Search

Boyong Qiu,1,2,* Siyu Qiao,2,* Xiujuan Shi,2 Lin Shen,2 Bing Deng,2 Zilin Ma,2 Duan Zhou,2 Yihong Wei2 1Heart Center/National Regional (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of CM, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China; 2Cardiovascular Department, Longhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yihong Wei; Duan Zhou, Email weiyihong2022@shutcm.edu.cn; zhouduan@126.comBackground: In China, Shen’ge formula (SGF), a Traditional Chinese Medicine blend crafted from ginseng and gecko, holds a revered place in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, despite its prevalent use, the precise cardioprotective mechanisms of SGF remain largely uncharted. This study aims to fill this gap by delving deeper into SGF’s therapeutic potential and underlying action mechanism, thus giving its traditional use a solid scientific grounding.Methods: In this study, rats were subjected to abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) to generate pressure overload. Following AAC, we administered SGF and bisoprolol intragastrically at specified doses for two distinct durations: 8 and 24 weeks. The cardiac function post-treatment was thoroughly analyzed using echocardiography and histological examinations, offering insights into SGF’s influence on vital cardiovascular metrics, and signaling pathways central to cardiac health.Results: SGF exhibited promising results, significantly enhanced cardiac functions over both 8 and 24-week periods, evidenced by improved ejection fraction and fractional shortening while moderating left ventricular parameters. Noteworthy was SGF’s role in the significant mitigation of myocardial hypertrophy and in fostering the expression of vital proteins essential for heart health by the 24-week mark. This intervention markedly altered the dynamics of the Akt/HIF-1α/p53 pathway, inhibiting detrimental processes while promoting protective mechanisms.Conclusion: Our research casts SGF in a promising light as a cardioprotective agent in heart failure conditions induced by pressure overload in rats. Central to this protective shield is the modulation of the Akt/HIF-1α/p53 pathway, pointing to a therapeutic trajectory that leverages HIF-1α promotion and p53 nuclear transport inhibition. Keywords: Shen’ge formula, heart failure, hypertrophy, apoptosis, angiogenesis

Shan Qiao,1,2,&ast; Haiyun Li,3,&ast; Caisan Cui,4 Chong Zhang,1 Aihua Wang,1 Wenjing Jiang,3 Shanchao Zhang1,5 1Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Geriatric Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 5School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Shanchao Zhang, Email zhangshanchao2012@163.com; Wenjing Jiang, Email jiangwenjing@qiluhospital.comPurpose: CSF inflammation in subtypes of antibody-defined autoimmune encephalitis (AE) ranges in intensity from moderate to severe. In a retrospective, cross-sectional study, we characterized CSF findings in Chinese patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDAR-E), anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 encephalitis (LGI1-E), and anti-gamma aminobutyric acid-B receptor encephalitis (GABABR-E).Patients and Methods: The AE cases, including 102 NMDAR-E, 68 LGI1-E and 15 GABABR-E, were included. CSF inflammatory parameters consisted primarily of CSF leukocytes, oligoclonal bands (OCBs), and CSF/serum albumin ratios (QAlb). Ten serum cytokines were evaluated in order to classify AE subtypes.Results: 88% of NMDAR-E, 80% of GABABR-E, and 51% of LGI1-E patients had aberrant CSF features. In NMDAR-E, the CSF leukocyte count, CSF protein concentration, and age-adjusted QAlb were significantly higher than in LGI1-E, but did not differ from GABABR-E. Blood-CSF barrier dysfunction was less common in NMDAR-E patients with > 40 years old. On admission, inflammatory CSF response was more prevalent in NMDAR-E patients with a higher CASE score. With age < 60 years, CSF inflammatory changes were less frequent in LGI1-E patients, but more common in GABABR-E patients. MCP-1, IL-10, IL-1β, and IL-4 were potential classifiers for NMDAR-E, LGI1-E, and GABABR-E, and correlated substantially with CSF leukocyte count and QAlb.Conclusion: Subtype-specific patterns are formed by the various inflammatory CSF parameters in NMDAR-E, LGI1-E, and GABABR-E, and their correlation with disease severity, age, and disease duration. CSF inflammatory characteristics associated with MCP-1, IL-10, IL-1β, and IL-4 may be potential immunopathogeneses targeting markers for these AE subtypes.Keywords: autoimmune encephalitis, cytokines, neuroinflammation, cerebrospinal fluid

Shina Qiao, Xiaoming Zhang, Weilan Xiang, Linyan Yao, Xuemei Xian Nursing Department, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Shina Qiao, Nursing Department, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13575764508, Email qiaoshina08@zju.edu.cnBackground: Compared to Western countries, palliative and hospice care services are used less often in Asian countries. While both types have been implemented in mainland China in recent years, their utilization rates have not increased satisfactorily. Moreover, few hospitals in mainland China implement hospice care using the hospice shared care model.Objective: This study investigated a case in which the hospice shared care model was implemented for one patient with advanced colon cancer who had received treatment at a general tertiary hospital in mainland China.Methods: Critical points of care included pain symptom management, nutritional support, application of the SHARE model for disease notification, family meetings to assist medical decision-making, relaxation therapy to relieve depressive symptoms, provisions to address end-of-life wishes, and support for primary caregivers.Results: The patient’s basic pain was controlled (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS2-3), and the score of the Depression Screening Scale (PHQ-9) decreased from 15 to 10 after intervention during hospitalization. In the end, the patient died comfortably and peacefully at home.Conclusion: The hospice shared care team helped the patient with her physical and psychological pain, met her end-of-life wishes, and provided support for the families.Keywords: advanced colon cancer, palliative care, symptom management, hospice share care, case report

