Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in cervical cancer: correlation between quantitative parameters and molecular markers hypoxia-inducible factors-1-alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, and Ki-67

AIM

To investigate whether dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) has the potential to non-invasively detect microenvironmental condition by quantitatively measuring blood perfusion, vessel wall permeability, and vascularity, and to elucidate the possible correlations between DCE-MRI quantitative parameters and the expression level of hypoxia, vascularity, and cell proliferation related molecular biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective single center clinical study, 58 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer underwent DCE-MRI before anticancer treatment were enrolled. Ktrans, Kep, Ve, and Vp were generated from Extended Toft's model. Then patients conducted colposcopy biopsy within 1 week after DCE-MRI. Pretreatment expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGF and Ki-67 were assessed and scored by immunohistochemistry on colposcopy obtained tumor specimens.

RESULTS

In HIF-1α low-expression group, Ktrans (p=0.031) and Kep (p=0.012) values were significantly higher than the high-expression group. In VEGF high-expression group, Ktrans (p=0.044) and Ve values (p=0.021) were significantly higher than the low-expression group. In Ki-67 high-expression group, Ktrans (p=0.026) and Kep (p=0.033) were significantly higher than the low-expression group. Multiple linear regression analyses and Pearson correlation revealed that Ktrans independently negatively correlated with HIF-1α expression, Ve independently positively correlated with VEGF, and Kep independently positively correlated with Ki-67. The area under the ROC curves of Ktrans for HIF-1α, Ve for VEGF, and Kep for Ki-67 were 0.728, 0.743, 0.730, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that DCE-MRI quantitative parameters could be potentially used as imaging markers for non-invasively detecting microenvironmental hypoxia, vascularity and proliferation in cervical cancer patients.

Unmasking the dynamics of Mycoplasma gallisepticum: deciphering HD11 macrophage polarization for innovative infection control strategies

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a highly contagious avian respiratory pathogen characterized by rapid spread, widespread distribution, and long-term persistence of infection. Previous studies have shown that chicken macrophage HD11 cells play a critical role in the replication and immunomodulation of MG. Macrophages are multifunctional immunomodulatory cells that polarize into different functions and morphologies in response to exogenous stimuli. However, the effect of MG infection on HD11 polarization is not well understood. In this study, we observed a time-dependent increase in both the expression of the MG-related virulence protein pMGA1.2 and the copy number of MG upon MG infection. Polarization studies revealed an upregulation of M1-type marker genes in MG-infected HD11 cells, suggesting that MG mainly induces HD11 macrophages towards M1-type polarization. Furthermore, MG activated the inflammatory vesicle NLRP3 signaling pathway, and NLRP3 inhibitors affected the expression of M1 and M2 marker genes, indicating the crucial regulatory role of the NLRP3 signaling pathway in MG-induced polarization of HD11 macrophages. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of MG infection, namely the polarization of MG-infected HD11 macrophages. This discovery suggests that altering the macrophage phenotype to inhibit MG infection may be an effective control strategy. These findings provide new perspectives on the pathogenic mechanism and control measures of MG.

Study on the Efficacy and Clinical Value of Aminophylline and Doxofylline in the Clinical Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective

To study and compare the efficacy and clinical value of aminophylline and doxofylline in the clinical treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Method

The study analyzed the clinical data of 92 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who received either aminophylline or doxofylline treatment in the hospital from January 2020 to June 2022. The patients were divided into a control group composed of 46 COPD patients who received aminophylline treatment and a study group composed of 46 COPD patients who received doxofylline treatment. The two groups' total effective rate and incidence of adverse reactions were compared. The serum inflammatory factor indicators, symptom scores, pulmonary ventilation function, arterial blood gas, chest and lung responsiveness, sleep status indicators, and quality of life scores of the two groups before and after treatment were compared.

Results

At the end of treatment, the total effective rate was higher in the study group compared to the control group (P < .05). Regarding adverse reactions, the study group's total incidence was lower than the control group's (P < .05). After treatment, the levels of serum inflammatory factor indicators of CRP, PCT, and TNF- α in both groups were decreased compared with those before treatment; while comparing the above indicators between the groups, it was found that the values in the study group were lower (all P < .05). After treatment, the scores of symptoms such as cough, expectoration, and shortness of breath in both groups of patients were significantly lower than before treatment, while compared to the control group, the scores of all symptoms were lower in the study group (P < .05). After treatment, compared with FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PaO2, and PaCO2 before treatment, the above indicators in both groups were significantly improved. However, compared with various indicators in the control group, the values of FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PaO2 in the study group were higher, while the values of PaCO2 in the study group were lower (all P < .05). After treatment, the measured values of indicators such as thoracic compliance, lung compliance, and total compliance in the two groups were significantly higher compared with those before the treatment, while compared to the control group, the values of all indicators in the study group were higher (P < .05). After treatment, compared with the control group's monitoring of various indicators of nighttime sleep, the study group obtained better data on monitoring of sleep latency and actual sleep duration. The group obtained lower scores in sleep quality evaluation, while the two groups significantly improved their sleep-related data in night-time monitoring and evaluation compared to those before treatment, with all P < .05. After treatment, the scores in various aspects of the quality of life of patients in both groups were significantly increased compared to those before treatment, and after comparing the scores of various quality of life between the two groups, it was found that the study group was higher than the control group (all P < .05).

Conclusion

After the onset of COPD, doxofylline treatment can achieve better effects than aminophylline treatment.

Improvement of sorghum-wheat blended flours by E-beam irradiation: Physicochemical properties, rheological behavior, microstructure, and quality properties

To enhance the processing suitability of blended flours, this study used 4 kGy E-beam irradiated (EBI) sorghum flour in different ratios blended with wheat flour and further verified the improvement mechanism of the processed products under the optimal ratios. The results suggested that the EBI can mitigate the deterioration of the blend flour farinograph properties while enhancing the gas release during dough fermentation. Under the same addition ratio, the irradiated blend flours showed higher expansion height, gas release, cavitation time, and gas retention coefficient than the control flours. Also, irradiated blend flours retained a gluten network at a higher addition rate (20 %). Moreover, the irradiated blend flours were optimized at 10 % as its pasting and thermal properties were improved. Notably, this ameliorating effect promotes a decrease in hardness and chewiness and an increase in cohesion of the bread cores, presenting better textural attributes and delaying the aging rate during storage. The findings are instructive for applying EBI technology in the manufacture and quality improvement of mixed grain breads and open a new research avenue for processing sorghum staple foods.

Designing functional Li2CuO2-coated separators from Cu foil towards spent LiFePO4 cathode regeneration

A chemical-physical investigation proved that the loss of active Li represents the main mechanism of capacity-fading in spent LiFePO4. Given this, functional Li2CuO2-coated separators were fabricated from spent Cu foil and found to contribute to the regeneration of spent LiFePO4 in a full-cell system. This study presents a novel method for cathode/Cu foil recovery.

Drought decreases cotton fiber strength by altering sucrose flow route

The potential mechanisms by which drought restricts cotton fiber cell wall synthesis and fiber strength formation are still not fully understood. Herein, drought experiments were conducted using two upland cotton cultivars of Dexiamian 1 (drought-tolerant) and Yuzaomian 9110 (drought-sensitive). Results showed that drought notably reduced sucrose efflux from cottonseed coats to fibers by down-regulating the expression of GhSWEET10 and GhSWEET15 in outer cottonseed coats, leading to promoted sucrose accumulation in cottonseed coats but decreased sucrose accumulation in fibers. Within cotton fibers, drought restricted the hydrolysis from sucrose to UDPG by suppressing sucrose synthase activity, and drought favored the conversion of UDPG to β-1, 3-glucan rather than cellulose by up-regulating GhCALS5. Hence, cellulose content was reduced, which was the main reason for the decreased fiber strength under drought. Moreover, drought promoted lignin synthesis by up-regulating the expression of Gh4CL4, GhPAL9, GhCCR5, GhCAD11, and GhOMT6, which partly offset the negative influence of reduced cellulose content on fiber strength. Compared with Yuzaomian 9110, the drought-tolerance of Dexiamian 1 was evidenced in the following ways: (1) slighter blocked sucrose flow from seedcoat to fiber, (2) less β-1, 3-glucan accumulation, and (3) more lignin biosynthesis under drought. Overall, this study provides new insights into the mechanism of drought impacting cotton fiber strength formation.

Adequately increasing the wheat B-starch ratio can improve the structure-properties of dough during freeze-thaw cycles: Mechanisms and conformational relations

To reveal the influence of wheat starch particle size distribution on frozen dough quality, this study reconstituted A/B starch according to 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100 and prepared reconstituted dough by compounding with gluten proteins. Further, the freeze-thaw cycle of 1, 3, and 9 times for reconstituted dough was performed to investigate its ratio-regulatory role of A- and B-starch. The results showed that the freeze-thaw cycle induced gluten network breakage and starch granule exposure in doughs mainly by disrupting disulfide and hydrogen bonds between gluten protein molecules and upsetting their secondary structures, leading to a reduction in GMP and polymer protein content and an increase in freezing water content. Moreover, a moderate increase (25-50 %) in the B-starch proportion can minimize gluten protein deterioration by freeze-thaw cycles. However, excessive B-starch amounts (75-100 %) can also adversely affect gluten structure. The prepared dumpling wrappers under the 50A-50B ratio showed optimal steaming loss rate, hardness, and chewiness during the freeze-thaw cycle. Correlation analysis indicated that the B-starch ratio and its filling pattern improved dough freeze-thaw deterioration primarily by affecting dough-free sulfhydryl content, protein molecular weight distribution, secondary structure, and ΔH. The results may provide insights and guidelines for product development and storage for frozen pasta.

