Graphdiyne/metal oxide hybrid materials for efficient energy and environmental catalysis

Graphdiyne (GDY)-based materials, owing to their unique structure and tunable electronic properties, exhibit great potential in the fields of catalysis, energy, environmental science, and beyond. In particular, GDY/metal oxide hybrid materials (GDY/MOs) have attracted extensive attention in energy and environmental catalysis. The interaction between GDY and metal oxides can increase the number of intrinsic active sites, facilitate charge transfer, and regulate the adsorption and desorption of intermediate species. In this review, we summarize the structure, synthesis, advanced characterization, small molecule activation mechanism and applications of GDY/MOs in energy conversion and environmental remediation. The intrinsic structure-activity relationship and corresponding reaction mechanism are highlighted. In particular, the activation mechanisms of reactant molecules (H2O, O2, N2, etc.) on GDY/MOs are systemically discussed. Finally, we outline some new perspectives of opportunities and challenges in developing GDY/MOs for efficient energy and environmental catalysis.

Oxygen vacancy-rich Ag/CuO nanoarray mesh fabricated by laser ablation for efficient bacterial inactivation

The contamination of drinking water by microbes is a critical health concern, underscoring the need for safe, reliable, and efficient methods to treat pathogenic microorganisms. While most sterilization materials are available in powder form, this presents safety risks and challenges in recycling. Herein, this study reports the preparation of an innovative copper oxide supported silver monolithic nanoarray mesh with abundant oxygen vacancies (Ag/CuO-VO) by laser ablation. The instantaneous high temperature caused by laser ablation preserves the material's original structure while generating oxygen vacancies on the CuO surface. The Ag/CuO-VO mesh demonstrated a remarkable ability to inactivate over 99% of Escherichia coli (E. Coli) within 20 min. The oxygen vacancies in the Ag/CuO-VO enhance interactions between oxygen species and the Ag/CuO-VO, leading to the accumulation of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The generated ROS effectively disrupt both layers of the bacterial cell wall - the peptidoglycan and the phospholipid - as confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, culminating in cell death. This research presents a monolithic material capable of inactivating pathogenic microorganisms efficiently, offering a significant advancement in water sterilization technology.

Safety, immunogenicity and protective effectiveness of heterologous boost with a recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells) in adult recipients of inactivated vaccines

Vaccines have proven effective in protecting populations against COVID-19, including the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells), the first approved recombinant protein vaccine in China. In this positive-controlled trial with 85 adult participants (Sf9 cells group: n = 44; CoronaVac group: n = 41), we evaluated the safety, immunogenicity, and protective effectiveness of a heterologous boost with the Sf9 cells vaccine in adults who had been vaccinated with the inactivated vaccine, and found a post-booster adverse events rate of 20.45% in the Sf9 cells group and 31.71% in the CoronaVac group (p = 0.279), within 28 days after booster injection. Neither group reported any severe adverse events. Following the Sf9 cells vaccine booster, the geometric mean titer (GMT) of binding antibodies to the receptor-binding domain of prototype SARS-CoV-2 on day 28 post-booster was significantly higher than that induced by the CoronaVac vaccine booster (100,683.37 vs. 9,451.69, p < 0.001). In the Sf9 cells group, GMTs of neutralizing antibodies against pseudo SARS-CoV-2 viruses (prototype and diverse variants of concern [VOCs]) increased by 22.23-75.93 folds from baseline to day 28 post-booster, while the CoronaVac group showed increases of only 3.29-10.70 folds. Similarly, neutralizing antibodies against live SARS-CoV-2 viruses (prototype and diverse VOCs) increased by 68.18-192.67 folds on day 14 post-booster compared with the baseline level, significantly greater than the CoronaVac group (19.67-37.67 folds). A more robust Th1 cellular response was observed with the Sf9 cells booster on day 14 post-booster (mean IFN-γ+ spot-forming cells per 2 × 105 peripheral blood mononuclear cells: 26.66 vs. 13.59). Protective effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 was approximately twice as high in the Sf9 cells group compared to the CoronaVac group (68.18% vs. 36.59%, p = 0.004). Our study findings support the high protective effectiveness of heterologous boosting with the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells) against symptomatic COVID-19 of diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, while causing no apparent safety concerns.

Role of the In-Situ-Formed Surface (Pt-S-O)-Ti Active Structure in SO2-Promoted C3H8 Combustion over a Pt/TiO2 Catalyst

Typically, SO2 unavoidably deactivates catalysts in most heterogeneous catalytic oxidations. However, for Pt-based catalysts, SO2 exhibits an extraordinary boosting effect in propane catalytic oxidation, but the promotive mechanism remains contentious. In this study, an in situ-formed tactful (Pt-S-O)-Ti structure was concluded to be a key factor for Pt/TiO2 catalysts with a substantial SO2 tolerance ability. The experiments and theoretical calculations confirm that the high degree of hybridization and orbital coupling between Pt 5d and S 3p orbitals enable more charge transfer from Pt to S species, thus forming the (Pt-S-O)-Ti structure with the oxygen atom dissociated from the chemisorbed O2 adsorbed on oxygen vacancies. The active oxygen atom in the (Pt-S-O)-Ti active structure is a robust site for C3H8 adsorption, leading to a better C3H8 combustion performance. This work can provide insights into the rational design of chemical bonds for high SO2 tolerance catalysts, thereby improving economic and environmental benefits.

[Construction of an evaluation index system for the capability of comprehensive control of mountain - type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis based on the One Health concept]

OBJECTIVE

To construct an evaluation index system for the capability of comprehensive control of mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis based on the One Health concept, so as to provide insights into the control and elimination of mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis using the One Health approach.

