The risk factors for chronic cough in children: a meta-analysis covering five continents.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the risk factors for chronic cough in children and provide a reference for prevention and healthcare measures. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and EMBASE were searched for observational studies published up to April 2024. Outcome included risk factors associated with chronic cough in children. Two investigators independently searched and screened the literature, evaluated the qualities and extracted baseline datas. Results were analyzed using random-effects models with odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals to address heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses and assessment of publication bias were performed. Stata17 and GRADEwas used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: 18 studies including 97,462 children were reviewed. Asthma( OR= 4.06, 95%CI: 2.37-6.96, P＜0.01), NO2( OR= 1.19, 95%CI: 1.01-1.39, P= 0.031), Home remodeling history ( OR= 1.82,95% CI: 1.61-2.05, P＜0.01), Environment Tobacco Smoke( OR= 1.41, 95% CI: 1.15-1.73, P=0.001), Pet exposure ( OR= 1.56, 95%CI: 1.25-1.95, P＜0.01), Mould (OR= 1.64,95%CI: 1.45-1.85, P＜0.01), Age＜1 year(OR= 3.19, 95% CI: 1.8-5.63, P＜0.01) were reported as risk factors for chronic cough in children, these results were discussed qualitatively in the study. CONCLUSION: Asthma, NO2, Home remodeling history, Environment Tobacco Smoke( ETS), Pet exposure, Mould, and Age＜1 year are risk factors for chronic coughing in children. Due to the few studies and insufficient evidence, other potential risk factors need to be robustly confirmed by subsequent large-sample and multicenter trials.

Direct and Rapid Visualization of the Spatial Distribution of Cholesterol in Alzheimer's and Cancer Tissue via MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

Cholesterol is a vital component of the central nervous system and tissues, and understanding its spatial distribution is crucial for biology, pathophysiology, and diagnostics. However, direct imaging of cholesterol using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) remains challenging and time-consuming due to the difficulty in ionizing the sterol molecule. To tackle this issue, a MALDI-MSI method is established for direct and rapid analysis of the spatial distribution of cholesterol in Alzheimer's disease (AD), different cancer tissues and organs via MALDI-MSI. This excellent imaging performance depends on the study and systemic optimization of various conditions that affect the imaging of MALDI-MSI. In this case, we report the distribution and levels of cholesterol across specific structures of the AD mouse brain and different tumor tissue and organs. According to the results, the content of cholesterol in the AD mouse cerebellum, especially in the arborvitae, was significantly higher than that in the wild type (WT) model. Furthermore, we successfully visualize the distribution of cholesterol in other organs, such as the heart, liver, spleen, kidney, pancreas, as well as tumor tissues parenchyma and interstitium using MALDI-MSI. Notably, the attribution of cholesterol MS/MS hydrocarbon fragments was systematically investigated. Our presented optimization strategy and established MALDI-MSI method can be easily generalized for different animal tissues or live samples, thereby facilitating the potential for applications of MALDI-MSI in clinical, medical and biological research.

CT-based muscle and adipose measurements predict prognosis in patients with digestive system malignancy.

The role of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in the progression of cancer has been gradually discussed, but it needs further exploration. The objective of this study was to provide an in-depth analysis of skeletal muscle and fat in digestive malignancies and to construct novel predictors for clinical management. This is a retrospective study that includes data from Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University. Basic characteristic information was analyzed by T tests. Correlation matrices were drawn to explore the relationship between CT-related indicators and other indicators. Cox risk regression analyses were performed to analyze the association between the overall survivals (OS) and various types of indicators. A new indicator body composition score (BCS) was then created and a time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to analyze the efficacy of the BCS. Finally, a nomogram was produced to develop a scored-CT system based on BCS and other indicators. C-index and calibration curve analyses were performed to validate the predictive accuracy of the scored-CT system. A total of 575 participants were enrolled in the study. Cox risk regression model revealed that VFD, L3 SMI and VFA/SFA were associated with prognosis of cancer patients. After adjustment, BCS index based on CT was significantly associated with prognosis, both in all study population and in subgroup analysis according to tumor types (all study population: HR 2.036, P < 0.001; colorectal cancer: HR 2.693, P < 0.001; hepatocellular carcinoma: HR 4.863, P < 0.001; esophageal cancer: HR 4.431, P = 0.008; pancreatic cancer: HR 1.905, P = 0.016; biliary system malignancies: HR 23.829, P = 0.035). The scored-CT system was constructed according to tumor type, stage, KPS, PG-SGA and BCS index, and it was of great predictive validity. This study identified VFD, L3 SMI and VFA/SFA associated with digestive malignancies outcomes. BCS was created and the scored-CT system was established to predict the OS of cancer patients.

