The Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement Parameters May Predict Filter Retrieval Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the potential correlation between the placement factors of various retrievable inferior vena cava filters and retrieval outcomes. Additionally, we aimed to identify the factors affecting the placement tilt of the filter. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center to investigate patients who had previously undergone retrievable filter placement at our center and who subsequently had their filters removed between January 2020 and December 2021. Patient characteristics and filter-related factors were recorded. Complex filter retrieval was defined as cases that required a minimum of 8 minutes of fluoroscopy or that involved advanced techniques. Regression models were used to explore patient- and placement procedure-related factors that could influence retrieval outcomes and the placement tilt angle. RESULTS: The study included 163 patients, and all filters were successfully retrieved. Thirty-seven (22.7%) retrievals were classified as complex retrievals. The mean diameter of the inferior vena cava in the preplacement position for the entire cohort was 16 ± 1.8 mm. The median filter tilt angles at placement and retrieval were 5.0° (IQR, 1.8°-9°) and 4.6° (IQR, 2.1°-8.0°), respectively. The placement tilt angle was not significantly associated with complex retrieval (P = 0.59). The filter hook abutment to the vena cava wall (OR, 10.76, P = 0.003), dwell time (OR, 1.02, P = 0.029), and diameter of the vena cava (OR, 10.21, P < 0.001) were associated with complex retrieval. The diameter (P = 0.049), age (P = 0.049), and filter brand (P = 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with placement tilt. CONCLUSIONS: The inferior vena cava diameter at the time of placement predicts difficulty in filter retrieval. In addition, the filter hook abutting the inferior vena cava wall and long indwelling time may complicate retrieval. The vena cava diameter is also closely related to the degree of filter tilt.

Effect of Capecitabine Maintenance Therapy Using Lower Dosage and Higher Frequency vs Observation on Disease-Free Survival Among Patients With Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Who Had Received Standard Treatment: The SYSUCC-001 Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Among all subtypes of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer has a relatively high relapse rate and poor outcome after standard treatment. Effective strategies to reduce the risk of relapse and death are needed. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of low-dose capecitabine maintenance after standard adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized clinical trial conducted at 13 academic centers and clinical sites in China from April 2010 to December 2016 and final date of follow-up was April 30, 2020. Patients (n = 443) had early-stage triple-negative breast cancer and had completed standard adjuvant chemotherapy. Interventions: Eligible patients were randomized 1:1 to receive capecitabine (n = 222) at a dose of 650 mg/m2 twice a day by mouth for 1 year without interruption or to observation (n = 221) after completion of standard adjuvant chemotherapy. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was disease-free survival. Secondary end points included distant disease-free survival, overall survival, locoregional recurrence-free survival, and adverse events. Results: Among 443 women who were randomized, 434 were included in the full analysis set (mean [SD] age, 46 [9.9] years; T1/T2 stage, 93.1%; node-negative, 61.8%) (98.0% completed the trial). After a median follow-up of 61 months (interquartile range, 44-82), 94 events were observed, including 38 events (37 recurrences and 32 deaths) in the capecitabine group and 56 events (56 recurrences and 40 deaths) in the observation group. The estimated 5-year disease-free survival was 82.8% in the capecitabine group and 73.0% in the observation group (hazard ratio [HR] for risk of recurrence or death, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.42-0.95]; P = .03). In the capecitabine group vs the observation group, the estimated 5-year distant disease-free survival was 85.8% vs 75.8% (HR for risk of distant metastasis or death, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.38-0.92]; P = .02), the estimated 5-year overall survival was 85.5% vs 81.3% (HR for risk of death, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.47-1.19]; P = .22), and the estimated 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival was 85.0% vs 80.8% (HR for risk of locoregional recurrence or death, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.46-1.13]; P = .15). The most common capecitabine-related adverse event was hand-foot syndrome (45.2%), with 7.7% of patients experiencing a grade 3 event. Conclusions and Relevance: Among women with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer who received standard adjuvant treatment, low-dose capecitabine maintenance therapy for 1 year, compared with observation, resulted in significantly improved 5-year disease-free survival. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01112826.

