Experimental Evidence for an Attractive p-ϕ Interaction

This Letter presents the first experimental evidence of the attractive strong interaction between a proton and a ϕ meson. The result is obtained from two-particle correlations of combined p-ϕ⊕ p[over ¯]-ϕ pairs measured in high-multiplicity pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV by the ALICE Collaboration. The spin-averaged scattering length and effective range of the p-ϕ interaction are extracted from the fully corrected correlation function employing the Lednický-Lyuboshits approach. In particular, the imaginary part of the scattering length vanishes within uncertainties, indicating that inelastic processes do not play a prominent role for the p-ϕ interaction. These data demonstrate that the interaction is dominated by elastic p-ϕ scattering. Furthermore, an analysis employing phenomenological Gaussian- and Yukawa-type potentials is conducted. Under the assumption of the latter, the N-ϕ coupling constant is found to be g_{N-ϕ}=0.14±0.03(stat)±0.02(syst). This work provides valuable experimental input to accomplish a self-consistent description of the N-ϕ interaction, which is particularly relevant for the more fundamental studies on partial restoration of chiral symmetry in nuclear medium.

Tuning Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction via an electric field at the Co/h-BN interface

The Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interaction (DMI) at the Co/h-BN interface can emerge and be enhanced by applying a downward electric field. The height of the Co atom relative to the h-BN layer with the electric field determines the variation of DMI. One half reduction of J₁ is beneficial to generate skyrmions. Tuning the DMI by an electric field sheds new light for research on skyrmions.

Tissue factor cytoplasmic domain exacerbates post-infarct left ventricular remodeling via orchestrating cardiac inflammation and angiogenesis

Introduction

The coagulation protein tissue factor (TF) regulates inflammation and angiogenesis via its cytoplasmic domain in infection, cancer and diabetes. While TF is highly abundant in the heart and implicated in cardiac injuries and dysfunction, the contribution of its cytoplasmic domain in cardiac pathology remains unclear.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the contribution of the cytoplasmic domain of TF to post-infarct myocardial injury and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling.

Methods and results

Myocardial infarction was induced by permanent occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Male mice with C57BL/Jax background were used for the study. Compared with wild-type mice, mice lacking the TF cytoplasmic domain (TFΔCT) had a higher survival rate (90.5% versus 70%, p=0.0298) during a 28-day follow-up after myocardial infarction. Among surviving mice, TFΔCT mice had better cardiac function and less LV remodeling (ESV: 114.5±13.1mL for WT, 67.06±10.8mL for TFΔCT, p<0.001; EDV: 146.6±12.4mL for WT, 99.97±11.71mL for TFΔCT, p<0.001) than wild-type mice. Bone marrow chimerism indicated that deletion of the TF cytoplasmic domain in either bone marrow-derived cells or cardiac resident cells could alleviate post-infarct cardiac dysfunction. Speckle-tracking strain analysis revealed that the overall improvement of post-infarct cardiac performance in TFΔCT mice was attributed to reduced myocardial deformation in the peri-infarct region (strain-%: 11.14±0.97 for WT, 15.34±1.10 for TFΔCT, p=0.007; strain rate-/s: 3.89±0.26 for WT, 5.18±0.21 for TFΔCT, p=0.0005). Histological analysis demonstrated that TFΔCT hearts had in the infarct area greater proliferation of endothelial cells and myofibroblasts accompanied with better scar formation. Compared with wild-type hearts, infarcted TFΔCT hearts showed less infiltration of proinflammatory cells with concomitant lower expression of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1)-Rac1 axis. Furthermore, infarcted TFΔCT hearts presented markedly higher peri-infarct vessel density associated with enhanced endothelial cell proliferation and higher expression of PAR2 and PAR2-associated pro-angiogenic pathway factors.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the TF cytoplasmic domain exacerbates post-infarct cardiac injury and adverse LV remodeling via differential regulation of inflammation and angiogenesis. Targeted inhibition of the TF cytoplasmic domain-mediated intracellular signaling may ameliorate post-infarct LV remodeling without perturbing coagulation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National University Health System of Singapore

Allergic contact dermatitis in healthcare workers

BACKGROUND

Allergic contact dermatitis is a common occupational skin disease among healthcare workers (HCWs).

AIMS

This study describes causes of allergic contact dermatitis in New Zealand HCWs.

METHODS

All HCWs undergoing patch testing between July 2008 and January 2020 at a public hospital patch test clinic and between June 2019 and January 2020 at a private dermatology clinic were included. Data collected included patient demographics, occupation, results of patch testing and pre- and post-patch test diagnoses.

