Verteporfin Inhibits PD-L1 through Autophagy and the STAT1-IRF1-TRIM28 Signaling Axis, Exerting Antitumor Efficacy.

Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a key driver of tumor-mediated immune suppression, and targeting it with antibodies can induce therapeutic responses. Given the costs and associated toxicity of PD-L1 blockade, alternative therapeutic strategies are needed. Using reverse-phase protein arrays to assess drugs in use or likely to enter trials, we performed a candidate drug screen for inhibitors of PD-L1 expression and identified verteporfin as a possible small-molecule inhibitor.

In vitro comparison between inspiration synchronized and continuous vibrating mesh nebulizer during trans-nasal aerosol delivery.

Background: Compared to continuous vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN), inspiration synchronized VMN has shown increased inhaled dose during noninvasive ventilation; however, its use during aerosol delivery via high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is still unknown.

Methods: An adult manikin was connected to a dual-chamber model lung, which was driven by a critical care ventilator to simulate spontaneous breathing. A HFNC system was utilized with temperature at 37 ° C while gas flow at 5, 10, 20, 40, and 60 L/min.

In vitro comparison of unit dose vs infusion pump administration of albuterol via high-flow nasal cannula in toddlers.

Objectives: Transnasal pulmonary aerosol delivery using high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) devices has become a popular route of aerosol administration in toddlers. Clinically, albuterol is administered using an infusion pump or unit doses. However, little evidence is available to compare the two administration strategies.

Regional lymphadenectomy vs. extended lymphadenectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Relay-HC trial): study protocol for a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Background: The prognostic benefits and safety of extended lymphadenectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma remain uncertain. The available evidence is still insufficient concerning its retrospective aspect. The aim of this study is to explore the clinical effect and safety of extended lymphadenectomy compared to regional lymphadenectomy in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Harvest of Costal Cartilage Through Periareolar Incision for Rhinoplasty in Mastopexy.

At our department, the authors performed a periareolar mastopexy and harvested costal cartilage for use in a rhinoplasty through the same periareolar incision. This technique has several advantages compared to the traditional method, including less invasion, minimal chance of a hypertrophic scar and easier postoperative care. However, the location of the incision determines that the fifth costal cartilage is the lowest one accessible.

Primary Mechanism Study of Flower (Herb) on Myocardial Infarction in Rats.

Background: (Burk.) F. H.

Genome-wide Association Study Identifies Genetic Variants Associated With Early and Sustained Response to (Pegylated) Interferon in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: The GIANT-B Study.

Background: (Pegylated) Interferon ([Peg]IFN) therapy leads to response in a minority of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Host genetic determinants of response are therefore in demand.

Methods: In this genome-wide association study (GWAS), CHB patients, treated with (Peg)IFN for at least 12 weeks ± nucleos(t)ide analogues within randomized trials or as standard of care, were recruited at 21 centers from Europe, Asia, and North America.

Comparison of Naturally Occurring Resistance-Associated Substitutions Between 2008 and 2016 in Chinese Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection.

The presence of pre-existing hepatitis C virus (HCV) resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) could attenuate viral susceptibility to direct-acting antiviral agents. The aim of this study was to better understand the differences among HCV RASs over time. We compared the prevalence and characteristics of naturally occurring HCV RASs in the NS3, NS5A, and NS5B genes between 2008 and 2016 in Chinese patients chronically infected with HCV genotypes (GT) 1b, 2a, 3a, 3b, and 6a.

The enhanced osteogenesis and osteointegration of 3-DP PCL scaffolds structural and functional optimization using collagen networks.

Optimal balance between biological activity and mechanical stability should be meticulously considered during scaffold design for bone tissue engineering applications. To fabricate an individualized construct with biomechanical and biological functionality for bone tissue regeneration, a polycaprolactone-collagen (PCL-COL) composite construct was developed through the combination of three-dimensional printing (3-DP) technology and biomimetic collagen matrix incorporation, with a 3-DP PCL framework maintaining the mechanical stability and a porous collagen matrix improving the biological activity. The results indicate that the compressive modulus of the composite constructs increased synergistically (over 40 MPa), providing sufficient mechanical support during new bone formation.

Inhibition of CCL19 benefits non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting TLR4/NF‑κB‑p65 signaling.

Non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which affects approximately one‑third of the general population, has become a global health problem. Thus, more effective treatments for NAFLD are urgently required. In the present study, high levels of C‑C motif ligand 19 (CCL19), signaling pathways such as Toll‑like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB), and proinflammatory factors including interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) and tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α) were detected in NAFLD patients, thereby indicating that there may be an association between CCL19 and these factors in NAFLD progression.

