Bipolar Polymeric Protective Layer for Dendrite-Free and Corrosion-Resistant Lithium Metal Anode in Ethylene Carbonate Electrolyte.

The unstable interface between Li metal and ethylene carbonate (EC)-based electrolytes triggers continuous side reactions and uncontrolled dendrite growth, significantly impacting the lifespan of Li metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, a bipolar polymeric protective layer (BPPL) is developed using cyanoethyl (-CH2CH2C≡N) and hydroxyl (-OH) polar groups, aiming to prevent EC-induced corrosion and facilitating rapid, uniform Li+ ion transport. Hydrogen-bonding interactions between -OH and EC facilitates the Li+ desolvation process and effectively traps free EC molecules, thereby eliminating parasitic reactions. Meanwhile, the -CH2CH2C≡N group anchors TFSI- anions through ion-dipole interactions, enhancing Li+ transport and eliminating concentration polarization, ultimately suppressing the growth of Li dendrite. This BPPL enabling Li|Li cell stable cycling over 750 cycles at 10 mA cm-2 for 2 mAh cm-2. The Li|LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 and Li|LiFePO4 full cells display superior electrochemical performance. The BPPL provides a practical strategy to enhanced stability and performance in LMBs application.

Reduced miR-99a-3p levels in systemic lupus erythematosus may promote B cell proliferation via NCAPG and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an immunologically dysregulated disease characterized by the presence of multiple autoantibodies. In SLE, B lymphocytes contribute to the dysregulated production of autoantibodies and cytokines. Recently, we discovered that miR-99a-3p binds to both EIF4EBP1 and NCAPG mRNA and that lowering miR-99a-3p can promote B cell autophagy in SLE by increasing EIF4EBP1 expression. However, the functions of miR-99a-3p and NCAPG in SLE have not been extensively investigated. OBJECTIVE: This work aims to evaluate the levels of miR-99a-3p and NCAPG expression in SLE B cells and to determine whether the aberrant expression of miR-99a-3p and NCAPG contributes to the pathological mechanisms in SLE. METHODS: B lymphocytes were obtained through immunomagnetic negative selection. Using RT-qPCR, miR-99a-3p and NCAPG mRNA expressions in B lymphocytes and in the BALL-1 cell line were measured. To determine the relative abundance of NCAPG, PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, and p-AKT, we normalize them to the level of ß-actin using Western blotting. Evaluation of miR-99a-3p and NCAPG's impact on cell proliferation was done utilizing CCK-8 assay. Using flow cytometry, the cell cycle and apoptosis were both measured. RESULTS: Comparing SLE B cells to healthy controls, miR-99a-3p expression was significantly downregulated. Additionally, it was observed that SLE B cells had significantly higher NCAPG mRNA expression. Blocking miR-99a-3p expression in BALL-1 cells with an antagomir elevated NCAPG expression, facilitated PI3K/AKT pathway activation, improved cell proliferation, raised the fraction of S-phase cells, and prevented cell apoptosis. The opposite effects of upregulated miR-99a-3p levels on BALL-1 cells were observed by using an agomir. Furthermore, the effect of decreased miR-99a-3p expression on cell proliferation was partially mediated by elevating NCAPG levels and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. CONCLUSION: Our research indicates that lower miR-99a-3p expression in SLE B cells appears to boost B cell number via the NCAPG and PI3K/AKT pathways.

The correlation between dermoscopy and clinical and pathological tests in the evaluation of skin photoaging.

BACKGROUND: There are no standards for evaluating skin photoaging. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive detection method that might be useful for evaluating photoaging. OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between the dermoscopic evaluation of photoaging and clinical and pathological evaluations. METHODS: The age, clinical evaluation (Fitzpatrick classification, Glogau Photoaging Classification, and Chung's standardized image ruler), histopathology (Masson staining and MMP-1 immunohistochemistry), and dermoscopy (Hu's and Isik's) of 40 donor skin samples were analyzed statistically, and Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: There was a robust correlation between the total Hu scores and Isik dermoscopy. The correlation of dermoscopy with histopathology was higher than that of clinical evaluation methods. There is a strong correlation between telangiectases and lentigo. Xerosis, superficial wrinkle, diffuse erythema, telangiectases, and reticular pigmentation were significantly correlated with the three clinical evaluation methods. Superficial wrinkles were correlated with Masson, MMP-1, various clinical indicators, and other dermoscopic items. CONCLUSION: There is a good correlation between dermoscopy and clinical and histopathological examination. Dermoscopy might help evaluate skin photoaging.

