Corrigendum: Sesquiterpene lactones attenuate paclitaxel resistance via inhibiting MALAT1/STAT3/ FUT4 axis and P-Glycoprotein transporters in lung cancer cells.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.795613.].

A DNA typing panel of 201 genetic markers for degraded samples: development and validation.

With the increasing number of complex forensic cases in recent years, it's more important to combine the different types of genetic markers such as short tandem repeats (STRs), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertion/deletion polymorphisms (InDels), and microhaplotypes (MHs) to provide more genetic information. In this study, we selected totally 201 genetic markers, including 24 autosomes STRs (A-STRs), 24 Y chromosome STRs (Y-STRs), 110 A-SNPs, 24 Y-SNPs, 9 A-InDels, 1 Y-InDel, 8 MHs, and Amelogenin to establish the HID_AM Panel v1.0, a Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) detection system. According to the validation guidelines of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM), the repeatability, accuracy, sensitivity, suitability for degraded samples, species specificity, and inhibitor resistance of this system were assessed. The typing results on 48 STRs and Amelogenin of this system were completely consistent with those obtained using capillary electrophoresis. This system accurately detected 79 SNPs as parallelly confirmed by a FGx sequencer with the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit. Complete allele typing results could be obtained with a DNA input of no less than 200 pg. The detection success rate of this system was significantly higher than that of the GlobalFiler™ kit when the degradation index of mock degraded sample was greater than 15.87. When the concentration of hematin in the amplification system was ≤40 µmol/L, indigo blue was ≤2 mmol/L, or humic acid was ≤15 ng/µL, amplification was not significantly inhibited. The system barely amplified the DNA extract from duck, mouse, cow, rabbit, and chick. The detection rate of STRs on routine samples of this panel is 99.74%, while all the SNPs, InDels, and MHs were successfully detected. In summary, we setup a NGS individual typing panel including 201 genetic markers with the high accuracy, sensitivity, species specificity, and inhibitors resistance, which is applicable for individual identification of degraded samples.

Astragalus polysaccharide improves diabetic ulcers by promoting M2-polarization of macrophages to reduce excessive inflammation via the ß-catenin/ NF-κB axis at the late phase of wound-healing.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), the most biologically active ingredient of Astragali Radix, is used to treat diabetes mellitus (DM)-related chronic wounds in traditional Chinese medicine for several decades. This herb possesses an anti-inflammatory effect. Our study proved that APS can reduce excessive inflammation at the late phase of wound-healing in diabetic ulcers. Aim of the study: To clarify the molecular mechanism of APS in promoting wound-healing via reducing excessive inflammation in diabetic ulcers during the late stages of wound-healing. Methods and materials: The rat model of the diabetic ulcers was established via intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (60 mg/kg). We detected the regulation of APS on diabetic ulcers by measuring wound-healing rates. Bioinformatics was used to predict the target genes of APS, and autodocking was used to predict the combination of APS and target genes. Immunohistochemistry, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and flow cytometric sorting were investigated. Results: The results demonstrated that APS promoted wound-healing and inhibited excessive inflammation at the late phase of wound-healing in diabetic rats. Mechanistic findings showed that APS promoted the expression of ß-catenin and Rspo3 while inhibiting the expression of NF-KB and GSK-3ß, which leads to the transformation of M1-type macrophages into M2-type macrophages and thus reducing excessive inflammation at the late phase of wound-healing in diabetic ulcers. Conclusion: We found an interesting finding that APS promoted the polarization of macrophages towards M2-type through the ß-catenin/NF-κB axis to reduce excessive inflammation at the late phase of wound-healing. Therefore, APS may be a promising drug for treating diabetic ulcers in clinic.

How can Phycobilisome, the unique light harvesting system in certain algae working highly efficiently: The connection in between structures and functions.

Algae, which are ubiquitous in ecosystems, have evolved a variety of light-harvesting complexes to better adapt to diverse habitats. Phycobilisomes/phycobiliproteins, unique to cyanobacteria, red algae, and certain cryptomonads, compensate for the lack of chlorophyll absorption, allowing algae to capture and efficiently transfer light energy in aquatic environments. With the advancement of microscopy and spectroscopy, the structure and energy transfer processes of increasingly complex phycobilisomes have been elucidated, providing us with a vivid portrait of the dynamic adaptation of their structures to the light environment in which algae thrive: 1) Cyanobacteria living on the surface of the water use short, small phycobilisomes to absorb red-orange light and reduce the damage from blue-violet light via multiple methods; 2) Large red algae inhabiting the depths of the ocean have evolved long and dense phycobilisomes containing phycoerythrin to capture the feeble blue-green light; 3) In far-red light environments such as caves, algae use special allophycocyanin cores to optimally utilize the far-red light; 4) When the environment shifts, algae can adjust the length, composition and density of their rods to better adapt; 5) By carefully designing the position of the pigments, phycobilisomes can transfer light energy to the reaction center with nearly 100% efficiency via three energy transfer processes.

