Epidemiological and genetic characteristics of norovirus in Hangzhou, China, in the postepidemic era

OBJECTIVE

Norovirus (NoV) is an important human pathogen that can cause severe gastroenteritis in vulnerable populations. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and genetic characteristics of 2021-2023 NoV in Hangzhou, China.

METHODS

This study enrolled patients aged 0-18 years who underwent NoV RNA detection in the hospital between January 2021 and October 2023 and analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of NoV. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect NoV RNA. Subtype classification and whole-genome sequencing were performed.

RESULTS

There was a high prevalence of NoV infection in 2023, with NoV-positive samples accounting for 63.10 % of the total number of positive samples collected during the three-year period. The prevalence was abnormally high in summer, and the number of positive samples accounted for 48.20 % of the total positive samples for the whole year, which was much greater than the level in the same period in previous years (2023, 48.20% vs 2021, 13.66% vs 2022, 15.21 %). The GⅡ.4 subtype played a leading role, followed by increased mixed infection with GⅠ.5 and GⅡ.4. Whole-genome sequencing results suggested that GII.P16-GⅡ.4 had R297H and D372N key locus mutations. The evolutionary rate was 4.29 × 10-3 for the RdRp gene and 4.84 × 10-3 for the VP1 gene. The RdRp gene and VP1 gene of NoV GII.P16-GⅡ.4 have undergone rapid population evolution during the COVID-19 epidemic.

CONCLUSION

In the summer of 2023, an abnormally high incidence of NoV appeared in Hangzhou, China. The major epidemic strain GII.P16-GⅡ.4 showed a certain range of gene mutations and a fast evolutionary rate.

Functional analysis of a down-regulated transcription factor-SoxNeuroA gene involved in the acaricidal mechanism of scopoletin against spider mites

BACKGROUND

Insight into the mode of action of plant-derived acaricides will help in the development of sustainable control strategies for mite pests. Scopoletin, a promising plant-derived bioactive compound, displays prominent acaricidal activity against Tetranychus cinnabarinus. The transcription factor SoxNeuroA plays a vital role in maintaining calcium ion (Ca2+ ) homeostasis. Down-regulation of SoxNeuroA gene expression occurs in scopoletin-exposed mites, but the functional role of this gene remains unknown.

RESULTS

A SoxNeuroA gene from T. cinnabarinus (TcSoxNeuroA) was first cloned and identified. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and Western blotting assays all confirmed that the gene expression and protein levels of TcSoxNeuroA were significantly reduced under scopoletin exposure. Furthermore, RNA interference silencing of the weakly expressed SoxNeuroA gene significantly enhanced the susceptibility of mites to scopoletin, suggesting that the acaricidal mechanism of scopoletin was mediated by the weakly expressed SoxNeuroA gene. Additionally, yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed that TcSoxNeuroA was a repressor of Orai1 Ca2+ channel gene transcription, and the key binding sequence was ATCAAAG (positions -361 to -368 of the Orai1 promoter). Importantly, site-directed mutagenesis and microscale thermophoresis assays further indicated that ASP185, ARG189, and LYS217, which were key predicted hydrogen-bonding sites in the molecular docking model, may be the vital binding sites for scopoletin in TcSoxNeuroA.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that the acaricidal mechanism of scopoletin involves inhibition of the transcription factor SoxNeuroA, thus inducing the activation of the Orai1 Ca2+ channel, eventually leading to Ca2+ overload and lethality. Elucidation of the transcription factor-targeted mechanism for this potent plant-derived acaricide has vital implications for the design of next-generation green acaricides with novel targets. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effect of nonpharmaceutical interventions on influenza virus transmission

Background

The use of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) during severe acute respiratory syndrome 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks may influence the spread of influenza viruses. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of NPIs against SARS-CoV-2 on the epidemiological features of the influenza season in China.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study analyzing influenza monitoring data obtained from the China National Influenza Center between 2011 and 2023. We compared the changes in influenza-positive patients in the pre-COVID-19 epidemic, during the COVID-19 epidemic, and post-COVID-19 epidemic phases to evaluate the effect of NPIs on influenza virus transmission.

Results

NPIs targeting COVID-19 significantly suppressed influenza activity in China from 2019 to 2022. In the seventh week after the implementation of the NPIs, the number of influenza-positive patients decreased by 97.46% in southern regions of China and 90.31% in northern regions of China. However, the lifting of these policies in December 2022 led to an unprecedented surge in influenza-positive cases in autumn and winter from 2022 to 2023. The percentage of positive influenza cases increased by 206.41% (p < 0.001), with high positivity rates reported in both the northern and southern regions of China.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that NPIs against SARS-CoV-2 are effective at controlling influenza epidemics but may compromise individuals' immunity to the virus.

Single walled carbon nanotubes band gap width measurement and the influence of nitrogen doping research

The adjustment and measurement of the band gap width of single-walled carbon nanotubes are crucial for optimizing the design and enhancing the performance of carbon-based devices. This study utilizes the relationship between the band gap and temperature of semiconductor-based carbon nanotubes. The electrical conductivity of carbon nanotubes was obtained at various temperatures, and the corresponding band gap width (0.57 eV) was determined. The introduction of nitrogen results in a reduction of the band gap width and an increase in current flow between the device source and drain electrodes. Theoretical calculation demonstrated that nitrogen doping not only increases the conductivity of carbon nanotubes but also effectively inhibits the Schottky barrier between carbon nanotubes and metal electrodes. The Schottky barrier and the internal electric field can be effectively modulated via nitrogen doping in carbon nanotubes, which enhances the performance of carbon-based devices.

