[Interpretation of global lung cancer statistics]

Lung cancer remains one of the leading cause of global cancer-related mortality, posing a significant burden of disease. Tobacco exposure stands as the foremost risk factor for lung cancer. Since the 1960, global efforts have gradually been implemented to control tobacco exposure, consequently reducing tobacco exposure levels within populations. This shift in exposure levels may have altered the epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer globally. This study aims to describe global lung cancer incidence data across five dimensions: age, gender, region, stage at diagnosis, and survival status, using global cancer registry data and relevant research findings. The objective is to elucidate the current epidemiological features of lung cancer worldwide, providing a scientific basis for lung cancer prevention and control. Furthermore, this study offers corresponding measures and recommendations for lung cancer prevention and control, aligning with the three-tiered cancer prevention strategy. Findings indicate that the incidence and mortality burden of lung cancer is significantly higher among the elderly population (aged 65 years and above) compared to the working-age population (aged 15-64 years). The aged-standardized incidence rate of lung cancer remains higher in males than in females, but the overall aged-standardized incidence rate of lung cancer in males shows a declining trend, while that in females shows an increasing trend. Regions with high and very high human development index (HDI) exhibit a substantially higher incidence and mortality burden of lung cancer compared to regions with low and very low HDI. Japan ranks highest in the diagnosis of stage Ⅰ lung cancer, with a diagnosis rate of 38.6%. Its age-standardized 5-year net survival rate is relatively high at 32.9%. Despite improvements in the survival status of lung cancer in certain countries like China and Japan, the overall prognosis for lung cancer remains pessimistic. Given the current epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer, reinforcing tobacco control measures and reducing female-specific lung cancer risk factors stand as significant goals for primary prevention. Promoting low-dose computed tomography screening for high-risk population, minimizing false-positive rates in lung cancer screening, and promoting medical system reforms and standardized treatment constitute principal measures for secondary and tertiary lung cancer prevention, respectively.

[Current status of global colorectal cancer prevalence, prevention and control]

Objective: This paper provides a brief overview of the epidemiology of colorectal cancer in China and around the world, and discusses how to prevent colorectal cancer to reduce its disease burden. Method: Using the official database of GLOBOCAN 2020, the China Cancer Registry Annual Report compiled by the National Cancer Center, and data from CONCORD-3.Data management was performed by Microsoft Excel 2016 and R 4.2.1 Relevant graphs were generated using the ggplot2 package for result visualization. Result: An estimated 1 931 590 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer worldwide in 2020 with an age-standardized incidence rate of 19.5 per 100 000. There were about 935 173 deaths caused by colorectal cancer internationally, with an age-standardized mortality rate of 9.0 per 100 000. Overall, colorectal cancer was the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide in 2020. In China, the age-standardized incidence rate and mortality rate of colorectal cancer was 17.3 per 100 000 and 7.8 per 100 000, respectively. Gender differences in trends were observed, with a decreasing trend in incidence and mortality among females and an increasing trend in incidence and mortality among males. The primary risk factors for colorectal cancer include age, genetic factors, gastrointestinal disorders, dietary habits, and lifestyle et al. Conclusions: Colorectal cancer poses a significant burden globally and in China. The occurrence of colorectal cancer is closely related to physiology, genetics, behavioral habits, lifestyle, and disease factors. To better control the colorectal cancer burden with the lowest cost, specific measures should be taken to reduce exposure to established risk factors. By combining the disease prevention and control strategies of tertiary prevention in China with the characteristic factors of colorectal cancer, the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer may be effectively controlled.

[Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of schizophrenia in Ningbo, 2018-2022]

Objective: To explore the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of reported incidence of schizophrenia in Ningbo from 2018 to 2022 and to provide a scientific basis for rational allocation of mental health resources and comprehensive prevention and treatment of schizophrenia. Methods: The reported incidence data of schizophrenia from 2018 to 2022 were collected from Ningbo's mental health information management system, and the reported incidence was calculated by township. The spatial correlation analysis and the spatiotemporal scan analysis were used to study the spatiotemporal distribution of schizophrenia. Results: The reported incidence of schizophrenia decreased from 2018 to 2022, with 4 133 new cases reported, and the annual average reported incidence was 9.76/100 000. Global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed positive spatial correlations and hot spots in 2018-2020. The space-time scan analysis showed an incidence cluster in Dongqiao Town, Haishu District, during 2018-2019. The RR was 2.46, and the log-likelihood ratio was 256.89. Conclusions: The reported incidence of schizophrenia in Ningbo has obvious temporal and spatial aggregation, and the high incidence area explored can provide clues for further research on the correlation between environmental factors and the incidence of schizophrenia and has certain guiding significance for the rational allocation of mental health resources in Ningbo.

ent-Atisane Diterpenoids from Euphorbia helioscopia and Their Anti-inflammatory Activities

Phytochemical investigation on the anti-inflammatory fraction extracted from the whole plant of Euphorbia helioscopia L. led to the isolation of three new ent-atisane diterpenoids (1-3) and five known analogues (4-8). The structures and absolute configurations of the new compounds were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of the NMR, MS, IR, ECD, and X-ray crystallography. It is worth mentioning that compound 3 belongs to a rare class of ent-atisane diterpenoid featuring a hydroxyl group at C-9. Bioactivity investigation showed that compounds 4, 7, and 8 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in a dose-dependent manner, which indicates their anti-inflammatory potential.

Abietane diterpenoids with anti-inflammatory activities from Callicarpa bodinieri

Nine undescribed abietane diterpenoids (1-9) and eleven known abietane analogs (10-20) were isolated from Callicarpa bodinieri. Their structures were characterized by interpreting spectroscopic data, X-ray crystallography, and ECD analysis. The anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds were tested by evaluation of their inhibitory effect on NO production by lipopolysaccharide in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and compounds 3 and 8 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activities with IC50 values of 36.35 ± 1.12 and 37.21 ± 0.92 μM. The western blotting studies demonstrated that compound 3 inhibited the expression of nitric oxide synthase and p65 that involved in the NF-κB pathway.

Anti-inflammatory ent-cleistanthane-type diterpenoids from Phyllanthus rheophyticus

A bioactivity-guided isolation from the aerial parts of Phyllanthus rheophyticus obtained 17 undescribed ent-cleistanthane-type diterpenoids, namely phyllarheophols A-Q, as well as 12 known analogs. Their structures were characterized by a combination of spectroscopic data interpretation, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and ECD analysis. The anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds were evaluated by measuring their inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, and their preliminary structure-activity relationships were also discussed. Further study showed that promising compounds phyllarheophol D and phyacioid B significantly suppressed the expressions of cytokines and nitric oxide synthase through the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Lanatoside C decelerates proliferation and induces apoptosis through inhibition of STAT3 and ROS-mediated mitochondrial membrane potential transformation in cholangiocarcinoma

Introduction: The incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has increased worldwide in recent years. Given the poor prognosis associated with the current management approach of CCA, new therapeutic agents are warranted to improve the prognosis of this patient population. Methods: In this study, we extracted five cardiac glycosides (CGs) from natural plants: digoxin, lanatoside A, lanatoside C, lanatoside B, and gitoxin. Follow-up experiments were performed to assess the effect of these five extracts on cholangiocarcinoma cells and compounds with the best efficacy were selected. Lanatoside C (Lan C) was selected as the most potent natural extract for subsequent experiments. We explored the potential mechanism underlying the anticancer activity of Lan C on cholangiocarcinoma cells by flow cytometry, western blot, immunofluorescence, transcriptomics sequencing, network pharmacology and in vivo experiments. Results: We found that Lan C time-dependently inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis of HuCCT-1 and TFK-1 cholangiocarcinoma cells. Besides Lan C increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in cholangiocarcinoma cells, decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and resulted in apoptosis. Besides, Lan C downregulated the protein expression of STAT3, leading to decreased expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, increased expression of Bax, activation of caspase-3, and initiation of apoptosis. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) pretreatment reversed the effect of Lan C. In vivo, we found that Lan C inhibited the growth of cholangiocarcinoma xenografts without toxic effects on normal cells. Tumor immunohistochemistry showed that nude mice transplanted with human cholangiocarcinoma cells treated with Lan C exhibited decreased STAT3 expression and increased caspase-9 and caspase-3 expression in tumors, consistent with the in vitro results. Conclusion: In summary, our results substantiates that cardiac glycosides have strong anti-CCA effects. Interestingly the biological activity of Lan C provides a new anticancer candidate for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.

