I2-Promoted In Situ Cyclization-Rethiolation Reaction: Synthesis of 2-Aliphatic- or Aromatic-Substituted Indolizines.

An efficient I2-promoted one-pot one-step three-component reaction for the synthesis of sulfhydryl indolizines from methyl ketones, 2-pyridylacetate derivatives, and sulfonyl hydrazides via an in situ cyclization-rethiolation strategy has been developed. This protocol shows excellent substrate compatibility, including for chain and cyclic aliphatic methyl ketones, natural product pregnenolone acetate, and phosphorus-containing methyl ketones, affording a series of valuable aliphatic-substituted indolizines in good yields.

Association of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with dementia: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Impaired cochlear blood perfusion and microvascular damage can cause sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), which is a potential risk factor for dementia. This study explored the association between SSHL and dementia. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used a random sample of 1000,000 individuals from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. We identified 3725 patients newly diagnosed with SSHL between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2009, and propensity score matching according to age, sex, index year, comorbidities, and medications was used to select the comparison group of 11,175 patients without SSHL. Participants were stratified by age (<65 and ≧65 years) and sex for the subgroup analyses. The outcome of interest was all cause dementia (ICD-9-CM codes 290.0, 290.4, 294.1, 331.0). Both groups were followed up until December 31, 2010, for diagnoses of dementia. Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of dementia. RESULTS: During the average 5-year follow-up period, the incidence rate of dementia in the SSHL cohort was 6.5 per 1000 person-years compared with 5.09 per 10,000 person-years in the comparison group. After adjustment for potential confounders, patients with SSHL were 1.39 times more likely to develop dementia than those without SSHL (95% confidence interval = 1.13-1.71). When stratified by patients' age and sex, the incidence of dementia was 1.34- and 1.64-fold higher in patients with SSHL aged ≥65 years (P = .013) and in women (P = .001), respectively, compared with the comparison group. Women with SSHL who were < 65 years old had the highest risk (2.14, 95% CI = 1.17-4.11, P = .022). In addition, a log-rank test revealed that patients with SSHL had significantly higher cumulative incidence of dementia than those without SSHL (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SSHL, especially women aged < 65 years, were associated with higher risk of dementia than those without SSHL. Thus, clinicians managing patients with SSHL should be aware of the increased risk of dementia.

Direct Binding of Cisplatin to p22phox, an Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Membrane Protein, Contributes to Cisplatin Resistance in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) Cells.

Prolonged treatment with cisplatin (CDDP) frequently develops chemoresistance. We have previously shown that p22phox, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein, confers CDDP resistance by blocking CDDP nuclear entry in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells; however, the underlying mechanism remains unresolved. Using a fluorescent dye-labeled CDDP, here we show that CDDP can bind to p22phox in both cell-based and cell-free contexts. Subsequent detection of CDDP-peptide interaction by the Tris-Tricine-based electrophoresis revealed that GA-30, a synthetic peptide matching a region of the cytosolic domain of p22phox, could interact with CDDP. These results were further confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, from which MA-11, an 11-amino acid subdomain of the GA-30 domain, could largely account for the interaction. Amino acid substitutions at Cys50, Met65 and Met73, but not His72, significantly impaired the binding between CDDP and the GA-30 domain, thereby suggesting the potential CDDP-binding residues in p22phox protein. Consistently, the p22phox point mutations at Cys50, Met65 and Met73, but not His72, resensitized OSCC cells to CDDP-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Finally, p22phox might have binding specificity for the platinum drugs, including CDDP, carboplatin and oxaliplatin. Together, we have not only identified p22phox as a novel CDDP-binding protein, but further highlighted the importance of such a drug-protein interaction in drug resistance.

