Whole-volume diffusion kurtosis magnetic resonance (MR) imaging histogram analysis of non-small cell lung cancer: correlation with histopathology and degree of tumor differentiation.

AIMS: To evaluate the role of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) histogram analysis in the characterization of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to correlate DKI parameters with tumor cellularity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients with pathologically diagnosed NSCLCs were evaluated by DKI on a 3-T scanner. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on the map of b1000 manually. All NSCLCs were histologically graded according to the degree of tumor differentiation. Tumor cellularity was measured by the nuclear-to-cytoplasm (N/C) ratio and the number of tumor cell nuclei (NTCN), the expression of Ki-67 was detected using the streptavidin-peroxidase method. Histogram analysis was performed using voxel-based on raw data from each ROI. RESULTS: NSCLCs were classified as grades 1, 2, and 3 according to differentiation degree. Histogram parameters of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and DKI could discriminate between different grades of tumors (p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that Kapp 75th exhibited the best performance with an AUC of 0.936 and sensitivity/specificity of 95.74%/80% (p<0.001) in distinguishing grade 1 from grade 2, ADC mean exhibited the best performance with an AUC of 0.923 and sensitivity/specificity of 92.33%/86.67% (p<0.001) in distinguishing grade 2 from 3. N/C ratio and Ki-67 changed significantly with grade (p<0.01). Negative correlations were found between the ADC mean and the N/C ratio, Ki-67, Dapp mean and N/C ratio, whereas Kapp mean and N/C ratio, Ki-67 were positively correlated. CONCLUSIONS: DKI histogram analysis could quantitatively characterize NSCLC with different grades by probing non-Gaussian diffusion properties related to changes in the tumor microenvironment or tissue complexities in the tumor.

Learning end-to-end respiratory rate prediction of dairy cows from RGB videos.

Respiratory rate (RR) is an important indicator of the health and welfare status of dairy cows. In recent years, progress has been made in monitoring the RR of dairy cows using video data and learning methods. However, existing approaches often involve multiple processing modules, such as region of interest (ROI) detection and tracking, which can introduce errors that propagate through successive steps. The objective of this study was to develop an end-to-end computer vision method to predict RR of dairy cows continuously and automatically. The method leverages the capabilities of a state-of-the-art Transformer model, VideoMAE, which divides video frames into patches as input tokens, enabling the automated selection and featurization of relevant regions, such as a cow's abdomen, for predicting RR. The original encoder of VideoMAE was retained, and a classification head was added on top of it. Further, the weights of the first 11 layers of the pre-trained model were kept, while the weights of the final layer and classifier were fine-tuned using video data collected in a tie-stall barn from 6 dairy cows. Respiratory rates measured using a respiratory belt for individual cows were serving as the ground truth (GT). The evaluation of the developed model was conducted using multiple metrics, including mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.58 breaths per minute (bpm), root mean squared error (RMSE) of 3.52 bpm, root mean squared prediction error (RMSPE; as a proportion of observed mean) of 15.03%, and Pearson correlation (r) of 0.86. Compared with a conventional method involving multiple processing modules, the end-to-end approach performed better in terms of MAE, RMSE and RMSPE. These results suggest the potential to implement the developed computer vision method for an end-to-end solution, for monitoring RR of dairy cows automatically in a tie-stall setting. Future research on integrating this method with other behavioral detection and animal identification algorithms for animal monitoring in a free-stall dairy barn can be beneficial for a broader application.

Effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol (Bovaer10) and whole cottonseed on milk production and enteric methane emissions from dairy cows under Swiss management conditions.