Theoretical and experimental investigations of enhanced carbon nanotube-gold interface conductivity through nitrogen doping

It is necessary to establish high-quality contact between carbon nanotubes and metals in carbon-based devices. However, how to control and reduce contact resistance still remains unsolved. In this study, the effect of N doping in single-walled carbon nanotubes on the contact resistance with gold was studied by combining theoretical calculation with experimental methods. The theoretical results indicate that nitrogen doping in carbon nanotubes can control the bottom of the carbon nanotube conduction band downward, the Fermi level enters the conduction band, the height of the Schottky barrier between the bottom of the carbon nanotube conduction band and the gold Fermi level decreases, and the increase in doping concentration leads to the decrease of Schottky barrier width. As a result, the conductivity between the gold and carbon nanotube interface is enhanced. During experiments, the carrier density and the current of the gold and carbon nanotube device increase gradually with the increase in N doping concentration and a good electron transport channel is established between the gold and carbon nanotubes. The high-quality contact is crucial to reducing the size, improving the performance, and reducing the power consumption of carbon-based devices.

[Application of retroauricular sulcus incision in the operation of benign tumors in the deep lobe of parotid gland]

Objective: To investigate the application of retroauricular groove incision in the resection of benign tumors in the deep lobe of parotid. Methods: From January 2017 to January 2022, 19 patients (11 males and 8 females, age ranged from 17 to 69 years, with a median age of 48) with benign tumor in the deep lobe of parotid gland underwent parotidectomy through retroauricular sulcus incision in Linyi People's Hospital. Among them, 17 cases with tumor diameter≤4.0 cm underwent simple retroauricular groove incision, and 2 cases were dumbbell type with tumor diameter>4.0 cm on the medial side of mandible protruding into the parapharyngeal space, in which the deep lobe and tumor of parotid gland were resected through retroauricular sulcus incision combined with intraoral incision. Results: Tumors were completely removed through retroauricular sulcus incision in 17 cases, and dumbbell type tumors were removed through retroauricular sulcus incision combined with intraoral incision in 2 cases. Postoperative pathological examinations showed pleomorphic adenoma in 13 cases, basal cell adenoma in 4 cases and Warthin's tumor in 2 cases. Temporary mandibular marginal branch paralysis occurred in 2 patients and returned to normal 3 weeks after operation. All incisions healed in Phase I. By following-up of 1-5 years with a median follow-up time of 3.1 years, none of the patients had Frey syndrome, salivary fistula, other complications and tumor recurrence. The patients and their families were satisfied with the postoperative facial appearances. Conclusion: The retroauricular groove approach can not only preserve the function of parotid superficial lobe and facial nerve, but also has less trauma, less tissue defect and hidden scar. As the advantages of less complication, low recurrence rate and good cosmetic effect, the incision is worthy of clinical application.

The role of microbial interactions in dental caries: Dental plaque microbiota analysis

OBJECTIVES

Dental caries is a result of the ecological dysfunction of the polymicrobial community on the tooth surface, which evolves through microbial interactions. In this study, we conducted a thorough analysis of the dental plaque microbiome to comprehend its multi-microbial aetiology.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

In this study, plaque was collected from healthy tooth surfaces, shallow carious teeth and deep carious teeth, and bacterial composition and abundance were assessed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Random forest and LEfSe were used to profile various microorganisms at each stage. Additionally, we developed a molecular ecological network (MEN) based on random matrix theory (RMT) to examine microbial interactions for the first time.

RESULTS

Our results reveal that Scardovia wiggsiae, Streptococcus mutans, and Propionibacterium acidifaciens may be associated with initial caries, and Propionibacterium acidifaciens differentiates between shallow and deep caries. As caries progressed, the alpha diversity index declined, indicating a decrease in microbial variety. The network topological indices such as centralization betweenness revealed that the caries network had become more complex, involving more microbial interactions. The shallow network revealed a high negative correlation ratio across nodes, indicating that microbes competed heavily. In contrast, the positive correlation ratio of deep network nodes was high, and microorganisms transitioned from a competitive to a synergistic state.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that microbial diversity and interactions are critical to caries progression and that future caries research should give greater consideration to the role of microbial interaction factors in caries progression.

Development of Sustainable Insecticide Candidates for Protecting Pollinators: Insight into the Bioactivities, Selective Mechanism of Action and QSAR of Natural Coumarin Derivatives against Aphids

Plants employ abundant toxic secondary metabolites to withstand insect attack, while pollinators can tolerate some natural defensive compounds. Coumarins, as promising green alternatives to chemical insecticides, possess wide application prospects in the crop protection field. Herein, the bioactivities of 30 natural coumarin derivatives against Aphis gossypii were assessed and revealed that 6-methylcoumarin exhibited potent aphicidal activity against aphids but displayed no toxicity to honeybees. Additionally, using biochemical, bioinformatic, and molecular assays, we confirmed that the action mode of 6-methylcoumarin against aphids was by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Meanwhile, functional assays revealed that the difference in action site, which located in Lys585 in aphid AChE (equivalent to Val548 in honeybee AChE), was the principal reason for 6-methylcoumarin being toxic to aphids but safe to pollinators. This action site was further validated by mutagenesis data, which uncovered how 6-methylcoumarin was unique selective to the aphid over honeybee or mammalian AChE. Furthermore, a 2D-QSAR model was established, revealing that the central structural feature was H3m, which offers guidance for the future design of more potent coumarin compounds. This work provides a sustainable strategy to take advantage of coumarin analogues for pest management while protecting nontarget pollinators.

