[Curative effect of percutaneous microwave ablation therapy on hepatocellular carcinoma survival: a 15-year real-world study]

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: 2054 cases with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0~B at the Fifth Medical Center of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2006 to September 2020 were retrospectively collected. All patients were followed up for at least 2 years. The primary endpoint of overall survival and secondary endpoints (tumor-related survival, disease-free survival, and postoperative complications) of patients treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous MWA were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method was used for stratified survival rate analysis. Fine-and-Gray competing risk model was used to analyze overall survival. Results: A total of 5 503 HCC nodules [mean tumor diameter (2.6±1.6) cm] underwent 3 908 MWAs between January 2006 and September 2020, with a median follow-up time of 45.6 (24.0 -79.2) months.The technical effectiveness rate of 5 375 tumor nodules was 97.5%. The overall survival rates at 5, 10, and 15-years were 61.6%, 38.8%, and 27.0%, respectively. The tumor-specific survival rates were 67.1%, 47.2%, and 37.7%, respectively. The free tumor survival rates were 25.8%, 15.7%, and 9.9%, respectively. The incidence rate of severe complications was 2.8% (108/3 908). Further analysis showed that the technical effectiveness and survival rate over the passing three time periods from January 2006-2010, 2011-2015, and 2016-September 2020 were significantly increased, with P < 0.001, especially for liver cancer 3.1~5.0 cm (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Microwave ablation therapy is a safe and effective method for BCLC stage 0-B, with significantly enhanced technical efficacy and survival rate over time.

Synthesis of benzo[f][1,2]thiazepine 1,1-dioxides based on the visible-light-mediated aza Paternò-Büchi reaction of benzo[d]isothiazole 1,1-dioxides with alkenes

A new two-step, one-pot synthesis of benzo[f][1,2]thiazepine 1,1-dioxides was developed, which contains a visible-light mediated aza Paternò-Büchi reaction of benzo[d]isothiazole 1,1-dioxides with alkenes and a Lewis acid catalyzed ring-expansion of azetidine. In this work, the mechanism of the aza Paternò-Büchi reaction was also investigated.

Sc(OTf)3 catalyzed intramolecular single-electron transfer of 2-alkyl-1,4-benzoquinones: synthesis of 6-chromanols from donor-acceptor cyclopropanes

A Sc(OTf)3 catalyzed intramolecular cyclization reaction of 2-alkyl-1,4-benzoquinone derived from D-A cyclopropane was discovered. This reaction involves single-electron transfer, proton-transfer, an aromatization driven spin center shift, and radical coupling processes, and offers an efficient method for the synthesis of 6-chromanols from D-A cyclopropanes.

Photoredox Catalyzed [3 + 2]-Annulation Reaction of Pyridinium 1,4-Zwitterionic Thiolates with Alkenes: Synthesis of Dihydrothiophenes

Pyridinium 1,4-zwitterionic thiolates are usually used to develop ionic annulation reactions. However, radical reactions were rare. We developed a photoredox catalyzed [3 + 2]-annulation reaction of pyridinium 1,4-zwitterionic thiolates with alkenes, disclosed the new reactivity of pyridinium 1,4-zwitterionic thiolate, and provided a new synthetic method for dihydrothiophene.

Visible-Light-Mediated Intermolecular [2 + 2]-Cycloaddition Reaction of 3-Alkylideneindolin-2-one with Alkenes via Triplet Energy Transfer for the Synthesis of 3-Spirocyclobutyl Oxindoles

[2 + 2]-Cycloaddition is the most straightforward approach to the construction of cyclobutanes. In this paper, the intermolecular [2 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of 3-alkylideneindolin-2-ones with alkenes was achieved. This reaction can be used in the synthesis of 3-spirocyclobutyl oxindoles, polycyclic oxindoles, and late stage modification of some drug molecules.

Transcriptomic analysis of World Trade Center particulate Matter-induced pulmonary inflammation and drug treatments

Over 400,000 people are estimated to have been exposed to World Trade Center particulate matter (WTC_PM) since the attack on the Twin Towers in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001. Epidemiological studies have found that exposure to dust may cause respiratory ailments and cardiovascular diseases. However, limited studies have performed a systematic analysis of transcriptomic data to elucidate the biological responses to WTC_PM exposure and the therapeutic options. Here, we developed an in vivo mouse exposure model of WTC_PM and administered two drugs (i.e., rosoxacin and dexamethasone) to generate transcriptomic data from lung samples. WTC_PM exposure increased the inflammation index, and this index was significantly reduced by both drugs. We analyzed the transcriptomics derived omics data using a hierarchical systems biology model (HiSBiM) with four levels, including system, subsystem, pathway, and gene analyses. Based on the selected differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from each group, WTC_PM and the two drugs commonly affected the inflammatory responses, consistent with the inflammation index. Among these DEGs, the expression of 31 genes was affected by WTC_PM exposure and consistently reversed by the two drugs, and these genes included Psme2, Cldn18, and Prkcd, which are involved in immune- and endocrine-related subsystems and pathways such as thyroid hormone synthesis, antigen processing and presentation, and leukocyte transendothelial migration. Furthermore, the two drugs reduced the inflammatory effects of WTC_PM through distinct pathways, e.g., vascular-associated signaling by rosoxacin, whereas mTOR-dependent inflammatory signaling was found to be regulated by dexamethasone. To the best of our knowledge, this study constitutes the first investigation of transcriptomics data of WTC_PM and an exploration of potential therapies. We believe that these findings provide strategies for the development of promising optional interventions and therapies for airborne particle exposure.

