Four novel β-galactoside prodrugs were designed and synthesized from anthraquinones HAQ-OH and AQ-OH in an attempt to use the prodrugs to selectively release superoxide anion (O2−) in cancer cells and to achieve selected anticancer activity by utilizing the Warburg effect and the elevated level of β-galactosidase in certain cancer cells. Cellular assays showed that the prodrugs Gal-HAQ and Gal-AQ selectively inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 cells overexpressing β-galactosidase. Using O2− fluorescent probe, it was found that in OVCAR-3 cells Gal-HAQ and Gal-AQ could time-dependently release O2−, which was essential for their anticancer activity. Furthermore, it was found that Gal-HAQ and Gal-AQ were effective senolytics toward senescent cells overexpressing β-galactosidase without affecting the viability of corresponding non-senescent cells, further confirming the β-galactosidase-dependent cytotoxicity of the prodrugs. In conclusion, Gal-HAQ and Gal-AQ, which release O2− in response to β-galactosidase, are expected to serve as candidate prodrugs targeting cancer cells.

Constructing an efficient and easy-to-operate multigene expression system is currently a crucial part of plant genetic engineering. In this study, a fragment carrying three independent gene expression cassettes and the expression unit of the gene-silencing suppressor protein(RNA silencing suppressor 19 kDa protein, P19) simultaneously was designed and constructed. This fragment was cloned into the commonly used plant expression vector pCAMBIA300, and the plasmid pC1300-TP2-P19 was obtained. Each gene expression cassette consists of different promoters, fusion tags, and terminators. The target gene can be flexibly inserted into the corresponding site through enzymatic digestion and ligation or recombination and fused with different protein tags, which provides great convenience for subsequent detection. The enhanced green fluorescent protein(eGFP) reporter gene was individually constructed into each expression cassette to verify the feasibility of this vector system. The results of tobacco transient expression and laser-confocal microscopy showed that each expression cassette presented independent and normal expression. Meanwhile, the three key enzyme genes in the betanin synthesis pathway, BvCYP76AD, BvDODA1, and DbDOPA5GT, were constructed into the three expression cassettes. The results of tobacco transient expression phenotype, protein immunoblotting(Western blot), and chemical detection of product demonstrated that the three exogenous genes were highly expressed, and the target compound betanin was successfully produced. The above results indicated that the constructed multigene expression system for plants in this study was efficient and reliable and can achieve the co-transformation of multiple plant genes. It can provide a reliable vector platform for the analysis of plant natural product synthesis pathways, functional verification, and plant metabolic engineering.
Nicotiana/metabolism* ; Genetic Vectors/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism* ; Genetic Engineering/methods* ; Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism* ; Gene Expression

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of nickel-titanium shape memory staples in treating multiple metatarsal fractures. METHODS: The clinical data of 27 patients with multiple metatarsal fractures who were treated between January 2022 and June 2023 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analysed. The cohort consisted of 16 males and 11 females, aged 33-65 years (mean, 47.44 years). The causes of injury included heavy object impact in 11 cases, traffic accidents in 9 cases, and crush in 7 cases. Simultaneous fractures of 2, 3, 4, and 5 bones occurred in 6, 6, 4, and 8 cases, respectively, with tarsometatarsal joint injury in 3 cases. Fixation was performed using staples for 16, 22, and 9 fractures in the metatarsal neck, shaft, and the base, respectively, and 5 tarsometatarsal joint injuries. Preoperative soft tissue injuries were identified in 8 cases and classified according to the Tscherne-Oestern closed soft tissue injury classification as type Ⅰ in 5 cases and type Ⅱ in 3 cases. One case of type Ⅱexhibited preoperative skin necrosis. The patients were treated with fixation using nickel-titanium shape memory staples. Complications and fracture healing were documented. At last follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score was used to evaluate the function, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the pain. RESULTS: The 27 patients were followed up 9-19 months (mean, 12.4 months). Postoperative X-ray films revealed no loss of fracture reduction, and all fractures achieved bony union. No internal fixator loosening, breakage, or other mechanical failures was observed. The mean fracture healing time was 3.13 months (range, 3-4 months). Postoperatively, 4 cases (2 of Tscherne-Oestern type Ⅰ, 2 of type Ⅱ) developed superficial skin necrosis, which resolved with dressing changes. No infection was observed in the remaining patients, and all wounds healed. At last follow-up, the AOFAS forefoot score ranged from 70 to 95, with an average of 86.6, of which 19 cases were excellent, 6 cases were good, and 2 cases were fair, with an excellent and good rate of 92.6%; the VAS score ranged from 0 to 3, with an average of 0.9, of which 24 cases were excellent, and 3 cases were good, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. CONCLUSION The use of nickel-titanium shape memory staples in the treatment of multiple metatarsal fractures can effectively protect local skin and soft tissues and minimize secondary damage associated with internal fixator insertion. It is a viable surgical option for management of multiple metatarsal fractures.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Titanium ; Nickel ; Retrospective Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Aged ; Metatarsal Bones/surgery* ; Fractures, Bone/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Sutures ; Fractures, Multiple/surgery*

