[Study on mechanisms of Th17/Treg imbalance in patients with cystic echinococcosis based on miRNA expression profiles]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the serum microRNA (miRNA) expression and examine the impact of miRNA expression profiles on T helper type 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cells (Treg) imbalance among patients with cystic echinococcosis, so as to provide insights into the illustration of the mechanisms underlying chronic Echinococcus granulosus infections, and long-term pathogenesis.

METHODS

Total RNA was extracted from the sera of cystic echinococcosis patients and healthy controls, and subjected to high-throughput sequencing with the Illumina sequencing platform. Known miRNAs were annotated and new miRNAs were predicted using the miRBase database and the miRDeep2 tool, and differentially expressed miRNAs were identified. The target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted using the software miRanda and TargetScan, and the intersection was selected for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs with the 20 highest fold changes, miRNAs that targeted genes relating to key transcription factors RORC and FOXP3 that determine the production of Th17 and Treg cells or their important regulatory pathways (PI3K-Akt and mTOR pathways) were matched.

RESULTS

A total of 53 differentially expressed miRNAs were screened in sera of cystic echinococcosis patients and healthy controls, including 47 up-regulated miRNAs and 6 down-regulated miRNAs. GO enrichment analysis showed that these differentially expressed miRNA were involved DNA transcription and translation, cell components, cell morphology, neurodevelopment and metabolic decomposition, and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNA were mainly involved in MAPK, PI3K-Akt and mTOR signaling pathways. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs with the 20 highest fold changes, there were 3 miRNAs that had a potential for target regulation of RORC, and 15 miRNAs that had a potential to target the PI3K-Akt and mTOR signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant changes are found in serum miRNA expression profiles among patients with E. granulosus infections, and differentially expressed miRNAs may lead to Th17/Treg imbalance through targeting the key transcription factors of Th17/Treg or PI3K-Akt and mTOR pathways, which facilitates the long-term parasitism of E. granulosus in hosts and causes a chronic disease.

[Overlap esophagojejunostomy with multi-mode modifications in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy: safety and feasibility of 152 cases from a single center]

Objective: Currently, the Overlap anastomosis is one of the most favored reconstruction methods of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (EJS). Despite many advantages of the method, it remains some shortcomings to be improved when it comes to the retraction of the esophagus stump, the insertion of the anvil fork of the linear stapler into a "pseudo" lumen, and the closure of the common entry hole. This study aims to investigate the safety and feasibility of a multi-mode modified Overlap anastomosis. Methods: A descriptive case series study was conducted. Medical records of 152 consecutive patients who underwent totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) with our multi-mode modified Overlap EJS method by the same surgical team at our department from February 2017 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The multi-mode modified Overlap method mainly included (1) After ensuring the safety of tumor resection margin (proximal margin was at least 3 cm from the tumor), the esophagus was partially transected from left to right (with 5-8 mm width esophagus continuation). The specimen was then placed in a plastic bag which was tied up at the mouth using strings with a part of the esophageal wall poking through. Then the plastic bag containing the specimen was transferred to the right lumbar region, while the patient's body position was adjusted so that the abdominal esophagus could be pulled by the gravity of the specimen. (2) Using the "three-direction traction" method. The esophageal lumen was properly exposed, then guided by the gastric tube, the anvil fork was accurately placed into the esophageal lumen for completing the side-to-side EJS. (3) The 3-0 barbed suture was used in the closure of the common entry hole of the stapler from dorsally to ventrally with simple one-layer continuous suture (the stitch going from inside to inside) followed by continuous Lembert's suture (the stitch going from outside to outside). Combined with clinicopathological characteristics, the perioperative outcomes and postoperative complications of the whole group were analyzed and evaluated. Results: The study cohort included 129 men and 23 women, with a mean age of (60.2±9.1) years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of (23.2±3.1) kg/m(2). Of the 152 patients, 23 patients (15.1%) had a history of previous abdominal surgery; dentate line was invaded by tumor in 21 patients (13.8%). The mean length of the proximal resection margin was (3.3±0.3) cm and the postoperative pathological examination indicated negative resection margin tumor. The mean operative time and anastomotic time were (302.1±39.9) minutes and (29.8±5.4) minutes, respectively. The mean estimated blood loss was (87.9±46.4) ml. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was (12.3±7.3) days. The overall severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ II) occurred in 22 patients (14.5%). Six cases of pancreatic leakage were successfully recovered by adequate drainage, inhibition of pancreatic exocrine secretion and nutritional support. Ten cases of pneumonia and three cases of abdominal infection were cured with anti-infection and physical therapy. Two patients developed anastomotic leakage postoperatively. One case was caused by excessive tension of the Roux loop of the jejunum and excessive opening on the side of the jejunum after side-to-side anastomosis, and the other case was caused by an accidental intraoperative occurrence of "nasogastric tube stapled to the side-to-side anastomosis". Both of them recovered after conservative treatment including adequate drainage, anti-infection, and adequate nutritional support. One patient underwent immediate open surgery because of Peterson's hernia 7 days after TLTG, and the patient died due to extensive small bowel necrosis. Conclusions: Multi-mode modified overlap method simplifies the operation and reduces the difficulty of EJS. It is a safe and feasible method for EJS.

