Case report: Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia with systemic amyloidosis as the main manifestation.

Systemic amyloidosis is a rare protein misfolding and deposition disorder leading to progressive organ failure. Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) with systemic amyloidosis as the main manifestation is even rarer. The patient in this study presented with recurrent diarrhea and had not been diagnosed in other hospitals on multiple occasions. Later, his diarrhea worsened and was accompanied by sunken edema of both lower limbs and dizziness. Renal biopsy showed deposits of PAS light-staining material in the glomeruli, interstitium, and small arteries, which stained positively with Congo red. Cardiac ultrasound showed interventricular septum thickening of 17 mm, right ventricular wall myocardial thickening of approximately 0.6 cm, and septal thickening of approximately 0.5 cm, considering myocardial amyloidosis. Electromyography showed abnormal peripheral nerve conduction. Lymphoplasmacytic cells were found in the bone marrow. Taken together, he was diagnosed with WM. He was treated with a BR (Bendamustine + Rituximab) regimen. After 6 courses, the patient's discomfort was relieved, his weight gained 5 kg, the level of serum IgM and dFLC decreased, and cardiac and renal assessments were more relieved. The patient has been followed up for more than 1 month.

A clinical-radiomics nomogram based on dual-layer spectral detector CT to predict cancer stage in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of radiomics signatures derived from polyenergetic images (PEIs) and virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) obtained through dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT). Moreover, it sought to develop a clinical-radiomics nomogram based on DLCT for predicting cancer stage (early stage: stage I-II, advanced stage: stage III-IV) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). METHODS: A total of 173 patients histopathologically diagnosed with PDAC and who underwent contrast-enhanced DLCT were enrolled in this study. Among them, 49 were in the early stage, and 124 were in the advanced stage. Patients were randomly categorized into training (n = 122) and test (n = 51) cohorts at a 7:3 ratio. Radiomics features were extracted from PEIs and 40-keV VMIs were reconstructed at both arterial and portal venous phases. Radiomics signatures were constructed based on both PEIs and 40-keV VMIs. A radiomics nomogram was developed by integrating the 40-keV VMI-based radiomics signature with selected clinical predictors. The performance of the nomogram was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curves analysis (DCA). RESULTS: The PEI-based radiomics signature demonstrated satisfactory diagnostic efficacy, with the areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of 0.92 in both the training and test cohorts. The optimal radiomics signature was based on 40-keV VMIs, with AUCs of 0.96 and 0.94 in the training and test cohorts. The nomogram, which integrated a 40-keV VMI-based radiomics signature with two clinical parameters (tumour diameter and normalized iodine density at the portal venous phase), demonstrated promising calibration and discrimination in both the training and test cohorts (0.97 and 0.91, respectively). DCA indicated that the clinical-radiomics nomogram provided the most significant clinical benefit. CONCLUSIONS: The radiomics signature derived from 40-keV VMI and the clinical-radiomics nomogram based on DLCT both exhibited exceptional performance in distinguishing early from advanced stages in PDAC, aiding clinical decision-making for patients with this condition.

A New Species of the Blind Cave Loach Genus Protocobitis (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae), Protocobitis longicostatus sp. nov., from Guangxi, China.

Protocobitis species are typical cave-dwelling fish, exhibiting distinctive morphological adaptations such as colorless body, lack of eyes, and reduced scales and ribs in response to their extreme cave habitats. Distinct from the recorded species, P. anteroventris, P. polylepis, and P. typhlops, a new species, Protocobitis longicostatus sp. nov., is described from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Protocobitis longicostatus sp. nov. can easily be distinguished from all known congeners by the following characteristics: whole body covered by scales except head, 12 branched caudal fin rays, and long ribs. These species face threats from habitat degradation, hydrological changes, and environmental pollution. Thus, the conservation of cavefish in China has become an urgent issue.

Correlation between COVID-19 infection and fetal situs inversus.

BACKGROUND: Situs inversus is a rare congenital condition, defined by the mirror-image transposition of the abdominothoracic organs. It is linked to an increased risk of different disorders, for example, congenital heart defects and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Recently, some reports have been on the increased incidence of situs inversus after the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between maternal COVID-19 infection and fetal situs inversus occurrence risk. METHODS: All pregnant women who underwent fetal ultrasound examinations at Jinan Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January to May of 2022 and 2023 were recruited. A chi-square test was conducted to assess the association of maternal COVID-19 infection with the incidence rate of fetal situs inversus. RESULTS: A total of 8381 patients, including 25 with situs inversus fetuses were recruited. A total of 3956 patients had COVID-19, while 4400 did not. Among 25 mothers with situs inversus fetuses, 22 had COVID-19 and 3 without recent infection. Our analysis showed a strong link between COVID-19 and a higher risk of fetus situs inversus (P < .001, odds ratio 8.196). CONCLUSION: Maternal COVID-19 infection in the early stages of the pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fetal situs inversion occurrence. Therefore, further research in this field seems necessary.