Phosphodiesterase 4D gene polymorphisms in sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

The phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) gene has been reported as a risk gene for ischemic stroke. The vascular factors are between the hypothesized etiologies of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), and this genetic effect might be attributed for its role in SSNHL. We hypothesized that genetic variants of the PDE4D gene are associated with susceptibility to SSNHL. We conducted a case-control study with 362 SSNHL cases and 209 controls. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected. The genotypes were determined using TaqMan technology. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was tested for each SNP, and genetic effects were evaluated according to three inheritance modes. We carried out sex-specific analysis to analyze the overall data. All three SNPs were in HWE. When subjects were stratified by sex, the genetic effect was only evident in females but not in males. The TT genotype of rs702553 exhibited an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 3.83 (95 % confidence interval = 1.46-11.18) (p = 0.006) in female SSNHL. The TT genotype of SNP rs702553 was associated with female SSNHL under the recessive model (p = 0.004, OR 3.70). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, TT genotype of rs702553 was significantly associated with female SSNHL (p = 0.0043, OR 3.70). These results suggest that PDE4D gene polymorphisms influence the susceptibility for the development of SSNHL in the southern Taiwanese female population.

Autophagy is deficient and inversely correlated with COX-2 expression in nasal polyps: a novel insight into the inflammation mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Nasal polyposis is characterised by persistent inflammation of the upper airways. Autophagy has been implicated in many chronic inflammatory diseases. Whether autophagy plays a role in nasal polyp (NP) inflammation is completely unknown and deserves investigation. METHODS: LC3 and COX-2 expression, the common autophagy and inflammation indicators, respectively, was analysed by immunoblotting in fresh tissues of NP and control nasal mucosa (NM). Primary cultures of NP-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs) and NMDFs were established for in vitro studies. Autophagy was induced by amino acid starvation and LC3 ectopic overexpression or inhibited by 3-methyladenine in the fibroblasts. Inflammation was induced by IL1-ß and TNF-α. LC3 and COX-2 expression was confirmed in NP specimens by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: LC3 expression was decreased while COX-2 expression was significantly increased in fresh NP tissues compared with the NM control. In NMDFs and NPDFs, autophagy induction by starvation and LC3 overexpression downregulated COX-2 expression. Conversely, autophagy inhibition by 3-methyladenine enhanced COX-2 expression. However, IL1-ß and TNF-α had no effect on autophagy. Immunohistochemical studies on the NP specimens showed that most displayed low LC3 expression, whereas COX-2 was highly expressed in >50% of the specimens. Examination of two consecutive NP sections from the same tissue blocks revealed a negative correlation between LC3 and COX-2 expression. CONCLUSION: Autophagy is deficient in NP tissues and COX-2 is negatively regulated by autophagy in NP-derived fibroblasts. Since COX-2 is essential for the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, this study might help interpret persistent mucosal inflammation in NP. Attenuation of inflammation by restoring autophagy might be a therapeutic strategy for treating NP.

Predictive Factors and Audiometric Outcome Comparison Between Titanium Prosthesis and Autologous Incus in Traumatic Ossicular Injury.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the etiology and ossicular pathology of traumatic ossicular injury in Taiwan and examine the hearing outcomes and predictive factors between the titanium prosthesis and autologous incus groups. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with traumatic ossicular injury from 2011 to 2020 in Taiwan. Patients were divided into the titanium or autologous group according to the surgical materials used. The audiometric outcomes and predictive factors of ossiculoplasty were analyzed between groups. RESULTS: Twenty patients with ossicular chain discontinuity were enrolled (8 in the titanium group and 12 in the autologous group). The postoperative hearing threshold (26.6 ± 8.9 dB) and air-bone gap (10.3 ± 5.6 dB) improved significantly compared with the preoperative hearing threshold (50.7 ± 13.3 dB) and air-bone gap (29.9 ± 11.0 dB). The improvements in the hearing threshold and air-bone gap were not significantly different between the titanium and autologous groups. Our patients presented an improvement in hearing restoration with 65% closure of the air-bone gap in 0 to 10 dB range and 30% in 11 to 20 dB range, without sensorineural hearing loss during surgery. Univariate regression analysis revealed that vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and temporal bone fracture may serve as negative factors influencing the air-bone gap gain. CONCLUSIONS: Ossiculoplasty with both titanium prosthesis and autologous materials demonstrated favorable hearing recovery in traumatic ossicular injury. Vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and temporal bone fracture may serve as negative predictive factors of the hearing benefit after surgery.

