Visible-Light-Driven NO Release from Postmodified MOFs via Photoinduced Electron Transfer for Antibacterial Application.

Photoresponsive nitric oxide (NO)-releasing materials (NORMs) enable the spatiotemporal delivery of NO to facilitate their potential applications in physiological conditions. Here two novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based photoactive NORMs achieved by the incorporation of prefunctionalized NO donors into the photosensitive Fe-MOFs via a postmodification strategy is reported. The modified Fe-MOFs display superior photoactivity of NO release when exposed to visible light (up to 720 nm). Significantly, the visible-light-driven NO release properties are further corroborated by their efficient antibacterial performance.

Ultrafast Photocatalytic Detoxification of Mustard Gas Simulants by a Mesoporous Metal-Organic Framework with Dangling Porphyrin Molecules.

Developing effective catalysts to degrade chemical warfare agents is of great significance. Herein, a mesoporous MIL-101(Cr) composite material dangled with porphyrin molecules (denote as TCPP@MIL-101(Cr), TCPP = tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin) is reported, which can be used as a heterogeneous photocatalyst for detoxification of mustard gas simulants 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) to 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfoxide (CEESO) with a half-life of 1 min. The catalytic performance of TCPP@MIL-101(Cr) is comparable to that of homogeneous molecular porphyrin. Mechanistic studies reveal that both 1 O2 and O2 •- are efficiently generated and play vital roles in the oxidation reaction. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are attached to the TCPP@MIL-101(Cr) to further enhance the catalytic activity with a benchmark half-life of 45 s, which is the fastest record so far. A medical mask loaded TCPP@MIL-101(Cr) is fabricated for practical applications, which can selectively photoxidize CEES to CEESO under sunlight and air atmosphere, exhibiting the best degradation performance among the reported fabric-like composite materials.

Rapid molecular response to dasatinib in Ph-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with ABL1 rearrangements: case series and literature review.

Philadelphia chromosome-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-like ALL) is a high-risk subtype with a poor prognosis under conventional chemotherapy. Ph-like ALL has a similar gene expression profile to Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) ALL, but is highly heterogeneous in terms of genomic alterations. Approximately 10-20% of patients with Ph-like ALL harbor ABL class (e.g. ABL1, ABL2, PDGFRB, and CSF1R) rearrangements. Additional genes that form fusion genes with ABL class genes are still being researched. These aberrations result from rearrangements including chromosome translocations or deletions and may be targets of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, due to the heterogeneity and rarity of each fusion gene in clinical practice, there is limited data on the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Here, we report three cases of Ph-like B-ALL with ABL1 rearrangements treated with the dasatinib backbone for the CNTRL::ABL1, LSM14A::ABL1, and FOXP1::ABL1 fusion genes. All three patients achieved rapid and profound remission with no significant adverse events. Our findings suggest that dasatinib is a potent TKI for the treatment of ABL1-rearranged Ph-like ALL and can be used as a first-line treatment option for such patients.

Synergy of Cd Doping and S Vacancies in CdxZn1-xIn2S4 Hierarchical Nanotubes for Highly Improved Visible-Light-Driven H2 Evolution.

Photocatalytic water splitting over semiconductors is believed as a promising avenue to obtain H2 fuel from renewable solar energy. However, developing highly active and non-noble-metal photocatalysts for H2 evolution is still quite challenging to date. In this work, by constructing nanosheet-based nanotubes with Cd-doping and S vacancies, a highly improved visible-light-driven H2 production for ZnIn2S4 is achieved. Unlike nanoflowers aggregated with nanosheets, the nanosheet-assembled hierarchical nanotubes allow multiple scattering and reflection of incident light within the interior space, leading to an enhanced light-harvesting efficiency. Together with the benefits from Cd doping and S-vacancy engineering, including narrowed band gaps, efficient transmission and separation of charge carriers, abundant catalytically active sites, heightened photo-stability and photo-electron reduction capacity, as well as a strong electrostatic attraction to protons, the synthesized S-deficient CdxZn1-xIn2S4 hierarchical nanotubes exhibit an extraordinary photocatalytic H2 evolution capability under visible-light irradiation, delivering an outstanding H2-generation activity of 28.99 mmol·g-1·h-1 (corresponding to an apparent quantum yield of 37.1% at 400 nm), which is much superior to that of CdxZn1-xIn2S4 nanoflowers, Pt-loaded ZnIn2S4 nanotubes, and most ever reported ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts. Our study could inspire the development of low-cost and high-performance photocatalysts via rational structural design and optimization.

