A comprehensive analysis of LINC00958 as a prognostic biomarker for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

This work focused on exploring whether the long intergenic non-protein coding RNA LINC00958 is associated with the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Associations of the LINC00958 expression level with clinicopathological features of HNSCC were investigated by logistic regression and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to evaluate patient survival. Clinical data and expression profiles were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Associations of patient clinical characteristics with overall survival (OS), progression-free interval (PFI), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model. Immune cell infiltration analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were applied to determine any significant effects of LINC00958. High LINC00958 expression was related to early pT stage (P < 0.01), primary therapy outcome (P < 0.01), HPV status (P < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.001), and perineural invasion (P < 0.01). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed strong prognostic power for LINC00958 (area under curve = 0.886). High LINC00958 expression predicted poor OS (P = 0.007), DSS (P = 0.036), and PFI (P = 0.040). LINC00958 was related to signalling pathways and the infiltration of certain immune cells. miR-27b-5p was significantly associated with LINC00958, and downstream NT5E predicted poor survival in HNSCC cases. LINC00958 may affect the prognosis by regulating NT5E via miR-27b-5p, and could serve as a possible factor to predict the prognosis of HNSCC, especially oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Correlation of serum DKK1 level with skeletal phenotype in children with osteogenesis imperfecta

PURPOSE

We aim to detect serum DKK1 level of pediatric patients with OI and to analyze its relationship with the genotype and phenotype of OI patients.

METHODS

A cohort of pediatric OI patients and age-matched healthy children were enrolled. Serum levels of DKK1 and bone turnover biomarkers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Pathogenic mutations of OI were detected by next-generation sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

A total of 62 OI children with mean age of 9.50 (4.86, 12.00) years and 29 healthy children were included in this study. The serum DKK1 concentration in OI children was significantly higher than that in healthy children [5.20 (4.54, 6.32) and 4.08 (3.59, 4.92) ng/mL, P < 0.001]. The serum DKK1 concentration in OI children was negatively correlated with height (r = - 0.282), height Z score (r = - 0.292), ALP concentration (r = - 0.304), lumbar BMD (r = - 0.276), BMD Z score of the lumbar spine and femoral neck (r = - 0.32; r = - 0.27) (all P < 0.05). No significant difference in serum DKK1 concentration was found between OI patients with and without vertebral compression fractures. In patients with spinal deformity (22/62), serum DKK1 concentration was positively correlated with SDI (r = 0.480, P < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between serum DKK1 concentration and the annual incidence of peripheral fractures, genotype and types of collagen changes in OI children.

CONCLUSION

The serum DKK1 level was not only significantly elevated in OI children, but also closely correlated to their skeletal phenotype, suggesting that DKK1 may become a new biomarker and a potential therapeutic target of OI.

CTCOSY-JRES: A high-resolution three-dimensional NMR method for unveiling J-couplings

Two-dimensional (2D) J-resolved spectroscopy provides valuable information on J-coupling constants for molecular structure analysis by resolving one-dimensional (1D) spectra. However, it is challenging to decipher the J-coupling connectivity in 2D J-resolved spectra because the J-coupling connectivity cannot be directly provided. In addition, 2D homonuclear correlation spectroscopy (COSY) can directly elucidate molecular structures by tracking the J-coupling connectivity between protons. However, this method is limited by the problem of spectral peak crowding and is only suitable for simple sample systems. To fully understand the intuitive coupling relationship and coupling constant information, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) COSY method called CTCOSY-JRES (Constant-Time COrrelation SpectroscopY and J-REsolved Spectroscopy) in this paper. By combining the J-resolved spectrum with the constant-time COSY technique, a doubly decoupled COSY spectrum can be provided while preserving the J-coupling constant along an additional dimension, ensuring high-resolution analysis of J-coupling connectivity and J-coupling information. Moreover, compression sensing and fold-over correction techniques are introduced to accelerate experimental acquisition. The CTCOSY-JRES method has been successfully validated in a variety of sample systems, including industrial, agricultural, and biopharmaceutical samples, revealing complex coupling interactions and providing deeper insights into the resolution of molecular structures.

Facile synthesis of manganese-hafnium nanocomposites for multimodal MRI/CT imaging and in vitro photodynamic therapy of colon cancer

Precise diagnosis of complex and soft tumors is challenging, which limits appropriate treatment options to achieve desired therapeutic outcomes. However, multifunctional nano-sized contrast enhancement agents based on nanoparticles improve the diagnosis accuracy of various diseases such as cancer. Herein, a facile manganese-hafnium nanocomposites (Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs) system was designed for bimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/computed tomography (CT) contrast enhancement with a complimentary function of photodynamic therapy. The solvothermal method was used to fabricate NCs, and the average size of Mn3O4 NPs and Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs was about 7 nm and 15 nm, respectively, as estimated by TEM. Dynamic light scattering results showed good dispersion and high negative (-33 eV) zeta potential, indicating excellent stability in an aqueous medium. Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs revealed negligible toxic effects on the NCTC clone 929 (L929) and mouse colon cancer cell line (CT26), demonstrating promising biocompatibility. The synthesized Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs exhibit significant enhancement in T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray computed tomography (CT), indicating the appropriateness for dual-modal MRI/CT molecular imaging probes. Moreover, ultra-small Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs show good relaxivities for MRI/CT. These nanoprobes Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs further possessed outstanding reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation ability under minute ultraviolet light (6 mW·cm-2) to ablate the colon cancer cells in vitro. Therefore, the designed multifunctional Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs were ideal candidates for cancer diagnosis and photodynamic therapy.

Validation of disease severity index for predicting complicated disease in Crohn's disease: A comparison study with Lémann index

BACKGROUND

Disease Severity Index (DSI) provides comprehensive assessment of bowel damage (BD).

AIMS

To evaluate DSI in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) at high risk of disease progression, compared to Lémann Index (LI).

METHODS

Patients with CD in our center were reviewed consecutively between 2017 and 2019. DSI, LI, and complicated CD course were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median LI and DSI of included 300 patients were 1.63 (IQR 1.25-3.13) and 42 (IQR 32-51), respectively. 152 patients (50.7%) experienced a complicated disease course (median 5.1 months; IQR 1.1-20.2). DSI (AUC 0.66; 95% CI 0.60-0.72) better predicted a complicated course of CD over LI (AUC 0.56; 95% CI 0.50-0.63; P = 0.007). The cumulative probability of complicated CD course in severe patients was higher than those with 'mild CD' (P < 0.001). The Cox analysis identified DSI>43 (HR 2.18; 95% CI 1.54-3.09; P < 0.001), B2/3 vs. B1 (HR 2.80; 95% CI 1.99-3.94; P < 0.001), and a higher level of CRP (HR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00-1.02; P = 0.005) as independent prognostic factors for complicated CD. However, LI was not associated with complicated CD (P = 0.164).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher DSI was associated with complicated disease outcomes. DSI might play a better role than LI in identifying patients at high risks of disease progression.

Impact of obesity on outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used when standard methods of standard treatment methods are not successful. Obese patients present unique challenges during ECMO due to large body size hindering sufficient flows, difficulties with patient positioning and anatomical landmark identification, and restricted radiology scans. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the impact of obesity on the outcomes of patients undergoing ECMO.

METHODS

Databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases) were searched to identify relevant studies published until July 2023. Data were reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), and the descriptive data were reported as standard difference of means (SDM) by a random effects model.

RESULTS

A literature search identified 345 studies. Of them, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings from the meta-analysis revealed no significant association between obesity and survival outcomes after ECMO (odds ratio (OR): 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70-1.17, p: 0.46). Moreover, no comparative significant differences were found between obese and non-obese individuals on the duration of ECMO procedure (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.07, -0.03-0.17), length of hospital stay (-0.03, -0.19 to 0.12), and duration of ventilation support (-0.10, -0.44 to 0.24).

CONCLUSION

The meta-analysis findings suggest no significant impact of obesity on the survival outcomes after the ECMO procedure. There was no significant impact of obesity on the duration of ECMO procedures, length of hospital stay, and duration of ventilation support.

