Progress in Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Photoresists: A Comprehensive Review across Lithographic Systems.

This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and POSS-based composites within the realm of photoresist resin. The study involves a systematic exploration and discussion of the contributions made by POSS across various lithographic systems, with specific emphasis on critical parameters such as film formation, sensitivity, resolution, solubility, and edge roughness. These lithographic systems encompass X-ray lithography (XRL), deep ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography (DUV-NIL), extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV), and guided self-assembled lithography (DSA). The principal objective of this paper is to furnish valuable insights into the development and utilization of POSS-based photoresist materials in diverse lithographic contexts.

ANKRD22 knockdown suppresses papillary thyroid cell carcinoma growth and migration and modulates the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

The incidence of thyroid cancer is escalating globally, particularly among women. Studies have demonstrated the abnormal activation of Ankyrin Repeat Domain 22 (ANKRD22) in various cancers, but it remains uncertain whether it is also highly expressed in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Our objective was to evaluate the role of ANKRD22 in PTC. The expression of ANKRD22 varies among tissues, as validated by the Cancer Genome Atlas, and further predicted using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource. Predicted results were examined via polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Subsequently, the expression of ANKRD22 in cells was suppressed by RNA interference, and changes in cell progression were examined in conjunction with the cell counting kit-8 assay, transwell assay, and colony formation assay. Finally, the effects of ANKRD22 knockdown on the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal transition and the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway were investigated through western blotting. An in vivo mice model was established to validate the effect of ANKRD22. This study discovered that ANKRD22 was highly expressed in PTC, which was validated by polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Knockdown of ANKRD22, significantly reduced thecell viability, colony formation capability, and cell invasion and migration abilities. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of ANKRD22 impaired both tumor Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal transition and the activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study revealed that the knockdown of ANKRD22 inhibits the growth and migration of papillary thyroid cell carcinoma by regulating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

PD-1+ IFN-γ+ subset of CD8+ T cell in circulation predicts response to anti-PD-1 therapy in NSCLC.

Background: Treatment with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) antibodies has minimal response rates in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and, actually, they are treated with chemotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 therapy clinically. Reliable markers based on circulating immune cell subsets to predict curative effect are still scarce. Methods: We included 30 patients with NSCLC treated with nivolumab or atezolizumab plus platinum drugs between 2021 and 2022. Whole blood was collected at baseline (before treatment with nivolumab or atezolizumab). The percentage of circulating PD-1+ Interferon-γ (IFN-γ+) subset of CD8+ T cell was determined by flow cytometry. The proportion of PD-1+ IFN-γ+ was calculated after gating on CD8+ T cells. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), relative eosinophil count (%), and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration at baseline of included patients were extracted from electronic medical records. Results: The percentage of circulating PD-1+ IFN-γ+ subset of CD8+ T cell at baseline in responders was significantly higher than those in non-responders (P < 0.05). Relative eosinophil count (%) and LDH concentration in responders showed no significance between non-responders and responders. NLR in responders was significantly lower than those in non-responders (P < 0.05). Receiver operation characteristic (ROC) analysis found that the areas under the ROC curve for PD-1+ IFN-γ+ subset of CD8+ T cell and NLR were 0.7781 (95% CI, 0.5937-0.9526) and 0.7315 (95% CI, 0.5169-0.9461). Moreover, high percentage of PD-1+ IFN-γ+ subset in CD8+ T cells was relevant to long progression-free survival in patients with NSCLC treated with chemotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 therapy. Conclusion: The percentage of circulating PD-1+ IFN-γ+ subset of CD8+ T cell could be a potential marker at baseline to predict early response or progression in patients with NSCLC receiving chemotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 therapy.

SP70 is a novel biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Tumor-specific protein 70 (SP70) was identified as a new biomarker associated with the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells. This study aimed to investigate the expression of SP70 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and assess its clinical value in the diagnosis and prediction of early HCC recurrence. Methods: A total of 1049 subjects from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were recruited in this study. Serum SP70, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence II (PIVKA-II) were measured. The diagnostic performance for HCC was obtained using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictive factors of RFS. Results: SP70 was highly expressed in HCC cells and HCC tissue. Serum SP70 levels in the HCC group were significantly higher than in the benign liver diseases group and healthy control group (P<0.001). SP70 combined with AFP showed the best diagnostic performance (AUC=0.909, 95%CI [confidence interval]=0.890-0.929). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with high SP70 levels had shorter median RFS than those with low SP70 levels (P=0.003). In addition, high SP70 levels were significantly associated with shorter RFS (P=0.037) in the AFP-negative subgroup. Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that preoperative serum SP70 level, serum AFP, tumor diameter and microvascular invasion were independent prognostic factors of RFS. Conclusion: SP70 is a promising biomarker in diagnosing HCC. High preoperative serum SP70 level is associated with an increased risk of early relapse and could be used as a valuable marker to predict early recurrence of HCC after resection.

