Aumolertinib effectively reduces clinical symptoms of an EGFR L858R-mutant non-small cell lung cancer case coupled with osimertinib-induced severe thrombocytopenia: a case report.

Replacement of first-generation or second-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) with third-generation EGFR-TKIs remains the current standard of care for T790M mutations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Osimertinib is one of the first third-generation EGFR-TKIs to be approved and is also the most widely studied in clinical research. There has been widespread concern about the adverse effects of osimertinib such as cardiotoxicity and interstitial lung disease, but few articles have reported severe thrombocytopenia after osimertinib treatment. This article reports a 64-year-old woman with non-small cell lung cancer initially diagnosed with cT2aN1M1a, EGFR p.L858R, who developed disease progression and T790M after 32 months of first-line treatment with gefitinib (250 mg/day) before switching to second-line treatment with osimertinib (80 mg/day). Severe thrombocytopenia and active bleeding occurred after treatment with osimertinib, which improved with recombinant human thrombopoietin and platelet transfusion. Treatment was replaced with aumolertinib (110 mg/day). After platelet stabilization with aumolertinib treatment in combination with chest radiotherapy, this patient had progression-free survival for 9 months and overall survival for over 45 months. In conclusion, from our experience, aumolertinib has good efficacy and mild adverse effects, and is a good choice for non-small cell lung cancer patients with T790M, especially for patients at high risk of thrombocytopenia.

Untangling determinants of gut microbiota and tumor immunologic status through a multi-omics approach in colorectal cancer.

The changes in gut microbiota have been implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC). The interplays between the host and gut microbiota remain largely unclear, and few studies have investigated these interplays using integrative multi-omics data. In this study, large-scale multi-comic datasets, including microbiome, metabolome, bulk transcriptomics and single cell RNA sequencing of CRC patients, were analyzed individually and integrated through advanced bioinformatics methods. We further examined the clinical relevance of these findings in the mice recolonized with microbiota from human. We found that CRC patients had distinct microbiota compositions compared to healthy controls. A machine-learning model was developed with 28 biomarkers for detection of CRC, which had high accuracy and clinical applicability. We identified multiple significant correlations between genera and well-characterized genes, suggesting the potential role of gut microbiota in tumor immunity. Further analysis showed that specific metabolites worked as profound communicators between these genera and tumor immunity. Integrating microbiota and metabolome perspectives, we cataloged gut taxonomic and metabolomic features that represented the key multi-omics signature of CRC. Furthermore, gut microbiota transplanted from CRC patients compromised the response of CRC to immunotherapy. These phenotypes were strongly associated with the alterations in gut microbiota, immune cell infiltration as well as multiple metabolic pathways. The comprehensive interplays across multi-comic data of CRC might explain how gut microbiota influenced tumor immunity. Hence, we proposed that modifying the CRC microbiota using healthy donors might serve as a promising strategy to improve response to immunotherapy.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Effects of Isorhamnetin for Protection Against Lung Injury in a Rat Model of Heatstroke in a Dry-Heat Environment.

BACKGROUND Isorhamnetin is a natural flavonoid compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its roles in alleviating lung injury associated with heatstroke remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of different isorhamnetin doses on lung injury in heatstroke rat models exposed to a dry-heat environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control (0.9% saline), heatstroke (0.5% CMCNa), and isorhamnetin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) groups; treatments were administered by gavage daily for 7 days. All rats, except those in the control group, were exposed to a dry-heat environment (41±1°C, 10±2% relative humidity) for 150 min to induce heatstroke. Pathological changes, ultrastructure, edema, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the lungs were assessed. RESULTS Compared with the heatstroke group, rats treated with 100 mg/kg isorhamnetin showed amelioration of histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the lungs; decreased lung injury scores (P<0.05) and wet/dry weight ratios (P<0.01); lower levels of phospho-nuclear factor-kappaB (P<0.05), high-mobility group box 1 (P<0.01), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (P<0.01), interleukin (IL)-1ß (P<0.01), and IL-6 (P<0.01); lower malondialdehyde contents (P<0.01); and higher superoxide dismutase (P<0.01) and catalase activities (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS In a dry-heat environment, isorhamnetin protected against lung injury in heatstroke rat models via anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms.

Matrine exerted an anti-tumor effect on acute myeloid leukemia via the lncRNA LINC01116/miR-592-mediated JAK/STAT pathway inactivation.

