Biomimetic fabrication of sr-silk fibroin co-assembly hydroxyapatite based microspheres with angiogenic and osteogenic properties for bone tissue engineering

Bone defects caused by trauma, tumor resection, or developmental abnormalities are important issues in clinical practice. The vigorous development of tissue engineering technology provides new ideas and directions for regenerating bone defects. Hydroxyapatite (HAp), a bioactive ceramic, is extensively used in bone tissue engineering because of its excellent osteoinductive performance. However, its application is challenged by its single function and conventional environment-unfriendly synthesis methods. In this study, we successfully "green" synthesized sr-silk fibroin co-assembly hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (Sr-SF-HA) using silk fibroin (SF) as a biomineralized template, thus enabling it to have angiogenic activity and achieving the combination of organic and inorganic substances. Then, the rough composite microspheres loaded with Sr-SF-HA (CS/Sr-SF-HA) through electrostatic spraying technology and freeze-drying method were prepared. The CCK-8 test and live/dead cell staining showed excellent biocompatibility of CS/Sr-SF-HA. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red staining (ARS), immunofluorescence, western blotting, and qRT-PCR test showed that CS/Sr-SF-HA activated the expression of related genes and proteins, thus inducing the osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs. Moreover, tube formation experiments, scratch experiments, immunofluorescence, and qRT-PCR detection indicated that CS/Sr-SF-HA have good angiogenic activity. Furthermore, in vivo studies showed that the CS/Sr-SF-HA possesses excellent biocompatibility, vascular activity, as well as ectopic osteogenic ability in the subcutaneous pocket of rats. This study indicates that the construction of CS/Sr-SF-HA with angiogenic and osteogenic properties has great potential for bone tissue engineering.

[Changes in OCTA-related parameters and their impact on retinal sensitivity after ILM flap inversion surgery in patients with IMH]

Objective: To analyze the changes in optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)-related parameters before and after idiopathic macular hole (IMH) internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap inversion surgery and assess their impact on retinal sensitivity. Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted, collecting clinical data of 30 patients (30 eyes) diagnosed with IMH who underwent vitrectomy combined with ILM flap inversion surgery at Shanxi Eye Hospital, affiliated with Shanxi Medical University, between January 2020 and December 2021. Visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity were examined preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Microperimetry measured retinal sensitivity (RS), and OCTA measured retinal thickness (RT) as well as vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP). Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Thirty patients with IMH (30 eyes) were included, with 3 males (3 eyes) and 27 females (27 eyes). The mean age was (62.5±3.0) years, and the follow-up time was (96.3±1.3) days, with a 100% closure rate of macular holes postoperatively. RT in the macular was significantly lower at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively compared to preoperative values (F=46.21, P<0.001). The RT in the upper macular region showed statistically significant differences at different time points (P<0.001). VD in the SCP layer showed no significant differences between the upper and lower macular regions at various time points (F=3.21, P=0.601). VD in the upper region of the DCP layer increased at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (P<0.001). RS in the macular was higher at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively compared to preoperative values (F=52.01, P<0.001). RS in the lower macular region increased at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (P<0.001), while in the upper region, it increased only at 6 months postoperatively (P<0.001). There was a positive correlation between RS and RT at 1 and 3 months postoperatively, but not at 6 months postoperatively in the upper macular region (r=0.40, P=0.071). In the lower macular region, there was a positive correlation between RS and RT at 1 and 3 months postoperatively (P<0.001). There was no correlation between RS in the upper macular region at 6 months postoperatively and preoperative RT (r=0.43, P=0.072), but there was a positive correlation with RT at 3 months postoperatively (r=0.58, P=0.041). Conclusions: After idiopathic macular hole internal limiting membrane flap inversion surgery, the OCTA-related parameters have changed. There are transient changes in deep vascular parameters and thinning of the retinal layers at the ILM inversion site, leading to decreased sensitivity.

Influence of adhesion force on croRS gene expression and antibiotic resistance of Enterococcus faecalis

Surface properties of materials influence bacterial adhesion and play important roles in biofilm antibiotic resistance. The two-component system CroRS of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) can be activated by antibiotics and is involved in cephalosporin resistance. We hypothesized that surfaces properties could influence the expression of croRS in E. faecalis biofilm and contribute to cephalosporin resistance. In this study, the hydrophobicity of poly-ethylene (PE) and stainless steel (SS) was characterized. Adhesion forces were measured using atomic force microscopy. The transcript levels of croRS in E. faecalis adhering to surfaces exerting different adhesion forces were compared, in presence and absence of cephalosporin. The ceftriaxone susceptibility of E. faecalis biofilms was investigated using colony forming units (CFU) counting. The water contact angles of PE and SS were 97.1 ± 0.3° and 33.5 ± 0.3°, respectively (p < .05). The adhesion force of E. faecalis on PE was 7.6 ± 1.0 nN, which was higher than that on SS surfaces (3.5 ± 0.5 nN, p < .05). The gene expression of croS and croR in E. faecalis was higher on PE compared to that on SS (p < .05). E. faecalis on the hydrophobic PE surfaces, exerting stronger adhesion force, was more resistant to ceftriaxone compared to that on more hydrophilic SS surfaces. Results revealed the surface properties of materials can modulate the expression of croRS system and interfere with the outcome of antimicrobial therapy of E. faecalis biofilm. The modification of surface properties of biomedical devices may be used as a strategy to increase the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy.

Association between glycosylated hemoglobin levels, diabetes duration, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes and preserved ejection fraction: a cross-sectional study

Background

We aimed to explore the intricate interplay between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels, disease duration, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) characterized by preserved ejection fraction.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2022 to December 2022. A total of 114 inpatients from the Department of Endocrinology were randomly selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients with T2DM were stratified into three subgroups, each comprising 38 patients, based on disease duration and HbA1C levels. A sub-analysis was conducted to explore variations among these three distinct groups. A control group comprised 38 age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and smoking habit-matched healthy volunteers form the Physical Examination Center of the same hospital. General demographic information, biochemical results, and echocardiographic data were collected, and correlation and linear regression analyses were performed.

Results

Diabetic patients exhibited lower E/A values (0.85 (0.72, 1.17) vs. 1.20 (0.97, 1.30)) and elevated E/e' values (9.50 (8.75, 11.00) vs. 9.00 (7.67, 9.85)) compared to their normal controls. In the subgroup analysis, patients with a disease duration exceeding 2 years displayed reduced E/A values (0.85 (0.75, 1.10) vs. 1.10 (0.80, 1.30)) and elevated E/e' values (9.80 (9.20, 10.80) vs. 8.95 (7.77, 9.50)) in comparison to those with a disease duration of ≤2 years, p<0.05. Among patients with a disease duration surpassing 2 years, those with higher HbA1C levels exhibited lower E/A values (0.80 (0.70, 0.90) vs. (0.85 (0.75, 1.10)) and higher E/e' values (11.00 (9.87, 12.15) vs. 9.80 (9.20, 10.80)) in contrast to patients with low HbA1C levels, p<0.05. Multiple linear regression analysis identified HbA1C (β=0.294, p<0.001) and disease duration (β=0.319, p<0.001) as independent risk factors for the E/A value in diabetes patients. Furthermore, HbA1C (β=0.178, p=0.015) and disease duration (β=0.529, p<0.001) emerged as independent risk factors for the E/e' value in diabetic patients.

Conclusions

In individuals with T2DM exhibiting preserved ejection fraction, the presence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is significantly associated with HbA1C levels and the duration of diabetes.