Disrupted sleep-wake regulation in the MCI-Park mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Disrupted sleep has a profound adverse impact on lives of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and their caregivers. Sleep disturbances are exceedingly common in PD, with substantial heterogeneity in type, timing, and severity. Among the most common sleep-related symptoms reported by PD patients are insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and sleep fragmentation, characterized by interruptions and decreased continuity of sleep. Alterations in brain wave activity, as measured on the electroencephalogram (EEG), also occur in PD, with changes in the pattern and relative contributions of different frequency bands of the EEG spectrum to overall EEG activity in different vigilance states consistently observed. The mechanisms underlying these PD-associated sleep-wake abnormalities are poorly understood, and they are ineffectively treated by conventional PD therapies. To help fill this gap in knowledge, a new progressive model of PD - the MCI-Park mouse - was studied. Near the transition to the parkinsonian state, these mice exhibited significantly altered sleep-wake regulation, including increased wakefulness, decreased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, increased sleep fragmentation, reduced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and altered EEG activity patterns. These sleep-wake abnormalities resemble those identified in PD patients. Thus, this model may help elucidate the circuit mechanisms underlying sleep disruption in PD and identify targets for novel therapeutic approaches.

Distribution of PCDD/Fs and PCBs at different locations in a circulating fluidised bed municipal solid waste incinerator

This study investigates a circulating fluidised bed (CFB) incineration plant to examine the concentrations and fingerprints of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and biphenyls (PCBs) at five locations downstream of the post-combustion zone. Sampling encompassed both flue gas and ash, spanning from the high-temperature superheater to the outlet of the baghouse filter, thus covering a wide range of flue gas temperatures. The analysis reveals a continuous increase in PCDD/F and PCB concentrations in the flue gas from the superheater to the inlet of the air pollution control system (APCS). The maximum concentrations observed were 75.8 ng/Nm3 for PCDDs, 219 ng/Nm3 for PCDFs, and 763 ng/Nm3 for PCBs. These values represent 9.14, 11.5, and 6.37 times their respective concentrations at the outlet of the high-temperature superheater. Concurrently, the levels of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) in the ash steadily increased along the cooling path of the flue gas within the plant. Comparing dl-PCBs to the total amount of 209 PCB congeners, it was evident that dl-PCBs exhibited a trend more akin to that of PCDD/Fs. A robust linear correlation was observed between dl-PCBs and PCDD/Fs (R2 = 0.99, p < 0.001), surpassing that between PCBs and PCDD/Fs (R2 = 0.92, p < 0.01), suggesting that dl-PCBs share closer formation pathways with PCDD/Fs. Additionally, elemental composition analysis of fly ash samples aimed to explore potential links between fly ash characteristics and PCDD/F and PCB formation. The Cl/S ratio increased from 1.58 to 5.13 with decreasing flue gas temperature. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to visualise the concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in the flue gas alongside elemental contents in the fly ash. With the exception of PCBs in ash, all other PCDD/Fs and PCBs in fly ash exhibited positive correlations with both carbon (C) and chlorine (Cl). Furthermore, a positive relationship between C/Cl and PCDD/Fs-PCBs in fly ash implies that fly ash serves as the primary reaction surface for dioxin generation during low-temperature heterogeneous catalytic reactions.

Best practices for managing malodorous and infected wounds in advanced cervical cancer

This cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the most effective strategies for managing malodorous and infected wounds in patients who have been diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. The research was conducted in Liupanshui, China. The study specifically examined demographic profiles, wound characteristics and effectiveness of wound management approaches. The study incorporated the heterogeneous sample of 289 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data collection was conducted via structured questionnaires and medical record evaluations. Descriptive statistics and statistical analyses, such as regression analysis, were utilized to evaluate demographic attributes, wound profiles and effects of different approaches to wound management. The findings unveiled the heterogeneous demographic composition of patients, encompassing differences in socioeconomic standing, educational attainment and age. A wide range of wound characteristics were observed, as 65.7% of lesions during the acute phase with diameter between 2 and 5 centimetres, while 41.5% of lesions had this range. The most prevalent types of infections were those caused by fungi (48.4%), followed by bacterial infections lacking resistance (38.1%). A moderate degree of odour intensity was prevalent, affecting 45.0% of the cases. With maximal odour reduction of 80%, a mean healing time of 25 days and patient satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy demonstrated itself to be the most efficacious treatment method. Additional approaches, such as photodynamic therapy and topical antibiotic therapy, demonstrated significant effectiveness, as evidenced by odour reductions of 70% and 75%, respectively, and patient satisfaction ratings of 4.3 and 4.2. Thus, the study determined challenges associated with management of malodorous and infected lesions among patients with advanced cervical cancer. The results underscored the significance of individualized care approaches, drew attention to efficacious wound management techniques and identified critical determinants that impacted patient recuperation. The findings of this study hold potential for advancing palliative care for individuals diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer.

Genotype-phenotype relationship and comparison between eastern and western patients with osteogenesis imperfecta

PURPOSE

To evaluate the genotypic and phenotypic relationship in a large cohort of OI patients and to compare the differences between eastern and western OI cohorts.

METHODS

A total of 671 OI patients were included. Pathogenic mutations were identified, phenotypic information was collected, and relationships between genotypes and phenotypes were analyzed. Literature about western OI cohorts was searched, and differences were compared between eastern and western OI cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 560 OI patients were identified as carrying OI pathogenic mutations, and the positive detection rate of disease-causing gene mutations was 83.5%. Mutations in 15 OI candidate genes were identified, with COL1A1 (n = 308, 55%) and COL1A2 (n = 164, 29%) being the most common mutations, and SERPINF1 and WNT1 being the most common biallelic variants. Of the 414 probands, 48.8, 16.9, 29.2 and 5.1% had OI types I, III, IV and V, respectively. Peripheral fracture was the most common phenotype (96.6%), and femurs (34.7%) were most commonly affected. Vertebral compression fracture was observed in 43.5% of OI patients. Biallelic or COL1A2 mutation led to more bone deformities and poorer mobility than COL1A1 mutation (all P < 0.05). Glycine substitution of COL1A1 or COL1A2 or biallelic variants led to more severe phenotypes than haploinsufficiency of collagen type I α chains, which induced the mildest phenotypes. Although the gene mutation spectrum varied among countries, the fracture incidence was similar between eastern and western OI cohorts.

CONCLUSION

The findings are valuable for accurate diagnosis and treatment of OI, mechanism exploration and prognosis judgment. Genetic profiles of OI may vary among races, but the mechanism needs to be explored.

Disturbed white matter integrity on diffusion tensor imaging in young children with epilepsy

AIM

To evaluate whether abnormalities in white matter (WM) integrity are present in young children with epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve children (3-6 years old) with epilepsy and six matched healthy controls were recruited for brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Track-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was used to analyse and compare DTI indices of mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), axial and radial diffusivity (AD/RD) between patients and controls, and correlations between clinical variables and DTI parameters were analysed.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, patients showed increased FA in the left superior corona radiata and increased AD in the bilateral superior corona radiata. In children with generalised epilepsy, FA was increased in the left external capsule, while AD was decreased in the body of the corpus callosum, the left external capsule and the left superior longitudinal fasciculus. In those with focal epilepsy, FA was increased in the genu and body of the corpus callosum, and RD was decreased in the genu of the corpus callosum and left external capsule. Compared with partial epilepsy, generalised epilepsy was associated with increased FA in the right anterior corona radiata and decreased RD in the right anterior corona radiata and the genu and body of the corpus callosum. No significant correlations were observed between clinical variables and DTI parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that the microstructure of the white matter is disturbed by epileptic discharges and a compensatory response occurs during early brain development.

Extracellular volume fraction as a potential predictor to differentiate lung cancer from benign lung lesions with dual-layer detector spectral CT

Background

Extracellular volume (ECV) fraction has been used in cardiovascular diseases, pancreatic fibrosis, and hepatic fibrosis. The diagnostic value of ECV for focal lung lesions remains to be explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ECV derived from a dual-layer detector computed tomography (DLCT) to differentiate lung cancer (LC) from benign lung lesions (BLLs).

Methods

Retrospectively, 128 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed LC (n=86) or BLLs (n=42) were included. Conventional computed tomography (CT) characteristics and spectral CT parameters were assessed. All patients' hematocrits were measured to correct contrast volume distributions in blood while calculating ECV. After performing logistic regression analysis, a conventional CT-based model (Model A), DLCT-based model (Model B), combined diagnostic models (Model C), and an ECV-based model (Model D) were developed. The diagnostic effectiveness of each model was examined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The area under the curve (AUC) of each model was compared using the DeLong test.

Results

Certain conventional CT features (such as lesion size, lobulation, spiculation, pleural indentation, and enlarged lymph nodes) differed significantly between the LC and BLL groups (all P<0.05). Statistical differences were found in the following DLCT parameters (all P<0.05): effective atomic number (Zeff) (non-enhancement), electron density (ED) (non-enhancement), ECV, iodine concentration (IC), and normalized iodine concentration (NIC). Models A, B, C, and D had AUCs of 0.801 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.721-0.866], 0.805 (95% CI: 0.726-0.870), 0.925 (95% CI: 0.865-0.964), and 0.754 (95% CI: 0.671-0.826), respectively. The AUC of Model D (ECV) showed no significant difference from that of Models A and B (DeLong test, P>0.05).

