Nanosized Silk-Magnesium Complexes for Promotion of Angiogenic and Osteogenic Activities

Injectable hydrogels with osteogenic and angiogenetic properties are of interest in bone tissue engineering. Since the bioactivity of ions is concentration-dependent, nanosized silk-magnesium (Mg) complexes were previously developed and assembled into hydrogels with angiogenic capabilities but failed to control both osteogenic and angiogenetic activities effectively. Here, nanosized silk particles with different sizes were obtained by using ultrasonic treatment to control silk-Mg coordination and particle formation, resulting in silk-Mg hydrogels with different types of bioactivity. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction results revealed that different coordination intensities were present in the different complexes as a basis for the differences in activities. Slow Mg ion release was controlled by these nanosized silk-Mg complexes through degradation. With the same amount of Mg ions, the different silk-Mg complexes exhibited different angiogenic and osteogenic capacities. Complexes with both angiogenic and osteogenic capacities were developed by optimizing the sizes of the silk particles, resulting in faster and improved quality of bone formed in vivo than complexes with the same composition of silk and Mg but only angiogenic or osteogenic capacities. The biological selectivity of silk-Mg complexes should facilitate applications in tissue regeneration.

[Analysis of clinical and prognostic characteristics of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with myelofibrosis patients]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and prognostic characteristics of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients with myelofibrosis (MF). Methods: The clinical data of 160 NDMM patients admitted to Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2012 to July 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into MF group(n=74) and non-MF group(n=86) according to whether combined with MF. Patients in MF group were further splited into MF-1 group (n=47) and MF-2/3 group (n=27). All patients were treated with bortezomib and immunomodulatory-based combination therapy. The efficacy was evaluated after 4 courses, and the clinical features and prognosis between the two groups were compared. The deadline for follow-up was December 30, 2022 and the median follow-up period [M (Q1, Q3)] was 23.5 (14.4, 40.5) months. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and Cox regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of survival. Results: Among 160 patients with NDMM, 91 were males and 69 were females, with a median age [M (Q1, Q3)] of 59 (54, 69) years. In MF group, the bone marrow immature plasma cell percentage, total plasma cell percentage were 9.6% (3.2%, 28.5%) and 36.4% (18.5%, 51.1%), respectively, which were higher than 6.0% (1.2%, 17.2%) and 24.0% (12.0%, 46.0%) of the non-MF group (both P<0.05). Hb level was 84.0(74.5, 100.5)g/L and PLT was (151.99±90.68) ×109/L in the MF group, which were lower than 96.0 (81.0, 112.0)g/L and (180.38±85.32) ×109/L of non-MF group (both P<0.05). But there were no significant differences in ISS stage, karyotypic and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) high-risk genetic abnormalities between the two groups (all P>0.05). Objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). The rate of 17p- was 25.9% (7/27) in MF-2/3 group, which was higher than 8.1% (7/86) of non-MF group (P=0.049). The median OS of the MF-2/3 group was 25.0 (95%CI: 23.6-26.4) months, which was shorter than that of the non-MF group (54.0 months, P=0.031). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that grade MF-2/3 was not a risk factor for OS in NDMM patients (HR=1.507, 95%CI: 0.624-3.993, P=0.425). Conclusions: The ratio of bone marrow immature plasma cells and total plasma cells in NDMM patients with MF are higher than that in patients without MF, and the Hb and PLT are lower than that in patients without MF. NDMM patients with grade 2/3 MF have shorter survival than those without MF.

Interim Analysis of DD3: A Phase IB/II Trial of Dose-Deescalated 3-Fraction SBRT for Centrally Located Lung Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Prior studies suggested excessive toxicity for central lung tumors treated with 3-fraction stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). This may be related to the high biologically equivalent dose assuming alpha/beta of 10 (BED) of 54 Gy in 3 fractions (BED = 151.2), as 50-60 Gy in 5 fractions (BED = 100.0-132.0) was well-tolerated in RTOG 0813. We initiated a prospective phase IB/II trial to test the hypothesis that a dose-deescalated regimen of 45 Gy in 3 fractions (BED 112.5) would be safe and efficacious in central lung tumors.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We enrolled patients with primary or secondary lung tumors ≤5cm in a central but not ultra-central tumor location defined as within 2 cm of (but not abutting) tracheobronchial tree, esophagus, or heart. Patients were either medically inoperable or refused surgical intervention. Co-primary endpoints were safety and efficacy, defined as local control (LC). Secondary endpoints included lobar control, regional control (LRC), distant control (DC), progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). Organ-at-risk dose constraints were consistent with those of RTOG 0236. The Bayesian predictive probability approach was utilized for continuous monitoring after 10 patients were treated and have mature assessment of toxicity, after which interim analysis was planned. We recommended terminating the trial for safety if there was sufficient evidence that the rate of grade ≥3 was greater than 0.25 (predictive probability >0.80).

RESULTS

As of the data cut-off date of 1/26/23, the trial was open for 34 months (including a nearly-immediate suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic). A total of 17 patients have been treated on protocol with a median follow-up of 12 months. No grade ≥3 adverse events attributable to SBRT have occurred to date, though one patient died of unrelated cardiac arrhythmias 1 month after SBRT completion (Table 1). Maximum CTCAE grade 2 adverse events attributable to SBRT occurred in 17.6% of patients. The predictive probability of concluding unacceptably high toxicity rate by the end of the trial based on toxicity data in the current stage is 0.62%. To date, there have been 0 local recurrences, 1 regional recurrence without local recurrence (8 months after SBRT completion, successfully salvaged with definitive chemoradiotherapy without additional toxicities), and 1 distant recurrence without local recurrence (6 months after SBRT in a patient with lung metastasis from colon adenocarcinoma).

CONCLUSION

Interim analysis of the DD3 trial suggests that for patients with central but not ultra-central lung tumors, an SBRT regimen of 45 Gy in 3 fractions warrants continued trial accrual and follow-up given no grade ≥3 toxicities or local recurrences in the early follow-up period among the first 17 patients enrolled.

Nanosized Silk-Magnesium Complexes for Tissue Regeneration

Metal ions provide multifunctional signals for cell and tissue functions, including regeneration. Inspired by metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), nanosized silk protein aggregates with a high negative charge density are used to form stable silk-magnesium ion complexes. Magnesium ions (Mg ions) are added directly to silk nanoparticle solutions, inducing gelation through the formation of silk-Mg coordination complexes. The Mg ions are released slowly from the nanoparticles through diffusion, with sustained release via tuning the degradation or dissolution of the nanosized silk aggregates. Studies in vitro reveal a dose-dependent influence of Mg ions on angiogenic and anti-inflammatory functions. Silk-Mg ion complexes in the form of hydrogels also stimulate tissue regeneration with a reduced formation of scar tissue in vivo, suggesting potential utility in tissue regeneration.