METHODS

A preliminary evaluation index system was constructed based on literature review, panel discussions and field surveys. Thirty-three experts were selected from 7 provincial disease control and prevention centers in Beijing Municipality, Hebei Province, Shanxi Province, Henan Province, Sichuan Province, Shaanxi Province and Gansu Province where mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis was endemic, and two rounds of expert consultations were conducted to screen the indicators. The positive coefficient, degree of concentration, degree of coordination, and authority of the experts were calculated, and the normalized weights of each index were calculated with the analytic hierarchy process.

RESULTS

The response rates of questionnaires during two rounds of expert consultation were both 100.00% (33/33), and the authority coefficients of the experts were 0.86 and 0.88, respectively. The coefficients of coordination among experts on the rationality, importance, and operability of the indicators were 0.392, 0.437, 0.258, and 0.364, 0.335, 0.263, respectively (all P values < 0.05). Following screening, the final evaluation index system included 3 primary indicators, 17 secondary indicators, and 50 tertiary indicators. The normalized weights of primary indicators "external environment", "internal support" and "comprehensive control" were 16.98%, 38.73% and 44.29%, respectively. Among the secondary indicators of the primary indicator "external environment", the highest weight was seen for natural environment (66.67%), and among the secondary indicators of the primary indicator "internal support", the lowest weight was seen for the scientific research for visceral leishmaniasis control (8.26%), while other indicators had weights of 12.42% to 13.38%. Among the secondary indicators of the primary indicator "comprehensive control", the weight was 16.67% for each indicator.

CONCLUSIONS

An evaluation index system has been constructed for the capability of comprehensive control of mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis based on the One Health concept. In addition to assessment of the effect of conventional mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis control measures, this index system integrates the importance of top-level design, organizational management, and implementation of control measures, and includes indicators related to multi-sectoral cooperation.

Synergistic Effect of Styrene and Carbon Black on the Fatigue Properties of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Composites

The increase in the styrene content in styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) can improve the abrasion performance and cutting resistance of rubber, which has received attention in the tire industry. The fatigue performance is the main evaluation index of rubber materials applied to tires. In this study, the effect of the styrene content and its interaction with carbon black (CB) on the dynamic fatigue performance and mechanism of SBR were investigated. The results indicated that the dynamic fatigue life of the rubber composite materials was prolonged with increasing styrene content; furthermore, it showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing with increasing CB content. At a certain CB content, styrene and CB displayed a synergistic effect on improving the dynamic fatigue life of the composite materials. The dynamic fatigue performance of SBR40/CB20 was the best. The expansion of the fatigue cracks followed the secondary cracking mechanism, which consumed a large amount of strain energy and slowed the development of the main crack. However, when the CB content exceeded 40 phr, the mechanism transformed to main crack self-propagation and the fatigue life decreased.

Dietary supplementation of proteases on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics and gut microbiota of growing pigs fed sorghum-based diets

Low-tannin sorghum is an excellent energy source in pig diets. However, sorghum contains several anti-nutritional factors that may have negative effects on nutrient digestibility. The impacts of proteases on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and gut microbiota of growing pigs fed sorghum-based diets were studied in this study. Ninety-six pigs (20.66 ± 0.65 kg BW) were allocated into three groups (eight pens/group, four pigs/pen): (1) CON (control diet, sorghum-based diet included 66.98% sorghum), (2) PRO1 (CON + 200 mg/kg proteases), (3) PRO2 (CON + 400 mg/kg proteases) for 28 d. No differences were observed in growth performance and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients between CON and PRO1 groups. Pigs fed PRO2 diet had increased (P < 0.05) BW on d 21 and 28, and increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain during d 14-21 and the overall period compared with pigs fed CON diet. In addition, pigs fed PRO2 diet had improved (P < 0.05) ATTD of gross energy, CP, and DM compared with pigs fed CON and PRO1 diets. Pigs fed PRO2 diet had lower (P < 0.05) plasma globulin (GLB) level and higher (P < 0.05) plasma glucose, albumin (ALB) and immunoglobulin G levels, and ALB/GLB ratio than pigs fed CON and PRO1 diets. Furthermore, pigs fed PRO2 diet had decreased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Acidobacteriota at the phylum level and increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Prevotella_9 at the genus level. The linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis also showed that pigs fed PRO2 diet had significantly enriched short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, such as Subdoligranulum and Parabacteroides. In conclusion, protease supplementation at 400 mg/kg improved the growth performance of growing pigs fed sorghum-based diets, which may be attributed to the improvement of nutrient digestibility, host metabolism, immune status and associated with the altered gut microbiota profiles.

Impact of COVID-19 infection experience on mental health status of intensive care unit patients' family members: a real-world study

PURPOSE

Family members of patients hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU) are susceptible to adverse psychological outcomes. However, there is a paucity of studies specifically examining the mental health symptoms in ICU patients' family members with a prior history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate mental health status and its influencing factors of ICU patients' family members with previous COVID-19 infection experience in China.

DESIGN

Nationwide, cross-sectional cohort of consecutive participants of family members of ICU patients from 10 provinces randomly selected in mainland China conducted between October 2022 and May 2023.

METHODS

The basic information scale, Self-rating depression scale, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, Impact of Event Scale-Revised, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, Perceived Stress Scale, Connor-Davidson resilience scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire were employed to explore mental health status among participants.

RESULTS

A total of 463 participants, comprising 156 individuals in Covid-19 family member cohort (infection group) and 307 individuals in control family member cohort (control group), met inclusion criteria. The infection group exhibited significantly higher incidence of composite mental health symptoms compared to control group (P = 0.017). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that being female, engaging in physical/mental labor, residing in rural areas, and having children were identified as risk factors for the development of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, while medical history of surgery was protective factor. A predictive model demonstrated a favorable discriminative ability and excellent calibration.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 infection experience regarded as new traumatic stressors worsen mental health status of ICU patients' family members.

