[Multicenter evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy of jaundice color card for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia]

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and practicality of the Jaundice color card (JCard) as a screening tool for neonatal jaundice. Methods: Following the standards for reporting of diagnostic accuracy studies (STARD) statement, a multicenter prospective study was conducted in 9 hospitals in China from October 2019 to September 2021. A total of 845 newborns who were admitted to the hospital or outpatient department for liver function testing due to their own diseases. The inclusion criteria were a gestational age of ≥35 weeks, a birth weight of ≥2 000 g, and an age of ≤28 days. The neonate's parents used the JCard to measure jaundice at the neonate's cheek. Within 2 hours of the JCard measurement, transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) was measured with a JH20-1B device and total serum bilirubin (TSB) was detected. The Pearson's correlation analysis, Bland-Altman plots and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistic analysis. Results: Out of the 854 newborns, 445 were male and 409 were female; 46 were born at 35-36 weeks of gestational age and 808 were born at ≥37 weeks of gestational age. Additionally, 432 cases were aged 0-3 days, 236 cases were aged 4-7 days, and 186 cases were aged 8-28 days. The TSB level was (227.4±89.6) μmol/L, with a range of 23.7-717.0 μmol/L. The JCard level was (221.4±77.0) μmol/L and the TcB level was (252.5±76.0) μmol/L. Both the JCard and TcB values showed good correlation (r=0.77 and 0.80, respectively) and agreements (96.0% (820/854) and 95.2% (813/854) of samples fell within the 95% limits of agreement, respectively) with TSB. The JCard value of 12 had a sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.75 for identifying a TSB ≥205.2 μmol/L, and a sensitivity of 1.00 and specificity of 0.35 for identifying a TSB ≥342.0 μmol/L. The TcB value of 205.2 μmol/L had a sensitivity of 0.97 and specificity of 0.60 for identifying TSB levels of 205.2 μmol/L, and a sensitivity of 1.00 and specificity of 0.26 for identifying TSB levels of 342.0 μmol/L. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of JCard for identifying TSB levels of 153.9, 205.2, 256.5, and 342.0 μmol/L were 0.96, 0.92, 0.83, and 0.83, respectively. The AUC of TcB were 0.94, 0.91, 0.86, and 0.87, respectively. There were both no significant differences between the AUC of JCard and TcB in identifying TSB levels of 153.9 and 205.2 μmol/L (both P>0.05). However, the AUC of JCard were both lower than those of TcB in identifying TSB levels of 256.5 and 342.0 μmol/L (both P<0.05). Conclusion: JCard can be used to classify different levels of bilirubin, but its diagnostic efficacy decreases with increasing bilirubin levels. When TSB level are ≤205.2 μmol/L, its diagnostic efficacy is equivalent to that of the JH20-1B. To prevent the misdiagnosis of severe jaundice, it is recommended that parents use a low JCard score, such as 12, to identify severe hyperbilirubinemia (TSB ≥342.0 μmol/L).

Dissecting lysosomal viscosity fluctuations in live cells and liver tissues with an ingenious NIR fluorescent probe

Viscosity is a pivotal component in the cell microenvironment, while lysosomal viscosity fluctuation is associated with various human diseases, such as tumors and liver diseases. Herein, a near-infrared fluorescent probe (BIMM) based on merocyanine dyes was designed and synthesized for detecting lysosomal viscosity in live cells and liver tissue. The increase in viscosity restricts the free rotation of single bonds, leading to enhanced fluorescence intensity. BIMM exhibits high sensitivity and good selectivity, and is applicable to a wide pH range. BIMM has near-infrared emission, and the fluorescent intensity shows an excellent linear relationship with viscosity. Furthermore, BIMM possessing excellent lysosomes-targeting ability, and can monitor viscosity changes in live cells stimulated by dexamethasone, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and nigericin, and differentiate between cancer cells and normal cells. Noticeably, BIMM can accurately analyze viscosity changes in various liver disease models with HepG2 cells, and is successfully utilized to visualize variations in viscosity on APAP-induced liver injury. All the results demonstrated that BIMM is a powerful wash-free tool to monitor the viscosity fluctuations in living systems.

Edge-oriented growth of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles on nickel metal-organic framework nanosheets for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

In this study, a directional loading of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles (NPs) was achieved on the opposite edges of nickel metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF) nanosheets (NSs) by adjusting the weight ratio of CdS NPs in the reaction process to produce effective visible light photocatalysts. The close contact between the zero-dimensional (0D) and two-dimensional (2D) regions and the matching positions of the bands promoted charge separation and heterojunction formation. The optimal CdS NPs loading of composite material was 40 wt%. At this ratio, CdS NPs grew primarily at the opposite edges of the Ni-MOF NSs rather than on their surfaces. When lactic acid was used as the sacrificial agent, the hydrogen production rate of the 40 %-CdS/Ni-MOF heterojunction under visible light irradiation was 19.6 mmol h-1 g-1, making a 20-fold enhancement compared to the original CdS NPs sample (1.0 mmol h-1 g-1). The charge carriers generated in CdS NPs were transferred to Ni-MOF NSs through heterojunctions, where Ni-MOF NSs also served as cocatalysts to improve hydrogen production. The combination of the two materials improved the light absorption ability. In particular, the 40 %-CdS/Ni-MOF heterojunction exhibited good photostability, effectively preventing the photocorrosion of CdS NPs. This study introduces an approach for constructing efficient and stable photocatalysts for visible light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production.

[The current status and future prospects of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for the treatment of knee articular cartilage injuries and osteoarthritis]

The prevalence of articular cartilage injuries and osteoarthritis (OA) is high, affecting a wide range of individuals. The self-repair ability of cartilage tissue is poor, and once damaged, it will irreversibly progress to OA. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in the field of regenerative medicine and are considered one of the most promising seed cells for cartilage repair and regeneration. In this article, based on the latest clinical research findings from both domestic and international sources, the theoretical basis, treatment goals, significance, sources, characteristics, clinical implementation plans, and efficacy of using MSCs for the treatment of cartilage injuries or osteoarthritis are reviewed. The article also discusses the challenges faced and future directions that need to be addressed in the clinical application of MSCs.

[Analysis of the factors influencing the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms based on an online questionnaire]

Objective: To explore the variables associated with the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant during the epidemic in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Methods: A cross-sectional study. During the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant pandemic from December 15, 2022, to March 15, 2023, COVID-19 related data for patients with MPN who were treated at Peking University People's Hospital were collected through an online questionnaire-based survey. All questionnaires and clinical data were checked by medical assistants. Logistic multivariate analysis was used to explore the prevalence and variables associated with the severity of COVID-19 in patients with MPN. Results: A total of 239 patients with MPN, including 90 (37.7%) presenting with essential thrombocythemia (ET), 50 (20.9%) with polycythemia vera (PV), and 99 (41.4%) with myelofibrosis (MF), were enrolled in the study. The 99 patients with MF included 87 (87.9%) with primary MF, 5 (5.1%) with post-PV MF, and 7 (7.1%) with post-ET MF. Overall, 239 (100%) patients reported that they experienced COVID-19 during the pandemic. Of these, 226 (94.6%) had mild disease, 4 (1.7%) had moderate disease, 7 (2.9%) had severe disease, and 2 (0.8%) had critical disease. Two (0.8%) patients with severe COVID-19 died, one of which suffered from MT and the other from PV. Multivariate analysis showed that older age (OR=2.36, 95%CI 1.24-4.49), MF (OR=10.22, 95%CI 1.13-92.80), or comorbidity (OR=5.25, 95%CI 1.25-22.03) were associated with a significantly higher risk of developing moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19. Among patients with MF, higher risk stratification reflected an increased risk of developing moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19 (P=0.034). Conclusion: During the omicron pandemic, older age, MF (especially higher-risk categories), and comorbidity were associated with a higher risk of developing moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19.

Effect of Qigong exercise on motor function in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Motor impairment is one of the most common defects after stroke, which could seriously affect the life quality of stroke patients. Exercise intervention gradually becomes a popular alternative rehabilitation therapy because of its safety and applicability.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically assess the effect of Qigong exercise on motor function in stroke patients.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of Qigong on motor function of stroke patients were obtained from PubMed and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure through May 2022. Mean values and standard deviations of the post-intervention score in both experimental group and control group were collected to calculate the mean difference (MD) and corresponkding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of each study, which were quantificationally summarized using the Review Manager 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Nineteen randomized controlled trials enrolling 1487 stroke patients were included. Pooled results indicated that Qigong exercise had beneficial effect on balance function (Berg Balance Scale [MD: 7.56, 95% CI: 4.09-11.02]), limb motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment [total score: MD: 7.54, 95% CI: 6.38-8.69; upper limb: MD: 3.57, 95% CI: 0.71-6.43; lower limb: MD: 2.44, 95% CI: 0.59-4.29]) and walking function (6-min walking test [MD: 62.21, 95% CI: 11.70-112.73]) of stroke patients. It was also found to be associated with an improvement in trunk function as indicated by the Trunk Impairment Scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Available evidence supported potential benefits of Qigong exercise for improving motor functions of stroke patients. As a safe and widely applicable exercise, Qigong is worthy of further promotion in the rehabilitation of stroke patients.

Efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed for TKI-failed leptomeningeal metastases from EGFR+ NSCLC: an expanded, single-arm, phase II clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed (IP) for treating patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progressed from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in an expanded, prospective, single-arm, phase II clinical study (ChiCTR1800016615).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with confirmed NSCLC-LM who progressed from TKI received IP (50 mg, day 1/day 5 for 1 week, then every 3 weeks for four cycles, and then once monthly) until disease progression or intolerance. Objectives were to assess overall survival (OS), response rate, and safety. Measurable lesions were assessed by investigator according to RECIST version 1.1. LM were assessed according to the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria.

RESULTS

The study included 132 patients; 68% were female and median age was 52 years (31-74 years). The median OS was 12 months (95% confidence interval 10.4-13.6 months), RANO-assessed response rate was 80.3% (106/132), and the most common adverse event was myelosuppression (n = 42; 31.8%), which reversed after symptomatic treatment. The results of subgroup analysis showed that absence of brain parenchymal metastasis, good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, good response to IP treatment, negative cytology after treatment, and patients without neck/back pain/difficult defecation had longer survival. Gender, age, previous intrathecal methotrexate/cytarabine, and whole-brain radiotherapy had no significant influence on OS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study further showed that IP is an effective and safe treatment method for the EGFR-TKI-failed NSCLC-LM, and should be recommended for these patients in clinical practice and guidelines.

DPP Inhibition Enhances the Efficacy of PD-1 Blockade by Remodeling the Tumor Microenvironment in Lewis Lung Carcinoma Model

The remarkable efficacy of cancer immunotherapy has been established in several tumor types. Of the various immunotherapies, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are most extensively used in the treatment of many cancers in clinics. These inhibitors restore the suppressed antitumor immune response and inhibit tumor progression by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling. However, the low response rate is a major limitation in the clinical application of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Therefore, combination strategies that enhance the response rate are the need of the hour. In this investigation, PT-100 (also referred to as Talabostat, Val-boroPro, and BXCL701), an orally administered and nonselective dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitor, not only augmented the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 therapy but also significantly improved T immune cell infiltration and reversed the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The combination of PT-100 and anti-PD-1 antibody increased the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Moreover, the mRNA expression of T cell-associated molecules was elevated in the tumor microenvironment. The results further suggested that PT-100 dramatically reduced the ratio of tumor-associated macrophages. These findings provide a promising combination strategy for immunotherapy in lung cancer.

Association of social isolation and loneliness with the risk of hypertension in middle aged and older adults: Findings from a national representative longitudinal survey

BACKGROUND

Social isolation and loneliness have been proved to be associated with many adverse health outcomes, but their influence on hypertension remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the relationship of social isolation and loneliness with hypertension risk among middle-aged and older adults in China.

METHODS

We used data from the 2011 and 2015 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Participants were assessed for social isolation and loneliness at baseline, and hypertension was identified by self-report and blood pressure measurement at follow-up in 2015. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association of social isolation and loneliness with the risk of hypertension.

RESULTS

A total of 3711 residents were included. 13.7 % of the participants had high level of social isolation and 18.1 % felt lonely. During the four-year follow up period, 651 participants developed hypertension. People with high level of social isolation had an increased risk of hypertension (odds ratio [OR]: 1.40, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.79). Similar results were found between social isolation score and hypertension risk (OR: 1.14, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.26). No significant association between loneliness and hypertension or any interaction effect of social isolation and loneliness on hypertension were observed.

LIMITATIONS

Limited by the structure of questionnaire, some of the information was derived by self-report, which may lead to recalling bias.

CONCLUSION

Social isolation, rather than loneliness was associated with hypertension for middle aged and older adults. Social support needs to be strengthened for hypertension prevention in community.

Advances in fluorescent probe development for bioimaging of potential Parkinson's biomarkers

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. The clinical symptoms of PD are usually related to motor symptoms, including postural instability, rigidity, bradykinesia, and resting tremors. At present, the pathology of PD is not yet clear. Therefore, revealing the underlying pathological mechanism of PD is of great significance. A variety of bioactive molecules are produced during the onset of Parkinson's, and these bioactive molecules may be a key factor in the development of Parkinson's. The emerging fluorescence imaging technology has good sensitivity and high signal-to-noise ratio, making it possible to deeply understand the pathogenesis of PD through these bioactive molecules. Currently, fluorescent probes targeting PD biomarkers are widely developed and applied. This article categorizes and summarizes fluorescent probes based on different PD biomarkers, systematically introduces their applications in the pathological process of PD, and finally briefly elaborates on the challenges and prospects of these probes. We hope that this review will provide in-depth reference insights for designing fluorescent probes, and contribute to study of the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of PD.

Elastic MXene conductive layers and electrolyte engineering enable robust potassium storage

The precisely engineered structures of materials greatly influence the manifestation of their properties. For example, in the process of alkali metal ion storage, a carefully designed structure capable of accommodating inserted and extracted ions will improve the stability of material cycling. The present study explores the uniform distribution of self-grown carbon nanotubes to provide structural support for the conductive and elastic MXene layers of Ti3C2Tx-Co@NCNTs. Furthermore, a compatible electrolyte system has been optimized by analyzing the solvation structure and carefully regulating the component in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the decomposition predominantly controlled by FSI- leads to the formation of a robust inorganic SEI layer enriched with KF, thus effectively inhibiting irreversible side reactions and major structural deterioration. Confirming our expectations, Ti3C2Tx-Co@NCNTs exhibits an impressive reversible capacity of 260 mA h g-1, even after 2000 cycles at 500 mA g-1 in 1 M KFSI (DME), surpassing most MXene-based anodes reported for PIBs. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations verify the superior electronic conductivity and lower K+ diffusion energy barriers of the novel superstructure of Ti3C2Tx-Co@NCNTs, thereby affirming the improved electrochemical kinetics. This study presents systematic evaluation methodologies for future research on MXene-based anodes in PIBs.

Association of changes in plant-based diet consumption with all-cause mortality among older adults in China: a prospective study from 2008 to 2019

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association of changes in plant-based diet consumption with all-cause mortality among older adults in China.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

This cohort study of 11 years used data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), a long-term, nationwide survey covering 23 provinces in China.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 7843 older participants aged ≥60 years were included in this study.

MEASUREMENTS

Changes in plant-based diets consumption (2008-2011) were assessed by 3 graded plant-based diet indices, including an overall plant-based diet index (PDI), a healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and an unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI). The main outcome was all-cause mortality. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional-hazards models were fitted to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of mortality for changes in PDI, hPDI, and uPDI.

RESULTS

A total of 7843 participants (mean [SD] age, 82.2 [10.9] years; 3588 [45.7%] men) were included in this study. During a median (IQR) of 9 (5-10) years of follow-up, 3749 deaths were documented. Compared with older adults whose plant-based diet indices were relatively stable, older adults with the greatest decrease (quintile 1) in PDI, hPDI, and uPDI had respectively 32% (95% CI, 19%-47%) higher, 21% (95% CI, 9%-33%) higher, and 10% (95% CI, 4%-21%) lower risk of death. Compared with older adults whose diet indices were relatively stable, older adults with the greatest increase (quintile 5) in uPDI had a 13% higher risk of death (95% CI, 1%-21%), while no significant associations of the increased PDI and hPDI with all-cause mortality were observed.

CONCLUSION

Maintaining the consumption of overall and healthful plant-based diets, and decreasing the consumption of an unhealthful plant-based diet can be beneficial in preventing or delaying premature death among Chinese older adults.

A turn-on fluorescent probe for detecting and bioimaging of HOCl in inflammatory and liver disease models

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a common reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated with the development of liver, tumor, inflammatory, and other diseases. In this work, the turn-on fluorescent probe named (WZ-HOCl) with a naphthalimide structure was designed and synthesized to detect endogenous HOCl in disease models. WZ-HOCl can achieve a fast response to HOCl with good linearity in the range of 0-45 μM (LOD = 147 nM). The application of WZ-HOCl in bioimaging was investigated by constructing a series of cellular disease models, and the results showed that WZ-HOCl could sensitively detect endogenous HOCl in inflammatory and liver disease models. It can also be used to differentiate between hepatocytes and hepatoma cells. WZ-HOCl will provide new methods and ideas for fluorescent probes in detecting drug-induced liver injury, alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and some inflammation-related diseases.

