Xiaoke Bitong capsule alleviates inflammatory impairment via inhibition of the TNF signaling pathway to against diabetic peripheral neuropathy

BACKGROUND

Xiaoke Bitong capsule (XBC) is a crude herbal compound believed to tonify qi, improve blood circulation, and alleviate blood stasis. It has been used as an herbal formula for the prevention and treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the pharmacological mechanisms by which XBC ameliorates DPN remain poorly understood. The interaction between pro-inflammatory factors and the activation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a critical role in the underlying mechanisms of DPN. XBC may protect against DPN through the regulation of the TNF pathway.

PURPOSE

Many studies show the association between DPN and nerve dysfunction, however, treatment options are limited. To identify specific therapeutic targets and active components of XBC that contribute to its anti-DPN effects, our study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of action of XBC during the progression of DPN using a system pharmacology approach.

METHODS

An approach involving UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and network pharmacology was used to analyze the compositions, potential targets, and active pathways of XBC. Further, models of streptozocin (STZ) induced mouse and glucose induced RSC96 cells were established to explore the therapeutic effects of XBC. High glucose induced RSC96 cells were pretreated with small interfering RNA (siRNA) to identify potential therapeutic targets of DPN.

RESULTS

Seventy-one active compositions of XBC and five potential targets, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK), interleukin-6 (IL-6), poly-ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and transcription factor p65 (NF-κB), were considered as the potential regulators of DPN. In addition, the results revealed that the TNF signaling pathway was closely related to DPN. Moreover, DPN contributed to the decreased expressions of PI3K and AKT, increased TNF-α and IL-1β in RSC96 cells, which were both reversed by XBC or TNF-α siRNA.

CONCLUSION

XBC could protect against DPN by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and regulating the activation of the TNF signaling pathway, further accelerating neurogenesis, and alleviating peripheral nerve lesions. Therefore, this study highlights the therapeutic value of XBC for DPN.

[Conjunctival fungal infection mimicking a recurrent conjunctival mass: a case report]

A 40-year-old man presented with recurrent ocular surface masses in his left eye persisting for over a year. Despite undergoing resection of the conjunctival mass and receiving anti-inflammatory treatment at another hospital, the mass reappeared within a week post-surgery. Over the past 6 months, the mass gradually increased in size, accompanied by a decline in vision. Following conjunctival mass excision combined with amniotic membrane transplantation at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, histopathological examination revealed a fungal infection of the conjunctiva, resulting in a diagnosis of fungal conjunctivitis and conjunctival granuloma in the left eye. The patient received systemic antifungal medications and local therapy, resulting in a stable condition with no recurrence of the mass.

Fecal microbiota from patients with Parkinson's disease intensifies inflammation and neurodegeneration in A53T mice

AIMS

We evaluated the potential of Parkinson's disease (PD) fecal microbiota transplantation to initiate or exacerbate PD pathologies and investigated the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We transplanted the fecal microbiota from PD patients into mice by oral gavage and assessed the motor and intestinal functions, as well as the inflammatory and pathological changes in the colon and brain. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing combined with metabolomics analysis was conducted to assess the impacts of fecal delivery on the fecal microbiota and metabolism in recipient mice.

RESULTS

The fecal microbiota from PD patients increased intestinal inflammation, deteriorated intestinal barrier function, intensified microglia and astrocyte activation, abnormal deposition of α-Synuclein, and dopaminergic neuronal loss in the brains of A53T mice. A mechanistic study revealed that the fecal microbiota of PD patients stimulated the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in both the brain and colon. Additionally, multiomics analysis found that transplantation of fecal microbiota from PD patients not only altered the composition of the gut microbiota but also influenced the fecal metabolic profile of the recipient mice.

CONCLUSION

The fecal microbiota from PD patients intensifies inflammation and neurodegeneration in A53T mice. Our findings demonstrate that imbalance and dysfunction in the gut microbiome play significant roles in the development and advancement of PD.

