Integration of multi-omics reveals the important role of the BBS10 gene in reproduction.

Blood samples are easily obtained from sheep. Therefore, blood analysis can be a convenient method for evaluating reproductive traits in sheep by detecting genetic and metabolic changes in the ovary. By combining 167 RNA sequencing data and 60 untargeted metabolomics data, this study analyzed the relationship between genes and metabolites in the ovary and blood. The conjoint KEGG enrichment analysis enriched glutathione (GSH) metabolic pathways both in the ovary and blood. This finding provides an explanation for possible GSH metabolic processes in the ovary with metabolite exchange in the blood. The metabolite-gene-disease interaction network revealed a correlation between the expression of certain Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) family genes in the ovary and blood. This indicates that BBS family genes, such as BBS10 in sheep blood, could be a potential biomarker for BBS. We investigated the relationship between BBS10 gene expression in the ovary and lambing numbers using whole-genome sequencing data from 450 ewes. Our findings suggest that g.112314188C>G may lead to decreased litter size in ewes carrying the FecB gene. These single nucleotide polymorphisms could be potential molecular markers for breeding sheep.

This study investigates the relationship between genes and metabolites in sheep ovaries and blood. The analysis revealed that glutathione pathways are active in both the ovary and blood, which indicates a possible exchange of metabolites between these 2 tissues. This study found a correlation between the expression of certain Bardet­Biedl syndrome (BBS) family genes, such as the BBS10 gene, in the ovary and blood. These genes could serve as potential biomarkers for BBS. The results indicate that specific single nucleotide polymorphisms in the BBS10 gene region are associated with changes in litter size, which makes them potential molecular markers that can be targeted to breed sheep with larger litter sizes.

Neo-adjuvant radiation and intratumoral immunotherapy followed by surgery-NARIS trial for extremity soft tissue sarcoma.

Extremity soft tissue sarcoma (ESTS) is a rare malignant nonepithelial disease, calling for combined modality treatments with surgery to further improve local control rates and long-term survival, especially in patients with multiple local recurrences with or without risk of amputation. In this double-arm, open-label, Phase II clinical trial, we will enroll 30 patients with pathologically confirmed ESTS without nodal involvement or distant metastases. Patients are randomly assigned to the combination treatment group or the radiation monotherapy group. Additionally, tumor and biological samples will be obtained directly before and after neoadjuvant therapy, allowing for studies of immune response and primary drug resistance mechanisms.Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR2200060659 (http://www.chictr.org.cn) (ClinicalTrials.gov).

[Box: see text].

Copper-Catalyzed, Intramolecular Amination of Unactivated C(sp3)-H Bonds through Radical Relay.

Although copper-catalyzed amination of activated C(sp3)-H bonds through radical relay has been developed, amination of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds is rare. Herein, copper-catalyzed intramolecular amination of remote unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds is reported. The reaction is conducted in a mild and effective manner with moderate to good yields, demonstrating broad tolerance toward various functional groups and exhibiting complete regio- and chemoselectivities. This innovation supplies novel synthetic pathways for the construction of saturated nitrogenated heterocycles.

Effects of sintilimab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment on health-related quality of life in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: results from the randomized phase 3 ORIENT-15 study.

Background: In ORIENT-15 study, sintilimab plus chemotherapy demonstrated significant improvement on overall survival (OS) versus placebo plus chemotherapy in first-line treatment of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Here, we report effect of sintilimab plus chemotherapy on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with advanced ESCC. Methods: From December 14, 2018 to August 28, 2022, HRQoL was evaluated in all randomized patients using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 items (QLQ-C30), EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Oesophageal Cancer Module 18 items (QLQ-OES18), and visual analogue scale (VAS) of the EuroQol five-dimensional five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Mean scores of each scale were described by treatment group through week 60. Least-squares mean (LSM) score change from baseline through week 24 were analyzed using the mixed-model repeated-measures method. Time to the first onset of deterioration (TTD) and OS for each scale were estimated. Clinical Trials Registration: NCT03748134. Findings: As of August 28, 2022, 689 of 690 enrolled patients were assessed for HRQoL analysis (sintilimab group: 340, placebo group: 349). Median follow-up was 32.2 months. Differences in LSM favored sintilimab over placebo for QLQ-C30 social functioning (LSM difference: 3.06, 95% CI: 0.55 to 5.57; P = 0.0170), pain (-2.24, 95% CI: -4.30 to -0.17; P = 0.0337), fatigue (-2.24, 95% CI: -4.46 to -0.02; P = 0.0479), constipation (-3.27, 95% CI -5.49 to -1.05; P = 0.0039), QLQ-OES18 pain (-1.77, 95% CI -3.11 to -0.43; P = 0.0097), trouble swallowing saliva (-2.09, 95% CI: -3.77 to -0.42; P = 0.0146), and choked when swallowing (-3.23, 95% CI: -5.60 to -0.86; P = 0.0076). TTD favored sintilimab over placebo for QLQ-OES18 dysphagia (Hazard ratio [HR]: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61-0.94, P = 0.0104), and trouble swallowing saliva (HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35-0.67, P < 0.0001). Improved OS were observed in patients with better performance in several functioning and symptom scales of QLQ-C30 and QLQ-QES18. Interpretation: The statistically significant differences of several HRQoL scales and improvements in delayed deterioration observed in our study further support the use of sintilimab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced ESCC. Funding: This study was funded by Innovent Biologics and was co-funded by Eli Lilly.

