[Long-term survival analysis of 1 367 patients treated with radical nephrectomy from a single center]

Objective: To report the long-term survival of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients treated with radical nephrectomy in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, pathological and follow-up records of 1 367 non-metastatic RCC patients treated with radical nephrectomy from 1999 to 2020 in this center. The primary endpoint of this study was overall survival rate. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and group differences were compared through Log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were fit to determine the clinical and pathological features associated with overall survival rate. Results: A total of 1 367 patients treated with radical nephrectomy with complete follow-up data were included in the study. The median follow-up time was 52.6 months, and 1 100 patients survived and 267 died, with the median time to overall survival not yet reached. The 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates were 82.8% and 74.9%, respectively. The 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates of Leibovich low-risk patients were 93.3% and 88.2%, respectively; of Leibovich intermediate-risk patients were 82.2% and 72.3%, respectively; and of Leibovich high-risk patients were 50.5% and 30.2%, respectively. There were significant differences in the long-term survival among the three groups (P<0.001). The 10-year overall survival rates for patients with pT1, pT2, pT3 and pT4 RCC were 83.2%, 73.6%, 55.0% and 31.4%, respectively. There were significant differences among pT1, pT2, pT3 and pT4 patients(P<0.001). The 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates of patients with lymph node metastasis were 48.5% and 35.6%, respectively, and those of patients without lymph node metastasis were 85.1% and 77.5%, respectively. There was significant difference in the long-term survival between patients with lymph node metastasis and without lymph node metastasis. The 10-year overall survival rate was 96.2% for nuclear Grade 1, 81.6% for nuclear Grade 2, 60.5% for nuclear Grade 3, and 43.4% for nuclear Grade 4 patients. The difference was statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the long-term survival between patients with localized renal cancer (pT1-2N0M0) who underwent open surgery and minimally invasive surgery (10-year overall survival rate 80.5% vs 85.6%, P=0.160). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that age≥55 years (HR=2.11, 95% CI: 1.50-2.96, P<0.001), T stage(T3+ T4 vs T1a: HR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.26-4.46, P=0.008), local lymph node metastasis (HR=3.04, 95%CI: 1.81-5.09, P<0.001), nuclear grade (G3-G4 vs G1: HR=4.21, 95%CI: 1.51-11.75, P=0.006), tumor necrosis (HR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.17-2.37, P=0.005), sarcomatoid differentiation (HR=2.39, 95% CI: 1.31-4.35, P=0.005) and BMI≥24kg/m(2) (HR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.39-0.80, P=0.001) were independent factors affecting long-term survival after radical nephrectomy. Conclusions: The long-term survival of radical nephrectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma is satisfactory. Advanced age, higher pathological stage and grade, tumor necrosis and sarcomatoid differentiation were the main adverse factors affecting the prognosis of patients. Higher body mass index was a protective factor for the prognosis of patients.

Biological Characterization and Whole-Genome Analysis of Bacillus subtilis MG-1 Isolated from Mink Fecal Samples

Bacillus subtilis is an important part of the gut microbiota and a commonly used probiotic. In the present study, to assess the biological characteristics and probiotic properties of B. subtilis derived from mink, we isolated B. subtilis MG-1 isolate from mink fecal samples, characterized its biological characteristics, optimized the hydrolysis of casein by its crude extract, and comprehensively analyzed its potential as a probiotic in combination with whole-genome sequencing. Biological characteristics indicate that, under low-pH conditions (pH 2), B. subtilis MG-1 can still maintain a survival rate of 64.75%; under the conditions of intestinal fluid, gastric acid, and a temperature of 70 °C, the survival rate was increased by 3, 1.15 and 1.17 times compared with the control group, respectively. This shows that it can tolerate severe environments. The results of hydrolyzed casein in vitro showed that the crude bacterial extract of isolate MG-1 exhibited casein hydrolyzing activity (21.56 U/mL); the enzyme activity increased to 32.04 U/mL under optimized reaction conditions. The complete genome sequencing of B. subtilis MG-1 was performed using the PacBio third-generation sequencing platform. Gene annotation analysis results revealed that B. subtilis MG-1 was enriched in several Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathways, and most genes were related to Brite hierarchy pathways (1485-35.31%) and metabolism pathways (1395-33.17%). The egg-NOG annotation revealed that most genes were related to energy production and conversion (185-4.10%), amino acid transport and metabolism (288-6.38%), carbohydrate transport and metabolism (269-5.96%), transcription (294-6.52%), and cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis (231-5.12%). Gene Ontology (GO) annotation elucidated that most genes were related to biological processes (8230-45.62%), cellular processes (3582-19.86%), and molecular processes (6228-34.52%). Moreover, the genome of B. subtilis MG-1 was predicted to possess 77 transporter-related genes. This study demonstrates that B. subtilis MG-1 has potential for use as a probiotic, and further studies should be performed to develop it as a probiotic additive in animal feed to promote animal health.

