Cynaroside improved depressive-like behavior in CUMS mice by suppressing microglial inflammation and ferroptosis

Depression is a common mental health disorder, and in recent years, the incidence of various forms of depression has been on the rise. Most medications for depression are highly dependency-inducing and can lead to relapse upon discontinuation. Therefore, novel treatment modalities and therapeutic targets are urgently required. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers advantages in the treatment of depression owing to its multi-target, multi-dimensional approach that addresses the root cause of depression by regulating organ functions and balancing Yin and Yang, with minimal side effects. Cynaroside (CNS), an extract from the traditional Chinese herb honeysuckle, is a flavonoid compound with antioxidant properties. In this study, network pharmacology identified 44 potential targets of CNS associated with depression and several highly correlated inflammatory signaling pathways. CNS alleviated LPS-induced M1 polarization and the release of inflammatory factors in BV-2 cells. Transcriptomic analysis and validation revealed that CNS reduced inflammatory polarization, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis via the IRF1/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway. In vivo experiments showed that CNS treatment had effects similar to those of fluoxetine (FLX). It effectively ameliorated anxiety-, despair-, and anhedonia-like states in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced mice and reduced microglial activation in the hippocampus. Thus, we conclude that CNS exerts its therapeutic effect on depression by inhibiting microglial cells from polarizing into the M1 phenotype and reducing inflammation and ferroptosis levels. This study provides further evidence that CNS is a potential antidepressant, offering new avenues for the treatment of depression.

Integration of adsorption, reduction, and filtration in PANI/PVDF nanofiber composite membrane for removal of Cr(VI)

Here, polyaniline/polyvinylidene fluoride (PANI/PVDF) nanofiber composite membrane was fabricated using electrostatic spinning technology to remove hexavalent chromium Cr(VI). The employment of PANI not only extremely enhanced the hydrophilic property of the nanofiber membrane, but also facilitated the transfer of Cr2O72- from water to the membrane. The PANI/PVDF membrane had an extremely excellent performance in getting rid of Cr(VI) and a quite large flux (250 L/m2 h). The maximum adsorption quantity of the membrane could reach 334.5 mg/g in which adsorption played 52.12% part and reduction played 47.87% part. The removal rate could reach nearly 100% immediately in the permeate solution under filtration while it needed 240 min to reach 100% only by static adsorption. Therefore, the interception of the membrane and the adsorption reduction of PANI had synergistic effect on removal of Cr(VI). Furthermore, the removal rate of Cr(VI) could still reach 95.97% after reused 8 times. The membrane showed a very good reusability and application prospect.

Bioactives and metabolites of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum root extract alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis by targeting the SYK protein in the B cell receptor signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum is an endemic Chinese herb with a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities. However, the effect and mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activity of T. hemsleyanum root extract against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) have not yet been fully investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanisms of T. hemsleyanum root extract in DSS-induced UC mice and knockdown cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

T. hemsleyanum root extract was obtained and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The therapeutic effects of T. hemsleyanum root extract on DSS-induced UC mice were evaluated by the disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length, serum inflammatory cytokines and oxidant/antioxidant levels, and histopathological features of the ileum and colon. Genome-wide gene expression profiles of ileal and colonic tissues were collected by transcriptomics, and signaling pathways were analyzed by the KEGG database. UC-related pathways were uploaded to the STRING database, then the protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were determined by Cytoscape, and the enriched genes were evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The protein-ligand complexes were docked by AutoDock, and the genes were knocked down in Caco-2 cells by shRNA. The non-targeted metabolomic profiling of ileal contents was analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), and gut microflora were sequenced by an Illumina MiSeq System.

RESULTS

Ten components that alleviated UC symptoms in mice by decreasing the DAI and serum inflammatory cytokines and oxidant levels, promoting intestinal development, and increasing serum antioxidant levels were identified in T. hemsleyanum root extract. T. hemsleyanum root extract activated the B cell receptor signaling pathway in the colon tissue of UC mice, in which two components, rutin and astragaline, bound to the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) protein but also restored gut microflora diversity and increased the proportion of probiotics. Furthermore, metabolites of T. hemsleyanum root extract were involved in vitamin metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and ferroptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The rutin and astragaline components of T. hemsleyanum root extract, by binding to SYK protein, activated the B cell receptor signaling pathway and restored gut microflora diversity to alleviate UC symptoms in mice.

