Genetic insight into the role of MRAS in coronary artery disease risk

The muscle Ras (MRAS) gene polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) in white Europeans. The aim of this study was to ascertain the role of MRAS gene polymorphisms in conferring susceptibility to CAD, and to explore the effect on severity of CAD in Chinese population. We genotyped 5009 Chinese individuals (2466 CAD cases and 2543 controls) for eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) around MRAS and used logistic regression analysis to determine whether they were associated with CAD. The association of the SNP loci on the severity of CAD was analyzed using a logistic and linear regression analysis, respectively. Our results revealed that an intron SNP, rs1199337, tends to be marginally associated with CAD as previously reported in Caucasians (nominal P=0.01, OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.20). However, this association did not retain statistically significant levels after applying Bonferroni's correction for multiple testing (corrected P=0.08). There was no significant association between other loci and CAD (nominal P>0.05). We did not observe any significant association between the SNPs and severity of CAD (all P values>0.05). From the above results, the MRAS gene loci might have a minor effect in conferring susceptibility to CAD in Chinese population.

Structural basis of specific binding between Aurora A and TPX2 by molecular dynamics simulations

In the present study, the impacts of G198N and W128F mutations on the recognition between Aurora A and targeting protein of Xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 (TPX2) were investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, free energy calculations, and free energy decomposition analysis. The predicted binding free energy of the wild-type complex is more favorable than those of three mutants, indicating that both single and double mutations are unfavorable for the Aurora A and TPX2 binding. It is also observed that the mutations alternate the binding pattern between Aurora A and TPX2, especially the downstream of TPX2. An intramolecular hydrogen bond between the atom OD of Asp11(TPX2) and the atom HE1 of Trp34(TPX2) disappear in three mutants and thus lead to the instability of the secondary structure of TPX2. The combination of different molecular modeling techniques is an efficient way to understand how mutation has impacts on the protein-protein binding and our work gives valuable information for the future design of specific peptide inhibitors for Aurora A.

Biophysical optimization of preimplantation embryo culture: what mechanics can offer ART

Owing to the rise of ART and mounting reports of epigenetic modification associated with them, an understanding of optimal embryo culture conditions and reliable indicators of embryo quality are highly sought after. There is a growing body of evidence that mechanical biomarkers can rival embryo morphology as an early indicator of developmental potential and that biomimetic mechanical cues can promote healthy development in preimplantation embryos. This review will summarize studies that investigate the role of mechanics as both indicators and promoters of mammalian preimplantation embryo development and evaluate their potential for improving future embryo culture systems.

High proportion of circulating CD8 + CD28- senescent T cells is an independent predictor of distant metastasis in nasopharyngeal canrcinoma after radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a kind of epithelial carcinoma that is common in East and Southeast Asia. Distant metastasis after radiotherapy remains the main cause of treatment failure and preradiotherapy immune system function can influence prognosis. Our study aimed to identify immune-related prognostic factors for NPC after radiotherapy and establish a prognostic model to predict progression-free survival (PFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS).

METHODS

We enrolled NPC patients and divided them into training and validation cohorts with follow-up. We collected clinical information and investigated immune cells, EBV DNA and cytokines in the peripheral blood of NPC patients before radiotherapy and EBV DNA after radiotherapy. Among these immune cells, we included CD8⁺CD28^- T cells, which are a unique T-cell immunosenescent subset that increases in human peripheral blood with increasing age and declining immune function. Based on the detection results and clinical information, we utilized Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to screen the PFS and DMFS prognostic factors and build nomograms to predict the PFS and DMFS of NPC. We also verified the results in the validation set.

RESULTS

Three factors associated with PFS were selected: proportion of CD8⁺CD28^- T cells posttreatment EBV and N stage. Three factors associated with DMFS were screened: proportion of CD8⁺CD28^- T cells, posttreatment EBV and N stage. CD8⁺CD28^- T cells are correlated with systemic inflammation and posttreatment immunosuppression. The C-indexes were 0.735 and 0.745 in the training and validation cohorts for predicting PFS. For DMFS, the C-indexes were 0.793 and 0.774 in the training and validation cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

The pretreatment proportion of CD8⁺CD28^- T cells is a candidate prognostic biomarker for NPC after radiotherapy. The constructed nomogram models based on CD8⁺CD28^- T cells have good predictive value.