Ternary composite degradable plastics based on Alpinia galanga essential oil Pickering emulsion templates: A potential multifunctional active packaging

To reduce the use of petroleum-based plastics and explore multifunctional plastics, this study was conducted to prepare ternary composite plastics by doping Pickering emulsions containing Alpinia galanga essential oil into a polymer network consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol)-acetylated pullulan polysaccharides. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that although incompatible components were present in the composite plastic, compatibility improved with the addition of pullulan polysaccharides, resulting in smooth surfaces and cross-sections, which was consistent with the observation of continuous dark zones and low relative roughness (Ra = 5.51) in Atomic force microscopy. Further, Fourier transform spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction characterization revealed that the composite plastic disrupted the molecular and crystalline structures of the pure PVA, causing the stretching vibration of -OH and the decrease of relative crystallinity. Moreover, this plastic performed optimally at a PVA to pullulan polysaccharide ratio of 75:25, exhibiting good thermal (13.12 J/g) and mechanical properties, low water absorption (70.71 %) and water vapor transmission (1.80 × 10-3 g/m2 s), as well as excellent degradability. In addition, Alpinia galanga essential oil components in the composite plastic provided favorable antioxidant scavenging of DPPH and ABTS and inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Chicken meat packaging revealed that the plastic maintained sensory parameters such as pH and color by inhibiting the oxidation of proteins and lipids during shelf-life. The findings provide insights into developing innovative, green, multifunctional packaging and broaden the in-depth application of Alpinia galanga essential oil.

Effect of quercetin on granulosa cells development from hierarchical follicles in chicken

1. The bioflavonoid quercetin is a biologically active component, but its functional regulation of granulosa cells (GCs) during chicken follicular development is little studied. To investigate the effect of quercetin on follicular development in laying hens, an in vitro study was conducted on granulosa cells from hierarchical follicles treated with quercetin.2. The effect of quercetin on cell activity, proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells was detected by CCK-8, EdU and apoptosis assays. The effect on progesterone secretion from granulosa cells was investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) mRNA and oestrogen receptors (ERs), as well as the expression of steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) mRNA during progesterone synthesis, were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). PCNA, StAR and CYP11A1 protein expression levels were detected using Western blotting (WB).3. The results showed that treatment with quercetin in granulosa cells significantly enhanced cell vitality and proliferation, reduced apoptosis and promoted the expression of gene and protein levels of PCNA. The levels of progesterone secretion increased significantly following quercetin treatment, as did the expression levels of StAR and CYP11A1 using the Western Blot (WB) method.4. The mRNA expression levels of ERα were significantly upregulated in the 100 ng/ml and 1000 ng/ml quercetin-treated groups, while there was no significant difference in expression levels of ERβ mRNA.

Role of interleukin-6 and endothelin-1 receptors in enhanced melanocyte dendricity of facial spots and suppression of their ligands by niacinamide and tranexamic acid

BACKGROUND

Hyperpigmented spots are common issues in all ethnicities with a hallmark characteristic of increased melanocyte dendricity.

OBJECTIVES

To determine (1) potential receptors and/or cytokines that are involved in increased melanocyte dendricity in multiple facial spot types; (2) treatment effects of skin-lightening compounds on identified cytokine release from keratinocytes and on dendricity in melanocytes.

METHODS

Facial spots (melasma, solar lentigo, acne-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and adjacent non-spot skin biopsies were collected from Chinese women (age 20-70). The epidermal supra and basal layers were laser dissected to enrich keratinocyte or melanocyte biology respectively for transcriptome analysis. Melanocyte dendricity was assessed histologically by immunofluorescent staining. Effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) on melanocyte dendricity and melanosome transfer were assessed in human melanocytes or melanocyte-keratinocyte co-culture models. Treatment effects of skin-lightening compounds (niacinamide, tranexamic acid [TxA], sucrose laurate/dilaurate mixture [SDL]) were assessed on IL-6 or ET-1 release from keratinocytes and on dendricity in melanocytes.

RESULTS

Transcriptome analysis revealed IL-6 receptor and ET-1 receptor were significantly upregulated compared to the adjacent normal skin, visually confirmed at the protein level through immunostaining. Melanocytes in spot areas are more dendritic than melanocytes in adjacent non-spot skin. The addition of IL-6 and ET-1 to cell culture models increased melanocyte dendricity and melanosome transfer. IL-6 release was significantly suppressed by niacinamide and its combination, while ET-1 release was significantly reduced by both niacinamide and TxA. In contrast, SDL acted directly upon melanocytes to reduce dendricity.

CONCLUSION

Interleukin-6 and ET-1 receptors are significantly upregulated in multiple facial spot types. The in vitro testing demonstrated their respective ligands increased melanocyte dendricity. Tested skin-lightening compounds showed reduction in release of IL-6/ET-1 from epidermal keratinocytes and/or inhibition of melanocyte dendricity. This work sheds light on pathophysiological mechanism of facial spots and potential new mechanisms of these skin-lightening compounds which warrant further human clinical validation.

Role of Cisplatin in Inducing Acute Kidney Injury and Pyroptosis in Mice via the Exosome miR-122/ELAVL1 Regulatory Axis

Although cisplatin is an effective chemotherapy drug for the treatment of various cancers, its clinical use is limited due to its side effects, especially nephrotoxicity. Unfortunately, acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by cisplatin remains one of the main challenges in effective cancer treatment. Evidence increasingly suggests that renal inflammation and pyroptotic inflammatory cell death of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) mainly determine the progression and outcome of cisplatin-induced AKI. However, it is not clear how cisplatin regulates the pyroptosis of RTECs cells in AKI. The current study aimed to determine the regulation mechanism of AKI induced by cisplatin. We used cisplatin to induce AKI in vivo. We performed H&E staining of mouse kidney tissue sections and evaluated serological indicators of kidney injury (including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)). We used immunohistochemistry and western blot to detect the important substrate protein gasdermin D (GSDMD) and key target caspase-1 of pyroptosis, respectively. Cisplatin induced mouse AKI and RTECs pyroptosis. HK2 cell-derived exosomes treated with cisplatin influenced pyroptosis of the surrounding HK2 cells. Cisplatin-treated HK2 cells exosome-derived miR-122 regulated pyroptosis in the surrounding cells. Exosome-derived miR-122 affected cisplatin-induced AKI and HK2 cells pyroptosis by regulating the expression of embryonic lethal abnormal vision (ELAVL1). These results suggest that exosome miR-122 inhibited pyroptosis and AKI by targeting ELAVL1 under cisplatin treatment, and this offers a potential target for the treatment of AKI.

Prediction of outpatient waiting time: using machine learning in a tertiary children's hospital

Background

Accurately predicting waiting time for patients is crucial for effective hospital management. The present study examined the prediction of outpatient waiting time in a Chinese pediatric hospital through the use of machine learning algorithms. If patients are informed about their waiting time in advance, they can make more informed decisions and better plan their visit on the day of admission.

Methods

First, a novel classification method for the outpatient clinic in the Chinese pediatric hospital was proposed, which was based on medical knowledge and statistical analysis. Subsequently, four machine learning algorithms [linear regression (LR), random forest (RF), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), and K-nearest neighbor (KNN)] were used to construct prediction models of the waiting time of patients in four department categories.

Results

The three machine learning algorithms outperformed LR in the four department categories. The optimal model for Internal Medicine Department I was the RF model, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 5.03 minutes, which was 47.60% lower than that of the LR model. The optimal model for the other three categories was the GBDT model. The MAE of the GBDT model was decreased by 28.26%, 35.86%, and 33.10%, respectively compared to that of the LR model.

Conclusions

Machine learning can predict the outpatient waiting time of pediatric hospitals well and ease patient anxiety when waiting in line without medical appointments. This study offers key insights into enhancing healthcare services and reaffirms the dedication of Chinese pediatric hospitals to providing efficient and patient-centric care.