Exploration of the Mechanisms Underlying Yu's Enema Formula in Treating Ulcerative Colitis by Blocking the RhoA/ROCK Pathway Based on Network Pharmacology, High-performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis, and Experimental Verification

BACKGROUND

The traditional Chinese medicine formula, Yu's Enema Formula (YEF), has demonstrated potential in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis (UC).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to unveil the anti-UC mechanisms of YEF.

METHODS

Utilizing public databases, we obtained YEF and UC-related targets. GO and KEGG analyses were conducted via clusterProfiler and Reactome. The STRING database facilitated the construction of the PPI network, and hub targets were selected using cytoHubba. We used R software for differential expression and correlation analyses, and molecular docking was performed with PyMOL and AutoDock. HPLC analysis identified the compounds in YEF. For in vivo validation, a UC rat model was employed.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

495 YEF-UC overlapping targets were identified. GO and KEGG analyses indicated enrichment in exogenous stimuli response, peptide response, positive MAPK cascade regulation, interleukin- related signaling, and the TLR4 cascade. Hub targets included CTNNB1, JUN, MAPK1, MAPK3, SRC, STAT3, TLR4, TP53, and RELA, which were often interconnected. Molecular docking revealed quercetin's strong binding affinity with CTNNB1, MAPK1, MAPK3, SRC, STAT3, TLR4, and TP53, consistent with HPLC analysis. In vivo experiments suggested that YEF has the potential to alleviate UC symptoms and protect the intestinal mucosal barrier by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway.

CONCLUSION

YEF may safeguard the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC by targeting CTNNB1, MAPK1, MAPK3, SRC, STAT3, TLR4, and TP53, while blocking the RhoA/ROCK pathway.

NMR and MS reveal characteristic metabolome atlas and optimize esophageal squamous cell carcinoma early detection

Metabolic changes precede malignant histology. However, it remains unclear whether detectable characteristic metabolome exists in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues and biofluids for early diagnosis. Here, we conduct NMR- and MS-based metabolomics on 1,153 matched ESCC tissues, normal mucosae, pre- and one-week post-operative sera and urines from 560 participants across three hospitals, with machine learning and WGCNA. Aberrations in 'alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism' proved to be prevalent throughout the ESCC evolution, consistently identified by NMR and MS, and reflected in 16 serum and 10 urine metabolic signatures in both discovery and validation sets. NMR-based simplified panels of any five serum or urine metabolites outperform clinical serological tumor markers (AUC = 0.984 and 0.930, respectively), and are effective in distinguishing early-stage ESCC in test set (serum accuracy = 0.994, urine accuracy = 0.879). Collectively, NMR-based biofluid screening can reveal characteristic metabolic events of ESCC and be feasible for early detection (ChiCTR2300073613).

Emergent surgical retrieval of a left atrial appendage occluder migrated into the left ventricular outflow tract with secondary massive mitral regurgitation: A case report and literature review

Thrombotic complications of atrial fibrillation continue to pose a significant challenge in clinical practice today. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has emerged as a promising alternative to oral anticoagulation for high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation. However, despite the potential benefits, there is still the possibility of life-threatening complications such as device dislocation. In this case study, we present a patient who experienced severe hemodynamic disturbances due to the embolization of LAAO device into the left ventricular outflow tract, resulting in a torn mitral valve and secondary massive mitral regurgitation, just 3 hours after the procedure. As a result, emergent surgical intervention was required to remove the device and repair the mitral valve. We also conducted a review of previous studies on the retrieval of dislodged left atrial appendage occluders through surgical procedures. It is crucial to maintain vigilance, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and respond promptly to ensure the safety and efficacy of LAAO procedures.

