Biosynthetic selenium nanoparticles (Bio-SeNPs) mitigate the toxicity of antimony (Sb) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) by limiting Sb uptake, improving antioxidant defense system and regulating stress-related gene expression

Nanotechnology offers a promising and innovative approach to mitigate biotic and abiotic stress in crop production. In this study, the beneficial role and potential detoxification mechanism of biogenic selenium nanoparticles (Bio-SeNPs) prepared from Psidium guajava extracts in alleviating antimony (Sb) toxicity in rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.) were investigated. The results revealed that exogenous addition of Bio-SeNPs (0.05 g/L) into the hydroponic-cultured system led to a substantial enhancement in rice shoot height (73.3%), shoot fresh weight (38.7%) and dry weight (28.8%) under 50 μM Sb(III) stress conditions. Compared to Sb exposure alone, hydroponic application of Bio-SeNPs also greatly promoted rice photosynthesis, improved cell viability and membrane integrity, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and increased antioxidant activities. Meanwhile, exogenous Bio-SeNPs application significantly lowered the Sb accumulation in rice roots (77.1%) and shoots (35.1%), and reduced its root to shoot translocation (55.3%). Additionally, Bio-SeNPs addition were found to modulate the subcellular distribution of Sb and the expression of genes associated with Sb detoxification in rice, such as OsCuZnSOD2, OsCATA, OsGSH1, OsABCC1, and OsWAK11. Overall, our findings highlight the great potential of Bio-SeNPs as a promising alternative for reducing Sb accumulation in crop plants and boosting crop production under Sb stress conditions.

The role of an Sb-oxidizing bacterium in modulating antimony speciation and iron plaque formation to reduce the accumulation and toxicity of Sb in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Microbial antimony (Sb) oxidation in the root rhizosphere and the formation of iron plaque (IP) on the root surface are considered as two separate strategies to mitigate Sb(III) phytotoxicity. Here, the effect of an Sb-oxidizing bacterium Bacillus sp. S3 on IP characteristics of rice exposed to Sb(III) and its alleviating effects on plant growth were investigated. The results revealed that Fe(II) supply promoted IP formation under Sb(III) stress. However, the formed IP facilitated rather than hindered the uptake of Sb by rice roots. In contrast, the combined application of Fe(II) and Bacillus sp. S3 effectively alleviated Sb(III) toxicity in rice, resulting in improved rice growth and photosynthesis, reduced oxidative stress levels, enhanced antioxidant systems, and restricted Sb uptake and translocation. Despite the ability of Bacillus sp. S3 to oxidize Fe(II), bacterial inoculation inhibited the formation of IP, resulting in a reduction in Sb absorption on IP and uptake into the roots. Additionally, the bacterial inoculum enhanced the transformation of Sb(III) to less toxic Sb(V) in the culture solution, further influencing the adsorption of Sb onto IP. These findings highlight the potential of combining microbial Sb oxidation and IP as an effective strategy for minimizing Sb toxicity in sustainable rice production systems.

Selenium bio-nanocomposite based on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS): Synthesis, characterization and application in alleviating cadmium toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have gained significant attention owing to their favorable bioavailability and low toxicity, making them widely applications in the fields of medicine, food and agriculture. In this study, bacterial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were used as a novel stabilizer and capping agent to prepare dispersed SeNPs. Results show that EPS-SeNPs presented negative potential (-38 mV), spherical morphologies with average particle size about 100-200 nm and kept stable at room temperature for a long time. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated that the synthesized nanoparticles were pure amorphous nanoparticles, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrum showed a spike at 55.6 eV, indicating the presence of zero-valent nano‑selenium. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy analysis confirmed proteins and polysaccharides in EPS played a crucial role in the synthesis of EPS-SeNPs. Compared to EPS or sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), EPS-SeNPs showed a relatively moderate result in terms of scavenging free radicals in vitro. In contrast, EPS-SeNPs demonstrated lower toxicity to rice seeds than Na2SeO3. Notably, the exogenous application of EPS-SeNPs effectively alleviated the growth inhibition and oxidative damaged caused by cadmium (Cd), and significantly reduced Cd accumulation in rice plants.

[Analysis of the clinical characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia related to the treatment of hematological and solid tumors]

Objective: To compare and analyze the clinical characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) related to the treatment of hematological tumors and solid tumors. Methods: The laboratory and clinical data of 41 patients with treatment-related AML (t-AML) in the Department of Hematology, Henan Cancer Hospital from January 2014 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into hematological tumor group and solid tumor group. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test. Results: The median interval from the first tumor diagnosis to t-AML in 41 patients was 21.0 (16.5-46.0) months; 24 (58.5%) had abnormal expression of lymphoid antigen, 28 (68.3%) had abnormal karyotype, 18 cases (43.9%) were positive for fusion gene, and 28 cases (68.3%) were positive for gene mutation; the median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 11.0 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 11.5 months. The proportion of acute promyelocytic leukemia ([APL], 0.0, 0/13), complete response ([CR],18.2%, 2/11), median OS (4.5 months) and median RFS (2.5 months) of t-AML patients in the hematological tumor group were significantly lower than those in the solid tumor group (35.7%, 10/28; 68.0%, 17/25; not reach; not reach), but the proportion of M4 /M5 (93.2%,12/13) was significantly higher than that in the solid tumor group (53.6%,15/18; all P values<0.05). Through subgroup analysis, the proportion of patients with positive PML-RARa and good prognosis karyotypes in the solid tumor group (35.7%, 10/28; 46.4%, 13/28) was significantly higher than that in the hematological tumor group (0.0, 0/13; 0.0, 0/13; P<0.05), while the proportion of patients with intermediate karyotypes (42.9%, 12/28) was significantly lower than that in the hematological tumor group (84.6%, 11/13; P<0.05), the difference was statistically significant. The CR rate (90.0%, 9/10), median OS (not reach) and median RFS (not reach) in the t-APL group were higher than those in the t-AML (without t-APL) group (38.5%, 10/26; 6 months; 8 months; P<0.05). After excluding the effect of t-APL patients, there was no significant difference in the CR rate, median OS and median RFS between the solid tumor group (8; 9 months; not reach) and the hematological tumor group (2; 4 months; 2 months; P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the primary tumor belongs to hematological tumor was a common risk factor for OS and RFS in t-AML patients (P<0.10). Conclusions: Compared with patients with t-AML secondary to solid tumors, patients with t-AML secondary to hematological tumors have poorer treatment effects and poorer prognosis. After excluding the effect of t-APL patients, there are no significant differences in the treatment efficacy and prognosis between the two types of t-AML patients.

[Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery in a complicated cataract patient with reverse implantable collamer len: a case report]

The patient is a 33-year-old female who, 11 years ago, underwent bilateral posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implantation due to myopia. She presented with a 2-year history of declining vision in her right eye and sought medical attention. She received femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery combined with pIOL extraction. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy both showed an inverted pIOL in the right eye. Good visual results were achieved, and there were no complications during the six-month follow-up.

Curcumin ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis progression by inhibiting the fibrotic process of lung fibroblasts

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of curcumin (Cur) on pulmonary fibrosis (PF), so as to provide new clinical evidence for future PF treatment. To achieve these goals, the researchers set up bought human lung fibroblasts MRC-5 as a control group without treatment, a model group for PF cell modeling, and an intervention group for Cur intervention after PF modeling. Cell proliferation capacity and cellular TGF-β1, α-SMA, Collagen I, Collagen III, Bax, N-cadherin and E-cadherin protein expression were determined. The results show that markedly enhanced cell proliferation capacity and TGF-β1, α-SMA, Collagen I and Collagen III protein levels were observed in the model group, while the cell activity and fibrosis degree in the intervention group were significantly decreased compared with the model group (P<0.05). In addition, the intervention group exhibited lower N-cadherin and Bax with higher E-cadherin than the model group (P<0.05). In addition, the team found that the inflammatory response and oxidative stress were also more significantly improved in the intervention group (P<0.05). These experimental results tell us that Cur can ameliorate the fibrotic process of PF by inhibiting the activity of MRC-5.

[The predictive values of platelet mitochondrial mass and quantity during the perioperative period in elderly patients on the occurrence of postoperative delirium]

Objective: To investigate the changes of platelet mitochondrial mass and quantity during perioperative period in elderly patients, and assess their predictive values on the occurrence of postoperative delirium (POD). Methods: In this prospective study, 162 elderly patients scheduled for abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled from November 2021 to January 2022 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School. Among them, 20 patients [10 males, 10 females, aged (71.4±6.8) years] developed POD within 3 days after surgery (POD group), and another 20 patients[12 males, 8 females, aged (67.7±5.3) years] who did not develope POD were selected as controls (control group) using propensity score matching method. Blood samples were collected preoperatively, at the end of surgery and on the first postoperative day. Platelets were extracted and mitochondrial mass was detected with flow cytometry. Transmission electron microscopy was used to determine mitochondrial quantity. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the value of mitochondrial mass and quantity in predicting the occurrence of POD. Results: The mean fluorescence intensities of platelet mitochondrial mass were 193±46, 236±61, 264±53 preoperatively, at the end of surgery and on the first postoperative day in the POD group, respectively. The corresponding values were 209±61, 191±67 and 201±56 in the control group. The platelet mitochondrial mass of patients in the POD group was significantly increased on the first postoperative day compared to preoperative levels (P<0.001). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the control group (P=0.410). Patients in the POD group had higher platelet mitochondrial mass than patients in the control group on the first postoperative day(P=0.002). Meanwhile, platelets from patients in the POD group showed significantly higher number of mitochondria than platelets from patients in the control group [3 (2, 4) vs 2 (1, 2), P<0.001]. According to the ROC curve of platelet on the first postoperative day, at a mitochondrial mass cut-off value of>275.35, the sensitivity, specificity and area under the ROC curve to detect the occurrence of POD were 55%, 90% and 0.800 (95%CI: 0.666-0.934, P<0.001). At a mitochondrial quantity cut-off value of>2, the sensitivity, specificity and area under the ROC curve to detect the occurrence of POD were 53%, 78% and 0.680 (95%CI: 0.584-0.776, P<0.001). Conclusions: Patients who developed POD show higher platelet mitochondrial mass after surgery compared to preoperative levels. The mitochondrial mass of platelets on the first postoperative day has good predictive value on the occurrence of POD.

[Analysis of the prognosis and survival of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure]

Objective: To explore the influencing factors and the impact of artificial liver treatment on the prognosis and survival of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Methods: Clinical data from 201 cases with ACLF from January 2016 to December 2019 was retrospectively analyzed. The survival rate was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank test of univariate analysis, and the multivariate analysis of the stepwise Cox regression forward method. Results: The median survival time of patients was 6 months, and the survival rates at 6, 9, and 12 months were 51.2%, 38.3%, and 29.9%, respectively. In univariate analysis, age, presence or absence of hypertension and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, treatment method, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and cholinesterase were associated with prognosis (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis results showed that MELD score was the main factor affecting the 1-year prognosis of ACLF patients (P = 0.002). Artificial liver treatment was beneficial for the 1-year prognosis of ACLF patients aged < 50 years or with a MELD score of ≥20 (P < 0.05 ). The relative risk ratio (RR) of mortality was 2.55 times higher in patients with advanced age (≥50 years old) than that of younger patients (P < 0.001). Regression analysis was performed using age as a stratification factor, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding was related to the prognosis of younger patients, while choline esterase was related to the prognosis of advanced age. Regression analysis after stratified MELD score showed that age and hypertension were related to the prognosis of patients with MELD score < 20, and treatment method and age were related to the prognosis of patients with MELD score≥20. Conclusion: Artificial liver treatment is beneficial for the 1-year prognosis of ACLF patients. Age, MELD score, hypertension, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding are independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of ACLF patients.

[A case of left pulmonary artery sling combined with congenital tracheal stenosis in an adult]

Pulmonary artery sling in adults is a rare congenital vascular malformation usually accompanied by tracheal and bronchial stenosis. Due to its high mortality risk and relatively poor prognosis, it has rarely been reported in adults. We reported a middle-aged patient who presented with shortness of breath, predominantly after activity, since childhood. He was diagnosed with "tracheal stenosis" in another hospital and received symptomatic treatment. The diagnosis of left pulmonary artery sling with congenital tracheal stenosis was confirmed by multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT), airway examination with flexible bronchoscope and 3D image post-processing system. Data from this case and the related literatures have been summarized and analyzed. This will help clinicians to improve their level of diagnosis and treatment.

Metabolomics acts as a powerful tool for comprehensively evaluating vaccines approved under emergency: a CoronaVac retrospective study

Introduction

To control the COVID-19 pandemic, great efforts have been made to realize herd immunity by vaccination since 2020. Unfortunately, most of the vaccines against COVID-19 were approved in emergency without a full-cycle and comprehensive evaluation process as recommended to the previous vaccines. Metabolome has a close tie with the phenotype and can sensitively reflect the responses to stimuli, rendering metabolomic analysis have the potential to appraise and monitor vaccine effects authentically.

