In silico and in vivo discovery of antioxidant sea cucumber peptides with antineurodegenerative properties

Since oxidative stress is often associated with neurodegenerative diseases, antioxidants are likely to confer protection against neurodegeneration. Despite an increasing number of food-derived peptides being identified as antioxidants, their antineurodegenerative potentials remain largely unexplored. Here, a sea cucumber peptide preparation - the peptide-rich fraction of <3 kDa (UF<3K) obtained by ultrafiltration from Apostichopus japonicus protein hydrolyzate - was found to protect PC12 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans from neurodegeneration by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis, demonstrating its in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective effects. As many food-originated peptides are cryptides (cryptic peptides - short amino acid sequences encrypted in parent proteins) released in quantities by protein hydrolysis, UF<3K was subjected to sequencing analysis. As expected, a large repertoire of peptides were identified in UF<3K, establishing a sea cucumber cryptome (1238 peptides in total). Then 134 peptides were randomly selected from the cryptome (>10%) and analyzed for their antioxidant activities using a number of in silico bioinformatic programs as well as in vivo experimental assays in C. elegans. From these results, a novel antioxidant peptide - HoloPep#362 (FETLMPLWGNK) - was shown to not only inhibit aggregation of neurodegeneration-associated polygluatmine proteins but also ameliorate behavioral deficits in proteotoxicity nematodes. Proteomic analysis revealed an increased expression of several lysosomal proteases by HoloPep#362, suggesting proteostasis maintenance as a mechanism for its antineurodegenerative action. These findings provide an insight into the health-promoting potential of sea cucumber peptides as neuroprotective nutraceuticals and also into the importance of training in silico peptide bioactivity prediction programs with in vivo experimental data.

[Diagnostic value of identifying location and amount of free gas in the abdominal cavity by multidetector computed tomography in patients with acute gastrointestinal perforation]

Objective: To evaluate the relationships between the location and extent of diffusion of free intraperitoneal air by multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) and between the location and size of acute gastrointestinal perforation. Methods: This was a descriptive case series. We examined abdominal CT images of 33 patients who were treated for intraoperatively confirmed gastrointestinal perforation (excluding appendiceal perforation) in the Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital between January and September 2022. We identified five locations of intraperitoneal air: the subphrenic space, hepatic portal space, mid-abdominal wall, mesenteric space, and pelvic cavity. We allocated the 33 patients to an upper gastrointestinal perforation (n=23) and lower gastrointestinal perforation group (n=10) base on intraoperative findings and analyzed the relationships between the locations of free gas and of gastrointestinal perforation. Additionally, we established two models for analyzing the extent of diffusion of free gas in the abdominal cavity and constructed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to analyze the relationships between the two models and the size of the gastrointestinal perforation. Results: In the upper gastrointestinal perforation group, free gas was located around the hepatic portal area in 91.3% (21/23) of patients: this is a significantly greater proportion than that found in the lower gastrointestinal perforation group (5/10) (P=0.016). In contrast, free gas was located in the mesenteric interspace in 8/10 patients in the lower gastrointestinal perforation group; this is a significantly greater proportion than was found in the upper gastrointestinal perforation group (8.7%, 2/23) (P<0.010). The sensitivity of diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal perforation base on the presence of hepatic portal free gas was 84.8% and the specificity 71.4%. Further, the sensitivity of diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal perforation base on the presence of mesenteric interspace free gas was 80.0% and the specificity 91.3%. The rates of presence of free gas in the subdiaphragmatic area, mid-abdominal wall, and pelvic cavity did not differ significantly between the two groups (all P>0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that when free gas was present in four or more of the studied locations in the abdominal cavity, the optimal cutoff for perforation diameter was 2 cm, the corresponding sensitivity 66.7%, and the specificity 100%, suggesting that abdominal free gas diffuses extensively when the diameter of the perforation is >2 cm. Another model revealed that when free gas is present in three or more of the studied locations, the optimal cutoff for perforation diameter is 1 cm, corresponding to a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 76.2%; suggesting that free gas is relatively confined in the abdominal cavity when the diameter of the perforation is <1 cm. Conclusion: Identifying which of five locations in the abdominal cavity contains free intraperitoneal air by examining MSCT images can be used to assist in the diagnosis of the location and size of acute gastrointestinal perforations.

The protective role of oily fish intake against type 2 diabetes: insights from a genetic correlation and Mendelian randomization study

Background and aims

Previous research has underscored the association between oily fish intake and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), yet the causality remains elusive.

Methods

A bidirectional univariable Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis was employed to evaluate the causal effects of oily fish and non-oily fish intake on T2DM. Replication analysis and meta-analysis were conducted to ensure robust results. Multivariable MR analysis was utilized to assess confounders, and further mediation MR analysis discerned mediating effects. Linkage Disequilibrium Score (LDSC) analysis was undertaken to compute genetic correlations. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was the primary method, complemented by a series of sensitivity analyses.

Results

The LDSC analysis unveiled a significant genetic correlation between oily fish intake and T2DM (Genetic correlation: -0.102, p = 4.43 × 10-4). For each standard deviation (SD) increase in genetically predicted oily fish intake, the risk of T2DM was reduced by 38.6% (OR = 0.614, 95% CI 0.504 ~ 0.748, p = 1.24 × 10-6, False Discovery Rate (FDR) = 3.72 × 10-6). The meta-analysis across three data sources highlighted a persistent causal association (OR = 0.728, 95% CI 0.593 ~ 0.895, p = 0.003). No other causal effects were identified (all p > 0.5, FDR > 0.5). The main outcomes remained consistent in most sensitivity analyses. Both MVMR and mediation MR analyses emphasized the mediating roles of triglycerides (TG), body mass index (BMI), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels.

Conclusion

To encapsulate, there's an inverse association between oily fish intake and T2DM risk, suggesting potential benefits of oily fish intake in T2DM prevention.

[Determination of triclocarban and triclosan in urine by QuEChERS extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry]

Objective: To establish a method for the determination of triclocarban (TCC) and triclosan (TCS) in urine by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) after purification by QuEChERS. Methods: In May 2022, urine samples were extracted by acetonitrile, purified by QuEChERS, separated by Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.7 μm), and eluated with water-acetonitrile as mobile phase gradient at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. The detection was conducted in negative ion mode (ESI(-)) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scanning, it was quantified with a internal standard method, and the methodology was verified. Results: The linear ranges of TCC and TCS were 0.5-100.0 μg/L and 1.0-100.0 μg/L, and the correlation coefficients were 0.9997 and 0.9991, respectively. The limits of detection and quantitation of TCC and TCS were 0.17 and 0.33 μg/L, and 0.5 and 1.0 μg/L, respectively. The recoveries of TCC and TCS were 100.1%-102.8% and 96.7%-108.6%, and the relative standard deviations were 4.9%-6.7% and 4.1%-8.3%, respectively, at 2.0, 10.0 and 80.0 μg/L. Conclusion: QuEChERS-UPLC-MS/MS method is simple, rapid, sensitive and reproducible, and can be used for rapid and accurate simultaneous detection of TCC and TCS exposure levels in occupational population.

Modification Strategies for Development of 2D Material-Based Electrocatalysts for Alcohol Oxidation Reaction

2D materials, such as graphene, MXenes (metal carbides and nitrides), graphdiyne (GDY), layered double hydroxides, and black phosphorus, are widely used as electrocatalyst supports for alcohol oxidation reactions (AORs) owing to their large surface area and unique 2D charge transport channels. Furthermore, the development of highly efficient electrocatalysts for AORs via tuning the structure of 2D support materials has recently become a hot area. This article provides a critical review on modification strategies to develop 2D material-based electrocatalysts for AOR. First, the principles and influencing factors of electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols (such as methanol and ethanol) are introduced. Second, surface molecular functionalization, heteroatom doping, and composite hybridization are deeply discussed as the modification strategies to improve 2D material catalyst supports for AORs. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of 2D material-based electrocatalysts for AORs are outlined. This review will promote further efforts in the development of electrocatalysts for AORs.

[Application of intraoperative endoscopic in laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery]

The application of intraoperative endoscopic in laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery can compensate for the limitations of a single laparoscopic mode that only relies only on serous vision, and work as the Chinese saying "four ounces can move a thousand pounds". Intraoperative endoscopy not only effectively helps to accurately locate the tumor boundary in real-time and achieve precise resection, but also enables real time and interactive inspection of the quality of esophagojejunal anastomosis, reduces postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage and bleeding, and accelerates postoperative recovery. However, most centers in China do not emphasize the application of intraoperative endoscopy in laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery due to the lack of a good cooperation mechanism between the gastrointestinal surgery team and the digestive endoscopy team. Therefore, based on clinical practice experience, the author briefly discusses the application of intraoperative endoscopic in routine laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery, including pre-examination preparation operator position, endoscopic techniques, postoperative management, etc., covering application scenarios such as early tumor localization, confirmation of upper esophageal margin confirmation, anastomotic examination, biopsy of primary lesion specimens in neoadjuvant/conversion treatment cases. We hope that it will help gastroenterologists to better apply intraoperative endoscopy in laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery, and assist in precise resection and safe anastomosis of the operation.

