Efficacy of different strategies for reducing labor pain: A Bayesian analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of different medical interventions in managing labor pain has yielded mixed results. Therefore, this systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the available evidence on the impact of different strategies for reducing labor pain. METHODS: We systematically searched 3 English databases (Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane Library) from inception to January 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials that investigating the effects of different strategies for reducing labor pain were included in this network meta-analysis. Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed using the Cochrane ROB tools. Network meta-analysis was performed using the R software (version 4.2.1) with gemtc package. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies involving 823 patients, including 9 treatments (acupressure, birth ball exercise, Bonapace method, distraction techniques, ice pressure, LI4 acupressure, lidocaine spray, smartphone-based music intervention and placebo). The surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) shows that Bonapace method ranked first (SUCRA, 79.5%), LI4 acupressure ranked second (SUCRA, 65.6%), distraction technique ranked third (SUCRA, 57.6%), birth ball exercise ranked fourth (SUCRA, 51.8%). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the network meta-analysis, among the different strategies examined, the Bonapace Method stands out as the most effective nonpharmacological intervention for reducing labor pain. The results of this meta-analysis can aid both patients and healthcare professionals in choosing the most effective techniques to reduce labor pain.

Carrimycin ameliorates lipopolysaccharide and cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis in mice.

Carrimycin (CA), sanctioned by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in 2019 for treating acute bronchitis and sinusitis, has recently been observed to exhibit multifaceted biological activities, encompassing anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-tumor properties. Despite these applications, its efficacy in sepsis treatment remains unexplored. This study introduces a novel function of CA, demonstrating its capacity to mitigate sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice models. Our research employed in vitro assays, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and RNA-seq analysis to establish that CA significantly reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), in response to LPS stimulation. Additionally, Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays revealed that CA impedes Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) activation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Complementing these findings, in vivo experiments demonstrated that CA effectively alleviates LPS- and CLP-triggered organ inflammation in C57BL/6 mice. Further insights were gained through 16S sequencing, highlighting CA's pivotal role in enhancing gut microbiota diversity and modulating metabolic pathways, particularly by augmenting the production of short-chain fatty acids in mice subjected to CLP. Notably, a comparative analysis revealed that CA's anti-inflammatory efficacy surpasses that of equivalent doses of aspirin (ASP) and TIENAM. Collectively, these findings suggest that CA exhibits significant therapeutic potential in sepsis treatment. This discovery provides a foundational theoretical basis for the clinical application of CA in sepsis management.

Improving the accuracy of the SRK/T formula in Chinese with implanting less than 10 D IOL calculated by the SRK/T formula: the SRK/T-Li formula.

PURPOSE: To explore the accuracy of the improved SRK/T-Li formula in eyes following implantation of intraocular lens (IOL) of less than 10 D as calculated by using the SRK/T formula in Chinese. METHODS: A total of 489 eyes from 489 patients with cataracts were included in this study. These patients were divided into a training set (271 patients) and a testing set (218 patients). The IOL power calculated by using SRK/T was less than 10 D. We evaluated the accuracy of the modified SRK/T-Li formula (P = PSRK/T × 0.8 + 2 (P = implanted IOL power; PSRK/T = IOL power calculated by SRK/T)). We evaluated the mean absolute error (MAE), percentage of prediction error (PE) within ± 0.25, ± 0.50, and ± 1.00 D, and the percentage of postoperative hyperopia. RESULTS: The MAE values in order of lowest to highest were as follows: 0.412 D (SRK/T-Li), 0.414 D (Barrett Universal II, (BUII)), 0.814 D (SRK/T), and 1.039 D (Holladay 1). The percentage of PE within ± 0.25 D, ± 0.50 D, and ± 1.00 D was 38.99%, 69.27% and 92.66% (BUII), 40.83%, 69.27% and 94.04% (SRK/T-Li), 20.64%, 41.28% and 71.56% (SRK/T), and 7.34%, 16.51% and 53.21% (Holladay 1), respectively. SRK/T-Li had the smallest postoperative hyperopic shift. CONCLUSIONS: For Chinese patients with an IOL power of less than 10 D as calculated by using the SRK/T, the SRK/T-Li has good accuracy and is the best choice to reduce postoperative hyperopic shift.

GLP-1RAs inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway to regulate mouse renal podocyte pyroptosis.

