(±)-hypermonanones A-G, seven pairs of monoterpenoid polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol enantiomers from Hypericum monanthemum.

Seven pairs of undescribed monoterpenoid polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol enantiomers [(±)-hypermonanones A-G (1-7)], together with three known analogues, were identified from the whole plant of Hypericum monanthemum Hook. The structures of these compounds were determined by analyses of their UV, HRESIMS, 1D/2D NMR spectroscopic data, and NMR calculations. The absolute configurations of these compounds were assigned by ECD calculations after chiral HPLC separation. Diverse monoterpene moieties were fused at C-3/C-4 of the dearomatized acylphloroglucinol core, which led to 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-integrated angular or linear type 6/6/6 tricyclic skeletons in 1-7. Compounds (-)-2 and (+)-2 exhibited significant NO inhibitory activity against LPS induced RAW264.7 cells with the IC50 values of 7.07 ± 1.02 µM and 11.39 ± 0.24 µM, respectively.

Prevalence and clinical features of carotid artery web in patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke.

PURPOSE: Carotid artery web (CaW) is a rare focal fibromuscular dysplasia that can lead to embolic strokes with large vessel occlusion. This condition can be effectively treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Our study aims to assess the prevalence of CaW among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who underwent EVT and to compare the clinical characteristics of CaW with other carotid artery pathologies. METHODS: We enrolled consecutive patients with AIS who underwent EVT at a single medical center and two regional teaching hospitals in Taiwan from September 2014 to December 2021. We compared CaW with carotid dissection (CaD) and carotid large artery atherosclerosis (CaLAA) in terms of patient demographics and thrombus histological findings. RESULTS: Of the 576 AIS patients who underwent EVT, four (mean age: 50 years) were diagnosed with CaW, resulting in a prevalence of 0.69%. Among these four patients, three experienced successful reperfusion after EVT and achieved functional independence (defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) three months post-stroke. Importantly, none of the CaW patients suffered a recurrent stroke within one year. Patients with CaW were younger than those with CaD or CaLAA, and exhibited fewer vascular risk factors. Additionally, CaW was associated with distal occlusion sites. The thrombus composition in CaW patients was similar to that in CaD patients. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, CaW is a rare finding among Asian patients with carotid artery disease who undergo for AIS. It is more prevalent in younger patients with a limited number of vascular risk factors.

Tailoring Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticle Surface Coating for Macrophage-Affinity Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, while macrophages as key players in plaque progression and destabilization are promising targets for atherosclerotic plaque imaging. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) has emerged as a powerful noninvasive imaging technique for the evaluation of atherosclerotic plaques within arterial walls. However, the visualization of macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques presents considerable challenges due to the intricate pathophysiology of the disease and the dynamic behavior of these cells. Biocompatible ferrite nanoparticles with diverse surface ligands possess the potential to exhibit distinct relaxivity and cellular affinity, enabling improved imaging capabilities for macrophages in atherosclerosis. In this work, we report macrophage-affinity nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of atherosclerosis via tailoring nanoparticle surface coating. The ultrasmall zinc ferrite nanoparticles (Zn0.4Fe2.6O4) as T1 contrast agents were synthesized and modified with dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid, and phosphorylated polyethylene glycol to adjust their surface charges to be positively, negatively, and neutrally charged, respectively. In vitro MRI evaluation shows that the T1 relaxivity for different surface charged Zn0.4Fe2.6O4 nanoparticles was three higher than that of the clinically used Gd-DTPA. Furthermore, in vivo atherosclerotic plaque MR imaging indicates that positively charged Zn0.4Fe2.6O4 showed superior MRI efficacy on carotid atherosclerosis than the other two, which is ascribed to high affinity to macrophages of positively charged nanoparticles. This work provides improved diagnostic capability and a better understanding of the molecular imaging of atherosclerosis.

