Polymorphism in F pocket affects peptide selection and stability of type 1 diabetes-associated HLA-B39 allotypes.

HLA-B*39:06, HLA-B*39:01, and HLA-B*38:01 are closely related HLA allotypes differentially associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) risk and progression. B*39:06 is highly predisposing, while B*39:01 and B*38:01 are weakly predisposing and protective allotypes, respectively. Here, we aimed to decipher molecular mechanisms underlying the differential association of these allotypes with T1D pathogenesis. We addressed peptide binding and conformational stability of HLA-B allotypes using computational and experimental approaches. Computationally, we found that B*39:06 and B*39:01 allotypes had more rigid peptide-binding grooves and were more promiscuous in binding peptides than B*38:01. Peptidomes of B*39:06 and B*39:01 contained fewer strong binders and were of lower affinity than that of B*38:01. Experimentally, we demonstrated that B*39:06 and B*39:01 had a higher capacity to bind peptides and exit to the cell surface but lower surface levels and were degraded faster than B*38:01. In summary, we propose that promiscuous B*39:06 and B*39:01 may bind suboptimal peptides and transport them the cell surface, where such unstable complexes may contribute to the pathogenesis of T1D.

How China anesthesiologists document and communicate difficult airway management.

BACKGROUND: According to the Chinese Society of Anesthesiology, it is recommended that patients with difficult airways be documented and notified, which will provide healthcare professionals with a direct reference when managing airways. However, compliance with this initiative remains unclear. This study was conducted to investigate the current status and need for difficult airway notification at Plastic Surgery Hospital and to explore the factors contributing to noncompliance. METHODS: Anesthesiologists, surgeons, and patients in Plastic Surgery Hospital were administered separate questionnaires regarding notification of difficult airway management. Participants were surveyed regarding their attitudes and current practices regarding difficult airway notification. In addition, questions were asked regarding the barriers that contribute to noncompliance. RESULTS: A total of 632 valid responses were obtained and analyzed, giving a response rate of 99.21%. 399 patients (89.46%) felt it was very important for anesthesiologists to inform them about their difficult airway, and 91.03% felt it was very important for them to receive a letter of their airway assessment. However, twenty-two anesthesiologists (64.7%) reported verbally informing less than 50% of patients about their difficult airway after surgery, and only four anesthesiologists informed all patients they encountered. Most surgeons (91.22%) and anesthesiologists (91.18%) believe that it is vital to inform patients verbally, while 114 surgeons (77.03%) and 31 anesthesiologists (91.18%) believe that it is essential to complete a difficult airway notification alert. Among the factors causing noncompliance, 17 (34.69%) believed that absence of mandatory rules, 9 (18.37%) believed that increased workload, and 8 (16.33%) believed that notification methods were lacking. CONCLUSIONS: The compliance to difficult airway notification remains low in Plastic Surgery Hospital despite the high incidence of difficult airways. Although anesthesiologists, surgeons, and patients are strongly in favor of it. Among the barriers to compliance were the absence of a well-developed notification system and a means of notification such as an alert form for difficult airways. This may spur the anesthesiology society to publish the notification system.