Glutamine suppresses senescence and promotes autophagy through glycolysis inhibition-mediated AMPKα lactylation in intervertebral disc degeneration

Regulating metabolic disorders has become a promising focus in treating intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). A few drugs regulating metabolism, such as atorvastatin, metformin, and melatonin, show positive effects in treating IDD. Glutamine participates in multiple metabolic processes, including glutaminolysis and glycolysis; however, its impact on IDD is unclear. The current study reveals that glutamine levels are decreased in severely degenerated human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues and aging Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat nucleus pulposus tissues, while lactate accumulation and lactylation are increased. Supplementary glutamine suppresses glycolysis and reduces lactate production, which downregulates adenosine-5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) lactylation and upregulates AMPKα phosphorylation. Moreover, glutamine treatment reduces NP cell senescence and enhances autophagy and matrix synthesis via inhibition of glycolysis and AMPK lactylation, and glycolysis inhibition suppresses lactylation. Our results indicate that glutamine could prevent IDD by glycolysis inhibition-decreased AMPKα lactylation, which promotes autophagy and suppresses NP cell senescence.

Genomic sequencing revealed recombination event between clade 1 and clade 2 occurs in circulating varicella-zoster virus in China

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily, causes varicella in primary infections and establishing a latent stage in sensory ganglia. Upon reactivation, VZV causes herpes zoster with severe neuralgia, especially in elderly patients. The mutation rate for VZV is comparatively lower than the other members of other alpha herpesviruses. Due to geographic isolation, different genotypes of VZV are circulating on separate continents. Here, we successfully isolated a VZV from the vesicular fluid of a youth zoster patient. Based on the single-nucleotide polymorphism profiles of different open reading frames that define the genotype, this newly isolated VZV primarily represents genotype clade 2 but also has characteristics of genotype clade 1. The next-generation sequencing provided a nearly full-length sequence, and further phylogenetic analysis revealed that this VZV isolate is distinct from clades 1 and 2. The Recombination Detection Program indicates that a possible recombinant event may occur between the VZV isolate and clade 1. In summary, we found that there is a circulating VZV isolate in China that may represent a recombinant between clade 1 and clade 2, providing new concerns that need to be considered in the future VZV vaccination program.

Single dose recombinant VSV based vaccine elicits robust and durable neutralizing antibody against Hantaan virus

Hantaan virus (HTNV) is a pathogenic orthohantavirus prevalent in East Asia that is known to cause hemorrhagic fever with severe renal syndrome (HFRS), which has a high fatality rate. However, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccine is not currently available against this virus. Although inactivated vaccines have been certified and used in endemic regions for decades, the neutralizing antibody (NAb) titer induced by inactivated vaccines is low and the immunization schedule is complicated, requiring at least three injections spanning approximately 6 months to 1 year. Replication-competent vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based vaccines provide prolonged protection after a single injection. In this study, we successfully engineered the HTNV glycoprotein (GP) in the VSV genome by replacing the VSV-G open reading frame. The resulting recombinant (r) rVSV-HTNV-GP was rescued, and the immunogenicity of GP was similar to that of HTNV. BALB/c mice immunized with rVSV-HTNV-GP showed a high titer of NAb against HTNV after a single injection. Notably, the cross-reactive NAb response induced by rVSV-HTNV-GP against Seoul virus (an orthohantavirus) was higher than that induced by three sequential injections of inactivated vaccines. Upon challenge with HTNV, rVSV-HTNV-GP-immunized mice showed a profoundly reduced viral burden in multiple tissues, and inflammation in the lungs and liver was nearly undetectable. Moreover, a single injection of rVSV-HTNV-GP established a prolonged immunological memory status as the NAbs were sustained for over 1 year and provided long-term protection against HTNV infection. The findings of our study can support further development of an rVSV-HTNV-GP-based HTNV vaccine with a simplified immunization schedule.

An Anatomic Classification Scheme for Surgical Planning of Renal Artery Aneurysms

PURPOSE

Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) is a rare disease. This study proposed and evaluated a new classification for RAA to assist in surgical decision-making.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-center data of 105 patients with RAAs from the vascular department of vascular surgery were collected retrospectively. A new classification scheme was proposed. Type I aneurysms arise from the main trunk, accessory branch, or first-order branches away from any bifurcation. Type II aneurysms arise from the first bifurcation with narrow necks (defined as dome-to-neck ratio >2) or from intralobular branches. Type III aneurysms with a wide neck arise from the first bifurcation and affect 2 or more branches that cannot be sacrificed without significant infarction of the kidney.

