[Advances in the treatment of anti-HER-2 antibody drug conjugates in pan-tumor with low HER-2 expression]

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are drugs that combine monoclonal antibody drugs targeting specific antigens and small molecule cytotoxic drugs through linker molecules. ADCs combine the advantages of high specificity targeting and potent killing effects, achieving precise and efficient targeting of cancer cells. Nowadays, ADCs are one of the hotspots in cancer drug development. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) is a known oncogene that can drive the occurrence and development of various types of tumors. HER-2 is also an important tumor target for ADCs approved for solid tumors. Anti-HER-2 ADCs can not only be used to treat HER-2-positive tumors but also effectively target HER-2-low tumors. The emergence of ADCs has broken the traditional classification of HER-2 in tumors, bringing significant treatment breakthroughs for HER-2-low tumors. Anti-HER-2 ADCs are widely used in the treatment of solid tumors and have substantial evidence for HER-2-low tumors. This article presents the progress of various anti-HER-2 ADCs in HER-2-low tumors including breast cancer, gastrointestinal malignancies, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer. And this article summarizes the current status of preclinical studies, clinical studies, and safety of anti-HER-2 ADCs in order to provide reference for the clinical use of HER-2-low tumors.

All-in-one, all-optical logic gates using liquid metal plasmon nonlinearity

Electronic processors are reaching the physical speed ceiling that heralds the era of optical processors. Multifunctional all-optical logic gates (AOLGs) of massively parallel processing are of great importance for large-scale integrated optical processors with speed far in excess of electronics, while are rather challenging due to limited operation bandwidth and multifunctional integration complexity. Here we for the first time experimentally demonstrate a reconfigurable all-in-one broadband AOLG that achieves nine fundamental Boolean logics in a single configuration, enabled by ultrabroadband (400-4000 nm) plasmon-enhanced thermo-optical nonlinearity (TONL) of liquid-metal Galinstan nanodroplet assemblies (GNAs). Due to the unique heterogeneity (broad-range geometry sizes, morphology, assembly profiles), the prepared GNAs exhibit broadband plasmonic opto-thermal effects (hybridization, local heating, energy transfer, etc.), resulting in a huge nonlinear refractive index under the order of 10-4-10-5 within visual-infrared range. Furthermore, a generalized control-signal light route is proposed for the dynamic TONL modulation of reversible spatial-phase shift, based on which nine logic functions are reconfigurable in one single AOLG configuration. Our work will provide a powerful strategy on large-bandwidth all-optical circuits for high-density data processing in the future.

Rationale and Design of a Phase II Trial of Combined Serplulimab and Chemotherapy in Patients with Histologically Transformed Small Cell Lung Cancer: a Prospective, Single-arm and Multicentre Study

AIMS

Transformed small cell lung cancer (T-SCLC) is a highly aggressive clinical disease with a notably poor prognosis. It most often arises from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following treatment. To date, no standard treatment has been established for T-SCLC. Platinum-etoposide was the most commonly used regimen, but progression-free survival remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, there is an urgent unmet need to develop novel and effective strategies for this population. Our study, a multicentre, open-label, single-arm phase II clinical trial (NCT05957510), aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of serplulimab plus chemotherapy in untreated T-SCLC patients after histological transformation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 36 eligible participants experiencing SCLC transformation from EGFR-mutant NSCLC will be enrolled to receive combination therapy of serplulimab, etoposide and carboplatin for four to six cycles, followed by maintenance therapy with serplulimab for up to 2 years. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival; secondary endpoints include objective response rate, overall survival and safety.

RESULTS

Enrolment started in July 2023 and is ongoing, with an estimated completion date of December 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

This study aims to provide valuable insights into the efficacy and safety of combining serplulimab with chemotherapy for treating patients with T-SCLC originating from EGFR-mutant NSCLC.

Combined analysis of the proteome and metabolome provides insight into microRNA-1174 function in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

BACKGROUND

Pathogenic viruses can be transmitted by female Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) mosquitoes during blood-meal acquisition from vertebrates. Silencing of mosquito- and midgut-specific microRNA (miRNA) 1174 (miR-1174) impairs blood intake and increases mortality. Determining the identity of the proteins and metabolites that respond to miR-1174 depletion will increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of this miRNA in controlling blood-feeding and nutrient metabolism of mosquitoes.

METHODS

Antisense oligonucleotides (antagomirs [Ant]) Ant-1174 and Ant-Ct were injected into female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes at 12-20 h posteclosion, and depletion of miR-1174 was confirmed by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Ant-1174-injected and control mosquitoes were collected before the blood meal at 72 h post-injection for tandem mass tag-based proteomic analysis and liquid chromatography-tandom mass spectrometry non-target metabolomic analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins and metabolites, respectively. RNA interference (RNAi) using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection was applied to investigate the biological roles of these differentially expressed genes. The RNAi effect was verified by RT-qPCR and western blotting assays. Triglyceride content and ATP levels were measured using the appropriate assay kits, following the manufacturers' instructions. Statistical analyses were conducted with GraphPad7 software using the Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Upon depletion of mosquito- and midgut-specific miR-1174, a total of 383 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, among which 258 were upregulated and 125 were downregulated. Functional analysis of these DEPs using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment suggested that miR-1174 plays important regulatory roles in amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and sugar metabolism pathways. A total of 292 differential metabolites were identified, of which 141 were upregulated and 151 were downregulated. Integrative analysis showed that the associated differential proteins and metabolites were mainly enriched in a variety of metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, citrate cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and amino acid metabolism. Specifically, the gene of one upregulated protein in miR-1174-depleted mosquitoes, purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP; AAEL002269), was associated with the purine, pyrimidine and niacin-nicotinamide metabolism pathways. PNP knockdown seriously inhibited blood digestion and ovary development and increased adult mortality. Mechanically, PNP depletion led to a significant downregulation of the vitellogenin gene (Vg); in addition, some important genes in the ecdysone signaling and insulin-like peptide signaling pathways related to ovary development were affected.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates differential accumulation of proteins and metabolites in miR-1174-depleted Ae. aegypti mosquitoes using proteomic and metabolomic techniques. The results provide functional evidence for the role of the upregulated gene PNP in gut physiological activities. Our findings highlight key molecular changes in miR-1174-depleted Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and thus provide a basis and novel insights for increased understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in a lineage-specific miRNA in mosquito vectors.