Identification and characterization of waterlogging-responsive genes in the parental line of maize hybrid An'nong 876.

Waterlogging stress is an important abiotic stress that adversely affects maize growth and yield. The mechanism regulating the early stage of the maize response to waterlogging stress is largely unknown. In this study, CM37 and cmh15 seedlings were treated with waterlogging stress and then examined in terms of their physiological changes. The results indicated that inbred line cmh15 is more tolerant to waterlogging stress and less susceptible to peroxide-based damages than CM37. The RNA sequencing analysis identified 1,359 down-regulated genes and 830 up-regulated genes in the waterlogging-treated cmh15 plants (relative to the corresponding control levels). According to the Gene Ontology analysis for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), some important terms were identified which may play important roles in the response to waterlogging stress. Moreover, enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were also identified for the DEGs. Furthermore, the substantial changes in the expression of 36 key transcription factors may be closely related to the maize in response to waterlogging stress. This study offers important insights into the mechanism in regulating maize tolerance to waterlogging stress, with important foundations for future research.

Dual-Layer Spectral Detector Computed Tomography Quantitative Parameters: A Potential Tool for Lymph Node Activity Determination in Lymphoma Patients.

Dual-energy CT has shown promising results in determining tumor characteristics and treatment effectiveness through spectral data by assessing normalized iodine concentration (nIC), normalized effective atomic number (nZeff), normalized electron density (nED), and extracellular volume (ECV). This study explores the value of quantitative parameters in contrast-enhanced dual-layer spectral detector CT (SDCT) as a potential tool for detecting lymph node activity in lymphoma patients. A retrospective analysis of 55 lymphoma patients with 289 lymph nodes, assessed through 18FDG-PET/CT and the Deauville five-point scale, revealed significantly higher values of nIC, nZeff, nED, and ECV in active lymph nodes compared to inactive ones (p < 0.001). Generalized linear mixed models showed statistically significant fixed-effect parameters for nIC, nZeff, and ECV (p < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values of nIC, nZeff, and ECV reached 0.822, 0.845, and 0.811 for diagnosing lymph node activity. In conclusion, the use of g nIC, nZeff, and ECV as alternative imaging biomarkers to PET/CT for identifying lymph node activity in lymphoma holds potential as a reliable diagnostic tool that can guide treatment decisions.

Association between composite dietary antioxidant index and coronary heart disease among US adults: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) is a dietary antioxidant score that plays a protective role in many diseases, including depression, osteoporosis, papillomavirus infection, etc. However, the association between CDAI and coronary heart disease (CHD) is currently unclear. We aim to explore the correlations between CDAI and the risk of CHD. METHODS: Eligible participants were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018. All participants in this cross-sectional study are required to undergo two separate 24-h dietary recall interviews. Average daily intakes of dietary antioxidants were used to calculate CDAI. CHD status was determined through a questionnaire. Weighted multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between CDAI and CHD. Moreover, we also used restricted cubic spline to explore Non-linear correlations. Sensitivity analysis using unweighted logistic analysis and subgroup analysis were used to demonstrate the stability of the results. RESULTS: A total of 34,699 participants were eligible for analysis.Compared to the participants without CHD, the participants with CHD showed lower levels of CDAI. After adjusting confounding factors in the multivariate weighted logistic regression model, CDAI was inversely associated with CHD (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.65 (0.51-0.82, P < 0.001). Restricted cubic spline showed that there was a negative non-linear correlation (L-shaped) between CDAI and CHD, suggesting a potential saturation effect at higher CDAI levels, with the inflection point of 0.16. Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were stable. No significant statistically interaction was showed in subgroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS: There was a negative non-linear correlation between CDAI and CHD in US adults. However, further prospective studies are still needed to reveal their relationship.

Quantifying left ventricular myocardial strain in patients with different CAD-RADS levels based on computed tomography feature tracking technology.