Safety and Efficacy Analysis of Patients with Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (ES-SCLC) Treated with SHR-1316 Plus Chemotherapy and Sequential Chest Radiotherapy as First-Line Therapy from a Phase II Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

CAPSTONE-1, a phase 3 trial, showed that SHR-1316 (PD-L1 antibody) combined with standard first-line chemotherapy could prolong overall survival (OS) in patients (pts) with ES-SCLC. The CREST trial reported consolidative thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) of 30 Gy in 10 fractions provided a 10% 2-year OS benefit and more intensive TRT should be investigated in ES-SCLC. In the era of immunotherapy, the role of TRT also needs further exploration. Therefore, we designed this clinical trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of SHR-1316 plus first-line chemotherapy followed by TRT combined with SHR-1316.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Key inclusion criteria were pts aged 18-75 years, with previously untreated histologically or cytologically confirmed ES-SCLC, and an ECOG performance status of 0-1. Eligible pts would receive 4∼6 cycles of SHR-1316 (20mg/kg, D1, q3w) combined with EP/EC (etoposide, 100mg/m2, D1-5, q3w and cisplatin, 75mg/m², D1-3, q3w or carboplatin, AUC = 5, D1, q3w), followed by SHR-1316 combined with TRT (≥3 Gy*10 f or ≥2 Gy*25 f, involved-field irradiation), and then the maintenance therapy with SHR-1316 until disease progression or intolerable adverse events (AEs). The main endpoints included ORR, PFS and safety.

RESULTS

From October 2020 to January 2023, 33 pts received SHR-1316 and sequential consolidative TRT. Among them, 19 pts received high-dose TRT (>3 Gy*10 f or ≥2 Gy*25 f) and 14 pts received low-dose TRT (≤3 Gy*10 f or<2 Gy*25 f). The median age was 62 (range: 38-73). Most pts were male (28, 84.8%), former smokers (22, 66.7%) with an ECOG performance status 1 (32, 97%). Ten (30.3%) pts were diagnosed with brain metastasis and 10 (30.3%) pts had liver metastasis at baseline. At the data cutoff date, 9 pts remained on treatment, the average number of treatment cycles was 9.2. 33 pts had at least one 1 post-treatment tumor assessment. The confirmed ORR and DCR were 90.9% (30/33) and 100% (33/33) in all pts, were 89.5% (17/19) and 100% (19/19) in high-dose TRT group, and were 92.9% (13/14) and 100% (14/14) in low-dose TRT group. The median PFS was 10.2(CI: 5.8∼14.7) months in all pts, was 7 (CI: 3.8∼10.2) months in high-dose TRT group and 10.4 (CI: 8.4∼12.3) months in low-dose TRT group. AEs occurred in 27 (81.8%) pts and grade 3 or 4 AEs occurred in 20 (60.6%) pts. The most common grade 3 or 4 AEs included neutropenia (15, 45.5%), leukopenia (8, 24.2%), lymphocytopenia (5, 15.2%), pneumonia (3, 9.1%), anemia (3, 9.1%) and thrombocytopenia (2, 6.1%).

CONCLUSION

SHR-1316 plus chemotherapy and sequential TRT as first-line therapy for ES-SCLC showed promising efficacy and acceptable safety. There is no significant difference between high-dose and low-dose TRT groups in terms of safety and efficacy according to current data.

Study on the Dynamic Changes of Myocardial Injury Markers in Radiotherapy for Esophageal Carcinoma and Its Correlation with Cardiac Dosimetry

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

It was hypothesized that radiotherapy for esophageal cancer could cause radiation-induced heart damage. To investigate the dynamic changes of myocardial enzyme, high-sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide precursors (PRO-BNP) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during radiotherapy and six months after radiotherapy for middle and lower thoracic squamous cell carcinoma, and to analyze the correlation between these indicators and dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters of the heart.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 35 patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent radical concurrent chemoradiotherapy were enrolled in the study. Radiation therapy was performed for up to 6 weeks. All patients received Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Total radiation dose was from 50.4Gy to 60 Gy in each patient with a dose of 1.8-2.0 Gy per fraction. Blood samples to determine creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), alpha-hydroxybutyric dehydrogenase (α-HBDH), hs-TnT, PRO-BNP and LVEF were measured before radiotherapy, during (10th -20th fraction), at the end of radiotherapy, 1, 3, 6 months after radiotherapy. The dynamic changes of the above indexes were analyzed. The correlation between the above indexes and the mean heart dose (Dmean), V5-V60 (dose-volume histograms data were recorded in discrete 5Gy dose levels) of the heart in the course of radiotherapy was also analyzed.

RESULTS

The Serum hs-TNT and LVEF show an upward trend during radiotherapy, at the end of radiotherapy and 6 months after radiotherapy for esophageal cancer. The hs-TnT of patients before, during, at the end of radiotherapy and 1, 3, and 6 months after radiotherapy were 7.2pg/ml, 9.1pg/ml, 9.1pg/ml, 9.0pg/ml, 9.4pg/ml, and 8.1pg/ml, respectively (p<0.05). The LVEF were 63.7%, 62.4%, 62.0%, 62.5%, 62.2%, 61.9% respectively (p<0.05). The pro-BNP showed an upward trend during radiotherapy and gradually returned to normal after radiotherapy. The CK and CK-MB showed a downward trend during radiotherapy and 1 month after radiotherapy, and gradually returned to normal 3 months after radiotherapy. Compared with the low dose group (the average dose of heart < 2000cGy), the high dose group (≥2000cGy) had a greater increase in hs-TNT, pro-BNP and LVEF, and a slower recovery time. There was no correlation between the changes of myocardial enzyme, hs-TnT, PRO-BNP, LVEF and the heart mean dose, V5-V60 during radiotherapy (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Cardiac injury induced by concurrent chemoradiotherapy for middle and lower thoracic esophageal cancer can lead to the increase of serum hs-TNT and pro-BNP and the increase of LVEF in the early stage of treatment, and this phenomenon is more obvious in the high-dose group. The hs-TnT and PRO-BNP are sensitive parameters to reflect the heart damage in esophageal cancer radiotherapy, which may provide reference for the heart protection during radiotherapy.