[The Biography and Achievements of Japanese Psychiatrist Syuzo Kure]

Syuzo Kure (1865-1932) was the founder of modern psychiatry in Japan and one of the pioneers of the study on the Japanese medical history. He introduced the modern hospital system and psychiatric research, actively promoted the improvement of the treatment of the mental disorders.He was the founder of the Japanese Psychiatric Neurological Association and the Journal of Neurology, and also promoted the establishment of the Charity Treatment Association for the Mentally ill.At the same time, he excavated and sorted out the historical materials of psychiatry, and founded the Japanese Medical History Society.While the medical social history is heating up in China, it is of many significance to pay attention to the study of psychiatric history and a representative figure like Syuzo Kure.

How do forms and characteristics of Asian public housing neighbourhoods affect dementia risk among senior population? A cross-sectional study in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

Public housing estate is a key determinant of community health risk in American/European cities. However, how forms/characteristics of compact/hilly public housing's neighbourhoods affect dementia among Asian seniors was underestimated.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A total of 2,077 seniors living in Hong Kong's public housing estates were included. Dementia was measured by a Cantonese version of Montreal - Cognitive Assessment. Built environment was measured based on three dimensions (greenery, walkability, accessibility), including 11 metrics. Circular buffers (without walking paths) and service areas (considering walking paths) with two-dimensional/three-dimensional (terrain) adjustment were applied to quantify forms/characteristics of neighbourhoods. Two spatial buffers were applied: immediate distance (200 m) and walkable distance (500 m). Exposure-by-exposure regressions were applied to evaluate the associations between form/characteristics of neighbourhood and dementia.

RESULTS

Forms/characteristics without considering walking paths may overestimate health benefits from built environment. For circular buffers, higher percentage of building coverage, higher land use mix and more community/transportation/leisure facilities were negatively associated with dementia. All measures of greenery were positively associated with dementia. For service areas, measures of walkability and accessibility became insignificant except more community facilities at the immediate distance. Furthermore, terrain effect was insignificant when it was compared with the impacts of walking paths.

CONCLUSION

Dementia among seniors in hilly public housing estates was negatively associated with neighbourhood's walkability and accessibility and was influenced by walking paths. For healthy ageing, improved forms/characteristics of public housing neighbourhoods should include more accessible spaces and community facilities along walking paths for physical activities and basic daily needs.

Effect of intravesical mitomycin compared with gemcitabine on the treatment non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: A meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of intravesical mitomycin compared with gemcitabine on the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

METHODS

A systematic literature search up to November 2021 was done and 6 studies included 389 subjects with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer at the start of the study; 197 of them were provided with intravesical-mitomycin and 192 with intravesical gemcitabine. The studies reported the relationships about the effect of intravesical mitomycin compared with gemcitabine on the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the effect of intravesical mitomycin compared with gemcitabine on the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer using the dichotomous method with a random or fixed-effect model.

RESULTS

Intravesical mitomycin had significantly higher recurrence rates (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.43-4.08, p=0.001) and chemical cystitis (OR, 4.39; 95% CI, 2.27-8.51, p<0.001) compared to intravesical gemcitabine in subjects with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. However, intravesical mitomycin had no significant difference in its effect on hematuria (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 0.68-4.33, p=0.26), skin reaction (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 0.59-7.07, p=0.26), and liver and kidney functions damage (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 0.35-10.96, p=0.44) compared to intravesical gemcitabine in subjects with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravesical mitomycin had significantly higher recurrence rates and chemical cystitis and no significant difference in its effect on hematuria, skin reaction, and liver and kidney functions damage compared to intravesical gemcitabine in subjects with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Further studies are required to validate these findings.

Tourniquet Use Improves Intraoperative Parameters, Leading to Similar Postoperative Outcomes Compared With No Tourniquet Use in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

To examine the effect of tourniquet use in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in terms of: (1) intraoperative visualization with operative time and consumption of sterile saline, and (2) intra- and postoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, opioid consumption, swelling, serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, clinical outcomes, and graft healing.

METHODS

In this prospective randomized clinical trial, patients were assigned to tourniquet inflation (tourniquet-up) or tourniquet deflation (tourniquet-down) groups. Primary outcomes were intraoperative visualization with operative time and sterile saline consumption. Secondary outcomes were intra- and postoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, opioid consumption, swelling, serum CPK, Hb concentration, subjective and objective functional scores, and graft healing.

RESULTS

Intraoperative visualization was satisfactory in 100 of 100 cases in the tourniquet-up group and 64 of 100 cases in the tourniquet-down group (P < .05). The mean operative time was 58.4 ± 5.7 minutes in the tourniquet-up group and 72.5 ± 8.6 minutes in the tourniquet-down group (P < .05). The mean sterile saline consumption was 6.4 ± 2.5 L in the tourniquet-up group and 8.7 ± 4.6 L in the tourniquet-down group (P < .05). The respective amounts of estimated intraoperative and postoperative blood loss were 95.3 ± 25.1 mL and 240.3 ± 44.5 mL in the tourniquet-up group and 230.2 ± 22.3 mL and 75.6 ± 15.3 mL in the tourniquet-down group (P < .05). Our results showed no significant difference in postoperative pain, opioid consumption, percentage of patients using opioids, swelling, mean serum CPK and Hb levels, subjective and objective functional scores, or graft healing (P > .05) between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Tourniquet use during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction significantly improves intraoperative visualization, shortens operative time, and decreases intraoperative sterile saline consumption and blood loss without serious adverse events or greater complication rates based on early postoperative outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, randomized controlled trial.

[Apolipoprotein E enhances migration of endometrial cancer cells byactivating the ERK/MMP9 signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of apolipoprotein E (APOE) in regulating endometrial cancer metastasis and explore the signaling pathway in the regulatory mechanism.

METHODS

Human endometrial cancer cell line HEC-1B was transfected with a control siRNA (siCtrl) or a specific siRNA targeting APOE (siAPOE) or with either pEGFP-N1 plasmid or an APOEoverexpressing plasmid. The changes in migration, proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of the transfected cells were examined using wound healing assay, Transwell migration assay, MTT assay, flow cytometry, and Hoechst staining. The activity of the ERK/MMP9 signaling pathway in the transfected cells was assessed using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The expression level of APOE in clinical specimens of endometrial cancer tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry and its correlation with differentiation of endometrial cancer tissues was analyzed.

RESULTS

Wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay showed that compared with those in siCtrl group, HEC-1B cells transfected with siAPOE showed significantly reduced migration ability (P < 0.05), whereas APOE overexpression significantly promoted the migration of the cells (P < 0.05). Neither APOE knockdown nor overexpression produced significant effects on HEC-1B cell proliferation as shown by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Hoechst staining revealed that transfection with siAPOE did not significantly affect apoptosis of HEC-1B cells. APOE knockdown obviously reduced and APOE overexpression enhanced ERK phosphorylation and MMP9 expression in HEC-1B cells (P < 0.05). Treatment with U0126 partially reversed the effects of APOE overexpression on ERK phosphorylation, migration and MMP9 expression in HEC-1B cells (P < 0.05). APOE is highly expressed in clinical samples of endometrial cancer tissues as compared with the adjacent tissues.

