Anti-coronavirus and anti-pulmonary inflammation effects of iridoids, the common component from Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of COVID-19.

The practice of Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of COVID-19 in China played an essential role for the control of mortality rate and reduction of recovery time. The iridoids is one of the main constituents of many heat-clearing and detoxifying Chinese medicines that were largely planted and frequently used in clinical practice. Twenty-three representative high content iridoids from several staple Chinese medicines were obtained and tested by a SARS-CoV-2 pseudo-virus entry-inhibition assay on HEK-293 T/ACE2 cells, a live HCoV-OC43 virus infection assay on HRT-18 cells, and a SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease inhibitory FRET assay followed by molecular docking simulation. The anti-pulmonary inflammation activities were further evaluated on a TNF-α induced inflammation model in A549 cells and preliminary SARs were concluded. The results showed that specnuezhenide (7), cornuside (12), neonuezhenide (15), and picroside III (21) exhibited promising antiviral activities, and neonuezhenide (15) could inhibit 3CL protease with an IC50 of 14.3 µM. Docking computation showed that compound 15 could bind to 3CL protease through a variety of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. In the anti-pulmonary inflammation test, cornuside (12), aucubin (16), monotropein (17), and shanzhiside methyl ester (18) could strongly decrease the content of IL-1ß and IL-8 at 10 µM. Compound 17 could also upregulate the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 significantly. The iridoids exhibited both anti-coronavirus and anti-pulmonary inflammation activities for their significance of existence in Chinese herbal medicines, which also provided a theoretical basis for their potential utilization in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Prognostic factors of intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate predictive factors of increasing intravesical recurrence (IVR) rate in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) after receiving radical nephroureterectomy (RNUx) with bladder cuff excision (BCE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2114 patients were included from the updated data of the Taiwan UTUC Collaboration Group. It was divided into two groups: IVR-free and IVR after RNUx, with 1527 and 587 patients, respectively. To determine the factors affecting IVR, TNM stage, the usage of pre-operative ureteroscopy, and pathological outcomes were evaluated. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to estimate the rates of prognostic outcomes in overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), disease-free survival (DFS), and bladder recurrence-free survival (BRFS), and the survival curves were compared using the stratified log-rank test. RESULTS: Based on our research, ureter tumor, female, smoking history, age (< 70 years old), multifocal tumor, history of bladder cancer were determined to increase the risk of IVR after univariate analysis. The multivariable analysis revealed that female (BRFS for male: HR 0.566, 95% CI 0.469-0.681, p < 0.001), ureter tumor (BRFS: HR 1.359, 95% CI 1.133-1.631, p = 0.001), multifocal (BRFS: HR 1.200, 95% CI 1.001-1.439, p = 0.049), history of bladder cancer (BRFS: HR 1.480, 95% CI 1.118-1.959, p = 0.006) were the prognostic factors for IVR. Patients who ever received ureterorenoscopy (URS) did not increase the risk of IVR. CONCLUSION: Patients with ureter tumor and previous bladder UC history are important factors to increase the risk of IVR after RNUx. Pre-operative URS manipulation is not associated with higher risk of IVR and diagnostic URS is feasible especially for insufficient information of image study. More frequent surveillance regimen may be needed for these patients.

Micronanoparticled risedronate exhibits potent vaccine adjuvant effects.

Micro/Nano-scale particles are widely used as vaccine adjuvants to enhance immune response and improve antigen stability. While aluminum salt is one of the most common adjuvants approved for human use, its immunostimulatory capacity is suboptimal. In this study, we modified risedronate, an immunostimulant and anti-osteoporotic drug, to create zinc salt particle-based risedronate (Zn-RS), also termed particulate risedronate. Compared to soluble risedronate, micronanoparticled Zn-RS adjuvant demonstrated increased recruitment of innate cells, enhanced antigen uptake locally, and a similar antigen depot effect as aluminum salt. Furthermore, Zn-RS adjuvant directly and quickly stimulated immune cells, accelerated the formulation of germinal centers in lymph nodes, and facilitated the rapid production of antibodies. Importantly, Zn-RS adjuvant exhibited superior performance in both young and aged mice, effectively protecting against respiratory diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Consequently, particulate risedronate showed great potential as an immune-enhancing vaccine adjuvant, particularly beneficial for vaccines targeting the susceptible elderly.

