Metastasis is the leading cause of death from cutaneous melanoma. Identifying metastasis-related targets and developing corresponding therapeutic strategies are major areas of focus. While functional genomics strategies provide powerful tools for target discovery, investigations at the protein level can directly decode the bioactive epitopes on functional proteins. Aptamers present a promising avenue as they can explore membrane proteomes and have the potential to interfere with cell function. Herein, we developed a target and epitope discovery platform, termed functional aptamer evolution-enabled target identification (FAETI), by integrating affinity aptamer acquisition with phenotype screening and target protein identification. Utilizing the aptamer XH3C, which was screened for its migration-inhibitory function, we identified the Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), as a potential target involved in melanoma migration. Further evidence demonstrated that XH3C induces cytoskeletal rearrangement by blocking the interaction between the bioactive epitope of CSPG4 and integrin α4. Taken together, our study demonstrates the robustness of aptamer-based molecular tools for target and epitope discovery. Additionally, XH3C is an affinity and functional molecule that selectively binds to a unique epitope on CSPG4, enabling the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Objective To investigate the relationship between cognitive impairment and sleep parameters in acute ischemic stroke patients with obstructive sleep apnea(OSA).Methods A total of 343 patients with acute ischemic stroke and OSA were selected.The cognitive function was assessed using the simple mental state examination scale(MMSE).Patients were divided into the stroke with OSA and cognitive impairment group(MMSE＜27 points,n=119)and the stroke with OSA without cognitive impairment group(MMSE≥27 points,n=224).General data,TOAST etiological classification and distribution of cerebral infarction lesions were collected.The intelligent sleep monitoring system was used to calculate apnea hypopnea index(AHI)and evaluate OSA.Objective sleep monitoring parameters were collected at night.Sleep monitoring was conducted within 24 h of admission and continuous monitoring for≥3 nights.Continuous monitoring duration≥7 h every night to obtain night sleep structure parameters.Multifactor Logistics regression was used to analyze the relationship between cognitive impairment and sleep parameters in stroke patients with OSA.Results Compared with the stroke with OSA without cognitive impairment group,the proportion of age,diabetes history and HHcy history,the proportion of patients with infarct lesions located in frontal,temporal,parietal,occipital,thalamus,basal ganglia,brainstem and hemioval center increased in the stroke with OSA and cognitive impairment group,and the number of years of education decreased,the number of waking times,the proportion of light sleep and AHI increased,the nighttime sleep efficiency and deep sleep period decreased(P＜0.05).Logistics regression analysis showed that after controlling for years of education,age and other interference factors,nighttime sleep efficiency and AHI were strongly associated with cognitive impairment in acute ischemic stroke patients with OSA(P＜0.05).The increased nighttime sleep efficiency was protective factor for cognitive impairment,and increased AHI was risk factor for cognitive impairment.Conclusion Cognitive impairment in acute ischemic stroke patients with OSA is closely related to sleep parameters,in which the increased sleep efficiency at night is a protective factor for cognitive impairment,and the increased AHI is a risk factor.

Over-expression of glutathione S-transferase(GST)can promote Cisplatin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)treatment.Hence,inhibiting GST is an attractive strategy to improve Cisplatin sensi-tivity in HCC therapy.Although several synthesized GST inhibitors have been developed,the side effects and narrow spectrum for anticancer seriously limit their clinical application.Considering the abundance of natural compounds with anticancer activity,this study developed a rapid fluorescence technique to screen"green"natural GST inhibitors with high specificity.The fluorescence assay demonstrated that schisanlactone B(hereafter abbreviated as C1)isolated from Xue tong significantly down-regulated GST levels in Cisplatin-resistant HCC cells in vitro and in vivo.Importantly,C1 can selectively kill HCC cells from normal liver cells,effectively improving the therapeutic effect of Cisplatin on HCC mice by down-regulating GST expression.Considering the high GST levels in HCC patients,this compound demon-strated the high potential for sensitizing HCC therapy in clinical practice by down-regulating GST levels.

CUDC-101, an effective and multi-target inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), histone deacetylase (HDAC), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), has been reported to inhibit many kinds of cancers, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, no studies have yet investigated whether CUDC-101 is effective against myeloma. Herein, we proved that CUDC-101 effectively inhibits the proliferation of multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and induces cell apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, CUDC-101 markedly blocked the signaling pathway of EGFR/phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and HDAC, and regulated the cell cycle G2/M arrest. Moreover, we revealed through in vivo experiment that CUDC-101 is a potent anti-myeloma drug. Bortezomib is one of the important drugs in MM treatment, and we investigated whether CUDC-101 has a synergistic or additive effect with bortezomib. The results showed that this drug combination had a synergistic anti-myeloma effect by inducing G2/M phase blockade. Collectively, our findings revealed that CUDC-101 could act on its own or in conjunction with bortezomib, which provides insights into exploring new strategies for MM treatment.
Humans ; Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Apoptosis ; Bortezomib/pharmacology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; ErbB Receptors/antagonists & inhibitors* ; G2 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints ; Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/pharmacology* ; Histone Deacetylases/metabolism* ; M Cells ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy*