CONCLUSION

APOE is highly expressed in endometrial cancer tissues to promote cancer cell migration by enhancing ERK phosphorylation and MMP9 expression.

Author Correction: Nitrosative stress induces downregulation of ribosomal protein genes via MYCT1 in vascular smooth muscle cells

Correction to: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 2021; 25 (18): 5653-5663-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202109_26784-PMID: 34604957, published online on 30 September, 2021. After publication, the authors applied to add another corresponding author. Therefore, both Dr. Xiaosun Guo and Dr. Fan Jiang are the corresponding authors of this article. There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/26784.

[Digitalization of perioperative traumatic stress in enhanced recovery after surgery program: current application and future prospect]

Perioperative traumatic stress is a systemic nonspecific response caused by stimuli such as anesthesia, surgery, pain and anxiety, which lasts throughout the perioperative period.The continuous excessive stress response is not conducive to the postoperative rehabilitation of patients. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), a research hotspot of modern surgery, can significantly reduce perioperative pain and stress, thus promoting the rehabilitation of patients. With the progress of artificial intelligence and information technology, wearable, non-invasive, real-time heart rate variability (HRV) dynamic monitoring can effectively realize the digitalization of stress monitoring with low price, which is worthy of clinical application. Therefore, the use of HRV for digital monitoring of perioperative stress has a significant research value. Moreover, the combination of HRV and ERAS has shown its advantages and the prospect of clinical application is worthy of anticipating.

[Characteristics and prognostic effects of NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients]

Objective: To explore the characteristics, clinical features and prognostic effects of NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients. Methods: The clinical data of 61 T-ALL patients who underwent second-generation gene sequencing in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from March 2016 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 46 males and 15 females, with a median age [M (Q₁, Q₃)] of 18 (11, 30) years. The relationship between NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutation characteristics, clinical and laboratory parameters and their impact on event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results: NOTCH1 gene mutations were found in 34 cases (55.7%, 34/61), including 22 cases of heterodimer domain (HD) mutations (64.7%), 7 cases of proline/glutamate/serine/threonine (PEST) mutations (20.6%), and 5 cases of both HD and PEST mutations (14.7%). FBXW7 gene mutations were detected in 9 cases (14.8%, 9/61), of which 5 cases had both NOTCH1 and FBXW7 gene mutations. Twenty-three (37.7%, 23/61) cases were wild type. The median white blood cell count of patients in NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group and wild-type group was 76.4×10⁹/L (8.3×10⁹/L, 149.2×10⁹/L), 54.1×10⁹/L (5.3×10⁹/L, 156.6×10⁹/L), respectively. Moreover, the hemoglobin was (89.1±27.1) g/L and (99.5±23.1) g/L, respectively, and the median proportion of bone marrow primordial cells was 84.5% (69.0%, 91.3%) and 60.0%(35.0%, 80.0%), respectively. The gene expression rate of SIL-TAL1, Hox11 and Hox11L2 was 7.9% (3/38) vs 17.4% (4/23), 18.4% (7/38) vs 4.3% (1/23), 5.3% (2/38) vs 13.0% (3/23), respectively (all P>0.05). However, the median platelet level in the NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group was 60.5×10⁹/L (36.8×10⁹/L, 100.3×10⁹/L), which was lower than that in the wild-type group [116.0×10⁹/L (63.0×10⁹/L, 178.0×10⁹/L)] (P=0.018). The median number of gene mutations in the group with NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group was 2.5 (1.8, 4.0), which was more than that in the group without NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group [0 (0, 1.0)] (P<0.001). The median EFS and OS of adult NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group were 28.0 (95%CI: 7.3-48.7) months and 30.0 (95%CI: 8.9-51.1) months, respectively, which were better than those of adult wild-type group [4.5 (95%CI: 0-11.6) months and 9.0 (95%CI: 0-19.1) months] (P=0.008 and 0.014).The median EFS and OS of children NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group were 12.0 (95%CI: 10.4-13.6) months and 19.0 (95%CI: 13.6-24.4) months, respectively, and those of wild-type group were 10.0 (95%CI: 8.9-11.1) months and 21.0 (95%CI: 0-51.4) months, respectively (P=0.673 and 0.434). Conclusions: The mutation rate of NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene is higher in T-ALL patients. Patients with NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group have lower platelet count and better EFS and OS. NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutation may be used as a hierarchical basis for individualized treatment of adult T-ALL patients.

[Laparoscopic surgery in treatment of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor in liver: safety and efficacy]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic surgery for perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa). Methods: The clinical data of 42 patients with hepatic PEComa diagnosed by pathology in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from September 2012 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the endoscopic group and the open group according to surgical methods. Statistical software was used to compare the differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative pathological data and incidence of complications between the two groups. Results: There were 27 cases in the endoscopic group and 15 cases in the open group. In the endoscopic group, there were 5 males and 22 females, aged (40.0±10.4) years. In the open group, there were 5 males and 10 females, aged (44.5±12.6) years. The operative time of the endoscopic group and the open group was (239±156.2) min and (348±103.0) min, and the postoperative hospital stay was (8.2±2.4) d and (13.7±4.9) d, respectively, the endoscopic group was significantly better than the open group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, tumor benign and malignant, tumor site, tumor diameter, Ki67 index, postoperative complications such as biliary leakage, incision infection and pleural effusion (P>0.05). During the follow-up period of 2-103 months, one case was lost to follow-up, two cases died in the endoscopic group,one case died in the open group. The 5-year overall survival rate (OS) and disease-free survival rate (DFS) were 80.8% and 83.0%, respectively. Meanwhile,. The 5-year OS and DFS were both 92.3%, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: Laparoscopic treatment of hepatic PEComa has the advantages of short operation time and short postoperative hospital stay, and the incidence of complications, 5-year OS and DFS are not significantly different from that of the open group.

[Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant in Shangyu district, Shaoxing of Zhejiang province]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant in Shangyu district, Shaoxing of Zhejiang province in 2021, and provide evidence for the improvement of COVID-19 control and prevention measures. Methods: The incidence data of COVID-19 in Shangyu from December 7 to 21, 2021 was obtained from Shangyu District Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The epidemiological characteristics of the cases, i.e. the population, time and space distributions, were analyzed, and the incubation period and time-varying reproduction numbers (R_t) were calculated. Results: From December 7 to 21, 2021, a total of 380 COVID-19 cases caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant were detected in Shangyu, the median age of the cases was 52 years, M (Q₁，Q₃: 38, 61). The male to female ratio of the cases was 1∶1.25, and the cases were mainly workers (36.58%) and farmers (27.63%). The epidemic affected 9 townships (or community) of Shangyu, especially Caoe and Baiguan communities with the cases accounting for 57.10% and 31.53% respectively. The median incubation period of cases was 4.00 days, M (Q₁，Q₃: 3.00, 5.75). The basic reproduction number (R₀) was 4.06, and the R_t was 5.62 in early phase of the outbreak (the highest) and continuously decreased to less than 1.00 within 10 days after the detection of the outbreak. The number of COVID-19 cases decreased to 0 within 14 days after the outbreak (December 7-21), and the main detection methods were screening in centralized isolation (55.53%) and home isolation (40.00%). The infection rates of close contacts and secondary close contacts were 2.06% and 0.46% respectively. Conclusion: The epidemic of COVID-19 in Shangyu characterized by short incubation period, large number of infected people, and case clustering, suggesting the strong transmission of Delta variant (B.1.617.2). Comprehensive prevention and control measures, such as management of close contacts and secondary close contacts, and high-risk area, are essential for the rapid control of the epidemic.