[Application of supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island flap for reconstruction after removal of tumors in parotid and auricle area]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island flap (SIF) for repairing the defect of parotid or auricle regions after tumor resection. Methods: From February 2019 to June 2021, 12 patients (11 males and 1 female, aged 54-77 years old), of whom 4 with parotid adenoid cystic carcinoma and 8 with auricular basal cell carcinoma underwent reconstruction surgery for postoperative defects in the parotid gland area and auricular area with SIF in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Size of the SIF, time for harvesting SIF, neck lymph node dissection and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: The flap areas were (6-9) cm × (8-13) cm, and the harvesting time for SIF ranged from 40 to 80 min, averaging 51.7 min. The donor sites were directly closed. All patients underwent ipsilateral levels Ⅰ-Ⅲ neck dissection, with 4 cases undergoing additional level Ⅳ neck dissection and 2 cases undergoing level Ⅳ-Ⅴ neck dissection. Of the 12 SIF, 10 were completely survival and 2 had flap arterial crisis with partial flap necrosis, in addition, 1 had donor site wound dehiscence. With follow-up of 10-42 months, there were no tumor recurrences in 10 patients, 1 patient was lost to follow-up at 10 months postoperatively, and 1 patient experienced local tumor recurrence at 11 months after surgery and died 15 months later. Conclusion: SIF is an easily harvested flap with good skin features matching the skin in parotid and auricle regions and less damage to donor site, and this flap has no need for microvascular anastomosis technique. SIF is feasible and effective for repairing defects in parotid and auricle area.

Gut microbiota composition can reflect immune responses of latent tuberculosis infection in patients with poorly controlled diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for tuberculosis (TB). Evidence has linked the DM-related dysbiosis of gut microbiota to modifiable host immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. However, the crosslinks between gut microbiota composition and immunological effects on the development of latent TB infection (LTBI) in DM patients remain uncertain.

METHODS

We prospectively obtained stool, blood samples, and medical records from 130 patients with poorly-controlled DM (pDM), defined as ever having an HbA1c > 9.0% within previous 1 year. Among them, 43 had LTBI, as determined by QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-Tube assay. The differences in the taxonomic diversity of gut microbiota between LTBI and non-LTBI groups were investigated using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, and a predictive algorithm was established using a random forest model. Serum cytokine levels were measured to determine their correlations with gut microbiota.

RESULTS

Compared with non-LTBI group, the microbiota in LTBI group displayed a similar alpha-diversity but different beta-diversity, featuring decrease of Prevotella_9, Streptococcus, and Actinomyces and increase of Bacteroides, Alistipes, and Blautia at the genus level. The accuracy was 0.872 for the LTBI prediction model using the aforementioned 6 microbiome-based biomarkers. Compared with the non-LTBI group, the LTBI group had a significantly lower serum levels of IL-17F (p = 0.025) and TNF-α (p = 0.038), which were correlated with the abundance of the aforementioned 6 taxa.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results suggest that gut microbiome composition maybe associated with host immunity relevant to TB status, and gut microbial signature might be helpful for the diagnosis of LTBI.

Methotrexate inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 entry, infection and inflammation revealed by bioinformatics approach and a hamster model

Background

Drug repurposing is a fast and effective way to develop drugs for an emerging disease such as COVID-19. The main challenges of effective drug repurposing are the discoveries of the right therapeutic targets and the right drugs for combating the disease.

Methods

Here, we present a systematic repurposing approach, combining Homopharma and hierarchal systems biology networks (HiSBiN), to predict 327 therapeutic targets and 21,233 drug-target interactions of 1,592 FDA drugs for COVID-19. Among these multi-target drugs, eight candidates (along with pimozide and valsartan) were tested and methotrexate was identified to affect 14 therapeutic targets suppressing SARS-CoV-2 entry, viral replication, and COVID-19 pathologies. Through the use of in vitro (EC₅₀ = 0.4 μM) and in vivo models, we show that methotrexate is able to inhibit COVID-19 via multiple mechanisms.

