Multi-Scale Meteorological Impact on PM2.5 Pollution in Tangshan, Northern China.

Tangshan, a major industrial and agricultural center in northern China, frequently experiences significant PM2.5 pollution events during winter, impacting its large population. These pollution episodes are influenced by multi-scale meteorological processes, though the complex mechanisms remain not fully understood. This study integrates surface PM2.5 concentration data, ground-based and upper-air meteorological observations, and ERA5 reanalysis data from 2015 to 2019 to explore the interactions between local planetary boundary layer (PBL) structures and large-scale atmospheric processes driving PM2.5 pollution in Tangshan. The results indicate that seasonal variations in PM2.5 pollution levels are closely linked to changes in PBL thermal stability. During winter, day-to-day increases in PM2.5 concentrations are often tied to atmospheric warming above 1500 m, as enhanced thermal inversions and reduced PBL heights lead to pollutant accumulation. Regionally, this aloft warming is driven by a high-pressure system at 850 hPa over the southern North China Plain, accompanied by prevailing southwesterly winds. Additionally, southwesterly winds within the PBL can transport pollutants from the adjacent Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to Tangshan, worsening pollution. Simulations from the chemical transport model indicate that regional pollutant transport can contribute to approximately half of the near-surface PM2.5 concentration under the unfavorable synoptic conditions. These findings underscore the importance of multi-scale meteorology in predicting and mitigating severe wintertime PM2.5 pollution in Tangshan and surrounding regions.

Myosteatosis and the clinical outcomes of patients with liver cirrhosis: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the potential correlation between myosteatosis and the prognosis of patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis by a meta-analysis. METHODS: Cohort studies of relevance were acquired through comprehensive searches of the Medline, Web of Science, and Embase databases. To account for heterogeneity, a random-effects model was employed to combine the findings. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 10 retrospective and four prospective cohort studies, encompassing a total of 4287 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis. The pooled findings indicated a notable decline in transplant-free survival (TFS) among individuals with liver cirrhosis and myosteatosis compared to those without this condition (risk ratio: 1.94; 95% confidence interval: 1.61 to 2.34, p < 0.001; I2 = 49%). The predefined subgroup analyses demonstrated consistent findings across various categories, including Asian and non-Asian studies, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, patients with cirrhosis overall and those who underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, studies with different follow-up durations (< or ≥ 24 months), studies employing univariate and multivariate analyses, and studies with and without an adjustment for sarcopenia (p > 0.05 for all subgroup differences). Additionally, Egger's regression test indicated the presence of significant publication bias (p = 0.044). However, trim-and-fill analysis by including three hypothesized studies showed consistent results. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of myosteatosis in individuals diagnosed with liver cirrhosis may potentially be linked to a poor TFS prognosis. Further investigations are required to ascertain whether enhancing myosteatosis could potentially yield a survival advantage for this particular patient population.

Acupuncture promotes neurological recovery and regulates lymphatic function after acute inflammatory nerve root injury.

Aims: To investigate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on acute inflammatory nerve root injury by regulating lymphatic function. Main methods: A mouse model of L5 nerve root compression was used to simulate acute nerve root injury. After modeling, acupuncture treatment was given each day for one week. Pain thresholds were assessed before and after modeling and treatment. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to observe the distribution astrocytes and neurons in the lumbar spinal cord, the innervation rate of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) of lumbar aortic lymph nodes, and the percentage of M1 macrophages. The number of each type of immune cells in the lumbar aortic lymph nodes (LALNs) was measured by flow cytometry. Key findings: The model group showed a significant decrease in pain threshold in the affected lower limb, while acupuncture treatment was able to significantly increase it. Acupuncture significantly repaired astrocytes and neurons in the lumbar spinal cord of the compressed segment, increased the innervation rate of nerve endings at NMJs, reduced LECs in the LALNs, reduced the proportion of M1 macrophages in the LALNs, and significantly reduced mononuclear neutrophils and monocytic neutrophils. Significance: Acupuncture can reduce pain, promote nerve repair in mice with acute nerve root injury, and suppress immune responses in lumbar aortic lymph nodes.