Literature Review of the Implications of Exercise Rehabilitation Strategies for SARS Patients on the Recovery of COVID-19 Patients

As a global pandemic, COVID-19 shows no sign of letting up. With the control of the epidemic in China, the proportion of patients with severe and critical diseases being cured and discharged from hospital has increased, and the recovery of COVID-19 patients has become an important issue that urgently needs attention and solutions. By summarizing the exercise rehabilitation strategies and progress of SARS in 2003, this paper analyzed the differences in clinical indicators and recovery characteristics of severe pneumonia caused by the two viruses, and provided comprehensive exercise guidance and intervention strategies for COVID-19 patients for rehabilitation and nursing by referring to the problems and treatment strategies in the rehabilitation and nursing work of SARS. In the post-epidemic period, China will build a multi-dimensional epidemic prevention system by improving the effectiveness of mass training and strengthening local risk prevention and control. This paper discusses the exercise rehabilitation strategy of SARS patients after recovery, which has guiding significance for exercise intervention and scientific fitness of COVID-19 patients after recovery during epidemic prevention period.

Spheres derived from the human SN12C renal cell carcinoma cell line are enriched in tumor initiating cells

Background

Recently, tumor initiating cells (TICs), which possess self-renewal and other stem cell properties, are regarded as the cause of tumor initiation, recurrence and metastasis. The isolation and identification of TICs could help to develop novel therapeutic strategies.

Methods

In this study, we isolated spheroid cells from human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell line SN12C in stem cell-conditioned medium. The stemness characteristics of spheroid cells, including tumorigenicity, self-renewal, proliferation and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity were evaluated; the expression levels of stemness genes and related proteins were assessed. Furthermore, study examined the differentiation of TICs into endothelial cells and the relationship between TICs and EMT.

Results

Our data demonstrated that spheroid cells cultured in defined serum-free medium possessed TIC properties, such as high tumorigenic capacity, upregulation of TIC-related genes and proteins, persistent self-renewal and extensive proliferation. Furthermore, spheroid cells were more aggressive in growth, invasion, scratch recovery, clonogenic survival and high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. Interestingly, a marked increase in tumor vascularity compared to adherent tumors in vivo, and spheroid cells can differentiate into functional endothelial-like cells in vitro suggesting a role of tumor initiating cells in tumor angiogenesis. The spheroid cells also demonstrated down-regulated E-cadherin and up-regulated Vimentin expression, which is the typical phenotype of EMT.

Conclusions

These results suggest that spheroid cells with tumor initiating cells-like characteristics contributed to tumor generation, progression, high tumorigenicity, pro-angiogenic capability and relationship with EMT. Further experiments using more refined selection criteria such as a combination of two or multiple markers would be useful to specifically identify and purify TICs.

Single-site laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (SLPEC) of hernia sac high ligation using an ordinary taper needle: a novel technique for pediatric inguinal hernia

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic high ligation of the internal inguinal ring is an alternative procedure for treatment of pediatric inguinal hernia (PIH), with a major trend toward increasing use of extracorporeal knotting and decreasing use of working ports. We have utilized this laparoscopic technique to treat the entire spectrum of PIH (including incarcerated cases) for more than 17 years, and the technique continues to evolve and improve. We herein report our latest modification of this minimally invasive technique, namely single-site laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (SLPEC) of hernia sac high ligation using an ordinary taper needle, and evaluate its safety and efficacy.

