Frequent disturbances enhanced the resilience of past human populations

The record of past human adaptations provides crucial lessons for guiding responses to crises in the future1-3. To date, there have been no systematic global comparisons of humans' ability to absorb and recover from disturbances through time4,5. Here we synthesized resilience across a broad sample of prehistoric population time-frequency data, spanning 30,000 years of human history. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of population decline show that frequent disturbances enhance a population's capacity to resist and recover from later downturns. Land-use patterns are important mediators of the strength of this positive association: farming and herding societies are more vulnerable but also more resilient overall. The results show that important trade-offs exist when adopting new or alternative land-use strategies.

CAnceR IN PreGnancy (CARING) - a retrospective study of cancer diagnosed during pregnancy in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

The incidence of cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is increasing. Data relating to investigation and management, as well as maternal and foetal outcomes is lacking in a United Kingdom (UK) population.

METHODS

In this retrospective study we report data from 119 patients diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy from 14 cancer centres in the UK across a five-year period (2016-2020).

RESULTS

Median age at diagnosis was 33 years, with breast, skin and haematological the most common primary sites. The majority of cases were new diagnoses (109 patients, 91.6%). Most patients were treated with radical intent (96 patients, 80.7%), however, gastrointestinal cancers were associated with a high rate of palliative intent treatment (63.6%). Intervention was commenced during pregnancy in 68 (57.1%) patients; 44 (37%) had surgery and 31 (26.1%) received chemotherapy. Live births occurred in 98 (81.7%) of the cases, with 54 (55.1%) of these delivered by caesarean section. Maternal mortality during the study period was 20.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first pan-tumour report of diagnosis, management and outcomes of cancer diagnosed during pregnancy in the UK. Our findings demonstrate proof of concept that data collection is feasible and highlight the need for further research in this cohort of patients.

A method for Porphyromonas gingivalis based on recombinase polymerase amplification and lateral flow strip technology

OBJECTIVE

A practical visual detection method was established to detect Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) by employing a combination of recombinase polymerase amplification and lateral flow strips (RPA-LF) assay, designed for conducting point-of-care testing in clinical settings.

METHODS

Primers and probes targeting the P. gingivalis pepO gene were designed. The RPA-LF assay was established by optimising reaction temperature and time, determining the limit of detection (LOD). The specificity of the method was determined by assessing its cross-reactivity with deoxyribonucleic acid from 23 pathogenic bacteria. Finally, the clinical samples from healthy controls (n = 30) and individuals with periodontitis (n = 31) were analysed. The results were compared with those obtained using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

The optimal reaction temperature and time were 39 °C and 12 min. The method exhibited a LOD at 6.40 × 10-4 μg/mL and demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity during cross-reactivity assessment. The RPA-LF assay achieved a P. gingivalis detection rate of 84 % in individuals with periodontitis and 3 % in healthy controls. The results were consistent with those obtained through real-time PCR.

CONCLUSION

An RPA-LF assay was developed for detecting P. gingivalis, characterised by its high sensitivity, high specificity, simple operational procedure, and rapid reaction time.

Case report: Response to Savolitinib/EGFR-TKI combination in NSCLC patients harboring concurrent primary MET amplification/overexpression and EGFR mutation

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, accounting for one-third of all cancer deaths worldwide. The MET (c-MET) gene, as one of the therapeutic target spots of NSCLC, has become increasingly more important. MET amplification/overexpression was divided into primary (intrinsic) and secondary (acquired). Studies indicated that the combination of Osimertinib and Savolitinib was safe and showed promising antitumor effect in NSCLC patients with secondary MET amplification after EGFR mutations. However, NSCLC patients with primary MET amplification/overexpression and EGFR mutations are rare in clinics, and the efficacy of dual-target therapy combined with EGFR-TKI and Savolitinib for them has not been studied yet. Here, we reported two NSCLC patients with primary MET amplification/overexpression and EGFR mutation, who benefited from T+S therapy (the dual-target therapy of EGFR-TKI plus Savolitinib) and achieved a progression-free survival (PFS) of approximately 5 months. The two cases indicated that T+S therapy has an acceptable safety profile and encouraging antitumor efficacy in NSCLC patients harboring concurrent primary MET amplification/overexpression and EGFR mutation. Meanwhile, the observation stresses the importance of genetic testing, and the MET gene needs to be detected at first diagnosis for the best choice of targeted therapies.

Preoperative diagnostic value of coronary CT angiography in acute Stanford type A aortic dissection involving the coronary arteries

AIM

To assess the diagnostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) with coronary artery involvement and to evaluate whether CCTA could provide potentially useful information for selecting the surgical method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with ATAAD treated from January 2019 to December 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Involvement of the coronary arteries based on CCTA findings were grouped into three major types and five subtypes. Interobserver and intraobserver diagnostic agreement for five subtypes were determined. The patients were divided into the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and non-CABG groups, and the proportions of the five subtypes between the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 95 patients were enrolled in this study. Interobserver and intraobserver diagnostic agreement were both substantial in the left and right coronary arteries. Overall, the proportions of the five subtypes of coronary artery involvement were significantly different between the two groups (p<0.001). The proportion of Type A was elevated in the non-CABG group compared with the CABG group (22.6% versus 71.9%); by contrast, the proportions of Type B1 (35.5% versus 14.1%), Type B2 (19.4% versus 10.9%), Type C1 (6.5% versus 0%), and Type C2 (16.1% versus 3.1%) were elevated in the CABG group.

CONCLUSION

CCTA is reliable in evaluating coronary artery involvement by ATAAD. The present retrospective study indicated that CABG may be considered if the intimal flap disrupts the coronary orifice and causes luminal stenosis >50%, particularly Type B, or if an intimal tear occurs in the coronary orifice (Type C), which deserve further validation through prospective studies.

Curcumol β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex enhances radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer under hypoxic and normoxic condition

PURPOSE

Radiotherapy is an indispensable treatment for esophageal cancer (EC), but radioresistance is not uncommon. Curcumol, as an active extract from traditional Chinese medicines, has been reported to have antitumor activity in various types of human tumor cells. However, its reversal of radioresistance has been rarely reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, curcumol was prepared as an inclusion complex with β-cyclodextrin. EC cell lines were treated with radiation and curcumol β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (CβC), and the effect of radiosensitization of CβC was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro experiments included cell proliferation assay, clonogenic survival assay, apoptosis assay, cell cycle assay, and western blot assay.

RESULTS

The in vitro data revealed that CβC and irradiation synergistically inhibited the proliferation, reduced the colony formation, promoted the apoptosis, increased the G2/M phase, inhibited DNA damage repair, and reversed the hypoxia-mediated radioresistance of EC cells to a greater extent than did CβC alone or irradiation alone. The sensitization enhancement ratios (SERs) were 1.39 for TE-1 and 1.48 for ECA109 under hypoxia. The SERs were 1.25 for TE-1 and 1.32 for ECA109 under normoxia. The in vivo data demonstrated that the combination of CβC and irradiation could inhibit tumor growth to the greatest extent compared with either monotherapy alone. The enhancement factor was 2.45.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that CβC could enhance radiosensitivity of EC cells under hypoxic and normoxic condition. Thus, CβC can be used as an effective radiosensitizer for EC.

