Tobramycin-resistant small colony variant mutant of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium shows collateral sensitivity to nitrofurantoin.

The increasing antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health challenge, threatening our ability to combat infectious diseases. The phenomenon of collateral sensitivity, whereby resistance to one antibiotic is accompanied by increased sensitivity to another, offers potential avenues for novel therapeutic interventions against infections unresponsive to classical treatments. In this study, we elucidate the emergence of tobramycin (TOB)-resistant small colony variants (SCVs) due to mutations in the hemL gene, which render S. Typhimurium more susceptible to nitrofurantoin (NIT). Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the collateral sensitivity in TOB-resistant S. Typhimurium SCVs primarily stems from disruptions in haem biosynthesis. This leads to dysfunction in the electron transport chain (ETC) and redox imbalance, ultimately inducing lethal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, the upregulation of nfsA/B expressions facilitates the conversion of NIT prodrug into its active form, promoting ROS-mediated bacterial killing and contributing to this collateral sensitivity pattern. Importantly, alternative NIT therapy demonstrates a significant reduction of bacterial load by more than 2.24-log10 cfu/g in the murine thigh infection and colitis models. Our findings corroborate the collateral sensitivity of S. Typhimurium to nitrofurans as a consequence of evolving resistance to aminoglycosides. This provides a promising approach for treating infections due to aminoglycoside-resistant strains.

Multifaceted roles of lymphatic and blood endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive review.

The tumor microenvironment is a complex network of cells, extracellular matrix, and signaling molecules that plays a critical role in tumor progression and metastasis. Lymphatic and blood vessels are major routes for solid tumor metastasis and essential parts of tumor drainage conduits. However, recent studies have shown that lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and blood endothelial cells (BECs) also play multifaceted roles in the tumor microenvironment beyond their structural functions, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This comprehensive review summarizes the diverse roles played by LECs and BECs in HCC, including their involvement in angiogenesis, immune modulation, lymphangiogenesis, and metastasis. By providing a detailed account of the complex interplay between LECs, BECs, and tumor cells, this review aims to shed light on future research directions regarding the immune regulatory function of LECs and potential therapeutic targets for HCC.

Characterization of an agmatine N-acetyltransferase from Bactrocera dorsalis that modulates ovary development.

Agmatine N-acetyltransferase (AgmNAT), which catalyzes the formation of N-acetylagmatine from acetyl-CoA and agmatine, is a member of the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase family. So far, knowledge of the physiological roles of AgmNAT in insects is limited. Here, we identified one gene encoding protein homologous to that of Drosophila AgmNAT using sequence information from an activity-verified Drosophila AgmNAT in a BLAST search of the Bactrocera dorsalis genome. We expressed and purified B. dorsalis AgmNAT in Escherichia coli and used the purified enzyme to define the substrate specificity for acyl-CoA and amine substrates. Our application of the screening strategy to BdorAgmNAT led to the identification of agmatine as the best amine substrate for this enzyme, with the highest kcat/Km value. We successfully obtained a BdorAgmNAT knockout strain based on a wild-type strain (WT) using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. The ovary development of the BdorAgmNAT knockout mutants was delayed for 10 days compared with the WT specimens. Moreover, mutants had a much smaller mature ovary size and laid far fewer eggs than WT. Loss of function of BdorAgmNAT caused by RNAi with mature WT females did not affect their fecundity. These findings indicate that BdorAgmNAT is critical for oogenesis. Our data provide the first evidence for AgmNAT in regulating ovary development.

SIRT5 exacerbates eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis through promoting polarization of M2 macrophage.

BACKGROUND: Previous study implied that local M2 polarization of macrophage promoted mucosal edema and exacerbates Th2 type inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). However, the specific pathogenic role of M2 macrophages and the intrinsic regulators in the development of CRS remains elusive. OBJECTIVE: We thought to investigate the regulatory role of SIRT5 in the polarization of M2 macrophages and its potential contribution to the development of CRSwNP. METHODS: RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses were performed to examine the expression levels of SIRT5 and markers of M2 macrophages in sinonasal mucosa samples obtained from both CRS and control groups. Wild-type and Sirt5 knockout mice were used to establish nasal polyp model with Th2 inflammation and investigate the effects of SIRT5 in macrophages on disease development. Furthermore, in vitro experiments were conducted to elucidate the regulatory role of SIRT5 in polarization of M2 macrophages. RESULTS: Clinical investigations showed that SIRT5 was highly expressed and positively correlated with M2 macrophages markers in eosinophilic polyps. The expression of SIRT5 in M2 macrophages was found to contribute to the development of the disease, which was impaired in Sirt5 deficiency mice. Mechanistically, SIRT5 was shown to enhance the alternative polarization of macrophages through promoting glutaminolysis. CONCLUSIONS: SIRT5 plays a crucial role in promoting the development of CRSwNP by supporting the alternative polarization of macrophage and thus provides a potential target for CRSwNP interventions.

