ATF4 inhibits tumor development and mediates p-GCN2/ASNS upregulation in colon cancer.

Colon cancer (CC) is a highly malignant tumor with a high incidence and poor prognosis. This study aimed to explore the function and molecular mechanisms of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in CC. The expression levels of ATF4, GCN2, and ASNS in CC tissues were measured using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), clone formation, transwell, and flow cytometry assays were conducted to assess cell viability, clonogenicity, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and apoptosis, respectively, in the ATF4 knockdown and overexpression SW480 cell lines. The effect of ATF4 on the expression of GCN2 and ASNS was detected using RT-qPCR, Chip-qPCR, and western blotting. ATF4, GCN2, and ASNS were expressed at low levels in CC tissues, and all had a significant negative correlation with tumor diameter. ATF4 knockdown promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and S-phase cell cycle and inhibited apoptosis in SW480 cells. In contrast, ATF4 overexpression had the opposite effect. Furthermore, ATF4 overexpression enhanced ATF4 binding to the ASNS promoter region. ATF4 knockdown significantly inhibited the expression of p-GCN2 and ASNS, whereas ATF4 overexpression significantly upregulated their expression. ATF4 inhibited CC cell viability, clone formation ability, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis, possibly by regulating the expression of p-GCN2 and ASNS. Our study provides a novel potential therapeutic target for the treatment of CC.

Diagnostic performance of volatile organic compounds analysis and electronic noses for detecting colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The detection of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) could provide a potential diagnostic modality for the early detection and surveillance of colorectal cancers. However, the overall diagnostic accuracy of the proposed tests remains uncertain. Objective: This systematic review is to ascertain the diagnostic accuracy of using VOC analysis techniques and electronic noses (e-noses) as noninvasive diagnostic methods for colorectal cancer within the realm of clinical practice. Methods: A systematic search was undertaken on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to scrutinize pertinent studies published from their inception to September 1, 2023. Only studies conducted on human subjects were included. Meta-analysis was performed using a bivariate model to obtain summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool was deployed for quality assessment. The protocol for this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO, and PRISMA guidelines were used for the identification, screening, eligibility, and selection process. Results: This review encompassed 32 studies, 22 studies for VOC analysis and 9 studies for e-nose, one for both, with a total of 4688 subjects in the analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of VOC analysis for CRC detection were 0.88 (95% CI, 0.83-0.92) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78-0.90), respectively. In the case of e-nose, the pooled sensitivity was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.83-0.90), and the pooled specificity was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.62-0.88). The area under the receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) curve for VOC analysis and e-noses were 0.93 (95% CI, 0.90-0.95) and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87-0.92), respectively. Conclusion: The outcomes of this review substantiate the commendable accuracy of VOC analysis and e-nose technology in detecting CRC. VOC analysis has a higher specificity than e-nose for the diagnosis of CRC and a sensitivity comparable to that of e-nose. However, numerous limitations, including a modest sample size, absence of standardized collection methods, lack of external validation, and a notable risk of bias, were identified. Consequently, there exists an imperative need for expansive, multi-center clinical studies to elucidate the applicability and reproducibility of VOC analysis or e-nose in the noninvasive diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails, identifier CRD42023398465.

Multifunctional Hydrogel of Recombinant Humanized Collagen Loaded with MSCs and MnO2 Accelerates Chronic Diabetic Wound Healing.

Chronic wound repair is a clinical treatment challenge. The development of multifunctional hydrogels is of great significance in the key aspects of treating chronic wounds, including reducing oxidative stress, promoting angiogenesis, and improving the natural remodeling of extracellular matrix and immune regulation. In this study, we prepared a composite hydrogel, sodium alginate (SA)@MnO2/recombinant humanized collagen III (RHC)/mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), composed of SA, MnO2 nanoparticles, RHC, and MSCs. The hydrogel has high mechanical properties and good biocompatibility. In vitro, SA@MnO2/RHC/MSCs hydrogel effectively enhanced the formation of intricate tubular structures and angiogenesis and showed synergistic effects on cell proliferation and migration. In vivo, the SA@MnO2/RHC/MSCs hydrogel enhanced diabetes wound healing, rapid re-epithelization, favorable collagen deposition, and abundant wound angiogenesis. These findings demonstrated that the combined effects of SA, MnO2, RHC, and MSCs synergistically accelerate healing, resulting in a reduced healing time. These observed healing effects demonstrated the potential of this multifunctional hydrogel to transform chronic wound care and improve patient outcomes.