As a malignant hematological cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) influences the health of many people. This study explored the anti-AML activity of matrine (a natural-derived alkaloid), as well as the internal molecular mechanism. In vitro, cell viability, apoptosis, and productions of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α were tested by MTT, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and ELISA, respectively. The expression levels of LINC01116 and miR-592 were measured by qRT-PCR. Bcl-2 and PCNA expression, and JAK/STAT3 pathway activity were evaluated by western blotting. Besides, an AML mouse xenograft model was established to further analyze the anti-AML activity of matrine. We found that matrine suppressed cell proliferation and levels of inflammatory factors, induced cell apoptosis, reduced LINC01116 expression, and raised miR-592 expression in AML cells. LINC01116 directly bound to miR-592 and downregulated its expression. Both LINC01116 overexpression and miR-592 knockdown attenuated the effects of matrine on AML cells. Moreover, miR-592 overexpression reversed the influences of LINC01116 overexpression on matrine-treated AML cells. Matrine inactivated the JAK/STAT3 pathway in AML cells via modulating LINC01116/miR-592. Additionally, matrine inhibited tumor growth via modulating LINC01116/miR-592 in vivo. To sum up, matrine exhibited the anti-AML activity through regulating the LINC01116/miR-592 axis, thereby inactivating the JAK/STAT3 pathway.

Controversial culprit of leptin in obesity hypertension: clues from a case-control study with Chinese newly diagnosed adult early-onset obesity hypertensives.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of leptin in the onset and development of obesity-associated hypertension. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control study that had finished recruiting 153 subjects divided as four characteristic groups. Leptin serum levels were tested by ELISA in these subjects among these four characteristic Chinese adult physical examination groups. Waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SB), diastolic blood pressure (DB), and other clinical laboratory data were collected. Analyzation of correlations between the research index and differences between groups was done by SPSS. RESULTS: Serum leptin levels statistically significantly positively correlated with BMI and WC, and negatively with the HDLC (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), even after adjustment for age and gender. There was no significant difference in the serum leptin levels between the normal healthy group (NH group) and the newly diagnosed untreated just-hypertension group (JH group). And the same is between the newly diagnosed untreated obesity-hypertension group (OH group) and the newly diagnosed untreated just-obesity group (JO group). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated BMI and gender as significant independent correlates of serum leptin. CONCLUSIONS: These results show leptin may not be essential but play an additive effect in the development of obesity-associated hypertension. Leptin may only play an additive effect role in the intricate interwoven network of regulators contributing to the development of hypertension in obese patients.

The value of adiponectin-resistin (AR) index in newly diagnosed obesity hypertension: a case control study among Chinese adult.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of adiponectin-resistin (AR) index as a better indicator of obesity-related hypertension. METHOD(S): This study continued a case control study that had finished recruiting 153 subjects divided as four characteristic groups. Fasting serum resistin levels (FSR) and Fasting serum adiponectin levels (FSA) were tested by ELISA. And, other related anthropometric clinical and metabolic data were collected. Analyzation on correlations between research index and differences between groups were done by SPSS. AR index's performance was also validated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the net reclassification improvement (NRI), and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). RESULT(S): The AR index was defined as 1+ log10(R0)-log10(A0). AUC of the AR index was 0.660 and NRI and IDI indicated AR index outperformed FSA alone. AR index statistically significantly negatively correlated with SB and DB and positively with ALB and SCR. AR index was statistically significantly different between the NH group and OH group and more specific than FSR alone as a biomarker of obesity-related hypertension. CONCLUSION(S): The AR index was more strongly associated with increased risk of obesity-related hypertension than the solely index of FSR or FSA and was useful for early diagnosis of obesity-related hypertension.

[Interactive effect of chemical fertilizer exposure and drinking untreated water on the risk of birth defects].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the interactive effect of chemical fertilizer exposure and drinking untreated water during pregnancy on the risk of birth defects. METHODS: The data were collected from a population-based birth surveillance system in Pingding County, Shanxi Province, from 2007 to 2012. Totally, 157 cases of birth defects were followed up and 204 healthy newborns taken as controls. The additive model and relative excess risk of interaction (RERI) were used to evaluate the interactive effect of chemical fertilizer exposure and drinking untreated water during pregnancy on the risk of birth defects. RESULTS: After adjusted for potential confounding factors, mothers living in villages with ≥ 65 ton/year chemical fertilizer application and drinking untreated water, as from deep underground, cellars, mountain spring, rivers, lakes or ponds, showed a higher risk of birth defects than those living in villages with <65 ton/year chemical fertilizer application and drinking tap or purified water (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.11－4.07). A strengthened interaction was observed between the annual application of chemical fertilizer at the village level and drinking untreated water (RERI = 2.08, 95% CI: 0.23－3.92, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The pollution of drinking water may be an important pathway for chemical fertilizer exposure affecting birth outcomes.

