Diabetes and long duration leading to speech-, low/mid-, and high- frequency hearing loss: current evidence from the China National Health Survey 2023.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of diabetes, duration of diabetes, and blood glucose on speech-, low/mid-, and high-frequency hearing loss. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 2821 participants aged 20-87 years in the China National Health Survey were included. Diabetes was defined as valid fasting blood glucose (FBG) of ≥ 7.0 mmol/L, a self-reported history of diabetes or the use of anti-diabetic medications. Speech-(500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz), low/mid- (500, 1000 and 2000 Hz), and high-frequency (4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz) hearing loss was defined as pure tone average of responding frequencies > 20 dB HL in the better ear, respectively. RESULTS: In fully adjusted models, for speech-, low/mid-, and high-frequency hearing loss, compared with no diabetes, those with diabetes (OR[95%CI]: 1.44 [1.12, 1.86], 1.23 [0.94, 1.61], and 1.75 [1.28, 2.41], respectively) and with diabetes for > 5 years duration (OR[95%CI]: 1.63 [1.09, 2.42], and 1.63 [1.12, 2.36], 2.15 [1.25, 3.70], respectively) were at higher risk. High FBG level was associated with a higher risk of speech-, low/ mid-, and high-frequency hearing loss. And there were stronger associations between HL and diabetes, longer duration and higher in "healthier population" (no hypertension, no dyslipidemia and younger age). CONCLUSION: Diabetes, longer duration, and higher FBG level were independently associated with hearing loss for speech-, low/mid- and high-frequency hearing loss, particularly in higher frequency and "healthier population". Paying more attention to hearing loss in those populations could lower the burden of hearing loss.

[Epidemiological investigation and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy in Yunnan Province].

To investigate the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Yunnan Province, explore its risk factors, and provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). This is a large cross-sectional study, in all, 1 524 DM patients in 16 communities and villages of Yunnan Province who were registered in health service centers were included in this study from August to November 2019. All patients completed a uniform questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, biochemical measurements, and auxiliary examinations. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors of DR. The prevalence rates of DR, mild non-proliferative DR (mild-NPDR), and referable DR (RDR) were 16.0% (244/1 524), 4.5% (69/1 524), and 11.5% (175/1 524), respectively. Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)≥7.0% was the risk factor of mild-NPDR (OR=1.872, 95%CI 1.055-3.323) and RDR (OR=4.821, 95%CI 2.917-7.969). Blood pressure≥130/80 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) was the risk factor of mild-NPDR (OR=1.933, 95%CI 1.112-3.358) and RDR (OR=1.505, 95%CI 1.063-2.130). In Yunnan Province, 16.0% DM patients had accompanying DR, wherein about 71.7% of them required an ophthalmology referral, and the high incidence of RDR in DM patients was associated with poor control of blood glucose and blood pressure.

The role of mitochondrial fission in intervertebral disc degeneration.

Low back pain (LBP) is an extremely common disorder and is a major cause of disability globally. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the main contributor to LBP. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of IVDD remain unclear. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that continuously undergo fusion and fission, known as mitochondrial dynamics. Accumulating evidence has revealed that aberrantly activated mitochondrial fission leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction, which are involved in the development and progression of IVDD. To date, research into mitochondrial dynamics in IVDD is at an early stage. The present narrative review aims to summarize the most recent findings about the role of mitochondrial fission in the pathogenesis of IVDD.

Updated guidelines for gene nomenclature in wheat.

KEY MESSAGE: Here, we provide an updated set of guidelines for naming genes in wheat that has been endorsed by the wheat research community. The last decade has seen a proliferation in genomic resources for wheat, including reference- and pan-genome assemblies with gene annotations, which provide new opportunities to detect, characterise, and describe genes that influence traits of interest. The expansion of genetic information has supported growth of the wheat research community and catalysed strong interest in the genes that control agronomically important traits, such as yield, pathogen resistance, grain quality, and abiotic stress tolerance. To accommodate these developments, we present an updated set of guidelines for gene nomenclature in wheat. These guidelines can be used to describe loci identified based on morphological or phenotypic features or to name genes based on sequence information, such as similarity to genes characterised in other species or the biochemical properties of the encoded protein. The updated guidelines provide a flexible system that is not overly prescriptive but provides structure and a common framework for naming genes in wheat, which may be extended to related cereal species. We propose these guidelines be used henceforth by the wheat research community to facilitate integration of data from independent studies and allow broader and more efficient use of text and data mining approaches, which will ultimately help further accelerate wheat research and breeding.

