Characterization of "Off-Target" Immune Modulation Induced by Live Attenuated Yellow Fever Vaccine.

BACKGROUND: Live attenuated vaccines alter immune functions and are associated with beneficial outcomes. We previously demonstrated that live attenuated yellow fever virus (YFV) vaccine (LA-YF-Vax) dampens T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling in vitro via an RNA-based mechanism. We examined study participants before and after LA-YF-Vax to assess TCR-mediated functions in vivo. METHODS: Serum samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained before and after LA-YF-Vax (with or without additional vaccines) or quadrivalent influenza vaccine. TCR-mediated activation was determined by interleukin 2 release or phosphorylation of the lymphocyte-specific Src kinase. TCR-regulating phosphatase (protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type E [PTPRE]) expression was also measured. RESULTS: Compared with prevaccination findings, LA-YF-Vax recipient PBMCs demonstrated transient reduction in interleukin 2 release after TCR stimulation and PTPRE levels, unlike in control participants who received quadrivalent influenza vaccine. YFV was detected in 8 of 14 participants after LA-YF-Vax. After incubation of healthy donor PBMCs in serum-derived extracellular vesicles prepared from LA-YF-Vax recipients, TCR signaling and PTPRE levels were reduced after vaccination, even in participants without detectable YFV RNA. CONCLUSIONS: LA-YF-Vax reduces TCR functions and PTPRE levels after vaccination. Extracellular vesicles from serum recapitulated this effect in healthy cells. This likely contributes to the reduced immunogenicity for heterologous vaccines after LA-YF-Vax administration. Identification of specific immune mechanisms related to vaccines should contribute to understanding of the "off-target," beneficial effects of live vaccines.

[Analysis of the therapeutic efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy without intraocular tamponade in the treatment of high myopic eyes with myopic foveoschisis and central foveal detachment].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) without intraocular tamponade in the treatment of high myopic eyes with myopic foveoschisis (MF) accompanied by foveal detachment (FD). Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted. The medical records of patients diagnosed with unilateral MF accompanied by FD at the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University between May 2018 and December 2021 were collected. All patients underwent 23-gauge PPV with posterior vitreous cortex clearance, and no intraocular tamponade was applied. The cases were divided into groups based on whether the internal limiting membrane was peeled during surgery or retained. Follow-up was conducted for at least 12 months. The main outcome measures included postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution), central foveal thickness (CFT), MF resolution, and complications. Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests, chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and univariate and multivariate linear regression. Results: A total of 40 patients (40 eyes) with MF and FD were included in the study, with 30.0% being male and 70.0% female. The mean age was (56.9±11.7) years, and the axial length of the eyes was (29.1±1.9) mm. At 12 months postoperatively, BCVA improved from baseline 1.15±0.58 to 0.73±0.39 (t=6.11, P<0.001), and CFT decreased from baseline (610.1±207.2) µm to (155.9±104.1) µm (t=13.47, P<0.001). Complete resolution of MF with foveal reattachment was observed in 80.0% of eyes, with a median time of 6 (5, 8) months. There was no significant difference in BCVA and CFT between the internal limiting membrane peeled group and retained group [0.68±0.39 vs. 0.79±0.40, t=0.85, P=0.403; (148.3±63.8)vs.(164.3±137.2)um,t=0.48, P=0.634]. One eye experienced macular hole and another eye developed retinal detachment postoperatively. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between BCVA at 12 months postoperatively and baseline BCVA (ß=0.433, P<0.001). Conclusions: Pars plana vitrectomy without intraocular tamponade is effective in treating MF accompanied by FD. The choice between internal limiting membrane peeling and retention does not significantly affect visual prognosis.

Differentiating between normal and fetal growth restriction-complicated placentas: is T2∗ imaging imaging more accurate than conventional diffusion-weighted imaging?