Time-restricted eating with or without a low-carbohydrate diet improved myocardial status and thyroid function in individuals with metabolic syndrome: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have become urgent worldwide health problems, predisposing patients to unfavorable myocardial status and thyroid dysfunction. Low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) and time-restricted eating (TRE) have been confirmed to be effective methods for weight management and improving MetS, but their effects on the myocardium and thyroid are unclear. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis in a randomized clinical diet-induced weight-loss trial. Participants (N = 169) diagnosed with MetS were randomized to the LCD group, the 8 h TRE group, or the combination of the LCD and TRE group for 3 months. Myocardial enzymes and thyroid function were tested before and after the intervention. Pearson's or Spearman's correlation was assessed between functions of the myocardium and thyroid and cardiometabolic parameters at baseline. RESULTS: A total of 162 participants who began the trial were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, and 57 participants who adhered to their assigned protocol were involved in the per-protocol (PP) analysis. Relative to baseline, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase MB, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, and free triiodothyronine (FT3) declined, and free thyroxine (FT4) increased after all 3 interventions (both analyses). Creatine kinase (CK) decreased only in the TRE (- 18 [44] U/L, P < 0.001) and combination (- 22 [64] U/L, P = 0.003) groups (PP analysis). Thyrotropin (- 0.24 [0.83] µIU/mL, P = 0.011) and T3 (- 0.10 ± 0.04 ng/mL, P = 0.011) decreased in the combination group (ITT analysis). T4 (0.82 ± 0.39 µg/dL, P = 0.046), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb, 2 [1] %, P = 0.021), and thyroid microsomal antibodies (TMAb, 2 [2] %, P < 0.001) increased, while the T3/T4 ratio (- 0.01 ± 0.01, P = 0.020) decreased only in the TRE group (PP analysis). However, no significant difference between groups was observed in either analysis. At baseline, CK was positively correlated with the visceral fat area. FT3 was positively associated with triglycerides and total cholesterol. FT4 was negatively related to insulin and C-peptide levels. TgAb and TMAb were negatively correlated with the waist-to-hip ratio. CONCLUSIONS: TRE with or without LCD confers remarkable metabolic benefits on myocardial status and thyroid function in subjects with MetS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04475822.

Relationship between internal structure and in vitro digestibility of A- and B-type wheat starch revealed by chemical surface gelatinization.

In this study, the properties of remaining starch granules obtained with different degrees of exfoliation were explored by removing the outer layers of A- and B-type wheat starch (AWS and BWS) granules with chemical surface gelatinization. SEM images revealed significant morphological variations with increasing exfoliation. CLSM and amylose content analysis indicated a predominance of lipid complexes in the outer granule layers, particularly in BWS. The structural characteristics of AWS and BWS were analyzed using PLM, XRD, FT-IR and DSC, verifying the conclusion of the alternation of starch crystalline and amorphous zone. And the amorphous regions are proportionally higher in the inner starch layer. Moreover, raw AWS and BWS granules were more easily digested from the outside in, with the RS content decreasing from 80.65 % to 66.92 % and 49.06 % to 45.01 %, respectively. The RS content of cooked WS were affected by the internally structures, particularly lipid content (11.46 % - 19.09 %) in BWS outer layers and amylose content (13.59 % - 19.43 %) in the inner layers. These results revealed the internal radial structural differences and digestibility patterns of AWS and BWS granules.

VHL synthetic lethality screens uncover CBF-ß as a negative regulator of STING.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) represents the most common form of kidney cancer and is typified by biallelic inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumour suppressor gene. Here, we undertake genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening to reveal synthetic lethal interactors of VHL, and uncover that loss of Core Binding Factor ß (CBF-ß) causes cell death in VHL-null ccRCC cell lines and impairs tumour establishment and growth in vivo. This synthetic relationship is independent of the elevated activity of hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) in VHL-null cells, but does involve the RUNX transcription factors that are known binding partners of CBF-ß. Mechanistically, CBF-ß loss leads to upregulation of type I interferon signalling, and we uncover a direct inhibitory role for CBF-ß at the STING locus controlling Interferon Stimulated Gene expression. Targeting CBF-ß in kidney cancer both selectively induces tumour cell lethality and promotes activation of type I interferon signalling.