The serine/threonine kinase Akt gene affects fecundity by reducing Juvenile hormone synthesis in Liposcelis entomophila (Enderlein).

The serine/threonine kinase Akt is an important component of the insulin signalling pathway (ISP) in regulating insect metabolism, growth, and reproduction. The psocid Liposcelis entomophila (Enderlein) is a distasteful stored products pest for its fecundity. However, the molecular mechanism of Akt that controls vitellogenesis and oviposition in L. entomophila remains obscure. In this study, the function of the Akt gene in the female reproduction of L. entomophila (designated as LeAkt) was characterized and investigated. LeAkt contains a 1587 bp open reading frame encoding a 529 amino acid protein that possesses a conserved Pleckstrin Homology domain (PH) and a Ser/Thr-type protein kinase (S_TKc) domain. The mRNA expression of LeAkt was the highest in female adult stages and peaked for 7-day female adults. In female adult tissues, LeAkt was highly expressed in the head and the ovary, indicating that LeAkt was closely correlated with female ovarian development. LeAkt transcription level was significantly suppressed by oral feeding on artificial diets mixed with dsRNA-LeAkt. RNAi-mediated silencing of LeAkt led to a severe inhibition of vitellogenein (Vg) expression and ovarian development, together with lower fecundity and hatchability compared to that of the normal feeding group, suggesting a critical role for LeAkt in L. entomophila reproduction. Further studies revealed that LeAkt silencing significantly decreased the mRNA levels of several signalling and biosynthetic genes in the juvenile hormone (JH) signalling pathway, such as methoprene-tolerant (LeMet), krüppel homolog 1 (LeKr-h1) and JH methyltransferase (LeJHAMT), leading to a severe inhibition of JH biosynthesis in L. entomophila female adults. These results suggested that LeAkt was affecting JH synthesis, thereby influencing Vg synthesis and ultimately L. entomophila reproduction.

Critical genes in human photoaged skin identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis.

Photoaging is unique to the skin and is accompanied by an increased risk of tumors. To explore the transcriptomic regulatory mechanism of skin photoaging, the epidermis, and dermis of 16 healthy donors (eight exposed and eight non-exposed) were surgically excised and detected using total RNA-Seq. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified the most relevant modules with exposure. The hub genes were identified using correlation, p-value, and enrichment analysis. The critical genes were identified using Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, then enriched using single-gene GSEA. A competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed and validated using qRT-PCR. Compared with non-exposed sites, 430 mRNAs, 168 lncRNAs, and 136 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the exposed skin. WGCNA identified the module MEthistle and 12 intersecting genes from the 71 genes in this module. The enriched pathways were related to muscle. The critical genes were KLHL41, MYBPC2, and ERAP2. Single-gene GSEA identified the Hippo signaling pathway, basal cell carcinoma, cell adhesion molecules, and other pathways. Six miRNAs and 18 lncRNAs related to the critical genes constituted the ceRNA network and were verified using qPCR. The differential expression of KLHL41, MYBPC2, and ERAP2 at the protein level was verified using immunohistochemistry. KLHL41, MYBPC2, and ERAP2 genes are related to skin photoaging. The prediction model based on the three critical genes can indicate photoaging. These critical genes may have a role in skin photoaging by regulating cell growth, intercellular adhesion, and substance metabolism pathways.

Characteristics of cardiopulmonary exercise test in tracheobronchial tuberculosis patients with central airway stenosis.

