Prevotella oris-caused meningitis and spinal canal infection: A case report

BACKGROUND

Prevotella oris-induced meningitis and Prevotella oris-induced meningitis concomitant with spinal canal infection are extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, only 1 case of Prevotella oris-induced central system infection has been reported. This is the second report on meningitis combined with spinal canal infection due to Prevotella oris.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of a 9-year-old boy suffering from meningitis and spinal canal infection. The patient presented to the neurosurgery department with lumbosacral pain for 1 mo and headache and vomiting for 1 d. He had been treated with cephalosporin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for fever, otalgia and pharyngalgia in a local hospital 2 mo prior to this admission. During hospitalization, magnetic resonance imaging suggested meningitis and L3-S1 lumbosacral dural sac infection. The cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures were negative, but the cerebrospinal fluid specimen indicated the presence of Prevotella oris by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Previous cases of Prevotella oris infection were retrieved from PubMed to characterize the clinicopathological features and identify the prognostic factors and related antimicrobial treatment of infection due to Prevotella oris.

CONCLUSION

This report shed light on the characteristics of Prevotella oris infection and highlighted the role of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in pathogen detection.

1-Nitropyrene disrupts testicular steroidogenesis via oxidative stress-evoked PERK-eIF2α pathway

Our previous study showed 1-Nitropyrene (1-NP) exposure disrupted testicular testosterone synthesis in mouse, but the exact mechanism needs further investigation. The present research found 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor, recovered 1-NP-induced ER stress and testosterone synthases reduction in TM3 cells. GSK2606414, a protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK) kinase inhibitor, attenuated 1-NP-induced PERK-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) signaling activation and downregulation of steroidogenic proteins in TM3 cells. Both 4-PBA and GSK2606414 attenuated 1-NP-induced steroidogenesis disruption in TM3 cells. Further studies used N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) as a classical antioxidant to explore whether oxidative stress-activated ER stress mediated 1-NP-induced testosterone synthases reduction and steroidogenesis disruption in TM3 cells and mouse testes. The results showed NAC pretreatment mitigated oxidative stress, and subsequently attenuated ER stress, particularly PERK-eIF2α signaling activation, and downregulation of testosterone synthases in 1-NP-treated TM3 cells. More importantly, NAC extenuated 1-NP-induced testosterone synthesis in vitro and in vivo. The current work indicated that oxidative stress-caused ER stress, particularly PERK-eIF2α pathway activation, mediates 1-NP-downregulated steroidogenic proteins and steroidogenesis disruption in TM3 cells and mouse testes. Significantly, the current study provides a theoretical basis and demonstrates the experimental evidence for the potential application of antioxidant, such as NAC, in public health prevention, particularly in 1-NP-induced endocrine disorder.

[Analysis of the core knowledge level of chronic diseases in Chinese adults and related factors]

Objective: To understand the core knowledge level and influencing factors of chronic disease prevention and control in Adults in China, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating chronic disease prevention and control measures. Methods: In this study, cross-sectional survey and quota sampling were used to recruit 173 819 permanent residents aged 18 and above from 302 counties of adult chronic diseases and nutrition surveillance in China to conduct an online questionnaire survey, including basic information and core knowledge of chronic diseases. The scores of the core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control were described by median and interquartile range, the Wilcoxon rank sum test or the Kruskal Wallis test was used for the inter-group comparison, and the correlation factors of the total score were analyzed by the multilinear regression model. Results: A total of 172 808 participants were surveyed in 302 counties and districts, of which 42.60%(73 623) were male and 57.40%(99 185) were female; The proportion of respondents aged 18-44, 45-59, and 60 years old and above was 54.74% (94 594), 30.91% (53 423) and 14.35% (24 791), respectively. The total score of the core knowledge of chronic prevention and control in the total population was 66(13), and the scores of different characteristic groups were different, and the differences were statistically significant: the eastern region had the highest score at 67(11) (H=840.66, P<0.01), the urban 66(12) was higher than the rural 65(14) (Z=-31.35, P<0.01), and the male 66(14) was lower than female 66(12) (Z=-11.66, P<0.01), 18-24 years old 64(13) was lower than other age groups(H=115.80, P<0.01), and undergraduate degree and above had the highest score compared to other academic qualifications, with 68(9) points(H=2 547.25, P<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that eastern (t=27.42, P<0.01), central (t=17.33, P<0.01), urban (t=5.69, P<0.01), female (t=17.81, P<0.01), high age (t=46.04, P<0.01) and high education (t=57.77, P<0.01) had higher scores of core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control than other groups, the scores of core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control of professional and technical personnel (t=8.63, P<0.01), state enterprises and institutions (t=38.67, P<0.01), agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fishery and water conservancy production (t=5.30, P<0.01), production, transportation and commercial personnel (t=24.87, P<0.01), and other workers (t=8.89, P<0.01) were higher than those of non-employed people. Conclusion: There are differences in the total scores of the core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control in different characteristics of people in China, and in the future, health education on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases should be strengthened for specific groups to improve the knowledge level of residents.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells-derived exosomes for osteoporosis treatment

Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease, which leads to decreased bone mass and an increased risk of fragility fractures. Currently, there are many anti-resorption drugs and osteosynthesis drugs, which are effective in the treatment of osteoporosis, but their usage is limited due to their contraindications and side effects. In regenerative medicine, the unique repair ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been favored by researchers. The exosomes secreted by MSCs have signal transduction and molecular delivery mechanisms, which may have therapeutic effects. In this review, we describe the regulatory effects of MSCs-derived exosomes on osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and bone immunity. We aim to summarize the preclinical studies of exosome therapy in osteoporosis. Furthermore, we speculate that exosome therapy can be a future direction to improve bone health.

Analysis of Risk Factors Related to the Efficacy of Foramen Ovale Closure as a Therapy for Migraine

This study aimed to monitor the incidence of migraine non-remission after percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure and to discuss relevant risk factors. Recently, evidence of a relationship between the presence of PFO and migraines has been found, and PFO closure has been pointed out as a possible treatment for migraineurs.A retrospective analysis was conducted, which involved 139 patients diagnosed with PFO and associated migraine who underwent percutaneous PFO closure in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2019 to April 2021. All the considered patients were evaluated using the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6™) and classified with a score higher than 55 points before closure. The HIT-6™ score was re-evaluated 1-6 months after the intervention. HIT-6™ ≤ 55 was defined as headache remission (n = 93) and > 55 as headache non-remission (n = 46). A logistic regression model was developed to identify the risk factors of headache non-remission after PFO closure.The incidence of headache non-remission after PFO closure was 33.09%. Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups as regards age and serum phosphorus level (P < 0.05). History of smoking, atrial fibrillation, absolute lymphocyte count, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and interventricular septal thickness were identified as independent risk factors for headache non-remission following PFO closure, which were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

[Expression of cation chloride cotransporter (NKCC1/KCC2) in brain tissue of children with focal cortical dysplasia type Ⅱ]

Objective: To investigate the expression of cation chloride cotransporter (NKCC1/KCC2) in the neurons from cerebral lesions of children with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type Ⅱ, to provide a morphological basis for revealing the possible mechanism of epilepsy. Methods: Eight cases of FCD type Ⅱ diagnosed at Beijing Haidian Hospital, Beijing, China and 12 cases diagnosed at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China from February 2017 to December 2019 were included. The expression of NKCC1 and KCC2 in FCD type Ⅱa and FCD type Ⅱb was detected using immunohistochemistry and double immunohistochemical stains. The average optical density of NKCC1 in dysmorphic neurons and normal neurons was also determined using immunohistochemical staining in FCD type Ⅱa (10 cases). Results: The patients were all younger than 14 years of age. Ten cases were classified as FCD type IIa, and 10 cases as FCD type Ⅱb. NKCC1 was expressed in the cytoplasm of normal cerebral cortex neurons and KCC2 expressed on cell membranes. In dysmorphic neurons of FCD type Ⅱa, expression of NKCC1 increased, which was statistically higher than that of normal neurons (P<0.01). Aberrant expression of KCC2 in dysmorphic neurons was also noted in the cytoplasm. In the FCD Ⅱb type, the expression pattern of NKCC1/KCC2 in dysmorphic neurons was the same as that of FCD type Ⅱa. The aberrant expression of NKCC1 in balloon cells was negative or weakly positive on the cell membrane, while the aberrant expression of KCC2 was absent. Conclusions: The expression pattern of NKCC1/KCC2 in dysmorphic neurons and balloon cells is completely different from that of normal neurons. The NKCC1/KCC2 protein-expression changes may affect the transmembrane chloride flow of neurons, modify the effect of inhibitory neurotransmitters γ-aminobutyric acid and increase neuronal excitability. These effects may be related to the occurrence of clinical epileptic symptoms.

