Mitochondrial fission drives neuronal metabolic burden to promote stress susceptibility in male mice.

Neurons are particularly susceptible to energy fluctuations in response to stress. Mitochondrial fission is highly regulated to generate ATP via oxidative phosphorylation; however, the role of a regulator of mitochondrial fission in neuronal energy metabolism and synaptic efficacy under chronic stress remains elusive. Here, we show that chronic stress promotes mitochondrial fission in the medial prefrontal cortex via activating dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction in male mice. Both pharmacological inhibition and genetic reduction of Drp1 ameliorates the deficit of excitatory synaptic transmission and stress-related depressive-like behavior. In addition, enhancing Drp1 fission promotes stress susceptibility, which is alleviated by coenzyme Q10, which potentiates mitochondrial ATP production. Together, our findings unmask the role of Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission in the deficits of neuronal metabolic burden and depressive-like behavior and provides medication basis for metabolism-related emotional disorders.

Sesquiterpene coumarins from Ferula sinkiangensis and their anti-pancreatic cancer effects.

Eight previously unreported sesquiterpene coumarins, namely (+)- and (-)-ferulasinkian A (1), (-)-fukanefuromarin M (2), (±)-ferulasinkian C (3), (±)-ferulasinkian D (4), ferulasinkian E (5), ferulasinkian F (7), and ferulasinkian G (8), together with two known compounds, (+)-fukanefuromarin M (2) and 7-hydroxyferprenin (6), have been isolated from the roots of Ferula sinkiangensis (Umbelliferae). The structures of all compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, along with ECD calculations and optical rotation calculations. Compounds 1-6 are dimers consisting of a chain sesquiterpene and a coumarin with an oxygen-containing six-membered ring connected from coumarin C-3 and C-4. Currently, there are only seven such structures reported in the genus Ferula, and their absolute configurations have not yet been determined. Compounds 7-8 are sesquiterpene coumarin derivatives with a chain sesquiterpene connected with coumarin C-4. In the present study, the chiral separation of compounds (±)-1 and (±)-2 was successfully carried out, and the absolute configurations of compounds (±)-1, (±)-2, 5, 7 and 8 were determined. The isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against human pancreatic cancer cell lines including CFPAC-1, PANC-1, CAPAN-2 and SW 1990. Compounds (+)-1, (-)-1 and 7 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 4.57 ± 0.94 to 14.01 ± 1.03 µM. Furthermore, the primary mechanistic study of (-)-1 demonstrated that it could induce apoptosis in CFPAC-1 cells.

Multiple RNA Profiling Reveal Epigenetic Toxicity Effects of Oxidative Stress by Graphene Oxide Silver Nanoparticles in-vitro.

Introduction: The increasing industrial and biomedical utilization of graphene oxide silver nanoparticles (GO-AgNPs) raises the concern of nanosafety: exposure to the AgNPs or GO-AgNPs increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causes DNA damage and alters the expression of whole transcriptome including mRNA, miRNA, tRNA, lncRNA, circRNA and others. Although the roles of different RNAs in epigenetic toxicity are being studied during the last decade, but still we have little knowledge about the role of circle RNAs (circRNAs) in epigenetic toxicity. Methods: Rabbit fetal fibroblast cells (RFFCs) were treated with 0, 8, 16, 24, 32 and 48 µg/mL GO-AgNPs to test the cell viability and 24 µg/mL GO-AgNPs was selected as the experimental dose. After 24 h treatment with 24 µg/mL GO-AgNPs, the level of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), intracellular ATP, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (Gr) were measured in the RFFCs. High-throughput whole transcriptome sequencing was performed to compare the expression of circRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) and mRNA between 24 µg/mL GO-AgNPs-treated RFFCs and control cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to validate the accuracy of circRNA sequencing data. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to reveal the potential functional roles and related pathways of differentially expressed circRNAs, lncRNA and mRNA and to construct a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network. Results: We found that 57 circRNAs, 75 lncRNAs, and 444 mRNAs were upregulated while 35 circRNAs, 21 lncRNAs, and 186 mRNAs were downregulated. These differentially expressed genes are mainly involved in the transcriptional mis-regulation of cancer through several pathways: MAPK signaling pathway (circRNAs), non-homologous end-joining (lncRNAs), as well as PPAR and TGF-beta signaling pathways (mRNAs). Conclusion: These data revealed the potential roles of circRNAs in the GO-AgNPs induced toxicity through oxidative damage, which would be the basis for further research to determine their roles in the regulation of different biological processes.