Global burden, risk factor analysis, and prediction study of leukaemia from 1990 to 2030.

Background: Leukaemia is a devastating disease with an incidence that progressively increases with advancing age. The World Health Organization has designated 2021-30 as the decade of healthy ageing, highlighting the need to address age-related diseases. We estimated the disease burden of leukaemia and forecasted it by 2030. Methods: Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2019 database, we systematically analysed the geographical distribution of leukaemia and its subtypes. We used Joinpoint regression and Bayesian age-period-cohort models to evaluate incidence and mortality trends from 1990 to 2019 and projections through 2030. We analysed five leukaemia subtypes and the impact of age, gender, and social development. Decomposition analysis revealed the effects of disease burden on ageing and population growth. We used frontier analysis to illustrate the potential of each country to reduce its burden based on its development levels. Results: Globally, the absolute numbers of leukaemia incidence and mortality have increased, while the age-standardised rates (ASRs) have shown a decreasing trend. The disease burden was more pronounced in men, the elderly, and regions with a high socio-demographic index (SDI), where ageing and population growth played varying roles across subtypes. From 2000 to 2006, disease burdens were most effectively controlled. Global ASRs of incidence might stabilise, while ASRs of death are expected to decrease until 2030. Frontier analysis showed that middle and high-middle SDI countries have the most improvement potential. Smoking and high body mass index were the main risk factors for leukaemia-related mortality and disability-adjusted life years. Conclusions: The absolute number of leukaemia cases has increased worldwide, but there has been a sharp decline in ASRs over the past decade, primarily driven by population growth and ageing. Countries with middle and high-middle SDI urgently need to take action to address this challenge.

Effects of a nurse-led motor function rehabilitation training program for patients with ischemic stroke and family caregivers: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Both individuals and society bear a considerable burden from ischemic stroke (IS), not only do patients continue suffering from motor dysfunction after discharge from hospital, but their caregivers also undertake the principal responsibility of assisting them in reintegrating into the family and society. To better improve the IS patients' limb function and daily life activities, their caregivers should also be involved in the training of the motor function rehabilitation during the period transitioning from hospital back home. This study mainly aims to investigate the effects of a nurse-led training for IS patients and their family caregivers on the improvement of the patients' physical function and the burden of caregivers. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial with blind assessment will be conducted in hospitals and during the follow-ups at home. Fifty-eight pairs of adults diagnosed with ischemic stroke and their primary caregivers will be included. Participants will be randomly given with (1) a nurse-led, home-based motor rehabilitation training participated by caregivers (intervention group) or (2) routine self-care (control group). Both groups will receive assessment and health guidance on the day of discharge, and the intervention group will receive an additional home-based training program and supervision. These two groups will be followed up every week after discharge. The primary results are drawn from the evaluation of physical function and caregiver-related burden, and the secondary results derived from statistics of the modified Barthel index, stroke-specific quality of life, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Differences between the two groups will be measured by two-way repeated measures ANOVA, considering the data at baseline and at 1-week and 4-week follow-up after training. DISCUSSION: Results may provide novel and valuable information on the effects of this culturally appropriate, caregiver-involved, and home-based rehabilitation training on the physical function of IS patients and caregiver-related burden. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (chictr.org.cn) ChiCTR2300078798. Registered on December 19, 2023.

Engineered Mitochondrial Transplantation as An Anti-Aging Therapy.

