A modified glycosylase base editor without predictable DNA off-target effects.

Glycosylase base editor (GBE) can induce C-to-G transversion in mammalian cells, showing great promise for the treatment of human genetic disorders. However, the limited efficiency of transversion and the possibility of off-target effects caused by Cas9 restrict its potential clinical applications. In our recent study, we have successfully developed TaC9-CBE and TaC9-ABE by separating nCas9 and deaminase, which eliminates the Cas9-dependent DNA off-target effects without compromising editing efficiency. We developed a novel GBE called TaC9-GBEYE1, which utilizes the deaminase and UNG-nCas9 guided by TALE and sgRNA, respectively. TaC9-GBEYE1 showed comparable levels of on-target editing efficiency to traditional GBE at 19 target sites, without any off-target effects caused by Cas9 or TALE. The TaC9-GBEYE1 is a safe tool for gene therapy.

Genetic predisposition to milder forms of COVID-19 may provide some resilience to head and neck cancers.

Introduction: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on head and neck cancer (HNC) has been suggested, but the causal relationship remains unclear. Methods: We explore this connection by utilizing the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach applied to publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary datasets for COVID-19 and HNC. The datasets included critical COVID-19 (13,769 cases, 1,072,442 controls), hospitalized COVID-19 (32,519 cases, 2,062,805 controls), SARS-CoV-2 infection (122,616 cases, 2,475,240 controls), and HNC (2,131 cases, 287,137 controls). Mechanistic underpinnings of the causal relationships identified by MR analysis were explored through functional annotation augmented by AI-based literature data mining. Results: Surprisingly, a genetic predisposition to contracting a milder form of COVID-19 substantially reduced the risks of developing HNC (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35-0.78, p = 1.42E-03), with no significant association between genetic liability to severe COVID-19 and the risk of HNC detected. Additionally, our findings highlighted 14 genes linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection, potentially playing a protective role in the context of HNC. These genes include OAS1, LOC107985887, BCL11A, DPP9, LOC107984685, LINC02326, MUC4, NXPE3, IFNAR2, LZTFL1, LOC105372437, NAPSA, LOC105376622, LOC107986082, and SLC6A20. Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the protective role of the genetic liability to milder COVID-19 in reducing the risk of HNC while refuting a causal relationship between severe COVID-19 and HNC.

Influence of tree size on the scaling relationships of lamina and petiole traits: A case study using Camptotheca acuminata Decne.

There is a lack of research on whether tree size affects lamina and petiole biomass allocation patterns, whereas the trade-off between leaf biomass allocated to the lamina and the petiole is of significance when considering the hydraulic and mechanical function of the leaf as a whole. Here, Camptotheca acuminata Decne was selected for study because of the availability of trees differing in size growing under the same conditions. A total of 600 leaves for two tree size groups and 300 leaves per group differing in height and trunk diameter were collected. The lamina fresh mass (LFM), lamina dry mass (LDM), lamina area (LA), petiole fresh mass (PFM), and petiole length (PL) of each leaf was measured, and reduced major axis regression protocols were used to determine the scaling relationships among the five functional traits. The bootstrap percentile method was used to determine if the scaling exponents of the traits differed significantly between the two tree size groups. The results indicated that (i) there was a significant difference in the LFM, LDM, PFM, PL, LMA, LFMA and PFM/LFM between large and small trees, but no significant difference in LA; (ii) the LA versus LFM, LA versus LDM, LFM versus PFM, LA versus PFM, and PL versus PFM scaling relationships of the two groups were allometric (i.e., not isometric); (iii) there were significant differences in the scaling exponents of LA versus LFM, LA versus PFM, PL versus PFM between the two groups, but there was no significant difference in the LFM versus PFM scaling relationship between the two groups of trees. The data were also consistent with the phenomenon known as "diminishing returns". These data indicate that tree size influences leaf biomass allocation patterns in ways that can potentially influence overall plant growth, and therefore have an important bearing on life-history strategies.

Scaling relationships between the total number of leaves and the total leaf area per culm of two dwarf bamboo species.