Age-specific characteristics of head and neck second primary malignancies in patients treated for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective study

This study was performed to analyse the age-specific characteristics of head and neck second primary malignancies (SPMs) in patients treated for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The medical records of 56 NPC patients diagnosed with head and neck SPMs were reviewed retrospectively. Patients < 45 years old at NPC diagnosis were assigned to the younger group and those ≥ 45 years of age were assigned to the older group. The treatment of the index NPC, latency period, pathological TNM stage, survival status, and SPM subsite were analysed. Patients in the older group were found to have a shorter median latency period than those in the younger group: 8.5 years (range 3-20 years) versus 11 years (range 1-30 years) (P = 0.015). The proportion of SPMs in the jaw was significantly higher in the younger group (P = 0.002). Patients in the younger group receiving radiotherapy with chemotherapy had a shorter latency period (P = 0.003) and higher risk of developing SPMs in the jaw (P = 0.036) than those receiving radiotherapy alone. A long-term and age-dependent regular customised follow-up strategy for NPC is necessary for the prevention and early detection of head and neck second primary malignancies.

Effect of chemical modification of κ-carrageenan on its inhibitory effect against heterocyclic amine (HAs) formation in roasted tilapia fish patties

Sulfated κ-carrageenan (S-KC), carboxymethylated κ-carrageenan (C-KC), acetylated κ-carrageenan (A-KC) and phosphorylated κ-carrageenan (P-KC) were synthesized and tested for their inhibitory effect on heterocyclic amine (HAs) formation in roasted tilapia fish patties. Fish patties with 1 % of each hydrocolloid prepared by 90 % of fish and 10 % of an aqueous hydrocolloid dispersion were determined for HAs-levels after roasting. P-KC showed the strongest inhibitory effect against total HAs formation (20.95 %). Moreover, P-KC increased the content of creatinine and glucose but decreased the content of free amino acids in fish patties, indicating that P-KC may compete with creatinine and glucose to react with amino acids to suppress HAs generation. In addition, P-KC plus naringenin had a stronger inhibitory effect against HAs formation than P-KC or naringenin alone. P-KC at 1 % (w/w) and P-KC (0.5 %, w/w) plus naringenin (0.5 %, w/w) showed no significant effects on the color and textural properties compared to the control group (100 % fish), and had less impact on food quality than 1 % (w/w) KC. Therefore, our results suggest that chemical modification could enhance the inhibitory effect of some hydrocolloids on HAs formation, and an appropriate combination of hydrocolloids and flavonoids contributes to the attenuation of dietary exposure to genotoxic HAs.

Adverse childhood experiences and depressive symptoms among lesbian and bisexual women in China

BACKGROUND

Despite the relationship between Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and depressive symptoms, which has been well researched in general populations, little is known about homosexual and bisexual populations, especially lesbian and bisexual women in China. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of ACEs and depressive symptoms and to analyze the relationship between them among lesbian and bisexual women in China.

METHODS

The eligible participants were aged 16 years or older who report their sexual orientation as homosexual or bisexual. The data was collected through anonymous questionnaires with the help of Lespark in Beijing from July 18 to December 29, 2018, and all participants had informed consent to this study. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between ACEs and depressive symptoms among lesbian and bisexual women. All statistical analyses were conducted by the software of SPSS 22.0.

RESULTS

Among 301 lesbian and bisexual women, 81.4% were lesbian, 18.4% were bisexual women, and the majority were 21-30 years. As for ACEs, 51.5% reported at least one ACE, in which emotional neglect (22.6%) and emotional abuse (22.3%) were common ACEs. As for depressive symptoms of lesbian and bisexual women, the detection rate was 56.1%. The multiple linear regression analyses showed that abuse (β = 2.95, 95%CI:1.07-4.83) and neglect (β = 3.21, 95%CI:1.09-5.31) were positively associated with depressive symptoms and lesbian and bisexual women with three (β = 4.11, 95%CI: 0.99-7.22) or more (β = 6.02, 95%CI: 3.23-8.78) ACEs suffered from more depressive symptoms than others.

CONCLUSION

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and depressive symptoms were at high prevalence among lesbian and bisexual women in China. ACEs were associated with depressive symptoms, especially childhood abuse and neglect experiences that have a significant effect on lesbian and bisexual women mental health.

[Spatial distribution characteristics of the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody in Hunan Province in 2020]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the spatial distribution characteristics of the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody, and to examine the correlation between the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody in Hunan Province in 2020, so as to provide insights into advanced schistosomiais control in the province.

METHODS

The epidemiological data of schistosomiasis in Hunan Province in 2020 were collected, including number of permanent residents in survey villages, number of advanced schistosomiasis patients, number of residents receiving serological tests and number of residents seropositive for anti-Schistosoma antibody, and the prevalence advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody were descriptively analyzed. Village-based spatial distribution characteristics of prevalence advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody were identified in Hunan Province in 2020, and the correlation between the revalence advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody was examined using Spearman correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis was 0 to 2.72% and the seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody was 0 to 20.25% in 1 153 schistosomiasis-endemic villages in Hunan Province in 2020. Spatial clusters were identified in both the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis (global Moran's I = 0.416, P < 0.01) and the seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody (global Moran's I = 0.711, P < 0.01) in Hunan Province. Local spatial autocorrelation analysis identified 98 schistosomiasis-endemic villages with high-high clusters of the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis, 134 endemic villages with high-high clusters of the seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody and 36 endemic villages with high-high clusters of both the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody in Hunan Province. In addition, spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody (rs = 0.235, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There were spatial clusters of the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody in Hunan Province in 2020, which were predominantly located in areas neighboring the Dongting Lake. These clusters should be given a high priority in the schistosomiasis control programs.

[Comparison of BCR::ABL (P210) mRNA levels detected by dPCR and qPCR methods in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To compare digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) measurements of BCR::ABL (P210) mRNA expression in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) . Methods: In this non-interventional, cross-sectional study, BCR::ABL (P210) mRNA was simultaneously measured by dPCR and qPCR in peripheral blood samples collected from patients with CML who underwent tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy and who achieved at least a complete cytogenetic response from September 2021 to February 2023 at Peking University People's Hospital. The difference, correlation, and agreement between the two methods were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman's correlation, and Bland-Altman analysis, respectively. Results: In total, 459 data pairs for BCR::ABL mRNA expression measured by dPCR and qPCR from 356 patients with CML were analyzed. There was a significant difference in BCR::ABL mRNA expression between the two methods (P<0.001). When analyzed by the depth of the molecular response (MR), a significant difference only existed for patients with ≥MR4.5 (P<0.001). No significant difference was observed for those who did not achieve a major MR (no MMR; P=0.922) or for those who achieved a major MR (MMR; P=0.723) or MR4 (P=0.099). There was a moderate correlation between the BCR::ABL mRNA expression between the two methods (r=0.761, P<0.001). However, the correlation gradually weakened or disappeared as the depth of the MR increased (no MMR: r=0.929, P<0.001; MMR: r=0.815, P<0.001; MR4: r=0.408, P<0.001; MR4.5: r=0.176, P=0.176). In addition, the agreement in BCR::ABL mRNA expression between the two methods in those with MR4.5 was weaker than other groups (no MMR: ▉= 0.042, P=0.846; MMR:▉=0.054, P=0.229; MR4:▉=-0.020, P=0.399; MR4.5:▉=-0.219, P<0.001) . Conclusions: dPCR is more accurate than qPCR for measuring BCR::ABL (P210) mRNA expression in patients with CML who achieve a stable deep MR.

Architecting carbon-coated Mo2CTx/MoSe2 heterostructures enables robust potassium storage

Herein, carbon-coated MoSe2 decorated Mo2CTx MXene heterostructures (MoSe2/Mo2CTx@C) have been fabricated. Mo2CTx works as a dual-function electron/ion conductor, which not only provides high conductivity and mechanical strength, but also prevents the severe self-aggregation of few layered MoSe2 nanosheets. The high reversible capacities of 405 mA h g-1 at 100 mA g-1 after 150 cycles and 258 mA h g-1 at 2000 mA g-1 after 400 cycles could be achieved for a potassium-ion battery.

Prophylactic therapy for prevention of surgical site infection after extraction of third molar: An overview of reviews

BACKGROUND

To compare the effect of different prophylactic therapies on prevention of surgical site infection after extraction of third molars with different degree of impaction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the effect of different prophylactic therapies on prevention of surgical site infection after extraction of third molars were included. An electronic search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews. AMSTAR 2 tool was used to evaluate the confidence in results from the included reviews. Descriptive analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Six reviews were included. A significant benefit of different antibiotics to the prevention of site infection after extraction of third molars was reported. Amoxicillin/amoxicillin clavulanic acid could significantly reduce the rate of surgical site infection versus placebo. Chlorhexidine gel could significantly reduce the frequency of alveolar osteitis versus placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the limited evidence, there is a significant benefit of prophylactic therapy while the comparative effect of different types of prophylactic regimes are controversial.

