Risk Prediction Model for Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Patients with Cervical Carcinoma undergoing Chemoradiotherapy.

PURPOSE: Radiation-induced dermatitis (RD) is a common side effect of therapeutic ionizing radiation that can severely affect patient quality of life. This study aimed to develop a risk prediction model for the occurrence of RD in patients with cervical carcinoma undergoing chemoradiotherapy using electronic medical records (EMRs). METHODS: Using electronic medical records, the clinical data of patients who underwent simultaneous radiotherapy and chemotherapy at a tertiary cancer hospital between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively collected, and the patients were divided into two groups: a training group and a validation group. A predictive model was constructed to predict the development of RD in patients who underwent concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cervical cancer. Finally, the model's efficacy was validated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: The incidence of radiation dermatitis was 89.5% (560/626) in the entire cohort, 88.6% (388/438) in the training group, and 91.5% (172/188) in the experimental group. The nomogram was established based on the following factors: age, the days between the beginning and conclusion of radiotherapy, the serum albumin (ALB) after chemoradiotherapy, the use of single or multiple drugs for concurrent chemotherapy, and the total dose of afterloading radiotherapy. Internal and external verification indicated that the model had good discriminatory ability. Overall, the model achieved an AUC of .66. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of RD in patients with cervical carcinoma undergoing chemoradiotherapy is high. A risk prediction model can be developed for RD in cervical carcinoma patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy, based on over 5 years of EMR data from a tertiary cancer hospital.

Large-scale whole-exome sequencing of neuropsychiatric diseases and traits in 350,770 adults.

While numerous genomic loci have been identified for neuropsychiatric conditions, the contribution of protein-coding variants has yet to be determined. Here we conducted a large-scale whole-exome-sequencing study to interrogate the impact of protein-coding variants on 46 neuropsychiatric diseases and 23 traits in 350,770 adults from the UK Biobank. Twenty new genes were associated with neuropsychiatric diseases through coding variants, among which 16 genes had impacts on the longitudinal risks of diseases. Thirty new genes were associated with neuropsychiatric traits, with SYNGAP1 showing pleiotropic effects across cognitive function domains. Pairwise estimation of genetic correlations at the coding-variant level highlighted shared genetic associations among pairs of neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders. Lastly, a comprehensive multi-omics analysis suggested that alterations in brain structures, blood proteins and inflammation potentially contribute to the gene-phenotype linkages. Overall, our findings characterized a compendium of protein-coding variants for future research on the biology and therapeutics of neuropsychiatric phenotypes.

Photo/mechanical/acidic multi-stimuli responses and information encryption design of acylhydrazone derivative.

Stimuli-responsive crystalline materials have received much attention for being potential candidates of smart materials. However, the occurrence of polymorphism-driven stimuli responses in crystalline materials remains interesting but rare. Herein, three polymorphs of an acylhydrazone derivative, N'-[(E)-(1-benzofuran-2-yl) methylidene] pyridine -4-carbohydrazide (BFMP) were prepared. Form-1 undergoes a photomechanical response via E→Z photoisomerization under UV irradiation, accompanied by a decrease in fluorescence intensity and a change from colorless to yellow. Two types of Z→E thermal isomerization mechanisms with significant differences in conversion rate were observed at different temperatures in form-1. The solid-melt-solid transition has a faster conversion rate compared to the solid-solid transition due to freedom from lattice confinement. The transition from form-2 to form-3 can be achieved under grinding, coupled with a significant decrease in fluorescence intensity. The similar molecular stacking pattern of form-2 and form-3 provides a structural basis for the grinding-induced crystalline transition behavior. In addition, the presence of the pyridine moiety imparts an acid chromic property. The combination of photochromism and acid chromism explores the possible applications of acylhydrazone derivatives in information encryption.

A Thermostable Cas12b-Powered Bioassay Coupled with Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification in a Customized "One-Pot" Vessel for Visual, Rapid, Sensitive, and On-Site Detection of Genetically Modified Crops.

