Ultrasound-driven radical chain reaction and immunoregulation of piezoelectric-based hybrid coating for treating implant infection

The poor efficiency of US-responsive coatings on implants restricts their practical application. Immunotherapy that stimulates immune cells to enhance their antibacterial activity is expected to synergize with sonodynamic therapy for treating implant infection effectively and safely. Herein, US-responsive hybrid coatings composed of the oxygen-deficient BaTiO3 nanorod arrays and l-arginine (BaTiO3-x/LA) are designed and prepared on titanium implants for sonocatalytic therapy-cooperated immunotherapy to treat Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. BaTiO3-x/LA can generate more oxidizing reactive oxygen species (ROS, hydroxyl radical (·OH)) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS, peroxynitrite anion (ONOO-)). The construction of nanorod arrays and oxygen defects balances the piezoelectric properties and sonocatalytic capability during US treatment. The generated piezoelectric electric field provides a sufficient driving force to separate electrons and holes, and the oxygen defects attenuate the electron-hole recombination efficiency, consequently increasing the yield of ROS during the US treatment. Moreover, nitric oxide (NO) released by l-arginine reacts with the superoxide radical (·O2-) to produce ONOO-. Since, this radical chain reaction improves the oxidizing ability between bacteria and radicals, the cell membrane (argB, secA2) and DNA (dnaBGXN) are destroyed. The bacterial self-repair mechanism indirectly accelerates bacterial death based on the transcriptome analysis. In addition to participating in the radical chain reaction, NO positively affects macrophage M1 polarization to yield potent phagocytosis to MRSA. As a result, without introducing an extra sonosensitizer, BaTiO3-x/LA exhibits excellent antibacterial activity against MRSA after the US treatment for 15 min. Furthermore, BaTiO3-x/LA facilitates macrophage M2 polarization after implantation and improves osteogenic differentiation. The combined effects of sonodynamic therapy and immunoregulation lead to an effective and safe treatment method for implant-associated infections.

[Preliminary outcomes of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy combined with transoral robotic surgery for locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NACI) combined with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the treatment of locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Methods: This was a retrospective study of 15 patients with locally advanced OPSCC who underwent TORS after neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from April 2019 to February 2023. There were 12 males and 3 females, aged 31 to 74 years. Twelve cases were tonsil cancer, and 3 cases were tongue base cancer. There were 11 cases in stage Ⅲ and 4 cases in stage Ⅳ. Two patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 13 patients received NACI, with 2 to 3 cycles, and all patients underwent TORS after multidisciplinary team consultation. The clinicopathological characteristics, surgical outcomes, and oncological results were summarized. Results: All surgeries were successfully completed with negative surgical margins, and no case was required conversion surgery. All patients were fed via nasogastric tubes postoperatively, with a median gastric tube stay of 7 days (range: 2-60 days). No tracheotomy was applied. There were no major complications such as postoperative bleeding. Pathological complete response (pCR) was found in 10 cases (76.9%) among the 13 patients with NACI. The follow-up time was 21 months (range: 10-47 months), and there was no death or distant metastasis. One patient with rT0N3M0 tonsil cancer had local recurrence 5 months after surgery. The 2-year overall survival and 2-year disease-free survival were respectively 100.0% and 93.3% in the 15 patients. Conclusion: NACI combined with TORS provides a safe, effective and minimally invasive treatment for patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Comparison of conventional and endoscope-assisted partial clretain-->superficial parotidectomy for benign neoplasms of the parotid gland: a matched case-control study

Long-term tumour recurrence rates and complications of endoscope-assisted partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP) are rarely reported compared to traditional open approaches. This retrospective study included 306 patients with superficial parotid benign neoplasms who were divided into an endoscopy group (endoscope-assisted PSP, n = 102) and a control group (conventional PSP, n = 204). There were no significant differences in clinical and pathological characteristics between the two groups, except age (P = 0.001). Three patients had confirmed recurrence during a mean follow-up duration of 125.1 months. Ten (9.8%) patients in the endoscopy group and 22 (10.8%) in the control group developed transient facial nerve palsy (P = 0.792), and recovered 6 months after the operation. Nine (8.8%) and 19 (9.3%) patients, respectively, suffered from Frey syndrome (P = 0.889). A sensory deficit of the auricle occurred in 24 (23.5%) and 57 (27.9%) patients respectively (P = 0.410). Patients in the endoscopy group were more satisfied with the postoperative scar than those in the control group (P < 0.001). This study demonstrated that the endoscope-assisted PSP can be curative, with better cosmetic outcomes than the conventional approach, and does not increase the incidence of postoperative complications or the local recurrence rate.

Differentiation of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and intestinal tuberculosis by dual-layer spectral detector CT enterography

AIM

To investigate the value of radiological features and energy spectrum quantitative parameters in the differential diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) by dual-layer spectral detector computed tomography (CT) enterography (CTE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical and CTE data were collected from 182 patients with CD, 29 with UC, and 51 with ITB. CT images were obtained at the enteric phases and portal phases. The quantitative energy spectrum parameters were iodine density (ID), normalised ID (NID), virtual non-contrast (VNC) value, and effective atomic number (Z-eff). The area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was calculated.

RESULTS

The vascular comb sign (p=0.009) and enlarged lymph nodes (p=0.001) were more common in patients with CD than UC or ITB. In the differentiation of moderate-severe active CD from UC, enteric phase NID (AUC, 0.938; p<0.001) and portal phase Z-eff (AUC, 0.925; p<0.001) had the highest accuracy, which were compared separately. In the differentiation of moderate-severe active CD from ITB, enteric phase NID (AUC, 0.906; p<0.001) and portal phase Z-eff (AUC, 0.947; p<0.001) had the highest accuracy; however, the AUC value was highest when the four parameters are combined (AUC, 0.989; p<0.001; AUC, 0.986; p<0.001; AUC, 0.936; p<0.001; and AUC, 0.986; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that the combined strategies of four parameters have higher sensitivity and specificity in differentiating CD, UC, and ITB, and may play a key role in guiding treatment.

[Functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with preservation of pelvic stabilized structure and early elevated retrograde liberation of neurovascular bundle]

Objectives: To examine the functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with preservation of pelvic floor stabilized structure and early elevated retrograde liberation of the neurovascular bundle (PEEL). Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study. Between June 1, 2022, and March 20, 2023, 27 cases of RARP with PEEL and 153 cases of RARP with preservation of pelvic floor stabilized structure (PPSS) were included in this study. All patients were males, aged (62.5±5.2) years (range: 50 to 73 years). There were 18 cases of ≤T2b stage and 9 cases of T2c stage. After 1∶1 propensity score matching, the postoperative functional outcomes of 27 cases of RARP with PEEL and 27 cases of RARP with PPSS were compared. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon and included patients were clinically staged as cT1-2N0M0 without preoperative urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction. In RARP with PEEL, the prostate was cut near the midline at the front when dissecting the neurovascular bundle, dissection was performed between the visceral layer of the pelvic fascia and the prostatic fascia, preserving the parietal layer and the visceral layer of the pelvic fascia, and the neurovascular bundle was retrogradely released from the apex. The cumulative probability curve was plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Log-rank test was used to compare the differences in functional outcomes between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare postoperative urinary continence and sexual function. Results: The recovery time of continence and potency was significantly longer in the PPSS group than in the PEEL group (all P<0.05). The continence rate of the PEEL group was significantly higher than that of the PPSS group (92.59% vs. 68.10%, P=0.026) at 3 months after surgery. The potency rate of the PEEL group was also significantly higher than that of the PPSS group (40.70% vs. 15.10%, P=0.037) at 3 months after surgery. In the univariate analysis, compared to the PPSS technique, the PEEL technique was associated with a shorter recovery time of continence (HR=1.94, 95%CI: 1.08 to 3.48, P=0.027) and a shorter recovery time of potency (HR=2.06, 95%CI: 1.03 to 4.13, P=0.042). In the multivariate analysis, the PEEL technique was an independent prognosis factor for postoperative recovery of continence (HR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.01 to 4.17, P=0.047) and potency (HR=3.57, 95%CI: 1.43 to 8.92, P=0.007). All the cases of the PPSS group and the PEEL group were performed successfully with negative surgical margins. Conclusion: Compared with PPSS, PEEL may be more conducive to the recovery of urinary continence and sexual function after RARP.

A multifunctional nano-hydroxyapatite/MXene scaffold for the photothermal/dynamic treatment of bone tumours and simultaneous tissue regeneration

After resection of bone tumour, the risk of cancer recurrence and numerous bone defects continues to threaten the health of patients. To overcome the challenge, we developed a novel multifunctional scaffold material consisting mainly of nano-hydroxyapatite particles (n-HA), MXene nanosheets and g-C3N4 to prevent tumour recurrence and promote bone formation. N-HA has the potential to restrict the growth of osteosarcoma cells, and the combination of MXene and g-C3N4 enables the scaffolds to produce photodynamic and photothermal effects simultaneously under near infrared (NIR) irradiation. Surprisingly, n-HA can further enhance the synergistic anti-tumour function of photodynamic and photothermal, and the scaffolds can eradicate osteosarcoma cells in only 10 min at a mild temperature of 45 ℃. Moreover, the scaffold exhibit exceptional cytocompatibility and possesses the capacity to induce osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Therefore, this multifunctional scaffold can not only inhibits the proliferation of bone tumour cells and rapidly eradicate bone tumour through NIR irradiation, but also enhances osteogenic activity. This promising measure can be used to treat tissue damage after bone tumour resection.

[Preliminary experience of gasless transoral vestibular robotic thyroidectomy]

Objective: To explore the feasibility and safety of the gasless transoral vestibular robotic thyroidectomy using skin suspension. Methods: The clinical data of 20 patients underwent gasless transoral vestibular robotic thyroidectomy in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from February 2022 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 18 were females and 2 were males, aged (38.7±8.0) years old. The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative drainage volume, postoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, postoperative swallowing function swallowing impairment score-6 (SIS-6), postoperative aesthetic VAS score, postoperative voice handicap index-10 (VHI-10) voice quality, postoperative pathology and complications were recorded. SPSS 25.0 was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: The operations were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery in all patients. Pathological examination showed papillary thyroid carcinoma in 18 cases, retrosternal nodular goiter in 1 case, and cystic change in goiter in 1 case. The operative time for thyroid cancer was 161.50 (152.75, 182.50) min [M (P₂₅, P₇₅), the same below] and the average operative time for benign thyroid diseases was 166.50 minutes. The intraoperative blood loss 25.00 (21.25, 30.00) ml. In 18 cases of thyroid cancer, the mean diameter of the tumors was (7.22±2.02) mm, and lymph nodes (6.56±2.14) were dissected in the central region, with a lymph node metastasis rate of 61.11%. The postoperative pain VAS score was 3.00 (2.25, 4.00) points at 24 hours, the mean postoperative drainage volume was (118.35±24.32) ml, the postoperative hospital stay was 3.00 (3.00, 3.75) days, the postoperative SIS-6 score was (4.90±1.58) points at 3 months, and the postoperative VHI-10 score was 7.50 (2.00, 11.00) points at 3 months. Seven patients had mild mandibular numbness, 10 patients had mild cervical numbness, and 3 patients had temporary hypothyroidism three months after surgery and 1 patient had skin flap burn, but recovered one month after surgery. All patients were satisfied with the postoperative aesthetic effects, and the postoperative aesthetic VAS score was 10.00 (10.00, 10.00). Conclusion: Gasless transoral vestibular robotic thyroidectomy using skin suspension is a safe and feasible option with good postoperative aesthetic effect, which can provide a new treatment option for some selected patients with thyroid tumors.

Engineering multilayer catalytic interfaces with N, S co-regulation for high performance water splitting

The rational design of hierarchical nano-heterojunction electrocatalysts with efficient and durable water splitting performance is a hot research topic in the field of sustainable energy conversion. Herein, chemical vapor deposition methods are exploited to dope N and S elements in a core-shell structured Co₃O₄@NiMoO₄ with a layered structure (N, S-Co₃O₄@NiMoO₄/NF₄₀₀). The close contact between Co₃O₄ nanowires and N, S co-doped NiMoO₄ cubic arrays facilitates electron transfer. The electronic structure of Ni, Co and Mo atoms could be optimized to enhance their electrical conductivity by modulation of N and S atoms. At current densities of 10 and 200 mA cm^-2, N, S-Co₃O₄@NiMoO₄/NF₄₀₀ has an overpotential of 200, 300 and 71 160 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction, respectively. Its water splitting voltages are 1.45 V and 2 V at 10 and 200 mA cm^-2. In addition, N, S-Co₃O₄@NiMoO₄/NF₄₀₀ can operate stably for 100 h at a current density of 50 mA cm^-2. This work provides a new approach to designing bifunctional catalysts with hierarchical heterogeneous structures co-regulated by dual elements.

