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Abstract Purpose Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved lung cancer treatment but are associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs). This study analyzes the relationship between irAEs and treatment effectiveness in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of NSCLC patients treated with ICIs from March 2019 to October 2022 at Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen). Patients were divided into irAE and non-irAE groups, and treatment outcomes were compared. Results A total of 154 patients were included, with 36.4% in the irAE group and 63.6% in the non-irAE group. Most irAEs were Grade 1–2 (86.4%), with 13.6% being Grade 3 or higher. The irAE group had higher disease control rates (DCR: 94.6% vs. 76.5%, P = 0.004) and objective response rates (ORR: 42.9% vs. 26.5%, P = 0.037). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was longer in the irAE group (18 vs. 9 months, HR: 0.53, P = 0.001), as was overall survival (OS: 39.5 vs. 16 months, HR: 0.46, P = 0.001). Landmark analysis at 6 and 12 weeks confirmed that irAEs were associated with improved outcomes. Moreover, patients who experienced two or more adverse events during treatment had significantly longer OS compared to those who had only one or no adverse events (41.6 months vs. 34.0 vs. 23.6, P = 0.003). Conclusion Patients with irAEs demonstrated better outcomes, including ORR, DCR, PFS, and OS. Further studies on biomarkers and irAE incidence are warranted to improve lung cancer management.

Animal cell culture technology in the production of slaughter-free meat offers ethical advantages with regards to animal welfare, rendering it a more socially acceptable approach for dog meat production. In this study, edible plant-derived scaffold was used as a platform for cell expansion to construct cell-cultured dog meat slices. Primary dog skeletal muscle satellite cells (MSCs) and adipose stem cells (ASCs) were isolated and cultured as seed cells, and 3D spheroid culture in vitro promoted MSCs and ASCs myogenic and adipogenic differentiation, respectively. Natural leaf veins (NLV) were produced as edible mesh scaffolds to create 3D engineered dog muscle and fat tissues. After MSCs and ASCs adhered, proliferated and differentiated on the NLV scaffolds, and muscle and fat slices were produced with cultured dog muscle fibers and adipocytes, respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential of plant-derived NLV scaffolds in the production of cultured dog meat.

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB), a highly contagious respiratory disease, presents a significant global health threat, with a notable increase in incidence reported by the WHO in 2022. Particularly, the interplay between TB and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) gains attention, especially considering the rising use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer treatment. This interplay may influence TB diagnostics and reactivation, warranting a closer examination. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of NSCLC patients with positive T-SPOT results before undergoing anti-tumor treatment at Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. We assessed the incidence of tuberculosis reactivation and treatment outcomes among these patients. Moreover, we compared the differences in tuberculosis activity between the ICIs and non-ICIs treatment groups. Additionally, we observed the changes in T-SPOT spot count before and after immunotherapy, analyzing their association with tuberculosis activity and prognosis. Results A total of 40 NSCLC patients with positive T-SPOT results before treatment were included in the study, with 26 patients in the ICIs treatment group and 14 patients in the non-ICIs treatment group. The study found no significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender, age, stage, histological type, performance status, driver gene expression, and distant metastasis. With a median follow-up time of 10.0 (6.0-14.5) months, three cases (11.5%) in the ICIs treatment group developed tuberculosis activity, diagnosed at 2, 3, and 12 months after ICIs treatment initiation. Conversely, no tuberculosis activity was observed in the non-ICIs treatment group, and the difference between the two groups was not significant (P = 0.186). Among the 32 patients who received ICIs treatment, spot count dynamics were diverse: four cases (12.5%) showed an increase, 12 cases (37.5%) had no change, and 16 cases (50.0%) had a decrease. During the follow-up, the progression rate (PD) was 50.0%, 75.0%, and 62.5% in the three groups, respectively (P = 0.527). Similarly, the mortality rate was 0%, 25.0%, and 25.0%, respectively (P = 0.106). Interestingly, among the patients with decreased spot counts, three cases (18.75%) were diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Conclusions For NSCLC patients with a positive T-SPOT response undergoing ICIs treatment, our study observed indications of active tuberculosis. The varied T-SPOT spot count changes post-ICIs treatment suggest a complex interaction, potentially linking T-SPOT spot count reduction to tuberculosis reactivation risk. These preliminary findings underscore the importance of further research to more accurately assess T-SPOT’s diagnostic utility in this context.

Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common condition in veterinary medicine that is difficult to manage.Veterinary regenerative therapy based on adipose mesenchymal stem cells seem to be an effective strategy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. In this study, we evaluated therapeutic efficacy of canine Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs)in a rat TBI model, in terms of improved nerve function and anti-neuroinflammation. Results Canine AD-MSCs promoted neural functional recovery, reduced neuronal apoptosis, and inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes in TBI rats. According to the results in vivo, we further investigated the regulatory mechanism of AD-MSCs on activated microglia by co-culture in vitro. Finally, we found that canine AD-MSCs promoted their polarization to the M2 phenotype, and inhibited their polarization to the M1 phenotype. What’s more, AD-MSCs could reduce the migration, proliferation and Inflammatory cytokines of activated microglia, which is able to inhibit inflammation in the central system. Conclusions Collectively, the present study demonstrates that transplantation of canine AD-MSCs can promote functional recovery in TBI rats via inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, glial cell activation and central system inflammation, thus providing a theoretical basis for canine AD-MSCs therapy for TBI in veterinary clinic.

Thymoma with Immunodeficiency (Good's Syndrome, GS) is a rare association between thymoma and immunodeficiency, first described over 60 years ago. Patients with GS typically present with thymomas, reduced or absent B cells in the peripheral blood, hypogammaglobulinemia, and defects in cell-mediated immunity. We report the case of a 67-year-old woman diagnosed with GS following the development of a progressive, severe, refractory pulmonary infection and diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB). She also had diabetes, characterized by anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody positivity, leading to a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). A thorough review of existing literature revealed that GS is often confirmed after multiple episodes of opportunistic infections or autoimmune diseases post-thymoma surgery. Due to their immunodeficiency, GS patients frequently suffer from recurrent infections over extended periods, and some succumb to severe infections. Regular immunoglobulin infusions may be effective in treating GS.

Background: Albumin is believed to be associated with the prediction of various cancers. This retrospective cohort study aimed to explore the non-linear relationship between albumin level and overall survival (OS) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with anlotinib therapy, utilizing the Generalized additive model (GAM) approach. Specifically, we investigated the potential non-linear associations that might not be captured by conventional linear analyses. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 211 patients undergoing anlotinib treatment for advanced NSCLC was included in this study. A wide range of albumin levels was considered, and the GAM method was applied to account for potential confounding clinical variables and unveil the non-linear relationship between albumin and OS. Results: A non-linear relationship with inflection points of 40 g/L and 48 g/L was detected between albumin level and OS after adjusting for potential confounders. The hazard ratio (HR) of the left, middle and right of the inflection points were 0.95 (95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.87 to 1.04, p = 0.2819, n = 71), 0.75 (95 % CI, 0.64 to 0.89, p = 0.0007, n = 133) and 2.79 (95 % CI, 1.39 to 5.61, p = 0.0039, n = 7), respectively. The findings indicate a negative correlation between albumin level and OS when albumin level was between 40 g/L and 48 g/L. For every unit increase in albumin, there was a 25 % reduction in the risk of death. Subgroup analysis revealed that the negative relationship was enhanced with blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level increase and diminished with D-dimer increase. Conclusions: The relationship between albumin level and OS was non-linear. Albumin level is an independent prognostic factor for OS. In addition, BUN level and D-dimer level could modify the effect of albumin level on the risk of death in advanced NSCLC patients treated with anlotinib.