Prognostic role of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and albumin for 30-day mortality in patients with postoperative acute pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and albumin for 30-day mortality in patients with postoperative acute pulmonary embolism (PAPE). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 101 patients with PAPE admitted from September 1, 2012, to March 31, 2019. The characteristics, surgical information, admission examination data and mortality within 30 days after PAPE were obtained from our electronic medical recording system and follow-up. The associations between the NLR, PLR, and other predictors and 30-day mortality were analyzed with univariate and multivariate analyses. Then, the nomogram including the independent predictors was established and evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients died within 30 days, corresponding to a 30-day mortality rate of 23.8%. The results of the multivariate analysis indicated that both the NLR and albumin were independent predictors for 30-day mortality in patients with PAPE. The probability of death increased by approximately 17.1% (OR = 1.171, 95% CI: 1.073-1.277, P = 0.000) with a one-unit increase in the NLR, and the probability of death decreased by approximately 15.4% (OR = 0.846, 95% CI: 0.762c-0.939, P = 0.002) with a one-unit increase in albumin. The area under the curve of the nomogram was 0.888 (95% CI: 0.812-0.964). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that an elevated NLR and decreased albumin were related to poor prognosis in patients with PAPE. The NLR and albumin were independent prognostic factors for PAPE.

Monitoring oxidative stress, immune response, Nrf2/NF-κB signaling molecules of Rhynchocypris lagowski living in BFT system and exposed to waterborne ammonia.

The present study was implemented to evaluate oxidative stress, immune response, Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling molecules related genes expression of Rhynchocypris lagowski living in biofloc technology (BFT) system and exposed to waterborne ammonia. According to the differences of C:N ratios, the experiment was divided into four groups: C:N 10.8:1 (control group), C:N 15:1, C:N 20: 1 and C:N 25:1. The results demonstrated that BFT can effectively regulate water quality and promote growth, and the C:N 20:1 group has the most significant effect (P < 0.05). Besides, significant increases in immune enzymes (lysozyme, complement C3, C4, immunoglobulin M and nitric oxide synthase) and anti-inflammatory factor (IL-2) activity of R. lagowski were emerged in the treatment C:N 20:1 after the 56-d growth experiment and the challenging trial (P < 0.05). Comparing the antioxidant status of R. lagowski in liver and gut before and after ammonia stress: superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity in treatments C:N 20:1 were significant increased (P < 0.05), while the level of malondialdehyde was marked lower than that in control. Meanwhile, treatment C:N 20:1 considerably upregulated Nrf2 signaling molecules related genes and significantly down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory factor gene in NF-κB signaling pathway compared with the control (P < 0.05). These results indicated that BFT could enhance growth, antioxidant and immune response and regulate Nrf2 and NF-κB related genes expression in R. lagowski, with most excellent effects in fish given C:N 20:1 group.

Ginsenoside compound K inhibits growth of lung cancer cells via HIF-1α-mediated glucose metabolism.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Compound K, an active metabolite of ginsenosides, is reported to exhibit anti-cancer property in various types of human malignancies. The present study investigated the role of compound K on glucose metabolism in NSCLC cells and its underlying mechanism. Our study found that compound K dose-dependently inhibited the cell viability of NSCLC cells. Moreover, administration with compound K decreased glucose uptake and lactate secretion under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Consistently, the expression of key enzymes (HK II, PDK1 and LDHA) involved in glucose metabolism were inhibited in compound K-treated tumor cells. In addition, compound K inhibited the expression of HIF-1α and its downstream gene GLUT1. On the contrary, overexpression of HIF-1α elevated metabolic reactions and partly attenuated the inhibitory role of compound K on NSCLC cell growth. These results demonstrate that compound K suppresses NSCLC cell growth via HIF-1α mediated metabolic alteration, contributing to novel anticancer therapy by targeting glucose metabolism.

The mechanics of spiral flow: Enhanced washout and transport.

