Burden and trend of dietary risk-related colorectal cancer in China and its provinces: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the spatial pattern and temporal trend of colorectal cancer (CRC) burden attributed to dietary risk factors in China from 1990 to 2019 using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors study (GBD) 2019.

METHODS

Numbers and age-standardised rates of deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and corresponding average annual percentage change (AAPC) were determined. The joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess the temporal trends of CRC deaths and DALYs from 1990 to 2019.

RESULTS

In China, the number of diet-attributable CRC deaths and DALYs in 2019 were 90.41 (95% uncertainty interval: 65.69, 114.67) and 2234.06 (1609.96, 2831.24) per-1000 population, marking 2.05% and 1.68% annual increases since 1990, respectively. The region with the highest increase in age-standardised rates (ASRs) of diet-related CRC deaths and DALYs was in Taiwan with an AAPC of 2.00% (1.51, 2.48), whereas the highest decline in ASRs of CRC deaths and DALYs was observed in Hong Kong with an AAPC of -0.63% (-0.90, -0.35) (all P < 0.05). Nationally, men suffered higher CRC deaths and DALY burdens attributable to dietary risks than did women. Regarding the specific diet group, diets low in calcium, milk, and whole grains contributed to CRC deaths and DALYs the most.

CONCLUSIONS

Diet is an important contributor to increasing CRC burden in China. Necessary measures should be taken to kerb the growing burden attributed to dietary factors, particularly in males and in regions with middle Socio-demographic Index or lower.

Phenotypic and transcriptome profiling of spikes reveals the regulation of light regimens on spike growth and fertile floret number in wheat

The spike growth phase is critical for the establishment of fertile floret (grain) numbers in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Then, how to shorten the spike growth phase and increase grain number synergistically? Here, we showed high-resolution analyses of floret primordia (FP) number, morphology and spike transcriptomes during the spike growth phase under three light regimens. The development of all FP in a spike could be divided into four distinct stages: differentiation (Stage I), differentiation and morphology development concurrently (Stage II), morphology development (Stage III), and polarization (Stage IV). Compared to the short photoperiod, the long photoperiod shortened spike growth and stimulated early flowering by shortening Stage III; however, this reduced assimilate accumulation, resulting in fertile floret loss. Interestingly, long photoperiod supplemented with red light shortened the time required to complete Stages I-II, then raised assimilates supply in the spike and promoted anther development before polarization initiation, thereby increasing fertile FP number during Stage III, and finally maintained fertile FP development during Stage IV until they became fertile florets via a predicted dynamic gene network. Our findings proposed a light regimen, critical stages and candidate regulators that achieved a shorter spike growth phase and a higher fertile floret number in wheat.

Value of long non-coding RNA HAS2-AS1 as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of glioma

BACKGROUND

Glioma presents high incidence and poor prognosis, and therefore more effective treatments are needed. Studies have confirmed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) basically regulate various human diseases including glioma. It has been theorized that HAS2-AS1 serves as an lncRNA to exert an oncogenic role in varying cancers. This study aimed to assess the value of lncRNA HAS2-AS1 as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for glioma.

METHODS

The miRNA expression data and clinical data of glioma were downloaded from the TCGA database for differential analysis and survival analysis. In addition, pathological specimens and specimens of adjacent normal tissue from 80 patients with glioma were used to observe the expression of HAS2-AS1. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic ability and prognostic value of HAS2-AS1 in glioma. Meanwhile, a Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted to evaluate the survival of glioma patients with different HAS2-AS1 expression levels.

RESULTS

HAS2-AS1 was significantly upregulated in glioma tissues compared with normal tissue. The survival curves showed that overexpression of HAS2-AS1 was associated with poor overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Several clinicopathological factors of glioma patients, including tumor size and WHO grade, were significantly correlated with HAS2-AS1 expression in tissues. The ROC curve showed an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.863, indicating that HAS2-AS1 had good diagnostic value. The ROC curve for the predicted OS showed an AUC of 0.906, while the ROC curve for predicted PFS showed an AUC of 0.88. Both suggested that overexpression of HAS2-AS1 was associated with poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Normal tissues could be clearly distinguished from glioma tissues based on HAS2-AS1 expression. Moreover, overexpression of HAS2-AS1 indicated poor prognosis in glioma patients. Therefore, HAS2-AS1 could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for glioma.

