor to probe compression with weak deformation and as a thermal sensor to capture environmental temperature changes. This work provides valuable information on developing organohydrogels with superior performance for multimodal sensors.

Does mental health mediate the effect of deviant peer affiliation on school adaptation in migrant children: evidence from a nationally representative survey in China

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the impact of deviant peer affiliation on migrant children's school adaptation in China and explore the mediating role of mental health in the relationship between deviant peer affiliation and school adaptation among migrant children.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study based on secondary data.

METHODS

This study was based on the nationally representative China Education Panel Survey. Multiple linear regression models were used to quantify the relationship between deviant peer affiliation and school adaptation among 1,012 migrant children aged 12-17 years. Bootstrap test was used to evaluate the mediating effect of children's mental health.

RESULTS

Deviant peer affiliation showed a significant negative impact on the school adaptation of migrant children (β = -0.41, 95% confidence interval = -0.56 to -0.26). The relationship between deviant peer affiliation and school adaptation was partially mediated by children's mental health, resulting in an indirect effect of deviant peer affiliation on their school adaptation through their mental health (β = -0.05, 95% confidence interval = -0.09 to -0.03). The mediating role of mental health could explain 11.4% of the relationship between deviant peer affiliation and school adaptation.

CONCLUSIONS

Among migrant children, deviant peer affiliation showed unique effects on their school adaptation. Taking care of their mental health might help improve their school adaptation.

Preoperative anemia and complications after total joint arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review was to collect data from the literature to assess the impact of preoperative anemia on complications after total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a literature search on the websites of PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, Embase, and Google Scholar for comparative TJA studies reporting complication rates based on the presence of anemia. The last search was conducted on the 15th of May 2022. Studies only on hip and knee replacements were eligible for inclusion.

RESULTS

Twelve studies with 1,463,813 patients published between 2012-2022 were included. Meta-analysis indicated that anemic patients had increased risk of mortality (OR: 2.85 95% CI: 1.89, 2.48 I2=83% p<0.00001), wound complications (OR: 2.06 95% CI: 3.51, 2.48 I2=99% p=0.008), cardiac complications (OR: 2.40 95% CI: 1.56, 3.68 I2=98% p<0.0001), respiratory complications (OR: 2.46 95% CI: 1.10, 5.50 I2=100% p=0.03), renal complications (OR: 2.84 95% CI: 1.39, 5.80 I2=99% p=0.004), sepsis (OR: 3.93 95% CI: 1.15, 13.45 I2=99% p=0.03), urinary complications (OR: 2.42 95% CI: 1.27, 4.59 I2=100% p=0.007), and readmission rates (OR: 1.58 95% CI: 1.42, 1.76 I2=66% p<0.00001) as compared to non-anemic patients undergoing TJA. Most results did not change on sensitivity analysis. There were some non-significant results on subgroup analysis based on joint type and definition of anemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review suggests that preoperative anemia leads to increased morbidity and mortality after TJA. Specifically, anemia increases the risk of wound, cardiac, respiratory, renal, and urinary complications along with a higher incidence of sepsis and readmissions. Results should be interpreted with caution due to the high heterogeneity in the meta-analyses.

[Association between mild cognitive impairment and all-cause mortality in elderly population in China: a Meta analysis]

Objective: To quantitatively evaluate the association between mild cognitive impairment and all-cause mortality. Methods: The research papers of the association between cognitive impairment and all-cause mortality in the elderly in the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Wang Fang data and CNKI published as of August 1, 2021 were comprehensively retrieved. Software R 4.02 was used for Meta-analysis. Results: A total of 9 research papers were included, involving 48 709 patients. The quality of included papers was high. The results of Meta-analysis showed that the association between mild cognitive impairment and the increased risk of all-cause mortality was statistically significant. Compared with the normal cognitive population, the risk of mortality in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment increased by 39% (HR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.18-1.63). Conclusions: The current research evidence showed that mild cognitive impairment assessed by MMSE screening scale can be used as an independent predictor of the increased risk of all-cause mortality in the elderly population in China. However, due to the limitation of the number of included studies and sample size, the conclusions need to be supported by more evidence studies.

