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MAXI J1803−298, a newly-discovered Galactic transient, and black hole candidate was first detected by MAXI /GSC on 2021 May 01. In this paper, we present a detailed spectral analysis of MAXI J1803−298. Utilizing the X-ray reflection fitting method, we perform a joint fit to the spectra of MAXI J1803−298, respectively, observed by NuSTAR and NICER /XTI on the same day over the energy range between 0.7–79.0 keV in SIMS state, and the observed inner radius of the accretion disc is demonstrated to have extended to the ISCO radius (R in =1.08 R ISCO). Implementing the relativistic reflection model relxillCp , we found its spin (and the inclination angle i) can be constrained to be close to an extreme value, 0.991 (i ∼ 70 °), at 68 per cent confidence interval. The results suggest that MAXI J1803−298 may be a fast-rotating black hole with a large inclination angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black hole candidate MAXI J1348-630 was discovered in 2019 January 26, with the Gas Slit Camera (GSC) on-board MAXI. We report a detailed spectral analysis of this source by using the archived data of NuSTAR. A total of nine observations covered the complete outburst evolution of MAXI J1348-630 from the hard state to the soft state and finally back to the hard state. Additionally, the intermediate state is found in the transition from the hard state to the soft state. We use the state-of-the-art reflection model relxill family to fit all the nine spectra, and the spectra from two focal plane module detectors of NuSTAR are jointly fitted for each observation. In particular, we concentrate on the results of the black hole spin parameter and the inclination of the accretion disc. Based on the analysis of the inner radius of the accretion disc, we obtain the spin parameter |$a_* =0.78_{-0.04}^{+0.04}$|⁠ , and the inclination angle of the inner disc |$i = 29.2_{-0.5}^{+0.3}$| °. Furthermore, we also find that when the black hole is in the hard state, the accretion disc would show a significant truncation. The high iron abundance and ionization of the accretion disc obtained in the fitting results can be possibly explained by the high density of the accretion disc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lncRNA H19 is believed to act as an oncogene in various types of tumors and is considered to be a therapeutic target and diagnostic marker. However, the role of the lncRNA H19 in regulating the radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells is unknown. Methods: The expression profiles of lncRNAs in NSCLC were explored via transcriptome sequencing. CCK-8, EdU incorporation and clonogenic survival assays were conducted to evaluate the proliferation and radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. Flow cytometry and Western blotting were conducted to measure the level of apoptosis. The binding relationship between the lncRNA H19 and miR-130a-3p was determined by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. A binding relationship was also identified between miR-130a-3p and With-No-Lysine Kinase 3 (WNK3). Results: Expression patterns of lncRNAs revealed that the lncRNA H19 was upregulated in radioresistant NSCLC (A549-R11) cells compared with A549 cells. Knockdown of the lncRNA H19 enhanced the sensitivity of NSCLC cell lines to X-ray and carbon ion irradiation. Mechanistically, the lncRNA H19 serves as a sponge of miR-130a-3p, which downregulates WNK3 expression. The lncRNA H19–miR-130a-3p–WNK3 axis modulates radiosensitivity by regulating apoptosis in NSCLC cell lines. Conclusion: Knockdown of the lncRNA H19 promotes the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to X-ray and carbon ion irradiation. Hence, the lncRNA H19 might function as a potential therapeutic target that enhances the antitumor effects of radiotherapy in NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MAXI J1820+070 is a newly discovered black hole X-ray binary, whose dynamical parameters, namely the black hole mass, the inclination angle, and the source distance, have recently been estimated. Insight-HXMT have observed its entire outburst from 2018 March 14. In this work, we attempted to estimate the spin parameter a*, using the continuum-fitting method and applying a fully relativistic thin disk model to the soft-state spectra obtained by Insight-HXMT. It is well known that a* is strongly dependent on three dynamical parameters in this method, and we have examined two sets of parameters. Adopting our preferred parameters: M = , i = 63° ± 3°, and D = 2.96 ± 0.33 kpc, we found a slowly spinning black hole of a* = 0.14 ± 0.09 (1σ), which gives a prograde spin parameter as the majority of other systems show. It is also possible for the black hole to have a retrograde spin (less than 0) if different dynamical parameters are taken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cygnus X-1 is a well-studied persistent black hole X-ray binary. Recently, the three parameters needed to estimate the black hole spin of this system, namely the black hole mass M, the orbital inclination i, and the source distance D, have