Effect of multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) on survival outcomes of lung cancer patients: Experiences from China.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) on the survival outcomes of Chinese lung cancer patients. METHODS: Data from a Chinese tertiary cancer hospital of lung cancer patients were collected and divided into two groups (MDT+/-) according to whether the patients had received an MDT. The survival analysis was performed after propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS: Before PSM, more patients in the MDT+ group had documented information on clinical characteristics and showed more unfavorable clinical characteristics than patients in the MDT- group. After PSM, there was no imbalance in the first-line treatment strategies between the two groups. When the patients were analyzed separately, for patients in the MDT- group, age at diagnosis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, stage, smoking history, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene status were all significant factors for survival (p < 0.05). For patients in the MDT+ group, only age at diagnosis, stage, and comorbidities were significant factors for survival (p < 0.05). Moreover, age at diagnosis, ECOG score, stage, EGFR gene status, and MDT were all significant factors for survival for all patients (p < 0.001). The results indicate that MDT was a significant prognostic factor independent of clinical characteristics (HR: 2.095, 95% CI: 1.568-2.800, p < 0.001), with a significantly improved median survival (58.0 vs. 29.0 months, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on PSM, MDT itself did have a real favorable prognostic significance for Chinese lung cancer patients in the study.

The chromosome-level genome for Toxicodendron vernicifluum provides crucial insights into Anacardiaceae evolution and urushiol biosynthesis.

The lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum (Stokes) F.A. Barkley) is an important tree with economic, industrial, and medicinal values. Here, we generated the reference genome of T. vernicifluum at the chromosome level with 491.93 Mb in size, in which 98.26% of the assembled contigs were anchored onto 15 pseudochromosomes with the scaffold N50 of 32.97 Mb. Comparative genomic analysis revealed the gene families related to urushiol biosynthesis were expanded, contributing to the ecological fitness and biological adaptability of the lacquer tree. We combined multi-omics data to identify genes that encode key enzymes in the T. vernicifluum urushiol and lignin biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, the unique active metabolites, such as butin and fisetin, in cultivar lacquers were identified by metabolism profiling. Our work would provide crucial insights into metabolite synthesis such as urushiol and lignin, meanwhile offer a basis for further exploration of the cultivation and breeding of T. vernicifluum and other Anacardiaceae members.

Association of multiple tumor markers with newly diagnosed gastric cancer patients: a retrospective study.

Background: The purpose of this paper was to explore the correlation between multiple tumor markers and newly diagnosed gastric cancer. Methods: We selected 268 newly diagnosed patients with gastric cancer and 209 healthy subjects for correlation research. The detection of multiple tumor markers was based on protein chips and the results were statistically analyzed using SPSS. Results: We concluded that gastric cancer was significantly related to gender, age, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), and carbohydrate antigen 242 (CA242) positive levels (P < 0.001). After CA199 and CA242 were stratified by gender, the male odds ratio (OR) was 30.400 and 31.242, respectively, while the female OR was 3.424. After CA125 was stratified by age in patients over 54 years old with gastric cancer, the risk of occurrence in the CA125-positive population was 16.673 times that of the CA125-negative patients. Among patients 54 years old and younger, being CA125-positive was not a risk factor for gastric cancer (P = 0.082). AFP, CEA, CA125, CA199, and CA242 positive levels during the M1 stage were statistically significant when compared with the M0 stage and control group (P < 0.001), but the AFP (P = 0.045) and CA125 (P = 0.752) positive levels were not statistically significant when compared with the M0 stage and control group. The combined detection sensitivity of multiple tumor markers was 44.78%. Conclusion: Our research shows that gastric cancer is associated with age, gender, and the positive levels of AFP, CEA, CA125, CA199, and CA242. The positive levels of AFP and CA125 were related to the distant metastasis of gastric cancer. To a certain extent, the combined detection sensitivity can be used for the initial screening of gastric cancer.

The complete chloroplast genome of Carex agglomerata C. B. Clarke (Cyperaceae), an endemic species from China.