[Research progress of transcriptomics and proteomics in schizophrenia]

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with an unclear etiology and various clinical manifestations. The diagnosis and consequent treatment of schizophrenia mainly rely on clinical symptoms. Multiple risk sites associated with schizophrenia have been identified, yet objective indicators have not been found to facilitate clinical diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia. The development of omics technology provides different perspectives on the etiology of schizophrenia and make the early identification, diagnosis and treatment of the disorder possible. This article summarizes the prevalence of schizophrenia, reviews the research results and shortcomings of transcriptomics and proteomics, as well as the latest achievements and prospects of multi-omics, aiming to reveal the use of omics in SZ, provide more comprehensive biological evidence to reveal the complex pathogenesis of schizophrenia and provide a theoretical basis for the early identification, accurate diagnosis, disease progression control, and prognosis improvement of schizophrenia.

Partial Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy in Bulky Urinary Tract Malignancy: An Update Clinical Outcomes and Dosimetric Analysis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Patients with bulky urinary tract malignancy have poor prognosis. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) needs careful consideration in abdominopelvic bulky tumors because of dose constraints on the OARs. We reported updated clinical outcomes to evaluate the safety and efficacy of partial stereotactic ablative radiotherapy(P-SABR) in bulky urinary tract malignancy. The study also aims to investigate the feasibility of P-SABR in dose and biologic effective dose (BED) escalation inside the tumors with equivalent toxicity.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 26 patients with urinary tract malignancy underwent P-SABR radiotherapy from January 2013 to September 2018 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. All the patients were in inoperable locally advanced or metastatic stage with tumor diameter > 4.0 cm. The P-SABR plan consisted of the SABR for gross tumor volume boost (GTVb) and following conventionally fractionated radiotherapy for planning target volume (PTV). The first SABR plan to GTVb was delivered in 15-32Gy/3-5f. The second conventionally fractionated radiotherapy plan to PTV was delivered in 40.0-58.08Gy/15-26f. The total P-SABR plan met the OARs constraints. Local control and overall survival were estimated. Acute and late toxicity were evaluated according to RTOG criteria. Paired conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) plans were re-designed for all patients, with the same OARs dose constraints and total dose of PTV margin. Dosimetric and BED parameters were compared in P-SABR and paired CFRT plans.

RESULTS

Median age of the patients was 66.5 years (range, 46-90 years). The tumor treated by P-SABR had a median diameter of 8.4 cm (4.1-19.5 cm) and a median volume of 99.2 cc (23.9-631.8 cc). Median follow-up time was 19.1 months. The local control at 1 and 2 years were 83.2%, 77.3%, respectively. The overall survival at 1 and 2 years were 72.2% ,45.5%, respectively. 6 cases have no local recurrence after 36 months. 4 cases remained alive after 60 months. Local symptoms improved in 15/16 cases after P-SABR. Multivariate analysis showed tumor diameter (≥8cm vs. <8cm) was the independent factor affecting local control and overall survival (P=0.033, P=0.016). No patient was observed radiotherapy directly induced ≥grade 3 toxicity. Compared with the paired CFRT plans, the P-SABR plans had no significant difference in most OAR dose parameters, except for the small intestine/colon V15, V45 with an increase of 14.6 cc, 3.4 cc. However, P-SABR plans increased the dose of PTV Dmean, Dmax by 8.7Gy, 14.4Gy (P < 0.001), respectively. In addition, the dose and BED of GTVb had a significant escalation of 15.8Gy and 30.2Gy (P<0.001) respectively in P-SABR plans.

CONCLUSION

We had reported P-SABR is well-tolerated in bulky urinary tract malignancy in previous study. Updated outcomes showed P-SABR may have long-term local control in these people. Compared with traditional CFRT plans, P-SABR plans escalated the dose and BED inside bulky tumors with equivalent toxicity.

Identification and Validation of a Ferroptosis Prognostic Model for Prostate Cancer Patients through Screening the TCGA and scRNA-seq Datasets

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Ferroptosis is currently a common mode of programmed cell death, and the induction of ferroptosis is a new strategy and idea for current tumor therapy. Therefore, the signaling pathways and genes regulated by ferroptosis are significant markers for current malignant tumor therapy. To construct a prognostic model for predicting the survival prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa) based on the molecules and markers related to ferroptosis, we combined with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PCa patients, and further analyze the correlation between this risk score and immune cell infiltration. Finally, to validate the expression of risk genes and analyze the expression and localization of risk genes in using the datasets of single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Firstly, we screened the DEGs in PCa patients by the expression profiles of TCGA database. Meanwhile, we collected the information of ferroptosis regulatory genes from FerrDb, and these two parts were intersected. Then the impact of genes on the survival and prognosis of PCa patients was confirmed and selected by LASSO regression, further screening of molecules and fitting the risk format. And the efficacy of the model was evaluated by ROC curves. The immune cell infiltration of PCa tissues was predicted using TIMER. Last, the scRNA-seq of PCa (GSM5155455, GSM3735993) were carried to reveal the expression of risk molecules in different cell types. Besides, the expression of risk molecules was validated using PCa cell lines.

RESULTS

We found a total of 259 DEGs associated with ferroptosis in PCa tissues. After LASSO regression, we screened DRD5, LINC00336, ACSF2, RRM2, NOX1, GDF15, ALB, MIOX, and NOX4 as variables to establish a prognostic model, and the specific risk scores was calculated following this format: Risk score = (-1.9465)*DRD5+(-1.6806)*LINC00336+(0.3045)*ACSF2+(0.4747)*RRM2+(-0.2815)*NOX1+(-0.1871)* GDF15+(0.1846)*ALB+(0.2676)*MIOX+(0.1648)*NOX4 (lambda.min = 0.0032), with a 10-yr AUC value of 0.751 (95% CI, 0.549-0.953). Furthermore, we discovered the higher the scores, the fewer CD8+ T cells infiltrated as predicting, showing a negative relationship. By testing the gene sets of scRNA-seq forPCa, we discovered that RRM2, GDF15, ALB, and MIOX were mainly expressed in tumor cells, T cells, B cells and neutrophils of PCa tissues, and not in endothelial cells. Finally, we detected differences in protein expression of RRM2, GDF15, and MIOX in PCa cell lines compared to normal prostate cancer epithelium by WB.

CONCLUSION

We constructed a novel prognostic model for PCa based on ferroptosis-related genes, which showed better predictive validity. And we analyzed the cellular expression of risk genes by scRNA-seq, which will be explored future in relation to prostate cancer radiotherapy.

Safety and Efficacy of Radiotherapy Combined with Chemotherapy for Recurrent Metastatic Renal Pelvic and Ureteral Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To retrospectively investigate the safety and efficacy of radiotherapy combined with systemic chemotherapy for recurrent metastatic renal pelvic and ureteral carcinoma.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 109 patients were enrolled in this study, including 44 patients in the Radio-chemotherapy group and 65 patients in the Chemotherapy group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the clinical baseline characteristics of the two groups by 1:1 matching. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) before and after matching. Prognostic factors were analyzed by Cox proportional risk model. Treatment-related adverse events were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 5.0.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 14.5 months. Multivariate analysis showed that radiotherapy was a good independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with recurrent metastatic renal pelvic and ureteral carcinoma (HR: 0.327, 95% CI: 0.157∼0.680, P = 0.003). After matching, there were 40 patients in the Radio-chemotherapy group and 40 patients in the Chemotherapy group, and the median PFS and median OS in the Radio-chemotherapy group were better than those in the Chemotherapy group (PFS: 10.4 months vs. 6.7 months, P = 0.035; OS: 43.5 months vs. 18.8 months, P<0.001). The 1-year OS and 2-year OS of the Radio-chemotherapy group were higher than those of the Chemotherapy group (1-year OS: 88.1% vs. 70.4%; 2-year OS: 81.1% vs. 39.3%). In addition, in the Radio-chemotherapy group, patients treated with radiotherapy before first-line chemotherapy failure had longer PFS than those treated with radiotherapy after chemotherapy failure (median PFS: 15.7 months vs. 6 months, P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in the incidence of grade 3∼4 toxicities between the Radio-chemotherapy group and the Chemotherapy group (52.3% vs. 50.8%, P = 0.878).

