Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain infection in China: A national multicenter survey of 35,566 individuals.

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the epidemiology of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to COVID-19 in China. Methods: This study was conducted by 45 tertiary Grade-A hospitals in China. Online and offline questionnaire data were obtained from patients infected with COVID-19 between December 28, 2022, and February 21, 2023. The collected information included basic demographics, medical history, smoking and drinking history, vaccination history, changes in olfactory and gustatory functions before and after infection, and other postinfection symptoms, as well as the duration and improvement status of olfactory and gustatory disorders. Results: Complete questionnaires were obtained from 35,566 subjects. The overall incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunction was 67.75%. Being female or being a cigarette smoker increased the likelihood of developing olfactory and taste dysfunction. Having received four doses of the vaccine or having good oral health or being a alcohol drinker decreased the risk of such dysfunction. Before infection, the average olfactory and taste VAS scores were 8.41 and 8.51, respectively; after infection, they decreased to 3.69 and 4.29 and recovered to 5.83 and 6.55 by the time of the survey. The median duration of dysosmia and dysgeusia was 15 and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% of patients having symptoms lasting for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate was 59.16%. Recovery was higher in males, never smokers, those who received two or three vaccine doses, and those that had never experienced dental health issues, or chronic accompanying symptoms. Conclusions: The incidence of dysosmia and dysgeusia following infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus is high in China. Incidence and prognosis are influenced by several factors, including sex, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, history of head-facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking and drinking history, and the persistence of accompanying symptoms.

An investigation of the prevalence and diversity of Anisakis in China: marine food safety implications.

Anisakis can cause Anisakiasis in humans if raw or undercooked fish is consumed. Symptoms of infection may include vomiting, acute abdominal symptoms, or allergies. In this study, we collected 187 commercially available marine fish from the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and South China Sea. Among them, 79 were found positive containing 520 Anisakis worms. The average prevalence rate was found 42% in this investigation. Ninety-two worms from different sea areas were selected and analyzed for identification, revealing the presence of five different species, which are Anisakis pegreffii, Hysterothylacium aduncum, Hysterothylacium zhoushanense, Hysterothylacium amoyense, and Hysterothylacium sp. In the meta-analysis, three databases: PubMed, CNKI, and BaiduXueshu were searched for surveys on the prevalence of Anisakis in Chinese waters from January 2000 to December 2023. A total of 26 studies were included in this analysis of which 25 publications were retrieved from different databases and one being the present study. The pooled prevalence of Anisakis was 45% among commercially available marine fish. Variances in the prevalence of Anisakis were noted among the four seas, with the highest rates in the East China Sea and the Bohai Sea, reaching 53% [0.38; 0.68] and 49% [0.36; 0.62], respectively. The Prevalence of Anisakis infection was significantly higher in astern parts such as Liaoning, Shanghai, and Zhejiang. Analysis of the host fish subgroups revealed that the orders of Anguilliformes, Scombriformes, and Gadiformes had high rates of infection. These findings suggest a significant prevalence of Anisakis, posing an increasing risk of infection for individuals. This study provides impactful information for implementing preventative measures against Anisakis.

Uncovering ghost introgression through genomic analysis of a distinct eastern Asian hickory species.

Ghost introgression, or the transfer of genetic material from extinct or unsampled lineages to sampled species, has attracted much attention. However, conclusive evidence for ghost introgression, especially in plant species, remains scarce. Here, we newly assembled chromosome-level genomes for both Carya sinensis and Carya cathayensis, and additionally re-sequenced the whole genomes of 43 C. sinensis individuals as well as 11 individuals representing 11 diploid hickory species. These genomic datasets were used to investigate the reticulation and bifurcation patterns within the genus Carya (Juglandaceae), with a particular focus on the beaked hickory C. sinensis. By combining the D-statistic and BPP methods, we obtained compelling evidence that supports the occurrence of ghost introgression in C. sinensis from an extinct ancestral hickory lineage. This conclusion was reinforced through the phylogenetic network analysis and a genome scan method VolcanoFinder, the latter of which can detect signatures of adaptive introgression from unknown donors. Our results not only dispel certain misconceptions about the phylogenetic history of C. sinensis but also further refine our understanding of Carya's biogeography via divergence estimates. Moreover, the successful integration of the D-statistic and BPP methods demonstrates their efficacy in facilitating a more precise identification of introgression types.

