Macrophage-derived biomimetic nanoparticles enhanced SDT combined with immunotherapy inhibited tumor growth and metastasis

Combination therapy based on sonodynamic therapy (SDT) combined with immune checkpoint blockers anti-PD-L1 provides effective anti-tumor effects. We designed a combination therapy based on M1/PLGA@IR780/CAT NPs of SDT-enhanced immunity combined with immune checkpoint blockers against PD-L1, which was based on M1 macrophage membrane-encapsulated poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with the acoustic sensitizer IR780 and catalase (CAT) to successfully realize it. SDT based on M1/PLGA@IR780/CAT NPs could induce tumor cell death by promoting dendritic cell (DC) maturation and modulating the tumor immune microenvironment. In particular, the systemic anti-tumor immune response and potent immune memory induced upon combination with anti-PD-L1 checkpoint blockade not only alleviated the progression of mammary cancer in 4T1 mice and effectively blocked distant metastasis, but also prevented tumor recurrence, providing a promising new therapeutic strategy for clinical tumor therapy.

Intestinal Translocation of Live Porphyromonas gingivalis Drives Insulin Resistance

Periodontitis has been emphasized as a risk factor of insulin resistance-related systemic diseases. Accumulating evidence has suggested a possible "oral-gut axis" linking oral infection and extraoral diseases, but it remains unclear whether periodontal pathogens can survive the barriers of the digestive tract and how they play their pathogenic roles. The present study established a periodontitis mouse model through oral ligature plus Porphyromonas gingivalis inoculation and demonstrated that periodontitis aggravated diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, while also causing P. gingivalis enrichment in the intestine. Metabolic labeling strategy validated that P. gingivalis could translocate to the gastrointestinal tract in a viable state. Oral administration of living P. gingivalis elicited insulin resistance, while administration of pasteurized P. gingivalis had no such effect. Combination analysis of metagenome sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics suggested that the tryptophan metabolism pathway, specifically indole and its derivatives, was involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance caused by oral administration of living P. gingivalis. Moreover, liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands, mainly indole acetic acid, tryptamine, and indole-3-aldehyde, were reduced in diet-induced obese mice with periodontitis, leading to inactivation of AhR signaling. Supplementation with Ficz (6-formylindolo (3,2-b) carbazole), an AhR agonist, alleviated periodontitis-associated insulin resistance, in which the restoration of gut barrier function might play an important role. Collectively, these findings reveal that the oral-gut translocation of viable P. gingivalis works as a fuel linking periodontitis and insulin resistance, in which reduction of AhR ligands and inactivation of AhR signaling are involved. This study provides novel insight into the role of the oral-gut axis in the pathogenesis of periodontitis-associated comorbidities.

Temperature-Sensitive Nanocarbon Hydrogel for Photothermal Therapy of Tumors

Background

Intelligent hydrogels continue to encounter formidable obstacles in the field of cancer treatment. A wide variety of hydrogel materials have been designed for diverse purposes, but materials with satisfactory therapeutic effects are still urgently needed.

Methods

Here, we prepared an injectable hydrogel by means of physical crosslinking. Carbon nanoparticle suspension injection (CNSI), a sentinel lymph node imaging agent that has been widely used in the clinic, with sodium β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) were added to a temperature-sensitive chitosan (CS) hydrogel (CS/GP@CN) as an agent for photothermal therapy (PTT). After evaluating the rheological, morphological, and structural properties of the hydrogel, we used 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells and B16 melanoma cells to assess its in vitro properties. Then, we intratumorally injected the hydrogel into BALB/c tumor-bearing mice to assess the in vivo PTT effect, antitumor immune response and the number of lung metastases.

Results

Surprisingly, this nanocarbon hydrogel called CS/GP@CN hydrogel not only had good biocompatibility and a great PTT effect under 808nm laser irradiation but also facilitated the maturation of dendritic cells to stimulate the antitumor immune response and had an extraordinary antimetastatic effect in the lungs.

Discussion

Overall, this innovative temperature-sensitive nanocarbon hydrogel, which exists in a liquid state at room temperature and transforms to a gel at 37 °C, is an outstanding local delivery platform with tremendous PTT potential and broad clinical application prospects.

Correction: Indocyanine-green-loaded microbubbles for localization of sentinel lymph node using near-infrared fluorescence/ultrasound imaging: a feasibility study

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/C5RA26814A.].

Bioinformatics-based design of a fusion vaccine with CTLA-4 variable region to combat Brucella

Brucellosis has become a global zoonotic disease, seriously endangering the health of people all over the world. Vaccination is an effective strategy for protection against Brucella infection in livestock in developed countries. However, current vaccines are pathogenic to humans and pregnant animals, which limits their use. Therefore, it is very important to improve the safety and immune protection of Brucella vaccine. In this study, different bioinformatics approaches were carried out to predict the physicochemical properties, T/B epitope, and tertiary structure of Omp2b and Omp31. Then, these two proteins were sequentially linked, and the Cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) variable region was fused to the N-terminal of the epitope sequence. In addition, molecular docking was performed to show that the structure of the fusion protein vaccine had strong affinity with B7 (B7-1, B7-2). This study showed that the designed vaccine containing CTLA-4 had high potency against Brucella, which could provide a reference for the future development of efficient brucellosis vaccines.

Multimodal predictive factors of metastasis in lymph nodes posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective

The lymph node posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve (LN-prRLN) is a crucial component of the central lymph nodes (LNs). We aimed to evaluate multimodal predictive factors of LN-prRLN metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), including the clinical data, pathologic data, and preoperative sonographic characteristics of PTCs.

Methods

A total of 403 diagnosed PTC patients who underwent unilateral, sub-total, or total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection were enrolled in this retrospective study. The clinical data, pathologic data, conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) characteristics of PTCs were collected and evaluated for predicting LN-prRLN metastasis.

Results

In this study, 96 PTC patients with LN-prRLN metastasis and 307 PTC patients without LN-prRLN metastasis were included. Univariate analysis demonstrated that PTC patients with LN-prRLN metastasis more often had younger age, larger size, multifocal cancers, A/T < 1, well-margins, microcalcification, petal-like calcification, internal vascularity, centripetal perfusion pattern and surrounding ring enhancement. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the CEUS centripetal perfusion pattern, central LN detected by ultrasound and LN-arRLN metastasis were independent characteristics for predicting LN-prRLN metastasis in PTC patients.

