[Long-term outcome of patients with rectal cancer who achieve complete or near complete clinical responses after neoadjuvant therapy: a multicenter registry study of data from the Chinese Watch and Wait Database]

Objective: To report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after adopting a Watch and Wait (W&W) strategy following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional study was based on real-world data. The study cohort comprised rectal cancer patients who had achieved complete or near complete clinical responses (cCRs, near-cCRs) after NAT and were thereafter managed by a W&W approach, as well as a few patients who had achieved good responses after NAT and had then undergone local excision for confirmation of pathological complete response. All participants had been followed up for ≥2 years. Patients with distant metastases at baseline or who opted for observation while living with the tumor were excluded. Data of eligible patients were retrospectively collected from the Chinese Wait-and-Watch Data Collaboration Group database. These included baseline characteristics, type of NAT, pre-treatment imaging results, evaluation of post-NAT efficacy, salvage measures, and treatment outcomes. We herein report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after NAT and W&W and the differences between the cCR and near-cCR groups. Results: Clinical data of 318 rectal cancer patients who had undergone W&W for over 2 years and been followed up were collected from eight medical centers (Peking University Cancer Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, the First Hospital of Jilin University, and Yunnan Cancer Hospital.) The participants comprised 221 men (69.4%) and 107 women (30.6%) of median age 60 (26-86) years. The median distance between tumor and anal verge was 3.4 (0-10.4) cm. Of these patients, 291 and 27 had achieved cCR or near-cCR, respectively, after NAT. The median duration of follow-up was 48.4 (10.2-110.3) months. The 5-year cumulative overall survival rate was 92.4% (95%CI: 86.8%-95.7%), 5-year cumulative disease-specific survival (CSS) rate 96.6% (95%CI: 92.2%-98.5%), 5-year cumulative organ-preserving disease-free survival rate 86.6% (95%CI: 81.0%-90.7%), and 5-year organ preservation rate 85.3% (95%CI: 80.3%-89.1%). The overall 5-year local recurrence and distant metastasis rates were 18.5% (95%CI: 14.9%-20.8%) and 8.2% (95%CI: 5.4%-12.5%), respectively. Most local recurrences (82.1%, 46/56) occurred within 2 years, and 91.0% (51/56) occurred within 3 years, the median time to recurrence being 11.7 (2.5-66.6) months. Most (91.1%, 51/56) local recurrences occurred within the intestinal lumen. Distant metastases developed in 23 patients; 60.9% (14/23) occurred within 2 years and 73.9% (17/23) within 3 years, the median time to distant metastasis being 21.9 (2.6-90.3) months. Common sites included lung (15/23, 65.2%), liver (6/23, 26.1%), and bone (7/23, 30.4%) The metastases involved single organs in 17 patients and multiple organs in six. There were no significant differences in overall, cumulative disease-specific, or organ-preserving disease-free survival or rate of metastases between the two groups (all P>0.05). The 5-year local recurrence rate was higher in the near-cCR than in the cCR group (41.6% vs. 16.4%, P<0.01), with a lower organ preservation rate (69.2% vs. 88.0%, P<0.001). The success rates of salvage after local recurrence and distant metastasis were 82.1% (46/56) and 13.0% (3/23), respectively. Conclusion: Rectal cancer patients who achieve cCR or near-cCR after NAT and undergo W&W have favorable oncological outcomes and a high rate of organ preservation. Local recurrence and distant metastasis during W&W follow certain patterns, with a relatively high salvage rate for local recurrence. Our findings highlight the importance of close follow-up and timely intervention during the W&W process.

[Effect of dual fluorescence imaging in identifying central lymph nodes and parathyroid glands during thyroid cancer surgery]

Objective: To investigate the effect of dual fluorescence imaging in identifying central lymph nodes and parathyroid glands during thyroid cancer surgery. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. Patients who underwent surgery for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University between January 2022 and September 2023 were included. All patients underwent thyroid lobectomy or total resection, and central lymph node dissection was performed at the same time. During the operation, tracing injection of mitoxantrone hydrochloride and 785 nm and 660 nm dual fluorescence imaging technique were used to measure the fluorescence intensity (FI) of parathyroid glands, central lymph nodes and background. After correcting to obtain the standardized FI, the paired t-test was used to compare the standardized FI of the parathyroid glands and central lymph nodes, and the Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the standardized FI and various clinical indicators. Results: The study included 30 patients (8 males and 22 females), with a mean age of (41.8±10.4) years. A total of 76 parathyroid glands and 234 central lymph nodes were identified under dual fluorescence imaging, and the standardized FI of parathyroid glands was less than that of central lymph nodes (44.7±16.8 vs 99.5±28.4, P<0.001). The visualization rate, false rate and miscut rate of parathyroid glands under 785 nm wavelength excitation light were 98.7% (76/77), 0 (0/77) and 1.3% (1/77), respectively (one case with no visualization and miscutting parathyroid gland was the encapsulated type). The visualization rate of central lymph nodes under 660 nm wavelength excitation light was 98.7% (234/237). There was no significant correlation between FI and clinical indicators such as gender, age, height, weight, body mass index, preoperative thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin antibody, thyroid microsomal antibody, serum calcium, parathyroid hormone level and surgical procedure (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Dual fluorescence imaging of central lymph nodes and parathyroid glands can improve the ability to identify parathyroid gland while assisting central lymph node dissection.

[Efficacy and prognostic factors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of secondary acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and prognostic factors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in patients with secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) . Methods: In this multicenter, retrospective clinical study, adult patients aged ≥18 years who underwent allo-HSCT for sAML at four centers of the Zhejiang Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Collaborative Group from January 2014 to November 2022 were included, and the efficacy and prognostic factors of allo-HSCT were analyzed. Results: A total of 95 patients were enrolled; 66 (69.5%) had myelodysplastic syndrome-acute myeloid leukemia (MDS-AML) , 4 (4.2%) had MDS/MPN-AML, and 25 (26.3%) had therapy-related AML (tAML) . The 3-year CIR, LFS, and overall survival (OS) rates were 18.6% (95% CI 10.2%-27.0%) , 70.6% (95% CI 60.8%-80.4%) , and 73.3% (95% CI 63.9%-82.7%) , respectively. The 3-year CIRs of the M-AML group (including MDS-AML and MDS/MPN-AML) and the tAML group were 20.0% and 16.4%, respectively (P=0.430) . The 3-year LFSs were 68.3% and 75.4%, respectively (P=0.176) . The 3-year OS rates were 69.7% and 75.4%, respectively (P=0.233) . The 3-year CIRs of the groups with and without TP53 mutations were 60.0% and 13.7%, respectively (P=0.003) ; the 3-year LFSs were 20.0% and 76.5%, respectively (P=0.002) ; and the 3-year OS rates were 40.0% and 77.6%, respectively (P=0.002) . According to European LeukmiaNet 2022 (ELN2022) risk stratification, the 3-year CIRs of patients in the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups were 8.3%, 17.8%, and 22.6%, respectively (P=0.639) . The three-year LFSs were 91.7%, 69.5%, and 65.6%, respectively (P=0.268) . The 3-year OS rates were 91.7%, 71.4%, and 70.1%, respectively (P=0.314) . Multivariate analysis revealed that advanced disease at allo-HSCT and TP53 mutations were independent risk factors for CIR, LFS, and OS. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the prognosis of patients who underwent allo-HSCT among the MDS-AML, MDS/MPN-AML, and tAML groups. Advanced disease at transplantation and TP53 mutations were poor prognostic factors. ELN2022 risk stratification had limited value for predicting the prognosis of patients with sAML following allo-HSCT.

