Dog10K: an integrated Dog10K database summarizing canine multi-omics

The diversity observed in canine breed phenotypes, together with their risk for heritabily disorders of relevance to dogs and humans, makes the species an ideal subject for studies aimed at understanding the genetic basis of complex traits and human biomedical models. Dog10K is an ongoing international collaboration that aims to uncover the genetic basis of phenotypic diversity, disease, behavior, and domestication history of dogs. To best present and make the extensive data accessible and user friendly, we have established the Dog10K (http://dog10k.kiz.ac.cn/) database, a comprehensive-omics resource summarizing multiple types of data. This database integrates single nucleotide variants (SNVs) from 1987 canine genomes, de-novo mutations (DNMs) from 43 dog breeds with >40× sequence, RNA-seq data of 105057 single nuclei from hippocampus, 74067 single cells from leukocytes and 30 blood samples from published canid studies. We provide clear visualization, statistics, browse, searching, and downloading functions for all data. We have integrated three analysis tools, Selscan, LiftOver and AgeConversion, to aid researchers in custom exploration of the comprehensive-omics data. The Dog10K database will serve as a foundational platform for analyzing, presenting and utilizing canine multi-omics data.

High-pressure synthesis and characterizations of a new ternary Ce-based compound Ce3TiAs5

We report the structure and properties of a new Ce-based compound Ce3TiAs5synthesized under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. It crystallizes in a hexagonal Hf5Sn3Cu-anti type structure with zig-zag like Ce chains along thecaxis. This compound is metallic and undergoes a magnetic phase transition atTN= 13 K. A metamagnetic transition occurs at ∼0.7 T. The Sommerfeld coefficient for the compound is determined to be about 215 mJ/(Ce-mol*K2), demonstrating a heavy Fermion behavior. The resistivity is featured with two humps, which arises from the synergistic effect of crystal electric field and magnetic scattering. The magnetic ordering temperatureTNgradually increases in the sequence of Ce3TiPn5with Pn = Bi, Sb, and As, which implies that the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction should be still predominant in Ce3TiAs5.

Historic dog Furs Unravel the Origin and Artificial Selection of Modern Nordic Lapphund and Elkhound dog Breeds

The origins and extreme morphological evolution of the modern dog breeds are poorly studied because the founder populations are extinct. Here, we analyse eight 100 to 200 years old dog fur samples obtained from traditional North Swedish clothing, to explore the origin and artificial selection of the modern Nordic Lapphund and Elkhound dog breeds. Population genomic analysis confirmed the Lapphund and Elkhound breeds to originate from the local dog population, and showed a distinct decrease in genetic diversity in agreement with intense breeding. We identified eleven genes under positive selection during the breed development. In particular, the MSRB3 gene, associated with breed-related ear morphology, was selected in all Lapphund and Elkhound breeds, and functional assays showed that a SNP mutation in the 3'UTR region suppresses its expression through miRNA regulation. Our findings demonstrate analysis of near-modern dog artifacts as an effective tool for interpreting the origin and artificial selection of the modern dog breeds.

Diagnostic Significance of DCE-MRI-Related Quantitative Parameters for Nasal Cavity and Sinus Tumors

Objective

Our aim was to explore the diagnostic value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI)-related quantitative parameters for benign and malignant nasal cavity and sinus tumors.

Methods

A total of 78 patients with nasal sinus tumors admitted to People's Hospital of Qingdao Chengyang District in China were enrolled in our study, Of the patients, 41 were diagnosed as having benign tumors and 37 as having malignant tumors by pathological diagnosis. All patients received DCE-MRI scans before surgery to derive time-intensity curves (TICs) and related quantitative parameters (flux rate constant [Kep], transfer constant [Ktrans], extravascular volume fraction [Ve]). The diagnostic surgical pathology results were used as the gold standard to analyze the diagnostic effect of TIC and related quantitative parameters of DCE-MRI, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to determine the values of each parameter in predicting nasal sinus tumors.

