Improving water quality and mitigating CH4 and N2O production in urban landscape water simultaneously by optimizing calcium peroxide dosage

Recent studies show that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from urban landscape water are significant and cannot be overlooked, underscoring the need to develop effective strategies for mitigating GHG production from global freshwater systems. Calcium peroxide (CaO2) is commonly used as an eco-friendly reagent for controlling eutrophication in water bodies, but whether CaO2 can reduce GHG emissions remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of CaO2 dosage on the production of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in urban landscape water under anoxic conditions during summer. The findings reveal that CaO2 addition not only improved the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of simulated urban landscape water but also reduced N2O production by inhibiting the activity of denitrifying bacteria across various dosages. Moreover, CaO2 exhibited selective effects on methanogens. Specifically, the abundance of acetoclastic methanogen Methanosaeta and methylotrophic methanogen Candidatus_Methanofastidiosum increased whereas the abundance of the hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanoregula decreased at low, medium, and high dosages, leading to higher CH4 production at increased CaO2 dosage. A comprehensive multi-objective evaluation indicated that an optimal dosage of 60 g CaO2/m2 achieved 41.21 % and 84.40 % reductions in CH4 and N2O production, respectively, over a 50-day period compared to the control. This paper not only introduces a novel approach for controlling the production of GHGs, such as CH4 and N2O, from urban landscape water but also suggests a methodology for optimizing CaO2 dosage, providing valuable insights for its practical application.

[Analysis of the safety, accuracy, and factors influencing bleeding complications in CT-guided puncture biopsy of brain occupying lesions]

Objective: To investigate the safety and accuracy of CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy and the possible influencing factors of postoperative bleeding complications. Methods: A case series study. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 101 patients who underwent CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to December 2021. The basic data of patients and the safety and accuracy of CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy were analyzed statistically. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen the influencing factors of bleeding complications in CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy, and the bleeding complications in glioma subgroup were analyzed. Results: Among the 101 patients, 53 were males and 48 were females, aged (53.7±17.2) years. The average diameter of intracranial lesions was (3.5±1.4) cm, while the vertical distance from the lesion to the meninges was (2.4±1.7) cm. The needle's intracranial depth reached (3.2±1.8) cm, with adjustments averaging (3±1) occurrences and an average procedural duration of (40.2±12.9) minutes. Pathological diagnoses included glioma (36 cases), gliosis (3 cases), lymphoma (32 cases), metastatic tumors (7 cases), inflammatory lesions (13 cases), and 10 indeterminate cases. The positive rate of puncture pathology was 90.1% (91/101), and the diagnostic coincidence rate was 94.0% (78/83). The incidence of bleeding complications in CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy was 26.7% (27/101), of which 23 cases had small intratoma or needle path bleeding, 4 cases had massive bleeding, and 2 cases died. The patients were divided into bleeding group (n=27) and no bleeding group (n=74), according to the presence or absence of bleeding. The results of univariate logistic regression analysis showed that thrombin time≥15 s and the number of needle adjustment were the factors affecting the occurrence of bleeding complications (both P<0.05), and the results of multivariate logistic regression showed that thrombin time≥15 s was the related factor for bleeding. Patients with thrombin time≥15 s had a 3.045 times higher risk of bleeding than those with thrombin time<15 s (OR=3.045,95%CI:1.189-7.799,P=0.020). Among the 101 patients, 36 cases of midbrain glioma were divided into low-grade glioma group (n=11) and high-grade glioma group (n=25) according to the pathological grade. Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of bleeding for high-grade gliomas was 9.231 times higher than that for low-grade gliomas (OR=9.231,95%CI:1.023-83.331,P=0.031). Conclusions: CT-guided intracranial puncture biopsy is safe and feasible with high accuracy. Complication rates are associated with thrombin time≥15 s, especially high-grade glioma, which increases the risk of postoperative bleeding.

Hematochezia due to rectal invasion by an internal iliac artery aneurysm: A case report

BACKGROUND

This case report presents the rare occurrence of hematochezia due to an internal iliac artery aneurysm leading to an arterioenteric fistula, expanding the differential diagnosis for gastrointestinal bleeding. It emphasizes the importance of considering vascular origins in cases of atypical hematochezia, particularly in the absence of common gastrointestinal causes, and highlights the role of imaging and multidisciplinary management in diagnosing and treating such unusual presentations.

CASE SUMMARY

A 75-year-old man with a history of hypertension presented with 12 d of hematochezia, experiencing bloody stools 7-8 times per day. Initial computed tomography (CT) scans revealed an aneurysmal rupture near the right internal iliac artery with suspected hematoma development. Hemoglobin levels progressively decreased to 7 g/dL. Emergency arterial angiography and iliac artery-covered stent placement were performed, followed by balloon angioplasty. Despite initial stabilization, minor rectal bleeding and abdominal pain persisted, leading to further diagnostic colonoscopy. This identified a neoplasm and potential perforation at the proximal rectum. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed the presence of a hematoma and an aneurysm invading the rectal wall, necessitating partial rectal resection, intestinal anastomosis, and ileostomy. Postoperative recovery was successful, with no further bleeding incidents and normal follow-up CT and colonoscopy results after six months.

CONCLUSION

In cases of unusual gastrointestinal bleeding, it is necessary to consider vascular causes for effective diagnosis and intervention.

Identification of arnicolide C as a novel chemosensitizer to suppress mTOR/E2F1/FANCD2 axis in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays critical roles in intrinsic chemoresistance by regulating Fanconi anaemia complementation group D2 (FANCD2) expression. However, the mechanisms by which mTOR regulates FANCD2 expression and related inhibitors are not clearly elucidated. Extracts of Centipeda minima (C. minima) showed promising chemosensitizing effects by inhibiting FANCD2 activity. Here, we have aimed to identify the bioactive chemosensitizer in C. minima extracts and elucidate its underlying mechanism.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The chemosensitizing effects of arnicolide C (ArC), a bioactive compound in C. minima, on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were investigated using immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, the comet assay, small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection and animal models. The online SynergyFinder software was used to determine the synergistic effects of ArC and chemotherapeutic drugs on NSCLC cells.

KEY RESULTS

ArC had synergistic cytotoxic effects with DNA cross-linking drugs such as cisplatin and mitomycin C in NSCLC cells. ArC treatment markedly decreased FANCD2 expression in NSCLC cells, thus attenuating cisplatin-induced FANCD2 nuclear foci formation, leading to DNA damage and apoptosis. ArC inhibited the mTOR pathway and attenuated mTOR-mediated expression of E2F1, a critical transcription factor of FANCD2. Co-administration of ArC and cisplatin exerted synergistic anticancer effects in the A549 xenograft mouse model by suppressing mTOR/FANCD2 signalling in tumour tissues.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

ArC suppressed DNA cross-linking drug-induced DNA damage response by inhibiting the mTOR/E2F1/FANCD2 signalling axis, serving as a chemosensitizing agent. This provides insight into the anticancer mechanisms of ArC and offers a potential combinatorial anticancer therapeutic strategy.

Enhancing Oral Mucosal Barrier, Mitigating Microinflammation, and Addressing Malnutrition in Dialysis Patients: The Impact of Tangerine Peel Lemon Glycerin

Objective

This study investigates the efficacy of tangerine peel lemon glycerin extract oral spray in improving oral mucosal barrier, reducing microinflammation, and addressing malnutrition in maintenance dialysis (MHD) patients.

Methods

Tangerine peel and dry lemon underwent glycerin extraction. From January 2021 to June 2022, 72 MHD patients with thirst were prospectively chosen at Sinopharm Gezhouba Central Hospital. Randomization divided them into an observation group (n=36) and a control group (n=36). Both received routine maintenance dialysis and chronic kidney disease management. Oral conditions were assessed using OHIP-14, a homemade visual thirst score scale, SFR, sAA, and saliva pH. Microinflammatory indexes (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6) and nutritional status indicators (Alb, PA, Hb) were measured. The observation group used 1ml of tangerine peel lemon glycerin extract with a pH value of 5.9~6.1 q6h, while the control group used 1ml of purified water q6h.

Results

After 3 months, the observation group showed significant improvement in OHIP-14 and visual thirst score scale (P < .01). Saliva pH, CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels decreased, and SAA activity, SFR, Alb, PA, and Hb levels increased significantly in the observation group compared to the control group (P < .01).

Conclusions

Tangerine peel lemon glycerin spray demonstrates promise in improving the oral mucosal barrier, exhibiting antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that mitigate microinflammation and malnutrition. This finding suggests a connection between oral health, systemic pathology, psychological state, and social adaptability.