been updated. In this work we redetermine the spin parameter using the continuum-fitting technique for those updated parameter values. Based on the assumption that the spin axis of the black hole is aligned with the orbital plane, we fit the thermal disk component to a fully relativistic thin accretion disk model. The error in the spin estimate arising from the combined observational uncertainties is obtained via Monte Carlo simulations. We demonstrate that, without considering the counteracting torque effect, the new spin parameter is constrained to be a* > 0.9985 (3σ), which confirms that the spin of the black hole in Cygnus X-1 is extreme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the possible mechanism of curcumin in the treatment of AF, we focused on the myocardial fibrosis in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation to explore whether curcumin could play a role in the treatment of AF by reducing myocardial fibrosis.Rats were given daily gavage of saline (control and AF groups) or curcumin (4 mL/kg, concentration: 50 mg/mL, curcumin groups) during days 4–28. The rat model of AF was induced by Ach - CaCl 2 , and evaluate the therapeutic effect of curcumin on the duration of AF rhythm, the degree of myocardial fibrosis and the secretion of inflammatory factors in serum. RNA-seq to explore the possible mechanism of curcumin alleviating myocardial fibrosis of AF. curcumin significantly inhibits the duration of AF and reduces the degree of left atrial fibrosis. ELISA results showed curcumin could significantly reduce the secretion of IL-17A, IL-1β, IL -6 and TGF-β1. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that the IL-17 signaling pathway are involved in the therapeutic mechanism of curcumin. Furthermore, The genes encoding Col1a1, Fasn, Pck1, Bmp10, IL33 and Figf were pivotal and possible key genes for the therapeutic mechanisms of curcumin.Curcumin can reduce the degree of left atrial fibrosis of AF and the secretion of inflammatory factors. The therapeutic effect of curcumin on AF was attributed to its effect on the IL-17 signaling pathway. Besides, COL1A1, FASN, PCK1, BMP10, IL33 and FIGF were the pivotal genes associated with mechanisms of action of curcumin on AF. [Display omitted] • Atrial remodeling plays a crucial role in the occurrence and maintenance of AF. • Curcumin can reverse atrial remodeling and inhibit atrial fibrillation. • Elucidating the therapeutic mechanism of Curcumin from prospective of genomics and bioinformatics. • Providing an opportunity to generate new therapies, and preventive strategies for AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based biopolymer hydrogels are promising therapeutic dressings for various wounds but still underperform in treating diabetic wounds. These wounds are extremely difficult to heal and undergo a prolonged and severe inflammatory process due to bacterial infection, overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and insufficient synthesis of NO. In this study, a dynamic crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel dressing (Gel-HAB) loaded with allomelanin (AMNP)-N, N′-dis-sec-butyl-N, N′-dinitroso-1, 4-phenylenediamine (BNN6) nanoparticles (AMNP-BNN6) was developed for healing diabetic wounds. The dynamic acylhydrazone bond formed between hydrazide-modified HA (HA-ADH) and oxidized HA (OHA) makes the hydrogel injectable, self-healing, and biocompatible. The hydrogel, loaded with AMNP-BNN6 nanoparticles, exhibits promising ROS scavenging ability and on-demand release of nitric oxide (NO) under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation to achieve mild photothermal antibacterial therapy (PTAT) (∼ 48 °C). Notably, the Gel-HAB hydrogel effectively reduced the oxidative stress level, controlled infections, accelerated vascular regeneration, and promoted angiogenesis, thereby achieving rapid healing of diabetic wounds. The injectable self-healing nanocomposite hydrogel could serve as a mild photothermal-enhanced antibacterial, antioxidant, and nitric oxide release platform for the treatment of diabetic wounds. [Display omitted] • A hyaluronic acid hydrogel with excellent synergistic antimicrobial properties via mild photothermal effect and NO release. • Hydrogel effectively reduces the inflammatory microenvironment and promotes the growth of M2 macrophages. • Hydrogel effectively manages diabetic wound infections, reduces inflammation levels, promotes angiogenesis and collagen deposition, and accelerates rapid wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic radiotherapy is the key treatment for pelvic malignancies, usually including pelvic primary tumour lesions and lymphatic drainage areas in the pelvic region. Therefore, the intestinal tract in the radiation field is inevitably damaged, a phenomenon clinically referred to as radiation enteritis, and diarrhoea is the most common clinical symptom of radiation enteritis. Therefore, it is necessary to study the mechanism of radiation-induced diarrhoea. It has been found that the gut microbiome plays an important role in the development of diarrhoea in response to pelvic radiotherapy, and the