[Prediction of protection probability against Omicron BA.1, BA.4 and BA.5 variants in symptomatic infections with prototype strain based on neutralization antibody levels]

Objective: To predict the protection probability of different clinical outcomes after reinfection with Omicron variant in symptomatic and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients who infected with prototype strain. Methods: The data used in this study were derived from a systematic review and meta-analysis which systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Europe PMC databases, included published and uploaded studies of dynamic changes of neutralizing antibodies in symptomatic COVID-19 patients from 1 January 2020 to 2 October 2022 and extracted the literature information, study design, serological experiment information and antibody results. According to the scatter distribution characteristics of antibody titer data, a generalized additive model based on Gaussian distribution was used to fit the titer value of neutralizing antibody based on logarithmic conversion and the dynamic change pattern of neutralizing antibody in symptomatic and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients infected with prototype strain over time was obtained. In this study, the fitted antibody titers of patients on the 28th, 51st, and 261st day after symptom onset was selected to predict the protection probability. Results: Neutralizing antibodies produced in symptomatic and unvaccinated patients infected with prototype strain could provide protection against Omicron reinfection, and the probability of protection gradually decreased with time. Neutralizing antibody level on day 28 after symptom onset provided protection probability of 30.3% (95%CI: 20.0%-45.5%) against reinfection, 51.5% (95%CI: 33.4%-75.9%) against symptomatic reinfection, and 91.2% (95%CI: 77.1%-97.7%) against severe reinfection caused by Omicron BA.5. The protection probability against Omicron BA.1, BA.4 and BA.5 reinfections decreased significantly 261 days after symptom onset, showing 9.6%-12.9%, 18.4%-23.9% and 63.1%-70.3% against three clinical outcomes, respectively. At the same time point and against the same clinical outcome, the protection probability of BA.1 was the highest, followed by BA.4 and BA.5. Conclusions: Neutralizing antibodies induced in symptomatic and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients previously infected with the prototype strain have limited protection probability against Omicron BA.5 reinfections and symptomatic reinfections. The protection probability against Omicron BA.5 reinfections is 30.3% 28 days after symptom onset and decreases to about 10% after 261 days. However, the protection probability against severe reinfections is considerable, with over 90% 28 days after symptom onset and still exceeding 60% after 261 days.

["Graded early warning system" of RET germline mutation carriers in MEN2A/MEN2B families and total thyroidectomy (report of 7 cases)]

Objective: To explore the reasonable time of prophylactic thyroidectomy for RET gene carriers in multiple endocrine neoplasia(MEN) 2A/2B families. Methods: From May 2015 to August 2021, RET gene carriers in MEN2A/MEN2B families were dynamically followed up at the Department of Thyroid Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital of Capital Medical University. The high-risk patients were encouraged to undergo prophylacitc total thyroidectomy according to the principle of "graded early warning system", namely the evaluation of gene detection, calcitonin value and ultrasound examination successively. Seven cases underwent the surgery, including 3 males and 4 females, aged from 7 to 29 years. According to the risk stratification listed in the guidelines of the American Thyroid Association in 2015, there were 2 cases of the highest risk, 2 cases of the high risk and 3 cases of the modest risk. Calcitonin index remained within the normal range in 3 cases and elevated in 4 cases before operation. All 7 patients underwent thyroidectomy with lymph node dissection of the level Ⅵ performed in 4 patients. Results: The time from suggestion to operation was 2 to 37 months, with an average of 15.1 months. The 6 patients were medullary thyroid carcinoma and 1 case with C-cell hyperplasia. The follow-up time was 2 to 82 months, with an average of 38.4 months. Postoperative serum calcitonin levels of all cases decreased to normal level, with biochemical cure. There was no sign of recurrence on ultrasound examination. All 7 patients had no serious complications, no obvious thyroid dysfunction. Their height, weight and other indicators of pediatric patients were similar to those of their peers, with normal growth and development. Conclusion: For healthy people with MEN2A/MEN2B family history, prophylactic thyroidectomy can be carried out selectively based on the comprehensive evaluation of "graded early warning system" with strict screening and close monitoring.

[SENP1 induced protein deSUMO modification increased the chemotherapy sensitivity of endometrial cancer side population cells]

Objective: To inhibit the stemness maintenance potential of endometrial cancer and increase the sensitivity of endometrial cancer side population cells to chemotherapy drugs by inducing extensive deSUMOylation modification of proteins. Methods: Flow cytometry was used to sort and culture CD133(+) CD44(+) KLE endometrial cancer cell clone spheres. Protein expression level of small ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (SUMO1) and two stemness maintenance genes of tumor side population cells, octamer binding transcription factor-4 (Oct4) and sex determining region Y-box2 (Sox2), were detected by western blotting method. Lentivirus-mediated Sentrin/SUMO-specific proteases 1 (SENP1) gene was stably transfected into KLE side population cells. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of SENP1, SUMO1, Oct4 and Sox2. The clone formation rate was compared between KLE side population cells with or without SENP1 overexpression. Flow cytometry was applied to detect cell cycle changes. 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazole-2)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) experiment and flow cytometry apoptosis method were used to detect the chemosensitivity of the side population of endometrial cancer cells to cisplatin. Tumor-bearing mouse models of endometrial cancer were established to detect the effect of SENP1 overexpression on the chemotherapy sensitivity of cisplatin. Results: Compared with CD133(-)CD44(-) KLE cells, CD133(+) CD44(+) KLE side population cells could form clonal spheres and express higher levels of SUMO1, Oct4 and Sox2 proteins (P<0.05). Compared with KLE side population cells that were not transfected with SENP1 gene, the expression level of SENP1 protein in KLE side population cells overexpressing SUMO1、Oct4 and Sox2 were lower. The clonal sphere formation rate was reduced from (25.67±5.44)% to (7.46±1.42)%, and cell cycle shifted from G(0)/G(1) phase to G(2) phase. IC(50) of cisplatin decreased from (55.46±6.14) μg/ml to (11.55±3.12) μg/ml, and cell apoptosis rate increased from (9.76±2.09)% to (16.79±3.44)%. Overexpression of SENP1 could reduce the tumorigenesis rate of KLE side population cells in vivo and increase their chemotherapy sensitivity to cisplatin (P<0.05). Conclusion: Overexpression of SENP1 can induce protein deSUMOylation modification, inhibit the stemness maintenance potential of endometrial cancer side population cells, and enhance their chemotherapy sensitivity, which provides a new reference for gene therapy of endometrial cancer.

[The expression profile and potential regulatory mechanism of ACE2 in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps]

Objective: To preliminarily analyze the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and to investigate its potential regulatory mechanism in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Methods: Patients underwent nasal endoscopic surgery in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from February 2020 to May 2021 were selected, including 17 males and 6 females, aging from 23 to 66 years old. Expression of ACE2 was evaluated via immunohistochemical staining in controls with non-chronic rhinosinusitis, non-eosinophilic CRSwNP (non-ECRSwNP), and eosinophilic CRSwNP (ECRSwNP) tissue, respectively. Correlations between ACE2 and the indicated Th1/Th2-related cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-25, IL-33, TSLP and periostin) were analyzed based on GSE72713 dataset. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed via string database, immune infiltration of GSE72713 dataset was evaluated using cibersort algorithm. ACE2 was comprehensively analyzed by microRNA regulatory network, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and pharmacological analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad 7.0 and SPSS 20.0 software. Results: ACE2 was up-regulated in non-ECRSwNP compared with ECRSwNP. Microarray analysis showed that ACE2 was positively correlated with IFN-γ while inversely correlated with IL-5, IL-13 and periostin significantly. Analysis of immune infiltration suggested that ACE2 expression correlated positively with the number of M1 macrophage while negatively with M2 macrophage. GSEA demonstrated that interferon-related signaling pathways were up-regulated in non-ECRSwNP, and miRNA-200B/miRNA-200C/miRNA-429 pathways targeting ACE2 were enriched in ECRSwNP. Results of pharmacological analysis indicated that ampicillin was able to promote the expression of ACE2 whereas acetaminophen could down regulated the expression of ACE2. Conclusion: Expression pattern of ACE2 is varied in non-ECRSwNP and ECRSwNP, which may be related to the different infiltration of indicated cytokines and different regulatory pathways of miRNA.

[Safety and effectiveness of esophagojejunostomy through extracorporeal versus intracorporeal methods after laparoscopic total gastrectomy]