RESULTS

There was 50 (47.62%) type I, 33 (31.43%) type II, and 22 (20.95%) type III aneurysms. The classification assigned endovascular repair as first-line treatment (for type I or II), while open techniques were conducted if anatomically suitable (for type III). A kappa level of 0.752 was achieved by the classification compared with a level of 0.579 from the classic Rundback classification. Technical primary success was achieved in 100% and 96.05%, and symptoms were completely resolved in 100% and 84.85%, while hypertension was relieved in 84.21% and 72.92% of patients receiving open surgery or endovascular repair, respectively. No significant difference was observed for perioperative or long-term complications among the 3 classification types.

CONCLUSION

The new classification proved to be a convenient and effective method for facilitating choice of intervention for RAAs.

CLINICAL IMPACT

This study proposed and evaluated a new classification scheme for renal artery aneurysms, which proved to be a convenient and effective method for facilitating surgical decision-making. Coil embolization was the first-line treatment if suitable, while aneurysm resection and reconstruction with vein graft were conducted for some complex lesions. The safety and efficacy of both open and endovascular methods were validated.

N-acetyltransferase 10 regulates alphavirus replication via N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification of the lymphocyte antigen six family member E (LY6E) mRNA

Epitranscriptomic RNA modifications can regulate the stability of mRNA and affect cellular and viral RNA functions. The N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification in the RNA viral genome was recently found to promote viral replication; however, the mechanism by which RNA acetylation in the host mRNA regulates viral replication remains unclear. To help elucidate this mechanism, the roles of N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) and ac4C during the infection and replication processes of the alphavirus, Sindbis virus (SINV), were investigated. Cellular NAT10 was upregulated, and ac4C modifications were promoted after alphavirus infection, while the loss of NAT10 or inhibition of its N-acetyltransferase activity reduced alphavirus replication. The NAT10 enhanced alphavirus replication as it helped to maintain the stability of lymphocyte antigen six family member E mRNA, which is a multifunctional interferon-stimulated gene that promotes alphavirus replication. The ac4C modification was thus found to have a non-conventional role in the virus life cycle through regulating host mRNA stability instead of viral mRNA, and its inhibition could be a potential target in the development of new alphavirus antivirals.IMPORTANCEThe role of N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification in host mRNA and virus replication is not yet fully understood. In this study, the role of ac4C in the regulation of Sindbis virus (SINV), a prototype alphavirus infection, was investigated. SINV infection results in increased levels of N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) and increases the ac4C modification level of cellular RNA. The NAT10 was found to positively regulate SINV infection in an N-acetyltransferase activity-dependent manner. Mechanistically, the NAT10 modifies lymphocyte antigen six family member E (LY6E) mRNA-the ac4C modification site within the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of LY6E mRNA, which is essential for its translation and stability. The findings of this study demonstrate that NAT10 regulated mRNA stability and translation efficiency not only through the 5'-UTR or coding sequence but also via the 3'-UTR region. The ac4C modification of host mRNA stability instead of viral mRNA impacting the viral life cycle was thus identified, indicating that the inhibition of ac4C could be a potential target when developing alphavirus antivirals.

N6-methyladenosine modification positively regulate Japanese encephalitis virus replication

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is present in diverse viral RNA and plays important regulatory roles in virus replication and host antiviral innate immunity. However, the role of m6A in regulating JEV replication has not been investigated. Here, we show that the JEV genome contains m6A modification upon infection of mouse neuroblast cells (neuro2a). JEV infection results in a decrease in the expression of m6A writer METTL3 in mouse brain tissue. METTL3 knockdown by siRNA leads to a substantial decrease in JEV replication and the production of progeny viruses at 48 hpi. Mechanically, JEV triggered a considerable increase in the innate immune response of METTL3 knockdown neuro2a cells compared to the control cells. Our study has revealed the distinctive m6A signatures of both the virus and host in neuro2a cells infected with JEV, illustrating the positive role of m6A modification in JEV infection. Our study further enhances understanding of the role of m6A modification in Flaviviridae viruses.

Application of LRG mechanism in normal pressure hydrocephalus

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a prevalent type of hydrocephalus, including secondary normal pressure hydrocephalus (SNPH) and idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH). However, its clinical diagnosis and pathological mechanism are still unclear. Leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein (LRG) is involved in various human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and nervous system diseases. Now the physiological mechanism of LRG is still being explored. According to the current research results on LRG, we found that the agency of LRG has much to do with the known pathological process of NPH. This review focuses on analyzing the LRG signaling pathways and the pathological mechanism of NPH. According to the collected literature evidence, we speculated that LRG probably be involved in the pathological process of NPH. Finally, based on the mechanism of LRG and NPH, we also summarized the evidence of molecular targeted therapies for future research and clinical application.

