Radon, the only naturally occurring radioactive noble gas, is among the most common radioactive nuclides to which humans are exposed. Radon can induce various biological effects in the human body and is a risk factor for lung cancer. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable, tissue-specific, and abundantly expressed in body fluids. circRNAs can regulate gene expression and play an important role in the development of cancer. In this paper, we summarized the changes in the expression and function of circRNAs, highlighting the potential mechanisms of circRNAs in radon exposure-induced cancers. Our results provided theoretical support for the use of circRNAs as a biomarker of radon exposure-induced radiation damage, and offer a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of radon exposure-induced diseases.

Purpose: This Phase II trial was objected to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding fulvestrant to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)– locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the association of 16α-18F-fluoro-17β-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) positron emission tomography (PET)–computed tomography (CT) and metabolites with efficacy. Materials and Methods: Fulvestrant and EC-T regimen were given to ER+/HER2– LABC patients before surgery. At baseline, patients received 18F-FES PET-CT scan, and plasma samples were taken for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included total pathologic complete response (tpCR) and safety. Results: Among the 36 patients enrolled, the ORR was 86.1%, the tpCR rate was 8.3%. The incidence of grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events was 22%. The decrease in ER value in sensitive patients was larger than that in non-sensitive patients, as was Ki-67 (p < 0.05). The maximum standardized uptake value, mean standardized uptake values, total lesion ER expression of 18F-FES PET-CT in sensitive patients were significantly higher than those in non-sensitive patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, these parameters were significantly correlated with Miller and Payne grade and the change in ER expression before and after treatment (p < 0.05). Thirteen differential expressed metabolites were identified, which were markedly enriched in 19 metabolic pathways. Conclusion This regimen demonstrated acceptable toxicity and encouraging antitumor efficacy. 18F-FES PET-CT might serve as a tool to predict the effectiveness of this therapy. Altered metabolites or metabolic pathways might be associated with treatment response.

Purpose: This Phase II trial was objected to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding fulvestrant to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)– locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the association of 16α-18F-fluoro-17β-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) positron emission tomography (PET)–computed tomography (CT) and metabolites with efficacy. Materials and Methods: Fulvestrant and EC-T regimen were given to ER+/HER2– LABC patients before surgery. At baseline, patients received 18F-FES PET-CT scan, and plasma samples were taken for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included total pathologic complete response (tpCR) and safety. Results: Among the 36 patients enrolled, the ORR was 86.1%, the tpCR rate was 8.3%. The incidence of grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events was 22%. The decrease in ER value in sensitive patients was larger than that in non-sensitive patients, as was Ki-67 (p < 0.05). The maximum standardized uptake value, mean standardized uptake values, total lesion ER expression of 18F-FES PET-CT in sensitive patients were significantly higher than those in non-sensitive patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, these parameters were significantly correlated with Miller and Payne grade and the change in ER expression before and after treatment (p < 0.05). Thirteen differential expressed metabolites were identified, which were markedly enriched in 19 metabolic pathways. Conclusion This regimen demonstrated acceptable toxicity and encouraging antitumor efficacy. 18F-FES PET-CT might serve as a tool to predict the effectiveness of this therapy. Altered metabolites or metabolic pathways might be associated with treatment response.

Purpose: This Phase II trial was objected to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding fulvestrant to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)– locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the association of 16α-18F-fluoro-17β-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) positron emission tomography (PET)–computed tomography (CT) and metabolites with efficacy. Materials and Methods: Fulvestrant and EC-T regimen were given to ER+/HER2– LABC patients before surgery. At baseline, patients received 18F-FES PET-CT scan, and plasma samples were taken for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included total pathologic complete response (tpCR) and safety. Results: Among the 36 patients enrolled, the ORR was 86.1%, the tpCR rate was 8.3%. The incidence of grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events was 22%. The decrease in ER value in sensitive patients was larger than that in non-sensitive patients, as was Ki-67 (p < 0.05). The maximum standardized uptake value, mean standardized uptake values, total lesion ER expression of 18F-FES PET-CT in sensitive patients were significantly higher than those in non-sensitive patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, these parameters were significantly correlated with Miller and Payne grade and the change in ER expression before and after treatment (p < 0.05). Thirteen differential expressed metabolites were identified, which were markedly enriched in 19 metabolic pathways. Conclusion This regimen demonstrated acceptable toxicity and encouraging antitumor efficacy. 18F-FES PET-CT might serve as a tool to predict the effectiveness of this therapy. Altered metabolites or metabolic pathways might be associated with treatment response.