Conclusions

The ECV derived from DLCT may be a potential new method to differentiate LC from BLLs, broadening the scope of ECV in clinical research.

Multi-mode heterodyne laser interferometry realized via software defined radio

The agile generation and control of multiple optical frequency modes combined with the realtime processing of multi-mode data provides access to experimentation in domains such as optomechanical systems, optical information processing, and multi-mode spectroscopy. The latter, specifically spectroscopy of spectral-hole burning (SHB), has motivated our development of a multi-mode heterodyne laser interferometric scheme centered around a software-defined radio platform for signal generation and processing, with development in an entirely open-source environment. A challenge to SHB is the high level of shot noise due to the laser power constraint imposed by the spectroscopic sample. Here, we have demonstrated the production, detection, and separation of multiple optical frequency modes to the benefit of optical environment sensing for realtime phase noise subtraction as well as shot noise reduction through multi-mode averaging. This has allowed us to achieve improved noise performance in low-optical-power interferometry. Although our target application is laser stabilization via SHB in cryogenic temperature rare-earth doped crystals, these techniques may be employed in a variety of different contexts.

The Psychometric Properties and Effectiveness of the Approach-Avoidance Job Crafting Scale among Chinese Kindergarten Teachers

Job crafting is an important concept associated with many positive outcomes, particularly for kindergarten teachers. Specifically, job crafting can play a key role in improving kindergarten teachers' work experiences and reducing professional dysfunction, considering their stressful work environment. However, the existing scale that integrates the most accepted theories of job crafting-approach-avoidance theory-has not been examined for efficacy in a multicultural context. Thus, in this study, 1273 Chinese kindergarten teachers were selected as subjects to explore the psychological properties of the German version of the Approach-Avoidance Job Crafting Scale (AAJCS) within the Chinese culture context. The sample was randomly divided into two subsamples. In Sample 1 (N = 618), item analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted. In Sample 2 (N = 655), CFA, reliability, and criterion-related validity tests were conducted. The results showed that job crafting has two independent components, each containing four factors, and the third-order model had the best fit. The reliability and validity of the scale were good, suggesting that AAJCS is an appropriate tool for measuring job crafting in a kindergarten population. Future research is needed to test the validity and reliability of the AAJCS on other populations.

NSG1 promotes glycolytic metabolism to enhance Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma EMT process by upregulating TGF-β

As a highly enriched endosomal protein within neuronal cells, NSG1 has been discovered to facilitate the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the precise mechanisms behind this phenomenon have yet to be elucidated. The pivotal role of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in triggering the EMT and its significant contribution towards tumor metabolic reprogramming-responsible for EMT activation-has been robustly established. Nevertheless, the extent of TGF-β involvement in the NSG1-mediated EMT within ESCC and the processes through which metabolic reprogramming participates remain ambiguous. We accessed an array of extensive public genome databases to analyze NSG1 expression in ESCC. Regulation of TGF-β by NSG1 was analyzed by transcriptome sequencing, quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR), co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP), and immunofluorescence (IF). Additionally, cellular functional assays and western blot analyses were conducted to elucidate the effect of NSG1 on TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, as well as its role in ESCC cell metastasis and proliferation. We validated the influence of the NSG1/TGF-β axis on metabolic reprogramming in ESCC by measuring extracellular acidification, glucose uptake, and lactate production. Our findings identify an oncogenic role for NSG1 in ESCC and show a correlation between high NSG1 expression and poor prognosis in ESCC patients. Additional research indicated TGF-β's involvement in the NSG1-induced EMT process. From a mechanistic perspective, NSG1 upregulates TGF-β, activating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and subsequently fostering the EMT process by inducing cell metabolic reprogramming-evident from elevated glycolysis levels. In conclusion, our study highlights the NSG1/TGF-β axis as a promising therapeutic target for ESCC.

Efficient determination of scalar coupling networks by band selective decoupled 2D NMR spectroscopy

Scalar (J) couplings constitute one of vital features observed in NMR spectroscopy and show valuable information for molecular structure elucidation and conformation analysis. However, existing J coupling measurement techniques are generally confined by the concerns of resolution, SNR, and experimental efficiency. Herein, we exploit an efficient 2D NMR protocol to deal with the above concerns by enabling rapid, sensitive, and high-resolution J coupling extraction. This protocol delivers full-resolved pure shift 2D absorption-mode spectroscopy to gain great convenience for efficient coupling measurements on overcrowded NMR signals. Resulting from band selective signal evolution, this protocol ensures high signal intensity with full magnetization preservation to meet the demand on probing low-concentration samples. This protocol focuses on accessing coupling information between specific two coupled spin families, and it is not applicable to all possible spin systems. Besides, it adopts echo-train selective refocusing acquisition to accelerate pure shift 2D J-edited implementations into pseudo-2D acquisition, and thus holding the experimental efficiency similar to conventional SERF experiments. Therefore, this study presents a promising tool for efficient extraction of J coupling networks, and takes an important step for coupling measurement techniques with wide applications on molecular conformation elucidation and stereochemical configuration analysis.

Dioxin emission prediction from a full-scale municipal solid waste incinerator: Deep learning model in time-series input

The immeasurability of real-time dioxin emissions is the principal limitation to controlling and reducing dioxin emissions in municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI). Existing methods for dioxin emissions prediction are based on machine learning with inadequate dioxin datasets. In this study, the deep learning models are trained through larger online dioxin emissions data from a waste incinerator to predict real-time dioxin emissions. First, data are collected and the operating data are preprocessed. Then, the dioxin emission prediction performance of the machine learning and deep learning models, including long short-term memory (LSTM) and convolutional neural networks (CNN), with normal input and time-series input are compared. We evaluate the applicability of each model and find that the performance of the deep learning models (LSTM and CNN) has improved by 36.5% and 30.4%, respectively, in terms of the mean square error (MSE) with the time-series input. Moreover, through feature analysis, we find that temperature, airflow, and time dimension are considerable for dioxin prediction. The results are meaningful for optimizing the control of dioxins from MSWI.

Prediction of synchronous distant metastasis of primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using the radiomics features derived from 18F-FDG PET and MRI

AIM

To explore the potential of the joint radiomics analysis of positron-emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of primary tumours for predicting the risk of synchronous distant metastasis (SDM) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

18F-FDG PET and MRI images of PDAC patients from January 2011 to December 2020 were collected retrospectively. Patients (n=66) who received 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI were included in a development group. Patients (n=25) scanned with hybrid PET/MRI were incorporated in an external test group. A radiomics signature was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm to select PET-MRI radiomics features of primary PDAC tumours. A radiomics nomogram was developed by combining the radiomics signature and important clinical indicators using univariate and multivariate analysis to assess patients' metastasis risk. The nomogram was verified with the employment of an external test group.

RESULTS

Regarding the development cohort, the radiomics nomogram was found to be better for predicting the risk of distant metastasis (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.93, sensitivity: 87%, specificity: 85%) than the clinical model (AUC: 0.70, p<0.001; sensitivity:70%, specificity: 65%) and the radiomics signature (AUC: 0.89, p>0.05; sensitivity: 65%, specificity:100%). Concerning the external test cohort, the radiomics nomogram yielded an AUC of 0.85.

CONCLUSION

PET-MRI based radiomics analysis exhibited effective prediction of the risk of SDM for preoperative PDAC patients and may offer complementary information and provide hints for cancer staging.

Potential Predictive Value of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Magnetic Resonance for Xerostomia of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Xerostomia, caused by radiation-induced parotid damage, is the most commonly reported complications of radiotherapy (RT) to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to evaluate the value of IVIM MR in monitoring radiation parotid gland damage and predicting the risk of xerostomia.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 54 patients were enrolled and underwent IVIM MR scans at before RT, after the fifth fraction, halfway through the course of RT, and at the end of radiotherapy. The parameters of IVIM MR include pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), and pure diffusion coefficient (D). The degree of xerostomia in NPC patients was assessed before each MR examination using the acute radiation morbidity scoring criteria proposed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). Concurrently, the time when the patient first reported suffering from xerostomia was recorded. The IVIM parameters trend throughout the RT, and the relationships between IVIM parameters and xerostomia, were analyzed.