Bismuth Telluride Nanoplates Hierarchically Confined by Graphene and N-Doped C as Conversion-Alloying Anode Materials for Potassium-Ion Batteries

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have broad application prospects in the field of electric energy storage systems because of its abundant K reserves, and similar "rocking chair" operating principle as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Aiming to the large volume expansion and sluggish dynamic behavior of anode materials for storing large sized K-ion, bismuth telluride (Bi2 Te3 ) nanoplates hierarchically encapsulated by reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) are constructed as anodes for PIBs. The resultant Bi2 Te3 @rGO@NC architecture features robust chemical bond of Bi─O─C, tightly physicochemical confinement effect, typical conductor property, and enhanced K-ion adsorption ability, thereby producing superior electrochemical kinetics and outstanding morphological and structural stability. It is visually elucidated via high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) that conversion-alloying dual-mechanism plays a significant role in K-ion storage, allowing 12 K-ion transport per formular unit employing Bi as redox site. Thus, the high first reversible specific capacity of 322.70 mAh g-1 at 50 mA g-1 , great rate capability and cyclic stability can be achieved for Bi2 Te3 @rGO@NC. This work lays the foundation for an in-depth understanding of conversion-alloying mechanism in potassium-ion storage.

Perspectives of circular RNAs in diabetic complications from biological markers to potential therapeutic targets (Review)

Chronic complications of diabetes increase mortality and disability of patients. It is crucial to find potential early biomarkers and provide novel therapeutic strategies for diabetic complications. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), covalently closed RNA molecules in eukaryotes, have high stability. Recent studies have confirmed that differentially expressed circRNAs have a vital role in diabetic complications. Certain circRNAs, such as circRNA ankyrin repeat domain 36, circRNA homeodomain‑interacting protein kinase 3 (circHIPK3) and circRNA WD repeat domain 77, are associated with inflammation, endothelial cell apoptosis and smooth muscle cell proliferation, leading to vascular endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. CircRNA LDL receptor related protein 6, circRNA actin related protein 2, circ_0000064, circ‑0101383, circ_0123996, hsa_circ_0003928 and circ_0000285 mediate inflammation, apoptosis and autophagy of podocytes, mesangial cell hypertrophy and proliferation, as well as tubulointerstitial fibrosis, in diabetic nephropathy by regulating the expression of microRNAs and proteins. Circ_0005015, circRNA PWWP domain containing 2A, circRNA zinc finger protein 532, circRNA zinc finger protein 609, circRNA DNA methyltransferase 3β, circRNA collagen type I α2 chain and circHIPK3 widely affect multiple biological processes of diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, circ_000203, circ_010567, circHIPK3, hsa_circ_0076631 and circRNA cerebellar degeneration‑related protein 1 antisense are involved in the pathology of diabetic cardiomyopathy. CircHIPK3 is the most well‑studied circRNA in the field of diabetic complications and is most likely to become a biological marker and therapeutic target for diabetic complications. The applications of circRNAs may be a promising treatment strategy for human diseases at the molecular level. The relationship between circRNAs and diabetic complications is summarized in the present study. Of note, circRNA‑targeted therapy and the role of circRNAs as biomarkers may potentially be used in diabetic complications in the future.

MALAT1/miR-185-5p mediated high glucose-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury and cardiomyocyte apoptosis via the RhoA/ROCK pathway

To explore the underlying mechanism of lncRNA MALAT1 in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM models were confirmed in db/db mice. MiRNAs in myocardium were detected by miRNA sequencing. The interactions of miR-185-5p with MALAT1 and RhoA were validated by dual-luciferase reporter assays. Primary neonatal cardiomyocytes were cultured with 5.5 or 30 mmol/L D-glucose (HG) in the presence or absence of MALAT1-shRNA and fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor. MALAT1 and miR-185-5p expression were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. The apoptotic cardiomyocytes were evaluated using flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. SOD activity and MDA contents were measured. The ROCK activity, phosphorylation of Drp1S616 , mitofusin 2 and apoptosis-related proteins were analysed by Western blotting. Mitochondrial membrane potential was examined by JC-1. MALAT1 was significantly up-regulated while miR-185-5p was down-regulated in myocardium of db/db mice and HG-induced cardiomyocytes. MALAT1 regulated RhoA/ROCK pathway via sponging miR-185-5p in cardiomyocytes in HG. Knockdown of MALAT1 and fasudil all inhibited HG-induced oxidative stress, and alleviated imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial dysfunction, accompanied by reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. MALAT1 activated the RhoA/ROCK pathway via sponging miR-185-5p and mediated HG-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in mice.

Fabrication of dual physically cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol/agar hydrogels with mechanical stability and antibacterial activity for wound healing

Bacterial infection is one of the most critical obstacles in wound healing, and severe bacterial infections can lead to inflammatory conditions and delay the healing process. Herein, a novel hydrogel based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), agar, and silk-AgNPs was prepared using a straightforward one-pot physical cross-linking method. The in situ synthesis of AgNPs in hydrogels exploited the reducibility of tyrosine (Tyr tyrosine) in silk fibroin, which endowed the hydrogels with outstanding antibacterial qualities. In addition, the strong hydrogen bond cross-linked networks of agar and the crystallites formed by PVA as the physical cross-linked double network of the hydrogel gave it excellent mechanical stability. The PVA/agar/SF-AgNPs (PASA) hydrogels exhibited excellent water absorption, porosity, and significant antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Furthermore, in vivo experimental results confirmed that the PASA hydrogel significantly promoted wound repair and skin tissue reconstruction by reducing inflammation and promoting collagen deposition. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the PASA hydrogel enhanced CD31 expression to promote angiogenesis while decreasing CD68 expression to reduce inflammation. Overall, the novel PASA hydrogel showed great potential for bacterial infection wound management.

Facile and eco-friendly fabrication of biocompatible hydrogel containing CuS@Ser NPs with mechanical flexibility and photothermal antibacterial activity to promote infected wound healing

Bacterial infections can significantly impede wound healing and pose a serious threat to the patient's life. The excessive use of antibiotics to combat bacterial infections has led to the emergence of multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Therefore, there is a pressing need for alternative approaches, such as photothermal therapy (PTT), to address this issue. In this study, for the first time, CuS NPs with photothermal properties were synthesized using sericin as a biological template, named CuS@Ser NPs. This method is simple, green, and does not produce toxic and harmful by-products. These nanoparticles were incorporated into a mixture (XK) of xanthan gum and konjac glucomannan (KGM) to obtain XK/CuS NPs composite hydrogel, which could overcome the limitations of current wound dressings. The composite hydrogel exhibited excellent mechanical flexibility, photothermal response, and biocompatibility. It also demonstrated potent antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and negative bacteria via antibacterial experiments and accelerated wound healing in animal models. Additionally, it is proved that the hydrogel promoted tissue regeneration by stimulating collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and reducing inflammation. In summary, the XK/CuS NPs composite hydrogel presents a promising alternative for the clinical management of infected wounds, offering a new approach to promote infected wound healing.

Atmospheric gaseous aromatic hydrocarbons in eastern China based on mobile measurements: Spatial distribution, secondary formation potential and source apportionment

Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are both well known as hazardous air pollutants and also important anthropogenic precursors of tropospheric ozone (O₃) and secondary organic aerosols (SOA). In recent years, there have been intensive studies covering MAHs emission from various sources and their behavior under stimulated photochemical conditions. Yet in-situ measurements of PAHs presence and variations in ambient air are sparse. Herein we conducted large geometrical scale mobile measurements for 16 aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs, including 7 MAHs and 9 PAHs) in eastern China between October 27 and November 8, 2019. This unique dataset has allowed for some insights in terms of AHs concentration variations, accompanying chemical composition, source contributions and spatial distributions in eastern China. In general, AHs showed a clear concentration variability between the south and the north of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). The concentrations of PAHs were approximately 9% of AHs, but contributed 23% of SOA formation potential. Source apportionment via positive matrix factorization (PMF) model revealed that industrial processes as the largest source (44%) of observed AHs, followed by solvent usage (21%), vehicle exhaust (19%), coal combustion (11%) and coking processes (6%). In the perspective of PAHs sources, coal combustion emissions were identified as the dominating factor of a share of 41%-52% in eastern China. Our findings complemented the simultaneously monitoring information of PAHs and MAHs in eastern China, revealed the importance of PAHs to SOA formation and highlighted the necessity of formulating strategies to reduce emissions from anthropogenic sources and reduce risks to human health.