Alda-1 ameliorates air embolism-induced acute lung injury.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence suggests that aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) offers protection against damage caused by oxidative stress in diverse rodent models. Nonetheless, the effect of Alda-1, a compound that activates ALDH2, on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by air embolism (AE) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the protective effects of Alda-1 in ALI induced by AE. METHODS: A rat model of in situ isolated perfused lung was established to investigate AE-induced ALI. Air was infused into the pulmonary artery at 0.25 mL/min for 1 minute. Before inducing AE, different doses (10, 20, or 30 mg/kg) of Alda-1 were given through intraperitoneal injection. Pathological changes in lung tissue were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. We performed Western blot analysis to assess the protein levels of ALDH2,4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (4-HNE), Bcl-2, caspase-3, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, IκB-α, and nuclear NF-κB. RESULTS: Notably, AE results were demonstrated as harmful to the lungs, which is evidenced by intensified lung edema and disruption of lung tissue structure. Furthermore, AE caused a decrease in ALDH2 expression, increased accumulation of 4-HNE and MDA, infiltration of neutrophils, increased production of inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, and upregulation of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways within the lungs. Administration of a 20 mg/kg dose of Alda-1 alleviated the detrimental effects induced by AE. CONCLUSION: Alda-1 shows promise in mitigating AE-induced ALI, possibly through the upregulation of ALDH2 expression and suppression of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and to explore their translational potential in human subjects.

Retrograde ureteral catheterization under local anesthesia for emergency drainage in patients with infection and hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral calculi: Experience from a tertiary care hospital.

Objectives: The aim is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of retrograde ureteral catheterization under local anesthesia in patients with urinary tract infections complicated by hydronephrosis caused by ureteral stone obstruction. Materials and Methods: From October 2020 to September 2021, a retrospective analysis of patients' medical records was performed. Records of past history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging investigations were reviewed. Retrograde ureteric stent (RUS) was performed under local anesthesia using cystoscopes and guided by portable fluoroscopy. Real-time fluoroscopy was used to verify the double-J stent position and confirm a smooth process. The postoperative recovery and length of admission were also recorded. Results: A total of 14 patients with ureteral stone obstruction with infective hydronephrosis received 15 total emergency RUS procedures (one bilateral). Intraoperative findings, operation times, and infection signs were recorded and analyzed. All patients met systemic infection criteria, with a mean body temperature of 38.7°C ± 1.7°C. Leukocytosis was noted in 8 (57.1%) patients. Elevated C-reactive protein (8.5 ± 6.3 mg/L) and procalcitonin (24.1 ± 22.0 ng/mL) were found in 13 (92.9%) and 9 (64.3%) patients, respectively. Mean stone size was 8.5 ± 6.3 mm, mostly localized to the upper ureter (upper: 12; middle: 0; lower: 3). Mean operation time was 14.1 ± 4.3 min. After emergency drainage, all patients improved and were discharged after infection was controlled. The average length of admission was 6.2 ± 2.2 days. Conclusion: RUS under local anesthesia is safe and effective for treating infective hydronephrosis due to ureteral stone obstruction. A randomized controlled trial with a large sample remains necessary to validate these findings.

Assessing the burden of HPV-related head and neck cancers in mainland China: protocol of a nationwide, multisite, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a known cause of a subset of head and neck cancers (HNCs). In the last two decades, the proportion of HNCs attributable to HPV infection has increased worldwide, notably the oropharyngeal cancers. However, the trend of HPV-related HNC burden is not clearly understood yet in China. Thus, the absolute burden of HPV-related head and neck cancers in China (BROADEN-China) will be conducted to estimate the proportion of HNCs attributable to HPV infection, per anatomic site, by genotype, in three time periods (2008-2009, 2013-2014 and 2018-2019). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: BROADEN-China is a nationwide, multisite, cross-sectional study. A stratified, multistage, non-randomised cluster sampling method will be used to select 2601 patients with HNC from 14 hospitals across seven regions, based on population density in China. Patients with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples collected prior to treatment induction during three time periods will be included, and factors (eg, smoking status, alcohol consumption, betel nut chewing, Epstein-Barr virus, teeth loss, etc) associated with HNC will be assessed. HPV testing (HPV-DNA, HPV-mRNA and p16INK4a immunohistochemistry) and histological diagnosis of the tissue samples will be conducted at a central laboratory.The study protocol and all required documents have been submitted for review and approval to the Independent Ethics Committees of all the participating sites. The informed consent was waived for all participants and all the recorded data will be treated as confidential.We have included 14 hospitals as our participating sites, of which Henan Cancer Hospital is the leading site. The study has been approved by the independent ethics committees of the leading site on 3 December 2020. The other 13 participating site names of ethics committee and IRB that have approved this study.

