Electroantennographic and behavioral responses of Bactorcera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) adults to the volatiles of plum fruits.

Fruit volatiles play a crucial role in the host localization by the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae). This study focused on identifying the fruit volatiles from Sanyue plum and Sanhua plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.), which are 2 varieties of the same species, and examined their impact on the behavior of B. dorsalis by using a Y-olfactometer. A total of 35 and 54 volatiles from Sanyue plum and Sanhua plum were identified, respectively. Among these, 23 volatiles elicited electroantennographic (EAG) responses by B. dorsalis adults, showing concentration-dependent effects in males and females. Ethyl butyrate, butyl acetate, butyl hexanoate, ethyl caproate, ethyl hexanoate, and hexyl acetate significantly attracted B. dorsalis compared to liquid paraffin, while nonaldehyde was avoided. There was no significant difference in the behavioral responses of both sexes to sorbitol esters, hexyl isobutyrate, and 1-tetradecene compared with the control liquid paraffin group. Interestingly, (3Z)-C-3-hexenyl acetate significantly attracted females, but not males. The above findings suggest that plum fruit volatiles are likely to facilitate the localization of host fruit by B. dorsalis adults and may even aid in mate-finding. This study opens up new avenues for exploring novel plant-based attractants that might be of value for the integrated management of B. dorsalis.

Prognosis in HR-positive metastatic breast cancer with HER2-low versus HER2-zero treated with CDK4/6 inhibitor and endocrine therapy: a meta-analysis.

Background: The combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) and endocrine therapy (ET) is currently the standard first-line treatment for patients with metastatic hormone receptor positive (HR+), and HER2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer. However, the impact of HER2 status on the prognosis of patients receiving CDK4/6i and ET remains unclear. The meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate different outcomes between HER2-low and HER2-zero patients in advanced HR+ breast cancer receiving CDK4/6i and ET. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE databases for relevant published literature. Objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were pooled by fixed or random effects models. Results: Overall, 12 studies with 3567 patients were eligible for analysis. The pooled analysis suggested that no significant differences were observed in terms of ORR and OS between HER2-low and HER2-zero patients who underwent CDK4/6i and ET. Similarly, no significant difference in PFS was found between HER2-low and HER2-zero patients who underwent post-line CDK4/6i and ET or first-line Palbociclib and ET. However, in patients who received mixed-line (not a single treatment line) or first-line CDK4/6i and ET, the PFS was significantly shorter in the HER2-low subgroup than in the HER2-zero subgroup (mixed-line: HR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.11-1.65; P = 0.002; first-line: HR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.01-1.28; P = 0.04). A similar phenomenon was observed in patients who received mixed-line or post-line Palbociclib and ET (mixed-line: HR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.09-2.34; P = 0.02; post-line: HR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.03-2.00; P = 0.03). Conclusion: These results indicated that HER2-low status did not have a significant association with ORR and OS, but it may have a worse impact on PFS in patients who received mixed-line or first-line CDK4/6i and ET, as well as mixed-line or post-line palbociclib plus ET.

De novo genome of thick-tailed pygmy jerboa Salpingotus crassicauda, Cardiocraniinae, Dipodidae.

Pygmy jerboas are one of the smallest taxa of rodents. They exhibit distinctly different morphological and biological characteristics from other subfamilies, such as more restricted distribution, species richness, reproductive ability, and population size. Agricultural expansion and the development of new energy projects in recent years lead to sharp decline of their natural populations. Here, we assembled and annotated the first reference genome for the subfamily Cardiocraniinae using Illunima and Nanopore sequencing from the thick-tailed pygmy jerboa, Salpingotus crassicauda. The final genome is 2.44 Gb in size, with a contig N50 length of 13.71 Mb and a BUSCO completeness of 96.35%. A total of 23,344 protein-coding genes were annotated in the final genome. We also determined the mitochondrial genome of this species and annotated 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNA. These genomic assemblies provide resources in studying phylogeny and adaptive evolution of Dipodidae, as well as implementing conservation management of jerboas.

Glutamine promotes the proliferation of intestinal stem cells via inhibition of TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator promoter methylation in burned mice.

