[Comparison of the microbiota diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Culex pipiens pallens]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the microbiota composition and diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Culex pipiens pallens, so as to provide insights into unraveling the pathogenesis of autogeny in Cx. pipiens pallens.

METHODS

Autogenous and anautogenous adult Cx. pipiens pallens samples were collected at 25 ℃, and the hypervariable regions of the microbial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene was sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing platform. The microbiota abundance and diversity were evaluated using the alpha diversity index, and the difference in the microbiota structure was examined using the beta diversity index. The microbiota with significant differences in the abundance between autogenous and anautogenous adult Cx. pipiens pallens samples was identified using the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe).

RESULTS

The microbiota in autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples belonged to 18 phyla, 28 classes, 70 orders, 113 families, and 170 genera, and the dominant phyla included Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and so on. At the genus level, Wolbachia was a common dominant genus, and the relative abundance was (77.6 ± 11.3)% in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples and (47.5 ± 8.5)% in anautogenous mosquito samples, while Faecalibaculum (0.4% ± 0.1%), Dubosiella (0.5% ± 0.0%) and Massilia (0.5% ± 0.1%) were specific species in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples. Alpha diversity analysis showed that higher Chao1 index and ACE index in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples than in anautogenous samples (both P values > 0.05), and lower Shannon index (P > 0.05) and Simpson index (P < 0.05) in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples than in anautogenous samples. LEfSe analysis showed a total of 48 significantly different taxa between autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples (all P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant difference in the microbiota diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens.

Direct Seawater Electrolysis: From Catalyst Design to Device Applications

Direct seawater electrolysis (DSE) for hydrogen production, using earth-abundant seawater as the feedstock and renewable electricity as the driving source, paves a new opportunity for flexible energy conversion/storage and smooths the volatility of renewable energy. Unfortunately, the complex environments of seawater impose significant challenges on the design of DSE catalysts, and the practical performance of many current DSE catalysts remains unsatisfactory on the device level. However, many studies predominantly concentrate on the development of electrocatalysts for DSE without giving due consideration to the specific devices. To mitigate this gap, the most recent progress (mainly published within the year 2020-2023) of DSE electrocatalysts and devices are systematically evaluated. By discussing key bottlenecks, corresponding mitigation strategies, and various device designs and applications, the tremendous challenges in addressing the trade-off among activity, stability, and selectivity for DSE electrocatalysts by a single shot are emphasized. In addition, the rational design of the DSE electrocatalysts needs to align with the specific device configuration, which is more effective than attempting to comprehensively enhance all catalytic parameters. This work, featuring the first review of this kind to consider rational catalyst design in the framework of DSE devices, will facilitate practical DSE development.

The impact of air pollutants on spontaneous abortion: a case-control study in Tongchuan City

OBJECTIVES

Studies related to air pollutants and spontaneous abortion in urban northwestern China are scarce, and the main exposure windows of pollutants acting on pregnant women are unclear.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

Data were collected from pregnant women in Tongchuan City from 2018 to 2019. A total of 289 cases of spontaneous abortion and 1156 cases of full-term labor were included and analyzed using a case-control study. Logistic regression models were developed to explore the relationship between air pollutants and spontaneous abortion after Chi square analysis and Air pollutant description.

RESULTS

O3 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.028) is a risk factor for spontaneous abortion throughout pregnancy. PM2.5 (OR = 1.015), PM10 (OR = 1.010), SO2 (OR = 1.026), and NO2 (OR = 1.028) are risk factors for spontaneous abortion in the 30 days before the last menstrual period. PM2.5 (OR = 1.015), PM10 (OR = 1.013), SO2 (OR = 1.036), and NO2 (OR = 1.033) are risk factors for spontaneous abortion in the 30-60 days before the last menstrual period. PM2.5 (OR = 1.028), PM10 (OR = 1.013), SO2 (OR = 1.035), and NO2 (OR = 1.059) are risk factors for spontaneous abortion in the 60-90 days before the last menstrual period.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to high levels of air pollutants may be a cause of increased risk of spontaneous abortion, especially in the first trimester of the last menstrual period.

Influence of tillage methods combined with mulching on soil physical properties and potato yield in dry farming area under different precipitation years

We conducted a field experiment in the dry farming area in south Ningxia from 2018 to 2021, to explore the influence of tillage methods combined with mulching on soil bulk density, aggregate content, soil water storage and potato yield under different precipitation years. There were four tillage methods (15 cm depth ploughing, and 30 cm, 40 cm and 50 cm depth subsoiling) and three mulching measures (mulching with oat straw, plastic film and no mulching), with the ploughing depth of 15 cm without mulching as control. The results showed the combination of tillage and mulching effectively reduced soil bulk density in 0-60 cm layer after three years of farming compared with that prior to the experiment. Under the same tillage mode, the best effect was achieved in mulching with oat straw under different precipitation years. To be specific, the best effect in 20 cm and 40 cm soil layers was achieved in mulching with oat straw for 30 cm depth subsoiling, in 60 cm soil layer for 15 cm ploughing in wet year, and for 40 cm depth subsoiling in 20 cm, 40 cm and 60 cm soil layers in normal and dry years. In 0-20 cm soil layer, the content of >0.25 mm soil aggregate was the highest for 40 cm depth subsoiling with oat straw mul-ching in all the three years. In 20-40 cm soil layer, the content was the highest for 15 cm depth ploughing with oat straw mulching in wet year, and for 40 cm depth subsoiling with oat straw mulching in normal and dry years. In 40-60 cm soil layer, content was the highest for 15 cm depth ploughing with plastic film mulching, 30 cm depth subsoiling with plastic film mulching, and 30 cm depth subsoiling with oat straw mulching in wet, normal and dry years, which was increased by 18.8%, 27.0%, and 35.8%, respectively, compared with the control. In the key growth stage (from squaring to tuber expansion) of potatoes, soil water storage in 0-100 cm layer was optimal for 30 cm depth subsoiling with oat straw mulching in wet year and for 40 cm depth subsoiling with oat straw mulching in normal and dry years, with an increase of 19.4%, 19.5%, and 23.7%, respectively. Potato yield was the highest for 30 cm depth subsoiling with oat straw mulching in wet year and for 40 cm depth subsoiling in normal and dry years, with an increase of 84.6%, 81.7%, and 106.3%, respectively. The correlation analysis showed that improved soil physical properties played a significant role in increasing potato yield, with the most significant role of soil bulk density and soil water storage at the squaring stage. Potato yield was high at a tillage depth of 34.67-36.03 cm. We concluded that the combination of tillage method and mulching could effectively improve soil physical pro-perties and increase soil water storage in the growth stage of potatoes, thereby significantly increa-sing potato yield. Potato yield in dry farming area could be enhanced through 30 cm depth subsoiling with oat straw mulching in wet years, and 40 cm depth subsoiling with oat straw mulching in normal and dry years.

The "5Ts" screening tool: Enhancements and threshold values for effective TMD identification

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to enhance the quintessential "five temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms" (5Ts) screener by incorporating frequency options and distinguishing between TMJ and muscle pain. The diagnostic accuracy along with cut-off points for the effective identification of TMDs was also established.

