Bioinspired Intelligent Ferrofluid: Old Magnetic Material with New Optical Properties.

Fine-tuning of microstructures enables the modulation of optical properties at multiple scales from metasurfaces to geometric optics. However, a dynamic system with a significant deformation range and topology transformation remains challenging. Owing to its magnetic controllability, ferrofluid has proven to be fertile ground for a wide range of engineering and technological applications. Here, we demonstrate a series of intelligent optical surfaces based on ferrofluid, through which multiple optical functions inspired by nature can be realized. The tunability is based on the topological transition of the ferrofluid between the flat state and cone array upon magnetic actuation. In the visible band, a tunable visual appearance is realized. In the mid-infrared band, active manipulation of reflection is realized based on the gradient-index (GRIN) effect. This system also features low latency response and straightforward manufacturability, and it may open opportunities for novel technologies such as smart windows, color displays, infrared camouflage, and other infrared-related technologies.

NDP52 SUMOylation contributes to low-dose X-rays-induced cardiac hypertrophy through PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy via MUL1/SUMO2 signalling.

Radiation-induced heart damage caused by low-dose X-rays has a significant impact on tumour patients' prognosis, with cardiac hypertrophy being the most severe noncarcinogenic adverse effect. Our previous study demonstrated that mitophagy activation promoted cardiac hypertrophy, but the underlying mechanisms remained unclear. In the present study, PARL-IN-1 enhanced excessive hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes and exacerbated mitochondrial damage. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification-based quantitative proteomics identified NDP52 as a crucial target mediating cardiac hypertrophy induced by low-dose X-rays. SUMOylation proteomics revealed that the SUMO E3 ligase MUL1 facilitated NDP52 SUMOylation through SUMO2. Co-IP coupled with LC-MS/MS identified a critical lysine residue at position 262 of NDP52 as the key site for SUMO2-mediated SUMOylation of NDP52. The point mutation plasmid NDP52K262R inhibited mitophagy under MUL1 overexpression, as evidenced by inhibition of LC3 interaction with NDP52, PINK1 and LAMP2A. A mitochondrial dissociation study revealed that NDP52K262R inhibited PINK1 targeting to endosomes early endosomal marker (EEA1), late/lysosome endosomal marker (LAMP2A) and recycling endosomal marker (RAB11), and laser confocal microscopy confirmed that NDP52K262R impaired the recruitment of mitochondria to the autophagic pathway through EEA1/RAB11 and ATG3, ATG5, ATG16L1 and STX17, but did not affect mitochondrial delivery to lysosomes via LAMP2A for degradation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that MUL1-mediated SUMOylation of NDP52 plays a crucial role in regulating mitophagy in the context of low-dose X-ray-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Two hundred sixty-second lysine of NDP52 is identified as a key SUMOylation site for low-dose X-ray promoting mitophagy activation and cardiac hypertrophy. Collectively, this study provides novel implications for the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing the progression of cardiac hypertrophy induced by low-dose X-rays.