OBJECTIVE: Podocytes are closely related to renal function as an important part of the glomerulus. The reduction and damage of podocytes lead to further decline of renal function and aggravate the progression of DKD. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAS) have recently attracted great attention in improving podocyte dysfunction, but the specific mechanism remains uncertain. METHODS: We used mouse kidney podocyte MPC5 to construct a high-glucose injury model. Cell viability was detected by the MTT method; RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to detect the expressions of NF-κB p65, NLRP3, GSDMD, N-GSDMD, caspase-1 and cleaved-caspase-1, and we used ELISA to detect the expressions of inflammatory factors IL-1ß and IL-18. RESULTS: Our results showed that high glucose decreased podocyte survival, while liraglutide and semaglutide increased podocyte survival under high glucose. Liraglutide and semaglutide can inhibit the expression of pyroptosis-related genes and proteins and also inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors IL-1ß, IL-18 increase. CONCLUSION: The protective effect of liraglutide and semaglutide on podocytes may be achieved by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis, and there were no significant differences between the two GLP-1RAs (liraglutide and semaglutide) in inhibiting podocyte pyroptosis.

Prevalence of workplace violence in Chinese obstetric nurses under the new situation and its correlation with violence prevention knowledge-attitude-practice and climate perception: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence severely impacts individual nurses. With the three-child opening policy of China and the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic in the recently years, obstetric nurses face the double attack of heavy workload and staffing shortage. This study aimed to evaluate the current situation of workplace violence among Chinese obstetric nurses under the new situation, assess the level of violence prevention knowledge-attitude-practice and climate perception in Chinese obstetric nurses and explore the correlation between workplace violence and the level of violence prevention knowledge-attitude-practice and climate perception. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey on the workplace violence for Chinese obstetric nurses was conducted from August to February 2023. All the questionnaires came from 10 provinces and 3 autonomous regions in China. The basic characteristics of obstetric nurse's workplace violence, workplace violence prevention knowledge-attitude-practice scale and workplace violence climate perception scale were collected. RESULTS: Totally, 522 Chinese obstetric nurses were included. 55.0% of obstetric nurses (287) had experienced workplace violence in the past 12 months, including verbal assault (40.4%), physical assault (34.1%), and sexual assault (31.0%). The overall level of obstetric nurses' workplace violence prevention knowledge-attitude-practice and climate perception of workplace violence was low. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the violence prevention knowledge dimension significantly influenced obstetric nurses' workplace violence (B = -0.278, P < .001), attitude dimension (B = -0.241, P < .001), behavior dimension (B = -0.216, P < .001) and the violence climate perception's organizational management (B = -0.177, P < .001), organizational training (B = -0.175, P < .001), organizational support (B = -0.143, p < .001) and the violence handling (B = -0.165, P < .001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of workplace violence among obstetric nurses in the new situation is high. However, the overall violence prevention knowledge-attitude-practice and climate perception levels are low. Therefore, nursing managers should take targeted measures according to the relevant influencing factors and the characteristics of obstetrics to improve the level of obstetric nurses' violence prevention knowledge-attitude-practice and climate perception to reduce workplace violence among obstetric nurses.

A drug-delivery depot for epigenetic modulation and enhanced cancer immunotherapy.

DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis) have found widespread application in the management of cancer. Zebularine (Zeb), functioning as a demethylating agent, has exhibited notable advantages and enhanced therapeutic efficacy in the realm of tumour immunotherapy. Nevertheless, due to its lack of targeted functionality, standalone Zeb therapy necessitates the administration of a substantially higher dosage. In this investigation, we have devised an innovative nanodrug formulation, comprising the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor Zeb and pH-responsive chitosan (CS), hereinafter referred to as CS-Zeb nanoparticles (NPs). Our findings have unveiled that CS-Zeb NPs manifest heightened drug release within an acidic milieu (pH 5.5) in comparison to a neutral environment (pH 7.4). Furthermore, in vivo studies have conclusively affirmed that, in contrast to equivalent quantities of Zeb in isolation, the nanocomplex significantly curtailed tumour burden and protracted the survival duration of the B16F10 tumour-bearing murine model. Additionally, CS-Zeb NPs elicited an augmentation of CD8+ T cells within the peripheral circulation of mice and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Notably, the dosage of CS-Zeb NPs was reduced by a remarkable 70-fold when juxtaposed with Zeb administered in isolation. To summarise, our study underscores the potential of CS-Zeb NPs as an alternative chemotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment.