Oncolytic mineralized bacteria as potent locally administered immunotherapeutics

Oncolytic bacteria can trigger innate immune activity. However, the antitumour efficacy of inactivated bacteria is poor, and attenuated live bacteria pose substantial safety risks. Here we show that intratumourally injected paraformaldehyde-fixed bacteria coated with manganese dioxide potently activate innate immune activity, modulate the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment and trigger tumour-specific immune responses and abscopal antitumour responses. A single intratumoural administration of mineralized Salmonella typhimurium suppressed the growth of multiple types of subcutaneous and orthotopic tumours in mice, rabbits and tree shrews and protected the cured animals against tumour rechallenge. We also show that mineralized bacteria can be administered via arterial embolization to treat orthotopic liver cancer in rabbits. Our findings support the further translational testing of oncolytic mineralized bacteria as potent and safe antitumour immunotherapeutics.

Experimental Limits on Solar Reflected Dark Matter with a New Approach on Accelerated-Dark-Matter-Electron Analysis in Semiconductors

Recently a dark matter-electron (DM-electron) paradigm has drawn much attention. Models beyond the standard halo model describing DM accelerated by high energy celestial bodies are under intense examination as well. In this Letter, a velocity components analysis (VCA) method dedicated to swift analysis of accelerated DM-electron interactions via semiconductor detectors is proposed and the first HPGe detector-based accelerated DM-electron analysis is realized. Utilizing the method, the first germanium based constraint on sub-GeV solar reflected DM-electron interaction is presented with the 205.4  kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. In the heavy mediator scenario, our result excels in the mass range of 5-15  keV/c^{2}, achieving a 3 orders of magnitude improvement comparing with previous semiconductor experiments. In the light mediator scenario, the strongest laboratory constraint for DM lighter than 0.1  MeV/c^{2} is presented. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of the VCA technique in future accelerated DM-electron analyses with semiconductor detectors.

Magnetically propagating Hund's exciton in van der Waals antiferromagnet NiPS3

Magnetic van der Waals (vdW) materials have opened new frontiers for realizing novel many-body phenomena. Recently NiPS3 has received intense interest since it hosts an excitonic quasiparticle whose properties appear to be intimately linked to the magnetic state of the lattice. Despite extensive studies, the electronic character, mobility, and magnetic interactions of the exciton remain unresolved. Here we address these issues by measuring NiPS3 with ultra-high energy resolution resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS). We find that Hund's exchange interactions are primarily responsible for the energy of formation of the exciton. Measuring the dispersion of the Hund's exciton reveals that it propagates in a way that is analogous to a double-magnon. We trace this unique behavior to fundamental similarities between the NiPS3 exciton hopping and spin exchange processes, underlining the unique magnetic characteristics of this novel quasiparticle.

Super-Assembled Multilayered Mesoporous TiO2 Nanorockets for Light-Powered Space-Confined Microfluidic Catalysis

In the field of sustainable chemistry, it is still a significant challenge to realize efficient light-powered space-confined catalysis and propulsion due to the limited solar absorption efficiency and the low mass and heat transfer efficiency. Here, novel semiconductor TiO2 nanorockets with asymmetric, hollow, mesoporous, and double-layer structures are successfully constructed through a facile interfacial superassembly strategy. The high concentration of defects and unique topological features improve light scattering and reduce the distance for charge migration and directed charge separation, resulting in enhanced light harvesting in the confined nanospace and resulting in enhanced catalysis and self-propulsion. The movement velocity of double-layered nanorockets can reach up to 10.5 μm s-1 under visible light, which is approximately 57 and 119% higher than that of asymmetric single-layered TiO2 and isotropic hollow TiO2 nanospheres, respectively. In addition, the double-layered nanorockets improve the degradation rate of the common pollutant methylene blue under sustainable visible light with a 247% rise of first-order rate constant compared to isotropic hollow TiO2 nanospheres. Furthermore, FEA simulations reveal and confirm the double-layered confined-space enhanced catalysis and self-propulsion mechanism.

[Clinical analysis of 4 cases of acute nitrite food poisoning]

Nitrite has high toxicity and is commonly found in food poisoning. Poisoned patients may experience cyanosis of the skin and lips, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing or coma may occur in severe cases. Four cases of nitrite poisoning patients who were transferred from primary hospitals to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, the First People's Hospital of Baiyin were reported. After symptomatic supportive treatment with special antidote methylene blue, oxygen inhalation, blood purification, etc., the patients recovered and were discharged after 4 days of treatment.

