[Role of alternative activation of macrophages in hookworm therapy for inflammatory diseases: a review]

As a type of highly plastic innate immune cells, macrophages may be differentiated into M1 and M2 macrophages upon different stimuli, and M2 macrophages are involved in immune regulation, tissue remodeling and regeneration, and wound healing. Previous epidemiological studies have shown a significant negative correlation between the prevalence of helminth infections and the incidence of inflammatory diseases, such as allergy and autoimmune diseases. As a common type of intestinal helminths, hookworm infection may trigger high levels of type II host immune responses, with alternative activation of macrophages, which are effective to inhibit the development and progression of inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes the advances in alternative activation of macrophages in hookworm therapy for inflammatory diseases.

Machine-Learning-Guided Identification of Coordination Polymer Ligands for Crystallizing Separation of Cs/Sr

Separation of Cs/Sr is one of many coordination-chemistry-centered processes in the grand scheme of spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, a critical link for a sustainable nuclear energy industry. To deploy a crystallizing Cs/Sr separation technology, we planned to systematically screen and identify candidate ligands that can efficiently and selectively bind to Sr2+ and form coordination polymers. Therefore, we mined the Cambridge Structural Database for characteristic structural information and developed a machine-learning-guided methodology for ligand evaluation. The optimized machine-learning model, correlating the molecular structures of the ligands with the predicted coordinative properties, generated a ranking list of potential compounds for Cs/Sr selective crystallization. The Sr2+ sequestration capability and selectivity over Cs+ of the promising ligands identified (squaric acid and chloranilic acid) were subsequently confirmed experimentally, with commendable performances, corroborating the artificial-intelligence-guided strategy.

Fourfold Anisotropic Magnetoresistance of L1_{0} FePt Due to Relaxation Time Anisotropy

Experimental measurements show that the angular dependence of the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) in L1_{0} ordered FePt epitaxial films on the current orientation and magnetization direction is a superposition of the corresponding dependences of twofold and fourfold symmetries. The twofold AMR exhibits a strong dependence on the current orientation, whereas the fourfold term only depends on the magnetization direction in the crystal and is independent of the current orientation. First-principles calculations reveal that the fourfold AMR arises from the relaxation time anisotropy due to the variation of the density of states near the Fermi energy under rotation of the magnetization. This relaxation time anisotropy is a universal property in ferromagnetic metals and determines other anisotropic physical properties that are observable in experiment.

First live birth in China after cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

This article reports the first live birth after cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency in China.

METHODS

A patient with myelodysplastic syndrome received ovarian tissue cryopreservation before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and six ovarian cortex strips were thawed and transplanted into her peritoneal pocket 2 years later.

RESULTS

Pregnancy occurred spontaneously 27 months after grafting, and a healthy girl was born at 38 weeks gestation. Until now, the child has developed normally without any major diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first live birth resulting from ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in China.

Brain functional changes in individuals with bulimia nervosa: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a disorder with high health and socioeconomic burdens that typically arises in late adolescence and early adulthood. Previous neuroimaging studies have found functional brain changes in patients with BN. This study aims to review the latest neurobiological evidence from studies of individuals with BN, examine the consistency of these findings and evaluate the food addiction hypothesis of the disease.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A systematic search will be performed using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases, covering the period from database inception to 30 November 2021. Two researchers will be responsible for study selection, quality assessment and data extraction. The anisotropic effect size version of the signed differential mapping method will be used to conduct a coordinate-based meta-analysis. Publication bias will be examined with the Egger test. The quality of studies will be evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No ethics approval is required for this is a systematic review protocol and does not require the collection of primary data. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal or related conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022307233.

Longer follow-up intervals following EVAR are safe and appropriate after marked aneurysm sac regression

BACKGROUND

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) shrinkage after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a surrogate marker for successful exclusion. Our study characterized aneurysm sac remodeling after EVAR to identify a pattern that may be associated with benign AAA behavior and would safely allow a less rigorous follow-up regimen after EVAR.