AIM: To compare the performance of T2∗ imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in differentiating normal placentas from those complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 28 control and 30 FGR placentas. Gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 16 different echo times and diffusion-weighted imaging (b-value of 0 and 800 s/mm2) were performed on all pregnant women using a 3 T MRI system. RESULTS: Both T2∗ imaging Z-score and ADC were significantly lower in the FGR placentas (ADC, (1.69 ± 0.19) × 10-3 versus (1.42 ± 0.28) × 10-3 mm2/s, p<0.001; T2∗ imaging Z-score, -0.004 ± 0.95 versus -2.441 ± 1.48, p<0.001). The area under the curve for T2∗ imaging Z-score and ADC was 0.917 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.842-0.991) and 0.788 (95% CI = 0.655-0.887), respectively. The performance of T2∗ imaging in differentiating FGR placentas was significantly better than that of ADC (Z = 2.043, p=0.041). CONCLUSION: Placental T2∗ imaging was found to be more reliable than ADC in differentiating between normal and FGR placentas.

[Establishment and validation of a nomogram model for evaluating the metastasis of lymph nodes posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve in papillary thyroid carcinoma].

Objective: To explore the related factors of lymph nodes posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve (LN-prRLN) metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and establish a nomogram model for evaluating LN-prRLN metastasis. Methods: The clinical data of patients with PTC who underwent surgery in the Department of Thyroid Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of LN-prRLN metastasis and construct a nomogram model for evaluating LN-prRLN metastasis. Meanwhile, the data of 120 patients from January to June 2022 were also collected for external verification. Results: A total of 466 patients with PTC were enrolled, including 106 males and 360 females, and aged 44 (33, 53) years. There were 280 cases in the training group and 186 cases in the internal validation group, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR=0.966, 95%CI: 0.938-0.996, P=0.027), tumor size (OR=1.048, 95%CI: 1.001-1.098, P=0.043), multifocality (OR=2.459, 95%CI: 1.268-4.767, P=0.008), right central lymph node metastasis reported by ultrasound (OR=3.099, 95%CI: 1.255-7.651, P=0.014), extrathyroid extension (OR=3.561, 95%CI: 1.255-10.102, P=0.017) and serum thyroglobulin level (OR=1.010, 95%CI: 1.001-1.018, P=0.032) were related factors for LN-prRLN metastasis. The area under the curve (AUC) values of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the training group, internal validation group and external validation group were 0.765 (95%CI: 0.691-0.840), 0.747 (95%CI: 0.657-0.837) and 0.754 (95%CI: 0.639-0.869), respectively. Conclusion: Dissection of the LN-prRLN is recommended for young PTC patients with large tumor size, multifocality, right central lymph node metastasis reported by ultrasound, extrathyroid extension and high serum thyroglobulin level.

[Bilateral simultaneous non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: a case report].

A 62-year-old female patient presented with binocular vision loss for 10 days. Fundus photography and optical coherence tomography showed bilateral optic disc edema. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed hypofluorescence of the optic disc in the early stage, but irregular filling defects and segmental hyperfluorescence in the late stage. The diagnosis of bilateral simultaneous non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy was made. The patient's visual acuity and visual field were improved after the use of megadose corticosteroids and comprehensive treatment. The prognosis of the patient was stable during the follow-up period.

Diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma: ultrasonographic and clinicopathological features in children/adolescents and adults.

AIM: To analyse the clinicopathological features and ultrasound findings of the diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (DSV-PTC) and compare differences between children/adolescents (CAs) and adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and ultrasound images of 97 consecutive DSV-PTC patients were reviewed and comparison was made between CAs and adults. RESULTS: The average age was 31.2 ± 12.4 years old and 16.5% patients were CAs. Unilateral lobe was involved in 40.2% patients and 69.1% combined with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Up to 95.9% patients had lymph node metastasis (LNM). CAs had more contralateral central LNM (CCLNM) and contralateral lateral LNM (CLLNM) than adults (p=0.047, p=0.025). Lung metastasis was also more common in CAs (p=0.002). Involved lobes mostly appeared as diffuse heterogeneous echogenicity on ultrasonography with isoechogenicity as the most common predominant echo (48.4%). Diffuse microcalcifications were observed frequently with grade 2-3 accounting for 52.3%. Lesions involving the whole gland lobe (diffuse type) occurred in 63.9%. Blood flow was poor in 71.6% (with grade 0-1). Microcalcifications of both lobes and metastatic lymph nodes and lesions involving (diffuse type) were more common in CAs (p=0.038, 0.002; 0.011). Of 39 patients with unilateral lobe involvement, ultrasonic sensitivity for CCLNM and CLLNM was only 50% and 66.7% respectively. CONCLUSION: DSV-PTC has characteristic ultrasonographic findings. DSV-PTC of CAs may be more aggressive than that of adults. Ultrasonic sensitivity for LNM of contralateral compartments was not satisfactory and diagnostic methods with good efficacy are required.