Hollow SnO2/CdS QDs/CdCO3 heterostructured nanocubes coupled with hollow PtPd/MnCo-CeO2 nanozyme-mediated synergistic amplification for ultrasensitive PEC immunoanalysis of lung cancer biomarker

Nowadays, lung cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers threatening human life all over the world. As a crucial biomarker, cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) is extraordinary important for diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this work, we synthesized hollow SnO₂/CdS QDs/CdCO₃ heterostructured nanocubes with high and stable photocurrents, which applied to construction of a sandwich-typed photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor for detection of CYFRA 21-1, integrated by in-situ catalytic precipitation strategy with home-built PtPd alloy anchored MnCo-CeO₂ (PtPd/MnCo-CeO₂) nanozyme for synergistic amplification. The interfacial electron transfer mechanism upon visible-light irradiation was investigated in details. Further, the PEC responses were seriously quenched by the specific immunoreaction and precipitation catalyzed by the PtPd/MnCo-CeO₂ nanozyme. The established biosensor showed a wider linear range of 0.001-200 ng mL^-1 and a lower limit of detection (LOD = 0.2 pg mL^-1, S/N = 3), coupled by exploring such analysis even in diluted human serum sample. This work opens a constructive avenue to develop ultrasensitive PEC sensing platforms for detecting diverse cancer biomarkers in clinic.

Integration of CuS/ZnIn2S4 flower-like heterojunctions and (MnCo)Fe2O4 nanozyme for signal amplification and their application to ultrasensitive PEC aptasensing of cancer biomarker

Vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF₁₆₅) is a crucial regulator of angiogenesis and works as a major protein biomarker of cancer metastasis. Therefore, its quantitative detection is pivotal in clinic. In this work, CuS/ZnIn₂S₄ flower-like heterojunctions had strong and stable photocurrents, which behaved as photoactive material to construct a photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor for detecting VEGF₁₆₅, combined by home-prepared (MnCo)Fe₂O₄ nanozyme-mediated signal amplification. The interfacial photo-induced electron transfer mechanism was chiefly discussed by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in details. Specifically, the (MnCo)Fe₂O₄ modified VEGF₁₆₅ aptamer was released from the PEC aptasensing platform for its highly specific affinity to target VEGF₁₆₅, which terminated the color precipitation reaction, ultimately recovering the PEC signals. The developed sensor displayed a wider linear range from 1 × 10^-2 to 1 × 10⁴ pg mL^-1 with a smaller limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 fg mL^-1. This study provides some valuable insights for building other ultrasensitive aptasensors for clinical assays of cancer biomarkers in practice.

Euphohelides A-C, ent-Abietane-Type Norditerpene Lactones from Euphorbia helioscopia and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities

Three unreported ent-abietane-type norditerpene lactones, euphohelides A-C (1-3), and 11 known analogs (4-14) were isolated from the whole plants of Euphorbia helioscopia L. Euphohelide A (1) is an unprecedented 2-nor-ent-abietane lactone bearing a unique 5/6/6/5 tetracyclic system. Euphohelides B (2) and C (3) possess 2-nor-6/6/6/5 and 2,3-dinor-5/6/6/5 dilactone tetracyclic moieties, respectively. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods, computational ECD, and X-ray crystallographic analyses. A biomimetic synthesis of 1 was achieved from precursor 4 based on the speculative biogenetic pathway. Compounds 1 and 5 significantly alleviated the release of LPS-induced NO with IC₅₀ values of 32.98 ± 1.13 and 33.82 ± 3.25 μM, which might be related to the regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Z-scheme Cu2MoS4/CdS/In2S3 nanocages heterojunctions-based PEC aptasensor for ultrasensitive assay of fumonisin B1 via signal amplification with hollow PtPd–CoSnO3 nanozyme

Fumonisin B1 (FB1), the most prevalent and highest toxicity mycotoxins among fumonisins family, poses threats to human especially children and infants even at a trace level. Therefore, its facile and sensitive detection is of importance. Herein, Z-scheme Cu₂MoS₄/CdS/In₂S₃ nanocage-like heterojunctions (labeled Cu₂MoS₄/CdS/In₂S₃) were synthesized, whose photoelectrochemical (PEC) property and electron transfer mechanism were strictly investigated. The Cu₂MoS₄/CdS/In₂S₃ behaved as photoactive substrate for building a PEC sensing platform for detection of FB1, integrated with PtPd alloy modified hollow CoSnO₃ nanoboxes (labeled PtPd-CoSnO₃) nanozyme. By virtue of the stronger affinity between the target FB1 and its aptamer (FB1-Apt), the photocurrent was recovered by releasing the CoSnO₃-PtPd₃ modified FB1-Apt (FB1-Apt/PtPd-CoSnO₃) from the photoanode, which can terminate the catalytic precipitation reaction for its peroxidase-like property. The resultant PEC aptasensor exhibited a wider dynamic linear range from 1 × 10^-4 to 1 × 10² ng mL^-1 with a lower limit of detection (0.0723 pg mL^-1). Thus, this research provides a feasible PEC sensing platform for routine analysis of other mycotoxins in practice.

[Epidemiological investigation on the local epidemic situation in Zhengzhou High-Tech Zone caused by SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant]

This study collected epidemic data of COVID-19 in Zhengzhou from January 1 to January 20 in 2022. The epidemiological characteristics of the local epidemic in Zhengzhou High-tech Zone caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant were analyzed through epidemiological survey and big data analysis, which could provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of the Delta variant. In detail, a total of 276 close contacts and 599 secondary close contacts were found in this study. The attack rate of close contacts and secondary close contacts was 5.43% (15/276) and 0.17% (1/599), respectively. There were 10 confirmed cases associated with the chain of transmission. Among them, the attack rates in close contacts of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth generation cases were 20.00% (5/25), 17.86% (5/28), 0.72% (1/139) and 14.81% (4/27), 0 (0/57), respectively. The attack rates in close contacts after sharing rooms/beds, having meals, having neighbor contacts, sharing vehicles with the patients, having same space contacts, and having work contacts were 26.67%, 9.10%, 8.33%, 4.55%, 1.43%, and 0 respectively. Collectively, the local epidemic situation in Zhengzhou High-tech Zone has an obvious family cluster. Prevention and control work should focus on decreasing family clusters of cases and community transmission.

Two New Eremophilane-Type Sesquiterpenoids from Ligularia sagitta

Two new eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids, sagittacins F and G ( 1 and 2 ), together with one known isomer of sagittacin F ( 3 ) were isolated from the leaves and stems of Ligularia sagitta . Their structures were elucidated by interpretation of spectroscopic data and the absolute configurations of 1 and 3 were determined by X-ray spectroscopy. Compound 1 belongs to a rare class of eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoid featuring an α -oriented hydroxyl group at C-1. A nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory assay was applied to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activities by using LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited modest NO production inhibitions with IC 50 values of 45.15 ± 2.72 and 49.83 ± 2.34 μ M, respectively.

