Development and validation of a novel disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs signature in patients with HPV-negative oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Disulfidptosis is a recently identified mode of regulated cell death. Regulating disulfidptosis in carcinoma is a promising therapeutic approach. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be related to the occurrence and development of many cancers. Disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs (DRLs) in HPV-negative oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have not been studied. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to identify overall survival related DRLs and construct the signature. Kaplan-Meier, time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and principal component analyses (PCA) were explored to demonstrate the prediction potential of the signature. Subgroup analysis stratified by different clinicopathological characteristics were conducted. Nomogram was established by DRLs signature and independent clinicopathological characteristics. The calibration plots were performed to reveal the accuracy of nomogram. Immune cell subset infiltration, immunotherapy response, drug sensitivity analysis, and tumor mutation burden (TMB) were conducted. Underlying functions and pathways were explored by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis. Previous lncRNA signatures of OSCC were retrieved from PubMed for further validation. Gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE41613 and GSE85446) were merged as an external validation for DRLs signature. Consensus clustering analysis of DRLs signature and experimental validation of DRLs were also explored. This research sheds light on the robust performance of DRLs signature in survival prediction, immune cell infiltration, immune escape, and immunotherapy of HPV-negative OSCC.

ATP2C1 knockdown induces abnormal expressions of cytoskeletal and tight junction proteins mimicking Hailey-Hailey disease.

Background Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) is a rare, autosomal dominant, hereditary skin disorder characterised by epidermal acantholysis. The HHD-associated gene ATPase calcium-transporting type 2C member 1 (ATP2C1) encodes the protein secretory pathway Ca2+ ATPase1 (SPCA1), playing a critical role in HHD pathogenesis. Aims We aimed to investigate the effect of ATP2C1 knockdown on keratinocytes that mimicked acantholysis in HHD. Methods Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to evaluate the levels of cytoskeletal and tight junction proteins such as SPCA1, P-cofilin, F-actin, claudins, occludin, and zonula occludens 1 in the skin biopsies of patients with HHD. Subsequently, the expression of these proteins in cultured ATP2C1 knockdown keratinocytes was analysed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, we assessed the proliferation, apoptosis, and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in the ATP2C1-knocked keratinocytes. Results The results showed decreased levels of these proteins (SPCA1, P-cofilin, F-actin, claudins, occluding, and zonula occludens 1) in HHD skin lesions. Moreover, their levels decreased in human keratinocytes transfected with ATP2C1 short hairpin RNA, accompanied by morphological acantholysis. Furthermore, the proliferation and apoptosis of the keratinocytes, as well as intracellular calcium concentrations in these cells, were not affected. Limitations The limitations of this study are the absence of animal experiments and the failure to explore the relationship between skeletal and tight junction proteins. Conclusion The present study indicated that ATP2C1 inhibition led to abnormal levels of the cytoskeletal and tight junction proteins in the keratinocytes. Therefore, keratinocytes can mimic HHD-like acantholysis and serve as an in vitro model, helping develop treatment strategies against HHD.

Identification and analysis of UGT genes associated with triterpenoid saponin in soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.).

BACKGROUND: Soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi) is an economically important multifunctional tree species. Triterpenoid saponins have many functions in soapberry. However, the types of uridine diphosphate (UDP) glucosyltransferases (UGTs) involved in the synthesis of triterpenoid saponins in soapberry have not been clarified. RESULTS: In this study, 42 SmUGTs were identified in soapberry, which were unevenly distributed on 12 chromosomes and had sequence lengths of 450 bp to 1638 bp, with an average of 1388 bp. The number of amino acids in SmUGTs was 149 to 545, with an average of 462. Most SmUGTs were acidic and hydrophilic unstable proteins, and their secondary structures were mainly α-helices and random coils. All had conserved UDPGT and PSPG-box domains. Phylogenetic analysis divided them into four subclasses, which glycosylated different carbon atoms. Prediction of cis-acting elements suggested roles of SmUGTs in plant development and responses to environmental stresses. The expression patterns of SmUGTs differed according to the developmental stage of fruits, as determined by transcriptomics and RT-qPCR. Co-expression network analysis of SmUGTs and related genes/transcription factors in the triterpenoid saponin synthesis pathway was also performed. The results indicated potential roles for many transcription factors, such as SmERFs, SmGATAs and SmMYBs. A correlation analysis showed that 42 SmUGTs were crucial in saponin synthesis in soapberry. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest optimal targets for manipulating glycosylation in soapberry triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis; they also provide a theoretical foundation for further evaluation of the functions of SmUGTs and analyses of their biosynthetic mechanisms.