Butyrate Inhibits Dendritic Cell Activation and Alleviates Periodontitis

Dendritic cells (DCs) can mediate inflammation-related bone resorption that is crucial in the development of periodontitis. Butyrate is a critical by-product of microbes with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we found that butyrate inhibited the activation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced DCs and generation of inflammatory cytokines by DCs. Moreover, butyrate regulated glycolysis in LPS-induced DCs via the G-protein-coupled receptor/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α pathway. In addition, butyrate inhibited the maturation of CD11c+MHC-II+ DCs in vivo, suppressing local inflammatory infiltration and ultimately alleviating bone resorption in a periodontitis model. Our results imply that butyrate suppresses the activation of LPS-induced DCs by modulating their metabolism, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases.

Impacts of pregnancy and menopause on COVID-19 severity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 4.6 million women

BACKGROUND

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still a public health emergency of international concern. However, whether pregnancy and menopause impact the severity of COVID-19 remain unclear.

AIM

This study is performed to investigate the truth.

DESIGN

Study appraisal and synthesis follows PRISMA guideline. Meta-analysis is performed in random-effects model.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane database, Central, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO COVID-19 database and WHO-ICTRP are searched until 28 March 2023.

RESULTS

In total, 57 studies (4 640 275 COVID-19 women) were analyzed. Pregnant women were at a lower risk of severe COVID-19, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and disease mortality compared to those nonpregnant women with comparable comorbidities. In contrast, pregnant women with more prepregnancy comorbidities were at a higher risk of severe COVID-19, ICU admission and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). In addition, pregnant women with pregnancy complications had a significantly increased risk of severe COVID-19 and ICU admission. Menopause increased COVID-19 severity, IMV requirement and disease mortality. Hormone replacement therapy inhibited COVID-19 severity in postmenopausal women. Premenopausal and postmenopausal women had a lower chance of severe illness than age-matched men. The impact of pregnancy on COVID-19 severity was significant in Americans and Caucasians, whereas the effect of menopause on COVID-19 severity was only significant in Chinese.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy and menopause are protective and risk factors for severe COVID-19, respectively. The protective role of pregnancy on COVID-19 is minimal and could be counteracted or masked by prepregnancy or pregnancy comorbidities. The administration of estrogen and progesterone may prevent severe COVID-19.

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and tolerability of FTP-198, a novel, selective Autotaxin inhibitor, in healthy subjects: A phase I randomized placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Autotaxin (ATX) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) play an important role in pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). FTP-198 is an oral, novel and selective ATX inhibitor indicated for treating IPF. The study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and tolerability of FTP-198 in healthy subjects.

METHODS

A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending-dose Phase I study was performed. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, food effect on pharmacokinetics, elimination, safety and tolerability of FTP-198 were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 30 subjects were enrolled and completed the study. After oral administration of single ascending-dose of 100 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg FTP-198 under fasted condition, FTP-198 was absorbed with median time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) of 1.75, 2.75 and 3.5 h, respectively and eliminated with mean elimination half-life (t1/2) of 8.77, 10.58 and 10.57 h, respectively. Peak concentration (Cmax), plasma area under concentration-time curve from time 0 to the last measurable concentration (AUC0-t) and to infinity (AUC0-∞) increased in dose-proportional manner for 100 mg to 400 mg FTP-198. Food intake slightly increased the Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ and prolonged Tmax, but not affecting t1/2 of FTP-198 compared with fasted state. The pharmacodynamic biomarker plasma lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) 18:2 decreased significantly for 100 mg to 400 mg FTP-198, with inhibition rate from baseline reaching approximately 80% at 24 h post dosing, and higher dose of FTP-198 increased the time to maintain inhibitory plateau. FTP-198 was eliminated from the body almost with no unchanged drug excreted in urine and a small amount of unchanged drug detected in feces of human. Moreover, FTP-198 exhibited favorable safety and tolerability in healthy subjects.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and tolerability of FTP-198 support further subsequent clinical development of FTP -198 in IPF patients.

Rapid Ozone Decomposition over Water-activated Monolithic MoO3 /Graphdiyne Nanowalls under High Humidity

Catalytic ozone (O3 ) decomposition at high relative humidity (RH) remains a great challenge due to the catalysts poison and deactivation under high humidity. Here, we firstly elaborate the role of water activation and the corresponding mechanism of the promoted O3 decomposition over the three-dimensional monolithic molybdenum oxide/graphdiyne (MoO3 /GDY) catalyst. The O3 decomposition over MoO3 /GDY reaches up to 100 % under high humid condition (75 % RH) at room temperature, which is 4.0 times as high as that of dry conditions, significantly surpasses other carbon-based MoO3 materials(≤7.1 %). The sp-hybridized carbon in GDY donates electrons to MoO3 along the C-O-Mo bond, facilitating water activation to form hydroxyl species. As a result, hydroxyl species dissociated from water act as new active sites, promoting the adsorption of O3 and the generation of new intermediate species (hydroxyl ⋅OH and superoxo ⋅O2 - ), which significantly lowers the energy barriers of O3 decomposition (0.57 eV lower than dry conditions).

Workplace bullying and suicidal ideation and behaviour: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Suicidal ideation and behaviour are potential outcomes of workplace bullying. This review aimed to determine the extent of the association between workplace bullying and suicidal ideation and behaviour.

STUDY DESIGN

The study incorporated a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was followed to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. A combination of subject terms and free words was used to search nine electronic databases. Two reviewers independently screened articles and extracted information according to the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was performed with averaged weighted correlations across samples using the STATA software (version 16.0) from pooled estimates of the main results from all studies.

RESULTS

In total, 25 articles of high or medium quality were included in the systematic review; 15 of these were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of suicidal ideation and behaviour was 18% and 4%, respectively. Individuals who experienced workplace bullying had 2.03-times and 2.67-times higher odds of reporting suicidal ideation and behaviour, respectively, after adjustment for confounding factors. Moderating and mediating factors may help reduce the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour for individuals experiencing workplace bullying.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that exposure to workplace bullying significantly increased the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour.

