Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling reveals the effect of LED light quality on morphological traits, and phenylpropanoid-derived compounds accumulation in Sarcandra glabra seedlings

BACKGROUND

Sarcandra glabra is an evergreen and traditional Chinese herb with anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Light is one of the most influential factor affecting the growth and quality of herbs. In recent times, the introduction of Light Emission Diode (LED) technology has been widely used for plants in greenhouse. However, the impact of such lights on plant growth and the regulatory mechanism of phenylpropanoid-derived compounds in S. glabra remain unclear.

RESULTS

The red LED light (RL) substantially increased the plant height and decreased the stem diameter and leaf area relative to the white LED light (WL), while the blue LED light (BL) significantly reduced the height and leaf area of S. glabra. According to transcriptomic profiling, 861, 378, 47, 10,033, 7917, and 6379 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among the groups of leaf tissue under BL (BY) vs. leaf tissue under RL (RY), BY vs. leaf tissue under WL (WY), RY vs. WY, root tissue under WL (WG) vs. WY, stem tissue under WL (WJ) vs. WG, and WJ vs. WY, respectively. We identified 46 genes encoding for almost all known enzymes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, e.g., phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), and flavonol synthase (FLS). We found 53 genes encoding R2R3-MYB proteins and bHLH proteins, respectively, where several were related to flavonoids biosynthesis. A total of 454 metabolites were identified based on metabolomic profiling, of which 44, 87, and 296 compounds were differentially produced in WY vs. RY, WY vs. BY, and WY vs. WG. In BY there was a substantial reduction in the production of esculetin, caffeic acid, isofraxidin, and fraxidin, while the yields of quercitrin and kaempferol were significantly up-regulated. In RY, the contents of cryptochlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, and kaempferol decreased significantly. Besides, in WG, the production of metabolites (e.g. chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and scopolin) declined, while their yields increased significantly (e.g. esculetin, fraxetin, isofraxidin, and fraxidin).

CONCLUSION

These results provide further insight into the regulatory mechanism of accumulation patterns of phenylpropanoid-derived compounds in S. glabra under various light conditions, allowing optimum breeding conditions to be developed for this plant.

Effect of platelet-rich fibrin on the control of alveolar osteitis, pain, trismus, soft tissue healing, and swelling following mandibular third molar surgery: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on the control of alveolar osteitis (AO), pain, trismus, soft tissue healing, and swelling following mandibular third molar surgery. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to May 2019. Randomized controlled studies conforming to the inclusion criteria were included. The record screening and data extraction were conducted by two authors independently. The risk of bias assessment was performed according to the guidelines recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. The quantitative analysis was performed using RevMan version 5.3. Nineteen studies were included in the systematic review and 17 studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. The use of PRF significantly reduced the incidence of AO and postoperative pain when compared to the controls (AO: relative risk 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28 to 0.65, Z=3.90, P<0.0001 (I²=0%); pain: day 1, standardized mean difference (SMD) -1.12, 95% CI -1.87 to -0.37, Z=2.93, P=0.003 (I²=95%); day 3, SMD -0.93, 95% CI -1.48 to -0.38, Z=3.30, P=0.001 (I²=92%); day 7, SMD -1.84, 95% CI -2.98 to -0.71, Z=3.19, P=0.001 (I²=97%)). Additionally, the result showed a better soft tissue healing when PRF was used (mean difference -0.63, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.18, Z=2.76, P=0.006 (I²=90%)). The use of PRF reduced the incidence of AO and postoperative pain following third molar surgery. Furthermore, PRF may also improve the postoperative soft tissue healing.

MiR-122-3p regulates the osteogenic differentiation of mouse adipose-derived stem cells via Wnt/β catenin signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the regulatory mechanism of micro-ribonucleic acid (miR)-122-3p in the osteogenic differentiation of mouse adipose-derived stem cells (mADSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The regulatory mechanism of miR-122-3p in the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells was investigated through its overexpression and knockdown.