Expression profiles and bioinformatic analysis of microRNAs in myocardium of diabetic cardiomyopathy mice

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate expression of target genes at post transcriptional level, and mediate the pathophysiological process of many diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The study will illuminate the miRNA expression profiles of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), seeking probable biomarkers of DCM at early stage and determining a target for the treatment of DCM.

METHODS

Db/db mice were used as an animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. At 22 weeks of age, cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, and the structural changes in myocardium were evaluated by HE staining and TEM. The miRNA expression profiles were detected using miRNA sequencing and differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by real-time PCR. Bioinformatic analysis was used to analyze target genes of these miRNAs and relevant pathways in DCM.

RESULTS

The results showed that 40 miRNAs were differentially expressed, including 28 upregulated miRNAs and 12 downregulated miRNAs. GO and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the target genes of up-regulated miRNAs were involved in 66 pathways, including Wnt, p53 and calcium signaling pathways, as well as FOXO and apoptosis signaling pathways, etc. The target genes of down-regulated miRNAs were involved in 68 pathways, including mitophagy, Ras and MAPK signaling pathways, etc. Moreover, some differentially expressed miRNAs were found in myocardium of DCM for the first time, such as miR-7225-5p, miR-696, miR-3470a, miR-3470b, miR-6240, miR-6538, miR-5128, miR-1195, miR-203-3p and miR-330-5p.

CONCLUSIONS

It is hoped that a few novel molecular pathways or targets of treatment for DCM would be found through understanding the expression features of miRNAs in diabetic myocardium.

Boosting cobalt ditelluride quantum-rods anode materials for excellent potassium-ion storage via hierarchical physicochemical encapsulation

The exploration of anode materials that can store large-sized K-ion to solve the poor kinetics and large volume expansion issues has become the key scientific bottlenecks hindering the development of potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Herein, ultrafine CoTe₂ quantum rods physiochemically encapsulated by graphene and nitrogen-doped carbon (CoTe₂@rGO@NC) are regarded as anode electrodes for PIBs. Dual physicochemical confinement and quantum size effect not only enhance electrochemical kinetics but also restrain large lattice stress during repeated K-ion insertion/extraction process. Superior electronic conductivity, K-ion adsorption, and diffusion ability can be acquired for CoTe₂@rGO@NC, confirmed through first-principles calculations and kinetics study. K-ion insertion/extraction proceeds via a typical conversion mechanism relying on Co as the redox site, where the robust chemical bond of COCo plays an important role in maintaining the electrode stability. Accordingly, CoTe₂@rGO@NC contributes a high initial capacity of 237.6 mAh·g^-1 at 200 mA·g^-1, a long lifetime over 500 cycles with low-capacity decay of 0.10% per cycle. This research will lay the materials science foundation for the construction of quantum-rod electrodes.

Enhancing effects of immobilized chondroitin sulfate on odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells and reparative dentin formation

OBJECTIVES

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a major proteoglycan involved in the mineralization of the organic matrix of dentin. In this study, the roles of CS immobilized in crosslinked collagen I hydrogels (CS-Col I) on odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and reparative dentin formation were investigated.

METHODS

Different concentrations of CS were incorporated into the genipin- crosslinked Col I hydrogels (CS-0.05, CS-0.1, and CS-0.2 respectively). The influences of CS on proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs were investigated. Finally, the effect of the functionalized hydrogel on the formation of reparative dentin was analyzed in a rat pulp capping model in vivo.

RESULTS

CS improved the proliferation of DPSCs seeded on the hydrogels (p<0.05). CS also enhanced the mineralization activities and increased the expression levels of the odontogenic related proteins of DPSCs on day 7 and day 14 (p<0.05). In vivo, CS-0.1 hydrogel induced reparative dentin formation with higher quality compared to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).

CONCLUSION

CS immobilized in Col I hydrogels could induce odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs in vitro and promote homogeneous mineralized barrier formation in vivo. CS-Col I hydrogel has the potential for reparative dentin formation of high quality in direct pulp capping.

Rational design of porous structure-based sodium alginate/chitosan sponges loaded with green synthesized hybrid antibacterial agents for infected wound healing

An ideal wound dressing should have excellent antimicrobial properties and provide a suitable microenvironment for regenerating damaged skin tissue. In this study, we utilized sericin to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles in situ and introduced curcumin to obtain Sericin-AgNPs/Curcumin (Se-Ag/Cur) antimicrobial agent. The hybrid antimicrobial agent was then encapsulated in a physically double cross-linking 3D structure network (Sodium alginate-Chitosan, SC) to obtain the SC/Se-Ag/Cur composite sponge. The 3D structural networks were constructed through electrostatic interactions between sodium alginate and chitosan and ionic interactions between sodium alginate and calcium ions. The prepared composite sponges have excellent hygroscopicity (contact angle 51.3° ± 5.6°), moisture retention ability, porosity (67.32 % ± 3.37 %), and mechanical properties (>0.7 MPa) and exhibit good antibacterial ability against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In addition, in vivo experiments have shown that the composite sponge promotes epithelial regeneration and collagen deposition in wounds infected with S. aureus or P. aeruginosa. Tissue immunofluorescence staining analysis confirmed that the SC/Se-Ag/Cur complex sponge stimulated upregulated expression of CD31 to promote angiogenesis while downregulating TNF-α expression to reduce inflammation. These advantages make it an ideal candidate for infectious wound repair materials, providing an effective repair strategy for clinical skin trauma infections.

Caprin-1 plays a role in cell proliferation and Warburg metabolism of esophageal carcinoma by regulating METTL3 and WTAP

BACKGROUND

Cytoplasmic activation/proliferation-associated protein-1 (Caprin-1) is implicated in cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis; however, its role in the development of esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) has not been examined.

METHODS

Biological methods and data analysis were used to investigate the expression of Caprin-1 in ESCA tissue and cell lines. We comprehensively analyzed the mRNA expression and prognostic values, signalling pathways of CAPRIN1 in ESCA using public databases online. Biological functions of CAPRIN1 were performed by clorimetric growth assay, EdU staining, colony formation, flow cytometry, apoptosis analysis, Western blot, lactate detection assay, extracellular acidification rates. The underlying mechanism was determined via flow cytometric analysis, Western blot and rescue experiments. In addition, xenograft tumor model was constructed to verify the phenotypes upon CAPRIN1 silencing.

RESULTS

Caprin-1 expression was significantly elevated in both ESCA tumor tissues and cell lines compared with that in normal adjacent tissues and fibroblasts. Increased CAPRIN1 mRNA expression was significantly associated with clinical prognosis and diagnostic accuracy. The GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis CAPRIN1 might be related to immune-related terms, protein binding processes, and metabolic pathways. A significant positive correlation was observed between high Caprin-1 protein levels and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.031), ki-67 (P = 0.023), and 18F- FDG PET/CT parameters (SUVmax (P = 0.002) and SUV mean (P = 0.005)) in 55 ESCA patients. At cut-off values of SUVmax 17.71 and SUVmean 10.14, 18F- FDG PET/CT imaging predicted Caprin-1 expression in ESCA samples with 70.8% sensitivity and 77.4% specificity. In vitro and in vivo assays showed that Caprin-1 knockdown affected ESCA tumor growth. Silencing Caprin-1 inhibited ESCA cell proliferation and glycolysis, and decreased the expression of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) and Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP). However, this effect could be partially reversed by the restoration of METTL3 and WTAP expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that Caprin-1 could serve as a prognostic biomarker and has an oncogenic role in ESCA.