Results

The percentage of class I in the benign group was significantly higher than in the malignant group (P < .05); the percentage of class III in the benign group was significantly lower than in the malignant group (P < .05); the percentage of class II in the 2 groups was comparable (P > .05). Kep, Ktrans and Ve in the benign group were 0.338±0.124, 0.061±0.035 and 0.532±0.138, respectively; Kep, Ktrans and Ve in the malignant group were 0.785±0.211, 0.441±0.125 and 0.327±0.048, respectively. The levels of Kep and Ktrans were significantly lower in the benign group than in the malignant group (all P < .05); the levels of Ve were significantly higher in the benign group than in the malignant group (P < .05). The optimal Kep cut-off value for predicting malignant nasal sinus tumors was 0.510 min-1, with a sensitivity of 81.4% and specificity of 89.5%; the optimal Ktrans cut-off value for predicting malignant nasal sinus tumors was 0.206 min-1, with a sensitivity of 84.3% and specificity of 89.7%; the optimal Ve cut-off value for predicting malignant nasal sinus tumors was 0.384 min-1, with a sensitivity of 71.8% and specificity of 82.4%.

Conclusion

DCE-MRI-related quantitative parameters are ideal for the diagnosis of benign and malignant nasal sinus tumors. This modality provides more data for the identification of the nature of the tumor, and thus merits clinical promotion and application.

DPSCs regulate epithelial-T cell interactions in oral submucous fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous lesion characterized by fibrous tissue deposition, the incidence of which correlates positively with the frequency of betel nut chewing. Prolonged betel nut chewing can damage the integrity of the oral mucosal epithelium, leading to chronic inflammation and local immunological derangement. However, currently, the underlying cellular events driving fibrogenesis and dysfunction are incompletely understood, such that OSF has few treatment options with limited therapeutic effectiveness. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have been recognized for their anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis capabilities, making them promising candidates to treat a range of immune, inflammatory, and fibrotic diseases. However, the application of DPSCs in OSF is inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the pathogenic mechanism of OSF and, based on this, to explore new treatment options.

METHODS

A human cell atlas of oral mucosal tissues was compiled using single-cell RNA sequencing to delve into the underlying mechanisms. Epithelial cells were reclustered to observe the heterogeneity of OSF epithelial cells and their communication with immune cells. The results were validated in vitro, in clinicopathological sections, and in animal models. In vivo, the therapeutic effect and mechanism of DPSCs were characterized by histological staining, immunohistochemical staining, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy.

RESULTS

A unique epithelial cell population, Epi1.2, with proinflammatory and profibrotic functions, was predominantly found in OSF. Epi1.2 cells also induced the fibrotic process in fibroblasts by interacting with T cells through receptor-ligand crosstalk between macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-CD74 and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Furthermore, we developed OSF animal models and simulated the clinical local injection process in the rat buccal mucosa using DPSCs to assess their therapeutic impact and mechanism. In the OSF rat model, DPSCs demonstrated superior therapeutic effects compared with the positive control (glucocorticoids), including reducing collagen deposition and promoting blood vessel regeneration. DPSCs mediated immune homeostasis primarily by regulating the numbers of KRT19 + MIF + epithelial cells and via epithelial-stromal crosstalk.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the current ambiguity surrounding the cause of OSF and the limited treatment options available, our study reveals that epithelial cells and their crosstalk with T cells play an important role in the mechanism of OSF and suggests the therapeutic promise of DPSCs.

[Application progress of implementation research on diabetes management]

Diabetes is one of the most important non-communicable chronic diseases. Although a large amount of clinical evidence on the effectiveness of diabetes prevention and treatment interventions has been established, the current quality of care and results are still insufficient. Implementation Research can bridge the gap between research and practice. Implementation Research on diabetes management can clarify what is effective and what is ineffective in management, and promote the transformation of complex, multi-component interventions into medical practice faster and more effectively. This paper reviews the main research contents and application of implementation research of diabetes management at home and abroad, aiming to provide reference for related research and promote the application of implementation research in diabetes management in China.

[Effect and safety of Lasso suture hook in transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation]

