Giant pyroelectricity in nanomembranes.

Pyroelectricity describes the generation of electricity by temporal temperature change in polar materials1-3. When free-standing pyroelectric materials approach the 2D crystalline limit, how pyroelectricity behaves remained largely unknown. Here, using three model pyroelectric materials whose bonding characters along the out-of-plane direction vary from van der Waals (In2Se3), quasi-van der Waals (CsBiNb2O7) to ionic/covalent (ZnO), we experimentally show the dimensionality effect on pyroelectricity and the relation between lattice dynamics and pyroelectricity. We find that, for all three materials, when the thickness of free-standing sheets becomes small, their pyroelectric coefficients increase rapidly. We show that the material with chemical bonds along the out-of-plane direction exhibits the greatest dimensionality effect. Experimental observations evidence the possible influence of changed phonon dynamics in crystals with reduced thickness on their pyroelectricity. Our findings should stimulate fundamental study on pyroelectricity in ultra-thin materials and inspire technological development for potential pyroelectric applications in thermal imaging and energy harvesting.

Bidirectional Movement of Emerging H5N8 Avian Influenza Viruses Between Europe and Asia via Migratory Birds Since Early 2020.

Migratory birds play a critical role in the rapid spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 virus clade 2.3.4.4 across Eurasia. Elucidating the timing and pattern of virus transmission is essential therefore for understanding the spatial dissemination of these viruses. In this study, we surveyed >27,000 wild birds in China, tracked the year-round migration patterns of 20 bird species across China since 2006, and generated new HPAI H5N8 virus genomic data. Using this new data set, we investigated the seasonal transmission dynamics of HPAI H5N8 viruses across Eurasia. We found that introductions of HPAI H5N8 viruses to different Eurasian regions were associated with the seasonal migration of wild birds. Moreover, we report a backflow of HPAI H5N8 virus lineages from Europe to Asia, suggesting that Europe acts as both a source and a sink in the global HPAI virus transmission network.

Gallium-68 labeled somatostatin receptor antagonist PET/CT in over 500 patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms: experience from a single center in China.

PURPOSE: Somatostatin receptor antagonists have shown promising performance for imaging neuroendocrine neoplasms. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the diagnostic performance of SSTR antagonists or comparing them with agonists in a large cohort of patients with NENs. This study aimed to retrospectively review all SSTR antagonist PET/CT scans conducted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital since November 2018 in patients with confirmed or suspected NENs. METHODS: Four types of SSTR antagonists were utilized, including [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-LM3, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-LM3, [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-JR11, and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-JR11. The reference standard was based on a combination of histopathology, clinical evaluation, imaging results, and follow-up. Patient-based sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were evaluated. The SUVmax and tumor-to-liver ratio (TLR) of the hottest lesions was recorded and compared between antagonists and [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE. RESULTS: A total of 622 antagonist scans from 549 patients were included in the analysis. The patient-level sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of antagonist imaging (all tracers combined) were 91.0% (443/487), 91.9% (57/62), and 91.1% (500/549), respectively. In 181 patients with a comparative [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT scan, the patient-level sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 87.5% (147/168), 76.9% (10/13), and 86.7% (157/181), respectively. For the hottest lesions, SSTR antagonists all tracers combined demonstrated an overall comparable SUVmax to [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE (40.1 ± 32.5 vs. 39.4 ± 23.8, p = 0.772). While [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-LM3 showed significantly higher uptake than [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE (57.4 ± 38.5 vs. 40.0 ± 22.8, p<0.001), [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-JR11 (39.7 ± 26.5 vs. 34.3 ± 23.9, p = 0.108) and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-LM3 (38.9 ± 32.1 vs. 37.2 ± 22.1, p = 0.858) showed comparable uptake to [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE, and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-JR11 showed lower uptake (28.9 ± 26.1 vs. 44.0 ± 25.7, p = 0.001). All antagonists exhibited significantly higher TLR than [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE (12.1 ± 10.8 vs. 5.2 ± 4.5, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Gallium-68 labeled SSTR antagonists could serve as alternatives to SSTR agonists for imaging of NENs. Among various antagonists, [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-LM3 seems to have the best imaging profile.

Evaluation of the safety, biodistribution, dosimetry of [18F]AlF-NOTA-LM3 and head-to-head comparison with [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE in patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors: an interim analysis of a prospective trial.