Diagnostic algorithm for subcentimeter hepatocellular carcinoma using alpha-fetoprotein and imaging features on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in diagnosing subcentimeter hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI (EOB-MRI). METHODS: This study retrospectively enrolled treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B who had a solitary subcentimeter observation on EOB-MRI from January 2017 to March 2023. Final diagnosis was confirmed by pathology for HCC and pathology or follow-up for benign controls. The AFP cutoff value for HCC was determined using Youden's index. Diagnostic criteria were developed according to significant findings in logistic regression analyses based on AFP and imaging features. The diagnostic performance of possible criteria was compared to the diagnostic hallmarks of HCC (arterial-phase hyperintensity and portal-phase hypointensity). RESULTS: A total of 305 patients (mean age, 51.5 ± 10.7 years; 153 men) were divided into derivation and temporal validation cohorts. Four findings, namely AFP >13.7 ng/mL, arterial-phase hyperintensity, portal-phase hypointensity, and transitional-phase hypointensity, were predictors of HCC. A new criterion (at least three of the four findings) showed higher sensitivity than the diagnostic hallmarks (derivation cohort, 71.6% vs. 52.3%, p < 0.001; validation cohort, 75.0% vs. 47.5%, p = 0.003) without decreasing specificity (derivation cohort, 92.5% vs. 92.5%, p > 0.999; validation cohort, 92.0% vs. 92.0%, p > 0.999). Another criterion (all four findings) achieved a slightly higher specificity than the diagnostic hallmark (derivation cohort, 99.1% vs. 92.5%, p = 0.023; validation cohort, 100.0% vs. 92.0%, p = 0.134). Subgroup analysis for hepatobiliary hypointense observations yielded similar results. CONCLUSION: Including AFP in the diagnostic algorithm may improve the diagnostic performance for subcentimeter HCC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Combining imaging features on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI with alpha-fetoprotein may enhance the diagnostic performance for subcentimeter HCC in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B. KEY POINTS: • The traditional diagnostic hallmark of HCC (arterial-phase hyperintensity and portal-phase hypointensity) shows modest diagnostic performance for subcentimeter HCC on EOB-MRI. • Serum alpha-fetoprotein > 13.7 ng/mL, arterial-phase hyperintensity, portal-phase hypointensity, and transitional-phase hypointensity were independent predictors for subcentimeter HCC. • A criterion of at least three of the four above findings achieved a higher sensitivity without decreasing specificity.

Discovery of macrocyclic covalent inhibitors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 3CL protease.

The coronavirus disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been spread worldwide for more than 3 years. Although the hospitalization rate and mortality have decreased dramatically due to wide vaccination effort and improved treatment options, the disease is still a global health issue due to constant viral mutations, causing negative impact on social and economic activities. In addition, long COVID and complications arising from COVID-19 weeks after infection have become a concern for public health experts. Therefore, better treatments for COVID-19 are still needed. Herein, we describe a class of macrocyclic peptidomimetic compounds that are potent inhibitors of SARS-Cov-2 3CL protease (3CLpro). Significantly, some of the compounds showed a higher stability against human liver microsomes (HLM t1/2 > 180 min) and may be suitable for oral administration without the need for a pharmacokinetic (PK) boosting agent such as ritonavir.

The role of ferroptosis in cardio-oncology.

With the rapid development of new generations of antitumor therapies, the average survival time of cancer patients is expected to be continuously prolonged. However, these therapies often lead to cardiotoxicity, resulting in a growing number of tumor survivors with cardiovascular disease. Therefore, a new interdisciplinary subspecialty called "cardio-oncology" has emerged, aiming to detect and treat cardiovascular diseases associated with tumors and antitumor therapies. Recent studies have highlighted the role of ferroptosis in both cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases. The balance between intracellular oxidative stress and antioxidant defense is crucial in regulating ferroptosis. Tumor cells can evade ferroptosis by upregulating multiple antioxidant defense pathways, while many antitumor therapies rely on downregulating antioxidant defense and promoting ferroptosis in cancer cells. Unfortunately, these ferroptosis-inducing antitumor therapies often lack tissue specificity and can also cause injury to the heart, resulting in ferroptosis-induced cardiotoxicity. A range of cardioprotective agents exert cardioprotective effects by inhibiting ferroptosis. However, these cardioprotective agents might diminish the efficacy of antitumor treatment due to their antiferroptotic effects. Most current research on ferroptosis only focuses on either tumor treatment or heart protection but rarely considers both in concert. Therefore, further research is needed to study how to protect the heart during antitumor therapies by regulating ferroptosis. In this review, we summarized the role of ferroptosis in the treatment of neoplastic diseases and cardiovascular diseases and also attempted to propose further research directions for ferroptosis in the field of cardio-oncology.

AdNAC20 Regulates Lignin and Coumarin Biosynthesis in the Roots of Angelica dahurica var. Formosana.