Short-term outcomes of robotic vs. laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy: a meta-analysis

Background

The effect of robotic surgery (RS) for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy is still controversial, and a comprehensive search and analysis of the current relevant evidence is necessary. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of RS for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery (LS).

Methods

Up to August 23, 2023, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies of RS for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy. Odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) was used to calculate the effect sizes using RevMan 5.3.

Results

A total of 12 studies reporting on 11,686 participants were included. Compared with LS, RS increased the operative time (MD 35.16 min; 95% CI: 16.24, 54.07), but it did significantly reduce the risk of the conversion to open surgery (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.40, 0.53) and improved the TME incomplete rate (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.17, 0.93). Moreover, there were no difference in total postoperative complications (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.84, 1.52), circumferential resection margin positivity (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.63, 1.27), distal margin positive (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.29, 1.22), blood loss (MD -11.57 ml; 95% CI: -39.09, 15.94), length of hospital stay (MD -0.08 days; 95% CI: -1.26, 1.10), mortality (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.29, 1.21), lymph node harvested (MD 0.69.; 95% CI: -0.43, 1.82), and the time of first flatus (MD -0.47 days; 95% CI: -1.19, 0.25) between the two groups.

Conclusions

RS was associated with superiority over LS in reducing the risk of the conversion to open surgery and improving TME incomplete rate, which suggested that RS could be an effective method for treating rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=460084, PROSPERO (CRD42023460084).

Disparate macrophage responses are linked to infection outcome of Hantan virus in humans or rodents

Hantaan virus (HTNV) is asymptomatically carried by rodents, yet causes lethal hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in humans, the underlying mechanisms of which remain to be elucidated. Here, we show that differential macrophage responses may determine disparate infection outcomes. In mice, late-phase inactivation of inflammatory macrophage prevents cytokine storm syndrome that usually occurs in HTNV-infected patients. This is attained by elaborate crosstalk between Notch and NF-κB pathways. Mechanistically, Notch receptors activated by HTNV enhance NF-κB signaling by recruiting IKKβ and p65, promoting inflammatory macrophage polarization in both species. However, in mice rather than humans, Notch-mediated inflammation is timely restrained by a series of murine-specific long noncoding RNAs transcribed by the Notch pathway in a negative feedback manner. Among them, the lnc-ip65 detaches p65 from the Notch receptor and inhibits p65 phosphorylation, rewiring macrophages from the pro-inflammation to the pro-resolution phenotype. Genetic ablation of lnc-ip65 leads to destructive HTNV infection in mice. Thus, our findings reveal an immune-braking function of murine noncoding RNAs, offering a special therapeutic strategy for HTNV infection.

Aortic calcification correlates with pseudoaneurysm or penetrating aortic ulcer of different etiologies

Chronic risk factors for pseudoaneurysm (PSA) or penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) have not been fully clarified. This study aims to evaluate the association of aortic calcification with PSA or PAU of different etiologies. Totally 77 pseudoaneurysms, 80 PAU, and 160 healthy controls (HCs) were retrospectively included, of which 30 were infected, 34 were immunological, and 93 were atherosclerotic etiologies. The aortic calcification status, position of aortic tears/ulcers, and risk factors for disease or acute aortic syndrome (AAS) were identified. Atherosclerotic patients aged more than 65 and infective patients aged more than 60 had significantly higher calcification scores. The immunological group had a lower level of calcification in the infrarenal aorta. For patients of infective or atherosclerotic etiology, 60% (18/30) and 60.22% (56/93) of the tears/ulcers occurred at the aortic parts with the highest level of calcification. Patients with longitudinal calcification exceeding 1/3 of the aortic arch had an increased risk of acquiring diseases (OR = 13.231). The presence of longitudinal calcification of the descending aorta or cross-sectional calcification of the infrarenal aorta increased the risks of acquiring diseases (OR = 8.484 and 8.804). After adjusting for age, longitudinal calcification of the descending aorta exceeding 1/3 length was found to be associated with AAS (OR = 4.662). Tears/ulcers of pseudoaneurysm and PAU were both generally found at the part of the aorta with most calcification. Distinct aorta calcification characteristics were observed for lesions of different etiologies. Longitudinal thoracic and cross-sectional infrarenal abdominal aortic calcification increased the risk of acquiring diseases, and descending aortic calcification was associated with symptomatic patients.