CONCLUSION

For patients with advanced renal pelvic and ureteral carcinoma, adding radiotherapy on the basis of systemic chemotherapy is well tolerable and expected to bring long-term survival benefits to patients, and the benefits of early interventional radiotherapy may be more obvious.

Radiotherapy Resistance in Prostate Cancer Cells: AKR1C3 Inhibition of Ubiquitinated Degradation of Nrf2 through Interaction with KEAP1

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Radiotherapy is the most fundamental treatment for prostate cancer (PCa), and although radiotherapy for overall PCa patients is effective, poor prognosis and resistance to multiple treatments regimes in some highly malignant PCa, such as those with high Gleason Scores (GS) (≥9), are important bottlenecks limiting the improvement of treatment outcomes for clinical. AKR1C3 is a key PCa resistance gene that our team identified previously, but the induction of the specific mechanism of radiotherapy resistance has not been fully revealed and understand.

MATERIALS/METHODS

To analyze the correlation between its expression level and clinical radiotherapy, we used the gene expression profiles data of PCa patients in TCGA database. We generated a stepwise increase of radiotherapy dose to established PCa radiotherapy resistant cell lines and detect the AKR1C3 expression level. In addition, to explore the molecular mechanism of AKR1C3 induced prostate cancer radiation tolerance through functional enrichment analysis. Then, to treat cells with cycloheximide and the protein stability of the Nrf2 was detected. Last, the protein ubiquitination level was assayed by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) after treatment with MG132. Finally, protein-protein interactions were identified using co-IP to mine possible binding molecules.

RESULTS

By analyzing the expression profiles data of PCa patients in the TCGA database, we found that in the population of PCa patients treated with radiotherapy, all patients with high AKR1C3 expression died after radiotherapy, suggesting that high AKR1C3 expression may be a biomarker of resistance to radiation. Accordingly, AKR1C3 expression levels showed a positive correlation with GS score, which may be a symbol for patients with highly malignant PCa. A PCa radiotherapy resistant cell line was constructed by a stepwise increase of ionizing radiation (IR) dose, and the total IR dose of radiotherapy was 84Gy, which reached the dose of radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer. The expression of AKR1C3 was further detected by RT-qPCR and WB, and it was found that the expression of AKR1C3 was significantly up-regulated in the resistant cell line, accompanied by milder DNA damage. What's more, by GSEA functional enrichment analysis, we discovered that AKR1C3 overexpression might be related with intracellular oxidative stress damage. After CHX treatment, the protein stability of Nrf2 was significantly enhanced in AKR1C3 overexpression groups than control groups. And the administration of MG132 showed the same results, indicating that the ubiquitinated degradation of Nrf2 was inhibited in AKR1C3 overexpression groups. Further by co-IP, we found that Nrf2 was less ubiquitinated in the cytoplasm after AKR1C3 overexpression, and AKR1C3 could bind Keap1.

CONCLUSION

In sum, we found that AKR1C3 can bind with Keap1 leading to reduced ubiquitination level of Nrf2, causing upregulation of Nrf2 expression and providing new insights into PCa radiotherapy resistance.

Transcriptome and Metabolomics Integrated Analysis Reveals MdMYB94 Associated with Esters Biosynthesis in Apple (Malus × domestica)

Volatile esters are major aromas contributing to the organoleptic quality of apple fruit. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of volatile ester biosynthesis in apple remain elusive. This study investigated the volatile profiles and transcriptomes of 'Qinguan' (QG) apple fruit during development and/or postharvest storage. Although the constitution of volatiles varied widely between the peel and flesh, the volatile profiles of the peel and flesh of ripening QG fruit were dominated by volatile esters. WGCNA results suggested that 19 genes belonging to ester biosynthesis pathways and 11 hub transcription factor genes potentially participated in the biosynthesis and regulation of esters. To figure out key regulators of ester biosynthesis, correlation network analysis, dual-luciferase assays, and yeast one-hybrid assay were conducted and suggested that MdMYB94 trans-activated the MdAAT2 promoter and participated in the regulation of ester biosynthesis. This study provides a framework for understanding ester biosynthesis and regulation in apple.

[The correlations between influenza and meteorological factors in 15 cities of northern China, 2008-2020]

Objective: To understand the influence of meteorological factors on the morbidity of influenza in northern cities of China and explore the differences in the influence of meteorological factors on the morbidity of influenza in 15 cities. Methods: The monthly reported morbidity of influenza and monthly meteorological data from 2008 to 2020 were collected in 15 provincial capital cities, including Xi 'an, Lanzhou, Xining, Yinchuan and Urumqi (5 northwestern cities), Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Taiyuan, Hohhot, Ji'nan, Zhengzhou (7 northern cities), Shenyang, Changchun and Harbin (3 northeastern cities). The panel data regression model was applied to conduct quantitative analyze on the influence of meteorological factors on influenza morbidity. Results: The univariate and multivariate panel regression analysis showed that after controlling the population density and other meteorological factors, for each 5 ℃ drop of monthly average temperature, the morbidity change percentage (MCP) of influenza was 11.35%, 34.04% and 25.04% in the 3 northeastern cities, 7 northern cities and 5 northwestern cities, respectively, and the best lag period months was 1, 0 and 1 month; When the monthly average relative humidity decreased by 10%, the MCP was 15.84% in 3 cities in northeastern China and 14.80% in 7 cities in northern China respectively, and the best lag period months was 2 and 1 months respectively; The MCP of 5 cities in northwestern China was 4.50% for each 10 mm reduction of monthly accumulated precipitation, and the best lag period months was 1 month; The MCPs of 3 cities in northeastern China and 5 cities in northwestern China were 4.19% and 5.97% respectively when the accumulated sunshine duration of each month decreased by 10 hours, the best lag period months was 1 month. Conclusions: In northern cities of China from 2008 to 2020, the temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and sunshine duration all had negatively impact on the morbidity of influenza, and temperature and relative humidity were the main sensitive meteorological factors. Temperature had a strong direct impact on the morbidity of influenza in 7 cities in northern China, and relative humidity had a strong lag effect on the morbidity of influenza in 3 cities in northeastern China. The duration of sunshine in 5 cities in northwestern China had a greater impact on the morbidity of influenza compared with 3 cities in northeastern China.

MdIPT1, an adenylate isopentenyltransferase coding gene from Malus domestica, is involved in branching and flowering regulation

Flowering and shoot branching are significant agricultural traits for apple tree breeding. Cytokinin metabolism and signaling pathways play a crucial role in plant development. However, little is known about cytokinin biosynthetic molecular mechanism and function involved in apple flowering and branching. In this study, an adenylate isopentenyl transferase coding gene MdIPT1, homologous to AtIPT3/AtIPT5 in Arabidopsis thaliana, was identified. MdIPT1 was highly expressed in apple floral and axillary buds and was dramatically up-regulated during floral induction and axillary bud outgrowth. The promoter of MdIPT1 showed high activity in multiple tissues and responded to different hormone treatments. The MdIPT1-overexpressing Arabidopsis showed a multi-branching and early-flowering phenotype, with elevated endogenous cytokinin levels and altered expression of genes related to branching and flower formation. Overexpression of MdIPT1 confers the growth vigor of transgenic apple callus on a CKs-deficient medium. Our findings suggest that MdIPT1 is a positive regulator involved in branching and flowering. The data presented herein provide extensive research results on MdIPT1 and will contribute to molecular breeding for new apple varieties.