[Impact of neoadjuvant immunotherapy on pulmonary function and perioperative outcomes in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer].

Objective: To explore the effect of neoadjuvant immunotherapy on pulmonary function and the efficacy in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: Data of 30 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy before surgery in the Chest Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University from March 2018 to September 2021 were retrospectively collect. The efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in the perioperative period and changes in pulmonary function of patients before and after neoadjuvant treatment were valuated. Results: The patients were all-male with age of (61±8)years old, The major pathological response (MPR) rate of patients receiving neoadjuvant immunotherapy was 43%(13 cases), the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate was 37% (11 cases), disease control rate (DCR) was 97% (29 cases), objective response rate (ORR) was 67% (20 cases). The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) after treatment was (2.59±0.63) L, and the ratio of FEV1 to the predicted value (FEV1%pred) was 85.27%±15.86%, which were significantly higher than those before treatment [(2.48±0.59)L, 81.73%±15.94%, respectively] (P=0.013, 0.022, respectively). Forced vital capacity (FVC) after treatment was (3.59±0.77) L, which was also significantly higher than before [(3.47±0.76) L,P=0.036]; while there were no statistical difference in FEV1/FVC and FVC accounted for the proportion of predicted values (FVC%pred) between before and after treatment (P=0.084, 0.344, respectively). The ratio of carbon monoxide dispersion (DLCO) to the predicted value (DLCO%pred) decreased from 83.61%±13.10% to 78.69%±13.85% after treatment (P=0.023). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the DLCO%pred decreased group and the non-decreased group (3/18 vs 0/6; P=0.546). Conclusions: Neoadjuvant immunotherapy can increase the rate of MPR and PCR, significantly increase FEV1 and FEV1%pred, but also lead to a decrease in DLCO%pred; neoadjuvant immunotherapy does not increase the incidence of postoperative complications.

[Clinical characteristics and whole exome sequencing results of patients with Möbius syndrome].

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with Möbius syndrome (MBS) and to explore likely pathogenic genes. Methods: Cross-sectional study. The study enrolled 18 sporadic MBS patients who visited the Eye Center of Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from July 2018 to December 2021. All patients completed the general information questionnaire and underwent detailed ophthalmic examinations and general physical examinations. Seventeen patients received MRI examination of cranial nerves and the orbit. The peripheral venous blood of all patients and their nuclear family members was collected, the genomic DNA was extracted, and the pathogenic gene variations that may lead to MBS were identified by whole exome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Results: Among the 18 patients, there were 8 males and 10 females, and the age was (4.5±4.0) years (range, 8 months to 17 years). All patients showed congenital, bilateral or unilateral abduction deficit and facial weakness, which met the minimum diagnostic criteria of MBS. Among them, bilateral abduction deficit (16/18) and bilateral facial weakness (15/18) were more common. Nine patients were orthotopic in primary position, eight presented with esotropia, and one showed hypotropia. All patients had ametropia, of which 4 patients were diagnosed as amblyopia. Fifteen patients were also accompanied by other multiple congenital malformations, mainly characterized by abnormal development of glossopharynx (14/18) and limbs (5/18), and 7 patients were also accompanied by motor retardation. In addition, 9 patients had intrauterine exposure to adverse factors. Among the 17 patients who underwent MRI, 15 patients had bilateral hypoplasia of the abducens nerve, two had unilateral hypoplasia of the abducens nerve, 14 showed bilateral hypoplasia of the facial nerve, and three showed hypoplasia of the left facial nerve. Besides, some patients were also accompanied by hypoplasia of other cranial nerves, mainly the glossopharyngeal nerve and the hypoglossal nerve. No definite pathogenic variations were found by whole exome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Conclusions: The main clinical features of MBS were congenital abduction deficit and facial weakness, with complicated manifestations and variable severity. MRI showed absence or thinning of the abducens nerve and the facial nerve. The results of MRI can be used as a supplement to the diagnostic criteria of MBS. The mutation detection rate of MBS was low, and half of patients had exposure to adverse factors during pregnancy, suggesting that there was a multifactorial pathogenic mechanism in MBS.