[Effects of transcription factor SIX2 gene on the proliferation of bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells]

Objective: To investigate the effect of SIX2 gene on the proliferation of bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells. Methods: Bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells were used as experimental materials, and the expression of SIX2 gene in bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells was detected by real-time quantitative PCR at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of proliferation. The SIX2 gene overexpression vector was constructed by homologous recombination. The SIX2 gene overexpression plasmid and the control empty plasmid were transfected into bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells, and each group had three complex Wells. The cell viability was detected by MTT assay at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after transfection. At 48 h after transfection, the cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry, and the expressions of cell proliferation marker genes were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Results: With the proliferation of bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells, the expression of SIX2 mRNA was increased. Compared with the control group, the expressions of SIX2 mRNA and protein in the SIX2 gene overexpression plasmid group were increased by 18 and 2.6 times, respectively (P＜0.01). The cell viability of the SIX2 gene overexpression plasmid group was increased (P＜0.01), the proportion of G1 cells was decreased by 24.6%, and the proportion of S phase and G2 phase cells was increased by 20.3% and 4.31%, respectively (P＜0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of Pax7 gene were increased by 15.84 and 1.22 times, respectively, and the mRNA and protein expressions of proliferation marker genes PCNA and CCNB1 were increased by 4.82, 2.23,1.55 and 1.46 times, respectively (P＜0.01). Conclusion: Overexpression of SIX2 gene promotes the proliferation of bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells.

Chicken intestinal microbiota modulation of resistance to nephropathogenic infectious bronchitis virus infection through IFN-I

BACKGROUND

Mammalian intestinal microbiomes are necessary for antagonizing systemic viral infections. However, very few studies have identified whether poultry commensal bacteria play a crucial role in protecting against systemic viral infections. Nephropathogenic infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a pathogenic coronavirus that causes high morbidity and multiorgan infection tropism in chickens.

RESULTS

In this study, we used broad-spectrum oral antibiotics (ABX) to treat specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens to deplete the microbiota before infection with nephropathogenic IBV to analyze the impact of microbiota on IBV infections in vivo. Depletion of the SPF chicken microbiota increases pathogenicity and viral burden following IBV infection. The gnotobiotic chicken infection model further demonstrated that intestinal microbes are resistant to nephropathogenic IBV infection. In addition, ABX-treated chickens showed a severe reduction in macrophage activation, impaired type I IFN production, and IFN-stimulated gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the spleen. Lactobacillus isolated from SPF chickens could restore microbiota-depleted chicken macrophage activation and the IFNAR-dependent type I IFN response to limit IBV infection. Furthermore, exopolysaccharide metabolites of Lactobacillus spp. could induce IFN-β.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the resistance mechanism of SPF chicken intestinal microbiota to nephropathogenic IBV infection, providing new ideas for preventing and controlling nephropathogenic IBV. Video abstract.

[Chicken-claw needling at Xiaguan (ST 7) combined with intradermal needling on negative emotions in primary trigeminal neuralgia of phlegm obstruction and blood stasis: a randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical effect of chicken-claw needling at Xiaguan (ST 7) combined with intradermal needling on negative emotion in primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) of phlegm obstruction and blood stasis.

METHODS

Sixty cases of patients with PTN of phlegm obstruction and blood stasis were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with chicken-claw needling at Xiaguan (ST 7) combined with intradermal needling (acupoints Sibai [ST 2], Yuyao [EX-HN 4], Hegu [LI 4], Taichong [LR 3] and auricular points Xin [CO₁₅], Shenmen [TF₄], Pizhixia [AT₄], etc.), once a day, 6 d as a course of treatment, rest 1 d between courses, a total of 2 courses of treatment; and the control group was given oral carbamazepine tablets for 13 days. Before and after treatment, the pain visual analogue scale (VAS), TCM syndromes, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) scores and the contents of serum neurotransmitter (β-endorphin [β-EP], substance P [SP] and 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) were compared, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.