[Interpretation of defeating meningitis by 2030: a global road map]

Meningitis is a life-threatening disease. In order to reduce its threat to public health, the World Health Assembly indorsed a resolution in 2020 for urgent global action to prevent and control meningitis. Defeating Meningitis by 2030: a Global Roadmap was officially launched by the World Health Organization in 2021. We interpreted some key information of the roadmap from the aspects of coverage, objectives and pillar strategies, providing ideas for further strengthening the prevention and control of bacterial meningitis in China.

[Effect of splenic hilar lymphadenectomy on locally advanced Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction with a tumor diameter ≥4 cm: a five-year survival analysis]

Objective: To examine the long term outcome of splenic hilar lymphadenectomy (SHL) for locally advanced Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) with a tumor diameter ≥4 cm. Methods: A total of 489 locally advanced Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ AEG patients with a tumor diameter ≥4 cm who underwent radical resection from January 2010 to April 2016 were included. There were 383 males and 106 females. There were 225 patients aged≥65 years and 264 patients aged <65 years. SHL was conducted in 270 patients(SHL group). Wilcoxon rank-sum test or χ² test were conducted for inter-group comparison. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to analyze the long term outcome of SHL and the prognosis factors of overall survival. Kaplan-Meier curve was drawn finally. The results of survival analysis were verified by Log-rank test. Results: Followed-up to April 2021,the median follow-up time was 78.0 months (range: 74.0 to 85.0 months), the follow-up rate was 95.5%(467/489). The splenic hilar lymphnode metastasis rate of the SHL group was 12.6% (34/270). Younger patients (<65 years old), less complications, higher proportion of patients received adjuvant chemotherapy were demonstrated in the SHL group (χ²: 5.644 to 6.744, all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that SHL was the independent prognosis factor of overall survival for patients with Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ AEG and a tumor diameter≥4 cm (HR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.52 to 0.88, P=0.004) along with preoperative CA19-9, pathological T stage, pathological N stage, adjuvant chemotherapy and postoperative complication. Further subgroup analysis demonstrated that the SHL group had better 5-year overall survival than non-SHL group (62.4% vs. 39.2%, χ²=17.983, P=0.006) in Siewert type Ⅲ AEG rather than in Siewert type Ⅱ AEG(57.3% vs. 53.7%, χ²=3.031, P=0.805). Conclusion: In experienced center, splenic hilar lymphadenectomy can improve the prognosis of Siewert type Ⅲ AEG with a tumor diameter ≥4 cm.

[Quality of life after totally laparoscopic versus laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy: a retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching]