Angelica dahurica var. formosana (ADF), which belongs to the Umbelliferae family, is one of the original plants of herbal raw material Angelicae Dahuricae Radix. ADF roots represent an enormous biomass resource convertible for disease treatment and bioproducts. But, early bolting of ADF resulted in lignification and a decrease in the coumarin content in the root, and roots lignification restricts its coumarin for commercial utility. Although there have been attempts to regulate the synthesis ratio of lignin and coumarin through biotechnology to increase the coumarin content in ADF and further enhance its commercial value, optimizing the biosynthesis of lignin and coumarin remains challenging. Based on gene expression analysis and phylogenetic tree profiling, AdNAC20 as the target for genetic engineering of lignin and coumarin biosynthesis in ADF was selected in this study. Early-bolting ADF had significantly greater degrees of root lignification and lower coumarin contents than that of the normal plants. In this study, overexpression of AdNAC20 gene plants were created using transgenic technology, while independent homozygous transgenic lines with precise site mutation of AdNAC20 were created using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The overexpressing transgenic ADF plants showed a 9.28% decrease in total coumarin content and a significant 12.28% increase in lignin content, while knockout mutant plants showed a 16.3% increase in total coumarin content and a 33.48% decrease in lignin content. Furthermore, 29,671 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by comparative transcriptomics of OE-NAC20, KO-NAC20, and WT of ADF. A schematic diagram of the gene network interacting with AdNAC20 during the early-bolting process of ADF was constructed by DEG analysis. AdNAC20 was predicted to directly regulate the transcription of several genes with SNBE-like motifs in their promoter, such as MYB46, C3H, and CCoAOMT. In this study, AdNAC20 was shown to play a dual pathway function that positively enhanced lignin formation but negatively controlled coumarin formation. And the heterologous expression of the AdNAC20 gene at Arabidopsis thaliana proved that the AdNAC20 gene also plays an important role in the process of bolting and flowering.

The Effect of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on In-Stent Restenosis After Stent Implantation: A Meta-Analysis.

AIM: Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have been shown to inhibit restenosis in vitro and in vivo, but the evidence found in humans is inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ARBs in preventing in-stent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHOD: Databases including the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CNKI were searched to collect randomised controlled trials on ARBs inhibiting restenosis that were published before October 2022. A total of 1,056 patients enrolled in eight trials were included in the study. RESULTS: The ARBs group showed lower target lesion revascularisation than the control group (RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.34-0.86; p=0.01), but the restenosis incidence between these two groups was not statistically significant (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.65-1.11; p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study found that ARBs might have a potential effect on reducing target lesion revascularisation after PCI in coronary heart disease patients but has no impact on angiographic restenosis.

[Identification and functional analysis of jasmonic acid signaling repressor McJAZ8 gene in Mentha canadensis].

Mentha canadensis, as a plant with medicinal and culinary uses, holds significant economic value. Jasmonic acid signaling repressor JAZ protein has a crucial role in regulating plant response to adversity stresses. The M. canadensis McJAZ8 gene is cloned and analyzed for protein characterization, protein interactions, and expression patterns, so as to provide genetic resources for molecular breeding of M. canadensis for stress tolerance. This experiment will analyze the protein structural characteristics, subcellular localization, protein interactions, and gene expression of McJAZ8 using bioinformatics, yeast two-hybrid(Y2H), transient expression in tobacco leaves, qRT-PCR, and other technologies. The results show that:(1)The full length of the McJAZ8 gene is 543 bp, encoding 180 amino acids. The McJAZ8 protein contains conserved TIFY and Jas domains and exhibits high homology with Arabidopsis thaliana AtJAZ1 and AtJAZ2.(2)The McJAZ8 protein is localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm.(3)The Y2H results show that McJAZ8 interacts with itself or McJAZ1/3/4/5 proteins to form homologous or heterologous dimers.(4)McJAZ8 is expressed in different tissue, with the highest expression level in young leaves. In terms of leaf sequence, McJAZ8 shows the highest expression level in the fourth leaf and the lowest expression level in the second leaf.(5) In leaves and roots, the expression of McJAZ8 is upregulated to varying degrees under methyl jasmonate(MeJA), drought, and NaCl treatments. The expression of McJAZ8 shows an initial upregulation followed by a downregulation pattern under CdCl_2 treatment. In leaves, the expression of McJAZ8 tends to gradually decrease under CuCl_2 treatment, while in roots, it initially decreases and then increases before decreasing again. In both leaves and roots, the expression of McJAZ8 is downregulated to varying degrees under AlCl_(3 )treatment. This study has enriched the research on jasmonic acid signaling repressor JAZ genes in M. canadensis and provided genetic resources for the molecular breeding of M. canadensis.