RESULTS

The overexpression of miR-122-3p inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of mADSCs. On the contrary, its knockdown promoted the osteogenic differentiation of mADSCs. The further study on the molecular mechanism of miR-122-3p regulating mADSCs' osteogenic differentiation showed that the overexpression of miR-122-3p could activate the Wingless and int-1 (WNT)/β-catenin signaling pathway, but the knockdown of miR-122-3p could repress this signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-122-3p influences the osteogenic differentiation of mADSCs by modulating the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Ampelocalamus scandens (Arundinarodae)

Ampelocalamus scandens is native to Guizhou Province, China, and grows at an altitude of 260–320 m. It can be used as a raw material for weaving and papermaking. In the current study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of A. scandens was sequenced and is reported for the first time. The complete cp sequence was 139,504 bp, include large single-copy (LSC), small single-copy (SSC), and a pair of invert repeats (IR) region of 83,103 bp, 12,813 bp, and 21,793 bp, respectively. Besides, the plastid genome comprised a total of 132 genes, including protein-coding, tRNA, and rRNA genes as 85, 39, and 8 genes, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 28 cp genomes reveals that A. scandens is closely associated with Ampelocalamus melicoideus in Arundinarodae.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Bambusa subtruncata (Bambusodae)

Bambusa subtruncata is found in Xinyi county, Maoming city, Guangdong province, China. In the current study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of B. subtruncata and reported for the first time. The genome was 139,444 bp in total length, including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 82,956 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 12,897 bp, and a pair of invert repeats (IR) regions of 21,798 bp. Plastid genome comprised of 127 genes in total; 82 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 25 chloroplast genomes indicates that B. subtruncata is closely related to Bambusa emeiensis in Bambusodae.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Bambusa beecheyana var.pubescens (Bambusodae)

Bambusa beecheyana var. pubescens is mainly distributed in South China to Southwest China, growing on hillsides or river banks. In the current study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of B.beecheyana var. pubescens and reported for the first time. The genome is 139,402 bp in total length, include a large single-copy (LSC) region of 82,936 bp, small single-copy (SSC) region of 12,868 bp, a pair of invert repeats (IR) regions of 21,799 bp. Plastid genome contains 132 genes, 85 protein-coding genes, 39 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 25 chloroplast genomes indicates that B. beecheyana var. pubescens is closely related to Bambusa oldhamii, Bambusa ventricosa and Bambusa ventricosa multiplex in Bambusodae.

[Anti-PD-1 therapy in advanced malignant liver tumor-induced type-1 diabetes mellitus: a case report]

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has been emerged as a major breakthrough in tumor immunotherapy, but its unique mechanism of action has also led to a number of immune-related adverse events (irAE). Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the rarest irAEs. This paper reports a case of advanced malignant liver tumor-induced T1DM who received second-line anti-PD-1 therapy and showed initial symptoms of hyperosmolar coma and hyperglycemia. In addition, the relevant literature at home and abroad was collected and reviewed, and the clinical characteristics of T1DM induced by anti-PD-1 therapy were summarized with a view to achieve early detection, diagnosis and treatment.

A Relay Strategy Actuates Pre-Existing Trisubstituted Olefins in Monoterpenoids for Cross-Metathesis with Trisubstituted Alkenes

A retrosynthetic disconnection-reconnection analysis of epoxypolyenes-substrates that can undergo cyclization to podocarpane-type tricycles-reveals relay-actuated Δ^6,7-functionalized monoterpenoid alcohols for ruthenium benzylidene catalyzed olefin cross-metathesis with homoprenyl benzenes. Successful implementation of this approach provided several epoxypolyenes as expected (E/Z, ca. 2-3:1). The method is further generalized for the cross-metathesis of pre-existing trisubstituted olefins in other relay-actuated Δ^6,7-functionalized monoterpenoid alcohols with various other trisubstituted alkenes to form new trisubstituted olefins. Epoxypolyene cyclization of an enantiomerically pure, but geometrically impure, epoxypolyene substrate provides an enantiomerically pure, trans-fused, podocarpane-type tricycle (from the E-geometrical isomer).

Predicting the intervention threshold for initiating osteoporosis treatment among postmenopausal women in China: a cost-effectiveness analysis based on real-world data

This study built a micro-simulation Markov model to determine the treatment threshold of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in Mainland China. Treatment with zoledronate is cost-effective when FRAX-based (Fracture risk assessment tool) fracture probability is over 7%.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to estimate FRAX-based fracture probabilities in Mainland China using real-world data, at which intervention could be cost-effective.