Objective: To evaluate the postoperative quality of life in patients after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG). Methods: A retrospective cohort study based on propensity score matching was performed. Clinical and follow-up data of patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy at Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2014 to May 2015 were collected. Case indusion criteria: (1) primary gastric cancer confirmed by postoperative pathology; (2) receiving TLTG or laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG);(3) R0 resection; (4) completing follow-up for 12 months and complete follow-up data. Exclusion criteria: (1) gastric stump cancer; (2) concurrent tumor; (3) distal metastasis found during operation; (4) history of upper abdominal operation. According to surgical procedures, patients were divided into the LATG group (1076 cases) and the TLTG group (106 cases). To eliminate potential bias in baseline data between the two groups, the propensity score was calculated using a logistic regression model with the following covariates, including age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, tumor location, tumor size, pathology type, and stage. The two groups were matched using a 1:2 propensity assessment ratio and a caliper width of 0.01 standard deviation was specified. The primary outcomes were the quality of life of the two groups at 3, 6 and 12 months after gastrectomy, including physical symptoms and social function. Higher function score indicated better function, and higher symptom score presented worse symptoms. Quality of life score = (100 - somatic symptom scale score + social function scale score) / 2. The secondary outcomes were postoperative nutritional recovery and food tolerance at 3, 6 and 12 months after gastrectomy. The categorical variables were expressed as n(%), and compared using the χ² test or Fisher exact test. The continuous variables conforming to the normal distribution were represented by Mean ± SD and compared with the paired t-test. Repeated measurement of variance was used to compare nutrition-related indicators within the group among pre-operation, postoperative 1, 3, 6, 12 months. Results: After PSM, there were no significant differences in clinicopathological baseline data between the TLTG group (n=104) and the LATG group (n=208) (all P>0.05). The physical symptoms scores in the TLTG group before operation and 3, 6 and 12 months after operation were 8.6±5.8, 15.5±8.4, 10.1±5.9 and 6.1±2.4 respectively (F=43.493, P<0.001). In the LATG group, the above mentioned scores were 9.7±6.9, 23.7±10.4, 13.3±8.3 and 8.5±4.2 respectively (F=112.588, P<0.001). Compared with the LATG group, the symptom scores in the TLTG group were lower at 3 and 6 months after operation, and the differences were statistically significant (t=-3.653, P<0.001; t=-2.513, P=0.012). At 12 months after operation, although the physical symptom score in the TLTG group was also lower than that in LATG group, the difference was not statistically significant (t=-1.487, P=0.138). The social function scores in the TLTG group before operation and 3, 6 and 12 months after operation were 90.3±8.9, 77.5±14.3, 87.4±10.3 and 91.7±6.7 respectively (F=28.524, P<0.001). In the LATG group, the above mentioned scores were 92.5±6.3, 68.5±16.8, 79.8±14.7 and 84.7±11.1 respectively (F=57.975, P<0.001). Compared with the LATG group, the social function scores of patients in the LATG group were higher at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation (t=3.543, P<0.001; t=3.216, P=0.001; t=2.235, P=0.026). The total scores of quality of life at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation in the TLTG group were 81.0±15.6, 88.3±8.1 and 93.3±9.1 respectively, and the above mentioned scores in the LATG group were 72.4±13.6, 83.3±11.5 and 88.1±7.7 respectively, whose differences at corresponding time point were all significant between the two groups (all P<0.05). The change of total body mass[(-8.4±1.4)% vs. (-13.2±1.6)%, t=2.273, P=0.024], serum albumin[(-5.1±0.7)% vs. (-7.4±0.8)%,t=2.095, P=0.037], meal quantity [(-15.6±4.7)% vs. (-24.1±6.0)%, t=2.885, P=0.004] and meal times [(20.8±7.1)% vs. (30.6±11.5)%, t=3.043, P<0.001] in the TLTG group were significantly lower than those in the LATG group one year after operation (all P<0.05). At 3, 6 and 12 months after operation, the diet proportions of solid and soft food in the TLTG group were higher than those in the LATG group (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Compared with LATG, patients with gastric cancer undergoing TLTG have better health-related quality of life and faster recovery of nutrition.

[Research progress of intestinal mucus barrier and the repair of intestinal damage after burn injury]

The intestinal mucus layer is the first line of innate host defense and provides energy for the growth of the intestinal flora. In addition, it plays an important role in regulating intestinal microecology and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. This paper reviews the synthesis, secretion, processing, and modification of intestinal mucus, and focuses on the effect of intestinal mucus barrier on intestinal injury repair and the regulation of intestinal mucus barrier by special nutrients after burn injury.

Multi-elements characteristic and potential risk of heavy metals in MOUTAN CORTEX from Anhui Province, China

To ensure the quality and safety of herbs, the content of 54 elements in MOUTAN CORTEX (MC) was determined by the ICP-AES and ICP-MS, and the health risks of Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Hg and rare earth elements (REEs) were assessed. These herbs were collected from 5 producing areas in Anhui Province, China, namely Wuhu, Tongling, Bozhou, Xuancheng and Chizhou. The multi-elements fingerprint identification of MC in Anhui Province was established. The total amount of macro-elements from Wuhu and Tongling is significantly lower than Bozhou. Among all MC from 5 producing areas, the highest content is Ca. Except for Bozhou, the content of macro-elements and REES in the other 4 origins of MC is from highest to lowest: Ca > K > Mg > Al > Fe > Na and Ce > La > Nd > Y > Pr > Er > Yb > Eu > Ho > Tb > Tm > Lu. The chemical forms of Cd in MC from Bozhou with the highest percentage were PH2O of high toxicity and migration, while the other 4 regions were PNaCl of low activity and mobility. There was a great difference in the content of inorganic elements and chemical forms of Cd between the MC produced from the plain (Bozhou) and the hilly areas (Wuhu, Tongling, Chizhou and Xuancheng). Except for Cd, the content of Cu, As, Pb and Hg in MC did not exceed the limit. The results of PTWIFact and ADI for Cd and REEs showed that MC herbs did not pose a risk to human health.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-022-04402-6.