RESULTS

All of the IVIM parameters increased from pre-RT to post-RT significantly (all p < 0.001). The increase rate of D from pre-RT to halfway through the RT was 32.61%, which was significantly higher than 15.64% from halfway to post-RT (p<0.001), indicating that cell necrosis in the first half of treatment is significantly higher than that in the second half. Both D* and F had significantly increased from pre-RT to halfway through the radiotherapy (p<0.001), with an increase rate of 19.58% and 29.38%, respectively. However, no significant increase was observed from Halfway to post-RT (p>0.05), with an increase rate of 4.10% and 8.30%, respectively. This may be due to radiation-induced vasculitic dilation that is significant in the first half of the radiotherapy but plateaus in the second half. Pre-D (OR = 23.85; 95% CI = 2.39, 237.82; p = .007) and pre-D* (OR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.63, 0.91; p = 0.003) are independent influencing factors for xerostomia at 3 months after the completion of RT. D and F were significantly higher after the fifth fraction compared with Pre-RT (both p<0.05), respectively increased 31.25% and 25.16%. D* increase by 15% (p = 0.081). IVIM scans can assess parotid gland damage early. And the average time of parotid damage underwent IVIM scan was 5.99 ± 0.84 (day), much earlier than 11.84 ± 2.74 (day) according to RTOG.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that IVIM MR can dynamically monitor radiotherapy-induced parotid gland damage, and much earlier and objectively than RTOG.

Fibulin-1 Regulates Initiation of Successional Dental Lamina

In humans, teeth are replaced only once, and the successional dental lamina (SDL) of the permanent tooth is maintained in a quiescent state until adolescence. Recently, we showed that biomechanical stress generated by the rapid growth of the deciduous tooth inhibits SDL development via integrin β1-RUNX2 signaling at embryonic day 60 (E60) in miniature pigs. However, the mechanism by which RUNX2 regulates SDL initiation within the SDL stem cell niche remains unclear. In the current study, we transcriptionally profiled single cells from SDL and surrounding mesenchyme at E60 and identified the landscape of cellular heterogeneity. We then identified a specific fibroblast subtype in the dental follicle mesenchyme between the deciduous tooth and the SDL of the permanent tooth (DFDP), which constitutes the inner part of the niche (deciduous tooth side). Compared with traditional dental follicle cells, the specific expression profile of DFDP was identified and found to be related to biomechanical stress. Subsequently, we found that RUNX2 could bind to the enhancer regions of Fbln1 (gene of fibulin-1), one of the marker genes for DFDP. Through gain- and loss-of-function experiments, we proved that the biomechanical stress-mediated RUNX2-fibulin-1 axis inhibits the initiation of SDL by maintaining SDL niche homeostasis.

Robust Radiosensitization by Combined Treatment of Cancer Cells with Talazoparib and Polθ Inhibitors

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The PARP inhibitor talazoparib is synthetically lethal with HR-defective tumors and functions as a potent radiosensitizer specifically of cancer cells. Talazoparib exerts this unique radiosensitizing property by shifting ionizing radiation (IR)-induced DNA double strand break (DSB) repair towards error-prone alternative end-joining (alt-EJ). DNA polymerase theta (Polθ, encoded by POLQ) is a key component of alt-EJ. Here, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of alt-EJ with Polθ ablation or using specific small molecule inhibitors can further increase talazoparib-induced radiosensitization.

MATERIALS/METHODS

U2OS, A549, and their corresponding POLQ ablated/mutant cell lines were treated with talazoparib and/or Polθ inhibitors ART558/novobiocin prior to irradiation. siRNAs against CtIP, MRE11, EXO1; and a specific inhibitor of DNA2 were employed to suppress DNA end resection. Radiosensitization was assessed by clonogenic survival. Olaparib, rucaparib, and veliparib were also tested under similar conditions. DSB repair and end resection were measured by scoring γH2AX and RPA nuclear foci, respectively. Chromosomal abnormalities were assessed using G2-specific cytogenetics analysis.

RESULTS

Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of Polθ robustly enhanced talazoparib mediated radiosensitization by ∼40-70%. Notably, Polθ inhibition had a much lower effect (by ∼7-17%) when combined with other clinically used PARP inhibitors, olaparib, rucaparib, and veliparib. Polθ inhibition significantly suppressed talazoparib-induced translocation formation in irradiated cells. In addition, combined treatment with Polθ inhibitor and talazoparib attenuated DSB repair, resulting in ∼60% unresolved γH2AX foci and ∼40% unresolved chromatid breaks at 5h post IR. Talazoparib promoted resection of DNA ends as demonstrated by an increase in RPA foci. The resection process requires the activities of CtIP and MRE11, but not of DNA2 or EXO1. Finally, CtIP and MRE11 knockdown impaired radiosensitization following a combined talazoparib/Polθ inhibition treatment.

CONCLUSION

Talazoparib increases the reliance of irradiated cancer cells on Polθ-mediated alt-EJ owing to the increased CtIP/MRE11-dependent resection it produces. Combining talazoparib with Polθ inhibitors has therefore great potential in improving radiotherapy of human tumors.

Influence of different loads on PCDD/F removal by SCR during municipal solid waste incineration

This study was conducted on a full-scale (500 t/d) municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI), investigating the influence of different loads on the emission of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and their removal by selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. The total concentration of PCDD/Fs at the SCR inlet under 100% load was higher than that under 80% load. The changing loads caused different distribution characteristics of PCDD/Fs at the SCR inlet, and the dominant congeners changed from high-chlorinated PCDDs (80% load) to low-chlorinated PCDFs (100% load). Moreover, the increased load enhanced the removal efficiency of PCDD/Fs by SCR from 17.3% to 64.2%, which was influenced by the inlet PCDD/F distribution and the moisture content. The high-chlorinated PCDD/Fs with the more stable structure were more difficult to be deteriorated and the high moisture content can weaken the catalytic activity of SCR catalysts. Correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between major air pollutants and PCDD/F emissions. The results showed that HCl positively correlated with PCDD/F emission concentrations, while NOx and SO2 negatively correlated. The results of this study can provide a reference for MSWI to operate properly under variable loads.

Effect of MTA3 Inhibition of Glutamine Synthetase-Mediated Glutaminolysis on Radiosensitivity of Patients with Esophageal Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Metastasis-associated protein 3 (MTA3) can serve as a tumor suppressor in many cancer types. However, the role of MTA3 in radiosensitivity of patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) remains unclear. We thus investigated the function of MTA3 in radiosensitivity for ESCC, one of the most common digestive cancers.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The colony formation assay and nude mice xenograft tumor assay were performed to investigate the effect of MTA3 on radiosensitivity in ESCC. Glutamine consumption assay kit and glutamate production assay kit were used to assess the glutaminolysis. Glutaminase (GLS) Activity Assay Kit and Glutamine Synthetase (GS) Activity Assay Kit were used to analyze the activity of specific metabolic enzymes dominate glutaminolysis. The regulatory mechanism of glutaminolysis by MTA3 was confirmed using Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and Gaussia luciferase assay. The expression levels of MTA3 and GS in ESCC primary tissues were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Survival curves were plotted with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank test.

RESULTS

The colony formation assay showed that MTA3 depletion and overexpression caused significantly higher and lower clonogenic survival after different doses of irradiation (IR), respectively. When these cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice, the tumors derived from the cells with MTA3 overexpression and MTA3 knockdown were significantly smaller and bigger after IR, respectively. These findings suggest that MTA3 can enhance radiosensitivity in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, overexpressed and knockdown MTA3 can repress and expedite glutamine consumption and glutamate production uniformly, respectively. To determine how MTA3 acts on glutaminolysis, the activity of two specific metabolic enzymes dominate this metabolism, GS and GLS, were evaluated. It found that overexpressed and knockdown MTA3 can restrain and enhance the activity of GS, respectively, but have less effect on GLS. Moreover, the decreased radiosensitivity mediated by MTA3 knockdown is significantly increased when treated with GS inhibitor, suggesting that GS plays a crucial role in MTA3-mediated radiosensitivity enhancement. Mechanistically, Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and Gaussia luciferase assay showed that MTA3 was recruited to the promoter of GS and suppressed GS transcription. However, knockdown of GATA3 abolished MTA3's repressive effect on GS and inhibited the MTA3's occupation on the promoter region of GS. These results collectively demonstrated that, in ESCC cells, MTA3 is recruited by GATA3 to inhibit GS expression, then ultimately represses glutaminolysis and enhances radiosensitivity. Finally, we showed that the ESCC patients in the MTA3low/GShigh group is significantly associated with shorter overall survival.