Objective:To investigate the efficiency, safety and complication of 0.7 mg dexamethasone sustained release agent (Ozurdex ?) vitreous cavity implantation for macular edema secondary to vitrectomy. Methods:A total of 15 patients (16 eyes) were included in this retrospective case series study. There were 7 males (8 eyes) and 8 females (8 eyes). Age ranged from 47 to 72 years old with an average age of (60.2±8.6)years. Among them, 8 cases were diabetic retinopathy (6 cases combined cataract surgery). 4 cases were silicone oil removal after retinal detachment surgery (all combined cataract surgery). 2 cases were epi-macular membrane (all combined with cataract surgery) and 1 case was vitreous hemorrhage (combined with cataract surgery). Ozurdex ? was implanted for macular edema after vitrectomy. The number of implantation was from 1 to 3 times (mean 1.67 times). The follow-up time was from 3 to 12 months, with an average of (7.33±3.50)months. Results:The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was improved in 10 cases (11 eyes), unchanged in 4 cases and decreased in 1 case within 3 months after Ozurdex ? implantation in the 15 cases (16 eyes). The macular edema was significantly improved in all cases. The central macular thickness (CMT) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) was from 350 to 1 370 γm before surgery with average thickness (621.60±235.48)γm, and the CMT postoperative was 118 to 556 γm with average thickness (269.87±118.14)γm, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.001). Cataract was not progressive after Ozurdex ? implantation. Macular edema was recurrent in 7 cases after first implantation and stable for additional 1-2 injections. Intraocular pressure elevation occurred in 3 cases 1 to 2 months after implantation with the highest intraocular pressure of 36 mmHg, which were controlled by local anti-glaucoma eye drops. Drugs entered into the anterior chamber in 2 cases and was taken out in 1 case. Conclusions:The efficiency of Ozurdex ? vitreous cavity implantation is definite and the complications are controllable, so it is a safe and effective method to treat macular edema after vitrectomy.

Objective:To investigate the effect of vancomycin (Vm)-loaded microbubbles (MBs) combined with ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) technique on the morphological structure, thickness and bacterial viability of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilms.Methods:Vm-MBs were prepared by thin film hydration. Sterile coverslips in a diameter of 13 mm were placed in 24-well plates to construct in vitro biofilm models using MRSA as the test strain, and the biofilm morphology was observed by naked eye and light microscopy after crystal violet staining. LIVE/DEAD, SYTO59 and DIL were used to stain biofilms and MBs, respectively. After staining, the biofilm morphology and position of the biofilm in relation to MBs were observed using laser confocal scanning microscopy. The biofilms were divided into control group, Vm group, Vm-MBs group, UTMD group and Vm-MBs+UTMD group according to the random number table method, with 9 samples in each group. After biofilms of each group were treated accordingly for 24 hours, the morphological and structural changes of biofilms in each group were observed using laser confocal scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy following LIVE/DEAD staining; the difference in biofilm density in each group was measured with the aid of an enzyme marker following crystal violet staining; the difference in biofilm thickness and bacterial viability in each group were observed by laser confocal scanning microscopy. Results:The prepared Vm-MBs met the experimental requirements. The constructed biofilm model observed by naked eye, light microscopy and laser confocal scanning microscopy showed that the biofilm structure was dense with a relatively uniform thickness of (13.8±0.2)nm, a small amount of dead bacteria inside the membrane and the percentage of live bacteria of (94.9±0.3)%. Laser confocal scanning microscopy showed that MBs could penetrate into deeper layers of biofilms. After the respective treatment was given to each group for 24 hours, Laser confocal scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy following LIVE/DEAD staining showed that the biofilm morphological structure was most significantly disrupted in Vm-MBs+UTMD group compared to control, Vm, Vm-MBs and UTMD groups. In Vm-MBs+UTMD group, a large number of dead bacteria was observed, with only a few scattered planktonic bacteria and irregular changes in cell membrane morphology. Crystal violet staining showed that the biofilm density was significantly lower in Vm-MBs+UTMD group compared to control group ( P<0.05), while the differences between Vm, Vm-MBs and UTMD groups were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Laser confocal microscopy showed that the biofilm thickness was thinner in Vm-MBs, UTMD and Vm-MBs+UTMD groups compared to control group (all P<0.05), with no significant difference between Vm group and control group ( P>0.05) and that the biofilm thickness was thinner in Vm-MBs+UTMD group compared to Vm, Vm-MBs and UTMD groups (all P<0.01), with no significant differences between the other groups (all P>0.05). Bacterial activity in Vm, Vm-MBs, UTMD and Vm-MBs+UTMD groups was significantly lower than that in control group (all P<0.01), with lower in Vm-MBs+UTMD group compared to Vm, Vm-MBs and UTMD groups (all P<0.01), but without significant difference between the other groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Vm-MBs combined with UTMD technology can effectively destroy the biofilm morphological structure to reduce biofilm thickness. Meanwhile, Vm-MBs combined with UTMD technology can release antibiotics and significantly decrease bacterial viability to improve antibiotic bactericidal efficacy.