Results

Our in vitro studies illustrate that methotrexate can suppress SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication by targeting furin and DHFR of the host, respectively. Additionally, methotrexate inhibits all four SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. In a Syrian hamster model for COVID-19, methotrexate reduced virus replication, inflammation in the infected lungs. By analysis of transcriptomic analysis of collected samples from hamster lung, we uncovered that neutrophil infiltration and the pathways of innate immune response, adaptive immune response and thrombosis are modulated in the treated animals.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that this systematic repurposing approach is potentially useful to identify pharmaceutical targets, multi-target drugs and regulated pathways for a complex disease. Our findings indicate that methotrexate is established as a promising drug against SARS-CoV-2 variants and can be used to treat lung damage and inflammation in COVID-19, warranting future evaluation in clinical trials.

Organic photoredox catalytic amino-heteroarylation of unactivated olefins to access distal amino ketones

Here we describe a metal-free amino-heteroarylation of unactivated olefins via organic photoredox catalysis, providing a concise and efficient approach for the rapid synthesis of various δ (β, ε)-amino ketones under mild conditions. This protocol demonstrates that the new photocatalyst Cz-NI developed by our group has an excellent photoredox catalytic performance. Finally, a series of mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations indicate that this transformation undergoes a photoredox catalytic sequential radical addition/functional group migration process.

TRIM32 Deficiency Impairs the Generation of Pyramidal Neurons in Developing Cerebral Cortex

Excitatory-inhibitory imbalance (E/I) is a fundamental mechanism underlying autism spectrum disorders (ASD). TRIM32 is a risk gene genetically associated with ASD. The absence of TRIM32 causes impaired generation of inhibitory GABAergic interneurons, neural network hyperexcitability, and autism-like behavior in mice, emphasizing the role of TRIM32 in maintaining E/I balance, but despite the description of TRIM32 in regulating proliferation and differentiation of cultured mouse neural progenitor cells (NPCs), the role of TRIM32 in cerebral cortical development, particularly in the production of excitatory pyramidal neurons, remains unknown. The present study observed that TRIM32 deficiency resulted in decreased numbers of distinct layer-specific cortical neurons and decreased radial glial cell (RGC) and intermediate progenitor cell (IPC) pool size. We further demonstrated that TRIM32 deficiency impairs self-renewal of RGCs and IPCs as indicated by decreased proliferation and mitosis. A TRIM32 deficiency also affects or influences the formation of cortical neurons. As a result, TRIM32-deficient mice showed smaller brain size. At the molecular level, RNAseq analysis indicated reduced Notch signalling in TRIM32-deficient mice. Therefore, the present study indicates a role for TRIM32 in pyramidal neuron generation. Impaired generation of excitatory pyramidal neurons may explain the hyperexcitability observed in TRIM32-deficient mice.

Metal-free, visible-light induced enantioselective three-component dicarbofunctionalization and oxytrifluoromethylation of enamines via chiral phosphoric acid catalysis

Using diverse carbon-centered radical precursors and electron-rich (hetero)aromatics and alcohols as nucleophiles, a visible-light driven chiral phosphoric acid (CPA) catalyzed asymmetric intermolecular, three-component radical-initiated dicarbofunctionalization and oxytrifluoromethylation of enamines was developed, which provides a straightforward access to chiral arylmethylamines, aza-hemiacetals and γ-amino acid derivatives with excellent enantioselectivity. As far as we know, this is the first example of constructing a chiral C–O bond using simple alcohols via visible-light photocatalysis. Chiral phosphoric acid played multiple roles in the reaction, including controlling the reaction stereoselectivity and promoting the generation of radical intermediates by activating Togni's reagent. Mechanistic studies also suggested the importance of the N–H bond of the enamine and indole for the reactions.

We have developed a metal-free, visible-light driven chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed asymmetric intermolecular, three-component radical-initiated dicarbofunctionalization and oxytrifluoromethylation of enamines.

A Photosensitizer-Free Radical Cascade for Synthesizing CF3-Containing Polycyclic Quinazolinones with Visible Light

Herein, we report an efficient photoinduced radical tandem trifluoromethylation/cyclization reaction of N-cyanamide alkenes for the synthesis of functionalized quinazolinones. Importantly, the reaction is carried out under mild conditions without any additional photosensitizer, metal, or extra additives. A series of trifluoromethyl quinazolinones were prepared efficiently with good yields and excellent functional group tolerance. Preliminary mechanistic experiments were conducted to indicate that the transformation proceeds via a possible mechanism involving photoexcited EDA complex and chain propagation.

Solvent directed chemically divergent synthesis of β-lactams and α-amino acid derivatives with chiral isothiourea

A protocol for the chemically divergent synthesis of β-lactams and α-amino acid derivatives with isothiourea (ITU) catalysis by switching solvents was developed. The stereospecific Mannich reaction occurring between imine and C(1)-ammonium enolate generated zwitterionic intermediates, which underwent intramolecular lactamization and afforded β-lactam derivatives when DCM and CH₃CN were used as solvents. However, when EtOH was used as the solvent, the intermediates underwent an intermolecular esterification reaction, and α-amino acid derivatives were produced. Detailed mechanistic experiments were conducted to prove that these two kinds of products came from the same intermediates. Furthermore, chemically diversified transformations of β-lactam and α-amino acid derivatives were achieved.