The BELL1-like homeobox gene MdBLH14 from apple controls flowering and plant height via repression of MdGA20ox3

Apple growth and yield are largely dependent on plant height and flowering characteristics. The BELL1-like homeobox (BLH) transcription factors regulate extensive plant biological processes. However, the BLH-mediated regulation of plant height and flowering in apple remains elusive. In the current study, 19 members of the MdBLH family were identified in the apple genome. Segmental duplication and purifying selection are the main reasons for the evolution of the MdBLH genes. A BLH1-like gene, MdBLH14, was isolated and functionally characterized. The MdBLH14 was preferentially expressed in flower buds, and downregulated during the floral induction period. The subcellular localization in tobacco leaves indicated that MdBLH14 is a nuclear protein. Overexpression of MdBLH14 in Arabidopsis led to a significant dwarfing and late-flowering phenotype by hindering active GA accumulation. Additionally, MdKNOX19, another member of the TALE superfamily, physically interacts with MdBLH14 and synergistically inhibits the expression of MdGA20ox3. This is the first report on the function of the MdBLH14 from apple, and its mechanism involving plant flower induction and growth. The data presented here provide a theoretical basis for genetically breeding new apple varieties.

Radiation-induced mucositis: A retrospective study of dexamethasone-lidocaine-vitamin B12 mouth rinse versus compound chlorhexidine mouthwash in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Oral mucositis causes substantial morbidity during head and neck radiotherapy, especially nasopharyngeal carcinoma. During radiotherapy, patients develop severe oral mucositis, which leads to oral pain and difficulty in eating and interruption of radiotherapy, affects the treatment effect and increase the probability of recurrence. Although we have explored various methods to reduce the mucosal damage caused by radiotherapy, these methods still cannot reduce pain caused by mucositis clinically. Therefore, the use of Dexamethasone-Lidocaine-Vitamin B12 Mouth rinse (DLVBM) proved its role in reducing oral mucosal pain, reducing the weight loss of patients, and completing radiotherapy according to the course of treatment. 133 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who received radiotherapy (a total dose of 70 Gy) in our hospital from January to December 2020-2021 were selected. 67 patients received DLVBM treatment for mucositis reaction, and 66 patients received Compound chlorhexidine mouthwash (CCM) to deal with mucositis. Symptoms related to oral mucosal pain score and body weight, mucosal healing time were analyzed retrospectively. We found that patients with the DLVBM group significantly reduced oral pain and reduced weight loss. However, there was no significant difference about the mucosal healing time between the DLVBM group and CCM group. DLVBM may be moderately more effective in preventing radiation-induced mucositis and mucositis-related pain, and their use may lead to less frequent RT course interruptions from mucositis.

The safety of human embryos following long-term cryopreservation ( >6 years) on vitrification

BACKGROUND

Vitrification of embryos has become the basic means of assisted reproductive technology (ART) therapy in recent years. Concerns have also been raised about the safety of vitrification and the effect of cryopreservation time. Most of the previous studies were on the data within 6 years of cryopreservation.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of long-term cryopreservation (>6 years) on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This research was a single-center, retrospective analysis, including 426 frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Patients who participated in IVF-FET cycles between January 2013 to December 2020 were analyzed. Preferentially matched participants were divided into three groups according to storage time: group A (>72 months), group B (0-3 months, propensity score matching [PSM] according to the age of oocyte retrieval), and group C (0-3 months, PSM according to the age of embryo transfer).

RESULTS

Our results revealed that there were no significant differences in human chorionic gonadotropin [HCG] positive rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, and neonatal outcomes when the embryo storage duration >72 months. But the proportion of high birth weight was higher in group A (>72 months) when matched according to age at embryo transfer.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study showed that long-term cryopreservation had no effect on the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of vitrification. The results offer evidence for the safety of using long-term cryopreservation embryos after vitrification. DOI: 10.54680/fr23310110612.

The efficacy of mouthwashes on oral microorganisms and gingivitis in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mouthwashes were convenient adjuncts to mechanical cleaning procedures. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mouthwashes on oral microorganisms and gingivitis in orthodontic patients.

METHODS

By April 16, 2022, multiple databases and grey literature were searched based on the PICOS strategy. Randomized controlled trials in orthodontic patients evaluating the efficacy of mouthwashes with at least one microbial parameter and/or plaque- and/or gingival inflammation-related index were included. Relevant data were extracted, and the risk of bias was evaluated using Cochrane's tool. Individual mean and standard deviation of the outcomes in mouthwashes and placebos/blank controls were pooled to estimate the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). Sensitivity analysis, and certainty of evidence were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 1684 articles, 32 studies satisfied the eligibility criteria, and nine were included for meta-analysis. Missing outcome data was the primary source of bias. Compared to blank controls, the short-term application of fluoride mouthwashes significantly reduced the colony counts of Mutans streptococci (MS), while the long-term application may not be effective. Compared to placebos or blank controls, Chlorhexidine mouthwashes significantly reduced the colony counts of multiple microorganisms in the short-term. Compared to placebos or blank controls, herbal mouthwashes showed the inhibitory effect of MS in the short-term, with some results lacking statistical significance. After meta-analysis, significant lower plaque- and gingival inflammation-related indexes were observed in the Chlorhexidine mouthwashes groups [Gingival Index: WMD = -0.45, 95%CI = -0.70 to -0.20 (placebos as control); WMD = -0.54, 95%CI = -0.96 to -0.13 (blank controls); Plaque Index: WMD = -0.70, 95%CI = -1.12 to -0.27 (blank controls)]. Significant lower gingival inflammation-related indexes were observed in the herbal mouthwashes groups [Gingival Index: WMD = -0.20, 95%CI = -0.32 to -0.09 (blank controls)].

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term application of fluoride mouthwashes may reduce the colony counts of cariogenic bacteria, but the long-term effect is not evident. Chlorhexidine may reduce the colony counts of multiple microorganisms in the short-term. Short-term application Chlorhexidine and herbal mouthwashes may effectively reduce plaque- and gingival inflammation-related indexes. However, the risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision in the included studies may reduce the certainty of the evidence.

Cytokinin-responsive MdTCP17 interacts with MdWOX11 to repress adventitious root primordium formation in apple rootstocks

Adventitious root (AR) formation plays an important role in vegetatively propagated plants. Cytokinin (CK) inhibits AR formation, but the molecular mechanisms driving this process remain unknown. In this study, we confirmed that CK content is related to AR formation and further revealed that a high auxin/CK ratio was beneficial to AR formation in apple (Malus domestica). A correlation between expression of CK-responsive TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, CYCLOIDEA, and PCF17 (MdTCP17) and AR formation in response to CK was identified, and overexpression of MdTCP17 in transgenic apple inhibited AR formation. Yeast two-hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed an interaction between MdTCP17 and WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX11 (MdWOX11), and a significant correlation between the expression of MdWOX11 and AR ability. Overexpression of MdWOX11 promoted AR primordium formation in apple, while interference of MdWOX11 inhibited AR primordium production. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between MdWOX11 and LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN29 (MdLBD29) expression, and yeast one-hybrid, dual luciferase reporter, and ChIP-qPCR assays verified the binding of MdWOX11 to the MdLBD29 promoter with a WOX-box element in the binding sequence. Furthermore, MdTCP17 reduced the binding of MdWOX11 and MdLBD29 promoters, and coexpression of MdTCP17 and MdWOX11 reduced MdLBD29 expression. Together, these results explain the function and molecular mechanism of MdTCP17-mediated CK inhibition of AR primordium formation, which could be used to improve apple rootstocks genetically.