Xiezhuo Tiaozhi formula inhibits macrophage pyroptosis in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by targeting the SIRT1 pathway

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a challenging disease to interfere with and represents a potential long-term risk factor for hepatic fibrosis and liver cancer. The Xiezhuo Tiaozhi (XZTZ) formula, a water extract from crude herbs, has been widely used as an anti-NAFLD agent through clinical observation. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of the XZTZ formula and its impact on the potential pathways against NAFLD have not been elucidated.

PURPOSE

Our study aims to investigate the pharmacological effects and underlying regulatory mechanisms of the XZTZ formula to treat NAFLD.

METHODS

The possible active components and pharmacological mechanisms of the XZTZ formula against NAFLD were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and molecular docking. To further explore the potential mechanisms, forty-eight 6-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were given individual attention with high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFHSD) or relevant control (Ctrl) diets for 16 weeks to successfully construct a NAFLD mouse model. Subsequently, the levels of serum biochemicals, pathological changes in the liver, and pyroptosis levels were assessed in mice to investigate the therapeutic effects of the XZTZ formula. Further, LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and Immortalized Mouse Kupffer cells (ImKC) were used to verify the potential mechanisms of the XZTZ formula against NAFLD in vitro.

RESULTS

We identified 7 chemical compounds and 2 potential therapeutic targets as plausible therapeutic points for the treatment of NAFLD using the XZTZ formula. Subsequent histopathological analysis revealed marked hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation in the HFHSD mice liver, while conditions were effectively ameliorated by administration of the XZTZ formula. Additionally, our work demonstrated that the XZTZ formula could attenuate M1 polarization, promote M2 polarization, and suppress pyroptosis via the SIRT1 pathway in tissue samples. Moreover, validation performed through LPS-induced RAW264.7 and ImKC cells by showing that silencing SIRT1 weaken the effects of the XZTZ formula on relative pyroptosis affirmed that its role was associated with the SIRT1 pathway in macrophage.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the XZTZ formula alleviated hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation in NAFLD mice. These ameliorations are associated with mechanisms involving the attenuation of M1 polarization, promotion of M2 polarization, and anti-pyroptosis effects through the SIRT1 pathway.

Discovery of Novel 2-Oxoacetamide Derivatives as B3GAT3 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Beta-1,3-glucuronosyltransferase (B3GAT3), overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and negatively correlated to prognosis, is a promising target for cancer therapy. Currently, no studies have reported small molecule inhibitors of B3GAT3. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of small-molecule inhibitors of B3GAT3 through virtual screening and structure optimization. The lead compound TMLB-C16 exhibited potent B3GAT3 inhibitory activity (KD = 3.962 μM) by effectively suppressing proliferation and migration, and inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MHCC-97H (IC50= 6.53 ± 0.18 μM) and HCCLM3 (IC50= 6.22 ± 0.23 μM) cells. Furthermore, compound TMLB-C16 demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties with a relatively high bioavailability of 68.37%. It significantly inhibited tumor growth in both MHCC-97H and HCCLM3 xenograft tumor models without causing obvious toxicity. These results indicate that compound TMLB-C16 is an effective small molecule inhibitor of B3GAT3, providing a basis for the future development of B3GAT3-targeted drugs.

Building methodological consensus to ensure rigor and reproducibility in zebrafish fertility research

The summary included in the text: Zebrafish are an increasingly popular model for studying the genetic and environmental factors that shape male and female fertility; however, the field currently lacks a standardized approach to fertility assessment. The current lack of consensus makes comparisons across studies more challenging and is an obstacle to reproducibility in the fields of reproductive biology and toxicology. Here, we review the diversity of spawning approaches used in zebrafish reproductive toxicology research to asses fertility and provide evidence that spawning parameters can result in meaningful differences in egg production and spawning success.