[Cloning and expression pattern analysis of abscisic acid receptor gene McPYL4 in Mentha canadensis].

Mentha canadensis is a traditional Chinese herb with great medicinal and economic value. Abscisic acid(ABA) receptor PYLs have important roles in plant growth and development and response to adversity. The M. canadensis McPYL4 gene was cloned, and its protein characteristics, gene expression, and protein interactions were analyzed, so as to provide genetic resources for genetic improvement and molecular design breeding for M. canadensis resistance. Therefore, the protein characteristics, subcellular localization, gene expression pattern, and protein interactions of McPYL4 were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis, transient expression of tobacco leaves, RT-qPCR, and yeast two-hybrid(Y2H) techniques. The results showed that the McPYL4 gene was 621 bp in length, encoding 206 amino acids, and its protein had the conserved structural domain of SRPBCC and was highly homologous with Salvia miltiorrhiza SmPYL4. McPYL4 protein was localized to the cell membrane and nucleus. The McPYL4 gene was expressed in all tissue of M. canadensis, with the highest expression in roots, followed by leaves, and it showed a pattern of up-regulation followed by down-regulation in leaves 1-8. In both leaves and roots, the McPYL4 gene responded to the exogenous hormones ABA, MeJA, and the treatments of drought, AlCl_3, NaCl, CdCl_2, and CuCl_2. Moreover, McPYL4 was up-regulated for expression in both leaves and roots under the MeJA treatment, as well as in leaves treated with AlCl_3 stress for 1 h, whereas McPYL4 showed a tendency to be down-regulated in both leaves and roots under other treatments. Protein interactions showed that McPYL4 interacted with AtABI proteins in an ABA-independent manner. This study demonstrated that McPYL4 responded to ABA, JA, and several abiotic stress treatments, and McPYL4 was involved in ABA signaling in M. canadensis and thus in the regulation of leaf development and various abiotic stresses in M. canadensis.

Natural-human driving factors of groundwater salinization in a long-term irrigation area.

Salinization of groundwater is a major challenge for groundwater management in long-term irrigation areas, decoupling its complex influencing factors can provide insights for the sustainable development of irrigation areas. In this study, the natural-human driving factors of groundwater salinization in the Yinchuan Plain, a typical irrigated area, were identified using isotope analysis, information entropy, and self-organizing map. Results show that groundwater in the study area is seriously salinized with obvious spatial heterogeneity. Multiple natural conditions and frequent human activities complicate the salinization characteristics of groundwater. On this basis, four typical natural influence units of groundwater were identified, namely, an evaporation and upward leakage zone, a runoff zone, an evaporation zone, and a runoff and upward leakage zone. Information entropy was proposed to quantify the complexity of groundwater resulting from human activities: The complexity difference between densely populated areas and natural dominant areas is mainly reflected in Na+, SO42-, and Cl-. Multiple human-made drivers of complex water environment were further separated into three patterns by the SOM model: blockage-evaporation type, leakage-evaporation type, and irrigation type. The blockage of drainage ditches and obstruction of salt discharge has the highest impact on the salinization of groundwater, followed by irrigation activities and transportation losses. Water excessive stagnation caused by blockage or irrigation is the root cause of groundwater salinization in the irrigated area, and its impact is greater than that of the traditional understanding of groundwater level rise. Based on the evaluation of irrigation water quality, management initiatives for irrigated areas should prioritize dredging and maintaining a healthy soil and groundwater environment in tandem.