Dental implant failure rates with low insertion torque with a nonsubmerged surgical approach: A retrospective clinical study

BACKGROUND

It is currently unclear if a low insertion torque (IT) should prompt a clinician to submerge the dental implant at time of placement.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to analyze implant failure rates and marginal bone loss (MBL) as a function of IT and surgical approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 197 patients who had received 295 Mozo Grau (MG) implants were included in this study. The healing of submerged or nonsubmerged implants was evaluated in regular IT (≥20-25 Ncm) or low IT (<20-25 Ncm) cases. Implant failure and MBL were evaluated before prosthesis placement and at 6 and 12 months after functional loading with generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

The overall 12-month implant failure rate was 4.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7%-8.2%). When successful at 12 months, dental implants placed with low IT and nonsubmerging had the same MBL as implants dental implants placed with other approaches (mean difference = -0.02 mm; 95% CI -0.05 to 0.02). Low IT combined with nonsubmerging of the dental implant was associated with a 30-fold increased odds for dental implant failure (95% CI: 3.8-236.6).

CONCLUSION

low IT and nonsubmerged healing was associated with a high failure rate.

Global research trends on inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer: A bibliometric and visualized study from 2012 to 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory disease of intestinal tract and a common digestive system disease. Current studies have shown that IBD significantly increases the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), and is positively correlated with the degree and extent of inflammation of IBD. The relationship between IBD and CRC has attracted extensive attention. However, the relationship between IBD and CRC has not been systematically studied by bibliometrics and visual analysis. This study conducted bibliometric analysis based on 3528 publications from the Core Collection of Web of Science to determine the research status, research hotspots and frontiers of this field. The results show that the number of publications has increased significantly over the past 10 years. The cooperative network analysis shows that the United States, Mayo Clin and Bo Shen are the country, institution and author with the most publications respectively. Belgium, Icahn Sch Med Mt Sinai and Erik Mooiweer are the most collaborative country, institution and author respectively. Analysis of keywords and references showed that inflammation, intestinal flora, and obesity were hot topics in this field. Analysis of keyword outbreaks shows that the gut microbiome and metabolism will be an emerging new research area and a potential hot spot for future research. This study is the first to visually examine the association between IBD and CRC using bibliometrics and visual analysis, and to predict potential future research trends.

Removal of triclosan from water by sepiolite supported bimetallic Fe/Ni nanoparticles

A simple and low-cost route to fabricate sepiolite-supported bimetallic Fe/Ni (Sep-Fe/Ni) nanoparticles was obtained by synchronous liquid phase reduction method. The as prepared composite was used to remove triclosan (TCS) from aqueous solutions. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis were used for characterization of the materials. As the supporting material, Sep dispersed Fe/Ni nanoparticles on its surface effectively and reduced the agglomeration phenomenon, providing more reactive sites. Sep-Fe/Ni had a large surface area of 90.5 m²/g, which was considerably higher than that of Fe/Ni (9.2 m²/g). Sep-Fe/Ni exhibited an enhanced TCS removal efficiency, as compared to the Fe/Ni and Sep materials. Operation factors, including the solution pH, initial TCS concentration, and material dosage, were investigated and found to be influential for TCS removal. The kinetic analysis indicated that the depletion of TCS in aqueous solutions conformed to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model under optimized conditions. The transformation pathway of TCS was studied in detail, revealing that the dechlorination of TCS by Sep-Fe/Ni is a stepwise reaction, namely from TCS to di-chlorinated intermediates, with the newly formed intermediate products also degrading into mono-chlorinated products by further reductive dechlorination. This study demonstrated that Sep-Fe/Ni is a promising reductant for TCS removal in water.

[A case-control study on the relationship between DNA methylation and occupational noise hearing loss]

Objective: To explore the relationship between DNA methylation and occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Methods: A case-control study was conducted. People with hearing loss induced by occupational noise were recruited as the case group and those with normal hearing but still exposed to occupational noise were recruited as the control group. A total of 60 participants were included, of which 30 participants were in the case group and 30 in the control group. The methylation level was detected by 850k genome-wide DNA methylation chip technology. The significance of differential methylated position (DMP) was tested by R-packet 'Champ'. The differential methylated region (DMR) was analyzed by using Champ's Bumphunter algorithm. Cluster profiler was used to analyze the gene list for GO and KEGG pathway enrichment. Results: There was significant difference between two groups in binaural high-frequency average hearing threshold (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in age, smoking, drinking, hypertension, physical exercise and cumulative noise exposure. The results of DMP and DMR analysis showed that 713875 sites were detected in the case group and the control group, and 439 methylation sites with significant difference, accounting for 0.06%; 650 regions were detected, and 72 methylation regions with significant differences, accounting for 11.08%. Compared with the control group, the results of GO enrichment analysis showed that the case group had statistically significant differences in four pathways: axogenesis of projection neurons in the central nervous system, neuronal development in the central nervous system, axogenesis of neurons in the central nervous system and neuronal differentiation in the central nervous system. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that there were significant differences in sphingolipid metabolism, aldosterone synthesis and secretion, primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway between the case group and the control group. Conclusion: The occurrence of occupational noise-induced hearing loss may be related to the regulation of gene expression related to axogenesis of projection neurons in the central nervous system, development of neurons in the central nervous system, axogenesis of neurons in the central nervous system, differentiation of neurons in the central nervous system, sphingolipid metabolism, aldosterone synthesis and secretion, primary bile acid biosynthesis and gene methylation related to metabolism.

eIF6 is potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker that associated with 18F-FDG PET/CT features and immune signatures in esophageal carcinoma

Background

Although eukaryotic initiation factor 6 (eIF6) is a novel therapeutic target, data on its importance in the development of esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) remains limited. This study evaluated the correlation between eIF6 expression and metabolic analysis using fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) -Positron emission tomography (PET) and immune gene signatures in ESCA.

Methods

This study employed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to analyze the expression and prognostic value of eIF6, as well as its relationship with the immune gene signatures in ESCA patients. The qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses were used to profile the expression of eIF6 in ESCA tissues and different ESCA cell lines. The expression of tumor eIF6 and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) was examined using immunohistochemical tools in fifty-two ESCA patients undergoing routine ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT before surgery. In addition, the cellular responses to eIF6 knockdown in human ESCA cells were assessed via the MTS, EdU, flow cytometry and wound healing assays.

Results

Our data demonstrated that compared with the normal esophageal tissues, eIF6 expression was upregulated in ESCA tumor tissues and showed a high diagnostic value with an area under curve of 0.825 for predicting ESCA. High eIF6 expression was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival of patients with esophagus adenocarcinoma (p = 0.038), but not in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (p = 0.078). In addition, tumor eIF6 was significantly associated with ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT parameters: maximal and mean standardized uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) (rho = 0.458, 0.460, and 0.300, respectively, p < 0.01) as well as GLUT1 expression (rho = 0.453, p < 0.001). A SUVmax cutoff of 18.2 led to prediction of tumor eIF6 expression with an accuracy of 0.755. Functional analysis studies demonstrated that knockdown of eIF6 inhibited ESCA cell growth and migration, and fueled cell apoptosis. Moreover, the Bulk RNA gene analysis revealed a significant inverse association between eIF6 and the tumor-infiltrating immune cells (macrophages, T cells, or Th1 cells) and immunomodulators in the ESCA microenvironment.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that eIF6 might serve as a potential prognostic biomarker associated with metabolic variability and immune gene signatures in ESCA tumor microenvironment.

Primary pulmonary epithelioid angiosarcoma with thyroid tumor history: A case report and literature review

Primary pulmonary epithelioid angiosarcoma is a rare tumor type without any specific clinical and imaging features. Therefore, it is associated with high rates of misdiagnosis. The present study reports the case of a 54-year-old female patient who was admitted after complaining of cough, expectoration and bloody sputum for >5 months in May 2021. The patient reported a previous history of papillary thyroid carcinoma in 2003 and had undergone treatment through surgery, postoperative chemotherapy and iodine¹³¹ therapy. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed in May 2021, which indicated that the disease had progressed rapidly since February 2021. CT-guided lung biopsy and immunohistochemical staining of the tumor indicated positivity for CD31, CD34 and E26 transformation-specific-related gene markers. The tumor was negative for thyroid cancer-associated antibodies; thus, a diagnosis of primary pulmonary epithelioid angiosarcoma was made. The patient died 3 months after the diagnosis. Primary pulmonary epithelioid angiosarcoma is a rare tumor type with high recurrence and metastasis rates. This tumor has no specific clinical symptoms and signs and is thus easily misdiagnosed. Biopsy is essential for diagnosis of the disease, particularly if patients have a tumor history.

