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ObjectiveTo explore the cerebral cortex activation in different swallowing periods using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). MethodsFrom October to December 2023, a total of 18 healthy adults were recruited to perform four tasks of visual stimulation, chewing, tongue tip sliding and repeated swallowing during fNIRS acquisition, to calculate the cortical activation β values covering a total of 41 channels in frontal, parietal and occipital lobes. ResultsDuring the preoral period, the bilateral pre-motor and supplementary motor cortex (PSMC), bilateral inferior prefrontal gyrus, right visual association cortex (AVC), and left primary motor cortex (PMC) were significantly activated (P < 0.05). During oral preparation, the right pars triangularis (PTG), right frontal polar area (FPA), right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DPC), left primary somatosensory cortex (PSC), left PSMC and left PMC were significantly activated (P < 0.05). During the transition between oral and pharyngeal phases, bilateral PSMC and bilateral PMC were significantly activated (P < 0.05). Bilateral PSC, bilateral PTG, bilateral FPA, bilateral orbitofrontal area, bilateral PSMC, bilateral DPC and bilateral PMC were significantly activated during two consecutive periods of oral and pharyngeal phases (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe swallowing movement requires the coordination of the frontal, parietal and occipital cortex. The main activated brain areas are different in different swallowing stages, and the PSMC and PMC are involved in most swallowing stages.
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BACKGROUND@#Syringomyelia is a progressive chronic disease that leads to nerve pain, sensory dissociation, and dyskinesia. Symptoms often do not improve after surgery. Stem cells have been widely explored for the treatment of nervous system diseases due to their immunoregulatory and neural replacement abilities. @*METHODS@#In this study, we used a rat model of syringomyelia characterized by focal dilatation of the central canal to explore an effective transplantation scheme and evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells and induced neural stem cells for the treatment of syringomyelia. @*RESULTS@#The results showed that cell transplantation could not only promote syrinx shrinkage but also stimulate the proliferation of ependymal cells, and the effect of this result was related to the transplantation location. These reactions appeared only when the cells were transplanted into the cavity. Additionally, we discovered that cell transplantation transformed activated microglia into the M2 phenotype. IGF1-expressing M2 microglia may play a significant role in the repair of nerve pain. @*CONCLUSION@#Cell transplantation can promote cavity shrinkage and regulate the local inflammatory environment.Moreover, the proliferation of ependymal cells may indicate the activation of endogenous stem cells, which is important for the regeneration and repair of spinal cord injury.
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Acute kidney injury(AKI)is a global public health problem with high morbidity,high mortality and costly treatment cost.The pathogenesis of AKI is very complex,and the treatment strategies for AKI are lim-ited,then it is very matter to explore the pathophysiological mechanism and potential therapeutic targets of acute kidney injury.N6-methyladenosine(m6A)is the most abundant and extremely conservative epigenetic modification in eukaryotic,which is a dynamic and reversible process involving in splicing,nuclear export,translation,stabil-ity,and higher structure of RNA,and regulated by three regulatory factors:methyltransferase,demethylase and methylated reading protein.Current studies have found that m6A plays an important regulatory role in AKI and can be a potential therapeutic target for AKI.In this review,we provide a brief description of m6A and summarize the impact of m6A on AKI and possible future study directions for this research.
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YABBY proteins are important transcription factors that regulate morphogenesis and organ development in plants. In order to study the YABBY of strawberry, bioinformatic technique were used to identify the YABBY gene families in Fragaria vesca (diploid) and Fragaria×ananassa (octoploid), and then analyze the sequence characters, phylogeny and collinearity of the family members. The RNA-seq data and the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique were used to assay the expression patterns of the family members. A green fluorescent protein (GFP) was fused with FvYABBYs and transiently expressed in tobacco leaf cells for the subcellular localization. As the results, six FvYABBY genes and 26 FxaYABBY genes were identified from F. vesca and F.×ananassa, respectively. The FvYABBY genes were grouped into five clades, and five family members were orthologous with AtYABBY genes of Arabidopsis. In F. vesca, all of the FvYABBYs were basically not expressed not expressed in root and receptacle, while FvYABBY1, FvYABBY2, FvYABBY5 and FvYABBY6 were highly expressed in leaf, shoot, flower and achene. In F.×ananassa, FxaYABBY1, FxaYABBY2, FxaYABBY5 and FxaYABBY6 were expressed in achene, and all FxaYABBY were poorly or not expressed in receptacle. Additionally, under the abiotic stresses of low temperature, high salt and drought, the expression of FvYABBY1, FvYABBY3, FvYABBY4 and FvYABBY6 were down-regulated, FvYABBY5 was up-regulated, and FvYABBY2 was up-regulated and then down-regulated. In tobacco leaf cells, the subcellular localization of FvYABBY proteins were in the nucleus. These results provides a foundation for the functional researches of YABBY gene in strawberry.