The objective of this study was to determine the potential effect and interaction of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP; Bovaer, DSM-Firmenich Nutrition Products Ltd.) and whole cottonseed (WCS) on lactational performance and enteric methane (CH4) emission of dairy cows. A total of 16 multiparous cows, including 8 Holstein Friesian (HF) and 8 Brown Swiss (BS; 224 ± 36 DIM, 26 ± 3.7 kg milk yield, mean ± SD), were used in a split-plot design, where the main plot was the breed of cows. Within each subplot, cows were randomly assigned to a treatment sequence in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 2 × 2 factorial arrangements of treatments with four 24-d periods. The experimental treatments were as follows: (1) control (basal TMR), (2) 3-NOP (60 mg/kg TMR DM), (3) WCS (5% TMR DM), and (4) 3-NOP + WCS. The treatment diets were balanced for ether extract, crude protein, and NDF contents (4%, 16%, and 43% of TMR DM, respectively). The basal diets were fed twice daily at 0800 and 1800 h. Dry matter intake and milk yield were measured daily, and enteric gas emissions were measured (using the GreenFeed System, C-Lock Inc.) during the last 3 d of each 24-d experimental period when animals were housed in tiestalls. There was no difference in DMI on treatment level, whereas the WCS treatment increased ECM yield and milk fat yield. No interaction of 3-NOP and WCS occurred for any of the enteric gas emission parameters, but 3-NOP decreased CH4 production (g/d), CH4 yield (g/kg DMI), and CH4 intensity (g/kg ECM) by 13%, 14%, and 13%, respectively. Further, an unexpected interaction of breed by 3-NOP was observed for different enteric CH4 emission metrics: HF cows had a greater CH4 mitigation effect compared with BS cows for CH4 production (g/d; 18% vs. 8%), CH4 intensity (g/kg milk yield; 19% vs. 3%), and CH4 intensity (g/kg ECM; 19% vs. 4%). Hydrogen production was increased by 2.85-fold in HF and 1.53-fold in BS cows receiving 3-NOP. Further, a 3-NOP × time interaction occurred for both breeds. In BS cows, 3-NOP tended to reduce CH4 production by 18% at approximately 4 h after morning feeding, but no effect was observed at other time points. In HF cows, the greatest mitigation effect of 3-NOP (29.6%) was observed immediately after morning feeding, and it persisted at around 23% to 26% for 10 h until the second feed provision, and 3 h thereafter, in the evening. In conclusion, supplementing 3-NOP at 60 mg/kg DM to a high-fiber diet resulted in 18% to 19% reduction in enteric CH4 emission in Swiss HF cows. The lower response to 3-NOP by BS cows was unexpected and has not been observed in other studies. These results should be interpreted with caution due to the low number of cows per breed. Finally, supplementing WCS at 5% of DM improved ECM and milk fat yield but did not enhance the CH4 inhibition effect of 3-NOP of dairy cows.

Burden of gastrointestinal cancers among people younger than 50 years in China, 1990 to 2019.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the burden of early-onset gastrointestinal (GI) cancers in China over three decades. STUDY DESIGN: A comprehensive analysis was performed using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. METHODS: Data on early-onset GI cancers in 2020 and from 1990 to 2019 were extracted from GLOBOCAN 2020 database and GBD 2019, respectively. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was calculated to analyze the temporal trends using the Joinpoint Regression Program. The Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to predict future trends up to 2030. RESULTS: In China, there were 185,980 incident cases and 119,116 deaths of early-onset GI cancer in 2020, with the highest incidence and mortality observed in liver cancer (new cases: 71,662; deaths: 62,412). The spectrum of early-onset GI cancers in China has transitioned over the last 30 years. The age-standardized rates of incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years for colorectal and pancreatic cancers exhibited rapid increases (AAPC >0, P ≤ 0.001). The fastest-growing incidence rate was found in colorectal cancer (AAPC: 3.06, P < 0.001). Despite the decreases in liver, gastric, and esophageal cancers, these trends have been reversed or flattened in recent years. High body mass index was found to be the fastest-growing risk factor for early-onset GI cancers (estimated annual percentage change: 2.75-4.19, P < 0.05). Projection analyses showed an increasing trend in age-standardized incidence rates for almost all early-onset GI cancers during 2020-2030. CONCLUSIONS: The transitioning pattern of early-onset GI cancers in China emphasizes the urgency of addressing this public health challenge.

[Antitumor effects of redox-responsive nanoparticles containing platinum（⠣）in ovarian cancer].

