Unveiling Priority Emerging PFAS in Taihu Lake Using Integrated Nontarget Screening, Target Analysis, and Risk Characterization.

Amidst tightening regulations, the proliferation of next-generation per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) necessitates a deeper understanding of their environmental fate and potential risks. Here, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of PFAS in the water and sediment of Taihu Lake, incorporating both nontarget and target screening, seasonal and geographical variation analysis, and risk prioritization. A total of 58 PFAS from 13 classes were identified, revealing complex PFAS contamination. In addition to short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and sulfonates (PFSAs), bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Ntf2) and perfluoro-2,5-dimethyl-3,6-dioxo-heptanoic acid (C7 HFPO-TA) exhibited relatively high concentrations in water, with median values of 21.7 and 5.72 ng/L, respectively. Seasonal and geographical variation analysis revealed elevated levels of C7 HFPO-TA, Ntf2, and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in the northeastern areas, suggesting transport via water diversion project. Multicriteria risk prioritization identified four high priority PFAS (Ntf2, C7 HFPO-TA, PFHxA, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)) in water and two high priority PFAS (hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and PFHxA) in sediment. Overall, this study revealed Ntf2 and C7 HFPO-TA as priority PFAS in Taihu Lake, underscoring the urgent necessity of evaluating risks associated with these emerging PFAS.

The antimicrobial peptide Microcin C7 inhibits the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis and improves the perodontal status in a rat model.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of the antimicrobial peptide Microcin C7 for Porphyromonas gingivalis-associated diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS: Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that Microcin C7 could remain 25.5% at 12 hours in saliva. At a concentration of <10 mg mL-1, Microcin C7 showed better cytocompatibility, as revealed by hemolysis test and subchronic systemic toxicity test. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of Microcin C7 were analyzed using a broth microdilution method, bacterial growth curve, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser microscopy and determined to be 0.16 mg mL-1 and 5 mg mL-1, respectively. Finally, in a rat model, 5 mg mL-1 Microcin C7 showed better performance in decreasing the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and alveolar bone resorption than other concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Microcin C7 demonstrated favorable biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory effect, and could decrease the alveolar bone resorption in a rat model, indicating the promising potential for clincal translation and application on P. gingivalis-associated diseases.

Analysis of Ag-DP25/PET plasmonic nano-composites as a visible-light photocatalyst for wastewater treatment: Experimental/theoretical studies, and the DFT-MB degradation mechanism.

The development of polymeric-composites Agx%DP25-PET (x = 0,1,2,3) may significantly boost the potential application of Agx%DP25 (x = 0,1,2,3) photocatalytic powders. Producing large-scale nano-composites with hybrid-surfaces, that are also flexible materials and easy to employ in a variety of environments. A set of photocatalytic nan-composites embedded with the polymeric binder poly (acrylonitrile-co-butadiene)-dicarboxy terminated (C7H9N) were performed and evaluated for wastewater treatment applications. The results reveal that the flexible polymeric composites (Agx%DP25-PET, x = 0,1,2,3) have photocatalytic activity in aqua media to degrade methylene blue (MB) under visible-light. The addition of C7H9N to immobilize photocatalytic powders on the PET surface reduces photo-generated electron-hole recombination. The materials were characterized by HR-TEM, SEM/EDX, XRD, FT-IR, UV-Vis DRS and PL. The Agx%DP25-PET (x = 0,1,2,3) photocatalytic reactions exhibited productive discoloration/degradation rates, in both aerobic (AE) and anaerobic (AN) environments. The superior photodegradation of Ag2%DP25-PET was attributed to a combination of two effects: LSPR (localized surface plasmon resonance) and Ag-TiO2/environment affinities. The findings of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and Fukui Function (FF) based on density functional theory (DFT) provide significant insight into the photocatalytic requirements for MB discoloration/degradation. The experimental/theoretical analysis aimed to offer an in-depth understanding of medium/surface interactions on decorated TiO2 materials, as well as how these interactions affect overall degradation behavior.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of cyclic C7-bridged monocarbonyl curcumin analogs containing an o-methoxy phenyl group as potential agents against gastric cancer.