A nomogram and risk classification system for predicting cancer-specific survival in tall cell variant of papillary thyroid cancer: a SEER-based study

BACKGROUND

Tall cell variant (TCV) of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common aggressive subtype of PTC. The factors that affect survival of patients with TCV remain unclear. We aimed to develop a model to predict the cancer-specific survival (CSS).

METHODS

A total of 1615 patients diagnosed with TCV between 2004 and 2016 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and randomized into training and validation cohorts (7:3). A predictive nomogram for predicting CSS was constructed by Cox proportional hazards regression and validated by concordance index (C-index), calibration curve, and decision curve analyses (DCA). A risk classification system was built based on the total nomogram scores of each case.

RESULTS

A nomogram was constructed including five independent prognostic factors (age, tumor size, T stage, M stage, and extent of surgery) associated with CSS in TCV patients. Various validations proved that the nomogram model had good consistency and discrimination for TCV prognosis. The risk classification system could perfectly classify TCV patients into three risk groups with significantly different CSS. Compared with traditional AJCC TNM staging system, the nomogram could better predict CSS in TCV patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A nomogram and corresponding risk classification system were developed for predicting CSS in TCV patients. The model has excellent performance and can be used to help clinicians make accurate prognostic assessment and individualized treatment.

Integrating Tetrathiafulvalene and Nickel-Bis(dithiolene) Units into Donor-Acceptor Covalent Organic Frameworks for Stable and Efficient Photothermal Conversion

Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and Ni-bis(dithiolene) are typical conductive units widely studied in electronics, optics, and photochemistry. However, their applications in near-infrared (NIR) photothermal conversion are often limited by insufficient NIR absorption and low chemical/thermal stability. Herein, we integrate TTF and Ni-bis(dithiolene) into a covalent organic framework (COF) with stable and efficient NIR and solar photothermal conversion performance. Two isostructural COFs, namely Ni-TTF and TTF-TTF, are successfully isolated which are composed of TTF and Ni-bis(dithiolene) units as donor-acceptor (D-A) pairs or TTF units only. Both COFs show high BET surface areas and good chemical/thermal stability. Notably, compared with TTF-TTF, the periodic D-A arrangement in Ni-TTF significantly lowers the bandgap, leading to unprecedented NIR and solar photothermal conversion performance.

Sodium-Based Concave Metasurfaces for High Performing Plasmonic Optical Filters by Templated Spin-on-Sodiophobic-Glass

Optical filters have aroused tremendous excitement in advanced photonic instruments and modern digital displays due to their flexible capability of spectrum manipulation. Plasmonic metasurfaces of narrow bandwidth, high spectral contrast, and robust structure tolerance are highly desired for optical filtration (especially in the visible regime) but rather challenging as large spectral broadening from intrinsic ohmic loss and design/fabrication deviations. Here the high-performing sodium-based metasurfaces are demonstrated for optical filtration across 450 to 750 nm by unique structure design of spatially decoupled concave surfaces and precise fabrication through templated solidification of liquid metals. Thanks to the distinct suppression of metallic loss as well as fabrication tolerance of interfacial structures, the as-prepared concave metasurfaces enable a minimum linewidth of ≈15 nm, a maximal optical contrast of ≈93%, and a high measure-to-design spectral match ratio ≈1500. These results have for the first time pushed the operation wavelengths of sodium-based plasmonic devices from infrared to visible which in turn demonstrates the capability of filling the blank of commercial dielectric optical filters thus far.

Nonfood Probiotic, Prebiotic, and Synbiotic Use Reduces All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk in Older Adults: A Population-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Pro-, pre-, and synbiotic supplements improve cardiovascular risk factors. However, the association between nonfood pro-, pre-, and synbiotics (NPPS) and long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality has not been studied. Thus, our objective was to determine the impact of nonfood pro-, pre-, and synbiotics on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This was a retrospective, cohort study of 4837 nationally representative American participants aged 65 years or older with a median follow-up duration of 77 months.

MEASUREMENTS

All-cause and cardiovascular mortality were measured.

RESULTS

A total of 1556 participants died during the median 77-month follow-up, and 517 died from cardiovascular disease. Compared with participants without NPPS use, participants who used NPPS experienced a reduced risk of all-cause mortality by nearly 41% (hazard ratio 0.59, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.79) and cardiovascular mortality by 52% (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.76). Such an effect persisted in most subgroup analyses and complete-case analyses.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

In this study, we found a protective effect of NPPS against all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in Americans aged 65 years or older. Nonfood pro-, pre-, and synbiotics can be a novel, inexpensive, low-risk treatment addition for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality for older individuals.