[Clinical significance and research progress of quantitative hepatitis B virus core antibody measurement]

Hepatitis B virus core antibodies are specific antibodies produced after viral infection that appear early and last for a long time, and its levels in serum are measured by the double-antigen sandwich chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay method, which has higher sensitivity and specificity, providing new clinical indicators for hepatitis B patients diagnosis, treatment, and drug withdrawal management. This article reviews the clinical significance and research progress of quantitative hepatitis B core antibody measurement and expounds on its research applications and prospects in clinical practice.

[Surgical plan selection and efficacy analysis in 32 cases of laryngotracheal stenosis]

Objective: To explore the optimization of surgical procedures for laryngotracheal stenosis and its effect analysis. Methods: The data of 32 patients with acquired laryngotracheal stenosis who received surgical treatment from October 2015 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The age ranged from 19 to 72 years, with an average of (34.0±9.0) years. The medical history ranged from 1 to 32 months (median 3 months). As for etiology, there were 30 cases of iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis, including 20 cases of tracheal intubation and 10 cases of tracheotomy (7 cases of percutaneous tracheotomy and 3 cases of traditional tracheotomy). There were 1 case of laryngotracheal trauma and 1 case of airway Penicillium marneffei infection. According to Myer-Cotton grading system, grade Ⅳ stenosis was found in 14 cases, including 12 cases involving trachea and 2 cases involving trachea and subglottic area.There were 18 cases of grade Ⅲ, all of which involved the cervical trachea 5 cases failed in operation in other hospitals. According to stenosis grading, course of disease, primary disease control and the patient's general condition, the surgical plan was determined individually. The operations of end-to-end anastomosis, circumferential tracheal partial resection, T-tube placement and CO2 laser tracheal scar resection were performed respectively. The recovery of airway function and perioperative complications were observed one year after operation. Results: End-to-end anastomosis was performed in 16 cases, and partial circumferential tracheal resection in 2 cases, and tracheal granulation (scar) resection by CO2 laser in 2 cases and T-tube insertion in 12 cases. Eighteen cases which performed end-to-end anastomosis, partial resection of circumferential trachea in and 2 cases which performed laser tracheal scar resection were all recovered airway function at one stage. After 1 year, 19 cases were cured and 1 case was effective. Of 12 patients with T tube implantation, 11 cases were successfully extubated after 6-12 months, 7 cases were cured after 1 year, 2 cases were effective and 3 cases were ineffective. Among the 3 cases of failure, 2 cases were successfully extubated by sleeve resection and end-to-end anastomosis in the second stage, and the other case refused to accept other treatment methods and the T-tube was placed again, and the tube was blocked and the patient survived. During the follow-up period, the total cure rate was 87.5%, the effective rate was 9.4%, and the total extubation rate was 96.9%.The most common complication was subcutaneous emphysema, accounting for 78% (25/32), but no serious mediastinal emphysema or pneumothorax occurred. In the T-tube implantation group, granulation tissue grew in different degrees around the neck wound after operation, and improved or disappeared after 6-9 months. Anterior cervical tracheal fistula occurred in 4 cases of T-tube implantation group after extubation, which were cured by sealing the stoma. There were no complications such as severe bleeding or perioperative death. Conclusion: When there were various factors, the optimization of the surgical plan according to the degree of stenosis, the course of disease, the control of primary disease and the general condition was an important guarantee to improve the curative effect of laryngotracheal stenosis.

Rare synchronous colorectal carcinoma with three pathological subtypes: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Synchronous colorectal carcinomas (SCRC) are two or more primary colorectal carcinomas identified simultaneously or within 6 mo of the initial presentation in a single patient. Their incidence is low and the number of pathological types of SCRC is usually no more than two. It is very unusual that the pathological findings of a patient with SCRC show more than two different pathological subtypes. Here, we report a rare case of SCRC with three pathological subtypes.

CASE SUMMARY

A 75-year-old woman who had no previous medical history or family history was admitted to the hospital because of intermittent hematochezia for more than a month. Colonoscopy displayed an irregularly shaped neoplasm of the rectum, a tumor-like lesion causing intestinal stenosis in the descending colon, and a polypoidal neoplasm in the ileocecum. Subsequently, she underwent total colectomy, abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer, and ileostomy. After operation, the pathological report showed three pathological subtypes including well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon, moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the descending colon, and mucinous adenocarcinoma of the rectum. She is now recovering well and continues to be closely monitored during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative colonoscopy examination, imaging examination, and extensive intraoperative exploration play important roles in reducing the number of missed lesions.

[Research progress on the effects of proanthochanidins in reshaping microbiota and suppressing inflammation]

Proanthocyanidins (PCs) are a class of polyphenols that are composed of flavanate monomers and their polymers, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties with very few side effects. This article reviews the mechanism by which PCs differentially regulate microbiota, reshape microflora diversity and play a role in suppressing inflammation, providing a reference for the basic research of PCs in improving female vaginal health, and is expected to provide a new idea and breakthrough for the combined use of PCs with other antibacterial drugs in the treatment of vaginitis.

Ethanol Extract of Citrus grandis 'Tomentosa' Exerts Anticancer Effects by Targeting Skp2/p27 Pathway in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

SCOPE

This study aims to investigate the anticancer properties of Citrus grandis 'Tomentosa' (CGT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The ethanol extract of CGT (CGTE) is prepared by using anhydrous ethanol and analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), revealing that the main chemical components in CGTE are flavonoids and coumarins, such as naringin, rhoifolin, apigenin, bergaptol, and osthole. CGTE at concentrations without inducing cell death significantly inhibits cell proliferation via inducing cell cycle G1 phase arrest by MTT, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays, implying that CGT has anticancer potential. CGTE markedly inhibits the activity of Skp2-SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase, decreases the protein level of Skp2, and promotes the accumulation of p27 by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and in vivo ubiquitination assay; whereas Skp2 overexpression rescues the effects of CGTE in NSCLC cells. In subcutaneous LLC allograft and A549 xenograft mouse models, CGTE, without causing obvious side effects in mice, significantly inhibits lung tumor growth by targeting the Skp2/p27 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that CGTE efficiently inhibits NSCLC proliferation both in vitro and in vivo by targeting the Skp2/p27 signaling pathway, suggesting that CGTE may serve as a therapeutic candidate for NSCLC treatment.

[Mammary myofibroblastoma: a clinicopathological analysis of fifteen cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of breast myofibroblastoma. Methods: The clinicopathological data and prognostic information of 15 patients with breast myofibroblastoma diagnosed at the Department of Pathology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China from 2014 to 2022 were collected. Their clinical characteristics, histological subtypes, immunophenotypes and molecular characteristics were analyzed. Results: There were 12 female and 3 male patients, ranging in age from 18 to 78 years, with a median and average age of 52 years. There were 6 cases in the left breast and 9 cases in the right breast, including 12 cases in outer upper quadrant, 2 cases in inner upper quadrant and 1 case in outer lower quadrant. Most of the cases showed a well-defined nodule grossly, including pushing growth under the microscope in 13 cases, being completely separated from the surrounding breast tissue in 1 case, and infiltrating growth in 1 case. Among them, 12 cases were classic subtype and composed of occasional spindle cells with varying intervals of collagen fiber bundles; eight cases had a small amount of fat; one case had focal cartilage differentiation; one case was epithelioid subtype, in which epithelioid tumor cells were scattered in single filing or small clusters; one case was schwannoma-like subtype, and the tumor cells were arranged in a significant palisade shape, resembling schwannoma, and one case was invasive leiomyoma-like subtype, in which the tumor cells had eosinophilic cytoplasm and were arranged in bundles, and infiltrating into the surrounding mammary lobules like leiomyoma. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the tumor cells expressed desmin (14/15) and CD34 (14/15), as well as ER (15/15) and PR (15/15). Three cases with histologic subtypes of epithelioid subtype, schwannoma-like subtype and infiltrating leiomyoma-like subtype showed RB1 negative immunohistochemistry. Then FISH was performed to detect RB1/13q14 gene deletion, and identified RB1 gene deletion in all three cases. Fifteen cases were followed up for 2-100 months, and no recurrence was noted. Conclusions: Myofibroblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor of the breast. In addition to the classic type, there are many histological variants, among which the epithelioid subtype is easily confused with invasive lobular carcinoma. The schwannoma-like subtype is similar to schwannoma, while the invasive subtype is easily misdiagnosed as fibromatosis-like or spindle cell metaplastic carcinoma. Therefore, it is important to recognize the various histological subtypes and clinicopathological features of the tumor for making correct pathological diagnosis and rational clinical treatment.