Comparative Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence Evaluation of Two Formulations of Pramipexole Dihydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets in Healthy Chinese Subjects Under Fasted and Fed States: A Randomized, Open-Label, Single-Dose, Two-Period Crossover Clinical Trial

Background

Pramipexole dihydrochloride extended-release tablet is a novel long-acting form of non-ergot dopamine agonist indicated as one of main therapeutic approaches for Parkinson's disease. However, pharmacokinetic properties of extended-release pramipexole in healthy Chinese subjects remain unclear.

Methods

A single-center, randomized, open-label, two-period crossover, single-dose study was performed to investigate comparative pharmacokinetics and evaluate bioequivalence of 0.375 mg test (Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd.) and reference (Trade name: Sifrol®, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG) formulations of pramipexole dihydrochloride extended-release tablets in healthy Chinese subjects under fasted and fed states.

Results

A total of 56 subjects (28 in each dietary trial) were enrolled and randomized. After single dose of 0.375 mg test and reference formulations under fasted condition, main pharmacokinetics of pramipexole were as follows: peak concentration (Cmax) were 409.33±95.93 and 413.77±132.03 pg/mL; plasma area under concentration-time curve from time 0 to last measurable concentration (AUC0-t) were 8801.95±1966.83 and 8646.37±2600.49 h*pg/mL; AUC from time 0 to infinity (AUC0-∞) were 9469.03±1991.61 and 9082.95±2666.26 h*pg/mL; elimination half-life (t1/2) were 11.98±3.91 and 9.85±2.63 h; both time to reach Cmax (Tmax) were about 4.50 h, respectively, for test and reference formulations. The 90% confidence intervals of geometric mean ratios (test/reference) of Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ under fasted and fed conditions were all within 80-125%. Following administration under fed condition, Cmax and Tmax for both test and reference formulations slightly increased and prolonged to 5.0 h, respectively, but AUC approximately remained unchanged compared with dosing under fasted condition. Test and reference formulations showed similar bioequivalence and favorable safety under fasted and fed states.

Conclusion

Test and reference formulations of pramipexole dihydrochloride extended-release tablets (0.375 mg) showed similar bioequivalence and well safety and tolerability in healthy Chinese subjects under fasted and fed states, which supports further investigations of test formulation in patients with Parkinson's disease.

First Observation of the β3αp Decay of ^{13}O via β-Delayed Charged-Particle Spectroscopy

The β-delayed proton decay of ^{13}O has previously been studied, but the direct observation of β-delayed 3αp decay has not been reported. Rare 3αp events from the decay of excited states in ^{13}N^{⋆} provide a sensitive probe of cluster configurations in ^{13}N. To measure the low-energy products following β-delayed 3αp decay, the Texas Active Target (TexAT) time projection chamber was employed using the one-at-a-time β-delayed charged-particle spectroscopy technique at the Cyclotron Institute, Texas A&M University. A total of 1.9×10^{5} ^{13}O implantations were made inside the TexAT time projection chamber. A total of 149 3αp events were observed, yielding a β-delayed 3αp branching ratio of 0.078(6)%. Four previously unknown α-decaying excited states were observed in ^{13}N at 11.3, 12.4, 13.1, and 13.7 MeV decaying via the 3α+p channel.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of Padsevonil in healthy Chinese subjects and comparison of two sampling methods for Padsevonil quantification

OBJECTIVE

Padsevonil (PSL) is a novel antiepileptic drug candidate that inhibits seizure activity in both presynaptic and postsynaptic ways. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles and volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) application of PSL in the Chinese population are limited. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the PK profile of PSL and its 2 metabolites, the safety of PSL, and compare the PK profile of PSL from samples collected using the VAMS technique with that of conventional venous samples in healthy Chinese subjects.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled single-dose study, the participants received either 200 mg PSL or placebo. Blood samples for the PK variables were collected using both the traditional venous method and the VAMS Mitra® technique at the scheduled time points. The PK parameters of PSL and 2 metabolites were calculated, and the concentration agreement of VAMS and venous samples were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 14 subjects were enrolled. The concentration-time profile of PSL showed rapid absorption with a median tmax of 1.25 h (range: 0.5 to 3.0), followed by an apparent biphasic disposition. For PSL, the geometric means of AUC(0-t), AUC, Cmax, and t1/2 were 6,573 h*ng/mL, 6,588 h*ng/mL, 1,387 ng/mL, and 5.275 h, respectively. The geometric mean body weight-normalized AUC(0-t), AUC, and Cmax were 5,712 h*ng/mL, 5,725 h*ng/mL, and 1,205 ng/mL, respectively. The AUC(0-t), AUC, Cmax of PSL and metabolites in VAMS-dried blood were all lower than those in plasma. The Passing-Bablok regression showed that the PSL and metabolite concentrations obtained by VAMS analysis were comparable to those obtained by plasma at some time points. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were somnolence and dizziness. There were no serious TEAEs, severe TEAEs, discontinuations due to TEAEs, or deaths reported during this study. No clinically significant laboratory, vital signs, electrocardiograph (ECG), or physical examination results were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

PSL has a favorable PK profile after single-dose oral administration and good safety properties in healthy Chinese volunteers. The regression analysis results of VAMS and plasma indicated that the application of VAMS for therapeutic drug monitoring in novel antiepileptic drug development is promising and needs further validation.

The clinical effects of inclisiran, a first-in-class LDL-C lowering siRNA therapy, on the LDL-C levels in Chinese patients with hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND

Inclisiran is a novel siRNA therapy that inhibits the synthesis of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) by targeting the PCSK9 mRNA, consequently, decreases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety, PK and LDL-C lowering effects of inclisiran in the Chinese patients with elevated LDL-C despite treatment with maximally tolerated LDL-C lowering therapies.