[Exploration on mechanism of Polygalae Radix and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma in treating Alzheimer's disease based on network pharmacology and experimental verification]

This study aimed to explore the action targets and mechanisms of Polygala tenuifolia and Acorus tatarinowii in treating Alzheimer's disease(AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal tests. The AD-related targets were collec-ted from GeneCard and the main active ingredients and targets of P. tenuifolia and A. tatarinowii from the TCMSP. Cytoscape was applied to construct the "Chinese herb-active ingredient-target-disease" network, followed by the construction of protein-protein interaction(PPI) network using STRING. GO biological function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed by DAVID and Metascape. The main active components of P. tenuifolia and A. tatarinowii and their potential core targets were docking using AutoDock Vina. The effects of P. tenuifolia and A. tatarinowii on the cognitive function were verified in mice with scopolamine(SCOP)-induced cognitive impairment. A total of seven active ingredients including kaempferol, onjixanthone Ⅰ, and marmesin and 56 potential targets of P. tenuifolia and A. tatarinowii were screened out, with the core targets covering AKT1, PTGS2, TNF, and NF-κB inflammation pathway mainly involved. The results of molecular docking also showed that the main active components of P. tenuifolia and A. tatarinowii stably bond to the core targets predicted by network pharmacology. The new object recognition experiment suggested that P. tenuifolia and A. tatarinowii improved the learning and memory abilities of mice after SCOP induction. As revealed by pathological section observation and relevant kit assay, P. tenuifolia and A. tatarinowii reduced the damage of central cholinergic neurons and enhanced the antioxidant ability of SCOP-induced mice. Western blot confirmed that P. tenuifolia and A. tatarinowii down-regulated the protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB, and related inflammatory factors(TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). All these have suggested that P. tenuifolia and A. tatarinowii inhibits AD via multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways, which has provided an experimental basis for the clinical application of P. tenuifolia and A. tatarinowii for the treatment of AD.

[Perioperative management and complication control of Le Fort Ⅲ osteotomy in children with syndromic craniosynostosis]

Objective: To summarize the preliminary efficacy, perioperative management and complications of Le Fort Ⅲ osteotomy and midface distraction in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis by retrospective analysis, and to provide clinical experience for reference. Methods: From October 2017 to January 2020, 20 patients with syndromic craniosynostosis underwent Le Fort Ⅲ osteotomy and distraction in The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Peking University International Hospital, including 11 males and 9 females, were involved. The median age was 7 years (1.5 to 15 years). Preoperative risk prevention plan was put forward by multidisciplinary evaluation, and preoperative intervention was carried out. The diagnostic data of SNA, airway volume, polysomnography (PSG), ophthalmology and occlusal relationship were obtained through specialized examination, and osteotomy and distraction surgical plan was formulated through virtual surgical planning. CT was taken 1 week and 3, 6, 12 months after operation, PSG and eye protrudence examination were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect, syndrome type, multiple disciplinary treatment (MDT) intervention, occurrence and outcome of complications were summarized. Results: There were 15 cases of Crouzon syndrome and 5 cases of Pfeiffer syndrome. Sleep apnea was the first complaint in 18 cases and exophthalmia in 2 cases. Preoperative interventional therapy included 4 cases of adenoid surgery, 2 cases of continuous positive airway pressure and 2 cases of maxillary expansion. The most common surgical complications were accidental fracture (14/20 cases, 70%), cerebrospinal fluid fistula (2 cases), internal carotid cavernous sinus fistula (1 case), postoperative hyponatraemia (5 cases), crying syndrome (2 cases), wound infection (2 cases), trichiasis of lower eyelid (4 cases), and nasal malformation (1 case). Three cases underwent unplanned secondary surgery. SNA, airway volume and mean percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂) six months after operation were significantly higher than those before operation (F=10.09, P=0.001; F=5.13, P<0.001; F=10.78, P=0.001), and the protrusion and apnea hypopnea index were significantly lower than those before surgery (F=6.73, P=0.010; F=18.47, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in SNA, airway volume, mean SpO₂, ophthalmology between 6 months after surgery and 1 year after surgery (P>0.05). Conclusions: Perioperative safety assessment and early intervention of MDT is an effective diagnosis and treatment model of Le Fort Ⅲ osteotomy and distraction for syndromic craniosynosis. The operative complications are mainly local, and systemic complications are controllable.

Mineralization of cyanides via a novel Electro-Fenton system generating •OH and •O2. WATER RESEARCH 2022;209:117890. [PMID: 34856430 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117890]

Traditional methods of cyanides' (CN-) mineralization cannot overcome the contradiction between the high alkalinity required for the inhibition of hydrogen cyanide evolution and the low alkalinity required for the efficient hydrolysis of cyanate (CNO-) intermediates. Thus, in this study, a novel Electro-Fenton system was constructed, in which the free cyanides released from ferricyanide photolysis can be efficiently mineralized by the synergy of •OH and •O2-. The complex bonds in ferricyanide (100 mL, 0.25 mM) were completely broken within 80 min under ultraviolet radiation, releasing free cyanides. Subsequently, in combination with the heterogeneous Electro-Fenton process, •OH and •O2- were simultaneously generated and 92.9% of free cyanides were transformed into NO3- within 120 min. No low-toxic CNO- intermediates were accumulated during the Electro-Fenton process. A new conversion mechanism was proposed that CN- was activated into electron-deficient cyanide radical (•CN) by •OH, and then the •CN intermediates reacted with •O2- via nucleophilic addition to quickly form NO3-, preventing the formation of CNO- and promoting the mineralization of cyanide. Furthermore, this new strategy was used to treat the actual cyanide residue eluent, achieving rapid recovery of irons and efficient mineralization of cyanides. In conclusion, this study proposes a new approach for the mineralization treatment of cyanide-containing wastewater.

Cardiac glycosides from Digitalis lanata and their cytotoxic activities

Cardiac glycosides (CGs) are good candidates as drug leads in the treatment of cancer because of their structural diversities and potent biological activities. In this study, fifteen CGs including three new ones (1–3) were isolated from Digitalis lanata Ehrh. Their structures were elucidated by HRESIMS, NMR spectroscopic methods, including homonuclear and heteronuclear coupling constant analysis, and acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and derivatization analysis of the sugar chain. The cytotoxic activities of these CGs were evaluated against three human cancer cell lines (A549, HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines), and all of them showed strong activities at nanomolar scale. The flow cytometric analysis indicated that compound 1 induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Transcriptome analysis revealed a panel of possible targets for compound 1. RT-PCR and western blot experiments showed that 1 significantly inhibited the expression of vasohibin-2 (VASH2). Moreover, compound 1 restrained angiogenesis in a concentration-dependent manner in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model.

Cardiac glycosides (CGs) are good candidates as drug leads in the treatment of cancer because of their structural diversities and potent biological activities.

Cytotoxic cardenolides from Calotropis gigantea

Sixteen cardiac glycosides, including five previously undescribed compounds, were extracted and purified from whole plants of Calotropis gigantea (L.). Spectroscopic data and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analyses were used to determine their structures. Calogiganin C is the first naturally occurring example of a cardenolide containing a 7-membered lactone in ring A. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds against A172, U251, AGS, PANC-1, HepG2, HCT116 and NCI-H226 cell lines were evaluated. Four of them exhibited the most potent growth inhibitory activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines, including A172, U251, AGS, PANC-1 and HCT116. Notably, uscharidin and calotropin showed pronounced cytotoxicities at low nanomolar concentrations against A172 and U251 cells, and possible cell death mechanism studies manifested that these two compounds induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, which demonstrated promising anticancer potential.

Inhibition of Thioredoxin Reductase by Santamarine Conferring Anticancer Effect in HeLa Cells

Natural products frequently have unique physiological activities and new action mechanisms due to their structural diversity and novelty, and are an important source for innovative drugs and lead compounds. We present herein that natural product santamarine targeted thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) to weaken its antioxidative function in cells, accompanied by accumulation of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and finally induced a new mechanism of tumor cell oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis. TrxR knockdown or overexpression cell lines were employed to further evaluate the cytotoxicity of santamarine regulated by TrxR, demonstrated that TrxR played a key role in the physiological effect of santamarine on cells. Santamarine targeting TrxR reveals its previously unrecognized mechanism of antitumor and provides a basis for the further development of santamarine as a potential cancer therapeutic agent.