Conclusion

According to our research, it is essential for clinicians to thoroughly dissect central LNs, particularly LN-prRLNs.

MnO2 coated multi-layer nanoplatform for enhanced sonodynamic therapy and MR imaging of breast cancer

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a promising new anti-tumor therapy that inhibits tumor growth by ultrasound activation of sonosensitizers to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the problems of hypoxia in the microenvironment within solid tumors and the effectiveness of SDT will decrease due to the little accumulation of sonosensitizers at the tumor site, as well as tumor cell tolerance, have limited the development of SDT. To overcome these problems, a core-shell structured nanoparticle (IR780/PLGA@MnO2 NPs) loaded with IR780 and manganese dioxide (MnO2) was developed as a nanocarrier to transport the sonosensitizer IR780 and the generated oxygen into the tumor tissue. The MnO2 shell layer of IR780/PLGA@MnO2 NPs can prevent the premature release of IR780 in the blood and also it can react with acidic and high H2O2, the generated oxygen can relieve tumor tissue hypoxia, and the generated Mn can enhance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity by acting as a contrast agent for MRI. More importantly, the released IR780 can produce ROS to kill tumor cells under ultrasound excitation. This PH-responsive and H2O2-triggered SDT based on the IR780/PLGA@MnO2NPs is an effective platform to inhibit tumor growth with negligible systemic toxicity. This work develops a multifunctional therapeutic integrated nanoplatform for breast cancer treatment, which is expected to be used in the clinic.

M1 Macrophage-Derived Sonoresponsive Nanoparticles for Sonodynamic Anticancer Therapy

BACKGROUND

Many nanocarriers currently developed have potential in tumor targeting, but there are still several limitations to their applications in clinical treatment. It is crucial to explore novel nanocarriers with higher biocompatibility and targeting efficiency to overcome the barriers of the tumor microenvironment to penetrate deeply into the tumor.

METHODS

In this work, we designed multilayer sonoresponsive M1/IR780@PLGA nanoparticles, which can actively target tumor tissues, and repolarize M2 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment into M1 macrophages to stimulate antitumor immune effects. When the nanoparticles reach the tumor site, ultrasound (US) irradiation is applied to the tumor site, and the sonosensitizer consumes oxygen and generates ROS, thereby triggering local tumor cell death.

RESULTS

The M1/IR780@PLGA nanoparticle-based antitumor sonodynamic therapy (SDT) significantly inhibited tumor growth, triggered a great number of M2 tumor-associated macrophages to convert into M1 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment and promoted dendritic cell maturation to activate the antitumor immune response.

CONCLUSION

M1/IR780@PLGA nanoparticles potentiate antitumoral efficacy through SDT and antitumor immune responses by activating dendritic cells maturation and M1 macrophage repolarization in the tumor microenvironment.

Multi-Modal Imaging Monitored M2 Macrophage Targeting Sono-Responsive Nanoparticles to Combat MRSA Deep Infections

Background

MRSA with high morbidity and mortality is prone to cause serious infection, SDT has become a new antibiotic-free modality for bacterial infection treatment. Switching from proinflammatory M1 macrophages to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages dominant could activate the immune system to generate an anti-infection immune response.

Methods

Herein, we developed M2 macrophages derived cell membranes coated PLGA nanoparticles with IR780 encapsulation (M2/IR780@PLGA) for antibacterial SDT and subsequent M2 macrophage polarization to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of MRSA myositis. For in situ visualization of antibacterial SDT, both diagnostic high-frequency US and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were introduced to monitor the sono-therapeutic progression of M2/IR780@PLGA nanoparticles in mice with bacterial myositis.

Results

Our developed M2/IR780@PLGA nanoparticles exhibited excellent antibacterial effects due to the IR780 under low-frequency US irradiation in vitro. In an MRSA-infected mice model, a great deal of M2/IR780@PLGA nanoparticles accumulated at the site of inflammation due to M2 macrophage coating. The infected legs in the M2/IR780@PLGA nanoparticles-based SDT group were significantly smaller, fewer blood flow signals, a slight muscular edema without obvious intermuscular abscesses under high-frequency US and MR images guidance. Histopathology proved the infected legs in the M2/IR780@PLGA nanoparticles-mediated SDT group had less clumped bacteria infiltration, more M2 macrophage expression and less M1 macrophage expression. The percentage of mature dendritic cells in spleens was much higher in the group of mice with M2/IR780@PLGA nanoparticles-based SDT.

Conclusion

This study provides a promising nanoparticles-based SDT anti-bacterial strategy, which could effectively enhance the antibacterial SDT and subsequent promote M2 macrophage polarization to boost the therapeutic efficacy of MRSA myositis.

Case report: Large follicular thyroid carcinoma with multiple cervical lymph node metastases

Introduction

Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) rarely metastasizes to regional lymph nodes, as they mainly metastasize through hematogenous route; in particular, a large FTC with only lateral lymph node metastasis and without distant metastasis has rarely been reported.

Case report

We present a 66-year-old male patient with a progressively growing thyroid for more than 20 years, causing tracheal compression and narrowing. Neck ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) were carried out to obtain images of the thyroid and surrounding tissues. Total thyroidectomy and cervical lateral and central lymph node dissection were undertaken, and histopathological, and immunohistochemical evaluations and molecular pathology confirmed the diagnosis of FTC with multiple cervical lymph node metastases.

Conclusion

We have reported a rare case of large FTC with diffuse nodal involvement but no distant metastases. We present the thyroid ultrasound, neck CT, MR and whole body PET/CT.

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma with contralateral large humerus metastasis and cervical lymph node metastasis: A case report

Introduction

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) that metastasizes to bone, especially metastasizes to contralateral humerus with so large mass, is rarely reported before.