A protocol for the solvent directed chemically divergent synthesis of β-lactam and α-amino acid derivatives with chiral isothiourea was reported.

An integrated systematic approach for investigating microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (MENS) efficacy in STZ-induced diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major metabolic disorder and an increasing health problem worldwide. Effective non-invasive therapies for DM are still lacking. Here, we have developed Microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (MENS), a non-invasive therapy, and tested on 46 mice clustered into five groups, such as control, STZ-induced DM, and MENS treatment groups. Experimental results show that MENS treatment is able to improve seven biochemical indexes (e.g., hemoglobin A1c and glucose level). To investigate the mechanisms of MENS treatment on STZ-induced DM, we selected six representative samples to perform microarray experiments for several groups and developed an integrated Hierarchical System Biology Model (HiSBiM) to analyze these omics data. The results indicate that MENS can affect fatty acid metabolism pathways, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway and cell cycle. Additionally, the DM biochemical indexes and omics data profiles of MENS treatment were found to be consistent. We then compared the therapeutic effects of MENS with anti-diabetic compounds (e.g., quercetin, metformin, and rosiglitazone), using the HiSBiM four-level biological functions and processes of multiple omics data. The results show MENS and these anti-diabetic compounds have similar effect pathways highly correlated to the diabetes processes, such as the PPAR signaling pathway, bile secretion, and insulin signaling pathways. We believe that MENS is an effective and non-invasive therapy for DM and our HiSBiM is an useful method for investigating multiple omics data.

CoMI: consensus mutual information for tissue-specific gene signatures

Background

The gene signatures have been considered as a promising early diagnosis and prognostic analysis to identify disease subtypes and to determine subsequent treatments. Tissue-specific gene signatures of a specific disease are an emergency requirement for precision medicine to improve the accuracy and reduce the side effects. Currently, many approaches have been proposed for identifying gene signatures for diagnosis and prognostic. However, they often lack of tissue-specific gene signatures.

Results

Here, we propose a new method, consensus mutual information (CoMI) for analyzing omics data and discovering gene signatures. CoMI can identify differentially expressed genes in multiple cancer omics data for reflecting both cancer-related and tissue-specific signatures, such as Cell growth and death in multiple cancers, Xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism in LIHC, and Nervous system in GBM. Our method identified 50-gene signatures effectively distinguishing the GBM patients into high- and low-risk groups (log-rank p = 0.006) for diagnosis and prognosis.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that CoMI can identify significant and consistent gene signatures with tissue-specific properties and can predict clinical outcomes for interested diseases. We believe that CoMI is useful for analyzing omics data and discovering gene signatures of diseases.

[Cone-beam CT evaluation of the Monson's spherical radius of young adults in Guangdong]

Objective: To measure and analyze the spherical radius of Monson of normal young people in Guangdong province using cone-beam CT (CBCT), and to establish a personalized measurement method of the spherical radius of Monson to provide a reference for clinical application of Monson spherical radius in occlusal reconstruction. Methods: Sixty healthy young adults from physical examination population at Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University [30 males and 30 females, aged (22.1±2.0) years 18-26 years) were recruited, and their CBCT were taken. Three-dimensional reconstruction of CBCT data was carried out, and the reconstructed models were fixed, traced and measured. The difference of Monson spherical radius between male and female was compared by using a single sample t-test. Results: The Monson spherical radius was (100.72±4.89) mm. The Monson spherical radius of male and female were (103.48±4.19) mm and (97.97±3.93) mm respectively. The difference between male and female was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusions: CBCT can be used to accurately measure the spherical radius of Monson and can be used as a reference for reconstruction of occlusal plane.

Sc(OTf)3 catalyzed [3 + 2]-annulation reaction of donor–acceptor aziridines with methylene exo-glycals: synthesis of chiral carbohydrate-spiro-heterocycles

A Sc(OTf)₃ catalyzed [3 + 2]-annulation reaction between D–A N-tosyl aziridines and methylene exo-glycals was developed for the synthesis of carbohydrate-spiro-heterocycles.

[Comparison of HIV infection risk between 15 to 24 year-old student men who have sex with men and non-student men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study]

Objective: To compare the difference of HIV infection risk among student Men who have sex with men (sMSM) attending secondary vocational colleges or high school, sMSM attending universities or above, and non-student men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and October, 2019. Inclusion criteria of participants include: 15-24 years old, male at birth, had homosexual oral or anal intercourse before survey, self-reported HIV negative or unclear. Demographic information, HIV testing history and social media usage were collected by a self-reporting questionnaire, the HIV risk assessment tool was used for HIV infection risk assessment. We used Logistic regression to analyze the difference of HIV infection risk among student sMSM attending secondary vocational colleges or high school, sMSM attending universities or above, and non-student MSM. Results: Of the 1 707 participants, 45% (771 projects) reported homosexual debut before the age of 19, the proportion of HIV self-testing was 49% (833 projects), and 34% (587 projects) received facility-based testing. Comparing with sMSM attending universities or above, non-student MSM and sMSM attending secondary vocational colleges or high school had higher probability of medium and high HIV infection risk [OR(95%CI): 1.53(1.10-2.12), 1.80(1.06-3.07), respectively], while the probability of medium and high HIV infection risk between sMSM attending secondary vocational colleges and non-student MSM was not statistically different. Conclusion: Non-student MSM and sMSM attending secondary vocational college or high school have higher risk of HIV infection, health staff should allocate more education resources to Non-student MSM and sMSM attending secondary vocational college or high school, in order to alleviate HIV threat to them.