A driven Kerr oscillator with two-fold degeneracies for qubit protection.

We present the experimental finding of multiple simultaneous two-fold degeneracies in the spectrum of a Kerr oscillator subjected to a squeezing drive. This squeezing drive resulting from a three-wave mixing process, in combination with the Kerr interaction, creates an effective static two-well potential in the phase space rotating at half the frequency of the sinusoidal drive generating the squeezing. Remarkably, these degeneracies can be turned on-and-off on demand, as well as their number by simply adjusting the frequency of the squeezing drive. We find that when the detuning Δ between the frequency of the oscillator and the second subharmonic of the drive equals an even multiple of the Kerr coefficient K, [Formula: see text], the oscillator displays [Formula: see text] exact, parity-protected, spectral degeneracies, insensitive to the drive amplitude. These degeneracies can be explained by the unusual destructive interference of tunnel paths in the classically forbidden region of the double well static effective potential that models our experiment. Exploiting this interference, we measure a peaked enhancement of the incoherent well-switching lifetime, thus creating a protected cat qubit in the ground state manifold of our oscillator. Our results illustrate the relationship between degeneracies and noise protection in a driven quantum system.

An "off-on-enhanced on" electrochemiluminescence biosensor based on resonance energy transfer and surface plasmon coupled 3D DNA walker for ultra-sensitive detection of microRNA-21.

In this study, a novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor was developed to detect microRNA-21 (miRNA-21) with high sensitivity by leveraging the combined mechanisms of resonance energy transfer (RET) and surface plasmon coupling (SPC). Initially, the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) were coated with Cu-Zn-In-S quantum dots (CZIS QDs), known for their defect-related emission suitable for ECL sensing. Subsequently, a hairpin DNA H3 with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) attached at the end was modified over the surface of the quantum dots. The Au NPs could effectively quench the ECL signals of CZIS QDs via RET. Further, a significant amount of report DNA was generated through the action of a 3D DNA walker. When the report DNA opened H3-Au NPs, the hairpin structure experienced a conformational change to a linear shape, increasing the gap between the CZIS QDs and the Au NPs. Consequently, the localized surface plasmon resonance ECL (LSPR-ECL) effect replaced ECL resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET). Moreover, the report DNA was released following the addition of H4-Au NPs, resulting in the formation of Au dimers and a surface plasma-coupled ECL (SPC-ECL) effect that enhanced the ECL intensity to 6.97-fold. The integration of new ECL-RET and SPC-ECL biosensor accurately quantified miRNA-21 concentrations from 10-8 M to 10-16 M with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.08 fM, as well as successfully applied to validate human serum samples.

Risk perception in long-term evacuees of Futaba town, Fukushima: a cross-sectional study reveals greater concerns outside the prefecture, 12 years after the accident.

For over 12 years since the 2011 East Japan Earthquake, the decontamination of radioactive materials is still incomplete. Although evacuation orders had been lifted in ~15% of Futaba town, the site of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, by August 2022, anxiety regarding the effects of nuclear radiation persists among evacuees, and their intention to return (ITR) remains low. As of August 2023, only 90 residents lived there. As the only town with government functions relocated outside Fukushima Prefecture, Futaba has more residents who evacuated outside the prefecture. Although numerous factors affect risk perception and ITR to the place of previous residence, the impact of evacuation destination on risk perception remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of evacuation destination on radiation risk perception. In 2022, a survey was conducted on 404 evacuees aged >18 years. The responses were compared between groups outside and inside Fukushima using the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Significant relationships were found between the evacuation destination and risk perception of genetic effects in the next generation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-3.20) and of the health effects of radiation (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.10-2.84), which were both higher in those who had evacuated outside Fukushima. These findings stress the importance of evacuation destination choice and information access for evacuees' risk perception. Enhanced education and support efforts are necessary to help evacuees not only in Fukushima but also throughout Japan.

