Prognostic value of sarcopenia in the patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Sarcopenia, characterized by loss of muscle mass index (SMI), serves as a diagnostic indicator for malnutrition and has been shown to influence cancer treatment outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of sarcopenia on the locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (laNPC) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 545 patients with stage III-IVa NPC were included in this retrospective study. Sarcopenia was defined using the skeletal muscle index (SMI) determined at the C3 level based on baseline MRI. The log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model were used to compare overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: The results of the multivariate analysis revealed that sarcopenia group (HR = 2.82, 95% CI 1.96-4.06, P < 0.01), T4 stage (HR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.24-2.15, P < 0.01), N3 stage (HR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.52-2.40, P < 0.01), comorbidities (HR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.45-2.97, P < 0.01), and any adverse event grade 3-4 (HR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.04-2.01, P = 0.03) were identified as independent risk factors that significantly impacted the OS. Additionally, sarcopenia group (HR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.73-3.33, P < 0.01), T4 stage (HR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.17-1.92, P < 0.01), N3 stage (HR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.46-2.22, P < 0.01), sarcopenia group (HR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.73-3.33, P < 0.01), and any adverse event grade 3-4 (HR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.04-2.01, P = 0.03) were found to have a significant impact on PFS. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia was identified as a prognostic factor for patients with laNPC. Furthermore, T stage, N stage, comorbidities, and any adverse event grade 3-4 were identified as independent prognostic factors for laNPC.

Postsurgical Analgesic Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Parasternal Block After Auricular Reconstruction Using Autologous Costal Cartilage in Pediatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of ultrasound-guided parasternal block (US-PSI) in pediatric patients undergoing auricular reconstruction surgery. METHODS: For this study, the authors recruited 60 children between the ages of 5 and 12 years who underwent auricular reconstruction with autologous costal cartilage (ACC) to correct microtia. They were randomized to receive either ultrasound-guided modified parasternal block or periprostatic local infiltration anesthesia (PLIA), with 30 cases in each group. Ultrasound-guided parasternal block was administered following anesthesia induction, whereas PLIA was administered after ACC harvest. Lastly, following surgery, all children were provided with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with sufentanil, and the numeric pain rating scale (NRS) was used to assess the intensity of pain. Our primary outcomes were the resting NRS pain scores and the NRS scores upon coughing at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postsurgery. Sufentanil consumption within the first 24 hours of surgery, the mean duration to first ambulation, and the usage of rescue analgesics were our secondary outcomes. The authors also recorded the occurrence of undesirable side effects as well as more serious side effects like pneumothorax. RESULTS: Pediatric patients who were administered US-PSI showed significantly reduced NRS chest pain scores at 6 and 12 hours postsurgery compared to those who received PLIA (P<0.05). In addition, sufentanil consumption within the first 24 hours postsurgery, duration to first ambulation, and use of rescue analgesics were significantly lower among patients in the US-PSI group when compared to those in the PLIA group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that US-PSI was a highly efficacious and safe technique for postsurgical analgesia following auricular reconstruction with ACC in pediatric patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study.

Circulating tumor cells: a valuable indicator for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Advancements in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment have led to a focus on personalized treatment. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are important for liquid biopsies and personalized treatment but are not being fully utilized. This study examined how pre- and post-treatment CTC counts, EMT subtypes, clinical characteristics, and patient prognosis are related in order to support the use of liquid biopsy in managing NPC. METHODS: This retrospective study included 141 patients with locally advanced NPC. All patients underwent CanPatrol™ CTC detection pre- and post-treatment and were categorized into EMT subtypes: epithelial type, mixed type, and mesenchymal type. This study analyzed CTC enumeration, EMT subtypes, and their associations with clinical characteristics and survival outcomes. RESULTS: The results indicated a positive correlation between the pre-treatment detection rate of CTCs and N stage (P < 0.01), alongside a positive correlation with the TNM clinical stage (P = 0.02). Additionally, the detection rate of mesenchymal CTCs post-treatment is positively associated with the N stage (P = 0.02). The enumeration of CTCs pre- and post-treatment is negatively correlated with prognosis and has statistical significance. Additionally, an investigation into the EMT subtypes of CTCs revealed a significant association between the presence of mesenchymal CTCs pre- and post-treatment and decreased overall survival (OS) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, T stage, N stage, TNM clinical stage, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA were also significantly correlated with OS. CONCLUSION: The study found that mesenchymal CTCs pre- and post-treatment, as well as the number of CTCs, were linked to a poor prognosis.