The enhanced visible light driven photocatalytic activity of zinc porphyrin/g-C3N4 nanosheet for efficient bacterial infected wound healing

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has received much attention as a metal-free polymeric two-dimensional photocatalyst for antibiotic-free antibacterial application. However, the weak photocatalytic antibacterial activity of pure g-C₃N₄ stimulated by visible light limits its applications. Herein, g-C₃N₄ is modified with Zinc (II) meso-tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (ZnTCPP) by amidation reaction to enhance the utilization of visible light and reduce the recombination of electron-hole pairs. The composite (ZP/CN) is used to treat bacterial infection under visible light irradiation with a high efficacy of 99.99% within 10 min due to the enhanced photocatalytic activity. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and density flooding theory calculations indicate the excellent electrical conductivity between the interface of ZnTCPP and g-C₃N₄. The formed built-in electric field is responsible for the high visible photocatalytic performance of ZP/CN. In vitro and in vivo tests have demonstrated that ZP/CN not only possesses excellent antibacterial activity upon visible light irradiation, but also facilitates the angiogenesis. In addition, ZP/CN also suppresses the inflammatory response. Therefore, this inorganic-organic material can serve as a promising platform for effective healing of bacteria-infected wounds.

[Preliminary experience of robotic lateral neck dissection via combined axillary-retroauricular approach for N1b papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and short-term efficacy of robotic lateral neck dissection via combined axillary-retroauricular approach for N1b papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: Thirty patients with cT1-2N1bM0 PTC who received robotic lateral neck dissection via combined axillary-retroauricular approach were included in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from December 2016 to December 2020. There were 10 males and 20 females, with a median age of 34.5 years and a median body mass index of 25.55 kg/m². The clinical, surgical, complications, pathology and follow-up data were analysed with SPSS 25.0 software package. Results: The median operative time of 30 patients was 255.50 min, the median operative blood loss was 69.00 ml, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 6.00 days. The incidence of postoperative temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis was 3.33% (1/30), temporary hypoparathyroidism was 16.67%(5/30), temporary accessory nerve injury was 3.33% (1/30), hematoma was 3.33% (1/30) and chylous leakage was 3.33% (1/30). The median visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 8.00, and the follow-up time was 13-38 months, with a median of 25.5 months. One case showed cervical lymph node recurrence 14 months after surgery. The most recent dynamic recurrence risk stratification showed 21 patients (70.00%) had excellent responses. Conclusions: Robotic lateral neck dissection via combined axillary-retroauricular approach for unilateral cN1b PTC is safe, feasible and aesthetic. The short-term efficacy and dynamic recurrence risk stratification results of short-term follow-up are satisfactory. It can provide a surgical option for cN1b PTC patients.

The role of booster vaccination and ongoing viral evolution in seasonal circulation of SARS-CoV-2

Periodic resurgences of COVID-19 in the coming years can be expected, while public health interventions may be able to reduce their intensity. We used a transmission model to assess how the use of booster doses and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) amid ongoing pathogen evolution might influence future transmission waves. We find that incidence is likely to increase as NPIs relax, with a second seasonally driven surge expected in autumn 2022. However, booster doses can greatly reduce the intensity of both waves and reduce cumulative deaths by 20% between 7 January 2022 and 7 January 2023. Reintroducing NPIs during the autumn as incidence begins to increase again could also be impactful. Combining boosters and NPIs results in a 30% decrease in cumulative deaths, with potential for greater impacts if variant-adapted boosters are used. Reintroducing these NPIs in autumn 2022 as transmission rates increase provides similar benefits to sustaining NPIs indefinitely (307 000 deaths with indefinite NPIs and boosters compared with 304 000 deaths with transient NPIs and boosters). If novel variants with increased transmissibility or immune escape emerge, deaths will be higher, but vaccination and NPIs are expected to remain effective tools to decrease both cumulative and peak health system burden, providing proportionally similar relative impacts.

Ti3 C2 TX MXene Modified with ZnTCPP with Bacteria Capturing Capability and Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Antibacterial Activity

Light-assisted antibacterial therapy is a promising alternative to antibiotic therapy due to the high antibacterial efficacy without bacterial resistance. Recent research has mainly focused on the use of near-infrared light irradiation to kill bacteria by taking advantage of the synergistic effects rendered by hyperthermia and radical oxygen species. However, photocatalytic antibacterial therapy excited by visible light is more convenient and practical, especially for wounds. Herein, a visible light responsive organic-inorganic hybrid of ZnTCPP/Ti₃ C₂ T_X is designed and fabricated to treat bacterial infection with antibacterial efficiency of 99.86% and 99.92% within 10 min against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. The porphyrin-metal complex, ZnTCPP, is assembled on the surface of Ti₃ C₂ T_X MXene to capture bacteria electrostatically and the Schottky junction formed between Ti₃ C₂ T_X and ZnTCPP promotes visible light utilization, accelerates charge separation, and enhances the mobility of photogenerated charges, and finally increases the photocatalytic activity. As a result of the excellent bacteria capturing ability and photocatalytic antibacterial effects, ZnTCPP/Ti₃ C₂ T_X exposed to visible light has excellent antibacterial properties in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, organic-inorganic materials that have been demonstrated to possess good biocompatibility and enhance wound healing have large potential in bio-photocatalysis, antibacterial therapy, as well as antibiotics-free treatment of wounds.