Prognosis Prediction of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Using Ensemble Artificial Intelligence Learning Models.

OBJECTIVE: We used simple variables to construct prognostic prediction ensemble learning models for patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospectively study. SETTING: Tertiary medical center. PATIENTS: 1,572 patients with SSNHL. INTERVENTION: Prognostic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We selected four variables, namely, age, days after onset of hearing loss, vertigo, and type of hearing loss. We also compared the accuracy between different ensemble learning models based on the boosting, bagging, AdaBoost, and stacking algorithms. RESULTS: We enrolled 1,572 patients with SSNHL; 73.5% of them showed improving and 26.5% did not. Significant between-group differences were noted in terms of age ( p = 0.011), days after onset of hearing loss ( p < 0.001), and concurrent vertigo ( p < 0.001), indicating that the patients who showed improving to treatment were younger and had fewer days after onset and fewer vertigo symptoms. Among ensemble learning models, the AdaBoost algorithm, compared with the other algorithms, achieved higher accuracy (82.89%), higher precision (86.66%), a higher F1 score (89.20), and a larger area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (0.79), as indicated by test results of a dataset with 10 independent runs. Furthermore, Gini scores indicated that age and days after onset are two key parameters of the predictive model. CONCLUSIONS: The AdaBoost model is an effective model for predicting SSNHL. The use of simple parameters can increase its practicality and applicability in remote medical care. Moreover, age may be a key factor influencing prognosis.

Normal Weight Central Obesity is a Poor Prognostic Factor for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of normal weight central obesity (NWCO) in the prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 807 cases of SSNHL from January of 2008 to August of 2019 from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital in southern Taiwan. We analyzed the association between overweight and obesity, NWCO, and the prognosis of SSNHL. The demographic and clinical characteristics, audiometry results, and outcomes were also reviewed. RESULTS: The nonobese (body mass index [BMI] < 24 kg/m2) and overweight and obese groups (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2) comprised 343 (42.50%) and 464 (57.50%) patients, respectively. The favorable prognosis rates in the nonobese and the overweight and obese groups were 45.48% and 45.91%, respectively, without a significant difference (P = .9048). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that BMI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.948-1.062, P = .9165) was not significantly associated with SSNHL recovery. The normal weight noncentral obesity (NWNCO) and NWCO groups comprised 266 (77.55%) and 77 (22.45%) patients, respectively, and had favorable prognosis rates of 48.50% and 35.06%, respectively. The difference between the groups was significant (P = .0371). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NWCO (aOR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.292-5.019, P = .0075) was significantly associated with SSNHL recovery. CONCLUSIONS: NWCO may significantly affect the prognosis of SSNHL.

Lingual leiomyomatous hamartoma with bifid tip and ankyloglossia in a patient without oral-facial-digital syndrome: a case report and literature review.

Here is a rare case of lingual leiomyomatous hamartoma (LLH) with bifid tongue tip and tongue-tie in a patient with non-oral-facial-digital syndrome (OFDS). A 29-year-old male consulted for a painless tumor over the midline of the tongue dorsum measuring 2 × 1.5 cm. The tumor was excised and the tongue-tie was corrected. Diagnosis of LLH was based on histo-pathologic and immuno-histochemical studies. The epidemiologic data and differential diagnosis of LLH, as well as related literature, are discussed. To date, only 14 cases of LLH have been reported in English literature. This may be the first reported case of LLH with bifid tip and ankyloglossia in a non-OFDS patient.

Study on Tungsten Metallization and Interfacial Bonding of Silicon Nitride High-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic Substrates.