Efficacy and safety of vagus nerve stimulation on upper extremity motor function in patients with stroke: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved paired vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for patients with moderate-to-severe upper extremity motor impairments following chronic ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE

Previous meta-analyses have shown that VNS may impact stroke rehabilitation, but each has some limitations.

METHODS

PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and WHO ICTRP databases were searched until July 14, 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We defined primary outcomes as Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Subgroup analyses included types of VNS, time since onset and long-term effects. Secondary outcomes included adverse events of VNS.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs involving 266 patients were analyzed, of which five used direct VNS and three transcutaneous auricular VNS. The results revealed that VNS enhanced upper extremity function via FMA-UE (SMD = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.99; P < 0.00001) and WMFT (SMD = 0.82; 95% CI:0.52 to 1.13; P < 0.00001) in comparison to the control group, but showed no significant change on long-term effects of FMA-UE (SMD = 0.69; 95% CI: - 0.06 to 1.44; P = 0.07). There was no difference in adverse events between the VNS and control groups (RR = 1.16; 95% CI: 0.46 to 2.92; P = 0.74).

CONCLUSION

For stroke victims with upper limb disabilities, VNS paired with rehabilitation was significantly safe and effective. More high-quality multicentric RCTs are needed to validate this conclusion.

[Accuracy of two different registration methods of dynamic navigation system for dental implant placement]

Objective: To compare cusp and U-tube registration methods of dynamic navigation system in dental implant placement. Methods: Twenty resin mandible models and 40 implants were utilized, with implants being placed by a single researcher using one of the two registration methods selected at random. Accuracy was measured through the superimposition of the final and planned implant positions. Angular deviation, three-dimensional (3D) entry deviation, and 3D apex deviation were analyzed. Results: The 3D entry deviation, and 3D apex deviation and angular deviation of cusp group and U-tube group were (1.07±0.46) and (0.93±0.54) mm, (1.16±0.55) and (1.03±0.53) mm, 2.06°±0.98°and 1.62°±0.97°. No significant differences (t=0.91, P=0.368; t=0.79, P=0.436; t=1.42, P=0.164) were observed when comparing these two registration methods. Conclusions: Both the cusp and U-tube registration methods are highly accurate when implemented in vitro. The cusp registration technique can also overcome several of the limitations of the U-tube approach, and it is convenient for clinic.

Proteomic Perspective of Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus Biofilm Extracellular Matrix in Response to Itraconazole

Azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus makes a major challenge to the chemotherapy for invasive aspergillosis, whereas cyp51A gene mutation is the most dominant mechanism for azole resistance. Moreover, biofilm contributes to drug resistance for A. fumigatus, and extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential to protect live cells from antifungal drugs. Therefore, we performed a comparative proteomic study on the biofilm ECM of both the wild-type and azole-resistant strains of A. fumigatus under azole pressure. In total, 2377 proteins were identified, of which 480 and 604 proteins with differential expression were obtained from the wild-type and azole-resistant A. fumigatus in exposure to itraconazole respectively (fold change > 2 or < 0.5, P-value < 0.05). We found that a high proportion of regulated proteins were located in cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondria. Meanwhile, GO and KEGG analyses revealed that metabolic process and ribosome pathway were significantly enriched. Particularly, differentially expressed proteins in response to azole pressure of both the wild-type and resistant strains were further analyzed. Our results indicated that these changes in biofilm ECM proteins were related to ergosterol synthesis, oxidative stress, efflux pumps, DNA repair, DNA replication, and transcription.

Predictive capability of material screening by fast neutron activation analysis using laser-driven neutron sources

Bright, short-pulsed neutron beams from laser-driven neutron sources (LANSs) provide a new perspective on material screening via fast neutron activation analysis (FNAA). FNAA is a nondestructive technique for determining material elemental composition based on nuclear excitation by fast neutron bombardment and subsequent spectral analysis of prompt γ-rays emitted by the active nuclei. Our recent experiments and simulations have shown that activation analysis can be used in practice with modest neutron fluences on the order of 10⁵ n/cm², which is available with current laser technology. In addition, time-resolved γ-ray measurements combined with picosecond neutron probes from LANSs are effective in mitigating the issue of spectral interference between elements, enabling highly accurate screening of complex samples containing many elements. This paper describes the predictive capability of LANS-based activation analysis based on experimental demonstrations and spectral calculations with Monte Carlo simulations.

Hydrogen sulphide regulates the growth of tomato root cells by affecting cell wall biosynthesis under CuO NPs stress

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) show strong nano-toxic effects on organisms. Hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S) plays a pivotal role in plant response to abiotic stress. In this study, we examine the crucial role of the cell wall as regulated by H₂ S in response to CuO NPs stress. The digestion method was employed to determine Cu content using atomic absorption spectrometry. The TraKine pro-tubulin staining kit was used to investigate the microtubule cytoskeleton using confocal laser-scanning microscopy. Cell wall component analysis utilized the ICS-3000 HPLC system. Application of H₂ S reduced growth inhibition caused by CuO NPs. Furthermore, most of the CuO NPs accumulates in roots, indicating a low transfer rate, and H₂ S significantly decreased CuO NPs content in roots, leaves and stems. Subcellular distribution analysis implied most Cu accumulated in root cell walls, and that H₂ S reduced the content of Cu in root cell walls. Cortical microtubules in the plasma membrane, guide cell wall biosynthesis. H₂ S obviously alleviated microtubule cytoskeleton disorders caused by CuO NPs. In addition, the content of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin and other monosaccharides in root cell walls was reduced by CuO NPs treatment. H₂ S enhanced the monosaccharide and polysaccharide contents compared with that after CuO NPs treatment. In conclusion, H₂ S regulates cell wall development in response to CuO NPs stress by stabilizing microtubules. H₂ S affected Cu distribution and alleviated growth inhibition of tomato seedlings. The research results provide a theoretical basis for further study of nano-toxicity regulation in plants.