Background: Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) play a pivotal role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and facilitating the restoration of intestinal mucosal barrier integrity. Glutamine (Gln) is a crucial energy substrate in the intestine, promoting the proliferation of ISCs and mitigating damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier after burn injury. However, the underlying mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to explore the mechanism by which Gln facilitates the proliferation of ISCs. Methods: A mouse burn model was established to investigate the impact of Gln on intestinal function. Subsequently, crypts were isolated, and changes in TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) expression were assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. The effects of TIGAR on cell proliferation were validated through CCK-8, EdU, and clonogenicity assays. Furthermore, the effect of TIGAR on Yes-associated protein (YAP) nuclear translocation and ferroptosis was examined by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Finally, dot blot analysis and methylation-specific PCR were performed to evaluate the effect of Gln on TIGAR promoter methylation. Results: The mRNA and protein levels of TIGAR decreased after burn injury, and supplementation with Gln increased the expression of TIGAR. TIGAR accelerates the nuclear translocation of YAP, thereby increasing the proliferation of ISCs. Concurrently, TIGAR promotes the synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and glutathione to suppress ferroptosis in ISCs. Subsequent investigations demonstrated that Gln inhibits TIGAR promoter methylation by increasing the expression of the demethylase ten-eleven translocation. This change increased TIGAR transcription, increased NADPH synthesis, and reduced oxidative stress, thereby facilitating the restoration of intestinal mucosal barrier integrity post-burn injury. Conclusions: Our data confirmed the inhibitory effect of Gln on TIGAR promoter methylation, which facilitates YAP translocation into the nucleus and suppresses ferroptosis, ultimately promoting the proliferation of ISCs.

Population pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine A in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: A systematic review.

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is the prevalent immunosuppressive drug for preventing and treating graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in both children and adults. Population pharmacokinetic studies have identified covariates, owing to their large between-subject variability, facilitating individualized therapy. However, no review has summarized CsA's population pharmacokinetics post-HSCT. This systematic review aims to synthesize population pharmacokinetic studies of CsA therapy in HSCT recipients and explore influencing covariates. Thirteen studies, comprising five involving children, one involving both children and adults and seven involving adults, were included. The median apparent clearance in children surpassed that in adults, influenced notably by hematocrit level and body. While liver function impacted clearance, the effect was insignificant. Co-administration with cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole or itraconazole) decreased drug clearance, whereas inducers (e.g., rifampicin or rifapentine) increased it. Area under the curve analysis is recommended over trough concentration-based monitoring for HSCT recipients on CsA. In cases of insufficient trough concentration, additional sampling points are recommended for improved area under the curve estimation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the optimal sampling points required for the area under the curve estimation in CsA therapy post-HSCT.

PAR1 Activation, via LMBR1/BMP Axis, Promotes the Osteogenesis of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (PDLSCs) and Alleviates the Inhibitory Effect of Sodium Butyrate on PDLSCs Osteogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss and can exacerbate various systemic inflammatory conditions. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) stand out as prominent and favorable candidates for promoting periodontal tissue regeneration. This study aimed to investigate whether the protease-activated receptor type 1 (PAR1) can mitigate the sodium butyrate (NaB)-induced PDLSCs osteogenesis inhibition and unravel the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Public datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were utilized to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in periodontitis and subsequent Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. PDLSCs were cultured normally in control medium (CM) as the negative control or in osteogenic medium (OM) to induce osteogenesis. PAR1 was either activated or suppressed using a selective agonist or antagonist (OM+agonist and OM+antagonist). The evaluation of PDLSCs osteogenesis was based on the levels of osteogenesis-related markers, including runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osterix (OSX), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteopontin (OPN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and calcium concentration. Additionally, cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were measured through the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Alizarin Red Staining. To determine the PAR1 targeting the limb development membrane protein 1 (LMBR1)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway, LMBR1 was upregulated through cell transfection and BMP2 was inhibited using the selective inhibitor Noggin protein. Finally, NaB was introduced into PDLSCs to investigate the effect on NaB-induced inhibition of PDLSCs osteogenesis. RESULTS: PAR1, RUNX2, OSX, OCN, OPN, proliferation, ALP activity, calcium concentration, osteogenic differentiation, BMP2, and BMP4 exhibited significant increases in PDLSCs cultured in OM (p < 0.01). These parameters were further elevated by PAR1 agonist and conversely reduced by PAR1 antagonist (p < 0.01). Conversely, LMBR1 was decreased in PDLSCs cultured in OM (p < 0.001), with further reduction induced by PAR1 agonist and a reverse increase observed with PAR1 antagonist (p < 0.001). OE-LMBR1 transfection successfully elevated LMBR1 levels, subsequently inhibiting BMP2 and BMP4 (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the Noggin protein effectively suppressed BMP2 and BMP4 (p < 0.001). All observed osteogenesis-related changes were reversed by the increased LMBR1 or inhibition of the BMP pathway (p < 0.001). Furthermore, NaB suppressed osteogenesis-related changes in OM-cultured PDLSCs (p < 0.001), and these effects were entirely reversed by PAR1 agonist (p < 0.001). Conversely, the increased LMBR1 or inhibited BMP pathway disrupted the osteogenesis reversion induced by PAR1 agonist (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The activation of PAR1, through suppressing LMBR1 signaling and activating BMP pathway, demonstrates the ability to enhance the osteogenesis of PDLSCs and mitigate the inhibitory effects on PDLSCs osteogenesis caused by NaB.