Objectives: To explore the antitumor effects of redox-responsive nanoparticles containing platinum(Ⅳ)-NP@Pt(Ⅳ) in ovarian cancer. Methods: Redox-responsive polymer carriers were synthesized. Polymer carriers and platinum(Ⅳ)-Pt(Ⅳ) can self-assemble into NP@Pt(Ⅳ). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was performed to detect the platinum release from NP@Pt(Ⅳ) in reducing environment and the platinum content in ovarian cancer cells ES2 treated with cisplatin, Pt(Ⅳ) and NP@Pt(Ⅳ). The proliferation ability of the ovarian cancer cells were detected by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cellular apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Collection of primary ovarian cancer tissues from patients with primary high-grade serous ovarian cancer who were surgically treated at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from October to December 2022. The high-grade serous ovarian cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mice were intravenously injected with Cy7.5 labeled NP@Pt(Ⅳ) followed by in vivo imaging system. Mice were treated with PBS, cisplatin and NP@Pt(Ⅳ). Tumor volume and weight were measured in each group. Necrosis, apoptosis and cell proliferation of tumor tissues were detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, TUNEL fluorescence staining and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry staining. Body weight and HE staining of heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney of mice in each group were measured. Results: The platinum release of NP@Pt(Ⅳ) after 48 hours in reducing environment was 76.29%, which was significantly higher than that of 26.82% in non-reducing environment (P<0.001). The platinum content in ES2 cells after 4 hours and 7 hours of treatment with NP@Pt(Ⅳ) (308.59, 553.15 ng/million cells) were significantly higher than those of Pt(Ⅳ) (100.21, 180.31 ng/million cells) and cisplatin (43.36, 50.36 ng/million cells, P＜0.05). The half inhibitory concentrations of NP@Pt(Ⅳ) in ovarian cancer cells ES2, A2780, A2780DDP were 1.39, 1.42 and 4.62 µmol/L, respectively, which were lower than those of Pt(IV) (2.89, 7.27, and 16.74 µmol/L) and cisplatin (5.21, 11.85, and 71.98 µmol/L). The apoptosis rate of ES2 cells treated with NP@Pt(Ⅳ) was (33.91±3.80)%, which was significantly higher than that of Pt(Ⅳ) [(16.28±2.41)%] and cisplatin [(15.01±1.17)%, P＜0.05]. In high-grade serous ovarian cancer PDX model, targeted accumulation of Cy7.5 labeled NP@Pt(Ⅳ) at tumor tissue could be observed. After the treatment, the tumor volume of mice in NP@Pt(IV) group was (130±98) mm3, which was significantly lower than those in control group [(1 349±161) mm3, P<0.001] and cisplatin group [(715±293) mm3, P=0.026]. The tumor weight of mice in NP@Pt(IV) group was (0.17±0.09)g, which was significantly lower than those in control group [(1.55±0.11)g, P<0.001] and cisplatin group [(0.82±0.38)g, P=0.029]. The areas of tumor necrosis and apoptosis in mice treated with NP@Pt(Ⅳ) were higher than those in mice treated with cisplatin. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that there were low expressions of Ki-67 at tumor tissues of mice treated with NP@Pt(Ⅳ) compared with cisplatin. The change in body weight of mice in NP@Pt(Ⅳ) group was not significantly different from that of the control group [(18.56±2.04)g vs.(20.87±0.79)g, P=0.063]. Moreover, the major organs of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney were also normal by HE staining. Conclusion: Redox-responsive NP@Pt(Ⅳ), produced in this study can enhance the accumulation of cisplatin in ovarian cancer cells and improve the efficacy of ovarian cancer chemotherapy.

[The predictive value of dynamic changes of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) combined with the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score in patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure].