Total leaf area per plant is an important measure of the photosynthetic capacity of an individual plant that together with plant density drives the canopy leaf area index, that is, the total leaf area per unit ground area. Because the total number of leaves per plant (or per shoot) varies among conspecifics and among mixed species communities, this variation can affect the total leaf area per plant and per canopy but has been little studied. Previous studies have shown a strong linear relationship between the total leaf area per plant (or per shoot) (A T) and the total number of leaves per plant (or per shoot) (N T) on a log-log scale for several growth forms. However, little is known whether such a scaling relationship also holds true for bamboos, which are a group of Poaceae plants with great ecological and economic importance in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. To test whether the scaling relationship holds true in bamboos, two dwarf bamboo species (Shibataea chinensis Nakai and Sasaella kongosanensis 'Aureostriatus') with a limited but large number of leaves per culm were examined. For the two species, the leaves from 480 and 500 culms, respectively, were sampled and A T was calculated by summing the areas of individual leaves per culm. Linear regression and correlation analyses reconfirmed that there was a significant log-log linear relationship between A T and N T for each species. For S. chinensis, the exponent of the A T versus N T scaling relationship was greater than unity, whereas that of S. kongosanensis 'Aureostriatus' was smaller than unity. The coefficient of variation in individual leaf area increased with increasing N T for each species. The data reconfirm that there is a strong positive power-law relationship between A T and N T for each of the two species, which may reflect adaptations of plants in response to intra- and inter-specific competition for light.

Discrete unified gas kinetic scheme for the solution of electron Boltzmann transport equation with Callaway approximation.

Electrons are the carriers of heat and electricity in materials and exhibit abundant transport phenomena such as ballistic, diffusive, and hydrodynamic behaviors in systems with different sizes. The electron Boltzmann transport equation (eBTE) is a reliable model for describing electron transport, but it is a challenging problem to efficiently obtain the numerical solutions of the eBTE within one unified scheme involving ballistic, hydrodynamics, and/or diffusive regimes. In this work, a discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (DUGKS) in the finite-volume framework is developed based on the eBTE with the Callaway relaxation model for electron transport. By reconstructing the distribution function at the cell interface, the processes of electron drift and scattering are coupled together within a single time step. Numerical tests demonstrate that the DUGKS can be adaptively applied to multiscale electron transport, across different regimes.

The impact of cleaner energy sources, advanced technology firms, and economic expansion on ecological footprints is critical in sustainable development.

The environmental degradation accompanying economic growth, despite the potential mitigating effects of technological advancements and cleaner energy sources. This study examines the critical impact of cleaner energy sources, advanced technology firms, and economic expansion on ecological footprints within the context of sustainable development, focusing on the period between 2010 and 2022. By comparing the E7 (emerging seven) and G7 (Group of Seven) economies, the research aims to delineate how these factors collectively influence environmental sustainability in both developing and developed nations. Utilizing a robust panel estimation technique, the study systematically explores the relationship between the adoption of renewable energy technologies, the growth of high-tech industries, and macroeconomic expansion, alongside their respective effects on the ecological footprint, a key indicator of environmental impact. Our statistical analysis reveals significant differences between the E7 and G7 countries. For the G7, investments in cleaner energy and technology sectors have shown a more pronounced effect in reducing ecological footprints, attributed to higher efficiency standards and greater public awareness. In contrast, the E7 countries exhibit a delayed response, owing to varying stages of economic development and technological adoption, although promising trends are emerging. Notably, the G7 demonstrates a more pronounced inclination towards financial imperialism (0.043), while the E7 is significantly influenced by green energy sources (0.258). Policy implications drawn from the findings suggest that targeted investments in green technologies and renewable energy sources, coupled with robust policies supporting economic expansion in a sustainable manner, are crucial for both groups of countries. For the E7, accelerating technology transfer and adopting stricter environmental regulations are key, while the G7 should focus on innovation and the continuous improvement of energy efficiency standards. This dual approach is essential for mitigating the environmental impacts of economic growth and steering the global economy towards a more sustainable trajectory.