Spiral/helical forms of blood flow have been observed in large arteries of the cardiovascular system, but their benefits remain underappreciated. Spiral flow has been postulated to improve near-wall washout, promoting anti-atherothrombotic conditions. This research aims to study the washout characteristics of spiral flow, specifically, its ability to increase velocity and wall shear stress (WSS) in atherothrombotic-prone regions. Using 1.2 cm diameter angled test-conduits (45°, 90°, 135°) with known recirculation/stasis regions at the bend corners, spiral flow washout potential was evaluated in terms of low velocity and low WSS. Two sub-studies were conducted: the first utilized a spiral flow-inducing device to enable qualitative analysis of washout-potential in both computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations and benchtop ultrasound visualization; the second used CFD to study the impact of several induced helical wavelengths on the conduit-dependent recirculation/stasis zones. Physical models of the angled conduits and spiral flow-inducer were 3D-printed to facilitate ultrasound visualization. Compared to straight flow, spiral flow generated by the flow-inducer significantly cleared the recirculation/stasis zones at the corners of the angled conduits. CFD simulations demonstrated that past a geometry-dependent threshold, increased helical content improved washout, denoted by decreased regions of low velocity and low WSS. Overall, spiral flow markedly improved washout in difficult to reach areas in the angled conduits. This has several important clinical implications: spiral flow shows great promise in reducing blood-transport-related complications and can be used to enhance the performance of future medical devices (eg grafts, mechanical circulatory support devices, hemodialysis access ports).

Novel Hsp90 inhibitor platycodin D disrupts Hsp90/Cdc37 complex and enhances the anticancer effect of mTOR inhibitor.

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a critically conserved molecular chaperone protein and promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this study, platycodin D (PD), a saponin isolated from traditional Chinese herb Platycodonis Radix, was identified as a novel Hsp90 inhibitor. We verified that PD did not affect the ATPase activity of Hsp90. However, PD disrupted the co-chaperone interaction of Hsp90/cell division cycle protein 37 (Cdc37) and subsequently degraded multiple Hsp90 client proteins without the feedback increase of Hsp70. In different genotypes of non-small cell lung cancer cells, co-treatment with the mTOR inhibitor Everolimus and PD enhanced antiproliferation activity and apoptotic effect. The feedback survival signal upon mTOR inhibition was fully terminated by the co-administration with PD through reduced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and insulin growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) expression, suppressed AKT activity, and reinforced 4E-BP1 inhibition. Our results not only identified PD as a novel Hsp90 inhibitor by disrupting the protein-protein interaction of Hsp90/Cdc37 complex, but also provided mechanistic insights into the ineffectiveness of mTOR inhibitors and identified therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.

A novel GSK-3ß inhibitor YQ138 prevents neuronal injury induced by glutamate and brain ischemia through activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

AIM: To discover neuroprotective compounds and to characterize the discovered active compound YQ138 as a novel GSK-3ß inhibitor. METHODS: Primary rat cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) were treated with glutamate, and cell viability was analyzed with MTT assay, which was used as in vitro model for screening neuroprotective compounds. Active compound was further tested in OGD- or serum deprivation-induced neuronal injury models. The expression levels of GSK-3ß downstream proteins (Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, Tau and ß-catenin) were detected with Western blotting. For evaluating the neuroprotective effects in vivo, adult male rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), then treated with YQ138 (10 mg/kg, iv) at 2, 4 and 6 h after ischemia onset. RESULTS: From a compound library consisting of about 2000 potential kinase inhibitors, YQ138 was found to exert neuroprotective effects: pretreatment with YQ138 (0.1-40 µmol/L) dose-dependently inhibited glutamate-induced neuronal death. Furthermore, pretreatment with YQ138 (10 µmol/L) significantly inhibited OGD- or serum deprivation-induced neuronal death. Among a panel of seven kinases tested, YQ138 selectively inhibited the activity of GSK-3ß (IC50=0.52 nmol/L). Furthermore, YQ138 dose-dependently increased the expression of ß-catenin, and decreased the phosphorylation of Tau in CGCs. Moreover, YQ138 significantly increased the expression of GSK-3ß downstream antioxidative proteins Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, GSH and SOD in CGCs. In rats with tMCAO, administration of YQ138 significantly decreased infarct volume, improved the neurological deficit, and increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 and the activities of SOD and GSH in the cerebral cortex. CONCLUSION: A novel GSK-3ß inhibitor YQ138 effectively suppresses brain ischemic injury in vitro and in vivo.

