Evaluation of factors for predicting risk of uveitis recurrence in Behcet's disease patients

This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors for uveitis recurrence (UR) risk in Behcet's disease (BD) patients. BD patients (n=164) with a history of uveitis were recruited, and demographic data, clinical features, and laboratory tests were recorded. Uveitis was defined as anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, panuveitis referring to the "International Uveitis Study Group recommendations for the evaluation of intraocular inflammatory disease". In total, there were 70 UR patients and 94 non-UR patients. Compared to non-UR patients, UR patients appeared to be older and presented with increased uveitis occurrence rate and times within 3 months, oral ulcers occurrence rate, as well as higher concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and serum amyloid A (SAA). Multivariate logistic model disclosed that uveitis occurrence times within 3 months, oral ulcers, TG, LDL, and SAA independently predicted higher risk of UR. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the combination of uveitis occurrence times within 3 months, oral ulcers, TG, LDL, and SAA exhibited a high predictive value for UR risk with an area under the curve of 0.983 (95%CI: 0.969-0.998). In conclusion, uveitis occurrence times within 3 months, oral ulcers, TG, LDL, and SAA might be potential predictive factors for UR risk in BD patients, which can help in prevention and management of the disease.

Evaluating the Quality of Health-Related WeChat Public Accounts: Cross-Sectional Study

Background

As representatives of health information communication platforms accessed through mobile phones and mobile terminals, health-related WeChat public accounts (HWPAs) have a large consumer base in the Chinese-speaking world. However, there is still a lack of general understanding of the status quo of HWPAs and the quality of the articles they release.

Objective

The aims of this study were to assess the conformity of HWPAs to the Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HONcode) and to evaluate the suitability of articles disseminated by HWPAs.

Methods

The survey was conducted from April 23 to May 5, 2019. Based on the monthly (March 1-31, 2019) WeChat Index provided by Qingbo Big Data, the top 100 HWPAs were examined to evaluate their HONcode compliance. The first four articles published by each HWPA on the survey dates were selected as samples to evaluate their suitability. All materials were assessed by three raters. The materials were assessed using the HONcode checklist and the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) score sheet. Data analysis was performed with SPSS version 17.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) and Excel version 2013 (Microsoft Inc, Washington DC, USA).

Results

A total of 93 HWPAs and 210 of their released articles were included in this study. For six of the eight principles, the 93 HWPAs nearly consistently did not meet the requirements of the HONcode. The HWPAs certified by Tencent Corporation (66/93, 71%) were generally slightly superior to those without such certification (27/93, 29%) in terms of compliance with HONcode principles. The mean SAM score for the 210 articles was 67.72 (SD 10.930), which indicated “adequate” suitability. There was no significant difference between the SAM scores of the articles published by certified and uncertified HWPAs (P=.07), except in the literacy requirements dimension (t_df=97=–2.418, P=.02).

Conclusions

The HWPAs had low HONcode conformity. Although the suitability of health information released by HWPAs was at a moderate level, there were still problems identified, such as difficulty in tracing information sources, excessive implicit advertisements, and irregular usage of charts. In addition, the low approval requirements of HWPAs were not conducive to improvement of their service quality.

LncRNA BCRT1 promotes breast cancer progression by targeting miR-1303/PTBP3 axis

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in tumor progression and are aberrantly expressed in various cancers. However, the functional roles of lncRNAs in breast cancer remain largely unknown.

Methods

Based on public databases and integrating bioinformatics analyses, the overexpression of lncRNA BCRT1 in breast cancer tissues was detected and further validated in a cohort of breast cancer tissues. The effects of lncRNA BCRT1 on proliferation, migration, invasion and macrophage polarization were determined by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were carried out to reveal the interaction between lncRNA BCRT1, miR-1303, and PTBP3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and RT-PCR were used to evaluate the regulatory effect of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) on lncRNA BCRT1.

Results

LncRNA BCRT1 was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissues, which was correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. LncRNA BCRT1 knockdown remarkably suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, lncRNA BCRT1 could competitively bind with miR-1303 to prevent the degradation of its target gene PTBP3, which acts as a tumor-promoter in breast cancer. LncRNA BCRT1 overexpression could promote M2 polarization of macrophages, mediated by exosomes, which further accelerated breast cancer progression. Furthermore, lncRNA BCRT1 was upregulated in response to hypoxia, which was attributed to the binding of HIF-1α to HREs in the lncRNA BCRT1 promoter.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results reveal a novel HIF-1α/lncRNA BCRT1/miR-1303/PTBP3 pathway for breast cancer progression and suggest that lncRNA BCRT1 might be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Monitoring the two-dimensional concentration profile of toluene vapors by using polymer-stabilized nematic liquid crystals in microchannels