Role of Circular RNAs in Prostate Cancer

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to summarize the current literature to demonstrate the importance of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in multiple aspects of prostate cancer (PCa) occurrence, progression, and treatment resistance and explore the potential role in therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting this molecule in PCa.

METHODS

The relevant literature from PubMed and Medline databases is reviewed in this article.

RESULTS

Non-coding RNA has been proven to play a vital role in regulating tumor progression. Among them, circular RNA plays a more unique role due to its nonlinear structure. Lots of circRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in PCa and regulate cell signaling pathways by regulating particular gene expressions. Recent studies have demonstrated that circRNAs are associated with the chemoresistance of urinary tumors, suggesting that circRNAs might be a novel therapeutic target and a marker for therapeutic response and prognosis assessment.

CONCLUSION

The potential crosstalk of circRNAs modifications in PCa development, therapy, and regulation of tumor metabolism is portrayed in this review. However, more preclinical and clinical trials of this targeted strategy are necessary for the treatment of urinary tumors.

Molecular mechanism of tillering response to nitrogen in rice

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer acts as the main driving force for agricultural productivity improvement. However, overuse of N fertilizer has caused severe effects to environment and ecosystem. Thus, it is pivotal to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) for future sustainable agriculture. Agronomic traits response to N are significant indices for NUE phenotyping. For example, tiller number, grain number per panicle, and grain weight are three major components for cereal yields. Although regulatory mechanisms regarding to these three traits have been largely reported, few is known about how N affects them. Tiller number is one of the most sensitive traits response to N and also plays a key role for N-promoted yield improvement. It is thereby of great significance to dissect the genetic basis underlying tillering response to N. In this review, we summarize the factors contributing to NUE as well as the regulatory mechanisms over rice tillering and emphasize how N affects rice tillering, future research directions are also discussed for further improving NUE.

[Establishment of a prognostic model for non-nephrotic membranous nephropathy based on unbalanced data]

Objective: To explore the construction of a machine learning model based on unbalanced data to predict the progression of non-nephrotic membranous nephropathy. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of patients diagnosed with non-nephrotic membranous nephropathy by renal biopsy in Shanxi People's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The prediction models were constructed based on logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM) and light gradient boosting machine (lightGBM), respectively. The mixed sampling technology was used to process the unbalanced data, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive performance of the models. Finally, Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) was used to interpret the results of the optimal prediction model. Results: A total of 148 patients were included in the study, including 84 males and 64 females, with a mean age of (47.2±12.5) years. The follow-up time [M(Q₁, Q₃)] was 14(7, 20) months. Twenty-three patients (15.5%) achieved the renal end-point event in the study. The SVM model had the highest AUC (0.868, 95%CI: 0.813-0.925), followed by logistic regression (AUC=0.865, 95%CI: 0.755-0.899) and lightGBM (AUC=0.791, 95%CI: 0.690-0.882). The feature recursive elimination cross validation (RFECV) method based on random forest (RF) and the SHAP plot based on the SVM model showed that immunohistochemistry IgG, total protein (TP), anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (anti-PLA2R), blood chloride and D-Dimer were risk factors affecting the progress of non-nephrotic membranous nephropathy. Moreover, patients with high immunohistochemistry IgG, anti-PLA2R and D-Dimer had an increased risk of achieving the renal end-point event. Conclusion: The SVM model established in this study can effectively predict the progress of non-nephrotic membranous nephropathy, and provide a new method for the early identification of high-risk patients and precision therapy.

Flexible Metamaterial Quarter-Wave Plate and Its Application in Blocking the Backward Reflection of Terahertz Waves

A terahertz flexible metamaterial quarter-wave plate (QWP) is designed and fabricated using polyimide as the substrate in this paper, with a 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of 0.51 THz and high polarization conversion efficiency and transmittance. The effect of the incidence angle on the polarization conversion performance of the QWP is discussed by measuring the transmissions at multiple incidence angles. The blocking effect of this QWP combined with a polarizer on the backward reflection of terahertz waves is investigated by terahertz time-domain spectral transmission experiments. By adjusting the angle of the QWP and polarizer with respect to the incident light in the optical path, a blocking efficiency of 20 dB can be achieved at a 20° incidence angle, with a bandwidth of 0.25 THz, a maximum blocking efficiency of 58 dB at 1.73 THz, and an insertion loss of only 1.4 dB. Flexible terahertz metamaterial QWPs and polarizers can effectively block harmful reflected waves in terahertz communication and other systems. They have the advantages of a simple structure, ultra-thinness and flexibility, easy integration, no external magnetic field, and no low-temperature and other environmental requirements, thus having broad application prospects for terahertz on-chip integrated systems.

Active Control of Alfvén Eigenmodes by Externally Applied 3D Magnetic Perturbations

The suppression and excitation of Alfvén eigenmodes have been experimentally obtained, for the first time, by means of externally applied 3D perturbative fields with different spatial spectra in a tokamak plasma. The applied perturbation causes an internal fast-ion redistribution that modifies the phase-space gradients responsible for driving the modes, determining, ultimately their existence. Hybrid kinetic-magnetohydrodynamic simulations reveal an edge resonant transport layer activated by the 3D perturbative field as the responsible mechanism for the fast-ion redistribution. The results presented here may help to control fast-ion driven Alfvénic instabilities in future burning plasmas with a significant fusion born alpha particle population.

[Study on the reliability and validity of the Chinese Criteria of Health Scale for the elderly people]

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese Criteria of Health Scale for the elderly people. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among older adults of Meiyuan Community in Haidian District, Beijing and Nanwangkong Village in Qingzhou City,Shandong Province during July 2021. Using a cluster sampling method, totally 667 elderly people were investigated by face-to-face interview, using the scale which was formulated after two rounds of the Delphi method and pilot study. The overall scale includes physical health, mental health and social health subscales, including 9, 52 and 15 items, respectively. Four weeks after the survey, 56 elderly people were randomly selected and repeated the survey with the same method. The test-retest reliability, split-half reliability and internal consistency reliability of the scale were evaluated, and the validity was evaluated at the same time, including construct validity and content validity. Results: A total of 710 questionnaires were distributed and 667 valid questionnaires were obtained, with a total effective rate of 93.94%. The score of the overall scale was 79.79±16.22, the scores of the physical health, mental health, social health sub-scores were 41.64±9.76, 26.82±3.92 and 11.34±5.19, respectively. The scale had excellent reliability. In the test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the overall scale and each subscale were 0.766-0.861, and the weighted Kappa values were 0.762-0.817. The Spearman-Brown coefficient of the overall scale and each subscale in the split-half reliability were 0.722-0.855 (all P<0.001). The Cronbach's α coefficients of the overall scale of internal consistency reliability and each subscale were 0.748-0.899, and the Cronbach's α coefficients of each dimension were from 0.709 to 0.963(all P<0.001). At the same time, the scale had good construct validity and content validity. The correlation coefficients between the score of each dimension and its sub-scale were larger, from 0.641 to 0.873 (all P<0.05). The cumulative variance contribution rates of the scale and three subscales were all more than 50% of the approved standard. A total of 11 common factors were extracted, and all the load values of each item on the corresponding factors were ≥0.04. Conclusion: The Chinese Criteria of Health Scale for the elderly people has good validity and excellent reliability. It can be used as a basis for the scientific division of the health status of the elderly, the formulation of relevant policies by the government and the provision of appropriate health services for the elderly.

Promising anticancer activities and mechanisms of action of active compounds from the medicinal herb Centipeda minima (L.) A. Braun & Asch

BACKGROUND

Centipeda minima (L.) A. Braun & Asch (C. minima) has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine to treat multiple diseases, including sinusitis, rhinitis, headache, and allergy. To date, the anticancer properties of C. minima have drawn considerable attention owing to the anticancer potential of C. minima extracts, the identification of active components, and the elucidation of underlying molecular mechanisms. However, the anticancer properties and significance of active components in C. minima have rarely been summarized.

PURPOSE

This review presents a comprehensive summary of the anticancer properties exhibited by active components of C. minima.

