[The measurement of radial bone mineral content in children]

The bone mineral contents of radius of 255 boys and 243 girls (7 to 16 year old of the Han nationality, living in Chengdu) were measured with Bone Mineral Analyzer (Type:SPA-I). The standard values of g/cm was made. There was a positive correlation between the value in boys or girls and chronological age, height or weight. The coefficients were respectively 0.83, 0.77, 0.64 in boys and 0.82, 0.82, 0.82 in girls (P less than 0.005). At the age of 13 (in boys or in girls) the value of the g/cm was the highest.

Development of a bolometry diagnostic for SPARC

To control and optimize the power of the SPARC tokamak, we require information on the total radiated power of the plasma and its 2D and 3D spatial distribution. The SPARC bolometry diagnostic is being designed and built to measure the radiated power for controlling power balance, investigating the dissipation capabilities of various divertor concepts, and measuring the efficacy of the disruption thermal load mitigation. Proven resistive bolometer sensor technology will be used, with 248 lines of sight integrated into pinhole cameras in 20 different locations. This diversity of views will allow the bolometers to view the core, divertor, and particularly X-points of the plasma with high resolution. 14 of these camera locations are dedicated to 2D equilibrium radiated power, while the remaining six locations are designed to measure 3D radiated energy during disruptions. The bolometer sensor holders, pinhole camera boxes, and cabling have been designed to survive the high neutron flux (but low fluence) and up to 400 °C temperatures seen during operation and vacuum bake. The resistive bolometer sensors use Au absorbers with an Al heat conduction layer and C anti-reflective layer. These sensor chips are wire-bonded to an AlN circuit board, both of which are held inside a custom AlN and stainless steel bolometer holder. Design and optimization of the pinhole camera lines of sight are performed using Cherab. This work details the current state of the design of the SPARC bolometry diagnostic and its interfaces, as well as ongoing work to validate the design.

[Application of chromosomal microarray analysis for fetuses with talipes equinovarus]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the application of fetuses with talipes equinovarus(TE)using chromosomal microarray analysis(CMA)technology.

METHODS

From May 2012 to June 2015, 54 fetuses were found with TE and with or without other structural anomalies by prenatal ultrasound. Karyotyping was taking for them all, and the fetuses with normal karyotypes took another CMA test. The data were analyzed with CHAS software. Finally all the cases were followed up to know about their pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

One of the 54 cases was detected with abnormal karyotype which was trisomy 18(2%, 1/54). CMA was undertaken to the remaining fetuses, they were divided into 2 groups, including isolated TE group(n= 38)and complex TE group(n=15). The detection rate of clinical significant copy number variations(CNV)by CMA was 11%(6/53), while isolated and complex TE group were 5%(2/38)and 4/15, respectively(P= 0.047). Of the 53 cases, 51 cases were successfully followed up. Eleven cases were found without TE after birth, and the false positive rate(FPR)of TE was 22%(11/51).

CONCLUSIONS

Whole-genome high-resolution CMA increased the detection rate by 11% in fetuses with TE. With the FPR and the detection rate of the clinical significant CNV of 2 groups, whole-genome CMA could be recommended to the fetuses with complex TE group but normal karyotypes. A series of ultrasonic tests should be suggested to the isolate TE group, while with the abnormal ultrasound, fetuses would be suggested to have CMA test for decreasing the rates of invasive prenatal diagnosis and FPR.

A novel surface modification scheme for ITO nanocrystals by acetylene: a combined experimental and DFT study

The chemisorption of C₂H₂ molecules on the ITO(100) surface results in ethylene-like configurations as studied by DFT and experiment.

[Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status before and after acquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with lung adenocarcinoma]

Objective: To investigate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status in lung adenocarcinomas before and after acquiring resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) using ARMS method followed by further verification using droplet digital PCR technique. Methods: Twenty qualified patients were included, among them 13 were male and 7 were female patients. Before EGFR-TKIs treatment, 5 patients were EGFR wild-type by ARMS, and the other 15 patients had L858R or 19-del point mutations. The time to progression varied from 4 to 18 months. Mutation of exons 18, 19, 20 and 21 were detected by ARMS, and were verified by droplet digital PCR system method. Results: EGFR wild-type status was unchanged before and after acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs in 5 lung adenocarcinoma patients. Alteration of EGFR mutation status occurred in 10 of the 15 patients with pre-treatment L858R or 19-del mutations. Among them, T790M mutation was found in 8 patients, L858R became G719X plus S768I mutation in one patient, and 19-del converted into wild-type in one other patient. Conclusions: T790M mutation is the primary type of EGFR mutation in lung adenocarcinomas with acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs therapy. Acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs dose not lead to the alteration of EGFR status in pre-treatment EGFR wild-type patients, but can alter EGFR mutation status in pre-treatment EGFR mutant patients.

[Study on the comparison of postoperative liver injury caused by hepatic arterial perfusion chemotherapy combined with targeted immunotherapy with hepatic arterial chemoembolization combined with targeted immunotherapy for intermediate-and advanced-stage liver cancer]

Objective: To compare the postoperative liver function injury condition in patients with intermediate-and advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) and hepatic artery chemoembolization (TACE) combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Methods: Patients with intermediate-and advanced-stage HCC who were admitted and treated with HAIC/TACE+ICIs+TKIs therapy at Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University from January 2019 to November 2021, with follow-up up to July 2023, were retrospectively enrolled. The results of liver function tests within one week before interventional surgery and on the first day after surgery were recorded. The degree of postoperative liver injury was graded according to the common terminology criteria for adverse events 5.0 (CTCAE 5.0). The treatment efficacy was evaluated according to RECIST 1.1 criteria. Measurement data were compared between groups using a t-test or a non-parametric rank sum test. Enumeration data were compared between the groups using the χ(2) test or Fisher's exact probability method. The survival condition differences were analyzed by the log-rank method. Results: This study included 82 and 77 cases in the HAIC and TACE groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients in terms of gender, age, physical condition score, number of tumors, presence or absence of liver cirrhosis, Child-Pugh grade, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, and combined ICIs and TKIs . The HAIC group had later tumor staging, a greater tumor burden, poorer liver reserve function, and a larger proportion of patients in stage C (81.7% vs. 63.6%), χ(2)=6.573, P = 0.01). There were 53 cases (64.6% vs. 32.5%) with a maximum tumor diameter of ≥ 10cm, χ(2)=16.441, P < 0.001), and more patients had a retention rate of ≥ 10% for indocyanine green (ICG) at 15 minutes (68.3% vs. 51.9%, P = 0.035). The postoperative incidence rate of increased levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin was significantly lower in the HAIC group than that in the TACE group (28.0% vs. 63.6%, χ(2)=20.298, P < 0.001, 54.9% vs. 85.7%, χ(2)=17.917, P < 0.001;40.2% vs. 55.8%, χ(2)=3.873, P = 0.049). The number of patients with postoperative ALBI grade 3 was significantly lower in the HAIC group than that in the TACE group (6.1% vs. 16.9%, χ(2)=4.601, P = 0.032). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of postoperative hypoalbuminemia, activated partial thromboplastin time, or increased international standardized ratio between the two groups of patients. There was no statistically significant difference in median progression-free survival (7.3 months vs. 8.2 months, P = 0.296) or median overall survival (16.5 months vs. 21.9 months, P = 0.678) between the two groups of patients. Conclusion: The incidence rate of postoperative liver injury is higher in patients with intermediate-and advanced-stage HCC treated with TACE combined with ICIs and TKIs than in patients with HAIC combined with ICIs and TKIs.

