Experimental Evidence for the Role of Dynamics in pH-Dependent Enzymatic Activity.

Enzymatic activity is heavily influenced by pH, but the rationale for the dynamical mechanism of pH-dependent enzymatic activity has not been fully understood. In this work, combined neutron scattering techniques, including quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS), are used to study the structural and dynamic changes of a model enzyme, xylanase, under different pH and temperature environments. The QENS results reveal that xylanase at optimal pH exhibits faster relaxational dynamics and a lower energy barrier between conformational substates. The SANS results demonstrate that pH affects both xylanase's stability and monodispersity. Our findings indicate that enzymes have optimized stability and function under their optimal pH conditions, with both structure and dynamics being affected. The current study offers valuable insights into enzymatic functionality mechanisms, allowing for broad industrial applications.

Engineered biological nanoparticles as nanotherapeutics for tumor immunomodulation.

Biological nanoparticles, or bionanoparticles, are small molecules manufactured in living systems with complex production and assembly machinery. The products of the assembly systems can be further engineered to generate functionalities for specific purposes. These bionanoparticles have demonstrated advantages such as immune system evasion, minimal toxicity, biocompatibility, and biological clearance. Hence, bionanoparticles are considered the new paradigm in nanoscience research for fabricating safe and effective nanoformulations for therapeutic purposes. Harnessing the power of the immune system to recognize and eradicate malignancies is a viable strategy to achieve better therapeutic outcomes with long-term protection from disease recurrence. However, cancerous tissues have evolved to become invisible to immune recognition and to transform the tumor microenvironment into an immunosuppressive dwelling, thwarting the immune defense systems and creating a hospitable atmosphere for cancer growth and progression. Thus, it is pertinent that efforts in fabricating nanoformulations for immunomodulation are mindful of the tumor-induced immune aberrations that could render cancer nanotherapy inoperable. This review systematically categorizes the immunosuppression mechanisms, the regulatory immunosuppressive cellular players, and critical suppressive molecules currently targeted as breakthrough therapies in the clinic. Finally, this review will summarize the engineering strategies for affording immune moderating functions to bionanoparticles that tip the tumor microenvironment (TME) balance toward cancer elimination, a field still in the nascent stage.

Titration of sedentary behavior with varying physical activity levels reduces mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes.

CONTEXT: Both physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) exert important impact on type 2 diabetes, but it remains unclear how maximum impact on improving the mortality and optimized proportion of the two lifestyles combination exists. OBJECTIVE: To explore the impacts of PA/SB combinations on mortality in patients with diabetes. METHODS: Patients with type 2 diabetes patients samplings were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset. Their lifestyles were categorized into eight groups based on combinations of the PA and SB levels. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 1,148 deaths (18.94%) were recorded. High SB (sedentary time ≥6 hours/day) was significantly associated with higher all-cause mortality (HR 1.65). In participants with low SB (<6 hours/day), low PA was associated with lower all-cause mortality (HR 0.43), while further increase of PA level did not show further reduction in either all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. In contrast, in participants with high SB，all levels of PA were associated with lower all-cause mortality (p<0.05), but only moderate PA was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type 2 diabetes, different combinations of various levels of PA and SB are associated with different degree of risk for all-cause or cardiovascular mortality.

Association between hepatitis A seropositivity and bone mineral density in adolescents and adults: a cross-sectional study using NHANES data.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis, characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk, imposes significant physical, psychosocial, and financial burdens. Early detection and prevention are crucial for managing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of fractures. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between Hepatitis A seropositivity and bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents and adults and to explore the potential link between Hepatitis A infection and osteoporosis risk. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018 to evaluate the association between hepatitis A seropositivity and BMD in 15,693 participants. METHODS: Multivariable regression analysis was used to calculate the mean BMD and standard error for adolescents and adults, followed by an independent z-test to determine whether there was a significant difference between the seropositive and seronegative groups. RESULTS: Hepatitis A seropositive adolescents and adults had lower BMD than their seronegative counterparts, with significant differences in lumber spine (mean difference = -0.03 g/cm2, P < 0.01 for both age groups) and pelvis BMDs (mean difference = -0.02 g/cm2, P < 0.01 for the adult age groups), after adjusting for various covariates. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that both adolescent and adult individuals seropositive for Hepatitis A antibodies had reduced BMD among both adolescents and adults, especially in the adult group. This finding suggests a possible link between Hepatitis A infection and risk of osteoporosis.