Interlayer Structure Manipulation of Iron Oxychloride by Potassium Cation Intercalation to Steer H2O2 Activation Pathway.

Structural regulation of the active centers is often pivotal in controlling the catalytic functions, especially in iron-based oxidation systems. Here, we discovered a significantly altered catalytic oxidation pathway via a simple cation intercalation into a layered iron oxychloride (FeOCl) scaffold. Upon intercalation of FeOCl with potassium iodide (KI), a new stable phase of K+-intercalated FeOCl (K-FeOCl) was formed with slided layers, distorted coordination, and formed high-spin Fe(II) species compared to the pristine FeOCl precursor. This structural manipulation steers the catalytic H2O2 activation from a traditional Fenton-like pathway on FeOCl to a nonradical ferryl (Fe(IV)═O) pathway. Consequently, the K-FeOCl catalyst can efficiently remove various organic pollutants with almost 2 orders of magnitude faster reaction kinetics than other Fe-based materials via an oxidative coupling or polymerization pathway. A reaction-filtration coupled process based on K-FeOCl was finally demonstrated and could potentially reduce the energy consumption by almost 50%, holding great promise in sustainable pollutant removal technologies.

Improvement of tube formation model of cell: Application for acute hypoxia in in vitro study of angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis caused by acute vascular occlusion occurs in various ischemic diseases. The in vitro tube formation assay by endothelial cells is a rapid, quantitative method for drug discovery on angiogenesis. Tube formation assay on Matrigel has been widely used to identify the angiogenesis, however, there are some problems to limit its application. In this study, we found for the first time that sodium dithionite (SD) could induce endothelial cell tube formation without Matrigel under hypoxia condition. To further verify our findings, the angiogenesis related proteins and mRNA at different time points after tube formation were measured both in primary human large-vessel endothelial cell (HUVECs) and murine microvascular endothelial cell line (Bend.3). In conclusion, compared with traditional tube formation on Matrigel, the novel model exhibits the following advantages: (1) Combination oxygen glucose deprivation with sodium dithionite (OGD-SD) model is operated more easily than traditional tube formation. (2) OGD-SD can be used for not only cell imaging, but also immunofluorescence, protein extraction and gene analysis. (3) OGD-SD is more applicable to acute hypoxia model of endothelial cell in vitro. (4) OGD-SD may be more suitable to identify molecular mechanism of compound that intervenes processes of pro-tube formation, tube formation and tube disconnection.

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in traditional Chinese medicine materials (TCMMs): A critical review.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has accumulated a wealth of ecological wisdom and is regarded as an outstanding cultural and medical resource in China. However, in the context of serious environmental pollution, the potential harm caused by TCM materials (TCMMs) due to toxic heavy metals has seriously affected the sustainable development of TCM. Cadmium (Cd) is an internationally recognized heavy metal contaminant. In this paper, 270 reports on Cd in TCMMs were screened from 1969 publications covering 243 species in 81 families. According to the source of the TCMMs, the data were divided into the following categories: aboveground part, bark, flower and fruit, herb, leaf and rhizome. The temporal dynamics of the Cd content and its correlations with the habitats and categories (parts) of TCMMs were also studied. The results show that 22.05 % of the investigated TCMM samples exceeded the relevant domestic standards (Cd≤0.3 mg/kg), among which the maximum Cd content was 17.75 mg/kg. Myrtaceae and Syzygium aromaticum were the family and species with the highest mean Cd content, respectively. Regarding the source of TCMMs of great concern, the mean Cd content of TCMMs decreased in the order of herb > aboveground part > flower and fruit > leaf > rhizome > bark. In addition, in terms of the spatiotemporal distribution, the spatial distribution of the mean Cd content of TCMMs was significantly higher on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, followed by Southwest China. When comparing different times, more serious Cd pollution of TCMMs existed after 2000, and the highest mean Cd content was observed in 2000-2004. In summary, soil acidity must be decreased and the cultivation conditions of Cd-hyperaccumulators such as Ligusticum chuanxiong and Lonicera japonica must be modified, in conjunction with a scientific health risk assessment, to ensure the sustainable development of TCMMs.