The Relationship Between Neuron-Specific Enolase and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy.

Purpose: Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is considered a biomarker for the severity of nervous system diseases. We sought to explore whether serum NSE concentration in ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is related to 3-month functional outcome and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Patients and Methods: We retrospectively collected the data of acute ischemic stroke patients with anterior circulation infarction receiving MT within 6 h in our stroke center. Favorable outcome and poor outcome at 3 months were defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2 and 3-6, respectively. sICH was defined according to the Heidelberg bleeding classification. We used multivariate logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic curves to investigate the correlation between NSE and clinical outcomes. Results: Among the 426 patients enrolled, 40 (9.4%) patients developed sICH. Three-month favorable outcome in 160 (37.6%) and poor outcome in 266 (62.4%) patients were observed. Serum NSE levels was significantly correlated with 3-month mRS score (R = 0.473, P < 0.001). A cutoff value of 15.29 and 23.12 ng/mL for serum NSE was detected in discriminating 3-month poor outcome (area under the curve, 0.724) and sICH (area under the curve, 0.716), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that high serum NSE levels were independently associated with 3-month poor outcome (odds ratio [OR] 5.049, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.933-8.689, P<0.001) and sICH (OR 5.111, 95% CI 2.210-11.820, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that high serum NSE levels after receiving MT were independently associated with 3-month poor outcome and sICH in acute ischemic stroke patients. Serum NSE levels could be a good predictor of clinical outcomes for patients receiving MT.

The city-wide full-scale interactive application of sewage surveillance programme for assisting real-time COVID-19 pandemic control - A case study in Hong Kong.

The paper discusses the implementation of Hong Kong's tailor-made sewage surveillance programme led by the Government, which has demonstrated how an efficient and well-organized sewage surveillance system can complement conventional epidemiological surveillance to facilitate the planning of intervention strategies and actions for combating COVID-19 pandemic in real-time. This included the setting up of a comprehensive sewerage network-based SARS-CoV-2 virus surveillance programme with 154 stationary sites covering 6 million people (or 80 % of the total population), and employing an intensive monitoring programme to take samples from each stationary site every 2 days. From 1 January to 22 May 2022, the daily confirmed case count started with 17 cases per day on 1 January to a maximum of 76,991 cases on 3 March and dropped to 237 cases on 22 May. During this period, a total of 270 "Restriction-Testing Declaration" (RTD) operations at high-risk residential areas were conducted based on the sewage virus testing results, where over 26,500 confirmed cases were detected with a majority being asymptomatic. In addition, Compulsory Testing Notices (CTN) were issued to residents, and the distribution of Rapid Antigen Test kits was adopted as alternatives to RTD operations in areas of moderate risk. These measures formulated a tiered and cost-effective approach to combat the disease in the local setting. Some ongoing and future enhancement efforts to improve efficacy are discussed from the perspective of wastewater-based epidemiology. Forecast models on case counts based on sewage virus testing results were also developed with R2 of 0.9669-0.9775, which estimated that up to 22 May 2022, around 2,000,000 people (~67 % higher than the total number of 1,200,000 reported to the health authority, due to various constraints or limitations) had potentially contracted the disease, which is believed to be reflecting the real situation occurring in a highly urbanized metropolis like Hong Kong.

Cytotoxic constituents from the leaves and stems of Panax quinquefolius.

Four new isolates including one new butanediamide glycoside (1), one new flavonoid glycoside (2) and two new flavonone glycosides (3, 4) were identified from the leaves and stems of Panax quinquefolius, among which 1 possessed the firstly reported N,N'-(5-hydroxy-1,3-phenylene) butanediamide skeleton with an unique 6/9 ranged dual-ring structure. The structures were elucidated by the NMR data, ECD analysis and chemical acid hydrolysis. All the compounds (1-4) were tested for their cytotoxicity against two human cancer cell lines of HepG2, A549 and HCT116 by the MTT method. Outstandingly, compound 1 exhibited targeted inhibitory proliferation of HCT116 cell with IC50 value of 12.1 µM, whereas compounds 3 and 4 exhibited targeted inhibitory proliferation of HepG2 cell with IC50 values of 15.3 and 17.3 µM, as well as no obvious cytotoxicity of compounds 1-4 against A549.

