Digitoxin inhibits ICC cell properties via the NF­κB/ST6GAL1 signaling pathway.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a type of liver cancer associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality; the limited treatment strategy highlights the urgent need for investigation. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), used alone or in combination with other treatments, can enhance therapeutic efficacy, improve life quality of patients and extend overall survival. In total, two rounds of screening of a TCM library of 2,538 active compounds were conducted using a Cell Counting Kit­8 assay and ICC cell lines. Cell proliferation and migration abilities were assessed through colony formation, 5­ethynyl­2'­deoxyuridine, would healing and Transwell assays. The impact of digitoxin (DT) on signaling pathways was initially investigated using RNA sequencing and further validated using reverse transcription­quantitative PCR, western blotting, lectin blotting and flow cytometry. ICC cells stably overexpressing ST6 ß­galactoside α­2,6­sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1) were generated through lentiviral transfection. It was shown that DT emerged as a highly effective anti­ICC candidate from two rounds high­throughput library screening. DT could inhibit the proliferation and migration of ICC cells by suppressing NF­κB activation and reducing nuclear phosphorylated­NF­κB levels, along with diminishing ST6GAL1 mRNA and protein expression. The aforementioned biological effects and signal pathways of DT could be counteracted by overexpressing ST6GAL1 in ICC cells. In conclusion, DT suppressed ICC cell proliferation and migration by targeting the NF­κB/ST6GAL1 signaling axis. The findings of the present study indicated the promising therapeutic effects of DT in managing ICC, offering new avenues for treatment strategies.

Multi-instance learning based artificial intelligence model to assist vocal fold leukoplakia diagnosis: A multicentre diagnostic study.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a multi-instance learning (MIL) based artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted diagnosis models by using laryngoscopic images to differentiate benign and malignant vocal fold leukoplakia (VFL). METHODS: The AI system was developed, trained and validated on 5362 images of 551 patients from three hospitals. Automated regions of interest (ROI) segmentation algorithm was utilized to construct image-level features. MIL was used to fusion image level results to patient level features, then the extracted features were modeled by seven machine learning algorithms. Finally, we evaluated the image level and patient level results. Additionally, 50 videos of VFL were prospectively gathered to assess the system's real-time diagnostic capabilities. A human-machine comparison database was also constructed to compare the diagnostic performance of otolaryngologists with and without AI assistance. RESULTS: In internal and external validation sets, the maximum area under the curve (AUC) for image level segmentation models was 0.775 (95 % CI 0.740-0.811) and 0.720 (95 % CI 0.684-0.756), respectively. Utilizing a MIL-based fusion strategy, the AUC at the patient level increased to 0.869 (95 % CI 0.798-0.940) and 0.851 (95 % CI 0.756-0.945). For real-time video diagnosis, the maximum AUC at the patient level reached 0.850 (95 % CI, 0.743-0.957). With AI assistance, the AUC improved from 0.720 (95 % CI 0.682-0.755) to 0.808 (95 % CI 0.775-0.839) for senior otolaryngologists and from 0.647 (95 % CI 0.608-0.686) to 0.807 (95 % CI 0.773-0.837) for junior otolaryngologists. CONCLUSIONS: The MIL based AI-assisted diagnosis system can significantly improve the diagnostic performance of otolaryngologists for VFL and help to make proper clinical decisions.