Gaigai Bai,1,2 Yue Zhou,1,2 Qing Rong,1,2 Sijing Qiao,1,2 Hongluan Mao,1,2,&ast; Peishu Liu1,2,&ast; 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 2Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Urogynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Hongluan Mao; Peishu Liu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-18560081988 ; +86-18560082027, Email peishuliu@126.com; hongluanmao@126.comPurpose: Nutritional and inflammatory states are crucial in cancer development. The purpose of this study is to construct a scoring system grounded on peripheral blood parameters associated with nutrition and inflammation and explore its value in stage, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) prediction for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients.Patients and Methods: Four hundred and fifty-three EOC patients were retrospectively identified and their clinical data and relevant peripheral blood parameters were collected. The ratio of neutrophil to lymphocyte, lymphocyte to monocyte, fibrinogen to lymphocyte, total cholesterol to lymphocyte and albumin level were calculated and dichotomized. A scoring system named peripheral blood score (PBS) was constructed. Univariate and multivariate Logistic or Cox regression analyses were used to select independent factors; these factors were then used to develop nomogram models of advanced stage and OS, PFS, respectively. The internal validation and DCA analysis were performed to evaluate models.Results: Lower PBS indicated a better prognosis and higher PBS indicated inferior. High PBS is associated with advanced stage, high CA125, serous histological type, poor differentiation, and accompanied ascites. The logistic regression showed age, CA125, and PBS were independent factors for the FIGO III–IV stage. The nomogram models for advanced FIGO stage based on these factors showed good efficiency. FIGO stage, residual disease, and PBS were independent factors affecting OS and PFS, the nomogram models composed of these factors had good performance. DCA curves revealed the models augmented net benefits.Conclusion: PBS can be a noninvasive biomarker for EOC patients’ prognosis. The related nomogram models could be powerful, cost-effective tools to provide information of advanced stage, OS, and PFS for EOC patients.Keywords: inflammation, nutrition, ovarian cancer, predict model, peripheral blood

Xuejie Fu,1,&ast; Shuangjian He,2,&ast; Liang Wang,2 Yangyang Xue,2 Shigang Qiao,1 Jianzhong An,1 Tingting Xia1 1Institute of Clinical Medicine Research, Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou, JiangSu, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Orthopedics, Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou, JiangSu, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Tingting Xia, Institute of Clinical Medicine Research, Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou, 215153, JiangSu, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18523986726, Email xtt_92@126.comPurpose: Osteoarthritis (OA) places a significant burden on society and finance, and there is presently no effective treatment besides late replacement surgery and symptomatic relief. The therapy of OA requires additional research. Madecassic acid (MA) is the first native triterpenoid compound extracted from Centella asiatica, which has a variety of anti-inflammatory effects. However, the role of MA in OA therapy has not been reported. This study aimed to explore whether MA could suppress the inflammatory response, preserve and restore chondrocyte functions, and ameliorate the progression of OA in vitro and in vivo.Methods: Rat primary chondrocytes were treated with IL-1β to simulate inflammatory environmental conditions and OA in vitro. We examined the effects of MA at concentrations ranging from 0 to 200 μM on the viability of rat chondrocytes and selected 10 μM for further study. Using qRT-PCR, immunofluorescent, immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting techniques, we identified the potential molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that are responsible for these effects. We established an OA rat model by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). The animals were then periodically injected with MA into the knee articular cavity.Results: We found that MA could down-regulate the IL-1β-induced up-regulation of COX-2, iNOS and IL-6 and restore the cytoskeletal integrity of chondrocytes treated with IL-1β. Moreover, MA protects chondrocytes from IL-1β-induced ECM degradation by upregulating ECM synthesis related protein expression, including collagen-II and ACAN, and further down-regulating ECM catabolic related protein expression, including MMP-3 and MMP-13. Furthermore, we found that NF-κB/IκBα and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways were involved in the regulatory effects of MA on the inflammation inhibition and promotion of ECM anabolism on IL-1β-induced chondrocytes.Conclusion: These findings suggest that MA appears to be a potentially small molecular drug for rat OA.Keywords: osteoarthritis, madecassic acid, inflammatory responses, cartilage degradation

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

Shan Qiao,1,2,* Quan-Ye Sun,3,* Shan-Chao Zhang,1 Ran-Ran Zhang,4 Yu-Jiao Wu,4 Zhi-Hao Wang,4 Xue-Wu Liu4,5 1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 3Research Center of Translational Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 5Institute of Epilepsy, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xue-Wu Liu, Email snlxw1966@163.comPurpose: Syncytin-1 may play a role in several neuropsychiatric disorders, but its function in anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the possible mechanism of action of syncytin-1 in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis.Patients and Methods: Twenty patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and eight controls were recruited. The protein levels of syncytin-1 in serum were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the transcript levels of syncytin-1 were determined using real-time quantitative PCR. Flow cytometry was used for peripheral blood lymphocyte subset detection. Further, the relationship between syncytin-1 levels and clinical features of anti-NMDAR encephalitis and peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets was analyzed.Results: Compared with those in controls, higher syncytin-1 levels and percentage of B cells (CD3-CD19+) were observed in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Among anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients, the level of syncytin-1 positively correlated with the proportion of B cells and modified Rankin scale score at onset and after immunotherapy and negatively correlated with the proportion of CD3+ T cells.Conclusion: An increased expression of Syncytin-1 is associated with the pathogenesis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis, providing evidence for elucidating the pathogenesis of the disease and suggesting novel therapeutic targets. Further, this study clarifies the role of syncytin-1 in neuroimmune disorders.Keywords: autoimmune encephalitis, neuroinflammation, syncytin-1, B cells, pathogenesis