[New progress on diagnosis and treatment for indeterminate-phase chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients]

Authoritative guidelines at home and abroad typically classify chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection into four stages. However, in clinical practice, a considerable number of patients do not meet the guidelines for staging and are called "indeterminate phase" chronic HBV- infected patients. Studies have shown that patients in the indeterminate phase account for about 30%-50% of chronic HBV infection, have significant liver histological changes or even cirrhosis in a large proportion, and are at a higher risk of HCC and death if they do not receive antiviral therapy. Preliminary research shows that patients in the indeterminate phase who receive antiviral treatment have a good virological response and a remarkable reduced HCC risk. To this end, the 2022 publication "Expert Opinions on Expanding Antiviral Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B" recommends aggressive treatment for patients with an indeterminate phase who have undergone more than a year of follow-up. However, there is still a lack of unified standards to refine the classification, as well as a lack of effective and rapid non-invasive diagnostic methods to identify patients in the indeterminate phase who are at risk for disease progression. This article aims to review the researches on the proportion, clinical characteristics, disease progression, and treatment benefits to further explore how to better manage indeterminate-phase chronic HBV-infected patients.

Identification of Chromosomal Regions and Candidate Genes for Round leaf Locus in Cucumis melo L

Leaf morphology plays a crucial role in plant classification and provides a significant model for studying plant diversity while directly impacting photosynthetic efficiency. In the case of melons, leaf shape not only influences production and classification but also represents a key genetic trait that requires further exploration. In this study, we utilized forward genetics to pinpoint a recessive locus, dubbed Cmrl (Round leaf), which is responsible for regulating melon leaf shape. Through bulked segregant analysis sequencing and extensive evaluation of a two-year F2 population, we successfully mapped the Cmrl locus to a 537.07 kb region on chromosome 8 of the melon genome. Subsequent genetic fine-mapping efforts, leveraging a larger F2 population encompassing 1322 plants and incorporating F2:3 phenotypic data, further refined the locus to an 80.27 kb interval housing five candidate genes. Promoter analysis and coding sequence cloning confirmed that one of these candidates, MELO3C019152.2 (Cmppr encoding a pentatricopeptide repeat-containing family protein, Cmppr), stands out as a strong candidate gene for the Cmrl locus. Notably, comparisons of Cmrl expressions across various stages of leaf development and different leaf regions suggest a pivotal role of Cmrl in the morphogenesis of melon leaves.

Endometrial responsiveness to interferon-tau and its association with subsequent reproductive performance in dairy heifers

Our objectives were to evaluate the endometrial responsiveness of dairy heifers to an intrauterine infusion of recombinant bovine interferon-tau (rbIFN-τ) and to associate endometrial responses to rbIFN-τ with subsequent reproductive performance. In Experiments 1 and 2, cyclic heifers were enrolled in a 5-d CIDR Cosynch program for estrous synchronization, and blood sampling and ultrasonography examinations were performed on d 0, 4, 7, 11, and 14 of the estrous cycle. In Experiment 1, heifers were randomly assigned to receive an intrauterine infusion containing 2 µg of rbIFN-τ (rbIFN-τ = 19) or saline (CTRL = 19) into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum (CL) on d 14 of the estrous cycle. Six hours after the infusion, the infused uterine horn was flushed for sampling of the uterine luminal fluid (ULF) for analyses of composition, and the endometrium was biopsied for transcriptomics. In Experiment 2, 100 heifers received an intrauterine infusion of rbIFN-τ, and the same procedures for uterine sample collection described in Experiment 1 were performed. After the intrauterine test, heifers were enrolled in a breeding program and classified as highly fertile (HF; pregnant at first AI) or subfertile (SF; not pregnant at first AI). Statistical analyses were performed using linear regression models, which included the effects of treatment (Experiment 1: CTRL vs. rbIFN-τ) or fertility group (Experiment 2: HF vs. SF) and block of samples. Intrauterine infusion of rbIFN-τ increased the expression of classical interferon-stimulated genes in the endometrium (e.g., ISG15, MX1, OAS2, IRF9, and USP18), and an antiviral response was predicted to be the main downstream effect of the transcriptome changes. In addition, rbIFN-τ increased the abundance of cholesterol, glycerol, and the overall concentration of oxylipins in the ULF. Analysis of endometrial transcriptome between HF and SF heifers revealed important differences in the expression of proteins associated with cell signaling, metabolism, attachment, and migration, with a large representation of genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins. In general, differently expressed genes were expected to be downregulated by IFN-τ but seemed to fail to be downregulated in SF heifers, resulting in higher expression in SF compared with HF heifers. Subfertile heifers had lower concentrations of glycerol and an altered profile of oxylipins in the ULF, with lower abundance of oxylipins derived from arachidonic acid and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, and greater abundance of oxylipins derived from linoleic acid. Measurements of ovarian function did not differ between groups and, therefore, did not influence the observed results in uterine biology. In conclusion, the endometrial responsiveness to IFN-τ is variable among individuals and associated with subsequent fertility of heifers, indicating that communication between conceptus and endometrium is critical for the uterine receptivity and survival of pregnancy.