[Differential diagnosis of gallbladder polypoid lesions by micro-flow imaging]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the value of micro-flow imaging (MFI) in evaluating blood flow characteristics and differential diagnosis of gallbladder polypoid lesions.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and ultrasound images of 73 patients with gallbladder polypoid lesions, including 24 patients with pathologically confirmed neoplastic polyps (n=24) and 49 with non-neoplastic polyps (n=49). All the patients underwent conventional ultrasound, MFI and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) before cholecystectomy. The blood flow characteristics of the lesions in color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and MFI were compared, and the consistency of the findings by these two modalities with those of CEUS were evaluated by weighted Kappa consistency test. The diagnostic performance of MFI for gallbladder polypoid lesions was assessed.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between MFI and CDFI in the evaluation of blood flow characteristics of gallbladder polypoid lesions (χ²=37.684, P < 0.001). MFI showed better performance than CDFI in displaying the blood flow characteristics of the polyps. The consistency in the findings was 0.118 between CDFI and CEUS and 0.816 between MFI and CEUS. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MFI in distinguishing neoplastic polyps from non-neoplastic polyps were 75.00%, 93.88% and 87.67%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MFI has a good consistency with CEUS in displaying the blood flow characteristics of gallbladder polypoid lesions and can accurately distinguish neoplastic polyps from non-neoplastic polyps, thus providing new ultrasound diagnostic evidence to support clinical decisions on optimal treatments of gallbladder polypoid lesions.

[Progress in the study of antiviral activity of cepharanthine against SARS-CoV-2]

As a member of the dibenzyl isoquinoline alkaloid family, cepharathine is an alkaloid from the traditional Chinese medicine cepharathine, which is mainly used for treatment of leukopenia and other diseases. Recent studies of the inhibitory effect of cepharathine against SARS-CoV-2 have attracted widespread attention and aroused heated discussion. As the original discoverer of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of cepharanthine, here we briefly summarize the discovery of cepharanthine and review important progress in relevant studies concerning the discovery and validation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of cepharathine, its antiviral mechanisms and clinical trials of its applications in COVID-19 therapy.

AB0058 SERUM ANTIGENOME PROFILING REVEALS DIAGNOSTIC MODELS FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to joint damage, systemic inflammation and early mortality. Though the precise molecular mechanism in the triggering immune response are not fully understood, the emergence of antibodies against self-antigens can serve as diagnostic biomarker. Multiple antigens have been confirmed. However, the profiling of serum antigen, antigenome, remains poorly known.

Objectives

The study aimed to investigate the serum antigenomic profiling and determine potential diagnostic biomarkers using label-free proteomic technology implemented with machine-learning algorithm.

Methods

We captured serum antigens from a cohort consisting of 60 RA patients (45 ACPA-positive RA patients and 15 ACPA-negative RA patients), sex- and age-matched 30 osteoarthritis patients and 30 healthy controls. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed. We then trained a machine learning model to classify RA, ACPA-positive RA and ACPA-negative RA based on proteomic data and validated in the cohort.

Results

We identified 62, 71 and 49 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in RA, ACPA-positive RA and ACPA-negative RA respectively, compared to OA and healthy controls. Among these DEPs, the pathway enrichment analysis and protein-protein interactions networks were conducted. Three panels were constructed to classify RA, ACPA-positive RA and ACPA-negative RA using random forest models algorithm based on the molecular signature of DEPs, whose area under curve (AUC) were calculated as 0.9949 (95% CI = 0.9792-1), 0.9913 (95%CI = 0.9653-1) and 1.0 (95% CI = 1-1).

Conclusion

This study presented serum antigen profiling of RA. Among them, three panels of antigens were identified to classify RA, ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative RA patients as diagnostic biomarkers.

References

[1]Smolen JS, Aletaha D, McInnes IB. Rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet (London, England). (2016) 388: 2023-38. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30173-8

[2]De Rycke L, Peene I, Hoffman IE, Kruithof E, Union A, Meheus L, et al. Rheumatoid factor and anticitrullinated protein antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis: diagnostic value, associations with radiological progression rate, and extra-articular manifestations. Ann Rheum Dis. (2004) 63: 1587-93. doi: 10.1136/ard.2003.017574

[3]Kampstra ASB, Dekkers JS, Volkov M, Dorjée AL, Hafkenscheid L, Kempers AC, et al. Different classes of anti-modified protein antibodies are induced on exposure to antigens expressing only one type of modification. Ann Rheum Dis. (2019) 78: 908-16. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214950

[4]Liao W, Li Z, Li T, Zhang Q, Zhang H, Wang X. Proteomic analysis of synovial fluid in osteoarthritis using swath‑mass spectrometry. Mol Med Rep. (2018) 17: 2827-36. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8250

[5]Peffers MJ, Smagul A, Anderson JR. Proteomic analysis of synovial fluid: current and potential uses to improve clinical outcomes. Expert Rev Proteomic. (2019) 16: 287-302. doi:10.1080/14789450.2019.1578214

[6]Swan AL, Mobasheri A, Allaway D, Liddell S, Bacardit J. Application of machine learning to proteomics data: classification and biomarker identification in postgenomics biology. Omics: a journal of integrative biology. (2013) 17: 595-610. doi: 10.1089/omi.2013.0017

[7]Mahler M, Martinez-Prat L, Sparks JA, Deane KD. Precision medicine in the care of rheumatoid arthritis: focus on prediction and prevention of future clinically-apparent disease. Autoimmun Rev. (2020) 19: 102506. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102506

[8]Mun S, Lee J, Park A, Kim HJ, Lee YJ, Son H, et al. Proteomics approach for the discovery of rheumatoid arthritis biomarkers using mass spectrometry. Int J Mol Sci. (2019) 20. doi: 10.3390/ijms20184368

[9]Li K, Mo W, Wu L, Wu X, Luo C, Xiao X, et al. Novel autoantibodies identified in acpa-negative rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. (2021). doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-218460

Figure 1.

Study overview and antigenome characterization

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

[Transoral robotic nasopharyngectomy for local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the safety, efficacy, locally control and survival results of transoral Da Vinci robotic surgery for salvage treatment of locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: This retrospective study included 33 patients with locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (stage rT1-2, partial rT3) underwent transoral Da Vinci robotic surgery between October 2017 and January 2020. There were 20 males and 11 females, with an average age of (47.9±10.5) years. The lesions were localized in nasopharyngeal cavity in 14 cases, with extending to parapharyngeal space in 6 cases and the floor of sphenoid sinus in 13 cases. Transnasal endoscopy was used to assist surgery if necessary. SPSS 25.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Transoral robotic nasopharyngectomy was successfully performed in all cases without conversion to open surgery, of which 13 cases were combined with transnasal endoscopic surgery. The average operation time was (126.2±30.0) min, ranging from 90 to 180 min. The postoperative pathological margin was R0 (31 cases) and R1 (2 cases), with no tumor residue. Complications of surgery mainly included symptoms of headache, nasal dryness and velopharyngeal insufficiency without nasopharyngeal hemorrhage. Follow-up time was from 3 to 54 months. One case had tumor recurrence 11 months after operation, 1 case had ipsilateral cervical lymph node metastasis 27 months after operation, 2 cases had distant metastasis and 1 case died of nasopharyngeal hemorrhage 3 months after operation. The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year overall survival rates were 97.0%, 96.0% and 92.9%, respectively and the local recurrence free rates were 97.0%, 95.7% and 91.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Transoral robotic nasopharyngectomy is safe and feasible for local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma in selected patients, with higher local control rate and quality of life.

