Clinicopathologic characteristics of HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in Southern China: long-term retrospective study of 400 cases

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an evolving and growing disease, especially in developing countries. However, the clinical characteristics of HPV-associated HNSCC in regard to HPV infection rates, patient features, and prognosis are under-reported in the Asian population.

Methods

In this study, we retrospectively enrolled a 400-case cohort of HNSCC with p16 immunochemistry and analyzed with long-term follow-up. We investigate the current HPV prevalence of HNSCC, unique HPV-associated patient clinical characteristics, and patient prognosis in the southern China population.

Results

HPV infection exhibited a 15% prevalence in all HNSCC cases, notably higher in oropharyngeal cases (30.7%), followed by oral cavity (11.8%), laryngeal (10.1%), and hypopharyngeal (2.5%). HPV status, gender, old age, and location of tumor were significantly associated with the patient's survival. Tonsil invasion was found more frequent in HPV-positive oropharyngeal HNSCC than in HPV-negative cases. HPV-associated HNSCC patients tend to possess stronger tobacco and alcohol habits, which were correlated to poor survival. HPV status's correlation with gender, age, and anatomical location is associated intricately with patient survival. The secondary primary tumor rate was found higher within the HPV-negative group, compared to the HPV-positive group (9.12% versus 1.67%).

Conclusion

Our study provided a current picture of HPV-associated HNSCC in the southern China population and elaborated the understanding of key factors that correlate to HNSCC prognosis. Our findings indicated a strong susceptibility of HPV-associated oropharyngeal HNSCC in the tonsil and the difference in secondary primary tumor rates associated with HPV status.

Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) affects midpalatal suture bone remodeling during rapid maxillary expansion

BACKGROUND

The fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is an RNA demethylase that contributes to several physiological processes. Nonetheless, the impact of FTO on bone remodeling in the midpalatal suture while undergoing rapid maxillary expansion (RME) remains unclear.

METHODS

First, to explore the expression of FTO in the midpalatal suture during RME, six rats were randomly divided into two groups: Expansion group and Sham group (springs without being activated). Then, suture mesenchymal stem cells (SuSCs) were isolated as in vitro model. The expression of FTO was knocked down by small interfering RNA to study the effect of FTO on the osteogenic differentiation of SuSCs. Finally, to evaluate the function of FTO in the process of bone remodeling in the midpalatal suture, ten rats were randomly divided into two groups: FB23-2 group (10 μM, a small molecule inhibitor of FTO) and DMSO group (control).

RESULTS

Increased arch width and higher expression of OCN and FTO in the midpalatal area were observed in expansion group (P < .05). In the in vitro model, the mRNA expression levels of Runx2, Bmp2, Col1a1, Spp1, and Tnfrsf11b were decreased (P < .05) upon knocking down FTO. Additionally, the protein levels of RUNX2 and OPN were also decreased (P < 0.05). Adding FB23-2, a small-molecule inhibitor targeting FTO, to the medium of SuSCs caused a decrease in the mRNA expression levels of Runx2, Bmp2, Col1a1, Spp1, and Tnfrsf11b (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in evaluating the expression of OCN and OPN on the palatal suture between the FB23-2 and DMSO groups (P < .05).

LIMITATION

The molecular mechanisms by which FTO regulates SuSCs osteogenesis remain to be elucidated. The FTO conditional knock out mouse model can be established to further elucidate the role of FTO during RME.

CONCLUSION

FTO contributes to the osteogenic differentiation of SuSCs and plays a promoting role in midpalatal suture bone remodeling during the RME.

[A case of fungal keratitis caused by Petriella setifera infection]

The patient, a 66-year-old male, suffered from redness, blurred vision, photophobia, and tearing in the right eye after being injured by a wooden board. Anti-inflammatory treatment showed poor effectiveness. A 4 mm × 4 mm infiltrate with white deposits on the surface was observed in the central cornea of the right eye. Microscopic examination of corneal scrapings, fungal culture, and in vivo confocal microscopy all indicated fungal infection. The isolated strain was identified as Scedosporium apiospermum through microscopic morphology and confirmed as Petriella setifera by gene sequencing. The patient received corneal debridement combined with routine anti-inflammatory and antifungal treatment in the outpatient clinic. During the follow-up period, the condition continued to improve. Slit lamp examination at the revisit 40 days after the initial diagnosis revealed thinning of the corneal stroma, basic healing of the epithelium, and an increase in uncorrected visual acuity from 0.3 to 0.6.

Genomic epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of Serratia marcescens neurosurgical site infections associated with contaminated haircutting toolkits in a hospital barber shop

BACKGROUND

Nine surgical site infections caused by Serratia marcescens were diagnosed in neurosurgical patients in a 3500-bed hospital between 2nd February and 6th April 2022.

OBJECTIVE

To trace the source of infections caused by S. marcescens to expedite termination of the outbreak and prevent future epidemics.

METHODS

A review of all surgical procedures and cultures yielding S. marcescens since February 2022 was conducted. Samples were collected from patients and environmental sources. S. marcescens isolates were characterized by antibiotic susceptibility testing. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to investigate genetic relationships. Resistance genes, virulence genes and plasmid replicons were identified.

RESULTS

S. marcescens was isolated from patients' puncture fluid, cerebrospinal fluid and other secretions, and was also cultured from the barbers' haircutting tools, including leather knives, slicker scrapers and razors. In total, 15 isolates were obtained from patients and eight isolates were obtained from haircutting tools. All isolates exhibited identical antibiotic resistance patterns. WGS revealed close clustering among the 23 isolates which differed significantly from previous strains. Three resistance genes and nine virulence-associated genes were detected in all isolates, and 19 of 23 isolates harboured an MOBP-type plasmid. The results confirmed an outbreak of S. marcescens, which was traced to contaminated haircutting tools in the hospital barber shop. The outbreak ended after extensive reinforcement of infection control procedures and re-education of the barbers.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the risk of postoperative infections related to pre-operative skin preparation, and demonstrate the value of next-generation sequencing tools to expedite outbreak investigations.

Nutrient supplementation of beef female calves at pre-weaning enhances the commitment of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells to preadipocytes

We aimed to evaluate the impact of nutrient supplementation of beef female calves at pre-weaning on adipogenic determination. Thirty-four female calves were assigned to two experimental treatments: Control (CON, n = 17), where animals were supplemented only with mineral mixture; Supplemented (SUP, n = 17), where animals received energy-protein supplement containing minerals (5 g/kg of BW per day) of their body weight. Animals were supplemented from 100 to 250 days of age, and muscle samples were biopsied at the end of the supplementation period. Regarding the performance variables, there were no differences between treatments for initial body weight (P = 0.75). The final body weight (P = 0.07), average daily gain (P = 0.07), rib eye area (P = 0.03), and rib fat thickness (P = 0.08) were greater in SUP female calves compared with CON treatment. The number of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells (P = 0.69) did not differ between treatments, while a greater number of intramuscular pre-adipocytes were observed in SUP than CON female calves (P = 0.01). The expression of miRNA-4429 (P = 0.20) did not differ between treatments, while the expression of miRNA-129-5p (P = 0.09) and miRNA-129-2-3p (P = 0.05) was greater in CON than SUP female calves. Our results suggest that nutrient supplementation at early postnatal stages of development enhances the commitment of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells into the adipogenic lineages allowing to an increase in intramuscular fat deposition potential of the animals later in life.

m6 A demethylase Fto regulates the TNF-α-induced inflammatory response in cementoblasts

OBJECTIVE

Apical periodontitis is the most frequently occurring pathological lesion. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (Fto) is the first identified RNA N6-methyladenosine demethylase. However, whether Fto regulates apical periodontitis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of Fto in the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced inflammatory response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established an apical periodontitis model. An immortalized cementoblast cell line (OCCM-30) cells were exposed to TNF-α. Fto, Il6, Mcp1, and Mmp9 expressions were assessed by qRT-PCR. We knocked down Fto using lentiviruses and detected TNF-α-induced inflammation-related gene expressions and mRNA stability.