Rhoifolin ameliorates osteoarthritis via the Nrf2/NF-κB axis: in vitro and in vivo experiments

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related degenerative disease accompanied by an increasing number of senescent cells and chronic low-grade inflammation. Rhoifolin (ROF) showed considerable inhibition to inflammation, but its role in chondrocyte senescence and OA progress has not been fully characterized. We aimed to evaluate the protective effects of ROF on OA through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments.

METHODS

The role of ROF in the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors was investigated using RT-qPCR, western blotting, and ELISA. Chondrocyte senescence was assessed by SA-β-gal staining. We applied molecular docking to screen candidate proteins regulated by ROF. Meanwhile, SASP factors and cellular senescence were further assessed after the transfection of Nrf2 siRNA. In the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) rat model, X-ray, hematoxylin-eosin (HE), and Masson's staining were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of ROF on OA.

RESULTS

We found that ROF inhibited SASP factors expression and senescence phenotype in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. Furthermore, ROF suppressed IL-1β-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway cascades. Also, molecular docking and knock-down studies demonstrated that ROF might bind to Nrf2 to suppress the NF-κB pathway. In vivo, ROF ameliorated the OA process in the ACLT rat model.

CONCLUSIONS

ROF inhibits SASP factors expression and senescence phenotype in chondrocytes and ameliorates the progression of OA via the Nrf2/NF-κB axis, which supports ROF as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of OA.

[Surveillance and response: The core intervention for malaria control during the post-elimination phase in China]

China was certified malaria-free by the WHO on June, 2021. Nevertheless, there are thousands of overseas imported malaria cases annually in China, and there are deaths of imported malaria cases reported every year in the country. In addition, there are secondary cases of imported malaria, and malaria vectors remain in regions where malaria were formerly endemic, resulting in a high risk of local transmission of imported malaria in eliminated regions in China. This article analyzes the risk of malaria control and the challenges of malaria surveillance and response during the post-elimination stage in China, and proposes some suggestions for future priorities.

[Investigation on occupational hazard factors in teaching and research places of a university]

Objective: To investigate and monitor the occupational hazards in the Teaching and Research Laboratory (hereinafter referred to as the place) of a university, so as to provide basis for the occupational health work in the university. Methods: November 2014, 46 places in a university were selected by stratified random sampling, and the occupational health risk factors were investigated. Results: Indoor temperature, humidity, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were detected in 21 sites, xylene and hydrofluoric acid were detected in 6 sites, and colony count was detected in 18 sites, the power frequency electric field intensity was measured in 23 places, and the x-ray radiation dose was measured in 4 places. Noise was measured at 21 sites, with 7 sites exceeding the standards accounting for 33.3% (7/21) ; 21 sites were detected for illumination and 10 sites for nonconformity accounting for 47.6% (10/21) ; 10 sites for Microwave Radiation and 3 sites exceeding the standards accounting for 30% (3/10) ; and 25 sites were detected for outdoor air volume and air velocity, the percentage of unqualified was 72% (18/25) in 18 sites, among which the wind velocity was statistically significant in teaching, research and experimental sites (P=0.010) . Conclusion: The occupational hazards in the teaching and research places of a university should be paid attention to, and the engineering protection and personal protection should be strengthened in the experiment.