[Bioinformatics and expression analysis on MYB-related family in Angelica dahurica var. formosana].

In recent years, the MYB-related gene family has been found pivotal in plant growth and development. MYB-related gene family in Angelica dahurica var. formosana was systematically investigated based on "Chuanzhi No. 2" through transcriptome database search and bioinformatics and the temporal and spatial expression patterns were analyzed through real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR). The results showed that 122 MYB-related proteins family were identified, mainly including the unstable hydrophilic proteins with good thermal stability. Most of the proteins were located in nuclei. The majority of the proteins had the structures of random coil and α-helix. Five MYB-related proteins family of A. dahurica var. formosana had membrane-binding domains. The conserved domain analysis of MYB-related proteins family of A. dahurica var. formosana showed that the MYB domains of genes in five subgroups, similar to 2 R-, 3 R-, and 4 R-MYB proteins, contained three evenly distributed Trp(W) residues in the MYB repeat sequence. The phylogenetic analysis of MYB-related proteins family in A. dahurica var. formosana and Arabidopsis thaliana showed that the MYB-related members were unevenly distributed in five subgroups, and A. thaliana and A. dahurica var. formosana had almost the same number of genes in the CCA1-like subgroup. There were differences in the number, type, and distribution of motifs contained in 122 encoded proteins. Transcription factors with similar branches had similar domains and motifs. The expression pattern analysis showed that the transcription factors AdMYB53, AdMYB83, and AdMYB89 responded to hormones to varying degrees, and they were highly expressed in leaves and responded quickly in roots. This study lays a foundation for further investigating the function of MYB-related transcription factors of A. dahurica var. formosana and solving the corresponding biological problems such as bolting early.

[Comparative study on short and long-term intervention impacts of six Chinese herbs with cold or heat property on lipid and energy metabolism in mice].

This study selected three typical Chinese herbs with cold property(Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, and Coptidis Rhizoma) and another three with heat property(Cinnamomi Cortex, Zingiberris Rhizoma, and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) to observe their regulatory effects on metabolism in animal organism, especially on lipid and energy metabolism in mice after a short-(7 d) and long-term(35 d) intervention. The mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism genes in epididymal adipose tissue and liver were determined by real-time PCR. The oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and energy consumption were detected by metabolic system. After the short-term intervention, the Chinese herbs with heat property significantly reduced epididymal adipose tissue index and elevated the expression levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase(ACC), lipoprotein lipase(LPL), and carnitine-palmityl transferase 1(CPT-1) in liver and epididymal adipose tissues. However, those with cold property promoted the expression of above-mentioned genes in epididymal adipose tissue. After the long-term intervention, cold and heat Chinese herbs had no significant effect on epididymal adipose tissue index of animals, while cold Chinese herbs could increase carbon dioxide production and energy consumption and reduce activity. These findings demonstrated that the short-term intervention effects of cold and heat Chinese herbs on animal metabolism were significantly stronger than the long-term intervention effects. Specifically, the short-term intervention with cold Chinese herbs enhanced the lipid metabolism in epididymal adipose tissue, while the heat Chinese herbs promoted lipid metabolism in epididymal adipose tissue and liver. The long-term intervention with cold and heat Chinese herbs resulted in no obvious change in lipid level, but long-term intervention with cold Chinese herbs accelerated energy consumption of the body. This study preliminarily observed the effects of cold and heat Chinese herbs on normal animal physiology from lipid and energy metabolism, which would provide reference for explaining the biological basis of Chinese herbs with cold or heat property based on biological response.