Association between Sleep Duration and Mild Cognitive Impairment at Different Levels of Metabolic Disease in Community-Dwelling Older Chinese Adults

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS), sleep duration and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in community-dwelling older Chinese adults.

METHODS

The study comprised of 1367 community-dwelling Chinese participants (563 men; mean age: 71.0 years) recruited from Tianjin and Shanghai, China who were invited to participate in a comprehensive geriatric assessment. The International Diabetes Federation metabolic syndrome guidelines were used to define MetS. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale were used for the initial classification of patients with MCI. We divided sleep duration into five groups (≤6 h, 6-8 h which was used as the reference, 8-9 h, 9-10 h, and >10 h). Nutritional status was assessed by Mini Nutrition Assessment Short Form.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of metabolic syndrome was 46.7%, the overall incidence of mild cognitive impairment was 17.4%. In logistic regression analysis model, after adjusting for multiple confounding factors such as nutritional status and physical activity level, there was a significant positive association between long sleep duration (> 10h) and mild cognitive impairment in general population and metabolic syndrome population (p<0.05), but the association was not significant in non-metabolic syndrome group. In addition, in the long sleep duration group, the components of metabolic syndrome, elevated blood glucose were significantly associated with mild cognitive impairment (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Long sleep duration was significantly associated with increased risk of MCI in older adults with MetS, but not in those without MetS. The prevention of MCI may be more effective in the population of MetS with long sleep duration.

Mediating Effects of Malnutrition on the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms Clusters and Muscle Function Rather than Muscle Mass in Older Hemodialysis Patients

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association and mediation pathways among muscle mass, muscle function (muscle strength and physical performance), and malnutrition with depressive symptoms clusters in the older hemodialysis patients.

DESIGN

A multi-center cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 499 patients aged ≥ 60 on hemodialysis from seven facilities in Shanghai of China from 2020 to 2021.

MEASUREMENTS

Muscle mass was assessed by skeletal muscle index(SMI). Muscle strength was measured by handgrip strength, and physical performance was measured via gait speed and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Nutritional status was assessed by Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS). Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Logistic regression and mediation analyses fully adjusted for all potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

Among 499 participants (312 men, mean age 69.2±6.6 years), 108 (21.6%) had depressive symptoms. The muscle strength, physical performance and malnutrition were associated with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, malnutrition significantly mediated the association of muscle function with total, cognitive-affective symptoms. The association of the muscle function with somatic symptoms were mediated by the nutritional status. The mediated proportions of malnutrition in the relationship between physical performance and depressive symptoms clusters were stronger in somatic symptoms than in cognitive-affective symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that muscle function rather than muscle mass may contribute substantially to the development of depressive symptoms clusters in the hemodialysis via malnutrition. The malnutrition mediated stronger in the association of muscle function with somatic symptoms. These findings may help guide clinicians to better diagnose and manage depression in the context of concomitant muscle function and malnutrition.

Prognostic value of PCSK9 Levels in Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

The role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients is still an open question and the PCSK9 concentration of clinical usefulness remains unknown in guiding treatment.

Purpose

To explore the role of PCSK9 in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Methods

272 patients with NSTEMI were included in our study, all patients received PCI therapy after admission. Patients were followed up for 1 year and MACEs were recored. Their baseline plasma PCSK9 levels were determined by ELISA. Patients were divided into high, medium and low PCSK9 groups and the associations of PCSK9 with other biomarkers and MACEs were evaluated.

Results

The results showed that PCSK9 levels was related to levels of lipoproteins, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r=0.162, P=0.008), platelet volume distribution width (r=0.299, P&lt;0.001) and D-dimer (r=0.285, P&lt;0.001). And the concentrations of PCSK9 was greater higher in people with MACEs (137.2ng/ml vs 243.6ng/ml) (Fig. 1A). The Kaplan-Meier curves showed patients with high PCSK9 level had lower event-free survival rate (Fig. 1B). Survival analysis indicated high level of PCSK9 predicted MACEs independently after adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and GRACE score (HR=2.646, 95CI%: 1.047–6.686, P=0.027) (Fig. 1C, Fig. 2). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the prognostic value of high PCSK9 level was greater for patients classified by the GRACE score as high risk (Fig. 1D).

Conclusions

In a NSTEMI setting, the concentration of PCSK9 is associated with hypercoagulability and hyper-inflammation. High levels of PCSK9 independently predict future MACEs in NSTEMI patients, particularly those classified by the GRACE score as high risk.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Public awareness of acute myocardial infarction symptoms and emergency response in community residents

Background

Patient delay in seeking help has been reported to be a major factor that related to delay in care of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Lack the knowledge of symptoms may translate to behavioral deficiencies which lead up to failing to seek medical assistant at early stage of AMI.

Purpose

The aim of present study is to investigate the awareness of AMI symptoms and the emergency responses among community residents over 35 years old.

Methods

The sample was proportionally distributed by age according to the national census data. The sex ratio was 1:1. The sample size is calculated according to the significance level of 0.05, the allowable error of 0.1, and the estimated Excellent awareness level of 10%. The final sample size is adjusted to 4200, considering non-response rate of 20%. Multi-stage stratified random sampling was used. On the first stage, two districts each in urban and rural regions were randomly selected. On the second stage, 3–10 community health service centers were randomly selected in each district. On the third stage, residents over 35 managed by the community health service center were proportionally sampled to be interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used and the survey was conducted in a face-to-face interview by clinical physicians. Logistic regression was applied to analyze factors related to Good knowledge.

