Construction of a novel Au@Os mediated TMB-H2O2 platform with dual-signal output for rapid and accurate detection of ziram in food.

The 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine-H2O2 (TMB-H2O2) platform has gained widespread use for rapid detection of various analytes in foods. However, the existing TMB-H2O2 platforms suffer from limited accuracy, as their signal output is confined to the visible region, which is prone to interference from various food colorants in real samples. To address this challenge, a novel Au@Os-mediated TMB-H2O2 platform is developed for both rapid and accurate detection of analytes in foods. The prepared Au@Os NPs exhibit remarkable peroxidase-like activity, making the platform display dual absorption peaks in visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions, respectively. This Au@Os-mediated TMB-H2O2 platform exhibited three linear ranges across different concentrations of ziram from 1-100, 150-600, and 800-2000 nM with limit of detection (LOD) 7.9 nM and limit of quantification (LOQ) 24.15 nM respectively. Further, the Au@Os-mediated TMB-H2O2 platform was also used for rapid and accurate detection of ziram in real food samples like apple, tomato, and black tea.

Atlantoaxial Instability due to Os Odontoideum in a Child with Christianson Syndrome.

Introduction: Christianson syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder associated with mutations in the SLC9A6 gene located on the chromosome X. It is characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, speech and language impairments, dysmorphic features, seizures, ataxia, and neurobehavioral problems. Case Presentation: A 5-year-old boy was presented with respiratory failure and then progressive muscle weakness in all four extremities. He manifested acquired microcephaly, intellectual disability, global developmental delay, distinct dysmorphic facial features, seizures, spastic tetraparesis, truncal hypotonia, speech impairment, failure to thrive, malnutrition, recurrent lung infections, self-mutilation, primary hyperparathyroidism, medullary nephrocalcinosis, and atlantoaxial instability due to os odontoideum. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed atlantoaxial instability due to os odontoideum, a narrow foramen magnum, myelopathy due to spinal cord compression, and cerebral and cerebellar atrophy. Discussion: This report highlights a significant contribution by introducing a child with Christianson syndrome describing atlantoaxial instability due to os odontoideum, a previously undocumented phenomenon. This report suggests a potential link between Christianson syndrome and atlantoaxial instability. In children with Christianson syndrome experiencing increased muscle weakness in all extremities during follow-up, consideration of underlying myelopathy due to os odontoideum is advised.

Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier 1 as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1 (MPC1) expression plays a key role in tumor metabolic reprogramming and progression. Understanding its significance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is crucial for identifying therapeutic targets. METHODS: TIMER 2.0 was utilized to assess the expression of MPC1 in both normal and cancer tissues in pan-cancer. Overall survival (OS) differences between high and low MPC1 expression were analyzed in NSCLC using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. We also examined the expression of MPC1 in NSCLC cell lines using western blotting and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In addition, the tissue samples and clinical information of 80 patients with NSCLC from our hospital were collected. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to assess MPC1 expression, and OS was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the prognostic values of the clinical characteristics and MPC1expression. RESULTS: Analysis of public databases suggested that MPC1 was downregulated in NSCLC compared to that in normal lung tissue and predicted poor prognosis. In addition, the expression of MPC1 in NSCLC cell lines was lower than that in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells at both protein and mRNA levels. Further clinical analysis suggested that MPC1 expression was correlated with age, tumor T stage, and TNM stage. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that NSCLC patients with high MPC1 expression had a better prognosis, particularly in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), whereas no survival benefit was observed in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). Univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that MPC1 was an independent prognostic factor for patients with NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS: MPC1 is poorly expressed in NSCLC, particularly in LUAD, which predicts a poor prognosis and may serve as an independent prognostic factor. Further studies on MPC1 may reveal new targets for the treatment of NSCLC.

Programing the onset of ovarian stimulation: From early follicular phase start to oral contraceptive (OC) pill, to luteal phase E2, Duo-Stim and random start OS protocols.

Ovarian stimulation has been the single most efficient measure ever taken in ART for improving outcome by harvesting multiple oocytes and ultimately, embryos. Today, ovarian stimulation protocols consist in administrating exogenous gonadotropins in order to override the natural mechanisms which controls the ovulatory quota to one in humans. For practicality issues, there has been numerous attempts to control, or 'program', when ovarian stimulation are initiated in order to improve functionality and in turn efficacy for ART programs. The different options for controlling the onset of ovarian stimulation currently available are discussed here, as well as the novel possibility of using progestins for blocking premature ovulation.