Preparation and evaluation of attractive microspheres for control of Agrilus planipennis fairmaire.

Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire is an important wood boring pest of Fraxinus species in the family Oleaceae. Oxacyclotridecan-2-one is an attractant of A. planipennis. Traps with attractive lures can be used in mass trapping of insect pests, but the traps are a bit expensive and they must be set up and dismantled in the field. To develop an attract and kill method for A. planipennis, we enveloped oxacyclotridecan-2-one into sustained-released microspheres. The attractant microspheres were prepared using the solvent evaporation method. An orthogonal test L16(45) was used to optimize the five preparation factors: the quantities of polylactic acid (PLA), gelatin, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), attractant, and the rotational speed. The results showed that optimal conditions for preparation of microspheres were 2.5 g PLA, 0.5 g gelatin, 1.25 g PVA, 2 mL attractant and 600 r min-1 rotational speed. The encapsulation efficiency of the prepared microspheres was 95.22%, and the attractant loading rate was 15.61%. The release rate of attractant from prepared microspheres was about 26.74% on the first day, and then gradually entered a sustained-release stage for about 10 days that lasted for 17 days. Preliminary field control experiments showed that the prepared microspheres could attract and kill A. planipennis adults when sprayed together with insecticide.

Distribution of α-Synuclein Aggregation in the Peripheral Tissues.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease mainly characterized by movement disorders and other non-motor symptoms, including the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra parts. Abnormal α-synuclein aggregation in the brain is closely associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons. α-synuclein can propagate in the central nervous system (CNS) and periphery under pathological conditions. Many researches have focused on its aggregation and distribution in the CNS and explored its relationship with PD. But in recent years, the distribution of α-synuclein in peripheral tissues have been paid much attention. This review summarized the distribution of α-synuclein in the choroid plexus, blood, saliva, gastrointestine and other tissues, and discussed the potential mechanism of α-synuclein aggregation, providing a basis for the early diagnosis and intervention of PD.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Plays a Neuroprotective Role in Regulating the Iron-Regulated Proteins and Against Lipid Peroxidation in Oligodendrocytes.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) is one of the major pathological changes. However, the reasons for the dopaminergic neuron loss are still ambiguous and further studies are needed to evaluate the in-depth mechanisms of neuron death. Oxidative stress is a significant factor causing neuronal damage. Dopaminergic neurons in the SN are susceptible to oxidative stress, which is closely associated with iron dyshomeostasis in the brain. Ginsenoside Rg1 from ginseng plays a crucial role in neuroprotective effects through anti-inflammation and attenuating the aggregation of abnormal α-synuclein. In our study, we established a chronic PD mouse model by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine combined with probenecid and explored the effect of Rg1 on the oxidative stress and brain iron homeostasis. Rg1 was verified to improve the level of tyrosine hydroxylase and anti-oxidant stress. In addition, Rg1 maintained the iron-regulated protein homeostasis by increasing the expression of ferritin heavy chain and decreasing ferritin light chain in oligodendrocytes, especially the mature oligodendrocytes (OLs). Furthermore, Rg1 had a positive effect on the myelin sheath protection and increased the number of mature oligodendrocytes, proved by the increased staining of myelin basic protein and CC-1. In conclusion, Rg1 could play a neuroprotective role through remitting the iron-regulated protein dyshomeostasis by ferritin and against lipid peroxidation stress in oligodendrocytes.

Increasing the Stability of Metal-Organic Frameworks by Coating with Poly(tetrafluoroethylene).

