Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

This study examines the effects of zearalenone(ZEA)on the survival and function of lu-teinized granulosa cells,and studies the role of activating transcription factor 6(ATF6)in regula-ting apoptosis and functional abnormalities of luteinized granulosa cells induced by ZEA.An in vitro model of luteinized granulosa cells was utilized to examine the effects of ZEA treatment on apoptosis,hormone secretion,and the expression of relevant proteins.Furthermore,the expression of ATF6 was manipulated using siRNA to elucidate its regulatory function in the ZEA-induced damage of luteinized granulosa cells in mice.Our findings revealed that ZEA inhibited the activity of luteinized granulosa cells and reduced the secretion of estradiol(E2)and progesterone(P4)in a dose-dependent manner.The expression levels of p-IRE1,ATF6 and StAR in both low(20 pmol/L)and high(40 μmol/L)ZEA groups were significantly increased after 24 h(P＜0.05).GRP78 had no significant change at low concentration treatment(P＞0.05),but significantly increased at high concentration treatment(P＜0.05).Similarly,ATF4 and p-EIF2α had no significant change at low concentration treatment(P＞0.05),but significantly decreased at high concentration treat-ment(P＜0.05).HSD3B2 and CYP19A1 were significantly decreased in both low and high concentration treatments(P＜0.05).After 48 h of treatment,ATF6 and GRP78 were significantly increased in both low and high concentration treatments(P＜0.05).p-IRE1 was significantly de-creased at low concentration treatment(P＜0.05),but remained unchanged at high concentration treatment(P＞0.05).ATF4,p-EIF2α,HSD3B2 and CYP19A1 were significantly decreased in both low and high concentration treatments(P＜0.05).St AR was significantly increased in both low and high concentration treatments(P＜0.05).Interference with the expression of ATF6 could sig-nificantly reduce the apoptosis induced by low concentration group(P＜0.05),and enhanced the hormone secretion in both high and low concentration groups(P＜0.05).In conclusion,ZEA can cause damage to luteinized granulosa cells and activate ATF6 signaling pathway.Interference with ATF6 can alleviate apoptosis and hormone secretion disturbance induced by low concentration ZEA,but has limited effect on damage caused by high concentration ZEA.

This study examines the effects of zearalenone(ZEA)on the survival and function of lu-teinized granulosa cells,and studies the role of activating transcription factor 6(ATF6)in regula-ting apoptosis and functional abnormalities of luteinized granulosa cells induced by ZEA.An in vitro model of luteinized granulosa cells was utilized to examine the effects of ZEA treatment on apoptosis,hormone secretion,and the expression of relevant proteins.Furthermore,the expression of ATF6 was manipulated using siRNA to elucidate its regulatory function in the ZEA-induced damage of luteinized granulosa cells in mice.Our findings revealed that ZEA inhibited the activity of luteinized granulosa cells and reduced the secretion of estradiol(E2)and progesterone(P4)in a dose-dependent manner.The expression levels of p-IRE1,ATF6 and StAR in both low(20 pmol/L)and high(40 μmol/L)ZEA groups were significantly increased after 24 h(P＜0.05).GRP78 had no significant change at low concentration treatment(P＞0.05),but significantly increased at high concentration treatment(P＜0.05).Similarly,ATF4 and p-EIF2α had no significant change at low concentration treatment(P＞0.05),but significantly decreased at high concentration treat-ment(P＜0.05).HSD3B2 and CYP19A1 were significantly decreased in both low and high concentration treatments(P＜0.05).After 48 h of treatment,ATF6 and GRP78 were significantly increased in both low and high concentration treatments(P＜0.05).p-IRE1 was significantly de-creased at low concentration treatment(P＜0.05),but remained unchanged at high concentration treatment(P＞0.05).ATF4,p-EIF2α,HSD3B2 and CYP19A1 were significantly decreased in both low and high concentration treatments(P＜0.05).St AR was significantly increased in both low and high concentration treatments(P＜0.05).Interference with the expression of ATF6 could sig-nificantly reduce the apoptosis induced by low concentration group(P＜0.05),and enhanced the hormone secretion in both high and low concentration groups(P＜0.05).In conclusion,ZEA can cause damage to luteinized granulosa cells and activate ATF6 signaling pathway.Interference with ATF6 can alleviate apoptosis and hormone secretion disturbance induced by low concentration ZEA,but has limited effect on damage caused by high concentration ZEA.