METHODS

Participants, aged ≥18 years, were recruited from a university-based hospital. After completing surveys encompassing demographic data and the enhanced 5Ts (with frequency options [5Ts-F] and differentiation of TMJ/muscle pain [6Ts-F]), protocolized interviews and clinical examinations were performed following DC/TMD. The diagnostic accuracy and best cut-off points were determined with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs).

RESULTS

324 participants were recruited (mean age 30.0 ± 11.4 years). Among these, 86.4% had TMDs. 5Ts exhibited high diagnostic accuracy for detecting all TMDs (AUC = 0.92) with sensitivity/specificity values of 83.9%/88.6%. Both 5Ts-F and 6Ts-F had slightly better accuracy (AUCs = 0.95/0.96), comparable sensitivity, and superior specificity (97.7%) compared to 5Ts. The best cut-off points were 1.5 for 5Ts and 2.5 for 5Ts-F/6Ts-F.

CONCLUSIONS

Although all three TMD screeners presented high diagnostic accuracy, 5Ts-F/6Ts-F had notably improved specificity. 5Ts scores of >1.5 and 5Ts-F/6Ts-F scores of >2.5 are to be applied for screening the presence of TMDs.

Dosimetric parameters and safety analysis of 3D-printing non-coplanar template-assisted interstitial brachytherapy for non-centrally recurrent cervical cancer

Introduction

The prognosis of patients with non-central recurrent cervical cancer (NRCC) remains poor, and treatment options are limited. We aimed to explore the accuracy and safety of the 3D-printed non-coplanar template (3D-PNCT)-assisted 192Ir interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) in the treatment of NRCC.

Material and methods

A total of 36 patients with NRCC who received 3D-PNCT-guided 192Ir ISBT in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to July 2022 were included in this study. There were 36 3D-PNCTs that were designed and printed. The prescribed dose was 30-36 Gy, divided into five to six times, once a week. To evaluate whether the actual parameters were consistent with the preoperative design, the dosimetric parameters of pre- and postoperative treatment plans were compared, including dose of 90% high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV D90), volume percentage of 100% and 150% prescribed dose V100% and V150%, homogeneity index (HI), conformal index (CI), external index (EI), and dose received by 2 cm3 (D2cm3) of the rectum, colon, bladder, and ileum. The safety parameters including occurrence of bleeding, infection, pain, radiation enteritis, and radiation cystitis within 3 months after operation were recorded.

Results

All patients successfully completed the treatment and achieved the goals of the preoperative plan. There was no significant difference in the accuracy (HRCTVD90, V100%, EI, CI, and HI) and safety (D2cm3 of rectum, colon, bladder, and ileum) parameters of the postoperative plan compared with the preoperative plan (all p>0.05). Major side effects included bleeding at the puncture site (13.9%), postoperative pain (8.3%), acute radiation cystitis (13.9%), and radiation enteritis (19.4%). There were no serious perioperative complications and no grade 3-4 acute radiotherapy side effects.

Conclusion

3D-PNCT-assisted 192Ir ISBT can be accurately and safely applied in the treatment of patients with NRCC.

In-situ constructing amidoxime groups on metal-free g-C3N4 to enhance chemisorption, light absorption, and carrier separation for efficient photo-assisted uranium(VI) extraction

The development of inexpensive and efficient semiconductor catalysts for photo-assisted uranium extraction from seawater remains a huge challenge. Herein, we have successfully synthesized amidoxime-rich g-C3N4 (AO-C3N4) by simply amidoximing a cyano-rich precursor for photo-assisted uranium extraction from seawater. The amidoxime groups not only served as the U(VI) binding sites for efficient uranium adsorption, but also significantly improved the visible light absorption capacity and carrier separation efficiency via introducing defect energy level, resulting in the excellent photocatalytic activity for AO-C3N4 towards photo-assisted uranium extraction. In the process of photo-assisted uranium extraction, U(VI) was first adsorbed by the amidoxime groups on the AO-C3N4 and then reduced to U(IV), while (UO2)O2·2H2O and (UO2)O2·4H2O were further formed by the oxidation of U(IV) by superoxide radicals (·O2-). Moreover, the generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) under light endowed AO-C3N4 with outstanding antibacterial properties, preventing the limitation of uranium extraction capacity from marine biofouling.

Degradation of antiviral drug acyclovir by thermal activated persulfate process: Kinetics study and modeling

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) pose a great threat to water environment security. In this study, acyclovir (ACV) was efficiently degraded by thermally activated persulfate (TAP) system. The ACV degradation increased with rising reaction temperature and persulfate dosage. With the existence of inorganic anions and humic acid, ACV removal was retarded to varying degrees. Under strong alkaline condition, it was observed that the degradation of ACV was significantly inhibited. In addition, Kintecus software was employed to simulate ACV removal and achieved a good fit with the experimental results. The contribution rates of main reactive radicals under acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions were investigated, and the contribution of hydroxyl radical (⋅OH) increased significantly under alkaline condition. The main active species were identified as sulfate radical (SO₄⋅^-) and ⋅OH through quenching experiment, and the second-order reaction rate constants of SO₄⋅^- and ∙OH reacted with ACV were calculated to be 9.17 × 10⁹ M^-1 s^-1 and 2.74 × 10⁹ M^-1 s^-1, respectively. The main degradation pathways included addition of free radicals, oxidation of branch chain and ring opening. The acute and chronic toxicity of intermediates to organisms predicted by ECOSAR were significantly reduced compared with that of ACV.

Catalytic oxidation activation of peroxymonosulfate over Fe-Co bimetallic oxides for flurbiprofen degradation

In this research, FeCo₂O₄ nanomaterial was successfully synthesized by a typical sol-gel method and conducted as an effective agent for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation to eliminate antibiotics flurbiprofen (FLU), a strong nonsteroidal drug. FeCo₂O₄ nanomaterial was characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, and XPS. Various characterization results proved that FeCo₂O₄ held stable spinel structure. The interfering factors including initial pH, PMS concentration, catalyst dosage, inorganic anions, and humic acid on FLU removal were also discussed. The conclusion was that the removal efficiency of FLU reached 98.2% within 120 min after adding FeCo₂O₄ (0.4 g L^-1) and PMS (3 mM). The optimal pH for FLU degradation was the initial pH of 6.5; too acidic or alkaline was not conductive to the degradation. The existence of HA and Cl^- restrained the degradation of FLU, and HCO₃^- promoted the removal, while the influence of NO₃^- and SO₄^2- could not be considered. The radical scavenging experiment confirmed that ^•OH, O₂^•-, and SO₄^•- participated in FLU removal and SO₄^•- functioned a leading role. FeCo₂O₄ showed high efficiency for PMS activation in pH range of 3.0 to 10.0. After the fourth cycle operation, the FLU removal rate exceeded 76.9%, and the Co leaching rate was low during the catalytic reaction. This study shows that FeCo₂O₄ nanomaterial is an efficient and environment-friendly catalyst, which can be applied for PMS activation to remove organic pollutants in water.