[Study of the clinical significance of ETAR mRNA expression in high-grade serous ovarian cancer and the inhibitory effect of ETAR derived fusion polypeptide on cancer progression].

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of endothelin A receptor (ETAR) expression in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). To design ETAR carboxyl terminal (ETAR-C) amino acids derived polypeptide and to study the inhibitory effect on ovarian epithelial carcinoma cells in vitro. Methods: (1) A total of 126 patients who received surgical treatment and were diagnosed with HGSOC by postoperative pathological examination in Central Hospital of Xuzhou from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2017 were selected. All patients had completed clinicopathological data and follow-up data. Cancer tissue samples were collected and ETAR mRNA expression in HGSOC tissues was detected by reverse transcript-PCR. The clinical significance was analyzed. (2) ETAR-C fusion polypeptide was designed based on the sequence of carboxyl terminal amino acids of ETAR, expressed and purified in vitro. The effects of ETAR-C fusion polypeptide on migration and invasion ability of ovarian cancer SKOV3 and CAOV3 cells were detected by scratch test and invasion test, respectively. The effect of ETAR-C fusion polypeptide on chemosensitivity of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer SKOV3/cDDP and CAOV3/cDDP cells was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay. The effect of ETAR-C fusion polypeptide on ß-arrestin-1 expression in ovarian cancer SKOV3 and CAOV3 cells was detected by western blot. Results: (1) The relative expression level of ETAR mRNA in HGSOC tissues was 18.6±5.1. Patients with HGSOC were divided into high ETAR mRNA expression (n=76) and low ETAR mRNA expression (n=50) with 61.7% as cut-off value analyzed by X-Tile software. High expression of ETAR mRNA was significantly correlated with abdominal water volume, platinum drug resistance, and cancer antigen 125 (CA125) value in HGSOC patients (all P<0.05), but was not related to the age of patients with HGSOC and the size of postoperative residual lesions (all P>0.05). The 5-year progression free survival rates were 18.4% and 28.0%, and the 5-year overall survival rates were 38.2% and 52.0% in HGSOC patients with high and low ETAR mRNA expression respectively, there were statistically significant differences (P=0.046, P=0.034). (2) The results of scratch test and invasion test showed that the scratch healing rate and cell invasion rate of SKOV3 or CAOV3 cells treated with endothelin-1 (ET-1) and ET-1+ETAR-C were respectively compared, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). MTT assay showed that the inhibition rates of ETAR-C fusion polypeptide treated in SKOV3/cDDP and CAOV3/cDDP cells were significantly higher than those of control cells after the addition of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 µg/ml cisplatin (all P<0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the relative expression levels of ß-arrestin-1 in SKOV3 or CAOV3 cells treated with ET-1 and ET-1+ETAR-C were 1.85±0.09 and 1.13±0.09 (SKOV3 cells), 2.14±0.15 and 1.66±0.12 (CAOV3 cells), respectively. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The prognosis of HGSOC patients with high expression of ETAR mRNA is significantly worse than those with low expression of ETAR mRNA. ETAR might be a new target for HGSOC treatment. The ETAR-C fusion polypeptide that interferes with the interaction of ETAR and ß-arrestin-1 has good inhibitory effect on ovarian cancer cells in vitro, and might have clinical application potential.

[Application of bridging study design in preventive vaccine clinical trials].

Bridging study in vaccine clinical trials means a series of small-scale additional tests on the basis that the original safety and effectiveness of a vaccine have been confirmed in clinical trials, to prove that the characteristics of safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness of a vaccine are similar or consistent after component, population and immunization procedure change to other types which can extrapolate data from existing clinical trials. Compared with traditional vaccine clinical trials, bridging trials can promote the approval of vaccines to the market, accelerate the expansion of vaccine application, and promote the use of vaccines across regions and populations. In recent years, the application of bridge study design in vaccine clinical research has become more and more common. In order to better guide and promote the application of bridging trial design in the field of vaccine clinical research, we reviewed the design characteristics and application examples of bridging study design in vaccine clinical trials, and systematically elaborated the design ideas, key points and statistical evaluation methods of bridging study.

