Predicting influenza-like illness trends based on sentinel surveillance data in China from 2011 to 2019: A modelling and comparative study1.

Background: Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease with a significant global disease burden. Additionally, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and its related non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have introduced uncertainty to the spread of influenza. However, comparative studies on the performance of innovative models and approaches used for influenza prediction are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to predict the trend of influenza-like illness (ILI) in settings with diverse climate characteristics in China based on sentinel surveillance data using three approaches and evaluate and compare their predictive performance. Methods: The generalized additive model (GAM), deep learning hybrid model based on Gate Recurrent Unit (GRU), and autoregressive moving average-generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (ARMA-GARCH) model were established to predict the trends of ILI 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-week-ahead in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Hubei, Chongqing, Guangdong, Hainan, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in China, based on sentinel surveillance data from 2011 to 2019. Three relevant metrics, namely, Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and R squared, were calculated to evaluate and compare the goodness of fit and robustness of the three models. Results: Considering the MAPE, RMSE, and R squared values, the ARMA-GARCH model performed best, while the GRU-based deep learning hybrid model exhibited moderate performance and GAM made predictions with the least accuracy in the eight settings in China. Additionally, the models' predictive performance declined as the weeks ahead increased. Furthermore, blocked cross-validation indicated that all models were robust to changes in data and had low risks of overfitting. Conclusions: Our study suggested that the ARMA-GARCH model exhibited the best accuracy in predicting ILI trends in China compared to the GAM and GRU-based deep learning hybrid model. Therefore, in the future, the ARMA-GARCH model may be used to predict ILI trends in public health practice across diverse climatic zones, thereby contributing to influenza control and prevention efforts.

LPS exposure alleviates multiple tissues damage by facilitating macrophage efferocytosis.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in mediating immune responses by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), as well as facilitating apoptotic cell (ACs) clearance (efferocytosis), thus contributing significantly to maintaining homeostasis and promoting tissue resolution. In this study, we investigate the impact of TLR agonists on macrophage efferocytosis. Our findings demonstrate that pretreatment with the TLR agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly enhances macrophage phagocytic ability, thereby promoting efferocytosis both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, LPS pretreatment confers tissue protection against damage by augmenting macrophage efferocytic capacity in murine models. Further examination reveals that LPS modulates efferocytosis by upregulating the expression of Tim4.These results underscore the pivotal role of TLR agonists in regulating the efferocytosis process and suggest potential therapeutic avenues for addressing inflammatory diseases. Overall, our study highlights the intricate interplay between LPS pretreatment and efferocytosis in maintaining tissue homeostasis and resolving inflammation.

Characteristics of a pseudolysogenic phage vB_YpM_HQ103 infecting Yersinia pestis.

The plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is a natural focal disease and the presence of Y. pestis in the environment is a critical ecological concern worldwide. The role of Y. pestis phages in the ecological life cycle of the plague is crucial. Previously, a temperature-sensitive phage named vB_YpM_HQ103 was isolated from plague foci in Yunnan province, China. Upon infecting the EV76 strain of Y. pestis, vB_YpM_HQ103 exhibits lysogenic behavior at 21 °C and lytic behavior at 37 °C. Various methods including continuous passage lysogenic tests, in vitro lysis tests, comparative genomic assays, fluorescence quantitative PCR and receptor identification tests were employed to demonstrate that the lysogenic life cycle of this phage is applicable to wild Y. pestis strains; its lysogeny is pseudolysogenic (carrying but not integrating), allowing it to replicate and proliferate within Y. pestis. Furthermore, we have identified the outer membrane protein OmpA of Y. pestis as the receptor for phage infection. In conclusion, our research provides insight into the characteristics and receptors of a novel Y. pestis phage infection with a pseudolysogenic cycle. The findings of this study enhance our understanding of Y. pestis phages and plague microecology, offering valuable insights for future studies on the conservation and genetic evolution of Y. pestis in nature.