RESULTS

After treatment, the VAS, SAS, TCM syndrome scores and the contents of serum SP in the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the above indexes in the observation group was lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The contents of serum β-EP and 5-HT in the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the above indexes in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 93.3% (28/30), which was higher than 83.3% (25/30) in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Chicken-claw needling at Xiaguan (ST 7) combined with intradermal needling can relieve pain symptoms and negative emotions in patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia of phlegm obstruction and blood stasis, which may be related to the regulation of serum neurotransmitter levels.

Mitochondrial ROS-mediated ribosome stalling and GCN2 activation are partially involved in 1-nitropyrene-induced steroidogenic inhibition in testes

In the past 50 years, testosterone (T) level in men has declined gradually. In this research, we discovered that acute exposure to 1-nitropyrene (1-NP), an environmental stressor from polluted atmosphere, reduced T contents by downregulating steroidogenic proteins in mouse testes and Leydig cells. Acute 1-NP exposure caused GCN2 activation and eIF2α phosphorylation, a marker of integrated stress, in mouse testes and Leydig cells. GCN2iB, a selective GCN2 kinase inhibitor, and siGCN2, the GCN2-targeted short interfering RNA, attenuated 1-NP-induced reduction of steroidogenic proteins in Leydig cells. Mechanistically, mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced and ATP5A, UQCRC2, SDHB and NDUFB8, four OXPHOS subunits, were reduced in 1-NP-exposed Leydig cells. Cellular mitochondrial respiration was inhibited and ATP production was reduced. Moreover, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were elevated in 1-NP-exposed Leydig cells. The interaction between GCN2 and uL10, a marker of ribosome stalling, was observed in 1-NP-exposed Leydig cells. MitoQ, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, attenuated1-NP-evoked ATP depletion and ribosome stalling in Leydig cells. Moreover, MitoQ suppressed 1-NP-caused GCN2 activation and eIF2α phosphorylation in Leydig cells. In addition, MitoQ alleviated 1-NP-induced steroidogenic inhibition in mouse testes. In conclusion, mitochondrial ROS-mediated ribosome stalling and GCN2 activation are partially involved in environmental stress-induced steroidogenic inhibition in testes.

[Down-regulation of MDR1 gene expression by CRISPRi to enhance the sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma A549/DDP cells to cisplatin]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of down-regulating MDR1 gene expression by CRISPRi on enhancing the sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma A549/DDP cells to cisplatin.

METHODS

The potential CRISPRi interference sites on the MDR1 gene promoter were predicted by bioinformatics software, and the interference fragments were designed and constructed. The mRNA and protein expression levels of MDR1 gene in each group of cells were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot methods, and the recombinant vectors with high interference efficiency were screened. Human lung cancer A549/DDP cells were divided into three groups: A549/DDP, Scrambed and sgRNA-MDR1-1, with three multiple holes in each group. After each vector was transfected into the cells for 48 h, the efflux of cells in each group was detected by flow cytometry, the IC₅₀ value of cells in each group was detected by MTT method, and the cell morphology of cells treated with cisplatin was observed under laser confocal microscope.

RESULTS

After sequencing and comparison, two kinds of CRISPRi recombinant vectors interfering with MDR1 gene transcription were constructed successfully. After transfection of A549/DDP cells, the mRNA and protein levels of MDR1 gene in all transfection groups were decreased significantly (P＜ 0.01). Among them, the interference efficiency of sgRNA-MDR1-1 was the highest, and the interference efficiency of mRNA and protein was 60% and 51%, respectively. After transfection of sgRNA-MDR1-1 vector, compared with the control group, the efflux ability of cells was decreased (P＜0.01), the IC₅₀ value of cells to cisplatin was decreased significantly (P＜0.01), and the intracellular chromatin gathered and marginalized, and apoptotic bodies appeared.

CONCLUSION

CRISPRi interference with MDR1 gene in drug-resistant A549/DDP cells can significantly enhance the sensitivity to cisplatin.