Detection of haemodynamic obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using the sub-aortic complex: a cardiac MRI and Doppler study

AIM

To investigate the "sub-aortic complex (SAC)", a new cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI)-derived parameter, for the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), compared with conventional CMRI parameters and Doppler echocardiography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 157 consecutive patients with HCM were recruited retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups, 87 with LVOT obstruction and 70 without obstruction. The SAC was defined as a specific anatomical SAC affecting the LVOT, which were measured on the LV three-chamber steady-state free precession (SSFP) cine image at the end-systolic phase. The relations between the existence and severity of obstruction and SAC index (SACi) were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The SACs were significantly different between the obstructive and non-obstructive groups. The ROC curves indicated that the SACi was able to discriminate obstructive and non-obstructive patients with the best predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.949, p<0.001). The SACi was an independent predictor of LVOT obstruction and there was a significant negative correlation between resting LVOT pressure gradient and SACi (r=0.72 p<0.001). In the subgroup of patients with or without severe basal septal hypertrophy, the SACi was still able to predict LVOT obstruction with excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.944 and 0.948, p<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The SAC is a reliable and straightforward CMRI marker for assessing LVOT obstruction. It is more effective than CMRI two-dimensional flow in diagnosing the severity of obstruction in patients with HCM.

Angelicin impedes the progression of glioblastoma via inactivation of YAP signaling pathway

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a human malignant tumor with low survival and high recurrence rate. Angelicin, an active furanocoumarin compound, has been reported to possess potential antitumor activity towards various malignancies. However, the effect of angelicin on GBM cells and its mechanism are still unclear. In this study, we found that angelicin inhibited the proliferation of GBM by inducing the cell cycle arrested in G1 phase and suppressed the migration of GBM cells in vitro. Mechanically, we found that angelicin downregulated the expression of YAP and decreased the nuclear localization of YAP, and suppressed the expression of β-catenin. Furthermore, overexpression of YAP partially restored the inhibitory effect of angelicin on GBM cells in vitro. Finally, we found that angelicin could inhibit the growth of tumor and reduce the expression of YAP in the subcutaneous xenograft model of GBM in nude mice and the syngeneic intracranial orthotopic model of GBM in C57BL/6 mice. Taken together, our results suggest that the natural product angelicin exerts its anticancer effects on GBM via YAP signaling pathway, and is expected to be a promising compound for the treatment of GBM.

Olfactory impairment in COVID-19: Two methods for the assessment of olfactory function

Background

Olfactory impairment is a major symptom of COVID-19. Is it necessary for COVID-19 patients to perform the detection of olfactory function, even how to select the olfactory psychophysical assessment tool.

Methods

Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant were firstly taken into three categories (mild, moderate, and severe) according to the clinical classification. The Odor Stick Identification Test for the Japanese (OSIT-J) and the Simple Olfactory Test were used to assess olfactory function. Moreover, these patients were divided into three groups based on the results of the olfactory degree (euosmia, hyposmia, and dysosmia), too. The statistical analysis of the correlations between olfaction and clinical characteristics of patients were performed.

Results

Our study demonstrated that the elderly men of Han were more susceptible to infected SARS-CoV-2, the clinical symptoms of the COVID-19 patients showed a clear correspondence with the disease type and the degree of olfactory disturbance. Whether or not to vaccinate and whether to complete the whole course of vaccination was closely related to the patient's condition. OSIT-J Test and Simple Test were consistent in our work, indicating that olfactory grading would worsen with the aggravation of symptoms. Furthermore, the OSIT-J method maybe better than Simple Olfactory Test.

Conclusion

The vaccination has an important protective effect on the general population, and vaccination should be vigorously promoted. Moreover, it is necessary for COVID-19 patients to perform the detection of olfactory function, and the easier, faster and less expensive method for determination of olfactory function should be utilized to COVID-19 patients as the vital physical examination.

Clinical efficacy of Bupleurum inula flower soup for immune damage intervention in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A placebo-controlled randomized trial

Background: Antibody-mediated humoral immune response is involved in the damage process in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Although the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula bupleurum inula flower soup (BIFS) is often used in HT treatment, it has not been evaluated through high-quality clinical research. Rigorously designed randomized, double-blind, prospective clinical studies are urgently needed to evaluate BIFS for intervening in the HT immune damage process, and to improve clinical prognosis and patient quality of life. Methods: A prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was used to evaluate the efficacy of BIFS. Fifty participants diagnosed with HT with hypothyroidism were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to the BIFS (levothyroxine with BIFS) or control (levothyroxine with placebo) group. Participants received 8 weeks of treatment and were followed for 24 weeks. They were monitored for: levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH); scores for depression, anxiety, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL); thyroid volume; safety indicators including routine blood tests, liver and kidney functions, and electrocardiogram; and levothyroxine dose. Results: Forty-eight participants completed the study and were included in the final analysis. At baseline, there were no significant between-group differences in the observed indicators (p > 0.05). Post-treatment, compared with the control group, the BIFS group had significantly lower levels of TPOAb (275.77 ± 132.98 vs. 441.78 ± 195.50, p = 0.001), TgAb (385.92 ± 281.91 vs. 596.17 ± 282.26, p = 0.013), and TSH (6.57 ± 3.73 vs. 9.63 ± 5.34, p = 0.001). Compared with the control group, the BIFS group's scores improved significantly for depression (47.00 ± 5.12 vs. 51.04 ± 3.22, p = 0.002), anxiety (43.21 ± 4.22 vs. 48.08 ± 2.81, p = 0.005), and HRQoL physical (62.08 ± 5.97 vs. 57.96 ± 4.71, p = 0.011) and psychological (60.17 ± 5.94 vs. 55.75 ± 7.09, p = 0.024) subscores. At 24-week follow-up, levothyroxine combined with TCM allowed a significantly reduced levothyroxine dose (0.58 ± 0.43 vs. 1.02 ± 0.45, p = 0.001). The post-treatment clinical efficacy rates differed significantly (p = 0.03), with 75% (18/24) for the BIFS group and 46% (11/24) for the control group. There were no significant between-group differences in thyroid volume or safety indicators after eight treatment weeks or at the 24-week follow-up (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The TCM BIFS can effectively reduce thyroid titer, relieve clinical and emotional symptoms, and improve HRQoL in patients with HT. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR1900020987.

ID proteins promote the survival and primed-to-naive transition of human embryonic stem cells through TCF3-mediated transcription

Inhibition of DNA binding proteins 1 and 3 (ID1 and ID3) are important downstream targets of BMP signalling that are necessary for embryonic development. However, their specific roles in regulating the pluripotency of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) remain unclear. Here, we examined the roles of ID1 and ID3 in primed and naive-like hESCs and showed that ID1 and ID3 knockout lines (IDs KO) exhibited decreased survival in both primed and naive-like state. IDs KO lines in the primed state also tended to undergo pluripotent dissolution and ectodermal differentiation. IDs KO impeded the primed-to-naive transition (PNT) of hESCs, and overexpression of ID1 in primed hESCs promoted PNT. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated that ID1 and ID3 regulated the survival and pluripotency of hESCs through the AKT signalling pathway. Finally, we showed that TCF3 mediated transcriptional inhibition of MCL1 promotes AKT phosphorylation, which was confirmed by TCF3 knockdown in KO lines. Our study suggests that IDs/TCF3 acts through AKT signalling to promote survival and maintain pluripotency of both primed and naive-like hESCs.