Ultrahigh initial coulombic efficiency for deep sodium storage enabled by carbon-free vanadium-doping MoS2 hierarchical nanostructure

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has garnered attention as a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and unique lamellar texture. Nevertheless, unmodified MoS2 suffers from inferior electrical conductivity, poor reaction reversibility, and suboptimal cycle life upon repeated sodiation/desodiation. In this study, a novel carbon-free V-heteroatom doping MoS2 composite (abbr. VMS) with hierarchical laurustinus-like structure was synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal process. Specifically, the rational doping of V-atoms can effectively modulate the intrinsic electronic structure of pure MoS2, resulting in enhanced Na-ion diffusion rate, improved reaction kinetics and reduced activation energy compared to bare MoS2. Additionally, the hierarchical structure of the VMS composite, with sufficient spacing, effectively mitigates mechanical stress and ensures the integrity of active materials. Consequently, the prepared VMS composite possesses exceptional reaction reversibility (average ICE value of 92 %) and remarkable capacity retention (92.1 % after 450 cycles at 10 A/g). These findings contribute valuable insights into the development of advanced MoS2-based anode for sodium ion batteries.

Magnetic properties and critical behaviors of the nodal-line semimetal candidate ErIn3

The AuCu3-type intermetallic compoundsReIn3(Re= a rare earth ion) with type-IV magnetic space groups are predicted to show topologically nontrivial electronic states. Here, we grow ErIn3single crystals, and study their magnetic properties and critical behaviors by means of the magnetic susceptibility, and magnetization isotherm measurements. Combining a detailed analysis of the magnetic susceptibility and isothermal magnetization, we find that this compound harbors a complicated magnetic phase diagram, and its magnetic moment arrangement appears not to simply follow the fashion as observed in the isostructural counterpart GdIn3(it adopts a conventional type-Cmagnetic structure that belongs to type-IV magnetic space groups). A careful study of the magnetic properties around the antiferromagnetic (AFM)-paramagnetic transition yields the critical exponentsβ= 0.309 (0.297),γ= 1.117 (1.038), andδ= 4.617 (4.454), indicating that the tricritical mean field model or the three-dimensional Ising model works for ErIn3's magnetic behaviors and the presence of a long-range AFM interaction therein. Besides, the exchange interaction distanceJ(r) ∼r-4.665as well confirms a long-range magnetic coupling in ErIn3. Our results offer the clues that the magnetic structure varies from one member ofReIn3family to another, and to confirm their electronic features in the AFM phases further experimental and theoretical studies are still desired.

Efficacy of dynamic interpersonal therapy for major depressive disorder in China: results of a multicentered, three-arm, randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Dynamic interpersonal therapy (DIT) is a brief, structured psychodynamic psychotherapy with demonstrated efficacy in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of the study was to determine whether DIT is an acceptable and efficacious treatment for MDD patients in China.

METHOD

Patients were randomized to 16-week treatments with either DIT plus antidepressant medication (DIT + ADM; n = 66), general supportive therapy plus antidepressant medication (GST + ADM; n = 75) or antidepressant medication alone (ADM; n = 70). The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) administered by blind raters was the primary efficacy measure. Assessments were completed during the acute 16-week treatment and up to 12-month posttreatment.

RESULTS

The group × time interaction was significant for the primary outcome HAMD (F = 2.900, df1 = 10, df2 = 774.72, p = 0.001) in the acute treatment phase. Pairwise comparisons showed a benefit of DIT + ADM over ADM at weeks 12 [least-squares (LS) mean difference = -3.161, p = 0.007] and 16 (LS mean difference = -3.237, p = 0.004). Because of the unexpected high attrition during the posttreatment follow-up phase, analyses of follow-up data were considered exploratory. Differences between DIT + ADM and ADM remained significant at the 1-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up (ps range from 0.001 to 0.027). DIT + ADM had no advantage over GST + ADM during the acute treatment phase. However, at the 12-month follow-up, patients who received DIT remained less depressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute treatment with DIT or GST in combination with ADM was similarly efficacious in reducing depressive symptoms and yielded a better outcome than ADM alone. DIT may provide MDD patients with long-term benefits in symptom improvement but results must be viewed with caution.

Insight into how E-beam pretreatment promotes sodium hypochlorite oxidation for structure-property improvement of cassava starch: A molecular-level modulation mechanism

To investigate the role of E-beam treatment on the structure-properties of oxidized starch, this study investigated the influence of E-beam (1, 3, 6 kGy) pretreatment combined with NaClO oxidation (1% and 3%) on the multi-scale structural, physicochemical, and digestive properties of cassava starch. Results showed that E-beam treatment did not affect the starch surface, but the oxidative modification increased granule surface roughness. Also, the synergistic modification preserved starch growth rings, FT-IR patterns and crystal types. Further investigations revealed that E-beam induced starch molecular degradation, leading to decreased molecular weight, depolymerization of long chains, and a loss of short-range order. Moreover, oxidation treatment exacerbated the disruption in starch molecular structure, as evidenced by crystallinity loss, viscosity, and enthalpy reduction. Notably, E-beam induces starch yellowing; however, oxidative modification increases starch whiteness. Additionally, the synergistic modification improved native starch's lower solubility and enhanced the resistant starch content. Results suggest that E-beam pretreatment can enhance oxidative modification by promoting the exposure of active sites of starch molecules without destroying starch structure and can be considered an advanced, green, and efficient pretreatment for modified starch in the future.

Sex differences in depression, anxiety and health-promoting lifestyles among community residents: A network approach

BACKGROUND

Researchers have studied sex differences in typical depressive and anxiety symptoms and their cooccurrence. The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a mental health promotion objective that suggests considering protective health-promoting factors when developing strategies for preventing mental disorders between sexes. From a network perspective, psychopathology is viewed as a result of interacting symptoms and influential factors. This study adopted network approach to investigate sex differences in health-promoting lifestyles (HPL) and the cooccurrence symptoms of communities in Shanghai. The aim is to provide health-promoting suggestions on better enhancing the life quality for community members.

METHODS

Depression, anxiety symptoms, and HPL were assessed with PHQ-9, GAD-7 and HPLP-II scales in 2420 adults (1411 females). Networks were constructed by Gaussian Graphical Models and the networks of two sexes using the Network Comparison Test.

RESULTS

Females scored significantly higher on PHQ-9 (p < 0.001) and GAD-7 (p < 0.001), and no differences were found between the two sexes in HPL scores. Restlessness and low energy yielded the highest strength centrality in the female network, while suicide ideation and restlessness were central in male network. Regarding protective HPL, physical activity and stress management were identified as the central mental health-promoting behaviours in female and male network, respectively. However, stress management was positively related to suicide ideation in the male network.

CONCLUSION

Communities should be aware of suicide ideation in males because of its high relationships with other symptoms and also provide stress management courses, especially for males. As for women, chronic energy deficiency deserves more attention for its high probability of cooccurrence with other symptoms in the network. Also, advocating physical activities may be particularly beneficial for the overall mental health among women. Future study should collect time-series data and analyze intraindividual networks to specify personalized health promoting strategies for each individual.

Effect of electron beam irradiation on granular cold-water swelling chestnut starch: Improvement of cold-water solubility, multiscale structure, and rheological properties

In this study, granular cold-water swelling (GCWS) starch was prepared from chestnut starch by ethanol-alkali method, after which it was further modified by electron beam irradiation (EBI) technique to investigate the effect of EBI on GCWS chestnut starch. It was shown that the alcohol-alkali treatment disrupted the starch double helix structure and the starch crystalline form had been changed from "C" to "V" type. On this basis, EBI continued to act on the disrupted starch chains and further cleaved the long chains into short chains, which significantly improved the solubility of starch to 90.08 % in cold water at a 24 kGy irradiation dose. Therefore, this study can broaden the application scope of starch and provide new ideas for GCWS starch applications in food and water-soluble pharmaceutical industries.

A Comparison of Clinicopathologic Outcomes and Patterns of Lymphatic Spread across Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy and Neoadjuvant Immunochemotherapy in Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To evaluate the differences in pathologic complete response (pCR) rates, TRG score, pathologic T stage and the pattern of lymphatic spread among patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) or neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT) prior to esophagectomy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 702 patients with ESCC who completed transthoracic esophagectomy followed neoadjuvant therapy at three cancer centers from January 2017 to December 2022 were enrolled. Among the included patients, 382 patients were treated with NCR, 172 with NCRT, and 148 with NICT. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed to control potential confounding factors. Pathological response of primary tumor was evaluated using the Chirieac modified tumor regression grade (TRG) system. The complete regression of primary lesion and nodal metastases were considered pCR. Lymph node classification system used the 8th edition of AJCC. Specimens were assessed for pattern of lymphatic spread.

RESULTS

After adjusting for baseline characteristics, the R0 resection rate did not significantly differ between the patients receiving NCT or NCRT or NICT (99.48% vs.100% vs.98.65%, P = 0.273). Compared with the NCT group, the NCRT group and NICT group had an advantage in pathological response (P<0.05). The pCR rate was 7.07% in the NCT group, 30.23% in the NCRT group, and 22.30% in the NICT group. Compared to the other two groups, the TRG score (P<0.05) and pathologic T stage (P<0.05) in the NCT group were significantly higher. In the NCT group, 9.97% had ypT0 disease, compared with 35.76% in the NCRT group and 25.68% in the NICT group. And in the NCT group, 9.71% had TRG1 disease, compared with 32.76% in the NCRT group and 25% in the NICT group. Compared with NICT, NCRT can significantly reduce the rate of LNM in station 1R (0 vs 3.38%, P<0.05) and 2R (1.15% vs 6.76%, P<0.05). Subgroup analysis according to the tumor location distribution showed that in upper thoracic cases, there was no statistical difference in LNM rates among stations no matter whether patients received NCT or NCRT or NICT. NICT group had higher LNM rates in station 2R (9.1%) in middle thoracic cases (P<0.05) and in station 18 (7.5%) (P<0.05) in lower thoracic cases, compared with the NCRT group and NCT group.