[Analysis on the management of type 2 inflammatory asthma from the guideline of Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention]

Bronchial asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease, which is involved in a variety of cells and cellular components. In 2019, the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma issued by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Committee put forward the concept of type 2 inflammatory asthma for the first time. The updated evolution of GINA guidelines has promoted the development of biological agents and disease treatment, providing effective prevention and treatment for patients with severe asthma and improving disease outcome. This paper expounds the disease mechanism and management suggestions of type 2 inflammatory asthma in GINA guidelines, and analyzes the relevant clinical studies on targeted treatment of type 2 inflammatory asthma in recent years, in order to provide reference for in-depth understanding of level 3 prevention and management of patients with type 2 inflammatory asthma.

Suppressing gas swelling in self-assembled Li4Ti5O12 (400) for high-performance rechargeable batteries

Lithium titanate is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its high-rate capability and long-cycle duration. However, gas swelling during electrochemical reactions has hindered its industrial application. Here, we synthesize self-assembled (400)-orientation lithium titanate (SA-LTONF) with ultrafine nanoparticles using a feasible thermal method. The SA-LTONF with an organic carbon coating exhibited superior electrochemical performance. To understand such high-rate capability, we perform density functional theory (DFT) calculations which elucidate the orientation-dependent electrochemical mechanism of hydrogen evolution and the atomically dynamic mechanism of lithium-ion migration in Li4Ti5O12 and Li7Ti5O12. Our findings provide a unique insight into the gas generation and ultrafast lithium-ion transportation in lithium titanate and offer guidance for nanoarchitecture construction and materials design of lithium titanate for commercial applications.

Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stromal cells exert a therapeutic effect on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension by modulating the YAP1/SPP1 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a progressive and life-threatening disease characterized by perivascular inflammation, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and occlusion. Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exo) have emerged as potential therapeutic agents due to their role in cell communication and the transportation of bioactive molecules. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of MSC-exo against HPH and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Exosomes were isolated from conditioned media of human bone mesenchymal stromal cells using ultracentrifugation and characterized through western blotting, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). An HPH animal model was established in male SD rats, and MSC-exo or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were administered via the tail vein for three weeks. Subsequently, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI), and pulmonary vascular remodeling were evaluated. Lung tissues from HPH rats and normal rats underwent high-throughput sequencing and transcriptomic analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was employed to identify upregulated differentially expressed genes. Additionally, rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) exposed to platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) were used to simulate HPH-related pathological behavior. In vitro cellular models were established to examine the molecular mechanism of MSC-exo in HPH.

RESULTS

MSC-exo administration protected rats from hypoxia-induced increases in RVSP, RVHI, and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Additionally, MSC-exo alleviated PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of PASMC. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 267 upregulated genes in lung tissues of HPH rats compared to control rats. Gene Ontology analysis indicated significant differences in pathways associated with Yes Associated Protein 1 (YAP1), a key regulator of cell proliferation and organ size. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis confirmed significantly increased expression of YAP1 in HPH lung tissues and PASMC, which was inhibited by MSC-exo treatment. Furthermore, analysis of datasets demonstrated that Secreted Phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), also known as Osteopontin (OPN), is a downstream binding protein of YAP1 and can be upregulated by PDGF-BB. MSC-exo treatment reduced the expression of both YAP1 and SPP1. Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of YAP1 inhibited PDGF-BB-induced PASMC proliferation, migration, and SPP1 protein levels.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that MSC-exo exert a therapeutic effect against hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension by modulating the YAP1/SPP1 signaling pathway. The inhibition of YAP1 and downstream SPP1 expression by MSC-exo may contribute to the attenuation of pulmonary vascular remodeling and PASMC proliferation and migration. These results suggest that MSC-exo could serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HPH. Further investigations are warranted to explore the clinical applicability of MSC-exo-based therapies in HPH patients.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia involving portal venous system: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with an incidence of approximately 1 in 5000 in the general population. It is characterized by vasodilation, which affects specific organs, such as the skin, mucous membranes, brain, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and others. However, HHT rarely involves the portal venous system to cause serious clinical complications.

CASE SUMMARY

A 68-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department due to four consecutive days of abdominal pain and bloody stool and was subsequently diagnosed with HHT. Computed tomography angiography confirmed the presence of an arteriovenous fistula (AVFs). Considering this specific manifestation, whole exome sequencing was performed. After a comprehensive evaluation, a selective superior mesenteric artery embolization was prioritized to avoid intestinal ischemia. The postoperative symptoms of the patient were quickly relieved. Unfortunately, two months post-procedure the patient died from intestinal necrosis and abdominal infection related to remaining AVFs.

CONCLUSION

For patients with diffuse superior mesenteric AVFs, selective mesenteric arterial embolization may lead to positive short-term outcomes.

Enhancing the Electrical Conductivity and Strength of PET by Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Film Coating

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with excellent physicochemical properties are considered a promising candidate for the electrical and mechanical reinforcements of polymers. However, the poor dispersion of SWCNTs in plastics seriously limits their application and their achieved performance enhancement. Here, we coat a freestanding, highly conductive SWCNT film onto the surface of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film by a hot-pressing method. Due to the uniform SWCNT network structure and strong interfacial interaction, the SWCNT/PET hybrid film showed notably enhanced electrical and mechanical properties even though with a very low SWCNT weight fraction of 0.066%. The surface square resistance of the SWCNT/PET film decreased to 120-140 Ω/□ from 1016 Ω. In addition, Young's modulus and tensile strength of the SWCNT/PET film reached 4.6 GPa and 148 MPa, which are 31.3 and 24.4%, respectively, higher than the pure PET film. The SWCNT/PET film shows excellent mechanical durability and thermal stability, demonstrating its potential use as an antistatic material.

Magnetic ε-Phosphorene for Sensing Greenhouse Gas Molecules

It is critical for gas sensors that sense greenhouse gas molecules to have both good sensitivity and selectivity for water molecules in the ambient environment. Here, we study the charge transfer, IV curves, and electric field tuning of vanadium-doped monolayer ϵ-phosphorene as a sensor for NO, NO₂, and H₂O gas molecules via first-principle and transport calculations. We find that the paramagnetic toxic molecules of NO and NO₂ have a high adsorption energy on V-ϵ-phosphorene, which originates from a large amount of charge transfer driven by the hybridisation of the localised spin states of the host with the molecular frontier orbital. Using the non-equilibrium Green's function, we investigate the IV responses with respect to the adsorption of different molecules to study the performance of gas molecule sensors. Our IV curves show a larger amount of changes in resistance of the paramagnetic NO and NO₂ than nonmagnetic H₂O gas molecules, suggesting both sensitivity and selectivity. Moreover, our calculations show that an applied external electric field (gate voltage) can effectively tune the amount of charge transfer. More charge transfer makes the sensor more sensitive to the molecule, while less charge transfer can reduce the adsorption energy and remove the adsorbed molecules, allowing for the repeated use of the sensor.

[Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals development atlas of mouse molar pulp cells]

Objective: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to analyze the developing mouse molars, in order to construct a spatiotemporal development atlas of pulp cells, and further to reveal the developmental process and regulatory mechanism of tooth development. Methods: Ten mandibular first molars from C57BL/6 mice in postnatal day (PN) 0 and 3 were respectively dissected and digested to obtain single-cell suspensions. scRNA-seq was performed on 10× Genomics platform. PN 7 mouse molar scRNA-seq data were obtained from our previous study. PN 0, 3, and 7 scRNA-seq data were integrated for following analysis. The initial quality control, mapping and single cell expression matrix construction were performed by Cell Ranger. Quality control, standardization, dimensional reduction and cluster analysis were performed by using Seurat. Monocle was used to generate the pseudotime trajectory. Scillus was used to perform gene ontology analysis. In order to detect the spatiotemporal change of different population of pulp cells, the marker genes of each cluster were demonstrated by RNAscope in situ hybridization. Results: There were twenty-six cell clusters within mouse molars, which were identified as eight different cell types, including dental pulp cells, dental follicle cells, epithelial cells, immune cells, endothelial cells, perivascular cells, glial cells and erythrocytes. We further re-clustered and analyzed dental pulp cells. Cluster 0 were mature pulp cells, which located at the upper portion of crown. The main functions of cluster 0 were osteogenesis and extracellular structure organization. Cluster 1 were apical papilla cells, which located at the apical part of roots, whose main functions were extracellular structure organization and organ development. Cluster 2 were cycling cells, which were actively proliferated, resided in the lower portion of the crown. Cluster 3 and 4 were preodontoblasts and odontoblasts, respectively. Their functions were closely related to biomineralization. The proportion of mature pulp cells increased with the development process, while the proportion of cycling cells and odontoblast lineage decreased. According to the expression pattern of marker genes of each cluster, we constructed a cell atlas of dental pulp. Pseudotime trajectory analysis found there were two development trajectories within dental pulp. They both started from SPARC related modular calcium binding 2 (Smoc2)+ dental papilla cells, then went through DNA topoisomerase Ⅱ alpha (Top2a)+ cycling cells, and finally divided into coxsackie virus and adenovirus receptor (Cxadr)+ mature pulp cells or dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp)+ odontoblasts two lineages. Conclusions: scRNA-seq could fully discover the intercellular heterogeneity of cells on transcriptome level, which provides a powerful tool to study the process and regulatory mechanism of organ development.

Interfacial Chemical Bridging Constructed by Multifunctional Lewis Acid for Carbon Nanotube/Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells with an Efficiency Approaching 17.7

Single-wall carbon nanotube/silicon (SWCNT/Si) heterojunction shows appealing potential for use in photovoltaic devices. However, the relatively low conductivity of SWCNT network and interfacial recombination of carriers have limited their photovoltaic performance. Herein, a multifunctional Lewis acid (p-toluenesulfonic acid, TsOH) is used to significantly reduce the energy loss in SWCNT/Si solar cells. Owing to the charge transfer doping effect of TsOH, the conductivity and work function of SWCNT films are optimized and tuned. More importantly, a chemical bridge is constructed at the interface of SWCNT/Si heterojunction. Experimental studies indicate that the phenyl group of TsOH can interact with SWCNTs through π-π interaction, meanwhile, the oxygen in the sulfonic functional group of the TsOH molecule can graft on the dangling bonds of the Si surface. The chemical bridge structure effectively suppresses the recombination of photogenerated carriers. The TsOH coating also works as an antireflection layer, leading to a 19% increment of the photocurrent. As a result, a champion power conversion efficiency of 17.7% is achieved for the TsOH-SWCNT/Si device, and it also exhibits an excellent stability, retaining more than 96% of the initial efficiency in the ambient air after 1 month.

[Exploration of making removable partial denture by digital technology]

To explore the digital manufacturing process of distal extension removable partial denture. From November 2021 to December 2022, 12 patients (7 males and 5 females) with free-ending situation were selected from the Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University. Three-dimensional model of the relationship between alveolar ridge and jaw position was obtained by intraoral scanning technique. After routine design, manufacturing and try-in of metal framework for removable partial denture, the metal framework was located in the mouth and scanned again to obtain the composite model of dentition, alveolar ridge and metal framework. The free-end modified model is obtained by merging the digital model of free-end alveolar ridge with the virtual model with the metal framework. The three-dimensional model of artificial dentition, and base plate was designed on the free-end modified model, and the resin model were made by digital milling technology. The removable partial denture was made by accurately positioning the artificial dentition and base plate, bonding metal framework with injection resin, grinding and polishing the artificial dentition and resin base. Compared with the design data after clinical trial, the results showed that there was an error of 0.4-1.0 mm and an error of 0.03-0.10 mm in the connection between the resin base of artificial dentition and the connecting rod of the in-place bolt and the connection between artificial dentition and resin base. After denturen delivery, only 2 patients needed grinding adjustment in follow-up visit due to tenderness, and the rest patients did not find any discomfort. The digital fabrication process of removable partial denture used in this study can basically solve the problems of digital fabrication of free-end modified model and assembly of artificial dentition with resin base and metal framework.

Intentional Watch and Wait or Organ Preservation Surgery Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Plus Consolidation CAPEOX for MRI-defined Low-risk Rectal Cancer: Findings From a Prospective Phase 2 Trial (PKUCH-R01 Trial, NCT02860234)

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of intentional watch and wait (W&W) and organ preservation surgery following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus consolidation CAPEOX in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined low-risk rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND

Clinical T2/early T3 rectal cancers can achieve high yield pathological complete response (ypCR) rates after chemoradiotherapy; thus, an intentional W&W or organ preservation strategy for good clinical responders in these subgroups can be further tested.

METHODS

This prospective, single-arm, phase 2 trial enrolled patients with low-risk MRI prestaged rectal cancers, who concurrently received chemoradiation, followed by four 3-weekly cycles of CAPEOX regimen. Following reassessment, clinical complete response (cCR) or near-cCR patients underwent W&W/organ preservation surgery; the primary endpoint was a 3-year organ preservation rate.

RESULTS

Of the 64 participants, 58 completed treatment, with 6.4% and 33.9% grade 3 to 4 toxicities in the radiotherapy and consolidation CAPEOX phases, respectively, during a median 39.5-month follow-up. Initial cCR, and non-cCR occurred in 33, 13, and 18 patients, respectively. Of the 31 cCR and 7 near-cCR cases managed by W&W, local regrowth occurred in 7; of these, 6 received salvage surgery. The estimated 2-year local regrowth rates were 12.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1%-24.7%] in cCR and 42.9% (95% CI: 6.2%-79.6%) in near-cCR cases, respectively. Eight patients received local excision, including 2 with regrowth salvage. Lung metastases occurred in 3 patients and multiple metastasis occurred in 1 patient; no local recurrence occurred. The estimated 3-year organ preservation rate was 67.2% (95% CI: 55.6%-78.8%). The estimated 3-year cancer-specific survival, non-regrowth disease-free survival, and stoma-free survival were 96.6% (95% CI: 92.1%-100%), 92.2% (95% CI: 85.5%-98.9%), and 82.7% (95% CI: 73.5%-91.9%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemoradiotherapy plus consolidation CAPEOX for MRI-defined low-risk rectal cancer can lead to high rates of organ preservation through intentional W&W or local excision. The oncologic safety of this strategy should be further tested.

