Diagnostic Value of Nutritional Risk Index and Other Indices for Predicting Sarcopenia in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Population of China Without Cancer: A ROC Curve Analysis.

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that systemic inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers, along with derived indices, could serve as predictors for sarcopenia in cancer population. This study aimed to compare these predictors, focusing on the nutritional risk index (NRI) and evaluate its diagnostic value, for sarcopenic patients without cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study included 1674 participants. Sarcopenia is defined by skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). Laboratory data reflected the values of systemic inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers, from which the derived indices were calculated. Multiple logistic regression analysis, ROC curve analysis, and the Youden index were utilized to assess the association between these markers and sarcopenia and determine the cutoff value for predicting sarcopenia. Results: Among all participants (1110 men and 564 women, mean age 61.97 ± 9.83 years), 398 individuals were diagnosed with sarcopenia, indicating a prevalence of 23.78% in China's middle-aged and elderly population without cancer. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between all biomarkers and derived indices with sarcopenia. Following adjustment for potential confounders, lower NRI values were significantly associated with a higher incidence of sarcopenia. For sarcopenia diagnosis, the area under the curve (AUC) for NRI was 0.769 ([95% CI, 0.742, 0.796], P < 0.001), with a cutoff value of 106.016, sensitivity of 75.6% and specificity of 66.1%. NRI demonstrated greater predictive advantage for sarcopenia incidence in men compared to women. Conclusion: A lower NRI value was associated with a higher prevalence of sarcopenia. NRI shows promise for early, rapid, and effective sarcopenia screening, particularly in China's middle-aged and elderly male population without cancer.

Target-based discovery of antagonists of the tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) kinin receptor identifies small molecules that inhibit midgut contractions.

BACKGROUND: A GPCR (G protein-coupled receptor) target-based approach was applied to identify antagonists of the arthropod-specific tick kinin receptor. These small molecules were expected to reproduce the detrimental phenotypic effects that had been observed in Rhipicephalus microplus females when the kinin receptor was silenced by RNA interference. Rhipicephalus microplus, the southern cattle tick, cattle fever tick, or Asian blue tick, is the vector of pathogenic microorganisms causing the deadly bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis. The widespread resistance to acaricides in tick populations worldwide emphasizes that exploring novel targets for effective tick control is imperative. RESULTS: Fifty-three structural analogs of previously identified tick kinin antagonists were screened in a 'dual-addition' calcium fluorescence assay using a CHO-K1 cell line expressing the tick kinin receptor. Seven molecules were validated as non-cytotoxic antagonists, four of which were partial (SACC-0428764, SACC-0428780, SACC-0428800, and SACC-0428803), and three were full antagonists (SACC-0428799, SACC-0428801, and SACC-0428815). Four of these antagonists (SACC-0428764, SACC-0428780, SACC-0428799, and SACC-0428815) also inhibited the tick midgut contractions induced by the myotropic kinin agonist analog 1728, verifying their antagonistic bioactivity. The small molecules were tested on recombinant human neurokinin (NK) receptors, the one most similar to the invertebrate kinin receptors. Most molecules were inhibitors of the NK1 receptor, except SACC-0412066, a previously identified tick kinin receptor antagonist, which inhibited the NK1 receptor only at the highest concentration tested (25 µm). None of the molecules inhibited the NK3 human receptor. CONCLUSION: Molecules identified through this approach could be useful probes for studying the tick kinin signaling system and midgut physiology. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Historical biogeography and evolutionary diversification of Lilium (Liliaceae): New insights from plastome phylogenomics.