A versatile upconversion-based multimode lateral flow platform for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of microRNA towards health monitoring

MicroRNAs are small single-stranded RNA molecules associated with gene expression and immune response, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for health monitoring. Herein, we designed a novel upconversion-based multimode lateral flow assay (LFA) system to detect microRNAs in body fluids by simultaneously producing three unique signals within a detection strip. The core-shell Au-DTNB@Ag nanoparticles act as both the Raman reporters and acceptors, quenching fluorescence from upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs, NaYF4: Yb3+, Er3+) via the Förster resonance energy transfer mechanism. Using microRNA-21 as a representative analyte, the LFA system offers remarkable detection range from 2 nM to 1 fM, comparable to outcomes from signal amplification methods, due to the successful single-layer self-assembly of UCNPs on the NC membrane, which greatly enhances both the convenience and sensitivity of the LFA technique. Additionally, our proprietary fluorescence-Raman detection platform simplifies result acquisition by reducing procedural intricacies. The biosensor, when evaluated with diverse bodily fluids, showed remarkable selectivity and sustained stability. Importantly, our LFA biosensor effectively identified periodontitis and lung cancer patients from healthy subjects in genuine samples, indicating significant potential for disease prediction, early diagnosis, and progression tracking. This system holds promise as a multifunctional tool for various biomarker assays.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in Xinjiang, China, from 2020 to 2022

In recent years, the pig industry in Xinjiang, China, has been severely impacted by outbreaks of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), despite vaccination efforts. In this study, we investigated the genetic characteristics of currently prevalent porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) strains in the region. We collected 548 samples from animals with suspected PED on large-scale pig farms in Xinjiang. Of these, 258 tested positive for PEDV by RT-PCR, yielding an overall positivity rate of 47.08%. S1 gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were conducted on 23 randomly selected RT-PCR-positive samples. Three endemic strains of PEDV (PEDV/CH/XU/2020, PEDV/CH/XK/2020, and PEDV/CH/XA/2020) were isolated, and their complete genome sequences were analyzed for evidence of genetic recombination. Sequence comparison of the S gene indicated significant variations in the S1 gene of the Xinjiang strains compared to the vaccine strains CV777, AJ1102, and LWL, with 90.2%-98.5% nucleotide sequence identity. Notably, both the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of the S protein showed significant variation. Genetic evolutionary analysis identified the GIIa subtype as the dominant genotype among the epidemic strains in Xinjiang. Recombination analysis revealed inter-subtype recombination events in the PEDV/CH/XK/2020 and XJ1904-34 strains. These findings highlight the extensive genetic variation in the predominant GIIa genotype of PEDV in Xinjiang, which does not match the genotype of the currently used vaccine strains. These data may guide further efforts toward the development of effective vaccines for the control of PED.

[Comparison of efficacy between short-term personalized vestibular rehabilitation supervised by special personnel and fixed vestibular rehabilitation on recurrent peripheral vertigo]

Objective: To explore the efficacy of short-term personalized vestibular rehabilitation supervised by special personnel (ST-PVR) versus fixed vestibular rehabilitation (FVR) on decompensated recurrent peripheral vertigo. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out. Patients diagnosed with decompensated recurrent vertigo in the clinic of Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University from January to December 2018 were randomly allocated into FVR and ST-PVR groups via computer-generated randomization. The FVR group received fixed scheme involving gaze stabilization exercises, habituation exercises, balance and gait training, while the ST-PVR group received individualized training programs based on symptoms and vestibular function examination results, with adjustments made according to the progress of recovery. Patient symptoms and vestibular function improvement were assessed using the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), activities-specific balance confidence (ABC), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), caloric test, and sensory organization test (SOT) at 2, 4, and 8 weeks of treatment. Results: A total of 44 patients were included, including 16 males and 28 females, with an average age of (50.6±13.5) years. There were 21 cases in the FVR group and 23 cases in the ST-PVR group. In the ST-PVR group, DHI score (49.5±26.8 vs 61.3±21.4, P=0.046) and SAS score (39.1±7.8 vs 44.3±6.6, P=0.021) significantly improved after 2 weeks of treatment, while significant improvement occurred only after 8 weeks of treatment in the FVR group (DHI score: 28.1±15.9 vs 53.1±18.5, P=0.001; SAS score: 35.3±6.7 vs 43.1±8.4, P=0.010). There was no significant change of ABC score in the FVR group after 8 weeks of treatment (86.5±12.9 vs 83.4±18.1, P=0.373), while a significant improvement was observed in the ST-PVR group after 4 weeks of treatment (83.6±15.2 vs 78.4±15.1, P=0.015). The caloric test results showed that after 8 weeks of treatment, the proportion of patients with unilateral weakness<25% increased in both groups [FVR group: 57.1% (12/21) vs 9.5% (2/21), P=0.001; ST-PVR group: 52.2% (12/23) vs 17.4% (4/23), P=0.014]. In the ST-PVR group, the proportion of patients with dominant preference≤25% significantly increased [91.3% (21/23) vs 60.9% (14/23), P=0.016], while there was no significant change in the FVR group [61.9 (13/21) vs 57.1% (12/21), P=0.500]. The proportion of patients with SOT score≥70 in the ST-PVR group increased significantly after 2 weeks of treatment [69.6% (16/23) vs 30.4% (7/23), P=0.009], while the FVR group showed a significant increase only after 8 weeks of treatment [81.0% (17/21) vs 42.9% (9/21), P=0.012]. Conclusion: Both FVR and ST-PVR effectively promote vestibular compensation by improving objective vestibular functions and relieving subjective symptoms and anxiety of the patients with decompensation recurrent vertigo, while ST-PVR might shorten the recovery time and increase balance confidence.

