Skeletal muscle mass is a strong predictor of cardiorespiratory fitness in the Chinese population with obesity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although skeletal muscle is well-known as physiologically related to VO2max, the independent predictive value of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) VO2max in people with obesity has not been studied. This study aims to determine the relationships between maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and SMM in the Chinese population with obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Overall, 409 participants with obesity were included in this cross-sectional study. A maximal and graded exercise testing measured VO2max, and body compositions were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Subsequently, correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine the relationships between VO2max and body compositions. SMM was found to have a significant correlation with VO2max (r = 0.290, P < 0.001) after adjusting for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, and percent body fat (PBF). In previous studies, BMI was widely recognized as a strong predictor of VO2max. This study revealed surprising results: after SMM was controlled, the correlation between BMI and VO2max was reduced (from r = 0.381, P < 0.001 to r = 0.191, P < 0.001). SMM was found the most important independent predictor. In the regression model, the variance of VO2max was explained by the SMM which accounted for 27.4%. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, SMM is a stronger independent predictor of cardiorespiratory fitness in the Chinese population with obesity than sex, age, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and PBF.

Role of Treg/Th17 Imbalance, Microbiota and miRNAs in Pancreatic Cancer: Therapeutic Options.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal kinds of cancer; numerous patients die from it every year all over the word. Fewer than 5% of people with pancreatic cancer survive death and recover. Recent evidence suggests that inflammation parameters, such as Th17 cells and Tregs, affect the progression and even the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. In the inflammation process, T lymphocytes play an essential role in inflammation intensity, and related cytokines modulate immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. Their function is to establish a balance between destructive inflammation and defense against tumor cells via immune system, and Treg/Th17 imbalance is a common problem in this cancer. The role of microbiota in the development of some cancers is clear; microbiota may also be involved in the pancreatic cancer development. All risk factors for pancreatic cancer, such as chronic pancreatitis-related to microbiota, influence the acute or chronic immune response. Some evidence has been presented regarding the role of the immune response in carcinogenesis. In addition, miRNAs are very important in suppressing and stimulating the growth of cancer cells, and a variety of them have been identified. Some miRNAs are abnormally expressed in many cancers and have main roles as post-transcriptional regulators. They show oncogenic or tumor-suppressive functions by binding to marked mRNAs. In this review, we highlight recent findings regarding the role of Treg/Th17 imbalance, microbiota functions, and miRNAs performance in pancreatic cancer. We also present the evidence regarding therapeutic options.

The roles of tumor-associated macrophages in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis.

Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most frequent immune cells within tumor microenvironment (TME). There is growing evidence that TAMs are involved in tumor progression via multiple mechanisms. TAMs create an immunosuppressive TME by producing growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines which modulate recruitment of immune cells and inhibit anti-tumor responses. They also serve as angiogenesis promoting cells by production of pro-angiogenic factors and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and vascular constructing which guarantee supplying oxygen and nutrients to solid tumor cells. Furthermore, TAMs play important functions in tumor metastasis through contributing to invasion, extravasation, survival, intravasation, and colonization of tumor cells. In this review, we summarized macrophage classification, TAMs polarization, and mechanisms underlying TAM-promoting angiogenesis and metastasis.

The σ54-dependent two-component system regulating sulfur oxidization (Sox) system in Acidithiobacillus caldus and some chemolithotrophic bacteria.