Effect of Qigong exercise on non-motor function and life quality in stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Qigong have a positive impact on the rehabilitation of motor function in stroke survivors, but there is no consensus on the effectiveness of Qigong on activities of daily living (ADL), neurological function, and life quality for patients with stroke. We aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effect of Qigong on non-motor function and life quality in stroke patients.

METHODS

Electronic literature searches were performed for randomized controlled trials on this topic using PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure through August 2022. The primary outcome measures were the Barthel Index, neurological deficit score (NDS), and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQLS). A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RevMan 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 16 eligible randomized controlled trials with 1253 stroke patients were included. As indicated by the Barthel Index, Qigong was associated with the improvement in daily living activities of stroke patients (MD: 10.72, 95% CI: 5.88∼15.57). It was also found that Qigong was helpful in improving life quality (SSQLS, MD: 14.41, 95% CI: 5.56∼23.25) and reducing NDSs among them (NDS, MD: -4.56, 95% CI: -6.99∼-2.14). After sensitivity analysis, the effect of Qigong on these functions and life quality did not change significantly. By subgroup analysis of intervention duration, we found that long-term intervention (MD: 11.83, 95% CI: 2.80∼20.86) had a better effect on the improvement of daily living activities than short-term intervention (MD: 10.07, 95% CI: 6.15∼14.00) (pfor subgroup differences  = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pooled results suggested that Qigong had beneficial effects on ADL, neurological function, and life quality in stroke patients, which may provide an option for their rehabilitation.

[To compare the efficacy and incidence of severe hematological adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To analyze and compare therapy responses, outcomes, and incidence of severe hematologic adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) . Methods: Data of patients with chronic phase CML diagnosed between January 2006 and November 2022 from 76 centers, aged ≥18 years, and received initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China were retrospectively interrogated. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce the bias of the initial TKI selection, and the therapy responses and outcomes of patients receiving initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy were compared. Results: A total of 4 833 adult patients with CML receiving initial imatinib (n=4 380) or flumatinib (n=453) therapy were included in the study. In the imatinib cohort, the median follow-up time was 54 [interquartile range (IQR), 31-85] months, and the 7-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.2%, 88.4%, 78.3%, and 63.0%, respectively. The 7-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 71.8%, 93.0%, and 96.9%, respectively. With the median follow-up of 18 (IQR, 13-25) months in the flumatinib cohort, the 2-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.4%, 86.5%, 58.4%, and 46.6%, respectively. The 2-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 80.1%, 95.0%, and 99.5%, respectively. The PSM analysis indicated that patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had significantly higher cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) and higher probabilities of FFS than those receiving the initial imatinib therapy (all P<0.001), whereas the PFS (P=0.230) and OS (P=0.268) were comparable between the two cohorts. The incidence of severe hematologic adverse events (grade≥Ⅲ) was comparable in the two cohorts. Conclusion: Patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had higher cumulative incidences of therapy responses and higher probability of FFS than those receiving initial imatinib therapy, whereas the incidence of severe hematologic adverse events was comparable between the two cohorts.

Diffusion Depth and Efficacy of Different Infiltration Times for Rose Bengal/Green Light Corneal Cross-linking in Rabbit Eyes

PURPOSE

To explore the diffusion depth and green light corneal cross-linking efficacy of different rose bengal (Rb) infiltration times in rabbit eyes.

METHODS

Twenty-eight fresh rabbit eyes were deepithelialized and infiltrated in 0.1% Rb solution for 2 to 30 minutes. Corneal frozen sections were cut and Rb diffusion depth was observed under the confocal microscope. A further 36 rabbits were randomly divided into eight groups according to the type of treatment (control, Rb infiltration only without irradiation, rose bengal/green light [RGX] for different infiltration times, or riboflavin/ultraviolet radiation [UVX]). The corneas' resistance to keratolysis and biomechanical properties were measured after treatment.

RESULTS

After 2, 10, 20, and 30 minutes of infiltration, Rb penetration depths in the corneal stroma were 100, 150, 200, and 270 µm, respectively. The times for complete digestion of the RGX 10 minutes (14.0 ± 1.4 hours), RGX 20 minutes (18.8 ± 1.1 hours), and UVX (51.2 ± 7.2 hours) groups were statistically greater than that of the control group (7.2 ± 1.1 hours). At 10% extension, the Young's modulus of the RGX 20 minutes (36.59 ± 4.90 MPa) and UVX (40.89 ± 2.57 MPa) groups was statistically greater than that of the control group (21.76 ± 5.69 MPa).

CONCLUSIONS

The diffusion depth of Rb in corneal stroma increased by prolonging the infiltration time. The longer the infiltration time, the better the RGX effect. RGX for 20 minutes showed the best cross-linking efficacy among all RGX groups, albeit not as good as UVX. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(9):620-626.].

Progressive plasticity during colorectal cancer metastasis

Metastasis is the principal cause of cancer death, yet we lack an understanding of metastatic cell states, their relationship to primary tumor states, and the mechanisms by which they transition. In a cohort of biospecimen trios from same-patient normal colon, primary and metastatic colorectal cancer, we show that while primary tumors largely adopt LGR5 + intestinal stem-like states, metastases display progressive plasticity. Loss of intestinal cell states is accompanied by reprogramming into a highly conserved fetal progenitor state, followed by non-canonical differentiation into divergent squamous and neuroendocrine-like states, which is exacerbated by chemotherapy and associated with poor patient survival. Using matched patient-derived organoids, we demonstrate that metastatic cancer cells exhibit greater cell-autonomous multilineage differentiation potential in response to microenvironment cues than their intestinal lineage-restricted primary tumor counterparts. We identify PROX1 as a stabilizer of intestinal lineage in the fetal progenitor state, whose downregulation licenses non-canonical reprogramming.

Effects of Stigmasterol on 3-Chloropropane-1,2-diol Fatty Acid Esters and Aldehydes Formation in Heated Soybean Oil

In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of three soybean isoflavones and two soybean phytosterols on the formation of 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol fatty acid esters (3-MCPDE) and aldehydes in heated soybean oil model. 0.4 mM of genistin, genistein, daidzein, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol significantly reduced 3-MCPDE formation by 25.7, 51.4, 21.4, 61.6, and 55.7%, and total aldehydes formation by 42.03, 43.94, 28.36, 54.74, and 39.23%, respectively. Further study showed that stigmasterol reduced the content of glycidyl esters (GEs) and glycidol, two key intermediates of 3-MCPDE, and prevented fatty acids degradation in the oils. Moreover, the effects of continuous frying time on the content of stigmasterol and the migration of stigmasterol were evaluated in the fried dough sticks model system. The content of stigmasterol in soybean oil was found to be significantly decreased with prolonged heating time. The concentrations of stigmasterol in fried dough sticks and the migration rates of stigmasterol from soybean oil to fried dough sticks decreased with repeated frying sessions. In addition, stigmasterol undergoes oxidative changes during heat treatment, and the oxidation products including 5,6α-epoxystigmasterol, 5,6β-epoxystigmasterol, 7α-hydroxystigmasterol, 7β-hydroxystigmasterol, stigmasterlol-3β,5α,6β-triol, and 7-ketostigmasterol were identified in the frying oils but not in the fried dough sticks. Overall, stigmasterol could be added to soybean oil to reduce 3-MCPDE and aldehydes formation, and reacting with GEs/glycidol and protection of lipid acids from oxidation may be the mechanism of action of stigmasterol.

The Association Between Solid Fuel Use and Visual Impairment Among Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Adults: Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Indoor air pollution has been reported to have adverse effects on the eye; however, the health effects of exposure to cooking with solid fuels on visual impairment remain unclear in China.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine the association between cooking with solid fuels and visual impairment, including distance visual impairment (DVI) and near visual impairment (NVI).

METHODS

Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a nationwide survey of adults aged over 45 years who were enrolled in 2011 (Wave 1) and followed up in Wave 2 (2013), Wave 3 (2015), and Wave 4 (2018). We used Cox proportional hazards models to determine the association between solid fuels use and visual impairment. Additionally, the impact of switching cooking fuel types on vision function were examined through wave-specific data analysis (Wave 1 and Wave 4). Interaction and subgroup analyses were performed to explore the potential effect modifiers. Data were collected using the stratified multistage random sampling method and further analyzed using SPSS 27.0 and R 4.2.1 statistical software packages.

RESULTS

A total of 9559 middle-aged and older Chinese adults without visual impairment at baseline were included in the study, with 51.2% (n=4914) of the participants reporting that they cooked with solid fuels. During the follow-up period, 2644 (27.5%) and 3130 (32.6%) participants developed DVI and NVI, respectively. Compared with the clean fuel users, participants who cooked with solid fuels had a higher risk of DVI (hazards ratio [HR] 1.38, 95% CI 1.28-1.50) and NVI (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.10-1.27). In addition, switching the cooking fuel type from clean to solid fuels was associated with an elevated risk of DVI (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.15-1.98) and NVI (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.06-1.82) compared to persistently using clean fuels during the follow-up period, although no protective effect of switching from solid to clean fuels on NVI was found (P=.52). In subgroup analysis, we found that cooking with solid fuels increased the risk of DVI in participants younger than 65 years (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.28-1.55), men (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.28-1.65), urban residents (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08-1.75), and smokers (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.25-1.64). By contrast, negative effects of cooking with solid fuels on NVI were found in nonsmokers (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.11-1.33) and urban residents (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10-1.37).