Objective: To determine the predictive value of dynamic changes of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) combined with the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score in patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure. Methods: Patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure who were hospitalized in the Department of Hepatology of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2010 to July 2023 were retrospectively enrolled. According to the clinical outcomes of patients within 30 days of admission, they were divided into the survival group and the death group. The dynamic changes in NLR and initial values on day 3, 5, 8, and 12 in two groups were analyzed for the diagnostic value of 30-day prognosis in patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure. Logistic regression analysis and machine learning XGBoost algorithm were used to evaluate the risk factors influencing the prognosis of patients at 30 days. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of NLR and initial value change combined with MELD score on day 12 of admission in patients with chronic acute hepatitis B liver failure. Results: A total of 243 patients were enrolled in the study, including 145 patients in the survival group [115 males, 30 females, aged 25-74 (47±11)] and 98 patients in the death group [80 males, 18 females, aged 22-80 (49±13) ]. The median initial NLR of survival group and death group were 3.5 (2.1, 5.3) and 4.9 (2.9, 8.3), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.003). The variation of NLR from the initial value on day 3, 5, 8, and 12 in the survival group [1.6 (0, 4.3), 1.9 (-0.2, 4.1), 2.0 (-0.1, 4.3) and 2.9 (0.3, 7.0), respectively] were lower than that in the death group [3.2 (0.9, 7.5), 5.1 (1.8, 7.6), 5.8 (2.0, 10.6) and 9.6 (3.5, 16.4), respectively] (all P<0.001). Logistic regression multivariate analysis showed that the changes in NLR on the 12th day and initial value (OR=1.07,95%CI:1.01-1.14, P=0.014), the changes in NLR on the 3rd day and initial value (OR=2.71, 95%CI: 1.32-5.55, P=0.007), the initial value of NLR (OR=1.18,95%CI:1.01-1.37,P=0.035) and fibrinogen (OR=0.21,95%CI:0.05-0.96,P=0.044) were related factors for death within 30 days. Machine learning XGBoost algorithm showed that the weight of the change between the NLR on the 12th day and the initial value was the highest. The area under the ROC curve of the combined MELD score was 0.812 (95%CI: 0.728-0.895), the specificity was 67.78%, and the sensitivity was 82.35%. Conclusion: Dynamic change of NLR combined with MELD score has high predictive value for the short-term prognosis of patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure.

[Role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in adhesion and migration of mesenchymal stem cells in ankylosing spondylitis and its mechanisms].

Objective: To investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the adhesion and migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: Bone marrow and ligament tissues were collected during surgery from patients with AS and thoracolumbar fractures (as controls, HC) treated from October 2021 to October 2022 at Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. MSCs were isolated and cultured from the bone marrow using the Ficoll separation method. Cell morphology was observed under high-resolution microscopy, and differences in the cytoskeletal features between AS-and HC-MSCs were analyzed through immunofluorescence staining. The expression of ICAM-1 was quantified in both groups using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and flow cytometry. Transwell migration assays and wound healing experiments were conducted to evaluate the differences in migration rates between the two groups of MSCs. Results: The interspinous ligament and bone marrow was acquired in AS (2 males and 1 female; 33, 37, 32 years old, respectively) and no-AS patients (2 males and 1 female; 35, 32, 38 years old, respectively). AS-MSCs exhibited broader cell morphology compared to HC-MSCs under bright field and fluorescence microscopy. Immunofluorescence staining of the interspinous ligament showed higher expression of ICAM-1 (68.38±3.42 vs 48.31±2.43) and CD105 (37.97±2.16 vs 23.36±2.06) in AS patients (both P<0.001). Western blot and RT-qPCR analysis revealed significantly stronger protein expression and transcription levels of ICAM-1 in AS-MSCs when compared to those in HC-MSCs (both P<0.001). Flow cytometry confirmed greater mean fluorescence intensity of ICAM-1 in AS-MSCs than in that in HC-MSCs (924.30±54.99 vs 636.47±40.03, P=0.002). Regarding cell adhesion efficiency, it showed no significant difference between AS-MSCs and HC-MSCs in the early stage of adhesion (0.5 h: 1 496±213 vs 1 205±163, P=0.133), but they were all significantly higher in AS-MSCs in the later stage (1 h: 2 894±172 vs 1 908±155, P=0.002; 2 h: 4 540±286 vs 3 334±188, P=0.004; 3 h: 5 212±281 vs 4 208±303, P=0.014). Finally, cell migration experiments demonstrated a stronger migration capability of AS-MSCs compared to HC-MSCs (5 449±172 vs 4 016±155, P<0.001), and the inhibition efficiency of A-205804 on the migration rate of AS-MSCs was stronger than that on HC-MSCs (2 145±239 vs 3 539±316, P=0.004). Conclusions: The aberrant expression of ICAM-1 markedly influences the adhesion and migration dynamics of MSCs. Elevated ICAM-1 levels in MSCs derives from patients with AS significantly enhance their migratory capabilities.