The sulfur oxidization (Sox) system is the central sulfur oxidization pathway of phototrophic and chemotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. Regulation and function of the Sox system in the chemotrophic Paracoccus pantotrophus has been elucidated; however, to date, no information is available on the regulation of this system in the chemolithotrophic Acidithiobacillus caldus, which is widely utilized in bioleaching. We described the novel tspSR-sox-like clusters in A. caldus and other chemolithotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria containing Sox systems. The highly homologous σ54-dependent two-component signaling system (TspS/R), upstream of the sox operons in these novel clusters, was identified by phylogenetic analyses. A typical σ54-dependent promoter, P1, was identified upstream of soxX-I in the sox-I cluster of A. caldus MTH-04. The transcriptional start site (G) and the -12/-24 regions (GC/GG) of P1 were determined by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5'RACE), and the upstream activator sequences (UASs; TGTCCCAAATGGGACA) were confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) in vitro and by UAS-probe-plasmids assays in vivo. Sequence analysis of promoter regions in tspSR-sox-like clusters revealed that there were similar σ54-dependent promoters upstream of the soxX genes. Based on our results, we proposed a TspSR-mediated signal transduction and transcriptional regulation pathway for the Sox system in A. caldus. The regulation of σ54-dependent two-component systems (TCSs) for Sox pathways were explained for the first time in A. caldus, A. thiooxidans, T. tepidarius, and T. denitrificans, indicating the significance of modulating the sulfur oxidization in these chemolithotrophic sulfur oxidizers.

Protein Supplements with Short Peptides Are Better than Complex Protein-Based Supplements on Improving Early Fat-Free Mass Loss Following Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery (BS) patients are advised to consume protein supplements to prevent fat-free mass (FFM) loss. However, limited research has explored the efficacy of diverse protein presentations on FFM preservation. This study assesses if short peptide-based (SPB) supplements surpass complex protein-based (CPB) supplements in reducing early FFM loss post-surgery. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 138 patients who underwent BS other than Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB) between January 2021 and March 2021 at the Department of Bariatric Surgery of the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu were included for analysis. Patients were divided into two groups based on their consumption of protein supplements after surgery: SPB group and CPB group. Multiple linear regressions separated by sex were employed to examine the associations between SPB supplements and FFM loss and percentage of FFM (%FFM) loss, respectively. RESULTS: Among participants, 69.6% were female, with a mean age of 33.3 years. In multiple linear regression analyses, SPB supplements were significantly and positively associated with a lower FFM loss in both female (ꞵ = - 1.14, P = 0.047) and male (ꞵ = - 2.36, P = 0.024), and were positively associated with a lower %FFM loss in both female (ꞵ = - 1.83) and male (ꞵ = - 2.26) but only significant in male (P = 0.049). CONCLUSION: SPB supplements may be more effective in preventing early FFM loss after BS, compared to CPB supplements, particularly among male patients. Therefore, SPB supplements may be recommended to patients undergoing BS. Further research is needed to validate these findings.

Osthole attenuates spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury through mitochondrial biogenesis-independent inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction in rats.

BACKGROUND: Osthole, the main bioactive compounds isolated from the traditional Chinese medical herb broad Cnidium monnieri (L.) cusson, has been shown to exert spectrum of pharmacologic activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of osthole against spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Osthole was administrated at the concentration of 0.1, 1, 10, 50, or 200 mg/kg (intraperitoneally) 1 h before spinal cord ischemia. The effects on spinal cord injury were measured by spinal cord water content, infarct volume, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and neurologic assessment. Mitochondria were purified from injured spinal cord tissue to determine mitochondrial function. RESULTS: We found that treatment with osthole (10 and 50 mg/kg) significantly decreased spinal cord water content and infarct volume, preserved normal motor neurons, and improved neurologic functions. These protective effects can be also observed even if the treatment was delayed to 4 h after reperfusion. Osthole treatment preserved mitochondrial membrane potential level, reduced reactive oxygen species production, increased adenosine triphosphate generation, and inhibited cytochrome c release in mitochondrial samples. Moreover, osthole increased mitochondria respiratory chain complex activities in spinal cord tissue, with no effect on mitochondrial DNA content and the expression of mitochondrial-specific transcription factors. CONCLUSIONS: All these findings demonstrate the neuroprotective effect of osthole in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury model and suggest that oshtole-induced neuroprotection was mediated by mitochondrial biogenesis-independent inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Reference Data of Phase Angle Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Overweight and Obese Chinese.