Comparative investigation of transport and deposition of nebulized particles in nasal airways following various middle turbinectomy

BACKGROUND

Topical intranasal medication is required following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The optimal particle size of transnasal nebulization aimed at the sinonasal cavities is not conclusive. The current study aims to evaluate the effect of particle size and various surgery scope of middle turbinectomy (MT) on post-full FESS drug delivery to the sinonasal cavities.

METHODS

Sinonasal reconstructions were performed from post-full FESS CT scans in 6 chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients. Four additional models representing alternative surgery scopes of MT were established from each post-FESS reconstruction for simulation data comparison. Airflow and particle deposition of nebulized delivery were simulated via computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and validated through in vitro experiments. The optimal particle sizes reaching a deposition of at least 75% of the maximum in the targeted regions were identified.

RESULTS

The drug deposition rate onto the targeted regions increased following MT, with the greatest deposition following posterior MT (P-MT). Droplets in the range of 18-26 μm reached a deposition of larger than 75% of the maximum onto the targeted regions. Drug delivery rate in the sinonasal cavities varied significantly among individuals and across different types of MT with varying surgical scopes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to investigate the effect of various surgery scope on drug delivery by transnasal nebulization to the sinonasal cavities. The findings strongly affirm the vast potential of transnasal nebulization as an effective post-FESS treatment option. Moreover, it emphasizes that the drug delivery process via atomizers to the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is highly sensitive to the particle size.

[Efficacy of 0.05% cyclosporine A combined with vitamin A palmitate in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction-related dry eye]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops combined with vitamin A palmitate eye gel in the treatment of dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods: A single-center, prospective, randomized, parallel controlled trial design was used to include patients diagnosed with MGD-associated dry eye. The patients were randomly divided into three groups and administered with medications binocularly for 12 weeks. The CsA+VA group was given 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops twice a day and vitamin A palmitate eye gel three times a day. The CsA+HA group was given 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops twice a day and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops three times a day. The HA group was given 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops 3 times a day. The OSDI score, tear meniscus height, fluorescein tear break-up time, Schirmer Ⅰ test (without anesthesia), tear film lipid layer thickness, meibomian gland morphology and function examination, and corneal fluorescein sodium staining score were evaluated at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the initiation of the treatment, respectively. Results: A total of 120 patients with MGD-related dry eye met the enrollment criteria, but 10 patients were lost to follow-up; 110 patients were finally included for observation, including 36 patients in the CsA+VA group, 38 in the CsA+HA group and 36 in the HA group. The OSDI score, tear meniscus height, fluorescein tear break-up time and meibomian gland secretion of the 3 groups were significantly improved. At the 12th week of the treatment, the differences of the CsA+VA group [25.45±15.11, (0.30±0.13) mm, (3.72±1.40) s, (5.03±2.52) points] and the CsA+HA group [26.98±16.89, (0.27±0.10) mm, (4.34±1.76) s, (5.11±2.39) points] from the HA group [24.57±11.26, (0.24±0.06) mm, (3.18±1.11) s, (9.11±3.34) points] were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with the CsA+HA group [(68.39±26.66) nm], the tear film lipid layer thickness in the CsA+VA group [(72.61±23.65) nm] was significantly increased (P<0.05). In the CsA+VA group, the meibomian gland secretion characters and discharge capacity among patients with severe abnormalities [(6.28±2.59) and (5.89±2.77) points at the 12th week of treatment], moderate abnormalities [(4.27±2.02) and (4.64±2.02) points at the 12th week of treatment] and mild abnormalities [(2.80±0.84) and (2.60±0.55) points at the 12th week of treatment] were significantly different (P<0.05). Conclusion: 0.05% cyclosporine A combined with vitamin A palmitate can significantly improve the symptoms and signs of patients with MGD-related dry eye, especially the tear film lipid layer thickness and the meibomian gland secretion characters and discharge capacity in severe cases.