Objective: To compare the safety and effectiveness of esophagojejunostomy (EJS) through extracorporeal and intracorporeal methods after laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out. Clinicopathological data of 261 gastric cancer patients who underwent LTG, D2 lymphadenectomy, and Roux-en-Y EJS with complete postoperative 6-month follow-up data at the General Surgery Department of Nanfang Hospital from October 2018 to June 2021 were collected. Among these 261 patients, 139 underwent EJS with a circular stapler via mini-laparotomy (extracorporeal group), while 122 underwent intracorporeal EJS (intracorporeal group), including 43 with OrVil(TM) anastomosis (OrVil(TM) subgroup) and 79 with Overlap anastomosis (Overlap subgroup). Compared with the extracorporeal group, the intracorporeal group had higher body mass index, smaller tumor size, earlier T stage and M stage (all P<0.05). Compared with the Overlap subgroup, the Orvil(TM) subgroup had higher proportions of upper gastrointestinal obstruction and esophagus involvement, and more advanced T stage (all P<0.05). No other significant differences in the baseline data were found (all P>0.05). The primary outcome was complications at postoperative 6-month. The secondary outcomes were operative status, intraoperative complication and postoperative recovery. Continuous variables with a skewed distribution are expressed as the median (interquartile range), and were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables are expressed as the number and percentage and were compared with the Pearson chi-square, continuity correction or Fisher's exact test. Results: Compared with the extracorporeal group, the intracorporeal group had smaller incision [5.0 (1.0) cm vs. 8.0 (1.0) cm, Z=-10.931, P=0.001], lower rate of combined organ resection [0.8% (1/122) vs. 7.9% (11/139), χ(2)=7.454, P=0.006] and higher rate of R0 resection [94.3% (115/122) vs. 84.9 (118/139), χ(2)=5.957, P=0.015]. The morbidity of intraoperative complication in the extracorporeal group and intracorporeal group was 2.9% (4/139) and 4.1% (5/122), respectively (χ(2)=0.040, P=0.842). In terms of postoperative recovery, the extracorporeal group had shorter time to liquid diet [(5.1±2.4) days vs. (5.9±3.6) days, t=-2.268, P=0.024] and soft diet [(7.3±3.7) days vs. (8.8±6.5) days, t=-2.227, P=0.027], and shorter postoperative hospital stay [(10.5±5.1) days vs. (12.2±7.7) days, t=-2.108, P=0.036]. The morbidity of postoperative complication within 6 months in the extracorporeal group and intracorporeal group was 25.9% (36/139) and 31.1%, (38/122) respectively (P=0.348). Furthermore, there was also no significant difference in the morbidity of postoperative EJS complications [extracorporeal group vs. intracorporeal group: 5.0% (7/139) vs. 82.% (10/122), P=0.302]. The severity of postoperative complications between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.289). In the intracorporeal group, the Orvil(TM) subgroup had more estimated blood loss [100.0 (100.0) ml vs.50.0 (50.0) ml, Z=-2.992, P=0.003] and larger incision [6.0 (1.0) cm vs. 5.0 (1.0) cm, Z=-3.428, P=0.001] than the Overlap subgroup, seemed to have higher morbidity of intraoperative complication [7.0% (3/43) vs. 2.5% (2/79),P=0.480] and postoperative complications [37.2% (16/43) vs. 27.8% (22/79), P=0.286], and more severe classification of complication (P=0.289). Conclusions: The intracorporeal EJS after LTG has similar safety to extracorporeal EJS. As for intracorporeal EJS, the Overlap method is safer and has more potential advantages than Orvil(TM) method, and is worthy of further exploration and optimization.

Investigation of mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 inactivation under both ambient and cold environments reveals the mechanisms of infectivity reduction following UVC exposure

The surface contamination of SARS-CoV-2 is becoming a potential source of virus transmission during the pandemic of COVID-19. Under the cold environment, the infection incidents would be more severe with the increase of virus survival time. Thus, the disinfection of contaminated surfaces in both ambient and cold environments is a critical measure to restrain the spread of the virus. In our study, it was demonstrated that the 254 nm ultraviolet-C (UVC) is an efficient method to inactivate a coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 (MHV-A59). The inactivation rate to MHV-A59 coronavirus was up to 99.99% when UVC doses were 2.90 and 14.0 mJ/cm² at room temperature (23 °C) and in cold environment (-20 °C), respectively. Further mechanistic study demonstrated that UVC could induce spike protein damage to partly impede virus attachment and genome penetration processes, which contributes to 12% loss of viral infectivity. Additionally, it can induce genome damage to significantly interrupt genome replication, protein synthesis, virus assembly and release processes, which takes up 88% contribution to viral inactivation. With these mechanistic understandings, it will greatly contribute to the prevention and control of the current SARS-CoV-2 transmissions in cold chains (low temperature-controlled product supply chains), public area such as airport, school, and warehouse.

Quantitative determination of multi-class bioactive constituents for quality control of yiqi jiangzhi granules

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Effect of Al substitution on the magnetization reversal and complex magnetic properties of NiCr2O4 ceramics

A series of polycrystalline NiCr_2-xAl_xO₄ (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) spinel ceramics have been synthesized using a sol-gel method. DC magnetization measurements are carried out at different temperatures and magnetic fields. A novel magnetization reversal has been observed in the field cooling process for the x = 0.2 sample, which can be ascribed to the competition between two magnetic sublattices due to their different temperature dependences. The magnetic interaction evolution, related to the complex magnetic properties, is revealed by exchange constants that have been estimated according to ferrimagnetic Curie-Weiss fitting and mean field theory. The fitting result confirmed the evolution of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic components with Al substitution, which is supported by the observations from the isothermal magnetization measurements. The positive and negative values of the magnetic moment can be utilized for storage applications based on the results of magnetic switching effect measurements.

Cryptochlorogenic acid and its metabolites ameliorate myocardial hypertrophy through a HIF1α-related pathway

Cryptochlorogenic acid (4-CQA) is a phenolic acid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Our preliminary study found that 4-CQA has a good effect on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial hypertrophy, while the mechanism remains largely unknown. This study aimed at delineating the metabolites and metabolic pathways of 4-CQA using liquid mass spectrometry and molecular biotechnology, exploring possible active metabolites and the mechanism of myocardial hypertrophy amelioration in H9c2 cells, and finally, investigating the pharmacokinetics of 4-CQA and its active metabolites in vivo. In summary, 56 potential effective metabolites were distinguished in rat urine, feces, plasma samples and heart tissue after intragastric administration of 4-CQA, and the main metabolic reaction types of 4-CQA included hydrogenation, methylation, glucuronidation, sulfation, hydration and their composite reactions in in vivo biotransformation. Besides, 4-CQA and its main active metabolites, caffeic acid and 4-O-feruloylquinic acid, significantly ameliorated pathological cardiac hypertrophy of H9c2 cells treated with ISO based on the Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α pathway. In addition, this study demonstrated that the prototype drugs 4-CQA and 4-O-ferulylquinic acid generally exhibit similar pharmacokinetic characteristics and caffeic acid presents relatively late peak time and low peak concentration in rats, which make them suitable candidate drugs.

[Evaluation of the perioperative period and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive LTE and minimally invasive CTLE esophagectomy for stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ cervical esophageal carcinoma based on propensity score matching analysis]

Objective: To evaluate the perioperative period and long-term effects of minimally invasive gasless laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (LTE) and minimally invasive combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy (CTLE) for stageⅠ-Ⅲ cervical esophageal cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 158 consecutive patients with cervical esophageal cancer stageⅠto Ⅲ who underwent minimally invasive CTLE or LTE esophagectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital from January 2008 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 40 pairs of cases were matched (40 cases of CTLE and 40 cases of LTE surgery) after using the propensity score matching analysis which aimed to balance the influence of confounding factors between groups, including 43 males and 37 females, aged 51 to 81 (62.5±7.0) years old. The perioperative variables and long-term outcomes of the two groups were compared. Results: The operation time ((148.0±31.3) min vs (201.3±48.3) min), intraoperative blood loss ((192.6±77.9) ml vs (387.8±112.4) ml), ICU monitoring time (0 day vs 1 day), and the complication rates of postoperative pneumonia (0 vs 15%) and arrhythmia (2.5% vs 20%) were lower in the LTE group than that of in the CTLE group(all P<0.05). The number of lymph node dissections in the CTLE group was higher than that of in the LTE group (21.2±6.1 vs 12.9±4.3, P<0.001). The 3-and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate and disease-free survival (DFS) rate in the LTE group (OS: 53.53% and 34.27%, DFS: 43.62% and 24.89%, respectively) and the CTLE group (OS: 59.48% and 37.29%, DFS: 49.12% and 28.82%, respectively) had no statistical differences (all P>0.05). Conclusion: The LTE group has advantages in reducing operation time, intraoperative bleeding, ICU monitoring time, postoperative incidence of pneumonia and arrhythmia, and its long-term prognosis is comparable to that of the CTLE group.

[Utility of GPR68 and TIL in TPF-induced chemotherapy and prognosis evaluation in middle-advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the roles of G Protein-Coupled Receptor 68 (GPR68) and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in TPF-(paclitaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil) induced chemotherapy for middle-advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. Methods: A total of 31 patients with middle-advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma before TPF-inducted chemotherapy were enrolled from September 2012 to November 2017 in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, including 28 males and 3 females, aged 43 to 71 years old. The expression of GPR68 and tumor infiltrating CD4⁺and CD8⁺T cells before chemotherapy was detected by immunohistochemical staining, and the relationships between GPR68 expression and clinical features, chemotherapy efficacy and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using t-test. Results: After 3 cycles of chemotherapy, there were 4, 14, 10 and 3 patients respectively with complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD). The positive rates of GPR68 and CD8 were 25% and 40% respectively in the effective group (CR+PR), while 50% and 15% in the ineffective group (SD+PD), with statistically significant differences between two groups (t=5.17 and 12.86,P<0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that GPR68 was negatively correlated with CD8⁺T cells (r=-0.64,P<0.001). There was no significant correlation between the CD4 expression and TPF efficacy (P>0.05). The mean OS was 12.5 months in patients with high-expressed GPR68 and 25.0 months in patients with low-expressed GPR68, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.005). And mean OS was 25.0 months in patients with high-expressed CD8 and 14.5 months in low-expressed CD8, with a statistically significant difference (HR=2.58, P=0.019). Cox regression analysis showed that GPR68 and CD8⁺T cells were significant prognostic factors (OR(95%CI)=3.27(2.46-5.97) and 1.53(0.78-1.82), all P<0.05), while CD4 had no significant effect on prognosis (P>0.05). Conclusion: GPR68 and CD8⁺T cells are expected to be biomarkers for evaluating the efficacy and prognosis of TPF-induced chemotherapy in patients with middle-advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