To evaluate myocardial strain in patients with different coronary artery disease-reporting and data system (CAD-RADS) levels using the computed tomography (CT) feature tracking technology and to investigate the relationship of myocardial strain with coronary artery calcium scores (CACs) and the degree of coronary artery stenosis. We prospectively enrolled 237 consecutive patients to undergo coronary CT angiography. The participants were divided into the following groups: control (n = 87), CAD-RADS 1 (n = 43), CAD-RADS 2 (n = 43), CAD-RADS 3 (n = 38), and CAD-RADS 4 and above (n = 26). Myocardial strains were analyzed by commercial software, and CACs and coronary stenosis were assessed on post-processing stations. Differences between multiple groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis test. Logistic regression were used to analyze the effects of dichotomous variables. As the CAD-RADS level increased, the global circumferential strain (GCS), global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global radial strain (GRS) of the left ventricle based on CT gradually decreased. A significant correlation was observed between global myocardial strain and CACs (GRS: r = - 0.219, GCS: r = 0.189, GLS: r = 0.491; P < 0.05). The independent predictors of obstructive CAD were age (ß = 0.065, odds ratio [OR] = 1.067, P = 0.005), left ventricular ejection fraction (ß = 0.145, OR = 1.156, P = 0.047), and GLS (ß = 0.232, OR = 1.261, P = 0.01). CT-derived GLS of the left ventricle is correlated with CAD-RADS levels and CACs. It may be a better indicator than CACs to reflect the severity of CAD.

Dual-Layer Detector Head CT to Maintain Image Quality While Reducing the Radiation Dose in Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Radiation exposure in the CT diagnostic imaging process is a conspicuous concern in pediatric patients. This study aimed to evaluate whether 60-keV virtual monoenergetic images of the pediatric cranium in dual-layer CT can reduce the radiation dose while maintaining image quality compared with conventional images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred six unenhanced pediatric head scans acquired by dual-layer CT were retrospectively assessed. The patients were assigned to 2 groups of 53 and scanned with 250 and 180 mAs, respectively. Dose-length product values were retrieved, and noise, SNR, and contrast-to-noise ratio were calculated for each case. Two radiologists blinded to the reconstruction technique used evaluated image quality on a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical assessment was performed with ANOVA and the Wilcoxon test, adjusted for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Mean dose-length product values were 717.47 (SD, 41.52) mGy×cm and 520.74 (SD, 42) mGy×cm for the 250- and 180-mAs groups, respectively. Irrespective of the radiation dose, noise was significantly lower, SNR and contrast-to-noise ratio were significantly higher, and subjective analysis revealed significant superiority of 60-keV virtual monoenergetic images compared with conventional images (all P < .001). SNR, contrast-to-noise ratio, and subjective evaluation in 60-keV virtual monoenergetic images were not significantly different between the 2 scan groups (P > .05). Radiation dose parameters were significantly lower in the 180-mAs group compared with the 250-mAs group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Dual-layer CT 60-keV virtual monoenergetic images allowed a radiation dose reduction of 28% without image-quality loss in pediatric cranial CT.

Identification of sex pheromone of red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii and exploration of the chemosensory mechanism of their antennae.

Red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, is a globally invasive species, which has caused great damage to biodiversity, agriculture, and fishing. Therefore, the development of effective management methods, such as pheromone control, is necessary for biological control and biodiversity protection. However, the components of P. clarkii sex pheromones have not yet been explored, and the chemosensory mechanism of the P. clarkii antennae after stimulation by sex pheromone also remains unknown. In this study, we isolated and identified the candidate bioactive component of the female P. clarkii sex pheromone using ultrafiltration centrifugation, semi-preparative liquid phase separation and omics technologies and conducted bioassays to determine its attraction ability. Meanwhile, RNA-Seq technology was used to analyze the potential chemosensory mechanism of antennae. Our results indicated that the male P. clarkii were uniaxially attracted to the female crude conditioned water (FCW), medium fraction (MF, isolated by ultrafiltration centrifugation), and preparative fragment 6 of females (PFF6, isolated by semi-preparative liquid phase separation). Metabolomic analysis revealed the presence of 18 differential metabolites between the PFF6 and PFM6 samples, among which 15 were significantly upregulated in the PFF6 sample. Bioassay test also showed that mestranol, especially at concentrations of 10-5-10-2 mol∙l-1, could significantly attract P. clarkii males; therefore, mestranol was identified as the candidate sex pheromone component of P. clarkii females. Furthermore, RNA-Seq results showed that most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in lipid metabolism and signal transduction pathways were up-regulated in P. clarkii males. In addition, high expressions of Ca2+-binding protein and ion transporting ATPases may enhance the sensitivity of the antennae of P. clarkii males towards sex pheromones. Our study provides data on P. clarkii sex pheromone composition and reveals the molecular mechanism of sex pheromone response in P. clarkii. Moreover, our study provides a referable method for the isolation of candidate bioactive molecules from the P. clarkii sex pheromone.