Biogenesis, Composition and Potential Therapeutic Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived Exosomes in Various Diseases.

Exosomes are nanovesicles with a wide range of chemical compositions used in many different applications. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSCs-EXOs) are spherical vesicles that have been shown to mediate tissue regeneration in a variety of diseases, including neurological, autoimmune and inflammatory, cancer, ischemic heart disease, lung injury, and liver fibrosis. They can modulate the immune response by interacting with immune effector cells due to the presence of anti-inflammatory compounds and are involved in intercellular communication through various types of cargo. MSCs-EXOs exhibit cytokine storm-mitigating properties in response to COVID-19. This review discussed the potential function of MSCs-EXOs in a variety of diseases including neurological, notably epileptic encephalopathy and Parkinson's disease, cancer, angiogenesis, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. We provided an overview of exosome biogenesis and factors that regulate exosome biogenesis. Additionally, we highlight the functions and potential use of MSCs-EXOs in the treatment of the inflammatory disease COVID-19. Finally, we covered a strategies and challenges of MSCs-EXOs. Finally, we discuss conclusion and future perspectives of MSCs-EXOs.

"UV-Driven Self-Cleaning" Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Absorbents Coupled with LTP-MS and LC-TQ-MS for Rapid High-Throughput Screening and Quantification of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Agro-products.

Organophosphorus magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (OMMIPs) with high adsorption capacities (13.5-83.8 mg g-1) and good applicability were developed for efficient extraction and pre-concentration of multiple organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) from foodstuffs. The OMMIP-based sample pretreatment coupled with low-temperature plasma ambient ionization mass spectrometry achieved rapid screening for 90 kinds of pesticides at default maximum residue limits of National Standard (GB 2763-2021) in nine types of agro-products. The OMMIP-based liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectroscopy assay demonstrated rapid magneto-actuated isolation, efficient removal of matrix interference, and reduced signal suppression, resulting in a short detection time (30 min), compliant recoveries (60.1-127.5%), low detection limits (0.0001-0.073 µg g-1), and simultaneous quantification of multi-pesticides. The yolk-shell-structured OMMIPs (Fe3O4@mTiO2@MIPs) demonstrated additional benefits of excellent ultraviolet light-driven catalytic degradation activity toward OPPs, making them eco-friendly for self-cleaning regeneration and reducing laboratory pesticide discharge. This work highlights the potential of OMMIPs for high-throughput and in situ pesticide monitoring in modern large-scale agricultural markets.

Silencing UBQLN2 Enhances the Radiosensitivity of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) via Activating p38 MAPK.

Background: Ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2) is an adaptor of ubiquitinated proteins and the proteasome. The potential role of UBQLN2 in carcinogenesis has been demonstrated. However, its role in modulating the radiosensitivity of cancer is not clear. Here, we explored the radiosensitizing effect of silencing UBQLN2 on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its mechanisms. Methods: We analyzed the prognostic role of UBQLN2 in the ESCC patient cohort from the Cancer Genomic Atlas (TCGA) database and our hospital. We also conducted a series of experiments in vivo and in vitro to investigate the effect of silencing UBQLN2 on ESCC radiosensitivity and its mechanisms. Results: UBQLN2 is highly expressed in ESCC tissues and positively correlated with poor overall survival (OS). The knockdown of UBQLN2 dramatically increased the radiosensitivity of ESCC cells. Mechanically, UBQLN2 suppression substantially upregulated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 could reverse the radiation-enhancing effect induced by UBQLN2 knockdown. The direct interaction between UBQLN2 and p38 MAPK was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) assay. Furthermore, silencing UBQLN2 also inhibited the expression of phosphorylated DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (p-DNA-PKcs) after irradiation. Finally, the xenografted tumor experiment confirmed the radiosensitizing effect of silencing UBQLN2 on ESCC in vivo. Conclusion: Our results suggest that silencing UBQLN2 enhances the radiosensitivity of ESCC by activating p38 MAPK, and UBQLN2 may be a potential target to enhance the radiosensitivity of ESCC.