[Influence of correction degree on the clinical effect of valgus knee after total knee arthroplasty].

Objective: To investigate the influence of correction degree on the clinical effect of valgus knee after total knee arthroplasty(TKA). Methods: Clinical data of 91 patients with unilateral valgus knee who underwent TKA from January 2015 to December 2018 at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,Zhongda Hospital,Southeast University were retrospectively analyzed. According to postoperative hip-knee-ankle angle(HKA),these patients were divided into neutral group (-3°≤HKA≤3°) and residual valgus group(HKA>3°). There were 70 patients in the neutral group,with a median age of 71.5 years(range:57 to 91 years),and 21 patients in the residual valgus group,with a median age of 71.5 years(range:60 to 85 years). The postoperative clinical indicators,including the range of motion (ROM),American Knee Society score(KSS),Western Ontario and McMaster University(WOMAC) osteoarthritis index,forgotten joint score (FJS-12) were collected. Meanwhile,the imaging indexes of femoral angle,tibial angle,femoral prosthesis flexion angle,tibial prosthesis posterior slope angle,patella tilt angle,congruence angle were also collected. Additionally,postoperative complications were recorded. The clinical data were analyzed by independent sample t test,Mann-Whitney U test or χ2 test. Results: There were no differences between the two groups in postoperative ROM (122.5°±8.5° vs. 119.4°±7.1°,t=1.534,P=0.128),KSS(159.8±8.9 vs. 150.0±8.9,t=-0.103,P=0.918),WOMAC osteoarthritis index(10.0(3.0) vs. 9.0(5.0),Z=-0.733,P=0.464),FJS-12(52.1(8.4) vs. 50.1(7.5),Z=-0.594,P=0.553)and femoral angle(94.0°(4.0°) vs. 94.0°(5.0°),Z=-0.209,P=0.835),tibial angle(90.0°(3.0°) vs. 91.0°(2.5°),Z=-1.226,P=0.220),femoral prosthesis flexion angle(3.0°(1.0°) vs. 3.0°(1.0°),Z=-0.652,P=0.514),tibial prosthesis posterior slope angle(4.0°(2.0°) vs. 4.0°(2.0°),Z=-0.763,P=0.445),patella tilt angle(9.0°(3.0°) vs. 9.0°(3.5°),Z=-1.429,P=0.153),congruence angle(14.0°(4.0°) vs. 15.0°(4.0°),Z=-1.690,P=0.091). However,abnormal proportions of patella tilt angle(33.3% vs.11.4%,χ²=5.630,P=0.018) and congruence angle(38.1% vs.17.1%,χ²=4.136,P=0.042) were apparent in the residual valgus group. The patients were follow-up for (32.1±5.2) months(range:24 to 40 months). Six weeks after operation,one case of joint stiffness occurred in the residual valgus group, which was improved after manual relaxation and rehabilitation exercises. At the last follow-up,two cases in the residual valgus group suffered patella instability which were fixed by patella braces and strengthening of the medial femoral muscles. There were no cases requiring reoperation for dislocation of patella,joint instability and aseptic loosening of the prosthesis in both groups. Conclusions: Residual valgus after TKA for valgus knee has no significant effect on the short-term clinical outcome,but it is more likely to cause abnormal proportions of patella tilt angle and congruence angle which may induce the risk of postoperative patella instability. The mid-and long-term outcomes need to be further investigated.

[Induction of hepatocellular carcinoma in B6C3 (F1) mice chronicly exposed to trichloroethylene with enhanced acetylation of histone H2AK9ac and SET expression in the liver tissue].