Fusaricide is a Novel Iron Chelator that Induces Apoptosis through Activating Caspase-3

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been a fatal and refractory disease worldwide. Novel therapeutic developments based on fundamental investigations of anticancer mechanisms underlie substantial foundations to win the fight against cancer diseases. In this study, we isolated a natural product fusaricide (FCD) from an endophytic fungus of Lycium barbarum, identified as Epicoccum sp. For the first time, we discovered that FCD potently inhibited proliferation in a variety of human NSCLC cell lines, with relatively less toxicity to normal cells. Our study exhibited that FCD induced apoptosis, caused DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, and activated caspase-3 as well as other apoptosis-related factors in human NSCLC NCI-H460 cells. FCD was proven to be an iron chelator that actively decreased levels of cellular labile iron pool in NCI-H460 cells in our study. FeCl₃ supplement reversed FCD-induced apoptosis. The upregulation of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and downregulation of ferritin heavy chain (FTH) expression were observed after FCD treatment. In summary, our study highlighted the potential anticancer effects of FCD against human NSCLCs and demonstrated that the FCD-mediated apoptosis depended on binding to intracellular iron.

[Influence of female age on the fresh cycle live birth rate of different controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols in poor ovarian response patients]

Objective: To investigate the influence of age on the fresh cycle live birth rate in patients with poor ovarian response in different controlled ovarian hyperstimulation groups. Methods: The clinical data of 3 342 patients in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2014 to November 2018 were retrospectively collected, including early-follicular phase long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist long protocol group (1 375 cases), mid-luteal phase short-acting GnRH agonist long protocol group (1 161 cases) and GnRH antagonist protocol group (806 cases); each group was divided into 4 subgroups according to age: ≤30 years, 31－35 years, 36－40 years and >40 years, the pregnancy outcomes in each age subgroup were analyzed under different controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols. Results: In early-follicular phase long-acting GnRH agonist long protocol group, the final live birth rates of each age subgroup were 39.4% (228/579), 36.1% (135/374), 16.6% (48/290) and 3.0% (4/132); in mid-luteal phase short-acting GnRH agonist long protocol group, live birth rates of each age subgroup were 32.1% (99/308), 20.8% (55/264), 13.0% (45/346) and 7.0% (17/243); in GnRH antagonist protocol group, live birth rates of each age subgroup were 22.8% (26/114), 16.3% (25/153), 11.2% (31/278), and 3.8% (10/261); the live birth rate of each group decreased significantly with the increase of age (all P<0.01). When the age≤35 years old, the fresh cycle live birth rate of the early-follicular phase long-acting GnRH agonist long protocol group was significantly better than those of the other two groups (all P<0.01). The multivariate logistic regression analysis of age and live birth rate of the three controlled ovarian hyperstimulation groups showed age was the independent influence factor (OR=0.898, 95%CI: 0.873-0.916, P<0.01; OR=0.926, 95%CI: 0.890-0.996, P<0.01; OR=0.901, 95%CI: 0.863-0.960, P<0.01). Conclusions: Age is an independent influencing factor for the prediction of fresh cycle live birth rate in low ovarian response patients. No matter which controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocol is adopted, the final live birth rate decreases significantly with the increase of women's age. In addition, the early-follicular phase long-acting GnRH agonist long protocol has the highest fresh cycle live birth rate among all controlled ovarian hyperstimulation groups.

[Analysis on monitoring results of individual dose of occupational external radiation among radiation workers in Lanzhou in 2019]

Objective: To analyze the individual dose level of occupational external radiation of radiation workers in Lanzhou in 2019, so as to provide reference for radiation protection and occupational health management. Methods: In April 2020, a total of 1460 radiation workers in Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2019 were selected as the research objects. The unit nature, hospital level and occupational category of the monitored workers were collected, and the monitoring results of external radiation personal dose in 2019 were analyzed and compared. Results: In the occupational external radiation monitoring of radiation workers in Lanzhou in 2019, the effective dose of 48 persons was 1.0~<5.0 mSv, the effective dose of 2 persons was 5.0~<10.0 mSv, the annual collective effective dose was 308.21 people·mSv, and the average annual effective dose of monitored persons was 0.21 mSv/a. There was significant difference in the distribution of annual effective dose per capita among different occupational groups (H=34.43, P<0.05) . The annual effective dose per capita of nuclear medicine personnel was higher (0.56 mSv/a) , followed by interventional radiology (0.33 mSv/a) . The ratio of annual collective dose to total annual collective dose with annual individual dose more than 5 mSv (SR(5)) and the ratio of the number of staff with annual individual dose more than 1mSv to the total number of monitored personnel (NR(1)) were higher in nuclear medicine and interventional radiology personnel. The average annual effective dose distribution of diagnostic radiologists in different level hospitals was statistically significant (H=16.46, P<0.05) . The average annual effective dose in private hospitals, community hospitals and health centers was higher (0.32 mSv) , followed by county hospitals (0.23 mSv) . Conclusion: The individual dose of occupational external radiation of radiation workers in Lanzhou is generally low, and the annual effective dose of nuclear medicine and interventional radiology workers is high. The management of radiation protection should be emphasis on this people. And it is suggested to strengthen the supervision of private hospitals and update and maintain the equipment of community health centers.

[Research progress of liposome drug delivery system in stomatology]

Liposomes are spherical vesicles with bilayer membrane structure spontaneously formed by phospholipids dispersed in an aqueous medium. Liposomes are excellent drug carrier with amphiphilic properties. Liposomes have good biocompatibility, biodegradability and no immunogenicity. Liposomes can achieve the delivery of the drug, enhance the solubility, improve the stability, reduce the toxic effect of the drug, and improve the therapeutic effect of the loaded drug. In recent years, liposome drug delivery systems have been widely used in dentistry. This article reviews the application of liposome drug delivery systems in caries, dental pulp diseases, periodontitis, implantation, oral anesthesia and oral candidiasis.

Effectiveness of Sequential Chemoradiation vs Concurrent Chemoradiation or Radiation Alone in Adjuvant Treatment After Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer: The STARS Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

There is no current consensus on the role of chemotherapy in addition to radiation for postoperative adjuvant treatment of patients with early-stage cervical cancer with adverse pathological factors.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical benefits of sequential chemoradiation (SCRT) and concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) compared with radiation alone (RT) as a postoperative adjuvant treatment in early-stage cervical cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

After radical hysterectomy at 1 of 8 participating hospitals in China, patients with FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage IB to IIA cervical cancer with adverse pathological factors were randomized 1:1:1 to receive adjuvant RT, CCRT, or SCRT. Data were collected from February 2008 to December 2018.

Interventions

Patients received adjuvant RT (total dose, 45-50 Gy), CCRT (weekly cisplatin, 30-40 mg/m2), or SCRT (cisplatin, 60-75 mg/m2, plus paclitaxel, 135-175 mg/m2) in a 21-day cycle, given 2 cycles before and 2 cycles after radiotherapy, respectively.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was the rate of disease-free survival (DFS) at 3 years.

Results

A total of 1048 women (median [range] age, 48 [23-65] years) were included in the analysis (350 in the RT group, 345 in the CCRT group, and 353 in the SCRT group). Baseline demographic and disease characteristics were balanced among the treatment groups except that the rate of lymph node involvement was lowest in the RT group (18.3%). In the intention-to-treat population, SCRT was associated with a higher rate of DFS than RT (3-year rate, 90.0% vs 82.0%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.35-0.76) and CCRT (90.0% vs 85.0%; HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44-0.96). Treatment with SCRT also decreased cancer death risk compared with RT (5-year rate, 92.0% vs 88.0%; HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35-0.95) after adjustment for lymph node involvement. However, neither DFS nor cancer death risk was different among patients treated with CCRT or RT.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, conducted in a postoperative adjuvant treatment setting, SCRT, rather than CCRT, resulted in a higher DFS and lower risk of cancer death than RT among women with early-stage cervical cancer.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00806117.

