Spin-related Cu-Co pair to increase electrochemical ammonia generation on high-entropy oxides.

The electrochemical conversion of nitrate to ammonia is a way to eliminate nitrate pollutant in water. Cu-Co synergistic effect was found to produce excellent performance in ammonia generation. However, few studies have focused on this effect in high-entropy oxides. Here, we report the spin-related Cu-Co synergistic effect on electrochemical nitrate-to-ammonia conversion using high-entropy oxide Mg0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2O. In contrast, the Li-incorporated MgCoNiCuZnO exhibits inferior performance. By correlating the electronic structure, we found that the Co spin states are crucial for the Cu-Co synergistic effect for ammonia generation. The Cu-Co pair with a high spin Co in Mg0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2O can facilitate ammonia generation, while a low spin Co in Li-incorporated MgCoNiCuZnO decreases the Cu-Co synergistic effect on ammonia generation. These findings offer important insights in employing the synergistic effect and spin states inside for selective catalysis. It also indicates the generality of the magnetic effect in ammonia synthesis between electrocatalysis and thermal catalysis.

Stiffness changes in internal rotation muscles of the shoulder and its influence on hemiplegic shoulder pain.

Background: Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a common complication in patients with stroke. The pathogenesis of HSP is complex, and muscle hypertonia, especially the hypertonia of internal rotation muscles of the shoulder, may be one of the important causes of shoulder pain. However, the relationship between muscle stiffness and HSP has not been well studied. The purpose of this study is to explore the correlations between the stiffness of internal rotation muscles and clinical symptoms in patients with HSP. Methods: A total of 20 HSP patients and 20 healthy controls were recruited for this study. The stiffness of internal rotation muscles was quantified using shear wave elastography, and Young's modulus (YM) of the pectoralis major (PM), anterior deltoid (AD), teres major ™, and latissimus dorsi (LD) were measured. Muscle hypertonia and pain intensity were evaluated using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), respectively. The mobility of the shoulder was evaluated using the Neer score. The correlations between muscle stiffness and the clinical scales were analyzed. Results: YM of internal rotation muscles on the paretic side was higher than that of the control group in the resting and passive stretching positions (P < 0.05). YM of internal rotation muscles on the paretic side during passive stretching was significantly higher than that at rest (P < 0.05). YM of PM, TM, and LD during passive stretching were correlated with MAS (P < 0.05). In addition, the YM of TM during passive stretching was positively correlated with VAS and negatively correlated with the Neer score (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Increased stiffness of PM, TM, and LD was observed in patients with HSP. The stiffness of TM was associated with pain intensity of the shoulder and shoulder mobility.

LncRNA modulates Hippo-YAP signaling to reprogram iron metabolism.

Iron metabolism dysregulation is tightly associated with cancer development. But the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Increasing evidence has shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in various metabolic processes via integrating signaling pathway. In this study, we revealed one iron-triggered lncRNA, one target of YAP, LncRIM (LncRNA Related to Iron Metabolism, also named ZBED5-AS1 and Loc729013), which effectively links the Hippo pathway to iron metabolism and is largely independent on IRP2. Mechanically, LncRIM directly binds NF2 to inhibit NF2-LATS1 interaction, which causes YAP activation and increases intracellular iron level via DMT1 and TFR1. Additionally, LncRIM-NF2 axis mediates cellular iron metabolism dependent on the Hippo pathway. Clinically, high expression of LncRIM correlates with poor patient survival, suggesting its potential use as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Taken together, our study demonstrated a novel mechanism in which LncRIM-NF2 axis facilitates iron-mediated feedback loop to hyperactivate YAP and promote breast cancer development.

Low-cost composite film triboelectric nanogenerators for a self-powered touch sensor.