[Surgical treatment and prognosis analysis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the surgical treatment effect and prognostic factors of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: This is an ambispective cohort study. From August 2005 to December 2022,data of 510 patients who diagnosed with hilar cholangiocarcinoma and underwent surgical resection at the Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were retrospectively collected. In the cohort,there were 324 males and 186 females,with an age of (M (IQR)) 63(13)years (range:25 to 85 years). The liver function at admission was Child-Pugh A (343 cases,67.3%) and Child-Pugh B (167 cases,32.7%). Three hundred and seventy-two(72.9%) patients had jaundice symptoms and the median total bilirubin was 126.3(197.6) µmol/L(range: 5.4 to 722.8 µmol/L) at admission. Two hundred and fourty-seven cases (48.4%) were treated with percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage or endoscopic nasobiliary drainage before operation. The median bilirubin level in the drainage group decreased from 186.4 µmol/L to 85.5 µmol/L before operation. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to identify the influencing factors for R0 resection,and Cox regression was used to construct multivariate prediction models for overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS). Results: Among 510 patients who underwent surgical resection,Bismuth-Corlett type Ⅲ-Ⅳ patients accounted for 71.8%,among which 86.1% (315/366) underwent hemi-hepatectomy,while 81.9% (118/144) underwent extrahepatic biliary duct resection alone in Bismuch-Corlett type Ⅰ-Ⅱ patients. The median OS time was 22.8 months, and the OS rates at 1-,3-,5-and 10-year were 72.2%,35.6%,24.8% and 11.0%,respectively. The median DFS time was 15.2 months,and the DFS rates was 66.0%,32.4%,20.9% and 11.0%,respectively. The R0 resection rate was 64.5% (329/510), and the OS rates of patients with R0 resection at 1-,3-,5-and 10-year were 82.5%, 48.6%, 34.4%, 15.2%,respectively. The morbidity of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅲ-Ⅴ complications was 26.1%(133/510) and the 30-day mortality was 4.3% (22/510). Multivariate Logistic regression indicated that Bismuth-Corlett type Ⅰ-Ⅲ (P=0.009), hemi-hepatectomy and extended resection (P=0.001),T1 and T2 patients without vascular invasion (T2 vs. T1:OR=1.43 (0.61-3.35),P=0.413;T3 vs. T1:OR=2.57 (1.03-6.41), P=0.010;T4 vs. T1, OR=3.77 (1.37-10.38), P<0.01) were more likely to obtain R0 resection. Preoperative bilirubin,Child-Pugh grade,tumor size,surgical margin,T stage,N stage,nerve infiltration and Edmondson grade were independent prognostic factors for OS and DFS of hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients without distant metastasis. Conclusions: Radical surgical resection is necessary to prolong the long-term survival of hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients. Hemi-hepatectomy and extended resection,regional lymph node dissection and combined vascular resection if necessary,can improve R0 resection rate.

[Clinical application of split liver transplantation: a single center report of 203 cases].

Objective: To investigate the safety and therapeutic effect of split liver transplantation (SLT) in clinical application. Methods: This is a retrospective case-series study. The clinical data of 203 consecutive SLT, 79 living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and 1 298 whole liver transplantation (WLT) performed at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from July 2014 to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Two hundred and three SLT liver grafts were obtained from 109 donors. One hundred and twenty-seven grafts were generated by in vitro splitting and 76 grafts were generated by in vivo splitting. There were 90 adult recipients and 113 pediatric recipients. According to time, SLT patients were divided into two groups: the early SLT group (40 cases, from July 2014 to December 2017) and the mature SLT technology group (163 cases, from January 2018 to July 2023). The survival of each group was analyzed and the main factors affecting the survival rate of SLT were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used for survival analysis. Results: The cumulative survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-year were 74.58%, 71.47%, and 71.47% in the early SLT group, and 88.03%, 87.23%, and 87.23% in the mature SLT group, respectively. Survival rates in the mature SLT group were significantly higher than those in the early SLT group (χ2=5.560,P=0.018). The cumulative survival rates at 1-, 3- and 5-year were 93.41%, 93.41%, 89.95% in the LDLT group and 87.38%, 81.98%, 77.04% in the WLT group, respectively. There was no significant difference among the mature SLT group, the LDLT group and the WLT group (χ2=4.016, P=0.134). Abdominal hemorrhage, infection, primary liver graft nonfunction,and portal vein thrombosis were the main causes of early postoperative death. Conclusion: SLT can achieve results comparable to those of WLT and LDLT in mature technology liver transplant centers, but it needs to go through a certain time learning curve.

