Search

Haoran Deng, Shiping Zhu, Fei Yu, Xue Song, Xinlai Jin, Xuchun Ding Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xuchun Ding, Email archon_01@163.comObjective: To explore the predictive value of cellular inflammatory factors and T cell subsets for disease recurrence and prognosis in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods: Serum samples were collected from the two groups to detect and compare the levels of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], T cell subsets (CD4+, CD8+), and clinical related indicators. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between inflammatory cytokines, T cell subsets, and clinical indicators. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to analyze the predictive value of serum inflammatory factors and T cell subsets for acute exacerbations of COPD.Results: The observation group had higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CD8+, and lower CD4+ levels (P< 0.05). The ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) was lower, while procalcitonin (PCT) and white blood cell count (WBC) were higher (P< 0.05). Correlation analysis showed positive correlations between IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CD8+, and negative correlations with CD4+ and FEV1/FVC (P< 0.05). After 6 months, 15 out of 73 patients had acute recurrences, with higher IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CD8+ levels (P< 0.05). Binary logistic regression identified IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CD8+ as significant predictors of exacerbations, while CD4+ was protective. ROC analysis showed that combined biomarkers had the highest predictive efficiency (AUC = 0.907).Conclusion: This study is the first to integrate multiple serum inflammatory factors and T cell subsets into a comprehensive predictive model for acute recurrence of COPD within six months (AUC = 0.907), offering a more accurate prediction than traditional methods. The findings underscore the value of these biomarkers in clinical follow-up and highlight their independent predictive power, providing new insights into the interaction between immune markers and clinical indicators in COPD exacerbations.Keywords: Cellular inflammatory factors, T cell subsets, COPD, acute phase, disease recurrence, predictive value, prognosis

Hongmei Xu,1 Ningning Wu,2 Hui Yu,3 Chuanqing Wang,4 Jikui Deng,5 Hongmei Wang,5 Chunzhen Hua,6 Yinghu Chen,6 Xuejun Chen,7 Ting Zhang,8 Hong Zhang,9 Yiping Chen,10 Shifu Wang,11 Qing Cao,12 Huiling Deng,13 Sancheng Cao,14 Jianhua Hao,15 Wei Gao,16 Chunmei Jing2 1Infectious Disease Department, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Rare Diseases in Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 3Infectious Disease Department, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Nosocomial Infection Control Department, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 5Infectious Disease Department, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China; 6Infectious Disease Department, Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 7Department of Medical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University, Zhenjiang, People’s Republic of China; 8Digestive and Infectious Disease Department, Children’s Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 9Department of Medical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 10Pediatric Infectious Disease Department, Second Affiliated Hospital, and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China; 11Department of Medical Laboratory, Qilu Children’s Hospital, Shandong University, Shandong, People’s Republic of China; 12Infectious Disease Department, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 13Infectious Disease Department, Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China; 14Department of Medical Laboratory, Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China; 15Infectious Disease Department, Children’s Hospital of Kaifeng City, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of China; 16Department of Medical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Kaifeng City, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Chunmei Jing, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, No. 136 Zhongshan Er Road, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People’s Republic of China, Email jcm791203@163.comObjective: Aim to investigate the pathogens distribution and drug resistance of gram-negative bacteria causing bloodstream infection (BSIs) in Infectious Disease Surveillance of Pediatric from 2016 to 2022. The prevalence of four important drug resistance phenotypes was studied: difficult-to-treat resistance, fluoroquinolone resistance, carbapenem resistance, and extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance, and to provide reference basis for preventing and treating BSIs diseases in children.Methods: Strain identification and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were independently performed at each hospital. Data were analyzed using Whonet 5.6 and GraphPad Prism 8 software. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to examine and compare temporal changes.Results: A total of 39977 BSIs strains were isolated, with 27.1% of the negative bacteria causing BSIs (10824 strains). The highest bacteria detected were E. coli and S. maltophilia in the neonatal and pediatric groups. The detection rate of carbapenem-resistant-K. pneumoniae (CRKPN) in neonate group was 31.4%, significantly increased compared with pediatric group, whose detection rate was 24.7%. The rates of resistance to levofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were significantly lower in neonatal groups than pediatric groups in BSIs caused by K. pneumoniae. To imipenem and meropenem were 3.6% and 3.9% among neonatal isolates, which was lower than 4.7% and 5.8 among pediatric BSIs caused by E. coli. Isolated from neonatal BSIs caused by A. baumannii showed lower resistance ratios to all the agents tested than those from pediatric. However, only the prevalence of piperacillin/tazobactam resistance was statistically lower than that in pediatric BSIs caused by P. aeruginosa. The average detection rates of carbapenem resistance, extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance, and fluoroquinolone resistance for K. pneumoniae and E. coli were 28.1%,41.4%,11.6% and 4.0%,24.3%,31.1%, respectively.Conclusion: The detection rate of gram-negative pathogens showed an increasing trend among the bloodstream infection. The detection rate of CRKPN assumed a downward trend in 2018. There are differences types of pathogens between the neonatal group and the pediatric group, The detection rate of CRKPN in the neonate group was significantly higher than pediatric group. The first average detection rates for carbapenem resistance, extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance, and fluoroquinolone resistance were obtained for A. baumannii, K. pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, respectively. Those data showed a high level of antimicrobial resistance, which has posed an urgent threat to Children’s health, suggested that effective monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship among children in China are required.Keywords: bloodstream infection, pathogenic bacterium, difficult-to-treat resistance, carbapenem resistance, extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance, fluoroquinolone resistance

Xiaowei Zhou, Liyong Zou, Haoyue Deng, Yuanqun Zhou, Yue Wu, Xingnan Ouyang, Liangming Liu, Li Wang,&ast; Tao Li&ast; Department of Shock and Transfusion, Army Medical Center of Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Li Wang; Tao Li, Department of Shock and Transfusion, Army Medical Center of Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China, Email wangli8134@163.com; lt200132@tmmu.edu.cnPurpose: Cold seawater immersion aggravates hemorrhagic shock-induced homeostasis imbalance and organ dysfunction, leading to increased mortality. Previous studies have shown that treatments targeting oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have limited efficacy for cold seawater immersion combined with hemorrhagic shock (SIHS). Thus, the mechanisms responsible for SIHS need further investigation.Methods and Results: Data from the hemorrhagic shock transcriptome and cold seawater immersion targets used for bioinformatics analysis revealed the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in SIHS occurrence and progression. Based on these findings, the effects and possible mechanism of inhibiting ERS in SIHS rats were investigated. SIHS causes a lethal triad and impairment of vital organ function, leading to death. Compared to lactated Ringer’s solution, the ERS inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA)significantly ameliorated acidosis and coagulopathy and protected vital organ function while prolonging survival and the golden treatment time. Through target screening and validation, 7 targets were identified for the ERS inhibitor PBA for the treatment of SIHS, among which S1PR1, MMP8 and CFTR may play more important roles.Conclusion: ERS plays a crucial role in the progression of SIHS. Inhibition of ERS caused by SIHS alleviates the lethal triad, protects organ function, and prolongs survival and the golden treatment time. The ERS inhibitor PBA may be an effective therapeutic measure for treating SIHS.Keywords: cold seawater immersion, hemorrhagic shock, lethal triad, organ function, ER stress, 4-phenylbutyric acid

Yue Lu,1– 3,&ast; Simin Pan,4,&ast; Wenzhen Li,5 Yao Qi,6,7 Li Li,1– 3 Yu-Hong Yan,1– 3 Jianan Wei,1– 3 Dan-Ni Yao,1– 3 Jingjing Wu,1– 3 Hao Deng,1– 3 Shuyan Ye,1– 3 Haiming Chen,1– 3 Qubo Chen,1– 3 Hengjun Gao,6,7 Ling Han,1– 3 Chuanjian Lu1– 3 1State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 4The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 5The Clinical College of Acupuncture Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 6Shanghai Molecular Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 7Shanghai National Engineering Research Center of Biochip, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ling Han; Chuanjian Lu, Email linghan99@gzucm.edu.cn; lcj@gzucm.edu.cnBackground: Psoriasis is a widespread chronic, immune-mediated skin disease with frequent recurrences, and is extremely harmful to the physical and mental health of patients, causing enormous suffering and exerting considerable economic burdens on the health care system as a whole. In more than a decade of clinical use, the optimized formula of Yinxieling (PSORI-CM01) has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness for treating psoriasis. However, its underlying mechanism remains largely unexplored.Methods: The network pharmacology analysis was conducted to predict the mechanism and protective effect of PSORI-CM01 in treating psoriasis. Subsequently, we collected blood samples from 21 patients with psoriasis as part of a randomized, double-blind, and double-dummy clinical trial for microRNA expression profiling. Finally, it was experimentally confirmed that PSORI-CM01 improved psoriasis by regulating miR-20a-3p and miR-3184-3p expression.Results: As a result of the network pharmacology analysis, PSORI-CM01 improved psoriasis through the regulation of autophagy, cellular apoptosis, cellular proliferation, and anti-inflammatory processes. In the target-miRNA regulatory network, these key targets were mainly associated with the regulation of hsa-miR-20a-3p, hsa-miR-155-5p, has-miR-3184-3p, hsa-miR-328-3p and hsa-miR-124-3p. Based on the microRNA expression profiling results, the PSORI-CM01 treatment group exhibited five up-regulated genes and 16 down-regulated genes compared with the healthy control group. In particular, miR-20a-3p and miR-3184-3p were the primary differentially expressed microRNAs, and they were significantly enriched in the signaling pathways involving autophagy, apoptosis, proliferation, and anti-inflammation. Further experiments confirmed that PSORI-CM01 effectively regulates miR-20a-3p and miR-3184-3p, resulting in increased autophagy.Conclusion: We demonstrated by combining network pharmacology and clinical studies of miRNA expression profiles in PBMCs that PSORI-CM01 effectively modulated miR-20a-3p and miR-3184-3p, leading to an increase in autophagy and a decrease in keratinocyte proliferation.Keywords: PSORI-CM01, Psoriasis vulgaris, MicroRNA expression profile, network pharmacology, autophagy

Shipeng Chen,1– 3 Mengna Li,1– 3 Changning Xue,1– 3 Xiangting Zhou,1– 3 Jianxia Wei,1– 3 Lemei Zheng,1– 3 Yumei Duan,1– 3 Hongyu Deng,1 Faqing Tang,1 Wei Xiong,1– 3 Bo Xiang,1– 3 Ming Zhou1– 3 1NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, People’s Republic of China; 2Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People’s Republic of China; 3The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ming Zhou; Bo Xiang, Email zhouming2001@163.com; xiangbolin@csu.edu.cnPurpose: Cinobufotalin injection has obvious curative effects on liver cancer patients with less toxicity and fewer side effects than other therapeutic approaches. However, the core ingredients and mechanism underlying these anti-liver cancer effects have not been fully clarified due to its complex composition.Methods: Multidimensional network analysis was used to screen the core ingredients, key targets and pathways underlying the therapeutic effects of cinobufotalin injection on liver cancer, and in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to confirm the findings.Results: By construction of ingredient networks and integrated analysis, eight core ingredients and ten key targets were finally identified in cinobufotalin injection, and all of the core ingredients are tightly linked with the key targets, and these key targets are highly associated with the cell cycle-related pathways, supporting that both cinobufotalin injection and its core ingredients exert anti-liver cancer roles by blocking cell cycle-related pathways. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that either cinobufotalin injection or one of its core ingredients, cinobufagin, significantly inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle progression and xenograft tumor growth, and the key target molecules involved in the cell cycle pathway such as CDK1, CDK4, CCNB1, CHEK1 and CCNE1, exhibit consistent changes in expression after treatment with cinobufotalin injection or cinobufagin. Interestingly, some key targets CDK1, CDK4, PLK1, CHEK1, TTK were predicted to bind with multiple of core ingredients of cinobufotalin injection, and the affinity between one of the critical ingredients cinobufagin and key target CDK1 was further confirmed by SPR assay.Conclusion: Cinobufotalin injection was confirmed to includes eight core ingredients, and they play therapeutic effects in liver cancer by blocking cell cycle-related pathways, which provides important insights for the mechanism of cinobufotalin injection antagonizing liver cancer and the development of novel small molecule anti-cancer drugs. Keywords: cinobufotalin injection, liver cancer, cinobufagin, network pharmacology, cell cycle, core ingredients