CONCLUSION

MTA3 is capable of enhancing radiosensitivity through downregulating GS and MTA3low/GShigh might be a potential prognostic factor for ESCC patients.

[Progress in the application of alveolar organoids in common lung diseases]

Organoids are tissue cultures formed by culturing cells in three-dimensional environments that simulate the physiological or pathological conditions of the human body. The cultivation of organoids is used to study the temporal and spatial transformation of cells during the development of tissues or organs, to investigate changes in cellular functions and inter-communications caused by various risk factors, and to discover potential therapeutic targets. This article provided an overview of the cultivation and identification methods of alveolar organoids, as well as the research progress in their application to common respiratory diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, viral pneumonia, and so on. The limitations and future applications of alveolar organoids are also analyzed and discussed.

Van der Waals isotope heterostructures for engineering phonon polariton dispersions

Element isotopes are characterized by distinct atomic masses and nuclear spins, which can significantly influence material properties. Notably, however, isotopes in natural materials are homogenously distributed in space. Here, we propose a method to configure material properties by repositioning isotopes in engineered van der Waals (vdW) isotopic heterostructures. We showcase the properties of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) isotopic heterostructures in engineering confined photon-lattice waves-hyperbolic phonon polaritons. By varying the composition, stacking order, and thicknesses of h10BN and h11BN building blocks, hyperbolic phonon polaritons can be engineered into a variety of energy-momentum dispersions. These confined and tailored polaritons are promising for various nanophotonic and thermal functionalities. Due to the universality and importance of isotopes, our vdW isotope heterostructuring method can be applied to engineer the properties of a broad range of materials.

Designing low-carbon cement-free binders for stabilization/solidification of MSWI fly ash

Low-carbon and high-efficiency binder is desirable for sustainable treatment of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI FA). In this study, CaO or MgO was used to activate ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) to form calcium silicate hydrate and magnesium silica hydrate gel for stabilization/solidification of hazardous MSWI FA. Experimental results showed that potential toxic elements (PTEs), such as Pb and Zn, significantly inhibited the formation of reaction products in CaO-GGBS system due to the complexation between Ca(OH)₂ and PTEs, whereas PTEs only had insignificant inhibition on transformation from MgO to Mg(OH)₂ in MgO-GGBS system, resulting in lower leachabilities of PTEs and higher mechanical strengths. Stabilization/solidification experiments demonstrated that MSWI FA (70 wt%) could be recycled by MgO-GGBS binder (30 wt%) into blocks with desirable 28-day compressive strengths (3.9 MPa) and PTEs immobilization efficiencies (99.8% for Zn and 99.7% for Pb). This work provides mechanistic insights on the immobilization mechanisms of PTEs in CaO/MgO-GGBS systems and suggests a promising MgO-GGBS binder for low-carbon treatment of MSWI FA.

A Challenging Transition: Factors Influencing the Effort-Reward Imbalance and Coping Strategies of Beginning Teachers in China

Purpose

The initial phase can be difficult for teachers: beginning teachers are more likely to experience effort-reward imbalance (ERI) and its harmful effects. To reduce this risk, this study analyzed the factors that impact ERI among beginning teachers in China and investigated the coping strategies they use.

Methods

The study used qualitative research methods to conduct semi-structured interviews with 20 beginning teachers. Each participant was interviewed for at least 40 minutes via an online platform.

Results

The qualitative results showed that ERI among beginning teachers is influenced by the interaction of internal and external factors. The typical factors identified were organizational justice, leadership style, work motivation, and personality type. Beginning teachers in the Chinese context demonstrated a proactive attitude towards challenging situations and chose moderate approaches to cope with ERI. The effectiveness of these strategies varied due to individual differences and contextual factors.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges of beginning teachers to promote their well-being and improve the quality of education. Reducing the ERI of beginning teachers relies on a tripartite effort between society, schools and teachers themselves.

[Long-term prevention and control effects of orthokeratology lenses designed for small treatment zones on children and adolescents with myopia]

Objective: To explore the characteristics of orthokeratology lenses designed for small correction zones and their effectiveness and safety in long-term prevention and control of myopia in children and adolescents. Methods: It was a prospective cohort study that included myopic children and adolescents who received corneal reshaping treatment at the Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University between January 2019 and May 2020. The patients were randomly divided into two groups using computer-generated randomization, and were fitted with corneal reshaping lenses with small treatment zones and conventional designs, respectively. The uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, refractive error, and axial length were measured before and after 6, 12, and 18 months of wearing the lenses. Corneal topography with the Pentacam was also performed, and the area and diameter of the corneal treatment zone were calculated using the Matlab software. Results: A total of 60 myopic patients (60 eyes) were enrolled, including 29 males and 31 females, with an age of (10.40±1.01) years and a spherical equivalent of (-2.88±0.42) D. There were 30 cases in the small correction zone group and 30 cases in the conventional group. There was no significant difference in uncorrected visual acuity and spherical equivalent between the two groups at each time point after treatment. The axial growth in the conventional group was (0.16±0.09) mm at 6 months after treatment, (0.28±0.17) mm at 12 months, and (0.37±0.20) mm at 18 months, whereas in the small treatment zone group it was (0.06±0.05) mm, (0.12±0.10) mm, and (0.18±0.14) mm, respectively. The myopia progression rate in the small treatment zone group was only 37.50%, 42.86%, and 48.64% of the conventional group at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. Corneal topography showed that the treatment area in the conventional group was (6.98±0.89) mm², while in the small treatment zone group it decreased by 23.2% [(5.36±0.73) mm²] (P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that the axial increase after 18 months of lens wearing was negatively correlated with the age before lens wearing (P<0.05), positively correlated with the corneal surface treatment zone size (P<0.05), and not correlated with the pupil diameter and spherical equivalent (all P>0.05). After the shaping treatment, the rate of adverse reaction, which was mild, in both groups was 10%, and the symptoms disappeared. Conclusion: Orthokeratology lenses with smaller treatment zones can significantly reduce the rate of axial length growth in children and adolescents compared to lenses with conventional treatment zones, without compromising treatment safety.

A novel method of calcium dissolution-crystallization-polymerization for stabilization/solidification of MSWI fly ash

Municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI FA) stabilization/solidification using calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) oligomer is an efficient, low-carbon disposal method. The insoluble Ca in FA was converted to free-Ca, utilizing for CaCO₃ oligomer preparation, which was crystallized and polymerized by thermal induction to develop continuous cross-link or bulk structures for stabilization/solidification of potentially toxic elements (PTEs, e.g., lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)). Experimental results showed that the weakly alkaline acid-leaching suspension provided an excellent condition for the generation of CaCO₃ oligomers, with Pb and Zn immobilization reaching over 99.4%. With the acid strengthening of the suspension, H⁺ took the lead in protonating with TEA and limiting the capping action of TEA, which was harmful to the synthesis of CaCO₃ oligomers. Ethanol with a low dielectric constant was considered an ideal solvent for oligomer production, and triethylamine (TEA) as a capping agent established hydrogen bonds (N⋯H) with protonated CaCO₃. H₂O molecules competed with the protonated CaCO₃ molecules for TEA with ethanol concentration decreasing, resulting in erratic precipitation of CaCO₃ molecules and significantly elevated leaching risk of Pb and Zn. The sequential extraction procedure, pH-dependent leaching, and geochemical analysis results revealed that the dissolution/precipitation of Ca, Pb, and Zn in treated FA was mostly controlled by the carbonate mineral phases. Moreover, the low boiling points of ethanol and TEA can be recovered for recycling. The gel-like, flexible combination of CaCO₃ oligomers and FA particles formed by FA offers great resource utilization potential via a controlled crystallization polymerization process.

[Burden of non-communicable diseases attributable to population aging in China, 1990‒2050]

Objective: The direction and intensity of population aging on the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in China from 1990 to 2019 were analyzed, and the burden of NCDs in 2050 was predicted. Methods: The disease-specific disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs) in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study.The differences in indicators from 1990 to 2019 were attributed to the contribution of age structure, population size, and all other causes. The Bayesian age-time-cohort models were used to predict DALYs from NCDs to 2050. Results: The absolute level of DALYs caused by NCDs increased by 7.460 million from 1990 to 2019, and the age structure contributed 186.0% (95% Uncertainty Intervals (UIs): 178.4%-193.6%), population size contributed 77.0% (95% UIs: 69.5%-80.8%), all other causes contributed -163.0% (95% UIs:-163.1%- -159.3%). DALYs caused by NCDs consist of 2.527 million YLLs and 4.934 million YLDs, in which the contribution of age structure to YLLs and YLDs was 414.6% (95% UIs: 396.2%-432.5%) and 69.1% (95% UIs: 66.7%-71.4%), respectively. From 2019 to 2050, the diseases with increased DALYs due to changes in age structure are cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms, chronic respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, sense organ diseases, diabetes and kidney diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, digestive diseases, mental disorders, and skin and subcutaneous diseases in descending order. Conclusions: From 1990 to 2019, except for skin and subcutaneous diseases, the burden of other NCDs attributable to population aging increased, mainly due to disability. By 2050, the burden of NCDsattributable to population aging will continue to rise.