Ultrasonic washing as an abiotic elicitor to increase the phenolic content in fruits and vegetables: A review

Ultrasonic washing has been widely applied to the postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables as a residue-free physical washing technology, which plays an important role in improving shelf-life, safety, and nutritional value. Phenolics are a large group of phytochemicals widespread in fruits and vegetables, and they have been considered potential protective factors against some diseases because of potent antioxidative properties. Previous studies have shown that ultrasonic washing can increase the phenolic content of fruits and vegetables immediately or during storage through the induction of plant stress responses, which is of great significance for improving the functional and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables. However, the mechanisms of ultrasound as an elicitor to improve the phenolic content remain controversial. Therefore, this review summarizes the applications of ultrasonic washing to increase the phenolic content in fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, the corresponding physiological stress response mechanisms of the phenolic accumulation in terms of immediate stress responses (i.e., higher extractability of phenolics) and late stress responses (i.e., metabolism of phenolics) are expounded. Moreover, a hypothetical model is proposed to explain phenolic biosynthesis triggered by signaling molecules produced under ultrasound stress, including primary signal (i.e., extracellular adenosine triphosphate) and secondary signals (e.g., reactive oxygen species, Ca²⁺ , NO, jasmonates, and ethylene). Additionally, the techno-economic feasibility of ultrasonic washing technology is also discussed. Further, challenges and trends for further development of ultrasonic washing as an abiotic elicitor applied to the postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables are presented.

Effects of ultrasonic-assisted pH shift treatment on physicochemical properties of electrospinning nanofibers made from rapeseed protein isolates

Electrospinning nanofibers (NFs) made from natural proteins have drawn increasing attention recently. Rapeseed meal is a by-product that rich in protein but not fully utilized due to poor properties. Therefore, modification of rapeseed protein isolates (RPI) is necessary to expand applications. In this study, pH shift alone or ultrasonic-assisted pH shift treatment was adopted, the solubility of RPI, along with the conductivity and viscosity of the electrospinning solution were detected. Moreover, the microstructure and functional characteristics of the electrospinning NFs, as well as the antibacterial activity of clove essential oil loaded-NFs were investigated. The tested parameters were remarkably improved after different treatments compared with the control, and synergistic effects were observed, especially under alkaline conditions. Hence, pH_12.5 + US showed the maximum value of solubility, conductivity, and viscosity, which was more than 7-fold, 3-fold, and almost 1-fold higher than the control respectively. Additionally, SEM and AFM images showed a finer and smoother surface of NFs after treatments, and the finest diameter of 216.7 nm was obtained after pH_12.5 + US treatment in comparison with 450.0 nm in control. FTIR spectroscopy of NFs demonstrated spatial structure changes of RPI, and improved thermal stability and mechanical strength of NFs were achieved after different treatments. Furthermore, an inhibition zone with a diameter of 22.8 mm was observed from the composite NFs. This study indicated the effectiveness of ultrasonic-assisted pH shift treatment on the physicochemical properties improvement and functional enhancement of NFs made from RPI, as well as the potential antibacterial application of the composite NFs in the future.

Intravitreal slow-release dexamethasone alleviates traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy by inhibiting persistent inflammation and Müller cell gliosis in rabbits

AIM

To evaluate the effects of intravitreal slow-release dexamethasone on traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and Müller cell gliosis and preliminarily explored the possible inflammatory mechanism in a rabbit model induced by penetrating ocular trauma.

METHODS

Traumatic PVR was induced in the right eyes of pigmented rabbits by performing an 8-mm circumferential scleral incision placed 2.5 mm behind the limbus, followed by treatment with a slow-release dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) or sham injection. Left eyes were used as normal controls. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored using an iCare tonometer. PVR severity was evaluated via anatomical and histopathological examinations every week for 6wk; specific inflammatory cytokine and proliferative marker levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, protein chip analysis, or immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

During the observation period, PVR severity gradually increased. Intense Müller cell gliosis was observed in the peripheral retina near the wound and in the whole retina of PVR group. Ozurdex significantly alleviated PVR development and Müller cell gliosis. Post-traumatic inflammation fluctuated and was persistent. The interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA level was significantly upregulated, peaking on day 3 and increasing again on day 21 after injury. The expression of nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) showed a similar trend that began earlier than that of IL-1β expression. Ozurdex suppressed the expression of IL-1β, NLRP3, and phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). The average IOP after treatment was within normal limits.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates chronic and fluctuating inflammation in a traumatic PVR rabbit model over 6wk. Ozurdex treatment significantly inhibites inflammatory cytokines expression and Müller cell gliosis, and thus alleviates PVR severity. This study highlights the important role of IL-1β, and Ozurdex inhibites inflammation presumably via the NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1β inflammatory axis. In summary, Ozurdex provides a potential therapeutic option for traumatic PVR.

Corrigendum: Ultrasonic washing as an abiotic elicitor to induce the accumulation of phenolics of fresh-cut red cabbages: Effects on storage quality and microbial safety

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1006440.].

Ultrasonic washing as an abiotic elicitor to induce the accumulation of phenolics of fresh-cut red cabbages: Effects on storage quality and microbial safety

Ultrasonic washing has been proved to be an abiotic elicitor to induce the accumulation of phenolics in some fruit and vegetables. However, the feasibility of ultrasonic washing on the accumulation of phenolics in fresh-cut red cabbages has not yet been reported. Therefore, the effects of ultrasonic washing on the phenolics and related phenolic metabolism enzymes of fresh-cut red cabbages, as well as quality and microbial safety during cold storage, were investigated. Firstly, the single-factor tests were used to optimize the ultrasonic processing parameters, including frequency mode, frequency amplitude, power density, frequency cycle time, and ultrasonic washing. Then the activities of the enzymes related to phenolic metabolisms after optimal ultrasound treatment were investigated, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD). Additionally, the quality and microbial safety of fresh-cut red cabbages stored at 4°C under the optimal ultrasound treatment were evaluated. The results showed that the content of soluble phenolics (SPs) in fresh-cut red cabbages increased significantly during storage under the optimal conditions (28 ± 2 kHz, 60 W/L, 400 ms, and 20 min) compared with the control (P < 0.05). The PAL activity was activated and the PPO and POD activities were inhibited after ultrasonic washing, which contributed to the increase in the content of SPs. Meanwhile, the storage quality and microbial safety of fresh-cut red cabbages were improved. Ultrasonic washing reduced the weight loss and respiration rate and improved the color and texture characteristics. Additionally, the fresh-cut red cabbages after ultrasonic washing showed more retention of ascorbic acid (AA), total soluble proteins (TSPs), total soluble sugars (TSSs), and total soluble solids (SSs) compared with the control. Finally, ultrasonic washing effectively inhibited the growth of bacteria, molds and yeasts, which is beneficial to the extension of the shelf-life of fresh-cut red cabbages. Therefore, ultrasonic washing can be used as a tool to increase the content of SPs in fresh-cut red cabbages while retaining quality attributes and microbial safety.

