Artificial intelligence-assisted system for the assessment of Forrest classification of peptic ulcer bleeding: a multicenter diagnostic study.

BACKGROUND: Inaccurate Forrest classification may significantly affect clinical outcomes, especially in high risk patients. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a real-time deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) system to assess the Forrest classification of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB). METHODS: A training dataset (3868 endoscopic images) and an internal validation dataset (834 images) were retrospectively collected from the 900th Hospital, Fuzhou, China. In addition, 521 images collected from four other hospitals were used for external validation. Finally, 46 endoscopic videos were prospectively collected to assess the real-time diagnostic performance of the DCNN system, whose diagnostic performance was also prospectively compared with that of three senior and three junior endoscopists. RESULTS: The DCNN system had a satisfactory diagnostic performance in the assessment of Forrest classification, with an accuracy of 91.2% (95%CI 89.5%-92.6%) and a macro-average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 in the validation dataset. Moreover, the DCNN system could judge suspicious regions automatically using Forrest classification in real-time videos, with an accuracy of 92.0% (95%CI 80.8%-97.8%). The DCNN system showed more accurate and stable diagnostic performance than endoscopists in the prospective clinical comparison test. This system helped to slightly improve the diagnostic performance of senior endoscopists and considerably enhance that of junior endoscopists. CONCLUSION: The DCNN system for the assessment of the Forrest classification of PUB showed satisfactory diagnostic performance, which was slightly superior to that of senior endoscopists. It could therefore effectively assist junior endoscopists in making such diagnoses during gastroscopy.

Novel beagle model of gastric local fibrotic target lesions for the evaluation and training of endoscopic techniques.

BACKGROUND: Novel endoscopic techniques used in the treatment of gastric lesions with local submucosal fibrosis need preclinical evaluation and training due to safety limitations. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to establish an animal model of gastric local fibrotic target lesions and assess its feasibility in the evaluation and training of endoscopic techniques. METHODS: In six experimental beagles, a 50% glucose solution was injected into three submucosal areas of the fundus, body, and antrum of the stomach to create gastric local fibrotic target lesions (experimental group). On post-injection day (PID) 7, the injection sites were assessed endoscopically to confirm the presence of submucosal fibrosis formation, and the dental floss clip traction assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection (DFC-ESD) procedure was performed on the gastric local fibrotic target lesions to confirm its feasibility after endoscopic observation. The normal gastric mucosa of six control beagles underwent the same procedure (control group). All the resected specimens were evaluated by histological examination. RESULTS: All 12 beagles survived without postoperative adverse events. On PID 7, 16 ulcer changes were observed at the injection sites (16/18) under the endoscope, and endoscopic ultrasonography confirmed the local submucosal fibrosis formation in all ulcer lesions. The subsequent DFC-ESD was successfully performed on the 32 gastric target lesions, and the mean submucosal dissection time in the ulcer lesions was greater than that in the normal gastric mucosa (15.3 ± 5.6 vs. 6.8 ± 0.8 min; P < 0.001). There was no difference in rates of en bloc resection, severe hemorrhage, or perforation between the two groups. Histological analysis of the ulcer lesions showed the absence of epithelial or muscularis mucosae and extensive submucosal fibrous tissue proliferations compared with normal gastric mucosa. Overall, endoscopists had high satisfaction with the realism and feasibility of the animal model. CONCLUSION: We developed a novel animal model of gastric local fibrotic target lesions to simulate difficult clinical situations, which strongly appeared to be suitable for the preclinical evaluation and learning of advanced endoscopic techniques.

Ascription of nosZ gene, pH and copper for mitigating N2O emissions in acidic soils.

Soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are alarming for global warming and climate change. N2O reduction is carried out only by nosZ gene encoded N2O-reductase, which is highly sensitive to acidic pH and copper (Cu) contents. Therefore, a microcosm study was conducted to examine the attribution of soil pH management, Cu supply and nosZ gene abundance for N2O emission mitigation. Cu was applied at the dose of 0, 10, 25 and 50 mg kg-1 to three acidic soils (Soil 1, 2 and 3) without and with dolomite (0 and 5 g kg-1). Cu application and soil pH increment substantially enlarged the abundance of nosZ gene, and consequently mitigated soil N2O emissions; highest reduction with 25 Cu mg kg-1. Decline in NH4+ and subsequently accumulation of NO3-, and large contents of MBC and DOC in dolomite treated soils led to a substantial N2O reduction. The cumulative N2O emissions were lowest in the treatment of 25 Cu mg kg-1 with dolomite application for each soil. Results suggest that soil pH increment, an adequate Cu supply, and nosZ gene abundance can potentially lower soil N2O emissions in acidic soils.

Hypolipidemic Activity and Mechanism of Action of Sargassum fusiforme Polysaccharides.

Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharide (SFP) is a kind of biologically active macromolecule with biological functions. In this study, oxidative stress and high-fat HepG2 cell models were established to investigate its lipid-lowering activity and mechanism of action. It was found that SFP and its two isolated fractions had antioxidant effects on the cells. It was also found the polysaccharides decreased the content of total cholesterol and total triglyceride in the high-fat cells. RT-qPCR assays revealed that the three polysaccharides down-regulated the mRNA expression level of ACC, PPARγ, and SREBP-2. It could be concluded that the hypolipidemic effect of SFPs is achieved via multiple pathways, including the regulation on the expression level of lipid metabolism-related key enzymes and factors, and binding with bile acids. The hypolipidemic effect of SFPs could be partially due to their antioxidant activity. SFPs developed in the present work have potential as ingredients of functional foods with hypolipidemic effect.

Two new sesquiterpenoids from plant endophytic fungus Flammulina velutipes.

Two new sesquiterpenoids, flammupin A (1) and flammupin B (2), along with two known compounds, enokipodin C (3) and 5,5'-dibuthoxy-2,2'-bifuran (4) were obtained from Flammulina velutipes, an endophytic fungus isolated from the roots of Caulophyllum robustum Maxim. The structures were elucidated by the combination of HR-ESI-MS, NMR, and ECD analyses. Compound 3 exhibited moderate to potent cytotoxicity against A549, HeLa, and SMMC-7721 cells with IC50 values ranged from 3.69 to 11.84 µM.

SubPhaser: a robust allopolyploid subgenome phasing method based on subgenome-specific k-mers.

With advanced sequencing technology, dozens of complex polyploid plant genomes have been characterized. However, for many polyploid species, their diploid ancestors are unknown or extinct, making it impossible to unravel the subgenomes and genome evolution directly. We developed a novel subgenome-phasing algorithm, SubPhaser, specifically designed for a neoallopolyploid or a homoploid hybrid. SubPhaser first searches for the subgenome-specific sequence (k-mer), then assigns homoeologous chromosomes into subgenomes, and further provides tools to annotate and investigate specific sequences. SubPhaser works well on neoallopolyploids and homoploid hybrids containing subgenome-specific sequences like wheat, but fails on autopolyploids lacking subgenome-specific sequences like alfalfa, indicating that SubPhaser can phase neoallopolyploid/homoploid hybrids with high accuracy, sensitivity and performance. This highly accurate, highly sensitive, ancestral data free chromosome phasing algorithm, SubPhaser, offers significant application value for subgenome phasing in neoallopolyploids and homoploid hybrids, and for the subsequent exploration of genome evolution and related genetic/epigenetic mechanisms.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptide: an emerging candidate for vascular dysfunction therapy.