Genomic characterization of three bacteriophages infecting donkey-derived Escherichia coli

Bacteriophages are an important source of novel genetic diversity. Sequencing of phage genomes can reveal new proteins with potential uses in phage therapy and help unravel the diversity of biological mechanisms by which phages take over the machinery of the host during infection. To expand the available collection of phage genomes, we have isolated, sequenced, and assembled the genome sequences of three phages that infect three pathogenic Escherichia coli strains: vB_EcoM_DE15, vB_EcoM_DE16, and vB_EcoM_DE17. Morphological characterization and genomic analysis indicated that all three phages were strictly lytic and free from integrases, virulence factors, toxins, and antimicrobial resistance genes. All three phages contained tRNAs, and especially, vB_EcoM_DE17 contained 25 tRNAs. The genomic features of these phages indicate that natural phages are capable of lysing pathogenic E.coli and have great potential in the biocontrol of bacteria.

Awake rabbit model of ischemic spinal cord injury with delayed paraplegia: The role of ambient temperature

BACKGROUND

Paraplegia after spinal cord ischemia is a devastating condition in the clinic. Here, we develop an awake rabbit model of spinal cord ischemia with delayed paraplegia and explore the influence of ambient temperature on the outcomes after injury.

METHODS

A total of 47 male rabbits were involved in the present study. Transient spinal cord ischemia was induced by occluding the infrarenal abdominal aorta of awake rabbits at different ambient temperatures. To find the optimal conditions for developing delayed paraplegia, hindlimb motor function after ischemia was evaluated between experiments.

RESULTS

The onset and magnitude of ischemic injury varied with the ambient temperature maintained during the peri-ischemia period. More serious spinal cord injury occurred when ischemia was induced at higher temperatures. At 18°C, 25-minute ischemia resulted in 74% of rabbits developing delayed paraplegia. At a temperature of 28°C or higher, most of the animals developed acute paraplegia immediately. While at 13°C, rabbits usually regained normal motor function without paraplegia.

CONCLUSION

This awake rabbit model is highly reproducible and will be helpful in future studies of delayed paraplegia after spinal cord ischemia. The ambient temperature must be considered while using this model during investigation of therapeutic interventions.

Small Ceria Nanoclusters with High ROS Scavenging Activity and Favorable Pharmacokinetic Parameters for the Amelioration of Chronic Kidney Disease

The over production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a critical role in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Organic ROS scavengers currently used for CKD treatment do not satisfy low dosage and high efficiency requirements. Ceria nanomaterials featured with renewable ROS scavenging activity are potential candidates for CKD treatment. Herein, a method for the synthesis of ceria nanoclusters (NCs) featured with small size of ≈1.2 nm is reported. The synthesized NCs are modified by three hydrophilic ligands with different molecular weights, including succinic acid (SA), polyethylene glycol diacid 600 (PEG600), and polyethylene glycol diacid 2000 (PEG2000). The surface modified NCs exhibit excellent ROS scavenging activity due to the high Ce3+ /Ce4+ ratio in their crystal structures. Compared with bigger-sized ceria nanoparticles (NPs) (≈45 nm), NCs demonstrate smoother blood concentration-time curve, lower organ accumulation, and faster metabolic rate superiorities. The administration of NCs to CKD mice, especially PEG600 and PEG2000 modified NCs, can effectively inhibit oxidative stress, inflammation, renal fibrosis, and apoptosis in their kidneys. Due to these benefits, the constructed NCs can ameliorate the progression of CKD. These findings suggest that NCs is a potential redox nanomedicine for future clinical treatment of CKD.

AR antagonists develop drug resistance through TOMM20 autophagic degradation-promoted transformation to neuroendocrine prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer(PCa) is the most commonly occurring male cancer in the USA. Abiraterone or Enzalutamide have been approved for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the treatment-emergent neuroendocrine PCa (t-NEPC) may develop, resulting in drug resistance in about 10-17% CRPC patients. The detailed mechanisms remain unclear..