Methods

In this study, a retrospective study was carried out for 330 Chinese volunteers receiving recommended two-dose CoronaVac, a vaccine approved in emergency in 2020. Venous blood was sampled before and after vaccination at 5 separate time points for all the recipients. Routine clinical laboratory analysis, metabolomic and lipidomic analysis data were collected.

Results and discussion

It was found that the serum antibody-positive rate of this population was around 81.82%. Most of the laboratory parameters were slightly perturbated within the relevant reference intervals after vaccination. The metabolomic and lipidomic analyses showed that the metabolic shift after inoculation was mainly in the glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, amino acid metabolism, urea cycle, as well as microbe-related metabolism (bile acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism). Time-course metabolome changes were found in parallel with the progress of immunity establishment and peripheral immune cell counting fluctuation, proving metabolomics analysis was an applicable solution to evaluate immune effects complementary to traditional antibody detection. Taurocholic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine 16:0 sn-1, glutamic acid, and phenylalanine were defined as valuable metabolite markers to indicate the establishment of immunity after vaccination. Integrated with the traditional laboratory analysis, this study provided a feasible metabolomics-based solution to relatively comprehensively evaluate vaccines approved under emergency.

[Analysis of the characteristics of viral infections in children with diarrhea in Beijing from 2018 to 2022]

Objective: To explore the characteristics of viral infections in children with diarrhea in Beijing from 2018 to 2022. Methods: Real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect viral nucleic acid of Norovirus (NoV), Sappovirus (SaV), Astrovirus (AstV), Enteric Adenovirus (AdV) or antigen of Rotavirus (RV) in 748 stool samples collected from Beijing Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2018 to December 2021. Subsequently, the reverse transcription PCR or PCR method was used to amplify the target gene of the positive samples after the initial screening, followed by sequencing, genotyping and evolution analysis, so as to obtain the characteristics of these viruses. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using Mega 6.0. Results: From 2018 to 2021, the overall detection rate of the above five common viruses was 37.6%(281/748)in children under 5 years old in Beijing. NoV, Enteric AdV and RV were still the top three diarrhea-related viruses, followed by AstV and SaV, accounting for 41.6%, 29.2%, 27.8%, 8.9% and 7.5%, respectively. The detection rate of co-infections with two or three diarrhea-related viruses was 4.7% (35/748). From the perspective of annual distribution, the detection rate of Enteric AdV was the highest in 2021, while NoV was predominant in the other 4 years. From the perspective of genetic characteristics, NoV was predominant by GII.4, and after the first detection of GII.4[P16] in 2020, it occupied the first two gene groups together with GII.4[P31]. Although the predominant RV was G9P[8], the rare epidemic strain G8P[8] was first detected in 2021. The predominant genotypes of Enteric AdV and AstV were Ad41 and HAstV-1. SaV was sporadic spread with a low detection rate. Conclusion: Among the diarrhea-related viruses infected children under 5 years of age in Beijing, the predominant strains of NoV and RV have changed and new sub-genotypes have been detected for the first time, while the predominant strains of AstV and Enteric AdV are relatively stable.

[Efficacy and prognostic factors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation treatment for T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma]

Objective: To analyze the efficacy and prognostic factors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for treating T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-ALL/LBL) . Methods: This study retrospectively evaluated 119 adolescent and adult patients with T-ALL/LBL from January 2006 to January 2020 at Peking University Third Hospital and Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Patients were divided into chemotherapy-only, chemotherapy followed by allo-HSCT, and chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) groups according to the consolidation regimen, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates of each group were compared. Results: Among 113 patients with effective follow-up, 96 (84.9%) patients achieved overall response (ORR), with 79 (69.9%) having complete response (CR) and 17 (15.0%) having partial response (PR), until July 2022. The analysis of the 96 ORR population revealed that patients without transplantation demonstrated poorer outcomes compared with the allo-HSCT group (5-year OS: 11.4% vs 55.6%, P=0.001; 5-year PFS: 8.9% vs 54.2%, P<0.001). No difference was found in 5-year OS and 5-year PFS between the allo-HSCT and auto-HSCT groups (P=0.271, P=0.197). The same results were achieved in the CR population. Allo-HSCT got better 5-year OS (37.5% vs 0) for the 17 PR cases (P=0.064). Different donor sources did not affect 5-year OS, with sibling of 61.1% vs hap-haploidentical of 63.6% vs unrelated donor of 50.0% (P>0.05). No significant difference was found in the treatment response in the early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ETP) and non-ETP populations. The ETP group demonstrated lower 5-year OS compared with the non-ETP group in the chemotherapy alone group (0 vs 12.6%, P=0.045), whereas no significant difference was found between the ETP and non-ETP groups in the allo-HSCT group (75.0% vs 62.9%, P=0.852). Multivariate analysis revealed that high serum lactate dehydrogenase level, without transplantation, and no CR after chemotherapy induction were independently associated with inferior outcomes (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Allo-HSCT could be an effective consolidation therapy for adult and adolescent patients with T-ALL/LBL. Different donor sources did not affect survival. Allo-HSCT may overcome the adverse influence of ETP-ALL/LBL on OS.

Comprehensive analysis of the expression and prognosis for RAI2: A promising biomarker in breast cancer

Introduction

Retinoic acid-induced 2 (RAI2) was initially related to cell differentiation and induced by retinoic acid. RAI2 has been identified as an emerging tumor suppressor in breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

Methods

In this study, we performed systematic analyses of RAI2 in breast cancer. Meta-analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were applied to identify the survival prediction potential of RAI2. Moreover, the association between RAI2 expression and the abundance of six tumor-infiltrating immune cells was investigated by TIMER, including B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. The expression profiles of high and low RAI2 mRNA levels in GSE7390 were compared to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the biological function of these DEGs was analyzed by R software, which was further proved in GSE7390.

Results

Our results showed that the normal tissues had more RAI2 expression than breast cancer tissues. Patients with high RAI2 expression were related to a favorable prognosis and more immune infiltrates. A total of 209 DEGs and 182 DEGs were identified between the expression profiles of high and low RAI2 mRNA levels in the GSE7390 and GSE21653 databases, respectively. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment indicated that these DEGs from two datasets were both mainly distributed in “biological processes” (BP), including “organelle fission” and “nuclear division”. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis demonstrated that these DEGs from two datasets were both significantly enriched in the “cell cycle”. Common hub genes between the DEGs in GSE7390 and GSE21653 were negatively associated with RAI2 expression, including CCNA2, MAD2L1, MELK, CDC20, and CCNB2.