Kinesin 26B modulates M2 polarization of macrophage by activating cancer-associated fibroblasts to aggravate gastric cancer occurrence and metastasis.

BACKGROUND: The regulatory effects of KIF26B on gastric cancer (GC) have been confirmed, but the specific mechanism still needs further exploration. Pan-cancer analysis shows that the KIF26B expression is highly related to immune infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and CAFs promote macrophage M2 polarization and affect cancers' progression. AIM: To investigate the regulatory functions of KIF26B on immune and metastasis of GC. METHODS: We analyzed genes' mRNA levels by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Expression levels of target proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and Western blotting. We injected AGS cells into nude mice for the establishment of a xenograft tumor model and observed the occurrence and metastasis of GC. The degree of inflammatory infiltration in pulmonary nodes was observed through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed for the evaluation of cell invasion and migration ability. Tube formation assay was used for detecting angiogenesis. M2-polarized macrophages were estimated by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. RESULTS: KIF26B was significantly overexpressed in cells and tissues of GC, and the higher expression of KIF26B was related to GC metastasis and prognosis. According to in vivo experiments, KIF26B promoted tumor formation and metastasis of GC. KIF26B expression was positively associated with CAFs' degree of infiltration. Moreover, CAFs could regulate M2-type polarization of macrophages, affecting GC cells' migration, angiogenesis, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. CONCLUSION: KIF26B regulated M2 polarization of macrophage through activating CAFs, regulating the occurrence and metastasis of GC.

Comparison of four performance models in quantifying the inequality of leaf and fruit size distribution.

The inequality in leaf and fruit size distribution per plant can be quantified using the Gini index, which is linked to the Lorenz curve depicting the cumulative proportion of leaf (or fruit) size against the cumulative proportion of the number of leaves (or fruits). Prior researches have predominantly employed empirical models-specifically the original performance equation (PE-1) and its generalized counterpart (GPE-1)-to fit rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curves. Notably, another potential performance equation (PE-2), capable of generating similar curves to PE-1, has been overlooked and not systematically compared with PE-1 and GPE-1. Furthermore, PE-2 has been extended into a generalized version (GPE-2). In the present study, we conducted a comparative analysis of these four performance equations, evaluating their applicability in describing Lorenz curves related to plant organ (leaf and fruit) size. Leaf area was measured on 240 culms of dwarf bamboo (Shibataea chinensis Nakai), and fruit volume was measured on 31 field muskmelon plants (Cucumis melo L. var. agrestis Naud.). Across both datasets, the root-mean-square errors of all four performance models were consistently smaller than 0.05. Paired t-tests indicated that GPE-1 exhibited the lowest root-mean-square error and Akaike information criterion value among the four performance equations. However, PE-2 gave the best close-to-linear behavior based on relative curvature measures. This study presents a valuable tool for assessing the inequality of plant organ size distribution.

PPARG and the PTEN-PI3K/AKT Signaling Axis May Cofunction in Promoting Chemosensitivity in Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

It has been demonstrated that PPARG may interact with the PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway, contributing to its involvement in the chemotherapy treatment of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC). However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, gene expression profiles of 17 HSCC patients, comprising 8 chemotherapy-sensitive patients (CSP) and 9 chemotherapy-nonsensitive patients (CNSP), were collected and analyzed to investigate expression patterns, correlations, influencing factors of the PPARG-PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway, and its role in regulating chemosensitivity. The results revealed significantly increased expression (p < 0.04) of AKT1, AKT2, AKT3, PIK3CA, PPARG, and PTEN in the CSP group compared to the CNSP group. Specifically, AKT2 exhibited significant overexpression in tumor tissue (p = 0.01), while AKT2, AKT3, PPARG, and PTEN displayed significant increases in normal tissue (p ≤ 0.04). Positive correlations (R ∈ [0.43, 0.71], p < 0.014) were observed between PIK3CA, AKT1, AKT2, AKT3, and PTEN, with AKT2, AKT3, and PTEN also showing significant correlations with PPARG (R ∈ [0.35, 0.47], p < 0.04). Age, gender, and disease stage had no influence on PPARG, PIK3CA, and PTEN expression, but they may affect AKT expressions. Pathway analysis revealed that PPARG may interact with the PTEN-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, playing a crucial role in regulating chemosensitivity in the normal tissue microenvironment. Our results suggest that AKT1 and PIK3CA may be associated with chemosensitivity in HSCC tumor cells, while PPARG and PTEN might exhibit a correlation with a specific segment of the PI3K/AKT pathway, potentially influencing chemosensitivity in the normal tissue microenvironment of HSCC patients.