Introduction: Phase angle (PhA) is a ratio of reactance and resistance {arctangent (reactance (Xc)/resistance (R)) × (180°/π)}, which can be obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). PhA indicates cellular health and integrity, and it is also considered as a prognostic tool in medical disorders and an indicator of nutritional status (especially of muscle quality) in patients with obesity. However, PhA has limited usefulness in clinical practice because of a lackness of reference values for Chinese overweight and obese populations. The main aim of this study was to show PhA reference data in different age and BMI groups by sex. In addition, we also study the association of age, sex, and BMI on PhA. Methods: A total of 1729 overweight and obese participants were included in this study. PhA and body composition were measured using segmental multifrequency BIA. Differences in mean values for variables were tested by one-way analysis of variance. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the associations of PhA with age, sex and BMI. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that age, sex and BMI were significant (P < 0.05) independent influence factors of PhA in Chinese overweight and obese adults when age and BMI were continues variables. The mean PhA value for all participants was 5.5°. Mean BMI, age, weight, height and 50kHz-PhA were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in male participants than female ones. In age groups and BMI groups, mean 50kHz-PhA was significantly higher (P < 0.005) in male participants than female ones. When age groups and BMI groups were categorical variables, multiple regression analysis showed that different age groups (46-55 years and ≥ 56 years) had a significantly lower (P < 0.005) PhA as compared with the baseline group (18-25 years) and different BMI groups (≥ 28 kg/m2) had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) PhA as compared with the baseline group (24-27.9 kg/m2). Conclusion: PhA differed according to age, sex and BMI. Reference data in this study can be taken into consideration when deriving the reference values for overweight and obese Chinese populations.

Acoustic Change Complex Evoked by Horizontal Sound Location Change in Young Adults With Normal Hearing.

Acoustic change complex (ACC) is a cortical auditory-evoked potential induced by a change of continuous sound stimulation. This study aimed to explore: (1) whether the change of horizontal sound location can elicit ACC; (2) the relationship between the change of sound location and the amplitude or latency of ACC; (3) the relationship between the behavioral measure of localization, minimum audible angle (MAA), and ACC. A total of 36 normal-hearing adults participated in this study. A 180° horizontal arc-shaped bracket with a 1.2 m radius was set in a sound field where participants sat at the center. MAA was measured in a two-alternative forced-choice setting. The objective electroencephalography recording of ACC was conducted with the location changed at four sets of positions, ±45°, ±15°, ±5°, and ±2°. The test stimulus was a 125-6,000 Hz broadband noise of 1 s at 60 ± 2 dB SPL with a 2 s interval. The N1'-P2' amplitudes, N1' latencies, and P2' latencies of ACC under four positions were evaluated. The influence of electrode sites and the direction of sound position change on ACC waveform was analyzed with analysis of variance. Results suggested that (1) ACC can be elicited successfully by changing the horizontal sound location position. The elicitation rate of ACC increased with the increase of location change. (2) N1'-P2' amplitude increased and N1' and P2' latencies decreased as the change of sound location increased. The effects of test angles on N1'-P2' amplitude [F(1.91,238.1) = 97.172, p < 0.001], N1' latency [F(1.78,221.90) = 96.96, p < 0.001], and P2' latency [F(1.87,233.11) = 79.97, p < 0.001] showed a statistical significance. (3) The direction of sound location change had no significant effect on any of the ACC peak amplitudes or latencies. (4) Sound location discrimination threshold by the ACC test (97.0% elicitation rate at ±5°) was higher than MAA threshold (2.08 ± 0.5°). The current study results show that though the ACC thresholds are higher than the behavioral thresholds on MAA task, ACC can be used as an objective method to evaluate sound localization ability. This article discusses the implications of this research for clinical practice and evaluation of localization skills, especially for children.

