The advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) predicted the postoperative survival rate of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and the construction of a nomogram model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognostic significance of the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) in patients with operable non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). By constructing the nomogram model, it can provide a reference for clinical work. METHODS: A total of 899 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent surgery in our hospital between January 2017 and June 2021 were retrospectively included. ALI was calculated by body mass index (BMI) × serum albumin/neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR). The optimal truncation value of ALI was obtained using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and divided into two groups. Survival analysis was represented by the Kaplan-Meier curve. The predictors of Overall survival (OS) were evaluated by the Cox proportional risk model using single factor and stepwise regression multifactor analysis. Based on the results of multi-factor Cox proportional risk regression analysis, a nomogram model was established using the R survival package. The bootstrap method (repeated sampling 1 000 times) was used for internal verification of the nomogram model. The concordance index (C-index) was used to represent the prediction performance of the nomogram model, and the calibration graph method was used to visually represent its prediction conformity. The application value of the model was evaluated by decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: The optimal cut-off value of ALI was 70.06, and the low ALI group (ALI < 70.06) showed a poor survival prognosis. In multivariate analyses, tumor location, pathological stage, neuroaggression, and ALI were independently associated with operable NSCLC-specific survival. The C index of OS predicted by the nomogram model was 0.928 (95% CI: 0.904-0.952). The bootstrap self-sampling method (B = 1000) was used for internal validation of the prediction model, and the calibration curve showed good agreement between the prediction and observation results of 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year OS. The ROC curves for 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival were plotted according to independent factors, and the AUC was 0.952 (95% CI: 0.925-0.979), 0.951 (95% CI: 0.916-0.985), and 0.939 (95% CI: 0.913-0.965), respectively. DCA shows that this model has good clinical application value. CONCLUSION: ALI can be used as a reliable indicator to evaluate the prognosis of patients with operable NSCLC, and through the construction of a nomogram model, it can facilitate better individualized treatment and prognosis assessment.

Tectorigenin regulates migration, invasion, and apoptosis in dexamethasone-induced human airway epithelial cells through up-regulating miR-222-3p.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) can effectively control airway inflammation, but can also cause airway epithelial injury. Tectorigenin, a type of isoflavone isolated from various medicinal plants, has hypolipidemic activity, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects. We aimed to investigate whether Tectorigenin can repair GCs-induced airway epithelial injury. Airway epithelial cell line (9HTE cells) were treated with dexamethasone (Dex), Tectorigenin, or further transfected, then cell viability, migration, and invasion were examined by Cell Counting Kit (CCK-8), wound healing, and Transwell assays. The expressions of potential miRNAs related to the effect of Tectorigenin were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Expressions of poptosis-related proteins Bcl-2-associated protein-X (Bax), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Cleaved Caspase-3, and related to Mitorgen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway serine/threonine kinase (Raf1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) were detected by Western blot. Dex inhibited the cell viability, migration and invasion by promoting Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 expressions (p <.001) and by inhibiting the expressions of Bcl-2 and miR-222-3p (p <.001). Then, 10 µmol/L Tectorigenin itself did not affect cell viability but could inhibit the effect of Dex on cell viability, migration, and invasion. Tectorigenin up-regulated the expressions of miR-222-3p, Bcl-2, p-Raf1, p-MEK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 (p <.01), but down-regulated the expressions of Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 (p <.05) in Dex-induced cells. MiR-222-3p inhibitor reversed the antagonistic effect of Tectorigenin on Dex. The study demonstrates that Tectorigenin inhibits apoptosis of Dex-induced 9HTE cells by up-regulating the expression of miR-222-3p, which involves with the MAPK pathway.

Valence-Dependent Electrical Conductivity in a 3D Tetrahydroxyquinone-Based Metal-Organic Framework.

Electrically conductive metal-organic frameworks (cMOFs) have become a topic of intense interest in recent years because of their great potential in electrochemical energy storage, electrocatalysis, and sensing applications. Most of the cMOFs reported hitherto are 2D structures, and 3D cMOFs remain rare. Herein we report FeTHQ, a 3D cMOF synthesized from tetrahydroxy-1,4-quinone (THQ) and iron(II) sulfate salt. FeTHQ exhibited a conductivity of 3.3 ± 0.55 mS cm-1 at 300 K, which is high for 3D cMOFs. The conductivity of FeTHQ is valence-dependent. A higher conductivity was measured with the as-prepared FeTHQ than with the air-oxidized and sodium naphthalenide-reduced samples.