Model-based analysis of sulfur-based denitrification in a moving bed biofilm reactor

In this study, a biofilm model was developed for sulfur-based denitrification in a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), including mass transport as well as the conversion kinetics of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB). The experimental reactor simulated received a synthetic wastewater containing nitrate, sulfide and thiosulfate. The substrate affinity of SOB for intermediary elemental sulfur (S⁰) was found the most sensitive parameter. After estimating this single parameter, the model could adequately describe the steady state performance of the experimental MBBR. The experimental and simulated mass balances indicated that a fraction of influent sulfur accumulated into intermediate S⁰. Furthermore, the simulations showed that SOB were active over the entire thickness of a 200 µm biofilm. The simulation results allowed to quantify the extent of diffusion and substrate limitation. Scenario analyses indicated that the specific nitrogen loading rate could be increased from 0.05 to 0.20 kg N.kg^-1 VSS.day^-1 (corresponding to 0.22-0.86 kg N.m^-2.day^-1 expressed per biofilm surface area) while maintaining nitrogen removal efficiencies above 70%. An increasing specific nitrogen loading rate in this range resulted in an almost linearly increasing specific nitrogen removal rate, independent from whether it was realized through a decreasing HRT, carrier filling ratio or biofilm thickness.

Mapping hierarchical networks of poly(vinyl alcohol)/cellulose nanofiber composite hydrogels via viscoelastic probes

Discriminating the roles of different networks in the multiply cross-linked hydrogels is vital to optimize their overall performance. Poly(vinyl alcohol)/cellulose nanofiber composite hydrogels were used as template for the study. Three types of characteristic networks, including chemical network cross-linked with boronic ester bonds, physical network cross-linked with microcrystallites, and coexistence of these two networks, were constructed in the system, and the viscoelastic responses were used to detect the characteristic relaxation behavior of those networks. The physical network is more sensitive to stress-induced deformation, whereas the chemical network more sensitive to strain-induced one. The former has lower level of viscous dissipation and higher level of elastic storage as compared to the latter, and dominates linear viscoelasticity of hydrogels as the two networks coexist. Their synergistic effect can be well defined by the scaling behavior of hysteretic work. This work proposes an interesting method of probing networks in the multiply cross-linked hydrogels.

[Screening and identification of key genes ATP1B3 and ENAH in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma: based on data mining and clinical validation]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the marker genes correlated with the prognosis, progression and clinical diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on bioinformatics methods.

METHODS

The TCGA-LIHC, GSE84432, GSE143233 and GSE63898 datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were analyzed. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) shared by different disease types were obtained using GEO2R and edge R packages, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed. The expression levels of these DEGs in normal and cancerous tissues were verified in TCGA-LIHC to identify the upregulated genes in HCC. Survival analysis, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and correlation analysis between the key genes and the clinical features of the patients were carried out using the R language. The differential expressions of 15 key genes were verified in clinical samples of HCC and adjacent tissues using RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

A total of 118 common DEGs were obtained in the database, and among them two genes, namely ATPase Na +/K + transport subunit beta 3 (ATP1B3) and actin regulator (ENAH), showed increased expressions with disease progression. Survival analysis combined with the TCGA-LIHC dataset suggested that high expressions of ATP1B3 and ENAH were both significantly correlated with a poor prognosis of HCC patients (P < 0.05), and their AUC values were 0.821 and 0.933, respectively. A high expression of ATP1B3 was correlated with T stage, pathological stage and pathological grade of the tumors (P < 0.05), while that of ENAH was associated only with an advanced tumor grade (P < 0.05). The results of RT-qPCR showed that ATP1B3 and ENAH were both significantly upregulated in clinical HCC tissues (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ATPIB3 and ENAH are both upregulated in HCC, and their high expressions may serve as biomarkers of progression of liver diseases and a poor prognosis of HCC.