Watching for a snake in the grass: Objectification increases conspiracy beliefs.

Objectification, being treated as a tool to achieve someone's instrumental goals, is a common phenomenon. A workplace supervisor may view employees solely in terms of their output; likewise, friends may be seen only for their potential for personal and social advancement. We conducted five studies (N = 1209) to test whether objectification increases conspiracy beliefs through thwarted trust and whether postobjectification increases in conspiracy beliefs carry behavioural implications. While conspiracy beliefs may have evolved as a strategy for survival, they may be considered maladaptive in the modern world. Therefore, understanding the antecedents, underlying mechanisms, and implications of conspiracy beliefs is essential. We measured (Study 1) and manipulated objectification (Studies 2-5), consistently finding that objectification decreased trust, thereby increasing conspiracy beliefs (Studies 1-5). This effect remained after considering negative emotions (Study 2). Increased conspiracy beliefs following objectification positively predicted unethical tendencies, and the effect of objectification on unethical tendencies was serially mediated by trust and conspiracy beliefs (Study 4). Restoring objectified people's trust weakened their conspiracy beliefs and unethical tendencies (Study 5). We discussed the implications of our findings, proposing directions for researchers, practitioners, managers, and policymakers for theoretical advancement, healthier coping, and promotion of well-being.

Identification of a novel hypoglycemic small molecule, trans-2, 4-dimethoxystilbene by rectifying gut microbiota and activating hepatic AMPKα-PPARγ pathway through gut-liver axis.

With the increasing prevalence of metabolic disorders, hyperglycemia has become a common risk factor that endangers people's lives and the need for new drug solutions is burgeoning. Trans-2, 4-dimethoxystilbene (TDMS), a synthetic stilbene, has been found as a novel hypoglycemic small molecule from glucose consumption test. Normal C57BL/6 J mice, mouse models of type 1 diabetes mellitus and diet-induced obesity subjected to TDMS gavage were found with lower glycemic levels and better glycemic control. TDMS significantly improved the symptoms of polydipsia and wasting in type 1 diabetic mice, and could rise their body temperature at the same time. It was found that TDMS could promote the expression of key genes of glucose metabolism in HepG2, as do in TDMS-treated liver, while it could improve the intestinal flora and relieve intestinal metabolic dysbiosis in hyperglycemic models, which in turn affected its function in the liver, forming the gut-liver axis. We further fished PPARγ by virtual screening that could be promoted by TDMS both in-vitro and in-vivo, which was regulated by upstream signaling of AMPKα phosphorylation. As a novel hypoglycemic small molecule, TDMS was proven to be promising with its glycemic improvements and amelioration of diabetes symptoms. It promoted glucose absorption and utilization by the liver and improved the intestinal flora of diabetic mice. Therefore, TDMS is expected to become a new hypoglycemic drug that acts through gut-liver axis via AMPKα-PPARγ signaling pathway in improving glycemic metabolism, bringing new hope to patients with diabetes and glucose metabolism disorders.

Feature Matching of Microsecond-Pulsed Magnetic Fields Combined with Fe3O4 Particles for Killing A375 Melanoma Cells.

The combination of magnetic fields and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to kill cancer cells by magneto-mechanical force represents a novel therapy, offering advantages such as non-invasiveness, among others. Pulsed magnetic fields (PMFs) hold promise for application in this therapy due to advantages such as easily adjustable parameters; however, they suffer from the drawback of narrow pulse width. In order to fully exploit the potential of PMFs and MNPs in this therapy, while maximizing therapeutic efficacy within the constraints of the narrow pulse width, a feature-matching theory is proposed, encompassing the matching of three aspects: (1) MNP volume and critical volume of Brownian relaxation, (2) relaxation time and pulse width, and (3) MNP shape and the intermittence of PMF. In the theory, a microsecond-PMF generator was developed, and four kinds of MNPs were selected for in vitro cell experiments. The results demonstrate that the killing rate of the experimental group meeting the requirements of the theory is at least 18% higher than the control group. This validates the accuracy of our theory and provides valuable guidance for the further application of PMFs in this therapy.