Establishment and characterization of an immortalized bovine intestinal epithelial cell line

Primary bovine intestinal epithelial cells (PBIECs) are an important model for studying the molecular and pathogenic mechanisms of diseases affecting the bovine intestine. It is difficult to obtain and grow PBIECs stably, and their short lifespan greatly limits their application. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to create a cell line for exploring the mechanisms of pathogen infection in bovine intestinal epithelial cells in vitro. We isolated and cultured PBIECs and established an immortalized BIEC line by transfecting PBIECs with the pCI-neo-hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase) recombinant plasmid. The immortalized cell line (BIECs-21) retained structure and function similar to that of the PBIECs. The marker proteins characteristic of epithelial cells, cytokeratin 18 (CK18), occludin, zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1), E-cadherin and enterokinase, were all positive in the immortalized cell line, and the cell structure, growth rate, karyotype, serum dependence and contact inhibition were normal. The hTERT gene was successfully transferred into BIECs-21 where it remained stable and was highly expressed. The transport of short-chain fatty acids and glucose uptake by the BIECs-21 was consistent with PBIECs, and we showed that they could be infected with the intestinal parasite, Neospora caninum. The immortalized BIECs-21, which have exceeded 80 passages, were structurally and functionally similar to the primary BIECs and thus provide a valuable research tool for investigating the mechanism of pathogen infection of the bovine intestinal epithelium in vitro.

Immunogenicity and Blocking Efficacy of Norovirus GII.4 Recombinant P Protein Vaccine

Noroviruses (NoVs) are the main cause of acute gastroenteritis in all ages worldwide. The aim of this study was to produce the recombinant P protein of norovirus and to demonstrate its blocking effect. In this study, the engineered strains were induced to express the P protein of NoVs GII.4, which was identified using SDS-PAGE and ELISA as having the capacity to bind to histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs). Rabbits were immunized to obtain neutralizing antibodies. ELISA and ISC-RT-qPCR were used to determine the blocking efficacy of the neutralizing antibody to human norovirus (HuNoV) and murine norovirus (MNV). The recombinant P protein (35 KD) was obtained, and the neutralizing antibody was successfully prepared. The neutralizing antibody could block the binding of the P protein and HuNoV to HBGAs. Neutralizing antibodies can also block MNV invasion into host cells RAW264.7. The recombinant P protein expressed in E. coli can induce antibodies to block HuNoV and MNV. The recombinant P protein of NoVs GII.4 has the value of vaccine development.

Simultaneous Confidence Band Approach for Comparison of COVID-19 Case Counts

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared to be a global emergency in January of 2020, and everyday life throughout the world was disrupted. Among many questions about COVID-19 that remain unanswered, it is of interest for society to identify whether there is any significant difference in daily case counts between males and females. The daily case count sequences are correlated due to the nature of a contagious disease, and contain a nonlinear trend owing to several unexpected events, such as vaccinations and the appearance of the delta variant. It is possible that these unexpected events have changed the dynamical system that generates data. The classic t-test is not appropriate to analyze such correlated data with a nonconstant trend. This study applies a simultaneous confidence band approach in an attempt to overcome these difficulties; that is, a simultaneous confidence band for the trend of an autoregressive moving-average time series is constructed using B-spline estimation. The proposed method is applied to the daily case count data of seniors of both genders (at least 60 years old) in the State of Ohio from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022, and the result shows that there is a significant difference at the 95% confidence level between the two gender case counts adjusted for the population sizes.

[Risk assessment of internal mammary lymph node metastasis and choice of irradiation of internal mammary lymphatic drainage area in breast cancer patients with negative internal breast lymph nodes on imaging]

Objective: To explore the independent risk factors of internal mammary lymph nodes (IMN) metastasis and the risk assessment method of IMN metastasis preoperatively in breast cancer patients with negative IMN in imaging examination, and guide the radiotherapy of IMN in patients with different risk stratification of IMN metastasis. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 301 breast cancer patients who underwent internal mammary sentinel node biopsy(IM-SLNB) and/or IMN dissection in Shandong Cancer Hospital with negative IMN on CT and/or MRI from January 2010 to October 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The independent risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and the independent risk factors of IMN metastasis were used to risk stratification. Results: Among the 301 patients, 43 patients had IMN metastasis, and the rate of IMN metastasis was 14.3%. Univariate analysis showed that vascular tumor thrombus, progesterone receptor (PR) expression, T stage and N stage were associated with IMN metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that tumor located in medial quadrant, positive PR and axillary lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for IMN metastasis. The risk of IMN metastasis was assessed according to the independent risk factors of the patients: low-risk group is including 0 risk factor, medium-risk group is including 1 risk factor, and high-risk group is including 2-3 risk factors. According to this evaluation criteria, 301 patients with breast cancer were divided into low-risk group (with 0 risk factors), medium-risk group (with 1 risk factor) and high-risk group (with 2-3 risk factors). The IMN metastasis rates were 0 (0/34), 4.3% (6/140) and 29.1% (37/127), respectively. Conclusions: The risk stratification of IMN metastasis according to three independent risk factors of IMN metastasis including tumor located in medial quadrant, positive PR and axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients can guide the radiotherapy of IMN in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. For N1 patients, radiotherapy of IMN is strongly recommended when the primary tumor is located in the medial quadrant and/or PR positive.

Effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide in diet on growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, and biochemistry of broilers

In the present study, we analyzed the effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GCP) on growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, and biochemistry of broilers. A total of 600, one-day-old AA broilers randomly divided into 5 treatment groups with 6 replicate pens of 20 birds per cage received dietary supplementation with GCP (0, 200, 500, 1,000, and 1,500 mg/kg) for 42 d. The supplementation of GCP linearly decreased (P < 0.05) feed conversion rate on day 22 to 42. Dietary supplementation with GCP reduced (P < 0.05) serum total cholesterol on day 21 and 42 and linearly improved (P < 0.05) albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Dietary supplementation with 1,000 or 1,500 mg/kg GCP significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity on day 21 and 42 and reduced (P < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde content on 21 d. Dietary supplementation with 1,000 or 1,500 mg/kg GCP significantly improved (P < 0.05) interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expressions in liver on day 21 and 42. At the end of the experiment, we randomly selected 20 broilers from 3 treatment groups (0, 1,000, and 1,500 mg/kg), respectively, to perform an lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute stress experiment. The 60 broilers were divided into 6 treatment groups with 10 birds per cage. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with GCP (0, 1,000, or 1,500 mg/kg) and LPS (injection of saline or 1 mg/kg body weight) levels as treatments. When the grouping was finished, the broilers were immediately intraperitoneally injected with LPS or normal saline. Six hours after challenged, serum antioxidant and liver immunity were analyzed. The results showed that dietary GCP prevented LPS-induced reductions in T-SOD activity and increases in malonaldehyde content (P < 0.05). Also, dietary GCP supplementation mitigated the LPS-induced increase in IL-1β and IFN-γ in the liver. Supplementation with 1,500 mg/kg GCP showed the most optimal effect in broilers. GCP has the potential to be used as feed additive in broilers.

Efficacy and safety of iguratimod on patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of iguratimod for the treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and explore its possible mechanism of action.Method: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 66 pSS patients. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive oral iguratimod for 24 weeks or matching placebo. The primary endpoint was the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI). Secondary endpoints included mental discomfort visual analogue scale (VAS) score, patient global assessment (PGA), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI), Schirmer's test values, unstimulated whole salivary flow, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The proportions of B cells in peripheral blood and levels of serum B-cell activating factor (BAFF) were measured at baseline and week 24 in the iguratimod group. All adverse events were recorded during the trial period.Results:ESSPRI improved more in the iguratimod than in the placebo group (p = 0.016). Mental discomfort VAS score, PGA, Schirmer's test, ESR, and IgG also improved more in the iguratimod than in the placebo group (all p < 0.05). Adverse events were reported 13.6% of the iguratimod group. Levels of BAFF and proportions of plasma cells in patients decreased significantly after iguratimod treatment. The proportions of peripheral plasma cells had positive correlations with both serum IgG and BAFF.Conclusion: Iguratimod improved some dryness symptoms and disease activity in pSS patients, and reduced the level of BAFF and percentage of plasma cells over 24 weeks. Iguratimod seems to be an effective and safe treatment for pSS.

Expression and prognostic significance of long noncoding RNA AK001796 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Previous study has reported that long noncoding RNA AK001796 (AK001796) functions as a tumor promoter in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, its clinical in ESCC patients remains largely unclear. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of AK001796 in ESCC patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression levels of AK001796 in ESCC tissues and matched normal tissues were detected by RT-PCR. Association between AK001796 levels and clinicopathological factors was also analyzed by chi-square test. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The predictors for OS and DFS were assessed by univariate analysis and multivariate analysis using Cox's proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

We found that AK001796 was elevated in human ESCC samples compared with the adjacent normal tissues (p<0.01), and the high level of AK001796 expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (p=0.032) and advanced UICC stage (p=0.016). Interestingly, Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with high AK001796 expression had a significantly lower OS (p=0.010) and DFS (p=0.001). Moreover, we showed that AK001796 was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS and DFS in ESCC patients through univariate and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide important evidence that AK001796 may be a useful biomarker of advanced progression and poor prognosis of ESCC.

Tiny nano-scale junction built on B/N doped single carbon nanotube

The characteristic sizes of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based devices are constantly being reduced. However, this continuing miniaturization is still facing many problems and requires innovative ideas and structures. By regular doping of boron and nitrogen atoms in a semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT), we have constructed a nano-scale junction with rectifying characteristics. The I-V curve of our junction resembles the I-V curve of an ideal diode with a p-n junction. This junction channel is about 0.6 nm wide and 3.4 nm long, and the footprint is 5.1 nm long. Under a 0.5 V bias, the junction has a leakage current of -8.8 × 10^-3 μA, a rectifying ratio I_on/I_off of 0.716 × 10³, and a current density of 10.52 mA μm^-1. Our study also shows how different dopant distributions influence the I-V curve. Such a regular nano-scale doping method is effective and important, compared with the traditional random doping method.

Regulatory T cells are an important prognostic factor in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The clinical relevance of regulatory T cell (Treg) infiltration in breast cancer (BC) remains controversial, and no recent meta-analysis has been published on this subject. Our aim was to identify the precise relationship between Tregs and the prognosis and clinic-pathological features of BC. Eligible articles were identified with a MEDLINE database search over a period up to March 2015. Our meta-analysis was performed using STATA software 11.0 and Review Manager 5.3. The correlations between Treg infiltration and clinico-pathological features and BC prognosis were analyzed. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses, as well as meta-regression, were conducted. Eighteen published studies (including 8,562 patients) were eligible. Overall survival (OS) and disease-, recurrence-, and progression-free survival (DFS/RFS/PFS) were correlated with Treg infiltration (OR=2.03 (95% CI, 1.40-2.95; P=0.000) and 1.48 (95% CI, 1.00-2.19; P=0.050), respectively), including 3-, 5-, and 10-year mortality rates. In addition, low Treg infiltration was present in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors (P=0.000), progesterone receptor (PR)-positive tumors (P=0.003), Her2-negative tumors (P=0.000) and histological grade I/II tumors (P=0.001). No publication bias was observed with the exception of OS. Subgroup analysis suggested that the mortality rate of the high Treg infiltration subgroup was increased compared with the low Treg infiltration subgroup among ER-positive patients. Treg infiltration indicated a poorer prognosis for BC and is related to ER, PR, and Her2 status and histological grade. Thus, Treg infiltration could help predict outcomes and guide clinical therapy.