RESULTS

Out of 837 patients tested, 67 were HCWs. The mean age of HCWs was 41 years (SD 14) and 58 (87%) were female. The most common occupations were nurses (40%), allied health (22%) and doctors (18%). Forty-six (69%) patients had a background of atopic dermatitis. Hand dermatitis was the most common presentation (49%), followed by facial/neck dermatitis (25%). Thirty-eight (57%) had at least one positive reaction on patch testing, including 19 (28%) with a positive result of current relevance. There were 16 relevant reactions to rubber accelerators, 11 to fragrances, 10 to preservatives and 6 to corticosteroids. The most frequent relevant allergens were methylisothiazolinone/methylchloroisothiazolinone (4%), hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (4%) and methylisothiazolinone (4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The most common allergens in HCWs were rubber chemicals, fragrances, preservatives and topical corticosteroids. Important allergens for patch testing HCWs are outlined, in particular, those with hand dermatitis should be tested to a rubber series.

Arsenic trioxide induces expression of BCL-2 expression via NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in BEAS-2B cells during apoptosis

Inorganic arsenic compounds are environmental toxicants that are widely distributed in air, water, and food. B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) is an oncogene having anti-apoptotic function. In this study, we clarify that BCL-2, as a pro-apoptotic factor, participates in As₂O₃-induced apoptosis in BEAS-2B cells. Specifically, As₂O₃ stimulated the expression of BCL-2 mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner which was highly accumulated in the nucleus of BEAS-2B cell together with chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation during apoptosis. Mechanistically, the process described above is mediated through the NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which can be abated by corresponding inhibitors, such as BAY11-7082 and SB203580, respectively. Additionally, BAY11-7082, actinomycin D, and cycloheximide have inhibitory effects on As₂O₃-induced expression of BCL-2 mRNA and protein, and restore the cell viability of BEAS-2B cells. Suppression of BCL-2 protein activation by ABT-199 also restored viability of BEAS-2B cell in As₂O₃-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, As₂O₃ increased the level of BCL-2 phosphorylation. These results suggest that in BEAS-2B cells, As₂O₃-induced apoptosis is mainly dominated by BCL-2 upregulation, nuclear localization and phosphorylation. The study presented here provides a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of BCL-2-induced apoptosis.

Betulin terpenoid targets OVCAR-3 human ovarian carcinoma cells by inducing mitochondrial mediated apoptosis, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, inhibition of cell migration and invasion and modulating mTOR/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway

The main purpose of the current research work was to study in vitro anticancer effects of betulin in OVCAR-3 human ovarian carcinoma cells along with examining its effects on cellular apoptosis, cell cycle phase distribution, cell migration and invasion and mTOR/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. The cell proliferation of OVCAR-3 cells at various doses of the drug was studied by CCK8 cell viability assay. Effects on cell apoptosis were studied by fluorescence microscopy and western blot. Effects on cell cycle were evaluated by flow cytometry and western blot. Transwell assays were used to study effects on cell migration and invasion. The results indicated that betulin led to significant reduction of OVCAR-3 cell viability in a dose-dependent as well as time dependent manner. Betulin also led to reduction in cell colonies. The anticancer effects of betulin were due to the induction of apoptosis which was seen by increased apoptotic cells with yellow and orange fluorescence. Betulin prompted mitochondrial apoptosis which was also associated with alteration in the apoptosis-related protein expression (Bax, Bad and Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL). The molecule also led to G2/M phase cell cycle arrest on OVACR-3 ovarian carcinoma cells. It was also observed that betulin could inhibit the migration and invasion of the ovarian cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Betulin molecule also resulted in blocking of mTOR/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.  In conclusion, this study clearly indicates the anticancer effects of betulin natural product in OVCAR-3 human ovarian cancer cells are mediated via apoptosis induction, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, cell migration and invasion inhibition and targeting of mTOR/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.

Do patient characteristics matter when calculating sample size for eczema clinical trials?

Background

The Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) is the core outcome instrument recommended for measuring patient‐reported atopic eczema symptoms in clinical trials. To ensure that the statistical significance of clinical trial results is meaningful, trials are often designed by specifying the target difference in the primary outcome as part of the sample size calculation. One method used to specify the target difference is a score that corresponds to a standardized effect size.

Objectives

to assess how the standardized effect size of POEM scores vary across age, gender, ethnicity and disease severity.

Methods

This study combined data from five UK‐based randomized clinical trials of eczema treatments in order to assess differences in self‐reported eczema symptoms (POEM) corresponding to a standardized effect size (0.5 SD of baseline POEM scores) across age, gender, ethnicity and disease severity.

Results

POEM scores corresponding to 0.5 SD_(baseline) were remarkably consistent across participants of varying ages, gender, ethnicity and disease severity from datasets of five UK trials in children (range 2.99–3.45).

Conclusions

This study provides information that can support those designing clinical trials to determine their sample size and can aid individuals interpreting trial results. Further exploration of differences in populations beyond the United Kingdom is needed.

Application value of Doppler ultrasound combined with CA125 and CA19.9 in the early diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer

PURPOSE

An early diagnosis is of great significance in improving the survival rate of patients. At present, the application values of different diagnostic methods in ovarian cancer are different, and the clinical diagnosis alone is not ideal. Therefore, this study explored the application value of Doppler ultrasound combined with CA125 and CA19.9 in the early diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer.