[Clinical efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension]

Objective: To explore the medium-long term efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH). Methods: From March 2013 to July 2018, clinical data of 13 INCPH patients, including 5 males, 8 females,with gastrointestinal hemorrhage were retrospectively analyzed, who were diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Anyang Fifth People' s Hospital and Yuncheng Central Hospital. All patients received TIPS treatment. The general information, postoperative survival rate, the incidence of rebleeding, shunt dysfunction rate, and incidence of hepatic encephalopathy were analyzed. Results: All 13 patients with INCPH completed TIPS successfully with an average age of 45±8 (33 to 59) years. The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) decreased from 20.0-26.0 (22.6±1.9) mmHg before procedure to 8.0-14.0 (9.4±3.2) mmHg after. The median follow-up time was 44±7 (31 to 53) months. One patient died of liver failure 27 months after TIPS. Hepatic encephalopathy occurred cumulatively in 1 case (1/13), 1 case (1/13) and 1 case (1/13) in 12, 24 and 36 months after TIPS. Stent restenosis occurred cumulatively in 2 cases (2/13), 3 cases (3/13) and 3 cases (3/13) in 12, 24 and 36 months after TIPS. Portal vein thrombosis occurred cumulatively in 2 cases (2/13), and no primary liver cancer developed. Conclusions: TIPS is safe and effective in the treatment of INCPH with gastrointestinal bleeding with favorable medium-long term outcome.

[Clinical analysis of pulmonary nocardiosis associated with bronchiectasis]

Objective: To better understand the clinical characteristics of pulmonary nocardiosis associated with bronchiectasis. Methods: Patients diagnosed as bronchiectasis complicated with pulmonary nocardiosis in 9 tertiary general hospitals in China were enrolled from March 2016 to March 2020, with the record of general data, imaging performance and pathogen. The literature was reviewed. Results: Totally 17 patients were included. There were 12 females and 5 males. The ages ranged from 45 to 79 years, with an average of (63±9) years. There were 15 nonsmokers and 2 smokers, all of whom with chronic course. The clinical manifestations were mostly cough, expectoration, hemoptysis, fever, and dyspnea. The imaging manifestation was bronchiectasis in both lungs, with the most common involvement in the left lower lung, right middle lobe and left lingual lobe. Sputum cultures were positive in 10 cases, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cultures were positive in 6 cases, and next generation gene sequencings were positive in 4 cases, including 2 cases of Nocardia gelsenkii, 2 cases of Nocardia abscess, 2 cases of Nocardia stellate, 1 case of Nocardia mexicana, 1 case of Nocardia otitis caviae, and 9 cases of undetermined Nocardia. There were 3 cases of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 2 cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 2 cases of Aspergillus. The symptoms and imaging of all patients were improved after anti Nocardia therapy. Conclusions: Bronchiectasis combined with nocardiosis is more common in middle-aged and elderly women without smoking, which is similar to the clinical manifestations of Lady Windermere syndrome. Bronchiectasis often involves the left lower lobe, right middle lobe and left lingual lobe. Nocardia infection might further precipitate the initiation and progression of bronchiectasis.

Upper Limb Lymphedema Impacts the Risk of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-Related Thrombosis in Patients with Breast Cancer

There is little information on the risk for catheter-related thrombosis in patients with upper limb lymphedema following breast cancer treatment. We investigated the association between upper limb lymphedema and the risk of peripherally inserted central catheterrelated thrombosis (PICC-RT) occurring in the contralateral limb of patients with breast cancer. A retrospective review analyzed all patients with breast cancer who underwent PICC insertion at a cancer hospital in Hunan Province from 2015 to 2019. Upper limb lymphedema was indexed from hospital information system (HIS) before the occurrence of PICC-RT developed in the contralateral limb. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of factors with outcome. A total of 1,262 patient records were found and 50 cases of PICC-RT were identified. Forty of these occurred in patients without lymphedema (n=1,236) and 10 in patients with upper limb lymphedema (n=26). After adjustment for various co-variables, Cox regression analysis showed that upper limb lymphedema was significantly associated with increased risk of PICC-RT (hazard ratio=12.128, 95% confidence interval=5.551-26.501; P<0.001). In breast cancer patients, upper limb lymphedema may be an important predictor for PICC-RT in the contralateral limb and information should be provided to patients.

Survival of Clostridioides difficile in finished dairy compost under controlled conditions

AIM

The survival of Clostridioides difficile (previously Clostridium difficile) vegetative cells and endospores was compared at different levels of indigenous microflora using autoclaved and unautoclaved dairy composts with different moisture contents (MCs).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Both types of composts adjusted to 20, 30 and 40% MCs were inoculated with a suspension of C. difficile that contained both vegetative cells (c. 5-6 log CFU per gram) and endospores (c. 5·0 CFU per gram), and then stored aerobically inside a humidity-controlled chamber at room temperature 22·5 ± 0·8°C for 1 year. The level of indigenous microflora was very stable during the storage after day 7 in both types of compost. The greatest reductions of C. difficile vegetative cell counts occurred during the first 24 h of storage in autoclaved and unautoclaved composts, which had 4·7 and 5·5 log CFU per gram with 20% MC, 1·8 and 2·1 log CFU per gram with 30% MC, and 2·3 and 1·3 log CFU per gram with 40% MC, respectively. Both MC and the duration of storage have significant (P < 0·05) effects on the survival of vegetative cells for first 120 days of storage. The slow inactivation of C. difficile vegetative cells at higher MCs during aerobic storage was confirmed by exponentially decaying modelling data during the early stage of aerobic exposure. The reduction of endospore counts (<1·0 log CFU per gram) during the storage for both types of compost at all MCs was not significant (P > 0·05) except for the autoclaved compost with 30% MC.