METHODS

We developed a micro-simulation Markov model to capture osteoporosis states and relevant morbidities including hip fracture, vertebral fracture, and wrist fracture. Baseline characteristics including incidences of osteoporosis and distribution of risk factors were derived from the Peking Vertebral Fracture study, the largest prospective cohort study of postmenopausal women in Mainland China. We projected incidences of fractures and deaths by age groups under two treatment scenarios: 1) no treatment, and 2) zoledronate. We also projected total quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) and total costs including fracture management and osteoporosis drugs for cost-effectiveness analysis. Cost-effective intervention thresholds were calculated based on the Chinese FRAX model.

RESULTS

Treatment with zoledronate was cost-effective when the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture based on FRAX was above 7%. The FRAX threshold increased by age from 51 to 65 years old, and decreased in elder age groups, ranging from 4% to 9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Using real-world data, our model indicated that widespread use of zoledronate was of both clinical and economic benefit among Chinese postmenopausal women. Using a FRAX-based intervention threshold of 7% with zoledronate should permit cost-effective access to therapy to patients and contribute to reducing the disease burden of osteoporosis in Mainland China.

Gut microbiota differences during metamorphosis in sick and healthy giant spiny frogs (Paa spinosa) tadpoles

Gut microbiota plays important roles in host nutrition, immunity, development and health; therefore, disruption of the gut microbiota is closely associated with development of diseases in the host. In amphibians, metamorphosis is associated not only with extensive changes in the gut microbiota, but also with high mortality. Therefore, we hypothesized that unsuccessful restructuring of the gut microbiota during metamorphosis was an important factor that caused the fatalities. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the gut microbiota of apparently sick and healthy giant spiny frog tadpoles during metamorphosis, using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Our results showed that most dominant phyla differed significantly among developmental stages of sick and healthy Paa spinosa tadpoles. The differences in the dominant genera in sick and healthy tadpoles were the highest at the stage of degeneration of cloacal tube (TDCT). After the metamorphosis, the composition of the gut microbiota was more alike between healthy and sick tadpoles at the stage of forelimb emergence than at TDCT. These results imply that failed restructuring of the gut microbiota during metamorphosis caused the death of P. spinosa tadpoles. These results provided an important reference to prevent the high actual of P. spinosa tadpoles during metamorphosis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: We investigated the gut microbiota of apparently sick and healthy giant spiny frog (Paa spinosa) tadpoles during metamorphosis, using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Our results showed that the differences in the dominant genera in sick and healthy tadpoles were the highest at the stage of degeneration of cloacal tube. After the metamorphosis, the composition of the gut microbiota was alike between healthy and sick tadpoles. These results imply that failed restructuring of the gut microbiota during metamorphosis caused the death of P. spinosa tadpoles.

A New Analysis Principle for EDXRF: The Monte Carlo - Library Least-Squares Analysis Principle

A new analysis principle for energy-dispersive X–ray fluorescence has been identified and investigated as to feasibility. It consists of: (1) generating the complete spectral response for a sample of known (assumed) composition by Monte Carlo simulation,(2) keeping track of the individual elemental responses within the Monte Carlo simulation for use as library spectra, (3) use of the library least–squares (linear) analysis method to obtain the elemental amounts for any unknown sample spectrum, and (4) iterating these steps if the unknown amounts are too fax from the assumed composition originally used.

This principle has been investigated for a radioisotope source excited EDXRF system consisting of a 109Cd source and a Si(Li) detector for a Cu-Ni alloy sample (CDA Alloy 715) and a stainless steel sample (304 Stainless Steel) and found to give excellent results. This analysis principle makes unique use of the Monte Carlo “forward” simulation method to provide the elemental library spectra for use in the library least-squares method of analysis.