Ecological insights into hematopoiesis regulation: unraveling the influence of gut microbiota.

The gut microbiota constitutes a vast ecological system within the human body, forming a mutually interdependent entity with the host. In recent years, advancements in molecular biology technologies have provided a clearer understanding of the role of the gut microbiota. They not only influence the local immune status and metabolic functions of the host's intestinal tract but also impact the functional transformation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) through the gut-blood axis. In this review, we will discuss the role of the gut microbiota in influencing hematopoiesis. We analyze the interactions between HSCs and other cellular components, with a particular emphasis on the direct functional regulation of HSCs by the gut microbiota and their indirect influence through cellular components in the bone marrow microenvironment. Additionally, we propose potential control targets for signaling pathways triggered by the gut microbiota to regulate hematopoietic function, filling crucial knowledge gaps in the development of this research field.

Effective Activation of Peroxymonosulfate by Oxygen Vacancy Induced Musa Basjoo Biochar to Degrade Sulfamethoxazole: Efficiency and Mechanism.

Biochar materials have garnered attention as potential catalysts for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation due to their cost-effectiveness, notable specific surface area, and advantageous structural properties. In this study, a suite of plantain-derived biochar (MBB-400, MBB-600, and MBB-800), possessing a well-defined pore structure and a substantial number of uniformly distributed active sites (oxygen vacancy, OVs), was synthesized through a facile calcination process at varying temperatures (400, 600, and 800 °C). These materials were designed for the activation of PMS in the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX). Experimental investigations revealed that OVs not only functioned as enriched sites for pollutants, enhancing the opportunities for free radicals (•OH/SO4•-) and surface-bound radicals (SBRs) to attack pollutants, but also served as channels for intramolecular charge transfer leaps. This role contributed to a reduction in interfacial charge transfer resistance, expediting electron transfer rates with PMS, thereby accelerating the decomposition of pollutants. Capitalizing on these merits, the MBB-800/PMS system displayed a 61-fold enhancement in the conversion rate for SMX degradation compared to inactivated MBB/PMS system. Furthermore, the MBB-800 exhibited less cytotoxicity towards rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Hence, the straightforward calcination synthesis of MBB-800 emerges as a promising biochar catalyst with vast potential for sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

Influence of Subchondral Cysts on the Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Limited literature is available regarding the effect of subchondral cysts on the surgical outcomes for treatment of osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT). Purpose: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing surgical outcomes between OLTs with and without cysts. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the authors searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies published up to January 7, 2023. The 4375 retrieved studies were screened, and 9 articles (level of evidence, 2-4) were included, which comprised 165 patients with OLT and subchondral cysts (cyst group) and 223 without cysts (noncyst group). After data extraction, mean differences in outcome scores (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society [AOFAS] Ankle Hindfoot Scale, visual analog scale [VAS] score for pain) and adverse events were compared between the groups. Results: Functional scores improved after surgery in both groups, with the cyst group having a significantly higher AOFAS score than the noncyst group (P = .005; I2 = 0%); subgroup analysis revealed that this difference was attributable to the size of the osteochondral lesion and the type of surgical procedure. No significant difference was found between the cyst and noncyst groups in VAS pain scores (P = .77; I2 = 0%) or postoperative adverse events (P = .35; I2 = 0%). Conclusion: The results of this review indicated that patients with subchondral cysts improved with surgical treatment of OLT. A relatively low level of evidence was available to indicate that surgical treatment for small OLTs with subchondral cysts will result in better clinical outcomes compared with OLTs without cysts.

Costal Cartilage Graft Repair Osteochondral Defect in a Mouse Model.

