Spatial Heterogeneity of b Values in Northeastern Tibetan Plateau and Its Interpretation.

The northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau (NE Tibetan Plateau) exhibits active geological structures and has experienced multiple strong earthquakes, with M ≥ 7, throughout history. Particularly noteworthy is the 1920 M81/2 earthquake in the Haiyuan region that occurred a century ago and is documented as one of the deadliest earthquakes. Consequently, analyzing seismic risks in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau holds significant importance. The b value, a crucial parameter for seismic activity, plays a pivotal role in seismic hazard analyses. This study calculates the spatial b values in this region based on earthquake catalogs since 1970. The study area encompasses several major active faults, and due to variations in b values across different fault types, traditional grid-search methods may introduce significant errors in calculating the spatial b value within complex fault systems. To address this, we employed the hierarchical space-time point-process (HIST-PPM) method proposed by Ogata. This method avoids partitioning earthquake samples, optimizes parameters using Akaike's Bayesian Information Criterion (ABIC) with entropy maximization, and theoretically allows for a higher spatial resolution and more accurate b value calculations. The results indicate a high spatial heterogeneity in b values within the study area. The northwestern and southeastern regions exhibit higher b values. Along the Haiyuan fault zone, the central rupture zone of the Haiyuan earthquake has relatively higher b values than other regions of this fault zone, which is possibly related to the sufficient release of stress during the main rupture of the Haiyuan earthquake. The b values vary from high in the west to low in the east along the Zhongwei fault. On the West Qinling fault zone, the epicenter of the recent Minxian-Zhangxian earthquake is associated with a low b value. In general, regions with low b values correspond well to areas with moderate-strong seismic events in the past 50 years. The spatial differences in b values may reflect variances in seismic hazards among fault zones and regions within the same fault zone.

Double lung transplantation is better than single lung transplantation for end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation is one of the most common treatment options for patients with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the choice between single and double lung transplantation for these patients remains a matter of debate. Therefore, we performed a systematic search of medical databases for studies on single lung transplantation, double lung transplantation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: The rate ratio and hazard ratio of survival were analyzed. The meta-analysis included 15 case-control and retrospective registry studies. RESULTS: The rate ratios of the 3-year survival (0.937 and P = 0.041) and 5-year survival (0.775 and P = 0.000) were lower for single lung transplantation than for double lung transplantation. However, the hazard ratio did not differ significantly between the two. CONCLUSIONS: Double lung transplantation was found to provide better benefits than single lung transplantation in terms of the long-term survival in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Redox proteomics of PANC-1 cells reveals the significance of HIF-1 signaling protein oxidation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma pathogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Protein cysteine oxidation is substantially involved in various biological and pathogenic processes, but its implications in pancreatic cancer development remains poorly understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, we performed a global characterization of protein oxidation targets in PDAC cells through iodoTMT-based quantitative proteomics, which identified over 4300 oxidized cysteine sites in more than 2100 proteins in HPDE6c7 and PANC-1 cells. Among them, 1715 cysteine residues were shown to be differentially oxidized between HPDE6c7 and PANC-1 cells. Also, charged amino acids including aspartate, glutamate and lysine were significantly overrepresented in flanking sequences of oxidized cysteines. Differentially oxidized proteins in PANC-1 cells were enriched in multiple cancer-related biological processes and signaling pathways. Specifically, the HIF-1 signaling proteins exhibited significant oxidation alterations in PANC-1 cells, and the reduced PHD2 oxidation in human PDAC tissues was correlated with lower survival time in pancreatic cancer patients. CONCLUSION: These investigations provided new insights into protein oxidation-regulated signaling and biological processes during PDAC pathogenesis, which might be further explored for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Swelling and penetration of fatty acid vesicles under ion-competitive environment.

The physicochemical characteristics of fatty acid (FA) vesicles and their ion sensitivity as drug delivery vehicles in an ion-competitive environment have received much attention. Here, we show that in a Na+/K+ competitive ionic environment, FA vesicles undergo a cascade of periodic expansion and selective ion retention in response to osmotic attack. When the Na+/K+ ratio is altered, the expansion and volume of vesicles are affected and the ions in vesicles mix with the hyperosmotic fluid to produce a stable transmembrane potential, consistent with the Donnan effect and iontophoresis theory. Furthermore, osmotic swelling experiments suggest that FA vesicles are more easily maintained in a single Na+ or K+ solution than in a multicomponent ion competition system. As a theoretical basis for the utilization of FA vesicles in multicomponent ionic environments, we developed a core theoretical model to characterize the basic features of the volume fluctuations of FA vesicles in ion-competing environments.