Quantifying the massive pleiotropy of microRNA: a human microRNA-disease causal association database generated with ChatGPT.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as key regulatory factors in numerous human diseases, with the same miRNA often involved in several diseases simultaneously or being identified as a biomarker for dozens of separate diseases. While of evident biological importance, miRNA pleiotropy remains poorly understood, and quantifying this could greatly aid in understanding the broader role miRNAs play in health and disease. To this end, we introduce miRAIDD (miRNA Artificial Intelligence Disease Database), a comprehensive database of human miRNA-disease causal associations constructed using large language models (LLM). Through this endeavor, we provide two entirely novel contributions: 1) we systematically quantify miRNA pleiotropy, a property of evident translational importance; and 2) describe biological and bioinformatic characteristics of miRNAs which lead to increased pleiotropy. Further, we provide our code, database, and experience using AI LLMs to the broader research community.

[The value of CT radiomics in predicting treatment outcomes in patients with nasal polyps].

Objective: To evaluate the predictive efficacy of sinus CT radiomics for treatment outcomes in nasal polyp patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, including 194 patients with nasal polyps treated between January 2015 and December 2019. The cohort comprised 132 males and 62 females, aged 16 to 75 years. Patients were divided into a training set (n=135) and an internal validation set (n=59). An external validation set (n=34), consisting of 22 males and 12 females aged 16 to 59 years, was included from January 2020 to December 2021. Disease control was evaluated using the criteria from the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 (EPOS 2020). Radiomic features were extracted from sinus CT images and analyzed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Models combining radiomic and clinical features were developed to predict treatment efficacy. Results: The radiomics and combined models, based on four selected features, outperformed the clinical feature model in the training set, with AUC values of 0.901 and 0.915, versus 0.874, respectively. In the internal validation set, AUCs were 0.839, 0.832, and 0.716. Despite reduced AUCs in the external set, the radiomics model maintained good generalizability (0.748, 0.764, 0.620). Decision curve analysis showed significant clinical benefits in both radiomics and combined models. Conclusion: The CT-based radiomics model demonstrates significant predictive power in identifying refractory nasal polyps, suggesting its potential for clinical application in treatment outcome prediction.

[Metformin ameliorates PM2.5-induced functional impairment of placental trophoblasts by inhibiting ferroptosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of metformin against PM2.5-induced functional impairment of placental trophoblasts and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Sixteen pregnant Kunming mice were randomly assigned into two groups (n=8) for intratracheal instillation of PBS or PM2.5 suspension at 1.5, 7.5, and 12.5 days of gestation. The pregnancy outcome of the mice was observed, and placental zonal structure and vascular density of the labyrinth area were examined with HE staining, followed by detection of ferroptosis-related indexes in the placenta. In cultured human trophoblasts (HTR8/SVneo cells), the effects of PM2.5 exposure and treatment with metformin on cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation ability were evaluated using CCK8 assay, EDU staining, wound healing assay, Transwell experiment, and tube formation experiment; the cellular expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins were analyzed using ELISA and Western blotting. RESULTS: M2.5 exposure of the mice during pregnancy resulted in significantly decreased weight and number of the fetuses and increased fetal mortality with a reduced placental weight (all P<0.001). PM2.5 exposure also caused obvious impairment of the placental structure and trophoblast ferroptosis. In cultured HTR8/SVneo cells, PM2.5 significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of the cells by causing ferroptosis. Metformin treatment obviously attenuated PM2.5-induced inhibition of proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of the cells, and effectively reversed PM2.5-induced ferroptosis in the trophoblasts as shown by significantly increased intracellular GSH level and SOD activity, reduced MDA and Fe2+ levels, and upregulated GPX4 and SLC7A11 protein expression (P<0.05 or 0.01). CONCLUSION: PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy causes adverse pregnancy outcomes and ferroptosis and functional impairment of placental trophoblasts in mice, and metformin can effectively alleviate PM2.5-induced trophoblast impairment.

Periodontitis and the risk of oral, gastric and esophageal cancers: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a common oral disease and the chronic inflammation caused by it may influence the development of cancers in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Many observational studies have established a relationship between the two, but the results are not entirely consistent. METHODS: Two-sample MR was performed using publicly available genome-wide association studies data for periodontitis, oral, gastric and oesophagal cancers. The Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW) method serves as the primary method, with MR Egger, Weighted Median, Simple Model and Weighted Model Algorithm methods as complementary methods to assess genetic causal associations. Cochran Q-test, MR-Egger regression and MR polytropic residuals and outliers were used to assess heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. RESULTS: IVW results did not support a causal association between periodontitis and oral (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.00) and oesophagal cancer (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.00). Similarly, there was again no causal association between periodontitis and gastric cancer, which was integrated with an OR of 1.04 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.12). Complementary method results were consistent with IVW and heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy were not found in most studies. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our MR study do not support a causal relationship between periodontitis and oral, gastric and oesophagal cancers.