Yufei Gu, Fengyu Zheng, Yingxuan Zhang, Shishi Qiao Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Shishi Qiao, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 50 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18595811956, Email qiaoshishiv@163.comPurpose: We aimed to develop and to validate a novel nomogram based on inflammatory markers to preoperatively predict microvascular invasion (MVI) in patients with solitary primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Patients and Methods: Data from 658 patients with solitary primary HCC who underwent hepatectomy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2018 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into training (n=441) and validation (n=217) cohorts according to surgical data. Independent risk factors for MVI were identified via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses in the training cohort. A novel nomogram was developed based on the independent risk factors identified. Its accuracy was evaluated using a calibration curve and concordance index (C-index). The predictive value was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).Results: Preoperative alpha-fetoprotein > 969 μg/L (P< 0.001), tumor size (P=0.002), neutrophil > 1.8× 109/L (P=0.002), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio (GPR) > 0.32 (P=0.001), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APR) > 0.18 (P< 0.001), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-albumin ratio (GAR) > 2.30 (P=0.001), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-lymphocyte ratio > 29.58 (P< 0.001) were identified as preoperative independent risk factors for MVI and were used to establish the nomogram. The C-index of the training and validation cohorts were 0.788 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.744– 0.831) and 0.735 (95% CI: 0.668– 0.802), respectively. The calibration curve analysis revealed that the standard curve fit well with the predicted curve. ROC curve analysis demonstrated high efficiency of the nomogram. DCA verified that the nomogram had notable clinical value.Conclusion: Preoperative GPR > 0.32, APR > 0.18, and GAR > 2.30 were independent risk factors for MVI in patients with solitary primary HCC, suggesting their utility as preoperative predictors of MVI. The novel nomogram developed and validated in this study may aid in determining optimal therapeutic approaches for patients with solitary HCC at risk for MVI.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, microvascular invasion, preoperative prediction, nomogram

Xueyao Huang,1,2 Xuan Wei,1 Sijing Qiao,1,2 Xue Zhang,1,2 Rui Li,1 Shunxue Hu,3 Hongluan Mao,1,2 Peishu Liu1,2 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People’s Republic of China; 2Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Peishu Liu; Hongluan MaoDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +8618560081988; Tel +8618560082027Email peishuliu@126.com; hongluanmao@126.comPurpose: The efficacy of post-surgery platinum-based chemotherapy, the primary choice for the treatment of ovarian cancer (OC), is greatly reduced by the development of drug-resistance. In this study, we investigated the association of expression low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), two cholesterol metabolism-related proteins, in OC tissues and chemoresistance and patient prognosis.Methods: Survival analysis using LDLR and HMGCR expression in the ovarian cancer patients using the dataset of Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was carried out online. A retrospective study was performed on 65 patients who had undergone surgery for ovarian cancer. In addition, patients were divided into 2 groups: platinum resistance group and platinum sensitivity group. Serum lipid metabolism data were collected and analyzed. Protein expressions of LDLR and HMGCR in ovarian cancer tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results: Online survival analysis showed that patients with higher LDLR expression had poorer prognosis than those with lower LDLR expression in ovarian cancer cells, while a higher HMGCR expression was associated with better OC prognosis. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were lower in patients with higher LDLR levels (OS: P=0.046, DFS: P=0.009). Platinum-resistant patients had higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol in serum as compared with platinum-sensitive patients (P< 0.001). Immunohistochemistry showed that LDLR expression was high and HMGCR was low in platinum-resistant patients.Conclusion: The expression of LDLR and HMGCR proteins, involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism and the plasma LDL and cholesterol levels were significantly different in platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer patients. We postulate that cholesterol metabolic reprogramming might play a role in platinum resistance in ovarian cancer.Keywords: LDLR, HMGCR, ovarian cancer, platinum resistance, cholesterol metabolism

Xiaowei Jiang,1,2 Shubin Qiao2 1Cardiology Department, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 2State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Shubin QiaoState Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail qsbfw@sina.comObjective: Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) is one of the septal reduction therapies without all satisfactory results in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients. Initial r-wave in leads V1 and aVR on the surface electrocardiography is the sign of ventricular septal base depolarization. Whether the initial r-wave in leads V1 and aVR is predictive of good mid-term response to PTSMA in patients with HOCM remains unknown.Design, Settings, and Participants: Among 546 consecutive patients evaluated in Fuwai Hospital (Beijing, China), we selected HOCM patients who underwent PTSMA. During the 3-year follow-up after PTSMA, primary outcomes included death, surgical myectomy, syncope, and NYHA classification III/IV.Results: At last, 85 patients were selected, and were assigned to 3 groups based on the presence of initial r-wave in leads V1 and aVR. Through multivariable Cox and Kaplan–Meier method, patients with initial r-wave in both leads V1 and aVR were independently associated with a decreased risk of primary outcomes (HR: 0.112; 95% CI: 0.024 to 0.518; p = 0.005) during 3-years’ follow-up.Conclusion: The results suggest that the presence of initial r-wave in both leads V1 and aVR on the surface 12-lead ECG is highly predictive of good mid-term response to PTSMA in patients with HOCM.Keywords: hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation, electrocardiography