PURPOSE: 18F-labelled somatostatin receptor (SSTR) analogs offer several advantages over 68Ga in terms of yield, cost, spatial resolution and detection rate. This study presents an interim analysis of a prospective trial designed to assess the safety, biodistribution and dosimetry of [18F]AlF-NOTA-LM3, and compare its diagnostic efficacy and clinical management outcomes with [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE or [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-LM3 in patients with well-differentiated NETs. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with histologically confirmed well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (G1 and G2) were prospectively recruited. The first eight patients underwent serial PET scans at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 120 min after [18F]AlF-NOTA-LM3 injection to assess biodistribution and dosimetry. The remaining patients underwent whole-body PET/CT scans. [18F]AlF-NOTA-LM3 and [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT were done within a week, with a minimum 24-hour interval between the two scans. Focal uptake above the surrounding background activity and could not be explained by physiologic uptake was considered lesions of NETs. Lesion number, tumor uptake, and tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) were compared. In patients with discrepant findings, the size of the smallest lesions (measured on coregistered CT) detected on [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE and [18F]AlF-NOTA-LM3 was compared. RESULTS: [18F]AlF-NOTA-LM3 was safe and well-tolerated. Physiological uptake of [18F]AlF-NOTA-LM3 was significantly lower than that of [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE in abdominal organs and bone marrow, but higher in blood pool and lung. The mean effective dose was 0.024 ± 0.014 mSv/MBq. [18F]AlF-NOTA-LM3 detected significantly more liver lesions (457 vs. 291, P = 0.006) and lymph node lesions (30 vs. 22, P = 0.011) compared to [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE. The tumor uptake was comparable, but TBR was significantly higher with [18F]AlF-NOTA-LM3 for lesions from all sites except for the duodenum. The size of the minimum liver lesions (0.54 ± 0.15 vs. 1.01 ± 0.49, P<0.001) and lymph node lesions (0.50 ± 0.19 vs. 1.26 ± 0.86, P = 0.024) detected on [18F]ALF-NOTA-LM3 were significantly smaller than those detected on [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE. CONCLUSION: [18F]AlF-NOTA-LM3 shows favorable biodistribution, higher spatial resolution and superior performance than [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE in detecting liver and lymph node metastases, with higher TBR. Notably, it is the first SSTR analog to show superiority in detecting lymph node lesions when compared to [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT06056362.

Placebo and Nocebo Responses in Pharmacological Trials of Tic Disorders: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials of new drugs for tic disorders (TD) often fail to yield positive results. Placebo and nocebo responses play a vital role in interpreting the outcomes of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), yet these responses in RCTs of TD remain unexplored. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the magnitude of placebo and nocebo responses in RCTs of pharmacological interventions for TD and identify influencing factors. METHODS: A systematic search of the Embase, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PsycINFO databases was conducted. Eligible studies were RCTs that compared active pharmacological agents with placebos. Placebo response was defined as the change from baseline in TD symptom severity in the placebo group, and nocebo response as the proportion experiencing adverse events (AEs) in this group. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to explore modifying factors. RESULTS: Twenty-four trials involving 2222 participants were included in this study. A substantial placebo response in TD symptom severity was identified, with a pooled effect size of -0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.99 to -0.59; I2 = 67%). Forty-four percent (95% CI 27% to 63%; I2 = 92%) of patients experienced AEs while taking inert pills. Sample size, study design, and randomization ratio were correlated with changes in placebo and nocebo responses. CONCLUSION: There were considerable placebo and nocebo responses in TD clinical trials. These results are of great relevance for the design of future trials and for clinical practice in TD. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration ID CRD42023388397. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