Abnormal vasoconstriction, inflammation, and vascular remodeling can be promoted by angiotensin II (Ang II) in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), leading to vascular dysfunction diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Researchers have recently focused on angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides (ACEIPs), that have desirable efficacy in vascular dysfunction therapy due to Ang II reduction by inhibiting ACE activity. Promising methods for the large-scale preparation of ACEIPs include selective enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial fermentation. Thus far, ACEIPs have been widely reported to be hydrolyzed from protein-rich sources, including animals, plants, and marine organisms, while many emerging microorganism-derived ACEIPs are theoretically biosynthesized through the nonribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS) pathway. Notably, vasodilatation, anti-inflammation, and vascular reconstruction reversal of ACEIPs are strongly correlated. However, the related molecular mechanisms underlying signal transduction regulation in vivo remain unclear. We provide a comprehensive update of the ACE-Ang II-G protein-coupled type 1 angiotensin receptor (AT1R) axis signaling and its functional significance for potential translation into therapeutic strategies, particularly targeting AT1R by ACEIPs, as well as specific related signaling pathways. Future studies are expected to verify the biosynthetic regulatory mechanism of ACEIPs via the NRPS pathway, the effect of gut microbiota metabolism on vascular dysfunction and rigorous studies of ACE-Ang II-AT1R signaling pathways mediated by ACEIPs in large animals and humans.

Caulophyine A, a Rare Azapyrene Alkaloid from the Roots of Caulophyllum robustum.

A novel alkaloid caulophyine A (1) was isolated from the roots of Caulophyllum robustum Maxim., along with six known alkaloids 2-7. The structure of 1 was elucidated by extensive NMR and high resolution-time-of-flight (HR-TOF)-MS analyses, it is a rare nitrogen containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. The in vitro bioassays revealed that 2 presented remarkable cytotoxicity against A549 with an IC50 value of 3.83 µM in comparison with the positive control etoposide (IC50 = 11.63 µM). Compounds 1 and 2 also displayed weak Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 123.03 and 80.74 µM respectively.

Acrocalyenes A and B, Two New Diterpenoids from Sinomenium acutum Associated Fungus Acrocalymma sp.

We identified two new diterpenoidal acrocalyenes A (1) and B (2) through chemical investigation on Acrocalymma sp., a plant-associated fungus from the tender stem isolates of Sinomenium acutum collected from the Qinling Mountains, along with seven already-recognized compounds (3-9). The HR-ESI-TOF-MS and 1D/2D NMR data were utilized for structural elucidation of these compounds, and the single-crystal X-ray diffraction was employed for absolute configuration clarification of the novel acrocalyenes 1 and 2. Bioassays revealed that the cytotoxicities of compounds 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 against three human carcinoma cells (RKO, HeLa and HCC-1806) were moderate to strong, with IC50 between 6.70-38.82 µM. These isolates were also evaluated for their fungal resistant potentials against Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium solani, in which 3 displayed significant inhibitory effects on all three phytopathogenic fungi, showing respective MIC of 50, 25 and 25 µM.

Cytotoxic lanostane triterpenoids from the ethanol extract of Schisandra viridis.

Three new lanostane triterpenoids, designated as 6-hydroxyl schiglausin A (1), 29-hydroxyl schiglausin D (2), and 6-hydroxyl schiglausin G (3), were isolated from the ethanol extract of the stems of Schisandra viridis. Structural elucidation of all the compounds were performed by spectral methods such as 1D and 2D (1H-1H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) NMR spectroscopy, in addition to high resolution mass spectrometry. The isolated compounds were tested in vitro for cytotoxic activities. As a result, compound 1 exhibited cytotoxic activities for all six tested human lung cancer cell lines with IC50 values less than 10 µM.

Tumor Tropic Delivery of Hyaluronic Acid-Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) Polymeric Micelles Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Glioma Therapy.