Aging is an inevitable and complex biological process involving multi-factorial mechanisms. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a critical factor in the aging process, characterized by a decline in mitochondrial quality and activity, leading to aging and aging-related diseases. Therefore, mitochondria have become an attractive target in anti-aging therapies. Several senolytic drugs targeting mitochondria and antioxidant agents have been used in anti-aging research in the past few years. However, these strategies may cause adverse effects with long-term medication. In this extensive review, we propose "mitochondrial transplantation," which transfers healthy mitochondria from donor cells to recipient cells to replace damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria, as a new alternative strategy for treating mitochondrial dysfunction and aging-associated diseases. In this review, we introduce the contemporary landscape of mitochondrial transplantation, then discuss intensely the successful applications of mitochondrial transplantation therapy in aging diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular aging, and reproductive aging, highlighting its translational potential. Finally, we summarize and prospect the challenges and opportunities mitochondrial transplantation faces in anti-aging therapy.

Euphorbia pekinensis Rupr. roots: a comprehensive review of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control, and toxicology.

Euphorbia pekinensis Rupr. is a traditional herb generally distributed in most areas of China, north Korea and Japan. The dried roots of Euphorbia pekinensis Rupr. (REP), famous as 'Jing Da Ji' () have been applied as traditional herb medicines to expel water and rheum; disperse swelling, dissipate binds and to treat edoema, pleural effusions, uraemia, nephritis, cirrhosis with ascites, as well as other diseases. Recent advances in botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control, and toxicology of E. pekinensis roots are methodically outlined and current limitations as well as future perspectives also are discussed in order to guide scientifical investigation and rational application of REP. Up to now, 79 structurally diverse compounds have been obtained and characterised from REP, principally including diterpenoids, triterpenoids, tannins, phenols, and 29 volatile constituents. Among which, diterpenoids are considered as primary characteristic and active constituents. The extracts and individual compounds from REP have demonstrated significant pharmacological effects such as diuretic and purgative, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects. REP are widely used in traditional medicine due to diverse chemical constituents with obvious pharmacological effects. Modern phytochemical and pharmacological studies justified and explained relevant traditional uses of REP and offer worthy clues for new medical fields of industrial application. Nevertheless, a great number of thorough and detailed investigations should be carried out in active constituents, mechanisms of action, quality-marker, toxicology assessment, and detoxification mechanisms of REP.

Enpp1 mutations promote upregulation of hedgehog signaling in heterotopic ossification with aging.

INTRODUCTION: Heterotopic ossification of the tendon and ligament (HOTL) is a chronic progressive disease that is usually accompanied by thickening and ossification of ligaments and high osteogenic activity of the surrounding ligament tissue. However, the molecular mechanism of maintaining the cellular phenotype of HOTL remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We first constructed a model of HOTL, Enpp1flox/flox/EIIa-Cre mice, a novel genetic mouse system. Imaging, histological, and cell-level analyses were performed to investigate the progressive ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, Achilles tendons, and degeneration joints caused by Enpp1 deficiency. RESULTS: The results indicate that Enpp1 deficiency led to markedly progressive heterotopic ossification (HO), especially spine, and Achilles tendons, and was associated with progressive degeneration of the knees. The bone mass was decreased in the long bone. Furthermore, fibroblasts from Enpp1flox/flox/EIIa-Cre mice had greater osteogenic differentiation potential following induction by osteogenesis, accompanied by enhanced hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In addition, fibroblast cells show senescence, and aggravation of the senescence phenotype by further osteogenic induction. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that with increasing age, mutations in Enpp1 promote ectopic ossification of spinal ligaments and endochondral ossification in tendons and further aggravate knee degeneration by upregulating hedgehog signaling.