The Efficacy and Safety of Oral Irrigator on the Control of Dental Plaque and Gingivitis: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Parallel-Group Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral irrigator (OI) in controlling dental plaque and gingivitis.

METHODS

Ninety participants diagnosed with gingivitis were randomly assigned to two groups, given a toothbrush combined with OI (WaterPik®) (test) or a toothbrush alone (control). The Turesky-Modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (T-QH), Modified Gingival Index (MGI), Bleeding Index (BI), and percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP%) were evaluated at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. The full analysis set (FAS) and per-protocol set (PPS) were analyzed. Adverse events were recorded through electronic diaries and examinations.

RESULTS

Of the 90 participants, the efficacy was assessed in the following numbers (FAS/PPS): test (45/33) and control (43/38). Compared with the control, MGI, BI, and BOP% were significantly lower in the test group after 4 weeks (4 weeks: p = 0.017, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively; 8 weeks and 12 weeks: p < 0.001 for all, FAS); T-QH was significantly lower after 8 weeks (8 weeks: p = 0.033; 12 weeks: p = 0.006, FAS). Transient gingival bleeding may be associated with OI. Self-reported pain and dentin hypersensitivity symptoms were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

As adjuncts to toothbrushing, OI demonstrated significantly better efficacy in controlling dental plaque and gingival inflammation with no substantial safety hazards.

The Relationship Between Periodontal Disease and Breast Cancer: From Basic Mechanism to Clinical Management and Prevention

PURPOSE

Periodontal disease is potentially related to certain kinds of cancer. This review aimed to summarize the relationship between periodontal disease and breast cancer, providing some strategies for the clinical treatment and periodontal health care of breast cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, prospective and retrospective clinical studies, case series and reports were collected using search terms entered into the PubMed, Google Scholar and JSTOR databases.

RESULTS

Research has provided some evidence that periodontal disease is related to the occurrence and development of breast cancer. Periodontal disease and breast cancer have some common pathogenic factors. Periodontal disease may affect the initiation and development of breast cancer involving microorganisms and inflammation. Periodontal health is affected by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy for breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontal therapy for breast cancer patients should be performed differently according to the stage of cancer treatment. Adjuvant endocrine treatment (e.g. bisphosphonates) has a great impact on oral treatment. Periodontal therapy contributes to the primary prevention of breast cancer. Periodontal health care of breast cancer patients is worthy of clinician attention.

Interaction of AcMADS68 with transcription factors regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in red-fleshed kiwifruit

In red-fleshed kiwifruit, anthocyanin pigmentation is a crucial commercial trait. The MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complex and other transcription factors regulate its accumulation. Herein, a new SEP gene, AcMADS68, was identified as a regulatory candidate for anthocyanin biosynthesis in the kiwifruit by transcriptome data and bioinformatic analyses. AcMADS68 alone could not induce the accumulation of anthocyanin both in Actinidia arguta fruit and tobacco leaves. However, in combination with AcMYBF110, AcMYB123, and AcbHLH1, AcMADS68 co-overexpression increased anthocyanin biosynthesis, whereas its silencing reduced anthocyanin accumulation. The results of the dual-luciferase reporter, firefly luciferase complementation, yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that AcMADS68 could interact with both AcMYBF110 and AcMYB123 but not with AcbHLH1, thereby co-regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis by promoting the activation of the target genes, including AcANS, AcF3GT1, and AcGST1. Moreover, AcMADS68 also could activate the promoter of AcbHLH1 surported by dual-luciferase reporter and yeast one-hybrid assays, thereby further amplifying the regulation signals from the MBW complex, thus resulting in enhanced anthocyanin accumulation in the kiwifruit. These findings may facilitate better elucidation of various regulatory mechanisms underlying anthocyanin accumulation and contribute to the quality enhancement of red-fleshed kiwifruit.

Circ_0000011 promotes cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via miR-27a-3p-dependent regulation of NRIP1

BACKGROUND

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) can result in brain function impairments. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as vital regulators in cerebral I/R injury. However, the functions of mmu_circ_0000011 in cerebral I/R injury are still unclear. Thus, in this study, we aimed to explore the effect of mmu_circ_0000011 on cerebral I/R injury.

METHODS

Oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced HT-22 cells were used to mimic the condition of cerebral I/R injury in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, 5'-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and flow cytometry analysis were utilized to assess cell viability, LDH release, proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. qRT-PCR and western blot were performed to determined the levels of circ_0000011, miR-27a-3p and NRIP1. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were utilized to analyze the targeting relation of circ_0000011, miR-27a-3p and NRIP1.

RESULTS

OGD/R treatment inhibited HT-22 cell viability and promoted LDH release, cell apoptosis and inflammation. Circ_0000011 level was increased in OGD/R-induced HT-22 cells. Silencing of circ_0000011 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited LDH release, apoptosis and inflammation in OGD/R-treated HT-22 cells. For mechanism analysis, circ_0000011 was demonstrated to sponge miR-27a-3p, which directly targeted NRIP1. MiR-27a-3p inhibition or NRIP1 overexpression ameliorated the impacts of circ_0000011 silencing on cell proliferation, LDH release, apoptosis and inflammation in OGD/R-treated HT-22 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ_0000011 promotes OGD/R-induced HT-22 cell impairments by elevating NRIP1 through sponging miR-27a-3p.

A nomogram for predicting overall survival in patients with type II endometrial carcinoma: a retrospective analysis and multicenter validation study

OBJECTIVE

Type II endometrial cancer (EC) is associated with high risk of metastasis and poor prognosis. We aimed to develop a nomogram for predicting survival probability in patients with type II EC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from a total of 4,117 patients with confirmed type II EC were pulled from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, and were randomly divided into a training set and an internal verification set. A nomogram was constructed based on the training set. The concordance index (C-index), area under the ROC curve, and calibration plots were used to evaluate the identification and calibration of the nomogram. The SEER internal validation set and the Chinese multicenter data set (74 patients) were used to verify discriminations and corrections of the model.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis indicated that age, marital status, tumor size, T stage, N stage, M stage, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were independent factors affecting the prognosis of type II EC patients (p<0.001). The corresponding nomogram has showed excellent calibration and discrimination (C-index [95% CI], 0.752 [0.738-0.766]). The model was verified in the internal verification set (0.760 [0.739-0.781]) and the Chinese multicenter set (0.784 [0.607-0.961]). In addition, the AUC further confirmed the accuracy of the nomogram in predicting survival. The calibration curve of OS within 5 years confirmed good calibration of the nomogram.

CONCLUSIONS

This model and the corresponding risk classification system may provide useful tools for clinicians to evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients and carry out personalized clinical evaluation.

Regulation of secretory pathway kinase or kinase-like proteins in human cancers

Secretory pathway kinase or kinase-like proteins (SPKKPs) are effective in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus (GA), and extracellular space. These proteins are involved in secretory signaling pathways and are distinctive from typical protein kinases. Various reports have shown that SPKKPs regulate the tumorigenesis and progression of human cancer via the phosphorylation of various substrates, which is essential in physiological and pathological processes. Emerging evidence has revealed that the expression of SPKKPs in human cancers is regulated by multiple factors. This review summarizes the current understanding of the contribution of SPKKPs in tumorigenesis and the progression of immunity. With the epidemic trend of immunotherapy, targeting SPKKPs may be a novel approach to anticancer therapy. This study briefly discusses the recent advances regarding SPKKPs.

Association between Household Solid Fuel Use and Sarcopenia Risk among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUNDS

Household solid fuel have been associated with changes of handgrip strength, and exposure to ambient air pollution might be one risk factor of sarcopenia. However, the prospective association between household solid fuel use and sarcopenia remains limited.

