Bio-based P-N flame retardant with ZIF-67 in-situ growth on flexible polyurethane foam with excellent fire safety performance.

The wide application of flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) poses a giant challenge to human society in terms of fire prevention and environmental pollution. To solve this problem, the lignocellulose-based P-N flame retardant (LFPN) has been developed using mechanochemical methods. It was found that FPUF treated using LFPN exhibited good flame retardancy, but suffered from high smoke generation and toxicity. The hollow dodecahedral ZIF-67 has been used for smoke suppression catalysis, but the agglomeration phenomenon makes it inefficient. Hence, in this study, the adhesive properties of polydopamine (PDA) were utilized to assist the in-situ growth of ZIF-67. The results showed that the total smoke release rate of the treated FPUF was reduced by 40.5%. The toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen cyanide, etc., also showed the same decreasing trend. What's more, the catalytic effect of ZIF-67 itself and the synergistic effect with LFPN gave FPUF great flame retardant and smoke inhibition properties. This novel FPUF provides a new reference for achieving smoke suppression and toxicity reduction.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Ability of Contrast-Enhanced Unltrasound and Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Subtypes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and clinical indicators of the vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) pattern and macrotrabecular-massive subtype in hepatocellular carcinoma (MTM-HCC). METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent preoperative CEUS and hepatectomy for HCC between August 2018 and August 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to select independent correlated factors of VETC-HCC and MTM-HCC to develop nomogram models. The association between model outcomes and early postoperative HCC recurrence was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The training cohort included 182 patients (54.3 ± 11.3 years, 168 males) and the validation cohort included 91 patients (54.8 ± 10.6 years, 81 males). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels (odds ratio [OR]: 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49-3.42, p < 0.001), intratumoral nonenhancement (OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.02-5.64, p = 0.044), and the perfusion pattern in the CEUS arterial phase (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.05-4.91, p = 0.038) were independent predictors of VETC-HCC. Besides, the former two were also independently associated with MTM-HCC (AFP level: OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.36-4.09, p = 0.002; intratumoral nonenhancement: OR: 3.72, 95% CI: 1.02-13.56, p = 0.046). Nomogram models were constructed based on the aforementioned indicators. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis indicated that predicted VETC-HCC or MTM-HCC exhibited higher rates of early recurrence (log-rank p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Cox regression analysis showed that a high risk of VETC-HCC was independently correlated with early recurrence (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: CEUS combined with AFP levels can predict VETC-HCC/MTM-HCC and prognosis preoperatively.

Identification of a TGF-ß/SMAD/lnc-UTGF positive feedback loop and its role in hepatoma metastasis.

Aberrant activation of the TGF-ß/SMAD signaling pathway is often observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Whether lncRNA regulates the TGF-ß/SMAD signaling remains largely unknown. Here, we identified an oncogenic lncRNA that was upregulated in HCC and was transcriptionally induced by TGF-ß (named lnc-UTGF, lncRNA upregulated by TGF-ß). Upon TGF-ß stimulation, SMAD2/3 bound to the lnc-UTGF promoter and activated lnc-UTGF expression. In turn, the TGF-ß/SMAD signaling was augmented by overexpressing lnc-UTGF, but was inhibited by silencing lnc-UTGF. Mechanism investigations revealed that lnc-UTGF interacted with the mRNAs of SMAD2 and SMAD4 via complementary base-pairing, resulting in enhanced stability of SMAD2/4 mRNAs. These data suggest a novel TGF-ß/SMAD/lnc-UTGF positive feedback circuitry. Subsequent gain- and loss-of-function analyses disclosed that lnc-UTGF promoted the migration and invasion of hepatoma cells, and this effect of lnc-UTGF was attenuated by repressing SMAD2/4 expression or by mutating the SMAD2/4-binding sites in lnc-UTGF. Studies using mouse models further confirmed that in vivo metastasis of hepatoma xenografts was inhibited by silencing lnc-UTGF, but was enhanced by ectopic expression of lnc-UTGF. The lnc-UTGF level was positively correlated with the SMAD2/4 levels in xenografts. Consistently, we detected an association of lnc-UTGF upregulation with increase of SMAD2, SMAD4, and their metastasis effector SNAIL1 in human HCC. And high lnc-UTGF level was also significantly associated with enhanced metastasis potential, advanced TNM stages, and worse recurrence-free survival. Conclusion: there exists a lnc-UTGF-mediated positive feedback loop of the TGF-ß signaling and its deregulation promotes hepatoma metastasis. These findings may provide a new therapeutic target for HCC metastasis.