METHODS

An extensive search for published articles on the anticancer activities and active components of C. minima was performed using Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

C. minima extracts exhibited both anticancer and chemosensitizing effects. Phytochemical studies have identified the active anticancer components of C. minima extracts. Sesquiterpene lactones, such as 6-O-angeloylplenolin (6-OAP, or brevilin A) and arnicolide D, have similar structures and anticancer mechanisms. As the most abundant sesquiterpene lactone in C. minima, 6-OAP exhibits anticancer activities mainly by targeting Skp1-Cullin1-F-box protein (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Clinical trials have assessed the potential of 6-OAP in patients with vertex balding and alopecia areata, given its effect on JAK-STATs signaling. Chlorogenic acid, a representative organic acid in C. minima, reportedly possesses anticancer potential and inhibits tumor growth by affecting tumor microenvironment and has been approved for phase II clinical trials in patients with glioma in China.

CONCLUSION

In the present review, we highlight intriguing anticancer properties mediated by active compounds isolated from C. minima extracts, particularly sesquiterpene lactones, which might provide clues for developing novel anticancer drugs. Relevant clinical trials on chlorogenic acid and 6-OAP can promote anticancer clinical applications. Therefore, it is worth comprehensively elucidating underlying anticancer mechanisms and conducting clinical trials on C. minima and its active components.

Potential role of circulating exosome miRNAs in left ventricular remodeling of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Left ventricular remodeling (LVR) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may lead to poor prognosis in which circulating exosome miRNAs play a critical role. The aim of the present study is to identify specific exosome miRNAs for LVR in patients with STEMI.

Method

Plasma exosome miRNAs were assessed in 20 patients (90% male, mean age of 66.95±1.65 years) 3–6 months after STEMI and 24 healthy individuals (83% male, mean age of 33.2±0.93 years) by using qPCR. Of the 20 patients, 8 had post-STEMI LVR according to echocardiographic evaluation, and the others did not. Clinical biochemical data including total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, LDH and NT-pro-BNP were collected from the patients with STEMI at same time as exosome miRNAs assessment. Specific exosome miRNAs for LVR were identified by using qPCR. Correlations between the dysregulated exosome miRNAs and the clinical biochemical parameters in patients with STEMI were analyzed using spearman correlation test.

Results

Five exosome miRNAs including hsa-miR-181a-3p (p&lt;0.05, fold change = 0.59), let-7d-3p (p=0.01, fold change = 0.51), hsa-miR-224-5p (p&lt;0.01, fold change = 0.11), hsa-miR-23a-3p (p&lt;0.01, fold change = 1.42) and miR-874-3p (p&lt;0.01, fold change = 0.48) were dysregulated in the post-STEMI patients comparing with the healthy individuals. Among them, the exosome miR-181a-3p (p=0.01, fold change = 0.09) and let-7d-3p (p=0.01, fold change = 0.16) were significantly lower expressed in patients with LVR compared to those without (Figure 1). There was no significant difference in expression of the other three miRNAs between patients with and without LVR. Exosome hsa-miR-874-3p positively associated with LDH (p&lt;0.01, r=0.50) in all the patients with STEMI. In vitro cell culture confirmed that the miR-874-3p mimics upregulated expression of apoptosis related gene BMF (p&lt;0.05, fold change = 1.7) in cardiomyocyte. Exosome hsa-miR-23a-3p and hsa-miR-224-5p positively correlated with both HDL-C (p&lt;0.01, r=0.61; p=0.02, r=0.50) and LDL-C (p=0.02, r=0.50; p&lt;0.05, r=0.52) in all patients with STEMI. No correlation between the dysregulated exosome miRNAs and cholesterol or NT-ProBNP was observed (Figure 2).

Conclusions

Circulating exosome miR-181a-3p and let-7d-3p might play a potential role in LVR in patients 3–6 months after STEMI. Exosome hsa-miR-874-3p might be associated with cardiomyocyte injury. Hsa-miR-23a-3p and hsa-miR-224-5p demonstrated an activity in regulation of lipid metabolism and biosynthesis in patients with STEMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): This work was supported by grants from the 3×3 Clinical Scientist Fund of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital

Lethal and sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole on the migratory moths Agrotis ipsilon and A. segetum: New perspectives for pest management strategies

BACKGROUND

Agrotis ipsilon and A. segetum are major migratory pests of many crops in China, and frequent regional outbreaks cause severe yield losses. Use of food attractants is one of the most promising control methods against adult lepidoptera, notably through the attract-and-kill strategy. Chlorantraniliprole's acute toxicity and sublethal effects on both moths were evaluated.

RESULTS

Chlorantraniliprole showed high activity against both adults of both species, with LC₂₀ and LC₅₀ values of 0.08 and 0.21 mg L^-1 (A. ipsilon), and 0.14 and 0.51 mg L^-1 (A. segetum). The fecundity, effective oviposition rate, and egg hatching rate of both species in dual-sex exposure treatments were all significantly reduced compared with the control, and the population growth coefficients in the LC₅₀ ♀ × LC₅₀ ♂ treatments were only 0.32% (A. ipsilon) and 3.35% (A. segetum) that of the control. Furthermore, the flight distance was significantly suppressed from 6.67 km (control) to 0.01 km (LC₅₀ ) for A. ipsilon, and from 7.39 km (control) to 0.78 km (LC₅₀ ) for A. segetum. The proportions of robust- and medium-flight individuals of A. ipsilon and A. segetum in exposure treatments were greatly reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

Low lethal concentration exposures to chlorantraniliprole can drastically reduce the reproduction and flight performance of A. ipsilon and A. segetum, while inhibiting the production of offspring, suggesting chlorantraniliprole would be an excellent compound for use in combination with food attractants. Chlorantraniliprole has good potential for management of the two long-range migratory pests tested using an attract-and-kill strategy. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Analysis of the etiology and clinical characteristics of patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis]

Objective: To explore the etiology of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and analyze the clinical features, treatment options and outcomes of patients with HLH induced by infectious and non-infectious factors. Methods: The clinical data of 97 patients aged ≥14 years who were diagnosed or suspected of HLH during their hospitalization at Peking University First Hospital from January 1, 2006 to December 4, 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and 80 patients with HLH were further screened for inclusion. The general condition and etiological composition of the patients were analyzed, and the laboratory tests, treatment and outcome of patients in the infection, tumor and autoimmune disease groups were compared. Results: The age[M(Q₁,Q₃)] of the 80 patients with HLH was 53.5 (32.0, 64.0) years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1∶1. Of the 80 HLH patients with HLH, 23.8% (19/80)、37.5% (30/80)、15.0% (12/80)、10.0% (8/80) were secondary to infection, neoplasm, autoimmune disease, and mixed factors, respectively, with EBV infection (n=15) and hematologic neoplasm (n=28) being the most common etiologies in infection or non-infection-related HLH. The incidence of peripheral blood secondary or tertiary lineage reduction was significantly higher in patients in the infection group than in the autoimmune disease group [68.4% (13/19), 33.3% (4/12), P=0.002]. Serum ferritin (SF) ≥500 μg/L and ≥1 500 μg/L were 93.1% (54/58) and 72.4% (42/58), respectively; among them, 29 patients had significantly lower SF after treatment than before treatment, 1 049 (362, 1 769)μg/L and 2010 (1 231, 7 323) μg/L (P<0.001). Phagocytosis was seen in 68.75% (55/80) and HLH-related gene mutations were detectable in 5 cases. In the three groups, 13.1% (8/61) of patients died of disease, 47.5% (29/61) improved and 9.8% (6/61) relapsed. Conclusions: HLH has no specific symptoms and progresses rapidly, mainly due to infections, neoplastic diseases, autoimmune diseases. The prognosis may be improved with early treatment.

The crucial roles of long noncoding RNA SNHGs in lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors with growing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several treatments are used to manage lung cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as molecular-targeted therapy. However, the current measures are still far from satisfactory. Therefore, the current research should focus on exploring the molecular mechanism and then finding an effective treatment. Interestingly, we and others have embarked on a line of investigations focused on the mechanism of lung cancer. Specifically, lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene has been shown to be associated with biological characteristics and therapeutic resistance of lung cancer. In addition, small nucleolar RNA host genes may be used as diagnostic biomarker in the future. Herein, we will provide a brief review demonstrating the importance of small nucleolar RNA host genes in lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer. Although lncRNA has shown a crucial role in tumor-related research, a large number of studies are needed to validate its clinical application in the future.