For the first time, Si3N4 HTCC has been prepared using W as the metal phase by high-temperature co-firing (1830 °C/600 KPa/2 h) as a potential substrate candidate in electronic applications. It was discovered that the addition of Si3N4 to the W paste has a significant impact on thermal expansion coefficient matching and dissolution wetting. As the Si3N4 content increased from 0 to 27.23 vol%, the adhesion strength of W increased continuously from 2.83 kgf/mm2 to 7.04 kgf/mm2. The interfacial bonding of the Si3N4 ceramic and the conduction layer was discussed. SEM analysis confirmed that the interface between Si3N4 and W exhibited an interlocking structure. TEM, HRTEM and XRD indicated the formation of W2C and W5Si3 due to the interface reactions of W with residual carbon and Si3N4, respectively, which contributed to the reactive wetting and good adhesion strength between the interface. Suitable amounts of Si3N4 powder and great interfacial bonding were the main reasons for the tough interfacial matching between the Si3N4 ceramic and the conduction layer.

Glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) genetic polymorphisms and the outcomes of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

BACKGROUND: The glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) encodes the receptor to which cortisol and other glucocorticoids bind. Steroids in either oral, intratympanic, or intravascular forms are the treatment of choice for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), but the outcome varies. The outcomes of SSNHL have been investigated for related factors, including age, initial hearing loss severity and pattern, vertigo, genetic variations, and the time between onset and treatment. The objective of the present study was to analyze the association of genetic polymorphisms of NR3C1 with the outcomes of SSNHL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a comparison study of 93 cases with a poor outcome (control) and 100 cases with a good outcome (case) in SSNHL patients. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected. The genotypes were determined using TaqMan technology. RESULTS: The heterozygous AT genotype of rs17100289 was associated with a poor outcome in comparison with the major homozygous AA genotype after adjustments for age and sex (OR = 0.50; 95% CI 0.26-0.95; P = 0.035) in SSNHL patients. The CT genotype of rs4912912 was also associated with a poor outcome compared with the major homozygous TT genotype after the adjustments (OR = 0.47; 95% CI 0.24-0.92; P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that NR3C1 genetic polymorphisms may influence the outcomes of SSNHL.

Growth Regulated Oncogene-α Upregulates TNF-α and COX-2 and Activates NOD1/RIPK2 mediated-MAPK Pathway in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Purpose: The long-term prognosis and survival rate of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are poor, although the identification of specific biomarkers that reveal its nature and aggressiveness has improved it. Growth-related oncogene alpha (Groα) and NOD1 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1) can be used as prognosis markers to identify subgroups of HNSCC patients with low survival rates and as potential therapeutic targets for HNSCC patients. However, the mechanism associated with the Groα-mediated NOD pathway in HNSCC progression remains unclear. Method: Overall survival analysis and multiple-gene comparison were analyzed using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). qRT-PCR and RT-PCR were used to analyze mRNA expression. Microarray, immunofluorescence staining or western blot analyses were carried out to detect protein expression. Results: Groα was significantly higher in the grade 4 HNSCC tumor tissues compared with that in grade 1-3 and healthy subjects. High expression of Groα, NOD1 and RIPK2 (receptor-interacting serine-threonine kinase 2) is correlated with survival rate in HNSCC patients. Treatment of SCC25 and OECM-1 cells with Groα increased the expression of NOD1 and RIPK2 in a concentration-dependent manner. The findings herein reveal the association of Groα, NOD1 and RIPK2 biomarkers with HNSCC carcinogenesis. Moreover, Groα is the major stimulus of inflammatory mediation and promotes TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) expression in HNSCC. Groα induces TNF-α and COX-2 expression through regulation involving ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase)-, JNK (C-Jun N-terminal kinase)- and p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)-dependent signaling pathways. Conclusions: Our findings herein constitute the first evidence that Groα is important in HNSCC progression and metastasis via the NOD1-mediated MAPK pathway, suggesting a role for Groα and NOD1 in mediating metastasis and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Downregulation of Calreticulin and Annexin A2 Expression in Acquired Middle Ear Cholesteatoma by 2-DE Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many factors are thought to be associated with the development of cholesteatoma, while the mechanisms of its formation remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the potential mechanisms of the proliferation and growth of cholesteatoma by analysis of the differential expressions of proteins in cholesteatoma and retroauricular skin tissue collected from the same patients. METHODS: The present study is a retrospective study performed in an academic medical center. Comparative proteomics analyses using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), in addition to immunohistochemical analysis, were conducted to identify differentially-expressed proteins in cholesteatoma tissue as compared with retroauricular skin tissue. Western blotting was also employed to verify the expression patterns of the specific proteins identified by 2-DE and to measure the changes in potential modulators related to cholesteatoma proliferation and growth. RESULTS: Calreticulin (CRT) and annexin A2 (AnxA2) were identified as being differentially-expressed in cholesteatoma by 2-DE and LC-MS/MS, the results of which were in agreement with the results of immunohistochemical analysis and western blotting. Downregulation of CRT and AnxA2 were observed in cholesteatoma. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that CRT and AnxA2 downregulation are seen in cholesteatoma compared to retroauricular skin. We speculate that the reduced expression of CRT and the persistent inflammatory response play important roles in the epithelial proliferation of cholesteatoma.