The leucine-rich region of Flightless I interacts with R-ras to regulate cell extension formation

Flightless I (FliI) is a calcium-dependent, actin severing and capping protein that localizes to cell matrix adhesions, contributes to the generation of cell extensions, and colocalizes with Ras. Currently, the mechanism by which FliI interacts with Ras to enable assembly of actin-based cell protrusions is not defined. R-Ras, but not K-ras, H-ras, or N-ras, associated with the leucine-rich region (LRR) of FliI. Mutations of the proline-rich region of R-ras (P202A, P203A) prevented this association. Knockdown of Ras GTPase-activating SH3 domain-binding protein (G3BP1) or Rasgap¹²⁰ by small interfering RNA inhibited the formation of cell extensions and prevented interaction of R-ras and G3BP1 in FliI wild-type (WT) cells. Pull-down assays using G3BP1 fusion proteins showed a strong association of R-ras with the C-terminus of G3BP1 (amino acids 236-466), which also required the LRR of FliI. In cells that expressed the truncated N-terminus or C-terminus of G3BP1, the formation of cell extensions was blocked. Endogenous Rasgap¹²⁰ interacted with the N-terminus of G3BP1 (amino acids 1-230). We conclude that in cells plated on collagen FliI-LRR interacts with R-ras to promote cell extension formation and that FliI is required for the interaction of Rasgap¹²⁰ with G3BP1 to regulate R-ras activity and growth of cell extensions.

[Effects of microRNA-34a on regulating silent information regulator 1 and influence of the factor on myocardial damage of rats with severe burns at early stage]

Objective: To explore the effects of microRNA-34a on regulating silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and influence of SIRT1 on myocardial damage of rats with severe burns at early stage. Methods: (1) Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into sham injury (SI) group, simple burns (SB) group and SIRT1 agonist (SA) group according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), with 8 rats in each group. Rats in groups SB and SA were inflicted with 30% total body surface area full-thickness scald (hereinafter referred to as burns) on the back, and rats in group SI were sham injuried on the back. Immediately after injury, rats in groups SI and SB were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline of 50 mL/kg, and rats in group SA were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline of 50 mL/kg and 1 mg/mL resveratrol of 50 mg/kg. At 6 h post injury, abdominal aortic blood was collected to make serum and myocardial tissue of rats was collected. (2) Myocardial cells of twelve neonatal SD rats were collected and divided into microRNA-34a mimic control (MMC) group, microRNA-34a mimic (MM) group, microRNA-34a inhibitor control (MIC) group, and microRNA-34a inhibitor (MI) group, which were respectively transfected with gene sequences of mimic control, mimic, inhibitor control, and inhibitor of microRNA-34a. The microRNA-34a expression level and protein expression level of SIRT1 in myocardial cells were respectively detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Another batch of myocardial cells were divided into microRNA-34a inhibitor control+ burn serum (MCB) group, microRNA-34a inhibitor+ burn serum (MB) group, and microRNA-34a inhibitor+ burn serum + EX527 (MBE) group. Myocardial cells in group MCB were transfected with gene sequence of inhibitor control, and myocardial cells in the later groups were transfected with gene sequence of inhibitor of microRNA-34a. After transfection of 48 h, myocardial cells in group MBE were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) solution for 6 hours, with serum in group SB of volume fraction of 10% and final amount-of-substance concentration of 1 mol/L, and myocardial cells in the other 2 groups were cultured in DMEM solution with serum from rats of group SB of volume fraction of 10%. The protein expression levels of myocardial cells of SIRT1, cleaved-caspase-3, and Bax were detected by Western blotting. (3) Myocardial tissue from (1) was collected to detect expression levels of microRNA-34a and mRNA of SIRT1 in groups SI and SB by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR. Morphology of myocardial tissue of rats in groups SI, SB, and SA was observed with biological image navigator. The mRNA expression levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) of rats in groups SI, SB, and SA were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR. The expression levels of cleaved-caspase-3, and Bax of myocardial tissue of rats in groups SI, SB, and SA were detected by Western blotting. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and least-significant difference test. Results: (1) After transfection of 48 h, the expression level of microRNA-34a of myocardial cells in group MM was 4.67±0.92, significantly higher than 1.03±0.04 in group MMC (P<0.01); the protein expression level of SIRT1 of myocardial cells in group MM was 0.35±0.06, significantly lower than 1.12±0.11 in group MMC (P<0.01). After transfection of 48 h, the expression level of microRNA-34a of myocardial cells in group MI was 0.26±0.07, significantly lower than 1.33±0.07 in group MIC (P<0.01); the protein expression level of SIRT1 of myocardial cells in group MIC was 1.12±0.16, significantly lower than 1.74±0.34 in group MI (P<0.01). At 6 h after culture, compared with those in group MCB, the SIRT1 protein expression level of myocardial cells in group MB was significantly increased (P<0.05), while cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax protein expression levels of myocardial cells in group MB were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with those in group MB, the SIRT1 protein expression level of myocardial cells in group MBE was with no significantly statistical difference (P>0.05), and cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax protein expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). (2) At 6 h post injury, compared with that in group SI, the microRNA-34a expression level of myocardial tissue in group SB was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA expression level of SIRT1 of myocardial tissue in group SB was significantly decreased (P<0.01). At 6 h post injury, myocardial cells in group SI arranged neatly with normal nucleus and no inflammatory cells infiltration; myocardial cells in group SB arranged disorderly, with no abnormal nucleus, and obvious inflammatory cells infiltration; myocardial cells in group SA arranged neatly, with normal nucleus and little inflammatory cells infiltration. At 6 h post injury, compared with those in group SB, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, and the protein expression levels of cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax of myocardial tissue in groups SI and SA were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Conclusions: The microRNA-34a expression level of myocardial tissue of rats with severe burns at early stage increases, which decreases the expression level of SIRT1, and increases the expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax, leading to obvious myocardial damage. Activation of SIRT1 can alleviate myocardial damage of rats with severe burns at early stage through decreasing expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, cleaved-caspase-3, and Bax.