[The effect of endocapillary hypercellularity lesions on the renal prognosis and response to immunosuppressive therapy in IgA nephropathy]

In this retrospective cohort study, we aim to evaluate the effect of endocapillary hypercellularity (E) lesions on the renal prognosis and response to immunosuppressive therapy, especially diffuse endocapillary hypercellularity lesion in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). A total of 365 patients with IgAN and E lesions and 31 patients with diffuse E lesions and over 12-month follow-up period were included in this study. We performed an 1∶1 propensity score to identify controls with matched clinical and pathological features from 769 IgAN patients without E lesions. The end-point was defined as a 30% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or end-stage kidney disease. The kidney survival of the two groups was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis. During median follow-up period of 41 months, kidney survival rates in patients with E lesions were 96.0% at 1 year, 83.6% at 3 years, 67.7% at 5 years; while they were 96.9% at 1 year, 83.6% at 3 years, and 68.7% at 5 years in patients without E lesions (P=0.265).The HR of immunosuppressive therapy was 1.038 (95%CI 0.749-1.440) and 1.113 (95%CI 0.770-1.609) in patients not receiving immunosuppressive therapy (P=0.781). (2) During median follow-up period of 52.5 months, the kidney survival rates in patients with diffuse E-lesion were 100.0% at 1 year, 96.2% at 3 years, 74.5% at 5 years; while they were 96.2% at 1 year, 82.3% at 3 years, and 63.7% at 5 years in patients without E-lesion (P=0.158). The HR of immunosuppressive therapy was 0.625 (95%CI 0.213-1.839) and 0.447 (95%CI 0.028-7.191) in patients not receiving immunosuppressive therapy (P=0.825). E lesion or diffuse E lesion may not be associated with prognosis or response to immunosuppressive therapy.

[Preliminary analysis on COVID-19 case spectrum and spread intensity in different provinces in China except Hubei province]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of COVID-19 case spectrum and spread intensity in different provinces in China except Hubei province. Methods: The daily incidence data and case information of COVID-19 were collected from the official websites of provincial and municipal health commissions. The morbidity rate, severity rate, case-fatality rate, and spread ratio of COVID-19 were calculated. Results: As of 20 March, 2020, a total of 12 941 cases of COVID-19 had been conformed, including 116 deaths, and the average morbidity rate, severity rate and case-fatality rate were 0.97/100 000, 13.5% and 0.90%, respectively. The morbidity rates in Zhejiang (2.12/100 000), Jiangxi (2.01/100 000) and Beijing (1.93/100 000) ranked top three. The characteristics of COVID-19 case spectrum varied from province to province. The first three provinces (autonomous region, municipality) with high severity rates were Tianjin (45.6%), Xinjiang (35.5%) and Heilongjiang (29.5%). The case-fatality rate was highest in Xinjiang (3.95%), followed by Hainan (3.57%) and Heilongjiang (2.70%). The average spread ratio was 0.98 and the spread intensity varied from province to province. Tibet had the lowest spread ratio (0), followed by Qinghai (0.20) and Guangdong (0.23). Conclusion: The intervention measures were effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and improved treatment effect in China. However, there were significant differences among different regions in severity, case-fatality rate and spread ratio.

Automated Measurements of Key Morphological Features of Human Embryos for IVF

A major challenge in clinical In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is selecting the highest quality embryo to transfer to the patient in the hopes of achieving a pregnancy. Time-lapse microscopy provides clinicians with a wealth of information for selecting embryos. However, the resulting movies of embryos are currently analyzed manually, which is time consuming and subjective. Here, we automate feature extraction of time-lapse microscopy of human embryos with a machine-learning pipeline of five convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Our pipeline consists of (1) semantic segmentation of the regions of the embryo, (2) regression predictions of fragment severity, (3) classification of the developmental stage, and object instance segmentation of (4) cells and (5) pronuclei. Our approach greatly speeds up the measurement of quantitative, biologically relevant features that may aid in embryo selection.

Arsenopyrite Bio-Oxidization Behavior in Bioleaching Process: Evidence From Laser Microscopy, SEM-EDS, and XPS

In arsenopyrite bioleaching, the interfacial reaction between mineral and cells is one of the most important factors. The energy of the interface is influenced by the mineralogical and microbiological characteristics. In this paper, the interfacial energy was calculated, and the surface of arsenopyrite during the bioleaching process was characterized by 3D laser microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, in order to assess the dissolution and oxidation behavior of arsenopyrite during bioleaching. The results showed that the contact angles of arsenopyrite were 22 ± 2° when covered with biofilms, but the reaction surface of arsenopyrite turned 103 ± 2°. However, the angle was 45–50° when covered by passive layer, which was half as that of arsenopyrite surface. The interfacial energy of arsenopyrite without biofilms increased from 45 to 62 mJ/m², while it decreased to 5 ± 1 mJ/m² when covered by biofilms during the leaching process. The surface was separated into fresh surface, oxidized surface, and (corrosion) pits. The interfacial energy was influenced by the fresh and oxidized surfaces. Surface roughness increased from 0.03 ± 0.01 to 5.89 ± 1.97 μm, and dissolution volume increased from 6.31 ± 0.47 × 10⁴ to 2.72 ± 0.49 × 10⁶ μm³. The dissolution kinetics of arsenopyrite followed the model of K_t = lnX, and the dissolution mechanisms were mixed controlled: surface reaction control and diffusion through sulfur layer. On the surface of arsenopyrite crystal, the oxidation steps of each element can be described as: for Fe, Fe(II)–(AsS)→Fe(III)–(AsS)→Fe(III)–OH or Fe(III)–SO; for S, As–S(-1) or Fe–S(-1)→polysulfide S→intermediate S–O→sulfate; and for As, As^–1–S→As⁰→As⁺¹–O→As⁺³–O→As⁺⁵–O.

[Analysis on the epidemic factors for COVID-19]

As a new infectious disease, the epidemic process of COVID-19 has a series of special influencing factors and conditions. In this paper, some obvious characteristics of this widespread epidemic are discussed, including the new pathogen making people feel confused, the slow onset bringing confusion to the clinic, the miscellaneous source of infection also causing confusion to prevention and control work, the easy route of transmissions leading to a sharp increase of confirmed cases, the high susceptibility of the population leading to a high incidence, and the natural epidemic process coupled with the complexity of natural factors and the superposition of social factors. The positive and effective prevention and control strategies and measures adopted by China have greatly changed the natural epidemic process and trajectory of this epidemic, which has been highly affirmed by the expert group of the World Health Organization and praised by many countries and international organizations. However, to sum up carefully and think deeply, it will be a long-term and arduous work to plan and realize public health security in China and even the world in the future.

[The preliminary analysis on the characteristics of the cluster for the COVID-19]

Since December 2019, COVID-19, a new emerging infection disease, has spread in 27 countries and regions. The clusters of many cases were reported with the epidemic progresses. We collected currently available information for 377 COVID-19 clusters (1 719 cases), excluded the hospital clusters and Hubei cases, during the period from January 1 to February 20, 2020. There were 297 family clusters (79%), case median was 4; 39 clusters of dining (10%), case median was 5; 23 clusters of shopping malls or supermarkets (6%), case median was 13; 12 clusters of work units (3%), case median was 6, and 6 clusters of transportation. We selected 325 cases to estimate the incubation period and its range was 1 to 20 days, median was 7 days, and mode was 4 days. The analysis of the epidemic situation in a department store in China indicated that there was a possibility of patients as the source of infection during the incubation period of the epidemic. From February 5 to 21, 2020, 634 persons were infected on the Diamond Princess Liner. All persons are susceptible to the 2019 coronavirus. Age, patients during the incubation period and the worse environment might be the cause of the cases rising. The progress of the two typical outbreaks clearly demonstrated the spread of the early cases in Wuhan. In conclusion, screening and isolating close contacts remained essential other than clinical treatment during the epidemic. Especially for the healthy people in the epidemic area, isolation was the key.