OBJECTIVE: Osteochondral defects develop into osteoarthritis without intervention. Costal cartilage can be utilized as an alternative source for repairing osteochondral defect. Our previous clinical study has shown the successful osteochondral repair by costal cartilage graft with integration into host bone bed. In this study, we investigate how cartilaginous graft adapt to osteochondral environment and the mechanism of bone-cartilage interface formation. DESIGN: Costal cartilage grafting was performed in C57BL/6J mice and full-thickness osteochondral defect was made as control. 3D optical profiles and micro-CT were applied to evaluate the reconstruction of articular cartilage surface and subchondral bone as well as gait analysis to evaluate articular function. Histological staining was performed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. Moreover, costal cartilage from transgenic mice with fluorescent markers were transplanted into wild-type mice to observe the in vivo changes of costal chondrocytes. RESULTS: At 8 weeks after surgery, 3D optical profiles and micro-CT showed that in the graft group, the articular surface and subchondral bone were well preserved. Gait analysis and International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score evaluation showed a good recovery of joint function and histological repair in the graft group. Safranin O staining showed the gradual integration of graft and host tissue. Costal cartilage from transgenic mice with fluorescent markers showed that donor-derived costal chondrocytes turned into osteocytes in the subchondral area of host femur. CONCLUSION: Costal cartilage grafting shows both functional and histological repair of osteochondral defect in mice. Graft-derived costal chondrocytes differentiate into osteocytes and contribute to endochondral ossification.

VEGF/Nrp1/HIF-1α promotes proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma through a positive feedback loop.

To investigate the role of neuropilin1 (Nrp1) in glucose metabolism and proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and to analyze its mechanism of action. The CRISPR gene knockout technique was used to knock out the Nrp1 gene in two HCC cell lines. The effect of Nrp1 on the proliferation of HCC cells was assessed in the CCK8 assay and plate cloning assay. The expression levels of glucose consumption, lactate production, and essential proteins of the glycolytic pathway were detected to explore the effect of Nrp1 on glucose metabolism in HCC cells. Using CoCl2 to revert the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), the role of HIF-1α in the pro-HCC cell metabolism of Nrp1 were demonstrated. The protein synthesis inhibitor CHX and proteasome inhibitor MG-132 was used to analyze the molecular mechanism of action of Nrp1 on HIF-1α. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates and plot survival curves. Based on the CCK8 assay and plate cloning assay, we found that Nrp1 knockout significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells. Nrp1 inhibitor suppressed lactate production and glucose consumption in HCC cells. Knockout of Nrp1 decreased the expression of glycolytic pathway-related proteins and HIF-1α protein. Furthermore, by joint use of CoCl2 and NRP1 knockout, we confirmed that reverting HIF-1α expression could reverse the effect of Nrp1 knockout on HCC cell metabolism in vitro. Mechanistically, Nrp1 showed a close correlation with the stability of HIF-1α protein in protein stability assay. Finally, we revealed that high expression of Nrp1 in HCC tissues was associated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival of the patients. Nrp1 accelerates glycolysis and promotes proliferation of HCC by regulating HIF-1α protein stability and through the VEGF/Nrp1/HIF-1α positive feedback loop.

Effect of surgical approach on the treatment of Morton's neuroma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection of Morton's neuroma includes dorsal and plantar approaches. However, there is no consensus on the choice of approach in clinic. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the surgical results of dorsal and plantar approaches. METHODS: The literatures of PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase and Web of Science were searched on April 26th, 2023. A systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The data were extracted after screening the literature and evaluating the quality of the methodology included in the study. The RevMan5.4 software was used to analyze and calculate the OR value and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A total of 7 randomized controlled trials and comparative studies were published, of which only 5 were included. There were 158 feet via plantar approach (plantar group, PG) and 189 via dorsal approach (dorsal group, DG). There was no significant difference between PG and DG in overall adverse events, sensory problems, incision infection and deep vein thrombosis (p > 0.05). In terms of scar problems, PG showed more than DG (OR, 2.90[95%CI, 1.40 to 5.98]; p = 0.004). Other outcome indicators such as visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were difficult to be included in the comparison. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the relatively low quality and small amount of available evidence, the meta-analysis conducted produces a hypothesis that the frequency of adverse events in surgical treatment of Morton's neuroma, dorsal approach and plantar approach may be the same, but the types are different. More high-level evidence is needed to further verify this hypothesis.