Effects of home-based telemedicine and mHealth interventions on blood pressure in stroke patients: a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a common cerebrovascular disease. Elevated blood pressure is the most significant manageable factor for both initial and recurrent strokes. Despite the potential benefits of telemedicine and mobile health technology (mHealth) in managing blood pressure among stroke patients, there remains skepticism. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the effectiveness of telemedicine and mHealth interventions in managing blood pressure in stroke patients. METHODS: We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating telemedicine and mHealth technology interventions for blood pressure in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) from the inception date of each database up to January 2, 2024 by systematic searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB 2.0) was used to evaluate study quality. Sources of heterogeneity were explored through Meta-regression, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessment. Meta-analysis was performed using R 4.2.2 statistical software. RESULTS: A total of 13 randomized controlled trials with 3803 participants were included. The meta-analysis found that telemedicine and mHealth improved control of both systolic [MD = -4.37, 95 % CI (-5.50, -3.24), I2 = 43 %, P<0.00001] and diastolic blood pressures [MD = -1.72, 95 % CI (-2.45, -0.98), I2 = 0 %, P<0.00001] in stroke patients compared to the conventional care group. Stroke patients who received telemedicine and mHealth interventions showed improved medication adherence than usual care [SMD=0.52, 95 % CI (0.03, 1.00), I2 = 90 %, P<0.00001]. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses identified several key factors influencing systolic and diastolic blood pressure control in stroke patients, including whether stroke patients have hypertension, the specific forms of telemedicine and mHealth interventions employed, the duration of these interventions, and the frequency of intervention intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, telemedicine and mHealth reduced stroke patients' systolic blood pressure by an average of 4.37 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 1.72 mm Hg and improved medication adherence compared with usual care. As an emerging medical model, telemedicine and mHealth intervention create a good prospect for the management of blood pressure in stroke patients in the future.

Overexpression of miR-20a-5p in mesenchymal stem cell derived-exosomes from systemic lupus erythematosus patients restored therapeutic effect and Treg immune regulation.

We and other groups have documented that bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) from Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients demonstrated signs of senescence, including reduced ability of regulating Treg. Treg cell defects or Treg cell deficiency are regarded as significant factors in the progression of SLE. Exosomes, nanoscale vesicles, abound in molecular and genetic contents, play a critical role in intercellular communications. The purpose of this research is to investigate the mechanism of MSCs-exosomes regulating Tregs cells in SLE, further elucidate the mechanism of immune dysregulation of aging BM-MSCs, and provide theoretical basis and data support for new targets of SLE treatment. In the study, BM-MSCs and exosomes were isolated successfully. Exosomes could be up-taken by naïve CD4+T cells. MSCs-exosomes attenuated SLE clinical manifestation in vivo, but MSCs-exosomes from SLE patients were ineffective. MSCs-exosomes from SLE patients dysregulated Treg cells differentiation in vivo and in vitro. Exosomal miR-20a-5p contributed to the effect of MSCs-exosomes regulating Treg cells. Up-regulating the expression of miR-20a-5p in SLE MSCs-exosomes can restore their ability to promote Treg differentiation and treatment effect. This study further elucidated the role of in the immunomodulatory mechanism of BM-MSCs-exosomes and provided new ideas for the non-cellular autologous transplantation therapy of SLE.

Single Nucleus Total RNA Sequencing of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Gliomas.

Gliomas, the predominant form of brain cancer, comprise diverse malignant subtypes with limited curative therapies available. The insufficient understanding of their molecular diversity and evolutionary processes hinders the advancement of new treatments. Technical complexities associated with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) clinical samples hinder molecular-level analyses of gliomas. Current single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) platforms are inadequate for large-scale clinical applications. In this study, automated snRandom-seq is developed, a high-throughput single-nucleus total RNA sequencing platform optimized for archival FFPE samples. This platform integrates automated single-nucleus isolation and droplet barcoding systems with the random primer-based scRNA-seq chemistry, accommodating a broad spectrum of sample types. The automated snRandom-seq is applied to analyze 116 492 single nuclei from 17 FFPE samples of various glioma subtypes, including rare clinical samples and matched primary-recurrent glioblastomas (GBMs). The study provides comprehensive insights into the molecular characteristics of gliomas at the single-cell level. Abundant non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with distinct expression profiles across different glioma clusters and uncovered promising recurrence-related targets and pathways in primary-recurrent GBMs are identified. These findings establish automated snRandom-seq as a robust tool for scRNA-seq of FFPE samples, enabling exploration of molecular diversities and tumor evolution. This platform holds significant implications for large-scale integrative and retrospective clinical research.