In the last two decades, nanogenerators have been studied inorder to solve the power supply problems of electronic devices. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have gained widespread attention due to their excellent properties and wide range of applications. However, previous studies frequently ignored numerous application-related issues and even wasted some of the benefits of the TENG itself in favor of enhanced performance. Here, we propose a TENG based on BaTiO3 (BTO)-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite films with low cost and simple preparation, where its maximum output performance is obtained when the mass proportion of BTO to PDMS is 40%. In addition, we demonstrate how the single-electrode TENG may be used as a self-powered touch sensor that can communicate with a microcontroller unit (MCU) to turn LED lights on and off. This practical example will provide a valuable reference for the application of low-cost self-powered sensors in wearable devices, Internet of Things, human-machine interactions and other fields. Furthermore, we discovered a number of issues that were rarely or never addressed in previous studies and provide some solutions, such as a signal processing method for a TENG-based self-powered sensor. It serves as a foundation for future investigations on the performance assessment and application of TENGs.

lncRNA BREA2 promotes metastasis by disrupting the WWP2-mediated ubiquitination of Notch1.

Notch has been implicated in human cancers and is a putative therapeutic target. However, the regulation of Notch activation in the nucleus remains largely uncharacterized. Therefore, characterizing the detailed mechanisms governing Notch degradation will identify attractive strategies for treating Notch-activated cancers. Here, we report that the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) BREA2 drives breast cancer metastasis by stabilizing the Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1). Moreover, we reveal WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (WWP2) as an E3 ligase for NICD1 at K1821 and a suppressor of breast cancer metastasis. Mechanistically, BREA2 impairs WWP2-NICD1 complex formation and in turn stabilizes NICD1, leading to Notch signaling activation and lung metastasis. BREA2 loss sensitizes breast cancer cells to inhibition of Notch signaling and suppresses the growth of breast cancer patient-derived xenograft tumors, highlighting its therapeutic potential in breast cancer. Taken together, these results reveal the lncRNA BREA2 as a putative regulator of Notch signaling and an oncogenic player driving breast cancer metastasis.

Impact of the depth of remission by induction chemotherapy on the prognosis of limited stage small cell lung cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To evaluate the effect of depth of remission of induction chemotherapy on the overall prognosis of limited stage small cell lung cancer (L-SCLC). Methods: The study was a retrospective, L-SCLC patients who contained complete imaging data and underwent consecutive standardized treatments at the Department of Thoracic Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between January 2013 and June 2021 were included. To delineate the volume of tumor before and after induction chemotherapy and to calculate the depth of remission caused by the induced chemotherapy. The time receiver operating characteristic (timeROC) method was used to determine the optimal predictors for prognosis, multi-factor analysis using Cox risk proportional model. Results: A total of 104 patients were included in this study. The median PFS and OS of this cohort were 13.7 months and 20.9 months, respectively. It was observed by timeROC analysis that residual tumor volume after induction chemotherapy had the optimal predictive value of PFS at 1 year (AUC=0.86, 95% CI: 0.78~0.94) and OS at 2 years (AUC=0.76, 95% CI: 0.65~0.87). Multivariate analysis showed residual tumor volume after induction chemotherapy was the independent prognostic factor to PFS (HR=1.006, 95% CI: 1.003~1.009, P<0.01) and OS (HR=1.009, 95% CI: 1.005~1.012, P<0.001). For those whose residual tumor volume remitted to less than 10 cm(3) after induction chemotherapy, the favorable long-term outcomes could be achieved, regardless of their initial tumor load. Conclusion: The depth of remission of induction chemotherapy could be a promising prognostic predictor to the L-SCLC and provide the individualized treatment guidance.

A new biosynthesis route for production of 5-aminovalanoic acid, a biobased plastic monomer / 生物工程学报

5-aminovalanoic acid (5AVA) can be used as the precursor of new plastics nylon 5 and nylon 56, and is a promising platform compound for the synthesis of polyimides. At present, the biosynthesis of 5-aminovalanoic acid generally is of low yield, complex synthesis process and high cost, which hampers large-scale industrial production. In order to achieve efficient biosynthesis of 5AVA, we developed a new pathway mediated by 2-keto-6-aminohexanoate. By combinatory expression of L-lysine α-oxidase from Scomber japonicus, α-ketoacid decarcarboxylase from Lactococcus lactis and aldehyde dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli, the synthesis of 5AVA from L-lysine in Escherichia coli was achieved. Under the initial conditions of glucose concentration of 55 g/L and lysine hydrochloride of 40 g/L, the final consumption of 158 g/L glucose and 144 g/L lysine hydrochloride, feeding batch fermentation to produce 57.52 g/L of 5AVA, and the molar yield is 0.62 mol/mol. The new 5AVA biosynthetic pathway does not require ethanol and H2O2, and achieved a higher production efficiency as compared to the previously reported Bio-Chem hybrid pathway mediated by 2-keto-6-aminohexanoate.