A rare case of a combination of ectopic kidney and medial arcuate ligament syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic kidney and median arcuate ligament syndrome are both rare conditions. The clinical presentation and diagnosis of these conditions are not well studied. There are no reports on the combination of these two rare conditions. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 24-year-old woman with fever, dysuria, urinary frequency and left flank pain for two days. The primary diagnoses in the clinic were left acute pyelonephritis and left hydronephrosis due to throbbing pain in the left costovertebral angle and pyuria. However, further computed tomography showed right ectopic pelvic kidney, left renal pelvis dilatation without definite ureteral lesion, good bilateral renal contrast enhancement, and compression of the celiac axis due to obstruction by the median arcuate ligament. Chronic abdominal symptoms were reported by the patient after repeat history taking. The patient's condition was fully explained and discussed with her and her family, but they refused further therapy. After the acute pyelonephritis began improving, the patient was discharged for follow-up at our outpatient clinic. CONCLUSION: We present an extremely rare case of a combination of two rare conditions: ectopic kidney and median arcuate ligament syndrome. No study to date has reported on the relationship between the two diseases. Given the rarity of the two conditions, no evidence or even a hypothesis exists to explain the possible etiology of their combination. More reports are required to enhance the understanding of these rare conditions.

Targeting Rev-Erbα to protect against ischemia-reperfusion-induced acute lung injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: The dysregulation of local circadian clock has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a broad spectrum of diseases. However, the pathophysiological role of intrinsic circadian clocks Rev-Erbα in ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) remains unclear. METHODS: The IR-ALI model was established by subjecting isolated perfused rat lungs to 40 min of ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Rats were randomly assigned to one of six groups: control, control + SR9009 (Rev-Erbα agonist, 50 mg/kg), IR, and IR + SR9009 at one of three dosages (12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) and lung tissues were obtained and analyzed. In vitro experiments utilized mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE-12) exposed to hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR) and pretreated with SR9009 (10 µM/L) and Rev-Erbα siRNA. RESULTS: SR9009 exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in lung edema in IR-ALI. It significantly inhibited the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and CINC-1 in BALF. Moreover, SR9009 treatment restored suppressed IκB-α levels and reduced nuclear NF-κB p65 levels in lung tissues. In addition, a SR9009 mitigated IR-induced apoptosis and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in injured lung tissue. Finally, treatment with Rev-Erbα antagonist SR8278 abolished the protective action of SR9009. In vitro analyses showed that SR9009 attenuated NF-κB activation and KC/CXCL-1 levels in MLE-12 cells exposed to HR, and these effects were significantly abrogated by Rev-Erbα siRNA. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that SR9009 exerts protective effects against IR-ALI in a Rev-Erbα-dependent manner. SR9009 may provide a novel adjuvant therapeutic approach for IR-ALI.

A low-power vertical dual-gate neurotransistor with short-term memory for high energy-efficient neuromorphic computing.

Neuromorphic computing aims to emulate the computing processes of the brain by replicating the functions of biological neural networks using electronic counterparts. One promising approach is dendritic computing, which takes inspiration from the multi-dendritic branch structure of neurons to enhance the processing capability of artificial neural networks. While there has been a recent surge of interest in implementing dendritic computing using emerging devices, achieving artificial dendrites with throughputs and energy efficiency comparable to those of the human brain has proven challenging. In this study, we report on the development of a compact and low-power neurotransistor based on a vertical dual-gate electrolyte-gated transistor (EGT) with short-term memory characteristics, a 30 nm channel length, a record-low read power of ~3.16 fW and a biology-comparable read energy of ~30 fJ. Leveraging this neurotransistor, we demonstrate dendrite integration as well as digital and analog dendritic computing for coincidence detection. We also showcase the potential of neurotransistors in realizing advanced brain-like functions by developing a hardware neural network and demonstrating bio-inspired sound localization. Our results suggest that the neurotransistor-based approach may pave the way for next-generation neuromorphic computing with energy efficiency on par with those of the brain.