Carex agglomerata C. B. Clarke is a sedge with excellent ornamental characters, it is an important ecosystem stabilizer. Here we report the complete chloroplast genome of C. agglomerata to provide a foundation for further phylogenetic studies on the Cyperaceae. The chloroplast (cp) genome is 184,157 bp in size and consists of a large single-copy (LSC) region 106,654 bp in length, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 36,099 bp, two inverted repeats (IR) regions each 20,702 bp. The total GC content of the cp genome is 33.9% with the LSC, SSC, and IR regions 32, 32.5, and 42.9%, respectively. The cp genome contains 128 genes, including 80 protein-coding, 40 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis showed C. agglomerata is in a clade with Carex neurocarpa Maxim and Carex siderosticta Hance. This study provides a basis for further phylogenetic studies of Carex.

Theoretical Studies and Implementation on the Temporary Data Storage Method for Cone Penetration Test.

The traditional cone penetration test system uses cable to transmit data; as the probe goes deeper into the ground, the length of the cable will become longer. This makes the installation of the test equipment more complicated, and excessively long cables cause signal distortion and seriously affect data accuracy. To simplify the experimental equipment and improve the accuracy of data acquisition, a cableless cone penetration test system is proposed. The improved system uses an SD card to store the experimental data, as opposed to using cables for communication which, often lead to the distortion of signals caused by long-distance communication and data loss caused by accidental cable breaks. Therefore, the accuracy of the collected data is higher, and the experimental device is simplified. To evaluate the applicability and efficiency of our design, we have carried out exploration experiments with the sensor system proposed in this paper. The test results show that the experimental data collected by the new system are basically consistent with the data collected by traditional cable CPT equipment, and the accuracy of the collected data is higher. It is more reliable and accurate to analyze the comprehensive mechanical properties of the soil layers with the data collected by the new system.

Full-length transcriptome analysis and identification of genes involved in asarinin and aristolochic acid biosynthesis in medicinal plant Asarum sieboldii.

Asarum sieboldii, a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is used for curing inflammation and ache. It contains both the bioactive ingredient asarinin and the toxic compound aristolochic acid. To address further breeding demand, genes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of asarinin and aristolochic acid should be explored. Therefore, the full-length transcriptome of A. sieboldii was sequenced using PacBio Iso-Seq to determine the candidate transcripts that encode the biosynthetic enzymes of asarinin and aristolochic acid. In this study, 63 023 full-length transcripts were generated with an average length of 1371 bp from roots, stems, and leaves, of which 49 593 transcripts (78.69%) were annotated against public databases. Furthermore, 555 alternative splicing (AS) events, 10 869 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as well as their 11 291 target genes, and 17 909 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified. The data also revealed 97 candidate transcripts related to asarinin metabolism, of which six novel genes that encoded enzymes involved in asarinin biosynthesis were initially reported. In addition, 56 transcripts related to aristolochic acid biosynthesis were also identified, including CYP81B. In summary, these transcriptome data provide a useful resource to study gene function and genetic engineering in A. sieboldii.

Enantioselective synthesis of indole derivatives by Rh/Pd relay catalysis and their anti-inflammatory evaluation.

An efficient Rh/Pd relay catalyzed intermolecular and cascade intramolecular hydroamination for the synthesis of exclusive trans 1-indolyl dihydronaphthalenols (up to 88% yield, 99% ee) is described under mild conditions. Moreover, the in silico and in vitro screening showed that the novel 1-indolyl dihydronaphthalenol products are potent lead compounds for treating inflammation disease.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydroselenation of Heterobicyclic Alkenes.

A highly efficient Rh(I)/(S)-xyl-Binap catalytic system is developed for the asymmetric hydroselenation of various nonpolar olefins with diselenides. Under these mild reaction conditions, a wide range of heterobicyclic alkenes give selenol-incorporated adducts in excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97%) along with high yields (up to 96%) by overcoming self-promoted racemic hydroselenation. The strategy is also applied for kinetic resolution of unsymmetric oxabenzonorbornadiene.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Primula filchnerae Knuth (Primulaceae), an endangered species in China.

Primula filchnerae Knuth is an endangered species endemic to China. Its complete chloroplast genome was reported in this study for the first time. The whole chloroplast genome was 151, 443 base pairs in length with 131 genes, including 66 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. In addition, the accD was inferred to be a pseudogene. Phylogenetic analysis showed a sister relationship between P. filchnerae and P. sinensis Sabine ex Lindl.