METHODS

From July 2016 to July 2019, 790 children with indirect PIH were treated by laparoscopic surgery. All patients underwent high ligation surgery with a modified single-site laparoscopic technique mainly performed by extracorporeal suturing with an ordinary closed-eye taper needle (1/2 arc 11 × 34). The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

All surgeries were successful without serious complications. A contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) was found intraoperatively and subsequently repaired in 190 patients (25.4%). The mean operative time was 15 min (8-25 min) for 557 unilateral hernias and 21 min (14-36 min) for 233 bilateral hernias. The mean postoperative stay was 20 h. Minor complications occurred in five patients (0.63%) and were managed properly, with no major impact on the final outcomes. No recurrence was noted in the patients who were followed up for 6-42 months. No obvious scar was present postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Modified SLPEC of hernia sac high ligation using an ordinary taper needle for repair of indirect PIH is a safe, reliable, and minimally invasive procedure with satisfactory outcome, with no special device being needed. It is easy to learn and perform and is worthy of popularization in the clinical setting.

Clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia developing secondary Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infection

Purpose

The clinical characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) pneumonia and KP bloodstream infection (KP-BSI) are often reported, while the risk factors for KP pneumonia developing into secondary KP-BSI (KP-pneumonia/KP-BSI) are largely unknown. Therefore, this study attempted to investigate the clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of KP-pneumonia/KP-BSI.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary hospital between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020. The patients were divided into groups of KP pneumonia alone and KP pneumonia/KP-BSI, and the clinical information were collected from medical records electronic system.

Results

A total of 409 patients were finally recruited. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.7; 95% CI, 1.44–9.5), immunosuppression (aOR, 13.52; 95% CI, 2.53,72.22), APACHE II score higher than 21 (aOR, 3.39; 95% CI, 1.41–8.12), serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels above 1.8 ng/ml (aOR, 6.37; 95% CI, 2.67–15.27), ICU stay of more than 2.5 days before pneumonia onset (aOR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02,1.17), mechanical ventilation (aOR, 4.96; 95% CI, 1.2,20.5), Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates producing extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL-positive KP) (aOR, 12.93; 95% CI, 5.26–31.76), and inappropriate antibacterial therapy (aOR, 12.38; 95% CI, 5.36–28.58) were independent factors of KP pneumonia/KP BSI. In comparison with the patients with KP pneumonia alone, the patients with KP pneumonia/KP BSI showed an almost 3 times higher incidence of septic shock (64.4% vs. 20.1%, p < 0.01), a longer duration of mechanical ventilation, and longer lengths of ICU stay and total hospital stay (median days, 15 vs. 4,19 vs. 6, 34 vs. 17, respectively, both p < 0.01). Additionally, the overall in-hospital crude mortality rate in the patients with KP-pneumonia/KP-BSI was more than two times higher than that in those with KP pneumonia alone (61.5% vs. 27.4%, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Factors including male sex, immunosuppression, APACHE II score higher than 21, serum PCT levels above 1.8 ng/ml, ICU stay of more than 2.5 days before pneumonia onset, mechanical ventilation, ESBL-positive KP, and inappropriate antibacterial therapy are independent risk factors for KP pneumonia/KP-BSI. Of note, the outcomes in patients with KP pneumonia worsen once they develop secondary KP-BSI, which merits more attention.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with intravesical chemotherapy is effective in preventing recurrence in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) combined with intravesical chemotherapy (IC) in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and identify the risk factors for recurrence and progression.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of NMIBC patients in south China. Ninety-nine patients underwent IAC combined with transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and IC, and 50 patients underwent TURBT plus IC without IAC. The 5-year outcomes of the two groups were compared. Cox regression was used to evaluate risk factors. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess the significant differences of recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival.