Imaging-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy of nodules in the lung base: fluoroscopy CT versus cone-beam CT.

AIM: To compare the diagnostic performance and safety of fluoroscopy computed tomography (FCT)-guided to cone-beam CT (CBCT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) in patients with nodules in the lung base. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 379 patients (228 in the FCT group and 151 in the CBCT group) with nodules in the lung base who underwent FCT-guided or CBCT-guided PTNB from September 2009 to March 2020 were analysed retrospectively. Study outcomes included patient demographics, nodule characteristics, technical success, pathological diagnosis, complications, and radiation exposure. RESULTS: PTNB technical success rates were 98.2% in the FCT group and 98.7% in the CBCT group (p=0.548). For larger lesions (>2 cm in diameter), PTNBs under FCT had similar diagnostic accuracy (95.5% versus 93.64%), incidence of pneumothorax (31.5% versus 21.3%) and radiation exposure (16.8 ± 6.1 versus 15.2 ± 4 mSv) compared to those under CBCT guidance. For smaller lesions (≤2 cm in diameter), the diagnostic accuracy was similar (92.86% versus 100%), but there was a higher incidence of pneumothorax (66.7% versus 31%, p=0.030) and more radiation exposure (19.9 ± 8.4 versus 15.3 ± 5 mSv, p=0.040) under FCT guidance than CBCT. CONCLUSION: PTNBs under FCT and CBCT guidance had similar performance for larger lesions in lung base. CBCT guidance performed better for smaller lesions in terms of radiation dose and complications. Radiologists could optimise the technological resources based on equipment availability and lesion characteristics.

The CT and PET/CT findings in primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma with pathological correlation: a study of 215 cases.

AIM: To investigate the computed tomography (CT) and integrated positron-emission tomography (PET)/CT findings of primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (PLELC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The imaging and histopathological data of 215 patients with PLELC confirmed at histopathology were analysed retrospectively. All patients underwent CT, and 70 underwent PET/CT. None of the cohort had nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma. RESULTS: The PLELC was demonstrated as a solitary nodule/mass in 188 cases (188/215, 87%), multiple nodules/masses in 12 cases (12/215, 6%), lobar or segmental consolidation in 15 cases (15/215, 7%). The tumour showed a well-defined margin in 171 cases (171/215, 80%), lobular sign in 177 cases (177/215, 82%), and spicule sign in 91 cases (91/215, 42%). Most of the cases showed homogeneous density in unenhanced CT (128/215, 60%), and vascular shadows inside the tumour in the arterial stage were found in 105 cases (105/158, 66%). Involvement of the bronchus was found in 154 cases (154/215, 72%). Hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes were enlarged in 160 patients (160/215, 74%). Seventy cases demonstrated avid 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) uptake on PET/CT. The range of maximum standardised uptake values (SUVmax) was 2.1-28.5 (14 ± 5.93). Microscopic pathological classification of 124 resected specimens included 87 cases of the Regaud type and 37 cases of the Schmincke type. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded small RNAs (EBERs) was positive in all 215 cases. CONCLUSION: PLELC should be suspected when a large, lobulate, well-defined lung tumour with homogeneous density, vascular encasement, and high 18F-FDG uptake is found. Moreover, EBERs are helpful in patients with suspected PLELC.

[The stability and repeatability of radiomics features based on lung diffusion-weighted imaging].