FAM109B plays a tumorigenic role in low-grade gliomas and is associated with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs).

BACKGROUND: Family with sequence similarity 109, member B (FAM109B) is involved in endocytic transport and affects genetic variation in brain methylation. It is one of the important genes related to immune cell-associated diseases. In the tumor immune system, methylation can regulate tumor immunity and influence the maturation and functional response of immune cells. Whether FAM109B is involved in tumor progression and its correlation with the tumor immune microenvironment has not yet been disclosed. METHODS: A comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of FAM109B expression, prognosis, immunity, and TMB was conducted. The expression, clinical features, and prognostic value of FAM109B in low-grade gliomas (LGG) were evaluated using TCGA, CGGA, and Gravendeel databases. The expression of FAM109B was validated by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blotting (WB). The relationship between FAM109B and methylation, Copy Number Variation (CNV), prognosis, immune checkpoints (ICs), and common chemotherapy drug sensitivity in LGG was explored through Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier curves, and Spearman correlation analysis. FAM109B levels and their distribution were studied using the TIMER database and single-cell analysis. The potential role of FAM109B in gliomas was further investigated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS: FAM109B was significantly elevated in various tumor types and was associated with poor prognosis. Its expression was related to aggressive progression and poor prognosis in low-grade glioma patients, serving as an independent prognostic marker for LGG. Glioma grade was negatively correlated with FAM109B DNA promoter methylation. Immune infiltration and single-cell analysis showed significant expression of FAM109B in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The expression of FAM109B was closely related to gene mutations, immune checkpoints (ICs), and chemotherapy drugs in LGG. In vitro studies showed increased FAM109B expression in LGG, closely related to cell proliferation. In vivo studies showed that mice in the sh-FAM109B group had slower tumor growth, slower weight loss, and longer survival times. CONCLUSIONS: FAM109B, as a novel prognostic biomarker for low-grade gliomas, exhibits specific overexpression in TAMs and may be a potential therapeutic target for LGG patients.

Single-center clinical experience of extended sleeve lobectomy (ESL) versus standard sleeve lobectomy (SL).

Background: Sleeve lobectomy (SL) and extended SL (ESL), which aim to preserve pulmonary function and enhance the quality of life of patients while ensuring oncological outcomes, are valuable surgical options for the treatment of centrally located non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to compare perioperative adverse events and long-term survival between SL and ESL in NSCLC patients, providing a comprehensive review of surgical outcomes, complications, and survival to assess the roles of SL and ESL in thoracic oncology. Methods: This single-center retrospective study assessed the outcomes of NSCLC patients who underwent SL or ESL from June 2014 to January 2022. The patients were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, and statistical analyses were conducted to examine the postoperative outcomes, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) of the patients. Results: A total of 218 patients met the inclusion criteria. Among 218 patients, 33 underwent ESL and 185 underwent SL. Compared to SL, ESL was associated with longer operative times and higher R0 resection rates (93.9% vs. 78.8%, P=0.047). Despite the higher complexity of ESL compared to SL, there were no significant differences in the perioperative complications or mortality rates between the groups. Survival analysis was conducted on the propensity score matching (PSM) data, the results demonstrated superior OS and DFS in the ESL group compared to the SL group. Advanced age, more advanced nodal (N) status, and non-R0 resection were significant predictors of poorer prognosis. Conclusions: ESL is a feasible and effective alternative for treating centrally located NSCLC, with better R0 resection rates and comparable survival outcomes to SL, without increasing the risk of grade III-IV complications. Further studies with larger cohorts need to be conducted to validate these findings and refine the surgical techniques.

Philosophies And Surgical Techniques on Os Odontoideum Treatment with Literature Review.