The structure-activity relationship (SAR) between toxicity and the types of linking ketones of C7 bridged monocarbonyl curcumin analogs (MCAs) was not clear yet. In the pursuit of effective and less cytotoxic chemotherapeutics, we conducted a SAR analysis using various diketene skeletons of C7-bridged MCAs, synthesized cyclic C7-bridged MCAs containing the identified low-toxicity cyclopentanone scaffold and an o-methoxy phenyl group, and assessed their anti-gastric cancer activity and safety profile. Most compounds exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against gastric cancer cells. We developed a quantitative structure-activity relationship model (R2 > 0.82) by random Forest method, providing important information for optimizing structure. An optimized compound 2 exhibited in vitro and in vivo anti-gastric cancer activity partly through inhibiting the AKT and STAT3 pathways, and displayed a favorable in vivo safety profile. In summary, this paper provided a promising class of MCAs and a potential compound for the development of chemotherapeutic drugs.

The prerequisites and clinical outcomes of ipsilateral C7 nerve root transfer to the upper trunk for adult C5-C6 brachial plexus injuries.

PURPOSE: Although ipsilateral C7 nerve transfer is used for the treatment of C5-C6 brachial plexus injuries, accurately evaluating the functional quality of the donor nerve (ipsilateral C7 nerve root) is difficult, especially when the C7 nerve root is slightly injured. The purpose of this study was to determine the indicators to evaluate the quality of the ipsilateral C7 nerve and assess the clinical outcomes of this procedure. METHODS: This study employed the following three indicators to assess the quality of the ipsilateral C7 nerve: (1) the muscle strength and electrophysiological status of the latissimus dorsi, triceps brachii, and extensor digitorum communis; (2) the sensibility of the radial three digits, especially the index finger; and (3) the intraoperative appearance, feel and electrophysiological status of the ipsilateral C7 nerve root. Transfer of the ipsilateral C7 nerve root to the upper trunk was implemented only when the following three tests were conducted, the criteria were met, and the clinical outcomes were assessed in eight patients with C5-C6 brachial plexus injuries. RESULTS: Patients were followed-up for an average of 90 ± 42 months. At the final follow-up, all eight patients achieved recovery of elbow flexion, with five and three patients scoring M4 and M3, respectively, according to the Medical Research Council scoring. The shoulder abduction range of motor recovery averaged 86 ± 47° (range, 30°-170°), whereas the shoulder external rotation averaged 51 ± 26° (range, 15°-90°). CONCLUSION: Ipsilateral C7 nerve transfer is a reliable and effective option for the functional reconstruction of the shoulder and elbow after C5-C6 brachial plexus injuries when the three prerequisites are met.

A large preoperative pelvic oblique angle affects perception of leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: In some cases, patients feel a perceived leg length discrepancy (P-LLD) despite no radiographic leg length discrepancy (R-LLD) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We aimed to investigate the rate of postoperative P-LLD and the factors that cause postoperative P-LLD. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 100 patients with R-LLD ≤5 mm after THA. Patients were classified into two groups based on P-LLD post-THA: group P (with P-LLD) and group E (without P-LLD). Relevant data on the general characteristics and radiological findings between the two groups were compared. RESULTS: We observed that 25 & 75% of patients belonged to group P and group E, respectively, with no significant difference in patient background. Postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) classification of pain and activities of daily living scores were significantly lower in group P than in group E (37.2 ± 3.9 vs. 39.1 ± 2.2, respectively; P = 0.013, and 16.2 ± 4.2 vs. 18.2 ± 2.2, respectively; P = 0.011). The preoperative pelvic oblique angle (POA) was significantly larger in group P than in group E (3.3 ± 2.3° vs. -0.2 ± 2.1°; respectively; P < 0.01). The pelvis tilted toward the surgical side was significantly higher in group P than in group E(88% vs 57%; respectively; P = 0.013). The preoperative C7 coronal vertical axis (C7 CVA) was significantly larger in group P than in group E (6.7 ± 14.7 mm vs. -0.2 ± 10.3 mm; respectively; P = 0.028). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that preoperative POA (OR, 3.71; 95% CI: 1.86-8.12; P < 0.01) and the pelvis tilted toward the surgical side (OR, 4.14; 95% CI: 2.07-9.71; P = 0.022) were independent risk factors for P-LLD after THA. CONCLUSION: Even though there was no postoperative R-LLD, 25% of patients had P-LLD. A large preoperative POA and the pelvis tilted toward the surgical side were independent risk factors for P-LLD after THA.