The integrated analysis and underlying mechanisms of FNDC5 on diabetic induced cognitive deficits.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic hyperglycemia is considered as an important factor to promote the neurodegenerative process of brain, and the synaptic plasticity as well as heterogeneity of hippocampal cells are thought to be associated with cognitive dysfunction in the early process of neurodegeneration. To date, fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) has been highlighted its protective role in multiple neurodegenerative diseases. However, the potential molecular and cellular mechanisms of FNDC5 on synaptic plasticity regulation in cognitive impairment (CI) induced by diabetics are still need to known. METHODS/DESIGN: To investigate the heterogeneity and synaptic plasticity of hippocampus in animals with CI state induced by hyperglycemia, and explore the potential role of FNDC5 involved in this process. Firstly, the single cell sequencing was performed based on the hippocampal tissue from db diabetic mice induced CI and normal health control mice by ex vivo experiments; and then the integrated analysis and observations validation using Quantitative Real-time PCR, western blot as well as other in vitro studies. RESULTS: We observed and clarified the sub-cluster of type IC spiral ganglion neurons expressed marker genes as Trmp3 and sub-cluster of astrocytes with marker gene as Atp1a2 in hippocampal cells from diabetic animals induced CI and the effect of those on neuron-glial communication. We also found that FNDC5\BDNF-Trk axis was involved in the synaptic plasticity regulation of hippocampus. In high glucose induced brain injury model in vitro, we investigated that FNDC5 significantly regulates BDNF expression and that over-expression of FNDC5 up-regulated BDNF expression (p < 0.05) and can also significantly increase the expression of synapsin-1 (p < 0.05), which is related to synaptic plasticity, In addition, the unbalanced methylation level between H3K4 and H3K9 in Fndc5 gene promoter correlated with significantly down-regulated expression of FNDC5 (p < 0.05) in the hyperglycemia state. CONCLUSION: The current study revealed that the synaptic plasticity of hippocampal cells in hyperglycemia might be regulated by FNDC5\BDNF-Trk axis, playing the protective role in the process of CI induced by hyperglycemia and providing a target for the early treatment of hyperglycemia induced cognitive dysfunction in clinic.

Comparison between diaphragmatic-navigated and self-navigated coronary magnetic resonance angiography at 3T in pediatric patients with congenital coronary artery anomalies.

Background: Coronary magnetic resonance angiography (CMRA) is being increasingly used in pediatric patients with congenital coronary artery anomalies (CAAs). However, the data on the free-breathing self-navigation technique, which has the potential to simplify the acquisition plan with a high success rate at 3T, remain scarce. This study investigated the clinical application value of self-navigated (sNAV) CMRA at 3T in pediatric patients with suspected CAAs and compared it to conventional diaphragmatic-navigated (dNAV) CMRA. Methods: From April 2019 to March 2022, we enrolled 65 pediatric patients (38 males and 27 females; mean age 8.5±4.4 years) with suspected CAAs in this prospective study. All patients underwent both dNAV and sNAV sequences in random order with gradient recalled echo (GRE) sequence during free breathing, with 39 (20 males and 19 females; mean age 10.2±3.6 years) of them additionally undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) or invasive coronary angiography (ICA). We measured and compared the success rate, scan time, visual score of the 9 main coronary artery segments, vessel sharpness, and vessel length between the two sequences. The diagnostic accuracy was compared using CCTA or ICA as a reference. Results: The success rate of sNAV-CMRA (65/65, 100%) was higher than that of dNAV-CMRA (61/65, 93.8%) (P<0.001), and the scan time of sNAV-CMRA (7.3±2.5 min) was significantly shorter than that of dNAV-CMRA (9.1±3.6 min) (P=0.002). The acquisition efficiency of dNAV-CMRA was 40.5%±12.9%, while for sNAV-CMRA, 100% acquisition efficiency was achieved. There was no significant difference in vessel length of any of the coronary arteries, visual score, or vessel sharpness of the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) between the two sequences (all P values >0.050). The visual score and vessel sharpness of the right coronary artery and left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) were significantly improved in dNAV-CMRA compared with sNAV-CMRA (all P values <0.050). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for the detection of CAAs were not significantly different between the two sequences (all P values >0.050). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that both sNAV and dNAV in CMRA provide clinical application value in pediatric patients with CAAs and have similar diagnostic performance. Although the image quality of sNAV-CMRA is slightly inferior compared to that of dNAV-CMRA, sNAV-CMRA allows for a simpler scanning procedure.