Uranyl Polyoxotungstate Cluster for Visible-Light-Driven Heterogeneous C-H Selective Fluorination.

The selective fluorination of C-H bonds at room temperature using heterogeneous visible-light catalysts is both interesting and challenging. Herein, we present the heterogeneous sandwich-type structure uranyl-polyoxotungstate cluster Na17{Na@[(SbW9O33)2(UO2)6(PO3OH)6]}·46H2O (denoted as U6P6) to regulate the selective fluorination of the C-H bond under visible light and room temperature. This is the first report in which uranyl participates in the fluorination reaction in the form of an insoluble substance. U6P6 is capable of the effective selective fluorination of cycloalkanes and the recyclability of the photocatalyst due to the synergistic effect of multiple uranyl (UO2)2+ and the insolubility of organic reagents of polyoxotungstate. In situ electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy captured the generation of cycloalkane radicals during the photoreaction, confirming the mechanism of direct hydrogen atom transfer.

Distribution pattern of medial group retropharyngeal lymph nodes and its implication in optimizing clinical target volume in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and to elucidate the clinical characteristics of medial group retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RLNs) based on multi-modal imaging. Also, we intended to explore the feasibility of optimizing the CTV60 boundary based on the characteristics of medial group RLNs. Methods: A total of 549 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), DWI, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) to detect and evaluate clinical characteristics of medial group RLNs. [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography was utilized to identify fluorodeoxyglucose uptaking and contrast-enhanced CT to ensure the reliability of CTV optimization during radiotherapy. The DESdC (Drinking, Eating, Swallowing Difficulties, and Coughing while Eating or Drinking) score was utilized to evaluate swallowing disability. Results: Fourteen of 549 patients had medial group RLNs with a transverse diameter of 2.0-19.0 mm, which distributed between the upper margin of 1st cervical vertebra (C1) and the upper one-third of C3. Lasso regression and Pearson chi-square test suggested that its occurrence was associated with stage N, bilateral cervical lymph node metastases, especially when the transverse diameter of cervical lymph nodes was > 3 cm. The sensitivity of DWI, T2 STIR, and contrast-enhanced CT was 100%, 57.1%, and 21.4%, respectively. We optimized CTV60 of medial group RLNs from the base of skull to the upper edge of C2 excluding specific cases. For patients with CTV60 optimization, radiation dose and volume of swallowing structures decreased obviously. Based on our radiotherapy strategy on CTV60, acute toxicities of enrolled patients were well tolerated. Ninety-six of 549 patients had scores with DESdC score. Eighty-three patients scored 1, seven patients scored 2, one patient scored 3, and three patients scored 4. The median interval from the onset of symptoms was 72 (4-114) months. The 5-year overall survival, progression-free survival, local recurrence-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival were 87%, 80%, 93%, and 85%, respectively. None of the patients with regional recurrence happened in the optimized region. Conclusion: DWI possesses superiorities in displaying lymph nodes. Based on the low incidence of the medial RLNs, CTV60 of medial group RLNs from the base of skull to the upper edge of C2 is feasible and has dosimetric advantages for protecting swallowing structures.

Corrigendum to "Acupuncture regulates the Th17/Treg balance and improves cognitive deficits in a rat model of vascular dementia" [Heliyon 9 (2) (February 2023) Article e13346].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13346.].

Acupuncture regulates the Th17/Treg balance and improves cognitive deficits in a rat model of vascular dementia.