[Operative efficacy of 13 malignant uterine tumors after Cf-252 intracavitary irradiation]

Objective: To investigate the surgical therapeutic efficacy of uterine tumors patients underwent Cf-252 neutron intra-cavity and external radiotherapy, and evaluate the application value of Cf-252 neutron radiotherapy. Methods: Thirteen cases of uterine tumor with local suspicious lesions or poor prognostic factors after CF-252 neutron intracavity and external radiotherapy were treated with surgery. Among them, 12 cases underwent extrafascial hysterectomy, 1 case underwent extensive hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy. The postoperative pathology and follow-up results were used to evaluate the efficacy. Results: Nine cases showed severe response to radiotherapy in postoperative cervical pathological tissues without residual tumor, and survived for more than 3-14 years, the median survival time was 8 years. All of 4 cases with residual tumor died within 1 year. Delayed healing of vaginal wounds occurred in 3 of the 12 cases. Conclusions: Cf-252 is a good brachytherapy source. The cervical tissue shows severe response to radiotherapy and prolonged healing time of vaginal wound is observed in some cases after CF-252 radiotherapy. To those uterine tumor patients with local suspicious lesions or poor prognostic factors after CF-252 neutron intracavity and external radiotherapy, extrafascial hysterectomy is a safe and feasible treatment method.

[Effect of laparoscopic novel W-H fundoplication in patients with proton pump inhibitor dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease]

Objective: To investigate the effect of a novel laparoscopic W-H fundoplication in the treatment of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: The clinical data of PPI dependent GERD patients who underwent laparoscopic W-H fundoplication in PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center from October 1st, 2018 to April 30th, 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The GERD symptom score, subjective symptom relief, PPI withdrawal, efficacy satisfaction and postoperative complications were followed up and analyzed by a questionnaire. Results: A total of 80 GERD patients were included in this study, and 49 were male and 31 were female, with a median age of 58 years. Among all patients, 85% (68/80) are with esophagitis and 77.5% (62/80) with hiatal hernia. The operation time was 67 (52, 73) minutes, without intraoperative complications and conversion to laparotomy. The postoperative follow-up period was 16 (14, 18) months. The postoperative GERD symptom scores were significantly lower than those before surgery, with an statistical difference (all P<0.05). The subjective remission degree of the overall digestive and respiratory symptoms were 100 (90, 100)% and 100 (80, 100)%, respectively. During the follow-up period, the PPI discontinuation rate was 83% (69/80), and the satisfactory rate was 93% (75/80). Postoperative complications included dysphagia, flatulence, increased exhaust and diarrhea, and the incidence was 61% (49/80), 8% (6/80), 5% (4/80) and 4% (3/80), respectively, and 16% (13/80) of the patients had prolonged occasional mild dysphagia. There was no death, symptomatic recurrence or reoperation. Conclusions: The novel W-H fundoplication has a good medium-term efficacy, with significant GERD symptom control rate and PPI discontinuation rate. The postoperative dysphagia is common, but it is self-limiting and does not affect the satisfaction of the surgical effect.

A study of CCND1 with epithelial ovarian cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian cancer is a gynecological malignancy with high mortality rates all over the world. Markers for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy are urgently required to improve the mortality rates. As a key proto-oncogene, CCND1 is known to be amplified in many different carcinomas, including breast cancer, esophageal cancer, bladder cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, etc. CCND1 plays an important role in cancer development and progression. However, its function and mechanism have not been completely elucidated in ovarian cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, we use cisplatin in vitro to inhibit the cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis in epithelial ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3. CCND1 expression, cell proliferation and cell cycle analysis were carried out by real-time PCR, CCK-8 and flow cytometry respectively.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that cisplatin could inhibit the expression of CCND1 in human epithelial ovarian cancer cell line, which is related to the decreased cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that CCND1 is a potential therapeutic target for epithelial ovarian cancer treatment.