[A multi-center, randomized controlled study on the effect of Saccharomyces boulardii combined with triple therapy for the initial eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection]

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) in combination with triple therapy as a first-line regimen for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) patients. Methods: A total of 497 Helicobacter pylori-positive patients who underwent gastroscopy and diagnosed with NUD were enrolled from June 2018 to January 2020 in 9 medical centers across China. Participants were segmentedly randomly divided into 3 groups. Patients in group A received S. boulardii for 14 days and triple therapy for 10 days, while patients in group B received bismuth quadruple group for 10 days, and patients in group C received triple therapy for 10 days. The H. pylori status was determined by the ¹³C-urea breath test on the 44th day of the treatment. Symptom improvement and adverse reactions were assessed on the 14th and 44th day. Results: There were 229 males and 268 females in all 497 patients enrolled. They were aged 18-69 (46.1±11.8) years and 472 of them (158 cases in group A, 159 cases in group B, and 155 cases in group C) completed the trial. The intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rates in patients in patients A, B and C were 77.8% (126/162), 80.1% (137/171) and 65.2% (107/164) respectively, and per protocol-based (PP) eradication rates were 79.7% (126/158), 86.2% (137/159) and 69.0% (107/155) respectively. The differences were statistically significant in ITT and PP analysis among 3 groups (ITT: χ²=11.14, P<0.01; PP: χ²=13.86, P<0.01). There was no significant difference between eradication rates of two quadruple therapys(all P>0.05), but both of them were significantly higher than that of standard triple therapy (both P<0.05). Statistics revealed that both quadruple therapys led to significantly higher symptom improvement of belching compared with that of standard triple therapy in day 14 (P<0.05). The relief of abdominal distension and belching symptom scores of group A were significantly higher than those of group C in day 44(all P<0.05). There was no serious adverse event reported. The incidence of diarrhea in group A was significantly lower than those in the other two groups (both P<0.05). Conclusions: The combination of S. boulardii and triple therapy can achieve a better eradication effect on H. pylori infection with NUD, and has advantages in symptom relief and safety.

Macroporous Silk Nanofiber Cryogels with Tunable Properties

Cryogels are widely used in tissue regeneration due to their porous structures and friendly hydrogel performance. Silk-based cryogels were developed but failed to exhibit desirable tunable properties to adapt various biomedical applications. Here, amorphous short silk nanofibers (SSFs) were introduced to fabricate silk cryogels with versatile cues. Compared to previous silk cryogels, the SSF cryogels prepared under same conditions showed significantly enhanced mechanical properties. The microporous cryogels were achieved under lower silk concentrations, confirming better tunability. Versatile cryogels with the modulus in the range of 0.5-283.7 kPa were developed through adjusting silk concentration and crosslinking conditions, superior to previous silk cryogel systems. Besides better cytocompatibility, the SSF cryogels were endowed with effective mechanical cues to control osteogenetic differentiation behaviors of BMSCs. The mechanical properties could be further regulated finely through the introduction of β-sheet-rich silk nanofibers (SNFs), which suggested possible optimization of mechanical niches. Bioactive cargo-laden SNFs were introduced to the SSF cryogel systems, bringing biochemical signals without the compromise of mechanical properties. Versatile SNF-based cryogels with different physical and biological cues were developed here to facilitate the applications in various tissue engineering.

[Status of vaccination and related influencing factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a real-world cross-sectional study]

Objective: To investigate the influenza and pneumonia vaccination rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and analyze the factors affecting vaccination. Methods: Totally 4 016 COPD patients at the initial visit were included in the Respiratory Department of Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from December, 2016 to December, 2019. Each patient's vaccination status after the visit for 1 year was reviewed, and finally 3 177 patients were included in the analysis. Relevant factors affecting vaccination were analyzed with logistic regression. Results: The overall vaccination rates of COPD patients with influenza vaccine, pneumonia vaccine and influenza combined pneumonia vaccine were 2.3% (72/3 177), 1.1% (34/3 177) and 1.1% (34/3 177), respectively. The influenza vaccination rate of urban patients (3.3%, 41/1 252) was higher than that of rural patients (1.6%, 31/1 925,P=0.002). The rates of influenza vaccine, pneumonia vaccine and influenza combined pneumonia vaccine in ex-smokers with COPD were 3.3% (33/993), 2.1% (21/993), 2.1% (21/993), respectively and 1.7% (25/1 467), 0.7% (11/1 467), 0.7% (11/1 467), in current smokers with COPD, respectively (P=0.034, P=0.015, P=0.015, respectively). The influenza vaccination rate was higher in patients with COPD assessment test (CAT) scored less than 10 (4%, 27/673) than patients with CAT scored more than 10 (1.8%, 45/2 504,P=0.002). In a multifactor analysis, patients who lived in country side, were current smokers, and had more symptoms were less likely to be vaccinated, with an aOR 1.73(95%CI 1.02-2.93), 2.10(95%CI 1.18-3.76), 2.06(95%CI 1.24-3.43), respectively. 81.2% of COPD patients did not receive the vaccine because they did not know the vaccine. Conclusions: Vaccination rates for influenza vaccine, pneumonia vaccine and both of them in COPD patients were low and the patients lacked knowledge of vaccine. The residence, smoking status and symptoms were related to the vaccination of COPD patients, and these should be taken into account in the vaccination health education.

Nerve Growth Factor-Laden Anisotropic Silk Nanofiber Hydrogels to Regulate Neuronal/Astroglial Differentiation for Scarless Spinal Cord Repair

Scarless spinal cord regeneration remains a challenge due to the complicated microenvironment at lesion sites. In this study, the nerve growth factor (NGF) was immobilized in silk protein nanofiber hydrogels with hierarchical anisotropic microstructures to fabricate bioactive systems that provide multiple physical and biological cues to address spinal cord injury (SCI). The NGF maintained bioactivity inside the hydrogels and regulated the neuronal/astroglial differentiation of neural stem cells. The aligned microstructures facilitated the migration and orientation of cells, which further stimulated angiogenesis and neuron extensions both in vitro and in vivo. In a severe rat long-span hemisection SCI model, these hydrogel matrices reduced scar formation and achieved the scarless repair of the spinal cord and effective recovery of motor functions. Histological analysis confirmed the directional regenerated neuronal tissues, with a similar morphology to that of the normal spinal cord. The in vitro and in vivo results showed promising utility for these NGF-laden silk hydrogels for spinal cord regeneration while also demonstrating the feasibility of cell-free bioactive matrices with multiple cues to regulate endogenous cell responses.