The paradox of the role of resistin in early-onset obesity hypertension: A comparative study among four Chinese adult subgroups.

Objective: To explore the role of resistin in the onset and development of obesity-related hypertension.Methods: Resistin serum levels were tested by ELISA in 153 adult subjects among four characteristic Chinese adult physical examination groups. Waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SB), diastolic blood pressure (DB), and other clinical laboratory data were collected. Following, correlations between research index and differences between groups were analyzed using SPSS.Results: Serum resistin levels statistically significantly negatively correlated with SB, DB and BMI, but statistically significantly positively correlated with serum creatinine (SCR) and serum albumin (ALB), even after adjustment for age and/or gender. The serum level of resistin in the normal healthy subject group (NH) was higher than in other groups.Conclusions: Resistin's role in the onset of obesity-related hypertension may be more important than what has been previously assumed. More pathway substances in the early onset of obesity-related hypertension should be tested.Abbreviations: WC, waist circumference; GGT, Gamma-glutamyltransferase; ALB, Albumin; ALT, Alanine aminotransferase; LDL, Low density lipoprotein cholesterol; TG, Triglyceride; HDLC, High density lipoprotein cholesterol; FA Fructosamine; SCR, serum creatinine; IB, Indirect bilirubin; ALP, Alkaline phosphatase; CB, Conjugated bilirubin; UREA, Urea; Ua, Uric acid; FBG, fasting blood glucose; TC, Total cholesterol; TB, Total bilirubin; TP, Total protein; TC/HDLC, TC/HDLC ratio; SB, systolic blood pressure; DB, diastolic blood pressure.

Complex wall materials of polysaccharide and protein effectively protected numb-taste substance degradation of Zanthoxylum bungeanum.

BACKGROUND: Hydroxyl-sanshools are mainly responsible for the numb taste and biological activities of Zanthoxylum bungeanum, but they show low water solubility, high volatility and easy degradation, which limit their application in the catering and food industries. Thus microcapsules of Z. bungeanum essential oil (ZBEO) were prepared to prevent numb-taste substance attenuation. RESULTS: The complex effects of hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPCD) with other materials, such as konjac glucomannan octenyl succinate (KGOS), octenyl succinic anhydride-modified starch (OSAS), soy protein isolate (SPI) and gum arabic (GA), on the protection of the main numb-taste substance of ZBEO were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that ZBEO was successfully encapsulated in the complex wall materials. X-ray diffraction indicated that the loaded essential oil did not affect the crystalline form of the wall material. The stability of the numb-taste substance α-sanshool in the microcapsules prepared with the complex microcapsule wall materials was higher than that in single-wall microcapsules. Storage stability evaluation indicated that microcapsules prepared with a combination of HPCD and SPI showed the greatest effect in maintaining the stability of the main numb-taste substance α-sanshool in ZBEO at room temperature, low pH and in high-salt conditions. CONCLUSION: Complex wall materials of polysaccharide and protein could effectively protect the numb-taste substance degradation of Z. bungeanum during processing and storage. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Utilization strategies of Chinese medicinal solid waste by pyrolysis and gasification technology].

With the advantages of extensive sources, easy collection, renewability, high yield, carbon circulation, low pollution, and so on, Chinese medicinal solid waste can be converted into clean gas by pyrolysis and gasification, which is then able to serve for industrial production. This is of great practical significance in the context of energy shortage and for solid waste recycling in China. This paper reviews the research progress on biomass gasification principle, gasification medium, and reactor in gasification technology of Chinese medicinal solid waste in recent years. Meanwhile, based on the summary of related research, the defects and improvement measures regarding raw materials, gasification agents, by-products, and reactors were discussed, which provides direction for further development in the gasification technology of Chinese medicinal solid waste in the future.