Inhibiting Hh Signaling in Gli1+ Osteogenic Progenitors Alleviates TMJOA

The increased prevalence of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) in children and adolescents has drawn considerable attention as it may interfere with mandibular condyle growth, resulting in dento-maxillofacial deformities. However, treatments for osteoarthritis have been ineffective at restoring the damaged bone and cartilage structures due to poor understanding of the underlying degenerative mechanism. In this study, we demonstrate that Gli1+ cells residing in the subchondral bone contribute to bone formation and homeostasis in the mandibular condyle, identifying them as osteogenic progenitors in vivo. Furthermore, we show that, in a TMJOA mouse model, derivatives of Gli1+ cells undergo excessive expansion along with increased but uneven distribution of osteogenic differentiation in the subchondral bone, which leads to abnormal subchondral bone remodeling via Hedgehog (Hh) signaling activation and to the development of TMJOA. The selective pharmacological inhibition and specific genetic inhibition of Hh signaling in Gli1+ osteogenic progenitors result in improved subchondral bone microstructure, attenuated local immune inflammatory response in the subchondral bone, and reduced degeneration of the articular cartilage, providing in vivo functional evidence that targeting Hh signaling in Gli1+ osteogenic progenitors can modulate bone homeostasis in osteoarthritis and provide a potential approach for treating TMJOA.

[Clinical effects of in situ perforation of preserved split scar matrix in combination with scalp transplantation and vacuum sealing drainage in the treatment of hypertrophic scar in non-functional sites after burns]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of in situ perforation of preserved split scar matrix in combination with scalp transplantation and vacuum sealing drainage in the treatment of hypertrophic scar in non-functional sites after burns. Methods: A retrospective observational study was used. From June 2017 to June 2019, 33 patients (24 males and 9 females, aged 8-50 years) who met the inclusion criteria with hypertrophic scars in non-functional sites outside the face after burns were treated in General Hospital of TISCO (the Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University). All patients underwent scalp transplantation after perforation of retained split scar matrix in situ (with scar thinning area of 90-500 cm2), and then the vacuum sealing drainage was performed. The hematoma and infection of wounds were observed on the 7th day after operation. At the same time, the survival rate of skin grafting was observed and calculated. The flatness and thickness of the scar in the operative area were observed in 12 months after operation, and the itching and pain of the patients were recorded. Vancouver Scar Scale was used to score the scar of patients before operation and at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation. The healing time and hair growth of donor site were observed. Data were statistically analyzed with repeated analysis of variance, paired sample t test and bonferroni correction. Results: On the 7th day after operation, local subcutaneous hematoma appeared in the wound of 2 patients, which healed after dressing change; no infection occurred. On the 7th day after operation, the survival rate of skin grafting of patients was 94.6%-99.0%(96.8±1.2)%. Scar flatness was well, the thickness of scar was not significantly higher than that of normal skin in 12 months after operation, and the symptoms of itching pain of patients disappeared or significantly relieved. Vancouver Scar Scale scores of patients before operation and at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation were 12.1±2.8, 8.5±1.5, 7.6±1.6, 6.7±1.3, respectively, and the scores of 3, 6, and 12 months after operation were all significantly lower than that before operation (with t values of 4.48, 4.06, and 3.97, respectively, P<0.01). All the donor sites of the head healed well in 4-7 days after operation. By 3-6 months after operation, all patients had good hair growth in the donor site and achieved no scar healing. Conclusions: The treatment of hypertrophic scar in non-functional sites outside the face after burns by in situ perforation of preserved split scar matrix in combination with scalp transplantation and vacuum sealing drainage can effectively improve the appearance of hypertrophic scar in non-functional areas after burn and reduce its degree of hyperplasia, with scar-free donor site healing.

Introduction of cation vacancies and iron doping into TiO2 enabling efficient uranium photoreduction

The reduction of U(VI) to U(IV) in wastewater by semiconductor photocatalysis has become a new highly efficient and low-cost method for U(VI) removal. However, due to the weak absorption of visible light led by wide band gap and low carrier utilization rate resulted from the severe electron-holes recombination, the photoreduction performance of U(VI) is limited. Herein, the Ti vacancies and doped Fe atoms were simultaneously introduced into TiO₂ nanosheet (labeled as 4%Fe-Ti_1-xO₂) as a highly active and stable catalysis for U(VI) photoreduction. Without adding any hole sacrifice agent, 4%Fe-Ti_1-xO₂ nanosheets achieved 99.7% removal efficiency for U(VI) within 120 min. And the 92.1% removal efficiency of U(VI) via 4%Fe-Ti_1-xO₂ nanosheets was still maintained after 5 cycles. Moreover, 4%Fe-Ti_1-xO₂ exhibited dramatic removal rate, 81.6% U(VI) in the solution was removed in 10 min. Further study on the mechanism showed that simultaneously introducing the Ti vacancies and doped Fe atoms in 4%Fe-Ti_1-xO₂ nanosheets improved the visible light utilization and decreased the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, contributing to the highly efficiency removal of U(VI).

Radical selenation of C(sp3)-H bonds to asymmetric selenides and mechanistic study

Selenides are important structural motifs with a broad range of biological activities and versatile transformational abilities. In this study, a novel and mild method was developed for the facile synthesis of asymmetric selenides under metal-free conditions. The key features of this reaction include good functional-group tolerance, the use of readily available reagents and cheap, low-toxicity solvent, and amenability to gram-scale synthesis. The results of preliminary radical-trapping experiments and a kinetic isotope effect study support a radical process.

[Analysis of molecular and clinical characteristics of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in the intensive care unit]

