The tomato WRKY-B transcription factor modulates lateral branching by targeting BLIND, PIN4, and IAA15

Lateral branching is a crucial agronomic trait that impacts crop yield. In tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ), excessive lateral branching is unfavorable and results in substantial labor and management costs. Therefore, optimizing lateral branching is a primary objective in tomato breeding. Although many genes related to lateral branching have been reported in tomato, the molecular mechanism underlying their network remains elusive. In this study, we found that the expression profile of a WRKY gene, WRKY-B (for WRKY-BRANCING), was associated with the auxin-dependent axillary bud development process. Wrky-b mutants generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 editing system presented fewer lateral branches, while WRKY-B overexpression lines presented more lateral branches than did wild-type plants. Furthermore, WRKY-B can directly target the well-known branching gene BLIND (BL) and the auxin efflux carrier gene PIN4 to activate their expression. Both the bl and pin4 mutants exhibited reduced lateral branching, similar to the wrky-b mutant. The IAA contents in the axillary buds of the wrky-b, bl, and pin4 mutant plants were significantly higher than those in the wild-type plants. In addition, WRKY-B can also directly target the AUX/IAA gene IAA15 and repress its expression. In summary, WRKY-B works upstream of BL, PIN4, and IAA15 to regulate the development of lateral branches in tomato.

[A case of eyelid fistula after cosmetic lateral canthoplasty]

A 35-year-old female presented with a chief complaint of exudates from the outer corner of the left eye for more than half a year after cosmetic lateral canthoplasty. A fistula was seen in the skin of the left eye 5 mm from the lateral canthus, with clear fluid inside it. Left eyelid fistula was diagnosed and surgically removed. The histopathological examination confirmed that the tissue connected with the fistula was lacrimal gland tissue. No recurrence was found during the 2-month follow-up.

Impact of lamivudine treatment in late pregnancy on the development of the foetal immune response to hepatitis B virus: a meta-analysis in R with the metafor package

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide public health burden, especially in Asia and Africa. Concerns were raised that foetal exposure to HBV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) might suppress the innate immune response and reduce the production of hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) in foetuses and infants. We therefore conducted the current study to evaluate the impact of ART on the development of the immune response to HBV in foetuses and infants.

METHODS

We selected lamivudine instead of telbivudine or tenofovir as the intervention measurement because it was the oldest and most widely used ART during pregnancy and its safety data have been sufficiently documented. A comprehensive search was conducted in eight electronic databases, including four Chinese and four English databases. Studies that met the following eligibility criteria were included: human randomized controlled trials (RCTs); participants in the treatment group were exclusively exposed to lamivudine; participants in the control group were exposed to placebo, no treatment or hepatitis B immunoglobulin; all participants were HBV-positive pregnant women with a high viral load and the main outcome of interest was neonatal HBsAb seropositivity. Data were tabulated and analysed using R software.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs were included and analysed. Compared with controls, lamivudine significantly decreased HBsAb seronegativity in the newborn within 24 h after birth (indicating the foetal immune response to HBV). Similar results were noted in infants within 6-7 months after birth and infants within 12 months (indicating the neonatal immune response to HBV vaccine).

CONCLUSIONS

Lamivudine treatment in late pregnancy boosted the foetal immune response to HBV in utero and enhanced the neonatal immune response to hepatitis B vaccine after birth.

Second curettage versus conventional chemotherapy in avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy and reducing the number of chemotherapy courses for patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy is the recommended treatment for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Second curettage had been advocated to avoid unnecessary chemotherapy and to reduce the courses of chemotherapy; however, consensus has not been reached as there are arguments claiming its inability of inducing complete regression.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was performed to clarify the effectiveness of second curettage for avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy and lowering the number of chemotherapy courses in patients with post-molar GTN.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Seven predominant electronic databases were searched, including four English databases and three Chinese databases, from the inception of each database until January 31, 2023.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies were included if they were: (1) human, (2) explicitly indicated exposure to second curettage, (3) explicitly indicated control to conventional chemotherapy, (4) explicitly indicated the participants were patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), and (5) compared the outcome of interest as the number of the course of chemotherapy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors extracted and analyzed the data independently. Disagreements were reconciled by reviewing the full text by a third author. The data of study location, data collection, study design, number of participants, intervention strategy, control strategy, the follow-up period, outcome, adverse events were analyzed.