Abstract This study aims to address the research gap on algorithmic discrimination caused by AI-enabled recruitment and explore technical and managerial solutions. The primary research approach used is a literature review. The findings suggest that AI-enabled recruitment has the potential to enhance recruitment quality, increase efficiency, and reduce transactional work. However, algorithmic bias results in discriminatory hiring practices based on gender, race, color, and personality traits. The study indicates that algorithmic bias stems from limited raw data sets and biased algorithm designers. To mitigate this issue, it is recommended to implement technical measures, such as unbiased dataset frameworks and improved algorithmic transparency, as well as management measures like internal corporate ethical governance and external oversight. Employing Grounded Theory, the study conducted survey analysis to collect firsthand data on respondents’ experiences and perceptions of AI-driven recruitment applications and discrimination.

Heart failure (HF) represents a critical stage of cardiac disease, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become a pivotal treatment for HF patients with prolonged QRS duration. This therapy employs a biventricular pacing system to correct cardiac electromechanical dyssynchrony, thereby improving cardiac function, symptoms, and prognosis. Numerous clinical trials have consistently highlighted the benefits of CRT in this subgroup, leading to its unanimous recommendation in clinical practice guidelines. However, a significant proportion of patients do not achieve an adequate therapeutic response, despite adherence to these guidelines. As CRT treats patients by correcting cardiac electromechanical dyssynchrony, assessing electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony is crucial in candidate selection. This review explores the evidence, recent clinical practice guidelines, and insight into electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony to optimize CRT candidate selection in HF patients with prolonged QRS duration.

Glioblastoma is the most common glioma with high mortality and poor prognosis. Radiation resistance is one of the large challenges in the treatment of glioma. The study aimed to identify whether DNA polymerase ζ affects glioma cell radiosensitivity. The mRNA and protein levels of REV3L and REV7 were examined using quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. After REV3L and REV7 knockdown in a GBM cell line (A172), we assessed cell viability, colonies, apoptosis, and immune escape. The underlying mechanisms were evaluated using western blot and were confirmed using rescue experiments. The results showed that REV3L and REV7 levels were increased in glioma and related to poor survival. γ-ray treatment inhibited cell viability, survival fraction, and immune escape, and induced apoptosis of glioma cells from a GBM cell line, whereas knockdown of REV3L or REV7 enhanced these effects. Mechanically, silencing of REV3L or REV7 inactivated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. IGF-1 treatment abrogated the effects on cell viability, colonies, and apoptosis induced by REV3L or REV7 knocking down. Taken together, silencing of REV3L and REV7 inhibited radiation resistance via inactivating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, suggesting that targeting DNA polymerase ζ may be a new strategy to reduce the radiotherapy resistance of glioma.

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to describe and analyze the clinical characteristics of nocardiosis.Materials and methodsWe described and analyzed the clinical characteristics of nocardiosis cases from two centers over the past 5 years from the following aspects: age and sex, Nocardia species, sites of Nocardia infection, test specimens, detection methods, concurrent pathogens, symptoms, imaging features, co-conditions, drug susceptibility tests, antibiotic therapy/duration, outcomes, and follow-up.ResultsThe median age of the 19 cases was 64 years, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 56–68 years. Eight cases (42.1%) were immunocompromised [those who had been on corticosteroid use (62.5%), those who had used immunosuppressants (50.0%), or those who had suffered from chronic nephrosis (37.5%) or diabetes mellitus (DM) (25.0%)]. The plethora of comorbidities of these cases included diabetes (10.5%), chronic kidney disease (CDK) (15.8%), chronic lung disease (36.8%), and rheumatic diseases (10.5%). Cough and expectoration (73.7%) was the most common symptom of nocardiosis. The respiratory tract (89.5%) was the most common site of the clinical disease. Nearly half (9 cases, 47.3%) of these patients had concurrent infections. The most common Nocardia isolation site was the respiratory tract (73.7%). All patients were given antibiotic therapies, out of whom as many as 63.6% of patients were treated with two concurrent antimicrobial agents, 15.8% of patients were treated under monotherapy and 21.1% of patients were treated with three or more concurrent antimicrobial agents.ConclusionsAn uncommon life-threatening infection, nocardiosis, affects those patients with structural lung disease or immunosuppression. Although nocardiosis is capable of progressing into a serious and metastatic disease, early recognition and prompt treatment usually result in successful outcomes benefitting the patient.