Long non-coding RNA UCA1 promotes autophagy by targeting miR-96-5p in acute myeloid leukaemia.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) has been identified as an oncogene and is involved in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Autophagy contributes to tumourigenesis and cancer cell survival. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory role and mechanism of UCA1 in AML cell viability by its effect on autophagy. The expression of UCA1, miR-96-5p, and ATG7 was determined by qRT-PCR and western blot. Cell proliferation was examined by MTT assay. The autophagy level was assessed by green fluorescent protein (GFP)-LC3 immunofluorescence and western blot. The interaction between UCA1 and miR-96-5p or ATG7 was analyzed by luciferase reporter activity. The results showed that UCA1 promoted AML cell proliferation by inducing autophagy. Mechanistically, UCA1 acted as a sponge of miR-96-5p by binding to miR-96-5p. ATG7 was a direct target of miR-96-5p and positively regulated by UCA1. Further results showed that the miR-96-5p mimic effectively counteracted the UCA1 overexpression-mediated induction of the ATG7/autophagy pathway. Collectively, UCA1 functions as a sponge of miR-96-5p to upregulate its target ATG7, thereby resulting in autophagy induction. Our findings reveal a UCA1-mediated molecular mechanism responsible for autophagy induction in AML and help to improve the understanding of the molecular mechanism of AML progression.

A Ferulic Acid Derivative FXS-3 Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis of Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells via Positive JNK Signaling Pathway and Negative ERK/p38, AKT/mTOR and MEK/ERK Signaling Pathways.

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies and is an increasing cause of cancer-related deaths. In our previous study, a series of ferulic acid (FA) derivatives were designed and synthesized; they exhibited positive anti-cancer activities, especially for a compound labelled FXS-3. In this study, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed, wherein it revealed the inhibitory effect of FXS-3 on the proliferation and metastasis of human lung cancer A549 cells. The further flow cytometry assay showed that FXS-3 induced apoptosis of A549 cells induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. The trans-well migration and Matrigel invasion assays revealed that FXS-3 inhibited the migration and invasion of A549 cells. By the western blotting analysis, FXS-3 increased the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 ratio, inhibited matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and regulated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), protein kinase B (AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/ERK signaling pathways. The subsequent A549 xenograft-bearing mouse model and tail vein injection of A549 cells induced pulmonary tumor metastasis model showed that FXS-3 significantly restrained the tumor growth and metastasis. In conclusion, FXS-3 might inhibit proliferation and metastasis of human lung cancer A549 cells by positively regulating JNK signaling pathway and negativly regulating ERK/p38, AKT/mTOR, and MEK/ERK signaling pathways, which provides important scientific basis for the development of anti-cancer drugs about FA derivatives.

[Research thoughts and methods on grading identification and transmission change law of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) Q-marker].

The quality marker( Q-maker) of traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) has been the core concept of TCM quality evaluation and control in recent years. Based on the knowledge and long-term practice of the researches on TCM quality,we put forward that " Taking the effectiveness as the core,the measurability and peculiarity as necessary conditions,and considering compatibility for TCM formulae,TCM Q-makers are selected and confirmed,and then the transmission and traceability should be investigated as its functional attributes". Selecting the commonly used representative TCM as the research object,based on the score of TCM effectiveness,measurability and peculiarity,a layered three-dimensional integrated technology was adopted for the quantitative evaluation and grading identification of the Q-markers for TCM. And after Q-markers for TCM are selected and confirmed,the transmission variation of the Q-markers is studied in the whole process from the formation of TCM to its function representation. Based on TCM chemical and biological characteristics as well as effectiveness,and integrating multidisciplinary techniques and methods,researches on innovative methods for system identification and confirmation of the TCM Q-makers are developed emphatically to form representative and exemplary extensive application,which will provide significant theoretical and methodological support for effectively improving the quality control level of TCM.

[Dose-toxicity-effect relationship between licorice combined with rhubarb in purgation].