Objective: The present study was developed to explore the impact of acupuncture on the Th17/Treg balance in the brain and the periphery and associated changes in cognitive deficits in a rat model of vascular dementia (VD). Methods: Male Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were randomly assigned to sham-operated (Gs, n = 10), and operation (n = 30) groups. A VD model was established for all rats in the operation group via the permanent bilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery. Behavioral screening of these rats was conducted via a hidden platform trial at 2 months post-operation. These operation group rats were then further subdivided into impaired (Gi) and acupuncture (Ga) groups (n = 10/group). Acupuncture was performed over a 21-day period for rats in the Ga group. A Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to assess cognitive function for rats in all groups. Flow cytometry and fluorescent staining were used to detect Th17 and Treg cells in samples from these animals based on IL-17/FoxP3 or CD4+FoxP3+/CD4+RORγt+ staining profiles. Results: Relative to the Gs group, escape latency values for rats in the Gi group were significantly increased. Following treatment, rats in the Ga group exhibited significant reductions in escape latency values as compared to rats in the Gi group (P < 0.05). The relative Treg proportion in the peripheral blood and spleen additionally trended upwards in these Ga rats as compared to those in the Gi group (P > 0.05), whereas the frequency of Th17 cells in the peripheral blood and spleen of Ga group rats trended downward relative to the Gi group (P > 0.05). Significantly fewer CD4+RORγt+ and RORγt+ cells were detected in the Ga group relative to the Gi group, whereas CD4+FoxP3+ and FoxP3+ cell counts were increased (P < 0.01). Conclusion: In summary, VD model rats exhibited dysregulated Th17/Treg homeostasis. Acupuncture treatment was sufficient to reduce the frequency and numbers of Th17 cells in these animals while increasing Treg cell levels, thereby alleviating cognitive deficits with respect to both spatial learning and memory impairment. Consequently, the therapeutic benefits of such acupuncture treatment may be attributable to the regulation of the Th17/Treg balance and associated improvements in cognitive function.

Translational profile of coding and non-coding RNAs revealed by genome wide profiling of ribosome footprints in grapevine.

Translation is a crucial process during plant growth and morphogenesis. In grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), many transcripts can be detected by RNA sequencing; however, their translational regulation is still largely unknown, and a great number of translation products have not yet been identified. Here, ribosome footprint sequencing was carried out to reveal the translational profile of RNAs in grapevine. A total of 8291 detected transcripts were divided into four parts, including the coding, untranslated regions (UTR), intron, and intergenic regions, and the 26 nt ribosome-protected fragments (RPFs) showed a 3 nt periodic distribution. Furthermore, the predicted proteins were identified and classified by GO analysis. More importantly, 7 heat shock-binding proteins were found to be involved in molecular chaperone DNA J families participating in abiotic stress responses. These 7 proteins have different expression patterns in grape tissues; one of them was significantly upregulated by heat stress according to bioinformatics research and was identified as DNA JA6. The subcellular localization results showed that VvDNA JA6 and VvHSP70 were both localized on the cell membrane. Therefore, we speculate that DNA JA6 may interact with HSP70. In addition, overexpression of VvDNA JA6 and VvHSP70, reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, improved the antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), increased the content of proline, an osmolyte substance, and affected the expression of the high-temperature marker genes VvHsfB1, VvHsfB2A, VvHsfC and VvHSP100. In summary, our study proved that VvDNA JA6 and the heat shock protein VvHSP70 play a positive role in the response to heat stress. This study lays a foundation for further exploring the balance between gene expression and protein translation in grapevine under heat stress.

AjTGFß alleviates V. splendidus-induced inflammation through SMADs pathway in Apostichopus japonicus.

The inhibition of inflammatory response is an essential process to control the development of inflammation and is an important step to protect the organism from excessive inflammatory damage. As a pleiotropic cytokine, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) plays a regulatory role in inhibiting inflammation in vertebrates. To investigate the role of TGF-ß in the regulation of inflammation in invertebrates, we cloned and characterized the TGF-ß gene from Apostichopus japonicus via rapid amplification of cDNA ends, and the sample was designated as AjTGF-ß. For Vibrio splendidus-challenged sea cucumbers, the expression of AjTGF-ß mRNAs in coelomocytes decreased at 96 h (0.27-fold), which was contrary to the trend of inflammation. AjTGF-ß was expressed in all tissues with the highest expression in the body wall. When AjTGF-ß was knocked down by using small interfering RNA (siRNA-KD) to 0.45-fold, AjSMAD 2/3 and AjSMAD6 were downregulated to 0.32- and 0.05-fold compared with the control group, respectively. Furthermore, when the damaged sea cucumber was challenged by V. splendidus co-incubated with rAjTGF-ß, the damage area had no extensive inflammation, and damaged repair appeared at 72 h compared with the Vs + BSA group, in which the expression of AjSMAD 2/3 was upregulated by 1.35-fold. Under this condition, AjSMAD 2/3 silencing alleviated rAjTGF-ß-induced damage recovery. Moreover, rAjTGF-ß slightly induced the collagen I expression from 6.13 ng/mL to 7.84 ng/mL, and collagen III was upregulated from 6.23 ng/mL to 6.89 ng/mL compared with the Vs + BSA group. This finding indicates that AjTGF-ß negatively regulated the inflammatory progress and accelerated the repair of damage by AjSMADs to regulate the collagens expression.