Analysis of transcripts and splice isoforms in red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) by single-molecule long-read sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is an important cool-season legume plant, which is the most widely planted forage legume after alfalfa. Although a draft genome sequence was published already, the sequences and completed structure of mRNA transcripts remain unclear, which limit further explore on red clover. RESULTS: In this study, the red clover transcriptome was sequenced using single-molecule long-read sequencing to identify full-length splice isoforms, and 29,730 novel isoforms from known genes and 2194 novel isoforms from novel genes were identified. A total of 5492 alternative splicing events was identified and the majority of alter spliced events in red clover was corrected as intron retention. In addition, of the 15,229 genes detected by SMRT, 8719 including 186,517 transcripts have at least one poly(A) site. Furthermore, we identified 4333 long non-coding RNAs and 3762 fusion transcripts. CONCLUSIONS: We analyzed full-length transcriptome of red clover with PacBio SMRT. Those new findings provided important information for improving red clover draft genome annotation and fully characterization of red clover transcriptome.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Abies chensiensis (Pinaceae: Abietoideae), an endangered species endemic to China.

Chloroplast (cp) genome sequences became a widely used tool for evolutionary and phylogenetic studies in plants. Abies chensiensis (Pinaceae: Abietoideae) is an endangered species endemic to China. To understand its evolutionary characteristics, the complete chloroplast genome of the A. chensiensis has been reconstructed from the whole-genome Illumina sequencing data. The circular genome is 121,784 bp in length and without a typical quadripartite structure due to the loss of IR region. The total GC content of whole genome sequence is 38.3%. The chloroplast genome encodes 109 genes, including 75 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes and four ribosomal RNA genes. Among them, 35 genes involved in photosynthesis, while 58 genes involved in self-replication. The Maximum-Likelihood phylogenetic analysis showed a strong sister relationship with A. nephrolepis and A. koreana in Abietoideae. Our findings provide fundamental information for further evolutionary and phylogenetic researches of Abietoideae.

The complete chloroplast genome of Kolkwitzia amabilis (Caprifoliaceae), an endangered horticultural plant in China.

The complete chloroplast genome of Kolkwitzia amabilis (Caprifoliaceae) is first presented in the current study. The cp genome of K. amabilis was 156 875 bp in length and composed of two short inverted repeat (IRa and IRb) regions of 23 946 bp which were separated by a small single copy (SSC) region of 18 846 bp and a large single copy (LSC) region of 90 137 bp. The genome encoded 130 genes contained 81 coding genes, 39 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall AT content of K. amabilis is 61.6% and the corresponding values of the SSC, LSC and IR regions are 66.8%, 64.1%, and 57.3%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis based on the maximum parsimony tree revealed that K. amabilis was closely related to Lonicera japonica.

Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Addition of Thiophenols to Oxabenzonorbornadienes.

A highly efficient asymmetric ring addition reaction of oxabenzonorbornadienes with thiophenols using an iridium/(S)-xyl-binap catalyst is developed. This catalyst system overcomes catalyst poisoning and background reactions and allows the formation of exclusive thiol addition products in high yields (up to 97% yield) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee). Particularly noteworthy is that no competitive ring-opened side products are observed. X-ray crystal structure analysis confirmed the adduct is solely in the exo-configuration.

Palladium/Zinc Co-Catalyzed syn-Stereoselectively Asymmetric Ring-Opening Reaction of Oxabenzonorbornadienes with Phenols.

A new palladium/zinc co-catalyst system associated with chiral (R)-Difluorphos for asymmetric ring-opening reaction of oxabenzonorbornadienes with phenols is reported. This catalyst system allows the formation of cis-2-aryloxy-1,2-dihydronaphthalen-1-ol products in good yields (up to 95 % yield) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee). The cis-configuration of the product has been confirmed by X-ray crystal structure analysis. To the best of our knowledge, it represents the first example in ring-opening reactions of bicycloalkenes with heteronucleophiles in a syn-stereoselective manner.