Predictive Value of Combined Detection of Serum PSA, PCA3, and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Bone Metastasis of Prostate Cancer.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the utility of combining the detection of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of magnetic resonance imaging for predicting bone metastases in prostate cancer. Methods: We looked back at 67 men with prostate cancer who were admitted to our hospital between December 2015 and December 2022. Based on the results of bone metastasis in ECT, men with prostate cancer were split into two groups: those with metastasis (26 cases) and those without (41 cases). The Gleason score, the levels of serum PSA and PCA3, and the difference between ADCmean and the difference between ADCmax and ADCmin (ADCdiff) were compared between the two groups. Results: Patients with bone metastases of prostate cancer exhibited significantly higher levels of PSA, PCA3, ADCmean, and ADCdiffer compared to the control group (P < .05). ADCmean and ADCdiffer were statistically significant (P < .05) greater in the metastatic group compared to the control group. Prostate cancer bone metastasis risk variables were shown to be elevated PSA, PCA3, ADCmean, and big ADCdiffer by logistic regression analysis (P < .05). ROC analysis showed that the AUC curves of PSA, PCA3, ADCmean, ADCmean, and their combination had certain predictive value. Conclusion: Patients with bone metastases of prostate cancer will have drastically different PSA and PCA3 serum values. Risk factors for prostate cancer bone metastases include elevated PSA and PCA3 levels as well as elevated ADCmean and big ADCdiffer. The combination of PSA, PCA3, and MRI ADC values demonstrated a strong predictive value for bone metastasis in prostate cancer patients.

Impact of simulation-based training on bougie-assisted cricothyrotomy technique: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Cricothyrotomy is a lifesaving surgical technique in critical airway events. However, a large proportion of anesthesiologists have little experience with cricothyrotomy due to its low incidence. This study aimed to develop a multisensory, readily available training curriculum for learning cricothyrotomy and evaluate its training effectiveness. METHODS: Seventy board-certificated anesthesiologists were recruited into the study. Participants first viewed an instructional video and observed an expert performing the bougie-assisted cricothyrotomy on a self-made simulator. They were tested before and after a one-hour practice on their cricothyrotomy skills and evaluated by a checklist and a global rating scale (GRS). Additionally, a questionnaire survey regarding participants' confidence in performing cricothyrotomy was conducted during the training session. RESULTS: The duration to complete cricothyrotomy was decreased from the pretest (median = 85.0 s, IQR = 72.5-103.0 s) to the posttest (median = 59.0 s, IQR = 49.0-69.0 s). Furthermore, the median checklist score was increased significantly from the pretest (median = 30.0, IQR = 27.0-33.5) to the posttest (median = 37.0, IQR = 35.5-39.0), as well as the GRS score (pretest median = 22.5, IQR = 18.0-25.0, posttest median = 32.0, IQR = 31.0-33.5). Participants' confidence levels in performing cricothyrotomy also improved after the curriculum. CONCLUSION: The simulation-based training with a self-made simulator is effective for teaching anesthesiologists to perform cricothyrotomy.

Cause Analysis and Surgical Treatment of Aponeurotic Ptosis With Upper Eyelid Depression.

BACKGROUND: Ptosis and upper eyelid depression were previously diagnosed as 2 separate diseases. The authors found that in patients with aponeurotic ptosis accompanied by upper eyelid depression, the main cause of upper eyelid depression was impaired dynamic transmission of the levator aponeurosis. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the causes of upper eyelid depression in patients with aponeurotic ptosis accompanied by upper eyelid depression and to introduce the best treatment methods. METHODS: The authors enrolled 15 eyes (11 patients) with aponeurotic ptosis accompanied by upper eyelid depression from October 2021 to August 2022. The authors analyzed the causes of upper eyelid depression in those patients and performed aponeurotic ptosis correction surgery and orbital septum fat release surgery. After 6 to 12 months of follow-up, the authors reviewed the patient's medical records and photographs to evaluate the treatment outcomes. RESULTS: After surgery, ptosis was corrected and upper eyelid depression significantly improved in all the patients. One patient had poor eyelid morphology and upper eyelid depression due to habitual brow lifting, which was relieved after an injection of botulinum toxin into the frontalis muscle. One patient had overcorrection of the upper eyelid depression on the affected side and no other complications. CONCLUSION: The main cause of upper eyelid depression in patients with aponeurotic ptosis is impaired dynamic transmission of the levator aponeurosis. Aponeurotic ptosis repair surgery and orbital septum fat release surgery are simple surgical procedures that restore the normal anatomy and physiology of the upper eyelid and maintain the normal structure of the eyelid, with good post-operative outcomes.