AimThe aim of this study is to evaluate the association between serum sodium concentrations at hospital admission and all-cause mortality within 365 days post-discharge in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) without heart failure (HF).MethodsThe prospective cohort study enrolled 1,446 patients with AF without HF between November 2018 and October 2020. A follow-up was performed 30, 90, 180, and 365 days after enrollment through outpatient visits or telephone interviews. All-cause mortality was estimated in three groups according to serum sodium concentrations: hyponatremia (< 135 mmol/L), normonatremia (135–145 mmol/L), and hypernatremia (> 145 mmol/L). We estimated the risk of all-cause mortalities using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models with normonatremia as the reference.ResultsThe all-cause mortalities of hyponatremia, normonatremia, and hypernatremia were 20.6, 9.4, and 33.3% within 365 days post-discharge, respectively. In the univariable analysis, hyponatremia (HR: 2.19, CI 1.5–3.2) and hypernatremia (HR: 4.03, CI 2.32–7.02) increased the risk of all-cause mortality. The HRs for hyponatremia and hypernatremia were 1.55 (CI 1.05–2.28) and 2.55 (CI 1.45–4.46) after adjustment for age, diabetes mellitus, loop diuretics, antisterone, antiplatelet drugs, and anticoagulants in the patients with AF without HF. The association between serum sodium concentrations and the HRs of all-cause mortality was U-shaped.ConclusionDysnatremia at hospital admission was an independent factor for all-cause mortality in patients with AF without HF within 365 days post-discharge.

A phosphorylcholine polymer (poly(MPC–co–BMA–co–TSMA), PMBT) was prepared by free radical polymerization and coated on the surface of the polymethylpentene hollow fiber membrane (PMP–HFM). ATR–FTIR and SEM analyses showed that the PMBT polymer containing phosphorylcholine groups was uniformly coated on the surface of the PMP–HFM. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the PMBT had the best stability when the molar percentage of MPC monomer in the polymer was 35%. The swelling test and static contact angle test indicated that the coating had excellent hydrophilic properties. The fluorescence test results showed that the coating could resist dissolution with 90% (v/v%) ethanol solution and 1% (w/v%) SDS solution. The PMBT coating was shown to be able to decrease platelet adherence to the surface of the hollow fiber membrane, and lower the risk of blood clotting; it had good blood compatibility in tests of whole blood contact and platelet adhesion. These results show that the PMBT polymer may be coated on the surface of the PMP–HFM, and is helpful for improving the blood compatibility of membrane oxygenation.

Abstract Background Exosomes, internal proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids coated by phospholipid bilayer membranes, are one type of small extracellular vesicles, which can mediate cell-cell communication. In recent years, exosomes have gained considerable scientific interest due to their widely applied prospect in the diagnosis and therapeutics of human and animal diseases. In this study, we describe for the first time a feasible method designed to isolate and characterize exosomes from feline plasma, urine and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Results Exosomes from feline plasma, urine and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were successfully isolated by differential centrifugation. Quantification and sizing of exosomes were assessed by transmission electron microscopy, flow nano analysis and western blotting. Detected particles showed the normal size (30–100 nm) and morphology described for exosomes, as well as presence of the transmembrane protein (TSG101, CD9, CD63, and CD81) known as exosomal marker. Conclusions The results suggest that differential centrifugation is a feasible method for isolation of exosomes from different types of feline samples. Moreover, these exosomes can be used to further diagnosis and therapeutics in veterinary pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Abstract Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is one of the most important animal pathogens in the world. FMDV naturally infects swine, cattle, and other cloven-hoofed animals. FMD is not adequately controlled by vaccination. An alternative strategy is to develop swine that are genetically resistant to infection. Here, we generated FMDV-specific shRNA transgenic cells targeting either nonstructural protein 2B or polymerase 3D of FMDV. The shRNA-positive transgenic cells displayed significantly lower viral production than that of the control cells after infection with FMDV (P