RESULTS

Mice with apical periodontitis showed downregulation of Fto expression. OCCM-30 cells exposed to TNF-α showed an upregulation of inflammation-related genes with a decrease in Fto. Furthermore, knockdown of Fto promoted the expressions of Il6, Mcp1, and Mmp9 in TNF-α-treated OCCM-30 cells as compared with negative control cells, whereas it did not affect the mRNA stability. Interestingly, Fto knockdown activated the p65, p38, and ERK1/2 pathways, and it slightly activated the JNK signaling pathway after TNF-α administration in OCCM-30 cells.

CONCLUSION

A TNF-α-induced decrease in the expression of Fto might play a critical role in the inflammatory response in cementoblasts, and knockdown of Fto might upregulate the inflammatory response.

CDC73 Impairment of MAPK1 Ubiquitination and Activation of the mTOR Signaling Pathway

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

CDC73 has been reported to be upregulated in breast cancer. This study aimed to illuminate the underlying mechanism by which CDC73 mediates breast cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Here, a breast cancer tissue microarray and three breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, BT-549 as well as MCF-7 were employed. Using RNAi method, we knocked down CDC73 and MAPK1 in breast cancer cells. CDC73 overexpression plasmids (LV-013) were generated through pMD2.G and pSPAX2 vectors. Cell events related to tumor development were analyzed through Celigo cell counting assay, a cell counting kit, wound healing assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis. The exploration on the underlying mechanism was based on PrimeView human gene expression array. Xenograft tumor models were constructed to visualize the effects of CDC73/MAPK2 on breast cancer progression.

RESULTS

CDC73 was abundantly expressed in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, and the expression of CDC73 was related to poor prognosis of patients. In breast cancer, CDC73 could promote the proliferation and migration of tumor cells, while disrupting apoptosis. Also, we found that CBL, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, could interact with CDC73 and promote MAPK1 ubiquitination and degradation of this protein. In addition, silencing MAPK1 led to a suppression of breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo, and even abolished the promoting effects of CDC73 overexpression. We also found that mTOR pathway played a role in CDC73-mediated breast cancer. mTOR pathway inhibitor reversed cell phenotypes induced by CDC73 overexpression.

CONCLUSION

CDC73 promoted MAPK1 ubiquitination and degradation so that affected MAPK1 level and subsequently led to breast cancer progression, providing a novel therapeutic strategy to combat cancer.

Monitoring of carbon-water fluxes at Eurasian meteorological stations using random forest and remote sensing

Simulating the carbon-water fluxes at more widely distributed meteorological stations based on the sparsely and unevenly distributed eddy covariance flux stations is needed to accurately understand the carbon-water cycle of terrestrial ecosystems. We established a new framework consisting of machine learning, determination coefficient (R2), Euclidean distance, and remote sensing (RS), to simulate the daily net ecosystem carbon dioxide exchange (NEE) and water flux (WF) of the Eurasian meteorological stations using a random forest model or/and RS. The daily NEE and WF datasets with RS-based information (NEE-RS and WF-RS) for 3774 and 4427 meteorological stations during 2002-2020 were produced, respectively. And the daily NEE and WF datasets without RS-based information (NEE-WRS and WF-WRS) for 4667 and 6763 meteorological stations during 1983-2018 were generated, respectively. For each meteorological station, the carbon-water fluxes meet accuracy requirements and have quasi-observational properties. These four carbon-water flux datasets have great potential to improve the assessments of the ecosystem carbon-water dynamics.

Automatic three-dimensional nasal and pharyngeal airway subregions identification via Vision Transformer

OBJECTIVES

Upper airway assessment requires a fully-automated segmentation system for complete or sub-regional identification. This study aimed to develop a novel Deep Learning (DL) model for accurate segmentation of the upper airway and achieve entire and subregional identification.

METHODS

Fifty cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, including 24,502 slices, were labelled as the ground truth by one orthodontist and two otorhinolaryngologists. A novel model, a lightweight multitask network based on the Swin Transformer and U-Net, was built for automatic segmentation of the entire upper airway and subregions. Segmentation performance was evaluated using Precision, Recall, Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Intersection over union (IoU). The clinical implications of the precision errors were quantitatively analysed, and comparisons between the AI model and Dolphin software were conducted.

RESULTS

Our model achieved good performance with a precision of 85.88-94.25%, recall of 93.74-98.44%, DSC of 90.95-96.29%, IoU of 83.68-92.85% in the overall and subregions of three-dimensional (3D) upper airway, and a precision of 91.22-97.51%, recall of 90.70-97.62%, DSC of 90.92-97.55%, and IoU of 83.41-95.29% in the subregions of two-dimensional (2D) crosssections. Discrepancies in volume and area caused by precision errors did not affect clinical outcomes. Both our AI model and the Dolphin software provided clinically acceptable consistency for pharyngeal airway assessments.

CONCLUSION

The novel DL model not only achieved segmentation of the entire upper airway, including the nasal cavity and subregion identification, but also performed exceptionally well, making it well suited for 3D upper airway assessment from the nasal cavity to the hypopharynx, especially for intricate structures.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This system provides insights into the aetiology, risk, severity, treatment effect, and prognosis of dentoskeletal deformities and obstructive sleep apnea. It achieves rapid assessment of the entire upper airway and its subregions, making airway management-an integral part of orthodontic treatment, orthognathic surgery, and ENT surgery-easier.

IL-38 suppresses macrophage M1 polarization to ameliorate synovial inflammation in the TMJ via GLUT-1 inhibition

OBJECTIVES

Interleukin (IL)-38 was discovered as an anti-inflammatory factor. However, IL-38's role in M1 macrophage polarization in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the related mechanism are still unclear. We aimed to explore the effect and the mechanism of IL-38 on synovial inflammation in the TMJ in this study.

METHODS

The expression of IL-38 in the TMJ synovium and macrophages was determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting (WB). M1 macrophage polarization was induced by LPS, the macrophages were pre-treated with IL-38, and the levels of inflammatory markers associated with M1 macrophages were measured. To assess the mechanism of IL-38, small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-GLUT-1 and STF31 were administered to macrophages, and the affected pathways were identified by WB. The effect of macrophage-conditioned medium (CM) on chondrocyte function was also determined. Finally, a mouse model of CFA-induced TMJ inflammation was established. Histological staining and IHC were used to determine the effect of IL-38.

RESULTS

IL-38 was detected at high levels in macrophages after lipopolysaccharide (LPS)challenge, and IL-38 downregulated M1 macrophage-related proinflammatory markers (iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2) in vitro. IL-38 suppressed M1 polarization by inhibiting GLUT-1 expression, NF-κB signaling, and MAPK signaling. Intriguingly, CM from macrophages that were pretreated with IL-38 and STF31 decreased inflammatory protein expression in chondrocytes. In addition, intra-articular injection of recombinant IL-38 ameliorated synovial inflammation in the TMJ by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization and suppressing cartilage inflammation in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-38 is a novel anti-inflammatory factor that contributes to alleviating TMJ inflammation by inhibiting macrophage M1 polarization, thereby ameliorating chondrocyte inflammation and restoring TMJ homeostasis.

Does Periodontitis Affect the Association of Biological Aging with Mortality?