The effects of live and pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis, gut microbiota, and metabolomics in mice.

Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) plays an important role in intestinal regulation, while it is presently unclear whether live or pasteurized A. muciniphila has different effects on the intestinal health. In the present study, live or pasteurized A. muciniphila was administered to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis mice to investigate its influences on the host intestinal health, gut microbiota, and metabolomic phenotype. The results showed that pasteurized A. muciniphila alleviated the symptoms of colitis in mice more efficiently by encouraging the proliferation of beneficial intestinal bacteria, increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids, and inhibiting intestinal inflammation. Moreover, pasteurized A. muciniphila increased the abundance of Parasutterella and Akkermansia and thus affected the metabolism of lipid and lipid-like molecules associated with lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPCs). Notably, prophylactic supplementation of pasteurized A. muciniphila increased the relative abundance of the anti-inflammatory microbe Dubosiella, thereby activating intestinal sphingolipid metabolism to alleviate intestinal damage. In conclusion, pasteurized A. muciniphila showed a more effective amelioration of DSS-induced colitis by repairing the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and intestinal metabolism compared to live A. muciniphila, providing a potential strategy to explore the protective effect of A. muciniphila on host intestinal health.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment of limb spasticity following multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pilot trials have suggested that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may reduce limb spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS). We carried out the current meta-analysis to synthesize currently available evidence regarding such correlation. Up to November 2022, five international electronic databases (Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL) and four Chinese electronic databases (CBM, CNKI, WanFang Data, and VIP) were systematically searched to identify randomized trials comparing active rTMS and sham stimulation in patients with MS-related spasticity. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data on study design, quality, clinical outcomes, and time points measured. The primary outcome was clinical spasticity relief after intervention. Secondary outcomes included spasticity at the follow-up visit 2 weeks later and post-treatment fatigue. Of 831 titles found, we included 8 studies (181 participants) in the quantitative analysis. Pooled analyses showed that rTMS therapy was associated with significant spasticity relief in the early post-intervention period [standardized mean differences (SMD): -0.67; 95%CI: -1.12 to -0.21], but there was insufficient evidence for rTMS in reducing spasticity at the follow-up visit 2 weeks later (SMD: -0.17; 95%CI: -0.52 to 0.17) and fatigue (SMD: -0.26; 95%CI: -0.84 to 0.31). This evidence supports the recommendations to treat MS-related spasticity with rTMS, but underlines the need for further large randomized trials.

Effects of Transition Metals on Metal-Octaaminophthalocyanine-Based 2D Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Metal-octaaminophthalocyanine (MOAPc)-based 2D conductive metal-organic frameworks (cMOFs) have shown great potential in several applications, including sensing, energy storage, and electrocatalysis, due to their bimetallic characteristics. Here, we report a detailed metal substitution study on a family of isostructural cMOFs with Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ as both the metal nodes and the metal centers in the MOAPc ligands. We observed that different metal nodes had variations in the reaction kinetics, particle sizes, and crystallinities. Importantly, the electronic structure and conductivity were found to be dependent on both types of metal sites in the 2D cMOFs. Ni-NiOAPc was found to be the most conductive one among the nine possible combinations with a conductivity of 54 ± 4.8 mS/cm. DFT calculations revealed that monolayer Ni-NiOAPc has neither the smallest bandgap nor the highest charge carrier mobility. Hence its highest conductivity stems from its high crystallinity. Collectively, these results provide structure property relationships for MOAPc-based cMOFs with amino coordination units.

Lactobacillus acidophilus LA85 ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression by modulating Notch and TLR4/NF-κB signal pathways and remodeling the gut microbiota.