Modulation of the rat intestinal microbiota in the course of Anisakis pegreffii infection.

Background: Anisakis are globally distributed, marine parasitic nematodes that can cause human health problems, including symptoms such as vomiting, acute diarrhea, and allergic reactions. As parasitic nematodes that primarily affect the patient's digestive tract, intestinal helminths can interact directly with the host microbiota through physical contact, chemicals, or nutrient competition. It is widely accepted that the host microbiota plays a crucial role in the regulation of immunity. Materials and methods: Nematodes collected from the abdominal cavity of marine fish were identified by molecular biology and live worms were artificially infected in rats. Infection was determined by indirect ELISA based on rat serum and worm extraction. Feces were collected for 16S rDNA-based analysis of microbiota diversity. Results: Molecular biology identification based on ITS sequences identified the collected nematodes as A. pegreffii. The success of the artificial infection was determined by indirect ELISA based on serum and worm extraction from artificially infected rats. Microbiota diversity analysis showed that a total of 773 ASVs were generated, and PCoA showed that the infected group was differentiated from the control group. The control group contained five characterized genera (Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group, Turicibacter, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Candidatus Stoquefichus, Lachnospira) and the infected group contained nine characterized genera (Rodentibacter, Christensenella, Dubosiella, Streptococcus, Anaeroplasma, Lactococcus, Papillibacter, Desulfovibrio, Roseburia). Based on the Wilcoxon test, four processes were found to be significant: bacterial secretion system, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, bacterial chemotaxis, and ABC transporters. Conclusion: This study is the first to analyze the diversity of the intestinal microbiota of rats infected with A. pegreffii and to determine the damage and regulation of metabolism and immunity caused by the infection in the rat gut. The findings provide a basis for further research on host-helminth-microbe correlationships.

Mitochondrial calcium uniporter promotes kidney aging in mice through inducing mitochondrial calcium-mediated renal tubular cell senescence.

Renal tubular epithelial cell senescence plays a critical role in promoting and accelerating kidney aging and age-related renal fibrosis. Senescent cells not only lose their self-repair ability, but also can transform into senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) to trigger inflammation and fibrogenesis. Recent studies show that mitochondrial dysfunction is critical for renal tubular cell senescence and kidney aging, and calcium overload and abnormal calcium-dependent kinase activities are involved in mitochondrial dysfunction-associated senescence. In this study we investigated the role of mitochondrial calcium overload and mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) in kidney aging. By comparing the kidney of 2- and 24-month-old mice, we found calcium overload in renal tubular cells of aged kidney, accompanied by significantly elevated expression of MCU. In human proximal renal tubular cell line HK-2, pretreatment with MCU agonist spermine (10 µM) significantly increased mitochondrial calcium accumulation, and induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to renal tubular cell senescence and age-related kidney fibrosis. On the contrary, pretreatment with MCU antagonist RU360 (10 µM) or calcium chelator BAPTA-AM (10 µM) diminished D-gal-induced ROS generation, restored mitochondrial homeostasis, retarded cell senescence, and protected against kidney aging in HK-2 cells. In a D-gal-induced accelerated aging mice model, administration of BAPTA (100 µg/kg. i.p.) every other day for 8 weeks significantly alleviated renal tubuarl cell senescence and fibrosis. We conclude that MCU plays a key role in promoting renal tubular cell senescence and kidney aging. Targeting inhibition on MCU provides a new insight into the therapeutic strategy against kidney aging.

Synthesis of Azo-Substituted Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) via Base-Promoted Halogen Atom Transfer.