Peniditerpenoids A and B: Oxidized Indole Diterpenoids with Osteoclast Differentiation Inhibitory Activity from a Mangrove-Sediment-Derived Penicillium sp.

An unprecedented di-seco-indole diterpenoid, peniditerpenoid A (1), and a rare N-oxide-containing indole diterpenoid derivative, peniditerpenoid B (2), together with three known ones (3-5), were obtained from the mangrove-sediment-derived fungus Penicillium sp. SCSIO 41411. Their structures were determined by the analysis of spectroscopic data, quantum chemical calculations, and X-ray diffraction analyses. Peniditerpenoid A (1) inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB with an IC50 value of 11 µM and further effectively prevented RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow macrophages. In vitro studies demonstrated that 1 exerted significant inhibition of NF-κB activation in the classical pathway by preventing TAK1 activation, IκBα phosphorylation, and p65 translocation. Furthermore, 1 effectively reduced the level of NFATc1 activation, resulting in the attenuation of osteoclast differentiation. Our findings suggest that 1 holds promise as an inhibitor with significant potential for the treatment of diseases related to osteoporosis.

Multi-angle laser device improves novice learning of C-arm fluoroscopy for lumbar spine surgery.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and satisfaction of using a multi-angle laser device (MLD) for C-arm fluoroscopy to assist novice learners during lumbar spine surgery. METHODS: Forty novice learners were randomly assigned to Group A using an MLD-equipped C-arm or Group B using a traditional C-arm. Both groups performed X-ray fluoroscopy on a lumbar spine model in supine and rotated positions. Time, number of shots, and deviation from the target were compared. A questionnaire was used to assess the learning experience. RESULTS: Group A required less time (13.66 vs. 25.63 min), and fewer shots (15.05 vs. 32.50), and had a smaller deviation (22.9% vs. 61.5%) than Group B (all p<0.05). The questionnaire revealed higher scores in Group A for comfort, efficiency, and knowledge mastery (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The MLD significantly improves novice learning of C-arm fluoroscopy during lumbar spine surgery.

Proton Sponge Nanocomposites for Synergistic Tumor Elimination via Autophagy Inhibition-Promoted Cell Apoptosis and Macrophage Repolarization-Enhanced Immune Response.

Cytoprotective autophagy and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) are two positive promoters for tumor proliferation and metastasis that severely hinder therapeutic efficacy. Inhibiting autophagy and reconstructing TME toward macrophage activation simultaneously are of great promise for effective tumor elimination, yet are still a huge challenge. Herein, a kind of dendrimer-based proton sponge nanocomposites was designed and constructed for tumor chemo/chemodynamic/immunotherapy through autophagy inhibition-promoted cell apoptosis and macrophage repolarization-enhanced immune response. These obtained nanocomposites contain a proton sponge G5AcP dendrimer, a Fenton-like agent Cu(II), and chemical drug doxorubicin (DOX). When accumulated in tumor regions, G5AcP can act as an immunomodulator to realize deacidification-promoted macrophage repolarization toward antitumoral type, which then secretes inflammatory cytokines to activate T cells. They also regulate intracellular lysosomal pH to inhibit cytoprotective autophagy. The released Cu(II) and DOX can induce aggravated damage through a Fenton-like reaction and chemotherapeutic effect in this autophagy-inhibition condition. Tumor-associated antigens are released from these dying tumor cells to promote the maturity of dendritic cells, further activating T cells. Effective tumor elimination can be achieved by this dendrimer-based therapeutic strategy, providing significant guidance for the design of a promising antitumor nanomedicine.