How to overcome resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer: From mechanisms to translation.

Immunotherapy, especially with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has shown advantages in cancer treatment and is a new hope for patients who have failed multiline therapy. However, in colorectal cancer (CRC), the benefit is limited to a small subset of patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) metastatic CRC (mCRC). In addition, 45% to 60% of dMMR/MSI-H mCRC patients showed primary or acquired resistance to ICIs. This means that these patients may have potential unknown pathways mediating immune escape. Almost all mismatch repair-proficient (pMMR) or microsatellite-stable (MSS) mCRC patients do not benefit from ICIs. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of action of ICIs and their current status in CRC. We then discuss the mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to ICIs in CRC. Finally, we discuss promising therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance to ICIs in the clinic.

Metabolic profile and transcriptome reveal the mystery of petal blotch formation in rose.

BACKGROUND: Petal blotch is a unique ornamental trait in angiosperm families, and blotch in rose petal is rare and has great esthetic value. However, the cause of the formation of petal blotch in rose is still unclear. The influence of key enzyme genes and regulatory genes in the pigment synthesis pathways needs to be explored and clarified. RESULTS: In this study, the rose cultivar 'Sunset Babylon Eyes' with rose-red to dark red blotch at the base of petal was selected as the experimental material. The HPLC-DAD and UPLC-TQ-MS analyses indicated that only cyanidin 3,5-O-diglucoside (Cy3G5G) contributed to the blotch pigmentation of 'Sunset Babylon Eyes', and the amounts of Cy3G5G varied at different developmental stages. Only flavonols but no flavone were found in blotch and non-blotch parts. As a consequence, kaempferol and its derivatives as well as quercetin and its derivatives may act as background colors during flower developmental stages. Despite of the differences in composition, the total content of carotenoids in blotch and non-blotch parts were similar, and carotenoids may just make the petals show a brighter color. Transcriptomic data, quantitative real-time PCR and promoter sequence analyses indicated that RC7G0058400 (F3'H), RC6G0470600 (DFR) and RC7G0212200 (ANS) may be the key enzyme genes for the early formation and color deepening of blotch at later stages. As for two transcription factor, RC7G0019000 (MYB) and RC1G0363600 (WRKY) may bind to the promoters of critical enzyme genes, or RC1G0363600 (WRKY) may bind to the promoter of RC7G0019000 (MYB) to activate the anthocyanin accumulation in blotch parts of 'Sunset Babylon Eyes'. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the understanding of the chemical and molecular mechanism for the formation of petal blotch in rose.

Functional identification of anthocyanin glucosyltransferase genes: a Ps3GT catalyzes pelargonidin to pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside painting the vivid red flower color of Paeonia.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Glycosylation from an anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase Ps3GT (PsUGT78A27) facilitates the accumulation of pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, which defines the vivid red flower color and occurs only in specific peony tree cultivars. Although tree peony cultivars of Chinese and Japanese both originated from China, vivid red color is only found in flowers of Japanese cultivars but not of Chinese cultivar groups. In this study, a Japanese tree peony cultivar 'Taiyoh' with vivid red petals and a Chinese tree peony cultivar 'Hu Hong' with reddish pink petals were chosen as the experimental materials. Flavonoids profiling indicated that pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside (Pg3G) detected only in Japanese cultivar contributed to vivid red color of tree peony petals, while pelargonidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside (Pg3G5G) found in both of Japanese and Chinese cultivars was responsible for pink flower color. Through the integration of full-length transcriptome sequencing and in vitro enzymatic activity analysis, two anthocyanin glucosyltransferase genes PsUGT78A27 and PsUGT75L45 were isolated from the petals of tree peony, and their encoding products exhibited enzymatic activities of pelargonidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase and anthocyanin 5-O-glucosyltransferase, respectively. Further quantitative real-time PCR revealed that PsUGT78A27 displayed high expression in petals of both cultivars and PsUGT75L45 was expressed at high levels in cultivar 'Hu Hong' only. Using a gene gun technique, the GFP fusion proteins of PsUGT78A27 and PsUGT75L45 were visualized to be cytoplasmic and nuclear localization in the epidermal cells of tree peony petals, and the glucosylation function of PsUGT78A27 and PsUGT75L45 to alter petal color of tree peony and herbaceous peony had been directly validated in vivo. These results demonstrated that PsUGT78A27 and PsUGT75L45 are key players for the presence or absence of vivid red flower color in tree peony cultivars. Our findings further elucidated the chemical and molecular mechanism of petal pigmentation of Paeonia and could help breed the Paeonia cultivars possessing novel flower colors.