[Expression of CD8+Treg cells in chronic rhinosinusitis and its correlation with eosinophilic infiltration]

Objective: To detect the percentages of CD8⁺Treg cells in the nasal mucosa and peripheral blood of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to explore their correlation with eosinophilic infiltration. Methods: Thirty-three chronic rhinosinusitis with polyp (CRSwNP), 26 chronic rhinosinusitis without polyp (CRSsNP) and 27 control patients who were collected with the nose mucosal tissue and peripheral blood in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from March 2017 to October 2018 were selected, including 59 males and 27 females, aging from 18 to 72 years. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the number of eosinophils in the nasal tissues and to classify the CRS into eosinophilic CRS (ECRS) and non-eosinophilic CRS (Non-ECRS). Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentages of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺T cells in lymphocytes of nasal mucosa and peripheral blood. The percentages of CD8⁺Foxp3⁺Treg cells, CD8⁺Foxp3^-IL-10⁺Treg cells, CD8⁺IFN-γ⁺T cells (Tc1), CD8⁺IL-4⁺T cells (Tc2) and CD8⁺IL-17A⁺T cells (Tc17) in lymphocytes of nasal mucosa and peripheral blood were also tested. Besides, the percentages of Foxp3⁺TGF-β⁺Treg cells and Foxp3⁺IL-10⁺Treg cells in CD8⁺T cells were determined. All data were represented by M (IQR). GraphPad 7.0 and SPSS 16.0 were used for illustration and statistical analysis. Results: The percentage of CD8⁺T cells (37.75%(17.35%)) was higher than that of CD4⁺T cells (4.72%(4.29%)) in nasal mucosa (Z=-5.70, P<0.001), while lower (23.60%(9.33%)) than that of CD4⁺T cells (44.05% (10.93%)) in peripheral blood (t=9.72, P<0.001). CRSwNP patients possessed the highest Tc2 (1.82% (1.22%)) and Tc17 (1.93% (2.32%)) percentages than CRSsNP (Tc2: 0.84% (0.79%); Tc17: 0.54% (1.04%)) and control (Tc2: 1.09% (0.92%); Tc17: 0.47% (0.51%), both P<0.05) patients. While, CRSwNP patients possessed the lowest CD8⁺Foxp3⁺Treg cells percentage (0.10% (0.32%)) than CRSsNP (0.43% (1.45%)) and control (0.48% (0.83%), Z value was -2.24, -2.22, respectively, P value was 0.025, 0.027, respectively). The percentages of Foxp3⁺TGF-β⁺Treg cells and Foxp3⁺IL-10⁺Treg cells of CD8⁺T cells in nasal mucosa in CRSwNP were also lower than controls (Z value was 1.46, 0.49, respectively, both P=0.001). Moreover, the percentage of CD8⁺Foxp3^-IL-10⁺Treg cells of CD8⁺T cells was decreased in nasal mucosa of CRSwNP patients (0.14% (0.28%)) when compared with that of CRSsNP (0.89% (0.81%), Z=0.61, P=0.03). ECRS patients had the lower percentages of CD8⁺Foxp3⁺Treg cells (0.07% (0.44%)) and CD8⁺Foxp3^-IL-10⁺Treg cells (0.13% (0.21%)) than Non-ECRS patients (CD8⁺Foxp3⁺Treg cells: 0.53% (0.75%); CD8⁺Foxp3^-IL-10⁺Treg cells: 0.29% (0.76%), t value was 2.14, 2.78, respectively, both P<0.05). The percentage of CD8⁺Foxp3⁺Treg cells and the ratio of CD8⁺Foxp3^-IL-10⁺T per CD8⁺T cells were negatively correlated with the percentage of eosinophils in CRS patients(R² value was 0.56, 0.78, respectively, both P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the distribution of CD8⁺Fxop3⁺Treg cells and CD8⁺Fxop3^-IL-10⁺Treg cells in peripheral blood among different groups. Conclusion: The percentages of CD8⁺Treg cells decrease in CRSwNP patients, especially in ECRS patients, which are opposite to that of Tc2 and Tc17, and negatively correlate with the eosinophils percentage. This indicates that the decrease in the ratio of CD8⁺Treg cell may be associated with the immune-imbalance and eosinophilic infiltration in nasal mucosa of CRS patients.

SPINK2 is a prognostic biomarker related to immune infiltration in acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Serine peptidase inhibitor Kazal type 2 (SPINK2) has been reported to be involved in certain cancers. We conducted an in-depth investigation on the role and mechanism of SPINK2 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODS

The relationship between SPINK2 expression and AML clinicopathologic characteristics was determined using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Concomitantly, we used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, as well as univariate and multivariate regression analyses to evaluate SPINK2 as a prognostic marker of AML. Additionally, we annotated the enrichment and function of SPINK2 using Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Sets Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to analyze the relationship between SPINK2 expression and immune infiltration.

RESULTS

SPINK2 expression was significantly higher in AML patients compared to healthy individuals (P<0.001). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve in the GSE9476 dataset was 0.660, whereas that in the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and TCGA datasets was 0.935. In addition, GSEA also showed that several pathways were enriched in the group with high SPINK2 expression, such as PI3K-AKT signaling, PD-L1 expression, and checkpoint pathways. Analysis of immune infiltration showed that SPINK2 expression was correlated with certain immune infiltrating cells. Cox multivariate analysis revealed that the level of SPINK2 was an independent risk factor for the progression of AML (P<0.001). Moreover, age, M1, M5, M6, and CytoRisk-Poor also affected the progression of AML (P<0.05). The C-index of the nomogram in our internal validation was 0.702.

CONCLUSION

The high expression of SPINK2 in AML suggests that SPINK2 may play an important role in the immune microenvironment and thus could be a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of AML.

[Changes of cytokines in the aqueous humor of neovascular glaucoma at the angle-closure stage]

Objective: To evaluate the concentration of cytokines in the aqueous humor of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) patients at the angle-closure stage in different treatment periods and its relationship with recurrence. Methods: A prospective case-control study. Angle-closure stage NVG patients who came to Peking University Third Hospital from September 2018 to September 2019 were enrolled and followed-up for at least 12 months. Patients received triple sequential therapy, including anti-vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) injection, trabeculectomy, and panretinal photocoagulation. The aqueous humor before anti-VEGF treatment, before trabeculectomy, and during recurrence was collected. Multiplex bead immunoassay was applied to measure the concentration of 45 cytokines including VEGF, interleukin (IL), and chemokine. The relevant data were compared with the values of 25 proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients and 24 age-related cataract patients undergoing phacoemulsification as controls. The concentration of cytokines was presented as M (Q₁, Q₃). The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis H test was applied to compare the cytokine concentration between the NVG group and controls. The difference between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups was compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The average age of NVG patients was (60±11) years, and there were 22 males and 10 females. No significant differences were found in age and gender between the NVG group and the two control groups (both P>0.05). The median concentrations of VEGF in the NVG group before anti-VEGF treatment, before trabeculectomy, and after recurrence were 2 151.3 (1 433.1, 4 280.0) ng/L, 655.4 (287.3, 836.3) ng/L and 2 003.4 (1 603.1, 2 468.9) ng/L respectively. The concentrations of VEGF before anti-VEGF treatment and after recurrence in the NVG group were significantly higher than the PDR group [453.8 (189.9, 595.8) ng/L] and the cataract group [143.5 (112.7, 269.8) ng/L] (all P<0.05). The median concentration of programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) was 38.9 (22.4, 50.6) ng/L before anti-VEGF treatment, higher than that in the PDR group [12.0 (6.3, 20.1) ng/L] and the cataract group [14.6 (11.4, 19.3) ng/L]. The median concentration of fractalkine was 242.7 (189.0, 306.7) ng/L, higher than that in the PDR group [131.1 (119.1, 157.6) ng/L] and the cataract group [116.7 (10.2, 135.9) ng/L]. The median concentration of IL-7 was 18.0 (12.0, 32.7) ng/L, higher than that in the PDR group [7.7 (2.0, 10.8) ng/L] and the cataract group [3.3 (1.9, 6.8) ng/L]. The median concentration of eotaxin was 84.0 (52.4, 122.7) ng/L, higher than that in the PDR group [26.6 (17.1, 72.3) ng/L] and the cataract group [7.1 (5.6, 14.8) ng/L]. The median concentration of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) was 3.6 (2.8, 6.4) ng/L, higher than that in the cataract group [1.1 (0.3, 2.3) ng/L]. All the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the NVG and control groups in other cytokines or other treatment periods (all P>0.05). Six NVG patients suffered recurrence during the follow-up. The baseline concentration of IL-7 of these patients [10.5 (8.4, 16.0) ng/L] was significantly lower than that in patients who did not have recurred disease [22.7 (15.7, 34.1) ng/L] (Z=-2.74, P<0.01). Conclusions: In the angle-closure stage of NVG patients, the concentrations of VEGF, PD-L1, fractalkine, IL-7, eotaxin, and TRAIL in the aqueous humor significantly increase during the onset of disease. Lower IL-7 may indicate a recurring tendency.