Lactobacillus acidophilus, as the main probiotic in the small intestine, has a role in modulating intestinal immune activity; however, its potential molecular regulatory mechanisms have rarely been investigated. To investigate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA85 in immunoprophylaxis, LA85 at the dose of 1 × 108 CFU mL-1, 1 × 109 CFU mL-1, and 1 × 1010 CFU mL-1 were orally administered to immunocompromised ICR mice that had been treated intraperitoneally with 80 mg kg-1 cyclophosphamide. The experimental results showed that LA85 could regulate the Notch signaling pathway and promote intestinal mucosal repair. And it could enhance the immune response of the body through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. 16S rDNA gene sequencing revealed that LA85 reduced the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and reshaped the gut microbiota. Furthermore, we discovered the correlation between Erysipelatoclostridium, Rikenella, and the intestinal Notch signaling pathway, and further discovered the potential mechanism of LA85 in intestinal mucosal repair. Based on the results of the study, we found that the effect of high doses of LA85 was more significant. Therefore, LA85 can be used as a dietary supplement to potentially enhance the immune capacity of patients.

Diferrocen-yl(meth-yl)phenyl-silane.

In the title mol-ecule, [Fe(2)(C(5)H(5))(2)(C(17)H(16)Si)], the cyclo-penta-dienyl rings linked to the same Fe atom are approximately eclipsed and the inter-planar angles are 1.8 (2) and 3.4 (2)°. The Fe atom is slightly closer to the substituted cyclo-penta-dienyl ring.

Ferrocen-yl(meth-yl)diphenyl-silane.

In the title mol-ecule, [Fe(C(5)H(5))(C(18)H(17)Si)], the distances of the Fe atom from the centroids of the unsubstituted and substituted cyclo-penta-dienyl (Cp) rings are 1.651 (1) and 1.646 (1) Å, respectively. The dihedral angle between the two Cp rings is 3.20 (17)°. The crystal packing is mainly stabilized by van der Waals forces.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment of limb spasticity following multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Pilot trials have suggested that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may reduce limb spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS). We carried out the current meta-analysis to synthesize currently available evidence regarding such correlation. Up to November 2022, five international electronic databases (Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL) and four Chinese electronic databases (CBM, CNKI, WanFang Data, and VIP) were systematically searched to identify randomized trials comparing active rTMS and sham stimulation in patients with MS-related spasticity. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data on study design, quality, clinical outcomes, and time points measured. The primary outcome was clinical spasticity relief after intervention. Secondary outcomes included spasticity at the follow-up visit 2 weeks later and post-treatment fatigue. Of 831 titles found, we included 8 studies (181 participants) in the quantitative analysis. Pooled analyses showed that rTMS therapy was associated with significant spasticity relief in the early post-intervention period [standardized mean differences (SMD): -0.67; 95%CI: -1.12 to -0.21], but there was insufficient evidence for rTMS in reducing spasticity at the follow-up visit 2 weeks later (SMD: -0.17; 95%CI: -0.52 to 0.17) and fatigue (SMD: -0.26; 95%CI: -0.84 to 0.31). This evidence supports the recommendations to treat MS-related spasticity with rTMS, but underlines the need for further large randomized trials.

Changes in mumps virus gene sequence associated with variability in neurovirulent phenotype.

Mumps virus is highly neurotropic and, prior to widespread vaccination programs, was the major cause of viral meningitis in the United States. Nonetheless, the genetic basis of mumps virus neurotropism and neurovirulence was until recently not understood, largely due to the lack of an animal model. Here, nonneurovirulent (Jeryl Lynn vaccine) and highly neurovirulent (88-1961 wild type) mumps virus strains were passaged in human neural cells or in chicken fibroblast cells with the goal of neuroadapting or neuroattenuating the viruses, respectively. When tested in our rat neurovirulence assay against the respective parental strains, a Jeryl Lynn virus variant with an enhanced propensity for replication (neurotropism) and damage (neurovirulence) in the brain and an 88-1961 wild-type virus variant with decreased neurotropic and neurovirulent properties were recovered. To determine the molecular basis for the observed differences in neurovirulence and neuroattenuation, the complete genomes of the parental strains and their variants were fully sequenced. A comparison at the nucleotide level associated three amino acid changes with enhanced neurovirulence of the neuroadapted vaccine strain: one each in the nucleoprotein, matrix protein, and polymerase and three amino acid changes with reduced neurovirulence of the neuroattenuated wild-type strain: one each in the fusion protein, hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein, and polymerase. The potential role of these amino acid changes in neurotropism, neurovirulence, and neuroattenuation is discussed.