METHODS

Elective infrarenal EVARs performed between 2008 and 2011 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. AAA sac diameters using the minor axis measurement from ultrasound imaging or computer tomography angiogram imaging were compared with the baseline diameter from the 1-month postoperative computer tomography angiogram. The primary outcome was a composite of freedom from postoperative reintervention or rupture. We compared those with AAA sacs who regressed to predefined minimum diameter thresholds with those who did not. Outcomes were plotted with Kaplan-Meier curves and compared using log-rank testing and Fine-Gray regression using death as a competing risk, clustered on graft type. For patients whose AAA reached the minimum sac diameter, landmark analysis evaluated ongoing size changes including further regression and sac re-expansion.

RESULTS

A total of 540 patients (aged 75.1 ± 8.2 years; 82.0% male) underwent EVAR with an average preoperative AAA size of 55.2 ± 11.5 mm. The median postoperative follow-up was 5.3 years (interquartile range, 1.4-8.7 years) during which 64 patients underwent reintervention and 4 ruptured. AAA sac regression to ≤40 mm in diameter was associated with improved freedom from reintervention or rupture overall (log-rank, P < .01), which was maintained after controlling for the competing risk of death (P < .01). In 376 patients (70%) whose aneurysm sac remained >40 mm, 99 reinterventions were performed on 63 patients. Of 166 (31%) patients whose sac regressed to ≤40 mm, only 1 patient required a reintervention, and no one ruptured. The mean time to a diameter of ≤40 mm was 2.3 ± 1.9 years. Only eight patients (5%) developed sac re-expansion to >45 mm; all but two occurred at least 3 years after initially regressing to ≤40 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

In long-term follow-up, patients whose minimum AAA sac diameter regressed ≤40 mm after EVAR experienced a very low rate of reintervention, rupture, or sac re-expansion. Most sac re-expansion occurred at least 3 years after reaching this threshold and did not result in clinical events. Increasing follow-up frequency up to 3-year intervals once the AAA sac regresses to 40 mm would carry minimal risk of aneurysm-related morbidity.

Early Fault Diagnosis Method for Batch Process Based on Local Time Window Standardization and Trend Analysis

The products of a batch process have high economic value. Meanwhile, a batch process involves complex chemicals and equipment. The variability of its operation leads to a high failure rate. Therefore, early fault diagnosis of batch processes is of great significance. Usually, the available information of the sensor data in batch processing is obscured by its noise. The multistage variation of data results in poor diagnostic performance. This paper constructed a standardized method to enlarge fault information as well as a batch fault diagnosis method based on trend analysis. First, an adaptive standardization based on the time window was created; second, utilizing quadratic fitting, we extracted a data trend under the window; third, a new trend recognition method based on the Euclidean distance calculation principle was composed. The method was verified in penicillin fermentation. We constructed two test datasets: one based on an existing batch, and one based on an unknown batch. The average diagnostic rate of each group was 100% and 87.5%; the mean diagnosis time was the same; 0.2083 h. Compared with traditional fault diagnosis methods, this algorithm has better fault diagnosis ability and feature extraction ability.

[Observation of efficacy and safety of stereotactic-EEG-guided three-dimensional radiofrequency thermocoagulation for the treatment of drug-resistant insular epilepsy]

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of stereotactic-EEG (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF-TC) with three-dimensional lesioning in the treatment of drug-resistant insular epilepsy. Methods: Seven patients with drug-resistant insular epilepsy who underwent SEEG-guided RF-TC with three-dimensional ablation at the Department of Neurosurgery of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from February 2017 to June 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. Presurgical evaluation including semiology, EEG and imaging results suggested that the epileptogenic zone was located in the insular lobe. All patients underwent SEEG recording and three-dimensional RF-TC. Postoperative follow-up was conducted by outpatient visits or telephone, the clinical efficacy was evaluated based on Engel classification and the relevant complications were documented. Results: Seven patients were followed up at 18 months after surgery. Among them, 4 were seizure free (Engel ⅠA), 2 had nondisabling simple partial seizures (Engel ⅠB) and 1 achieved 75% decrease (Engel ⅢA) in seizure frequency. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients which included decreased sensation in the right lower extremity, decreased strength in the right upper extremity, glossolalia, decline in memory and comprehension. No permanent neurological dysfunction was detected. Conclusion: SEEG-guided RF-TC with three-dimensional lesioning is minimally invasive, safe and effective in the treatment of drug-resistant insular epilepsy and can serve as a complementary method for resection surgery.