METHODS

A total of 11,924 participants (5,723 men (48%) and 6,201 women (52%) with the average age was 59.17 ± 9.57 years) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011 were included in cross-sectional analyses. 7,507 participants at baseline were included in longitudinal analyses and were followed up in 2015. Sarcopenia status was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS 2019) criteria.

RESULTS

In cross-sectional analyses, the participants who used solid fuel for cooking and heating had higher prevalence of sarcopenia than those who used clean fuel. During the follow-up, 302 (4.02%) participants experienced sarcopenia. In the longitudinal analysis, after multivariable adjustment of age, sex and other risk factors, individuals who used solid fuel for cooking had an elevated risk of new-onset sarcopenia, with corresponding odds ratio of 1.32 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.71). Consistently, individuals reported solid fuels use for heating were associated with 20% (odds ratio=1.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.56) increased risk of sarcopenia. In addition, a self-reported switch from clean to solid fuel for cooking appeared to have an increased sarcopenia risk (odds ratio=1.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.43).

CONCLUSION

Using household solid fuel for cooking and heating was associated with increased risk of sarcopenia prevalence and incidence.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Bacterial Effects of Mouthwashes in Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Mouthwashes are used as oral care for critical care patients to prevent infections. However, there are conflicting data concerning whether mouthwashes are needed as a part of daily oral care for critical care patients. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects of mouthwashes for critical care patients. The PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and grey literature databases were searched by descriptors combining population (intensive care unit patients) and intervention (mouthwashes). After the screening, only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects of mouthwashes in patient critical care were included. From the 1531 articles, 16 RCTs satisfied the eligibility criteria for systematic review and 10 were included in the meta-analyses. A significant difference was found in the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) (odds ratio [OR] 0.53, 95% confidential interval [95% CI] 0.33 to 0.86) between the mouthwash and placebo groups, while no significant difference was found in the mortality (OR 1.49, 95%CI 0.92 to 2.40); the duration of mechanical ventilation (weighted mean difference [WMD] -0.10, 95%CI -2.01 to 1.81); and the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus (OR 0.88, 95%CI 0.34 to 2.30), Escherichia coli (OR 1.19, 95%CI 0.50 to 2.82), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR 1.16, 95%CI 0.27 to 4.91) between the two groups. In conclusion, mouthwashes were effective in decreasing the incidence of VAP. Thus, mouthwashes can be used as part of daily oral care for critical care patients.

Molecular profiling identifies distinct subtypes across TP53 mutant tumors

Tumor protein 53 mutation (TP53mut) is one of the most important driver events facilitating tumorigenesis, which could induce a series of chain reactions to promote tumor malignant transformation. However, the malignancy progression patterns under TP53 mutation remain less known. Clarifying the molecular landscapes of TP53mut tumors will help us understand the process of tumor development and aid precise treatment. Here, we distilled genetic and epigenetic features altered in TP53mut cancers for cluster-of-clusters analysis. Using integrated classification, we derived 5 different subtypes of TP53mut patients. These subtypes have distinct features in genomic alteration, clinical relevance, microenvironment dysregulation, and potential therapeutics. Among the 5 subtypes, COCA3 was identified as the subtype with worst prognosis, causing an immunosuppressive microenvironment and immunotherapeutic resistance. Further drug efficacy research highlighted olaparib as the most promising therapeutic agents for COCA3 tumors. Importantly, the therapeutic efficacy of olaparib in COCA3 and immunotherapy in non-COCA3 tumors was validated via in vivo experimentation. Our study explored the important molecular events and developed a subtype classification system with distinct targeted therapy strategies for different subtypes of TP53mut tumors. These multiomics classification systems provide a valuable resource that significantly expands the knowledge of TP53mut tumors and may eventually benefit in clinical practice.

Double-Edged Sword Effect of Pyroptosis: The Role of Caspase-1/-4/-5/-11 in Different Levels of Apical Periodontitis

The study was to investigate the effect of canonical and noncanonical pyroptosis in apical periodontitis. Proteins' profiles of human apical periodontitis tissue were analyzed by label-free proteomics. Immunofluorescence was used to detect proteins related to pyroptosis in human apical periodontitis tissues and experimental apical periodontitis models. A dual experimental apical periodontitis model with both smaller (mandible) and larger (maxilla) bone lesions was established. THP-1-derived macrophages were stimulated with P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide in vitro with or without the caspase-1/-4/-5 inhibitor Ac-FTDL-CMK. Propidium iodide staining, lactic dehydrogenase release and Western blot were applied to evaluate cell death and the protein expression. Caspase-1/-4/-5 were expressed in human apical periodontitis tissues. Caspase-1/-11 were involved in bone loss in experimental apical periodontitis. Caspase-1/-11 inhibitors reduced bone loss in larger lesions (maxilla) but accelerated bone loss in smaller lesions (mandible). Caspase-1/-4/-5 inhibitors also showed double-edged sword effects on propidium iodide staining and lactic dehydrogenase release in vitro. The expression of cleaved-caspase-1/-4/-5, mature interluekin-1β and gasdermin D N-terminal domain increased in THP-1-derived macrophages after lipopolysaccharide stimulation but decreased after treatment with Ac-FTDL-CMK. Pyroptosis contributed to apical periodontitis and excited a double-edged sword effect in inducing bone loss in vivo and cell death in vitro.

Transcriptome analysis reveals dual action of salicylic acid application in the induction of flowering in Malus domestica

In the apple tree, insufficient flower bud production is an intractable challenge, and very little information is available in this field due to the fact that research done in this sector is very rare owing to its extended life cycles and low rate of genetic transformation. Here we display novel changes and events in spur buds of Malus × domestica trees after they were exposed to salicylic acid (SA) treatment during the flower induction period. We found a significant increase in morphological indexes, followed by a wider and well-defined shoot apical meristem in SA-treated spur buds. Additionally, we observed increased oxidative stress markers and enzymatic antioxidants in control-treated buds during the flower induction period, while non-enzymatic antioxidants were recorded higher in SA-treated buds. Maximum flowering was observed in SA-treated trees in the next year. Furthermore, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (u-HPLC) analysis displays that SA treatment enhances SA and indole acetic acid (IAA), while having an antagonistic effect on gibberellin (GA). At different time points, transcriptome analysis was conducted to analyze the transcriptional response of CK and SA treated buds. Pathway enrichment was detected in differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Agamous (AGL) and SQUAMOSA-promoter binding protein-like (SPL) family related flowering genes display a positive signal for the increased flowering in SA-treated trees, which confirms our findings. As far as we know, there is no report available on the response of spur buds to SA treatment during the flower induction period. This data provides a new theoretical reference for the management of apple tree flowering and also provides an essential basis for future analysis of the regulation and control of flowering in M. domestica.

Identification and expression analysis of the lipid phosphate phosphatases gene family reveal their involvement in abiotic stress response in kiwifruit

Lipid phosphate phosphatases (LPPs) are a key enzyme in the production and degradation of phosphatidic acid (PA), which plays an important role in plant growth, development, stress resistance and plant hormone response. Thus far, little is known about the LPP family genes in kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.). According to this study, 7 members in the AcLPP family were identified from the whole genome of kiwifruit, the subcellular localization predictions were mainly on the plasma membrane. Chromosomal localization analysis showed that the AcLPP genes were unevenly distributed on 5 chromosomes, it was determined to have undergone strong purifying selection pressure. There were 5 duplicate gene pairs and all underwent segmental duplication events. The LPP genes of kiwifruit were conserved when compared with other plants, especially in terms of evolutionary relationships, conserved motifs, protein sequences, and gene structures. Cis-regulatory elements mainly included hormone response elements and abiotic response elements. Functional annotation of GO revealed that AcLPP genes were closely related to phosphatase/hydrolase activity, phosphorus metabolism and dephosphorylation. AcLPP genes family were predicted to be targets of miRNA. Transcript level analysis revealed that the AcLPP family played diverse functions in different tissues and during growth, development, and postharvest storage stages. qPCR analysis showed that the members of AcLPP gene family might be regulated by ETH, ABA, GA3, and IAA hormone signals. The family members were regulated by the stress of salt stress, osmotic stress, cold stress, and heat stress. These results would provide a basis and reference for studying the agricultural characteristics of kiwifruit and improving its stress resistance.