Results

The top three symptom recognized by public is “pain or discomfort in the chest” (71.3%), followed by “difficulty breathing” (65.1%) and “pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back” (60.9%). 85.0% chose to call an ambulance as first response when witness others having an AMI. Those who lives alone (OR=1.408; 95% CI, 1.005–1.972) and whose immediate family had been diagnosed with AMI (OR=1.510; 95% CI, 1.040–2.192) has better knowledge. A significant positive correlation was observed for those with hypertension (OR=1.199; 95% CI, 1.007–1.429), while a negative correlation was observed for those with diabetes (OR=0.788; 95% CI, 0.626–0.992). Public education could improve Good knowledge (OR=1.662; 95% CI, 1.388–1.990), while doctoral advise has been shown negative impact (OR=0.824; 95% CI, 0.691–0.984).

Conclusions

Our data provide first population-based estimates of public awareness in our country. Further promotional strategies to increase overall awareness in general public are seriously needed.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Major Science and Technology Projects of Tianjin Science and Technology Commission Multivariable logistic regression

Reducing food insecurity and improving fruit and vegetable intake through a nutrition incentive program in Michigan, USA

Background

Nutrition incentive (NI) programs increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables (FVs) among low-income participants. Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) is a robust statewide NI program in the United States. The purpose of this paper is to report findings from DUFB in Michigan describing the factors related to FV intake (FVI) and food insecurity among participants in a NI program.

Methods

We administered a repeated cross-sectional survey with a convenience sample of DUFB participants at farmers markets and grocery stores (over the 2016, 2017, 2018 seasons). The survey was conducted online via paper-pencil. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. A logistic regression model estimated household food insecurity and a linear regression estimated FVI with DUFB use/perceptions, sociodemographics, and health status as independent variables (significance level = p < 0.05).

Results

Descriptive results revealed that participants that completed surveys at grocery stores tended to be more racially-ethnically diverse and younger than participants that completed surveys at farmers markets. Participants with lower length of time participating in DUFB (i.e., lower dose) (p < 0.001), greater FV purchases (p < 0.05), and lower perceived health status (p < 0.001) tended to report being food insecure more frequently. Participants with increased length of time participating in DUFB (p < 0.05), greater FV purchases (p < 0.001), being male (p < 0.01), and greater perceived health status (p < 0.001) tended to report higher levels of FVI more frequently.

Conclusions

Longer participation in DUFB leads to improved outcomes with FVI and food security, suggesting that NI programs do have the intended positive impact they were designed to achieve.

•

Low income populations carry a larger burden of obesity, food insecurity, and chronic disease.

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Nutrition incentive programs were developed to address affordability barriers to healthy eating among SNAP participants.

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Participants at grocery stores tended to be more racially-ethnically diverse and younger than participants at farmers markets.

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Participants with longer time in the program reported greater FVI and higher levels of food security.

Taraxasterol inhibits TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in papillary thyroid cancer cells through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Taraxasterol (TAR) is a kind of active compound extracted from dandelion and its molecular structure resembles steroid hormones. Recently, TAR has been reported to show an anti-tumor activity. However, the specific role of TAR in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the effect of TAR on PTC cell migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by TGF-β1. PTC cells were exposed to TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL) and then treated with different concentrations of TAR. We found that TAR showed no obvious cytotoxicity below 10 μg/mL but notably reduced migration and invasion of TGF-β1-treated PTC cells. Moreover, TAR treatment decreased MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels, and obviously affected the expression of EMT markers. We also observed that Wnt3a and β-catenin levels were significantly increased in TGF-β1-treated PTC cells while TAR inhibited these effects in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, activation of the Wnt pathway by LiCl attenuated the suppressive effect of TAR on TGF-β1-induced migration, invasion and EMT in PTC cells. Taken together, we highlighted that TAR could significantly suppress TGF-β1-regulated migration and invasion by reversing the EMT process via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting that TAR may be a potential anti-cancer agent for PTC treatment.

Transcriptome analysis reveals TOR signalling-mediated plant flush shoots governing Diaphorina citri Kuwayama oviposition

Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is a key vector transmitting the causative agent of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Population growth of ACP is evident after feeding on plant flush shoots, as they only oviposit here. However, the underlying mechanism as to why flush shoots govern oviposition is unclear. This study compares the fecundity and ovarian morphology of ACP between young flush and mature leaves. Furthermore, the transcriptome of mated females infesting Murraya paniculata was analysed. Finally, the gene of the key Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signalling pathway was silenced by RNAi. Results indicated that flush shoot feeding activated the development of the psyllids ovary and therefore induced oviposition. A total of 126 and 2794 differentially expressed genes were detected at 1 and 5 days, respectively, after pest infestation of flush shoots compared to mature leaves. Many genes are involved in protein metabolism, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway, hormone synthesis, and TOR signalling pathway: all thought to activate reproduction. Silencing of the positive regulator gene DcRheb in the TOR pathway resulted in lower levels of ecdysone and juvenile hormone and decreased vitellogenin synthesis, further disrupting reproductive ability. This study enhances understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying ACP's reproductive strategy.

A systematic review of olfactory related questionnaires and scales

PURPOSE

Although neglected by science for a long time, the sense of olfaction has received increasing attention from research areas including psychology, neuroscience, clinical medicine and nutrition. With the rise of psychophysical and neuroimaging re- search into olfaction, psychometric tools (e.g. questionnaires and scales) are the basis for the quantitative exploration of inter-in- dividual variability regarding olfactory related responses. The current systematic review is to summarize existing olfaction related questionnaires and/or scales.

METHODS

Peer-reviewed literature on scales and questionnaires related to perception of odors were searched from online databa- ses (PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO). Twenty-one articles that meet the following criteria were included in the review: "human species", "physical odor stimuli" and "describing the original development of the tool" and "specific focus on olfaction or odor related responses or behaviors". The psychometric properties, advantages and possible disadvantages were discussed.

RESULTS

Existing psychometric measures focus on various aspects of olfactory related responses and behaviors, including af- fective experiences of odor perception, awareness and attitude towards olfaction, olfactory function and the quality of life change due to olfactory dysfunction, and the ability to create vivid mental odor images. While most of them have been tested to have good reliability and validity, some were relatively time-consuming due to the number of questionnaire items. Besides, although many measures have been used in clinical populations, few have provided information on the predictive validity regarding effecti- veness of clinical intervention on changes of certain responses or behaviors.