Association Between Age and the 28-Day All-Cause Mortality in Tuberculosis Complicated by Sepsis in ICU Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Purpose: Age is considered a vital factor in intensive care units (ICUs) because of its association with physiological frailty, comorbidities, and immune system function. Previous studies have examined the association between age and prognosis in patients with tuberculosis (TB) or sepsis; however, the association between age and prognosis in ICU patients with TB complicated by sepsis is rare. This study aimed to assess the association between age and the prognosis of patients in the ICU with TB complicated by sepsis. Patients and Methods: Data from the ICU of the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu were analyzed using the multivariable Cox regression model, stratified analysis with interaction, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and threshold effect analysis to investigate the association between age and 28-day all-cause mortality in patients with TB complicated by sepsis. Results: In total, 520 patients diagnosed with TB and sepsis were enrolled (120 women [23.1%]; median age, 64 years). The association between age and risk of death exhibited a J-shaped curve on the RCS (P for nonlinearity = 0.001). In the threshold analysis, the hazard ratio for the risk of death was 1.104 (95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.16) in participants aged ≥66.2 years. The risk of death increased by 10.4% with every 1-year increase in age in patients with TB complicated by sepsis. No significant association was found between age and 28-day all-cause mortality in patients aged <66.2 years. Conclusion: A nonlinear relationship was observed between age and short-term all-cause mortality in patients in the ICU with TB complicated by sepsis. Patients with a higher age at admission may have a higher risk of death and require focused attention, close monitoring, and early treatment to reduce mortality.

Effectiveness and safety of thoracic manipulation in the treatment of neck pain: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of thoracic manipulation (TM) in patients with neck pain (NP). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of thoracic manipulation (TM) in patients with neck pain (NP). METHODS: Seven electronic databases were searched from their inception through October 2023 by two authors. The methodological quality assessments were performed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Pain, cervical range of motion (ROM), disability, and quality of life (QOL) were estimated for TM treatment in patients with NP. RESULTS: Eighteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 914 patients were included with a PEDro score of 6.923 ± 3.120. Pooled effect sizes of pain (SMD =-0.481, 95% CI -0.653 to -0.309, P= 0.000), disability (SMD =-1.435, 95% CI -2.480 to -0.390, P= 0.007), QOL-physical component score (PCS) (SMD = 0.658, 95% CI 0.290 to 1.025, P= 0.000), ROM of flexion (SMD = 0.921, 95% CI 0.287 to 1.555, P= 0.000), ROM of extension (SMD = 0.572, 95% CI 0.321 to 0.822, P= 0.000), ROM of left lateral flexion (SMD = 0.593, 95% CI 0.075 to 1.112, P= 0.025) and ROM of left rotation (SMD = 0.230, 95% CI 0.010 to 0.450, P= 0.04) were favored by the TM group. CONCLUSIONS: TM provides short-term effect on relieving neck pain, increasing cervical ROM, and disability in patients with NP without serious side effects. Continuous therapy and distraction therapy are recommended as optimal choice on reducing pain and improving cervical ROM, especially in patients with chronic NP (> 3 months). The TM-induced improvements in the QOL of patients with NP should be verified by more further high-quality RCTs.

Enhancing infectious diseases early warning: A deep learning approach for influenza surveillance in China.

Objective: This study aimed to develop a universally applicable, feedback-informed Self-Excitation Attention Residual Network (SEAR) model. This model dynamically adapts to evolving disease trends and surveillance system changes, accommodating various scenarios. Thereby enhancing the effectiveness of early warning systems. Methods: Surveillance data on influenza-like illness (ILI) was collected from various regions including Northern China, Southern China, Beijing, and Yunnan. The reproduction number (Rt) was estimated to determine the threshold for issuing warnings. The Self-Excitation Attention Residual Network (SEAR) was devised employing deep learning algorithms and was trained, validated, and tested. The SEAR model's efficacy was assessed based on five metrics: accuracy rate, recall rate, F1 score, confusion matrix, and the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: With an advance warning set at three days, the SEAR model outperformed five primary models - logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting, and Long Short-Term Memory model - in all five evaluation metrics. Notably, the model's warning performance declined with an increase in the early warning value and the number of warning days, albeit maintaining a ROC value over 0.7 in all scenarios. Conclusion: The SEAR model demonstrated robust early warning performance for influenza in diverse Chinese regions with high accuracy and specificity. This novel model, augmenting traditional systems, supports widespread application for respiratory disease outbreak monitoring. Future evaluations could incorporate alternative indicators, with the model continuously updating through data feedback, thus enhancing its universal applicability. Ongoing optimization, using iterative feedback and expert judgment, heralds a transformative approach to surveillance-based early warning strategies.