Coagulation dysfunction of severe burn patients: A potential cause of death.

BACKGROUND: Research on coagulation dysfunction following burns is controversial. This study aimed to describe the coagulation changes in severe burn patients by examining coagulation parameters. METHODS: Patients with third-degree total body surface area (TBSA) burns of ≥30% were enrolled between 2017 and 2020. Platelet (PLT) count and coagulation indexes (including APTT, INR, FIB, DD, and AT Ⅲ) were measured at admission and once weekly for 8 weeks, and statistical analysis was performed. The patient medical profiles were reviewed to extract demographic and clinical data, including TBSA, third-degree TBSA, and inhalation injury. The total intravenous fluids and transfusions of crystalloids, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and red blood cells (RBC) were calculated during the forty-eight-hour period. The number of sepsis cases was recorded. RESULTS: We enrolled 104 patients , and while the overall coagulation trend fluctuated, inflection points appeared around one week and demonstrated hypercoagulability. INR was significantly higher in the non-survival group than in the survivors' group from admission to three weeks after burn (all p<0.01). From post-injury week 1 to post-injury week 3, the APTT in the non-survival group was greater than in the survival group, but the non-survival group's PLT count was lower than that in the survival group (all p<0.05). At two and three weeks after burns, the FIB levels in the non-survival group were significantly lower than those of the survival group (both p<0.01). The prevalence of inhalation injury and the proportion of sepsis cases were significantly higher in the non-survival group than in the survival group ( p ＜ 0.05, p ＜ 0.001, respectively). At the time of death, APTT, INR, and FDP levels were significantly higher in the non-survival group in the survivor group, and FIB, ATIII, and PLT were significantly lower than in the survivor group (all p<0.01). On the day of death, nine of the 12 dead patients had disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). CONCLUSIONS: Coagulation dysfunction was most prominent in severe burn patients 1 week after injury and presented as hypercoagulability. Large-area burn injury, large amounts of fluid resuscitation, inhalation injury, and sepsis may all contribute to coagulation dysfunction, which can further develop into DIC and even death in severe burns patients.

Comprehensive mapping of West Nile virus (WNV)- and Japanese encephalitis virus serocomplex-specific linear B-cell epitopes from WNV non-structural protein 1.