The role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomal microRNA-431-5p in survival and prognosis of colorectal cancer patients

We aim to discuss the role of miR-431-5p in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression via regulating peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1). miR-431-5p and PRDX1 expression were detected in CRC tissues and cells, and the relationship between miR-431-5p expression and prognosis of CRC patients was analyzed. Exosomes were extracted from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) and co-cultured with LoVo cells. MTT assay, flow cytometry and Transwell assay were implemented to test cell viability, apoptosis and invasion and migration ability, respectively. The tumor growth was determined as well, and the binding relation between miR-431-5p and PRDX1 was confirmed. miR-431-5p was downregulated and PRDX1 was upregulated in CRC, and miR-431-5p downregulation was associated with poor prognosis. hUCMSC-Exos suppressed the malignant behaviors of LoVo cells, and overexpression of miR-431-5p further aggravated the inhibitory effect of hUCMSC-Exos on LoVo cells. hUCMSC-Exos inhibited PRDX1 expression via miR-431-5p. PRDX1 was targeted by miR-431-5p. miR-431-5p serves as a prognostic biomarker in CRC, and hUCMSC-Exos transfer of miR-431-5p decelerates CRC cell growth by inhibiting PRDX1.

Association Between Socioeconomic Status and Prevalence of Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study on Residents in North China

Studies have found associations between cardio-metabolic disorders and socioeconomic status (SES) in developed areas. However, little epidemiological data are available on residents of less developed areas in North China. A cross-sectional study that consisted of 2,650 adults randomly selected from local residents was conducted on a developing province, Hebei. SES was assessed in terms of education, personal income per year, and occupation. The association between SES and metabolic syndrome (MetS) was determined by multivariate logistic regression. The weighted prevalence of MetS was 26.8% among residents of Hebei province. The lower prevalence of MetS and abdominal obesity was associated with increase in SES groups. After adjustments regarding age, sex, body mass index, living area, smoking, salt intake, and family history of diabetes, odds ratio (OR) for elevated blood pressure (BP) of individuals with higher SES level was 0.71 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.542–0.921] compared with those with lower SES level. Cardio-metabolic risk factors were commonly identified among residents of Hebei province in north China and were associated with SES conditions. This study indicated that from a public health perspective, more attention should be paid to screening of cardio-metabolic disorders in less developed areas.

[Effects of unsafe sexual behavior and sexual orientation on previous HIV testing and HIV testing willingness among college students in Harbin]

Objective: To analyze the effects of unsafe sexual behavior and sexual orientation on previous HIV testing and HIV testing willingness among college students in Harbin, to provide a theoretical basis for promoting and promoting HIV testing among them. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to place the automatic vending machine of HIV urine test kit in 9 universities in Harbin from December 2017 to January 2018. The questionnaire star was used to design and recruit college students to carry out an anonymous online survey. The estimated sample size was 6 659. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the effects of unsafe sexual behavior and sexual orientation on previous HIV testing and HIV testing willingness among college students. WPS 2016 was used to sort out the database, and SPSS 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 60 849 valid questionnaires were collected. 19.1% (11 189/58 605) of college students reported having sex. College students who used condoms correctly every time, occasionally or never during sex in the past six months 58.5% (6 206/10 603), 25.2%(2 669/10 603)and 16.3% (1 728/10 603), respectively. Heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality accounted for 94.1% (54 393/57 823), 2.4% (1 369/57 823) and 3.5% (2 061/57 823), respectively. The HIV testing willingness of college students was 73.3% (44 572/60 849). The proportion of previous HIV testing was 10.3% (951/9 241). Results of the multivariate logistic analysis showed that compared with the college students who used condoms correctly whenever they had sex in the past six months, there was no significant difference in the proportion of previous HIV testing among college students who sometimes/occasionally used or never used condoms (OR=0.94,95%CI:0.69-1.29; OR=1.11,95%CI:0.73-1.67), but their willingness to HIV testing was lower (OR=0.79, 95%CI:0.71-0.89; OR=0.48, 95%CI:0.42-0.55); Compared with heterosexual college students, homosexual or bisexual college students have a higher proportion of previous HIV testing (OR=2.62, 95%CI:1.62-4.24; OR=2.04, 95%CI:1.25-3.32), but have lower HIV testing willingness (OR=0.76, 95%CI: 0.62-0.93; OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.53-0.77). Conclusions: Unsafe sexual behavior existed among college students in Harbin, and college students with weak awareness of HIV prevention also have weak awareness of testing. Behavioral intervention should be strengthened and HIV testing promoted. Compared with heterosexuals, homosexual or bisexual college students had a higher proportion of previous HIV testing, but their willingness to test was lower. The HIV detection mode with better concealment, accuracy, and convenience should be promoted on the college's campus.

Nitrogen and Oxygen Co-Doped Porous Hard Carbon Nanospheres with Core-Shell Architecture as Anode Materials for Superior Potassium-Ion Storage

The investigation of carbonaceous-based anode materials will promote the fast application of low-cost potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Here a nitrogen and oxygen co-doped yolk-shell carbon sphere (NO-YS-CS) is constructed as anode material for K-ion storage. The novel architecture, featuring with developed porous structure and high surface specific area, is beneficial to achieving excellent electrochemical kinetics behavior and great electrode stability from buffering the large volume expansion. Furthermore, the N/O heteroatoms co-doping can not only boost the adsorption and intercalation ability of K-ion but also increase the electron transfer capability. It is also demonstrated by experimental results and DFT calculations that K-ion insertion/extraction proceeds through both intercalation and surface capacitive adsorption mechanisms. As expected, the NO-YS-CS electrodes show high initial charge capacity of 473.7 mAh g^-1 at 20 mA g^-1 , ultralong cycling life over 2500 cycles with the retention of 85.8% at 500 mA g^-1 , and superior rate performance (183.3 mAh g^-1 at 1.0 A g^-1 ). The K-ion full cell, with a high energy density of 271.4 Wh kg^-1 and an excellent cyclic stability over 500 cycles, is successfully fabricated with K₂ Fe[Fe(CN)₆ ] cathode. This work will provide new insight on the synthesis and mechanism understanding of high-performance hard carbon anode for PIBs.

Sb2S3-based conversion-alloying dual mechanism anode for potassium-ion batteries

The large volume expansion and sluggish dynamic behavior are the key bottleneck to suppress the development of conversion-alloying dual mechanism anode for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Herein, Sb2S3 nanorods encapsulated by reduced graphene oxide and nitrogen-doped carbon (Sb2S3@rGO@NC) are constructed as anodes for PIBs. The synergistic effect of dual physical protection and robust C-Sb chemical bonding boosts superior electrochemical kinetics and great electrode stability. Thus, Sb2S3@rGO@NC exhibits a high initial charge capacity of 505.6 mAh·g-1 at 50 mA·g-1 and a great cycle stability with the lifetime over 200 cycles at 200 mA·g-1. Ex situ XRD, XPS, and TEM characterizations confirm that the electrode undergoes a multielectron transfer process (Sb2S3↔ Sb + K2S ↔ KSb + K3Sb), where K-ion insert into/extract from the material via dual mechanisms of conversion and alloying. This work sheds a light on the construction of high-performance anode materials and the understanding of K-ion storage mechanism.