Case report

We presented a 50-year-old female patient with a large painful mass in the right humerus for 5 years, presenting with swelling of the right shoulder with limited mobility. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) showed a large mass in the right humerus, bilateral lung lesions, and enlarged lymph nodes in the right supraclavicular fossa. Right humerus lesion biopsy and immunohistochemical evaluations confirmed that the lesion originated from the thyroid tissue. Then, the thyroid ultrasonography showed a hypo-echoic solid nodule with an irregular taller-than-wide shape in the upper of left thyroid lobe and enlarged lymph nodes with the absence of fatty hilum in the contralateral right IV compartment. The total thyroidectomy and cervical lymph node dissection were undertaken; the histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of PTMC with contralateral cervical lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion

We reported a case of PTMC with contralateral large humerus and cervical lymph node metastasis and demonstrated the PET/CT images of the metastatic large humerus and thyroid ultrasonographic appearances of the PTMC and enlarged cervical lymph node.

Resilience and Prosocial Behavior Among Chinese University Students During COVID-19 Mitigation: Testing Mediation and Moderation Models of Social Support

Purpose

Suffering during events such as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens university students’ physical and psychological health. Given the literature indicating the protective role of resilience and social support, the current study explored the mediating and moderating roles of social support in the association between resilience and prosocial behavior among university students in mainland China during COVID-19 mitigation.

Methods

We conducted an online survey using convenience sampling from 23rd February to 3rd March 2020 among Chinese university students who had encountered home-quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-report scales were used to measure levels of resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), social support (the Social Support Scale), and prosocial behavior (Prosocial Tendencies Measure). A total of 313 university students participated in this online survey. Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to test the hypothesized mediating and moderating effects of social support in the relationship between resilience and prosocial behavior.

Results

Pearson’s correlations analysis showed that all outcomes of interest were positively associated. Importantly, social support (subjective support, objective support, and support utilization) mediated the indirect link of resilience with prosocial behavior. Furthermore, moderation analyses indicated that support utilization played a moderating role in this link. Support utilization may reduce the negative influence of COVID-19 on university students’ prosocial behavior and serve as a protective factor between resilience and prosocial behavior in highly stressful contexts.

Conclusion

Our findings enrich research on prosocial behavior by investigating the potential internal and external variables that influence such behavior during periods of suffering. Findings also provide evidence for the need to promote university students’ prosocial behavior.

The clinical application of ultrasonography with superb microvascular imaging-a review

Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) is among the latest doppler ultrasound methods. It uses an advanced clutter filter to eliminate artifacts caused by breathing, movement and retains the low-speed blood signals in microvessels. The great advantage of SMI is that it can intuitively detect very slow blood signals in microvessels, providing clinicians with more significant information about flow distribution in the target area. Therefore, it is speculated that SMI has important application value. The purpose of this article is to outline the application of SMI in different parts of the body.

Role of CD47-SIRPα Checkpoint in Nanomedicine-Based Anti-Cancer Treatment

Many cancers have evolved various mechanisms to evade immunological surveillance, such as the inhibitory immune checkpoint of the CD47-SIRPα signaling pathway. By targeting this signaling pathway, researchers have developed diverse nanovehicles with different loaded drugs and modifications in anticancer treatment. In this review, we present a brief overview of CD47-SIRPα interaction and nanomedicine. Then, we delve into recent applications of the CD47-SIRPα interaction as a target for nanomedicine-based antitumor treatment and its combination with other targeting pathway drugs and/or therapeutic approaches.

Platelet Membrane Biomimetic Nanoparticles Combined With UTMD to Improve the Stability of Atherosclerotic Plaques

Although research on the treatment of atherosclerosis has progressed recently, challenges remain in developing more effective, safer and transformative strategies for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Nanomaterials have recently played a unique role in many fields, including atherosclerosis treatment. Platelets are common component in the blood. Due to their inherent properties, platelets can target and adhere to atherosclerotic plaques. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) shows great prospects in promoting the efficiency of drug delivery in treating solid tumors. In this study, we explored the possibility that UTMD assists platelet biomimetic rapamycin (RAP)-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (RAP@PLT NPs) in the treatment of atherosclerosis. The biomimetic nano-formulations exhibit better targeting ability to plaques when administered in vivo. Targeted destruction of Sonovue™ in the aortic area further improved the efficiency of targeting plaques. Moreover, the progression of atherosclerotic plaques was inhibited, and the stability of plaques was improved. Together, our study established a novel strategy for targeted delivery of nanoparticles in atherosclerotic plaques, by combining the advantages of the ultrasonic cavitation effect and biomimicking nanoparticles in drug delivery.

IR780 Based Sonotherapeutic Nanoparticles to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains have emerged and weakened the therapeutic effects of antibacterial drugs. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) takes advantage of noninvasiveness and deep tissue-penetrating features and has been rejuvenated to combat MDR bacteria and their biofilm-associated infections. To improve the efficacy of antibacterial SDT, we first developed IR780-based PLGA nanoparticles as sonosensitizers for high-frequency ultrasound (US)-monitored antibacterial SDT of MRSA myositis by therapeutic low-frequency US. In this study, the developed shell-core-structured IR780@PLGA nanoparticles were designed with a polymer shell PLGA with the sonosensitizer IR780 loaded on. High-frequency diagnostic US was introduced to monitor the sonotherapeutic progression of bacterial myositis by therapeutic low-frequency US. Importantly, the in vitro and in vivo results confirmed that IR780@PLGA nanoparticles combined with US irradiation possess high efficiency for antibacterial therapy. This approach provides a simple and efficient strategy to monitor and combat MDR bacterial infection.

Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Evaluation of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in distinguishing between benign and malignant cervical lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Two hundred and one cervical LNs (157 metastatic from PTC and 44 benign) were evaluated using conventional ultrasonography (US) and CEUS before biopsy or surgery. Histopathology was used as the gold standard. We evaluated the size, long axis/short axis ratio (L/S), fatty hilum, hyper-echogenicity, calcification, cystic change, peripheral vascularity and CEUS parameters for each lymph nodule. The CEUS parameters included enhancement type, homogeneity, perfusion type, ring enhancement, peak intensity (PI) index and area under the curve (AUC) index. Univariate analysis demonstrated that compared with benign LNs, malignant LNs more frequently had L/S < 2, absence of a fatty hilum, presence of hyper-echogenicity, presence of calcification, peripheral vascularity, hyper-enhancement, heterogeneous enhancement, centripetal perfusion, ring enhancement, PI index > 1 and AUC index > 1 on preoperative US and CEUS. Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that hyper-enhancement, centripetal perfusion, and ring enhancement are independent CEUS characteristics related to malignant LNs for their differentiation from benign LNs (all p < 0.05). Our study indicated that preoperative CEUS characteristics may serve as a useful tool to identify malignant cervical LNs from benign cervical LNs.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound characteristics of preoperative central cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma

This study evaluated the preoperative diagnostic value of lymph node ultrasonography in distinguishing between benign and malignant central cervical lymph nodes (CCLNs) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). A total of 176 patients who had PTC with 216 CCLNs (49 benign and 155 malignant) were enrolled in this study and preoperatively imaged by ultrasonography, including conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). We evaluated the ultrasonography parameters for each lymph node. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that multifocality of PTC and the absence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis are independent clinical features related to patients with PTC who also have malignant CCLNs. For preoperative ultrasonography features, heterogeneous enhancement and centripetal perfusion are independent ultrasonographic features to identify malignant and benign CCLNs. This study demonstrated that preoperative CEUS characteristics help to distinguish malignant CCLNs from benign CCLNs.

Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Mummified Thyroid Nodules

Mummified thyroid nodules (MTNs) are rarely reported and are usually misdiagnosed as malignant nodules. This article first reviewed the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) enhancement features of 218 MTNs and classified them into three (A, B, C) patterns. The A pattern MTNs show linear hypo-enhancement, the B pattern MTNs show heterogeneous hypo-enhancement, and the C pattern MTNs show no enhancement in thyroid nodules. The A and C pattern enhancements of MTNs demonstrated a high specificity compared with the enhancement of previously reported typical papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). To further study the B pattern MTNs, 24 B pattern MTNs and 42 PTCs were enrolled in this study, and CEUS parameters for each nodule were evaluated. Univariate analysis indicated that compared with PTCs, the B pattern MTNs more frequently exhibited heterogeneous hypo-enhancement and clear margins after clearance (p <0.05). A multivariate analysis revealed that heterogeneous hypo-enhancement and clear margins after clearance were independent characteristics related to the B pattern MTNs for differentiating them from PTCs (p <0.05). Thus, preoperative CEUS may provide more important information for distinguishing MTNs from malignant thyroid nodules to avoid surgical excisions or unnecessary fine-needle aspiration (FNA).

Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Differentiating Clinically Atypical Subacute Thyroiditis from Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas

Our objective was to provide the various sonographic characteristics of clinically atypical subacute thyroiditis (CAST) in distinguishing CAST from papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) by using conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Forty-six CAST patients and 50 PTC patients were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the size, shape, margin, echogenicity, calcification, vascularity and CEUS parameters for each nodule. The final diagnosis of CAST was confirmed via fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or surgery. Of the 46 CASTs, 13 (28.3%) were confirmed by surgery to be benign, and 33 (71.7%) were proven by FNA to be benign. Univariate analysis indicated that compared with PTCs, CAST lesions more frequently had wider-than-taller shapes, blurred margins, the absence of microcalcifications, peripheral high echogenicity, the absence of internal vascularity, hypo-enhancement, centrifugal perfusion and a peak intensity index <1 and area under the curve index <1 on pre-operative US and CEUS. A multivariate analysis revealed that clear margins, microcalcifications and centripetal perfusion were independent characteristics related to PTCs for their differentiation from CAST (all p values <0.05). Our study indicated that the pre-operative multiparameter US characteristics may serve as a useful tool for distinguishing CAST from malignant thyroid nodules to avoid surgical excisions or unnecessary FNAs.

A generalized l 2,p-norm regression based feature selection algorithm

Feature selection is an important data dimension reduction method, and it has been used widely in applications involving high-dimensional data such as genetic data analysis and image processing. In order to achieve robust feature selection, the latest works apply the l 2 , 1 or l 2 , p -norm of matrix to the loss function and regularization terms in regression, and have achieved encouraging results. However, these existing works rigidly set the matrix norms used in the loss function and the regularization terms to the same l 2 , 1 or l 2 , p -norm, which limit their applications. In addition, the algorithms for solutions they present either have high computational complexity and are not suitable for large data sets, or cannot provide satisfying performance due to the approximate calculation. To address these problems, we present a generalized l 2 , p -norm regression based feature selection ( l 2 , p -RFS) method based on a new optimization criterion. The criterion extends the optimization criterion of ( l 2 , p -RFS) when the loss function and the regularization terms in regression use different matrix norms. We cast the new optimization criterion in a regression framework without regularization. In this framework, the new optimization criterion can be solved using an iterative re-weighted least squares (IRLS) procedure in which the least squares problem can be solved efficiently by using the least square QR decomposition (LSQR) algorithm. We have conducted extensive experiments to evaluate the proposed algorithm on various well-known data sets of both gene expression and image data sets, and compare it with other related feature selection methods.

[CFTR gene variations and phenotypes in seven children]

Objective: To analyze the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene variations and phenotypes in 7 Chinese children. Methods: In this retrospective study, the data of 7 children with CFTR gene variations admitted to Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from December 2013 to October 2020 were extracted. The general information, clinical manifestations, gene variations, diagnosis and treatment were summarized. Results: Among the 7 children, 2 were males and 5 were females, aged 5.2(0.5-11.3) years. Main clinical manifestations included malnutrition (5 cases), recurrent respiratory infection (4 cases), bronchiectasis (3 cases), steatorrhea (3 cases), vomiting in infancy (2 cases), liver cirrhosis (2 cases), meconium ileus (1 case), metabolic alkalosis and hypochloremia (1 case). A total of 15 variations were found by whole exon sequencing and Sanger sequencing, among which 3 were newly discovered, and 7 were missense mutations. Four children were diagnosed as CF, and the other 3 were diagnosed as CFTR related disease (CFTR-RD). Compared with CF patients, the pancreatic insufficiency and typical CF lung disease were relatively mild in CFTR-RD patients. After treatment, 6 children were clinically improved, while the rest one withdrew treatment due to critical pulmonary infection and disturbance of water-electrolyte metabolism. Conclusions: The loci and phenotypes of CFTR gene variants vary hugely and the pathogenicity of some variations are not clear. Whole exon sequencing can facilitate the identification of CF-and CFTR-RD-causing variaions. For the cases not compatible with CF, CFTR-RD should be considered and evaluated by timely gene detection, so as to carry out appropriate long term management.