Trochlear groove reconstruction (TGR) is a common treatment for patellar luxation (PL) in dogs. Nevertheless, the prognosis of TGR is poor due to the cartilage damage and secondary inflammation. To study the repair effect of canine umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC–MSCs) after TGR, 10 experimental dogs were given TGR surgery and then randomized into two groups: Treatment group (1 ml suspension allogeneic UC–MSCs (106 cells/kg) was injected into the cavum articulare on days 0, 7, and 14 after TGR); and the Model group (injected with 1 ml of physiological saline as negative control). The therapeutic effect of UC–MSCs was studied by blood routine examination, inflammatory factor index detection, double-blind knee score, histopathology, and computed tomography (CT) scans. The results showed that the total number of white blood cells and neutrophils in the model group were significantly higher than those in the treatment group on both 7 days and 21 days, postoperatively (P < 0.05); there were no significant changes in the levels of IL-6, MMP-13, and TGF-β1 between the model group and the treatment group throughout the days of testing. The double-blind knee scores of the treatment group were significantly lower than the model group on 1st, 4th, and 5th days postoperatively (P < 0.05). The treatment group showed low-pain sensation, stable gait, and fast recovery of muscle strength in the knee score, and the wound healing of the treatment group returned to normal on the 5th day after surgery; CT scans and gross observation showed that the cartilage growth in the treatment group was faster than that in the model group. Histological observation of cases showed that fibro chondrocytes were predominantly found in the treatment group, and the distribution of chondrocytes was uneven, while the model group showed a large number of fibrous tissue hyperplasia, fissures, and unequal matrix staining. Intra-articular injection of UC–MSCs after TGR has the effect of relieving pain and promoting the repair of bone defects, making the operative limb recover function earlier, making up for the deficiency of TGR, and improving the effect of PL treatment. Future studies should furthermore explore the dose and frequency of therapy based on the multiple advantages of UC–MSCs and the mechanism of cartilage repair in dogs.

Abstract Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have generated a great amount of interest in recent years as a novel therapeutic application for improving the quality of pet life and helping them free from painful conditions and diseases. It has now become critical to address the challenges related to the safety and efficacy of MSCs expanded in vitro. In this study, we establish a standardized process for manufacture of canine adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs), including tissue sourcing, cell isolation and culture, cryopreservation, thawing and expansion, quality control and testing, and evaluate the safety and efficacy of those cells for clinical applications. Results After expansion, the viability of AD-MSCs manufactured under our standardized process was above 90 %. Expression of surface markers and differentiation potential was consistent with ISCT standards. Sterility, mycoplasma, and endotoxin tests were consistently negative. AD-MSCs presented normal karyotype, and did not form in vivo tumors. No adverse events were noted in the case treated with intravenously AD-MSCs. Conclusions Herein we demonstrated the establishment of a feasible bioprocess for manufacturing and banking canine AD-MSCs for veterinary clinical use.