1-Nitropyrene disrupts testosterone biogenesis via AKAP1 degradation promoted mitochondrial fission in mouse Leydig cell

Previous study found 1-NP disrupted steroidogenesis in mouse testis, but the underlying mechanism remained elusive. The current work aims to explore the roles of ROS-promoted AKAP1 degradation and excessive mitochondrial fission in 1-NP-induced steroidogenesis disruption in MLTC-1 cells. Transmission electron microscope analysis found 1-NP promoted excessive mitochondrial fission. Further data showed 1-NP disrupted mitochondrial function. pDRP1 (Ser637), a negative regulator of mitochondrial fission, was reduced in 1-NP-treated MLTC-1 cells. Mechanistically, 1-NP caused degradation of AKAP1, an upstream regulator of pDRP1 (Ser637). MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, attenuated 1-NP-induced AKAP1 degradation and downstream pDRP1 (Ser637) reduction, thereby ameliorating 1-NP-downregulated steroidogenesis. Further analysis found that cellular ROS was elevated and NOX4, HO-1 and SOD2 were upregulated in 1-NP-exposed MLTC-1 cells. NAC, a well-known commercial antioxidant, alleviated 1-NP-induced excessive ROS and oxidative stress. 1-NP-induced AKAP1 degradation and subsequent downregulation of pDRP1 (Ser637) were prevented by NAC pretreatment. Moreover, NAC attenuated 1-NP-resulted T synthesis disturbance in MLTC-1 cells. The present study indicates that ROS mediated AKAP1 degradation and subsequent pDRP1 (Ser637) dependent mitochondrial fission is indispensable in 1-NP caused T synthesis disruption. This study provides a new insight into 1-NP-induced endocrine disruption, and offers theoretical basis in public health prevention.

Efficacy of Guhong injection versus Butylphthalide and Sodium Chloride Injection for mild ischemic stroke: A multicenter controlled study

BACKGROUND

Most studies on Guhong injection have involved a single center with a small sample size, and the level of clinical evidence is low.

AIM

To assess the safety and efficacy of Guhong injection for mild ischemic stroke (IS).

METHODS

A total of 399 IS patients treated at six hospitals from August 2018 to August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were given Guhong injection (experimental group) or Butylphthalide and Sodium Chloride Injection (control group). Changes in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were observed before treatment and at 1, 2, and 3 wk after treatment in each group. The efficacy and safety of Guhong injection for IS were assessed. Other medications taken by the patients were confounding factors for efficacy assessment. These factors were controlled by propensity score matching, and the results were further analyzed based on the matching.

RESULTS

The marked response rates at three follow-up visits were 64.64%, 74.7%, and 66.7% in the experimental group, and 48.26%, 45.4%, and 22.2% in the control group. The marked response rates increased significantly in the experimental group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The overall response rate at the first visit (days 7 ± 2) did not differ significantly between the two groups, but differed significantly at the second (days 14 ± 2) and third visits (days 21 ± 3) (P < 0.05). The proportion of patients without any symptoms in the experimental group was significant different at the first visit (P < 0.05), but not significantly different at the second visit. The two groups showed no significant difference in the baseline distribution of mRS scores. At the first and second visits, the change in mRS scores was -2 and -1 in the experimental and control groups, respectively, which were significantly different (P < 0.05). After propensity score matching, the overall response rate and marked response rate were 97.29% and 100% in the experimental group (P > 0.05) and 64.0% and 47.7% in the control group (P < 0.05) at the first visit, respectively. The decreased NIHSS scores in the two groups were significant different (P < 0.05). The overall response rate and marked response rate differed significantly between the two groups at the second visit (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. No severe adverse events occurred in either group.

CONCLUSION

Guhong injection is safe and more effective than Butylphthalide and Sodium Chloride Injection for treatment of IS.

[Progress in research of regional longevity level]

Regional longevity refers to a phenomenon of population age distribution in which longevity level in a certain area is significantly higher than the surrounding area at a certain point or period of time, and its longevity level is among the best in the whole country. In recent years, experts and scholars both at home and abroad have carried out multi studies of the influencing factors of individual longevity, but there are still relatively less studies to evaluate regional longevity level. This paper introduces the domestic and foreign evaluation research of regional longevity in terms of evaluation indicators and results, research scales and data sources, and proposes some advice for the future development. First, making full use of population death surveillance data to evaluate regional longevity level. Second, adopting multi-dimensional composite indexes to comprehensively, dynamically evaluate and accurately depict the regional longevity levels and its spatio-temporal change trend. Third, transforming regional longevity level evaluation to regional health and longevity level evaluation to promote healthy population aging.