Zhenhua Liu,1,&ast; Mingxi Cai,2,&ast; Haoteng Ke,2,&ast; Huazong Deng,2 Weijia Ye,2 Tao Wang,1 Qifan Chen,1 Shuizhong Cen1 1Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopedic Medical Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, People’s Republic of China; 2The Second Clinical School, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Shuizhong Cen, Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopedic Medical Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13480297160, Email censhzh3@mail2.sysu.edu.cnPurpose of the Review: Emerging evidence has shown that ankylosing spondylitis fibroblasts (ASFs) act as crucial participants in inflammation and abnormal ossification in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This review examines the investigations into ASFs and their pathological behavior, which contributes to inflammatory microenvironments and abnormal bone formation. The review spans the period from 2000 to 2023, with a primary focus on the most recent decade. Additionally, the review provides an in-depth discussion on studies on ASF ossification at the cellular level.Recent Findings: ASFs organize immune functions by recruiting immune cells and influencing their differentiation and activation, thus mediate the inflammatory response in the early phase of disease. ASFs promote joint destruction at sites of cartilage and actively promote abnormal ossification by recruiting osteoblasts, differentiation into myofibroblasts or ossification directly. Many signaling pathways and cytokines such as Wnt signaling and BMP/TGF-β signaling are involved in ASF ossification.Summary: ASFs play a key role in AS inflammation and osteogenesis. Further studies are required to elucidate molecular mechanisms behind that and provide new targets and directions for AS diagnosis and treatment from a new perspective of fibroblasts.Keywords: ankylosing spondylitis, fibroblast, inflammation, ossification

Zhongxin Hou,1,&ast; Yang Chen,1,2,&ast; Yunrui Sun,1 Chongwei Song,1 Haoyuan Deng,3 Nan Cheng,4 Xiaoyu Han,2 Jianghui Zhang,5 Qian Wang,1 Yi Li,1 Jianzhong Yin,1,6 Qiong Meng1 1School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute for Acute Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Yunnan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, Yunnan, People’s Republic of China; 3Medical Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Hospital Infection, Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China; 5AIDS Care Center, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Infectious Disease, Anning, Yunnan, People’s Republic of China; 6Baoshan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baoshan, Yunnan, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Qiong Meng, School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8615559789771, Email mengqiong2006@163.com Jianzhong Yin, Baoshan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baoshan Longyang District Qingyang District Vocational Education Park, Baoshan, Yunnan, 678000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8613987645337, Email yinjianzhong2005@sina.comPurpose: Depression and anxiety are two highly prevalent mental disorders that commonly coexist. However, little is known about the association between sleep and comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms (CDAS). Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between sleep duration, insomnia and CDAS.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 22,004 community adults who participated in the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) study. Chinese version of Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 were used to screen CDAS in community adults. A positive score on each scale was considered indicative of CDAS. All participants received face-to-face interviews, medical examinations, and biochemical examinations to assess sleep duration and insomnia and collect covariates. The self-reported sleep duration was divided into three groups: < 7 hr, 7– 9 hr and > 9 hr groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between sleep duration, insomnia and CDAS. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to explore the dose–response relationship between sleep duration and CDAS. Stratified analysis based on gender and age was conducted.Results: Overall, 2.8% (95% CI 2.6%~3.0%) of participants reported having CDAS. After adjusting the potential covariates, sleep duration < 7 hr (OR=1.635, 95% CI=1.335~2.004) was significantly associated with CDAS, compared with sleep 7– 9 hr. After RCS analysis, there was a nonlinear relationship between sleep duration and CDAS. The increase in the number of types of insomnia, the greater the likelihood of CDAS (p for trend< 0.05). In sensitivity analysis, it was found that the results were consistent with those of the main analysis. After stratification by gender and age, the association between sleep duration and CDAS was only observed in female and young and middle-aged adults, not in men and older adults.Conclusion: Both insufficient sleep duration and insomnia are associated with a higher prevalence of CDAS in Chinese adults.Keywords: sleep duration1, insomnia2, comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms3, adults4, cross-sectional study5

Ran Chen, Haibo Deng, Lijun Zou Department of Wound Repair Surgery, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Lijun Zou; Haibo Deng, Department of Wound Repair Surgery, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 39 Yanhu Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, 430077, People’s Republic of China, Email zhlj112@163.com; dhb0376@163.comBackground: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a severe complication of diabetes associated with reduced quality of life, lower limb amputations, hospitalizations, increased incidence, and mortality. Importantly, a significant number of pathogenic genes remain unexplored in DFUs.Methods: A series of bioinformatics analyses were performed on publicly available bulk transcriptome sequencing datasets GSE134431 and GSE80178 to explore the transcriptomic changes in DFUs and select core genes for in vitro functional validation. In a focused examination, the differential expression analysis unveiled distinctions in gene expression patterns between DFUs and non-ulcerated diabetic skin tissues. Enriched functional annotations of differentially expressed genes were explored using the DAVID online tool. Protein-protein interaction analysis was conducted to investigate interactions among differentially expressed genes and select core genes. Knockdown or overexpression of core genes in HaCaT keratinocytes was performed to assess their impact on cell proliferation and migration.Results: Ten core genes were identified. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and scratch assays demonstrated that downregulation of the core gene SIN3A significantly inhibited the migration and proliferation of HaCaT keratinocytes, while overexpression of SIN3A reversed the high-glucose-induced suppression of HaCaT cell viability and migration.Conclusion: SIN3A expression is downregulated in DFUs. In vitro, SIN3A promotes the proliferation and migration of HaCaT keratinocytes, suggesting it may be a potential therapeutic target for DFUs.Keywords: diabetic foot ulcers, SIN3A, bioinformatics, cell proliferation, cell migration, histone modification

Guangyou Duan,1,&ast; Haibo Deng,2,&ast; Hong Fu,3 Lingzhi Wang,4 Hanyu Yang5 1Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing City, 400000, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Anesthesiology, Huizhou Third People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 516002, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Anesthesiology, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400014, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 051026, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Guangyou Duan, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 74, Linjiang Road, Chongqing City, 400000, People’s Republic of China, Email duangy@hospital.cqmu.edu.cnPurpose: This study aimed to compare the electrolyte balance efficacies of two Gelatin-Balanced Crystalloid in clinical applications.Methods: A multi-center, prospective, randomized, single-blind, parallel controlled study was conducted among non-cardiac surgery patients, with clinical registration number ChiCTR2200062999. They were randomized into Succinylated Gelatin, Multiple Electrolytes and Sodium Acetate Injection (SG-MESAI) group (experimental group) and Succinylated Gelatin Injection (SGI) infusion group (control group). The same anesthetic induction technique, anesthetic method, and calculation method for the volume of colloid infusion were used in the two groups. Between-group differences in the changes in base excess (BE), Chloride ion (Cl−), bicarbonate radical (HCO3⁻) and other parameters were recorded at 15 min, 30 min after the infusion relative to the baseline. Hemodynamic indicators were determined at 30 min after colloid infusion. Safety follow-up was conducted by administering the following tests within 48 h± 12 h after surgery.Results: A total of 225 subjects (full analysis set) were finally enrolled, with 110 subjects in the experimental group and 115 subjects in the control group. The baseline data were comparable between the two groups. At 15 min after infusion, the mean changes in BE, Cl− and HCO3⁻ concentration in the experimental group were smaller than those of the control group (P< 0.001). At 30 min after surgery, the mean changes in BE, Cl−, HCO3⁻concentration and pH value were smaller in the experimental group than in the control group (P< 0.05). The incidences of adverse events and adverse reactions in the experimental group was less than the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P≥ 0.05). Besides, no serious adverse events or adverse reactions were reported in any subjects.Conclusion: Succinylated Gelatin, Multiple Electrolytes and Sodium Acetate Injection maintained the balance of BE, Cl−, HCO3⁻ and pH value in a better way than Succinylated Gelatin Injection in non-cardiac surgery patients under general anesthesia.Keywords: anesthesia, non-cardiac surgery, fluid therapy, drug clinical trial, succinylated gelatin, multiple electrolytes and sodium acetate injection

Wenyu Zhou,1,&ast; Song Hu,1,2,&ast; Yutong Wu,1,&ast; Huan Xu,1,&ast; Lina Zhu,1 Huimin Deng,1 Sheng Wang,1 Yuanli Chen,1 Huanping Zhou,1 Xin Lv,1 Quanfu Li,1 Hao Yang1 1Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China; 2Graduate School, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, AnHui, 241002, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Hao Yang, Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China, Email yanghaozunyi@sina.com Quanfu Li, Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China, Email quanfuli185@163.comBackground: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exosomes) have been found to effectively improve the systemic inflammatory response caused by acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS), regulate systemic immune disorders, and help injured cells repair. The purpose of this study was to take a holistic view of the current status and trends of MSC-exosomes research in ALI/ARDS.Methods: Bibliometrix, Citespace and VOSviewer software were used for bibliometric analysis of the data. We analysed the world trends, country distribution, institution contribution, most relevant journals and authors, research hotspots, and research hotspots related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on the data collected.Results: China possessed the largest number of publications, while the USA had the highest H-index and the number of citations. Both China and the USA had a high influence in this research field. The largest number of publications in the field of MSC-exosomes and ALI/ARDS were mainly from the University of California system. Stem Cell Research & Therapy published the largest number of papers in this scope. The author with the greatest contribution was LEE JW, and ZHU YG published an article in Stem Cell with the highest local citation score. The most frequent keyword and the latest research hotspot were “NF-κB” and “Coronavirus Disease 2019”. Furthermore, our bibliometric analysis results demonstrated that MSC-exosomes intervention and treatment can effectively alleviate the inflammatory response caused by ALI/ARDS.Conclusion: Our bibliometric study suggested the USA and China have a strong influence in this field. COVID-19-induced ALI/ARDS had become a hot topic of research.Keywords: acute respiratory distress syndrome, mesenchymal stem cells, exosome, bibliometrix, Citespace, VOSviewer

Peigen Wu,1– 3 Churui Chang,3 Guanglin Zhu,4 Lixiang Zhai,5 Xu Zhang,3 Qiuchan Huan,1,3 Zhengxian Gao,1,3 Huan Deng,2 Yue Liang,1 Haitao Xiao2,3 1Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China; 3School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China; 4Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Qijiang, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 5School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Haitao Xiao, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People’s Republic of China, Email xhaitao@szu.edu.cn Yue Liang, Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China, Email bmqueen@163.comPurpose: To explore the potential mechanism of glycosidic fraction of Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora Pennell (GPS) extract for the treatment of colitis using UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis, network pharmacology and experimental research.Methods: The active components of GPS extract were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis and extracted their targets from the databases, which was used for network pharmacology analysis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was performed to discover potential therapeutic mechanisms, and the network pharmacology results were then validated by in vivo and in vitro experiments.Results: The results showed that GPS extract significantly alleviated the clinical signs of colitis, including body weight, disease activity index, colon shortening, and colon tissue damage, and inhibited the transcription and production of colonic IL-1β and IL-6 in DSS-induced colitis mice. In vitro, GPS extract also significantly suppressed nitric oxide (NO) production, iNOS expression, IL-1β and IL-6 transcription of LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Network pharmacology integrated with experimental validation identified that GPS extract significantly suppressed Akt, p38, ERK, and JNK phosphorylation in vivo and in vitro, and luteolin, apocynin, caffeic acid, caffeic acid methyl ester, luteoloside, picroside II, aucubin, cinnamic acid, vanillic acid, and sweroside were the main components responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of GPS. These findings demonstrate that the potential anti-inflammatory effect of GPS extract against colitis is achieved through suppressing PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, and that the abovementioned active components mainly exerted its anti-inflammatory effect.Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of GPS extract on colitis is related to PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, which is a promising remedy for colitis therapy.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, colitis, bioactive compounds, molecular mechanism, network pharmacology