Association between air pollutants and four major mental disorders: Evidence from a Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Existing epidemiological studies have indicated a correlation between air pollutants and the occurrence of mental disorders. However, it is difficult to estimate the causal relationship between the two because of the limitations of traditional epidemiological research. In our study, we aimed to extensively explore the causal relationship between five types of air pollutants and four types of mental disorders. METHODS: Based on the IEU OPEN GWAS database, we performed a two-sample MR analysis. The primary analysis method utilized was the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by the MR-Egger method and the weighted median method. Additionally, we conducted sensitivity analyses with the Cochran's Q statistic method, the leave-one-out method, and the MR-Egger intercept. We chose at least 4 GWAS datasets for each of the four psychiatric diseases and conducted a meta-analysis of our results of the MR analysis. RESULTS: The meta-analysis's findings demonstrated a causal link between depression and PM2.5 (OR=1.020, 95 %CI: (1.010,1.030), P=0.001). PM10 and schizophrenia are also causally related (OR=1.136, 95 %CI: (1.034,1.248), P=0.008). Nitrogen oxides and bipolar disorder have a causal relationship (OR=1.002, 95 %CI: (1.000,1.003), P=0.022). Nitrogen oxides and schizophrenia have a high causal association (OR=1.439, 95 %CI: (1.183,1.752), P<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study observed a causal association between increased concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and nitrogen oxides and the occurrence of depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Our research findings have certain guiding implications for treating and preventing mental disorders.

Genome-wide identification of the CAD gene family and functional analysis of putative bona fide CAD genes in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.).

Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) plays a crucial role in lignin biosynthesis, and the gene family encoding various CAD isozymes has been cloned and characterized in numerous plant species. However, limited information regarding the CAD gene family in tobacco is currently available. In this study, we identified 10 CAD genes in Nicotiana tabacum, four in N. tomentosiformis, and six in N. sylvestris. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of these tobacco CADs demonstrate high levels of similarity, whereas the putative protein sequences conservatively possessed two Zn2+ binding motifs and an NADP(H) cofactor binding motif. Both NtCAD1 and NtCAD2 had conservative substrate binding sites, similar to those possessed by bona fide CADs, and evidence from phylogenetic analysis as well as expression profiling supported their role as bona fide CADs involved in lignin biosynthesis. NtCAD1 has two paralogous genes, NtCAD1-1 and NtCAD1-2. Enzyme activity analysis revealed that NtCAD1-1 and NtCAD1-2 had a high affinity to coniferyl aldehyde, p-coumaryl aldehyde, and sinapyl aldehyde, whereas NtCAD2 preferred coniferyl aldehyde and p-coumaryl aldehyde as substrates. The kinetic parameter assay revealed that NtCAD1-2 functions as the most efficient enzyme. Downregulation of both NtCAD1-1 and NtCAD1-2 resulted in reddish-brown stems without significant changes in lignin content. Furthermore, NtCAD1-1, NtCAD1-2, and NtCAD2 showed distinct expression patterns in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as different phytohormones. Our findings suggest that NtCAD1-1 and NtCAD1-2 are involved in lignin biosynthesis, with NtCAD1-2 also participating in both biological and abiotic stresses, whereas NtCAD2 plays a distinct role mainly in responding to biological and abiotic stresses in tobacco.