When compared to industrially stable zeolites, the instability of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been denounced by researchers. Boosting the stability of existing MOFs is highly important for practical applications. In this report, we develop a new strategy to prepare MOFs/poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) composites, which can highly improve the chemical, pressure, and photostabilities of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-8. Composite materials were prepared by a physical blending of ZIF-8 and PTFE emulsion with different ratios and annealing at 370 °C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies reveal that the nanoparticles of ZIF-8 are coated by PTFE to form the composite materials. Upon mixing with 20 or 50 wt % PTFE, the ZIF-8/PTFE materials show a superhydrophobic property with water contact angles of around 156°. Pristine ZIF-8 is not stable in water with stirring under acidic, basic, and irradiation conditions, while the ZIF-8/PTFE materials are stable under the same conditions. The ZIF-8/PTFE materials can also maintain their crystalline structure after being compressed with a 10 MPa pressure, while pristine ZIF-8 changes to an amorphous solid after the same pressure treatment. Using water as a solvent, ZIF-8/PTFE can be used as a highly efficient and recyclable catalyst for Knoevenagel reaction at room temperature. The successful preparation of stable ZIF-8/PTFE composite materials provides a useful method to enhance the chemical, pressure, and photostabilities of MOFs.

Gastric Enteric Glial Cells: A New Contributor to the Synucleinopathies in the MPTP-Induced Parkinsonism Mouse.

Accumulating evidence has shown that Parkinson's disease (PD) is a systemic disease other than a mere central nervous system (CNS) disorder. One of the most important peripheral symptoms is gastrointestinal dysfunction. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is regarded as an essential gateway to the environment. The discovery of the prion-like behavior of α-synuclein makes it possible for the neurodegenerative process to start in the ENS and spread via the gut-brain axis to the CNS. We first confirmed that synucleinopathies existed in the stomachs of chronic 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)/probenecid (MPTP/p)-induced PD mice, as indicated by the significant increase in abnormal aggregated and nitrated α-synuclein in the TH-positive neurons and enteric glial cells (EGCs) of the gastric myenteric plexus. Next, we attempted to clarify the mechanisms in single MPTP-injected mice. The stomach naturally possesses high monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) activity and low superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, making the stomach susceptible to MPTP-induced oxidative stress, as indicated by the significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the stomach and elevated 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) in the EGCs after MPTP exposure for 3 h. Additionally, stomach synucleinopathies appear before those of the nigrostriatal system, as determined by Western blotting 12 h after MPTP injection. Notably, nitrated α-synuclein was considerably increased in the EGCs after 3 h and 12 h of MPTP exposure. Taken together, our work demonstrated that the EGCs could be new contributors to synucleinopathies in the stomach. The early-initiated synucleinopathies might further influence neighboring neurons in the myenteric plexus and the CNS. Our results offer a new experimental clue for interpreting the etiology of PD.

SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION OF NUTCRACKER SYNDROME WITH 3D PRINTED PEEK EXTRAVASCULAR STENT IN AN ADOLESCENT BOY.

Three-dimensional printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) extravascular stent was applied to treat a 14-year-old boy with nutcracker syndrome. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a segment of the left renal vein (LRV) with reduced contrast filling immediately before its inflow into the inferior vena cava, and high-pressure gradient. The three-dimensional reconstruction model demonstrated that the LRV and the duodenum were contracted at the aortomesenteric angle, resulting in LRV compression from the abnormal high-level duodenal compartment. When duodenum courses between the abdominal aorta and superior mesenteric artery (duodenal interposition), the LRV entrapment occurs even at <90 aortomesenteric degrees. Three-dimensional printed PEEK extravascular stent was chosen to elevate the superior mesenteric artery and lower the duodenum position, thus relieving LRV compression. This extravascular application has significant advantages over open surgery, endovascular stenting and artificial vessel procedures with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. It provides better cellular vitality by ensuring soft tissue proliferation. By reducing external acceleration and centrifugal force, a three-dimensional printed PEEK extravascular stent reduces adverse side effects. Such a stent has a distinctive personalized design, good stiffness, and durability that allows blood vessel growth, preventing stent migration and thrombosis. Therefore, it is suitable for both adult and pediatric patients. According to the abdominal ultrasound and multi-slice computed tomography scan, the postoperative follow-up results were satisfactory one year after surgery. The patient felt well, the blood flow in the LRV was not obstructed, and the blood flow velocity was average. The external stent was in place.