The Prognostic Value of Serum Sialic Acid in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matching Study.

Purpose: Elevated serum sialic acid (SA) is one of the indicators of poor prognosis in various malignant tumors. This study intends to determine the relationship between serum SA levels and survival prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Patients and Methods: From 2014 to 2016, NPC patients with no distance metastasis undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) were retrospectively analyzed. The serum SA levels before initial treatment were measured, and an optimal cut-off level was determined by X-tile software. A propensity score matching (PSM) technique was applied to reduce intergroup differences between the low serum SA level group and the high serum SA level group. Chi-square tests were utilized for comparing intergroup differences, Kaplan-Meier approach was utilized for plotting survival curves, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed for analyzing prognostic factors. Results: Overall, 293 NPC patients with no distance metastasis were included. The optimal cut-off level of serum SA was 65.10 mg/dl. The baseline levels after PSM were more balanced compared to those before PSM. Survival analysis showed that the locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS, p=0.010), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS, p=0.014), progression-free survival (PFS, p=0.009), and overall survival (OS, p=0.015) survival curves of the low serum SA level group and high serum SA level group were statistically significant differences. Univariate analysis showed that American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, T stage, N stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC), and serum SA expression level were factors influencing the prognosis of NPC patients. Multivariate analysis showed that high serum SA expression level was related to worse PFS and OS in NPC patients with no distance metastasis. Conclusion: High serum SA level (SA > 65.10 mg/dl) before treatment is associated to poor survival outcomes in NPC and is an independent adverse prognostic factor in NPC patients with no distance metastasis.

Enhancing peach slices radio frequency vacuum drying by combining ultrasound and ultra-high pressure as pretreatments: Effect on drying characteristics, physicochemical quality, texture and sensory evaluation.

To maximally maintain fruits and vegetables quality after harvest, this study used ultrasonic (US) and ultra-high pressure (UHP) techniques as pretreatments for radio frequency vacuum (RFV) drying of peach slices, and investigated the effects of different pretreatments (US, UHP, UHP-US, and US-UHP) on drying characteristics, physicochemical qualities, texture properties, and sensory evaluation of peach slices. Results showed that the drying rate was increased by 15.79 âˆ¼ 54.39 % and the contents of pectin, hemicellulose, total phenolic, total flavonoid, phenolic acids, individual sugar annd antioxidant of the samples were significantly increased after US combined with UHP pretreatment (P < 0.05). US-UHP + RFV dried peach slices obtained brighter color, better texture attributes of hardness, cohesiveness, chewiness, springiness, and resilience. The dehydrated samples pretreated by UHP-US had the best overall acceptance, appearance, and crispness with lower off-odor and sourness compared to the dehydrated peach slices with US and UHP pretreatment. Notably, the highest cellulose and organic acids were found in dehydrated peach slices by control, followed by samples US, and samples with UHP pretreatment. The microstructure showed that the internal organization of peach slices appeared as uniform and regular honeycomb porous structure after US-UHP pretreatment. The findings may provide theoretical reference for the development of energy-efficient and high-quality drying technology for fruits and vegetables.

Scalable Superhydrophilic Solar Evaporators for Long-Term Stable Desalination, Fresh Water Collection and Salt Collection by Vertical Salt Deposition.