Transhiatal bilateral cervical approach for mediastinoscopy-assisted esophagectomy: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy (McMIE) procedure has various limitations, including surgical contraindications and a high rate of postoperative pulmonary complications. A novel mediastinoscopic esophagectomy procedure was described in this study by using esophageal invagination and a transhiatal and bilateral cervical approach (EITHBC). METHODS: According to the mode of operation, a total of 259 patients were divided into two groups, among which 106 underwent EITHBC and 153 underwent McMIE. The number of lymph nodes dissected, intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: The results revealed that the average number of resected lymph node in the EITHBC group was significantly higher in the recL106 and TbL106 stations (recL106: 1.75 vs. 1.51, p = 0.016, TbL106: 1.53 vs. 1.19, p = 0.016) and significantly lower in the 107 stations (1. 74 vs. 2. 07, p < 0.001) than in the McMIE group. The intraoperative blood loss in the EITHBC group was significantly lower than that in the McMIE group (63.30 vs. 80.45 mL, p < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in the EITHBC group was lower than that in the McMIE group (14.15% vs. 27.45%, p = 0.008). The incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis in the EITHBC group was significantly higher than that in the McMIE group (26.41% vs. 10.46%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Compared with the McMIE procedure, the EITHBC procedure has advantages in terms of removing the upper mediastinal lymph nodes and reducing postoperative pulmonary complications.

OSW-1 triggers necroptosis in colorectal cancer cells through the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway facilitated by the RIPK1-p62/SQSTM1 complex.

BACKGROUND: Necroptosis has emerged as a novel molecular pathway that can be targeted by chemotherapy agents in the treatment of cancer. OSW-1, which is derived from the bulbs of Ornithogalum saundersiae Baker, exerts a wide range of pharmacological effects. AIM: To explore whether OSW-1 can induce necroptosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, thereby expanding its range of clinical applications. METHODS: We performed a sequence of functional experiments, including Cell Counting Kit-8 assays and flow cytometry analysis, to assess the inhibitory effect of OSW-1 on CRC cells. We utilized quantitative proteomics, employing tandem mass tag labeling combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, to analyze changes in protein expression. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis was conducted to elucidate the biological processes associated with the identified proteins. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunofluorescence studies were also performed to examine the effects of OSW-1 on necroptosis. Finally, western blotting, siRNA experiments, and immunoprecipitation were employed to evaluate protein interactions within CRC cells. RESULTS: The results revealed that OSW-1 exerted a strong inhibitory effect on CRC cells, and this effect was accompanied by a necroptosis-like morphology that was observable via TEM. OSW-1 was shown to trigger necroptosis via activation of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway. Furthermore, the accumulation of p62/SQSTM1 was shown to mediate OSW-1-induced necroptosis through its interaction with RIPK1. CONCLUSION: We propose that OSW-1 can induce necroptosis through the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway, and that this effect is mediated by the RIPK1-p62/SQSTM1 complex, in CRC cells. These results provide a theoretical foundation for the use of OSW-1 in the clinical treatment of CRC.