CDKN2B-AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism and coronary heart disease: A meta-analysis of 40,979 subjects.

It has been implied that there is a possible relationship between cyclin-dependent protein kinase inhibitors antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1) gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism and coronary heart disease (CHD) susceptibility. However, as the research results are discrepant, no distinct consensus on this issue has been reached so far. In order to further elaborate the latent association of the CDKN2B-AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism and CHD, this present meta-analysis was conducted. There were 40,979 subjects of 17 individual studies in the present meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to determine the association strength. Considering the significant heterogeneity among the individual studies, the random-effect models were used. In the current meta-analysis, a significant association between CDKN2B-AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism and CHD was found under allelic (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08-1.29, p = 4.83×10-4 ), recessive (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.11-1.67, p = 0.003), dominant (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.58-0.86, p = 6.26×10-4 ), heterozygous (OR:1.210, 95% CI: 1.076-1.360, p = 0.001), homozygous (OR: 1.394, 95% CI: 1.163-1.671, p = 3.31×10-4 ) and additive (OR: 1.180, 95% CI: 1.075-1.295, p = 4.83×10-4 ) genetic models. A more significant association between them was found in the Asian population than that in the whole population under these genetic models (p < 0.05). However, no significant association between them was found in the Caucasian population (p > 0.05). CDKN2B-AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism was associated with CHD susceptibility, especially in the Asian population. G allele of CDKN2B-AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism is the risk allele for CHD.

Mixed-Valence CsCu4Se3: Large Phonon Anharmonicity Driven by the Hierarchy of the Rigid [(Cu+)4(Se2-)2](Se-) Double Anti-CaF2 Layer and the Soft Cs+ Sublattice.

Crystalline solids that exhibit inherently low lattice thermal conductivity (κlat) have attracted a great deal of attention because they offer the only independent control for pursuing a high thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT). Herein, we report the successful preparation of CsCu4Q3 (Q = S (compound 1), Se (compound 2)) with the aid of a safe and facile boron-chalcogen method. The single-crystal diffraction data confirm the P4/mmm hierarchical structures built up by the mixed-valence [(Cu+)4(Q2-)2](Q-) double anti-CaF2 layer and the NaCl-type Cs+ sublattice involving multiple bonding interactions. The electron-poor compound CsCu4Q3 features Cu-Q antibonding states around EF that facilitates a high σ value of 3100 S/cm in 2 at 323 K. Significantly, the ultralow κlat value of 2, 0.20 W/m/K at 650 K (70% lower than that of Cu2Se), is mainly driven by the vibrational coupling of the rigid double anti-CaF2 layer and the soft NaCl-type sublattice. The hierarchical structure increases the bond multiplicity, which eventually leads to a large phonon anharmonicity, as evidenced by the effective scattering of the low-lying optical phonons to the heat-carrying acoustic phonons. Consequently, the acoustic phonon frequency in 2 drops sharply from 118 cm-1 (of Cu2Se) to 48 cm-1. In addition, the elastic properties indicate that the hierarchical structure largely inhibits the transverse phonon modes, leading to a sound velocity (1571 m/s) and a Debye temperature (189 K) lower than those of Cu2Se (2320 m/s; 292 K).

Neuronal Differentiation 1 gene Ala45Thr polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis of 7,940 subjects.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Previous studies have shown that there was a possible relationship between human Neuronal Differentiation 1 (NEUROD1) gene Ala45Thr polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) susceptibility. Nevertheless, no public opinion has been formed because of the conflicting results in the past studies. In order to illuminate the potential association of human NEUROD1 gene Ala45Thr polymorphism and T2DM, the present meta-analysis was conducted. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the current meta-analysis, 7940 subjects from 14 individual studies were included. The fixed or random effects models were used to evaluate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The current meta-analysis found a significant association between NEUROD1 gene Ala45Thr polymorphism and T2DM under allelic (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.04-1.41, P = 0.01), dominant (OR: 0.819, 95% CI: 0.734-0.913, P = 3.31 × 10-4), heterozygous (OR:1.199, 95% CI: 1.068-1.346, P = 0.002), and additive (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.09-1.62, P = 0.004) genetic models. CONCLUSIONS: NEUROD1 gene Ala45Thr polymorphism was significantly related to T2DM, especially in the Asian population. More particularly, the Thr45 allele carriers of the NEUROD1 gene may be more susceptible to T2DM.