BACKGROUND: A typical symptom of central airway stenosis is progressive dyspnea. The exercise capacity and relationship between pulmonary function testing (PFT) and central airway stenosis have not been reported. OBJECTIVES: To investigate, for the first time, the impact of central airway stenosis due to tracheobronchial tuberculosis (TBTB) on exercise capacity in adults. METHODS: Fifty-one patients diagnosed with TBTB and 51 healthy, non-smoking adults (controls) were studied. All participants underwent a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) after completing PFT. RESULTS: All participants completed the PFT and CPET. Significant differences existed between the two groups with respect to PFT parameters. At rest, no significant differences were detected between the two groups with respect to oxygen uptake (VO2), vital volume (VT), minute ventilation (VE), end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2), and oxygen pulse (SPO2). Compared to controls, TBTB patients had lower peak work rate [WR, 100 (83,119) vs. 112 (95,146)], VO2 at maximal exercise (1309.51±323.83 vs. 1522.17±451.15), anaerobic threshold (905.8 ± 219.84 vs. 1024.72±296.27), maximal O2 pulse (8.02±1.61 vs. 9.26±2.36), and breath reserve [BR, 25 (15,42) vs. 49.5(39.4,61.3)]. The change in PetCO2 values at rest and maximal exercise was lower than in controls (P<0.05). However, no difference in VE/carbon dioxide production (VCO2)@AT were demonstrated between the two groups. The correlations between the degree of stenosis, PFT parameters, and VO2 peak were significant. RV/TLC%pred was a good predictor of exercise limitation in these patients. CONCLUSION: The maximal exercise capacity and PFT parameters of TBTB patients with central airway stenosis were impaired. Impaired exercise capacity correlated with the degree of central airway stenosis.

A three dimensional graphdiyne-like porous triptycene network for gas adsorption and separation.

Graphdiyne, an emerging carbon allotrope, has attracted many researchers devoted to the study of its synthesis and application. The utilization of graphdiyne in gas adsorption and separation has been predicted by computer simulation with many examples. In this work, the triangular basic unit of graphdiyne was introduced into a triptycene-based porous organic polymer to obtain a three dimensional graphdiyne-like porous triptycene network named G-PTN. With high surface area and a microporous structure, G-PTN exhibited convincing application potential for the storage of gas molecules, especially for the selective adsorption of acetylene over ethylene. Computational simulation proved the importance of the triptycene units and three dimensional structure to the selectivity, as well as the potential of graphdiyne units as selective binding sites, suggesting that through judicious design, new three-dimensional porous graphdiyne could be acquired with better gas adsorption and separation performance.

PD-1 inhibitors plus anti-angiogenic therapy with or without intensity-modulated radiotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score matching study.

Background: Whether intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) can enhance the efficacy of the programmed death (PD)-1 inhibitors combined with anti-angiogenic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. Therefore, we conducted this multicenter retrospective study to investigate the efficacy of the combination of PD-1 inhibitors with anti-angiogenic therapy and IMRT. Methods: From April 2019 to March 2022, a total of 197 patients with HCC [combination of PD-1 inhibitors with anti-angiogenic therapy and IMRT (triple therapy group), 54; PD-1 inhibitors plus anti-angiogenic therapy (control group), 143] were included in our study. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to identify two groups with similar baselines. The objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) of the two groups were compared before and after matching. Results: Prior to PSM, the triple therapy group had higher ORR (42.6% vs 24.5%, P = 0.013) and more superior median OS (mOS) (20.1 vs 13.3 months, P = 0.009) and median PFS (mPFS) (8.7 vs 5.4 months, P = 0.001) than the control group. Following PSM, the triple therapy group still exhibited better mPFS (8.7 vs 5.4 months, P = 0.013) and mOS (18.5 vs 12.6 months, P = 0.043) than the control group. However, the ORR of the two groups was similar (40% vs 25%, P = 0.152). No significant difference was observed in the treatment-related adverse events between the two groups (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: The combination of PD-1 inhibitors with anti-angiogenic therapy and IMRT for HCC is a promising regimen.

Case report: Local bleomycin injection: A possible treatment option for primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumor of infancy.