[Hyper-IgE syndrome in adults characterized by disseminated mixed infection: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To improve the awareness of hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) characterized by disseminated infection. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a patient with HIES characterized by Talaromyces marneffei and Staphylococcus aureus mixed disseminated infection in Shenzhen People's Hospital. The clinical manifestations, results of laboratory tests/genetic examinations, therapeutic strategies and prognosis were summarized. The keywords "hyper-lgE syndrome" were used to search and review the literature in Wanfang databases and Pubmed database. Results: In February 2021, an 18-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with backache for over 3 weeks and fever for 4 days. Physical examination revealed deciduous teeth in the oral cavity, bilateral renal pain on percussion, and interphalangeal joint hyperextension. Laboratory studies demonstrated increased blood eosinophils and serum level of total IgE. Bacterial culture from bronchoscopic secretions, bronchial mucosa, and necrotic tissue from the left upper arm showed Talaromyces marneffei. Bacterial culture from alveolar lavage fluid, left upper arm necrotic tissue, puncture fluid of right retroauricular abscess and renal drainage fluid suggested methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The chest and abdominal CT revealed diffuse patchy and nodular lesions in bilateral lungs, cavitary lesions in the upper lobe of the left lung, multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the mediastinum, and infectious lesions within both kidneys and perirenal space. Furthermore, the patients was identified with STAT3 mutations by whole exome sequencing, which confirmed the diagnosis of HIES. Nineteen literature articles were retrieved, involving 27 adult patients with a median age of diagnosis of 23 years. The most common manifestations included: skin infection (16/27), eczema (15/27), elevated IgE (26/27) and eosinophils (17/27), as well as positive STAT3 mutation (11/27). Conclusion: Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of hyper-IgE syndrome in patients with severe or disseminated intracellular bacterial infections.

A pilot study on preoperative vascular anatomy and clinical application in rectal cancer resection

AIM

To assess the utility of preoperatively evaluating the vascular anatomy using multisection spiral computed tomography angiography (CTA) and image fusion technology in the treatment of obese patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomised prospective study included 56 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: the fusion imaging group (preoperative CTA and image fusion reconstruction [n=28]) and the control group (not performed CTA and image fusion reconstruction before the operation [n=28]). Duration of surgery was defined as the primary endpoint, and the volume of bleeding, the number of lymph node dissections, conversion to laparotomy, time to recovery of postoperative flatus, length of hospitalisation as well as perioperative complications were defined as secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the duration of surgery in the image fusion group was shorter, bleeding volume was reduced, and the number of lymph node dissections was greater (p<0.05); however, there was no significant differences between the two groups regarding time to postoperative flatus recovery, conversion to laparotomy, length of hospitalisation, and perioperative complications (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative assessment of the vascular anatomy was an effective method and avoided some invisible risks during surgery, and resulted in a better therapeutic effect.