Background: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common adolescent skin condition which is mainly caused by Cutibacterium acnes overcolonization and subsequent inflammation. Objective: Our previous studies demonstrated that ethanol extracts of Meconopsis quintuplinervia Regel (EMQ) possess significant antimicrobial properties. However, their protective effects and potential mechanisms against AV remain unclear. Methods: In the present study, the EMQ treatment potential for AV was evaluated in a C.acnes-induced mouse ear edema model, and the EMQ anti-inflammatory mechanism was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Results: The results showed that EMQ alleviated edema formation and inflammatory cell infiltration in an acne mouse model by suppressing inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α expression. Moreover, EMQ inhibited the phosphorylation of MAP kinases (MAPKs) such as p38, JNK, and ERK, the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion These findings suggest the potent anti-inflammatory activity of EMQ is possibly through the regulation of the MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways. Inhibition of C. acnes activity combined with a powerful anti-inflammatory effect of EMQ indicated its potential as a novel therapeutic option for AV.

Objective:To investigate the application value of individualized full-course nutritional intervention in neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) for locally advanced Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG).Methods:The perspec-tive randomized control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 90 patients with locally advanced Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ AEG who underwent nCRT in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from February 2012 to December 2018 were selected. Patient were divided into two groups with 1:1 according to random number table. Patients undergoing nCRT combined with individualized full-course nutritional intervention were allocated into experimental group, and patients undergoing nCRT combined with common nutritional intervention were allocated into control group. Observation indicators: (1) grouping situations of the enrolled patients; (2) changing situations of nutritional status and quality of life of patients in nCRT and preoperative waiting period; (3) efficacy evaluation and adverse effects of nCRT; (4) surgical and recovery situations. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the t test. Measurement date with skewed distribution were represented as M ( P25, P75) or M (range), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were represented as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the non-parameter rank sum test. Repeated measurement data were analyzed using the repeated ANOVA. Results:(1) Grouping situations of the enrolled patients: a total of 90 patients were selected for eligibility. There were 77 males and 13 females, aged from 26 to 74 years, with a median age of 62 years. Of 90 patients, there were 45 cases in the experimental group and 45 cases in the control group. (2) Changing situations of nutritional status and quality of life of patients in nCRT and preoperative waiting period: ① during the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preoperative waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the body mass was (67±10)kg, (66±9)kg, (67±10)kg, (68±10)kg, (70±10)kg for the experi-mental group, respectively, and (65±9)kg, (59±8)kg, (62±8)kg, (64±8)kg, (66±9)kg for the control group. The multivariate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the body mass ( χ2=195.010, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, intervention effect of body mass changing between the two groups ( F=93.974, 60.638, 4.144, P<0.05). ② During the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preoperative waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the total protein was (66±4)g/L, (65±4)g/L, (65±4)g/L, (68±4)g/L, (71±5)g/L for the experimental group, respectively, and (65±4)g/L, (62±5)g/L, (63±5)g/L, (65±5)g/L, (67±6)g/L for the control group. The multivariate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the total protein ( χ2=652.524, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, interven-tion effect of total protein changing between the two groups ( F=672.507, 6.424, 5.057, P<0.05). ③ During the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preoperative waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the albumin was (40±3)g/L, (38±4)g/L, (38±4)g/L, (39±4)g/L, (40±4)g/L for the experimental group, respectively, and (39±4)g/L, (35±5)g/L, (36±4)g/L, (36±4)g/L, (37±5)g/L for the control group. The multivariate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the