ZNF554 Inhibits Endometrial Cancer Progression via Regulating RBM5 and Inactivating WNT/ß-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC), a kind of gynecologic malignancy, poses a significant risk to women's health. The precise mechanism underlying the development of UCEC remains elusive. Zinc finger protein 554 (ZNF554), a member of the Krüppel-associated box domain zinc finger protein superfamily, was reported to be dysregulated in various illnesses, including malignant tumors. This study aimed to examine the involvement of ZNF554 in the development of UCEC. METHODS: The expression of ZNF554 in UCEC tissues and cell lines were examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot assay. Cells with stably overexpressed or knocked-down ZNF554 were established through lentivirus infection. CCK-8, wound healing, and Transwell invasion assays were employed to assess cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Propidium iodide (PI) staining combined with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) flow cytometer was utilized to detect cell cycle distribution. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were conducted to examine relative mRNA and protein levels. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase reporter assay were used to explore the regulatory role of ZNF554 in RNA binding motif 5 (RBM5). RESULTS: The expression of ZNF554 was found to be reduced in both UCEC samples and cell lines. Decreased expression of ZNF554 was associated with higher tumor stage, decreased overall survival, and reduced disease-free survival in UCEC. ZNF554 overexpression suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while also inducing cell cycle arrest. In contrast, a decrease in ZNF554 expression resulted in the opposite effect. Mechanistically, ZNF554 transcriptionally regulated RBM5, leading to the deactivation of the Wingless (WNT)/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, the findings from rescue studies demonstrated that the inhibition of RBM5 negated the impact of ZNF554 overexpression on ß-catenin and p-glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (p-GSK-3ß). Similarly, the deliberate activation of RBM5 reduced the increase in ß-catenin and p-GSK-3ß caused by the suppression of ZNF554. In vitro experiments showed that ZNF554 overexpression-induced decreases in cell proliferation and migration were counteracted by RBM5 knockdown. Additionally, when RBM5 was overexpressed, it hindered the improvements in cell proliferation and migration caused by reducing the ZNF554 levels. CONCLUSION: ZNF554 functions as a tumor suppressor in UCEC. Furthermore, ZNF554 regulates UCEC progression through the RBM5/WNT/ß-catenin signaling pathway. ZNF554 shows a promise as both a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for UCEC.

Evaluation of the aroma and taste contributions of star anise (I. Verum hook. f.) in braised duck leg via flavor omics combined with multivariate statistics.

To promote the rationalized and standardized application of star anise in braised poultry products, the effects of different concentrations of star anise (0 %, 0.1 %, 0.2 %, 0.3 %, and 0.4 %) on the aroma and taste compounds intensities of braised duck legs from the perspective of flavor were evaluated by using flavor omics approach combined with multivariate statistics. The volatile flavor results showed that there were 17 key aroma compounds with odor activity values (OAVs) > 1, including aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, furans, hydrocarbons, and ethers. Most of the aroma compounds related to lipid oxidation were significantly inhibited when the concentration of star anise reached 0.2 %, especially inhibited the concentrations of the unpleasant off-odorants containing hexanal, heptanal, 1-octen-3-ol, and 2-pentyl-furan by 30.27 %, 15.08 %, 30.30 %, and 41.63 %, respectively. And the flavor intensities of these compounds were negatively correlated with the concentration of star anise. Additionally, star anise gave braised duck legs characteristic aroma such as floral and herbal notes. The taste results revealed that the maximum umami value (4.36 g MSG/100 g) of braised duck legs was observed when the concentration of star anise reached 0.2 %. Six flavor markers were obtained via PLS-DA model, and the flavors of braised duck legs with different concentrations of star anise were distinguished. This study provided a vital theoretical basis for the rational application and flavor control of star anise in braised poultry products.

Enantioselective Formal 1,2-Diamination of Ketenes with Iminosulfinamides: Asymmetric Synthesis of Unnatural α,α-Disubstituted α-Amino Acid Derivatives.

A method was developed for the enantioselective formal 1,2-diamination of disubstituted ketenes using iminosulfinamides as nitrogen sources. The protocol involves the addition of lithium iminosulfinamides to ketenes to form N-iminosulfinyl amide metalloenolates. These metalloenolates then undergo a [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement to yield unnatural α,α-disubstituted α-amino acid derivatives with high enantiopurity. The chirality present at the sulfur atom in the iminosulfinamides is effectively transferred to α carbon of the resulting products, facilitating the highly enantioselective amination of ketenes.

A reference-grade genome of the xerophyte Ammopiptanthus mongolicus sheds light on its evolution history in legumes and drought-tolerance mechanisms.

Plants that grow in extreme environments represent unique sources of stress-resistance genes and mechanisms. Ammopiptanthus mongolicus (Leguminosae) is a xerophytic evergreen broadleaf shrub native to semi-arid and desert regions; however, its drought-tolerance mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we report the assembly of a reference-grade genome for A. mongolicus, describe its evolutionary history within the legume family, and examine its drought-tolerance mechanisms. The assembled genome is 843.07 Mb in length, with 98.7% of the sequences successfully anchored to the nine chromosomes of A. mongolicus. The genome is predicted to contain 47 611 protein-coding genes, and 70.71% of the genome is composed of repetitive sequences; these are dominated by transposable elements, particularly long-terminal-repeat retrotransposons. Evolutionary analyses revealed two whole-genome duplication (WGD) events at 130 and 58 million years ago (mya) that are shared by the genus Ammopiptanthus and other legumes, but no species-specific WGDs were found within this genus. Ancestral genome reconstruction revealed that the A. mongolicus genome has undergone fewer rearrangements than other genomes in the legume family, confirming its status as a "relict plant". Transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that genes involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis and transport are highly expressed, both under normal conditions and in response to polyethylene glycol-induced dehydration. Significant induction of genes related to ethylene biosynthesis and signaling was also observed in leaves under dehydration stress, suggesting that enhanced ethylene response and formation of thick waxy cuticles are two major mechanisms of drought tolerance in A. mongolicus. Ectopic expression of AmERF2, an ethylene response factor unique to A. mongolicus, can markedly increase the drought tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants, demonstrating the potential for application of A. mongolicus genes in crop improvement.