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Fragaria/genetics , Arabidopsis , Biological Assay , Cold Temperature , Computational BiologyABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo identify the prototypical components and metabolites absorbed into blood and cerebrospinal fluid of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus(SCF) based on sequential metabolism combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. MethodBlood and cerebrospinal fluid samples of integrated metabolism, intestinal metabolism and hepatic metabolism were collected from male SD rats after gavage and in situ intestinal perfusion administration, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) was used to analyze and compare the differences in the spectra of SCF extract, blank plasma, administered plasma, blank cerebrospinal fluid and administered cerebrospinal fluid with ACQUITY UPLC BEH Shield RP18 column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 µm), the mobile phase was acetonitrile(A)-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution(B) for gradient elution(0-7 min, 95%B; 7-12 min, 95%-35%B; 12-17 min, 35%-15%B; 17-20 min, 15%-12%B; 20-22 min, 12%-5%B; 22-23 min, 5%B; 23-25 min, 5%-95%B; 25-28 min, 95%B). And heated electrospray ionization(HESI) was used with positive and negative ion modes, the scanning range was m/z 100-1 500. The prototypical constituents and their metabolites absorbed into blood and cerebrospinal fluid of SCF were identified according to the retention time, characteristic fragments, molecular formulae and the information of reference substances. ResultA total of 42 chemical components were identified in the extract of SCF, including lignans, flavonoids, amino acids, tannins, and others, of which lignans were the main ones. A total of 27 prototypical components and 14 metabolites were identified in plasma samples from different sites. A total of 15 prototypical components and 9 metabolites were identified in cerebrospinal fluid. The main metabolic reactions involved in the formation of metabolites were mainly demethylation, methylation, demethoxylation and hydroxylation. ConclusionThrough the systematic identification of the prototypical components and metabolites of SCF in rats, it provides data support for further better exploring the material basis of SCF in the treatment of central nervous system diseases.
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Afferent baroreflex failure(ABF)is a rare disease.It refers to the clinical syndrome caused by the impairment of the afferent limb of the baroreflex or its central connections at the level of the medul-la.The recognized causes include trauma,surgery in related areas(radical neck tumor surgery,carotid endarterectomy),neck radiotherapy,brain stem stroke,tumor growth paraganglioma and hereditary diseases,among which the most common cause is extensive neck surgery or radiotherapy for neck cancer.The main manifestations are fluctuating hypertension,orthostatic hypotension,paroxysmal tachycardia and bradycardia.This case is a young man,whose main feature is blood pressure fluctuation,accom-panied by neurogenic orthostatic hypotension(nOH).After examination,the common causes of hyper-tension and nOH were ruled out.Combined with the previous neck radiotherapy and neck lymph node dissection,it was considered that the blood pressure regulation was abnormal due to the damage of carotid sinus baroreceptor after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and neck lymph node dissection,which was called ABF.At the same time,the patient was complicated with chronic hyponatremia.Com-bined with clinical and laboratory examination,the final consideration was caused by syndrome of in-appropriate antidiuretic hormone(SIADH).Baroreceptors controlled the secretion of heart rate,blood pres-sure and antidiuretic hormone through the mandatory"inhibition"signal.We speculate that the carotid sinus baroreceptor was damaged after neck radiotherapy and surgery,which leads to abnormal blood pres-sure regulation and nOH,while the function of inhibiting ADH secretion was weakened,resulting in higher ADH than normal level and mild hyponatremia.The goal of treating ABF patients was to reduce the frequency and amplitude of sudden changes in blood pressure and heart rate,and to alleviate the on-set of symptomatic hypotension.At present,drug treatment is still controversial,and non-drug treatment may alleviate some patients'symptoms,but long-term effective treatment still needs further study.The incidence of ABF is not high,but it may lead to serious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events,and the mechanism involved is extremely complicated,and there are few related studies.The reports of rele-vant medical records warn that patients undergoing neck radiotherapy or surgery should minimize the da-mage to the baroreceptor in the carotid sinus in order to reduce the adverse prognosis caused by complica-tions.