Uncovering the action mechanism of homoharringtonine against colorectal cancer by using network pharmacology and experimental evaluation

Homoharringtonine (HHT), an Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anti-leukemia drug, exerts anti-tumor activity in several solid tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its mechanism of action in CRC progression has not been comprehensively elucidated. The drug-disease targets were obtained using publicly available databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were performed to reveal the core targets, biological processes and signaling pathways of HHT against CRC. Cell and animal experiments were performed to validate the inhibitory effects of HHT on CRC. A total of 98 overlapping target genes of HHT and CRC were predicted. Through PPI network and topology analysis, we screened out 23 hub genes. Enrichment assays showed 163 biological processes (BP), 18 cell components (CC), 35 molecular functions (MF), and 85 related pathways. Functionally, HHT inhibited CRC cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, colony formation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. HHT treatment resulted in the inactivation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in CRC cells. Moreover, activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling by 740Y-P abated the suppressive effects of HHT on cell malignant phenotypes. Furthermore, HHT repressed CRC tumor growth in nude mice. Our current study demonstrated that HHT repressed CRC progression at least partly by inactivating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, highlighting HHT as a potential therapeutic agent for CRC patients.

The Role of Vitamin D Intake on the Prognosis and Incidence of Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The correlation between vitamin D intake and lung cancer development is controversial. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D and the prognosis and incidence of lung cancer. A comprehensive database search on PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library was carried out from the beginning to November 2020. Long-term survival and the incidence rate of patients with lung cancer were the primary outcomes of the study. Ten eligible studies were selected for the meta-analysis following specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Four included studies, covering 5,007 patients, compared the overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) of lung cancer patients among total vitamin D users with non-users. Significantly, the estimated pooled hazard ratio (HR) revealed that vitamin D could improve OS and RFS of lung cancer patients [HR=0.83, 95% CI (0.72-0.95); HR=0.79, 95% CI (0.61-0.97), respectively]. Vitamin D intake was inversely associated with lung cancer incidence in six studies [OR=0.90, 95% CI (0.83-0.97)]. The present meta-analysis shows vitamin D not only improves the long-term survival of lung cancer patients but has a beneficial effect on the incidence of lung cancer. Notwithstanding, more studies are needed to confirm the study results.

[Analysis of the level of T lymphocyte subsets and the relationship with the prognosis of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with paraquat poisoning]

Objective: To analyze the levels of T lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD4/CD8) in patients with paraquat poisoning, and to explore the relationship between the changes of T lymphocyte subsets and the prognosis of pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: In October 2019, a total of 47 patients with oral 20% paraquat low water solvent poisoning in Guangzhou 12th people's Hospital from June 2018 to June 2019 were selected as the research objects. Patients were divided into early death group (16 cases died within 2 weeks) and non early death group (31 cases survived more than 2 weeks) . The non early death group was divided into pulmonary fibrosis group (23 cases) and normal lung group (8 cases) . 20 healthy people in the same period were randomly selected as the control group. The neutrophils (N) , C reaction protein (CRP) , alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , creatinine (Cr) , amylase (aAMY) , creatine kinase isoenzyme (CKMB) , pH, HCO(3)(-), blood oxygen saturation (SO(2)) and lactic acid (Lac) of patients poisoned within 3 d were examined every day. Independent sample t-test was used for inter group comparison, and paired sample t-test was used for intra group comparison. Results: Compared with non early death group, the levels of N, CRP, ALT, Cr, aAMY, CKMB and Lac in early death group increased (P<0.05) , while pH and HCO(3)(-) decreased (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the levels of CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 were decreased on the first day in the early death group and non early death group (P<0.05) , and the levels of CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 were decreased on the 15th day in the pulmonary fibrosis group (P<0.05) . Compared with the normal lung group, the levels of CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 in the pulmonary fibrosis group decreased on the 15th day (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The persistent low cellular immune function in patients with paraquat poisoning is related to the progress of pulmonary fibrosis, which is an important factor affecting the prognosis of patients with pulmonary fibrosis.

[ABO gene subtypes and gene expression analysis in three cases of hematological malignancies patients]

Objective: To explore the application and discovery of genotyping, gene sequencing, and gene expression analysis in the determination of ABO blood group subtypes and antigen expression abnormalities in hematological malignancies patients. Methods: From June 2019 to May 2020, three clinical cases were found with forward and reverse ABO typing discrepancy or atypical serologic agglutination pattern in the laboratory and blood transfusion department of Hebei Yanda Ludaopei Hospital were selected. Sequence-specific primer PCR (PCR-SSP) and Sanger sequencing of ABO gene coding regions were performed to determine the ABO genotypes, and whole transcriptome sequencing was used to analyze ABO and FUT1 gene expression levels. Results: A 12-year-old female acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient was determined as O.01.02 and BA.04 sub-genotype, corresponding to the serological B(A) subtype, and her ABO gene expression was normal (354.80). A 41-year-old female acute myeloid leukemia patient was determined as A1.02 and B.01 genotype, corresponding to the serological A(1)B phenotype, and her ABO gene expression was significantly reduced (45.70). A 42-year-old male with myelodysplastic syndrome and myelofibrosis was determined as A1.02 and A2.05 sub-genotype, corresponding to the serological A(1) and A(2) phenotype, respectively, and his ABO expression was negative. FUT1 expression was in the normal range in all three cases. The clinical blood product infusion strategy was formulated according to the genotype and the corresponding immunological subtype, and no significant transfusion-related adverse reactions occurred. Conclusion: Blood group sub-genotypes or aberrant gene expression can lead to ambiguities in serological blood group determination in hematological malignancies patients. ABO genotyping and gene expression analysis can help in this scenario and escort blood product infusion safety.

Clinical significance of peripheral blood-derived inflammation markers in advanced gastric cancer after radical resection

Background

The prognostic significance of peripheral blood-derived inflammation markers in patients with gastric cancer (GC) has not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between systemic inflammatory markers and GC prognosis.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study involving 598 patients was conducted to analyze the prognosis of GC based on systemic inflammatory markers. The following peripheral blood-derived inflammation markers were evaluated: the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), C-reactive protein/albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio, Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), prognostic nutrition index (PNI), and prognostic index (PI). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and the Youden index were used to determine the optimal cutoff values. Univariate and multivariate analysis of prognostic factors was conducted accordingly.

Results

The optimal cutoff values of the PNI, fibrinogen, NLR, PLR, SII, and CRP/Alb were 49.5, 397 ng/dl, 2.5, 154, 556, and 0.05, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age, PLR, TNM stage, and chemotherapy were the independent prognostic factors for advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Adjuvant chemotherapy improved the long-term prognosis of patients with PLR ≥154, but chemotherapy had no significant effect on the survival of patients with PLR < 154.

Conclusions

Our findings show that higher PLR (≥154) is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in GC patients. Besides, PLR can predict adjuvant chemotherapy (oxaliplatin/5-fluorouracil combination) response in patients with GC after surgery.