Because of the three-dimensional bioisosteric feature, bicyclo[1.1.1]pentylamines (BCPAs) are valuable scaffolds in synthetic chemistry and medicinal chemistry. Here, we report a Halogen Atom Transfer (XAT) mediated radical C-N coupling between C3-iodo-BCPs and diazonium salts in the presence of base. Similarly, a multicomponent reaction (MCR) enables the simultaneous construction of the C-C bond and C-N bond simultaneously. Versatile roles of diazonium salts were also explored.

[Anti-tumor mechanism of total saponins of Paridis Rhizoma on inducing ferroptosis of breast cancer MCF-7 cells].

This study aims to investigate the mechanism of total saponins of Paridis Rhizoma in inducing the ferroptosis of MCF-7 cells and provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of breast cancer with total saponins of Paridis Rhizoma. The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay was employed to examine the effects of different concentrations of total saponins of Paridis Rhizoma on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. A phase contrast inverted microscope was used to observe the morphological changes of MCF-7 cells. The colony formation assay was employed to test the colony formation of MCF-7 cells. The lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) release test was conducted to determine the cell membrane integrity of MCF-7 cells. The cell scratch assay was employed to examine the migration of MCF-7 cells. After that, the level of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in MCF-7 cells was observed by an inverted fluorescence microscope, and the content of Fe~(2+) in MCF-7 cells was detected by the corresponding kit. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure of MCF-7 cells. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins, such as p53, solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4), and transferrin receptor protein 1(TFR1) in MCF-7 cells. The results showed that 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, and 9 µg·mL~(-1) total saponins of Paridis Rhizoma significantly inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells, with the IC_(50) of 4.12 µg·mL~(-1). Total saponins of Paridis Rhizoma significantly damaged the morphology of MCF-7 cells, leading to the formation of vacuoles and the gradual shrinkage and detachment of cells. Meanwhile, total saponins of Paridis Rhizoma inhibited the colony formation of MCF-7 cells, destroyed the cell membrane(leading to the release of LDH), and shortened the migration distance of MCF-7 cells. Total saponins of Paridis Rhizoma treatment significantly increased the content of ROS, induced oxidative damage, and led to the accumulation of Fe~(2+) in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, total saponins of Paridis Rhizoma changed the mitochondrial structure, increased the mitochondrial membrane density, led to the decrease or even disappear of ridges, promoted the expression of p53 protein, down-regulated the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4, and up-regulated the expression of ACSL4 and TFR1. In summary, total saponins of Paridis Rhizoma can significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration of MCF-7 cells and destroy the cell structure by inducing ferroptosis.

[Changes in fingerprint and chromaticity values of Mori Cortex during stir-frying process].

This study aims to reveal the dynamics of the HPLC fingerprint, chromaticity values, and main chemical components of Mori Cortex during the stir-frying process. The fingerprints of raw and processed products of Mori Cortex were established. The content of mulberroside A, oxyresveratrol, kuwanon G, and kuwanon H in the samples and the chromaticity values of the samples were determined. Furthermore, the similarity evaluation of fingerprints and the correlation analysis between fingerprints and chromaticity values were carried out. The results showed that the fingerprints of raw and processed products of Mori Cortex had high similarity, and the overall changes in the content of the main chemical components in the stir-frying process were similar. According to the experience, when the stir-frying is moderate, the total chromaticity value difference |ΔE~*_(ab)| is above 1.5. With the extension of stir-frying time, the L~* and E~*_(ab) values keep decreasing, and the a~* value keeps increasing. The results of the correlation analysis between fingerprints and chromaticity values showed that peaks 1(5-hydroxy maltol), 2(mulberroside A), 3, 4, 6, 7, 11(oxyresveratrol), 14, 17(kuwanon G), and 18(kuwanon H) had significant correlations with the chromaticity values. Quantitative analysis of the four components with higher content showed that the content of the four components decreased to varying degrees when the stir-frying was excessive. In addition, 5-hydroxy maltol was produced after stir-frying of Mori Cortex, and the fingerprint and chromaticity values showed regular changes during the stir-frying process. The chromaticity can be included in the evaluation of the stir-frying process of Mori Cortex, which provides a reference for standardizing the quality of stir-fried Mori Cortex.