Programmed cell death: a mechanism for the lysigenous formation of secretory cavities in leaves of Dictamnus dasycarpus.

The formation of secretory cavities in Rutaceae has been the subject of great interest. In this study, cytological events that are involved in the lysigenous formation of the secretory cavities in the leaves of Dictamnus dasycarpus are characterized by an interesting pattern of programmed cell death (PCD). During the developmental process, clusters of cells from a single protoepidermal cell embark on different trajectories and undergo different cell death fates: the cell walls of the secretory cells have characteristics of thinning or complete breakdown, while the sheath cells present a predominantly thick-walled feature. A DAPI assay shows deformed nuclei that are further confirmed to be TUNEL-positive. Gel electrophoresis indicates that DNA cleavage is random and does not result in ladder-like DNA fragmentation. Ultrastructurally, several remarkable features of PCD have been determined, such as misshapen nuclei with condensed chromatin and a significantly diffused membrane, degenerated mitochondria and plastids with disturbed membrane systems, multivesicular bodies, plastolysomes, vacuole disruption and lysis of the center secretory cell. Cytological evidence and Nile red stains exhibit abundant essential oils accumulated in degenerated outer secretory cells after the dissolution of the center secretory cell. In addition, explanations of taxonomic importance and the relationship between PCD and oil droplet accumulation in the secretory cavities are also discussed.

Rh-catalyzed highly enantioselective hydroalkynylation reaction of norbornadiene derivatives.

The complexes of various Rh precusors with ferrocenyl chiral ligand (R,S)-Cy2PF-PPh2 were found effective catalysts for the asymmetric hydroalkynylation reaction of norbornadiene derivatives. When RhCl3·3H2O was employed, good yields (up to 98%) and high enantioselectivities (up to >99.9% ee) could be obtained for the reactions of a broad scope of substrates.

Asymmetric hydroalkynylation of norbornadienes promoted by chiral iridium catalysts.

Across bonds: The first successful iridium-catalyzed asymmetric hydroalkynylation of nonpolar alkenes with good to excellent enantioselectivity is described (see scheme; cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene, DCE = 1,2-dichloroethane). This catalytic system exhibits good functional group compatibility as NH(2), OH, Br, F, and SiMe(3) groups remain intact during the reaction.

Chloroplast DNA phylogeography of Clintoniaudensis Trautv. & Mey. (Liliaceae) in East Asia.

In this paper, we report the phylogeographic history of Clintoniaudensis Trautv. & Mey. (Liliaceae) inferred from two types of chloroplast DNA markers, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequences. Eighty samples were collected from 20 natural populations, 19 located in China and one in Japan, across the entire range of the species in East Asia. High genetic diversity (h(T)(PCR-RFLP)=0.972, h(T)(sequencing)=0.874) and significant differentiation (N(ST)(PCR-RFLP)=0.893, N(ST)(sequencing)=0.988 and G(ST)(PCR-RFLP)=0.777, G(ST)(sequencing)=0.978) were detected at the species level. These findings are consistent with a scenario of clonal reproduction and locally restricted gene exchange. The level of diversity of tetraploid populations was slightly greater than that of diploid populations. Significant molecular variation was found between tetraploids and diploids. Tetraploids may be autopolyploids and may have formed repeatedly in different locations. At least three regions of origin could be recognized. Twenty-six distinct haplotypes were identified. Haplotype frequency distributions were strongly skewed, with most haplotypes (n=25) represented by only one sample each and thus restricted to a single population. Non-overlapping distributions of cpDNA haplotypes and strong genetic differentiation among populations and/or different ploid level were consistent with the findings of a nested clade analysis, which inferred long-distance colonization as the major process influencing the spatial haplotype distribution of this species. Nested clade analysis showed that the 26 haplotypes formed two 3-step, four 2-step and eleven 1-step clades, with twelve clades showing significant geographical associations. Higher N(ST) than G(ST) (P<0.05) suggested a distinct phylogeographical pattern. Based on mismatch distribution analysis and neutrality tests, we found no evidence of population expansion in the species. Our analyses indicate that the history of C.udensis involved both long-distance migration and the tectonic events of Mountains in East Asia.