Mixed response to the first-line treatment of KRAS G12C inhibitor, sotorasib, in non-small cell lung cancer: A brief report.

Key Clinical Message: One Kirsten Ras (KRAS) G12C mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient had improved poor performance status and obtained mixed response with the first-line KRAS-targeted treatment of sotorasib. After disease progression, partial response was achieved with chemotherapy plus immunotherapy. KRAS G12C mutated immunoenvironment in NSCLC may favor the immunotherapy. Abstract: KRAS is one of the most commonly mutated genes, which used to be untargetable. The phase II CodeBreak 100 trial revealed 6.8-month median progress-free survival (PFS) and 12.5-month overall survival (OS) in previously treated KRAS G12C-mutant NSCLC patients treated with KRAS inhibitor, sotorasib. The specimens of the brain, lymph node (LN), and blood from the patient were analyzed by next-generation sequencing. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were performed for pathological characterization. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan were used for treatment response evaluation. The patient was diagnosed in a bad Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) with metastatic KRAS G12C-mutated lung adenocarcinoma who had achieved mixed response to sotorasib as the first-line treatment. Although 5-month PFS of the treatment with sotorasib was not surprising, the patient achieved significantly improved ECOG-PS score from 4 to 1. Subsequently, partial response (PR) was achieved with the treatment of pemetrexed plus pembrolizumab. This case highlights superior efficacy of first-line treatment with sotorasib for the advance untreated KRAS G12C-mutant patients. The high efficacy of the treatment with chemotherapy plus immunotherapy revealed that immunoenvironment of KRAS G12C-mutated patient may favor the immunotherapy.

Performance of an integrated sediment interceptor in removing phosphorus from agricultural drainage water.

Reducing phosphorus (P) loss from agricultural drainage water is challenging. In this study, we aimed to remove P from agricultural drainage water by developing an integrated sediment interceptor with adsorbent modules filled with Zr/Zn nanocomposite-modified ceramsite (ZMC-interceptor). The results of sequential chemical extraction and 31P NMR showed that the contents of H2O-P (1.15 % of total P), NaHCO3-Pi (10.48 % of total P), and ortho-P (orthophosphate, 90.6 % of total P) in the sediments of the ZMC-interceptors were higher than those in nearby field soils. The average enrichment ratios of particulate P (PP, >450 nm), medium-colloidal P (MCP, 220-450 nm), fine-colloidal P (FCP, 1-220 nm), and truly dissolved P (Truly DP, <1 nm) in the sediment over the field soil were 1.37, 1.21, 1.70, and 3.01, respectively. No significant differences were found in the sediment P-trapping function with and without ZMC integrated sediment interceptors. However, the ZMC-interceptors remarkably reduced total P (39.7 % for influent concentrations of 0.19-0.68 mg L-1) from agricultural drainage water compared to those unmodified ceramsite-interceptors (21.7 % for influent concentrations of 0.17-0.66 mg L-1) during the drainage 'window period' (June-August 2022). This was mainly due to the higher removal efficacies of MCP (19.7 %), FCP (23.3 %), and Truly DP (34.8 %) of the ZMC-interceptors. This study highlighted that the ZMC-interceptor not only trapped P in the sediment but also facilitated the removal of different-sized P fractionated from agricultural drainage water.