Enhancing X-Ray Sensitization with Multifunctional Nanoparticles.

In the progression of X-ray-based radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer, the incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) has a transformative impact. This study investigates the potential of NPs, particularly those comprised of high atomic number elements, as radiosensitizers. This aims to optimize localized radiation doses within tumors, thereby maximizing therapeutic efficacy while preserving surrounding tissues. The multifaceted applications of NPs in radiotherapy encompass collaborative interactions with chemotherapeutic, immunotherapeutic, and targeted pharmaceuticals, along with contributions to photodynamic/photothermal therapy, imaging enhancement, and the integration of artificial intelligence technology. Despite promising preclinical outcomes, the paper acknowledges challenges in the clinical translation of these findings. The conclusion maintains an optimistic stance, emphasizing ongoing trials and technological advancements that bolster personalized treatment approaches. The paper advocates for continuous research and clinical validation, envisioning the integration of NPs as a revolutionary paradigm in cancer therapy, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Preparation and Characterization of Bismaleimide-Resin-Based Composite Materials.

This study utilized bismaleimide (BMI) resin, reinforced with introduced ether bonds, as a binding matrix, in combination with silicon carbide (SiC), for the fabrication of composite materials. A thorough investigation was conducted to assess the influence of diverse processing parameters on the mechanical properties and high-temperature thermo-oxidative stability of these composites. Experimental results indicate a notable improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites upon the incorporation of ether bonds, in contrast to their unmodified counterparts. The variation in performance among composites with different ratios and molding densities is apparent. Within a certain range, an increase in resin content and molding density is correlated with improved bending strength in the composites. With a resin content of 27.5 vol% and a molding density of 2.31 g/cm3, the composite achieved a maximum flexural strength of 109.52 MPa, representing a 24% increase compared to its pre-modification state. Even after exposure to high-temperature heat treatment, the composites displayed commendable mechanical properties compared to their pre-ether bond modification counterparts, maintaining 74.5% of the strength of the untreated composites at 300 °C. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microstructures of composite materials correlate remarkably well with their mechanical properties.

Research on Sol-Gel Synthesis of Low-Temperature Na2O-B2O3-SiO2 Vitrified Bonds and Preparation of High-Strength Stacked Abrasives Using the Molding and Crushing Method.

Currently, the sol-gel technique is employed in the synthesis of high-performance vitrified bonds; however, its application in the fabrication of stacked abrasives has been minimally explored. Furthermore, the methods utilized in the production of abrasive particles for stacked abrasives are technically challenging and incur high costs, which hinders their actual industrial application. Consequently, this study utilizes the sol-gel approach to synthesize a Na2O-B2O3-SiO2 ternary system vitrified bond powder and employs a molding and crushing method, which offers a lower technological barrier and reduced preparation costs, for the production of abrasive particles subsequently fabricating corundum stacked abrasives. Upon setting the binder composition to a molar ratio of n(SiO2):n(B2O3):n(Na2O) = 65:23:12, it was observed that the crystallization within the glass matrix was minimized and the optimal sintering temperature for the synthesized laminate abrasive to be sustained at 820 °C. At the aforementioned temperature, the binder melt is capable of flowing uniformly amongst the abrasive granules, thereby ensuring a robust encapsulation of the particles. The average single particle compressive strength of the prepared corundum stacked abrasive with a grain size of forty mesh can reach the highest of all composition points at 28.56 N and the average single particle compressive strength of the prepared diamond stacked abrasive is 28.14 N.