CONCLUSION

The highly resistant C. difficile endospores to the unfavourable environmental conditions survived for more than a year while vegetative cells died off exponentially upon the initial aerobic exposure.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The long-term survival of C. difficile endospores in contaminated compost may transmit the pathogen to fresh produce, animals or water in pre-harvest conditions.

Impact of shoulder subluxation on peripheral nerve conduction and function of hemiplegic upper extremity in stroke patients: A retrospective, matched-pair study

Purpose: To investigate the impact of shoulder subluxation (SS) on peripheral nerve conduction and function of the hemiplegic upper extremity (HUE) in poststroke patients.Methods: Thirty post-stroke patients were selected (SS group: 15 patients, non-SS group: 15 patients, respectively). Evaluation of nerve conduction in upper limbs: the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude and latency of suprascapular, axillary, musculocutaneous, radial, median, and ulnar nerves; the motor and sensory conduction velocity and the sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude of median, ulnar, and radial nerves. The Brunnstrom stage scale was used to evaluate the HUE motor function.Results: Compared with the healthy side, the CMAP and SNAP amplitudes of tested nerves on the HUE in both groups were lower, and the CMAP latency of the suprascapular, axillary and musculocutaneous nerves on the HUE in the SS group was longer (P < 0.05). Compared with the HUE in non-SS group, the CMAP amplitude of tested nerves (except ulnar) was decreased more (P < 0.05), the motor conduction velocity of the median nerve was lower (P < 0.05), and the Brunnstrom stage of the HUE was lower in SS group (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Stroke may lead to extensive abnormal nerve conduction on the HUE, and SS may aggravate the abnormality, which may disturb the recovery of upper limb function.

Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma arising from an odontogenic keratocyst: case series and literature review

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic features of primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma arising from an odontogenic keratocyst (PIOSCC ex OKC) and comprehensively improve the understanding of this disease.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively investigated five cases of PIOSCC ex OKC at Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. We also conducted a systematic review of studies on PIOSCC ex OKC by using online databases from their inception until February 2020.

Results

In our series of five cases, all lesions were located in the mandible. Three cases (60%) showed recurrent OKCs and two cases (40%) showed primary OKCs. During the follow-up period, one patient died of local relapse. No patients developed metastasis. On the basis of our literature survey, we selected 22 articles reporting 29 patients with PIOSCC ex OKC. Seven of these patients (24.1%) showed local recurrence, three patients (10.3%) developed cervical metastasis, three patients (10.3%) developed distant metastasis (in the pleura in one case and in the lung in two cases), and seven patients died from the disease during the follow-up period. The disease-specific 5-year survival rate in the study group was 53.2%. Through univariate and multivariate analysis, local recurrence was identified as the only significant independent prognostic factor for survival (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results suggest that PIOSCC ex OKC is a rare intermediate-grade malignancy. Although elective neck dissection is typically unnecessary, adequate therapy should be applied to achieve the lowest local recurrence rate possible to ensure a favorable survival rate.

Key words:Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma, odontogenic keratocyst, prognosis.

High-effective biosynthesis of baccatin Ⅲ by using the alternative acetyl substrate, N-acetyl-d-glucosamine

AIMS

Paclitaxel is a type of broad-spectrum anticancer drug in short supply. The price of acetyl-CoA (17 709 677·4 USD mol^-1 ), which is the acetyl group donor for the enzymatic synthesis of the intermediate, baccatin Ⅲ, is still the bottleneck of the mass production of paclitaxel. This study reports a novel acetyl group donor, which could substantially reduce the cost of production.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, a substrate spectrum with 14 kinds of representative acetyl-donor substitutes predicted by computer-aided methods was tested in a 10-deacetylbaccatin Ⅲ-10-O-acetyltransferase (DBAT) heterogeneous-expressed open-whole-cell catalytic system. The results of computer prediction and experimental analysis revealed the rule of the acetyl-donor compounds based on this substrate spectrum. N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (30·95 USD mol^-1 , about 572 202-fold cheaper than acetyl-CoA) is selected as a suitable substitute under the rule. The yield when using N-acetyl-d-glucosamine as acetyl donor in open-whole-cell catalytic system was 2·13-fold of that when using acetyl-CoA. In the in vivo system, the yield increased 24·17%, which may indicate its cooperation with acetyl-CoA.

CONCLUSION

The success of open-whole-cell synthesis and in vivo synthesis of baccatin Ⅲ by adding N-acetyl-d-glucosamine as acetyl substrate demonstrates that it is a useful substrate to improve the yield of baccatin Ⅲ.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

All these findings provided a potential acetyl-donor substitute for acetyl-CoA, as well as a low cost and efficient method of preparing paclitaxel through baccatin Ⅲ semi-synthesis.