OBJECTIVE: To precise classify sacral meningeal cysts, effective guide minimally invasive neurosurgery and postoperative personalized rehabilitation by multiple dimensions radiographic reconstruction MRI. METHODS: From March to December 2021, based on the original 3D-fast imaging employing steadystate acquisition (FIESTA) scanning sequence, 92 patients with sacral meningeal cysts were pre-operatively evaluated by multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI. The shape of nerve root and the leakage of cyst were reconstructed according to the direction of nerve root or leakage track showed on original MRI scans. Sacral canal cysts were accurately classified as including nerve root and without nerve root, so as to accurately design the incision of skin and formulate corresponding open range of the posterior wall of the sacral canal. Under the microscope intraoperation, the shape of the nerve roots inside cysts or leakage track of the cysts without nerve roots were verified and explored. After the reinforcement and shaping operation, several reexaminations of multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI were performed to understand the deformation of the nerve root and hydrops in the operation cavity, so as to formulate a persona-lized rehabilitation plan for the patients. RESULTS: Among the 92 patients with sacral mengingeal cyst, 58 (63.0%) cysts with nerve root cyst, 29 (31.5%) cysts without nerve root cyst, and 5 (5.4%) cysts with mixed sacral canal cyst. In 58 patients with nerve root cysts, the accuracy of preoperative clinical classification on MRI image reached 96.6% (56/58) through confirmation by operating microscope. Only 2 cases of large single cyst with nerve root on the head of cyst were mistaken for without nerve root type. In 29 patients with sacral cyst without nerve root, the accuracy of preoperative image reached 100% through confirmation by operating microscope. The accuracy of judging the internal nerve root and leakage of 12 cases with recurrent sacral cyst was also 100%. Two cases of delayed postoperative hydrops were found one month after operation. After rehabilitation treatment by moxibustion and bathing, the hydrops disappeared 4-6 months after operation. CONCLUSION Multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI can precisely make clinical classification of sacral meningeal cysts before operation, guide minimally invasive neurosurgery effectively, and improve the rehabilitation effect.
Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Sacrum/surgery* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods* ; Cysts/rehabilitation* ; Aged ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Spinal Nerve Roots/diagnostic imaging* ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Neurosurgical Procedures/methods*

Peanut, a major economic and oil crop known for the high protein and oil content, is extensively cultivated in China. Peanut plants have the ability to form nodules with rhizobia, where the nitrogenase converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia nitrogen that can be utilized by the plants. Analysis of nodule fixation is of positive significance for avoiding overapplication of chemical fertilizer and developing sustainable agriculture. In this study, AhNIGT1.2, a member of the NIGT family predominantly expressed in peanut nodules, was identified by bioinformatics analysis. Subsequent spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that AhNIGT1.2 was highly expressed in nodules and showed significant responses to high nitrogen, low nitrogen, high phosphorus, low phosphorus, and rhizobia treatments. Histochemical staining indicated that the gene was primarily expressed in developing nodules and at the connection region between mature nodules and peanut roots. The fusion protein AhNIGT1.2-GFP was located in the nucleus of tobacco epidermal cells. The AhNIGT1.2-OE significantly increased the number of peanut nodules, while AhNIGT1.2-RNAi reduced the number of nodules, which suggested a positive regulatory role of AhNIGT1.2 in peanut nodulation. The AhNIGT1.2-OE in roots down-regulated the expression levels of NRT1.2, NRT2.4, NLP1, and NLP7, which indicated that AhNIGT1.2 influenced peanut nodulation by modulating nitrate transport and the expression of NLP genes. The transcriptome analysis of AhNIGT1.2-OE and control roots revealed that overexpressing AhNIGT1.2 significantly enriched the differentially expressed genes associated with nitrate response, nodulation factor pathway, enzymes for triterpene biosynthesis, and carotenoid biosynthesis. These findings suggest that AhNIGT1.2 play a key role in peanut nodulation by regulating nitrate transport and response and other related pathways. This study gives insights into the molecular mechanisms of nitrogen and phosphorus in regulating legume nodulation and nitrogen fixation, and sheds light on the development of legume crops that can efficiently fix nitrogen in high nitrogen environments.
Arachis/physiology* ; Nitrates/metabolism* ; Plant Proteins/physiology* ; Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Plant Root Nodulation/physiology* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Root Nodules, Plant/metabolism* ; Nitrogen Fixation