Genetically modified crops (GMCs) have been discussed due to unknown safety, and thus, it is imperative to develop an effective detection technology. CRISPR/Cas is deemed a burgeoning technology for nucleic acid detection. Herein, we developed a novel detection method for the first time, which combined thermostable Cas12b with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), to detect genetically modified (GM) soybeans in a customized one-pot vessel. In our method, LAMP-specific primers were used to amplify the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter (CaMV35S) of the GM soybean samples. The corresponding amplicons activated the trans-cleavage activity of Cas12b, which resulted in the change of fluorescence intensity. The proposed bioassay was capable of detecting synthetic plasmid DNA samples down to 10 copies/µL, and as few as 0.05% transgenic contents could be detected in less than 40 min. This work presented an original detection method for GMCs, which performed rapid, on-site, and deployable detection.

Co-pyrolysis of alkali-fused fly ash and corn stover to synthesize biochar composites for remediating lead-contaminated soil.

Fly ash (FA) is mainly composed of silica, alumina, and other metal oxide components, and has a positive stabilizing effect on soil heavy metals. Biochar composites produced from FA and corn stover (CS) can improve its remediation performance. Therefore, a batch of biochar composites (alkali-fused FA-CS biochars, ABs), synthesized via co-pyrolysis of CS and alkali-fused FA (AFFA) at different temperatures of 300, 500, and 700 °C (AB300-1, AB500-1, and AB700-1) and CS to AFFA mass ratios of 10:1, 10:2, and 10:5 (AB500-1, AB500-2, and AB500-5), was used to remediate lead (Pb)-contaminated soil. Compared with pristine biochars (BCs), ABs were enriched with oxygen-containing functional groups (Si-O-Si and Si-O) and aromatic structures. The ABs prepared at lower pyrolytic temperature (≤500 °C) and lower ratio of CS to AFFA (10:1) showed higher yield and stability. The contents of Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)-extractable Pb and DTPA-CaCl2-triethanolamine (DTPA)-extractable Pb were generally lower in the soils amended with ABs than BCs. Compared with other ABs such as AB300-1, AB500-2, AB500-5, and AB700-1, the soil amended with AB500-1 had lower contents of TCLP and DTPA-extractable Pb (24% reduction), exhibiting superior performance in stabilizing Pb in the soil. The gradual decrease of DTPA-extractable Pb content in the soil with increasing dosage of AB500-1 amendments suggests that AB500-1 facilitated the conversion of bioavailable Pb to the stable and less toxic residual fractions. Specifically, the highest percentage of residual fraction of Pb in soil amended with AB500-1 was 14%. Correlation analyses showed that the soil DTPA-extractable Pb content decreased with the increase of soil pH and cation-exchange capacity (CEC) value. ABs stabilize Pb in the soils mainly via electrostatic attraction, precipitation, cation-π interaction, cation exchange, and complexation. These findings provide insights for producing functionalized biochar composites from industrial waste like FA and biomass waste for remediating the soils polluted by heavy metals.

ZnO-CeO2 Hollow Nanospheres for Selective Determination of Dopamine and Uric Acid.

ZnO-CeO2 hollow nanospheres have been successfully synthesized via the hard templating method, in which CeO2 is used as the support skeleton to avoid ZnO agglomeration. The synthesized ZnO-CeO2 hollow nanospheres possess a large electrochemically active area and high electron transfer owing to the high specific surface area and synergistic effect of ZnO and CeO2. Due to the above advantages, the resulting ZnO-CeO2 hollow spheres display high sensitivities of 1122.86 µA mM-1 cm-2 and 908.53 µA mM-1 cm-2 under a neutral environment for the selective detection of dopamine and uric acid. The constructed electrochemical sensor shows excellent selectivity, stability and recovery for the selective analysis of dopamine and uric acid in actual samples. This study provides a valuable strategy for the synthesis of ZnO-CeO2 hollow nanospheres via the hard templating method as electrocatalysts for the selective detection of dopamine and uric acid.