[Predictive value of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio on myocardial injury in severe COVID-19 patients]

Objective: To explore the predictive value of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on myocardial injury in severe COVID-19 patients. Methods: In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we collected and analyzed data form 133 severe COVID-19 patients admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (Eastern District) from January 30 to February 18, 2020. Patients were divided into myocardial injury group (n=29) and non-myocardial injury group (n=104) according the presence or absence of myocardial injury. The general information of patients was collected by electronic medical record database system. All patients were followed up for 30 days, the organ injury and/or dysfunction were monitored, the in-hospital death was compared between the two groups, and the disease progression was reevaluated and classified at 14 days after initial hospitalization. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of myocardial injury in severe COVID-19 patients. The ROC of NLR was calculated, and the AUC was determined to estimate the optimal cut-off value of NLR for predicting myocardial injury in severe cases of COVID-19. Results: There was statistical significance in age, respiratory frequency, systolic blood pressure, symptoms of dyspnea, previous chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease history, white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, C-reactive protein, platelet counting, aspartate transaminase, albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, urea, estimated glomerular filtration rate, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, D-dimer, CD3⁺, CD4⁺, partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of CO₂, blood oxygen saturation, other organ injury, clinical outcome and prognosis between patients with myocardial injury and without myocardial injury (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NLR was a risk factor for myocardial injury (OR=1.066，95%CI 1.021-1.111，P=0.033). ROC curve showed that NLR predicting AUC of myocardial injury in severe COVID-19 patients was 0.774 (95%CI 0.694-0.842), the optimal cut-off value of NLR was 5.768, with a sensitivity of 82.8%, and specificity of 69.5%. Conclusion: NLR may be used to predict myocardial injury in severe COVID-19 patients.

[Keyhole Approach Endoscopic Surgery versus Stereotactic Aspiration plus Urokinase in Treating Basal Ganglia Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage]

Objective To compare the short-and long-term effect of two minimal invasive surgical therapies including keyhole approach endoscopic surgery(KAES)and stereotactic aspiration plus urokinase(SAU)in treating basal ganglia hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage(hICH). Methods The clinical data of 117 hICH patients(63 received KAES and 54 received SAU)were retrospectively analyzed.The operation time,blood loss during surgery,and drainage time were compared between two groups.The residual hematoma volume,hematoma clearance rate(HCR),Glasgow coma scale(GCS)score,and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score were recorded at baseline and in the ultra-early stage,early stage,and sub-early stage after surgery.The 30-day mortality and serious adverse events were assessed and the 6-month modified Rankin scale(mRS)score was rated.Results Baseline data showed no significant difference between these two groups.Compared with the SAU group,the KAES group had significantly longer operation time,more intraoperative blood loss,and shorter drainage time(all P<0.001).In the ultra-early stage after surgery,HCR was significantly higher in the KAES group(P<0.001),whereas in the early and sub-early stage,HCR showed no significant differences(all P>0.05).In the ultra-early and early stage,the GCS and NIHSS scores showed no significant differences between two groups(all P>0.05),whereas in the sub-early stage,the NIHSS score was better in the SAU group(P=0.034).The 30-day mortality and incidences of serious adverse events showed no significant difference(all P>0.05).The good recovery(mRS≤3)at 6-months follow-up showed no significant difference between the two groups(P=0.413).Conclusions Both KAES and SAU are safe and effective in treating basal ganglia hICH.In the ultra-early stage after surgery,KAES achieves better residual hematoma volume and HCR,and patients undergoing SAU quickly catch up.The short-and long-term effectiveness of SAU is comparable or even superior to KAES.

