Modifying carbon dots with L-phenylalanine for rapid discrimination of tryptophan enantiomers.

New chiral carbon dots (CDs), L-PCDs, for discriminating tryptophan (Trp) enantiomers were prepared in this work. Firstly, original CDs were synthesized through a hydrothermal method using pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid and o-phenylenediamine as raw materials. Then, the surface of original CDs was modified with L-phenylalanine to create chiral fluorescent carbon L-PCDs. In the presence of D-Trp, the fluorescence intensity of L-PCDs decreased significantly while it remained unchanged in the presence of L-Trp. The chiral sensing system used in this study has a rapid response time of 3 minutes and can identify enantiomers with an enantioselectivity (ID/IL) of up to 3.3. For D-Trp, a good linear relationship can be obtained in the range of 0.3-4.2 mM with a limit of detection of 0.06 mM. This sensor allows for both quantitative detection of D-Trp and determination of enantiomeric percentage in the racemate. The chiral recognition mechanism is attributed to the different interaction between D-/L-Trp and L-PCDs.

Evolutionary screening of precision oncology biomarkers and its applications in prognostic model construction.

Biomarker screening is critical for precision oncology. However, one of the main challenges in precision oncology is that the screened biomarkers often fail to achieve the expected clinical effects and are rarely approved by regulatory authorities. Considering the close association between cancer pathogenesis and the evolutionary events of organisms, we first explored the evolutionary feature underlying clinically approved biomarkers, and two evolutionary features of approved biomarkers (Ohnologs and specific evolutionary stages of genes) were identified. Subsequently, we utilized evolutionary features for screening potential prognostic biomarkers in four common cancers: head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, liver hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and lung squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, we constructed an evolution-strengthened prognostic model (ESPM) for cancers. These models can predict cancer patients' survival time across different cancer cohorts effectively and perform better than conventional models. In summary, our study highlights the application potentials of evolutionary information in precision oncology biomarker screening.

Effect of decentration and tilt on the in vitro optical quality of monofocal and trifocal intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the effect of decentration and tilt on the optical quality of monofocal and trifocal intraocular lenses (IOL). METHODS: Optical quality of a monofocal IOL (AcrySof IQ SN60WF; Alcon Laboratories, Inc., USA) and a trifocal IOL (AcrySof IQ PanOptix; Alcon Laboratories, Inc., USA) was assessed using an in vitro optical bench (OptiSpheric IOL R&D; Trioptics GmbH, Germany). At apertures of 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm, modulation transfer function (MTF) at spatial frequency of 50 lp/mm, MTF curve and the United States Air Force (USAF) resolution test chart of the two IOLs were measured and compared at their focus with different degrees of decentration and tilt. Optical quality at infinity, 60 cm and 40 cm and the through-focus MTF curves were compared when the two IOLs were centered at apertures of 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm. Spectral transmittance of the two IOLs was measured by the UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV 3300 PC; MAPADA, China). RESULTS: The SN60WF and the PanOptix filtered blue light from 400 to 500 nm. Both IOLs at the far focus and the PanOptix at the intermediate focus showed a decrease in optical quality with increasing decentration and tilt. The PanOptix demonstrated enhanced optical quality compared to the previous gradient at the near focus at a decentration range of 0.3-0.7 mm with a 3.0 mm aperture, and 0.5 mm with a 4.5 mm aperture, whereas other conditions exhibited diminished optical quality with increasing decentration and tilt at the focus of both IOLs. When the two IOLs were centered, the SN60WF had better optical quality at infinity, while the PanOptix had better optical quality at 60 cm and 40 cm defocus. The optical quality of the SN60WF exceeded that of the PanOptix at far focus, with a 3 mm aperture decentration up to 0.7 mm and a 4.5 mm aperture decentration up to 0.3 mm; this observation held true for all tilts, irrespective of aperture size. As both decentration and tilt increased, the optical quality of the SN60WF deteriorated more rapidly than that of the PanOptix at the far focal point. CONCLUSIONS: The SN60WF showed a decrease in optical quality with increasing decentration and tilt. Optical quality of the PanOptix at the near focus increased in some decentration conditions and decreased in some conditions, while it showed a decrease at the other focuses with increasing decentration. While tilt only had a negative effect on optical quality. When both IOLs were centered, the PanOptix provided a wider range of vision, while the SN60WF provided better far distance vision. At the far focus, the SN60WF has better resistance to tilt than the PanOptix, but the optical quality degrades more quickly when decentered and tilted.