Introduction: Os-odontoideum is a rare condition described radiographically and clinically as a congenital anomaly of the second cervical vertebra (axis). It is a smooth, independent ossicle of variable size and shape separated from the base of a shortened odontoid process by an obvious gap, with no osseous connection to the body of C2. Materials and Methods: This study reviewed the literature on OO to evaluate its etiology, clinical presentations, differential diagnosis, imaging modalities, and outcomes in the management of asymptomatic and symptomatic cases of Os Odontoideum. Key articles from PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane were searched. Discussion: Considering etiology, the traumatic hypothesis is favoured over the congenital hypothesis as per recent literature on OO. Clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic to mild neck pain to severe myelopathy and neurodeficit. Various C1-C2 instrumentation and fusion techniques like wiring, trans articular screw and laminar screws have been described with success rates. Conclusion: Os odontoideum is a rare condition with limited existing literature. Considering the significant risks involved if conservative management opts, like severe neuro deficit to sudden death on trivial trauma and the recent improvement of imaging tools helping to understand the pathology of the disease, surgery can be indicated even in an incidentally detected os odontoideum. However, a case-by-case approach can be considered for stable asymptomatic patients depending on factors such as age, activity level, comorbidities, syndromic association, and radiographic findings.

Dual colorimetric platforms for direct detection of glyphosate based on Os-Rh nanozyme with peroxidase-like activity.

BACKGROUND: To minimize the impact of pesticide residues in food on human health, it is necessary to enhance their detection. Recently, many nanozyme-based colorimetric methods for pesticides detection have been developed, however, they often required the assistance of natural enzymes, which made the process and result of methods susceptible to the stability and activity of natural enzymes. To overcome these drawbacks, methods for direct detection of pesticides using nanozymes have been developed, and there are few studies in this field currently. Thus, it is of great research and practical significance to develop more nanozymes-based colorimetric methods for direct detection of pesticides. RESULTS: Dual colorimetric platforms based on Os-Rh nanozyme with excellent peroxidase-like activity were constructed for directly detection of glyphosate in this work. Results showed that glyphosate was able to sensitively and selectively inhibit the peroxidase-like activity of Os-Rh nanozyme through hindering the decomposition of H2O2 by Os-Rh nanozyme to produce HO∙. Based on this, the dual colorimetric platforms achieved highly sensitive detection for glyphosate over a wide linear concentration range (50-1000 µg L-1 in solution platform and 200-1000 µg L-1 in paper platform), with the detection limits of 28.37 µg L-1 in solution platform and 400 µg L-1 (naked-eye detection limit)/123.25 µg L-1 (gray scale detection limit) in paper platform, respectively. Moreover, the dual colorimetric platforms possessed satisfactory reliability and accuracy for practical applications, and has been successfully applied to the detection of real samples with the spiked recoveries of 92.78-102.75 % and RSD of 1.17-3.88 %. SIGNIFICANCE: The dual colorimetric platforms for glyphosate direct detection based on Os-Rh nanozyme developed in this work not only owned considerable practical application potential, but also could provide more inspirations and ideas for the rational design and development of colorimetric sensing methods for the rapid detection of pesticides based on nanozymes.

Identification and validation of a novel robust glioblastoma prognosis model based on bioinformatics.

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a very common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). Aging, macrophage, autophagy, and methylation related genes are hypothesized to be crucial to its pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of these genes in the prognosis of GBM. Methods: The RNA sequence (RNA-seq) and clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas database (CGGA). We performed univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify risk signatures related to overall survival (OS). We further developed a nomogram to predict individual outcomes. In addition, the immune microenvironment was analyzed by CIBERSORT. Results: 256 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained based on aging, macrophage, autophagy, and methylation related genes between GBM samples and normal tissues in TCGA-GBM cohort. We identified five optimal risk signatures with prognostic values in TCGA-GBM cohort and established a prognostic risk score model. The validity of the model was verified in the CGGA cohort and Huanhu cohort. Finally, we constructed a nomogram for clinical application by combining age, O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status, and risk score. Activated NK cells and resting mast cells were highly expressed and memory B cells, plasma cells, resting NK cells, M1 macrophages, and neutrophils exhibited low expression in the high-risk score group. GBM patients with a low-risk score had a higher Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) score. The risk score of hot tumors was higher than that of the cold tumors. Additionally, 29 genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism were highly expressed with a high-risk score. 31 metabolism-related pathways were significantly different between high-risk and low-risk groups. Conclusions: We constructed and validated a novel prognostic model for GBM. Aging, macrophage, autophagy, and methylation related genes may serve as prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers. The model developed may assist in guiding treatment for GBM patients. Our research had great significance in accurately predicting the prognosis of GBM and may offer reference for immunotherapy decision for GBM patients.