CONCLUSIONS

Cooking with solid fuels was associated with an increased risk of visual impairment among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. These findings indicate that promoting the utilization of clean fuels is conducive to reducing the burden of visual impairment for the public.

Association between neck circumference and diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite that several original researchers have investigated the association between neck circumference (NC) and the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM), their results remain controversial. This review aimed to quantitatively determine the risk of DM in relation to the NC.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search of PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science from these databases' inception through September 2022 to identify observational studies that examined the association between NC and the risk of DM. A meta-analysis of the random-effects model was applied to combine the results of the enrolled studies.

RESULTS

Sixteen observational studies involving 4,764 patients with DM and 26,159 participants were assessed. The pooled results revealed that NC was significantly associated with the risk of type 2 DM (T2DM) (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.30-3.62) and gestational DM (GDM) (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.17-1.48). Subgroup analysis revealed that after controlling for BMI, the relationship between the NC and T2DM remained statistically significant (OR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.35-2.79). Moreover, the pooled OR of T2DM was found to be 1.16 (95% CI: 1.07-1.27) for an increment per each centimeter in the NC.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrated epidemiological evidence supports the hypothesis that a greater NC is associated with an increased risk of T2DM and GDM.

[Optimization of the medium and fermentation condition for the Penicillium aurantiocandidum Z12 strain with molluscicidal actions against Oncomelania hupensis]

OBJECTIVE

To optimize the culture and fermentation conditions of the Penicillium aurantiocandidum Z12 strain, a fungal strain with molluscicidal actions against Oncomelania hupensis, so as to provide the basis for the research and development of molluscicidal active substances from the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain and its fermentation broth and large-scale fermentation.

METHODS

The carbon source, nitrogen source and mineral salts were identified in the optimal culture medium for the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain with a single-factor experiment to determine the best fermentation condition for the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain. Factors that significantly affected the growth of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain were identified using the Plackett-Burman design, and the best range of each factor was determined using the steepest climb test. Response surface analyses of temperature, pH value, seeding amount and liquid-filling quantity were performed using the Box-Behnken design to create a regression model for fermentation of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain to identify the optimal culture medium.

RESULTS

Single-factor experiment preliminarily identified the best culture medium and conditions for the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain as follows: sucrose as the carbon source at approximately 20 g/L, tryptone as the nitrogen source at approximately 5 g/L, K₂HPO₄ as the mineral salt at approximately 5 g/L, initial pH at approximately 8, temperature at approximately 28 °C, seeding amount at approximately 6%, and liquid-filling quantity at approximately 50 mL/100 mL. Plackett-Burman design showed that factors that significantly affected the growth of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain included temperature (t = -5.28, P < 0.05), seeding amount (t = 5.22, P < 0.05), pH (t = -4.30, P < 0.05) and liquid-filling quantity (t = -4.39, P < 0.05). Steepest climb test showed the highest mycelial growth at pH of 7.5, seeding amount of 8%, and liquid-filling quantity of 40 mL/100 mL, and this condition was selected as the central point of response surface analysis for the subsequent optimization of fermentation conditions. Response surface analyses using the Box-Behnken design showed that the optimal conditions for fermentation of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain included sucrose at 15 g/L, tryptone at 5 g/L, K₂HPO₄ at 5 g/L, temperature at 28.2 °C, pH at 7.5, seeding amount at 10%, and liquid-filling quantity at 35.8 mL/100.0 mL, resulting in 0.132 g yield of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal culture condition for the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain has been identified, and the optimized culture medium and fermentation condition may effectively improve the fermentation yield of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain.

Solvent- and Co-Catalyst-Free Cycloaddition of Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides Catalyzed by Recyclable Bifunctional Niobium Complexes

CO₂, as a cheap and abundant renewable C1 resource, can be used to synthesize high value-added chemicals. In this paper, a series of bifunctional metallic niobium complexes were synthesized and their structures were characterized by IR, NMR and elemental analysis. All of these complexes have been proved to be efficient catalysts for the coupling reaction of CO₂ and epoxides to obtain cyclic carbonates under solvent- and co-catalyst-free conditions. By using CO₂ and propylene oxide as a model reaction, the optimal reaction conditions were systematically screened as: 100 °C, 1 MPa, 2 h, ratio of catalyst to alkylene oxide 1:100. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the bifunctional niobium catalysts can efficiently catalyze the coupling reaction with high yield and excellent selectivity (maximum yield of >99% at high pressure and 96.8% at atmospheric pressure). Moreover, this series of catalysts can also catalyze the coupling reaction at atmospheric pressure and most of them showed high conversion of epoxide. The catalysts have good substrate suitability and are also applicable to a variety of epoxides including diepoxides and good catalytic performances were achieved for producing the corresponding cyclic carbonates in most cases. Furthermore, the catalysts can be easily recovered by simple filtration and reused for at least five times without obvious loss of catalytic activity and selectivity. Kinetic studies were carried out preliminarily for the bifunctional niobium complexes with different halogen ions (3a(Cl^-), 3b(Br^-), 3c(I^-)) and the formation activation energies (E_a) of cyclic carbonates were obtained. The order of apparent activation energy E_a is 3a (96.2 kJ/mol) > 3b (68.2 kJ/mol) > 3c (37.4 kJ/mol). Finally, a possible reaction mechanism is proposed.

[Dose-response association between fluid overload and hospital mortality in patients with sepsis]

Objective: To investigate dose-response associations between fluid overload (FO) and hospital mortality in patients with sepsis. Methods: The current cohort study was prospective and multicenter. Data were derived from the China Critical Care Sepsis Trial, which was conducted from January 2013 to August 2014. Patients aged≥18 years who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) for at least 3 days were included. Fluid input/output, fluid balance, fluid overload (FO), and maximum FO (MFO) were calculated during the first 3 days of ICU admission. The patients were divided into three groups based on MFO values: MFO<5%L/kg, MFO 5%-10%L/kg, and MFO≥10% L/kg. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to predict time to death in hospital in the three groups. Associations between MFO and in-hospital mortality were evaluated via multivariable Cox regression models with restricted cubic splines. Results: A total of 2 070 patients were included in the study, of which 1 339 were male and 731 were female, and the mean age was (62.6±17.9) years. Of 696 (33.6%) who died in hospital, 968 (46.8%) were in the MFO<5%L/kg group, 530 (25.6%) were in the MFO 5%-10%L/kg group, and 572 (27.6%) were in the MFO≥10%L/kg group. Deceased patients had significantly higher fluid input than surviving patients during the first 3 days [7 642.0 (2 874.3, 13 639.5) ml vs. 5 738.0 (1 489.0, 7 153.5)ml], and lower fluid output [4 086.0 (1 367.0, 6 354.5) ml vs. 6 130.0 (2 046.0, 11 762.0) ml]. The cumulative survival rates in the three groups gradually decreased with length of ICU stay, and they were 74.9% (725/968) in the MFO<5% L/kg group, 67.7% (359/530) in the MFO 5%-10%L/kg group, and 51.6% (295/572) in the MFO≥10%L/kg group. Compared with the MFO<5%L/kg group, the MFO≥10%L/kg group had a 49% increased risk of inhospital mortality (HR=1.49, 95%CI 1.28-1.73). For each 1% L/kg increase in MFO, the risk of in-hospital mortality increased by 7% (HR=1.07, 95% CI 1.05-1.09). There was a"J-shaped"non-linear association between MFO and in-hospital mortality with a nadir of 4.1% L/kg. Conclusion: Higher and lower optimum fluid balance levels were associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality, as reflected by the observed J-shaped non-linear association between fluid overload and inhospital mortality.

Ferroptosis inhibition shields house ear institute-organ of corti 1 cells from free fatty acids-induced inflammatory injuries

BACKGROUND

Free fatty acids (FFAs) could induce inflammatory responses via various pathways. Ferroptosis is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products and fatal reactive oxygen species derived from iron accumulation, which may be an upstream event in the inflammatory injuries.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the involvement of ferroptosis during the FFAs-induced pathological hair cell inflammatory injuries and its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We utilized House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cell line as an in vitro model. The palmitate acid (PA) was utilized as a substitute for FFA, with cotreatment with ferroptosis inducer RSL3 and ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1. Cell viability, lactase dehydrogenase (LDH) release, the expressions of ferroptosis-related factors such as glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPX4), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), as well as toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), ferric ion and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and partial inflammatory cytokines were measured.