The survival after thyroidectomy versus lobectomy in multifocal papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

The extent of thyroid surgery for multifocal papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) remains controversial. Studies on the optimal surgical approach for a multifocal PTMC are scarce. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of thyroidectomy and lobectomy for the treatment of multifocal PTMC.

METHODS

A population-based retrospective cohort of patients with multifocal PTMC was analyzed using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2017, and divided into two groups (thyroidectomy, lobectomy) based on the surgical approach. The clinicopathologic features and survival outcomes were compared between the two groups. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to explore prognostic factors of survival. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance covariates.

RESULTS

Overall, a total of 9387 multifocal PTMC patients were included in the study. Among them, 8,107 (86.36%) patients received thyroidectomy, and 1280 (13.64%) patients underwent lobectomy. Compared to patients in the thyroidectomy group, patients in the lobectomy group were diagnosed with older age (50.47 years vs. 49.32 years, p = 0.003), a higher proportion of males (20.47% vs. 14.99%, p < 0.001), larger tumors (6.22 mm vs. 4.97 mm, p < 0.001), and more frequently underwent radiotherapy (35.40% vs. 10.16%, p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age was the only independent prognostic factor for thyroid cancer-specific survival (TCSS), and the determinants of overall survival (OS) were age and gender. Unadjusted survival analysis revealed no difference between the two treatment groups in TCSS (p = 0.598) and OS (p = 0.126). After 1:1 Propensity Score Matching (PSM), there was still no difference in TCSS (p = 0.368) or OS (p = 0.388). The stratified analysis revealed that for patients aged under or above 55, thyroidectomy was not associated with superior BCSS or OS (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Thyroidectomy was not associated with improved survival compared to thyroid lobectomy for patients with multifocal PTMC.

Association between de novo variants of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial-related genes and undiagnosed developmental disorder and autism

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that mitochondrial abnormalities increase the risk of two neurodevelopmental disorders: undiagnosed developmental disorder (UDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, which nuclear-encoded mitochondrial-related genes (NEMGs) were associated with UDD-ASD is unclear.

AIM

To explore the association between de novo variants (DNVs) of NEMGs and UDD-ASD.

DESIGN

Comprehensive analysis based on DNVs of NEMGs identified in patients (31 058 UDD probands and 10 318 ASD probands) and 4262 controls.

METHODS

By curating NEMGs and cataloging publicly published DNVs in NEMGs, we compared the frequency of DNVs in cases and controls. We also applied a TADA-denovo model to highlight disease-associated NEMGs and characterized them based on gene intolerance, functional networks and expression patterns.

RESULTS

Compared with levels in 4262 controls, an excess of protein-truncating variants and deleterious missense variants in 1421 cataloged NEMGs from 41 376 patients (31 058 UDD and 10 318 ASD probands) was observed. Overall, 3.23% of de novo deleterious missense variants and 3.20% of de novo protein-truncating variants contributed to 1.1% and 0.39% of UDD-ASD cases, respectively. We prioritized 130 disease-associated NEMGs and showed distinct expression patterns in the developing human brain. Disease-associated NEMGs expression was enriched in both excitatory and inhibitory neuronal lineages from the developing human cortex.

CONCLUSIONS

Rare genetic alterations of disease-associated NEMGs may play a role in UDD-ASD development and lay the groundwork for a better understanding of the biology of UDD-ASD.

[Regulation mechanism of the quorum sensing regulator AphA on the type Ⅵ secretion system VflT6SS2 in Vibrio fluvialis]

Objective: To explore the regulation mechanism of the quorum sensing regulator AphA on the functional activity of type Ⅵ secretion system VflT6SS2 in Vibrio fluvialis. Methods: Western Blot analysis was used to detect the relative expression and secretion of VflT6SS2 signature component hemolysin-coregulated protein (Hcp) in wild type (WT), ΔaphA, and corresponding complementary strains. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and luminescence activity assay of the promoter-lux fusion system was used to measure the mRNA expression levels and promoter activity of the VflT6SS2 core and accessory gene-cluster representative genes tssB2, hcp (tssD2) and vgrG (tssI2), and the quorum sensing regulator HapR in WT and ΔaphA strains. A point mutation experiment combined with a luminescence activity assay was used to verify the regulatory binding site of AphA in the tssD2b promoter region. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to determine AphA binding to the hapR promoter. Results: The mRNA expression levels of tssB2, hcp(tssD2), vgrG (tssI2), and hapR as well as the protein expression and secretion levels of Hcp in ΔaphA strain, were significantly higher than those in the WT strain. The promoter activities of the VflT6SS2 core cluster, tssD2a, tssI2a, and hapR were higher in ΔaphA strain than in the WT strain, while the promoter activity of tssD2b showed the opposite trend. The promoter sequence analysis of tssD2a and tssD2b found significant differences in the region from -335 bp to -229 bp, and two potential AphA binding sites on tssD2b. The promoter activity of tssD2b decreased significantly after the point mutation of the two potential AphA binding sites. EMSA results showed that AphA binds directly to the promoter region of hapR. Conclusions: AphA indirectly inhibits the regulation of the VflT6SS2 core and accessory gene clusters at the promoter level by directly repressing the expression of hapR. AphA showed opposite regulation patterns for tssD2a and tssD2b, and AphA could positively regulate the expression of tssD2b by directly binding to the tssD2b promoter region (-335 bp to -229 bp).