Abnormal theta and alpha oscillations in children and adolescents with first-episode psychosis and clinical high-risk psychosis.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive control deficits are one of the main symptoms of psychosis. The basic neural oscillation patterns associated with cognitive control are already present in early adolescence. However, as previous studies have focused on adults with psychosis, it is unclear whether neurobiological impairments in cognitive control are present in children and adolescents with first-episode psychosis (FEP) or clinical high-risk (CHR) state for psychosis. AIMS: To explore the deficits of electroencephalogram related to cognitive control tasks in children and adolescents with FEP and CHR. METHOD: Electroencephalogram was recorded in untreated 48 patients with FEP, 24 patients with CHR and 42 healthy controls aged 10-17 years, while performing the visual oddball task. The N2 amplitude, theta and alpha oscillations were then analysed and compared between groups. RESULTS: There was no significant group difference in N2 amplitude (P = 0.099). All groups showed increased theta and alpha oscillations relative to baseline before the stimulus in the frontal, central, left fronto-central and right fronto-central areas. These changes differed significantly between groups, with the FEP group showing significantly smaller theta (P < 0.001) and alpha (P < 0.01) oscillation than healthy controls. Theta and alpha oscillations in the CHR group did not differ significantly from the FEP group and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that neural damage has already occurred in the early stage of psychosis, and that abnormal rhythmic activity of neurons may constitute the pathophysiological mechanism of cognitive dysfunction related to early-onset psychosis.

Glymphatic system dysfunction predicts amyloid deposition, neurodegeneration, and clinical progression in Alzheimer's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Although glymphatic function is involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD), its potential for predicting the pathological and clinical progression of AD and its sequential association with core AD biomarkers is poorly understood. METHODS: Whole-brain glymphatic activity was measured by diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) in participants with AD dementia (n = 47), mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 137), and normal controls (n = 235) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. RESULTS: ALPS index was significantly lower in AD dementia than in MCI or controls. Lower ALPS index was significantly associated with faster changes in amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) burden and AD signature region of interest volume, higher risk of amyloid-positive transition and clinical progression, and faster rates of amyloid- and neurodegeneration-related cognitive decline. Furthermore, the associations of the ALPS index with cognitive decline were fully mediated by amyloid PET and brain atrophy. DISCUSSION: Glymphatic failure may precede amyloid pathology, and predicts amyloid deposition, neurodegeneration, and clinical progression in AD. HIGHLIGHTS: The analysis along the perivascular space (ALPS) index is reduced in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia, prodromal AD, and preclinical AD. Lower ALPS index predicted accelerated amyloid beta (Aß) positron emission tomography (PET) burden and Aß-positive transition. The decrease in the ALPS index occurs before cerebrospinal fluid Aß42 reaches the positive threshold. ALPS index predicted brain atrophy, clinical progression, and cognitive decline. Aß PET and brain atrophy mediated the link of ALPS index with cognitive decline.

Ectopic expression of HaPEPC1 from the desert shrub Haloxylon ammodendron confers drought stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) plays a crucial role in the initial carbon fixation process in C4 plants. However, its nonphotosynthetic functions in Haloxylon ammodendron, a C4 perennial xerohalophytic shrub, are still poorly understood. Previous studies have reported the involvement of PEPC in plant responses to abiotic stresses such as drought and salt stress. However, the underlying mechanism of PEPC tolerance to drought stress has not been determined. In this study, we cloned the C4-type PEPC gene HaPEPC1 from H. ammodendron and investigated its biological function by generating transgenic Arabidopsis plants with ectopic expression of HaPEPC1. Our results showed that, compared with WT (wild-type) plants, ectopic expression of HaPEPC1 plants exhibited significantly greater germination rates and chlorophyll contents. Furthermore, under drought stress, the transgenic plants presented increased root length, fresh weight, photosynthetic capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activities, particularly ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase. Additionally, the transgenic plants exhibited reduced levels of malondialdehyde, H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), and O2- (superoxide radical). Transcriptome analysis indicated that ectopic expression of HaPEPC1 primarily regulated the expression of genes associated with the stress defence response, glutathione metabolism, and abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis and signalling pathways in response to drought stress. Taken together, these findings suggest that the ectopic expression of HaPEPC1 enhances the reduction of H2O2 and O2- in transgenic plants, thereby improving reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity and enhancing drought tolerance. Therefore, the HaPEPC1 gene holds promise as a candidate gene for crop selection aimed at enhancing drought tolerance.