IR780-based nanomaterials for cancer imaging and therapy

IR780, a small molecule with a strong optical property and excellent photoconversion efficiency following near infrared (NIR) irradiation, has attracted increasing attention in the field of cancer treatment and imaging. This review is focused on different IR780-based nanoplatforms and the application of IR780-based nanomaterials for cancer bioimaging and therapy. Thus, this review summarizes the overall aspects of IR780-based nanomaterials that positively impact cancer biomedical applications.

Magnetically targeted erythrocyte membrane coated nanosystem for synergistic photothermal/chemotherapy of cancer

Combination photothermal therapy (PTT)/chemotherapy has become an emerging cancer treatment strategy in recent years. However, one of the important challenges in the development of nanomedicines is escaping immune recognition and the phagocytosis by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) to ultimately maximize tumor accumulation. In this work, a cell membrane-coated magnetically targeted drug delivery nanosystem was developed for synergistic PTT/chemotherapy of cancer. Importantly, this nanosystem can cleverly escape identification and clearance from the immune system, effectively prolong the blood circulation time and accurately accumulate in the target tumor tissues. This provides a new strategy to realize extraordinary antitumor effect by a unique design with cell membrane cloaking, magnetic targeting, drug delivery and synergistic PTT/chemotherapy.

Chinese Expert Consensus on Protection for Ultrasound Healthcare Workers against COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has caused a worldwide pandemic and poses a serious public health risk. It has been proven that lung ultrasound can be extremely valuable in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, which could also minimize the number of exposed healthcare workers and equipment. Because healthcare workers in ultrasound departments are in close contact with patients who might be infected or virus carriers, it is extremely important that they be provided sufficient protection. Extremely aggressive protection should be avoided because it might lead to a lack of protection equipment for the hospital. Guidance on proper protection management should be provided in detail, for example, how to choose personal protective equipment, how to disinfect the environment. To address these problems, on behalf of the Chinese Ultrasound Doctors Association, Chinese PLA Professional Committee of Ultrasound in Medicine, Beijing Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and Chinese Research Hospital Association Ultrasound Professional Committee, the authors have summarized the recommendations for effective protection according to existing hygienic standards, their experience and available literature. After the recommendations were completed, two online conferences were held on January 31, 2020 and February 7, 2020, at which the recommendations were discussed in detail. A modified version of the work was circulated and finally approved by all authors, and is the present Chinese Expert Consensus on Protection for Ultrasound Healthcare Workers against COVID-19.

Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Partially Cystic Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas

Partially cystic papillary thyroid carcinomas (PCPTCs) are rarely reported papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) and are usually misdiagnosed as benign nodules. The objective of this study was to provide the various sonographic characteristics of partially cystic thyroid nodules for differentiation between malignant and benign nodules, including those for conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Twenty-three PCPTC patients and 37 nodular goiter patients were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the size, cystic percentage, solid echogenicity, calcification, vascularity, and CEUS parameters for each nodule. The final diagnosis of all patients was confirmed via surgery. Univariate analysis demonstrated that compared with benign nodular goiters, PCPTCs more frequently presented with calcification, hypoechogenicity of the solid part, hypoenhancement, heterogeneous enhancement, centrifugal perfusion, peak intensity index <1, time to peak index ≥1, and area under the curve index <1 on preoperative US and CEUS. Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that heterogeneous enhancement, centrifugal perfusion, and peak intensity index <1 are independent CEUS characteristics related to malignant PCPTCs and can be used for their differentiation from benign nodular goiters (all p < 0.05). Our study indicated that preoperative CEUS characteristics may serve as a useful tool to distinguish malignant PCPTCs from benign thyroid nodules.

Sonographic Characteristics of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma With Coexistent Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in the Preoperative Prediction of Central Lymph Node Metastasis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the sonographic characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) for predicting central lymph node metastasis (CLNM). One hundred thirty-three patients who underwent thyroidectomy and central cervical lymph node dissection for PTC with coexistent HT were retrospectively analyzed. All PTCs with HT were preoperatively evaluated by ultrasound (US) regarding their nodular number, size, component, shape, margin, echogenicity, calcification, capsule contact with protrusion, vascularity and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) parameters. Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients with PTCs with HT and CLNM more frequently had age ≤ 45 years, size > 10 mm, a wider than tall shape, microcalcification, hypo-enhancement and peak intensity index < 1 than those without CLNM (all p<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that size > 10 mm and CEUS hypo-enhancement were independent characteristics for the presence of CLNM. Our study indicated that preoperative US characteristics could offer help in predicting CLNM in PTCs with coexistent HT.

Platelet-Mimicking Drug Delivery Nanoparticles for Enhanced Chemo-Photothermal Therapy of Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Traditional nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems suffer from several limitations, such as easy clearance from blood and inaccurate targeting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here, we developed platelet membrane-coated nanoparticles (PM-NPs) to improve the precise delivery of drugs to tumor sites and enable a more efficient photothermal therapy (PTT) treatment.

RESULTS

Mimicking the natural platelet membrane, nanoparticles containing drugs and photothermal agents were not recognized and cleared by the immune system; they could circulate in the blood for a long time and accumulate more efficiently at the tumor site, thus releasing more antitumor drugs and achieving better PTT effects. It is worth mentioning that, in this study, we found that tumors in mice treated with the platelet-mimicking nanoparticles were completely eliminated without recurrence during the observation period (up to 18 days).

CONCLUSION

This study provides a new strategy to design delivery systems of drugs or photothermal agents, whether in biotherapy or other fields.

Targeted Delivery of Curcumin to Polyethylene-Induced Osteolysis by Magnetically Guided Zoledronate-Anchored Poly Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Nanoparticles via Repressing NF-κB Signaling

Aseptic loosening induced by periprosthetic osteolysis (PPO) is the leading complication of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and results in patients having to receive revision surgery. However, there is still no efficient drug to prevent or even slow the pathological process. Herein, we report novel dual-targeted, curcumin-loaded Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (ZSCNPs) to inhibit polyethylene-induced osteolysis. These ZSCNPs have good biocompatibility and excellent bone binding affinity. Under external magnetic field guidance, the ZSCNPs can specifically target osteolytic sites with sustained curcumin release, efficiently suppress the effect of IκB kinase, subsequently inhibit activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, and ultimately prevent osteoclast formation and particle-induced osteolysis. Therefore, these novel dual-targeted, drug-loaded nanoparticles could be applied as a useful strategy for targeted treatment of PPO after TJA.