The Process Parameters of Micro Particle Bombarding (MPB) for Surface Integrity Enhancement of Cermet Material and Tool Steel.

In order to increase the performance of tool or mold/die, there are a lot of micro features on the surface to provide special functions, such as anti-adhesion or lubrication. The MPB (Micro Particle Bombarding) process provides a powerful technology to enhance the surface quality without damaging the micro features. The effect of MPB parameters were investigated by bombarding the surface with extremely small particles (20~200 µm in diameter) at a high velocity and pressure to obtain a better surface integrity. -The MPB has two functions, one is micro blasting for cleaning purposes and the other is micro shot peening for surface strengthening. The regression relationship between particle bombarding time and micro hardness is established to predict the surface hardness after MPB process. The experimental results reveal that the surface hardness of cermet is increased 14~66% (HV2167~HV3163) by micro particle bombarding. The micro shot peening provides a good surface integrity due to thebetter surface roughness of 0.1 µmRa and higher compress residual stress of -1393.7 MPa, which is up to 26% enhancement compared with the base material cermet. After micro shot peening, the surface hardness of the SKD11 tool steel increased from HV 686 to HV 739~985. The surface roughness of SKD 11 after micro shot peening was 0.31-0.48 µmRa, while the surface roughness after micro blasting was 0.77-1.15 µmRa. It is useful to predict the residual stress for micro blasting by surface roughness, and to estimate the residual stress after micro shot peening by surface hardness by applying the MPB process in industry in the case of SKD 11 tool steel.

MiR-7-5p/KLF4 signaling inhibits stemness and radioresistance in colorectal cancer.

Resistance to radiotherapy remains a major unmet clinical obstacle in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to mediate tumor development and radioresistance. However, the role of CSCs in regulating resistance to radiotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains largely unknown. We established two radioresistant CRC cell lines, HCT116-R and RKO-R, using fractionated irradiation. Analysis using miRNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR confirmed lower levels of miR-7-5p in both of the radioresistant cells compared to their parental cells. Subsequently, we validated that miR-7-5p expression was decreased in cancerous tissues from radiotherapy-resistant rectal cancer patients. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database analyses revealed that low miR-7-5p expression was significantly correlated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. Overexpression of miR-7-5p led to a rescue of radioresistance and an increase in radiation-induced apoptosis, and attenuated the stem cell-like properties in HCT116-R and RKO-R cells. Conversely, knocking down miR-7-5p in parental HCT116 and RKO cells suppressed the sensitivity to radiation treatment and enhance cancer cell stemness. Stemness-associated transcription factor KLF4 was demonstrated as a target of miR-7-5p. Rescue experiments revealed that miR-7-5p/KLF4 axis could induce radiosensitivity by regulating CSCs in colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, we used CRC tumor tissues which exhibited resistance to neoadjuvant radiotherapy to establish a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model. Tail vein injection of magnetic nanoparticles carrying miR-7-5p mimics into the PDX mice significantly inhibited tumor growth with or without irradiation treatment in vivo. Our current studies not only demonstrate an anti-cancer function of miR-7-5p in regulating CSC properties and radiosensitivity in colorectal cancer, but also provide a novel potential strategy for delaying or reverse radiation resistance in preoperative radiotherapy of CRC patients.

Three-dimensional Evaluation of Results After Dual-Plane Breast Augmentation with and Without Internal Suture Mastopexy.