Quan Zhang,1,2,* Xiaoming Li,1 Shan Qiao,1 Shuaifeng Liu,3 Zhiyong Shen,3 Yuejiao Zhou3,* 1South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA; 2Institute of Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 3Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Quan ZhangSouth Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29028, USATel +1 803 777 8615Fax +1 803 777 6290Email quanz@mailbox.sc.eduZhiyong ShenGuangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 18 Jinzhou Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530028, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 771 251 8838Email shenzhiyong99999@sina.comBackground: Hair concentrations of antiretrovirals are an innovative and non-invasive method for measuring cumulative antiretroviral exposure and assessing long-term antiretroviral adherence. This study aimed to examine hair concentrations of antiretrovirals in relation to virologic outcomes among PLHIV in Guangxi, China.Methods: Cross-sectional data of hair concentrations of antiretrovirals and HIV viral load were collected from 215 PLHIV in Guangxi, China. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association of hair concentrations of antiretrovirals with virologic outcomes.Results: Of the 215 participants, 215, 67, and 163 PLHIV are receiving lamivudine, zidovudine, and efavirenz, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that hair concentrations of lamivudine [odds ratio = 16.52, 95% CI 2.51– 108.60, p = 0.004] and efavirenz [odds ratio = 14.26, 95% CI 1.18– 172.01, p = 0.036], but not zidovudine [odds ratio = 1.77, 95% CI 0.06– 56.14, p = 0.747], were the strongest independent predictor of virologic suppression when controlling for sociodemographic and other HIV-related characteristics.Conclusion: Hair concentrations of lamivudine and efavirenz were the strongest independent predictor of virologic suppression among Chinese PLHIV. Hair analysis of antiretrovirals may provide a non-invasive, cost-effective tool that predicts virologic suppression among PLHIV in China.Keywords: hair concentrations, antiretroviral, viral load, people living with HIV

Quan Zhang,1,2 Xiaoming Li,1 Shan Qiao,1 Shuaifeng Liu,3 Zhiyong Shen,3 Yuejiao Zhou3 1South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA; 2Institute of Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 3Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Quan ZhangSouth Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Discovery I, Suite 408, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29028, USATel +1 803 777 8615Fax +1 803 777 6290Email quanz@mailbox.sc.eduYuejiao ZhouGuangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 18 Jinzhou Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530028, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 771 251 8838Email gxcdcj2013@163.comBackground: Pain is a common occurrence and persistent symptom, which has an adverse impact on individual well-being and quality of life among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Alteration in the activity of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis resulting in abnormal glucocorticoid levels had been proposed to play important roles in those associations.Purpose: This study aimed to investigate whether pain severity was associated with hair glucocorticoid levels, a novel method of measuring long-term glucocorticoid exposure, among a large cohort of Chinese PLHIV.Methods: A measure of pain severity and hair samples were collected from 431 adults PLHIV in Guangxi, China. Glucocorticoid (cortisol and cortisone) in hair were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The general linear model was used to test the associations of pain severity with hair glucocorticoid levels after adjusting for potential confounding factors.Results: Of the 431 PLHIV, 273 reported none pain, 87 reported mild pain, and 71 reported moderate-severe pain. Hair cortisone, but not hair cortisol, was found to differ significantly among the three pain severity groups (F=3.90, p=0.021). PLHIV reported moderate-severe pain had higher hair cortisone than those reported mild (p=0.070) or none pain (p=0.014), with no differences between the latter two pain severity groups.Conclusion: Greater pain severity is associated with higher hair cortisone levels among Chinese PLHIV. In order to reduce the long-term glucocorticoid levels, interventions managing pain should be considered for PLHIV with moderate-severe pain.Keywords: pain, hair cortisol, hair cortisone, HIV

Shan Qiao,1 Huai-kuan Wu,1 Ling-ling Liu,2 Mei-ling Wang,3 Ran-ran Zhang,4 Tao Han,5 Xue-wu Liu4 1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250014, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong Province 252000, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Neurology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province 256603, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xue-wu LiuDepartment of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 107 Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, Shan Dong, People’s Republic of ChinaTel + 86 0531-82169114Email snlxw1966@163.comPurpose: To describe the clinical manifestation, immunotherapy, and long-term outcomes of anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) encephalitis.Patients and Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of 117 patients with a diagnosis of anti-LGI1 encephalitis identified from the databases of multiple clinical centers between September 2014 and December 2019. The clinical features, ancillary test results, and details of long-term outcomes were evaluated.Results: Among the 117 patients with anti-LGI1 encephalitis, 69.2% (81/117) were male and 30.8% (36/117) were female. The median age of all patients at the onset of the disease was 57 years (interquartile range [IQR], 52– 67). The median time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 8.7 weeks (IQR, 4.2– 25). The main clinical features identified were seizures, cognitive impairment, and mental and behavioral abnormalities. Of the 117 patients, 109 were treated with immunotherapy. Symptoms including memory, mental ability, and behavior improved in all 109 patients after 3– 5 days of treatment. The median time of follow-up for the treated patients was 33 months (IQR, 17– 42). Of the treated patients, 16.2% (19/117) experienced a relapse, with a median delay of 5 months (IQR, 2.1– 17) between onset and the first relapse. There were no mortalities over the follow-up period.Conclusion: The long-term outcome of patients with anti-LGI1 encephalitis was mostly favorable, although some patients continued to experience cognitive dysfunction. Early recognition is important for prompt initiation of immunotherapy that can improve clinical symptoms of anti-LGI1 encephalitis.Keywords: anti-LGI1 encephalitis, autoimmune epilepsy, follow-up, immunotherapy, relapse