The efficacy of fat-free mass index and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index in cancer malnutrition: a propensity score match analysis.

Background: Reduced muscle mass (RMM) is a phenotypic criterion for malnutrition; the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) are both applicable indicators in the global leadership initiative on malnutrition (GLIM) guideline. However, their sensitivity and prognostic effect remain unclear. Methods: Clinical data of 2,477 patients with malignant tumors were collected. Multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to obtain ASMI and FFMI. RMM was confirmed by ASMI (< 7.0 kg/m2 for men and < 5.7 kg/m2 for women) or FFMI (< 17 kg/m2 for men and < 15 kg/m2 for women). Propensity score match analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the efficacy of FFMI and ASMI in diagnosing severe malnutrition and multivariate Cox regression analysis to determine the efficacy of RMM in predicting survival. Results: In total, 546 (22.0%) and 659 (26.6%) participants were diagnosed with RMM by ASMI (RMM.ASMI group) and FFMI (RMM.FFMI group); 375 cases overlapped. Body mass index (BMI), midarm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, and maximum calf circumference were all significantly larger in the RMM.FFMI group for both sexes (P < 0.05). A 1:1 matched dataset constructed by propensity score match contained 810 cases. RMM.FFMI was an influential factor of severe malnutrition with HR = 3.033 (95% CI 2.068-4.449, P < 0.001), and RMM.ASMI was a predictive factor of overall survival (HR = 1.318, 95% CI 1.060-1.639, P = 0.013 in the RMM.ASMI subgroup, HR = 1.315, 95% CI 1.077-1.607, P = 0.007 in the RMM.FFMI subgroup). Conclusion: In general, RMM indicates negative clinical outcomes; when defined by FFMI, it predicts nutritional status, and when defined by ASMI, it is related to poor survival in cancer patients.

Association of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio with Nutrition in Patients with Various Types of Malignant Tumors: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an index of systemic inflammation. This study is to clarify the role of NLR in body functional status, nutritional risk and nutritional status in the course of tumor. Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study of patients with various types of malignant tumors was accrued from the whole country. There were 21,457 patients with completed clinical data, biochemical indicators, physical examination, the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS2002) survey. Logistic regression analysis was used to figure out the influencing factors of NLR, and four models were established to evaluate the influence of NLR on body functions, nutritional risks and nutritional status. Results: Male patients, TNM stage IV, total bilirubin, hypertension and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAHD) were independent predictors of NLR >2.5. BMI, digestive systemic tumors and triglyceride negatively affect NLR in multivariable logistic regression. NLR was an independent predictor of Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), fat store deficit in all degrees, moderate and severe muscle deficit, mild fluid retention and PG-SGA grade. Conclusion: Male patients and those with hypertension and CAHD are prone to systemic inflammation. Systemic inflammation significantly degrades body function status and nutritional status, increases nutritional risk and influences fat and muscle metabolism in patients with malignant tumor. Improving the intervenable indicators such as elevating albumin and pre-albumin, decreasing total bilirubin and enhancing nutrition support are imperative. Obesity and triglyceride behave like anti-systemic inflammation, which is misleading due to reverse causation in the course of malignancy.

P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop regulates the termination of liver regeneration.

BACKGROUND: The capacity of the liver to restore its architecture and function assures good prognoses of patients who suffer serious hepatic injury, cancer resection, or living donor liver transplantation. Only a few studies have shed light on the mechanisms involved in the termination stage of LR. Here, we attempt to further verify the role of the p53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop in the termination of liver regeneration and its possible relationship with liver cancer. METHOD: We performed partial hepatectomy (PH) in mice transfected with adenovirus (Ade) overexpressing P53 and adenovirus-associated virus (AAV) overexpressing miR-34a. LR was analyzed by liver weight/body weight, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and cell proliferation, and the related cellular signals were investigated. Bile acid (BA) levels during LR were analyzed by metabolomics of bile acids. RESULTS: We found that the P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop was activated in the late phase of LR. Overexpression of P53 or miR-34a terminated LR early and enhanced P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop expression and its proapoptotic effect. T-ß-MCA increased gradually during LR and peaked at 7 days after PH. T-ß-MCA inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis via facilitating the P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop during LR by suppressing FXR/SHP. The P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop was abolished in HCC patients with P53 mutations. CONCLUSIONS: The P53/miR-34a/SIRT1 positive feedback loop plays an important role in the termination of LR. Our findings showed the molecular and metabolic mechanisms of LR termination and provide a potential therapeutic alternative for treating P53-wild-type HCC patients.