[A new classification of maxillary defect and simultaneous accurate reconstruction]

Objective: To select the preferred flaps for the reconstruction of different maxillary defects and to propose a new classification of maxillary defects. Methods: A total of 219 patients (136 males and 83 females) underwent the simultaneous reconstruction of maxillary defects in the Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January 2005 and December 2018 were reviewed. Age ranged from 16 to 78 years. Based on the proposed new classification of the maxillary defects, 22 patients with class Ⅰ defects (inferior maxillectomy), 44 patients with class Ⅱ defects (supperior maxillectomy), 132 patients with class Ⅲ defects (total maxillectomy) and 21 patients with class Ⅳ defects (extensive maxillectomy) were enrolled. Survival rate, functional and aesthetic outcomes of flaps were evaluated. Survival analysis was performed in 169 patients with malignant tumor, Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate, and Log-rank method was used to compare the difference of survival rate in each group. Results: A total of 234 repairs for maxillary defects were performed in 219 patients. Fibula flaps were used in 4/13 of class Ⅰ defects; temporal muscle flaps (11/24, 45.8%) and anterolateral thigh flaps (6/24, 25.0%) used in class Ⅱ defects; temporal muscle flaps (71/128, 55.5%), anterolateral thigh flaps (6/24, 25.0%) and fibula flaps (12/128, 9.4%) used in class Ⅲ defects; and anterolateral thigh flaps (8/20, 40.0%) and rectus abdominis flaps (8/20, 40.0%) used in class Ⅳ defects. The success rate of local pedicled flaps was 95.6% (109/114) and that of free flaps was 95.8% (115/120). Thrombosis(10/234,4.3%) was a main reason for repair failure. Among the followed-up 88 patients, swallowing and speech functions recovered, 82 (93.2%) of them were satisfied with appearance, and 75 (85.2%) were satisfied with visual field. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 66.5% and 63.6%, and the 3-year and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 57.1% and 46.2%, respectively, in the 169 patients with malignant tumors. Conclusion: A new classification of maxillary defects is proposed, on which suitable flaps are selected to offer patients good functional and aesthetic outcomes and high quality of life.

[Insular infraorbital neurovascular pedicle labial salivary gland transplantation for severe dry eye: a case report]

A 52-year-old male presented to Beijing Tongren Hospital with a 5-year history of bilateral dry eyes. He had been diagnosed with Steven-Johnson syndrome due to allergy to cold medication. On examination, the Schirmer I test value was 0 mm, the tear break-up time was 0 s, and corneal fluorescein staining showed corneal epithelial erosion with partial fusion in both eyes. The clinical diagnosis was dry eyes (severe) and Steven-Johnson syndrome. No significant effect was observed after use of artificial tears and anti-inflammatory eye drops and tear punctal embolization. Then an insular infraorbital neurovascular pedicle labial salivary gland transplantation was performed in the right eye. During the 1-year postoperative follow-up, the symptoms and signs were significantly improved in the operated eye, and the surgical results were satisfactory. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 946-948).

[Clinical comparative study of free posterior tibial artery perforator flap and radial forearm free flap for head and neck reconstruction]

Objective: To compare the clinical application results of the FPTF (free posterior tibial artery perforator flap) and RFFF (radial forearm free flap) for reconstruction of head and neck defects. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 27 cases treated with FPTF (19 males and 8 females, aged 14-69 years) and 24 cases with RFFF (11 males and 13 females, aged 22-69 years) for head and neck defect reconstruction at Beijing Tongren Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2015 to December 2020 was conducted. Flap size, vascular pedicle length, matching degree of recipient area blood vessels, preparation time, total operation time, hospital stay, recipient area complications, donor area complications and scale-based patient satisfaction were compared between two groups of patients with FTPF and RFFF. SPSS 26.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of patients in tumor T staging (P=0.38), primary sites (P=0.05) and mean flap areas ((53.67±29.84) cm² vs. (41.13±11.08) cm², t=-1.472, P=0.14). However the mean vascular pedicle length of FPTF was more than that of RFFF ((11.15±2.48)cm vs. (8.50±1.69)cm, t=-4.071, P<0.01). The donor sites of 4 patients in FPTF group could be sutured directly, while all the 24 patients in RFFF group received skin grafts from the donor sites. There was no statistically significant difference in the recipient area arteries between two groups of flaps (P=0.10), with more commonly using of the facial artery (RFFF: FPTF=21∶27), but there was significant difference in the recipient area veins (P<0.01), with more commonly using of the external jugular vein in RFFF (14/24) than FPTF (4/32) and the posterior facial vein in FPTF (27/32) than RFFF (9/24). There were 10 recipient complications and 3 donor complications in RFFF group; no recipient complication and 3 donor complications occurred in FPTF group. With patient's subjective evaluation of the donor site at 12 months after surgery, FPTF was better than RFFF (χ²=22.241, P<0.01). Conclusions: FPTF is an alternative to RFFF in head and neck reconstruction and has unique advantages in aesthetics and clinical application.

[Evaluation of shoulder function after repairing head and neck defects with supraclavicular flap]

Objective: To evaluate the shoulder function in patients after repair of head and neck defects with supraclavicular flap. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 56 patients (54 males, 2 females, aged 35-74 years old) who received the repair of head and neck defects with supraclavicular flaps at Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University in January 2013-December 2020. The areas and types of flaps, disruption or infections of the incision at the donor sites and other postoperative complications were recorded. Quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Quick-DASH) was used for evaluating the shoulder functions in 43 patients conforming to the standard for evaluation of the clinical functions of shoulders and upper limbs, to compare the postoperative upper limb functions between patients treated with clavicular flaps and patients with acromion flaps. Meanwhile, 30 patients who received bilateral neck lymph node dissection over the same period of time were selected for a comparative evaluation of the donor sides (observation group) and the opposite sides (control group). Data were processed with SPSS 22.0. Results: The areas of obtained supraclavicular flaps were (4-10) cm × (10-18) cm. Three patients (5%) showed the defect widths of 8-10 cm at the donor sites, which couldn't be sutured directly, received the repair of their shoulder defects with partial flaps. Defects in other patients were sutured directly. After surgery, 3 patients (5%) suffered from disruption of the acromion incision, which healed after 2 weeks of local dressing. The follow-up time was 6-43 (27±14) months. All patients expressed no dissatisfaction with the appearance. Among 43 patients, 28 (65%) were clavicular type and 15 (35%) were acromion type. The acromion type showed average motor ability and Quick-DASH scores higher than the clavicular type [(average motor ability: (14.4±4.7) vs. (11.8±3.1), t=2.105, P=0.048; Quick-DASH: (16.9±11.6) vs. (12.2±7.1), t=2.284, P=0.033]. Among 30 patients who received bilateral neck lymph node dissection over the same period of time, the observation group showed higher average motor ability, local symptoms and Quick-DASH scores than the control group [average motor ability: (13.4±5.8) vs. (9.8±4.2), t=3.024, P=0.004; average local symptoms: (4.1±1.0) vs. (3.4±1.0), t=2.537, P=0.014; Quick-DASH: (15.6±14.7) vs. (5.2±11.1), t=3.106, P=0.003]. Conclusion: Shoulder dysfunction exists after treatment with supraclavicular flap, which is related to the flap type.

[Retrospective study of thyroid invasion and central lymph node metastasis in 124 patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of thyroid invasion and central lymph node metastasis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma, and the impact on survival rate and quality of life. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 124 cases (122 males and 2 females with age range from 36 to 78 years old) with laryngopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who were initially treated in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2014 to December 2017 was performed. The clinical data included tumor location, pathological T stage, pathological N stage, invasion of thyroid gland, central lymph node metastasis, surgical procedures and so on. Patients were grouped according to if presence of thyroid invasion and central lymph node metastasis. With follow-up, the survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method, and tumor recurrence and metastasis were evaluated. Results: Of the patients, 12 patients had thyroid involvement and 5 patients had central lymph node metastasis. The incidence of thyroid involvement was 8.16% (8/98) in pyriform sinus, 1/18 in posterior pharyngeal wall and 3/8 in posterior cricoid wall, with statistically significant difference (χ²=15.076,P=0.008). The incidence of central lymph node metastasis was 1.02% (1/98) in pyriform sinus, 3/18 in posterior pharyngeal wall and 1/8 in posterior cricoid wall, also with statistically significant difference (χ²=11.205, P=0.008). There was no statistical correlation between thyroid invasion or central lymph node metastasis and gender, smoking or alcohol exposure history and tumor pathological differentiation (all P>0.05). The 3-year overall survival rate was 80.65% and the 3-year recurrence free rate was 85.48%. Totally 24 patients died in 3 years, including 4 cases in thyroid invasion group and 1 case in central lymph node metastasis group. Local recurrence occurred in 18 patients, including 4 cases in thyroid invasion group and 1 case in central lymph node metastasis group. There was no significant difference in survival between patients with and without thyroid invasion and central lymph node metastasis (all P>0.05). There were significantly difference in 3-year overall survival and relapse-free survival among the groups with different T stages, N stages, pathological stages and tumor pathological differentiation levels (all P<0.05). There were significantly differences in the levels of serum calcium and FT3 between the groups with or without thyroid invasion and central lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The incidences of thyroid invasion and central lymph node metastasis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma are rare, and the risk of occurrence is related to the primary site of tumor. Comprehensive evaluation, correct decision-making and accurate treatment could be helpful to cure radically the tumor, to prevent recurrence and to improve the quality of life of patients.