A new insight into the CaO-induced inhibition pathways on PCDD/F formation: Metal passivation, dechlorination and hydroxide substitution

Ca-based inhibitors (especially CaO) for PCDD/F (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran) formation are considered as economic inhibitors with low toxicity and strong adsorption of acidic gases (e.g., HCl, Cl₂, and SO_x), whereas the insight understanding of its inhibition mechanisms is scarcely explored. Herein, CaO was used to inhibit the de novo reaction for PCDD/F formation (250-450 °C). The evolution of key elements (C, Cl, Cu, and Ca) combined with theoretical calculations was systematically investigated. The concentrations and distribution of PCDD/Fs demonstrated the significant inhibition effect of CaO on I-TEQ (international toxic equivalency) concentrations of PCDD/Fs (inhibition efficiencies: > 90 %) and hepta~octa chlorinated congeners (inhibition efficiencies: 51.5-99.8 %). And the conditions (5-10 % CaO, 350 °C) were supposed to be the preferred conditions applied in real MSWIs (municipal solid waste incinerators). CaO significantly suppressed the chlorination of carbon matrix (superficial organic Cl (CCl) reduced from 16.5 % to 6.5-11.3 %) and the formation of unsaturated hydrocarbons or aromatic carbon (superficial CC decreased from 6.7 % to 1.3-2.1 %). Also, CaO promoted the dechlorination of Cu-based catalysts and Cl solidification (e.g., conversion of CuCl₂ to CuO, and formation of CaCl₂). The dechlorination phenomenon was validated by the dechlorination of highly chlorinated PCDD/F-congeners (via DD/DF chlorination pathways). Density functional theory calculations revealed that CaO facilitated the substitution of Cl by -OH on the benzene ring to inhibit the polycondensation of the chlorobenzene and chlorophenol (Gibbs free energy reduced from +74.83 to -36.62 and - 148.88 kJ/mol), which also indicates the dechlorination effect of CaO on de novo synthesis.

From black water to flushing water: potential applications of chlorine-mediated indirect electrooxidation for ammonia removal

Removing ammonia from black water is one of the most urgent issues before it can be recycled as flushing water. In this study, an electrochemical oxidation (EO) process with commercial Ti/IrO₂-RuO₂ anodes to treat black water could remove 100% of different concentrations of ammonia by adjusting the dosage of chloride. Through the relationship between ammonia, chloride, and corresponding the pseudo-first-order degradation rate constant (K_obs), we could determine the chloride dosage and predict the kinetics of ammonia oxidation based on initial ammonia concentration in black water. The optimal N/Cl molar ratio was 1:1.8. The difference between black water and the model solution in terms of ammonia removal efficiency and oxidation products was explored. A higher chloride dosage was beneficial for removing ammonia and shortening the treatment cycle, but it also led to the generation of toxic by-products. Especially HClO and ClO₃^- generated in black water were 1.2 and 1.5 times more than the synthesized model solution under 40 mA cm^-2. Through SEM characterization of electrodes and repeated experiments, the electrodes always maintained a high treatment efficiency. These results demonstrated the potential of the electrochemical process as a treatment method for black water.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Irisin on LPS-stimulated macrophages through inhibition of MAPK pathway

This study aimed to investigate the effect of irisin on LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. A network pharmacology-based approach, combined with molecular docking and in vitro validation were performed to identify the biological activity, key targets, and potential pharmacological mechanisms of irisin against LPS-induced inflammation. By matching 100 potential genes of irisin with 1893 ulcerative colitis (UC) related genes, 51 common genes were obtained. Using protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) and component-target network analysis,10 core genes of irisin on UC were further identified. The results of gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that the molecular mechanisms of irisin on UC were mainly related to major enrichment in the categories of response to xenobiotic stimulus, response to the drug, and negative regulation of gene expression. Molecular docking results showed good binding activity for almost all core component targets. More importantly, MTT assay and flow cytometry results showed that LPS-induced cytotoxicity was reversed by irisin, after coincubation with irisin, the level of IL-12 and IL-23 decreased in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Irisin pretreatment significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT and increased the expression of PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma. LPS-induced enhancement of phagocytosis and cell clearance were reversed by irisin pretreatment. Irisin ameliorated LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting cytotoxicity and apoptosis, and this protective effect may be mediated through the MAPK pathway. These findings confirmed our prediction that irisin plays an anti-inflammatory role in LPS-induced inflammation via the MAPK pathway.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Irisin on LPS-stimulated macrophages through inhibition of MAPK pathway

This study aimed to investigate the effect of irisin on LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. A network pharmacology-based approach, combined with molecular docking and in vitro validation were performed to identify the biological activity, key targets, and potential pharmacological mechanisms of irisin against LPS-induced inflammation. By matching 100 potential genes of irisin with 1893 ulcerative colitis (UC) related genes, 51 common genes were obtained. Using protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) and component-target network analysis,10 core genes of irisin on UC were further identified. The results of gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that the molecular mechanisms of irisin on UC were mainly related to major enrichment in the categories of response to xenobiotic stimulus, response to the drug, and negative regulation of gene expression. Molecular docking results showed good binding activity for almost all core component targets. More importantly, MTT assay and flow cytometry results showed that LPS-induced cytotoxicity was reversed by irisin, after coincubation with irisin, the level of IL-12 and IL-23 decreased in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Irisin pretreatment significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT and increased the expression of PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma. LPS-induced enhancement of phagocytosis and cell clearance were reversed by irisin pretreatment. Irisin ameliorated LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting cytotoxicity and apoptosis, and this protective effect may be mediated through the MAPK pathway. These findings confirmed our prediction that irisin plays an anti-inflammatory role in LPS-induced inflammation via the MAPK pathway.

Albumin-encapsulated HSP90-PROTAC BP3 nanoparticles not only retain protein degradation ability but also enhance the antitumour activity of BP3 in vivo

Proteolysis-targeting chimaera (PROTAC) has received extensive attention in industry. However, there are still some limitations that hinder its further development. In a previous study, our group first demonstrated that the HSP90 degrader BP3 synthesised by the principle of PROTACs showed therapeutic potential for cancer. However, its application was hindered by its high molecular weight and water insolubility. Herein, we aimed to improve these properties of HSP90-PROTAC BP3 by encapsulating it into human serum albumin nanoparticles (BP3@HSA NPs). The results demonstrated that BP3@HSA NPs showed a uniform spherical shape with a size of 141.01 ± 1.07 nm and polydispersity index < 0.2; moreover, BP3@HSA NPs were more readily taken up by breast cancer cells and had a stronger inhibitory effect in vitro than free BP3. BP3@HSA NPs also demonstrated the ability to degrade HSP90. Mechanistically, the improved inhibitory effect of BP3@HSA NPs on breast cancer cells was related to its stronger ability to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, BP3@HSA NPs improved PK properties and showed stronger tumour suppression in mice. Taken together, this study demonstrated that hydrophobic HSP90-PROTAC BP3 nanoparticles encapsulated by human serum albumin could improve the safety and antitumour efficacy of BP3.

Apical Papilla Regulates Dental Follicle Fate via the OGN-Hh Pathway

Root apical complex, including Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, apical papilla, and dental follicle (DF), is the germinal center of root development, wherein the DF constantly develops into periodontal tissue. However, whether DF development is regulated by the adjacent apical papilla remains largely unknown. In this study, we employed a transwell coculture system and found that stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) inhibit the differentiation and maintain the stemness of dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs). Meanwhile, partial SCAP differentiation markers were upregulated after DFSC coculture. High-throughput RNA sequencing revealed that the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway was significantly downregulated in DFSCs cocultured with SCAPs. Upregulation or downregulation of the Hh pathway can respectively activate or inhibit the multidirectional differentiation of DFSCs. Osteoglycin (OGN) (previously known as mimecan) is highly expressed in the dental papilla, similarly to Hh pathway factors. By secreting OGN, SCAP regulated the stemness and multidirectional differentiation of DFSCs via the OGN-Hh pathway. Finally, Ogn^-/- mice were established using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We found that the root length growth rate was accelerated during root development from PN0 to PN30 in Ogn^-/- mice. Moreover, the hard tissues (including dentin and cementum) of the root in Ogn^-/- mice were thicker than those in wild-type mice. These phenotypes were likely due to Hh pathway activation and the increased cell proliferation and differentiation in both the apical papilla and DF. The current work elucidates the molecular regulation of early periodontal tissue development, providing a theoretical basis for future research on tooth root biology and periodontal tissue regeneration.