Jiedu Huoxue Prescription Regulates NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 to Promote Vascular Reendothelialization in Rat Model of Injured Thoracic Aorta / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Jiedu Huoxue prescription in promoting the reendothelialization of injured vessels by regulating the nuclear factor （NF）-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/cysteine-aspartic acid protease （Caspase）-1-mediated pyroptosis. MethodA rat model of injured thoracic aorta was established by balloon injury， and 36 rats were assigned into shame surgery， model， low-， medium-， and high-dose Jiedu Huoxue prescription， and atorvastatin calcium tablet groups. The injured aortic segment was collected 28 days after surgery. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Evans blue staining were conducted to reveal the changes of vascular structural morphology and the reendothelialization of blood vessels， respectively. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1）， interleukin （IL）-1β， and nitric oxide （NO） in the serum. Western blotting was employed to determine the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS）， NF-κB p65， phospho-NF-κB p65 （p-NF-κB p65）， NLRP3， and Caspase-1 in the vascular tissue. ResultThe model group showed thickened endovascular membrane， proliferation and disarrangement of smooth muscle cells of the artery wall， obvious inflammatory cell infiltration， and narrowed luminal area. Jiedu Huoxue prescription and atorvastatin calcium tablets mitigated the pathological changes of the thoracic aorta in different degrees. After balloon injury， the endothelial coverage rate of the model group decreased significantly， while Jiedu Huoxue prescription and atorvastatin calcium tablets increased the reendothelialization rate （P<0.05）. Compared with the shame surgery group， the model group showed elevated levels of TNF-α， ICAM-1， and IL-1β （P<0.01） and lowered NO level （P<0.01） in the serum. In addition， the model group presented down-regulated protein level of eNOS （P<0.01） and up-regulated phosphorylation of pyroptosis-associated proteins NLPR3， Caspase-1， and NF-κB p65 in the vascular tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Jiedu Huoxue prescription and atorvastatin calcium tablets lowered TNF-α， ICAM-1， and IL-1β levels （P<0.05， P<0.01） and elevated the NO level in the serum （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the drugs up-regulated the expression of eNOS （P<0.01） and down-regulated the expression of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and NF-κB p65 （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the vascular tissue. ConclusionJiedu Huoxue prescription can promote the reendothelialization and inhibit the intimal hyperplasia of vessels after balloon injury by regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway to inhibit pyroptosis and reduce endothelial inflammatory injury.

Multi-objective cluster based bidding algorithm for E-commerce search engine marketing system.

Search engine marketing (SEM) is an important channel for the success of e-commerce. With the increasing scale of catalog items, designing an efficient modern industrial-level bidding system usually requires overcoming the following hurdles: 1. the relevant bidding features are of high sparsity, preventing an accurate prediction of the performances of many ads. 2. the large volume of bidding requests induces a significant computation burden to offline and online serving. In this article, we introduce an end-to-end structure of a multi-objective bidding system for search engine marketing for Walmart e-commerce, which successfully handles tens of millions of bids each day. The system deals with multiple business demands by constructing an optimization model targeting a mixture of metrics. Moreover, the system extracts the vector representations of ads via the Transformer model. It leverages their geometric relation to building collaborative bidding predictions via clustering to address performance features' sparsity issues. We provide theoretical and numerical analyzes to discuss how we find the proposed system as a production-efficient solution.

Increased Stiffness of the Superficial Cervical Extensor Muscles in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache: A Study Using Shear Wave Elastography.