SUMMARY

The current review provides an overview of olfactory related questionnaires and scales, highlighting the emotional and affective impact of olfaction and the impact on quality of life due to olfactory dysfunction. With growing interest in olfaction as an important sense, the development and use of psychometrically sound measurements in conjunction with objective assess- ments will advance our understanding of human olfaction and olfactory dysfunction. The review provides a guide for researchers and clinicians alike to select olfactory scales suitable for olfactory research with different experimental purposes and specific samples.

Financial toxicity in lung cancer: an assessment of magnitude, perception, and impact on quality of life

BACKGROUND

Advances in lung cancer therapy have resulted in improved clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, advances can come at a financial cost to patients and their families that poses a significant risk to overall quality of life (QoL). Financial distress has been shown to be associated with increased symptom burden and decreased treatment compliance but the magnitude of financial distress is not well characterized in lung cancer populations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with stage II-IV newly diagnosed lung cancer and starting first-line therapy were recruited at a tertiary academic institution between July 2018 and April 2019. The comprehensive score for financial toxicity (COST) was used to assess financial toxicity and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) was used to assess QoL. Associations between financial toxicity and baseline variables were assessed using multivariable linear regression and correlations were assessed using the Pearson correlation.

RESULTS

In this study, 143 consecutive patients were approached and 91.6% agreed to participate (N = 131). The median age was 65 years (35-90); 52.7% were male (n = 69), and 75.6% were white (n = 99). The inability to afford basic necessities and having <1 month of savings was associated with increased financial toxicity (P < 0.001) after adjusting for other factors such as age, race, insurance, and income. There was also a trend toward increased financial toxicity among those who were employed but on sick leave (P = 0.06). Increased financial toxicity was correlated with a decrease in QoL (correlation coefficient 0.41, P < 0.001). Patients' anticipated out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses for the upcoming 6 months ranged from $0 to $50 000 (median $2150). However, there was no correlation between anticipated OOP expenses and either financial toxicity or QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

These data identify key factors for identifying at-risk patients and builds a framework for exploring the benefit of financial counseling interventions, which may improve QoL and oncologic outcomes.

Interfacial Design on Graphene-Hematite Heterostructures for Enhancing Adsorption and Diffusion towards Superior Lithium Storage

Hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) is a promising electrode material for cost-effective lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), and the coupling with graphene to form Gr/α-Fe₂O₃ heterostructures can make full use of the merits of each individual component, thus promoting the lithium storage properties. However, the influences of the termination of α-Fe₂O₃ on the interfacial structure and electrochemical performance have rarely studied. In this work, three typical Gr/α-Fe₂O₃ interfacial systems, namely, single Fe-terminated (Fe-O₃-Fe-R), double Fe-terminated (Fe-Fe-O₃-R), and O-terminated (O₃-Fe-Fe-R) structures, were fully investigated through first-principle calculation. The results demonstrated that the Gr/Fe-O₃-Fe-R system possessed good structural stability, high adsorption ability, low volume expansion, as well as a minor diffusion barrier along the interface. Meanwhile, investigations on active heteroatoms (e.g., B, N, O, S, and P) used to modify Gr were further conducted to critically analyze interfacial structure and Li storage behavior. It was demonstrated that structural stability and interfacial capability were promoted. Furthermore, N-doped Gr/Fe-O₃-Fe-R changed the diffusion pathway and made it easy to achieve free diffusion for the Li atom and to shorten the diffusion pathway.

MicroRNA-140's inhibition on the cell migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer by down-regulating Smad3 expression

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of miR-140 on migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cell and its regulatory mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The NSCLC cell lines A549, H1650, NCI-H838, and normal lung epithelial cells BEAS-2B were purchased, and the expression of miR-140 and Smad3 in cells was detected by RT-PCR. MiR-140-inhibitor, miR-140-mimincs, miR-NC, sh-Smad3, Si-Smad3, and NC were transfected into A549 cells. Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (QRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-140 and Smad3. Transwell and cell scratch assay were used to detect cell invasion and migration. Dual-Luciferase report assay was used to study the relationship between mir-140 and Smad3.

RESULTS

MiR-140 was lowly expressed and Smad3 was highly expressed in NSCLC cells. Cell researches showed that the overexpression of miR-140 can inhibit cell invasion and migration. The downregulation of Smad3 expression inhibits cell invasion and migration. Dual-Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-140 is a Smad3 targeting site.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-140 can inhibit the invasion and migration of NSCLC cells by regulating Smad3, and it is expected to become a potential clinical target.

Critical Role of Surface Defects in the Controllable Deposition of Li2S on Graphene: From Molecule to Crystallite

Uncontrollable electrochemical deposition of Li₂S has negative impacts on the electrochemical performance of lithium-sulfur batteries, but the relationship between the deposition and the surface defects is rarely reported. Herein, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) and density functional theory (DFT) approaches are used to study the Li₂S deposition behaviors on pristine and defected graphene substrates, including pyridinic N (PDN) doped and single vacancy (SV), as well as the interfacial characteristics, in that such defects could improve the polarity of the graphene material, which plays a vital role in the cathode. The result shows that due to the constraint of molecular vibration, Li₂S molecules tend to form stable adsorption with PDN atoms and SV defects, followed by the nucleation of Li₂S clusters on these sites. Moreover, the clusters are more likely to grow near these sites following a spherical pattern, while a lamellar pattern is favorable on pristine graphene substrates. It is also discovered that PDN atoms and SV defects provide atomic-level pathways for the electronic transfer within the Li₂S-electrode interface, further improving the electrochemical performance of the Li-S battery. It is found for the first time that surface defects also have strong impacts on the deposition pattern of Li₂S and provide electronic pathways simultaneously. Our work demonstrated the interior relationship between the surface defects in carbon substrates and the stability of Li₂S precipitates, which is of high significance to understand the electrochemical kinetics and design Li-S battery with long cycle life.