Phenome-wide causal associations between osteoarthritis and other complex traits through the latent causal variable analysis.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with osteoarthritis present with comorbidities, and the potential causal associations remain incompletely elucidated. The present study undertook a large-scale investigation about the causality between osteoarthritis and variable traits, using the summary-level data of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). METHODS: The present study included the summary-level GWS data of knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, hip or knee osteoarthritis, hand osteoarthritis, and other 1355 traits. Genetic correlation analysis was conducted between osteoarthritis and other traits through cross-trait bivariate linkage disequilibrium score regression. Subsequently, latent causal variable analysis was performed to explore the causal association when there was a significant genetic correlation. Genetic correlation and latent causal variable analysis were conducted on the Complex Traits Genomics Virtual Lab platform ( https://vl.genoma.io/ ). RESULTS: We found 133 unique phenotypes showing causal relationships with osteoarthritis. Our results confirmed several well-established risk factors of osteoarthritis, such as obesity, weight, BMI, and meniscus derangement. Additionally, our findings suggested putative causal links between osteoarthritis and multiple factors. Socioeconomic determinants such as occupational exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, extended work hours exceeding 40 per week, and unemployment status were implicated. Furthermore, our analysis revealed causal associations with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, including heart failure, deep venous thrombosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and elevated cholesterol levels. Soft tissue and musculoskeletal disorders, such as hallux valgus, internal derangement of the knee, and spondylitis, were also identified to be causally related to osteoarthritis. The study also identified the putative causal associations of osteoarthritis with digestive and respiratory diseases, such as Barrett's esophagus, esophagitis, and asthma, as well as psychiatric conditions including panic attacks and manic or hyperactive episodes. Additionally, we observed osteoarthritis causally related to pharmacological treatments, such as the use of antihypertensive medications, anti-asthmatic drugs, and antidepressants. CONCLUSION: Our study uncovered a wide range of traits causally associated with osteoarthritis. Further studies are needed to validate and illustrate the detailed mechanism of those causal associations.

Implementing mind mapping in small-group learning to promote student engagement in the medical diagnostic curriculum: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Medical diagnostics is a pivotal bridge curriculum that receives much less attention from undergraduates in non-clinical medicine health profession programs with less student engagement and poor performance. Mind mapping is an active learning strategy for graphically presenting radiant thinking to culture clinical reasoning. The purpose of this study was to explore whether students' comprehensive diagnostic skills are enhanced through increased student engagement by employing mind mapping. METHODS: We implemented mind mapping in small-grouped workshops with 86 junior undergraduates from preventive medicine program, for physical diagnostic sessions including physical examination (PE) maneuver, electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation and medical history collection. We also conducted assessments of the above skills, as well as online surveys regarding their expectation on this course, self-evaluation of mind mapping in teaching and the learning process of all the modules. RESULTS: Group members employing mind mapping in all PE sessions obtained higher scores in the heart and lung systems during the PE maneuver exam. Similarly, groups that made more in-depth mind maps achieved higher scores on the ECG quiz. In addition, groups displaying mind maps for history taking from normal classes and reformed class exhibited greater completeness of medical history with both standardized patients and real patients, which was consistent with increased collection of accompanying symptoms. Mind mapping was valued by the majority of students for its benefits in terms of acquiring PE maneuver, theoretical knowledge, medical history collection and medical records writing, clinical reasoning, communication skills, sense of teamwork and cooperation, professionalism and humanistic literacy. DISCUSSION: The visual feature of mind mapping evoked extensive behavioral engagement in all groups, as did cognitive and emotional engagement, as the majority of students expressed their willingness and affective reactions. In the short term, the positive feedbacks encourage growing engagement. The continuous benefits of mind mapping require long-term observation.

FASN Inhibition Decreases MHC-I Degradation and Synergizes with PD-L1 Checkpoint Blockade in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) transformed the treatment landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, patients with attenuated MHC-I expression remain refractory to ICIs, and druggable targets for upregulating MHC-I are limited. Here, we found that genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FASN) increased MHC-I levels in HCC cells, promoting antigen presentation and stimulating antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, FASN inhibition reduced palmitoylation of MHC-I that led to its lysosomal degradation. The palmitoyltransferase DHHC3 directly bound MHC-I and negatively regulated MHC-I protein levels. In an orthotopic HCC mouse model, Fasn deficiency enhanced MHC-I levels and promoted cancer cell killing by tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Moreover, the combination of two different FASN inhibitors, orlistat and TVB-2640, with anti-PD-L1 antibody robustly suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Multiplex IHC of human HCC samples and bioinformatic analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data further illustrated that lower expression of FASN was correlated with a higher percentage of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. The identification of FASN as a negative regulator of MHC-I provides the rationale for combining FASN inhibitors and immunotherapy for treating HCC. SIGNIFICANCE: Inhibition of FASN increases MHC-I protein levels by suppressing its palmitoylation and lysosomal degradation, which stimulates immune activity against hepatocellular carcinoma and enhances the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition.

Review of the bicolora Fang and binghami Hampson species-groups of the genus Ovipennis Hampson with descriptions of five new species from Southwestern China and Indochina (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosiini).