ABSTRACT: Telocytes (TCs), a novel type of interstitial cells, were identified in various animals. Since TCs have not observed in avian skin, hence, we carried out immunohistochemistrical and transmission electron microscopical studies in the skin of the silky fowl to investigate the TCs. TCs appear as CD34, c-Kit, and PDGFRα immunopositive. The elongated TCs with 2 long and thin telopodes (Tps) are located in the dermis. Generally, a TC possesses a fusiform, ovoid and polygonal cell body with 2 Tps (lengths = 5.27–21.85 μm), which are uneven in thickness including thick sections – podoms (diameters = 0.40–0.47 μm) and thin sections – podomers (diameters = 0.03–0.04 μm). TCs/Tps are observed frequently in close proximity to neighboring cell types/structures, such as adipocytes, collagen fibers, and capillaries. Under a magnified field, homocellular TCs/Tps contacts are observed through gap junctions (distances = 0.01–0.05 μm), whereas some of TCs/Tps have heterocellular close contacts by point contacts with surrounding cells, including stem cells and melanocytes. The multivisicular bodies, especially exosomes (diameters = 0.09–0.23 μm) releasing from TCs/Tps are observed in close proximity to TCs/Tps. Our results illustrated that the novel type of interstitial cells – TCs are present in the dermis of the silky fowl, and they have special structural relationships with surrounding cell types. The study provides histological evidence for TCs involvement in intercellular communication, skin regeneration, and pigmentogenesis in avian skin.

With the explosion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the concept of “Sharing Employees” has emerged in China. This study will discuss the background of the formation of the “Sharing Employees,” how the “Sharing Employees” model is implemented, the relative risks, and the impact on human resource management. Currently, this virus is spreading worldwide, affecting the economy and increasing the unemployment rate. This study will help other countries to learn from this model and provide suggestions for adopting flexible employment policies to ease employment pressure and increase employment channels through the “Sharing Employees” B2B model.

The pandemic has changed the way people work, and more and more people are choosing to work from home (WFH). Unlike traditional work patterns, this approach has limitations and has had a significant impact on both organizations and individuals. It also brings many challenges to the work of HR practitioners. HR practitioners, as key players in strategic human resource management, need to take advantage of management innovations under the crisis to improve employees’ work flexibility and effectively address the impact of working from home. This study aims to address the need for employee skill improvement, psychological stress relief, work-family balance, and company culture reinforcement from an HRM perspective because of the impact of WFH work patterns during the COVID-19 crisis.

Taking a pair of spiral bevel gear pairs as the research object, a static unloaded transmission error model of actual tooth surface is established, which is free from tooth surface equation. The model is based on the tooth surface point measured by the coordinate measuring instrument，the model forms a discrete tooth surface point through interpolation and obtains the static unloaded transmission error through contact analysis. The theoretical tooth surface STE of the model is compared with the theoretical tooth surface STE obtained by the classic TCA, the correctness of the method is verified, and the actual tooth surface STE is calculated. The three-dimensional coupling dynamics model of spiral bevel gear pair is established. In this dynamics model, factors such as rotor, load, time-varying meshing stiffness and backlash are considered. The STE of theoretical tooth surface and actual tooth surface are introduced into the dynamics model in the form of discrete points, and their influence on the dynamics performance of spiral bevel gear pair is compared.