Multifunctional Self-Signaling nanoMIP and Its Application for a Washing-Free Assay of Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2.

Molecular imprinting techniques have attracted a lot of attention as a potential biomimetic technology, but there are still challenges in protein imprinting. Herein, multifunctional nanosized molecularly imprinted polymers (nanoMIPs) for human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) were prepared by epitope imprinting of magnetic nanoparticles-anchored peptide (magNP-P) templates, which were further applied to construct a competitive displacement fluorescence assay toward ACE2. A cysteine-flanked dodecapeptide sequence was elaborately selected as an epitope for ACE2, which was immobilized onto the surface of magnetic nanoparticles and served as a magNP-P template for imprinting. During polymerization, fluorescent monomers were introduced to endow fluorescence responsiveness to the prepared self-signaling nanoMIPs. A competitive displacement fluorescence assay based on the nanoMIPs was established and operated in a washing-free manner, yielding a wide range for ACE2 (0.1-6.0 pg/mL) and a low detection limit (0.081 pg/mL). This approach offers a promising avenue in the preparation of nanoMIPs for macromolecule recognition and expands potential application of an MIP in the detection of proteins as well as peptides.

Transcription directionality is licensed by Integrator at active human promoters.

A universal characteristic of eukaryotic transcription is that the promoter recruits RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) to produce both precursor mRNAs (pre-mRNAs) and short unstable promoter upstream transcripts (PROMPTs) toward the opposite direction. However, how the transcription machinery selects the correct direction to produce pre-mRNAs is largely unknown. Here, through multiple acute auxin-inducible degradation systems, we show that rapid depletion of an RNAPII-binding protein complex, Integrator, results in robust PROMPT accumulation throughout the genome. Interestingly, the accumulation of PROMPTs is compensated by the reduction of pre-mRNA transcripts in actively transcribed genes. Consistently, Integrator depletion alters the distribution of polymerase between the sense and antisense directions, which is marked by increased RNAPII-carboxy-terminal domain Tyr1 phosphorylation at PROMPT regions and a reduced Ser2 phosphorylation level at transcription start sites. Mechanistically, the endonuclease activity of Integrator is critical to suppress PROMPT production. Furthermore, our data indicate that the presence of U1 binding sites on nascent transcripts could counteract the cleavage activity of Integrator. In this process, the absence of robust U1 signal at most PROMPTs allows Integrator to suppress the antisense transcription and shift the transcriptional balance in favor of the sense direction.

Which Has a Greater Impact on Plant Functional Traits: Plant Source or Environment?

The deterioration of water quality caused by human activities has triggered significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Submerged macrophytes play an important role in freshwater ecosystem restoration. Understanding the relative contributions of the sources and environment to the adaptive strategies of submerged macrophytes is crucial for freshwater restoration and protection. In this study, the perennial submerged macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum was chosen as the experimental material due to its high adaptability to a variable environment. Through conducting reciprocal transplant experiments in two different artificial environments (oligotrophic and eutrophic), combined with trait network and redundancy analysis, the characteristics of the plant functional traits were examined. Furthermore, the adaptive strategies of M. spicatum to the environment were analyzed. The results revealed that the plant source mainly influenced the operational pattern among the traits, and the phenotypic traits were significantly affected by environmental factors. The plants cultured in high-nutrient water exhibited a higher plant height, longer leaves, and more branches and leaves. However, their physiological functions were not significantly affected by the environment. Therefore, the adaptation strategy of M. spicatum to the environment mainly relies on its phenotypic plasticity to ensure the moderate acquisition of resources in the environment, thereby ensuring the stable and efficient operation of plant physiological traits. The results not only offered compelling evidence on the adaptation strategies of M. spicatum in variable environments but also provided theoretical support for the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development.

