Development of an optimized RPA-PfAgo detection system for MTHFR C677T polymorphism genotyping

This study introduces an efficient RPA-PfAgo detection system for the MTHFR C677T polymorphism, proposing a potential strategy to simplify the genotyping process. By optimizing recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute (PfAgo) nucleases, we achieved DNA amplification at a constant temperature. The assay was fine-tuned through meticulous primer and guide DNA selection, with optimal conditions established at 2.0 µL of MgAc, a reaction temperature of 42 °C, and a 10-minute reaction time for RPA. Further optimization of the PfAgo cleavage assay revealed the ideal concentrations of MnCl2, guide DNA, molecular beacon probes, the PfAgo enzyme, and the RPA product to maximize sensitivity and specificity. Clinical validation of 20 samples showed 100% concordance with Sanger sequencing, confirming the method's precision. The RPA-PfAgo system is a promising tool for on-site genotyping, with broad applications in personalized medicine and disease prevention.

Glutathione-responsive CD-MOFs co-loading honokiol and indocyanine green biomimetic active targeting to enhance photochemotherapy for breast cancer

Breast cancer has now replaced lung cancer as the most prevalent malignant tumor worldwide, posing a serious health risk to women. We have recently designed a promising option strategy for the treatment of breast cancer. In this work, cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks with high drug-carrying properties were endo-crosslinked by 3,3'dithiodipropionyl chloride to form cubic phase gel nanoparticles, which were drug-loaded and then coated by MCF-7 cell membranes. After intravenous injection, this multifunctional nanomedicine achieved dramatically homologous targeting co-delivery of honokiol and indocyanine green to the breast tumor. Further, the disulfide bonds in the nanostructures achieved glutathione-responsive drug release, induced tumor cells to produce reactive oxygen species and promoted apoptosis, resulting in tumor necrosis, and at the same time, inhibited Ki67 protein expression, which enhanced photochemotherapy, and resulted in a 94.08 % in vivo tumor suppression rate in transplanted tumor-bearing mice. Thereby, this nanomimetic co-delivery system may have a place in breast cancer therapy due to its simple fabrication process, excellent biocompatibility, efficient targeted delivery of insoluble drugs, and enhanced photochemotherapy.

TGF-β1 promotes osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells via integrin mediated mechanical positive autoregulation

Positive autoregulation (PAR), one type of network motifs, provides a high phenotypic heterogeneity for cells to better adapt to their microenvironments. Typical mechanosensitive proteins can also form PAR, e.g., integrin mediated PAR, but the role of such mechanical PAR in physiological development and pathological process remains elusive. In this study, we found that transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and integrin levels decrease with tissue softening after the development of paradentium in vivo in rat model of periodontitis (an inflammatory disease with bone defect). Interestingly, TGF-β1 could induce the formation of mechanical PAR involving the integrin-FAK-YAP axis in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by both in vitro experiments and in silico computational model. The computational model predicted a mechanical PAR involving the bimodal distribution of focus adhesions, which enables cells to accurately perceive extracellular mechanical cues. Thus, our analysis of TGF-β1 mediated mechanosensing mechanism on MSCs may help to better understand the molecular process underlying bone regeneration.

Temporal lobe malacia as a rare cause of gelastic seizure: A case report

BACKGROUND

Gelastic seizure (GS) is a rare type of epilepsy that most commonly appears in patients with hypothalamic hamartoma. It is rarely associated with other types of brain damage. This particular type of epilepsy is relatively rare and has few links to other brain lesions. Temporal lobe malacia is mostly caused by cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage, which can lead to seizures. We report a case of GS in a woman with temporal lobe malacia which was reported for the first time in the literature.