BACKGROUND: In patients with breast atrophy and ptosis, it is necessary to correct both problems simultaneously. This study aimed to analyze breast morphological changes with a three-dimensional (3D) scanning technique to demonstrate the improvement effect of dual-plane breast augmentation combined with internal suture mastopexy. METHODS: 3D breast surface scans were performed preoperatively and postoperatively in 24 patients (n = 35 breasts) undergoing internal suture mastopexy combined with prosthetic augmentation through the periareolar approach and 24 patients (48 breasts) undergoing simple dual-plane breast augmentation. Changes in linear distance, breast volume and volume distribution, breast projection, and nipple position were analyzed to assess the breast morphology. RESULTS: Compared with simple breast augmentation, augmentation combined with internal suture mastopexy was associated with a higher upper pole volume increase and greater medial and upward nipple displacement. After the surgery, the upper pole volume increased by an average of 10.6% in combined augmentation group and decreased by an average of 2.2% in the simple breast augmentation group. The measured breast projections were 24.8 ± 2.2% lower than expected in the combined group and 23.1 ± 4.1% lower than expected in the simple group, based on implant parameters recorded by the manufacturer. The nipple moved 0.2 ± 0.5 cm laterally, 1.6 ± 0.6 cm upward, and 2.8 ± 0.7 cm anteriorly in the combined group and 0.9 ± 0.5 cm laterally, 0.7 ± 0.6 cm upward, and 3.0 ± 0.6 cm anteriorly in the simple group. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-plane breast augmentation in addition to internal suture mastopexy appears to reposition breast tissue from the lower pole to fill in the deficient upper breast, pull the nipple medially and superiorly, and ultimately correct mild to moderate breast ptosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Effects of microplastics on nitrogen and phosphorus cycles and microbial communities in sediments.

Sediments are the long-term sinks of microplastics (MPs) and nutrients in freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, understanding the effect of MPs on sediment nutrients is crucial. However, few studies have discussed the effects of MPs on nitrogen and phosphorus cycles in freshwater sediments. Herein, 0.5% (w/w) polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polylactic acid (PLA), and polypropylene (PP) MPs were added to freshwater sediments to evaluate their effects on microbial communities and nitrogen and phosphorus release. The potential biochemical functions of the bacterial communities in the sediments were predicted and assessed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that MPs significantly affected the microbial community composition and nutrient cycling in the sediments. PVC and PP MPs can promote microbial nitrification and nitrite oxidation, while PP can significantly promote alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the abundance of the phosphorus-regulation (phoR) gene. PLA MPs had the potential to promote the abundance of microbial phosphorus transporter (ugpB), nitrogen fixation (nifD, nifH, and nifX), and denitrification (nirS, napA, and norB) genes and inhibit nitrification, resulting in massive accumulation and release of ammonia nitrogen. Although PLA MPs inhibited the activity of ALP and the abundance of the organophosphorus mineralization (phoD) gene, it could enhance dissimilatory iron and sulfite reduction, which may promote the release of sedimentary phosphorus. Our findings may help understand the mechanisms of nitrogen and phosphorus cycles and microbial communities driven by MPs in sediments and provide a basis for future assessments of the environmental behavior of MPs in freshwater ecosystems.

A Case Study: Comprehensive Approach for Treating Horizontal Neck Wrinkles Using Hyaluronic Acid Injections and Thread-Lifting.

BACKGROUND: Horizontal neck wrinkles develop during the aging process. AIMS: This study assessed the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach to treating horizontal neck wrinkles using non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid injection and smooth absorbable PPDO (Poly p-dioxanon) thread insertion. METHODS: Ten patients with horizontal neck wrinkles were treated with hyaluronic acid injection and thread-lifting. The clinical outcomes were evaluated six months after treatment. RESULTS: The median global aesthetic improvement scale scores evaluated by plastic surgeons and the patients were 4.3 ± 0.8 (3-5) and 4.1 ± 0.7 (3-5), respectively, at six months post-treatment. Five (50%) patients strongly agreed, and three subjects (30%) agreed that their horizontal neck wrinkles had improved following treatment. No serious adverse events, including infections, lumps, irregularities, or the Tyndall effect, occurred during treatment. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that a comprehensive approach using hyaluronic acid and thread-lifting provided satisfactory and effective clinical outcomes in treating horizontal neck wrinkles. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266 .

Myocardial edema during chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies: A cardiac magnetic resonance T2 mapping study.