Omics-based Investigation of Diet-induced Obesity Synergized with HBx, Src, and p53 Mutation Accelerating Hepatocarcinogenesis in Zebrafish Model

The primary type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has been associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, diabetes, and obesity. Previous studies have identified some genetic risk factors, such as hepatitis B virus X antigens, overexpression of SRC oncogene, and mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene; however, the synergism between diet and genetic risk factors is still unclear. To investigate the synergism between diet and genetic risk factors in hepatocarcinogenesis, we used zebrafish with four genetic backgrounds and overfeeding or high-fat-diet-induced obesity with an omics-based expression of genes and histopathological changes. The results show that overfeeding and high-fat diet can induce obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in wild-type fish. In HBx, Src (p53-) triple transgenic zebrafish, diet-induced obesity accelerated HCC formation at five months of age and increased the cancer incidence threefold. We developed a global omics data analysis method to investigate genes, pathways, and biological systems based on microarray and next-generation sequencing (NGS, RNA-seq) omics data of zebrafish with four diet and genetic risk factors. The results show that two Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) systems, metabolism and genetic information processing, as well as the pathways of fatty acid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and ribosome biogenesis, are activated during hepatocarcinogenesis. This study provides a systematic view of the synergism between genetic and diet factors in the dynamic liver cancer formation process, and indicate that overfeeding or a high-fat diet and the risk genes have a synergistic effect in causing liver cancer by affecting fatty acid metabolism and ribosome biogenesis.

An Atropo-enantioselective Synthesis of Benzo-Linked Axially Chiral Indoles via Hydrogen-Bond Catalysis

A variety of axially chiral biaryldiols were synthesized in good yields with excellent atropo-enantioselectivities through construction of axially chiral indoles catalyzed by asymmetric hydrogen-bond donors. In addition, the new axially chiral compounds were proved to be efficient and practical catalysts for asymmetric catalysis. The strategy not only provides a novel method to synthesize axially chiral compounds but also extends the scope of chiral catalysts.

Palladium catalysed [3 + 2]-annulation reaction of vinylcyclopropanes with pentafulvenes: synthesis of polysubstituted spiro[4,4]nona-6,8-dienes

A novel palladium catalysed [3 + 2]-annulation reaction of vinylcyclopropanes with pentafulvenes has been developed for the synthesis of spiro[4,4]nona-6,8-dienes.

[5-HT(2A) receptor/protein kinase C pathway in mediating long-term facilitation of carotid sinus nerve discharge in chronic intermittent hypoxia rats]

Objective: To explore the role of 5-HT(2A)R/PKC pathway in mediating long-term facilitation (LTF) of carotid sinus nerve (CSN) discharge in chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) rats. Methods: With number table, 24 adult SD rats were randomly divided into saline control group (group A, n=6), 5-HT(2A)R antagonist (ketanserin) group (group B, n=6), PKC inhibitor (PKC θ-pseudosubstrate) group (group C, n=6) and combined ketanserin with PKC θ-pseudosubstrate group (group D, n=6). All rats were placed into the animal chambers for CIH treatment, 8 h per day (from 9: 00 to 17: 00) for 4 consecutive weeks. 28 days later, 5 min × 3 times of stimulation with acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) were given, after that, stable CSN discharge activities were recorded and compared before and after intravenous injection of saline (group A), ketanserin (group B), PKC θ-pseudosubstrate (group C) or ketanserin + PKC θ-pseudosubstrate (group D), respectively. Results: There were no significant difference in the baseline (before AIH stimulation) average peak amplitude of CSN discharge among the four groups (P>0.05). In group A, the amplitude of CSN discharge at 30 min and 60 min after AIH were (5.01 ± 0.53) μV and (4.95 ± 0.34) μV respectively, which were significantly higher than that before AIH (P<0.01). The results implied that the CSN LTF could be induced by AIH in CIH pre-treatment rats. In group B, the amplitude of CSN discharge at 30 min and 60 min after AIH were (3.79 ± 0.42) μV and (3.73 ± 0.46) μV, respectively, which were still significantly higher than that before AIH (P<0.01), showing that carotid sinus nerve LTF couldn't be completely blocked by 5-HT(2A)R antagonist in rats. After injection of PKC θ-pseudosubstrate or ketanserin + PKC θ-pseudosubstrate in group C or D, there were no significant differences in CSN discharge amplitude before and after AIH (P>0.01), suggesting that inhibition of PKC alone or 5-HT(2A)R/PKC pathway could completely block the LTF of CSN. Conclusion: 5-HT(2A)R/PKC pathway was involved in mediating long-term facilitation of carotid sinus nerve discharge in CIH rats.

Photoredox-Induced Intramolecular 1,5-H Transfer Reaction of Aryl Iodides for the Synthesis of Spirocyclic γ-Lactams

This work develops a photocatalysis method for the synthesis of γ-spirolactams through a tandem intramolecular 1,5-HAT reaction-cyclization process. A variety of novel γ-spirolactams are prepared in good to excellent yields with this method. This transformation features mild reaction conditions and exceptional functional group tolerance. Additionally, γ-terpinene is applied to this transformation as a hydrogen atom donor for the first time.

A homologous mapping method for three-dimensional reconstruction of protein networks reveals disease-associated mutations

BACKGROUND

One of the crucial steps toward understanding the associations among molecular interactions, pathways, and diseases in a cell is to investigate detailed atomic protein-protein interactions (PPIs) in the structural interactome. Despite the availability of large-scale methods for analyzing PPI networks, these methods often focused on PPI networks using genome-scale data and/or known experimental PPIs. However, these methods are unable to provide structurally resolved interaction residues and their conservations in PPI networks.