Small extracellular vesicles from hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells attenuate spinal cord injury via miR-146a-5p-mediated regulation of macrophage polarization.

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202410000-00027/figure1/v/2024-02-06T055622Z/r/image-tiff Spinal cord injury is a disabling condition with limited treatment options. Multiple studies have provided evidence suggesting that small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) secreted by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) help mediate the beneficial effects conferred by MSC transplantation following spinal cord injury. Strikingly, hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived SEVs (HSEVs) exhibit increased therapeutic potency. We thus explored the role of HSEVs in macrophage immune regulation after spinal cord injury in rats and their significance in spinal cord repair. SEVs or HSEVs were isolated from bone marrow MSC supernatants by density gradient ultracentrifugation. HSEV administration to rats via tail vein injection after spinal cord injury reduced the lesion area and attenuated spinal cord inflammation. HSEVs regulate macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype in vivo and in vitro. MicroRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses of SEVs and HSEVs revealed that miR-146a-5p is a potent mediator of macrophage polarization that targets interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1. Reducing miR-146a-5p expression in HSEVs partially attenuated macrophage polarization. Our data suggest that HSEVs attenuate spinal cord inflammation and injury in rats by transporting miR-146a-5p, which alters macrophage polarization. This study provides new insights into the application of HSEVs as a therapeutic tool for spinal cord injury.

Identifying Marine-Derived Tanzawaic Acid Derivatives as Novel Inhibitors against Osteoclastogenesis and Osteoporosis via Downregulation of NF-κB and NFATc1 Activation.

To discover novel osteoclast-targeting antiosteoporosis leads from natural products, we identified 40 tanzawaic acid derivatives, including 22 new ones (1-8, 14-19, 27-32, 37, and 38), from the South China Sea mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium steckii SCSIO 41025. Penicisteck acid F (2), one of the new derivatives showing the most potent NF-κB inhibitory activity, remarkably inhibited osteoclast generation in vitro. Mechanistically, 2 reduced RANKL-induced IκBα degradation, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, the activation and nuclear translocation of NFATc1, and the relevant mRNA expression. NF-κB p65 could be a potential molecular target for 2, which has been further determined by the cellular thermal shift assay, surface plasmon resonance, and the gene knock-down assay. Moreover, 2 could also alleviate osteoporosis in ovariectomized mice by reducing the quantities of osteoclasts. Our finding offered a novel potential inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis and osteoporosis for further development of potent antiosteoporosis agents.

Comparing the Analgesic Effects Between the Pre- and Post-costal Cartilage Harvest Cohorts Using Ultrasound-Guided Deep Serratus Anterior Plane Block in Children with Microtia Undergoing Auricular Reconstruction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Pain following costal cartilage harvest surgery is the most common complaint of auricular reconstruction (AR). Anesthesiologists are continuously searching for an effective postoperative pain control method. METHODS: This study was conducted from 10 April 2022 to 10 June 2022. Sixty children undergoing AR using costal cartilage were randomly assigned to either a serratus anterior plane block performed before costal cartilage harvest (SAPB-pre-cohort; n = 30) or the SAPB-post-cohort (Post-costal cartilage Harvest Cohort: n = 30). The primary endpoint measures were the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores of the chest and ear pain degrees recorded at 1-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 48-h after surgery. Intraoperative anesthetic and analgesic dosages, sufentanil consumption and rescue analgesia consumption during the first 24 h post-operation, cough score during extubation, extubation agitation score, length of stay, the extubation time, first ambulatory time, analgesia duration, and opioid-related adverse effects and SAPB-related adverse effects were the secondary endpoints. RESULTS: The rest and coughing NRS scores were significantly reduced in the SAPB-pre-cohort 6 and 12 h post-operation in comparison with the SAPB-post-cohort (rest 6 h p = 0.002, others p < 0.001). No significant difference in the NRS ear scores existed between the two cohorts (p > 0.05). The use of propofol and remifentanil for general anesthesia during the SAPB-pre-procedure was significantly reduced compared to the SAPB-post-group, with statistical significance (p < 0.001). Sufentanil consumption and rescue analgesia consumption were significantly reduced in the SAPB-pre-cohort (p = 0.001, p = 0.033). The extubation time and first ambulatory time were markedly shorter in the SAPB-pre-cohort (all p < 0.001). Analgesia duration was markedly longer in the SAPB-pre-cohort (p < 0.001). No significant differences were noted in the cough score during extubation, extubation agitation score, length of stay between the two cohorts (all p > 0.05). Opioid-related adverse effects occurred more in the SAPB-post-cohort, while there was no statistical significance (16.7 vs. 36.7%; p = 0.082). There were no blockade-related complications observed in either cohort. CONCLUSION: The analgesic effect of the SAPB-pre-cohort was better than the SAPB-post-cohort suggesting both efficacy and feasibility of preemptive analgesia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: 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 .