Streptomyces: The biofactory of secondary metabolites

Natural products derived from microorganisms serve as a vital resource of valuable pharmaceuticals and therapeutic agents. Streptomyces is the most ubiquitous bacterial genus in the environments with prolific capability to produce diverse and valuable natural products with significant biological activities in medicine, environments, food industries, and agronomy sectors. However, many natural products remain unexplored among Streptomyces. It is exigent to develop novel antibiotics, agrochemicals, anticancer medicines, etc., due to the fast growth in resistance to antibiotics, cancer chemotherapeutics, and pesticides. This review article focused the natural products secreted by Streptomyces and their function and importance in curing diseases and agriculture. Moreover, it discussed genomic-driven drug discovery strategies and also gave a future perspective for drug development from the Streptomyces.

Effects of dual-frequency slit ultrasound on the enzymolysis of high-concentration hydrolyzed feather meal: Biological activities and structural characteristics of hydrolysates

Ultrasound-assisted enzymolysis has been applied to improve conventional enzymolysis, while there are rare reports on the application of ultrasound to high-concentration feather protein enzymolysis. Therefore, the feasibility of dual-frequency slit ultrasound (DFSU) for enzymolysis of high-concentration hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM), as well as the biological activities and structural characteristics of hydrolysates were investigated. The single-factor test was used to optimize the ultrasonic processing parameters: substrate concentration, frequency mode, intermittent ratio, power density, and time. The results showed that protein recovery rate and conversion rate increased by 6.08% and 18.63% under the optimal conditions (200 g/L, 28/80 kHz, 5:2 s/s, 600 W/L, and 3 h) compared with conventional enzymolysis, respectively. The macromolecular proteins in hydrolysates were converted into micromolecular peptides (< 500 Da) when treated by DFSU, and antioxidant activity and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of hydrolysates were increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images illustrated the microstructure changes of feather protein particles in the ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysates of HFM (UEH), including more porous, smaller, and more uniform. Additionally, the conformation of protein molecules was significantly affected (P < 0.05), including the increase in free sulfhydryl (SH), the decrease in disulfide bond (SS) and surface hydrophobicity (H₀). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra analysis further showed that the secondary structure of feather proteins was modified with a reduction in α-helix, β-turn, and β-sheet, while an increase in random coil content was observed. These results indicated that DFSU could be a promising method to enhance high-concentration HFM for preparing peptide-rich hydrolysates with high antioxidant activity and ACE inhibitory activity.

Cu-Catalyzed Diarylthiolation of Ynones with Aryl Iodides and Elemental Sulfur: An Access to Tetrasubstituted (Z)-1,2-Bis(arylthio)alkenes and Benzo[b][1,4]dithiines

A copper-catalyzed three-component reaction of ynones, aryl iodides, and elemental sulfur via a syn-addition process is established. The reaction features operational practicality, broad substrate scope, and readily accessible scale-up synthesis by affording a series of (Z)-1,2-bis(arylthio)alkenes in good to excellent yield. Moreover, benzo[b][1,4]dithiines can be also constructed efficiently by using 1,2-diiodobenzene as the coupling partner.

Tailoring Hybrid Aluminoborate Frameworks by Incorporating Multicomponent Cadmium-Amine Complexes with Various Conformations

Inorganic-organic hybrid aluminoborates represent a subclass of porous materials, which rely on effective construction method and structure-directing agents. Herein, we prepared a series of hybrid aluminoborates through covalent decoration of unsaturated Cd²⁺ complexes, whose formation take advantage of chelating amine and long-chain diamine as mixed ligands. These isolated compounds, that is, [Cd(en)(1,4-dab)_0.5][AlB₅O₁₀] (1a; its analogue with discrete complex [Cd(en)(dien)H₂O][AlB₅O₁₀] is denoted as 1b), [Cd(1,2-dap)_1.5(1,4-dabH)_0.5]{Al[B₅O₈(OH)₂](B₅O₁₀)_0.5} (2), and [Cd(en)(1,3-dap)][AlB₅O₁₀] (3) feature open frameworks (1a, 1b, and 3) or a sandwich-like porous layer (2) that are constructed by AlO₄ tetrahedra and [B₅O₁₀]^5-/[B₅O₈(OH)₂]^3- clusters. However, they exhibit different structural features in interconnection, channel environment, and topology as a result of diversified interactions between unsaturated complexes and aluminoborate frameworks, that is, through forming two Cd-O bonds with (i) a pair of neighboring BO₃ and AlO₄, (ii) the same AlO₄, or (iii) the same BO₃. The variation in connection mode exerts essential influence on binding effects and steric hindrance that are reflected by changes in interatomic distance, bond angle, window configuration, and interlinkage of units. In addition, the incorporation of unsaturated Cd²⁺ complexes endows these aluminoborate materials with photoluminescence function. Compound 3 with a noncentrosymmetric structure exhibits second harmonic generation (SHG) response approximately 0.7 times that of KDP. The preparation strategy for hybrid aluminoborates proposed here combines well molecular design with templating assembly, whose synergistic effect would be crucial for drawing a rational pathway for inorganic synthesis, especially with focus on structural and functional innovation.

[Characteristics of heart rate variability in patients with vestibular migraine]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with vestibular migraine (VM) and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods: Forty-eight patients with VM [17 males and 31 females, age (36.2±9.2) years], 44 patients with migraine [15 males and 29 females, age (34.4±9.0) years], and 30 patients with health check-ups during the same period [12 males and 18 females, age (34.6±6.5) years old] were selected as study subjects. Ambulatory ECG monitoring was performed in all subjects, and the HRV characteristics of each group were analyzed from both daytime and nighttime time phases. Time domain parameters were analyzed: standard deviation of normal to normal (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and percentage of normal to normal intervals differing by more than 50 ms (pNN50). The parameters in the frequency domain were analyzed: high frequency power (HF), low frequency power (LF), and the ratio of low frequency to high frequency power (LF/HF). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS 26.0 software. Results: At night, RMSSD (F=6.694) and HF (F=9.434) were lower in the VM and migraine groups compared to the control group, while LF/HF (F=16.049) and LF (F=9.434) were elevated compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while LF was significantly elevated in the VM group compared to the migraine group, with a statistically significant (P<0.05). On the daytime measurements, mainly LF was elevated in the vestibular migraine group compared with the control group, while RMSSD was decreased compared with the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion: Autonomic dysfunction characterized by sympathetic hyperfunction and vagal hypofunction is present in VM patients and is more pronounced at night. In addition, the degree of autonomic dysfunction may be more pronounced in VM patients than in migraine patients.

