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Background: We are making progress in the fight against health-related misinformation, but mass participation and active engagement are far from adequate. Focusing on pre-professional medical students with above-average medical knowledge, our study examined whether and how third-person perceptions (TPP), which hypothesize that people tend to perceive media messages as having a greater effect on others than on themselves, would motivate their actions against misinformation. Methods: We collected the cross-sectional data through a self-administered paper-and-pencil survey of 1,500 medical students in China during April 2022. Results: Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis, showed that TPP was negatively associated with medical students' actions against digital misinformation, including rebuttal of misinformation and promotion of corrective information. However, self-efficacy and collectivism served as positive predictors of both actions. Additionally, we found professional identification failed to play a significant role in influencing TPP, while digital misinformation self-efficacy was found to broaden the third-person perceptual gap and collectivism tended to reduce the perceptual bias significantly. Conclusions: Our study contributes both to theory and practice. It extends the third-person effect theory by moving beyond the examination of restrictive actions and toward the exploration of corrective and promotional actions in the context of misinformation., It also lends a new perspective to the current efforts to counter digital misinformation; involving pre-professionals (in this case, medical students) in the fight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many methodologies for selecting histopathological images, such as sample image patches or segment histology from regions of interest (ROIs) or whole-slide images (WSIs), have been utilized to develop survival models. With gigapixel WSIs exhibiting diverse histological appearances, obtaining clinically prognostic and explainable features remains challenging. Therefore, we propose a novel deep learning-based algorithm combining tissue areas with histopathological features to predict cancer survival. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas Colon Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-COAD) dataset was used in this investigation. A deep convolutional survival model (DeepConvSurv) extracted histopathological information from the image patches of nine different tissue types, including tumors, lymphocytes, stroma, and mucus. The tissue map of the WSIs was segmented using image processing techniques that involved localizing and quantifying the tissue region. Six survival models with the concordance index (C-index) were used as the evaluation metrics. Results: We extracted 128 histopathological features from four histological types and five tissue area features from WSIs to predict colorectal cancer survival. Our method performed better in six distinct survival models than the Whole Slide Histopathological Images Survival Analysis framework (WSISA), which adaptively sampled patches using K-means from WSIs. The best performance using histopathological features was 0.679 using LASSO-Cox. Compared to histopathological features alone, tissue area features increased the C-index by 2.5%. Based on histopathological features and tissue area features, our approach achieved performance of 0.704 with RIDGE-Cox. Conclusions: A deep learning-based algorithm combining histopathological features with tissue area proved clinically relevant and effective for predicting cancer survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many methodologies for selecting histopathological images, such as sample image patches or segment histology from regions of interest (ROIs) or whole-slide images (WSIs), have been utilized to develop survival models. With gigapixel WSIs exhibiting diverse histological appearances, obtaining clinically prognostic and explainable features remains challenging. Therefore, we propose a novel deep learning-based algorithm combining tissue areas with histopathological features to predict cancer survival. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas Colon Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-COAD) dataset was used in this investigation. A deep convolutional survival model (DeepConvSurv) extracted histopathological information from the image patches of nine different tissue types, including tumors, lymphocytes, stroma, and mucus. The tissue map of the WSIs was segmented using image processing techniques that involved localizing and quantifying the tissue region. Six survival models with the concordance index (C-index) were used as the evaluation metrics. Results: We extracted 128 histopathological features from four histological types and five tissue area features from WSIs to predict colorectal cancer survival. Our method performed better in six distinct survival models than the Whole Slide Histopathological Images Survival Analysis framework (WSISA), which adaptively sampled patches using K-means from WSIs. The best performance using histopathological features was 0.679 using LASSO-Cox. Compared to histopathological features alone, tissue area features increased the C-index by 2.5%. Based on histopathological features and tissue area features, our approach achieved performance of 0.704 with RIDGE-Cox. Conclusions: A deep learning-based algorithm combining histopathological features with tissue area proved clinically relevant and effective for predicting cancer survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of Anti-PD-1 therapy has yielded promising outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, limited research has been conducted on the overall survival (OS) of patients with varying tumor responses and treatment duration. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed HCC patients who received sintilimab between January 2019 and December 2020 at four centers in China. The evaluation of tumor progression was based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. The study investigated the correlation between tumor response and OS, and the impact of drug use on OS following progressive disease (PD). Results: Out of 441 treated patients, 159 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Among them, 77 patients with disease control exhibited a significantly longer OS compared to the 82 patients with PD (median OS 26.0 vs. 11.3 months, P < 0.001). Additionally, the OS of patients with objective response (OR) was better than that of patients with stable disease (P = 0.002). Among the 47 patients with PD who continued taking sintilimab, the OS was better than the 35 patients who discontinued treatment (median OS 11.4 vs. 6.9 months, P = 0.042). Conclusions: In conclusion, the tumor response in HCC patients who received sintilimab affects OS, and patients with PD may benefit from continued use of sintilimab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exercise rehabilitation training is an important measure for improving the prognosis of patients with hip fractures. However, the particular program that works effectively and the efficiency of exercise therapy are still controversial. Objective: To compare the effects of usual postoperative care combined with rehabilitation based on exercise prescription on motor function and complications in elderly patients who underwent surgery for hip fracture. Methods: This was an observational study. A total of 71 elderly patients with hip fractures who were treated with hip arthroplasty and internal fixation of the proximal femur with an intramedullary nail at Suzhou Municipal Hospital from October 2020 to December 2021 were included; 11 cases were excluded (eight cases were excluded due to loss of follow-up, two due to deaths from other causes, and one due to other reasons). Finally, 60 patients (18 males and 42 females) were included. Patients were randomly assigned to the control (n = 30) and experimental (n = 30) groups using a random number generator. Patients in the control group received usual postoperative care, whereas those in the experimental group received usual postoperative care combined with rehabilitation training based on the principles of exercise prescription. We recorded the motor function (Harris hip score), daily living ability (Barthel Index), and complications at discharge and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively for statistical analysis. Results: The Harris hip score and Barthel Index score were significantly higher at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively than at discharge in both groups (p < 0.05). The Harris hip score and Barthel Index score at discharge and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The incidence of complications at 6 months postoperatively was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (13% vs. 37%). Conclusions: Rehabilitation therapy based on exercise prescription helps improve hip function and the ability to perform activities of daily living and related postoperative complications after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients. The findings of our study will guide decision-making in clinical practice and improve the clinical management of hip fractures in elderly patients postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The receptor-like kinase (RLK) gene families in plants contains a large number of members. They are membrane proteins with an extracellular receptor domain and participate in biotic and abiotic stress responses. Results: In this study, we identified RLKs in 15 representative plant genomes, including wheat, and classified them into 64 subfamilies by using four types of phylogenetic trees and HMM models. Conserved exon‒intron structures with conserved exon phases in the kinase domain were found in many RLK subfamilies from Physcomitrella patens to Triticum aestivum. Domain distributions of RLKs were also diagrammed. Collinearity events and tandem gene clusters suggested that polyploidization and tandem duplication events contributed to the member expansions of T. aestivum RLKs. Global expression pattern analysis was performed by using public transcriptome data. These analyses were involved in T. aestivum, Aegilops tauschii and Brachypodium distachyon RLKs under biotic and abiotic stresses. We also selected 9 RLKs to validate the transcriptome prediction by using qRT‒PCR under drought treatment and with Fusarium graminearum infection. The expression trends of these 9 wheat RLKs from public transcriptome data were consistent with the results of qRT‒PCR, indicating that they might be stress response genes under drought or F. graminearum treatments. Conclusion: In this study, we identified, classified, evolved, and expressed RLKs in wheat and related plants. Thus, our results will provide insights into the evolutionary history and molecular mechanisms of wheat RLKs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer among the middle-aged and elderly is gradually increasing in China. Colonoscopy is an effective method for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer, and bowel preparation is one of many important factors affecting colonoscopy. Although there are many studies on intestinal cleansers, the results are not ideal. There is evidence that hemp seed oil has certain potential effects in intestinal cleansing, but prospective studies on this topic are still lacking. Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, single-center clinical study. We randomly assigned 690 participants to groups each administered 3 L of polyethylene glycol (PEG), 30 mL of hemp seed oil and 2 L of PEG, or 30 mL of hempseed oil, 2 L of PEG, and 1000 mL of 5% sugar brine. The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale was considered the primary outcome measure. We evaluated the interval between consumption of bowel preparation and first bowel movement. Secondary indicators included the time of cecal intubation, detection rate of polyps and adenomas, willingness to repeat the same bowel preparation, whether the protocol was tolerated, and whether there were adverse reactions during bowel preparation and were evaluated after counting the total number of bowel movements. Discussion: This study aimed to test the hypothesis that hemp seed oil (30 mL) increases the quality of bowel preparation and reduces the amount of PEG. Previously, we found that its combination with 5% sugar brine can reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200057626. Prospectively registered on March 15, 2022 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conservative treatment is the recommended first-line treatment for degenerative disc diseases. Traction therapy has historically been one of the most common clinical methods to address this, but the clinical effect remains controversial.Methods: Forty-two six-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: the model group (Group A, four coccyx vertebrae (Co7-Co10) were fixed with customized external fixators, and the vertebral disc degeneration model was constructed by axial compression of the target segment Co8 - Co9 for 4 weeks), the experimental control group (Group B, after successful modeling, the external fixation device was removed and self-rehabilitation was performed) and four intervention groups (Groups C to F): Groups C and E: Co8 - Co9 vertebrae compressed for 4 weeks followed by two or 4 weeks of high tension traction (HTT), respectively, and Groups D and F: vertebrae compressed for 4 weeks followed by two or 4 weeks of low-tension traction (LTT), respectively. Imaging tests (X-ray and MRI) were performed to assess disc height and T2 signal intensity at each time point. After the experiment, the animals were euthanized, and the caudal vertebrae were collected for analysis of intervertebral disc histopathology, proteoglycan content, and micronanostructure of the annulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus and bony endplate.Results: Signs of tissue regeneration were apparent in all four intervention groups. After two to 4 weeks of intervention (HTT and LTT), the morphology of pores in the bony endplate, their number, and diameter had recovered significantly compared with those in Group A. The LTT group was superior to the HTT group, and the 4w in situ group was significantly superior to the 2w group. Meanwhile, the histological scores of discs, the mean fibril diameter and modulus of annulus fibrosus were significantly improved compared with the control groups, and the LTT group was superior to HTT group.Conclusions: Low-tension traction better promotes active reconstruction of bony endplates and improves the elastic modulus and micro/nanostructure of the disc. Thus, it further promotes the regeneration and repair of intervertebral discs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: C–C chemokine receptor type 1 (CCR1) and its endogenous ligand, CCL5, participate in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases. However, much remains unknown regarding CCL5/CCR1 signaling in blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods: A total of 250 CD1 male mice were used and ICH was induced via autologous whole blood injection. Either Met-RANTES, a selective CCR1 antagonist, or Met-RANTES combined with a Rac1 CRISPR activator was administered to the mice 1 h after ICH. Post-ICH assessments included neurobehavioral tests, brain water content, BBB integrity, hematoma volume, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. The CCR1 ligand, rCCL5, and SRC CRISPR knockout in naïve mice were used to further elucidate detrimental CCL5/CCR1/SRC signaling. Results: Brain endogenous CCR1 and CCL5 were upregulated after ICH in mice with a peak at 24 h, and CCR1 was expressed in endothelial cells, astrocytes, and neurons. Met-R treatment reduced brain edema and neurobehavioral impairment, as well as preserved BBB integrity and tight junction protein expression in ICH mice. Met-R treatment decreased expression of p-SRC, Rac1, albumin, and MMP9, but increased claudin-5, occludin, and ZO-1 tight junction proteins after ICH. These effects were regressed using the Rac1 CRISPR activator. Administration of rCCL5 in naïve mice increased expression of p-SRC, Rac1, albumin, and MMP9, but decreased levels of claudin-5, occludin, and ZO-1 tight junction proteins. These effects in naïve mice were reversed with SRC CRISPR (KO). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that CCR5 inhibition by Met-R improves neurological deficits after ICH by preserving BBB integrity through inhibiting CCR1/SRC/Rac1 signaling pathway in mice. Thus, Met-R has therapeutic potential in the management of ICH patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prototype foamy virus (PFV) is nonpathogenic complex retroviruses that express a transcriptional transactivator Tas, which is essential for the activity of viral long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter and internal promoter (IP). Tripartite motif-containing protein 28 (Trim28) is well known as a scaffold protein normally enriched in gene promoter region to repress transcription. We sought to determine if whether Trim28 could be enriched in PFV promoter region to participate the establishment of PFV latency infection. Results: In this study, we show that Trim28 restricts Tas-dependent transactivation activity of PFV promoter and negatively regulates PFV replication. Trim28 was found to be enriched in LTR instead of IP promoter regions of PFV genome and contribute to the maintenance of histone H3K9me3 marks on the LTR promoter. Furthermore, Trim28 interacts with Tas and colocalizes with Tas in the nucleus. Besides, we found that Trim28, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, binds directly to and promotes Tas for ubiquitination and degradation. And the RBCC domain of Trim28 is required for the ubiquitination and degradation of Tas. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings not only identify a host factor Trim28 negatively inhibits PFV replication by acting as transcriptional restriction factor enriched in viral LTR promoter through modulating H3K9me3 mark here, but also reveal that Trim28 mediated ubiquitin proteasome degradation of Tas as a mechanism underlying Trim28 restricts Tas-dependent transcription activity of PFV promoter and PFV replication. These findings provide new insights into the process of PFV latency establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: GRAS, an important family of transcription factors, have played pivotal roles in regulating numerous intriguing biological processes in plant development and abiotic stress responses. Since the sequencing of the sorghum genome, a plethora of genetic studies were mainly focused on the genomic information. The indepth identification or genome-wide analysis of GRAS family genes, especially in Sorghum bicolor, have rarely been studied. Results: A total of 81 SbGRAS genes were identified based on the S. bicolor genome. They were named SbGRAS01 to SbGRAS81 and grouped into 13 subfamilies (LISCL, DLT, OS19, SCL4/7, PAT1, SHR, SCL3, HAM-1, SCR, DELLA, HAM-2, LAS and OS4). SbGRAS genes are not evenly distributed on the chromosomes. According to the results of the gene and motif composition, SbGRAS members located in the same group contained analogous intron/exon and motif organizations. We found that the contribution of tandem repeats to the increase in sorghum GRAS members was slightly greater than that of fragment repeats. By quantitative (q) RT-PCR, the expression of 13 SbGRAS members in different plant tissues and in plants exposed to six abiotic stresses at the seedling stage were quantified. We further investigated the relationship between DELLA genes, GAs and grain development in S. bicolor. The paclobutrazol treatment significantly increased grain weight, and affected the expression levels of all DELLA subfamily genes. SbGRAS03 is the most sensitive to paclobutrazol treatment, but also has a high response to abiotic stresses. Conclusions: Collectively, SbGRAs play an important role in plant development and response to abiotic stress. This systematic analysis lays the foundation for further study of the functional characteristics of GRAS genes of S. bicolor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous signaling mediator in various physiological processes. However, there are less reports concerning the effects of NO on fungal secondary metabolites. Hypocrellins are effective anticancer photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents from fungal perylenequinone pigments of Shiraia. NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was used as a chemical elicitor to promote hypocrellin biosynthesis in Shiraia mycelium cultures. Results: SNP application at 0.01–0.20 mM was found to stimulate significantly fungal production of perylenequinones including hypocrellin A (HA) and elsinochrome A (EA). SNP application could not only enhance HA content by 178.96% in mycelia, but also stimulate its efflux to the medium. After 4 days of SNP application at 0.02 mM, the highest total production (110.34 mg/L) of HA was achieved without any growth suppression. SNP released NO in mycelia and acted as a pro-oxidant, thereby up-regulating the gene expression and activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating NADPH oxidase (NOX) and antioxidant enzymes, leading to the increased levels of superoxide anion (O2−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that SNP treatment could up-regulate biosynthetic genes for hypocrellins and activate the transporter protein major facilitator superfamily (MFS) for the exudation. Moreover, SNP treatment increased the proportion of total unsaturated fatty acids in the hypha membranes and enhanced membrane permeability. Our results indicated both cellular biosynthesis of HA and its secretion could contribute to HA production induced by SNP. Conclusions: The results of this study provide a valuable strategy for large-scale hypocrellin production and can facilitate further understanding and exploration of NO signaling in the biosynthesis of the important fungal metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salt and drought are the main abiotic stresses that restrict the yield of crops. Peroxidases (PRXs) are involved in various abiotic stress responses. Furthermore, only few wheat PRXs have been characterized in the mechanism of the abiotic stress response. Results: In this study, a novel wheat peroxidase (PRX) gene named TaPRX-2A, a member of wheat class III PRX gene family, was cloned and its response to salt stress was characterized. Based on the identification and evolutionary analysis of class III PRXs in 12 plants, we proposed an evolutionary model for TaPRX-2A, suggesting that occurrence of some exon fusion events during evolution. We also detected the positive selection of PRX domain in 13 PRXs involving our evolutionary model, and found 2 or 6 positively selected sites during TaPRX-2A evolution. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) results showed that TaPRX-2A exhibited relatively higher expression levels in root tissue than those exhibited in leaf and stem tissues. TaPRX-2A expression was also induced by abiotic stresses and hormone treatments such as polyethylene glycol 6000, NaCl, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), salicylic acid (SA), methyljasmonic acid (MeJA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Transgenic wheat plants with overexpression of TaPRX-2A showed higher tolerance to salt stress than wild-type (WT) plants. Confocal microscopy revealed that TaPRX-2A-eGFP was mainly localized in cell nuclei. Survival rate, relative water content, and shoot length were higher in TaPRX-2A-overexpressing wheat than in the WT wheat, whereas root length was not significantly different. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) were enhanced in TaPRX-2A-overexpressing wheat compared with those in the WT wheat, resulting in the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The expression levels of downstream stress-related genes showed that RD22, TLP4, ABAI, GST22, FeSOD, and CAT exhibited higher expressions in TaPRX-2A-overexpressing wheat than in WT under salt stress. Conclusions: The results show that TaPRX-2A plays a positive role in the response to salt stress by scavenging ROS and regulating stress-related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Percutaneous vertebroplasty is the most common treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. However, the morbidity of vertebroplasty-related complications, such as cement leakage, remains high. We tested a new technique of unilateral pulsed jet lavage and investigated its effect on the intravertebral pressure and bone cement distribution. Methods: Thirty lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5) from six cadaver spines were randomly allocated into two groups (with and without irrigation). Prior to vertebroplasty, pulsed jet lavage was performed through one side of the pedicle by using a novel cannula with two concentric conduits to remove the fat and bone marrow of the vertebral bodies in the group with irrigation. The control group was not irrigated. Then, standardized vertebroplasty was performed in the vertebral bodies in both groups. Changes in the intravertebral pressure during injection were recorded. Computed tomography (CT) was performed to observe the cement distribution and extravasations, and the cement mass volume (CMV) was calculated. Results: During cement injection, the average maximum intravertebral pressure of the unirrigated group was higher than that of the irrigated group (4.92 kPa versus 2.22 kPa, P < 0.05). CT scans showed a more homogeneous cement distribution with less CMV (3832 mm3 vs. 4344 mm3, P < 0.05) and less leakage rate (6.7% vs. 46.7%, P < 0.05) in the irrigated group than in the control group. Conclusions: Unilateral pulsed jet lavage can reduce intravertebral pressure and lower the incidence of cement leakage during vertebroplasty. An enhanced bone cement distribution can also be achieved through this lavage system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carrot which contains lots of nutrients has a large demand around the world. The soluble sugar content in fleshy root of carrot directly influences its taste and quality. Sucrose, as an important member of soluble sugar, is the main product of photosynthesis in higher plants and it plays pivotal roles in physiological processes including energy supply, signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, starch and cellulose synthesis, and stress tolerance. Sucrose synthase is a key enzyme involved in sucrose metabolism and is closely related to sucrose content. However, the molecular mechanism involved in sucrose metabolism in carrot has lagged behind. Results: Here, carrot roots of five developmental stages from four carrot cultivars were collected, and the contents of soluble sugar and sucrose in different stages and cultivars were surveyed. Three DcSus genes (DcSus1, DcSus2, and DcSus3), with lengths of 2427 bp, 2454 bp and 2628 bp, respectively, were identified and cloned in carrot. Phylogenetic analysis from the deduced amino acid sequences suggested that three DcSus were clustered into three distinct groups (SUSI, II and III). Results of enzymatic profiles demonstrated that the DcSus activities showed decrease trends during taproot development. Correlation analysis indicated that the DcSus activity showed negative correlation with soluble sugar content and strong negative correlation with sucrose concentration. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression profiles of the DcSus genes are significantly different in carrot tissues (root, leaf blade, and petiole), and the expression levels of the DcSus genes in the leaf blade were much higher than that in the root and petiole. The expression profiles of DcSus genes showed strong negative correlation with both sucrose content and soluble sugar content. Conclusions: During carrot root development, the soluble sugar content and sucrose content showed increasing trends, while DcSus activities had persisting declinations, which may be due to the decreasing expression levels of genes encoding sucrose synthase. Our data demonstrate that synthesis of sucrose in carrot tissue is closely related with DcSus genes. The results from our study would not only provide effective insights of sucrose metabolism in carrot, but also are beneficial for biologists to improve carrot quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, long-term survival outcomes and treatment response of HCC patients undergoing immunotherapy is unpredictable. The study aimed to evaluate the role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) combined with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to predict the prognosis and treatment response of HCC patients receiving ICIs. Methods: Patients with unresectable HCC who received ICI treatment were included. The HCC immunotherapy score was developed from a retrospective cohort at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital to form the training cohort. The clinical variables independently associated with overall survival (OS) were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Based on multivariate analysis of OS, a predictive score based on AFP and NLR was constructed, and patients were stratified into three risk groups according to this score. The clinical utility of this score to predict progression-free survival (PFS) and differentiate objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) was also performed. This score was validated in an independent external validation cohort at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Results: Baseline AFP ≤ 400 ng/ml (hazard ratio [HR] 0.48; 95% CI, 0.24–0.97; P = 0.039) and NLR ≤ 2.77 (HR 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03–0.37; P<0.001) were found to be independent risk factors of OS. The two labolatory values were used to develop the score to predict survival outcomes and treatment response in HCC patients receiving immunotherapy, which assigned 1 point for AFP > 400 ng/ml and 3 points for NLR > 2.77. Patients with 0 point were classified as the low-risk group. Patients with 1–3 points were categorized as the intermediate-risk group. Patients with 4 points were classified as the high-risk group. In the training cohort, the median OS of the low-risk group was not reached. The median OS of the intermediate-risk group and high-risk group were 29.0 (95% CI 20.8–37.3) months and 16.0 (95% CI 10.8–21.2) months, respectively (P < 0.001). The median PFS of the low-risk group was not reached. The median PFS of the intermediate-risk group and high-risk group were 14.6 (95% CI 11.3–17.8) months and 7.6 (95% CI 3.6–11.7) months, respectively (P < 0.001). The ORR and DCR were highest in the low-risk group, followed by the intermediate-risk group and the high-risk group (P < 0.001, P = 0.007, respectively). This score also had good predictive power using the validation cohort. Conclusion: The HCC immunotherapy score based on AFP and NLR can predict survival outcomes and treatment response in patients receiving ICI treatments, suggesting that this score could serve as a useful tool for identification of HCC patients likely to benefit from immunotherapy. Highlights: Baseline serum AFP > 400 ng/mL and NLR > 2.77 were independent prognostic factors associated with worse OS and PFS in unresectable HCC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. A scoring system based on these two variables predicts survival outcomes and treatment response in patients with unresectable HCC undergoing immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cotton fiber, a natural fiber widely used in the textile industry, is differentiated from single cell of ovule epidermis. A large number of genes are believed to be involved in fiber formation, but so far only a few fiber genes have been isolated and functionally characterized in this developmental process. The Kinesin13 subfamily was found to play key roles during cell division and cell elongation, and was considered to be involved in the regulation of cotton fiber development. Results: The full length of coding sequence of GhKIS13A1 was cloned using cDNA from cotton fiber for functional characterization. Expression pattern analysis showed that GhKIS13A1 maintained a lower expression level during cotton fiber development. Biochemical assay showed that GhKIS13A1 has microtubule binding activity and basal ATPase activity that can be activated significantly by the presence of microtubules. Overexpression of GhKIS13A1 in Arabidopsis reduced leaf trichomes and the percentage of three-branch trichomes, and increased two-branch and shriveled trichomes compared to wild-type. Additionally, the expression of GhKIS13A1 in the Arabidopsis Kinesin-13a-1 mutant rescued the defective trichome branching pattern of the mutant, making its overall trichome branching pattern back to normal. Conclusions: Our results suggested that GhKIS13A1 is functionally compatible with AtKinesin-13A regarding their role in regulating the number and branching pattern of leaf trichomes. Given the developmental similarities between cotton fibers and Arabidopsis trichomes, it is speculated that GhKIS13A1 may also be involved in the regulation of cotton fiber development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unresolved taxonomic classification and paraphyly pervade the flatworm class Monogenea: the class itself may be paraphyletic and split into Polyopisthocotylea and Monopisthocotylea; there are some indications that the monopisthocotylean order Dactylogyridea may also be paraphyletic; single-gene markers and some morphological traits indicate that the family Ancyrocephalidae is paraphyletic and intertwined with the family Dactylogyridae. Methods: To attempt to study the relationships of Ancyrocephalidae and Monopisthocotylea using a phylogenetic marker with high resolution, we sequenced mitochondrial genomes of two fish ectoparasites from the family Dactylogyridae: Dactylogyrus simplex and Dactylogyrus tuba. We conducted phylogenetic analyses using three datasets and three methods. Datasets were ITS1 (nuclear) and nucleotide and amino acid sequences of almost complete mitogenomes of almost all available Monopisthocotylea mitogenomes. Methods were maximum likelihood (IQ-TREE), Bayesian inference (MrBayes) and CAT-GTR (PhyloBayes). Results: Both mitogenomes exhibited the ancestral gene order for Neodermata, and both were compact, with few and small intergenic regions and many and large overlaps. Gene sequences were remarkably divergent for nominally congeneric species, with only trnI exhibiting an identity value > 80%. Both mitogenomes had exceptionally low A + T base content and AT skews. We found evidence of pervasive compositional heterogeneity in the dataset and indications that base composition biases cause phylogenetic artefacts. All six mitogenomic analyses produced unique topologies, but all nine analyses produced topologies that rendered Ancyrocephalidae deeply paraphyletic. Mitogenomic data consistently resolved the order Capsalidea as nested within the Dactylogyridea. Conclusions: The analyses indicate that taxonomic revisions are needed for multiple Polyopisthocotylea lineages, from genera to orders. In combination with previous findings, these results offer conclusive evidence that Ancyrocephalidae is a paraphyletic taxon. The most parsimonious solution to resolve this is to create a catch-all Dactylogyridae sensu lato clade comprising the current Ancyrocephalidae, Ancylodiscoididae, Pseudodactylogyridae and Dactylogyridae families, but the revision needs to be confirmed by another marker with a sufficient resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Bacteria of the order Rickettsiales (Alphaproteobacteria) are obligate intracellular parasites that infect species from virtually every major eukaryotic lineage. Several rickettsial genera harbor species that are significant emerging and re-emerging pathogens of humans. As species of Rickettsiales are associated with an extremely diverse host range, a better understanding of the historical associations between these bacteria and their hosts will provide important information on their evolutionary trajectories and, particularly, their potential emergence as pathogens. Results Nine species of Rickettsiales (two in the genus Rickettsia, three in the genus Anaplasma, and four in the genus Ehrlichia) were identified in two species of hard ticks (Dermacentor nuttalli and Hyalomma asiaticum) from two geographic regions in Xinjiang through genetic analyses of 16S rRNA, gltA, and groEL gene sequences. Notably, two lineages of Ehrlichia and one lineage of Anaplasma were distinct from any known Rickettsiales, suggesting the presence of potentially novel species in ticks in Xinjiang. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed some topological differences between the phylogenies of the bacteria and their vectors, which led us to marginally reject a model of exclusive bacteria-vector co-divergence. Conclusions Ticks are an important natural reservoir of many diverse species of Rickettsiales. In this work, we identified a single tick species that harbors multiple species of Rickettsiales, and uncovered extensive genetic diversity of these bacteria in two tick species from Xinjiang. Both bacteria-vector co-divergence and cross-species transmission appear to have played important roles in Rickettsiales evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Flowering time has an important effect on regional adaptation and yields for crops. The tyrosine kinase-like (TKL) gene family is widely existed and participates in many biological processes in plants. Furthermore, only few TKLs have been characterized functions in controlling flowering time in wheat. Results: Here, we report that TaCTR1, a tyrosine kinase-like (TKL) gene, regulates flowering time in wheat. Based on identification and evolutionary analysis of TKL_CTR1-DRK-2 subfamily in 15 plants, we proposed an evolutionary model for TaCTR1, suggesting that occurrence of some exon fusion events during evolution. The overexpression of TaCTR1 caused early flowering time in transgenic lines. Transcriptomics analysis enabled identification of mass differential expression genes including plant hormone (ET, ABA, IAA, BR) signaling, flavonoid biosynthesis, phenolamides and antioxidant, and flowering-related genes in TaCTR1 overexpression transgenic lines compared with WT plants. qRT–PCR results showed that the expression levels of ethylene (ET) signal-related genes (ETR, EIN, ERF) and flowering-related genes (FT, PPD1, CO, PRR, PHY) were altered in TaCTR1-overexpressing wheat compared with WT plants. Metabonomics analysis showed that flavonoid contents were altered. Conclusions: Thus, the results show that TaCTR1 plays a positive role in controlling flowering time by activating various signaling pathways and regulating flowering-related genes, and will provide new insights on the mechanisms of wheat flowering regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to examine the reporting quality of existing economic evaluations for negotiated glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs) included in China National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 2013 (CHEERS 2013). Methods: We performed a systematic literature research through 7 databases to identify published economic evaluations for GLDs included in the China NRDL up to March 2021. Reporting quality of identified studies was assessed by two independent reviewers based on the CHEERS checklist. The Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test were performed to examine the association between reporting quality and characteristics of the identified studies. Results: We have identified 24 studies, which evaluated six GLDs types. The average score rate of the included studies was 77.41% (SD:13.23%, Range 47.62%-91.67%). Among all the required reporting items, characterizing heterogeneity (score rate = 4.17%) was the least satisfied item. Among six parts of CHEERS, results part scored least at 0.55 (score rate = 54.79%) because of the incompleteness of characterizing uncertainty. Results from the Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test showed that model choice, journal type, type of economic evaluations, and study perspective were associated with the reporting quality of the studies. Conclusions: There remains room to improve the reporting quality of economic evaluations for GLDs in NRDL. Checklists such as CHEERS should be widely used to improve the reporting quality of economic researches in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in plants. Among the major TFs, GATA plays a crucial role in plant development, growth, and stress responses. However, there have been few studies on the GATA gene family in foxtail millet (Setaria italica). The release of the foxtail millet reference genome presents an opportunity for the genome-wide characterization of these GATA genes. Results: In this study, we identified 28 GATA genes in foxtail millet distributed on seven chromosomes. According to the classification method of GATA members in Arabidopsis, SiGATA was divided into four subfamilies, namely subfamilies I, II, III, and IV. Structural analysis of the SiGATA genes showed that subfamily III had more introns than other subfamilies, and a large number of cis-acting elements were abundant in the promoter region of the SiGATA genes. Three tandem duplications and five segmental duplications were found among SiGATA genes. Tissue-specific results showed that the SiGATA genes were mainly expressed in foxtail millet leaves, followed by peels and seeds. Many genes were significantly induced under the eight abiotic stresses, such as SiGATA10, SiGATA16, SiGATA18, and SiGATA25, which deserve further attention. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings will be helpful for further in-depth studies of the biological function of SiGATA, and will provide a reference for the future molecular breeding of foxtail millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is considered a dependable biomarker for gauging insulin resistance. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) represents a marker reflecting atherosclerosis. However, there is currently no study specifically exploring the associations of these two biomarkers with the severity of new-onset coronary artery disease (CAD) under different glucose metabolic states. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the correlations of these two biomarkers with CAD severity in patients newly diagnosed with CAD under various glucose metabolism conditions. Method: Totally 570 subjects first administered coronary angiography were enrolled, including 431 first diagnosed CAD patients and 139 non-CAD patients. CAD severity was gauged by the quantity of narrowed arteries (single-vessel and multi-vessel CAD). According to WHO diabetes guidelines, glucose metabolic states were divided into normal glucose regulation (NGR), pre-diabetes mellitus (Pre-DM), and diabetes mellitus (DM). The relationships of the TyG index and AIP with CAD severity were validated by logistic regression analysis, including adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk elements and medical treatments. Their predictive efficacy for CAD was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Result: The TyG index and AIP were independently correlated with CAD in accordance with logistic regression analysis (both P < 0.05). Regardless of the glucose metabolic states, there was no statistical correlation between the TyG index and CAD severity. However, AIP in NGR patients was significantly related to CAD severity (P < 0.05). The areas under the curve of the TyG index and AIP for predicting CAD were 0.682 and 0.642 (both P < 0.001), respectively, and their optimal cut-off values were 3.210 (Youden index: 0.305) and 0.095 (Youden index:0.246), respectively. Conclusion: The TyG index and AIP have significant associations with CAD. The TyG index had no association with CAD severity, regardless of glucose metabolic states. AIP exhibited a discernible link with CAD severity in NGR patients, but not in the pre-DM or DM populations. The TyG index and AIP have similar predictive values for new-onset CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To rebuild a model of the pelvis and effectively simulate the trajectory of modified sacroiliac screws, we measured the parameters of each screw and screw channel and assessed the safety and feasibility of the parameters in adults. Method and materials: One hundred (50 males and 50 females) normal adult pelvic computed tomography (CT) images were randomly selected and imported into Mimics software to rebuild the three-dimensional pelvis model. In these models, each ideal channel of modified screws was simulated, and then we obtained the precise parameters of screws and channels using Mimics and Three-matic software. Results: The results of the comparison (right vs. left) showed that there were no significant differences in any of the angles, radius or M1SI parameters (the first modified sacroiliac). However, one parameter (BS) of M2SI (the second modified sacroiliac), two parameters (AP and BS) of M3SI (the third modified sacroiliac), and three parameters (AP, BS, L) of M4SI (the fourth modified sacroiliac) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The result of comparison (between genders) showed that there were no significant differences in M1SI and M2SI; in contrast, the radius, length and the α angle of M3SI and M4SI were significantly different between genders (P < 0.05), and the radius of M4SI required special attention. If the radius of the limiting screw channel was > 3.50 mm, 52 cases (52%, 24 males and 28 females) could not complete the M4SI screw placement among 100 samples. If the radius of the limiting screw channel was > 3.0 mm, a total of 10 cases (10%, 2 males and 8 females) could not complete the M4SI screw placement. Conclusion: Through the measurement of 100 healthy adult real three-dimensional pelvic models, we obtained the parameters of each modified sacroiliac screw and measured the three angles of each screw based on international coordinates for the first time, which can instruct clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth aggressive tumor affecting women worldwide. Circular RNA (circRNA) is enrolled in CC process. This study aims to unveil the profiles of circ_101119 (circCDK17) in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and glycolysis in CC. Methods: The expression levels of circCDK17, microRNA-1294 (miR-1294) and tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta (YWHAZ) mRNA were detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein expression levels of YWHAZ, recombinant glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and hexokinase 2 (HK2) were determined by western blot. Cell proliferation, migratory and invasive abilities and apoptosis were illustrated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Cell lactate production, glucose uptake and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) level were severally elucidated by lactate assay kit, glucose assay kit and ATP detection kit. Results: CircCDK17 expression and the mRNA and protein expression levels of YWHAZ were dramatically upregulated, while miR-1294 expression was obviously downregulated in CC tissues or cells compared with control groups. CircCDK17 silencing suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis, and induced cell apoptosis in CC; however, miR-1294 inhibitor restrained these effects. Additionally, circCDK17 was a sponge of miR-1294 and miR-1294 bound to YWHAZ. Furthermore, circCDK17 knockdown inhibited tumor formation in vivo. Conclusion: CircCDK17 knockdown repressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis, and promoted cell apoptosis via miR-1294/YWHAZ axis in CC. This finding provides a theoretical basis in studying circRNA-mediated therapy in CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In desert habitats, sand burial is an important factor affecting germination of plant seeds and seedling growth. Xanthium spinosum has strong adaptability in arid desert areas, and is a common malignant invasive plant in Xinjiang, China. The effects of different sand burial depths on seed germination, seedling emergence, growth and biomass allocation were studied to provide a scientific basis for further control of X. spinosum. Six sand burial depths (1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9 cm) were established to explore the response of X. spinosum seed germination and seedling growth to sand burial. The first emergence time, peak emergence time, emergence rate, seedling growth height, biomass and biomass distribution of X. spinosum seeds was significantly different at sand burial depths (P < 0.05). The X. spinosum seeds had the highest emergence rate (71.5%) at 1 cm sand burial and the maximum seedling height (7.1 cm). As sand burial depth increased, the emergence rate and seedling height gradually decreased. Emergence rate (12.25%) and seedling height (2.9 cm) were lowest at 9 cm sand burial. The root length at 9 cm depth (13.6 cm) was significantly higher than that at other sand depths (P < 0.05). The sand burial depth affected the biomass accumulation and distribution of X. spinosum. As sand burial depth increased, the root biomass and rhizome ratio increased, and the most deeply buried seedlings allocated more biomass for root growth. The optimal sand burial depth for seed germination and seedling growth of X. spinosum was 1–3 cm, and high burial depth (5–9 cm) was not conducive to the germination and growth of X. spinosum seedlings. For prevention and control of X. spinosum, we suggest deeply ploughing crops before sowing to ensure X. spinosum seeds are ploughed into a deep soil layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a prognostic biomarker and affects therapeutic selection in colorectal cancer (CRC). Current evaluation methods are not adequate for estimating LNM in CRC. H&E images contain much pathological information, and collagen also affects the biological behavior of tumor cells. Hence, the objective of the study is to investigate whether a fully quantitative pathomics-collagen signature (PCS) in the tumor microenvironment can be used to predict LNM. Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed stage I-III CRC who underwent radical surgery were included in the training cohort (n = 329), the internal validation cohort (n = 329), and the external validation cohort (n = 315). Fully quantitative pathomics features and collagen features were extracted from digital H&E images and multiphoton images of specimens, respectively. LASSO regression was utilized to develop the PCS. Then, a PCS-nomogram was constructed incorporating the PCS and clinicopathological predictors for estimating LNM in the training cohort. The performance of the PCS-nomogram was evaluated via calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness. Furthermore, the PCS-nomogram was tested in internal and external validation cohorts. Results: By LASSO regression, the PCS was developed based on 11 pathomics and 9 collagen features. A significant association was found between the PCS and LNM in the three cohorts (P < 0.001). Then, the PCS-nomogram based on PCS, preoperative CEA level, lymphadenectasis on CT, venous emboli and/or lymphatic invasion and/or perineural invasion (VELIPI), and pT stage achieved AUROCs of 0.939, 0.895, and 0.893 in the three cohorts. The calibration curves identified good agreement between the nomogram-predicted and actual outcomes. Decision curve analysis indicated that the PCS-nomogram was clinically useful. Moreover, the PCS was still an independent predictor of LNM at station Nos. 1, 2, and 3. The PCS nomogram displayed AUROCs of 0.849–0.939 for the training cohort, 0.837–0.902 for the internal validation cohort, and 0.851–0.895 for the external validation cohorts in the three nodal stations. Conclusions: This study proposed that PCS integrating pathomics and collagen features was significantly associated with LNM, and the PCS-nomogram has the potential to be a useful tool for predicting individual LNM in CRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with transient ischemia attack (TIA) or stroke, paradoxical embolism, and migraines. PFO closure decreases the recurrent incidence of cerebral ischemic events and reduces the incidence of syncope in adults. However, whether PFO is associated with syncope in pediatric patients has not been investigated. Methods: 1001 pediatric patients (aged 4 to 17 years, mean age 10.31 ± 2.61 years, 519 males) who complained of unexplained syncope, palpitation, headache, dizziness and chest pain and were hospitalized in the Syncope Ward, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University between January 2013 and April 2022 were recruited. Children with definite etiology of syncope, neurological, cardiogenic, psychological and other system diseases were excluded. PFO was measured by transthoracic echocardiography and right-heart contrast echocardiography was performed to identify the presence of right-to-left shunting. The demographic data and medical records were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Results: 276 cases were included in the simple syncope group, 379 cases in the headache/dizziness group, 265 cases in the chest pain group, and 81 cases in the palpitation group. The incidence of PFO between the four groups was insignificant (4.71%, 4.74%, 4.15%, 6.17%, respectively, P = 0.903). Multivariate Logistic regression demonstrated that PFO is not associated with the increased risk of syncope (P = 0.081). Conclusion: PFO may not increase the risk of syncope in pediatric patients. Further study may include a large and multicenter sample to investigate the association between PFO and unexplained syncope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Puerperal infection (PI) is a severe threat to maternal health. The incidence and risk of PI should be accurately quantified and conveyed for prior decision-making. This study aims to assess the quality of the published literature on the epidemiology of PI, and synthesize them to identify the temporal trends and risk factors of PI occurring in Mainland China. Methods: This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021267399). Putting a time frame on 2010 to March 2022, we searched Cochrane library, Embase, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Web of Science, China biology medicine, China national knowledge infrastructure and Chinese medical current contents, and performed a meta-analysis and meta-regression to pool the incidence of PI and the effects of risk factors on PI. Results: A total of 49 eligible studies with 133,938 participants from 17 provinces were included. The pooled incidence of PI was 4.95% (95%CIs, 4.46–5.43), and there was a statistical association between the incidence of PI following caesarean section and the median year of data collection. Gestational hypertension (OR = 2.14), Gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.82), primipara (OR = 0.81), genital tract inflammation (OR = 2.51), anemia during pregnancy (OR = 2.28), caesarean section (OR = 2.03), episiotomy (OR = 2.64), premature rupture of membrane (OR = 2.54), prolonged labor (OR = 1.32), placenta remnant (OR = 2.59) and postpartum hemorrhage (OR = 2.43) have significant association with PI. Conclusions: Maternal infection remains a crucial complication during puerperium in Mainland China, which showed a nationwide temporal rising following caesarean section in the past decade. The opportunity to prevent unnecessary PI exists in several simple but necessary measures and it's urgent for clinicians and policymakers to focus joint efforts on promoting the bundle of evidence-based practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ferritin, the natural iron storage protein complex, self-assembles into a uniform cage-like structure. Human H-ferritin (HFn) has been shown to transverse the blood–brain barrier (BBB) by binding to transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), which is abundant in endothelial cells and overexpressed in tumors, and enters cells via endocytosis. Ferritin is easily genetically modified with various functional molecules, justifying that it possesses great potential for development into a nanocarrier drug delivery system. Results: In this study, a unique integrin α2β1-targeting H-ferritin (2D-HFn)-based drug delivery system was developed that highlights the feasibility of receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) for glioma tumor treatment. The integrin targeting α2β1 specificity was validated by biolayer interferometry in real time monitoring and followed by cell binding, chemo-drug encapsulation stability studies. Compared with naïve HFn, 2D-HFn dramatically elevated not only doxorubicin (DOX) drug loading capacity (up to 458 drug molecules/protein cage) but also tumor targeting capability after crossing BBB in an in vitro transcytosis assay (twofold) and an in vivo orthotopic glioma model. Most importantly, DOX-loaded 2D-HFn significantly suppressed subcutaneous and orthotopic U-87MG tumor progression; in particular, orthotopic glioma mice survived for more than 80 days. Conclusions: We believe that this versatile nanoparticle has established a proof-of-concept platform to enable more accurate brain tumor targeting and precision treatment arrangements. Additionally, this unique RMT based ferritin drug delivery technique would accelerate the clinical development of an innovative drug delivery strategy for central nervous system diseases with limited side effects in translational medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The class III peroxidase (PRX) gene family is a plant-specific member of the PRX superfamily that is closely related to various physiological processes, such as cell wall loosening, lignification, and abiotic and biotic stress responses. However, its classification, evolutionary history and gene expression patterns are unclear in wheat and Aegilops tauschii. Results: Here, we identified 374, 159 and 169 PRXs in Triticum aestivum, Triticum urartu and Ae. tauschii, respectively. Together with PRXs detected from eight other plants, they were classified into 18 subfamilies. Among subfamilies V to XVIII, a conserved exon-intron structure within the "001" exon phases was detected in the PRX domain. Based on the analysis, we proposed a phylogenetic model to infer the evolutionary history of the exon-intron structures of PRX subfamilies. A comparative genomics analysis showed that subfamily VII could be the ancient subfamily that originated from green algae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii). Further integrated analysis of chromosome locations and collinearity events of PRX genes suggested that both whole genome duplication (WGD) and tandem duplication (TD) events contributed to the expansion of T. aestivum PRXs (TaePRXs) during wheat evolution. To validate functions of these genes in the regulation of various physiological processes, the expression patterns of PRXs in different tissues and under various stresses were studied using public microarray datasets. The results suggested that there were distinct expression patterns among different tissues and PRXs could be involved in biotic and abiotic responses in wheat. qRT-PCR was performed on samples exposed to drought, phytohormone treatments and Fusarium graminearum infection to validate the microarray predictions. The predicted subcellular localizations of some TaePRXs were consistent with the confocal microscopy results. We predicted that some TaePRXs had hormone-responsive