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, robustness and reproducibility of radiomics features derived from lung diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Methods: Thirty patients with pulmonary nodules/masses who underwent magnetic resonance imaging examination in the Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, from January 4 2019 to May 5 2019, including 16 males and 14 females, aged from 27 to 69 (57±11) years, were prospectively collected. Planar echo imaging (EPI) -DWI and fast spin-echo (TSE) -DWI scans were performed under free-breathing conditions. Each scan was repeated at an interval of 5 minutes, and the corresponding apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were reconstructed. Each DWI and ADC sequence (a total of eight groups of images) were manually segmented by two radiologists, and a total of 396 radiomics features in 6 categories were extracted from each group of images. Consistency correlation coefficient (CCC) and dynamic range (DR) were used to evaluate the robustness of features between two scans, and stable features were defined as both CCC values and DR values ≥0.85. Intra-observer and interobserver reproducibility were evaluated by intra-group correlation coefficient (ICC), and ICC values≥0.75 was considered to be good reproducibility. Results: Regardless of EPI or TSE technique, the number of robust features extracted fromDWI (TSE: n=197, EPI: n=169) were higher than that of the corresponding ADC (TSE: n=126, EPI: n=148). The proportion of robust features of TSE-DWI、EPI-DWI、TSE-ADC、EPI-ADC was 49.7% (197/396), 42.7% (169/396), 31.8% (126/396) and 37.4% (148/396), respectively. Of the 396 features, 54 (13.6%) of them demonstrated great robustness (CCC and DR≥0.85) and interobserver and interobserver reproducibility (ICC≥0.75) across all sequences. Conclusions: Radiomics features derived from lung DWI showed robustness and reproducibility. Different sequences and different feature clusters have different proportions of stable features, and some features have good robustness and reproducibility between different scans, different observers, and even different sequences.

[Clinical analysis of 81 cases of intravenous leiomyomatosis confined to pelvic cavity].

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, treatment and recurrence factors of intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) confined to the pelvic cavity after the operation. Methods: The clinical data of 81 patients who underwent surgery and were pathologically diagnosed with IVL at Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University from January 2014 to March 2021, were analyzed retrospectively to explore the influencing factors of postoperative recurrence of IVL, including age, gravidity and parity, surgical methods, intraoperative conditions and so on. Results: (1) Clinical features: the age of 81 IVL patients was (43.9±8.1) years old; increased menstrual volume in 26 cases (32%, 26/81), prolonged menstrual period in 31 cases (38%, 31/81), frequency and urgency to urinate in 4 cases (5%, 4/81), abdominal pain and abdominal distension in 8 cases (10%, 8/81), and pelvic masses in 34 cases (42%, 34/81). IVL was diagnosed right in 4 of 72 patients (6%, 4/72) underwent preoperative ultrasound, right in 11 of 51 patients (22%, 11/51) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and right in 4 of 19 patients (4/19) underwent CT. (2) Treatment: all patients with IVL underwent surgical treatment. Surgical procedure: myomectomy in 37 cases, total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy in 19 cases, total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-ophorectomy in 25 cases. Surgical approach: hysteroscopic operation in 6 cases, transabdominal operation in 52 cases, laparoscopic operation in 23 cases. Fifty-three cases underwent rapid intraoperative pathological examination, 17 cases (32%, 17/53) of them were diagnosed right as IVL. (3) Influencing factors of IVL postoperative recurrence: among 81 patients with IVL, 3 cases were lost to follow-up, and 8 cases (10%, 8/78) had recurrence during follow-up. Age<35 years, number of pregnancies<2, number of births<2, number of fibroids ≥10, abnormal appearance of fibroids (long, vermicular, beadlike, cystic, etc.) and IVL invasion into adjacent vessels were all the risk factors influencing postoperative recurrence of IVL (all P<0.05). Methods of operation, ovariectomy or not, IVL invasion or not, maximum diameter of IVL, abundant blood vessels near uterine fibroids were not associated with postoperative recurrence of IVL (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The clinical manifestations and preoperative auxiliary examination of IVL are lack of specificity. Doctors need to pay attention to young patients with uterine fibroids, and choose the appropriate surgical scope when the characteristic manifestations of IVL be found during the operation, or the right diagnoses of IVL in the surgery's rapid intraoperative pathology be examined, and should remove the IVL lesions to reduce the recurrence as far as possible.

[Effect of dyslipidemia on clinical outcome of infertility patients receiving donor eggs].