species and distribution of intestinal microbiota are significantly altered in patients after pelvic radiotherapy. In this study, we searched for articles indexed in the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE and PubMed databases in English and CNKI, Wanfang data and SINOMED in Chinese from their inception dates through 13 March 2020 to collect studies on the gut microbiome in pelvic radiotherapy patients. Eventually, we included eight studies: one study report on prostatic carcinoma, five studies on gynaecological carcinoma and two papers on pelvic carcinomas. All studies were designed as self-controlled studies, except for one that compared toxicity to nontoxicity. The results from all the studies showed that the diversity of intestinal flora decreased during and after pelvic radiotherapy, and the diversity of intestinal flora decreased significantly in patients with diarrhoea after radiotherapy. Five studies observed that the community composition of the gut microbiota changed at the phylum, order or genus level before, during, and after pelvic radiotherapy at different time points. In addition, the composition of the gut microbiota before radiotherapy was different between patients with postradiotherapy diarrhoea and those without diarrhoea in five studies. However, relevant studies have not reached consistent results regarding the changes in microbiota composition. Changes in the intestinal flora induced by pelvic radiotherapy and their relationship between changes in intestinal flora and the occurrence of radiation-induced diarrhoea (RID) are discussed in this study, providing a theoretical basis for the causes of RID after pelvic radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Greater than half of cancer patients experience radiation therapy, for both radical and palliative objectives. It is well known that researches on radiation response mechanisms are conducive to improve the efficacy of cancer radiotherapy. p21 was initially identified as a widespread inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases, transcriptionally modulated by p53 and a marker of cellular senescence. It was once considered that p21 acts as a tumour suppressor mainly to restrain cell cycle progression, thereby resulting in growth suppression. With the deepening researches on p21, p21 has been found to regulate radiation responses via participating in multiple cellular processes, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, DNA repair, senescence and autophagy. Hence, a comprehensive summary of the p21's functions in radiation response will provide a new perspective for radiotherapy against cancer. Methods: We summarize the recent pertinent literature from various electronic databases, including PubMed and analyzed several datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus database. This review discusses how p21 influences the effect of cancer radiotherapy via involving in multiple signaling pathways and expounds the feasibility, barrier and risks of using p21 as a biomarker as well as a therapeutic target of radiotherapy. Conclusion: p21's complicated and important functions in cancer radiotherapy make it a promising therapeutic target. Besides, more thorough insights of p21 are needed to make it a safe therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of massive stars is influenced by the mass lost to stellar winds over their lifetimes. These winds limit the masses of the stellar remnants (such as black holes) that the stars ultimately produce. We used radio astrometry to refine the distance to the black hole x-ray binary Cygnus X-1, which we found to be 2:22þ0:18 0:17 kiloparsecs. When combined with archival optical data, this implies a black hole mass of 21.2 ± 2.2 solar masses, which is higher than previous measurements. The formation of such a high-mass black hole in a high-metallicity system (within the Milky Way) constrains wind mass loss from massive stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A combination of programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1)/programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) inhibitors and radiotherapy (RT) is increasingly being used to treat non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the safety and efficacy of this approach remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to summarize the related research. Methods: We searched the China Biology Medicine, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases for all the relevant studies. The Stata software, version 12.0 was used for the meta‐analysis. Results: The study included 20 clinical trials that enrolled 2027 patients with NSCLC. Compared with non‐combination therapy, combination therapy using PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors and RT was associated with prolonged overall survival (OS) (1‐year OS: odds ratio [OR] 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–2.33, p = 0.000; 2‐year OS: OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.35–2.33, p = 0.000) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (0.5‐year PFS: OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.13–2.98, p = 0.014; 1‐year PFS: OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.29–3.38, p = 0.003; 2‐year PFS: OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.13–5.37, p = 0.023). Combination therapy also improved the objective response rate (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.06–7.19, p = 0.038) and disease control rate (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.21–2.68, p = 0.004). This meta‐analysis showed that compared with non‐combination therapy, combination therapy using PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors and RT did not increase the serious adverse event rates (≥grade 3); however, this approach increased the rate of grade 1–2 immune‐related or radiation pneumonitis. Subgroup analyses revealed that the sequence of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors followed RT outperformed in which concurrent PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor and RT followed PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor. Combination of stereotactic body RT or stereotactic radiosurgery with PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors may be more effective than a combination of conventional RT with PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors in patients with advanced NSCLC. Conclusion: Combination therapy using PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors and RT may improve OS, PFS, and tumor response rates without an increase in serious adverse events in patients with advanced NSCLC. However, combination therapy was shown to increase the incidence of mild pneumonitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Controversy persists about whether additional induction chemotherapy (ICT) before neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NCRT) yields improved oncological outcomes. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare ICT+ NCRT+ surgery(S) with NCRT+ S in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Methods: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and China Biology Medicine (CBM) databases. The data were analyzed with Stata version 12.0 software. Results: We identified 9 relevant trials that enrolled 1538 patients. We detected no significant difference in the 5-year overall survival (OS) (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.48–4.64), disease-free survival (DFS) (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.73–1.46), local recurrence (LR) (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.45–1.43), and distant metastasis (DM) rates (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.55–1.93) between patients who did and did not receive ICT. The addition of ICT before NCRT had a similar pathological complete response rate compared to NCRT (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.90–1.77). Our findings suggest that between the ICT + NCRT+S and NCRT+S groups, ICT improved the incidence of grade 3 to 4 toxicity effects (OR 4.81, 95% CI 2.38–9.37), but between the ICT + NCRT+S and NCRT+S+ adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) groups, ICT might reduce toxicity (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.08–0.50). ICT had no significant impact on surgical complications (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.63–1.51). Conclusions: The addition of ICT before NCRT seemingly shows no survival benefit on patients with LARC, and might increase the toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant melanomas (MMs) were the fifth most common cancer in men and the sixth most common cancer in women in 2018, respectively. These are characterized by high metastatic rates and poor prognoses. We systematically reviewed safety and efficacy of carbon‐ion radiotherapy (CIRT) for treating MMs. Eleven studies were eligible for review, and the data showed that MM patients showed better local control with low recurrence and mild toxicities after CIRT. Survival rates were slightly higher in patients with cutaneous or uveal MMs than in those with mucosal MMs. CIRT in combination with chemotherapy produced higher progression‐free survival rates than CIRT only. In younger patients, higher rates of distant metastases of gynecological MMs were observed. The data indicated that CIRT is effective and safe for treating MMs; however, a combination with systemic therapy is recommended to ensure the best possible prognosis for MMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radiation is a mode of treatment for many pelvic malignancies, most of which originate in the gynecologic, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems. However, the healthy gut is unavoidably included in the irradiation volume, resulting in undesirable results that manifest as radiation-induced diarrhea (RID), which is the most common side effect of radiation therapy and significantly affects the patients' quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of diarrhea after pelvic radiotherapy in rats based on the effect of radiation on bile acid homeostasis and sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (Asbt). Methods: In this