RESULTS

PA treatment might induce ferroptosis in HEI-OC1 cells, manifested as decreased cell viability, upregulated LDH release, iron overload, and ROS accumulation. Several inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-13, IL-12 p40, CCL5, G-CSF, and GM-CSF were upregulated compared to the Ctr group, while GPX4 and SLC7A11 were downregulated. The expression of TLR4 in the inflammatory pathway was also upregulated. Besides, these changes were further exacerbated by RSL3 cotreatment and abolished by Fer-1 cotreatment.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Ferroptosis inhibition could alleviate the PA-induced inflammatory injuries via inactivation of TLR4 signaling pathway in HEI-OC1 cell line.

Effects of Eggshell Thickness, Calcium Content, and Number of Pores in Erosion Craters on Hatching Rate of Chinese Alligator Eggs

The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis), found only in a small region in southeastern Anhui Province, is listed as critically endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its current declining population trend. Any abnormalities in the physical properties of an egg can decrease the hatching rate. In particular, eggshells play an essential role in embryo development, motivating us to analyze the microstructures of the eggshells of Chinese alligators. In this study, we categorized the eggshells into two groups, based on the hatching rates, and analyzed the relationship between the eggshell parameters (eggshell thickness, calcium content, and number of pores in erosion craters) and the hatching rate, as well as the relationships between the eggshell parameters. We found that the shells of the eggs with high hatching rates were thicker than those of the eggs with low hatching rates. There were also fewer erosion-crater pores on the surfaces of the eggs with high hatching rates than on the surfaces of the eggs with low hatching rates. Moreover, the shell Ca content was significantly higher in the eggs with high hatching rates than in the eggs with low hatching rates. Cluster modeling indicated that the highest hatching rate occurred when the eggshell thickness was 200-380 µm and there were 1-12 pores. These results suggest that eggs with adequate Ca contents, thicker shells, and less air permeability are more likely to hatch. Furthermore, our findings can inform future studies, which will be vital for the survival of the critically endangered Chinese alligator species.

Quality improvement of tilapia fillets by light salting during repeated freezing-thawing: Contribution of structural rearrangement and molecular interactions

The present study evaluated the effects and underlying mechanisms of light salting on quality properties of tilapia fillets during repeated freezing-thawing. Light salting was found to improve water-holding capacity and decelerated texture softening in tilapia fillets during repeated freezing-thawing. Instead of tissue distortion and heterogeneous aggregates in control groups, light salting promoted myofibril disassembly and formation of an ordered protein network with the solubilized myofibrillar proteins. The myofibrils presented an overall amorphous appearance with the loss of M-lines, removing the restraints to myofibril swelling and solubilization from A-binds in salted groups during repeated freezing-thawing. The structural rearrangement caused by light salting facilitated the enlargement of water-holding space, transformation of tissue water, and tissue recoverability, improving water-holding capacity and texture properties of tilapia fillets during freezing-thawing. The finding provided novel insight into the improvement of quality properties of tilapia fillets by light salting when subjected to drastic temperature fluctuations.

Association of social participation and psychological resilience with adverse cognitive outcomes among older Chinese adults: A national longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Limited epidemiological evidence exists regarding the association of social participation and psychological resilience with cognitive health. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the effects of social participation and psychological resilience on adverse cognitive outcomes among older adults in China.

METHODS

We used two waves (2011 and 2014) of data from the Chinese Longitudinal Survey of Health and Longevity (CLHLS), and 9765 respondents were eligible for the subsequent screening for the present prospective analysis. The Cox proportional hazards model was utilized to examine the association of social participation and psychological resilience with cognitive impairment, cognitive decline and greater cognitive decline. The restricted cubic spline plots were applied to clarify the dose-response relationships between them.

RESULTS

Compared to those with low social participation, participants with high social participation had a lower hazard ratio (HR) of 0.72 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.59-0.89) for cognitive impairment, 0.85 (95 % CI: 0.76-0.94) for cognitive decline and 0.78 (95 % CI: 0.67-0.90) for greater cognitive decline. Participants with high psychological resilience had an HR of 0.77 (95 % CI: 0.63-0.95) for cognitive impairment 0.85 (95 % CI: 0.76-0.94) for cognitive decline and 0.85 (95 % CI: 0.73-0.98) for greater cognitive decline compared with those with low psychological resilience. Similar effects were observed for social participation score and psychological resilience score. The dose-response analysis also showed that the risk of adverse cognitive outcomes decreased gradually with increasing social participation scores and psychological resilience scores. Additionally, the multiplicative interaction between social participation and psychological resilience was not significant.

LIMITATION

All information was collected by self-report, which may lead to biases in the process of information collection.

CONCLUSION

In this study, social participation and psychological resilience were independently associated with a lower risk of adverse cognitive outcomes, and therefore both need to be considered as broader measures to preserve cognitive health among older Chinese adults.

[Factors influencing severe cytopenia in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients receiving initial second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors and its impact on treatment responses and outcomes]

Objective: To explore the influencing covariates of severe neutrophils and/or thrombocytopenia and their effect on treatment response and outcome in patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) receiving initial second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (2G-TKI) . Methods: Data from consecutive patients aged ≥18 years with newly diagnosed CP-CML who received initial 2G-TKI at Peking University People's Hospital from September 2008 to November 2021 were interrogated. Binary logistic regression models and Fine-Gray and Cox regression models were applied. Results: Data from 267 patients who received initial 2G-TKI, including nilotinib (n=239, 89.5% ) and dasatinib (n=28, 10.5% ) , were interrogated. The median age was 36 (range, 18-73) years, and 156 (58.4% ) patients were male. At a median treatment period of 1.0 (0.1-3.0) month, 43 (16.1% ) patients developed grade ≥3 neutrophils and/or thrombocytopenia and recovered within 1.0 (0.1-24.6) month. Male (OR=2.9, 95% CI 1.2-6.8; P=0.018) , age of ≥36 years (OR=3.2, 95% CI 1.4-7.2, P=0.005) , a spleen below a costal margin of ≥7 cm (OR=2.8, 95% CI 1.2-6.6, P=0.020) , and a hemoglobin (HGB) level of <100 g/L (OR=2.9, 95% CI 1.3-6.8, P=0.012) at diagnosis were significantly associated with grade ≥ 3 neutrophils and/or thrombocytopenia. Based on their regression coefficients, male, age of ≥36 years, a spleen below a costal margin of ≥7 cm, and an HGB level of <100 g/L were given 1 point to form a predictive system. All patients were divided into three risk subgroups, and the incidence of severe cytopenia significantly differed among the three groups (P < 0.001) . Grade ≥3 neutrophils and/or thrombocytopenia for >2 weeks was significantly associated with lower cumulative incidences of complete cytogenetic response (CCyR, HR=0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.7, P<0.001) and major molecular response (MMR, HR=0.4, 95% CI 0.3-0.8, P=0.004) and was not significantly associated with failure, progression, and survival. Conclusion: Male, advanced age, a large spleen, and a low HGB level were significantly associated with severe cytopenia. The four covariates were used to establish a prediction model, in which the incidence of severe cytopenia among different risk groups was significantly different. Severe cytopenia for >2 weeks was a negative factor for responses but not for outcomes.

Prediction of the Efficacy of Lumbar Sympathetic Block in Patients with Lower Extremity Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 Based on the Sympathetic Skin Response

INTRODUCTION

Complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1) is prevalent after trauma, with intractable pain being the most prominent clinical symptom. The impact of sympathetic block on CRPS is unclear. The goal of this study was to explore the characteristics that predict successful symptom relief with lumbar sympathetic block (LSB) in patients with lower extremity CRPS-1.

METHODS

The study was designed as a prospective cohort study. Ninety-eight patients diagnosed with lower extremity CRPS-1 between March 2021 and March 2022 were enrolled as participants. All of the patients received two LSB treatments within a month. Sympthetic skin response (SSR) and numeric rating scale (NRS) were recorded before and after LSB treatment. The procedure was judged as a clinically positive response if the patients a 50% or greater reduction in NRS scores. Patients were divided into positive response and negative response groups after LSB treatment: LSB (+) and LSB (-), and the different characteristics and examination findings of the two groups of patients were compared. Furthermore, a multivariable logistic regression model was utilized to evaluate the predictors of successful symptom relief following LSB treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 43.9% (43/98) of patients experienced successful symptom relief, while 56.1% (55/98) had unsuccessful symptom relief. After LSB treatment of all subjects, the overall NRS score decreased, the SSR amplitude increased, and the SSR latency shortened in the affected extremity (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the change in SSR amplitude between the LSB (-) and LSB (+) groups (P = 0.000). A 12-month disease duration had an OR (odds ratio) of 4.477 (P = 0.009), and a 510-µV baseline SSR amplitude of the affected extremity had an OR of 7.508 (P = 0.000) in the multivariable analysis that included these explanatory variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with lower extremity CRPS-1 can experience significant pain relief after LSB treatment. The predictors of successful symptom relief after LSB treatment were a baseline SSR amplitude of the affected extremity < 510 µV and a disease duration < 12 months.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ID: ChiCTR2000037755, date of registration: September 4, 2020).