Plasma metabolomic analysis of human hepatocellular carcinoma before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most prevalent cancer in China. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a common interventional therapy for HCC. In this study, we aimed to explore specific metabolites that can accurately predict prognosis after TACE in patients with HCC. Methods: Patients with HCC and healthy volunteers (n = 20 each) were recruited to our study; plasma samples were collected from patients before and after TACE and from healthy volunteers. Plasma samples were subjected to untargeted ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry metabolomics analysis, to identify metabolites significantly associated with the prognosis of patients with HCC after TACE. Results: Orthogonal filtered partial least squares discriminant analysis confirmed significant separation of the pre-TACE, post-TACE, and healthy groups, and 34 differential metabolites were identified between the pre-TACE and post-TACE groups. KEGG analysis revealed that phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis pathways and the phenylalanine metabolism pathway were potentially altered in HCC genesis and during TACE. Phenylalanine and tyrosine are involved in both pathways and were increased in the pre-TACE group relative to controls, with phenylalanine further increased in the post-TACE group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that PC 36:4|PC 18:2_18:2 (area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.798) is a potential marker for assessment of prognosis in patients with HCC after TACE. Moreover, ROC curve analysis indicated that palmitoylcarnitine (AUC = 1) is a marker with potential value for HCC diagnosis. Conclusions: Limited studies had been conducted on the detection of metabolites in the plasma of HCC patients before and after TACE. PC 36:4|PC 18:2_18:2 is a potential marker for evaluation of the therapeutic effects of TACE. This finding may be beneficial for the treatment of patients with HCC after TACE.

The Role of Long Noncoding RNA Negative Regulator of Interferon Response in the Regulation of Hantaan Virus Infection

Hantaan virus (HTNV) is prevalent in Eurasia. It causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in regulating innate immunity. Among these, lncRNA negative regulator of interferon response (NRIR) was reported as an inhibitor of several interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes. Our results showed that: NRIR expression was upregulated by HTNV infection in a type I IFN-dependent manner. The expression of NRIR in CD14+ monocytes from HFRS patients in acute phase was significantly higher than that in convalescent phase and healthy controls. HTNV infection in some HTNV-compatible cells was promoted by NRIR. NRIR negatively regulated innate immunity, especially IFITM3 expression. Localized in the nucleus, NRIR bound with HNRNPC, and knockdown of HNRNPC significantly weakened the effect of NRIR in promoting HTNV infection and restored IFITM3 expression. These results indicated that NRIR regulates the innate immune response against HTNV infection possibly through its interaction with HNRNPC and its influence on IFITM3.

Impact of Differential Rates of Disease Progression in Amyloid-Positive Early Alzheimer's Disease: Findings from a Longitudinal Cohort Analysis

BACKGROUND

There is limited literature regarding the impact of differential rates of disease progression on longitudinal outcomes in individuals with early Alzheimer's disease (AD) and confirmed brain amyloid pathology.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the underlying characteristics and long-term outcomes associated with different rates of disease progression among amyloid-positive individuals with early symptomatic AD.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set (UDS) in the United States (06/2005-11/2021).

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals with a clinical assessment of mild cognitive impairment or dementia and Clinical Dementia Rating® Dementia Staging Instrument Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) score 0.5-9.0 (inclusive; first visit defined as the index date) and confirmed amyloid positivity. Participants were stratified into No Progression (change ≤0), Slower Progression (0< change <2.0 points), Median Progression (2.0-point change), and Faster Progression (change >2.0 points) cohorts based on the observed distribution of changes in CDR-SB score between the index and first subsequent visit.