METHODS

Forty Chinese patients with hypercholesterolemia (LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL) who were on maximally tolerated statin were randomized to receive a single dose of either inclisiran sodium 100 or 300mg s.c. injection (each for 15 patients) or placebo (10 patients). Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (i.e., PCSK9 and LDL-C levels) were evaluated for up to 90 days after the s.c. injection of study drug.

RESULTS

Following single subcutaneous injections inclisiran sodium at 100 mg or 300 mg, inclisiran has a relative short elimination half-life (T_1/2, 6.5 hours). Both plasma PCSK9 and serum LDL-C decreased rapidly and consistently, with the maximal reduction between Day 30 and Day 60; then the decreases of PCSK9 and LDL-C were generally maintained up to 56.4% and 49.6% of 100 mg, 74.9% and 58.3% of 300 mg, respectively, at day 90. All adverse events were mild or moderate in severity, and no discontinuations due to adverse events. There were no serious adverse events being reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Inclisiran was generally safe and well tolerated. Single dose of both Inclisiran 100 and 300 mg significantly reduced PCSK9 and LDL-C levels in Chinese patients up to Day 90. The greatest reductions were observed with the 300 mg regimen of Inclisiran.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04774003.

Prevalence and risk factors of erectile dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Studies have found that erectile dysfunction (ED) may be a short-term or long-term complication in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, but no relevant studies have completed a pooled analysis of this claim. The purpose of the review was to comprehensively search the relevant literature, summarize the prevalence of ED in COVID-19 patients, assess risk factors for its development, and explore the effect of the COVID-19 infection on erectile function.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed from database inception until April 14, 2022. Heterogeneity was analyzed by χ² tests and I² was used as a quantitative test of heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were used to analyze sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Our review included 8 studies, 4 of which functioned as a control group. There were 250,606 COVID-19 patients (mean age: 31-47.1 years, sample size: 23-246,990). The control group consisted of 10,844,200 individuals (mean age: 32.76-42.4 years, sample size 75-10,836,663). The prevalence of ED was 33% (95% CI 18-47%, I² = 99.48%) in COVID-19 patients. The prevalence of ED based on the international coding of diseases (ICD-10) was 9% (95% CI 2-19%), which was significantly lower than the prevalence of ED diagnosed based on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) (46%, 95% CI 22-71%, I² = 96.72%). The pooling prevalence of ED was 50% (95% CI 34-67%, I² = 81.54%) for articles published in 2021, significantly higher than that for articles published in 2022 (17%, 95% CI 7-30%, I² = 99.55%). The relative risk of developing ED was 2.64 times in COVID-19 patients higher than in non-COVID-19 patients (RR: 2.64, 95% CI 1.01-6.88). The GRADE-pro score showed that the mean incidence of ED events in COVID-19 patients was 1,333/50,606 (2.6%) compared with 52,937/844,200 (0.4%) in controls; the absolute impact of COVID-19 on ED was 656/100,000 (ranging from 4/100,000 to 2352/100,000). Anxiety (OR: 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.26, I² = 0.0%) in COVID-19 patients was a risk factor for ED.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 patients have a high risk and prevalence of ED, mainly driven by anxiety. Attention should be paid to patient's erectile functioning when treating COVID-19.

Prognostic value of CYFRA 21 - 1 and Ki67 in advanced NSCLC patients with wild-type EGFR

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA 21 - 1) and Ki67 in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with wild-type epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) remains to be explored.

METHODS

In this study, 983 primary NSCLC patients from January 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Finally, 117 advanced NSCLC patients with wild-type EGFR and 37 patients with EGFR mutation were included and prognostic value of CYFRA 21 - 1 and Ki67 were also identified.

RESULTS

The patients age, smoking history and the Eastern Corporative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scores were significantly different between CYFRA21-1 positive and negative groups (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were found in Ki67 high and low groups. The results of over survival (OS) demonstrated that patients with CYFRA21-1 positive had markedly shorter survival time than CYFRA21-1 negative (p < 0.001, For whole cohorts; p = 0.002, For wild-type EGFR). Besides, patients with wild-type EGFR also had shorter survival times than Ki67 high group. Moreover, In CYFRA 21 - 1 positive group, patients with Ki67 high had obviously shorter survival time compared to patients with Ki67 low (median: 24vs23.5 months; p = 0.048). However, Ki67 could not be used as an adverse risk factor for patients with EGFR mutation. Multivariate cox analysis showed that age (HR, 1.031; 95%CI, 1.003 ~ 1.006; p = 0.028), Histopathology (HR, 1.760; 95%CI,1.152 ~ 2.690; p = 0.009), CYFRA 21 - 1 (HR, 2.304; 95%CI,1.224 ~ 4.335; p = 0.01) and Ki67 (HR, 2.130; 95%CI,1.242 ~ 3.652; p = 0.006) served as independent prognostic risk factor for advanced NSCLC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding indicated that CYFRA 21 - 1 was an independent prognostic factor for advanced NSCLC patients and Ki67 status could be a risk stratification marker for CYFRA 21 - 1 positive NSCLC patients with wild-type EGFR.

[Malaria control knowledge and behaviors and their influencing factors among residents in Banlao Township, Cangyuan County, Yunnan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the awareness of malaria-related knowledge, the use of mosquito nets and their influencing factors among residents in Banlao Township, Cangyuan County, Yunnan Province.