Regulation of IFNß expression: focusing on the role of its promoter and transcription regulators.

IFNß is a single-copy gene without an intron. Under normal circumstances, it shows low or no expression in cells. It is upregulated only when the body needs it or is stimulated. Stimuli bind to the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and pass via various signaling pathways to several basic transcriptional regulators, such as IRFs, NF-кB, and AP-1. Subsequently, the transcriptional regulators enter the nucleus and bind to regulatory elements of the IFNß promoter. After various modifications, the position of the nucleosome is altered and the complex is assembled to activate the IFNß expression. However, IFNß regulation involves a complex network. For the study of immunity and diseases, it is important to understand how transcription factors bind to regulatory elements through specific forms, which elements in cells are involved in regulation, what regulation occurs during the assembly of enhancers and transcription complexes, and the possible regulatory mechanisms after transcription. Thus, this review focuses on the various regulatory mechanisms and elements involved in the activation of IFNß expression. In addition, we discuss the impact of this regulation in biology.

Effects of obstetric critical care simulation training on core competency and learning experience of midwives: A pilot quasi-experimental study.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal critical care simulation training on the core competency and satisfaction of midwives in China. BACKGROUND: Midwives play an important role during the peripartum period. Simulation-based training could be an effective tool in improving the core competency of midwives when managing critical obstetric illnesses. DESIGN: A pilot pre- and post-course, quasi-experimental study in China. METHOD: In July 2022, 82 midwives completed a 2-day obstetric critical care simulation training and survey. Core competency was evaluated by a comprehensive score system, including response ability, communication ability, site control ability, critical thinking ability, team cooperation ability, forward-thinking ability, midwifery specialty ability, and error correction ability. We used the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified (SET-M) to evaluate the learning experience and satisfaction. Descriptive analysis, McNemar χ2 test, and subject content analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS: After the training, the core competency scores showed significant improvements in the case scenarios simulating shoulder dystocia, amniotic fluid embolism, and eclampsia (P < 0.05) but not postpartum hemorrhage (P > 0.05). The scores evaluated by the SET-M were all above 2.5 points. Some midwives preferred extended course duration, expanded course materials, and more active involvement in the simulation exercises. The midwives were generally highly satisfied with the training, but some expressed certain negative emotions, such as anxiety and nervousness. CONCLUSION: The high quality of scientifically constructed and implemented obstetric critical care simulation training courses could improve the core competency and satisfaction of midwives. Appropriate preparation and professional simulation teachers are required to reduce negative emotions and improve learning outcomes and experience.

Potential therapeutic role of pyroptosis mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome in type 2 diabetes and its complications.

As a new way of programmed cell death, pyroptosis plays a vital role in many diseases. In recent years, the relationship between pyroptosis and type 2 diabetes (T2D) has received increasing attention. Although the current treatment options for T2D are abundant, the occurrence and development of T2D appear to continue, and the poor prognosis and high mortality of patients with T2D remain a considerable burden in the global health system. Numerous studies have shown that pyroptosis mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome can affect the progression of T2D and its complications; targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome has potential therapeutic effects. In this review, we described the molecular mechanism of pyroptosis more comprehensively, discussed the most updated progress of pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome in T2D and its complications, and listed some drugs and agents with potential anti-pyroptosis effects. Based on the available evidence, exploring more mechanisms of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway may bring more options and benefits for preventing and treating T2D and drug development.