Multi-scale attention and boundary enhancement with long-range dependency for salient object detection

Existing saliency detection methods have achieved great progress in extracting multi-level features, however it is a challenging problem to catch accurate long-range dependencies that can enhance the accuracy of semantic information. To address this, a Transformer-based multi-scale attention and boundary enhancement with long-range dependency (MSBE) network is proposed in this paper. A multi-scale attention enhancement module (MSAEM) is designed to reduce the redundant or noisy features and generate a high-quality feature representation by integrating multiple attentional features with diverse perspectives. The high-quality features are then fed into the triple Transformer encoder embedding module (TEM) to enhance high-level semantic features by learning long-range dependencies across layers. In the decoder part, a cross-layer feature fusion module (CLFFM) and boundary enhancement module (BEM) are designed to improve the effect of feature fusion and get accurate prediction results. Extensive experiments on six challenging public datasets demonstrate that the proposed method achieves competitive performance.

New insight into the enhanced ozonation of malodorous compounds by Cu(II): Inhibiting the formation of free radicals to promote ozone utilization

Metal-enhanced ozonation can greatly improve the decay of organic matter; however, whether this method benefits the decay of malodorous compounds or not and the possible mechanism are not well understood. In this study, nine typical malodorous compounds were selected to reveal that Cu(II)-enhanced ozonation can greatly promote the decay of fatty amines because of the direct ozone oxidation, which was enhanced to promote ozone utilization. Moreover, trace Cu(II) can amplify the observed rate constants of dimethylamine and trimethylamine for 48.9% and 155.7%, respectively, and Cu(II) dosage was the determining factor using response surface methodology to investigate the interactions between initial pH, Cu(II) dosage and ozone dosage. These results demonstrated that the formation of ^•OH and O₂^•- was inhibited rather than promoted, which was quite different from some previously reported Cu(II)-enhanced ozonation counterparts. Moreover, the enhanced effect of trace Cu(II) was exhibited in both single and complex malodorous compounds. The conversion pathway of nitrogen and sulfur elements was clarified, with the targeted mineralization of nitrogen of nitrogen-containing malodorous compounds into NO₃-N and the odor characteristics of sulfur-containing malodorous compounds disappeared. These findings provided new insight for utilizing metal ions to enhance the direct ozone oxidation capacity of malodorous compounds.

The prognostic value of splenic abnormalities in pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with complete response diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

AIM

To investigate whether spleen imaging characteristics of baseline 2-[¹⁸F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) can help to predict the clinical outcome in complete response (CR) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred and six patients with DLBCL were enrolled in the study and divided into recurrence and non-recurrence groups. The splenic abnormalities were compared using the chi-square test and quantitative indexes were compared using the t-test. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to compare progression-free survival (PFS). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match patients with and without splenic abnormalities according to age, gender, and initial Ann Arbor stage at a 1:2 ratio (52:104); then the recurrence and PFS results were compared again.

RESULTS

Age, international prognostic index (IPI), stage, splenomegaly, and focal splenic lesions were significantly different between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups. IPI, stage, baseline spleen mean standard uptake value (SUVmean)/liver SUVmean, splenomegaly, and focal lesions were selected by Cox single-factor analysis, and only focal lesions showed a statistical difference in terms of Cox multivariate analysis (p=0.022, hazard ratio [HR]: 2.843). After PSM, focal splenic lesions (n=20) were still statistically different (p=0.003) between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups, and this played an essential role in PFS forecasting (p=0.0004, HR: 3.767).

CONCLUSION

Focal splenic lesions were identified as an independent risk factor for the prognosis of DLBCL. Pretreatment splenomegaly and focal splenic lesions appeared to be related to the relapse and PFS of DLBCL patients. Focal splenic lesions still showed meaningful predictive value even with propensity matching.

Suppression on PCDD/Fs formation by a novel inhibition system consisting of phosphorous-based compounds coupled with a chlorine-deactivation material

The SN-containing inhibitors are effective for suppressing the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the post-combustion zone of municipal solid waste incineration systems, but the industrial application of the SN-containing inhibitors is restricted by the high cost and the generation of corrosive by-products (e.g., SOx). To develop cost-effective and environmentally friendly inhibitors, a new inhibition system consisting of P-based compounds (i.e., NH₄H₂PO₄ (ADP) and KH₂PO₄ (PDP)) and a chlorine-deactivation material (CaO) was proposed in this study. Also, the performance of this inhibition system in terms of suppressing PCDD/Fs formation was evaluated in an experimental system which simulated PCDD/Fs generation in the post-combustion zone. Generally, the formation of PCDD/Fs was effectively suppressed by over 95 % by the mixed inhibitors (ADP/CaO and PDP/CaO) and the individual inhibitor of ADP. Based on the observation on PCDD/F-fingerprints and the chemical speciation of Cl and Cu, the mechanisms of inhibitors were identified as: (i) passivating metal catalyst by converting the speciation of Cu from chlorides and Cu²⁺ with high reactivities to phosphates, oxides, and Cu⁺ with low reactivities, and (ii) deactivating Cl by CaO to prevent the formation of organic Cl which was critical for PCDD/Fs formation. In addition, both mechanisms were supported by (i) the better performance of inhibitors on suppressing the PCDD/F-congeners formed via de novo pathway than congeners synthesized from chlorophenols and (ii) lower degrees of chlorination of PCDD/Fs for reaction systems with CaO involved than other systems.

Efficient synergistic catalysis of chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons and NOx over novel low-temperature catalysts: Nano-TiO2 modification and interaction mechanism

For efficient and synergistic elimination of chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., dioxins and chlorobenzenes) and NO_x at low temperatures, a novel VO_x-CeO_x-WO_x/TiO₂ catalyst was systemically studied, involving the nano-TiO₂ modification and the interaction mechanism between 1,2-dichlorobenzen (1,2-DCB) catalytic oxidation (DCBCO) and NH₃-SCR. The VO_x-CeO_x-WO_x/TiO₂ performed excellent oxygen storage/release capacity (OSRC) and desirable 1,2-DCB conversion efficiency (95.1-97.4%) at 160-200 ℃ via M‒K and L‒H mechanism. The nano-TiO₂ modification slightly impaired the 1,2-DCB oxidation to 93.6-96.2% owing to the reduced surface area and Brønsted acidity, while it distinctly enhanced NO conversion and lowered the T₅₀ (from 162 to 112 ℃) and T₉₀ (from 232 to 205 ℃) by improving catalyst reducibility. Based on further synergistic catalysis evaluation and in-situ DRIFT analysis, NO enhanced the 1,2-DCB conversion and complete oxidation capacity of VO_x-CeO_x-WO_x/TiO₂ by promoting active oxygen (O₂^-, O^-, O^2-) generation and improving 1,2-DCB chemosorption and subsequent oxidation. In detail, the produced HCl and H₂O improved the catalyst acidity and promoted the formation of HONO and HNO₃. Moreover, their generation not only facilitated the chemisorption of NH₃ but also participated in the NH₃-SCR via L‒H mechanism. The ensuing problem was the competitive chemisorption among 1,2-DCB, NH₃, and their subsequent intermediates. As a result, NH₃ had distinct advantages in competing for acid sites and active oxygen species, especially at the higher temperature, resulting in the improved NO conversion with elevated reaction temperature but the reduced 1,2-DCB conversion. The results provided essential basics for developing new catalysts to synergistically control the emission of chloroaromatic organics and NO_x at low temperature.

Is intuition better than rationality? The effect of pre-decisional strategy on occupational interest forecasting in Chinese college students

Purpose

Previous studies showed that the unconscious-intuitive strategy resulted in a better choice for it is more predictive of actual interest. This benefit may be influenced by occupational engagement, for the dual process of career decisions takes it as a tool for multidevelopment and optimal adjustment. Thus, we replicated (and extended) the study of Motl et al. (2018) through two experiments to identify the role of three pre-decisional strategies and then explore the combined effects of occupational engagement and these strategies. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors replicated (and extended) the study of Motl et al. (2018) through two experiments. First, both studies adopted generalized linear mixed-effects models for statistical analyses to distinguish random and fixed effects. Second, Study 2 used a computer-based process-tracing program called “Mouselab” to explore the effect of the pre-decisional strategy self-generated on participants' interest appraisals over time.