Objective: To explore the effect of dyslipidemia on the clinical outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (ICSI-ET) in infertility patients receiving donor eggs. Methods: A total of 118 patients were selected to receive egg donors and ICSI-ET at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between April 2007 and December 2020. According to the levels of triacylglycerol, serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein, they were divided into dyslipidemia group (35 cases) and normal blood lipids group (83 cases). The influence of body mass index (BMI) and age was adjusted by 1∶1 propensity score matching, and the general condition and clinical outcome of the two groups were analyzed retrospectively. Finally, the relationship between lipid composition and clinical outcome was analyzed according to patients' age and BMI. Results: (1) Comparing the pre-matching dyslipidemia group with the normal blood lipids group, the BMI of the dyslipidemia group was significantly higher than that of the normal blood lipids group [(23.5±2.4) vs (22.4±2.7) kg/m2], and the embryo implantation rate was significantly lower than that of the normal blood lipids group [13.6% (8/59) vs 27.3% (36/132)], the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). (2) There were no significant differences in years of infertility, number of pregnancies, number of abortions, number of transplanted embryos, protocol of endometrial preparation, endometrial thickness on transplantation day and high quality embryo rate between the two groups, through propensity score matching (all P>0.05). The biochemical pregnancy rate [28.6% (10/35)], embryo implantation rate [13.6% (8/59)] and live birth rate [20.0% (7/35)] in dyslipidemia group were significantly lower than those in the normal blood lipids group (P<0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate was lower than that of the normal blood lipids group (P>0.05). (3) The results of stratified analysis showed that the level of HDL in the clinically non-pregnant group was significantly lower than that in the pregnant group in patients ≤ 35 years old [(1.5±0.3) vs (1.8±0.5) mmol/L; P<0.05]. In the overweight recipient patients, the level of HDL of the clinically non-pregnant group was lower than that of the pregnant group (P>0.05). Conclusions: Dyslipidemia significantly reduces the biochemical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate and live birth rate in patients with receiving donor eggs. Especially in patients aged ≤35 years old, the reduction of HDL is closely related to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Wolbachia affects reproduction in the spider mite Tetranychus truncatus (Acari: Tetranychidae) by regulating chorion protein S38-like and Rop.

Wolbachia-induced reproductive regulation in hosts has been used to control pest populations, but little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying Wolbachia regulation of host genes. Here, reproductive regulation by Wolbachia in the spider mite Tetranychus truncatus was studied at the molecular level. Infection with Wolbachia resulted in decreasing oviposition and cytoplasmic incompatibility in T. truncatus. Further RNA-seq revealed genes regulated by Wolbachia in T. truncatus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed that genes, including chorion protein S38-like and Rop were down-regulated by Wolbachia. RNA interference (RNAi) of chorion protein S38-like and Rop in Wolbachia-uninfected T. truncatus decreased oviposition, which was consistent with Wolbachia-induced oviposition decrease. Interestingly, suppressing Rop in Wolbachia-infected T. truncatus led to increased Wolbachia titres in eggs; however, this did not occur after RNAi of chorion protein S38-like. This is the first study to show that chorion protein S38-like and Rop facilitate Wolbachia-mediated changes in T. truncatus fertility. In addition, RNAi of Rop turned the body colour of Wolbachia-uninfected T. truncatus black, which indicates that the role of Rop is not limited to the reproductive regulation of T. truncatus.

Therapeutic efficacy of zoledronic acid combined with calcitriol in elderly patients receiving total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty for osteoporotic femoral neck fracture.

Zoledronic acid could improve the clinical outcome in elderly patients receiving total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty for osteoporotic femoral neck fracture in the 1-year prospective study. INTRODUCTION: To validate the therapeutic efficacy of zoledronic acid (ZOL) in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture who received total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hemiarthroplasty (HA). METHODS: Included in this study were 95 elderly patients with femoral neck fractures who received THA/HA between August 2015 and June 2018. They were randomized into a ZOL group and a control group. Patients in ZOL group received a yearly single dose of 5 mg ZOL intravenous injection plus 0.5 µg/day calcitriol and 1000 mg/day calcium carbonate 2 days before THA or HA. Patients in the control group were treated with the same dose of calcitriol and calcium carbonate only without ZOL. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone metabolism markers including the total extension of the peptide type I collagen amino end (P1NP) and beta collagen degradation product (ß-CTX) were obtained by serum examination. The postoperative functional outcome was assessed using Harris Hip Score (HHS). RESULTS: During the follow-up period, BMD in the ZOL group was improved and significantly higher than that in the control group at 6 and 12 months post-operation. Bone metabolism markers P1NP and ß-CTX in ZOL group remained at a relatively low level as compared with that in the control group at 6 months after treatment. No significant difference in the mean HHS and the excellent/good rate of joint function was observed during the follow-up period between the two groups. The occurrence of adverse events in the ZOL group was significantly higher than that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: A single infusion of ZOL shows promise in improving BMD of the healthy side of the femoral neck, lumbar spine, and total hip and decreasing the level of bone markers, which may improve the clinical outcome of patients with osteoporotic femoral neck fractures receiving THA/HA.