Measured proton electromagnetic structure deviates from theoretical predictions

The visible world is founded on the proton, the only composite building block of matter that is stable in nature. Consequently, understanding the formation of matter relies on explaining the dynamics and the properties of the proton's bound state. A fundamental property of the proton involves the response of the system to an external electromagnetic field. It is characterized by the electromagnetic polarizabilities¹ that describe how easily the charge and magnetization distributions inside the system are distorted by the electromagnetic field. Moreover, the generalized polarizabilities² map out the resulting deformation of the densities in a proton subject to an electromagnetic field. They disclose essential information about the underlying system dynamics and provide a key for decoding the proton structure in terms of the theory of the strong interaction that binds its elementary quark and gluon constituents. Of particular interest is a puzzle in the electric generalized polarizability of the proton that remains unresolved for two decades². Here we report measurements of the proton's electromagnetic generalized polarizabilities at low four-momentum transfer squared. We show evidence of an anomaly to the behaviour of the proton's electric generalized polarizability that contradicts the predictions of nuclear theory and derive its signature in the spatial distribution of the induced polarization in the proton. The reported measurements suggest the presence of a new, not-yet-understood dynamical mechanism in the proton and present notable challenges to the nuclear theory.

[Analysis of clinical features and surgical outcomes of petrous bone cholesteatomas]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features and surgical outcomes of petrous bone cholesteatomas (PBCs). Methods: Data from 39 PBCs patients treated in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xijing Hospital from September 2011 to December 2017 were reviewed retrospectively, including 23 males, 16 femals, aged 12-71 years old, with the median age of 37. Clinical classifications, surgical methods, facial and hearing function, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were made summary analysis. Results: In this study, five patients were congenital PBCs and 34 patients were acquired PBCs. The common clinical symptoms were hearing loss (100%, 39/39), ear discharge/pus (89.7%, 35/39) and facial paralysis (46.2%, 18/39). According to Sanna's classification, 14 cases were supralabyrinthine, including three cases underwent transcochlear (TC) approach, six cases underwent transotic (TO) approach and five underwent translabyrinthine (TL) approach. 10 cases were infralabyrinthine, including eight cases underwent subtotal petrosectomy, one case underwent TO approach and one underwent TL approach.10 cases were massive, including seven cases underwent TC approach, three cases underwent TO approach. Five cases were infralabyrinthine-apical, including two cases underwent TC approach, two cases underwent TO approach, and one case underwent endoscope assisted infratemporal fossa type B. The degree of facial nerve (FN) dysfunction from high to low was massive (6/10), supralabyrinthine (8/14), infralabyrinthine-apical (2/5) and infralabyrinthine (2/10). 19 cases involved in facial nerve operation, three cases underwent FN decompression, four cases underwent FN rerouting, four cases underwent nerve grafting, and one case underwent facial-hypoglossal anastomosis. Preoperative FN involvement in 18 cases, and the FN function was improved in 14 cases after surgery. The improved rate of postoperative FN function was 77.8%. The bone conducted hearing retained 50.0% (14/28) postoperatively. Five cases with cerebrospinal fluid leak were managed by inserting free muscle plugs and cavity obliteration. Two cases with the cholesteatomas matrix involved the sigmoid sinus and the jugular bulb, and occlusion of the sigmoid sinus was performed. Postoperatively, two patients presented with synkinesis. The patients were followed up for 40 to 115 months, and there was no recurrence. Conclusions: There are no specific clinical manifestations for PBCs, thus, it is difficult in early diagnosis and treatment. According to Sanna's classification, preoperative FN and hearing function, the best surgical approach should be selected with minimal recurrences and perioperative morbidity.

[The influence of sacroiliac joint reduction quality on the clinical effect of bionic reduction and internal fixation for pelvic ring injury]