Systematic analysis for clinical characteristics and outcomes of IgG4-related disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: To systematically describe clinical characteristics and investigate factors associated with COVID-19-related infection, hospital admission, and IgG4-related disease relapse in IgG4-RD patients. METHODS: Physician-reported IgG4-RD patients were included in this retrospective study. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine factors for primary outcome (COVID-19-related IgG4-RD relapse) and secondary outcome (COVID-19-related infection and hospital admission). Covariates included age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, comorbidities, IgG4-RD clinical features, and treatment strategies. RESULTS: Among 649 patients, 530 had a diagnosis of COVID-19, 25 had COVID-19-related hospital admission, and 69 had COVID-19-related IgG4-RD relapse. Independent factors associated with COVID-19 infection were age (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1.00), body mass index (1.10, 1.03-1.18), and tofacitinib (0.34, 0.14-0.79). Further analysis indicated that age (1.10, 1.03-1.16), coronary heart disease (24.38, 3.33-178.33), COVID-19-related dyspnea (7.11, 1.85-27.34), pulmonary infection (73.63, 16.22-4615.34), and methotrexate (17.15, 1.93-157.79) were associated with a higher risk of COVID-19-related hospital admission. Importantly, age (0.93, 0.89-0.98), male sex (0.16, 0.03-0.80), ever/current smoking (19.23, 3.78-97.80), COVID-19-related headache (2.98, 1.09-8.17) and psychiatric symptoms (3.12, 1.07-9.10), disease activity before COVID-19 (1.89, 1.02-3.51), number of involved organs (1.38, 1.08-1.76), glucocorticoid dosage (1.08, 1.03-1.13), and methotrexate (5.56, 1.40-22.08) were strong factors for COVID-19-related IgG4-RD relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Our data add to evidence that smoking and disease-specific factors (disease activity, number of involved organs, and specific medications) were risk factors of COVID-19-related IgG4-RD relapse. The results highlight the importance of adequate disease control with b/tsDMARDs, preferably without using methotrexate and increasing glucocorticoid dosages in the COVID-19 era. Key Points • COVID-19-related infection or hospital admission were associated with known general factors (age, body mass index, specific comorbidities and methotrexate) among IgG4-RD patients. • Smoking and disease-specific factors (disease activity, number of involved organs and specific medications) were associated with higher odds of COVID-19-related IgG4-RD relapse. • The results highlight the importance of adequate disease control with b/tsDMARDs, preferably without using methotrexate or increasing glucocorticoid dosages.

Luminescence enhancement through co-sensitization in lanthanide composites for efficient photocatalysis.

Lanthanide-doped nanocrystals that convert near-infrared (NIR) irradiation into shorter wavelength emission (ultraviolet-C) offer many exciting opportunities for biomedicine, bioimaging, and environmental catalysis. However, developing lanthanide-doped nanocrystals with high UVC brightness for efficient photocatalysis is a formidable challenge due to the complexity of the multiphoton process. Here, we report a series of heterogeneous core-multishell structures based on a co-sensitization strategy with multi-band enhanced emission profiles under 980 nm excitation. Interestingly, the multiphoton processes involving two to six-photon upconversion are highly promoted via a co-sensitization strategy. More importantly, through growth layers of TiO2 and CdS photocatalysts, these lanthanide nanocomposites with efficient multi-upconverted emission show efficient photocatalytic activity. This study provides a new perspective for mechanistic understanding of multiphoton processes in heterostructures and also offers exciting opportunities for highly efficient photocatalytic applications.