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SIE) is very promising to solve the issue of fresh water shortage, however, poor salt resistance severely hinders long-term stable SIE and fresh water collection. Here, we report design of superhydrophilic solar evaporators for long-term stable desalination, fresh water collection and salt collection by vertical salt deposition. The evaporators are prepared by sequentially deposition of silicone nanofilaments, polypyrrole and Au nanoparticles on a polyester fabric composed of microfibers. The evaporators feature excellent photothermal effect and ultrafast water transport, due to their unique micro-/nanostructure and superhydrophilicity. As a result, during SIE the salt gradually deposits vertically rather than occupies larger area on the evaporators. Consequently, long-term stable SIE with high evaporation rates of 2.4-2.1 kg m-2 h-1 for 3.5-20 wt % brine in continuous 10 h is achieved under 1 sun illumination. Meanwhile, the loosely deposited salt can be easily collected, realizing zero brine discharge. Moreover, scalable preparation of the evaporator is achieved, which exhibits efficient collection of high quality fresh water (10.08 kg m-2 in 8 h) via SIE desalination under weak natural sunlight (0.46~0.66 sun). This strategy sheds a new light on the design of high-performance solar evaporators and their real-world fresh water collection.

Serum ferritin predicted prognosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Elevated serum ferritin (SF) levels have been associated with poor prognosis in various cancer types, but its impact on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unclear. This retrospective study analyzed clinical data from 252 non-metastatic NPC patients admitted to Hainan General Hospital between January 2014 and May 2016. SF levels were measured using the chemiluminescence method. Patients were categorized into low, medium, and high-level SF groups based on tertile median SF levels. Survival outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression models. The overall survival rates of the entire patient cohort at 1, 3, 5, and 8 years were 95.2%, 85.7%, 76.2%, and 68.9% respectively. The high-level SF group (SF > 164.00 ng/mL) had significantly worse overall survival (83.1 vs 96.3 months, P = 0.023) and progression-free survival (77.8 vs 93.3 months, P = 0.019) compared to the low-level SF group. Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that high SF levels, along with T3/T4 staging and N3 staging, were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. In conclusion, high SF levels are associated with shorter overall survival and progression-free survival in NPC patients.

Homogeneous Polyporus polysaccharide exerts anti-bladder cancer effects via autophagy induction.

CONTEXT: Polyporus polysaccharide (PPS), the leading bioactive ingredient extracted from Polyporus umbellatus (Pers.) Fr. (Polyporaceae), has been demonstrated to exert anti-bladder cancer and immunomodulatory functions in macrophages. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of homogeneous Polyporus polysaccharide (HPP) on the proliferation and autophagy of bladder cancer cells co-cultured with macrophages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MB49 bladder cancer cells and RAW264.7 macrophages were co-cultured with or without HPP intervention (50, 100, or 200 µg/mL) for 24 h. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and 5-ethynyl-2″-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining evaluated MB49 cell proliferation. Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observed autophagosomes. Western blotting detected the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway proteins. RESULTS: HPP inhibited the proliferation of MB49 cells co-cultured with RAW264.7 cells but not MB49 cells alone. HPP altered the expression of autophagy-related proteins and promoted the formation of autophagosomes in MB49 cells in the co-culture system. Autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ) not only antagonized HPP-induced autophagy but also attenuated the inhibitory effects of HPP on MB49 cell proliferation in the co-culture system. HPP or RAW264.7 alone was not sufficient to induce autophagy in MB49 cells. In addition, HPP suppressed the protein expression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in MB49 cells in the co-culture system. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: HPP induced bladder cancer cell autophagy by regulating macrophages in the co-culture system, resulting in the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was involved in HPP-induced autophagy in the co-culture system.

Targeting GABARAPL1/HIF-2a axis to induce tumor cell apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Objectives: The primary gene mutations associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are located within the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways, which have inhibitory effects on autophagy. Compounds that target autophagy could potentially be used to treat NPC. However, autophagy-related molecular targets in NPC remain to be elucidated. We aimed to examine levels of autophagy-related genes, including autophagy-related 4B cysteine peptidase (ATG4B) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptor-associated protein-like 1 (GABARAPL1), in NPC cells and explored their potential role as novel targets for the treatment of NPC. Materials and Methods: The mRNA and protein expression of autophagy-related genes were detected in several NPC cells. Levels of GABARAPL1 were modified by either overexpression or knockdown, followed by examining downstream targets using RT-qPCR and western blotting. The role of GABARAPL1 in NPC proliferation and apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the role of GABARAPL1 was assessed in vivo using a nude mouse xenograft tumor model. The underlying mechanism by which GABARAPL1 regulated nasopharyngeal tumor growth was investigated. Results: Autophagy-related 4B cysteine peptidase (ATG4B), GABARAPL1, and Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) were significantly down-regulated in multiple NPC cell lines. Overexpression of GABARAPL1 up-regulated the expression of autophagy-related proteins, decreased the level of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α, and induced apoptosis in NPC cells. Importantly, overexpression of GABARAPL1 slowed tumor growth. Western blotting showed that autophagy was activated, and HIF-2α was down-regulated in tumor tissues. Conclusion: HIF-2α, as a substrate for autophagic degradation, may play an interesting role during NPC progression.