Patterning of Wafer-Scale MXene Films for High-Performance Image Sensor Arrays

As a rapidly growing family of 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides, MXenes are recognized as promising materials for the development of future electronics and optoelectronics. So far, the reported patterning methods for MXene films lack efficiency, resolution, and compatibility, resulting in limited device integration and performance. Here, a high-performance MXene image sensor array fabricated by a wafer-scale combination patterning method of an MXene film is reported. This method combines MXene centrifugation, spin-coating, photolithography, and dry-etching and is highly compatible with mainstream semiconductor processing, with a resolution up to 2 µm, which is at least 100 times higher than other large-area patterning methods reported previously. As a result, a high-density integrated array of 1024-pixel Ti₃ C₂ T_x /Si photodetectors with a detectivity of 7.73 × 10¹⁴ Jones and a light-dark current ratio (I_light /I_dark ) of 6.22 × 10⁶ , which is the ultrahigh value among all reported MXene-based photodetectors, is fabricated. This patterning technique paves a way for large-scale high-performance MXetronics compatible with mainstream semiconductor processes.

Efficient removal of Ba2+, Co2+ and Ni2+ by an ethylammonium-templated indium sulfide ion exchanger

Removal of radioactive ¹³³Ba, ⁶⁰Co and ⁶³Ni and their nonradioactive isotopes through ion exchange method would be highly beneficial for the safe disposal of liquid industrial waste, and it also bears importance for the emergency response to nuclear accident. Herein, we report the employment of an indium sulfide [CH₃CH₂NH₃]₆In₈S₁₅ (InS-2) with exchangeable ethylammonium cations for efficient and selective uptake of Ba²⁺, Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺. The corner-sharing linkage of P1-{In₈S₁₇} clusters in InS-2 endow the layered structure with nanoscale windows, which facilitates both transfer and accommodation of the large hydrated divalent metal ions. This results in ultrafast exchange kinetics (10-20 min) and top-level exchange capacities of 211.73 mg g^-1 for Ba²⁺, 103.57 mg g^-1 for Co²⁺, and 111.78 mg g^-1 for Ni²⁺. Particularly, InS-2 achieves ultrahigh K_d values of 2.3 × 10⁵ mL g^-1 for Ba²⁺, 2.0 × 10⁵ mL g^-1 for Co²⁺ and 1.6 × 10⁵ mL g^-1 for Ni²⁺, corresponding to remarkable removal efficiencies larger than 99.4% (C₀ ~ 6 ppm). InS-2 shows high β and γ irradiation resistance, wide pH durability (pH 3-13 for Ba²⁺, pH 3-11 for Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺), and outstanding selectivity against competitor ions (e.g. Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺). The InS-2-filled ion exchange column exhibits a fantastic removal effect (R > 99%) for mixed Ba²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, as well as Sr²⁺. The ultralong column-treatment on 20000 BVs of flow reveals an affinity order of Co²⁺ > Ni²⁺ > Ba²⁺ > Sr²⁺ for InS-2, which gives deep insights into the adsorption process and interaction between competitor ions. This excellent uptake of Ba²⁺ (Ra by analogy), Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions by InS-2 highlights the great potential of metal chalcogenides as a type of promising materials for minimizing contamination in complex wastewater.

[Whole exome sequencing and analysis of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia patients]

Objective: To detect gene mutation in patients with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) by using whole exome sequencing, to analyze the pathogenicity of the mutations, and to provide reference for the genetic diagnosis of HED patients. Methods: Peripheral blood genomic DNA was extracted from each of the HED patients and their family members collected in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from August 2016 to August 2021. Whole exome sequencing and sanger sequencing were performed to detect gene mutations. Functions of the rare variants after the database filtering were analyzed by bioinformatics tools. Results: Three reported mutations of ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene (c.2T>C, c.161A>G, c.467G>A) and a mutation of ectodysplasin A receptor (EDAR) gene (c.871G>A) were detected by whole genome sequencing in four HED patients, and were verified by Sanger sequencing in four HED families. The EDAR gene mutation founded in this research was reported in HED patients for the first time. Bioinformatics tools predicted that the mutations of EDA gene detected in this study were highly species conserved and disease-causing. The combined annotation dependent depletion (CADD) scores of EDA gene mutations c.2T>C, c.161A>G and c.467G>A were 22.5, 26.3 and 25.5 respectively, and the genomic evolutionary rate profiling (GERP) scores were 2.16, 2.26 and 2.18 respectively. The EDAR gene mutation c.871G>A detected in this study was species conserved and possibly disease-causing. The CADD and GERP scores of EDAR gene mutation c.871G>A were 22.0 and 1.93 respectively. Conclusions: Three reported mutations of EDA gene and a previously unreported mutation of EDAR gene were detected in four HED families. Different mutations of EDA gene and EDAR gene could make different influence on the protein function and lead to the occurrence of HED.

Kinetics-Controlled Growth of Metallic Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes from CoRex Nanoparticles

The controlled growth of metallic single-wall carbon nanotubes (m-SWCNTs) is very important for the fabrication of high-performance interconnecting wires, transparent conductive electrodes, light and conductive fibers, etc. However, it has been extremely difficult to synthesize m-SWCNTs due to their lower abundance and higher chemical reactivity than semiconducting SWCNTs (s-SWCNTs). Here, we report the kinetically controlled growth of m-SWCNTs by manipulating their binding energy with the catalyst and promoting their growth rate. We prepared CoRe₄ nanoparticles with a hexagonal close-packed structure and an average size of ∼2.3 nm, which have a lower binding energy with m-SWCNTs than with s-SWCNTs. The selective growth of m-SWCNTs from the CoRe₄ catalyst was achieved by using a low concentration of carbon source feed at a relative low temperature of 760 °C. The m-SWCNTs had a narrow diameter distribution of 1.1 ± 0.3 nm, and their content was over 80%.

Structural Investigation on the Efficient Capture of Cs+ and Sr2+ by a Microporous Cd-Sn-Se Ion Exchanger Constructed from Mono-Lacunary Supertetrahedral Clusters

Visualization of the ion exchange mechanism for 137Cs and 90Sr decontamination bears significance for safe radioactive liquid waste reprocessing and emergency response enhancement to nuclear accident. Here, the remediation of...

[The Effect of Immunized Platelet Transfusion Refractoriness on Allo-HSCT Patients with Malignant Hematological Diseases]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characteristics of platelet antibody in patients with hematological diseases, so as to research the effect of immunized platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) on the prognosis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recepients with malignant hematological diseases patients.

METHODS

The clinical data of platelet antibody positive patients tested by Capture-P in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from July 1, 2014 to July 1, 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including sex, age, disease, platelet transfusion assessments, CD34⁺ cells, transplant prognosis, and so on.

