Structure-Activity Relationship Study of (E)-3-(6-Fluoro-1H-indol-3-Yl)-2-methyl-1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (FC116) Against Metastatic Colorectal Cancers Resistant to Oxaliplatin

Advanced metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and the development of drug resistance to chemotherapy pose significant challenges in clinical settings. In previous studies, we have demonstrated the potent cytotoxic activity of (E)-3-(6-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-methyl-1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (FC116) and related 30 derivatives against mCRC by targeting microtubules. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the 31 compounds and explore the structure-activity relationship (SAR) against oxaliplatin-resistant mCRC. We found that most of the derivatives showed high sensitivity toward the oxaliplatin-resistant HCT-116/L cells. Particularly, FC116 exhibited a better GI50 value against the resistant mCRC cell line, HCT-116/L, compared to standard therapies. We also observed a safer therapeutic window for FC116 and a synergistic effect when it was used in combination with oxaliplatin. Mechanistically, FC116 induced the G2/M phase arrest by downregulating cyclin B1 expression through its interaction with microtubules in resistant colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that FC116 significantly suppressed tumor growth, achieving a 78% reduction at a dose of 3 mg/kg, which was superior to the 40% reduction achieved by oxaliplatin treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that the indole-chalcone compound FC116 represents a promising lead for chemotherapy in oxaliplatin-resistant mCRC.

Field-induced Bose-Einstein condensation in zigzag spin chain KGaCu(PO4)2

Single crystals of GaKCu(PO4)2were synthesized using the hydrothermal method, and subsequent measurements of specific heat, magnetic susceptibility, and high-field magnetization were performed. A broad peak is observed in the magnetic susceptibility and specific heat curves, with the maximum values appearing at about 11.5 K and 5.29 K, respectively. The highest maximum peak value of susceptibility is observed when the magnetic field is applied along thec-axis, followed by thea-axis,b-axis, and polycrystalline samples. These indicate that the system exhibits one-dimensional magnetism and the magnetic easy axis is thecaxis. The magnetization at 2 K reveals the occurrence of a field-induced Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) phase within the magnetic field range of approximately 8-12 T. High-field magnetization up to 40 T indicates that the compound reaches magnetization saturation as the field exceedsHs= 12 T. Through systematic measurements, a field-temperature (H-T) phase diagram was constructed, and dome-like phase boundaries were observed. The findings suggest that GaKCu(PO4)2is a spin gap system and a promising candidate for studying BEC of magnons due to its phase transition boundary occurring at low magnetic fields.

[Clinical effect of modified vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in repairing skin and soft tissue defects after abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of the modified vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in repairing the skin and soft tissue defect after abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer. Methods: This study was a retrospective observational study. From June 2019 to July 2022, five male patients with low rectal cancer who were conformed to the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Basic Surgery of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, with ages ranging from 65 to 70 years and the sizes of the perianal skin ulcers ranging from 5 cm×4 cm to 11 cm×9 cm, and all of them underwent abdominoperineal resection. The secondary skin and soft tissue defects in the perineum with an area of 8 cm×6 cm-14 cm×12 cm (with the depth of pelvic floor dead space being 10-15 cm) were repaired intraoperatively with transplantation of modified vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps with the skin area being 9 cm×7 cm-16 cm×12 cm, the volume of the muscle being 18 cm×10 cm×5 cm-20 cm×12 cm×5 cm, and the vessel pedicle being 18-20 cm in length. During the operation, most of the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle was retained, the flap was transferred to the recipient area through the abdominal cavity, the remaining anterior sheaths of the rectus abdominis muscle on both sides of the donor area were repeatedly folded and sutured, the free edge of the transverse fascia of the abdomen was sutured with the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle, and the donor area skin was directly sutured. After the operation, the survival of the transplanted myocutaneous flap was observed. The occurrence of complications in the perineal recipient area was recorded within 2 weeks after the operation. The recovery of the perineal recipient area and the abdominal donor area was observed during follow-up, and the occurrence of complications in the donor area of the abdomen as well as the recurrence of tumors and metastasis were recorded. Results: All transplanted myocutaneous flaps in 5 patients survived after surgery. One patient had dehiscence of the incision in the perineal recipient area 2 days after surgery, which healed after 7 d with intermittent dressing changes and routine vacuum sealing drainage treatment. In the other 4 patients, no complications such as incisional rupture, incisional infection, or fat liquefaction occurred in the perineal recipient area within 2 weeks after surgery. Follow-up for 6-12 months after discharge showed that the skin of the perineal recipient area had good color, texture, and elasticity, and was not bloated in appearance; linear scars were left in the perineal recipient area and the abdominal donor area without obvious scar hyperplasia or hyperpigmentation; no complications such as incisional rupture, incisional infection, intestinal adhesion, intestinal obstruction, or weakening of the abdominal wall strength occurred in the abdominal donor area, and the abdominal appearance was good with no localized bulge or formation of abdominal hernia; there was no local recurrence of tumor or metastasis in any patient. Conclusions: The surgical approach of using the modified vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap to repair the skin and soft tissue defects after abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer is relatively simple in operation, can achieve good postoperative appearances of the donor and recipient areas with few complications, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Diallyl trisulfide inhibits 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone-induced lung cancer via modulating gut microbiota and the PPARγ/NF-κB pathway

Smoking is the primary risk factor for developing lung cancer. Chemoprevention could be a promising strategy to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer. Recently, we reported that A/J mice exposed to tobacco smoke carcinogens displayed the reshaping of gut microbiota. Additionally, garlic oil was found to effectively inhibit the carcinogenic effects of tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in lung tumorigenesis. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), which is the predominant compound in garlic oil, exhibits various biological activities. To further explore the chemopreventive action and potential mechanism of DATS on lung tumorigenesis, we established a lung adenocarcinoma model in A/J mice stimulated by NNK. Subsequently, we employed multi-omics combined molecular biology technologies to clarify the mechanism. The results indicated that DATS significantly decreased the number of lung tumors in NNK induced A/J mice. Interestingly, we discovered that DATS could modulate gut microbiota, particularly increasing the abundance of F. rodentium, which has inhibitory effects on tumor growth. Mechanistically, DATS could activate the PPARγ pathway, leading to the negative regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and subsequent suppression of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory factors. Collectively, these findings provide support for DATS as a potential novel chemopreventive agent for tobacco carcinogen-induced lung cancer.

Diallyl Disulfide Blocks Cigarette Carcinogen 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone-Induced Lung Tumorigenesis via Activation of the Nrf2 Antioxidant System and Suppression of NF-κB Inflammatory Response

Chemoprevention is a potential strategy to reduce lung cancer incidence and death. Recently, we reported that garlic oil significantly inhibits 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)-induced lung tumorigenesis. Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is a bioactive ingredient in garlic. Our goal was to examine the chemopreventive effectiveness and mechanism of DADS on NNK-triggered lung cancer in vivo and in vitro in the current investigation. The results indicated that DADS significantly reduced the number of lung nodules in the NNK-induced A/J mice. Consistent with the in vivo results, DADS markedly inhibited NNK-induced decrease of MRC-5 cells' viability. Mechanistically, DADS could promote Nrf2 dissociated from the Keap1-Nrf2 complex and accelerate Nrf2 nuclear translocation, which in turn upregulates its downstream target genes. Besides, DADS further inhibited the NF-κB signaling cascade, thus reducing the accumulation of inflammatory factors. Collectively, these discoveries supported the potential of DADS as a novel candidate for the chemoprevention of tobacco-carcinogen-induced lung cancer.