Near-Infrared Responsive Phase-Shifted Nanoparticles for Magnetically Targeted MR/US Imaging and Photothermal Therapy of Cancer

Accurate diagnosis, providing guidance for early treatment, can greatly improve the survival rate of cancer patients. However, there are still some difficulties with the existing diagnostic technology and early treatment methods. Here, near-infrared responsive phase-shifted nanoparticles (NRPNs) have been designed for magnetically targeted MR/US imaging and photothermal therapy of tumors. In this study, we fabricated a multifunctional polymer nanoparticle encapsulating indocyanine green (ICG), magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and perfluoropentane (PFP). Under laser irradiation, the NRPNs, which trigger a phase-shifted expansion effect due to the quick conversion from light to heat by ICG and Fe₃O₄, can be used for ultrasound (US) imaging. At the same time, such nanoparticles can kill cancer cells via photothermal therapy (PTT). As a kind of negative enhancement agent, magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in NRPNs showed high spatial resolution in MR imaging. Moreover, with the help of the magnetic field, the NRPNs nanoparticles showed high cellular uptake and high tumor accumulation, indicating their magnetic targeting property without biosafety concerns. Therefore, we present a strategy for magnetically targeted MR/US imaging guided photothermal therapy for the accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment of tumors.

Mitochondria-Targeting Oxygen-Sufficient Perfluorocarbon Nanoparticles for Imaging-Guided Tumor Phototherapy

Background

Although photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamics therapy (PDT) have both made excellent progress in tumor therapy, the effectiveness of using PTT or PDT alone is dissatisfactory due to the limitations of the penetration depth in PTT and the hypoxic microenvironment of tumors for PDT. Combination phototherapy has currently become a burgeoning cancer treatment.

Methods and Materials

In this work, a mitochondria-targeting liquid perfluorocarbon (PFC)-based oxygen delivery system was developed for the synergistic PDT/photothermal therapy (PTT) of cancer through image guiding.

Results

Importantly, these nanoparticles (NPs) can effectively and accurately accumulate in the target tumor via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect.

Conclusion

This approach offers a novel technique to achieve outstanding antitumor efficacy by an unprecedented design with tumor mitochondria targeting, oxygen delivery, and synergistic PDT/PTT with dual-imaging guidance.

Exogenous 6-benzyladenine application affects root morphology by altering hormone status and gene expression of developing lateral roots in Malus hupehensis

Malus hupehensis is an extensively used apple rootstock in China. In the current study, M. hupehensis seedlings were treated with exogenous 2.2 µm 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) so as to investigate the mechanism by which 6-BA affects lateral root development. The results indicate that 6-BA treatment promotes elongation and thickening of both root and shoot in M. hupehensis, but reduces the number of lateral roots, as well as reducing the auxin level after 6-BA treatment. Moreover, MhAHK4, MhRR1 and MhRR2 were also significantly up-regulated in response to 6-BA treatment. Expression levels of auxin synthesis- and transport-related genes, such as MhYUCCA6, MhYUCCA10, MhPIN1 and MhPIN2, were down-regulated, which corresponds with lower auxin levels in the 6-BA-treated seedlings. A negative regulator of auxin, MhIAA3, was induced by 6-BA treatment, leading to reduced expression of MhARF7 and MhARF19 in 6-BA-treated seedlings. As a result, expression of MhWOX11, MhWOX5, MhLBD16 and MhLBD29 was blocked, which in turn inhibited lateral root initiation. In addition, a lower auxin level decreased expression of MhRR7 and MhRR15, which repressed expression of key transcription factors associated with root development, thus inhibiting lateral root development. In contrast, 6-BA treatment promoted secondary growth (thickening) of the root by inducing expression of MhCYCD3;1 and MhCYCD3;2. Collectively, the changes in hormone levels and gene expression resulted in a reduced number of lateral roots and thicker roots in 6-BA-treated plants.

Oxygen-Sufficient Nanoplatform for Chemo-Sonodynamic Therapy of Hypoxic Tumors

Modulation of hypoxia is an essential factor for enhancing the effects of antitumor therapies, especially sonodynamic therapy and chemotherapy. To improve the efficacy of combination therapy by reversing the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, we developed shell-core structured PPID-NPs, which were designed with a polymer shell onto the sonosensitizer and a chemotherapeutic drug were loaded and a perfluorocarbon core loaded with oxygen. The perfluorocarbon core provides sufficient oxygen not only for causing the sonosensitizer to produce more singlet oxygen to induce cell apoptosis but also for reducing drug resistance to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, the release of chemotherapeutic drugs at the tumor site can be controlled. Thus, PPID-NPs can efficiently inhibit the growth of breast cancer by synergistic therapy under ultrasound exposure. We believe that our oxygen-sufficient nanoplatform could be an ideal therapeutic system for hypoxic tumors.

Petal-Like Calcifications in Thyroid Nodules on Ultrasonography: A Rare Morphologic Characteristic of Calcification Associated With Aggressive Biological Behavior

This study investigated a rare ultrasonographically detected thyroid petal-like calcification and its relationship with thyroid carcinoma and biological behavior. We described the clinical and ultrasonographical features of thyroid nodules with petal-like calcifications in 18 patients undergoing thyroid surgery and cervical lymph node dissection. All of the thyroid nodules with petal-like calcifications were papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). Of the 18 patients, 13 (72.2%) had cervical central lymph node metastasis, and five (27.8%) had cervical lateral lymph node metastasis. Petal-like calcifications occurred in malignant thyroid nodules with a high incidence of lymph node metastasis, which may be a specific ultrasonographic feature associated with the aggressive biological behavior of PTC.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Thyroid: A Case Report

Introduction: Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid (ThyPSCC) is an extremely rare aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. However, almost no report thus far has investigated the microvasculature of ThyPSCC imaged using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Case Report: A 59-year-old male patient presented to our hospital with progressively worsening hoarse voice symptoms for 20 days and was diagnosed with left unilateral vocal fold palsy. Ultrasonography revealed a solitary marked hypoechoic thyroid nodule with an unclear boundary in the inferior part of the left lobe. Color Doppler flow imaging showed a poor blood flow signal inside this nodule. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound images showed a persistent low peak enhancement of the nodule from its periphery to its center. The time-intensity curve displayed a wash-in time of 10 s, a time to peak of 37 s, a peak signal intensity of 24.5%, and a wash-out time of 70 s for the thyroid tumor. Finally, left hemithyroidectomy of the thyroid tumor was performed, and histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluations confirmed the diagnosis of ThyPSCC. Postoperatively, the patient received a combination therapy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy, but the patient died 4 months after surgery. Conclusion: Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid is a rare but aggressive malignancy of the thyroid. Herein, we reported a case of ThyPSCC and its ultrasonography and pathologic findings.