Single-cell integrated transcriptomics reveals the role of keratinocytes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent malignant tumor with significant morbidity and mortality. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of HNSCC and identifying prognostic markers and therapeutic targets are crucial for improving patient outcomes. In this study, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA-seq data to comprehensively analyze HNSCC at the cellular level. We identified keratinocytes as the predominant cell type in tumor samples, suggesting their potential role in HNSCC development. Through hdWGCNA co-expression network analysis, we identified gene modules associated with HNSCC progression. Furthermore, we constructed a prognostic model based on specific genes and demonstrated its robust predictive performance in multiple datasets. The model exhibited strong correlations with immune cell infiltration patterns and signaling pathways related to tumor progression. Additionally, drug sensitivity analysis revealed potential chemotherapeutic targets for HNSCC treatment. Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular characteristics and immune microenvironment of HNSCC, offering new perspectives for prognosis prediction and therapeutic interventions in clinical practice. Further research is warranted to validate and expand upon these findings, ultimately improving patient outcomes in HNSCC.

Highly Porous Yet Transparent Mechanically Flexible Aerogels Realizing Solar-Thermal Regulatory Cooling.

The demand for highly porous yet transparent aerogels with mechanical flexibility and solar-thermal dual-regulation for energy-saving windows is significant but challenging. Herein, a delaminated aerogel film (DAF) is fabricated through filtration-induced delaminated gelation and ambient drying. The delaminated gelation process involves the assembly of fluorinated cellulose nanofiber (FCNF) at the solid-liquid interface between the filter and the filtrate during filtration, resulting in the formation of lamellar FCNF hydrogels with strong intra-plane and weak interlayer hydrogen bonding. By exchanging the solvents from water to hexane, the hydrogen bonding in the FCNF hydrogel is further enhanced, enabling the formation of the DAF with intra-layer mesopores upon ambient drying. The resulting aerogel film is lightweight and ultra-flexible, which possesses desirable properties of high visible-light transmittance (91.0%), low thermal conductivity (33 mW m-1 K-1), and high atmospheric-window emissivity (90.1%). Furthermore, the DAF exhibits reduced surface energy and exceptional hydrophobicity due to the presence of fluorine-containing groups, enhancing its durability and UV resistance. Consequently, the DAF has demonstrated its potential as solar-thermal regulatory cooling window materials capable of simultaneously providing indoor lighting, thermal insulation, and daytime radiative cooling under direct sunlight. Significantly, the enclosed space protected by the DAF exhibits a temperature reduction of 2.6 °C compared to that shielded by conventional architectural glass.

Scaling relationships among the mass of eggshell, albumen, and yolk in six precocial birds.

The proportions in the size of the avian egg albumen, yolk, and shell are crucial for understanding bird survival and reproductive success, because their relationships with volume and surface area can affect ecological and life history strategies. Prior studies have focused on the relationship between the albumen and the yolk, but little is known about the scaling relationship between eggshell mass and shape, and the mass of the albumen and the yolk. Toward this end, 691 eggs of six precocial species were examined, and their 2-D egg profiles were photographed and digitized. The explicit Preston equation, which assumes bilateral symmetrical geometry, was used to fit the 2-D egg profiles and to calculate surface areas and volumes based on the hypothesis that eggs can be treated as solids of profile revolution. The scaling relationships of eggshell mass (Ms), albumen mass (Ma), and yolk mass (My), as well as the surface area (S), volume (V), and total mass (Mt) were determined. The explicit Preston equation was validated in describing the 2-D egg profiles. The scaling exponents of Ma vs. Ms, My vs. Ms, and My vs. Ma were smaller than unity, indicating that increases in Ma and My fail to keep pace with increases in Ms, and that increases in My fail to keep pace with increases in Ma. Therefore, increases in unit nutrient contents (i.e., the yolk) involve disproportionately larger increases in eggshell mass and disproportionately larger increases in albumen mass. The data also revealed a 2/3-power scaling relationship between S and V for each species, i.e., simple Euclidean geometry is obeyed. These findings help to inform our understanding of avian egg construction and reveal evolutionary interspecific trends in the scaling of egg shape, volume, mass, and mass allocation.