Effect of postharvest processing on quality traits of Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae: A integrative analysis of metabolomics and proteomics

The dried roots and rhizomes of Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae are widely used as food material or medicinal crops. "Sweating" is a traditional postharvest processing method, the basic processing procedure consists of softening, stacking and drying. The aim of this paper is to unveil the scientific connotation responsible for the "Sweating" processing in Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae during postharvest. Thus, the effect of different postharvest processing methods on the metabolic pathways of Radix Gentiasnae Macrophyllae was studied by the non-targeted metabolomic technique in combination with the label-free proteomics approach. The results showed that the differentially accumulated metabolites and abundant proteins were mainly enriched in the pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, polyphenols and terpenoids biosynthesis. "Sweating" has a greater up-regulation effect on these pathways than "Non-sweating", and can induce protein expression and metabolite accumulation associated with the quality traits of Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae. The results provide a detailed explanation of the scientific connotation of crucial steps of "Sweating" processing wherein opportunities existed for taking appropriate measures to enhance the accumulation of bioactive ingredients. These findings will serve as significant references for enhancing the postharvest processing technology of Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae and similar plants, resulting in higher product quality for food or plant materials production.

Scaffold hopping derived novel benzoxazepinone RIPK1 inhibitors as anti-necroptosis agents

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)-mediated necroptosis is believed to have a significant role in contributing to inflammatory diseases. Inhibiting RIPK1 has shown promise in effectively alleviating the inflammation process. In our current study, we employed scaffold hopping to develop a series of novel benzoxazepinone derivatives. Among these derivatives, compound o1 displayed the most potent antinecroptosis activity (EC50=16.17±1.878nM) in cellular assays and exhibited the strongest binding affinity to the target site. Molecular docking analyses further elucidated the mechanism of action of o1, revealing its ability to fully occupy the protein pocket and form hydrogen bonds with the amino acid residue Asp156. Our findings highlight that o1 specifically inhibits necroptosis, rather than apoptosis, by impeding the RIPK1/Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)/mixed-lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) pathway's phosphorylation, triggered by TNFα, Smac mimetic, and z-VAD (TSZ). Additionally, o1 demonstrated dose-dependent improvements in the survival rate of mice with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), surpassing the protective effect observed with GSK'772.

Energetic Electron Precipitation Driven by Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves from ELFIN's Low Altitude Perspective

We review comprehensive observations of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave-driven energetic electron precipitation using data collected by the energetic electron detector on the Electron Losses and Fields InvestigatioN (ELFIN) mission, two polar-orbiting low-altitude spinning CubeSats, measuring 50-5000 keV electrons with good pitch-angle and energy resolution. EMIC wave-driven precipitation exhibits a distinct signature in energy-spectrograms of the precipitating-to-trapped flux ratio: peaks at >0.5 MeV which are abrupt (bursty) (lasting ∼17 s, or Δ L ∼ 0.56 ) with significant substructure (occasionally down to sub-second timescale). We attribute the bursty nature of the precipitation to the spatial extent and structuredness of the wave field at the equator. Multiple ELFIN passes over the same MLT sector allow us to study the spatial and temporal evolution of the EMIC wave - electron interaction region. Case studies employing conjugate ground-based or equatorial observations of the EMIC waves reveal that the energy of moderate and strong precipitation at ELFIN approximately agrees with theoretical expectations for cyclotron resonant interactions in a cold plasma. Using multiple years of ELFIN data uniformly distributed in local time, we assemble a statistical database of ∼50 events of strong EMIC wave-driven precipitation. Most reside at L ∼ 5 - 7 at dusk, while a smaller subset exists at L ∼ 8 - 12 at post-midnight. The energies of the peak-precipitation ratio and of the half-peak precipitation ratio (our proxy for the minimum resonance energy) exhibit an L -shell dependence in good agreement with theoretical estimates based on prior statistical observations of EMIC wave power spectra. The precipitation ratio's spectral shape for the most intense events has an exponential falloff away from the peak (i.e., on either side of ∼ 1.45 MeV). It too agrees well with quasi-linear diffusion theory based on prior statistics of wave spectra. It should be noted though that this diffusive treatment likely includes effects from nonlinear resonant interactions (especially at high energies) and nonresonant effects from sharp wave packet edges (at low energies). Sub-MeV electron precipitation observed concurrently with strong EMIC wave-driven >1 MeV precipitation has a spectral shape that is consistent with efficient pitch-angle scattering down to ∼ 200-300 keV by much less intense higher frequency EMIC waves at dusk (where such waves are most frequent). At ∼100 keV, whistler-mode chorus may be implicated in concurrent precipitation. These results confirm the critical role of EMIC waves in driving relativistic electron losses. Nonlinear effects may abound and require further investigation.

Layered K0.37MnO2·0.25H2O as cathode material for potassium ion batteries

Lithium supply shortages have prompted the search for alternatives to widespread grid system applications. Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have emerged to promising candidates for this purpose. Nonetheless, the large radius of K+ (1.38 Å) impedes the march of satisfactory cathode materials. Here, we used solid-phase synthesis to prepare a layered K0.37MnO2·0.25H2O (KMO) cathode, comprising alternately connected MnO6 octahedra with a large interlayer spacing (0.64 nm) to accommodate the migration and transport of K+ ions. The cathode material achieved initial specific capacities of 102.3 and 88.1 mA h g-1 at current densities of 60 mA g-1 and 1 A g-1, respectively. The storage mechanism of K+ ions in PIBs was demonstrated ex situ using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy measurements. Overall, our proposed KMO was confirmed as an auspicious cathode material for potential use in PIBs.

High-field magnetization and electronic spin resonance study in the twisted honeycomb latticeα-Mn2V2O7

We report the single-crystal growth of Mn₂V₂O₇and the results of magnetic susceptibility, high-field magnetization up to 55 T and high-frequency electric spin resonance (ESR) measurements for its low-temperatureαphase. Two antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering at 17.5 K and 3 K and obvious magnetic anisotropy are observed inα-Mn₂V₂O₇upon cooling. In pulsed high magnetic fields, the compound reaches the saturation magnetic moment of ∼10.5μ_Bfor each molecular formula at around 45 T after two undergoing AFM phase transitions atH_c1≈ 16 T,H_c2≈ 34.5 T forH//[11-0] andH_sf1= 2.5 T,H_sf2= 7 T forH//[001]. In these two directions, two and seven resonance modes are detected by ESR spectroscopy, respectively. Theω₁andω₂modes ofH//[11-0] can be well described by two-sublattice AFM resonance mode with two zero-field gaps at 94.51 GHz and 169.28 GHz, indicating a hard-axis feature. The seven modes forH//[001] are partially separated by the critical fields ofH_sf1andH_sf2, displaying the two signs of spin-flop transition. The fittings ofω_c1andω_c2modes yield zero-field gaps at 69.50 GHz and 84.73 GHz forH//[001], confirming the axis-type anisotropy. The saturated moment and gyromagnetic ratio indicate the Mn²⁺ion inα-Mn₂V₂O₇is in a high spin state with orbital moment completely quenched. A quasi-one-dimensional magnetism with a zig-zag-chain spin configuration is suggested inα-Mn₂V₂O₇, due to the special neighbor interactions caused by a distorted network structure with honeycomb layer.

Comparative proteomic analysis reveals novel insights into the continuous cropping induced response in Scrophularia ningpoensis

BACKGROUND

Scrophularia ningpoensis is a well-known medicinal crop. Continuous cropping seriously affects the yield and quality, but little is known about the influence of continuous cropping on metabolic pathways. In this study, the difference in protein abundance between continuous cropping and non-continuous cropping of S. ningpoensis roots was studied by proteomics, and the molecular mechanism that protects S. ningpoensis against continuous cropping was explored.

RESULTS

The results suggested that continuous cropping in S, ningpoensis altered the expression of proteins related to starch and sucrose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway, citric acid cycle, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, monoterpenoid biosynthesis, sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis, and steroid biosynthesis. Among these processes, the most affected were phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and starch and sucrose metabolism, which may be important for continuous cropping resistance.