To investigate the feasibility and safety of the Lasso suture hook in transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation, a total of 38 patients with vaginal vault prolapse at or above stage Ⅱ, and aged 46-75(62.7±12.5)years, who underwent transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2018 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. After complete exposure of the right sacrospinous ligament, the cervical/uterosacral ligament was sutured to the sacrospinous ligament using Lasso hook and polypropylene sutures. The completion rate of the operation, intraoperative complications, operation time, blood loss, and postoperative situations were observed, and the objective cure rate and subjective satisfaction were followed up. Transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation was successfully performed in all 38 patients using Lasso suture hooks. There were no bladder or rectum injuries during the operations, and no pelvic hematoma occurred. The operation time was 15-40 (24±9.5) min; the intraoperative bleeding was 20-60 (40±12.5) ml; the visual analogue scale(VAS)score was 3-5 (3.2±1.4) points on the first day of postoperative, and 2-4 (2.2±1.8) points on the third day of postoperative. No numbness or pain in buttocks and lower limbs after the operation. The 3-month follow-up results showed that the objective surgical success rate of the postoperative pelvic organ prolapse quantitation (POP-Q) score was 100% (38/38). The 1-year follow-up results showed that the objective surgical cure rate of postoperative POP-Q score was 92.1% (35/38). The score of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-Short Form 20 (PFDI-20)was 42-180(120.4±44.9)before operation and 8-75 (28.0±14.3) after operation(t=15.90, P<0.001); The score of Pelvic Floor Function Impact Questionnaire-Short Form7 (PFIQ-7) was 52-214(112.8±44.5)before operation and 5-29 (14.3±6.0) after operation (t=14.40, P<0.001), and the subjective satisfaction rate is 89.5% (34/38) conducted by Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). Transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation with Lasso suture hook is simple, safe, and feasible.

[Fibrocartilaginous lipoma: a clinicopathological analysis of six cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, immunophenotype, molecular genetics and differential diagnoses of fibrocartilaginous lipomas which consist of adipose tissue, fibrocartilage and fibrous elements. Methods: The clinicopathological features, immunohistochemical profiles and molecular profiles in six cases of fibrocartilaginous lipomas diagnosed at Foshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2017 to February 2022 were included. The follow-up information, diagnosis and differential diagnoses were evaluated. Results: There were three males and three females with a median age of 53 years (range 36-69 years) at presentation. Tumors were located in the extremities, the head and neck region and trunk; and presented as painless masses that were located in the subcutaneous tissue or deep soft tissue. Grossly, three cases were well defined with thin capsule, one case was well circumscribed without capsule, two cases were surrounded by some skeletal muscle. The tumors were composed of fatty tissue with intermingled gray-white area. The tumors ranged from 1.50-5.50 cm (mean 2.92 cm). Microscopically, the hallmark of these lesions was the complex admixture of mature adipocytes, fibrocartilage and fibrous element in varying proportions; the fibrocartilage arranged in a nodular, sheet pattern with some adipocytes inside. Tumor cells had a bland appearance without mitotic activity. Immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies to SMA, desmin, S-100, SOX9, HMGA2, RB1, CD34, adipopholin was performed in six cases; the fibrocartilage was positive for S-100 and SOX9, adipocytes were positive for S-100, adipopholin and HMGA2; CD34 was expressed in the fibroblastic cells, while desmin and SMA were negative. Loss of nuclear RB1 expression was not observed. Other genetic abnormalities had not been found yet in four cases. Follow-up information was available in six cases; there was no recurrence in five, and one patient only underwent biopsy of the mass. Conclusions: Fibrocartilaginous lipoma is a benign lipomatous tumor with mature adipocytes, fibrocartilage and fibrous elements. By immunohistochemistry, they show the expression of fat and cartilage markers. No specific molecular genetics changes have been identified so far. Familiarity with its clinicopathological features helps the distinction from its morphologic mimics.

Clinical Characteristics and Gene Mutations of Two Families with MODY 3 in Inner Mongolia

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and gene mutations of two families with maturity-onset diabetes of the young 3 (MODY 3) in Inner Mongolia.

Methods

Fifty-three patients in Inner Mongolia suspected of having MODY 3 were enrolled in this study according to clinical manifestations. Blood samples were collected, and all exons of the HNF1α gene were analyzed; the second-generation DNA of the splicing regions of the gene was determined by direct sequencing.

Results

In Family 1, the proband, mother, and uncle all carried the missense heterozygous mutation on exon 2 of the HNF1α gene (c.512G>A, p.Arg171Gln), and both the proband and uncle had MODY 3. In Family 2, the proband, grandfather, father, uncle I, and uncle II all carried a missense mutation on exon 2 (c.391C>t, p.Arg131Trp), and all had MODY 3. The blood glucose control in these patients was stable while they were being treated with oral sulfonylurea hypoglycemic drugs alone or with insulin. Uncle II had serious macrovascular and microvascular complications.

Conclusion

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young 3 gene mutations (c.512G>A, p.Arg171Gln) and (c.391C>T, p.Arg131Trp) may be the main pathogenic genes of the two families with MODY 3. The two gene mutations found in this study have not been reported previously in China.