Dentine sialophosphoprotein signal in dentineogenesis and dentine regeneration.

Dentineogenesis starts on odontoblasts, which synthesise and secrete non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) and collagen. When dentine is injured, dental pulp progenitors/mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can migrate to the injured area, differentiate into odontoblasts and facilitate formation of reactionary dentine. Dental pulp progenitor cell/MSC differentiation is controlled at given niches. Among dental NCPs, dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is a member of the small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoprotein (SIBLING) family, whose members share common biochemical characteristics such as an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif. DSPP expression is cell- and tissue-specific and highly seen in odontoblasts and dentine. DSPP mutations cause hereditary dentine diseases. DSPP is catalysed into dentine glycoprotein (DGP)/sialoprotein (DSP) and phosphoprotein (DPP) by proteolysis. DSP is further processed towards active molecules. DPP contains an RGD motif and abundant Ser-Asp/Asp-Ser repeat regions. DPP-RGD motif binds to integrin αVß3 and activates intracellular signalling via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-ERK pathways. Unlike other SIBLING proteins, DPP lacks the RGD motif in some species. However, DPP Ser-Asp/Asp-Ser repeat regions bind to calcium-phosphate deposits and promote hydroxyapatite crystal growth and mineralisation via calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) cascades. DSP lacks the RGD site but contains signal peptides. The tripeptides of the signal domains interact with cargo receptors within the endoplasmic reticulum that facilitate transport of DSPP from the endoplasmic reticulum to the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, the middle- and COOH-terminal regions of DSP bind to cellular membrane receptors, integrin ß6 and occludin, inducing cell differentiation. The present review may shed light on DSPP roles during odontogenesis.

CT and MRI features of giant cell tumours with prominent aneurysmal bone cysts in the extremities: a comparison with primary aneurysmal bone cysts.

AIM: To test the hypothesis that computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could help distinguish between giant cell tumours with prominent aneurysmal bone cysts (GABCs) and primary aneurysmal bone cysts (PABCs) of the extremities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT and MRI features of 13 patients with GABCs and 13 patients with PABCs in the extremities were analysed retrospectively. The ages and sex of the patients were also recorded. Independent-samples t-tests were used for continuous variables and Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical variables to compare the differences between the two groups. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and interobserver agreement were calculated. RESULTS: The average age of patients with GABCs (38.2±15.8 years) was higher than that of patients with PABCs (19.3±12.7 years; p=0.003). The transverse/longitudinal diameter ratio was different between GABCs (0.8±0.3) and PABCs (0.6±0.2; p=0.007). Subchondral bone involvement (92.3% versus 30.8%, p=0.004) and deep lobulation (38.5% versus 0%, p=0.039) were more likely to be noted in patients with GABCs. Surrounding blood vessels were identified in six cases of PABCs (6/13), but not in GABCs (p=0.015). The following characteristics were suggestive of GABCs, older patient age, higher transverse/longitudinal diameter ratio, subchondral bone involvement, and deep lobulation indicated a sensitivity of 84.6%, 76.9%, 75%, and 100%, and a specificity of 84.6%, 69.2%, 90%, and 61.9%, respectively. Conversely, surrounding blood vessels were suggestive of PABCs, with a sensitivity of 46.2% and specificity of 100%. The concordance between the two readers was moderate to nearly perfect. CONCLUSION: Age, subchondral bone involvement, lobulation, transverse/longitudinal diameter ratio, and surrounding blood vessels can be used to distinguish GABCs from PABCs.

Identification and iterative combinatorial mutagenesis of a new naringinase-producing strain, Aspergillus tubingensis MN589840.