Exerimental method and preliminary studies of the passive containment water film evaporation mass transfer

For larger containments and higher operation parameters, characteristics of the outside cooling of the PCCS are very important for the analysis on the containment integrity. A preliminary analysis was made and a four-step experimental method was used to numerically analyze the falling water film evaporation for the advanced passive containment. Then, the water flow stability along the outside wall of the containment was studied. The results fit well with those correlations without airflow when the air velocity is less than 5.0 m/s. However, when the air velocity is larger than 5.0 m/s, the influence of the air velocity on the water film will appear and the mean water film thickness will be thicker. Based on the prototype operation parameters, experimental studies were carried and the results were compared with the Dittus-Boelter correlation within the operation ranges. A modification factor was proposed for the conservative application of this correlation for nuclear safety analysis.

Violence, neurocognitive function and clinical correlates in patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia patients with violent behavior are a severe public health concern, but the correlates of this violent behavior are unknown. Additionally, the relationship between neurocognitive function and violent behavior in Chinese patients with schizophrenia has not yet been investigated.

METHODS

A total of 337 schizophrenia inpatients were recruited. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess psychopathological symptoms. Neurocognitive functioning was evaluated using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS).

RESULTS

The percentage of violent behavior was 10.4% in patients with schizophrenia. Patients with violent behavior had higher PANSS-positive, excited, and total subscale scores than patients who did not show violent behavior. Patients with violent behavior also had lower RBANS language, semantic fluency, and total subscale scores. Gender (OR = 0.066∼0.819, p = 0.023), illness duration (OR = 0.876∼0.971, p = 0.002), smoking (OR = 1.127∼2.950, p = 0.014), the PANSS positive subscale (OR = 1.050∼1.197, p = 0.001), and the RBANS language subscale (OR = 0.927∼0.987, p = 0.005) significantly contributed to the development of violent behavior in schizophrenia patients.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that cognitive and clinical assessments should be considered in comprehensive assessments of future risks of violence in schizophrenia patients.

Kynurenine pathway metabolites are associated with gray matter volume in subjects with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

There has been growing evidence of the existence of abnormalities in the kynurenine pathway (KP) and structural gray matter volume (GMV) in schizophrenia (SCZ). Numerous studies have suggested that abnormal kynurenine metabolism (KM) in the brain is clearly associated with the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and may be one of the pathological mechanisms of SCZ. In this pilot study, we investigated whether there was a correlation between KP and GMV in schizophrenia patients.

METHODS

The plasma levels of KM were measured in 41 patients who met the Structured Clinical Interview of the Diagnostic IV criteria for schizophrenia and 60 healthy controls by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and cortical thickness (as measured via magnetic resonance imaging) was obtained.

RESULTS

Our study showed no statistically significant differences in the concentrations of kynurenine (KYN), tryptophan (TRP), and KYNA/TRP (all p > 0.05), but kynurenic acid (KYNA) and the KYNA/KYN ratio were significantly higher in the schizophrenia subjects than in the healthy controls (F = 4.750, p = 0.032; F = 6.153, p = 0.015, respectively) after controlling for age and sex. Spearman's tests showed that KYN concentrations in SCZ patients were negatively correlated with GMV in the left front cingulate belt (r = -0.325, p = 0.046) and that KYN/TRP was negatively correlated with GMV in the left island (r = -0.396, p = 0.014) and right island (r = -0.385, p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Our findings appear to provide new insights into the predisposition of an imbalance in the relative metabolism of KYN/TRP and KYN to GMV in schizophrenia.

Giant cell arteritis with stroke and systemic diffuse vasculitis

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis, which mainly affects the aorta and its branches, while the abdominal aorta, the iliac artery and the limbs involvement are rare. The common clinical manifestations include headache, fever, jaw claudication, and visual impairment. Cerebrovascular accidents are relatively rare. Here, we present a GCA patient with stroke and systemic diffuse vasculitis involving the abdominal aorta, iliac artery, and femoral artery simultaneously.

Association between Preoperative hs-crp/Albumin Ratio and Postoperative sirs in Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is one of the severe postoperative complications in elderly patients and seriously affects their prognosis and survival rate. Heretofore, there have been no reliable and accurate methods to predict postoperative SIRS in elderly patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether increased preoperative hs-CRP/albumin ratio (CAR) was associated with postoperative SIRS in elderly population.

METHODS

The data of patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent general anesthesia in two centers of Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 2015 and September 2020 were retrieved and analyzed. Based on the perioperative dataset, we used the targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) to estimate the association between preoperative CAR and postoperative SIRS in elderly population. Patients' CAR was calculated and divided into two groups (< 0.278 and ≥ 0.278) according to its normal range in our hospital. Adjusted odd ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated respectively. Further sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results.