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Objective:To design a specialized ultrasound therapeutic device for rabbit urethral scars and to verify its applicability and effectiveness.Methods:New Zealand male rabbits were used as the experimental objects, and the ultrasound therapeutic instrument was customized according to the structure and size of the rabbit penises. The ultrasound therapeutic instrument included the ultrasound pulse emission and control system, the final-stage amplifier, and the ultrasound probe. Firstly, the ultrasound probe was designed according to the size and structure of rabbit penises, and the parameters of the ultrasound probe were determined by COMSOL finite element simulation and actual testing of the sound field distribution. Secondly, the driving circuit of the ultrasound probe was designed according to the parameters of the elements. Then the ultrasound pulse emission and control system based on the field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and the serial screen were designed. Subsequently, the ultrasound therapeutic instrument was subjected to a performance test and a safety test. The ultrasound therapeutic instrument was constructed to include the ultrasound amplifier and the ultrasound probe. Finally, a rabbit urethra reconstruction model was constructed, and eight white rabbits were randomly divided into a model group and an experimental group. The rabbits in the experimental group received the ultrasound therapeutic instrument for treatment of the urethra immediately, with an ultrasound frequency of 2 MHz, a pulse interval of 10 ms, and an output sound intensity of 0.73 W/cm 2. The treatment was performed twice a week (on Tuesday and Thursday), with 10 min of irradiation each time, lasting for four weeks. The rabbits in the model group did not receive any treatment. The area percentage of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) staining-positive areas in rabbit urethral tissues were quantitatively analyzed, and the urethral circumference was calculated using Image J software. Results:Due to the addition of sound-absorbing materials, the sound pressure distribution in the treatment chamber was more uniform, and the average value of the standing wave ratio was 1.11, indicating that the structural design met the design requirements. In the overall performance test, the natural focal position of the three ultrasonic transducers was 10 mm, and the consistency of the sound field distribution meet the experimental requirements. The relationship between the peak sound pressure of each transducer and the power supply voltage was close to linear. The output sound intensity ranged from 0.35 to 0.74 W/cm 2, which met the experimental requirements. With the ultrasound output, the temperature of the test point increased slowly, and this experiment could increase the temperature of the tissue by up to 3.3 ℃, which would not lead to thermal damage to the tissue. Animal experiment results showed that the immunopositive area fraction of TGF-β1 in the urethral tissues of rabbits in the experimental group [(4.21 ± 1.32)%] was smaller than that of the model group [(8.53 ± 3.43)%] ( t = ?4.24, P < 0.001). The immunopositive area fraction of TNF-α in the urethral tissues of rabbits in the experimental group [(5.14 ± 2.72)%] was smaller than that of the model group [(7.23 ± 1.57)%] ( t = ?3.37, P < 0.05). The MMP-2 level in the urethral tissue of rabbits in the experimental group [(10.65 ± 2.24)%] was higher than that of the model group[(6.98 ± 2.74)%] ( t = 2.19, P < 0.05). The urethral circumference [(12 209 ± 2 743) μm] was higher than that of the model group [(10 127 ± 2 237) μm] ( t = 15.46, P < 0.05). Conclusions:An ultrasound therapeutic instrument dedicated to rabbit urethral scars has been successfully designed and can be used for the study of ultrasound treatment of rabbit urethral scars.
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ObjectiveTo examine the inhibitory effects of berberine compounds, including columbamine, on acetylcholinesterase from the perspectives of drug-target binding affinity and kinetics and explore the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of these compounds in different multi-component backgrounds. MethodThe median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of acetylcholinesterase by berberine compounds including columbamine was measured using the Ellman-modified spectrophotometric method. The binding kinetic parameters (Koff) of these compounds with acetylcholinesterase were determined using the enzyme activity recovery method. A qualitative analysis of the ability of these components to penetrate the BBB and arrive at the brain tissue in diverse multi-component backgrounds (including medicinal herbs and compound formulas) was conducted using ultra performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). ResultBerberine compounds, including columbamine, exhibited strong inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. Moreover, they displayed better drug-target binding kinetics characteristics (with smaller Koff values) than the positive control of donepezil hydrochloride (P<0.01), indicating a longer inhibition duration of acetylcholinesterase. Berberine components such as columbamine could penetrate the BBB to arrive at brain tissue in the form of a monomer, as well as in the multi-component backgrounds of Coptis and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex medicinal extracts and the compound formula Huanglian Jiedutang. ConclusionThese berberine compounds such as columbamine exhibit a strong inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase and can arrive at brain tissue in multi-component backgrounds. In the level of pharmacological substance, this supports the clinical efficacy of compound Huanglian Jiedutang in improving Alzheimer's disease, providing data support for elucidating the pharmacological basis of compound Huanglian Jiedutang.