CONCLUSION

The effect of continuous cropping on S. ningpoensis was demonstrated at the proteome level in this work, and identified candidate proteins that may cause continuous cropping reactions. The paper provides the theoretical foundation and scientific reference for enhancing the continuous cropping resistance of S. ningpoensis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Integrated metabolomics and proteomics analysis to study the changes in Scutellaria baicalensis at different growth stages

Scutellaria baicalensis is a functional food that has the potential to treat various diseases. Scutellaria baicalensis can be divided into two types: Ziqin (strip types) and (rotten xylem). Ziqin is used to clear lower energizer large intestine heat syndrome, while Kuqin is used for the treatment of upper energizer lung heat syndrome. At present, the substance basis of the differences between Ziqin and Kuqin is not clear. The changes in metabolite accumulation and protein expression between them were analyzed by the non-targeted metabolomic technique in combination with the label-free proteomics approach. The results showed that the differentially accumulated metabolites and abundant proteins were mainly enriched in the pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, isoflavonoid biosynthesis, and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Collectively, these results reveal the changes of Scutellaria baicalensis in different growth years and provide a reference for selecting the appropriate harvest period.

Incorporating Near-Pseudocapacitance Insertion Ni/Co-Based Hexacyanoferrate and Low-Cost Metallic Zn for Aqueous K-Ion Batteries

The limited availability of cathode materials with high specific capacity and significant cycling stability for aqueous K-ion batteries (AKIBs) hinder their further development owing to the large radius of K⁺ (1.38 Å). Prussian blue and its analogs with a three-dimensional frame structure possessing special energy storage mechanism are promising candidates as cathode materials for AKIBs. In this study, K_0.2 Ni_0.68 Co_0.77 Fe(CN)₆  ⋅ 1.8H₂ O (KNCHCF) was prepared as a cathode material for AKIBs. Both the electrochemical activity of Co ions and the near-pseudocapacitance intercalation of KNCHCF enhance K⁺ storage. Therefore, KNCHCF exhibits a superior capacity maintenance rate of 86 % after 1000 cycles at a high current density of 3.0 A g^-1 . The storage mechanism of K⁺ in AKIBs was revealed through ex situ X-ray diffraction, ex situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Moreover, the assembled K-Zn hybrid battery showed good cycling stability with 93.1 % capacity maintenance at 0.1 A g^-1 after 50 cycles and a high energy density of 96.81 W h kg^-1 . Hence, KNCHCF may be a potential material for the development of AKIBs.

Targeting Necroptosis as a Promising Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible and progressive neurodegenerative disorder featured by memory loss and cognitive default. However, there has been no effective therapeutic approach to prevent the development of AD and the available therapies are only to alleviate some symptoms with limited efficacy and severe side effects. Necroptosis is a new kind of cell death, being regarded as a genetically programmed and regulated pattern of necrosis. Increasing evidence reveals that necroptosis is tightly related to the occurrence and development of AD. This review aims to summarize the potential role of necroptosis in AD progression and the therapeutic capacity of targeting necroptosis for AD patients.

The molecular basis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 48 caused by a de novo mutation in the ubiquitin ligase CHIP

The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a class of incurable diseases characterized by degeneration of the cerebellum that results in movement disorder. Recently, a new heritable form of SCA, spinocerebellar ataxia type 48 (SCA48), was attributed to dominant mutations in STIP1 homology and U box-containing 1 (STUB1); however, little is known about how these mutations cause SCA48. STUB1 encodes for the protein C terminus of Hsc70 interacting protein (CHIP), an E3 ubiquitin ligase. CHIP is known to regulate proteostasis by recruiting chaperones via a N-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat domain and recruiting E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes via a C-terminal U-box domain. These interactions allow CHIP to mediate the ubiquitination of chaperone-bound, misfolded proteins to promote their degradation via the proteasome. Here we have identified a novel, de novo mutation in STUB1 in a patient with SCA48 encoding for an A52G point mutation in the tetratricopeptide repeat domain of CHIP. Utilizing an array of biophysical, biochemical, and cellular assays, we demonstrate that the CHIPA52G point mutant retains E3-ligase activity but has decreased affinity for chaperones. We further show that this mutant decreases cellular fitness in response to certain cellular stressors and induces neurodegeneration in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model of SCA48. Together, our data identify the A52G mutant as a cause of SCA48 and provide molecular insight into how mutations in STUB1 cause SCA48.

Investigation on the chemical space of the substituted triazole thio-benzoxazepinone RIPK1 inhibitors

As a key upstream kinase involved in the activation of necroptosis, receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) plays a vital role in the treatment of relevant inflammatory diseases. Recently, we described the thio-benzoxazepinones as RIPK1 necroptosis inhibitors. On this basis, we further explored the chemical space of the thio-benzoxazepinones by introducing substitutions on the triazole group and evaluated their anti-necroptotic activity. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) was extended for this series of new derivatives. The best compound 2 with methyl and compound 10 with fluoroethyl were obtained and both specifically inhibited necroptosis rather than apoptosis with EC₅₀ values of 2.5 and 8.9 nM, respectively. They blocked the downstream necroptotic pathway to prevent cell lysis and prevent in vivo inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. This work provides that substituted thio-benzoxazepines can better occupy the hydrophobic cavity and enhance the hydrophobic interaction as promising lead compounds to enhance the in vivo activity of this class of compounds.

Genome-wide identification of exon extension/shrinkage events induced by splice-site-creating mutations

Mutations that affect phenotypes have been identified primarily as those that directly alter amino acid sequences or disrupt splice sites. However, some mutations not located in functionally important sites can also affect phenotypes, such as splice-site-creating mutations (SCMs). To investigate how frequent exon extension/shrinkage events induced by SCMs occur in normal individuals, we used personal genome sequencing data and transcriptome data of the corresponding individuals and identified 371 exon extension/shrinkage events in normal individuals. This number was about three times higher than the number of pseudo-exon activation events identified in the previous study. The average numbers of exon extension and exon shrinkage events in each sample were 3.3 and 11.2, respectively. We also evaluated the impact of exon extension/shrinkage events on the resulting transcripts and their protein products and found that 40.2% of the identified events may have possible functional impacts by either generating premature termination codons in transcripts or affecting protein domains. Our results indicated that a certain fraction of SCMs identified in this study can be pathogenic mutations by creating novel splice sites.

Case Report. Cryoglobulin Hyaline-thrombi Associated Acute Jejunitis in A Patient with Type 2 Cryoglobulinemic Glomerulonephritis

Introduction/Objective

Only one prior case report indicates that mixed positive cryoglobulin in serum can be associated with intestinal vasculitis (Annals of Internal Medicine, 1974).

Methods/Case Report

We report a 63-year old man with history of positive serum cryoglobulin and hepatitis-C 4 years ago and membranoproliferative pattern of glomerulonephritis with possible cryoglobulin type of deposits by electron microscopy on renal biopsy. After treatment, his hepatitis C became negative. But he was recently found to have monoclonal IgM-kappa and positive cryoglobulin in his serum, and the concurrent renal biopsy showed membranoproliferative pattern of glomerulopathy with many hyaline-thrombi (eosinophilic vascular occlusions with no lamination, inflammatory cells or nuclear debris) in the glomerular capillary loops (Figure, left panel). Both immunofluorescent and electron microscopy confirmed a mixed IgG polyclonal and IgM monoclonal type 2 cryglobulinemic glomerulonephritis. The patient also developed abdominal pain and underwent intestinal endoscopy with biopsy. His jejunal biopsy revealed neutrophil infiltration into glands and surface epithelium, with superficial sloughed epithelial cells, consistent with acute jejunitis with features of ischemic etiology. In addition, hyaline-thrombi were identified in the submucosal vessels with surrounding vasculitis (Figure, right panel); the central part of thrombi was morphologically similar to that found in glomerular capillary loops. Therefore, we conclude that cryoglobulin associated hyaline-thrombi were the most likely etiology to cause the acute ischemic jejunitis in this patient.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

NA

Conclusion

NA

GATA3 Is a Useful Immunohistochemical Marker to Differentiate Variants of Renal Tubular Lesions from Different Segments of Renal Tubules

Introduction/Objective

GATA3 is found in glomerular mesangial cells, and the distal tubules & collecting ducts in metanephros and eventual kidneys, but not associated with the proximal tubules and loops of Henle. We hypothesize that GATA3 can be used as a marker to identify the origin of tubular differentiation in most renal tumors.