Effect of multi-interface electron transfer on water splitting and an innovative electrolytic cell for synergistic hydrogen production and degradation.

The cleaning and utilization of industry wastewater are still a big challenge. In this work, we mainly investigate the effect of electron transfer among multi-interfaces on water electrolysis reaction. Typically, the CoS2, Co3S4/CoS2 (designated as CS4-2) and Co3S4/Co9S8/CoS2 (designated as CS4-8-2) samples are prepared on a large scale by one-step molten salt method. It is found that because of the different work functions (designated as WF; WF(Co3S4) = 4.48eV, WF(CoS2) = 4.41eV, WF(Co9S8) = 4.18 eV), the effective heterojunctions at the multi-interfaces of CS4-8-2 sample, which obviously improve interface charge transfer. Thus, the CS4-8-2 sample shows an excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity (134 mV/10 mA cm-2, 40 mV dec-1). The larger double-layer capacitance (Cdl = 17.1 mF cm-2) of the CS4-8-2 sample indicates more electrochemical active sites, compared to the CoS2 and CS4-2 samples. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation proves that due to interface polarization under electric field, the multi-interfaces effectively promote electron transfer and regulate electron structure, thus promoting the adsorption of OH- and dissociation of H2O. Moreover, an innovative norfloxacin (NFX) electrolytic cell (EC) is developed through introducing NFX into the electrolyte, in which efficient NFX degradation and hydrogen production are synergistically achieved. To reach 50 mA cm-2, the required cell voltage of NFX-EC has decreased by 35.2%, compared to conventional KOH-EC. After 2h running at 1 V, 25.5% NFX was degraded in the NFX EC. This innovative NFX-EC is highly energy-efficient, which is promising for the synergistic cleaning and utilization of industry wastewater.

Investigation on vehicle occupant dummy applicability for under-foot impact loading conditions.

PURPOSE: Under-foot impact loadings can cause serious lower limb injuries in many activities, such as automobile collisions and underbody explosions to military vehicles. The present study aims to compare the biomechanical responses of the mainstream vehicle occupant dummies with the human body lower limb model and analyze their robustness and applicability for assessing lower limb injury risk in under-foot impact loading environments. METHODS: The Hybrid III model, the test device for human occupant restraint (THOR) model, and a hybrid human body model with the human active lower limb model were adopted for under-foot impact analysis regarding different impact velocities and initial lower limb postures. RESULTS: The results show that the 2 dummy models have larger peak tibial axial force and higher sensitivity to the impact velocities and initial postures than the human lower limb model. In particular, the Hybrid III dummy model presented extremely larger peak tibial axial forces than the human lower limb model. In the case of minimal difference in tibial axial force, Hybrid III's tibial axial force (7.5 kN) is still 312.5% that of human active lower limb's (2.4 kN). Even with closer peak tibial axial force values, the biomechanical response curve shapes of the THOR model show significant differences from the human lower limb model. CONCLUSION: Based on the present results, the Hybrid III dummy cannot be used to evaluate the lower limb injury risk in under-foot loading environments. In contrast, potential improvement in ankle biofidelity and related soft tissues of the THOR dummy can be implemented in the future for better applicability.

Both Hostile and Benevolent Sexism Predict Men's Infidelity.