Long Noncoding RNA CRNDE Promotes Gastric Cancer Progression through Targeting miR-136-5p/MIEN1.

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to the initiation and progression of gastric cancer (GC). The purpose of this study is to examine the potential role of lncRNA colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) in modulating the expression of migration and invasion enhancer 1 (MIEN1) through the suppression of miR-136-5p in GC. Methods: The biological roles of CRNDE, miR-136-5p, and MIEN1 in GC were assessed both in laboratory settings and through the examination of clinical samples. Results: CRNDE was found to be significantly increased in GC tissues, and this upregulation was associated with an unfavorable prognosis of GC patients. In vitro experiments showed that inhibiting cell growth and migration, along with promoting apoptosis in GC cells, could be achieved by either disabling CRNDE or MIEN1, or by increasing the expression of miR-136-5p. MIEN1 is a specific recipient of miR-136-5p, and the anticancer effects of miR-136-5p can be counteracted by the increased expression of MIEN1. Through the examination of clinical specimens, it has been observed that there is a significant positive correlation between the expression of MIEN1 and CRNDE. In contrast, miR-136-5p expression in GC tissues shows a negative correlation. Conclusion: A previously unexplored therapeutic target for GC involves the CRNDE/miR-136-5p/MIEN1 signal transduction cascade.

DSG2 and c-MYC Interact to Regulate the Expression of ADAM17 and Promote the Development of Cervical Cancer.

Purpose: To explore the effect of DSG2 on the growth of cervical cancer cells and its possible regulatory mechanism. Methods: The expression levels and survival prognosis of DSG2 and ADAM17 in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues were analyzed by bioinformatics. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the effects of DSG2 on the proliferative activity, colony formation ability and migration ability of SiHa and Hela cells. The effect of DSG 2 on the level of ADAM17 transcription and translation was detected by qPCR and Western blot experiments. The interaction between DSG2 and c-MYC was detected by immunocoprecipitation. c-MYC inhibitors were used in HeLa cells overexpressing DSG2 to analyze the effects of DSG2 and c-MYC on proliferation, colony formation and migration of Hela cells, as well as the regulation of ADAM17 expression. Results: DSG2 was highly expressed in cervical squamous cell carcinoma compared with normal tissues (P<0.05), and high DSG2 expression suggested poor overall survival (P<0.05). After DSG2 knockdown, the proliferative activity, colony formation and migration ability of SiHa and Hela cells were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with adjacent normal tissues, ADAM17 was highly expressed in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (P<0.05), and high ADAM17 expression suggested poor overall survival in cervical cancer patients (P<0.05). The results of immunocoprecipitation showed the interaction between DSG2 and c-MYC. Compared with DSG2 overexpression group, DSG2 overexpression combined with c-MYC inhibition group significantly decreased cell proliferation, migration and ADAM17 expression (P < 0.05). Conclusion: DSG2 is highly expressed in cervical cancer, and inhibition of DSG2 expression can reduce the proliferation and migration ability of cervical cancer cells, which may be related to the regulation of ADAM17 expression through c-MYC interaction.