MAIN RESULTS

With regard to avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy, the overall pooled effect size of the second curettage group had a significant advantage over the conventional chemotherapy group with an OR of 0.02 (95% CI: 0.00-0.06). Meanwhile, for reducing the number of chemotherapy courses, the overall pooled effect size of the second curettage group had significant advantage over the conventional chemotherapy group with a mean difference of -2.11 (95% CI: -3.72 to -0.51).

CONCLUSION

The second curettage group had a significant advantage over the conventional chemotherapy group in avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy and reducing the number of chemotherapy courses. Further larger multi-center randomized controlled trials should be conducted to confirm our results and to clarify the optimal patients' group for second curettage in patients with post-molar GTN.

Is early bilateral compression ultrasonography and D-dimer monitoring appropriately for prophylaxis and diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis after cesarean section women: a single-center observation study of Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is most prevalent among parturients following a cesarean section (CS). The objective of this study was to assess the practical utility of bilateral compression ultrasonography (CUS) of the lower limbs, coupled with D-dimer monitoring, in the early diagnosis of VTE within the Han Chinese population.

METHODS

Our prospective observational study included 742 women who underwent CUS and D-dimer testing on the first day post-CS. Subsequently, telephone or outpatient follow-ups were conducted until 42 days postpartum. States of hypercoagulation and thrombosis, as indicated by CUS, were classified as CUS abnormal. A D-dimer level ≥ 3 mg/l was considered the D-dimer warning value. Early ambulation and mechanical prophylaxis were universally recommended for all parturients post-CS. A sequential diagnostic strategy, based on the 2015 RCOG VTE risk-assessment tool, was employed. Therapeutic doses of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) were administered for the treatment of thromboembolic disease. Prophylactic doses of LMWH were given for VTE prophylaxis in parturients with hypercoagulative status accompanied by D-dimer levels ≥ 3 mg/l. All high-risk women (RCOG score ≥ 4 points) were additionally treated with preventive LMWH. Statistical analyses were conducted using the R statistical software, with a two-sided P value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Fifteen cases of VTE and 727 instances without VTE were observed. The overall VTE rate post-CS was 2.02% (15/742), with 66.7% (10/15) being asymptomatic. Eleven patients received a VTE diagnosis on the first postpartum day. Among the 41 parturients exhibiting hypercoagulation ultrasound findings and D-dimer levels ≥ 3 mg/l, despite receiving pharmacological VTE prophylaxis with LMWH, 4.88% (2/41) in the high-risk group were eventually diagnosed with VTE. A total of 30.86% (229/742) exhibited normal ultrasound findings and D-dimer levels < 3 mg/l on the first day post-CS, with no VTE occurrences in the postpartum follow-up. According to RCOG's recommendation, 78.03% (579/742) of cesarean delivery women should receive prophylactic anticoagulation, while only 20.62% (153/742) met our criterion for prophylactic anticoagulation.

CONCLUSION

The strategy of timely routine bilateral CUS and D-dimer monitoring is conducive to the early diagnosis and treatment of VTE, significantly reducing the use of LMWH in the Chinese Han population.

[A case of fungal keratitis caused by Petriella setifera infection]

The patient, a 66-year-old male, suffered from redness, blurred vision, photophobia, and tearing in the right eye after being injured by a wooden board. Anti-inflammatory treatment showed poor effectiveness. A 4 mm × 4 mm infiltrate with white deposits on the surface was observed in the central cornea of the right eye. Microscopic examination of corneal scrapings, fungal culture, and in vivo confocal microscopy all indicated fungal infection. The isolated strain was identified as Scedosporium apiospermum through microscopic morphology and confirmed as Petriella setifera by gene sequencing. The patient received corneal debridement combined with routine anti-inflammatory and antifungal treatment in the outpatient clinic. During the follow-up period, the condition continued to improve. Slit lamp examination at the revisit 40 days after the initial diagnosis revealed thinning of the corneal stroma, basic healing of the epithelium, and an increase in uncorrected visual acuity from 0.3 to 0.6.