Background: Cervicogenic headache (CEH) is a secondary headache caused by lesions of the cervical spine and surrounding soft tissues. Cervical muscle dysfunction may be related to the onset of CEH. However, whether cervical muscle stiffness changes in patients with CEH has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to explore changes in superficial cervical extensor muscle stiffness in patients with CEH using shear wave elastography (SWE). Methods: In this study, 19 patients with CEH and 20 healthy controls were recruited. Superficial cervical extensor muscle stiffness was obtained from SWE, and the SuperLinear SL10-2 MHz linear array probe in the musculoskeletal muscle mode was chosen as the transducer. Regions of interest in the trapezius (TRAP), splenius capitis (SPL), semispinalis capitis (SCap), and semispinalis cervicis (SCer) were manually segmented. Correlations between superficial cervical extensor muscle stiffness and visual analog scale (VAS) scores, age, and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed using Pearson's correlation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to investigate the diagnostic ability of superficial cervical extensor stiffness for CEH. Results: Superficial cervical extensor muscle stiffness on the headache side of patients with CEH was higher than that on the non-headache side and in healthy controls (p < 0.05). Increased stiffness was also observed in SCer on the non-headache side of patients with CEH compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01). In patients with CEH, SCer stiffness was positively correlated with VAS scores (r = 0.481, p = 0.037), but no correlation was found between other muscles and VAS scores (p > 0.05). The areas under the curve of TRAP, SPL, SCap, and SCer in diagnosing CEH were 0.766, 0.759, 0.964, and 1.000, respectively. Conclusions: Increased stiffness was observed in the superficial cervical extensor muscles on the headache side of patients with CEH. SCer stiffness was correlated with headache intensity in patients with CEH and may provide clues for the diagnosis of CEH.

ANGPTL4 regulate glutamine metabolism and fatty acid oxidation in nonsmall cell lung cancer cells.

Angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL) 4 is a key factor in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism in metabolic diseases. ANGPTL4 is highly expressed in various cancers, but the regulation of energy metabolism in tumours remains to be determined. This study explored the role of ANGPTL4 in aerobic glycolysis, glutamine consumption and fatty acid oxidation in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Two NSCLC cell lines (A549 and H1299) were used to investigate the role of ANGPTL4 in energy metabolism by tracer techniques and with Seahorse XF technology in ANGPTLs4 knockdown cells. RNA microarrays and specific inhibitors were used to identify targets in ANGPTLs4-overexpressing cells. The results showed that knockdown of ANGPTLs4 could inhibit energy metabolism and proliferation in NSCLC. ANGPTLs4 had no significant effect on glycolysis but affected glutamine consumption and fatty acid oxidation. Knockdown of ANGPTLs4 also significantly inhibited tumour metastasis and energy metabolism in mice and had a weak effect on glycolysis. RNA microarray analysis showed that ANGPTLs4 significantly affected glutaminase (GLS) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1). ANGPTLs4-overexpressing cells were exposed to a glutamine deprivation environment, and cell proliferation and energy metabolism were significantly decreased but still differed from normal NSCLC cells. Treatment of ANGPTLs4-overexpressing cells with GLS and CPT1 inhibitors simultaneously prevented the regulatory effects on cell proliferation and energy metabolism. ANGPTLs4 could promote glutamine consumption and fatty acid oxidation but not glycolysis or accelerate energy metabolism in NSCLC.

Effects of tanshinone B regulating LRP6/Wntl/p-catenin pathway on cognitive function of mice with vascular dementia / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the protective mechanism of tanshinone B on cognitive dysfunction in mice with vascular dementia.Methods C57BL/6 male mice were divided into control group, vascular dementia model group(VD group), tanshinone B group(TSB 2,4,8 mg·kg-1), donepezil hydrochloride group(1 mg·kg-1), according to the random number table method.The VD model was constructed by the coarctation of bilateral common carotid arteries in mice.Ten days after the successful modeling, the low, medium, and high-dose tanshinone B groups were intraperitoneally injected with tanshinone B, the positive control medicine group was intraperitoneally injected with donepezil hydrochloride, once a day, and the mice in control group and VD group were injected intraperitoneally with the same amount of normal saline for 20 d.Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory ability of mice in each group; the cortex and hippocampus of each group were separated, and MDA, SOD and GSH-Px were determined by spectrophotometry; the pathological changes in the hippocampus of each group were observed by HE staining.The expression of p-LRP6, LRP6, Wnt1 and β-catenin protein in the hippocampus of each group of mice were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with control group, the ability of memory was reduced, the content MDA increased(P<0.01), SOD and GSH-Px activities decreased(P<0.01), and significant pathological damage in hippocampus, the expression of p-LRP6, Wnt1, and β-catenin protein was significantly reduced in VD group(P<0.01).Compared with VD group, the learning and memory abilities of the mice were improved, the content of MDA decreased(P<0.01), the activities of SOD and GSH-Px increased(P<0.01), and the pathological damage in hippocampus was significantly improved.The expression of Wnt1 and β-catenin protein increased significantly in TSB treatment group(P<0.01).Conclusions TSB can improve the cognitive dysfunction of VD mice, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the LRP6/Wnt1/β-catenin pathway in hippocampus.