Hemorrhagic pituitary macroadenoma: characteristics, endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery, and outcomes.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the effect of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETSS) of hemorrhagic pituitary macroadenoma (HPMA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 52 cases with HPMA collected from the Xijing Hospital from April 1995 to April 2009. There were 39 males and 13 females, ranging in age from 18 to 79 years (average 51.6 years). Patients presented with headache or acute ophthalmological symptoms after adenoma hemorrhage. Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed pituitary macroadenoma with hemorrhage in all cases. Twenty-eight adenomas showed marked suprasellar extension, 19 showed moderate extension, and another 5 showed slight extension. All patients were promptly treated by emergency EETSS, usually within 24 h after hospitalization. RESULTS: Total removal of tumor was achieved in 46 cases (88.5%), and subtotal removal in 6 cases (11.5%). Postoperative radiotherapy and reoperation of the tumor were required in five patients with either residual or relapsed tumors. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 93 months (mean 41.6 months) for 43 cases. Visual acuity and visual field recovery and improvement was recorded in 92.1% and 94.3% of patients who had preoperative visual symptoms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of macroadenomas are hemorrhagic, and they often occur in middle-aged, male subjects. Detection by imaging in the setting of pituitary apoplexy accurately predicts the nature of the apoplectic process and helps to guide the type and timing of surgery. Early EETSS is the most effective therapy and significantly improves visual outcomes and systemic conditions.

Notch signaling contributes to the maintenance of both normal neural stem cells and patient-derived glioma stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in the development and recurrence of malignant tumors including glioma. Notch signaling, an evolutionarily conserved pathway mediating direct cell-cell interaction, has been shown to regulate neural stem cells (NSCs) and glioma stem cells (GSCs) in normal neurogenesis and pathological carcinogenesis, respectively. However, how Notch signaling regulates the proliferation and differentiation of GSCs has not been well elucidated. METHODS: We isolated and cultivate human GSCs from glioma patient specimens. Then on parallel comparison with NSCs, we inhibited Notch signaling using γ-secretase inhibitors (GSI) and assessed the potential functions of Notch signaling in human GSCs. RESULTS: Similar to the GSI-treated NSCs, the number of the primary and secondary tumor spheres from GSI-treated GSCs decreased significantly, suggesting that the proliferation and self-renewal ability of GSI-treated GSCs were attenuated. GSI-treated GSCs showed increased differentiation into mature neural cell types in differentiation medium, similar to GSI-treated NSCs. Next, we found that GSI-treated tumor spheres were composed of more intermediate progenitors instead of CSCs, compared with the controls. Interestingly, although inhibition of Notch signaling decreased the ratio of proliferating NSCs in long term culture, we found that the ratio of G2+M phase-GSCs were almost undisturbed on GSI treatment within 72 h. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that like NSCs, Notch signaling maintains the patient-derived GSCs by promoting their self-renewal and inhibiting their differentiation, and support that Notch signal inhibitor GSI might be a prosperous candidate of the treatment targeting CSCs for gliomas, however, with GSI-resistance at the early stage of GSCs cell cycle.

Improvement of left ventricular systolic function in morbidly obese patients after bariatric surgery: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Morbid obesity (body mass index > 40 kg/m2) is a risk factor for the development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and can complicate the management of LVSD. Bariatric surgery is increasingly recognized as a safe and effective way to achieve marked weight loss, but studies on improving LVSD populations are limited. We retrospectively analyzed the first case of the Asia-Pacific region with morbid obesity and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% who underwent bariatric surgery at our medical center. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was admitted to the hospital due to progressive weight gain for more than 10 years. The patient used to be in good health. One year before admission, the patient was hospitalized in another hospital due to shortness of breath. After the relevant examination, the patient was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. DIAGNOSIS: The body mass index of the patient was 45.9 kg/m2, and the patient was diagnosed with morbid obesity. He was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and cardiac function class IV in another hospital. After completing a preoperative examination, the patient was diagnosed with hyperuricemia, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver disease and severe sleep apnea. INTERVENTIONS: The patient successfully underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy plus jejunal bypass. OUTCOMES: Six months after the surgery, patient weight lost was 33.6 kg, and the LVEF increased from 31% to 55%. The cardiac function of the patient recovered from class IV to class I, and the patient's hyperuricemia, hyperlipidemia and sleep apnea were significantly improved. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery may be a safe and effective intervention for morbidly obese patients with LVSD. Bariatric surgery was associated with an improvement in LVEF. However, the specific mechanism still needs further study.