[Application of the small private online course-based blended teaching model in Human Parasitology teaching]

Small private online course (SPOC), an emerging network-based, student-centered blended teaching model, combines the advantages of online teaching and flipped classroom, aiming to effectively improve students' autonomous learning ability and learning efficiency. Considering a remarkable decline in the course of Human Parasitology, we built an SPOC-based blended teaching model for Human Parasitology, covering pre-course learning, intra-course leaning, post-course consolidation and evaluation, and such a model was applied among grade 2019 students with specialty of clinical medicine. Following the application of the SPOC-based blended teaching model, most students had improvements in autonomous learning ability and activity, and understanding of human parasitology knowledge, and the examination score disparity was avoided.

Features and clinical significance of tertiary lymphoid structure in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) plays an important role in anti-tumor immunity, largely reflecting the prognosis. However, its clinical implication in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the features of TLS in cSCC and its association with clinicopathological characteristics.

METHODS

Two independent RNA-seq data of cSCC were used to investigate the tumor immune microenvironment, as well as TLS-related chemokines and cytokines. The density and location of TLSs were assessed in a total of 82 cSCC patients, and the clinicopathologic association was examined.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis showed that a large amount of immune cell infiltration and significant up-regulation of TLS-related chemokines were observed in cSCC. Histologically, TLSs appeared as highly organized structures in 72 (87.8%) cases with different levels of density and maturation, among which 14 cases were in low-density group and 58 cases were in high-density group. Clinically, the presence of TLS was prominently associated with better degree of histopathological grades and higher level of sun exposure. Furthermore, the presence of intratumoral TLS was associated with lower lymphovascular invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

TLS is highly organized in cSCC, and the presence of TLS is a positive prognostic factor for cSCC, which will provide a theoretical basis for the future diagnostic and therapeutic value in cSCC.

Dispersion Theory of Surface Plasmon Polaritons on Bilayer Graphene Metasurfaces

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on the graphene metasurfaces (GSPs) are crucial to develop a series of novel functional devices that can merge the well-established plasmonics and novel nanomaterials. Dispersion theory on GSPs is an important aspect, which can provide a basic understanding of propagating waves and further guidance for potential applications based on graphene metamaterials. In this paper, the dispersion theory and its modal characteristics of GSPs on double-layer graphene metasurfaces consisting of the same upper and lower graphene micro-ribbon arrays deposited on the dielectric medium are presented. In order to obtain its dispersion expressions of GSP mode on the structure, an analytical approach is provided by directly solving the Maxwell’s equations in each region and then applying periodical conductivity boundary onto the double interfaces. The obtained dispersion expressions show that GSPs split into two newly symmetric and antisymmetric modes compared to that on the single graphene metasurface. Further, the resultant dispersion relation and its propagating properties as a function of some important physical parameters, such as spacer, ribbon width, and substrate, are treated and investigated in the Terahertz band, signifying great potentials in constructing various novel graphene-based plasmonic devices, such as deeply sub-wavelength waveguides, lenses, sensors, emitters, etc.

Value of pseudopod sign on high-frequency ultrasound in predicting the pathological invasion of extramammary Paget's disease lesions

BACKGROUND

Vertical invasion of extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is associated with poor prognosis. The usual vertical invasion route is directly downward or along the skin appendages. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) can be used to measure the EMPD lesion thickness, and visualize the pseudopod extensions due to skin appendage involvement. It is a non-invasive method for evaluating the extent of vertical invasion in EMPD.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of HFUS in predicting the extent of vertical invasion in EMPD.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 85 patients with EMPD were divided into two groups based on the pathology: invasive EMPD (iEMPD) group (n = 13) and in situ EMPD group (n = 72). The clinical and HFUS features of both the groups were analyzed. The different types of pseudopodia morphology on HFUS were as follows: no pseudopodia, irregular bottom, small sphere, short strip, long strip, vase shape, and nodular convex. These were further stratified into low-risk and high-risk levels.

RESULTS

The clinical features were comparable between the two groups (P > .05). There were significant differences between the two groups in the HFUS features (lesion thickness, lesion shape, bottom shape, layer involvement, pseudopodia morphology, and color Doppler blood flow signal; all P < .05). The distribution of the pseudopodia morphology types in the in situ EMPD and iEMPD groups, was as follows: no pseudopodia, 30/72 and 0/13; irregular bottom, 5/72 and 0/13; small sphere, 5/72 and 0/13; short strip, 21/72 and 0/13; long strip, 8/72 and 3/13; vase shape, 3/72 and 3/13; and nodular convex, 0/72 and 7/13 (P < .05 for all). The sensitivity and specificity of high-risk pseudopodia in identifying iEMPD were 100% and 84.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

HFUS provides morphological information regarding EMPD lesions. Risk stratification for pseudopodia can help to distinguish between iEMPD and in situ EMPD lesions.

[Perifosine inhibits biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by interacting with PqsE protein]

To explore the biofilm inhibitory efficacy of perifosine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginos) and its mechanisms. Twenty-fourwell plate was used to form biofilms at the bottom and crystal violet staining was used to determine the biofilm inhibitory effects of perifosine against P. aeruginosa, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. Glass tubes combined with crystal violet staining was used to detect the gas-liqud interface related bioiflm inhibitory effects of perifosine, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. Time-growth curved was used to detect the effects of perifosine on the bacteial planktonic cells growth of P. aeruginosa, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. The interaction model between perifosine and PqsE was assessed by molecular docking assay. The inhibitory effects of perifosine on the catalytic activity of PqsE was determined by detection the production of thiols, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. Binding affinity between perifosine and PqsE was detected by plasma surface resonance. The biofims at the bottom of the microplates and air-liquid interface were effectively inhibited by perifosine at the concentration of 4-8 μg/ml. There was no influence of perifosine on the cells growth of P. aeruginosa. The resuts of molecular docking assay indicates that perifosine could interacted with PqsE with the docking score of -10.67 kcal/mol. Perifosine could inhibit the catalytic activity of PqsE in a dose-dependent manner. The binding affinity between perifosine and PqsE was comfirmed by plasma surface resonance with KD of 6.65×10^-5mol/L. Perifosine could inhibited the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa by interacting with PqsE.

Fouling and cleaning of thin film composite forward osmosis membrane treating municipal wastewater for resource recovery

Concentrating municipal wastewater by forward osmosis (FO) membrane to a high level of water recovery rate to facilitate downstream resource recovery might cause more serious membrane fouling. This study investigated the concentration of synthetic and real municipal wastewater to 90% water recovery rate by hollow fiber and flat-sheet thin film composite (TFC) FO membranes and their associated membrane fouling and cleaning. Results show that the FO membrane had high rejection rates of COD, phosphate, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ with concentration factors at around 8 when achieving a 90% water recovery rate, which facilitated downstream phosphate recovery by precipitation and energy recovery by anaerobic digestion. Ca²⁺ concentration in municipal wastewater at 61 mg/L was found to be the main factor to cause inorganic scaling, and the fouling caused by calcium precipitates was harder to be cleaned by physical cleaning compared with suspended solids (SS) such as cellulose particles. In addition, the TFC FO membrane for treating real sewage with SS is not applicable for the hollow fiber configuration used in this study due to lumen clogging, while the TFC flat sheet configuration was able to achieve a 90% water recovery rate. The use of a spacer in the flat sheet configuration improved the efficiency of the following physical cleaning by around 15% although it did not alleviate membrane fouling during the membrane filtration process. This study highlighted the importance of the chemistry of FS and DS and FO membrane configuration on membrane fouling particularly at high water recovery rates and the necessity of pre-treatment of municipal wastewater by removing suspended solids.

Brusatol has therapeutic efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer by targeting Skp1 to inhibit cancer growth and metastasis

Skp1-Cul1-F-box protein (SCF) ubiquitin E3 ligases play important roles in cancer development and serve as a promising therapeutic target in cancer therapy. Brusatol (Bru), a known Nrf2 inhibitor, holds promise for treating a wide range of tumors; however, the direct targets of Bru and its anticancer mode of action remain unclear. In our study, 793 Bru-binding candidate proteins were identified by using a biotin-brusatol conjugate (Bio-Bru) followed by streptavidin-affinity pull down-based mass spectrometry. We found that Bru can directly bind to Skp1 and disrupt the interactions of Skp1 with the F-box protein Skp2, leading to the inhibition of the Skp2-SCF E3 ligase. Bru inhibited both proliferation and migration via promoting the accumulation of the substrates p27 and E-cadherin; Skp1 overexpression attenuated while Skp1 knockdown enhanced these effects of Bru in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Moreover, Bru binding to Skp1 also inhibited the β-TRCP-SCF E3 ligase. In both subcutaneous and orthotopic NSCLC xenografts, Bru significantly inhibited the growth and metastasis of NSCLC through targeting SCF complex and upregulating p27 and E-cadherin protein levels. These data demonstrate that Bru is a Skp1-targeting agent that may have therapeutic potentials in lung cancer.