Proximal femoral bionic nail versus proximal femoral nail antirotation in treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fracture: a comparison of short-term efficacy / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the short-term effects of proximal femoral bionic nail (PFBN) and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture.Methods:Retrospectively analyzed were the data of 56 patients with intertrochanteric fracture of the femur who had been admitted to Department of Orthopedic Trauma, The People's Hospital of Juye County and Trauma Center, Central Hospital Affiliated to The First Medical University of Shandong from August 2020 to April 2022. The patients were divided into 2 even groups according to their internal fixation methods ( n=28). In the PFBN fixation group, there were 12 males and 16 females with an age of (70.4±7.8) years; by AO classification, there were 4 cases of type 31-A1, 16 cases of type 31-A2, and 8 cases of type 31-A3. In the PFNA fixation group, there were 10 males and 18 females with an age of (73.0±8.9) years; by AO classification, there were 2 cases of type 31-A1, 16 cases of type 31-A2, and 10 cases of type 31-A3. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture reduction, fracture healing time, Harris hip score, and complications were compared between the 2 groups. Results:There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in the preoperative general data, showing comparability ( P>0.05). The follow-up time was (7.3±0.9) months for the PFBN group and (7.4±1.1) months for the PFNA group, showing no significant difference ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference either between the 2 groups in operation time, intraoperative blood loss or quality of fracture reduction ( P>0.05). The PFNA group had significantly shorter fracture healing time [(3.9±0.9) months] than the PFNA group [(4.7±1.1) months], and a significantly higher Harris hip score at the last follow-up [(83.9±4.3) points] than the PFNA group [(81.0±3.4) points] (both P<0.05). Fixation failed in one patient in the PFNA group due to cut-out of the head and neck screws while no complications were observed in the PFBN group. Conclusion:In the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of the femur, PFBN fixation may result in stronger fixation to effectively avoid cut-out of the head and neck screws, and faster fracture healing and functional recovery of the hip than PFNA fixation.

Effects of surgery with the YESS technique on lumbar range of motion and limb function in patients with lumbar disc herniation / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of surgery with the Yeung endoscopic spine system (YESS) technique on lumbar range of motion and limb function in patients with lumbar disc herniation.Methods:A total of 148 patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation admitted to Liaocheng Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from April 2018 to April 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into control and observation groups ( n = 74/group). The control group was treated with laminectomy, and the observation group was treated with an intervertebral foramen mirror YESS. The lumbar range of motion, Oswestry disability index score, and incidence of surgical complications were compared between the two groups. Results:At postoperative 7 days, ranges of motion in lumbar flexion, lumbar extension, left lumbar lateral flexion, and right lumbar lateral flexion in the observation group were (87.45 ± 7.38)°, (26.87 ± 3.41)°, (28.58 ± 3.41)°, (28.39 ± 3.41)°, which were significantly higher than (68.98 ± 6.51)°, (15.69 ± 3.23)°, (18.69 ± 2.32)°, (14.56 ± 2.96)° in the control group ( t = 16.15, 20.48, 20.63, 26.35, all P < 0.001). At postoperative 7 days, the Oswestry Disability Index in each group was significantly decreased compared with before treatment (both P < 0.05). At postoperative 7 days, the score of each dimension of the Oswestry Disability Index in the observation group was significantly lower compared with the control group ( t = 49.13, 50.20, 54.78, 37.79, 32.04, 36.68, 43.69, 28.92, 39.31, 64.12, all P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the incidences of perioperative incision infection, nerve injury, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, lumbar spondylolisthesis, and foot drop between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusion:Treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation with the YESS technique is helpful to improve lumbar mobility and reduce lumbar dysfunction and is highly safe.