Preliminary evaluation of SaCoVLM video laryngeal mask-guided intubation in airway management for anesthetized children.

BACKGROUNDS: To preliminary evaluate the application of novel SaCoVLM video laryngeal mask -guided intubation for anesthetized children. METHODS: One hundred twenty-four children with microtia (ages 5-15 years,) who required general intubation anaesthesia, were enrolled in the study. After induction of general anesthesia,guided tracheal intubation under direct vision of the SaCoVLM was performed. Our primary outcome was first-pass success rate of guided tracheal tube placement. Secondary outcome included glottic visualization grades, the first-attempt success rate of LMA placement, the time for LMA placement and time to endotracheal intubation as well as the time for LMA removal after successful intubation, the fiberoptic grade of laryngeal view, the baseline and postinduction hemodynamic parameters were also recorded,and the incidence 24 h complications after operation. RESULTS: The first-pass success rate of guided tracheal tube placement was 91.1% (95%CI = 1.04-1.14), the status of glottic visualization was classified: grade 1 in 27cases, grade 2 in 36 cases, grade 3 in 41 cases and grade 4 in 20 cases. The first success rate of LMA placement was 92.7% (95%CI = 1.03-1.13), the time for LMA insertion was 15.7 (±9.1) s, intubation time was 30.9 (±17.6) s and withdrawl time was 24.9 (±9.3) s. The incidence of postoperative sore throat at 2 h was 29%, and 16.1% at 24 h, without dysphagia and hypoxia. CONCLUSION: The SaCoVLM video laryngeal mask-guided intubation is feasible in children, with a high success rate, could be a new promising device to guide intubation in airway management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the University's Institutional Review Board and written informed consent was obtained from all subjects participating in the trial. The trial was registered prior to patient enrollment at clinicaltrials.gov (ChiCTR2200061481, http://www.chictr.org.cn . Principal investigator: Juan Zhi; Date of registration: 26/06/2022.

Dexmedetomidine Protects against Airway Inflammation and Airway Remodeling in a Murine Model of Chronic Asthma through TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Asthma is a common respiratory disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a highly selective α2 adrenergic receptor agonist, has been shown to participate in regulating inflammatory states and thus exert organ protective actions. However, the potential of DEX in asthma is still unknown. This study is aimed at investigating the role of DEX in a mouse model of house dust mite- (HDM-) induced asthma and exploring its underlying mechanism. Here, we found that DEX treatment significantly ameliorated airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and airway remodeling in the asthmatic mice, which were similar to the efficacy of the reference anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. In addition, DEX reversed the increased expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its downstream signaling adaptor molecule nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the lung tissue of asthmatic mice. Furthermore, these protective effects of DEX were abolished by yohimbine, an α2 adrenergic receptor antagonist. These results indicate that DEX is capable of ameliorating airway inflammation and remodeling in asthmatic mice, and this protective effect is associated with the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

[Research Progress in Adjacent Anatomical Structure and Location of Cricothyroid Membrane].