A new automatic stitching method for full-length lower limb radiography.

Full-length lower limb x-rays are used to diagnose and plan surgical procedures, such as Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO). Due to the size limitation of digital radiography (DR), panoramic x-ray images cannot be obtained in a single exposure, necessitating multiple exposures and image stitching. In favor of manually constructing full-length x-ray images, we propose a new feature-based automated method for stitching together x-ray images. This new method is based on Canny algorithm, which detects and aligns bone edges before fusing them using a Wavelet form domain. Twenty-eight sets of lower limb x-ray images obtained from our hospital have been stitched and evaluated. The hip, knee, and ankle (HKA) angle was computed in two different ways then compared to manually stitched x-ray images by an expert. The stitching time was only three seconds, and the P-value was P = 0.974, and an accuracy rate of 100% was found. This method demonstrated greater precision and speed than both manually stitched x-ray images and previously published methods.

Recall of reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation (RCCEP) induced by stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in a patient with lung squamous cell carcinoma.

Camrelizumab (SHR-1210) is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody that has been shown to inhibit the binding of PD-1 to PD-L1, thereby blocking the immune escape of various types of cancer, including lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation (RCCEP) is the most common adverse event in camrelizumab-treated patients. Here, we introduce a case of LSCC with recall RCCEP induced by stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). A 76-year-old LSCC patient developed RCCEP when he received camrelizumab and chemotherapy. After discontinuing camrelizumab treatment, the RCCEP lesions spontaneously regressed and fell off. However, when the patient received subsequent SBRT, the RCCEP occurred again at the same sites. This case may provide clues for additional study of the immune reactivation effect of SBRT or the underlying mechanism of RCCEP.

Distinct Patterns of Rhizosphere Microbiota Associated With Rice Genotypes Differing in Aluminum Tolerance in an Acid Sulfate Soil.

Rhizosphere microbes are important for plant tolerance to various soil stresses. Rice is the most aluminum (Al)-tolerant small grain cereal crop species, but the link between rice Al tolerance and rhizosphere microbiota remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the microbial community structure of aluminum-sensitive and Al-tolerant rice varieties in acid sulfate soil under liming and non-liming conditions. We analyzed the rice biomass and mineral element contents of rice plants as well as the chemical properties and microbial (archaea, bacteria, and fungi) communities of rhizosphere and bulk soil samples. The results showed that the Al-tolerant rice genotype grew better and was able to take up more phosphorus from the acid sulfate soil than the Al-sensitive genotype. Liming was the main factor altering the microbial diversity and community structure, followed by rhizosphere effects. In the absence of liming effects, the rice genotypes shifted the community structure of bacteria and fungi, which accounted for the observed variation in the rice biomass. The Al-tolerant rice genotype recruited specific bacterial and fungal taxa (Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Aspergillus, and Rhizopus) associated with phosphorus solubilization and plant growth promotion. The soil microbial co-occurrence network of the Al-tolerant rice genotype was more complex than that of the Al-sensitive rice genotype. In conclusion, the bacterial and fungal community in the rhizosphere has genotype-dependent effects on rice Al tolerance. Aluminum-tolerant rice genotypes recruit specific microbial taxa, especially phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms, and are associated with complex microbial co-occurrence networks, which may enhance rice growth in acid sulfate soil.

Clinical Efficacy of Thoracoscopic Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System versus Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Lung Cancer.

Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy of thoracoscopic surgery with the da Vinci surgical system versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung cancer. Methods: From August 2019 to December 2020, 193 patients with lung cancer assessed for eligibility scheduled for surgery in our hospital were recruited and assigned at a ratio of 1 : 1 to receive VATS (control group) or thoracoscopic surgery with the da Vinci surgical system (research group). The primary measurement is the clinical efficacy of the two surgical modalities. Results: The baseline features of the research group were comparable with those of the control group (P > 0.05). Besides, the two groups showed similar tumor types, tumor locations, and clinicopathological staging (P > 0.05). Da Vinci surgical system-assisted thoracoscopic surgery had short operative time, less intraoperative blood loss, better lymph node dissection, and lower intraoperative conversion rates compared to VATS. Compared with the control group, the research group had significantly higher postoperative forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), the functional assessment of cancer therapy-general module (FACT-G) of the FACT-lung (FACT-L) Chinese version V4.0, lung cancer-specific module scores, and total scores (P < 0.05). The research group showed better postoperative drainage volume, shorter intubation duration, and length of hospital stay and a lower incidence of complications versus the control group (P < 0.05). The da Vinci surgical system reduced the probability of intraoperative mistakes and better ensured a safe and satisfactory surgery. Conclusion: The thoracoscopic surgery with the da Vinci surgical system better reduces intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, shortens drainage and intubation duration, enhances the lung function and survival quality of patients, and lowers the risk of surgical mistakes to ensure surgical safety versus VATS.

Patients Older Than 75 Years Undergoing Polysegmental Lumbar Fusion Surgery Can also Benefit from Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program.

Purpose: To compare pain scores (visual analog scale) on postoperative days 1-3 and length of stay after implementing enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in elderly patients undergoing multi-segments lumbar fusion surgery. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data, patients older than 75 years were enrolled in the study. We selected two periods, before (Pre-ERAS, n =54 patients) and after (ERAS, n =46 patients) implementation of ERAS. Data were collected on patient demographics, operative and perioperative details, 30-day readmission. The primary outcome was the length of stay (LOS), and the secondary outcomes were postoperative mean pain scores on postoperative days (POD) 1-3 and 30-day readmission rates. Results: A total of 100 patients (46 in ERAS and 54 in pre-ERAS) were enrolled in this study. There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking and comorbidities between the groups. However, there was a significant difference in pain on postoperative day (POD) 1 (5.31 ± 1.98 vs 4.37 ± 0.85, p = 0.002), while there was no difference in postoperative complications. The mean LOS was significantly shorter in the ERAS than in the pre-ERAS group, it reduced from 12.29 ± 3.93 to 9.45 ± 2.72 days (p < 0.001). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first ERAS protocol used in patients (older than 75 years) undergoing polysegmental lumbar fusion surgery. Pain scores on POD 1 and LOS were significantly lower without increased adverse events after implementation of ERAS. This finding suggests that elderly people (>75 years of age) undergoing polysegmental lumbar fusion surgery could also benefit from ERAS.

Strategies of cadmium and copper uptake and translocation in different plant species growing near an E-waste dismantling site at Wenling, China.

This study aimed to explore the interactions between cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) during uptake and translocation in plants growing in soil polluted with heavy metals derived from electronic waste (E-waste). We collected the roots, stems, leaves, and root-surrounding soils of ten dominant plant species growing in farmland near an E-waste dismantling site, and analyzed their Cd and Cu concentrations. Among the ten plant species, Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv., Cucurbita moschata (Duch. ex Lam.) Duch. ex Poiret, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud., and Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. accumulated Cd (2.40-4.56 mg kg-1) and Cu (19.60-35.21 mg kg-1) in the roots. In Polygonum hydropiper L. and Sesbania cannabina (Retz.) Poir., the Cd (0.50-0.81 mg kg-1) and Cu (11.04-15.55 mg kg-1) concentrations were similar among the three organs. Glycine max (L.) Merr. accumulated more Cu in the roots (16.42 mg kg-1) than in the stems (5.61 mg kg-1) and leaves (7.75 mg kg-1), and accumulated Cd at similar levels in the three organs (0.65-0.99 mg kg-1). Sesamum indicum L., Bidens pilosa L., and Solidago decurrens Lour. accumulated Cd at similar levels among the three organs (0.16-3.34 mg kg-1) and accumulated less Cu in the stems (6.89-8.28 mg kg-1) than in the roots (12.61-21.63 mg kg-1) and leaves (12.93-22.38 mg kg-1). S. indicum had a stronger capacity to accumulate and translocate Cd and Cu according to transfer coefficient and translocation factor. The concentrations of Cd and Cu in soils were significantly positively correlated with those in the roots (p<0.01) but not those in the stems and leaves. We detected significantly positive correlations between Cd and Cu concentrations in the roots and leaves (p<0.01) but not in the stems. These results suggest that there is a synergetic strategy of Cd and Cu transport from soils to the roots and from the roots to the leaves, while the stems may not be the key organ controlling Cd and Cu transport in plants. These findings have important implications for the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with Cd and Cu, the mechanisms of plant Cd and Cu transport, and the food safety of agricultural products.