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Drastic surges in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce cell apoptosis, while most chemotherapy drugs lead to the accumulation of ROS. Here, we constructed an organic compound, arsenical N-(4-(1,3,2-dithiarsinan-2-yl)phenyl)acrylamide (AAZ2), which could prompt the ROS to trigger mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in gastric cancer (GC). Mechanistically, by targeting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), AAZ2 caused metabolism alteration and the imbalance of redox homeostasis, followed by the inhibition of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and leading to the activation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2)/Bcl2-associated X (Bax)/caspase-9 (Cas9)/Cas3 cascades. Importantly, our in vivo data demonstrated that AAZ2 could inhibit the growth of GC xenograft. Overall, our data suggested that AAZ2 could contribute to metabolic abnormalities, leading to mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis by targeting PDK1 in GC.
Subject(s)
Humans , Signal Transduction , Stomach Neoplasms/drug therapy , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism , Apoptosis , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 , Cell Line, TumorABSTRACT
Objective:To label mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with 89Zr-oxine complex, and assess its characteristics of PET imaging in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) model (MRL/lpr mice). Methods:SLE mice were screened by 18F-FDG PET imaging. 89Zr-oxine was prepared and used for labeling MSCs (10 6 MSCs and 1 MBq 89Zr-oxine). 89Zr-oxine-labeled MSCs (0.2 MBq) were injected into MRL/lpr mice and BALB/c mice (each n=5) via tail vein at a dose of 1.2×10 6 cells per mouse, and followed with microPET imaging in vivo at 2 h, 6 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, 10 d and 14 d after injection. The percentage activity of injection dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) was calculated. Independent-sample t test was used to analyze the data. Results:MSCs was successfully labeled with 89Zr-oxine, with the labeling efficiency of 20% and cell viability >90%. MicroPET imaging showed that MSCs were mainly distributed in lungs and the liver sites at 2 h after injection. The number of MSCs homing to kidneys of MRL/lpr mice ( n=5) increased significantly 24 h after the injection, and the renal uptake of MSCs in MRL/lpr mice was much higher than that in BALB/c mice ((8.28±1.27) vs (4.33±0.94) %ID/g; t=3.54, P=0.024). The renal uptake increased firstly and then decreased and then leveled off, indicating MSCs homing to kidneys. Conclusions:A method for 89Zr-oxine labeling of MSCs is successfully established. 89Zr-labeled MSCs can home to kidneys of SLE mice. PET imaging of 89Zr-labeled MSCs can be effectively used to explore the in vivo distribution and migration behavior of transplanted MSCs during the treatment of diseases such as SLE.
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Objective:To investigate the effects of normal iodized salt diet on urinary iodine concentration and iodine uptake rate in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) before 131I treatment. Methods:A prospective study was conducted on patients with DTC (59 male patients and 130 female patients, age (43.7±12.2) years) who received 131I treatment for the first time after total thyroidectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2021 and April 2022. Patients were divided into normal iodized salt diet group and limited iodized salt diet group according to whether iodized salt diet was administered 4 weeks before 131I treatment. The age, gender, urinary iodine concentration, iodine uptake rate and tumor risk stratification of the two groups were compared by independent-sample t test or χ2 test. In addition, according to the concentration of urinary iodine, patients were divided into group a1 (urinary iodine <200 μg/L) and group a2 (urinary iodine ≥200 μg/L). Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting urinary iodine concentration. Results:The urinary iodine concentration of normal iodized salt diet group was not significantly different from that of non-iodized salt diet group ((140.53±76.66) vs (121.74±74.64) μg/L; t=1.67, P=0.489). The iodine uptake rates at 2 h, 4 h and 24 h in the 2 groups were (3.77±1.06)% vs (3.42±0.97)%, (3.33±1.07)% vs (3.21±1.15)%, (2.90±2.60)% vs (3.23±2.94)%, respectively ( t values: 2.33, 0.68, -0.81, all P>0.05). There were no significant differences in age ( t=0.56, P=0.889), gender ( χ2=1.33, P=0.250) and tumor risk stratification ( χ2=0.14, P=0.709) between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that tumor risk stratification was associated with urinary iodine concentration (odds ratio ( OR)=3.914, 95% CI: 1.505-10.176; P=0.005). Conclusion:Normal iodized salt diet may have no effect on urinary iodine concentration and iodine uptake rate of patients with DTC before 131I treatment.