Radiation exposure in augmented fluoroscopic bronchoscopy procedures: a comprehensive analysis for patients and physicians.

Cancer is a major health challenge and causes millions of deaths worldwide each year, and the incidence of lung cancer has increased. Augmented fluoroscopic bronchoscopy (AFB) procedures, which combine bronchoscopy and fluoroscopy, are crucial for diagnosing and treating lung cancer. However, fluoroscopy exposes patients and physicians to radiation, and therefore, the procedure requires careful monitoring. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement and the International Commission on Radiological Protection have emphasised the importance of monitoring patient doses and ensuring occupational radiation safety. The present study evaluated radiation doses during AFB procedures, focusing on patient skin doses, the effective dose, and the personal dose equivalent to the eye lens for physicians. Skin doses were measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters. Peak skin doses were observed on the sides of the patients' arms, particularly on the side closest to the x-ray tube. Differences in the procedures and experience of physicians between the two hospitals involved in this study were investigated. AFB procedures were conducted more efficiently at Hospital A than at Hospital B, resulting in lower effective doses. Cone-beam computed tomography (CT) contributes significantly to patient effective doses because it has higher radiographic parameters. Despite their higher radiographic parameters, AFB procedures resulted in smaller skin doses than did image-guided interventional and CT fluoroscopy procedures. The effective doses differed between the two hospitals of this study due to workflow differences, with cone-beam CT playing a dominant role. No significant differences in left and right eyeHp(3) values were observed between the hospitals. For both hospitals, theHp(3) values were below the recommended limits, indicating that radiation monitoring may not be required for AFB procedures. This study provides insights into radiation exposure during AFB procedures, concerning radiation dosimetry, and safety for patients and physicians.

Role of PPARG in Chemosensitivity-Regulating Network for Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PPARG has been reported to promote chemosensitivity in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC). However, few studies tested its significance in the texture of a complex molecular network regulating chemosensitivity in HSCC. Here, we first employed RNA expression data analysis and literature data mining to uncover candidate genes related to HSCC chemosensitivity. Then, we constructed the molecular network regulating chemosensitivity in HSCC. After that, we employed degree centrality (DC) and weighted centrality (WC) to test the significance of PPARG within the regulating network. Pathway enrichment was done to study the cofunctions of PPARG and the rest of the genes within the network. The findings of our study contribute to the construction of a comprehensive network that regulates HSCC chemosensitivity, consisting of 57 genes, including PPARG. Notably, within this network, PPARG demonstrates a ranking of #5 and #13 based on DC and WC, respectively. Moreover, PPARG is connected to 29 out of the 57 genes and plays roles in multiple functional groups. These top related genes include AKT1, TP53, PTEN, MAPK1, NOTCH1, BECN1, PTGS2, SPP1, and RAC1. PPARG gets enriched in several key functional groups that have been implicated in the regulation of chemosensitivity, including those associated with the response to nutrients, vitamins, and peptides, the cellular response to chemical stress, and the regulation of hormone secretion and growth. Our results emphasize the involvement of PPARG and its interconnectedness with other genes in the regulation of HSCC chemosensitivity.