Objective: To examine the influence of sacroiliac joint reduction quality on the clinical effect of bionic reduction and internal fixation for pelvic ring injury. Methods: From January 2014 to February 2019,the clinical data of 78 patients diagnosed with pelvic ring injury involving sacroiliac joints and treated with bionic reduction and internal fixation at Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University were retrospectively analyzed.There were 48 males and 30 females,aged (48.3±8.3)years (range:28 to 68 years).After bionic reduction and internal fixation,the patients were grouped according to the maximum displacement distance (d) of sacroiliac joint residual on the damaged side measured by CT examination. Patients with d≤5 mm were included in anatomical bionic reduction group,and patients with d>5 mm were included in non-anatomical bionic reduction group.In non-anatomical bionic reduction group,according to the direction of residual displacement,the patients were divided into separation displacement group and anterior-posterior displacement group. The X-ray examination was performed immediately and at the last follow-up after operation.If sacroiliac joint was relocated,or internal plant loosening,displacement,fracture and re-displacement of fracture,it was defined as internal fixation failure.Majeed pelvic fracture scoring system was used to evaluate the postoperative functional status of the two groups,and visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the postoperative pain.Comparison between groups was performed by completely random design ANOVA,χ² test,Fisher's exact test,Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: According to the CT examination,28 cases were included in anatomical bionic reduction group,and 50 cases were included in non-anatomical bionic reduction group.In non-anatomical bionic reduction group,27 cases were divided into separation displacement group and 23 cases were in anterior-posterior displacement group.There was no significant difference in general data among anatomical bionic reduction group,separation displacement group and anterior-posterior displacement group (P>0.05). The follow-up time was (37.8±6.6) months (range:25 to 51 months). At the last follow up,the excellent and good rate of Majeed score in anatomical bionic reduction group was 96.4%(27/28),which was better than that in separation displacement group(74.1%(20/27)) and anterior-posterior displacement group (30.4%(7/23)),the difference was statistically significant (Z=-6.479,P<0.01;Z=-6.256,P<0.01); and the good rate of the separation displacement group was better than that of the anterior-posterior displacement group(Z=-3.607,P<0.01).The VAS of anatomical bionic reduction group (17 cases with 0 point, 11 cases with 1 to 3 points) were lower than that of the displacement group (6 cases with 0 point,16 cases with 1 to 3 points,5 cases with 4 to 6 points) and anterior-posterior displacement group (3 cases with 0 point,7 cases with 1 to 3 points,13 cases with 4 to 6 points),the difference was statistically significant (Z=-3.515,P<0.01;Z=-3.506,P<0.01),and there was no difference between separation displacement group and anterior-posterior displacement group.Total of 8 cases of internal fixation failure occurred,and the failure rate of anatomical bionic reduction group (0,0/28) was lower than that of the separation displacement group (11.1%,3/27) and anterior-posterior displacement group (21.7%,5/23) (P=0.111,P=0.014),and there was no difference between separation displacement group and anterior-posterior displacement group(P=0.444). Conclusions: In the bionic reduction and internal fixation of pelvic fracture involving sacroiliac joint injury,the functional status,pain and internal fixation failure rate of patients with anatomical bionic reduction of sacroiliac joint are significantly better than those in the non-anatomical bionic reduction.The functional recovery of patients with separation displacement is better than that of the patients with anterior and posterior displacement.