Naringinase was mainly obtained by microbial fermentation, and mutagenesis was a major way for obtaining excellent mutants. The aim of this study was to screen out a high naringinase yielding mutant to enhance the potential application value of its industrialization and compare the effects of different mutagenic methods on the enzyme activity of the strain. A novel producing naringinase strain, Aspergillus tubingensis MN589840, was isolated from mildewed pomelo peel, later subjected to mutagenesis including UV, ARTP and UV-ARTP. After five rounds iterative mutagenesis, the mutants U1, A6 and UA13 were screened out with 1448·49, 1848·71, 2475·16 U mg-1 enzyme activity, the naringinase productivity raised by 79·08, 123·56 and 206%, respectively. In addition, the naringinase activity of three mutants rose after each round of iterative mutagenesis. These results indicated that the mutagenesis efficiency of UV-ARTP was higher than that of single ARTP, and both are better than UV. In summary, the iterative UV-ARTP mutagenesis is an effective strategy for screening high naringinase-producing strains.

[Selection of cochlear electrode array implantation lengths and outcomes in patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss].

Objective: To perform a comprehensive comparison on the therapeutic effects of unilateral 31.5 mm and 28 mm cochlear implantation (CI) on the post-operative hearing rehabilitation outcomes, including hearing threshold, speech recognition and quality of life, in patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: A total of 26 patients [12 males, 14 females, aged 19-71 (43±16) years] diagnosed with bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from April 2018 to August 2019 were included. Patients underwent temporal bone high resolution CT (HRCT), based on which the electrode lengths were calculated using OTOPLAN. Eleven and fifteen ears were implanted with MED-EL Flex 31.5 mm and Flex 28 mm electrode arrays respectively, via round window approach under minimally invasive surgery. The patients were followed up regularly for up to 2 years. At each follow-up, aided hearing threshold, speech recognition in quiet and noise, and Nijmegen Cochlear Implantation Questionnaire (NICQ) scores were evaluated and compared. Results: Post-operative hearing thresholds were (46.5±3.4) dB and (48.5±2.2) dB in patients implanted with MED-EL Flex 31.5 mm and Flex 28 mm electrode arrays, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P=0.074). Both hearing thresholds and speech recognition demonstrated significant post-operative improvement compared with pre-operative results. Hearing thresholds after 1-year post-operation were (32.1±1.2) dB and (32.5±0.9) dB, respectively (P=0.355). Patients implanted with Flex 31.5 mm electrode scored significantly higher at speech recognition under 65 dB sound pressure level (SPL) at most of the follow-ups (All P<0.05). Speech recognition in noise (S/N=10 dB) was also improved in patients implanted with Flex 31.5 mm electrode. All sub-divisions of the NICQ demonstrated significant post-operative improvement, and no significant difference between the 2 groups was observed apart from the"self-confidence"sub-division. Conclusions: Selection of MED-EL Flex 31.5 mm and 28 mm implantation based on pre-operative OTOPLAN evaluation can both bring significant improvements to patients' hearing and quality of life. Flex 31.5 mm electrode can potentially provide better speech recognition within a certain period after surgery.

[The relationship of resilience with cognitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia].

Objective: To investigate the correlation between resilience and cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Fifty-nine patients with first-episode schizophrenia and 86 healthy controls were enrolled. Patients with schizophrenia were enrolled from the psychiatric outpatient and inpatient Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from September 2017 to January 2020, while healthy controls were recruited through advertising. The levels of resilience and cognitive function were compared between the two groups.Meanwhile, the partial correlation analysis of resilience and cognitive function of the two groups was performed. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in gender, marriage and age between the two groups (all P>0.05), and there were 39 males and 20 females with an average age of (23.8±7.4) years in the schizophrenia group, while 47 males and 39 females with an average age of (22.9±4.7) years in the healthy control group. However, there was a significant difference inyears of education between the two groups (P<0.05). The total score of resilience [(56.9±16.7) vs(68.0±14.4)] and scores ofthree factorsin patients with schizophrenia were significantly lower than that in healthy controls(all P<0.05). The total score of MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB)[(23±12) vs (42±11)] and each subscale score in patients with schizophrenia were significantly lower than that in healthy controls(all P<0.05). Partial correlation analysis showed that the total score of resilience and tenacity were correlated with symbol coding of schizophrenia(partial correlation coefficients were 0.286, 0.289, respectively, both P<0.05). The total score of resilience and the scores of tenacity, strength and optimism were all correlated with emotion management ability of schizophrenia(partial correlation coefficients were 0.334, 0.271, 0.382, 0.308, respectively, all P<0.05). In the healthy controls, the total score of resilience, tenacity and optimism were correlated with symbol coding(partial correlation coefficients were 0.268, 0.225, 0.291, respectively, all P<0.05). Strength and optimism were correlated with Hopkins verbal learning test (HVLT)(partial correlation coefficients were 0.268, 0.225, respectively, both P<0.05). Strength was correlated with spatial span, continuous performance test(partial correlation coefficients were 0.244, 0.217, respectively, bothP<0.05). The total scores of resilience and tenacity, strength and optimism were correlated with emotional management ability(partial correlation coefficients were 0.306, 0.230, 0.286, 0.289, respectively, all P<0.05), while the total scores of resilience, strength and optimism were correlated with the total score of MCCB(partial correlation coefficients were 0.291, 0.359, 0.287, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusion: The current study suggests that resilience and cognitive function of patients with first-episode schizophrenia areimpaired significantly. Resilience in patients with schizophrenia isrelated to partial neurocognitive function and emotion management ability in social cognitive function.