[Comparation study of incidental irradiation dose to the internal mammary chain during postmastectomy radiotherapy for patients treated with different irradiation techniques]

Objective: To evaluated the unplanned coverage dose to the internal mammary chain (IMC) in patient treated with postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). Methods: One hundred and thirty eight patients with breast cancer receiving radiotherapy (RT) in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups: three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) group, forward intensity-modulated radiotherapy (F-IMRT) group and inverse IMRT (I-IMRT) group. The IMC were contoured according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) consensus, and were not include into the planning target volume (PTV). The incidental irradiation dose to IMC among the three groups and the first three intercostal spaces IMC (ICS-IMC 1-3) were all compared, and explored the relationship between the mean doses (Dmean) of IMC and the OARs (ipsilateral lung and heart). Results: The dose delivered to IMC showed no difference in CRT, F-IMRT and I-IMRT(33.80 Gy, 29.65 Gy and 32.95 Gy). And 10.42%, 2.04%, and 9.76% patients achieved ≥45 Gy when treated with CRT, F-IMRT and I-IMRT. For the IMC dose in the first three intercostal spaces (ICS1-3), there was no difference to the three treatment plannings. The Dmean, V(20), V(30), V(40) and V(50) of the ICS-IMC2 and ICS-IMC3 were all obviously superior than ICS-IMC1 for all these three plannings. Moderate positive correlation was founded between Dmean for IMC and Dmean for heart for left breast cancer patients underwent CRT (r=0.338, P=0.01). Whereas for F-IMRT and I-IMRT groups, positive correlation were founded between Dmean for IMC and Dmean and V(20) for ipsilateral lung for all patients (F-IMRT: r=0.366, P=0.010; r=0.318, P=0.026; I-IMRT: r=0.427, P=0.005; r=0.411, P=0.008). Conclusions: In 3D-CRT, F-IMRT and I-IMRT planning methods, partial patients get IMC irradiated doses that could achieve therapeutic doses. Compared with 3D-CRT, F-IMRT and I-IMRT further reduced the dose of irradiated organs. However, there is no difference in the dose coverage of IMC for the three planned approaches when the IMC made an unplanned target.

Evaluation of overall survival rate of different therapies in the treatment of T1-T3 prostate cancer: a network meta-analysis

We performed this network meta-analysis (NMA) in order to compare the overall survival rate of six different therapies of T1-T3 prostate cancer (PC). The therapies include radiotherapy (RT), endocrine therapy (ET), Cryoablation (CRYO), radical prostatectomy (RP), RT+ET and RP+ET. Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science and MEDLINE were searched to collect relevant literature from the inception of the study till February 2017. Cohort studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A combination of direct and indirect evidence was performed to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) and draw surface under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA). Nine eligible cohort studies were included in this NMA, including 20,644 patients suffering from T1-T3 PC. The pairwise meta-analysis revealed that compared with the ET regimen, the RP and RP+ET regimens exhibited comparatively higher overall survival rates (OR = 2.81, 95%CI = 2.09 ~ 3.78; OR = 3.15，95%CI = 1.80 ~ 5.50, respectively). The results of SUCRA values demonstrated that the RP + ET regimen occupied the first place (89.5%) in terms of overall survival rate, and the RP regimen came second (84.83%). Thus, the RP+ET regimen had better efficacy in the treatment of T1-T3 PC in combined-therapeutic regimens, and the RP regimen presented better efficacy in mono-therapeutic regimen. Our findings indicate that the RP+ET regimen had better efficacy on improving the overall survival rate of T1-T3 PC patients, and the RP regimen ranked second.

A Cu-atom-chain current channel with a width of approximately 0.246 nm on (5, 0) single-wall carbon nanotube

Continuous miniaturization with improved performance has enabled the development of electronic devices. However, further shrinking of electronic circuits will push feature sizes (linewidths) firmly into the nanoscale. This can cause electronic devices built using current materials (silicon-based) and fabrication processes to not work as expected. Therefore, new materials or preparation technologies are needed for the further miniaturization of electron devices. Here, through theoretical simulation, we show that regular doping of a Cu-atom chain on a single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) can be used to realize an atomic-scale current channel (Cu-atom-chain current channel) with a linewidth of approximately 0.246 nm. Moreover, the atomic-scale Cu-atom-chain current channel shows enhanced conductivity (lower power consumption) compared to a pristine SWCNT. Such a Cu-atom-chain current channel with an atomic-scale linewidth and its method of fabrication (regular doping) may be suitable for the preparation of nanoelectronic devices.