RESULTS

A total of 16141 elderly patients were accessed and 7009 of them were enrolled in the final analysis, and 1674 (23.9%) patients developed SIRS within 3 days after surgery. Compared with non-SIRS patients, patients with SIRS had a significantly longer postoperative hospitalization, higher cost and higher risk of in-hospital mortality. Compared with patients with preoperative CAR < 0.278, we found that CAR ≥ 0.278 had a significantly higher risk for the development of postoperative SIRS after multivariable adjustment [aOR = 1.27; 95% CI (1.21, 1.33)]. The interaction effect of preoperative CAR ≥ 0.278 and SIRS was stronger among patients with the following characteristics: aged ≥ 75 years, male, comorbid with diabetes mellitus and admitted to ICU after surgery, duration of surgery < 120 minutes, underwent cerebral surgery or skin, spine and joint surgery (all P < 0.001). The above results remained robust in the sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative CAR ≥ 0.278 was significantly associated with increased risk of postoperative SIRS in elderly patients. Special attention should be paid to elderly patients with a preoperative CAR ≥ 0.278 so as to reduce the incidence of postoperative SIRS.

A constraint on historic growth in global photosynthesis due to increasing CO2

The global terrestrial carbon sink is increasing^1-3, offsetting roughly a third of anthropogenic CO₂ released into the atmosphere each decade¹, and thus serving to slow⁴ the growth of atmospheric CO₂. It has been suggested that a CO₂-induced long-term increase in global photosynthesis, a process known as CO₂ fertilization, is responsible for a large proportion of the current terrestrial carbon sink^4-7. The estimated magnitude of the historic increase in photosynthesis as result of increasing atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, however, differs by an order of magnitude between long-term proxies and terrestrial biosphere models^7-13. Here we quantify the historic effect of CO₂ on global photosynthesis by identifying an emergent constraint^14-16 that combines terrestrial biosphere models with global carbon budget estimates. Our analysis suggests that CO₂ fertilization increased global annual photosynthesis by 11.85 ± 1.4%, or 13.98 ± 1.63 petagrams carbon (mean ± 95% confidence interval) between 1981 and 2020. Our results help resolve conflicting estimates of the historic sensitivity of global photosynthesis to CO₂, and highlight the large impact anthropogenic emissions have had on ecosystems worldwide.

[CDK1, CCNB1 and NDC80 are associated with prognosis and progression of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: a bioinformatic analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To identify the key genes involved in the transformation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

We analyzed the mRNA microarray data of 119 HBV-related HCC tissues and 252 HBV-related non-tumor tissues in GSE55092, GSE84044 and GSE121248 from the GEO database, and the "sva" R package was used to remove the batch effects. Integration analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HBV-related liver cancer and liver tissues with HBV infection. The significant DEGs were functionally annotated using GO and KEGG analyses, and the most important modules and hub genes were explored with STRING analysis. Kaplan-Meier and Oncomine databases were used to verify the HCC gene expression data in the TCGA database to explore the correlations of the hub genes with the occurrence, progression and prognosis of HCC. We also examined the expressions of the hub genes in 17 pairs of surgical specimens of HCC and adjacent tissues using RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 121 DEGs and 3 genetic markers in HCC (P < 0.01). These DEGs included cyclin1 (CDK1), cyclin B1 (CCNB1), and nuclear division cycle 80 (NDC80), which participated in cell cycle, pyrimidine metabolism and DNA replication and were highly correlated (P < 0.05). Analysis of the UALCAN database confirmed high expressions of these 3 genes in HCC tissues, which were correlated with a low survival rate of the patients, as shown by Kaplan-Meier analysis of the prognostic data from the UALCAN database. CDK1, CCNB1 and NDC80 were all correlated with the clinical grading of HCC (P < 0.05). The results of RT-qPCR on the surgical specimens verified significantly higher expressions of CDK1, CCNB1 and NDC80 mRNA in HCC tissues than in the adjacent tissues.

CONCLUSION

CDK1, CCNB1 and NDC80 genes can be used as prognostic markers of HBV-related HCC and may serve as potential targets in preclinical studies and clinical treatment of HCC.