Constructing cuprous oxide-modified zinc tetraphenylporphyrin ultrathin nanosheets heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction to methane.

The application of supermolecular naonostructures in the photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) has attracted increasing attentions. However, it still faces significant challenges, such as low selectivity for multi-electron products and poor stability. Here, the cuprous oxide (Cu2O)-modified zinc tetraphenylporphyrin ultrathin nanosheets (ZnTPP NSs) are successfully constructed through the aqueous chemical reaction. Comprehensive characterizations confirm the formation of type-II heterojunction between Cu2O and ZnTPP in Cu2O@ZnTPP, and the electron transfer from Cu2O to ZnTPP through the Zn-O-Cu bond under the static contact. Under the visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm), the optimized Cu2O@ZnTPP sample as catalyst for photocatalytic CO2RR exhibits the methane (CH4) evolution rate of 120.9 µmol/g/h, which is âˆ¼ 4 and âˆ¼ 10 times those of individual ZnTPP NSs (28.0 µmol/g/h) and Cu2O (12.8 µmol/g/h), respectively. Meanwhile, the CH4 selectivity of âˆ¼ 98.7 % and excellent stability can be achieved. Further experiments reveal that Cu2O@ZnTPP has higher photocatalytic conversion efficiency than Cu2O and ZnTPP NSs, and the photoinduced electron transfer from ZnTPP to Cu2O can be identified via the path of ZnTPP→ (ZnTPP•ZnTPP)*→ ZnTPP-→ Zn-O-Cu â†’ Cu2O. Consequently, Cu2O@ZnTPP exhibits a shorter electron-hole separation lifetime (3.3 vs. 9.3 ps) and a longer recombination lifetime (23.1 vs. 13.4 ps) than individual ZnTPP NSs. This work provides a strategy to construct the organic nanostructures for photocatalytic CO2RR to multi-electron products.

Expression, Polymorphism, and Potential Functional Sites of the BMPR1A Gene in the Sheep Horn.

Sheep horns are composed of bone and sheaths, and the BMPR1A gene is required for cartilage and osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, the BMPR1A gene may have a function related to the sheep horn, but its relationship with the sheep horn remains unclear. In this study, we first utilized RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data to investigate the expression of the BMPR1A gene in different tissues and breeds of sheep. Second, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data were used to explore the functional sites of the BMPR1A gene. Lastly, the allele-specific expression of the BMPR1A gene was explored. Our results indicate that BMPR1A gene expression is significantly higher in the normal horn groups than in the scurred groups. Importantly, this trend is consistent across several sheep breeds. Therefore, this finding suggests that the BMPR1A gene may be related to horn type. A total of 43 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (F-statistics > 0.15) and 10 allele-specific expressions (ASEs) exhibited difference between the large and small horn populations. It is probable that these sites significantly impact the size of sheep horns. Compared to other polled species, we discovered ten amino acid sites that could influence horn presence. By combining RNA-seq and WGS functional loci results, we identified a functional site at position 40574836 on chromosome 25 that is both an SNP and exhibits allele-specific expression. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the BMPR1A gene is associated with horn type and identified some important functional sites which can be used as molecular markers in the breeding of sheep horns.