In recent years, it has been determined that primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumors of infancy (PMMTI) are solid tumors. To date, very few cases of PMMTI have been reported, and there is no consensus regarding treatment. To provide additional references, it is necessary to collect and report the diagnoses and treatment outcomes of related cases. We report the case of a 38-day-old girl who presented with a 5-cm purple tumor in the right shoulder. Upon hospital admission, the patient received an intratumoral injection of bleomycin after diagnosis of a possible lymphangioma. 10 days after the treatment, the tumor began to develop inflammation and necrosis, resulting in a clear demarcation between the tumor and surrounding tissue. Hence, during the second hospitalization, we performed a successful tumor resection. Postoperatively, the tumor was pathologically diagnosed as PMMTI. 3 months after excision, the patient showed no local recurrence on re-examination. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a PMMTI in which bleomycin, or other similar chemotherapeutic drugs, have been injected into tumors. This result offers novel insights into the treatment of PMMTI. Injection therapy with bleomycin and similar chemotherapeutics may result in specific responses to PMMTI, which may help in developing better surgical conditions or improving outcomes in non-surgical patients.

Isomaltooligosaccharides inhibit early colorectal carcinogenesis in a 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat model.

Colon cancer (CC) is a multistage disease and one of the most common cancers worldwide. Establishing an effective treatment strategies of early colon cancer is of great significance for preventing its development and reducing mortality. The occurrence of colon cancer is closely related to changes in the intestinal flora structure. Therefore, remodelling the intestinal flora structure through prebiotics is a powerful approach for preventing and treating the occurrence and development of colon cancer. Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) are often found in fermented foods and can directly reach the gut for use by microorganisms. In this study, a rat model of early colon cancer (DMH) was established by subcutaneous injection of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, and the model rats were fed IMOs as a dietary intervention (DI). The untargeted faecal metabolomics, gut metabolome and intestinal function of the model rats were investigated. The results showed that DMH, DI and IMOs alone (IMOs) groups exhibited gut microbial community changes. In the DI group, there was an increased abundance of probiotics (Lactobacillus) and decreased abundance of CC marker bacteria (Fusobacterium). The key variations in the faecal metabolites of the DI group included decreased levels of glucose, bile acids (including deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid) and amino acids (including L-glutamic acid and L-alanine). In addition, dietary intake of IMOs attenuated the intestinal inflammatory response, improved the intestinal microecological environment, and slowed the development of DMH-induced early CC in rats. This work provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the clinical prevention or treatment of CC with prebiotics.

PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells can be a predictive biomarker to PD-1 inhibitors combined with radiotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aim: A programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor coupled with radiotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy is a potential therapeutic strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to determine if circulating tumor cells (CTCs) positive for programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) could be employed as a predictive biomarker in HCC patients receiving triple therapy. Methods: In this study, HCC patients received a PD-1 inhibitor in combination with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and antiangiogenic therapy. Following IMRT, the PD-1 inhibitor was administrated once every 3 weeks, while the antiangiogenic drug was given once a day. Treatment was continued until the disease progressed. Two mL of peripheral blood was collected at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment for CTC enrichment using the CytoSorter® system with a CytoSorter™ CTC PD-L1 Kit (Watson Biotech., China). Result: A total of 47 HCC patients receiving the triple therapy were enrolled in this study. Patients with < 2 PD-L1+ CTCs at baseline had a higher objective response rate (ORR) and longer overall survival (OS) than those with ≥ 2 PD-L1+ CTCs (56.5% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.007; not reach vs. 10.8 months, p = 0.001, respectively). The count of PD-L1+ CTCs was found to be an independent predictive biomarker of OS. Furthermore, the objective response was more likely to be achieved in patients with a dynamic decrease in PD-L1+ CTC counts at 1 month after treatment. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that PD-L1+ CTCs could be a predictive biomarker for HCC patients receiving PD-1 inhibitors in combination with IMRT and antiangiogenic therapy.