[Application of transvaginal morcellation within disposable extraction bag with traction wire in laparoscopic myomectomy]

To investigate the effect and clinical value of morcellation within disposable extraction bag with traction wire through posterior vaginal fornix in laparoscopic myomectomy. A total of 42 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy and morcellation through posterior vaginal fornix in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from June 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. After the uterine fibroids were removed, the fibroids were placed into the extraction bag, tightening the mouth of the bag with a traction wire to make it airtight. After the uterine incisions were sutured, the extraction bag was taken out through the posterior fornix of the vagina, and the fibroids were broken up with a scalpel in the bag and taken out. The fibroids were successfully removed from the 42 patients through the posterior fornix of the vagina. There were no fibroids fragments found in the peritoneal cavity and vagina. There were no malignant cells or spindle cells found in the peritoneal lavage cytology before and after the operation. After filling the extraction bags with water, there was no leakage. There were 39 cases of uterine leiomyoma, 2 cases of cell-rich uterine leiomyoma, and 1 case of smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential in postoperative pathological diagnosis. Forty-two cases were followed up for 6 to 30 months. The posterior vaginal fornix incision healed well and there was no recurrence or metastasis. Morcellation within disposable extraction bag with traction wire through posterior vaginal fornix in laparoscopic myomectomy is a safe and feasible method for fibroids removal, which may help to reduce the dissemination of iatrogenic tumors.

First Report of Alternaria alternata Causing Leaf Spot Disease on Daylily in China

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.; Xanthorrhoeaceae) originated from Eastern Asia and are widely cultivated as perennial ornamentals from the tropics to their native high latitudes. In June 2021, daylily cultivar 'Tao Hua Zhai' with leaf spot symptoms were found at the Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China. The disease prevalence was about 14.5 % in a 33,000 m2 planting area indicated by survey statistics. Symptoms of the disease initially appeared as small, circular, brown spots on the leaves. As disease progressed, spots increased gradually until they were distributed uniformly over the lamina, the leaf tip became withered and the rest of the leaf became chlorotic. Symptomatic leaf tissue pieces (5 × 5 mm) from lesion margins were sterilized with 75 % ethanol for 1 min, rinsed three times with sterile distilled water, then incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates at 28 °C in the dark. A pure culture (ATHF-1) was obtained. Its upper surface on PDA was olive green with loose aerial hyphae, and its lower surface was brown.Conidiophores were brown, single or branched, producing numerous short chains conidia. Conidia were obclavate to obpyriform or ellipsoid, pale brown to dark brown, with a short cylindrical beak at the tip, contained 2-6 transverse septa and 0-4 longitudinal septa. The size of conidia were 15.9-47.3 µm × 7.6-16.6 µm (n=50), and length/width ratios were 1.51 to 4.92. Based on the morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as Alternaria spp. (Simmons, 2007). For molecular characterization, three genes (the internal transcribed spacers [ITS], plasma membrane ATPase [ATPase] and major allergen Alt a 1) of ATHF-1 were amplified with primer pairs ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), ATPDF1/ATPDR1 (Lawrence et al. 2013) and Alt-for/Alt-rev (Hong et al. 2005), respectively. The sequences were deposited in GenBank (ITS, MZ983611; ATPase, MZ962978; Alt a 1, OK021654). Blastn searches showed the nucleotide sequences of ATHF-1 were highly similar to the reference sequences of Alternaria tenuissima (ITS, 99 % to KU982591; ATPase, 98 % to MT833928; Alt a 1, 100 % to MT109294). A phylogenetic tree based on the ITS, ATPase and Alt a 1 sequences was constructed by MEGA7.0, which showed that ATHF-1 was closely related to A. tenuissima and A. alternata. But according to Woudenberg et al. (2015), they were synonymized under the species name A. alternata. So, based on morphological and molecular characteristics, the fungus was identified as A. alternata. For pathogenicity tests, ten healthy two-month-old potted seedlings from tissue culture daylilies were sprayed with 20 ml of suspension (approximately 2×105 spores/ml), ten daylilies were used as controls and sprayed with sterile water. After covering with transparent plastic bags for 48 h to maintain humidity, the plants were placed in the greenhouse at 25 ℃ with 12 h photoperiod. The pathogenicity tests were repeated twice. Seven days after inoculation, lesions appeared on the plants inoculated with the pathogen, which were consistent with the symptoms observed in the field, while the controls remained symptomless. The morphological characteristics and gene sequences of the re-isolated strain from the diseased leaves were consistent with those of the inoculated strain. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. alternata affecting leaf spot disease on daylily in China. Identification of the causal agent of the disease is important for developing effective disease management strategies. References: Hong, S.G., et al. 2005. Fungal Genet Biol. 42(2):119-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fgb.2004.10.009 Lawrence, D.P., et al. 2013. Mycologia. 105(3):530-546. https://doi.org/10.3852/12-249 Simmons, E.G. 2007. Alternaria: An Identification Manual. CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, the Netherlands. White, T. J., et al. 1990. Amplification and Direct Sequencing of Fungal Ribosomal RNA Genes for Phylogenetics. PCR protocols: a guide to methods and applications, 18(1), 315-322. Woudenberg J.H.C., et al. 2015. Studies in Mycology. 82(82):1-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.simyco.2015.07.001.