Predictive role of ctDNA in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy combined with toripalimab.

The combination of toripalimab (an anti-PD-1 antibody) with definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) demonstrated encouraging efficacy against locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in the EC-CRT-001 phase II trial (NCT04005170). The primary endpoint of this trial was the clinical complete response rate (cCR), and the secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response, and quality of life. The exploratory analyses of EC-CRT-001 include exploring the role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and blood-based tumor mutational burden (bTMB) in predicting the response and survival. In total, 118 blood and 35 tissue samples from 42 enrolled patients were included in the analyses. We found that ctDNA-negative patients achieved a higher cCR compared to those with detectable ctDNA during CRT (83%, 19/23 vs. 39%, 7/18; p = 0.008) or post-CRT (78%, 21/27 vs. 30%, 3/10; p = 0.017). Patients with detectable ctDNA during CRT had shorter PFS (p = 0.014). Similarly, patients with post-CRT detectable ctDNA had a significantly shorter PFS (p = 0.012) and worse OS (p = 0.004). Moreover, patients with high bTMB levels during CRT had prolonged OS (p = 0.027). In conclusion, ctDNA and bTMB have the potential to predict treatment efficacy and survival in ESCC treated with CRT and immunotherapy.

Wide-field illumination diffuse optical tomography within a framework of single-pixel time-domain spatial frequency domain imaging.

We present a wide-field illumination time-domain (TD) diffusion optical tomography (DOT) for three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction within a shallow region under the illuminated surface of the turbid medium. The methodological foundation is laid on the single-pixel spatial frequency domain (SFD) imaging that facilitates the adoption of the well-established time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC)-based TD detection and generalized pulse spectrum techniques (GPST)-based reconstruction. To ameliorate the defects of the conventional diffusion equation (DE) in the forward modeling of TD-SFD-DOT, mainly the low accuracy in the near-field region and in profiling early-photon migration, we propose a modified model employing the time-dependent δ-P1 approximation and verify its improved accuracy in comparison with both the Monte Carlo and DE-based ones. For a simplified inversion process, a modified GPST approach is extended to TD-SFD-DOT that enables the effective separation of the absorption and scattering coefficients using a steady-state equivalent strategy. Furthermore, we set up a single-pixel TD-SFD-DOT system that employs the TCSPC-based TD detection in the SFD imaging framework. For assessments of the reconstruction approach and the system performance, phantom experiments are performed for a series of scenarios. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology for rapid 3-D reconstruction of the absorption and scattering coefficients within a depth range of about 5 mean free pathlengths.

Mendelian randomization analysis reveals a causal effect of Streptococcus salivarius on diabetic retinopathy through regulating host fasting glucose.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of leading causes of vision loss in adults with increasing prevalence worldwide. Increasing evidence has emphasized the importance of gut microbiome in the aetiology and development of DR. However, the causal relationship between gut microbes and DR remains largely unknown. To investigate the causal associations of DR with gut microbes and DR risk factors, we employed two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses to estimate the causal effects of 207 gut microbes on DR outcomes. Inputs for MR included Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) summary statistics of 207 taxa of gut microbes (the Dutch Microbiome Project) and 21 risk factors for DR. The GWAS summary statistics data of DR was from the FinnGen Research Project. Data analysis was performed in May 2023. We identified eight bacterial taxa that exhibited significant causal associations with DR (FDR < 0.05). Among them, genus Collinsella and species Collinsella aerofaciens were associated with increased risk of DR, while the species Bacteroides faecis, Burkholderiales bacterium_1_1_47, Ruminococcus torques, Streptococcus salivarius, genus Burkholderiales_noname and family Burkholderiales_noname showed protective effects against DR. Notably, we found that the causal effect of species Streptococcus salivarius on DR was mediated through the level of host fasting glucose, a well-established risk factor for DR. Our results reveal that specific gut microbes may be causally linked to DR via mediating host metabolic risk factors, highlighting potential novel therapeutic or preventive targets for DR.