[miR-18a enhances the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through inducing autophagy]

Objective: To explore the impacts of miR-18a overexpression or depression on the radiosensitivities of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE1 and CNE2 and underlying mechanisms. Methods: CNE1 and CNE2 were transfected with miR-18a mimics, inhibitor and the corresponding control vectors. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to determine the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) expressions in CNE1 and CNE2. CNE1 and CNE2 with stably expressing miR-18a and miR-18a siRNA were constructed. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to detect the impacts of the miR-18a overexpression or depression combined with irradiation on the cell growth. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Colony formation assay was used to evaluate the raodiosensitivities of cells. Acridine orange (AO) staining and western blot were used respectively to test the autophagy and the expressions of related proteins. Independent samples t test was used to compare the mean value between groups by using SPSS 16.0. Results: ATM mRNA was decreased significantly in CNE1 and CNE2 cells transfected with 100 or 200 nmol/L miR-18a mimics for 48 hours (CNE1: RQ=0.174±0.139 and 0.003±0.001, t=9.939 and 19 470.783;CNE2: RQ=0.024±0.008 and 0.019±0.012, t=270.230 and 137.746, respectively, all P<0.001). ATM proteins were also decreased after transfected with 100 or 200 nmol/L miR-18a mimics for 72 hours. While in the cells transfected with 100 and 200 nmol/L miR-18a inhibitor for 48 hours, the expressions of ATM mRNA were upregulated significantly (CNE1: RQ=9.419±2.495 and 2.500±1.063, t=-4.427 and -41.241; CNE2: RQ=7.210±0.171 and 115.875±15.805, t=-62.789 and -12.589, all P<0.05), and the expressions of ATM proteins increased after transfected for 72 hours. The growth of cells with miR-18a overexpression plus 4 Gy irradiation were obviously inhibited compared to that of cells with the 4Gy irradiation alone; while the growth of miR-18a-inhibited cells increased compared to that of cells with 4 Gy irradiation alone (all P<0.05). CNE1 transfected with 100 nmol/L miR-18a mimics plus 4 Gy irradiation showed the higher apoptosis rate than the cells with 4 Gy irradiation alone ((22.9±2.1)% vs. (16.3±1.0)%, t=-4.870, P<0.01). Compared to the cells with 4 Gy irradiation alone, miR-18a-overexpressed cells plus 4 Gy irradiation decreased their percentages in G1 phases ((20.2±3.0)% vs. (29.8±4.4)%, t=3.119) and G2/M phases ((21.5±0.9)% vs. (33.4±3.1)%, t=6.410, P<0.05 for both), and increased their percentages in S phases ((56.7±4.9)% vs. (36.8±6.4)%, t=-4.246, P<0.05), and these cells possessed less colony number after exposure to different doses of irradiation, more autophagy-lysosome number, and more expressions of LC3 proteins (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the expressions of p62 expressions between different groups of cells. Conclusion: Overexpression of miR-18a can enhance the radiosensitivities of NPC cells by targeting ATM to abrogate G1/S, G2/M arrest and to induce autophagy and apoptosis.

[Preliminary study of the fourth-generation CAR-T cells targeting CS1 in the treatment of refractory and recurrent multiple myeloma]

Objective: To design the fourth-generation chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells that secrete interleukin-7 (IL7) and chemokine C legend 19 (CCL19) on the basis of the second-generation CAR, and to analyze and compare the differences in proliferation, chemotaxis, tumor cell clearance and persistence in the microenvironment of multiple myeloma (MM) between them. Methods: The fourth-generation CAR vector plasmid was constructed by using 2A self-cleaving peptide technology. The third-generation lentiviral packaging system was used to prepare high-titer lentivirus. Flow cytometry was used to monitor the transduction efficiency of lentivirus and the subtype changes of CAR-T cells. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify the IL7 and CCL19 secreted by CAR-T cells.The calculation of absolute number of CAR-T cells during culture was used to analysis cell proliferation activity. Transwell migration assay was used to verify the chemotactic ability of CAR-T cells. The specific killing activity of CAR-T cells was detected by using the luciferase bioluminescence method. The NOD-Prkdcem26Cd52Il2rgem26Cd22/Nju (NOD) mouse xenograft model was used to verify the anti-myeloma activity and safety of CAR-T cells in vivo. Results: Flow cytometry results showed that the stable CAR expression rates of the second-generation anti-CS1 CAR-T and fourth-generation anti-CS1-IL7-CCL19 CAR-T cells were (91.50±0.29)% and (46.7±0.12)%, respectively. CAR-T cells were successfully constructed. Subtype analysis demonstrated that the ratio of stem memory T cell (TSCM) in anti-CS1-IL7-CCL19 CAR-T cells was (67.58±0.59)%, which was significantly higher than (50.74 ± 1.01)% of anti-CS1 CAR-T (P=0.000 1), with more strong immune memory function and better durability. Anti-CS1-IL7-CCL19 CAR-T cells can continuously secrete IL7 and CCL19 compared to MOCK-T and anti-CS1 CAR-T (P<0.000 1). The number of anti-CS1-IL7-CCL19 CAR-T cells reached (22.77±0.79)×10(6) on the 9th day after lentivirus transduction, which was significantly higher than (9.40±0.79)×10(6) of anti-CS1 CAR-T cells (P=0.000 1), with stronger proliferation ability. The number of chemotaxis cells of anti-CS1-IL7-CCL19 CAR-T cells to reactive T cells was (109.0±4.04), which was significantly higher than (9.33±1.20) of MOCK-T (P<0.000 1) and (7.33±0.88) of anti-CS1 CAR-T (P<0.000 1), with stronger chemotactic ability. The specific killing activity showed that both anti-CS1-IL7-CCL19 CAR-T and anti-CS1 CAR-T cells had specific killing efficacies when compared with the MOCK-T cells (P<0.000 1). Animal experiment indicated that anti-CS1-IL7-CCL19 CAR-T cells significantly reduced the tumor burden (P<0.000 1) and extended the overall survival time (P=0.006 1) of tumor-bearing mice. Conclusions: The anti-CS1-IL7-CCL19 CAR-T cells designed in this study show stronger proliferative activity, chemotactic ability, and durability without affecting the anti-myeloma activity in vivo and in vivo, which provides strategies for overcoming the defects of low survival rate, poor durability and inhibition by tumor microenvironment of traditional CAR-T cells, and offers preliminary experimental basis for the clinical application of the fourth-generation CAR-T cells.

Intrinsic Spin Susceptibility and Pseudogaplike Behavior in Infinite-Layer LaNiO_{2}

The recent discovery of superconductivity in doped infinite-layer nickelates has stimulated intensive interest, especially for similarities and differences compared to that in cuprate superconductors. In contrast to cuprates, although earlier magnetization measurement reveals a Curie-Weiss-like behavior in undoped infinite-layer nickelates, there is no magnetic ordering observed by elastic neutron scattering down to liquid helium temperature. Until now, the nature of the magnetic ground state in undoped infinite-layer nickelates was still elusive. Here, we perform a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment through ^{139}La nuclei to study the intrinsic spin susceptibility of infinite-layer LaNiO_{2}. First, the signature for magnetic ordering or freezing is absent in the ^{139}La NMR spectrum down to 0.24 K, which unambiguously confirms a paramagnetic ground state in LaNiO_{2}. Second, a pseudogaplike behavior instead of Curie-Weiss-like behavior is observed in both the temperature-dependent Knight shift and nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate (1/T_{1}), which is widely observed in both underdoped cuprates and iron-based superconductors. Furthermore, the scaling behavior between the Knight shift and 1/T_{1}T has also been discussed. Finally, the present results imply a considerable exchange interaction in infinite-layer nickelates, which sets a strong constraint for the proposed theoretical models.

[Effects of chronic stress during pregnancy on composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota in female rats and offspring]

Objective: To investigate the effect of chronic stress of pregnant rats on the gut microbiota of female rats and offspring, and explore the role of intestinal microbiota in chronic stress during pregnancy. Methods: In November 2019, SPF-grade healthy adult SD rats were selected. 16 female rats were randomly divided into control group and model group, with 8 in each group; 12 male rats were randomly divided into model mating group (8) and control mating group (4) . A model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) during pregnancy was established. Blood samples were collected from the iliac vein of the female rats 1 day before and 1, 7, and 14 days after the CUMS protocol, and measured for plasma corticosterone content by radioimmunoassay. After the stress was completed, fresh feces of the female rats were collected for testing. The offspring's fresh stool samples were collected on postnatal day 20 (PND20) , and they were divided into control offspring group and model offspring group samples. The sequence of 16S rRNAV3-V4 regions of microorganisms in the feces of offspring was determined by Illumina MiSeq technique; and the interaction between microbial community structure and diversity were analyzed. Results: The content of plasma corticosterone in the model group was higher than that in the control group on the 7th and 14th day of stress (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the Sobs index, Chao index, ACE index and Shannon index of the model group were decreased (P<0.05) . The number of unique species abundance (OTU) in the control group was 130, and 91 in the model group. The relative abundance of female Firmicutes in the control group (64.87%) was higher than that in the model group, and the relative abundance of Bacteroides (31.72%) was lower than that of the model group (46.35%) . The Sobs index, Chao index, ACE index, Simpson index and Shannon index of the control offspring group were higher than those of the model offspring group (P<0.05) . The number of unique OTUs in the model offspring group was 75, and 93 in the control offspring group. The relative abundance of Firmicutes (60.24%) in the control offspring group was higher than that of the model offspring group (52.95%) . Conclusion: Chronic stress during pregnancy can not only lead to the disorder of intestinal flora in female rats, but also lead to the change of intrauterine environment, thus affecting the diversity of intestinal flora in offspring.