Background::Although overnight fasting is recommended prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the benefits and safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet (CFD) intake 2 h before ERCP remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether high-CFD intake 2 h before ERCP can be safe and accelerate patients’ recovery.Methods::This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial involved 15 tertiary ERCP centers. A total of 1330 patients were randomized into CFD group ( n = 665) and fasting group ( n = 665). The CFD group received 400 mL of maltodextrin orally 2 h before ERCP, while the control group abstained from food/water overnight (>6 h) before ERCP. All ERCP procedures were performed using deep sedation with intravenous propofol. The investigators were blinded but not the patients. The primary outcomes included postoperative fatigue and abdominal pain score, and the secondary outcomes included complications and changes in metabolic indicators. The outcomes were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat principle. Results::The post-ERCP fatigue scores were significantly lower at 4 h (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 4.8 ± 2.8, t = 4.23, P <0.001) and 20 h (2.4 ± 2.1 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4, t= 7.94, P <0.001) in the CFD group, with least-squares mean differences of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.71, P <0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57–0.95, P <0.001), respectively. The 4-h pain scores (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 1.7, t = 2.60, P = 0.009, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.21 [95% CI: 0.05–0.37]) and positive urine ketone levels (7.7% [39/509] vs. 15.4% [82/533], χ2 = 15.13, P <0.001) were lower in the CFD group. The CFD group had significantly less cholangitis (2.1% [13/634] vs. 4.0% [26/658], χ2 = 3.99, P = 0.046) but not pancreatitis (5.5% [35/634] vs. 6.5% [43/658], χ2 = 0.59, P = 0.444). Subgroup analysis revealed that CFD reduced the incidence of complications in patients with native papilla (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39–0.95, P = 0.028) in the multivariable models. Conclusion::Ingesting 400 mL of CFD 2 h before ERCP is safe, with a reduction in post-ERCP fatigue, abdominal pain, and cholangitis during recovery.Trail Registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03075280.

V-ATPases are a class of multi-subunit protein complexes that utilize energy derived from ATP hydrolysis for mediating H + transport across cell membranes, which plays an important role in a range of life activities by acidifying the intracellular and extracellular environment. Variants of V-ATPase genes may lead to complete or partial loss of V-ATPase activity, which in turn may impair the ability of type A intercalated cells in renal tubules to pump H + into the tubular lumen, ultimately resulting in the onset of autosomal recessive distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA). With the rapid development of molecular techniques, ATP6V0A4 and ATP6V1B1 have now been identified as the pathogenic genes for dRTA. Moreover, animal and cell experiments have substantiated the implication of V-ATPase subunit genes including ATP6V1C2 and ATP6V1G3 in the development of dRTA, though clinical evidence is still limited. This article has reviewed recent progress on the genetic and molecular mechanisms of V-ATPase subunit gene variants which can lead to dRTA, which may shed light on the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Stress and illness connection is complex and involves multiple physiological systems. Panax ginsengs, reputed for their broad-spectrum "cure-all" effect, are widely prescribed to treat stress and related illnesses. However, the identity of ginseng's "cure-all" medicinal compounds that relieve stress remains unresolved. Here, we identify ginsentides as the principal bioactives that coordinate multiple systems to restore homeostasis in response to stress. Ginsentides are disulfide-rich, cell-penetrating and proteolytic-stable microproteins. Using affinity-enrichment mass spectrometry target identification together with in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo validations, we show that highly purified or synthetic ginsentides promote vasorelaxation by producing nitric oxide through endothelial cells via intracellular PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, alleviate α1-adrenergic receptor overactivity by reversing phenylephrine-induced constriction of aorta, decrease monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells via CD166/ESAM/CD40 and inhibit P2Y12 receptors to reduce platelet aggregation. Orally administered ginsentides were effective in animal models to reduce ADP-induced platelet aggregation, to prevent collagen and adrenaline-induced pulmonary thrombosis as well as anti-stress behavior of tail suspension and forced swimming tests in mice. Together, these results strongly suggest that ginsentides are the principal panacea compounds of ginsengs because of their ability to target multiple extra- and intra-cellular proteins to reverse stress-induced damages.

Objective To explore the feasibility of the multiplexed sensitivity encoding diffusion weighted imaging(MUSE-DWI)sequence in neck MRI,and to compare with traditional single-shot echo-planar imaging diffusion weighted imaging(SS-EPI-DWI)sequence.Methods Thirty healthy volunteers underwent MUSE-DWI and SS-EPI-DWI sequences scanning in neck.Two groups of images were independently scored by two radiologists for magnetic sensitivity artifact,chemical shift artifact,geometric distortion and overall image quality.The noise,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)of the regions of interest(ROI)of the two groups of images were measured and compared on the nasopharyngeal fossa layer,parotid gland layer,glottic layer and thyroid layer.Results Qualitative analysis showed that the image quality scores of MUSE-DWI sequence were significantly better than those of SS-EPI-DWI sequence in terms of magnetic sensitivity artifact,chemical shift artifact,geometric distortion and overall image quality(P<0.001).Quantitative analysis showed that the noise values of ROIs of MUSE-DWI sequence were significantly lower than those of SS-EPI-DWI sequence(P<0.001).The SNR and CNR of ROIs of MUSE-DWI sequence were higher than those of SS-EPI-DWI sequence(P<0.001).Conclusion MUSE-DWI sequence can significantly reduce geometric distortion,magnetic sensitivity artifact and chemical shift artifact,and SNR and CNR of images are significantly increased compared with SS-EPI-DWI sequence,which is more suitable for neck MRI scanning.