An Interfacial Solar-Driven Atmospheric Water Generator Based on a Liquid Sorbent with Simultaneous Adsorption-Desorption

Water scarcity is one of the greatest challenges facing human society. Because of the abundant amount of water present in the atmosphere, there are significant efforts to harvest water from air. Particularly, solar-driven atmospheric water generators based on sequential adsorption-desorption processes are attracting much attention. However, incomplete daytime desorption is the limiting factor for final water production, as the rate of water desorption typically decreases very quickly with decreased water content in the sorbents. Hereby combining tailored interfacial solar absorbers with an ionic-liquid-based sorbent, an atmospheric water generator with a simultaneous adsorption-desorption process is generated. With enhanced desorption capability and stabilized water content in the sorbent, this interfacial solar-driven atmospheric water generator enables a high rate of water production (≈0.5 L m^-2 h^-1 ) and 2.8 L m^-2 d^-1 for the outdoor environment. It is expected that this interfacial solar-driven atmospheric water generator, based on the liquid sorbent with a simultaneous adsorption-desorption process opens up a promising pathway to effectively harvest water from air.

Enhancing wastewater remediation by drinking water treatment residual-augmented floating treatment wetlands

In this study, the involvement of aluminum-based drinking water treatment residual (DWTR) as substrate in floating treatment wetland (FTW) to enhance its treatment performance was firstly proposed and trialed. A laboratory scale DWTR-FTW fed with synthetic wastewater containing COD, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and mineral salts was operated in three stages of unplanted (1-30 days), planted (31-60 days) and aerated (61-135 days) modes. The results showed that the average removal rates of COD, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) in stage 3 were 88%, 85%, and 90.2%, respectively, indicating the outstanding purification performance of DWTR-FTW in comparison of traditional FTWs. The embedded DWTR enriches the biomass and robustly adsorbs P, while aeration supplies sufficient dissolved oxygen for the microorganism. The results revealed that 7.022 g P was accumulated in DWTR, which is 400 times higher than that in sediment and plants during the experimental period, reflecting that DWTR adsorption is the major P removal pathway in DWTR-FTW. Overall, DWTR-FTW could significantly remove pollutants, especially P, and provide an alternative pathway to enhance purification performance of FTW.

[Effects of smoking cessation on the risk of hypertension: a meta-analysis]

Objective: To estimate the effect of smoking cessation on the risk of hypertension. Methods: Literature search of PubMed, Embase, Vip and CNKI between 2001 and 2016 was performed to retrieve prospective cohort studies assessing the relative risks (RR) of smoking cessation and current smoking on hypertension. The pooled RR with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random effects models, and subgroup analyses were employed based on participants and study characteristics. Results: A total of 8 eligible prospective cohort studies with 70 130 participants and 21 238 incident cases of hypertension were retrieved. The individuals aged 25-84 years, among them, 53.64% (37 618/70 130) were men and the follow-up period were 4-14.5 years. The pooled RR of hypertension was 1.08 (95%CI: 0.94-1.20) for comparing smoking cessation with current smoking and the pooled adjusted RR was 0.91 (95%CI: 0.33-2.50) (both P>0.05). Conclusions: Smoking cessation did not increased risks of hypertension. Therefore, effective strategies are needed to encourage smokers to quit.

Thermal resistance of Clostridium difficile endospores in dairy compost upon exposure to wet and dry heat treatments

AIM

Thermal resistance of Clostridium difficile endospores in finished dairy compost was compared at 55 and 65°C under wet and dry heat conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A three-strain cocktail of C. difficile endospores was inoculated into dairy compost to a final concentration of c. 5·5 log CFU per gram and the moisture content (MC) of the compost was adjusted to be 20, 30 and 40%. For the dry heat treatment at 55 and 65°C, the compost samples were placed in an environmental chamber, whereas for the wet heat treatment, the inoculated compost samples were placed in a tray submerged in a water bath. The MCs of composts were maintained well throughout the wet heat treatment while the dry heat treatment reduced the MCs of composts to <10% by the end of come-up time. During the come-up time, the log endospore reductions at a selected temperature were not significantly different in compost with three selected MCs, in each heat treatment. During the holding time, endospore counts reduced by <0·5 log CFU per gram at 55 and 65°C of dry heat treatment, whereas 0·7-0·8 and 0·6-3·0 log CFU per gram reductions were observed at 55 and 65°C in wet heat treatment respectively.

CONCLUSION

The recommended minimum composting guidelines were not sufficient to reduce C. difficile endospore counts to an undetectable level (five endospores per gram). Increasing the temperature of thermophilic phase to 65°C, and maintaining higher MCs of composting feedstocks have significant (P < 0·05) effects on the endospore inactivation.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our study identified factors that significantly affecting the thermal resistance of C. difficile endospores during composting, and the results suggest the current composting guidelines need to be amended in order to reduce the dissemination of C. difficile endospores in agricultural environment.