Lymphopenia in Esophageal Cancer: What Have We Learned?

Lymphopenia caused by disease or treatment is frequent in patients with cancer, which seriously affects the prognosis of these patients. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have garnered attention as one of the most promising strategies for the treatment of esophageal cancer (EC). The status of the immune system, such as, the lymphocyte count, is now considered to be an important biomarker for ICI treatments. Recognition of the significant impact of the lymphocyte count on the survival of patients with EC in the era of immunotherapy has revived interest in understanding the causes of lymphopenia and in developing strategies to predict, prevent and eliminate the adverse effect of lymphopenia. Here, we review what we have learned about lymphopenia in EC, including the prognostic and predictive value of lymphopenia in patients with EC, the predictors of lymphopenia, and the strategies to ameliorate the effect of lymphopenia in patients with EC.

Clinical characteristics, medical service utilization, and expenditure for colorectal cancer in China, 2005 to 2014: Overall design and results from a multicenter retrospective epidemiologic survey.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in China, however, publicly available, descriptive information on the clinical epidemiology of CRC is limited. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with primary CRC during 2005 through 2014 were sampled from 13 tertiary hospitals in 9 provinces across China. Data related to sociodemographic characteristics, the use of diagnostic technology, treatment adoption, and expenditure were extracted from individual medical records. RESULTS: In the full cohort of 8465 patients, the mean ± SD age at diagnosis was 59.3 ± 12.8 years, 57.2% were men, and 58.7% had rectal cancer. On average, 14.4% of patients were diagnosed with stage IV disease, and this proportion increased from 13.5% in 2005 to 20.5% in 2014 (P value for trend < .05). For diagnostic techniques, along with less use of x-rays (average, 81.6%; decreased from 90.0% to 65.7%), there were increases in the use of computed tomography (average, 70.4%; increased from 4.5% to 90.5%) and magnetic resonance imaging (average, 8.8%; increased from 0.1% to 20.4%) over the study period from 2005 to 2014. With regard to treatment, surgery alone was the most common (average, 50.1%), but its use decreased from 51.3% to 39.8% during 2005 through 2014; and the use of other treatments increased simultaneously, such as chemotherapy alone (average, 4.1%; increased from 4.1% to 11.9%). The average medical expenditure per patient was 66,291 Chinese Yuan (2014 value) and increased from 47,259 to 86,709 Chinese Yuan. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing proportion of late-stage diagnoses presents a challenge for CRC control in China. Changes in diagnostic and treatment options and increased expenditures are clearly illustrated in this study. Coupled with the recent introduction of screening initiatives, these data provide an understanding of changes over time and may form a benchmark for future related evaluations of CRC interventions in China.

Rational design of an oxygen-enriching nanoemulsion for enhanced near-infrared laser activatable photodynamic therapy against hypoxic tumors.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as one of the most promising modalities to treat cancers. However, the hypoxic microenvironment in tumors severely limits the efficiency of PDT. IR780 is a near-infrared light activatable photosensitizer for PDT. It has attracted intensive attention owing to its intriguing properties such as mitochondria-targeting ability and fluorescence imaging capability. Nevertheless, its application in tumor treatment is hampered by its low aqueous solubility and poor stability. To address these obstacles, here we designed a novel hierarchical nanoplatform containing a uniquely stable high loading capacity oxygen carrier (perfluoropolyether, in short, PFPE) and IR780. This nanoplatform (IR780-P/W NE, in abbreviation for IR780-PFPE-in-water nanoemulsion) has no detectable dark cytotoxicity. It not only improves the aqueous solubility and stability of IR780, but also transports oxygen to relieve hypoxia and boosts the efficiency of near-infrared light triggered PDT via augmentation of reactive oxygen species generation. Particularly, the innovative nanosized oxygen carrier developed in this research, P/W NE, is a potential universal platform for loading hydrophobic photosensitizers (including but not limited to IR780), sonosensitizers, or radiosensitizers, and simultaneously improving the therapeutic efficacy. Our results highlight the intriguing potential of the developed nanoemulsions for mitigating tumor hypoxia and enhancing the efficiencies of oxygen-dependent therapies including PDT, sonodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, and so on.