Scalp Composite Tissue Transplantation for Repairing Upper Lip Defect: A Feasible Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: The repair of upper lip defects is difficult and can result in asymmetry. The authors have developed a postauricular scalp composite tissue for the repair of upper lip defects. Herein, the authors, present the feasibility of scalp composite tissue grafts for repairing of upper lip defects. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective study of 10 patients who underwent scalp composite tissue transplantation for upper lip repair. The surgical procedure consisted of the excision of skin lesions or scar tissue from the upper lip to prepare the recipient area, and then the scalp composite tissue was excised behind the ear and transplanted to the upper lip defect. The authors reviewed the photographs and clinical notes of these patients. The patients' self-reported satisfaction with the repair effect was assessed. Tissue sections and hematoxylin and eosin staining of the scalp composite tissues were performed. RESULTS: All patients successfully underwent lesion resection and scalp composite tissue transplantation to repair the wound. There was no necrosis of the scalp composite tissue in the early postoperative period. The lip wound healed completely within 2 weeks. The mean follow-up time was 16 months, ranging from 12 to 20 months. Histologic sections and hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the scalp composite tissue had abundant capillaries and dense fibrous connective tissue. All 10 patients were satisfied with the clinical effect of the procedure. CONCLUSION: Scalp composite tissue transplantation is a viable method for repairing upper lip defects. The special histomorphological characteristics of the scalp provide the basis for clinical application. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Multi-Instance Learning for Vocal Fold Leukoplakia Diagnosis Using White Light and Narrow-Band Imaging: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: Vocal fold leukoplakia (VFL) is a precancerous lesion of laryngeal cancer, and its endoscopic diagnosis poses challenges. We aim to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model using white light imaging (WLI) and narrow-band imaging (NBI) to distinguish benign from malignant VFL. METHODS: A total of 7057 images from 426 patients were used for model development and internal validation. Additionally, 1617 images from two other hospitals were used for model external validation. Modeling learning based on WLI and NBI modalities was conducted using deep learning combined with a multi-instance learning approach (MIL). Furthermore, 50 prospectively collected videos were used to evaluate real-time model performance. A human-machine comparison involving 100 patients and 12 laryngologists assessed the real-world effectiveness of the model. RESULTS: The model achieved the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of 0.868 and 0.884 in the internal and external validation sets, respectively. AUC in the video validation set was 0.825 (95% CI: 0.704-0.946). In the human-machine comparison, AI significantly improved AUC and accuracy for all laryngologists (p < 0.05). With the assistance of AI, the diagnostic abilities and consistency of all laryngologists improved. CONCLUSIONS: Our multicenter study developed an effective AI model using MIL and fusion of WLI and NBI images for VFL diagnosis, particularly aiding junior laryngologists. However, further optimization and validation are necessary to fully assess its potential impact in clinical settings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Effect of Special Training Method Based on Breathing Meditation Training on Negative Emotions, Job Burnout and Attention in Operating Room Nurses.

Objective: Nurses working in the operating room face high levels of work stress, leading to an increased prevalence of negative emotions and job burnout. These issues not only affect the well-being of nurses, but may also affect the quality of patient care. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of a special training method based on breathing meditation on negative emotions, job burnout, attention, and caring ability of operating room nurses. Methods: Taking special training time based on breathing meditation training for nurses in the operating room (June 2022) as the dividing point, operating room nurses with routine training from March 2022 to May 2022 were taken as a pre-training group, and operating room nurses who underwent special training of breathing meditation training from June 2022 to August 2022 were enrolled as a post-training group, special training consisted of breathing meditation training for 8 weeks, once a day, 5 days a week. The same group of nurses (n=35) were enrolled before and after training, and 53 patients in each group were included in the two intervention periods for cooperative study. The scores of nurses' negative emotions [Symptom Checklist (SCL-90), Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20 (SRQ-20)], job burnout scores (emotional consumption, depersonalization and personal accomplishment), attention scores (visual attention, auditory attention and audio-visual combination attention) and caring ability (cognition, courage and patience) before and after training and satisfaction of nursing work were compared between the two groups of patients. Results: The data analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0, with chi-squared tests for categorical data, and t-tests (LSD or paired) for continuous data. The scores of SCL-90 and SRQ-20 of nurses in the post-training group were significantly lower than those in the pre-training group (P < .05). The scores of emotional consumption, depersonalization and, personal accomplishment and total score of job burnout of nurses were significantly lower in a post-training group than those in a pre-training group (P < .05). The visual attention, auditory attention, audio-visual combination attention and total attention score of nurses in the post-training group were significantly higher compared with those in a pre-training group (P < .05). The scores of cognition, courage and patience and total score of the caring ability of nurses in the post-training group were significantly higher than those in the pre-training group (P < .05). The satisfaction of nursing work in post-training group (98.11%) was significantly higher than that in the pre-training group (84.91%) (P < .05). The results indicate that the post-training group of nurses experienced significantly lower levels of emotional distress, reduced job burnout, and improved attention and caring abilities compared to the pre-training group. Additionally, their satisfaction with nursing work significantly increased. These findings suggest that the training program had a positive impact on nurses' mental well-being, job performance, and job satisfaction, which is highly relevant for enhancing the quality of patient care in clinical practice. Conclusion: Our findings are consistent with existing literature on the benefits of meditation and mindfulness training in healthcare Settings. These results have practical implications for both operating room nurses and patient care, indicating that breathing meditation training can be used as an effective tool to improve nurses' mental health and work productivity. Although the study sample was limited, these preliminary results provide valuable directions for future research.