Objective: To establish an animal model of trichloroethylene (TCE) -induced liver cancer following chronic exposure and to understand the changes in SET expression and histone acetylation, potentially serving as a molecular mechanism for TCE-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Methods: B6C3 mice at 6 weeks were treated with TCE at a series of doses (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg) by gastric gavage, with corn oil used as the negative control and carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) as the positive control. The serum and liver were sampled for the determination of biochemical indexes and pathological examination after 56 weeks of chemical exposure. Western blot was used to determine the levels of SET, H2AK9ac and HDAC1 expression. Results: The overall survival rate of the mice in various groups was 90.4% (141/156) , with no statistical difference between groups (P>0.05) . Compared with the negative control, the organ coefficient for the liver in the high dose TCE group and the positive control group were significantly increased (P<0.05) . The levels of ALT, AST, LDH and BUN in the all the three TCE groups and the positive control were significantly higher than those in the negative control (P<0.01) . CREA levels in the 1000 and 2000 mg/kg TCE groups were significantly higher than those in the negative control (P<0.05) . Statistical increases in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and the activities of ALT and AST in various doses of TCE-exposed mice as compared with the control were observed (P<0.01) , in a dose-dependent manner. In the 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of TCE treated mice, levels of SET and H2AK9ac were increased (P<0.05) , while HDAC1 was decreased (P<0.05) , Compared to the tissue adjacent to liver cancer, in the 1000 and 2000 mg/kg TCE groups, the levels of SET were increased (P<0.05) , while HDAC1 was decreased (P<0.05) , and H2AK9ac increased in the 2000 mg/kg group. Conclusion: The hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model induced by chronic exposure to trichloroethylene was successfully established, with enhanced SET protein expression and H2AK9ac in the hepatic tissue.

Identification of potential crucial genes associated with vasculogenic mimicry in human osteosarcoma based on gene expression profile.

We previously reported the presence of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in human osteosarcoma. However, the mechanistic basis of osteosarcoma VM remains unclear. Three hundred eighty-one upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 526 downregulated DEGs between human osteosarcoma cell line 143B and HOS cell exposed to Matrigel were screened out by microarray. GO categories such as "cell adhesion", "angiogenesis" were enriched in 143B group. PATHWAY analysis showed enriched TGF-beta, Wnt and VEGF signaling pathway in 143B group. The hub gene ITGA2 in signal-network of DEGs exhibited pro-VM and pro-metastasis effect. Our study provides fundamental data for further studies regarding molecules involved in osteosarcoma VM.

Spatial genetic structure and historical demography of East Asian wild boar.

Pleistocene climatic fluctuations may have had a profound impact on the evolutionary history of many species. The geographical pattern of European wild boar (Sus scrofa) is clearly studied, and it was greatly influenced by ancient climatic events, especially the Last Glacial Maximum. Previous research on genetic variation has mainly focused on the origin and distribution histories of domestic pigs. However, some questions have not been answered, including those concerning the genetic diversity, geographical pattern and possible historic influence of climate on East Asian wild boar (EAWB). Employing the control region of mtDNA (511 bp), we investigated the contributions of historic climate, which possibly shaped the genetic pattern of wild boar. Given that the level of genetic diversity of wild boars is higher in East Asia than in Europe, 172 haplotypes were detected from 680 individuals. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the complex phylogeographic structure of EAWB. Mismatch analysis, neutrality tests and the Bayesian Skyline Plot results all retrieved signals of a rapid population expansion, which might have played an important role in driving the formation of complex spatial genetic structure. Genetic data and species distribution modelling showed that the Last Glacial Maximum had weak effect on the distribution of the EAWB. We suggest that, in shaping spatial genetic structure in East Asian, long-term gene flow and population history played more important roles than Pleistocene climate fluctuations.

Structure and Stability of Aromatic Nitrogen Heterocycles Used in the Field of Energetic Materials.