Multidisciplinary Management of Primary Urethral Cancer with Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Primary urethral cancer (PUC) is a rare form of genitourinary malignancy with a paucity of data to guide management. We analyzed PUC patients for clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment approach (radiotherapy [RT] with/without consolidative surgery) to identify predictors of outcome and RT response.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We conducted a single-institution retrospective review of patients treated with RT for PUC between 2002 to 2020. Each patient underwent multidisciplinary evaluation (including cystoscopy) as well as imaging to confirm tumor origin in the urethra. The linear quadratic formula was used to calculate the biologically effective dose (BED) using an α/β of 10 for tumor. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the cohort. Fisher's Exact test was used to compare groups. Time-to-event analyses was conducted with the Kaplan-Meier method; outcomes included overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR) from diagnosis. Cox regression analysis assessed predictors of outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients were identified for analysis. Median age was 63 years (range: 34-86); the majority were female (76.5%) and white (82.4%). Tumors were localized in the proximal (n = 6) or distal (n = 11) urethra. Histology included urothelial (11.8%), squamous (35.3%), adenocarcinoma (29.4%) and mixed (23.5%). Ten patients (58.8%) had cT3 or higher disease with 10 being cN0 (58.8%), 1 cN1 (5.9%), 5 cN2 (29.4%) and 1 cNx (5.9%). Median tumor size was 4.8 cm (range: 0.5-12 cm). The majority (88.2%) were treated with definitive chemoRT with 70.5% receiving platinum therapy. Median RT dose was 59.4 Gy (range: 39.6-70.2) with a median of 30 fractions. One patient underwent upfront cystourethrectomy and 6 (35.3%) underwent consolidative surgery at a median of 2.3 months after RT. Five patients (29.4%) had a complete response (CR) and 70.6% had a partial response (PR) to RT. Of the 7 patients who underwent surgical resection the final pathology was ypTis (28.5%), ypT1 (14.2%), ypT2 (14.2%), ypT4 (28.5%) and pT2 (14.2%). A median of 16 lymph nodes were removed with 1 patient having pN2 and all others pN0. Four patients (66.6%) were downstaged by chemoRT prior to surgery. At a median follow-up time of 8.4 years, the median OS was 37.9 months (range: 23.2-52.7), which was associated with a 5-year OS of 37.2%. Twelve (70.5%) patients recurred with a median TTR of 6.3 months (range 4.8-7.7). No demographics, staging methods, or tumor characteristics were associated with OS or TTR. Urothelial histology was associated with CR following chemoRT (p = 0.02). RT dose (continuous) was associated with OS (p = 0.018) as well as a BED (HR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84-0.97; p = 0.01). A BED > 55 Gy was associated with improved median OS (56.4 vs 9.13 months, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Analysis of PUC patients treated with multimodal therapy found higher rates of CR in patients with urothelial histology and increased OS in patients treated with a BED > 55 Gy. Neoadjuvant chemoRT may downstage disease prior to surgical extirpation.

[Clinicopathological and molecular features of metaplastic thymoma]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, and molecular genetic alterations of metaplastic thymoma (MT). Methods: A total of ten MT cases, diagnosed from 2011 to 2021, were selected from the Department of Pathology of Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China for clinicopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examination and clinical follow-up. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and YAP1 C-terminus (YAP1-CT) IHC were performed to detect YAP1::MAML2 fusions. Results: There were four males and six females, ranging in age from 29 to 60 years (mean 50 years, median 54 years). Microscopically, all tumors showed a typical biphasic morphology consisting of epithelial components and gradually or abruptly transitioning spindle cell components. The two components were present in varying proportions in different cases. Immunophenotypically, the epithelial cells were diffusely positive for CKpan, CK5/6 and p63. The spindle cells were diffusely positive for vimentin and focally positive for EMA. TdT was negative in the background lymphocytes. Ki-67 proliferation index was less than 5%. YAP1 and MAML2 break-apart FISH analyses showed that all ten cases had narrow split signals with a distance of nearly 2 signal diameters and may be considered false-negative. Using YAP1::MAML2 fusion FISH assays, abnormal fusion signals were observed in all the ten cases. NGS demonstrated YAP1::MAML2 fusions in all eight cases with adequate nucleic acids; in two cases the fusions were detected by DNA sequencing and in eight cases by RNA sequencing. All ten cases of MT demonstrated loss of YAP1 C-terminal expression in epithelioid cells. Conclusions: MT is a rare and low-grade thymic tumor characterized by a biphasic pattern and YAP1::MAML2 fusions. Break-apart FISH assays may sometimes show false-negative results due to the proximity of YAP1 and MAML2, while YAP1 C-terminal IHC is a highly sensitive and specific marker for MT. Loss of YAP1 C-terminal expression can also be used to screen YAP1::MAML2 fusions for possible MT cases.