Heat-shock protein 90α is a potential prognostic and predictive biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma: a large-scale and multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Although the diagnostic value of plasma heat-shock protein 90α (HSP90α) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been previously reported, the causal effect of the plasma HSP90α levels on HCC prognosis remains largely unclear. To this extent, we sought to assess whether the plasma HSP90α acts as a prognostic factor for HCC patients. METHODS: A total of 2150 HCC patients were included in this retrospective study between August 2016 and July 2021. Plasma HSP90α levels were tested within a week before treatment and their association with prognosis was assessed. RESULTS: An optimal cutoff value of 143.5 for the HSP90α based on the overall survival (OS) was determined using the X-tile software. HCC patients with HSP90α < 143.5 ng/mL (low HSP90α) before and after propensity score matching (PSM) indicated longer median OS (mOS) relative to those with HSP90α ≥ 143.5 ng/mL (high HSP90α) (37.0 vs. 9.0 months, p < 0.001; 19.2 vs. 9.6 months, p < 0.001; respectively). In addition, the high HSP90α plasma level is an independent poor prognostic factor for OS in HCC patients. In our subgroup analysis, including the supportive care group, surgery group, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) group, adjuvant TACE group, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) plus targeted therapy group, and TACE plus ICI group, the high HSP90α group demonstrated better OS compared to the low HSP90α group. Moreover, in the supportive care, TACE, ICI plus targeted therapy, TACE plus ICI groups, and high HSP90α levels were also an independent poor prognostic factors for OS. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed that the plasma HSP90α level can be used as a prognostic biomarker for HCC.

Gamma knife radiosurgery versus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: a propensity score matching study.

BACKGROUND: The optimal locoregional treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR) versus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in HCC patients with PVTT. METHODS: This retrospective study included 544 HCC patients with PVTT (GKR, 202; TACE, 342). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis identified 171 matched pairs of patients. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Before PSM, the GKR group exhibited longer median OS (mOS) than the TACE group (17.2 vs. 8.0 months, p < 0.001). We followed the Cheng's classification for PVTT. In the subgroup analysis, GKR was associated with significantly longer mOS for patients with PVTT II-IV (17.5 vs. 8.7 months, p < 0.001; 17.2 vs. 7.8 months, p = 0.001; 14.5 vs. 6.5 months, p = 0.001, respectively) and comparable OS for patients with PVTT I. After PSM, the GKR group had also a longer mOS than the TACE group (15.8 vs. 10.4 months, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the GKR group demonstrated superior mOS for patients with PVTT II-IV (all p < 0.05) and comparable OS for patients with PVTT I. CONCLUSIONS: GKR was associated better OS than TACE in HCC patients with PVTT, especially for patients with PVTT II-IV. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry under the registration number ChiCTR2100051057.

A multicenter retrospective study of transurethral prostate split for benign prostate hyperplasia.

Background: Transurethral split of the prostate (TUSP) is effective in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, there is still a lack of research focusing on the optimal target population for TUSP. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of TUSP in patients with different prostate volumes or ages. Methods: The study was a multicenter retrospective study. The outcomes of TUSP in BPH patients with different prostate volumes or different ages were compared. A total of 439 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to prostate volume, with a cut-off value of 50 mL. Similarly, the cut-off value for the age groups was 70 years. Baseline patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes were recorded. Follow-up was performed at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: The mean age of the patients was 73.4 years, and the mean prostate volume was 51.2 mL. At 12-month follow-up after TUSP treatment, the patients' International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) scores, and postvoid residual (PVR) volumes decreased significantly, while peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) increased significantly. Intraoperative hemoglobin (Hb) reduction was significantly lower in the small volume group than in the large volume group. The incidence of postoperative urinary urgency and transient incontinence was lower in the small volume group. IPSS score, PVR, and Qmax in the small volume group showed more remarkable changes at several time points compared to the preoperative period. Postoperative pain scores were higher in the small volume group than in the large volume group. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of long-term complications. The younger group showed greater variation in PVR and Qmax at some time points but less variation in QoL than the older group. Conclusions: TUSP is overall safe and effective in treating BPH. This study showed differences in the outcomes of TUSP in treating different prostate volumes or ages of BPH patients. The optimal surgical approach for BPH patients might be selected clinically based on a combination of prostate volume or patient age.