Nitrosative stress induces downregulation of ribosomal protein genes via MYCT1 in vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE

In our previous genomic studies in human intracranial aneurysms, we observed downregulations in the expression of a number of ribosomal protein genes and the c-Myc-related gene MYC target 1 (MYCT1). So far there is no information about the roles of MYCT1 in vascular cells. Our study aims to investigate the functional roles of MYCT1 in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Primary SMCs were isolated from rat thoracic aorta and cultured in vitro. The mRNA and protein expressions were determined by real-time PCR and western blot respectively. Apoptosis was detected by measuring caspase 3/7 activity. Collagen production was determined with ELISA.

RESULTS

Using PCR, we validated our previous genomic data showing that the expressions of MYCT1 and ribosomal protein genes were decreased in human aneurysm tissues. In vascular SMCs, we showed that nitrosative stress downregulated the expression of both MYCT1 and ribosomal proteins. Knockdown of MYCT1 mimicked the effects of nitrosative stress on ribosomal protein expressions, whereas overexpression of MYCT1 blunted the effects of nitrosative stress. MYCT1-dependent downregulation of ribosomal proteins compromised the protein translational capacity of the cells for collagen production. Moreover, the endogenously expressed MYCT1 in vascular SMCs was involved in maintaining normal cellular functions including survival, proliferation and migration.

CONCLUSIONS

MYCT1-dependent gene regulation may, at least partly, explain the downregulated expressions of ribosomal proteins observed in human intracranial aneurysms. It is suggested that MYCT1 may represent a novel molecular target for counteracting the decreased activity of aneurysmal SMCs for tissue repairmen/regeneration.

Direct Measurement of the Branching Fractions B(ψ(3686)→J/ψX) and B(ψ(3770)→J/ψX), and Observation of the State R(3760) in e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψX

We report a measurement of the observed cross sections of e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψX based on 3.21  fb^{-1} of data accumulated at energies from 3.645 to 3.891 GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider. In analysis of the cross sections, we measured the decay branching fractions of B(ψ(3686)→J/ψX)=(64.4±0.6±1.6)% and B(ψ(3770)→J/ψX)=(0.5±0.2±0.1)% for the first time. The energy-dependent line shape of these cross sections cannot be well described by two Breit-Wigner (BW) amplitudes of the expected decays ψ(3686)→J/ψX and ψ(3770)→J/ψX. Instead, it can be better described with one more BW amplitude of the decay R(3760)→J/ψX. Under this assumption, we extracted the R(3760) mass M_{R(3760)}=3766.2±3.8±0.4  MeV/c^{2} , total width Γ_{R(3760)}^{tot}=22.2±5.9±1.4  MeV, and product of leptonic width and decay branching fraction Γ_{R(3760)}^{ee}B[R(3760)→J/ψX]=(79.4±85.5±11.7)  eV. The significance of the R(3760) is 5.3σ. The first uncertainties of these measured quantities are from fits to the cross sections and second systematic.

[Analysis of clinical features and prognosis of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia harboring additional chromosomal abnormalities in Ph-positive cells]

目的

探讨Ph阳性附加染色体异常（ACA/Ph⁺）对初诊慢性期（CP）和治疗中进展为加速期和急变期慢性髓性白血病（CML-AP/BP）患者生物学特征、疗效和预后的影响。

方法

回顾性分析2013年1月至2020年6月河南省人民医院收治的410例Ph⁺ CML[初诊CML-CP 348例，治疗中进展为AP/BP（进展期CML）62例]患者的临床资料，根据ELN2020标准将其分为高危、非高危和无ACA/Ph⁺三组，并比较分析高危/非高危ACA/Ph⁺对其生物学特征、疗效和预后的影响。

结果

①348例初诊CML-CP患者，合并ACA/Ph⁺者20例（5.75%），其中高危ACA/Ph⁺组3例，非高危ACA/Ph⁺组17例；无ACA/Ph⁺组328例。伴ACA/Ph⁺和无ACA/Ph⁺组患者的基本临床特征差异无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）；非高危ACA/Ph⁺组和无ACA/Ph⁺组间完全血液学缓解（CHR）率、完全细胞遗传学反应（CCyR）率、主要分子学反应（MMR）率和5年总生存（OS）率差异均无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）；非高危ACA/Ph⁺组5年无进展生存（PFS）率显著低于无ACA/Ph⁺组（42.0%对74.5%，χ²＝4.766，P＝0.029）。②62例进展期CML患者，合并ACA/Ph⁺者41例（66.13%），其中高危ACA/Ph⁺组28例，非高危ACA/Ph⁺组13例；无ACA/Ph⁺组21例。高危ACA/Ph⁺组患者中位PLT水平（42.5×10⁹/L）低于非高危（141×10⁹/L）和无ACA/Ph⁺组（109×10⁹/L）（χ²＝4.968，P＝0.083）；三组间ABL激酶区点突变发生率差异无统计学意义（P＝0.652）。高危ACA/Ph⁺组CCyR率显著低于无ACA/Ph⁺组（5.3%对46.7%，χ²＝5.851，P＝0.016）。高危ACA/Ph⁺组5年OS率为46.2%，非高危ACA/Ph⁺组为64.3%，无ACA/Ph⁺组为77.8%，其中高危ACA/Ph⁺组患者5年OS率明显低于无ACA/Ph⁺组（χ²＝3.878，P＝0.049）。亚组分析显示高危Ⅰ组（+8，+Ph或含+8/+Ph的复杂ACA）CML患者的5年OS率为54.5%，与无ACA/Ph⁺组相比差异无统计学意义（χ²＝1.514，P＝0.219）；高危Ⅱ组[含−7/7q−或i（17q）或含2个及以上高危ACA的复杂核型]为28.6%，显著低于无ACA/Ph⁺组（χ²＝8.035，P＝0.005）。

结论

因ACA类型和疾病分期不同，伴ACA/Ph⁺ CML患者的治疗反应和预后存在差异，治疗过程中高危ACA的出现意味着更差的治疗反应和预后，严格、规范的细胞遗传学监测对此类患者的早期发现和精准诊疗具有重要意义。

Nerve Guidance Conduits with Hierarchical Anisotropic Architecture for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Nerve guidance conduits with multifunctional features could offer microenvironments for improved nerve regeneration and functional recovery. However, the challenge remains to optimize multiple cues in nerve conduit systems due to the interplay of these factors during fabrication. Here, a modular assembly for the fabrication of nerve conduits is utilized to address the goal of incorporating multifunctional guidance cues for nerve regeneration. Silk-based hollow conduits with suitable size and mechanical properties, along with silk nanofiber fillers with tunable hierarchical anisotropic architectures and microporous structures, are developed and assembled into conduits. These conduits supported improves nerve regeneration in terms of cell proliferation (Schwann and PC12 cells) and growth factor secretion (BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in vitro, and the in vivo repair and functional recovery of rat sciatic nerve defects. Nerve regeneration using these new conduit designs is comparable to autografts, providing a path towards future clinical impact.