[Analysis of changes in self-efficacy and its influencing factors in type 2 diabetic patients after community-based self-management group intervention]

Objective: To analyze the changes in self-efficacy and its influencing factors in type 2 diabetic patients after community-based self-management group intervention. Methods: From August to November 2014, a 3-month community-based self-management intervention study of type 2 diabetes patients was implemented in Fangshan District, Beijing. 510 patients were recruited through posters, household inquiries and telephone notification and then were randomly divided into intervention group (260 patients) and control group (250 patients). Finally, 500 patients completed the study, including 259 in the intervention group and 241 in the control group. Self-efficacy score was measured through face-to-face interview at different time points, including pre-intervention, post-intervention, 2 years after the intervention and 5 years after the intervention, respectively. A two-level random coefficient model was fitted to analyze the long-term trend of self-efficacy and its relationship with group intervention. Results: Individual-level educational attainment, disease duration as well as their treatment plans had a positive correlation with self-efficacy of type 2 diabetic patients while gender and age did not affect their self-efficacy. Patients with junior middle school education, senior high school education and university and above education had 4.66 (P<0.05), 6.40 (P<0.05) and 11.02 (P<0.05) points higher than those with primary education, respectively. The self-efficacy of diabetic patients increased by 0.23 (P<0.05) for each additional course year. The effect of treatment plan on self-efficacy was mainly reflected in the self-efficacy of taking medication or insulin injection as prescribed and blood glucose monitoring. After controlling for the confounding factors, i.e., gender, age, disease duration, educational attainment, and treatment plan, self-efficacy scores at the post-intervention increased in both groups compared to those at the pre-intervention. The intervention group had 7.95 points higher than the control group (P<0.05). After the intervention, the self-efficacy scores of both groups decreased year by year while the intervention group declined faster, with 5.41 points (P<0.05) at 2 years after the intervention and 8.94 points (P<0.05) at 5 years after the intervention. Conclusion: Community-based self-management group intervention could improve the self-efficacy of type 2 diabetic patients while the self-efficacy decreases year by year in the absence of follow-up intervention.

Alisol B 23-acetate adjusts bile acid metabolisim via hepatic FXR-BSEP signaling activation to alleviate atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Postmenopausal women have a high incidence of atherosclerosis. Phytosterols have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Alisa B 23-acetate (AB23A) is a biologically active plant sterol isolated from Chinese herbal medicine Alisma. However, the atherosclerosis effect of AB23A after menopause and its possible mechanism have not been reported yet.

PURPOSE

To explore whether AB23A can prevent atherosclerosis by regulating farnesoid X receptor and subsequently increasing fecal bile acid and cholesterol excretion to reduce plasma cholesterol levels.

METHODS

Aortic samples from premenopausal and postmenopausal women with ascending aortic arteriosclerosis were analyzed, and bilateral ovariectomized (OVX) female LDLR^-/- mice and free fatty acid (FFA)-treated L02 cells were used to analyze the effect of AB23A supplementation therapy.

RESULTS

AB23A increased fecal cholesterol and bile acids (BAs) excretion dependent on activation of hepatic farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in ovariectomized mice. AB23A inhibited hepatic cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8B1) via inducing small heterodimer partner (SHP) expression. On the other hand, AB23A increased the level of hepatic chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), and activated the hepatic BSEP signaling. The activation of hepatic FXR-BSEP signaling by AB23A in ovariectomized mice was accompanied by the reduction of liver cholesterol, hepatic lipolysis, and bile acids efflux, and reduced the damage of atherosclerosis. In vitro, AB23A fixed abnormal lipid metabolism in L02 cells and increased the expression of FXR, BSEP and SHP. Moreover, the inhibition and silencing of FXR canceled the regulation of BSEP by AB23A in L02 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results shed light into the mechanisms behind the cholesterol-lowering of AB23A, and increasing FXR-BSEP signaling by AB23A may be a potential postmenopausal atherosclerosis therapy.