[Relationship between body mass index and sexual development in Chinese children]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and sexual development in Chinese children. Methods: A nationwide multicenter and population-based large cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China from January 2017 to December 2018. Data on sex, age, height, weight were collected, BMI was calculated and sexual characteristics were analyzed. The subjects were divided into four groups based on age, including ages 3-<6 years, 6-<10 years, 10-<15 years and 15-<18 years. Multiple Logistic regression models were used for evaluating the associations of BMI with sexual development in children. Dichotomous Logistic regression was used to compare the differences in the distribution of early and non-early puberty among normal weight, overweight and obese groups. Curves were drawn to analyze the relationship between the percentage of early puberty and BMI distribution in girls and boys at different Tanner stages. Results: A total of 208 179 healthy children (96 471 girls and 111 708 boys) were enrolled in this study. The OR values of B2, B3 and B4+ in overweight girls were 1.72 (95%CI: 1.56-1.89), 3.19 (95%CI: 2.86-3.57), 7.14 (95%CI: 6.33-8.05) and in obese girls were 2.05 (95%CI: 1.88-2.24), 4.98 (95%CI: 4.49-5.53), 11.21 (95%CI: 9.98-12.59), respectively; while the OR values of G2, G3, G4+ in overweight boys were 1.27 (95%CI: 1.17-1.38), 1.52 (95%CI: 1.36-1.70), 1.88 (95%CI: 1.66-2.14) and in obese boys were 1.27 (95%CI: 1.17-1.37), 1.59 (95%CI: 1.43-1.78), and 1.93 (95%CI: 1.70-2.18) (compared with normal weight Tanner 1 group,all P<0.01). Analysis in different age groups found that OR values of obese girls at B2 stage and boys at G2 stage were 2.02 (95%CI: 1.06-3.86) and 2.32 (95%CI:1.05-5.12) in preschool children aged 3-<6 years, respectively (both P<0.05). And in the age group of 6-10 years, overweight girls had a 5.45-fold risk and obese girls had a 12.54-fold risk of B3 stage compared to girls with normal BMI. Compared with normal weight children, the risk of early puberty was 2.67 times higher in overweight girls, 3.63 times higher in obese girls, and 1.22 times higher in overweight boys, 1.35 times higher in obese boys (all P<0.01). Among the children at each Tanner stages, the percentage of early puberty increased with the increase of BMI, from 5.7% (80/1 397), 16.1% (48/299), 13.8% (27/195) to 25.7% (198/769), 65.1% (209/321), 65.4% (157/240) in girls aged 8-<9, 10-<11 and 11-<12 years, and 6.6% (34/513), 18.7% (51/273), 21.6% (57/264) to 13.3% (96/722), 46.4% (140/302), 47.5% (105/221) in boys aged 9-<10, 12-<13 and 13-<14 years, respectively. Conclusions: BMI is positively correlated with sexual development in both Chinese boys and girls, and the correlation is stronger in girls. Obesity is a risk factor for precocious puberty in preschool children aged 3-<6 years, and 6-<10 years of age is a high risk period for early development in obese girls.

Kinetic studies of exchange-correlation effect on the collective excitations of warm dense plasmas

The exchange-correlation of electrons, as a fundamental effect in quantum mechanics, plays an important role in the collective motions of electrons in warm dense matter. We derive the quantum kinetic equations based on the time-dependent Kohn-Sham equation. By using a temperature-dependent functional for the exchange correlation, the excitations of electrostatic waves are analyzed under the adiabatic local density approximation (ALDA). We find that the influences of the exchange-correlation effect on the group velocity of electrostatic waves can be as high as 10% when both the density and temperature are low. Moreover, we also compare the results obtained by using ALDA-based kinetic theory, exchange kinetic theory, and quantum hydrodynamics, and discuss the differences among them.

Short-term outcomes of intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomosis in robotic right colectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ileocolic anastomosis is performed via extracorporeal or intracorporeal techniques in robotic right hemicolectomy. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the short-term outcomes of intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) and extracorporeal anastomosis (EA) for robotic right colectomy. The EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched systematically (from inception until March 1, 2020) for randomized and non-randomized control trials reporting the short-term outcomes of IA and EA for robotic right colectomy. Five observational cohort studies involving 585 participants were included in our meta-analysis. Compared to the EA group, the IA group showed significantly longer operation time [weighted mean difference (WMD): 28.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 13.88-43.89, p = 0.0002], lower rate of anastomotic leak (odds ratio: 0.26, 95% CI 0.08-0.85, p = 0.03), and shorter time to first flatus (WMD: - 0.57, 95% CI - 0.95 to 0.19, p = 0.003). However, pooled results revealed no difference in blood loss, complications, wound infection, incisional hernia, length of incision, and hospital stay between the IA and EA groups (p < 0.05). This meta-analysis indicated that IA was superior to EA in terms of anastomotic leak and time to first flatus, but inferior in terms of operation time. Large-scale, multicenter, randomized studies are needed to confirm our findings.