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Objective:To investigate the prognostic value of metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).Methods:From March 2019 to June 2020, 69 patients (55 males, 14 females, age: 38-87 years) with ES-SCLC who underwent pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT in First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively enrolled. The variables including gender, age, smoking, weight loss, liver metastasis, bone metastasis, malignant effusion, SUV max of the primary tumor, whole-body MTV (wbMTV) and whole-body TLG (wbTLG) (including wbMTV 40%, wbTLG 40%, wbMTV 2.5 and wbTLG 2.5) were analyzed. The predictors of overall survival (OS) were analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier method (log-rank test). Results:Of 69 ES-SCLC patients, 43(62%) died and 26(38%) were still alive by the end of follow-up, with a median survival time of 15.0(95% CI: 11.7-18.3) months. Univariate analysis revealed that age ( χ2=4.53, P=0.033), bone metastasis ( χ2=18.05, P<0.001), liver metastasis ( χ2=27.94, P<0.001), wbMTV 2.5 ( χ2=3.98, P=0.046), and wbTLG 2.5( χ2=5.80, P=0.016) were significant predictors of OS. Conclusion:wbMTV 2.5 and wbTLG 2.5 are assosciated with OS and may provide some reference value for predicting the prognosis of ES-SCLC patients.
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Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC), a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium, has received increasing attention worldwide due to its rising isolation rate. The similarity of symptoms between MABC pulmonary disease and tuberculosis, different treatment methods required by different subtypes, as well as high levels of innate, adaptive and acquired antibiotic resistance, make MABC treatment more difficult and lead to unfavorable clinical outcomes of patients. This article reviews the basic characteristics, common antibiotic resistance mechanisms, as well as diagnosis and treatment of MABC, to provide reference for future research and clinical treatment of MABC lung disease.
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Objective:To explore the relationship between B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation and clinical pathological features in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), and to evaluate the value of BRAF V600E mutation in predicting the efficacy and follow-up of 131I treatment in DTC patients with different risk stratification. Methods:From January 2018 to June 2022, 893 DTC patients (205 males, 688 females, age (42.3±11.9) years) treated with 131I after total thyroidectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into BRAF V600E mutation group ( n=729) and wild-type group ( n=164). According to the 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines, patients were divided into low-risk (39 cases), medium-risk (498 cases) and high-risk (356 cases), and the curative effect was divided into excellent response (ER) and non-excellent response (NER). The χ2 test, independent-sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare differences between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the influencing factors of treatment effect in DTC patients with different risk stratification. Results:The differences in age≥45 years, N stage, unilateral or bilateral DTC, multifocus, mode of operation, number and size of metastatic lymph nodes were statistically significant between BRAF V600E mutation group and wild-type group ( χ2 values: 4.45-17.40, t=-4.08, z=-3.08, all P<0.05). In medium- and high-risk stratification, the stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg) levels before and after 131I treatment were slightly higher in the BRAF V600E mutation group, while significantly sharp decreased of sTg and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) in wild-type group ( z value: from -9.30 to -2.65, all P<0.05). In medium- and high-risk stratification, 69.0%(60/87) and 64.3%(45/70) of BRAF V600E wild-type patients reached ER after 131I treatment, which were higher than those of mutant patients (57.4%(236/411) and 45.8%(131/286); χ2 values: 3.96, 7.39, P values: 0.046, 0.007). BRAF V600E mutation was the independent predictor affecting the efficacy of 131I treatment in DTC patients with medium- and high-risk stratification (odds ratio ( OR): 0.411 (95% CI: 0.196-0.864), 0.192 (95% CI: 0.096-0.384), P values: 0.019, <0.001). Conclusions:DTC patients with BRAF V600E mutation are related to the high invasiveness, and show poor improvement in biochemical indicators after initial 131I treatment. In addition, BRAF V600E mutation is an important factor in predicting the therapeutic effect of 131I in DTC patients with medium- and high-risk stratification.