Tumor penetration and the accumulation of nanomedicines are crucial challenges in solid tumor therapy. By taking advantage of the MSC tumor-tropic property, we developed a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based drug delivery system in which paclitaxel (PTX)-encapsulating hyaluronic acid-poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) polymeric micelles (PTX/HA-PLGA micelles) were loaded for glioma therapy. The results indicated that CD44 overexpressed on the surface of both MSCs and tumor cells not only improved PTX/HA-PLGA micelle loading in MSCs, but also promoted the drug transfer between MSCs and adjacent cancer cells. It was hypothesized that CD44-mediated transcytosis played a crucial role and allowed deep glioma penetration depending on sequential intra-intercellular delivery via endocytosis-exocytosis. MSC-micelles were able to infiltrate from normal brain parenchyma towards contralateral tumors and led to the eradication of glioma. The survival of orthotopic glioma-bearing rats was significantly extended. In conclusion, the MSC-based delivery of HA-PLGA micelles is a potential strategy for tumor-targeting drug delivery.

[Meta-analysis and GRADE evaluation of Shuxuetong Injection in treatment of stroke in progressive].

This study aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shuxuetong Injection in the treatment of stroke in progressive. Randomized controlled trials of Shuxuetong Injection in the treatment of stroke in progressive were searched from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CMB, PubMed and EMbase. After strict literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation, a total of 22 articles were included for analysis by RevMan 5.3. The Meta-analysis showed that Shuxuetong Injection combined with conventional treatment was superior to the conventional treatment alone in the major outcome indicators including effective rate(RR=1.27, 95%CI[1.20, 1.33], Z=9.18, P<0.000 01), deterioration rate(RR=0.38, 95%CI[0.22, 0.68], Z=3.31, P=0.000 9), NIHSS scores(MD=-3.89, 95%CI[-4.34,-3.43], Z=16.83, P<0.000 01), CSS scores(MD=-5.59, 95%CI[-6.42,-4.76], Z=13.20, P<0.000 01) and activity of daily living scores(MD=12.02, 95%CI[10.31, 13.72], Z=13.83, P<0.000 01), mortality during treatment was not increased(RR=0.40, 95%CI[0.13, 1.26], Z=1.56, P=0.12). Moreover, Shuxuetong Injection combined with conventional treatment further reduced the secondary outcome indicators including fibrinogen(MD=-0.35, 95%CI[-0.58,-0.13], Z=3.09, P=0.002), triglyceride(MD=-0.38, 95%CI[-0.67,-0.10], Z=2.65, P=0.008), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(MD=-0.72, 95%CI[-0.83,-0.61], Z=12.64, P<0.000 01), serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein(MD=-4.41, 95%CI[-6.96,-1.86], Z=3.38, P=0.000 7), and interleukin-6(MD=-5.43, 95%CI[-6.91,-3.96], Z=7.22, P<0.000 01). GRADE evaluation results showed that the major outcome indicators had low quality of evidence. Shuxuetong Injection in the treatment of stroke in progressive can improve the clinical effective rate, reduce the deterioration rate, improve the neurological function and activity of daily living, down-regulate the levels of fibrinogen, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and alleviate the inflammatory response. Although most studies have reported no adverse reactions, there are selective reports. The safety of Shuxuetong Injection needs to be further verified by more high-quality randomized controlled trial.

Dolabellane and Clerodane Diterpenoids from the Twigs and Leaves of Casearia kurzii.

A pair of enantiomeric 15-nordolabellane diterpenoids, (-)- and (+)-caseadolabellols A (1a and 1b), three dolabellane diterpenoids, caseadolabellols B-D (2-4), two dolastane diterpenoids, caseadolastols A and B (5 and 6), 10 clerodane diterpenoids, caseakurzins A-J (7-16), and nine known diterpenoids (17-25) were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Casearia kurzii. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data, and those of compounds 1a, 1b, and 2 were verified by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. The enantiomers 1a and 1b were separated by chiral-phase HPLC. The absolute configurations were determined by experimental and calculated ECD data, the modified Mosher's method, or literature comparison. Compounds 1a and 5 showed significant quinone reductase-inducing activity in Hepa 1c1c7 cells, while 1b showed moderate activity. Molecular docking studies showed that 1a had greater binding affinity with Nrf2 protein (5FNQ) than 1b. The cytotoxic activity of compounds 1a, 1b, 2-12, 15, and 16 was evaluated, among which compounds 8 and 16 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against the A549 cell line. Compounds 8 and 16 induced the A549 cells to arrest at G2/M and S phases, respectively, and both compounds induced apoptosis in A549 cells.