METHODS

A total of 58 patients with ovarian diseases were divided into an observation group (epithelial ovarian cancer group, n=29) and a control group (benign ovarian tumour group, n=29). Doppler ultrasound results and serum CA125 and CA19.9 detection results of the two groups were collected to analyse and compare the application values of ultrasound and different kinds of tumour markers in the early diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer.

RESULTS

The results of Doppler ultrasound showed that the resistance index of the blood flow in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, and the ultrasound score was higher than that in the control group (p<0.05). The levels of serum tumour markers CA125 and CA19.9 in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). The results of the repeated measurement analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences in the ultrasound score, blood flow resistance index, and CA125 and CA19.9 levels in different stages of ovarian cancer (p<0.05). There was no difference in the ultrasonographic score between stage I and the partum stage, while the stages of menstruation and implantation showed a gradually increasing trend (p<0.05). The blood flow resistance index and CA125 and CA19.9 levels increased gradually with the stage (p<0.05). The sensitivity (93.1%), specificity (96.55%), positive predictive value (96.43%), negative predictive value (93.33%) and diagnosis rate (94.83%) of Doppler ultrasonography combined with CA125 and CA19.9 in the diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer were higher than those of the single indicator detection method or the two combined diagnostic detection methods.

CONCLUSION

Doppler ultrasound combined with CA125 and CA19.9 has high sensitivity, high specificity and high coincidence rate and can improve the early clinical diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Multiharmonic Correlations of Different Flow Amplitudes in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76 TeV

The event-by-event correlations between three flow amplitudes are measured for the first time in Pb-Pb collisions, using higher-order symmetric cumulants. We find that different three-harmonic correlations develop during the collective evolution of the medium when compared to correlations that exist in the initial state. These new results cannot be interpreted in terms of previous lower-order flow measurements since contributions from two-harmonic correlations are explicitly removed in the new observables. A comparison to Monte Carlo simulations provides new and independent constraints for the initial conditions and system properties of nuclear matter created in heavy-ion collisions.

P–363 Poor Ovarian Response is Associated with Anti-ovarian Antibody, and Pro-inflammatory Immune Responses in Women Underwent Assisted Reproductive Technology Cycles

Study question

To investigate if the anti-ovarian antibody (AOA) is associated with poor ovarian response (POR) and pro-inflammatory immune responses in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles.

Summary answer

The POR patients have a higher prevalence of AOAs. Women with autoimmune POR (POR(+)/AOA(+)) have dysregulated pro-inflammatory immune responses and metabolic factors.

What is known already

It has been proved that AOAs play important role in diseases that related to human reproduction such as premature ovarian failure (POF) which also termed as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in vitro fertilization (IVF) implantation failure, and in poor ovarian response in IVF stimulation. The POR women had elevated inflammatory immune responses: increased NK cell count and cytotoxicity, B cell counts, Th1/Th2 ratio and elevated metabolic factors such as higher homocysteine and plasminogen activator inhibitor–1 (PAI–1) level.

Study design, size, duration

This study is a retrospective cohort study between December 2015 and February 2019. 248 women who underwent ART cycles were included. Study patients were divided into four groups based on AOA test and POR diagnose defined by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology consensus: POR(-)/AOA (-) group (N = 148), POR(+)/AOA(-) group (N = 34), POR (-)/AOA (+) group (N = 44), POR(+)/AOA(+) group (N = 22). Peripheral blood was collected during the early follicular phase when they enter the program.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The natural killer (NK) cell levels and cytotoxicity, T helper (Th) 1/Th2 cell ratios were measured by flowcytometry. Anti-phospholipid Antibodies (APA) was tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AOA, 25 (OH) vitamin D level, homocysteine, PAI–1 level was tested by Immunofluorescence Assay.One way ANOVA was applied to compare the continuous variables among study groups. Chi-squared analysis or Fisher’s exact test were performed to compare the categorical variables.

Main results and the role of chance

The POR patients have a significantly higher prevalence of AOA than non-POR patients (39.3% vs. 22.9%, P = 0.017, OR 2.176 95% CI 1.156–4.099). Peripheral blood CD56+ NK cell level (%), NK cytotoxicity, CD19+CD5+ B–1 cell level (%) and IFN-g/IL–10 producing Th1/Th2 cell ratios were significantly higher in POR(+)/AOA(+) group than those of other groups (P &lt; 0.05, P &lt; 0.05, P &lt; 0.05, P &lt; 0.05, respectively). TNF-a/IL–10 producing Th1/Th2 cell ratio of POR(+)/AOA (+) group was significantly higher than those of POR(+)/AOA(-) and POR(-)/AOA(-) groups (P &lt; 0.05, respectively). Peripheral blood homocysteine and vitamin D levels of the POR(+)/AOA (+) group were significantly lower than those of other groups (P &lt; 0.005, respectively). Peripheral blood PAI–1 level of POR(+)/AOA(+) group was significantly higher than that of POR(-)/AOA(-) group (P &lt; 0.05). In POR(+)/AOA(+) group, the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibody was significantly higher than that of POR(+)/AOA(-) group (54.5% vs 20.5%, P = 0.005, OR 4.667, 95% CI 1.532–14.216).