Hao Deng,1,&ast; Yumei Wang,1,&ast; Yue Zhou,1,&ast; Dongliang Zhai,1 Jie Chen,1 Shilei Hao,2 Xiaoliang Chen1 1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, People’s Republic of China; 2Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xiaoliang Chen, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, No. 181 HanYu St, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400030, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 023-65079156, Email chenxiaoliang26@163.com Shilei Hao, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, 174 Shazhengjie, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400030, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86023-135 9463 5765, Email Shilei_hao@cqu.edu.cnBackground: Prostate cancer (PCa) ranks second in the incidence of all malignancies in male worldwide. The presence of multi-organ metastases and tumor heterogeneity often leads to unsatisfactory outcomes of conventional radiotherapy treatments. This study aimed to develop a novel folate-targeted nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) coupling to deliver adriamycin (Doxorubicin, DOX), 32P, and 99mTc simultaneously for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positive prostate cancer.Methods: The spherical nHA was prepared by the biomimetic method and characterized. Folic acid (FA) was coupled to nHA with polyethylene glycol (PEG), and the grafting ratio of PEG-nHA and FA-PEG-nHA was determined by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method. In addition, 32P, 99mTc, and DOX were loaded on nHA by physisorption. And the labeling rate and stability of radionuclides were measured by a γ-counter. The loading and release of DOX at different pH were determined by the dialysis method. Targeting of FA-PEG-nHA loaded with 99mTc was verified by in vivo SPECT imaging. In vitro anti-tumor effect of 32P/DOX-FA-PEG-nHA was assessed with apoptosis assay. The safety of the nano-drugs was verified by histopathological analysis.Results: The SEM images showed that the synthesized nHA was spherical with uniform particle size (average diameter of about 100nm). The grafting ratio is about 10% for PEG and about 20% for FA. The drug loading and the delayed release of DOX at different pH confirmed its long-term therapeutic ability. The labeling of 32P and 99mTc was stable and the labeling rate was great. SPECT showed that FA-PEG-nHA showed well in vivo tumor targeting and less damage to normal tissues.Conclusion: FA-targeted nHA loaded with 32P, 99mTc, and DOX may be a new diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for targeting PSMA-positive prostate cancer tumors, which may achieve better therapeutic results while circumventing the severe toxic side effects of conventional chemotherapeutic agents.Keywords: prostate cancer, folic acid targeting, nanohydroxyapatite, 99mTc/ 32P, adriamycin

Jian Lin,1,&ast; Tianpeng Shi,2,&ast; Yi Wang,1 Zhiqi He,1 Zhixiang Mu,1 Xiaojun Cai,1 Hui Deng,1 Jianliang Shen,3– 5 Fen Liu6 1School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Stomatology, PLA Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China; 4Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Histology and Embryology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Hui Deng; Fen Liu, Email dh0726@gmail.com; liufen6459@163.comBackground: Much attention has been paid to sustained drug release and anti-infection in wound management. Hydrogels, which are biocompatible materials, are promising tools for controlled drug release and infective protection during wound healing. However, hydrogels also demonstrate limitations in the highly efficient treatment of wounds because of the diffusion rate. In this work, we explored pH-sensitive hydrogels that enable ultra-long-acting drug release and sustained antibacterial properties.Methods: We constructed a hybrid gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) system with sustainable antibacterial properties combining hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN), which loaded host-guest complexes of chlorhexidine (CHX) with β-cyclodextrins (β-CD) (CHX⊂CD-MSN@HA@GelMA). The release mechanism of CHX was explored using UV-vis spectra after intermittent diffusion of CHX. The hybrid hydrogels were characterized, and the drug content in terms of the release profile, bacterial inhibition, and in vivo experiments were investigated.Results: Except for dual protection from both hydrogels, MSN in the HA improved the drug loading efficiency to promote the local drug concentration. It showed that complicated CHX-loaded MSN releases CHX more gradually and over a longer duration than CHX-loaded MSNs. This demonstrated a 12-day CHX release time and antibacterial activity, primarily attributable to the capacity of β-CD to form an inclusion complex with CHX. Meanwhile, in vivo experiments revealed that the hydrogels safely promote skin wound healing and enhance therapeutic efficacy.Conclusion: We constructed pH-sensitive CHX⊂CD-MSN@HA@GelMA hydrogels that enable ultra-long-acting drug release and sustained antibacterial properties. The combination of β-CD and MSN would be better suited to release a reduced rate of active molecules over time (slow delivery), making them great candidates for wound dressing anti-infection materials.Keywords: mesoporous silica, cyclodextrin, pH-responsive, antibacterial property, wound healing

Xuegang Yang,1,2 Heping Deng,3 Yanyuan Sun,1 Yi Zhang,3 Yujie Lu,3 Guohui Xu,1,&ast; Xiaoqi Huang2,&ast; 1Department of Interventional Therapy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 2Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Radiology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Guohui Xu, Department of Interventional Therapy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, 55 Renmin South Road 4th Section, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13708010123, Fax +86-02885420195, Email xgh0913@hotmail.com Xiaoqi Huang, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-18980605806, Fax +86-02885420195, Email julianahuang@163.comPurpose: We compare the efficacy and safety of regorafenib plus immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with transarterial chemoembolization (R+ICIs+TACE) versus regorafenib plus ICIs (R+ICIs) as the second-line treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: This retrospective study included patients with advanced HCC who received R+ICIs+TACE or R+ICIs as the second-line treatment from January 2019 to April 2022. Objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were compared between the two groups. The propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce the influence of confounding factors on the outcomes. Factors affecting PFS and OS were analyzed using a Cox proportional-hazards regression model.Results: In total, 52 patients were included in this study, of whom 28 patients received R+ICIs+TACE and 24 patients received R+ICIs. After PSM (n=23 in each group), patients who received R+ICIs+TACE had a higher ORR (34.8% vs 4.3%, P=0.009), a longer PFS (5.8 vs 2.6 months, P< 0.0001), and a longer OS (15.0 vs 7.5 months, P=0.014) than those who received R+ICIs. Age ≤ 50 years old, Child-Pugh class A6 and B7, and R+ICIs were found as independent prognostic factors for poor PFS. R+ICIs, α-fetoprotein > 400 ng/mL, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio > 133 were noted as independent prognostic factors for poor OS. The difference in the incidence of TRAEs between the two groups was not statistically significant (P> 0.05).Conclusion: Compared to regorafenib plus ICIs, regorafenib plus ICIs with TACE was tolerated and improved survival as the second-line treatment for patients with advanced HCC.Keywords: advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, regorafenib, immune checkpoint inhibitors, transarterial chemoembolization, second-line treatment

Liwen Kuang,1,&ast; Chenchen Zhang,1,&ast; Binghui Li,1 Haibo Deng,1 Ran Chen,1 Gongchi Li2 1Department of Wound Repair Surgery, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430062, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Hand Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Gongchi Li, Department of Hand Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8613618615209, Email ligongchi@foxmail.comPurpose: Diabetic wound is a highly prevalent and refractory disease. Extensive studies have confirmed that keratinocytes and macrophages play an important role in the process of wound healing. Additionally, exosomes are regarded as a vital intercellular communication tool. This study aimed to investigate the role of human keratinocyte-derived exosomal MALAT1 in the treatment of diabetic wound by influencing the biological function of macrophages.Methods: We mainly assessed the function of MALAT1 on the biological changes of macrophages, and the expression of MALAT1 in the keratinocyte-exosomes analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The downstream interaction between RNAs or proteins was assessed by mechanistic experiments. Besides, we evaluated the effects of human keratinocyte-derived exosomal MALAT1 on diabetic wound healing in vivo to verify in vitro results.Results: We demonstrated that human keratinocyte-derived exosomal MALAT1 enhanced the biological functions of high glucose-injured macrophages, including phagocytosis, converting to a pro-healing phenotype and reducing apoptosis. Mechanistically, MALAT1 accelerated the expression of MFGE8 by competitively binding to miR-1914-3p, thereby affecting the function of macrophages and the signal axis of TGFB1/SMAD3, and finally promoting the healing of diabetic wounds. Human keratinocyte-derived exosomal MALAT1 might promote collagen deposition, ECM remodeling, and expression of MFGE8, VEGF, and CD31 but reduce the expression of TGFB and SMAD3 in an in vivo model of diabetic mice wounds, which accelerated diabetic wound healing and restored its function.Conclusion: The current study revealed that human keratinocyte-derived exosomal MALAT1 would suppress miR-1914-3p to activate MFGE8 and eventually promote wound healing by enhancing macrophage phagocytosis, converting to a pro-healing phenotype and reducing apoptosis. It proposed that keratinocyte-derived exosomes might have the capacity to serve as a new method for the clinical treatment of diabetic wound.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: exosomes, keratinocytes, macrophages, MALAT1, diabetic wound healing

Yan Wu,1– 3,&ast; Shuaifeng Liu,4,&ast; Liuxi Chu,1– 3 Quan Zhang,5,6 Jin Yang,3,7 Shan Qiao,5 Xiaoming Li,5 Yuejiao Zhou,4 Huihua Deng,1– 3 Zhiyong Shen4 1Department of Brain and Learning Science, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 2Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 3Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 4Unit of AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA; 6College of Graduate Health Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; 7Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Huihua Deng, Department of Brain and Learning Science, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, No. 2 Sipailou, Nanjing, 210096, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 25 8379 5664, Fax +86 25 8379 3779, Email dengrcls@seu.edu.cn Zhiyong Shen, Unit of AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, No. 18 Jinzhou Road, Nanning, 530028, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 771 251 8838, Email shenzhiyong99999@sina.comBackground: Hair antiretroviral concentrations are an objective and non-invasive measure of adherence to long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) and can further predict virologic outcomes among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). Zidovudine, one of the mainstream antiretrovirals in China, has been verified to have high reliability in adherence assessment, especially for its hair concentrations. However, data are limited in its predicting virologic outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize whether hair zidovudine concentrations can predict virologic suppression among Chinese PLWH compared with hair lamivudine concentrations and two self-reported measures, the overall frequency of adherence behaviors and percentage adherence.Methods: This cross-sectional study randomly recruited 564 PLWH currently treated with zidovudine, lamivudine, and other ART agents (efavirenz, nevirapine, or lopinavir/ritonavir) in Guangxi, China. Hair antiretroviral concentrations were determined using the LC-ESI+-MS/MS method. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to estimate the optimal classification thresholds of hair concentrations of zidovudine and lamivudine, and the two self-reported measures. Based on those optimal classification thresholds, logistic regression was used to examine whether those four adherence measures can predict virologic suppression (HIV-1 RNA < 200 copies/mL).Results: ROC curves demonstrated good classification performance for association with virologic suppression of zidovudine with the optimal threshold at 58 pg/mg and lamivudine at 255 pg/mg but no self-reported measures. PLWH with hair zidovudine concentrations > 58 pg/mg had an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 43.191 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 10.171‒183.418, p < 0.001) for virologic suppression. Hair lamivudine concentrations were also associated with virologic suppression (aOR = 10.656, 95% CI = 3.670‒30.943, p < 0.001). However, two self-reported measures did not predict virologic suppression (aORs = 1.157 and 2.488, ps > 0.149).Conclusion: Hair zidovudine concentrations can be served as an alternative tool for clinically predicting virologic suppression among PLWH in China.Keywords: hair antiretroviral concentrations, zidovudine, virologic suppression, PLWH, LC-MS/MS