A real-world analysis of second-line treatment option, gemcitabine plus anlotinib and anti-PD1, in advanced pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: In the second-line treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer (APC), there is only one approved regimen based on the phase III NAPOLI-1 trial. However, for patients progressing after Nab-paclitaxel and Gemcitabine (Nab-P/Gem) or Nab-P combinations, second-line treatment were very limited. METHODS: This is a retrospective single-center analysis of patients. Our aim was to determine the effectiveness and tolerability of a novel regimen, gemcitabine plus Anlotinib and anti-PD1, in APC patients and to compare it with oxaliplatin, irinotecan, leucovorin, and fluorouracil (FOLFIRINOX) in the second-line setting who have failed on the first-line Nab-P combinations. RESULTS: In total, twenty-three patients received Gemcitabine plus Anlotinib and anti-PD1 in the second-line, 28 patients were treated with FOLFORINOX. There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) or progression free survival (PFS) for either of the two sequences (p > 0.05). Patients who received Gemcitabine plus Anlotinib and anti-PD1 had a median PFS of 4.0 months (95% CI: 1.1-6.9) versus 3.5 months (95% CI 1.8-5.2) in FOLFORINOX group (p = 0.953). The median OS of Gemcitabine plus Anlotinib and anti-PD1 was 9.0 months (95% CI: 4.0-13.7) and 8.0 months (95% CI: 5.5-10.5) in FOLFORINOX group (p = 0.373). Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) occurred for 13% of patients with Gemcitabine plus Anlotinib and anti-PD1 and 40% for FOLFORINOX. CONCLUSION: Our data confirms the effectiveness of Gemcitabine plus Anlotinib and anti-PD1 as a well-tolerated regimen in the second-line treatment of APC and extends available data on its use as a second-line treatment option when compared with FOLFIRINOX.

Fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic - prevalence and predictors: findings from a prospective cohort study.

The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdowns had a substantial impact on mental health. Distress and fatigue are highly correlated. However, little is known about the determinants of fatigue in the general population during the pandemic. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictors of fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK population. Online surveys were completed by a UK community cohort in April 2020 (wave 1), July-September 2020 (wave 2) and November-December 2020 (wave 3). In total, 3097 participants completed the wave 1 survey, and 1385 and 1087 participants (85.4% women) completed wave 2 and 3 surveys respectively. Fatigue was assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Scale at waves 2 and 3. Hair samples were provided by 827 participants (90.6% women) at wave 1 and wave 2, which were analyzed to indicate HairE (stress hormone). The mean total fatigue score during wave 2 was 14.7 (SD = 4.7), significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels observed in the community (mean difference 0.50, p = .003). At wave 2, 614 (44.3%) participants met the case definition for fatigue, only 15.6% of whom indicated that fatigue lasted for more than 6 months (suggesting it had started prior to the pandemic). Predictors of fatigue at wave 3 included being in a risk group, depression and belief in having COVID-19, which explained 23.8% of the variability in fatigue scores. Depression at wave 1 was the only significant predictor of remaining a fatigue case at wave 3. Fatigue was highly prevalent in the UK community during the COVID-19 pandemic and limited people's daily function. Depression and sociodemographic variables were significant predictors of fatigue.

Fatigue levels between July-December 2020 were higher compared to pre-pandemic levels.Predictors of fatigue levels 7-8 months later included being a clinical risk group, depression and belief in having had COVID-19.HairE was not associated with fatigue.Depression was the only significant predictor of remaining a fatigue case.

Targeted Delivery of Catalase and Photosensitizer Ce6 by a Tumor-Specific Aptamer Is Effective against Bladder Cancer In Vivo.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is often applied in a clinical setting to treat bladder cancer. However, current photosensitizers report drawbacks such as low efficacy, low selectivity, and numerous side effects, which have limited the clinical values of PDT for bladder cancer. Previously, we developed the first bladder cancer-specific aptamer that can selectively bind to and be internalized by bladder tumor cells versus normal uroepithelium cells. Here, we use an aptamer-based drug delivery system to deliver photosensitizer chlorine e6 (Ce6) into bladder tumor cells. In addition to Ce6, we also incorporate catalase into the drug complex to increase local oxygen levels in the tumor tissue. Compared with free Ce6, an aptamer-guided DNA nanotrain (NT) loaded with Ce6 and catalase (NT-Catalase-Ce6) can specifically recognize bladder cancer cells, produce oxygen locally, induce ROS in tumor cells, and cause mitochondrial apoptosis. In an orthotopic mouse model of bladder cancer, the intravesical instillation of NT-Catalase-Ce6 exhibits faster drug internalization and a longer drug retention time in tumor tissue compared with that in normal urothelium. Moreover, our modified PDT significantly inhibits tumor growth with fewer side effects such as cystitis than free Ce6. This aptamer-based photosensitizer delivery system can therefore improve the selectivity and efficacy and reduce the side effects of PDT treatment in mouse models of bladder cancer, bearing a great translational value for bladder cancer intravesical therapy.