Physiological characterization of maize tolerance to low dose of aluminum, highlighted by promoted leaf growth.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Effects of a low aluminum (Al) dose were characterized. The Al supplement inhibited root growth but enhanced leaf growth in maize lines with different Al sensitivities. High levels of Al are phytotoxic especially in acidic soils. The beneficial effects of low Al levels have been reported in some plant species, but not in maize. Maize is relatively more sensitive to Al toxicity than other cereals. Seedlings, at the three leaf stage, of four Chinese maize foundation parent inbred lines with different Al tolerances, were exposed to complete Hoagland's nutrient solution at pH 4.5 supplemented with 48 µM Al(3+) under controlled growth conditions, and then the Al stress (AS) was removed. The leaf and root growth, root cell viability, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ions (K(+), Ca(++) and Mg(++)), photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll, protein and malondialdehyde contents in tissues were assayed. In conclusion, a low Al dose inhibits root growth but enhances leaf growth in maize. The Al-promoted leaf growth is likely a result of increased protein synthesis, a lowered Ca(++) level, and the discharge of the growth-inhibitory factors. The Al-promoted leaf growth may be a 'memory' effect caused by the earlier AS in maize. Al causes cell wall rupture, and a loss of K(+), Ca(++) and Mg(++) from root cells. CAT is an auxiliary antioxidant enzyme that works selectively with either SOD or POD against AS-related peroxidation, depending on the maize tissue. CAT is a major antioxidant enzyme responsible for root growth, but SOD is important for leaf growth during AS and after its removal. Our results contribute to understanding how low levels of Al affect maize and Al-resistant mechanisms in maize.

The edaravone and 3-n-butylphthalide ring-opening derivative 10b effectively attenuates cerebral ischemia injury in rats.

AIM: Compound 10b is a hybrid molecule of edaravone and a ring-opening derivative of 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of compound 10b on brain damage in rats after focal cerebral ischemia. METHODS: SD rats were subjected to 2-h-middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). At the onset of reperfusion, the rats were orally treated with NBP (60 mg/kg), edaravone (3 mg/kg), NBP (60 mg/kg)+edaravone (3 mg/kg), or compound 10b (70, 140 mg/kg). The infarct volume, motor behavior deficits, brain water content, histopathological alterations, and activity of GSH, SOD, and MDA were analyzed 24 h after reperfusion. The levels of relevant proteins in the ipsilateral striatum were examined using immunoblotting. RESULTS: Administration of compound 10b (70 or 140 mg/kg) significantly reduced the infarct volume and neurological deficits in MCAO rats. The neuroprotective effects of compound 10b were more pronounced compared to NBP, edaravone or NBP+edaravone. Furthermore, compound 10b significantly upregulated the protein levels of the cytoprotective molecules Bcl-2, HO-1, Nrf2, Trx, P-NF-κB p65, and IκB-α, while decreasing the expression of Bax, caspase 3, caspase 9, Txnip, NF-κB p65, and P-IκB-α. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of compound 10b effectively attenuates rat cerebral ischemia injury.

Median effective effect-site concentration of sufentanil for wake-up test in adolescents undergoing surgery: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: To determine the median effective concentration of sufentanil as an analgesic during wake-up tests after sevoflurane anesthesia during surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: This is a randomised controlled trial. Sixty patients aged 13-18 years scheduled for AIS surgery were randomized into six groups of 10 patients each to receive target effect-site concentrations of sufentanil of 0.19, 0.1809, 0.1723, 0.1641, 0.1563, and 0.1489 ng/ml (target concentration ratio, 1.05). Wake-up time was recorded. Median EC50 and 95% confidence interval (CI) for sufentanil target-controlled infusion (TCI) were determined using Kärber's method. The primary outcome was median EC50 for sufentanil TCI as an analgesic during the wake-up test after sevoflurane anesthesia during surgery for AIS. RESULTS: The EC50 and 95% CI of sufentanil TCI were 0.1682 ng/ml and 0.1641 ~ 0.1724 ng/ml, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The EC50 of sufentanil TCI was 0.1682 ng/ml (95% CI: 0.1641 ~ 0.1724 ng/ml) during sevoflurane anesthesia in adolescents undergoing surgery for idiopathic scoliosis with intraoperative wake-up tests. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: ChiCTR-TTRCC-12002696.