Discussions

These results above suggested that RAI2 might play a pivotal role in preventing the initiation and progression of breast cancer. The present study may contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of RAI2 and enriching biomarkers to predict patient prognosis in breast cancer.

Biochar amendments and climate warming affected nitrification associated N2O and NO production in a vegetable field

Soil nitrification driven by ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms is the most important source of nitrous oxide (N₂O) and nitric oxide (NO). Biochar amendment has been proposed as the most promising measure for combating climate warming; both have the potential to regulate the soil nitrification process. However, the comprehensive impacts of different aged biochars and warming combinations on soil nitrification-related N₂O and NO production are not well understood. Here, 1-octyne and acetylene were used to investigate the relative contributions of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) to potential nitrification-mediated N₂O and NO production from the fertilized vegetable soil with different aged biochar amendments and soil temperatures in microcosm incubations. Results demonstrated that AOB dominated nitrification-related N₂O and NO production across biochar additions and climate warming. Biochar amendment did not significantly influence the relative contribution of AOB and AOA to N₂O and NO production. Field-aged biochar markedly reduced N₂O and NO production via inhibiting AOB-amoA gene abundance and AOB-dependent N₂O yield while fresh- and lab-aged biochar produced negligible effects on AOB-dependent N₂O yield. Climate warming significantly increased N₂O production and AOB-dependent N₂O yield but less so on NO production. Notably, the relative contribution of AOB to N₂O production was enhanced by climate warming, whereas AOB-derived NO showed the opposite tendency. Overall, the results revealed that field-aged biochar contributed to mitigating warming-induced increases in N₂O and NO production via inhibiting AOB-amoA gene abundance and AOB-dependent N₂O yield. Our findings provided guidance for mitigating nitrogen oxide emissions in intensively managed vegetable production under the context of biochar amendments and climate warming.

Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Evaluation of the Spatial Relationship between Brain Arteriovenous Malformations and the Corticospinal Tract to Predict Postsurgical Motor Defects

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Preoperative evaluation of brain AVMs is crucial for the selection of surgical candidates. Our goal was to use artificial intelligence to predict postsurgical motor defects in patients with brain AVMs involving motor-related areas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-three patients who underwent microsurgical resection of brain AVMs involving motor-related areas were retrospectively reviewed. Four artificial intelligence-based indicators were calculated with artificial intelligence on TOF-MRA and DTI, including FN5mm/50mm (the proportion of fiber numbers within 5-50mm from the lesion border), FN10mm/50mm (the same but within 10-50mm), FP5mm/50mm (the proportion of fiber voxel points within 5-50mm from the lesion border), and FP10mm/50mm (the same but within 10-50mm). The association between the variables and long-term postsurgical motor defects was analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression with the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to select the optimal features to develop the machine learning model to predict postsurgical motor defects. The area under the curve was calculated to evaluate the predictive performance.

RESULTS

In patients with and without postsurgical motor defects, the mean FN5mm/50mm, FN10mm/50mm, FP5mm/50mm, and FP10mm/50mm were 0.24 (SD, 0.24) and 0.03 (SD, 0.06), 0.37 (SD, 0.27) and 0.06 (SD, 0.08), 0.06 (SD, 0.10) and 0.01 (SD, 0.02), and 0.10 (SD, 0.12) and 0.02 (SD, 0.05), respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses identified FN10mm/50mm as an independent risk factor for long-term postsurgical motor defects (P = .002). FN10mm/50mm achieved a mean area under the curve of 0.86 (SD, 0.08). The mean area under the curve of the machine learning model consisting of FN10mm/50mm, diffuseness, and the Spetzler-Martin score was 0.88 (SD, 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

The artificial intelligence-based indicator, FN10mm/50mm, can reflect the lesion-fiber spatial relationship and act as a dominant predictor for postsurgical motor defects in patients with brain AVMs involving motor-related areas.

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

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

Efficient and fabrication error tolerant grating couplers on the InP membrane on silicon platform

In order to couple light between photonic integrated circuits and optical fibers, grating couplers are commonly employed. This paper describes the design and fabrication of deep and shallow-etched grating couplers with a metal back-reflector with record low insertion losses in InP-based platforms. The measured insertion losses for deep and shallow-etched gratings are 2.4 and 2.6 dB, respectively. Additionally, fabrication error tolerances in shallow etched grating couplers have been examined experimentally, which showed high tolerance of this structure toward the grating period and fill factor.

Reducing temperature sensitivity of gas measurement using chirped-modulated photoacoustic spectroscopy

Resonance frequency drift caused by a change in temperature greatly limits the application of high-Q resonators with high temperature sensitivity in photoacoustic (PA) gas detection systems. In this work, a chirp-wavelength combined modulation method was designed by incorporating a real-time frequency scanning in wavelength-modulated PA spectroscopy to reduce the influence of temperature changes on measurement. Theoretical analysis shows that the chirp rate depends on the precision requirements and the cutoff frequency of the cascaded low-pass filter. Trace acetylene measurement experiment at varying temperature verified that the proposed method can significantly reduce the temperature sensitivity within a preset temperature range. Thus, this method can effectively reduce the temperature sensitivity of a high-Q resonator for improving the measurement accuracy and detection limit in trace gas detection.

A genomic instability-related lncRNA model for predicting prognosis and immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy in breast cancer

Breast cancer has overtaken lung cancer as the most frequently diagnosed cancer type and is the leading cause of death for women worldwide. It has been demonstrated in published studies that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in genomic stability are closely associated with the progression of breast cancer, and remarkably, genomic stability has been shown to predict the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer therapy, especially colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is of interest to explore somatic mutator-derived lncRNAs in predicting the prognosis and ICI efficacy in breast cancer patients. In this study, the lncRNA expression data and somatic mutation data of breast cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were downloaded and analyzed thoroughly. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to generate the genomic instability-related lncRNAs in a training set, which was subsequently used to analyze a testing set and combination of the two sets. The qRT-PCR was conducted in both normal mammary and breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the Kaplan–Meier and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to validate the predictive effect in the three sets. Finally, the Cell-type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) algorithm was used to evaluate the association between genomic instability-related lncRNAs and immune checkpoints. As a result, a six-genomic instability-related lncRNA signature (U62317.4, MAPT-AS1, AC115837.2, EGOT, SEMA3B-AS1, and HOTAIR) was identified as the independent prognostic risk model for breast cancer patients. Compared with the normal mammary cells, the qRT-PCR showed that HOTAIR was upregulated while MAPT-AS1, EGOT, and SEMA3B-AS1 were downregulated in breast cancer cells. The areas under the ROC curves at 3 and 5 years were 0.711 and 0.723, respectively. Moreover, the patients classified in the high-risk group by the prognostic model had abundant negative immune checkpoint molecules. In summary, this study suggested that the prognostic model comprising six genomic instability-related lncRNAs may provide survival prediction. It is necessary to identify patients who are suitable for ICIs to avoid severe immune-related adverse effects, especially autoimmune diseases. This model may predict the ICI efficacy, facilitating the identification of patients who may benefit from ICIs.