albumin ( χ2=289.324, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, intervention effect of albumin changing between the two groups ( F=4 210.683, 5.013, 7.330, P<0.05). ④ During the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preoperative waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the prealbumin was (228±41)mg/L, (222±56)mg/L, (223±47)mg/L, (227±46)mg/L, (233±53)mg/L for the experimental group, respectively, and (202±49)mg/L, (174±68)mg/L, (179±54)mg/L, (185±51)mg/L, (193±57)mg/L for the control group. The multi-variate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the prealbumin ( χ2=297.324, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, intervention effect of prealbumin changing between the two groups ( F=871.545, 6.111, 14.426, P<0.05). ⑤ During the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preoperative waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the hemoglobin was (124±14)g/L, (121±14)g/L, (125±13)g/L, (127±13)g/L, (128±13)g/L for the experimental group, respectively, and (121±18)g/L, (114±14)g/L, (116±14)g/L, (117±16)g/L, (118±22)g/L for the control group. The multivariate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the hemoglobin ( χ2=257.560, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, intervention effect of hemoglobin changing between the two groups ( F=2 533.553, 4.142, 4.985, P<0.05). ⑥ During the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preopera-tive waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) score was 4.4±1.2,6.3±1.4, 5.5±1.4, 4.3±1.4, 3.4±1.7 for the experimental group, respec-tively, and 4.9±1.2, 7.4±1.7, 7.3±1.6, 6.3±1.4, 6.0±1.5 for the control group. The multivariate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the PG-SGA score ( χ2=289.543, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, intervention effect of PG-SGA score changing between the two groups ( F=648.583, 41.906, 26.098, P<0.05). ⑦ During the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preoperative waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the quality of life questionnaire of stomach (QLQ-ST022) score was 13±3, 16±6, 16±4, 14±4, 12±5 for the experimental group, respectively, and 15±4, 21±6, 20±4, 17±4, 15±5 for the control group. The multivariate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the QLQ-STO22 ( χ2=279.865, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, interven-tion effect of QLQ-STO22 changing between the two groups ( F=710.238, 7.261, 16.794, P<0.05). (3) Efficacy evaluation and adverse effects of nCRT: there were 25 patients and 20 cases of the experimental group with partial response and stable disease, showing the objective response rate and disease control rate as 55.6%(25/45)and 100.0%(45/45). There were 18 patients and 27 cases of the control group with partial response and stable disease, showing the objective response rate and disease control rate as 40.0%(18/45)and 100.0%(45/45). There was no significant difference in the nCRT efficacy between the two groups ( P>0.05). Cases with leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, nausea, and loss of appetite were 27, 25, 19, 30, 34 for the experimental group, versus 37, 34, 29, 39, 42 for the control group, showing significant differences between the two groups ( χ2=5.409, 3.986, 4.464, 5.031, 5.414, P<0.05). (4) Surgical and recovery situations: patients of the experimental group underwent surgeries successfully. Two patients of the control group diagnosed with peritoneal metastasis after laparoscopic exploration underwent conversion therapy and no surgery, the other 43 patients underwent surgeries. The time to postoperative gastric tube removal, time to postopera-tive drainage tube removal, time to postoperative first flatus, time to postoperative first defecation, duration of postoperative hospital stay were 2.0 days (1.5 days, 3.0 days), 6.0 days (5.0 days,11.0 days), 2.0 days (1.5 days, 2.5 days), 2.0 days (1.5 days, 2.5 days), 7.0 days (6.0 days,14.0 days) for the experimental group, versus 3.0 days (2.0 days,4.0 days), 7.0 days (5.5 days,14.0 days), 2.0 days (1.5 days,3.0 days), 3.0 days (2.0 days,3.5 days), 8.0 days (6.0 days, 17.0 days) for the control group, showing significant differences between the two groups ( Z=-3.477, -4.398, -3.068, -5.786, -3.395, P<0.05). Conclusion:For AEG patients undergoing nCRT, the individualized full-course nutrition intervention involving nutritionists is beneficial to improve the nutritional status, reduce adverse reactions, and improve the quality of life of the patients, promote postoperative short-term recovery. Registry: this study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov in United States, with the registry number of NCT01962246.