The prevalence of periodontitis is increasing with the aging of the global population. Periodontitis has been suggested to accelerate aging and increase mortality. The present nationwide prospective cohort study aimed to determine whether periodontitis could modify the association of biological aging with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in middle-aged and older adults. Participants ≥40 y of age from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) were included (n = 6,272). Phenotypic age acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) was used to evaluate the biological aging process. Moderate/severe periodontitis was defined using a half-reduced Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Periodontology case definition. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was conducted to estimate the association between PhenoAgeAccel and mortality risk, followed by effect modification analysis to test whether periodontitis modified the association. During a median follow-up of 24.5 y, 3,600 (57.4%) deaths occurred. The positive relationships between PhenoAgeAccel and all-cause and cause-specific mortality were nonlinear. After adjusting for potential confounders, the highest quartile of PhenoAgeAccel was associated with increased all-cause mortality in individuals with no/mild periodontitis (hazard ratio for Q4 vs. Q1 [HR_Q4vs.Q1] = 1.789; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.541-2.076). In contrast, the association was enhanced in patients with moderate/severe periodontitis (HR_Q4vs.Q1 = 2.446 [2.100-2.850]). Periodontal status significantly modified the association between PhenoAgeAccel and all-cause mortality (P for interaction = 0.012). In subgroup analyses, the modifying effect of periodontitis was observed in middle-aged adults (40-59 y), females, and non-Hispanic Whites. Although cause-specific mortality showed a similar trend, the PhenoAgeAccel × periodontitis interaction did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, periodontitis might enhance the association of biological aging with all-cause mortality in middle-aged and older adults. Hence, maintaining and enhancing periodontal health is expected to become an intervention to slow aging and extend life span.

Swinging between shine and shadow: Theoretical advances on thermally activated vibropolaritonic chemistry

Polariton chemistry has emerged as an appealing branch of synthetic chemistry that promises mode selectivity and a cleaner approach to kinetic control. Of particular interest are the numerous experiments in which reactivity has been modified by virtue of performing the reaction inside infrared optical microcavities in the absence of optical pumping; this effort is known as "vibropolaritonic chemistry." The optimal conditions for these observations are (1) resonance between cavity and reactive modes at normal incidence (k = 0) and (2) a monotonic increase of the effect with the concentration of emitters in the sample. Importantly, vibropolaritonic chemistry has only been experimentally demonstrated in the so-called "collective" strong coupling regime, where there is a macroscopic number of molecules (rather than a single molecule) coupled to each photon mode of the microcavity. Strikingly, efforts to understand this phenomenon from a conceptual standpoint have encountered several roadblocks, and no single, unifying theory has surfaced thus far. This Perspective documents the most relevant approaches taken by theorists, laying out the contributions and unresolved challenges from each work. We expect this Perspective to not only serve as a primer for experimentalists and theorists alike but also inform future endeavors in the quest for the ultimate formalism of vibropolaritonic chemical kinetics.

Gαi2 regulates the adult myogenesis of masticatory muscle satellite cells

Although similar to trunk and limb skeletal muscles, masticatory muscles are believed as unique in both developmental origins and myogenesis. Gαi2 has been demonstrated to promote muscle hypertrophy and muscle satellite cell differentiation in limb muscles. However, the effect of Gαi2 on masticatory muscles is still unexplored. This study aimed to identify the role of Gαi2 in the proliferation and differentiation of masticatory muscle satellite cells, further exploring the metabolic mechanism of masticatory muscles. The proliferation rate, myotube size, fusion index of masticatory muscle satellite cells and Pax7, Myf5, MyoD, Tcf21 and Musculin expressions were significantly decreased by Gαi2 knockdown, while in cells infected with AdV4-Gαi2, the proliferation rate, myotube size, fusion index and Tbx1 expression were significantly increased. Masticatory muscle satellite cells also displayed phenotype transformation as Gαi2 changed. In addition, Gαi2 altered myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms of myotubes with less MyHC-2A expression in siGαi2 group and more MyHC-slow expression in AdV4-Gαi2 group. In conclusion, Gαi2 could positively affect the adult myogenesis of masticatory muscle satellite cells and maintain the superiority of MyHC-slow. Masticatory muscle satellite cells may have their unique Gαi2-regulated myogenic transcriptional networks, although they may share some common characteristics with trunk and limb muscles.

[The expression and function of PD-L1 in CD133(+) human liver cancer stem-like cells]

Objective: To investigate the expression of programmed death protein-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in liver cancer stem-like cells (LCSLC) and its effect on the characteristics of tumor stem cells and tumor biological function, to explore the upstream signaling pathway regulating PD-L1 expression in LCSLC and the downstream molecular mechanism of PD-L1 regulating stem cell characteristics, also tumor biological functions. Methods: HepG2 was cultured by sphere-formating method to obtain LCSLC. The expressions of CD133 and other stemness markers were detected by flow cytometry, western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expressions of stemness markers and PD-L1. The biological functions of the LCSLC were tested by cell function assays, to confirm that the LCSLC has the characteristics of tumor stem cells. LCSLC was treated with cell signaling pathway inhibitors to identify relevant upstream signaling pathways mediating PD-L1 expression changes. The expression of PD-L1 in LCSLC was down regulated by small interfering RNA (siRNA), the expression of stem cell markers, tumor biological functions of LCSLC, and the changes of cell signaling pathways were detected. Results: Compared with HepG2 cells, the expression rate of CD133 in LCSLC was upregulated [(92.78±6.91)% and (1.40±1.77)%, P<0.001], the expressions of CD133, Nanog, Oct4A and Snail in LCSLC were also higher than those in HepG2 cells (P<0.05), the number of sphere-formating cells increased on day 7 [(395.30±54.05) and (124.70±19.30), P=0.001], cell migration rate increased [(35.41±6.78)% and (10.89±4.34)%, P=0.006], the number of transmembrane cells increased [(75.77±10.85) and (20.00±7.94), P=0.002], the number of cloned cells increased [(120.00±29.51) and (62.67±16.77), P=0.043]. Cell cycle experiments showed that LCSLC had significantly more cells in the G(0)/G(1) phase than those in HepG2 [(54.89±3.27) and (32.36±1.50), P<0.001]. The tumor formation experiment of mice showed that the weight of transplanted tumor in LCSLC group was (1.32±0.17)g, the volume is (1 779.0±200.2) mm(3), were higher than those of HepG2 cell [(0.31±0.06)g and (645.6±154.9)mm(3), P<0.001]. The expression level of PD-L1 protein in LCSLC was 1.88±0.52 and mRNA expression level was 2.53±0.62, both of which were higher than those of HepG2 cells (P<0.05). The expression levels of phosphorylation signal transduction and transcription activation factor 3 (p-STAT3) and p-Akt in LCSLC were higher than those in HepG2 cells (P<0.05). After the expression of p-STAT3 and p-Akt was down-regulated by inhibitor treatment, the expression of PD-L1 was also down-regulated (P<0.05). In contrast, the expression level of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in LCSLC was lower than that in HepG2 cells (P<0.01), there was no significant change in PD-L1 expression after down-regulated by inhibitor treatment (P>0.05). After the expression of PD-L1 was knockdown by siRNA, the expressions of CD133, Nanog, Oct4A and Snail in LCSLC were decreased compared with those of siRNA-negative control (NC) group (P<0.05). The number of sphere-formating cells decreased [(45.33±12.01) and (282.00±29.21), P<0.001], the cell migration rate was lower than that in siRNA-NC group [(20.86±2.74)% and (46.73±15.43)%, P=0.046], the number of transmembrane cells decreased [(39.67±1.53) and (102.70±11.59), P=0.001], the number of cloned cells decreased [(57.67±14.57) and (120.70±15.04), P=0.007], the number of cells in G(0)/G(1) phase decreased [(37.68±2.51) and (57.27±0.92), P<0.001], the number of cells in S phase was more than that in siRNA-NC group [(30.78±0.52) and (15.52±0.83), P<0.001]. Tumor formation in mice showed that the tumor weight of shRNA-PD-L1 group was (0.47±0.12)g, the volume is (761.3±221.4)mm(3), were lower than those of shRNA-NC group [(1.57±0.45)g and (1 829.0±218.3)mm(3), P<0.001]. Meanwhile, the expression levels of p-STAT3 and p-Akt in siRNA-PD-L1 group were decreased (P<0.05), while the expression levels of p-ERK1/2 and β-catenin did not change significantly (P>0.05). Conclusion: Elevated PD-L1 expression in CD133(+) LCSLC is crucial to maintain stemness and promotes the tumor biological function of LCSLC.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by minimally invasive esophagectomy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant therapy is recommended for locally advanced esophageal cancer, but the optimal strategy remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) followed by minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients staged as cT3-4aN0-1M0 ESCC were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to the nCRT or nCT group stratified by age, cN stage, and centers. The chemotherapy, based on paclitaxel and cisplatin, was administered to both groups, while concurrent radiotherapy was added for the nCRT group; then MIE was carried out. The primary endpoint was 3-year overall survival. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03001596).