Silk Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Engineering

Silk is a natural fibrous polymer with application potential in regenerative medicine. Increasing interest remains for silk materials in bone tissue engineering due to their characteristics in biocompatibility, biodegradability and mechanical properties. Plenty of the in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed the advantages of silk in accelerating bone regeneration. Silk is processed into scaffolds, hydrogels, and films to facilitate different bone regenerative applications. Bioactive factors such as growth factors and drugs, and stem cells are introduced to silk-based matrices to create friendly and osteogenic microenvironments, directing cell behaviors and bone regeneration. The recent progress in silk-based bone biomaterials is discussed and focused on different fabrication and functionalization methods related to osteogenesis. The challenges and potential targets of silk bone materials are highlighted to evaluate the future development of silk-based bone materials.

[Expression and clinicopathological significance of Bcl - 2 and Bax genes in colorectal cancer patients complicated with schistosomiasis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression and clinicopathological significance of Bcl-2 and Bax genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients complicated with schistosomiasis.

METHODS

The CRC patients receiving surgical treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University from June 2016 to June 2020 were recruited as the study subjects, and 30 subjects were randomly sampled from the CRC patients complicated with schistosomiasis (CRC-S group) and 30 subjects were randomly sampled from the CRC patients without schistosomiasis (CRC group) using a random number table method. The cancer specimens were sampled from subjects in the CRC-S and CRC groups, and the peri-cancer specimens were sampled from subjects in the CRC group. The Bcl-2 and Bax expression was quantified in cancer and peri-cancer specimens using a real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay and immunohistochemistry at transcriptional and translational levels, and the cell apoptosis was detected in cancer specimens using HE staining.

RESULTS

A total of 60 subjects were enrolled, including 30 cases in the CRC group and 30 cases in the CRC-S group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender distribution (χ² = 0.271, P > 0.05), mean age (t = -0.596, P > 0.05), tumor growth pattern (χ² = 0.275, P > 0.05), tumor location (χ² = 4.008, P > 0.05), tumor invasion depth (χ² = 0.608, P > 0.05), degree of tumor differentiation (χ² = 0.364, P > 0.05), or presence of vascular metastasis (χ² = 1.111, P > 0.05), while significant differences were seen between the two groups in terms of histological type, presence of lymph node metastasis and TMN staging (χ² = 5.963, 8.297 and 5.711, all P values < 0.05). qPCR assay and immunohistochemistry quantified significantly higher Bcl-2 and Bax expression in cancer specimens from the CRC and CRC-S groups than in the peri-cancer specimens from the CRC group at both translational and transcriptional levels (all P values < 0.05), and higher Bcl-2 and lower Bax expression were seen in the cancer specimens from the CSC-S group than that from the CRC group (all P values < 0.05). In addition, the cell apoptotic rate was significantly greater in the cancer specimens in the CRC group than in the CRC-S group (42.00% vs. 23.35%; χ² = 41.500, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

Schistosomiasis may be involved in the development and progression of CRC through affecting Bcl-2 and Bax gene expression in the apoptosis signaling pathway.

[Technology specification of bedside hypertonic saline-contrast electrical impedance tomography of lung perfusion and clinical application]

Bedside hypertonic saline-contrast electrical impedance tomography (EIT) method for lung perfusion evaluation has several advantages of bedside, simple, noninvasive and radiation-free. For a long time, EIT perfusion image of hypertonic saline was mostly limited to animal experiments, and related clinical research is in the ascendant. This technical specification for clinical application is reached based on our previous researches, review of literatures in this field. The purpose of this technical specification is to facilitate the unified and standardized use of hypertonic saline-contrast EIT technology for regional lung perfusion, to evaluate the safety and quality control of the technology, and to unify the results.

Injectable Desferrioxamine-Laden Silk Nanofiber Hydrogels for Accelerating Diabetic Wound Healing

Dysangiogenesis and chronic inflammation are two critical reasons for diabetic foot ulcers. Desferrioxamine (DFO) was used clinically in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers by repeated injections because of its capacity to induce vascularization. Biocompatible carriers that release DFO slowly and facilitate healing simultaneously are preferable options to accelerate the healing of diabetic wounds. Here, DFO-laden silk nanofiber hydrogels that provided a sustained release of DFO for more than 40 days were used to treat diabetic wounds. The DFO-laden hydrogels stimulated the healing of diabetic wounds. In vitro cell studies revealed that the DFO-laden hydrogels modulated the migration and gene expression of endothelial cells, and they also tuned the inflammation behavior of macrophages. These results were confirmed in an in vivo diabetic wound model. The DFO-laden hydrogels alleviated dysangiogenesis and chronic inflammation in the diabetic wounds, resulting in a more rapid wound healing and increased collagen deposition. Both in vitro and in vivo studies suggested potential clinical applications of these DFO-laden hydrogels in the treatment of diabetic ulcers.

[Analysis of clinical features, gene mutation, and prognostic characteristics in de novo acute myeloid leukemia patients with myelofibrosis]

目的

探讨初诊急性髓系白血病（AML）合并骨髓纤维化（MF）患者的基因突变、临床及预后特征。

方法

2016年1月1日至2020年2月1日河南省人民医院收治的初诊并同时行骨髓活组织检查的103例AML患者纳入研究，根据WHO（2016）骨髓纤维化分级标准将患者分为AML伴MF组（MF-1～3）与AML不伴MF组（MF-0），并对两组患者的临床特征、基因突变、疗效和预后进行回顾性比较。

结果

①103例患者中AML伴MF组46例（44.7％），其中MF-1 39例（84.8％），MF-2/3 7例（15.2％）；AML不伴MF组57例（55.3％）。和AML不伴MF组相比，AML伴MF组中位WBC显著增高［11.205（0.69～191.82）×10⁹/L对4.64（0.18～95.10）×10⁹/L，P＝0.024］；外周血出现有核红细胞的比例明显增高（43.5％对24.6％，χ²＝4.119，P＝0.042）；FAB分型：4例AML-M₀患者均在AML伴MF组，而AML不伴MF组AML-M₂所占比例更高（P＝0.014）。②AML伴MF组患者FLT3-ITD及NPM1基因突变率更高（15.2％对1.8％，P＝0.021；26.1％对10.5％，P＝0.039），而CEBPA基因突变率明显低于AML不伴MF组（2.2％对17.5％，P＝0.029）。③AML伴MF组完全缓解（CR）率显著低于AML不伴MF组（69.7％对93.2％，χ²＝7.412，P＝0.006）。多因素分析显示MF，尤其是纤维化程度是影响初诊AML患者CR的独立危险因素。④AML伴MF组3年总生存（OS）率明显低于AML不伴MF组（20.5％对72.2％，χ²＝4.032，P＝0.045）；亚组分析显示MF-1和MF-2/3两组患者的OS率、无进展生存（PFS）率显著低于AML不伴MF组（P＝0.001）。Cox多因素分析显示MF，尤其是MF-2/3是影响初诊AML患者OS和PFS的独立危险因素（P值分别为0.021和0.044）。