MdNup62 interactions with MdHSFs involved in flowering and heat-stress tolerance in apple

Because of global warming, the apple flowering period is occurring significantly earlier, increasing the probability and degree of freezing injury. Moreover, extreme hot weather has also seriously affected the development of apple industry. Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are main channels controlling nucleocytoplasmic transport, but their roles in regulating plant development and stress responses are still unknown. Here, we analysed the components of the apple NPC and found that MdNup62 interacts with MdNup54, forming the central NPC channel. MdNup62 was localized to the nuclear pore, and its expression was significantly up-regulated in 'Nagafu No. 2' tissue-cultured seedlings subjected to heat treatments. To determine MdNup62's function, we obtained MdNup62-overexpressed (OE) Arabidopsis and tomato lines that showed significantly reduced high-temperature resistance. Additionally, OE-MdNup62 Arabidopsis lines showed significantly earlier flowering compared with wild-type. Furthermore, we identified 62 putative MdNup62-interacting proteins and confirmed MdNup62 interactions with multiple MdHSFs. The OE-MdHSFA1d and OE-MdHSFA9b Arabidopsis lines also showed significantly earlier flowering phenotypes than wild-type, but had enhanced high-temperature resistance levels. Thus, MdNUP62 interacts with multiple MdHSFs during nucleocytoplasmic transport to regulate flowering and heat resistance in apple. The data provide a new theoretical reference for managing the impact of global warming on the apple industry.

Integration of morphological, physiological and multi-omics analysis reveals a comprehensive mechanism for cuticular wax during development of greasiness in postharvest apples

Skin greasiness is a common postharvest disorder of apple (Malus × domestica). However, the molecular mechanism of skin greasiness is unclear. In this study, fruits of 'Golden Delicious' (GD), 'Granny Smith', and 'Fuji' with distinct characteristics of greasiness were used for greasiness scoring, wax morphology, wax metabolite, and RNA-seq analyses. Additionally, GD fruit were treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), which repressed greasiness. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed that wax esters were the critical wax fraction for skin greasiness. Among these wax esters, liquid linoleate esters of short-chain alcohols (C4-C6) and farnesol showed increased contents with increasing greasiness. Their concentrations were significantly correlated with greasiness score. To identify the genes encoding key enzymes for the synthesis of liquid linoleate esters, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis was conducted. MdDCR1, encoding an acyltransferase (defective in cuticular ridges, DCR), was selected as a candidate gene. MdDCR1 was significantly upregulated in greasy skin, and significantly suppressed by 1-MCP treatment. MdDCR1 silencing suppressed the accumulation of liquid linoleate esters of short-chain alcohols, including butyl linoleate, pentyl linoleate, and hexyl linoleate, in GD skin. These results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of cuticular wax metabolism related to skin greasiness in apple. Our results show that transcriptional regulation of MdDCR1, encoding an acyltransferase that catalyzes the biosynthesis of liquid linoleate esters of short-chain alcohols (C4-C6) via an independent side branch of the C18:2 CoA pathway, regulates the formation of greasiness.

Tumor microenvironment and its clinicopathological and prognostic associations in surgically resected cutaneous angiosarcoma

PURPOSE

Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is a rare but typically aggressive malignant vascular neoplasm of the skin. Tumor microenvironment (TME) of CAS and its associations with baseline clinicopathological features and patient outcomes are very important, especially when considering the recent advances in understanding of the tumor biology.

METHODS/PATIENTS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who underwent surgical resection for CAS at a tertiary Hospital. The pretreated specimens were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), densities of tumor infiltrative lymphocytes (TILs) (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD45RO+, FoxP3+), as well as c-MYC and Ki-67 expressions. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared with Log-rank test.

RESULTS

A total of 21 CAS patients were identified. Median age was 67 (ranges: 20-81) years, 14 (66.7%) were male, and over 50% had lesions of scalp. Histopathological examination showed a predominantly spindle cell type (57.1%). All patients underwent surgery, 16 (76.2%) were treated further. PD-L1 was positively stained (> 1%) in tumor cells (42.9%) and TILs (23.8%). PD-1 expression (> 1%) was identified in TILs of 11 (52.4%) cases. PD-1/PD-L1 expressions were significantly associated with the higher densities of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD45RO+, and Foxp3+ TILs, but not with patient characteristics or c-MYC or Ki-67 expression. Median OS was 18.5 months (95% CI 6.0-35.9), although no prognostic significance was observed with respect to any clinicopathological features.

CONCLUSION

We characterized TME and its clinical and prognostic association in CAS. PD-1/PD-L1 expressions were significantly associated with TILs subtypes but not with OS.

Finger touching combined X-ray-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 640 cases: an 8-years' experience

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of finger touching combined X-ray-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and the feasibility of avoiding damage in medical staff caused by X-ray.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2013 to December 2020, 640 cases of percutaneous nephrolithotomy were performed through the 18-24-F channel. Among those cases, 22 (3.4%) cases were double-sided kidney stones surgeries, 294 (45.8%) cases were on the right side and 324 (50.5%) cases were on the left side. The targeted renal calyceal puncture was carried out under the combined guidance of the doctor's finger and X-ray. We assessed the X-ray exposure time of patients and doctors, average number of punctures, postoperative hospitalization, calculus removal rates, and complications.

RESULTS

The average number of punctures was 2.8 ± 1.4. Average X-ray exposure time during procedure: 2.8 s (range: 2-8 s). Average surgical time: 106.5 ± 49.4 min. Postoperative hospitalization: 6.8 ± 4.2 d. Average reduced hemoglobin level: 5.9 g/day. Stone-free rate 4 weeks after surgeries: 95.6%. Patients with upper ureteral calculi: 395 cases (61.72%). The calculus residual rate of patients with staghorn renal calculi or multiple renal calculi complementary treatments was 82.9%, including 0 patients who received shock wave lithotripsy, 2 cases of repeated percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and 18 cases of ureteroscopy. Postoperative placement of renal drainage tube occurred in 52 cases. As for complications, no perirenal infection occurred, two severe bleeding complication cases occurred, and one case of colon perforation occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Finger touching combined X-ray-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with renal calculus is safe and can accurately guide the puncture without radiation hazards. The placement of a renal drainage tube was beneficial to reduce renal effusion, hematocele, and infections.

Modification of the effect of maturity variation on nondestructive detection of apple quality based on the compensation model

In this study, the effect of maturity variation on the prediction of the soluble solids content (SSC) and firmness of apples was determined using visible and near-infrared spectroscopy. In 2018, 520 apples from six ripening stages were collected. The single maturity model and multi-maturity model of SSC and firmness were established using partial least-squares regression. Apples at the same and different maturity stages were used to verify the developed model. Whereas the single maturity model was affected by maturity variation, the multi-maturity model could accurately predict the SSC and firmness of apples at different maturity stages. The multi-maturity model developed based on six maturity calibration sets had the best predictive performance. The root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of SSC and firmness was 0.614-0.802 °Brix and 0.402-0.650 kg/cm², respectively. The long-term performance of the optimal multi-maturity model was evaluated using validation sets. The predictive performance was decreased and the RMSEP increased when the model was used to predict the SSC and firmness of apples in different seasons. The predictive performance of the model was improved after slope/bias (S/B) correction, and the RMSEP of SSC and firmness decreased to 0.405-0.587°Brix and 0.518-0.628 kg/cm² respectively. Overall, the multi-maturity model eliminated the effect of maturity variation, and the multi-maturity model coupled with S/B correction permitted the rapid and accurate detection of the SSC and firmness of apples at different maturity stages and in different seasons.