Effects of evodiamine on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway against gouty arthritis.

Evodiamine (EVO) was tested on acute gouty arthritis rats to investigate its anti-inflammatory effect. Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into the control, model, high, medium, and low dose of EVO groups and colchicine group. The ankle swelling degrees were measured at 2 h, 6 h, and 24 h following sodium urate injection into ankle joint. Histopathological examination was performed 24 h after injection. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in the ankle joint was detected using chemical fluorescence. Serum interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content were determined by ELISA. Serum xanthine oxidase (XOD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by spectrophotometry. The expressions of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, and apoptosis-related spot like protein (ASC) in synovium were detected by Western blot. Evodiamine alleviated the ankle swelling of the affected foot in gouty arthritis rats and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in joint synovial tissue. Evodiamine also decreased the content of serum inflammatory factors including IL-1ß, IL-18, and TNF-α, and increased serum SOD activity, while it decreased serum XOD, MDA activity, and ROS level. Moreover, evodiamine downregulated the protein expression levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, pro-caspase-1, cleaved caspae-1, and ASC. The mechanism of EVO in treating gouty arthritis is associated with the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Insights into the regulatory role of RNA methylation modifications in glioma.

Epitranscriptomic abnormalities, which are highly prevalent in primary central nervous system malignancies, have been identified as crucial contributors to the development and progression of gliomas. RNA epitranscriptomic modifications, particularly the reversible modification methylation, have been observed throughout the RNA cycle. Epitranscriptomic modifications, which regulate RNA transcription and translation, have profound biological implications. These modifications are associated with the development of several cancer types. Notably, three main protein types-writers, erasers, and readers, in conjunction with other related proteins, mediate these epitranscriptomic changes. This review primarily focuses on the role of recently identified RNA methylation modifications in gliomas, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N7-methylguanosine (m7G), and N1-methyladenosine (m1A). We delved into their corresponding writers, erasers, readers, and related binding proteins to propose new approaches and prognostic indicators for patients with glioma.

Alcoholic drink produced by pea is a risk factor for incident knee surgery in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate whether alcohol exposure and specific alcoholic drinks are independent risk factors for incident knee surgery in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. Methods: We identified all patients who were clinically diagnosed as KOA between January 2010 and January 2018 in our outpatient department. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic data were collected from the database of our hospital. Next, we analyzed the association between alcohol consumption and incident knee surgery. Results: A total of 4,341 KOA patients completed the current study and were included in the final analysis. Incident knee surgery for the purpose of treating osteoarthritis was observed in 242 patients. Incident knee surgery was significantly associated with age (OR [95%CI], 1.023 [1.009-1.039], P = 0.002), BMI (OR [95%CI], 1.086 [1.049-1.123], P < 0.001), baseline K-L grade 3 (OR [95%CI], 1.960 [1.331-2.886], P = 0.001), baseline K-L grade 4 (OR [95%CI], 1.966 [1.230-3.143], P = 0.005), 7.1-14 drinks per week (OR [95%CI], 2.013 [1.282-3.159], P = 0.002), >14 standard drinks per week (OR [95%CI], 2.556 [1.504-4.344], P = 0.001), and the most common alcoholic drink produced by pea (OR [95%CI], 3.133 [1.715-5.723], P < 0.001). Conclusion: KOA patients who consumed more than seven standard drinks per week were at substantial risk of incident knee surgery. In addition, alcoholic drink produced by pea is also an independent risk factor.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated poorly differentiated nasopharyngeal adenocarcinoma: a case report and literature review.

Primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated poorly differentiated nasopharyngeal adenocarcinoma (NAC) is an extremely rare tumor. In this study, we report a case of EBV-associated poorly differentiated NAC in a 35-year-old man who presented with a clogging sensation in the right ear for 1 month. The first biopsy of the nasopharynx was suggestive of nonkeratinizing carcinoma with weak positivity for CK5/6 and p63. Based on magnetic resonance imaging of the nasopharynx and neck, chest computed tomography, abdominal ultrasound, and whole-body bone scan, the patient was diagnosed with T3N2M0 disease. After the patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy, partial remission was observed. However, reassessment after 7 months of treatment revealed tumor enlargement. Transnasal endoscopic resection was performed to remove the nasopharyngeal tumor. The postoperative immunostaining results were as follows: CK5/6 (-), p63 (-), MOC31 (+), and Ber-EP4 (+). Meanwhile, EBV-encoded RNA in situ hybridization was positive. A final diagnosis of EBV-associated poorly differentiated NAC was made. Then, the patient received chemotherapy and irradiation but died several months later because of disease progression. Our patient presented with highly malignant EBV-associated poorly differentiated NAC insensitive to chemoradiotherapy with a short survival time of 27 months.

Highly Salt-Resistant interfacial solar evaporators based on Melamine@Silicone nanoparticles for stable Long-Term desalination and water harvesting.

Interfacial solar-driven evaporation (ISE) is one of the most promising solutions for collecting fresh water, however, poor salt-resistance severely limits the long-term stability of solar evaporators. Here, highly salt-resistant solar evaporators for stable long-term desalination and water harvesting were fabricated by depositing silicone nanoparticles onto melamine sponge, and then modifying the hybrid sponge sequentially with polypyrrole and Au nanoparticles. The solar evaporators have a superhydrophilic hull for water transport and solar desalination, and a superhydrophobic nucleus for reducing heat loss. Spontaneous rapid salt exchange and reduction in salt concentration gradient were achieved due to ultrafast water transport and replenishment in the superhydrophilic hull with a hierachical micro-/nanostructure, which effectively prevents salt deposition during ISE. Consequently, the solar evaporators have long-term stable evaporation performance of 1.65 kg m-2h-1 for 3.5 wt% NaCl solution under 1 sun illumination. Moreover, 12.87 kg m-2 fresh water was collected during consecutive 10 h ISE of 20 wt% brine under 1 sun without any salt precipitation. We believe that this strategy will shed a new light on the design of long-term stable solar evaporators for fresh water harvesting.

Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Combined with Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Extrahepatic Oligometastasis and Prognostic Factors for Patient Survival.

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with extrahepatic oligometastasis and the prognosis of patients receiving this treatment. Patients and Methods: Twenty-one HCC patients with extrahepatic oligometastasis were retrospectively analyzed; seven patients received IMRT only, and 14 received IMRT plus TACE. TACE treatment was administered before IMRT (50 mg epirubicin, oxaliplatin 100 mg, and mitomycin 10 mg). The short-term efficacy of this treatment and patient prognosis were evaluated. Results: Complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) in the intrahepatic region were achieved in three and 14 patients, respectively. The objective response rate (ORR) approached 81%. CR and PR were achieved in six and 10 patients with extrahepatic metastases, respectively, for an ORR of 100%. Pain was completely relieved in all patients with bone metastases. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 21 months and 9.1 months, respectively. The 1-year PFS rate was 43%, and the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year OS rates were 83%, 35%, 9%, and 4%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the prognostic factors for patient survival included Child-Pugh class, vascular thrombus, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), radiotherapy dose, ascites, combination therapy, and pattern of progression. Multivariate analysis showed that vascular thrombus, combination therapy, and pattern of failure were prognostic factors for PFS, and the KPS was the only prognostic factor for OS. No grade 3-4 adverse reactions were observed. Conclusion: IMRT combined with TACE is safe and feasible without major toxicities for the treatment of advanced HCC patients with extrahepatic oligometastasis and results in excellent objective efficacy and a potential survival benefit. The KPS is the only predictive factor for OS. This approach is expected to be a useful palliative option for selected HCC patients with extrahepatic metastases.