[Efficacy and safety of modified hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis 04 regimen in Beijing Children's Hospital]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Beijing Children's Hospital (BCH) modified hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) 04 regimen in the treatment of childhood HLH. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. From January 2016 to December 2017, 110 children with HLH who were treated with the modified HLH-04 regimen (replacing dexamethasone with methylprednisolone during the induction period, reducing the dose and frequency of etoposide, and not using cyclosporine except for autoimmune-related HLH) at the Hematology Oncology Center of Beijing Children's Hospital were selected as the modified group, while 102 children treated with the standard HLH-04 regimen from January 2012 to December 2015 were selected as the control group. The early remission rate, survival rate and adverse reactions of two groups were compared. Rank sum test and chi square test were used for comparison between groups. Results: The age of onset in the modified group was 1.9 (1.1, 3.5) years, with 65 males and 45 females. The age of onset in the control group was 2.0 (1.2, 4.6) years, with 47 males and 55 females. No significant difference was found in age and gender between 2 groups (both P>0.05). Except for fibrinogen (1.3 (1.0, 1.7) vs. 1.1 (0.8, 1.4) g/L, Z=-2.67, P=0.008) and natural killer cell activity (13.9 (13.4, 16.3) % vs.14.9 (12.0, 16.1) %, Z=-2.34, P=0.028), there were no statistically significant differences in etiology, disease duration, first clinical presentation, or laboratory tests between 2 groups (all P>0.05). At 2 months and 3 years, there were no statistically significant differences in overall survival between 2 groups (84.5% (93/110) vs.76.5% (78/102), 78.2% (86/110) vs. 67.6% (69/102), χ²=2.28, 3.07, P=0.131, 0.080). The first 3 weeks were the most common time for bone marrow suppression in the modified group, with a lower incidence than in the control group (47.3% (52/110) vs. 62.7% (64/102), χ²=5.11, P=0.024). The modified group had a lower rate of fungal infections than the control group (3.6% (4/110) vs. 13.7% (14/102), χ²=6.93, P=0.008). Compared with the control group, fewer children in the modified group died as a result of side effects from chemotherapy (8.0% (2/25) vs.30.3% (10/33), χ²=4.31, P=0.038). Conclusion: The BCH modified HLH-04 regimen reduced the intensity of chemotherapy, with overall efficacy no worse than the standard HLH-04 regimen, and significantly reduced the rate of chemotherapy-related myelosuppression, fungal infection and mortality.

Detection and Significance of Cell-Free DNA Mutation in Pleural Effusion in Patients with Advanced NSCLC

Objective

To detect EGFR/KRAS genes in pleural effusion cell-free DNA in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to explore the clinical significance of EGFR/KRAS mutation status in pleural effusion.

Methods

A retrospective collection was performed on the specimens of pleural effusion and matched tissues from 50 patients with advanced NSCLC admitted to the hospital between January 2019 and January 2021. DNA mutation status of EGFR/KRAS in different specimens was detected and compared by pyrosequencing. The clinicopathological data and follow-up data of survival were collected. The relationship between DNA mutation and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis was analyzed.

Results

In the 50 pleural effusion specimens, there were 22 cases (44.00%) with EGFR mutations (19/21 exon mutations), including 12 cases with EGFR19 deletion mutation and 10 cases with EGFR21 exon L858R mutation. There were 6 cases (12.00%) with KRAS mutations (single-base substitution mutations), including 4 cases with 12-codon mutation and 2 cases with 13-codon mutation. In the 50 tissue specimens, there were 24 cases (48.00%) with EGFR mutations and 4 cases (8.00%) with KRAS mutations. There was no significant difference between pleural effusion specimens and tissue specimens, with good consistency (kappa = 0.920-0.779, P > 0.05). EGFR mutation in pleural effusion was related to smoking history, types of pathological tissues, and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The incidence of EGFR mutation was higher in nonsmokers, patients with lung adenocarcinoma, and patients with lymph node metastasis. The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in patients with EGFR mutation was higher than that with wild-type EGFR, while the level of cytokeratin 19 fragment (Cy21-1) was lower than that with wild-type EGFR (P < 0.05). The 1-year overall survival rate in the EGFR mutation group was significantly higher than that in the EGFR wild group (68.18% vs. 42.86%) (HR = 0.419, 95% CI = 0.178-0.989, and P < 0.001).

Conclusion

For the detection of EGFR gene mutation, the results of the pleural effusion specimens and the tumor pathological tissue specimens were well consistent and the detection of pleural effusion could be used as an alternative method when tissue specimens cannot be obtained. EGFR gene mutations are present in majority in patients with advanced NSCLC. The incidence of EGFR mutation is higher in nonsmokers, patients with lung adenocarcinoma, those with lymph node metastasis, those with high-expression CEA, and those with low-expression Cy21-1. The prognosis is better in patients with EGFR mutation.

Electrochemical Difunctionalization of Terminal Alkynes: Access to 1,4-Dicarbonyl Compounds

1,4-Dicarbonyl compounds are versatile scaffolds for the heterocycle synthesis, including the Paal-Knorr reaction. Herein, a feasible electrosynthesis method to access 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds has been developed from simple alkynes and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds. When the undivided cell is combined with the constant current mode, aryl alkynes containing numerous medicinal motifs with 1,3-dicarbonyl esters or ketones react smoothly. External oxidant and catalyst-free conditions conform to the requirements of green synthesis.