CASE SUMMARY

A 73-year-old female, diagnosed case of GS, presented with repetitive stereotyped laughter a month prior to presentation, happening multiple times daily and with each time lasting for 5-15s. Electroencephalogram displayed a focal seizure seen in the right temporal region. Magnetic resonance imaging head with contrast showed a right temporal lobe malacia. The patient was started on levetiracetam daily. The patient indicated that they had fully recovered and were not experiencing any recurrent or stereotyped laughter during their daily routines. These results remained consistent even after a one-year follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

GS can be caused by temporal lobe malacia, which is an uncommon but potentially grave condition. The outcome of this present case exhibited the importance of the temporal lobe in the genesis of GS.

E2F1 modulates RCCD1 expression to participate in the initiation and progression of EMT in colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

Metastases in the advanced stages of colorectal cancer (CRC) present a major challenge to its treatment. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in enhancing the metastasis and invasion ability of cancer cells. However, the progress of E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and Regulator of chromatin condensation 1 (RCCD1) in CRC on EMT has not been studied.

METHODS

The CRC differential expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database were analyzed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis to verify the difference in expression of E2F1 and RCCD1 in cancerous and para-cancerous tissues.DNA-pull down and dual luciferase experiments confirmed that E2F1 regulates RCCD1. Western-blot and q-PCR experiments confirmed that E2F1 regulates RCCD1 and participates in the EMT-related progress of CRC.EDU, Wound healing and Transwell experiments verified the effects of regulation of E2F1 and RCCD1 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells.

RESULTS

E2F1 and RCCD1 are highly expressed in cancer tissues and cancer cells. E2F1 binds to the upstream promoter of RCCD1 to regulate RCCD1 and affect the expression of EMT-related targets in CRC cells. It also affects the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

E2F1 regulates the involvement of RCCD1 in CRC EMT and affects the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of CRC cells.

Effect of flow-optimized pressure control ventilation-volume guaranteed (PCV-VG) on postoperative pulmonary complications: a consort study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after one-lung ventilation (OLV) significantly impact patient prognosis and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

To study the impact of an optimal inspiratory flow rate on PPCs in thoracic surgery patients.

METHODS

One hundred eight elective thoracic surgery patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups in this consort study (control group: n = 53 with a fixed inspiratory expiratory ratio of 1:2; and experimental group [flow rate optimization group]: n = 55). Measurements of Ppeak, Pplat, PETCO2, lung dynamic compliance (Cdyn), respiratory rate, and oxygen concentration were obtained at the following specific time points: immediately after intubation (T0); immediately after starting OLV (T1); 30 min after OLV (T2); and 10 min after 2-lung ventilation (T4). The PaO2:FiO2 ratio was measured using blood gas analysis 30 min after initiating one-lung breathing (T2) and immediately when OLV ended (T3). The lung ultrasound score (LUS) was assessed following anesthesia and resuscitation (T5). The occurrence of atelectasis was documented immediately after the surgery. PPCs occurrences were noted 3 days after surgery.

RESULTS

The treatment group had a significantly lower total prevalence of PPCs compared to the control group (3.64% vs. 16.98%; P = 0.022). There were no notable variations in peak airway pressure, airway plateau pressure, dynamic lung compliance, PETCO2, respiratory rate, and oxygen concentration between the two groups during intubation (T0). Dynamic lung compliance and the oxygenation index were significantly increased at T1, T2, and T4 (P < 0.05), whereas the CRP level and number of inflammatory cells decreased dramatically (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Optimizing inspiratory flow rate and utilizing pressure control ventilation -volume guaranteed (PCV-VG) mode can decrease PPCs and enhance lung dynamic compliance in OLV patients.

Influence of PepF peptidase and sporulation on microcin J25 production in Bacillus subtilis

The lasso peptide microcin J25 (MccJ25) possesses strong antibacterial properties and is considered a potential effective component of bacterial disease treatment drugs and safe food preservatives. Although MccJ25 can be heterologously expressed in Bacillus subtilis as we have previously reported, its regulation and accumulation are yet to be understood. Here, we investigated the expression level and stability of MccJ25 in B. subtilis strains with disruption in peptidase genes pepA, pepF, and pepT. Oligoendopeptidase F (PepF) was found to be involved in reduction of the production of MccJ25 by degradation of its precursor peptide. In the pepF mutant, the MccJ25 reached a concentration of 1.68 µM after a cultivation time exceeding 60 hours, while the wild-type strain exhibited a concentration of only 0.14 µM. Moreover, the production of MccJ25 in B. subtilis downregulated the genes associated with sporulation, and this may contribute to its accumulation. Finally, this study provides a strategy to improve the stability and production of MccJ25 in B. subtilis.