Shang Qiao, Wen Gao, Shujun Guo Department of Cardiology, Bayan Nur Hospital of the Nei Monggol Autonomous Region, Bayan Nur City 015000, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Shujun GuoDepartment of Cardiology, Bayan Nur Hospital of the Nei Monggol Autonomous Region, Bayan Nur Hospital, No. 98 Wulanbuhe Road, Linhe District, Bayan Nur City 015000, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail zuiailicip@126.comBackground: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) combined with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) frequently occurred. In this study, we aimed at exploring the prognostic significance of blood neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in these types of patients.Patients and Methods: Between June 30, 2010 and August 30, 2017, 1454 patients with CVD were enrolled in this study. Kaplan and Meier methodology was used for survival analysis. We also used propensity score matching (PSM) to further compare survival in patients with or without T2DM.Results: Among all patients, we applied ROC curve analysis to stratify all patients into two different groups including NLR > 2.5 (n=432) and NLR≤ 2.5 (n=1022) groups. After that, we further performed survival analysis between different groups. We found that patients with NLR ≤ 2.5 had significantly favorable OS compared with the overall survival in patients with NLR > 2.5. We further built the PSM using 242 pairs of patients who have CVD and with or without T2DM. After adjusting for competing risk factors, we performed Cox proportional hazards models to identify the independent prognostic factors in multivariable adjustment. We found that NLR ≤ 2.5 (HR: 2.576, 95% CI: 1.241– 4.583, P =0.001) and extent of coronary artery disease (HR: 2.432, 95% CI: 1.189– 4.392, P =0.005) remained independent predictors of OS.Conclusion: In conclusion, we have established an PSM model and found that a high NLR value was an independent prognostic factor for survival, predicting in patients with both CAD and T2DM. The NLR value would be a valuable biomarker to evaluate the outcomes of patients and give them opportunities for choosing alternative therapies.Keywords: neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, NLR, cardiovascular diseases, CVD, type 2 diabetes mellitus, T2DM

Yue Yang,1 Yunjian Li,1 Kai Chen,1 Ling Zhang,2 Sen Qiao,1 Guoxin Tan,1 Fen Chen,1,3,4 Weisan Pan1 1School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People’s Republic of China; 3Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for TCM Viscera-State Theory and Applications, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110847, People’s Republic of China; 4Zhejiang Jingxin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Zhejiang 312500, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Weisan PanSchool of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/ Fax +86 24 4352 0533Email pppwwwsss@163.comFen ChenKey Laboratory of Ministry of Education for TCM Viscera-State Theory and Applications, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110847, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/ Fax +86 24 3120 7125Email chenfen1121@163.comPurpose: Poor site-specific delivery and insufficient intracellular drug release in tumors are inherent disadvantages to successful chemotherapy. In this study, an extraordinary polymeric micelle nanoplatform was designed for the efficient delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) by combining dual receptor-mediated active targeting and stimuli response to intracellular reduction potential.Methods: The dual-targeted redox-sensitive polymer, folic acid-hyaluronic acid-SS-vitamin E succinate (FHSV), was synthesized via an amidation reaction and characterized by 1H-NMR. Then, PTX-loaded FHSV micelles (PTX/FHSV) were prepared by a dialysis method. The physiochemical properties of the micelles were explored. Moreover, in vitro cytological experiments and in vivo animal studies were carried out to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of polymeric micelles.Results: The PTX/FHSV micelles exhibited a uniform, near-spherical morphology (148.8 ± 1.4 nm) and a high drug loading capacity (11.28% ± 0.25). Triggered by the high concentration of glutathione, PTX/FHSV micelles could quickly release their loaded drug into the release medium. The in vitro cytological evaluations showed that, compared with Taxol or single receptor-targeted micelles, FHSV micelles yielded higher cellular uptake by the dual receptor-mediated endocytosis pathway, thus leading to significantly superior cytotoxicity and apoptosis in tumor cells but less cytotoxicity in normal cells. More importantly, in the in vivo antitumor experiments, PTX/FHSV micelles exhibited enhanced tumor accumulation and produced remarkable tumor growth inhibition with minimal systemic toxicity.Conclusion: Our results suggest that this well-designed FHSV polymer has promising potential for use as a vehicle of chemotherapeutic drugs for precise cancer therapy.Keywords: micelles, paclitaxel, dual-targeted, redox-sensitive, cytotoxicity, antitumor

Shina Qiao*, Leiwen Tang*, Weibo Zhang, Suming Tian, Minjun Liu, Lili Yang, Zhihong YeAffiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this work Background: Recently, cancer pain management has come increasingly to be provided in outpatient settings, requiring health-care providers and outpatients to take on responsibilities. Pain is among the most distressing symptoms of cancer.Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of nurse-led telephone calls plus WeChat versus telephone calls only for the pain management of outpatients with cancer.Methods: 231 outpatients with cancer pain were classified into two groups (group 1, N=125; group 2, N=106). Group 1 was followed up with weekly telephone calls for eight weeks, and group 2 with weekly telephone calls combined with the booklets through WeChat for eight weeks. Differences between groups in pain level, side effects, medication adherence, and satisfaction with pain management were analyzed, and statistical differences were tested usingan independent-sample t-test and a chi-squared test.Results: Group 2 had a significantly lower rest pain (p

Li-Hua Yang,1,2,* Ye Wang,1,3,* Shi Qiao,1,* Min-Jun Wang,1 Fei Chen,1 Xiao-Yuan Zi,1 Jian-Xiu Li,1 Hai-Bin Zhang,4 Bing Yu,1,4 Yi-Ping Hu1 1Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Hepatic Surgery V, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Purpose: Liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) are known to be associated with the development, survival, proliferation, metastasis, and recurrence of liver tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of liver-enriched activator protein 1 (LAP1) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver CSCs (LCSCs) and explore the impact of LAP1 on LCSCs. Materials and methods: Differences in LAP1 expression in liver cancer tissues versus matched para-tumoral liver tissues and LCSCs versus non-CSCs were analyzed by Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. The effect of LAP1 on liver cancer cells was evaluated by the expression of CSC markers, oncosphere formation, proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Cell cycle distribution and the number of apoptotic cells were analyzed to assess cell cycle and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, a mouse subcutaneous tumor implant model was established to explore the role of LAP1 in the development of HCC in vivo. Finally, the expression of CSC markers in paraffin-embedded sections was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Results: LAP1 was weakly expressed in HCC tumors and cell lines and even weaker in LCSCs. LAP1 inhibited the expression of stem cell–associated genes and reduced the abilities of oncosphere formation, proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Cell cycle assay revealed that LAP1 induced G1/G0 arrest. Furthermore, LAP1 decreased subcutaneous tumor-formation ability and the expression of CSC markers and Ki67 in vivo. Conclusion: LAP1 suppressed the stem cell features of HCC, indicating that it possessed an antitumor effect in liver cancer, both in vitro and in vivo; therefore, LAP1 may prove to be a potential target in liver CSC-targeted therapy. Keywords: LAP1, liver-enriched activator protein 1, hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC, liver cancer stem cell