To investigate the carbapenemases distribution of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in the intensive care unit, and the clinical characteristics between carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) and carbapenem-resistant non-hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-non-hvKP) were compared. A total of 53 non-repetitive CRKP strains isolated from 49 patients in the intensive care unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from May 2020 to March 2021 were retrospectively studied. The carbapenemase inhibitor enhancement test was used for screening carbapenemase-producing strains, and the string test was carried out to screen the hypermucoviscosity phenotype. Using PCR to detect five main carbapenemase genes (bla_KPC-2, bla_NDM, bla_IMP , bla_VIM and bla_OXA-48-like), common serotype (K1 and K2) and virulence gene (rmpA and iutA). Treated the strains with both rmpA and iutA genes as hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumonia (hvKP), and the whole genome sequencing of CR-hvKP was completed. At the same time, the clinical data of 49 patients were sorted out, and the differences in clinical characteristics of CR-hvKP and CR-non-hvKP infected patients were compared using the independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability test. CRKP isolated from the intensive care unit were extensively drug resistance and still had a good sensitivity to polymyxin B and tigecycline. Producing carbapenemases were the main resistance mechanism of CRKP (52/53, 98.1%). Of the 53 CRKP strains, except for 1strain that did not detect carbapenemase, at least one carbapenemase resistance gene was detected in the remaining 52 CRKP strains, of which 45 strains carried an enzyme, including 36 bla_KPC-2 (36/53, 67.9%), 8 bla_NDM (8/53, 15.1%), 1 bla_IMP (1/53, 1.9%), and 7 strains carried with both bla_KPC-2 and bla_NDM (7/53, 13.2%). String test and virulence gene showed that 7 CR-hvKP strains (13.2%) were detected in 53 CRKP strains, and two of which were hypermucoviscosity phenotype. Sequencing results revealed that CR-hvKP were mainly ST11 type. Almost all patients with CR-hvKP infection were over 60 years old (7/7), with invasive treatment (7/7), pulmonary infection with hypermucoviscosity phenotype (2/7) and high mortality (5/7); and the percentage of neutrophils in patients with CR-hvKP infection (86.44±4.70) % was higher than those patients with CR-non-hvKP infection (78.90±19.15) %, the difference was statistically significant (t=-2.225, P=0.032). The CR-hvKP strains in the intensive care unit mainly produced KPC-2 enzyme, with K2 capsular serotype and ST11 type. It is necessary to strengthen the monitoring and control of the CR-hvKP strain to prevent the co-evolution of drug-resistant and hypervirulent strains.

Multiple exposures to high concentrations of selenate significantly improve selenate tolerability, red elemental selenium (Se0) and selenoprotein biosynthesis in Herbaspirillum camelliae WT00C

Herbaspirillum camelliae WT00C is a gram-negative endophyte isolated from the tea plant. It has an intact selenate metabolism pathway but poor selenate tolerability. In this study, microbiological properties of the strain WT00C were examined and compared with other three strains CT00C, NCT00C and NT00C, which were obtained respectively from four, six and eight rounds of 24-h exposures to 200 mM selenate. The selenate tolerability and the ability to generate red elemental selenium (Se0) and selenoproteins in H. camelliae WT00C has significantly improved by the forced evolution via 4-6 rounds of multiple exposures a high concentration of selenate. The original strain WT00C grew in 200 mM selenate with the lag phase of 12 h and 400 mM selenate with the lag phase of 60 h, whereas the strains CT00C and NCT00C grew in 800 mM selenate and showed a relatively short lag phase when they grew in 50-400 mM selenate. Besides selenate tolerance, the strains CT00C and NCT00C significantly improved the biosynthesis of red elemental selenium (Se⁰) and selenoproteins. Two strains exhibited more than 30% selenium conversion efficiency and 40% selenoprotein biosynthesis, compared to the original strain WT00C. These characteristics of the strains CT00C and NCT00C make them applicable in pharmaceuticals and feed industries. The strain NT00C obtained from eight rounds of 24-h exposures to 200 mM selenate was unable to grow in ≥ 400 mM selenate. Its selenium conversion efficiency and selenoprotein biosynthesis were similar to the strain WT00C, indicating that too many exposures may cause gene inactivation of some critical enzymes involving selenate metabolism and antioxidative stress. In addition, bacterial cells underwent obviously physiological and morphological changes, including gene activity, cell enlargement and surface-roughness alterations during the process of multiple exposures to high concentrations of selenate.

Label-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for diagnosis and analysis of serum samples with different types lung cancer

Screening and detection of early lung cancer is important for diagnosis and prognosis. Intervention in early stage of lung cancer can significantly improve the cure and survival of patients. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an increasingly popular method of diagnosing cancer. We used silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as the Raman-enhanced substrate to increase Raman signals, which contributes to the subsequent classification of lung cancer and normal serum. SERS acquired from the serum indicated the difference in biochemical components between cancerous (n = 51) lung serum and normal (n = 18) serum. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were utilized to establish the identification model, and the various indicators of PLS-DA were all superior to those of the PLS model. Our study offers a new proposal for the universal applicability of analysis and identification with SERS of serum samples in clinical diagnosis.

The Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells towards Endothelial Progenitor Cells - Potential Application in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Background and Objectives

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) have been applied in the clinic to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a disease characterized by disordered pulmonary vasculature. However, the lack of sufficient transplantable cells before the deterioration of disease condition is a current limitation to apply cell therapy in patients. It is necessary to differentiate pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) into EPCs and identify their characteristics.

Methods and Results

Comparing previously reported methods of human PSCs-derived ECs, we optimized a highly efficient differentiation protocol to obtain cells that match the phenotype of isolated EPCs from healthy donors. The protocol is compatible with chemically defined medium (CDM), it could produce a large number of clinically applicable cells with low cost. Moreover, we also found PSCs-derived EPCs express CD133, have some characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells and are capable of homing to repair blood vessels in zebrafish xenograft assays. In addition, we further revealed that IPAH PSCs-derived EPCs have higher expression of proliferation-related genes and lower expression of immune-related genes than normal EPCs and PSCs-derived EPCs through microarray analysis.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we optimized a highly efficient differentiation protocol to obtain PSCs-derived EPCs with the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of EPCs from healthy donors which distinguished them from EPCs from PAH.

Degradation of epigallocatechin and epicatechin gallates by a novel tannase TanHcw from Herbaspirillum camelliae

Background

Herbaspirillum camelliae is a gram-negative endophyte isolated from the tea plant. Both strains WT00C and WT00F were found to hydrolyze epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) to release gallic acid (GA) and display tannase activity. However, no tannase gene was annotated in the genome of H. camelliae WT00C.

Results

The 39 kDa protein, annotated as the prolyl oligopeptidase in the NCBI database, was finally identified as a novel tannase. Its gene was cloned, and the enzyme was expressed in E. coli and purified to homogeneity. Moreover, enzymatic characterizations of this novel tannase named Tan_Hcw were studied. Tan_Hcw was a secretary enzyme with a Sec/SPI signal peptide of 48 amino acids at the N-terminus, and it catalyzed the degradation of tannin, methyl gallate (MG), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG). The optimal temperature and pH of Tan_Hcw activities were 30 °C, pH 6.0 for MG and 40 °C, pH 7.0 for both EGCG and ECG. Na⁺, K⁺ Mn²⁺ and Triton-X100, Tween80 increased the enzyme activity of Tan_Hcw, whereas Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Hg²⁺, EMSO, EDTA and β-mercaptoethanol inhibited enzyme activity. K_m, k_cat and k_cat /K_m of Tan_Hcw were 0.30 mM, 37.84 s⁻¹, 130.67 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ for EGCG, 0.33 mM, 34.59 s⁻¹, 105.01 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ for ECG and 0.82 mM, 14.64 s⁻¹, 18.17 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ for MG, respectively.

Conclusion

A novel tannase Tan_Hcw from H. camelliae has been identified and characterized. The biological properties of Tan_Hcw suggest that it plays a crucial role in the specific colonization of H. camelliae in tea plants. Discovery of the tannase Tan_Hcw in this study gives us a reasonable explanation for the host specificity of H. camelliae. In addition, studying the characteristics of this enzyme offers the possibility of further defining its potential in industrial application.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-021-01685-1.