An improved diet-based nutritional interventions can improve childhood obesity with the synergistic regulation of gut microbiota.

Childhood obesity is a crucial public health concern worldwide. Dietary intervention is the most common intervention for the treatment of obesity. Therefore, we tested an improved diet-based nutritional interventions to improve the childhood obesity and its gut microbiota. Thirty obese children received a 12-week intervention with the adjust-energy-restricted dietary pattern (A-CRD). Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance (Inbody S10) and faecal microbes were profiled by sequencing 16S rRNA. Compared to the NTB group (at 0 week), the NTA group (at 12 weeks) had a significantly greater decrease in body weight, body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (PBF) ( P < 0.001, respectively), whereas skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and fat free mass (FFM) were not statistically significantly different ( P > 0.05). The gut microbiota was found significantly different between the NTB and NTA groups based on alpha and beta diversity. Bifidobacterium, Blautia, and Streptococcus was significantly increased, whereas Bacteroides and Megamonas was significantly decreased in the NTA group ( P < 0.05, respectively). Meanwhile, NTA group significantly increased the ability to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; e.g. acetic acid/total dietary energy) and changed he predictive metabolic functional features of the microbiota communities ( P < 0.05, respectively) than the NTB group. In conclusion, A-CRD can significantly improve childhood obesity, and the underlying mechanism may be its effect on gut microbiota and metabolism. Therefore, the diet-based nutrition intervention targeting gut microbiota will be more effective management of body weight and prevention of obesity. Chinese Clinical Trial Register: ChiCTR2300074571.

Punicalagin attenuates isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/silent information regulator transcript-1-mediated inhibition of inflammation and cardiac stress markers in experimental animal models.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a significant global health issue and the leading cause of death. Myocardial infarction (MI) is characterized by events such as damage to heart cells and stress generated by inflammation. Punicalagin (PCN), a naturally occurring bioactive compound found in pomegranates, exhibits a diverse array of pharmacological effects against many disorders. This study aimed to assess the preventive impact of PCN, with its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, on myocardial injury caused by isoproterenol (ISO) in rats and elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms. Experimental rats were randomly categorized into four groups: control group (fed a regular diet for 15 days), PCN group (orally administered PCN at 50 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) for 15 days), ISO group (subcutaneously administered ISO (85 mg/kg b.w.) on days 14 and 15 to induce MI), and PCN+ISO group (orally preadministered PCN (50 mg/kg b.w.) for 15 days and administered ISO (85 mg/kg b.w.) on days 14 and 15). The rat cardiac tissue was then investigated for cardiac marker, oxidative stress marker, and inflammatory marker expression levels. PCN prevented ISO-induced myocardial injury, suppressing the levels of creatine kinase-myocardial band, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, cardiac troponin T, and cardiac troponin I in the rats. Moreover, PCN treatment reversed (P<0.01) the ISO-induced increase in blood pressure, attenuated lipid peroxidation markers, and depleted both enzymatic and nonenzymatic markers in the rats. Additionally, PCN inhibited (P<0.01) ISO-induced overexpression of oxidative stress markers (p-38, p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1), inflammatory markers (nuclear factor-kappa B, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6), and matrix metalloproteinases and decreased the levels (P<0.01) of apoptosis proteins in the rats. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/silent information regulator transcript-1 (Nrf2/Sirt1) is a major cellular defense protein that regulates and scavenges oxidative toxic substances through apoptosis. Therefore, overexpression of Nrf2/Sirt1 to inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress is considered a novel target for preventing MI. PCN also significantly enhanced the expression of Nrf2/Sirt1 in ISO-induced rats. Histopathological analyses of cardiac tissue revealed that PCN treatment exhibited a protective effect on the heart tissue, mitigating damage. These findings show that by activating the Nrf2/Sirt1 pathway, PCN regulates oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, hence providing protection against ISO-induced myocardial ischemia.