experimental study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following groups – pelvic irradiation, cholestyramine-concurrent radiation, and control groups. The rats in the pelvic irradiation group were irradiated in the pelvic region with 2 Gy per day for five consecutive days. The total bile acid (TBA) levels in the ileum, colon, and feces were measured using automatic biochemical analyzer, and the levels of individual bile acids were evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The mRNA and protein expression of Asbt in ileum were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot assay. The rats in the cholestyramine-concurrent radiation group were administered with cholestyramine, a bile acid-chelating resin, and concurrent radiation for 5 days. The body weight of rats was monitored daily, and the degree of diarrhea was scored. Results: Diarrhea was observed at 2 and 3 days post-pelvic radiation. The TBA levels were significantly decreased at 4 and 5 days post-radiation in the ileum (p <.01, p <.01) and increased at 4 and 5 days post-radiation in the colon (p <.05, p <.05). The fecal excretions of TBA were significantly increased at 3, 4, and 5 days post-radiation (p <.05). The levels of individual bile acids were significantly decreased in the ileum and increased in the colon and feces, post-radiation. The mRNA and protein expression of Asbt in the ileum gradually decreased with increasing days of pelvic radiation and significantly decreased at 3 and 5 days post-radiation, respectively. Furthermore, a significant decrease in body weight was observed post-pelvic radiation, and cholestyramine administration did not reverse the weight loss. However, the incidence of RID was decreased after administration of cholestyramine. Conclusions: Bile acid malabsorption is partially responsible for RID post-pelvic radiation in rats, and the potential mechanism is related to the downregulation of the ileal Asbt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a detailed spectral analysis of the black hole candidate MAXI J1836−194. The source was caught in the intermediate state during its 2011 outburst by Suzaku and RXTE. We jointly fit the X-ray data from these two missions using the relxill model to study the reflection component, and a steep inner emissivity profile indicating a compact corona as the primary source is required in order to achieve a good fit. In addition, a reflection model with a lamp-post configuration (relxilllp), which is normally invoked to explain the steep emissivity profile, gives a worse fit and is excluded at 99 per cent confidence level compared to relxill. We also explore the effect of the ionization gradient on the emissivity profile by fitting the data with two relativistic reflection components, and it is found that the inner emissivity flattens. These results may indicate that the ionization state of the disc is not constant. All the models above require a supersolar iron abundance higher than ∼4.5. However, we find that the high-density version of reflionx can describe the same spectra even with solar iron abundance well. A moderate rotating black hole (a * = 0.84–0.94) is consistently obtained by our models, which is in agreement with previously reported values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of carbon ion radiotherapy and anti-PD-1 antibody represents a new approach to treating thoracic tumors. However, the lung damage caused by this combination therapy may limit its use, and the potential mechanisms for this are worthy of investigation. The objective of this research was to examine the potential involvement of repulsive guidance molecule b (RGMb) in lung damage promoted by the utilization of carbon ion irradiation combined with an anti-PD-1 antibody. The C57BL/6 mice have been randomly separated into four distinct groups: control, anti-PD-1, whole thorax carbon ion irradiation, and irradiation in combination with anti-PD-1 treatment groups (combination group). Detection of pathological changes in lung tissue using HE staining. Detection of pulmonary fibrosis by Masson staining and the hydroxyproline assay. ELISA to detect TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6, and IL-1β expression levels within lung homogenates. The expression of RGMb, p38 MAPK, and Erk1/2 pathways was detected using a fully automated digital Western blotting system WES (ProteinSimple, USA). Flow cytometry was employed to analyze tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) within the lung. Subsequently, the siRNA gene was employed to induce the downregulation of RGMb in mice in order to validate the involvement of RGMb in radiation-immune lung injury. The present study observed a significant increase in both inflammatory and fibrotic indicators within the mice group's lung tissue that received the combination treatment. The combination group exhibited elevated levels of TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in lung homogenates. Anti-PD-1 antibody and carbon ion irradiation, upregulated RGMb, phospho-p38 MAPK and phospho-Erk1/2. The results obtained from the flow cytometry analysis indicated that