Findings

Study 1 found that engagement helped promote participants' interest experience when decisions as usual and the intuitive strategy did not produce optimal choices. Further, people with more prior knowledge about situations no longer achieved as many benefits from their allocated strategy (i.e. rational strategy) as those with less. Study 2 failed to find adequate advantages of the intuitive strategy. Specifically, people with less search depth (the heuristic-intuitive strategy) were more interested in their choices. Nevertheless, when the strategy was manipulated as variability of search (VS), it only found the promotion of engagement, but it neither found the interaction between engagement and strategy nor did strategy itself.

Originality/value

The present paper provides mixed support for adaptive career decision-making. Career counselors can use occupational engagement levels as a reference for pre-decisional strategy selection and coach clients to adopt a proper decision-making process/method to make interest forecasts.

[Clinical characteristics of Danon disease]

Objective: To review the clinical data of 7 patients with Danon disease and analyze their clinical characteristics. Methods: The medical records of 7 patients with Danon disease, who were hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from April 2008 to July 2021, were reviewed and summarized, of which 6 cases were diagnosed as Danon disease by lysosomal-associated membrane protein-2 (LAMP-2) gene mutation detection and 1 case was diagnosed by clinicopathological features. Clinical manifestations, biochemical indexes, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, skeletal muscle and myocardial biopsy and gene detection results were analyzed, and patients received clinical follow-up after discharge. Results: Six patients were male and average age was (15.4±3.5) years and the average follow-up time was (27.7±17.0) months. The main clinical manifestations were myocardial hypertrophy (6/7), decreased myodynamia (2/7) and poor academic performance (3/7). Electrocardiogram features included pre-excitation syndrome (6/7) and left ventricular hypertrophy (7/7). Echocardiography examination evidenced myocardial hypertrophy (6/7), and left ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction during the disease course (1/7). The results of skeletal muscle biopsy in 6 patients were consistent with autophagy vacuolar myopathy. Subendocardial myocardial biopsy was performed in 3 patients, and a large amount of glycogen deposition with autophagosome formation was found in cardiomyocytes. LAMP-2 gene was detected in 6 patients, and missense mutations were found in all these patients. During the follow-up period, implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation was performed in 1 patient because of high atrioventricular block 4 years after diagnosis, and there was no death or hospitalization for cardiovascular events in the other patients. Conclusion: The main clinical manifestations of Danon disease are cardiomyopathy, myopathy and mental retardation. Pre-excitation syndrome is a common electrocardiographic manifestation. Autophagy vacuoles can be seen in skeletal muscle and myocardial pathological biopsies. LAMP-2 gene mutation analysis is helpful in the diagnose of this disease.

Formation pathways, gas-solid partitioning, and reaction kinetics of PCDD/Fs associated with baghouse filters operated at high temperatures: A case study

The application of the 3T method during combustion (i.e., a Temperature > 850 °C, a residence Time > 2 s, and sufficient Turbulence) can lead to elevated operating temperature in the baghouse filter for the municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) systems without sufficient heat exchange capacity, which is potentially detrimental to the emission control of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Herein, a field study focusing on the distribution and variation of PCDD/Fs in gaseous and solid phases in a baghouse filter with high operating temperature (225-230 °C) was carried out. The concentration of PCDD/Fs in gases at the outlet of the baghouse filter was around 1 order of magnitude higher than that in inlet gases (i.e., noticeable memory effect of PCDD/Fs), because of the significant PCDD/Fs formation in filter fly ash (primarily contributed by the precursor pathway) followed by PCDD/Fs desorption. In addition, the mechanisms and factors resulting in the memory effect of PCDD/Fs were identified based on a laboratory study that carefully investigated the formation and desorption of PCDD/Fs at potential operating temperatures of baghouse filters (i.e., 180, 200, and 225 °C). The temperature was identified as the key factor inducing the memory effect of PCDD/Fs, because: i) PCDD/Fs memory effect was not observed for baghouse filters with low operating temperatures of ~150 °C in previous studies; ii) both the formation and desorption of PCDD/Fs were noticeably favored by rising temperature from 180 to 225 °C; iii) increasing temperature appeared to facilitate the transformation from inorganic Cl to organic Cl and the conversion from aliphatic carbon to aromatic carbon or unsaturated hydrocarbons, both of which were favorable to PCDD/Fs formation; and iv) the release rate of PCDD/Fs from fly ash was exponentially dependent on temperature based on the modeling results of reaction kinetics.

Influence of different kinds of incinerators on PCDD/Fs: a case study of emission and formation pathway

Few studies focused on the emission of polychlorinated-ρ-dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) from different kinds of waste incinerators. This study was conducted in a full-scale MSW incineration plant to investigate the influence of different incinerator types on PCDD/F. Experimental results indicated that the 2,3,7,8-PCDD/F concentration in the inlet gas of the air pollution control system (APCS) in the studied fluidized bed was higher (2.03 ng I-TEQ/Nm³) than that of the grate (0.77 ng I-TEQ/Nm³). But gas in the outlet of APCS from both incinerators had an approximate concentration, lower than the Chinese emission limit of 0.1 ng I-TEQ/Nm³. Similar distribution patterns were observed for 2,3,7,8-PCDD/Fs, as well as 136 PCDD/F congeners. Specifically, OCDD and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD were major isomer constituents for 2,3,7,8-PCDD/F isomers. In terms of formation pathways, a similar formation mechanism was observed based on fingerprint characteristics of 136 PCDD/F congeners. De novo synthesis was the dominating formation pathway for both incinerators. Meanwhile, DD/DF chlorination was another contributor to PCDD/F formation, which in the fluidized bed was higher. In addition, little correlation (0.009 < R² < 0.533) between conventional pollutants (HCl, CO, PM) and PCDD/Fs was found, suggesting little high-temperature synthesis observed and verifying the dominance of de novo synthesis.

Simultaneous removal of PCDD/Fs and mercury by activated carbon from a full-scale MSW incinerator in southeast China

This study emphasized on the removal performance of polychlorinated-ρ-dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and mercury by different activated carbon injection (ACI) rates from a full-scale (700 t/d) MSW incinerator. The result exhibited that the emission standard of PCDD/Fs and mercury could be met when the ACI rate reached 50 mg/Nm³ and 30 mg/Nm³, respectively. Lower chlorinated PCDD/Fs and PCDFs showed higher removal efficiencies compared with highly chlorinated PCDD/Fs and PCDDs, which could be attributed to the larger competitiveness of highly volatile congeners in AC adsorption than the lower volatile ones. AC turned out to have different adsorption selectivity for CP-routes PCDD/Fs congeners, among which 1379-TCDD was preferred to be absorbed while others exhibited little or poor selectivity for AC adsorption. The removal efficiency of PCDD/Fs was positively correlated with ACI rate at 99% confidence interval with a linear relationship (R² = 0.98). Also, the outlet concentration of mercury decreased with the increase of ACI rate in a nearly linear function (R² = 0.96). These results will be meaningful for the rational use of AC for pollutants control.

Paclitaxel-resistant related lncRNA DBH-AS1 promotes the proliferation and invasion of esophageal cancer

OBJECTIVE

Chemoresistance is one of the main obstacles in the clinical treatment of cancer. However, secondary resistance to paclitaxel poses new challenges for cancer treatment. Long noncoding RNAs regulate cellular functions at different levels and mechanisms and play an important role in the biological behavior of tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LncRNA microarrays were used to detect lncRNAs in Paclitaxel-resistant cells and corresponding parental cells. Cell counting kit 8 and Transwell analysis were used to test the effect of lncRNA on function.

RESULTS

The expression of lncRNA DBH-AS1 in TE-4 TAX-R cells was significantly higher than that in TE-4 cells. Transwell analysis showed that the overexpression of lncRNA DBH-AS1 increased the invasion of Eca cells. Cell scratches and Transwell analysis showed that the overexpression of lncRNA DBH-AS1 in Eca cell culture supernatants promoted the migration and invasion of HUVEC. In addition, lncRNA DBH-AS1 relies on miR-21 to regulate the expression of YOD1.

CONCLUSIONS

Paclitaxel-resistant lncRNA DBH-AS1 appears to promote ECa cell proliferation and invasion by acting as a ceRNA and regulating miR-21-5p /YOD1 signaling pathway.