[HIV-1 gene subtypes among newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in two border areas of Yunnan province]

Objective: To explore the features of distribution on HIV-1 gene subtypes among newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in the border areas of Yunnan province. Methods: A total of 233 newly reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 18 or more were consecutively included in the border counties of Dehong Dai and Jingpo autonomous prefecture (Dehong prefecture), Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture (Honghe prefecture) of Yunnan province from November 2015 to October 2016. HIV-1 RNA was extracted with pol and env genes amplified. HIV-1 gene subtypes were determined through phylogenetic analysis. Results: A total of 146 out of 233 specimens were genotyped successfully. HIV-1 was found to have had 8 gene subtypes in Dehong prefecture, with the unique recombinant forms (URFs) as the predominant (52.8%, 57/108) type, including 56.8% (21/37) of the cases with Chinese ethnicity and another 50.7% (36/71) were Myanmar citizens. Four HIV-1 gene subtypes were detected in Honghe prefecture, with CRF01_AE as predominant (71.1%, 27/38), including 81.0% (17/21) Vietnamese and 58.8% (10/17) Chinese. Differences on the distribution of HIV-1 gene subtypes were seen statistically significant between Dehong prefecture and Honghe prefecture (χ(2)=61.072, P<0.001). Conclusions: The distribution of HIV-1 gene subtypes showed big difference in the two border areas of Yunnan province, suggesting that both Chinese or non- Chinese citizens living in the area should be taken good care of, in terms of HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

Northern Blot with IR Fluorescent Probes: Strategies for Probe Preparation

Northern blot is a molecular biology technique that can detect, quantify, and determine the molecular weight of RNA. Recently, we published a protocol utilizing near-infrared (IR) fluorescent probes in Northern blot (irNorthern). Our method is as sensitive as other non-radioactive methods but is more straightforward and versatile. Additionally, we found that IR-labeled probes can be used to multiplex or detect different species of RNA at the same time. Here we describe three methods for generating an IR-labeled probe as well as how to perform irNorthern blot. In conclusion, our irNorthern protocol offers a convenient method for RNA detection.

Near-infrared fluorescent northern blot

Northern blot analysis detects RNA molecules immobilized on nylon membranes through hybridization with radioactive ³²P-labeled DNA or RNA oligonucleotide probes. Alternatively, nonradioactive northern blot relies on chemiluminescent reactions triggered by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugated probes. The use of regulated radioactive material and the complexity of chemiluminescent reactions and detection have hampered the adoption of northern blot techniques by the wider biomedical research community. Here, we describe a sensitive and straightforward nonradioactive northern blot method, which utilizes near-infrared (IR) fluorescent dye-labeled probes (irNorthern). We found that irNorthern has a detection limit of ∼0.05 femtomoles (fmol), which is slightly less sensitive than ³²P-Northern. However, we found that the IR dye-labeled probe maintains the sensitivity after multiple usages as well as long-term storage. We also present alternative irNorthern methods using a biotinylated DNA probe, a DNA probe labeled by terminal transferase, or an RNA probe labeled during in vitro transcription. Furthermore, utilization of different IR dyes allows multiplex detection of different RNA species. Therefore, irNorthern represents a more convenient and versatile tool for RNA detection compared to traditional northern blot analysis.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 is a potential therapeutic target in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Given the pathological incidence of metastases or radioiodine-refractory papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is increasing worldwide, patients have little alternatives when choosing effective drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new therapeutic targets for PTC treatment. CDK7 is a member of the cyclindependent protein kinase (CDK) family, which plays an important role in various types of cancers. In this study, we found CDK7 were upregulated in PTC cell lines compared to normal thyroid cells using qRT-PCR and Western blot. Furthermore, using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, we discovered cell growth ratio was positively correlated to the expression level of CDK7. Cell cycle analysis showed that the cells with higher CDK7 expression levels were prone to be in S phase. More importantly, we tested the inhibitory effects of BS-181 on CDK7 both in vitro and in vivo. Results obtained from this study indicated that BS-181 not only suppressed the cell proliferation in vitro, but also inhibited the tumor growth in nude mouse without changing mRNA and protein levels of CDK7. In conclusion, our study might provide a novel potential target for PTC therapy.

In vitro measurements of hemodynamic forces and their effects on endothelial cell mechanics at the sub-cellular level

This paper presents micro-particle tracking velocimetry measurements over cultured bovine aortic endothelial cell monolayers in microchannels. The objective was to quantify fluid forces and cell morphology at the sub-cellular scale for monolayers subjected to steady shear rates of 5, 10, and 20 dyn/cm2. The ultimate goal of this study was to develop an experimental methodology for in vitro detailed study of physiologically realistic healthy and diseased conditions. Cell topography, shear stress, and pressure distributions were calculated from sets of velocity fields made in planes parallel to the microchannel wall. For each experiment, measurements were made in 3 h intervals for 18 h. It was found that there is a three-dimensional change in cell morphology as a result of applied shear stress. That is, cells flatten and become more wedge shaped in the stream direction while conserving volume by spreading laterally, i.e., in the cross-stream direction. These changes in cell morphology are directly related to local variations in fluid loading, i.e., shear stress and pressure. This paper describes the first flow measurements over a confluent layer of endothelial cells that are spatially resolved at the sub-cellular scale with a simultaneous temporal resolution to quantify the response of cells to fluid loading.

A model of operant learning based on chaotically varying synaptic strength

Operant learning is learning based on reinforcement of behaviours. We propose a new hypothesis for operant learning at the single neuron level based on spontaneous fluctuations of synaptic strength caused by receptor dynamics. These fluctuations allow the neural system to explore a space of outputs. If the receptor dynamics are altered by a reinforcement signal the neural system settles to better states, i.e., to match the environmental dynamics that determine reward. Simulations show that this mechanism can support operant learning in a feed-forward neural circuit, a recurrent neural circuit, and a spiking neural circuit controlling an agent learning in a dynamic reward and punishment situation. We discuss how the new principle relates to existing learning rules and observed phenomena of short and long-term potentiation.