Confinement of CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals into Extra-large-pore Zeolite for Efficient and Stable Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs), renowned for their outstanding optoelectronic properties, hold significant promise as photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the low stability and insufficient exposure of catalytically active sites of bulky MHPs seriously impair their catalytic efficiency. Herein, we utilized an extra-large-pore zeolite ZEO-1 (JZO) as a host to confine and stabilize the CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (3.4 nm) for boosting hydrogen iodide (HI) splitting. The as-prepared CsPbBr3@ZEO-1 featured sufficiently exposed active sites, superior stability in acidic media, along with intrinsic extra-large pores of ZEO-1 that were favorable for molecule/ion adsorption and diffusion. Most importantly, the unique nanoconfinement effect of ZEO-1 led to the narrowing of the band gap of CsPbBr3, allowing for more efficient light utilization. As a result, the photocatalytic HER rate of the as-prepared CsPbBr3@ZEO-1 photocatalyst was increased to 1734 μmol ⋅ h-1 ⋅ g-1 (CsPbBr3) under visible light irradiation compared with bulk CsPbBr3 (11 μmol ⋅ h-1 ⋅ g-1 (CsPbBr3)), and the long-term durability (36 h) can be achieved. Furthermore, Pt was incorporated with well-dispersed CsPbBr3 nanocrystals into ZEO-1, resulting in a significant enhancement in activity (4826 μmol ⋅ h-1 ⋅ g-1 (CsPbBr3)), surpassing most of the Pt-integrated perovskite-based photocatalysts. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and charge-carrier dynamics investigation revealed that the dramatically boosted photocatalytic performance of Pt/CsPbBr3@ZEO-1 could be attributed to the promotion of charge separation and transfer, as well as to the substantially lowered energy barrier for HER. This work highlights the advantage of extra-large-pore zeolites as the nanoscale platform to accommodate multiple photoactive components, opening up promising prospects in the design and exploitation of novel zeolite-confined photocatalysts for energy harvesting and storage.

[Effect of LAG3 deficiency on natural killer cell function and hepatic fibrosis in mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of LAG-3 deficiency (LAG3-/-) on natural killer (NK) cell function and hepatic fibrosis in mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice, each weighing (20 ± 2) g, were divided into the LAG3-/- and wild type (WT) groups, and each mouse in both groups was inoculated with 3 000 E. multilocularis protoscoleces via the hepatic portal vein. Mouse liver and spleen specimens were collected 12 weeks post-infection, sectioned and stained with sirius red, and the hepatic lesions and fibrosis were observed. Mouse hepatic and splenic lymphocytes were isolated, and flow cytometry was performed to detect the proportions of hepatic and splenic NK cells, the expression of CD44, CD25 and CD69 molecules on NK cell surface, and the secretion of interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and IL-17A.

RESULTS

Sirius red staining showed widening of inflammatory cell bands and hyperplasia of fibrotic connective tissues around mouse hepatic lesions, as well as increased deposition of collagen fibers in the LAG3-/-group relative to the WT group. Flow cytometry revealed lower proportions of mouse hepatic (6.29% ± 1.06% vs. 11.91% ± 1.85%, P < 0.000 1) and splenic NK cells (4.44% ± 1.22% vs. 5.85% ± 1.10%, P > 0.05) in the LAG3-/- group than in the WT group, and the mean fluorescence intensity of CD44 was higher on the surface of mouse hepatic NK cells in the LAG3-/- group than in the WT group (t = -3.234, P < 0.01), while no significant differences were found in the mean fluorescence intensity of CD25 or CD69 on the surface of mouse hepaticNK cells between the LAG3-/- and WT groups (both P values > 0.05). There were significant differences between the LAG3-/- and WT groups in terms of the percentages of IFN-γ (t = -0.723, P > 0.05), TNF-α (t = -0.659, P > 0.05), IL-4 (t = -0.263, P > 0.05), IL-10 (t = -0.455, P > 0.05) or IL-17A secreted by mouse hepatic NK cells (t = 0.091, P > 0.05), and the percentage of IFN-γ secreted by mouse splenic NK cells was higher in the LAG3-/- group than in the WT group (58.40% ± 1.64% vs. 50.40% ± 4.13%; t = -4.042, P < 0.01); however, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the proportions of TNF-α (t = -1.902, P > 0.05), IL-4 (t = -1.333, P > 0.05), IL-10 (t = -1.356, P > 0.05) or IL-17A secreted by mouse splenic NK cells (t = 0.529, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

During the course of E. multilocularis infections, LAG3-/- promotes high-level secretion of IFN-γ by splenic NK cells, which may participate in the reversal the immune function of NK cells, resulting in aggravation of hepatic fibrosis.