Evaluation of factors affecting the outcome of emergency cerebral arterial thrombectomy based on cerebral angiography imaging features / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To analyze the predictors of poor outcomes after emergency intracerebral thrombectomy based on the characteristics of cerebral angiography.Methods:A total of 146 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who received endovascular treatment in Loudi Central Hospital from March 2019 to February 2022 were included in the study, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed on the patients. The patients were divided into a good prognosis group (95 cases) and a poor prognosis group (51 cases) by the modified Rankin scale 3 months after operation. Gender, age, time from onset to visit, time from onset to puncture, proportion of intravenous thrombolysis, occlusion site, treatment strategy, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, core infarct volume, ischemic hypoperfusion volume, collateral circulation classification, and venous drainage status were compared between the two groups score; Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the poor prognosis of patients; Receive Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of collateral circulation classification and venous drainage status score for poor prognosis of patients, and the differences in general data and imaging data were compared between groups with different collateral circulation grades and venous drainage status.Results:Compared with the good outcome group, the time from onset to visit, NIHSS score, core infarct volume, ischemic hypoperfusion volume, the proportion of thrombectomy alone, and collateral circulation classification in the poor outcome group [2 (2, 3) levels. 2 (1, 2) level] and venous drainage score [5 (4, 6) points vs. 6 (6, 8) points] increased ( P<0.05), and the proportion of recanalization grade 2b/3 decreased ( P<0.05); NIHSS score, collateral circulation grade and venous drainage status were predictors of poor outcome within 3 months after mechanical thrombectomy ( OR = 2.51, 1.93, 2.61, P<0.05); collateral circulation grade and venous drainage score predicted mechanical thrombectomy in patients with AIS, the area under curve (AUC) of poor outcome after thrombectomy were 0.714 and 0.829, respectively; the time from onset to visit between patients with poor collateral circulation, moderate and good AIS [(236.95 ± 21.03) min, (250.41 ± 21.32) min, (255.72 ± 20.98 min)], core infarct volume [52 (17, 80) ml, 25 (15.5, 30) ml, 15 (10, 25) ml] and venous drainage scores [5 (4, 6) points, 5 (5, 8) points, 5 (5, 8) points] were significantly different ( P<0.05); time from onset to visit in patients with poor venous drainage, moderate and good AIS (234.81 ± 21.22 min), (256.83 ± 20.88) min, (258.97 ± 21.35) min], core infarct volume [17(13, 45) ml, 26(25, 29) ml, 20 (11, 29) ml] and collateral circulation classification [2 (1, 2) level, 2 (1, 3) level, 2 (2, 3) level] were significantly different ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Collateral grading and venous drainage scores based on DSA imaging were predictors of poor outcomes within 3 months of mechanical arterial thrombectomy in patients with AIS.

Myosin Heavy Chain 7 Gene-derived miRNA-208b-3p Enhances the Fibrosis-related Gene Expression in Cardiac Fibroblasts / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of myosin heavy chain 7 gene-derived miRNA-208b-3p on the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts. MethodsmiRNA chip array was performed to detect the dysregulated miRNAs in the myocardium of diabetic db/db mice and db/m control mice. Neonatal mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes （NMVCs） and cardiac fibroblasts （CFs） were isolated from C57BL/6 mice and cultured. Real-time quantitative PCR （RT-qPCR） was conducted to determine the expression of miR-208b-3p in mouse CFs and NMVCs subjected to angiotensinⅡ（AngⅡ） and high glucose plus glucose oxidase （G/Go） treatment， respectively. Cell counting kit 8（CCk8） assay， flow cytometry and determination of fibrosis-related protein， including COL1A1， COL3A1and α-SMA， were performed in mCFs transfected with miR-208b-3p. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the interaction between miR-208b-3p and the 3'-UTR of metal response element binding transcription factor 2 （Mtf2） and progesterone receptor membrane component 1（Pgrmc1）， respectively. The expressions of Mtf2 and Pgrmc1 at the mRNA and protein levels in mCFs after miR-208b-3p mimic transfection were determined using RT-qPCR and Western blot assay， respectively. The small interfering RNA （siRNA） was used to inhibit Mtf2 and Pgrmc1 expression in mCFs， and the effects of Mtf2 siRNA， Pgrmc1 siRNA and miR-208b-3p on fibrosis-related protein expression in mCFs were investigated. ResultsResults of miRNA chip array and RT-qPCR assay showed that miR-208b-3p was up-regulated in the myocardium of the diabetic db/db mice. miR-208b precursor and the host gene of Myh7 were consistently increased in db/db mice. miR-208b-3p and Myh7 mRNA were expressed in mCFs and NMVCs， but the levels of miR-208b-3p and Myh7 mRNA in NMVCs were much higher than those in mCFs. miR-208b-3p was up-regulated in mCFs and NMVCs subjected to Ang Ⅱ and G/Go treatment， respectively. miR-208b-3p could significantly enhance fibrosis-related protein， including COL1A1， COL3A1 and α-SMA， in mCFs， without affecting the proliferation activity and cell cycle distribution of mCFs. Dual luciferase reporter assay revealed the interactions of miR-208b-3p with the 3'-UTR of Mtf2 and Pgrmc1. The results of RT-qPCR and Western blotting confirmed that miR-208b-3p inhibited Mtf2 and Pgrmc1 expression at the post- transcriptional level. Transfection with miR-208b-3p mimic， Mtf2 siRNA and Pgrmc1 siRNA could consistently enhance the fibrosis-related protein expression in the cardiac fibroblasts. ConclusionsmiR-208b-3p enhances fibrosis-related gene expression by targeting Mtf2 and Pgrmc1in mCFs.