FVII gene R353Q polymorphism and coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis including 3258 subjects.

The coagulation factor VII (FVII) gene R353Q polymorphism is suggested to be relevant to the coronary heart disease (CHD) susceptibility. However, the results of separate studies are not consistent with one another. A meta-analysis including 3258 participants from nine studies was conducted to investigate the relationship between the FVII gene R353Q polymorphism and the CHD in the Chinese population. The fixed-effect models were used to assess the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. A significant association was observed between the FVII gene R353Q polymorphism and the CHD in the Chinese population under allelic (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.10-1.65, P = 0.004), dominant (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.55-0.85, P = 0.0006), and heterozygous (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.55-0.85, P = 0.0007) genetic models. The FVII gene R353Q polymorphism was significantly correlated with the CHD susceptibility in the Chinese population. Persons with the R allele of the FVII gene R353Q polymorphism might have greater CHD risk than others.

α-CsCu5Se3: Discovery of a Low-Cost Bulk Selenide with High Thermoelectric Performance.

The discovery of low-cost, less toxic, and earth-abundant thermoelectric materials is a great challenge. Herein, with the aid of a unique and safe boron-chalcogen method, we discover the new tetragonal α-CsCu5Se3, featuring a previously unrecognized structure in the ternary family of Cs/Cu/Se. The structure is constructed by a Chinese-knot-like Cu8Se8 building unit that is further linked into a 3D network. α-CsCu5Se3 exhibits thermal stability that is superior to that of the recently established thermoelectric materials Cu2-xSe and CsAg5Te3 suffering unfavorable phase transitions. Distinct from the liquidlike migration in Cu2-xSe, α-CsCu5Se3 obeys a typical crystalline solid thermal transport behavior dominated by Umklapp scattering. In compariosn to the isostructural CsAg5Te3, α-CsCu5Se3 shows a 30% volume decrease that leads to stronger orbital overlapping that markedly decreases the band effective mass (m*). With a smaller m* and a softer Cu-Se bond, α-CsCu5Se3 eventually realizes a 200% increase in the power factor (8.17 µW/(cm K2), the highest among the copper-rich alkali-metal chalcogenides) and a figure of merit (ZT) of 1.03 at 980 K. Further, the doping in α-Cs(Cu0.96Sb0.04)5Se3 boosts the lattice anharmonicity by the lone pairs that, via intensifying the Umklapp scattering and slowing the phonon velocity, ensures a low lattice thermal conductivity (0.40 W/(m K)), and finally leads to a ZTmax value of 1.30 at 980 K. Our discovery represents a step toward low-cost, earth-abundant, and high-performance chalcogenide materials that will shed useful light on future exploration in the related fields.

Automated detection and quantification of COVID-19 pneumonia: CT imaging analysis by a deep learning-based software.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging worldwide threat to public health. While chest computed tomography (CT) plays an indispensable role in its diagnosis, the quantification and localization of lesions cannot be accurately assessed manually. We employed deep learning-based software to aid in detection, localization and quantification of COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: A total of 2460 RT-PCR tested SARS-CoV-2-positive patients (1250 men and 1210 women; mean age, 57.7 ± 14.0 years (age range, 11-93 years) were retrospectively identified from Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan from February 11 to March 16, 2020. Basic clinical characteristics were reviewed. The uAI Intelligent Assistant Analysis System was used to assess the CT scans. RESULTS: CT scans of 2215 patients (90%) showed multiple lesions of which 36 (1%) and 50 patients (2%) had left and right lung infections, respectively (> 50% of each affected lung's volume), while 27 (1%) had total lung infection (> 50% of the total volume of both lungs). Overall, 298 (12%), 778 (32%) and 1300 (53%) patients exhibited pure ground glass opacities (GGOs), GGOs with sub-solid lesions and GGOs with both sub-solid and solid lesions, respectively. Moreover, 2305 (94%) and 71 (3%) patients presented primarily with GGOs and sub-solid lesions, respectively. Elderly patients (≥ 60 years) were more likely to exhibit sub-solid lesions. The generalized linear mixed model showed that the dorsal segment of the right lower lobe was the favoured site of COVID-19 pneumonia. CONCLUSION: Chest CT combined with analysis by the uAI Intelligent Assistant Analysis System can accurately evaluate pneumonia in COVID-19 patients.