Here, we infer the historical biogeography and evolutionary diversification of the genus Lilium. For this purpose, we used the complete plastomes of 64 currently accepted species in the genus Lilium (14 plastomes were newly sequenced) to recover the phylogenetic backbone of the genus and a time-calibrated phylogenetic framework to estimate biogeographical history scenarios and evolutionary diversification rates of Lilium. Our results suggest that ancient climatic changes and geological tectonic activities jointly shaped the distribution range and drove evolutionary radiation of Lilium, including the Middle Miocene Climate Optimum (MMCO), the late Miocene global cooling, as well as the successive uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and the strengthening of the monsoon climate in East Asia during the late Miocene and the Pliocene. This case study suggests that the unique geological and climatic events in the Neogene of East Asia, in particular the uplift of QTP and the enhancement of monsoonal climate, may have played an essential role in formation of uneven distribution of plant diversity in the Northern Hemisphere.

Analysis of road traffic accidents and casualties associated with electric bikes and bicycles in Guangzhou, China: A retrospective descriptive analysis.

Introduction: Electric bicycles (e-bikes) and bicycles in large Chinese cities have recently witnessed substantial growth in ridership. According to related accident trends, this study analyzed characteristics and spatial distribution in the period when e-bike-related accidents rapidly increased to propose priority measures to reduce accident casualties. Methods: For e-bike- and bicycle-related accident data from the Guangzhou Public Security Traffic Management Integrated System, linear regression was used to examine the trends in the number of accidents and age-adjusted road traffic casualties from 2011 to 2021. Then, for the period when e-bike-related accidents rapidly increased, descriptive statistics were computed regarding rider characteristics, illegal behaviors, road types, collision objects and their accident liability. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni's multiple comparison test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Finally, the density distribution of accidents was presented, and Moran's I (MI) was used for assessing spatial autocorrelation. Hotspots were identified based on an optimized hotspot analysis tool. Results: Between 2011 and 2021, the number of accidents and casualty rate (per 100,000 population) increased for e-bikes but decreased for bicycles. After 2018, e-bike-related accidents increased rapidly, and bicycle-related accidents plateaued. Accident hotspots were concentrated in central city areas and suburban areas close to the former. Three-quarters of accidents occurred in motorized vehicle lanes. Most occurred on roads without physically segregated nonmotorized vehicle lanes. More than three-fifths of the accidents involved motor vehicles with at least four wheels. The prevalence (per 100 people) of casualties among e-bike rider victims and cyclist victims accounted for 92.0 % and 96.5 %, respectively. A total of 71.6 % of e-bike-related accidents involved migrant workers. Riding in motorized vehicle lanes was the most common illegal behavior. Conclusions: Although e-bike-related and bicycle-related accidents presented similar characteristics, the sharp increase in e-bike-related accidents requires attention. To improve e-bike safety, governments should develop appropriate countermeasures to prevent riders from riding on motorways, such as improving road infrastructure, adjusting the driver's license system and addressing priority control areas.

Suppressing Deep-Level Trap Toward Over 13% Efficient Solution-Processed Kesterite Solar Cell.

Cu2ZnSn (S,Se)4 (CZTSSe), a promising absorption material for thin-film solar cells, still falls short of reaching the balance limit efficiency due to the presence of various defects and high defect concentration in the thin film. During the high-temperature selenization process of CZTSSe, the diffusion of various elements and chemical reactions significantly influence defect formation. In this study, a NaOH-Se intermediate layer introduced at the back interface can optimize Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS)precursor films and subsequently adjust the Se and alkali metal content to favor grain growth during selenization. Through this back interface engineering, issues such as non-uniform grain arrangement on the surface, voids in bulk regions, and poor contact at the back interface of absorber layers are effectively addressed. This method not only optimizes morphology but also suppresses deep-level defect formation, thereby promoting carrier transport at both interfaces and bulk regions of the absorber layer. Consequently, CZTSSe devices with a NaOH-Se intermediate layer improved fill factor, open-circuit voltage, and efficiency by 13.3%. This work initiates from precursor thin films via back interface engineering to fabricate high-quality absorber layers while advancing the understanding regarding the role played by intermediate layers at the back interface of kesterite solar cells.