In vitro fermentation characteristics of polysaccharides from coix seed and its effects on the gut microbiota.

Coix seed polysaccharides had received increasing attention due to their diverse biological activities. In this study, a homogeneous polysaccharide (CSPW) was extracted and purified from coix seed. Furthermore, the saliva-gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation behavior of CSPW were simulated in vitro. The results showed that CSPW was mainly composed of glucose. It cannot be degraded by the simulated salivary and intestinal digestive system, but can be degraded by the simulated gastric digestive system. After fermentation for 24 h, CSPW promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), with acetic acid, propionic acid and n-butyric acid being the main metabolites. In addition, CSPW could significantly regulate the composition and microbial diversity of gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Limosilicactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Collinsella. Finally, further analysis of functional prediction revealed that amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism were the most important pathways for CSPW to promote health. In summary, our findings suggested that CSPW could potentially be used as a good source of prebiotics because it can be used by gut microbiota to produce SCFAs and regulate the gut microbiota.

Similar survival after endoscopic submucosal dissection and esophagectomy in early esophageal cancer and synchronous or metachronous head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: Early-stage esophageal cancer is treated using endoscopic submucosal dissection and esophagectomy. Field cancerization in patients with early-stage esophageal cancer affects treatment outcomes and causes synchronous or metachronous head and neck cancers. We hypothesized that esophagectomy could provide better overall and relapse-free survivals in patients with esophageal cancer and synchronous or metachronous head and neck cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients with early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and synchronous or metachronous head and neck cancers. We separated the patients into endoscopic submucosal dissection and esophagectomy groups to compare overall and relapse-free survivals. RESULTS: The study included 106 patients, 25 of whom underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection and 81 underwent esophagectomy. Overall and relapse-free survivals did not show significant differences between the two groups for both synchronous and metachronous head and neck cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic submucosal dissection could provide similar overall and relapse-free survivals in patients with esophageal cancer and synchronous or metachronous head and neck cancer.

Spontaneous hemoperitoneum during pregnancy: three case reports and literature review.

OBJECTIVES: This case report presented cases with spontaneous hemoperitoneum during pregnancy. CASE REPORT: Case 1 presented with acute abdominal pain with signs of shock. Cases 2 and 3 both presented with stable vital signs and the sudden decline of fetal heart rate. Cesarean section was performed at 27, 36+4, and 34 gestational weeks, respectively. Bleeding sites were founded on the surface of the uterus or the parametrium. The perinatal outcome was stillbirth, live birth, and neonatal severe asphyxia. CONCLUSION: Careful physical examination, strict monitoring of vital signs, and timely surgical intervention are critical for improving the prognosis.

OBJETIVO: Este caso clínico presentó casos con hemoperitoneo espontáneo durante el embarazo. REPORTE DEL CASO: El caso 1 presentó dolor abdominal agudo con signos de shock, los casos 2 y 3 se presentaron ambos con signos vitales estables y la disminución repentina de la frecuencia cardíaca fetal. La cesárea se realizó a las 27, 36 + 4 y 34 semanas de gestación, respectivamente. Los sitios de sangrado se encontraron en la superficie del útero o el parametrio. CONCLUSIÓN: Un control estricto de los signos vitales y una intervención quirúrgica oportuna son fundamentales para mejorar el pronóstico.

Sucrose Osmotic Self-Oscillation Drives Membrane Permeability.

Molecular permeation through phospholipid membranes is a fundamental biological process for small molecules. Sucrose is one of the most widely used sweeteners and a key factor in the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes, yet a detailed understanding of its mechanism involved in permeability into phospholipid membranes is still lacking. Here, using giant unimolecular vesicles (GUVs) reconstituting membrane properties, we compared the osmotic behavior of sucrose in GUVs and HepG2 cells to explore the effect of sucrose on membrane stability in the absence of protein enhancers. The results suggested that the particle size and potential of GUVs and the cellular membrane potential changed significantly with increasing the sucrose concentration (p < 0.05). In microscopic images of cells containing GUVs and sucrose, the fluorescence intensity of vesicles was 537 ± 17.69 after 15 min, and the value was significantly higher than that of microscopic images of cells without sucrose addition (p < 0.05). These changes suggested that the permeability of the phospholipid membrane became larger under a sucrose environment. This study provides a theoretical basis for better insight on the role of sucrose in the physiological environment.