METHODS

The expression correlation of TOMM20 and AR in PCa was determined by analyzing publicly available datasets, or by IHC staining in tumor specimens. The protein interaction of TOMM20 and AR was validated by co-immunoprecipitation or GST pull-down assay. The impact of TOMM20 depletion on drug sensitivity were elucidated by assays of cell proliferation, invasion, sphere formation, xenograft growth and intravenous metastasis. The intracellular ROS level was measured by flow cytometry, and the NEPC transdifferentiation and characteristics of cancer stem-like cells were validated by RNA-seq, RT-PCR and western blotting.

RESULTS

The protein level of TOMM20 is positively correlated with AR in PCa cells and specimens. TOMM20 protein physically interacts with AR. AR antagonists induced the protein degradation of TOMM20 through autophagy-lysosomal pathway, thereby elevating the intracellular ROS level and activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. When TOMM20 was depleted, PCa cells underwent EMT, acquired the characteristics of cancer stem-like cells, and developed resistance to AR antagonists. The stable depletion of TOMM20 promoted the transdifferentiation of PCa adenocarcinoma into NEPC and metastasis. Conversely, the rescue of TOMM20 re-sensitized the resistant PCa cells to AR antagonists.

CONCLUSIONS

TOMM20 protein degradation induced by AR antagonists promoted the transdifferentiation of PCa to NEPC, thereby revealing a novel molecular mechanism by which AR antagonists develop drug resistance through mitochondrial outer membrane-mediated signaling pathway. These findings suggested that the decreasing or loss of TOMM20 expression in PCa tissues might become a useful predictor of PCa resistance to AR antagonists.

Effects of Polyethylene Glycol/Porous Silica Form-Stabilized Phase Change Materials on the Performance of Asphalt Binders

The road performance and temperature-regulating properties of asphalt binders modified with novel polyethylene glycol (PEG)/porous silica (PS) form-stabilized phase-change materials (PEG/PS-fs-PCMs) were studied. PS and PEG were used as the supporting substance and PCMs. The results showed that PEG/PS-fs-PCMs could maintain a maximum weight percentage of 70% without leakage, at temperatures as high as 90 °C. The PEG/PS-fs-PCMs exhibited stable chemical structures, excellent thermal stability, high heat storage density, and suitable phase-change temperature. Based on conventional physical tests, the addition of PEG/PS-fs-PCMs can increase the viscosity and the degree of hardness of asphalt binders; thus, achieving an excellent comprehensive performance of the modified asphalt binder depends on determining the optimal dosage of PEG/PS-fs-PCMs. Additionally, incorporating PEG/PS-fs-PCM particles into the asphalt binder can enhance its ability to withstand permanent deformation at elevated temperatures, while PEG/PS-fs-PCMs mainly act as a filler, weakening the cohesive force of the asphalt molecules, and preventing the ductility of asphalt from expansion, according to DSR and BBR tests. Moreover, the use of PEG/PS-fs-PCMs can enhance the heat transfer properties of the asphalt binders, resulting in an improved temperature regulation performance. However, the accumulation of PEG/PS-fs-PCM particles on asphalt binders can negatively impact the storage stability of the modified asphalt binders, because of the difference in density between the two materials.

Measurement of Direct-Photon Cross Section and Double-Helicity Asymmetry at sqrt[s]=510 GeV in p[over →]+p[over →] Collisions

We present measurements of the cross section and double-helicity asymmetry A_{LL} of direct-photon production in p[over →]+p[over →] collisions at sqrt[s]=510  GeV. The measurements have been performed at midrapidity (|η|<0.25) with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. At relativistic energies, direct photons are dominantly produced from the initial quark-gluon hard scattering and do not interact via the strong force at leading order. Therefore, at sqrt[s]=510  GeV, where leading-order-effects dominate, these measurements provide clean and direct access to the gluon helicity in the polarized proton in the gluon-momentum-fraction range 0.02<x<0.08, with direct sensitivity to the sign of the gluon contribution.

[BCS1Neonatal growth retardation and lactic acidosis initiated by novel mutation sites in L gene]

This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics and genetic variations of two cases with developmental delay and lactic acidosis in a family, and to explore the relationship between genetic variations and clinical features. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical characteristics of two siblings with developmental delay and lactic acidosis who were treated at the Neonatal Department of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in May 2019 and December 2021, respectively. Whole-exome sequencing was used to detect genetic variations in the affected children. Homology modeling of the BCS1L protein was performed to analyze the structural and functional changes of the protein. The correlation between genetic variations and clinical phenotypes was analyzed. The results showed that the main clinical features of the two affected children in this family were manifestations of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅲ deficiency, including prematurity, developmental delay, respiratory failure, lactic acidosis, cholestasis, liver dysfunction, renal tubular lesions, coagulation dysfunction, anemia, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, and early death. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel deletion mutation c.486_488delGGA (p.E163del) and a novel missense mutation c.992C>T (p.T331I) in the BCS1L gene. Structural analysis of the homology modeling showed that the compound heterozygous mutation had a significant impact on protein function. In conclusion, the novel mutation site c.992C>T (p.T331I) in the BCS1L gene is a "likely pathogenic" mutation, and the compound heterozygous mutation is closely related to the phenotype of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅲ deficiency.

Integration of Simultaneous fMRI and EEG source localization in emotional decision problems

Simultaneous EEG-fMRI has been a powerful technique to understand the mechanism of the brain in recent years. In this paper, we develop an integrating method by integrating the EEG data into the fMRI data based on the parametric empirical Bayesian (PEB) model to improve the accuracy of the brain source location. The gambling task, a classic paradigm, is used for the emotional decision-making study in this paper. The proposed method was conducted on 21 participants, including 16 men and 5 women. Contrary to the previous method that only localizes the area widely distributed across the ventral striatum and orbitofrontal cortex, the proposed method localizes accurately at the orbital frontal cortex during the process of the brain's emotional decision-making. The activated brain regions extracted by source localization were mainly located in the prefrontal and orbitofrontal lobes; the activation of the temporal pole regions unrelated to reward processing disappeared, and the activation of the somatosensory cortex and motor cortex was significantly reduced. The log evidence shows that the integration of simultaneous fMRI and EEG method based on synchronized data evidence is 22420, the largest value among the three methods. The integration method always takes on a larger value of log evidence and describes a better performance in analysis associated with source localization. DATA AVAILABILITY: The data used in the current study are available from the corresponding authouponon reasonable request.

[Rapid detection and genotyping of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 variants using a RT-PCR and CRISPR-Cas12a-based assay]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a rapid detection and genotyping method for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 variants using CRISPPR-Cas12a gene editing technology.

METHODS

We combined reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and CRISPR gene editing technology and designed a specific CRISPPR RNA (crRNA) with suboptimal protospacer adjacent motifs (PAM) for rapid detection and genotyping of SARS- CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 variants. The performance of this RT- PCR/ CRISPPR-Cas12a assay was evaluated using 43 clinical samples of patients infected by wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and the Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron BA. 1 and BA. 4/5 variants and 20 SARS- CoV- 2-negative clinical samples infected with 11 respiratory pathogens. With Sanger sequencing method as the gold standard, the specificity, sensitivity, concordance (Kappa) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) of RT-PCR/CRISPPR-Cas12a assay were calculated.

RESULTS

This assay was capable of rapid and specific detection of SARS- CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 variant within 30 min with the lowest detection limit of 10 copies/μL, and no cross-reaction was observed in SARS-CoV-2-negative clinical samples infected with 11 common respiratory pathogens. The two Omicron BA.4/5 specific crRNAs (crRNA-1 and crRNA-2) allowed the assay to accurately distinguish Omicron BA.4/5 from BA.1 sublineage and other major SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. For detection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 variants, the sensitivity of the established assay using crRNA-1 and crRNA-2 was 97.83% and 100% with specificity of 100% and AUC of 0.998 and 1.000, respectively, and their concordance rate with Sanger sequencing method was 92.83% and 96.41%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

By combining RT-PCR and CRISPPR-Cas12a gene editing technology, we successfully developed a new method for rapid detection and identification of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 variants with a high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility, which allows rapid detection and genotyping of SARS- CoV-2 variants and monitoring of the emerging variants and their dissemination.

Exploring neural activity in inflammatory bowel diseases using functional connectivity and DKI-fMRI fusion

Although MRI has made considerable progress in Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), most studies have concentrated on data information from a single modality, and a better understanding of the interplay between brain function and structure, as well as appropriate clinical aids to diagnosis, is required. We calculated functional connectivity through fMRI time series using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) data from 27 IBD patients and 29 healthy controls. Through the DKI data of each subject, its unique structure map is obtained, and the relevant indicators are projected onto the structure map corresponding to each subject by using the graph Fourier transform in the grasp signal processing (GSP) technology. After the features are optimized, a classical support vector machine is used to classify the features. IBD patients have altered functional connectivity in the default mode network (DMN) and subcortical network (SCN). At the same time, compared with the traditional brain network analysis, in the test of some indicators, the average classification accuracy produced by the framework method is 12.73% higher than that of the traditional analysis method. This paper found that the brain network structure of IBD patients in DMN and SCN has changed. Simultaneously, the application of GSP technology to fuse functional information and structural information is superior to the traditional framework in classification, providing a new perspective for subsequent clinical auxiliary diagnosis.