Development and validation of a nomogram and risk stratification system to predict overall survival after surgical repair for pediatric patients with medulloblastoma based on easily accessible variables

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram and risk stratification system for the overall survival of pediatric patients with medulloblastoma after surgical repair.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this multicenter, retrospective study, consecutive patients who underwent surgery for medulloblastoma at Shanghai Children's Medical Center and the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from 2010 to 2022 formed the training and external validation datasets, respectively. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with mortality in the training dataset. A nomogram prediction model was developed based on independent variables in the multivariable Cox regression analysis to predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the nomogram. A risk stratification system based on the median risk score was also established to divide patients into two risk groups.

RESULTS

In the training dataset, Cox regression analyses identified tumor size, brainstem involvement and chemotherapy as independent predictors for overall survival. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.75 at 1 year, 0. 75 at 3 years, 0.77 at 5 years in the training dataset, 0.74 at 1 year, 0.70 at 3 years, and 0.70 at 5 years in the validation dataset. The calibration curve for the probability of 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival showed good agreement between the nomogram prediction and actual observation in the training and validation datasets. The risk stratification system could perfectly classify patients into two risk groups, and the overall survival in the two groups had a good division.

CONCLUSIONS

This low-cost, convenient, and noninvasive nomogram can be translated into clinical practice as a tool for risk stratification and individualized prognosis prediction for children with medulloblastoma.

α-Synuclein reduces acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase mediated melatonin biosynthesis by microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta-related degradation pathway

Previous studies have demonstrated that α-synuclein (α-SYN) is closely associated with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) related to several neurodegenerative disorders. However, the exact molecular mechanisms are still rarely investigated. In the present study, we found that in the α-SYNA53T induced RBD-like behavior mouse model, the melatonin level in the plasma and pineal gland were significantly decreased. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of α-SYN-induced melatonin reduction, we investigated the effect of α-SYN in melatonin biosynthesis. Our findings showed that α-SYN reduced the level and activity of melatonin synthesis enzyme acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (ASMT) in the pineal gland and in the cell cultures. In addition, we found that microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3B) as an important autophagy adapter is involved in the degradation of ASMT. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed that α-SYN increases the binding between LC3B and ASMT, leading to ASMT degradation and a consequent reduction in melatonin biosynthesis. Collectively, our results demonstrate the molecular mechanisms of α-SYN in melatonin biosynthesis, indicating that melatonin is an important molecule involved in the α-SYN-associated RBD-like behaviors, which may provide a potential therapeutic target for RBD of Parkinson's disease.