RESULTS

Here, we reconstructed a human three-dimensional (3D) structural PPI network (hDiSNet) with the detailed atomic binding models and disease-associated mutations by enhancing our PPI families and 3D-domain interologs from 60,618 structural complexes and complete genome database with 6,352,363 protein sequences across 2274 species. hDiSNet is a scale-free network (γ = 2.05), which consists of 5177 proteins and 19,239 PPIs with 5843 mutations. These 19,239 structurally resolved PPIs not only expanded the number of PPIs compared to present structural PPI network, but also achieved higher agreement with gene ontology similarities and higher co-expression correlation than the ones of 181,868 experimental PPIs recorded in public databases. Among 5843 mutations, 1653 and 790 mutations involved in interacting domains and contacting residues, respectively, are highly related to diseases. Our hDiSNet can provide detailed atomic interactions of human disease and their associated proteins with mutations. Our results show that the disease-related mutations are often located at the contacting residues forming the hydrogen bonds or conserved in the PPI family. In addition, hDiSNet provides the insights of the FGFR (EGFR)-MAPK pathway for interpreting the mechanisms of breast cancer and ErbB signaling pathway in brain cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that hDiSNet can explore structural-based interactions insights for understanding the mechanisms of disease-associated proteins and their mutations. We believe that our method is useful to reconstruct structurally resolved PPI networks for interpreting structural genomics and disease associations.

A C1-symmetric N-heterocyclic carbene catalysed oxidative spiroannulation of isatin-derived enals: highly enantioselective synthesis of spirooxindole δ-lactones

A C₁-symmetric N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalysed activation of isatin-derived enals under oxidative conditions was achieved. The in situ generated α,β-unsaturated acyl azolium species was efficiently trapped by 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds via a Michael addition/spiroannualtion cascade, delivering a series of synthetically important spirooxindole δ-lactones with up to 96% enantioselectivity.

A NHC-catalysed spiroannulation of isatin-derived enals and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds has been developed, enabling enantioselective synthesis of synthetically important spirooxindole δ-lactones.

Directing group assisted ZnI2-catalyzed cyclopropanation of indoles via 2-furylcarbenoids

An efficient method for the synthesis of cyclopropane-fused indolines via a Zn₂I catalyzed cyclopropanation of indoles and enynones was reported.

A new approach to access difluoroalkylated diarylmethanes via visible-light photocatalytic cross-coupling reactions

A para-quinone methide and difluoroalkylating reagent involved radical cross-coupling reaction was described, through photocatalytically generated diarylmethane radical intermediates.

Synthesis of five-membered cyclic nitrones based on the Lewis acid-catalysed [3+2]-annulation reaction of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes with 1,4,2-dioxazoles

A Lewis acid-catalysed reaction of D–A cyclopropanes with 1,4,2-dioxazoles has been developed for the synthesis of five-membered cyclic nitrones.

Efficiency of multi-beam Fourier phase gratings at 1.4 THz

We compare the results of simulated and measured power efficiency and far-field beam pattern, for two reflective Fourier phase gratings, designed to generate 2 × 2 and 2 × 4 beams respectively from a single-beam, coherent source at 1.4 THz. The designed surface structures were manufactured on aluminum plates by a computer numerical control (CNC) micro-milling machine. Despite small differences between the designed and fabricated gratings, we measured power efficiencies of both gratings to be around 70%, which is in a good agreement with the simulated values. We also find a good agreement between the simulated and measured diffracted beam size and spatial distribution. We demonstrate the application of both gratings as multiple beam local oscillators to simultaneously pump (or operate) a 4-pixel array of superconducting heterodyne mixers.

[The relationship between accommodative accuracy at different near-work distances and early-onset myopia]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the accommodative accuracy of children with early-onset myopia at different near-work distances, and discuss the relationship between accommodative accuracy and early-onset myopia.

METHODS

This was a case-control study. Thirty-seven emmetropic children, 41 early-onset myopic children without correction, and 39 early-onset myopic children with spectacles, aged 7 to 13 years, were included. Measures of refractive errors and accommodative accuracy at four near-work distances, including 50 cm, 40 cm, 30 cm, and 20 cm, were made using the binocular fusion cross cylinder (FCC) of an automatic phoropter.