Cricothyroid membrane puncture and incision,the key techniques to save the lives of the patients in the Can't Intubate,Can't Oxygenate (CICO) emergency,need to be mastered by all the airway management staff.However,the decision to carry out cricothyroid membrane puncture or incision is often delayed due to the unfamiliarity with the adjacent anatomical structure of the cricothyroid membrane and the inability to accurately locate the cricothyroid membrane.As a result,serious complications and rescue failure occur.Therefore,airway management staff should be familiar with the adjacent structure and positioning methods of the cricothyroid membrane,so as to improve the success rate of emergency airway rescue,reduce complications,and protect the airway and life safety of the patients.

Intradermal Glycine Detection with a Wearable Microneedle Biosensor: The First In Vivo Assay.

Glycine (GLY) is gaining importance in medical diagnoses due to its relationship with multiple physiological functions. Today, GLY is exclusively analyzed using instrumentation centralized in clinical labs, and a tangible point-of-care tool that gathers real-time data from the patient for effective and fast evaluations is lacking. Relevant clinical advances are expected as soon as the rapid provision of both punctual and continuous measurements is possible. In that context, this work presents a microneedle (MN)-based biosensor for intradermal GLY detection in interstitial fluid (ISF). The MN tip is externally tailored to detect GLY levels through the hydrogen peroxide formed in its reaction with a quinoprotein-based GLY oxidase enzyme. The analytical performance of the MN biosensor indicates a fast response time (<7 s); acceptable reversibility, reproducibility, and stability; as well as a wide linear range of response (25-600 µM) that covers the physiological levels of GLY in ISF. The MN biosensor conveniently exhibits high selectivity for GLY over other compounds commonly found in ISF, and the response is not influenced by temperature, pH, or skin insertions. Validated intradermal measurements of GLY were obtained at the in vitro (with pieces of rat skin), ex vivo (on-body tests of euthanized rats) and in vivo (on-body tests of anesthetized rats) levels, demonstrating its ability to produce accurate physiological data. The developed GLY MN biosensor is skin-wearable and provides reliable, real-time intradermal GLY measurements in ISF by means of a minimally invasive approach.

Therapeutic targeting RORγ with natural product N-hydroxyapiosporamide for small cell lung cancer by reprogramming neuroendocrine fate.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive and exceptionally fatal disease. Unlike non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), no targetable genetic driver events have been identified in SCLC to date. Here, we investigate the function of RAR-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ) and identified the anti-cancer activity of its natural inhibitor against SCLC and illustrate the underlying mechanism. We show that RORγ depletion affected cell growth both in 2-D cell proliferation and 3-D organoids formation. Natural marine product N-hydroxyapiosporamide (N-hydap) directly bound to RORγ and inhibited its transcriptional activity, leading to the blocking of transmission process of RORγ signaling. Gene expression profiling analysis revealed that N-hydap reprograms neuroendocrine fate via inhibiting RORγ activity in SCLC. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that N-hydap strongly reduced RORγ occupancy and transcriptional activation-linked histone marks H3K27ac on the promoter and/or enhancer sites of neurogenesis markers gene including aurora kinase a (AURKA), delta like canonical Notch ligand 3 (DLL3) and tubulin beta 3 class III (TUBB3). Therapeutically, N-hydap exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on tumor growth and did not show significant toxicity in SCLC mice xenograft models. Taken together, RORγ could be an attractive target for SCLC and thus N-hydap can be a promising therapeutic drug candidate for SCLC by inhibiting the RORγ activation.

Efficacy and safety of over-the-scope clips for colorectal leaks and fistulas: a pooled analysis.