Dual functionalized copper nanoparticles for thermoplastics with improved processing and mechanical properties and superior antibacterial performance

The utilization of metal nanoparticles for antibacterial thermoplastic composites has the potential to enhance the safety of human and animal life by mitigating the spread and transmission of foodborne pathogenic bacteria. The dispersion, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of metal nanoparticles directly affect the application performance of the composites. This study focused on achieving amine-carboxyl co-modified copper nanoparticles (Cu-AC) with excellent antioxidant properties and monodispersity through in situ grafting of amine and carboxyl groups onto the surface of copper nanoparticles via ligand interaction. Polyacrylic acid's extended carbon chain structure was utilized to improve its dispersion and antioxidant properties, and its antibacterial properties were synergistically enhanced using secondary amines. It was found that Cu-AC possesses high antibacterial properties, with a minimum inhibition concentration of 0.156 mg mL-1. Antibacterial masterbatches and their composites (polypropylene/Cu) manufactured by melt blending of polypropylene and Cu-AC exhibited excellent antibacterial rates of up to 90% and 99% at 300 ppm and 700 ppm Cu-AC, respectively. Additionally, Cu-AC bolstered the thermal degradation, processing and mechanical properties of polypropylene. The successful implementation of this product substantiates the potential applications of polypropylene/Cu composite materials across diverse industries.

Biomimetic, knittable aerogel fiber for thermal insulation textile

Aerogels have been considered as an ideal material for thermal insulation. Unfortunately, their application in textiles is greatly limited by their fragility and poor processability. We overcame these issues by encapsulating the aerogel fiber with a stretchable layer, mimicking the core-shell structure of polar bear hair. Despite its high internal porosity over 90%, our fiber is stretchable up to 1000% strain, which is greatly improved compared with that of traditional aerogel fibers (~2% strain). In addition to its washability and dyeability, our fiber is mechanically robust, retaining its stable thermal insulation property after 10,000 stretching cycles (100% strain). A sweater knitted with our fiber was only one-fifth as thick as down, with similar performance. Our strategy for this fiber provides rich possibilities for developing multifunctional aerogel fibers and textiles.

The role of Nurr1-miR-30e-5p-NLRP3 axis in inflammation-mediated neurodegeneration: insights from mouse models and patients' studies in Parkinson's disease

Nuclear receptor related-1 (Nurr1), a ligand-activated transcription factor, is considered a potential susceptibility gene for Parkinson's disease (PD), and has been demonstrated to possess protective effects against inflammation-induced neuronal damage. Despite the evidence showing decreased NURR1 level and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in cell and animal models as well as in PD patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of Nurr1 in PD-related inflammation. Through the miRNA-sequencing and verification in PBMCs from a cohort of 450 individuals, we identified a significant change of a Nurr1-dependent miRNA miR-30e-5p in PD patients compared to healthy controls (HC). Additionally, PD patients exhibited an elevated plasma interleukin-1β (IL-1β) level and increased nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) expression in PBMCs compared to HC. Statistical analyses revealed significant correlations among NURR1, miR-30e-5p, and NLRP3 levels in the PBMCs of PD patients. To further explore the involvement of Nurr1-miR-30e-5p-NLRP3 axis in the inflammation-mediated PD pathology, we developed a mouse model (Nurr1flox+/Cd11b-cre+, Nurr1cKO) conditionally knocking out Nurr1 in Cd11b-expressing cells. Our investigations in Nurr1cKO mice unveiled significant dopaminergic neurodegeneration following lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation. Remarkably, Nurr1 deficiency triggered microglial activation and activated NLRP3 inflammasome, resulting in increased IL-1β secretion. Coincidently, we found that miR-30e-5p level was significantly decreased in the PBMCs and primary microglia of Nurr1cKO mice compared to the controls. Furthermore, our in vitro experiments demonstrated that miR-30e-5p specifically targeted NLRP3. In Nurr1-knockdown microglia, NLRP3 expression was upregulated via miR-30e-5p. In summary, our findings highlight the involvement of Nurr1-miR-30e-5p-NLRP3 axis in the inflammation-mediated neurodegeneration in PD, the results of which may offer promising prospects for developing PD biomarkers and targeted therapeutic interventions.