Mechanism of Social Stress-Related Erectile Dysfunction in Mice: Impaired Parasympathetic Neurotransmission and Ketamine.

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying social stress (SS)-induced erectile dysfunction (ED) and evaluate the effects of a single subanesthetic dose of ketamine on SS-related ED. Male FVB mice were exposed to retired male C57BL/6 mice for 60 min daily over a 4-week period. In the third week, these FVB mice received intraperitoneal injections of either saline (SSS group) or ketamine (SSK group). Erectile function was assessed by measuring the intracavernosal pressure (ICP) during electrical stimulation of the major pelvic ganglia. Corpus cavernosum (CC) strips were utilized for wire myography to assess their reactivity. Both SSS and SSK mice exhibited significantly lower ICP in response to electrical stimulation than control mice. SS mice showed increased contractility of the CC induced by phenylephrine. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation was significantly reduced in SSS and SSK mice. Sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation was higher in SSS mice compared to control and SSK mice. Nicotine-induced neurogenic and nitric oxide-dependent relaxation was significantly impaired in both SSS and SSK mice. An immunohistochemical analysis revealed co-localization of tyrosine hydroxylase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive fibers in the CC. These findings highlight the complex nature of SS-related ED and suggest the limited efficacy of ketamine as a therapeutic intervention.

Impact of pathological response on oncological outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial cancer receiving neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the rates of pathological complete response (ypT0N0/X) and pathological response (ypT1N0/X or less) in patients with upper tract urothelial cancer who were treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and to examine their impact on oncological outcomes. METHODS: This study is a multi-institutional retrospective analysis of patients with high-risk upper tract urothelial cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical nephroureterectomy between 2002 and 2021. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate all clinical parameters for response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to assess the effect of the response on the oncological outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients with UTUC who received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy were identified. Among them, 44 (52.4%) patients received cisplatin-based chemotherapy, and 22 (26.2%) patients had a carboplatin-based regimen. The pathological complete response rate was 11.6% (n = 10), and the pathological response rate was 42.9% (n = 36). Multifocal tumors or tumors larger than 3 cm significantly reduced the odds of pathological response. In the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, pathological response was independently associated with better overall survival (HR 0.38, p = 0.024), cancer-specific survival (HR 0.24, p = 0.033), and recurrence-free survival (HR 0.17, p = 0.001), but it was not associated with bladder recurrence-free survival (HR 0.84, p = 0.69). CONCLUSION: Pathological response after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and radical nephroureterectomy is strongly associated with patient survival and recurrence, and it might be a good surrogate for evaluating the efficacy of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in the future.

Low power flexible monolayer MoS2 integrated circuits.

Monolayer molybdenum disulfide (ML-MoS2) is an emergent two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor holding potential for flexible integrated circuits (ICs). The most important demands for the application of such ML-MoS2 ICs are low power consumption and high performance. However, these are currently challenging to satisfy due to limitations in the material quality and device fabrication technology. In this work, we develop an ultra-thin high-κ dielectric/metal gate fabrication technique for the realization of thin film transistors based on high-quality wafer scale ML-MoS2 on both rigid and flexible substrates. The rigid devices can be operated in the deep-subthreshold regime with low power consumption and show negligible hysteresis, sharp subthreshold slope, high current density, and ultra-low leakage currents. Moreover, we realize fully functional large-scale flexible ICs operating at voltages below 1 V. Our process could represent a key step towards using energy-efficient flexible ML-MoS2 ICs in portable, wearable, and implantable electronics.

Corrigendum: Retrieving rice (Oryza sativa L.) net photosynthetic rate from UAV multispectral images based on machine learning methods.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1088499.].