the combination group was significantly higher in the number of clonal expansion TRMs, which were predominantly characterized by the expression of CD8+CD103+CD69-TRMs. The downregulate of RGMb via siRNA in mice resulted in a decrease in phospho-p38 MAPK and phospho-Erk1/2. The combination group exhibited a reduction in TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6, and IL-1β in their lung tissues, and the number of CD8+CD103+CD69-TRM was significantly reduced. The combination group exhibited a significant improvement in inflammatory and fibrotic indicators within the lung tissues. Anti-PD-1 antibody and carbon ion irradiation synergistically regulate RGMb, leading to strong clonal expansion of lung TRM through the p38 MAPK and Erk1/2 pathways. The present study offers valuable insights into the treatment of lung injury due to the combined administration of carbon ion radiotherapy and anti-PD-1 antibody therapy. • Explored the mechanisms of lung damage promoted by carbon ions combined with anti-PD-1 antibodies. • Anti-PD-1 antibody and carbon ions regulate RGMb, leading to clonal expansion of TRM through p38 MAPK and Erk1/2 pathways. • The combination group was higher in the number of clonal expansion CD8+CD103+CD69-TRMs. • Offers insights into the treatment of lung injury due to combined administration of carbon ions and anti-PD-1 antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing light-triggered in situ forming dynamical hydrogels with on-demand dissolvable and antioxidation capacities to promote wound healing is highly desired yet challenging. Herein, we prepared an in situ forming bottlebrush hydrogel with on-demand dissolution capacity from two thioctic acid (TA)-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) telechelic (TA-PEGs) prepolymers via a light-mediated grafting-through polymerization strategy. In response to light irradiation, TA-PEGs could undergo rapid ring-opening polymerization to generate a highly branched bottlebrush network with dynamic disulfide bonds and simultaneously load water-soluble curcumin complexes with excellent antioxidant activity, enabling fast in situ gelation in 3 min to achieve perfect coverage of wound sites with different shapes. Furthermore, the resulting bottlebrush hydrogel dressing can achieve facile and painless removal of the dressing via rapid on-demand dissolution of the hydrogel during dressing changes. Meanwhile, thanks to its dynamical feature of the disulfide-based network, the hydrogel possesses excellent self-healing ability and shape adaptability that can maintain the interiority of the dressing during application and thus prolong its service life. In vitro evaluation demonstrates that this PEG bottlebrush hydrogel possesses favorable hemocompatibility, cytocompatibility, and antioxidant capacity. More importantly, in vivo experiments confirmed that the hydrogel promotes angiogenesis, dermal collagen synthesis, and alleviates the excessive ROS damage, thus providing more beneficial conditions to accelerate full-thickness skin wound healing. [Display omitted] • An in-situ light-triggered PEG bottebrush hydrogel wound dressing. • This hydrogel dressing possesses desirable dynamic properties. • This hydrogel dressing exhibits excellent antioxidant activities. • The resulting hydrogel dressing can rapidly dissociate on demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin can be easily injured and attacked by external pathogens, leading to wound infection and wound healing delay. Traditional dressings adhere to wounds only and can cause secondary damage to the new epithelium and bleeding. Herein, a highly adhesive zwitterionic composite hydrogel wound dressing (PDA/PSBMA/NFC/Zn2+ [PSNZn]) with outstanding antibacterial properties, good biocompatibility and excellent rheological properties was prepared by introducing zinc ion-loaded polydopamine (PDA)-coated nanofibrillated cellulose into a covalently-crosslinked sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) network. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed the broad-spectrum and lasting antibacterial activity of the PSNZn composite hydrogel against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In summary, the PSNZn composite hydrogel is an excellent wound dressing candidate with efficient antibacterial properties, high adhesion, excellent biocompatibility and good rheological properties. [Display omitted] • Good adhesiveness hydrogels were prepared from PSBMA and PDA. • PDA can scavenge free radicals and reduce the inflammatory response, thereby promoting wound healing. • The complexation of Zn ions with PDA can improve the mechanical properties of PSNZn composite hydrogels. • Zn ions can exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity promote blood vessel growth and accelerates wound healing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon ion therapy (CIT) is a form of particle therapy, which not only spares normal tissues but may also improve local control of recurrent intracranial tumours. Cerebral radiation necrosis (RN) is one of the most serious adverse reactions of recurrent brain tumours following