Whole genome sequencing and annotation of a lysogenic phage vB_EcoP_DE5 isolated from donkey-derived Escherichia coli

A lysogenic phage vB_EcoP_DE5 (hereafter designated DE5) was isolated from donkey-derived Escherichia coli. The bacteriophage was examined by transmission electron microscopy, and the result showed that DE5 belonged to the genus Kuravirus. DE5 was sensitive to changes in temperature and pH, and it could maintain its activity at pH 7 and below 60 ℃. The whole genome sequencing revealed that DE5 had a double-stranded DNA genome of 77, 305 bp with 42.09% G+C content. A total of 126 open reading frames (ORFs) were identified, including functional genes related to phage integration, DNA replication and modification, transcriptional regulation, structural and packaging proteins, and host cell lysis. One phage integrase gene, one autotransporter adhesin gene, and one tRNA gene were predicted in the whole genome, and no genes associated with drug resistance were identified. The phage DE5 integrase contained 187 amino acids and belonged to the small serine recombinase family. BLASTn analysis revealed that phage DE5 had a high-sequence identity (96%) with E. coli phage SU10. Phylogenetic analysis showed that phage DE5 was a member of the genus Kuravirus. The whole genome sequencing of lysogenic phage DE5 enhanced our understanding of lysogenic phages and their therapeutic applications.

[A new form of familial platelet disorder caused by germline mutations in RUNX1 in a pedigree]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and biological characteristics of familial platelet disorder (FPD) with germline Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) 1 mutations. Methods: Patients diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with RUNX1 mutations from February 2016 to December 2021 in Wuhan No.1 Hospital underwent pedigree analysis and were screened for gene mutations (somatic and germline). Patients diagnosed with FPD with germline RUNX1 mutations were enrolled and evaluated in terms of clinical characteristics and biological evolution. Bioinformatics analysis was used to assess the pathogenicity of mutations and to analyze the effect of mutated genes on the function of the corresponding protein. Results: Germline RUNX1 mutations were detected in three out of 34 patients suffering from MDS/AML who had RUNX1 mutations. A pedigree of FPD with RUNX1 (RUNX1-FPD) c.562A>C and RUNX1 c.1415T>C mutations was diagnosed, and the mutations were of patrilineal origin. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the locus at positions 188 and 472 in the AML-1G type of RUNX1 was highly conserved across different species, and that variations might influence functions of the proteins. The mutations were evaluated to be highly pathogenic. Of the nine cases with germline RUNX1 mutations: two patients died due AML progression; one case with AML survived without leukemia after transplantation of hemopoietic stem cells; four patients showed mild-to-moderate thrombocytopenia; two cases had no thrombocytopenia. During the disease course of the proband and her son, mutations in RUNX1, NRAS and/or CEBPA and KIT appeared in succession, and expression of cluster of differentiation-7 on tumor cells was enhanced gradually. None of the gene mutations correlated with the tumor were detected in the four cases not suffering from MDS/AML, and they survived until the end of follow-up. Conclusions: RUNX1-FPD was rare. The mutations c.562A>C and c.1415T>C of RUNX1 could be the disease-causing genes for the family with RUNX1-FPD, and these mutations could promote malignant transformation. Biological monitoring should be carried out regularly to aid early intervention for family members with RUNX1-FPD.

Characterisation of the Aroma Profile and Dynamic Changes in the Flavour of Stinky Tofu during Storage

Stinky tofu is a traditional Chinese food with wide consumption in China. Nevertheless, the dynamic changes in the flavour of stinky tofu during storage have yet to be investigated. In this study, the flavour changes of stinky tofu over six different storage periods were comprehensively analysed through sensory, electronic nose and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. The results of the sensory and electronic nose analyses confirmed the changes in the flavour of stinky tofu across different storage periods. In the GC-MS analysis, 60 volatile compounds were detected during storage, and the odour activity values indicated that 29 of these 60 compounds significantly contributed to the aroma profile. During storage, the alcohol concentration of the stinky tofu gradually decreased while the acid and ester concentrations increased. According to a partial least squares analysis, 2-phenylethyl acetate, 2-phenylethyl propanoate, p-cresol, and phenylethyl alcohol, which were detected after 10 days of storage, promoting the release of an overripe apple-like odour from the stinky tofu. Findings regarding the flavour changes and characteristics of stinky tofu during different storage periods can provide a potential reference for recognising the quality of these products.