[Influence of paraspinal muscle degeneration and postoperative Roussouly classification restoration on mechanical complications in female patients with degenerative scoliosis after surgery]

Objective: To investigate the impact of lumbar paraspinal muscle degeneration and postoperative failure to restore ideal Roussouly classification on the occurrence of mechanical complications (MC) following long-segment spinal correction surgery in female patients with degenerative scoliosis (DS). Methods: The clinical data of 72 female DS patients who underwent long-segment spinal correction surgery in Gulou Hospital from June 2017 to November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether restoring the ideal Roussouly classification after surgery, the patients were divided into R group(recovery group) (n=51) and N group(non-recovery group) (n=21). According to whether mechanical complications occurred after operation within two years, the patients were divided into MC (mechanical complications)group (n=24) and NMC(non-mechanical complications) group (n=48). The RM group (n=14) experienced mechanical complications in the R group, while the RN group (n=37) did not. The NM group (n=10) experienced mechanical complications in the N group, while the NN group (n=11) did not.Radiographic assessment included Sagittal parameters of spine and pelvis, standardized cross-sectional area (SCSA) and fat infiltration rate (FI%) of paraspinal muscle at each lumbar disc level. Results: The age of DS patients in this study was (61.4±6.2) years.The incidence of MC was 33.33%(n=24)in all patients. The incidence of MC was 27.45%(n=14)in group R and 47.62%(n=10) in group N. The correction amount of pelvic tilt angle (PT) (-11.62°±10.06° vs -7.04°±8.45°, P=0.046) and T1 pelvic angle(TPA)(-12.88°±11.23° vs -7.31°±9.55°, P=0.031)during surgery were significantly higher in MC group compared to the NMC group. In group R, the FI% of paraspinal muscles in each lumbar segment of patients with postoperative MC was higher than that in patients without MC (P<0.05). In the R and N groups, there was no significant difference inthe SCSA of the lumbar paravertebral muscles between patients with postoperative MC and those without MC at each level (all P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the average FI% of lumbar PSM was correlated with the occurrence of MC after spinal fusion in DS patients.The average FI% of lumbar PSM≥22.63% was a risk factors for MC after spinal fusion (P=0.010,OR=1.088, 95%CI:1.020-1.160). Conclusions: Female DS patients with higher degree of preoperative paraspinal muscle degeneration have a higher incidence of postoperative mechanical complications. For these patients,.there is still a higher risk of mechanical complications after surgery even if the ideal Roussouly classification is restored after surgery.

Single-cell analysis reveals a unique microenvironment in peri-implantitis

AIM

This study aimed to reveal the unique microenvironment of peri-implantitis through single-cell analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Herein, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of biopsies from patients with peri-implantitis (PI) and compared the results with healthy individuals (H) and patients with periodontitis (PD).

RESULTS

Decreased numbers of stromal cells and increased immune cells were found in the PI group, which implies a severe inflammatory infiltration. The fibroblasts were found to be heterogeneous and the specific pro-inflammatory CXCL13+ sub-cluster was more represented in the PI group, in contrast to the PD and H groups. Furthermore, more neutrophil infiltration was detected in the PI group than in the PD group, and cell-cell communication and ligand-receptor pairs revealed most neutrophils were recruited by CXCL13+ fibroblasts through CXCL8/CXCL6-CXCR2/CXCR1. Notably, our study demonstrated that the unique microenvironment of the PI group promoted the differentiation of monocyte/macrophage lineage cells into osteoclasts, which might explain the faster and more severe bone resorption in the progression of PI than PD.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, this study suggests a unique immune microenvironment of PI, which may explain the differences between PI and PD in the clinic. These outcomes will aid in finding new specific and effective treatments for PI.