Network Pharmacology Combined with Animal Models to Investigate the Mechanism of ChangPu YuJin Tang in the Treatment of Tourette Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: ChangPu YuJin Tang (CPYJT) is a Chinese herbal formula that has been shown to be an effective therapeutic strategy for pediatric patients with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Using an integrated strategy of network pharmacology and animal model, the aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of CPYJT in the treatment of TS. METHODS: Compound libraries of CPYJT were established using databases, such as the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). The TCMSP database and Swiss Target Prediction database were used to predict the targets. The above results were constructed into a CPYJT-Drug-Component-Target network. Moreover, TS targets were predicted using GeneCards and other databases. The targets corresponding to the potential ingredients in CPYJT and the targets corresponding to TS were taken as the intersections to construct the CPYJT-TS network. The target network was analysed by PPI using the string database. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on the target network. The whole process was performed using Cytoscape 3.7.2 to make visual network diagrams of the results. CPYJT was characterised by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the structural changes of CPYJT on the neuronal cells of the IDPN model rats. RT-PCR and Western Blot were used to analyse the changes in the mRNA and protein expression levels of BDNF, TrkB, PI3K, and AKT in the cortex, striatum, and thalamus brain regions after CPYJT administration in IDPN model rats. RESULTS: Network pharmacology and UHPLC-MS studies revealed that CPYJT acted on the TS through multiple neurotransmitters and the BDNF/TrkB and PI3K/AKT signalling pathways. CPYJT ameliorated neurocellular structural damage in the cortex, striatum, and thalamus of TS model rats. Additionally, CPYJT up-regulated the levels of BDNF, TrkB, PI3k, and AKT in the cortex, striatum, and thalamus of TS model rats. CONCLUSION: It was found that CPYJT protected neuronal cells from structural damage in multiple brain regions and affected the expression levels of BDNF, TrkB, PI3K, and Akt in the cortex, striatum, and thalamus during TS treatment.

An Innovative Preauricular Free Flap Pedicled with Retrograde Vascular (PFFPRV) for Pediatric Nasal Reconstruction.

SUMMARY: Nasal reconstruction in pediatric patient is very challenging and it requires consideration of later nasal development. Herein, we introduce an innovative preauricular free flap pedicled with retrograde vascular (PFFPRV) for pediatric nasal reconstruction. In this PFFPRV technique, the retrograde superficial temporal vessels were used as the flap pedicle. The lateral alar artery and angular vein were used as vessels of the nasal recipient zone. The flap vessels were anastomosed directly to the recipient area vessels without additional vessel transplantation. Eight pediatric patients with nasal defects underwent this operation. All patients were followed up for more than 2 years. Patients' medical history data were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative facial photos were compared and analyzed. The satisfaction of patient's parents with the aesthetic results was assessed. All patients were successfully operated without intraoperative complications. None of the procedures required additional blood vessel grafts. One patient developed a vascular crisis the next day after the surgery and underwent vascular exploration operation. The free flaps of all patients survived without wound infection or necrosis. The color difference of flap gradually became unobvious. The transplanted flap did not show obvious contracture or retraction, and the nose was symmetrical and developed well. The parents of all patients were satisfied with the surgical results. We think this PFFPRV technique can be a reasonable alternative strategy for reconstruction of pediatric nasal defect, with no adverse effect on nasal development and no need of vascular transplantation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

High Starch Induces Hematological Variations, Metabolic Changes, Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Responses, and Histopathological Lesions in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides).

This study evaluated effects of high starch (20%) on hematological variations, glucose and lipid metabolism, antioxidant ability, inflammatory responses, and histopathological lesions in largemouth bass. Results showed hepatic crude lipid and triacylglycerol (TAG) contents were notably increased in fish fed high starch. High starch could increase counts of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils and serum contents of TAG, TBA, BUN, and LEP (p < 0.05). There were increasing trends in levels of GLUT2, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and LDH in fish fed high starch through the AKT/PI3K signal pathway. Meanwhile, high starch not only triggered TAG and cholesterol synthesis, but mediated cholesterol accumulation by reducing ABCG5, ABCG8, and NPC1L1. Significant increases in lipid droplets and vacuolization were also shown in hepatocytes of D3-D7 groups fed high starch. In addition, high starch could decrease levels of mitochondrial Trx2, TrxR2, and Prx3, while increasing ROS contents. Moreover, high starch could notably increase amounts of inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, TNF-α, etc.) by activating NLRP3 inflammasome key molecules (GSDME, caspase 1, etc.). In conclusion, high starch could not only induce metabolic disorders via gluconeogenesis and accumulation of glycogen, TAG, and cholesterol, but could disturb redox homeostasis and cause inflammatory responses by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome in largemouth bass.