Identifying risk factors for chronic kidney disease stage 3 in adults with acquired solitary kidney from unilateral nephrectomy: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to examine the risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3 among adults with ASK from unilateral nephrectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from adult patients with ASK between January, 2009 and January, 2019, identified from a tertiary hospital in China. The clinical data were compared between patients who developed CKD stage 3 and those who did not develop CKD stage 3 during follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 172 patients with ASK (110 men; median 58.0 years) were enrolled, with a median follow-up duration of 5.0 years. During follow-up, 91 (52.9%) and 24 (14.0%) patients developed CKD stage 3 and end-stage renal disease, respectively. Multiple regression analyses showed that age (odds ratio [OR] 1.076, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.039-1.115, p < 0.001), diabetes (OR 4.401, 95% CI 1.693-11.44, p = 0.002), hyperuricemia (OR 2.733, 95% CI 1.104-6.764, p = 0.03), a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR 5.583, 95% CI 1.884-18.068, p = 0.002), and ASK due to renal tuberculosis (OR 8.816, 95% CI 2.92-26.62, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for developing CKD stage 3 among patients with ASK. CONCLUSIONS: Regular follow-up of renal function is needed among adult patients with ASK. Optimal management of diabetes, hyperuricemia, and CVD may reduce their risk of CKD stage 3, especially among those that undergo unilateral nephrectomy for renal tuberculosis.

Dynamic evaluation of lung involvement during coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) with quantitative lung CT.

PURPOSE: To identify and quantify lung changes associated with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) with quantitative lung CT during the disease. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed COVID-19 patients who underwent multiple chest CT scans during their disease course. Quantitative lung CT was used to determine the nature and volume of lung involvement. A semi-quantitative scoring system was also used to evaluate lung lesions. RESULTS: This study included eighteen cases (4 cases in mild type, 10 cases in moderate type, 4 cases in severe type, and without critical type cases) with confirmed COVID-19. Patients had a mean hospitalized period of 24.1 ± 7.1 days (range: 14-38 days) and underwent an average CT scans of 3.9 ± 1.6 (range: 2-8). The total volumes of lung abnormalities reached a peak of 8.8 ± 4.1 days (range: 2-14 days). The ground-glass opacity (GGO) volume percentage was higher than the consolidative opacity (CO) volume percentage on the first CT examination (Z = 2.229, P = 0.026), and there was no significant difference between the GGO volume percentage and that of CO at the peak stage (Z = - 0.628, P = 0.53). The volume percentage of lung involvement identified by AI demonstrated a strong correlation with the total CT scores at each stage (r = 0.873, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative lung CT can automatically identify the nature of lung involvement and quantify the dynamic changes of lung lesions on CT during COVID-19. For patients who recovered from COVID-19, GGO was the predominant imaging feature on the initial CT scan, while GGO and CO were the main appearances at peak stage.

Body Surface Area-Based Dosing Regimen of Caspofungin in Children: a Population Pharmacokinetics Confirmatory Study.

We evaluated the population pharmacokinetics of caspofungin in children (2 to 12 years of age). The real-world data from 48 children were best fit by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination. Subsequent covariate analysis demonstrated that body surface area had a significant correlation with caspofungin pharmacokinetics, compared to body weight. The population pharmacokinetics of caspofungin confirmed that adjustment of caspofungin dosage based on body surface area is most appropriate for pediatric use.

Cytotoxic Pregnane Steroidal Glycosides from Chonemorpha megacalyx.