CONCLUSION

NCRT or NICT followed by surgery may result in a promising pCR rate and show a better performance in therapeutic response of primary lesion. No matter whether patients received NCT or NCRT or NICT, multiple level and skip node metastases are common, and adequate lymphadenectomy should be achieved to ensure the complete removal of metastatic lymph nodes.

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.

An Efficient Transformer Model for Synthesizing Dual Energy CT from Single Energy Scanner

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Dual-energy CT can be used to optimize radiation treatment. Recently, deep learning has been demonstrated to synthesize high-energy CT images from low-energy ones for dose reduction and lower CT system burden. As the state-of-the-art deep learning architecture, the computation burden of Transformer increases quadratically with the feature size, making the model training resource-demanding or even infeasible. Here, we introduce an efficient transformer for the balance between CT image synthesis quality and computational burden.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The model is a U-shape deep neural network with encoders and decoders built by Transformer blocks. The model input is low-energy 100kVp CT image and the output is high-energy 140kVp one. Each block has a Self Channel Correlation Unit (SCCU) and a Self Spatial Attention Unit (SSAU). Local shortcuts are applied for both units. Under-sampling operation achieved by pixel shuffling is used to obtain multi-scale feature maps, and the transformer block is applied on each feature scale. Symmetric skip connection sending features from shallow layers to deep layers, thus an additional 1 × 1 convolution is used for feature fusion in each decoder. In a SCCU, the feature is first mapped to one Query, one Key, and one Value. Then the Query and the Key tensors perform matrix multiplication to compute cross covariance of feature channels. The channel correlation score can be obtained by normalization of the covariance, and it is used to weight the Value tensor. As a result, the model complexity only increases linearly with the feature size. Besides the channel weighting, we enhance spatial information using SSAU, where the feature is mapped to two tensors. One tensor after activation is used to point-wisely calibrate another tensor. Additional Transformer blocks are cascaded to the last decoder for feature refinement. Because of the structure similarity of low- and high-energy CT images, a global shortcut is used to ease model training. Clinical iodine contrast-enhanced dual energy CT image datasets of 19 patients are used in this study. The dual-energy scanning is performed by a SOMATOM Definition Flash DECT scanner. We split the datasets into training dataset of 15 patients, validation dataset of 1 patient, and testing dataset of 3 patients. The image size is 512 × 512 with pixel size 0.5 × 0.5 mm2.

RESULTS

The U-Net model with 1.95M parameters and 44.87G FLOPS achieved the averaged PSNR value of 44.55 dB (s.t.d. 1.34) and averaged RMSE value of 0.0060 (s.t.d. 0.001). In comparison, our efficient Transformer with 1.408M parameters and 31.375G FLOPS achieved the averaged PSNR value of 44.78 dB (s.t.d. 1.37) and RMSE value of 0.0059 (s.t.d. 0.001), demonstrating our model has better performance with small model size and less computation.

CONCLUSION

The efficient Transformer model allows high-resolution CT image synthesis with small model scale and computation burden from low-energy CT image.

Sampled-data exponential consensus of multi-agent systems with Lipschitz nonlinearities

In this paper, the exponential consensus of leaderless and leader-following multi-agent systems with Lipschitz nonlinear dynamics is illustrated with aperiodic sampled-data control using a two-sided loop-based Lyapunov functional (LBLF). Firstly, applying input delay approach to reformulate the resulting sampled-data system as a continuous system with time-varying delay in the control input. A two-sided LBLF which captures the information on sampled-data pattern is constructed and the symmetry of the Laplacian matrix together with Newton-Leibniz formula have been employed to obtain reduced number of decision variables and decreased LMI dimensions for the exponential sampled-data consensus problem. Subsequently, an aperiodic sampled-data controller was designed to simplify and enhance stability conditions for computation and optimization purposes in the proposed approach. Finally, based on the controller design, simulation examples including the power system are proposed to illustrate the theoretical analysis, moreover, a larger sampled-data interval can be acquired by this method than other literature, thereby conserving bandwidth and reducing communication resources.

A Feasibility Study of Dose Band Prediction in Radiotherapy: Predicting a Dose Spectrum

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Current deep learning-based dose prediction methods can only predict a specific dose distribution. If the predicted dose is inaccurate, no more options can be selected. We proposed a novel dose prediction method named dose band prediction, which outcomes a spectrum of predicted dose distribution for planning and quality assurance (QA).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Upper-Band and Lower-Band losses were involved in 3D convolution neural networks to establish the Upper-Band Network (UBN) and Lower-Band Network (LBN). Each voxel's ideal dose spectrum (dose band) was defined by the maximum/minimum rational dose predicted by UBN/LBN. 130 NPC cases with Tomotherapy (dataset 1), 49 cervix cases with IMRT (dataset 2) and 43 cervix cases with VMAT (dataset 3) were enrolled to establish and evaluate our dose band prediction method.

RESULTS

The dose band prediction method can successfully predict a spectrum of doses. Upper-Band/Lower-Band presents maximum/minimum rational dose; Middle-Line presents the average of Upper-Band and Lower-Band. The clinical implement dose was used as the reference dose. We evaluated the maximum interval between the reference and Upper-Band/Middle-Line/Lower-Band doses, and the percentage dose difference was used as the evaluation method. The differences in PTV for Upper-Band, Middle-Line and Lower-Band in dataset 1 were within 2.47%, 0.54%, and 2.8%; in dataset 2, they were within 0.37%, 1.15%, and 2.69%; in dataset 3, they were within 0.96%, 0.35%, and 1.66%. The mean difference of OARs for the Upper-Band, Middle-Line and Lower-Band in dataset 1 were within 8.13%, 4.97%, and 8.19%; in dataset 2, they were within 8.8%, 4.48%, and 5.52%; in dataset 3, they were within 4.01%, 3.13%, and 5.79% (shown in Table 1).

CONCLUSION

Dose Band prediction achieved high-accuracy dose prediction by the Middle-Line. More importantly, the Upper-Band/Lower-Band provided a spectrum of possible rational doses. Our Dose Band prediction method is based on a specific loss function, so it can easily be applied in various network and patient cases. Dose Band prediction towards a more robust plan QA and planning assistance. Table 1. The maximum interval of doses (percentage dose difference, %).

Anisotropic magnetoresistance and electronic features of the candidate topological compound praseodymium monobismuthide

PrBi, a sister member of the rare-earth monopnictide family, is an excellent candidate for studying extreme magnetoresistance and nontrivial topological electronic states. In this study, we perform angular magnetoresistance measurements as well as bulk and surface band structure calculations on this compound. PrBi's magnetoresistance is revealed to be significantly angle-dependent and shows a fourfold symmetry as always observed in the nonmagnetic isostructural counterparts, including LaSb, LaBi, and LuBi. Its angular magnetoresistance can be reproduced well using the semiclassical two-band model. The deduced parameters suggest that PrBi hosts an elongated electron pocket with a mobility anisotropy of ∼3.13 and is slightly uncompensated in its carrier concentration. Our bulk and surface band structure calculations confirm the anisotropic electronic features. Moreover, we reveal that a nodal-line-shaped surface state appears at the X̄ point, and is associated with the quadratic dispersion along the -X̄ direction, and the linear type-I Dirac dispersion along the X̄-M̄ direction. Owing to the type-I Dirac dispersion feature, PrBi could serve as a promising material platform for studying many unexpected physical properties, such as the highly anisotropic transport and valley polarization of electrons.

Spotlight on the Multiscale Structural and Physicochemical Properties of Red Adzuki Bean Starch through Partial Amylose Removal Combined with Hydrochloric Acid

To explore the effect of amylose within starch granules on the efficiency of starch hydrolysis by acid, we chose the warm water extraction method to treat red adzuki bean starch to obtain different degrees of amylose removal granule models and to prepare samples in combination with acid hydrolysis. The amylose content was reduced after acid hydrolysis, reducing the peak viscosity (2599-1049 cP), while the solubility was significantly increased. In contrast, the short-chain content of the deamylose-acid hydrolysis samples was reduced considerably, exacerbating the trend towards reduced starch orderliness and increased solubility. This work reveals the granular structure of starch from the point of view of deamylose and contributes to a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of acid hydrolysis. It might add to knowledge in starch science research and industrial applications for the acid processing of starch-based foods, particularly with regard to the most important factors controlling the structure and function of starch.

Auxin and abscisic acid play important roles in promoting glucose metabolism of reactivated young kernels of maize (Zea mays L.)