Limitations, reasons for caution

This was a single center study, results need to be validated across different center and study population.

Wider implications of the findings: The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for AOA (+) autoimmune POR patients should be differentiated from those for non-autoimmune POR.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Targeting STING attenuates ROS induced intervertebral disc degeneration

OBJECTIVE

DNA damage induced by ROS is considered one of the main causes of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells degeneration during the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). cGAS-STING pathway acts as DNA-sensing mechanism for monitoring DNA damage. Recent studies have proved that cGAS-STING contributes to the development of various diseases by inducing inflammation, senescence, and apoptosis. This work explored the role of STING, the main effector of cGAS-STING signaling pathway, in NP degeneration.

METHOD

Immunohistochemistry was conducted to measure STING protein levels in the nucleus pulposus tissues from human and puncture-induced IVDD rat models. TBHP induces degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells in vitro. For in vivo experiments, lv-NC or lv-STING were injected into the central intervertebral disc space. The degeneration level of IVDD was assessed by MRI, X-ray, HE, and Safranin O staining.

RESULTS

We found that the expression of STING was upregulated in human and rat degenerated NP tissue as well as in TBHP-treated NP cells. Overexpression of STING promoted the degradation of extracellular matrix; it also promoted apoptosis and senescence of TBHP-treated and untreated NP cells. Knock-down of STING significantly reversed these effects. Mechanistically, STING activated IRF3, whereas blockage of IRF3 attenuated STING-induced apoptosis, senescence and ECM degradation. In vivo experiments revealed that STING knock-down alleviated puncture-induced IVDD development.

CONCLUSION

STING promotes IVDD progress via IRF3, while suppression of STING may be a promising treatment for IVDD.

Soft-Dielectron Excess in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A measurement of dielectron production in proton-proton (pp) collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, recorded with the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC, is presented in this Letter. The data set was recorded with a reduced magnetic solenoid field. This enables the investigation of a kinematic domain at low dielectron (ee) invariant mass m_{ee} and pair transverse momentum p_{T,ee} that was previously inaccessible at the LHC. The cross section for dielectron production is studied as a function of m_{ee}, p_{T,ee}, and event multiplicity dN_{ch}/dη. The expected dielectron rate from hadron decays, called hadronic cocktail, utilizes a parametrization of the measured η/π^{0} ratio in pp and proton-nucleus collisions, assuming that this ratio shows no strong dependence on collision energy at low transverse momentum. Comparison of the measured dielectron yield to the hadronic cocktail at 0.15<m_{ee}<0.6  GeV/c^{2} and for p_{T,ee}<0.4  GeV/c indicates an enhancement of soft dielectrons, reminiscent of the "anomalous" soft-photon and soft-dilepton excess in hadron-hadron collisions reported by several experiments under different experimental conditions. The enhancement factor over the hadronic cocktail amounts to 1.61±0.13(stat)±0.17(syst,data)±0.34(syst,cocktail) in the ALICE acceptance. Acceptance-corrected excess spectra in m_{ee} and p_{T,ee} are extracted and compared with calculations of dielectron production from hadronic bremsstrahlung and thermal radiation within a hadronic many-body approach.

Label-free Raman spectroscopy: A potential tool for early diagnosis of diabetic keratopathy

Diabetes has become a major public health problem worldwide, and the incidence of diabetes has been increasing progressively. Diabetes is prone to cause various complications, among which diabetic keratopathy (DK) emphasizes the significant impact on the cornea. The current diagnosis of DK lacks biochemical markers that can be used for early and non-invasive screening and detection. In contrast, in this study, Raman spectroscopy, which demonstrates non-destructive, label-free features, especially the unique advantage of providing molecular fingerprint information for target substances, were utilized to interrogate the intrinsic information of the corneal tissues from normal and diabetic mouse models, respectively. Visually, the Raman spectral response derived from the biochemical components and biochemical differences between the two groups were compared. Moreover, multivariate analysis methods such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were carried out for advanced statistical analysis. PCA yields a diagnostic results of 57.4% sensitivity, 89.2% specificity, 74.8% accuracy between the diabetic group and control group; Moreover, PLS-DA was employed to enhance the diagnostic ability, showing 76.1% sensitivity, 86.1% specificity, and 87.6% accuracy between the diabetic group and control group. Our proof-of-concept results show the potential of Raman spectroscopy-based techniques to help explore the underlying pathogenesis of DK disease and thus be further expanded for potential applications in the early screening of diabetic diseases.

Can Next-generation Sequencing Replace Fecal Immunochemical Tests or CT in the Screening of Colorectal Cancer and Advanced Adenoma?

OBJECTIVE

To explore the feasibility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for the screening of colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenoma (AA).

STUDY DESIGN

Observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China, from June 2019 to February 2020.