A first-in-human phase I study of the PD-1 inhibitor, retifanlimab (INCMGA00012), in patients with advanced solid tumors (POD1UM-101)

BACKGROUND

Retifanlimab is a humanized, hinge-stabilized immunoglobulin G4κ monoclonal antibody against human programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). This first-in-human, phase I study assessed the safety and efficacy of retifanlimab in patients with advanced solid tumors and identified optimal dosing.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

POD1UM-101 was conducted in two parts: (i) dose escalation-evaluated retifanlimab [1 mg/kg every 2 weeks (q2w), 3 or 10 mg/kg q2w or every 4 weeks (q4w)] in patients with relapsed/refractory, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors; (ii) cohort expansion-biomarker-unselected tumor-specific cohorts [endometrial, cervical, sarcoma, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)] received retifanlimab 3 mg/kg q2w, and tumor-agnostic cohorts received flat dosing [375 mg every 3 weeks (q3w), or 500 and 750 mg q4w]. Primary objectives were safety and tolerability; secondary objective was efficacy in selected tumor types.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients were enrolled in dose escalation, 134 in PD-1 therapy-naïve tumor-specific cohort expansion (endometrial, n = 29; cervical, NSCLC, soft tissue sarcoma, each n = 35), and 45 in flat dosing (375 mg q3w, 500 and 750 mg q4w, each n = 15). No dose-limiting toxicities occurred during dose escalation; maximum tolerated dose was not reached and 3-mg/kg q2w expansion dose was selected based on safety and pharmacokinetic data. Immune-related adverse events were experienced by 40 patients (30%) in tumor-specific cohorts (most frequently hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, colitis, nephritis) and 6 (13%) in flat dosing (most frequently hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism). Objective response rate (95% confidence interval) was 14% (4.8 to 30.3), 14% (3.9 to 31.7), 20% (8.4 to 36.9), and 3% (0.1 to 14.9) in advanced NSCLC, endometrial, cervical, and sarcoma tumor-specific cohorts that progressed after multiple prior systemic therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Retifanlimab demonstrated clinical pharmacology, safety, and antitumor activity consistent with the programmed death (ligand)-1 inhibitor class. POD1UM-101 results support further exploration of retifanlimab as monotherapy and backbone immunotherapy in combination treatments, with recommended doses of 500 mg q4w and 375 mg q3w.

Selection of the Dominant Endophytes Based on Illumina Sequencing Analysis for Controlling Bacterial Wilt of Patchouli Caused by Ralstonia solanacearum

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (RS) is one of the most devastating diseases in patchouli (Pogostemon cablin [Blanco] Benth.), which results in low yield and quality of patchouli. However, no stable and effective control methods have been developed yet. To evaluate the potential of dominant bacterial endophytes in biocontrol, the endophytic bacterial diversity of patchouli was investigated based on Illumina sequencing analysis, and the ability of isolates belonging to the dominant bacterial genera to control RS wilt of patchouli was explored in pot experiments. A total of 245 bacterial genera were detected in patchouli plants, with the highest relative abundance of operational taxonomic units belonging to the genus Pseudomonas detected in roots, leaves, and stems. The Pseudomonas isolates S02, S09, and S26 showed antagonistic activity against RS in vitro and displayed many plant growth-promoting characteristics, including production of indole-3-acetic acid, siderophores, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase and phosphate- and potassium-solubilizing capability. Inoculation of patchouli plants with the isolates S02, S09, and S26 significantly improved shoot growth and decreased the incidence of bacterial wilt caused by RS. The results suggest that screening of dominant bacterial endophytes for effective biocontrol agents based on Illumina sequencing analysis is more efficient than random isolation and screening procedures.

CircCPA4 induces ASCT2 expression to promote tumor property of non-small cell lung cancer cells in a miR-145-5p-dependent manner

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a type of lung cancer that occurs in the cells of the respiratory tract, and its development is influenced by the regulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs). However, the role of circRNA carboxypeptidase A4 (circCPA4) in the progression of NSCLC and the underlying mechanism remain relatively clear.

METHODS

The study utilized both real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot techniques to evaluate the levels of circCPA4, microRNA-145-5p (miR-145-5p), alanine, serine, or cysteine-preferring transporter 2 (ASCT2). To assess cell proliferation, cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were performed. Apoptosis was determined using flow cytometry, while cell migration and invasive capacity were evaluated through transwell and wound-healing assays. Intracellular levels of glutamine, glutamate, and α-KG were measured using specific kits. The relationship between miR-145-5p and circCPA4 or ASCT2 was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay.

RESULTS

CircCPA4 and ASCT2 RNA levels were elevated, while miR-145-5p was downregulated in both NSCLC tissues and cells. Depletion of circCPA4 significantly inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and intracellular levels of glutamine, glutamate, and α-KG, and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, circCPA4 knockdown delayed tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, circCPA4 was found to bind to miR-145-5p, thereby regulating the progression of NSCLC in vitro. ASCT2 was also identified as a downstream target of miR-145-5p, and its upregulation rescued the effects of miR-145-5p overexpression on NSCLC cell processes.