Predictors of Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Arcuate Keratotomy Efficacy for Astigmatism Correction in Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictors related to the efficacy of epithelium- and Bowman membrane-penetrating femtosecond laser-assisted arcuate keratotomy (FSAK) in the treatment of preoperative astigmatism in patients with cataracts and to clarify the predictive role of the incision-to-limbus distance. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery combined with FSAK using the LenSX platform (Alcon Laboratories, Inc) at Beijing Aier-Intech Eye Hospital from March 2017 to December 2021. The Lenstar LS900 (Haag-Streit, Inc) was used to measure the horizontal corneal diameter, and ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health) was used to measure the vertical corneal diameter and incision-to-limbus distance. Finally, the measured values were converted. Changes in corneal astigmatism before and 3 months after surgery were analyzed using Alpins vector analysis. Correlation analysis and regression analysis were used to evaluate the factors associated with surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) in preoperative ocular biometric parameters. RESULTS: The study included 94 eyes of 94 patients. The mean target induced astigmatism was 1.36 ± 0.44 diopters (D), SIA was 0.82 ± 0.43 D, and mean difference vector was 0.70 ± 0.40 D. Pearson correlation analysis and univariate regression analysis showed that preoperative corneal astigmatism, arcuate keratotomy arc length, incision-to-limbus distance, and astigmatism type were significant predictors of SIA. Multiple variable regression analysis included parameters such as age, arcuate keratotomy arc length, and incision-to-limbus distance and established a multiple regression model of SIA (all P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The incision-to-limbus distance was a significant independent predictor of SIA, and inclusion of this parameter may further improve the accuracy of the nomogram. [J Refract Surg. 2022;38(8):480-486.].

Effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists on the renal protection in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1) receptor agonists are used in patients with type 2 diabetes as hypoglycemic drugs; a growing body of evidence has clarified their renoprotective benefits. We performed a meta-analysis to summarize the most recent evidence on the renal benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists from clinical trials of patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This meta-analysis used a fixed-effects model to estimate the risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to investigate the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on the renal protection. The outcomes were a composite renal outcome, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decrease, new macroalbuminuria, doubling of serum creatinine, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and renal death. We also checked the composite renal outcome of the patient subgroups based on the structural source of human GLP-1 or exendin-4. RESULTS: Among the 12 articles screened, seven studies involving 48101 patients met pre-specified criteria and were included. In general, the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced the risk of the composite renal outcome by 17% (RR 0·83 [95% CI 0·79-0·88]; P < 0·00001), with no significant interaction in subgroups analysis (P = 0.66); the risk of new-onset of persistent macroalbuminuria was reduced by 25% (RR 0·75 [95%CI 0·69-0·81]; P < 0·00001) compared to placebo. However, GLP-1 receptor agonists had no significant effect on eGFR decrease (RR 0·92 [95% CI 0·83-1.01]; P = 0·09), doubling of serum creatinine (RR 0·97 [95% CI 0·78-1.21]; P = 0·79), or end-stage renal disease (RR 0·81 [95% CI 0·62-1.06]; P = 0·12) compared to placebo or insulin glargine (AWARD-7) in patients with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION: GLP-1 receptor agonists, regardless of their structural homology, have significant benefits in reducing the risk of the composite renal outcome, especially in new macroalbuminuria compared with placebo or insulin glargine in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Therapeutic Development by Targeting the cGAS-STING Pathway in Autoimmune Disease and Cancer.

DNA immune recognition regulation mediated by the cGAS-STING pathway plays an important role in immune functions. Under normal physiological conditions, cGAS can recognize and bind to invading pathogen DNA and activate the innate immune response. On the other hand, abnormal activation of cGAS or STING is closely related to autoimmune diseases. In addition, activation of STING proteins as a bridge connecting innate immunity and adaptive immunity can effectively restrain tumor growth. Therefore, targeting the cGAS-STING pathway can alleviate autoimmune symptoms and be a potential drug target for treating cancer. This article summarizes the current progress on cGAS-STING pathway modulators and lays the foundation for further investigating therapeutic development in autoimmune diseases and tumors.

Zebularine elevates STING expression and enhances cGAMP cancer immunotherapy in mice.

DNA methylation abnormality is closely related to tumor occurrence and development. Chemical inhibitors targeting DNA methyltransferase (DNMTis) have been used in treating cancer. However, the impact of DNMTis on antitumor immunity has not been well elucidated. In this study, we show that zebularine (a demethylating agent) treatment of cancer cells led to increased levels of interferon response in a cyclic guanosine monophosphate-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS)- and stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-dependent manner. This treatment also specifically sensitized the cGAS-STING pathway in response to DNA stimulation. Incorporation of zebularine into genomic DNA caused demethylation and elevated expression of a group of genes, including STING. Without causing DNA damage, zebularine led to accumulation of DNA species in the cytoplasm of treated cells. In syngeneic tumor models, administration of zebularine alone reduced tumor burden and extended mice survival. This effect synergized with cGAMP and immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The efficacy of zebularine was abolished in nude mice and in cGAS-/- or STING-/- mice, indicating its dependency on host immunity. Analysis of tumor cells indicates upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) following zebularine administration. Zebularine promoted infiltration of CD8 T cells and natural killer (NK) cells into tumor and therefore suppressed tumor growth. This study unveils the role of zebularine in sensitizing the cGAS-STING pathway to promote anti-tumor immunity and provides the foundation for further therapeutic development.