METHODOLOGY

Patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into three groups: CRC, AA, and control group. Then, the gene methylation status in the blood in the CRC, AA, and control group was analysed by NGS, and the CRC screening risk assessment model was used for comprehensive analysis. Afterwards, the methylated haplotype index (PHF Index) was calculated, and the screening results of the patients were classified as positive or negative, according to the score. The clinicopathological results were used as the gold standard, and the screening results for NGS were compared with the computed tomography (CT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) to text its feasibility.

RESULTS

NGS has a certain detection ability for CRC, with a sensitivity of 57.1% (8/14). This was higher than that of FIT and CT, and the combined positive rate of these three methods could reach 92.3% (12/13). The sensitivity of detection of AA could reach up to 75.0% (6/8) after combining with FIT and CT. The positive rate of the NGS test for postoperative CRC was 23.1% (3/13), which was significantly lower than preoperative CRC. The sensitivity of CT for preoperative CRC detection was only 45.5% (5/11), but the specificity could reach up to 98.2% (55/56), which was higher than NGS (71/78, 91.0%) and FIT (27/33, 81.8%).

CONCLUSION

Although NGS cannot replace FIT and CT at present, this provides a new effective and auxiliary detection method for people who are unsuitable or unwilling to receive colonoscopy. Key Words: Colorectal neoplasms, Adenoma, High-throughput nucleotide sequencing, Mass screening, Fecal immunochemical tests, Computed tomography.

Distribution and Clinical Analysis of EpCAM+/Vimentin+ Circulating Tumor Cells in High-Risk Population and Cancer Patients

Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) are already present in the peripheral blood of patients with early tumors and even precancerous lesions. The objective of this study was to determine the count of CTCs in peripheral blood from high-risk population(HRP), healthy subjects and patients with Pan-cancer. The CTCs in the peripheral blood from HRP and cancer patients were enriched and identified based on the positive sorting method by epithelial cell adhesion molecular (EpCAM) liposome magnetic bead (Ep-LMB) and Vimentin liposome magnetic bead (Vi-LMB). Simultaneously, further analysis was carried out focusing on the clinical characteristics of patients by collecting the peripheral blood samples from healthy subjects as the parallel control. According to the results, the prepared LMBs had high specificity and stability, resulting in an average (Av) proliferation rate of over 90% for each cell line, and the average capture rate of higher than 80%. In terms of CTCs count detection in clinical blood samples, the average count was 0.9 (Ep: Av=0.6, Vi: Av=0.3), 2.4 (Ep: Av=1.4, Vi: Av=0.8) and 7.3 (Ep: Av=4.0, Vi: Av=3.3) in healthy subjects, HRP and total cancer patients, respectively. Besides, there was no obvious difference in the average count of CTCs among patients with different cancer types. While count of CTCs in the aforementioned cancer patients was statistically different from that in healthy subjects and patients with HRP. The survival time of cancer patients whose number of CTCs is greater than the average is significantly increased. Collectively, the study confirmed that CTCs can achieve early tumor detection and auxiliary diagnosis, and its number is related to the occurrence and development of tumors, and CTCs can be detected in HRP and sub-health population.

Pcsk9 Knockout Aggravated Experimental Apical Periodontitis via LDLR

Apical periodontitis (AP), an inflammatory lesion around the apex of tooth roots, is mostly caused by dental pulp infection. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a vital role in regulating cholesterol homeostasis by targeting low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and participates in bacterium-induced chronic periodontitis. However, the roles of PCSK9 in AP are unknown. Here, we investigated its role in AP by using Pcsk9^-/- mice. Micro-computed tomography scanning and histological staining revealed that the periapical bone loss of Pcsk9^-/- mice was greater than that of wild-type (WT) mice, and increased expression of inflammation-related factors tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 was also observed. Immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed PCSK9 expression in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) was increased after treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This finding was consistent with the in vivo results that the expression level of PCSK9 in exposed WT mice increased compared with that in unexposed WT mice. After LPS challenge, the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in BMMs were increased, and Pcsk9 knockout aggravated the expression of these inflammatory factors. The number of osteoclasts positive for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining around the apical lesion in Pcsk9^-/- mice was higher than that in WT mice. Then BMMs underwent the osteoclast differentiation. Pcsk9 knockout BMMs induced increased and larger osteoclasts. While this effect of Pcsk9 knockout was abolished by the addition of Ldlr small interfering RNA, revealing that Pcsk9 knockout increased osteoclastogenesis was dependent on the LDLR. Immunohistochemistry staining showed increased expression level of LDLR in exposed Pcsk9^-/- periapical areas. In vitro experiments showed that LPS promoted the expression level of LDLR in Pcsk9^-/- BMMs and increased osteoclast formation ability, indicating that LPS promoted the elevation of osteoclasteogenesis caused by the Pcsk9 knockout. In conclusion, Pcsk9 deficiency aggravated the inflammatory response and promoted the osteoclastogenesis in an LDLR-dependent manner in AP experimental mice.