Electroacupuncture can alter bladder c-Kit expression in rats with urination disorders after a spinal cord injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on urodynamics and bladder c-Kit expression in rats with urination disorders after spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods:Complete spinal cord injury models were created in female Sprague-Dawley rats by transecting the spine at the thoracic or sacral level. On day 22 after the injury, the rats with successful modeling were randomized into a thoracic spinal cord injury (TSCI) group, a TSCI+ EA group, a sacral spinal cord injury (SSCI) group and an SSCI+ EA group, each of 10. Both EA groups were given 15 minutes of EA at the Guanyuan (CV4) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) points daily for 14 days. After the intervention, urination function was evaluated using bladder volume, compliance and residual urine volume. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe any morphological changes in bladder tissues. The gene and protein expression of c-Kit in bladder tissues were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions and western blotting.Results:Compared with the sham group, the bladder volume and compliance of the TSCI group decreased significantly, while the average residual urine volume increased significantly. In the SSCI group the average residual urine volume, bladder volume and compliance all increased significantly. The modeling altered the morphology of the bladder in all of the SCI rats. The average expression of c-Kit mRNA and protein increased significantly in TSCI group, but both decreased significantly in the SSCI group. EA improved the histological structure of the SCI rats′ bladders.Conclusions:EA can bi-directionally regulate bladder c-Kit expression, and that is a possible mechanism for improving urinary incontinence and urine retention after an SCI.

Evaluation of astigmatism-correcting efficiency and clinical effects after phacoemulsification with bifocal Toric intraocular lens implantation / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To assess the astigmatism-correcting efficiency and clinical effects of cataract phacoemulsification combined with bifocal Toric intraocular lens(IOL)implantation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis. The clinical data of 46 patients(46 eyes)with cataract complicated with regular corneal astigmatism by the treatment of cataract phacoemulsification and bifocal Toric IOL implantation in our hospital from August 2020 to September 2021 were included. The patients were followed up for 3mo after operation, and the changes of uncorrected distant visual acuity(UDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity(UNVA), best corrected distant visual acuity(BCDVA), best corrected near visual acuity(BCNVA)and astigmatism before and 1, 3mo after operation were evaluated. The IOL axial rotation was measured and calculated, and a questionnaire was conducted to investigate the necessity of using glasses at different distances and overall satisfaction.RESULTS:After operation at 1 and 3mo, there were significant differences in UDVA, BCDVA, UNVA and BCNVA compared with those before operation(all P&#x003C;0.001), and there was no significant difference in UDVA, BCDVA, UNVA and BCNVA at 1mo after operation and 3mo after operation(all P&#x003E;0.0167). At 3mo after operation, 46 eyes(100%)of UDVA reached 0.20(LogMAR), 40 eyes(87.0%)of UNVA reached 0.20(LogMAR). Astigmatism vector analysis showed that the mean preoperative corneal astigmatism in this group was 1.88±0.70D, and the centroid value was 0.61D@177°±1.93D, the mean residual astigmatism at 3mo postoperatively was 0.33±0.30D, and the centroid value was 0.03D@34°±0.45D. After operation at 3mo, the axial rotation of IOL was 3°(0°, 5°). Only 5 eyes(11%)required some degree of refractive correction for near or intermediate distances. 83%(38 eyes)were satisfied or very satisfied with the surgical results CONCLUSION: The implantation of bifocal Toric IOL during cataract surgery could effectively correct corneal regular astigmatism, improve uncorrected distance and near vision, and had high patient satisfaction.