Dicer cleaves 5'-extended microRNA precursors originating from RNA polymerase II transcription start sites

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are approximately 22 nucleotide (nt) long and play important roles in post-transcriptional regulation in both plants and animals. In animals, precursor (pre-) miRNAs are ∼70 nt hairpins produced by Drosha cleavage of long primary (pri-) miRNAs in the nucleus. Exportin-5 (XPO5) transports pre-miRNAs into the cytoplasm for Dicer processing. Alternatively, pre-miRNAs containing a 5' 7-methylguanine (m7G-) cap can be generated independently of Drosha and XPO5. Here we identify a class of m7G-capped pre-miRNAs with 5' extensions up to 39 nt long. The 5'-extended pre-miRNAs are transported by Exportin-1 (XPO1). Unexpectedly, a long 5' extension does not block Dicer processing. Rather, Dicer directly cleaves 5'-extended pre-miRNAs by recognizing its 3' end to produce mature 3p miRNA and extended 5p miRNA both in vivo and in vitro. The recognition of 5'-extended pre-miRNAs by the Dicer Platform-PAZ-Connector (PPC) domain can be traced back to ancestral animal Dicers, suggesting that this previously unrecognized Dicer reaction mode is evolutionarily conserved. Our work reveals additional genetic sources for small regulatory RNAs and substantiates Dicer's essential role in RNAi-based gene regulation.

Prevalence of pollen-induced allergic rhinitis with high pollen exposure in grasslands of northern China

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of epidemiologic and physician-diagnosed pollen-induced AR (PiAR) in the grasslands of northern China and to study the impact of the intensity and time of pollen exposure on PiAR prevalence.

METHODS

A multistage, clustered and proportionately stratified random sampling with a field interviewer-administered survey study was performed together with skin prick tests (SPT) and measurements of the daily pollen count.

RESULTS

A total of 6043 subjects completed the study, with a proportion of 32.4% epidemiologic AR and 18.5% PiAR. The prevalence was higher in males than females (19.6% vs 17.4%, P = .024), but no difference between the two major residential and ethnic groups (Han and Mongolian) was observed. Subjects from urban areas showed higher prevalence of PiAR than rural areas (23.1% vs 14.0%, P < .001). Most PiAR patients were sensitized to two or more pollens (79.4%) with artemisia, chenopodium, and humulus scandens being the most common pollen types, which were similarly found as the top three sensitizing pollen allergens by SPT. There were significant regional differences in the prevalence of epidemiologic AR (from 18.6% to 52.9%) and PiAR (from 10.5% to 31.4%) among the six areas investigated. PiAR symptoms were positively associated with pollen counts, temperature, and precipitation (P < .05), but negatively with wind speed and pressure P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Pollen-induced AR (PiAR) prevalence in the investigated region is extremely high due to high seasonal pollen exposure, which was influenced by local environmental and climate conditions.

[Advances in immunotherapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma]

The morbidity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been increasing over years, while the treatment efficacy and prognosis of PDAC remain far from satisfying. The newly-ermerged tumor immunotherapy has not only made lots of breakthroughs in various malignancies, but also brought an opportunity to the treatment of pancreatic cancer.PDAC immunotherapies, mainly including vaccine therapy, adoptive T cell thanfer therapy, checkpoint blockade therapy, have achieved a certain effect, however, the clinical outcomes have not been satisfactory. Therefore, the combination of immunotherapies based on different theoretical views is important and is likely to be the trend in the future. Carcinoma associated fibroblast (CAF) is the most common cell in pancreatic cancer stromal component. It will be helpful to develop more potential therapeutic targets by further exploring CAF and the mechanism of fibrosis mediated immunosuppression.

Endothelial Tight Junctions Are Opened in Cholinergic-Evoked Salivation In Vivo

Blood vessels provide the original supplies for the formation of primary saliva, which is regulated by the tight junctions (TJs) between endothelial cells. Previous studies have shown that blood flow increases with vasodilatation during cholinergic-evoked salivation. However, changes in vascular paracellular permeability and the role of endothelial TJs in salivation are unknown. Here, we established an in vivo paracellular permeability detection system and observed that the endothelial TJs were permeable to 4-kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran while impermeable to 40- and 70-kDa FITC-dextran under an unstimulated condition in mouse submandibular glands (SMGs). Pilocarpine increased the flux of 4- and 40-kDa FITC-dextran out of blood vessels but did not affect 70-kDa FITC-dextran. Claudin 5, a TJ protein specifically localized in salivary endothelial cells, was redistributed from the apicolateral membranes to the lateral and basolateral membranes and cytoplasm in cholinergic-stimulated mouse SMGs and freshly cultured human SMG tissues. In the transplanted SMGs from epiphora patients, we found that claudin 5 was present in the basolateral membranes and cytoplasm, instead of the apical region in control SMGs. Moreover, the level of phospho-myosin light chain 2 increased within the blood vessels of the pilocarpine-stimulated mouse SMGs and transplanted human SMGs, while the downstream molecule F-actin was reorganized in the endothelial cells of the transplanted human SMGs. Taken together, our findings provide direct visual evidence that the opening of endothelial TJs and the redistribution of claudin 5 are essential events contributing to cholinergic-evoked salivation, thus enriching our understanding of the secretory mechanisms that link blood flow to primary saliva formation by regulating the endothelial paracellular permeability.

In situ deprotection and dynamic covalent assembly using a dual role catalyst

Sc(OTf)₃ is employed as a dual role catalyst to effect the in situ deprotection and dynamic covalent assembly of oligo(peptoid)s.