Objective: Myocardial edema is an early manifestation of chemotherapy-related myocardial injury. In this study, we used cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) T2 mapping to assess myocardial edema and its changes during chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies. Methods: We enrolled 73 patients receiving chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies, whose the latest cycle was within one month before the beginning of this study, and 41 healthy volunteers. All participants underwent CMR imaging. Of the 73 patients, 35 completed CMR follow-up after a median interval of 6 (3.3 to 9.6) months. The CMR sequences included cardiac cine, T2 mapping, and late gadolinium enhancement. Results: Myocardial T2 was elevated in patients who were treated with chemotherapy compared with healthy volunteers [41ms (40ms to 43ms) vs. 41ms (39ms to 41ms), P = 0.030]. During follow-up, myocardial T2 rose further [40ms (39ms to 42ms) vs. 42.70 ± 2.92ms, P < 0.001]. Multivariate analysis showed that the number of chemotherapy cycles was associated with myocardial T2 elevation (ß = 0.204, P = 0.029). After adjustment for other confounders, myocardial T2 elevation was independently associated with a decrease in left ventricular mass (ß = -0.186; P = 0.024). Conclusion: In patients with gynecologic malignancies, myocardial edema developed with chemotherapy cycles increase, and was associated with left ventricular mass decrease. T2 mapping allows the assessment of myocardial edema and monitoring of its change during chemotherapy.

Myocardial microvascular function assessed by CMR first-pass perfusion in patients treated with chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies.

OBJECTIVES: Cancer chemotherapy potentially increases the risk of myocardial ischemia. This study assessed myocardial microvascular function by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) first-pass perfusion in patients treated with chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies. METHODS: A total of 81 patients treated with chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies and 39 healthy volunteers were prospectively enrolled and underwent CMR imaging. Among the patients, 32 completed CMR follow-up, with a median interval of 6 months. The CMR sequences comprised cardiac cine, rest first-pass perfusion, and late gadolinium enhancement. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the patients and normal controls (all p > 0.05). Compared with the normal controls, the patients had a lower myocardial perfusion index (PI) (13.62 ± 2.01% vs. 12% (11 to 14%), p = 0.001) but demonstrated no significant variation with an increase in the number of chemotherapy cycles at follow-up (11.79 ± 2.36% vs. 11.19 ± 2.19%, p = 0.234). In multivariate analysis with adjustments for clinical confounders, a decrease in the PI was independently associated with chemotherapy treatment (ß = - 0.362, p = 0.002) but had no correlation with the number of chemotherapy cycles (r = - 0.177, p = 0.053). CONCLUSION: Myocardial microvascular dysfunction was associated with chemotherapy treatment in patients with gynecologic malignancies, and can be assessed and monitored by rest CMR first-pass perfusion. KEY POINTS: • Chemotherapy was associated with but did not aggravate myocardial microvascular dysfunction in patients with gynecologic malignancies. • Rest CMR first-pass perfusion is an ideal modality for assessing and monitoring alterations in myocardial microcirculation during chemotherapy treatment.

STAT3 pathway in cancers: Past, present, and future.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a member of the STAT family, discovered in the cytoplasm of almost all types of mammalian cells, plays a significant role in biological functions. The duration of STAT3 activation in normal tissues is a transient event and is strictly regulated. However, in cancer tissues, STAT3 is activated in an aberrant manner and is induced by certain cytokines. The continuous activation of STAT3 regulates the expression of downstream proteins associated with the formation, progression, and metastasis of cancers. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms of STAT3 regulation and designing inhibitors targeting the STAT3 pathway are considered promising strategies for cancer treatment. This review aims to introduce the history, research advances, and prospects concerning the STAT3 pathway in cancer. We review the mechanisms of STAT3 pathway regulation and the consequent cancer hallmarks associated with tumor biology that are induced by the STAT3 pathway. Moreover, we summarize the emerging development of inhibitors that target the STAT3 pathway and novel drug delivery systems for delivering these inhibitors. The barriers against targeting the STAT3 pathway, the focus of future research on promising targets in the STAT3 pathway, and our perspective on the overall utility of STAT3 pathway inhibitors in cancer treatment are also discussed.