Experimental Virtual Distillation of Entanglement and Coherence.

Noise is, in general, inevitable and detrimental to practical and useful quantum communication and computation. Under the resource theory framework, resource distillation serves as a generic tool to overcome the effect of noise. Yet, conventional resource distillation protocols generally require operations on multiple copies of resource states, and strong limitations exist that restrict their practical utilities. Recently, by relaxing the setting of resource distillation to only approximating the measurement statistics instead of the quantum state, a resource-frugal protocol, "virtual resource distillation," is proposed, which allows more effective distillation of noisy resources. Here, we report its experimental implementation on a photonic quantum system for the distillation of quantum coherence (up to dimension four) and bipartite entanglement. We show the virtual distillation of the maximal superposed state of dimension four from the state of dimension two, an impossible task in conventional coherence distillation. Furthermore, we demonstrate the virtual distillation of entanglement with operations acting only on a single copy of the noisy Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) pair and showcase the quantum teleportation task using the virtually distilled EPR pair with a significantly improved fidelity of the teleported state. These results illustrate the feasibility of the virtual resource distillation method and pave the way for accurate manipulation of quantum resources with noisy quantum hardware.

Effects of Levosimendan on Diaphragmatic Dysfunction in Patients with Sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, our aim was to examine the effects of levosimendan on diaphragmatic dysfunction in patients with sepsis, as well as assess its impact on respiratory muscle contractility and the outcome of weaning. METHODS: This was a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Patients with diaphragmatic dysfunction and failure of spontaneous breathing trials (SBT) were randomly and equally assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received levosimendan at a loading dose of 6 µg/kg for 10 minutes, followed by a continuous infusion at 0.2 µg/kg/min. The control group received an equivalent dose of a placebo. The pre- and post-administration respiratory mechanics parameters of the patients were recorded. Evaluation of the effect of levosimendan on patients with sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction comprised arterial blood gas analysis as well as ultrasound measurements of diaphragm excursion (DE), diaphragm thickness (DT), diaphragm thickening fraction (TFdi), and diaphragm-rapid shallow breathing index (D-RSBI). RESULTS: Forty-four patients were enrolled in the study. We found that post-administration of levosimendan, the patients' tidal volume (GCSMV) increased, while the D-RSBI decreased, and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PACO 2 ) decreased when compared to the pre-administration levels. Additionally, following levosimendan administration, patients showed increased DE and pressure support (PS) when compared to before administration (1.14 ± 0.177 vs. 1.22 ± 0.170 cm and 0.248 ± 0.03 vs. 0.284 ± 0.06, respectively), and decreased D-RSBI (22.76 ± 6.14 vs. 20.06 ± 6.04, respectively), all of which were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). In contrast, in the control group of patients, there were no statistically significant differences in the post-administration levels of DE, TFdi, and D-RSBI as compared to the pre-administration period ( P > 0.05). Furthermore, in terms of weaning outcomes, we did not find any statistically significant difference in the number of patients in the two groups who eventually underwent weaning ( P = 0.545). CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that levosimendan enhanced diaphragm contractile function. However, further investigations are required to explore its effect on weaning outcomes in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.

T cell cholesterol transport is a metabolic checkpoint that links intestinal immune responses to dietary lipid absorption.