Video Based Shuffling Step Detection for Parkinsonian Patients Using 3D Convolution

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease which impacts millions of people around the world. In clinical treatments, freezing of gait (FoG) is used as the typical symptom to assess PD patients' condition. Currently, the assessment of FoG is usually performed through live observation or video analysis by doctors. Considering the aging societies, such a manual inspection based approach may cause serious burdens on the healthcare systems. In this study, we propose a pure video-based method to automatically detect the shuffling step, which is the most indistinguishable type of FoG. Firstly, the RGB silhouettes which only contain legs and feet are fed into the feature extraction module to obtain multi-level features. 3D convolutions are used to aggregate both temporal and spatial information. Then the multi-level features are aggregated by the feature fusion. Skip connections are implemented to reserve information of high resolution and period-wise horizontal pyramid pooling is utilized to fuse both global context and local features. To validate the efficacy of our method, a dataset containing 268 normal gait samples and 362 shuffling step samples is built, on which our method achieves an average detection accuracy of 90.8%. Besides shuffling step detection, we demonstrate that our method can also assess the severity of walking abnormity. Our proposal facilitates a more frequent assessment of FoG with less manpower and lower cost, leading to more accurate monitoring of the patients' condition.

[The expression of Notch pathway in nasal polyps and its correlation with the decreased Treg percentage and eosinophil infiltration]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between Notch pathway expression in nasal polyps and Treg percentage and Eos infiltration. Methods: Patients with chronic sinusitis and simple nasal septum deviation who received nasal endoscopic surgery in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University between November 2012 and August 2018 were selected and enrolled in CRS group and control group respectively. Nasal mucosa tissues were collected from 30 CRSsNP patients (14 males and 16 females aged from 18 to 63), 58 CRSwNP patients (38 males and 20 females aged from 18 to 65) and 29 patients (19 males and 10 females aged from 20 to 57), who underwent nasal endoscopic surgery for correction of simple nasal septum deviation. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the infiltration of eosinophilic granulocytes in the tissues and to classify chronic sinusitis with polyps (CRSwNP) into eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (Eos-CRSwNP)and non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (Eos-CRSwNP). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of Notch pathway receptors (Notch-l, 2, 3, 4) and their ligands (Jagded-l, Jagded-2, Delta-l, Delta-3and Delta-4) in the nasal mucosa of each group, as well as the expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP)and the key transcription factor Foxp3 in Treg cells. Finally, flow cytometry was used to detect CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells in nasal mucosa of each group. Results: Compared with controls, the expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) in CRSsNP and non-Eos-CRSwNP patients was the highest in Eos-CRSwNP (F=16.930,9.197,9.116, all P<0.05). Foxp3 had the lowest expression in Eos-CRSwNP patients and was lower than non-Eos-CRSwNP patients (F=2.780,P<0.05), and was negatively correlated with ECP (r=-0.326,P<0.05). Compared with controls, Eos-CRSwNP patients in CRSsNP patients and non-Eos-CRSwNP patients exhibited a significantly lower frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells (F=13.140, all P<0.01). The expression of Notch-l and Jagged-l in Eos-CRSwNP was significantly higher than that of the controls, CRSsNP patients and non-Eos-CRSwNP patients (F=5.953/F=6.380, P<0.05). In the nasal polyp group, the expression of Notch-l and Jagged-l showed significantly negative correlation with Foxp3 (r=-0.611/-0.346, all P<0.05), and positive correlation with Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) and ECP, respectively (r=0.781/0.459,0.621/0.601,0.605/0.490,0.464/0.668, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of receptor and ligand of the other Notch pathway among the groups. Conclusion: Abnormal activation of Notch-l/Jagged-l pathway may be involved in decreasing Treg ratio in Eos-CRSwNP, thereby promoting Th2 inflammatory response and Eosinophil infiltration.

[A prospective multi-center clinical investigation of HIV-negative pulmonary cryptococcosis in China]

Objective: To investigate the current status of the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary cryptococcosis in respiratory medicine and improve the understanding of the clinical characteristics of HIV-negative pulmonary cryptococcosis in China. Methods: A prospective multi-center open cohort study was designed to screen for pulmonary cryptococcosis in the general wards and intensive care units of the Department of Respiratory Diseases in 22 hospitals. The HIV-negative patients with positive cryptococcal etiological diagnosis based on smear culture, antigen detection and histopathology were enrolled in the study. The clinical data of enrolled patients were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 457 cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis were enrolled, among which 3.28% (15/457) were disseminated infections. The case fatality rate was 0.88% (4/457). The majority of the cases were diagnosed by histopathological examinations (74.40%, 340/457) and cryptococcus antigen detection (37.64%, 172/457). Patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis accounted for 2.04‰ (457/223 748) of the total hospitalized patients in the Department of Respiratory Diseases during the same period, and the ratio was the highest in south and east China. Meanwhile, 70.24% (321/457) of the patients had no underlying diseases, while 87.75% (401/457) were found to have immunocompetent status. Cough and expectoration were the most common clinical symptoms in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis. However, 25.16% (115/457) of the patients had no clinical symptom or physical signs. In terms of imaging features on pulmonary CT, multiple pulmonary lesions were more common than isolated lesions, and there were more subpleural lesions than perihilar or medial lesions. Morphologically, most of the lesions were middle-sized nodules (1-5 cm) or small-sized nodules (3 mm to 1 cm). The sensitivity of serum cryptococcus antigen test was 71.99% (203/282). Moreover, antigen-positive patients differed from antigen-negative patients in terms of basic immune status, clinical symptoms, imaging features and infection types. Meanwhile, immunocompromised patients differed from immunocompetent patients in terms of clinical symptoms, physical signs, infection-related inflammation indicator levels, imaging features, serum cryptococcus antigen positive rate and prognosis. Conclusions: The majority of cases of HIV-negative pulmonary cryptococcosis in China had no underlying disease or immunocompromised status, and the overrall prognosis was favorable. However, early diagnosis of HIV-negative pulmonary cryptococcosis remains challenging due to the complicated manifestations of the disease.

[A single-arm prospective study on induction chemotherapy and subsequent comprehensive therapy for advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: report of 260 cases in a single center]

Objective: To study the significance of induction chemotherapy and subsequent comprehensive therapy for overall survival rate (OS) and larynx dysfunction-free survival rate (LDFS) in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: Patients who met the inclusion criteria with the diagnoses of advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma between 2011 and 2017 received 2 or 3 cycles of TPF regimen induction chemotherapy. Patients who attained complete response (CR) received radical chemotherapy. Patients who attained partial response (PR) and the reduction of tumor volume was more than 70% were defined as large PR and received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. When the tumor volume reduction of PR patients was less than 70%, they were defined as small PR. (CR+large PR) group was defined as effective group. Patients who did not reach CR and large PR were defined as uneffective group and underwent radical surgery and received adjuvant radiotherapy as appropriate after the surgery. The end points of the study were OS, progression-free survival (PFS) and LDFS. Chi-square (χ(2)) test was used for correlation analysis. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method with a Log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards model was used for univariate and multivariate survival analysis. Results: A total of 260 patients were enrolled in the study. The follow-up period ranged from 5 to 83 months, with an average of 24.7 months. The 3-year and 5-year OS rate was 46.0% and 32.6%, respectively. The 3-year and 5-year PFS rate was 41.0% and 26.6%, respectively. The 3-year and 5-year LDFS rate was 37.9% and 24.8%, respectively. Poor outcome of induction chemotherapy, advanced N stage, strong positive Ki-67 immunohistochemistry (all P<0.001) were negative prognostic factors. The advanced clinical stage was positively related to the poor outcome of induction chemotherapy (P=0.015). There was no significant difference in OS and PFS between the large PR group and the small PR group (all P>0.005). Conclusion: TPF regimen induction chemotherapy and subsequent comprehensive therapy for patients with advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma may improve the quality of life of patients, with high OS rate and LDFS rate.

[Expression and cellular provenance of interleukin 17A in non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps]

Objective: To investigate the expression and cellular provenance of interleukin 17A (IL-17A) in non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (nECRSwNP), and to analyze the possible reasons for its different expression. Methods: Samples were collected from 14 patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (ECRSwNP) and 28 patients with nECRSwNP, who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2017 to May 2018, including 33 males and 9 females, with the age ranging from 18 to 65 years old. Enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry were used to investigate the expression and cellular origins of IL-17A in the nasal tissue of ECRSwNP and nECRSwNP groups. Then the difference of quantity and differentiation ability of the major cells producing IL-17A between ECRSwNP and nECRSwNP groups were analyzed by flow cytometry. Finally, the expressions of IL-6, transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), and IL-23, which were considered as the important factors in promoting Th17/Tc17 differentiation in CRSwNP and their correlation with IL-17A, were analyzed by ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 20. Results: The IL-17A protein levels and IL-17A(+)lymphocyte percentages were higher in nECRSwNP group compared with that of the ECRSwNP group (158.56 (167.76) pg/ml (M(QR)) vs. 9.42 (11.33) pg/ml, 10.21%±1.54% (x±s) vs. 3.93%±0.80%, Z=2.95, t=3.62, all P<0.01). Tc17 cells (CD8(+)T cells producing IL-17A) and Th17 cells (CD4(+)T cells producing IL-17A) were major IL-17A producers in both ECRSwNP and nECRSwNP group. Further analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in quantity of CD8(+)and CD4(+)T cells between ECRSwNP and nECRSwNP group, but the differentiation ability about CD8(+)and CD4(+)T cells differentiating into Tc17 and Th17 in nECRSwNP group was stronger than that in ECRSwNP. The high expressions of IL-6 and TGF-β, which were considered as the important factors in promoting Th17/Tc17 differentiation were also found in nECRSwNP group compared with ECRSwNP (56.07 (234.25) pg/ml vs. 8.27 (12.51) pg/ml, (5.44±0.34) pg/ml vs. (4.17±0.22) pg/ml, Z=2.426, t=2.29, all P<0.05). But the difference in expression of IL-23 was not significant difference between the two groups. Moreover, the expression of IL-17A showed significantly positive correlation with IL-6 (r=0.615, P=0.009). No positive correlation between IL-17A and TGF-β or IL-23 was observed. Conclusions: The expression of IL-17A in nasal mucosa of nECRSwNP patients is significantly higher than that of ECRSwNP, which is due to the increase of expression and differentiation of Tc17/Th17 cells. IL-17A shows positive correlation with IL-6 in CRSwNP, which is the important factor in promoting Th17/Tc17 differentiation.