Effect of light treatmeat on oxidation and flavour of dry-cured Wuchang fish.

Lighting conditions are an important factor affecting dry-cured products. This study investigated the effects of treatments with different light intensities (0 lx, 1000 lx, 25000 lx) and different light sources including red light, blue light, UV-light on oxidation leve and flavor change in dry-cured Wuchang fish. The results showed that dry-cured Wuchang fish exhibited an attractive brown-yellow color, the highest oxidation degree of myoglobin (Mb), the highest fat oxidation under the light conditions of 25000 lx light intensity and UV-light irradiation. This phenomenon was observed that the degree of Mb oxidation was increased, while the degree of fat oxidation was increased. At 25000 lx light intensity and UV-light irradiation, dry-cured Wuchang fish showed an ignificantly decreased fatty acid conten (especially oleic acid and linoleic acid), significantly increased characteristic volatile compound contents (22 for 25,000 lx light intensity and 27 for UV-light irradiation), which contributed to the improvement of quality stability of dry-cured Wuchang fish. Our findings provide theoretical support for the industrial application of exogenous light in dry-cured Wuchang fish.

Metabolomics, volatolomics, and bioinformatics analyses of the effects of ultra-high pressure pretreatment on taste and flavour parameters of cured Culter alburnus.

The effects of ultra-high pressure (UHP) pretreatment (50-250 MPa) on the fish curing were studied. UHP increased the overall volatile compound concentration of cured fish. Among 50-250 MPa five treatment groups, 150 MPa UHP group exhibited the highest total free amino acid content (294.34 mg/100 g) with that of the control group being 92.39 mg/100 g. The activity of cathepsin L was increased under 50-200 MPa UHP treatment (62.28-58.15 U/L), compared with that in the control group (53.80 U/L). UHP treatment resulted in a significant increase in small molecule compounds, especially the amino acid dipeptides and ATP metabolic products. Under UHP treatments, the bacterial phyla Actinobacteriota (1.04-5.25 %), Bacteroidota (0.20-4.47 %), and Deinococcota (0.00-0.05 %) exhibited an increased abundance, and they promoted taste and flavor formation. Our results indicated that UHP is a promising pretreatment method to improve taste and flavour in cured fish by affecting the microorganisms, cathepsin, and proteins.

Visible light-induced photocatalytic and antibacterial adhesion properties of superhydrophilic TiO2 nanoparticles.

Bacterial infections triggered by patient or healthcare worker contact with surfaces are a major cause of medically acquired infections. By controlling the kinetics of tetrabutyl titanate hydrolysis and condensation during the sol-gel process, it is possible to regulate the content of Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies (OVs) in TiO2, and adjust the associated visible light-induced photocatalytic performance and anti-bacterial adhesion properties. The results have shown that the Ti3+ content in TiO2 was 9.87% at the calcination temperature of the reaction system was 300 °C and pH was 1.0, corresponding to optimal photocatalytic and hydrophilic properties. The formation of a hydrated layer on the superhydrophilic surface provided resistance to bacterial adhesion, preventing cross-contamination on high-touch surfaces. The excellent photocatalytic self-cleaning performance and anti-bacterial adhesion properties can be attributed to synergistic effects associated with the high specific surface area of TiO2 nanoparticles, the mesoporous structure, and the presence of Ti3+ and OVs. The formation of superhydrophilic self-cleaning surfaces under visible light can serve as the basis for the development of a new class of anti-bacterial adhesion materials.

CD8 T cell-derived perforin regulates macrophage-mediated inflammation in a murine model of gout.