Naringin protects H9C2 cardiomyocytes from chemical hypoxia‑induced injury by promoting the autophagic flux via the activation of the HIF‑1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway

Naringin, a natural bioflavonoid, has been shown to exert protective effects in multiple cardiovascular diseases; however, the protective effects of naringin against hypoxic/ischemia‑induced myocardial are not yet fully understood. Autophagy is a vital factor involved in the pathogenesis of myocardial injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of naringin on H9c2 cells against chemical hypoxia [cobalt chloride (CoCl₂)]‑induced injury. The role of autophagy and the hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1α (HIF‑1α)/Bcl‑2/BCL2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) signaling pathway in the protective effects of naringin were also assessed. The results revealed that naringin pre‑treatment significantly attenuated the CoCl₂‑induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, and also decreased caspase‑3 activity, which had been increased by CoCl₂. In addition, CoCl₂ increased Beclin‑1 expression, enhanced the IL3B‑II/IL3B‑I ratio and increased p62 expression in the H9C2 cells. Treatment with 3‑methyladenine (3‑MA), a selective inhibitor of autophagy, also blocked CoCl₂‑induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Notably, treatment with bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1), an inhibitor of the vacuolar H+ ATPase of lysosomes, resulted in an increase in the upregulation of the LC3B‑II/LC3B‑I ratio, but did not further increase the LC3B‑II/LC3B‑I ratio compared with CoCl₂ treatment. These results suggested that CoCl₂ inhibited the autophagic flux, which resulted in myocardial cell damage. Furthermore, naringin pre‑treatment exacerbated Beclin 1 expression and the increased IL3B‑II/IL3B‑I ratio, and reduced p62 expression in CoCl₂‑treated H9C2 cells. 3‑MA and Baf A1 both reversed the protective effects of naringin against CoCl₂‑induced injury, indicating that naringin attenuated CoCl₂‑induced myocardial cell injury by the increasing autophagic flux. Moreover, naringin treatment resulted in upregulated expression levels of HIF‑1α and BNIP3 in the CoCl₂‑treated H9C2 cells. The inhibition of the HIF‑1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway using 3‑(5'‑hydroxymethyl‑2'‑furyl)‑1‑benzylindazole (an inhibitor of HIF‑1α) prevented the effects of naringin on the autophagic flux and reversed its protective effects against CoCl₂‑induced injury. Taken together, these results suggest that naringin protects the H9C2 cells against CoCl₂‑induced injury by enhancing the autophagic flux via the activation of the HIF‑1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway.

Gut microbiota affects the efficacy of Danggui Buxue Tang by affecting plasma concentration of active ingredients

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has the function of supporting Qi and enriching blood. Antibiotics can cause Gut microbiota disorder and affect efficacy of DBT.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Explore the manner in which Gut microbiota affects the efficacy of Danggui Buxue Tang.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, antibiotics were used to destroy gut microbiota. The changes of DBT efficacy were detected to verify the effect of gut microbiota on DBT efficacy. The changes of gut microbiota was detected using 16S rRNA sequencing, and UPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze the plasma concentration of active ingredients. Correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between gut microbiota, blood components and drug efficacy, and to explore the role of gut microbiota in the efficacy of DBT.

RESULTS

The results showed that the efficacy in the DBT group was significantly improved compared with the control group (p<0.05). Compared with DBT group, the efficacy in antibiotic DBT treatment (ABXDBT) group was significantly reduced, 194 plasma metabolites and 18 DBT blood components were significantly altered in ABXDBT group, and 11 DBT blood components such as caffeic acid and formononetin were significantly decreased. Correlation analysis showed that 6 DBT blood components were related with the decrease of efficacy. Network pharmacology analysis showed that the above 6 DBT blood components participated in the hematopoietic regulation through PI3K-Akt and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Correlation analysis showed that Bacteroides and other intestinal bacteria were related to the absorption of DBT active ingredients. The drug metabolic pathway of gut microbiota was significantly decreased after antibiotic treatment (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Gut microbiota such as Bacteroides affects the efficacy of DBT by affecting the metabolism and absorption of DBT active ingredients such as caffeic acid and formononetin.

Elliptic Flow of Electrons from Beauty-Hadron Decays in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The elliptic flow of electrons from beauty hadron decays at midrapidity (|y|<0.8) is measured in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The azimuthal distribution of the particles produced in the collisions can be parametrized with a Fourier expansion, in which the second harmonic coefficient represents the elliptic flow, v_{2}. The v_{2} coefficient of electrons from beauty hadron decays is measured for the first time in the transverse momentum (p_{T}) range 1.3-6  GeV/c in the centrality class 30%-50%. The measurement of electrons from beauty-hadron decays exploits their larger mean proper decay length cτ≈500  μm compared to that of charm hadrons and most of the other background sources. The v_{2} of electrons from beauty hadron decays at midrapidity is found to be positive with a significance of 3.75  σ. The results provide insights into the degree of thermalization of beauty quarks in the medium. A model assuming full thermalization of beauty quarks is strongly disfavored by the measurement at high p_{T}, but is in agreement with the results at low p_{T}. Transport models including substantial interactions of beauty quarks with an expanding strongly interacting medium describe the measurement within uncertainties.