The Ovipennis bicolora Fang, 1986 and Ovipennis binghami Hampson, 1903 species-groups are reviewed. The identities of the records of O.binghami reported outside of its type locality are clarified. Ovipennis bicolora is rediscovered with the male and female genitalia illustrated for the first time. The male and female genitalia of O.thomasi ern, 2009 are illustrated for the first time and its specific status is confirmed. Five new species are described: O.hanae S.-Y. Huang, Volynkin & ern, sp. n. (Southwestern China), O.regina Volynkin, ern, S.-Y. Huang & Saldaitis, sp. n. (Northern Thailand and Southwestern China), O.takia Volynkin, S.-Y. Huang & ern, sp. n. (Western and Central Thailand), O.kitchingi Volynkin, S.-Y. Huang & ern, sp. n. (Northern Thailand), and O.sapa Volynkin, S.-Y. Huang, ern & Saldaitis, sp. n. (Northern Vietnam). Adults and genitalia of the new species are illustrated and compared with its congeners.

Puerarin inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress in female BALB/c mouse models of Graves' disease.

Background: Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune thyroid disorder. Our previous study has demonstrated a significant decrease in flavone levels among children with GD compared to the control group. Puerarin, a well-known flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We wanted to investigate its potential impact on GD pathogenesis, aiming to determine whether increasing puerarin intake could prevent or delay the onset of GD. Methods: Adenovirus with TSHR-289 subunit was used to establish a GD mice model, and mice were intragastrically administered with puerarin or sterilized water daily. Thyroid function and inflammatory cytokine levels were quantified using ELISA, lymphocyte subsets were analyzed via flow cytometry, oxidative stress (OS) markers were measured with a microplate reader, and the expression of pertinent signaling pathway proteins were assessed by Western blot. Results: The results demonstrated that puerarin treatment significantly decreased thyroxin levels and alleviated thyroid pathological changes in GD mice. Furthermore, the immune imbalance of GD mice was improved, as evidenced by reduced inflammatory indexes, elevated antioxidant levels, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to untreated GD mice. Puerarin-treated GD mice exhibited significantly lower expressions of heat shock protein (HSP): HSP70, HSP90, phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinases (p-ERK) and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) than untreated GD mice. Moreover, low dosage puerarin (400 mg/kg) was associated with a better protective effect than high dosage (1,200 mg/kg). Conclusions: Puerarin may have the potential to mitigate GD by inhibiting inflammatory and OS, through downregulating the expression of HSP70 and HSP90 and suppressing the activation of the PI3K/AKT/ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, a lower dose exhibited superior protective effects compared to a higher dose.

Application of recombinase polymerase amplification with CRISPR/Cas12a and multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification with lateral flow dipstick assay for Bactrocera correcta.

BACKGROUND: Bactrocera correcta is a quarantine pest that negatively impacts the fruit and vegetable industry. Differentiating B. correcta from similar species, especially in non-adult stages, remains challenging. Rapid molecular identification techniques, such as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with CRISPR/Cas12a and multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification with lateral flow dipstick (MIRA-LFD), play a crucial role in early monitoring and safeguarding agricultural production. Our study introduces two methods for the rapid visual identification of B. correcta. RESULTS: Bactrocera correcta specific RPA primers, CRISPR RNA (crRNA), and the LFD probe were designed based on the cox1 genes. The RPA reaction conditions were optimized (at 37 °C for 8 min) for effective template DNA amplification. Two nucleic acid detection methods were established to visualize RPA. In the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a system, the optimal LbCas12a/crRNA concentration ratio was 200:400 nmol L-1 . Successful amplification was determined by the presence or absence of green fluorescence following 15 min incubation at 37 °C. The MIRA-LFD system achieved precise identification of the target species within 4 min at 37 °C. Both methods exhibited high specificity and sensitivity, allowing for detection from 1.0 × 10-1 ng µL-1 of DNA. Combined with rapid DNA extraction, rapid identification of individual B. correcta at different developmental stages was achieved, enhancing the practicality and convenience of the established methods. CONCLUSION: Our research findings demonstrate that both the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a and MIRA-LFD methods for B. correcta detection was accurate and rapid (within 30 min and 10 min, respectively), at 37 °C. Our methods do not rely on expensive equipment, thus possess high practical value, providing improved identification solutions for port quarantine pests and field applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Trans-Defect Underlay Watertight Duraplasty for Traumatic Anterior Skull Base Dural Defect: Technical Report.