Distinct characteristics of various autoimmune liver diseases: A 22-year hospital-based study in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The characteristics of autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs), including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and PBC-AIH overlap syndrome (OS), have rarely been investigated and compared in Asia. METHODS: At the Taiwan tertiary referral center, 330 PBC patients (87% treated with ursodeoxycholic acid [UDCA]), 143 AIH patients (94.4% treated with immunosuppressive therapy [IST]) and 21 PBC-AIH OS patients (85.7% treated with UDCA and IST) were enrolled. RESULTS: Compared with AIH patients, PBC patients were older at baseline and had greater female-to-male sex ratios, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) levels, and liver cirrhosis (LC), dyslipidemia, and hepatic and cardiometabolic complication rates. PBC patients had the lowest transaminase levels, whereas AIH patients had the highest transaminase levels. PBC patients had greater 22-year all-cause mortality and liver transplantation (ACMaLT) (43.5 vs 25.4%, P = 0.004), LC (75 vs 58.5%, P < 0.01), dyslipidemia (54.4 vs 45.9%, P = 0.001), and cerebrovascular accident (11.3 vs 0.8%, P = 0.019) cumulative incidences (CIs) than did AIH patients; PBC-AIH OS patients had greater systemic lupus erythematosus (28.9 vs 8.9%, P = 0.009) CI than did PBC patients. Baseline ALP (hazard ratio: 1.001), albumin (0.514), platelet count (0.997), and LC (3.438) were associated with ACMaLT; age (1.110), albumin (0.350), cirrhosis (46.219), and hepatitis C virus antibody positivity (5.068) were associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); and female sex (2.183) and body mass index (1.054) were associated with autoimmune diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with AIH patients, PBC patients had greater cardiometabolic CI, and ACMaLT CI, which was associated with cholestasis, liver functional reserve and LC. Older AILD patients with LC and females with obesity demand special caution for the development of HCC and extrahepatic autoimmune diseases, respectively.

Low placenta at the mid trimester anomaly scan-A cause for concern?

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to assess the predictive validity of internal os distance (IOD) in mid-trimester scan for the prediction of third-trimester low-positioned placenta, and to define a cut-off of IOD at which third-trimester low-positioned placenta could be identified, see the association of placental site (anterior/posterior), previous history of cesarean section with abnormal location of placenta in third trimester and see the maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: It was a prospective cohort study of women with low-positioned placenta (IOD < 20 mm) at mid-trimester anomaly scan followed up in third trimester till birth. Relative risks for a low-positioned placenta in the third-trimester were calculated for women with posterior versus anterior, low-lying placenta versus placenta previa and positive versus negative history of cesarean section. Multilevel likelihood ratios and corresponding ROC curves for different ranges of IOD were calculated. RESULTS: Women with posterior placenta had a high risk of low positioned placenta compared to anterior placenta (9.28% vs. 0.74%); RR 1.45, similarly women with placenta previa had high risk compared to low lying placenta (68.57% vs. 1.69%); RR 6.51, so did the women with previous cesarean section (9.41% vs. 5.87%); RR 1.47. CONCLUSIONS: 93.42% placenta which were low positioned in mid trimester were normally situated in third trimester. The cut-off for IOD in anterior placenta was -40 mm and in posterior placenta was 14.3 mm. IOD measurement and interpretation seems promising.

AB060. Autophagy-associated biomarkers ULK2, UVRAG, and miRNAs miR-21, miR-126, and miR-374: prognostic significance in glioma patients.