RESULTS

A total of 264 patients were eligible for the intention-to-treat analysis. By 30 November 2021, 121 deaths had occurred. The median follow-up was 43.9 months (interquartile range 36.6-49.3 months). The overall survival in the intention-to-treat population was comparable between the nCRT and nCT strategies [hazard ratio (HR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-1.18; P = 0.28], with a 3-year survival rate of 64.1% (95% CI 56.4% to 72.9%) versus 54.9% (95% CI 47.0% to 64.2%), respectively. There were also no differences in progression-free survival (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.59-1.16; P = 0.27) and recurrence-free survival (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.71-1.60; P = 0.75), although the pathological complete response in the nCRT group (31/112, 27.7%) was significantly higher than that in the nCT group (3/104, 2.9%; P < 0.001). Besides, a trend of lower risk of recurrence was observed in the nCRT group (P = 0.063), while the recurrence pattern was similar (P = 0.802).

CONCLUSIONS

NCRT followed by MIE was not associated with significantly better overall survival than nCT among patients with cT3-4aN0-1M0 ESCC. The results underscore the pending issue of the best strategy of neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced bulky ESCC.

[Epidemiological, clinical characteristics, prevention, and control of monkeypox]

The World Health Organization officially declared that monkeypox was public health emergency of international concern on July 23, 2022. Current research shows that the clades of monkeypox virus are still Clade Ⅱ in multiple countries in 2022. Monkeypox cases are mainly males, with a wide range of ages. Compared with the population in previous studies, the reported population in 2022 had an increased median age, and the proportion of men who have sex with men increased. Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease, with fever and rash as the primary clinical symptoms. Studies had shown that compared with before 2022, the proportion of fever in 2022 decreased, and the leading site of rash changed from cheek to genital mucosa. Asymptomatic monkeypox cases were first reported in 2022. Although there are no monkeypox local cases in China and imported risk is low, with the deepening of trade exchanges between countries in the world and frequent personnel exchanges, China should pay attention to the progress of the international epidemic and make efforts on emergency response, to prevent the possible occurrence and spread of cases.

FTO/RUNX2 signaling axis promotes cementoblast differentiation under normal and inflammatory condition

N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is the most prevalent mRNA modification which plays crucial roles in various biological processes, but its role in cementogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, using time-series transcriptomic analysis, we reveal that mRNA m⁶A demethylase Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is involved in cementogenesis. Knocking down FTO decreases cementoblast differentiation and mineralization in both OCCM-30 cellular model and murine ectopic bone formation model. Mechanistically, we find that FTO directly binds Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) mRNA, an important cementogenesis factor, thus protecting it from YTH domain-containing family protein 2 (YTHDF2) mediated degradation, when cementoblasts are differentiating. Knocking down YTHDF2 restores the expression of Runx2 in FTO-knockdown cells. Moreover, under inflammatory conditions, TNF-α inhibits cementoblast differentiation and mineralization partly through FTO/RUNX2 axis. Collectively, our study reveals an important regulatory role of FTO/RUNX2 axis in normal and pathological cementogenesis.

[A case of microsporidial keratitis]

A case of keratitis caused by microsporidia infection was reported. A 57-year-old female patient, without any obvious predisposing cause, presented with eye redness, eye abrasion and vision loss for one year in the left eye. The patient was diagnosed with viral keratitis based on laboratory examinations and clinical symptoms two months ago in our hospital. He was given outpatient treatment for antivirus. Two months later, he was admitted to our hospital with worsened condition that presented with corneal ulcer. After admission, corneal scraping examination was performed for the detection of microsporidia with calcofluor white (CFW) and Ziehl-Neelsen staining, the smear revealed multiple oval spore-like structures, with acid-fast positive and showed blue fluorescence on potassium hydroxide with CFW stain, confirming a diagnosis of microsporidial keratitis in the left eye. Treatment: topical use of ofloxacin eye ointment and voriconazole eye drops was not effective, and then penetrating keratoplasty was performed, and the patient's condition was stable after surgery. At present, they are still in treatment and follow-up.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha and palmitate simulate bovine fatty liver disease in vitro when using abattoir-derived primary bovine hepatocytes isolated by a novel nonperfusion method

Hepatic lipidosis (i.e., fatty liver) is a common periparturient disease in high-producing dairy cattle affecting nearly 50% of cows to some degree and costing an estimated 60 million dollars annually. Large animal studies are costly, labor intensive, and are not well suited to mechanistic studies. Traditionally, mechanistic studies employ in vitro methodologies, utilizing established cell lines or primary cell culture methods. However, with dairy cattle, established hepatic cell lines do not exist, and methods for primary cell culture studies typically involve complicated procedures that often utilize very young animals (typically bull calves). Several previously published papers have used abattoir-derived tissues as a source of primary cells; however, a simple method utilizing simple culture media has yet to be presented. In addition, we sought to develop a way to replicate the syndrome of fatty liver disease "in a dish" using adult cattle that should more closely represent the physiology of the periparturient dairy cow. Herein we present a non-perfusion-based method that results in robust growth and proliferation of abattoir-derived bovine hepatocytes that demonstrate lipid loading, elevated lactate dehydrogenase leakage, and cytotoxicity as demonstrated by elevated caspase 3/7 expression consistent with in vivo physiology of the periparturient dairy cow with fatty liver disease.

[Progress in the development of treprostinil for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension]

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive pulmonary vascular disease, which can cause right heart failure and even death in severe cases. Treprostinil is a stable prostacyclin analogue and a powerful drug for dilating pulmonary vessels. It can be administered in different ways, with a long half-life, good stability and is suited for diverse types of PAH. It is approved for the treatment of Group 1 PAH, but some studies show that treprostinil is effective in patients with Group 3 or Group 4 PAH. Therefore, this article will review the progress of evidence-based medicine evidence of traprostanil in the treatment of type 1, 3 and 4 pulmonary hypertension.

[A case of solitary fibrous tumor of the conjunctiva]

A patient presented with a chief complaint of a conjunctival mass in the right eye for 5 days. The slit-lamp examination revealed a reddish oval mass, about 3 mm in diameter, in the nasal conjunctiva of the lower central fornix, with a clear boundary, smooth surface, toughness by touch, good activity, no bleeding, and no tenderness. The tumor was excised completely. Solitary fibrous tumor of the conjunctiva was diagnosed by pathological examination.

Abstract P054: Loss Of The Smooth-muscle-cell-angiotensin Ii-sensitive Lncrna Leads To Smc Hypertrophic And Hypertensive Remodeling Due To Cell Cycle Dysregulation

Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) responses to increased levels of Ang II during hypertensive remodeling included enhanced vasoconstriction and hypertrophy due to the enlargement of the SMC on the vessel wall. Hypertrophic SMC usually present defects in cell division and cell polyploidy. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling SMC hypertrophy and polyploidy vs. hyperplasia are still not fully understood. Long-non-coding-RNAs (LncRNAs) are epigenetic regulators of gene expression influencing biological processes, including cell division fidelity. We discovered a novel lncRNA decreased in dedifferentiated SMC, the SMC-Ang II-Sensitive (SAS) lncRNA, which expression is reduced in response to Ang-II in cultured SMC and the aorta of hypertensive mice, suggesting a role in mediating hypertension-induced SMC hypertrophy. Publicly available transcriptional datasets revealed that SAS is preferentially expressed in SMC-rich tissues, including the aorta and renal artery, in humans and mice. Yet, the functional relevance of SAS in SMC has never been investigated. Knockdown of SAS reduces proliferation and migration in SMC treated with Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF-BB). SAS knockdown was also associated with distinct SMC hypertrophic morphological changes, including enlargement in cell size and polynucleation in vitro. We have generated a SAS KO mouse, and aortas from these mice present a higher number of polynucleated medial SMC than their WT littermates. These data correlate with a cell cycle arrest in G1 and senescence phenotype that SAS deficient SMC present due to dysregulation in cyclins expression. Furthermore, SAS defective cells show mitochondria hyperfusion and increased oxygen consumption that correlates with the observed senescence and arrest on the G1/S checkpoint, and it is exacerbated by treatment with Ang-II. Interestingly, treatment with Losartan, an Ang-II receptor inhibitor, rescues SAS expression on Ang-II treated SMC and diminishes SMC hypertrophy. Together, these observations suggest that a decrease in SAS causes SMC hypertrophy due to defects in cell cycle completion. SAS is a potent regulator of SMC morphology and is required for proper cell division and mitochondria organization.