Surgical outcomes and factors associated with malignancy in carotid body tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical outcomes of benign and malignant carotid body tumor (CBT), and to evaluate the associated factors of malignant CBT. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgical resection of CBT from 2005 to 2018 in a tertiary center were reviewed retrospectively. The common study follow-up end date was December 31, 2019. The tumor size was measured as the maximum transverse diameter on computed tomography scan. Surgical outcomes of benign and malignant CBT were compared. Associated factors of malignancy were analyzed by multivariate logistic analysis. RESULTS: There were 229 patients undergoing CBT resection. Sixteen patients were diagnosed with malignant CBT. The median follow-up time was 66 months (range, 6-142 months). Basic information including age, sex, course of disease, family history, lesion side, tumor size, and Shamblin classification showed no significant differences between the benign and malignant CBT groups. Patients with malignant CBTs showed a higher rate of preoperative symptoms (31.3% vs 12.2%; P < .05). The rates of vascular reconstruction or repair (P < .01) and neurologic complications (P < .05) were significantly higher in the malignant CBT group. In addition, a significantly longer average procedural time was required for malignant CBTs (P < .05). However, the estimated blood loss and length of hospital stay showed no significant difference. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the malignant odds of CBT with bilateral lesions (P = .0042; odds ratio, 8.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.84-35.88) or CBT with preoperative symptoms (P = .0016; odds ratio, 7.59; 95% confidence interval, 2.13-27.89) were high. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with benign CBT, malignant CBT is prone to invasive clinical behaviors, resulting in an increased possibility of vascular reconstruction or repair during the surgery as well as postoperative neurologic complications. In addition, the malignant odds of CBT with bilateral lesions or CBT with preoperative symptoms are high.

The susceptibility of SERPINE1 rs1799889 SNP in diabetic vascular complications: a meta-analysis of fifty-one case-control studies.

BACKGROUND: The serine protease inhibitor-1 (SERPINE1) rs1799889 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been constantly associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and its vascular complications. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate this association with combined evidences. METHODS: The systematic search was performed for studies published up to March 2021 which assess the associations between SERPINE1 rs1799889 SNP and the risks of DM, diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetic nephropathy (DN). Only case-control studies were identified, and the linkage between SERPINE1 rs1799889 polymorphism and diabetic vascular risks were evaluated using genetic models. RESULTS: 51 comparisons were enrolled. The results revealed a significant association with diabetes risk in overall population (allelic: OR = 1.34, 95 % CI = 1.14-1.57, homozygous: OR = 1.66, 95 % CI = 1.23-2.14, heterozygous: OR = 1.35, 95 % CI = 1.08-1.69, dominant: OR = 1.49, 95 % CI = 1.18-1.88, recessive: OR = 1.30, 95 % CI = 1.06-1.59) as well as in Asian descents (allelic: OR = 1.45, 95 % CI = 1.16-1.82, homozygous: OR = 1.88, 95 % CI = 1.29-2.75, heterozygous: OR = 1.47, 95 % CI = 1.08-2.00, dominant: OR = 1.64, 95 % CI = 1.21-2.24, recessive: OR = 1.46, 95 % CI = 1.09-1.96). A significant association was observed with DR risk (homozygous: OR = 1.25, 95 % CI = 1.01-1.56, recessive: OR = 1.20, 95 % CI = 1.01-1.43) for overall population, as for the European subgroup (homozygous: OR = 1.32, 95 % CI = 1.02-1.72, recessive: OR = 1.38, 95 % CI = 1.11-1.71). A significant association were shown with DN risk for overall population (allelic: OR = 1.48, 95 % CI = 1.15-1.90, homozygous: OR = 1.92, 95 % CI = 1.26-2.95, dominant: OR = 1.41, 95 % CI = 1.01-1.97, recessive: OR = 1.78, 95 % CI = 1.27-2.51) and for Asian subgroup (allelic: OR = 1.70, 95 % CI = 1.17-2.47, homozygous: OR = 2.46, 95 % CI = 1.30-4.66, recessive: OR = 2.24, 95 % CI = 1.40-3.59) after ethnicity stratification. No obvious association was implied with overall diabetic CVD risk in any genetic models, or after ethnicity stratification. CONCLUSIONS: SERPINE1 rs1799889 4G polymorphism may outstand for serving as a genetic synergistic factor in overall DM and DN populations, positively for individuals with Asian descent. The association of SERPINE1 rs1799889 SNP and DR or diabetic CVD risks was not revealed.