Restorative effect of jogging on lower limb muscles / Efeito reparador da corrida moderada sobre a musculatura dos membros inferiores / Efecto restaurador del trote moderado sobre los músculos de los miembros inferiores

ABSTRACT Introduction: Jogging can be a great way to improve physical condition, boosting mind and body. Its method of movement is simple, and there are no sporting limitations as to age, gender, or training place. Jogging is believed to help repair muscle and joint injuries in the lower limbs. Objective: To explore the effects of running on recovering lower limb muscles. Methods: We surveyed 60 undergraduate students who took a 400-meter test at the same site. According to the test results, they were divided into low, medium, and high fitness levels. A questionnaire survey was also used with 20 undergraduate students from the Physical Education Department. Four groups of volunteers did some jogging exercises. Physiological, biochemical, and muscle strength measurements were performed after jogging. The data were statistically treated. Results: The magnitude of change in the sagittal angle of the knee and ankle joint did not increase significantly with increasing jogging rate. The changes in the sagittal angles of the hip, knee, and ankle joints were the same for the volunteers with different jogging rates. After 60 minutes of exercise, the low-fitness group showed faster breathing, an elevated heart rate, and a higher rate of lactate and creatinine in the blood. After 120 minutes of exercise training, all sedentary volunteers showed an increase in lactate, creatinine, respiratory rate, and heart rate (P<0.05). The test performance started to decrease at 400 meters. Conclusion: The maximal activation of different parts of the locomotor system changed under different rates of movement. Brief, controlled jogging may be beneficial to lower limb muscles. Still, long-term jogging may cause even more damage to the body and deleterious changes to rehabilitation in blood and biochemical parameters. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A corrida moderada pode ser uma ótima maneira de melhorar a condição física, impulsionando mente e corpo. Seu método de movimento é simples e não há limitações esportivas quanto a idade, sexo ou local de treino. Acredita-se que a corrida moderada possa auxiliar no reparo de lesões musculares e articulares nos membros inferiores. Objetivo: Explorar os efeitos da corrida sobre a musculatura nos membros inferiores em recuperação. Métodos: Foram pesquisados 60 estudantes de graduação que fizeram um teste de 400 metros no mesmo local. De acordo com os resultados do teste, eles foram divididos em baixo, médio e alto nível de aptidão física. Também se utilizou uma pesquisa por questionário com 20 estudantes universitários do Departamento de Educação Física. Quatro grupos de voluntários fizeram alguns exercícios de corrida moderada. As medidas fisiológicas, bioquímicas e de força muscular foram realizadas após a corrida moderada. Os dados foram tratados estatisticamente. Resultados: A magnitude da mudança no ângulo sagital da articulação do joelho e tornozelo não aumentou significativamente com o aumento da taxa de corrida moderada. As mudanças nos ângulos sagitais das articulações do quadril, joelho e tornozelo foram as mesmas para os voluntários com diferentes taxas de corrida moderada. Após 60 minutos de exercício, o grupo de baixa condição física apresentou uma respiração mais rápida, um ritmo cardíaco elevado e uma taxa maior de lactato e creatinina no sangue. Após 120 minutos de treinamento físico, todos os voluntários sedentários apresentaram um aumento de lactato, creatinina, frequência respiratória e cardíaca (P<0,05). O desempenho do teste começou a diminuir aos 400 metros. Conclusão: A ativação máxima de diferentes partes do sistema locomotor alterou-se sob diferentes taxas de movimento. A corrida moderada breve e controlada pode ser benéfica a musculatura dos membros inferiores, porém a corrida moderada de longo prazo pode causar ainda mais danos ao corpo e mudanças deletérias à reabilitação nos parâmetros sanguíneos e bioquímicos. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El trote moderado puede ser una gran manera de mejorar la condición física, impulsando la mente y el cuerpo. Su método de movimiento es sencillo y no existen limitaciones deportivas en cuanto a edad, sexo o lugar de entrenamiento. Se cree que trotar puede ayudar a reparar las lesiones musculares y articulares de las extremidades inferiores. Objetivo: Explorar los efectos de la carrera en la recuperación de los músculos de las extremidades inferiores. Métodos: Se encuestó a 60 estudiantes universitarios que realizaron una prueba de 400 metros en el mismo lugar. Según los resultados de la prueba, se dividieron en nivel de aptitud bajo, medio y alto. También se utilizó una encuesta con 20 estudiantes de grado del Departamento de Educación Física. Cuatro grupos de voluntarios realizaron ejercicios de trote. Se realizaron mediciones fisiológicas, bioquímicas y de fuerza muscular después del trote moderado. Los datos fueron tratados estadísticamente. Resultados: La magnitud del cambio en el ángulo sagital de la articulación de la rodilla y el tobillo no aumentó significativamente con el aumento de la velocidad del trote. Los cambios en los ángulos sagitales de las articulaciones de la cadera, la rodilla y el tobillo fueron los mismos para los voluntarios con diferentes ritmos de trote. Después de 60 minutos de ejercicio, el grupo de baja forma física mostró una respiración más rápida, una frecuencia cardíaca elevada y un mayor índice de lactato y creatinina en la sangre. Tras 120 minutos de entrenamiento físico, todos los voluntarios sedentarios mostraron un aumento del lactato, la creatinina, la frecuencia respiratoria y la frecuencia cardíaca (P<0,05). El rendimiento de la prueba comenzó a disminuir a partir de los 400 metros. Conclusión: La activación máxima de diferentes partes del aparato locomotor cambió bajo diferentes ritmos de movimiento. El trote moderado y de forma controlada puede ser beneficioso para los músculos de las extremidades inferiores, pero trotar a largo plazo puede causar aún más daño al cuerpo y cambios nocivos para la rehabilitación en los parámetros sanguíneos y bioquímicos. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Comparison of two methods for CT-guided pulmonary nodule location before thoracoscopic surgery.

Introduction: Preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided localization can shorten the time of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and accurately aid in pulmonary nodule removal. Aim: To discuss the application value and safety of 2 kinds of breast localization needles and anchor localization needles in clinical practice for pulmonary nodules under CT guidance before VATS. Material and methods: We retrospectively studied 215 patients with 247 pulmonary nodules, who underwent CT-guided pulmonary nodule location before VATS. The 2 kinds of localization needles were randomly used, and we collected and analysed the clinical data. Results: We used breast and anchor localization needles in 27.9% and 72.1% of cases, respectively. Differences were observed in puncture localization time, detachment rate, and visual analogue scale (VAS). The detachment rate (0%) and positioning time (median: 12 min) were less in the anchor than in the breast localization needle group (8.7% and median: 13 min, respectively). The median VAS was approximately 2 and 5 in the anchor and breast localization needle groups, respectively. Surgical pathology revealed that 155 (62.8%) pulmonary nodules were malignant while 92 (37.2%) were benign. The primary distinction in surgical procedures is the higher proportion of segmental resections in the middle and inner band group (19.3%) compared to the periphery band group (4.2%). Conclusions: Unlike breast localization needles, anchor localization needles can reduce pain and discomfort after positioning, and they are not easy to decouple. These 2 needles are safe for CT-guided localization, which can shorten the time of VATS and accurately aid in pulmonary nodule removal.

Long-term survival after pulmonary metastasectomy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with lung metastasis.

OBJECTIVES: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with pulmonary metastasis has a poor prognosis, and the only treatment modality is systemic therapy such as chemotherapy. Previous studies showed that pulmonary metastasectomy may provide benefits and has been suggested in selected patients with colorectal cancer, renal cancer, and sarcoma. However, there were few literatures evaluating the impact and treatment outcome of pulmonary metastasectomy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with isolated lung metastases. Therefore, we conducted this study. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with pulmonary metastasis. Patients with extrapulmonary metastasis were excluded. We categorized them into two groups - the pulmonary resection group and the systemic treatment only group. We compared the overall survival and progression-free survival between groups, and also analyzed the surgical modality, which includes single or multiple port surgery. RESULTS: The analysis included 44 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with lung metastasis. Among these 44 patients, 14 patients have received pulmonary metastasectomy, and 30 patients received systemic treatment only. Patients who received pulmonary metastasectomy had significantly better overall survival (p < 0.0001) and progression-free survival (p = 0.038) than those who received only systemic treatment. The one-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 100% and 48% in patients receiving pulmonary metastatectomy, and 49% and 33% in patients receiving only systemic treatment. Among 14 patients receiving pulmonary metastatectomy, 10 patients underwent single port surgery. There were no postoperative complications in these 14 patients. CONCLUSION: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with lung metastasis who can receive pulmonary metastasectomy have better prognosis, and some patients can achieve long-term survival. Our findings suggest that aggressive pulmonary metastasectomy is suggested in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with if no contraindication. Key question: How about the role of pulmonary metastasectomy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with isolated lung metastasis? KEY FINDINGS: Patients who received pulmonary metastasectomy had better overall survival and progression-free survival than those who received only systemic treatment. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Esophageal cancer with isolated pulmonary metastasis can be treated aggressively with pulmonary metastasectomy if no contraindication.

Effect of Cationic Modified Microcrystalline Cellulose on the Emulsifying Properties and Water/Oil Interface Behavior of Soybean Protein Isolate.

Stabilizing emulsion using complex biopolymers is a common strategy. It would be very interesting to characterize the impact of charge density on the emulsifying properties of complex polyelectrolytes carrying opposite charges. In this study, cationic modified microcrystalline celluloses (CMCC) of different charge densities were prepared and mixed with soy protein isolate (SPI) for emulsion applications. CMCC-1 to 3 with various cationic charge values were successfully prepared as characterized by zeta-potential and FTIR. The positive charge density's effects on solubility, thermogravimetric properties, and rheological properties were studied. Complexes of SPI-CMCC with various zeta-potential values were then obtained and used to stabilize soybean oil emulsions. The results show that emulsions stabilized by complexes of SPI and CMCC-3 at a ratio of 1:3 had the best emulsification ability and stability. However, the interfacial tension-reducing ability of complexes decreased continuously with increasing cationic charge value, while the rheological results show that complexes of SPI-CMCC-3 at a ratio of 1:3 formed a stronger viscoelastic network than other complexes. Our results indicate that this SPI-CMCC complex formula showed excellent emulsification performance, which could be adjusted and promoted by changing the charge density. This complex formula is promising for fabrication of emulsion-based food and cosmetic products.

Elevated red cell distribution width predicts residual dizziness in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Objective: The present study aimed to determine whether residual dizziness (RD) after successful repositioning treatment in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) patients could be predicted by red blood cell distribution width (RDW). Materials and methods: In this study, a total of 303 BBPV patients hospitalized at the neurology department were investigated. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups after successful repositioning treatment: non-RD group included patients who were completely cured, and RD group included patients with RD. We collected data on all subjects, including general information, blood routine examination, blood biochemical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging tests. Results: The mean RDW values of patients in the RD group were significantly higher than that in the non-RD group (13.63 ± 1.8 vs. 12.5 ± 0.8; p < 0.001). In subsequent multivariate analysis, elevated RDW levels were a statistically significant risk factor associated with the occurrence of RD [odds ratio = 2.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.88-3.64, p < 0.001]. The area under the ROC curve was 0.723 in terms of its predictive ability to distinguish patients with RD. A cut-off point of 12.95% of RDW predicted RD with a sensitivity of 75.6% and a specificity of 69.5%. Moreover, the AUC for the ability of the RDW to predict recurrence were 0.692 (95% CI = 0.561-0.831; p < 0.014). Conclusions: Elevated RDW level was related to increased risk of RD among BPPV patients, requiring further efforts to clarify the actual underlying pathophysiology.

Use of Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Biopsy of Invasive Non-Mucinous Lung Adenocarcinoma to Predict the Degree of Histological Differentiation.