Autotransplantation for Restoration of Dentition Defects After Excision of Jaw Cysts.

Bone defect caused by jaw cystectomy has always been the main factor affecting postoperative wound healing and is also the common cause of maxillofacial bone defect, which brings challenges to the subsequent restoration of missing teeth. In this paper, the authors report a 22-year-old young woman who had a mandibular cyst in the left lower posterior tooth area. She underwent mandibular bone cyst excision and simultaneous extraction of teeth 36 and 37. One and two months after the removal of the mandibular bone cyst, autologous tooth transplantation was performed in stages from tooth 28 to tooth 36 and from tooth 18 to tooth 37. The case shows that tooth autotransplantation is a viable option for the restoration of dentition defects after the excision of jaw cysts, which can promote the healing of the bone defect after the operation.

Overview of road traffic injuries among migrant workers in Guangzhou, China, from 2017 to 2021.

INTRODUCTION: There are many migrant workers in China's first-tier cities, but little is known about road safety. This paper systematically analysed road traffic injuries and risk factors among migrant workers in Guangzhou, China. METHODS: Road traffic crash data from 2017 to 2021 were obtained from the Guangzhou Public Security Traffic Management Integrated System. We plotted the crash network of road users in road traffic crashes and used logistic regression to analyse the risk factors for migrant workers of motorcycle and four-wheeled vehicle crashes. Moreover, the roles of migrant workers and control individuals as perpetrators in road traffic crashes were also analysed. RESULTS: Between 2017 and 2021, 76% of road traffic injuries were migrant workers in Guangzhou. Migrant workers who were motorcyclist drivers most commonly experienced road traffic injuries. Crashes between motorcyclists and car occupants were the most common. The illegal behaviours of migrant worker motorcyclists were closely related to casualties, with driving without a licence only and driving without a licence and drunk driving accounting for the greatest number. Migrant workers were responsible for many injuries of other road users. Motorcycle drivers have a higher proportion of drunk driving. DISCUSSION: Migrant workers play an important role in road traffic safety. They were both the leading source of road traffic injuries and the main perpetrators of road traffic crashes. Measures such as strict requirements for migrant workers to drive motorcycles with licences, prohibit drunk driving, greater publicity of road safety regulations, and combining compulsory education with punishment for illegal behaviours.

A statistical study of postmortem heart weight in Chinese adults.

INTRODUCTION: Objective assessment of cardiac hypertrophy in forensic pathology practice is of great significance for forensic pathologists, for whom reference values for normal heart weights are needed. Developed regions such as Europe, the United States, and Japan recalculate the weight of human organs at regular intervals, but in China, there has been no systematic calculation of the weights of human organs since 2006. AIMS: To statistically analyse the heart weight of Chinese adults postmortem and obtain a reference range. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 4170 adult autopsy reports were collected from 12 forensic departments in 10 provinces in China. The causes of death were classified by sex, and heart weight and the heart weight/body height ratio reference values were further calculated according to different body mass index and body heights. Finally, the cutoff value of cardiac hypertrophy in Chinese adults was calculated. RESULTS: In the group of non-cardiovascular disease causes of death, the cardiac weight of the electric death group was higher, while the heart weight of the prolonged bed-rest group was significantly reduced. After the electric death and prolonged bed-rest groups were excluded, heart weight, the heart weight/body height ratio, and cutoff values for cardiac hypertrophy were further classified and analysed according to body mass index. The mean reference values for heart weight in men and women with normal weight status were 325.82 ± 41.60 g and 286.39 ± 44.84 g, and the heart weight/body height ratios were 1.95 ± 0.23 in men and 1.82 ± 0.27, respectively. The cutoff values for cardiac hypertrophy were 387.35 g for men and 346.80 g for women. CONCLUSION: The heart weight reference values of both sexes in this study were significantly higher than those in 2006, which is considered related to the development of China's economy and the improvement of people's living standards. This study also suggests the need for a new round of statistical surveys and updated data on the weight of other organs.