The intrinsic pathways that control membrane organization in immune cells and the impact of such pathways on cellular function are not well defined. Here we report that the non-vesicular cholesterol transporter Aster-A links plasma membrane (PM) cholesterol availability in T cells to immune signaling and systemic metabolism. Aster-A is recruited to the PM during T-cell receptor (TCR) activation, where it facilitates the removal of newly generated "accessible" membrane cholesterol. Loss of Aster-A leads to excess PM cholesterol accumulation, resulting in enhanced TCR nano-clustering and signaling, and Th17 cytokine production. Finally, we show that the mucosal Th17 response is restrained by PM cholesterol remodeling. Ablation of Aster-A in T cells leads to enhanced IL-22 production, reduced intestinal fatty acid absorption, and resistance to diet-induced obesity. These findings delineate a multi-tiered regulatory scheme linking immune cell lipid flux to nutrient absorption and systemic physiology.

Extensive targeted metabolomics analysis reveals the identification of major metabolites, antioxidants, and disease-resistant active pharmaceutical components in Camellia tuberculata (Camellia L.) seeds.

Sect. tuberculata plant belongs to the Camellia genus and is named for the "tuberculiform protuberance on the surface of the ovary and fruit". It is a species of great ornamental value and potential medicinal value. However, little has been reported on the metabolites of C. tuberculata seeds. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the metabolites of C. tuberculata seeds based on UPLC/ESI-Q TRAP-MS/MS with extensively targeted metabolomics. A total of 1611 metabolites were identified, including 107 alkaloids, 276 amino acids and derivatives, 283 flavonoids, 86 lignans and coumarins, 181 lipids, 68 nucleotides and derivatives, 101 organic acids, 190 phenolic acids, 10 quinones, 4 steroids, 17 tannins, 111 terpenoids, and 177 other metabolites. We compared the different metabolites in seeds between HKH, ZM, ZY, and LY. The 1311 identified different metabolites were classified into three categories. Sixty-three overlapping significant different metabolites were found, of which lignans and coumarins accounted for the largest proportion. The differentially accumulated metabolites were enriched in different metabolic pathways between HKH vs. LY, HKH vs. ZM, HKH vs. ZY, LY vs. ZY, ZM vs. LY and ZM vs. ZY, with the most abundant metabolic pathways being 4, 2, 4, 7, 7 and 5, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, among the top 20 metabolites in each subgroup comparison in terms of difference multiplicity 7, 8 and 13. ZM and ZY had the highest phenolic acid content. Ninety-six disease-resistant metabolites and 48 major traditional Chinese medicine agents were identified based on seven diseases. The results of this study will not only lead to a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the metabolic properties of C. tuberculata seeds, but also provide a scientific basis for the excavation and further development of its medicinal value.

[Clinical observation of sinus tarsi syndrome after lateral ankle sprain].

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence rate of sinus tarsi syndrome after lateral ankle sprain and observe the clinical efficacy of sinus tarsal corticosteroid injections. METHODS: From January 2021 to Janury 2022, 391 patients with lateral ankle sprain and 88 patients with sinus tarsi syndrome using corticosteroid injections (compound betamethasone 1 ml+ lidocaine hydrochloride 4 ml) were retrospectively analyzed. There were 22 males and 66 females, aged from 29 to 60 years old with an average of (41.00±7.52) years old, duration of the disease from 1 to 12 months with an average of (5.6±4.2) months. The visual analogue scale(VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS) scores were collected before, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: All 88 patients completed a 12-month follow-up. The incidence rate of sinus tarsi syndrome after lateral ankle sprain was 22.5%. One month after treatment, VAS was 1.20±0.89, AOFAS score was 88.70±7.04. Three months after treatment, VAS was 1.60±1.35, AOFAS score was 85.20±10.95. Six months after treatment, VAS 2.35±1.39, AOFAS 80.30±9.75. Twelve months after treatment, VAS was 2.80±1.51, AOFAS score was 79.1±9.94. Significant differences were found before and after treatment at all four time points of follow-up(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the incidence rate of sinus tarsi syndrome after lateral ankle sprain was 22.5%. Corticosteroid injections were effective in the short term with a 65% recurrence rate of symptoms within 1 year. For patients with no significant long-term effect of conservative treatment, clinicians may explore alternative approaches, including options like ankle arthroscopy.