In maize, young kernels that are less competitive and have poor sink activity often abort. Studies have indicated that such poor competitiveness depends, in part, on the regulation by auxin (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA). However, the mechanisms for such effects remain unclear. We used pollination-blocking and hand-pollination treatments accompanied by multi-omics and physiological tests, to identify underlying mechanism by which IAA and ABA, along with sugar signaling affect kernel development. Results showed that preventing pollination of the primary ears reactivated kernels in the secondary ears and altered both sugar metabolism and hormone signaling pathways. This was accompanied by increased enzyme activities in carbon metabolism and concentrations of glucose and starch, as well as increased levels of IAA and decreased levels of ABA in the reactivated kernels. Positive and negative correlations were observed between IAA, ABA contents and cell wall invertase (CWIN) activity, and glucose contents, respectively. In vitro culture revealed that the expression of genes involved in glucose utilization was upregulated by IAA, but downregulated by ABA. IAA could promote the expression of ABA signaling genes ZmPP2C9 and ZmPP2C13 but downregulated the expression of Zmnced5, an ABA biosynthesis gene, and ZmSnRK2.10, which is involved in ABA signal transduction. However, these genes showed opposite trends when IAA transport was inhibited. To summarize, we suggest a regulatory model for how IAA inhibits ABA metabolism by promoting the smooth utilization of glucose in reactivated young kernels. Our findings highlight the importance of IAA in ABA signaling by regulating glucose production and transport in maize.

Electron beam irradiation-assisted prepare pea starch nanocrystals and characterization of their molecular structure, physicochemical and rheological properties

Electron beam irradiation (EBI) is an environmentally friendly physical modification technology. In this study, pea starch nanocrystals (SNC) were prepared by EBI-assisted pretreatment, and investigated the effects of EBI on the multiscale structure and physicochemical properties of SNC. EBI-assisted pretreatment didn't change the particle morphology, crystalline type and FT-IR spectra of SNC. However, EBI-SNC's relative crystallinity and short-range orderliness index (R1047/1022) significantly increased with increasing irradiation dose (5 KGy-20 KGy). In addition, EBI-assisted pretreatment caused the long chains of SNC's amylopectin to break into short chains. Moreover, EBI-assisted treatment significantly reduced the mean size, molecular weight, apparent amylose content, swelling power and SDS + RS content of SNC, while increasing the solubility, zeta potential and RDS content. Furthermore, the flow properties of the EBI-SNC samples were increased. The results show that EBI effectively changed the structural and functional properties of SNC, and the excellent functional properties are expected to broaden the application range of SNC.

Influence of pre- or post-electron beam irradiation on heat-moisture treated maize starch for multiscale structure, physicochemical properties and digestibility

Electron beam irradiation (EBI) as a green technological method for starch modification can generate starch-based materials with new functions. This study modified maize starch by heat-moisture treatment (HMT) for 1 h and 3 h, and EBI with various intensities (5 kGy and 10 kGy), and their effects of treatment sequence on the multiscale structure, physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility were investigated. EBI or HMT alone did not change the granule morphology and crystalline type, but reduced the crystallinity and molecular weight and increased the resistant starch content. HMT alone had no significant effect on the solubility of starch, while EBI led to a considerable increase in the solubility of maize starch. The combined treatment of EBI and HMT aggravated apparent viscosity reduction, and the HMT starch pretreated with EBI had a smaller molecular weight and lower viscosity. In contrast, post-EBI samples had higher solubility and RS content. Primarily, it has excellent potential for producing low-viscosity and high-solubility starch foods.

[Efficacy of CT-guided partial radiofrequency ablation of bilateral responsible cranial nerves in the treatment of Meige syndrome]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of CT-guided partial radiofrequency ablation of bilateral responsible cranial nerves in the treatment of Meige syndrome. Methods: The Clinical data of 56 patients with Meige syndrome in the Department of Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University from June 2019 to January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed [19 males and 37 females, aged 42-76 (58.6±8.3) years], including 51 cases of blepharospasm, 3 cases of oromandibular dystonia and 2 cases of blepharospasm concomitant with oromandibular dystonia. CT-guided partial radiofrequency ablation of bilateral responsible cranial nerves was performed on different types of Meige syndrome. And the efficacy and complications of the technique were observed. Results: Fifty-one patients with blepharospasm Meige syndrome underwent CT-guided radiofrequency of facial nerve through bilateral stylomastoid foramen punctures, the symptoms of blepharospasm disappeared completely, leaving bilateral mild and moderate facial paralysis symptoms. Three patients with oral-mandibular dystonia underwent CT-guided radiofrequency therapy by bilateral foramen ovale puncture of mandibular branches of trigeminal nerve, masticatory muscle spasm disappeared, the patients had no difficulty opening the mouth, and the skin numbness in bilateral mandibular nerve innervation area was left. Two cases of Meige syndrome with blepharospasm concomitant with oromandibular dystonia were treated by radiofrequency of facial nerve and mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve, and all symptoms disappeared. The patients were followed up for 1-44 months after the operation, and the symptoms of mild and moderate facial paralysis disappeared at (3.2±0.8) months after the operation, but the numbness did not disappear. Three patients with blepharospasm recurred at the 14, 18 and 22 months after the operation, respectively, while the rest cases did not recur. Conclusions: According to different types of Meige syndrome, CT-guided partial radiofrequency ablation of responsible cranial nerves can effectively treat the corresponding type of Meige syndrome. The complications are only mild and moderate facial paralysis which can be recovered, and/or skin numbness in the mandibular region.

"Double-edged sword" effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor development and carcinogenesis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are small reactive molecules produced by cellular metabolism and regulate various physiological and pathological functions. Many studies have shown that ROS plays an essential role in the proliferation and inhibition of tumor cells. Different concentrations of ROS can have a "double-edged sword" effect on the occurrence and development of tumors. A certain concentration of ROS can activate growth-promoting signals, enhance the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells, and cause damage to biomacromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. However, ROS can enhance the body's antitumor signal at higher levels by initiating oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and autophagy in tumor cells. This review analyzes ROS's unique bidirectional regulation mechanism on tumor cells, focusing on the key signaling pathways and regulatory factors that ROS affect the occurrence and development of tumors and providing ideas for an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of ROS action and its clinical application.

[Dermatophagoides farinae induces conjunctival epithelial cell damage to promote neutrophil migration and neutrophil extracellular traps formation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanisms underlying allergic conjunctivitis caused by conjunctival epithelial cell damage, neutrophil migration and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation induced by crude extracts of Dermatophagoides farinae mite (CDM).

METHODS

Human conjunctival epithelial cells were stimulated with 500, 1 000, 2 000, 4 000 ng/mL, and the expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-8 were detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The culture supernatant of human conjunctival epithelial cells was collected and co-cultured with neutrophils. Neutrophil migration was measured using Transwell migration assay, and the expression of NETs markers myeloperoxidase (MPO) and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) was quantified using immunofluorescence staining. Neutrophils were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and then NETs were collected for treatment of human conjunctival epithelial cells. Cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry, and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-8 were measured in the cell culture supernatant using ELISA.

RESULTS

Treatment with CDM at concentrations of 2 000 ng/mL and 4 000 ng/mL up-regulated IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-8 expression in human conjunctival epithelial cells. Following treatment with CDM at concentrations of 2 000 ng/mL and 4 000 ng/mL, the culture supernatant of human conjunctival epithelial cells promoted neutrophil migration and induced increases in the staining intensity of MPO and CitH3. In addition, increased NETs triggered the apoptosis of human conjunctival epithelial cells and IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-8 secretion in the culture supernatant of human conjunctival epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

CDM induces human conjunctival epithelial cell damages, thereby promoting neutrophil migration and NETs formation, while the release of NETs further aggravates human conjunctival epithelial cell damages.

Electron beam irradiation modification of ultra-high pressure treated broad bean starch: Improvement of multi-scale structure and functional properties

To investigate the synergistic effect of electron beam irradiation (EBI) on the ultra-high pressure (UHP) modification of broad bean starch, various pressures (200, 400, 600 MPa) combined with different irradiation doses (3, 6, 12 kGy) were used to modify the structure-properties of broad bean starch in this study. The results showed that both UHP and EBI induced a reduction of amylopectin molecular weight (Mw) and depolymerization of long chains, caused the loss of short-range ordered structure and imperfection of crystal structure, and improved starch viscosity, solubility and enzyme sensitivity. Furthermore, the applied pressure causes changes in starch granule structure, upon which EBI promotes further degradation and depolymerization of starch by affecting the crystalline and amorphous regions. Hence, appropriate doses of EBI treatment can impart more desirable processing properties to UHP-modified starches, and EBI can be used as a promising way to promote starch modification further.

[Determination of misoprostol in workplace air by high performance liquid chromatography]

Objective: To establish a high performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of misoprostol in workplace air. Methods: From February to August 2021, the misoprostol in the workplace air was collected by glass fiber filter membrane, and theeluent was separated by C18 liquid chromatography column, determined by UV detector, and quantified by external standard method. Results: The quantitative lower limit of misoprostol determination method was 0.05 μg/ml, and the lowest quantitative concentration was 1.4 μg/m(3) (calculated by collecting 75 L air sample). The concentration of misoprostol has a good linear relationship between 0.05 to 10.00 μg/ml. The relative coefficient was 0.9998. The regression equation of the standard working curve was y=495759x-45257. The range of average recovery rates were from 95.5% to 102.8%. The intra-assay precision of the method was 1.2%-4.6%, and the inter-assay precision was 2.0%-5.9%. The samples could be stored stably for 7 days at 4 ℃. Conclusion: The high performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of misoprostol has high sensitivity, good specificity and simple procedure of sample pretreatment. It is suitable for the detection of misoprostol in the workplace air.