Many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are hazardous to human health and their concentrations need to be monitored over a large area. However, most chemical sensors can only be used for point detection. In this paper, we report a method to obtain a two-dimensional (2D) concentration profile of toluene vapor by using polymer-stabilized liquid crystals (PSLCs). After the PSLC sample is exposed to toluene vapor ranging from 9300 to 2800 ppm, the PSLC changes its interference color according to different local toluene concentrations. By using the interference color, we can obtain a 2D concentration profile of toluene inside the PSLC and study the diffusion of toluene inside the PSLC in great detail. We also determine the diffusion coefficient of dissolved toluene inside the PSLC to be 1.01 × 10^-6 cm² s^-1.

Immobilization Leads to Alterations in Intracellular Phosphagen and Creatine Transporter Content in Human Skeletal Muscle

The role of dysregulated intracellular creatine metabolism in disuse atrophy is unknown. In this study, skeletal muscle biopsy samples were obtained after 7-days of unilateral leg immobilization (IMMOB) and the non-immobilized control limb (CTRL) of 15 healthy males (23.1 ± 3.5 yrs). Samples were analyzed for fibre-type cross-sectional area (CSA) and creatine transporter (CreaT) at the cell membrane periphery (MEM) or intracellular (INT) areas, via immunoflouresence microscopy. Creatine kinase (CK) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) were determined via immunoblot. PCr, Cr and ATP were measured via enzymatic analysis. Body composition and maximal isometric knee extensor strength were assessed before and after disuse. Leg strength and fat-free mass were reduced in IMMOB (~32% and 4%, respectively; P<0.01 for both). Type II fibre CSA was smaller (~12%; P=0.028) and intramuscular PCr lower (~13%; P=0.015) in IMMOB vs. CTRL. CreaT protein was greater in Type I fibres in both limbs (P<0.01). CreaT was greater in IMMOB vs. CTRL (P < 0.01) and inversely associated with PCr concentration in both limbs (P < 0.05). MEM CreaT was greater than the INT CreaT in Type I and II fibres of both limbs (~14% for both; P<0.01 for both). Type I fibre CreaT tended to be greater in IMMOB vs. CTRL (P=0.074). CK was greater, and phospho-to-total AMPKThr172 tended to be greater, in IMMOB vs. CTRL (P=0.013 and 0.051, respectively). These findings suggest that modulation of intracellular creatine metabolism is an adaptive response to immobilisation in young healthy skeletal muscle.

Three-dimensional DNA tweezers serve as modular DNA intelligent machines for detection and regulation of intracellular microRNA

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as novel biological targets are hardly applied in diagnostic and treatment of diseases, as they are difficult to be accurately detected and regulated. Here, we demonstrated a modular DNA intelligent machine named three-dimensional tweezers (TD-tweezers) to image and regulate miRNAs in living cells simultaneously. Fluorophore or miRNA inhibitors are introduced as detecting or regulating parts to construct different types of TD-tweezers, and the conformational state of TD-tweezers is controlled by the target miRNAs. The TD-tweezers exhibit excellent sensitivity, specificity, stability, and biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, and their function of regulating miRNAs was confirmed by the up-regulated expression of downstream genes and proteins. Moreover, the TD-tweezers have been tested in whole blood, preliminarily verifying their clinical application potential. This design provides a multifunctional platform that can achieve efficient detection and regulation of targets within living cells and promote the development of DNA intelligent machines.

The experiences of health-care providers during the COVID-19 crisis in China: a qualitative study

Background

In the early stages of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hubei, China, the local health-care system was overwhelmed. Physicians and nurses who had no infectious disease expertise were recruited to provide care to patients with COVID-19. To our knowledge, no studies on their experiences of combating COVID-19 have been published. We aimed to describe the experiences of these health-care providers in the early stages of the outbreak.

Methods

We did a qualitative study using an empirical phenomenological approach. Nurses and physicians were recruited from five COVID-19-designated hospitals in Hubei province using purposive and snowball sampling. They participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews by telephone from Feb 10 to Feb 15, 2020. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Haase's adaptation of Colaizzi's phenomenological method.