Understanding the stabilization of nitrogen heterocycles is critical in the field of energetic materials and calls for innovative knowledge of nitrogen aromatics. Herewith, we report for the first time that nitrogen lone pair electron (NLPE) delocalization in five-membered nitrogen heterocycles creates a second σ-aromaticity in addition to the prototypical π-aromaticity. The NLPE delocalization and the attendant dual-aromaticity are enhanced as more carbon atoms in the ring are substituted by unsaturated nitrogen atoms. The presence of adjacent nitrogen atoms in the ring can enhance the aromaticity of the nitrogen heterocycles and improve in-crystal intermolecular binding strength but will decrease the firmness of the individual molecular architecture. Notably, such σ-aromaticity is not present in six-membered nitrogen heterocycles, probably due to the longer bonds and broader regions of their rings; therefore, six-membered heterocycles present overall lower aromaticity than five-membered heterocycles. This work brings new knowledge to nitrogen aromatics and is expected to inspire broad interest in the chemistry community.

[Clinical pathology and incidence trend of thyroid cancer based on 21 980 cases].

Objective: To analyze the clinical pathological characteristics and incidence of thyroid cancer. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 21 980 thyroid cancer patients who underwent surgery in the Department of Thyroid Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2012 to December 2018, including the gender, age, pathological type, tumor size, tumor number, central and lateral lymph node metastasis, was retrospectively analyzed. Results: There were 16 895 females and 5 085 males (gender ratio: 3.3 to 1), aged 4 to 95 (47.6±11.8) years old. Except for 2012, the average onset age of females was higher than that of males, and both genders showed a trend of early onset over time (females: Z=-2.703, P=0.007; males: Z=-3.004, P=0.003). The proportion of female aged 25 to 39 and male aged 20 to 39 was increasing, but the proportion of both genders aged over 60 was decreasing (all P<0.05). With the increase of tumor length and diameter, the positive rate of central lymph nodes metastasis (Z=-2.205, P=0.027) and lateral lymph node metastasis (Z=-2.205, P=0.027) gradually increased. Conclusions: The onset age of thyroid cancer exhibited a much younger trend, with an increasing proportion of women aged 25-39 and men aged 20-39. Therefore, it should be suggested to strengthen the screening of people in the corresponding age range. The newly diagnosed thyroid cancer was mainly thyroid micropapillary carcinoma, with a high proportion of lymph node metastasis and multiple foci, and thus the optimal treatment methods need to be carefully considered.

Grape-seed polyphenols inhibit AAA in mice via regulation of macrophage polarization.

AIM: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by macrophage polarization, and at present, no drug therapy is available. Although grape-seed polyphenols (GSP) showed an anti-AAA effect, the role of GSP in the phenotype shift in macrophages remains unknown. METHOD: The main phenolic compounds in GSP were determined by LC-MS. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four equal groups, namely sham group, CaPO4 group, CaPO4+GSP low-dose group, and CaPO4+GSP high-dose group. GSP was administered intragastrically after CaPO4 application. Molecular expressions were histologically evaluated and analyzed by various staining assays and FACS. RESULTS: GSP administration inhibited CaPO4-induced AAA formation, which correlated with a decrease in macrophage infiltration and retainment of vascular smooth muscle layer as compared to those in the CaPO4 group. FACS assay showed that the GSP administration dose-dependently decreased the CD54 expression (low-dose group: 11.4 ± 2.1 % and high-dose group: 4.8 ± 1.4 % vs 23.2 ± 3.6 %; p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and increased the CD206 expression of F4/80-positive cells in GSP-administered groups as compared with that in CaPO4-injured aortas in the CaPO4 group (low-dose group: 22.4 ± 3.3 % and high-dose group: 26.7 ± 4.2 % vs 8.1 ± 1.3 %; p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: GSP could be a pharmacologically potent agent in the treatment of AAA (Tab. 1, Fig. 3,Ref. 20). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: grape-seed polyphenols, abdominal aortic aneurysm, macrophage, inflammatory, polarization.

Mechanism and Functionality of Pnictogen Dual Aromaticity in Pentazolate Crystals.