Medium-term Clinical Efficacy and Complications of Plasmakinetic Enucleation of the Prostate Versus Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical characteristics, clinical efficacy, and complications of plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2015 to May 2018, 370 patients underwent TURP were included into the TURP group. Meanwhile, another 370 patients underwent PKEP (matched by age, prostate volume, and duration of BPH) were included into the PKEP group. Then, the differences of surgical characteristics, clinical efficacy, and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The operative time, intraoperative irrigation volume, postoperative irrigation time and irrigation volume, drop in hemoglobin, blood transfusion, postoperative catheterization time, and hospital stay of the PKEP group were significantly less than those of the TURP group (P <.05). No significant differences were observed in the resected tissue weight, visual analogue scale score, and total cost of hospitalization (P >.05); The quality of life score of the PKEP group was significantly lower than that of the TURP group (P <.05). No significant differences of maximum flow rate, postvoid residual urine, Serum prostate-specific antigen, international prostate symptom score and International Index of Erectile Function score were observed (P >.05); The incidences of urinary tract irritation, massive hemorrhage, secondary hemorrhage, bladder spasm, clot retention, and retrograde ejaculation of the PKEP group were significantly lower than those of the TURP group (P <.05). CONCLUSION: PKEP and TURP are comparable regarding cost burden and clinical efficacy in medium-term follow-up. However, PKEP should be given a priority for BPH treatment because of less complication rate and better safety profile.

Decreased miR-4512 Levels in Monocytes and Macrophages of Individuals With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Contribute to Innate Immune Activation and Neutrsophil NETosis by Targeting TLR4 and CXCL2.

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with complex etiology that is not yet entirely understood. We aimed to elucidate the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) in SLE in a Tibetan population. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from SLE patients (n = 5) and healthy controls (n = 5) were used for miRNA-mRNA co-sequencing to detect miRNAs related to immune abnormalities associated with SLE. Luciferase reporter assay was used to identify potential targets of candidate miRNA. The target genes were verified in miRNA-agomir/antagomir transfection assays with multiple cells lines and by expression analysis. The effects of candidate miRNA on monocyte and macrophage activation were evaluated by multiple cytokine profiling. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation was analyzed in vitro by cell stimulation with supernatants of monocytes and macrophages transfected with candidate miRNA. The rodent MRL/lpr lupus model was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of CXCL2Ab on SLE and the regulation effect of immune disorders. Results: Integrated miRNA and mRNA expression profiling identified miRNA-4512 as a candidate miRNA involved in the regulation of neutrophil activation and chemokine-related pathways. MiR-4512 expression was significantly reduced in monocytes and macrophages from SLE patients. MiR-4512 suppressed the TLR4 pathway by targeting TLR4 and CXCL2. Decreased monocyte and macrophage miR-4512 levels led to the expression of multiple proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. Supernatants of miR-4512 antagomir-transfected monocytes and macrophages significantly promoted NETs formation (P < 0.05). Blocking of CXCL2 alleviated various pathogenic manifestations in MRL/lpr mice, including kidney damage and expression of immunological markers of SLE. Conclusions: We here demonstrated the role of miR-4512 in innate immunity regulation in SLE. The effect of miR-4512 involves the regulation of monocytes, macrophages, and NETs formation by direct targeting of TLR4 and CXCL2, indicating the miR-4512-TLR4-CXCL2 axis as a potential novel therapeutic target in SLE.

The Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Nomogram for Head and Neck Cancer Patients with Bone Metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common malignancy globally, and many demographics and clinicopathological factors influence its prognosis. This study aimed to construct and validate a prognostic nomogram to predict the prognosis of HNC patients with bone metastasis (BM). METHODS: A total of 326 patients with BM from HNC were collected from the SEER database as the subjects of this study. In a ratio of 7 to 3, patients were randomly divided into training and validation groups. Independent prognostic factors for HNC patients with BM were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The nomogram for predicting the prognosis was constructed, and the model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. RESULT: The independent prognostic factors for HNC patients with BM included age, primary site, lung metastasis, and chemotherapy. The area under the curve predicting overall survival at 12, 24, and 36 months was 0.768, 0.747, and 0.723 in the training group and 0.729, 0.723, and 0.669 in the validation group, respectively. The calibration curves showed good agreement between the predicted and actual values for overall survival. In addition, the decision curve analysis showed that this prognostic nomogram model has a high clinical application. CONCLUSION: This study developed and validated a nomogram to predict overall survival in HNC patients with BM. The prognostic nomogram has high accuracy and utility to inform survival estimation and individualized treatment decisions.