IMPORTANCE

MccJ25 displays significant antibacterial activity, a well-defined mode of action, exceptional safety, and remarkable stability. Hence, it presents itself as a compelling candidate for an optimal antibacterial or anti-endotoxin medication. The successful establishment of exogenous production of MccJ25 in Bacillus subtilis provides a strategy for reducing its production cost and diversifying its utilization. In this study, we have provided evidence indicating that both peptidase PepF and sporulation are significant factors that limit the expression of MccJ25 in B. subtilis. The ΔpepF and ΔsigF mutants of B. subtilis express MccJ25 with higher production yield and enhanced stability. To sum up, this study developed several better engineered strains of B. subtilis, which greatly reduced the consumption of MccJ25 during the nutrient depletion stage of the host strain, improved its production, and elucidated factors that may be involved in reducing MccJ25 accumulation in B. subtilis.

An Empirical Investigation of the Relationships Among Self-Esteem, Depression and Self-Serving Bias in People with Internet Gaming Disorder

Introduction

People are generally characterized by a self-serving bias which describes the tendency to ascribe positive outcomes or success to internal or personal causes (self-enhancement motivation) and ascribe negative outcomes or failure to external or situational causes (self-protection motivation). It has been found that the individuals with internet gaming disorder (IGD) who have low self-esteem and high depression exhibit an attenuated self-serving bias. However, the relationships among self-esteem, depression and self-serving bias are not clearly identified.

Methods

A sample of 138 IGD participants completed self-esteem and depression scales and a causal attribution task (Study 1) to examine the relationships among self-esteem, depression and self-serving bias (both self-enhancement and self-protection). In follow-up Study 2, 28 IGD participants were recruited to undertake self-affirmation intervention which can affirm one's sense of global self-view and bolster self-esteem to explore whether self-affirmation would trigger a reduction of depression and a raise of self-serving bias.

Results

The results of path analysis in Study 1 showed that the self-serving bias was predicted by self-esteem and depression, and the depression played a mediating role between self-esteem and self-serving bias. The results of Study 2 showed that the IGD participants reported higher self-esteem, lower depression and engaged in more self-protection motivation after affirming-self manipulation as compared with affirming-other manipulation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that self-esteem predicts self-serving bias through depression and self-affirmation could trigger an increase of self-esteem, further decrease depression and improve self-serving bias for the individuals with IGD. The present article clearly identified the relationships among these factors and provided a new approach to promote positive self-concept in individuals with IGD. Future research is warranted to explore the lasting benefits of self-affirmation on domains of education, relationships and gaming withdrawal for the individuals with IGD among different populations.

Structural insights into double-stranded RNA recognition and transport by SID-1

RNA uptake by cells is critical for RNA-mediated gene interference (RNAi) and RNA-based therapeutics. In Caenorhabditis elegans, RNAi is systemic as a result of SID-1-mediated double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) across cells. Despite the functional importance, the underlying mechanisms of dsRNA internalization by SID-1 remain elusive. Here we describe cryogenic electron microscopy structures of SID-1, SID-1-dsRNA complex and human SID-1 homologs SIDT1 and SIDT2, elucidating the structural basis of dsRNA recognition and import by SID-1. The homodimeric SID-1 homologs share conserved architecture, but only SID-1 possesses the molecular determinants within its extracellular domains for distinguishing dsRNA from single-stranded RNA and DNA. We show that the removal of the long intracellular loop between transmembrane helix 1 and 2 attenuates dsRNA uptake and systemic RNAi in vivo, suggesting a possible endocytic mechanism of SID-1-mediated dsRNA internalization. Our study provides mechanistic insights into dsRNA internalization by SID-1, which may facilitate the development of dsRNA applications based on SID-1.