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Background@#The use of molecular categorisation is shifting paradigm towards the use of molecular information to refine risk stratification in endometrial cancer (EC). To date, evidence to support molecular-guided therapies is limited to retrospective studies and secondary molecular analyses of patients receiving standard treatment. The PROBEAT study is the first randomized phase III trial to evaluate tailored adjuvant treatment based on WHO-endorsed molecular classification in Chinese EC patients. It is expected to provide a clinical decision-making tool for adjuvant treatment of patients with high-intermediate risk (HIR) or intermediate risk (IR) EC to better optimise and personalise patient care and increase relapse-free survival. @*Methods@#The PROBEAT trial is a prospective, multicentre study led by Women’s Hospital of Zhejiang University Gynaecologic Oncology Group. Recruitment started on January 24, 2022, and 590 patients with HIR or IR endometrioid EC are expected to be recruited from 13 clinical centres in China. All tumor tissues will be classified into four molecular subtypes (POLEmut, MMRd, p53abn, or NSMP) based on WHO-endorsed molecular classification. Patients will be randomly assigned at a 2:1 ratio to either experimental arm and will receive molecular profile-based adjuvant treatment (observation in the POLEmut subgroup, vaginal brachytherapy in the MMRd or NSMP subgroup, or chemoradiotherapy in the p53abn subgroup) or to standard arm and will receive preferred adjuvant radiotherapy as recommended by the recent National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines version 1 (2022). The primary outcome is 3-year rates of recurrence. Secondary outcomes are relapse-free survival, overall survival, adverse events and health-related cancer-specific quality of life.
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Objective@#To establish a three⁃dimensional cephalometric standardized value database for Anhui province , to study the craniofacial characteristics of normal adult population in Anhui , China and to provide effective information for making orthodontic and orthognathic surgery treatment plans of the craniofacial deformity.@*Methods@#160 normal occlusal volunteers were selected according to the inclusive and exclusive criteria and were photographed by Cone Beam CT (CBCT) . The coordinate system was established for the 3D model reconstructed with Dolphin based on CBCT data , and 38 hard tissue landmarks were located. 40 lines and 20 angles were defined and measured , and measurements were analyzed with SPSS 17. 0 , to evaluate craniofacial features of the overall , midface , maxilla , mandible , alveolar bone , and dentition of the standard population.@*Results@#The 3D cephalometric measurements of craniofacial hard tissues of normal adults in Anhui were obtained. The symmetry of craniofacial hard tissues was good both in males and females with the maximum asymmetry ratio of 2. 2% and the minimum of 0. 01% . The gender comparisons showed that most of lines measured of males were larger than those of females (P< 0. 01) , while there was no significant difference in the measurements of the midline deviation of upper and lower mandible , the relative deviation of the maxillary and mandible and the protrusion of upper and lower incisor. Additionally , there was no statistical significance in angles measured between genders , except for the occlusal plane angle. The results also showed that Chinese had unique facial features based on the measured data , compared with other ethnic populations.@*Conclusion@#The normal occlusal and maxillofacial hard tissue of Anhui Han has good symmetry. The gender obviously influences line measurements , with generally the measurements of males larger than females , but it has no effect on most angle measurements.
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The aberrant activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome as an essential component of the innate system is implicated in the pathogenesis of several human inflammatory diseases. Studies have confirmed its association with digestive system diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and acute pancreatitis, suggesting that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a role in the initiation and progression of these diseases. Based on the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the pathways that mediate the inflammatory response, this article introduced the relationship between the NLRP3 inflammasome and the pathogenesis of multiple digestive system diseases and the Chinese and western medical therapies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated definite effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated digestive system diseases. Some single Chinese medicines or TCM prescriptions can treat digestive system diseases by activating or inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. NLRP3 inflammasome can receive a variety of endogenous and exogenous stimulatory signals, which can initiate, activate, and mediate inflammatory responses. The inflammasome formation and downstream inflammatory cytokines are involved in not only the inflammatory responses but also the development and progression of multiple digestive system diseases. Therefore, the NLRP3 inflammasome can serve as an ideal target for disease treatment. The future rediscovery and in-depth studies of multiple inflammasomes will shed new light on the treatment of multiple digestive system diseases.