Dependence of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate accumulation in sludge on biomass concentration in SBRs

The combination of wastewater treatment with polyhydroxyalkanoate production has attracted increasing interest in the context of the circular economy. Recent studies have thus attempted to optimize the conditions for polyhydroxyalkanoate accumulation in sludge when treating wastewater. The effects of biomass concentration and sludge morphologies in reactors on PHB storage, however, were neglected in the literature. Therefore, in this study settling time and organic loading rate were manipulated to adjust sludge morphology and biomass concentration in sequential batch reactors (SBRs) to investigate their influence on PHB storage in the feast phase. Our study shows that reducing settling times in SBRs from 10 to 0 min under organic loading rate of 3 g L^-1 d^-1 resulted in the decrease in biomass concentration at steady states from 4.2 to 1.0 g L^-1 and the change of sludge morphology from well-settled granules to poorly settled pinpoint flocs, but PHB content in sludge at the end of feast phase increased from 7.7 to 26.7%. The well-fitted regression lines between PHB content, SRT, feast/famine and food/microorganisms ratios and biomass concentration under different settling times suggest that PHB was highly dependent on biomass concentration but independent on sludge morphology. Under settling time of 0 min, the increase in OLR from 3 to 7.5 g L^-1 d^-1 resulted in an increased biomass concentration from 1.0 to 2.1 g L^-1 and an increase in PHB content from 26.7 to 33.8%. The batch and fed-batch experiments with different biomass concentrations also showed the influence of biomass concentration on PHB accumulation in sludge. The conclusion of the dependence of PHB content on biomass concentration under a fixed OLR and varied OLRs drawn from this study enables sludge PHB content as high as possible by adjusting biomass concentration in SBRs apart from the selective enriching strategies for PHB accumulating organisms when treating VFA-rich wastewater.

Exploration of mechanisms for calcium phosphate precipitation and accumulation in nitrifying granules by investigating the size effects of granules

Calcium phosphate could be accumulated in aerobic granules, which attracts attention recently for phosphorus removal and recovery from wastewater. In this study, partial nitrifying granules with high calcium precipitate content were sorted into different size groups for characterization and evaluation to reveal the dynamic balance of granules at stead state and relevant calcium phosphate precipitation and accumulation mechanism. It was found that light yellow small granules without calcium precipitates but high microbial activity co-existed with deep brown granules with calcium precipitate of around 91% and low microbial activity. Characterization with specific oxygen uptake rates, specific ammonium oxidation rates, calcium and phosphate removal rates from solution, EPS contents, elemental compositions by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for different size groups of granules enabled a proposal of a new hypothesized mechanism for calcium precipitation and accumulation. With this proposed mechanism, it is believed that sufficient granule retention time in reactors was critical for the accumulation of calcium precipitates followed by a slow microbial growth rate of biomass due to mass transfer resistance. The co-precipitation of calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate mainly occurred in granules with a size less than 710 µm while calcium phosphate dominant minerals were accumulated in granules larger than 710 µm. The results and conclusions in this study shed light on the mechanisms of calcium phosphate accumulation in granules, which could be used to better operate and control aerobic granular sludge with calcium phosphates for phosphorus removal and recovery.

Centipeda minima extract sensitizes lung cancer cells to DNA-crosslinking agents via targeting Fanconi anemia pathway

BACKGROUND

Intrinsic and acquired chemoresistance remains a critical challenge in lung cancer chemotherapy. Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway plays an important role in antagonizing the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutics by repairing DNA damage. We recently demonstrated that the traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Centipeda minima (C. minima), possessed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the potential anticancer application of C. minima and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the combined anticancer effects of the ethanol extract of C. minima (ECM) and DNA-crosslinking agents on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Cell viability and flow cytometry assay were performed to determine the synergistic cytotoxicity of ECM and DNA-crosslinking agents, cisplatin (CDDP) or mitomycin C (MMC), in NSCLC cells. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were conducted to examine the effects of ECM on protein expression in DNA damage repair pathway. Comet assay was applied to evaluate DNA damage levels. Subcutaneous xenografts of NSCLC were established to evaluate the combined anticancer effects of ECM and CDDP.

RESULTS

Combined treatments with ECM and DNA-crosslinking agents exhibited synergistic cytotoxic effects against A549 and H1299 cells. FANCD2 was highly expressed in NSCLC that correlates with poor prognosis of NSCLC patients, based on the online database analysis. ECM significantly inhibited DNA damage-induced monoubiquitination and nuclear foci formation of FANCD2, thereby sensitizing NSCLC to CDDP- or MMC-induced DNA damage and apoptosis, as evidenced by increased expression of γ-H2AX, increased cleavage of caspases-3 and PARP, and enhanced Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Further, ECM can also decrease the protein level of FANCD2 that contributes to the chemosensitizing effects. Moreover, ECM significantly attenuated CDDP-mediated S-phase arrest by antagonizing the activation of ATR/Chk1 pathway in NSCLC cells. Animal experiments further demonstrated that ECM and CDDP combination treatment synergistically inhibited tumor growth by decreasing FANCD2 protein level in tumor tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that ECM can inhibit DNA-crosslinking agents-induced activation of FA pathway by attenuating both the expression and monoubiquitination of FANCD2. ECM and CDDP combination therapy exhibited synergistic anticancer effects both in vitro and in vivo, indicating that ECM and its active components might serve as novel anticancer drugs in the combination chemotherapy.

Dexmedetomidine Relieves Neuropathic Pain in Rats With Chronic Constriction Injury via the Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway

This study aimed to determine the role of dexmedetomidine (Dex) in neuropathic pain (NP) after chronic constriction injury (CCI) in a rat model as well as its underlying mechanism. First, a CCI rat model was established. After treatment with Dex, the severity of NP was ascertained by monitoring paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) at different time points. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to determine the levels of Keap1 and Nrf2 in the spinal cord. Furthermore, the levels of Keap1–Nrf2–HO-1 pathway molecules, apoptotic proteins, and antioxidant genes in the spinal cord or isolated primary microglia were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The release of proinflammatory cytokines was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To evaluate Dex-treated CCI-induced NP via the Keap1–Nrf2–HO-1 pathway, the rats were intrathecally injected with lentivirus to upregulate or downregulate the expression of Keap1. We found that Dex inhibited pathological changes and alleviated sciatic nerve pain as well as repressed inflammation, apoptosis, and redox disorders of the spinal cord in CCI rats. Keap1 protein expression was substantially downregulated, whereas Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions were significantly upregulated in the spinal cord after Dex administration. Additionally, Keap1 overexpression counteracted Dex-mediated inhibition of NP. Keap1 overexpression led to a decrease in Nrf2 and HO-1 levels as well as PWT and PWL but led to an aggravation of inflammation and antioxidant disorders and increased apoptosis. Keap1 silencing alleviated NP in rats with CCI, as evidenced by an increase in PWT and PWL. Keap1 depletion resulted in the alleviation of inflammation and spinal cord tissue injury in CCI rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that Dex inhibits the Keap1–Nrf2–HO-1-related antioxidant response, inflammation, and apoptosis, thereby alleviating NP in CCI rats.

Pro-inflammatory and proliferative microglia drive progression of glioblastoma

Scant understanding of the glioblastoma microenvironment and molecular bases hampers development of efficient treatment strategies. Analyses of gene signatures of human gliomas demonstrate that the SETD2 mutation is correlated with poor prognosis of IDH1/2 wild-type (IDH-WT) adult glioblastoma patients. To better understand the crosstalk between SETD2 mutant (SETD2-mut) glioblastoma cells and the tumor microenvironment, we leverage single-cell transcriptomics to comprehensively map cellular populations in glioblastoma. In this study, we identify a specific subtype of high-grade glioma-associated microglia (HGG-AM). Further analysis shows that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 derived from SETD2-mut/IDH-WT tumor cells activates HGG-AM, exhibiting pro-inflammation and proliferation signatures. Particularly, HGG-AM secretes interleukin (IL)-1β via the apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-mediated NLRP1 inflammasome, thereby promoting tumor progression. HGG-AM present extensive proliferation and infiltration to supplement the activated microglia pool. Notably, TGF-β1/TβRI depletion dramatically reduces HGG-AM density and suppresses tumor growth. Altogether, our studies identify a specific microglia subpopulation and establish the cellular basis of interactions between HGG-AM and glioblastoma cells.