Predictive factors of turnover intention of newly graduated nurses in their first year of employment: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The turnover of newly graduated nurses is a severe challenge for healthcare systems, and so it is essential to identify its predictive factors. This study investigates whether professional commitment, career adaptability, career self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression levels before and after internship can predict the turnover intention of newly graduated nurses after one year of employment. METHODS: In a longitudinal study, 271 undergraduate nursing students recruited by convenience sampling were surveyed before internship (T1), after internship (T2), and after one year of employment (T3), with all surveys conducted on the Wenjuanxing survey platform ( www.wjx.cn ). Generalized linear models and restricted cubic spline models were used to explore possible linear and nonlinear relationships between turnover intention and the variables of interest. RESULTS: Professional commitment both pre-internship (ß = -0.060, p = 0.007, 95% CI [- 0.104, - 0.016]) and post-internship (ß = -0.053, p = 0.015, 95% CI [- 0.096, - 0.010]) can negatively predict turnover intention. There is also a negative linear relationship between post-internship career self-efficacy and turnover intention (ß = -0.308, p < 0.001, 95% CI [- 0.436, - 0.180]). In addition, professional commitment both pre-internship (adjusted R2 = 0.046, p = 0.004) and post-internship (adjusted R2 = 0.068, p < 0.001), career self-efficacy both pre-internship (adjusted R2 = 0.039, p = 0.008) and post-internship (adjusted R2 = 0.116, p < 0.001), career adaptability both pre-internship (adjusted R2 = 0.057, p < 0.001) and post-internship (adjusted R2 = 0.039, p = 0.008), anxiety both pre-internship (adjusted R2 = 0.035, p = 0.014) and post-internship (adjusted R2 = 0.048, p = 0.003), and depression levels both pre-internship (adjusted R2 = 0.031, P nonlinear = 0.021) and post-internship (adjusted R2 = 0.053, p = 0.002) are nonlinearly associated with turnover intention. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing educators and clinical care administrators must take action to enhance the professional commitment and career self-efficacy of nursing students during their internship. It is also important to pay attention to their career adaptability, as well as to any anxiety or depression that they may experience during clinical practice. This can help to reduce the turnover intention during the first year of their nursing career.

Roles of Critical Amino Acids Metabolism in The Interactions Between Intracellular Bacterial Infection and Macrophage Function.

Macrophages, as crucial participants in the innate immune system, respond to pathogenic challenges through their dynamic metabolic adjustments, demonstrating the intimate interplay between cellular metabolism and immune function. Bacterial infection of macrophages causes changes in macrophage metabolism, affecting both macrophage function and bacterial virulence and intracellular survival. This review explores the reprogramming of amino acid metabolism in macrophages in response to bacterial infection, with a particular focus on the influence of critical amino acids such as serine, glutamine, and arginine on the immune functions of macrophages; highlights the roles of these metabolic pathways in macrophage functions such as phagocytosis, inflammatory response, immune regulation, and pathogen clearance; reveals how pathogens exploit and manipulate the amino acid metabolism within macrophages to support their own growth and replication, thereby showcasing the intricate interplay between macrophages and pathogens. It provides a foundation for understanding the interactions between macrophages amino acid metabolism and pathogens, offering potential strategies and therapeutic targets for the development of novel anti-infection therapies.

Complications and adverse events of high-intensity focused ultrasound in its application to gynecological field - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and summarize the types, incidence rates and relevant influencing factors of adverse events (AEs) after high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of gynecological diseases and provide reference and basis for handling such events in clinical practice. METHOD: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases to retrieve all literature since its establishment until February 2024. We evaluated the quality of included literature and publication bias and conducted a meta-analysis of single group rates for various AEs using Stata 17.0. RESULTS: This systematic review finally included 41 articles. We summarized 34 kinds of AEs in 7 aspects and conducted a single group rate meta-analysis and sub-group analysis of 16 kinds of AEs. Among the common AEs of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), the incidence of lower abdominal pain/pelvic pain is 36.1% (95% CI: 24.3%∼48.8%), vaginal bleeding is 20.6% (95% CI: 13.9%∼28.0%), vaginal discharge is 14.0% (95% CI: 9.6%∼19.1%), myoma discharge is 24% (95% CI: 14.6%∼34.8%), buttock pain is 10.8% (95% CI: 6.0%∼16.5%) and sacral pain is 10% (95% CI: 8.8%∼11.2%). Serious complications include uterine rupture, necrotic tissue obstruction requiring surgical intervention, third degree skin burns and persistent lower limb pain or movement disorders. CONCLUSION: The common AEs after HIFU surgery are mostly mild and controllable, and the incidence of serious complications is extremely low. By reasonable prevention and active intervention, these events can be further reduced, making it a safe and effective treatment method. It is a good choice for patients who crave noninvasive treatment or have other surgical contraindications.