MicroRNA-147 inhibits myocardial inflammation and apoptosis following myocardial infarction via targeting HIPK2

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is increasing year by year, and it has become one of the diseases with the highest mortality in humans. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of many diseases, including AMI. This study aims to investigate the function of miR-147 in myocardial infarction (MI) and its underlying mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect miR-147, Bcl-2 mRNA, and Bax mRNA expressions. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-β) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Besides, MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay was performed to detect cell viability. Cell apoptosis was observed using terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Moreover, echocardiography was utilized to measure cardiac function of rats. HIPK2 expression was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

MiR-147 expression was significantly decreased in rat MI model and H2O2 treated H9c2 cells. H2O2 treatment increased the expression of inflammatory factors in H9c2 cells and induced apoptosis, while such effects were inhibited by overexpression of miR-147. Overexpression of miR-147 reversed the decrease in Bcl-2 expression and the increase in Bax expression in H9c2 cells caused by H2O2. In addition, overexpression of miR-147 could improve cardiac function and reduce serum LDH levels in myocardial infarction rats. Through TargetScan, we found that HIPK2 might have a binding site for miR-147. Moreover, overexpression of miR-147 could inhibit the expression of HIPK2.

CONCLUSIONS

In MI, miR-147 expression is decreased in the myocardium and overexpression of miR-147 can inhibit myocardial inflammation and apoptosis and improve cardiac function in rats via targeting HIPK2.

Change in mortality rates of respiratory disease during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the change in mortality rates of respiratory disease during the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHODS

Death data of registered residents of Suzhou from 2014 to 2020 were collected and the weekly mortality rates due to respiratory disease and all deaths were analyzed. The differences in mortality rates during the pandemic and the same period in previous years were compared.

RESULTS

Before the pandemic, the crude mortality rate (CMR) and standardized mortality rate (SMR) of Suzhou residents including respiratory disease, were not much different from those in previous years. During the emergency period, the CMR of Suzhou residents was 180.2/100,000 and the SMR was 85.5/100,000, decreasing by 9.1% and 14.6%, respectively; the CMR of respiratory disease was 16.4/100,000 and the SMR was 6.8/100,000, down 41.4% and 44.9%, respectively. Regardless of the mortality rates of all deaths or respiratory disease, the rates were higher in males than in females, although males had aslightly greater decrease in all deaths during the emergency period compared with females, and the opposite was true for respiratory disease.

CONCLUSION

During the pandemic, the death rate of residents decreased, especially that due to respiratory disease.

[Research progress of liposome drug delivery system in stomatology]

Liposomes are spherical vesicles with bilayer membrane structure spontaneously formed by phospholipids dispersed in an aqueous medium. Liposomes are excellent drug carrier with amphiphilic properties. Liposomes have good biocompatibility, biodegradability and no immunogenicity. Liposomes can achieve the delivery of the drug, enhance the solubility, improve the stability, reduce the toxic effect of the drug, and improve the therapeutic effect of the loaded drug. In recent years, liposome drug delivery systems have been widely used in dentistry. This article reviews the application of liposome drug delivery systems in caries, dental pulp diseases, periodontitis, implantation, oral anesthesia and oral candidiasis.

Two-year follow-up of 196 interstitial lung disease patients after ICU stay

OBJECTIVE: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are associated with poor prognosis in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to assess factors associated with hospital mortality in ILD patients admitted to the ICU and to investigate long-term outcome.MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study in a teaching hospital specialised in ILD management. Patients with ILD who were hospitalised in the ICU between 2000 and 2014 were included. Independent predictors of hospital mortality were identified using logistic regression.RESULTS: A total of 196 ILD patients were admitted to the ICU during the study period. Overall hospital mortality was 55%. Two years after ICU admission, 70 (36%) patients were still alive. Of the 196 patients, 108 (55%) required invasive mechanical ventilation, of whom 21 (20%) were discharged alive from hospital. Acute exacerbation of ILD and multi-organ failure were highly associated with hospital mortality (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.9-15.5 and OR 12.6, 95% CI 4.9-32.5, respectively).CONCLUSION: Hospital mortality among ILD patients hospitalised in the ICU was high, but even where invasive mechanical ventilation was required, a substantial number of patients were discharged alive from hospital. Multi-organ failure could lead to major ethical concerns.

Senolytic agent Quercetin ameliorates intervertebral disc degeneration via the Nrf2/NF-κB axis

OBJECTIVE

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) represents major cause of low back pain. Quercetin (QUE) is one of the approved senolytic agents. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of QUE on IDD development and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Effects of senolytic agent QUE on the viability of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were measured by CCK-8 assays and EdU staining. The senescence associated secreted phenotype (SASP) factors expressions were measured by qPCR, western blot, and ELISA; and NF-κB pathway was detected by immunofluorescence and western blot. Molecular docking was applied to predict the interacting protein of QUE; while Nrf2 was knocked down by siRNAs to confirm its role in QUE regulated senescence phenotype. X-ray, MRI, Hematoxylin-Eosin and Safranin O-Fast green staining were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of QUE on IDD in the puncture-induced rat model.