Association between serum polyunsaturated fatty acids and bone mineral density in US adults: NHANES 2011-2014.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between serum polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014. The weighted multiple linear regression model was utilized to determine the association between serum PUFAs and BMD. Further smoothed curve fitting and threshold effect analysis were conducted. Finally, we performed a subgroup analysis. Results: In total, 1979 participants aged 20-59 years were enrolled. After adjusting for all covariates, we found that serum docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) was positively associated with head BMD (ß = 0.0015, 95% Cl: 0.0004, 0.0026, P = 0.008296) and lumbar spine BMD (ß = 0.0005, 95% Cl: 0.0000, 0.0010, P = 0.036093), and serum eicosadienoic acid (EDA) was negatively associated with thoracic spine BMD (ß = -0.0008, 95% Cl: -0.0016, -0.0000, P = 0.045355). Smoothed curve fitting revealed a nonlinear positive association between serum DPA and lumbar spine BMD. Threshold effect analysis indicated that the threshold of serum DPA was 81.4 µmol/L. Subgroup analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum DPA and head BMD in the subgroup aged 50-59 years (ß = 0.0025, 95% Cl: 0.0002, 0.0049, P = 0.035249) and females (ß = 0.0026, 95% Cl: 0.0008, 0.0044, P = 0.005005). There was a positive relationship between serum DPA and lumbar spine BMD in females (ß = 0.0008, 95% Cl: 0.0001, 0.0015, P = 0.017900) and a negative association between serum EDA and thoracic spine BMD in the subgroup aged 30-39 years (ß = -0.0016, 95% Cl: -0.0031, -0.0001, P = 0.041331), males (ß = -0.0012, 95% Cl: -0.0023, -0.0001, P = 0.039364) and other races (ß = -0.0021, 95% Cl: -0.0037, -0.0006, P = 0.008059). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a linear positive relationship between serum DPA and head BMD, a nonlinear positive association between serum DPA and lumbar spine BMD, and a linear negative correlation between serum EDA and thoracic spine BMD in US adults.

Tenofovir amibufenamide vs tenofovir alafenamide for treating chronic hepatitis B: A real-world study.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety profile of tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is not well-established. AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of TMF and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) over a 48-wk period in patients with CHB. METHODS: A total of 215 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled and divided into two groups: TMF group (n = 106) and the TAF group (n = 109). The study included a comparison of virological response (VR): Undetectable hepatitis B virus DNA levels, alanine transaminase (ALT) normalization rates, renal function parameters, and blood lipid profiles. RESULTS: At 24 and 48 wk, VR rates for the TMF group were 53.57% and 78.57%, respectively, compared with 48.31% and 78.65% for the TAF group (P > 0.05). The VR rates were also similar in both groups among patients with low-level viremia, both hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and HBeAg-negative subgroups. The TMF cohort showed ALT normalization and renal safety profiles similar to the TAF group. There was a notable increase in total cholesterol levels in the TAF group (P = 0.045), which was not observed in the TMF group (P > 0.05). In patients with liver cirrhosis, both groups exhibited comparable VR and ALT normalization rates and renal safety profiles. However, the fibrosis 4 score at 48 wk showed a significant reduction in the TAF group as compared to the TMF group within the liver cirrhosis subgroup. CONCLUSION: Our study found TMF is as effective as TAF in treating CHB and has a comparable safety profile. However, TAF may be associated with worsening lipid profiles.