Genome-wide association study for serum complement C3 and C4 levels in healthy Chinese subjects.

Complement C3 and C4 play key roles in the main physiological activities of complement system, and their deficiencies or over-expression are associated with many clinical infectious or immunity diseases. A two-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed for serum levels of C3 and C4. The first stage was conducted in 1,999 healthy Chinese men, and the second stage was performed in an additional 1,496 subjects. We identified two SNPs, rs3753394 in CFH gene and rs3745567 in C3 gene, that are significantly associated with serum C3 levels at a genome-wide significance level (P = 7.33 × 10(-11) and P = 1.83 × 10(-9), respectively). For C4, one large genomic region on chromosome 6p21.3 is significantly associated with serum C4 levels. Two SNPs (rs1052693 and rs11575839) were located in the MHC class I area that include HLA-A, HLA-C, and HLA-B genes. Two SNPs (rs2075799 and rs2857009) were located 5' and 3' of C4 gene. The other four SNPs, rs2071278, rs3763317, rs9276606, and rs241428, were located in the MHC class II region that includes HLA-DRA, HLA-DRB, and HLA-DQB genes. The combined P-values for those eight SNPs ranged from 3.19 × 10(-22) to 5.62 × 10(-97). HBsAg-positive subjects have significantly lower C3 and C4 protein concentrations compared with HBsAg-negative subjects (P<0.05). Our study is the first GWAS report which shows genetic components influence the levels of complement C3 and C4. Our significant findings provide novel insights of their related autoimmune, infectious diseases, and molecular mechanisms.

A genome-wide association and gene-environment interaction study for serum triglycerides levels in a healthy Chinese male population.

Triglyceride (TG) is a complex phenotype influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genes or loci affecting lipid levels; however, such studies in Chinese populations are limited. A two-stage GWAS were conducted to identify genetic variants that were associated with TG in a Chinese population of 3495 men. Gene-environment interactions on serum TG levels were further investigated for the seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were studied in both stages. Two previously reported SNPs (rs651821 in APOA5, rs328 in LPL) were replicated in the second stage, and the combined P-values were 9.19 × 10(-26) and 1.41 × 10(-9) for rs651821 and rs328, respectively. More importantly, a significant interaction between aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) rs671 and alcohol consumption on serum TG levels were observed (P = 3.34 × 10(-5)). Rs671 was significantly associated with serum TG levels in drinkers (P = 1.90 × 10(-10)), while no association was observed in non-drinkers (P > 0.05). For drinkers, men carrying the AA/AG genotype have significantly lower serum TG levels, compared with men carrying the GG genotype. For men with the GG genotype, the serum TG levels increased with the quantity of alcohol intake (P = 1.28 × 10(-8) for trend test). We identified a novel, significant interaction effect between alcohol consumption and the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism on TG levels, which suggests that the effect of alcohol intake on TG occurs in a two-faceted manner. Just one drink can increase TG level in susceptible individuals who carry the GG genotype, while individuals carrying AA/AG genotypes may actually benefit from moderate drinking.

Modified Blair ankle fusion for ankle arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical outcome of modified Blair ankle fusion for ankle arthritis. METHODS: Between November 2009 and June 2012, 28 patients with ankle arthritis were treated, among whom 11 had obvious foot varus deformity, and 17 were almost normal in appearance. There were 13 males and 15 females with an average age of 49.4 years (range, 23-67 years). The main symptoms included swelling, pain, and a limited range of motion of the ankles. The ankle joints functions were assessed by American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score and visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively and at 1 year follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were followed up for 19.8 months on average (range, 1-2 years). Superficial wound infection occurred in 3 cases, and was cured after debridement; the other incisions healed by first intention without complications. All ankles were fused at 1 year follow-up after operation. The symptom was relieved completely in all patients at last follow-up without complication of implant failure, or nonunion. The postoperative AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score was 83.13±3.76, showing significant difference when compared with the preoperative score (45.38±3.21, P<0.01). VAS was significantly decreased from 8.01±0.63 to 2.31±1.05 at 1 year follow-up (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Modified Blair ankle fusion has the advantages of high feasiblity, less cost and rigid fixation. It shows high reliability in pain relief and may obtain a good clinical effectiveness.