Chiral 3D Coordination Polymers Consisting of Achiral Terpyridyl Precursors: from Spontaneous Resolution to Enantioenriched Induction.

A pair of enantiomers of three-dimensional (3D) chiral coordination polymers (CCPs) were successfully constructed by using achiral components 4,2':6',4''-terpyridyl precursors and Cu2+ through spontaneous resolution (1 a). By utilising feeding controlled chiral-templated induction and chiral auxiliary behaviour of optically pure camphor sulfonate (CSA), the enantioenriched (1 b-P and 1 b-M) and CSA captured (1 c-P and 1 c-M) CCPs were successfully synthesised, respectively. The chiral information of the corresponding products was confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction and solid-state CD spectra. Meanwhile, the formation processes of 1 b-P and 1 b-M were monitored through solution CD spectra, UV/Vis spectra and ESI-TOF MS. Based on these results, a reasonable chiral-templated induction mechanism of forming 1 b-P and 1 b-M was proposed.

Correction to: A combination of omega-3 and plant sterols regulate glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals with impaired glucose regulation: a randomized and controlled clinical trial.

Following publication of the original article [1], the Authors' Contributions statement need to be changed.

Correlation between effectual time and the curative effect in patients with all frequency descending sudden deafness after treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the correlation between effectual time and the curative effect in patients with all frequency descending sudden deafness. METHODS: According to effectual time, the subjects were divided into first week effectual group and second week effectual group and the curative effect of each group was compared. RESULTS: In patients with flat descent sudden deafness, the curative rate of the first week effectual group was higher than that of the second week effectual group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (χ2 = 1.584, P = 0.208). Meanwhile, the total significant effective rate of the first week effectual group was higher than that of the second week effectual group, without obvious difference between the two groups (χ2 = 0.227, P = 0.634). Furthermore, in patients with total deafness type of sudden deafness, the curative rate of the first week effectual group was higher than that of the second week effectual group, showing no remarkable difference between the two groups (χ2 = 2.726, P = 0.099). Besides, there was no remarkable difference in the comparison of the total significant effective rate (χ2 = 2.933, P = 0.087), which was higher in the first week effectual group than that in the second week effectual group. CONCLUSION: The course of treatment should be at least 2 weeks in patients with all frequency descending sudden deafness after onset.

The discovery of a novel eight-mRNA-lncRNA signature predicting survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Increasing evidence indicates that the expressions of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) undergo a frequent and aberrant change in carcinogenesis and cancer development. But some research was carried out on mRNA-lncRNA signatures for prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis. We aimed to establish an mRNA-lncRNA signature to improve the ability to predict HCC patients' survival. The subjects from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) data set were randomly divided into two parts: training data set (n = 246) and testing data set (n = 124). Using computational methods, we selected eight gene signatures (five mRNAs and three lncRNAs) to generate the risk score model, which were significantly correlated with overall survival of patients with HCC in both training and testing data set. The signature had the ability to classify the patients in training data set into a high-risk group and low-risk group with significantly different overall survival (hazard ratio = 4.157, 95% confidence interval = 2.648-6.526, P < 0.001). The prognostic value was further validated in testing data set and the entire data set. Further analysis revealed that this signature was independent of tumor stage. In addition, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis suggested that high risk score group was associated with cell proliferation and division related pathways. Finally, we developed a well-performed nomogram integrating the prognostic signature and other clinical information to predict 3- and 5-year overall survival. In conclusion, the prognostic mRNAs and lncRNAs identified in our study indicate their potential role in HCC biogenesis. The risk score model based on the mRNA-lncRNA may be an efficient classification tool to evaluate the prognosis of patients' with HCC.