CONCLUSION

CircCPA4 knockdown inhibited tumor property of NSCLC cells by modulating the miR-145-5p/ASCT2 axis.

Feasibility study of the multishot gradient-echo planar imaging sequence in non-enhanced and free-breathing whole-heart magnetic resonance coronary angiography

AIM

To investigate the feasibility of non-enhanced and free-breathing whole-heart magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRCA) using multishot gradient-echo planar imaging (MSG-EPI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 29 healthy volunteers were recruited for free-breathing whole-heart MRCA acquisition using the MSG-EPI sequence and fast gradient echo (GRE) sequence. After the examination, the actual scanning times, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the left main (LM) coronary artery, subjective quality scores for each segment, and evaluable length of the coronary artery were recorded and statistically analysed.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the SNRLM of the MSG-EPI sequence and fast GRE sequence (p=0.130), but the CNRLM of the MSG-EPI sequence was higher (p=0.001). The subjective quality score of the mid- and distal left anterior descending branch as well as the distal circumflex branch of the coronary artery in the MSG-EPI sequence was higher than that in the fast GRE sequence (p=0.003, 0.001, and 0.003, respectively). The evaluable length of the left anterior descending branch and the circumflex branch was better using the MSG-EPI sequence than that of the fast GRE sequence (p=0.015 and < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, the scanning time of the MSG-EPI sequence was 54.5% less than that of the fast GRE sequence (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The MSG-EPI sequence improves the subjective and objective image quality of MRCA as well as reduces the scanning time.

The significance of resection margins on R0 results in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary liver cancer after hepatocellular carcinoma with an increasing incidence worldwide. Surgical resection is still the only potential cure, and survival rates are dismal due to disease relapse after resection and/or metastatic disease. Positive resection margins are associated with recurrence, with conflicting studies regarding the benefits of wide resection margins to reduce recurrence rates.

METHODS

126 patients with an R0 resection treated with hepatic surgery for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at the Surgical Department at the Medical University Centre Essen, Germany were identified in a database and retrospectively analysed. Patients were grouped into three groups according to margin width, <1 mm (very narrow margin width) 1-5 mm (narrow margin width) and >5 mm (wide margin width). Epidemiological as well as perioperative data was analysed, and a univariate analysis as well as Kaplan-Meier plots carried out to investigate recurrence-free and overall survival.

RESULTS

Wider resection margins did not lead to better recurrence-free survival. A wider resection margin >5 mm was not significantly associated with improved overall survival. Positive lymph nodes (HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.11-5.61, p=0.027) and non-anatomic resections (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.13-3.75, p=0.019) are significantly associated with poorer overall survival. Regarding recurrence-free survival, V2 vascular invasion was the only risk factor statistically significantly associated with poorer recurrence-free survival (HR 8.83, 95% CI 0.85-2.83, p=0.005).

CONCLUSION

Resection margins did not have a significant impact on disease free survival or overall survival following hepatic resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Non-anatomical resections, lymph node and vascular invasion all significantly impacted oncological outcomes.

Laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) with fascial repair (IPOM-plus) for ventral and incisional hernia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Despite advancements in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) using the intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique (sIPOM), recurrence remains a common postoperative complication. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the efficacy of defect closure (IPOM-plus) versus non-closure in ventral and incisional hernia repair. The aim is to determine which technique yields better outcomes in terms of reducing recurrence and complication rates.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from their inception until October 1, 2022, to identify all online English publications that compared the outcomes of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with and without fascia closure.

RESULTS

Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and eleven cohort studies involving 1585 patients met the inclusion criteria. The IPOM-plus technique was found to reduce the recurrence of hernias (OR = 0.51, 95% CI [0.35, 0.76], p < 0.01), seroma (OR = 0.48, 95% CI [0.32, 0.71], p < 0.01), and mesh bulging (OR = 0.08, 95% CI [0.01, 0.42], p < 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) (OR = 0.43, 95% CI [0.29, 0.65], p < 0.0001), type of article (OR = 0.51, 95% CI [0.35, 0.76], p = 0.0008 < 0.01), geographical location (OR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.36, 0.82], p = 0.004 < 0.01), follow-up time (OR = 0.50, 95% CI [0.34, 0.73], p = 0.0004 < 0.01) had a significant influence on the postoperative recurrence of the IPOM-plus technique.

CONCLUSION

The IPOM-plus technique has been shown to greatly reduce the occurrence of recurrence, seroma, and mesh bulging. Overall, the IPOM-plus technique is considered a safe and effective procedure. However, additional randomized controlled studies with extended follow-up periods are necessary to further evaluate the IPOM-plus technique.