Background: The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) published a grading system for invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma that is closely associated with prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy specimen grading and surgery-guided grading systems for detecting invasive non-mucinous lung adenocarcinoma and to determine whether CT-guided biopsy can predict the degree of histological differentiation. Methods: In total, 130 patients with invasive non-mucinous lung adenocarcinoma who underwent CT-guided biopsy before surgical excision were retrospectively studied. Biopsy and surgical specimen pathologies were compared. Grading was performed according to different subtypes proposed by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV/NPV), and accuracy were calculated for each subtype and grade. Results: The concordance rates of biopsy and surgical pathology subtypes and grades were 73.1% and 72.3%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of grade 3 were 54.8%, 100%, 100%, 87.6%, and 89.2%, respectively. Pathology grades were primarily discrepant with respect to two aspects of biopsy and surgical samples in the same patient. First, the biopsy and surgical specimen pathology findings indicated lepidic and acinar subtypes as the main subtypes in the same patient, respectively. Second, biopsy specimen histology did not find solid types; however, >20% of solid subtypes were identified in surgical pathology samples in the same patient. Conclusions: The preoperative CT-guided biopsy specimen grading system showed relatively high accuracy and could predict the prognosis of invasive non-mucinous lung adenocarcinoma.

Effection of Lactic Acid Dissociation on Swelling-Based Short-Chain Fatty Acid Vesicles Nano-Delivery.

Functionalized small-molecule assemblies can exhibit nano-delivery properties that significantly improve the bioavailability of bioactive molecules. This study explored the self-assembly of short-chain fatty acids (FA, Cn < 8) to form novel biomimetic nanovesicles as delivery systems. Lactic acid is involved in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways in cancer metabolism, and the dissociation of lactic acid (LA) is used to regulate the delivery effect of short-chain fatty acid vesicles. The study showed that the dissociation of lactic acid caused pH changes in the solution environment inducing hydrogen ion permeability leading to rapid osmotic expansion and shape transformation of FA vesicles. The intrinsic features of FA vesicle formation in the LA environment accompanied by hydrogen ion fluctuations, and the appearance of nearly spherical vesicles were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Compared with the vesicle membrane built by surfactants, the FA/LA composite system showed higher permeability and led to better membrane stability and rigidity. Finally, membrane potential studies with the IEC cell model demonstrate that lactate dissociation capacity can effectively increase the cellular adsorption of FA vesicles. Altogether, these results prove that FA vesicles can function as a stand-alone delivery system and also serve as potential development strategies for applications in a lactate environment.

The Radiation Dose to the Left Supraclavicular Fossa is Critical for Anastomotic Leak Following Esophagectomy - A Dosimetric Outcome Analysis.

Purpose: For locally advanced esophageal cancer, definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with a radiation dose of 50-50.4 Gy/25-28 Fx is prescribed, followed by adjuvant esophagectomy for better local control or salvage treatment if locoregional recurrence occurs. However, radiation injury before surgery may delay wound healing. We performed cervical anastomosis directly inside the left supraclavicular fossa (SCF), the irradiation target for esophageal cancer. The significance of radiation injury in patients with cervical anastomotic leak (AL) remains unclear. Thus, we assessed the influence of radiation on cervical AL in patients undergoing preoperative CCRT followed by esophagectomy. Patients and Methods: We defined the SYC zone, a portion of the region overlapping the left SCF. The radiation dose to the SYC zone was analyzed and correlated with AL in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who were administered preoperative CCRT (radiation dose with 50-50.4 Gy/25-28 Fx to the primary esophageal tumor) followed by esophagectomy between October 2009 and January 2018. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and logistic regression were used to identify the optimal radiation factor to predict AL and the cutoff value. Results: The optimal radiation factor to predict AL was the mean dose to the SYC zone (area under the curve (AUC)=0.642), and the cutoff point of the mean dose was 48.55 Gray (Gy). For a mean SYC zone dose ≥48.55 Gy, the AL risk was sevenfold greater than that for <48.55 Gy (OR = 7.805; 95% CI: 1.184 to 51.446; P value = 0.033). Conclusion: Recognizing the SYC zone as an organ at risk and performing radiation evaluation are meaningful. A reduced mean dose of the SYC zone below 48.55 Gy results in a lower cervical AL rate following esophagectomy.