Association of Spicy Food Consumption Frequency with Serum Lipid Profiles in Older People in China

OBJECTIVES

There has been recent interest in spicy foods and their bioactive ingredients for cardiovascular health. This study aims to explore relationship between spicy food consumption frequency and serum lipid profiles in a cross-sectional sample of older Chinese from China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS).

METHODS

A total of 1549 participant aged 65 years and above from CHNS 2009 were included in the analysis. Information on spicy food consumption was obtained using a questionnaire survey and 24h dietary recalls over three consecutive days combined with weighted food inventory. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) and apolipoprotein B (apoB). Correlations between spicy food consumption frequency and serum lipid profiles were evaluated by multivariate linear regression models.

RESULTS

The result shows a significant positive association between frequency of spicy food consumption estimated by the frequency question and daily spicy food intake calculated from 24h recall. After adjustment for potential lifestyle and dietary confounding factors, men with higher frequency of spicy food consumption showed higher apoA1 level, and lower ratio of LDL-C/apoB (p for trend <0.05). For female, frequency of spicy food consumption was significantly associated with TC, LDL-C, apoB, LDL-C/HDL-C, and apoB/apoA1 in an inverse manner, and positively correlated with apoA1 level (p for trend <0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this study with Chinese aged 65y and above, increased spicy food consumption frequency may favorably associated with some risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Systematic review: cost-effectiveness of direct-acting antivirals for treatment of hepatitis C genotypes 2-6

BACKGROUND

The availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has dramatically changed the landscape of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy; however, the cost and budget requirements for DAA treatment have been widely debated.

AIMS

To systematically review published studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of DAAs for HCV genotype 2-6 infections, and synthesise and re-evaluate results with updated drug prices.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of various electronic databases, including Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library and EconLit for cost-effectiveness studies published from 2011 to 2016. Studies evaluating DAAs for genotypes 2-6 were included. Reported costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were abstracted. We re-estimated ICERs by varying the price of DAAs from $20 000 to $100 000, and estimated the threshold price at which DAA regimens would be deemed cost-effective (ICER≤$100 000/QALY).

RESULTS

A total of 92 ICERs for 7 different DAA regimens from 10 published articles were included. Among the abstracted 92 ICERs, 20 were for genotype 2, 40 for genotype 3, 30 for genotype 4, 2 for genotype 5 and none for genotype 6; therefore, only genotypes 2-5 were analysed. At the discounted price of $40 000, 87.0% analyses found DAA regiments to be cost-effective, and 7.6% found to be cost-saving. The median threshold price below which DAAs would be deemed cost-effective was between $144 400 and $225 000, and cost-saving between $17 300 and $25 400.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV treatment with DAAs is highly cost-effective in patients with HCV genotypes 2-5 at a $100 000/QALY threshold. Timely HCV treatment would be an optimal strategy from both a public health and economic perspective.