Analysis of postoperative complications of orbital fracture.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the types and causes of complications following orbital fracture reconstruction and enhance clinicians' capacity to manage or prevent such complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case series analysis, retrospectively collecting and analyzing clinical data of patients with orbital fractures who received surgical treatment at the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University from May 2012 to May 2022. Descriptive statistics were employed to document common postoperative complications, and we recorded complications persisting after a minimum 6-month follow-up period. RESULTS: Among the 227 patients who underwent orbital fracture surgery, they were followed up for 6 to 36 months, and complications occurred in 15 cases, resulting in an incidence rate of 6.61%. These complications included implant material infections and rejections (4 cases), persistent diplopia (3 cases), intraorbital hematomas (2 cases), epiphora (2 cases), lower eyelid eversion or retraction (2 cases), and skin scars (2 cases). The primary cause of postoperative infection was chronic inflammation in the paranasal sinuses or closed cavities within the fracture area. Postoperative complications in orbital fractures were associated with various factors, including the timing of surgery, surgical approach, repair materials, surgical skills, and auxiliary techniques. CONCLUSION: Standardizing surgical techniques and implementing precise auxiliary technologies may reduce the incidence of complications and enhance the operation's success rate.

[Distribution Characteristics, Ecological Risk Assessment, and Source Tracing of Heavy Metals in the Sediments of Typical Lakes in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River].

In this study, surface sediment samples were collected from Dongting Lake, Honghu Lake, and Chihu Lake, and the concentrations of 10 heavy metals were measured. Then, the potential risk of heavy metal accumulation was evaluated using the cumulative pollution index (Igeo), the enrichment factor (EF), and the potential ecological risk index (RI), and the sources were traced using correlation analysis (Pearson) and principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that the pollution and potential ecological risk of Cd were the most serious. The mean values of Cd in East Dongting Lake, Honghu Lake, and Chihu Lake were 2.85, 1.59, and 3.57 mg·kg-1, respectively. The concentrations of Cd were 25.87, 11.36, and 37.58 times higher than the soil background values of the corresponding provinces, which exceeded the risk screening value (0.6 mg·kg-1). Particularly, the Cd concentration of Chihu Lake exceeded the risk control value (3.0 mg·kg-1). Besides Cd, the concentration of As in Honghu Lake was also of concern. At the same time, the Cu, As, Zn, and Pb in Chihu Lake should not be neglected. The potential ecological risks of the three lakes were ranked as follows:Chihu Lake (RI=1 127)>East Dongting Lake (RI=831)>Honghu Lake (RI=421). The primary sources of heavy metals were industrial mining, agricultural production, and aquaculture, and some heavy metals (Mn and Cu) were from natural sources. This study was of great significance for the prevention and control of heavy metals in the sediments of typical lakes in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River.

Clinical value of a radiomics model based on machine learning for the prediction of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Radiomics models have demonstrated good performance for the diagnosis and evaluation of prostate cancer (PCa). However, there are currently no validated imaging models that can predict PCa or clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). Therefore, we aimed to identify the best such models for the prediction of PCa and csPCa. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 942 patients with suspected PCa before they underwent prostate biopsy. MRI data were collected to manually segment suspicious regions of the tumor layer-by-layer. We then constructed models using the extracted imaging features. Finally, the clinical value of the models was evaluated. RESULTS: A diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) plus apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) random-forest model and a T2-weighted imaging plus ADC and DWI multilayer perceptron model were the best models for the prediction of PCa and csPCa, respectively. Areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.942 and 0.999, respectively, were obtained for a training set. Internal validation yielded AUCs of 0.894 and 0.605, and external validation yielded AUCs of 0.732 and 0.623. CONCLUSION: Models based on machine learning comprising radiomic features and clinical indicators showed good predictive efficiency for PCa and csPCa. These findings demonstrate the utility of radiomic models for clinical decision-making.