Molecular Orientation-Dependent Photonic Polarization Engineering in Organic Single-Crystal-Filled Microcavities.

Designing the polarization degree of freedom of light is crucial in many fields and has widespread application in, for example, all-optical circuits. In this work, we find that in an organic microcavity filled with anisotropic single crystals the cavity modes can be modulated to be elliptically polarized, i.e., partially circularly polarized and partially linearly polarized. The circular polarization component originates from the Rashba-Dresselhaus spin splitting, while the linear polarization component is due to the dislocation of linearly polarized modes. The dislocation of the linear polarizations is ascribed to the orientation of individual molecules and the molecular packing arrangement; hence, the linear polarizations can be controlled by properly structuring the molecular distributions. Our results pave the way for enriching and engineering the polarization properties of individual optical cavity modes in organic microstructures, which may favor the development of polarized lasers with various polarizations.

Association between blood metabolites and basal cell carcinoma risk: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Circulating metabolites, which play a crucial role in our health, have been reported to be disordered in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Despite these findings, evidence is still lacking to determine whether these metabolites directly promote or prevent BCC's progression. Therefore, our study aims to examine the potential effects of circulating metabolites on BCC progression. Material and methods: We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using data from two separate genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The primary study included data for 123 blood metabolites from a GWAS with 25,000 Finnish individuals, while the secondary study had data for 249 blood metabolites from a GWAS with 114,000 UK Biobank participants.GWAS data for BCC were obtained from the UK Biobank for the primary analysis and the FinnGen consortium for the secondary analysis. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Results: In the primary analysis, significant causal relationships were found between six metabolic traits and BCC with the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method after multiple testing [P < 4 × 10-4 (0.05/123)]. Four metabolic traits were discovered to be significantly linked with BCC in the secondary analysis, with a significance level of P < 2 × 10-4 (0.05/249). We found that all the significant traits are linked to Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) and their degree of unsaturation. Conclusion: Our research has revealed a direct link between the susceptibility of BCC and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and their degree of unsaturation. This discovery implies screening and prevention of BCC.

RANKL/RANK signaling recruits Tregs via the CCL20-CCR6 pathway and promotes stemness and metastasis in colorectal cancer.

TNF receptor superfamily member 11a (TNFRSF11a, RANK) and its ligand TNF superfamily member 11 (TNFRSF11, RANKL) are overexpressed in many malignancies. However, the clinical importance of RANKL/RANK in colorectal cancer (CRC) is mainly unknown. We examined CRC samples and found that RANKL/RANK was elevated in CRC tissues compared with nearby normal tissues. A higher RANKL/RANK expression was associated with a worse survival rate. Furthermore, RANKL was mostly produced by regulatory T cells (Tregs), which were able to promote CRC advancement. Overexpression of RANK or addition of RANKL significantly increased the stemness and migration of CRC cells. Furthermore, RANKL/RANK signaling stimulated C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) production by CRC cells, leading to Treg recruitment and boosting tumor stemness and malignant progression. This recruitment process was accomplished by CCL20-CCR6 interaction, demonstrating a connection between CRC cells and immune cells. These findings suggest an important role of RANKL/RANK in CRC progression, offering a potential target for CRC prevention and therapy.

Comparative dosimetric study of h-IMRT and VMAT plans for breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery.