Structural Optimization of PA12/MVQ@POE-g-MAH Ternary Composite for Superior Toughness and Low-Temperature Resistance.

To enhance the low-temperature toughness and resistance of the engineering plastic polyamide PA12, this study introduces novel PA12/MVQ@POE-g-MAH ternary composites using a two-step process and dynamic curing. Analytical results indicate that incorporating MVQ@POE-g-MAH into the PA12 matrix markedly enhances its toughness and heat resistance. As the MVQ@POE-g-MAH content increases, the elongation at break of PA12 composites significantly expands from 52.83% to 204.69%, and the notch impact strength escalates from 8.69 to 74.34 kJ m-2. In addition, the brittleness temperature of PA12 decreases from -59.5 to -67.0 °C. Experimental findings confirm that POE-g-MAH is dispersed at the interface between MVQ and PA12, creating an encapsulated structure of MVQ@POE-g-MAH. This enhancement significantly broadens the potential applications of PA12 by improving its toughness, and resistance to both low and high temperatures, as well as impact endurance.

A case series on safety and tolerability of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells on patients in Malaysia.

Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative therapy are a promising treatment option for chronic illnesses. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells offer several advantages over other sources, which makes them an attractive option in tissue repair and regeneration. This clinical study describes a 1-year follow-up on the safety and tolerance of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy on nine patients in Malaysia. Patients were assessed for adverse effects, and liver function tests were carried out on both pre- and post-treatments. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells' effectiveness and safety were assessed by follow-up evaluations. All nine patients responded positively towards umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy, without any adverse effects. After umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy, a significant improvement was observed in liver functioning test outcomes, as haematological parameters and tumour markers were stable. The present study concludes that umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy is well tolerated by Malaysian patients; however, further clinical screening must be done over a large number of patients population.

Survival outcomes in HER2-low versus HER2-zero breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The survival outcomes in HER2-low versus HER2-zero breast cancer (BC) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) remain unclear. The meta-analysis was conducted to summarize current evidence about the survival outcomes in HER2-low versus HER2-zero BC. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify relevant studies. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies with 53,714 patients were included. Overall, 34,037 patients (63.37%) were HER2-low, and 19,677 patients (36.63%) were HER2-zero. Patients with HER2-low tumors had a significantly lower pathological complete response (pCR) rate than patients with HER2-zero tumors, regardless of the hormone receptor status. Compared with HER2-zero breast cancer, the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of HER2-low BC were longer in the overall cohort (HR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.61-0.85; P < 0.0001; HR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.75-0.92; P = 0.0002); however, no differences were observed in terms of OS and DFS between HER2-low and HER2-zero BC in the HR-negative group. In the HR-positive group, HER2-low status had no significant impact on OS, while significantly associated with increased DFS (HR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.76-0.96; P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that although HER2-low BC has a poor response to NACT, it is correlated with favorable OS and DFS after NACT in the overall cohort as well as longer DFS in the HR-positive group.

Learning Curve for No-Touch Vein Harvesting Technique in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate the learning curve associated with the no-touch vein harvesting technique in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), highlighting its impact on surgical proficiency. METHODS: We employed logarithmic curve fitting to analyze the learning curves of 160 patients undergoing no-touch CABG, with a detailed retrospective examination of 89 patients who received three grafts using Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) analysis. Patients were categorized into two phases: the initial learning phase and the subsequent mastery phase, based on the chronological order of surgeries. We then compared perioperative outcomes between these phases. RESULTS: The learning curve for the no-touch vein harvesting technique was quantitatively established at 51 cases via CUSUM analysis, with supporting evidence from logarithmic curve fitting indicating a significant proficiency milestone. In the mastery phase, median operative times, aorta-saphenous vein graft (SVG) anastomosis, and SVG inspection durations were notably reduced (230 vs. 250 minutes, P = 0.002; 11.5 vs. 13.0 minutes, P = 0.025; 9.0 vs. 11.0 minutes, P = 0.002, respectively), alongside decreased initial 48-hour chest tube drainage, shorter postoperative hospital stays, and fewer incidences of delayed leg incision healing compared to the learning phase [312.6 (140.7) ml vs. 401.0 (233.5) ml, P = 0.029; 11.0 d vs. 12.0 d, P = 0.026; 15.7% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.043)]. CONCLUSION: Cardiac surgeons adopting the full-incision SVG harvesting method for no-touch CABG undergo a discernible learning curve before achieving early proficiency. It is crucial, especially during the initial learning phase, to focus on aorta-SVG anastomosis, the meticulous inspection for bleeding, and the management of wound complications to optimize patient outcomes.