Mechanism Research and Application for Ginsenosides in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Ginsenosides, the main active pharmacological ingredients of ginseng, have been widely used for the treatment of numerous carcinomas. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is 3rd leading malignant tumor in terms of mortality worldwide. Accumulating evidence indicates that ginsenosides play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of HCC. Ginsenosides can significantly improve the symptoms of HCC, and their anticancer activity is mainly involved in inhibiting proliferation and migration, inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, promoting caspase-3 and 8-mediated apoptosis, regulating autophagy related to Atg5, Atg7, Atg12, LC3-II, and PI3K/Akt pathways, and lowering invasion and metastasis associated with decreased nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and MMP-2/9, increasing IL-2 and IFN-γ levels to enhance immune function, as well as regulating the gut-liver axis. In addition, ginsenosides can be used as an adjuvant to conventional cancer therapies, enhancing sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs, and improving efficacy and/or reducing adverse reactions through synergistic effects. Therefore, the current manuscript discusses the mechanism and application of ginsenosides in HCC. It is hoped to provide theoretical basis for the treatment of HCC with ginsenosides.

Comparative analysis of the medicinal plant Polygonatum kingianum (Asparagaceae) with related verticillate leaf types of the Polygonatum species based on chloroplast genomes.

Background: Polygonatum kingianum has been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine as well as a healthy food. Because of its highly variable morphology, this medicinal plant is often difficult to distinguish from other related verticillate leaf types of the Polygonatum species. The contaminants in P. kingianum products not only decrease the products' quality but also threaten consumer safety, seriously inhibiting the industrial application of P. kingianum. Methods: Nine complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of six verticillate leaf types of the Polygonatum species were de novo assembled and systematically analyzed. Results: The total lengths of newly sequenced cp genomes ranged from 155,437 to 155,977 bp, including 86/87 protein-coding, 38 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes, which all exhibited well-conserved genomic structures and gene orders. The differences in the IR/SC (inverted repeats/single-copy) boundary regions and simple sequence repeats were detected among the verticillate leaf types of the Polygonatum cp genomes. Comparative cp genomes analyses revealed that a higher similarity was conserved in the IR regions than in the SC regions. In addition, 11 divergent hotspot regions were selected, providing potential molecular markers for the identification of the Polygonatum species with verticillate leaf types. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that, as a super barcode, plastids realized a fast and efficient identification that clearly characterized the relationships within the verticillate leaf types of the Polygonatum species. In brief, our results not only enrich the data on the cp genomes of the genus Polygonatum but also provide references for the P. kingianum germplasm resource protection, herbal cultivation, and drug production. Conclusion: This study not only accurately identifies P. kingianum species, but also provides valuable information for the development of molecular markers and phylogenetic analyses of the Polygonatum species with verticillate leaf types.

Development and validation of a novel necroptosis-related gene signature for predicting prognosis and therapeutic response in Ewing sarcoma.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most common malignant bone tumor in children and has a poor prognosis due to early metastasis and easy recurrence. Necroptosis is a newly discovered cell death method, and its critical role in tumor immunity and therapy has attracted widespread attention. Thus, the emergence of necroptosis may provide bright prospects for the treatment of ES and deserves our further study. Here, based on the random forest algorithm, we identified 6 key necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) and used them to construct an NRG signature with excellent predictive performance. Subsequent analysis showed that NRGs were closely associated with ES tumor immunity, and the signature was also good at predicting immunotherapy and chemotherapy response. Next, a comprehensive analysis of key genes showed that RIPK1, JAK1, and CHMP7 were potential therapeutic targets. The Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap) results showed that CHMP7 is associated with ES cell growth, and the Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCALite) results revealed that the JAK1 mutation frequency was the highest. The expression of 3 genes was all negatively correlated with methylation and positively with copy number variation (CNV). Finally, an accurate nomogram was constructed with this signature and clinical traits. In short, this study constructed an accurate prognostic signature and identified 3 novel therapeutic targets against ES.