TaACTIN7-D regulates plant height and grain shape in bread wheat

Exploitation of new gene resources and genetic networks contributing to the control of crop yield-related traits, such as plant height, grain size, and shape, may enable us to breed modern high-yielding wheat varieties through molecular methods. In this study, via ethylmethanesulfonate mutagenesis, we identify a wheat mutant plant, mu-597, that shows semi-dwarf plant architecture and round grain shape. Through bulked segregant RNA-seq and map-based cloning, the causal gene for the semi-dwarf phenotype of mu-597 is located. We find that a single-base mutation in the coding region of TaACTIN7-D (TaACT7-D), leading to a Gly-to-Ser (G65S) amino acid mutation at the 65th residue of the deduced TaACT7-D protein, can explain the semi-dwarfism and round grain shape of mu-597. Further evidence shows that the G65S mutation in TaACT7-D hinders the polymerization of actin from monomeric (G-actin) to filamentous (F-actin) status while attenuates wheat responses to multiple phytohormones, including brassinosteroids, auxin, and gibberellin. Together, these findings not only define a new semi-dwarfing gene resource that can be potentially used to design plant height and grain shape of bread wheat but also establish a direct link between actin structure modulation and phytohormone signal transduction.

Change in Quality of Life after Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) on a Prospective Trial of Peripheral Stage I or II Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Predicts Survival

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

We previously reported the results of a randomized, multi-institutional phase II clinical trial evaluating one versus three fractions of SBRT for peripheral Stage I to II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A secondary objective to compare quality of life (QOL) data and its association with survival outcomes is reported.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Medically inoperable patients with biopsy-proven peripheral T1-2N0M0 NSCLC were enrolled. Patients were randomized to 30 Gy in 1 fraction (arm 1) or 60 Gy in 3 fractions (arm 2) and stratified by performance status. QOL scores from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and EORTC QLQ Lung Cancer-Specific Module (EORTC QLQ-LC13) questionnaires were required at baseline and each follow-up visit. Univariate models were generated to evaluate associations between QOL scores and survival with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated at each time point.

RESULTS

Among 98 patients enrolled (49 in each arm), 88 patients had data available for QOL analysis. At 6 month follow up, patients with stable or decreased (n = 49) versus those with increased global QOL scores (n = 27) had worse progression-free survival (HR [Hazards' Ratio] 2.32 [CI, 1.14-4.73], p = 0.021) and overall survival (HR 2.13 [CI, 1.01-4.51], p = 0.048). Similar results persisted at the 12 month follow up for progression-free survival (HR 3.90 [CI, 1.52-10.04], p = 0.016) and overall survival (HR 3.25 [CI, 1.25-8.43], p = 0.016). Median overall survival for patients with stable or decreased global QOL versus increased global QOL at 6 month follow up was 39.0 vs 60.3 months (p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

Change in QOL is an early predictor of survival following SBRT for patients with peripheral early-stage NSCLC.

[The value of a nomogram for predicting the outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage based on clinical characteristics and diffusion-weighted imaging of hyperintense lesions]

Objective: To investigate the value of a nomogram predicting the outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) based on clinical characteristics and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of hyperintense lesions. Methods: A case-control study. Consecutive patients, aged 30-88(59±13) years old, with ICH were recruited at the Stroke Center of Zhengzhou People's Hospital from January 2018 to August 2021. Patients were divided into a group with DWI lesions and a group without DWI lesions depending on whether there were DWI hyperintense lesions distant from the hematoma. Prognosis was evaluated at 90 days via the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of a poor ICH outcome (mRS score≥4), and a nomogram model was developed. The performance of the nomogram was validated via the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and a calibration chart. Results: Of the 303 patients included in the study, 24.8% presented with DWI lesions; 17.5% with asymptomatic DWI lesions and 7.3% with symptomatic DWI lesions. Poor outcomes were significantly more frequent in the group with DWI lesions than in the group without DWI lesions (χ2=21.32, P<0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, age [odds ratio (OR)=1.032, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.002-1.063, P=0.035], hematoma volume (OR=1.050, 95%CI 1.011-1.090, P=0.012), hematoma location (OR=3.839, 95%CI 1.248-11.805, P=0.019), DWI lesions (OR=3.955, 95%CI 1.906-8.206, P<0.001), and baseline NIHSS scores (OR=1.102, 95%CI 1.038-1.170, P=0.001) were independent predictors of a poor outcome. In subgroup analysis patients with asymptomatic DWI lesions had a 3-fold greater risk of a poor outcome compared to those without DWI lesions (OR=3.135, 95%CI 1.382-7.112, P=0.006), and patients with symptomatic DWI lesions had a 7-fold greater risk of a poor outcome compared to those without DWI lesions (OR=7.126, 95%CI 2.279-22.277, P=0.001). A nomogram model was established based on the independent predictors for a poor outcome. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.846 (95%CI 0.795-0.898), and a calibration chart indicated good consistency between values predicted by the nomogram and actual observed values. Conclusions: DWI lesions are an independent risk factor for a poor outcome in patients with ICH-particularly symptomatic DWI lesions. A nomogram model based on clinical characteristics and DWI lesions exhibited good efficacy when predicting the outcome of ICH.