Phacoemulsification in vitrectomized eyes: Maintaining the stability of the anterior chamber via a new technique.

Fluctuating anterior chamber depth and reverse pupillary block are the most common problems encountered during phacoemulsification following pars plana vitrectomy in cases of cataracts. The sudden deepening of the anterior chamber makes the surgical procedure more cumbersome and increases the risk of intraoperative complications. To solve this problem, we describe a method of balancing the pressure of the anterior and posterior chamber by using a syringe with a flushing needle to inject balanced salt solution into the posterior chamber via the gap between the iris and the anterior capsule of the lens. This technique is especially suitable for complicated cataracts following previous pars plana vitrectomy and high myopia-complicated cataracts. This technique yielded promising results in reducing the difficulties that occur during surgical procedures, reduced the risk of intraoperative complications and simplified the intraocular lens implantation.

Trifocal diffractive intraocular lens implantation in patients after previous corneal refractive laser surgery for myopia.

BACKGROUND: With the difficulties in IOL power calculation and the potential side effects occurring postoperatively, multifocal IOL implantation after previous corneal refractive surgery are rarely reported especially for the trifocal IOL. Herein we report the clinical observation of trifocal IOL implantation in patients with previous myopia excimer laser correction. In this study, a multi-formula average method was performed for the IOLs power calculation to improve the accuracy. Visual and refractive outcomes were analyzed, and the subjective quality of patients' life was evaluated by questionnaires survey. METHODS: This retrospective case series included patients with previous myopia excimer laser correction who underwent femtosecond laser assisted phacoemulsification and trifocal IOL (AT LISA tri 839 MP) implantation. Follow-up was done at 1-day, 1-month and 3-month to assess the visual outcomes. Outcome measures were uncorrected distance, intermediate and near visual acuity (UDVA, UIVA, UNVA), manifest refraction, defocus curve, and subjective quality of vision. RESULTS: Twenty-one Eyes from sixteen patients (14 eyes with previous laser in situ keratomileusis and 7 eyes with previous photorefractive keratectomy) were included. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) at 3-month was - 0.56 D ± 0.49 SD, wherein, 10 eyes (47.6%) were within ±0.50 D of the desired emmetropia and 19 eyes (90.5%) were within ±1.0 D. Mean monocular UDVA, UIVA and UNVA (logMAR) at last visit were 0.02 ± 0.07, 0.10 ± 0.10, and 0.15 ± 0.11 respectively. Three patients (19%) reported halos and glare in postoperative 3 months, two of them needed to use spectacles to improve the intermediate visual acuity. Fifteen patients (94%) reported a satisfaction score of ≥3.5 out of 4.0, without any difficulty in daily activity. Thirteen patients (81%) did not need spectacles at all distances, while the other 3 patients (19%) used spectacles for near-distance related visual activity. Mean composite score of the VF-14 questionnaire was 95.00 ± 7.29 out of 100. CONCLUSIONS: Trifocal IOL implantation after myopia excimer laser correction could restore good distance, intermediate visual acuity and acceptable near visual acuity, and provide accurate refractive outcomes as well as high spectacles independence rate.

Effect of high-quality nursing intervention on anxiety and depression in patients with chronic heart failure companied malnutrition: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study will assess the effect of high-quality nursing intervention (HQNI) on anxiety and depression in patients with chronic heart failure companied malnutrition (CHFM). METHODS: We will retrieve electronic databases from the respective dates to February 29, 2020 without language and publication status restrictions: Cochrane Library, Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All potential randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which examined the effect of HQNI on anxiety and depression in patients with CHFM will be included. Two team members will separately perform article retrieval, duplicates excluding, scanning, data collection, and study quality assessment. In addition, this study will carry out data analysis by RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: This study will provide high-quality synthesis and/or descriptive analysis of the latest evidence to assess the effect of HQNI on anxiety and depression in patients with CHFM. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will exert evidence to judge whether or not HQNI is effective on anxiety and depression in patients with CHFM. REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202040069.

Compound C Reducing Interferon Expression by Inhibiting cGAMP Accumulation.

Cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) is a major DNA sensor responsible for cytosolic DNA-mediated innate immune response. Inhibition of cGAS may be an effective strategy for treating autoimmune diseases such as Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. Compound C (also known as Dorsomorphin) has been annotated as a potent and reversible inhibitor for AMPKs as well as ALK protein kinases. Here, we report a new function of Compound C which can suppress dsDNA-dependent type I interferon induction. These effects were not dependent on the activities of AMPK proteins. In vitro assays and liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry data show that Compound C has the capability of reducing cGAMP accumulation, suggesting that Compound C may function as a modulator involved in the cGAS-STING-mediated DNA sensing pathway. Furthermore, Compound C is able to rescue the autoimmune phenotypes in a mouse model carrying the Trex1 gene deficiency. These data demonstrate a new and inverse correlation between Compound C and type I interferon production in response to dsDNA signaling.

Regulation of Gene Expression Associated With the N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) Enzyme System and Its Significance in Cancer.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an important RNA modification, is a reversible behavior catalyzed by methyltransferase complexes (m6A "writers"), demethylated transferases (m6A "erasers"), and binding proteins (m6A "readers"). It plays a vital regulatory role in biological functions, involving in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. The level of m6A will affect the RNA metabolism including the degradation of mRNA, and processing or translation of the modified RNA. Its abnormal changes will lead to disrupting the regulation of gene expression and promoting the occurrence of aberrant cell behavior. The abnormal expression of m6A enzyme system can be a crucial impact disturbing the abundance of m6A, thus affecting the expression of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in various types of cancer. In this review, we elucidate the special role of m6A "writers", "erasers", and "readers" in normal physiology, and how their altered expression affects the cell metabolism and promotes the occurrence of tumors. We also discuss the potential to target these enzymes for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of new therapies.

Effect of tunneled and nontunneled peripherally inserted central catheter placement: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of tunneled and nontunneled peripherally inserted central catheter placement under B-mode ultrasound. METHODS: A single center, randomized, controlled, nonblinded, prospective trial was conducted in Guangzhou, China, between July 2018 and May 2019. A total of 174 participants were randomized to the experimental group (tunneled peripherally inserted central catheter) or the control group (nontunneled peripherally inserted central catheter) and were followed until extubation. Basic characteristics, peripherally inserted central catheter characteristics, the incidence of complications, and the costs of peripherally inserted central catheter placement and maintenance were collected. Data were analyzed by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: A total of 168 of the participants had successful peripherally inserted central catheter placements (85/87, 97.7% in the experimental group and 83/87, 95.4% in the control group, P = 0.682). Compared to the control group, the experimental group had a lower incidence of complications during the placement (18.4% vs 32.2%, P = 0.036), a lower incidence of wound oozing (27.6% vs 57.5%, P < 0.001), a lower incidence of medical adhesive-related skin injury (9.2% vs 25.3%, P = 0.005), a lower incidence of venous thrombosis (1.1% vs 9.2%, P = 0.034), a lower incidence of catheter dislodgement (1.1% vs 9.2%, P = 0.034), and lower costs of peripherally inserted central catheter maintenance at 1, 2, and 3 months (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tunneled peripherally inserted central catheter may be recommended for good effectiveness.

Novel nanostructured Fe-Cu-Al trimetal oxide for enhanced antimony(V) removal: synthesis, characterization and performance.

Given the adverse health effects of antimony (Sb), there is an increased focus on developing methods to remove this toxic metal from contaminated water bodies. To effectively remove Sb(V), a new nanostructured Fe-Cu-Al trimetal oxide was fabricated using co-precipitation method at ambient temperature. The Fe-Cu-Al trimetal oxide was very effective at removing Sb(V) from water; it had a maximal adsorption capacity of 169.1 mg/g at pH 7.0, a capacity that was competitive with most other reported adsorbents. The obtained amorphous oxide had a high pH point of zero charge (pHpzc = 8.8) and good adsorption Sb(V) efficiency over a wide pH range (4.0-8.0). Sb(V) uptake was achieved mainly through an ion-exchange reaction between Sb(V) ions and hydroxyl groups on the surface of the oxide. Given its good removal performance, high selectivity, and simple synthesis, this novel Fe-Cu-Al trimetal oxide offers a promising alternate for removing antimony contamination from aquatic environments.