Efficient high-charge Laguerre-Gaussian mode conversion by using a periscopic axicon mirror

Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) modes can be converted from fundamental Gaussian mode by using phase optical elements such as spiral phase plates (SPP), but the conversion efficiency is strongly reduced in high charge plates because of the transverse intensity deviation. In this paper, a three-step scheme is proposed to dramatically improve the conversion efficiency. First, a fundamental Gaussian beam is converted to a 1st-order LG beam via a 1st-order SPP and a spatial filtering system. Then, by using a periscopic axicon mirror (PAM), the lst-order LG beam is transformed into an annular beam with larger beam radius. Finally, by using a second high-order SPP, this intensity-matched ring beam can be effectively converted to a high-charge LG0l beam. Through optimization of the PAM's parameter, the total conversion efficiency from fundamental Gaussian beam to LG0l mode as high as 91.85% is obtained, which is much higher than the case without PAM. Numerical simulations are carried out by the particle-in-cell (PIC) code EPOCH to verify the effectiveness of the scheme.

The expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis-related molecules in echinococcosis related liver injury

The study aimed to investigate the expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis-related molecules in the livers of two types of hepatic echinococcosis mice models and to preliminarily explore the relationship between the expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis in echinococcosis related liver injury. We established a mouse model infected by Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis and observed the expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis related proteins in the two types of hepatic echinococcosis tissues during different stages by immunohistochemical staining. A co-culture model was established using normal hepatocytes and different concentrations of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis protoscoleces. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect cell proliferation, flow cytometry was used to detect hepatocyte apoptosis, and western blot was used to quantify cytokeratin and apoptosis-related proteins, such as caspase3, caspase9, Bcl-2, and Bax. Surgical specimens were obtained from patients with hepatic echinococcosis to analyze the expressions of cytokeratin, caspase3, caspase9, Bcl-2, and Bax by western blot. The expressions of cytokeratin and caspase3 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The qRT-PCR method was used to determine the expression of CK8 and CK18 in the liver tissues. In vivo experiments showed that compared to that in the control group, the cytokeratin and caspase3 proteins in the liver tissues of the two types of hepatic echinococcosis were strongly expressed around the lesions of liver echinococcosis; there was a difference between cytokeratin expression of the two different echinococcosis parasites in the liver. Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis in the co-culture model in vitro could promote the expression of CK, caspase3, caspase9, and Bax protein, decrease the expression of Bcl-2, promote hepatocyte apoptosis, and inhibit cell proliferation; in clinical samples, we found that compared with that in the normal tissues, the expression of cytokeratin, caspase3, caspase9, and Bax in echinococcus tissues was high, but that in Bcl-2 was low. Furthermore, the expression of CK8 and CK18 mRNA were higher in echinococcus tissues than that in the normal tissues and immunohistochemistry analysis also showed that cytokeratin and caspase3 levels were higher in echinococcus tissues than that in the normal tissues. The expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis-related molecules, reflecting liver damage, is high in the liver and is caused due to hepatic echinococcosis. This study provides the first evidence of cytokeratin could be useful for evaluating liver tissue damage caused by echinococcus infection.