Genome-wide association study identified novel genetic variant on SLC45A3 gene associated with serum levels prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a Chinese population.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a commonly used cancer biomarker for prostate cancer, and is often included as part of routine physical examinations in China. Serum levels of PSA may be influenced by genetic factors as well as other factors. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted in a European population successfully identified six genetic loci that were significantly associated with PSA level. In this study, we aimed to identify common genetic variants that are associated with serum level of PSA in a Chinese population. We also evaluated the effects of those variants by creating personalized PSA cutoff values. A two-stage GWAS of PSA level was performed among men age 20-69 years and self-reported cancer-free participants that underwent routine physical examinations at several hospitals in Guangxi Province, China. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with PSA levels in the first stage of sample (N = 1,999) were confirmed in the second stage of sample (N = 1,496). Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the independent contribution of confirmed SNPs and known covariates, such as age, to the level of PSA. SNPs in three regions were significantly associated with levels of PSA in this two-stage GWAS, and had combined P values between 4.62 × 10(-17) and 6.45 × 10(-37). The three regions are located on 1q32.1 at SLC45A3, 10q11.23 at MSMB, and 19q13.33 at KLK3. The region 1q32.1 at SLC45A3 was identified as a novel locus. Genetic variants contributed significantly more to the variance of PSA level than known covariates such as age. Personalized cutoff values of serum PSA, calculated based on the inheritance of these associated SNPs, differ considerably among individuals. Identification of these genetic markers provides new insight into the molecular mechanisms of PSA. Taking individual variation into account, these genetic variants may improve the performance of PSA to predict prostate cancer.

A fast response variable optical attenuator based on blue phase liquid crystal.

Blue phase liquid crystals (BPLCs) are promising candidates for next generation display thanks to their fast response and quasi-isotropic optical properties. By taking these advantages, we propose to introduce the material into fiber-optic applications. As an example, a BPLC based variable optical attenuator (VOA) is demonstrated with a polarization independent design. The device shows normally-off feature when no field is applied. Response time down to submillisecond scale is achieved in switching between two arbitrary attenuation states. The attenuation range is also measured from 1480 to 1550 nm, which cover the whole telecomm S-band and part of the C-band. The overall performances reach the requirements for practical use; while still have room for further improvement. Through this example, the applicability of BPLC in fiber-optic devices is presented, which may impel the development of many other photonic applications from infrared to even microwave regions.

Motor Function in MPTP-Treated Tree Shrews (Tupaia belangeri chinensis).

The tree shrew, a new experimental animal model, has been used to study a variety of diseases, especially diseases of the nervous system. 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is the gold standard for toxin-based animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) because MPTP treatment replicates almost all of the pathological hallmarks of PD. Therefore, in this study, the effects of MPTP on the motor function of the tree shrew were examined. After five daily injections of a 3 mg/kg dose of MPTP, the motor function of MPTP-injected tree shrews decreased significantly, and the classic Parkinsonian symptoms of action and resting tremor, bradykinesia, posture abnormalities, and gait instability were observed in most MPTP-injected tree shrews. HPLC results also showed significantly reduced striatal dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels in tree shrews after MPTP injection. Increased oxidative stress levels are usually considered to be the cause of dopaminergic neuron depletion in the presence of MPTP and were observed in the substantia nigra of MPTP-treated tree shrews, as indicated by a significant reduction in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity and increased levels of malondialdehyde. In addition, elevated α-synuclein mRNA levels in the midbrain of MPTP-treated tree shrews were observed. Furthermore, MPTP-treated tree shrews showed the classic Parkinsonian symptoms at a lower MPTP dosage compared with other animal models. Thus, the MPTP-treated tree shrew may be a potential animal model for studying the pathogenesis of PD.