XELOX (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) plus bevacizumab (anti-VEGF-A antibody) with or without adoptive cell immunotherapy in the treatment of patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer: a multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled, phase 3 trial.

Fluoropyrimidine-based combination chemotherapy plus targeted therapy is the standard initial treatment for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but the prognosis remains poor. This phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03950154) assessed the efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of the combination of PD-1 blockade-activated DC-CIK (PD1-T) cells with XELOX plus bevacizumab as a first-line therapy in patients with mCRC. A total of 202 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either first-line XELOX plus bevacizumab (the control group, n = 102) or the same regimen plus autologous PD1-T cell immunotherapy (the immunotherapy group, n = 100) every 21 days for up to 6 cycles, followed by maintenance treatment with capecitabine and bevacizumab. The main endpoint of the trial was progression-free survival (PFS). The median follow-up was 19.5 months. Median PFS was 14.8 months (95% CI, 11.6-18.0) for the immunotherapy group compared with 9.9 months (8.0-11.8) for the control group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60 [95% CI, 0.40-0.88]; p = 0.009). Median overall survival (OS) was not reached for the immunotherapy group and 25.6 months (95% CI, 18.3-32.8) for the control group (HR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.33-0.98]; p = 0.043). Grade 3 or higher AEs occurred in 20.0% of patients in the immunotherapy group and 23.5% in the control groups, with no toxicity-associated deaths reported. The addition of PD1-T cells to first-line XELOX plus bevacizumab demonstrates significant clinical improvement of PFS and OS with well tolerability in patients with previously untreated mCRC.

Correction of nasal tip deformity using an island flap of nasal dorsum.

Bifid nose is a rare congenital malformation, and few cases have been reported due to its low incidence. Herein, we report a new surgical procedure to treat patients with excess dorsal nasal tissue and an underfilled tip. A total of 22 patients with bifid nose deformities underwent surgery at our institution between 2012 and 2022. They were characterized by a broad nasal dorsum and a missing or underdeveloped nasal tip. We designed an innovative island flap of nasal dorsum as a new surgical method for treating this bifid nose deformity. Nasal length, tip projection, and photographs of nose morphology were obtained before and after the surgery. Outcomes, complications, indications, and patient satisfaction were analyzed and interviewed. The follow-up time ranges from 6 to 33 months (8.7 ± 5.5 months). The deformity was successfully corrected with an improved nasal appearance. Nasal length increased from initially 4.2 ± 0.3 mm to 4.6 ± 0.3 mm. Tip projection reached 19.9 ± 4.0 mm, which was 15.7 ± 2.9 mm before surgery. No severe complications were observed except poor venous reflux within postoperative 72 hours in four cases. Six patients (27.3%) got moderate healing and acceptable scars, and 14 patients (63.6%) got good healing. Most patients were very satisfied with the outcome (93.9%). The newly designed nasal dorsum island flap is a safe and effective technical approach to correct nose deformity featured by broad nasal dorsum and a missing or underdeveloped nasal tip.

Engineered Luminescent Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus Activation of Photodynamic-Immune Combination Therapy for Colorectal Cancer.

Oncolytic virus therapy is currently regarded as a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy. It has greater therapeutic advantages for colorectal cancer that is prone to distant metastasis. However, the therapeutic efficacy and clinical application of viral agents alone for colorectal cancer remain suboptimal. In this study, an engineered oncolytic vaccinia virus (OVV-Luc) that expresses the firefly luciferase gene is developed and loaded Chlorin e6 (Ce6) onto the virus surface through covalent coupling, resulting in OVV-Luc@Ce6 (OV@C). The OV@C infiltrates tumor tissue and induces endogenous luminescence through substrate catalysis, resulting in the production of reactive oxygen species. This unique system eliminates the need for an external light source, making it suitable for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in deep tissues. Moreover, this synergistic effect between PDT and viral immunotherapy enhances dendritic cell maturation, macrophage polarization, and reversal of the immunosuppressive microenvironment. This synergistic effect has the potential to convert a "cold" into a "hot" tumor, it offers valuable insights for clinical translation and application.