[Influence of guided bone regeneration on marginal bone loss of implants in the mandible posterior region: a 10-year retrospective cohort study]

Objective: To investigate the effect of guided bone regeneration (GBR) on marginal bone loss (MBL) in the region of the mandibular posterior tooth by using a retrospective cohort study, in order to provide reference for clinical practice. Methods: The research subjects were patients who received dental implants from October 2008 to June 2011 in the region of the mandibular posterior tooth at the Department of Oral Implantology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University. According to whether GBR was performed or not and the time of implant insertion, the patients were divided into the controls group (patients without bone grafting), simultaneous GBR implantation group, and delayed GBR implantation group. On this basis, the MBL was measured according to radiographs by comparing the marginal bone level from that of immediate postoperation 10 years ago. General data was collected and compared among groups, including modified plaque index (mPI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and gingival papilla height. Results: The controls group (patients without bone grafting), implantation group, and delayed GBR implantation group followed 58, 76, 26 implants in 26, 32, 13 patients aging at (46.5±9.9), (45.5±10.7), (58.3±6.4) respectively. The duration of the follow-up was (11.2±0.7), (11.1±0.8), (11.1±0.9) years respectively. The 10-year implant survival rate was 100% (58/58), 100% (76/76), 100% (26/26). The MBL was (0.91±0.28), (0.84±0.27), (1.01±0.27) mm respectively. The MBL difference of patients with simultaneous GBR implantation and delayed GBR implantation showed statistical significance (P<0.05), but these two groups showed no statistical significance compared with the controls group (P>0.05). The mPI, mSBI, PD, and gingival papilla height of the three groups all had no significance on statistics (P>0.05). Conclusions: It can be concluded that there is no difference in long-term marginal bone resorption between simultaneous and delayed implantation with or without GBR (using autologous blood mixed with granular bone meal) in the posterior mandibular area.

[Clinical features, diagnosis and treatment key points of dental implant prostheses for diabetic patients]

Diabetes mellitus is a relative contraindication of dental implant therapy, that limits the application of implant therapy severely. Diabetic status often leads to secondary vascular and bone lesions, which affect treatment adversely and lead to an increased failure rate. Therefore, how to implement implant therapy for diabetic patients has become a difficult question for dentists. According to the research and experience over the years on diabetic patients, and referring to the current research progress on this topic, the authors will discuss the clinical characteristics of diabetic patients and the details of treatment process, for reference.

Anatomical Study on the Safety of Anterior Cervical Craniovertebral Fusion with Clival Screw Placement in Children Aged 1-6 Years

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the safety of clival screw placement in children aged 1–6 years.

Methods

The cranial computed tomography data of 92 children aged 1–6 years were divided into three groups, according to age, for three-dimensional reconstruction. Three clival screw placement points were defined: (1) median point A at the middle and upper third of the tripartite distance from the spheno-occipital synchondrosis to the base of the skull; (2, 3) critical points B and C on the horizontal line with point A, where the screw placement passage was parallel to the sagittal plane. Parameters such as the passage length and angle were measured for horizontal, vertical facial, and extreme screw placement.

Results

The length parameters of the clival screw placement increased with age, and the screw passage length was the shortest for the vertical facial type in each age group. There were significant differences in all three groups between the length of screw placement in the vertical bone surface, the length of screw placement in the horizontal direction, and the length of screw placement on the limit at points A, B, and C (P < 0.05); the length of screw placement on the vertical bone surface was the shortest. There was no significant difference between the horizontal screw length at point A and the extreme screw length (P > 0.05). The difference between the horizontal screw length and the extreme screw length in the groups aged 1–2 years and 5–6 years was statistically significant (P < 0.05), and the horizontal screw length was longer.

Conclusion

The cranial slope of children aged 1–6 years has the morphological basis for the placement of 3.5 mm screws, and each placement point has a safe angle range for screw placement.

Research progress of dual inhibitors targeting crosstalk between histone epigenetic modulators for cancer therapy

Abnormal epigenetics is a critical hallmark of human cancers. Anticancer drug discovery directed at histone epigenetic modulators has gained impressive advances with six drugs available for cancer therapy and numerous other candidates undergoing clinical trials. However, limited therapeutic profile, drug resistance, narrow safety margin, and dose-limiting toxicities pose intractable challenges for their clinical utility. Because histone epigenetic modulators undergo intricate crosstalk and act cooperatively to shape an aberrant epigenetic profile, co-targeting histone epigenetic modulators with a different mechanism of action has rapidly emerged as an attractive strategy to overcome the limitations faced by the single-target epigenetic inhibitors. In this review, we summarize in detail the crosstalk of histone epigenetic modulators in regulating gene transcription and the progress of dual epigenetic inhibitors targeting this crosstalk.