Lu Zhao,1 Junting Wang,2 Haoyuan Deng,3 Junfeng Chen,2 Ding Ding2 1Department of Medical Sociology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Nutrition and Food Health, School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Junfeng Chen; Ding Ding, Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, No. 9 West Section Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13009493030 ; +86 18249517190, Email john5151@126.com; dingdingmail0000@126.comPurpose: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms and ADL/IADL disabilities and explore their correlation and associated factors for depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults from low-income families in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 522 participants aged 60 years and older from low-income families in Dalian. The 30-Item Geriatric Depression Scale was employed to measure depressive symptoms. The Katz ADL Scale and IADL Scale were used to evaluate the performance of activities necessary for independent life. SPSS 22.0 was employed to analyze the data. Logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship between depressive symptoms and ADL/IADL disabilities in five models.Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms among older people from low-income families in Dalian was 57.3%. A total of 19.0% had difficulties performing ADLs, and 40.2% had difficulties performing IADLs. Logistic regression analysis revealed that ADL/IADL disabilities were associated with depressive symptoms even after controlling for people’s sociodemographic characteristics, welfare, health conditions and informal care. The following factors were associated with depressive symptoms: education, self-reported health, number of chronic diseases, and emotional support from families.Conclusion: Given that older people from low-income families in Dalian have a notable prevalence rate of depressive symptoms, and ADL/IADL disabilities were independently associated with these symptoms, it is crucial to give priority to this particular group in geriatric health services due to economic and health disparities.Keywords: depressive symptoms, ADL disabilities, IADL disabilities, older adults from low-income families, China

Lijuan Yang, Huihui Deng, Wei Pan, Xiaoyan Huang, Ke Xu, Xingxing Zhang, Xiang Hu, Xuejiang Gu Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xiang Hu; Xuejiang Gu, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86-577-55579381, Email huxiang@wmu.edu.cn; guxuejiang@wmu.edu.cnPurpose: Recent studies revealed that high levels of thigh fat were independently associated with better glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as lower risk of hypertension and cardiometabolic disease. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between leg fat mass (FM) and osteoporosis (OP) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1,259 individuals aged 50 years or older with T2DM (female 536, male 723) were included. A bioelectrical impedance analyser was used to assess the segment body composition containing FM and lean mass (LM) of arms, legs, and trunk. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.Results: Leg FM was positively correlated with BMD of all sites in females and BMD of femoral neck and total hip in males after adjusting age, diabetes duration, glucose and lipid metabolism indexes, and lifestyle (all P< 0.05). LM was positively associated with BMD at almost sites (P< 0.001), while leg FM/LM ratio had no relationship with BMD at any skeleton sites (P> 0.05). Compared with the bottom tertile group of leg FM, the risk of OP was significantly lower in the top tertile group both in females (T3 vs T1: OR=0.206, 95% CI=0.098– 0.433, P< 0.001) and males (T3 vs T1: OR=0.385, 95% CI=0.182– 0.815, P< 0.05), even after adjusting for LM.Conclusion: In the present study, higher leg FM was correlated with the lower risk of OP in both men and postmenopausal women with T2DM independently of total LM.Keywords: leg fat mass, bone mineral density, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus

Xiaoman Chen,1,2,&ast; Jing Zhou,3,&ast; Lili Wu,1 Xiang Zhu,1 Hong Deng1 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Infectious Disease Center, Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Pathology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Hong Deng; Xiang Zhu, Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-2085252506, Fax +86-2085252063, Email dhong@mail.sysu.edu.cn; zhuxiang@mail.sysu.edu.cnPurpose: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) are both important public health problems. The effect of concomitant MAFLD on patients with CHB is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the influence of MAFLD on liver fibrosis and inflammation in CHB patients with different hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status.Patients and Methods: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 399 treatment-naïve CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy. All patients were divided into two groups (HBeAg± group). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with liver inflammatory activity and significant fibrosis in patients with CHB. Multivariable logistic regressions were repeated in subgroups stratified by HBeAg status.Results: In patients with CHB, MAFLD was independently associated with a risk of moderate-to-severe liver activity and significant fibrosis (P < 0.05). In the HBeAg-negative group, patients with MAFLD had significantly higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.05) and more severe liver inflammatory activity and fibrosis (P < 0.05) compared to those without MAFLD. MAFLD was independently associated with a risk of moderate-to-severe liver activity (A ≥ 3: OR 3.97, 95% CI 1.71– 9.22, P =0.001) and significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2: OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.09– 3.73, P =0.026). In the HBeAg-positive group, MAFLD was found to be independently associated with moderate-to-severe liver activity (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.03– 5.79, P =0.044) but not fibrosis (P =0.618).Conclusion: MAFLD is associated with the risk of liver fibrosis and inflammatory activity in HBeAg-negative CHB patients. Sufficient attention should be paid to the prevention and treatment of MAFLD in patients with CHB, especially in HBeAg-negative patients.Keywords: chronic hepatitis B, metabolic associated fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis B e antigen

Weifeng Kong,1 Qingwu Wu,1 Yubin Chen,1 Yong Ren,2 Weihao Wang,1 Rui Zheng,1 Huiyi Deng,1 Tian Yuan,1 Huijun Qiu,1 Xinyue Wang,1 Xin Luo,1 Xuekun Huang,1 Qintai Yang,1 Gehua Zhang,1 Yana Zhang1 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yana Zhang; Gehua Zhang, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-20-85252310, Email zhangyn95@mail.sysu.edu.cn; zhanggeh@mail.sysu.edu.cnPurpose: Histopathologic characterizations of central compartment atopic disease (CCAD) by whole-slide imaging remains lacking. We aim to study clinical presentations and cellular endotyping diagnosis of Chinese CCAD using artificial intelligence (AI).Methods: A total of 72 patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) were enrolled. CCAD was defined by positive result of serology specific IgE, endoscopic and radiological findings. The aeroallergen sensitization status, endoscopic results, radiological findings, and symptoms were evaluated and compared between patients with CCAD (n=14), eosinophilic CRSwNP (ENP, n=32) and non-eosinophilic CRSwNP (NENP, n=26). The cellular endotypes including eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells were analyzed by the AI chronic rhinosinusitis evaluation platform 2.0.Results: CCAD was most common in male (71.43%). The positive rate of aeroallergen in patients with CCAD is 100%, which is much higher than those in patients with ENP (40.63%) and NENP (23.08%). Allergic rhinitis incidence was found to be 57.14% in Chinese CCAD subjects, which is obviously higher when compared with those in patients with ENP (21.88%) or NENP (0.00%). The presence of asthma was not significantly different between groups. Chinese CCAD population demonstrated mild symptoms and lower endoscopic and radiological scores than those in patients with ENP and NENP. For cellular endotypes in CCAD subjects, the median of eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells was 26.55%, 0.49%, 60.85%, and 7.33%, respectively. The proportion of eosinophils in nasal tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the CCAD group is between the proportions in those patients with ENP and NENP.Conclusion: Chinese CCAD was associated with aeroallergen sensitivity, and displayed an eosinophil-dominant inflammatory pattern. Thus, proper management with allergy control and topical steroids could be recommended for CCAD treatment.Keywords: central compartment atopic disease, deep learning, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, eosinophil, aeroallergen

Hong Wang,1,&ast; Tao Yang,2,&ast; Xiaodan Yu,3,&ast; Zhihong Chen,4 Yajuan Ran,5 Jiajia Wang,6 Guangming Dai,1 Huojin Deng,7 Xinglong Li,8 Tao Zhu8 1Respiratory Medicine, First People’s Hospital of Suining City, Suining, 629000, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China; 2Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, People’s Republic of China; 3Respiratory Medicine, Fifth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China; 4Respiratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 20032, People’s Republic of China; 5Pharmacy Department, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, People’s Republic of China; 6Rheumatology Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, People’s Republic of China; 7Respiratory Medicine, ZhuJiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510280, People’s Republic of China; 8Respiratory Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Tao Zhu, Respiratory Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 23 63693094, Email zhutao063020@163.comBackground/Purpose: A patient’s length of hospital stay (LHS) is associated with the severity and outcome of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Therefore, identification of patients with prolonged LHS at an early stage can potentially reduce the risk of adverse events and treatment costs in patients with AECOPD. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the independent predictors of prolonged LHS in AECOPD patients.Patients and Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals between January 2019 and August 2020. Demographic data, underlying diseases, symptoms, and laboratory findings were collected. Univariate analysis was used to identify variables with significant differences. A collinearity diagnostic was applied to the selected variables before the establishment of the regression model. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to explore the independent risk factors for prolonged LHS in patients with AECOPD.Results: In total, 598 patients with AECOPD were screened. Finally, the LHS of 111, 218, and 100 patients was < 7, 7– 10, and ≥ 11 days, respectively. Significant differences in the 12 variables were found in the univariate analysis. Because collinearities among white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils (NS), and NS% were observed, WBC and NS% were excluded. Subsequently, an ordinal logistic regression model identified that rates of hypertension and chronic cor pulmonale (CCP), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were independent predictors of prolonged LHS in AECOPD patients.Conclusion: Collectively, our results showed that inflammatory status, hypertension, and CCP were independently associated with LHS in patients with AECOPD. These data indicate that early and appropriate administration of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs is essential for reducing LHS. Hypertension and CCP were independent predictors of worse outcomes in patients with AECOPD. Therefore, advanced management and care should be provided to AECOPD patients with hypertension and/or CCP on admission.Keywords: acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic cor pulmonale, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hypertension, length of hospital stay, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio

Xiaolan Mo,1,2,&ast; Xiujuan Chen,3,&ast; Xianggui Wang,2,&ast; Xiaoli Zhong,2 Huiying Liang,3 Yuanyi Wei,1 Houliang Deng,1 Rong Hu,1 Tao Zhang,1 Yilu Chen,1 Xia Gao,4 Min Huang,2 Jiali Li2 1Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of clinical Data Center, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China; 4Division of Nephrology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jiali Li; Min Huang, Tel +86-20-39943034 ; +86-20-39943011, Fax +86-20-39943004 ; +86-20-39943000, Email lijiali5@mail.sysu.edu.cn; huangmin@mail.sysu.edu.cnPurpose: Tacrolimus (TAC) is a first-line immunosuppressant for patients with refractory nephrotic syndrome (NS). However, there is a high inter-patient variability of TAC pharmacokinetics, thus therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is required. In this study, we aimed to employ machine learning algorithms to investigate the impact of clinical and genetic variables on the TAC dose/weight-adjusted trough concentration (C0/D) in Chinese children with refractory NS, and then develop and validate the TAC C0/D prediction models.Patients and Methods: The association of 82 clinical variables and 244 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with TAC C0/D in the third month since TAC treatment was examined in 171 children with refractory NS. Extremely randomized trees (ET), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and Lasso regression were carried out to establish and validate prediction models, respectively. The best prediction models were validated on a cohort of 30 refractory NS patients.Results: GBDT algorithm performed best in the whole group (R2=0.444, MSE=591.032, MAE=20.782, MedAE=18.980) and CYP3A5 nonexpresser group (R2=0.264, MSE=477.948, MAE=18.119, MedAE=18.771), while ET algorithm performed best in the CYP3A5 expresser group (R2=0.380, MSE=1839.459, MAE=31.257, MedAE=19.399). These prediction models included 3 clinical variables (ALB0, AGE0, and gender) and 10 SNPs (ACTN4 rs3745859, ACTN4 rs56113315, ACTN 4 rs62121818, CTLA4 rs4553808, CYP3A5 rs776746, IL2RA rs12722489, INF2 rs1128880, MAP3K11 rs7946115, MYH9 rs2239781, and MYH9 rs4821478).Conclusion: The association between the clinical and genetic variables and TAC C0/D was described, and three TAC C0/D prediction models integrating clinical and genetic variables were developed and validated using machine learning, which may support individualized TAC dosing.Keywords: tacrolimus, nephrotic syndrome, machine learning, prediction model, genetic polymorphism