RESULTS

In 5 years, 913 (7.28%) hematologic patients with platelet antibody positive were identified, the detection rate of females (513 cases) were higher than males (400 cases). Among the 913 patients, the antibody positive rates of 520 patients with malignant hematological diseases (acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome) showed significantly statistical different (10.27%, 8.01%, and 7.20%) (P<0.01), and the positive rate of the acute myeloid leukemia of those patients was higher than myelodysplastic syndrome patients(α<0.0125). There were 35 cases diagnosed as immunized PTR before allo-HSCT, the platelet increments, 14 h correct count increment, progression-free survival rate and overall survival rate of those patients were significantly lower than those in negative transfusion effective patients (P<0.01), while the percentage of ABO matching was significantly higher (α<0.0125).

CONCLUSION

The positive rate of platelet antibody identification is high in females and acute myeloid leukemia patients, and immunized PTR caused by antibody is a risk factor for poor prognosis of allo-HSCT in malignant hematological disease patients.

[Return of humanities in stomatology]

There has been a paradox in China that the patients' satisfaction does not increase with the rapid development of medical sciences and the increasingly improved medical conditions. One important reason for this phenomenon is the absence of humanistic education in medical and stomatological educations. For medical personnel, the medical humanistic quality is essential and the reinforcement of medical humanistic education is an inevitable course for cultivating qualified doctors and developing medical sciences. The recently published textbooks, i.e. Stomatology Humanities and "Consensus of Chinese experts on humanistic education of stomatology", are two cases of the efforts made by Chinese dental workers for the improvement of stomatological education. The humanistic quality of dental personnel will contribute to the return of the stomatology humanity, the cultivation of dental personnel and the development of stomatology.

[How to write a clinical research paper that can be published]

A clinical research paper which could be published should be based on a qualified clinical research, which includes a reasonable topic from clinical settings, concentrating resources to answer a question, having new findings and drawing concrete conclusions. The author should prepare a scientific story, which originates from clinical scenarios, with working hypothesis and research design, standardized organization and implementation, reasonable analysis and evaluation. The conclusion should be based on the research results, and go back to the problems and needs to form a closed loop. The key point of writing a clinical research paper is to provide complete information and show a complete research process according to the writing format and specification of the paper. Finally, the key points of the current paper help avoid detours and improve the probability of paper publication.

Identification of Hub Gene TIMP1 and Relative ceRNAs Regulatory Network in Colorectal Cancer

Objective

This study aimed to discover the ceRNAs network in the pathophysiological development of human colorectal cancer (CRC) and to screen biomarkers for target therapy and prognosis by using integrated bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

Data on gene expressions of mRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs and clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases, respectively. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were identified by using the DESeq2 package of R software. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using the ClusterProfiler package of R software. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was shown by the STRING website. Survival analysis of hub genes was performed using the survival package in R software. Interactions among hub genes, differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were used to construct the ceRNAs network.

Results

A total of 412 DEmRNAs including 82 upregulated and 330 downregulated genes were screened out between 473 CRC and 41 normal samples. Two hundred and sixty DEcircRNAs including 253 upregulated and 7 downregulated genes were altered between 23 CRC and 23 normal samples. One hundred and ninety DEmiRNAs including 82 upregulated and 108 downregulated genes were obtained between 450 CRC and 8 normal samples. A ceRNAs and PPI network were successfully constructed, and TIMP1 associated with prognosis was employed.

Conclusion

The present study identified a novel circRNAs-miRNAs-mRNA ceRNAs network, which implied that TIMP1 and related miRNAs, circRNAs were potential biomarkers underlying the development of CRC, providing new insights for survival predictions and therapeutic targets.

Laser scanner for 3D reconstruction of a wound's edge and topology

PURPOSE

Robotic systems have the potential to overcome inherent limitations of humans and offer substantial advantages to patients including reduction in surgery time. Our group has undertaken the challenge of developing autonomous wound closure system. One of the initial steps is to allow accurate assessment of wound skin topology and wound edge location. We present a vision-laser scanner to generate 3D point cloud for 3D reconstruction of wound's edge and topology.

METHODS

When the laser range sensor measures Z coordinate, two encoders installed on the actuators of the gantry robot provide the precision values of X, Y coordinates simultaneously. The 3D point cloud of the wound skin is generated by recordings of X, Y and Z during scanning is performed over wound skin surface. To reduce the scanning time, we exploit a supplementary laser LED to project a regular laser spot on the wound skin surface, which can provide an additional measurement point by incorporating artificial neural network estimation approach. In the meantime, the point cloud of the wound edge can be extracted by detecting if the laser spot is located on the wound edge in the image from 2D camera.

RESULTS

The mean absolute error (MAE) and standard deviation (σ) of wound edge are measured in MeshLab environment. The MAE (σ) in X (tangent), Y (tangent), and Z (normal) are 0.32 (0.22) mm, 0.37 (0.34) mm, and 0.61 (0.29) mm, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that the vision-laser scanner attains high accuracy in determining wound edge location along the tangent of the wound skin.

CONCLUSION

A vision-laser scanner is developed for 3D reconstruction of wound's edge and topology. The experimental tests on the different wound models revealed the effectiveness of the vision-laser scanner. The proposed scanner can generate 3D point cloud of the wound skin and its edge simultaneously, and thus significantly improve the accuracy of wound closure in clinical applications.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Features of the Demyelinating Degeneration of White Matter in Young Patients

Objective

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain white matter demyelination often focuses on demyelinating disease, cerebral small vascular disease diagnosis, and follow-up of cognitive dysfunction for observation. This study explored MRI findings and clinical manifestations of demyelinating degeneration of white matter in young patients.

Methods

A total of ninety-four patients with white matter degeneration diagnosed with MRI were enrolled in this study from January 2014 to July 2018. These patients were divided into two groups: the demyelinating disease group (n = 43) and the non-demyelinating disease group (n = 51). The imaging findings and clinical manifestations of the two groups were analyzed.

Results

Compared with the non-demyelinating group, there were more female than male patients in the demyelinating group (P < 0.05). In addition, of the 45 patients with an imaging result of “demyelinating degeneration of white matter and multiple sclerosis,” 39 patients met the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (86.7%). In comparison, of the 49 patients with an imaging result of “demyelinating degeneration of white matter,” only four patients met the diagnosis for demyelinating disease (8.2%).

Conclusion

In patients complaining of headaches, dizziness, vertigo, and other symptoms and in the case of an imaging result showing the demyelinating degeneration of white matter alone, the possibility of a clinical diagnosis of a demyelinating disease is minimal.

Mixed Solvothermal Synthesis of Tn Cluster-Based Indium and Gallium Sulfides Using Versatile Ammonia or Amine Structure-Directing Agents

Metal chalcogenide supertetrahedral Tn clusters are of current interest for their unique compositions and structures, which rely highly on the structure-directing agents. Herein, we report four novel Tn cluster-based indium and gallium sulfides, namely, [NH(CH₃)₃]₄In₄S₁₀H₄ (1), (NH₃)₄Ga₄S₆ (2), [NH₃CH₂CH₃]₅(NH₂CH₂CH₃)₂Ga₁₁S₁₉ (3), and [NH₃CH₂CH₂OH]₆Ga₁₀S₁₈·2NH₂CH₂CH₂OH (4). All four compounds were solvothermally synthesized in mixed amine-ethanol solutions or deep eutectic solvent (DES), where ammonia/amine molecules play significant structure-directing roles in the speciation and crystal growth. (1) Being protonated, the trimethylamine and ethanolamine molecules surround the T2-[In₄S₁₀H₄]^4- clusters (for 1) and [Ga₁₀S₁₈]_n^6n- open framework (for 4), respectively, compensating for the negative charge of the inorganic moieties. (2) With the lone pair of electrons, the ammonia molecules in 2 coordinate directly to corner Ga³⁺ ions of the {Ga₄S₆} cage to give a neutral T2-(NH₃)₄Ga₄S₆ cluster. (3) For compound 3, part of the ethylamine molecules act as terminating ligands for the T1 and T3 units in the [Ga₁₁S₁₉(NH₂CH₂CH₃)₂]_n^5n- layer, while the rest act as interlamellar countercations upon protonation. Theoretical studies reveal the contributions of N, C, and H to the density of states (DOS) for 2 and 3 because of their hybrid structures that combine the ammonia/amine ligands with sulfide moieties together.