Construction and application of NiCo2O4@MnS composite with hierarchical structure for hybrid supercapacitor.

The development of an electrochemical energy storage system with exceptional performance is an important way to address the energy crisis and environmental pollution of the modem world. In this study, an NiCo2O4@MnS composite with a unique hierarchical structure has been successfully synthesized on an NF substrate using the hydrothermal-electrodeposition method. The results indicate that NiCo2O4@MnS possesses superior specific capacitance and excellent cycling stability. At a current density of 2 A g-1, its specific capacitance can reach 2100 F g-1, while the capacitance retention is still 76% after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g-1. Moreover, when the current density is 1 A g-1, the assembled NiCo2O4@MnS//AC device can deliver a specific capacitance of 203 F g-1, and the energy density is up to 55 W h kg-1 at a power density of 697 W kg-1. These outstanding electrochemical properties of NiCo2O4@MnS can be ascribed to the increase in ion diffusion, specific surface area and electronic conductivity due to its unique hierarchical structure and introduction of MnS.

How to choose the intraocular lens power calculation formulas in eyes with extremely long axial length? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of 10 formulas for calculating intraocular lens (IOL) power in cataract eye with an axial length (AL) of more than 28.0 mm. METHODS: We searched scientific databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library for research published over the past 5 years, up to Sept 2023. The inclusion criteria were case series studies that compared different formulas (Barrett II, EVO, Kane, Hill-RBF, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, SRK/T, Holladay 1 w-k and SRK/T w-k), in patients with extremely long AL undergoing uncomplicated cataract surgery with IOL implantation. The mean difference (MD) of mean absolute error (MAE) and the odds ratio (OR) of both the percentage of eyes within ±0.50D of prediction error (PPE±0.50D) and the percentage of eyes within ±1.00D of prediction error (PPE±1.00D) among different formulas were pooled using meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies, involving 1376 eyes, were included to evaluate the 10 formulas mentioned above. Among these formulas, Barrett II, EVO, Kane, and Hill-RBF demonstrated significantly lower MAE values compared to SRK/T. Furthermore, Kane and Hill-RBF had lower MAE values than EVO. Additionally, Barrett II and Kane yielded significantly lower MAE values than Haigis while Hill-RBF showed significantly lower MAE values than Holladay 1. Moreover, Hill-RBF showed the highest values for both PPE±0.50D and PPE±1.00D, followed by Kane. Both EVO and Kane had higher values of PPE±0.50D and PPE±1.00D compared to Haigis and SRK/T. CONCLUSION: The Wang-Koch adjusted formulas and new-generation formulas have shown potential for higher accuracy in predicting IOL power for cataract patients with extremely long AL compared to traditional formulas. Based on the current limited clinical studies, Hill-RBF and Kane formulas seem to be a better choice for eyes with extremely long AL.

Fluorescent/Colorimetric Dual-Mode Discriminating Gln and Val Enantiomers Based on Carbon Dots.