[Study on the genetic characteristics of enteric viral pathogens of sporadic adult diarrhea in Chaoyang district, Beijing in 2019]

Objective: To analyze the distribution and genetic characteristics of sporadic adult diarrhea virus in Chaoyang District, Beijing. Methods: Fecal samples from 177 adult patients with sporadic diarrhea were collected from 4 enteric outpatient clinics in Chaoyang District, Beijing from May to December 2019. Nucleic acid detection of Norovirus, Sappovirus, Rotavirus, Enteric Adenovirus and Astrovirus in the samples was performed by real-time quantitative PCR. The positive samples were amplified by RT-PCR/PCR and sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis was performed by neighbor-Joining (NJ) methods of Mega 6.0 software. Results: There were 60 of 177 (33.90%) adult sporadic diarrhea samples positive for enteric viral pathogens. Among them, 47 cases were infected with single virus, including 29 cases of Norovirus, 9 cases of Sappovirus, 8 cases of Astrovirus and 1 case of Enteric Adenovirus, in addition with 13 cases of multiple infections. None of rotavirus was detected. Partial sequences were successfully obtained for analysis, including 16 cases of GI Norovirus (7 subtypes and GI.3[P13] predominant), 10 cases of GII Norovirus (5 subtypes and GII.6[P7] predominant), 12 cases of Sappovirus (4 subtypes and GI.2 predominant), and 7 cases of Astrovirus (2 subtypes and AST-1 predominant). Conclusion: Norovirus, Astrovirus and Sappovirus are main pathogens among sporadic adult diarrhea in Beijing in 2019, and and different pathogenic gene subtypes show diverse characteristics.

[Research advances on skin wounds suturing techniques and their clinical application]

Stitching skin wounds is one of the essential skills of a surgeon. Whether it is a traumatic wound or a surgical incision, choosing the most appropriate closure technique according to its characteristics is an important factor for good healing. Various skin wounds suturing techniques have been created and improved over the years, which have advantages of simple operation, precise alignment, reducing tension of the wound edges, and reducing scar formation, etc. Although these techniques provide more options for wound suture, they also put forward requirements for the judgment and operation ability of the operators. This article summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the different skin wounds suturing techniques and their clinical application.

Results of the phase 2 MARCH Study: Oral ATG-010 (Selinexor) plus low dose dexamethasone in Chinese patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) previously treated with an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD) and a proteasome inhibitor (PI)

e20002

Background: ATG-010 is a novel, oral selective inhibitor of nuclear export inhibiting exportin 1. In preclinical and clinical studies, ATG-010 has demonstrated activity against multiple myeloma (MM). ATG-010 (80 mg biweekly) plus dexamethasone (20 mg biweekly) (Sd) was approved by US FDA for treatment of patients (pts) with penta-refractory MM in 2019 based on the STORM study. MARCH is a single arm, Phase 2 study to assess efficacy and safety of Sd in Chinese pts with RRMM. Methods: Enrolled pts have been previously treated with and refractory to PI, IMiD, and the last line of therapy. Sd is administered in 4-week cycles. Primary endpoint is overall response rate (ORR) per independent review committee. The total planned enrollment of 82 pts provides ̃80% power to test against H0 of 15% ORR at one-sided α of 0.025. This abstract provides data from a planned analysis of the first 60 treated pts. Results: As of 13 Oct 2020, 18 (30%) of the 60 pts were on treatment. Median follow-up was 9.5 months (mo) (range: 1.9-12.8). Median age was 61 years (range 43-82; 42% > 65). Pts had received a median of 5 (range 1-16) prior MM regimens, with following baseline risk factors: 72% R-ISS II/III, 70% cytogenetic abnormalities, 22% del (17p13),20% renal impairment, 15% prior CAR-T therapy, and 25% pre-treated with daratumumab (considered ‘triple-class exposed’). ORR was 26.7% (95% CI: 16.1, 39.7). Median DOR was 4.6 mo (95% CI: 1.42, NE). Median PFS was 3.7 mo (95% CI: 1.92, 4.66). Median OS was not reached; 9-mo OS rate was 68.5%. ORR was 33.3% in triple-class-exposed pts, and 44.4% in pts with prior CAR-T. ORR was generally consistent across subgroups. Common TEAEs of any grade included: thrombocytopenia (87%), nausea (87%), leukopenia (85%), anemia (85%), lymphopenia (78%), neutropenia (73%), weight loss (72%), hyponatremia (65%), decreased appetite (63%), asthenia (62%)/fatigue (17%), hyperglycemia (53%), vomiting (52%), hypocalcemia (38%), hypokalemia (30%), diarrhea (30%), pneumonia (27%). Common TEAEs of Grade ≥ 3 included: anemia (60%), thrombocytopenia (55%), leukopenia (42%), lymphopenia (42%), neutropenia (38%), hyponatremia (28%), and pneumonia (23%). Thirty pts (50%) had TESAEs, including (> 3%): thrombocytopenia (15%), pneumonia (15%), anemia (6.7%), hyponatremia (3.3%). Eight pts (13.3%) had TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation, including (> 2%): thrombocytopenia (5%) and pneumonia (3%). Three fatal TEAEs were pneumonia, intracranial hemorrhage and sudden death (1 each). Conclusions: In Chinese RRMM pts refractory to both IMiD and PI, with a highly unmet medical need, MARCH confirms the efficacy of Sd as a promising new oral therapeutic option with a manageable safety profile, which is consistent with STORM. Clinical trial information: NCT03944057.

Dioscorea deltoidea Leaf Extract (DDLE) Targets PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway and Inhibits Ovarian Cancer Cell Growth

Ovarian cancer is the malignant tumour of the female reproductive organ with highest mortality rate among all the types of gynaecological tumours. This study investigated the effect of Dioscorea deltoidea leaf extract (DDLE) on OV-90 and CAOV4 ovarian cancer cells. The results demonstrated that DDLE suppresses OV-90 and CAOV3 cell viability significantly in dose dependent manner. The OV-90 and CAOV3 cell viability were reduced to 24 and 27% respectively with 20 mg/mL DDLE treatment. Five mg/mL DDLE treatment of OV-90 and CAOV4 cells raised percentage of cells in G2-phase to 55.9 and 51.2%, respectively. In 5 mg/mL DDLE -treated OV-90 and CAOV4 cells a prominent suppression in cyclin-D1 and cyclin B1 proteins was observed in 48 h. The DDLE treatment promoted OV-90 and CAOV3 cell apoptosis to 34.65 and 29.89%, respectively. The Fas, FasL, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax levels were up-regulated markedly in the cells after DDLE treatment. Moreover, DDLE treatment suppressed p-mTOR, p-AKT and p-PI3K expression in OV-90 and CAOV3 cells. Thus, DDLE suppressed ovary cancer cell viability and elevated cell apoptosis. Inhibitory effect of DDLE on ovarian cancer cells is associated with targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

The roles of exosomes in cancer drug resistance and its therapeutic application

Exosomes are a category of extracellular vesicles with a size ranging from 40 to 160 nm, which can be secreted by multiple cells in the tumor microenvironment. Exosomes serve as communicators in regulating biological functions and pathological processes, including drug response. Through transporting the cargo such as protein or nucleic acid, exosomes can modulate drug sensitivity via multiple mechanisms. Additionally, exosomes can be deployed as a delivery system to treat cancer due to their high-efficient loading capacity and tolerable toxicity. Recent studies have demonstrated the high efficacy of exosomes in cancer therapy. Herein, we conduct this review to summarize the mechanism of exosome-mediated drug resistance and the therapeutic potential of exosomes in cancer.