Gelatin based preservation technologies on the quality of food: a comprehensive review.

Gelatin has played a great potential in food preservation because of its low price and superior film forming characteristics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research progress and application of gelatin preservation technologies (film, coating, antifreeze peptide, etc.), discussing their preservation mechanisms and efficiency through the viewpoints of quality and shelf life of animal and aquatic products as well as fruits and vegetables. It showed that bioactive and intelligent gelatin-based films exhibit antibacterial, antioxidant, water resistance and pH responsive properties, making them excellent for food preservation. In addition, pH responsive properties of films also intuitively reflect the freshness of food by color. Similarly, gelatin and its hydrolysate can be widely used in antifreeze peptides to reduce the mass loss of food during freezing and extend the shelf life of frozen food. However, extensive works are still required to extend their commercial application values.

Circulating levels of asprosin in children with obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies reported that elevated asprosin level was associated with obesity in adults and animal models. However, the relationship between asprosin level and children with obeisty remains controversial. The aim of our analysis was to systematically review available literatures linking asprosin and children with obesity for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between circulating asprosin level and obesity in children. METHODS: Eight databases were gleaned for studies published up to January 2024. Standard mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) and Fisher's Z transformation was calculated to evaluate the relationship between asprosin level and children with obesity using the Review Manager 5.4 Software. Other indicators were measured via mean difference with 95% CI. RESULTS: Six observational studies were included both in systematic review and meta-analysis. The current evidence indicated that no significant difference was observed in the level of circulating asprosin between the children with and without obesity (SMD = 0.37; 95% CI:-0.22-0.95, p = 0.22). However, Fisher's Z transformation suggested the positive association of circulating asprosin levels and clinical index measuring the degree of obesity: total cholesterol (Fisher's Z: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02-0.20, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Circulating asprosin level was not independently related to childhood obesity currently. More rigorous longitudinal researches were required to disentangle the causations. However, the positive association of asprosin levels and total cholesterol indicated that asprosin might get involved in the lipid-metabolism of childhood obesity, asprosin might be a prospective bio-index and targeted treatment of total cholesterol metabolism besides the role of glucogenic and orexigenic. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospero ID: CRD42023426476.

Devosia lacusdianchii sp. nov., an attached bacterium inhibited by metabolites from its symbiotic Microcystis.

A novel alphaproteobacterial strain JXJ CY 41T was isolated from a culture mass of Microcystis, collected from Lake Dianchi, south-west, China. Strain JXJ CY 41T was gram-strain-negative, aerobic, motile, with rod-shaped cells (0.4-1.0 × 1.7-3.5 µm). It was positive for catalase and starch hydrolysis, negative for oxidase and hydrolysis of Tweens (20, 40, and 80). Growth occurred at 10-44 °C, pH 5.0-10.0, and 0-5.0% (w/v) NaCl. Major fatty acids included C16:0 (28.1%), 11-methyl C18:1 ω7c (36.7%) and C18:1 ω7c (20.8%). Q10 was the sole ubiquinone. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, glycolipid, and an unidentified lipid. The DNA G + C content was 63.1%. Its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed high similarities with Devosia oryziradicis G19T (99.5%; not validly published), D. yakushimensis Yak96BT (98.3%) and D. ginsengisoli Gsoil 520T (98.1%), and less than 98.1% similarities with other members of the genus Devosia. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain JXJ CY 41T and its 5 closest similar strains were 19.9-24.1% and 75.7-80.5%, respectively. Based on the data above, strain JXJ CY 41T was identified as a novel species of the genus Devosia, for which the epithet Devosia lacusdianchii sp. nov. was proposed. The type strain is JXJ CY 41T (= KCTC 72812T = CGMCC 1.17502T). Strain JXJ CY 41T exhibited different interactions with Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB-905 (Maf) under different conditions, and Maf could control the bacterial cellular density by secreting unknown specific chemical compounds according to its nutritional requirements.

Aconitum coreanum and processed products on its base prevent stroke via the PI3K/Akt and KEAP1/NRF2 in the in vivo study.