Investigating the risk factors for nonadherence to analgesic medications in cancer patients: Establishing a nomogram model.

Objective: The substantial prevalence of nonadherence to analgesic medication among individuals diagnosed with cancer imposes a significant strain on both patients and healthcare resources. The objective of this study is to develop and authenticate a nomogram model for assessing nonadherence to analgesic medication in cancer patients. Methods: Clinical information, demographic data, and medication adherence records of cancer pain patients were gathered from the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University between April 2020 and March 2023. The risk factors associated with analgesic medication nonadherence in cancer patients were analyzed using the least absolute selection operator (LASSO) regression model and multivariate logistic regression. Additionally, a nomogram model was developed. The bootstrap method was employed to internally verify the model. Discrimination and accuracy of the nomogram model were evaluated using the Concordance index (C-index), area under the receiver Operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and calibration curve. The potential clinical value of the nomogram model was established through decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve. Results: The study included a total of 450 patients, with a nonadherence rate of 43.33%. The model incorporated seven factors: age, address, smoking history, number of comorbidities, use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), use of opioids, and PHQ-8. The C-index of the model was found to be 0.93 (95% CI: 0.907-0.953), and the ROC curve demonstrated an AUC of 0.929. Furthermore, the DCA and clinical impact curves indicate that the built model can accurately predict cancer pain patients' medication adherence performance. Conclusions: A nomogram model based on 7 risk factors has been successfully developed and validated for long-term analgesic management of cancer patients.

[Correlation between CRAB Symptoms and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Patients with Multiple Myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between clinical indicators of CRAB symptoms and antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: The activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the bone marrow supernatants of 44 patients with MM and 12 patients with non-malignant hematological diseases was detected by colorimetric assay, and then the differences in the activity of antioxidant enzymes between the two groups were compared. Furthermore, the relationship between the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the MM group and the levels of serum calcium, serum creatinine (Scr), hemoglobin (Hb), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as bone lesions were analyzed. RESULTS: The antioxidant enzyme activity was lower in MM patients compared with the control group (P < 0.05). When the concentrations of serum calcium and ALP were higher than the normal levels, Hb was lower than 85 g/L, and there were multiple bone lesions, the activity of CAT, SOD and GPX was significantly declined (P < 0.05); When the concentration of Scr≥177 µmol/L, the activity of GPX was significantly declined (P < 0.05). Regression analyses showed that CAT, SOD and GPX were negatively correlated with serum calcium (r =-0.538, r =-0.456, r =-0.431), Scr (r =-0.342, r =-0.384, r =-0.463), and ALP (r =-0.551, r =-0.572, r =-0.482). CONCLUSION: The activity of antioxidant enzymes, including CAT, SOD and GPX, were decreased in patients with MM and they were negatively correlated with some clinical indicators of CRAB symptoms (such as serum calcium, Scr, and ALP), which suggests that promoting the activity of antioxidant enzymes may be beneficial to treat the CRAB symptoms of the patients with MM.

Fusobacterium nucleatum induces chemoresistance in colorectal cancer by inhibiting pyroptosis via the Hippo pathway.

Chemotherapy resistance is one of the main reasons for the poor prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Moreover, dysbiosis of gut bacteria was found to be a specific environmental risk factor. In this study, enrichment of F. nucleatum was elucidated to be significantly associated with CRC recurrence after chemotherapy. Functional experiments showed that F. nucleatum could inhibit pyroptosis induced by chemotherapy drugs, thereby inducing chemoresistance. Furthermore, mechanistic investigation demonstrated that F. nucleatum could regulate the Hippo pathway and promote the expression of BCL2, thereby inhibiting the Caspase-3/GSDME pyroptosis-related pathway induced by chemotherapy drugs and mediating CRC cell chemoresistance. Taken together, these results validated the significant roles of F. nucleatum in CRC chemoresistance, which provided an innovative theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and therapy of CRC.