Nasofacial Groove Pedicled Flap for the Reconstruction of Lateral Alar Defect.

BACKGROUND: The repair of nasal alar defects is challenging for plastic surgeons, and there is currently no standard operation. Herein, the authors reported the clinical outcomes of a nasofacial groove pedicled flap for the reconstruction of alar defect. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent the nasofacial groove pedicled flap for the reconstruction of alar defect between January 2018 and June 2020. Photographs of standard facial postures were taken before and after surgery to record the surgical results of the patients. The patient's medical history was reviewed retrospectively. Self-reported satisfaction of patients on scar morphology and reconstructive effect were evaluated with a questionnaire survey. RESULTS: There were 26 eligible patients enrolled, and all patients were followed up for more than 1 year after surgery. All flaps were free of ischemia and necrosis and healed well. No patient experienced restricted nostril ventilation. Eight patients underwent reoperation to trim the flap pedicle and the scar. Eight patients (8/26) reported "very satisfied," and 17 patients (17/26) reported "satisfied" with the repair effect and scar morphology. One patient went through multiple laser treatments to improve her scars but still remained visible hyperpigmentation. She was dissatisfied with postoperative flap pigmentation but was satisfied with the correction effect. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical results indicated that the nasal groove flap was safe for the treatment of the lateral alar defect, and the patients were satisfied with the clinical results. The authors believe that this flap can be used as an alternative method for repairing the lateral alar defect. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level -IV, therapeutic study.

Ruxolitinib induces apoptosis and pyroptosis of anaplastic thyroid cancer via the transcriptional inhibition of DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) has a 100% disease-specific mortality rate. The JAK1/2-STAT3 pathway presents a promising target for treating hematologic and solid tumors. However, it is unknown whether the JAK1/2-STAT3 pathway is activated in ATC, and the anti-cancer effects and the mechanism of action of its inhibitor, ruxolitinib (Ruxo, a clinical JAK1/2 inhibitor), remain elusive. Our data indicated that the JAK1/2-STAT3 signaling pathway is significantly upregulated in ATC tumor tissues than in normal thyroid and papillary thyroid cancer tissues. Apoptosis and GSDME-pyroptosis were observed in ATC cells following the in vitro and in vivo administration of Ruxo. Mechanistically, Ruxo suppresses the phosphorylation of STAT3, resulting in the repression of DRP1 transactivation and causing mitochondrial fission deficiency. This deficiency is essential for activating caspase 9/3-dependent apoptosis and GSDME-mediated pyroptosis within ATC cells. In conclusion, our findings indicate DRP1 is directly regulated and transactivated by STAT3; this exhibits a novel and crucial aspect of JAK1/2-STAT3 on the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. In ATC, the transcriptional inhibition of DRP1 by Ruxo hampered mitochondrial division and triggered apoptosis and GSDME-pyroptosis through caspase 9/3-dependent mechanisms. These results provide compelling evidence for the potential therapeutic effectiveness of Ruxo in treating ATC.

Effects of selenoprotein extracts from Cardamine hupingshanensis on growth, selenium metabolism, antioxidant capacity, immunity and intestinal health in largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides.