BACKGROUND: Autophagy is a self-renewing process of the cell having a dual role in gliomagenesis depending on the tumor stage. Several microRNAs play a key role in the regulation of autophagy and the outcome of cancer. We investigated the potential relevance of autophagy in gliomagenesis and survival by exploring the association of the basal gene expression of autophagy-associated markers LC3, ULK1/2, UVRAG, Beclin1, mTOR, UVRAG, PI3K, AKT, PTEN and their target microRNAs miR-126, miR-374, miR-21, miR-7, miR-204 and miR-100 in low- and high-grades of gliomas. METHODS: A total of 50 fresh glioma tissues were used for the extraction of RNA using TRIzol-Chloroform method and reverse transcribed cDNA. The cDNA was used to determine the expression of genes and microRNAs using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Mann-Whitney U-test was used to determine the statistical significance. RESULTS: In high-grade glioma, increased expression of AKT and miR-21, coupled with reduced ULK2 and LC3 expression was distinctly observed. While correlation analysis identified a strong positive correlation between ULK2 and UVRAG, PTEN, miR-7, and miR-100 and a moderate positive correlation emerged between ULK2 and mTOR, miR-7, miR-30, miR-100, miR-204, and miR-374, also between miR-21 and miR-126 in low-grade glioma. Similarly, a positive correlation appeared between ULK2 and AKT, LC3, PI3K, PTEN, ULK1, VPS34, mTOR, Beclin1, UVRAG, miR-7 and miR-374. AKT positively correlated with LC3, PI3K, PTEN, ULK1, VPS34, mTOR, Beclin1, UVRAG, miR-7, miR-30, miR-204, miR-374, miR-126 and miR-21 weakly correlated with AKT and miR-30 in high-grade glioma. The low ULK2, UVRAG, and miR-374 expression group exhibited significantly poor overall survival in glioma, while miR-21 over-expression indicated a poor prognosis in glioma patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides comprehensive insights into the molecular landscape of gliomas, highlighting the dysregulation of autophagy genes ULK2, and UVRAG and the associated miR-21, miR-126 and miR-374 as potential prognostic biomarkers and emphasizing their unique significance in shaping survival outcomes in gliomas patients.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coral reefs from Southwestern Atlantic: A seascape approach using tissue and skeleton of the coral Montastraea cavernosa (Cnidaria; Scleractinia).

Coastal marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs, are severely threatened by climate changes, overexploitation, and marine pollution. Particularly, environmental pollution caused by petroleum-derived substances is poorly studied in coral reefs in tropical developing countries, with a total absence of data about these contaminants in some regions. In this work, we determined the levels of conventional and unconventional PAHs in the tissue and skeleton of the coral Montastraea cavernosa in a seascape scale of the Southwest Atlantic. We sampled in 12 coral reefs adjacent to the coast along approximately 200 km. We found 14 PAHs, 2 Oxy-PAHs, and 15 Nitro-PAHs in the samples, and among them, benzo[a]pyrene, chrysene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene and dibenz[a,h]anthracene, which are mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic substances. Skeletons presented predominantly lower quantities of ∑PAHs than the respective tissue, except for the skeletons from one reef severely impacted by oil spills. The ∑PAHs levels were lower in a bay near an urbanized region than in open sea reefs. Diagnostic ratios indicate mixogenic sources, with the predominance of petrogenic origin. Our study provides the first occurrence of PAHs, Nitro-PAHs, and Oxy-PAHs distribution in corals from the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, and we expect that these data will help to evaluate any future impacts and management of this ecosystem.

Delay in Time to Adjuvant Chemotherapy and its Impact on Oncological Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Optimal Cytoreductive Surgery for Advanced Ovarian Cancer: Analysis of 1480 Cases From the Indian HIPEC Registry.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The impact of delay in initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy following optimal CRS in different settings of treatment for advanced ovarian cancer needs to be studied with special reference to CRS HIPEC. METHODS: The 1480 advanced EOC patients underwent optimal CRS, followed by adjuvant chemotheraphy, with or without intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy in Normothermic or Hyperthermic form. Interval between the day of surgery and start of adjuvant chemotherapy and its impact on outcome was analyzed. RESULTS: CRS, CRS with IP or HIPEC was done in 400, 480, and 600 patients respectively. Median interval of starting adjuvant chemotherapy was 32 days CRS group, 34 days CRS + IP group and 41 days CRS + HIPEC group. Delay in chemotherapy impacted on recurrence free survival (RFS) in CRS + IV group (36 vs. 17 months: p = 0.02) and some impact in CRS + IP group (38 vs. 28 months; P 0.78) and no impact on CRS + HIPEC group (35 vs. 32 months; p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Delay in starting adjuvant chemotherapy adversely affects RFS in patients undergoing optimal CRS alone. However, the delay didn't have an impact in the CRS + HIPEC group. Well-designed clinical studies are required to evaluate the impact of single dose of HIPEC.

Age Estimation through Hounsfield Unit Analysis of Pelvic Bone in the Romanian Population.