Aurora kinase A inhibition plus Tumor Treating Fields suppress glioma cell proliferation in a cilium-independent manner

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) extend the survival of glioblastoma (GBM) patients by interfering with a broad range of tumor cellular processes. Among these, TTFields disrupt primary cilia stability on GBM cells. Here we asked if concomitant treatment of TTFields with other agents that interfere with GBM ciliogenesis further suppress GBM cell proliferation in vitro. Aurora kinase A (AURKA) promotes both cilia disassembly and GBM growth. Inhibitors of AURKA, such as Alisertib, inhibit cilia disassembly and increase ciliary frequency in various cell types. However, we found that Alisertib treatment significantly reduced GBM cilia frequency in gliomaspheres across multiple patient derived cell lines, and in patient biopsies treated ex vivo. This effect appeared glioma cell-specific as it did not reduce normal neuronal or glial cilia frequencies. Alisertib-mediated depletion of glioma cilia appears specific to AURKA and not AURKB inhibition, and attributable in part to autophagy pathway activation. Treatment of two different GBM patient-derived cell lines with TTFields and Alisertib resulted in a significant reduction in cell proliferation compared to either treatment alone. However, this effect was not cilia-dependent as the combined treatment reduced proliferation in cilia-depleted cell lines lacking, ARL13B, or U87MG cells which are naturally devoid of ARL13B+ cilia. Thus, Alisertib-mediated effects on glioma cilia may be a useful biomarker of drug efficacy within tumor tissue. Considering Alisertib can cross the blood brain barrier and inhibit intracranial growth, our data warrant future studies to explore whether concomitant Alisertib and TTFields exposure prolongs survival of brain tumor-bearing animals in vivo.

Integrated Hfq-interacting RNAome and transcriptomic analysis reveals complex regulatory networks of nitrogen fixation in root-associated Pseudomonas stutzeri A1501

The RNA chaperone Hfq acts as a global regulator of numerous biological processes, such as carbon/nitrogen metabolism and environmental adaptation in plant-associated diazotrophs; however, its target RNAs and the mechanisms underlying nitrogen fixation remain largely unknown. Here, we used enhanced UV cross-linking immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing to identify hundreds of Hfq-binding RNAs probably involved in nitrogen fixation, carbon substrate utilization, biofilm formation, and other functions. Collectively, these processes endow strain A1501 with the requisite capabilities to thrive in the highly competitive rhizosphere. Our findings revealed a previously uncharted landscape of Hfq target genes. Notable among these is nifM, encoding an isomerase necessary for nitrogenase reductase solubility; amtB, encoding an ammonium transporter; oprB, encoding a carbohydrate porin; and cheZ, encoding a chemotaxis protein. Furthermore, we identified more than 100 genes of unknown function, which expands the potential direct regulatory targets of Hfq in diazotrophs. Our data showed that Hfq directly interacts with the mRNA of regulatory proteins (RsmA, AlgU, and NifA), regulatory ncRNA RsmY, and other potential targets, thus revealing the mechanistic links in nitrogen fixation and other metabolic pathways.

IMPORTANCE

Numerous experimental approaches often face challenges in distinguishing between direct and indirect effects of Hfq-mediated regulation. New technologies based on high-throughput sequencing are increasingly providing insight into the global regulation of Hfq in gene expression. Here, enhanced UV cross-linking immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing was employed to identify the Hfq-binding sites and potential targets in the root-associated Pseudomonas stutzeri A1501 and identify hundreds of novel Hfq-binding RNAs that are predicted to be involved in metabolism, environmental adaptation, and nitrogen fixation. In particular, we have shown Hfq interactions with various regulatory proteins' mRNA and their potential targets at the posttranscriptional level. This study not only enhances our understanding of Hfq regulation but, importantly, also provides a framework for addressing integrated regulatory network underlying root-associated nitrogen fixation.