This study aimed to assess the impact of dietary selenoprotein extracts from Cardamine hupingshanensis (SePCH) on the growth, hematological parameters, selenium metabolism, immune responses, antioxidant capacities, inflammatory reactions and intestinal barrier functions in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The base diet was supplemented with four different concentrations of SePCH: 0.00, 0.30, 0.60 and 1.20 g/Kg (actual selenium contents: 0.37, 0.59, 0.84 and 1.30 mg/kg). These concentrations were used to formulate four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets for juvenile largemouth bass during a 60-day culture period. Adequate dietary SePCH (0.60 and 1.20 g/Kg) significantly increased weight gain and daily growth rate compared to the control groups (0.00 g/Kg). Furthermore, 0.60 and 1.20 g/Kg SePCH significantly enhanced amounts of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, lymphocytes and monocytes, and levels of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin in the hemocytes. In addition, 0.60 and 1.20 g/Kg SePCH increased the mRNA expression levels of selenocysteine lyase, selenophosphate synthase 1, 15 kDa selenoprotein, selenoprotein T2, selenoprotein H, selenoprotein P and selenoprotein K in the fish liver and intestine compared to the controls. Adequate SePCH not only significantly elevated the activities of antioxidant enzymes (Total superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase), the levels of total antioxidant capacity and glutathione, while increased mRNA transcription levels of NF-E2-related factor 2, Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase. However, adequate SePCH significantly decreased levels of malondialdehyde and H2O2 and the mRNA expression levels of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1a and kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1b in the fish liver and intestine compared to the controls. Meanwhile, adequate SePCH markedly enhanced the levels of immune factors (alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, lysozyme, complement component 3, complement component 4 and immunoglobulin M) and innate immune-related genes (lysozyme, hepcidin, liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2, complement component 3 and complement component 4) in the fish liver and intestine compared to the controls. Adequate SePCH reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin 8, interleukin 1ß and interferon γ), while increasing transforming growth factor ß1 levels at both transcriptional and protein levels in the liver and intestine. The mRNA expression levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase 13 (MAPK 13), MAPK14 and nuclear factor kappa B p65 were significantly reduced in the liver and intestine of fish fed with 0.60 and 1.20 g/Kg SePCH compared to the controls. Histological sections also demonstrated that 0.60 and 1.20 g/Kg SePCH significantly increased intestinal villus height and villus width compared to the controls. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of tight junction proteins (zonula occludens-1, zonula occludens-3, Claudin-1, Claudin-3, Claudin-5, Claudin-11, Claudin-23 and Claudin-34) and Mucin-17 were significantly upregulated in the intestinal epithelial cells of 0.60 and 1.20 g/Kg SePCH groups compared to the controls. In conclusion, these results found that 0.60 and 1.20 g/Kg dietary SePCH can not only improve growth, hematological parameters, selenium metabolism, antioxidant capacities, enhance immune responses and intestinal functions, but also alleviate inflammatory responses. This information can serve as a useful reference for formulating feeds for largemouth bass.

Two novel mutations within FREM1 gene in patients with bifid nose.

BACKGROUND: Bifid nose is a rare congenital deformity and the etiology is unknown. The purpose of this study was to report genetic variation in family of patients with bifid nose. METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients who were diagnosed with mild bifid nose were operated with z-plasty from 2009 to 2021. Three underage patients (a pair of twins and a girl) from two family lines, who came to our hospital for surgical treatment, were enrolled. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were conducted. Z-shaped flaps were created and the cartilago alaris major were re-stitched. Photographs and CT scan before and after surgery were obtained. Clinical outcomes, complications and patients' satisfaction were evaluated and analyzed. The follow-up time ranges from 2 to 3 years (2.4 ± 1.2 years). RESULTS: Most patients were satisfied with the outcome (96.2%). The nasal deformities were corrected successfully with z-plasty technique in one-stage. FREM1 c.870_876del and c.2 T > C were detected with Whole exome sequencing, which have not been reported before. The results of Sanger sequencing were consistent with those of Whole exome sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: The newly detected mutations of FREM1 have a certain heritability, and are helpful to make an accurate diagnosis and provide a better understanding of bifid nose mechanism. Z-plasty technique can be an effective technical approach for correcting mild bifid nose deformity.

Auto-pump-depleted stable single-longitudinal-mode 1.5 µm source with the assistance of SHG.

To realize a stable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) 1550-nm light source for the generation of non-classical states, a ring auto-pump-depleted singly resonant optical parametric oscillator (SRO) with the assistance of second-harmonic-wave generation (SHG) is designed and built in this Letter. A magnesium oxide doped periodically polarized lithium niobate (MgO:PPLN) crystal and a lithium triborate (LBO) crystal are employed as the optical parametric downconversion (OPDC) and SHG crystals, respectively. Especially, the introduced SHG can firstly increase the loss difference between the lasing and non-lasing modes so that the dual-mode or multi-mode coupling in the achieved SRO can be effectively eliminated and the stable SLM operation is achieved. At the same time, the SHG will automatically adjust the output coupling efficiency of SRO, so as to achieve efficient conversion efficiency and auto-pump depletion of SRO. In addition, due to the SHG, it is easy to achieve the low-intensity noise multi-wavelength output for the stable SLM SRO. As a result, the output powers of the SLM 1550 nm and 775 nm are up to 4.05 W and 3.25 W, respectively, and the total optical conversion of the built SRO can achieve 45.58%. The presented method paves a way to develop a compact stable SLM multi-wavelength SRO, and the obtained SRO is further beneficial to develop compact continuous-variable non-classical light fields.