Decreased E2F2 Expression Correlates with Poor Prognosis and Immune Infiltrates in Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

Growing evidence has revealed that the E2F family of transcription factor 2 (E2F2) participates in the tumorigenesis and progression of various tumors, but its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains largely unknown. Herein, the aim of our study was to investigate the exact role of E2F2 in CRC. The expression levels of E2F2 in CRC were appraised based on the Tumor Immune Estimate Resource (TIMER), Oncomine, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The results were further confirmed using CRC tumor tissues and normal controls by experimental assays including immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and western blot. The survival analysis of E2F2 in CRC was analyzed using PrognoScan database and TCGA data sets. In addition, the functional roles of E2F2 were examined by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and immune infiltration analysis. Our results illustrated that E2F2 was significantly downregulated in CRC samples. The low E2F2 expression in CRC was prominently correlated with N, M stage and pathological stage. Decreased E2F2 expression had an unfavorable overall survivial (OS), disease free survival (DFS), disease specific survival (DSS) and progress free interval (PFI). Multivariate cox regression showed E2F2 could be an independent prognostic factors of OS in CRC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that E2F2 may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for CRC patients. GSEA disclosed that E2F2 was probably involved in several pathways, including ATR pathway, ATM signalling pathway, mismatch repair, base excision repair, homologous recomibination, Fanconi Anemia pathway, multicancer invasiveness signature, and cancer stem cells. Moreover, E2F2 was significantly correlated with the infiltration level of Th2, aDC, Th17, NK CD56dim, T helper and pDC cells. The current study demonstrates that decreased E2F2 expression is closely associated with poor prognosis and immune cell infiltration in CRC, which can be a promising independent prognostic biomarker and potential treatment target for CRC.

High-fat diet-induced increases in glucocorticoids contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice.

This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between chronic ingestion of a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced secretion of glucocorticoids (GCs) and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We have produced a strain of transgenic mice (termed L/L mice) that have normal levels of circulating corticosterone (CORT), the major type of GCs in rodents, but unlike wild-type (WT) mice, their circulating CORT was not affected by HFD. Compared to WT mice, 12-week HFD-induced fatty liver was less pronounced with higher plasma levels of triglycerides in L/L mice. These changes were reversed by CORT supplement to L/L mice. By analyzing a sort of lipid metabolism-related proteins, we found that expressions of the hepatic cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) were upregulated by HFD-induced CORT and involved in CORT-mediated fatty liver. Dexamethasone, an agonist of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), upregulated expressions of CD36 in HepG2 hepatocytes and facilitated lipid accumulation in the cells. In conclusion, the fat ingestion-induced release of CORT contributes to NAFLD. This study highlights the pathogenic role of CORT-mediated upregulation of hepatic CD 36 in diet-induced NAFLD.

Tissue-derived extracellular vesicles in cancers and non-cancer diseases: Present and future.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bilayer membrane structures secreted by most cell types. EVs act as messengers via the horizontal transfer of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, and influence various pathophysiological processes in both parent and recipient cells. Compared to EVs obtained from body fluids or cell culture supernatants, EVs isolated directly from tissues possess a number of advantages, including tissue specificity, accurate reflection of tissue microenvironment, etc., thus, attention should be paid to tissue-derived EVs (Ti-EVs). Ti-EVs are present in the interstitium of tissues and play pivotal roles in intercellular communication. Moreover, Ti-EVs provide an excellent snapshot of interactions among various cell types with a common histological background. Thus, Ti-EVs may be used to gain insights into the development and progression of diseases. To date, extensive investigations have focused on the role of body fluid-derived EVs or cell culture-derived EVs; however, the number of studies on Ti-EVs remains insufficient. Herein, we summarize the latest advances in Ti-EVs for cancers and non-cancer diseases. We propose the future application of Ti-EVs in basic research and clinical practice. Workflows for Ti-EV isolation and characterization between cancers and non-cancer diseases are reviewed and compared. Moreover, we discuss current issues associated with Ti-EVs and provide potential directions.