MEASUREMENTS

For each cohort, the functional and neuropsychiatric outcomes were described at index and each subsequent visit for up to five years, and least-square (LS) mean changes from baseline were estimated using linear mixed-effects models adjusting for baseline demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Among 1,263 participants included in the analysis, the mean±standard deviation (SD) age at index was 72.7±9.7 years and 55.3% were males. Demographic characteristics and comorbidity profiles at index were similar across cohorts. However, at index, the Faster Progression (N=279) cohort had higher CDR-SB and Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ) scores compared with the No Progression (N=474), Slower Progression (N=297), and Median Progression (N=213) cohorts. Adjusting for baseline characteristics, at year 5 after index the FAQ score increased by 23.6 points for Faster Progression cohort and 10.4, 15.8, and 19.2 points for the No, Slower, and Median Progression cohorts, respectively. The corresponding increases in Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) scores were 6.7 points for the Faster Progression cohort, and by 1.3, 3.1, and 8.3 points, for the No, Slower, and Median Progression cohorts, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite similar demographic and clinical profiles at baseline, amyloid-positive individuals with greater deterioration based on CDR-SB early in the AD trajectory continue to experience worse functional and behavioral outcomes over time than those with more gradual deterioration in this metric.

The impact of internet health information usage habits on older adults' e-health literacy

Objective

As the demand and supply sides of popular health services increasingly rely on the Internet, mastering e-health literacy should become an essential skill for older adults. The aim of this article is to analyse the effects of Internet health information usage habits on older adults' e- health literacy and to investigate the influencing mechanisms.

Methods

Using a combination of random sampling and convenient sampling, data were collected through questionnaire surveys. Data from 776 older adults was analysed using correlation and hierarchical regression to analyse.

Results

The mean scores for all aspects of older adults' habits of using health information on the Internet and electronic health literacy were relatively high. There was no statistically significant difference in the predictive power of the three aspects of electronic health literacy among older adults with different genders, health statuses, education levels and ages (p > 0.05). The four factors of older adults' habits of using Internet health information can increase the explanatory power of application ability, judgment ability and decision-making ability in Model 2 by 53.7%, 46.2% and 57%, respectively, with statistical significance (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The better the habits of older adults in using health information on the Internet, the higher their level of electronic health literacy. Families, communities and social groups should help older adults use online health resources to improve their e-health literacy. Older adults can use WeChat or other interpersonal information platforms to share online health information with each other.

Potential Implications of Slowing Disease Progression in Amyloid-Positive Early Alzheimer's Disease: Estimates from Real-World Data

BACKGROUND

Emerging therapies have shown promising results for slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the potential impact of these therapies on real-world outcomes remains to be explored.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of slowing AD progression on functional abilities and behavioral symptoms.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set (UDS) in the United States (06/2005-11/2021, primary analysis) and the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database (09/2005-03/2022, sensitivity analysis) were used.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia, Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) score 0.5-9.0 (inclusive; first visit defined as the index date), and confirmed amyloid positivity were identified in NACC. In ADNI, individuals with at least one clinical center visit with a clinical assessment of MCI or mild dementia and confirmed amyloid positivity were identified.

MEASUREMENTS

Hypothetical effects of slowing disease progression as assessed by CDR-SB on functional and behavioral outcomes including the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) score, Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) score, and the probability of complete dependence over five years were evaluated using multivariable regression among NACC participants, separately for the subgroups with MCI and mild dementia at baseline, respectively. For the ADNI sensitivity analysis, the hypothetical effects of slowing disease progression were evaluated for FAQ score using multivariable regression among the MCI participants only.

RESULTS

Compared with natural disease progression, slowing progression by 20% over five years for NACC participants with MCI and mild dementia, respectively, would result in 1.7-point (10.8%) and 1.6-point (12.9%) less deterioration based on FAQ; 0.5-point (20.3%) and 0.5-point (19.3%) less deterioration based on NPI-Q; 4.7 percentage-point (22.2%) and 10.1 percentage-point (21.6%) lower probability of complete dependence. Among ADNI participants, delaying disease progression by 20% or 30% over 4 years would avert deterioration based on FAQ of 1.1 points (20.4%) and 1.6 points (29.6%), respectively, compared to natural disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Slowing early AD progression could result in preservation of functional and behavioral attributes and functional autonomy for longer.

SIRT1 promotes the progression and chemoresistance of colorectal cancer through the p53/miR-101/KPNA3 axis

INTRODUCTION

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a key modulator in several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we probed into the molecular mechanism of SIRT1 regulating the development and chemoresistance of CRC.