Shupei Qiao,1,* Yufang Zhao,1,* Shuai Geng,2,* Yong Li,1,* Xiaolu Hou,1,3 Yi Liu,1 Feng-Huei Lin,4,5 Lifen Yao,6 Weiming Tian1 1School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 2Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University, 3Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China; 4Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; 5Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; 6Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Abstract: Instead of killing cancer stem cells (CSCs), the conventional chemotherapy used for cancer treatment promotes the enrichment of CSCs, which are responsible for tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence. However, most therapeutic agents are only able to kill a small proportion of CSCs by targeting one or two cell surface markers or dysregulated CSC pathways, which are usually shared with normal stem cells (NSCs). In this study, we developed a novel nondrug delivery system for the dual targeting of CSCs by conjugating hyaluronic acid (HA) and grafting the doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) monoclonal antibody to the surface of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)–poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs), which can specifically target CD44 receptors and the DCLK1 surface marker – the latter was shown to possess the capacity to distinguish between CSCSs and NSCs. The size and morphology of these NPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This was followed by studies of NP encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release properties. Then, the cytotoxicity of the NPs was tested via Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Finally, the 4T1 CSCs were obtained from the alginate-based platform, which we developed as an in vitro tumor model. Tumor-bearing nude mice were used as in vivo models to systematically detect the ability of NPs to target CSCs. Our results showed that the DCLK1–HA–PEG–PLGA NPs exhibited a targeting effect toward CSCs both in vitro and in vivo. These findings have important implications for the rational design of drug delivery systems that target CSCs with high efficacy. Keywords: alginate, CD44, PEG–PLGA, DCLK1, hyaluronic acid

Rui Fang,1,2 Shupei Qiao,1 Yi Liu,1 Qingyuan Meng,3 Xiongbiao Chen,2,4 Bing Song,5 Xiaolu Hou,6 Weiming Tian1 1Bio-X Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, People’s Republic of China; 2Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; 3State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; 5College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; 6Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China Abstract: Dedifferentiation and proliferation of endogenous cardiomyocytes in situ can effectively improve cardiac repair following myocardial infarction (MI). 6-Bromoindirubin-3-oxime (BIO) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are two potent factors that promote cardiomyocyte survival and proliferation. However, their delivery for sustained release in MI-affected areas has proved to be challenging. In the current research, we present a study on the sustained co-delivery of BIO and IGF-1 in a hybrid hydrogel system to simulate endogenous cardiac repair in an MI rat model. Both BIO and IGF-1 were efficiently encapsulated in gelatin nanoparticles, which were later cross-linked with the oxidized alginate to form a novel hybrid hydrogel system. The in vivo results indicated that the hybrid system could enhance the proliferation of cardiomyocytes in situ and could promote revascularization around the MI sites, allowing improved cardiac function. Taken together, we concluded that the hybrid hydrogel system can co-deliver BIO and IGF-1 to areas of MI and thus improve cardiac function by promoting the proliferation of cardiomyocytes and revascularization. Keywords: myocardial infarction, gelatin nanoparticle, cardiomyocyte proliferation, injectable hydrogel

An uneven mixing of hydrogen-blended natural gas will lead to hydrogen embrittlement in distribution pipelines, thereby affecting the quality of terminal gas, and thus highlighting the importance of ensuring the uniformity of hydrogen and natural gas mixing. In this study, FLUENT software was used to simulate three different hydrogen filling modes, namely, T-tube, bending-tube, and static mixer, and the mechanisms underlying the mixing of hydrogen and natural gas under different filling modes were analyzed. In addition, we assessed the influences of gas velocity, hydrogen blending ratio, and mixer length and blade angle on the mixing effects of a static mixer. The results revealed that among the three mixing methods assessed, the static mixer has the best overall mixing effect. Increasing gas velocity was found to have no significant effect on the mixing of hydrogen and natural gas. With an increase of hydrogen blending ratio, the mixing uniformity of hydrogen and natural gas increased from 99.49% to 99.95%, whereas there was an increase from 84.12% to 99.05% when the length of static mixer was increased, and an increase from 59.53% to 99.78% in response to an increase in blade angle. Our findings in this study can provide a methodological reference for increasing the mixing uniformity of hydrogen and natural gas in hydrogen-blended natural gas pipeline networks, and thereby contribute to the safe and rapid development of the hydrogen energy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic topological semimetals have been at the forefront of condensed matter physics due to their ability to exhibit exotic transport phenomena. Investigating the interplay between magnetic and topological orders in systems with broken time-reversal symmetry is crucial for realizing non-trivial quantum effects. We delve into the electronic structure of the rare-earth-based antiferromagnetic Dirac semimetal EuMg2Bi2 using first-principles calculations and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Our calculations reveal that the spin–orbit coupling (SOC) in EuMg2Bi2 prompts an insulator to topological semimetal transition, with the Dirac bands protected by crystal symmetries. The linearly dispersive states near the Fermi level, primarily originating from Bi 6 p orbitals, are observed on both the (001) and (100) surfaces, confirming that EuMg2Bi2 is a three-dimensional topological Dirac semimetal. This research offers pivotal insights into the interplay between magnetism, SOC and topological phase transitions in spintronics applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Crystalline-silicon heterojunction back contact solar cells represent the forefront of photovoltaic technology, but encounter significant challenges in managing charge carrier recombination and transport to achieve high efficiency. In this study, we produced highly efficient heterojunction back contact solar cells with a certified efficiency of 27.09% using a laser patterning technique. Our findings indicate that recombination losses primarily arise from the hole-selective contact region and polarity boundaries. We propose solutions to these issues and establish a clear relationship between contact resistivity, series resistance, and the design of the rear-side pattern. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the wafer edge becomes the main channel for current density loss caused by carrier recombination once electrical shading around the electron-selective contact region is mitigated. With the advanced nanocrystalline passivating contact, wafer edge passivation technologies and meticulous optimization of front anti-reflection coating and rear reflector, achieving efficiencies as high as 27.7% is feasible.