Findings

We recruited nine nurses and four physicians. Three theme categories emerged from data analysis. The first was “being fully responsible for patients' wellbeing—‘this is my duty’”. Health-care providers volunteered and tried their best to provide care for patients. Nurses had a crucial role in providing intensive care and assisting with activities of daily living. The second category was “challenges of working on COVID-19 wards”. Health-care providers were challenged by working in a totally new context, exhaustion due to heavy workloads and protective gear, the fear of becoming infected and infecting others, feeling powerless to handle patients' conditions, and managing relationships in this stressful situation. The third category was “resilience amid challenges”. Health-care providers identified many sources of social support and used self-management strategies to cope with the situation. They also achieved transcendence from this unique experience.

Interpretation

The intensive work drained health-care providers physically and emotionally. Health-care providers showed their resilience and the spirit of professional dedication to overcome difficulties. Comprehensive support should be provided to safeguard the wellbeing of health-care providers. Regular and intensive training for all health-care providers is necessary to promote preparedness and efficacy in crisis management.

Funding

National Key R&D Program of China, Project of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education in China.

Effects of Propofol on Electrical Synaptic Strength in Coupling Reticular Thalamic GABAergic Parvalbumin-Expressing Neurons

Electrical synapses between neurons exhibit a high degree of plasticity, which makes critical contributions to neuronal communication. The GABAergic parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) interact with each other through electrical and chemical synapses. Plasticity of electrical synaptic transmission in TRN plays a key role in regulating thalamocortical and corticothalamic circuits and even the formation of consciousness. We here examined the effects of propofol, a commonly used general anesthetic agent, on the strength of electrical synapses between TRN PV+ neurons by fluorescence-guided patch-clamp recording and pharmacological methods. Results show that 100 μM propofol reduced the electrical synaptic strength between TRN PV+ neurons. Notably, the propofol-induced depression of electrical synaptic strength between TRN PV+ neurons was diminished by saclofen (10 μM, antagonist of GABA_B receptors), but not blocked by gabazine (10 μM, antagonist of GABA_A receptors). Application of baclofen (10 μM, agonist of GABA_B receptors), similar to propofol, also reduced the electrical synaptic strength between TRN PV+ neurons. Moreover, the propofol-induced depression of electrical synaptic strength between TRN PV+ neurons was abolished by 9-CPA (100 μM, specific adenylyl cyclase inhibitor), and by KT5720 (1 μM, selective inhibitor of PKA). Our findings indicate that propofol acts on metabotropic GABA_B receptors, resulting in a depression of electrical synaptic transmission of coupled TRN PV+ neurons, which is mediated by the adenylyl cyclase-cAMP-PKA signaling pathway. Our findings also imply that propofol may change the thalamocortical communication via inducing depression of electrical synaptic strength in the TRN.

Revealing the Rapid Electrocatalytic Behavior of Ultrafine Amorphous Defective Nb2O5-x Nanocluster toward Superior Li-S Performance

The notorious shuttling behaviors and sluggish conversion kinetics of the intermediate lithium polysulfides (LPS) are hindering the practical application of lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein, an ultrafine, amorphous, and oxygen-deficient niobium pentoxide nanocluster embedded in microporous carbon nanospheres (A-Nb₂O_5-x@MCS) was developed as a multifunctional sulfur immobilizer and promoter toward superior shuttle inhibition and conversion catalyzation of LPS. The A-Nb₂O_5-x nanocluster implanted framework uniformizes sulfur distribution, exposes vast active interfaces, and offers a reduced ion/electron transportation pathway for expedited redox reaction. Moreover, the low crystallinity feature of A-Nb₂O_5-x manipulates the LPS chemical affinity, while the defect chemistry enhances the intrinsic conductivity and catalytic activity for rapid electrochemical conversions. Attributed to these superiorities, A-Nb₂O_5-x@MCS delivers good Li-S battery performances, that is, high areal capacity of 6.62 mAh cm^-2 under high sulfur loading and low electrolyte/sulfur ratio, superb rate capability, and cyclability over 1200 cycles with an ultralow capacity fading rate of 0.024% per cycle. This work provides a synergistic regulation on crystallinity and oxygen deficiency toward rapid and durable sulfur electrochemistry, holding a great promise in developing practically viable Li-S batteries and enlightening material engineering in related energy storage and conversion areas.