Microcin C7 as a Potential Antibacterial-Immunomodulatory Agent in the Postantibiotic Era: Overview of Its Bioactivity Aspects and Applications.

In the postantibiotic era, the pathogenicity and resistance of pathogens have increased, leading to an increase in intestinal inflammatory disease. Bacterial infections remain the leading cause of animal mortality. With increasing resistance to antibiotics, there has been a significant decrease in resistance to both inflammation and disease in animals, thus decreasing production efficiency and increasing production costs. These side effects have serious consequences and have detracted from the development of China's pig industry. Microcin C7 (McC7) demonstrates potent antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of pathogens, stable physicochemical properties, and low toxicity, reducing the likelihood of resistance development. Thus, McC7 has received increasing attention as a potential clinical antibacterial and immunomodulatory agent. McC7 has the potential to serve as a new generation of antibiotic substitutes; however, its commercial applications in the livestock and poultry industry have been limited. In this review, we summarize and discuss the biosynthesis, biochemical properties, structural characteristics, mechanism of action, and immune strategies of McC7. We also describe the ability of McC7 to improve intestinal health. Our aim in this study was to provide a theoretical basis for the application of McC7 as a new feed additive or new veterinary drug in the livestock and poultry breeding industry, thus providing a new strategy for alleviating resistance through feed and mitigating drug resistance. Furthermore, this review provides insight into the new functions and anti-infection mechanisms of bacteriocin peptides and proposes crucial ideas for the research, product development, and application of bacteriocin peptides in different fields, such as the food and medical industries.

Deeper Defluorination and Mineralization of a Novel PFECA (C7 HFPO-TA) in Vacuum UV/Sulfite: Unique Mechanism of H/OCF3 Exchange.

C7 HFPO-TA is a newly identified alternative to PFOA, which possesses a unique structure fragment (CF3O-CF(CF3)-). In this study, we evaluated the chemical reactivity of C7 HFPO-TA in advanced oxidation and reduction processes for the first time, which revealed a series of unexpected transformation mechanisms. The results showed that reductive degradation based on hydrated electrons (eaq-) was more feasible for the degradation of C7 HFPO-TA. For oxidative degradation, the branched -CF3 at the α-position carbon posed as the spatial hindrance, shielding the attack of SO4•- to -COO-. The synergistic effects of HO•/eaq- and direct photolysis led to deeper defluorination and mineralization of C7 HFPO-TA in the vacuum UV/sulfite (VUV/SF) process. We identified a unique H/OCF3 exchange that converted the CF3O-CF(CF3)- into H-CF(CF3)- directly, and the SO3•- involved mechanism of C7 HFPO-TA for the first time. We revealed the branched -CF3 connected to the same carbon next to the CF3O- group affected the C-O bond cleavage site, preferring the H/OCF3 exchange pathway. The defluorination of C7 HFPO-TA was compared with PFOA and three PFECAs in the VUV/SF process, which was highly dependent on structures. Degradation kinetics, theoretical calculations, and products' analysis provided an in-depth perspective on the degradation mechanisms and pathways of C7 HFPO-TA.

Gene B5 in Cotton Confers High and Broad Resistance to Bacterial Blight and Conditions High Amounts of Sesquiterpenoid Phytoalexins.

Bacterial blight resistance gene B5 has received little attention since it was first described in 1950. A near-isogenic line (NIL) of Gossypium hirsutum cotton, AcB5, was generated in an otherwise bacterial-blight-susceptible 'Acala 44' background. The introgressed locus B5 in AcB5 conferred strong and broad-spectrum resistance to bacterial blight. Segregation patterns of test crosses under Oklahoma field conditions indicated that AcB5 is likely homozygous for resistance at two loci with partial dominance gene action. In controlled-environment conditions, two of the four copies of B5 were required for effective resistance. Contrary to expectations of gene-for-gene theory, AcB5 conferred high resistance toward isogenic strains of Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum carrying cloned avirulence genes avrB4, avrb7, avrBIn, avrB101, and avrB102, respectively, and weaker resistance toward the strain carrying cloned avrb6. The hypothesis that each B gene, in the absence of a polygenic complex, triggers sesquiterpenoid phytoalexin production was tested by measurement of cadalene and lacinilene phytoalexins during resistant responses in five NILs carrying different B genes, four other lines carrying multiple resistance genes, as well as susceptible Ac44E. Phytoalexin production was an obvious, but variable, response in all nine resistant lines. AcB5 accumulated an order of magnitude more of all four phytoalexins than any of the other resistant NILs. Its total levels were comparable to those detected in OK1.2, a highly resistant line that possesses several B genes in a polygenic background.