Comparison of the cachexia index based on hand-grip strength (H-CXI) with the original CXI for the prediction of cancer cachexia and prognosis in patients who underwent radical colectomy for colorectal cancer.

Background and aims: The cachexia index (CXI) is a novel biomarker for estimating cancer cachexia. The cachexia index based on hand-grip strength (H-CXI) has been recently developed as a simple proxy for CXI. The present study aims to compare both the H-CXI and CXI for the prediction of cancer cachexia and postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent radical colectomy for colorectal cancer. Methods: Patients who underwent radical operations for colorectal cancer were included in this study. Cancer cachexia was diagnosed according to the international consensus outlined by Fearon et al. The cachexia index (CXI) was calculated as [skeletal muscle index (SMI) × serum albumin/neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)]. The H-CXI was calculated as [hand-grip strength (HGS)/height2 × serum albumin/NLR]. The SMI was measured based on the preoperative CT images at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) level. HGS was measured before surgery. Results: From July 2014 to May 2021, a total of 1,411 patients were included in the present study, of whom 361 (25.6%) were identified as having cancer cachexia. Patients with cachexia had a lower CXI (p < 0.001) and lower H-CXI (p < 0.001) than those without cachexia. A low CXI but not low H-CXI independently predicted cancer cachexia in the multivariate analysis (OR 1.448, p = 0.024). Both a low CXI (HR 1.476, p < 0.001 for OS; HR 1.611, p < 0.001 for DFS) and low H-CXI (HR 1.369, p = 0.007 for OS; HR 1.642, p < 0.001 for DFS) were independent predictors for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after adjusting for the same covariates. A low H-CXI but not low CXI was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications (OR 1.337, p = 0.044). No significant association was found between cancer cachexia and postoperative complications. Conclusion: The CXI and H-CXI exhibited better prognostic value than cancer cachexia for the prediction of postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent radical colectomy for colorectal cancer. The H-CXI was a superior index over the CXI in predicting short-term clinical outcomes, whereas the CXI demonstrated a closer correlation with Fearon's criteria for cancer cachexia. Ideal tools for the assessment of cancer cachexia should incorporate not only weight loss but also muscle mass, physical function, and inflammatory state.

Characterization of bacterial diversity and screening of cellulose-degrading bacteria in the gut system of Glenea cantor (Fabricius) larvae.

The intestinal bacteria of longhorn beetles would be ideal targets for pest control and lignocellulosic resources by destroying or exploiting their cellulose-degrading function. This article aims to investigate the diversity and community structure of intestinal bacteria the oligophagous longhorn beetle Glenea cantor. Additionally, it seeks to identify the presence of lignocellulose-degrading bacteria in the gut, and explore their role in consuming host kapok trees Bombax malabaricum. In this study, the bacterial community from G. cantor was examined by Illumina sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) targeting the V3 and V4 regions. A total of 563,201 valid sequences and 814 OTUs were obtained. The dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, and the dominant genera were Acinetobacter and Lactococcus. The analysis of microbial diversity revealed a high bacterial diversity in the samples, with the gut bacteria playing a crucial role in the physiological activities of the host, particularly, 9 genera of intestinal bacteria with cellulose degradation function were found, highlighting their vital role in cellulose degradation. Five strains of cellulose-degrading bacteria, belonging to the genus Pseudomonas, were obtained from the intestinal tract of G. cantor larvae using traditional isolation and culture techniques as well as 16S rDNA sequencing. Among these strains, A4 exhibited a cellulase activity of 94.42 ± 0.42 U/mL, while A5 displayed the highest filter paper enzyme activity of 127.46 ± 3.54 U/mL. These results offered valuable insights into potential targets for pest control through internal attack digestion and cellulose-degrading bacteria in longhorn beetles.