A plasma proteomic approach in patients with heart failure after acute myocardial infarction: insights into the pathogenesis and progression of the disease.

Aims: The pathogenesis of disease progression targets for patients with heart failure after acute myocardial infarction was investigated by using plasma proteomics. Methods: The plasma proteomes of acute myocardial infarction patients with (MI-HF) and without (MI-WHF) heart failure were compared. Each group consisted of 10 patients who were matched for age and sex. The peptides were analyzed by 2-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry in a high definition mode. Parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) verified the selected target proteins. Results: We identified and quantified 2,589 and 2,222 proteins, respectively, and found 117 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) (≥1.5-fold), when the MI-HF and MI-WHF groups were compared. Of these 51 and 66 were significantly up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. The significant DEPs was subjected to protein-protein interaction network analysis which revealed a central role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the MI-HF patients. PRM verified that MB, DIAPH1, VNN1, GOT2, SLC4A1, CRP, CKM, SOD3, F7, DLD, PGAM2, GOT1, UBA7 and HYOU1 were 14 proteins which were highly expressed in MI-HF patients. Conclusions: These findings showed a group of proteins related to the NF-κB signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of patients with poor outcomes after experiencing MI-HF. These proteins may be useful candidate markers for the diagnosis of MI-HF as well as help to elucidate the pathophysiology of this major cause of mortality in older patients.

Dual-layer spectral CT improves the image quality of cerebral unenhanced CT scan in children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the image quality and determine the optimal energies of virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) in unenhanced pediatric cerebral scans by dual-layer spectral detector computed tomography (DLCT). METHODS: Fifty-three consecutive unenhanced cerebral scans by a DLCT scanner in children (age ≤ 12 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Conventional images (CI) and VMIs were reconstructed. The gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), posterior fossa, and subcalvarial artifac tindex (PFAI, SAI) were calculated. Two radiologists independently determined the image quality using a 5-point Likert-type scale based on GM - WM differentiation (GWMA), subcalvarialspace (SAA), beam hardening artifacts in the posterior fossa (PFAA), and the overall diagnostic quality. The student t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to determining the statistical significance. RESULTS: Compared with CI, superior noise were observed in VMI at low keV levels and were lowest at 100 keV (P < 0.001); the SNR and CNR were significantly higher at the 45 keV to 75 keV levels (all Ps of <0.005). The best GWMA were noticed at the 50 keV level compared to other keV levels (all P < 0.05). The optimal SAA and PFAA were found at 100 keV, respectively. The assessment of overall diagnostic quality was the best at 50 keV (P < 0.013 to < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The VMI scan significantly improved the quality of pediatric cerebral images compared with those from CI. The optimal energy level for the brainparenchyma was 50 keV while those for subcalvarial space and posterior fossa were 100 keV.

A 2D Dy-based metal-organic framework derived from benzothiadiazole: structure and photocatalytic properties.

A 2D Dy(III) metal-organic layer (MOL 1) was synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Structural analysis suggests that the Dy(III) ions in each one-dimensional (1D) arrangement are evenly arranged in the form of broken lines. The 1D chains are linked to one another via ligands to form a 2D layer that generates a 2D surface with elongated apertures. The photocatalytic activity study suggests that MOL 1 exhibits good catalytic activity in flavonoids by the formation of an O2˙- radical as an intermediate. This is the first reported method of synthesizing flavonoids using chalcones.