The Potential Mediating Effect of Symptom Burden on Demoralization Through Locus of Control and Coping Strategies in Chinese Patients With Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Demoralization is a psychological syndrome that is highly prevalent in patients with cancer and detrimental to individuals' physical and mental health. To explore effective intervention, we first determined the relationships between locus of control, coping strategies, symptom burden, and demoralization. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between symptom burden, locus of control, coping strategies, and demoralization in patients with cancer. METHODS: In this descriptive-correlational study, 273 valid patients were selected with convenience sampling method from a hospital in China. Data were collected using the Chinese version of the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory, the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the Chinese version of the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, and the Mandarin version of the Demoralization Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS and AMOS. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients (42.12%) experienced clinical demoralization (Mandarin version of the Demoralization Scale > 30). Symptom burden (ß = 0.295, P < .001), confrontation (ß = -0.117, P = .028), and resignation (ß = 0.456, P < .001) had direct effects on demoralization. Symptom burden also had an indirect effect on demoralization through the mediating role of resignation (ß = 0.026, P = .002). Meanwhile, locus of control can affect demoralization entirely through the indirect mediating role of coping strategies (chance locus of control via resignation [ß = 0.138, P < .01], powerful locus of control via confrontation [ß = -0.017, P < .05]). CONCLUSIONS: Symptom burden affects demoralization not only directly but also indirectly. Coping strategies play an important mediating role between symptom burden, locus of control, and demoralization in patients with cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It is urgent to screen demoralization and identify patients with high symptom burden, maladaptive locus of control, or coping strategies. For the patients targeted, a more comprehensive and systematic approach to symptom management and more appropriate guidance related to adaptive coping strategies are needed.

Effect of E-waste copper alloy additions on the microstructure and organization of Cu90PSn brazing joints.

The effects of different contents of e-waste alloy on the microstructure and joint properties of Cu90PSn brazing filler metal was investigated during copper and copper brazing. Microstructure of base metal and brazing filler metal was studied with scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The properties of brazing joint obtained by adding different electronic waste filler metal for smelting copper alloy were compared together. The results indicated that the fluidity of Cu90PSn brazing filler metal was weakened and the spreading property of Cu90PSn brazing filler metal was damaged after the addition of e-waste copper alloy. The structure of Cu90PSn brazing filler metal is mainly composed of (Cu), Cu3P and (Cu,Sn) compounds. When a small amount of electronic waste copper alloy is added, a trace amount of Fe in the brazing filler metal is distributed in the matrix structure of the filler metal in the form of solid solution. With the increase of copper alloys contents by smelting e-waste, Fe content in Cu90PSn brazing filler metal increases; the granular Fe3P phosphide changes into lamellar form. The Cu3P compound phase changes from continuous large orderly arrangement to discontinuous small block structure. Therefore, adding a trace amount of electronic waste copper alloy to the solder induction brazing copper/copper can obtain a uniform composition of the brazing structure. And the welding performance is not affected. However, As the content of e-waste smelted copper alloy continues to increase, the tensile strength shows a downward trend, which is attributed to the presence of brittle compound Fe3P in the joint.

Recent Progress on Copper-Based Bimetallic Heterojunction Catalysts for CO2 Electrocatalysis: Unlocking the Mystery of Product Selectivity.

Copper-based bimetallic heterojunction catalysts facilitate the deep electrochemical reduction of CO2 (eCO2RR) to produce high-value-added organic compounds, which hold significant promise. Understanding the influence of copper interactions with other metals on the adsorption strength of various intermediates is crucial as it directly impacts the reaction selectivity. In this review, an overview of the formation mechanism of various catalytic products in eCO2RR is provided and highlight the uniqueness of copper-based catalysts. By considering the different metals' adsorption tendencies toward various reaction intermediates, metals are classified, including copper, into four categories. The significance and advantages of constructing bimetallic heterojunction catalysts are then discussed and delve into the research findings and current development status of different types of copper-based bimetallic heterojunction catalysts. Finally, insights are offered into the design strategies for future high-performance electrocatalysts, aiming to contribute to the development of eCO2RR to multi-carbon fuels with high selectivity.