Alloyed Crystalline CdSe1-xSx Semiconductive Nanomaterials - A Solid State 113Cd NMR Study

Solid‐state NMR analysis on wurtzite alloyed CdSe_1−xS_x crystalline nanoparticles and nanobelts provides evidence that the ¹¹³Cd NMR chemical shift is not affected by the varying sizes of nanoparticles, but is sensitive to the S/Se anion molar ratios. A linear correlation is observed between ¹¹³Cd NMR chemical shifts and the sulfur component for the alloyed CdSe_1−xS_x (0<x<1) system both in nanoparticles and nanobelts (δ_Cd=169.71⋅X_S+529.21). Based on this correlation, a rapid and applied approach has been developed to determine the composition of the alloyed nanoscalar materials utilizing ¹¹³Cd NMR spectroscopy. The observed results from this system confirm that one can use ¹¹³Cd NMR spectroscopy not only to determine the composition but also the phase separation of nanomaterial semiconductors without destruction of the sample structures. In addition, some observed correlations are discussed in detail.

The effect of olfactory training on olfactory bulb volumes in patients with idiopathic olfactory loss

Olfactory loss impacts around 20% of the population and is associated with the reduction of pleasure from eating and drinking, sex and depression (1). Encouragingly, research findings have consistently demonstrated that olfactory training (OT) can improve olfactory function in people with olfactory loss due to various aetiologies (2). The most commonly used method for OT involves smelling four different odours (lemon, eucalyptus, rose and cloves), twice daily, for 12 weeks.

Combined Effect of Osteoporosis and Poor Dynamic Balance on the Incidence of Sarcopenia in Elderly Chinese Community Suburban-Dwelling Individuals

OBJECTIVES

Given the increasing prevalence of osteoporosis and the important role dynamic balanced plays in the assessment of muscle function, we aimed to examine the joint and separate effects of osteoporosis and poor dynamic balance on the incidence of sarcopenia in Chinese elderly individuals.

DESIGN

This study was conducted on 658 (44.4% male) Chinese suburban-dwelling participants with a mean age of 68.42 ± 5.43 years who initially had no sarcopenia and were aged ≥60 years. A quantitative ultrasound scan of each participant's calcaneus with a T score less than -2.5 was used to identify the prevalence of osteoporosis. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. We assessed dynamic balance using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Participants who scored in the top 20% on the TUGT were defined as having poor dynamic balance.

RESULTS

After a follow-up of three years, the incidence of sarcopenia in the general population was 8.1% (9.6% in males, 6.8% in females). The incidence of sarcopenia was progressively greater in people suffering from both osteoporosis and poor dynamic balance (OR=2.416, 95%CI=1.124-5.195) compared to those who only had osteoporosis (OR=0.797, 95%CI=0.378-1.682) or poor dynamic balance (OR=1.226, 95%CI=0.447-3.363) in models without adjustments. Even after adjusting for potential confounders, the result still held true (OR=2.431, 95%CI=1.053-5.614).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we found individuals who suffered from both osteoporosis and poor dynamic balance simultaneously had a significantly higher incidence of sarcopenia than those who suffered from either one or the other.

The Predictive Value of Sarcopenia and Its Individual Criteria for Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in Suburb-dwelling Older Chinese

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study is to investigate the associations between the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) sarcopenic definition, and its individual criteria, and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in the Chinese elderly.

METHODS

Longitudinal analysis of 1,264 participants aged 60 years or older at baseline (2013-2014) living in suburban areas, China. Sarcopenia was defined according to the recommended algorithm of AWGS. Muscle mass was measured by a direct segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscle strength was assessed by handgrip strength, and physical performance measured via usual walking speed.

RESULTS

Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality. After 40 months of follow-up, forty-eight deaths (4.2%) died in this cohort. The mortality rate with sarcopenia was 4.7% in men and 3.8% in women. After adjusting for potential confounders, the risk of all-cause death was 4.15 times higher in subjects with sarcopenia. Furthermore, low muscle mass (HR: 2.62, 95% CI 1.34-5.13) and low grip strength (HR: 5.79; 95% CI 2.28-14.71), but not walking speed, were found to be significantly associated with all-cause mortality. Risk of CVD mortality was significantly greater in sarcopenia. Low grip strength and low walking speed were associated with 11 times (HR: 11.03, 95% CI 1.58-77.02) and 13 times (HR: 13.02; 95% CI 1.18-143.78) higher risk of CVD mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia and components of sarcopenia were associated with greater CVD and all-cause mortality. Pertinent prevention or rehabilitation programs projects should look to promote healthy aging in different types of sarcopenia group.

MicroRNA-520a-3p inhibits cell growth and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that be involved in the pathogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of miR-520a-3p in cell growth and metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mimics and inhibitor of miR-520a-3p were used to identify the effects of miR-520a-3p on cell proliferation and apoptosis using methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay and flow-cytometric method, respectively. Transwell assay was used to evaluate the cell migration and invasion. The protein expression levels related PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways were measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

The results showed that miR-520a-3p overexpression could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, suppress cell migration and invasion. MiR-520a-3p overexpression could markedly reduce the ratio of p-AKT/AKT, p-PI3K/PI3K and Bcl-2/Bax, the levels of mTOR, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) compared with control. However, miR-520a-3p overexpression could increase caspase-3 expression compared with control group. After inhibited the expression of miR-520a-3p, the capacity of cell proliferation, migration and invasion were increased, cell apoptosis was inhibited compared with control group. The ratio of p-AKT/AKT, p-PI3K/PI3K and Bcl-2/Bax, the levels of mTOR, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased compared with control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that miR-520a-3p could suppress the NSCLC proliferation, migration and invasion through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of Zintl Phase Ca9Zn4+xSb9 by Beneficial Disorder on the Selective Cationic Site

Zintl phase compounds Ca₉Zn_4+xSb₉ have promising thermoelectric properties due to their complex crystal structure and tunable interstitial Zn. In this work, we prepared nominal Ca₉Zn_4+xSb₉ (x = 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8) using ball milling and hot pressing. Further decreased lattice thermal conductivity was obtained by isoelectronic substitution of Eu on the selective Ca site, which is farther away from the framework of [Zn_4+xSb₉]^δ- for the smaller disturbance of carrier transport. Together with the intensively enhanced carrier mobility, which is attributed to the decreased effective mass and the increased interstitial Zn by inclusion of Eu, an increased peak ZT value to ∼1.05 at 773 K and an enhanced average ZT value to ∼0.73 from 300 to 823 K were achieved in Ca_6.75Eu_2.25Zn_4.7Sb₉.