PGC-1α attenuates TNF-α-induced inflammatory responses in OCCM-30 cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α, a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism, has been associated with many inflammatory diseases. However, little is known about the function and mechanism of PGC-1α in cementoblasts under periodontitis. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of PGC-1α in immortalized cementoblast cell line OCCM-30 under TNF-α stimulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

OCCM-30 cells were cultured and exposed to TNF-α, and PGC-1α expression was assessed by Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Chemical inhibitors targeting various signaling pathways including NF-κB, p38 MAPK, Akt, and p53 were used to identify the regulatory mechanism involved. ZLN005 was used to upregulate PGC-1α and the subsequent alteration of inflammatory cytokines expression under TNF-α stimulation were examined by qRT-PCR and Elisa. PGC-1α siRNA was employed to further verify the role of PGC-1α in inflammatory response. Dual-reporter gene assays were performed to examine the transcriptional activity of p65, and the phosphorylation level of p65 was evaluated by western blotting. Immunofluorescence assays and nuclear and cytoplasmic extractions were performed to check the nuclear translocation of p65. Coimmunoprecipitation studies were also performed to check whether there is direct binding between p65 and PGC-1α.

RESULTS

TNF-α suppressed PGC-1α expression in OCCM-30 cells. Blocking p38 MAPK pathways restored the expression of PGC-1α. ZLN005 can upregulate PGC-1α in OCCM-30 cells. The upregulation of PGC-1α by ZLN005 inhibited TNF-α-induced proinflammatory cytokine expression, which was impaired by the transfection of PGC-1α siRNA. Knocking down PGC-1α also partially restored the ZLN005-decreased transcriptional activity of p65. However, the phosphorylation level and nuclear translocation of p65 were not significantly affected by PGC-1α. It was found that p65 was bound to PGC-1α in OCCM-30 cells stimulated by TNF-α, and the binding was increased upon ZLN005 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

PGC-1α can attenuate TNF-α-induced inflammatory responses in OCCM-30 cells.

[Epidemic situation of malaria and change trend in Belt and Road countries]

Objective: To understand the epidemic situation of malaria and its change trend in the Belt and Road countries. Methods: The 145 countries with which China has signed cooperation documents on the Belt and Road Initiative were selected for this study, and their malaria incidence data were collected from the Global Burden of Disease 2019. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) was used to describe the epidemic situation of malaria in 2019. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of the ASR was calculated to assess the incidence trend of malaria from 2013 to 2019. Results: Among the 145 countries, 74 (51.03%) countries had malaria epidemics, mainly in Africa (60.81%, 45/74) and Asia (22.97%, 17/74). The countries with malaria incidence of ≥10 000 per 100 000 in 2019 were mainly distributed in Africa (96.15%, 25/26). From 2013 to 2019, the incidence rates of malaria showed decreasing trends in 32 countries (43.24%), and the incidence rates of malaria in 23 countries (31.08%) showed no significant change, while the incidence rates of malaria in 19 countries (25.68%) showed increasing trends. The obvious increasing trends were observed in Cape Verde (EAPC=151.46, 95%CI: 47.15-329.71), South Africa (EAPC=98.61, 95%CI: 32.11-198.58) and Namibia (EAPC=78.03, 95%CI: 54.30-105.42). Conclusion: About half of the Belt and Road countries had malaria epidemics in 2019, in which 1/4 had increased incidence of malaria. China should continue to strengthen the prevention and control of malaria, especially imported malaria, to maintain the achievements of malaria elimination.

[Epidemic situation of HIV/AIDS and change trend in Belt and Road countries]

Objective: To understand the epidemic situation of HIV/AIDS and its change trend in the Belt and Road countries and provide evidence for the improvement of prevention and control of the cross-border transmission of HIV/AIDS. Methods: The 145 countries that have signed the cooperation document of the Belt and Road initiative with China were selected in our study. Age-standardized incidence rate and prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in the 145 countries from 2013 to 2019 were downloaded from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Age-standardized incidence rate and prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in 2019 were used to describe the HIV/AIDS epidemics in 145 countries, and the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of incidence was calculated to analyze the trend of HIV/AIDS incidence from 2013 to 2019. Results: In 2019, Africa had the highest proportion of countries with HIV/AIDS incidence exceeding 40.00 per 100 000 (56.86%, 29/51), and Asia had the lowest proportion (5.41%, 2/37). The countries with the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS exceeding 100.00 per 10 000 were almost distributed in Africa, accounting for 20.69% (30/145). From 2013 to 2019, the incidence rate of HIV/AIDS increased in 50 countries, accounting for 34.48% (50/145). The incidence rate of HIV/AIDS showed downward trends in 69 countries (47.59%, 69/145), and showed no significant change in 26 countries (17.93%, 26/145). The most obvious increase of incidence rate of HIV/AIDS was observed in Comoros (EAPC=15.60, 95%CI: 5.84-26.26) and the most obvious decrease was observed in Burundi (EAPC=-14.27, 95%CI: -15.21 to -13.31). Conclusions: In the Belt and Road countries, the most severe disease burden of HIV/AIDS was observed in countries in Africa, and the incidences of HIV/AIDS increased rapidly in some European countries, which means the risk of cross-border transmission still exists. Hence, the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in China should be further strengthened in the future.

[Epidemic situation of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and change trend in Belt and Road countries]

Objective: To analyze the epidemic situation of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in 2019 and the incidence trends from 2013 to 2019 in the Belt and Road countries. Methods: The 145 countries that have signed cooperation documents of the Belt and Road Initiative with China were selected. Age-standardized incidence and prevalence rate of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis from the Global Burden of Disease Study were used to describe the epidemic situation of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in 2019. The annual percentage changes of the age-standardized incidence rate were calculated to assess incidence trends of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis from 2013 to 2019. Results: In 2019, of the 145 countries, Somalia had the highest incidence rate (30.42 per 100 000) and prevalence rate (48.86 per 100 000) of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, while Slovenia had the lowest incidence rate (0.01 per 100 000) and prevalence rate (0.01 per 100 000). The incidence trends of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in six continents from 2013 to 2019 were as follows: multidrug-resistant tuberculosis incidence rates showed increasing trends in 14 countries (27.45%) and decreasing trends in 22 countries (43.14%) in Africa, showed increasing trends in 2 countries (18.18%) and decreasing trends in 3 countries (27.27%) in North America and showed increasing trends in 2 countries (5.41%) and decreasing trends in 23 countries (62.16%) in Asia. The increasing trends were observed in Europe, Oceania, and South America, but it was found that 26 countries (96.30%) in Europe, 2 countries (18.18%) in Oceania, and 1 country (12.50%) in South America had decreasing trends of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis incidence rates. Conclusion: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is endemic in 145 Belt and Road countries with the prevalence increasing year by year in some countries in central and southern Africa and decreasing in European countries except Ukraine.