[Moxibustion relieves colonic inflammation by up-regulating expression of miR-345-3p/miR-216a-5p and down-regulating NF-κB p65 in colonic tissue of rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of moxibustion on the expression of miR-345-3p, miR-216a-5p and nuclear factor-κB p65(NF-κB p65) in colonic tissue of rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), so as to explore its anti-inflammatory mechanism in relieving IBS-D.

METHODS

SD rats were randomly divided into normal control (n=12), model (n=12), moxibustion (n=12) and ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC,n=12) groups. The IBS-D model was established by neonatal mother-child separation combined with acetic acid enema stimulation and chronic binding methods. The rats in the moxibustion group received moxibustion stimulation of "Tianshu"(ST25) and "Shangjuxu"(ST37) for 20 min, once a day, for 7 days, and those of the PDTC group received intraperitoneal injection of PDTC (50 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) once daily for 7 days. After the intervention, the body weight, loose stool rate and the minimum volume threshold of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) were observed, and histopathological changes of colonic mucosa were observed by HE staining. The contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF- α) in serum were measured by ELISA. The expression of miR-345-3p, miR-216a-5p and NF-κB p65 mRNA in the colon tissue were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, and the immunoactivities of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB p65 in the colon tissue were determined by immunofluorescence histochemistry.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal control group, the loose stool rate, contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, experssion of NF-κB p65 mRNA and the immunoactivities of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB p65 were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas the body weight, minimum volume threshold of AWR, content of IL-4, and the relative expression of miR-345-3p and miR-216a-5p were remarkably decreased in the model group (P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the loose stool rate, contents of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, expression of NF-κB p65 mRNA and the immunoactivities of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB p65 were considerably down-regulated (P<0.01), while the content of IL-4 and the relative expressions of miR-345-3p and miR-216a-5p were obviously up-regulated in both moxibustion and PDTC groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). The content of IL-6 in serum was significantly lower in the PDTC group than in the moxibustion group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Moxibustion can reduce the level of intestinal inflammation and visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats, which may be related to its functions in increasing the expression levels of miR-345-3p and miR-216a-5p and in inhibiting the expression of NF-κB p65, thus reducing the levels of inflammatory factors.

Characterization of a lytic Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage vB_PaeP_ASP23 and functional analysis of its lysin LysASP and holin HolASP

In this study, we isolated a lytic Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage (vB_PaeP_ASP23) from the sewage of a mink farm, characterized its complete genome and analyzed the function of its putative lysin and holin. Morphological characterization and genome annotation showed that phage ASP23 belonged to the Krylovirinae family genus Phikmvvirus, and it had a latent period of 10 min and a burst size of 140 pfu/infected cell. In minks challenged with P. aeruginosa, phage ASP23 significantly reduced bacterial counts in the liver, lung, and blood. The whole-genome sequencing showed that its genome was a 42,735-bp linear and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), with a G + C content of 62.15%. Its genome contained 54 predicted open reading frames (ORFs), 25 of which had known functions. The lysin of phage ASP23 (LysASP), in combination with EDTA, showed high lytic activity against P. aeruginosa L64. The holin of phage ASP23 was synthesized by M13 phage display technology, to produce recombinant phages (HolASP). Though HolASP exhibited a narrow lytic spectrum, it was effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. However, these two bacteria were insensitive to LysASP. The findings highlight the potential of phage ASP23 to be used in the development of new antibacterial agents.

The remineralization effect of GERM CLEAN on early human enamel caries lesions in vitro

This study aimed to evaluate the remineralization effect of GERM CLEAN, a novel antibacterial peptide, on early enamel caries. Thirty human enamel blocks from thirty teeth were randomly divided into three groups: double distilled water (DDW group), GERM CLEAN (GC group), and 1000 ppm fluoride (NaF group). Specimens were demineralized for 3 days (pH 4.6) followed by pH cycling twice daily for 14 days. For a pH cycle, specimens received corresponding treatments for 5 min, then were immersed in demineralizing solution for 1 h, received corresponding treatments again, and finally were immersed in remineralizing solution (pH 7.0) for approximately 11 h. Specimens were washed with DDW after each treatment. Microindentation tests, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transverse micro-radiography (TMR) were conducted to analyze enamel blocks. GC demonstrated a lower percentage of surface microhardness recovery (SMHR%) (p < 0.0001), rougher surfaces (p < 0.0001), deeper lesion depth (p = 0.001), and more mineral loss (p = 0.001) than NaF, but showed higher SMHR% (p < 0.0001), smoother surfaces (p < 0.0001), shallower lesion depth (p = 0.049), and less mineral loss (p = 0.001) than DDW. As a result, GERM CLEAN has the potential to promote the remineralization of demineralized enamel.