[Effects and mechanism of mitochondrial transcription factor A and cytochrome c oxidase pathway in the energy production of hypoxic cardiomyocytes of rats regulated by tumor necrosis factor receptor associated protein 1]

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanism of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) pathway in the energy production of hypoxic cardiomyocytes of rats regulated by tumor necrosis factor receptor associated protein 1 (TRAP1). Methods: The cardiomyocytes were isolated from 135 neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats (aged 1-3 d) and cultured for the following experiments. (1) Cells were collected and divided into normoxia blank control (NBC) group, hypoxia blank control (HBC) group, hypoxia+ TRAP1 over-expression control (HTOC) group, and hypoxia+ TRAP1 over-expression (HTO) group according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), with 1 bottle in each group. Cells in NBC group were cultured routinely, cells in HBC group were cultured in hypoxic condition for 6 hours after routine culture, cells in HTOC and HTO groups were respectively added with TRAP1 over-expression empty virus vector and TRAP1 over-expression adenovirus vector virus suspension for transfection for 48 hours after routine culture and then cultured in hypoxic condition for 6 hours. The protein expression of TFAM of cells in each group was detected by Western blotting. (2) Cells were collected and divided into NBC, HBC, HTOC, HTO, HTO+ TFAM interference control (HTOTIC), and HTO+ TFAM interference (HTOTI) groups, with 1 well in each group. Cells in the former 4 groups were dealt with the same methods as the corresponding groups in experiment (1). Cells in HTOTIC and HTOTI groups were respectively added with TFAM interference empty virus vector and TFAM interference adenovirus vector virus suspension for transfection for 48 hours, and the other processing methods were the same as those in HTO group. The content of ATP of cells in each group was determined by ATP determination kit and microplate reader, and the COX activity of cells in each group was determined by COX activity assay kit and microplate reader. (3) Cells were collected and divided into NBC group, normoxia+ sodium azide (NSA) group, HBC group, and hypoxia+ sodium azide (HSA) group, with 1 well in each group. Cells in NBC and HBC groups were respectively dealt with the same methods as the corresponding groups in experiment (1). Cells in NSA and HSA groups were respectively added with 32 nmol sodium azide at 30 min before experiment or hypoxia, and then cells in HSA group were cultured in hypoxic condition for 6 hours. The content of ATP was determined by the same method as above. The above three experiments were repeated for three times. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference test. Results: (1) Compared with that in NBC group, the protein expression of TFAM of cells in HBC group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with that in HBC group or HTOC group, the protein expression of TFAM of cells in HTO group was significantly increased (P<0.01). (2) Compared with 0.552±0.041 and 1.99±0.15 in NBC group, the COX activity (0.270±0.044) and ATP content (1.09±0.11) of cells in HBC group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with 0.269±0.042 and 1.17±0.12 in HBC group and those in HTOC group, the COX activity (0.412±0.032 and 0.404±0.016) and ATP content (1.75±0.06 and 1.69±0.07) of cells in HTO and HTOTIC groups were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in HTO and HTOTIC groups, the COX activity (0.261±0.036) and ATP content (1.23±0.07) of cells in HTOTI group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). (3) Compared with that in NBC group, the ATP content of cells in NSA and NBC groups was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with that in HBC group, the ATP content of cells in HSA group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Conclusions: TRAP1 can increase the COX activity of cardiomyocytes by raising the expression of TFAM, and finally alleviate the impairment in energy production of cardiomyocytes caused by hypoxia.

HIF-1a regulates hypoxia-induced autophagy via translocation of ANKRD37 in colon cancer

Autophagy is a basic catabolic response that eukaryotic cells use to degrade unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components in an orderly and regulated manner. It plays important roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis, energy homeostasis, response to environmental stimuli, and the development of cancer. In solid tumors, hypoxia induces an increased HIF-1a that activates autophagy. However, the exact mechanism by which induced HIF-1a stimulates autophagy in cancer cells remains elusive. In the present study, we confirmed that ANKRD37 is upregulated in colon cancer tissue. Moreover, the higher expression level of ANKRD37 is related to a poorer survival rate. Using RNA interference, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence, we discovered that in cancer cell line RKO, hypoxia-induced HIF-1a regulates autophagy activity by increasing ANKRD37 level. In addition, intranuclear ANKRD37 played an important role in the regulation of hypoxia-induced autophagy. The translocation of ANKRD37 into cell nuclear is required for promoting cell growth and HIF-1a induced autophagy. These findings provide new insights to understand the hypoxia regulation mechanisms and the role of autophagy in cancer development.

[Association between GSTP1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss]

Objective: To investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPS) at rs1695 and rs6591256 in glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) gene and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss in Chinese Han workers exposed to noise. Methods: Using the 1: 1 nested case-control study and taking 6297 workers exposed to noise in a steel plant in Henan province as the cohort study population in July 2019, we screened those who have been exposed to noise for ≥3 years and whose binaural high frequency (3000, 4000, 6000 Hz) average hearing threshold is ≥40 dB (A) into the case group. The control group was selected according to the matching criteria of the same sex, same type of work, and the age difference was not more than 5 years old, and the working age difference was not more than 2 years. 276 subjects were selected into the case group and the control group respectively. The medium and high throughout single nucleotide polymorphism typing technology (SNPscanTM technology) was used to detect the polymorphism of three nucleotide sites of GSR gene, and conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and NIHL, and the relationship between different polymorphic sites and the risk of NIHL after adjusting covariates. After stratification with different cumulative noise exposure (CNE) , Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to analysis the risk of NIHL at different loci. Results: The mean and standard deviation of age of the selected subjects was (40.28±8.00) , the mean and standard deviation of noise-exposed working years was (18.7±8.92) years. The range of noise exposure levels and comulative noise exposure were 80.05-93.35dB (A) and 86.83-107.92 dB (A) ·year, respectively. Compared with the control group, there were no statistically significant differences in age, noise-exposured working years, intensity of noise exposure, CNE, gender, drinking, hypertension prevalence and noise exposure level in the hearing loss group (P>0.05) , while there were statistically difference in smoking, binaural high-frequency average hearing threshold and binaural speech frequency (P<0.05) . After adjusting for smoking, drinking, hypertension and other factors, in the co-dominant model, compared with GGgenotype, the risk of NIHL was higher in rs1002149 GT genotype and rs2251780 GA genotype (OR=1.558, 95%CI: 1.028-2.361; OR=1.550, 95%CI: 1.020-2.355, P<0.05) ; compared with TT/GT genotype, the rs1002149 TT genotype has a higher risk of developing NIHL (OR=1.494, 95%CI: 1.002-2.228, P<0.05) , while rs3779647 genotype had no relationship with the risk of NIHL (P>0.05) . In the equivalent sound level (L(Aeq)) of noise >85 dB (A) stratification, compared with GG genotype, carrying rs1002149 GT genotype and rs2251780 GT genotype has higher risk of nihl (OR=1.801, 95%CI: 1.093-2.967; OR=1.720, 95%CI: 1.050-2.817, P<0.05) . Haplotype analysis of two sites, rs1002149 and rs2251780, was not found to be related to NIIHL susceptibility. Conclusion: The allele G of rs1695 and rs6591256 may be risk factors of NIHL.

Simulation for dynamic release of oil from oil-contaminated marine sediment

Dynamic oil release from oil-contaminated sediment to seawater was investigated in kinetic and factor experiments. Oil-release kinetic was described using a two-compartment first-order equation with rapid- and slow-release steps. The rapid-desorption-fraction rate (k_r) was not affected by the ratio of solid-liquid, but significantly affected by sediment pollution level and salinity. The slow-desorption-fraction rate constant (k_s) was affected by sediment pollution level, the ratio of solid-liquid, and salinity. Desorption efficiencies were 1.09-4.04%, increasing as the sediment pollution level and salinity increased and the ratio of solid-liquid decreased. Oil desorption was critically affected by sediment suspension (or lack of). The desorption kinetics curves were unaffected with the shear force for unsuspended sediment, and the desorption efficiency and k_r were increasing with the shear force for suspended sediment, and no significant correlations were found between k_s and hydrodynamic conditions. The results provide a theoretical basis for evaluating ecological risks posed by oil in sediment.

Applying steel slag leachate as a reagent substantially enhances pH reduction efficiency for humidification treatment

A cost-effective, easy-to-implement, and sustainable approach is needed to mitigate the production of alkaline leachate from steel slags that are reused or disposed in the environment. To address this issue, a humidification treatment process, which is operated by wetting a stack of steel slag using aqueous reagents and letting atmospheric CO₂ to be passively diffused into the slag pores to induce slag carbonation reaction, was previously developed. In this study, we demonstrate that the leachate of raw steel slag can be recycled and used as a humidification reagent to substantially enhance the treatment efficiency as well as to enable operating the process with neither synthetic chemical consumption nor wastewater discharge. In a 24-h study, a 0.61-unit reduction in slag pH is achieved using a raw slag leachate as a reagent, which is substantially greater than a 0.28-unit reduction using deionized water. The net amount of CaCO₃ produced during an extended humidification duration of 4 weeks is increased by 2.7-fold when the leachate is used instead of deionized water. A series of systematically designed experiments demonstrates that the pH (11.0) and ionic strength (0.0048) are the two major characteristics of the raw slag leachate that contribute to the enhanced efficiency of humidification treatment. With further demonstration at larger scales in follow-up studies, the novel humidification process that utilizes the leachate generated on-site as a reagent is expected to be a feasible alternative for alkali waste treatment prior to its reuse or disposal.