OBJECTIVES: Gout is characterized by hyperuricemia and recurrent inflammatory episodes caused by intra-articular crystal deposition of monosodium urate (MSU). There is a clear relationship between gout and metabolic syndrome. Recent evidence indicates that perforin plays a role in regulating glucose homeostasis and provides protection in diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis models. However, the impact of perforin on immune inflammation in gout remains unclear. METHODS: We induced acute gout models in both wild-type (WT) mice and Prf1null mice by administering intra-articular injections of MSU crystals. We compared the ankle joint swelling and the histological score between the two groups. Furthermore, we investigated underlying mechanisms through in vitro co-culture experiments involving CD8 T cells and macrophages. RESULTS: In this study, Prf1null mice showed significantly more pronounced ankle swelling with increased inflammatory cell infiltrations compared with WT mice 24 h after local MSU injection. Moreover, MSU-induced Prf1null mice exhibited increased accumulation of CD8 T cells but not NK cells. Perforin-deficient CD8 T cells displayed reduced cytotoxicity towards bone marrow-derived M0 and M1 macrophages and promoted TNF-α secretion from macrophage. CONCLUSIONS: Perforin from CD8 T cells limits joint inflammation in mice with acute gout by downregulating macrophage-mediated inflammation. Key Points • Perforin deficiency increased swelling in the ankle joints of mice upon MSU injection. • Perforin deficiency is associated with increased immune cell recruitment and severe joint damage in gout. • Perforin regulated CD8 T cell accumulation in gout and promoted CD8 T cell cytotoxicity towards M0 and M1 macrophages. • CD8 T cell-derived perforin regulated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion of macrophage.

Diagnostic value of a novel salivary gland ultrasound scoring system in IgG4-related sialadenitis.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a novel ultrasound scoring system for the major salivary glands in patients with immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) and assess its diagnostic value in a multicenter cohort of Chinese patients. METHODS: Twenty clinicians (rheumatologists, stomatologists, and radiologists) participated. The study was conducted in four steps: (1) defining the ultrasonography (US) elements, (2) developing a novel ultrasound scoring system for US of the salivary glands, (3) evaluation of inter- and intra-reader reliabilities using the new ultrasound scoring system, and (4) assessing the diagnostic value of this novel ultrasound scoring system in IgG4-RS patients in a Chinese multicenter cohort. RESULTS: A novel ultrasound scoring system for the salivary glands was developed, with total scores ranging from 0 to 34. The inter- and intra-reader reliabilities of the ultrasound scoring system were excellent (0.972 and 0.940, respectively). A total of 470 people were recruited in this study; 187 patients were diagnosed with IgG4-RS, and the remaining 283 people were diagnosed with non-IgG4-RS. Patients with IgG4-RS had significantly higher US scores than the non-IgG4-RS group (mean US score=16 vs. 4, P < 0.001). The calculated area under the curve (AUC) for the total US score was 0.852 (95% CI: 0.814-0.891). The total US scores≥9 showed a sensitivity of 75.4% and a specificity of 91.9%. Association analysis showed a positive correlation between total US scores and serum IgG4 levels and hypocomplementemia (r=0.221, r=0.349; P = 0.002) and a negative correlation between total US scores and serum C3 and C4 levels (r=-0.210, r=-0.303; P = 0.005, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A novel semiquantitative ultrasound scoring system for patients with IgG4-RS was developed, with good diagnostic performance. The inter- and intra-reader reliabilities were excellent. US scores were correlated with IgG4, C3, and C4 levels and hypocomplementemia.

Rh family C glycoprotein contributes to psoriatic inflammation through regulating the dysdifferentiation and cytokine secretion of keratinocytes.