Aconitum coreanum (A. coreanum), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been proved to treat ischemic stroke (IS). However, the mechanisms of A. coreanum's anti-stroke is currently unknown. This study aimed to uncover the effect and mechanisms of A. coreanum. And study raw Aconitum coreanum (RA) and steamed Aconitum coreanum (SA) and Aconitum coreanum processed with ginger and Alumen (GA) on the mechanism of the pharmacological action of treating IS. Determining whether the efficacy is affected after processing. The right unilateral ligation of the carotid artery of gerbils was used to mimic IS. The neurological function score, infarct volume, oxidative stress level and inflammatory factor expression were measured in gerbils after IS. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses were conducted to evaluate the expression of related proteins. Metabolomic analyzes IS-related metabolic pathways in urinary metabolites. RA, SA and GA significantly improved the infarct volume and behavioral score of IS gerbils, increased the expression of brain tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO) and decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis results showed that RA, SA and GA significantly increased the expression of P-Akt, PI3K, HO-1 and KEAP1. Metabolomic studies identified 112 differential metabolites, including L-Proline, Riboflavin, Leukotriene D4, and 7-Methylxanthine, as potential biomarkers of stroke, involving 14 metabolic pathways including riboflavin metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and purine metabolism. Our findings indicated that A. coreanum protected against cerebral ischemia injury probably via the PI3K/Akt and KEAP1/NRF2 pathway. A. coreanum before and after processing both had a protective effect against IS brain injury in gerbils. The A. coreanum efficacy was not reduced after processing. Even compared to RA, SA had better efficacy.

The mitigative role of novel aflatoxin-degrading enzymes in diverse broiler performance indicators and gut microbiota following the consumption of diets contaminated with aflatoxins.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore both the toxic effects of aflatoxins (AFs) and the protective effects of degrading enzymes (DE) on broilers exposed to AFs. RESULTS: The findings reveal that a diet contaminated with 69.15 µg kg-1 of aflatoxin B1 had significant adverse effects on broilers. Specifically, it led to a reduction in average daily gain, dressed yield percentage, half-eviscerated yield with giblet yield percentage, eviscerated yield percentage, as well as serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase activity and liver SOD activity (P < 0.05). Conversely, the diet increased the feed conversion ratio, liver index, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase levels and malondialdehyde levels in both serum and liver (P < 0.05). Additionally, AFs disrupted the intestinal microflora significantly (P < 0.05), altering the relative abundance of Enterococcus, Lactobacillus and Escherichia in broiler jejunum. The addition of DE to AF-contaminated feed mitigated these negative effects and reduced the residues of aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2 and aflatoxin M1 in the liver and duodenum (P < 0.05). We also observed that broilers fed the diet pelleted at 80 °C exhibited improved dressing percentage and water holding capacity compared to those on the 75 °C diet. CONCLUSION: In summary, DE serves as an effective feed additive for mitigating AF contamination in poultry production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

An In-Situ-Tag-Generation Proximity Labeling Technology for Recording Cellular Interactions.

Obtaining information about cellular interactions is fundamental to the elucidation of physiological and pathological processes. Proximity labeling technologies have been widely used to report cellular interactions in situ; however, the reliance on addition of tag molecules typically restricts their application to regions where tags can readily diffuse, while the application in, for example, solid tissues, is susceptible. Here, we propose an "in-situ-tag-generation mechanism" and develop the GalTag technology based on galactose oxidase (GAO) for recording cellular interactions within three-dimensional biological solid regions. GAO mounted on bait cells can in situ generate bio-orthogonal aldehyde tags as interaction reporters on prey cells. Using GalTag, we monitored the dynamics of cellular interactions and assessed the targeting ability of engineered cells. In particular, we recorded, for the first time, the footprints of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) invasion into the bladder tissue of living mice, providing a valuable perspective to elucidate the anti-tumor mechanism of BCG.