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase inhibitory new meroterpenes from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, and their structure-activity relationship study

Five new meroterpenes, 12α-Psoracorylifol F (1), 7β,8α-hydroxy-12β-Psoracorylifol F (2), 8-ketone-Cyclobakuchiol C (3), 7α,8β-hydroxy-12β-Cyclobakuchiol C (4) and 8α-hydroxy-Cyclobakuchiol C (5) together with six known compounds (6-11) were isolated from seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and physicochemical analyses. All the isolates were evaluated for in vitro inhibitory activity against DGAT1/2. Among them, compounds 1-6 were found to exhibit selective inhibitory activity on DGAT1 with IC₅₀ values ranging from 61.5 ± 1.1 to 89.1 ± 1.2 μM.

Large family of two-dimensional ferroelectric metals discovered via machine learning

Ferroelectricity and metallicity are usually believed not to coexist because conducting electrons would screen out static internal electric fields. In 1965, Anderson and Blount proposed the concept of "ferroelectric metal", however, it is only until recently that very rare ferroelectric metals were reported. Here, by combining high-throughput ab initio calculations and data-driven machine learning method with new electronic orbital based descriptors, we systematically investigated a large family (2964) of two-dimensional (2D) bimetal phosphates, and discovered 60 stable ferroelectrics with out-of-plane polarization, including 16 ferroelectric metals and 44 ferroelectric semiconductors that contain seven multiferroics. The ferroelectricity origins from spontaneous symmetry breaking induced by the opposite displacements of bimetal atoms, and the full-d-orbital coinage metal elements cause larger displacements and polarization than other elements. For 2D ferroelectric metals, the odd electrons per unit cell without spin polarization may lead to a half-filled energy band around Fermi level and is responsible for the metallicity. It is revealed that the conducting electrons mainly move on a single-side surface of the 2D layer, while both the ionic and electric contributions to polarization come from the other side and are vertical to the above layer, thereby causing the coexistence of metallicity and ferroelectricity. Van der Waals heterostructures based on ferroelectric metals may enable the change of Schottky barrier height or the Schottky-Ohmic contact type and induce a dramatic change of their vertical transport properties. Our work greatly expands the family of 2D ferroelectric metals and will spur further exploration of 2D ferroelectric metals.

Characterization of sedimentary phosphorus in Lake Erie and on-site quantification of internal phosphorus loading

Lake Erie harmful algal blooms and hypoxia are two major environmental problems, and have severe impacts on human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy. However, little is known about internal loading of phosphorus (P) from sediments, which pose a challenge for assessing the efficacy of current conservation measures on the improvement of lake water quality. A modified Hedley's extraction procedure was employed to analyze representative sediment samples collected from the Lake Erie basin for assessing sedimentary P stock, potential availability for release into lake water, and internal P loading. Inorganic and organic P in the sediments were characterized by sequential extractions in H₂O, 0.5 M NaHCO₃, 0.1 M NaOH, and 1.0 M HCl, respectively. In the 0 - 10 cm sediment, total P stock was 172, 191, and 170 metric tons km^-2 in the western, central, and eastern basins, respectively. Sedimentary P seems unlikely to contribute to internal P loading in the western basin, while in the eastern basin it can potentially contribute to an internal loading of 359 metric tons P yr^-1. In the central basin, 41% of organic P, 15% of non-HCl extractable inorganic P, and 9.7% of residual P in the 0 - 10 cm sediment is potentially available for release into lake water; in the 10 - 20 cm sediment, organic P extracted by NaHCO₃ and NaOH is also partially available. The central basin potentially contributes to internal P loading at a total amount of 10,599 metric tons yr^-1. Internal P loading may not contribute to HABs in the western basin, but it can cause and maintain hypoxia in the central basin and delay the recovery of lake water quality for a lengthy time period in response to external P reduction measures.

Inhibition of autophagy enhances apoptosis induced by bortezomib in AML cells

Bortezomib is a novel proteasome inhibitor, which has been successfully used to treat mantle cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma. However, the direct effects of bortezomib on acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) have not been fully investigated. In the present study, the WST-8 assay, western blotting, flow cytometry, monodansylcadaverine staining and transmission electron microscopy were performed. It was demonstrated that bortezomib treatment induced a time- and dose-dependent decrease in the viability of NB4 cells. Bortezomib treatment induced cell apoptosis in NB4 cells, as assessed by Annexin V/propidium iodide analysis, and the detection of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, Bax and Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, bortezomib treatment induced autophagy in NB4 cells, as indicated by autophagosome formation, p62 degradation, LC3-I to LC3-II conversion and formation of acidic autophagic vacuoles. Notably, autophagy induced by bortezomib was initiated prior to apoptosis. Inhibition of autophagy by knocking down Beclin-1 expression increased bortezomib-induced apoptosis in NB4 cells. Therefore, the present study revealed that the combination of bortezomib and autophagy inhibition may be a potential treatment strategy for APL.

[Vertical Distribution of Surface Formaldehyde in the Pearl River Delta Urban Area Based on Observations at the Canton Tower]

To investigate the vertical distribution of atmospheric formaldehyde in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) urban area, simultaneous measurements were performed at three heights on Canton Tower for the first time. Carbonyls including formaldehyde were sampled with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazin (DNPH) at noon for 32 days in autumn of 2018, and then analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Average mass concentrations of formaldehyde at ground level, 118 m, and 488 m sites at Canton Tower were (5.10±1.93), (6.61±2.84), and (5.33±2.55) μg·m^-3, respectively. The measured formaldehyde was positively correlated with atmospheric oxidant O_x at the three sites (R 0.65-0.75), indicating that photochemical formation is an important source for urban formaldehyde in PRD. Three different profiles were found for formaldehyde vertical distribution during the measurements. The most frequently observed one showed a higher value at 118 m while lower ones at ground level and 488 m, occurring when the boundary layer is in moderate convection state with high photochemical reactivity. The 118 m layer may be also influenced by transported high-chimney emissions from industries in suburban areas. Vertical columns of formaldehyde were also calculated according to its vertical profile. The average value was (11.23±4.80)×10¹⁵ molecules·cm^-2, 19% lower than that from satellite retrieval, while in the same magnitude as values reported in reference papers.