Eccrine Poroma with Concurrent Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Rare Combination.

Eccrine poroma (EP) is a benign skin appendicular tumor that differentiates into the terminal sweat duct and is often differentiated from basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and seborrheic keratosis. This report describes a 58-year-old woman who presented with left occipital plaque. Histopathological analysis showed that the tumor cells were located in the lower part of the epidermis. The tumor cells were cuboidal or circular basal-like cells of the same size. The surrounding cells were not arranged in a palisade shape. Scattered tumor clusters composed of basal-like cells were also seen in the dermis, staining basophilic, and the surrounding cells were arranged in a palisade pattern. Immunohistochemistry showed that BerEP4, epithelial membrane antigen EMA, carcinoembryonic antigen CEA, Bcl-2, CD10, CK7 were positive, AR, PAS were negative. According to the pathological examination and immunohistochemical results, a case of eccrine poroma with concurrent basal cell carcinoma was diagnosed.

Lateral Osteotomy for the Surgical Treatment of the Asian Wide Nose.

OBJECTIVE: Narrowing of the nasal dorsum allows for a more pleasing moderate width. We here introduce a lateral osteotomy technique that is less traumatic and easier to perform than commonly used procedures in Asian and share our experiences in the application. METHODS: After a blunt dissection of the periosteum at the mucosal side of the nasal bone, all patients who underwent treatment using nasal osteotomy at the level of the maxillary nasal process were retrospectively analyzed. The bony nasal width, height, and the nasal lateral wall slope of bone before and after surgery were measured. The postoperative outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction were analyzed and evaluated. RESULTS: From January 2008 to January 2018, nasal dorsum narrowing was implemented in 106 patients. On average, nasal width was significantly decreased and no change in nose height after the nasal osteotomy. The nasal width was significantly reduced by 8.51 ± 2.16 mm compared with before surgery. The slope of the nasal lateral wall was reduced from the mean of 155.0 ± 7.63-degree preoperation to the mean of 135.25 ± 7.50-degree postoperation. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 4 years, with an average of 10.3 months. CONCLUSIONS: This type of nasal bone base osteotomy is a simple and feasible method for the treatment of wide Asian noses with a high patient acceptance and stable postoperative results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

An Innovative Stent Consisting of Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene and Ear Cartilage in Rhinoplasty For Asians: Application I of Dai's Exogenous Extension Stent Concept.

BACKGROUND: Restricted ventilation is common after rhinoplasty with an endogenous extension stent. The authors proposed an exogenous extension stent concept for Asian rhinoplasty patients to avoid this problem. Herein, we introduce an innovative stent in rhinoplasty for Asians, which is an application of this concept. METHODS: An L-shaped expanded polytetrafluoroethylene is hand-carved, and the long arm is placed at the nose back to improve the flatness of the nose, while the short arm supports the nasal column to raise the nose tip. The prosthesis does not occupy nasal volume and therefore theoretically does not affect nasal ventilation. The fan-shaped ear cartilage was placed at the nasal tip to prevent visualization of the nasal tip. The safety and effectiveness of this method were verified through 20 years of clinical practice. The difficulty of learning and popularizing the method was tested through the course of rhinoplasty among 22 plastic surgeons. RESULTS: After 20 years of clinical practice, it was found that this stent could not only effectively improve the nasal dorsum and tip morphology, but also did not actually affect the nasal volume and thus did not affect the nasal ventilation of patients. Among the trainees in plastic surgery, we found that it was not difficult to learn this method of rhinoplasty and the trainees could complete the prosthesis carving well after standardized training. CONCLUSION: This stent consisting of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and ear cartilage is suitable in rhinoplasty for Asians with significant advantages, one of which is that it has no risk of resulting in restricted nasal ventilation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Abietane diterpenoids with anti-inflammatory activities from Callicarpa bodinieri.

Nine undescribed abietane diterpenoids (1-9) and eleven known abietane analogs (10-20) were isolated from Callicarpa bodinieri. Their structures were characterized by interpreting spectroscopic data, X-ray crystallography, and ECD analysis. The anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds were tested by evaluation of their inhibitory effect on NO production by lipopolysaccharide in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and compounds 3 and 8 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activities with IC50 values of 36.35 ± 1.12 and 37.21 ± 0.92 µM. The western blotting studies demonstrated that compound 3 inhibited the expression of nitric oxide synthase and p65 that involved in the NF-κB pathway.