Retinol-Binding Protein 4 and Visfatin Levels in Patients with Periodontitis and Obesity/Overweight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Prior studies demonstrated an equivocal conclusion about the association between the level of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4)/visfatin and periodontitis patients with obesity. The aim of our study (Prospero ID: CRD42023469058) was to systematically review the available articles linking the biofluid levels of RBP4/visfatin to the comorbidity of periodontitis and obesity. Clinical trials were screened in accordance with specific inclusion criteria from seven databases up to November 2023. A quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and ROBINS-I tools for observational and interventional trials, respectively. The standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) related to the RBP4 level was recorded; the other indicators related to the visfatin level were measured via the mean difference (MD) with the corresponding 95% CI, and Fisher's Z transformation was measured to reveal the association using Review Manager 5.4. The current evidence was based on five observational studies and two interventional studies. All of them were included in the systematic review, and six of them were in the meta-analysis. Statistical analysis indicated that there was no significant difference in the circulating levels of RBP4 in the periodontitis patients with obesity or without, who were labeled as OP or NP, respectively (155 OP-107 NP: SMD = 1.38; 95% CI: -0.18-2.94, p = 0.08), as well as the periodontal healthy patients with a normal weight, who were labelled as NnP (116 OP-79 NnP: SMD = 6.76; 95% CI: -5.34-18.87, p = 0.27). Meanwhile, a significant higher level of serum visfatin was found in the OP patients than that of the NP (86 OP-45 NP: MD = 4.21; 95% CI: 2.65-5.77, p < 0.00001)/NnP (164 OP-88 NnP: MD = 13.02; 95% CI: 7.34-18.70, p < 0.00001) group. In addition, a positive association was observed between the serum RBP4 and body mass index/clinical attachment loss (CAL). And, then, there was a positive association between the serum visfatin and periodontal parameters, including the probing depth, CAL, and plaque index, as well as metabolic parameters, including the total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Here, the circulating RBP4 level was not independently related to the comorbidity of periodontitis and obesity, while serum visfatin was significantly associated with periodontitis and obesity. Notably, the positive association between circulating RBP4/visfatin and the periodontal parameters/metabolic parameters firmly suggested that the higher severity of the obese or periodontal status was associated with an elevated level of serum visfatin or RBP4 in the OP group. With more rigorous longitudinal research, the exact causations between RBP4/visfatin and the patients affected by obesity and periodontitis could be disentangled. RBP4 and visfatin might be novel, enlightening prospective bio-indexes for the targeted treatment of comorbidities.

Previous pulmonary infection impacts thoracoscopic procedure outcomes in patients with congenital lung malformations: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with congenital lung malformations (CLMs) are at high risk for developing pulmonary infection. Nonetheless, prophylactic surgical excision of asymptomatic CLMs is controversial and often delayed to symptoms occurring out of concern for potential operative risks. This study aims to evaluate the impact of previous pulmonary infection on the outcome of thoracoscopic procedures in CLMs patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of CLMs patients who received an elective operation at a tertiary care center from 2015 to 2019. Patients were divided into pulmonary infection (PI) or non-infection of pulmonary (NPI) groups according to the history of pulmonary infection. Propensity score matching was used to minimize the bias between groups. The primary outcome was conversion to thoracotomy. Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients with and without PI. RESULTS: We identified 464 patients, of whom 101 had a history of PI. Propensity score matching yielded a well-balanced cohort of 174 patients. PI was associated with higher conversion to thoracotomy (adjusted odds ratio = 8.7, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.1-71.2, p = 0.039), blood loss (p = 0.044), and longer operative time (p < 0.001), chest tube placement time (p < 0.001), length of stay (p < 0.001), and postsurgical length of stay (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Elective operation in CLMs patients with a history of PI was associated with an increased risk of conversion to thoracotomy, operative time, blood loss, chest tube placement time, length of stay, and postsurgical length of stay. Elective thoracoscopic procedures in asymptomatic CLMs patients are safe and effective, and earlier surgical intervention may be warranted.

Association between lipid metabolism and periodontitis in obese patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the association between clinical periodontal parameters of periodontitis, serum lipid metabolism markers and adipokines' levels in patients with obesity and periodontitis. METHODS: A total of 112 patients admitted to Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were included in this study. They were divided into normal body weight group (18.5 < body mass index, BMI < 25, n = 36), overweight group (25 ≤ BMI < 30, n = 38), and obesity group (BMI ≥ 30, n = 38) accordingly. The diagnosis of periodontitis was based on the newest international classification of periodontitis. Full-mouth clinical periodontal measurements included: plaque index, periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were analyzed for: Interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein. Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were measured. Visfatin, leptin, resistin, and adiponectin levels in serum were also measured. RESULTS: The ratio of participants without periodontitis was significantly highest in normal weight group, and the proportion of severe periodontitis (stage III and IV) was highest in obesity group. The periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and the inflammatory cytokines in gingival crevicular fluid in obesity group and overweight group were higher than those in normal body weight group. The BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were significantly positive correlated with periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment level. Using a Multivariate logistic regression model, periodontitis correlates to BMI, WHR, serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and adipokines such as visfatin, leptin, and resistin. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is positively correlated with the aggravation of periodontitis. Obesity may aggravate the damage to periodontal tissue by regulating the secretion level of adipokines.