FNBP4 is a Potential Biomarker Associated with Cuproptosis and Promotes Tumor Progression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors that lacks an efficient therapeutic approach because of its elusive molecular mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the biological function and potential mechanism of formin-binding protein 4 (FNBP4) in HCC. Methods: FNBP4 expression in tissues and cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT‒PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to explore the correlation between the FNBP4 expression and clinical survival. MTT, EdU incorporation, colony formation, and Transwell assays were performed to evaluate the function of FNBP4 in cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was used to explore the potential mechanism of FNBP4. The prognostic risk signature and nomogram were constructed to demonstrate the prognostic value of FNBP4. Results: We found that FNBP4 was upregulated in patients with HCC and associated with poor overall survival (OS). Furthermore, knockdown of FNBP4 inhibited the proliferation and migration in HCC cells. Then, we performed a KEGG pathway analysis of the coexpressed genes associated with FNBP4 and found that FNBP4 may be associated with tumor-related signaling pathways and cuproptosis. We verified that FNBP4 could cause cell cycle progression and inactivation of the hippo signaling pathway. A prognostic risk signature containing three FNBP4-related differentially expressed cuproptosis regulators (DECRs) was established and can be used as an independent risk factor to evaluate the prognosis of patients with HCC. In addition, a nomogram including a risk score and clinicopathological factors was used to predict patient survival probabilities. Conclusion: FNBP4, as a potential biomarker associated with cuproptosis, promotes HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. We provide a new potential strategy for HCC treatment by targeting FNBP4.

Highly efficient acrylic acid production from formaldehyde and acetic acid over the NASICON-type catalyst.

The condensation of formaldehyde and acetic acid to acrylic acid (AA) is considered as one of the important routes for the clean and high value utilization of coal-based methanol derivatives. Herein, we successfully synthesized environment-friendly NASICON catalysts using Ti(SO4)2 as the titanium source. With guaranteed high selectivity (∼78%), the space time yield of AA + MA (methyl acrylate) can be up to 123.9 µmol g-1 min-1, far higher than the results reported previously. Based on the characterizations, it is demonstrated that the modulation of the acidic and basic properties (including distribution, ratio of B/L, etc.) led by the specific elemental and hybrid TiP2O7 phase plays crucial roles in catalyst supremacy.

Atopomonas sediminilitoris sp. nov., isolated from beach sediment of Zhairuo Island, China.

A novel bacterium designated A3.4T was isolated from the beach sediment of Zhairuo Island, which is located in the East China Sea. Strain A3.4T was found to be Gram-stain negative, cream coloured, rod-shaped, aerobic and motile via a single monopolar flagellum. The isolate grows at 20-37 °C (optimum 25-30 °C), at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum pH 7.0-8.0), and in the presence of 0-5.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0.5-1%). A3.4T has catalase and oxidase activity. The predominant fatty acids (≥ 10%) of the strain were identified as C16:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c /C16:1 ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c /C18:1 ω6c). Q-9 was identified as the major isoprenoid quinone, with trace levels of Q-8 present. The major polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The draft genome size is 3.55 Mb, with a DNA G + C content of 57.7 mol%. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain A3.4T indicates that it belongs to the genus Atopomonas and shares high sequence similarity with Atopomonas hussainii JCM 19513T (97.60%). This classification was also supported by phylogenetic analysis using rpoB and several core genes. The genome of strain A3.4T shows an average nucleotide identity of 82.3%, an amino acid identity of 83.0%, and a digital DNA-DNA hybridization value of 22.1% with A. hussainii. In addition, 20 conserved signature indels (CSIs) were identified to be specific for A3.4T and A. hussainii, demonstrating that the strain A3.4T is closely related to A. hussainii rather than other species of family Pseudomonadaceae. Hundreds of unique genes were identified in the genomes of A3.4T and A. hussainii, which may underly multiple phenotypic differences between these strains. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic, and genomic investigations, strain A3.4T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Atopomonas, for which the name Atopomonas sediminilitoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A3.4T (= LMG 32563T = MCCC 1K07166T).