METHODS

In August 2020, 19 settlement sites in Banlao Township, Cangyuan County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province were selected as study areas, and permanent residents at ages of 10 years and older were enrolled for a questionnaire survey, including residents' demographics, family economic status, malaria control knowledge and use of mosquito nets. In addition, the factors affecting the use of mosquito nets in the night prior to the survey were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 320 questionnaires were allocated, and all were recovered (a 100% recovery rate). There were 316 valid questionnaires, with an effective recovery rate of 98.75%. The 316 respondents included 152 men and 164 women and 250 Chinese respondents and 66 foreign respondents. The awareness of clinical syndromes of malaria was significantly higher among Chinese residents (71.60%) than among foreign residents (50.00%) (χ² = 11.03, P < 0.01), and the proportions of Chinese and foreign residents sleeping under mosquito nets were 46.00% and 69.70% on the night prior to the survey, respectively (χ² = 11.73, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified ethnicity group and type of residence as factors affecting the use of mosquito nets in the night prior to the survey.

CONCLUSIONS

The awareness of malaria control knowledge, the coverage and the use of mosquito nets were low among residents in Banlao Township, Cangyuan County, Yunnan Province. Targeted health education is recommended to improve the awareness of malaria control knowledge and self-protection ability. In addition, improving the allocation of long-lasting mosquito nets and health education pertaining to their uses and increasing the proportion of using mosquito nets correctly is needed to prevent re-establishment of imported malaria.

Development and evaluation of machine learning models and nomogram for the prediction of severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in patients progresses rapidly and can cause multiple organ failures associated with high mortality. We aimed to train a machine learning (ML) model and establish a nomogram that could identify SAP, early in the course of acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 631 patients with AP were enrolled in the training cohort. For predicting SAP early, five supervised ML models were employed, such as random forest (RF), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), and naive Bayes (NB), which were evaluated by accuracy (ACC) and the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The nomogram was established, and the predictive ability was assessed by the calibration curve and AUC. They were externally validated by an independent cohort of 109 patients with AP.

RESULTS

In the training cohort, the AUC of RF, KNN, and NB models were 0.969, 0.954, and 0.951, respectively, while the AUC of the Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP), Ranson and Glasgow scores were only 0.796, 0.847, and 0.837, respectively. In the validation cohort, the RF model also showed the highest AUC, which was 0.961. The AUC for the nomogram was 0.888 and 0.955 in the training and validation cohort, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that the RF model exhibited the best predictive performance, and the nomogram provided a visual scoring model for clinical practice. Our models may serve as practical tools for facilitating personalized treatment options and improving clinical outcomes through pre-treatment stratification of patients with AP.

Anticeramide Improves Sjögren's Syndrome by Blocking BMP6-Induced Th1

T-cell dysfunction has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). In recent studies, the increased expression of BMP6 has been reported to be related to SS. However, the roles that BMP6 plays in immune homeostasis in the development of SS as well as the downstream signals activated by BMP6 remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of BMP6 on naive CD4⁺ T cells, showing that BMP6 could upregulate interferon (IFN)-γ secretion from CD4⁺ T cells through a ceramide/nuclear factor-κB pathway, with no effect on T-cell activation or proliferation. Moreover, an in vivo study showed that anticeramide treatment (myriocin) for an SS animal model (NOD/LtJ mice) could significantly decrease the IFN-γ expression and Th1 frequency in the salivary glands and suppress the inflammation infiltration in salivary glands and maintain the salivary flow rates, both of which reflect SS-like symptoms. This study identifies a promising target that could effectively attenuate the abnormal state of CD4⁺ T cells and reverse the progression of SS.

Comparative Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Imrecoxib, a Novel Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor, in Elderly Healthy Subjects

Background

Imrecoxib is a novel and moderately selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor with properties of anti-inflammation and alleviating pain, which is widely applied in osteoarthritis patients. The pharmacokinetic data supporting imrecoxib’s rational use in elderly population are not available.

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the pharmacokinetics of imrecoxib and its main metabolites and explore the safety of imrecoxib in elderly healthy subjects.

Methods

A total of 19 healthy subjects including 10 non-elderly and 9 elderly subjects received single dose of 100 mg imrecoxib under fasting condition. Pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability profiles were assessed.

Results

After oral administration of single dose of 100 mg imrecoxib, it was absorbed into plasma with median time to reach peak concentration (T_max) around 2 hours. The concentration–time curves of imrecoxib (M0) showed higher interindividual variability in elderly subjects compared with non-elderly subjects. Peak concentration (C_max) of M0, its hydroxyl metabolite M1 and carboxylated metabolite M2 in plasma increased by 39%, 21% and 17%, and area under concentration–time curve from time 0 to time t (AUC_0-t) of M0, M1 and M2 in plasma increased by 34%, 13% and 27%, respectively, in elderly subjects compared with non-elderly subjects. The 90% CIs of geometric mean ratios of C_max, AUC_0-t and AUC_0-∞ of M0, M1 and M2 between the two groups were not located within 80–125%, indicating C_max, AUC_0-t and AUC_0-∞ were not completely equivalent between non-elderly and elderly healthy subjects. However, comparison of pharmacokinetic data of M0, M1 and M2 between the two groups showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Imrecoxib was well tolerated in both non-elderly and elderly healthy subjects, especially with favorable gastrointestinal and cardiovascular safety profiles.

Conclusion

Pharmacokinetic and safety profiles of imrecoxib in elderly healthy subjects indicated that no dose adjustment should be required for elderly population.