The sternalis muscle is a rare supernumerary muscle representing a normal anatomical variant in the anterior thoracic musculature. Due to wide variation in its morphology and relative unfamiliarity among radiologists, it has been implicated in the misdiagnosis of breast masses on mammography. A 23-year-old male with no significant medical history was referred to our institution for further management of painless bilateral breast enlargement since adolescence. Physical examination revealed breasts of slightly prominent size but there was no palpable breast lump. Mammography work-up found symmetrical, well-defined soft tissue masses projected over the posteromedial aspect of both breasts. Imaging findings were consistent with bilateral sternalis muscles, unusually hypertrophic in size due to intense upper body weight training by the patient. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the usual and unusual presentations of the sternalis muscles on mammography to avoid any unnecessary work-up.

BACKGROUND:Currently,numerous experiments delve into the intricate anatomy and biomechanical behavior of distinct segments of the supraspinatus muscle.However,the impact of shoulder joint stress resulting from damage to various regions of this muscle remains a scarcely explored domain.Understanding the repercussions of supraspinatus muscle injuries across different regions on the stress distribution and magnitude of articular cartilage and the glenoid is crucial for providing some theoretical support for clinical diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE:To ascertain the maximum stress values by simulating different degrees of supraspinatus muscle rupture on the humeral cartilage surface,glenoid lip,and glenoid cartilage joint surface using three-dimensional finite element software. METHODS:Normal and healthy shoulder joint CT or MRI scans were processed through Mimics and Geomagic to extract molds.Subsequently,models were constructed via Solidworks.Varying degrees of supraspinatus muscle damage were simulated for each model to mimic fractures in different regions.Finally,Ansys,mechanical software,was employed for three-dimensional finite element biomechanical analysis,calculating stress values for the humeral cartilage surface,glenoid lip,and glenoid cartilage joint surface. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With worsening degrees of supraspinatus muscle injury,the stress on the shoulder joint cartilage surface and glenoid lip escalated.(2)Among various regions,the anterior part of the supraspinatus muscle exhibited paramount significance.(3)While supraspinatus muscle fractures of differing degrees impacted the magnitude of cartilage stress on the glenoid labial surface,the stress distribution remained constant.(4)It is indicated that during the initial stages of horizontal abduction of the shoulder joint,the anterior region assumes a pivotal role,followed by the posterior deep region.Injury to the anterior part of the supraspinatus muscle leads to a significant surge in stress within the shoulder joint's soft tissue,potentially causing damage to the top of the glenoid lip and the anterior part of the glenoid cartilage.

The sternalis muscle is a rare supernumerary muscle representing a normal anatomical variant in the anterior thoracic musculature. Due to wide variation in its morphology and relative unfamiliarity among radiologists, it has been implicated in the misdiagnosis of breast masses on mammography. A 23-year-old male with no significant medical history was referred to our institution for further management of painless bilateral breast enlargement since adolescence. Physical examination revealed breasts of slightly prominent size but there was no palpable breast lump. Mammography work-up found symmetrical, well-defined soft tissue masses projected over the posteromedial aspect of both breasts. Imaging findings were consistent with bilateral sternalis muscles, unusually hypertrophic in size due to intense upper body weight training by the patient. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the usual and unusual presentations of the sternalis muscles on mammography to avoid any unnecessary work-up.