[Application effects of free transplantation of autologous omentum in treating maxillofacial infection complicated with complex sinus tract]

Objective: To investigate the application effects of free transplantation of autologous omentum in treating maxillofacial infection complicated with complex sinus tract. Methods: The retrospective observational study method was used. Four patients with maxillofacial infection complicated with complex sinus tract were admitted to Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from July 2017 to the December 2019, including 3 males and 1 female aged 36-60 years. Preoperative facial computed tomography (CT) was performed on patients for calculating the volume of sinus tract. During the operation, the sinus tract was thoroughly debrided, and the volume of the tissue defect was about 5 cm×3 cm×2 cm-10 cm×5 cm×3 cm after debridement. The tissue defect area was filled with omentum of 100-300 mL which was cut under laparoscopy. The artery and vein on the right side of the omentum were reserved as the vascular pedicle of the donor area, which were anastomosed with the facial artery and external jugular vein of the recipient area. The survival of omentum, and the occurrences of reinfection and complication were observed after operation, respectively. On the 10th day and in 1 month after the operation, the blood supply of omentum was examined by colored Doppler ultrasound and CT angiography, and the filling of tissue defect area was examined by head and face CT. During follow-up after the operation, the recoveries of face appearance and function and scar hyperplasia in the donor area. Results: The transplanted omentums in 4 patients survived after the operation with no reinfection and complication. On the 10th day and in 1 month after the operation, the transplanted omentums had good blood supply, and the filled area with omentum was in good shape, without formation of dead cavity. During follow-up of 6-10 months after surgery, the appearance and function of face recovered well, and there was no obvious scar hyperplasia in the donor area. Conclusions: After free transplantation of omentum in treating maxillofacial infection with complex sinus tract, the patients have good facial appearance and function, and the application of laparoscopy results in little damage to the patients and quick postoperative recovery.

Bradycardia associated with ALK inhibitors in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) inhibitors represent a major therapeutic advance in the treatment of ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Bradycardia was initially observed with crizotinib, the first ALK inhibitor. The risk of bradycardia and whether it differs among various generations of ALK inhibitors has not been systematically described.

Purpose

The primary objective of this systematic review is to compare the risk of bradycardia in patients who received an ALK inhibitor or standard chemotherapy for the treatment of NSCLC in randomized controlled trials.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials registry. We included randomized controlled trials that compared two different ALK inhibitors, or an ALK inhibitor with standard chemotherapies in patients with NSCLC. The primary outcome of interest was the number of bradycardia events. Because bradycardia was not systematically reported in many trials, we also documented reports of dizziness (as a potential symptom of bradycardia) in a secondary analysis.

Results

We identified 12 eligible studies including 2915 participants. Bradycardia was reported as a treatment-emergent adverse event in 9 trials; dizziness was reported in the remaining 3 trials. The type of bradycardia and use of heart rate-slowing medications were not documented in most studies. The incidence of bradycardia among 1080 individuals prescribed crizotinib in 8 trials was 13% (95% CI 9–17%) during a mean follow-up of 1.26 years. A meta-analysis of four trials that compared crizotinib with standard chemotherapies (Figure 1) showed a higher risk of bradycardia with crizotinib (RR 19.33; 95% CI 5.40–69.22). Newer generations of ALK inhibitors (alectinib, brigatinib and lorlatinib) showed similar rates of bradycardia compared to crizotinib (RR 0.51; 95% CI 0.21–1.26; Figure 2). Dizziness was more common in ALK inhibitors than standard chemotherapies (RR 1.83; 95% CI 1.38–2.42).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that crizotinib is associated with a higher rate of bradycardia than standard chemotherapies, while no difference was found between crizotinib and newer generations of ALK inhibitors. The higher rate of dizziness in ALK inhibitors could represent a symptom of bradycardia. Further research is needed to evaluate the incidence and types of ALK inhibitor-associated bradycardia and its relationship with patient symptoms.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 2

Association between plasma homocysteine levels and cognitive deficits in Han Chinese patients with schizophrenia across age groups

It was still unclear how homocysteine (Hcy) levels and cognitive deficits change in patients with schizophrenia of various ages. The present article attempts to assess the relationship between Hcy levels and cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia across age groups, especially in young people. Totals of 103 patients and 122 healthy controls were included. All participants were stratified into four groups according to their age: 18-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, and 50-59 years. Clinical data, plasma Hcy levels, and cognitive function score were collected. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery of tests assessing speed of processing, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, working memory, and attention/vigilance. Compared with the healthy group, Hcy levels increased significantly, and all the measured cognitive function score were significantly lower in all age groups of patients with schizophrenia (p < 0.001). Hcy levels were negatively associated with speed of processing (SoP), working memory (WM), and visual learning and memory (Vis Lrng) score in 18-29 years. Further multiple regression analysis showed that SoP were independently associated with Hcy levels in patients with schizophrenia aged 18-29 years (B = 0.74, t = 3.12, p = 0.008). Based on our results, patients with schizophrenia performed worse on cognitive assessments and Hcy levels were more closely related to cognition in young patients.