RESULTS

At 5 years, IAC significantly reduced the recurrence of high-grade NMIBC, 54.5% (18/33) in the non-IAC group vs 30.5% (18/59) in the IAC group (p = 0.028). IAC significantly reduced the recurrence of high-risk NMIBC, 56.3% (18/32) in the non-IAC group vs 26.1% (18/69) in the IAC group (p = 0.007). IAC significantly reduced the recurrence of intermediate-risk NMIBC, 44.4% (8/18) in the non-IAC group vs 22.2% (6/27) in the IAC group (p = 0.030). Tumors numbering from 2 to 7 had the highest recurrence rate (18.1%, 27/149). In this aspect, there was a significantly lower recurrence rate in the IAC group (30.8%, 12/30) than in the non-IAC group (68.2%, 15/22) (p = 0.007). No significant difference was found in the progression rate between the two groups. Only two cases (2/99, 2.0%) in the IAC group showed progression. The results of univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that the number of tumors, grade and risk level were risk factors for recurrence. No difference was found with respect to gender, age, tumor diameter, and T category. In the Kaplan-Meier plot, recurrence-free survival was significantly associated with treatment strategies (p < 0.01). Recurrence-free survival was shorter in the non-IAC group (12.73 ± 7.56 months) than in the IAC group (17.88 ± 12.26 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined IAC is a promising procedure to prevent recurrence and may be useful to suppress progression in NMIBC patients. The independent risk factors for the recurrence of NMIBC were multifocal tumors, grade and risk level. Intra-arterial chemotherapy is an effective and safe procedure and may be a promising choice in areas where BCG is not available or for patients who are intolerant to BCG.

Development of a Concise Synthesis of the Flavonoid Chrysin

Two novel routes for the synthesis of the flavonoid chrysin are described. In the first, 3,5-dimethoxyphenol (taxicatigenin) was converted to 2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxyacetophenone and then by condensation with benzaldehyde to 2′-hydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxychalcone. The latter was cyclised with iodine and demethylated with pyridine hydrochloride to form chrysin in 50% overall yield. In the second route, taxicatigenin was acylated with cinnamoyl chloride to form a chalcone under special conditions. This was then converted to chrysin in 42% and 56% overall yield, respectively. Several disadvantages of previous syntheses like long reaction time, tedious work-up and low overall yield have been overcome.

A man with recurrent fever, arthritis, and rashes-brucellosis? A case report

Background

We report a rare case of chronic brucellosis accompanied with myelodysplastic syndrome and neutrophilic dermatosis, which to the best of our knowledge, has never been reported.

Case presentation

A young man was admitted to our hospital complaining of recurrent fever, arthritis, rashes and anemia. He had been diagnosed with brucellosis 6 years prior and treated with multiple courses of antibiotics. He was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome and neutrophilic dermatosis following bone marrow puncture and skin biopsy. After anti-brucellosis treatment and glucocorticoid therapy, the symptoms improved.

Conclusions

Clinicians should consider noninfectious diseases when a patient who has been diagnosed with an infectious disease exhibits changing symptoms.

The Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in the Prediction for Atherosclerosis: A Retrospective Study in Adult Chinese Participants

The ratio of monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (MHR) was a newly proposed inflammatory and oxidative stress marker. This study aimed to explore the association between MHR and Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (Ba-PWV) in adult Chinese participants. A total of 2029 participants were divided into two groups according to the Ba-PWV: a high Ba-PWV group (Ba-PWV ≥1400 cm/s) and a low Ba-PWV group (Ba-PWV < 1400 cm/s). According to the cut-off points of quartile of MHR, the participants were divided into four groups. The relationship between MHR and Ba-PWV was analyzed. After adjusting for potential confounders, a non-linear relationship between MHR and Ba-PWV was found in the participants, and the inflection point was 7.78 in the non-linear curve. On the left of the inflection point, MHR had a positive correlation with Ba-PWV (OR = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08 to 1.28, p < 0.01). However, there was no obvious relationship between MHR and Ba-PWV on the right of the inflection point (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.90 to 1.01, p = 0.117). Further demographic analysis demonstrated that the positive relationship between MHR and Ba-PWV was found in the female participants with hypertension family history, but without a current history of hypertension, smoking, or drinking (p < 0.05). An increased MHR is a risk factor of atherosclerosis, which may predict the potential development of atherosclerosis. When the MHR is close to 7.78, it has the highest predictive value for the risk of atherosclerosis occurrence.

Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Patients with Polymicrobial Klebsiella pneumoniae Bloodstream Infections

BACKGROUND

Polymicrobial Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infection (KP-BSI) has been reported to account for more than 10% of all KP-BSI, but few studies have characterized polymicrobial KP-BSI. Our study investigated the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of polymicrobial KP-BSI by comparing with monomicrobial KP-BSI.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with KP-BSI from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2018 and collected the clinical data by reviewing electronic medical records.