Methods/Case Report

Ten negative controls and 43 renal mass lesions (RCC, papillary, clear cell papillary, and chromophobe carcinomas, oncocytoma, and polycystic kidney disease). GATA3 nuclear stain was graded as negative (absent stain), equivocal and positive (< 5 and > 5% cells, respectively). Details of their GATA3 nuclear expression was analyzed for identifying their tubular segmental origins.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

In 10 normal renal parenchyma, GATA3 was positive in mesangial cells, distal tubules, and collecting ducts, but was negative in the proximal tubules and loop of Henle. The cystic lining of glomerulocystic renal disease was stained negatively for GATA3 (proximal tubular origin), whereas pediatric and adult variants of polycystic kidney diseases was positive for GATA3 staining (distal tubular origin). 1/10 ten clear cell RCC and papillary RCC showed focal positive GATA3 stain. GATA3 showed weakly positive staining in some oncocytomas (4/11) and some chromophobe RCC (4/11), indicating that they might be derived from the junctional segment between the loop of Henle and the distal tubules. By contrast, all clear cell papillary RCC (distal tubule origin) were diffusely positive.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that GATA3 is a useful immunohistochemical marker to determine the developmental origin in the specific renal tubular segment for the majority of renal mass lesions. Thus, it may be useful for routine differential diagnosis of these lesions.

Increased Activated Plasma Cells in Inflammatory Bowel Disease When Compared to Ischemic Acute Colitis

Introduction/Objective

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and acute ischemic colitis can both be involved by active colitis. IBD is characterized by crypt architectural distortion, basal lymphoplasmacytosis, and occasional granulomatous changes. However, diagnosis of IBDs is still largely by exclusion of other types of active colitis with similar changes. We previously demonstrated that glucose regulated protein 94 (grp94) is mainly expressed by activated plasma cells. We postulate that increased numbers of grp94-positive plasma cells may support diagnosis of IBDs. Here, we compared IBD and active ischemic colitis for grp94 expression in mucosal plasma cells of colectomy specimens

Methods/Case Report

Tissue sections from colectomy specimens with active IBD (n = 8) and ischemic colitis (n = 7) were examined for grp94 expression by immunohistochemistry (monoclonal antibody clone 9G10 at dilution of 1:200, Enzo Life Science, Inc Farmindale, NY). The staining intensity and highest number of grp94 in plasma cells per high power field was counted and recorded for each case, and combined scores were calculated as # of plasma cells multiplied by staining intensity (ranging from 0 to 3+). Unpaired student T tests were used to compare these indices between the two groups for statistical significance (p value < 0.05 was considered significantly different)

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

Plasma cells in lamina propria identified by grp94 staining showed higher intensity in IBD than ischemic groups. The number of plasma cells and combined scores were also significantly higher in the IBC group than that of ischemic group

Conclusion

Our data indicates that active plasma cells are much more numerous in IBD than ischemic colitis, supporting the notion that active plasma cells are involved in the development of this disease process. Morphologically, active colitis with increased number of plasma cells appears to be another index favoring the diagnosis of IBD.

Utilization of 2D Barcode Technology to Create Surgical Pathology Reports

Introduction/Objective

After professional transcription service is eliminated, pathologists inevitably undertake the task of diagnostic data entry into pathology repot by adapting a variety of methods such as speech recognition, manual typing, and pre-texted command. Errors and inefficiency in reporting remain common problems, especially for information with unusual syntax such as genotype or nucleotide sequences. To overcome these shortcomings, we introduce here a novel application of a well-established technology as a complementary method, namely 2- dimensional (2D) barcode symbology.

Methods/Case Report

Commonly used diagnostic wordings of pathology reports including specimen type, surgical procedure, diagnosis, and test results are collated and organized by organ (specimen type) and by their frequency of usage/occurrence. Next, 2D data matrix barcodes are created for these diagnostic wordings using a on-line tool (www.free-barcode-generator.net/datamatrix/). The 2D barcodes along with their text are displayed on the computer screen (or printed out as a booklet). A 2D barcode scanner (Symbol LS2208, Motorola) was used to retrieve the text information from the barcodes and transfer into the pathology report. To assess the efficacy of this barcode method, we evaluated the time of data entry into reports for 117 routine cases using an on-line stopwatch and compared with those by other data entry methods.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

Unlike manual typing or speech recognition, the barcode method did not introduce typographic or phonosemantic errors since the method simply transferred pre-texted and proof-read text content to report. It was also faster than manual typing or speech recognition, and its speed was comparable to that of the pre-text method integrated in LIS but did not require human memorization of innumerable text commands to retrieve desired diagnosis wordings.

Conclusion

Our preliminary results demonstrated that the diagnostic data entry time was reduced from 28.5% by other methods to 22.1% by the barcode method although due to the small sample size, statistical analysis was not conclusive.

Composition Changes in Lycium ruthenicum Fruit Dried by Different Methods

The fruit of Lycium ruthenicum (LRF), known as black wolfberry, is a medicinal and edible fruit. The fresh LRF is perishable and has only about 3 days of shelf life. Drying could prolong the shelf life of LRF. However, it could imply physical changes and chemical modification. This study evaluated the effect of sun drying (SD), hot air drying (HD), and freeze drying (FD) on the appearance characteristics, moisture content, bioactive compounds, amino acid composition, and antioxidant activity of LRF. The results showed that LRF dried by FD was round, expansive, fragile, and maintained the largest amount of appearance traits among the three drying methods. Drying methods had a significant effect on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of LRF (P < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that procyanidin content (PAC), asparagine (Asn), total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and moisture content were the main sources of the difference in LRF dried by different methods. The characteristic of LRF in FD was low moisture content, and high TPC, Asn, PAC, and TAC. Sun drying was opposite to FD. Hot air drying was high TPC and low TAC content. The quality of LRF was in the order of FD > HD > SD based on comprehensive evaluation of the phytochemical component content and antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the water temperature and soaking time had different antioxidant activity effect on LRF dried by different methods. These findings will provide useful information for production and utilization of LRF.

Garlic oil blocks tobacco carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)-induced lung tumorigenesis by inducing phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes

Lung cancer caused one-quarter of all cancer deaths that was more than other cancers. Chemoprevention is a potential strategy to reducing lung cancer incidence and death, and the effective chemopreventive agents are needed. We investigated the efficacy and mechanism of garlic oil (GO), the garlic product, in the chemoprevention of tobacco carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)-induced lung cancer in A/J mice and MRC-5 cell models in the present study. As a result, it was demonstrated that GO significantly inhibited the NNK-induced lung cancer in vivo and protected MRC-5 cells from NNK-induced cell damage. GO could induce the expressions of the phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes, including NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), glutathione S-transferase alpha 1 (GSTA1), and antioxidative enzymes heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). These results supported the potential of GO as a novel candidate agent for the chemoprevention of tobacco carcinogens induced lung cancer.