Trends towards revealing the genetic architecture of sheep tail patterning: Promising genes and investigatory pathways

Different sheep breeds have evolved after initial domestication, generating various tail phenotypic patterns. The phenotypic diversity of sheep tail patterns offers ideal materials for comparative analysis of its genetic basis. Evolutionary biologists, animal geneticists, breeders, and producers have been curious to clearly understand the underlying genetics behind phenotypic differences in sheep tails. Understanding the causal gene(s) and mutation(s) underlying these differences will help probe an evolutionary riddle, improve animal production performance, promote animal welfare, and provide lessons that help comprehend human diseases related to fat deposition (i.e., obesity). Historically, fat tails have served as an adaptive response to aridification and climate change. However, the fat tail is currently associated with compromised mating and animal locomotion, fat distribution in the animal body, increased raising costs, reduced consumer preference, and other animal welfare issues such as tail docking. The developing genomic approaches provide unprecedented opportunities to determine causal variants underlying phenotypic differences among populations. In the last decade, researchers have performed several genomic investigations to assess the genomic causality underlying phenotypic variations in sheep tails. Various genes have been suggested with the prominence of several potentially significant causatives, including the BMP2 and PDGFD genes associated with the fat tail phenotype and the TBXT gene linked with the caudal vertebrae number and tail length. Although the potential genes related to sheep tail characteristics have been revealed, the causal variant(s) and mutation(s) of these high-ranking candidate genes are still elusive and need further investigation. The review discusses the potential genes, sheds light on a knowledge gap, and provides possible investigative approaches that could help determine the specific genomic causatives of sheep tail patterns. Besides, characterizing and revealing the genetic determinism of sheep tails will help solve issues compromising sheep breeding and welfare in the future.

The structural and functional corneal reinnervation mechanism at different regions after LASIK-an in vivo confocal microscopy study

PURPOSE

To determine the recovery of structural and functional corneal sensory nerves within the LASIK flap in order to provide insight to more proximal corneal reinnervation and symptoms post-LASIK.

METHODS

Twenty participants underwent femtosecond LASIK with a superior flap hinge. Ocular Comfort Index in Chinese (OCI-C), Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry, and in vivo confocal microscopy were conducted before surgery and 1 week, 1-, 3-, and 6-months post-LASIK to measure symptoms, corneal sensitivity, nerve fiber density, width, and the number of interconnections within the flap (central and mid-temporal regions), and next to the superior flap hinge. Linear mixed models were used to compare differences between corneal regions at each time point post-LASIK and changes over time post-LASIK. Spearman's correlation tests were used to examine the associations between variables post-LASIK.

RESULTS

The least reduction in sensitivity (P < 0.03) and in nerve fiber density (P < 0.02) was found near the flap hinge compared to other regions, but no regional differences were found in nerve fiber width and interconnections. Nerve fiber density and the number of interconnections at all regions within the flap recovered over time (P < 0.02). The recovery of corneal sensitivity and nerve fiber width was only seen at the central and temporal regions (P < 0.04). No association was found between sensitivity and nerve parameters, but a higher OCI-C score was associated with a lower nerve fiber density near the hinge (r =  - 0.43, P = 0.003) over time post-LASIK.

CONCLUSION

Corneal sensitivity and density are preserved in the hinge, but this preservation of the corneal nerve damage does not affect the nerve morphology.

MiR-133b inhibits MPP+-induced apoptosis in Parkinson's disease model by inhibiting the ERK1/2 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-133b on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+)-induced apoptosis in the Parkinson's disease (PD) model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PC12 cells were induced by different concentrations of MPP+ to establish the PD cell model. Subsequently, the survival rate of PC12 cells was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-133b in the PD model induced by different concentrations of MPP+. Next, PC12 cells were transfected with miR-133b mimic and miR-negative control (NC), and divided into MPP+ group, MPP+ + miR-NC group and MPP+ + miR-133b mimic group. Transfection efficiency was verified using qRT-PCR. The apoptosis of cells was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Moreover, the expressions of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylated (p)-ERK1/2 were determined using Western blotting.