Moxibustion alleviates decreased ovarian reserve in rats by restoring the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Moxibustion, a common therapy in traditional Chinese medicine, has potential benefits for treating decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). The present study investigates the protective effect of moxibustion in a rat model of DOR and explores the possible mechanisms.@*METHODS@#Sixty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, DOR, moxibustion (MOX), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The DOR rat model was established by intragastric administration of 50 mg/kg Tripterygium glycoside suspension (TGS), once daily for 14 days. MOX and HRT treatments were given from the day TGS administration was initiated. The ovarian reserve function was evaluated by monitoring the estrus cycle, morphological changes in ovaries, levels of serum estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), pregnancy rate and embryo numbers. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end-labeling staining was used to identify ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis, while the protein and mRNA expressions of Bax, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) in ovarian tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the DOR group, MOX improved the disordered estrous cycle, promoted follicular growth, reduced the number of atresia follicles, increased the concentrations of serum E2 and AMH, and decreased serum FSH and LH concentrations. More importantly, the pregnancy rate and embryo numbers in DOR rats were both upregulated in the MOX treatment group, compared to the untreated DOR model. Further, we found that the MOX group had reduced apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells, increased Bcl-2 expression and reduced expression of Bax. Furthermore, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was triggered by the moxibustion treatment.@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion improved ovarian function and suppressed apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in a rat model of DOR induced by TGS, and the mechanism may involve the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

β -Glucan Improves Protective Qi Status in Adults with Protective Qi Deficiency-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, and Double-Blinded Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To test the hypothesis that β -glucan enhances protective qi (PQi), an important Chinese medicine (CM) concept which stipulates that a protective force circulates throughout the body surface and works as the first line of defense against "external pernicious influences".@*METHODS@#A total of 138 participants with PQi deficiency (PQD) were randomized to receive β -glucan (200 mg daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. Participants' PQi status was assessed every 2 weeks via conventional diagnosis and a standardized protocol from which a PQD severity and risk score was derived. Indices of participants' immune and general health status were also monitored, including upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), saliva secretory IgA (sIgA), and self-reported measures of physical and mental health (PROMIS).@*RESULTS@#PQi status was not significantly different between the β -glucan and placebo treatment groups at baseline but improved significantly in the β -glucan (vs. placebo) group in a time-dependent manner. The intergroup differences [95% confidence interval (CI)] in severity score (scale: 1-5), risk score (scale: 0-1), and proportion of PQD participants (%) at finish line was 0.49 (0.35-0.62), 0.48 (0.35-0.61), and 0.36 (0.25-0.47), respectively. Additionally, β -glucan improved URTI symptom (scale: 1-9) and PROMIS physical (scale: 16.2-67.7) and mental (scale: 21.2-67.6) scores by a magnitude (95% CI) of 1.0 (0.21-1.86), 5.7 (2.33-9.07), and 3.0 (20.37-6.37), respectively, over placebo.@*CONCLUSIONS@#β -glucan ameliorates PQi in PQD individuals. By using stringent evidence-based methodologies, our study demonstrated that Western medicine-derived remedies, such as β -glucan, can be employed to advance CM therapeutics. (ClinicalTrial.Gov registry: NCT03782974).