Precise and convenient size barcode on microfluidic chip for multiplex biomarker detection

The existing multiplex biomarker detection methods are limited by the high demand for coding material and expensive detection equipment. This paper proposes a convenient and precise coding method based on a wedge-shaped microfluidic chip, which can be further applied in multiplex biomarker detection. The proposed microfluidic chip has a microchannel with continuously varying height, which can naturally separate and code microparticles of different sizes. Our data indicate that this method can be applied to code more than 5 or 7 kinds of microparticles, even when their size discrepancies are smaller than 1 μm. Based on these, multiplex biomarker detection can be implemented by using microparticles of different sizes, hence each kind of microparticle that coats one kind of antibody represents the species of targets. This method is simple and easy to operate, with no clogging or sophisticated coding design, showing its significant potential in the area of point-of-care tests (POCT).

Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 regulated by miR-27a-3p attenuates tumor proliferation in breast cancer

Purpose

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive molecule which participates in many physical and pathological processes. Although LPA receptor 6 (LPAR6), the last identified LPA receptor, has been reported to have diverse effects in multiple cancers, including breast cancer, its effects and functioning mechanisms are not fully known.

Methods

Multiple public databases were used to investigate the mRNA expression of LPAR6, its prognostic value, and potential mechanisms in breast cancer. Western blotting was performed to validate the differential expression of LPAR6 in breast cancer tissues and their adjacent tissues. Furthermore, in vitro experiments were used to explore the effects of LPAR6 on breast cancer. Additionally, TargetScan and miRWalk were used to identify potential upstream regulating miRNAs and validated the relationship between miR-27a-3p and LPAR6 via real-time polymerase chain reaction and an in vitro rescue assay.

Results

LPAR6 was significantly downregulated in breast cancer at transcriptional and translational levels. Decreased LPAR6 expression in breast cancer is significantly correlated with poor overall survival, disease-free survival, and distal metastasis-free survival, particularly for hormone receptor-positive patients, regardless of lymph node metastatic status. In vitro gain and loss-of-function assays indicated that LPAR6 attenuated breast cancer cell proliferation. The analyses of TCGA and METABRIC datasets revealed that LPAR6 may regulate the cell cycle signal pathway. Furthermore, the expression of LPAR6 could be positively regulated by miR-27a-3p. The knockdown of miR-27a-3p increased cell proliferation, and ectopic expression of LPAR6 could partly rescue this phenotype.

Conclusion

LPAR6 acts as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer and is positively regulated by miR-27a-3p.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12094-021-02704-8.

Identification of Distinct Molecular Subtypes of Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common gynecological cancers worldwide. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC) is the major form of EC, accounting for 75–80% of cases. Currently, there is no molecular classification system for EAC, so there are no corresponding targeted treatments. In this study, we identified two distinct molecular subtypes of EAC with different gene expression patterns and clinicopathologic characteristics. Subtype I EAC cases, accounting for the majority of cases (56%), were associated with an earlier stage, a more well-differentiated grade, a lower tumor invasion rate, and a more favorable prognosis, and the median tumor necrosis percent (15%) was also significantly higher in subtype I EAC. In contrast, subtype II EAC represents high-grade EAC, with a higher tumor invasion rate and tumor weight. The up-regulated genes in subtype I EAC were associated with the immune response, defense response, cell motion, and cell motility pathway, whereas the up-regulated genes in subtype II EAC were associated with the cell cycle, DNA replication, and RNA processing pathways. Additionally, we identified three potential subtype-specific biomarkers, comprising MDM2 (MDM2 proto-oncogene) for subtype I, and MSH2 (mutS homolog 2) and MSH6 (mutS homolog 6) for subtype II.

Early Clinical Outcomes of Short versus Long Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-rotation (PFNA) in the Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fractures

INTRODUCTION

Both short and long PFNA are employed to treat intertrochanteric fractures. Controversy exists in the choice between the two nails as each implant has specific characteristics and theoretical advantages. This retrospective study seeks to examine the operative complication rates and clinical outcomes of short versus long (Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation) PFNA in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between July 2011 and February 2015, 155 patients underwent PFNA insertion. The decision on whether to use a short or long PFNA nail, locked or unlocked, was determined by the attending operating surgeon. Visual Analogue Pain Score (VAS) Harris Hip Scores (HHS), Short-form 36 Health Questionnaire (SF-36) and Parker Mobility Scores (PMS) were collected at six weeks, six months and one year post-operatively.

RESULTS

A total of 137 (88.4%) patients were successfully followed-up. Forty-two (30.7%) patients received a short PFNA. The patients were similar in baseline characteristics of age, gender, and comorbidities. Operative time was significantly longer in the short PFNA group (62 ±17 mins) versus the long PFNA group (56±17). While the patients in both groups achieved improvement in all outcome measures, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of HHS (61.0 ±16.0 vs 63.0 ±16.8, p=0.443), PMS (2.3±1.5 vs 2.7±2.1, p=0.545) and VAS (1.7±2.9 vs 1.8 ±2.2 p=0.454). There were 3 (7.1%) and 7 (7.4%) complications in the short versus long PFNA group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Both short and long PFNA had similar clinical outcomes and complication rates in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in an Asian population.

[Construction and effect evaluation of tuberculosis information platform in Ningxia]

Objective: To explore the value of information technology in management of tuberculosis patients. Methods: The data comes from the case reports of Ningxia tuberculosis patients in the national tuberculosis special report system from March to December 2019 and the data of Ningxia tuberculosis information management platform. Using the computer Information and communication technologies and the Internet platform, unified data collection and data interface standards,Hospital Information System(HIS) of 18 (90%)TB specific Hospitals in Ningxia 22 counties are linked together, forming a closed loop management System, to realize Information interconnection, compare the patients' diagnostic rate before and after the application, and standardize treatment differences. Results: The system automatically collected and uploaded valid data for 2 918 times, and the consistency rate of uploaded data was 94.8%.The clinical diagnostic rate was 18.23% (1 154/6 332) before and 39.1% (914/2 335) after using the AI imaging screening subsystem (χ²=235.56, P<0.001).The regular medication rate of patients after system use was 86.89% (510/587), which was higher than that before [73.72% (544/738)] (χ²=3.94, P<0.05).The cure rate of etiologically positive tuberculosis patients (2019) was 86.03% (788/916), which was higher than that of 83.45% (1 008/1 208) before the use of the system (2018) (χ²=435.43, P<0.001). Conclusion: The tuberculosis information management platform in Ningxia has achieved tuberculosis information interconnection, significantly improving the standard diagnosis, treatment and management level of tuberculosis.