Parapharyngeal space ectopic thyroid with eutopic papillary thyroid cancer: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic thyroid is a rare condition. Here we report an extremely rare case of parapharyngeal space ectopic thyroid, which has simultaneously found the papillary thyroid carcinoma of the eutopic thyroid. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for a thyroid tumor and neck lymph nodes. CT and MR imaging revealed the presence of a thyroid right node, as well as a right parapharyngeal mass with a diameter of 2.5 × 2.3 cm. PET-CT was also performed to diagnose further, revealing that the suv metric of the PPS mass was 4.03. Considering that the mass was asymptomatic, we did not handle it at the first thyroid surgery. However, when the patient underwent a radioactive iodine scan before the radioactive iodine treatment, the imaging showed that the mass could intake the iodine. So, we arranged the second surgery for this mass, and the postoperative pathological examination confirmed the mass was well-differentiated thyroid tissue. CONCLUSION: Parapharyngeal ectopic thyroid with eutopic thyroid cancer is extremely rare. Preoperative imaging examination can significantly avoid the missed diagnosis of this disease. Surgical resection is recommended for the ectopic thyroid while the eutopic thyroid is found to be malignant.

Inequality Measure of Leaf Area Distribution for a Drought-Tolerant Landscape Plant.

Measuring the inequality of leaf area distribution per plant (ILAD) can provide a useful tool for quantifying the influences of intra- and interspecific competition, foraging behavior of herbivores, and environmental stress on plants' above-ground architectural structures and survival strategies. Despite its importance, there has been limited research on this issue. This paper aims to fill this gap by comparing four inequality indices to measure ILAD, using indices for quantifying household income that are commonly used in economics, including the Gini index (which is based on the Lorenz curve), the coefficient of variation, the Theil index, and the mean log deviation index. We measured the area of all leaves for 240 individual plants of the species Shibataea chinensis Nakai, a drought-tolerant landscape plant found in southern China. A three-parameter performance equation was fitted to observations of the cumulative proportion of leaf area vs. the cumulative proportion of leaves per plant to calculate the Gini index for each individual specimen of S. chinensis. The performance equation was demonstrated to be valid in describing the rotated and right shifted Lorenz curve, given that >96% of root-mean-square error values were smaller than 0.004 for 240 individual plants. By examining the correlation between any of the six possible pairs of indices among the Gini index, the coefficient of variation, the Theil index, and the mean log deviation index, the data show that these indices are closely related and can be used interchangeably to quantify ILAD.

Comparison of three fixation methods in paediatric metaphyseal-diaphysis junction fracture of the distal radius: a retrospective study in two centres.

Background: The distal radial metaphyseal-diaphysis junction fractures (DRMDJ) have various treatment methods and are easily lead to complications. This study aims to compare the anterograde elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN-A), retrograde K-wire fixation (KW-R), and retrograde precision-shaping elastic intramedullary nailing (ESIN-RPS) for the treatment of pediatric DRMDJ fractures. Materials and methods: A total of 113 patients with DRMDJ fractures (36 in the ESIN-A group, 52 in the KW-R group, and 25 in the ESIN-RPS group) from two centres were retrospectively analysed. Perioperative operation time, intraoperative bleeding, fluoroscopy times, alignment rate and angulation on radiography were compared among the three groups. Forearm rotation, healing, wrist function, and complications were compared at the last follow-up. Results: The mean operation times of the three groups were as follows: KW-R (72 ± 13 min) > ESIN-A (65 ± 18 min) > ESIN-RPS (52 ± 11 min), with a significant difference (P < 0.01). The incision length and intraoperative blood loss of ESIN-A (1.8 ± 0.2 cm; 8.3 ± 3.7 ml) were significantly higher than ESIN-RPS (1.4 ± 0.8 cm; 5.5 ± 2.7 ml) (P < 0.05), respectively. The postoperative alignment rate on the anteroposterior (AP) and the lateral plane of ESIN-RPS (93.1 ± 4.4%; 95.01 ± 2.8%) was significantly greater than that of KW-R (82.1 ± 6.8%; 88.5 ± 4.5%) and ESIN-A (79.2 ± 5.2%; 83.2 ± 2.5%) (P < 0.01). The residual angulation of ESIN-RPS (3.3 ± 1.2°; 2.9 ± 0.8°) was significantly greater than that for ESIN-A (5.1 ± 1.7°; 4.9 ± 2.1°) and KW-R (6.6 ± 2.8°; 7.5 ± 1.6°) (P < 0.05). The excellent and good ratio of ESIN-RPS (95.8%) was significantly higher than that of ESIN-A (86.5%) and KW-R (86.1%) according to the Gartland-Werley standard. There was a significant difference in delayed union between the KW-R and ESIN-A (P < 0.05). Additionally, there were two cases of radial nerve injury in the ESIN-A group, one case of tendon rupture in the ESIN-RPS group, and one case of tendon rupture in the KW-R group. The ESIN-RPS group had significantly fewer complications than the KW-R group (P < 0.05). The ESIN-A group also had significantly fewer complications than the KW-R group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with ESIN-A and KW-R, ESIN-RPS has the advantages of a shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, less radiation, better alignment, and fewer complications. The ESIN-RPS was suggested as an optimal choice for paediatric DRMDJ fractures.