Comparison of methods for determination of gross α and gross β radioactivity in soil / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To improve the determination of gross α and gross β radioactivity in soil, establish a fast and accurate method for soil radioactivity analysis, and provide a basis for establishing standard methods for analysis of gross α and gross β radioactivity in soil. Methods Using the method of soil nuclide extraction and the sample preparation method for low background α/β counter, an extraction-enrichment method was established to monitor the radioactivity of gross α and gross β in soil. Meanwhile, the radioactivity of gross α and gross β in the same soil samples was determined using the direct paving method. An optimal method of monitoring gross α and gross β radioactivity in soil was put forward by comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods. Results With the direct paving method, the radioactivity of gross α and gross β in soil was 0.47 Bq/g and 0.85 Bq/g, respectively; and the minimum detection limit was 0.04 Bq/g and 0.02 Bq/g, respectively. With the extraction-enrichment method, the radioactivity of gross α and gross β in soil was 0.32 Bq/g and 0.29 Bq/g, and the minimum detection limit was 0.02 Bq/g and 0.01 Bq/g. Conclusion Comparison of the two detection methods showed that the direct paving method is more accurate and easier to operate, while the extraction-enrichment method is complex in operation and has relatively large system error but provides a lower minimum detection limit.

Coexistence of Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-Cell Lymphoma and Dermatomyositis in a 12-Year-Old Boy

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTL) is an extremely rare, indolent skin malignancy that can be difficult to distinguish from autoimmune disease-associated panniculitides. Here, we describe a 12-year-old boy who was diagnosed at age 7 years with dermatomyositis with classical manifestations, including poikiloderma, Gottron’s sign, and symmetric muscle weakness. Recently, the boy presented multiple subcutaneous nodules and fever. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining revealed coexistence of SPTL. To our knowledge, this is the first case of dermatomyositis accompanied with SPTL. This case alert clinical physicians of the possibility of SPTL should be considered when a patient with dermatomyositis has new lesions presenting as nodules and unknown fever.

Nucleic acid nanoassembly-enhanced RNA therapeutics and diagnosis

RNAs are involved in the crucial processes of disease progression and have emerged as powerful therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. However, efficient delivery of therapeutic RNA to the targeted location and precise detection of RNA markers remains challenging. Recently, more and more attention has been paid to applying nucleic acid nanoassemblies in diagnosing and treating. Due to the flexibility and deformability of nucleic acids, the nanoassemblies could be fabricated with different shapes and structures. With hybridization, nucleic acid nanoassemblies, including DNA and RNA nanostructures, can be applied to enhance RNA therapeutics and diagnosis. This review briefly introduces the construction and properties of different nucleic acid nanoassemblies and their applications for RNA therapy and diagnosis and makes further prospects for their development.