First-Line Anlotinib Treatment for Soft-Tissue Sarcoma in Chemotherapy-Ineligible Patients: An Open-Label, Single-Arm, Phase 2 Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Standard treatment for patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic soft-tissue sarcoma (LA/M STS) is chemotherapy based on anthracyclines, but patient tolerance of chemotherapy is limited. The present trial (NCT03792542) investigated the use of anlotinib as first-line treatment for patients with advanced STS, in particular liposarcoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients were previously untreated, pathologically confirmed, unresectable LA/M STS cases. Anlotinib was given orally at a dose of 12 mg once daily from days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks until disease progression or intolerable adverse events (AE) occurred. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), objective response rate, and disease control rate (DCR). The safety profile was also evaluated. RESULTS: Forty patients were enrolled from April 2019 to June 2022 and are included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The median PFS was 6.83 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.17-8.71] and the median OS 27.40 months (95% CI, 16.43-not evaluable); 1 patient reached partial response and 26 attained stable disease, with a DCR of 67.5% (27/40). Median PFS and OS times for liposarcoma patients were 8.71 and 16.23 months, respectively. Ten (25.0%) patients had treatment-related AEs ≥ grade 3, with in particular a higher incidence of hypertension (15.0%) and proteinuria (7.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest a potential benefit in using front-line anlotinib to treat patients with STS, who are not eligible for cytotoxic chemotherapy. Of note, the clinical outcomes for the liposarcoma subgroup of patients were encouraging. See related commentary by Napolitano et al., p. 4257.

Identification of diagnostic signature, molecular subtypes, and potential drugs in allergic rhinitis based on an inflammatory response gene set.

Background: Rhinitis is a complex condition characterized by various subtypes, including allergic rhinitis (AR), which involves inflammatory reactions. The objective of this research was to identify crucial genes associated with inflammatory response that are relevant for the treatment and diagnosis of AR. Methods: We acquired the AR-related expression datasets (GSE75011 and GSE50223) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In GSE75011, we compared the gene expression profiles between the HC and AR groups and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs). By intersecting these DEGs with inflammatory response-related genes (IRGGs), resulting in the identification of differentially expressed inflammatory response-related genes (DIRRGs). Afterwards, we utilized the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, machine learning algorithms, namely least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and random forest, to identify the signature markers. We employed a nomogram to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of the method, which has been confirmed through validation using GSE50223. qRT-PCR was used to confirm the expression of diagnostic genes in clinical samples. In addition, a consensus clustering method was employed to categorize patients with AR. Subsequently, extensive investigation was conducted to explore the discrepancies in gene expression, enriched functions and pathways, as well as potential therapeutic drugs among these distinct subtypes. Results: A total of 22 DIRRGs were acquired, which participated in pathways including chemokine and TNF signaling pathway. Additionally, machine learning algorithms identified NFKBIA, HIF1A, MYC, and CCRL2 as signature genes associated with AR's inflammatory response, indicating their potential as AR biomarkers. The nomogram based on feature genes could offer clinical benefits to AR patients. We discovered two molecular subtypes, C1 and C2, and observed that the C2 subtype exhibited activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways. Conclusions: NFKBIA, HIF1A, MYC, and CCRL2 are the key genes involved in the inflammatory response and have the strongest association with the advancement of disease in AR. The proposed molecular subgroups could provide fresh insights for personalized treatment of AR.

Copper-Catalyzed, Interrupted Remote Fluoromethylthiolation of Unactivated C(sp3)-H Bonds.

An efficient copper-catalyzed selective fluoromethylthiolation of an inert δ-C(sp3)-H bond in sulfonamides was reported. In the presence of a copper catalyst and PhSO2SRf, the radical generated through 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) was sufficiently trapped by PhSO2SRf, instead of copper, which was prevalent in metal-catalyzed radical-relay processes, incorporating a fluoromethylthio group into molecules. The general substrate scope and mild conditions endowed the method with wide potential applications in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Lymph Node Ratio Enhances Predictive Value for Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Purpose: To compare the prognostic value of lymph node ratio (LNR) and pN in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing surgery. Materials and methods: NSCLC patients were investigated between 2004 and 2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results databases. The X-tile software was used to determine LNR cut-off values. Kaplan-Meier analysis was employed to assess cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). Results: The identified cut-off values of LNR were 0.19 and 0.73. Median CSS for LNR1 (LNR < 0.19), LNR2 (0.19 ≤ LNR ≤ 0.73), and LNR3 (LNR > 0.73) were 71, 41, and 17 months. Both LNR2 (HR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.36-1.57; P < 0.001) and LNR3 (HR = 2.85, 95% CI: 2.58-3.15; P < 0.001) demonstrated poorer median CSS compared to LNR1. Similarly, median OS for LNR1, LNR2, and LNR3 were 50, 35, and 16 months. LNR2 (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.27-1.45; P < 0.001) and LNR3 (HR = 2.60, 95% CI: 2.37-2.85; P < 0.001) exhibited worse median OS compared to LNR1. A revised pN (r-pN) classification incorporating LNR and pN demonstrated superior penalized goodness-of-fit and discriminative ability in predicting CSS and OS compared to both LNR and pN. Conclusion: LNR outperformed pN in predicting CSS and OS in NSCLC patients undergoing surgery, potentially leading to more precise adjuvant treatment decisions.