Effect of Alcohol Intake on Inflammatory Status and Prognosis in Cancer Patients.

Purpose: To explore the effect of alcohol on the inflammatory status and prognosis of patients with malignancy. Patients and Methods: The clinical data of patients with malignant tumor who were admitted to the First Hospital of Jilin University from November 2011 to December 2018 were collected including basic clinical information, anthropometric indicators, body composition analysis, and serological indicators. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were performed to find predictors of survival. A nomogram was generated to indicate the interrelationships between the variables in the prediction model and the extent to which alcohol consumption affects prognosis. The C-index and calibration curves were used to verify the predictive accuracy of the scoring system. Results: A total of 2929 cancer patients were included in this study, of which 552 (18.8%) patients had alcohol consumption habits and 2377 (81.2%) patients had no alcohol history. Patients in the Alcohol group had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) than the Non-Alcohol group, and further sub-analysis indicated alcohol consumption was significantly associated with prognosis of advanced breast cancer (HR = 4.617, 95% CI 1.361-15.664, p=0.014), and early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) without viral hepatitis (HR = 8.933, 95% CI 1.444-55.275, p = 0.019). Multivariate Cox regression models also demonstrated that daily alcohol intake was a risk factor of survival benefits (HR = 1.256, 95% CI 1.016-1.554, p = 0.036). Finally, a nomogram was constructed and the c-index of this scoring system is 0.751. The 3- and 5-year calibration curves of the model show a high agreement between the predicted probability and the actual observed survival rate. Conclusion: Alcohol intake was demonstrated associates with patient outcomes. A human component-prognosis scoring system was established to predict the survival benefits of cancer patients.

Co-culture pellet of human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells and rat costal chondrocytes as a candidate for articular cartilage regeneration: in vitro and in vivo study.

BACKGROUND: Seeding cells are key factors in cell-based cartilage tissue regeneration. Monoculture of either chondrocyte or mesenchymal stem cells has several limitations. In recent years, co-culture strategies have provided potential solutions. In this study, directly co-cultured rat costal chondrocytes (CCs) and human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem (hWJMSCs) cells were evaluated as a candidate to regenerate articular cartilage. METHODS: Rat CCs are directly co-cultured with hWJMSCs in a pellet model at different ratios (3:1, 1:1, 1:3) for 21 days. The monoculture pellets were used as controls. RT-qPCR, biochemical assays, histological staining and evaluations were performed to analyze the chondrogenic differentiation of each group. The 1:1 ratio co-culture pellet group together with monoculture controls were implanted into the osteochondral defects made on the femoral grooves of the rats for 4, 8, 12 weeks. Then, macroscopic and histological evaluations were performed. RESULTS: Compared to rat CCs pellet group, 3:1 and 1:1 ratio group demonstrated similar extracellular matrix production but less hypertrophy intendency. Immunochemistry staining found the consistent results. RT-PCR analysis indicated that chondrogenesis was promoted in co-cultured rat CCs, while expressions of hypertrophic genes were inhibited. However, hWJMSCs showed only slightly improved in chondrogenesis but not significantly different in hypertrophic expressions. In vivo experiments showed that all the pellets filled the defects but co-culture pellets demonstrated reduced hypertrophy, better surrounding cartilage integration and appropriate subchondral bone remodeling. CONCLUSION: Co-culture of rat CCs and hWJMSCs demonstrated stable chondrogenic phenotype and decreased hypertrophic intendency in both vitro and vivo. These results suggest this co-culture combination as a promising candidate in articular cartilage regeneration.