Computerised modified paramedian approach technique versus conventional midline approach technique of lumbar puncture: a randomised control trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The lumbar puncture (LP) technique is widely used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In recent years, the paramedian approach technique (PAT) has gained increasing interest due to its advantages over the conventional midline approach technique (MAT) that has been traditionally employed in clinical practice for LP. However, there have been inconsistent discussions regarding the efficacy of different LP techniques. Based on digital virtual human and computer simulation techniques, a new approach called computerised modified PAT (CMPAT) was proposed. Therefore, the aim of this study is to discuss a randomised controlled trial (RCT) protocol to investigate and compare the effects of CMPAT and MAT in patients undergoing LP. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a prospective, multicentre RCT. The study will recruit 84 patients aged 18-99 years who require LP. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the CMPAT treatment group (group A) or the MAT treatment group (group B). The primary outcome measure will be the number of needle insertion attempts required for a successful LP. Secondary outcomes will include the puncture success rate, pain assessment in the back, head, and legs, and the occurrence of complications. The measurement of these secondary outcomes will be taken during the procedure, as well as at specific time points: 30 min, 6 hours, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the procedure. Pain levels will be assessed using a Numerical Rating Scale. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval (2022YF052-01) has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China. The research findings will be published in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal and presented at scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2300067937.

Pure white cell aplasia before and after thymectomy in the rare conundrum of thymoma: A case report and review of the literature.

RATIONALE: Pure white cell aplasia (PWCA) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome that occurs in patients with thymomas. Currently, the pathogenesis and treatment of this disease remain in the exploratory stage. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a 68-year-old woman with thymoma experienced PWCA involvement as her first presentation. The patient had high fever and agranulocytosis at the onset of the disease. The white blood cell count in the complete blood count was 1.9 × 109/L with a neutrophil of 0.1 × 109/L. The bone marrow aspirates showed decreased granulocyte proliferation. Computed tomography showed a large mass in the anterior mediastinum. DIAGNOSES: The final diagnosis of our patient was PWCA and thymoma. INTERVENTIONS: She underwent a thymectomy and cyclosporine A administration during first remission. OUTCOMES: Long-term remission was achieved following the readministration of cyclosporine A after the disease recurrence. LESSONS: PWCA or agranulocytosis with thymoma has been confirmed to be an extremely rare disease. Thymomas with PWCA correlate with autoimmunity. From this case study and the literature review, we concluded that the pathogenesis of thymomas in PWCA is mainly related to the activation of autoreactive T cells. Thymectomy and the immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporine A, were chosen for treatment. The patient's granulocyte levels were unable to recover after surgery because of the inability to promptly clear activated T cells. After surgery, cyclosporine A continued to take for a long time. Thymectomy combined with prolonged cyclosporine A administration may be an effective method for treating this rare disease.

Chae-type cytochalasans from coculture of Aspergillus flavipes and Chaetomium globosum.