Hongbin Deng,1,&ast; Xianqiang Yu,2,&ast; Kun Gao,1 Yang Liu,3 Zhihui Tong,1 Yuxiu Liu,1 Weiqin Li1– 3 1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Weiqin Li; Yuxiu Liu Email liweiqindr@nju.edu.cn; Liu_yuxiu@163.comObjective: Thrombocytopenia increases the risk of hemorrhage in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP), leading to poor clinical outcomes. Currently, there is no reliable tool for the early assessment of thrombocytopenia in these patients. We aimed to develop a nomogram based on available clinical parameters and validate its efficacy in predicting thrombocytopenia.Methods: This was a retrospective study. All the data were extracted from an electronic database from May 2018 to May 2019. Patients with a diagnosis of AP and staying in the intensive care unit for more than 3 days were retrospectively analyzed. A clinical signature was built based on reproducible features, using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method (LASSO), and logistic regression established the model (P < 0.05). Nomogram performance was determined by its discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness.Results: A total of 594 eligible patients were enrolled, of whom 399 were allocated to the training sets and the 195 in the test sets. The clinical features, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), fibrinogen (FIB), and antithrombase III, were significantly associated with the incidence of thrombocytopenia after acute pancreatitis (p < 0.05) in training sets. The individualized nomogram showed good discrimination in the training sample (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.881) and in the validation sample (AUC, 0.883) with good calibration.Conclusion: The proposed nomogram has good performance for predicting thrombocytopenia in patients with acute pancreatitis and may facilitate clinical decision-making.Keywords: acute pancreatitis, thrombocytopenia, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, coagulopathy, nomogram

Wen Deng,1,&ast; Gongxian Wang,1,&ast; Huanhuan Deng,2,&ast; Yan Yan,3,&ast; Ke Zhu,1,&ast; Ru Chen,1,4 Xiaoqiang Liu,1 Luyao Chen,1 Tao Zeng,2 Bin Fu1 1Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Putian City, Putian City, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Bin Fu; Tao Zeng Tel + 86 13879103861; +86 18779101830Fax +86 0791-88698102; +86 0791-86120120Email urofbin@163.com; taozeng40709@sina.comPurpose: This study aimed to evaluate the functions of critical N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their correlations with immunotherapeutic targets in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).Methods: m6A-related lncRNAs were analyzed using the dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas database via Pearson correlation analysis. Then, their prognostic functions in patients with ccRCC were determined via univariate Cox analysis. A prognostic m6A-related lncRNA signature (MRLS) in ccRCC was established using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model. In addition, the correlations between these prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs with immune checkpoints were further evaluated in clinical samples.Results: MRLS was established by the LASSO Cox regression model on the basis of seven prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs. The risk score for each patient was calculated using the MRLS model, and the patients were further stratified into high- and low-risk subgroups. The MRLS model was validated with a robust prognostic ability by the stratification analysis. On the basis of age, grade, stage, and risk score, a nomogram was developed with a strong reliability in forecasting the overall survival percentages of the patients with ccRCC. Moreover, seven prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs enrolled in the MRLS model were found to be correlated with various immunotherapeutic targets, namely, PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA4, and LAG3, and the expression levels of which in the high-risk subgroup were significantly higher than those in the low-risk subgroup. The significant correlations between LINC00342 and the aforementioned immunotherapeutic targets were also confirmed in clinical samples.Conclusion: In this study, seven m6A-related lncRNAs were identified as potential biomarkers for forecasting the prognosis of patients with ccRCC and evaluating the efficacy of immunotherapy for these patients. Furthermore, a prognostic and predictive MRLS model with a high reliability was constructed to predict the overall survival probability of patients with ccRCC.Keywords: immunotherapy, N6-methyladenosine modification, long non-coding RNA, renal cell carcinoma, prognosis

Qunying Han,1 Huan Deng,1 Xiude Fan,1 Xiaoyun Wang,1 Xiaoge Zhang,1 Kun Zhang,1 Na Li,1 Yi Lv,2,3 Zhengwen Liu1,3 1Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China; 3Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Zhengwen LiuDepartment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi’an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail liuzhengwen113@xjtu.edu.cnBackground: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of liver-related mortality. Serum pentraxin 3 (PTX3) has been revealed to be associated with the development of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC. This study evaluated whether serum PTX3 is related to the survival of HBV-related HCC patients.Methods: One hundred and seven patients with HBV-related HCC were included. Baseline serum PTX3 levels were quantified using quantitative immunoassay. The HCC patients were followed-up for a median of 24 months and divided into high serum PTX3 level and low PTX3 level groups according to the baseline serum PTX3 levels. The overall survivals of the HBV-related HCC patients according to the serum PTX3 levels were compared. Factors potentially influencing the prognosis of the patients with HBV-related HCC were analyzed.Results: HCC patients with high serum PTX3 levels [PTX3 > 9.25ng/mL (n=85)] had a shorter overall survival time than HCC patients with low serum PTX3 levels [PTX3 ≤ 9.25ng/mL (n=22)] (P = 0.049). HCC patients with serum PTX3 levels between > 9.25ng/mL and ≤ 9.25ng/mL had significant difference in HCC histology grade. Multivariate analysis showed that PTX3 level was an independent risk factor related to the overall survival of HCC patients (hazard ratio: 1.058, 95% confidence interval: 1.031– 1.085, P < 0.001).Conclusion: These results support the involvement of PTX3 in the disease progression of HCC and suggest the potential of using serum PTX3 levels as a biomarker for the prognostic prediction of HBV-related HCC patients.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, pentraxin 3, chronic HBV infection, survival, prognosis

Weixuan Wang,1,&ast; Changmei Yang,2,&ast; Haiteng Deng2 1Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and Systematic Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Haiteng DengMOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and Systematic Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-10-62790498Email dht@mail.tsinghua.edu.cnPurpose: Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer as well as the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, among which lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most frequent form of lung cancer. Previous studies have shown that 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) catalyzes the oxidation of prostaglandins to reduce their biological activities and behaves as a tumor suppressor in various cancers. Thus, we aimed to systematically examine the effects of 15-PGDH overexpression on cellular processes in lung adenocarcinoma cells.Methods: The stable 15-PGDH-overexpressing A549 cell line was constructed using lentivirus particles. CCK-8 assay was used to determine the cell proliferation rate and sensitivity to cisplatin. Tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomic analysis was used to identify differentially expressed proteins between control and 15-PGDH-overexpression cells. The cell cycle was determined by a flow cytometer. The expression levels of mesenchymal and epithelial markers were measured using Western blotting. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect the cell migration and cell invasion ability, respectively.Results: Analysis of datasets in The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed that the PGDH gene expression level in the lung adenocarcinoma tissues was significantly lower than that in the pericarcinous tissues. 15-PGDH overexpression in A549 cells reduced cell proliferation rate. Quantitative proteomics revealed that 15-PGDH overexpression inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which is a signaling pathway driving tumor cell growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, both cell cycle and DNA repair-related proteins were down-regulated in 15-PGDH overexpressed cells. 15-PGDH overexpression induced G1/S cell cycle arrest and increased susceptibility to DNA damaging reagent cisplatin. Importantly, overexpression of 15-PGDH inhibited EMT process with the downregulation of β-catenin and Snail-1 as well as upregulation of E-cadherin and ZO-1.Conclusion: 15-PGDH is a tumor suppressor in lung cancer and may serve as a potential therapeutic target to prevent lung adenocarcinoma.Keywords: 15-PGDH, proteomics, lung adenocarcinoma, cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Yan Du,1,&ast; Xueru Duan,1,&ast; Murui Zheng,2,&ast; Wenjing Zhao,3,&ast; Jun Huang,4 Lixian Lao,5 Fan Weng,6 Dan-Er Lin,7 Zhenxiao Yang,1 Haiyi Li,1 Xudong Liu,1 Hai Deng5 1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; 4Department of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatrics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 6Guangzhou Yuexiu District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 7Guangzhou Baiyun District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xudong Liu; Hai Deng Tel +86-20-87330619; +86-20-83827812-10263Email liuxudong@mail.sysu.edu.cn; doctordh@hotmail.comObjective: The effect of dietary factors on OSA remains unclear. This study was to investigate the association of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with individual and overall effects of eating habits among adult Chinese.Methods: A total of 9733 participants were selected from the baseline survey of the Guangzhou Heart Study. OSA was ascertained by Berlin Questionnaire. Food consumption was collected using a food frequency questionnaire, and eating patterns were extracted by principal component analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by the logistic regression model.Results: After adjustment for confounders, fried food intake with ≥ 1/week was associated with an increased risk of OSA (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.37– 2.27), while fruit consumption of ≥ 1/day was associated with a 26% reduced risk of OSA (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62– 0.88). Three eating patterns were defined and labeled as pattern I, II, and III. Eating pattern III which had higher factor loadings of animal innards, fried food, salted food, carbonate, and non-carbonated beverages was associated with an increased risk of OSA (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09– 1.55) when comparing the highest with the lowest tertile of pattern score, after adjusting for confounders; every 1-unit increment of pattern III score was associated with an increased risk of OSA (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04– 1.14). Neither pattern I nor pattern II was observed to be associated with OSA risk.Conclusion: A higher frequency intake of fruits was associated with a reduced OSA risk and a diet with higher levels of consumption of animal innards, fried food, salted food, carbonated beverages, and non-carbonated beverages may increase the risk of OSA.Keywords: obstructive sleep apnea, eating habits, diet, fruits, fried food

Zhen Gong,1 Li Xia,1 Rune Xu,1 Min Luo,1 Hongxiang Deng,1 Zhiping Kang,1 Leping Liu,1 Yaqing Liu,1 Fangjie Zhang,2 Jian Shi1 1Department of Rheumatology, Yiyang Central Hospital, Yiyang, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Emergency Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Fangjie ZhangDepartment of Emergency Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 15116256248Email zhangfj@csu.edu.cnJian ShiDepartment of Rheumatology, Yiyang Central Hospital, No. 118 Kangfu North Road, Yiyang, Hunan, 413000, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 18607371607Email 408739063@qq.comPurpose: The purpose of the study was to retrospectively analyze the effects of febuxostat combined with arthroscopic debridement of monosodium urate crystal deposition and febuxostat treatment alone on uric acid levels and acute flares in gout patients.Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed gout patients who were treated from February 2016 to December 2020. Patients were divided into a control group (febuxostat treatment alone) or a combined group (febuxostat combined with arthroscopic surgery). We recorded and analyzed clinical data including age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, lesion affected joints, acute flare times, medications history, febuxostat side effects, arthroscopic complications, and serum creatinine and uric acid levels changes.Results: There were 80 patients in the control group and 93 patients in the combined group. At the beginning of treatment, the combined group had significantly higher disease severity (higher serum uric acid levels and more acute gout flare times). Arthroscopy was performed in 61 knees and 38 ankles, and 86 joints showed crystals deposition. Compared with baseline, follow-up results showed that serum creatinine significantly decreased in the combined group, and serum uric acid and acute gout flare times significantly decreased in both groups (all p < 0.05). In the comparison between the two groups at the follow-up endpoint, acute gout flare times did not differ significantly (p > 0.05), however, serum creatinine and uric acid levels were lower in the combined group compared with those in the control group (ps < 0.05).Conclusion: Febuxostat combined with arthroscopic debridement of monosodium urate crystal deposition or tophi had a superior effect on lowering uric acid levels and acute flare times in gout patients than did febuxostat alone.Keywords: arthroscopy, febuxostat, crystal deposition, tophi, gout