Identifying an unknown compound in flue gas of semiconductor industry - Forensics of a perfluorocarbon.

This study investigated the source of a false positive signal in the measurement of total non-methane organic compounds (TNMOCs) by an on-line analyzer based on flame ionization detection (FID) in the flue gas released from a semiconductor fabrication plant. Since no release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the waste gas stream in acid/base ventilation was assured by the plant authority, the positive detection of VOCs became a subject of dispute. In addition to the TNMOC analysis of 5 samples, the investigation used the method that coupled thermal desorption (TD) with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS), dubbed TD-GC/MS, to identify the substance that produced the FID signals of TNMOCs. The waste gas was collected with sampling canisters and analyzed by in-laboratory TD-GC/MS. However, mass scanning from 45 to 250 m/z to remove interference from air matrix of O2, N2 and CO2 forbid detecting any ion fragments smaller than 45 m/z and, thus, led to poor match in mass (MS) library search. As a result, a highly retentive porous layer open tubular (PLOT) capillary column was employed to separate the unknown away from the air peak. The success of acquiring all key ion fragments of 31, 50, 69, and 131 m/z resulted in an excellent match with octafluorocyclobutane (C4F8) in the NIST database. A gas standard was then prepared and injected to confirm the identity of C4F8 by the identical mass spectrum and GC retention time. The concentrations of C4F8 found in the 5 flue gas samples varying from 3.32 to 6.21 ppmv were very close to the NMOC range of 3.48-6.62 ppmv as reported by the TNMOC analyzer, proving that the FID signals observed from TNMOC method were mostly produced from C4F8. Consequently, the method of TD-GC/MS would be an ideal method to pre-screen the presence of PFCs before a non-distinguishable TNMOC analyzer is applied to approximate the VOC level as part of the integrated effort to monitor VOC in flue gas.

TP53 R249S mutation detected in circulating tumour DNA is associated with Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with or without hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Somatic mutation R249S in TP53 is highly common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aim to investigate the effects of R249S in ctDNA on the prognosis of HCC. METHODS: We analysed three cohorts including 895 HCC patients. TP53 mutation spectrum was examined by direct sequencing of genomic DNA from tissue specimens in HCC patients with hepatectomy (Cohort 1, N = 260). R249S and other recurrent missense mutations were assessed for their biological functions and associations with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of HCC patients in Cohort 1. R249S within circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) was detected through droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and its association with OS and PRS was analysed in HCC patients with (Cohort 2, N = 275) or without (Cohort 3, N = 360) hepatectomy. RESULTS: In Cohort 1, R249S occupied 60.28% of all TP53 mutations. Overexpression of R249S induced more serious malignant phenotypes than those of the other three identified TP53 recurrent missense mutations. Additionally, R249S, but not other missense mutations, was significantly associated with worse OS (P = .006) and PFS (P = .01) of HCC patients. Consistent with the results in Cohort 1, HCC patients in Cohorts 2 and 3 with R249S had worse OS (P = 8.291 × 10-7 and 2.608 × 10-7 in Cohorts 2 and 3, respectively) and PFS (P = 5.115 × 10-7 and 5.900 × 10-13 in Cohorts 2 and 3, respectively) compared to those without this mutation. CONCLUSIONS: TP53 R249S mutation in ctDNA may serve as a promising prognosis biomarker for HCC patients with or without hepatectomy.

Improved Root Growth by Liming Aluminum-Sensitive Rice Cultivar or Cultivating an Aluminum-Tolerant One Does Not Enhance Fertilizer Nitrogen Recovery Efficiency in an Acid Paddy Soil.