Two linked TBXT (brachyury) gene polymorphisms are associated with the tailless phenotype in fat-rumped sheep

T‐box transcription factor T (TBXT), encoding the brachyury protein, is an embryonic nuclear transcription factor involved in mesoderm formation and differentiation. Previous studies indicate that TBXT mutations are responsible for the tailless or short‐tailed phenotype of many vertebrates. To verify whether the tailless phenotype in fat‐rumped sheep is associated with TBXT mutations, exon 2 of the TBXT gene for 301 individuals belonging to 13 Chinese and Iranian sheep breeds was directly sequenced. Meanwhile, 380 samples were used to detect the genotypes of the candidate variations by mapping to their reads databases in the Sequence Read Archive repository of GenBank. The results showed that one missense mutation, c.334G>T (GGG>TGG) with a completely linked synonymous variant c.333G>C (CCG>CCC) was found to be associated with the ‘tailless’ characteristic in typical fat‐rumped sheep breeds. The c.334G>T transversion led to the conversion of glycine to tryptophan at the 112th amino acid in the T‐box domain of the brachyury protein. In addition, crossbreeding experiments for long‐tailed and tailless sheep showed that CT/CT allele of nucleotides (nt) 333 and 334, a recessive mutation, would cause sheep tails to be shorter, suggesting that these two linked variants at nucleotides 333 and 334 in TBXT are probably causative mutations responsible for the tailless phenotype in sheep.

Mummified Thyroid Nodules: Conventional and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Features

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of our study was to highlight the conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US) features of mummified thyroid nodules, which should help differentiate them from histologically proven papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs).

METHODS

Thirty-one patients with 33 mummified thyroid nodules, which showed suspicious US findings that were suggestive of malignancy, as well as 33 patients with 38 surgically confirmed PTCs were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the size, shape, margin, echogenicity, presence of shadowing and halo, presence of punctate echogenic foci, vascularity, and contrast enhancement parameters for each nodule. The final diagnosis of mummified thyroid nodules was confirmed via fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or surgery.

RESULTS

Of the 33 mummified thyroid nodules, 9 (27.3%) were confirmed by surgery to be benign, and 24 (72.7%) were proven by FNA to be benign. A univariate analysis indicated that the mummified thyroid nodules more frequently showed wider-than-tall shapes, marked hypoechogenicity, the presence of posterior shadowing, the absence of nodular vascularity, hypoenhancement or no enhancement, and peak index and area under the curve indices of less than 1 in the findings of preoperative US and contrast-enhanced US compared to PTCs. A multivariate analysis showed that marked hypoechogenicity and an area under the curve index of less than 1 were independent characteristics related to mummified nodules for discriminating from PTCs (all P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Benign thyroid nodules may display shrinkage over time and may reveal malignant US features. Awareness of these findings and their connection with initial and follow-up US examinations should help identify mummified thyroid nodules and to avoid surgical excision or unnecessary FNA.

Sonographic Characteristics of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Coexistent Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Conventional Ultrasound, Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

Our objective was to provide the various sonographic characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinomas for Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients, including conventional ultrasound (US), acoustic radiation force impulse Virtual Touch imaging and quantification (ARFI-VTIQ) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Sixty-nine HT patients with 85 thyroid nodules (TNs) (49 malignant and 36 benign) were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the size, shape, margin, echogenicity, presence of halo, calcification, vascularity and ARFI-VTIQ and CEUS parameters for each nodule and compared the findings with the reference standards of histopathological and/or cytologic results. Univariate analysis indicated that compared with benign TNs with HT, papillary thyroid carcinomas with HT more often had taller-than-wider shapes, ill-defined margins, microcalcifications, peripheral vascularity, relatively harder stiffness with a higher shear wave speed, hypo-enhancement, peak intensity index <1 and area under the curve index <1 at pre-operative US, ARFI-VTIQ and CEUS. Multivariate analysis revealed that ill-defined margins, microcalcifications and peak intensity index <1 are independent characteristics related to malignant TNs for their differentiation from benign TNs (all p < 0.05). Our study indicated that pre-operative multiparameter US characteristics may serve as a useful tool to identify malignant TNs in HT patients.

Magnetically targeted nanoparticles for imaging-guided photothermal therapy of cancer

Over the past several decades, nanocarriers have constituted a vital research area for accurate tumor therapy. Herein, magnetically targeted nanoparticles (IRFes) for photothermal therapy were generated by integrating IR780, a molecule with strong emission and absorption in the NIR spectrum and the ability to produce heat after laser irradiation, with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs). These IRFes were guided to the tumor site by the application of an external magnetic field. In particular, the strong NIR absorption of IR780 was used for NIRF imaging, and we also demonstrated effective magnetic targeting for the photothermal ablation of tumors. In vitro cell viability and in vivo antitumor experiments showed that these IRFes can ablate 4T1 cells or transplanted 4T1 cell tumors when exposed to 808 nm laser irradiation and a magnetic field. In vivo experiments showed that IRFes only act on tumors, do not damage other organs and can be used to image tumors. These results demonstrate the enormous potential of local photothermal therapy for cancer under the guidance of external magnetic fields and reveal the prospect for the use of multifunctional nanoparticles in tumor therapy.

Magnetically targeted nanoparticles (IRFes) for photothermal therapy were generated by integrating IR780, a molecule with strong emission and absorption in the NIR spectrum and the ability to produce heat after laser irradiation, with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles.