BACKGROUND: Keratinocyte dysdifferentiation and proinflammatory cytokine production play a central role in psoriatic inflammation. According to recent studies, the Rh family C glycoprotein (RHCG) enhances cell proliferation and disrupts cell differentiation. However, the specific role of RHCG psoriasis development remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We here explored the effect of RHCG on keratinocytes under psoriatic inflammation. METHODS: The cell counting kit­8 assay was conducted to assess proliferation. RHCG protein expression was assessed through western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines and differentiation markers was analyzed through a quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Both RHCG mRNA and protein levels increased in psoriatic skin. Notably, cultured keratinocytes treated with an M5 cocktail, which mimics psoriatic inflammation, exhibited higher RHCG expression. Furthermore, RHCG overexpression promoted keratinocyte proliferation, accompanied by an increase in the production of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α. RHCG overexpression also resulted in higher expression of keratin 17, a differentiation marker. Conversely, RHCG gene knockdown reduced keratinocyte proliferation and cytokine secretion. RHCG inhibition in cells recovered both keratin 1 and loricrin expression. Additionally, RHCG overexpression facilitated the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase signaling pathways. Importantly, when these signaling pathways were inhibited, the effect of RHCG on keratinocytes was attenuated. CONCLUSION: These findings support the substantial role of RHCG in psoriatic inflammation development and suggest that RHCG serves as a potential target for psoriasis treatment.

Anti-DNA antibody-targeted D-peptide nanoparticles ameliorate lupus nephritis in MRL/lpr mice.

Peptide ALW (ALWPPNLHAWVP) targeting anti-dsDNA antibodies has shown promising therapeutic effects in alleviating lupus nephritis, but is potentially limited by poor stability and non-kidney targeting. We recently developed a D-form modified ALW, called D-ALW, which has the capacity to widely inhibit pathogenic polyclonal anti-dsDNA antibody reactions. Further modification of D-ALW using PEG-PLGA nanoparticles to enhance good kidney-targeting ability and extend half-life. Here, we demonstrate that the D-form modified ALW maintains higher binding and inhibition efficiencies and achieves higher stability. Most importantly, D-ALW nanoparticles exhibit excellent kidney-targeting ability and prolong the half-life of the peptides in BALB/c mice. Additionally, compared to D-ALW, D-ALW nanoparticles significantly reduce the glomerular deposition of IgG and C3, improve renal histopathologies, such as glomerular proliferation and inflammatory cells infiltration, and markedly prolong lifespan in MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice. Overall, these results establish that the D-ALW nanoparticles offer synergistic benefits in both safety and efficacy, providing long-term renal preservation and treatment advantages in lupus nephritis.

Identifying the personal characteristics of decent work perception for nursing students in China using latent profile analysis.

BACKGROUND: Given the importance of perceptions of decent work for nursing students' future career choices, we attempted to determine potential classifications and characteristics of nursing students' perceptions of decent work so that targeted interventions could be developed. METHODS: A convenience sample of 1004 s- to fourth-year nursing students completed the General Information Questionnaire, Self-Regulatory Fatigue Scale, Occupational Identity Questionnaire, and Decent Work Perceptions Scale in a cross-sectional survey in Heilongjiang Province, China, resulting in 630 valid questionnaires with a valid return rate of 62.75%. Nursing students' perceptions of decent work were defined using descriptive and regression analysis. RESULTS: Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified three subgroups: low perceived decent work group, medium perceived decent work group, and high perceived decent work group, accounting for 4.76%, 69.37%, and 25.87% of the sample, respectively. The results of unordered multiclass logistic regression show that nursing students with relatively low levels of perceived decent work are more likely to have a low professional identity, a lack of respect for nursing seniors, an involuntary choice of nursing major, and a low family income. CONCLUSION: Different types of nursing students have different perceptions of decent work, and these universities and related departments can use different educational guidance strategies.