Donor complications of contralateral C7 nerve transfer in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Contralateral C7 (CC7) nerve transfer is a reconstructive option in the upper limb when there are limited donor options. Promising results have been reported in the adult population but its role in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury (BPBI) is unclear. A major concern with this technique is the potential impact on the contralateral, unaffected limb. Our aim was to review the available literature on the use of this transfer in BPBI, to determine the incidence of short- and long-term deficits at the donor site. METHODS: The relevant literature was identified from searches of Embase, Ovid Emcare and Ovid MEDLINE, for combinations of terms relating to CC7 nerve transfer and BPBI. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were included in this review, from the eight papers that were eligible for inclusion, from a total of 16 papers identified. Patient age ranged from three to 93 months and the shortest follow-up period was six months. Post-operative motor deficits at the donor site included reduced range of shoulder abduction; triceps weakness; and phrenic nerve palsy. All motor deficits recovered within six months. The only sensory deficit reported was reduced sensation in the median nerve distribution which, in all cases, resolved within four weeks. Finally, synchronous donor limb motion and sensation were reported in 46.6% of patients. CONCLUSION: CC7 nerve transfer in BPBI appears to have few long-term donor limb complications. Sensory and motor deficits are reportedly transient. The impact of synchronous motion and sensation on upper limb function in this patient cohort is not yet known.

Restoration of intrinsic hand function by superficial radial nerve: an anatomical study.

BACKGROUND: The contralateral seventh cervical (cC7) nerve root transfer represents a cornerstone technique in treating total brachial plexus avulsion injury. Traditional cC7 procedures employ the entire ulnar nerve as a graft, which inevitably compromises its restorative capacity. OBJECTIVE: Our cadaveric study seeks to assess this innovative approach aimed at preserving the motor branch of the ulnar nerve (MBUN). This new method aims to enable future repair stages, using the superficial radial nerve (SRN) as a bridge connecting cC7 and MBUN. METHODS: We undertook a comprehensive dissection of ten adult cadavers, generously provided by the Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology at Fudan University, China. It allowed us to evaluate the feasibility of our proposed technique. For this study, we harvested only the dorsal and superficial branches of the ulnar nerve, as well as the SRN, to establish connections between the cC7 nerve and recipient nerves (both the median nerve and MBUN). We meticulously dissected the SRN and the motor and sensory branches of the ulnar nerve. Measurements were made from the reverse point of the SRN to the wrist flexion crease and the coaptation point of the SRN and MBUN. Additionally, we traced the MBUN from distal to proximal ends, recording its maximum length. We also measured the diameters of the nerve branches and tallied the number of axons. RESULTS: Our modified approach proved technically viable in all examined limbs. The distances from the reverse point of the SRN to the wrist flexion crease were 8.24 ± 1.80 cm and to the coaptation point were 6.60 ± 1.75 cm. The maximum length of the MBUN was 7.62 ± 1.03 cm. The average axon diameters in the MBUN and the anterior and posterior branches of the SRN were 1.88 ± 0.42 mm、1.56 ± 0.38 mm、2.02 ± 0.41 mm,respectively. The corresponding mean numbers of axons were 1426.60 ± 331.39 and 721.50 ± 138.22, and 741.90 ± 171.34, respectively. CONCLUSION: The SRN demonstrated the potential to be transferred to the MBUN without necessitating a nerve graft. A potential advantage of this modification is preserving the MBUN's recovery potential.

Nonsynonymous SNPs within C7H15orf39 and NOS2 are associated with boar semen quality.

Spermatogenesis is the developmental process that produces spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within C7H15orf39 and NOS2 genes and to determine the correlations between two SNPs and semen quality in Duroc boars (n = 604). The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) method was used for genotyping the selected two nonsynonymous SNPs. The significant correlation was observed between two SNPs (rs80969873: g.58385473 G > A within C7H15orf39; rs325865291: g.44175445 G > A within NOS2) and semen traits in Duroc boars. This study indicates the SNPs in C7H15orf39 and NOS2 may be the potential molecular marker for improving the semen quality traits in Duroc boars.