The development of laparoscopic technologies and continuous improvements in intracavitary anastomosis technology have significantly reduced the incidence of anastomotic leak (AL) following colorectal surgery. However, AL incidence can significantly increase the duration of patient hospitalization, patient medical expenses, and incidence of mortality. The recently developed over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system has been of increasing clinical interest owing to its ease of use, low complication rates, and high rates of technical and clinical success. The PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane PubMed Library were systematically searched for all studies of OTSC system-mediated closure of ALs and fistulas published from January 2010 to January 2021. Two reviewers independently identified relevant studies based on appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of nine studies were included in the present analysis, incorporating 114 patients of whom 107 were treated with an OTSC system. The technical success rate for these patients was 84% (95%CI, 73.5-94.5%; I2 53%), and the clinical success rate was 74.3% (95%CI, 64.4-84.1%; I2 28%) as calculated via a pooled proportion analysis. Complications occurred in two patients. The endoscopic OTSC system is a safe and effective means of treating ALs and fistulas after colorectal surgery.

Instantly Detecting Catalysts' Hot Spots Temperature In Situ during Photocatalysis by Operando Raman Spectroscopy.

Precisely detecting the catalysts' hot spots temperature in situ instantly during photocatalysis is a great challenge but extremely important for chemical reactions. However, no efficient method has been developed to instantly detect the hot spots temperature in situ during photocatalysis. Herein, we designed a simple and convenient method to measure the instant hot spots temperature in situ on the nanostructure surface during photocatalysis by operando Raman spectroscopy using 4-methoxyphenyl isocyanide (MI) as the probe molecule. The νN≡C frequency of MI varied linearly with temperature, which is caused by the orientation change of the MI induced by temperature, leading to the change in the frequency of the νN≡C bond that directly interacts with the nanostructure surface. Using in situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), the surface temperature of the catalysts illuminating for each time can be measured instantly. Interestingly, the catalytic activity of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for the Au-Ag/Ag2S heterojunction nanorods (HJNRs) are higher than that for the Ag-Au-Ag HJNRs, although they have a lower surface temperature during photocatalysis; therefore, hot carriers and electronic structure contributed more to the catalytic activity of the Au-Ag/Ag2S HJNRs than that of the Ag-Au-Ag HJNRs. Such an instant hot spots temperature detecting method of catalysts can greatly facilitate the analysis of the mechanism of catalytic processes.

Research progress in the mechanism of calcium ion on contraction and relaxation of airway smooth muscle cells.

lntracellular calcium ion is the key secondary messenger system of the cellular processes in airway smooth muscle cells(ASMc). The treatment and regulation of Ca2+ in airway smooth muscle (ASM) is, in part, to associated with many airway diseases such as asthma, COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. The mechanism of contraction and relaxation of ASM is a concerned aspect in airway diseases. This review emphasizes established and recent discoveries whice show the research progress of Ca2+ on cell contraction and relaxation in ASM in recent years, to provide theoretical support and new targets for clinical prevention and treatment of perioperative bronchospasm and variousrespiratory related diseases.

Activation of WNT7b autocrine eases metastasis of colorectal cancer via epithelial to mesenchymal transition and predicts poor prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Aberrant activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway is one of the most frequent abnormalities in human cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous studies revealed pivotal functions of WNT family members in colorectal cancer, as well as their prognostic values. Nevertheless, the prognostic role and mechanisms underlying WNT7b in colorectal cancer development remains unclear. METHODS: In this study, WNT7b expression was measured by immunohistochemical staining of 100 cases of surgically resected human colorectal cancerous tissues as well as matched adjacent normal tissues constructed as tissue microarrays. In vitro studies, we attempted to substantiate the WNT7b expressional pattern previously found in immunohistochemistry staining. We used the colorectal cancer cell-line HCT116 and normal colorectal cell-line FHC for immunofluorescence staining and nuclear/cytoplasmic separated western blotting. We measured epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and migration capacity of HCT116 in the context of WNT7b knocked-down using short interfering RNA. Finally, clinical and prognostic values of WNT7b activation levels were examined. RESULTS: WNT7b was expressed in the nucleus in adjacent normal tissues. In CRC tissues, nuclear expression of WNT7b was similar; however, membrane and cytoplasmic expression was strikingly enhanced. Consistently, in vitro analysis confirmed the same expression pattern of WNT7b. Compared with FHC cells, HCT116 cells displayed higher levels of WNT7b membrane and cytoplasmic enrichment, as well as higher migration capacity with a sensitized EMT process. Either partial knockdown of WNT7b or blockade of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway reversed EMT process and inhibited the migration of HCT116 cells. Finally, elevated secretion levels of WNT7b were significantly associated with lymphatic and remote metastasis and predicted worse prognosis in the CRC cohort. CONCLUSION: In summary, we demonstrated that the activation of WNT7b autocrine probably contributes to CRC metastasis by triggering EMT process through the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. High levels of WNT7b autocrine secretion predicts poor outcome in patients with CRC. This molecule is a promising candidate for clinical CRC treatments.