sNASP Mutation Aggravates to the TLR4-Mediated Inflammation in SLE by TAK1 Pathway.

Genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and abnormal Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways are closely related to the onset of SLE. In previous studies, we found that the mutant somatic nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (sNASP) gene in the mouse lupus susceptibility locus Sle2 can promote the development of lupus model mice, but the mechanism is still unclear. Here, we stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages with different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide. The results showed that sNASP gene mutations can promote the response of the TLR4-TAK1 signaling pathway but have no significant effect on the TLR4-TBK1 signaling pathway. sNASP mutations enhanced TLR4-mediated nuclear factor-κ-gene binding and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and IL-6, tumor necrosis factor secretion in murine peritoneal macrophages. Collectively, our study revealed the impact of sNASP gene mutation on the sensitivity of TLR4 receptors in mouse peritoneal macrophages and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying inflammation in autoimmune diseases.

Application of prolonged submental perforator flap to repair the postoperative defect of upper airway malignancy.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the feasibility of making a submental perforator flap distal to the connecting line between the mastoid and the sternoclavicular joint under the guidance of neck-enhanced CT and repairing the postoperative defect of upper airway malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively analysed 19 cases of upper airway malignant tumours treated in our department from January 2021 to September 2022, including 17 males and 2 females, aged 43-70 years. SITE OF LESIONS: 15 cases were in the laryngopharynx, 2 cases in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus and 2 cases on the soft palate. All the lesions were malignant and at stages T2-4N0-2M0. SURGICAL METHOD: The extended submental perforator flap (size 22-15 × 6-7 cm) was prefabricated distal to the connecting line between the mastoid and the sternoclavicular joint. After tumour resection, the flap was used to repair the postoperative defect. Fifteen cases of laryngopharyngeal malignant tumours were repaired using the extended submental perforator flap with the vascular pedicle located on the opposite side of the tumour body. Two cases of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumours were repaired using the extended submental perforator flap combined with the temporalis muscle flap. The soft palate was completely removed in two patients with soft palate cancer and repaired using the folded extended submental perforator flap. RESULTS: Before the surgery, the reflux vein was observed by neck-enhanced CT, including 12 cases returning to the internal jugular vein and 7 cases to the external jugular vein. All 19 cases in which flaps were used survived, and 1 case had a postoperative infection. All the patients had nasal feeding removed after surgery. The tracheal cannula was removed from the patients with laryngeal preservation, and the pronunciation was satisfactory. Among them, patients with soft palate cancer repair had mild nasal reflux symptoms with smooth breathing. During the follow-up period of 4-24 months, 18 patients had no tumour recurrence or metastasis, and 1 patient had cervical lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the use of a submental perforator flap distal to the connecting line between the mastoid and the sternoclavicular joint to repair postoperative defects for upper airway malignancy as an innovative surgical approach that provides more tissue and good arteriovenous blood supply to adjacent sites. This method has high clinical value and provides an effective option for repairing postoperative defects of upper airway malignancy.