Cocultivation of the high cytochalasan-producing fungi Aspergillus flavipes and Chaetomium globosum resulted in the isolation of 11 undescribed Chae-type cytochalasans. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic data and NMR data calculations. Asperchaetoglobin A (1) was the first Chae-type cytochalasan possessing an unprecedented nitrogen bridge between C-17 and C-20 to generate a surprising 5/6/12/5 multiple ring system; asperchaetoglobins B and C (2 and 3) displayed higher oxidation with an additional epoxide at the thirteen-member ring; asperchaetoglobin D (4) was the second Chae-type cytochalasin featuring a 5/6/12 tricyclic ring system. The cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Colon bacillus of selected compounds were evaluated in vitro.

Hypoxic-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles promote the recovery of spinal cord injury by affecting the phenotype of astrocytes through the miR-21/JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Secondary injury after spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major obstacle to their neurological recovery. Among them, changes in astrocyte phenotype regulate secondary injury dominated by neuroinflammation. Hypoxia-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicle (H-EV) plays a multifaceted role in secondary injury by interacting with cellular components and signaling pathways. They possess anti-inflammatory properties, regulate oxidative stress, and modulate apoptotic pathways, promoting cell survival and reducing neuronal loss. Given the unique aspects of secondary injury, H-EV shows promise as a therapeutic approach to mitigate its devastating consequences. Our study aimed to determine whether H-EV could promote SCI repair by altering the phenotype of astrocytes. METHODS: Rat bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs) and EVs secreted by them were extracted and characterized. After the SCI model was successfully constructed, EV and H-EV were administered into the tail vein of the rats, respectively, and then their motor function was evaluated by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score, Catwalk footprint analysis, and electrophysiological monitoring. The lesion size of the spinal cord was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The key point was to use glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as a marker of reactive astrocytes to co-localize with A1-type marker complement C3 and A2-type marker S100A10, respectively, to observe phenotypic changes in astrocytes within tissues. The western blot (WB) of the spinal cord was also used to verify the results. We also compared the efficacy differences in apoptosis and inflammatory responses using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP terminal labeling (TUNEL) assay, WB, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Experiments in vitro were also performed to verify the results. Subsequently, we performed microRNA (miRNA) sequencing analysis of EV and H-EV and carried out a series of knockdown and overexpression experiments to further validate the mechanism by which miRNA in H-EV plays a role in promoting astrocyte phenotypic changes, as well as the regulated signaling pathways, using WB both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: Our findings suggest that H-EV is more effective than EV in the recovery of motor function, anti-apoptosis, and anti-inflammatory effects after SCI, both in vivo and in vitro. More importantly, H-EV promoted the conversion of A1 astrocytes into A2 astrocytes more than EV. Moreover, miR-21, which was found to be highly expressed in H-EV by miRNA sequencing results, was also demonstrated to influence changes in astrocyte phenotype through a series of knockdown and overexpression experiments. At the same time, we also found that H-EV might affect astrocyte phenotypic alterations by delivering miR-21 targeting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: H-EV exerts neuroprotective effects by delivering miR-21 to promote astrocyte transformation from the A1 phenotype to the A2 phenotype, providing new targets and ideas for the treatment of SCI.

Comparative transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed quality difference between beauty tea processed through indoor withering and outdoor solar withering.

BACKGROUND: Withering is the first processing procedure of beauty tea, and there are few reports on the impact of withering methods on the quality of beauty tea and its regulatory mechanisms. RESULTS: Through comparison of fresh tea leaves (FT) with the leaves after indoor natural withering for 18 h (IWT-18) and outdoor solar withering for 6 h (OWT-6), which were collected at the end of the two withering processes, 17 282 and 13 984 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were respectively screened and 267 and 154 differential metabolites (DMs) were respectively identified. The coexpression network revealed that a large number of DEGs and DMs were enriched in phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, and adenosine triphosphate binding cassette (ABC) transporter pathways, and the number of DMs and DEGs in IWT-18 versus FT exceeded that in OWT-6 versus FT. Both withering methods promoted a significant increase in content of phenylalanine and upregulation of ß-glucoside expression in the phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway. Five theaflavin-type proanthocyanidins in the flavonoid synthesis pathway were more significantly accumulated in FT versus IWT-18 than in FT versus OWT-6. Meanwhile, both withering methods can affect the ABC transporter pathway to promote the accumulation of amino acids and their derivatives, but different withering methods affect different ABC transporter families. Outdoor withering with more severe abiotic stress has a greater impact on the ABCG family, whereas indoor withering has a more significant effect on the ABCC family. Sensory evaluation results showed that the dry tea of IWT-18 was slightly better than that of OWT-6 because of the longer withering time and more thorough substance transformation. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the formation of honey flavor in beauty tea may be closely related to the DEGs and DMs in these three pathways. Our research provides theoretical data support for further revealing the mechanism of quality formation during the withering process of beauty tea. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Discovery of a novel anti-osteoporotic agent from marine fungus-derived structurally diverse sirenins.