Genomic origin and EGFR-TKI treatments of pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) of the lung is a heterogeneous disease that is composed of both adenocarcinoma components (ACC) and squamous cell carcinoma components (SCCC). Their genomic profile, genetic origin, and clinical management remain controversial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Resected ASC and metastatic tumor in regional lymph nodes (LNs) were collected. The ACC and SCCC were separated by microdissection of primary tumor. The 1021 cancer-related genes were evaluated by next-generation sequencing independently in ACC and SCCC and LNs. Shared and private alterations in the two components were investigated. In addition, genomic profiles of independent cohorts of adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas were examined for comparison. We have also carried out a retrospective study of ASCs with known EGFR mutation status from 11 hospitals in China for their clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The most frequent alterations in 28 surgically resected ASCs include EGFR (79%), TP53 (68%), MAP3K1 (14%) mutations, EGFR amplifications (32%), and MDM2 amplifications (18%). Twenty-seven patients (96%) had shared variations between ACC and SCCC, and pure SCCC metastases were not found in metastatic LNs among these patients. Only one patient with geographically separated ACC and SCCC had no shared mutations. Inter-component heterogeneity was a common genetic event of ACC and SCCC. The genomic profile of ASC was similar to that of 170 adenocarcinomas, but different from that of 62 squamous cell carcinomas. The incidence of EGFR mutations in the retrospective analysis of 517 ASCs was 51.8%. Among the 129 EGFR-positive patients who received EGFR-TKIs, the objective response rate was 56.6% and the median progression-free survival was 10.1 months (95% confidence interval: 9.0-11.2). CONCLUSIONS: The ACC and SCCC share a monoclonal origin, a majority with genetically inter-component heterogeneity. ASC may represent a subtype of adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutation being the most common genomic anomaly and sharing similar efficacy to EGFR TKI.

Transcriptome of Tetranychus urticae embryos reveals insights into Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility.

The endosymbiont Wolbachia is known for manipulating host reproduction in selfish ways. However, the molecular mechanisms have not yet been investigated in embryos. Here, we found that Wolbachia had no effect on the number of deposited eggs in Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) but caused two types of reproductive manipulation: killing uninfected female embryos via cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) and increasing the hatching ratio of infected female embryos. RNA sequencing analyses showed that 145 genes were differentially expressed between Wolbachia-infected (WI) and Wolbachia-uninfected (WU) embryos. Wolbachia infection down-regulated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of glutathione S-transferase that could buffer oxidative stress. In addition, 1613 and 294 genes were identified as CI-specific up-/down-regulated genes. Compared to WU and WI embryos, embryos of CI cross strongly expressed genes involved in transcription, translation, tissue morphogenesis, DNA damage and mRNA surveillance. In contrast, most of the genes associated with energy production and metabolism were down-regulated in the CI embryos compared to the WU and WI embryos, which provides some clues as to the cause of death of CI embryos. These results identify several genes that could be candidates for explaining Wolbachia-induced CI. Our data form a basis to help elucidate the molecular consequences of CI in embryos.