Flavor of rapeseed oil: An overview of odorants, analytical techniques, and impact of treatment.

As one of the three major vegetable oils in the world, rapeseed oil is appreciated for its high nutritional value and characteristic flavor. Flavor is an essential attribute, determining rapeseed oil quality and consumer acceptance. The present manuscript provides a systematic literature review of recent advances and knowledge on the flavor of rapeseed oil, which focuses on aroma-active as well as off-flavor compounds, flavor analysis techniques (i.e., extraction, qualitative, quantitative, sensory, and chemometric methods), and effects of treatments (storage, dehulling, roasting, microwave, flavoring with herbs, refining, and oil heating) on flavor from sensory and molecular perspectives. One hundred thirty-seven odorants found in rapeseed oil from literature are listed and possible formation pathways of some key aroma-active compounds are also proposed. Future flavor analysis techniques will evolve toward time-saving, portability, real-time monitoring, and visualization, which aims to obtain a "complete" flavor profile of rapeseed oil. The changes of volatile compounds in rapeseed oil under different treatments are summarized in this view. Studies to elucidate the influence of different treatments on the formation of aroma-active compounds are needed to get a deeper understanding of factors leading to the variations of rapeseed oil flavor.

Case Report: Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis, a Rare Clinical Manifestation of Abernethy Malformation Type II.

This report describes an 8-year-old male who presented with clinical manifestations including systemic edema, heavy proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, and persistent hypocomplementemia. Arachnoid cysts and focal nodular hyperplasia were also detected. Imaging examination and renal biopsy were performed, and Abernethy malformation type II with immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was considered the diagnosis. Due to the persistence of embryonic vessels, Abernethy malformation is a rare congenital vascular malformation of the splanchnic venous system, which can be classified as type I (end-to-side shunt) and type II (side-to-side shunt). Abernethy malformation with glomerulonephritis remains extremely rare. In the patient described, glomerulonephritis mediated by immune complex with "full-house" positive immunohistochemistry was confirmed on renal biopsy. In addition, he was treated with glucocorticoids and tacrolimus. Whether surgical treatment is necessary should be determined according to the state of the disease in the later stages. The present case reflects the association between the congenital portosystemic shunt and the renal region and, to the authors' knowledge, may be the first report to describe arachnoid cysts as a symptom of Abernethy malformation.

Epidemiological and virological characteristics of respiratory tract infections in children during COVID-19 outbreak.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the impact of protective measures and isolation on respiratory tract infections in children during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: We extracted data on outpatient visits and respiratory infection visits, and tests of respiratory viruses (adenovirus (ADV), influenza A (FluA), influenza B (FluB) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)) from electronic healthcare records in Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine during the COVID-19 outbreak (January-April, 2020), compared with those in 2018 and 2019 during the same periods. RESULTS: We found that outpatient visits in January, 2020 was comparable with those in 2018 and 2019, but decreased by 59.9% (288,003 vs. 717,983) and 57.4% (288,003 vs. 676,704), respectively during the period of February-April, 2020, as compared with the same periods in 2018 and 2019. The total number of respiratory tract infections from January to April 2020 decreased by 65.7% (119,532 vs.348,762) and 59.0% (119,532 vs.291,557), respectively compared with the same periods in 2018 and 2019. The proportion of respiratory tract infections during the outbreak also dropped compared with the same periods in 2018 and 2019 (P<0.001). We also found significantly decreased number of completed tests for respiratory viruses and positive cases of ADV, FluA, FluB, and RSV during February-April, 2020. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that outpatient visits and respiratory tract infections in children significantly decreased during COVID-19 outbreak. Adequate protective measures and isolation in children may help to prevent respiratory virus infections in children.