West Nile virus (WNV) non-structural protein 1 (NS1) elicits protective immune responses during infection of animals. WNV NS1-specific antibody responses can provide the basis for serological diagnostic reagents, so the antigenic sites in NS1 that are targeted by host immune responses need to be identified and the conservation of these sites among the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) serocomplex members also needs to be defined. The present study describes the mapping of linear B-cell epitopes in WNV NS1. We screened eight NS1-specific mAbs and antisera (polyclonal antibodies; pAbs) from mice immunized with recombinant NS1 for reactivity against 35 partially overlapping peptides covering the entire WNV NS1. The screen using mAbs identified four WNV-specific (including Kunjin virus) epitopes, located at aa 21-36, 101-116, 191-206 and 261-276 in WNV NS1. However, using pAbs, only three WNV-specific epitopes were identified, located at positions 101-116, 191-206 and 231-246. Two of these epitopes (aa 21-36 and 261-276) had different reactivity with mAbs and pAbs. The knowledge and reagents generated in this study have potential applications in differential diagnostics and epitope-based marker vaccine development for WNV and viruses of the JEV serocomplex.

Heat shock protein 70 gene polymorphisms in sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

BACKGROUND: Heat shock proteins protect cells and tissues against different types of damage. Previous studies have revealed that the serum level of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) increases in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) patients. We hypothesized that genetic variants of the HSP70 gene are associated with susceptibility to SSNHL. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study with 160 SSNHL cases and 178 controls. Three tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected. The genotypes were determined using TaqMan technology. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was tested for each SNP, and genetic effects were evaluated according to three inheritance modes. A haplotype analysis was also performed. RESULTS: All three SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The CT genotype of rs2075800 exhibited an adjusted odds ratio of 0.59 (95% confidence interval 0.37-0.94; p = 0.027). The T allele of SNP rs2075800 was associated with SSNHL under the dominant model (p = 0.019; odds ratio 0.59). Haplotype analysis of the three SNPs demonstrated that the haplotype TGC (rs2075800/rs1043618/rs2763979) was statistically significant (p = 0.0137). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that HSP70 gene polymorphisms influence the susceptibility to the development of SSNHL in the Taiwanese population.

Growth regulated oncogene-α contribute to EMT/MMPs pathway by binding its receptors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the head and neck and generally detected in the late stages when the cancer has advanced, and therefore has a poor prognosis and survival rate. A high expression of growth-related oncogene alpha (Groα) is associated with tumor metastasis and invasion and the poor survival rate of patients. Microarray reveals that Groα exhibits a cancer-specific response in HNSCC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results concerning the mRNA expression of Groα in HNSCC tissues; indicate that Groα was more highly expressed in HNSCC than in non-cancerous matched tissue (NCMT). The serum of HNSCC patients and healthy subjects demonstrates that the expression of Groα in the HNSCC patients significantly exceeded than in healthy subjects. Furthermore, exposure Groα to stimulated the proliferation, clonogenicity and migration with HNSCC cells (SCC4, SCC9, SCC25 and OECM-1), yielding a stronger response than in non-malignant HaCaT and DOK cells. A high expression of Groα and its receptors CXCR1/2 (chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor) in HNSCC tissues are highly correlated with tumor progression stage and metastasis. Following the treatment of SCC25 and OECM-1 cells with Groα, ß-catenin, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9 expressions significantly increased but E-cadherin expression was slightly decreased, suggesting that the EMT and metastasis processes were activated by Groα. These findings constitute the first evidence that Groα promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and MMPs expressions in HNSCC via activating CXCR1/2, suggesting a role for Groα in mediating metastasis and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Secondary primary malignancy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: 27-year experience from the perspective of diagnostic tools.