[Oxymatrine improves renal fibrosis and inflammation in diabetic rats by modulating CHK1/2 phosphorylation]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of cell cycle checkpoint kinase 1/2 (CHK1/2) in mediating the inhibitory effect of oxymatrine (OMT) against renal inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic rats.

METHODS

SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, diabetes model group (DM) and OMT treatment group (n=6). HE and Masson staining were used to observe histopathological changes of the renal tissue, and the expressions of CHK1, CHK2, p-CHK1 and p-CHK2 were localized by immunohistochemical staining. The contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β in the renal tissue were detected using ELISA, and the expression levels of CHK1, CHK2, p-CHK1, p-CHK2, type Ⅲ collagen (Col-Ⅲ), type Ⅳ collagen (Col-Ⅳ), and fibronectin (FN) were determined using Western blotting. The changes in the expressions of CHK1, CHK2, p-CHK1, p-CHK2, Col-Ⅲ, Col-Ⅳ and FN proteins were also examined with Western blotting in NRK-52E cells in response to high glucose exposure, OMT treatment and siRNA-mediated CHK1/2 knockdown.

RESULTS

In diabetic rats, OMT treatment significantly decreased the levels of blood glucose, serum creatinine and 24 h urinary protein (P < 0.05) and obviously improved inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis phenotype in the renal tissue (P < 0.05). CHK1 and CHK2 were mainly expressed in the cytoplasm and nuclei of renal tubule cells, and their phosphorylation levels were significantly higher in DM group than in the control group and OMT group. OMT treatment significantly decreased the protein expression levels of p-CHK1, p-CHK2, Col-Ⅲ, Col-Ⅳ and FN in the renal tissue of diabetic rats and in NRK-52E cells exposed to high glucose (P < 0.05). In NRK-52E cells, CHK1/2 knockdown resulted in significant reduction of the protein expressions of p-CHK1/2, Col-Ⅲ, Col-Ⅳ and FN (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The inhibitory effects of OMT against renal inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic rats are mediated probably by lowered phosphorylation levels of CHK1 and CHK2, which result in reduced release of the downstream inflammatory mediators and decreased secretion and deposition of extracellular matrix.

Dapagliflozin decreases atherosclerotic plaque instability via regulating macrophage pyroptosis

Background

Vulnerable plaques are characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells, playing a key role in the progression of acute coronary events. It's important to clarify the inflammatory mechanism of unstable plaque formation. Several clinical trials have demonstrated that dapagliflozin could reduce major adverse cardiac events in whether diabetic or non-diabetic patients. However, the underlying cardioprotective mechanism of dapagliflozin remains unclear. This study was aimed to investigate the role of dapagliflozin in regulating macrophage pyroptosis and vulnerable plaque formation.

Methods

20 ApoE−/− mice (control) were fed with high fat diet while another 20 ApoE−/− mice were challenged with high fat diet plus dapagliflozin for 12 weeks. The extent and instability of atherosclerotic plaque was determined by oil-red staining, HE staining, immunofluorescence staining and electron microscopy. Changes in subsets of immune cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Plasma cytokines were assessed by ELISA. Microarray analysis was applied to detect gene expressions while Western blot and real-time PCR was used to assess gene expression levels.

Results

Morphology studies revealed that dapagliflozin could inhibit plaque formation and reduce instability in ApoE−/− mice. FACS data showed that dapagliflozin could decrease CD11b+Ly6Chigh M1 macrophages differentiation and inhibit foam cells formation in ApoE−/− mice. Microarray analysis and in vitro studies exhibited that dapagliflozin could induce the down regulation of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 and MMP-7/10/12/14 to retard macrophage pyroptosis and foam cell formation.

Conclusions

We have characterized a novel role for dapagliflozin in modulating atherosclerotic lesion development and progression. We envision that this study may provide several potential therapeutic targets for treatment of acute coronary syndromes.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Shanghai Sailing Program

Improved Random Forest Algorithm Based on Decision Paths for Fault Diagnosis of Chemical Process with Incomplete Data

Fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) has received considerable attention with the advent of big data. Many data-driven FDD procedures have been proposed, but most of them may not be accurate when data missing occurs. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved random forest (RF) based on decision paths, named DPRF, utilizing correction coefficients to compensate for the influence of incomplete data. In this DPRF model, intact training samples are firstly used to grow all the decision trees in the RF. Then, for each test sample that possibly contains missing values, the decision paths and the corresponding nodes importance scores are obtained, so that for each tree in the RF, the reliability score for the sample can be inferred. Thus, the prediction results of each decision tree for the sample will be assigned to certain reliability scores. The final prediction result is obtained according to the majority voting law, combining both the predicting results and the corresponding reliability scores. To prove the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method, the Tennessee Eastman (TE) process is tested. Compared with other FDD methods, the proposed DPRF model shows better performance on incomplete data.