RESULTS

Of the 818 patients with KP-BSI recruited, 13.9% (114/818) were polymicrobial KP-BSI. The severity of illness in polymicrobial and monomicrobial KP-BSI was similar, while the rate of resistance to carbapenems was obviously higher in polymicrobial KP-BSI (78.1% vs. 65.6%, p = 0.009). On multivariate analysis, hospitalization in burn ward (odds ratio (OR) 6.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.00-18.76, p = 0.001) and intensive care unit (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.05-5.43, p = 0.038) was independently associated with polymicrobial KP-BSI. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for the highest proportion (68.9%) among copathogens of polymicrobial KP-BSI, whereas gram-positive bacteria (22.9%) and Candida (8.2%) ranked the second and the third, respectively, with Acinetobacter baumannii being the most common (23.0%). Patients with polymicrobial KP-BSI had longer hospital days after BSI onset and total hospital days than patients with monomicrobial KP-BSI (median (interquartile range (IQR)), 19 (5, 39) vs. 12 (6, 25), 37 (21, 67) vs. 29 (16, 53), respectively, p < 0.05). The mortality did not differ between polymicrobial KP-BSI and monomicrobial KP-BSI (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It was observed that polymicrobial KP-BSI accounted for a significant proportion among all KP-BSI in the current study. Hospitalization in burn ward and intensive care unit was an independent risk factor for the development of polymicrobial KP-BSI. The patients with polymicrobial KP-BSI had a higher rate of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae and might have poor outcomes compared to monomicrobial KP-BSI.

Quantitative Pretreatment CT Parameters as Predictors of Tumor Response of Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastasis to Transcatheter Arterial Bland Embolization

PURPOSE

To assess whether parameters on preprocedural CT can be utilized to predict the response of NETLM to transcatheter arterial bland embolization (TAE).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 135 target lesions from 48 NETLM patients who underwent TAE and with complete preprocedural multiphasic CT. Parameters on preprocedural CT including the longest diameter, mean attenuation value in nonenhanced, arterial, and portal-venous phases were collected from each target lesion. Radiological responses were assessed according to RECIST 1.1. The parameters of responder lesions and nonresponder lesions were compared. Arterial enhancement index (AEI) and portal-venous enhancement index (PEI) were calculated. The predictive function of AEI and PEI on tumor response was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

A total of 72.6% target lesions had a partial response. For patients, the objective response rate was 72.9%. Mean attenuation values of responder lesions were significantly higher than nonresponder lesions in both arterial and portal-venous phases (105.36 ± 37.24 vs. 76.01 ± 19.19, p < 0.001; 96.61 ± 24.04 vs. 82.12 ± 21.37, p = 0.002). ROC curve showed that both AEI and PEI were effective in predicting tumor response (area under the curve [AUC] 0.757, p < 0.001; AUC 0.655, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

AEI and PEI, parameters from evaluation of CT pretreatment attenuation of NETLMs, could predict response to TAE treatment.

Expression patterns of long noncoding RNAs from Dlk1-Dio3 imprinted region and the potential mechanisms of Gtl2 activation during blastocyst development

The function of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cell differentiation and development have begun to be revealed in recent years. However, the expression pattern and mechanisms regulating lncRNAs are largely unknown during mammalian preimplantation development. LncRNAs expressed from Dlk1-Dio3 imprinted region have been linked to pluripotency of induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs). In this study we show that these lncRNAs (Gtl2, Rian and Mirg) are first expressed at the morula stage and gradually restricted to the inner cell mass (ICM) as the embryo differentiates into the blastocyst. Analysis of DNA methylation at IG-DMR and Gtl2-DMR showed no change during preimplantation while the presence of the activating histone modification H3K4me3 increased significantly from 8-cell to blastocyst stage, which may explain the expression activation. Additionally, knockdown of transcription factors (Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog) in blastocyst reduced the expression of Gtl2, indicating pluripotency factors regulate transcription of these lncRNAs. This study provides the spatiotemporal expression and dynamic changes of lncRNAs from Dlk1-Dio3 imprinted region in mouse preimplantation stage embryos and offers insight into the potential mechanisms responsible for Gtl2 activation.