Dual and opposing roles of the androgen receptor in VETC-dependent and invasion-dependent metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Contradictory roles of the androgen receptor (AR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis have been reported. We have shown that VETC (vessels encapsulating tumor clusters) mediates invasion-independent metastasis, whereas VETC- HCCs metastasize in an invasion-dependent manner. Herein, we aimed to reveal the roles of AR in HCC metastasis. METHODS: Mouse xenograft models, clinical samples, and cell models were used. RESULTS: AR expression was significantly lower in HCCs with a VETC pattern, portal vein tumor thrombus, endothelium-coated microemboli or high recurrence rates. Overexpressing AR in VETC+ hepatoma cells suppressed VETC formation and intrahepatic metastasis but promoted pulmonary metastasis of mouse xenografts. AR decreased the transcription of Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt2), a factor essential for VETC formation, by binding to the Angpt2 promoter. The roles of AR in inhibiting VETC formation and intrahepatic metastasis were attenuated by restoring Angpt2 expression, suggesting that AR may repress VETC-dependent intrahepatic metastasis by inhibiting Angpt2 expression and VETC formation. On the other hand, AR upregulated Rac1 expression, promoted lamellipodia formation and increased cell migration/invasion. A Rac1 inhibitor abrogated the AR-mediated promotion of migration/invasion and pulmonary metastasis of VETC+ hepatoma cells, but did not affect the AR-mediated inhibition of intrahepatic metastasis. Furthermore, an AR inhibitor decreased Rac1 expression and attenuated both intrahepatic and pulmonary metastasis of VETC- xenografts, an effect which was abrogated by restoring Rac1 expression. These data indicate that AR may facilitate the lung metastasis of VETC+ HCCs and both the liver/lung metastases of VETC- HCCs by upregulating Rac1 expression and then promoting migration/invasion. CONCLUSION: AR plays dual and opposing roles in VETC-dependent and invasion-dependent metastasis, which highlights the complex functions of AR and the importance of individualized cancer therapy. LAY SUMMARY: In this study, we uncovered the dual and opposing roles of the androgen receptor in VETC (vessels encapsulating tumor clusters)-dependent and invasion-dependent metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We elucidated the underlying mechanisms of these processes, which provided novel insights into the complex regulatory network of the androgen receptor in HCC metastasis and may have important implications for precision medicine.

Obtained mydriasis in long-term type 2 diabetic patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate obtained mydriasis and prevalence of small pupil in long-term type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: A prospective observational cross-sectional study was carried out. We included 107 eyes from 107 patients (mean age: 60.8) with long-term (≥10 years) type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients were divided into 2 groups: no apparent diabetic retinopathy (group 1, n=33) and diabetic retinopathy (group 2, n=74). Exclusion criteria were eyes with prior intraocular surgeries, presence of other ocular disorders that may affect iris, or any other condition that precludes the precise measurement of pupil size. Sixty eyes in 60 age-matched nondiabetic patients (mean age: 61.0) scheduled for routine fundoscopy exam were enrolled as control. We measured pupil diameter by pupil gauges at 40 min after instillation of eye drops (phenylephrine 10% and tropicamide 1%). Small pupil was defined as pupil diameter of 6 mm or less. RESULTS: Mean pupil diameter was 8.07 mm [standard deviation (SD): 0.59 mm] in the control group, 7.46 mm (SD: 0.71 mm) in group 1, and 7.24 mm (SD: 0.83 mm) in group 2. Both group 1 (P<0.001) and group 2 (P<0.001) showed significant difference when compared with the control group. The incidences of small pupil were 1.9% in the control group, 6.1% in group 1, and 13.5% in group 2. When compared with control, group 2 showed significantly higher incidence of small pupil (P=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term diabetic patients showed poorer response to pharmacological mydriasis than nondiabetic patients. Higher prevalence of small pupil size was found in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Associations between chronic glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level and macular volume in diabetes patients without macular oedema.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the correlation between glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level and macular volume in diabetes patients without diabetic macular oedema (DMO). METHODS: We carried out an observational, cross-sectional study. Patients who had diabetes mellitus (DM) of ≥ 10 years duration without DMO were included. Only one eye of each patient was selected for analysis. Eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy were excluded. Central subfield thickness (CST), central subfield volume (CSV) and total macular volume (TMV) were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Chronic HbA1c level was defined as the mean HbA1c value in the year prior to enrolment. RESULTS: We included 97 eyes from 97 patients (47 women, 50 men; mean age 62.2 years). They included eight type 1 and 89 type 2 DM patients. The mean duration of DM was 15.5 years. Forty-two (43%) eyes had no diabetic retinopathy and 55 (57%) eyes had non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In statistical analysis, CST (mean 188.80 ± 27.64 µm; r = 0.220, p = 0.030), CSV (mean 0.149 ± 0.021 mm(3) ; r = 0.213, p = 0.036) and TMV (mean 6.497 ± 0.715 mm(3) ; r = 0.299, p = 0.003) positively correlated with chronic HbA1c level (7.95 ± 1.29%). The linear regression model showed that chronic HbA1c level (standardized coefficient 0.253; p = 0.013) and age (standardized coefficient - 0.206; p = 0.040) were factors significantly related to TMV. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic HbA1c level positively correlates with macular thickness and volume in patients with DM of ≥ 10 years duration without DMO. Our results suggest that subclinical macular volume and thickness changes may occur before DMO becomes clinically evident. Early tight glycaemic control prior to the onset of DMO may play an important role in preventing the deterioration of macular function by altering macular haemodynamics.

[Clinical observation on treatment of primary dysmenorrhea with acupuncture and massage].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture massage for primary dysmenorrhea and its influence on prostaglandin F2alpha level in menstrual fluid. METHODS: Ninety patients with primary dysmenorrhea were assigned equally to the acupuncture group, the massage group and the control group (oral administrated with Somiton tablet). The treatment course was 3 menstrual cycles. The effect in relieving menalgia was evaluated using numerical rating scale (NRS) before and after treatment and change of PGF2alpha content in menstrual fluid was tested as well. RESULTS: The NRS score was 0.60 +/- 0.67 in the acupuncture group and 0.53 +/- 0.63 in the massage group respectively, significantly lower than that in the control group, which was 2.30 +/- 1.73 (P < 0.01). The PGF2alpha level after treatment was significantly lower in the acupuncture group (176.58 +/- 17.85 ng/L) and the massage group (171.32 +/- 17.15 ng/L) than that in the control group (220.56 +/- 54.47 ng/L), respectively (P <0.01). There showed no difference in the two aspects between the acupuncture group and the massage group (P >0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and massage has a reliable therapeutic effect on primary dysmenorrhea, which is superior to that of Somiton tablet, and its mechanism might be exerted by regulating PGF2alpha level in menstrual fluid.