The Caprini Risk Score for Early Prediction of Mortality in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The Caprini Risk Score (CRS) is a validated predictive instrument for venous thrombosis. Previous investigators have shown that a high CRS is associated with a higher risk of mortality from thrombotic diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the association between the CRS and prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: Secondary analysis of data from a retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients were classified into 3 CRS-based categories (CRS ≤ 2, CRS = 3-4, and CRS ≥ 5, indicating low, medium, and high, respectively). Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models were used to assess the prognosis of patients with ACS. All-cause mortality and cardiac mortality were the end points. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-four patients (12.8%) died during follow-up. Multivariate Cox regression models identified CRS as an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality among patients with ACS (CRS = 3-4 vs CRS ≤ 2, hazard ratio: 3.268, 95% confidence interval: 1.396-7.647, P = .006; CRS ≥ 5 vs CRS ≤ 2, hazard ratio: 4.099, 95% confidence interval: 1.708-9.841, P = .002). Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between CRS and fibrinogen level ( r = 0.486, R2 = 0.765, P < .001) as well as D-dimer level ( r = 0.480, R2 = 0.465, P < .001). CONCLUSION: The CRS is a useful prognostic assessment instrument for patients with ACS, and the risk stratification of patients with ACS can be achieved based on their CRS at admission.

An EMS-induced allele of the brachytic2 gene can reduce plant height in maize.

KEY MESSAGE: D129 is an EMS-induced mutant with dwarf phenotype, which has important breeding potential to cultivate new varieties suitable for high-density planting in maize Plant height is one of the important agronomic traits that affecting maize planting density, identification of superior dwarf mutants can provide important genetic materials for breeding new varieties suitable for high-density planting. In this study, we identified a dwarf mutant, d129, from maize EMS-induced mutant population. Gene mapping indicated that a G-to-A transition in the second exon of the br2 gene was responsible for the dwarf phenotype of the d129 mutant using MutMap method, which was further validated through allelism testing. Compared with WT plants, the average plant height and ear height of d129 were reduced by 26.67% and 39.43%, respectively, mainly due to a decrease in internode length. Furthermore, the d129 mutant exhibited increased internode diameter, which is important for increasing planting density due to the lodging resistance may be enhanced. Endogenous hormone measurement demonstrated that the contents of IAA and GA3 in the internode of the mutant were significantly lower than that of WT plants. RNA-seq analysis indicated that at least fifteen auxin-responsive and signaling-related genes exhibited differential expression, and some genes involved in cell development and other types of hormone signaling pathways, were also identified from the differential expressed genes. These genes may be related to the reduced hormone contents and decreased elongation of internode cells of the d129 mutant. Our study provided a novel dwarf mutant which can be applied in maize breeding to cultivate new varieties suitable for high-density planting.

New insights into the persistent effect of transient cinnamaldehyde vapor treatment on the growth and aflatoxin synthesis of Aspergillus flavus.

The antimicrobial effects of continuous treatment with essential oils (EOs) in both liquid and gaseous phases have been intensively studied. Due to their rapid volatility, the effects of EOs on microorganisms after transient treatment are also worth exploring. In this work, the persistent effects of cinnamaldehyde (CA) vapor on Aspergillus flavus were detected by a series of biochemical analyses. Transcriptome analysis was also conducted to study the gene expression changes between recovered and normal A. flavus. When CA vapor was removed, biochemical analyses showed that the oxidative stress induced by the antimicrobial atmosphere was alleviated, and almost all the damaged functions were restored apart from mitochondrial function. Remarkably, the suppressed aflatoxin production intensified, which was confirmed by the up-regulation of most genes in the aflatoxin synthetic gene cluster, the velvet-related gene FluG and the aflatoxin precursor acetyl-CoA. Transcriptomic analysis also demonstrated significant changes in secondary metabolism, energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and amino acid metabolism in the recovery group. Taken together, these findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the response of A. flavus to CA vapor treatment and will guide the rational application of EOs.

Effects of different carbon sources on the oxidative stress tolerance of Aspergillus niger HY2 isolated from spoiled paddies.

Fungi often experience oxidative stress in response to the environment during growth. In this study, Aspergillus niger HY2, whose presence easily results in paddy mildew, was used to investigate the effects of different carbon sources on morphological development, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolites, and antioxidant enzymes activities. Morphological development mainly includes the changes in conidial production and colony diameter. ROS metabolites production include the content of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2·-), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The results indicated that A. niger HY2 adapted to H2O2 exposure by decreasing growth and increasing the activities of some antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Different carbon sources also affected the expression of the developmental-specific gene flbA and the oxidative stress tolerance-related gene cat. When incubated with glucose, sucrose, and xylose as carbon sources, A. niger exhibited stronger oxidative stress tolerance, but when incubated with maltose as a carbon source, A. niger exhibited relatively poor oxidative stress tolerance. Our results can provide a theoretical basis for further understanding mechanisms of metabolic adaptation and developing targeted strategies to control the spoilage caused by A. niger.