Deep-learning approach to stratified reconstructions of tissue absorption and scattering in time-domain spatial frequency domain imaging.

Significance: The conventional optical properties (OPs) reconstruction in spatial frequency domain (SFD) imaging, like the lookup table (LUT) method, causes OPs aliasing and yields only average OPs without depth resolution. Integrating SFD imaging with time-resolved (TR) measurements enhances space-TR information, enabling improved reconstruction of absorption (µa) and reduced scattering (µs') coefficients at various depths. Aim: To achieve the stratified reconstruction of OPs and the separation between µa and µs', using deep learning workflow based on the temporal and spatial information provided by time-domain SFD imaging technique, while enhancing the reconstruction accuracy. Approach: Two data processing methods are employed for the OPs reconstruction with TR-SFD imaging, one is full TR data, and the other is the featured data extracted from the full TR data (E, continuous-wave component, ⟨t⟩, mean time of flight). We compared their performance using a series of simulation and phantom validations. Results: Compared to the LUT approach, utilizing full TR, E and ⟨t⟩ datasets yield high-resolution OPs reconstruction results. Among the three datasets employed, full TR demonstrates the optimal accuracy. Conclusions: Utilizing the data obtained from SFD and TR measurement techniques allows for achieving high-resolution separation reconstruction of µa and µs' at different depths within 5 mm.

A Cu2+ fluorescent chemosensor suitable for quantitative detection of tyrosinase in potatoes over a wide pH range.

Cu2+ as an important trace element plays an essential role in various biologic processes due to the unique redox active nature. For this reason, much effort has been made to develop effective methods for Cu2+ detection. In this study, a novel structure fluorescent chemosensor, 1-(6-(((5-(5, 5-difluoro-1, 3, 7, 9-tetramethyl-5H-4λ4, 5λ4-dipyrrolo[1, 2-c:2', 1'-f][1, 3, 2] diazaborinin-10-yl)quinolin-8-yl)oxy)methyl)pyridin-2-yl)-N, N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)methanamine (1), was synthesized and characterized by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Sensor 1 showed an obviously "on-off" fluorescence response to Cu2+ with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry by UV-vis and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The detection limit of sensor 1 to Cu2+ was determined to be 1.9 µM, and the stable pH range for Cu2+ detection was from 3 to 13. Sensor 1 can be used for recognition and detection of tyrosinase in potatoes.

Progesterone inhibits endometrial cancer growth by inhibiting glutamine metabolism through ASCT2.

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a common malignancy that originates from the endometrium and grows in the female reproductive system. Surgeries, as current treatments for cancer, however, cannot meet the fertility needs of young women patients. Thus, progesterone (P4) therapy is indispensable due to its effective temporary preservation of female fertility. Many cancer cells are often accompanied by changes in metabolic phenotypes, and abnormally dependent on the amino acid glutamine. However, whether P4 exerts an effect on EC via glutamine metabolism is unknown. In the present study, we found that P4 could inhibit glutamine metabolism in EC cells and down-regulate the expression of the glutamine transporter ASCT2. This regulation of ASCT2 affects the uptake of glutamine. Furthermore, the in vivo xenograft studies showed that P4 inhibited tumor growth and the expression of key enzymes involved in glutamine metabolism. Our study demonstrated that the direct regulation of glutamine metabolism by P4 and its anticancer effect was mediated through the inhibition of ASCT2. These results provide a mechanism underlying the effects of P4 therapy on EC from the perspective of glutamine metabolism.