[The humor characteristics of young epileptic patients and its correlation with depression]

Objective: To explore the characteristics of humor in young adult epileptic patients and examine the relationship between humor and depression. Methods: We recruited 55 young adult epileptic patients who visited outpatient clinic of the Department of Neurology of Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College between October 2018 and March 2019 and 44 healthy controls to complete the multidimensional humor scale (MSHS), humor style questionnaire (HSQ) and Beck depression scale-Ⅱ (BDI-Ⅱ), and compared their differences between the two groups. Results: The results showed that the young adult patients with epilepsy (PWEs) were affected in humor creation, coping with humor and the totally scores of MSHS. The scores of humor creation, coping with humor and the totally scores of MSHS in the young epilepsy patients were 25.3±5.9, 16.7±5.0 and 61±10, which were significantly lower than those in the control group 29.8±6.1, 21.1±2.6 and 71±8. As for the humor style, self-defeating humor scores in PWEs were higher than controls 14±5 vs 9±3, and the self-enhancing humor scores were lower than controls 18±7 vs 23±6. The scores of BDI-Ⅱ in PWEs were significantly higher than those of normal controls 13±7 vs 6±4. Pearson's correlation test showed that the scores of BDI-Ⅱ were negatively correlated with humor creation, coping with humor, the totally scores of MSHS and self-enhancing humor scores (r=-0.566--0.721, P<0.05), while it was positively correlated with self-defeating humor scores (r=0.818, P<0.05). Among the clinically relevant factors, the scores of BDI-Ⅱ were correlated with seizure control and gender. Multiple stepwise linear regression showed that coping with humor, self-defeating and self-enhancing humor scores were closely related with depression in young epileptic adults. Conclusion: The young adults with epilepsy are affected in sense of humor and humor style, which are closely related with depression.

[The impact of KIT and other concomitant gene mutations on the prognoses of patients with core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To study the impact of KIT and other concomitant gene mutations on the prognoses of patients with core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia (CBF-AML). Methods: A total of 104 newly diagnosed patients with CBF-AML in Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital from January 2014 to February 2018 were analyzed, and high-throughput gene sequencing for the detection of mutations among 58 genes was executed. Also, the clinical features of KIT mutation-positive CBF-AML (KIT+CBF-AML) patients and the effects of other concomitant gene mutations on the prognoses of patients were also analyzed. Results: A total of 56 cases (53.85%) with KIT mutations were found in 104 CBF-AML patients. Among this, KIT D816 mutation was the most common (32 patients), followed by the N822 mutation (17 patients). Patients with KIT+CBF-AML have a higher proportion of bone marrow blasts at the time of diagnoses and are more likely to have sex chromosome loss. Among the 52 patients with KIT+CBF-AML who were followed up, the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) group had a higher overall survival rate (OS) than that of the chemotherapy group (88.9% vs 57.1%, χ(2)=6.076, P<0.05). The event-free survival (EFS) and OS of patients with KIT+CBF-AML with FLT3 mutation were both significantly lower than those of the FLT3 mutation-negative group (EFS: 40.0% vs 72.3%, χ(2)=6.557, P<0.05; OS: 60.0% vs 87.2%, χ(2)=8.305, P<0.05). The OS of the patient with TET2 mutation was lower than that of the TET2 mutation-negative group (50.0% vs 87.5%, χ(2)=4.130, P<0.05). Conclusion: Patients with KIT+CBF-AML with concomitant gene mutations, especially FLT3 and TET2, have poor prognoses, which can be improved by allo-HSCT.

High frequency DNA rearrangement at qγ27 creates a novel allele for Quality Protein Maize breeding

Copy number variation (CNV) is a major source of genetic variation and often contributes to phenotypic variation in maize. The duplication at the 27-kDa γ-zein locus (qγ27) is essential to convert soft endosperm into hard endosperm in quality protein maize (QPM). This duplication is unstable and generally produces CNV at this locus. We conducted genetic experiments designed to directly measure DNA rearrangement frequencies occurring in males and females of different genetic backgrounds. The average frequency with which the duplication rearranges to single copies is 1.27 × 10-3 and varies among different lines. A triplication of γ27 gene was screened and showed a better potential than the duplication for the future QPM breeding. Our results highlight a novel approach to directly determine the frequency of DNA rearrangements, in this case resulting in CNV at the qγ27 locus. Furthermore, this provides a highly effective way to test suitable parents in QPM breeding.

[Genetic characteristics and clinical outcomes of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia with NUP98-NSD1 fusion gene]

Objective: To investigate the genetic characteristics and clinical outcomes of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients with NUP98-NSD1 fusion gene. Methods: A total of 80 pediatric AML patients were enrolled in this study, and bone marrow specimens were collected at initial diagnosis and relapse. NUP98-NSD1 was screened by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and PCR. Other laboratory test results and clinical outcomes were further analyzed for the NUP98-NSD1 positive cases. Results: A total of eight patients (10.0%) were positive for NUP98-NSD1, which were all fusions of NUP98 exon12 and NSD1 exon 6. There were two M2, three M4, and three M5 cases according to the French-American-British classification. Seven patients had karyotype results at the time of initial diagnosis, and none of them had complicated karyotype abnormalities. Among these patients, two cases had normal karyotype, three cases had trisomy 8, one case had trisomy 6, and two cases had anomalies involving 9q13 or 9q21. Additional karyotypic abnormalities and clonal evolutions were observed during disease progression or relapse, five cases had 9q13 or 9q32 abnormalities. Five cases (62.5%) were positive with FLT3-ITD mutation. Patients were treated with DAE/NAE/HAE/IA chemotherapy. Three cases did not achieve remission after several courses of chemotherapy, and five cases achieved remission but relapsed in 1 to 19 months. Five cases underwent salvage allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Among whom, four died in 40 days to 4 months after transplantation, and one survived 8.5 months till the last follow-up. Conclusions: NUP98-NSD1 is a recurrent genetic abnormality with significant clinical prognostic significance, and this group of disease has unique clinical and genetic characteristics. NUP98-NSD1 should be screened by FISH or PCR for children with AML who are newly diagnosed or refractory and relapsed to identify the high-risk genetic marker.

The electrocardiographic method for positioning the tip of central venous access device

BACKGROUND

The electrocardiogram-based insertion method is non-radiative, allowing real-time positioning verification and reducing the need for postoperative repositioning.

METHODS

Relevant databases published from January 1990 to January 2019 in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Medline and Ovid's database were searched, comparing the effectiveness of electrocardiogram-guided catheter tip positioning (electrocardiogram-guided group) and the landmarks-guided insertion plus chest X-ray confirmation (landmarks-guided group). The primary outcome was accurate catheter tip placement and the secondary outcomes were complications.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies were finally included with a total of 4988 patients, of whom 2789 cases were in the electrocardiogram-guided group and 2199 cases received landmarks-guided insertion plus chest X-ray. Compared with the landmarks-guided group, our meta-analysis showed that the electrocardiogram-guided group had a higher success rate of tip placement (odds ratio = 0.21, 95% confidence interval = 0.14-0.34, p < 0.00001) and fewer total complications (odds ratio = 0.10, 95% confidence interval = 0.04-0.23, p < 0.000001).

CONCLUSION

Based on our findings, electrocardiogram-guided tip placement for central venous access device was more accurate and safer than landmarks-guided positioning, which may be considered as an alternative method to the standard radiological control of tip placement.