Efficient separation of anti-inflammatory isolates from Polygonti rhizome by three different modes of high-speed counter-current chromatography.

Successful isolation of 15 compounds from Polygonti rhizome was obtained by an efficient technique combined with macroporous resin column chromatography pretreatment and three different modes of high-speed counter-current chromatography for the first time. For the pretreatment, AB-8 resin was applied to remove the polysaccharides and enrich four different parts (samples I, II, III, and IV) by polarities. For the separation, sample I was separated by pH-zone-refining counter-current chromatography and seven cycle recycling mode high-speed counter-current chromatography, yielding four alkaloids (1--4); samples II-IV were further separated by the conventional high-speed counter-current chromatography, yielding seven flavonoids (5-10, 12), one steroid saponin (11), and three terpenoids (13-15). Finally, the isolates were assayed for their anti-inflammatory activities against nitric oxide production with compounds 5, 9-10, 13 showing significant anti-inflammatory activities, IC50 values which were 13.0, 16.2, 17.1, and 14.7 µM, respectively, while others showing moderate and weak anti-inflammatory activities, respectively.

The association between lymphocyte-monocyte ratio and postoperative acute kidney injury in patients with acute type A aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between baseline lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). METHODS: ATAAD patients undergoing surgery in Nanjing First Hospital were enrolled from January 2019 to April 2021. Lymphocyte and monocyte were measured on admission. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between LMR and postoperative AKI. We also used receiver operating characteristic (ROC), net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) analyses to assess the predictive ability of LMR. RESULTS: Among the 159 recruited patients, 47 (29.6%) were diagnosed with AKI. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that ATAAD patients with higher levels of LMR were prone to have lower risk to develop AKI (odds ratio [OR], 0.493; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.284-0.650, P = 0.001). After adjustment for the potential confounders, LMR remained an independent related factor with postoperative AKI (OR 0.527; 95% CI 0.327-0.815, P = 0.006). The cutoff value for LMR to predict AKI was determined to be 2.67 in the ROC curve analysis (area under curve: 0.719). NRI and IDI further confirmed the predictive capability of LMR in postoperative AKI. CONCLUSION: Elevated baseline LMR levels were independently associated with lower risk of postoperative AKI in ATAAD patients.

Cell-Free DNA Variables including Gene Mutations in CA15-3 Normal Breast Cancer Reflect Prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has attracted considerable attention in precision medicine. However, few data are available regarding to the prognostic value of cfDNA variables in CA15-3 normal breast cancer (BC) patients. Here, we aimed at investigating the prognostic value of cfDNA variables including gene mutations in CA15-3 normal BC patients. METHODS: A total of 68 BC patients with normal CA15-3 levels were enrolled. cfDNA concentration and integrity were assessed based on qPCR. cfDNA gene mutations were conducted by using next gene sequencing (NGS). The association between cfDNA variables and the prognosis of patients was analyzed. RESULTS: cfDNA concentration was related to tumor stage (P = 0.002), metastases (P = 0.001), and distant metastases (P < 0.001). The elevated copy number variants (CNV) were found in distant metastasis patients compared with patients without distant metastases (P = 0.008). Nineteen mutant genes were validated in enrolled CA15-3 normal BC patients. Thirty-two patients (47.0%) had single nucleotide variants (SNV), and 13 (19.1%) patients had TP53 mutations (TP53 mut). SNV (P = 0.033) was related to tumor stage, and TP53 mut was related to metastases (P = 0.016) and distant metastases (P = 0.006). In multivariate logistic analysis, cfDNA concentration was associated with metastases (OR = 3.404, 95% CI: 1.074-10.788, P = 0.037) and distant metastases (OR = 13.750, 95% CI: 1.473-128.358, P = 0.021). Cases with high cfDNA levels (>15.6 ng/ml), SNV, and TP53 mut showed worse DFS compared with patients with low cfDNA levels (P < 0.001), without SNV (P = 0.002) and with TP53 wildtype (P < 0.001), respectively. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, cfDNA concentration was an independent predictor of poor survival (HR = 5.786, 95% CI: 1.101-30.407, P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of cfDNA concentration, CNV, SNV, and TP53 mut could be useful in predicting prognosis for CA15-3 normal BC patients. The cfDNA concentration was an independent predictor prognostic factor in CA15-3 normal BC patients.