cis-elements in their promoter regions and validated these predicted cis-acting elements by sequencing promoters. Conclusion: In this study, identification, classification, evolution, and expression patterns of PRXs in wheat and relative plants were performed. Our results will provide information for further studies on the evolution and molecular mechanisms of wheat PRXs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is the host's protective response against harmful external stimulation that helps tissue repair and remodeling. However, excessive inflammation seriously threatens the patient's life. Due to anti-inflammatory effects, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and monoclonal antibodies are used to treat various inflammatory diseases, but drug resistance, non-responsiveness, and severe side effect limit their development and application. Therefore, developing other alternative therapies has become essential in anti-inflammatory therapy. In recent years, the in-depth study of stem cells has made them a promising alternative drug for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, and the function of stem cells is regulated by a variety of signals, of which dopamine signaling is one of the main influencing factors. In this review, we review the effects of dopamine on various adult stem cells (neural stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and cancer stem cells) and their signaling pathways, as well as the application of some critical dopamine receptor agonists/antagonists. Besides, we also review the role of various adult stem cells in inflammatory diseases and discuss the potential anti-inflammation function of dopamine receptors, which provides a new therapeutic target for regenerative medicine in inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In calcaneal fractures, the percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) is currently considered to be the better choice, but it is difficult to accurately place the screw into the sustentaculum tali (ST) during the operation. In this study, the ideal entry point, angle, diameter and length of the screw were calculated by simulating the operation process. Methods: We retrospectively collected the calcaneus computed tomography (CT) scans of 180 adults, DICOM-formatted CT-scan images of each patient were imported into Mimics software to establish calcaneus model. Virtual screws were placed on the lateral of the posterior talar articular surface (PTAS), the lateral edge of the anterior process of calcaneus (APC), and the calcaneal tuberosity, respectively, the trajectory and size of the screws were calculated. Results: The mean maximum diameter of the PTAS screw was 42.20 ± 3.71 mm. The vertical distance between the midpoint of the APC optimal screw trajectory and the lowest point of the tarsal sinus was 10.67 ± 1.84 mm, and the distance between the midpoint of the APC optimal screw trajectory and the calcaneocuboid joint was 5 mm ~ 19.81 ± 2.08 mm. The mean maximum lengths of APC screws was 44.69 ± 4.81 mm, and the Angle between the screw and the coronal plane of the calcaneus from proximal to distal was 4.72°±2.15° to 20.52°±3.77°. The optimal point of the maximum diameter of the calcaneal tuberosity screw was located at the lateral border of the achilles tendon endpoint. The mean maximum diameters of calcaneal tuberosity screws was 4.46 ± 0.85 mm, the mean maximum lengths of screws was 65.31 ± 4.76 mm. We found gender-dependent differences for the mean maximum diameter and the maximum length of the three screws. Conclusions: The study provides effective positioning for percutaneous screw fixation of calcaneal fractures. For safer and more efficient screw placement, we suggest individualised preoperative 3D reconstruction simulations. Further biomechanical studies are needed to verify the function of the screw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In calcaneal fractures, the percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) is currently considered to be the better choice, but it is difficult to accurately place the screw into the sustentaculum tali (ST) during the operation. In this study, the ideal entry point, angle, diameter and length of the screw were calculated by simulating the operation process. Methods: We retrospectively collected the calcaneus computed tomography (CT) scans of 180 adults, DICOM-formatted CT-scan images of each patient were imported into Mimics software to establish calcaneus model. Virtual screws were placed on the lateral of the posterior talar articular surface (PTAS), the lateral edge of the anterior process of calcaneus (APC), and the calcaneal tuberosity, respectively, the trajectory and size of the screws were calculated. Results: The mean maximum diameter of the PTAS screw was 42.20 ± 3.71 mm. The vertical distance between the midpoint of the APC optimal screw trajectory and the lowest point of the tarsal sinus was 10.67 ± 1.84 mm, and the distance between the midpoint of the APC optimal screw trajectory and the calcaneocuboid joint was 5 mm ~ 19.81 ± 2.08 mm. The mean maximum lengths of APC screws was 44.69 ± 4.81 mm, and the Angle between the screw and the coronal plane of the calcaneus from proximal to distal was 4.72°±2.15° to 20.52°±3.77°. The optimal point of the maximum diameter of the calcaneal tuberosity screw was located at the lateral border of the achilles tendon endpoint. The mean maximum diameters of calcaneal tuberosity screws was 4.46 ± 0.85 mm, the mean maximum lengths of screws was 65.31 ± 4.76 mm. We found gender-dependent differences for the mean maximum diameter and the maximum length of the three screws. Conclusions: The study provides effective positioning for percutaneous screw fixation of calcaneal fractures. For safer and more efficient screw placement, we suggest individualised preoperative 3D reconstruction simulations. Further biomechanical studies are needed to verify the function of the screw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In calcaneal fractures, the percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) is currently considered to be the better choice, but it is difficult to accurately place the screw into the sustentaculum tali (ST) during the operation. In this study, the ideal entry point, angle, diameter and length of the screw were calculated by simulating the operation process. Methods: We retrospectively collected the calcaneus computed tomography (CT) scans of 180 adults, DICOM-formatted CT-scan images of each patient were imported into Mimics software to establish calcaneus model. Virtual screws were placed on the lateral of the posterior talar articular surface (PTAS), the lateral edge of the anterior process of calcaneus (APC), and the calcaneal tuberosity, respectively, the trajectory and size of the screws were calculated. Results: The mean maximum diameter of the PTAS screw was 42.20 ± 3.71 mm. The vertical distance between the midpoint of the APC optimal screw trajectory and the lowest point of the tarsal sinus was 10.67 ± 1.84 mm, and the distance between the midpoint of the APC optimal screw trajectory and the calcaneocuboid joint was 5 mm ~ 19.81 ± 2.08 mm. The mean maximum lengths of APC screws was 44.69 ± 4.81 mm, and the Angle between the screw and the coronal plane of the calcaneus from proximal to distal was 4.72°±2.15° to 20.52°±3.77°. The optimal point of the maximum diameter of the calcaneal tuberosity screw was located at the lateral border of the achilles tendon endpoint. The mean maximum diameters of calcaneal tuberosity screws was 4.46 ± 0.85 mm, the mean maximum lengths of screws was 65.31 ± 4.76 mm. We found gender-dependent differences for the mean maximum diameter and the maximum length of the three screws. Conclusions: The study provides effective positioning for percutaneous screw fixation of calcaneal fractures. For safer and more efficient screw placement, we suggest individualised preoperative 3D reconstruction simulations. Further biomechanical studies are needed to verify the function of the screw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fungal perylenequinonoid (PQ) pigments from Shiraia fruiting body have been well known as excellent photosensitizers for medical and agricultural uses. The fruiting bodies are colonized by a diverse bacterial community of unknown function. We screened the companion bacteria from the fruiting body of Shiraia sp. S9 and explored the bacterial elicitation on fungal PQ production. Results: A bacterium Pseudomonas fulva SB1 isolated from the fruiting body was found to stimulate the production of fungal PQs including hypocrellins A, C (HA and HC), and elsinochromes A–C (EA, EB and EC). After 2 days of co-cultures, Shiraia mycelium cultures presented the highest production of HA (325.87 mg/L), about 3.20-fold of that in axenic culture. The co-culture resulted in the induction of fungal conidiation and the formation of more compact fungal pellets. Furthermore, the bacterial treatment up-regulated the expression of polyketide synthase gene (PKS), and activated transporter genes of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and major facilitator superfamily transporter (MFS) for PQ exudation. Conclusions: We have established a bacterial co-culture with a host Shiraia fungus to induce PQ biosynthesis. Our results provide a basis for understanding bacterial–fungal interaction in fruiting bodies and a practical co-culture process to enhance PQ production for photodynamic therapy medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study sought to summarize the clinical experience of surgical treatment of anomalous origin of pulmonary arteries from the ascending aorta (AOPA) in Fuwai hospital.Methods: Fifty-two patients (28 males, 17.2 ± 27.2 months old and 8.7 ± 10.2 Kg weight) who have AOPA undertook surgical treatment between 1998 and 2017 were reviewed in this study, 47 out of 52 are anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery (AORPA), among the rest of the patients are anomalous origin of left pulmonary artery (AOLPA). 27 out of 52 associate with simple cardiac abnormalities, 20 out of 52 associate with complex cardiac malformations, the remaining 5 patients without cardiac abnormalities. Among all patients who underwent surgical treatment, the direct end-to-side anastomosis strategy was applied in 26 patients, autologous pericardial-homograft patch and aortic flap were employed in 20 patients, and synthetic graft was used in 6 patients.Results: No patient died during the perioperative period. 50 out of 52 patients were followed-up for 100.1 ± 70.9 months. The rate of pulmonary arterial free restenosis for 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years is 98.0, 96.0 and 92.0%, respectively.Conclusions: The correct diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment for AOPA could obtain excellent early and medium-term result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical spine fixation or immobilization has become a routine treatment for spinal fracture, dislocation, subluxation injuries, or spondylosis. The effects of immobilization of intervertebral discs of the cervical spine is unclear. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-segment in-situ immobilization of intervertebral discs of the caudal vertebra, thereby simulating human cervical spine immobilization.Methods: Thirty-five fully grown, male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Rats were randomly assigned to one of five groups: Group A, which served as controls, and Groups B, C, D, and E, in which the caudal vertebrae were in-situ immobilized using a custom-made external device that fixed four caudal vertebrae (Co7-Co10). After 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks of in-situ immobilization, the caudal vertebrae were harvested, and the disc height, the T2 signal intensity of the discs, disc morphology, the gene expression of discs, and the structure and the elastic modulus of discs was measured.Results: The intervertebral disc height progressively decreased, starting at the 6th week. At week 6 and week 8, disc degeneration was classified as grade III, according to the modified Pfirrmann grading system criteria. Long-segment immobilization altered the gene expression of discs. The nucleus pulposus showed a typical cell cluster phenomenon over time. The annulus fibrosus inner layer began to appear disordered with fissure formation. The elastic modulus of collagen fibrils within the nucleus pulposus was significantly decreased in rats in group E compared to rats in group A (p < 0.05). On the contrary, the elastic modulus within the annulus was significantly increased in rats in group E compared to rats in group A (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Long-segment in-situ immobilization caused target disc degeneration, and positively correlated with fixation time. The degeneration was not only associated with changes at the macroscale and microscale, but also indicated changes in collagen fibrils at the nanoscale. Long-segment immobilization of the spine (cervical spine) does not seem to be an innocuous strategy for the treatment of spine-related diseases and may be a predisposing factor in the development of the symptomatic spine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Articular cartilage has a high-weight-bearing area and a low-weight-bearing area, the macroscopic elastic moduli of the two regions are different. Chondrocytes are affected by the applied force at the microscopic level. Currently, the modulus of the two areas at the micro and nano levels is unknown, and studies on the relationship between macro-, micro- and nano-scale elastic moduli are limited. Such information may be important for further understanding of cartilage mechanics. Moreover, the surface morphology, proteoglycan content, and micro and nano structure of the two areas, which influences the mechanical properties of cartilage should be discussed.Methods: Safranin-O/Fast Green staining was used to evaluate the surface morphology and semi-quantify proteoglycan content of porcine femoral head cartilage between the two weight-bearing areas. The unconfined compression test was used to determine the macro elastic modulus. Atomic force microscope was used to measure the micro and nano compressive elastic modulus as well as the nano structure. Scanning electron microscope was employed to evaluate the micro structure.Results: No significant differences in the fibrillation index were observed between two areas (P = 0.5512). The Safranin-O index of the high-weight-bearing area was significantly higher than that of the low-weight-bearing area (P = 0.0387). The compressive elastic modulus of the high-weight-bearing area at the macro and micro level was significantly higher than that of the low-weight-bearing area (P = 0.0411 for macro-scale, and P = 0.0001 for micro-scale), while no statistically significant differences were observed in the elastic modulus of collagen fibrils at the nano level (P = 0.8544). The density of the collagen fibers was significantly lower in the high-weight-bearing area (P = 0.0177). No significant differences were observed in the structure and diameter of the collagen fibers between the two areas (P = 0.7361).Conclusions: A higher proteoglycan content correlated with a higher compressive elastic modulus of the high-weight-bearing area at the micro level than that of the low-weight-bearing area, which was consistent with the trend observed from the macroscopic compressive elastic modulus. The weight-bearing level was not associated with the elastic modulus of individual collagen fibers and the diameter at the nano level. The micro structure of cartilage may influence the macro- and micro-scale elastic modulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ST6GALNAC family members function as sialyltransferases and have been implicated in cancer progression. However, their aberrant expression levels, prognostic values and specific roles in metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) remain largely unclear. Methods: Two independent public datasets (TCGA-PRAD and GSE21032), containing 648 PCa samples in total, were employed to comprehensively examine the mRNA expression changes of ST6GALNAC family members in PCa, as well as their associations with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. The dysregulation of ST6GALNAC5 was further validated in a mouse PCa model and human PCa samples from our cohort (n = 64) by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and drug sensitivity analyses were performed to enrich the biological processes most related to ST6GALNAC5. Sulforhodamine B, transwell, luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to examine the PCa cell proliferation, invasion and transcriptional regulation, respectively. Results: Systematical investigation of six ST6GALNAC family members in public datasets revealed that ST6GALNAC5 was the only gene consistently and significantly upregulated in metastatic PCa, and ST6GALNAC5 overexpression was also positively associated with Gleason score and predicted poor prognosis in PCa patients. IHC results showed that (1) ST6GALNAC5 protein expression was increased in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and further elevated in PCa from a PbCre;PtenF/F mouse model; (2) overexpressed ST6GALNAC5 protein was confirmed in human PCa samples comparing with benign prostatic hyperplasia samples from our cohort (p < 0.001); (3) ST6GALNAC5 overexpression was significantly correlated with perineural invasion of PCa. Moreover, we first found transcription factor GATA2 positively and directly regulated ST6GALNAC5 expression at transcriptional level. ST6GALNAC5 overexpression could partially reverse GATA2-depletion-induced inhibition of PCa cell invasion. The GATA2-ST6GALNAC5 signature exhibited better prediction on the poor prognosis in PCa patients than GATA2 or ST6GALNAC5 alone. Conclusions: Our results indicated that GATA2-upregulated ST6GALNAC5 might serve as an adverse prognostic biomarker promoting prostate cancer cell invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In calcaneal fractures, the percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) is currently considered to be the better choice, but it is difficult to accurately place the screw into the sustentaculum tali (ST) during the operation. In this study, the ideal entry point, angle, diameter and length of the screw were calculated by simulating the operation process. Methods: We retrospectively collected the calcaneus computed tomography (CT) scans of 180 adults, DICOM-formatted CT-scan images of each patient were imported into Mimics software to establish calcaneus model. Virtual screws were placed on the lateral of the posterior talar articular surface (PTAS), the lateral edge of the anterior process of calcaneus (APC), and the calcaneal tuberosity, respectively, the trajectory and size of the screws were calculated. Results: The mean maximum diameter of the PTAS screw was 42.20 ± 3.71 mm. The vertical distance between the midpoint of the APC optimal screw trajectory and the lowest point of the tarsal sinus was 10.67 ± 1.84 mm, and the distance between the midpoint of the APC optimal screw trajectory and the calcaneocuboid joint was 5 mm ~ 19.81 ± 2.08 mm. The mean maximum lengths of APC screws was 44.69 ± 4.81 mm, and the Angle between the screw and the coronal plane of the calcaneus from proximal to distal was 4.72°±2.15° to 20.52°±3.77°. The optimal point of the maximum diameter of the calcaneal tuberosity screw was located at the lateral border of the achilles tendon endpoint. The mean maximum diameters of calcaneal tuberosity screws was 4.46 ± 0.85 mm, the mean maximum lengths of screws was 65.31 ± 4.76 mm. We found gender-dependent differences for the mean maximum diameter and the maximum length of the three screws. Conclusions: The study provides effective positioning for percutaneous screw fixation of calcaneal fractures. For safer and more efficient screw placement, we suggest individualised preoperative 3D reconstruction simulations. Further biomechanical studies are needed to verify the function of the screw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics supplementation on glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on the data from the randomised clinical trials (RCTs). Methods: PubMed, Web of Sciences, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from the inception to October 2022, and RCTs about probiotics and T2DM were collected. The standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to estimate the effects of probiotics supplementation on glycaemic control related parameters, e.g. fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: Thirty RCTs including 1,827 T2MD patients were identified. Compared with the placebo group, the probiotics supplementation group had a significant decrease in the parameters of glycaemic control, including FBG (SMD = − 0.331, 95% CI − 0.424 to − 0.238, Peffect < 0.001), insulin (SMD = − 0.185, 95% CI − 0.313 to − 0.056, Peffect = 0.005), HbA1c (SMD = − 0.421, 95% CI − 0.584 to − 0.258, Peffect < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (SMD = − 0.224, 95% CI − 0.342 to − 0.105, Peffect < 0.001). Further subgroup analyses showed that the effect was larger in the subgroups of Caucasians, high baseline body mass index (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2), Bifidobacterium and food-type probiotics (Psubgroup < 0.050). Conclusion: This study supported that probiotics supplementation had favourable effects on glycaemic control in T2DM patients. It may be a promising adjuvant therapy for patients with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: First-line rehabilitative strategies to improve motor deficits are based on functional training (physical or occupational therapy), which has been demonstrated to facilitate neural reorganisation. Accumulating evidence suggests that non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as repetitive TMS (rTMS), may enhance neuroplasticity, thereby facilitating neural reorganisation and recovery from Parkinson's disease. Evidence also shows that intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) can improve motor function and quality of life in patients by promoting the excitability and neural remodelling of cerebral cortex. We aimed to combine iTBS stimulation with physiotherapy to improve the rehabilitation effect compared to physiotherapy alone in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: This randomised, double-blind clinical trial will enrol 50 Parkinson's disease patients aged 45–70 years with Hoehn and Yahr scale scores of 1–3. Patients are randomly assigned to either the iTBS + physiotherapy or sham-iTBS + physiotherapy group. The trial consists of a 2-week double-blind treatment period and a 24-week follow-up period. iTBS and sham-iTBS will be administered twice daily for 10 days based on physiotherapy. The primary outcome will be the third part of Movement Disorders–Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS III) from the baseline to the first 2 days following completion hospitalised intervention. The secondary outcome will be 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) at 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks after intervention. Tertiary outcomes are clinical evaluations and mechanism study outcomes such as NMSS, 6MWD, 10MT, TUG, BBS, MRI, and EEG, the length of time between the drug needs to be adjusted when symptoms fluctuate. Discussion: The aim of this study is to demonstrate that iTBS can promote overall function and quality of life in Parkinson's disease patients using physiotherapy and that this efficacy may be associated with altered neuroplasticity in exercise-related brain regions. The iTBS combined with physiotherapy training model will be evaluated during a 6-month follow-up period. With significant improvement in quality of life and motor function, iTBS combined with physiotherapy can be considered as a first-line rehabilitation option for Parkinson's disease. The potential of iTBS to enhance neuroplasticity in the brain should have a more positive impact in increasing the generality and efficiency of physiotherapy, improving the quality of life and overall functional status of patients with Parkinson's disease. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200056581. Registered on 8 February 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Excessive cell death of enterocytes has been demonstrated to be partially associated with the intravenously-administrated lipid emulsions (LEs) during parenteral nutrition (PN) support. However, as a new generation of LE, the effect of fish oil-derived lipid emulsion (FOLE) on the death of enterocytes remains elusive. Methods: Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6 cell line) were treated with FOLE (0.25–1%) for 24 h. Cell survival was measured by CCK-8 assay, and morphological changes were monitored by time-lapse live cell imaging. The expression of receptor-interacting protein 1/3 (RIP1/3) and caspase 8 was assessed by westernblot, and the formation of necrosome (characterized by the assembly of RIP1/3 complex along with the dissociation of caspase 8) was examined by immunoprecipitation. Additionally, the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by using a ROS detection kit with an oxidation-sensitive probe (DCFH-DA). Results: FOLE dose-dependently induced non-apoptotic, but programmed necroctic cell death (necroptosis) within 4–8 h after treatment. The assembly of RIP1/3 complex along with the dissociation of caspase 8 from RIP1 was observed in FOLE-treated cells. Moreover, FOLE-induced cell death was significantly alleviated by inhibiting RIP1, and was further aggravated by inhibiting caspase 8. In addition, prior to cell death the accumulation of intracellular ROS was significantly increased in FOLE-treated cells (increased by approximately 5-fold versus control, p < 0.001), which could be attenuated by inhibiting RIP1 (decreased by approximately 35% versus FOLE, p < 0.05). Conclusions: FOLE induces RIP1-dependent and caspase 8-licensed necroptosis through overproduction of ROS in vitro. Our findings may provide novel insights into the clinical applications of FOLE during PN support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study analyzes the relationship between preoperative psychological states of primary palmar hyperhidrosis patients and postoperative compensatory sweating.Methods: We evaluated the psychological states of patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis who received sympathectomy in our hospital from 2016 to 2017. The relationship between preoperative psychological states and postoperative compensatory sweating were assessed using Spearman's rank-order correlation.Results: Fifty-five patients who received R4 + R3 bypass transection accepted the preoperative questionnaire survey; 35 were males and 20 were females. The average age was 24.0 ± 6.3 years (range, 14-44 years). Depression symptoms were present in 21.9% (12/55) of the patients; the incidence of anxiety was almost similar, at 23.7% (13/55). Compensatory sweating occurred in 67.3% (37/55) of the patients; of these, 56.4% (31/55) was mild and 10.9% (6/55) was moderate. None of the patients had severe compensatory sweating. There was no significant relationship between the scores of SDS, SAS, and the incidence of postoperative compensatory sweating (P>0.05). However, the psychoticism scale displayed a strong impact on the degree of compensatory sweating (P<0.05). The higher the degree of psychoticism scale, the more serious the degree of compensatory sweating.Conclusions: The results of this study showed that patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis are more likely to have mild or moderate mental disorders, and that postoperative compensatory sweating may impact the satisfaction of surgery. In addition, the personality characteristics of patients are related to compensatory sweating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to compare total blood loss (TBL) and hidden blood loss (HBL) in patients undergoing single-level open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (O-TLIF) and unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (ULIF). Methods: A total of 53 patients who underwent ULIF and 53 patients who underwent O-TLIF from March 2020 to July 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The Nadler's formula was employed to estimate the patient's blood volume (PBV), Gross's formula to estimate TBL, and Sehat's formula to estimate HBL. The obtained data were then analyzed with independent t test, chi-squared test, and analysis of covariance. Results: TBL and measured blood loss (MBL) in ULIF group (326.86 ± 223.45 ml, 99.00 ± 72.81 ml) was significantly lower than O-TLIF group (427.97 ± 280.52 ml, 270.66 ± 102.34 ml). Nevertheless, the HBL in ULIF group was higher than that in O-TLIF group (227.86 ± 221.75 ml vs 157.31 ± 268.08 ml), however this was not statistically significant (p = 0.143). The HBL was 69.71 ± 23.72% of TBL in ULIF group and 36.76 ± 18.79% of TBL in O-TLIF group. Patients in ULIF group had lower TBL and MBL, shorter duration of drainage, lower postoperative anemia, and shorter postoperative hospital stay compared to those in O-TLIF group. Conclusions: Perioperative HBL should not be neglected in patients undergoing ULIF or O-TILF, as it accounts for a large percentage of TBL in both groups. ULIF is associated with lower TBL and MBL, postoperative anemia, shorter postoperative hospital stays compared with O-TLIF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tumor cell density is a basic pathological feature of solid tumors. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy reduce tumor cell density, whereas unrestricted tumor cell proliferation promotes this feature. The impact of tumor cells on the microenvironment following changes in tumor cell density is still unclear. In this study, we focused on the response of key immune cell subsets to tumor cell density in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We determined the density of tumor and immune cells in the same area by section staining. We then identified potential mediators using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunofluorescence assay (ELISA), 3D and co-culture, flow cytometry, and lentivirus intervention. The mechanism of lactate promotion was verified using lactate tests, bioinformatics, western blotting, and the above methods. The IL-8/DAPK1/lactate/regulatory T cell (Treg) axis was verified using a mouse liver cancer model. Tumor mutation burden was calculated using maftools in R. Results: We found that the Treg/CD8 + T cell ratio is not consistent with tumor cell density in HCC, and a decreased Treg/CD8 + T cell ratio in the range of 5000–6000 cells/mm2 may elicit the possibility for immunotherapy in an immunosuppressive microenvironment. We showed that IL-8 mediates this immune fluctuation and promotes the infiltration of Tregs through the DAPK1/pyruvate kinase activity/lactate axis in HCC. Based on tumor ploidy and mutation burden data, we discussed the potential significance of immune fluctuation in the homeostasis of HCC mutation burden and proposed a "density checkpoint" and "entropy model" to describe this phenomenon. Conclusions: In summary, we report the mode of infiltration of Tregs/CD8 + T cells in response to tumor cell density and provide a new theoretical basis for IL-8 as a therapeutic target and the selection of an immunotherapy window in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is an important type of brain inflammation caused by autoantibody. As one of the primary agents responsible for respiratory tract infection, the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) has also been reported to be capable of causing extrapulmonary diseases. Here, we first describe a case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis when hRSV was shown to be present in the cerebrospinal fluid. Case presentation: The child was noted to have ataxia and positive anti-NMDA receptors in the cerebrospinal fluid, diagnosed as anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in combination with cranial MRI images. After high-dose hormone pulse therapy and medication, the disease improved, and he was discharged. However, a relapse occurred almost a year later, and the cranial MRI imaging showed progressive cerebellar atrophy. An hRSV strain from group B was detected in his cerebrospinal fluid, and the whole genome sequence was recovered using transcriptome sequencing. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of hRSV being found in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Even though more clinical records and experimental evidence are needed for validation, this work expands the types of diseases linked to hRSV and the likely cause of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is an important type of brain inflammation caused by autoantibody. As one of the primary agents responsible for respiratory tract infection, the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) has also been reported to be capable of causing extrapulmonary diseases. Here, we first describe a case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis when hRSV was shown to be present in the cerebrospinal fluid. Case presentation: The child was noted to have ataxia and positive anti-NMDA receptors in the cerebrospinal fluid, diagnosed as anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in combination with cranial MRI images. After high-dose hormone pulse therapy and medication, the disease improved, and he was discharged. However, a relapse occurred almost a year later, and the cranial MRI imaging showed progressive cerebellar atrophy. An hRSV strain from group B was detected in his cerebrospinal fluid, and the whole genome sequence was recovered using transcriptome sequencing. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of hRSV being found in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Even though more clinical records and experimental evidence are needed for validation, this work expands the types of diseases linked to hRSV and the likely cause of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to explore the association between long-term exposure to particulate matter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components including fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and waist circumference among adults and elderly in south China.Methods: We surveyed 6628 participants in the chronic disease and risk factors surveillance conducted in 14 districts of Guangdong province in 2015. MetS was defined based on the recommendation by the Joint Interim Societies' criteria. We used the spatiotemporal land-use regression (LUR) model to estimate the two-year average exposure of ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3) at individual levels. We recorded other covariates by using a structured questionnaire. Generalized linear mixed model was used for analysis.Results: A 10-μg/m3 increase in the two-year mean PM2.5 exposure was associated with a higher risk of developing MetS [odd ratio (OR): 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.35], increased risk of fasting blood glucose level. (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.36), and hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.58) in the adjusted/unadjusted models (all P < 0.05). We found significant interaction between PM2.5 and the region, exercise on the high TG levels, and an interaction with the region, age, exercise and grain consumption on FBG (P interaction < 0.05).Conclusions: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with MetS, dyslipidemia and FBG impairment. Efforts should be made for environment improvement to reduce the burden of MetS-associated non-communicable disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]