Predictive value of preoperative abdominal adipose tissue measurement for early recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of preoperative abdominal adipose tissue measurement for early recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 238 patients with HCC who underwent surgical resection from January 2018 to January 2020 in 2 medical centers in China were collected, including 46 cases in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and 192 cases in the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University. There were 207 males and 31 females, aged 51(48,65)years. All patients underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery. Observation indicators: (1) measure-ment of abdominal adipose tissue; (2) follow-up; (3) analysis of influencing factors for early recurrence after resection of HCC; (4) prediction of early recurrence after resection of HCC. Follow-up was conducted by outpatient examinations and telephone interview to detect the postoperative survival of patients up to February 2022. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was performed by the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution was represented by M(range) or M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was performed by the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percen-tages, and the chi-square test was used for comparison between groups. Univariate analysis was conducted using the corresponding statistical methods based on data type. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Logistic regression model advance method. The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn, and the area under curve was used to evaluate the efficacy. Results:(1) Measure-ment of abdominal adipose tissue. Of the 238 patients, the total abdominal adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue, total adipose tissue index, visceral adipose tissue index, subcutaneous adipose tissue index were 292(198,355)cm 2, 153(99,194)cm 2, 128(95,154)cm 2, 106(76,130)cm 2/m 2, (57±27)cm 2/m 2, 46(34,58)cm 2/m 2 for 139 patients with early postoperative recur-rence, versus 174(114,251)cm 2, 78(50,110)cm 2, 88(55,127)cm 2, 64(42,91)cm 2/m 2, (30±16)cm 2/m 2, 31(19,46) cm 2/m 2 for 99 patients without early recurrence, respectively, showing significant diffe-rences between them ( Z=?7.39, ?7.87, ?5.03, ?7.25, t=?9.46, Z=?5.00, P<0.05). (2) Follow-up. All the 238 patients were followed up according to the plan. The survival time of 238 patients was 26(8,44)months. The survival time was 11(5,18)months for patients with postoperative early recur-rence, versus 36(32,43)months for patients without early recurrence, respectively. (3) Analysis of influencing factors for early recurrence after resection of HCC. Results of univariate analysis showed that body mass index, total adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue, total adipose tissue index, visceral adipose tissue index and subcutaneous adipose tissue index were related factors for early recurrence after resection of HCC ( t=?5.88, Z=?7.39, ?7.87, ?5.03, ?7.25, t=?9.46, Z=?5.00, P<0.05). Results of multivariate analysis showed that visceral adipose tissue index was an independent influencing factor for early recurrence after resection of HCC ( odds ratio=1.06, 95% confidence interval as 1.04?1.08, P<0.05). (4) Prediction of early recurrence after resection of HCC. According to the results of multivariate analysis, the receiver operating characteris-tic curve showed that the area under curve of visceral adipose tissue index was 0.80 (95% confidence interval as 0.75?0.86, P<0.05), with the sensitivity and specificity as 75.5% and 71.7%. Conclusions:Visceral adipose tissue index is an independent influencing factor for early recurrence after resection of HCC. The risk of early recurrence increases with the increase of visceral adipose tissue index.

Effectiveness of the WHO-authorized Covid-19 Vaccines: a Rapid Review of Global Reports till June 30, 2021

ObjectiveLarge clinical trials have proved the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccine, and the number of literature about the effectiveness is rapidly growing in the first half of year after mass vaccination was administrated globally. This rapid review aims to provide evidence syntheses as a means to complement the current evidence on the vaccine effectiveness (VE) against various outcomes in real-world settings. MethodsThis review is conducted based on the updated guideline of PRISMA 2020. Databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and MedRxiv) were searched up to 30 June 2021, (PROSPERO ID: 266866). The studies that assessed the VE of the 6 WHO-authorized vaccines (BNT162b2, ChAdOx1, Ad26.COV2.S, mRNA-1273, BBIBP-CorV, and CoronaVac) were eligible to be included. Quality assessment was performed based on ROBINS-I by 2 independent reviewers. FindingsA total of 39 studies were included, covering over 15 million of participants from 11 nations. Among the general population after 2 doses of vaccination, the VE against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was estimated at 89%-97%, 92% (95% CI, 78%-97%) and 94% (95% CI, 86%-97%) for BNT162b2, ChAdOx1 and mRNA-1273, respectively. As for the protective effects against B.1.617.2 related symptomatic infection, the VE was 88% (95% CI, 85.3%-90.1%) by BNT162b2 and 67.0% (95% CI, 61.3%-71.8%) by ChAdOx1 after fully vaccination. ConclusionThis review revealed a consistently high effectiveness of vaccines among the general population in real-world settings. Further studies are needed to provide the information on different races/ethnicity, the effects against SARS-CoV-2 variants, and the duration of protection with longer study time.