RESULTS

After MPP+ treatment, the survival rate of PC12 cells significantly declined (p<0.05). MPP+ exhibited toxicity against PC12 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, cell survival rate decreased remarkably with the increase of MPP+ concentration (p<0.05). With increased concentration of MPP+, the expression of miR-133b in the PD cell model declined significantly (p<0.05). The apoptosis of PC12 cells was remarkably inhibited by overexpression of miR-133b in the PD cell model (p<0.05). In addition, the protein expression of p-ERK1/2 in PC12 cells was notably reduced after overexpression of miR-133b in the PD cell model (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-133b is lowly expressed in the PD cell model. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-133b inhibits cell apoptosis in the PD cell model by regulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

[Evaluation of safety of two inactivated COVID-19 vaccines in a large-scale emergency use]

Objective: To evaluate the safety of two inactivated COVID-19 vaccines in a large-scale emergency use. Methods: Based on the "Vaccination Information Collection System", the incidence data of adverse reactions in the population vaccinated with the inactivated COVID-19 vaccines developed by Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd, respectively, in emergency use were collected, and the relevant information were analyzed with descriptive epidemiological and statistical methods. Results: By December 1, 2020, the vaccination information of 519 543 individuals had been collected. The overall incidence rate of adverse reactions was 1.06%, the incidence rate of systemic adverse reactions was 0.69% and the incidence rate of local adverse reactions was 0.37%. The main systemic adverse reactions included fatigue, headache, fever, cough and loss of appetite with the incidence rates of 0.21%, 0.14%, 0.06%, 0.05% and 0.05%, respectively; the main local adverse reactions were injection site pain and injection site swelling with the incidence rates of 0.24% and 0.05%, respectively. Conclusion: The two inactivated COVID-19 vaccines by Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd showed that in the large-scale emergency use, the incidence rate of general reactions was low and no serious adverse reactions were observed after the vaccinations, demonstrating that the vaccines have good safety.

A large-scale genome-wide association analysis reveals QTL and candidate genes for intramuscular fat content in Duroc pigs

This study aimed at identifying genomic regions and genes associated with intramuscular fat content (IMF) in Duroc pigs using a weighted single-step GWAS. Data from 3912 pigs, of which 3770 animals were genotyped with GeneSeek Porcine 50K Bead chip, were used for the association analysis. We identified 19 genomic regions that each explained >1% of the additive genetic variance associated with IMF. Notably, a consistent QTL on SSC7 (117.42-117.92 Mb) was confirmed, explaining 3.70% of the additive genetic variance, and two genes, BDKRB2 and ATG2B, were highlighted as promising candidates for IMF. Two QTL (SSC7, 94.19-94.64 Mb; SSC14, 123.25-123.75 Mb), which harbored MED6 and MAP3K9 genes and TCF7L2 gene respectively, were newly identified as associated with IMF. In conclusion, we identified a consistent QTL and additional genomic regions and genes that contributed to the genetic variance of IMF using a large-scale sample size of genotyped pigs and genealogical information.

Metabolomics and its application in the mechanism analysis on diabetic bone metabolic abnormality

OBJECTIVE

This study is aimed at analysing the endogenous metabolites profiling of patients with diabetic osteoporosis, so as to provide the reference for pathogenesis research of diabetic osteoporosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 1H-NMR metabolomics technology, combined with pattern recognition analysis and SIMCA-P 12.0 statistical analysis, were employed to identify the metabolites differences between diabetic patients with disordered bone metabolism (research group) and healthy volunteers (normal group) in this study.

RESULTS

Compared with normal group, the results show that in research group, the levels of O-acetyl glycoprotein, proline, 1-methyl histidine, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) product (citric acid and α-ketoglutaric acid) decline, while the levels of branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine), glucose, choline, creatine, inositol, glutamine, aspartic acid, alanine, glycine, and citrulline increase.

CONCLUSIONS

There are disordered metabolic pathways and imbalanced bone synthetic materials and regulatory substances in diabetic patients with bone metabolic abnormality. These metabolic abnormalities could be the specific indicators in early diagnosis of diabetic osteoporosis.

Visfatin facilitates gastric cancer malignancy by targeting snai1 via the NF-κB signaling

BACKGROUND

Visfatin acts as an oncogenic factor in numerous tumors through a variety of cellular processes. Visfatin has been revealed to promote cell migration and invasion in gastric cancer (GC). Snai1 is a well-known regulator of EMT process in cancers. However, the relationship between visfatin and snai1 in GC remains unclear. The current study aimed to explore the role of visfatin in GC.