The role of iron homeostasis and iron-mediated ROS in cancer.

As an important trace element, iron plays an essential role in many biology processes like cell proliferation, metabolism, and mitochondrial function. However, the disruption of iron homeostasis tends to cells death and human diseases due to it servers as mediator to promote the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this review, first we introduced the mechanism of complex iron-mediated ROS involved in apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis and pyroptosis. Next, we discussed the controversial role of excess iron and iron deficiency in tumor. Finally, we discussed the anti-cancer effects of iron on both sides, and novel iron-related strategies. This review outlined the mechanisms and regulation of iron homeostasis and iron-mediated ROS in tumors, and discussed the iron-related treatments.

Factors Influencing Early Serum Uric Acid Fluctuation After Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Hyperuricemia.

PURPOSE: In the short-term after bariatric surgery, the incidence of gout flare was increased. Patients with hyperuricemia are among the high-risk group of postoperative gout attacks. The drastic fluctuation of uric acid is a risk factor for gout flare. This study aimed to explore factors that influenced the magnitudes of serum uric acid (sUA) fluctuation post-surgery in patients with hyperuricemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty-five patients with preoperative hyperuricemia undergoing bariatric surgery were reviewed. Pre- and postoperative parameters were collected at baseline and each follow-up point. Univariable and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to explore independent factors that influenced the magnitudes of sUA change. RESULTS: The sUA significantly declined from 489.4 ± 93.7 to 372.6 ± 101.4 µmmol/L in 1 day after surgery, then increased to 531.6 ± 175.5 µmmol/L at 1-month follow-up, and then dropped to 415.2 ± 105.6 and 396.5 ± 114.2 µmmol/L at 3-month and 6-month follow-up, respectively. Preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), magnesium (Mg), sex, and the change of zinc concentration during the first month are significantly related to magnitudes of sUA fluctuation in the short-term post-surgery period. Multiple linear regression analyses showed preoperative eGFR and HbA1c independently influenced the magnitudes of sUA change at 1 day after surgery; sex, the change of zinc concentration, and HbA1c at 1-month follow-up independently influenced the magnitudes of sUA change at 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Preoperative eGFR, HbA1c, sex, and the change of zinc concentration postoperative are independent factors affecting the magnitude of the fluctuation. Large-scale studies are warranted to support these findings.

Design and Development of Hybrid Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: Recent Trends in Anticancer Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering.

The applications of hydrogels in biomedical field has been since multiple decades. Discoveries in biology and chemistry render this platform endowed with much engineering potentials and growing continuously. Novel approaches in constructing these materials have led to the production of complex hybrid hydrogels systems that can incorporate both natural and synthetic polymers and other functional moieties for mediated cell response, tunable release kinetic profiles, thus they are used and research for diverse biomedical applications. Recent advancement in this field has established promising techniques for the development of biorelevant materials for construction of hybrid hydrogels with potential applications in the delivery of cancer therapeutics, drug discovery, and re-generative medicines. In this review, recent trends in advanced hybrid hydrogels systems incorporating nano/microstructures, their synthesis, and their potential applications in tissue engineering and anticancer drug delivery has been discussed. Examples of some new approaches including click reactions implementation, 3D printing, and photopatterning for the development of these materials has been briefly discussed. In addition, the application of biomolecules and motifs for desired outcomes, and tailoring of their transport and kinetic behavior for achieving desired outcomes in hybrid nanogels has also been reviewed.