Butyrate and retinoic acid imprint mucosal-like dendritic cell development synergistically from bone marrow cells

Accumulating data show that the phenotypes and functions of distinctive mucosal dendritic cells (DCs) in the gut are regulated by retinoic acid (RA). Unfortunately, the exact role of butyrate in RA-mediated mucosal DC differentiation has not been elucidated thoroughly to date. Mucosal-like dendritic cell differentiation was completed in vitro by culturing bone marrow cells with growth factors [granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF/interleukin (IL)-4], RA and/or butyrate. The phenotypes, cytokine secretion, immune functions and levels of retinal dehydrogenase of different DCs were detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry, respectively. The results showed that RA-induced DCs (RA-DCs) showed mucosal DC properties, including expression of CD103 and gut homing receptor α₄ β₇ , low proinflammatory cytokine secretion and low priming capability to antigen-specific CD4⁺ T cells. Butyrate-treated RA-DCs (Bu-RA-DCs) decreased CD11c, but increased CD103 and α₄ β₇ expression. Moreover, the CD4⁺ T priming capability and the levels of retinal dehydrogenase of RA-DCs were suppressed significantly by butyrate. Thus, butyrate and retinoic acid have different but synergistic regulatory functions on mucosal DC differentiation, indicating that immune homeostasis in the gut depends largely upon RA and butyrate to imprint different mucosal DC subsets, both individually and collectively.

[A comparison of dosimetric variance for external-beam partial breast irradiation using three-dimensional and four-dimensional computed tomography]

Objective: To investigate the potential dosimetric benefits of four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) compared to three-dimensional CT (3DCT) in the planning of radiotherapy for external-beam partial breast irradiation (EB-PBI). Methods: Three-DCT and 4DCT scan sets were acquired for 20 patients who underwent EB-PBI. For each patient a conventional 3D conformal plan (3D-CRT) was generated based on end-inhalation phase (EI). The treatment plan based on the 4DCT EI phase images was copied and applied to the end-exhalation phase (EE) and 3DCT images (defined as EB-PBI(EI), EB-PBI(EE), EB-PBI(3D), respectively). Results: The median volumes of the tumour bed based on 3DCT, EI and EE were 20.99 cm(3,) 19.28 cm(3,) and 18.78 cm(3,) respectively. The tumour bed volume based on 3DCT was significantly greater than that of EI and EE volumes (P<0.05). The planning target volumes (PTV) coverage of EB-PBI(3D), EB-PBI(EI) and EB-PBI(EE) were 96.85%, 97.51%, 97.03%, respectively. The planning target volume (PTV) coverage of EB-PBI(3D) was significantly less than that of EB-PBI(EI) and EB-PBI(EE) (P<0.05). The median homogeneity indexs (HI) based on 3DCT, EI and EE were 0.13, 0.13, 0.13, respectively. The median conformal indexs (CI) based on 3DCT, EI and EE were 0.68, 0.69, 0.68, respectively. The median mean doses (D(mean)) based on 3DCT, EI and EE were 36.20 Gy, 36.20 Gy, 36.22 Gy, respectively. However there were no significant differences in the homogeneity index, conformity index and the mean dose of PTV between the three treatment plans (P>0.05). The EB-PBI(3D) plan resulted in the largest organs at risk dose (P<0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant benefit when using 4DCT to plan 3D-CRT for EB-PBI with regard to reduced non-target organ exposure, and might result in poor dose coverage when the PTV is determined using 3DCT.

[Value of low-dose multi-slice spiral CT chest scan in diagnosis of coal workers' pneumoconiosis]

Objective: To investigate the value of low-dose multi-slice CT (MSCT) chest scan in the diagnosis of coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Methods: A total of 90 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of coal workers' pneumoconiosis were enrolled, and under the conditions of fixed tube voltage, pitch, and slice thickness, they underwent CT scan with a normal dose (150 mA) and a low dose (30-50 mA). The quality of images obtained from two scans was compared, and the imaging findings, opacity profusion, stage, and radiation doses were also compared. Results: Compared with the normal-dose scan, low-dose scan increased the image noise, and the images obtained from scans with doses of 30, 40, and 50 mA did not show significant reductions in signal-to-noise ratio or contrast-to-noise ratio (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the percentage of image quality between low-dose and normal-dose scans (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the percentage of various imaging findings, opacity profusion, or percentage of different stages between low-dose (30, 40, and 50 mA) and normal-dose (150 mA) scans (P>0.05). Conclusion: There are no significant differences between low-dose MSCT chest scan and normal-dose CT in image quality, imaging findings of coal workers' pneumoconiosis, opacity profusion, and stage. Meanwhile, low-dose MSCT chest scan greatly reduces the radiation dose and can be used to assist the diagnosis and follow-up reexamination of coal workers' pneumoconiosis and cover the shortage of high-kilovoltage chest X-ray.

[Cone beam CT-derived adaptive radiotherapy for setup error assessment and correction in whole breast intensity modulated radiotherapy]

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the setup error (SE) in breast cancer patients treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) based on cone beam CT (CBCT), and to explore the feasibility of using several CBCT scans to presume and correct SE in the treatment for breast cancer patients.

METHODS

Eighteen breast cancer patients after breast conserving surgery who underwent whole breast IMRT were included in this study. Three dimensional interfraction motion before and after on-line CBCT-based corrections were quantified. The on-line CBCT-based corrections were performed using automated greyscale match. The system SE (Σ) and random error (σ) were calculated for each patient based on the consecutive multiple online scanning based on CBCT (≥5). The trends in magnitudes of Σ and σwere assessed during the treatment.

RESULTS

The magnitude variation of Σ was less than 1 mm before and after on-line CBCT-based corrections. As the CBCT scanning times increase (before 10 times), the Σ in anteroposterior (AP) direction was increased significantly, and σin three dimensional directions was also increased after 7 times of CBCT scanning. After on-line CBCT-based corrections, the Σ showed a steady trend by variation near zero for the first 20 times irradiation; but after 20 times, the Σ in AP and superoinferior (SI) directions was increased slightly (less than 0.5 mm), and σdecreased in three-dimensional directions. There were no significant differences for Σ, σand setup margin (SM) before and after on-line CBCT-based corrections in all three directions (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

For breast cancer patients who underwent IMRT after breast conserving surgery, the setup error is relatively stable during the whole irradiation. The first 5 CBCT scans are suitable to presume and correct SE, and also can be used as the right time for adaptive radiotherapy planning revision.