Discrimination and quantification of amino acid (AA) enantiomers are particularly important for diagnosing and treating diseases. Recently, dual-mode probes have gained a lot of research interest because they can catch more detecting information compared with the single-mode probes. Thus, it is of great significance to develop a dual-mode sensor realizing AA enantiomer discrimination conveniently and efficiently. In this work, carbon dot L-TCDs were prepared by N-methyl-1,2-benzenediamine dihydrochloride (OTD) and l-tryptophan. With the assistance of H2O2, L-TCDs show an excellent discrimination performance for enantiomers of glutamine (Gln) and valine (Val) in both fluorescent and colorimetric modes. The fluorescence enantioselectivity of Gln (FD/FL) and Val (FL/FD) is 5.29 and 4.13, respectively, and the colorimetric enantioselectivity of Gln (ID/IL) and Val (IL/ID) is 13.26 and 3.42, individually. The chiral recognition mechanism of L-TCDs was systematically studied. L-TCDs can be etched by H2O2, and the participation of AA enantiomers results in different amounts of the released OTD, which provides fluorescent and colorimetric signals for identifying and quantifying the enantiomers of Gln and Val. This work provides a more convenient and flexible dual-mode sensing strategy for discriminating AA enantiomers, which is expected to be of great value in facile and high-throughput chiral recognition.

Single-cell RNA-seq and bulk-seq identify RAB17 as a potential regulator of angiogenesis by human dermal microvascular endothelial cells in diabetic foot ulcers.

Background: Angiogenesis is crucial in diabetic wound healing and is often impaired in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) are vital components in dermal angiogenesis; however, their functional and transcriptomic characteristics in DFU patients are not well understood. This study aimed to comprehensively analyse HDMECs from DFU patients and healthy controls and find the potential regulator of angiogenesis in DFUs. Methods: HDMECs were isolated from skin specimens of DFU patients and healthy controls via magnetic-activated cell sorting. The proliferation, migration and tube-formation abilities of the cells were then compared between the experimental groups. Both bulk RNA sequencing (bulk-seq) and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) were used to identify RAB17 as a potential marker of angiogenesis, which was further confirmed via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and least absolute shrink and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The role of RAB17 in angiogenesis was examined through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results: The isolated HDMECs displayed typical markers of endothelial cells. HDMECs isolated from DFU patients showed considerably impaired tube formation, rather than proliferation or migration, compared to those from healthy controls. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), fGSEA, and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) of bulk-seq and scRNA-seq indicated that angiogenesis was downregulated in DFU-HDMECs. LASSO regression identified two genes, RAB17 and CD200, as characteristic of DFU-HDMECs; additionally, the expression of RAB17 was found to be significantly reduced in DFU-HDMECs compared to that in the HDMECs of healthy controls. Overexpression of RAB17 was found to enhance angiogenesis, the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor A, and diabetic wound healing, partially through the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signalling pathway. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the impaired angiogenic capacity in DFUs may be related to the dysregulated expression of RAB17 in HDMECs. The identification of RAB17 as a potential molecular target provides a potential avenue for the treatment of impaired angiogenesis in DFUs.

Effect of optional biometric parameters in the Kane formula on intraocular lens power calculation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of the optional biometric parameters lens thickness (LT) and center corneal thickness (CCT) in the Kane formula on intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included consecutive cataract patients who received uncomplicated cataract surgery with IOL implantation from May to September 2022 were enrolled. The ocular biometric parameters were obtained using IOLMaster 700 and then inputted into online Kane formula calculator. The IOL power was calculated for targeting emmetropia and compared between groups: not omitting (NO) group, omitting LT and CCT (OLC) group, omitting LT (OL) group and omitting CCT (OC) group. Further, according to the axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and mean keratometry (Km), the eyes were divided into three subgroups, respectively. RESULTS: 1005 eyes of 1005 consecutive patients were included. There was no significant difference in IOL power between NO group and OC group (P = 0.064), and the median absolute difference (MedAD) was 0.05D. The IOL power in NO group showed significant differences from OLC group and OL group respectively (P < 0.001), and both MedAD values were 0.18D. Among AL subgroups, MedAD ranged from 0.06D to 0.35D in short eyes. Among ACD subgroups, the above values ranged from 0.06D to 0.23D in shallow ACD subgroup. Among Km subgroups, these values ranged from 0.05D to 0.31D in steep Km subgroup. CONCLUSION: The optional biometric parameter CCT has no effect on the calculation results of the Kane formula, whereas the parameter LT has a great influence on the Kane formula results for the IOL power calculation in cataract patients with short AL, shallow ACD and steep Km.