The dose-toxicity-effect relationship between licorice combined with rhubarb in purgation was studied. A total of 108 ICR mice were divided into control group,model group,positive group,low,medium and high-dose rhubarb groups,and low,medium and high-dose rhubarb-liquorice decoction group. After 6 days of continuous administration of loperamide hydrochloride,the constipation model of mice was replicated,and each group was given lactulose,different doses of rhubarb and rhubarb-liquorice decoction for 14 days. After administration,the defecation characteristics,blood biochemistry,liver,kidney and colon pathological changes in each group were compared. Based on the objective weight given by factor analysis,the dose-toxicity-effect relationship was comprehensively analyzed by multi-index scoring method. Two common factors were extracted by factor analysis,representing effect and toxicity respectively. The results showed that rhubarb could exert a diarrhea effect at the dosage of 1/2,2 and 8 times of the high limit set forth in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia,increase the defecation volume and the intestinal tract propulsion rate,reduce the time of anal and the oral transmission,and increase the water content of feces. The combination with licorice could alleviate its diarrhea effect,especially at the dosage of 1/2 times of the high limit set forth in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However,rhubarb showed obvious hepatic and colon toxicities at the dosage of 2 and 8 times of the high limit set forth in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia,and the combination with licorice could significantly reduce its toxicity. It shows that licorice has a " mediating" effect on rhubarb by alleviating the purgation property and reducing the toxicity.

High-energy single-frequency 167 nm deep-ultraviolet laser.

We report a high-energy single-frequency deep-ultraviolet (DUV) solid-state laser at 167.079 nm by the eighth-harmonic generation of a diode-pumped Nd:LGGG laser. A maximum DUV laser output energy of 1.5 µJ at a 5 Hz repetition rate with a 200 µs pulse duration is achieved. The central wavelength of the DUV laser is located at 167.079 nm and can be finely tuned from 167.075 to 167.083 nm. The linewidth is estimated to be 0.025 pm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Letter reporting a high-energy single-frequency solid-state DUV laser below 170 nm. The successful demonstration of the high-energy single-frequency DUV laser source with the unique wavelength is useful for direct detection of a Al+27 ion via resonance fluorescence in a multi-ion optical clock.

Viable aromatic BenHn stars enclosing a planar hypercoordinate boron or late transition metal.

Monocyclic Bn rings can act as n-electron σ-donors to stabilize a non-classical planar hypercoordinate atom at ring center, forming wheel-like structures. Herein, we report that BenHn rings can also serve as n-electron σ-donors to construct star-like structures including B©Be6H6+ and TM©Be7H7q (TM is a group 10-12 metal with q = -1, 0, and 1, respectively) by complying with octet or 18-electron rules. Electronic structure analyses show that these species are stabilized by the σ-donation and π-backdonation between the central atom and the peripheral BenHn ring, the favorable Coulomb attraction due to the negative-positive-negative charge population pattern on the central atom, the middle Ben layer, and the outer Hn layer, as well as the σ-π double aromaticity. Importantly, three of the ten species, including B©Be6H6+, Cu©Be7H7, and Au

A comparative research on obesity hypertension by the comparisons and associations between waist circumference, body mass index with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the clinical laboratory data between four special Chinese adult groups.

BACKGROUND: The obesity-hypertension pathogenesis is complex. From the phenotype to molecular mechanism, there is a long way to clarify the mechanism. To explore the association between obesity and hypertension, we correlate the phenotypes such as the waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SB), and diastolic blood pressure (DB) with the clinical laboratory data between four specific Chinese adult physical examination groups (newly diagnosed untreated just-obesity group, newly diagnosed untreated obesity-hypertension group, newly diagnosed untreated just-hypertension group, and normal healthy group), and the results may show something. OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanisms from obesity to hypertension by analyzing the correlations and differences between WC, BMI, SB, DB, and other clinical laboratory data indices in four specific Chinese adult physical examination groups. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2012 to July 2014, and 153 adult subjects, 34 women and 119 men, from 21 to 69 years, were taken from four characteristic Chinese adult physical examination groups (newly diagnosed untreated just-obesity group, newly diagnosed untreated obesity-hypertension group, newly diagnosed untreated just-hypertension group, and normal healthy group). The study was approved by the ethics committee of Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention. WC, BMI, SB, DB, and other clinical laboratory data were collected and analyzed by SPSS. RESULTS: Serum levels of albumin (ALB)，alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), uric acid (Ua), and TC/HDLC (odds ratio) were statistically significantly different between the four groups. WC statistically significantly positively correlated with BMI, ALT, Ua, and serum levels of glucose (GLU), and TC/HDLC, and negatively with ALB, HDLC, and serum levels of conjugated bilirubin (CB). BMI was statistically significantly positively related to ALT, Ua, LDLC, WC, and TC/HDLC, and negatively to ALB, HDLC, and CB. DB statistically significantly positively correlated with ALP, BMI, and WC. SB was statistically significantly positively related to LDLC, GLU, serum levels of fructosamine (FA), serum levels of the total protein (TC), BMI, and WC. CONCLUSION: The negative body effects of obesity are comprehensive. Obesity may lead to hypertension through multiple ways by different percents. GGT, serum levels of gamma glutamyltransferase; ALB, serum levels of albumin; ALT, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase; LDLC, serum levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol; TG, serum levels of triglyceride; HDLC, serum levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol; FA, serum levels of fructosamine; S.C.R, serum levels of creatinine; IB, serum levels of indirect bilirubin; ALP, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase; CB, serum levels of conjugated bilirubin; UREA, Urea; Ua, serum levels of uric acid; GLU, serum levels of glucose; TC, serum levels of the total cholesterol; TB, serum levels of the total bilirubin; TP, serum levels of the total protein; TC/HDLC, TC/HDLC ratio.