Abstract Introduction Targeted therapies are based on specific gene alterations. Various specimen types have been used to determine gene alterations, however, no systemic comparisons have yet been made. Herein, we assessed alterations in selected cancer‐associated genes across varying sample sites in lung cancer patients. Materials and Methods Targeted deep sequencing for 48 tumor‐related genes was applied to 153 samples from 55 lung cancer patients obtained from six sources: Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues, pleural effusion supernatant (PES) and pleural effusion cell sediments (PEC), white blood cells (WBCs), oral epithelial cells (OECs), and plasma. Results Mutations were detected in 96% (53/55) of the patients and in 83% (40/48) of the selected genes. Each sample type exhibited a characteristic mutational pattern. As anticipated, TP53 was the most affected sequence (54.5% patients), however this was followed by NOTCH1 (36%, across all sample types). EGFR was altered in patient samples at a frequency of 32.7% and KRAS 10.9%. This high EGFR/ low KRAS frequency is in accordance with other TCGA cohorts of Asian origin but differs from the Caucasian population where KRAS is the more dominant mutation. Additionally, 66% (31/47) of PEC samples had copy number variants (CNVs) in at least one gene. Unlike the concurrent loss and gain in most genes, herein NOTCH1 loss was identified in 21% patients, with no gain observed. Based on the relative prevalence of mutations and CNVs, we divided lung cancer patients into SNV‐dominated, CNV‐dominated, and codominated groups. Conclusions Our results confirm previous reports that EGFR mutations are more prevalent than KRAS in Chinese lung cancer patients. NOTCH1 gene alterations are more common than previously reported and reveals a role of NOTCH1 modifications in tumor metastasis. Furthermore, genetic material from malignant pleural effusion cell sediments may be a noninvasive manner to identify CNV and participate in treatment decisions.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has quickly spread throughout the country and the world since first broke out in Wuhan, China. The outbreak that started from January 22, 2020, in Fujian Province has been controlled as the number of indigenous cases has not increased since March. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in Fujian Province, China.MethodsIn this retrospective, multicenter study, we collected and analyzed the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data of all cases confirmed by nucleic acid tests in five designated hospitals in Fujian Province between January 22 and February 27, 2020. All patients were followed up until discharge. COVID-19 severity was classified as mild, moderate, severe, or critical.ResultsOf 199 discharged patients with COVID-19, 105 patients were male, with a median age of 46.3 years, and 17 patients were severe, and 5 patients were critical on admission. Hypertension and diabetes were the most common comorbidities. The symptoms at illness onset were mainly fever (76.4%), cough (60.8%), and myalgia or fatigue (27.6%). A total of 96.5% of patients had abnormal imaging findings on chest computed tomography. Lymphopenia (37.2%) and hypoxemia (13.6%) were observed. Acute respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure occurred in 9 patients (4.5%) and 8 patients (4.0%) respectively. One patient died and the others were cured and discharged with the median hospital stay of 19 days. Old age was negatively correlated with lymphocyte count (r = - 0.296, p < 0.001) and oxygenation index (r = - 0.263, p = 0.001). Bivariate regression analysis revealed that old age (≥ 75 years), hypertension, diabetes, and lymphopenia were correlated with the severity of COVID-19.ConclusionsPatients in Fujian Province were mostly nonsevere cases with mild or moderate symptoms, and had a lower mortality than patients in Wuhan (4.3%-15%). Older age, hypertension, diabetes, and lymphopenia were risk factors for severity of COVID-19.

Three-dimensional vertical resistive random access memory (VRRAM) is proposed as a promising candidate for increasing resistive memory storage density, but the performance evaluation mechanism of 3-D VRRAM arrays is still not mature enough. The previous approach to evaluating the performance of 3-D VRRAM was based on the write and read margin. However, the leakage current (LC) of the 3-D VRRAM array is a concern as well. Excess leakage currents not only reduce the read/write tolerance and liability of the memory cell but also increase the power consumption of the entire array. In this article, a 3-D circuit HSPICE simulation is used to analyze the impact of the array size and operation voltage on the leakage current in the 3-D VRRAM architecture. The simulation results show that rapidly increasing leakage currents significantly affect the size of 3-D layers. A high read voltage is profitable for enhancing the read margin. However, the leakage current also increases. Alleviating this conflict requires a trade-off when setting the input voltage. A method to improve the array read/write efficiency is proposed by analyzing the influence of the multi-bit operations on the overall leakage current. Finally, this paper explores different methods to reduce the leakage current in the 3-D VRRAM array. The leakage current model proposed in this paper provides an efficient performance prediction solution for the initial design of 3-D VRRAM arrays.

This study aims to explore how the Metaverse platform could be applied to the field of online education, the benefits it brings, and the challenges posed by the application of Metaverse to online education. The study analyzes the benefits of immersive learning brought about by Metaverse and its potential to save education costs, enhance efficiency and students' interest in learning, and explores the application of Metaverse technology in education in relation to the characteristics of online education. The results show that Metaverse technology can support several aspects of online classrooms with realistic senses, personalized teaching models, realistic 3D identities, interactive communication, virtual reality (VR) technology, and gamified learning. This research also presents the problems faced by the Edu-Metaverse, including technology development difficulties, interaction issues, content production, game addiction, privacy, and ethics.