BACKGROUND: The survival rate of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients with secondary primary malignancy (SPM) showed no significant improvement for decades, however, the impact of advances in diagnostic tools is rarely mentioned. This study investigated the clinical characteristic of HNSCC with SPM over a 27-year period especially from the perspective of diagnostic tools. METHODS: This study evaluated 157 HNSCC patients with SPM. The patients were divided into two groups according to the time of SPM diagnosis (Group A:1992-2003; Group B: 2004-2014). Age, gender, stage of first primary malignancy (FPM), SPM interval, overall survival, and disease-free survival were compared between groups. RESULTS: Group B had significantly more SPM developed rate (p = 0.002), more SPM patients with advanced stage of FPM (p = 0.001), synchronous SPM (p = 0.006), and shorter SPM interval (p<0.001) compared to Group A. The survival rate in Group B was not significantly better than Group A. CONCLUSION: Among patients diagnosed with HNSCC recently, more SPMs are diagnosed in a shorter time interval and in a more advanced stage. The overall advances in diagnostic tools cannot significantly improve SPM survival, however, it enables more patients to receive corresponding treatment.

Accumulation of Experience and Newly Developed Devices Can Improve the Safety and Voice Outcome of Total Thyroidectomy for Graves' Disease.

Total thyroidectomy (TT) in patients with Graves' disease is challenging even for an experienced thyroid surgeon. This study aimed to investigate the accumulation of experience and applying newly developed devices on major complications and voice outcomes after surgery of a single surgeon over 30 years. This study retrospectively reviewed 90 patients with Graves' disease who received TT. Forty-six patients received surgery during 1990-1999 (Group A), and 44 patients received surgery during 2010-2019 (Group B). Major complications rates were compared between Group A/B, and objective voice parameters were compared between the usage of energy-based devices (EBDs) within Group B. Compared to Group B, Group A patients had higher rates of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (13.0%/1.1%, p = 0.001), postoperative hypocalcemia (47.8%/18.2%, p = 0.002), and postoperative hematoma (10.9%/2.3%, p = 0.108). Additionally, Group A had one permanent vocal cord palsy, four permanent hypocalcemia, and one thyroid storm, whereas none of Group B had these complications. Group B patients with EBDs had a significantly better pitch range (p = 0.015) and jitter (p = 0.035) than those without EBDs. To reduce the major complications rate, inexperienced thyroid surgeons should remain vigilant when performing TT for Graves' disease. Updates on surgical concepts and the effective use of operative adjuncts are necessary to improve patient safety and voice outcome.

Identification of two linear B-cell epitopes from West Nile virus NS1 by screening a phage-displayed random peptide library.

BACKGROUND: The West Nile virus (WNV) nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) is an important antigenic protein that elicits protective antibody responses in animals and can be used for the serological diagnosis of WNV infection. Although previous work has demonstrated the vital role of WNV NS1-specific antibody responses, the specific epitopes in the NS1 have not been identified. RESULTS: The present study describes the identification of two linear B-cell epitopes in WNV NS1 through screening a phage-displayed random 12-mer peptide library with two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) 3C7 and 4D1 that directed against the NS1. The mAbs 3C7 and 4D1 recognized phages displaying peptides with the consensus motifs LTATTEK and VVDGPETKEC, respectively. Exact sequences of both motifs were found in the NS1 ((895)LTATTEK(901) and (925)VVDGPETKEC(934)). Further identification of the displayed B cell epitopes were conducted using a set of truncated peptides expressed as MBP fusion proteins. The data indicated that (896)TATTEK(901) and (925)VVDGPETKEC(934) are minimal determinants of the linear B cell epitopes recognized by the mAbs 3C7 and 4D1, respectively. Antibodies present in the serum of WNV-positive horses recognized the minimal linear epitopes in Western blot analysis, indicating that the two peptides are antigenic in horses during infection. Furthermore, we found that the epitope recognized by 3C7 is conserved only among WNV strains, whereas the epitope recognized by 4D1 is a common motif shared among WNV and other members of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) serocomplex. CONCLUSIONS: We identified TATTEK and VVDGPETKEC as NS1-specific linear B-cell epitopes recognized by the mAbs 3C7 and 4D1, respectively. The knowledge and reagents generated in this study may have potential applications in differential diagnosis and the development of epitope-based marker vaccines against WNV and other viruses of JEV serocomplex.