BACKGROUND: Watertight duraplasty is essential for surgical management of traumatic anterior skull base (ASB) dural defect but challenging in the deep and narrow operative corridor. Here, the authors report a trans-defect underlay watertight duraplasty (TDUWD) technique for traumatic ASB dural defect. METHODS: TDUWD was performed by inserting a free pericranium graft under the dural defect. The diameter of the pericranium graft was larger than the dural defect. The pericranium graft was sutured to the dural defect watertightly in an "inside-to-outside" direction, with the needle not penetrating the inner layer of pericranium graft. The pedicled pericranium flap was used as a second layer of reconstruction. The characteristics, complications, and outcomes of patients who received TDUWD are reported. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients received TDUWD. Immediate postoperative cessation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak occurred in 28 patients. One patient recovered after lumber drainage. No patient needed a second operation or reported delayed recurrence of CSF leak. No complication related to the surgical technique was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Use of TDUWD for traumatic ASB dural defect results in an immediate, 1-stage, and definitive correction of CSF leak and seems to be simple, safe, and reliable for large and deeply located dural defects.

Heat Shock Protein Genes Affect the Rapid Cold Hardening Ability of Two Invasive Tephritids.

Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera correcta are two invasive species that can cause major economic damage to orchards and the fruit import and export industries. Their distribution is advancing northward due to climate change, which is threatening greater impacts on fruit production. This study tested the rapid cold-hardening ability of the two species and identified the temperature associated with the highest survival rate. Transcriptome data and survival data from the two Bactrocera species' larvae were obtained after rapid cold-hardening experiments. Based on the sequencing of transcripts, four Hsp genes were found to be affected: Hsp68 and Hsp70, which play more important roles in the rapid cold hardening of B. dorsalis, and Hsp23 and Hsp70, which play more important roles in the rapid cold hardening of B. correcta. This study explored the adaptability of the two species to cold, demonstrated the expression and function of four Hsps in response to rapid cold hardening, and explained the occurrence and expansion of these two species of tephritids, offering information for further studies.

Substrate-free dissolving microneedles with barbed shape to increase adhesion and drug-delivery efficiency to skin.

Microneedle drug delivery has recently emerged as a clinical method, and dissolving microneedles (DMNs) offer exclusive simplicity and efficiency, compared to the other kinds of microneedles. The tips of most currently available DMNs are cone/house-shaped to result in a lower penetration force. Penetration of the needle tips into the skin relies mainly on the back tape or external pressure, and their adhesion to the skin is relatively low. In addition, only the drug in the part of tips that are pierced into the dermis can be dissolved, resulting in drug waste. Inspired from the barbed structure of the honeybee stinger, we reported substrate-free DMNs with a barbed structure by a dual-molding process, which is suitable for mass production. Those DMNs showed 3-fold greater adhesion force between the needle tips and the skin, better dissolution and deeper penetration than house-shaped DMNs in vivo under the same conditions. For the in situ treatment of psoriasis in mice, the barbed DMNs required only the half dose of house-shaped DMNs to achieve similar efficacy.

Wireless facial biosensing system for monitoring facial palsy with flexible microneedle electrode arrays.

Facial palsy (FP) profoundly influences interpersonal communication and emotional expression, necessitating precise diagnostic and monitoring tools for optimal care. However, current electromyography (EMG) systems are limited by their bulky nature, complex setups, and dependence on skilled technicians. Here we report an innovative biosensing approach that utilizes a PEDOT:PSS-modified flexible microneedle electrode array (P-FMNEA) to overcome the limitations of existing EMG devices. Supple system-level mechanics ensure excellent conformality to the facial curvilinear regions, enabling the detection of targeted muscular ensemble movements for facial paralysis assessment. Moreover, our apparatus adeptly captures each electrical impulse in response to real-time direct nerve stimulation during neurosurgical procedures. The wireless conveyance of EMG signals to medical facilities via a server augments access to patient follow-up evaluation data, fostering prompt treatment suggestions and enabling the access of multiple facial EMG datasets during typical 6-month follow-ups. Furthermore, the device's soft mechanics alleviate issues of spatial intricacy, diminish pain, and minimize soft tissue hematomas associated with traditional needle electrode positioning. This groundbreaking biosensing strategy has the potential to transform FP management by providing an efficient, user-friendly, and less invasive alternative to the prevailing EMG devices. This pioneering technology enables more informed decision-making in FP-management and therapeutic intervention.