Analysis of Results of Contralateral Hemi-C7 Root Used for Restoring Hand Function in Global Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy.

PURPOSE: To analyze the outcome of the use of contralateral hemi-C7 for the restoration of hand function in patients with birth brachial plexus global palsy. METHODS: From 2004 to 2017, 19 infants with Narakas types III and IV birth brachial plexus palsy underwent transfer of contralateral hemi-C7 (posterior division of the contralateral C7 root) to the lower trunk or medial cord on the affected side. All the patients were evaluated for shoulder function using the Gilbert and Mallet scores, elbow flexion using the modified Medical Research Council score for children, and hand function using the Raimondi score. After the surgery, the children were followed-up at 3-month intervals for the first year and 6-month intervals thereafter. Hand function achieving Raimondi scores of 3-5 was considered a useful outcome. RESULTS: The patients were followed-up for a mean duration of 88 months, with a minimum of 35 and a maximum of 192 months of follow-up. All patients attained a Gilbert score of ≥3, whereas 9 patients attained a score of ≥4. Similarly, all patients attained a minimum aggregate Mallet score of 15, and 9 patients attained a score of ≥20. All patients attained a modified Medical Research Council score of ≥3, used for assessing elbow flexion. Useful hand function was attained in 73% (14/19) of the cases (a Raimondi score of ≥3). There was no clinically recorded deficit on the donor side. CONCLUSIONS: Contralateral hemi-C7 transfer in infants with brachial plexus root avulsions helped regain useful hand function in 73% (14/19) of the children treated. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Application of CUBE-STIR MRI and high-frequency ultrasound in contralateral cervical 7 nerve transfer surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the feasibility of CUBE-SITR MRI and high-frequency ultrasound for the structural imaging of the brachial plexus to exclude neoplastic brachial plexopathy or structural variation and measure the lengths of anterior and posterior divisions of the C7 nerve, providing guidelines for surgeons before contralateral cervical 7 nerve transfer. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with CNS and 20 with brachial plexus injury were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent brachial plexus CUBE-STIR MRI and high-frequency ultrasound, and the lengths of the anterior and posterior divisions of C7 nerve were measured before surgery. Precise length of anterior and posterior divisions of contralateral C7 nerve was measured during surgery. RESULTS: MRI-measured lengths of anterior and posterior divisions of C7 nerves were positively correlated with that measured during surgery (anterior division, r = 0.94, p < .01; posterior division, r = 0.92, p < .01). High agreement was found between MRI-measured and intra-surgery measured length of anterior and posterior divisions of C7 nerve by BLAD-ALTMAN analysis. Ultrasonography could feasibly image supraclavicular C7 nerve and recognize small variant branches derived from middle trunk of C7 nerve root, which could be dissected intra-operatively and confirmed by electromyography during the procedure of contralateral C7 nerve transfer. CONCLUSION: CUBE-STIR MRI had advantages for the imaging of the brachial plexus and measurement of the length of root-trunk-anterior/posterior divisions of C7 nerve. The clinical role of ultrasonography may be a simple way of evaluating general condition of C7 nerve and provide guidelines for contralateral C7 nerve transfer surgery.

Data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry in severe rheumatic heart disease (RHD) identifies a proteomic signature showing ongoing inflammation and effectively classifying RHD cases.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. A deeper insight into the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying RHD could provide opportunities for drug repurposing, guide recommendations for secondary penicillin prophylaxis, and/or inform development of near-patient diagnostics. METHODS: We performed quantitative proteomics using Sequential Windowed Acquisition of All Theoretical Fragment Ion Mass Spectrometry (SWATH-MS) to screen protein expression in 215 African patients with severe RHD, and 230 controls. We applied a machine learning (ML) approach to feature selection among the 366 proteins quantifiable in at least 40% of samples, using the Boruta wrapper algorithm. The case-control differences and contribution to Area Under the Receiver Operating Curve (AUC) for each of the 56 proteins identified by the Boruta algorithm were calculated by Logistic Regression adjusted for age, sex and BMI. Biological pathways and functions enriched for proteins were identified using ClueGo pathway analyses. RESULTS: Adiponectin, complement component C7 and fibulin-1, a component of heart valve matrix, were significantly higher in cases when compared with controls. Ficolin-3, a protein with calcium-independent lectin activity that activates the complement pathway, was lower in cases than controls. The top six biomarkers from the Boruta analyses conferred an AUC of 0.90 indicating excellent discriminatory capacity between RHD cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the presence of an ongoing inflammatory response in RHD, at a time when severe valve disease has developed, and distant from previous episodes of acute rheumatic fever. This biomarker signature could have potential utility in recognizing different degrees of ongoing inflammation in RHD patients, which may, in turn, be related to prognostic severity.