Hyaluronic acid functionalized nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots for targeted specific bioimaging

Schematic illustration of the preparation of HA-CQDs (A) and the following bioimaging application (B).

Efficacy comparison between minimally invasive and conventional surgery for lumbar disc herniation in Chinese Han population: a meta-analysis

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/sc.2014.98.

Cardiovascular and heart failure safety profile of vildagliptin: a meta-analysis of 17 000 patients

AIMS

To report the cardiovascular (CV) safety profile and heart failure (HF) risk of vildagliptin from a large pool of studies, including trials in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), such as those with congestive HF and/or moderate/severe renal impairment.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective meta-analysis of prospectively adjudicated CV events. Patient-level data were pooled from 40 double-blind, randomized controlled phase III and IV vildagliptin studies. The primary endpoint was occurrence of major adverse CV events (MACEs; myocardial infarction, stroke and CV death). Assessments of the individual MACE components and HF events (requiring hospitalization or new onset) were secondary endpoints. The risk ratio (RR) of vildagliptin (50 mg once- and twice-daily combined) versus comparators (placebo and all non-vildagliptin treatments) was calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel (M-H) method.

RESULTS

Of the 17 446 patients, 9599 received vildagliptin (9251.4 subject-years of exposure) and 7847 received comparators (7317.0 subject-years of exposure). The mean age of the patients was 57 years, body mass index 30.5 kg/m(2) (nearly 50% obese), glycated haemoglobin concentration 8.1% and T2DM duration 5.5 years. A MACE occurred in 83 (0.86%) vildagliptin-treated patients and 85 (1.20%) comparator-treated patients, with an M-H RR of 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61-1.11]. Similar RRs were observed for the individual events. Confirmed HF events were reported in 41 (0.43%) vildagliptin-treated patients and 32 (0.45%) comparator-treated patients, with an M-H RR 1.08 (95% CI 0.68-1.70).

CONCLUSIONS

This large meta-analysis indicates that vildagliptin is not associated with an increased risk of adjudicated MACEs relative to comparators. Moreover, this analysis did not find a significant increased risk of HF in vildagliptin-treated patients.

Giant negative magnetoresistance in Manganese-substituted Zinc Oxide

We report a large negative magnetoresistance in Manganese-substituted Zinc Oxide thin films. This anomalous effect was found to appear in oxygen-deficient films and to increase with the concentration of Manganese. By combining magnetoresistive measurements with magneto-photoluminescence, we demonstrate that the effect can be explained as the result of a magnetically induced transition from hopping to band conduction where the activation energy is caused by the sp-d exchange interaction.

Coordinated interaction of Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule and deleted in colorectal cancer with dynamic TUBB3 mediates Netrin-1-induced axon branching

Modulation of actin and microtubule (MT) dynamics in neurons is implicated in guidance cue-dependent axon outgrowth, branching and pathfinding. Although the role of MTs in axon guidance has been well known, how extracellular guidance signals engage MT behavior in axon branching remains unclear. Previously, we have shown that TUBB3, the most dynamic β-tubulin isoform in neurons, directly binds to deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) to regulate MT dynamics in Netrin-1-mediated axon guidance. Here, we report that TUBB3 directly interacted with another Netrin-1 receptor Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) and Netrin-1 increased this interaction in primary neurons. MT dynamics were required for Netrin-1-promoted association of DSCAM with TUBB3. Knockdown of either DSCAM or DCC or addition of a function blocking anti-DCC antibody mutually blocked Netrin-1-induced interactions, suggesting that DSCAM interdependently coordinated with DCC in Netrin-1-induced binding to TUBB3. Both DSCAM and DCC were partially colocalized with TUBB3 in the axon branch and the axon branching point of primary neurons and Netrin-1 increased these colocalizations. Netrin-1 induced the interaction of endogenous DSCAM with polymerized TUBB3 in primary neurons and Src family kinases (SFKs) were required for regulating this binding. Knockdown of DSCAM only, DCC only or both was sufficient to block Netrin-1-induced axon branching of E15 mouse cortical neurons. Knocking down TUBB3 inhibited Netrin-1 induced axon branching as well. These results suggest that DSCAM collaborates with DCC to regulate MT dynamics via direct binding to dynamic TUBB3 in Netrin-1-induced axon branching.

The structure, stability, and electronic properties of ultra-thin BC2N nanotubes: a first-principles study

Rapid developments of the silicon electronics industry have close to the physical limits and nanotube materials are the ideal materials to replace silicon for the preparation of next generation electronic devices. Boron-carbon-nitrogen nanotubes (BCNNT) can be formed by joining carbon nanotube (CNT) and boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) segments, and BC2N nanotubes have been widely and deeply studied. Here, we employed first-principles calculations based on density function theory (DFT) to study the structure, stability, and electronic properties of ultra thin (4 Å diameter) BC2N nanotubes. Our results showed that the cross sections of BC2N nanotubes can transform from round to oval when CNT and BNNT segments are parallel to the tube axis. It results when the curvature of BNNT segments become larger than CNT segments. Further, we found the stability of BC2N nanotubes is sensitive to the number of B-N bonds, and the phase segregation of BNNT and CNT segments is energetically favored. We also obtained that all (3,3) BC2N nanotubes are semiconductor, whereas (5,0) BC2N nanotubes are conductor when CNT and BNNT segments are perpendicular to the tube axis; and semiconductor when CNT and BNNT segments are parallel to the tube axis. These electronic properties are abnormal when compared to the relative big ones.