Mg doping of NiMn-LDH with a three-dimensional porous morphology for an efficient supercapacitor.

As a promising supercapacitor electrode material, NiMn-LDH has attracted great attention due to its high theoretical capacity and easy preparation. However, the development and application of NiMn-LDH in supercapacitors are limited because of its poor cycling stability and low electrical conductivity. To solve these problems, a NiMnMg-LDH with a three-dimensional porous morphology has been successfully fabricated by doping with Mg to improve its electrochemical properties. Experimental results indicate that NiMnMg-LDH-7 delivers a specific capacitance of 1772 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1. Moreover, it can still reach 1080 F g-1 when the current density is increased 10 times, suggesting excellent rate capability. The asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) NiMnMg-LDH-7//AC can provide a high energy density of 28 W h kg-1 at a power density of 700 W kg-1. Furthermore, the energy density can still reach 16 W h kg-1 even if the power density is increased to close to 3500 W kg-1. The capacity retention of this ASC device can reach 74% after 3000 cycles at a current density of 3 A g-1. These excellent properties of NiMnMg-LDH can be attributed to the obvious improvement of its specific surface area and electrical conductivity owing to doping with the element magnesium. We believe that this work could provide a new idea for the preparation of high-performance electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Correlation between cerebral cortex changes and clinical features in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with normal-appearing brain tissue: a case-control study.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. However, whether and how cortical changes occur in NMOSD with normal-appearing brain tissue, or whether any cortical changes correlate with clinical characteristics, is not completely clear. The current study recruited 43 patients with NMOSD who had normal-appearing brain tissue and 45 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and educational background from December 2020 to February 2022. A surface-based morphological analysis of high-resolution T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance images was used to calculate the cortical thickness, sulcal depth, and gyrification index. Analysis showed that cortical thickness in the bilateral rostral middle frontal gyrus and left superior frontal gyrus was lower in the patients with NMOSD than in the control participants. Subgroup analysis of the patients with NMOSD indicated that compared with those who did not have any optic neuritis episodes, those who did have such episodes exhibited noticeably thinner cortex in the bilateral cuneus, superior parietal cortex, and pericalcarine cortex. Correlation analysis indicated that cortical thickness in the bilateral rostral middle frontal gyrus was positively correlated with scores on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test and negatively correlated with scores on the Trail Making Test and the Expanded Disability Status Scale. These results are evidence that cortical thinning of the bilateral regional frontal cortex occurs in patients with NMOSD who have normal-appearing brain tissue, and that the degree of thinning is correlated with clinical disability and cognitive function. These findings will help improve our understanding of the imaging characteristics in NMOSD and their potential clinical significance.

The Mechanosensitive Piezo1 Channel Mediates Mechanochemical Transmission in Myopic Eyes.

Purpose: To identify the expression of the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in the retina of guinea pigs with form deprivation myopia (FDM) and to investigate mechanisms by which Piezo1 channels might regulate myopia. Method: Sixty 3-week-old guinea pigs were divided into four groups randomly: normal control, FDM, FDM + vehicle control (DMSO), and FDM + Piezo1 inhibitor (GsMTx4). Measurements of spherical equivalent (SE) and axial length (AL) of the guinea pig were taken using retinoscopy and A-scan ultrasound examination, respectively. Location of Piezo1 protein was determined using immunohistochemistry. The histological structure and thickness changes of the guinea pig retina were observed by hematoxylin and eosin. Expression of Piezo1 in the retina was detected using quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the retina were measured using flow cytometry. Result: After 4 weeks of form deprivation, the FDM group exhibited a significantly increased myopic degree and axial length compared with the normal control group (all P < 0.001), and had higher expression levels of Piezo1 and ROS than the normal control group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Piezo1 protein expression was down-regulated in guinea pigs given GsMTx4 compared with the DMSO group (P = 0.037). Additionally, the GsMTx4 group showed lower myopic degree (P < 0.001) and lower ROS levels (P = 0.019) compared with the DMSO group. Conclusions: The Piezo1 channel may be activated in the retinas of FDM guinea pigs and be involved in the development of myopia by regulating intraocular ROS levels.

All-trans retinoic acid regulates the expression of MMP-2 and TGF-ß2 via RDH5 in retinal pigment epithelium cells.

AIM: To investigate the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on retinol dehydrogenase 5 (RDH5), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and transforming growth factor-ß2 (TGF-ß2) transcription levels, and the effect of RDH5 on MMP-2 and TGF-ß2 in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. METHODS: After adult RPE cell line-19 (ARPE-19 cells) intervened with gradient concentrations of ATRA (0-20 µmol/L) for 24h, flow cytometry was used to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of cells in each group, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect RDH5, MMP-2 and TGF-ß2 mRNA expression. Then, after ARPE-19 cells transfected with three different siRNA targets for 48h, the RDH5 knockdown efficiency of each group and expression of MMP-2 and TGF-ß2 mRNA within them was detected by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Flow cytometry results showed that ATRA could inhibit the proliferation of RPE cells and promote the apoptosis of RPE cells, and the difference of apoptosis was statistically significant when the ATRA concentration exceeded 5 µmol/L and compared with the normal control group (P=0.027 and P=0.031, respectively). qRT-PCR results showed that ATRA could significantly inhibit the expression level of RDH5 mRNA (P<0.001) and promote the expression of MMP-2 and TGF-ß2 mRNA (P=0.03 and P<0.001, respectively) in a dose-dependent manner, especially when treated with 5 µmol/L ATRA. The knockdown efficiency of RDH5 siRNA varies with different targets, among which RDH5 siRNA-435 had the highest knockdown efficiency, i.e., more than 50% lower than that of the negative control group (P=0.02). When RDH5 was knocked down for 48h, the results of qRT-PCR showed that the expressions of MMP-2 and TGF-ß2 mRNA were significantly up-regulated (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: ATRA inhibits the expression of RDH5 and promotes MMP-2 and TGF-ß2, and further RDH5 knockdown significantly upregulates MMP-2 and TGF-ß2. These findings suggest that RDH5 may be involved in an epithelial-mesenchymal transition of RPE cells mediated by ATRA.

Endophytic Colletotrichum (Sordariomycetes, Glomerellaceae) species associated with Citrusgrandis cv. "Tomentosa" in China.

Colletotrichum species are well-known plant pathogens, saprobes, endophytes, human pathogens and entomopathogens. However, little is known about Colletotrichum as endophytes of plants and cultivars including Citrusgrandis cv. "Tomentosa". In the present study, 12 endophytic Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from this host in Huazhou, Guangdong Province (China) in 2019. Based on morphology and combined multigene phylogeny [nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh), chitin synthase 1 (chs-1), histone H3 (his3) actin (act), beta-tubulin (ß-tubulin) and glutamine synthetase (gs)], six Colletotrichum species were identified, including two new species, namely Colletotrichumguangdongense and C.tomentosae. Colletotrichumasianum, C.plurivorum, C.siamense and C.tainanense are identified as being the first reports on C.grandis cv. "Tomentosa" worldwide. This study is the first comprehensive study on endophytic Colletotrichum species on C.grandis cv. "Tomentosa" in China.

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor mediates neovascularization in acellular dermal matrix-transplanted areas by promoting endothelial progenitor cell homing.

Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is an ideal material for tissue engineering skin construction. Accelerating the vascularization of ADM is of great significance for improving the survival of skin transplantation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the function of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs)-mediated neovascularization in ADM-transplanted skin area. Male Kunming mice were subcutaneous injected with 10 µg/kg GCSF at 5 days before skin in situ replantation or porcine ADM transplantation. The surrounding tissues of implanted skin or venous blood was collected from the mice before the operation, and after the operation for 48 h, 72 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks, respectively. Cells co-expressing EPC markers, CD133, CD34, and Flk-1 were detected by flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry of BrdU was performed to evaluate neovascularization in ADM-transplanted skin area. The results showed that G-CSF treatment increased the number of CD133+-CD34+ cells and CD133+-Flk-1+ cells in ADMimplanted area as well as the number of CD34+-Flk-1+ cells in peripheral blood. Likewise, G-CSF also increased the number of capillaries in ADM-transplanted areas. To sum up, G-CSF mobilizes EPC migration from bone marrow to peripheral blood and homing to wound sites, thus inducing neovascularization in ADM-transplanted areas.

Modified hydrodissection as a safe and effective treatment modality for rotating lens in cataract surgery.

We describe in this article an effective and safe modification of hydrodissection technique in cataract surgery. The hydrodissection cannula tip is inserted into the capsulorhexis edge near the primary incision, with the cannula elbow resisting on the upper lip of the primary incision. Hydrodissection is then completed effectively and safely by squirting fluid to cleave the lens and capsular. This modified hydrodissection technique can be performed with high reproducibility and in a short practice period.

The activation of FPR3/PKA/Rap1/ERK1/2 and FPR3/p-IκB/NF-κB axis in fibroblasts promote capsular contracture after rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture may occur after rhinoplasty due to rejection of silicone implants by the immune system. Our previous high-throughput sequencing of RNA in nasal capsular contracture tissue revealed that FPR3 was significantly increased in grade IV capsular contracture tissue, compared with grade II. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to elucidate the effect and specific mechanism of FPR3 on capsular formation and contracture following rhinoplasty. METHODS: Using the GeneMANIA Database, the genes involved with FPR3 expression were searched, and the Gene Ontology analysis was performed to annotate the biological functions of the aforementioned genes. The mRNA and protein expressions of related genes in fibroblasts and capsular contracture tissues were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemical staining. CCK-8 was used to determine the viability of cells. The migration capacity of fibroblasts was assessed using a wound healing assay. ELISA was used to detect levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6. RESULTS: After rhinoplasty, the expression of FPR3 in the capsular tissue increased in proportion to the degree of contracture. By activating the PKA/Rap1/ERK1/2 axis, overexpression of FPR3 can significantly increase the cell viability of fibroblasts and promote their transformation into myofibroblasts. Moreover, FPR3 phosphorylates IκB to decrease NF-κB inhibition, thereby promoting the synthesis and release of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6. CONCLUSION: FPR3 is a crucial molecule that causes capsular development and contracture following rhinoplasty. In the future, local suppression of FPR3 may be an effective treatment for relieving capsular contracture.

Surgical amputation for patients with diabetic foot ulcers: A Chinese expert panel consensus treatment guide.

Background: Diabetic foot disease is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Patients with diabetes mellitus have a 25% lifetime risk for developing a foot ulcer, and between 14% and 24% of patients require a major or minor lower limb amputation due to severe gangrene. However, decisions concerning whether to amputate or whether to perform a major or minor lower limb amputation, and how best to determine the amputation plane remain unclear. Methods: To consolidate the current literature with expert opinion to make recommendations that will guide surgical amputation for patients with diabetic foot ulcers. A total of 23 experts experienced in surgical treatment of patients with diabetic foot ulcers formed an expert consensus panel, and presented the relevant evidence, discussed clinical experiences, and derived consensus statements on surgical amputation for patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Each statement was discussed and revised until a unanimous consensus was achieved. Results: A total of 16 recommendations for surgical amputation for patients with diabetic foot ulcers were formulated. The experts believe that determination of the amputation plane should be comprehensively evaluated according to a patient's general health status, the degree of injury, and the severity of lower limb vasculopathy. The Wagner grading system and the severity of diabetic lower extremity artery disease are important criteria when determining the degree of amputation. The severity of both diabetic foot infection and systemic underlying diseases are important factors when considering appropriate treatment. Moreover, consideration should also be given to a patient's socioeconomic status. Given the complexities of treating the diabetic foot, relevant issues in which consensus could not be reached will be discussed and revised in future. Conclusion: This expert consensus could be used to guide doctors in clinical practice, and help patients with diabetic foot ulcers gain access to appropriate amputation treatment.