Comparison of the efficacy of focused ultrasound at different focal depths in treating vulvar lichen sclerosus.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of focused ultrasound (FU) at different focal depths in treating vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 84 patients with VLS. Among them, 43 cases were treated with FU at a focal depth of 2.5 mm and 41 cases at a focal depth of 4.0 mm. Therapeutic time, treatment energy, postoperative efficacy, complications and recurrence rates were compared. RESULTS: No statistically substantially differences in age, disease course, history of immune system diseases, lesion size and severity of symptoms were found between the two groups. All patients successfully received FU therapy. No significant difference in curative rate was observed between the two groups at 3, 6 and 12 months after FU therapy. At 12 months after FU therapy, the recurrence rate of the experimental group (FU treatment at 2.5 mm focal depth) was lower than the control group (FU treatment at 4.0 mm focal depth) (7.0% vs 24.4%, p = 0.027). The experimental group was treated for a shorter period of time [22.69 ± 0.64 (min) vs 24.93 ± 0.72(min), p = 0.022] and at a lower dose[5,026.05 ± 148.00(J) vs 5,484.26 ± 160.60(J) p = 0.039]. CONCLUSION: Compared with that at the routine focal depth (4.0 mm), FU therapy at a low treatment depth (2.5 mm) can achieve a similar therapeutic effect but lower recurrence rate, therapeutic time and treatment energy. This work provides insight into the optimization of clinical protocols.

Attributes underlying patient choice of treatment modality for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion complicated by high-risk human papillomavirus infection.

OBJECTIVE: To use logistic regression to analyze the attributes underlying patients' treatment options for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) complicated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection, and identify the best benefit group of different treatment options. METHODS: Clinical data of 197 LSIL patients with HR-HPV infection between June 2009 and February 2022 were collected. According to the treatment options chosen by the patients, they were divided into the interferon, photodynamic therapy, follow-up observation, and focused ultrasound (FUS) treatment groups. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors, including age, occupation, education level, maternity history, reason for encounter, route of consultation, annual personal and household income, screening for related risk factors, and identifying the best benefit group of different treatment options. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in age, education level, maternity history, reason for encounter, and annual household income (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on these five factors, indicating that age ≤35 years, high school educational level or higher, and no childbirth history were independent risk factors influencing patients' choices of FUS treatment. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the age threshold of 31 years. CONCLUSION: Age, educational level, and maternity history were independent risk factors influencing patients' choice of treatment modality for LSIL complicated with HR-HPV infection. Age ≤31 years, high school, equivalent, or higher educational level, and no childbirth yielded a higher rate of choosing FUS treatment for LSIL patients with HR-HPV infection.

Tuning Thermostability and Catalytic Efficiency of Aflatoxin-Degrading Enzyme by Error-prone PCR.

In our previous work, a recombinant aflatoxin-degrading enzyme derived from Myxococcus fulvus (MADE) was reported. However, the low thermal stability of the enzyme had limitations for its use in industrial applications. In this study, we obtained an improved variant of recombinant MADE (rMADE) with enhanced thermostability and catalytic activity using error-prone PCR. Firstly, we constructed a mutant library containing over 5000 individual mutants. Three mutants with T50 values higher than the wild-type rMADE by 16.5 °C (rMADE-1124), 6.5 °C (rMADE-1795), and 9.8 °C (rMADE-2848) were screened by a high-throughput screening method. Additionally, the catalytic activity of rMADE-1795 and rMADE-2848 was improved by 81.5% and 67.7%, respectively, compared to the wild-type. Moreover, structural analysis revealed that replacement of acidic amino acids with basic amino acids by a mutation (D114H) in rMADE-2848 increased the polar interactions with surrounding residues and resulted in a threefold increase in the t1/2 value of the enzyme and made it more thermaltolerate. KEY POINTS: • Mutant libraries construction of a new aflatoxins degrading enzyme by error-prone PCR. • D114H/N295D mutant improved enzyme activity and thermostability. • The first reported enhanced thermostability of aflatoxins degrading enzyme better for its application.