Triple-Modal Imaging-Guided Chemo-Photothermal Synergistic Therapy for Breast Cancer with Magnetically Targeted Phase-Shifted Nanoparticles

Current nanodrug-based cancer therapy is susceptible to the problems of rapid clearance from circulation and limited therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we report a magnetically targeted and photothermal-triggered drug release nanotheranostics system based on superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe₃O₄), IR780, doxorubicin (DOX), and perfluoropentane (PFP) entrapped poly-lactide- co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles (IR780/Fe₃O₄@PLGA/PFP/DOX NPs) for triple-modal imaging-guided synergistic therapy of breast cancer. In this work, IR780 and Fe₃O₄ convert light into heat, which triggers DOX release from IR780/Fe₃O₄@PLGA/PFP/DOX NPs and a phase-shift thermoelastic expansion of PFP; this procedure further accelerates the DOX release and tissue extrusion deformation. Fe₃O₄ NPs also serve as the target moiety by an external magnet directed to the tumor. Specifically, the IR780/Fe₃O₄@PLGA/PFP/DOX NPs can be used for triple-modal imaging, including near infrared fluorescence, magnetic resonance, and ultrasound. Furthermore, the antitumor therapy studies reveal the extraordinary performance of IR780/Fe₃O₄@PLGA/PFP/DOX NPs in magnetically targeted synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy of cancer. Therefore, the multifunctional IR780/Fe₃O₄@PLGA/PFP/DOX NPs guided by the magnetic field show a great potential for cancer theranostics.

Black Phosphorus Nanosheets as a Neuroprotective Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Disorder Therapy

Transition-metal dyshomeostasis is recognized as a critical pathogenic factor at the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorder (ND). Excess transition-metal ions such as Cu²⁺ can catalyze the generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species and thereafter induce neuronal cell apoptosis. Exploring new chelating agents, which are not only capable of capturing excess redox-active metal, but can also cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), are highly desired for ND therapy. Herein, it is demonstrated that 2D black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets can capture Cu²⁺ efficiently and selectively to protect neuronal cells from Cu²⁺ -induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo studies show that the BBB permeability of BP nanosheets is significantly improved under near-infrared laser irradiation due to their strong photothermal effect, which overcomes the drawback of conventional chelating agents. Furthermore, the excellent biocompatibility and stability guarantee the biosafety of BP in future clinical applications. Therefore, these features make BP nanosheets have the great potential to work as an efficient neuroprotective nanodrug for ND therapy.

Phase-shifted paclitaxel-loaded multifunctional contrast agent for US/MR imaging and synergistic hyperthermal/chemotherapy of metastasis in lymph nodes

The existing approaches used to detect a tumor-induced sentinel lymph node and treat metastasis have limitations. In this study, by encapsulating perfluoropentane (PFP), magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) and the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel (PTX), we fabricated novel polymer nanoparticles (NPNs) that can effectively absorb heat after irradiation by near-infrared irradiation (NIR), thereby synergistically enhancing tumor therapy via a phase-shift thermoelastic expansion effect. These NPNs can be used for dual-modal ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and to treat metastasis in lymph nodes under NIR irradiation-triggered drug delivery. The enhancement of US/MR imaging proved effective in vitro and in vivo, and NIR irradiation proved valid, promoting PTX release at the target site. A lower proliferation index and density and a higher tumor cell apoptotic index in the histopathology results confirmed the effectiveness of NPN chemotherapy for lymph nodes.

We fabricated novel polymer nanoparticles that can effectively absorb heat after irradiation by NIR irradiation, thereby synergistically enhancing tumor therapy via a phase-shift thermoelastic expansion effect.

Vitamin A maintains the airway epithelium in a murine model of asthma by suppressing glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper

BACKGROUND

The effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) on the repair of the airway epithelium in asthma are controversial, and we previously reported that the GC dexamethasone (Dex) inhibits the repair of human airway epithelial cells and that this process is mediated by glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) through MAPK-ERK signaling in vitro. Vitamin A (VA) is involved in the regulation of the MAPK-ERK pathway but has not been widely supplied during asthma treatment. It is unclear whether VA attenuates the negative regulation of GILZ on the MAPK-ERK pathway and maintains airway epithelium integrity during asthma treatment.

METHODS

Female BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and subsequently treated with Dex, VA or intranasal inhalation of adenovirus sh-GILZ vectors. Indexes of airway epithelium integrity, including pathological alterations, pulmonary EGFR expression and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), were then measured. The expression of GILZ and key components of activated MAPK-ERK signals (p-Raf-1, p-MEK, and p-Erk1/2) were also detected.

RESULTS

Dex failed to relieve OVA-induced asthma airway epithelium injury, as assessed through H&E staining, EGFR expression and AHR. Moreover, in the OVA-challenged mice treated with Dex, GLIZ expression was increased, whereas the ratios of p-Raf-1/Raf-1, p-MEK/MEK and p-Erk1/2/Erk1/2 were significantly decreased. Further study indicated that GILZ expression was decreased and that the ratios of p-Raf-1/Raf-1, p-MEK/MEK and p-Erk1/2/Erk1/2 were up-regulated in the GILZ-silenced OVA-challenged mice and VA-fed OVA-challenged mice, independent of Dex treatment. The airway epithelium integrity of the OVA-challenged mice was maintained by treatment with both VA and Dex.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin A maintained the Dex-treated asthma airway epithelium via the down-regulation of GILZ expression and the activation MAPK-ERK signaling, and these effects might contribute to improving the effects of GC therapeutics on asthma.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of small cell carcinoma in urinary bladder: a case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder (SCCB) is a relatively rare malignant bladder tumor, and few reports have investigated the microvasculature of SCCB imaged using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

CASE PRESENTATION

A 63-year-old female was admitted to our hospital after experiencing painless gross hematuria for one week. The gray-scale ultrasound (US) demonstrated a 4.8 × 3.4 × 3.6-cm³ hypoechoic mass in the apex of the urinary bladder with a wide base and an irregular surface; the mass did not move with changes in body position. Color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) showed rich blood flow in the mass. CEUS with low mechanical index (MI) of 0.06 confirmed a highly enhanced 5.0 × 3.3 × 3.8 cm³ mass within the bladder at the apex wall. The time-intensity curves (TICs) showed a wash-in time of 10 s, a time to peak (TTP) of 33 s, a signal intensity (SI) of 62.7% and a wash-out time > 60 s. Finally, the transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) was performed, and the pathological examination proved the diagnosis of SCCB.

CONCLUSION

CEUS can provide valuable information related to the rich microvasculature of SCCB, which may be helpful in its diagnosis.