Interface induced transition from bipolar resistive switching to unipolar resistive switching in Au/Ti/GaOx/NiOx/ITO structures

The transition of resistive switching behavior from bipolar to unipolar induced by interface was found and investigated in Au/Ti/GaO_x/NiO_x/ITO structure.

Carfilzomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (KCd) for the treatment of triple-class relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM)

BACKGROUND

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic malignancy, and outcomes remain poor for patients with triple-class relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM). Descriptive analyses were performed on available data for patient characteristics, disease course, and outcomes of the KCd on triple-class RRMM patients at our institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-three patients with triple-class RRMM treated with KCd between June 2017 and October 2020 were included in our analysis. The regimen KCd consisted of 28 days cycles of carfilzomib 20/36 mg/m² IV on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16, cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 IV weekly, and dexamethasone (20-40) mg orally weekly.

RESULTS

Patients received a median of 6 (3-10) prior regimens. The median number of cycles administered was 4 (1-11) cycles. Overall response rate was 52%, 6 patients (26%) achieved very good partial response (VGPR), 6 patients (26%) achieved partial response (PR), and 5 patients (22%) achieved stable disease (SD). Progression-free survival (PFS) and Overall-survival (OS) were 4 and 11.9 months, respectively. There was no reported treatment-related mortality. The most common grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (26%), thrombocytopenia (56.5%), and anemia (56.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

KCd showed clinically meaningful efficacy and manageable safety profile in patients with triple-class RRMM in real-world.

Neddylation Alleviates Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection by Inducing Macrophage Reactive Oxygen Species Production

Neddylation, a posttranslational modification in which NEDD8 is covalently attached to target proteins, has emerged as an endogenous regulator of innate immunity. However, the role of neddylation in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection remains unknown. In this study, we found that neddylation was activated after MRSA infection in vivo and in vitro. Inhibition of neddylation with MLN4924 promoted injury of liver and kidneys in C57BL/6 mice with MRSA bloodstream infection and increased mortality. Blockade of neddylation, either pharmacologically (MLN4924, DI591) or through the use of Uba3 small interfering RNA, inhibited Cullin3 neddylation and promoted Nrf2 accumulation, thus reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction and bacterial killing ability in mouse peritoneal macrophages. In summary, our findings suggest that activation of neddylation in macrophages plays a critical protective role against MRSA infection by increasing ROS production, partially by signaling through the NEDD8-Cullin3-Nrf2-ROS axis. Furthermore, our results may provide a new non-antibiotic treatment strategy for MRSA infection through targeting of neddylation.

Epigenetics and genetics of hepatoblastoma: Linkage and treatment

Hepatoblastoma is a malignant embryonal tumor with multiple differentiation modes and is the clearest liver malignancy in children. However, little is known about genetic and epigenetic events in Hepatoblastoma. Increased research has recently demonstrated, unique genetic and epigenetic events in Hepatoblastoma, providing insights into its origin and precise treatment. Some genetic disorders and congenital factors are associated with the risk of Hepatoblastoma development, such as the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Familial Adenomatous polyposis, and Hemihypertrophy. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA modifications, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation are also essential in the development of Hepatoblastoma. Herein, we reviewed genetic and epigenetic events in Hepatoblastoma, focusing on the relationship between these events and cancer susceptibility, tumor growth, and prognosis. By deciphering the genetic and epigenetic associations in Hepatoblastoma, tumor pathogenesis can be clarified, and guide the development of new anti-cancer drugs and prevention strategies.

Hypertension prevalence alteration in 92 815 nurses based on the new standard by 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline: observational cross-sectional study from China

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to elucidate the status of hypertension and to analyse the hypertension changes in prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rate among the portion of Chinese nursing staff based on the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) High Blood Pressure Guideline and the 2010 Chinese Guideline for the Management of Hypertension.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

512 medical institutions in 13 cities in Hebei Province.