Aerobic glycolysis in colon cancer is repressed by naringin via the HIF1Α pathway / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Metabolic reprogramming is a common phenomenon in cancer, with aerobic glycolysis being one of its important characteristics. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1Α) is thought to play an important role in aerobic glycolysis. Meanwhile, naringin is a natural flavanone glycoside derived from grapefruits and many other citrus fruits. In this work, we identified glycolytic genes related to HIF1Α by analyzing the colon cancer database. The analysis of extracellular acidification rate and cell function verified the regulatory effects of HIF1Α overexpression on glycolysis, and the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells. Moreover, naringin was used as an inhibitor of colon cancer cells to illustrate its effect on HIF1Α function. The results showed that the HIF1Α and enolase 2 (ENO2) levels in colon cancer tissues were highly correlated, and their high expression indicated a poor prognosis for colon cancer patients. Mechanistically, HIF1Α directly binds to the DNA promoter region and upregulates the transcription of ENO2; ectopic expression of ENO2 increased aerobic glycolysis in colon cancer cells. Most importantly, we found that the appropriate concentration of naringin inhibited the transcriptional activity of HIF1Α, which in turn decreased aerobic glycolysis in colon cancer cells. Generally, naringin reduces glycolysis in colon cancer cells by reducing the transcriptional activity of HIF1Α and the proliferation and invasion of colon cancer cells. This study helps to elucidate the relationship between colon cancer progression and glucose metabolism, and demonstrates the efficacy of naringin in the treatment of colon cancer.

Fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma: a clinicopathological analysis of four cases / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical, radiological, histological and molecular features and the differential diagnosis of fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma (FM). Methods: Four cases of FM diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, the Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from 2020 to 2022 were analyzed. Related literature was also reviewed. Results: Case 1 was a 10-year-old girl with bone destruction in the sacrum and L5 articular processes revealed by CT scan. Case 2 was a 7-year-old girl with an aggressive lesion in her right distal ulna. Case 3 was an 11-year-old boy with a lesion in the metaphysis of his left proximal tibia. Case 4 was an 11-year-old boy with bone destruction in the distal portion of a radius. Microscopically, the four tumors all consisted of numerous spindle cells, hyaline cartilage nodules, and bone trabeculae. The hypocellular to moderately cellular spindle cell component contained elongated cells with slightly hyperchromatic, mildly atypical nuclei arranged in bundles or intersecting fascicles. Benign-appearing cartilaginous nodules of various sizes and shapes were scattered throughout the tumors. There were areas mimicking epiphyseal growth-plate characterized by chondrocytes arranged in parallel columns and areas of enchondral ossification. The stroma was rich in mucus in case 1. Mutation of GNAS and IDH1/IDH2 and amplification of MDM2 gene were not found in any of the three tested cases. Conclusions: FM is very rare and tends to affect young patients. It most frequently occurs in the metaphysis of long tubular bones, followed by the iliac-pubic bones and vertebrae. FM is characterized by a mixed population of spindle cells, hyaline cartilage nodules and trabeculae of bone, without specific immunophenotypes and molecular alternations. As a borderline, locally aggressive neoplasm, surgical removal with a wide margin is generally the treatment of choice for FM.

Epidemiological characteristics of a 2019-nCoV outbreak caused by Omicron variant BF.7 in Shenzhen / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To explore the epidemiological characteristic of a COVID-19 outbreak caused by 2019-nCoV Omicron variant BF.7 and other provinces imported in Shenzhen and analyze transmission chains and characteristics. Methods: Field epidemiological survey was conducted to identify the transmission chain, analyze the generation relationship among the cases. The 2019-nCoV nucleic acid positive samples were used for gene sequencing. Results: From 8 to 23 October, 2022, a total of 196 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Shenzhen, all the cases had epidemiological links. In the cases, 100 were men and 96 were women, with a median of age, M (Q1, Q3) was 33(25, 46) years. The outbreak was caused by traverlers initial cases infected with 2019-nCoV who returned to Shenzhen after traveling outside of Guangdong Province.There were four transmission chains, including the transmission in place of residence and neighbourhood, affecting 8 persons, transmission in social activity in the evening on 7 October, affecting 65 persons, transmission in work place on 8 October, affecting 48 persons, and transmission in a building near the work place, affecting 74 persons. The median of the incubation period of the infection, M (Q1, Q3) was 1.44 (1.11, 2.17) days. The incubation period of indoor exposure less than that of the outdoor exposure, M (Q1, Q3) was 1.38 (1.06, 1.84) and 1.95 (1.22, 2.99) days, respcetively (Wald χ2=10.27, P=0.001). With the increase of case generation, the number and probability of gene mutation increased. In the same transmission chain, the proportion of having 1-3 mutation sites was high in the cases in the first generation. Conclusions: The transmission chains were clear in this epidemic. The incubation period of Omicron variant BF.7 infection was shorter, the transmission speed was faster, and the gene mutation rate was higher. It is necessary to conduct prompt response and strict disease control when epidemic occurs.