Bivalent Gadolinium Ions Forming Injectable Hydrogels for Simultaneous In Situ Vaccination Therapy and Imaging of Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is the classic soft tissue sarcomas (STS) first-line treatment drug, while dose-dependent myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity limit its application in clinic. This research intends to apply DOX, which is also an inducer of immunogenic cell death as a part for "in situ vaccination" and conjointly uses PD-1 inhibitors to enhance antitumor efficacy. In order to achieve the sustained vaccination effect and real-time monitoring of distribution in vivo, the in situ forming and injectable hydrogel platform with the function of visualization is established for local delivery. The hydrogel platform is synthesized by hyaluronic acid-dopamine coordinated with gadolinium ions (Gd2+ ). Gd2+ provides the ability of magnetic resonance imaging, meanwhile further cross-linking the hydrogel network. Experiments show excellent ability of sustained release and imaging tracking for the hydrogel platform. In mouse STS models, the "in situ vaccination" hydrogels show the best effect of inhibiting tumor growth. Further analysis of tumor tissues show that "in situ vaccination" group can increase T cell infiltration, promote M1-type macrophage polarization and block elevated PD-1/PD-L1 pathway caused by DOX. These results are expected to prove the potential for synthesized hydrogels to achieve a universal platform for "in situ vaccination" strategies on STS treatments.

An Indoor Fingerprint Positioning Algorithm Based on WKNN and Improved XGBoost.

Considering the low indoor positioning accuracy and poor positioning stability of traditional machine-learning algorithms, an indoor-fingerprint-positioning algorithm based on weighted k-nearest neighbors (WKNN) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) was proposed in this study. Firstly, the outliers in the dataset of established fingerprints were removed by Gaussian filtering to enhance the data reliability. Secondly, the sample set was divided into a training set and a test set, followed by modeling using the XGBoost algorithm with the received signal strength data at each access point (AP) in the training set as the feature, and the coordinates as the label. Meanwhile, such parameters as the learning rate in the XGBoost algorithm were dynamically adjusted via the genetic algorithm (GA), and the optimal value was searched based on a fitness function. Then, the nearest neighbor set searched by the WKNN algorithm was introduced into the XGBoost model, and the final predicted coordinates were acquired after weighted fusion. As indicated in the experimental results, the average positioning error of the proposed algorithm is 1.22 m, which is 20.26-45.58% lower than that of traditional indoor positioning algorithms. In addition, the cumulative distribution function (CDF) curve can converge faster, reflecting better positioning performance.

Mutasynthesis Generates Antibacterial Benzothiophenic-Containing Nosiheptide Analogues.

Nosiheptide is a bicyclic thiopeptide featuring an indole-containing side ring, which is biologically important in maintaining its potent antibacterial activity. By using mutational biosynthesis, the pharmaceutically significant benzothiophene was introduced into the nosiheptide biosynthetic pathway, resulting in the generation of three bioactive nosiheptide analogues with characteristic benzothiophene-containing side rings. Insights were provided into the transformation relationship of these analogues, which effectively improves the yield of S-NOS-1 with favorable activity against Gram-positive pathogens.

Ternary Z-Scheme Ag-Embedded TiO2-Ag2S Nanojunction as a Novel Photoelectrochemical Converter for CD44 Detection.