Exploring Neural Mechanisms of Reward Processing Using Coupled Matrix Tensor Factorization: A Simultaneous EEG-fMRI Investigation

BACKGROUND

It is crucial to understand the neural feedback mechanisms and the cognitive decision-making of the brain during the processing of rewards. Here, we report the first attempt for a simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG)-functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study in a gambling task by utilizing tensor decomposition.

METHODS

First, the single-subject EEG data are represented as a third-order spectrogram tensor to extract frequency features. Next, the EEG and fMRI data are jointly decomposed into a superposition of multiple sources characterized by space-time-frequency profiles using coupled matrix tensor factorization (CMTF). Finally, graph-structured clustering is used to select the most appropriate model according to four quantitative indices.

RESULTS

The results clearly show that not only are the regions of interest (ROIs) found in other literature activated, but also the olfactory cortex and fusiform gyrus which are usually ignored. It is found that regions including the orbitofrontal cortex and insula are activated for both winning and losing stimuli. Meanwhile, regions such as the superior orbital frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex are activated upon winning stimuli, whereas the inferior frontal gyrus, cingulate cortex, and medial superior frontal gyrus are activated upon losing stimuli.

CONCLUSION

This work sheds light on the reward-processing progress, provides a deeper understanding of brain function, and opens a new avenue in the investigation of neurovascular coupling via CMTF.

Regulation of the oxidase mimetic activity of ceria nanoparticles by buffer composition

Ceria nanoparticles (CNPs) is an important typical nanozyme with multiple enzyme mimetic activities, which could facilitate the oxidation of organic dyes in acidic conditions, because of the oxidase mimetic activity. Usually, the regulation of oxidase mimetic activity is focused on the adjustment of the structure, morphology, composition, surface, and other factors of nanozymes. However, the influence of the surrounding environment is not considered, which is very important during the reaction process. In this work, the oxidase mimetic activity of CNPs in buffer solutions including citric acid, acetic acid and glycine buffer solutions was investigated, with the results that carboxyl group in buffer solution could adsorb the CNPs on the surface to promote the oxidase mimetic activity. Due to the chelation with cerium ion, the enhancement is more significant by molecules with polycarboxylic groups, and the enhancement is more efficient by carboxyl molecules in buffer solution, compared with the modification of the carboxyl groups on the surface, because of the easier operation and smaller steric hindrance. From viewpoint of increasing the oxidase mimetic activity of CNPs, the work is expected to provide references for the selection of the reaction system to optimize the oxidase mimetic activity in bio-detection application.

Investigation of the antibacterial effect, osteogenic activity, and tracing properties of hydroxyapatite co-doped with Tb3+ and Zn2

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a biomimetic biomaterial that has been widely used in bone repair for many years. However, the increased risk of infection after surgery and long-time tracing for the material distribution and degradation during bone reconstruction remain challenges in the clinic. Zinc (Zn) is considered as an indispensable microelement for humans and is characterized with antibacterial action and osteogenic activity. Terbium (Tb), a rare-earth element, emits stable fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Here, Tb³⁺/Zn²⁺ co-doped hydroxyapatite (HA:Tb/Zn) was prepared to synchronously realize the antibacterial effect, osteogenic activity, and long-time tracing property. We found that HA:Tb/Zn had a strong antibacterial effect on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinical infectious bacteria, as well as improved osteogenic activity. HA:Tb/Zn also displayed stable green fluorescence in vitro and in vivo, which indicated great potential for recognizing the material changes during the bone reconstruction process. The combination of the ternary functions is of great significance to control the overuse of antibiotics and realize long-time tracing, and provide a versatile design on biomaterials in bone repair.

[Effect of moxibustion on immune function homeostasis in rats with diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome based on SCF/c-kit signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of moxibustion on the stem cell factor (SCF)/tyrosine kinase receptor (c-kit) signaling pathway and immune function in rats with diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), and to explore the mechanism of moxibustion for IBS-D.