MicroRNA-101 Promotes the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Uterine Cervix Cancer Cells by Targeting Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8

Uterine cervical cancer (UCC), or carcinoma of the uterine cervix, is a familiar malignancy in gynecology. The expression of multiple microRNAs is abnormal in UCC. Research has demonstrated that the level of microRNA-101 (miR-101) was decreased in UCC, but the mechanism by which miR-101 regulates UCC is still unclear. The TargetScan software predicted that one of the target genes of miR-101 was CDK8. This study aims to explore whether miR-101 affects the migration, invasion, and proliferation of UCC cells through CDK8. First, nanoparticle-assisted PCR was used to determine the levels of miR-101 and CDK8 in UCC tissues, normal adjacent tissues, and two UCC cell lines, C-33A and Siha. Compared to the normal tissues, the level of miR-101 was decreased in UCC tissues, while the level of CDK8 was increased. The dual-luciferase reporter experiments confirmed that miR-101 directly interacted with the binding site in CDK8 3’UTR to regulate luciferase activity. The UCC cells were transfected with the MIR101 mimic construct to overexpress miR-101. It was demonstrated that cell migration, invasion, and proliferation was reduced in C-33A cells overexpressing miR-101. In the cells co-transfected with CDK8 and MIR101, the overexpression of CDK8 reversed the effect of MIR101 overexpression on cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Therefore, miR-101 can regulate the migration, invasion, and proliferation of UCC cells by targeting CDK8. Therefore, miR-101 has potential applications in the treatment of UCC.

[Dragon-tiger fighting needling therapy in treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical therapeutic effect on painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) between dragon-tiger fighting needling and pregabalin capsules.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients with PDPN were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. On the base of treatment with routine anti-hyperglycaemic measures and nutritional neurotherapy, the dragon-tiger fighting needling was exerted at Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Xuehai (SP 10) in the observation group, once daily. Pregabalin capsules were prescribed for oral administration in the control group, 75 mg, twice a day. The treatment for 2 weeks was as one course and 2 courses of treatment were required in total. The score of visual analogue scale (VAS), the score of MOS item short form health survey (SF-36) and nerve conduction velocity before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. The clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated in the two groups.

RESULTS

After treatment, VAS score was reduced as compared with before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). The reducing range of VAS score in the observation group was larger than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) of median nerve and posterior tibial nerve were all improved as compared with before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). SNCV and MNCV in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the score of each item in SF-36 was increased as compared with before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05) and the score of each item in SF-36 in the observation group was higher than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 86.7% (26/30) in the observation group, better than 60.0% (18/30) in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The dragon-tiger fighting needling therapy relieves painful symptoms, improves the quality of life and increases nerve conduction velocity in the patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and the therapeutic effect is better than oral administration of pregabalin capsules.

Fluorination and fluoroalkylation of alkenes/alkynes to construct fluoro-containing heterocycles

This review summarize the established strategies through fluorination and fluoroalkylation of alkenes/alkynes for constructing fluoro-containing heterocycles. Reaction scopes, mechanisms and some shortcomings are also discussed.

Chemoprotective Effects of Geraniin against Azoxymethane Induced Colorectal Cancer by Reduction of Inflammatory Reaction

The leading cause of cancer-related death is colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease is a risk factor for this disease. Azoxymethane (AOM) is a potent cancer inducer widely used in rats for colon cancer. The current study was scrutinizing the chemo-protective effect of geraniin against AOM induced colorectal cancer via alteration of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. The rats were divided into different groups such as Group I: normal control, Group II geraniin (20 mg/kg), Group III: received AOM, Group IV-VI: AOM + geraniin (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg), respectively. All group of rats were received treatment for 16 weeks. At the end of the experimental study, the hepatic, biochemical, phase II antioxidant, antioxidant enzymes, cytokines, apoptosis and inflammatory mediators were estimated. Geraniin treatment significantly reduced tumor weight and enhanced body weight. Geraniin administration also altered the level of antioxidant parameters-superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR); phase I enzymes - cytochrome B5, cytochrome P450; phase II enzymes - Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), UDP-Glucuronyl transferase (UDP-GT) respectively. Obtained results also demonstrate that geraniin treatment reduced the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-2, IL-1α, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17A, IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, G-CSF, and GM-CSF. Geraniin also reduced the expression of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, G-CSF, and GM-CSF. On the basis of result we can conclude that geraniin reduced the colorectal cancer via inflammatory pathway.

Determination of permissible contact stress of case hardened raceway of roller slewing bearing

The permissible contact stress for the rolling bearing made of the through hardened bearing steel has been established based on experience, while there is no definite value or calculating formula of the permissible contact stress for the slewing bearings which are hardened only on the raceway surface yet. To determine the permissible contact stress of the case hardened raceway of roller slewing bearing, finite element analysis for the contact elasto-plastic characteristics between the loaded roller and the case hardened raceway was performed, and the contact plastic deformations corresponding to different roller diameter, roller load, and case depth were obtained. The contact stress produced by the roller load was calculated by using Hertz contact theory. Based on the nonlinear regression analysis between the input parameters and the output plastic deformations of the model, the relation equation between the contact plastic deformation and the roller diameter, contact stress, case depth was established. The formula for calculating the permissible contact stress of the case hardened raceway was obtained according to the regression equation further. The permissible contact stresses calculated by using the obtained formula show that the permissible contact stress of the case hardened raceway depends mainly on the case depth. Loaded compression tests between the roller and the case hardened specimens were conducted to verify the validity of the established calculation method for the permissible contact stress of the case hardened raceway. Permissible contact stress decreases slightly with the increase of the roller diameter and increases with the increase of the case depth significantly. As the case depth reaches 6 mm, the maximum permissible contact stress is 3758 MPa. As the case depth reaches 7 mm, the maximum permissible contact stress of the case hardened raceway is 3889 MPa.

[Three-dimensional quantitative evaluation of condylar bone remodeling of temporomandibular joint based on cone-beam CT imaging]

Objective: To establish a three-dimensional （3D） quantitative measurement and evaluate the condylar bone remodeling of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Methods: Pre-and post-treatment cone-beam CT (CBCT) data were obtained from 41 patients ［10 males, 31 females, mean age of (19.7±4.4) years (12-30 years old)］, who visited the Center for TMD and Orofacial Pain, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from November 2014 to August 2019, and diagnosed with acute disc displacement without reduction or disc displacement with reduction, with intermittent locking and treated by manual disc reduction followed by anterior repositioning splint. First, condylar bone remodeling was evaluated according to the number of "double contour image" and qualitatively classified as no remodeling (no double contour image), partial remodeling (1-4 double contour images) and remarkable remodeling (5-6 double contour images). Then, condylar bone remodeling was quantitatively evaluated by CBCT based 3D measurement: segmenting condylar images using a semi-automatic method of the manually preliminary mark combined with watershed algorithm, reconstructing the surface models, superimposing the pre-and post-treatment condylar images and finally calculating the volumetric differences of condyle and condylar head, respectively. Results: The Kappa values of two-dimensional (2D) qualitative evaluation were 0.66-0.87, and 3D quantitative measurements of condyle and condylar head volume were also reliable, with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values of intra-observer 0.998/0.941 and inter-observer 0.999/0.942 respectively. The volumetric increment of the condyle and condylar head after treatment was (41.7±90.2) mm³ and (62.8±70.9) mm³, respectively. Eighty-two condyles were divided into three sub-groups: no remodeling (21), partial remodeling (20) and remarkable remodeling (41). Ranking of the volumetric increment of the condyle and condylar head after treatment was as follows: remarkable remodeling group>partial remodeling group>no remodeling group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The 3D quantitative measurement for evaluating condylar bone remodeling had excellent consistency and reliability, which was consistent with the qualitative classification for condylar bone remodeling. The condylar head as a region of interest was more sensitive to the volumetric changes.