Ancylobacter gelatini sp. nov., isolated from beach sediment of Zhairuo Island, China.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, oxidase-positive, catalase-positive, methyl red-positive, and lipase-negative bacterium, designated A5.8T, was isolated from beach sediment of Zhairuo Island located in the East China Sea. Growth occurred at 10-40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum, 7.5), and 0-2% NaCl (optimum, 1.5%). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain A5.8T belongs to the genus Ancylobacter, sharing the highest similarity with Ancylobacter aquaticus JCM 20518T (98.0%). Its polar lipids mainly consist of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). The predominant fatty acids are summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c, 91.0%), and the major respiratory quinone is Q-10. The DNA G + C content is 67.2 mol%. Based on above analysis, as well as digital DNA-DNA hybridization (22.5-22.9%) and average nucleotide identity (83.0-83.6%) of strain A5.8T with reference type strains of the genus Ancylobacter, strain A5.8T was suggested to represent a novel species of the genus Ancylobacter, for which the name Ancylobacter gelatini sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A5.8T (= MCCC 1K07167T = LMG 32566T).

A Predictive Model for Qualitative Evaluation of PG-SGA in Tumor Patients Through Machine Learning.

Objective: Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) was a nutritional status assessment technique specifically tailored for patients with oncology. The goal of this study was to develop a machine learning (ML) prediction model for predicting PG-SGA categorization of patients with tumor. Methods: From 2014 to 2020, patients at the First Hospital of Jilin University performed laboratory testing, bioelectrical impedance, physical measures, and the PG-SGA scale. A total of 8230 patients were involved in the study. Patients with missing or partial data were removed, leaving 7287 patients, of which 3743 were males and 3544 were females. ML was used to design a clinical prediction model for PG-SGA categories. Results: Through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and the correlation matrix, 135 variables were screened and 6 variables were retained; ML was performed among the remaining variables. The accuracy of neural network prediction models was 70.3% and 70.4% for males and females in the training cohort, respectively, and 74.4% and 73.2% for males and females in the validation cohort, respectively. The area under curve (AUC) of males was 0.87 for PG-SGA scores "0-3", 0.70 for PG-SGA scores "4-8" and 0.74 for PG-SGA scores ">8". As for females, the AUC was 0.85 for PG-SGA scores "0-3", 0.65 for PG-SGA scores "4-8" and 0.76 for PG-SGA scores ">8". The results of confusion matrix showed that the models were of good predictive validity. The prediction model was nearly 90% accurate for predictions that do not require nutritional support. Conclusion: We demonstrated that neural network learning is the best clinical prediction model using ML. The model can work as a prediction for the PG-SGA classification of patients with cancer and can be promoted further in the clinic.

Effects of Diabetes on Inflammatory Status and Prognosis in Cancer Patients.

Background: Cancer and diabetes mellitus (DM) are prevalent, but there still a lack of convinced evidence clearly explaining the extent of the effect of diabetes in cancer. Data and Methods: Clinical data of 2,929 cancer patients were collected. Diabetes were diagnosed according to the Diabetes Diagnosis and Treatment Criteria. BMI was classified by the BMI standards for Chinese adults published by the Working Group on Obesity. All involved patients were classified into the non-DM group and DM group. The Kaplan-Meier curve, log-rank test and Cox regression analyses were used to perform survival analysis. Results: Compared with non-DM patients, OS in DM patients was significant shorter in lung cancer (HR = 2.076, P = 0.001 in early stage; HR = 2.118, P < 0.001 in advanced stage), digestive tract cancer (HR = 1.768, P = 0.020 in early stage; HR = 2.454, P = 0.005 in advanced stage), leukemia (HR = 2.636, P < 0.001), breast cancer (HR = 2.495, P = 0.047 in early stage; HR = 2.929, P = 0.019 in advanced stage) and liver cancer (HR = 3.086, P < 0.001 in early stage; HR = 2.219, P = 0.049 in advanced stage). DM negatively influenced OS when the BMI was within the normal range in overall cancer (HR = 2.468, P < 0.001), lung cancer (HR = 2.297, P < 0.001), digestive tract cancer (HR = 2.354, P < 0.001), liver cancer (HR = 2.406, P = 0.001), leukemia (HR = 4.039, P < 0.001) and breast cancer (HR = 4.222, P = 0.008). Among those with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2, DM played a role only in lung cancer (HR = 1.597, P = 0.037). Conclusions: Patients with diabetes tend to combine worse body composition and inflammation status, and that glycemic control can ameliorate the impairment of diabetes to some extent.