Dihydroisocoumarins and Dihydroisoflavones from the Rhizomes of Dioscorea collettii with Cytotoxic Activity and Structural Revision of 2,2'-Oxybis(1,4-di-tert-butylbenzene)

The investigation of the constituents of the rhizomes of Dioscorea collettii afforded one new dihydroisocoumarin, named (−)-montroumarin (1a), along with five known compounds—montroumarin (1b), 1,1′-oxybis(2,4-di-tert-butylbenzene) (2), (3R)-3′-O-methylviolanone (3a), (3S)-3′-O-methylviolanone (3b), and (RS)-sativanone (4). Their structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic methods. To the best of our knowledge, compound 1a is a new enantiomer of compound 1b. The NMR data of compound 2 had been reported but its structure was erroneous. The structure of compound 2 was revised on the basis of a reinterpretation of its NMR data (1D and 2D) and the assignment of the ¹H and ¹³C NMR data was given rightly for the first time. Compounds 3a–4, three dihydroisoflavones, were reported from the Dioscoreaceae family for the first time. The cytotoxic activities of all the compounds were tested against the NCI-H460 cell line. Two dihydroisocoumarins, compounds 1a and 1b, displayed moderate cytotoxic activities, while the other compounds showed no cytotoxicity.

Exposure to a mixture of cigarette smoke carcinogens disturbs gut microbiota and influences metabolic homeostasis in A/J mice

An increased risk of developing lung cancer has been associated with exposure to cigarette smoke carcinogens and alteration in the gut microbiota. However, there is limited understanding about the impact of exposure to NNK and BaP, the two important components of cigarette smoke carcinogens, on gut microbiota in lung cancer. The present study characterized the influence of exposure to a mixture of NNK plus BaP on lung cancer, feces metabolite composition, and gut microbiota in the A/J mice. The A/J mice were administered NNK plus BaP, and the changes in gut microbiota and feces metabolic profiles were characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics, respectively. Results presented here illustrated that a mixture of NNK plus BaP exposure triggered lung carcinogenesis as shown by light microscopy and histopathological evaluation. 16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbiota indicated that exposure to NNK plus BaP could modified fecal bacterial composition. Elevated levels of Actinobacteria, Bifidobacterium, and Intestinimonas and reduced levels of Alistipes, Odoribacter, and Acetatifactor are associated with NNK plus BaP triggered lung cancer. In addition, metabolomics profile revealed the regulation of metabolism including purine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid metabolism, and others. In conclusion, the results provide some guidance for using gut microbes as biomarkers to assess the progression of lung cancer, and lead to interventional targets to control the development of the disease in the future.

Structure-based molecular hybridization design of Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors as novel protective agents of acute lung injury

Blocking the Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-related protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway represents as a promising strategy to reduce oxidative stress and related-inflammation, including acute lung injury (ALI). NXPZ-2, a naphthalensulfonamide derivative, was previously reported to effectively inhibit the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) by our group. In the present work, a series of novel isothiocyanate-containing naphthalensulfonamides with the thioether, sulfoxide and sulfone moieties were designed by a structure-based molecular hybridization strategy using NXPZ-2 and the Nrf2 activator sulforaphane. They possessed good Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitory activity and low cytotoxicity. The molecular docking study was performed to further explain the different activity of the thioether-, sulfoxide- and sulfone-containing naphthalensulfonamides. Among these new derivatives, 2-((N-(4-((N-(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-4-((3-isothiocyanatopropyl)sulfinyl)phenyl)sulfonamido) naphthalen-1-yl)-4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonamido)acetamide (SCN-16) showed a good K_D2 value of 0.455 μM to disrupt the PPI. In an LPS-induced peritoneal macrophage cell model, this compound could cause a significant increase in the nuclear Nrf2 protein, decrease in the cytosolic Nrf2 protein, and further elevate the downstream protective enzymes HO-1 and NQO-1, which were better than the lead compound NXPZ-2 and sulforaphane. What's more, the production of ROS and NO and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α were also suppressed. In the LPS-induced ALI model, SCN-16 could significantly reduce LPS-induced inflammations and alleviate lung injuries by triggering Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Collectively, our results suggested that SCN-16 could be a novel lead compound targeting Keap1-Nrf2 protective pathway for clinical treatment of ALI.

Enantiomeric profiling of a chiral benzothiazole necroptosis inhibitor

Necroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that contributes to the pathophysiology of multiple diseases. Development of small-molecule anti-necroptosis agents has great promising clinical therapeutic relevance. The benzothiazole compounds were discovered by our group from an in-house fluorine-containing compound library as potent necroptosis inhibitors. Herein, a chiral dimethylcyclopropyl benzothiazole necroptosis inhibitor was developed and the enantiomeric profiling resulted that the (S) form was generally more potent than the (R) counterpart in 2 ~ 4-fold toward cell necroptosis, receptor-interacting protein (RIP) kinases 1 and 3. The chiral compounds could significantly inhibit the expression of the phosphorylation of RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL in necroptotic cells. The molecular modelling studies predicted the binding modes of the enantiomers with RIP and explained their activity differences, guiding further rational design of the chiral necroptosis inhibitors.

Urinary microRNAs miR-15b and miR-30a as novel noninvasive biomarkers for gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury

MicroRNAs serve as potential biomarkers in various pathological models, and are stable and detectable in biofluids. We investigated the urinary microRNA expression profile in a gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury canine model using RNA sequencing. A total of 234 differentially expressed microRNAs were screened after 12 consecutive days of gentamicin administration (P < 0.05). Six candidate microRNAs (miR-15b, -15b-3p, -16, -30a, -30a-3p, and -30c-2-3p) were selected according to a set criterion, and validated by real-time quantitative PCR. The diagnostic values of these six candidate microRNAs were better than the traditional serum biomarkers (all P < 0.05). Further, using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, we found that miR-15b and -15b-3p were superior to urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (both P < 0.05). Moreover, miR-15b and -30a levels in the urine samples significantly correlated with their respective levels in the kidney tissue samples (r=0.512 and 0.505, respectively, both P < 0.05). Our data concluded that miR-15b and -30a may be promising biomarkers for renal toxicity.

Management of cN0 papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients according to risk-scoring model for central lymph node metastasis and predictors of recurrence

BACKGROUND

The role of routine prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) in clinically lymph node-negative (cN0) papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients remains controversial. This retrospective study aimed to identify the clinical and pathologic factors of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and recurrence in PTMC patients.

METHODS

A total of 371 cN0 PTMC patients from two hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent thyroidectomy plus pCND between January 2010 and January 2018. Clinicopathological features were collected, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the risk factors of CLNM. A scoring model was constructed on the basis of the results of independent risk factors of CLNM. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the risk factors of recurrence.

RESULTS

CLNM occurred in 123 (33.2%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed male, tumor size > 0.75 cm, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension (ETE) and tumor in the middle/lower pole were independent risk predictors of CLNM (P < 0.05). A seven-point risk-scoring model was established to predict the stratified CLNM in cN0 PTMC patients. Multivariate Cox regression model showed ETE, vascular invasion and CLNM were independent risk predictors of recurrence (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that routine pCND should be performed for cN0 PTMC patients with score ≥ 3 according to the risk-scoring model. Moreover, patients with risk factors of recurrence should consider more complete treatment and more frequent follow-up.