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We conducted a prospective study to assess the non-inferiority of adjuvant chemotherapy alone versus adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) as an alternative strategy for patients with early-stage (FIGO 2009 stage IB-IIA) cervical cancer having risk factors after surgery. The condition was assessed in terms of prognosis, adverse effects, and quality of life. This randomized trial involved nine centers across China. Eligible patients were randomized to receive adjuvant chemotherapy or CCRT after surgery. The primary end-point was progression-free survival (PFS). From December 2012 to December 2014, 337 patients were subjected to randomization. Final analysis included 329 patients, including 165 in the adjuvant chemotherapy group and 164 in the adjuvant CCRT group. The median follow-up was 72.1 months. The three-year PFS rates were both 91.9%, and the five-year OS was 90.6% versus 90.0% in adjuvant chemotherapy and CCRT groups, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the PFS or OS between groups. The adjusted HR for PFS was 0.854 (95% confidence interval 0.415-1.757; P = 0.667) favoring adjuvant chemotherapy, excluding the predefined non-inferiority boundary of 1.9. The chemotherapy group showed a tendency toward good quality of life. In comparison with post-operative adjuvant CCRT, adjuvant chemotherapy treatment showed non-inferior efficacy in patients with early-stage cervical cancer having pathological risk factors. Adjuvant chemotherapy alone is a favorable alternative post-operative treatment.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/drug therapy , Prospective Studies , Quality of Life , Neoplasm Staging , Chemoradiotherapy , Chemotherapy, Adjuvant/adverse effects , Adjuvants, Immunologic , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Currently, the first-line drugs for invasive fungal infections (IFI), such as amphotericin B, fluconazole and itraconazole, have drawbacks including poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and severe side effects. Using drug delivery systems is a promising strategy to improve the efficacy and safety of traditional antifungal therapy. Synthetic and biomimetic carriers have greatly facilitated the development of targeted delivery systems for antifungal drugs. Synthetic carrier drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, nanoparticles, polymer micelles, and microspheres, can improve the physicochemical properties of antifungal drugs, prolong their circulation time, enhance targeting capabilities, and reduce toxic side effects. Cell membrane biomimetic drug delivery systems, such as macrophage or red blood cell membrane-coated drug delivery systems, retain the membrane structure of somatic cells and confer various biological functions and specific targeting abilities to the loaded antifungal drugs, exhibiting better biocompatibility and lower toxicity. This article reviews the development of antifungal drug delivery systems and their application in the treatment of IFI, and also discusses the prospects of novel biomimetic carriers in antifungal drug delivery.
Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Drug Delivery Systems , Amphotericin B/therapeutic use , Liposomes/chemistry , Nanoparticles , Drug CarriersABSTRACT
Objective: To analyze the occurrence and risk factors of various occupational hazard incidents in China's power grid enterprises. Methods: A total of 4 191 workers from eight power grid enterprises in Jilin Province, Shandong Province, and Chongqing City were selected using a convenience sampling method. Their exposure in workplace and the occurrence of various occupational hazard incidents from 2018 to 2020 were investigated. Results: Among the participants, 71.7% were engaged in outdoor operations. The incidence rates of occupational hazard emergency, ranking from high to low, were electric ophthalmia, acute mountain sickness, heatstroke, electro-flash dermatitis, sunburn, cold injury, solar ophthalmia, and gas poisoning in confined space, with the rate of 42.3%, 42.3%, 38.1%, 24.3%, 17.4%, 16.5%, 10.0%, and 1.3%, respectively (P<0.01). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that workers in Jilin Province had a higher risk of cold injury compared to those in Shandong Province and Chongqing City (all P<0.01). Workers in Chongqing City had a higher risk of solar ophthalmia than those in Jilin Province (P<0.01). Workers in inspection and maintenance positions had a higher risk of heatstroke and sunburn compared to those in substation positions (all P<0.05). Power grid workers with protective systems in enterprises had a lower risk of sunburn and solar ophthalmia compared to those without protective systems (all P<0.01). The risks of sunburn and solar ophthalmia among power grid workers increased with age and daily outdoor working time (all P<0.05). Taking protective measures was a protective factor against heatstroke and cold injury (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Power grid workers face the risk of various occupational hazard incidents. Relevant organizations should conduct targeted preventive measures based on regional and worker characteristics, and ensure the implementation of protective systems in different work environments.