Background: Bone density is affected by age- and sex-related changes in the os coxae, often known as the pelvic bone. Recent developments in computed tomography (CT) imaging have created new opportunities for quantitative analysis, notably regarding Hounsfield Units (HU). Objectives: The study aims to investigate the possibility of using HU obtained from os coxae CT scans to estimate age in the Romanian population. Methods: A statistical analysis was conducted on a sample of 80 pelvic CT scans in order to find any significant correlation between age, sex, and variation in density among the different pelvic bone locations of interest. According to the research, pelvic radiodensity measurements varied significantly between male and female participants, with men having greater levels. This technique may be valuable for determining an individual's sex precisely, as evidenced by the substantial association found between HU levels and changes in bone density associated with sex. Results: The analysis of variance underscores that HU values exhibit a significant negative relationship with radiodensity, with a general trend of decreasing HU with increasing age. The equation derived from the ordinary least squares OLS regression analysis can be used to estimate the age of individuals in the Romanian population based on their HU values at specific pelvic sites. Conclusions: In conclusion, the application of HU analysis in CT imaging of the coxae represents a non-invasive and potentially reliable method for age and sex estimation, and a promising avenue in the field of human identification.

Isotopic spike 190Os as internal standard and empirical coefficient LA-ICP-MS combined with Sb fire assay for the determination of ultra-trace platinum group elements in geochemical samples.

In this work, a novel method of antimony fire assay (Sb-FA) enrichment combined with laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) for the determination of ultra-trace platinum group elements (PGEs) in geological samples was established. The purification and recycling technology of ultra-clean and high-purity fire assay collector Sb2O3 was proposed, in addition, high-purity quartz crucible was developed to replace the usual clay crucible, then the blank values of PGEs were as low as 0.0007-0.0028 ng g-1 (for 20 g sample). 190Os isotopic diluent was used as internal standard (IS) and quantitatively added into the fire assay ingredients, and fully mixed and balanced with the PGEs in the real samples by means of high temperature melting, cupellation and horizontal rotation of crucible and dish. Both 190Os and PGEs in the real sample were pre-concentrated in microgram level Sb granules (100 mg) through Sb-remaining cupellation. After grinding and polishing, 195Pt, 105Pd, 101Ru, 103Rh, 193Ir, total 189Os and 190Os enriched in Sb slices were determined by LA-ICP-MS, 190Os in the internal standard was calculated by isotope dilution equations. The Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) for PGEs were treated by the same procedure to obtain completely matrix matched Sb slices to solve the problem of no internationally recognized uniform PGEs standard materials for LA-ICP-MS determination. Due to the similar distribution trends of different PGEs in Sb slices by LA-ICP-MS imaging, then matrix-matched internal standard calibration strategy was used to reduce the element fractionation effect and improve the determination precision and accuracy of LA-ICP-MS. The laser frequency, energy density, denudation diameter and dwell times were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, empirical coefficient method was used to fit the standard curve and excellent curve fitting of PGEs were obtained with the correlation coefficient between 0.9990 and 0.9999. The method detection limits (LODs) for PGEs ranged from 0.00042 to 0.010 ng g-1. The established method was successfully applied to analyze real geochemical samples and various matrix Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) domestic and international, the determined values were in good agreement with the results of Sb-FA ICP-MS and the certified values.

Protective effect of afamin protein against oxidative stress related injury in human ovarian granulosa cells.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) play crucial roles in follicular growth and development. Their normal function is influenced by various factors, including oxidative stress, which is a significant factor. Afamin protein is a vitamin E-specific binding protein that acts as a vitamin E carrier in follicular fluid. Although the mechanism of the protective effect of afamin on human ovarian GCs is still unclear, there is evidence it has an antioxidant effect in neuronal cells. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the protective effects of afamin proteins on testosterone propionate (TP)-induced ovarian GCs using a human ovarian tumor granulosa cell line (KGN). RESULTS: The results showed that afamin reduced TP-induced oxidative stress in KGN cells by decreasing the levels of oxidative damage markers, enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and exerting a protective effect on GCs. Supplementation with afamin repaired mitochondrial dysfunction by improving mitochondrial membrane potential damage and ATP levels. It counteracted TP-induced apoptosis by decreasing the activity of Caspase-3 and upregulating the expression of the anti-apoptotic gene (BCL-2) while downregulating the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX). In addition, afamin regulated the expression of genes related to ovarian steroid hormone synthesis, ameliorating the endocrine dysfunction observed in TP-induced KGN cells. CONCLUSION: Therefore, Afamin proteins may serve as important complementary factors that protect GCs from other types of damage, such as oxidative stress, and may help improve ovarian follicle quality and female reproductive function.