[Revision rate of periprosthetic joint infection post total hip or knee arthroplasty of 34 hospitals in China between 2015 and 2017: a multi-center survey]

Objective: To investigate the rate of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) revision surgeries and clinical information of hip-/knee- PJI cases nationwide from 2015 to 2017 in China. Methods: An epidemiological investigation. A self-designed questionnaire and convenience sampling were used to survey 41 regional joint replacement centers nationwide from November 2018 to December 2019 in China. The PJI was diagnosed according to the Musculoskeletal Infection Association criteria. Data of PJI patients were obtained by searching the inpatient database of each hospital. Questionnaire entries were extracted from the clinical records by specialist. Then the differences in rate of PJI revision surgery between hip- and knee- PJI revision cases were calculated and compared. Results: Total of 36 hospitals (87.8%) nationwide reported data on 99 791 hip and knee arthroplasties performed from 2015 to 2017, with 946 revisions due to PJI (0.96%). The overall hip-PJI revision rate was 0.99% (481/48 574), and it was 0.97% (135/13 963), 0.97% (153/15 730) and 1.07% (193/17 881) in of 2015, 2016, 2017, respectively. The overall knee-PJI revision rate was 0.91% (465/51 271), and it was 0.90% (131/14 650), 0.88% (155/17 693) and 0.94% (179/18 982) in 2015, 2016, 2017, respectively. Heilongjiang (2.2%, 40/1 805), Fujian (2.2%, 45/2 017), Jiangsu (2.1%, 85/3 899), Gansu (2.1%, 29/1 377), Chongqing (1.8%, 64/3 523) reported relatively high revision rates. Conclusions: The overall PJI revision rate in 34 hospitals nationwide from 2015 to 2017 is 0.96%. The hip-PJI revision rate is slightly higher than that in the knee-PJI. There are differences in revision rates among hospitals in different regions.

Perceived HIV Stigma, Depressive Symptoms, Self-esteem, and Suicidal Ideation Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in China: a Moderated Mediation Modeling Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Suicidal ideation is an important public health challenge among people living with HIV (PLWH) across the world and in China. HIV stigma, depression, and self-esteem have been associated with suicidal ideation. However, the underlying mechanisms remain not fully understood.

METHODS

Study data were derived from a sample of 465 PLWH in China. Suicidal ideation after HIV diagnosis was used as outcome variable. HIV stigma, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem were measured using reliable instruments and used as predictor, mediator, and moderator, respectively. Mediation and moderated mediation model were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

31.6% of PLWH in China had suicidal ideation after HIV diagnosis. The association between perceived HIV stigma and suicidal ideation was partially mediated by depression (indirect effect = 0.02, 95% CI = [0.02, 0.03]) with the path from perceived HIV stigma to depressive symptoms being moderated by self-esteem (interaction effect =  - 0.02, 95% CI [- 0.03, - 0.01]).

CONCLUSIONS

Study findings suggested a mediation mechanism of HIV stigma on suicidal ideation through depressive symptoms, and self-esteem might weaken the mediation mechanism by moderating the perceived HIV stigma-depressive symptoms pathway.

The Comorbidity of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Tinnitus Sufferers: A Network Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Sufferers of tinnitus, especially of the prolonged type, frequently suffer from comorbid depression and anxiety. From the perspective of the network model, this comorbidity is thought to be an interacting system of these two symptoms. In our study, we conducted a network analysis of depression and anxiety comorbidity in tinnitus sufferers, aiming to identify the central and bridge symptoms and make informed suggestions for clinical interventions and psychotherapy.

METHOD

A total of 566 tinnitus sufferers were enrolled in our study. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Questionnaire (GAD-7) were selected to evaluate depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively, followed by network analysis to construct the interacting networks.

RESULTS

The findings identified six edges of strongest regularized partial correlations in this network. Of these, three were depression symptoms and three were anxiety symptoms. The anxiety symptoms "Unable to control worry" and "Relaxation difficulty" and the depression symptom "Feeling depressed or hopeless" had the highest expected influence centrality. The analysis results also revealed three bridge symptoms: "Afraid something awful might happen", "Feeling of worthlessness", and "Trouble concentrating". As for "Suicidal ideation", the direct relations between this symptom and "Afraid something awful might happen" and "Feeling depressed or hopeless" were the strongest.

CONCLUSIONS

The central and bridge symptoms of the interacting network of depression and anxiety symptoms in tinnitus sufferers can be considered a significant transdiagnostic intervention target for the management of this comorbidity. In particular, clinical prevention and psychotherapy should be implemented, targeting the symptoms that have the strongest associations with suicidal ideation.

Neurological complications of COVID-19

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused several pandemic peaks worldwide due to its high variability and infectiousness, and COVID-19 has become a long-standing global public health problem. There is growing evidence that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) frequently causes multi-organ injuries and more severe neurological manifestations. Therefore, increased awareness of possible neurological complications is beneficial in preventing and mitigating the impact of long-term sequelae and improving the prognostic outcome of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Here, we review the main pathways of SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion and the potential mechanisms causing neurological damage. We also discuss in detail neurological complications, aiming to provide cutting-edge basis for subsequent related basic research and clinical studies of diagnosis and treatment.

[Clinical and genetic characteristics of young patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms]

Objectives: To investigate the clinical and genetic features of young Chinese patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, anonymous questionnaires were distributed to patients with MPN patients nationwide. The respondents were divided into 3 groups based on their age at diagnosis: young (≤40 years) , middle-aged (41-60 years) , and elderly (>60 years) . We compared the clinical and genetic characteristics of three groups of MPN patients. Results: 1727 assessable questionnaires were collected. There were 453 (26.2%) young respondents with MPNs, including 274 with essential thrombocythemia (ET) , 80 with polycythemia vera (PV) , and 99 with myelofibrosis. Among the young group, 178 (39.3%) were male, and the median age was 31 (18-40) years. In comparison to middle-aged and elderly respondents, young respondents with MPN were more likely to present with a higher proportion of unmarried status (all P<0.001) , a higher education level (all P<0.001) , less comorbidity (ies) , fewer medications (all P<0.001) , and low-risk stratification (all P<0.001) . Younger respondents experienced headache (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.007; MF, P=0.001) at diagnosis, had splenomegaly at diagnosis (PV, P<0.001) , and survey (ET, P=0.052; PV, P=0.063) . Younger respondents had fewer thrombotic events at diagnosis (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.011) and during the survey (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.003) . JAK2 mutations were found in fewer young people (ET, P<0.001; PV, P<0.001; MF, P=0.013) ; however, CALR mutations were found in more young people (ET, P<0.001; MF, P=0.015) . Furthermore, mutations in non-driver genes (ET, P=0.042; PV, P=0.043; MF, P=0.004) and high-molecular risk mutations (ET, P=0.024; PV, P=0.023; MF, P=0.001) were found in fewer young respondents. Conclusion: Compared with middle-aged and elderly patients, young patients with MPN had unique clinical and genetic characteristics.

Promotional Effect and Molecular Mechanism of Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanocrystal on Zirconia Abutment Surface for Soft Tissue Sealing

Studies have confirmed that tooth loss is closely related to systemic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, some types of tumors, and Alzheimer's disease. Among many methods for tooth restoration, implant restoration is the most commonly used method. After implantation, long-term stability of implants requires not only good bone bonding but also good soft tissue sealing between implants and surrounding soft tissues. The zirconia abutment is used in clinical implant restoration treatment, but due to the strong biological inertia of zirconia, it is difficult to form stable chemical or biological bonds with surrounding tissues. In this study, we investigated synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystal on the zirconia abutment surface by the hydrothermal method to make it more beneficial for soft tissue early sealing and the molecular mechanism. In vitro experiments found that different hydrothermal treatment temperatures affect the formation of ZnO crystals. The crystal diameter of ZnO changes from micron to nanometer at different temperatures, and the crystal morphology also changes. In vitro, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction results show that ZnO nanocrystal can promote the attachment and proliferation of oral epithelial cells on the surface of zirconia by promoting the binding of laminin 332 and integrin β4, regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. In vivo, ZnO nanocrystal ultimately promotes the formation of soft tissue seals. Collectively, ZnO nanocrystal can be synthesized on a zirconia surface by hydrothermal treatment. It can help to form a seal between the implant abutment and surrounding soft tissue. This method is beneficial to the long-term stability of the implant and also can be applied to other medical fields.