[Epidemic situation and trend of dengue fever in Belt and Road countries]

Objective: To analyze epidemic situation of dengue fever in 2019 and the incidence trends from 2013 to 2019 in the Belt and Road countries. Methods: We used age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) which was from Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 to describe the epidemic situation of dengue fever in 2019. The estimated annual percentage change(EAPC) of the ASR was calculated to assess dengue fever incidence trends from 2013 to 2019. Results: The 2019 GBD dengue fever incidence records showed that in 145 Belt and Road countries, 93 (64.14%) countries had dengue fever epidemics. In 2019, there were 11 countries with the incidence >3 000.00 per 100 000, including 9 countries in Oceania; 16 countries with the incidence of 1 000.00 per 100 000-2 999.99 per 100 000, including 10 countries in Asia. The incidence rates in most countries in Africa (58.14%,25/43), North America (72.73%,8/11) and South America (66.67%,4/6) ranged from 500.00 per 100 000 to 999.99 per 100 000. The incidence rates of dengue fever in 90.00% (9/10) of countries in Oceania showed increasing trend, and the increasing trend in Fiji was most obvious (EAPC=18.22,95%CI:12.91-23.77), and the incidence rates of dengue fever in 18.18% (4/22) of countries in Asia showed increasing trend, the increasing trend in the Philippines was most obvious (EAPC=3.09,95%CI:1.74-4.45), and the incidence rates of dengue fever in 4.65% (2/43) of countries in Africa showed increasing trend, and the increasing trend in Seychelles was most obvious (EAPC=18.20,95%CI:7.82-29.58). The incidence rates of dengue fever showed no increasing trend in countries in South America and North America. Conclusions: In 2019, more than 60% of the Belt and Road countries had dengue fever epidemics. The incidences of dengue fever were high and showed increasing trends in most Oceanian countries, but the dengue fever epidemics in the countries in Asia, Africa and Americas were relatively mild.

[Clinical and genetic characteristics of congenital isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of congenital isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency. Methods: The clinical and laboratory characteristics of 5 cases with congenital isolated ACTH deficiency diagnosed in the Department of Endocrinology of the Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2019 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The general conditions, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, genetic charcteistics, treatment and follow-up (up to October 2021) were analyzed. Results: Of the 5 cases, 1 was female and 4 were males, aged from 13 months to 6 years at the time of consultation. The symptoms of hypoglycemia and convulsion were presented in infancy, and 4 cases had infantile cholestasis. Glucose level of 5 cases ranged from 0.79-2.20 mmol/L, ACTH ranged from <1.00-4.17 ng/L, and cortisol ranged from 0.2-3.8 μg/L. Whole exon sequencing revealed that 3 cases carried homozygous TBX19 variations, and 2 cases had compound heterozygous TBX19 variations, including 3 variants that had been reported before and 3 novel variants were found. After the diagnosis was confirmed, all the cases were treated with hydrocortisone. Hypoglycemia was all corrected during the follow-up, and 4 cases no longer had convulsions. Conclusion: Congenital isolated ACTH deficiency should be considered in neonates and infants with cholestasis and hypoglycemia, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by genetic testing.

Surgical treatment of peri-implantitis with or without adjunctive graft material: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to compare the clinical effect of surgical treatment of peri-implantitis alone or in combination with graft material. Literature searches were conducted up to June 20, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical effects of open flap debridement (OFD) alone and OFD with adjunctive graft materials for the treatment of peri-implantitis were included. Probing depth (PD) changes and marginal bone level (MBL) changes were assessed and expressed as the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted. The search yielded 7419 articles, five of which were analysed quantitatively. The adjunctive use of graft materials in OFD did not provide additional PD improvements (SMD 0.46, 95% CI -0.13 to 1.05; P = 0.13), but did yield additional MBL improvements (SMD 1.04, 95% CI 0.71-1.37; P < 0.01). The degradability of the material, number of implants included per patient, and risk of bias did not have significant effects on the results, but the origin of the material may affect the PD improvements. Based on the available evidence, the adjunctive use of graft materials in the surgical treatment of peri-implantitis can significantly improve MBL changes but not PD changes.

miRNA/mRNA co-profiling identifies the miR-200 family as a central regulator of SMC quiescence

miRNAs are versatile regulators of smooth muscle cell (SMC) fate and behavior in vascular development and disease. Targeted loss-of-function studies have established the relevance of specific miRNAs in controlling SMC differentiation or mediating phenotypic modulation. Our goal was to characterize SMC miRNAome and its contribution to transcriptome changes during phenotypic modulation. Small RNA sequencing revealed that dedifferentiation led to the differential expression of over 50 miRNAs in cultured SMC. miRNA/mRNA comparison predicted that over a third of SMC transcript expression was regulated by differentially expressed miRNAs. Our screen identified the miR-200 cluster as highly downregulated during dedifferentiation. miR-200 maintains SMC quiescence and represses proliferation, migration, and neointima formation, in part by targeting Quaking, a central SMC phenotypic switching mediator. Our study unraveled the substantial contribution of miRNAs in regulating the SMC transcriptome and identified the miR-200 cluster as a pro-quiescence mechanism and a potential inhibitor of vascular restenosis.

Abstract 463: The Smooth-Muscle-Cell-Angiotensin II-Sensitive LncRNA Controls Cell Division Fidelity And Mitochondrial Organization

Reactivation of the cell cycle and increase in proliferation rate (hyperplasia) is a common response of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) to modifications of their environment during remodeling. Although SMC hyperplasia is a predominant feature of many vascular diseases, SMC can also increase their mass within the remodeled vessel wall by enlarging their size and becoming hypertrophic. Hypertrophy is usually accompanied by cell cycle defects, cell polyploidy and binucleation, and senescence. However, the molecular mechanisms favoring SMC hypertrophy and their repercussion on SMC phenotype are not fully understood. Long-non-coding-RNAs (LncRNAs) are epigenetic regulators of gene expression, and they have been identified as modulators of cell division. We recently discovered a novel lncRNA, SAS (SMC-Angiotensin II-Sensitive), whose expression was markedly decreased in multiple models of SMC dedifferentiation, suggesting that SAS could regulate SMC phenotype and function. Publicly available transcriptional datasets revealed that SAS is preferentially expressed in SMC-rich tissues, including the aorta, in humans and mice. Yet, the functional relevance of SAS in SMC has never been investigated. Knockdown of SAS reduces proliferation, cell arrest and migration in aortic and renal artery-derived SMC treated with Platelet Derived Growth Factor. SAS knockdown was also associated with distinct SMC morphological changes including increase in cell size and binucleation demonstrating hypertrophy. Together, these observations suggest that decrease in SAS causes SMC hypertrophy due to defects in cell cycle completion and cytokinesis. Interestingly, SAS expression is decreased in response to Angiotensin-II in cultured VSMC and in the aorta of hypertensive mice (2 Kidney-1 Clip model), suggesting a role in mediating hypertension induced SMC hypertrophy. Similarly, to Angiotensin-II treatment, SAS knockdown promoted senescence. Furthermore, SAS deficient cells present mitochondria hyperfusion and increased oxygen consumption that correlates with the observed exacerbated senescence. Altogether, our results indicate that SAS is a potent regulator of VSMC morphology and is required for proper cell division and mitochondria organization.

Effects of long noncoding RNA H19 on cementoblast differentiation, mineralisation, and proliferation

OBJECTIVE

Cementum which is a layer of thin and bone-like mineralised tissue covering tooth root surface is deposited and mineralised by cementoblasts. Recent studies suggested long noncoding RNA H19 (H19) promotes osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralisation, however, the effect of H19 on cementoblasts remains unknown. This study aimed to clarify the regulatory effects of H19 on cementoblast differentiation, mineralisation, and proliferation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An immortalised murine cementoblast cell line OCCM-30 was used in this study. H19 expression was examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) during OCCM-30 cell differentiation. OCCM-30 cells were transfected with lentivirus or siRNA to up-regulate or down-regulate H19, then the levels of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osterix (Sp7), alkaline phosphatase (Alpl), bone sialoprotein (Ibsp), osteocalcin (Bglap) were tested by RT-qPCR or western blot. Alizarin red staining, ALP activity assay and MTS assay were performed to determine the mineralisation and proliferation ability of OCCM-30 cells.