MUC1 and Polarity Markers INADL and SCRIB Identify Salivary Ductal Cells

Current treatments for xerostomia/dry mouth are palliative and largely ineffective. A permanent clinical resolution is being developed to correct hyposalivation using implanted hydrogel-encapsulated salivary human stem/progenitor cells (hS/PCs) to restore functional salivary components and increase salivary flow. Pluripotent epithelial cell populations derived from hS/PCs, representing a basal stem cell population in tissue, can differentiate along either secretory acinar or fluid-transporting ductal lineages. To develop tissue-engineered salivary gland replacement tissues, it is critical to reliably identify cells in tissue and as they enter these alternative lineages. The secreted protein α-amylase, the transcription factor MIST1, and aquaporin-5 are typical markers for acinar cells, and K19 is the classical ductal marker in salivary tissue. We found that early ductal progenitors derived from hS/PCs do not express K19, and thus earlier markers were needed to distinguish these cells from acinar progenitors. Salivary ductal cells express distinct polarity complex proteins that we hypothesized could serve as lineage biomarkers to distinguish ductal cells from acinar cells in differentiating hS/PC populations. Based on our studies of primary salivary tissue, both parotid and submandibular glands, and differentiating hS/PCs, we conclude that the apical marker MUC1 along with the polarity markers INADL/PATJ and SCRIB reliably can identify ductal cells in salivary glands and in ductal progenitor populations of hS/PCs being used for salivary tissue engineering. Other markers of epithelial maturation, including E-cadherin, ZO-1, and partition complex component PAR3, are present in both ductal and acinar cells, where they can serve as general markers of differentiation but not lineage markers.

Automated 3D Fetal Brain Segmentation Using an Optimized Deep Learning Approach

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

MR imaging provides critical information about fetal brain growth and development. Currently, morphologic analysis primarily relies on manual segmentation, which is time-intensive and has limited repeatability. This work aimed to develop a deep learning-based automatic fetal brain segmentation method that provides improved accuracy and robustness compared with atlas-based methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 106 fetal MR imaging studies were acquired prospectively from fetuses between 23 and 39 weeks of gestation. We trained a deep learning model on the MR imaging scans of 65 healthy fetuses and compared its performance with a 4D atlas-based segmentation method using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The trained model was also evaluated on data from 41 fetuses diagnosed with congenital heart disease.

RESULTS

The proposed method showed high consistency with the manual segmentation, with an average Dice score of 0.897. It also demonstrated significantly improved performance (P < .001) based on the Dice score and 95% Hausdorff distance in all brain regions compared with the atlas-based method. The performance of the proposed method was consistent across gestational ages. The segmentations of the brains of fetuses with high-risk congenital heart disease were also highly consistent with the manual segmentation, though the Dice score was 7% lower than that of healthy fetuses.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed deep learning method provides an efficient and reliable approach for fetal brain segmentation, which outperformed segmentation based on a 4D atlas and has been used in clinical and research settings.

Nucleation roles of cellulose nanocrystals and chitin nanocrystals in poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocomposites

Using polysaccharide nanocrystals such as chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) or cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as fillers of biodegradable aliphatic polyesters is an attractive approach of fabricating completely biodegradable nanocomposites. Most aliphatic polyesters are semi-crystalline and hence to reveal the effect of nanocrystals on their crystallization behaviors is key to regulate final properties of the nanocomposites. In this work, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanocomposites filled with ChNCs and CNCs were prepared as templates for the study. It is intriguing that these two nanocrystals play completely different roles towards crystallization of PCL. CNCs are nucleating agent, promoting nucleation of PCL and accelerating subsequent crystal growth; while ChNCs are anti-nucleation agent, retarding nucleation of PCL and depressing whole process of PCL crystallization. This difference arises from different particle-polymer affinities in the nanocomposites, which is confirmed by the thermodynamic and rheological tests. This work provides valuable information around tuning the thermal properties of polysaccharide nanocrystals filled polymeric nanocomposites.