AIM: To compare the dosimetric advantages and disadvantages between hybrid intensity-modulated radiation therapy (h-IMRT) and the volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique in hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation (HF-WBI) for early-stage breast cancer (BC). METHODS: The dose distribution of h-IMRT and VMAT plans was compared in 20 breast cancer patients. This comparison included evaluation of dosimetric parameters using dose volume histograms (DVHs) for the planning target volume (PTV) and organs-at-risk (OARs). Additionally, the study examined the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP), the second cancer complication probability (SCCP) and the tumor control probability (TCP) based on different models. RESULTS: Significant differences were detected between the two plans, in terms of Machine units (MUs), the control points, 95 % volume (V95 %), dose homogeneity index (DHI) and conformity index (CI). The endpoint of grade II radiation pneumonitis and cardiac death due to ischemic heart disease were assessed. In h-IMRT plan, the NTCP values were marginally lower for radiation pneumonitis and slightly higher for cardiac death compared to VMAT plan, as determined by the Lyman-Kutcher-Burman model. The Schneider model was employed to predict the SCCP for both the bilateral lungs and contralateral breast, the results demonstrate that the h-IMRT plan outperforms the VMAT plan, with statistical significance. Additionally, the LQ-Poisson model was employed to forecast the TCP of the PTV, showing that the h-IMRT plan outperformed the VMAT plan (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The h-IMRT technique, offering superior dose coverage and better therapeutic efficacy with fewer side effects as calculated by models, is more suitable for HF-WBI compared to the VMAT technique.

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) as adjuvant enhances the immune effects of Aeromonas veronii inactivated vaccine in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) has emerged as a significant economic fish species, with a rise in Aeromonas veronii infections in farming. However, research on adjuvants for vaccines against A. veronii in largemouth bass remains scarce. In present study, recombinant largemouth bass IL-1ß (LbIL-1ß) was expressed to explore its adjuvant effect on the A. veronii inactivated vaccine. Following vaccination with recombinant LbIL-1ß (rLbIL-1ß) and the inactivated A. veronii, higher serum SOD levels and lysozyme activities were observed in largemouth bass from inactivated A. veronii + rLbIL-1ß vaccinated group. Furthermore, it was discovered that rLbIL-1ß was able to boost the serum-specific antibody levels induced by the inactivated A. veronii. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that rLbIL-1ß also enhanced the expression of IgM, CD4, and MHC II in largemouth bass triggered by the inactivated A. veronii. After challenged with live A. veronii, the outcomes demonstrated that the relative percentage survival (RPS) for largemouth bass resulting from the inactivated A. veronii in combination with rLbIL-1ß was 76.67 %, surpassing the RPS of 60 % in the inactivated A. veronii group. Collectively, these findings indicate that rLbIL-1ß enhances the protective effect of the A. veronii inactivated vaccine on largemouth bass, showcasing potential as an adjuvant for further development.

Childhood Trauma and Depressive Level Among Chinese College Students in Guangzhou: The Roles of Rumination and Perceived Stress.

OBJECTIVE: Although previous studies have validated the effect of childhood trauma on depressive level, few studies have utilized the diathesis-stress theory to investigate the specific roles of perceived stress and rumination in the pathway between childhood trauma and depression in Chinese college students. This study aims to demonstrate the mediation effect of perceived stress and the moderation effect of rumination in the pathway between childhood trauma and depressive level in Chinese college students. METHODS: A total of 995 Chinese college students in Guangzhou were included in this study by recruitment advertisement from October to December 2021. And they were asked to finish four self-report questionnaires, including Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, Perceived Stress Scale, the 22-item Ruminative Response Scale, and Beck Depression Scale-II. Then the data were analyzed with Mplus 8.3. RESULTS: Results revealed significant correlations among childhood trauma, perceived stress, rumination and depressive level. Further analyses revealed that perceived stress played a mediation role between childhood trauma and depressive level (estimate=0.09, standard error [SE]=0.02, t=5.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.06-0.12), and rumination played a moderation role between childhood trauma and perceived stress (estimate=-0.17, SE=0.06, t=-2.86, 95% CI=-0.28- -0.05]) as well as between childhood trauma and depressive level (estimate=0.10, SE=0.04, t=2.74, 95% CI=0.03-0.16). CONCLUSION: These results revealed the mediation effect of perceived stress and the moderation effect of rumination in the pathway between childhood trauma and depressive level in Chinese college students, which helped us to understand how the childhood trauma influenced the depressive level and gave us multi-dimensional indications for reducing the effect of childhood trauma on depressive level.