[Cloning and sequence analysis of leptin receptor overlapping transcript-like 1 gene from Dermatophagoides farinae]

OBJECTIVE

To obtain the leptin receptor overlapping transcript-like 1 encoding gene (LepROTL1 gene) from Dermatophagoides farina, investigate the molecular characteristics of the gene and construct a prokaryotic expression vector to express this gene.

METHODS

The LepROTL1 gene-encoding sequence fragments were captured based on the transcriptome sequencing results, and the full-length gene fragments were amplified from total RNA of D. farinae using a RT-PCR assay, and used to construct the expression plasmid pET28a(+)-LepROTL1, followed by sequencing. The plasmid was transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3) T1R for the induction of IPTG expression. The expression product was characterized by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to analyze the sequence and the molecular characteristics of its encoded protein.

RESULTS

The amplification products of the RT-PCR assay showed a clear band on agarose gel electrophoresis, and sequencing analysis of the pET28a(+)-LepROTL1 plasmid showed 417 bp in length of the coding gene from the start codon ATG to the termination codon TAA. Following the plasmid transformation into E. coli and induction with IPTG, a specific band was seen on SDS-PAGE, indicating successful expression. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the LepROTL1 gene-encoded protein was composed of 134 amino acids, and had a relative molecular weight of 14 378.13 Da, a hydrophilicity index of 1.149, and certain hydrophobicity. The secondary structure was composed of alpha-helix (19 aa, 14.18%), extended strand (48 aa, 35.82%) and random coil (67 aa, 50.00%). The deduced amino acid sequence was used to obtain homologous genes by BLAST, and the phylogenetic tree showed that D. farinae was clustered with D. pteronyssinus.

CONCLUSIONS

The full-length sequences and expression plasmid of the LepROTL1 gene are obtained, and the molecular features of the gene are demonstrated using bioinformatics analyses, which provide insights into further studies on the gene.

Humic acid promotes arsenopyrite bio-oxidation and arsenic immobilization

The bio-oxidative dissolution of arsenopyrite, the most severe arsenic contamination source, can be mediated by organic substances, but pertinent studies on this subject are scarce. In this study, the bio-oxidative dissolution of arsenopyrite by Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans and arsenic immobilization were evaluated in the presence of humic acid (HA). The mineral dissolution was monitored through analyses of the parameters in solution, phase and element speciation transformations on the mineral surface, and arsenic immobilization on the surfaces of cells and jarosites-HA. The results show that the presence of HA enhances the dissolution of arsenopyrite, e.g., 7.1% of arsenopyrite was in the residue after 12 d of bio-oxidation compared to 19.3% in the absence of HA. Meanwhile, the presence of HA led to changes of the fates of As and Fe and no accumulation of elemental sulfur (S⁰) or ferric arsenate on the mineral surface. Moreover, a flocculent porous structure was formed on the surfaces of both microbial cells and jarosites, on which a large amount of arsenic was adsorbed. These results clearly indicate that HA can simultaneously promote the dissolution of arsenopyrite and arsenic immobilization, which may be significant for bioleaching of arsenopyrite-bearing contaminated sites.

[Long-term efficacy analysis of laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty for high and middle imperforate anus]

Objective: To explore the long-term efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty and conventional anorectoplasty in the treatment of children with high and middle anal atresia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was used. Inclusion criteria: (1) children with high and middle anal atresia; (2) complicated with rectourethral or rectovesical fistula; (3) complete follow-up data. Exclusion criteria: (1) complicated with 21-trisomy; (2) cerebral palsy and other mentaldisabilities; (3) Currarino syndrome; (4) FG syndrome. Clinical data of 88 patients with middle and high anal atresia, who complicated with rectourethral fistula or rectovesical fistula, and underwent anoplasty at Department of Pediatric Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2009 to June 2014 were enrolled in the study and analyzed. There were 24 cases with middle atresia and 64 cases with high atresia. All the cases were divided into 2 groups based on the operative method: laparoscopic group (laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty, 49 cases), pena group (posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, 39 cases). The demographic features of two groups were comparable. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, body mass, classification of anomaly types and sacral ratio (all P>0.05). Student t test and Chi square tests were used to compare the surgical conditions (operative time, postoperative hospital stay and complications), anal function (Kelly score), constipation (Krickenbeck constipation score) and anorectal pressure. Results: Children of both groups all completed operation ssuccessfully. There were no statistically significant differences between laparoscopic group and pena group in the operative time [(120±31) minutes vs. (112±23) minutes, t=1.343, P=0.091] and postoperative hospital stay [(7.1±2.3) days vs. (10.7±3.3) days, t=6.021, P=1.000]. Complications were more common in the pena group [16.3% (8/49) vs. 35.9% (14/39), χ(2)=4.436, P=0.035]. The main complications in laparoscopic group were anal prolapse (8.2%, 4/49) and anal stenosis (6.2%, 3/49), while in pena group were anal stenosis (12.8%, 5/39) and perioperative perianal skin erosion (10.3%, 4/39). As for the anal function, the degree of feces, defecation control and sphincter contractility, the single scoring differences of Kelly scoring system were not statistically significant between the two groups, but the proportion of good function in the laparoscopic group was higher than that in the pena group [67.3% (8/49) vs. 38.5% (15/39), χ(2)=7.308, P=0.007]. Constipation occurred in 6 (12.2%) patients in the laparoscopic group, of whom 5 were improved by diet regulation and 1 required laxatives, while 9 (23.1%) patients developed constipation in the pena group, of whom 4 were improved by diet regulation and 5 required long-term laxatives. The difference of constipation ratio was not statistically significant (χ(2)=1.802, P=0.180). There were no cases of Krickenbeck constipation grade 3. Compared to the pena group, the laparoscopic group had higher anal resting pressure [(33.35±9.69) mmHg vs. (27.68±10.74) mmHg, t=2.599, P=0.011], higher dilating pressure [(9.00±5.61) mmHg vs.(6.51±3.24) mmHg, t=2.462, P=0.016], higher maximal squeeze pressure [(65.80±17.23) mmHg vs. (56.74±18.93) mmHg, t=2.389, P=0.019] and longer maximal contraction time [(21.16±5.02) seconds vs. (18.44±7.24) seconds, t=2.079, P=0.041]. The rectal resting pressure [(5.36±3.00) mmHg vs. (4.61±3.93) mmHg, t=1.015, P=0.312] was not statistically significantly different. Conclusions: Compared with posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty in the treatment of high and middle anal atresia has better long-term efficacy with less perioperative complications.