Abstract Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a major death cause in head and neck cancers, but the exact pathogenesis mechanisms of OSCC are largely unclear. Results Saliva derived from OSCC patients but not healthy controls (HCs) significantly promotes OSCC development and progression in rat models, and metabolomic analyses reveal saliva of OSCC patients but not HCs and OSCC tissues but not adjacent non-tumor tissues contain higher levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA). Furthermore, large amounts of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) colonize in OSCC tumor tissues, and such intratumoral S. mutans mediates KYNA overproductions via utilizing its protein antigen c (PAc). KYNA shifts the cellular types in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of OSCC and predominantly expedites the expansions of S100a8highS100a9high neutrophils to produce more interleukin 1β (IL-1β), which further expands neutrophils and induces CD8 + T cell exhaustion in TME and therefore promotes OSCC. Also, KYNA compromises the therapeutic effects of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and IL-1β blockades in oral carcinogenesis model. Moreover, KYNA-mediated immunosuppressive program and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) expression correlate with impaired anti-tumor immunity and poorer survival of OSCC patients. Conclusions Thus, aberration of oral microbiota and intratumoral colonization of specific oral bacterium such as S. mutans may increase the production of onco-metabolites, exacerbate the oral mucosal carcinogenesis, reprogram a highly immunosuppressive TME, and promote OSCC, highlighting the potential of interfering with oral microbiota and microbial metabolism for OSCC preventions and therapeutics. Video Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the lung protection effect of an individualized protective ventilation strategy based on lung impedance tomography (EIT) technology in patients with partial pulmonary resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty patients of any gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I-II, age 30-64 years and body mass index (BMI) 18-28 kg/m² who underwent elective thoracoscopic partial lung resection were selected and divided into 2 groups (n=40) using the random number table method: [positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) by electrical impedance tomography (EIT)] PEEPEIT group (experimental group) and control group. The PEEPEIT group used volume-controlled ventilation after one-lung ventilation, setting a tidal volume of 6 ml/kg and titrating the optimal PEEP value by EIT. Group C used volume-controlled ventilation after one-lung ventilation, setting a tidal volume of 6 ml/kg and a PEEP of 5 cm H2O. Clinical data were collected and recorded at 5 min after double lung ventilation (T0), single lung ventilation, 30 min after PEEP setting (T1), 60 min after PEEP setting (T2), the end of surgery, 10 min after resumption of double lung ventilation (T3) and 10 min after removal of the tracheal tube (T4), and serum surface active substance-associated protein-A (SP-A) concentrations were measured at T0, T3 and 1 d after surgery (T5). RESULTS: PEEP values were higher in the PEEPEIT group than in the control group at T1 and T2 (p-value <0.05); oxygenation index (OI) was higher in the PEEPEIT group compared to the control group at T2 and T3 (p-value <0.05); pulmonary dynamic compliance (Cdyn) was higher in the PEEPEIT group compared to the control group at T1 and T2 (p-value <0.05); intrapulmonary shunt rate (Qs/Qt) was lower in the PEEPEIT group compared to the control group at T1, T2 and at T3, the intrapulmonary shunt rate (Qs/Qt) was reduced in the PEEPEIT group compared to group C (p-value <0.05); at T5, the SP-A protein was reduced in the PEEPEIT group compared to group C. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications between the two groups (p-value >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The EIT-guided individualized protective ventilation strategy has a lung-protective effect in patients undergoing thoracoscopic partial lung resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Periodontitis is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, indicating periodontal health as an important health concern for pregnant women. Herein, this study identified risk indicators for periodontitis and developed a nomogram for predicting the risk of periodontitis in pregnancy by analyzing periodontitis and associated factors in pregnant women. Materials and methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted by including 438 pregnant women at 10–36 gestational weeks from Langfang, China. Pregnant women were examined for periodontal status, and their demographic, socioeconomic, and oral health behavior data were collected. Potential influencing factors of periodontitis were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A nomogram was developed, followed by the assessment of its validation and discriminatory abilities. Results The prevalence of periodontitis was 59.8% in pregnant women. Periodontitis-associated variables in pregnant women were gestational age, non-first pregnancy, daily tooth brushing frequency of ≤ 1 before pregnancy, and annual frequency of periodontal treatment

Abstract Objective Numerous epidemiological investigations have explored the impact of body composition on the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in urological malignancies (UM) patients, yielding conflicting findings. As a result, our study aims to elucidate the influence of baseline body composition on the long-term prognosis of UM patients treated with ICIs. Methods We employed a rigorous systematic search across various databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, to identify studies meeting our inclusion criteria. Our primary endpoints of interest encompassed overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results This analysis included a total of 10 articles with a combined patient cohort of 707 individuals. Our findings revealed a noteworthy association between several body composition parameters and unfavorable OS outcomes, including low psoas muscle index (PMI; HR: 3.88, p