Association Between Hypernatremia and Delirium After Cardiac Surgery: A Nested Case-Control Study.

Background: The association between hypernatremia and delirium after cardiac surgery has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to determine whether hypernatremia increases the risk of delirium after exposure. Materials and Methods: From April 2016 to June 2021, 7,831 consecutive patients receiving cardiac surgery were screened for potential enrollment. The primary outcome was postoperative delirium (POD). For the respective case of delirium, 10 controls were matched according to the index date within the nested case-control design. Hypernatremia exposure was defined as serum sodium > 145 mmol/L within 7 days before the index date. A generalized estimation equation was performed to assess excess risks for POD associated with hypernatremia, adjusted for demographics and clinical variables. Results: About 7,277 patients were included in the final analyses. About 669 (9.2%) patients with POD were assigned to the case group, and 6,690 controls were identified from the whole population. About 66.5% of the cases and 36.3% of the controls had hypernatremia exposure. After being adjusted to certain well-recognized confounding factors, hypernatremia showed a significant correlation with increased risk of delirium after cardiac surgery (adjusted OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.41~2.12). An e-value analysis suggested the robustness to unmeasured confounding. Conclusions: Hypernatremia was associated with an increased risk of delirium after cardiac surgery. This finding could have implications for risk stratification, early detection, and management of delirium in patients receiving cardiac surgery.

Tetraspanin 1 (TSPAN1) promotes growth and transferation of breast cancer cells via mediating PI3K/Akt pathway.

The incidence and mortality of breast cancer rank first among all types of female tumors. To improve patients' prognosis with advanced breast cancer, new and more effective targets still need to be explored and identified. Tetraspanin 1 (TSPAN1) is highly expressed in several cancers and affects the progression of these tumors. However, there are few studies focused on its role in breast cancer. Previous study showed that TSPAN1 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis, and whether TSPAN1 could promote breast cancer via regulating EMT needs further study. In this study, we found high TSPAN1 expression in breast cancer tumor samples and cell lines which was confirmed by bioinformation analysis. The ablation of TSPAN1 suppressed the growth, and motility of breast cancer cells. We further found that TSPAN1 affected the EMT and mediated the PI3K/Akt pathway in breast cancer cells. In addition, TSPAN1 depletion suppressed tumor growth of breast cancer in mice. In summary, we thought TSPAN1 suppressed growth and motility of breast cancer via mediating EMT and PI3K/AKT pathway, and could serve as a potential target for treatment of breast cancer.

The Relationship Between Serum YKL-40 Levels on Admission and Stroke-Associated Pneumonia in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is a standout complication after acute ischemic stroke (AIS), with a prevalence of 7-38%. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the relationship between serum YKL-40 levels at admission and SAP. METHODS: Between August 2020 and February 2021, consecutive AIS patients from two centers were enrolled prospectively. Serum YKL-40 concentrations were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We performed logistic regression analyses to explore the relationship between YKL-40 and SAP. Receiver operating characteristic curve was also used to assess the predictive ability of YKL-40 in predicting SAP. RESULTS: Ultimately, a total of 511 AIS patients were recruited. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that YKL-40 was independently related to SAP, whether as a continuous variable or as quartiles (P=0.001). The area under curve of YKL-40 to predict SAP was 0.765. The optimal cutoff value of YKL-40 as a predictor of SAP was determined to be 206.4 ng/mL, where the sensitivity was 63.1% and the specificity was 82.0%. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that YKL-40 might be considered as a useful biomarker to predict SAP in AIS patients.

Potential impact and mechanism of Long Non-coding RNAs on cancer and associated T cells.