Huiyi Deng,1,&ast; Meijiao Li,2,&ast; Rui Zheng,1,&ast; Huijun Qiu,1 Tian Yuan,1 Weihao Wang,1 Qintai Yang,1 Zijie Long,3 Xuekun Huang1 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Allergy, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tung wah Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Dongguan, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xuekun HuangDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Allergy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 020-85252239Fax +86 020-85253210Email xuekunhuang@163.comZijie LongDepartment of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 020-85253601Fax +86 020-85253210Email longzij@mail.sysu.edu.cnBackground: Hippo-Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway plays an important role in epithelial cell proliferation and inflammation development in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Objective: This study intends to investigate the role of YAP and the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway in cell proliferation and the expression of epithelium-derived cytokines in nasal polyps (NP).Methods: The expression levels of YAP, TEA domain family member 1 (TEAD1), Ki-67, and NF-κB as well as interleukin (IL-) 33, IL-25 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in sinonasal mucosa, primary nasal epithelial cells (NPECs), and human nasal epithelial RPMI 2650 cells were detected. NPECs were cultured and treated with verteporfin (VP), YAP shRNA or BAY 11– 7082.Results: The hippo pathway effector YAP, Ki-67, p65 NF-κB, and cyclin D1 were significantly increased in NP compared with control mucosa, which was accompanied by overexpression of IL-33, IL-25, and TSLP. Pharmaceutical inhibition of YAP by VP suppressed cell proliferation of RPMI 2650 cells by blocking cell cycle progression at G0/G1 without inducing obvious cell apoptosis. Furthermore, lentiviral transfection-mediated knockdown of hippo pathway activity reduced the expression of IL-33, IL-25, TSLP as well as p65 NF-κB in RPMI 2650 cells. Downregulation of NF-κB pathway with BAY 11– 7082 in NPECs could decrease the mRNA level of TSLP, IL-33 and IL-25 accordingly.Conclusion: Inhibition of hippo pathway suppressed nasal epithelial cell proliferation and declined the expression of epithelium-derived cytokines via the NF-κB pathway in NPECs.Keywords: NF-κB signalling pathway, yes-associated protein, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, nasal polyps

Wenting Xu,1,2,* Huimin Deng,2,* Song Hu,2,3,* Yiguo Zhang,2,3 Li Zheng,1,2 Meiyun Liu,2 Yuanli Chen,2 Juan Wei,2 Hao Yang,2 Xin Lv1– 3 1Department of Anesthesiology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, Anhui, 236000, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of China; 3Graduate School, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, AnHui, 241002, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xin Lv; Hao YangDepartment of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail xinlvg@126.com; yanghaozunyi@sina.comAbstract: Ferroptosis is a new type of programmed cell death characterized by intracellular iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation that leads to oxidative stress and cell death. The metabolism of iron, lipids, and amino acids and multiple signalling pathways precisely regulate the process of ferroptosis. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that ferroptosis participates in the occurrence and progression of various pathological conditions and diseases, such as infections, neurodegeneration, tissue ischaemia-reperfusion injury and immune diseases. Recent studies have also indicated that ferroptosis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary infection and asthma. Herein, we summarize the latest knowledge on the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis and its association with iron, lipid and amino acid metabolism as well as several signalling pathways. Furthermore, we review the contribution of ferroptosis to the pathogenesis of lung diseases and discuss ferroptosis as a novel therapeutic target for various lung diseases.Keywords: ferroptosis, metabolic networks and pathways, signalling pathways, lung diseases

ZhiHong Lin,* MinJuan Zhu,* HongWei Deng Department of Strabismus & Pediatric Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, The School of Optometry of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: HongWei DengDepartment of Strabismus & Pediatric Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, The School of Optometry of Shenzhen University, No. 18 of Zetian Street, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 0755 23959542Fax +86 0755 23959500Email denghwdr@21cn.comBackground: Weill–Marchesani syndrome (WMS) is an autosomal inherited connective tissue disease. Clinical manifestations include microspherophakia (MSP), high myopia, ectopia lentis, open-angle glaucoma, short stature, short fingers, joint stiffness, and (occasionally) cardiovascular defects. At present, a total of four pathogenic gene loci related to WMS have been found: ADAMTS10, ADAMTS17, FBN1, and LTBP2.Case Report: The patient was a five-year-old girl whose eyesight had become progressively worse for three years before her parents brought her to the hospital. Computer optometry showed high myopia in both eyes, while a slit lamp examination found that the anterior chamber of both eyes was shallow, and the lens was in a state of dislocation (ectopia lentis). An IOLMaster examination revealed that the lens was spherical (MSP), and the lens thickness (LT) was 5.36 mm. Corneal topography showed that the angle kappa was 0.18 mm in the right eye (OD) and 0.30 mm in the left eye (OS). An intraocular pressure (IOP) (OD: 26.5 mmHg, OS: 30.6 mmHg) examination showed that the fundus cup to disc ratio was normal, but secondary glaucoma caused by lens dislocation could be considered. The IOP was maintained within a normal range using antihypertensive drugs. The patient’s younger sister also had a dislocation of MSP. Gene detection showed a heterozygous mutation in the LTBP2 gene [c.3672delC:p.Thr1225fs and c.3542delT:p.Met1181fs], and a diagnosis of WMS-like syndrome was confirmed.Conclusion: WMS syndrome is rare, and the mutation of the LTBP2 gene has not been previously recorded in the GnomAD (Genome Aggregation Database) of East Asia. This case report provides some reference for studying the mechanism of WMS and WMS-like syndrome caused by an LTBP2 gene mutation.Keywords: Weill–Marchesani syndrome, microspherophakia, ectopia lentis, LTBP2, compound heterozygous, secondary glaucoma

Zhaojun Yu,1– 3 Jianbiao Huang,1– 3 Huanhuan Deng,1,3 Zhihua Zeng,1 Leihong Deng,4 Xiangda Xu,1 Haichao Chao,1 Tao Zeng1 1Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Urology, The People’s Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People’s Republic of China; 3Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Tao ZengDepartment of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +8613607919171Email Taozeng40709@sina.comPurpose: To explore the application of the neobladder-urethral drag-and-bond anastomosis technique in laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) with ileal orthotopic neobladder (IONB) reconstruction.Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study on a procedure performed by a single surgeon. From January 2014 to December 2018, we identified 43 male bladder cancer patients who received LRC with IONB reconstruction. These patients were divided into two groups, with 22 patients undergoing neobladder-urethral drag-and-bond anastomosis (NUDA) and 21 patients undergoing neobladder-urethral anastomosis under laparoscopy (NUAL). Anastomosis time, catheter removal time, postvoid residual (PVR), maximum urinary flow rate (Q-max), urine leakage and anastomotic stenosis were used to evaluate the simplicity and surgical effect of the two groups.Results: Both groups demonstrated similar tumor characteristics. A significant difference in neobladder-urethral anastomosis time was found between the NUDA group and the NUAL group (14.6 ± 0.4 vs 70 ± 2.5 min, P< 0.0001), and there was no significant difference in other characteristics.Conclusion: The neobladder-urethral drag-and-bond anastomosis technique in LRC and IONB reconstruction, with its shorter learning curve, was easier and more convenient than neobladder-urethral anastomosis under laparoscopy.Keywords: drag-and-bond anastomosis, neobladder-urethral anastomosis, laparoscopic radical cystectomy, ileal orthotopic neobladder, bladder cancer

Xiling Hu,1,* Hongrong Deng,2,* Yao Zhang,2 Xiaodi Guo,2 Mengyin Cai,2 Cong Ling,3,* Kun Li4,* 1Department of Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 4School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Cong LingDepartment of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-13580465121Email doctor200@163.comKun LiSchool of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74, Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510085, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-13822206519Email likun22@mail.sysu.edu.cnObjective: The main aim of this study was to evaluate a combined fasting blood glucose based dosage self-titration setting and decision supported telephone coaching intervention on glycemic control and diabetes self-management skills, compared to the conventional care.Methods: A 12-week, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted on adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) primarily treated with basal insulin. After randomization, the intervention group (IG, n = 426) received a basal insulin self-titration decision support intervention administered by the Diabetes Specialty Nurses while the control group (CG, n = 423) received conventional care for 12 weeks, both included five telephone interviews. The primary efficacy endpoint was the effect of intervention on glycemic control, measured as the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to Week 12 (after intervention) compared to the control group. Other endpoints included comparisons of the effects of intervention on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), body weight, Michigan diabetes knowledge test (MDKT), diabetes empowerment scale-short Form (DES-DSF), and summary of diabetes self-care activities (SDSCA). Changes in the primary and secondary outcomes were compared using the t-test for continuous variables with a normal distribution and χ2-test for categorical variables.Results: The IG showed more improvements on mean HbA1c, compared to the CG (− 2.8% vs − 1.8%), so did the FPG, PPG, MDKT, DES-DSF and SDSCA (all P< 0.01) after the 12-week follow up. Though the final mean insulin dose in the IG was higher than the CG at the end of the study (0.32 U/kg vs 0.28 U/kg), the changes of body weight were similar between the two groups (0.46kg vs 0.40kg, P=0.246), and the proportion of patients with hypoglycemia events during the whole trial were similar (20.65% vs 17.73%, P=0.279).Conclusion: Decision supporting of basal insulin glargine self-titration assisted by Diabetes Specialty Nurses is effective and safe in patients with T2DM. Decision supported telephone coaching intervention offers ongoing encouragement, guidance, and determination of relevant sources of decisional conflict, facilitating adjusting the insulin dose.Keywords: type 2 diabetes mellitus, basal insulin, dosage titration

Bo Cheng,* Hongsheng Deng,* Yi Zhao,* Feng Zhu, Hengrui Liang, Caichen Li, Ran Zhong, Jianfu Li, Shan Xiong, Zhuxing Chen, Wenhua Liang, Jianxing He Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Wenhua Liang; Jianxing HeDepartment of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, 151, Yanjiang Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-20-83337792Fax +86-20-83350363Email liangwh1987@163.com; drjianxing.he@gmail.comAbstract: There are increasing numbers of synchronous multiple primary lung cancer (SMPLC) patients in clinical practice, with most lesions presenting as ground-glass opacity (GGO). For SMPLC patients, surgical resection should be a prior option for all lesions suspected of being malignant, if medically and technically feasible. However, it is frequently a dilemma for the management of residual GGO lesions that were unresected simultaneously with the main tumor in SMPLC patients. We report a case of SMPLC, in which the patient underwent surgical resection of the major lesion with EGFR mutation and then received compelling EGFR-TKI treatment for one enlarging residual GGO lesion after 12 months since operation. Furthermore, a comprehensive literature review about the risk for the progress of GGOs unresected simultaneously with the main lesion and the management of these residual GGOs was also summarized. With the treatment of EGFR-TKI gefitinib for 3 months, the biggest residual GGO lesion (more than 10mm) achieved a complete response (CR), three lesions reduced in size, and the other three lesions remained stable in this case. Surgical resection for major lesion and EGFR-TKI treatment on unresected GGOs might bring favorable outcome for patients with EGFR-mutated multifocal lung cancer. This strategy is safe and effective, which could be a promising therapeutic approach for unresectable GGO lesions in EGFR-mutated SMPLC patients after primary surgery. Notably, folate receptor-positive circulating tumor cell (FR+-CTC) for therapeutic monitoring was more sensitive for GGO-featured lung adenocarcinoma than serum markers.Keywords: multiple primary lung cancer, ground-glass opacity, epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinases inhibitor, folate receptor-positive circulating tumor cell, literature review