A New Method of Isolation of Mouse Renal Primary Tubular Epithelial Cells

Kidney diseases are becoming an emerging public health problem. In order to further explore the etiology of various kidney diseases, we improved the methods of isolation of primary cultures of mouse renal tubular epithelial cells. At the first stage, the kidneys were perfused with collagenase solution. To this end, the superior mesenteric artery, celiac artery and thoracic aorta were ligated and perfusion was performed through the abdominal aorta. Then, the cells were isolated ex vivo and their integrity, purity, viability, and concentration were evaluated. The proposed cost-effective and simple method provides high purity and high concentration of primary renal epithelial cells for molecular biology studies of the kidneys.

First pregnancy in China after ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

This article reports the first case of pregnancy after frozen-thawed ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency in China.

METHODS

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation was performed in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) before multi-agent chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Two years later, she showed complete remission from MDS, and six frozen-thawed ovarian tissue strips were transplanted into the peritoneal pocket.

RESULTS

The patient's ovarian activity was restored 3 months after transplantation, and pregnancy occurred spontaneously 27 months after grafting. Until now, the pregnancy has progressed for 30 weeks, and the repeated ultrasound showed normal fetal development.

CONCLUSION

This is the first pregnancy resulting from ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in China.

Copper stimulates neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid degradation by Ensifer adhaerens TMX-23

AIMS

Aims of this study are to elucidate the molecular mechanism of copper-improved thiacloprid (THI) degradation by Ensifer adhaerens TMX-23 and characterize copper resistance of this strain.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Resting cells of E. adhaerens TMX-23 were used to degrade THI, with formation of THI amide and 98·31% of 0·59 mmol l^-1 THI was degraded in 100 min. The addition of copper improved the degradation of THI and showed little inhibitory effects on the growth of E. adhaerens TMX-23. E. adhaerens TMX-23 degraded THI to THI amide by nitrile hydratases (NhcA and NhpA). QPCR analysis indicated that the expression of nhpA was up-regulated in the presence of copper. E. adhaerens TMX-23 nitrile hydratases were purified, and enzyme assay of NhpA exhibited the highest NHase activity toward THI. The addition of copper activated the activity of NhcA. Soil degradation experiment indicated that E. adhaerens TMX-23 could quickly eliminate THI residual in copper-added soil.

CONCLUSIONS

Copper improved THI degradation by E. adhaerens TMX-23 was attributed to the induced expression of nhpA and activated NhcA.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study broadens the investigation of regulatory mechanism of NHase expression and provided theoretical basis for using metal-resistant microbes to degrade pesticide in heavy metal co-contaminated environments.

QSPR modelling for intrinsic viscosity in polymer-solvent combinations based on density functional theory

Linear and nonlinear quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) models were developed based on a dataset with 65 polymer-solvent combinations. Seven quantum chemical descriptors, dipole moment, hardness, chemical potential, electrophilicity index, total energy, HOMO and LUMO orbital energies, were calculated with density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-31 G(d) level for polymers and solvents. Considering the strong correlation between intrinsic viscosity and weight, size, shape as well as topological structure of polymers and solvents, topological descriptors were also applied in this work. Meanwhile, the most appropriate polymer structure representation was investigated by considering 1-5 monomeric repeating units. The molecular descriptors were first screened by using the genetic algorithms-multiple linear regression (GA-MLR), with coefficient of determinations (r2) of 0.78 and 0.83 for the training set and the prediction set, respectively. The support vector machine model (SVM) model based on the selected descriptors subset showed a r2 value of 0.95 for the training set and 0.93 for the prediction set. All statistical results suggest that the established QSPR models have good predictability. Furthermore, a new test set obtained from the literature was used for further validation. The r2 values were 0.81 for the MLR model and 0.90 for the SVM model.