结论

AML合并MF患者具有较为独特的实验室及临床特征；MF是影响AML患者CR、OS和PFS的独立预后不良指标，MF的评估对初诊AML的疗效和预后判断具有重要意义。

SNHG16 promotes the progression of osteoarthritis through activating microRNA-93-5p/CCND1 axis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate whether SNHG16 (small nucleolar RNA host gene 16) can promote the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) by regulating the microRNA-93-5p/Cyclin D1 (CCND1) axis, thereby finding new therapeutic targets for the treatment of OA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 23 OA patients and 23 patients undergoing lower extremity amputation were enrolled in this study. We collected their cartilage tissues from knee joint for isolating chondrocytes. The relative levels of SNHG16, CCND1 and microRNA-93-5p in cartilage tissues of OA patients and controls were determined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The regulatory effect of SNHG16 on proliferative potential of chondrocytes was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assay, respectively. Cell cycle progression was examined using flow cytometry. Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to verify the binding between SNHG16 with microRNA-93-5p and microRNA-93-5p with CCND1. Rescue experiments were performed to elucidate whether SNHG16 regulated CCND1 expression by targeting microRNA-93-5p.

RESULTS

The expressions of SNHG16 and CCND1 upregulated, while microRNA-93-5p downregulated in cartilage tissues of OA patients relative to controls. Correlation regression analyses showed a negative expression correlation between SNHG16 and microRNA-93-5p, as well as CCND1 and microRNA-93-5p in OA patients. On the contrary, SNHG16 expression was positively correlated to CCND1 expression in OA. The knockdown of SNHG16 suppressed viability, cloning ability and cell cycle progression, but induced apoptosis in chondrocytes. Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay showed that SNHG16 could bind to microRNA-93-5p. SNHG16 knockdown markedly upregulated the expression of microRNA-93-5p. Moreover, the knockdown of microRNA-93-5p reversed the inhibited viability due to SNHG16 knockdown. Transfection of microRNA-93-5p mimics markedly inhibited CCND1 expression. Importantly, CCND1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of SNHG16 knockdown on chondrocyte viability.

CONCLUSIONS

SNHG16 promotes the development of OA by regulating microRNA-93-5p/CCND1 axis.

Successful interruption of seasonal influenza transmission under the COVID-19 rapid response in Zhejiang Province, China

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) introduced to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also interrupted the transmission of influenza.

Study design

This is a descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods

Data on changes in the number of reported influenza cases, number of influenza-like illness (ILI) visits, ILI percentage and influenza virus positivity were compared between the first 18 weeks of 2020 and the same period of 2019.

Results

The changes in the weekly average number of influenza cases were statistically significant between 2020 and 2019 (−4319 vs −525 per week; P < 0.05). The slopes of regression lines for the number of ILI visits were also statistically significant between 2020 and 2019 (−911 vs −98 per week; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study found that the prevalence of influenza was substantially decreased when NPIs were implemented for the containment of COVID-19.

•

The prevalence of influenza was substantially decreased when non-pharmaceutical interventions were implemented for the containment of coronavirus disease 2019.

•

Changes in the weekly average number of influenza cases were statistically significant between 2020 and 2019 (−4319 vs −525 per week; P < 0.05).

•

Changes in the number of influenza-like illness visits were also statistically significant between 2020 and 2019 (−911 vs −98 per week; P < 0.05).

LncRNA MM2P-induced, exosome-mediated transfer of Sox9 from monocyte-derived cells modulates primary chondrocytes

Monocyte-derived cells were shown to promote cartilage repair in osteoarthritis. The role of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MM2P in this function of monocyte-derived cells remained unexplored. Treatment of RAW264.7 murine macrophages and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages with IL-4 or IL-13 upregulated MM2P expression, upstream of STAT3 and STAT6 phosphorylation. Specifically, MM2P blocked SHP2-mediated dephosphorylation of STAT3 at Try705 and interacted with the RNA-binding protein FUS. In turn, p-STAT3 increased the Sox9 gene expression. These cells released Sox9 mRNA and protein-containing exosomes, as demonstrated by a transmission electron microscope, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and detection of typical surface markers. Their culture supernatant promoted the differentiation of mouse primary chondrocytes, i.e., upregulated the expression of Col1a2 and Acan genes and promoted the secretion of extracellular matrix components proteoglycan and type II collagen. These effects were mediated by Sox9 mRNA and protein delivered to chondrocytes by exosomes. Together, ex vivo treatment of monocyte-derived cells with IL-4 or IL-13 promoted chondrocyte differentiation and functions through exosome-mediated delivery of Sox9 mRNA and protein.

Ecosystem-based fisheries management forestalls climate-driven collapse

Climate change is impacting fisheries worldwide with uncertain outcomes for food and nutritional security. Using management strategy evaluations for key US fisheries in the eastern Bering Sea we find that Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) measures forestall future declines under climate change over non-EBFM approaches. Yet, benefits are species-specific and decrease markedly after 2050. Under high-baseline carbon emission scenarios (RCP 8.5), end-of-century (2075–2100) pollock and Pacific cod fisheries collapse in >70% and >35% of all simulations, respectively. Our analysis suggests that 2.1–2.3 °C (modeled summer bottom temperature) is a tipping point of rapid decline in gadid biomass and catch. Multiyear stanzas above 2.1 °C become commonplace in projections from ~2030 onward, with higher agreement under RCP 8.5 than simulations with moderate carbon mitigation (i.e., RCP 4.5). We find that EBFM ameliorates climate change impacts on fisheries in the near-term, but long-term EBFM benefits are limited by the magnitude of anticipated change.

Ecosystem Based Management measures developed to prevent overfishing could be particularly important under climate change. Here the authors combine climate and fish stock modelling to show that EBM cap implementation reduces climate-driven fishery declines under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 before midcentury. However, there are thermal tipping points beyond which potential collapses are predicted.