Integrated analysis of the prognostic and oncogenic roles of OPN3 in human cancers.

BACKGROUND: Emerging cell- or tissue-based evidence has demonstrated that opsin 3 (OPN3) mediates a variety of pathological processes affecting tumorigenesis, clinical prognosis, and treatment resistance in some cancers. However, a comprehensive analysis of OPN3 across human cancers is unavailable. Therefore, a pancancer analysis of OPN3 expression was performed and its potential oncogenic roles were explored. METHODS: The expression and characterization of OPN3 were evaluated among 33 tumour types using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Additionally, the OPN3 RNA level and overall survival (OS) in relation to its expression level in 33 cancer types were estimated. Based on the analysis above, 347 samples from 5 types of tumours were collected and detected for the protein expression of OPN3 by immunohistochemical assay. Furthermore, the biological role of OPN3 in cancers was evaluated via gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). RESULTS: The OPN3 expression level was heterogeneous across cancers, yet a remarkable difference existed between OPN3 expression and patient overall survival among the 7 types of these 33 cancers. Consistently, a high immunohistochemical score of OPN3 was significantly associated with a poor prognosis among patients with 5 types of tumours. Additionally, OPN3 expression was involved in cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration in 5 types of tumours, and promoter hypomethylation of OPN3 was observed in 3 tumour types. Additionally, OPN3 protein phosphorylation sites of Tyr140 and Ser380 were identified via posttranscriptional modification analysis, suggesting the potential function of Tyr140 and Ser380 phosphorylation in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the enrichment analysis was mainly concentrated in C7orf70, C7orf25 and the "ribosome" pathway by GSEA in 5 types of cancers, indicating that OPN3 might affect tumorigenesis and progression by regulating gene expression and ribosome biogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: High expression of OPN3 was significantly associated with a poor clinical prognosis in five types of cancers. Its molecular function was closely associated with the ribosomal pathway.

PKCα/ERK/C7ORF41 axis regulates epidermal keratinocyte differentiation through the IKKα nuclear translocation.

Aberrant differentiation of keratinocytes disrupts the skin barrier and causes a series of skin diseases. However, the molecular basis of keratinocyte differentiation is still poorly understood. In the present study, we examined the expression of C7ORF41 using tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry and found that C7ORF41 is specifically expressed in the basal layers of skin epithelium and its expression is gradually decreased during keratinocytes differentiation. Importantly, we corroborated the pivotal role of C7ORF41 during keratinocyte differentiation by C7ORF41 knockdown or overexpression in TPA-induced Hacat keratinocytes. Mechanismly, we first demonstrated that C7ORF41 inhibited keratinocyte differentiation mainly through formatting a complex with IKKα in the cytoplasm, which thus blocked the nuclear translocation of IKKα. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that inhibiting the PKCα/ERK signaling pathway reversed the reduction in C7ORF41 in TPA-induced keratinocytes, indicating that C7ORF41 expression could be regulated by upstream PKCα/ERK signaling pathway during keratinocyte differentiation. Collectively, our study uncovers a novel regulatory network PKCα/ERK/C7ORF41/IKKα during keratinocyte differentiation, which provides potential therapeutic targets for skin diseases.

Sagittal alignment of the cervical spine: radiographic analysis of 111 asymptomatic adolescents, a retrospective observational study.