Low let-7d microRNA levels in chick embryos enhance innate immunity against Mycoplasma gallisepticum by suppressing the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

Chick embryos are a valuable model for studying immunity and vaccines. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the molecular mechanism of the Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG)-induced immune response in chick embryos for the prevention and control of MG. In this study, we screened for downregulated let-7d microRNA in MG-infected chicken embryonic lungs to explore its involvement in the innate immune mechanism against MG. Here, we demonstrated that low levels of let-7d are a protective mechanism for chicken embryo primary type II pneumocytes (CP-II) in the presence of MG. Specifically, we found that depressed levels of let-7 in CP-II cells reduced the adhesion capacity of MG. This suppressive effect was achieved through the activated mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP1) target gene and the inactivated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Furthermore, MG-induced hyperinflammation and cell death were both alleviated by downregulation of let-7d. In conclusion, chick embryos protect themselves against MG infection through the innate immune molecule let-7d, which may result from its function as an inhibitor of the MAPK pathway to effectively mitigate MG adhesion, the inflammatory response and cell apoptosis. This study may provide new insight into the development of vaccines against MG.

[Population structure of food-borne Staphylococcus aureus in China]

Objective: To understand the population structure of food-borne Staphylococcus (S.) aureus in China. Methods: Whole genome sequencing was used to analyze 763 food-borne S. aureus strains from 16 provinces in China from 2006 to 2020. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST), staphylococcal protein A gene (spa) typing, and staphylococcal chromosome cassettemec (SCCmec) typing were conducted, and minimum spanning tree based on ST types (STs) was constructed by BioNumerics 7.5 software. Thirty-one S. aureus strains isolated from imported food products were also included in constructing the genome phylogenetic tree. Results: A total of 90 STs (20 novel types) and 160 spa types were detected in the 763 S. aureus isolates. The 72 STs (72/90, 80.0%) were related to 22 clone complexes. The predominant clone complexes were CC7, CC1, CC5, CC398, CC188, CC59, CC6, CC88, CC15, and CC25, accounting for 82.44% (629/763) of the total. The STs and spa types in the predominant clone complexes changed over the years. The methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) detection rate was 7.60%, and 7 SCCmec types were identified. The ST59-t437-Ⅳa (17.24%, 10/58), ST239-t030-Ⅲ (12.07%, 7/58), ST59-t437-Ⅴb (8.62%, 5/58), ST338-t437-Ⅴb (6.90%, 4/58) and ST338-t441-Ⅴb (6.90%, 4/58) were the main types in MRSA strains. The genome phylogenetic tree had two clades, and the strains with the same CC, ST, and spa types clustered together. All CC7 methicillin sensitive S. aureus strains were included in Clade1, while 21 clone complexes and all MRSA strains were in Clade2. The MRSA strains clustered according to the SCCmec and STs. The strains from imported food products in CC398, CC7, CC30, CC12, and CC188 had far distances from Chinese strains in the tree. Conclusions: In this study, the predominant clone complexes of food-borne strains were CC7, CC1, CC5, CC398, CC188, CC59, CC6, CC88, CC15, and CC25, which overlapped with the previously reported clone complexes of hospital and community-associated strains in China, suggesting that close attention needs to be paid to food, a vehicle of pathogen transmission in community and food poisoning.

The role and mechanism of electron beam irradiation in glutaric anhydride esterified proso millet starch: Multi-scale structure and physicochemical properties

To investigate the effect of electron beam irradiation (EBI) pretreatment on the multiscale structure and physicochemical properties of esterified starch, this study used EBI pretreatment to prepare glutaric anhydride (GA) esterified proso millet starch. GA starch did not show the corresponding distinct thermodynamics peaks. However, it had a high pasting viscosity and transparency (57.46-74.25 %). EBI pretreatment increased the degree of glutaric acid esterification (0.0284-0.0560) and changed its structure and physicochemical properties. EBI pretreatment disrupted its short-range ordering structure, reducing the crystallinity, molecular weight and pasting viscosity of glutaric acid esterified starch. Moreover, it produced more short chains and increased the transparency (84.28-93.11 %) of glutaric acid esterified starch. This study could offer a rationale for using EBI pretreatment technology to maximize the functional properties of GA modified starch and enlarge its implementation in modified starch.

[Quantitative study of supraspinatus tendon injury grading based on synthetic magnetic resonance imaging]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of quantitative parameters of synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (SyMRI) in the grade of supraspinatus tendon injury. Methods: Ninety-seven patients with clinical definite of supraspinatus tendon injury from July 2021 to July 2022 in General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University were prospectively collected (case group), including 54 males and 43 females, with an age of 29 to 56 (37.4±9.6) years. According to the results of shoulder arthroscopy, the case group were divided into three subgroups included tendinopathy group (37 cases, grade Ⅱ), partial tear group (34 cases, grade Ⅲ) and complete tear group (26 cases, grade Ⅳ). During the same period, 28 normal rotator cuff volunteers without supraspinatus tendon injury were recruited (control group), including 16 males and 12 females, aged 23 to 49 (36.1±7.2) years, and marked as grade Ⅰ. All the subjects underwent MRI scan of articulatio humeri included T₁-weighted imaging(T₁WI) fast spin echo(FSE) sequences in axial view, T₂-weighted imaging(T₂WI) fat suppression(FS) sequences in axial view, T₂WI FS sequences in oblique coronal view, proton density-weighted (PDW) imaging in oblique sagittal view and SyMRI in oblique coronal view. The supraspinatus tendon was divided into lateral, medial and middle subregions according to its shape in oblique coronal T₂WI view, two radiologists measured the T₁, T₂ and PD values of the supraspinatus tendon. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to compare the consistency between and within observers. One-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to compare the differences of quantitative parameters in different grades, the multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of supraspinatus tendon injury grade, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under curve (AUC) was drawn and calculated to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy. The Spearman correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the quantitative values and grades of supraspinatus tendon injury. Results: The ICC values of T₁, T₂ and PD values for the three subregions of the supraspinatus tendon were greater than 0. 700. The differences of T₁ values in the lateral subregion, T₂ values in the lateral and middle subregions were statistically significant in the overall comparison across different grades (all P<0. 001).The differences of T₁ values in the middle and medial subregions, T₂ values in the medial subregion and PD values in the lateral, middle and medial subregions were not statistically significant in the overall comparison of different grades (all P>0. 05). Multiple logistic regression model analysis showed that T₂ values in the lateral and middle subregions were related factors for the grade of supraspinatus tendon injury[ OR (95%CI):1.123 (1.037-1.216), 0.122 (1.151-1.197);all P<0.001 ]. The AUC of the T₂ values in lateral subregion diagnosing grade Ⅰ vs grade Ⅳ, grade Ⅱ vs grade Ⅳ and grade Ⅲ vs grade Ⅳ were 0.891(95%CI: 0.801-0.981), 0.797(95%CI: 0.680-0.914), 0.723(95%CI: 0.594-0.853) (all P<0.001), and the AUC of the T₂ values in middle subregion diagnosing grade Ⅰ vs Ⅳ, grade Ⅱ vs Ⅳ, grade Ⅱ vs Ⅲ, and grade Ⅰ vs Ⅲ were 0.946 (95%CI: 0.849-0.989), 0.886 (95%CI: 0.809-0.962), 0.746 (95%CI: 0.631-0.861), 0.843 (95%CI: 0.745-0.941)(all P<0.001). The T₂ values in the lateral and middle subregions were positively correlated with the grade of supraspinatus tendon injury (r=0.542, 0.615; both P<0.001), while T₁ values and T₂ values in the medial subregions were not significantly correlated with the grade of supraspinatus tendon injury (both P>0.05). Conclusion: SyMRI has high clinical application value in the grading of supraspinatus tendon injury, especially T₂ value can be used as an effective quantitative parameter for the grading of supraspinatus tendon injury.

Designing Sphere-like FeSe2-Carbon Composites with Rational Construction of Interfacial Traits towards Considerable Sodium-storage Capabilities

Due to their low cost and high stability, sodium-ion batteries have been increasingly studied. However, their further development is limited by the relative energy density, resulting in the search for high-capacity anodes. FeSe₂ displays high conductivity and capacity but still suffers from sluggish kinetics and serious volume expansion. Herein, through sacrificial template methods, a series of sphere-like FeSe₂-carbon composites are successfully prepared, displaying uniform carbon coatings and interfacial chemical FeOC bonds. Moreover, benefiting from the unique traits of precursor and acid treatment, rich structural voids are prepared, effectively alleviating volume expansion. Utilized as anodes of sodium-ion batteries, the optimized sample displays considerable capacity, achieving 462.9 mAh g^-1, with 88.75% coulombic efficiency at 1.0 A g^-1. Even at 5.0 A g^-1, their capacity can be kept at approximately 318.8 mAh g^-1, while the stable cycling can be prolonged to 200 cycles above. Supported by the detailed kinetic analysis, it can be noted that the existing chemical bonds facilitate the fast shuttling of ions at the interface, and the enhanced surface/near-surface properties are further vitrified. Given this, the work is expected to offer valuable insights for the rational design of metal-based samples toward advanced sodium-storage materials.