Carbon footprint, yield and economic performance assessment of different mulching strategies in a semi-arid spring maize system

Crop productivity maximization while minimizing carbon emissions is of critical importance for achieving sustainable agriculture. Socio-economic and ecological benefits should be taken together under the circumstance of stagnant farming profitability and climatic variability. The effectiveness of various mulching strategies in rain-fed semiarid areas has been confirmed, but scarce the comprehensive evaluations of the conventional and new mulching strategies in terms of yield, economic benefit, and carbon footprint based on life cycle assessment (LCA) have been conducted. Hence, a two-year field experiment was conducted on maize (Zea mays L.) crop to explore the effects of four mulching strategies (PM: plastic-film mulching, SM: maize straw mulching, BM: biodegradable-film mulching, and NM: no mulching) on the yield, net return, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and carbon footprint (CF). The results revealed that PM and BM significantly increased maize yield by 11.3-13.3% and 9.4-10.6%. PM marginally raised the net return by 2.0-2.4% whereas BM slightly reduced it by 4.6-8.8% relative to NM. Unexpectedly, the yield and net return were the lowest under SM, and intensified N₂O emissions, GWP_direct, and yield-scaled GWP_direct were observed. When the GHGs using LCA concept and SOC sequestration rate were considered, the lowest net GWP (1804.1-1836.4 kg CO₂-eq ha^-1) and CF (148.9-119.9kg CO₂-eq t^-1) were observed in the SM treatment due to the boost of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. Conversely, PM and BM significantly increased the net GWP and CF compared to NM. When the tradeoffs between the high production, high net return and low net GWP were assessed by an integrated evaluation framework, the NM was recommended as an efficient low-carbon agricultural practice in the rain-fed semiarid areas.

A novel Nance-Horan syndrome mutation identified by next-generation sequencing in a Chinese family

AIM: To identify the disease-causing mutation in a four-generation Chinese family diagnosed with Nance-Horan syndrome (NHS). METHODS: A Chinese family, including four affected patients and four healthy siblings, was recruited. All family members received ophthalmic examinations with medical histories provided. Targeted next-generation sequencing approach was conducted on the two affected males to screen for their disease-causing mutations. RESULTS: Two male family members diagnosed with NHS manifested bilateral congenital cataracts microcornea, strabismus and subtle facial and dental abnormalities, while female carriers presented posterior Y-sutural cataracts. A novel frameshift mutation (c.3916_3919del) in the NHS gene was identified. This deletion was predicted to alter the reading frame and generate a premature termination codon after a new reading frame. CONCLUSION: The study discovers a new frameshift mutation in a Chinese family with NHS. The findings broaden the spectrum of NHS mutations that can cause NHS in Chinese patients.

FvWRKY48 binds to the pectate lyase FvPLA promoter to control fruit softening in Fragaria vesca

The regulatory mechanisms that link WRKY gene expression to fruit ripening are largely unknown. Using transgenic approaches, we showed that a WRKY gene from wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca), FvWRKY48, may be involved in fruit softening and ripening. We showed that FvWRKY48 is localized to the nucleus and that degradation of the pectin cell wall polymer homogalacturonan, which is present in the middle lamella and tricellular junction zones of the fruit, was greater in FvWRKY48-OE (overexpressing) fruits than in empty vector (EV)-transformed fruits and less substantial in FvWRKY48-RNAi (RNA interference) fruits. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that the expression of pectate lyase A (FvPLA) was significantly downregulated in the FvWRKY48-RNAi receptacle. We determined that FvWRKY48 bound to the FvPLA promoter via a W-box element through yeast one-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift, and chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative polymerase chain reaction experiments, and β-glucosidase activity assays suggested that this binding promotes pectate lyase activity. In addition, softening and pectin degradation were more intense in FvPLA-OE fruit than in EV fruit, and the middle lamella and tricellular junction zones were denser in FvPLA-RNAi fruit than in EV fruit. We speculated that FvWRKY48 maybe increase the expression of FvPLA, resulting in pectin degradation and fruit softening.