Abdomen/diagnostic imaging* ; Artificial Intelligence ; Body Composition ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Practice Guidelines as Topic

Background::Understanding the characteristics of newly diagnosed primary human deficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in the context of the post-antiretroviral therapy era and HIV drug prophylaxis is essential for achieving the new target of 95-95-95-95 by 2025. This study reported the characteristics of newly diagnosed primary HIV-1 infection in Shenzhen.Methods::This is a real-world retrospective study. Eighty-seven newly diagnosed primary HIV-1-infected patients were recruited from January 2021 to March 2022 at the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen. Demographic, epidemiological, diagnostic, drug resistance, and medical data were described and analyzed.Results::Overall, 96.6% (84/87) of the newly identified primary HIV-1-infected patients were male, including 88.5% (77/87) men have sex with men (MSM), with a median age of 29.0 years (Q 1-Q 3: 24.0-34.0 years); of these, 85.1% (74/87) reported high-risk sexual behaviors with casual partners. The rate of condom usage was only 28.7% (25/87). The overall rate of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was 8.0% (7/87, including 4 PrEP and 3 PEP cases) around the potential exposure, although 41.4% of the patients had prior awareness of such interventions. Moreover, only 19.5% (17/87) had previously used PrEP or PEP. Of those, 58.8% (10/17) of the patients obtained drugs from the internet, and only 35.3% (6/17) reported good compliance. A total of 54.0% (47/87) of subjects were diagnosed by the HIV nucleic acid test. Acute retroviral syndrome appeared in 54.0% (47/87) of patients. The prevalence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) mutation was 33.9% (19/56), including 6 (10.7%) against nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) plus non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), 8 (14.3%) against NNRTI, and 5 (8.9%) against protease inhibitor (PI) only. Conclusions::Owing to the low utilization rate and incorrect usage of PrEP and PEP, massive efforts are needed to promote HIV-preventive strategies in the MSM population. The extremely high prevalence of TDR mutation in this population implies the need for future pretreatment drug resistance surveillance.

【Objective】 To explore the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus on postpartum depression （PPD） and its potential mechanism. 【Methods】 The mouse model of PPD was established by using dexamethasone sodium phosphate during pregnancy. At the end of adaptive feeding， 50 pregnant female mice were randomly divided into low-dose group （group Ⅰ）， high-dose group （Group Ⅱ）， positive control group （Group Ⅲ）， model control group （Group IV）， and blank control group （Group Ⅴ）. The mice in Group Ⅰ and Group II were given Lactobacillus rhamnosus 1×10⁷ and1×10⁸CFU（kg·d）. The mice in Group Ⅲ were given 1.8 mg /（kg·d） paroxetine， and the mice in Groups IV and V were given the same amount of normal saline for 4 weeks. The 24-hour food consumption test， open field test and sugar water consumption test were used to detect the behavior of mice in each group. The concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）， norepinephrine （NE）， and dopamine （DA） were determined by RP-HPLC. The changes in Enterococcus faecalis， Bifidobacterium， Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli in the cecum of mice were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR （RT-qPCR）. 【Results】 Before modeling， there were no significant differences in food intake， weight change rate， open field moving distance and speed， and percentage of sugar consumption among the groups （P>0.05）. After modeling， there was no significant difference in food intake or weight change rate among the five groups， but the open field moving distance， moving speed and percentage of sugar preference were significantly reduced （P<0.05）. After intervention with Lactobacillus rhamnosus， compared with Group Ⅳ， the depression-like behavior in Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ mice was improved； the weight change rate， open field moving distance and speed， percentage of sugar preference， and monoamine neurotransmitter concentration in Group I and Group Ⅱ were significantly increased compared with those in Group Ⅳ （P<0.05）， while Enterococcus faecalis， Escherichia coli and lactobacillus were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and Bifidobacterium had an upward trend， but without significant difference. There was no significant change in food intake. 【Conclusion】 Lactobacillus rhamnosus can improve the depression-like behavior， affect monoamine neurotransmitters in mice， and regulate intestinal flora， which provides a new direction for studies on postpartum depression.

Here,we reported a case of term infant with unilateral congenital microphthalmia (CM).Physical examination conducted on 2 d after birth showed that the left eye was barely open and the eye socket was deeper than the right.Meanwhile,the cornea of the left eye was not completely exposed and the light reflex could not be elicited.Ophthalmology consultation,ultrasound and CT scan were conducted,and CM was finally diagnosed since the infant was found to have a small eyeball and shortened axial length,accompanying by pathological changes in the lens,vitreous body and retina.This case suggested that detailed physical examination should be carried out,especially for the eyes,including orbit and eyelid,presence or absence of secretion or concealed eyeball,together with medical imaging techniques technology,to ensure an early detection and diagnosis of CM in neonates.