Treatment Alternative and High Safety Profile of Acupuncture Plus Chemotherapy for Advanced Gastric Cancer.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and tumor marker level changes of acupuncture plus chemotherapy (FOLFOX4) for advanced gastric cancer. Methods: One hundred and twenty patients with advanced gastric cancer who were treated at our hospital between May 2019 and April 2021 were recruited for prospective analysis, and all patients were allocated to the control and experimental groups in a 1 : 1 ratio using the random number table method, with 60 patients in each group. They received either chemotherapy using the FOLFOX4 regimen (control group) or the FOLFOX4 chemotherapy plus acupuncture (experimental group). Outcome measures included tumor marker levels, quality of life, and adverse events. Results: Before treatment, the two groups showed similar tumor markers levels and the MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) scores (P > 0.05). FOLFOX4 chemotherapy plus acupuncture was associated with significantly lower levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9, and CA72-4 versus FOLFOX4 chemotherapy alone (P < 0.05). The patients who were given FOLFOX4 chemotherapy plus acupuncture showed significantly increased SF-36 scores versus monotherapy of the FOLFOX4 regimen (P < 0.05). The joint therapy resulted in a significantly lower incidence of adverse events versus the monotherapy (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture plus chemotherapy using the FOLFOX4 regimen can effectively regulate the serum tumor marker levels of patients with advanced gastric cancer, with a high safety profile, which provides a viable treatment alternative.

Identification and Characterization of the Core Region of ZmDi19-5 Promoter Activity and Its Upstream Regulatory Proteins.

Drought-induced 19 (Di19) family genes play important roles in plant growth, development, and environmental stress responses. However, little is known about this family in maize. The upstream regulatory network of Di19 genes remains poorly understood in plant stress response, especially. In this study, seven ZmDi19 genes were identified, and sequence alignment, gene structure, and phylogenetic analysis was conducted. According to the phylogenetic analysis, the ZmDi19-5 promoter was cloned and multiple putative stress-responsive cis-acting elements (CAEs) were found in the promoter region. The transient transformation assay indicated that firefly luciferase (LUC)-expressed activity driven by the ZmDi19-5 promoter can be significantly induced by drought stress. A 450 bp core region of ZmDi19-5 promoter was identified, and 28 upstream regulatory proteins were screened using yeast one-hybird (Y1H) system. According to the functional annotation, some genes were related to photosynthesis, light response, and water transport, which may suggest the important roles of these genes in drought response. Particularly, five members that may be involved in drought response exhibited strong binding activity to the core region of the ZmDi19-5 promoter. This study laid an important foundation for further revealing the molecular mechanisms and regulatory network of Di19 genes in drought stress response.

Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture on Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Capecitabine plus Paclitaxel and Radiotherapy in Progressive Gastric Cancer.

Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on neoadjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine plus paclitaxel and radiotherapy in progressive gastric cancer. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 70 patients with advanced gastric cancer receiving radio-chemotherapy between May 2018 and June 2020 were assessed for eligibility in our institution and recruited. They were assigned via the random number table method at a ratio of 1 : 1 to receive either neoadjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine plus paclitaxel and radiotherapy (control group) or acupuncture on neoadjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine plus paclitaxel and radiotherapy (intervention group). The outcome measures included symptom mitigation, quality of life, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores. Results: The two groups showed similar results in abdominal circumference, intraabdominal pressure, and bowel sounds before treatment (P > 0.05). Acupuncture plus conventional treatment was associated with better mitigation on intraabdominal pressure (11.08 ± 1.37 vs. 12.17 ± 2.68) and bowel sounds (4 [3, 4] vs. 3 [3, 4]) versus conventional treatment alone (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference in TCM symptom scores was observed between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05). Acupuncture plus conventional treatment resulted in a lower TCM symptom score (24.63 ± 4.56 points) versus conventional treatment (31.17 ± 4.91 points) (P < 0.05). The eligible patients given acupuncture showed significantly higher scores of physical function, role function, emotional function, cognitive function, and social function (81.52 ± 5.37, 88.17 ± 5.17, 85.15 ± 6.71, 78.45 ± 5.85, and 80.98 ± 7.14) versus those without acupuncture (52.98 ± 8.23, 69.87 ± 5.54, 68.24 ± 9.22, 61.34 ± 6.27, and 64.79 ± 6.89) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture is effective in the recovery of acute toxicity after radio-chemotherapy for patients with advanced gastric cancer, which provides a certain reference for clinical treatment and is worthy of application and promotion.