Constructing Stiff β-Sheet for Self-Reinforced Alginate Fibers

The application of alginate fibers is limited by relatively low mechanical properties. Herein, a self-reinforcing strategy inspired by nature is proposed to fabricate alginate fibers with minimal changes in the wet-spinning process. By adapting a coagulation bath composing of CaCl2 and ethanol, the secondary structure of sodium alginate (SA) was regulated during the fibrous formation. Ethanol mainly increased the content of β-sheet in SA. Rheological analysis revealed a reinforcing mechanism of stiff β-sheet for enhanced modulus and strength. In combination with Ca2+ crosslinking, the self-reinforced alginate fibers exhibited an increment of 39.0% in tensile strength and 71.9% in toughness. This work provides fundamental understanding for β-sheet structures in polysaccharides and a subsequent self-reinforcing mechanism. It is significant for synthesizing strong and tough materials. The self-reinforcing strategy involved no extra additives and preserved the degradability of the alginate. The reinforced alginate fibers exhibited promising potentials for biological applications.

Identification of a novel glycoside hydrolase family 8 xylanase from Deinococcus geothermalis and its application at low temperatures

Xylanase is the most important hydrolase in the xylan hydrolase system, the main function of which is β-1,4-endo-xylanase, which randomly cleaves xylans to xylo-oligosaccharides and xylose. Xylanase has wide ranging of applications, but there remains little research on the cold-adapted enzymes required in some low-temperature industries. Glycoside hydrolase family 8 (GH8) xylanases have been reported to have cold-adapted enzyme activity. In this study, the xylanase gene dgeoxyn was excavated from Deinococcus geothermalis through sequence alignment. The recombinant xylanase DgeoXyn encodes 403 amino acids with a theoretical molecular weight of 45.39 kDa. Structural analysis showed that DgeoXyn has a (α/α)6-barrel fold structure typical of GH8 xylanase. At the same time, it has strict substrate specificity, is only active against xylan, and its hydrolysis products include xylobiose, xylotrinose, xytetranose, xylenanose, and a small amount of xylose. DgeoXyn is most active at 70 ℃ and pH 6.0. It is very stable at 10, 20, and 30 ℃, retaining more than 80% of its maximum enzyme activity. The enzyme activity of DgeoXyn increased by 10% after the addition of Mn2+ and decreased by 80% after the addition of Cu2+. The Km and Vmax of dgeox were 42 mg/ml and 20,000 U/mg, respectively, at a temperature of 70 ℃ and pH of 6.0 using 10 mg/ml beechwood xylan as the substrate. This research on DgeoXyn will provide a theoretical basis for the development and application of low-temperature xylanase.

Extracorporeal photopheresis as a promising strategy for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease after CAR T-cell therapy

ABSTRACT

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs in about 10% to 33% of patients receiving "allogeneic" or "autologous" chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells after preceding allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) due to the substantial presence of alloreactive T cells. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) shows promising clinical outcomes in the treatment of GVHD after allo-HSCT without hampering antitumor and antiviral effects. This raises an interesting question: whether ECP might constitute a new way to treat patients with GVHD after CAR T-cell therapy without compromising CAR-T cells significantly. Third-generation CD19-specific CAR-T cells were generated and an in vitro ECP protocol was established. The impact of ECP on CAR-T cells was comprehensively investigated in 2 models: the nondilution model reflects days after CAR T-cell infusion and the dilution model weeks after infusion. The therapeutic effect of ECP on GVHD was examined in an in vitro mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay. We found, ECP-treated CAR-T cells demonstrated reduced potency in inducing alloreaction compared with that of the group without ECP treatment in MLR assay. ECP could selectively induce apoptosis, thereby enriching the naive and central memory CAR-T cells with a reduced alloreactivity. The cytokine milieu of CAR-T cells could be switched from immune stimulation to immune tolerance in both models. Moreover, ECP could modulate the proliferative capacity of CAR-T cells without hampering their long-term functionality in the dilution model. In conclusion, ECP constitutes a promising treatment strategy for GVHD after allo-HSCT and CAR T-cell transfusion, as ECP reduces the alloreactivity without hampering CAR T-cell functionality.