Comparative study between remifentanil (or fentanyl) and dexmedetomidine for the analgesia of rhinoplasty: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Remifentanil (or fentanyl) and dexmedetomidine may have some potential to improve the analgesia of rhinoplasty, and this meta-analysis aims to compare their efficacy for the analgesia of rhinoplasty. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched, and we included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the analgesic effect of remifentanil (or fentanyl) versus dexmedetomidine for rhinoplasty. RESULTS: Four RCTs were finally included in the meta-analysis. In patients undergoing rhinoplasty, remifentanil (or fentanyl) infusion and dexmedetomidine infusion resulted in similar good patient satisfaction (odd ratio [OR] = 2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63 to 11.64; P = .18), good surgeon satisfaction (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 0.02 to 181.40; P = .83), extubation time (mean difference [MD] = 7.56; 95% CI = -11.00 to 26.12; P = .42), recovery time (MD = -2.25; 95% CI = -23.41 to 18.91; P = .83), additional analgesic requirement (OR = 0.16; 95% CI = 0 to 8.65; P = .37) and adverse events (OR = 8.50; 95% CI = 0.47 to 153.30; P = .15). CONCLUSIONS: Remifentanil (or fentanyl) and dexmedetomidine may have comparable analgesia for patients undergoing rhinoplasty.

Subgenome-aware analyses reveal the genomic consequences of ancient allopolyploid hybridizations throughout the cotton family.

Malvaceae comprise some 4,225 species in 243 genera and nine subfamilies and include economically important species, such as cacao, cotton, durian, and jute, with cotton an important model system for studying the domestication of polyploids. Here, we use chromosome-level genome assemblies from representatives of five or six subfamilies (depending on the placement of Ochroma) to differentiate coexisting subgenomes and their evolution during the family's deep history. The results reveal that the allohexaploid Helicteroideae partially derive from an allotetraploid Sterculioideae and also form a component of the allodecaploid Bombacoideae and Malvoideae. The ancestral Malvaceae karyotype consists of 11 protochromosomes. Four subfamilies share a unique reciprocal chromosome translocation, and two other subfamilies share a chromosome fusion. DNA alignments of single-copy nuclear genes do not yield the same relationships as inferred from chromosome structural traits, probably because of genes originating from different ancestral subgenomes. These results illustrate how chromosome-structural data can unravel the evolutionary history of groups with ancient hybrid genomes.

Comparison of the prognostic effect of pyrotinib plus trastuzumab and chemotherapy different lines therapy in HER2-positive advanced breast cancer.

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of pyrotinib, trastuzumab combined with chemotherapy with different lines therapy in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2- (HER2-) positive advanced breast cancer (ABC) and analyze the factors affecting the prognosis. A total of 84 patients with median age of 49 year-old. The mPFS of patients receiving first-line pyrotinib plus trastuzumab and chemotherapy was the longest (11 months) compared with second- and third line patients (p = 0.106). The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) of the total population were 33.3% and 82.1% respectively. Subgroup analysis suggested that using pyrotinib plus trastuzumab and Albumin-bound paclitaxel was not inferior to combine with Vinorelbine in regards of PFS. Histological grade (OR: 0.233[0.069 ∼ 0.781], p = 0.018) and tumor location (OR: 0.286[0.087 ∼ 0.942], p = 0.040) were independent factors influencing the ORR. Multivariate cox analysis showed that Ki-67 was independently associated with increased risk of progression (HR: 1.843[1.044-3.254], p = 0.035). The most common adverse events were diarrhea (17.9%) and neutropenia (11.9%). In the first-, second- and third-line treatment, pyrotinib plus trastuzumab and chemotherapy is effective and safe. Pyrotinib and trastuzumab combined with Albumin-bound paclitaxel may be a potential ideal treatment plan for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer.

Identification of novel molecules and pathways associated with fascin actin­bundling protein 1 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma through comprehensive transcriptome analysis.