Pediatric Pterygopalatine Fossa Schwannoma Presenting as Vision Loss: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Neurosynovial tumors, originating from Schwann cells within nerve sheaths, are benign entities, with 25% to 45% manifesting in the head and neck region. However, occurrences in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) are exceptionally rare, and only a handful of cases have been documented. In this report, we present the unique case of a 6-year-old child exhibiting a sizable soft tissue mass in the left PPF, extending into the inferior orbital fissure. The patient underwent successful intranasal endoscopic removal of PPF schwannoma utilizing the prelacrimal recess approach, with postoperative pathology confirming the diagnosis of schwannoma. Schwannomas within the PPF are particularly uncommon, and instances of such tumors in pediatric patients are even more exceptional. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with PPF schwannomas in children, emphasizing the significance of a multidisciplinary approach for optimal management. In addition, a comprehensive literature review is presented to provide insights into the existing knowledge on this rare entity, further contributing to the understanding of pediatric PPF schwannomas.

Atomically dispersed dual-atom catalysts: A new rising star in environmental remediation.

Single-atom catalysts, characterized by individual metal atoms as active centers, have emerged as promising candidates owing to their remarkable catalytic efficiency, maximum atomic utilization efficiency, and robust stability. However, the limitation of single-atom catalysts lies in their inability to cater to multistep reactions using a solitary active site. Introducing an additional metal atom can amplify the number of active sites, modulate the electronic structure, bolster adsorption ability, and enable a gamut of core reactions, thus augmenting their catalytic prowess. As such, dual-atom catalysts have risen to prominence. However, a comprehensive review elucidating the realm of dual-atom catalysts in environmental remediation is currently lacking. This review endeavors to bridge this gap, starting with a discourse on immobilization techniques for dual-atom catalysts, which includes configurations such as adjacent atoms, bridged atoms, and co-facially separated atoms. The review then delves into the intrinsic activity mechanisms of these catalysts, elucidating aspects like adsorption dynamics, electronic regulation, and synergistic effects. Following this, a comprehensive summarization of dual-atom catalysts for environmental applications is provided, spanning electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and Fenton-like reactions. Finally, the existing challenges and opportunities in the field of dual-atom catalysts are extensively discussed. This work aims to be a beacon, illuminating the path towards the evolution and adoption of dual-atom catalysts in environmental remediation.

Genetic Contributions to Attachment Stability Over Time: the Roles of CRHR1 Polymorphisms.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1), a hormone receptor essential to the activation of HPA axis and the subsequent release of cortisol, plays critical roles in emotional and behavioral responses relevant to attachment. However, the specific roles of CRHR1 polymorphisms in attachment remain unclear. To further clarify these genetic effects, this research conducted a three-wave study to investigate whether the CRHR1 polymorphisms (i.e., rs110402 and rs242924) are associated with the stability and variability of attachment by using a sample of freshmen (N = 604; Mage = 18.57 years, SD = 1.90; 68.8% girls). The results showed that rs110402 and rs242924 were associated with the stability of closeness-dependence. The G alleles of the both polymorphisms were found not to be related to lower attachment stability. However, these polymorphisms were not associated with the variability of attachment. Overall, these findings provide evidence for the contribution of CRHR1 to attachment stability.

Molecular oxygen activation: Innovative techniques for environmental remediation.

Molecular oxygen as a green, non-toxic, and inexpensive oxidant has displayed numerous advantages compared with other oxidants for more sustainable and environmentally benign pollutant degradation. Molecular oxygen activation stands as a groundbreaking approach in advanced oxidation processes, offering efficient environmental remediation with minimal environmental impact with the production of high-oxidation reactive oxygen species (ROS). The adaptability and energy efficiency of molecular oxygen activation significantly contribute to the progression of sustainable water remediation technologies. This review meticulously explores the principles and mechanisms of molecular oxygen activation, shedding light on the diverse ROS production pathways. Subsequently, this review comprehensively details contemporary activation approaches, including photocatalytic activation, electrocatalytic activation, piezoelectric activation, and photothermal activation, explicating their distinct activation mechanisms. Additionally, it delves into the promising applications of molecular oxygen activation in the degradation of water pollutants, primary air pollutants, and volatile organic compounds, providing an in-depth analysis of the associated degradation pathways and mechanisms. Moreover, this review also addresses the imminent challenges and emerging opportunities in environmental remediation. It is envisioned that this comprehensive analysis will spur ongoing exploration and innovation in the use of molecular oxygen activation for environmental remediation and beyond.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on peelability and quality of crayfish(Procambarus clarkii).