Groundwater quality assessment using a new integrated-weight water quality index (IWQI) and driver analysis in the Jiaokou Irrigation District, China.

Groundwater is an important water resource in arid and semi-arid regions. The impact of human activities on groundwater is increasing. After 60 years running, the groundwater quality and its formation mechanism are imperative questions needed to be answered in Jiaokou Irrigation District, Guanzhong Basin, China. In this study, the quality of groundwater in Jiaokou Irrigation District was assessed by a new integrated-weight water quality index (IWQI), and the groundwater chemistry is studied through integrated statistical, geostatistical and hydrogeochemical approaches. The patterns for the average anion and cation concentrations were HCO3- > SO42- > Cl- > NO3- > CO32- > NO2-, and Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+ > NH4+, respectively. Statistics showed that the major water chemistry types were HCO3-Na, SO4·Cl-Na, and Cl·SO4-Na. A new integrated-weight water quality index (IWQI) was proposed based on the entropy-weighted method and CRITIC method and showed excellent performance for explaining and evaluating the groundwater quality. The IWQI results show 65.33% of groundwater, mainly distributed in the central and western parts of this study area, was unsuitable for drinking. Furthermore, SO42－, HCO3－, Cl－, NO3－, and Na+ had more important effects on groundwater quality. The weathering process affecting groundwater quality in the study area is carbonate dissolution, followed by silicate weathering and evaporite dissolution, whereas the major geochemical processes include the dissolution and precipitation of calcite, as well as the dissolution of dolomite and gypsum (anhydrite). Cation exchange also plays an important role in the hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater with a long residence time. Anthropogenic activities affecting groundwater quality included long-term irrigation infiltration and excessive use of fertilizers. The findings and the results of the study can improve understanding of the processes driving groundwater chemistry in Jiaokou Irrigation District, and can be used for reference to other similar regions in the world.

M-Shaped Auricular Cartilage as Modified Septal Extension Graft: A Study by Three-Dimensional Anthropometric Analysis in Asian Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: The septal extension graft is one of the most commonly used grafts in Asian tip plasty techniques. However, the septal extension graft usually induces a hard and immobile nasal tip. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the esthetic outcomes of the modified septal extension graft with M-shaped auricular cartilage by three-dimensional anthropometric analysis. METHODS: A total of 36 patients received augmentation rhinoplasty with M-shaped auricular cartilage as septal extension graft combined with silicone implant. Thirteen measurement items were evaluated using three-dimensional anthropometric techniques, and the preoperative and postoperative results were compared. RESULTS: The majority of patients (91.7%) were satisfied with the postoperative nasal shape. No infection, gross absorption, graft exposure, implant exposure, or implant migration was observed. Compared with the preoperative value, the nasal length, nasal height, nasal depth, nasion height, columella width, nasolabial angle, nasofrontal angle, and nasal depth-nasal width index significantly increased. The nasal width, nasal tip width, and nasal index significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: We performed tip plasty with the M-shaped auricular cartilage as modified septal extension graft, achieving a soft and mobile tip with satisfying tip projection in most patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Simultaneous Mastopexy via Areola Excision to Correct Mild and Moderate Breast Ptosis.

BACKGROUND: Breast ptosis is one of the most common complaints in the clinical setting. Simultaneous mastopexy via areola excision involves a reliable modified aesthetic technique with distinctive features to correct mild and moderate pendulous breasts. The aim of this study is to determine whether the novel surgical approach is a safe and long-lasting technique for patients with breast ptosis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 48 patients who received simultaneous mastopexy through circumareolar excision and followed up for 12 months. Breast size, shape, fullness, symmetry, scar appearance, and sensitivity of nipple-areolar complex were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients were satisfied with upper pole fullness, symmetry and scar less appearance. There were no cases of NAC deformity or sensation loss, neither sever capsular contracture was observed. CONCLUSION: The new surgical technique, one-stage periareolar augmentation mastopexy, is a reliable and long-lasting operation for patients with mild and moderate breast ptosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .