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Abstract Background Plastic bronchitis (PB) can occur in patients who have undergone congenital heart surgery (CHS). This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of PB in children after CHS. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the electronic medical record system. The study population consisted of children diagnosed with PB after bronchoscopy in the cardiac intensive care unit after CHS from May 2016 to October 2021. Results A total of 68 children after CHS were finally included in the study (32 in the airway abnormalities group and 36 in the right ventricular dysfunction group). All children were examined and treated with fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Pathogens were detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of 41 children, including 32 cases in the airway abnormalities group and 9 cases in the right ventricular dysfunction group. All patients were treated with antibiotics, corticosteroids (intravenous or oral), and budesonide inhalation suspension. Children with right ventricular dysfunction underwent pharmacological treatment such as reducing pulmonary arterial pressure. Clinical symptoms improved in 64 children, two of whom were treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) due to recurrent PB and disease progression. Conclusions Children with airway abnormalities or right ventricular dysfunction after CHS should be alerted to the development of PB. Pharmacological treatment such as anti-infection, corticosteroids, or improvement of right ventricular function is the basis of PB treatment, while fiberoptic bronchoscopy is an essential tool for the diagnosis and treatment of PB. ECMO assistance is a vital salvage treatment for recurrent critically ill PB patients.

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). Oxidative stress and phenotypic modulation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) are the key pathological factors of ED. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can inhibit oxidative stress; however, whether NAC can alleviate pathological variations in the corpus cavernosum and promote erectile function recovery in hyperlipidemic rats remains unclear. A hyperlipidemia model was established using 27 eight-week-old male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (hyperlipidemic rats, HR). In addition, 9 male SD rats were fed a normal diet to serve as controls (NC). HR rats were divided into three groups: HR, HR+normal saline (NS), and HR+NAC (n = 9 for each group; NS or NAC intraperitoneal injections were administered daily for 16 weeks). Subsequently, the lipid profiles, erectile function, oxidative stress, phenotypic modulation markers of CCSMCs, and tissue histology were analyzed. The experimental results revealed that erectile function was significantly impaired in the HR and HR + NS groups, but enhanced in the HR + NAC group. Abnormal lipid levels, over-activated oxidative stress, and multi-organ lesions observed in the HR and HR + NS groups were improved in the HR + NAC group. Moreover, the HR group showed significant phenotypic modulation of CCSMCs, which was also inhibited by NAC treatment. This report focuses on the therapeutic effect of NAC in restoring erectile function using a hyperlipidemic rat model by preventing CCSMC phenotypic modulation and attenuating oxidative stress.

Abstract The importance of uncommon/rare oncogenic drivers in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was underscored during the 20th China Lung Cancer Summit. These drivers, while present in a significant proportion of NSCLC patients, remain a challenge for diagnosis and therapeutic targeting. In the never‐smokers/low smokers category with mutations such as EGFR and HER2, the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains suboptimal, attributed to lower PD‐L1 expression and tumor mutation burden (TMB). However, heavy smokers, often with mutations like KRAS, may derive benefits from ICIs, as supported by trials like CheckMate‐057. With the complex landscape of these drivers and their clinical implications, the summit culminated in six pivotal consensus points, aiming to guide future research and clinical decisions. Despite the advancements, the detection, interpretation, and therapeutic strategies involving these drivers necessitate further exploration and standardization.

Cuproptosis is a novel discovered mode of programmed cell death. To identify the molecular regulatory patterns related to cuproptosis, this study was designed for exploring the correlation between cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and the prognosis, metabolism, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to screen 363 HCC samples, which were categorized into 2 clusters based on the expression of CRGs. Survival analysis demonstrated that overall survival (OS) was better in Cluster 1 than Cluster 2 which might to be relevant to differences in metabolic based on functional analysis. With LASSO regression analysis and univariate COX regression, 8 prognosis-related genes were screened, a differently expressed genes (DEGs) were then constructed (HCC patients' DEGs)-based signature. The signature's stability was also validated in the 2 independent cohorts and test cohorts (GSE14520, HCC dataset in PCAWG). The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year area under the curve (AUC) were 0.756, 0.706, and 0.722, respectively. The signature could also well predict the response to chemotherapy, targeted and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) by providing a risk score. Moreover, the correlation was uncovered by the research between the metabolism and risk score. In conclusion, a unique cuproptosis-related signature that be capable of predicting patients' prognosis with HCC, and offered valuable insights into chemotherapy, TACE and targeted therapies for these patients has been developed.

Abstract Background Patients with local gastric cancer experience a decline of Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) during adjuvant chemotherapy following gastrectomy. Our previous pilot study has indicated the potential of acupuncture to improve HRQOL and control cancer-related symptoms burden. This full-scale trial will focus on confirming the effect of acupuncture for patients with gastric cancer. Methods A multicenter, open-label, three-arm randomized controlled trial with 249 patients will be conducted in China. Patients will be randomly assigned, in a ratio of 1:1:1, to receive high-dose acupuncture (HA, 7 times each chemo-cycle for 3 cycles), low-dose acupuncture (LA, 3 times each chemo-cycle for 3 cycles), or no acupuncture. The acupoints prescription consisted of bilateral ST36, PC6, SP4, DU20, EX-HN3, and selected Back-shu points. Patients-reported Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Gastric (FACT-Ga) and modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (mESAS) during the therapy will be recorded. Area under curve (AUC, 21 days/cycle × 3 cycles) and average trajectory of FACT-Ga and mESAS will be calculated. The primary outcome will be the differences in AUC of the FACT-Ga Trial Outcome Index (TOI) between HA and LA versus control groups. Secondary outcomes include AUCs and average trajectory of other FACT-Ga subscales and mESAS scores. Discussion This study aims to assess the effect of acupuncture and to compare the difference between LA and HA groups on HRQOL and symptom burden controlling in gastric cancer patients by an adequately powered trial. Trial registration This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (approval number: BF2018-118) with registration at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04360577).

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the major subtype of lung cancer and has a poor prognosis. Disulfidptosis is a novel regulated cell death form characterized by aberrant disulfide stress and actin network collapse. This study aimed to identify disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs, and predict LUAD patients’ prognosis and response to antitumor therapies by establishing a disulfidptosis-related lncRNA model.Methods: Transcriptome and clinical data of LUAD patients were obtained from the TCGA database. Pearson correlation and Cox regression analysis was used to identify disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs associated with overall survival. LASSO regression analysis was adopted to construct the prognostic model. GO, KEGG and GSEA analysis was used to identify cellular pathways related to this model. Immune cell infiltration was investigated by ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) and its association with model-derived risk score were analyzed using simple nucleotide variation data. Patients’ response to immunotherapy and other antineoplastic drugs was predicted by the TIDE algorithm and GDSC tool, respectively.Results: We identified 127 disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs, and a prognostic model that consists eight of them (KTN1-AS1, AL365181.3, MANCR, LINC01352, AC090559.1, AC093673.1, AP001094.3, and MHENCR) was established and verified. The prognostic model could stratify LUAD patients into two distinct risk-score groups. A high risk score was an independent prognosis factor indicating poor overall survival, and correlated with reduced immune cell infiltration, high TMB, and lower activity of tumor immune response. Immune checkpoint blockade might bring more survival benefits to the high-risk LUAD patients, whereas low-risk patients might be more responsive to targeted therapy and diverse kinase inhibitors.Conclusion: We established a disulfidptosis-related lncRNA model that can be exploited to predict the prognosis, tumor mutational burden, immune cell infiltration landscape, and response to immunotherapy and targeted therapy in LUAD patients.

Doxorubicin is one of the most classical chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of cancer. However, resistance to the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin in tumor cells remains a major obstacle. Aberrant expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been associated with tumorigenesis and development via regulation of chromatin remodeling, transcription, and post-transcriptional processing. Emerging studies have also revealed that dysregulation of lncRNAs mediates the development of drug resistance through multiple molecules and pathways. In this review, we focus on the role and mechanism of lncRNAs in the progress of doxorubicin resistance in various cancers, which mainly include cellular drug transport, cell cycle disorder, anti-apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cells, autophagy, tumor microenvironment, metabolic reprogramming and signaling pathways. This review is aimed to provide potential therapeutic targets for future cancer therapy, especially for the reversal of chemoresistance.

Objectives This retrospective cohort study investigated the association of socioeconomic status with survival outcomes among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in an endemic area of China. Methods The primary endpoint was overall survival. Survival outcomes were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test, and the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios, 95% CIs, and independent prognostic factors. Results A total of 11 069 adult patients with NPC were enrolled and included in the analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that overall survival was significantly different among socioeconomic status. Compared with high socioeconomic status patients, low socioeconomic status patients (HR, 1.190; 95% CI, 1.063-1.333) and medium socioeconomic status patients (HR, 1.111; 95% CI, 1.006-1.226) were associated with increased hazard ratio (HR) of overall survival. Conclusion This analysis highlights patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who had high socioeconomic status had better overall survival compared with those who had low and medium socioeconomic status.

Abstract Gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) occupy more than 30% of the cancer-related incidence and mortality around the world. Despite advances in the treatment strategies, the long-term overall survival has not been improved for patients with GICs. Recently, the novel patient-derived organoid (PDO) culture technology has become a powerful tool for GICs in a manner that recapitulates the morphology, pathology, genetic, phenotypic, and behavior traits of the original tumors. Excitingly, a number of evidences suggest that the versatile technology has great potential for personalized treatment, suppling the clinical application of molecularly guided personalized treatment. In the paper, we summarize the literature on the topics of establishing organoid biobanks of PDOs, and their application in the personalized treatment allowing for radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy selection for GICs. Despite the limitations of current organoid models, high-throughput drug screening of GIC PDO combined with next-generation sequencing technology represents a novel and pivotal preclinical model for precision medicine of tumors and has a great value in promoting the transformation from basic cancer research to clinical application.

IntroductionRopivacaine oil delivery depot (RODD) can slowly release ropivacaine and block nerves for a long timejavascript:;. The aim of the present work was to investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary pharmacodynamics of RODD in subcutaneous injection among healthy subjects.MethodsThe abdomens of 3 subjects were subcutaneously administered with a single-needle RODD containing 12~30 mg of ropivacaine. The irritation, nerve blocking range and optimum dose were investigated. Forty-one subjects were divided into RODD groups containing 150, 230, 300, 350 and 400 mg of ropivacaine and a ropivacaine hydrochloride injection (RHI) 150 mg group. Multineedle subcutaneous injection of RODD or RHI was performed in the abdomens of the subjects. The primary endpoint was a safe dose or a maximum dose of ropivacaine (400 mg). Subjects' vital signs were observed; their blood was analyzed; their cardiovascular system and nervous systems were monitored, and their dermatological reactions were observed and scored. Second, the ropivacaine concentrations in plasma were determined, pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated, and the anesthetic effects of RODD were studied, including RODD onset time, duration and intensity of nerve block.ResultsSingle-needle injection of RODD 24 mg was optimal for 3 subjects, and the range of nerve block was 42.5±20.8 mm. Multineedle subcutaneous injection of RODD in the abdomens of subjects was safe, and all adverse events were no more severe than grade II. The incidence rate of grade II adverse events, such as pain, and abnormal ST and ST-T segment changes on electrocardiography, was approximately 1%. The incidence rate of grade I adverse events, including erythema, papules, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypotension was greater than 10%. Erythema and papules were relieved after 24 h and disappeared after 72 h. Other adverse reactions disappeared after 7 days. The curve of ropivacaine concentration-time in plasma presented a bimodal profile. The results showed that ropivacaine was slowly released from the RODD. Compared with the 150 mg RHI group, Tmax was longer in the RODD groups. In particular, Tmax in the 400 mg RODD group was longer than that in the RHI group (11.8±4.6 h vs. 0.77±0.06 h). The Cmax in the 150 mg RODD group was lower than that in the 150 mg RHI group (0.35±0.09 vs. 0.58±0.13 μg·mL-1). In particular, the Cmax increased by 48% when the dose was increased by 2.6 times in the 400 mg group. Cmax, the AUC value and the intensity of the nerve block increased with increasing doses of RODD. Among them, the 400 mg RODD group presented the strongest nerve block (the percentage of level 2 and 3, 42.9%). The corresponding median onset time was 0.42 h, and the duration median was 35.7⁓47.7 h.ConclusionsRODD has a sustained release effect. Compared with the RHI group, Tmax was delayed in the RODD groups, and the duration of nerve block was long. No abnormal reaction was found in the RODD group containing 400 mg of ropivacaine after subcutaneous injection among healthy subjects, suggesting that RODD was adequately safe.Trial registrationChictr.org: CTR2200058122; Chinadrugtrials.org: CTR20192280.

Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA), particularly duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA), is a rare gastrointestinal cancer with a dismal prognosis. Data on SBA treatments are limited, and the therapeutic strategy remains uncertain. Currently, chemotherapy is the most used treatment; however, it has a poor median progression-free survival (mPFS) of no more than five months in the second-line setting. We report a case with DA that responded well to the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) tislelizumab plus irinotecan in the second-line treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first report of administering ICIs plus chemotherapy to SBA. Despite the absence of microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) and high tumor mutational burden (TMB), the patient with TP53/KRAS mutation achieved a significantly long PFS of 17 months, and the benefit is still ongoing. The mechanism of this remarkable efficacy might be associated with an increase in tumor immunogenicity after chemotherapy. The current study presents a promising effect of ICIs plus chemotherapy on SBA, affirming the need to investigate the clinical value of this combination in SBA and the underlying mechanism behind it.

As one of the key technologies for intensive additive repair (i.e., using a type of powder to repair various substrates), the method of accurately predicting the strength of repaired samples based on the chemical composition of filling materials and base materials needs to be explored urgently. An intensive additive repair experiment based on the laser coaxial powder feeding cladding technology was carried out using an independently designed intensive high-strength martensitic stainless steel (IHMSS) powder and eight types of substrates. A new approach was presented: the distance between the composition points of the IHMSS powder and the substrate to be repaired, as shown in Schaeffler's diagram (D), and their orientation relationship (θ) can provide a basis for describing the bonding strength of the repaired interface between the aforementioned materials. With the increase in D and θ, the ratios of tensile strength and elongation of additive repair parts to those of base materials decreased. When θ was below 1.12, the tensile strength of repaired interface in the normal direction was more than 83% that of the substrate to be repaired. Incomplete fusion and cracks were found on the cross section of the additive parts when θ exceeded 1.12. When D exceeded 13%, a high microhardness phase was formed near the interface. Further analysis results show that, with the increase in D and θ, the gradients of microstructure, composition, and microhardness at the repaired interface will be increased.

Abstract Background Whereas there are many pharmacological interventions prescribed for patients with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)- rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), comparative data between novel generation ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remain scant. Here, we indirectly compared the efficacy and safety of first-line systemic therapeutic options used for the treatment of ALK-rearranged NSCLC. Methods We included all phase 2 and 3 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any two or three treatment options. Eligible studies reported at least one of the following outcomes: progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), or adverse events of grade 3 or higher (Grade ≥ 3 AEs). Subgroup analysis was conducted according to central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Results A total of 9 RCTs consisting of 2484 patients with 8 treatment options were included in the systematic review. Our analysis showed that alectinib (300 mg and 600 mg), brigatinib, lorlatinib and ensartinib yielded the most favorable PFS. Whereas there was no significant OS or ORR difference among the ALK-TKIs. According to Bayesian ranking profiles, lorlatinib, alectinib 600 mg and alectinib 300 mg had the best PFS (63.7%), OS (35.9%) and ORR (37%), respectively. On the other hand, ceritinib showed the highest rate of severe adverse events (60%). Conclusion Our analysis indicated that alectinib and lorlatinib might be associated with the best therapeutic efficacy in first-line treatment for major population of advanced NSCLC patients with ALK-rearrangement. However, since there is little comparative evidence on the treatment options, there is need for relative trials to fully determine the best treatment options as well as the rapidly evolving treatment landscape.

The intensive high-strength martensitic stainless steel (IHMSS) was designed and prepared. Influences of various parameters of electrode-induced gas atomization (EIGA) on qualities of IHMSS powders were investigated through the orthogonal test design. The IHMSS powders prepared through the optimized technology present a favorable comprehensive quality. The additive manufacturability of IHMSS powder was explored by laser cladding with coaxial powder feeding. Effects of parameters on the forming quality of IHMSS laser-cladded layers were explored. The microstructures and properties of the IHMSS deposit were characterized. Obvious macrosegregation at the interface between the base plate and the deposit and the mechanical properties deliver significant anisotropy. The sample along the Y direction (laser scanning direction) shows the highest tensile strength of 1385 MPa and elongation of 25.7%); the sample along the Z direction (vertical direction) is found to have the lowest tensile strength of 1068 MPa and elongation of 12.2%.

Objective High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a deadly malignancy. Homeobox protein A9 ( HOXA9 ) is linked with serous papillary histotype differentiation, and inappropriate HOXA9 expression is a step in ovarian cancer that induces aberrant differentiation. This study aimed to reveal the significance of HOXA9 in HGSOC. Methods HOXA9 mRNA and protein expression were examined by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The chi-square test was used to evaluate associations between HOXA9 expression and clinical characteristics. The prognostic value of HOXA9 was calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method. The Kaplan–Meier Plotter database was used to assess the prognostic value of HOXA9 . Results The mRNA and protein expression of HOXA9 were significantly upregulated in chemotherapy-resistant HGSOC compared with chemotherapy-sensitive HGSOC. The chi-square test showed that high HOXA9 expression was significantly related with grade, clinical stage, and residual disease. High HOXA9 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis. The Kaplan–Meier Plotter database further confirmed these results. Cox hazard regression showed that high HOXA9 expression was an independent prognostic factor for survival in HGSOC patients. Conclusion This study showed that HOXA9 expression was associated with chemotherapy resistance and poor outcomes in HGSOC patients. High HOXA9 expression might be a prognostic indicator for HGSOC.

Abstract Background The precise etiology of anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) infarction is difficult to identify because of the high anatomic variability of vertebrobasilar arteries and the limitations of conventional vascular examinations. Basi-parallel anatomic scanning magnetic resonance imaging (BPAS-MRI) can reveal the outer contour of the intracranial vertebrobasilar arteries, which may be helpful to distinguish the arteriosclerosis from congenital dysplasia and dissection. Case presentation In this study, we reported 3 cases of AICA infarction and discussed the diagnostic value of BPAS-MRI in the evaluation of vascular etiology. Conclusions The BPAS-MRI could be considered as an important supplementary in the diagnosis of vascular etiology of infarction in AICA territory.

The Yangtze River Delta, located in East China, is an important passage on the eastern pathway of the northward migration of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in China, connecting China’s year-round breeding area and the Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize area. Clarifying the migration dynamics of S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Delta is of great significance for the scientific control and prevention of S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Delta, even in the Huang-Huai-Hai region and Northeast China. This study is based on the pest investigation data of S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Delta from 2019 to 2021, combining it with the migration trajectory simulation approach and the synoptic weather analysis. The result showed that S. frugiperda migrated to the Yangtze River Delta in March or April at the earliest, and mainly migrated to the south of the Yangtze River in May, which can be migrated from Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan and other places. In May and June, S. frugiperda migrated further into the Jiang–Huai region, and its source areas were mainly distributed in Jiangxi, Hunan, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and Hubei provinces. In July, it mainly migrated to the north of Huai River, and the source areas of the insects were mainly distributed in Jiangsu, Anhui, Hunan, Hubei and Henan. From the south of the Yangtze River to the north of the Huai River, the source areas of S. frugiperda were constantly moving north. After breeding locally, S. frugiperda can not only migrate to other regions of the Yangtze River Delta, but also to its surrounding provinces of Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Henan, Shandong and Hebei, and even cross the Shandong Peninsula into Northeast China such as Liaoning and Jilin provinces. Trajectory simulation showed that the emigrants of S. frugiperda from the Yangtze River Delta moved northward, westward and eastward as wind direction was quite diverse in June–August. This paper analyzes the migration dynamics of S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Delta, which has important guiding significance for the monitoring, early warning and the development of scientific prevention and control strategies for whole country.

Abstract Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment. The aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau protein are two major pathological features of AD. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH oxidase, NOX) has been indicated in Aβ pathology; however, whether and how it affects tau pathology are not yet clear. Methods The role of NOX2 in cognitive function, amyloid plaque formation, and tau hyperphosphorylation were examined in APP/PS1 transgenic mice mated with p47phox-deficient mice (with deletion of the gene of neutrophil cytosolic factor 1, Ncf1) and/or in p47phox-deficient mice receiving intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The cognitive and non-cognitive functions in these mice were assessed by Morris water maze, Rotarod test, open field, and elevated plus maze. Aβ levels, amyloid plaques, p47phox expression, and astrocyte activation were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining, ELISA, and/or Western blotting. Cultured primary neuronal cells were treated with okadaic acid or conditioned media (CM) from high glucose-stimulated primary astrocytes. The alteration in tau pathology was determined using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Results Deletion of the gene coding for p47phox, the organizer subunit of NOX2, significantly attenuated cognitive impairment and tau pathology in these mice. p47phox deficiency decreased the activation of astrocytes but had no effect on Aβ levels and amyloid plaque formation in the brains of aged APP/PS1 mice, which displayed markedly increased expression of p47phox in neurons and astrocytes. Cell culture studies found that neuronal p47phox deletion attenuated okadaic acid-induced tau hyperphosphorylation at specific sites in primary cultures of neurons. CM from high glucose-treated WT astrocytes increased tau hyperphosphorylation in primary neurons, whereas this effect was absent from p47phox-deficient astrocytes. Conclusions These results suggest that p47phox is associated with cognitive function and tau pathology in AD. p47phox expressed in neurons contributes to tau hyperphosphorylation directly, while p47phox in astrocytes affect tau hyperphosphorylation by activating astrocytes indirectly. Our results provide new insights into the role of NOX2 in AD and indicate that targeted inhibition of p47phox may be a new strategy for the treatment of AD.

Abstract Background The nematode worm, Caenorhabditis elegans, is a saprophytic species that has been emerging as a standard model organism since the early 1960s. This species is useful in numerous fields, including developmental biology, neurobiology, and ageing. A high-quality comprehensive molecular interaction network is needed to facilitate molecular mechanism studies in C. elegans. Results We present the predicted functional interactome of Caenorhabditis elegans (FIC), which integrates functional association data from 10 public databases to infer functional gene interactions on diverse functional perspectives. In this work, FIC includes 108,550 putative functional associations with balanced sensitivity and specificity, which are expected to cover 21.42% of all C. elegans protein interactions, and 29.25% of these associations may represent protein interactions. Based on FIC, we developed a gene set linkage analysis (GSLA) web tool to interpret potential functional impacts from a set of differentially expressed genes observed in transcriptome analyses. Conclusion We present the predicted C. elegans interactome database FIC, which is a high-quality database of predicted functional interactions among genes. The functional interactions in FIC serve as a good reference interactome for GSLA to annotate differentially expressed genes for their potential functional impacts. In a case study, the FIC/GSLA system shows more comprehensive and concise annotations compared to other widely used gene set annotation tools, including PANTHER and DAVID. FIC and its associated GSLA are available at the website http://worm.biomedtzc.cn .

By taking molybdenum (Mo) having favorable metallurgical compatibility with both titanium and iron as the interlayer material, the butt joint of TA1/Q235B layered bimetallic sheet with thickness of 6 mm was prepared by utilizing narrow gap multi-pass laser welding with low heat input. Mo generally can favorably isolate Ti from Fe, meanwhile the transition zone of Mo and steel adjacent to Mo interlayer was softened according to the results of microhardness test. The results of face bending testing showed that the softened zone was beneficial to the mechanical properties of the welded joint, which could restrict the crack propagation along the interface of Mo/steel in fusion zone so that fracture appeared in the BM side. The microstructures of the softened zone exhibited a low dislocation density observed by a transmission electron microscope (TEM), which may be the main reason leading to a low microhardness. In additon, Mo interlayer was confined in a small zone, which only accounted for about 6.5% of the total area of cross section of the fusion zone while a small amount of FeTi and λ brittle intermetallic compounds (IMCs) still appeared around the Mo/steel interface in fusion zone. The tensile strength of the welded joint was 467 MPa, which took up about 93% that of base metal. The results of this paper will help guide endeavours for the fabrication of pipes and containers made of Ti/steel bimetallic sheets.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially in its inflammatory form (steatohepatitis, NASH), is closely related to the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease. Despite substantial advances in the management of NAFLD/NASH in recent years, there are currently no efficacious therapies for its treatment. The biogenesis and expansion of lipid droplets (LDs) are critical pathophysiological processes in the development of NAFLD/NASH. In the past decade, increasing evidence has demonstrated that lipid droplet-associated proteins may represent potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of NAFLD/NASH given the critical role they play in regulating the biogenesis and metabolism of lipid droplets. Recently, HSD17B13, a newly identified liver-enriched, hepatocyte-specific, lipid droplet-associated protein, has been reported to be strongly associated with the development and progression of NAFLD/NASH in both mice and humans. Notably, human genetic studies have repeatedly reported a robust association of HSD17B13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the occurrence and severity of NAFLD/NASH and other chronic liver diseases (CLDs). Here we briefly overview the discovery, tissue distribution, and subcellular localization of HSD17B13 and highlight its important role in promoting the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH in both experimental animal models and patients. We also discuss the potential of HSD17B13 as a promising target for the development of novel therapeutic agents for NAFLD/NASH.

The house mouse or Mus musculus has become a premier mammalian model for genetic research due to its genetic and physiological similarities to humans. It brought mechanistic insights into numerous human diseases and has been routinely used to assess drug efficiency and toxicity, as well as to predict patient responses. To facilitate molecular mechanism studies in mouse, we present the Mouse Interactome Database (MID, Version 1), which includes 155,887 putative functional associations between mouse protein-coding genes inferred from functional association evidence integrated from 9 public databases. These putative functional associations are expected to cover 19.32% of all mouse protein interactions, and 26.02% of these function associations may represent protein interactions. On top of MID, we developed a gene set linkage analysis (GSLA) web tool to annotate potential functional impacts from observed differentially expressed genes. Two case studies show that the MID/GSLA system provided precise and informative annotations that other widely used gene set annotation tools, such as PANTHER and DAVID, did not. Both MID and GSLA are accessible through the website http://mouse.biomedtzc.cn.

Aberrant DNA methylation is considered to play a critical role in the chemoresistance of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). In this study, we explored the relationship between hypermethylation of the Mahogunin Ring Finger 1 (MGRN1) gene promoter and primary chemoresistance and clinical outcomes in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients. The MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry assays revealed a strong association between hypermethylation of the MGRN1 upstream region and platinum resistance in HGSOC patients. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a significantly negative connection between the methylation level of MGRN1 and its expression in HGSOC. In vitro analysis demonstrated that knockdown of MGRN1 reduced the sensitivity of cells to cisplatin and that expression of EGR1 was significantly decreased in SKOV3 cells with low levels of MGRN1 expression. Similarly, EGR1 mRNA expression was lower in platinum-resistant HGSOC patients and was positively correlated with MGRN1 mRNA expression. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that high methylation of the MGRN1 promoter region and low expression of MGRN1 were associated with worse survival of HGSOC patients. In multivariable models, low MGRN1 expression was an independent factor predicting poor outcome. Furthermore, low expression of EGR1 was also been confirmed to be significantly related to the poor prognosis of HGSOC patients by Kaplan-Meier. The hypermethylation of the MGRN1 promoter region and low expression of MGRN1 were associated with platinum resistance and poor outcomes in HGSOC patients, probably by altering EGR1 expression.

Abstract Background Stem cell therapy has revealed a promising future for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), but the fate and curative mechanism of intracavernosal transplanted stem cells are under further exploration. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of myocardin gene modification on improving erectile function and prolonging the retention of implanted adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) using in vivo small animal imaging. Methods ASCs were isolated, cultured, and identified by flow cytometry and osteogenic and adipogenic induction. The effects of gene modification on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and contraction were determined by CCK-8, EdU, flow cytometry, and collagen gel lattice contraction assays as well as confocal microscopy. A total of 20 normal and 60 diabetes mellitus ED to (DMED) Sprague–Dawley rats were recruited to the 7 day and 21 day groups. Each group contained subgroups of 10 rats each: the negative control (NC), DMED + ASCs plus Ad-Luc-Myocardin, DMED + ASCs plus Ad-Luc, and DMED + phosphate buffer solution (PBS) groups. Erectile function was evaluated with the intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (△ICP/MAP) ratio. In vivo small animal imaging and an EdU cell tracking strategy were introduced to detect the transplanted ASCs, and IHC and WB were performed to assess smooth muscle cell protein levels. Results The ASCs expressed high CD29 and CD90 and scant CD45, while the multi-induction potential was verified by oil red O and alizarin red staining. Gene transfection of myocardin had no significant influence on ASC apoptosis but inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell contraction. Myocardin combined with ASCs enhanced the therapeutic potential of ASCs for improving the △ICP/MAP ratio as well as α-SMA and calponin expression. In vivo imaging confirmed that ASCs resided within the cavernous body in 21 days, while only a few red EdU dots were detected. Conclusions Myocardin induced ASC differentiation towards smooth muscle-like cells and enhanced the therapeutic potential of ASCs for ameliorating ED in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Notably, in vivo small animal tracking was an effective strategy for monitoring the implanted stem cells, and this strategy might have advantages over traditional EdU assays.

This review reports on the effects of fermentation on the chemical constituents and antioxidant activity of plant-based food materials. Fermentation involves a series of reactions that modify the chemical components of the substrate. It could be considered a tool to increase the bioactive compounds and functional properties of food plant materials. Oxidative damage is key to the progression of many human diseases, and the production of antioxidant compounds by fermentation will be helpful to reduce the risk of these diseases. Fermentation also can improve antioxidant activity given its association with increased phytochemicals, antioxidant polysaccharides, and antioxidant peptides produced by microbial hydrolysis or biotransformation. Additionally, fermentation can encourage the breakdown of plant cell walls, which helps to liberate or produce various antioxidant compounds. Overall, results indicated that fermentation in many cases contributed to enhancing antioxidants’ content and antioxidant capacity, supporting the fermentation use in the production of value-added functional food. This review provides an overview of the factors that impact the effects of fermentation on bioactive compound composition and antioxidant activity. The impacts of fermentation are summarized as a reference to its effects on food plant material.

Coronin 2A (CORO2A) is a novel component of the N-CoR (nuclear receptor co-repressor) complex. Abnormal CORO2A expression is associated with carcinogenesis. We used databases from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and analyzed CORO2A expression and gene regulation networks in breast cancer. Expression was analyzed using GEO and TCGA database and further validated in breast cancer samples collected in our clinic. The prognostic value of CORO2A was explored by using the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. LinkedOmics was used to identify coexpressed genes associated with CORO2A. After analyzing the intersection of coexpressed genes correlated with CORO2A and differentially expressed genes after CORO2A silencing, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of the intersecting genes were conducted by using FunRich software. Transwell assays were performed in breast cancer cells to determine the effect of CORO2A on cell migration. MTS, colony formation, and cell cycle distribution assays were performed in breast cancer cells to determine the effect of CORO2A on cell proliferation. Gene enrichment analysis was employed to explore the target networks of transcription factors and miRNAs. We found that CORO2A was upregulated and that the elevated expression of CORO2A was associated with poor overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) in TNBC patients. Further bioinformatics analysis of public sequencing data and our own RNA-Seq data revealed that CORO2A was probably involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process and might have a significant effect on the migration of breast cancer cells, which might be mediated via pathways involving several miRNAs and MYC transcription factors. Functionally, the knockdown of CORO2A inhibited cell migration, decreased viability, and colony formation and induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in breast cancer cells. These results demonstrate that bioinformatics-based analysis efficiently reveals information about CORO2A expression and its potential regulatory networks in breast cancer, laying a foundation for further mechanistic research on the role of CORO2A in carcinogenesis. Moreover, CORO2A promotes the migration and proliferation of breast cancer cells and may have an important function in breast cancer progression. CORO2A is a potential prognostic predictor for TNBC patients. Targeting CORO2A may provide promising therapy strategies for breast cancer treatment.

Abstract Background Distant metastasis is the major cause of treatment failure in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Although several biomarkers correlate with metastasis and prognosis, the molecular mechanisms of NPC development and progression remain unclear. Methods Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting, cell growth, foci formation, migration and invasion assays, and xenograft mouse models were utilized to examine the expression levels and functions of the CXCL5/CXCR2 axis in NPC. A luciferase reporter assay, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and migration and invasion assays were used to identify and verify the ERK/GSK-3β/Snail signalling pathway. Results CXCL5 was significantly increased in the sera of NPC patients, and high expression levels of CXCL5/CXCR2 in NPC primary tissues indicated poor survival. CXCL5 and CXCR2 were upregulated in NPC cell lines. Ectopic expression of the CXCL5/CXCR2 axis promoted NPC cell migration and invasion in vitro and the formation of lung metastases in vivo. Mechanistically, the dual overexpression of CXCL5 and CXCR2 promoted cell spreading by inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the activation of the ERK/GSK-3β/Snail signalling pathway. Conclusion The CXCL5/CXCR2 axis contributes to the EMT of NPC cells by activating ERK/GSK-3β/Snail signalling, and this axis may be a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for patients with NPC.

Herein, we successfully designed a ventilation system for a new 350-MW air-cooled turbogenerator based on a reasonable lectotype choice and optimization analysis. Fluid field and thermal analysis based on computational fluid dynamics were performed to guide the optimization of cooling structures and ensure temperature rise under the limit of insulation grade B. The measured values obtained from recent factory assembly-type testing were found to coincide with the design expectations for generator efficiency and temperature rise. The results confirmed the feasibility of a multi-chamber forward-flow cooling path for 400-MVA-class air-cooled generators.

Abstract Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) are G protein-coupled chemoattractant receptors expressed mainly in phagocytic leukocytes. High expression of FPRs has also been detected in several cancers but the functions of FPR1 in tumor invasion and metastasis is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the expression of FPRs in primary human colorectal cancer (CRC) and analyzed the association of FPRs expression with clinicopathological parameters. The levels of FPRs mRNA, especially those of FPR1, were significantly higher in colorectal tumors than in distant normal tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues. FPR1 mRNA expression was also associated with tumor serosal infiltration. FPR1 protein expression was both in the colorectal epitheliums and tumor infiltrating neutrophils/macrophages. Furthermore, the functions of FPR1 in tumor invasion and tissue repair were investigated using the CRC cell lines SW480 and HT29. Higher cell surface expression of FPR1 is associated with significantly increased migration in SW480 cells compared with HT29 cells that have less FPR1 membrane expression. Finally, genetic deletion of fpr1 increased the survival rate of the resulting knockout mice compared with wild type littermates in a mouse model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Our data demonstrate that FPR1 may play an important role in tumor cell invasion in CRC patients.

Stem cell transplantation and low-energy shock-wave therapy (LESWT) have emerged as potential and effective treatment protocols for diabetic erectile dysfunction. During the tracking of transplanted stem cells in diabetic erectile dysfunction models, the number of visible stem cells was rather low and decreased quickly. LESWT could recruit endogenous stem cells to the cavernous body and improve the microenvironment in diabetic cavernous tissue. Thus, we deduced that LESWT might benefit transplanted stem cell survival and improve the effects of stem cell transplantation. In this research, 42 streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were randomized into four groups: the diabetic group (n = 6), the LESWT group (n = 6), the bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation group (n = 15), and the combination of LESWT and BMSC transplantation group (n = 15). One and three days after BMSC transplantation, three rats were randomly chosen to observe the survival numbers of BMSCs in the cavernous body. Four weeks after BMSC transplantation, the following parameters were assessed: the surviving number of transplanted BMSCs in the cavernous tissue, erectile function, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and penile immunohistochemical assessment. Our research found that LESWT favored the survival of transplanted BMSCs in the cavernous body, which might be related to increased stromal cell-derived factor-1 expression and the enhancement of angiogenesis in the diabetic cavernous tissue. The combination of LESWT and BMSC transplantation could improve the erectile function of diabetic erectile function rats more effectively than LESWT or BMSC transplantation performed alone.

The complete chloroplast genome of Youngia gracilipes was identified. Here, we sequenced and annotated complete chloroplast genome of Youngia gracilipes. The whole genome length is 152,811 bp, including a large single-copy (LSC) region with length of 84,337 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region with length of 18,392 bp, a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions with length of 25,041 bp. A total of 114 unique genes was found, of which 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Simultaneously, molecular phylogenetic analysis suggested that Youngia gracilipes was the closest to Youngia japonica.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to develop an effective but concise long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression signature that can predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer (BC) patients.MethodslncRNA expression profiling in 1102 BC patients from Gene Expression Omnibus datasets was analyzed using lncRNA-mining approach. The association between lncRNA signature and pathological complete response (pCR) was analyzed using logistic regression model in the training set (GSE25066, n = 488). Validation was performed in independent testing datasets, GSE20194, GSE20271, GSE22093, and GSE23988 (n = 614). Bonferroni method was employed for multiple testing corrections. Cell proliferation assay and Western blot assay were performed to evaluate the cell viability and protein expression level, respectively.ResultsThree lncRNAs (AK291479, U79293, and BC032585) have been identified to be significantly associated with pCR in the training dataset (Bonferroni p-value < 0.05). Expression signature with these lncRNAs was predictive of pCR in the training (AUC = 0.74) and testing (AUC = 0.72) datasets. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and gene functional annotation suggest that the three lncRNAs were involved in cell cycle process. To confirm the functional significance of the identified lncRNAs, BC032585 was selectively silenced using RNA interference. Knockdown of BC032585 lncRNA significantly promoted cell resistance to multiple anticancer-drugs through upregulating MDR1 expression in breast cancer cells.ConclusionThese results suggest that lncRNAs such as BC032585 might be involved in chemotherapeutic response in breast cancer patients, and the three-lncRNA signature identified in the present study may serve as a useful biomarker for the selection of responsive breast cancer patients in neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Background: Despite the rapid growth in the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in China, there is limited information about patients′ experiences after AMI hospitalization, especially on long-term adverse events and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Methods: The China Patient-centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events (PEACE)-Prospective AMI Study will enroll 4000 consecutive AMI patients from 53 diverse hospitals across China and follow them longitudinally for 12 months to document their treatment, recovery, and outcomes. Details of patients′ medical history, treatment, and in-hospital outcomes are abstracted from medical charts. Comprehensive baseline interviews are being conducted to characterize patient demographics, risk factors, presentation, and healthcare utilization. As part of these interviews, validated instruments are administered to measure PROs, including quality of life, symptoms, mood, cognition, and sexual activity. Follow-up interviews, measuring PROs, medication adherence, risk factor control, and collecting hospitalization events are conducted at 1, 6, and 12 months after discharge. Supporting documents for potential outcomes are collected for adjudication by clinicians at the National Coordinating Center. Blood and urine samples are also obtained at baseline, 1- and 12-month follow-up. In addition, we are conducting a survey of participating hospitals to characterize their organizational characteristics. Conclusion: The China PEACE-Prospective AMI study will be uniquely positioned to generate new information regarding patient′s experiences and outcomes after AMI in China and serve as a foundation for quality improvement activities.

The ecosystems of China seas and coasts are undergoing rapid changes under the strong influences of both global climate change and anthropogenic activities. To understand the scope of these changes and the mechanisms behind them is of paramount importance for the sustainable development of China, and for the establishment of national policies on environment protection and climate change mitigation. Here we provide a brief review of the impacts of global climate change and human activities on the oceans in general, and on the ecosystems of China seas and coasts in particular. More importantly, we discuss the challenges we are facing and propose several research foci for China seas/coasts ecosystem studies, including long-term time series observations on multiple scales, facilities for simulation study, blue carbon, coastal ecological security, prediction of ecosystem evolution and ecosystem-based management. We also establish a link to the Future Earth program from the perspectives of two newly formed national alliances, the China Future Ocean Alliance and the Pan-China Ocean Carbon Alliance.

Natural rubber is a kind of indispensable biopolymers with great use and strategic importance in human society. However, its production relies almost exclusively on rubber-producing plants Hevea brasiliensis, which have high requirements for growth conditions, and the mechanism of natural rubber biosynthesis remains largely unknown. In the past two decades, details of the rubber chain polymerization and proteins involved in natural rubber biosynthesis have been investigated intensively. Meanwhile, omics and other advanced biotechnologies bring new insight into rubber production and development of new rubber-producing plants. This review summarizes the achievements of the past two decades in understanding the biosynthesis of natural rubber, especially the massive information obtained from the omics analyses. Possibilities of natural rubber biosynthesis in vitro or in genetically engineered microorganisms are also discussed.

AIM: To observe the effectiveness and safety of auto-corneallimbus stem cell transplantation combined double biological amniotic membrane transplantation in the treatment of pterygium METHODS: The patients performed pterygium surgeries in our hospital between 2010-06 and 2013-12 were selected, according to different pterygium classification grading, different surgical methods were taken. Group A: autologous corneal limbus stem cell transplantation was conducted. Group B: autologous corneal limbus stem cell transplantation combined double biological amniotic membrane transplantation were conducted. The patients were followed up 6-36mo after operation, the postoperative recurrence rate was observed. RESULTS: A total of 149 cases with 155 eyes included in this study, including 75 eyes in group A with the application of autologous limbal stem cell transplantation: thin type grade 2, 10 eyes(1 eye recurred), grade 3, 14 eyes(2 eyes recurred); Hypertrophic 17 eyes(2 eyes recurred); Recurrence type 21 eyes(3 eyes recurred); Recovered 68 eyes(8 eyes recurred, the total recurrence rate was 10.67%); Group B: 80 eyes treated with autologous limbal stem cell transplantation combined double biological amniotic membrane transplantation, thin type above grade 3 and grade 4(no recurrence); Hypertrophic 21 eyes(1 eye recurred); Recurrence type 37 eyes(2 eyes recurred); Recovered 77 eyes(3 eyes recurred, the recurrence rate was 3.75%). Two groups of hypertrophic type, recurrence is significant in reducing the recurrence rate(PCONCLUSION: It indicates that recurrence rates are different when adopting different ways of operations.Autologous corneal limbus stem cell transplantation is applicable for no root type, pterygium of thin type below grade 2; Autologous corneal limbus stem cell transplantation with double biological amniotic membrane transplantation is suitable for thin type above grade 2, hypertrophic type, recurrent type of pterygium, with low recurrence rate, so it is the ideal surgical method.

Despite earlier studies demonstrating characteristics of colon cancer stem cells (CCSCs) and the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor development, it remains controversial as to the relationship between CCSCs and EMT. In this study, in order to present an insight into this relationship in colon cancer, we developed HCT116 and HT29 sphere models, which are known to be the cells enriching cancer stem cells. Compared to their parental counterparts, spheroid cells displayed lower homotypic/heterotypic adhesion but higher in vitro migratory/invasive capacity, as well as higher tumorigenic and metastatic potential in vivo. The spheroid cells also demonstrated down-regulated E-cadherin and up-regulated α-SMA and Vimentin expression, which is the typical phenotype of EMT. In order to explore whether this phenomenon is associated to activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, we detected several key signaling molecules. Compared with their parental cells, HCT116 and HT29 spheroid cells demonstrated down-regulated expression of GSK3β, but up-regulated expression of Slug and Snail. And also, the up-regulation of nucleus β-catenin in spheroid cells indicated that the free β-catenin transferred from cytoplasm to cell nucleus. Our findings indicate that spheroid cells have the characteristics of colon cancer stem cells, and EMT may account for their stemness and malignancy. And persistent activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway may play an important role in the EMT of CCSCs.

BACKGROUND:The aim of this study was to determine whether baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and CRP kinetics predict the overall survival in metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC) patients. METHODS:A total of 116 mNPC patients from January 2006 to July 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Serum CRP level was measured at baseline and thereafter at the start of each palliative chemotherapy cycle for all patients. RESULTS:Patients with higher values of baseline CRP (≥ 3.4 mg/L) had significantly worse survival than those with lower baseline CRP values (< 3.4 mg/L). Patients were divided into four groups according to baseline CRP and CRP kinetics: (1) patients whose CRP < 3.4 mg/L and never elevated during treatment; (2) patients whose CRP < 3.4 mg/L and elevated at least one time during treatment; (3) patients whose CRP ≥ 3.4 mg/L and normalized at least one time during treatment; and (4) patients whose CRP ≥ 3.4 mg/L and never normalized during treatment. The patients were further assigned to non-elevated, elevated, normalized, and non-normalized CRP groups. Overall survival rates were significantly different among the four groups, with three-year survival rates of 68%, 41%, 33%, and 0.03% for non-elevated, elevated, normalized, and non-normalized CRP groups respectively. When compared with the non-elevated group, hazard ratios of death were 1.69, 2.57, and 10.34 in the normalized, elevated, and non-normalized groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:Baseline CRP and CRP kinetics may be useful to predict the prognosis of metastatic NPC patients treated with palliative chemotherapy and facilitate individualized treatment. A prospective study to validate this prognostic model is still needed however.

Flavin containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) is a member of the flavin monooxygenase family, which can oxidize the precursor Trimethylamine (TMA) provided from food to produce Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). The autosomal recessive inherited disease caused by partial functional loss of Fmo3 gene, which leads to excessive excretion of TMA in body fluids and emits fishy odor, is called Fish Odor Syndrome or Trimethylaminuria. This disease has been documented for 3,000 years ago and was first reported in the case report in 1970. FMO3 mainly exists in the liver and can participate in the TMA-TMAO metabolic balance in intestinal microorganisms, liver, and kidneys, closely related to insulin resistance, diabetes, cholesterol metabolism, and cardiovascular disease. Due to its wide range of catalytic substrates and low susceptibility to metabolite accumulation, its role in drug metabolism, new drug development, and discovery of new drug targets are increasingly valued. This review will summarize the research progress on the metabolic process and localization of FMO3, congenital genetic defects, metabolic diseases, and its related possible mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]