Wenshen Zhuanggu formula effectively suppresses breast cancer bone metastases in a mouse Xenograft model.

Wenshen Zhuanggu formula (WSZG) is a traditional Chinese medicine used as an adjuvant for the prevention of bone metastases in breast cancer patients. In this study we investigated the efficacy of WSZG in preventing bone metastases and the potential mechanisms in a mouse xenograft model of breast cancer bone metastases. This model was established by injection of human MDA-MB-231BO-Luc breast cancer cells alone or a mixture of the cancer cells with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into left ventricle of the heart in female nude mice. Then the mice were treated with WSZG (3.25, 6.5 or 13.0 mg·kg-1·d-1, ig) for four weeks, whereas zoledronic acid (100 µg/kg per week, ig) was used as a positive control. The occurrence and development of bone metastases were monitored via bioluminescent imaging, and bone lesions were assessed using micro-CT. Intracardiac injection of the mixture of MDA-MB-231BO-Luc breast cancer cells with BMSCs significantly facilitated the bone metastatic capacity of the breast cancer cells, and aggravated bone lesions in the mouse xenograft model of breast cancer bone metastases. Administration of WSZG dose-dependently inhibited the incidence and intensity of bone metastases and protected against bone lesions by suppressing osteoclast formation and tumor cell infiltration. Furthermore, administration of WSZG caused a marked reduction in the expression of CCL5/CCR5 and IL-17B/IL-17BR in bone metastatic tissues. The results demonstrate that WSZG exerts potential therapeutic effects in a mouse xenograft model of breast cancer bone metastases, which are partially mediated by weakening the interaction between BMSCs and breast cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment.

Three new species of Calocybe (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from northeastern China are supported by morphological and molecular data.

Three new species, Calocybe aurantiaca, C. convexa, and C. decolorata, are described based on collections made in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China. The main characters of C. aurantiaca are its orange-yellow sporocarps and small and smooth basidiospores. Calocybe convexa is characterized by its orange-buff pileus, very small basidiospores, and tortuous stipe, whereas C. decolorata is mainly characterized by its gills that turn blue when bruised. The sequences of nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and the 28S D1-D5 region of the Calocybe species were analyzed, and the results indicated that the three new species belonged to the genus Calocybe and differed from other species of Calocybe. The morphological similarities of the new species to other Calocybe species and the classification system within the genus Calocybe based on molecular data are also discussed. A key is provided for the Calocybe species as reported from China in order to facilitate future studies of the genus.

Wearable Wide-Range Strain Sensors Based on Ionic Liquids and Monitoring of Human Activities.

Wearable sensors for detection of human activities have encouraged the development of highly elastic sensors. In particular, to capture subtle and large-scale body motion, stretchable and wide-range strain sensors are highly desired, but still a challenge. Herein, a highly stretchable and transparent stain sensor based on ionic liquids and elastic polymer has been developed. The as-obtained sensor exhibits impressive stretchability with wide-range strain (from 0.1% to 400%), good bending properties and high sensitivity, whose gauge factor can reach 7.9. Importantly, the sensors show excellent biological compatibility and succeed in monitoring the diverse human activities ranging from the complex large-scale multidimensional motions to subtle signals, including wrist, finger and elbow joint bending, finger touch, breath, speech, swallow behavior and pulse wave.