Study on Ultrasonic Far-Infrared Radiation Drying and Quality Characteristics of Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) under Different Pretreatments.

In order to explore the effects of different pretreatment methods on the ultrasonic far-infrared synergistic drying characteristics and quality of wolfberry, the bioactive components (polysaccharide, total phenol, total flavonoids, and antioxidants), the quality characteristics (rehydration ratio, color, vitamin C content, and betaine content), and the microstructure of the dried products were used as evaluation indices to test wolfberry treated by five different pretreatments (hot blanching; candied pretreatment; NaOH solution treatment; NaCl solution treatment; and Na2CO3 solution treatment). The results showed that hot blanching pretreatment improved the drying rate and shortened the drying time, and that the vitamin C content of dried products pretreated by hot blanching (92.56 mg/100 g) was higher than that of dried products pretreated by other methods. All five pretreatment methods increased the contents of the total phenols, vitamin C, and betaine of wolfberry. Wolfberry treated by candied pretreatment had lower color differences and higher contents of polysaccharide (0.83 g/g), total phenol (9.26 mg/g), and total flavonoids (2.61 mg/g) than wolfberry treated by the other pretreatment methods. Wolfberry pretreated by NaCl solution had the strongest antioxidant capacity (65.01%). Wolfberry pretreated by Na2CO3 solution had the highest betaine content (3.24%). The observation of the microstructure of the dried products revealed that hot blanching caused the most damage to wolfberry, while the candied pretreatment was less destructive to the tissue cells of wolfberry. On the whole, the dried wolfberry products obtained by the candied pretreatment were of a better quality than products obtained by the other pretreatment methods.

The traditional Chinese medicine Qiangjing tablet prevents blood-testis barrier injury induced by CdCl2 through the PI3K/Akt/Rictor signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Environmental contaminants such as cadmium (Cd) may have a deleterious impact on sperm and reduce male fertility by compromising the blood-testis barrier (BTB). Hence, the effects of the traditional Chinese medicine Qiangjing tablet (QJP) on sperm quality and BTB alterations induced by Cd in mouse testes were examined. METHODS: Adult KM mice challenged with Cd chloride were examined, QJP was administered to mice as an oral drug by gavage, and the experiments lasted 2 weeks. Testicular and epididymal weights, sperm quality, anti-sperm antibodies (AsAb), hormone levels, and histology were evaluated. Changes in the levels of N-cadherin, occludin, ZO-1, claudin-11, F-actin, and ß-tubulin and their mRNAs were evaluated. The effects of QJP on the PI3K/Akt/Rictor pathway were evaluated. RESULTS: CdCl2 decreased reproductive organ weight, sperm quality, and testosterone (T) levels; increased AsAb, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels; induced structural damage in testicles with BTB disruption; increased BTB permeability; and decreased N-cadherin, occludin, ZO-1, claudin-11, F-actin, and ß-tubulin expression. After treatment, QJP blocked the effects of Cd on reproductive organ weight, sperm quality, and T; mitigated germinal epithelium compartment alterations; decreased AsAb, FSH, and LH levels; and preserved BTB ultrastructure and function. In addition, QJP induced increases in N-cadherin, occludin, ZO-1, claudin-11, F-actin, and ß-tubulin levels and the expression of their mRNAs through the PI3K/Akt/Rictor pathway. After the application of JRAB2011, the levels of a specific mTORC2 suppressor, Rictor, and the BTB-protective effect of QJP were greatly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the effect of QJP against Cd-induced damage to the BTB, and the results indicate that QJP may play a significant role in opposing the effects of Cd through the PI3K/Akt/Rictor pathway.

Development of a novel nomogram for predicting clinically significant prostate cancer with the prostate health index and multiparametric MRI.