Using mixed silages of sweet sorghum and alfalfa in total mixed rations to improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality of sheep

Combining sweet sorghum (SS) with alfalfa for ensiling has the potential to make a high-quality silage with relatively a better nutrient balance. However, the existing data are insufficient about how changes in ratios of SS to alfalfa in different silage mixtures affect animal performance and meat quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of feeding total mixed rations containing mixed silages of SS and alfalfa on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality of Karakul sheep. Five total mixed rations were formulated with different SS proportions at 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% on a fresh weight basis. Thirty 4-month old male Karakul sheep with 25.5 ± 1.4 kg BW were randomly allocated into five treatment groups, each with six lambs for this experiment. The results indicated that the Karakul sheep consuming total mixed rations containing SS-Alfalfa (SS-AF) silage mixtures with a lower proportion of SS tended to increase nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality. Feeding diets with SS at 40% and 20% inclusion rate showed a significant linear increase in the apparent digestibility of DM, CP and NDF, as well as subcutaneous fat thickness and water holding capacity (P < 0.5). Moreover, reduction in SS inclusion rate in these diets caused significant (P < 0.05) linear and quadratic increases in DM intake, final BW, average daily gain, carcass weight, and the amino acid contents of meat (P < 0.05). Conversely, feeding diet with lower SS inclusion rate led to decrease in feed conversion ratio and shear force significantly (P < 0.05) for these sheep. It appears that 40% inclusion of SS was the optimal rate in making the SS-AF silage mixture for lambs to achieve a superior production performance and high-quality meat products in Karakul sheep. However, further research is needed to investigate the effect of feeding SS-AF silage mixtures alongside contrasting ingredients on rumen function, ruminal microorganisms and digestive enzyme activity of sheep and other ruminant animals.

Photoinduced multistage phase transitions in Ta2NiSe5

Ultrafast control of material physical properties represents a rapidly developing field in condensed matter physics. Yet, accessing the long-lived photoinduced electronic states is still in its early stages, especially with respect to an insulator to metal phase transition. Here, by combining transport measurement with ultrashort photoexcitation and coherent phonon spectroscopy, we report on photoinduced multistage phase transitions in Ta2NiSe5. Upon excitation by weak pulse intensity, the system is triggered to a short-lived state accompanied by a structural change. Further increasing the excitation intensity beyond a threshold, a photoinduced steady new state is achieved where the resistivity drops by more than four orders at temperature 50 K. This new state is thermally stable up to at least 350 K and exhibits a lattice structure different from any of the thermally accessible equilibrium states. Transmission electron microscopy reveals an in-chain Ta atom displacement in the photoinduced new structure phase. We also found that nano-sheet samples with the thickness less than the optical penetration depth are required for attaining a complete transition.

[Circulating endothelial microparticles for prediction of therapeutic effect in advanced lung cancer]

Objective: To explore the correlation of endothelial microparticles and progression of advanced lung cancer, and its predictive value in therapeutic effect. Methods: The data of patients with advanced lung cancer in the Oncology Department of Frist Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from October 2018 to May 2019 were collected. Blood routine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor markers, and circulating endothelial microparticles (CD105+ EMPs) were measured before treatment. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of CD105+ EMPs, and multivariate regression analysis was used to study the predict factors of advanced lung cancer progression. Results: A total of 88 patients were recruited in the study, including 60 in the objective response (OR) group and 28 in the disease progression (PD) group. There were no significant differences in gender, age, basic diseases, tumor stage, cancer type and therapeutic intervention between two groups, while there were significant differences in tumor marker, LDH, total microparticles (MPs), and endothelial microparticles (CD105+ EMPs) between two groups (P<0.05). In the multivariate regression analysis, CD105+ EMPs ≥70 events/μl (OR=3.623, 95%CI=1.345~9.761, P=0.011) and LDH (OR=1.008, 95%CI=1.001~1.015, P=0.032) were able to predict the progression of advanced lung cancer. A predictive model of advanced lung cancer progression was established based on the multivariate regression results. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.729 (95%CI=0.620~0.837, P=0.001), the sensitivity was 32.1%, the specificity was 91.6%, the positive predictive value was 64.2%, and the negative predictive value was 74.3%. Conclusion: Circulating endothelial microparticles are associated with the progression of advanced lung cancer, it combined with LDH can predict the therapeutic effect of advanced lung cancer.