RESULTS

H19 was dramatically increased during OCCM-30 cell differentiation. Overexpression of H19 increased the levels of Runx2, Sp7, Alpl, Ibsp, and Bglap and enhanced ALP activity and the formation of mineral nodules. While down-regulation of H19 suppressed the above cementoblast differentiation genes and inhibited ALP activity and mineral nodule formation. However, the proliferation of OCCM-30 cells was not affected.

CONCLUSIONS

H19 promotes the differentiation and mineralisation of cementoblasts without affecting cell proliferation.

Unleashing the full power of LHCb to probe stealth new physics

In this paper, we describe the potential of the LHCb experiment to detect stealth physics. This refers to dynamics beyond the standard model that would elude searches that focus on energetic objects or precision measurements of known processes. Stealth signatures include long-lived particles and light resonances that are produced very rarely or together with overwhelming backgrounds. We will discuss why LHCb is equipped to discover this kind of physics at the Large Hadron Collider and provide examples of well-motivated theoretical models that can be probed with great detail at the experiment.

Speciation and Potential Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals in Soils from Overlapped Areas of Farmland and Coal Resources in Northern Xuzhou, China

Contamination caused by heavy metals (HMs) in soil of overlapped area of farmland and coal resources (OAFCR) has impact on crops. The concentrations and speciation of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn were investigated in topsoil of an OAFCR in Xuzhou, China. The results showed that mean concentrations of all six metals were higher than the background values of Xuzhou city and Cd was moderate accumulated with the maximum I_geo equalled to 2.13. Cd showed moderate contamination level (IP_i = 1.75) and potential ecological risk (Er = 44.06). Most of the total Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were presented in the residual forms (above 60%), and the percentages of reducible, oxidisable and residual forms of Pb were 23%, 21% and 43% respectively. Pb and Cd reflected a moderate degree of potential ecological risk and a considerable migration risk and ecotoxicity.

The Function of microRNAs in Pulmonary Embolism: Review and Research Outlook

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common pathologic condition that frequently occurs in patients with deep venous thrombosis. Severe PE may critically suppress cardiopulmonary function, thereby threatening the life of patients. Chronic pulmonary hypertension caused by PE may lead to deterioration of respiratory dysfunction, resulting in complete disability. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of abundantly expressed non-coding RNAs that exert multiple functions in regulating the transcriptome via post-transcriptional targeting of mRNAs. Specifically, miRNAs bind to target mRNAs in a matching mechanism between the miRNA seed sequence and mRNA 3ʹ UTR, thus modulating the transcript stability or subsequent translation activity by RNA-induced silencing complex. Current studies have reported the function of miRNAs as biomarkers of PE, revealing their mechanism, function, and targetome in venous thrombophilia. This review summarizes the literature on miRNA functions and downstream mechanisms in PE. We conclude that various related miRNAs play important roles in PE and have great potential as treatment targets. For clinical application, we propose that miRNA biomarkers combined with traditional biomarkers or miRNA signatures generated from microchips may serve as a great predictive tool for PE occurrence and prognosis. Further, therapies targeting miRNAs or their upstream/downstream molecules need to be developed more quickly to keep up with the progress of routine treatments, such as anticoagulation, thrombolysis, or surgery.

[Progress in research of epidemiologic feature and control of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant]

SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant has the characteristics of stronger infectivity, higher viral load, and shorter incubation period, posing new challenges to the prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant was first discovered in India, then quickly spread in many countries and has gradually become one of the main epidemic strains worldwide. Local epidemics caused by SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant also occurred in several provinces in China. This article summarizes the progress in research of etiological characteristics, transmission characteristics or possible mechanism and epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, and the protective effects of vaccines and control measures against SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in order to provide references for the effective prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant.

Metabolic labeling of enterovirus 71 with quantum dots for the study of virus receptor usage

Fluorescent labeling and dynamic tracking is a powerful tool for exploring virus infection mechanisms. However, for small-sized viruses, virus tracking studies are usually hindered by a lack of appropriate labeling methods that do not dampen virus yield or infectivity. Here, we report a universal strategy for labeling viruses with chemical dyes and Quantum dots (QDs). Enterovirus 71 (EV71) was produced in a cell line that stably expresses a mutant methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MetRS), which can charge azidonorleucine (ANL) to the methionine sites of viral proteins during translation. Then, the ANL-containing virus was easily labeled with DBCO-AF647 and DBCO-QDs. The labeled virus shows sufficient yield and no obvious decrease in infectivity and can be used for imaging the virus entry process. Using the labeled EV71, different functions of scavenger receptor class B, member 2 (SCARB2), and heparan sulfate (HS) in EV71 infection were comparatively studied. The cell entry process of a strong HS-binding EV71 strain was investigated by real-time dynamic visualization of EV71-QDs in living cells. Taken together, our study described a universal biocompatible virus labeling method, visualized the dynamic viral entry process, and reported details of the receptor usage of EV71.

Insight into biosorption of heavy metals by extracellular polymer substances and the improvement of the efficacy: a review

Heavy metals are continuously released into aquatic environments in which they accumulate. This phenomenon endangers public health because heavy metals accumulate along the food chain. However, conventional remediation methods are inefficient, expensive and yield toxic intermediate products, which adversely affect the environment. The discovery of green bio-adsorbents such as microbial extracellular polymer substance (EPS) has quickly attracted considerable worldwide attention because of their low cost, high removal efficiency of heavy metals and industrial availability. Hence, this review considers the sources, hazards and treatment methods of heavy metals pollution, particularly the biosorption mechanism of EPS to heavy metals and the influencing factors of the bio-adsorption process, which are significant in the efficient removal of heavy metals-containing wastewater treatment. This review also focuses on strengthening the process of EPS adsorption of heavy metals, which can further contribute to heavy metals removal. Finally, it has been proposed that improving the yield, stability, selectivity and recoverability of EPS is the key direction of further research.

Self-Radiopaque Markers Guiding Physician-Modified Fenestration (S-Fenestration) in Aortic Arch Endovascular Repair

Backgrounds and Objectives: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has currently become the “first-line choice” for descending aortic pathologies. For pathologies located at the aortic arch, TEVAR with physician-modified fenestration (PMF) has been gained popularity as an alternative choice. However, stent fenestration is an experience-dependent technique and comes with possible adverse events such as misalignment. This study aims to introduce the self-radiopaque PMF (SF), which uses the radiopaque marker as a guiding indicator.

Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study of 125 patients who underwent the SF-TEVAR in Second Xiangya Hospital from December 2015 to December 2020. Data include basic clinical information and technique records of SF-TEVAR with follow-up results.

Results: According to the SF-TEVAR protocol, we have performed the procedures on 125 patients and obtained an instant success rate of 98.4%. A total of 140 aortic stent-grafts and 44 bridging stents have been implanted in this study. The operation time is 64.6 ± 19.3 min, X-ray exposure time (from first digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to last DSA) is 25.6 ± 14.3 min, and contrast volume is 82.2 ± 22.6 ml. The success rate of PMF alignment is 98.4%. One bailout stent-graft was implanted into the left subclavian artery (LSA) by the chimney technique (0.8%). One fenestration was successfully and immediately corrected after misalignment (0.8%). Large simultaneous fenestration was performed in six patients (4.8%) for the left common carotid artery (LCCA) and LSA and in two patients (1.6%) for IA, LCCA, and LSA. One hundred twenty-two out of 125 patients' LSAs have been kept patent by the technique during the follow-up. The bridging stent group consists of 44 patients who received LSA stents, while the non-bridging stent group includes the other 81 patients. Type I endoleak has occurred in seven patients (5.6%) 1 week after the procedure. During follow-up (23 ± 18 months), survival rate is 95.7% and branch artery patent rate is 97.4%.

Conclusions: The SF-TEVAR technique, which utilizes the radiopaque marker in stent-graft as an indication for PMF in TEVAR, seems a likely safe, effective, and efficient procedure that brings acceptable survival rate and branch artery patency rate. SF-TEVAR serves as a progressive alternative method to keep the branch artery patent in aortic arch endovascular reconstruction.