[Minimally invasive neurosurgery for removal of pituitary adenomas by neuroendoscope aided with sellar floor reconstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of surgical technique and clinical curative effect for a unilateral endonasal-transsphenoidal approach in the removal of pituitary adenomas (PAs) by an endoscope-assisted technique with sellar floor reconstruction. METHODS: Between April 2001 and March 2009, 426 consecutive patients underwent extended neuroendoscopic unilateral endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. The series consisted of 54 (12.7%) as I type of Pas and 105 (24.6%) II type, 181(42.5%) III type and 86 (20.2%) IV type according to Hardy's classification criteria of pituitary adenoma. RESULTS: Tumor removal, as assessed by intraoperative findings and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging or CT scans, revealed complete tumor removal in 370 cases (86.9%) and subtotal tumor removal in 32 cases (7.5%) were achieved. Partial removal was carried out in the remaining 24 cases (5.6%) with fibrous tumor. Three patients (0.7%) had postoperative death in this group. Twenty-four patients (5.6%) had a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak that required repair operations. Six patients (1.4%) experienced a sphenoid mucositis and meningitis and they were cured by medical therapy. CONCLUSION: The slightly soft texture of PAs with or without a limited suprasellar extension and without involvement of vascular structures, may be resected through such an extended neuroendoscopic transsphenoidal approach. Intraoperative angled endoscope is a useful adjunct for safe removals.

Recent advances in natural therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer.

Plants and natural compounds have been widely recognized to have potential for the prevention of cancer progression and as complementary or standalone treatments for cancer patients. The major benefits of natural compounds are their reduced toxicity compared to more aggressive and widely utilized cancer treatment approaches. Preclinical studies have led to the discovery of a number of natural anticancer compounds, including preparations of Vitex negundo L., green tea, mandarin peel oil, ursolic acid, curcumin and resveratrol. Although the in vitro data highlights the potential of these natural alternatives, their benefits in clinical cancer treatment remain less conclusive. In this review, we will discuss some of the recent advances in natural anticancer treatment discovery for the four most prominent global cancers, namely, breast, lung, prostate and skin metastases. As the exploration of natural therapeutics continues to expand, these substances have the potential to be utilized as preventative strategies and complimentary therapeutics. In some cases, they may have sufficient anti-tumor and anti-carcinogenic properties to function as standalone cancer treatments.

CAP2 is a Valuable Biomarker for Diagnosis and Prognostic in Patients with Gastric Cancer.

Cyclase-associated protein 2 (CAP2) protein is reported to be upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), human breast cancer, and malignant melanoma. However, its expression in gastric cancer remains unknown, this study was to investigate CAP2 expression and its prognostic significance in gastric cancer. Firstly, we analyzed the Oncomine databases to compare CAP2 mRNA expression in gastric cancer and normal tissues. CAP2 protein expression was analyzed in gastric cancer samples and non-tumor mucosa by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analysis. Consequently, statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the clinicopathological significance of CAP2 expression in gastric cancer. CAP2 expression was significant higher in gastric cancer tissues than that in non-tumor mucosa at protein levels. CAP2 was up-regulated in 57.8% (252/436) of gastric cancer samples, while detected in only 10.9% (10/92) of non-tumor mucosa. Statistical analysis shows that the expression of CAP2 was correlated with tumor size, Lauren's classification, depth of invasion, lymph node and distant metastases, and regional lymph node stage, TNM stage, but not with age, sex, histology classification, and histologic differentiation. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that high CAP2 expression was associated with poor overall survival (78.7%) in 203 of 252 gastic cancer patients. In stage I, II, and III tumors, the 5-year survival rate was lower in those with high expression of CAP2 than those with low expression. In stage IV tumors, the expression of CAP2 did not correlate with the 5-year survival rate. Multiple Cox regression analysis indicated CAP2 as an independent predictor for overall survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.045, 95% confidence interval: 1.445-2.895, p < 0.01], while Lauren's classification, TNM stage, and expression of CAP2 were independent prognostic factors in patients with gastric cancer. For the first time, we found that CAP2 was upregulated in gastic cancer, and was associated with lymph node and distant metastases. CAP2 may serve as a prognostic indicator for patients with gastic cancer.