Exploring the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) database chemical space to target I7L protease from monkeypox virus using molecular screening and simulation approaches

In the current study, we used molecular screening and simulation approaches to target I7L protease from monkeypox virus (mpox) from the Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) database. Using molecular screening, only four hits TCM27763, TCM33057, TCM34450 and TCM31564 demonstrated better pharmacological potential than TTP6171 (control). Binding of these molecules targeted Trp168, Asn171, Arg196, Cys237, Ser240, Trp242, Glu325, Ser326, and Cys328 residues and may affect the function of I7L protease in in vitro assay. Moreover, molecular simulation revealed stable dynamics, tighter structural packing and less flexible behaviour for all the complexes. We further reported that the average hydrogen bonds in TCM27763, TCM33057, TCM34450 and TCM31564I7L complexes remained higher than the control drug. Finally, the BF energy results revealed -62.60 ± 0.65 for the controlI7L complex, for the TCM27763I7L complex -71.92 ± 0.70 kcal/mol, for the TCM33057I7L complex the BF energy was -70.94 ± 0.70 kcal/mol, for the TCM34450I7L the BF energy was -69.94 ± 0.85 kcal/mol while for the TCM31564I7L complex the BF energy was calculated to be -69.16 ± 0.80 kcal/mol. Although, we used stateoftheart computational methods, these are theoretical insights that need further experimental validation.

[Mechanism of hepatocyte mitochondrial NDUFA13 deficiency-induced liver fibrogenesis: the role of abnormal hepatic stellate cell activation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of hepatocyte mitochondrial NDUFA13 loss in the liver fibrogenesis in mice and explore the possible mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE

We used liver-specific NDUFA13 heterozygous knockout mouse models (NDUFA13^fl/-; Alb-Cre) established previously by intercrossing NDUFA13^fl/fl and Alb-Cre mice, with their littermate control NDUFA13^fl/fl mice as the control (n=8). The mice were euthanized at the age of 4 weeks and 2 years, and the liver tissues were collected for HE and Masson staining to observe the pathological changes and fibrosis phenotypes. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of NDUFA13 protein in the liver tissues, and the infiltration of F4/80⁺ macrophages and the expressions of TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-1β were analyzed by immunofluorescence assay. The expression levels of α-SMA, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteases 1 (TIMP-1), collagen-Ⅰ and collagen-Ⅲ were assayed by immunohistochemistry.

OBJECTIVE

HE and Masson staining showed obvious inflammatory infiltration but no significant fibrosis in the liver tissues of 4-week-old NDUFA13^fl/- mice, but severe liver damage with massive fibrosis was observed in 2-year-old NDUFA13^fl/- mice. NDUFA13 expression in 2-year-old NDUFA13^fl/- mice markedly decreased compared with that in the control NDUFA13^fl/fl mice as shown by Western blotting (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed obvious infiltration of F4/80⁺ macrophages in the liver tissue with a large amount of TGF-β1 production (P < 0.05) and TNF-α and IL-1β secretions in NDUFA13^fl/- mice (P < 0.05). NDUFA13 knockout obviously promoted α-SMA expression (P < 0.05) and collagen-Ⅰ and collagen-Ⅲ deposition (P < 0.05) while significantly decreased MMP-9 and increased TIMP-1 expression in the liver (P < 0.05).

OBJECTIVE

Hepatocytes-specific NDUFA13 deficiency can trigger spontaneous and chronic liver fibrosis phenotypes in mice probably in association with abnormal activation of hepatic stellate cells induced by macrophages and inflammatory factors.

[Exploration of CCL11 and sTNFR2 as potential biomarkers for the efficacy of lymphocyte immunotherapy in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion]