Three new C21 pregnane steroids, chonemorphols A-C (1, 3, and 4), 11 new C21 steroidal glycosides, chonemorphosides A-K (2 and 5-14), and 11 known compounds (15-25) were obtained from the vines and leaves of Chonemorpha megacalyx Pierre. Their structures were established using extensive spectroscopic data. The X-ray crystallographic data of 1 and 3 permitted definition of their absolute configurations. Notably, 1 and 2 possessed an uncommon 6/5/6/5/5-fused steroidal ring system. Compound 7 displayed significant cytotoxicity against several cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 2.0-3.6 µM.

Population pharmacokinetic study of delayed methotrexate excretion in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the population pharmacokinetics of delayed methotrexate (MTX) excretion in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,659 plasma concentration samples of MTX from 190 patients with 1 - 4 courses (plasma concentrations > 0.1 µmol/L) were collected in this study. The data analysis was performed using Phoenix NLME 1.3 software. The covariates included age, body surface area (BSA), body weight, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), and serum creatinine (SCr). The final model was validated by bootstrap resampling procedures (1,000 runs) and visual predictive check (VPC) method. RESULTS: The data were best described by a two-compartment linear pharmacokinetic model. The mean values of clearance (CL) and distribution volume (Vd) of MTX were 6.53 L/h and 67.88 L, respectively. Analysis of covariates showed that BSA influenced the CL of MTX. CONCLUSION: The final model was demonstrated as appropriate and effective for assessing the pharmacokinetic parameters of delayed MTX excretion in children with ALL.

[Comparison of the Diagnostic Values of Dynamic Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging,Digital Breast Tomosynthesis,and Digital Mammography for Early Breast Cancer].

Objective To compare the values of dynamic enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DCE-MRI),digital breast tomosynthesis(DBT),and digital mammography(DM)in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and imaging data of 65 cases with early breast cancer confirmed by surgical pathology from June 2017 to December 2018.All patients underwent breast DCE-MRI,DM and DBT before surgery.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were drawn,with the pathological results as the gold standard,to evaluate the diagnostic performance of different examination methods.The areas under ROC curves(AUCs)were compared using Z test.The differences among DCE-MRI,DBT and DM in detecting early breast cancer were compared using chi-square test in terms of positive rates,accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of these imaging methods in detecting the size of early breast cancer.Results The AUCs of DCE-MRI,DBT,and DM based on the BI-RADS classification for early diagnosis of breast cancer were 0.910,0.832,and 0.700,respectively(z=2.132,P=0.001);the sensitivity of DCE-MRI,DBT,and DM for early breast cancer was 92.3%,70.8%,and 52.5%,the specificity was 65.0%,85.0%,and 79.3%,and the accuracy was 83.1%,70.8%,and 50.8%,indicating that DCE-MRI(χ 2=15.330,P=0.0001) and DBT(χ 2=5.450,P=0.020) had significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than DM.The measurement results of DM,DBT,and DCE-MRI were positively correlated with the pathological measurements(r=0.781,r=0.847,r=0.946;all P<0.01). Conclusions DCE-MRI and DBT have higher positive rates and accuracies than DM in detecting early breast cancer.Medical institutions where DCE-MRI is still not available can use DBT to improve the early detection of breast cancer.

Sinopestalotiollides A-D, cytotoxic diphenyl ether derivatives from plant endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis palmarum.

Four new diphenyl ether derivatives, sinopestalotiollides A-D (1-4), one new natural α-pyrone product (11), as well as twelve known compounds (5-1 7), were obtained from the ethyl acetate extract of the endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis palmarum isolated from the leaves of medicinal plant Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd et Wils. The structures were elucidated by HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectrometry data. Bioassay experiments revealed that compounds 1-4 and 11 exhibited strong to weak cytotoxicities against three human tumor cell lines Hela, HCT116 and A549.