METHODS

Among 52 young rats born from 6 healthy pregnant SPF rats, 12 rats were randomly selected into the normal group, and the remaining 40 rats were treated with the three-factor combination method of maternal separation, acetic acid enema and chronic restraint stress to establish the IBS-D rat model. Thirty-six rats with successful IBS-D model were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion group, and a medication group, 12 rats in each group. The rats in the moxibustion group were treated with suspension moxibustion at "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37); the rats in the medication group were treated with intragastric administration of rifaximin suspension (150 mg/kg). All the treatments were given once a day for 7 consecutive days. The body mass, loose stool rate (LSR), the minimum volume threshold when abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scored 3 were measured before acetic acid enema (35 days old), after modeling (45 days old), and after intervention (53 days old). After intervention (53 days old), HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colon tissue, and spleen and thymus coefficients were measured; ELISA method was used to detect serum inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor a [TNF-a], interleukin [IL]-10, IL-8), T-lymphocyte subsets (CD⁺₄, CD⁺₈, CD⁺₄₅), value of CD⁺₄/CD⁺₈ and immune globulin (IgA, IgG, IgM); real-time PCR method and Western blot method was used to detect the expression of SCF, c-kit mRNA and protein in colon tissue; immunofluorescence staining method were used to detect positive expression of SCF and c-kit.

RESULTS

After intervention, compared with the normal group, in the model group, the body mass and the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3 were decreased (P<0.01), LSR, spleen and thymus coefficients, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-8, CD⁺₄, CD⁺₄₅, CD⁺₄/CD⁺₈, IgA, IgG, IgM were increased (P<0.01), serum IL-10 level and protein and mRNA expression of SCF and c-kit in colon tissue were decreased (P<0.01), and the positive expression of SCF and c-kit was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the moxibustion group and the medication group, the body mass and the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3 were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), LSR, spleen and thymus coefficients, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-8, CD⁺₄, CD⁺₈, CD⁺₄₅, CD⁺₄/CD⁺₈, IgA, IgG, IgM were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), serum IL-10 level and protein and mRNA expression of SCF and c-kit in colon tissue were increased (P<0.01), and the positive expression of SCF and c-kit was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the medication group, in the moxibustion group, the level of serum CD⁺₄ was decreased (P<0.05), the value of CD⁺₄/CD⁺₈ was increased (P<0.01), and there was no significant difference in other indexes (P>0.05). The expression of SCF and c-kit mRNA was positively correlated with the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3 and IL-10 (P<0.01), and negatively correlated with remaining indexes (P<0.01, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Moxibustion could reduce visceral hypersensitivity, improve symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea in IBS-D rats, and its mechanism may be related to up-regulation of the expression of SCF/c-kit signaling pathway and improvement of IBS-D immune function.

Microcomputed tomographic analysis of the efficiency of two retreatment techniques in removing root canal filling materials from mandibular incisors

This study aimed to evaluate the removal effect of the ProTaper Next system (PTN) combined with manual nickel-titanium Hedström (MNiTiH) files or chloroform on filling materials of mandibular incisors by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Sixty-four extracted human mandibular incisors were finally selected and assigned to two groups (n = 32) based on root canal morphology after instrumentation. Two subgroups (n = 16) were formed based on two retreatment methods. The volume of residual filling materials (RFMs) and the surface area covered by RFMs were analyzed by micro-CT, the apical extrusion and the time taken for removing the filling materials were recorded. A smaller percentage of the volume of RFMs and less surface area covered by RFMs occurred in PTN combined with MNiTiH groups and round-shaped canal incisors (P < 0.05). The time taken for removing the filling materials was not significantly different in all groups (P > 0.05). The apical extrusion was significantly less in PTN combined with MNiTiH groups than in PTN combined with chloroform groups (P < 0.05). Neither of the two methods rendered root canals completely free from filling materials. PTN combined with MNiTiH could reduce the apical extrusion and remove filling materials more efficiently than PTN combined with chloroform.

Dynamic functional connectivity changes of resting-state brain network in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have shown abnormal functional connectivity and network disruptions at the whole-brain static level. However, the changes in brain networks in ADHD patients from dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) perspective have not been fully understood. Accordingly, we executed DFC analysis on resting-state fMRI data of 25 ADHD patients and 27 typically developing (TD) children. A sliding window and Pearson correlation were used to construct the dynamic brain network of all subjects. The k-means+ + clustering method was used to recognize three recurring DFC states, and finally, the mean dwell time, the fraction of time spent for each state, and graph theory metrics were quantified for further analysis. Our results showed that ADHD patients had abnormally increased mean dwell time and the fraction of time spent in state 2, which reached a significant level (p < 0.05). In addition, a weak correlation between the default mode network was associated in three states, and the positive correlations between visual network and attention network were smaller than TD in three states. Finally, the integration of each network node of ADHD in state 2 is more potent than that of TD, and the degree of node segregation is smaller than that of TD. These findings provide new evidence for the DFC study of ADHD; dynamic changes may better explain the developmental delay of ADHD and have particular significance for studying neurological mechanisms and adjuvant therapy of ADHD.