Bioinformatics study of the potential therapeutic effects of ginsenoside Rf in reversing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: Ginsenoside Rf, a tetracyclic triterpenoid only present in Panax ginseng, has been proven to relieve lipid metabolism and inflammatory reactions, which can be a potential treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the underlying mechanisms of ginsenoside Rf in the treatment of early-stage NAFLD (NAFL) by using a bioinformatics method and biological experiments. METHODS: Target genes associated with NAFL were screened from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, a database repository of high-throughput gene expression data and hybridization arrays, chips, and microarrays. Subsequently, gene set enrichment analysis was performed by using Gene Ontology enrichment analysis tool. Then, the binding capacity between ginsenoside Rf and NAFL-related targets was evaluated by molecular docking. Finally, the FFA-induced HepG2 cell model treated with ginsenoside Rf was adopted to verify the effect of ginsenoside Rf and the related mechanisms. RESULTS: There were 41 common differentially expressed genes in the GEO dataset. Gene Ontology and Reactome pathway enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes showed that many pathways could be related to the pathogenesis of NAFL, including those participating in the cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway, and response to lipopolysaccharide. Finally, the qRT-PCR analysis results indicated that ginsenoside Rf therapy could ameliorate the transcription of ANXA2, BAZ1A, DNMT3L and MMP9. CONCLUSION: Our research discovered the relevant mechanisms and basic pharmacological effects of ginsenoside Rf in the treatment of NAFL. These results might facilitate the development of ginsenoside Rf as an alternative medication for NAFL.

Effects of Coix Seed Oil on High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Dyslipidemia.

Dietary intervention is becoming more popular as a way to improve lipid metabolism and reduce the prevalence of diet-related chronic disorders. We evaluated the effects of several dietary oils on body weight, fat mass, liver weight, and tumor necrosis factor in obese mice given a high-fat diet (HFD) to discover if coix seed oil (CSO) had an anti-obesity impact. As compared to other dietary fats, CSO treatment considerably lowered body weight and liver index, successfully sup-pressed total cholesterol and triglyceride content, and raised liver lipid deposition and lipid metabolism problem induced by high fat intake. Furthermore, gas chromatography research revealed that CSO extracted by supercritical fluid, with 64% being CSO extracted by supercritical fluid, and the greatest amounts of capric acids and lauric acids being 35.28% and 22.21%, respectively. CSO contained a high content of medium-chain fatty acids and was able to modify hepatic fatty acid metabolism and lipid levels in HFD-induced obese mice. According to the results, CSO has the potential to replace dietary lipids as a promising functional lipid in the prevention of met-abolish disorders.

Integrated analysis of gene expression and DNA methylation datasets identified key genes and a 6-gene prognostic signature for primary lung adenocarcinoma.

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main subtype of non-small cell lung cancer with a poor survival prognosis. In our study, gene expression, DNA methylation, and clinicopathological data of primary LUAD were utilized to identify potential prognostic markers for LUAD, which were recruited from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Univariate regression analysis showed that there were 21 methylation-associated DEGs related to overall survival (OS), including 9 down- and 12 up-regulated genes. The 12 up-regulated genes with hypomethylation may be risky genes, whereas the other 9 down-regulated genes with hypermethylation might be protective genes. By using the Step-wise multivariate Cox analysis, a methylation-associated 6-gene (consisting of CCL20, F2, GNPNAT1, NT5E, B3GALT2, and VSIG2) prognostic signature was constructed and the risk score based on this gene signature classified patients into high- or low-risk groups. Patients of the high-risk group had shorter OS than those of the low-risk group in both the training and validation cohort. Multivariate Cox analysis and the stratified analysis revealed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor for LUAD patients. The methylation-associated gene signature may serve as a prognostic factor for LUAD patients and the represent hypermethylated or hypomethylated genes might be potential targets for LUAD therapy.

Efficacy of hysteroscopic cold knife separation on intrauterine adhesions.

OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to explore the efficacy of hysteroscopic cold knife separation in the treatment of intrauterine adhesions (IUA). METHODS: Altogether 110 patients with IUA who were treated in our hospital were randomized into the observation group (n=55, hysteroscopic cold knife) and the control group (n=55, hysteroscopic electroacupuncture and collecting ring). This research compared the operation-related indexes (operation time, intraoperative blood loss, amount of distending media), IUA and menstrual flow, endometrial epithelization of the uterine wound, endometrial thickness one month after operation, recurrence and pregnancy rates one year after operation. RESULTS: The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the observation group were less than those in the control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate of IUA, menstrual flow and satisfaction rate of endometrial epithelization of the uterine wound in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the recurrence rate of the former one year after operation was lower (all P<0.05). One month after operation, the thickness of the endometrium in the observation group was clearly larger than that in the control group on the 11th and 13th day of menstruation (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic cold knife separation can improve the efficacy of IUA and protect the endometrium.