[Clinical efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension]

Objective: To explore the medium-long term efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH). Methods: From March 2013 to July 2018, clinical data of 13 INCPH patients, including 5 males, 8 females,with gastrointestinal hemorrhage were retrospectively analyzed, who were diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Anyang Fifth People' s Hospital and Yuncheng Central Hospital. All patients received TIPS treatment. The general information, postoperative survival rate, the incidence of rebleeding, shunt dysfunction rate, and incidence of hepatic encephalopathy were analyzed. Results: All 13 patients with INCPH completed TIPS successfully with an average age of 45±8 (33 to 59) years. The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) decreased from 20.0-26.0 (22.6±1.9) mmHg before procedure to 8.0-14.0 (9.4±3.2) mmHg after. The median follow-up time was 44±7 (31 to 53) months. One patient died of liver failure 27 months after TIPS. Hepatic encephalopathy occurred cumulatively in 1 case (1/13), 1 case (1/13) and 1 case (1/13) in 12, 24 and 36 months after TIPS. Stent restenosis occurred cumulatively in 2 cases (2/13), 3 cases (3/13) and 3 cases (3/13) in 12, 24 and 36 months after TIPS. Portal vein thrombosis occurred cumulatively in 2 cases (2/13), and no primary liver cancer developed. Conclusions: TIPS is safe and effective in the treatment of INCPH with gastrointestinal bleeding with favorable medium-long term outcome.

Diversification of the phytophagous lineages of true bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera) shortly after that of the flowering plants

More than 95% of phytophagous true bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) species belong to four superfamilies: Miroidea (Cimicomorpha), Pentatomoidea, Coreoidea, and Lygaeoidea (all Pentatomomorpha). These iconic groups of highly diverse, overwhelmingly phytophagous insects include several economically prominent agricultural and silvicultural pest species, though their evolutionary history has not yet been well resolved. In particular, superfamily- and family-level phylogenetic relationships of these four lineages have remained controversial, and the divergence times of some crucial nodes for phytophagous true bugs have hitherto been little known, which hampers a better understanding of the evolutionary processes and patterns of phytophagous insects. In the present study, we used 150 species and concatenated nuclear and mitochondrial protein-coding genes and rRNA genes to infer the phylogenetic relationships within the Terheteroptera (Cimicomorpha + Pentatomomorpha) and estimated their divergence times. Our results support the monophyly of Cimicomorpha, Pentatomomorpha, Miroidea, Pentatomoidea, Pyrrhocoroidea, Coreoidea, and Lygaeoidea. The phylogenetic relationships across phytophagous lineages are largely congruent at deep nodes across the analyses based on different datasets and tree-reconstructing methods with just a few exceptions. Estimated divergence times and ancestral state reconstructions for feeding habit indicate that phytophagous true bugs explosively radiated in the Early Cretaceous-shortly after the angiosperm radiation-with the subsequent diversification of the most speciose clades (Mirinae, Pentatomidae, Coreinae, and Rhyparochromidae) in the Late Cretaceous.

Propofol ameliorates acute postoperative fatigue and promotes glucagon-regulated hepatic gluconeogenesis by activating CREB/PGC-1α and accelerating fatty acids beta-oxidation

Postoperative fatigue (POF) is the most common and long-lasting complication after surgery, which brings heavy burden to individuals and society. Recently, hastening postoperative recovery receives increasing attention, but unfortunately, the mechanisms underlying POF remain unclear. Propofol is a wildly used general anesthetic in clinic, and inspired by the rapid antidepressant effects induced by ketamine at non-anesthetic dose, the present study was undertaken to investigate the anti-fatigue effects and underlying mechanisms of propofol at a non-anesthetic dose in 70% hepatectomy induced POF model in rats. We first showed here that single administration of propofol at 0.1 mg/kg ameliorated acute POF in hepatectomy induced POF rats. Based on metabonomics analysis, we hypothesized that propofol exerted anti-fatigue activity in POF rats by facilitating free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation and gluconeogenesis. We further confirmed that propofol restored the deficit in FFA oxidation and gluconeogenesis in POF rats, as evidenced by the elevated FFA utilization, acetyl coenzyme A content, pyruvic acid content, phosphoenolpyruvic acid content, hepatic glucose output and glycogen storage. Moreover, propofol stimulated glucagon secretion and up-regulated expression of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated CREB, peroxlsome prolifeator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinade1 and carnitine palmitoltransferase 1A. In summary, our study suggests for the first time that propofol ameliorates acute POF by promoting glucagon-regulated gluconeogenesis via CREB/PGC-1α signaling and accelerating FFA beta-oxidation.