RESULTS

Most candidates showed accommodative lags, including the children with emmetropia. The ratio of lags in all candidates at different near-work distances was 75.21% (50 cm), 87.18% (40 cm), 92.31% (30 cm), and 98.29% (20 cm), respectively. All accommodative accuracies became worse, and the accommodative lag ratio and values of FCC increased, along with the shortening of the distance. The difference in accommodative accuracy among groups was statistically significant at 30 cm (χ(2)=7.852, P= 0.020) and 20 cm (χ(2)=6.480, P=0.039). The values of FCC among groups were significantly different at 30 cm (F=3.626, P=0.030) and 20 cm (F=3.703, P=0.028), but not at 50 cm and 40 cm (P>0.05). In addition, the FCC values of 30 cm and 20 cm had a statistically significant difference between myopic children without correction [(1.25±0.44) D and (1.76±0.43) D] and emmetropic children [(0.95±0.52) D and (1.41±0.58) D] (P=0.012, 0.008). The correlation between diopters of myopia and accommodative accuracy at different nearwork distances was not statistically significant (P>0.05). However, the correlation between diopters of myopia and the accommodative lag value (FCC) at 20 cm was statistically significant (r=0.246, P=0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

The closer the near-work distance is, the worse the accommodative accuracy is. This is more significant in early-onset myopia, especially myopia without correction, than emmetropia. Wearing spectacles may improve the threshold and sensitivity of accommodations, and the accommodative accuracy at near-work distances (<30 cm) to some extent. The poor accommodative accuracy at near-work distances may be not related to early-onset myopia, but the value of FCC (20 cm) is related to early-onset myopia. The higher the FCC value is, the higher the diopter is. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 520-524).

Rh(II) Catalyzed High Order Cycloadditions of 8-Azaheptafulvenes with N-Sulfonyl 1,2,3-Triazloes or α-Oxo Diazocompounds

A novel strategy was developed for the application of Rh carbenes generated from readily accessible N-sulfonyl 1,2,3,-triazoles or diazocompouds in the high order cycloadditions, which offered an efficient route to a variety of N-containing medium-sized rings. The process provided a wide range of cyclohepta[b]pyrazine and cyclohepta[b]pyrrolone derivatives with high yields.

Synthesis of a hierarchical nanoporous carbon material with controllable pore size and effective surface area for high-performance electrochemical capacitors

There is an excellent linear relationship between E-SSA and specific capacitance of HNC-IPNs as electrode materials for EDLCs.

Lewis acid catalyzed diastereoselective [3+4]-annulation of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes with anthranils: synthesis of tetrahydro-1-benzazepine derivatives

The [3+4]-annulation between donor–acceptor cyclopropanes and anthranils has been developed for the diastereoselective synthesis of tetrahydro-1-benzazepine derivatives.

Lewis Acid and (Hypo)iodite Relay Catalysis Allows a Strategy for the Synthesis of Polysubstituted Azetidines and Tetrahydroquinolines

A catalytic [3 + 1]-annulation reaction between cyclopropane 1,1-diester and aromatic amine is developed based on the relay catalysis strategy. Lewis acid-catalyzed nucleophilic ring opening of cyclopropane 1,1-diester with aromatic amine and (hypo)iodite-catalyzed C-N bond formation are combined successfully in one reaction. Using this reaction, biologically important azetidines and tetrahydroquinolines can be prepared directly.

[Modification of the composite resin with the hyperbranched polyester and evaluation of the mechanical properties of the modified composite resin]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of hyperbranched polyester(HBP)on mechanical properties of the conventional resin matrix.

METHODS

Two hyperbranched monomers(HBP2-X and HBP2-Y)were synthesized and incorporated at 40%(by mass)into a 2∶1(by mass)bisphenol-A diglycidyl methacrylate(Bis-GMA): triethylene glycol dimethacrylate(TEGDMA)resin. Bis-GMA/TEGDMA without the incorporation of hyperbranched polyester was used as control(n=8 per group). The mechanical properties of the modified neat resin, including polymerization volumetric shrinkage, Vickers hardness, water absorption and dissolution rate, as well as the flexural strength, compressive strength and diametral tensile strength of the composite resin with different content of filler(0%, 30%, 50%, 70%)were measured. Mechanical properties of the composite resin were measured by universal testing machine. The results were analyzed by the ANOVA and LSD-t-test.

RESULTS

The resin with HBP greatly decreased the polymerization shrinkage of the composite resin, and the value of group X was(6.32±0.49)%, and that of group Y was(6.31±0.68)%, whereas that of the control group was(8.14 ± 0.53)%. The value of volumetric shrinkage of the modified groups were significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05). By adding HBP, the hardness value of group X([198 ± 5]MPa)and group Y([177 ± 4]MPa)were significantly lower than that of the control group([214±6]MPa)(P<0.05). The HBP significantly influenced the water sorption and solubility of the neat resin(P<0.05). For the composite materials, with 70% inorganic filler, there were no significant difference in the value of flexural strength among the groups(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the value of compressive strength, between group X([244 ± 13]MPa)and the standard group([234 ± 17]MPa)(P>0.05). However, they were significantly higher than that in group Y([204 ± 24]MPa)(P<0.05). For the value of diametral tensile strength, there was no significant difference between group Y([36.4 ± 2.1]MPa)and the control group([34.4 ± 2.9]MPa)(P>0.05), but both were significantly lower than that in group X([41.1 ± 3.0]MPa)(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although there were certain effect on the mechanical properties of the resin that was modified with the HBP, we should make further analysis and study based on the property of low volumetric shrinkage, to strive for the development of low volumetric shrinkage of HBP, without affecting its mechanical properties.