Long-term follow-up of patients treated with entecavir and peginterferon add-on therapy for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B infection: ARES long-term follow-up.

Addition of peginterferon alpha (PEG-IFN add-on) to entecavir (ETV) treatment after a short lead-in phase results in more response than ETV monotherapy in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB). This study is the first to assess long-term efficacy of this treatment strategy. Patients who received ETV ± 24 weeks of PEG-IFN add-on in a global trial (ARES study) and completed follow-up were eligible to participate in this observational LTFU study if they had at least one combined HBeAg and HBV DNA measurement beyond week 96 of the ARES study.

Rapamycin Protects Skin Fibroblasts from Ultraviolet B-Induced Photoaging by Suppressing the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species.

Background/aims: Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation alters multiple molecular pathways in the skin, thereby inducing skin photoaging. Murine dermal fibroblasts (MDFs) were subjected to a series of 4 sub-cytotoxic UVB doses (120 mJ/cm2), resulting in changes in cell shape, DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, extracellular matrix variations, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and alterations in major intracellular antioxidant and cellular autophagy levels. Rapamycin (RAPA) is a new macrolide immunosuppressive agent that is primarily used in oncology, cardiology, and transplantation medicine and has been found to extend the lifespan of genetically heterogeneous mice.

Slit2-Robo2 signaling modulates the fibrogenic activity and migration of hepatic stellate cells.

Background & Aim: Slit/Robo signaling was originally identified as a repulsive guidance cue in regulating axon branching and neuronal migration. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the key fibrogenic cells in the liver, which are migratory when activated, and express neural crest markers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the functional significance of Slit/Robo signaling in liver fibrogenesis and in HSCs.

Making point mutations in Escherichia coli BL21 genome using the CRISPR-Cas9 system.

The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) system is an efficient and rapid tool for genome editing. However, its utilization in bacteria suffers challenges such as the risk of repeated recognition and cutting by Cas9. Here we established a two-step genome editing strategy using the Streptococcus pyogenes CRISPR-Cas9 system to achieve a clean mutation with only the target sites into the Escherichia coli genome.

The clinical manifestation, survival outcome and predictive prognostic factors of 137 patients with primary gastrointestinal lymphoma (PGIL): Strobe compliant.

This retrospective study aimed to investigate clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in patients with primary gastrointestinal lymphoma (PGIL) of Chinese population.From January 2001 to December 2015, 137 patients diagnosed with PGIL were recruited. The clinical features, treatment, and follow-up information were analysed.

A multicenter, randomized trial comparing efficacy and safety of paclitaxel/capecitabine and cisplatin/capecitabine in advanced gastric cancer.

Background: We compared efficacy and safety of paclitaxel/capecitabine therapy followed by capecitabine for maintenance (PACX) versus cisplatin/capecitabine therapy (XP) in advanced gastric cancer.

Methods: Multicenter, randomized, phase III trial was conducted in China (December 2009-February 2014). Adults (n = 320) with histologically confirmed, untreated metastatic/unresectable gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma; with ≥ 1 measureable lesions according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.

Retrospective study of predictors of bone metastasis in colorectal cancer patients.

Background: We explored risk factors for bone metastasis (BMs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) to improve in early diagnosis and follow-up and to reduce bone metastasis.

Methods: With a retrospective analysis of 2066 patients with CRC treated in our institution from January 2006 to January 2015, we assessed high-risk variables associated with bone metastasis using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results: Of those subjects studied, 102 patients developed BMs, including 62 of 1014 the rectal cancer patients and 40 of the 1052 colon cancer patients.

Patient Safety Climate in General Public Hospitals in China: A Multiregion Study.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the potential difference in patient safety climate by region (Shanghai vs Hubei Province vs Gansu Province) and general public hospital level (tertiary vs secondary) in China.

Methods: Using a stratified sampling method, employees from 54 public general hospitals in Shanghai, Hubei Province, and Gansu Province in China were surveyed in 2015. The Patient Safety Climate in Health Care Organizations tool and the percentage of "problematic responses" (PPRs) were used to measure and analyze the patient safety climate.

Prognostic value of SRSF2 mutations in patients with de novo myelodysplastic syndromes: A meta-analysis.

Background: The recent application of gene-sequencing technology has identified many new somatic mutations in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Among them, serine and arginine rich splicing factor 2 (SRSF2) mutations belonging to the RNA splicing pathway were of interest. Many studies have already reported the potential prognostic value of SRSF2 mutations in MDS patients, with controversial results.