Self-Assembly Reinforced Alginate Fibers for Enhanced Strength, Toughness, and Bone Regeneration

Material reinforcement commonly exists in a contradiction between strength and toughness enhancement. Herein, a reinforced strategy through self-assembly is proposed for alginate fibers. Sodium alginate (SA) microstructures with regulated secondary structures are assembled in acidic and ethanol as reinforcing units for alginate fibers. Acidity increases the flexibility of the helix and contributes to enhanced extendibility. Ethanol is responsible for formation of a stiff β-sheet, which enhances the modulus and strength. The structurally engineered SA assembly exhibits robust mechanical compatibility, and thus reinforced alginate fibers possess an improved tensile strength of 2.1 times, a prolonged elongation of 1.5 times, and an enhanced toughness of 3.0 times compared with SA fibers without reinforcement. The reinforcement through self-assembly provides an understanding of strengthening and toughening mechanism based on secondary structures. Due to a similar modulus with bones, reinforced alginate fibers exhibit good efficacy in accelerating bone regeneration in vivo.

Fast Catalyst-Free Synthesis of Stereoselective Polypeptides via Hierarchical Chiral Assembly

Understanding how life's essential homochiral biopolymers arose from racemic precursors is a challenging quest. Herein, we present a groundbreaking approach involving hierarchical chiral assembly-driven stereoselective ring-opening polymerization of ε-benzyloxycarbonyl-l/d-lysine N-carboxyanhydrides assisted by ultrasonication in an aqueous medium. This method enabled a narrow dispersity within a few minutes and the achievement of high molecular weight for polypeptides, employing a living polymerization mechanism. The polymerization of l and d enantiomers yielded predominantly right- and left-handed superhelical assemblies in a one-pot preparation, respectively. Notably, stereoselective polypeptide segments were efficiently prepared through hierarchical assembly-driven polymerization of racemic monomers in the absence of a catalyst. This research offers an innovative strategy for the convenient preparations of stereoenriched polypeptides and, more importantly, sheds light on the plausible emergence of homochiral peptides in the origin of life.

Characteristics and stabilization of Pickering emulsions constructed using myosin from bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis)

Myosin from bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) as a main type of fish protein possesses a good emulsifying ability. However, whether bighead carp myosin (BCM) could construct stable Pickering emulsions is still unclear. Therefore, myosin particles and Pickering emulsions stabilized by bighead carp myosin (BCMPEs) were analyzed. The surface structure of BCM particles at 0.6 mol/L NaCl treatment was uniform and compact with a contact angle of 86.4 ± 2.7°, exhibiting the potential ability to construct O/W Pickering emulsions. The size and flocculation index (FI) of BCMPEs decreased with the increase in BCM concentrations of 1%-4% (w/v). Reversely, the size of BCMPEs increased with the increase in oil-water ratios. BCM particles could uniformly distribute at the oil-water interface to stabilize BCMPEs at a BCM concentration of 4% (w/v) and an oil-water ratio of 6:4 (v/v). This study could help explore fish proteins to construct Pickering emulsions for the deep processing of fish products.

Empathy in undergraduate medical students: a multi-center cross-sectional study in China

BACKGROUND

Fostering empathy has been continuously emphasized in the global medical education. Empathy is crucial to enhance patient-physician relationships, and is associated with medical students' academic and clinical performance. However, empathy level of medical students in China and related influencing factors are not clear.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study among medical students in 11 universities. We used the Jefferson Scale of Empathy Student-version of Chinese version to measure empathy level of medical students. Factors associated with empathy were identified by the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Based on the variables identified above, the nomogram was established to predict high empathy probability of medical students. Receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration plot and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the discrimination, calibration and educational utility of the model.