Retrospective study of preservation and transection of the round ligament of uterus during laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair in adult women

PURPOSE

The processing of the round ligament of uterus in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair of inguinal hernia in women has contended. This study aimed to explore whether there is any difference in the surgical outcome and postoperative complications between the two processing modalities, preservation, and transection of the round ligament of uterus, in adult female inguinal hernia patients undergoing TAPP.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 84 female patients (117 sides) who underwent TAPP in XXX Hospital from July 2013 to August 2022. Patient characteristics and technical details of the surgical procedure were collected and divided into two groups according to whether the round ligament of uterus was severed intraoperatively or not. There were 52 cases (77 sides) in the group with preservation of the round ligament of uterus and 32 cases (40 sides) in the group with transection of the round ligament of uterus, comparing the general condition, surgical condition, and the occurrence of postoperative related complications between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The operative time for unilateral primary inguinal hernia was (129.2 ± 35.1) and (89.5 ± 42.6) minutes in the preservation and transection groups, respectively. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of age, length of hospital stay, ASA, BMI, history of lower abdominal surgery, type and side of hernia, intraoperative bleeding, and time to surgery for primary bilateral hernia (P > 0.05). In addition, there was likewise no statistical difference in the occurrence of postoperative Clavien-Dindo classification, VAS, seroma, mesh infection, labia majora edema, chronic pain or abnormal sensation in the inguinal region, and hernia recurrence in the two groups as well (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There is no evidence that the transection of the round ligament of the uterus during TAPP has an impact on postoperative complications in patients. However, given the important role of the uterine round ligament in the surgical management of patients with uterine prolapse and the high incidence of uterine prolapse in older women, hernia surgeons should also be aware of the need to protect the round ligament of uterus in older women.

[Prevalence of comorbid depression and anxiety and effect of psychological interventions among schistosomiasis patients in China: a meta-analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of comorbid depression and anxiety and to evaluate the effect of psychological interventions among schistosomiasis patients in China, so as to provide insights into improvements of psychological health among schistosomiasis patients.

METHODS

Publications pertaining to comorbid depression and anxiety and psychological interventions among Chinese schistosomiasis patients were retrieved in electronic databases, including CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. The prevalence of comorbidity, psychological interventions, and scores for the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) before and after psychological interventions among Chinese schistosomiasis patients were extracted. The prevalence of comorbid depression and anxiety was investigated among Chinese schistosomiasis patients using a meta-analysis, and the effect of psychological interventions for depression and anxiety was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 231 publications were retrieved, and 14 publications that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the final analysis, including 2 English publications and 12 Chinese publications. Meta-analysis showed that the prevalence rates of comorbid depression and anxiety were 61% [95% confidential interval (CI): (48%, 72%)] and 64% [95% CI: (42%, 81%)] among Chinese schistosomiasis patients. Both the SDS [1.45 points, 95% CI: (1.30, 1.60) points] and SAS scores [2.21 points, 95% CI: (2.05, 2.38) points] reduced among Chinese schistosomiasis patients after psychological interventions than before psychological interventions, and the SDS [-0.47 points, 95% CI: (-6.90, -0.25) points] and SAS scores [-1.30 points, 95% CI: (-1.52, -1.09) points] reduced among Chinese schistosomiasis patients in the case group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The comorbid anxiety and depression are common among Chinese schistosomiasis patients, and conventional psychological interventions facilitate the improvements of anxiety and depression among schistosomiasis patients.