Enhanced response of sensor on serotonin using nickel-reduced graphene oxide by atomic layer deposition.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a promising method for preparing nanomaterials. The thickness and uniformity of nanomaterials can be precisely controlled. Hence, the uniform Ni nanoparticles (Ni NPs) deposited on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by ALD and got the optimal combination interface. The morphology, structure, and electrochemical behavior of Ni NPs-rGO nanocomposite are investigated. By experiment results, the Ni NPs could occupy some active surface of rGO, resulting in high conductivity and large specific surface area of Ni NPs-rGO nanocomposite. The Ni NPs-rGO nanocomposite exhibits high electrocatalytic activity for serotonin and speeds up the electron transfer between the surface of the electrode and the solution. Therefore, the sensor is prepared by Ni NPs-rGO nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and used to sensitive detection of serotonin. By differential pulse voltammetric, the Ni NPs-rGO/GCE enhanced the current responses and showed a wide linear range of 0.02-2 µM with a low detection of 0.01 µM for serotonin (S/N = 3). The Ni NPs-rGO/GCE exhibited good stability, selectivity, and anti-interference ability that can be used for real sample detection. According to these results, the Ni NPs-rGO nanocompositeis successfully prepared by ALD. The properties of Ni NPs-rGO nanocomposite make it an attractive material for potential applications in sensors and catalysis.

The clinical course and management of cervical cancer with splenic metastasis: Case report and review of the literature.

Adenovirus-mediated herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene therapy (ADV-TK) in combination with interventional treatment could relieve the symptoms in patients with widespread splenic metastasis.

Internal Mastopexy: A Novel Method of Filling the Upper Poles During Dual-Plane Breast Augmentation Trough Periareolar Incision.

BACKGROUND: Breast ptosis is a deformity commonly found in patients seeking breast augmentation. Current mastopexy techniques rely on incisions on the breast to correct ptosis; nonetheless, they leave extensive scars. Having to opt for a visibly scarred breast over a ptotic breast can be a difficult choice. OBJECTIVES: We sought an innovative internal suture mastopexy for hypomastia of mild breast ptosis. METHODS: A procedure that left a tiny scar on the nipple-areolar complex was introduced. This method was safe and efficient when combining mastopexy with augmentation. RESULTS: Overall, 53 patients underwent this operation in the Plastic and Cosmetic Department of Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2017, with a mean follow-up of 38 ± 16 months. The pre-operation and post-operation SN-N lines (the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple) were 21.8 ± 1.2 cm and 20.7 ± 1.0 cm, respectively; the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The patients and surgeon expressed satisfaction with the procedure. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, which included more than 50 patients, we believe that internal suture mastopexy can be used as an effective alternative hypomastia in patients with mild breast ptosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. .

Factors influencing the application of transrectal natural orifice specimen extraction performed laparoscopically for colorectal cancer: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: A few factors influence the feasibility of transrectal natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) surgery for colorectal cancers. However, little is known about the underlying factors of NOSE surgery. METHODS: Consecutive patients with rectal and sigmoid colon cancers treated laparoscopically between January 2014 and April 2017 were enrolled in this study. The transrectal NOSE performed laparoscopically was the first choice of all patients. When NOSE failed, the specimen was removed through a midline abdominal wall incision. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify challenging factors influencing the intraoperative specimen extraction. RESULTS: Overall, 412 consecutive patients were included. NOSE performed laparoscopically was successful in 278 patients (75.5%) and unsuccessful in 90 patients (24.5%). The multivariate analyses indicated that body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR] = 3.510, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.333-9.243, p = 0.011), mesenteric thickness (OR = 1.069, 95% CI: 1.032-1.107, p < 0.001), maximum tumor diameter (OR = 2.827, 95% CI: 1.094-7.302, p = 0.032), and tumor T stage (OR = 2.831, 95% CI: 1.258-6.369, p = 0.012) were the factors influencing the feasibility of NOSE surgery. CONCLUSION: A successful transrectal NOSE surgery was associated with a lower BMI, thinner mesentery, lesser tumor diameter, and earlier tumor T stage.