Potentially functional variants of PARK7 and DDR2 in ferroptosis-related genes predict survival of non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death, is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. It is recognized increasingly for its pivotal role in both cancer development and the response to cancer treatments. We assessed associations between 370,027 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 467 ferroptosis-related genes and survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial served as our discovery dataset, while the Harvard Lung Cancer Susceptibility Study used as our validation dataset. For SNPs that remained statistically significantly associated with overall survival (OS) in both datasets, we employed a multivariable stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model with the PLCO dataset. Ultimately, two independent SNPs, PARK7 rs225120 C>T and DDR2 rs881127 T>C, were identified with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.32 (95% confidence interval = 1.15-1.52, p = .0001) and 1.34 (95% confidence interval = 1.09-1.64, p = .006) for OS, respectively. We aggregated these two SNPs into a genetic score reflecting the number of unfavorable genotypes (NUG) in further multivariable analysis, revealing a noteworthy association between increased NUG and diminished OS (ptrend = .001). Additionally, an expression quantitative trait loci analysis indicated that PARK7 rs225120T genotypes were significantly associated with higher PARK7 mRNA expression levels in both whole blood and normal lung tissue. Conversely, DDR2 rs881127C genotypes were significantly associated with lower DDR2 mRNA expression levels in normal lung tissue. Our findings suggest that genetic variants in the ferroptosis-related genes PARK7 and DDR2 are associated with NSCLC survival, potentially through their influence on gene expression levels.

A novel nomogram based on the number of positive lymph nodes can predict the overall survival of patients with pancreatic head cancer after radical surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to construct a novel nomogram based on the number of positive lymph nodes to predict the overall survival of patients with pancreatic head cancer after radical surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 2271 and 973 patients in the SEER Database were included in the development set and validation set, respectively. The primary clinical endpoint was OS (overall survival). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to screen independent risk factors of OS, and then independent risk factors were used to construct a novel nomogram. The C-index, calibration curves, and decision analysis curves were used to evaluate the predictive power of the nomogram in the development and validation sets. RESULTS: After multivariate Cox regression analysis, the independent risk factors for OS included age, tumor extent, chemotherapy, tumor size, LN (lymph nodes) examined, and LN positive. A nomogram was constructed by using independent risk factors for OS. The C-index of the nomogram for OS was 0.652 [(95% confidence interval (CI): 0.639-0.666)] and 0.661 (95%CI: 0.641-0.680) in the development and validation sets, respectively. The calibration curves and decision analysis curves proved that the nomogram had good predictive ability. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram based on the number of positive LN can effectively predict the overall survival of patients with pancreatic head cancer after surgery.

Prognostic efficacy of non-invasive ventilation in patients with overlap syndrome: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea.

Background: Limited evidence exists regarding the effects of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) on the prognosis of patients with concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), also known as overlap syndrome (OS). This study aimed to assess whether NIV alongside standard care could improve the prognosis of this cohort. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 229 patients with severe OS treated in Beijing Anzhen Hospital between January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2020, with follow-up until December 1, 2023. All patients were recommended usual care and NIV and were subsequently divided into non-NIV (usual care only) and NIV groups (usual care plus NIV) per their willingness and adherence to NIV. Endpoints included all-cause and acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD)-associated death and re-hospitalization. Multivariate analyses were used to determine the relationship of NIV with prognosis. Results: The follow-up lasted for a median of 760 days (interquartile range, 245-1,374 days). Patients in the NIV group showed lower rates of all-cause (37.5% vs. 65.1%, P<0.001) and AECOPD-associated (31.7% vs. 58.7%, P<0.001) death compared with patients in the non-NIV group. Compared with usual care only, NIV treatment was associated with significant reduction in all-cause death [relative risks (RR) =0.459, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.315-0.668, P<0.001], AECOPD-associated mortality (RR =0.424, 95% CI: 0.283-0.635, P<0.001), and re-hospitalization for all causes (RR =0.455, 95% CI: 0.342-0.605, P<0.001) and for AECOPD (RR =0.421, 95% CI: 0.308-0.575, P<0.001) in Cox hazards models, with significance persisting after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions: NIV may improve outcomes and survival in patients with severe OS of comorbid COPD and OSA. Confirmatory studies are needed to prove benefits.