OP18 Efficacy and safety of filgotinib for the treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s Disease: Results from the phase 2 DIVERGENCE 2 study

Background

Treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (PFCD) is a major unmet need. Filgotinib (FIL) is a once-daily, oral, preferential Janus kinase 1 inhibitor in development for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. The efficacy and safety of FIL for the treatment of PFCD was evaluated in the phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo (PBO)-controlled DIVERGENCE 2 study (NCT03077412).

Methods

Patients (18–75 years old) with PFCD (documented diagnosis of CD for at least 3 months and 1–3 external openings [EOs] with drainage [spontaneous or on compression] for ≥ 4 weeks before screening) previously treated with antibiotics, immunomodulators and/or tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) were randomized (2:2:1) to receive FIL 200 mg, FIL 100 mg or PBO once daily for up to 24 weeks. Active luminal CD was permitted providing that the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index score was ≤ 300 at screening. The primary endpoint was combined fistula response (reduction of ≥ 1 from baseline in the number of draining EOs determined by investigator assessment and no fluid collections > 1 cm on centrally read pelvic magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) at Week 24. Combined fistula remission (closure of all draining EOs present at baseline and no fluid collections > 1 cm) at Week 24 was a key secondary endpoint. The study was not powered for statistical comparisons and was prematurely terminated owing to low recruitment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Baseline characteristics were broadly similar across the treatment groups (Table 1). Overall, 91.2% of patients had complex perianal fistulae and TNFi treatment had previously failed in 64.9% of patients. A lower proportion of patients randomized to receive FIL 200 mg discontinued the study compared with those who received PBO (Table 2). The proportion of patients who achieved a combined fistula response at Week 24 was numerically higher in the FIL 200 mg group (47.1%; 90% confidence interval [CI]: 26.0–68.9) than in the PBO group (25.0%; 90% CI: 7.2–52.7) (Figure 1), with similar results observed for combined fistula remission (FIL 200 mg [47.1%; CI: 26.0–68.9] versus PBO [16.7%; CI: 3.0–43.8]) (Figure 2). Treatment-emergent severe adverse events were highest in the FIL 200 mg group (Table 2). Adverse event rates were otherwise similar across treatment groups.

Conclusion

In this phase 2 study, numerically higher fistula response and remission rates were observed after 24 weeks of treatment with FIL 200 mg versus PBO in patients with active PFCD and a history of multiple medical treatment failures. FIL was well tolerated overall. Further studies of FIL for the treatment of PFCD are warranted.

Identification of Hypoxia-Related Molecular Classification and Associated Gene Signature in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The high heterogeneity of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the main obstacle for individualized treatment. Recognizing the characteristics of different subtypes and investigating the promising strategies for each subclass are of great significance in precise treatment. In this study, we systematically evaluated hypoxia-mediated patterns together with immune characteristics of 309 OSCC patients in the TCGA training set and 97 patients in the GSE41613 testing set. We further identified two different hypoxia subtypes with distinct immune microenvironment traits and provided treatment programs for the two subclasses. In order to assess hypoxia level individually, we finally constructed a hypoxia-related risk score, which could predict the clinical outcome and immunotherapy response of OSCC patients. In summary, the recognition of different hypoxia patterns and the establishment of hypoxia-related risk score might enhance our understanding of the tumor microenvironment of OSCC and provide more personalized treatment strategies in the future.

Recent Advances in All-Inorganic Zero-Dimensional Metal Halides

All-inorganic zero-dimensional (0D) metal halides are composed of isolated metal halide polyhedrons bridged by monovalent alkali metal ions. The unique structure gives rise to molecule-like electronic configuration and consequently highly attractive optical properties. In comparison with their three-dimensional (3D) counterparts, the 0D metal halides exhibit characteristic features such as broadband emission and long-term stability. In addition, 0D metal halides can be constructed from a diverse range of metal ions and permit high-level impurity doping, thereby offering great structural designability and spectral tunability. This Review surveys recent advances in 0D metal halides, including crystal preparation, luminescence modulation, and emerging applications.

Antimicrobial and anti-dust mite efficacy of Cinnamomum camphora chvar. Borneol essential oil using pilot-plant neutral cellulase-assisted steam distillation

Cinnamomum camphora chvar. Borneol essential oil (BEO) was efficiently extracted by using pilot-plant neutral cellulase-assisted steam distillation (NCSD). Borneol, β-cadinene and α-caryophyllene were identified as major components. Bacillus subtilis was the most sensitive bacteria to BEO with the lowest minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericial concentration (MBC) at 1·75 and 3·50 mg ml^-1 , respectively. Antimicrobial activity of the BEO was also reasonably high against Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, but not sensitive against two fungi, i.e. Aspergillus niger and Penicillium aurantiogriseum. Changes in permeability and integrity of cell membrane, damage of cell wall and further leakage out of metabolites and ions were determined as bactericidal mechanisms of BEO against the two gram-positive bacteria. The BEO showed a reasonably high repelling activity of dust mite, which achieved higher than 95% repelling dust mite activity after the treatment of BEO solution at 0·50 mg ml^-1 . When the concentration of BEO was higher than 0·50 mg ml^-1 , it was B-grade miticide with miticidal activity higher than 95%. Miticidal procedures were characterized as excitation, contraction, relaxation and lastly leading to the death of dust mite. It is speculated that the BEO would cause dehydration and death of dust mite as neuromuscular toxicity.

Prevalence, predictors, and clinical prognosis of macrophage infiltrates in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction caused by plaque erosion as assessed by OCT

Background

Autopsy series showed that one of most common plaque phenotypes underlying coronary thrombi was plaque erosion. Identification of erosion may permit a less invasive management. Chronic inflammation is a common process in atherosclerosis. The severity of plaque inflammation can be assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) defined macrophages density. The impact of macrophage infiltrates (MØI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients caused by plaque erosion was still unknown.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate plaque morphology and clinical prognosis associated with MØI as assessed by optical coherence tomography in STEMI patients caused by plaque erosion.

Methods

From October 2014 to December 2017, 1561 STEMI with OCT imaging before percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled in this study. Finally, 312 STEMI patients caused by plaque erosion were split into two group according to the presence of MØI in culprit eroded plaques.

Results

163 (52.2%) STEMI patients presented plaque erosion with MØI, whereas 149 (47.8%) patients had no evidence of MØI. MØI were more frequency appeared in older patients (p=0.015). The severity and vulnerability of culprit lesions were higher in patients with MØI characterized by more aggressive and vulnerable features. Patients with MØI had worse long-term prognosis, compared with patient without MØI, mainly driven by a higher rate of target lesion revascularization (p=0.046), especially in STEMI patients presented plaque erosion with intensive antiplatelet therapy (p=0.035).

Conclusions

In the present study, we demonstrated that macrophage infiltrates at the site of erode plaques were associated with severity and vulnerability of culprit lesions. The long-term prognosis in patients with MØI were poorer especially in patients without stent implantation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Study flow chartPredictors of plaque erosion with MØI