The effect of sequential perioperative intravenous tranexamic acid in reducing postoperative blood loss and hidden blood loss after posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA) has previously been shown to be effective in reducing intraoperative blood loss (IBL) and transfusion requirements in spine surgery. A conventional TXA regimen is a simple preoperative or intraoperative administration. However, the hyperfibrinolysis caused by surgical trauma lasts at least 24 h, and a single dose of TXA cannot cover the whole process of hyperfibrinolysis. Moreover, its ability to control postoperative blood loss (PBL) may be insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects and safety of sequential perioperative intravenous TXA for reducing bleeding after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). Methods: Patients requiring PLIF were randomly divided into two groups. All patients were intravenously injected with 1 g of TXA 15 min before skin resection. Every day after the surgery, 200 ml saline was intravenously injected for 1-3 days in Group A, while Group B received 1 g of TXA instead of saline. The total blood loss (TBL), IBL, PBL, HCT, Hb, blood transfusion volume, inflammation-related indicators, and complications were recorded. Results: TBL, PBL, and hidden blood loss (HBL) in Group B were significantly lower than those in Group A (P < 0.05). The maximum decreases in HCT and Hb in Group B were also significantly lower than those in Group A (P < 0.05), and the drainage removal time (DRT) was sooner in Group B than in Group A (P = 0.003). On the 3rd and 5th days after surgery, the level of CRP in Group B was significantly lower than that in Group A (P < 0.05). Similarly, IL-6 levels were significantly lower in Group B for the first 5 days postoperatively (P < 0.001). Sex, operation time, level of decompression, length of incision, and change in HCT were significant predictors of both TBL and HBL. TBL was also significantly associated with BMI and preoperative fibrinogen, while postoperative TXA was a significant predictor of HBL only. Conclusion: Intravenous injection of 1 g of TXA 15 min before skin resection combined with continuous intravenous injection of 1 g of TXA 1 to 3 days after PLIF can reduce postoperative bleeding and shorten the time to drainage tube removal. In addition, it can also inhibit the postoperative inflammatory response. Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR2200056210.

Management of a nursing unit in a COVID-19 shelter hospital in China: A case study.

OBJECTIVE: Fangcang shelter hospital is a form of large temporary hospital developed in China to tackle public health events. Through the case study and analysis of managing a nursing unit in a huge Fangcang shelter hospital transformed from the National Exhibition and Convention Center during the Omicron wave in Shanghai, China between April 9, 2022 and May 24, 2022, this paper aimed to highlight critical implications of public health nurses in health emergencies. DESIGN: A case study was conducted using data collected from a nursing unit with 570 beds. The five characteristics of management were organized as follows: human resource management, establishment and optimization of the core workflow, safety management of high-risk patients, the grid cooperation mechanism with patient volunteers, as well as humanistic nursing. RESULTS: Analysis of the data of the nursing unit indicated close team cooperation, efficient and orderly process scheduling, good outcomes of patients, and the indispensable role of volunteers. CONCLUSION: Practice indicated that nursing unit management in a large Fangcang shelter hospital is important to ensure medical order and efficiency. This practical experience can provide valuable reference and data to support for the nursing management of large-scale public health events, such as infectious disease epidemics.

Genome skimming as an efficient tool for authenticating commercial products of the pharmaceutically important Paris yunnanensis (Melanthiaceae).