Thermal Hall conductivity in the cuprate Mott insulators Nd2CuO4 and Sr2CuO2Cl2

The heat carriers responsible for the unexpectedly large thermal Hall conductivity of the cuprate Mott insulator La₂CuO₄ were recently shown to be phonons. However, the mechanism by which phonons in cuprates acquire chirality in a magnetic field is still unknown. Here, we report a similar thermal Hall conductivity in two cuprate Mott insulators with significantly different crystal structures and magnetic orders – Nd₂CuO₄ and Sr₂CuO₂Cl₂ – and show that two potential mechanisms can be excluded – the scattering of phonons by rare-earth impurities and by structural domains. Our comparative study further reveals that orthorhombicity, apical oxygens, the tilting of oxygen octahedra and the canting of spins out of the CuO₂ planes are not essential to the mechanism of chirality. Our findings point to a chiral mechanism coming from a coupling of acoustic phonons to the intrinsic excitations of the CuO₂ planes.

What makes the phonons in cuprates become chiral, as measured by their thermal Hall effect, is an unresolved question. Here, the authors rule out two extrinsic mechanisms and argue that chirality comes from a coupling of acoustic phonons to the intrinsic excitations of the CuO₂ planes.

["Point line anterograde dissection" for the safe preparation of supraclavicular flap]

Objective: To investigate the application in the preparation of supraclavicular island flap by "point line anterograde dissection (PLAD) ". Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 45 flaps of 43 patients treated with supraclavicular artery island flap from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2013 to June 2019. The patients were all male, aged 35-72 years old. There were 26 cases of hypopharyngeal cancer, 4 cases of recurrent laryngeal cancer, 2 cases of cervical esophageal cancer, 1 case of tonsillar cancer, 1 case of parotid gland cancer, 3 cases of postoperative pharyngeal fistula after hypopharyngeal cancer, 2 cases of esophageal fistula after trauma, 2 cases of esophageal stricture after hypopharyngeal carcinoma operation, 1 case of autoimmune laryngeal stenosis, and 1 case of cheek defect after maxillary sinus cancer operation."Point" was the origin of the supraclavicular artery in the transverse carotid artery. "Line" was an extension line made along the starting point of the supraclavicular vessel for anterograde anatomy of 1-2 cm and the direction of the blood vessel. The extension line was used as the central axis of the designed island flap. Characteristics of flap blood supply, the time of flap preparation, flap survival, donor area recovery and clinical follow-up were recorded. Results: The arterial blood supply of the flap was constant, and the venous reflux was variable. The area of the prepared flap was (4-8) cm×(10-18) cm, and the preparation time was 30-60 min, with a median of 42 min. Skin flap survival rate was 100%. Partial necrosis of skin flap occurred in 1 patient and postoperative pharyngeal fistula occurred in 5 patients, all of whom were cured by dressing change. The donor site defects were closed and sutured directly. 3 patients had partial incision dehiscence and healed after dressing change. During the follow-up, 1 patient was lost, and the remaining 42 patients were followed up for 8 to 55 months.40 patients involved swallowing function, all of them returned to regular diet or soft fluid after operation.40 patients involved malignant tumors and local tumor recurrence in 3 patients among whom, there were 2 cases of lymph node recurrence, and 2 cases of distant metastasis, including 1 case of lung metastasis and 1 case of bone metastasis. Conclusion: PLAD is a simple, safe and efficient method for the preparation of supraclavicular island flap.

Preformed Cooper Pairs in Layered FeSe-Based Superconductors

Superconductivity arises from two distinct quantum phenomena: electron pairing and long-range phase coherence. In conventional superconductors, the two quantum phenomena generally take place simultaneously, while in the underdoped high- T_{c} cuprate superconductors, the electron pairing occurs at higher temperature than the long-range phase coherence. Recently, whether electron pairing is also prior to long-range phase coherence in single-layer FeSe film on SrTiO_{3} substrate is under debate. Here, by measuring Knight shift and nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate, we unambiguously reveal a pseudogap behavior below T_{p}∼60  K in two kinds of layered FeSe-based superconductors with quasi2D nature. In the pseudogap regime, a weak diamagnetic signal and a remarkable Nernst effect are also observed, which indicates that the observed pseudogap behavior is related to superconducting fluctuations. These works confirm that strong phase fluctuation is an important character in the 2D iron-based superconductors as widely observed in high-T_{c} cuprate superconductors.

Association of FLAIR vascular hyperintensity and acute MCA stroke outcome changes with the severity of leukoaraiosis

PURPOSE

The clinical significance of FLAIR vascular hyperintensity (FVH), a marker of collateral circulation in ischaemic stroke, remains controversial. We hypothesised that the association between FVH and outcomes varies with the severity of leukoaraiosis (LA), another marker of collaterals, and that their combined significance may vary with time.

METHODS

We included 459 consecutive patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke. Proximal and distal FVHs were distinguished based on location. LA was divided into two grades, according to Fazekas scores of 0-2 and 3-6. Symptom-to-MRI time was divided into two categories: ≤ 14 days and ≥ 15 days.

RESULTS

We found no difference in FVH proportion according to LA grade. Multivariate analysis revealed that LA and FVH status were independently associated with unfavourable outcomes (modified Rankin scale ≥ 2) in patients with symptom-to-MRI times ≤ 14 days (P = 0.008), but not in those with symptom-to-MRI times ≥15 days (P = 0.61). In the group with symptom-to-MRI times ≤14 days, patients with LA 3-6 and FVH(+) (OR, 3.044; 95% CI, 1.116-8.305) were more likely to have unfavourable clinical outcomes compared with patients with LA 0-2 and FVH(+) but not compared with those with LA 0-2 and FVH(-) or LA 3-6 and FVH(-). In addition, FVH location did not influence the relationship between FVH and outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between FVH and outcomes was influenced by the degree of LA in the acute but not in the subacute and chronic stages of MCA infarction. FVH predicts clinical outcomes independently only in those with more extensive LA.

[Evaluation of human milk feeding in hospitalized very low and extremely low birth weight infants]

Objective: To investigate the current situation of human milk (HM) feeding in hospitalized very low and extremely low birth weight infants. Methods: The study retrospectively extracted the data of 601 infants with birth weight <1 500 g, and admitted within 24 hours after birth to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2016 to December 2018. The infants were grouped into exclusive mother's-own-milk (MOM) group, donor human milk (DHM) group (partial or none MOM), and mixed (HM and formula) feeding group according to the feeding strategy. Qualitative and quantitative variables in the three groups were compared with One-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Kappa and McNemar test were used for consistency testing. Results: Among the 601 infants (309 boys and 292 girls), 6 (1.0%) infants had never been fed with MOM. The gestational age and birth weight were (29.3±1.9) weeks and 1 260(1 115, 1 400) g in 601 infants. A total of 8 (1.3%) infants were grouped into MOM group, 542 (90.2%) were grouped into DHM group, and 51 (8.5%) were grouped into mixed feeding group. The percentage of enteral feedings with MOM in the stage of hospitalization 1-7 d, 8-14 d and 15-28 d were 73.6% (42.9%, 86.7%), 97.5% (78.6%, 100.0%) and 99.3% (93.0%, 100.0%), respectively (H=414.95, P<0.01), and the pairwise comparison suggested that the stage of hospitalization 1-7 d was the lowest (adjusted both P<0.05). The average weight adjusted daily dose of MOM were 9.7 (4.3, 18.2), 59.1 (26.5, 93.5) and 116.0 (60.3, 142.6) ml/(kg·d) in the stage of hospitalization 1-7 d, 8-14 d and 15-28 d, respectively (H=759.75, P<0.01), and the pairwise comparison suggested that the stage of hospitalization 1-7 d was the lowest (adjusted both P<0.05). The weight adjusted daily dose of MOM in exclusive MOM group, DHM and Mixed feeding group were 95.2 (40.0, 117.2), 82.9(53.6, 103.1) and 55.7 (16.6, 97.5) ml/(kg·d), respectively (H=10.78, P=0.005).Additionally, the percentage and weight adjusted daily dose of MOM showed a general consistency of 0.703 (P>0.05, Kappa=0.408). Conclusions: The rate of exclusive MOM feeding is low, especially during the first 7 days of hospitalization. The percentage of total enteral feedings with MOM and the average weight adjusted daily dose of MOM can well evaluate the situation of HM feeding during hospitalization quantitively.