Objective:To explore the exfoliative value of multi-slice CT (MSCT) on conversion therapy of gastric cancer patients with positive evaluation cytology (P 0CY 1) . Methods:A total of 36 P 0CY 1 gastric cancer patients receiving conversion therapy in a prospective, single-center, phase Ⅱ clinical trial were enrolled. MSCT examinations were performed before and after conversion therapy. Its solid tumor efficacy evaluation criteria (response evaluation criteria in solid tumors, Recist) 1.1 score and tumor volume reduction rate were evaluated. The Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between Recist 1.1 score and tumor volume reduction rate and the results of conversion therapy. The ROC curve was used to determine the defined value of the volume reduction rate to identify the effectiveness of conversion therapy, and formulate new grading standards. Results:According to the conversion of free cancer cells in the abdominal cavity , 15 of 36 patients had successful conversion therapy and 21 had failed. The rate of tumor volume reduction in the successful and failed conversion groups was 44.38%±37.86% and -54.96%±156.92%, respectively( P=0.016). The Recist 1.1 score was moderate correlated with the results of conversion therapy ( R=0.540, P=0.001), and the rate of tumor volume reduction was significantly correlated with the results of conversion therapy ( R=0.657, P<0.001). When the tumor volume reduction rate of 26.27% was used as the effective threshold for evaluating conversion therapy, the AUC under the ROC curve was the largest, and the sensitivity and specificity were 80.0% and 85.7%, respectively. Conclusion:Both the MSCT-measured Recist 1.1 score and the tumor volume reduction rate can be used to evaluate the efficacy of conversion therapy in patients with pure exfoliated cytology-positive gastric cancer, and CT tumor volume measurement significantly correlates with conversion therapy results.

Objective:To evaluate multislices helical CT (MSCT) on the efficacy and prognosis of preoperative treatment for locally advanced gastric stromal tumors(GIST).Methods:From Oct 2012 to Oct 2014 at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University 30 patients received MSCT before and after preoperative imatinib treatment to measure the changes of the GIST longest diameter, CT value and tumor volume of the primary lesion. The correlation of Choi score, tumor volume reduction rate and histological efficacy evaluation were analyzed. ROC curve was drew. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curves, and the overall survival rates under the new classification were calculated.Results:The median time for preoperative treatment was 8 (4 to 14) months. Postoperative pathology showed 4 cases (13%) with mild effects and 3 cases (10%) with low effects. Seventeen cases (57%) with moderate effect and 6 cases (20%) with high effect. Choi score was moderately correlated with histological efficacy evaluation ( R=0.512, P<0.05), and tumor volume reduction rate was strongly correlated with histological efficacy evaluation results ( R=0.620, P<0.05). When the tumor volume reduction rate of 45.83% was used as the effective threshold, the AUC under the ROC curve was the largest, and the sensitivity and specificity were 87.0% and 85.7%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate of 30 patients was 87%. According to the new volume grading standard, the 5-year survival rates of the effective group and the ineffective group were 95% and 67% ( P<0.05) , respectively . Conclusion:MSCT measurement of Choi score and tumor volume reduction rate can evaluate the efficacy of preoperative treatment in patients with locally advanced GIST, and tumor volume measurement standards also have certain value in prognosis perdiction.

Objective To evaluate the effect of individualized rehabilitation extended nursing on activities of daily living (ADL) in children with cerebral palsy. Methods A total of 156 cases of non-operative children with severe disorder of cerebral palsy from January to December 2017 in Sichuan 81 Rehabilitation Center, of 101 males and 55 females, aged 2-7 years with weighting 9 to 21 kg, were divided into 2 groups according to the time sequence, of which 70 cases of January to June 2017 before extension nursing as control group and 86 cases of July to December 2017 after extension nursing as observation group. The control group was received routine nursing according to the ADL rating scale, and the observation group was adopted the extended nursing method, according to the ADL rating scale to evaluate and judge the barrier grade, and chosen the suitable measures for rehabilitation nursing according to the individualized principle.The rehabilitation assessment was carried out before extended nursing (W0), the second week after extended nursing (W2), fourth week (W4), sixth week (W6), eighth week (W8), tenth week (W10), and twelfth week (W12) respectively. Results There was no significant difference in gender, age, weight and ADL scores at the time point of W0between the two groups (P>0.05). The ADL scores of the two groups were increased with the treatment time, and the increase of the observation group was greater than that of the control group. Compared with the control group, the ADL scores of the observation group were increased significantly at the time of W4to W12(P<0.01).After 12 weeks of treatment, there were 25 cases of mild disorders (29% ), 46 cases of moderate disorder (53.5% ) and 15 cases of severe disorder (17.5% ) in the observation group, and 3 cases of mild disorders (4.3% ), 38 cases of moderate disorder (54.3% ) and 29 cases of severe disorder (41.4% ) in the control group, and the observation group was obviously better than that of the control group (χ2＝21.083,P＜0.01). Conclusion Individualized rehabilitation extended nursing can improve ADL in children with cerebral palsy.