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Fascin actin­bundling protein 1 (FSCN1) has been reported to play a crucial role in the development and progression of LSCC; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Herein, a whole transcriptome microarray analysis was performed to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cells in which FSCN1 was knocked down. A total of 462 up and 601 downregulated mRNA transcripts were identified. Functional annotation analysis revealed that these DEGs were involved in multiple biological functions, such as transcriptional regulation, response to radiation, focal adhesion, extracellular matrix­receptor interaction, steroid biosynthesis and others. Through co­expression and protein­protein interaction analysis, FSCN1 was linked to novel functions, including defense response to virus and steroid biosynthesis. Furthermore, crosstalk analysis with FSCN1­interacting proteins revealed seven DEGs, identified as FSCN1­interacting partners, in LSCC cells, three of which were selected for further validation. Co­immunoprecipitation validation confirmed that FSCN1 interacted with prostaglandin reductase 1 and 24­dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR24). Of note, DHCR24 is a key enzyme involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, and its overexpression promotes the proliferation and migration of LSCC cells. These findings suggest that DHCR24 is a novel molecule associated with FSCN1 in LSCC, and that the FSCN1­DHCR24 interaction may promote LSCC progression by regulating cholesterol metabolism­related signaling pathways.

The association between smoking and family health with the mediation role of personality among Chinese people: nationwide cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There may be unexplored interactions between family health, personality, and smoking that could help provide new perspectives on tobacco control. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the health of one's family and their smoking habits, as well as investigate the potential influence of personality on this relationship. METHODS: For this cross-sectional investigation, a national survey conducted in China in 2022 recruited a total of 21,916 individuals. The Family Health Scale was utilized to assess the health of the family. The 10-item Big Five Inventory scale was utilized to assess the Big five personality traits. The relationship between big five personality, family health, and smoking were investigated using binary and linear logistic regression. The indirect effects mediated by Big five personality were analyzed using mediation analysis with Sobel tests, and the indirect effects were composited using the Karlson-Holm-Breen method. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of smoking in the study population was 14.87%, 26.19% for males and 3.54% for females. Urban and rural smoking prevalence was 13.81% and 16.10% respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between smoking and family health (odds ratio 0.964, 95% CI 0.959, 0.970, P < 0.001) with covariates controlled. The Karlson-Holm-Breen composition facilitated the connection between extraversion (47.81%) and nervousness (52.19%). CONCLUSIONS: Preventive interventions for smoking behavior should prioritize family health and the Big five personality as significant areas to focus on. According to this study, in addition to implementing various interventions for different personalities, family health should be strengthened to reduce smoking behavior.

Polyphyllin â ¢ regulates EMT of lung cancer cells through GSK-3ß/ß-catenin pathway.

Background: Some studies have found that the application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of lung cancer has achieved satisfying results. Polyphyllin Ⅲ (PP Ⅲ) is a natural steroid saponin from P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, and its analogs have played a wide role in anticancer research. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PP Ⅲ on the development of lung cancer and its molecular mechanism. Methods: A549 and NCI-H1299 cell lines were treated with PP Ⅲ in gradient concentration to detect the IC50 of the cells, and the optimal concentration was selected for subsequent experiments. The effects of PP III treatment on lung cancer were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Results: In vitro experiments, it was found that the proliferation, invasion, migration, and colony formation ability of cancer cells were significantly reduced after PP III treatment, while accompanied by a large number of cell apoptosis. Further detection showed that N-cadherin was significantly decreased, E-cadherin was increased, and Snail and Twist were decreased in A549 cells and NCI-H1299 cells, respectively. In addition, GSK-3ß expression was increased, while ß-catenin expression was reduced with PP III treatment. In the mouse model, it was demonstrated that the volume of transplanted tumors was significantly reduced after PP Ⅲ treatment. Conclusions: PP Ⅲ has the capacity to inhibit the progression of lung cancer and regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition through the GSK-3ß/ß-catenin pathway to suppress the malignant behavior of cancer cells. The application of PP Ⅲ is expected to be an effective method for the treatment of lung cancer.