reirradiation, which may lead to neurological decline or even death. Bevacizumab is an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody, which has been used to treat symptomatic RN. However, studies on bevacizumab for the treatment of CIT-induced RN are sparse. The present study described two cases that were successfully treated with bevacizumab for symptomatic RN following CIT for recurrent intracranial malignant tumours. The two recurrent intracranial malignant tumours, a chondrosarcoma in the right cavernous sinus and an anaplastic meningioma in the right frontal lobe, were enrolled in a clinical trial of CIT. Both cases were treated intravenously with bevacizumab when deterioration that appeared to be symptomatic brain RN was observed. Just before CIT, enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in each case to confirm tumour recurrence. Both cases exhibited a deterioration in symptoms, as well as on MRI, at 12-month intervals following CIT. The first case underwent positron emission tomography/computed tomography to confirm no increase in fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in lesion areas. Both cases were diagnosed as having symptomatic brain RN and began intravenous administration of four cycles of 5 mg/kg bevacizumab biweekly. The patients responded well, with rapid and marked improvements on MRI, and in clinical symptoms. No tumour progression was observed 24 months after CIT. In conclusion, bevacizumab was revealed to exert marked effects on symptomatic brain RN following CIT. Notably, cycles of bevacizumab should be administered specifically based on the aim of treating brain necrosis, and long-term or prophylactic applications are not recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mounting evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are closely related to the regulation of gene expression during tumour development. However, the role of circRNAs in modulating the radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells has not been explored. Transcriptome sequencing was used to explore the expression profiles of circRNAs in NSCLC. The expression level of circRNAs was changed by inducing instantaneous knockdown or overexpression. Changes in proliferation and radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells were investigated using CCK-8, EDU, and clonal survivals. By analysing the circRNA expression profile of NSCLC cells, we found that circRNA ZNF208 (circZNF208) was significantly upregulated in a radioresistant NSCLC cell line (A549-R11), which was acquired from the parental NSCLC cell line A549. Knockout experiments indicated that circZNF208 enhanced the radiosensitivity of A549 and A549-R11 cells to X-rays. Mechanistically, circZNF208 upregulated SNCA expression by acting as a sponge of miR-7-5p and subsequently promoted the resistance of NSCLC cells to low linear energy transfer (LET) X-rays. However, this effect was not observed in NSCLC cells exposed to high-LET carbon ions. Knockdown of circZNF208 altered the radiosensitivity of patients with NSCLC to X-rays but did not significantly change the sensitivity to carbon ions. Therefore, circZNF208 might serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment with radiotherapy of different modalities. • CircZNF208 regulates radiosensitivity in NSCLC via the miR-7-5p/SNCA signalling axis. • CircZNF208 modulates the radiosensitivity of NSCLC after X-ray irradiation, but have no effedt on heavy ions. • Overexpression of SNCA can increase the activity of JAK/STAT signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Atrial remodeling plays a crucial role in the occurrence and maintenance of AF. • Colchicine can reverse atrial remodeling and inhibit atrial fibrillation. • Elucidating the therapeutic mechanism of colchicine from prospective of genomics and bioinformatics. • Providing an opportunity to generate new therapies, and preventive strategies for AF. In recent years, colchicine has been used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events; in particular, it has been effectively used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). We first discovered that colchicine can treat AF in a rat model and that it can reverse the effects of atrial fibrosis. To illustrate the potential therapeutic mechanism of colchicine against AF, we performed comparative transcriptome analyses; our aim was to elucidate the therapeutic effects of colchicine so as to improve treatment and prognoses of AF. Genomics and bioinformatics analyses revealed that the IL-17 signaling pathway, and renin secretion pathway are involved in the mechanism of action of colchicine. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between overlapping genes in the two groups of differentially expressed genes. The genes encoding Akap4, Pcdha9, Gp2, Cd177, Krt15, Aqp3, Chia, and Bpifb1 were pivotal and possible action sites for the therapeutic mechanisms of colchicine. We conclude that AF involves a multifactorial pathological process. The mechanisms underlying the action of colchicine in the treatment of AF warrant further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]