Seroprevalence of antibodies to classical swine fever virus and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in healthy pigs in Hunan Province, China

Classical swine fever (CSF) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) are responsible for major economic losses and represent a threat to the swine industry worldwide. Routine surveillance serology for CSF and PRRS viruses is critical to maintaining the health status of sow farms in Hunan Province, which is one of the top pig production provinces in China. The aim of our study was to investigate the serological statistics of CSF virus (CSFV) and PRRS virus (PRRSV) in Hunan Province. The cohort serum samples were collected from vaccinated and unvaccinated pigs. Our findings showed that the average rates of CSFV and PRRSV antibody seropositivity were 82.2% (95% CI: 80.1-84.3) and 84.8% (95% CI: 82.5-87.1), respectively, in the immunized group and that these rates were higher than those in the unvaccinated group (58.6% for CSFV and 47.8% for PRRSV). Additionally, the level of CSFV antibody in piglet serum declined gradually with age, whereas PRRSV-specific antibody level increased initially (1 to 2 weeks old) and then declined with age (2 to 4 weeks old). In summary, we investigated the difference in CSFV/PRRSV antibody levels among piglets at various weeks old (1 to 4 weeks) to further establish the duration of maternal immunity in piglets. In addition, routine monitoring of CSFV/PRRSV antibodies in immunized pigs was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of vaccination.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of dissimilar NiTi and 304 stainless steel joints produced by ultrasonic welding

Superelastic NiTi alloy and 304 stainless steel (304 SS) were joined with a Cu interlayer by ultrasonic spot welding (USW) using different welding energy inputs. The surface morphology, interfacial microstructure, mechanical properties, and fracture mechanisms of the dissimilar NiTi/304 SS USWed joints were studied. The results showed that the surface oxidation intensified with increasing ultrasonic welding energy due to mutual rubbing between tools and sheets. The weld interface microstructure exhibited voids or unbonded zones at low energy inputs, while an intimate contact was established at the joining interface when applying a higher energy input of 750 J. With increasing energy input to 750 J, the weld interface shows two interfaces due to the behavior of plastic flow of Cu interlayer. The lap-shear load of the joints first increased, achieving a maximum value of ∼690 N at an energy input of 750 J, and then decreased with further increase in welding energy. Interfacial failure was observed at NiTi/Cu interface at all energy inputs, and no intermetallic compounds were found on the fracture surfaces of both the NiTi/Cu and Cu/304 SS interfaces.

Flexible silicone rubber/carbon fiber/nano-diamond composites with enhanced thermal conductivity via reducing the interface thermal resistance

Insulating materials with heat dissipation are urgently required for modern electronic devices and systems. In this study, 4,4-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate was used as the coupling agent, and nano-diamond (ND) particles were grafted onto the surface of carbon fibers (CFs) to prepare CF-ND/silicone rubber (SR) composites. The ND acted as a “bridge” among CFs, which can reduce the interface thermal resistance between CFs because the dot-like ND can increase the interfacial area of CFs, making it easier to form heat-conducting networks between SR. When the content of CF-ND (1:6) was 20%, the thermal conductivity of the SR composite was 0.305 W/(m·K), 69% higher than that of pure SR. The ND between CFs can improve the dynamic mechanical properties by acting as a crack pinhole. In addition, the CF-ND/SR composites also exhibited excellent thermal stability. This work has enormous potential for advanced electronic devices.

Neighboring sp-Hybridized Carbon Participated Molecular Oxygen Activation on the Interface of Sub-nanocluster CuO/Graphdiyne

Activation of O₂ is a crucial step in oxidation processes. Here, the concept of sp-hybridized C≡C triple bonds as an electron donor is adopted to develop highly active and stable catalysts for molecular oxygen activation. We demonstrate that the neighboring sp-hybridized C and Cu sites on the interface of the sub-nanocluster CuO/graphdiyne are the key structures to effectively modulate the O₂ activation process in the bridging adsorption mode. The as-prepared sub-nanocluster CuO/graphdiyne catalyst exhibited the highest CO oxidation activity and readily converted 50% CO at around 133 °C, which is 34 and 94 °C lower than that for CuO/graphene and CuO/active carbon catalysts, respectively. In situ diffused reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and density functional theory calculation results proved that the neighboring sp-hybridized C is more favorable to promote the rapid dissociation of carbonate than sp²-hybridized C without overcoming any energy barrier. The gaseous CO directly reacts with the active molecular oxygen and tends to proceed through the E-R mechanism with a relatively low energy barrier (0.20 eV). This work revealed that sp-hybridized C of graphdiyne-based materials could effectively improve the O₂ activation efficiency, which could facilitate the low-temperature oxidation processes.

Oxygen Vacancy-Governed Opposite Catalytic Performance for C3H6 and C3H8 Combustion: The Effect of the Pt Electronic Structure and Chemisorbed Oxygen Species

Revealing the role of engineered surface oxygen vacancies in the catalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is of importance for the development of highly efficient catalysts. However, because of various structures of VOC molecules, the role of surface oxygen vacancies in different catalytic reactions remains ambiguous. Herein, a defective Pt/TiO_2-x catalyst is proposed to uncover the different catalytic mechanisms of C₃H₆ and C₃H₈ combustion via experiments and theoretical calculations. The electron transfer, originated from the oxygen vacancy, facilitates the formation of reduced Pt⁰ species and simultaneously interfacial chemisorbed O₂, thus promoting the C₃H₆ combustion via efficient C═C cleavage. The reduced Pt nanoparticles facilitate the robust chemisorption of bridging dimer O₂^2- (Pt-O-O-Ti) species. This chemisorbed oxygen inhibits the C₃H₈ combustion by depressing C₃H₈ adsorption. This work offers insights for the rational design of highly efficient catalysts for activating the C═C bond in alkene or C-H bond in alkane.

PCSK9 inhibitor recaticimab for hypercholesterolemia on stable statin dose: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1b/2 study

BACKGROUND

Recaticimab (SHR-1209, a humanized monoclonal antibody against PCSK9) showed robust LDL-C reduction in healthy volunteers. This study aimed to further assess the efficacy and safety of recaticimab in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1b/2 trial, patients receiving stable dose of atorvastatin with an LDL-C level of 2.6 mmol/L or higher were randomized in a ratio of 5:1 to subcutaneous injections of recaticimab or placebo at different doses and schedules. Patients were recruited in the order of 75 mg every 4 weeks (75Q4W), 150Q8W, 300Q12W, 150Q4W, 300Q8W, and 450Q12W. The primary endpoint was percentage change in LDL-C from the baseline to end of treatment (i.e., at week 16 for Q4W and Q8W schedule and at week 24 for Q12W schedule).