Thirteen new sirenin derivatives named eupenicisirenins C-O (1-13), along with a biosynthetically related known one (14), were isolated from the mangrove sediment-derived fungus Penicillium sp. SCSIO 41410. The structures, which possessed a rare cyclopropane moiety, were confirmed by extensive analyses of the spectroscopic data, quantum chemical calculations, and X-ray diffraction. Among them, eupenicisirenin C (1) exhibited the strongest NF-κB inhibitory activities, as well as suppressing effects on cGAS-STING pathway. Moreover, 1 showed the significant inhibitory effect on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow macrophages cells, and also displayed the therapeutic potential on prednisolone-induced zebrafish osteoporosis. Transcriptome analysis and the following verification tests suggested that its anti-osteoporotic mechanism is related to the extracellular matrix receptor interaction-related pathways. This study provided a promising marine-derived anti-osteoporotic agent for the treatment of skeletal disease.

Comparative Metabolomic Analysis Reveals the Differences in Nonvolatile and Volatile Metabolites and Their Quality Characteristics in Beauty Tea with Different Extents of Punctured Leaves by Tea Green Leafhopper.

The fresh leaves were processed into beauty tea from the Camellia sinensis "Jinxuan" cultivar, which were punctured by tea green leafhoppers to different extents. Low-puncturing dry tea (LPDT) exhibited a superior quality. Altogether, 101 and 129 differential metabolites, including tea polyphenols, lipids, and saccharides, were identified from the fresh leaves and dry beauty tea, respectively. Most metabolite levels increased in the fresh leaves punctured by leafhoppers, but the opposite was observed for the dry beauty tea. According to relative odor activity values (rOAVs) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), four characteristic volatiles, including linalool, geraniol, benzeneacetaldehyde, and dihydrolinalool, were selected. Mechanical injury to leaves caused by leafhoppers, watery saliva secreted by the leafhopper, and different water contents of the fresh leaves in different puncturing degrees are the possible reasons for the difference in the quality of the beauty tea with different levels of puncturing. Overall, this study identified a wide range of chemicals that are affected by the degrees of leafhopper puncturing.

Cytotoxic Ergosteroids from a Strain of the Fungus Talaromyces adpressus.

Nine new ergosteroids (1-9) and seven known ones (10-16) were isolated from Talaromyces adpressus. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by the interpretation of NMR spectroscopic data, HRESIMS, ECD calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Structurally, compound 1 was an ergosteroid with two epoxy and a 3α-OH group at ring A, while compounds 8 and 9 had a contracted ring A with a peroxy bridge between C-3 and C-9, which were reported for the first time. Compounds 2-6, 9, 11, and 15 displayed cytotoxic activities with IC50 values ranging from 0.4 to 32 µM, and compound 7 exhibited an immunosuppressive effect against LPS-induced B lymphocyte proliferation with an IC50 value of 8.6 µM. The structure-activity relationships of these compounds are briefly discussed.

Survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly patients with stage I triple-negative breast cancer: a cohort study based on the SEER database.