[Development and validation of prognostic nomogram for malignant pleural mesothelioma]

Objective: To development the prognostic nomogram for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Methods: Two hundred and ten patients pathologically confirmed as MPM were enrolled in this retrospective study from 2007 to 2020 in the People's Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, the First and Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, and divided into training (n=112) and test (n=98) sets according to the admission time. The observation factors included demography, symptoms, history, clinical score and stage, blood cell and biochemistry, tumor markers, pathology and treatment. The Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze the prognostic factors of 112 patients in the training set. According to the results of multivariate Cox regression analysis, the prognostic prediction nomogram was established. C-Index and calibration curve were used to evaluate the model's discrimination and consistency in raining and test sets, respectively. Patients were stratified according to the median risk score of nomogram in the training set. Log rank test was performed to compare the survival differences between the high and low risk groups in the two sets. Results: The median overall survival (OS) of 210 MPM patients was 384 days (IQR=472 days), and the 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates were 75.7%, 52.6%, 19.7%, and 13.0%, respectively. Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that residence (HR=2.127, 95% CI: 1.154-3.920), serum albumin (HR=1.583, 95% CI: 1.017-2.464), clinical stage (stage Ⅳ: HR=3.073, 95% CI: 1.366-6.910) and the chemotherapy (HR=0.476, 95% CI: 0.292-0.777) were independent prognostic factors for MPM patients. The C-index of the nomogram established based on the results of Cox multivariate regression analysis in the training and test sets were 0.662 and 0.613, respectively. Calibration curves for both the training and test sets showed moderate consistency between the predicted and actual survival probabilities of MPM patients at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. The low-risk group had better outcomes than the high-risk group in both training (P=0.001) and test (P=0.003) sets. Conclusion: The survival prediction nomogram established based on routine clinical indicators of MPM patients provides a reliable tool for prognostic prediction and risk stratification.

[Association between vitamin D level and blood eosinophil count in healthy population and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with blood eosinophil count in healthy population and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

We analyzed the data of a total 6163 healthy individuals undergoing routine physical examination in our hospital between October, 2017 and December, 2021, who were divided according to their serum 25(OH)D level into severe vitamin D deficiency group (< 10 ng/mL), deficiency group (< 20 ng/mL), insufficient group (< 30 ng/mL) and normal group (≥30 ng/mL). We also retrospectively collected the data of 67 COPD patients admitted in our department from April and June, 2021, with 67 healthy individuals undergoing physical examination in the same period as the control group. Routine blood test results, body mass index (BMI) and other parameters were obtained from all the subjects, and logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between 25(OH)D levels and eosinophil count.

RESULTS

The overall abnormal rate of 25(OH)D level (< 30 ng/mL) in the healthy individuals was 85.31%, and the rate was significantly higher in women (89.29%) than in men. Serum 25(OH)D levels in June, July, and August were significantly higher than those in December, January, and February. In the healthy individuals, blood eosinophil counts were the lowest in severe 25(OH)D deficiency group, followed by the deficiency group and insufficient group, and were the highest in the normal group (P < 0.05). Multivariable regression analysis showed that an older age, a higher BMI, and elevated vitamin D levels were all risk factors for elevated blood eosinophils in the healthy individuals. The patients with COPD had lower serum 25(OH)D levels than the healthy individuals (19.66±7.87 vs 26.39±9.28 ng/mL) and a significantly higher abnormal rate of serum 25(OH)D (91% vs 71%; P < 0.05). A reduced serum 25(OH)D level was a risk factor for COPD. Blood eosinophils, sex and BMI were not significantly correlated with serum 25(OH)D level in patients with COPD.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency is common in both healthy individuals and COPD patients, and the correlations of vitamin D level with sex, BMI and blood eosinophils differ obviously between healthy individuals and COPD patients.

[S100A10 promotes proliferation and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells by activating the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of expression levels of S100 calcium-binding protein A10 (S100A10) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) on patient prognosis and the regulatory role of S100A10 in lung cancer cell proliferation and metastasis.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of S100A10 in LUAD and adjacent tissues, and the relationship between S100A10 expression and clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of the patients was statistically analyzed. The lung adenocarcinoma expression dataset in TCGA database was analyzed using gene enrichment analysis (GSEA) to predict the possible regulatory pathways of S100A10 in the development of lung adenocarcinoma. Lactate production and glucose consumption of lung cancer cells with S100A10 knockdown or overexpression were analyzed to assess the level of glycolysis. Western blotting, CCK-8 assay, EdU-594 assay, and Transwell assays were performed to determine the expression level of S100A10 protein, proliferation and invasion ability of lung cancer cells. A549 cells with S100A10 knockdown and H1299 cells with S100A10 overexpression were injected subcutaneously in nude mice, and tumor growth was observed.

RESULTS

The expression level of S100A10 was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissues as compared with the adjacent tissues, and an elevated S100A10 expression level was associated with lymph node metastasis, advanced tumor stage and distant organ metastasis (P < 0.05), but not with tumor differentiation or the patients' age or gender (P > 0.05). Survival analysis showed that elevated S100A10 expressions in the tumor tissue was associated with a poor outcome of the patients (P < 0.001). In the lung cancer cells, S100A10 overexpression significantly promoted cell proliferation and invasion in vitro (P < 0.001). GSEA showed that the gene sets of glucose metabolism, glycolysis and mTOR signaling pathway were significantly enriched in high expressions of S100A10. In the tumor-bearing nude mice, S100A10 overexpression significantly promoted tumor growth, while S100A10 knockdown obviously suppressed tumor cell proliferation (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

S100A10 overexpression promotes glycolysis by activating the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway to promote proliferation and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells.

[Prevalence and trends of anemia among pregnant women in eight provinces of China from 2016 to 2020]

This study analyzed the anemia status and change trend of 219 835 pregnant women in eight provinces from 2016 to 2020 in the Maternal and Newborn Health Monitoring Program(MNHMP). The results showed that from 2016 to 2020, the anemia rate of pregnant women in eight provinces was 41.27%, and the rates of mild, moderate and severe anemia were 28.56%, 12.59% and 0.12% respectively; the anemia rates in eastern, central and western regions were 41.87%, 36.09% and 44.63% respectively, and the anemia rates in urban and rural areas were 39.87% and 42.23%. From 2016 to 2020, the anemia rate of pregnant women decreased from 44.93% to 38.22%, with an average annual decline of 3.86% (95%CI:-5.84%, -1.85%). The anemia rate among pregnant women of the eastern region (AAPC=-6.16%, 95%CI:-9.79%, -2.38%) fell faster than that among pregnant women of the central region (AAPC=0.71%, 95%CI:-6.59%, 8.57%) and western region (AAPC=-1.53%, 95%CI:-5.19%, 2.28%). From 2016 to 2020, the moderate anemia rate in pregnant women decreased from 14.98% to 10.74%, with an average annual decline of 8.72% (95%CI:-12.90%, -4.34%), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05); AAPC for mild and severe anemia in pregnant women was 1.56% (95%CI: 3.44%, 0.36%) and 18.86% (95%CI: 39.88%, 9.52%), respectively, without statistically significant difference (P>0.05).

[Analysis of typing conversion and perinatal outcomes in twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction of different subtypes]