Novel IKZF3 transcriptomic signature correlates with positive outcomes of skin cutaneous melanoma: A pan-cancer analysis.

To investigate the potential relationship between Ikaros family genes and skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM), we undertook a pan-cancer analysis of the transcriptional signature and clinical data of melanoma through multiple databases. First, 10,327 transcriptomic samples from different cancers were included to determine the overall characteristics and clinical prognoses associated with Ikaros gene expression across cancer types. Second, differentially expressed genes analysis, prognostic evaluation, and gene set enrichment analysis were employed to investigate the role of Ikaros (IKZF) genes in SKCM. Third, we evaluated the relationship between Ikaros family genes and SKCM immune infiltrates and verified the findings using the GEO single-cell sequencing dataset. The results show that Ikaros genes were widely expressed among different cancer types with independently similar patterns as follows: 1. IKZF1 and IKZF3, and 2. IKZF2 and IKZF4-5. IKZF2 and IKZF5 were downregulated in the primary tumor, and IKZF1-3 expression decreased significantly as the T-stage or metastasis increased in SKCM. Moreover, high IKZF1-3 expression was associated with better overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free interval. IKZF3 is an independent prognostic factor of SKCM. Among Ikaros genes, the expression of IKZF1 and IKZF3 positively correlated with the infiltration level of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells, B cells, and Tregs in SKCM and negatively correlated with the infiltration level of M0 and M1 macrophages. Moreover, single-cell sequencing data analysis revealed that IKZF1 and IKZF3 were mainly expressed by immune cells. Correlation analysis shows the immune factors and drug responses associated with IKZF3 expression. In conclusion, the present study is the first, to our knowledge, to identify a pan-cancer genomic signature of the Ikaros gene family among different cancers. Expression of these family members, particularly high levels of IKZF3, indicate positive immunological status and beneficial clinical outcomes of SKCM. IKZF3 may therefore serve as potential targets for immunotherapy of melanoma.

Global Trends in Research of NF-κB in Melanoma from 2000 to 2021: A Study of Bibliometric Analysis.

In the pathogenesis of melanoma, NF-κB is a key signaling pathway. Appling bibliometric analysis, we identify the frontiers and hotspots about NF-κB in melanoma, as well as distinguishing features of scientific research and output all over the world during the past 22 years. 2226 publications published from 2000 to 2021 and related information were retrieved based on Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-expanded) of Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). VOSviewer and Citespace were used to analyze bibliometric indicators and visualize the hotspots and research trend of studies on NF-κB in melanoma. The results indicated that despite fluctuations, the number of publications (Np) related to the research of NF-κB in melanoma per year increased over the past 22 years. The USA had the most publications. H-index and the number of citations (Nc) of the USA were also in the first place. PloS One was the most productive journal, and League of European Research Universities (LERU) was the most productive affiliation. Recently, the keywords "NF-kappa-b," "melanoma," "apoptosis," "expression," "activation," "cancer," and "metastasis" appeared most frequently. Our study suggested that articles associated with NF-κB in melanoma tend to increase. In this field, the USA was an influential country and a big producer. Most publications focused on clinical and basic research in the past 22 years, and keywords "tumor necrosis factor" and "trail induced apoptosis" had the highest burst strength.