RESULTS

We received 10,901 samples, but a total of 10,576 samples could be used for further analysis (effective response rate of 97.02%). The mean empathy score of undergraduate medical students was 67.38 (standard deviation = 9.39). Six variables including gender, university category, only child or not, self-perception doctor-patient relationship in hospitals, interest of medicine, Kolb learning style showed statistical significance with empathy of medical students (P < 0.05). Then, the nomogram was established based on six variables. The validation suggested the nomogram model was well calibrated and had good utility in education, as well as area under the curve of model prediction was 0.65.

CONCLUSIONS

We identify factors influencing empathy of undergraduate medical students. Moreover, increasing manifest and hidden curriculums on cultivating empathy of medical students may be needed among medical universities or schools in China.

Recombinase polymerase amplification combined with Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute for fast Salmonella spp. testing in food safety

Foodborne illness caused by Salmonella spp. is one of the most prevalent public health problems globally, which have brought immeasurable economic burden and social impact to countries around the world. Neither current nucleic acid amplification detection method nor standard culture method (2-3 days) are suitable for field detection in areas with a heavy burden of Salmonella spp. Here, we developed a highly sensitive and accurate assay for Salmonella spp. detection in less than 40 min. Specifically, the invA gene of Salmonella spp. was amplified by recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), followed by Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute (PfAgo)-based target sequence cleavage, which could be observed by a fluorescence reader or the naked eye. The assay offered the lowest detectable concentration of 1.05 × 101 colony forming units/mL (CFU/mL). This assay had strong specificity and high sensitivity for the detection of Salmonella spp. in field samples, which indicated the feasibility of this assay.

The impact of secondhand smoke on failure of Helicobacter pylori therapy is not inferior to that of smoking

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown the associations between smoking and failure to eradicate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), but less is known about the impact of secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) on H. pylori eradication.

METHODS

Between July 2022 to July 2023, 646 patients who received proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) as first-line H. pylori eradication therapy were recruited for the study. Information was obtained via the hospital database and a telephone questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to examine risk factors of H. pylori eradication failure.

RESULTS

This was a single-center retrospective study consisting of 646 patients who received PPIs as first-line H. pylori eradication therapy. This included 122 smokers, 165 never-smokers with SHS, and 359 never-smokers with no SHS exposure. Compared with subjects in the "eradication success" group, those in the "eradication failure" group tended to have higher prevalence of smoke consumption and have higher prevalence of SHS exposure. In binary logistic regression analysis, smoking (OR 3.409, 95 % CI: 1.782- 6.522, P < 0.001) and SHS (OR 3.188, 95 % CI: 1.726-5.886, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of eradication failure. In addition, never-smokers with SHS exposure and smoking had similar effects on H. pylori eradication (OR, 0.893; 95 % CI, 0.464 to 1.717, P value = 0.734).

CONCLUSION

Both smoking and SHS are independent risk factors for H. pylori eradication failure. Furthermore, the impact of SHS is not inferior to smoking.

Genes associated with cellular senescence as diagnostic markers of major depressive disorder and their correlations with immune infiltration

Background

Emerging evidence links cellular senescence to the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD), a life-threatening and debilitating mental illness. However, the roles of cellular senescence-related genes in MDD are largely unknown and were investigated in this study using a comprehensive analysis.

Methods

Peripheral blood microarray sequencing data were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and retrieved cellular senescence-related genes from CellAge database. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to screen MDD-associated genes. Protein-protein interactions (PPI) were predicted based on STRING data, and four topological algorithms were used to identify hub genes from the PPI network. Immune infiltration was evaluated using CIBERSORT, followed by a correlation analysis between hub genes and immune cells.