Incremental value of amyloid PET in a tertiary memory clinic setting in China.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to investigate the incremental value of amyloid positron emission tomography (Aß-PET) in a tertiary memory clinic setting in China. METHODS: A total of 1073 patients were offered Aß-PET using 18F-florbetapir. The neurologists determined a suspected etiology (Alzheimer's disease [AD] or non-AD) with a percentage estimate of their confidence and medication prescription both before and after receiving the Aß-PET results. RESULTS: After disclosure of the Aß-PET results, etiological diagnoses changed in 19.3% of patients, and diagnostic confidence increased from 69.3% to 85.6%. Amyloid PET results led to a change of treatment plan in 36.5% of patients. Compared to the late-onset group, the early-onset group had a more frequent change in diagnoses and a higher increase in diagnostic confidence. DISCUSSION: Aß-PET has significant impacts on the changes of diagnoses and management in Chinese population. Early-onset cases are more likely to benefit from Aß-PET than late-onset cases. HIGHLIGHTS: Amyloid PET contributes to diagnostic changes and its confidence in Chinese patients. Amyloid PET leads to a change of treatment plans in Chinese patients. Early-onset cases are more likely to benefit from amyloid PET than late-onset cases.

Flood risk transfer analysis based on the "Source-Sink" theory and its impact on ecological environment: A case study of the Poyang Lake Basin, China.

Driven by climate change, the frequent occurrence of regional destructive floods poses a grave threat to socio-economic systems and ecological environments. Previous flood risk studies have disregarded risk transfer within a region, resulting in inadequate flood risk assessment and ineffective disaster prevention and mitigation outcomes. Therefore, this study introduced the "Source-Sink" theory into flood disaster field to constructing flood risk transfer model. Flood risk assessment and transfer was conducted in the Poyang Lake Basin, China, where the impacts of the initial and transfer statuses on ecosystem service values were quantified. The results showed that the flood risk in the Poyang Lake Basin was relatively low, with high spatial distribution characteristics in the central-north areas but low in the surrounding areas. High-risk zones were mainly distributed southwest of the Poyang Lake. The lower-risk zones exhibited a contiguous distribution and were surrounded by higher-risk zones. Following the completion of the flood risk transfer, high-risk zones increased significantly; but there were a few zones where the risk was transferred to other zones, thereby lowering their risks. Flood risk transfer occurs primarily in low- and medium-risk zones, with high-risk zones being the most important growth targets. The change in risk transfer was most evident in the area surrounding Poyang Lake, while that in the Upper Gan River Basin was lower and less sensitive to the transfer effect. Accounting for flood disaster risk, the ecosystem service values of the Poyang Lake Basin decreased by 8.18 %, with the most significant impacts observed in the surrounding environment and southwest Poyang Lake. After the completion of the flood risk transfer, the ecosystem service value in the Poyang Lake Basin declined by 24.66 %. This study provides a reference point for flood risk management and sustainable regional development that account for risk transfer.

Extended Kalman filtering for enhancing a cyclic pattern-updating scheme of single-pixel dynamic fluorescence spatial frequency domain imaging: publisher's note.

This publisher's note contains a correction to Opt. Lett.48, 5443 (2023)10.1364/OL.495099.

Electrical tree properties of grafted polypropylene studied by electro-luminescence and free radical excitation analysis.

The electrical tree in grafted polypropylene (PP) is inhibited compared with that of pure PP. To understand the free radicals that are generated during the treeing process, we study the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra. Additionally, to provide a clearer explanation of the suppression of electrical trees, this research uses electroluminescence (EL) and excitation computation. These methods help us to observe the movement of electrons and to understand the geometric and electronic structures involved. In pure PP, the energy required to excite the electrons is approximately the same as the band gap of PP while electrons are easier to be excited in grafted PP than in pure PP, because the band gap is narrower. As a result, though the electrical tree length is shorter in PP-g-MMA, the EPR signal is more intense because of the uneven distribution of electrons.