CircRNA Lrp6 promotes cementoblast differentiation via miR-145a-5p/Zeb2 axis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cementum is a part of the periodontium and anchors periodontal ligaments to the alveolar bone. Cementoblasts are responsible for the cementum formation via matrix deposition and subsequently mineralization. Thus, exploring novel mechanisms underlying the function of cementoblast contributes to the treatment of cementum damage. Recently, circRNA Lrp6 (circLRP6) has been of interest due to its active role in cell differentiation, but its potential role in cementoblast differentiation remains unclear. Herein, we attempted to elucidate the role of circLRP6 in cementoblast differentiation and clarify any associated mechanisms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The mRNA expressions of circLRP6, miR-145a-5p, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (Zeb2), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteopontin (Opn), and bone sialoprotein (Bsp) were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The protein levels of Zeb2 were measured by Western blot. Bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to test the potential binding targets of miR-145a-5p. The differentiation potentials of the cementoblasts were assessed by Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity assay, Alizarin red S (ARS) staining, and quantification.

RESULTS

In this study, circLRP6 was significantly upregulated in cementoblast differentiation. Furthermore, circLRP6 knockdown inhibited ALP levels, reduced calcium nodule formation and the expression of Runx2, Opn, and Bsp. Mechanically, bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed miR-145a-5p was a potential binding target of circLRP6. miR-145a-5p can negatively regulate cementoblast differentiation. Subsequently, bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed Zeb2 was a potential miR-145a-5p target. miR-145a-5p overexpression resulted in a downregulation of Zeb2. Furthermore, Zeb2 inhibition partially reversed the effect of circLRP6 during cementoblast differentiation.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, circLRP6 appears to modulate cementoblast differentiation by antagonizing the function of miR-145a-5p, thereby increasing Zeb2. This study serves as a stepping stone for the potential development of an approach to promote cementum formation.

Multiple surgical excision for recurrent primary mediastinal liposarcoma

Liposarcoma is one of the most common soft tissue malignancies, occurring mostly in the extremities and retroperitoneal cavities, and occasionally in the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity. Here, we present a patient undergoing four operations over a period of 33 years because of repeated recurrence of mediastinal liposarcoma. A 34-year-old woman underwent her first surgery for mediastinal liposarcoma in 1986. Ten years later, a recurrent tumour was found during follow-up. The patient underwent a second operation for complete excision. The pathology was liposarcoma, partly myxoid and partly dedifferentiated. The patient remained tumour-free for 22 years, until one year ago, when a third operation was performed to resect the recurrent tumour which was myxoid liposarcoma. Unfortunately, upon computed tomography imaging three months later a fatty mass was spotted which increased rapidly in size. The patient underwent further surgery to achieve radical excision of the recurrent liposarcoma. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and a follow-up examination showed no recurrence to date. For mediastinal liposarcoma, surgical removal is the treatment of choice. Considering that the tumour is prone to recurrence, the lesion should be removed as thoroughly as possible in the first operation. If the tumour recurs repeatedly, multiple resections are beneficial to patient survival on most occasions.

Determination of Azide Ions in Blood by Pentafluorobenzyl Derivation Followed by GC-MS

Abstract

Objective To establish a method for determination of the azide ions in blood by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS） following pentafluorobenzyl derivatization. Methods A blood sample of 0.2 mL was placed into a 10 mL glass test tube, and the internal standard sodium cyanide, derivatization reagent pentafluorobenzyl bromide and catalyst tetradecyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride were added in turn. After vortex mixing, the mixture was heated with low-power microwave for 3 min. After centrifugation, the organic phase was taken for GC-MS analysis. Results The azide ions in blood had a good linear relationship in the mass concentration range of 0.5 to 20 μg/mL. The lowest detection limit was 0.25 μg/mL and the relative recovery was 91.36%-94.58%. The method was successfully applied to a case of death from sodium azide poisoning. The mass concentration of azide ions in the blood of the dead was 11.11 μg/mL. Conclusion The method developed in this paper has strong specificity and is easy to operate, which is suitable for the rapid detection of azide ions in blood.

Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment induces abscisic acid production, reduces stomatal aperture and improves seedling growth in Arabidopsis thaliana

Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas (CAPPs) have been widely used for pre-sowing treatment in agriculture to accelerate seed germination; however, information on their application to pre-transplant seedlings is scarce. The roles of the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) on guard cell aperture that control air exchange with the environment were investigated after CAPPs treatment. In this study, Arabidopsis thaliana seedling growth was evaluated under CAPPs treatment at different doses. Besides, the optimal growth stimulation dose was selected to further evaluate changes in ABA, ROS, Ca²⁺ and stomatal aperture during growth .The expression of most ABA signalling genes were aslo examined to investigate the mechanism. CAPPs treatment for 1 min significantly promoted Arabidopsis seedling growth; the ABA concentration in seedlings increased and peaked 48 h after treatment but was lower than in the control after 96 h. Transcript levels of most ABA signalling genes were markedly enhanced at 48 h, although their transcripts were significantly downregulated after 96 h. CAPPs treatment also reduced stomatal aperture after 24 h and accelerated ROS accumulation in guard cells. The Ca²⁺ concentration in the treatment group was markedly higher than in the control at 24 and 96 h. The results suggest that CAPPs treatment accelerates ABA accumulation in Arabidopsis at early growth stages and ABA regulates ROS and Ca²⁺ concentrations to affect stomatal aperture, and both ABA and stoma size are affected in CAPPs stimulation of Arabidopsis seedling growth.

Smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis: clones but not carbon copies

Our knowledge of the contribution of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to atherosclerosis has greatly advanced in the previous decade with the development of techniques allowing for the unambiguous identification and phenotypic characterization of SMC populations within the diseased vascular wall. By performing fate mapping or single-cell transcriptomics studies, or a combination of both, the field has made key observations: SMCs populate atherosclerotic lesions by the selective expansion and investment of a limited number of medial SMCs, which undergo profound and diverse modifications of their original phenotype and function. Thus, if SMCs residing within atherosclerotic lesions and contributing to the disease are clones, they are not carbon copies and can play atheroprotective or atheropromoting roles, depending on the nature of their phenotypic transitions. Tremendous progress has been made in identifying the transcriptional mechanisms biasing SMC fate. In the present review, we have summarized the recent advances in characterizing SMC investment and phenotypic diversity and the molecular mechanisms controlling SMC fate in atherosclerotic lesions. We have also discussed some of the remaining questions associated with these breakthrough observations. These questions include the underlying mechanisms regulating the phenomenon of SMC oligoclonal expansion; whether single-cell transcriptomics is reliable and sufficient to ascertain SMC functions and contributions during atherosclerosis development and progression; and how SMC clonality and phenotypic plasticity affects translational research and the therapeutic approaches developed to prevent atherosclerosis complications. Finally, we have discussed the complementary approaches the field should lean toward by combining single-cell phenotypic categorization and functional studies to understand further the complex SMC behavior and contribution in atherosclerosis.

DNAzyme Walker for Homogeneous Detection of Enterovirus EV71 and CVB3

When dealing with infectious pathogens, the risk of contamination or infection in the process of detecting them is nonnegligible. Separation-free detection will be beneficial in operation and safety. In this work, we proposed a DNAzyme walker for homogeneous and isothermal detection of enterovirus. The DNAzyme is divided into two inactivate subunits. When the subunit-conjugated antibody binds to the target virus, the activity of the DNAzyme recovers as a result of spatial proximity. The walker propels, and the fluorescence recovers. The final fluorescence intensity of the reaction mixture is related to the concentration of the target virus. The detection limit of this proposed method is 6.6 × 10⁴ copies/mL for EV71 and 4.3 × 10⁴ copies/mL for CVB3, respectively. Besides, this method was applied in detection of EV71 in clinical samples with a satisfactory result. The entire experiment is easy to operate, and the proposed method has great potential for practical use.