Yaping Li,1 Muqi Wang,1 Wenjun Wang,1 Dandan Feng,1 Huiling Deng,1,2 Yufeng Zhang,2 Shuangsuo Dang,1 Song Zhai1 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi’an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an 710004, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Xi’an 710003, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Shuangsuo Dang; Song ZhaiDepartment of Infectious Diseases, Xi’an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an 710004, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax +86-29-87679688; +86 18991307953Fax +86 29-87679273Email dangshuangsuo123@xjtu.edu.cn; zhaisong1103@xjtu.edu.cnIntroduction: Severe hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) may lead to serious complications, which cause child mortality during outbreaks. The aim of this study was to determine whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can predict death risk in severe HFMD.Methods: Medical records for 664 severe HFMD patients were retrospectively examined, and NLR was calculated from blood counts. Youden’s index was calculated to determine the optimal NLR cutoff. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine death risk factors associated with severe HFMD.Results: An NLR cutoff value of 2.01 and 2.50 respectively predicted mortality among all 664 severe HFMD and 137 critical HFMD. Among all 664 patients, the multivariate model identified the following as independently associated with death risk: high fever (OR 3.342, 95% CI 1.736– 6.432), EV71 infection (OR 3.200, 95% CI 1.529– 6.698), fasting glucose (OR 37.343, 95% CI 18.616– 74.909), and NLR (> 2.01) (OR 2.142, 95% CI 1.125– 4.079). Among 137 critical HFMD, EV71 infection (OR 3.441, 95% CI 1.132– 10.462), fasting glucose (OR 14.173, 95% CI 4.920– 40.827), and NLR (> 2.50) (OR 4.166, 95% CI 1.570– 11.051) were associated with death risk.Conclusion: In conclusion, NLR (> 2.01) in severe HFMD and NLR (> 2.50) in critical HFMD patients may be associated with increased death risk.Keywords: enterovirus 71, hand, foot and mouth disease, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, risk factor

Yangzhen Wang,1 Shanshan Gao,1 Yuxia Wang,1 Fuchun Chen,2 Hailong Deng,3 Yongfang Lu1 1Department of Central Laboratory, Longyan First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Gynecology, Longyan First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Pathology, Longyan First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yongfang LuDepartment of Central Laboratory, Longyan First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-597-2205918Email lyongfanglu@163.comPurpose: To evaluate the performance of different high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) genotype models in triaging women with cytological diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS).Patients and Methods: A total of 36,679 Chinese women who underwent cytology and HR-HPV genotyping assessments during cervical cancer screening were enrolled in this study. Women with cytology-proven ASCUS were referred for further screening by colposcopy and biopsy. The study endpoint was histological detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) at any of the follow-up visits. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs), negative predictive values (NPVs), positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of different HR-HPV genotype combination models were estimated.Results: In all, 1675 (4.9%) women were identified as having ASCUS, 1454 women underwent colposcopy and biopsy, and 6.0% (87/1454) women were identified as having CIN2+ lesions. Among those with ASCUS who were identified as having CIN2+, the HR-HPV infection rate was 97.7%, and the prevalence rates of HPV-16, − 18, − 31, − 33, − 35, − 39, − 45, − 51, − 52, − 56, − 58, − 59, − 66 and − 68 were 48.3%, 8.0%, 6.9%, 4.6%, 1.1%, 2.3%, 3.4%, 3.4%, 26.4%, 1.1%, 17.2%, 2.3%, 0.0% and 0.0%, respectively. Compared to other HR-HPV-type combination models, the HPV16/18/31/33/52/58 model achieved a higher sensitivity [93.1 (87.8– 98.4)], specificity [73.0 (70.7– 75.4)], PPV [18.0 (14.5– 21.5)], NPV [99.4 (98.9– 99.9)], PLR [3.7 (3.1– 3.8)] and NLR [0.06 (0.03– 0.18)] for the triage of ASCUS patients, but the colposcopy referral rate (30.9%) was significantly lower than that of the recommended HR-HPV model (44.0%).Conclusion: This study confirms that the specific HR-HPV genotype HPV16/18/31/33/52/58 is an alternative strategy for ASCUS triage and can effectively reduce the high burden of colposcopy referrals in China.Keywords: human papillomavirus, high-risk, genotyping, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Jinfeng Wang,1 Song Shang,1 Junjun Li,1 Hongyu Deng,1 Linda Ouyang,1 Hailong Xie,2 Haizhen Zhu,3 Yajun Li,1 Chaohui Zuo1 1Department of Gastroduodenal and Pancreatic Surgery, Translation Medicine Research Center of Liver Cancer, Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya Medical School & Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China; 2Graduates School, Cancer Research Institute, University of South China, Hengyang, People’s Republic of China; 3Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology of College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Chaohui ZuoDepartment of Gastroduodenal and Pancreatic Surgery, Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School & Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Hunan University- Hunan Province Tumor Hospital Joint Center of Liver Cancer Translational Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +8673189762140Email zuochaohui@vip.sina.comYajun LiDepartment of Gastroduodenal and Pancreatic Surgery, Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School & Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +8673189762140Email liyajun2391@163.comIntroduction: Primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GDLBCL) is a heterogeneous disease in clinicopathological features and prognosis. Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and microRNA-34a (miR-34a) play crucial roles in GDLBCL progress. The purpose of this research is to explore the clinical significance of PD-L1 and miR-34a expression in GDLBCL.Patients and Methods: The expressions of PD-L1 and miR-34a were examined by IHC and qRT-PCR in 109 patients who were diagnosed with GDLBCL and were treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone vincristine and prednisone chemotherapy (R-CHOP) from January 2010 to December 2018.Results: PD-L1 level was significantly higher in tumor tissues than adjacent non-tumor tissues (60.5%, P< 0.001), while the miR-34a level was just reversed (50.5%, P< 0.001), which was negatively correlated (r=− 0.524, P< 0.001). Notably, PD-L1-positive and miR-34a-negative expressions were significantly correlated with the advanced Lugano stage of IIE-IV stage (P< 0.001 and P< 0.01), elevated serumal LDH levels (P< 0.001 and P< 0.05), B symptoms present (P< 0.001 and P< 0.001), non-GCB subtype (P< 0.001 and P< 0.001) and negative Bcl-2 expression (P< 0.05 and P< 0.001). PD-L1 high and miR-34a low expression groups had more patients with IPI scores of 2 or greater (P< 0.001 and P< 0.05) and poor R-IPI (P< 0.01 and P< 0.01). The complete response rate was upregulated in patients with negative PD-L1 and positive miR-34a expression after R-CHOP treatment.Discussion: PD-L1 expression and miR-34a expression were significantly associated with clinicopathological characteristics and survival prognosis; they may serve as novel prognostic markers in GDLBCL patients who were treated with R-CHOP. Immunotherapies targeting PD-L1 and miR-34a pathway may have therapeutic potential in GDLBCL.Keywords: GDLBCL, R-CHOP, PD-L1, miR-34a, tumor immunotherapy

Ruifeng Wu,1,* Zhiqiang Zhang,1,* Baohua Wang,2 Ge Chen,3 Yaozhong Zhang,3 Haowen Deng,3 Zilong Tang,3 Junjie Mao,3 Lei Wang3 1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Baoding No.1 Central Hospital, Baoding, Hebei Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tumor Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Lei Wang Email wangleihmu@protonmail.comPurpose: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Drug resistance is the major barrier for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this research is to develop an aptamer-decorated hybrid nanoparticle for the co-delivery of docetaxel prodrug (DTXp) and cisplatin (DDP) and to treat lung cancer.Materials and Methods: Aptamer-conjugated lipid–polymer ligands and redox-sensitive docetaxel prodrug were synthesized. DTXp and DDP were loaded into the lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNs). The targeted efficiency of aptamer-decorated, DTXp and DDP co-encapsulated LPHNs (APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs) was determined by performing a cell uptake assay by flow cytometry-based analysis. In vivo biodistribution and anticancer efficiency of APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs were evaluated on NSCLC-bearing mice xenograft.Results: APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs had a particle size of 213.5 ± 5.3 nm, with a zeta potential of 15.9 ± 1.9 mV. APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs exhibited a significantly enhanced cytotoxicity (drug concentration causing 50% inhibition was 0.71 ± 0.09 μg/mL), synergy antitumor effect (combination index was 0.62), and profound tumor inhibition ability (tumor inhibition ratio of 81.4%) compared with the non-aptamer-decorated LPHNs and single drug-loaded LPHNs.Conclusion: Since the synergistic effect of the drugs was found in this system, it would have great potential to inhibit lung tumor cells and in vivo tumor growth.Keywords: lung cancer, combination therapy, docetaxel prodrug, cisplatin, aptamer-decorated, lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles

Wenmiao Liu, 1, 2,* Yixia Guo, 3,* Xiumei Liu, 4 Ru Zhang, 1, 2 Jicheng Dong, 5 Hao Deng, 6 Fan He, 7 Fengyuan Che, 8 Shiguo Liu, 1, 2 Mingji Yi 9 1Medical Genetics Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China; 2Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China; 3Child Health Care Department, Rizhao People’s Hospital, Rizhao, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Pediatrics, Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Center of Qingdao, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China; 6Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China; 7Center of Schizophrenia, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 8Department of Neurology, Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi, People’s Republic of China; 9Child Health Care Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Shiguo Liu; Mingji YiThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266003, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 53282911385; +86 53282911223Email 15836035021@163.com; yimji@126.comObjective: Tourette syndrome (TS) is a childhood-onset neuro-developmental disorder and the genetic factors play an important role in its etiology. As pericentrin (PCNT) binds to disruption-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) and is a risk factor for many mental illnesses, we aimed to investigate the effect of PCNT on TS in the Chinese Han population.Methods: Five tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs17371795, rs2839227, rs2839228, rs6518291 and rs9983522) in PCNT were screened in 407 TS nuclear family trios and 506 healthy persons by the TaqMan assays real-time. A common case–control study was designed to recognize differences in the genetic distributions. Additionally, we conducted a family based association study including transmission disequilibrium test, haplotype relative risk, and haplotype-based haplotype relative risk for these SNPs.Results: The allele frequencies revealed a significant difference of rs17371795, rs2839227 and rs2839228 between TS patients and controls (for rs17371795: P=0.002, OR=0.691, 95% CI=0.547– 0.874; for rs2839227: P=0.001, OR=0.682, 95% CI=0.540– 0.860; for rs2839228: P=0.028, OR=0.775, 95% CI=0.618– 0.973) and genotypic distributions showed a positive association only in rs17371795 and rs2839227 (for rs17371795: P=0.010; for rs2839227: P=0.008). Moreover, only rs2839227 remained significant after Bonferroni correction (P< 0.01).Conclusion: Our study suggested genetic variability at the PCNT locus may be associated with TS risk in the Chinese Han population.Keywords: Tourette syndrome, PCNT, TDT, HRR, case-control study

Caiyun Wang,1 Hongmei Xu,2 Jikui Deng,3 Hui Yu,4 Yiping Chen,5 Shifu Wang,6 Weichun Huang,7 Jianhua Hao,8 Chun Wang,9 Huiling Deng,10 Yinghu Chen11Infection Disease Department, The Children‘s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, People’s Republic of China; 2Infection Disease Department, Children‘s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Children‘s Hospital, Shenzhen 518038, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Infectious Diseases, Children‘s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, People’s Republic of China; 5Infection Disease Department, Yuying Children‘s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Children’s Medical Laboratory Diagnosis Center, Qilu Children‘s Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, People’s Republic of China; 7Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Children‘s Medical Center of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, People’s Republic of China; 8Infection Disease Department, Kaifeng Children‘s Hospital, Kaifeng 475000, People’s Republic of China; 9Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200040, People’s Republic of China; 10Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, 710003, People’s Republic of ChinaBackground: Prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis (PM) remains very poor, especially in less developed countries. Currently, few multi-centric studies on pediatric PM have been reported in mainland China.Objectives: This study aimed to explore the correlation of clinical and laboratory findings with complications and prognosis in pediatric PM.Methods: The pediatric PM patients were retrospectively recruited from ten pediatric tertiary hospitals across China between January 2013 and June 2018. Clinical, biochemical, and microbiological data and follow-up information were collected. Predictive factors for complications and prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and sequelae-free survival (SFS) were analyzed.Results: A total of 132 pediatric PM patients were included. Seventy-one patients had complications, 25 patients died, and 39 patients had neurological sequelae. Multivariate logistic regression suggested that age less than 28 months (adjusted OR=2.654, 95%CI=1.067–6.600, P=0.036) and lower white blood cells in blood (aOR=3.169, 95%CI=1.395–7.202, P=0.006) were associated with high risk of complications. Multivariate Cox’s proportional hazard regression suggested that age less than 28 months (aHR=6.479, 95%CI=1.153–36.404, P=0.034), coma (aHR=9.808, 95%CI=2.802–34.323, P=0.000), and non-adjuvant steroid therapy (aHR=4.768 95%CI=1.946–11.678, P=0.001) were independent prognostic factors for poor OS; coma (aHR=5.841, 95%CI=2.652–12.864, P=0.000), septic shock on admission (aHR=2.949, 95%CI=1.049–8.290, P=0.040), and lower glucose level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (aHR=2.523, 95%CI=1.336–4.765, P=0.004) were independent prognostic factors for poor SFS.Conclusion: Age, coma, and adjuvant steroid therapy were independent factors for OS, while coma, septic shock on admission, and lower glucose level in CSF were independent factors for SFS in pediatric PM patients. These factors might be used to identify PM patients with poor prognosis and guide individual treatment.Keywords: pneumococcal meningitis, clinical findings, complication, prognosis, pediatric

Jiao Ma,1 Hongyong Deng,2 Jiajia Li,1 Shaopu Hu,3 Yanping Yang,3 Sheng Liu,1 Xianghui Han11Institute of Chinese Traditional Surgery, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, People’s Republic of China; 2Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, People’s Republic of China; 3Science and Information Center, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of ChinaBackground: Olaparib, a potent oral poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, exhibits antitumor activity and prevents the recurrence in advanced ovarian cancer. In this article, we assessed the efficacy and safety of olaparib maintenance therapy on platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer patients with BRCA mutations through a meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to provide more evidence for its clinical applications.Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Wanfang, CNKI, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and VIP databases from 1 August 2018 to identify RCTs and finally included four RCTs (seven articles) with 567 eligible participants beyond the participants, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, and study design regulation. The outcomes of olaparib efficacy including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were measured by HR and 95% CI, while the quality of life was evaluated by calculating the combination of P-value. Seven common adverse events were tested by risk ratio and 95% CI as the outcomes of olaparib safety. These data were analyzed, and the forest figures were produced using Review Manager 5.3.Results: Compared with other interventions (ie, placebo or chemotherapy drugs), olaparib significantly prolonged PFS (HR=0.31, 95% CI=0.15–0.62) and slightly improved OS (HR=0.75, 95% CI=0.56–0.99), but did not influence the quality of life (P=0.058) in the patients with platinum-sensitive BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer. Additionally, the toxicity profile of olaparib involved anemia, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea with grade 1–2.Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that olaparib maintenance therapy is effective and well-tolerated for the patients with platinum-sensitive BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer. More updated RCTs and long-term follow-up should be conducted to compare and analyze the efficacy and toxicity of olaparib at different doses in ovarian cancer patients.Keywords: olaparib, ovarian cancer, efficacy, adverse event, meta-analysis

Dong Ye,1,2 Chongchang Zhou,2 Hongxia Deng,2 Lexi Lin,2 Shuihong Zhou11Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of ChinaPurpose: In this study, we used a nude mouse model of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) to investigate inhibition of tumor growth by microRNA-145 (miR-145) and the mechanisms underlying this inhibition.Methods: Tumors were established in nude mice by transplantation of the LSCC AMC-HN-8 cell line. Forty-eight nude mice were randomly divided into groups of eight mice each and treated with high (1.0 optical density [OD]) or low (0.5 OD) doses of miR-145, or relevant control treatments. Tumor growth was observed in each group and used to calculate the inhibition rate. Routine pathological and electron microscopic examinations were used to determine tumor apoptosis and proliferation. Changes in levels of miR-145 and PI3K and Akt protein levels were also analyzed.Results: MiR-145 inhibited LSCC growth in a dose-dependent manner, as tumor growth was significantly inhibited in mice injected intratumorally with high-dose miR-145 compared with both the untreated and low-dose miR-145 groups (p

Lijia Xiao,1,2,* Yuliang Wang,3,* Weicheng Liang,3 Liping Liu,4 Nannan Pan,1 Huimin Deng,1 Luqian Li,1 Chang Zou,5 Franky Leung Chan,3 Yiwen Zhou1 1Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China; 2Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanshan Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China; 3School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; 4Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People’s Hospital), Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; 5Clinical Medicine Research Center, Shenzhen Public Service Platform of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis on Tumor, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People’s Hospital), Jinan University, Shenzhen, China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: To explore potential therapeutic target is one of the areas of great interest in both clinical and basic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) studies. Nuclear receptor liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1, NR5A2) is proved to play a positive role in several cancers including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and intestinal cancer in recent years. However, the exact role of LRH-1 in the development and progression of HCC is not fully elucidated. Methods: The LRH-1 expression level in HCC clinical samples was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Stable LRH-1-suppressed HepG2 clones (HepG2LRH-1/-) were generated by transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and both in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted. Results: We confirmed that LRH-1 showed an increased expression pattern in HCC clinical samples. Our in vitro and in vivo results indicated that suppression of LRH-1 in HepG2 significantly attenuated its proliferation rate and tumorigenic capacity. Gene expression microarray analysis indicated that LRH-1mostly regulated gene expression involved in cell cycle. In addition, our gain-of-function experiments indicated that ectopic expression of LRH-1 dramatically induced the mRNA and protein levels of c-myc and cyclin E1, while attenuating the expression of p21. Conclusion: Our results suggest that LRH-1 might be a potential therapeutic target for clinical HCC treatment. Keywords: LRH-1, HCC, c-myc, p21, cyclin E1

Fang Li,1 Na Li,1 Jiao Sang,1 Xiude Fan,1 Huan Deng,1 Xiaoge Zhang,1 Qunying Han,1 Yi Lv,2,3 Zhengwen Liu1,3 1Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China; 2Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China; 3Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China Background and objective: Upregulated T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing molecule-3 (Tim-3) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8+ T-cells contributes to CD8+ T-cell exhaustion during chronic HBV infection. The membrane-bound Tim-3 can be cleaved from the cell surface by sheddase, yielding soluble Tim-3 (sTim-3). This study investigated serum sTim-3 levels in patients with chronic HBV infection of various liver diseases. Methods: Serum sTim-3 levels were quantitatively determined in 288 patients with chronic HBV infection of various liver diseases. The sTim-3 levels were analyzed in relation to liver diseases including HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and overall survival of HCC patients. Results: Serum sTim-3 levels in the patients with chronic HBV infection were significantly elevated compared with healthy controls (P3000 pg/mL being related to shorter overall survival than a level ≤3000 pg/mL (P=0.019). Conclusion: Serum sTim-3 is involved in disease progression and HCC development in chronic HBV infection and its quantitative determination may be potentially used as a marker for monitoring the disease progression and predicting the HCC prognosis in chronic HBV infection. Keywords: hepatitis B virus, soluble Tim-3, hepatocellular carcinoma, risk, survival

Chaoping Fu,1,* Haipeng Zhou,2,* Yanan Wang,2,* Dong Liu,2 Junmeng Li,2 Haijun Deng,2 Xiaolong Qi,2 Tao Chen,2 Li-Ming Zhang,1 Guoxin Li2 1PCFM Lab and GDHPPC Lab, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, 2Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Abstract: The intraoperative precision cleaning of lymph nodes (LNs) is an essential component of treating neoplastic disease. To develop efficient probes for the targeted detection of LNs that could act as carriers for the specific diagnosis and treatment of metastatic LNs in the future, dextran-coated iron oxide nanoclusters (DIONs) were synthesized using a one-pot coprecipitation procedure. These modified DIONs have good water dispersibility, cytocompatibility, an optimum size, and a stable, dark brown color for LN imaging. In this study, cytotoxicity was evaluated using lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to predict biosafety and biocompatibility. Most importantly, the effectiveness of DIONs in mapping perigastric LNs in Sprague Dawley rats following injection into the gastric submucosal layer was demonstrated. In addition, a long-term tracing in vivo (from 4 days to 3 months) indicated that the DIONs had good biosafety and biocompatibility according to an evaluation of the behavior and blood biochemistry of the rat and a histopathological examination of the important organs. Keywords: dextran-coated iron oxide nanoclusters, lymph node mapping, biosafety, lymphatic endothelial cells

Ye Zhang, Hong Deng, Chao Pan, Yang Hu, Qian Wu, Na Liu, Zhouping Tang Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China Abstract: Stroke is a clinical disease with high incidence, high disability rate, and high mortality. But effective and safe therapy for stroke remains limited. Adult mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) perform a variety of therapeutic functions. MSC delivery improves neurological outcomes in ischemic stroke models via neurorestorative and neuroprotective effects such as angiogenic effects, promoting endogenous proliferation, and reducing apoptosis and inflammation. MSC secretome also showed powerful therapeutic effects as a cell-based therapy in animal experiments. Several clinical trials on MSC implantation via different routes have now been completed in patients with stroke. Although challenges such as immunogenicity of allo-MSCs and large-scale production strategies need to be overcome, MSCs can be considered as a promising potential therapy for ischemic stroke. Keywords: mesenchymal stromal cell, stroke, therapy, transplantation, exosomes

Li Liu,1 Xiaoxia Liu,1 Qian Xu,1 Ping Wu,2 Xialin Zuo,3 Jingjing Zhang,1 Houliang Deng,1 Zhuomin Wu,1 Aimin Ji1 1Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Hospital, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 3Institute of Neurosciences and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China Abstract: The clinical application of small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been restricted by their poor intracellular uptake, low serum stability, and inability to target specific cells. During the last several decades, a great deal of effort has been devoted to exploring materials for siRNA delivery. In this study, biodegradable, tumor-targeted, self-assembled peptide nanoparticles consisting of cyclo(Arg–Gly–Asp–d–Phe–Lys)-8–amino–3,6–dioxaoctanoic acid–β–maleimidopropionic acid (hereafter referred to as RPM) were found to be an effective siRNA carrier both in vitro and in vivo. The nanoparticles were characterized based on transmission electron microscopy, circular dichroism spectra, and dynamic light scattering. In vitro analyses showed that the RPM/VEGFR2-siRNA exhibited negligible cytotoxicity and induced effective gene silencing. Delivery of the RPM/VEGFR2 (zebrafish)-siRNA into zebrafish embryos resulted in inhibition of neovascularization. Administration of RPM/VEGFR2 (mouse)-siRNA to tumor-bearing nude mice led to a significant inhibition of tumor growth, a marked reduction of vessels, and a downregulation of VEGFR2 (messenger RNA and protein) in tumor tissue. Furthermore, the levels of IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-12, and IL-6 in mouse serum, assayed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, did not indicate any immunogenicity of the RPM/VEGFR2 (mouse)-siRNA in vivo. In conclusion, RPM may provide a safe and effective delivery vector for the clinical application of siRNAs in tumor therapy. Keywords: siRNA delivery, self-assembly nanoparticles, gene silencing, tumor targeting