METHODS

Differentially expressed genes related to the growth, metastasis and chemoresistance of CRC were identified by bioinformatics analysis. The expression of SIRT1 in clinical tissues from CRC patients and CRC cell lines was detected by RT-qPCR. Interactions among SIRT1, p53, miR-101 and KPNA3 were analyzed. The effect of SIRT1 on the cell viability, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and chemoresistance to 5-FU was evaluated using loss-function investigations in CRC cells. Finally, a xenograft model of CRC and a metastasis model were constructed for further exploration of the roles of SIRT1 in vivo.

RESULTS

SIRT1 was elevated in CRC tissues and cell lines. SIRT1 decreased p53 via deacetylation, and consequently downregulated the expression of miR-101 while increasing that of the miR-101 target gene KPNA3. By this mechanism, SIRT1 enhanced the proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, and resistance to 5-FU of CRC cells. In addition, in vivo data also showed that SIRT1 promoted the growth, metastasis and chemoresistance to 5-FU of CRC cells via regulation of the p53/miR-101/KPNA3 axis.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, SIRT1 can function as an oncogene in CRC by accelerating the growth, metastasis and chemoresistance to 5-FU of CRC cells through the p53/miR-101/KPNA3 axis.

KIFC1 aggravates non-small-cell lung cancer cell proliferation and metastasis via provoking TGF-β/SMAD signal

Worldwide, the non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) is considered one of the deadliest cancers. Very early onset of distant metastasis is an important reason for the lower survival rate of NSCLC patients. Kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) with highly protein levels in various of cancers contributes to the initiation and development of many cancers. KIFC1 has also been suggested as a possible marker of NSCLC. Nevertheless, the effects of KIFC1 on NSCLC metastasis has not been researched. To investigate the role of KIFC1 in NSCLC and related mechanisms. Westernblot and quantitative real-time PCR were conducted to test the levels of KIFC1 in NSCLC cancerous tissues and NSCLC cancerous cell lines. Colony formation assay, CCK-8, transwell assay and wound healing assay was conducted to detect the functions of KIFC1 on proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cell lines. WesternBlot was conducted to test the role of KIFC1in EMT and TGF-β/SMAD pathway. We discovered that the protein levels of KIFC1 were upregulated in NSCLC cancerous cell lines and cancerous tissues from mankind. KIFC1 was positively related with worse clinical staging and lymphnode metastasis of NSCLC patients in clinical data. Overexpressed KIFC1 aggravated expansion, migration and invasion in NSCLC cells, whereas silencing of KIFC1 had the opposite effect in vitro. Mechanistically, the progression of NSCLC was promoted by KIFC1 through induction of EMT and TGF-β/SMAD signal. KIFC1 promoted proliferation and metastasis through accommodating TGF-β/SMAD signal, which is a hint that KIFC1 might offer a prospective therapeutic target for the NSCLC treatment.

Quality of New Domestic Hand Sanitizer Drug Product Manufacturers During COVID-19

The FDA initiated a cross-sectional, statistically based sampling and testing study to characterize the quality of marketed alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) by evaluating the alcohol content and impurities present in ABHS products manufactured by establishments that registered with the FDA during March-April 2020. A stratified sampling design divided the population of manufacturers into independent groups based on each establishment's level of experience with FDA oversight and its geographic location. ABHS products were collected and analyzed by spatially offset Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The GC-MS results for 310 products, from 196 newly registered domestic manufacturers, showed that 71.6% (± 5.7%) of these manufacturers had violative products. In 104 (33.5%) cases, the alcohol content did not meet label claim assay specifications but still fell within CDC efficacy ranges. Ethanol ABHS products failed more often overall (assay and impurities) (84.3%) and for impurities (84.3%), than isopropanol ABHS products (11.2% and 6.2%, respectively). Differences in test results across active ingredients were statistically significant. Ethanol ABHS products often (63.5% of cases) failed due to the presence of acetal or acetaldehyde, particularly in products with pH ≤ 6. Other impurities were also detected in several ABHS products, suggesting the use of low-grade alcohol in the manufacture of these products. Evidence was insufficient to conclude that having experience manufacturing FDA-regulated products, or lack thereof, influenced product-level violative results. This study highlights the importance of sourcing and testing active pharmaceutical ingredients to produce quality drug products.