PURPOSE: To describe the cervical spine morphology and explore its relationship to global sagittal alignment parameters in the asymptomatic adolescent population.  METHODS: A total of 111 adolescent subjects were included. Sagittal alignment parameters, including C7 Slope, C2-C7 Cobb, C2-7 plumb line (PL), C2-S1 Sagittal Vertical Axis (SVA), C7-S1 SVA, T5-12 Cobb, T10-L2 Cobb, L1-S1 Cobb, pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS), were obtained from lateral radiographs.  RESULTS: Forty-four males and sixty-seven females with a mean age of 16.12 ± 2.40 years were included in this study. The mean values of C7 Slope, C2-7 Cobb and C2-7PL were 20.45 ± 8.88°, -7.72 ± 12.10°, and 13.53 ± 11.63 mm, respectively. C2-7 Cobb, C7 Slope showed significant differences between the male and female groups. Correlation analysis showed that C7 slope was significantly correlated with C2-7 Cobb (r = -0.544, P < 0.001), C2-S1 SVA (r = 0.335, P < 0.001), and C7-S1 SVA (r = 0.310, P = 0.001), but not lumbosacral parameters(L5-S1 Cobb, PI, PT, SS). Using a modified method of Toyama to describe the cervical spine morphology, there were 37 cases (33.3%) in the Lordotic group, and C7 slope, C2-7 Cobb and C2-7PL showed significant differences between groups. According to C2-C7 Cobb, there were 80 Lordotic cases (72.1%). C7 slope and C2-7PL were significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The cervical spine morphology of asymptomatic adolescents varies widely, from lordotic to kyphotic. Combining different classification methods provides a better understanding of the morphology of the cervical spine. C7 slope is an important predictor of global sagittal balance and C2-7PL is a key parameter for restoring cervical lordosis, which should be considered pre-operatively and for conservative treatment. Cervical regional sagittal alignment parameters are not correlated with lumbosacral parameters, and C2-7 Cobb, C7 Slope showed significant differences between males and females.

Association between sagittal spinal alignment and postoperative shoulder range of motion following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The range of internal rotation sometimes deteriorates after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between sagittal spinal alignment and internal rotation deterioration after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 52 patients who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty by a single surgeon between October 2014 and December 2018. The sagittal spine was radiographed, and the sagittal spinal alignment was evaluated based on 10 parameters (e.g. C7-HA: the distance between the plumb line from the center of the seventh cervical vertebral body and the center of the hip axis). We divided the patients into two groups, group A (internal rotation deterioration; 23 patients) and B (without internal rotation deterioration; 29 patients). Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the association between sagittal spinal alignment and internal rotation deterioration after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, and a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyse the cutoff value of independent variables that was correlated with IR deterioration. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis demonstrated the correlation between C7-HA and internal rotation deterioration (odds ratio, 1.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-2.84; P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve suggested that when C7-HA was at least 2.44 cm, it was strongly correlated with deterioration of internal rotation (sensitivity, 91.3%; specificity, 93.1%; P < 0.001; area under the curve, 0.938). Group A was significantly inferior to group B in not only internal rotation but also flexion and abduction. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that a remarkably positive value in C7-HA was a factor that was correlated with deterioration of internal rotation. In addition, the deformation of sagittal spinal alignment would impact on the range of motion after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Functional outcome of contralateral C7 nerve transfer combined with free functional gracilis transplantation to repair total brachial plexus avulsion: a report of thirty-nine cases.

PURPOSE: Treatment of total brachial plexus avulsion (TBPA) is a challenge in the clinic, especially the restoration of hand function. The current main surgical order is from proximal to distal joints. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the outcomes of "distal to proximal" surgical method. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients underwent contralateral C7 (CC7) nerve transfer to directly repair the lower trunk (CC7-LT) and phrenic nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve (PN-SSN) during the first stage, followed by free functional gracilis transplantation (FFGT) for elbow flexion and finger extension. Muscle strength of upper limb, degree of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion, and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and static two-point discrimination of the hand were examined according to the modified British Medical Research Council (mBMRC) scoring system. RESULTS: The results showed that motor recovery reached a level of M3 + or greater in 66.7% of patients for shoulder abduction, 87.2% of patients for elbow flexion, 48.7% of patients for finger extension, and 25.6% of patients for finger flexion. The mean shoulder abduction angle was 45.5° (range 0-90°), and the average elbow flexion angle was 107.2° (range 0-142°), with 2.5 kg average flexion strength (range 0.5-5 kg). In addition, protective sensibility (≥ S2) was found to be achieved in 71.8% of patients. CONCLUSION: In reconstruction of TBPA, CC7 transfer combined with free functional gracilis transplantation is an available treatment method. It could help patients regain shoulder joint stability and the function of elbow flexion and finger extension and, more importantly, provide finger sensation and partial finger flexion function. However, the pick-up function was unsatisfied, which needed additional surgery.