[Clinical study on topography-guided laser ablation combined with accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking for early keratoconus]

Objective: To study the safety and efficacy of topography-guided customized excimer laser subepithelial ablation combined with accelerated collagen cross-linking technique in treatment of early keratoconus. Methods: Ninteen patients(20 eyes) (13 males 14 eyes, and 6 females 6 eyes), aged 12 to 44 years (24.7±8.0) were diagnosed as keratoconus by three-dimensional corneal topography and tomography, clinical history and examinations, and classified as KC1~KC3. Based on the classical excimer laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) method, topography guided laser ablation was performed with an excimer laser system (WaveLight EX500). After laser ablation, the corneal stromal bed was immersed with 0.1% riboflavin for 10 minutes, and then was irradiated by ultraviolet light (Avedro KXL) at 30 mW/cm(2) for 4 minutes. All the patients were followed up for more than 12 months. The uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), diopter, best corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), corneal topography, central corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), hexagonal cell percentage (HEX), coefficient of variation (CV) and other indicators were observed. For normal distribution variables, Dunnett-t test was used before and after operation, and Wilcoxon test was used for variables with abnormal distribution. And the complications were recorded. Results: There was no loss of BSCVA at 12 months postoperatively, 20% of the eyes had no change of BSCVA, and 15% of the eyes gained 1 line of BSCVA, 15% of the eyes gained 2 lines of BSCVA, 50% of the eyes gained 3 lines and more of BSCVA. There was no significant difference in UCVA, BSCVA, manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) and the cylinder at 3 months postoperatively (P>0.05). The BSCVA were significantly improved at 6 and 12 months postoperatively compared with those before operation (t=3.095, 3.079, <0.05). Although there was no significant difference in UCVA and MRSE, the cylinder was significantly reduced at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (t=-2.890, -2.435, P<0.05). Apex curvature (Kapex) and mean pupil power (MPP) within 4.5mm of central cornea decreased significantly (Z=-2.903, P<0.01; Z=-2.667, P<0.01). Even though the thinnest corneal thickness decreased from pre-operational (461.9±31.1) μm to post-operational (416.6±27.0) μm (Z=-3.059, P<0.01), the cornea became regular with keratometric asymmetry index of anterior corneal surface decreased (Z=-2.667, P<0.01). The corneal optical quality parameters were improved. There was no significant difference in ECD, HEX and CV at 12 months postoperatively (P>0.05). Twelve months after operation, grade 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 haze were seen on 20%, 55%, 20% and 5% corneas respectively. Conclusions: The topography guided excimer laser ablation combined with accelerated corneal collagen cross linking is safe and effective in treatment of early stage keratoconus. It can significantly improve corneal regularity while preventing keratoconus progression, so as to improve the best corrected visual acuity postoperatively. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 904-910).

The Alteration Mechanism of Copper-bearing Biotite and Leachable Property of Copper-bearing Minerals in Mulyashy Copper Mine, Zambia

The XRF, XRD, polarizing microscopy and SEM-EDS were used to study the alteration mechanism of copper-bearing biotite and the leachable property of copper-bearing minerals in Mulyashy Copper Mine, Zambia. It was found that biotite can be divided into copper-bearing biotite and copper-free biotite. Some copper-bearing biotite existed in the form of monomer, and others aggregated with copper-bearing chlorite, malachite or copper-bearing limonite. The main reason for the occurrence of biotite aggregations was that copper-bearing biotite underwent two kinds of alteration mechanisms as follows: altering into copper-bearing chlorite and malachite, and altering into copper-bearing chlorite and copper-bearing limonite. The order of factors effecting the copper leaching rate of the ores in acid leaching experiments was temperature > sample size > H₂SO₄ concentration > leaching time > stirring speed. In addition, the copper leaching rate of copper-bearing minerals at different temperatures was in the following order: malachite, chrysocolla and pseudomalachite > copper-bearing chlorite > copper-bearing muscovite > copper-bearing biotite > copper-bearing limonite. The leachable property of biotite is closely related to its special structure.

TNF-α Suppresses Autophagic Flux in Acinar Cells in IgG4-Related Sialadenitis

IgG4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) is a newly recognized immune-mediated systemic fibroinflammatory disease that affects salivary glands and leads to hyposalivation. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a critical proinflammatory cytokine involved in several salivary gland disorders, but its role and mechanism regarding acinar cell injury in IgG4-RS are unknown. Here, we found that TNF-α level was significantly increased in serum and submandibular gland (SMG) of patients and that serum TNF-α level was negatively correlated with saliva flow rate. Ultrastructural observations of IgG4-RS SMGs revealed accumulation of large autophagic vacuoles, as well as dense fibrous bundles, decreased secretory granules, widened intercellular spaces, swollen mitochondria, and expanded endoplasmic reticulum. Expression levels of LC3 and p62 were both increased in patients' SMGs. TNF-α treatment led to elevated levels of LC3II and p62 in both SMG-C6 cells and cultured human SMG tissues but did not further increase their levels when combined with bafilomycin A1 treatment. Moreover, transfection of Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B in SMG-C6 cells confirmed the suppression of autophagic flux after TNF-α treatment. Immunofluorescence imaging revealed that costaining of LC3 and the lysosomal marker LAMP2 was significantly decreased in patients, TNF-α-treated SMG-C6 cells, and cultured human SMGs, indicating a reduction in autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Furthermore, the ratio of pro/mature cathepsin D was elevated in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro. TNF-α also appeared to induce abnormal acidification of lysosomes in acinar cells, as assessed by lysosomal pH and LysoTracker DND-26 fluorescence intensity. In addition, TNF-α treatment induced transcription factor EB (TFEB) redistribution in SMG-C6 cells, which was consistent with the changes observed in IgG4-RS patients. TNF-α increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and inhibition of ERK1/2 by U0126 reversed TNF-α-induced TFEB redistribution, lysosomal dysfunction, and autophagic flux suppression. These findings suggest that TNF-α is a key cytokine related to acinar cell injury in IgG4-RS through ERK1/2-mediated autophagic flux suppression.

[Preliminary application of three-dimensional printing in dental education]

As one of the rapid prototyping technology, three-dimensional (3D) printing is booming since its birth. 3D printing has already been applied in biomedical engineering, medical mold processing and many healthcare fields, but its application in dental education is still in the exploratory stage. Nowadays, educators are seeking to integrate 3D printing and dental education. On the basis of the advantages of 3D printing, the quality of dental education will be further improved and students' enthusiasm for learning will be stimulated. This article will focus on elaborating the recent advances of 3D printing in dental education and exploring its direction in the field of teaching.

[Clinical evaluation of dry chemical enzyme method for detecting Neisseria gonorrhoeae and analysis of external quality assessment results]

Objective:Neisseria gonorrhoeae in female cervix sample was detected by dry chemical enzymatic method and culture method. The detection effects of two detection methods were analyzed to provide reference for clinical detection. At the same time, strains were separated and identified to evaluate reliability of different methods. Methods: During October 2015 to December 2017, 8 860 samples of female cervix from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Provincial Peoples Hospital were detected by dry chemical enzymatic method and culture method. Because of the possible leak detection by culture method, the inconsistent results were supplemented by real-time PCR assay. The data were analyzed by SPSS 19.0. Fifteen strains of external quality assessment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae identification and validation during 2015 to 2017 years were identified by latex chromatography, culture method, dry chemical enzyme method and PCR- fluorescent probe method. Results: The positive rates of dry chemical enzymatic method and culture method for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were 0.88% (78/8 860) and 0.41% (36/8 860), respectively. Among these, 26 samples were tested positive by dry chemical enzymatic method which were consistent with real-time PCR assay. Meanwhile, the culture method was negative. Dry chemistry enzyme method external quality assessment results of 3 years were accurate. Conclusion: The positive rate of dry chemical enzymatic method was markedly higher than that of culture method (P<0.05). The dry chemical enzymatic method, while exhibiting a high specificity, had high detection rate compared to culture method. And external quality assessment results are accurate. The clinical coincidence rate of dry chemical enzymatic detection was higher.

[ORAI1 variation induced combined immunodeficiency: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To summarize the clinical manifestations and gene variations of combined immunodeficiency caused by ORAI1 variation with a case report and literature review. Methods: The clinical data of the patient who was diagnosed with ORAI1 variation caused combined immunodeficiency in the Department of Pediatrics in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in February 2018 were extracted and analyzed. The literature till August 2018 was searched with key words of 'ORAI1', and 'immunodeficiency' in both English and Chinese in the database of China national knowledge infrast ructure (CNKI), Wanfang and Pubmed. Results: The patient was a 15 months old girl with acute onset of bilateral ptosis after upper respiratory tract infection, which was rapidly progressed to systemic myasthenia and accompanied with recurrent respiratory tract infection during the treatment. The patient poorly to responded immunomodulatory therapy and anti-infection therapy. Laboratory tests demonstrated decreased complement C3 and NK cell (CD3(-)CD56(+)), increased anti-thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase antibody and B lymphocyte (CD3(-)CD19(+)), and slightly increased anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody. Genetic analysis showed the homozygous variation of ORAI1 gene exon l c.12 G>T (p.E4D), with heterozygostty of both parents. There were only 4 papers reporting this disease in the literature review. A total of 7 patients with ORAI1 gene variation were reported, including 3 homozygous variations, 2 heterozygous variations and 2 complex heterozygous variations. The clinical manifestations included early onset recurrent infection, congenital hypotonia, elevated serum IgA and IgM, decreased NK cells, and family history of hereditary diseases. Four of the 7 reported cases died of pulmonary infection and sepsis, and the other 3 survived with low muscular tone and poor self-care ability. Conclusions: The most common clinical manifestations of ORAI1 variation caused combined immunodeficiency are recurrent infection and congenital hypotonia. Myasthenia induced recurrent respiratory tract infection is an important factor of poor prognosis in severe patients. There is a lack of effective treatment for this disease, and the prognosis is poor.