Solvent-Free Coupling Reaction of Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides Catalyzed by Quaternary Ammonium Functionalized Schiff Base Metal Complexes under Mild Conditions

A series of bifunctional Schiff base metal catalysts (Zn-NPClR, Zn-NPXH, and M-NPClH) with two quaternary ammonium groups were prepared for carbon dioxide (CO₂) and epoxide coupling reactions. The effects of the reaction variables on the catalytic activity were systematically investigated, and the optimal reaction conditions (120 °C, 1 MPa CO₂, 3 h) were screened. The performances of different metal-centered catalysts were evaluated, and Co-NPClH showed excellent activity. This kind of bifunctional catalyst has a wide range of substrate applicability, excellent stability, and can be reused for more than five runs. A relatively high TOF could reach up to 1416 h^-1 with Zn-NPClH as catalyst by adjusting reaction factors. In addition, the kinetic study of the coupling reaction catalyzed by three catalysts (Zn, Co, and Ni) was carried out to obtain the activation energy (E_a) for the formation of cyclic carbonates. Finally, a possible mechanism for this cyclization reaction was proposed.

[A scoring system to predict molecular responses in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase receiving initial imatinib therapy]

Objective: To develop a scoring system to predict molecular responses in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase (CML-CP) receiving initial imatinib therapy. Methods: Data from consecutive adults with newly diagnosed CML-CP treated by initial imatinib was interrogated and subjects were distributed randomly into training and validation cohort, in a ratio of 2∶1. Fine-gray models were applied in the training cohort to identify co-variates of predictive value for major molecular response (MMR) and MR4. A predictive system was built using significant co-variates. The predictive system was then tested in the validation cohort and the area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to estimate accuracy of the predictive system. Results: 1 364 CML-CP subjects receiving initial imatinib were included in this study. Subjects were distributed randomly into training cohort (n=909) and validation cohort (n=455) . In the training cohort, the male gender, European Treatment and Outcome Study for CML (EUTOS) Long-Term Survival (ELTS) intermediate-risk, ELTS high-risk, high WBC (≥130×10(9)/L or 120×10(9)/L, MMR or MR4) and low HGB (<110 g/L) at diagnosis were significantly related with poor molecular responses and were given points based on their regression coefficients. For MMR, male gender, ELTS intermediate-risk and low HGB (<110 g/L) were given 1 point; ELTS high-risk and high WBC (≥130×10(9)/L) , 2 points. For MR4, male gender was given 1 point; ELTS intermediate-risk and low HGB (<110 g/L) were given 2 points; high WBC (≥120×10(9)/L) , 3 points; ELTS high-risk, 4 points. We divided all subjects into 3 risk subgroups according to the predictive system above. Cumulative incidence of achieving MMR and MR4 in 3 risk subgroups was significantly different in both training and validation cohort (all P values <0.001) . In the training and validation cohorts, the time-dependent AUROC ranges of MMR and MR4 predictive systems were 0.70-0.84 and 0.64-0.81, respectively. Conclusions: A scoring system combining gender, WBC, HGB level and ELTS risk was built to predict MMR and MR4 in CML-CP patients receiving initial imatinib therapy. This system had good discrimination and accuracy, which could help phsicians optimize the selsction of initial TKI-therapy.

[Treatment responses, outcomes, and prognostic factors associated with them in patients with secondary acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To evaluate treatment responses, outcomes, and prognostic factors in adults with secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) . Methods: Between January 2008 and February 2021, date of consecutive cases of younger than 65 years of adults with sAML were assessed retrospectively. Clinical characteristics at diagnosis, treatment responses, recurrence, and survival were evaluated. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards model were employed to determine significant prognostic indicators for treatment response and survival. Results: 155 patients were recruited, including 38, 46, 57, 14 patients belonging to t-AML, and AML with unexplained cytopenia, post-MDS-AML, and post-MPN-AML, respectively. In the 152 evaluable patients, the rate of MLFS after the initial induction regimen was 47.4%, 57.9%, 54.3%, 40.0%, and 23.1% in the four groups (P=0.076) . The total rate of MLFS after the induction regimen was 63.8%, 73.3%, 69.6%, 58.2%, and 38.5% (P=0.084) , respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that male gender (OR=0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9, P=0.038 and OR=0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.8, P=0.015) , SWOG cytogenetic classification into unfavorable or intermediate (OR=0.1, 95% CI 0.1-0.6, P=0.014 and OR=0.1, 95% CI 0.1-0.3, P=0.004) and receiving low-intensity regimen as induction regimen (OR=0.1, 95% CI 0.1-0.3, P=0.003 and OR=0.1, 95%CI 0.1-0.2, P=0.001) were typical adverse factors impacting the first CR and the final CR; PLT<45 × 10(9)/L (OR=0.4, 95%CI 0.2-0.9, P=0.038) and LDH ≥258 U/L (OR=0.3, 95%CI 0.1-0.7, P=0.005) were independent factors for CR. Among the 94 patients with achieving MLFS, 46 cases had allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. With a median follow-up period of 18.6 months, the probabilities of relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) at 3 years were 25.4% and 37.3% in patients with transplantation, and in patients with chemotherapy, the probabilities of RFS and OS at 3-year were 58.2% and 64.3%, respectively. At the time of achieving MLFS, multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥46 years (HR=3.4, 95%CI 1.6-7.2, P=0.002 and HR=2.5, 95%CI 1.1-6.0, P=0.037) , peripheral blasts ≥17.5% at diagnosis (HR=2.5, 95%CI 1.2-4.9, P=0.010 and HR=4.1, 95%CI 1.7-9.7, P=0.002) , monosomal karyotypes (HR=4.9, 95%CI 1.2-19.9, P=0.027 and HR=28.3, 95%CI 4.2-189.5, P=0.001) were typical adverse factors influencing RFS and OS. Furthermore, CR after induction chemotherapy (HR=0.4, 95%CI 0.2-0.8, P=0.015) and transplantation (HR=0.4, 95%CI 0.2-0.9, P=0.028) were substantially linked to longer RFS. Conclusion: Post-MDS-AML and post-MPN-AML had lower response rates and poorer prognoses than t-AML and AML with unexplained cytopenia. In adults with male gender, low platelet count, high LDH, and SWOG cytogenetic classification into unfavorable or intermediate at diagnosis, and receiving low-intensity regimen as the induction regimen predicted a low response rate. Age ≥46 years, a higher proportion of peripheral blasts and monosomal karyotype had a negative effect on the overall outcome. Transplantation and CR after induction chemotherapy were greatly linked to longer RFS.

Effect of acrolein on the formation of harman and norharman in chemical models and roast beef patties

Harman and norharman were the most abundant β-carboline-type heterocyclic amines (HCAs) detected in various foodstuffs. Unsaturated fatty acids in foods may undergo rapid oxidative deterioration during transportation, storage and heat treatment, forming reactive carbonyl species (RCS). This work studied the effects of acrolein, a highly reactive RCS, on the formation of harman and norharman in the tryptophan model system. Results showed that 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mmol of acrolein led to harman production increased by 528 %, 752 %, 981 %, 1172 %, 1375 %, 1288 % and 768 % respectively, and led to norharman formation increased by 116 %, 129 %, 152 %, 169 %, and 197 %, 185 % and 157 %, respectively. Furthermore, acrolein addition reduced the residue of tryptophan (up to 63.19 %), but increased the level of the intermediates including formaldehyde (up to 352 %), acetaldehyde (up to 491 %), (1S,3S)-1-Methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (MTCA, up to 1936 %), and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylicacid (THCA, up to 2142 %) in the tryptophan model system. Acrolein might react with tryptophan, harman and norharman to eliminate them directly. These data suggested that acrolein may contribute to harman and norharman formation through participating in the above complex chemical reactions. In addition, the content of harman and norharman produced in roast beef patties made of minced beef oxidized for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days increased by 118 %, 188 %, 267 %, 137 %, and 48 %, respectively, and led to norharman formation increased by 140 %, 132 %, 90 %, 86 %, and 74 %, respectively compared with those made of fresh minced beef, which further illustrated that lipid oxidation products potentially contributed to harman and norharman formation.

Insight into mechanism of quality changes in tilapia fillets during salting from physicochemical and microstructural perspectives

The effects and mechanisms of salting on quality properties of tilapia fillets were investigated in the present study. Salting under high NaCl concentrations (12 % and 15 %) resulted in low water content and decreased yields, due to the salting-out effects and low pH. Water in fillets increased in the later stage of salting in 3 % and 6 % NaCl solutions (p < 0.05). The released proteins accumulated with increasing time (p < 0.05). The TBARS value increased from 0.01 to 0.20 mg/kg after 10 h in 15 % NaCl solution (p < 0.05). The quality changes were mainly correlated to the shrinking or swelling of myofibers, extracellular spaces, and existential state of muscle proteins. In consideration of fish quality and increasing call for low sodium intake, it was recommended to prepare fillets below 9 % NaCl with short times. The finding provided instructions to obtain target quality properties from tilapia by controlling salting conditions.