Nanoarrays (NAs) with stable signal output have become the most promising photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensing substrate. However, a general issue is that interfacial charge-carrier recombination in a single-component semiconductor cannot be easily prevented, resulting in a low photocurrent density. Herein, a biosensor utilizing a Ag-embedded TiO2-Ag2S nanojunction (TiO2-Ag-Ag2S) as a signal converter was developed for the detection of CD44 protein─a transmembrane glycoprotein highly expressed in breast cancer cells. The ternary Z-scheme heterojunction was prepared by a distinctive scheme in which the Ag layer is introduced onto the surface of rutile TiO2 NAs by magnetron sputtering, whereas the Ag2S is rooted in the local sulfuration of Ag. With a sufficient density of oriented nanorods, TiO2-Ag-Ag2S exhibits a smooth photocurrent output and minimal variation among different batches; it is undoubtedly a satisfactory PEC sensing carrier, which enables highly specific identification of target CD44 on the surface of MDA-MB-231 cells due to DNA strand displacement reactions (SDRs) and host-guest recognition between hyaluronic acid (HA) and CD44. The biosensor shows a sensitive PEC response to CD44 over a wide range of 37 to 5.0 × 105 cells/mL. We can conclude that this approach will provide an alternative solution to breast cancer diagnosis.

High-bioactivity microfluidic immunosensing platform for electrochemiluminescence determination of CYFRA 21-1 with the introduction of Fe3O4@Cu@Cu2O.

Relying on the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) and microfluidic technology, an immunosensor chip with high bioactivity was designed for sensitive determination of cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1). The mesoporous nanomaterial Fe3O4@Cu@Cu2O as the co-reaction accelerator was used to catalyze the S2O82- to produce more SO4•- to achieve the amplification of the ECL signal. In fact, the generating of SO4•- could not only be done with the aid of the reversible cycles of Fe2+ and Fe3+ and Cu+ and Cu2+, but could be achieved also through the catalase-like function of Fe3O4. What is more, it has also been proved that Fe3O4@Cu@Cu2O exhibited better catalytic performance than single Fe3O4, Cu2O, and Cu@Cu2O, which supported its application in this system. In addition, a portable microfluidic immunosensor chip for CYFRA 21-1-sensitive determination was assembled, which showed high selectivity, sensitivity, and strong universality in clinical cancer screening and diagnosis. It should be noted that HWRGWVC (HWR) was introduced as the antibody fixator to improve the incubation and binding efficiency of the antibody, which increased the ECL intensity and improved the sensitivity of the immunosensor. This strategy provided a new idea for cancer identification and diagnosis in clinical medicine.

A Portable Microfluidic-Based Electrochemiluminescence Sensor for Trace Detection of Trenbolone in Natural Water.

In this study, a portable electrochemiluminescence sensor chip was designed for trenbolone (TBE) trace detection in environmental water. First, a stable ECL signal was obtained with low-toxicity 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic acid (PTCA) as a luminophore and persulfate (S2O82-) as a coreactant. Second, hollow-structured Cu2MoS4 was introduced as a coreaction accelerator to catalyze S2O82- reduction. The reversible conversion of the mixed-valence transition metal ions in Cu2MoS4 (Cu+/Cu2+ and Mo4+/Mo6+) greatly promoted the generation of the sulfate radical (SO4•-). Meanwhile, the special porous structure of Cu2MoS4 possessed a large specific surface area, thus enhancing its catalytic performance. Based on these enhancement mechanisms, a strong ECL signal was acquired, which improved the detection sensitivity of the constructed sensor. Importantly, a microfluidic chip was introduced for sensing detection, thereby improving the practicality of the sensor. The developed sensor chip was miniature and portable, exhibiting high sensitivity for TBE detection with a wide linear range (10 fg/mL-100 ng/mL) and lower detection limit (3.32 fg/mL). This was of great significance for timely and rapid analysis of steroid pollutants in natural water.

Postoperative radiotherapy in pIIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer after complete resection and adjuvant chemotherapy: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in patients with pIIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer after complete resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science databases, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were systematically searched to extract randomized control trials comparing PORT with observation in pIIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer patients until October 2021. Main outcomes were disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and local recurrence. RESULTS: Three-phase 3 randomized control trials involving 902 patients were included: 455 patients in the PORT group and 447 patients in the observation group. The methodological quality of the 3 randomized control trials were high quality. The pooled analysis revealed that PORT decreased local recurrence rate (odds ratio = 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40-0.76). However, PORT did not improve median DFS (hazard ratio = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71-1.00) and OS (hazard ratio = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.68-1.52). CONCLUSIONS: PORT decreased the incidence of local recurrence. However, PORT did not improve DFS and OS.