BACKGROUND: Paris yunnanensis (Melanthiaceae) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant of significant pharmaceutical importance. Due to previous taxonomic confusion, a congeneric species, Paris liiana, has been mistaken for P. yunnanensis and cultivated on a large scale, leading to the mixing of commercial products (i.e., seedlings and processed rhizomes) of P. yunnanensis with those of P. liiana. This may have adverse effects on quality control in the standardization of P. yunnanensis productions. As the lack of PCR amplifiable genomic DNA within processed rhizomes is an intractable obstacle to the authentication of P. yunnanensis products using PCR-based diagnostic tools, this study aimed to develop a PCR-free method to authenticate commercial P. yunnanensis products, by applying genome skimming to generate complete plastomes and nrDNA arrays for use as the molecular tags. RESULTS: Based on a dense intraspecies sampling of P. liiana and P. yunnanensis, the robustness of the proposed authentication systems was evaluated by phylogenetic inferences and experimental authentication of commercial seedling and processed rhizome samples. The results indicate that the genetic criteria of both complete plastomes and nrDNA arrays were consistent with the species boundaries to achieve accurate discrimination of P. yunnanensis and P. liinna. Owing to its desirable accuracy and sensitivity, genome skimming can serve as an effective and sensitive tool for monitoring and controlling the trade of P. yunnanensis products. CONCLUSION: This study provides a new way to solve the long-standing problem of the molecular authentication of processed plant products due to the lack of PCR amplifiable genomic DNA. The proposed authentication system will support quality control in the standardization of P. yunnanensis products in cultivation and drug production. This study also provides molecular evidence to clarify the long-standing taxonomic confusion regarding the species delimitation of P. yunnanensis, which will contribute to the rational exploration and conservation of the species.

Continuous low-dose cyclophosphamide plus prednisone in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma with severe complications.

Background/objective: We retrospectively analyzed the effective and safety of continuous low-dose cyclophosphamide combined with prednisone (CP) in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients with severe complications. Methods: A total of 130 RRMM patients with severe complications were enrolled in this study, among which 41 patients were further given bortezomib, lenalidomide, thalidomide or ixazomib on the basis of CP regimen (CP+X group). The response to therapy, adverse events (AEs), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were recorded. Results: Among the 130 patients, 128 patients received therapeutic response assessment, with a complete remission rate (CRR) and objective response rate (ORR) of 4.7% and 58.6%, respectively. The median OS and PFS time were (38.0 ± 3.6) and (22.9±5.2) months, respectively. The most common AEs were hyperglycemia (7.7%), pneumonia (6.2%) and Cushing's syndrome (5.4%). In addition, we found the pro-BNP/BNP level was obviously decreased while the LVEF (left ventricular ejection fraction) was increased in RRMM patients following CP treatment as compared with those before treatment. Furthermore, CP+X regimen further improved the CRR compared with that before receiving the CP+X regimen (24.4% vs. 2.4%, P=0.007). Also, both the OS and PFS rates were significantly elevated in patients received CP+X regimen following CP regimen as compared with the patients received CP regimen only. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the metronomic chemotherapy regimen of CP is effective to RRMM patients with severe complications.

Corrigendum to "Sox9 augments BMP2-induced chondrogenic differentiation by downregulating Smad7 in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)" [Genes & Diseases 4 (2017) 229-239].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2017.10.004.].

Mechano-Electrochemically Promoting Lithium Atom Diffusion and Relieving Accumulative Stress for Deep-Cycling Lithium Metal Anodes.

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) can double the energy density of lithium-ion batteries. However, the notorious lithium dendrite growth and large volume change are not well addressed, especially under deep cycling. Here, an in-situ mechanical-electrochemical coupling system is built, and it is found that tensile stress can induce smooth lithium deposition. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation and finite element method (FEM) simulation confirm that the lithium atom diffusion energy barrier can be reduced when the lithium foils are under tensile strain. Then tensile stress is incorporated into lithium metal anodes by designing an adhesive copolymer layer attached to lithium in which the copolymer thinning can yield tensile stress to the lithium foil. Elastic lithium metal anode (ELMA) is further prepared via introducing a 3D elastic conductive polyurethane (CPU) host for the copolymer-lithium bilayer to release accumulated internal stresses and resist volume variation. The ELMA can withstand hundreds of compression-release cycles under 10% strain. LMBs paired with ELMA and LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 (NCM811) cathode can operate beyond 250 cycles with 80% capacity retention under practical condition of 4 mAh cm-2 cathode capacity, 2.86 g Ah-1 electrolyte-to-capacity ratio (E/C) and 1.8 negative-to-cathode capacity ratio (N/P), five times of the lifetime using lithium foils.