PARTICIPANTS

The candidates of registered nurses from 512 medical institutions in 13 cities in Hebei Province (N=143 772) were invited to participate in the survey, and few of them who refused to participate were excluded from the research group based on the reasons that 93 603 incumbent nurses at the age of 18-65 accepted to the survey and submitted questionnaires online. Undoubtedly, a response rate of 65.11% was achieved. After excluding 788 individuals with incomplete information in the questionnaires, 92 815 participants were included in the final analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rates of hypertension.

RESULTS

92 815 participants were included in the final analysis, among which consisted of 3677 men (3.96%) and 89 138 women (96.04%). The mean age of the participants was 31.65 (SD=7.47) years.We demonstrated that 26 875 nursing staff were diagnosed as having hypertension according to the new standard by the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, more than 20 551 cases compared with the previous threshold on the 2010 Chinese guideline. The prevalence of hypertension among nursing staff was 28.96% in the context of the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, 3.25 times higher than that (6.81%) evaluated by the criteria of the 2010 Chinese guideline. However, the awareness, treatment and control rate (13.50%, 10.73% and 0.81%) were 3.25, 3.22 and 17.48 times lower than those (57.37%, 45.30% and 14.97%) based on the 2010 Chinese guideline, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This research illustrated that it was crucial to improve the awareness rate, drug treatment rate and control rate of hypertension for nurses. Meanwhile, according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, the prevalence of hypertension in China will increase significantly, which poses a more severe challenge to the management of hypertension in China.

Irisin Regulating Skeletal Response to Endurance Exercise in Ovariectomized Mice by Promoting Akt/β-Catenin Pathway

Purpose: Thought irisin is recognized as a pivotal modulator for bone formation, its role in regulating skeletal response to exercise training remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to determine the change of irisin in response to 8-week exercise training and its role in regulating the effects of exercise on bone loss in ovariectomized (Ovx) mice.

Methods: Forty 3-month old female C57BL/6 mic were randomly allocated into four groups: (1) Sham-operated (Sham); (2) ovariectomized; (3) Ovx plus 8-week downhill running exercise (Ex); (4) Ovx plus exercise and received twice weekly injection of cyclo RGDyk protein (a putative anti-irisin receptor agents) (ExRg).

Results: Ex group showed enhanced cortical and trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) (p < 0.05), improved bone microarchitecture, and increased intensity of alkaline phosphatase positive (ALP⁺) cells compared with Ovx group. However, cyclo RGDyk administration weakened the exercise-related improvement of vBMD, BV/TV, and ALP intensity in bone. Serum estradiol, irisin, and bone alkaline phosphatase were higher, whereas circulating tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase was lower in Ex group compared with Ovx group (p < 0.05). Exercise promoted mRNA expression of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), Akt and β-catenin, and enhanced protein levels of FNDC5, the ratio of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) to Akt, and β-catenin (p < 0.05). When irisin pathways were blocked with cyclo RGDyk, increment of Akt, p-Akt/Akt, and β-catenin in Ex mice were attenuated.

Conclusion: It is suggested that irisin plays a potential role in regulating skeletal response to exercise partly through its interaction with Akt/β-catenin pathways.

Strain-GeMS: optimized subspecies identification from microbiome data based on accurate variant modeling

MOTIVATION

Subspecies identification is one of the most critical issues in microbiome studies, as it is directly related to their functions in response to the environmental stress and their feedbacks. However, identification of subspecies remains a challenge largely due to the small variation between different strains within the same species. Accurate identification of subspecies primarily relies on variant identification and categorization through microbiome data. However, current SNP calling and subspecies identification for microbiome data remain underdeveloped.

RESULTS

In this work, we have proposed Strain-GeMS for subspecies identification from microbiome data, based on solid statistical model for SNP calling, as well as optimized procedure for subspecies identification. Results on simulated, ab initio and in vivo datasets have shown that Strain-GeMS could always generate more accurate results compared with other subspecies identification methods.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION

Strain-GeMS is available at: https://github.com/HUST-NingKang-Lab/straingems.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.