AIM: To compare and observe the accuracy of five intraocular lens(IOL)power calculation formulas in patients with cataracts who have previously undergone corneal refractive surgery.METHODS: Prospective case series study. A total of 23 cataract patients(34 eyes)with a history of myopic corneal refractive surgery at Jinan Mingshui Eye Hospital from September 2021 to March 2023 were collected, including 1 eye treated with photorefractive keratectomy(PRK)and 22 patients(33 eyes)treated with laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(LASIK). Preoperative ocular biometry was performed using the IOL Master 700, while corneal true net refractive power(TNP)was measured via Pentacam analyzer. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography(OCT)was used to assesse net corneal power(NCP), posterior corneal refractive power, and central corneal thickness(CCT). The Shammas, Haigis-L, Potvin-Hill Pentacam, OCT, and Barrett True K formulas were utilized for IOL power calculations, with the optimal power selected accordingly. At 1 mo postoperatively, actual refractive outcomes were determined through subjective refraction, based on objective optometry results. The refractive prediction error(RPE)and refractive absolute error(RAE)of each formula were calculated and compared, and the percentage of eyes with RAE ≤0.5 D and ≤1.0 D was counted.RESULTS: No significant statistical difference was found in the RPE of the five formulas when compared to zero(all P>0.05), nor were there significant differences in RPE and RAE among the formulas(F=0.554, P=0.696; H=4.402, P=0.354). The RAE was within ≤0.5 D for 26 eyes(76%)using the Potvin-Hill Pentacam formula and for 24 eyes(71%)using the Barrett True K formula, with both formulas achieving an RAE within ≤1.0D in 33 eyes(97%).CONCLUSIONS: The Barrett True K and Potvin-Hill Pentacam formulas demonstrated high predictive accuracy for IOL power calculations in post-corneal refractive surgery cataract patients. Given the variability in corneal refractive power among these patients, further research on IOL power calculation is warranted. Clinically, it is advisable to consider a range of formulas for optimal outcomes.

Abstract Objective This study aims to comprehensively analyze the clinical characteristics and identify the differentially expressed genes associated with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) in patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). Methods A retrospective investigation was conducted from July 2019 to June 2022, involving 40 pediatric cases of DRE linked to FCD. Subsequent follow‐ups were done to assess post‐surgical outcomes. Transcriptomic sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were used to examine differential gene expression between the FCD and control groups. Results Among the 40 patients included in the study, focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures (13/40, 32.50%) and epileptic spasms (9/40, 22.50%) were the predominant seizure types. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed frequent involvement of the frontal (22/40, 55%) and temporal lobes (12/40, 30%). In cases with negative MRI results (13/13, 100%), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET‐CT) scans revealed hypometabolic lesions. Fused MRI/PET‐CT images demonstrated lesion reduction in 40.74% (11/27) of cases compared with PET‐CT alone, while 59.26% (16/27) yielded results consistent with PET‐CT findings. FCD type II was identified in 26 cases, and FCD type I in 13 cases. At the last follow‐up, 38 patients were prescribed an average of 1.27 ± 1.05 anti‐seizure medications (ASMs), with two patients discontinuing treatment. After a postoperative follow‐up period of 23.50 months, 75% (30/40) of patients achieved Engel class I outcome. Transcriptomic sequencing and qRT‐PCR analysis identified several genes primarily associated with cilia, including CFAP47, CFAP126, JHY, RSPH4A, and SPAG1. Significance This study highlights focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures as the most common seizure type in patients with DRE due to FCD. Surgical intervention primarily targeted lesions in the frontal and temporal lobes. Patients with FCD‐related DRE showed a promising prognosis for seizure control post‐surgery. The identified genes, including CFAP47, CFAP126, JHY, RSPH4A, and SPAG1, could serve as potential biomarkers for FCD. Plain Language Summary This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the clinical data of individuals affected by focal cortical dysplasia and analyze transcriptomic data from brain tissues. We found that focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures were the most prevalent seizure type in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy. In cases treated surgically, the frontal and temporal lobes were the primary sites of the lesions. Moreover, patients with focal cortical dysplasia‐induced drug‐resistant epilepsy exhibited a favorable prognosis for seizure control after surgery. CFAP47, CFAP126, JHY, RSPH4A, and SPAG1 have emerged as potential pathogenic genes for the development of focal cortical dysplasia.

IntroductionFruit color significantly influences the quality of horticultural crops, which affects phytochemical diversity and consumer preferences. Despite its importance, the genetic basis of the white-colored fruit in tomatoes remains poorly understood.MethodsIn this study, we demonstrate that white-fleshed tomato varieties accumulate fewer carotenoids than yellow-fleshed varieties. We developed various segregating populations by hybridizing red, yellow, and white fruit tomato cultivars.ResultsGenetic analysis revealed that the white fruit color trait is controlled by a single gene that dominates both red and yellow fruits. Bulk segregant RNA sequencing provided a preliminary map of a 3.17 Mb region on chromosome 3 associated with the white color trait. Based on kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers, we narrowed the candidate gene region to 819 kb. Within this region, we identified a 4906-bp sequence absence variation near Phytoene Synthase 1 (SlPSY1) specific to white-colored tomatoes. Genotyping of the progeny and natural populations using a single nucleotide polymorphism adjacent to this absence of variation confirmed its key role in white fruit formation.DiscussionCollectively, our findings provide insights into white fruit trait formation in tomatoes, enabling tomato breeders to precisely introduce white fruit traits for commercial exploitation.