[摘 要] 目的：评估放疗作为原位疫苗的联合治疗模式在晚期软组织肉瘤（STS）患者中的有效性和安全性。方法：回顾性分析2020年12月至2024年9月期间在南京大学医学院附属鼓楼医院肿瘤中心接受联合治疗模式的12例晚期STS患者的临床资料。12例患者均接受了联合治疗。放疗主要以大分割为主。靶向治疗：安罗替尼10例、阿帕替尼2例。免疫治疗以PD-1抗体为主。主要研究终点为疾病控制率（DCR），次要研究终点为客观有效率（ORR）及安全性。结果：接受联合治疗的12例STS患者中有0例CR，4例PR，7例SD，1例PD。ORR为33%，DCR为91.7%，其中靶病灶的DCR为100%。12例患者中，9例出现Ⅰ~Ⅱ级不良反应。最常发生的血液学不良反应是贫血（6例）、肝功能检查结果异常（3例）。最常发生的非血液学不良反应是尿蛋白（5例）、高血压（4例）、甲状腺功能异常（3例）、厌食（3例）、恶心呕吐（2例）；仅2例发生Ⅲ级血液毒性，有1例发生Ⅲ级气胸。结论：放疗作为原位疫苗的联合治疗模式在晚期STS患者中展现出较高的DCR，且未出现严重不良反应。该联合治疗模式具有良好的有效性与安全性。

The sternalis muscle is a rare supernumerary muscle representing a normal anatomical variant in the anterior thoracic musculature. Due to wide variation in its morphology and relative unfamiliarity among radiologists, it has been implicated in the misdiagnosis of breast masses on mammography. A 23-year-old male with no significant medical history was referred to our institution for further management of painless bilateral breast enlargement since adolescence. Physical examination revealed breasts of slightly prominent size but there was no palpable breast lump. Mammography work-up found symmetrical, well-defined soft tissue masses projected over the posteromedial aspect of both breasts. Imaging findings were consistent with bilateral sternalis muscles, unusually hypertrophic in size due to intense upper body weight training by the patient. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the usual and unusual presentations of the sternalis muscles on mammography to avoid any unnecessary work-up.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to understand the awareness and attitudes of elderly Southeast Asians towards telehealth services during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in this study. METHODS: In this qualitative study, 78 individuals from Singapore (51.3% female, mean age 73.0 ± 7.6 years) were interviewed via telephone between 13 May 2020 and 9 June 2020 during Singapore's first COVID-19 'circuit breaker'. Participants were asked to describe their understanding of telehealth, their experience of and willingness to utilise these services, and the barriers and facilitators underlying their decision. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, guided by the United Theory of Acceptance Use of Technology framework. RESULTS: Of the 78 participants, 24 (30.8%) were able to describe the range of telehealth services available and 15 (19.2%) had previously utilised these services. Conversely, 14 (17.9%) participants thought that telehealth comprised solely home medication delivery and 50 (51.3%) participants did not know about telehealth. Despite the advantages offered by telehealth services, participants preferred in-person consultations due to a perceived lack of human interaction and accuracy of diagnoses, poor digital literacy and a lack of access to telehealth-capable devices. CONCLUSION Our results showed poor overall awareness of the range of telehealth services available among elderly Asian individuals, with many harbouring erroneous views regarding their use. These data suggest that public health education campaigns are needed to improve awareness of and correct negative perceptions towards telehealth services in elderly Asians.
Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Female ; Telemedicine ; Aged ; Male ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Qualitative Research ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged, 80 and over ; Middle Aged ; Pandemics ; Awareness ; Asian People ; Southeast Asian People

INTRODUCTION: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with significant long-term impacts, yet few interventions specifically target ACE exposure, especially in Asian populations. Anchor, Singapore's first home visitation programme, addresses maltreat-ment among preschool children. This study evaluated Anchor's impact on children's developmental and behavioural outcomes. METHOD: We conducted a prospective evaluation of children under 4 years assessed for maltreatment from November 2019 to July 2023. Developmental and behavioural progress was measured every 6 months using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3) and ASQ:Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE-2), and annually using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). RESULTS: The results of 125 children (mean age 20.0 months, 48% female) were analysed. The mean length of stay in programme was 21.2 (7.3) months. At baseline, 92 (73.6%) children were at risk of develop-mental delay and 25 (31.7%) children aged ≥18 months had behavioural concerns. The programme was associated with significant improvements in gross motor (P=0.002) and fine motor (P=0.001) domains of the ASQ-3 and internalising problem scale (P=0.001) of the CBCL. CONCLUSION Anchor effectively enhances develop-mental and behavioural outcomes for children exposed to maltreatment. Targeted early intervention through such programmes can mitigate adverse impacts, optimising developmental trajectories and potentially reducing the long-term clinical and economic burdens associated with ACEs.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Child Abuse/therapy* ; Child, Preschool ; Singapore ; House Calls ; Infant ; Prospective Studies ; Child Development ; Developmental Disabilities/epidemiology* ; Program Evaluation ; Child Behavior Disorders ; Child Behavior