The discovery of many aberrant expressions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in various cancers has focused attention on the effects of lncRNA on cancer cells themselves, including cell proliferation, growth inhibition, cell migration, cell immortality, vascular regeneration and cell viability. But with the increasing role of immunotherapy in cancer therapy, a large number of studies have revealed that the regulatory role of lncRNAs in immunity such as differentiation of immune cells can also influence the development and progression of cancer. In particular, recent publications have suggested that lncRNAs play critical roles in T-lymphocyte activation, proliferation, differentiation, function, apoptosis and metabolism. To elucidate the actual functions of lncRNAs at the molecular level of cancer pathogenesis, we summarize some of the current lncRNA regulatory mechanisms associated with T cell to discuss their effects in cancer in the hope of providing potential cancer therapeutic targets or cancer biomarkers. However, we all know that the differentiation and function of T cells is an extremely complex process that involves the expression and regulation of multiple lncRNAs. As a result, more regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs need to be further studied.

The Efficacy and Predictors of Using GPi-DBS to Treat Early-Onset Dystonia: An Individual Patient Analysis.

Objective: To compare the efficacy in patients with different genotypes, identify the potential predictive factors, and summarize the complications of globus pallidus deep brain stimulation (GPi-DBS) treating early-onset dystonia. Methods: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases) were searched with no publication data restriction. The primary outcomes were the improvements in Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale motor (BFMDRS-M) and disability (BFMDRS-D) score. Pearson's correlation coefficients and a metaregression analysis were used to identify the potential predictive factors. This article was registered in Prospero (CRD42020188527). Results: Fifty-four studies (231 patients) were included. Patients showed significant improvement rate in BFMDRS-M (60.6%, p < 0.001) and BFMDRS-D (57.5%, p < 0.001) scores after treatment with GPi-DBS. BFMDRS-M score improved greater in the DYT-1-positive (p = 0.001) and DYT-11-positive (p = 0.008) patients compared to DYT-6-positive patients. BFMDRS-D score improved greater in the DYT-11 (+) compared to DYT-6 (+) patients (p = 0.010). The relative change of BFMDRS-M (p = 0.002) and BFMDRS-D (p = 0.010) scores was negatively correlated with preoperative BFMDRS-M score. In the metaregression analysis, the best predictive model showed that preoperative BFMDRS-M, disease duration (p = 0.047), and the age at symptom onset (p = 0.027) were important. Conclusion: Patients with early-onset dystonia have a significant effect after GPi-DBS treatment, and DYT-1 (+) and DYT-11 (+) patients are better candidates for GPi-DBS. Lower preoperative score, later age of onset, and an earlier age at surgery probably predict better clinical outcomes.

The association of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio with post-thrombolysis early neurological outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To investigate the association of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) with post-thrombolysis early neurological outcomes including early neurological improvement (ENI) and early neurological deterioration (END) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: AIS patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis were enrolled from April 2016 to September 2019. Blood cell counts were sampled before thrombolysis. Post-thrombolysis END was defined as the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score increase of ≥ 4 within 24 h after thrombolysis. Post-thrombolysis ENI was defined as NIHSS score decrease of ≥ 4 or complete recovery within 24 h. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship of NLR, PLR, and LMR to post-thrombolysis END and ENI. We also used receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to assess the discriminative ability of three ratios in predicting END and ENI. RESULTS: Among 1060 recruited patients, a total of 193 (18.2%) were diagnosed with END and 398 (37.5%) were diagnosed with ENI. Multinomial logistic model indicated that NLR (odds ratio [OR], 1.385; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.238-1.551, P = 0.001), PLR (OR, 1.013; 95% CI 1.009-1.016, P = 0.001), and LMR (OR, 0.680; 95% CI 0.560-0.825, P = 0.001) were independent factors for post-thrombolysis END. Moreover, NLR (OR, 0.713; 95% CI 0.643-0.791, P = 0.001) served as an independent factor for post-thrombolysis ENI. Area under curve (AUC) of NLR, PLR, and LMR to discriminate END were 0.763, 0.703, and 0.551, respectively. AUC of NLR, PLR, and LMR to discriminate ENI were 0.695, 0.530, and 0.547, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NLR, PLR, and LMR were associated with post-thrombolysis END. NLR and PLR may predict post-thrombolysis END. NLR was related to post-thrombolysis ENI.