[Analysis of the hard and soft tissue following immediate and early implant placement in the anterior area of maxilla]

Objective: To compare the difference of soft and hard tissue changes between immediate implant and early implant placement in maxillary anterior region, so as to provide the basis for the selection of implant timing and surgical method for patients in clinical maxillary anterior dental esthetic zone. Methods: From January 2016 to January 2019, 89 patients [48 males and 41 females, aged (38.0±13.3) years] with dentition defect and single tooth implant restoration in the Department of Oral Implantology, Dalian Stomatological Hospital were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into three groups according to different implant timing and operation methods: immediate implant flapless group (26 cases), immediate implant flap group (30 cases) and early implant group (33 cases, early implant 4-8 weeks after tooth extraction). The operation time, intraoperative and postoperative complications were compared among the three groups. Cone-beam CT was taken before operation, immediately after operation and 6 months after operation. The bone plate thickness immediately after implantation, bone plate thickness at 6 months after operation and absorption amount of bone plate thickness at labial side (immediately after operation minus 6 months after operation) were measured, and the absorption rate of labial bone plate was calculated. Three dimensional quantitative analysis was performed on the lip bone increment, residual bone volume (6 months after operation minus preoperative), and bone volume absorption rate of the three groups immediately after operation by using GuideMia, PlastyCAD and Geomagic engineering software. The pink and white esthetic indexes of the three groups were evaluated at 9 months and 15 months after implant placement. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) value was measured at 6 months after implantation, and the patients' satisfaction with the whole treatment process was investigated at 6 months after implantation. Results: The operation time of immediate implant flapless group was the shortest, the median (lower quartile, upper quartile) was 36.5 (33.3, 38.5) min. At 9 months after operation, PES was relatively high [8.5 (8.0, 9.0)], and the final patient satisfaction was 8.0 (7.3, 8.8), and the difference was statistically significant compared with the other two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications among the groups (P>0.05). At 6 months after operation, the thickness of labial bone plate in early group was 3.09 (3.00, 3.25) mm, which was greater than that in the immediate non flap group [1.90 (1.72, 2.33) mm] and that in the immediate implant flap group [2.39 (2.05, 3.06) mm], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The absorption of labial bone thickness in immediate implant flapless group [0.61 (0.35, 0.98) mm] was significantly lower than that in the immediate implant flap group [1.13 (0.97, 1.53) mm] and that in the early implant group [1.23 (1.07, 1.37) mm] (P<0.05). After 6 months, the residual bone volume of immediate flapless group was 38.7 (31.2, 54.6) mm³ and was significantly different from that in early implant group [109.1 (85.6, 263.1) mm³] (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the residual bone volume between immediate implant flapless group and immediate implant flap group (P>0.05). Conclusions: Immediate implant can reduce the treatment time with equal esthetic outcome of implant supported restoration of anterior teeth, and patients prefer it more. The bone volume of lip side was not significantly increased after immediate flap operation, and the bone absorption was less after immediate flap operation. Early implant placement can better maintain the three-dimensional bone mass, and the three groups can obtain good clinical results in the short term, but the long-term effect needs further follow-up study.

Transcription factor NRF2 as a promising therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease

Oxidative stress is considered as one of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of AD. Nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (NRF2) is a key regulatory of oxidative stress defence. There is growing evidence indicating the relationship between NRF2 and AD. NRF2 activation mitigates multiple pathogenic processes involved in AD by upregulating antioxidative defense, inhibiting neuroinflammation, improving mitochondrial function, maintaining proteostasis, and inhibiting ferroptosis. In addition, several NRF2 activators are currently being evaluated as AD therapeutic agents in clinical trials. Thus, targeting NRF2 has been the focus of a new strategy for prevention and treatment of AD. In this review, the role of NRF2 in AD and the NRF2 activators advanced into clinical and preclinical studies will be summarized.

[Risk factors of permanent stoma in rectal cancer patients undergoing transabdominal anterior resection with temporary stoma]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors of turning temporary stoma into permanent stoma in rectal cancer patients undergoing transabdominal anterior resection with temporary stoma. Methods: A case-control study was carried out. Data of rectal cancer patients who underwent transabdominal anterior resection with temporary stoma and completed follow-up in Department of General Surgery of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from June 2008 to June 2018 were collected and analyzed. In this study, temporary stoma included defunctioning stoma (ostomy was made during operation) and salvage stoma (ostomy was made within one month after operation due to anastomotic leakage or severe complications). Cases of multiple intestinal tumors were excluded. A total of 308 rectal cancer patients were enrolled in the study, including 198 males and 110 females with a median age of 56 (48-65) years. Ninety-four patients received intraperitoneal chemotherapy during operation. Among 308 patients, upper rectal cancer was observed in 64 cases, middle rectal cancer in 89 cases and low rectal cancer in 155 cases. Twenty patients underwent transverse colostomy and 288 underwent ileostomy. Phone call following-up was conducted from August to September 2019 to investigate whether stoma was reversed, causes of reversal failure, and tumor relapsed or not in detail. Permanent stoma was defined as that the stoma was still not reversed by the latest follow-up. The univariate analysis was performed with chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and variables with P value < 0.10 were included in the non-conditional logistic regression model for multivariate analysis. Results: The median follow-up time was 54.3 (32.4-73.8) months. During follow-up, 8 cases had local recurrence and 37 cases had distant metastasis. Among the 308 patients with temporary ostomy, 247 (80.2%) patients had stomas reversed and the median interval time was 4.5 (3.5-6.1) months. The median interval time in 65 patients with salvage stoma was significantly longer that in 182 patients with defunctioning stoma [5.5 (4.3-7.5) vs. 4.2 (3.4-5.5) months; Z=-4.387, P<0.001]. The temporary ostomy was confirmed to become permanent stoma in 61 patients (19.8%), including 45 cases of defunctioning stoma and 16 cases of salvage stoma. Univariate analysis showed that preoperative anemia, intraperitoneal chemotherapy during operation, middle rectal cancer, transverse colostomy, pathological stage, postoperative local recurrence and distant metastasis were associated with permanent stoma (all P<0.10). Multivariate analysis revealed that the intraperitoneal chemotherapy during operation (OR=1.961, 95% CI: 1.029-3.738, P=0.041), middle rectal cancer (OR=2.401, 95% CI: 1.195-4.826, P=0.014), transverse colostomy (OR=3.433, 95% CI: 1.234-9.553, P=0.018), and distant metastasis (OR=8.282, 95% CI:3.820-17.954, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of permanent stoma. Conclusions: There is high risk of turning temporary stoma into permanent stoma among rectal cancer patients undergoing transabdominal anterior resection who receive intraperitoneal chemotherapy during operation, present as the middle rectal cancer, undergo transverse colostomy or develop distant metastasis. Surgeons need to evaluate and balance the risks and benefits thoroughly, and then inform the patients in order to avoid potential conflicts.