Inhibition of VEGFA Increases the Sensitivity of Ovarian Cancer Cells to Chemotherapy by Suppressing VEGFA-Mediated Autophagy

Background

Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is the leading cause of death of gynecological malignancies worldwide. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), the most potent angiogenic factor, is responsible for tumor growth and angiogenesis, but its role in OvCa chemotherapy resistance remains unclear.

Methods

RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect VEGFA expression in tumor cells and normal ovarian surface epithelial cells. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was used to analyze GO terms correlated with VEGFA. In in vitro experiments, we knockdown VEGFA in tumor cells and detected the tumor cell viability and apoptosis after chemotherapy drug treatment by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect autophagy and apoptosis related proteins.

Results

We proved that VEGFA was highly expressed in tumor cells comparted with normal ovarian surface epithelial cells, and enriched GO analysis of VEGFA showed that VEGFA was involved in anti-apoptotic process. Further in vitro experiments confirmed that expression of VEGFA was correlated with chemotherapy resistance and this effect was mediated by autophagy. Meanwhile tumor cells treated with chemotherapy drugs also promoted the expression of VEGFA. Knockdown VEGFA inhibited autophagy of tumor cells and thus potents the killing efficiency in DDP resistant tumor cells and this effect could be reversed by the addition of recombinant VEGFA.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study demonstrates that VEGFA is involved in anti-apoptosis of tumor cells to chemotherapy, killing partly through autophagy, indicating that VEGFA may serve as a potential target to improve chemotherapy treatment.

Superhydrophilic and highly elastic monolithic sponge for efficient solar-driven radioactive wastewater treatment under one sun

As an effective way to obtain solar energy and separate the soluble contaminants from water, solar-driven interfacial evaporation is used in desalination, wastewater treatment, electricity generation, and domestic water heating system. Herein, we demonstrate a monolithic sponge with three-dimensional porous structure as the solar-energy evaporator, which is composed of hydrophilic polymer (Konjac Glucomannan, KGM) and solar absorbent (reduced graphene oxide, rGO). Under one sun irradiation, the sponge achieves a rapid evaporation rate (1.60 kg m^-2 h^-1) and high interfacial water evaporation efficiency (92 %) due to its good absorption, photothermal, thermal insulation, and fast water transport properties. Meanwhile, the concentrations of radioactive elements (strontium, cesium, and uranium) in wastewater dropped from grams to micrograms after purification, even under radiation and acidic conditions. Additionally, the durability and repeatability of the sponge also have been verified. The results showed that solar-driven interfacial evaporation can effectively treat radioactive wastewater and enrich various radionuclides in a more energy-saving manner.

Negative depletion mediated brightfield circulating tumour cell identification strategy on microparticle-based microfluidic chip

Background

The most convenient circulating tumor cells (CTCs) identification method is direct analysis of cells under bright field microscopy by which CTCs can be comprehensive studied based on morphology, phenotype or even cellular function. However, universal cell markers and a standard tumour cell map do not exist, thus limiting the clinical application of CTCs.

Results

This paper focuses on an automatic and convenient negative depletion strategy for circulating tumour cell identification under bright field microscopy. In this strategy, immune microparticles (IMPs) are applied to negatively label white blood cells rather than the tumour cells, such that tumour cells can be directly distinguished under brightfield of the microscopy. In this way, all of the heterogeneous tumour cells and their phenotype properties can be retained for further cancer-related studies. In addition, a wedge-shaped microfluidic chip is constructed for heterogeneous CTC pre-purification and enrichment by size, thus significantly decreasing the interference of haematological cells. Additionally, all cell treatments are processed automatically, and the tumour cells can be rapidly counted and distinguished via customized cell analytical software, showing high detection efficiency and automation. This IMPs based negative cell labelling strategy can also be combined with other classic cell identification methods, thus demonstrating its excellent compatibility.

Conclusion

This identification strategy features simple and harmless for tumour cells, as well as excellent accuracy and efficiency. And the low equipment demand and high automation level make it promise for extensive application in basic medical institutions.

Boosting the Loading of Metal Single Atoms via a Bioconcentration Strategy

Increasing the mass loading of transition metal single atoms coordinated with nitrogen in carbon-based materials (M-N-C) is still challenging. Herein, inspired by the bioconcentration effect in the living body, a biochemistry strategy for the synthesis of Fe-N-C single atoms is demonstrated. Through introducing ferrous glycinate into the growth of fungus, the Fe atoms are bioconcentrated in hyphae. The highly dispersed Fe-N-C single atoms in hyphae-derived carbon fibers (labeled as Fe-N-C SA/HCF) are prepared by the pyrolysis of Fe-riched hyphae. In the bioconcentration process, the uptake of Fe ions by hyphae promotes the secretion of glutathione and ferritin, which provides additional coordination sites for Fe ions. Accordingly, the mass content of Fe in bioconcentrated Fe-N-C SA/HCF reaches 4.8%, which is 5.3 times larger than that of the sample prepared by the conventional pyrolysis process. The present bioconcentration strategy is further extended to the preparation of Co, Ni, and Mn single atoms. Owing to the high content of Fe-N-C single atoms, Fe-N-C SA/HCF shows the onset potential (E_onset ) of 0.931 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and half-wave potential (E_1/2 ) of 0.802 V versus RHE in oxygen reduction reaction measurements, which is comparable to the commercial Pt/C catalysts.

Low preoperative serum ALB level is independently associated with poor overall survival in endometrial cancer patients

Aim: To reveal the prognostic significance of serum albumin (ALB) concentration in endometrial cancer (EC) patients in China. Patients & methods: 345 EC patients were enrolled in a single center, and the preoperative serum ALB concentration were measured. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model were performed to evaluate the associations between ALB concentration and overall survival (OS) of EC patients. Results: The EC patients with lower preoperative serum ALB concentration exhibited a significantly poorer OS (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis indicated that serum ALB concentration was an independent prognostic factor of unfavorable OS for EC patients. Conclusion: Our results showing that ALB concentration may serve as an independent prognostic factor for EC patients.

[Reflections on the orientation of public health physicians]

Public health physician is one of the four statutory types of physicians in China, but there is no consensus on their connotation. The main problems are that public health physician is confused with those who perform public health tasks, the relationship between public health physician and clinician and the connotation of prescription right is not clear, and there is limitation in public health education and relevant laws and regulations. Public health physician is positioned as professionals who monitor, investigate, evaluate, and intervene in population health-related issues. It is suggested to retain the practicing qualification of public health physicians and highlight the attribute of public health physicians' prescribing the prescriptions for community health. Encourage public health physicians to obtain qualification for clinicians to individual prescription, Encourage clinicians to access to public health physician qualification. Improve public health school education, take the pilot of public health physician standardization training, cultivate "prevention and treatment combined" physician.

Konjac glucomannan-derived nitrogen-containing layered microporous carbon for high-performance supercapacitors

Biomass-derived carbon-based materials represent a promising class of candidates for supercapacitors.