Σ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-} Polarization in the J/ψ and ψ(3686) Decays

From 1310.6×10^{6}  J/ψ and 448.1×10^{6}  ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII experiment, we report the first observation of Σ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-} spin polarization in e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψ[ψ(3686)]→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} decays. The relative phases of the form factors ΔΦ have been measured to be (-15.5±0.7±0.5)° and (21.7±4.0±0.8)° with J/ψ and ψ(3686) data, respectively. The nonzero value of ΔΦ allows for a direct and simultaneous measurement of the decay asymmetry parameters of Σ^{+}→pπ^{0}(α_{0}=-0.998±0.037±0.009) and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→p[over ¯]π^{0}(α[over ¯]_{0}=0.990±0.037±0.011), the latter value being determined for the first time. The average decay asymmetry, (α_{0}-α[over ¯]_{0})/2, is calculated to be -0.994±0.004±0.002. The CP asymmetry A_{CP,Σ}=(α_{0}+α[over ¯]_{0})/(α_{0}-α[over ¯]_{0})=-0.004±0.037±0.010 is extracted for the first time, and is found to be consistent with CP conservation.

Study of Open-Charm Decays and Radiative Transitions of the X(3872)

The processes X(3872)→D^{*0}D[over ¯]^{0}+c.c.,γJ/ψ,γψ(2S), and γD^{+}D^{-} are searched for in a 9.0  fb^{-1} data sample collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.178 and 4.278 GeV with the BESIII detector. We observe X(3872)→D^{*0}D^{0}[over ¯]+c.c. and find evidence for X(3872)→γJ/ψ with statistical significances of 7.4σ and 3.5σ, respectively. No evident signals for X(3872)→γψ(2S) and γD^{+}D^{-} are found, and the upper limit on the relative branching ratio R_{γψ}≡{B[X(3872)→γψ(2S)]}/{B[X(3872)→γJ/ψ]}<0.59 is set at 90% confidence level. Measurements of branching ratios relative to decay X(3872)→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ are also reported for decays X(3872)→D^{*0}D^{0}[over ¯]+c.c.,γψ(2S),γJ/ψ, and γD^{+}D^{-}, as well as the non-D^{*0}D^{0}[over ¯] three-body decays π^{0}D^{0}D^{0}[over ¯] and γD^{0}D^{0}[over ¯].

Determination of Strong-Phase Parameters in D→K_{S,L}^{0}π^{+}π^{-}

We report the most precise measurements to date of the strong-phase parameters between D^{0} and D[over ¯]^{0} decays to K_{S,L}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} using a sample of 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. Our results provide the key inputs for a binned model-independent determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa angle γ/ϕ_{3} with B decays. Using our results, the decay model sensitivity to the γ/ϕ_{3} measurement is expected to be between 0.7° and 1.2°, approximately a factor of three smaller than that achievable with previous measurements, based on the studies of the simulated data. The improved precision of this work ensures that measurements of γ/ϕ_{3} will not be limited by knowledge of strong phases for the next decade. Furthermore, our results provide critical input for other flavor-physics investigations, including charm mixing, other measurements of CP violation, and the measurement of strong-phase parameters for other D-decay modes.

Recent advances of therapeutic targets and potential drugs of COVID-19

Since December 2019, numerous cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the infection of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) have been confirmed in Wuhan, China. The outbreak of 2019-nCoV in China embodied a significant and urgent threat to global health. 2019-nCoV was a new, highly contagious coronavirus discovered following the outbreak of SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The novel coronavirus can cause severe respiratory disease and even death. However, no specific therapeutic drugs have been developed clinically thus far. This article examines the potential of therapeutic drugs by assessing the structure of 2019-nCoV, its mechanism in invading host cells, and the anti-viral mechanism of the human autoimmune system. We also review the latest research regarding the progress of potential therapeutic drugs and provide references for new drug developments of COVID-19.

Injectable hydrogel systems with multiple biophysical and biochemical cues for bone regeneration

Bone regeneration is a complex process in which angiogenesis and osteogenesis are crucial. Introducing multiple angiogenic and osteogenic cues simultaneously into a single system and tuning these cues to optimize the niche remains a challenge for bone tissue engineering. Herein, based on our injectable biomimetic hydrogels composed of silk nanofibers (SNF) and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA), deferoxamine (DFO) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) were loaded on SNF and HA to introduce more angiogenic and osteogenic cues. The angiogenesis and osteogenesis capacity of injectable hydrogels could be regulated by tuning the delivery of DFO and BMP-2 independently, resulting in vascularization and bone regeneration in cranial defects. The angiogenesis and osteogenesis outcomes accelerated the regeneration of vascularized bones toward similar composition and structure to natural bones. Therefore, the multiple biophysical and chemical cues provided by the nanofibrous structures, organic-inorganic compositions, and chemical and biochemical angiogenic and osteogenic inducing cues suggest the potential for clinical applicability of these hydrogels in bone tissue engineering.

Microskin-Inspired Injectable MSC-Laden Hydrogels for Scarless Wound Healing with Hair Follicles

Scarless skin regeneration with functional tissue remains a challenge for full-thickness wounds. Here, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-laden hydrogels are developed for scarless wound healing with hair follicles. Microgels composed of aligned silk nanofibers are used to load MSCs to modulate the paracrine. MSC-laden microgels are dispersed into injectable silk nanofiber hydrogels, forming composites biomaterials containing the cells. The injectable hydrogels protect and stabilize the MSCs in the wounds. The synergistic action of silk-based composite hydrogels and MSCs stimulated angiogenesis and M1-M2 phenotype switching of macrophages, provides a suitable niche for functional recovery of wounds. Compared to skin defects treated with MSC-free hydrogels, the defects treated with the MSC-laden composite hydrogels heal faster and form scarless tissues with hair follicles. Wound healing can be further improved by adjusting the ratio of silk nanofibers and particles and the loaded MSCs, suggesting tunability of the system. To the best of current knowledge, this is the first time scarless skin regeneration with hair follicles based on silk material systems is reported. The improved wound healing capacity of the systems suggests future in vivo studies to compare to other biomaterial systems related to clinical goals in skin regeneration in the absence of scarring.

Tough Anisotropic Silk Nanofiber Hydrogels with Osteoinductive Capacity

Multiple physical cues such as hierarchical microstructures, topography, and stiffness influence cell fate during tissue regeneration. Yet, introducing multiple physical cues to the same biomaterial remains a challenge. Here, a synergistic cross-linking strategy was developed to fabricate protein hydrogels with multiple physical cues based on combinations of two types of silk nanofibers. β-sheet-rich silk nanofibers (BSNFs) were blended with amorphous silk nanofibers (ASNFs) to form composite nanofiber systems. The composites were transformed into tough hydrogels through horseradish peroxidase (HRP) cross-linking in an electric field, where ASNFs were cross-linked with HRP, while BSNFs were aligned by the electrical field. Anisotropic morphologies and higher stiffness of 120 kPa were achieved. These anisotropic hydrogels induced osteogenic differentiation and the aligned aggregation of stem cells in vitro while also exhibiting osteoinductive capacity in vivo. Improved tissue outcomes with the hydrogels suggest promising applications in bone tissue engineering, as the processing strategy described here provides options to form hydrogels with multiple physical cues.