The Therapeutic Effect of Laparoscopic Combined with Plasma Electric Cutting Knife on Patients with Rectal Cancer and its Impact on Serum Inflammatory Factors: A Retrospective Study.

Objective: This study investigated the therapeutic effect of laparoscopic surgery combined with the plasma electric cutting knife on patients diagnosed with rectal cancer and its impact on serum inflammatory factors in the bloodstream. Methods: The researchers examined the clinical data of 85 patients who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer in our hospital from April 2020 to December 2021. The patients comprised two groups: an observation group of 40 cases and a control group of 45 cases. The CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels in both groups were detected using flow cytometry. The levels of relevant inflammatory factors in serum were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The researchers then compared the perioperative outcomes between the two groups. Results: The observation group demonstrated significantly shorter duration for the first time passing gas after surgery (P = .029) and hospital stays (P = .002) than the control group. Both groups experienced decreased levels of CD8+ cells following treatment, with the observation group exhibiting lower levels than the control group (P < .05). After three months of treatment, both groups showed reduced levels of relevant serum inflammatory factors, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8; however, the observation group was significantly lower than the control group with statistical significance (P < .05). Similarly, after three months of treatment, both groups exhibited lower levels of relevant serum electrolytes K+, Na+, and Cl-, with the observation group having lower levels than the control group (P < .05). Throughout the 12-month follow-up period, the two groups had no significant differences (P > .05) in complications such as urinary tract infection, anastomotic leakage, or anastomotic bleeding. Conclusion: Using a combination of laparoscopic techniques and a plasma electric cutting knife proved a highly effective surgical approach in treating rectal cancer. The method has numerous advantages, such as enhanced safety and few complications. When considering perioperative complications, it was evident that laparoscopic combined with the plasma electric cutting knife surpassed other surgical methods in treating rectal cancer.

Prognostic and clinical value of circPRKCI expression in diverse human cancers.

BACKGROUND: Highly expressed in various human cancers, circular RNA Protein Kinase C Iota (circPRKCI) has been reported to play an important role in cancer development and progression. Herein, we sought to reveal the prognostic and clinical value of circPRKCI expression in diverse human cancers. METHODS: We searched the Pubmed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases from inception until May 16, 2021. The relationship between circPRKCI expression and cancer patients' survival, including overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), was assessed by pooled hazard ratios (HR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The correlation between circPRKCI expression and clinical outcomes was evaluated using odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% CI. The data were analyzed by STATA software (version 12.0) or Review Manager (RevMan 5.3). RESULTS: A total of 15 studies with 1109 patients were incorporated into our meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that high circPRKCI expression was significantly related to poor OS (HR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.61, 2.39, P <0.001) when compared with low circPRKCI expression in diverse human cancers. However, elevated circPRKCI expression was not associated with DFS (HR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.95, P = 0.121). Furthermore, the patient with a higher circPRKCI expression was prone to have a larger tumor size, advanced clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis, but it was not significantly correlated with age, gender, and distant metastasis. CONCLUSION: Elevated circPRKCI expression was correlated with worse OS and unfavorable clinical features, suggesting a novel prognostic and predictive role of circPRKCI in diverse human cancers.

The Global Epidemic of Bactrocera Pests: Mixed-Species Invasions and Risk Assessment.

Throughout the past century, the global spread of Bactrocera pests has continued to pose a significant threat to the commercial fruit and vegetable industry, resulting in substantial costs associated with both control measures and quarantine restrictions. The increasing volume of transcontinental trade has contributed to an escalating rate of Bactrocera pest introductions to new regions. To address the worldwide threat posed by this group of pests, we first provide an overview of Bactrocera. We then describe the global epidemic, including border interceptions, species diagnosis, population genetics, geographical expansion, and invasion tracing of Bactrocera pests. We further consider the literature concerning the invasion co-occurrences, life-history flexibility, risk assessment, bridgehead effects, and ongoing implications of invasion recurrences, as well as a case study of Bactrocera invasions of California. Finally, we call for global collaboration to effectively monitor, prevent, and control the ongoing spread of Bactrocera pests and to share experience and knowledge to combat it.