RESULTS

In in vitro experiments, QUE inhibited SASP factors expression and senescence phenotype in IL-1β-treated NPCs. Mechanistically, QUE suppressed IL-1β induced activation of the NF-κB pathway cascades; it was also demonstrated in molecular docking and knock down studies that QUE might bind to Keap1-Nrf2 complex to suppress NF-κB pathway. In vivo, QUE ameliorated the IDD process in the puncture-induced rat model.

CONCLUSIONS

Together the present work suggests that QUE inhibits SASP factors expression and senescence phenotype in NPCs and ameliorates the progression of IDD via the Nrf2/NF-κB axis, which supports senolytic agent QUE as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of IDD.

LncRNA H19 regulates macrophage polarization and promotes Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis by upregulating KDM6A

Aberrant expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 is tightly linked to multiple steps of tumorigenesis via the modulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis; however, the pathological significance and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA H19 in macrophages remain obscure. To investigate whether lncRNA H19 modulates macrophage activation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lncRNA H19 levels in PMA-induced PBMC from patients with RA and healthy volunteers were assessed. In addition, the distribution of macrophage subsets, macrophage phenotypic characteristics, and pro-inflammatory gene expression were examined in lncRNA H19 smart silencer- or pcDNA 3.1- H19-transfected macrophages and AAV8-mediated H19 overexpression in a Freund' s complete adjuvant-induced arthritis mouse model. The level of lncRNA H19 was higher in RA patients than in healthy volunteers. Silencing of lncRNA H19 altered lipopolysaccharide plus interferon-induced M1 macrophage polarization and decreased IL-6, CD80, CCL8, and CXCL10 expression in macrophages of RA patients. LncRNA H19 overexpression markedly induced IL-6, CD80, HLA-DR, KDM6A, STAT1, IRF5, CCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 expression in macrophages and promoted macrophage migration. AAV8-mediated H19 overexpression aggravated arthritis in mice by promoting M1 macrophage polarization along with iNOS, IL-6, CCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, MMP3, MMP13 and COX-2 expression in mononuclear cells isolated from the swollen ankle. GSK-J4, an inhibitor of KDM6A, suppressed the activity of lncRNA H19 in macrophages and ameliorated lncRNA H19-aggravated arthritis. In summary, the current study demonstrated that lncRNA H19 is upregulated in RA patients and arthritic mice. LncRNA H19 promotes M1 macrophage polarization and aggravates arthritis by upregulating KDM6A expression.

Light quantum control of persisting Higgs modes in iron-based superconductors

The Higgs mechanism, i.e., spontaneous symmetry breaking of the quantum vacuum, is a cross-disciplinary principle, universal for understanding dark energy, antimatter and quantum materials, from superconductivity to magnetism. Unlike one-band superconductors (SCs), a conceptually distinct Higgs amplitude mode can arise in multi-band, unconventional superconductors  via strong interband Coulomb interaction, but is yet to be accessed. Here we discover such hybrid Higgs mode and demonstrate its quantum control by light in iron-based high-temperature SCs. Using terahertz (THz) two-pulse coherent spectroscopy, we observe a tunable amplitude mode coherent oscillation of the complex order parameter from coupled lower and upper bands. The nonlinear dependence of the hybrid Higgs mode on the THz driving fields is distinct from any known SC results: we observe a large reversible modulation of resonance strength, yet with a persisting mode frequency. Together with quantum kinetic modeling of a hybrid Higgs mechanism, distinct from charge-density fluctuations and without invoking phonons or disorder, our result provides compelling evidence for a light-controlled coupling between the electron and hole amplitude modes assisted by strong interband quantum entanglement. Such light-control of Higgs hybridization can be extended to probe many-body entanglement and hidden symmetries in other complex systems.

A collective excitation called Higgs mode may arise in multi-band superconductors via strong interband interaction, but it is yet to be accessed. Here, the authors observe a tunable coherent amplitude oscillation of the order parameter in Ba(Fe_1−xCo_x)₂As₂, suggesting appearance and control of the Higgs mode by light tuning interband interaction.

Effect of PAC on the Behavior of Dynamic Membrane Bioreactor Filtration Layer Based on the Analysis of Mixed Liquid Properties and Model Fitting

Recently, dynamic membrane bioreactor (DMBR) has gradually gained the interest of researchers for the development of membrane technology. In this paper, we set up parallel experiments to investigate the effect of powder activated carbon (PAC) on organic matter removal, transmembrane pressure, and filter cake layer characterization to make an overall performance assessment of DMBR. The results showed that DMBR has a good removal effect on organic matter removal, and with a chemical oxygen demand removal rate over 85%. Protein was found to be the main membrane fouling substance. Due to the electric double-layer effect, membrane fouling tended to be alleviated when the PN/PS value was low. Using a filtration model under constant current conditions, the filtration process through the cake layer was observed to be consistent with cake-intermediate model.