ANKRD22 enhances breast cancer cell malignancy by activating the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway via modulating NuSAP1 expression.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in women worldwide. Although great advancements have been achieved in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, the prognosis of patients with breast cancer is still poor due to distal recurrence and metastasis after surgery. This study aimed to assess the role of ankyrin repeat domain 22 (ANKRD22) in the progression of breast cancer and investigate the molecular mechanism. Using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated that the expression level of ANKRD22 in human breast cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in normal breast tissues. ANKRD22 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of breast cancer cells, as confirmed by BrdU, colony formation, transwell, and immunoblot assays. Immunoblot assays further indicated that ANKRD22 regulated the expression of nucleolar and spindle-associated protein 1 (NuSAP1) and then caused the activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, overexpression of NUSAP1 reversed the inhibitory effects of ANKRD22 knockdown on the proliferation, invasion, and EMT of breast cancer cells. In summary, this study demonstrated that ANKRD22 enhanced breast cancer cell malignancy by activating the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway via modulating NuSAP1 expression, which might shed light on new therapeutic approaches for breast cancer.

Continuous Observation of Serum Total Magnesium Level in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium is an indispensable cation and plays an important physiological role in the body. Most previous studies focused on the single measurement of serum magnesium in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, scant studies focused on continuous observations of serum magnesium levels. OBJECTIVE: To provide continuous observations of serum magnesium levels in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). The levels of magnesium in patients initiating hemodialysis are also recorded and analyzed in the present study. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we serially investigated the measurements of serum total magnesium in MHD patients and patients initiating hemodialysis. Our data were followed up for one year. We provided real-time update on the levels of serum magnesium in patients on hemodialysis. RESULTS: On January 1, 2019, a total of 356 end-stage renal disease patients were receiving hemodialysis in our hospital. On December 31, 2019, the number had increased to 383. We found that serum total magnesium levels were in the normal range before initiating hemodialysis. With the initiation of hemodialysis, the levels of serum total magnesium increased. In patients on MHD, hypermagnesemia was very common. Hypomagnesemia was rare when 0.5 mmol/L magnesium dialysate was used. We did not find proton pump inhibitor associated hypomagnesemia. CONCLUSION: We find that serum total magnesium levels are in the normal range before initiating hemodialysis. However, in patients on MHD, hypermagnesemia is common when 0.5 mmol/L magnesium dialysate is used. Hypomagnesemia is very rare. Hypomagnesemia in patients on MHD is an indicator of poor condition.

ATG7 promotes autophagy in sepsis­induced acute kidney injury and is inhibited by miR­526b.

Sepsis is considered to be the most common contributing factor in the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the mechanisms by which sepsis leads to AKI remain unclear. Autophagy is important for a number of fundamental biological activities and plays a key role in numerous different diseases. The present study demonstrated that autophagy is involved in sepsis­induced kidney injury and upregulates ATG7, LC3 and Beclin I. In addition, it was revealed that miR­526b is decreased in sepsis­induced kidney injury, and miR­526b was identified as a direct regulator of ATG7. Furthermore, the present study investigated the biological effects of ATG7 inhibited by miR­526b and demonstrated that miR­526b could promote cell viability by inhibiting autophagy, potentially through targeting ATG7. In conclusion, the present study highlights the role of autophagy in sepsis­induced AKI, and miR­526b in regulating autophagy through targeting ATG7, which suggested that miR­526b may be a molecular therapeutic target for sepsis­induced AKI.

Effects of Early Enteral Nutrition on Immune Function and Prognosis of Patients With Sepsis on Mechanical Ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effects of early enteral nutrition (EEN) on patients with sepsis on mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Patients with sepsis on mechanical ventilation in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2013 to March 2016 were treated with enteral nutrition. Patients treated within 48 hours of initiation of mechanical ventilation were assigned to the EEN group, and the rest were assigned to the delayed enteral nutrition (DEN) group. Peripheral blood Th17 cells and Treg cells, endotoxin (ET) level, 28-day mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, lengths of ICU stay and hospital stay, and incidence of ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) were analyzed between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The proportion of Th17 cells and ET levels in the EEN group were significantly lower than those in the DEN group, whereas the proportion of Treg cells in the EEN group was remarkably higher than that in the DEN group (P < .05). The duration of mechanical ventilation, lengths of ICU stay and hospital stay, and incidence of ICU-AW were higher in the DEN group than in the EEN group (P < .05), but there was no significant difference in the 28-day mortality between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with sepsis mainly present with an increased proportion of Th17 cells in the early stage, manifesting as enhanced immune response. Early enteral nutrition can inhibit the excessive immune response, shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation, lengths of ICU stay and hospital stay, and reduce the incidence of ICU-AW, but it has no obvious effect on 28-day mortality.