METHODS

The RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were used to measure RNA and protein levels, respectively. The cell migration and invasion were tested by Trans-well assays and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Visfatin showed upregulation in GC cells. Additionally, Visfatin with increasing concentration facilitated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by increasing E-cadherin and reducing N-cadherin and Vimentin protein levels in GC cells. Moreover, endogenous overexpression and knockdown of visfatin promoted and inhibited migratory and invasive abilities of GC cells, respectively. Then, we found that snai1 protein level was positively regulated by visfatin in GC cells. In addition, visfatin activated the NF-κB signaling to modulate snai1 protein expression. Furthermore, the silencing of snai1 counteracted the promotive impact of visfatin on cell migration, invasion and EMT process in GC.

CONCLUSION

Visfatin facilitates cell migration, invasion and EMT process by targeting snai1 via the NF-κB signaling, which provides a potential insight for the treatment of GC.

Serum BDNF levels and the antidepressant effects of electroconvulsive therapy with ketamine anaesthesia: a preliminary study

Objective

To firstly examine the relationship between serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and antidepressant response to ketamine as an anaesthesia in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Chinese patients with treatment-refractory depression (TRD).

Methods

Thirty patients with TRD were enrolled and underwent eight ECT sessions with ketamine anaesthesia (0.8 mg/kg) alone. Depression severity, response and remission were evaluated using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to examine serum BDNF levels in patients with TRD at baseline and after the second, fourth and eighth ECT sessions. Baseline serum samples were also collected for 30 healthy controls.

Results

No significant differences were observed in serum BDNF levels between patients with TRD and healthy controls at baseline (p > 0.05). The remission rate was 76.7% (23/30) after the last ECT treatment, although all patients with TRD obtained antidepressant response criteria. Serum BDNF levels were not altered compared to baseline, even between remitters and nonremitters (all p > 0.05), despite the significant reduction in HAMD-17 and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores after ECT with ketamine anaesthesia (all p < 0.05). The antidepressant effects of ECT with ketamine anaesthesia were not correlated with changes in serum BDNF levels (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This preliminary study indicated that serum BDNF levels do not appear to be a reliable biomarker to determine the antidepressant effects of ketamine as an anaesthesia in ECT for patients with TRD. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm these findings.

[Assessment of setup errors of IGRT combined with a six degrees of freedom bed for patients with primary rectal cancer]

Objective: To investigate the effect of six degree of freedom (6-DOF) bed combined with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the on-line correction of setup errors in patients with primary rectal cancer. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 17 patients with primary rectal cancer in Department of Radiotherapy, Third Hospital of Peking University from July 2013 to January 2014 were collected. There were 14 males and 3 females, a median age of 65 years. The difference of CBCT and 6-DOF bed combined with CBCT online correction of patients with positioning error were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Before position correction, the first CBCT verification of setup errors in the three translation directions including X (left and right), Y (in and out) and Z (up and down) directions were (0.06±0.25) cm, (0.13±0.40) cm and (-0.28±0.31) cm, respectively. The setup errors of RX (rotation pitch), RY(rolling) and RZ (left and right rotation) directions were (0.62±1.15)°, (-0.19±0.99)°, and (-0.34 ± 0.84)°, respectively . After correction of IGRT combined with six freedom of bed, the setup errors of translation X, Y and Z were (0.01±0.09) cm, (-0.01±0.05) cm and (-0.03±0.08) cm, respectively, and the setup errors of rotation RX, RY and RZ directions were (-0.16±0.40)°, (0.36±0.31)°and (-0.01±0.25)°, respectively. There were significant differences in translation direction (X, Y and Z direction) and rotation direction (Rx, RY and RZ) before and after 6-DOF bed combined with CBCT correction (all P<0.05). In the translation direction, the higher frequency range of Z-direction error value was 0.20-0.79 cm. In the rotation direction, the frequency range of error in Rx direction was 0.20°-2.99°. There was no significant difference between bone mode and gray scale model registration (P>0.05). With the progress of radiotherapy, the setup errors of X, Z, Rx, RY and RZ directions increased except Y direction. Conclusions: In radiotherapy, six freedom bed combined with CBCT is helpful to correct the setup errors of patients with primary rectal cancer. Six freedom bed may be used to correct the setup errors of patients with primary rectal cancer online. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) is recommended for bone pattern registration in patients with rectal cancer.