Effects of Surgery Combined with Chemoradiotherapy on Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Early-Stage Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Objective

The efficacy of surgery as the primary treatment modality for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is yet to be clarified. Therefore, we aimed to explore the short- and long-term efficacy of surgery for early-stage NPC.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 341 patients diagnosed with early-stage NPC between September 2010 and December 2015. Among them, 58 patients underwent endoscopic nasopharyngectomy combined with chemoradiotherapy, whereas 283 patients underwent conventional chemoradiotherapy. The patients who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone were matched to patients who underwent surgery in a 1:2 ratio using propensity score matching to analyze the clinical efficacy of each therapeutic modality. The primary endpoint was survival, and the secondary endpoints were tumor regression rate and reduction in Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-DNA levels.

Results

After matching, 156 patients were enrolled (58 patients in the surgery group; 98 patients in the non-surgery group). The baseline data of the matched patients had good inter-group comparability (All P>0.05). The surgery group had significantly higher 5-year overall survival (98.30% vs. 91.70%), disease-free survival (98.30% vs. 81.40%), and recurrence-free survival (100.00% vs. 90.10%) rates than did the non-surgery group (All P<0.05). In total, 0 and 14 patients in the surgery and non-surgery groups, respectively, had residual cancer at the end of treatment (P=0.001). All patients in the surgery group tested negative for EBV-DNA, whereas two patients in the non-surgery group tested positive. The incidence of hematologic toxicity during treatment was similar between the two groups (All P>0.05). Still, the incidence of severe oral mucositis was lower in the surgery group than in the non-surgery group (37.9% vs. 54.08%, P=0.051).

Conclusion

Surgery can improve the clearance rate of EB virus and reduce tumor residue. Surgery may be a safe and effective treatment for early NPC.

[Efficacy of olaparib combined with pembrolizumab in second-line treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer]

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of olaparib in combination with pembrolizumab with pembrolizumab alone in second-line treatment for patients with extensive stage-small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) whose ages ranged from 40 to 80 years. Methods: From March 2017 to October 2019, 21 patients with progressed or relapsed small cell lung cancer after standard first line treatment were enrolled in this study. The olaparib/pembrolizumab group (n=11) was treated by olaparib 300mg twice per day combined with pembrolizumab 200mg once every 3 weeks, while pembrolizumab group was treated by pembrolizumab alone. Results: The objective response rate (ORR) of olaparib/pembrolizumab group and pembrolizumab group were 45.5% and 10.0%, respectively (P=0.149), and the disease control rate (DCR) were 81.8% and 70.0% (P=0.635). The median progression-free survival (PFS) were 5.93 months and 3.53 months (P=0.036), the median overall survival (OS) were 10.43 months and 8.43 months (P=0.063). The adverse reaction incidences of all grades were 90.9% and 70.0% (P=0.311), and the incidences of grade Ⅲ-Ⅴ including myelosuppression were 36.4% and 10.0% (P=0.311), gastrointestinal reaction were 9.1% and 10.0%, (P=1.000) and other immune-related adverse events were 18.2% and 30.0% (P=1.000). Further analysis showed the metastatic number (P=0.006), platinum sensitivity (P=0.036) and LDH level (P=0.022) significantly affected the ORR of olaparib/pembrolizumab therapy. Conclusion: Our preliminary study indicates that olaparib combined with pembrolizumab is an efficient and safe second-line treatment therapy for patients with ES-SCLC.

Simulated model of RAPID concept: highlighting innate inflammation and liver regeneration

Background

The resection and partial liver segment II/III transplantation with delayed total hepatectomy (RAPID) concept is a novel transplantation technique for removal of non‐resectable liver tumours. The aim of this study was to establish a simulated RAPID model to explore the mechanism involved in the liver regeneration.

Methods

A RAPID model was created in rats involving cold ischaemia and reperfusion of the selected future liver remnant (FLR), portal vein ligation, followed by resection of the deportalized lobes in a second step. Histology, liver regeneration and inflammatory markers in RAPID‐treated rats were compared with those in controls that underwent 70 per cent hepatectomy with the same FLR size. The effects of interleukin (IL) 6 and macrophage polarization on hepatocyte viability were evaluated in an in vitro co‐culture system of macrophages and BRL hepatocytes.

Results

The survival rate in RAPID and control hepatectomy groups was 100 per cent. The regeneration rate was higher in the RAPID‐treated rats, with higher levels of IL‐6 and M1 macrophage polarization (P < 0·050). BRL hepatocytes co‐cultured with M1 macrophages showed a higher proliferation rate through activation of the IL‐6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway. This enhancement of proliferation was inhibited by tocilizumab or gadolinium trichloride (P < 0·050).

Conclusion

The surgical model provides a simulation of RAPID that can be used to study the liver regeneration profile.