BACKGROUND: Peeling of crayfish is a very important process in production. Crayfish peeling by machine can increase production efficiency and enhance safety in the production process. The tight muscle-shell attachment causes difficulty in peeling freshly caught crayfish. However, few studies have explored the changes in crayfish quality under favorable shell-loosening treatments. RESULTS: In this study, the shell-loosening properties of crayfish and changes in crayfish quality, microstructure and protein fluorescent features were investigated after high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment. New methods were established to measure the peeling performance of crayfish, which are peelability and meat yield rate (MYR). The normalization of peelability and MYR were verified by different weights of crayfish tails and different treatments. The peeling effect of HHP-treated crayfish was evaluated by a new quantitative measurement method, and MYR was calculated. The results showed that all the HHP treatments reduced crayfish peeling work and increased MYR. The HHP treatment provided better crayfish quality in terms of texture and color and enlarged the shell-loosening gap. Among all HHP treatments, 200 MPa treatment exhibited lower peeling work, higher MYR and an expansion of the shell-loosening gap, reaching up to 573.8 µm. At the same time, 200 MPa treatment could maintain crayfish quality. CONCLUSION: The findings outlined above suggest that high pressure is a promising method for loosening crayfish shells. 200 MPa is an optimal HHP treatment condition for crayfish peeling, exhibiting a promising application in industrial processing. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Construction and validation of a prognostic signature based on seven endoplasmic reticulum stress-related lncRNAs for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) occurs when misfolded or unfolded proteins accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and it is often observed in tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Relevant studies have demonstrated the prognostic significance of ERS-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in various cancers. However, the relationship between ERS and lncRNAs in HNSCC has received limited attention in previous studies. In this study, we aimed to develop an ERS-related lncRNAs prognostic model using correlation analysis, Cox regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The survival and predictive ability of this model were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC), while nomograms and calibration curves were constructed. Then, functional enrichment analyses, tumor mutation burden (TMB), tumor infiltration of immune cells, single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA), and drug sensitivity analysis were performed. Additionally, we conducted a consensus cluster analysis to compare differences between subtypes of tumors. Finally, we validated the expression of the ERS-related lncRNAs that constructed prognostic risk score model in HNSCC tissues through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). We developed a prognostic signature based on seven ERS-related lncRNAs, which showed better predictive performance than other clinicopathological features. The high-risk poor prognosis group had a poorer prognosis in comparison to the low-risk good prognosis. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) predicted by this model for 3-year survival rates of HNSCC patients was 0.805. Enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes were primarily enriched in pathways related to immune responses and signal transduction. Low-risk patients had lower TMB, more immune cell infiltrations, and enhanced anti-tumor immunity. Cluster analysis indicated that cluster 3 may have a better prognosis and immunotherapy effect. In addition, the result of qRT-PCR was consistent with our analysis. This prognostic model based on seven ERS-related lncRNAs is a promising tool for risk stratification, survival prediction, and immune cell infiltration status assessment.

A Rare Case of Sinonasal Pleomorphic Adenoma.

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most prevalent benign tumor of the salivary glands, characterized by both epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation. It primarily originates within the parotid and submandibular glands, with only rare occurrences in the minor salivary glands. PA in the sinonasal area is extremely rare. Herein, we present a case of a 61-year-old female with a large soft tissue mass in the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity, as evidenced by computed tomography imaging. The patient suffered from repeated nasal congestion for more than 6 months. Eventually, the mass was completely resected using an endoscopic endonasal prelacrimal approach under general anesthesia. Postoperative pathological examination revealed the presence of PA in the nasal sinus.