Results

A total of 84 cell senescence-related genes were differentially expressed in patients with MDD compared to healthy control participants. Among the 84 genes, 20 were identified to be associated with the MDD disease phenotype, and these genes were mainly involved in hormone-related signaling pathways (such as estrogen, steroid hormone, and corticosteroid) and immune and inflammatory pathways. Three genes, namely, JUN, CTSD, and CALR, which were downregulated in MDD, were identified as the hub genes. The expression of hub genes significantly moderate correlated with multiple immune cells, such as Tregs, NK cells, and CD4+ T cells, and the abundance of these immune cells markedly differed in MDD samples. Multiple microRNAs, transcription factors, and small-molecule drugs targeting hub genes were predicted to explore their molecular regulatory mechanisms and potential therapeutic value in MDD.

Conclusion

JUN, CTSD, and CALR were identified as potential diagnostic markers of MDD and may be involved in the immunoinflammatory mechanism of MDD.

Artificial intelligence model system for bone age assessment of preschool children

BACKGROUD

Our study aimed to assess the impact of inter- and intra-observer variations when utilizing an artificial intelligence (AI) system for bone age assessment (BAA) of preschool children.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted involving a total sample of 53 female individuals and 41 male individuals aged 3-6 years in China. Radiographs were assessed by four mid-level radiology reviewers using the TW3 and RUS-CHN methods. Bone age (BA) was analyzed in two separate situations, with/without the assistance of AI. Following a 4-week wash-out period, radiographs were reevaluated in the same manner. Accuracy metrics, the correlation coefficient (ICC)and Bland-Altman plots were employed.

RESULTS

The accuracy of BAA by the reviewers was significantly improved with AI. The results of RMSE and MAE decreased in both methods (p < 0.001). When comparing inter-observer agreement in both methods and intra-observer reproducibility in two interpretations, the ICC results were improved with AI. The ICC values increased in both two interpretations for both methods and exceeded 0.99 with AI.

CONCLUSION

In the assessment of BA for preschool children, AI was found to be capable of reducing inter-observer variability and enhancing intra-observer reproducibility, which can be considered an important tool for clinical work by radiologists.

IMPACT

The RUS-CHN method is a special bone age method devised to be suitable for Chinese children. The preschool stage is a critical phase for children, marked by a high degree of variability that renders BA prediction challenging. The accuracy of BAA by the reviewers can be significantly improved with the aid of an AI model system. This study is the first to assess the impact of inter- and intra-observer variations when utilizing an AI model system for BAA of preschool children using both the TW3 and RUS-CHN methods.

Clinical efficacy observation of calcipotriol combined with AYJ sodium alginate repair dressing in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and its effect on patients' neurological function

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical efficacy of calcipotriol combined with AYJ(An Yi Jia) sodium alginate repair dressing in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and its effect on patients' neurological function.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 103 patients with PV admitted to our hospital from January 2022 to January 2024. All patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to the treatment interventions received by the patients, they were divided into control group (n = 51, receiving calcipotriol monotherapy) and observation group (n = 52, receiving calcipotriol combined with AYJ sodium alginate repair dressing). The clinical treatment effects, severity of the disease (PSSI score), levels of T lymphocyte subsets (CD4+, CD8+), serum nerve growth factor (NGF), inflammatory factors [interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)], and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

① Clinical treatment effects: The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). ② Severity of the disease: The PASI scores of both groups gradually decreased with prolonged treatment time, and the observation group showed a greater magnitude of change (p < 0.05). ③ T lymphocyte subset cells and serum nerve growth factor: The levels of CD4+ were increased after treatment in both groups, while CD8+ and NGF levels were decreased compared to before treatment, with a greater magnitude of change in the observation group (p < 0.05). ④ Inflammatory factors: The levels of IFN-γ, IL-8, and TNF-α were decreased after treatment in both groups, with a greater magnitude of change in the observation group (p < 0.05). ⑤ Adverse reactions: There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Calcipotriol combined with AYJ sodium alginate repair dressing has ideal therapeutic effects in the treatment of PV. Compared with calcipotriol alone, the combined application of AYJ sodium alginate repair dressing can further improve patient efficacy, improve immune and neurological function, alleviate patient inflammatory responses, and does not increase the risk of adverse reactions in patients.