[Hesitancy of parents towards vaccines in national immunization program in three regions in China: a cross-sectional study]

Objective: To investigate the incidence and determinants of vaccine hesitancy towards national immunization program in China and understand the current status of parents' hesitancy to different vaccines used in national immunization program. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Beijing, Sichuan and Gansu. The methods of proportional probability sampling and convenience sampling were used to select the eligible study subjects for questionnaire surveys. Results: A total of 3 592 parents were enrolled in the study, in whom 38.22% fully accepted all the vaccines, 59.35% agreed to let their children to receive all the vaccines but showed slight concern, and 2.42% had hesitancy to the vaccines. The vaccine with the most hesitancy was polio vaccine (0.89%), followed by diphtheria pertussis tetanus vaccine (0.70%) and hepatitis A vaccine (0.64%). The dominant reason for vaccine hesitancy was the risk-benefit perception of vaccination (31.03%), followed by the low awareness of the parents (21.84%) and the inconvenience caused by distance and time (21.84%). Conclusions: The incidence of vaccine hesitancy towards national immunization program was low in parents in China, but over 50% of the parents showed concern to the vaccines. It is essential to improve the service quality of national immunization program and strengthen the health education about the vaccination to reduce the incidence of vaccine hesitancy in parents.

[Development and outlook on human challenge trial of vaccine]

Human challenge trial (HCT) is a test in which human volunteers are intentionally infected with pathogens in order to evaluate the efficacy of candidate preventive or therapeutic drugs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the HCT of vaccines has aroused people's attention due to its significant advantages over clinical trial. This paper introduces the concept, development and application of HCT, the advantages and limitations of HCT for vaccine evaluation, and the consideration of future HCT of COVID-19 vaccine in China.

[A multicenter retrospective study on the etiology of necrotizing pneumonia in children]

Objective: To investigate the etiology of necrotizing pneumonia (NP) in children and the clinical characteristics of NP caused by different pathogens in China. Methods: A retrospective, case-control study was performed in children with NP who were admitted to 13 hospitals in China from January 2008 to December 2019. The demographic and clinical information, laboratory data, etiological and radiological findings were analyzed. The data were divided into three groups based on the following years: 2008-2011, 2012-2015 and 2016-2019, and the distribution characteristics of the pathogens in different period were compared. Meanwhile, the pathogens of pediatric NP in the southern and northern China were compared. And the clinical characteristics of the Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) NP and the bacterial NP were also compared. T-test or Mann-Whitney nonparametric test was used for comparison of numerical variables, and χ² test was used for categorical variables. Results: A total of 494 children with NP were enrolled, the median ages were 4.7 (0.1-15.3) years, including 272 boys and 222 girls. Among these patients, pathogens were identified in 347 cases and the pathogen was unclear in the remaining 147 cases. The main pathogens were MP (238 cases), Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) (61 cases), Staphylococcus aureus (SA) (51 cases), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13 cases), Haemophilus influenzae (10 cases), adenovirus (10 cases), and influenza virus A (7 cases), respectively. MP was the most common pathogen in all three periods and the proportion increased yearly. The proportion of MP in 2016-2019 was significantly higher than that in 2012-2015 (52.1% (197/378) vs. 36.8% (32/87), χ²=6.654, P=0.010), while there was no significant difference in the proportion of MP in 2012-2015 and that in 2008-2011 (36.8% (32/87) vs. 31.0% (9/29), χ²=0.314, P=0.575).Regarding the regional distribution, 342 cases were in the southern China and 152 in the northern China. Also, MP was the most common pathogen in both regions, but the proportion of MP was higher and the proportion of SP was lower in the north than those in the south (60.5% (92/152) vs. 42.7% (146/342), χ²=13.409, P<0.010; 7.9% (12/152) vs. 14.3% (49/342), χ²=4.023, P=0.045). Comparing the clinical characteristics of different pathogens, we found that fever and cough were the common symptoms in both single MP and single bacterial groups, but chest pain was more common (17.0% (34/200) vs. 6.1% (6/98), χ²=6.697, P=0.010) while shortness of breath and wheezing were less common in MP group (16.0% (32/200) vs. 60.2% (59/98), χ²=60.688, P<0.01; 4.5% (9/200) vs. 21.4% (21/98), χ²=20.819, P<0.01, respectively). The white blood cell count, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in the bacterial group were significantly higher than those in the MP group (14.7 (1.0-67.1)×10⁹/L vs. 10.5 (2.5-32.2)×10⁹/L, 122.5 (0.5-277.3) mg/L vs. 51.4 (0.5-200.0) g/L, 2.13 (0.05-100.00) μg/L vs. 0.24 (0.01-18.85) μg/L, Z=-3.719, -5.901 and -7.765, all P<0.01). Conclusions: The prevalence of pediatric NP in China shows an increasing trend during the past years. MP, SP and SA are the main pathogens of NP, and the most common clinical symptoms are fever and cough. The WBC count, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in bacterial NP are significantly higher than those caused by MP.

[Anatomical controversies involved in radical resection of rectal cancer]

The concept of total mesorectal resection provides a quality control standard that can be followed for radical resection of rectal cancer, but some anatomical problems are still controversial. Compared with traditional open surgery, laparoscopic radical rectal surgery has better surgical vision, better neurological protection, better operating space. However, if the surgeon has insufficient understanding of the anatomy, collateral damage may occur, such as uncontrollable bleeding during the operation, postoperative urination and defecation dysfunction and so on. Based on the interpretation of the researches at home and abroad, combined with the clinical experience, we elucidate some associated issues, including anatomic variation of inferior mesenteric vessels, the controversy of inferior mesenteric artery ligation plane, the controversy of lymph node dissection in No. 253, the anatomical variation of middle rectal artery, and the anatomical controversy of lateral lymph node dissection in rectal cancer, in order to provide better cognitive process for the clinical front-line surgeons.

[Association between polygenic risk score and age at onset of gastric cancer]

Objective: To explore the association between polygenic risk score (PRS) and age at onset and early-onset risk of gastric cancer (GC). Methods: Gastric cancer cases from existing genome-wide association study were included, and 112 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with GC risk were used to derive individual PRS. Analysis of variance and Pearson correlation test was used to depict the relationship between PRS and GC onset age. Cases diagnosed before 50 years old were defined as early-onset gastric cancer. Cox proportional hazard model was used to test the association between PRS and early-onset GC risk with early-onset age as the timescale and low genetic risk (PRS ≤20%) as the reference group. Results: A total of 8 629 cases, including 6 284 males (72.82%) and 2 345 females (27.18%), were included, and the mean age was (60.61±10.80) years old. The PRS was negatively correlated with age of GC onset (r=-0.05, P<0.001). The mean age of gastric cancer cases with low, intermediate, and high genetic risk were (61.68±10.33), (60.53±10.79), (59.80±11.20), respectively. PRS was significantly associated with the risk of early-onset GC in a dose-response manner (intermediate genetic risk: HR=1.19, 95%CI: 1.03-1.39, P=0.022; high genetic risk: HR=1.44, 95%CI: 1.20-1.71, P<0.001). Conclusions: PRS may contribute to the risk of both GC and early-onset GC. PRS can be used as a measurable indicator for risk prediction for occurrence and early-onset of GC.

Identification of pseudolaric acid B as a novel Hedgehog pathway inhibitor in medulloblastoma

Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis and development of multiple cancers, especially Hh-driven medulloblastoma (MB). Smoothened (SMO) is a promising therapeutic target of the Hh pathway in clinical cancer treatment. However, SMO mutations frequently occur, which leads to drug resistance and tumor relapse. Novel inhibitors that target both the wild-type and mutant SMO are in high demand. In this study, we identified a novel Hh pathway inhibitor, pseudolaric acid B (PAB), which significantly inhibited the expression of Gli1 and its transcriptional target genes, such as cyclin D1 and N-myc, thus inhibiting the proliferation of DAOY and Ptch1^+/- primary MB cells. Mechanistically, PAB can potentially bind to the extracellular entrance of the heptahelical transmembrane domain (TMD) of SMO, based on molecular docking and the BODIPY-cyclopamine binding assay. Further, PAB also efficiently blocked ciliogenesis, demonstrating the inhibitory effects of PAB on the Hh pathway at multiple levels. Thus, PAB may overcome drug-resistance induced by SMO mutations, which frequently occurs in clinical setting. PAB markedly suppressed tumor growth in the subcutaneous allografts of Ptch1^+/- MB cells. Together, our results identified PAB as a potent Hh pathway inhibitor to treat Hh-dependent MB, especially cases resistant to SMO antagonists.