RESULTS

A total of 91 patients were enrolled and received recaticimab and 19 received placebo. The dose of background atorvastatin in all 110 patients was 10 or 20 mg/day. The main baseline LDL-C ranged from 3.360 to 3.759 mmol/L. The least-squares mean percentage reductions in LDL-C from baseline to end of treatment relative to placebo for recaticimab groups at different doses and schedules ranged from -48.37 to -59.51%. No serious treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred. The most common TEAEs included upper respiratory tract infection, increased alanine aminotransferase, increased blood glucose, and increased gamma-glutamyltransferase.

CONCLUSION

Recaticimab as add-on to moderate-intensity statin therapy significantly and substantially reduced the LDL-C level with an infrequent administration schedule (even given once every 12 weeks), compared with placebo.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov , number NCT03944109.

Body Mass Index Has a Nonlinear Association With Postoperative 30-Day Mortality in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy for Tumors in Men: An Analysis of Data From the ACS NSQIP Database

BACKGROUND

The association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality is controversial. Thus, the purpose of our research was to survey the association between BMI and postoperative 30-day mortality in brain tumor patients undergoing craniotomy.

METHODS

This study analyzed data collected in a multicenter, cross-sectional study that consecutively and nonselectively collected data from a total of 18,642 patients undergoing craniotomy for tumors in the ACS NSQIP from 2012 to 2015. We constructed three linear and non-linear binomial logistic models (the inflection point was set at 18.5) to evaluate the association between BMI and postoperative 30-day mortality, respectively. We also conducted subgroup analyses. Additionally, we compared non-linear models with vs. without interaction with sex.

RESULTS

A total of 17,713 patients were included in this analysis. Of these, 47.38% were male. The postoperative 30-day mortality of the included cases was 2.39% (423/17,713), and the mean BMI was 28.41 ± 6.05 kg/m². The linear logistic models suggested that after adjusting for the covariates, BMI was not associated with postoperative 30-day mortality (OR=0.999; 95% CI: 0.981, 1.017). The non-linear binomial logistic models suggested a nonlinear relationship between BMI and postoperative 30-day mortality. When BMI was < 18.5, we observed a stronger negative association between them after adjusting for covariates; the OR and 95% CI were 0.719, 0.576-0.896. When BMI was > 18.5, the relationship between them was not significant. We also found that a one-unit decrease in BMI for male patients with BMI < 18.5 kg/m² was related to a 34.6% increase in the risk of postoperative 30-day mortality (OR=0.654, 95% CI (0.472, 0.907). There was no significant association between them in male patients with BMI > 18.5 kg/m² or female patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a non-linear relationship between BMI and the risk of postoperative death. Preoperative underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) would increase the risk of postoperative death in male patients (> 18 years old) undergoing craniotomy for brain tumors. Appropriate nutritional management prior to craniotomy for brain tumors may reduce the risk of postoperative 30-day mortality in underweight men.

The safety and tolerability of alkaloids from Alstonia scholaris leaves in healthy Chinese volunteers: a single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial

CONTEXT

Capsule of alkaloids from the leaf of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. (Apocynaceae) (CALAS) is a new investigational botanical drug (No. 2011L01436) for bronchitis, post-infectious cough and asthma.

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical safety and tolerability of CALAS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects were assigned to eight cohorts, and each received randomly CALAS or placebo in one of single ascending dose (SAD) of 8, 40, 120, 240, 360, 480, or in one of multiple ascending dose (MAD) of 40 or 120 mg, three times daily for 7 days. Each cohort contained two placebo subjects.

RESULTS

Sixty-two enrolled volunteers completed the study and no serious adverse events and clinically significant changes in vital signs, electrocardiography, and upper abdominal Doppler ultrasonography were observed. The ratios of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 11/46 (23.91%) of CALAS groups and 3/16 (18.75%) of the placebo group (p > 0.05), respectively, based on the results of SAD and MAD. All TEAEs were mild, transient, and disappeared without any intervention. The TEAEs possibly related to CALAS treatment were as followings: hiccups (4/46: 8%), dry mouth and nausea (3/46: 6%), increased sleep (2/46: 4%), abdominal distension (1/46: 2%), bilirubin elevated (1/46: 2%).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

CALAS is safe and well-tolerated with no unexpected or clinically relevant safety concerns up to a single dose of 360 mg and three times daily for 7 days up to 120 mg in healthy Chinese volunteers, supporting further Phase II studies.

Clinical study of the clinical characteristics and prognosis of 1219 cases of endometrial cancer with lymph node metastasis

To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of endometrial cancer patients with lymph node metastasis to provide a reference for lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer. The data used in this study were extracted from a tertiary hospital in Guangxi, China based on the hospital information system. 1219 patients with endometrial malignancy who were treated in our hospital. The lymph node metastasis rate was 9.8%. The metastasis rate of the abdominal aorta + pelvic lymph nodes (56.7%) was significantly higher than that of the pelvic (24.2%) or para-aortic (19.2%) lymph nodes alone. The proportion of postmenopausal patients with lymph node metastasis was higher than that of premenopausal patients. The proportion of patients with lymph node metastasis with vaginal and uterus involvement, HPV detection, Thinprep Cytologic Testresults, CRP level <10 ug/mL, G3 tumor grade, postoperative pathology indicating cervical invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and muscular infiltration depth > 1/2 was higher than that of patients without lymph node metastasis. The proportion of endometrial cancer patients with lymph node metastasis with CA125 ≥ 35 U/ml was higher than that of those with CA125 < 35 U/ml. The lymph node-positive rate is related to tissue differentiation, lymphangitic infiltration, cervical invasion, muscle infiltration depth > 1/2, and CA125 level. The metastasis rate of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes is higher than that of pelvic lymph nodes or para-aortic lymph nodes alone. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall survival rate among the three groups.