Surface Engineered Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Based Novel Hybrid Systems for Effective Wound Healing: A Review of Recent Developments.

Wounds present serious medical complications and their healing requires strategies that promote angiogenesis, deposition of collagen as well as re-epithelialization of wounds. Currently used conventional wound healing strategies have become less effective due to various issues associated with them. Thus, novel strategies are needed to be developed for early and effective healing of wounds. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), formed by linking of metal ions through organic bridging ligands, are highly tunable hybrid materials and have attracted more considerable scientific attention due to their charming and prominent properties, such as abundant pore structures and multiple functionalities. Surface engineering of MOFs with unique ligands can overcome issues associated with conventional wound healing methods, thus resulting in early and effective wound healing. This review has been undertaken to elaborate wound healing, and the use of surface engineered MOFs for effective and rapid wound healing. The process of wound healing will be discussed followed by a detailed review of recent literature for summarizing applications of surface engineered MOFs for wound healing. MOFs wound healing will be discussed in terms of their use as antibacterial agents, therapeutic delivery vehicles, and dressing systems in wound healing.

Recent advances in oncolytic virus-based cancer therapy.

Administration of oncolytic viruses (OVs) is an emerging anticancer strategy that exploits the lytic nature of viral replication to enhance the killing of malignant cells. OVs can be used as tools to directly induce cancer cell death and to trigger local and/or systemic immune responses to metastatic cancer in vivo. The effectiveness of OV therapy was initially highlighted by the clinical use of the genetically modified herpes virus, talimogene laherparepvec, for melanoma therapy. A number of OVs are now being evaluated as potential treatments for cancer in clinical trials. In spite of being engineered to specifically target tumor cells, the safety and off-target effects of OV therapy are a concern. The potential safety concerns of OVs are highlighted by current clinical trial criteria, which exclude individuals harbouring other viral infections and people who are immunocompromised. Despite the potential for adverse effects, clinical trials to date revealed relatively minimal adverse immune-related effects, such as fever. With advances in our understanding of virus replication cycles, several novel OVs have emerged. Reverse genetic systems have facilitated the insertion of anticancer genes into a range of OVs to further enhance their tumor-killing capacity. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in OV therapy for a range of human cancers in in vitro and in in vivo animal studies. We further discuss the future of OVs as a therapeutic strategy for a range of life-threatening cancers.

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for invasive pituitary adenoma.

Invasive pituitary adenomas (IPA) involving the skull base extend from the sella region, and invade surrounding structures. In the present study, we reviewed the therapeutic efficacy in a group of patients with IPA treated with endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. Data from 78 IPA patients at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnostic modalities, surgical techniques, and outcomes were reviewed. Diagnosis was confirmed by endocrinological profile and CT or MRI in all patients. Surgery was performed via an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Thirty-five patients (44.9%) had hormonally active tumors, and 43 (55.1%) had nonfunctioning tumors. Complete removal of the tumor was achieved in 62 patients (79.5%) and subtotal removal in 12 (15.4%); partial removal was achieved in the remaining four patients (5.1%) who had fibrous or dumbbell-shaped adenomas. The mean follow-up was 43.2 months in 65 patients and the clinical symptoms in all patients improved to varying degrees. In 52 patients, the tumors completely disappeared on follow-up imaging. Visual symptoms improved in 96.4% of the patients who had presented with visual impairment. These surgical results show that endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for resection of IPA has advantages. We suggest that the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery method is a safe, minimally invasive and efficient surgical technique for removal of IPA, providing good visualization of the operative field, generally complete tumor removal, short procedure duration, and minimal postoperative complications.