The ELFIN Mission

The Electron Loss and Fields Investigation with a Spatio-Temporal Ambiguity-Resolving option (ELFIN-STAR, or heretoforth simply: ELFIN) mission comprises two identical 3-Unit (3U) CubeSats on a polar (∼93^∘ inclination), nearly circular, low-Earth (∼450 km altitude) orbit. Launched on September 15, 2018, ELFIN is expected to have a >2.5 year lifetime. Its primary science objective is to resolve the mechanism of storm-time relativistic electron precipitation, for which electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves are a prime candidate. From its ionospheric vantage point, ELFIN uses its unique pitch-angle-resolving capability to determine whether measured relativistic electron pitch-angle and energy spectra within the loss cone bear the characteristic signatures of scattering by EMIC waves or whether such scattering may be due to other processes. Pairing identical ELFIN satellites with slowly-variable along-track separation allows disambiguation of spatial and temporal evolution of the precipitation over minutes-to-tens-of-minutes timescales, faster than the orbit period of a single low-altitude satellite (T_orbit ∼ 90 min). Each satellite carries an energetic particle detector for electrons (EPDE) that measures 50 keV to 5 MeV electrons with Δ E/E < 40% and a fluxgate magnetometer (FGM) on a ∼72 cm boom that measures magnetic field waves (e.g., EMIC waves) in the range from DC to 5 Hz Nyquist (nominally) with <0.3 nT/sqrt(Hz) noise at 1 Hz. The spinning satellites (T_spin ∼ 3 s) are equipped with magnetorquers (air coils) that permit spin-up or -down and reorientation maneuvers. Using those, the spin axis is placed normal to the orbit plane (nominally), allowing full pitch-angle resolution twice per spin. An energetic particle detector for ions (EPDI) measures 250 keV - 5 MeV ions, addressing secondary science. Funded initially by CalSpace and the University Nanosat Program, ELFIN was selected for flight with joint support from NSF and NASA between 2014 and 2018 and launched by the ELaNa XVIII program on a Delta II rocket (with IceSatII as the primary). Mission operations are currently funded by NASA. Working under experienced UCLA mentors, with advice from The Aerospace Corporation and NASA personnel, more than 250 undergraduates have matured the ELFIN implementation strategy; developed the instruments, satellite, and ground systems and operate the two satellites. ELFIN's already high potential for cutting-edge science return is compounded by concurrent equatorial Heliophysics missions (THEMIS, Arase, Van Allen Probes, MMS) and ground stations. ELFIN's integrated data analysis approach, rapid dissemination strategies via the SPace Environment Data Analysis System (SPEDAS), and data coordination with the Heliophysics/Geospace System Observatory (H/GSO) optimize science yield, enabling the widest community benefits. Several storm-time events have already been captured and are presented herein to demonstrate ELFIN's data analysis methods and potential. These form the basis of on-going studies to resolve the primary mission science objective. Broad energy precipitation events, precipitation bands, and microbursts, clearly seen both at dawn and dusk, extend from tens of keV to >1 MeV. This broad energy range of precipitation indicates that multiple waves are providing scattering concurrently. Many observed events show significant backscattered fluxes, which in the past were hard to resolve by equatorial spacecraft or non-pitch-angle-resolving ionospheric missions. These observations suggest that the ionosphere plays a significant role in modifying magnetospheric electron fluxes and wave-particle interactions. Routine data captures starting in February 2020 and lasting for at least another year, approximately the remainder of the mission lifetime, are expected to provide a very rich dataset to address questions even beyond the primary mission science objective.

Total tumor diameter: the neglected value in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Tumor multifocality is not uncommon in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), especially in micro-PTC. However, assessing the size of the largest tumor may underestimate effect of additional foci. We aimed to investigate the effect of total tumor diameter (TTD) on clinicopathological features of micro-PTC.

METHODS

Data from 442 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with cervical lymph node dissection for PTC were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into subgroups according to multifocality and TTD. The relationships of clinicopathological features among these groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

Multifocality was observed in 119 patients (26.9%). TTD > 1 cm and presence of extrathyroidal extension (ETE) were significantly higher in multifocal tumors compared to unifocal tumor (P < 0.001, P = 0.016, respectively). When comparing multifocal micro-PTC with TTD > 1 cm to those with unifocal micro-PTC or multifocal micro-PTC with TTD ≤ 1 cm, the proportions of cases with ETE, central lymph node metastasis (CLNM), and lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) were significantly higher (all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of these parameters between multifocal micro-PTC with TTD > 1 cm and macro-PTC or multifocal macro-PTC. The risk of CLNM was 2.056 (P = 0.044) times higher in multifocal micro-PTC with TTD > 1 cm than in unifocal micro-PTC.

CONCLUSION

For multifocal micro-PTC, TTD can better assess the aggressiveness of the tumor. Multifocal micro-PTC with TTD > 1 cm was more aggressive than unifocal micro-PTC or multifocal micro-PTC with TTD ≤ 1 cm.

[Analysis of misdiagnosis causes of suprasellar arachnoid cysts]

Objective: To investigate the causes of misdiagnosis of suprasellar arachnoid cysts, analyze its characteristics and put forward the diagnostic basis and differential points. Methods: The clinical data fo 97 cases of suprasellar arachnoid cysts diagnosed and treated in the neurosurgery department of Beijing Tiantan Hospital and Hebei General Hospital from March 2015 to March 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent CT and MRI scans with obstructive hydrocephalus. 13 cases were misdiagnosed, including 7 males and 6 females. First visit age 1-31 years old, with an average age of 6.3 years. There were 10 patients younger than 6 years old. The remaining 15-year-old patients, 31-year-old patients and 26-year-old patients each have one case. 11 cases were misdiagnosed as obstructive hydrocephalus, 2 cases as cystic craniopharyngioma. Results: 13 cases were misdiagnosed and mistreated, 11 cases were treated with intraventricular and abdominal shunt, 9 cases were treated with neuroendoscopy and recovered well. One cases of intracranial hematomas underwent craniotomy again, the hematomas were removed again and the bone slise were decompressed. One case had fissured stable after shunt. There were no operative deaths and no complications in this group. After endoscopic reoperation, CT and/or MRI scans showed that the ventricle narrowed in varying degrees, some of them returned to normal size and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) was unobstruct at the end of magnetic resonance cerebrospinal fluid angiography (MRI) fistula after endoscopic reoperation. Conclusions: The incidence of suprasellar arachnoid cysts is low, it is rare in clinic and it is easy to misdiagnose and mistreate. At present, it is recognized that the best treatment methods are partial resection of endoscope cyst wall, cyst ventricle fistula and third ventricle floor fisthla.

A plasmonic thermal sensing based portable device for lateral flow assay detection and quantification

Point-of-care testing (POCT) is widely used for early diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. Lateral flow assay (LFA) is a successfully commercial tool for POCT. However, LFA often suffers from a lack of quantification and analytical sensitivity. To solve these drawbacks, we have previously developed a thermal LFA using plasmonic gold nanoparticles for thermal contrast into a portable device. Although this methodology significantly improves the analytical sensitivity compared with conventional visual detection, quantification problems are still remaining. In this study, we optimized the operating conditions for the device using conduction and radiation thermal sensing modes allowing the quantification of LFA. The limit of detection of the strips merely containing nanoparticles was decreased by 5-fold (conduction mode) and 12-fold (radiation mode) compared to traditional visual detection. The effect of the ambient temperature was studied for both methods of detection showing that the radiation mode was more affected by the ambient temperature than the conduction mode. To validate the thermal sensing method, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) biomarker was quantified using our LFA strips, obtaining a detection limit of 2.8 mIU/mL when using the radiation method of detection.

Development of ATLID Retrieval Algorithms

ATLID (“ATmospheric LIDar”) is the lidar to be flown on the multi-instrument Earth Clouds and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE or ECARE) joint ESA/JAXA mission now scheduled for launch in 2022. ATID is a 3 channel linearly polarized High-Spectral Resolution (HSRL) system operating at 355nm. Cloud and aerosol optical properties are key ECARE products. This paper will provide an overview of the ATLID L2a (i.e. single instrument) retrieval algorithms being developed and implemented in order to derive cloud and aerosol optical properties.

[Interpretation of clinical practice guideline for anorectal day surgery 2019 edition]

As the rapid development of minimally invasive techniques, anesthesia, and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), anorectal day surgery receiving more and more attention by improving efficiency of medical care while reducing cost and hospitalized infection. However, day surgery also faces the challenge of completing the whole process from patient admission to discharge within 24 hours. Therefore, establishing a reasonable and detailed day surgery process is the cornerstone to guarantee safe medical practice and patients satisfaction. National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya), together with China Ambulatory Surgery Alliance formulates the clinical practice guideline for anorectal day surgery 2019 edition. Here we make some interpretations of the guidelines on the detailed process of anorectal day surgery, including indication, preoperative examination, preoperative risk evaluation, health education, assessment of day surgery anesthesia and before leaving postanesthesia care unit (PACU), postoperative management, assessment of discharge and follow-up, for the convenience of various medical centers.