Our recent work (J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2019, 10, 2378) reported the discovery of the abnormal pnictogen dual aromaticity (π and σ) in cyclo-N5- , which makes the anion unstable in nature but confers enhanced stability in sufficiently acid solution. Herein, we present systematic quantum calculations on the structures, energetics and dynamics of the pentazolate salt and metal pentazolate hydrates, focusing on the mechanism and functionality of the pnictogen dual aromaticity in these crystals, which are verified by experiments. We find that owning a net charge of -e is crucial to the formation of the dual aromaticity and the stabilization of the cyclo-N5- . The competition between the dual aromaticity and the proton affinity drives the cyclo-N5- to be unreactive to acid and remain unprotonated in these crystals. We decompose the crystal packing effect into pure mechanical compression and interspecies nonbonding interactions, and figure out that the type and number of the adjacent counterions of the cyclo-N5- anion, instead of the compression effect, accounts for the protonation state reversion in the vacuum and in the crystal. The current work supports our original conclusion (Science 2018, 359, eaas8953) and is expected to provide compelling evidence against the current debate on the cyclo-N5- stability (Science 2018, 359, eaao3672; J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2018, 9, 7137; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, 141, 2984).

Unprecedented O:⇔:O compression and H↔H fragilization in Lewis solutions.

Charge injection in terms of lone pairs ':', protons, and ions upon acid and base solvation mediates the hydrogen bonding network and properties of Lewis solutions, and is ubiquitously important in many subject areas of Chemical Physics. This work features the recent progress and future trends in this aspect with a focus on the solute-solvent interactions and hydrogen bond (O:H-O or HB) transition from the vibration mode of ordinary water to the hydrating states. A combination of the O:H-O bond cooperativity notion, differential phonon spectrometrics, calorimetric detection, and quantum computations clarified the solute capabilities of O:H-O bond transition in HX and YOH (X = Cl, Br, I and Y = Li, Na, K) solutions. The H+ and the lone pair do not stay alone to move or shuttle freely between adjacent H2O molecules, but they are attached to a H2O molecule to form (H3O+ and OH-)·4H2O tetrahedral motifs, which transits an O:H-O bond into the H↔H anti-HB point breaker in acidic solutions and into the O:⇔:O super-HB compressor and polarizer in basic solutions, respectively. H↔H disrupts the solvent network and surface stress, having the same effect of liquid heating on HB bond relaxation and thermal fluctuation on surface stress. The O:⇔:O compression lengthens and weakens the solute H-O bond, which heats up the solution during solvation. The H-O bonds due to H3O+ contract by 3% and due to OH- shrink by 10%. The Y+ and X- ions perform in the same manner as they do in salt solutions to form hydration shells through electrostatic polarization and hydrating H2O dipolar screen shielding. Focusing more on the O:H-O bond transition would be even more promising and revealing than on the manner and mobility of lone pair and proton transportation.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Tracheophilus cymbius (Digenea), the first representative from the family Cyclocoelidae.

Tracheophilus cymbius (Trematoda: Cyclocoelidae) is a common tracheal fluke of waterfowl, causing serious loss in the poultry industry. However, taxonomic identification of T. cymbius remains controversial and confused. Mitochondrial (mt) genomes can provide genetic markers for the identification of closely related species. We determined the mt genome of T. cymbius and reconstructed phylogenies with other trematodes. The T. cymbius mt genome is 13,760 bp in size, and contains 12 protein-coding genes (cox 1-3, nad 1-6, nad 4L, cyt b and atp 6), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA genes and one non-coding region. All are transcribed in the same direction. The A + T content is 62.82%. ATG and TAG are the most common initiation and termination codons, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses of concatenated nucleotide sequences show T. cymbius grouping in suborder Echinostomata, and clustering together, with high statistical support, as a sister taxon with Echinochasmus japonicus (Echinochasmidae), the two forming a distinct branch rooted to the ancestor of all Echinostomatidae and Fasciolidae species. This is the first report of the T. cymbius mt genome, and the first reported mt genome within the family Cyclocoelidae. These data will provide a significant resource of molecular markers for studying the taxonomy, population genetics and systematics of trematodes.

[Comparison of antibiotics and saline irrigation with tube drainage in the treatment of postoperative abdominal and pelvic infectious effusion].