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of different types of selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) pregnant women under expectant management, including the natural evolution, typing conversion and perinatal outcomes. Methods: The clinical data of 153 pregnant women with sIUGR under expected treatment in Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2014 to December 2018 were collected. Maternal characteristics including maternal age, gravidity, parity, method of conception, pregnancy complication, gestational age at delivery, indication for delivery, birth weight, the rate of intrauterine and neonatal death and neonatal outcomes were recorded. Pregnant women with sIUGR were divided into three types according to end-diastolic umbilical artery flow Doppler ultrasonography, and the differences of typing conversion and perinatal outcomes of sIUGR pregnant women based on the first diagnosis were compared. Results: (1) Clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes: among 153 pregnant women with sIUGR, 100 cases (65.3%) were diagnosed with type Ⅰ, 35 cases (22.9%) with type Ⅱ, and 18 cases (11.8%) with type Ⅲ. There were no significant differences in age, conception mode, pregnancy complications, first diagnosis gestational age, characteristics of umbilical cord insertion, delivery indications, fetal intrauterine mortality and neonatal mortality among three types of sIUGR pregnant women (all P>0.05). The average gestational age at delivery of type Ⅰ sIUGR was (33.5±1.9) weeks, which was significantly later than those of type Ⅱ and Ⅲ [(31.3±1.8), (31.2±1.1) weeks, P<0.001]. The percentage disordance in estimated fetal weight (EFW) of type Ⅰ sIUGR was significantly lower than those of type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ (P<0.001). The incidence rate of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, cerebral leukomalacia and respiratory complications of both fetus and necrotizing enterocolitis of large fetus in type Ⅰ were significantly lower than those in type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ (all P<0.05). (2) Typing conversion: in 100 cases of type Ⅰ sIUGR, 18 cases progressed to type Ⅱ and 10 cases progressed to type Ⅲ. Compared with 72 stable type Ⅰ sIUGR, those with progressed type Ⅰ sIUGR had higher incidence of NICU admission and lung disease in both fetuses, and cerebral leukomalacia and necrotizing enterocolitis in large fetus (all P<0.05). The proportion of inconsistent cord insertion was significantly higher in those type Ⅰ progressed to type Ⅲ (6/10) than in those with stable type Ⅰ (19.4%, 14/72) and type Ⅰ progressed to type Ⅱ sIUGR [0 (0/18), P=0.001]. Four cases of type Ⅱ sIUGR reversed to type Ⅰ and 6 cases reversed to type Ⅲ. Compared with type Ⅱ reversed to type Ⅰ sIUGR, those stable type Ⅱ and type Ⅱ reversed to type Ⅲ sIUGR had a higher incidence of NICU admission in large fetus (P<0.05). Two cases of type Ⅲ sIUGR reversed to type Ⅰ and 6 cases progressed to type Ⅱ. There were no significant differences in fetal serious complications in type Ⅲ sIUGR with or without doppler changes (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The different types of sIUGR could convert to each other. The frequency of ultrasound examinations should be increased for patients with the type Ⅰ sIUGR, especially when the percentage discordance in EFW is substantial or with discordant cord insersion.

EVALUATION OF PRE-ABLATION NLR AND LMR AS PREDICTORS OF DISTANT METASTASES IN PATIENTS WITH DIFFERENTIATED THYROID CANCER

Objective

This research aim was to evaluates the role of the pre-ablation neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) as predictors of distant metastases in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was given to 140 patients with DTC who received 131I remnant ablation after surgery. The patients were divided into two groups based on the existence of distant metastasis.

Results

The two groups showed no significant difference in age, gender, WBCs, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and whether the tumor was multifocal. In the univariate analysis, significant differences were found in tumor size (p=0.021), lymphocyte (p=0.012), NLR (p=0.027), and LMR (p=0.007). According to the ROC curves, NLR had an AUC of 0.612 ± 0.097 with a cut-off value of 1.845, sensitivity of 60.0%, and specificity of 66.2% (p=0.027). LMR had an AUC of 0.638 ± 0.095 with a cut-off value of 4.630, sensitivity of 84.6%, and specificity of 35.4% (p=0.007). In the multivariate analysis, larger tumor size (OR=5.246, 95% CI 1.269-10.907, p=0.009) and higher NLR (OR=2.087, 95% CI 0.977-4.459, p=0.034) were statistically significant for distant metastases.

Conclusion

This research reveals that pre-ablation NLR and tumor size are significantly statistically correlated with distant metastases in patients with DTC.

[Morphology of the esophagus of ferrets and expression profile of molecular markers]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the morphological characteristics and the expression profile of molecular markers of ferret esophagus and assess the feasibility of using ferrets as animal models for studying human esophageal diseases.

METHODS

Frozen sections and paraffin- embedded specimens of the esophageal tissues were obtained from adult ferrets (aged 6 to 8 months) and ferrets aged 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 1 week and 2 weeks. HE staining and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were used for morphological analysis of the esophageal submucosal glands (SMGs) of adult ferrets, and the expressions of MUC5B and MUC5AC were tested using Mucin staining; The expressions of cytokeratins (CK4, CK5, CK7, CK8, CK14, CK17, CK18, CK19, and CK20) in adult ferret esophagus were examined using HE staining and immunofluorescence assay. The expressions of LEF1 in the esophageal epithelium and SMGs were detected with immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTS

In adult ferrets, the esophageal SMGs were connective tissues below the muscularis mucosa of the esophagus with secretory functions. Cytokeratins were expressed differentially in different esophageal cells: CK4, CK8 and CK20 were expressed mainly in the mucous cells, ductal cells and epithelial cells, respectively, while the mucous cells expressed the largest variety of cytokeratins. Mucin staining showed positive MUC5B and MUC5AC expression in the cytoplasm and lumen of adult ferret esophageal glands. Lectin from DBA, ECL, GSLI, GSL Ⅱ, SBA, Tacalin bioylated, ULEX, WGA, GSL Ⅰ and GSL Ⅱ were expressed on ductal cell membrane, and ECL, PNA and WGA were detected on epithelial cell membrane. Lectin with ConA, PHA-E and PHA-L were expressed on serous cell membrane. Immunofluorescence assay showed that LEF1 in the developing glands were visible from 3 days to 1 week of age and then disappeared as the glands matured. The intensity of LEF1 expression in the esophageal glands differed significantly between ferrets aged 1 to 7 days and those aged two weeks.

CONCLUSION

Ferrets and human share similar esophageal tissue structures and some common molecular markers, suggesting the possibility of using ferrets as animal models of human esophageal diseases.

All-fiber-device-coupled compact, transportable ultra-stable laser

In response to the demand for operation in non-laboratory environments, there has been a trend toward the development of compact, transportable ultra-stable lasers. This paper reports on this sort of laser system assembled in a cabinet. The whole optical part utilizes fiber-coupled devices to simplify the integration. In addition, spatial beam collimation and alignment into the high-finesse cavity are realized by a five-axis positioner and a focus-adjustable fiber collimator, which significantly relax the alignment and adjustment. A theoretical analysis is performed on how the collimator adjusts the beam profile and coupling efficiency. The support structure of the system is specially designed as well so that it features robustness and transportation without performance degradation. The observed linewidth is 1.4 Hz within a duration of 1 s. After subtracting the linear drift of 70 mHz/s, the fractional frequency instability is better than 4 × 10^-15, for the averaging time ranging from 1 to 100 s, which is close to the thermal noise limit of the high-finesse cavity.

Effects of soil drought on cottonseed kernel carbohydrate metabolism and kernel biomass accumulation

Cottonseed is the main coproduct of cotton production. The carbohydrate metabolism provides carbon substrate for the accumulation of cottonseed kernel biomass which was the basis of cottonseed kernel development. However, the responses of drought stress on carbohydrate metabolism in kernels are still unclear. To address this, two cotton cultivars (Dexiamian 1 and Yuzaomian 9110) were cultivated under three water treatments including soil relative water content (SRWC) at (75 ± 5)% (control), (60 ± 5)% (mild drought) and (45 ± 5)% (severe drought) to investigate the effects of soil drought on cottonseed kernel carbohydrate metabolism and kernel biomass accumulation. Results suggested that drought restrained the accumulation of cottonseed kernel biomass which eventually decreased cottonseed kernel biomass at maturity. In detail, the down-regulation of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity led to the inhibition of sucrose synthesis, while the up-regulation of invertase (INV) promoted the sucrose decomposite, which reduced the sucrose content eventually under drought. Though hexose content was increased, phosphoenolpyruvic acid (PEP) content was decreased under drought by downregulating 6-phosphofructokinase (PFK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) activities, which hindered the conversion of hexose to PEP. The large decrease of sucrose and PEP contents hindered the accumulation of kernel biomass. The related substances contents and enzyme activities in carbohydrate metabolism of Yuzaomian 9110 were more susceptible to drought stress than Dexiamian 1.

The role of interferon-stimulated gene 15 in the occurence and progression of cervical squamous cell carcinoma

To identify molecular markers for early diagnosis and new targets for treatment of cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Our study involved 52 carcinoma tissues that were confirmed pathologically as cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University in 2021. We obtained 36 control specimens from patients who had undergone hysterectomy for benign uterine diseases in 2021, with no cervical lesions as confirmed by pathology. Total RNA was extracted from all the samples. Reverse transcription and quantitative real-time PCR were performed. Immunohistochemical staining for interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) protein was performed. Descriptive analyses including mean and standard deviation were used to compare different groups. For data that do not conform to normal distribution, we use Wilcox rank sum test to make statistics to compare different groups with the median and interquartile. Mann Whitney U test was used to compare non-parametric continuous data, and categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the possibility of using ISG15 as a new biomarker for cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Compared with normal cervical tissues, mRNA expression of ISG15 in cervical cancer tissues was significantly lower (P<0.01); mRNA expression was significantly lower in patients with nerve invasion (P<0.05). Difference in ISG15 protein expression was statistically significant (no expression/low expression) in the cancer samples compared to normal tissues (P<0.01). The area under ROC curve was 0.810 (P<0.001) and the sensitivity and specificity were 75% and 54%, respectively. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that ISG15 mRNA was positively correlated with protein expression (r=0.358, P=0.001). Deficiency of ISG15 may be associated with the occurrence and progression of CSCC. It could be used as a potential tumor marker in research and treatment of CSCC.