Antitumor effects of 3-bromoascochlorin on small cell lung cancer via inhibiting MAPK pathway.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) was defined as a recalcitrant cancer, and novel therapies are urgently needed. Marine natural products (MNPs) may bring continuing hope for treatment of SCLC. In this study, 3-bromoascochlorin (BAS), an MNP isolated from the coral-derived fungus Acremonium sclerotigenum GXIMD 02501, was primarily screened out with antiproliferative activity towards SCLC cell lines. Then western blot analysis (WB) and flow cytometry were conducted, and we found BAS could induce the apoptosis of H446 and H69AR cells. Besides, BAS could suppress the invasion and migration of H446. In an SCLC xenograft mice model, BAS inhibited the growth of tumor without affecting the body weight of mice. Finally, the underlying mechanisms were preliminarily explored. According to the results of RNA-seq, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and WB, our results revealed that BAS exerted antitumor activity via inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) pathway. Collectively, these results indicated that BAS can be used as a promising compound for the treatment of human SCLC.

Improved sodium storage properties of nickel sulfide nanoparticles decorated on reduced graphene oxide nanosheets as an advanced anode material.

For sodium ion batteries, the fabrication of nanocrystal anode materials has been identified as a satisfactory strategy to improve electrochemical performance and maintain the structural integrity of electrodes. However, the issues of agglomeration and serious volume variation have always existed within the process of charging/discharging in anode materials. In this work, a series of composites of nickel sulfide nanoparticles decorated on reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (denoted as NiS2@rGO) were successfully synthesized via a simple one-step hydrothermal method under different temperatures. The strategy of confining nickel sulfide nanoparticles within the interlayer of graphene nanosheets can not only avoid the agglomeration, but also alleviate the volume change to some extent in electrode materials. For sodium ion storage, the NiS2@rGO synthesized at 160 °C exhibited a higher reversible capacity and better rate capability.

Investigation on the nonreciprocal properties of one-dimensional cylindrical magnetized plasma photonic crystals.

In this paper, the equations for the transfer matrix method of one-dimensional cylindrical magnetized plasma photonic crystals are proposed, and its nonreciprocal properties based on the Thue-Morse sequence are also studied. By adding the influence of the magnetic field into Maxwell's equations in the cylindrical coordinate system, the transmission matrix equation of cylindrical wave propagation in the cylindrical medium is obtained and a quasi-periodic structure with the Thue-Morse sequence is designed to study its nonreciprocal features. By considering Maxwell's equations and the equations of motion of charged particles, the relative dielectric function of plasma under the $z$-axis magnetic field is achieved. Considering the influences of this dielectric function in the cylindrical coordinate system, the transmission matrix equations of cylindrical wave propagation in the cylindrical medium are derived, and those equations are used to design a cylindrical structure with two layers of ordinary medium and one layer of plasma satisfying the Thue-Morse sequence. It is concluded that the nonreciprocal phenomenon becomes more and more obvious with the increase of the plasma frequency, the relative dielectric constant of the medium, and the incident angle. But with the increase of ${\omega _c}$, the nonreciprocal propagation is attenuated, and there is no significant change when the collision frequency is enlarging.