Objective: To compare the efficiency of saline irrigation, antibiotics irrigation and high-concentration antibiotics perfusion with tube drainage in the treatment of infectious effusion. Methods: Clinical and sonographic features of abdominal and pelvic infectious effusion of 64 patients with malignant tumor collected from September 2013 to September 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The changes of effusion size and temperature, catheterization time were evaluated in saline irrigation group and antibiotics irrigation group. The catheterization time was compared between antibiotics irrigation group and high-concentration antibiotics perfusion group. Results: The effective rates of the saline irrigation group and the antibiotics irrigation group were 68.6% and 86.8%, respectively, and the times of catheterization were 11.9±8.4 days and 7.8±4.8 days, respectively, with significantly statistical difference (both P<0.05). However, the effective rates of the antibiotics irrigation group and the high concentration antibiotic perfusion group were 86.8% and 100.0%, respectively (P=0.067), while the times of catheterization were 7.8±4.8 days and 3.6±3.1 days, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusion: The antibiotic irrigation with tube drainage, especially the high concentration perfusion is more effective than saline in the treatment of abdominal and pelvic infection effusion.

Comparative clinical study on seldom segment with multiple segment intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Several clinical studies were performed on multi-segment intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors. However, no clinical study focused on the relationship between different vertebral segments intramedullary tumors involvement and neurological functions, as well as prognosis of the patients. This prospective study was performed to compare clinical analysis on neurological functions and prognosis of the patients with intramedullary spinal cord primary tumors. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed in a single medical center, Neurosurgical Department, Peking University Third Hospital. Between Jan. 1, 2010 and Dec. 30, 2015, 135 patients underwent microsurgery for intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors. The intramedullary tumor length occupying 3 or more vertebral body levels was considered as multiple segments intramedullary primary spinal cord tumor, and occupying one or two vertebral body levels considered as seldom segments. Preoperative and postoperative functions were assessed using IJOA (improved Japanese orthopaedic association) scoring system, and analyzed using the appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: Among the 135 patients, 52 cases had seldom segments intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors, and 83 cases had multiple segments. In the seldom group, 32 (62%) patients presented with normal urine and stool function, 8 (15%) patients with severe dysfunction, 7 (14%) with slight dysfunction, and 5 (9%) with incontinence, and 30 (58%) patients demonstrated various degrees of limbs weakness. The preoperative IJOA scores of the patients were 16.9±2.4. The postoperative IJOA scores at the end of 3 months were 16.6±2.3. The current IJOA scores until the end of the follow-up were 17.5±4.4. In the multiple group, 37 (45%) patients presented with normal urine and stool functions, 26 (31%) patients with slight dysfunction, 11 (13%) with severe dysfunction, and 9 (11%) with incontinence, and 62 (75%) patients demonstrated various degrees of limbs weakness. The preoperative IJOA scores of the patients were 15.6±3.4. The postoperative IJOA scores at the end of 3 months were 15.5±3.8. The current IJOA scores until the end of the follow-up were 16.9±5.8. The difference of presenting urine and stool dysfunction (Z=-1.35, P=0.18) was not statistically significant between the different patient groups. However, the difference of presenting limbs weakness (Z=-2.06, P=0.04) was statistically significant between the two groups. Most patients with multiple segment intramedullary tumors suffered from various limbs weakness. The difference of the preoperative IJOA score (P=0.02) and the postoperative early IJOA score (P=0.004) of the patients was statistically significant between the seldom and multiple segments groups. Preoperative and early postoperative neurological function of the patients was better with seldom segments tumor than with multiple segments tumor. Most patients with multi-segment intramedullary tumors experienced various limbs weakness. However, the difference of long-term neurological function (P=0.12) between the seldom and multiple segments groups was not statistically significant. The neurological function of the patients with multiple segments intramedullary tumor was remarkably improved after physical therapy. CONCLUSION: Perioperative neurological function of the patients with seldom segments primary tumor was superior to that of the patients with multiple segments primary tumor, especially for limb strength. The neurological function of the patients with multiple segments intramedullary primary tumor was remarkably improved after physical therapy during long-term follow-up.