Semi-classical origin of the extreme magnetoresistance in PtSn4.

The so-called "extreme magnetoresistance" (XMR) found in few conductors poses interesting conceptual challenges which address needs in technology. In contrast to the more common XMR in semi-metals, PtSn4 stands out as a rare example of a high carrier density multi-band metal exhibiting XMR, sparking an active debate about its microscopic origin. Here we report a sharp sensitivity of its XMR upon the field angle, with an almost complete collapse only for one specific current and field direction (B//b, I//a). Corroborated by band-structure calculations, we identify a singular open orbit on one of its Fermi surface sheets as the origin of this collapse. This remarkably switchable XMR resolves the puzzle in PtSn4 as a semi-classical effect of an ultra-pure, compensated carrier metal. It further showcases the importance of Ockham's razor in uncommon magnetotransport phenomena and demonstrates the remarkable physical properties conventional metals can exhibit given they are superbly clean.

Genome-wide association analysis of eggshell color of an F2 generation population reveals candidate genes in chickens.

Eggshell color is an important visual characteristic that affects consumer preferences for eggs. Eggshell color, which has moderate to high heritability, can be effectively enhanced through molecular marker selection. Various studies have been conducted on eggshell color at specific time points. However, few longitudinal data are available on eggshell color. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate eggshell color using the Commission International de L'Eclairage L*a*b* system with multiple measurements at different ages (age at the first egg and at 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 66, and 72 weeks) within the same individuals from an F2 resource population produced by crossing White Leghorn and Dongxiang Blue chicken. Using an Affymetrix 600 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, we estimated the genetic parameters of the eggshell color trait, performed genome-wide association studies (GWASs), and screened for the potential candidate genes. The results showed that pink-shelled eggs displayed a significant negative correlation between L* values and both a* and b* values. Genetic heritability based on SNPs showed that the heritability of L*, a*, and b* values ranged from 0.32 to 0.82 for pink-shelled eggs, indicating a moderate to high level of genetic control. The genetic correlations at each time point were mostly above 0.5. The major-effect regions affecting the pink eggshell color were identified in the 10.3-13.0 Mb interval on Gallus gallus chromosome 20, and candidate genes were selected, including SLC35C2, PCIF1, and SLC12A5. Minor effect polygenic regions were identified on chromosomes 1, 6, 9, 12, and 15, revealing 11 candidate genes, including MTMR3 and SLC35E4. Members of the solute carrier family play an important role in influencing eggshell color. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights into the phenotypic and genetic aspects underlying the variation in eggshell color. Using GWAS analysis, we identified multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for pink eggshell color, including a major QTL on chromosome 20. Genetic variants associated with eggshell color may be used in genomic breeding programs.

[The efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy neoadjuvant in locally advanced resectable hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma].

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of immunoneoadjuvant therapy with pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy in locally advanced resectable hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients. Methods: This study was a prospective, single arm, single center clinical study that was opened for enrollment in April 2021. Patients who met the inclusion criteria at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were treated with neoadjuvant therapy of pembrolizumab combined with cisplatin and paclitaxel, and after treatments, received surgery and postoperative adjuvant therapy. The main endpoint of this study was postoperative pathological complete response (pCR), and other observations included adverse reactions and long-term prognoses of patients after neoadjuvant therapy. Results: By September 2023, a total of 23 patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy and surgery were enrolled in the study and all patients were males aged 49-74 years. All patients were locally advanced stage, including 3 patients in stage Ⅲ and 20 patients in stage Ⅳ. There were 12 cases of primary lesions with posterior ring involvement accompanied by fixation of one vocal cord and 20 cases of regional lymph node metastases classified as N2. Eighteen cases received a two cycle regimen and 5 cases received a three cycle regimen for neoadjuvant therapy. The postoperative pCR rate was 26.1% (6/23), with no surgical delay caused by adverse drug reactions. The laryngeal preservation rate was 87.0% (20/23). Pharyngeal fistula was the main surgical complication, with an incidence of 21.7% (5/23). The median follow-up time was 15 months, and 3 patients experienced local recurrence. Conclusions: The immunoneoadjuvant therapy of pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy has a high pCR rate in locally advanced resectable hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, with increased laryngeal preservation rate and no significant impact on surgical safety.