Efficient ABEI-Dissolved O2-Ce(III, IV)-MOF Ternary Electrochemiluminescent System Combined with Self-Assembled Microfluidic Chips for Bioanalysis.

A signal-amplified electrochemiluminescent (ECL) sensor chip was developed for sensitive analysis of procalcitonin (PCT). Herein, we first prepared a self-enhanced luminophore, which enhanced ECL responses through intramolecular reactions. Second, Au-Pd bimetallic nanocrystals and mixed-valence Ce-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were introduced as co-reaction promoters to facilitate the reduction of dissolved O2. Based on the synergistic catalysis of Au and Pd, the spontaneous cyclic reaction of Ce(III)/Ce(IV), and the high electrochemical active surface area of Ce(III, IV) MOF, a large number of superoxide anion radicals (O2•-) and hydroxyl radicals (OH•) were produced. Therefore, the luminescence efficiency of N-(aminobutyl)-N-(ethylisoluminol)-dissolved O2 (ABEI-O2) systems were greatly improved, providing a new prospect for the application of dissolved O2 in ECL analysis. In addition, the affinity peptide ligands were used for the directional connection of antibodies to provide protection for the bioactivity of the proposed sensor. Finally, the microfluidic technology was applied to ECL analysis to integrate the three-electrode detection system into the self-assembled microfluidic chip, which realized the automation and portability of the detection process. The developed sensor showed high sensitivity for PCT detection with a detection limit of 3.46 fg/mL, which possessed positive significance for the clinical diagnosis of sepsis.

Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defect With a Free Vascularized Anterolateral Thigh Flap After Resection of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Extremities.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine outcomes and complications in functional reconstruction of soft tissue defects after surgical resection for soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) of extremities. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with STSs of extremities from May 2015 to April 2019 who underwent radical resection of STSs and reconstruction of soft tissue defect with free vascularized anterolateral thigh flap (FVALTP). A minimum 3-month follow-up was required for all the patients. Patient demographics and comorbidities, flap characteristics, postoperative complications, and time to heal were recorded. The functional outcomes of the reconstructed limbs were assessed by the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society（MSTS） scoring system. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients (four males and seven females) were included in the study. The mean age was 62 years (range: 29-84 years). The mean surface area was 151.4 cm2 (range: from 64 cm2 to 418cm2 ). The mean operation time was 126 min (range: 95-296 min). The mean follow-up was 17.5 months (range: 6-34 months). The mean score of MSTS at last follow-up was 26.2 (range: 12-29). Incision healed by first intention in eight patients. Incision healed by second intention in three patients. A patient who had received preoperative radiotherapy experienced delayed union. After debridement, the patient successfully got union. Another two patients experienced marginal necrosis of flap due to vascular crisis. After 3-week dressing changes, the patients also got satisfactory union. One case suffered from vascular crisis during surgery in which the procedure was changed into skin grafting to cover resection site. CONCLUSION: FVALTP technique can be effectively applied to the reconstruction of soft tissue defect after STSs resection. The short-term follow-up indicated satisfactory functional outcome and low incidence of previously known complications. It was necessary to further validate its efficacy in reconstruction of soft tissue defect after malignant extremity soft tissue sarcoma resection.

Malignant transformation of neurofibromatosis-1 into low-grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: a case report.

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST) is a malignant mesenchymal tumor. The majority of MPNSTs are found in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) who have a high-grade sarcoma. At the moment, there are just a few instances of low-grade MPNST caused by NF-1. We present a case of malignant transformation of NF-1 into low-grade MPNST in a patient with a long history of the disease. Multiple protruding masses with ulceration on the right shoulder and chest wall were discovered during physical examination. Complete tumor excision was done, followed by hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining. A portion of the tumor had higher cellularity, hyperchromatic cell nuclei, and mitoses were seen in only five out of ten high-power fields. S-100 and vimentin were positive, whereas cytokeratin, desmin, SMA, and CD34 were negative. Ki-67 (MIB1) labeling index hot-spotting was around 25%. This was thought to be NF-1 malignant transformation into low-grade MPNST. Overall, knowing the clinical and pathologic characteristics of the disease, plus growing knowledge or experience with the condition, may improve preoperative diagnostic accuracy and extending survival time.