Background: This study analyzed the trend and prognostic role of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (POCT) in patients with stage I triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) aged more than 65 years. In addition, the relationship between POCT and survival rate was also determined. Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was collected to determine 3,307 TNBC elderly women aged ≥65 years between 2010 and 2016, and they were divided into POCT and non-POCT groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to offset the differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. Kaplan-Meier plots were tested to contrast overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) between the two groups. The Cox proportional hazard model was constructed to assess the prognostic factors affecting OS and BCSS. Results: Younger age, higher histological grade, married, postoperative radiotherapy, lumpectomy, larger tumor, and closer year of diagnosis were related to an enhanced likelihood of adjuvant chemotherapy. After PSM, POCT was related to increased 5-year OS [hazard ratio (HR): 0.571, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.432-0.753, respectively], without significant difference in BCSS improvement. Exploratory subgroup analysis demonstrated that POCT contributed to OS improvement in both IA and IB patients, but did not improve BCSS in IA and IB patients. Conclusions: In elderly patients ≥65 years, POCT improved 5-year OS in stage I TNBC patients, while further exploration with larger prospective trials are needed.

Analysis of Factors Correlated with Postoperative Kinesiophobia in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of postoperative kinesiophobia in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and factors influencing the occurrence of kinesiophobia, to provide relevant basis for making clinical decisions for targeted interventions. Methods: We enrolled a total of 85 patients who underwent CSM surgery at two grade-A general public hospitals in Fujian Province between September 2021 and May 2022. We conducted a questionnaire survey using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Patients evaluated pain using a visual analogue scale. We used one-way ANOVA and logistic multiple regression analysis to identify the relevant influencing factors. Results: The TSK score was (41.88±4.46) in 85 postoperative CSM patients, 65 males and 20 females, and there were 31 patients under 40 years old, 54 patients over 40 years old, 58 patients below high school education and 27 patients above high school education, and among them, 81.17% were diagnosed with kinesiophobia. Age was positively correlated with TSK score (r = 0.379, P < 0.05) and therefore a risk factor for kinesiophobia (OR = 1.941, 95% CI = 1.021-3.690). Additionally, the duration of the disease was a protective factor for kinesiophobia (OR = 0.179, 95% CI = 0.053-0.605). Conclusion: Patients with CSM were at high risk of developing kinesiophobia postoperatively. Age and duration of the disease were factors influencing the occurrence of kinesiophobia in this group.

Magnetic Domains and Their Power Spectral Densities in Non-Oriented Electrical Steel after Thermal Compression at Different Rates.

The magnetic domains of non-oriented electrical steel bearing cumulative thermal compressions made by a Gleeble 3500 Thermal System were observed using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The component forces, comprising the magnetic forces between the AFM probe and magnetic domains of the samples, along the freedom direction of the probe, were measured, and they formed the value fluctuation of the magnetic domains. The fluctuations of the magnetic domains were analyzed by examining the power spectral density (PSD) curves. The hysteresis curves of the samples were measured using a highly sensitive magnetic measurement system. An analysis of the magnetic force microscope (MFM) maps suggested that some magnetic domains were compressed into crushed and fragmented shapes, similar to the microstructure of deformed grains. Meanwhile, some were reconstructed within the thermal compressions, like dynamic recrystallization microstructures. Meaningfully, the MFM probe moved and deformed the proximal magnetic domains of tested samples within the region of its weak magnetic field. The peak positions of the magnetic domains with a high deformation rate were shifted and moved during the measuring processes by the weakly polarized probe. Both windward and leeward sides simultaneously expressed a slope towards each co-adjacent valley in the MFM maps and induced a statistical throbbing within a narrow band in the PSD curves. Thus, the MFM scanning mode was also analyzed and improved to obtain accurate MFM maps with low disturbances from the weak magnetic field of the probe. Swapping the order positions of the middle processes in the MFM scanning and adding a gliding step between them could offset the peak skewing of magnetic domains caused by the weakly polarized probe during MFM measurement process without incurring excessive replacement costs. Accumulative compression at a high rate (10 s-1) would crush magnetic domains into irregularly decreasing sizes with messy boundaries. This investigation provides an example of the complete relationships among deformations, magnetic domains, and magnetic properties.