[Identification and evaluation on methods with upstream flank sequences of CRISPR1, regarding Escherichia coli and Shigella]

Objective: To analyze the effect of the identification and evaluation of Escherichia (E.) coli and Shigella, based on the upstream flanking sequences of CRISPR1. Methods: Both CRISPR and cas sequences were obtained through the BLAST with repeating sequences against the publicly complete genome in GenBank that related to E. coli and Shigella. Clustal X was used to perform multi-sequences alignment of the flanking sequences. PCR method was used to amplify the upstream flanking sequences of CRISPR1 in order to appraise the effect of identification and evaluation of upstream flanking sequences on E. coli and Shigella, which were based on the upstream flanking sequences of CRISPR1. Results: The results showed that 73.4% of the strains containing the I-E CRISPR/Cas that belonged to the phylogroups A, B1, D while 8.4% strains carried the I-F CRISPR/Cas. Another 17.2% of the strains owned CRISPR3-4 (non-CRISPR/Cas) only belonged to the phylogroups B2. All the Shigella strains carried I-E CRISPR/Cas. More than 99% of similarity the CRISPR1 upstream-flanking sequences was seen in E. coli (except B2) and Shigella and E. coli (B2). Both sensitivity and specificity were greater than 91% after PCR amplification in the region to identify the E.coli and Shigella. Conclusion: The upstream of CRISPR1 could achieve a preliminary identification effect on E.coli and Shigella.

[A family with Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome due to SLC16A2 gene mutation]

Objective: To report a family diagnosed with Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS) due to SLC16A2 gene mutation and to summarize the phenotypes, genotypes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Methods: The clinical features of a family of AHDS diagnosed in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in November 2017 were analyzed. Related literature was searched at Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), PubMed, CNKI and Wanfang database (from the establishment of databases to June 2018) by using "Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome" , and "AHDS" as keywords and the case reports from April 2013 to June 2018 were reviewed. Results: The proband was a boy aged 8 months who presented with global developmental retardation, inability to hold up the head, disability to sit independently or grab, no language development, elongated face, big ears, esotropia, scoliosis, hypotonia in the trunk, hypertonia in extremities, and hyperreflexia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed widening of the extracerebral space and delayed myelination. Thyroid function tests revealed increased FT3, decreased FT4 and normal TSH. Whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed the SLC16A2 gene c.431-1 (IVS1) G>C hemizygous mutation. The infant's mother and grandmother are carriers, but whose father had no related mutation. One uncle from maternal side had severe psychomotor retardation as well as dystonia and died at one year of age with unknown etiology. A total of 97 articles were retrieved in which 19 case reports were reviewed. Forty-two cases (22 from 8 families and 20 sporadic) were reported. Among these 42 cases (all males), all of them presented with moderate to severe cognitive dysfunction, 15 with seizures; 36 were bedridden, only 4 could walk; 31 had no language development, 2 could speak sentences, 4 could speak few words, 1 had babbling sounds. Furthermore,16 had microcephaly, 18 had facial dysmorphism, 6 had esotropia, 2 had hearing loss,14 had scoliosis, 11 had joint contracture, 30 had low body weight/muscle wasting, 37 had hypotonia in trunk or extremities, 32 had progressive spastic paraplegia or hypertonia. In terms of thyroid function, 33 had abnormal results, within whom 30 had increased T3, 25 had decreased T4 and 3 had increased TSH. Brain MRI showed delayed myelination in 22 cases, within which one normalized with development. Genetic tests showed that 31 had missense mutation (14 sporadic), 5 had deletion mutation (3 sporadic, and 1 due to frameshift mutation), 5 had insertion mutation (2 sporadic), and 1 had repeated mutation. The prognosis was poor as patients often died of recurrent respiratory tract infection. Conclusions: The main clinical manifestations of AHDS are severe global developmental retardation, hypotonia, spastic paraplegia, abnormal serum levels of thyroid hormone and delayed brain myelination. SLC16A2 c. 431-1 (IVS1) G > C mutation is accountable for this disease.

Cost-effectiveness of health coaching and financial incentives to promote physical activity after total knee replacement

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of Telephonic Health Coaching and Financial Incentives (THC + FI) to promote physical activity in total knee replacement recipients.

DESIGN

We used the Osteoarthritis Policy Model, a computer simulation of knee osteoarthritis, to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of THC + FI compared to usual care. We derived transition probabilities, utilities, and costs from trial data. We conducted lifetime analyses from the healthcare perspective and discounted all cost-effectiveness outcomes by 3% annually. The primary outcome was the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER), defined as the ratio of the differences in costs and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) between strategies. We considered ICERs <$100,000/QALY to be cost-effective. We conducted one-way sensitivity analyses that varied parameters across their 95% confidence intervals (CI) and limited the efficacy of THC + FI to 1 year or to 9 months. We also conducted a probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA), simultaneously varying cost, utilities, and transition probabilities.

RESULTS

THC + FI had an ICER of $57,200/QALY in the base case and an ICER below $100,000/QALY in most deterministic sensitivity analyses. THC + FI cost-effectiveness depended on assumptions about long-term efficacy; when efficacy was limited to 1 year or to 9 months, the ICER was $93,300/QALY or $121,800/QALY, respectively. In the PSA, THC + FI had an ICER below $100,000/QALY in 70% of iterations.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on currently available information, THC + FI might be a cost-effective alternative to usual care. However, the uncertainty surrounding this choice is considerable, and further research to reduce this uncertainty may be economically justified.

[Surgical technique and outcomes of uteri retrieval from brain-dead multi-organ donors: a preclinical research of human uterine transplantation]

Objective: To evaluate the surgical technique and outcomes of uteri retrieval from brain-dead multi-organ donors.This study is a preclinical research of human living uterine transplantation. Methods: From May, 2015 to May, 2017, four uteri retrieval procedures, characterized with radical hysterectomy and uterine vascular pedicles dissection, were performed in multi-organ brain-dead donors.The uterus was the third authorized organ after the kidney and liver retrieval procedures in the first two cases.The uterine pedicles included the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, the upper one-third of the vagina and internal iliac vessels or external iliac vessels.The perfusion of the uterus was conducted after the retrieval for evaluating the availability, followed by histopathological examination of the uterine issues per 30 minutes. Results: Since the uterine vein was quite difficult to identify and dissect in the first two case, which result in the rupture of triple uterine veins.Therefore, the uterine venous vessels including uterine vein connected with internal iliac vein and internal iliac arteries were selected as vascular grafts and dissected successfully in the last two cases, which could be perfused with the mixture of 4 ℃ heparinized physiological saline through each artery because of shortening the surgical time and arranging the uterine procurement as the first authorized organ procedure.Mean (SD) operative time was 152.5±39.0 min (115-215 min, n=4). Conclusion: Our preliminary experience indicated that the uterus could be retrieved from the brain-dead multi-organ donors and transplanted to the recipient.The attempt of skeletonizing the uterine veins should be replaced by dissection of internal iliac vein.