[Impact of systolic blood pressure on outcome of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To investigate the impact of different levels of systolic blood pressure on all-cause, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: This is a prospective cohort study. Patients with AF or atrial flutter diagnosed by 12 lead electrocardiogram during physical examination of Kailuan Group employees from July 2006 to December 2017 or previously diagnosed with AF in an inpatient setting at a level 2A hospital or above were eligible for the study. Baseline clinical characteristics including age, gender, systolic blood pressure were collected. According to the level of systolic blood pressure, patients were divided into systolic blood pressure<120 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)group, 120 mmHg ≤ systolic blood pressure<140 mmHg group, and systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg group. The time of first diagnosis with AF was defined as the start of follow-up and the final follow-up ended at December 2018. Primary endpoint was all-cause death. Related information was obtained through the social security system or inpatient medical records. The cause of death was defined according to the International Classification of Diseases disease (ICD-10) codes by professional medical stuffs. Multifactorial Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze the relative risk ratios for the occurrence of death in different systolic blood pressure level groups. The relationship between systolic blood pressure levels and mortality in the patients with AF was analyzed by using natural spline function curves. Results: A total of 1 721 patients with AF were enrolled (average age=(67.0±9.0) years), patients were followed up for (6.3±3.8) years. 544 out of 1 721 patients with AF died during the follow-up period (31.61%). The cumulative incidence rate of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular death was 26.13%, 25.59%, 36.96% and 14.86%, 11.87%, 19.76% respectively in the systolic blood pressure<120 mmHg, 120 mmHg ≤ systolic blood pressure<140 mmHg and systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg groups. The cumulative incidence rate of all-cause, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular death was significantly higher in the group with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg than in 120 mmHg ≤ systolic blood pressure<140 mmHg group (P<0.05). Compared with 120 mmHg ≤ systolic blood pressure<140 mmHg group, multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models showed that the HRs (95%CI) for all-cause, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular death were 1.47 (1.20 to 1.79) and 1.69 (1.27 to 2.26) for the group with systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg (P<0.05). In contrast, the HRs (95%CI) for all-cause, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular death in the systolic blood pressure<120 mmHg group were 0.99 (0.73-1.35) and 1.24 (0.82-1.89), respectively, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). The natural spline curve showed that there was a "U" relationship between systolic blood pressure levels and all cause death and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular death in this patient cohort. Systolic blood pressure greater than or less than 123 mmHg was associated with increased risk of death of AF patients in this cohort. Conclusion: Compared with systolic blood pressure<120 mmHg and systolic blood pressure≥140 mmHg group, the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular death is the lowest in AF patients with 120 mmHg ≤ systolic blood pressure<140 mmHg in this cohort.

Comparison of life cycle toxicity assessment methods for municipal wastewater treatment with the inclusion of direct emissions of metals, PPCPs and EDCs

The occurrence of various micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals personal care products, endocrine disrupting chemicals (PPCPs/EDCs) and metals in municipal wastewater, and their poor removal efficiencies can lead to toxicity impact on humans, and freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Life cycle assessment is an efficient and effective tool to evaluate the environmental impact of wastewater treatment plants, but guidelines for toxicity assessment are lacking due to the complexity. This study aims to evaluate both life cycle inventory by including metals and PEC, and life cycle toxicity assessment (LCIA) methods namely CML-IA, Recipe, USEtox, EDIP 2003 and IMPACT 2002+ in midpoint category with a large centralised wastewater treatment plant in Malaysia as a case study. The removal efficiencies of metals and PPCPs/EDCs in the wastewater ranged from 9% to 99% and no clear patterns were found about occurrence and removal efficiencies of metals and PPCPs/EDCs in developing and developed countries. The inclusion of metals and PPCPs/EDCs in effluent resulted in 76% increase in freshwater ecotoxicity potential (FEP) and 88% increase in terrestrial ecotoxicity potential (TEP) while only 4% increase in human toxicity potential (HTP). The results indicate the importance of including direct emissions such as metals and PPCPs/EDCs even in low-strength municipal wastewater for environmental toxicity assessment. The comparison of five LCIA methods suggests that HTP assessment is more challenging due to inconsistency between five LCIA methods while CML-IA, Recipe, and IMPACT 2002+ achieved consistent human toxicity and ecotoxicity assessment results in the WWTP. The results highlight the importance of sampling and inclusion of metals and PPCPs/EDCs data especially prioritised micropollutants for life cycle toxicity assessment and recommends LCIA methods for ecotoxicity assessment of WWTPs in the current scientific development situation on toxicity studies, which can provide guidance to researchers for life cycle toxicity assessment of wastewater treatment.

[Formaldehyde and xylene levels and protective effects in the pathology department of a hospital]

Objective: To investigate the status of exposure to xylene and Formaldehyde of medical and technical personnel in Pathology Department of a hospital, and to provide references for prevention of occupational hazards. Methods: From July to October in 2019, 52 medical workers and working places in Pathology Department of a third-class hospital in Jiangxi Province were selected as survey objects, the distribution of occupational hazards, protective measures and personal protective equipment were investigated, and the control wind speed of Formaldehyde, xylene and ventilation facilities were detected and analyzed statistically. Results: It showed that the detection rate of xylene and formaldehyde was 82.1% (23/28) , and the detection rate of xylene C(STEL) in the two sampling posts was 14.3% (2/14) , the local suction device on each side and the control wind speed of the fume hood do not meet the national standards. Conclusion: It is necessary to strengthen the prevention and control of the occupational hazards in the Department of Pathology to prevent the occurrence of occupational diseases.

Decolourization of azo, anthraquinone and triphenylmethane dyes using aerobic granules: Acclimatization and long-term stability

The long-term stability of aerobic granules is critical for decolourization of different dyes in textile wastewater. Here, we investigated dye decolourization and the stability of acetate-cultivated granules after exposure to dyes. Results show that granules can maintain excellent structure stability with the presence of azo and triphenylmethane dyes during a 200-day operation period, achieving biomass concentrations as high as 8-12 g L^-1 and 90% and 100% decolourization efficiency, respectively. Aerobic granules, however, partially disintegrated after exposure to anthraquinone, resulting in dye decolourization efficiency ranging from 50 to 80% and a biomass concentration as low as around 0.5 g L^-1 due to biomass wash-out. The study indicates that long-term granule stability is much dependent on the dye classes. The enrichment of specific species in granules for dye decolourization has not been affected by the granule structure. The specific dye decolourization rate and dye to microorganism ratio for anthraquinone were 5-6.5 and 13.5-16.4 times, respectively, higher than those for azo and triphenylmethane dyes, but the total reactor performance for anthraquinone decolourization is much poorer than azo and triphenylmethane dyes due to low biomass retention in the reactor. The results suggest the importance of stability of aerobic granules for biomass retention to achieve better treatment performance of dye-containing wastewater. For the first time, the long-term stability and decolourization performance of aerobic granules for treating anthraquinone and triphenylmethane dyes are reported here and compared with azo dye, which can be used to guide the treatment of real textile wastewater containing azo, anthraquinone and triphenylmethane dyes by aerobic granules.

Protection against chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced side effects: A review based on the mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities of phytochemicals

BACKGROUND

Although great achievements have been made in the field of cancer therapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy remain the mainstay cancer therapeutic modalities. However, they are associated with various side effects, including cardiocytotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, myelosuppression, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, mucositis, and alopecia, which severely affect the quality of life of cancer patients. Plants harbor a great chemical diversity and flexible biological properties that are well-compatible with their use as adjuvant therapy in reducing the side effects of cancer therapy.

PURPOSE

This review aimed to comprehensively summarize the molecular mechanisms by which phytochemicals ameliorate the side effects of cancer therapies and their potential clinical applications.

METHODS

We obtained information from PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google scholar, and introduced the molecular mechanisms by which chemotherapeutic drugs and irradiation induce toxic side effects. Accordingly, we summarized the underlying mechanisms of representative phytochemicals in reducing these side effects.

RESULTS

Representative phytochemicals exhibit a great potential in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy due to their broad range of biological activities, including antioxidation, antimutagenesis, anti-inflammation, myeloprotection, and immunomodulation. However, since a majority of the phytochemicals have only been subjected to preclinical studies, clinical trials are imperative to comprehensively evaluate their therapeutic values.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights that phytochemicals have interesting properties in relieving the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Future studies are required to explore the clinical benefits of these phytochemicals for exploitation in chemotherapy and radiotherapy.