Objective: To explore biomarkers for the efficacy of lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) treating women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). Methods: Serum samples from 24 URSA potients who received LIT were collected at Peking University Third Hospital from December 2014 to June 2015. Semiquantitative sandwich-based antibody arrays containing 40 cytokines were used to screen target immune cytokines in the peripheral blood of URSA patients before and after LIT. Multifactor quantitative microsphere flow cytometry detection validated the levels of target cytokines. Based on the final pregnancy outcome after LIT, 24 URSA patients were divided into the full-term delivery group (15 cases) and the abortion group (9 cases). Furthermore, linear regression analysis were applied to evaluate the relationship between target cytokines and pregnancy outcomes. Results: Semiquantitative sandwich-based antibody arrays suggested that, among all 24 URSA patients included in this study, the intensities of the fluorescence signal were significantly lower post-LIT versus pre-LIT for the following cytokines: interleukin-15 (IL-15), monokine induced by γ-interferon (MIG), C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 1 (all P<0.05). In the full-term delivery group, the intensities of the fluorescence signal post-LIT were significantly lower than pre-LIT for the following cytokines: IL-15, CCL1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) 1α (all P<0.05). In the abortion group, the intensities of the fluorescence signal post-LIT were significantly lower than pre-LIT for the following cytokines: MIG, MIP-1δ (all P<0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that the intensity of the fluorescence signal of CCL11 was increased and the intensity of the fluorescence signal of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNFR2) was decreased in the full-term delivery group after LIT, the differences were statistically significant (P=0.012, 0.029). Validation results of multifactor quantitative microsphere flow cytometry detection showed that the level of CCL11 was significantly increased (P=0.001) and the level of sTNFR2 was significantly decreased (P=0.001) in the full-term delivery group after LIT. Conclusion: CCL11 and sTNFR2 maybe serve as potential biomarkers that could predict pregnancy outcomes after LIT in women with URSA.

Ionizable Lipids with Branched Linkers Enhance the Delivery of mRNA Vaccines

The emergence of mRNA vaccines has heralded an epoch in disease prevention and treatment. Safe and efficient mRNA delivery systems are highly desired for the widespread application of mRNA therapeutics. Herein, we have designed a facile synthetic pathway for producing ionizable lipids featuring various branched linkers. These lipids have been integrated into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to improve the delivery of mRNA vaccines. The influence of linker structure on lipids and LNPs is currently underreported, yet it undeniably exerts a substantial impact on the outcomes. Through systematic screening and formulation optimization, we have identified that LNPs comprising ionizable lipids with a branched β-isobutylglutarate linker (bLNPs) exhibited superior transfection capabilities. In preclinical cancer prevention and treatment models, mRNA vaccines delivered by bLNPs (mRNA-bLNPs) have shown significant efficacy without causing systemic toxicity, highlighting the potential of bLNPs for clinical translation. Our synthetic strategy facilitates the expansion of the LNP library and provides valuable insights into the relationship between linker structures and delivery efficiency, thereby propelling the advancement of LNP technology.

[Distribution of ABH substances in normal secretor human tissue cells by avidin-biotin complex method]

The distribution and location of ABH substances in 54 various kinds of normal secretor human tissue cell of known ABO type were studied by Avidin-Biotin complex (ABC) method. It was firstly demonstrated that 18 different kinds of tissue cells contained ABH substances, which were as follows: neuron and nerve fiber, astrocyte, oligodendrocyte, ependyma epithelial cells, epithelial cells of soft meninges, epithelial cells of parotid gland duct, taste bud cells of tongue, acinar and epithelial cells of duct of buccal gland, epithelial cells of rectal mucous membrane gland, regenerated liver cells of hepatocirrhosis, basal cells of stratified aquamous epithelium of epiglottis, spermiogenesis and spermatozoa of seminiferous tubules, epithelial cells of tubuli reti, rete testis and tubuli epididymis, both primary and secondary follicles of ovary and decidua cells of endometrium. Some new phenomena were observed as follows: ABH substances in chief cells more than those in parietal cells of gastric gland, locally distributed ABH positive cells in stratum spinosum of stratified squamous epithelium of skin, segmentally distributed ABH positive cells in pseudostratified ciliated columanal epithelium of epiglottis. The ABH substances were located at the infranuclear and/or supranuclear region and/or brush border of the epithelial cells of submaxillary gland, mosaic distributed ABH substances were found in the epithelia of both sweat and submaxillary glandular ducts. A few controversies about distribution of ABH substances were solved. The relationship between H and A, B substances, origin of ABH substances, source of ABH substances in body fluids. Production of ABH substances and cell differentiation, mosaicism and inconsistency of ABH distribution are discussed and compared with other reports.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)