Infidelity has destructive effects on romantic relationships. Several idiographic characteristics or experiences in an intimate relationship have been linked to unfaithfulness. Yet, relatively little research has been paid to investigate how sexist beliefs might sabotage relationships by incurring infidelity. The present research examined the association between men's ambivalent sexism - hostile sexism and benevolent sexism - and men's infidelity as well as women's perception of the likelihood of men's infidelity. The results showed that men's hostile sexism and benevolent sexism predicted their increased infidelity (Studies 1 and 2). In addition, the indirect association between ambivalent sexism (both hostile sexism and benevolent sexism) and infidelity was through the importance placed on power in one's intimate relationship in general (Study 2). Importantly, women were unaware of benevolently sexist men's increased infidelity, such that women rated benevolently sexist men as having a lower likelihood of engaging in infidelity than hostilely sexist men and believed benevolently sexist men's infidelity level was similar to nonsexist men (Study 3). Therefore, these findings contribute to the psychology of infidelity by revealing that ambivalent sexism, both hostile sexism and benevolent sexism, are significant predictors. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Preliminary Exploration of the Biophysical Mechanisms of Pulsed Magnetic Field-Induced Cell Permeabilization.

Pulsed magnetic field treatment can enhance cell membrane permeability, allowing large molecular substances that normally cannot pass through the cell membrane to enter the cell. This research holds significant prospects for biomedical applications. However, the mechanism underlying pulsed magnetic field-induced cell permeabilization remains unclear, impeding further progress in research related to pulsed magnetic field. Currently, hypotheses about the mechanism are struggling to explain experimental results. Therefore, this study developed a parameter-adjustable pulsed magnetic field generator and designed experiments. Starting from the widely accepted hypothesis of "induced electric fields by pulsed magnetic field," we conducted a preliminary exploration of the biophysical mechanisms underlying pulsed magnetic field-induced cell permeabilization. Finally, we have arrived at an intriguing conclusion: under the current technical parameters, the impact of the pulsed magnetic field itself is the primary factor influencing changes in cell membrane permeability, rather than the induced electric field. This conclusion holds significant implications for understanding the biophysical mechanisms behind pulsed magnetic field therapy and its potential biomedical applications.

The development and external validation of a web-based nomogram for predicting overall survival with Ewing sarcoma in children.

Background: Ewing sarcoma remains the second most prevalent primary aggressive bone tumor in teens and young adults. The aim of our study was to develop and validate a web-based nomogram to predict the overall survival for Ewing sarcoma in children. Methods: A total of 698 patients, with 640 cases from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (the training set) and 58 cases (the external validation set), were included in this study. Cox analyses were carried out to determine the independent prognostic indicators, which were further included to establish a web-based nomogram. The predictive abilities were tested through the concordance index, calibration curve, decision curve analysis, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: As suggested by univariate and multivariate Cox analyses, age, primary site, tumor size, metastasis stage (M stage), and chemotherapy were included as the independent predictive variables. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values, calibration curves, concordance index, and decision curve analysis from training and validation groups suggested the model has great clinical applications. Conclusion: We developed a convenient and precise web-based nomogram to evaluate overall survival for Ewing sarcoma in children. The application of this nomogram would assist physicians and patients in making decisions.

Comparison of indocyanine green and blue-stained glue for preoperative localization for pulmonary nodules.

Background: In patients with pulmonary nodules undergoing computed tomography (CT)-guided localization procedures, a range of liquid-based materials have been employed to date in an effort to guide video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) procedures to resect target nodules. However, the relative performance of these different liquid-based localization strategies has yet to be systematically evaluated. Accordingly, this study was developed with the aim of examining the relative safety and efficacy of CT-guided indocyanine green (IG) and blue-stained glue (BSG) PN localization. Methods: Consecutive patients with PNs undergoing CT-guided localization prior to VATS from November 2021 - April 2022 were enrolled in this study. Safety and efficacy outcomes were compared between patients in which different localization materials were used. Results: In total, localization procedures were performed with IG for 121 patients (140 PNs), while BSG was used for localization procedures for 113 patients (153 PNs). Both of these materials achieved 100% technical success rates for localization, with no significant differences between groups with respect to the duration of localization (P = 0.074) or visual analog scale scores (P = 0.787). Pneumothorax affected 8 (6.6%) and 8 (7.1%) patients in the respective IG and BSG groups (P = 0.887), while 12 (9.9%) and 10 (8.8%) patients of these patients experienced pulmonary hemorrhage. IG was less expensive than BSG ($17.2 vs. $165). VATS sublobar resection procedure technical success rates were also 100% in both groups, with no instances of conversion to thoracotomy. Conclusions: IG and BSG both offer similarly high levels of clinical safety and efficacy when applied for preoperative CT-guided PN localization, with IG being less expensive than BSG.