Introduction: On prostate biopsy, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and the Prostate Health Index (PHI) have allowed prediction of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). Methods: To predict the likelihood of csPCa, we created a nomogram based on a multivariate model that included PHI and mpMRI. We assessed 315 males who were scheduled for prostate biopsies. Results: We used the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS V2) to assess mpMRI and optimize PHI testing prior to biopsy. Univariate analysis showed that csPCa may be identified by PHI with a cut-off value of 77.77, PHID with 2.36, and PI-RADS with 3 as the best threshold. Multivariable logistic models for predicting csPCa were developed using PI-RADS, free PSA (fPSA), PHI, and prostate volume. A multivariate model that included PI-RADS, fPSA, PHI, and prostate volume had the best accuracy (AUC: 0.882). Decision curve analysis (DCA), which was carried out to verify the nomogram's clinical applicability, showed an ideal advantage (13.35% higher than the model that include PI-RADS only). Discussion: In conclusion, the nomogram based on PHI and mpMRI is a valuable tool for predicting csPCa while avoiding unnecessary biopsy as much as possible.

Metformin activates Wnt/ß-catenin for the treatment of diabetic osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND: With the deepening of social aging, the incidence rate of osteoporosis and diabetes continues to rise. More and more clinical studies show that diabetes is highly correlated with osteoporosis. Diabetes osteoporosis is considered as a metabolic bone disease of diabetes patients. This study aims to explore the role and mechanism of metformin (Met) in diabetic osteoporosis. METHODS: Mouse MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with Met (0.5 mM) and exposed to high glucose (HG, 35 mM). The cells were cultured in an osteogenic medium for osteogenic differentiation, and the cell proliferation ability was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8; Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity detection and alizarin red staining were utilized to evaluate the effect of Met on MC3T3-E1 osteogenic differentiation. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of osteogenesis-related proteins (Runx2 and OCN) as well as Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins in MC3T3-E1 cells. RESULTS: HG inhibited proliferation and calcification of MC3T3-E1 cells, down-regulated ALP activity, and the expression of Runx2 and OCN in MC3T3-E1 cells. Meanwhile, the activity of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway was inhibited. Met treatment was found to significantly stimulate the proliferation and calcification of MC3T3-E1 cells under HG conditions, as well as increase the ALP activity and the protein expression level of Runx2 and OCN in the cells. As a result, osteogenic differentiation was promoted and osteoporosis was alleviated. Apart from this, Met also increased the protein expression level of Wnt1, ß-catenin, and C-myc to activate the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Met can stimulate the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells under HG conditions. Met may also treat diabetic osteoporosis through Wnt/ß-catenin activation.

Characteristics and Quality Analysis of Radio Frequency-Hot Air Combined Segmented Drying of Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum).

To overcome the problems of a long conventional drying time, low energy efficiency, and poor product quality, a segmented drying approach was developed for fresh wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) using a radio frequency (RF)-hot air drying process, which was investigated under different parameters of plate spacing (80, 90, 100 mm), vacuum degree (0.015, 0.025, 0.035 Mpa), and hot air temperature (50, 55, 60 °C). Analysis of the wolfberry's drying characteristics, comprehensive quality, and microstructure indicated that: combined drying was faster and less time-consuming than natural drying or hot air drying, and components such as polysaccharides, ascorbic acid, and betaine in wolfberries were effectively retained. Based on the acceptable drying rate, stable temperature application, and avoidance of arcing effects, the optimal combined segmented drying parameters were determined to be as follows: a plate spacing of 90 mm, vacuum degree of 0.025 MPa, and air temperature of 55 °C. For the dried wolfberries under these conditions, the total drying time was 17 h and the berries had an improved comprehensive quality, the content of total soluble sugars was 0.62 g/g, total phenol was 10.01 mg/g, total flavonoids was 2.60 mg/g, VC was 3.18 mg/100 g, betaine was 3.48%, oxidation resistance represented by an inhibition rate was 66.14%, color was better, and rehydration rate was 48.56%. The microstructure was more regular because of the special dielectric heating characteristics of RF vacuuming. Despite the differing drying characteristics of individual materials, the overall RF-hot air combined drying process was found to achieve high-quality dehydration of wolfberries.