LncRNA FAL1 promotes the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma through regulating the microRNA-761/CRKL pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to elucidate the regulatory effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FAL1 on the tumorigenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to explore its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression levels of lncRNA FAL1, microRNA-761 and CRKL in 20 pairs of OSCC tissues and adjacent normal oral tissues. Meanwhile, their expressions in OSCC cell lines were also determined by qRT-PCR. The protein expression of CRKL in OSCC tissues was detected by Western blot. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to access the proliferation of SCC25 and HN4 cells transfected with si-FAL1. The binding conditions between lncRNA FAL1 with microRNA-761, and microRNA-761 with CRKL were tested by the Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay. Gain-of-function experiments were conducted to determine the proliferation of OSCC cells co-transfected with si-FAL1 and microRNA-761 inhibitor. Furthermore, the proliferative potential of OSCC cells was evaluated after co-transfection of si-FAL1 and CRKL overexpression plasmid.

RESULTS

LncRNA FAL1 was highly expressed in OSCC tissues and cell lines. The proliferative capacity of OSCC cells was significantly inhibited by lncRNA FAL1 knockdown. The mRNA expression of microRNA-761 was lowly expressed in OSCC tissues and cell lines. Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay showed that lncRNA FAL1 directly bound to microRNA-761. Meanwhile, microRNA-761 expression was negatively regulated by FAL1. CRKL was verified as the target gene of microRNA-761. Both the mRNA and protein levels of CRKL were remarkably upregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines. CRKL expression was found to be negatively regulated by microRNA-761 in OSCC cells. Lowly expressed microRNA-761 reversed the inhibitory effect of lncRNA FAL1 knockdown on the proliferative potential of OSCC cells. In addition, the overexpression of CRKL reversed the inhibitory effect of lncRNA FAL1 down-regulation on the proliferative potential of OSCC cells as well.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA FAL1 is highly expressed in OSCC. Moreover, it promotes the development of OSCC by regulating CRKL expression as a sponge of microRNA-761.

Protective role of histone deacetylase 4 from ultraviolet radiation-induced DNA lesions

Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure is a core factor that leads to skin disease or carcinogenesis through the insufficient repair of DNA lesions. UVB-induced DNA lesions are mainly removed by the nucleotide excision repair (NER) mechanism. The expression of histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) is altered in the skin upon UVB exposure, indicating its possible implication in UVB-induced DNA lesions repair. Here, we investigated the role of HDAC4 in the NER removal of the main classes of UVB-induced DNA lesions consisting of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone photoproducts (6-4PPs). We found that UVB irradiation increased HDAC4 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. HDAC4 interacted with NER factor XPC, which played an important role in effectively removing the UVB-induced DNA lesions. This study provides an understanding of the HDAC4 function in DNA repair, which will allow the development of efficient strategies to protect the skin from UVR-induced diseases.

CD38: targeted therapy in multiple myeloma and therapeutic potential for solid cancers

INTRODUCTION

CD38 is expressed by some cells of hematological malignancies and tumor-related immunosuppressive cells, including regulatory T cells, regulatory B cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. CD38 is an effective target in some hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma (MM). Daratumumab (Dara), a CD38-targeting antibody, can eliminate CD38^high immune suppressor cells and is regarded as a standard therapy for MM because of its outstanding clinical efficacy. Other CD38 monospecific antibodies, such as isatuximab, MOR202, and TAK079, showed promising effects in clinical trials.

AREA COVERED

This review examines the expression, function, and targeting of CD38 in MM and its potential to deplete immunosuppressive cells in solid cancers. We summarize the distribution and biological function of CD38 and discuss the application of anti-CD38 drugs in hematological malignancies. We also analyz the role of CD38⁺ immune cells in the tumor microenvironment to encourage additional investigations that target CD38 in solid cancers. PubMed and ClinicalTrials were searched to identify relevant literature from the database inception to 30 April 2020.

EXPERT OPINION

There is convincing evidence that CD38-targeted immunotherapeutics reduce CD38⁺ immune suppressor cells. This result suggests that CD38 can be exploited to treat solid tumors by regulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment.

Flossing Is Associated with Improved Oral Health in Older Adults

The effect of preventive oral habits is largely unexplored in older individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between home use of flossing and prevalence of periodontal disease and caries in older adults. Five-year incident tooth loss was also evaluated. Data on 686 individuals ≥65 y-old from the Piedmont 65+ Dental Study were examined including: 1) interproximal clinical attachment level (iCAL), 2) interproximal probing depth (iPD), 3) numbers of caries, and 4) missing teeth. Flossing behavior was evaluated according to the Periodontal Profile Class (PPC) system. Five-year follow-up data (n = 375) was evaluated for incident tooth loss. Dichotomous and categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson chi-square tests as well as covariate-adjusted Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests. Multiple linear regression compared clinical parameters based on flossing behavior. Elderly flossers had lower (mean, SE) %iCAL≥3 mm (38.2, 2.38 vs. 48.8, 1.56) and %iPD≥4 mm (8.70, 1.41 vs. 14.4, 0.93) compared to nonflossers (P ≤ 0.005). Flossers showed less coronal caries compared to nonflossers (P = 0.02). Baseline number of missing teeth (mean, SE) was 11.5 (0.35) in nonflossers compared to 8.6 (0.53) in flossers (P < 0.0001). Regular dental visitors had lower oral disease levels compared to episodic dental users. The majority of flossers classified into PPC-Stage I (health) whereas nonflossers classified as PPC-Stages V, VI, and VII (disease). At the 5-y follow-up visit, the average tooth loss for flossers was ~1 tooth compared to ~4 teeth lost for nonflossers (P < 0.0001). Among all teeth, molars showed the highest benefit (>40%) for flossing behavior (P = 0.0005). In conclusion, the extent of oral disease for older individuals was significantly less in flossers than in nonflossers. Flossers showed less periodontal disease, fewer dental caries, and loss of fewer teeth over a 5-y period. These findings further support flossing as an important oral hygiene behavior to prevent oral disease progression in older adults.