Large retroperitoneal extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma with renal pedicle invasion: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma (EES) is a rare malignant tumor primarily found in children and young adults. Localized disease can present with nonspecific symptoms such as local mass, regional pain, and increased skin temperature. More severe cases may present with systemic symptoms such as malaise, weakness, fever, anemia, and weight loss. Among these lesions, retroperitoneal sarcomas are relatively uncommon and difficult to diagnose. Since they are usually asymptomatic until large enough to compress or invade the surrounding tissues, most are already advanced at first detection. Traditionally, the treatment of choice is complete surgical resection, sometimes combined with postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We report a case of EES with left renal artery invasion in the left retroperitoneal cavity successfully treated with transarterial embolization and surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old woman with a negative family history of cancer presented at our Urology Department with a large left retroperitoneal tumor found by magnetic resonance imaging during the health exam. Physical examination showed a soft abdomen and no palpable mass or tenderness. Imaging studies showed that the tumor covered the entire left renal pedicle, but the left kidney, left adrenal gland, and pancreas appeared tumor free. Since the tumor tightly covered the entire renal pedicle, tumor excision with radical nephrectomy was advised. The patient underwent transarterial embolization of the left renal artery with 10 mg of Gelfoam pieces daily before surgical excision. Tumor excision and left radical nephrectomy were uneventful the day after embolization. Post-operatively, the patient recovered well and was discharged on day 10. The final histopathological analysis showed a round blue cell tumor consistent with an Ewing sarcoma, and the surgical margins were tumor free. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal malignancies are rare but usually severe conditions. Our case report showed that retroperitoneal EES with renal artery invasion could be treated safely with transarterial embolization and surgery.

Corrigendum: Cell volume restriction by mercury chloride reduces M1-like inflammatory response of bone marrow-derived macrophages.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1074986.].

Ligustrazine Nanoparticle Hitchhiking on Neutrophils for Enhanced Therapy of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Ischemic stroke is a refractory disease that endangers human health and safety owing to cerebral ischemia. Brain ischemia induces a series of inflammatory reactions. Neutrophils migrate from the circulatory system to the site of cerebral ischemia and accumulate in large numbers at the site of inflammation across the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, hitchhiking on neutrophils to deliver drugs to ischemic brain sites could be an optimal strategy. Since the surface of neutrophils has a formyl peptide receptor (FPR), this work modifies a nanoplatform surface by the peptide cinnamyl-F-(D)L-F-(D)L-F (CFLFLF), which can specifically bind to the FPR receptor. After intravenous injection, the fabricated nanoparticles effectively adhered to the surface of neutrophils in peripheral blood mediated by FPR, thereby hitchhiking with neutrophils to achieve higher accumulation at the inflammatory site of cerebral ischemia. In addition, the nanoparticle shell is composed of a polymer with reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive bond breaking and is encased in ligustrazine, a natural product with neuroprotective properties. In conclusion, the strategy of hitching the delivered drugs to neutrophils in this study could improve drug enrichment in the brain, thereby providing a general delivery platform for ischemic stroke or other inflammation-related diseases.

Machine Learning-Based Multiomics Prediction Model for Radiation Pneumonitis.

Objective: The study aims to establish and validate an effective CT-based radiation pneumonitis (RP) prediction model using the multiomics method of radiomics and EQD2-based dosiomics. Materials and Methods: The study performed a retrospective analysis on 91 nonsmall cell lung cancer patients who received radiotherapy from 2019 to 2021 in our hospital. The patients with RP grade ≥1 were labeled as 1, and those with RP grade < 1 were labeled as 0. The whole lung excluding clinical target volume (lung-CTV) was used as the region of interest (ROI). The radiomic and dosiomic features were extracted from the lung-CTV area's image and dose distribution. Besides, the equivalent dose of the 2 Gy fractionated radiation (EQD2) model was used to convert the physical dose to the isoeffect dose, and then, the EQD2-based dosiomic (eqd-dosiomic) features were extracted from the isoeffect dose distribution. Four machine learning (ML) models, including DVH, radiomics combined with DVH (radio + DVH), radiomics combined with dosiomics (radio + dose), and radiomics combined with eqd-dosiomics (radio + eqdose), were established to construct the prediction model via eleven different classifiers. The fivefold cross-validation was used to complete the classification experiment. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC), accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score were calculated to assess the performance level of the prediction models. Results: Compared with the DVH, radio + DVH, and radio + dose model, the value of the training AUC, accuracy, and F1-score of radio + eqdose was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Besides, the average value of the precision and recall of radio + eqdose was higher, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The performance of using the ML-based multiomics method of radiomics and eqd-dosiomics to predict RP is more efficient and effective.