Anomalous Thermoelectric Effects of ZrTe_{5} in and beyond the Quantum Limit

Thermoelectric effects are more sensitive and promising probes to topological properties of emergent materials, but much less addressed compared to other physical properties. We study the thermoelectric effects of ZrTe_{5} in a magnetic field. The presence of the nontrivial electrons leads to the anomalous Nernst effect and quasilinear field dependence of thermopower below the quantum limit. In the strong-field quantum limit, both the thermopower and Nernst signal exhibit exotic peaks. At higher magnetic fields, the Nernst signal has a sign reversal at a critical field where the thermopower approaches zero. We propose that these anomalous behaviors can be attributed to the gap closing of the zeroth Landau bands in topological materials with the band inversion. Our understanding to the anomalous thermoelectric properties in ZrTe_{5} opens a new avenue for exploring Dirac physics in topological materials.

Fractional Deletion of Compound Kushen Injection Indicates Cytokine Signaling Pathways are Critical for its Perturbation of the Cell Cycle

We used computational and experimental biology approaches to identify candidate mechanisms of action of aTraditional Chinese Medicine, Compound Kushen Injection (CKI), in a breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231). Because CKI is a complex mixture of plant secondary metabolites, we used a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation and reconstitution approach to define chemical fractions required for CKI to induce apoptosis. The initial fractionation separated major from minor compounds, and it showed that major compounds accounted for little of the activity of CKI. Furthermore, removal of no single major compound altered the effect of CKI on cell viability and apoptosis. However, simultaneous removal of two major compounds identified oxymatrine and oxysophocarpine as critical with respect to CKI activity. Transcriptome analysis was used to correlate compound removal with gene expression and phenotype data. Many compounds in CKI are required to trigger apoptosis but significant modulation of its activity is conferred by a small number of compounds. In conclusion, CKI may be typical of many plant based extracts that contain many compounds in that no single compound is responsible for all of the bioactivity of the mixture and that many compounds interact in a complex fashion to influence a network containing many targets.

Dioscin-6'-O-acetate inhibits lung cancer cell proliferation via inducing cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the leading cause of global cancer-related mortality. Dioscin-6'-O-acetate (DA), a novel natural steroidal saponin, was firstly isolated from the rhizomes of Dioscorea althaeoides R. Knuth. Until now, there were no studies on its pharmacological activities.

PURPOSE

Here, we investigated the growth inhibitory effect and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms of DA against lung cancer cells.

METHODS/STUDY DESIGNS

NSCLC H460, H1299, H520 cells and SCLC H446 cells were treated with DA. To display the cytotoxic effects and possible mechanism of DA on these cells, MTT assay, flow cytometry and western blot analysis were carried out.

RESULTS

Our results showed that DA exerted strong anti-proliferative activity against lung cancer cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry demonstrated DA induced the cell cycle arrest at S-phase (NCI-H460, NCI-H1299, NCI-H520) or G1-phase (NCI-H446), caused cellular apoptosis, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blotting analysis showed DA treatment increased the levels of caspase 3, 8, 9, Bax, p21, p53, phosphorylated JNK and p38 MAPK and markedly decreased the expression of Bcl-2, p-ERK, p-PI3K, p-AKT and NF-κB. Blockade of caspases with Z-VAD-FMK converted apoptosis-related proteins. Suppression of p53 with pifithrin-α (PFT) attenuated cell cycle-related protein. Inhibition of ROS with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) adjusted apoptosis-related proteins and phosphorylated MAPK and PI3K, as well as NF-κB.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our study indicated that DA suppressed lung cancer cells proliferation via inducing cell-cycle arrest and enhancing caspase-dependent apoptosis, at least partly, through ROS-mediated PI3K/AKT, MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Suspended low-loss germanium waveguides for the longwave infrared

Germanium is a material of high interest for mid-infrared (MIR) integrated photonics due to its complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility and its wide transparency window covering the 2-15 μm spectral region exceeding the 4 and 8 μm limit of the silicon-on-insulator platform and Si material, respectively. In this Letter, we report suspended germanium waveguides operating at a wavelength of 7.67 μm with a propagation loss of 2.6±0.3  dB/cm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of low-loss suspended germanium waveguides at such a long wavelength. Suspension of the waveguide is achieved by defining holes alongside the core providing access to the buried oxide layer and the underlying Si layer so that they can be wet etched using hydrofluoric acid and tetramethylammonium hydroxide, respectively. Our MIR waveguides create a new path toward long wavelength sensing in the fingerprint region.

Two new 18, 19-seco Triterpenoids from Ilex asprella (Hook. et Arn.) Champ. ex Benth

Two novel 18,19-seco-ursane triterpenoid saponins, ilexasprellanosides J-K (1-2, resp.), 3-O-α-l-Rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyrannosyl-19-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-16-β-hydroxyl-18,19-seco-13(18)-urs-ene-21, 28-lactone (1), 3-O-β-d-Xylopyrannosyl-19-O-α-l-rhamnopyran osyl-(1 → 2)-α-l-arabinopyranoside-16, 21-epoxy-18, 19-seco-13(18)-urs-ene-28-oic acid (2), five known compounds (3-7) were isolated from the leaves of Ilex asprella (Hook. et Arn.) Champ. ex Benth. (Gangmeiye). The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated through UV, IR, ESI-MS, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR analyses. In MTT and SRB assays, compounds 1-4 presented cytotoxic activities against several human cancer cell lines, namely, the HL-60 human acute promyelocytic leukaemia, Bel 7402 liver cancer, BGC-823 gastric cancer and KB human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines. Compound 1 exhibited weak cytotoxic activities against the human tumour cell lines HL-60, Bel 7402 and KB with inhibition rates of 27.97%, 21.00% and 25.60%, respectively. Compound 2 exhibited weak cytotoxic activities against the human tumour cell lines HL-60, Bel 7402 and BGC-823 with inhibition rates of 19.34%, 7.50% and 4.26%. Respectively, the compounds exerted no statistically different effects on mast cell degranulation in rats. This result indicates that the compounds do not affect mast cell degranulation.

Shunaoxin dropping pill, a Chinese herb compound preparation, attenuates memory impairment in d-galactose-induced aging mice

The Shunaoxin dropping pill (SNX) is derived from a traditional recipe. It has been used to treat cerebrovascular diseases in China since 2005 (approval number Z20050041). In this study, we used an in vitro H2O2-induced PC12 cell oxidative damage model and an in vivod-gal-induced mouse memory impairment model to investigate whether SNX had neuroprotective effects. In vitro, prior to exposure to 100 μM H2O2 for 2 h, PC12 cells were pre-treated with SNX 50 μg mL-1 for 24 h. Hoechst 33258 staining was used to confirm the effect of SNX on apoptosis in the PC12 cells. Our results demonstrate that H2O2 suppresses the proliferation of PC12 cells and induces cell death. Pretreatment with SNX attenuates H2O2-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. In vivo, d-gal was administered (100 mg kg-1, subcutaneously (s.c.)) once daily for 8 weeks to induce memory deficit and neurotoxicity in the brain of an aging mouse. Then, SNX (320 mg kg-1) was simultaneously administered orally. The present study demonstrates that SNX can alleviate aging in the mouse brain induced by d-gal via improving behavioral performance, alleviating oxidative stress, inhibiting neuroinflammation, and reducing brain cell damage in the hippocampus. Overall, these data clearly demonstrate the neuroprotective effect of SNX from the in vitro and in vivo results. SNX may be considered a novel agent for easing aging and/or age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Suspended silicon waveguides for long-wave infrared wavelengths

In this Letter, we report suspended silicon waveguides operating at a wavelength of 7.67 μm with a propagation loss of 3.1±0.3  dB/cm. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of low-loss silicon waveguides at such a long wavelength, with loss comparable to other platforms that use more exotic materials. The suspended Si waveguide core is supported by a sub-wavelength grating that provides lateral optical confinement while also allowing access to the buried oxide layer so that it can be wet etched using hydrofluoric acid. We also demonstrate low-loss waveguide bends and s-bends.