The role of cancer-derived microRNAs in cancer immune escape

During malignant transformation, accumulated somatic mutations endow cancer cells with increased invasiveness and immunogenicity. Under selective pressure, these highly immunogenic cancer cells develop multiple strategies to evade immune attack. It has been well established that cancer cells could downregulate the expression of major histocompatibility complex, acquire alterations in interferon pathway, and upregulate the activities of immune checkpoint pathways. Besides, cancer cells secret numerous cytokines, exosomes, and microvesicles to regulate the functions and abundances of components in the tumor microenvironment including immune effector cells and professional antigen presentation cells. As the vital determinant of post-transcriptional regulation, microRNAs (miRNAs) not only participate in cancer initiation and progression but also regulate anti-cancer immune response. For instance, some miRNAs affect cancer immune surveillance and immune escape by interfering the expression of immune attack-associated molecules. A growing body of evidence indicated that cancer-derived immune modulatory miRNAs might be promising targets to counteract cancer immune escape. In this review, we summarized the role of some miRNAs in cancer immune escape and discussed their potential clinical application as treatment targets.

[Strategy of nursing care on the face skin injuries caused by wearing medical-grade protective equipment]

For effective resistance to virus attack and infection, reducing virus transmission chance, it is extremely important for the medical staff and related workers to have their own safe protection. This paper summarizes the development causes, common locations, and prevention ways about the device related pressure injuries on the face resulted from wearing medical-grade protective equipment for a long working time. The paper proposes the nursing strategy for device related pressure injuries and other nursing strategy is proposed to take care efficiently the device related pressure injuries. Meantime, a corresponding nursing strategy is also suggested to deal with the correlative skin diseases during the application of medical-grade protective equipment. These paper aims to provide reference for the prevention of device related pressure injuries and the care of skin-related diseases for clinical working staff, especially to the respectable personnel in front line of fighting against Corona virus disease 2019.

A robust model for estimating thermal conductivity of liquid alkyl halides

Thermal conductivity is an essential thermodynamic property in chemical engineering application. As a result, estimating the thermal conductivity of organic compounds is of significance in industry production. Alkyl halides are important organic intermediates and raw materials, but little investigations have been performed to estimate their thermal conductivity. In this study, the structures of compounds were optimized in Gaussian 09W and molecular descriptors were extracted by Dragon software. Finally, we developed a 6-descriptor linear quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) model to estimate the thermal conductivity of alkyl halides using the genetic function approximation (GFA) method. Validation proved that the developed model had goodness-of-fit, robustness and predictive ability. The r²_pred and root-mean-square error (RMSE_P) of prediction set for the model were equal to 0.9745 and 0.0035, respectively. Meanwhile, the applicability domain was visualized by means of the Williams plot. This study provides a new model for estimating the thermal conductivity of this important class of chemicals.

Effects of nucleotide supplementation to corn–soybean meal-based diet on growth performance, fecal microflora, and blood profiles of sows and performance of suckling piglets

A total of 45 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) and their litters were used in this study to evaluate the efficacy of nucleotide supplementation on reproductive performance, growth performance, fecal microflora, and blood profiles in sows and piglets. Sows were allocated to one of three treatments (15 pigs per treatment and the average parity was 4.13). Dietary treatments consisted of (1) CON: basal diet, (2) T1: CON + 0.5% nucleotides, and (3) T2: CON + 1.0% nucleotides. In this study, the average daily feed intake during lactation and back fat at weaning day was increased linearly (P < 0.05) in sows with the increase in nucleotide supplementation levels. Sows receiving increasing levels of nucleotides had linearly increased fecal Lactobacillus counts and decreased Escherichia coli counts at weaning day (P < 0.05). Linear reduction of the epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol in sows was observed at weaning day, whereas superoxide dismutase was increased linearly (P < 0.05). Body weight and average daily gain in piglets were linearly (P < 0.05) increased with the increasing levels of nucleotides. Linear increase (P < 0.05) was also observed on total piglets born, live piglets, and piglet survival. The current study demonstrated the importance of nucleotides in the diets of sows to improve sow and piglet performance.

Blocking TGF-β Signaling To Enhance The Efficacy Of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor

During malignant transformation, a growing body of mutations accumulate in cancer cells which not only drive cancer progression but also endow cancer cells with high immunogenicity. However, because one or multiple steps in cancer-immunity cycle are impaired, anti-cancer immune response is too weak to effectively clear cancer cells. Therefore, how to restore robust immune response to malignant cells is a hot research topic in cancer therapeutics field. In the last decade, based on the deeper understanding of cancer immunity, great signs of progress have been made in cancer immunotherapies especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs could block negative immune co-stimulatory pathways and reactivate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from exhausted status. ICIs exhibit potent anti-cancer effect and have been approved for the treatment of numerous cancer types. Parallel with durable and effective tumor control, the actual response rate of ICIs is unsatisfactory. Although a subset of patients benefit from ICIs treatment, a large proportion of patients show primary or acquired resistance. Previously intensive studies indicated that the efficacy of ICIs was determined by a series of factors including tumor mutation burden, programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression, and TILs status. Recently, it was reported that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway participated in cancer immune escape and ICI resistance. Concurrent TGF-β blockade might be a feasible strategy to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy and relieve ICI resistance. In this mini-review, we summarized the latest understanding of TGF-β signaling pathway and cancer immunity. Besides, we highlighted the synergistic effect of TGF-β blockade and ICIs.

Aged cells in human skeletal muscle after resistance exercise

It remains unclear how exercise, as an entropic event, brings benefit against human aging. Here we examined longitudinal changes of p16^Ink4a+ senescent cells in skeletal muscle of young men (aged 22.5±1.7 y) before and after resistance exercise (0 h and 48 h) with multiple biopsies at two different protein availabilities: low protein (14%) and isocaloric high protein (44%) supplemented conditions. Immunohistochemistry analysis of muscle cross-sections using p16^Ink4a and CD34 antibodies confirmed that the detected senescent cells were endothelial progenitor cells. Leukocyte infiltration into skeletal muscle increased during resistance exercise. The senescent cells in muscle decreased (-48%, P < 0.01) after exercise for 48 h. Low protein supplementation resulted in greater infiltrations of both CD68⁺ phagocytic macrophage and leukocyte, further decreased p16^Ink4a+ senescent cells (-73%, P < 0.001), and delayed increases in regenerative CD163⁺ macrophage in skeletal muscle, compared with high protein supplemented condition. Significant gain in muscle mass after 12 weeks of training occurred only under high protein supplemented condition.

CONCLUSION

Rapid senescent cell clearance of human skeletal muscle during resistance exercise seems to associate with enhanced in situ phagocytosis. High protein availability accelerates resolution of muscle inflammation and promotes muscle increment after training.