Effects of different hemodialysis methods on insulin resistance, inflammatory factors and coronary artery calcification in patients with non-diabetic end-stage renal disease / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To compare the effects of low flux and high flux hemodialysis on insulin resistance (IR), inflammatory factors and coronary artery calcification(CAC) in patients with non-diabetic end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and analyze the related factors affecting the prognosis survival of patients. 【Methods】 A total of 217 patients with non-diabetic ESRD treated in our hospital from February 2015 to April 2017 were selected and randomly divided into control group (n=108) and observation group (n=109) according to the random number table. Low flux and high flux hemodialysis were adopted respectively. Baseline data, renal function, lipid metabolism, inflammatory factors, IR, CAC, complications, outcomes and health and economic benefits of the two groups were compared. The patients were followed up for 3 years and divided into survival group (n=130) and death group (n=75). The clinical data of the two groups were compared and related factors affecting the prognosis and survival were analyzed. 【Results】 Scr, BUN, UAER, TC, TG and LDL-C in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment [control group: Scr (μmol/L)349.62±37.16 vs 201.73±24.58, BUN (mmol/L) 28.43±5.39 vs20.81±3.47, UAER(μg /min)60.14±11.52 vs 55.73±9.86, TC (mmol/L)5.46±0.93 vs 4.75±0.69, TG (mmol/L)2.58±0.64 vs 2.13±0.57, LDL-C(mmol/L)3.69±0.73 vs 2.45±0.60; observation group: Scr (μmol/L) 352.14±38.29 vs 136.85±16.47, BUN (mmol/L) 27.96±5.25 vs17.56±3.68, UAER(μg /min) 60.32±12.07 vs 49.85±7.42, TC (mmol/L)5.48±0.97 vs 4.27±0.56, TG (mmol/L) 2.55±0.62 vs 1.49±0.35, LDL-C(mmol/L) 3.72±0.74 vs1.91±0.48), and eGFR and HDL-C were significantly higher than those before treatment [control group: eGFR(mL/min/1.73m)29.32±3.25 vs 72.54±7.86, HDL-C(mmol/L)1.13±0.24 vs1.28±0.31, observation group: eGFR(mL/min/1.73m)30.05±3.29 vs 121.63±13.34, HDL-C(mmol/L)1.09±0.22 vs 1.57±0.46), differences between groups were statistically significant (P<0.05); FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and hs-CRP in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment [control group: FBG(mmol/L)4.99±0.95 vs 4.52±0.63, FINS(mU/L)12.93±2.54 vs10.15±2.21, HOMA-IR 2.87±0.54 vs 2.04±0.43, IL-6(pg/mL)120.16±13.54 vs 75.94±9.28, IL-8(mg/L)56.83±6.15 vs 41.52±5.38, TNF-α(ng/L)50.03±5.42 vs 45.62±4.81, hs-CRP(mg/L)26.75±2.79 vs 14.37±2.19; observation group: FBG(mmol/L)5.01±0.97 vs 4.11±0.56, FINS(mU/L)13.07±2.62 vs 8.86±1.79, HOMA-IR 2.91±0.55 vs 1.62±0.31, IL-6(pg/mL)119.85±12.91 vs 31.07±4.46, IL-8(mg/L)57.04±6.09 vs 32.65±4.27, TNF-α(ng/L)49.78±5.36 vs 40.15±4.27, hs-CRP(mg/L)23.04±2.82 vs 7.56±1.03], and the CACS score was significantly higher than that before treatment(control group: 26.75±2.79 vs 53.68±26.93, observation group: 27.04±2.82 vs 75.49±7.66), differences between groups are statistically significant (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the total incidence of complications during dialysis was significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.05), and has more economic advantages.Venerable age(OR=1.893, P<0.05), low HDL-C level(OR=0.575, P<0.05), high CACS score(OR=2.384, P<0.05), and high hs-CRP level(OR=3.526, P<0.05) were independent risk factors affecting the survival rate of non-diabetic ESRD patients after dialysis treatment (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Compared with low-flux hemodialysis, high-flux hemodialysis has significant effects in improving renal function, lipid metabolism, IR, micro-inflammatory state, and reducing CAC progression and complications, with more prominent cost-effectiveness advantages. HDL-C and Hs-CRP levels and CACS scores of patients should be closely monitored during clinical application, and active preventive measures should be taken to improve the survival rate of patients.