Genomic epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of Serratia marcescens neurosurgical site infections associated with contaminated haircutting toolkits in a hospital barber shop

BACKGROUND

Nine surgical site infections caused by Serratia marcescens were diagnosed in neurosurgical patients in a 3500-bed hospital between 2nd February and 6th April 2022.

OBJECTIVE

To trace the source of infections caused by S. marcescens to expedite termination of the outbreak and prevent future epidemics.

METHODS

A review of all surgical procedures and cultures yielding S. marcescens since February 2022 was conducted. Samples were collected from patients and environmental sources. S. marcescens isolates were characterized by antibiotic susceptibility testing. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to investigate genetic relationships. Resistance genes, virulence genes and plasmid replicons were identified.

RESULTS

S. marcescens was isolated from patients' puncture fluid, cerebrospinal fluid and other secretions, and was also cultured from the barbers' haircutting tools, including leather knives, slicker scrapers and razors. In total, 15 isolates were obtained from patients and eight isolates were obtained from haircutting tools. All isolates exhibited identical antibiotic resistance patterns. WGS revealed close clustering among the 23 isolates which differed significantly from previous strains. Three resistance genes and nine virulence-associated genes were detected in all isolates, and 19 of 23 isolates harboured an MOBP-type plasmid. The results confirmed an outbreak of S. marcescens, which was traced to contaminated haircutting tools in the hospital barber shop. The outbreak ended after extensive reinforcement of infection control procedures and re-education of the barbers.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the risk of postoperative infections related to pre-operative skin preparation, and demonstrate the value of next-generation sequencing tools to expedite outbreak investigations.

The molecular feature of abnormal fetal neuromuscular development after maternal use of telbivudine or tenofovir during pregnancy in rodent model

AIMS

Maternal treatment with nucleoside analogues such as telbivudine (LdT) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) has been applied worldwide. However, administration of LdT or TDF during pregnancy may affect the fetal neuromuscular development. We conducted the current study to investigate the histological pathology and transcriptomic changes pertaining to the neuromuscular system of the newborn exposed to LdT or TDF during pregnancy in rodent model.

MAIN METHODS

Pregnant C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into three arms and administered either with LdT solution (0.1 ml, 78 mg/kg/d), TDF solution (0.1 ml, 39 mg/kg/d) or normal saline solution (0.1 ml). Pups in each arm were weighed and sacrificed after birth. Both sides of quadriceps femoris muscle of the newborn were obtained. The histological observation was conducted under light microscope. The transcriptional profiling was analyzed with RNA sequencing (RNA seq).

KEY FINDINGS

Four types of morphological abnormalities of the newborn neuromuscular system, being clusters of rhabdomyoblasts, skeletal muscle fibrosis, rhabdomyolysis and necrosis and immature muscle fiber bundles, were noted in both LdT group and TDF group. Moreover, both groups showed significantly decreased gross cross-sectional area of muscle fiber and significantly increased percentage of muscle lesion area. RNA seq identified a total of 164 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) essential to fetal neuromuscular development. These DEGs were involved in calcium regulation, phospholipid activity, muscle cell development, the functioning of mitochondria/endoplasmic reticulum/lysosome/cytoskeleton, the regulation of arachidonic acid and the development of nervous system.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings suggest maternal administration of LdT or TDF lead to abnormal neuromuscular development in offspring mice. Further study should be encouraged to investigate the down-stream signaling pathways.

Nutrient supplementation of beef female calves at pre-weaning enhances the commitment of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells to preadipocytes

We aimed to evaluate the impact of nutrient supplementation of beef female calves at pre-weaning on adipogenic determination. Thirty-four female calves were assigned to two experimental treatments: Control (CON, n = 17), where animals were supplemented only with mineral mixture; Supplemented (SUP, n = 17), where animals received energy-protein supplement containing minerals (5 g/kg of BW per day) of their body weight. Animals were supplemented from 100 to 250 days of age, and muscle samples were biopsied at the end of the supplementation period. Regarding the performance variables, there were no differences between treatments for initial body weight (P = 0.75). The final body weight (P = 0.07), average daily gain (P = 0.07), rib eye area (P = 0.03), and rib fat thickness (P = 0.08) were greater in SUP female calves compared with CON treatment. The number of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells (P = 0.69) did not differ between treatments, while a greater number of intramuscular pre-adipocytes were observed in SUP than CON female calves (P = 0.01). The expression of miRNA-4429 (P = 0.20) did not differ between treatments, while the expression of miRNA-129-5p (P = 0.09) and miRNA-129-2-3p (P = 0.05) was greater in CON than SUP female calves. Our results suggest that nutrient supplementation at early postnatal stages of development enhances the commitment of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells into the adipogenic lineages allowing to an increase in intramuscular fat deposition potential of the animals later in life.

CDC73 Impairment of MAPK1 Ubiquitination and Activation of the mTOR Signaling Pathway

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

CDC73 has been reported to be upregulated in breast cancer. This study aimed to illuminate the underlying mechanism by which CDC73 mediates breast cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Here, a breast cancer tissue microarray and three breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, BT-549 as well as MCF-7 were employed. Using RNAi method, we knocked down CDC73 and MAPK1 in breast cancer cells. CDC73 overexpression plasmids (LV-013) were generated through pMD2.G and pSPAX2 vectors. Cell events related to tumor development were analyzed through Celigo cell counting assay, a cell counting kit, wound healing assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis. The exploration on the underlying mechanism was based on PrimeView human gene expression array. Xenograft tumor models were constructed to visualize the effects of CDC73/MAPK2 on breast cancer progression.

RESULTS

CDC73 was abundantly expressed in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, and the expression of CDC73 was related to poor prognosis of patients. In breast cancer, CDC73 could promote the proliferation and migration of tumor cells, while disrupting apoptosis. Also, we found that CBL, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, could interact with CDC73 and promote MAPK1 ubiquitination and degradation of this protein. In addition, silencing MAPK1 led to a suppression of breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo, and even abolished the promoting effects of CDC73 overexpression. We also found that mTOR pathway played a role in CDC73-mediated breast cancer. mTOR pathway inhibitor reversed cell phenotypes induced by CDC73 overexpression.

CONCLUSION

CDC73 promoted MAPK1 ubiquitination and degradation so that affected MAPK1 level and subsequently led to breast cancer progression, providing a novel therapeutic strategy to combat cancer.

Rapid generation of a tomato male sterility system and its feasible application in hybrid seed production

KEY MESSAGE

A practical approach for the rapid generation and feasible application of green hypocotyl male-sterile (GHMS) tm6 dfr lines in tomato hybrid breeding was established. Male sterility enables reduced cost and high seed purity during hybrid seed production. However, progress toward its commercial application has been slow in tomato due to the disadvantages of most natural male-sterile mutants. Here, we developed a practical method for efficient tomato hybrid seed production using a male-sterile system with visible marker, which was rapidly generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. Two closely linked genes, TM6 and DFR, which were reported to be candidates of ms15 (male sterile-15) and aw (anthocyanin without) locus, respectively, were knocked out simultaneously in two elite tomato inbred lines. Mutagenesis of both genes generated green hypocotyl male-sterile (GHMS) lines. The GHMS lines exhibited male sterility across different genetic backgrounds and environmental conditions. They also showed green hypocotyl due to defective anthocyanin accumulation, which serves as a reliable visible marker for selecting male-sterile plants at the seedling stage. We further proposed a strategy for multiplying the GHMS system and verified its high efficiency in stable male sterility propagation. Moreover, elite hybrid seeds were produced using GHMS system for potential side effects evaluation, and no adverse influences were found on seed yield, seed quality as well as important agronomic traits. This study provides a practical approach for the rapid generation and feasible application of male sterility in tomato hybrid breeding.

Does Periodontitis Affect the Association of Biological Aging with Mortality?

The prevalence of periodontitis is increasing with the aging of the global population. Periodontitis has been suggested to accelerate aging and increase mortality. The present nationwide prospective cohort study aimed to determine whether periodontitis could modify the association of biological aging with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in middle-aged and older adults. Participants ≥40 y of age from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) were included (n = 6,272). Phenotypic age acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) was used to evaluate the biological aging process. Moderate/severe periodontitis was defined using a half-reduced Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Periodontology case definition. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was conducted to estimate the association between PhenoAgeAccel and mortality risk, followed by effect modification analysis to test whether periodontitis modified the association. During a median follow-up of 24.5 y, 3,600 (57.4%) deaths occurred. The positive relationships between PhenoAgeAccel and all-cause and cause-specific mortality were nonlinear. After adjusting for potential confounders, the highest quartile of PhenoAgeAccel was associated with increased all-cause mortality in individuals with no/mild periodontitis (hazard ratio for Q4 vs. Q1 [HR_Q4vs.Q1] = 1.789; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.541-2.076). In contrast, the association was enhanced in patients with moderate/severe periodontitis (HR_Q4vs.Q1 = 2.446 [2.100-2.850]). Periodontal status significantly modified the association between PhenoAgeAccel and all-cause mortality (P for interaction = 0.012). In subgroup analyses, the modifying effect of periodontitis was observed in middle-aged adults (40-59 y), females, and non-Hispanic Whites. Although cause-specific mortality showed a similar trend, the PhenoAgeAccel × periodontitis interaction did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, periodontitis might enhance the association of biological aging with all-cause mortality in middle-aged and older adults. Hence, maintaining and enhancing periodontal health is expected to become an intervention to slow aging and extend life span.

Swinging between shine and shadow: Theoretical advances on thermally activated vibropolaritonic chemistry

Polariton chemistry has emerged as an appealing branch of synthetic chemistry that promises mode selectivity and a cleaner approach to kinetic control. Of particular interest are the numerous experiments in which reactivity has been modified by virtue of performing the reaction inside infrared optical microcavities in the absence of optical pumping; this effort is known as "vibropolaritonic chemistry." The optimal conditions for these observations are (1) resonance between cavity and reactive modes at normal incidence (k = 0) and (2) a monotonic increase of the effect with the concentration of emitters in the sample. Importantly, vibropolaritonic chemistry has only been experimentally demonstrated in the so-called "collective" strong coupling regime, where there is a macroscopic number of molecules (rather than a single molecule) coupled to each photon mode of the microcavity. Strikingly, efforts to understand this phenomenon from a conceptual standpoint have encountered several roadblocks, and no single, unifying theory has surfaced thus far. This Perspective documents the most relevant approaches taken by theorists, laying out the contributions and unresolved challenges from each work. We expect this Perspective to not only serve as a primer for experimentalists and theorists alike but also inform future endeavors in the quest for the ultimate formalism of vibropolaritonic chemical kinetics.

Plant extracellular self-DNA inhibits growth and induces immunity via the jasmonate signaling pathway

Plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to detect various forms of danger. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous danger molecules that are released from damaged cells and activate the innate immunity. Recent evidence suggests that plant extracellular self-DNA (esDNA) can serve as a DAMP molecule. However, the mechanisms by which esDNA functions are largely unknown. In this study, we confirmed that esDNA inhibits root growth and triggers reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in a concentration- and species-specific manner in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Furthermore, by combining RNA sequencing, hormone measurement and genetic analysis, we found that esDNA-mediated growth inhibition and ROS production are achieved through the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway. Specifically, esDNA induces JA production and the expression of JA responsive genes. The esDNA-mediated growth inhibition, ROS production and gene expression are impaired in the JA-related mutants. Finally, we found that the JA signaling pathway is required for the esDNA-elicited resistance against the pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. This finding highlights the importance of JA signaling in esDNA-mediated biological effects, thereby providing insight into how esDNA functions as a DAMP.

[The expression and function of PD-L1 in CD133(+) human liver cancer stem-like cells]

Objective: To investigate the expression of programmed death protein-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in liver cancer stem-like cells (LCSLC) and its effect on the characteristics of tumor stem cells and tumor biological function, to explore the upstream signaling pathway regulating PD-L1 expression in LCSLC and the downstream molecular mechanism of PD-L1 regulating stem cell characteristics, also tumor biological functions. Methods: HepG2 was cultured by sphere-formating method to obtain LCSLC. The expressions of CD133 and other stemness markers were detected by flow cytometry, western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expressions of stemness markers and PD-L1. The biological functions of the LCSLC were tested by cell function assays, to confirm that the LCSLC has the characteristics of tumor stem cells. LCSLC was treated with cell signaling pathway inhibitors to identify relevant upstream signaling pathways mediating PD-L1 expression changes. The expression of PD-L1 in LCSLC was down regulated by small interfering RNA (siRNA), the expression of stem cell markers, tumor biological functions of LCSLC, and the changes of cell signaling pathways were detected. Results: Compared with HepG2 cells, the expression rate of CD133 in LCSLC was upregulated [(92.78±6.91)% and (1.40±1.77)%, P<0.001], the expressions of CD133, Nanog, Oct4A and Snail in LCSLC were also higher than those in HepG2 cells (P<0.05), the number of sphere-formating cells increased on day 7 [(395.30±54.05) and (124.70±19.30), P=0.001], cell migration rate increased [(35.41±6.78)% and (10.89±4.34)%, P=0.006], the number of transmembrane cells increased [(75.77±10.85) and (20.00±7.94), P=0.002], the number of cloned cells increased [(120.00±29.51) and (62.67±16.77), P=0.043]. Cell cycle experiments showed that LCSLC had significantly more cells in the G(0)/G(1) phase than those in HepG2 [(54.89±3.27) and (32.36±1.50), P<0.001]. The tumor formation experiment of mice showed that the weight of transplanted tumor in LCSLC group was (1.32±0.17)g, the volume is (1 779.0±200.2) mm(3), were higher than those of HepG2 cell [(0.31±0.06)g and (645.6±154.9)mm(3), P<0.001]. The expression level of PD-L1 protein in LCSLC was 1.88±0.52 and mRNA expression level was 2.53±0.62, both of which were higher than those of HepG2 cells (P<0.05). The expression levels of phosphorylation signal transduction and transcription activation factor 3 (p-STAT3) and p-Akt in LCSLC were higher than those in HepG2 cells (P<0.05). After the expression of p-STAT3 and p-Akt was down-regulated by inhibitor treatment, the expression of PD-L1 was also down-regulated (P<0.05). In contrast, the expression level of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in LCSLC was lower than that in HepG2 cells (P<0.01), there was no significant change in PD-L1 expression after down-regulated by inhibitor treatment (P>0.05). After the expression of PD-L1 was knockdown by siRNA, the expressions of CD133, Nanog, Oct4A and Snail in LCSLC were decreased compared with those of siRNA-negative control (NC) group (P<0.05). The number of sphere-formating cells decreased [(45.33±12.01) and (282.00±29.21), P<0.001], the cell migration rate was lower than that in siRNA-NC group [(20.86±2.74)% and (46.73±15.43)%, P=0.046], the number of transmembrane cells decreased [(39.67±1.53) and (102.70±11.59), P=0.001], the number of cloned cells decreased [(57.67±14.57) and (120.70±15.04), P=0.007], the number of cells in G(0)/G(1) phase decreased [(37.68±2.51) and (57.27±0.92), P<0.001], the number of cells in S phase was more than that in siRNA-NC group [(30.78±0.52) and (15.52±0.83), P<0.001]. Tumor formation in mice showed that the tumor weight of shRNA-PD-L1 group was (0.47±0.12)g, the volume is (761.3±221.4)mm(3), were lower than those of shRNA-NC group [(1.57±0.45)g and (1 829.0±218.3)mm(3), P<0.001]. Meanwhile, the expression levels of p-STAT3 and p-Akt in siRNA-PD-L1 group were decreased (P<0.05), while the expression levels of p-ERK1/2 and β-catenin did not change significantly (P>0.05). Conclusion: Elevated PD-L1 expression in CD133(+) LCSLC is crucial to maintain stemness and promotes the tumor biological function of LCSLC.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by minimally invasive esophagectomy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant therapy is recommended for locally advanced esophageal cancer, but the optimal strategy remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) followed by minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients staged as cT3-4aN0-1M0 ESCC were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to the nCRT or nCT group stratified by age, cN stage, and centers. The chemotherapy, based on paclitaxel and cisplatin, was administered to both groups, while concurrent radiotherapy was added for the nCRT group; then MIE was carried out. The primary endpoint was 3-year overall survival. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03001596).

RESULTS

A total of 264 patients were eligible for the intention-to-treat analysis. By 30 November 2021, 121 deaths had occurred. The median follow-up was 43.9 months (interquartile range 36.6-49.3 months). The overall survival in the intention-to-treat population was comparable between the nCRT and nCT strategies [hazard ratio (HR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-1.18; P = 0.28], with a 3-year survival rate of 64.1% (95% CI 56.4% to 72.9%) versus 54.9% (95% CI 47.0% to 64.2%), respectively. There were also no differences in progression-free survival (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.59-1.16; P = 0.27) and recurrence-free survival (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.71-1.60; P = 0.75), although the pathological complete response in the nCRT group (31/112, 27.7%) was significantly higher than that in the nCT group (3/104, 2.9%; P < 0.001). Besides, a trend of lower risk of recurrence was observed in the nCRT group (P = 0.063), while the recurrence pattern was similar (P = 0.802).

CONCLUSIONS

NCRT followed by MIE was not associated with significantly better overall survival than nCT among patients with cT3-4aN0-1M0 ESCC. The results underscore the pending issue of the best strategy of neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced bulky ESCC.

[Epidemiological, clinical characteristics, prevention, and control of monkeypox]

The World Health Organization officially declared that monkeypox was public health emergency of international concern on July 23, 2022. Current research shows that the clades of monkeypox virus are still Clade Ⅱ in multiple countries in 2022. Monkeypox cases are mainly males, with a wide range of ages. Compared with the population in previous studies, the reported population in 2022 had an increased median age, and the proportion of men who have sex with men increased. Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease, with fever and rash as the primary clinical symptoms. Studies had shown that compared with before 2022, the proportion of fever in 2022 decreased, and the leading site of rash changed from cheek to genital mucosa. Asymptomatic monkeypox cases were first reported in 2022. Although there are no monkeypox local cases in China and imported risk is low, with the deepening of trade exchanges between countries in the world and frequent personnel exchanges, China should pay attention to the progress of the international epidemic and make efforts on emergency response, to prevent the possible occurrence and spread of cases.

[A case of microsporidial keratitis]

A case of keratitis caused by microsporidia infection was reported. A 57-year-old female patient, without any obvious predisposing cause, presented with eye redness, eye abrasion and vision loss for one year in the left eye. The patient was diagnosed with viral keratitis based on laboratory examinations and clinical symptoms two months ago in our hospital. He was given outpatient treatment for antivirus. Two months later, he was admitted to our hospital with worsened condition that presented with corneal ulcer. After admission, corneal scraping examination was performed for the detection of microsporidia with calcofluor white (CFW) and Ziehl-Neelsen staining, the smear revealed multiple oval spore-like structures, with acid-fast positive and showed blue fluorescence on potassium hydroxide with CFW stain, confirming a diagnosis of microsporidial keratitis in the left eye. Treatment: topical use of ofloxacin eye ointment and voriconazole eye drops was not effective, and then penetrating keratoplasty was performed, and the patient's condition was stable after surgery. At present, they are still in treatment and follow-up.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha and palmitate simulate bovine fatty liver disease in vitro when using abattoir-derived primary bovine hepatocytes isolated by a novel nonperfusion method

Hepatic lipidosis (i.e., fatty liver) is a common periparturient disease in high-producing dairy cattle affecting nearly 50% of cows to some degree and costing an estimated 60 million dollars annually. Large animal studies are costly, labor intensive, and are not well suited to mechanistic studies. Traditionally, mechanistic studies employ in vitro methodologies, utilizing established cell lines or primary cell culture methods. However, with dairy cattle, established hepatic cell lines do not exist, and methods for primary cell culture studies typically involve complicated procedures that often utilize very young animals (typically bull calves). Several previously published papers have used abattoir-derived tissues as a source of primary cells; however, a simple method utilizing simple culture media has yet to be presented. In addition, we sought to develop a way to replicate the syndrome of fatty liver disease "in a dish" using adult cattle that should more closely represent the physiology of the periparturient dairy cow. Herein we present a non-perfusion-based method that results in robust growth and proliferation of abattoir-derived bovine hepatocytes that demonstrate lipid loading, elevated lactate dehydrogenase leakage, and cytotoxicity as demonstrated by elevated caspase 3/7 expression consistent with in vivo physiology of the periparturient dairy cow with fatty liver disease.

[Progress in the development of treprostinil for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension]

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive pulmonary vascular disease, which can cause right heart failure and even death in severe cases. Treprostinil is a stable prostacyclin analogue and a powerful drug for dilating pulmonary vessels. It can be administered in different ways, with a long half-life, good stability and is suited for diverse types of PAH. It is approved for the treatment of Group 1 PAH, but some studies show that treprostinil is effective in patients with Group 3 or Group 4 PAH. Therefore, this article will review the progress of evidence-based medicine evidence of traprostanil in the treatment of type 1, 3 and 4 pulmonary hypertension.

[A case of solitary fibrous tumor of the conjunctiva]

A patient presented with a chief complaint of a conjunctival mass in the right eye for 5 days. The slit-lamp examination revealed a reddish oval mass, about 3 mm in diameter, in the nasal conjunctiva of the lower central fornix, with a clear boundary, smooth surface, toughness by touch, good activity, no bleeding, and no tenderness. The tumor was excised completely. Solitary fibrous tumor of the conjunctiva was diagnosed by pathological examination.

[Epidemic situation of malaria and change trend in Belt and Road countries]

Objective: To understand the epidemic situation of malaria and its change trend in the Belt and Road countries. Methods: The 145 countries with which China has signed cooperation documents on the Belt and Road Initiative were selected for this study, and their malaria incidence data were collected from the Global Burden of Disease 2019. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) was used to describe the epidemic situation of malaria in 2019. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of the ASR was calculated to assess the incidence trend of malaria from 2013 to 2019. Results: Among the 145 countries, 74 (51.03%) countries had malaria epidemics, mainly in Africa (60.81%, 45/74) and Asia (22.97%, 17/74). The countries with malaria incidence of ≥10 000 per 100 000 in 2019 were mainly distributed in Africa (96.15%, 25/26). From 2013 to 2019, the incidence rates of malaria showed decreasing trends in 32 countries (43.24%), and the incidence rates of malaria in 23 countries (31.08%) showed no significant change, while the incidence rates of malaria in 19 countries (25.68%) showed increasing trends. The obvious increasing trends were observed in Cape Verde (EAPC=151.46, 95%CI: 47.15-329.71), South Africa (EAPC=98.61, 95%CI: 32.11-198.58) and Namibia (EAPC=78.03, 95%CI: 54.30-105.42). Conclusion: About half of the Belt and Road countries had malaria epidemics in 2019, in which 1/4 had increased incidence of malaria. China should continue to strengthen the prevention and control of malaria, especially imported malaria, to maintain the achievements of malaria elimination.

[Epidemic situation of HIV/AIDS and change trend in Belt and Road countries]

Objective: To understand the epidemic situation of HIV/AIDS and its change trend in the Belt and Road countries and provide evidence for the improvement of prevention and control of the cross-border transmission of HIV/AIDS. Methods: The 145 countries that have signed the cooperation document of the Belt and Road initiative with China were selected in our study. Age-standardized incidence rate and prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in the 145 countries from 2013 to 2019 were downloaded from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Age-standardized incidence rate and prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in 2019 were used to describe the HIV/AIDS epidemics in 145 countries, and the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of incidence was calculated to analyze the trend of HIV/AIDS incidence from 2013 to 2019. Results: In 2019, Africa had the highest proportion of countries with HIV/AIDS incidence exceeding 40.00 per 100 000 (56.86%, 29/51), and Asia had the lowest proportion (5.41%, 2/37). The countries with the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS exceeding 100.00 per 10 000 were almost distributed in Africa, accounting for 20.69% (30/145). From 2013 to 2019, the incidence rate of HIV/AIDS increased in 50 countries, accounting for 34.48% (50/145). The incidence rate of HIV/AIDS showed downward trends in 69 countries (47.59%, 69/145), and showed no significant change in 26 countries (17.93%, 26/145). The most obvious increase of incidence rate of HIV/AIDS was observed in Comoros (EAPC=15.60, 95%CI: 5.84-26.26) and the most obvious decrease was observed in Burundi (EAPC=-14.27, 95%CI: -15.21 to -13.31). Conclusions: In the Belt and Road countries, the most severe disease burden of HIV/AIDS was observed in countries in Africa, and the incidences of HIV/AIDS increased rapidly in some European countries, which means the risk of cross-border transmission still exists. Hence, the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in China should be further strengthened in the future.