The root is the main site of nitrogen (N) acquisition and aluminum (Al) toxicity. The objective of this study is to investigate whether liming and cultivation of an Al-tolerant rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar can improve root growth, thereby increasing N acquisition by rice plants in acid paddy soil. Two rice cultivars ('B690', Al-sensitive, and 'Yugeng5', Al-tolerant) were cultivated with 15N-labeled urea, and with or without lime in an acid paddy soil (pH 4.9) in pots. We examined root and shoot growth, soil pH, soil exchangeable Al, N uptake, 15N distribution in plant-soil system, and fertilizer N recovery efficiency. Results showed that liming improved the root growth of 'B690' by decreasing soil exchangeable Al concentrations, in both N-limited and N-fertilized soils. Liming enhanced the N uptake of 'B690' only in the absence of N fertilizer. The root weight of 'Yugeng5' was greater than that of 'B690' without lime, but the two cultivars showed similar N uptake. The fertilizer N recovery efficiency and N loss did not differ significantly between limed and non-limed conditions, or between the two rice cultivars. Thus, liming an Al-sensitive rice cultivar and cultivating an Al-tolerant one improves root growth, but does not enhance fertilizer N recovery efficiency in the present acid paddy soil.

Long-Term Outcome of Vitrectomy with Suitable Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling and Air Tamponade for Highly Myopic Foveoschisis-Associated Lamellar Macular Hole.

PURPOSE: To investigate the outcome of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with suitable internal limiting membrane peeling (ILM) and air tamponade for patients with highly myopic foveoschisis-associated lamellar macular hole (MH). METHODS: This retrospective interventional case series included 11 patients with highly myopic foveoschisis-associated lamellar MH who underwent PPV and indocyanine green-aided ILM peeling up to the temporal vascular arcades. Following air tamponade after surgery, all patients were instructed to maintain a face-down position. The patients were followed up for over 1 year and evaluated for MH closure and the best-corrected visual acuity before and after surgery. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation values of patient age, axial length, and follow-up duration were 67.82 ± 6.54 years, 29.21 ± 1.95 mm, and 24.27 ± 8.11 months, respectively. After surgery, the lamellar MH closed in all eyes, and 10 eyes showed vision improvement at the 1-month, 3-month, and final follow-up evaluations. One patient showed decreased vision at 2 years after surgery, with patchy chorioretinal atrophy in the macular region. Myopic foveoschisis showed resolution in three eyes and alleviation in eight. Ten patients underwent cataract surgery during PPV. CONCLUSION: Extension of ILM peeling up to the temporal vascular arcades and air tamponade after PPV may improve the visual function and rate of MH closure for patients with highly myopic foveoschisis-associated lamellar MH.

Short-term impact of breast cancer screening intervention on health-related quality of life in China: A multicentre cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of participating in breast cancer screening programmes on health-related quality of life (HRQoL)is poorly understood. METHODS: Based on a national breast cancer screening programme in China, a multicentre cross-sectional survey was conducted covering 12 provinces from September 2013 to December 2014. HRQoL of participants in the screening population and general population was evaluated by the three-levelEuroQol-five-Dimensions (EQ-5D-3L) instrument, and utility scores were generated through the Chinese value set. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to explore determinants of utility scores and anxiety/depression problems. RESULTS: For screening group and general population (n = 4756, mean age = 51.6 year old), the corresponding utility scores were 0.937 (95% CI, 0.933-0.941) and 0.953 (0.949-0.957) (P < .001). Pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression were the most common reported in both groups (51.4% and 34.3%, P < .001). Utility scores at prescreening, in-screening, and postscreening interview timings were 0.928 (0.921-0.935), 0.958 (0.948-0.969), and 0.938 (0.933-0.943), respectively (P < .001); the corresponding proportions of anxiety/depression reporting were 25.9%, 16.3%, and 21.1%, respectively (P = .004). Interview timing, geographical region, and insurance status were associated with HRQoL and anxiety/depression in women at high-risk of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Utility scores of screening participants were significantly lower than that of general population in China, but the difference may be clinically insignificant. Further cohort studies using HRQoL measurements are needed.