Discovery of 4-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-(((4-methoxyphenethyl)amino)methyl)phenoxy)-N-phenylaniline as a novel c-myc inhibitor against colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo

Proto-oncogene c-Myc plays an essential role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), since downregulation of c-Myc inhibits intestinal polyposis, which is the most cardinal pathological change in the development of CRC. Herein, a series of novel phenoxy-N-phenylaniline derivatives were designed and synthesized. The cytotoxicity activities of all the derivatives were measured by MTT assay in different colon cancer cells, 4-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-(((4-methoxyphenethyl)amino)methyl)phenoxy)-N-phenylaniline (42) was discovered, the lead compound 42 with excellent cytotoxicity activity of IC₅₀ = 0.32 μM, IC₅₀ = 0.51 μM, in HT29 and HCT 15 cells, respectively. Compound 42 had a good inhibitory activity of c-Myc/MAX dimerization and DNA binding. Besides, compound 42 could effectively induce apoptosis and induced G2/M arrest in low concentration and G0/G1 arrest in high concentration to prevent the proliferation and differentiation in colon cancer cells. Western blot analysis confirmed the 42 strongly down-regulated expression of c-Myc. Furthermore, during 30 days treatment 42 exhibited excellent efficacy in HT29 tumor xenograft model without causing significant weight loss and toxicity. Consequently, 42 could be a promising drug candidate for CRC therapy.

Association between phthalate exposure and asthma risk: A meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Phthalates are ubiquitously found in numerous environments and have been related to a variety of adverse health effects. Previous studies have suggested that phthalate exposure is associated with asthma risk in humans; however, such findings are inconsistent.

METHODS

The aim of the present meta-analysis was to clarify the association between phthalate exposure and asthma risk. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science for relevant studies published up to January 5, 2020. Fixed-effects or random-effects models were applied to combine the results, and several subgroup analyses were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies containing more than 14,000 participants were included in the present study. A positive, significant association between mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) levels and asthma risk was found, and the overall odds ratio (OR) was 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-1.28, P-value for overall effect [P_z] = 0.001), with a low heterogeneity (P-value for heterogeneity [P_het] = 0.193, I² = 23.6%). The pooled ORs for mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) and mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) concentrations were 1.13 (95% CI: 1.03-1.24, P_z = 0.011) and 1.20 (95% CI: 1.00-1.42, P_z = 0.045), respectively. Children with high levels of MBzP or mono-(carboxynonyl) phthalate (MCNP) were suggested to have increased odds of asthma compared to older populations. In the subgroup analysis by study location, an increased risk for asthma in relation to levels of the sum of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (ΣDEHP) was observed in European studies (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.00-1.34, P_z = 0.048) compared to Asia and North America.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary levels of MBzP, MEHHP, MECPP, MCNP, and DEHP were positively related to asthma risk. No significant association was observed for the other phthalate metabolites in relation to asthma risk. Further research is needed to verify these findings and shed light on the molecular mechanism by which phthalates are associated with asthma.

Dynamic electrocatalyst with current-driven oxyhydroxide shell for rechargeable zinc-air battery

Recent fruitful studies on rechargeable zinc-air battery have led to emergence of various bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts, especially metal-based materials. However, their electrocatalytic configuration and evolution pathway during battery operation are rarely spotlighted. Herein, to depict the underlying behaviors, a concept named dynamic electrocatalyst is proposed. By selecting a bimetal nitride as representation, a current-driven “shell-bulk” configuration is visualized via time-resolved X-ray and electron spectroscopy analyses. A dynamic picture sketching the generation and maturation of nanoscale oxyhydroxide shell is presented, and periodic valence swings of performance-dominant element are observed. Upon maturation, zinc-air battery experiences a near two-fold enlargement in power density to 234 mW cm⁻², a gradual narrowing of voltage gap to 0.85 V at 30 mA cm⁻², followed by stable cycling for hundreds of hours. The revealed configuration can serve as the basis to construct future blueprints for metal-based electrocatalysts, and push zinc-air battery toward practical application.

Interest in rechargeable Zn-air batteries has been renewed in recent years, however, their oxygen electrocatalysts remain not fully understood. Here the authors reveal the presence of a current-driven oxyhydroxide shell in a so-called dynamic eletrocatalyst that enables optimized battery performance.

Polydatin promotes the neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo: Involvement of Nrf2 signalling pathway

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation represents a promising repair strategy following spinal cord injury (SCI), although the therapeutic effects are minimal due to their limited neural differentiation potential. Polydatin (PD), a key component of the Chinese herb Polygonum cuspidatum, exerts significant neuroprotective effects in various central nervous system disorders and protects BMSCs against oxidative injury. However, the effect of PD on the neuronal differentiation of BMSCs, and the underlying mechanisms remain inadequately understood. In this study, we induced neuronal differentiation of BMSCs in the presence of PD, and analysed the Nrf2 signalling and neuronal differentiation markers using routine molecular assays. We also established an in vivo model of SCI and assessed the locomotor function of the mice through hindlimb movements and electrophysiological measurements. Finally, tissue regeneration was evaluated by H&E staining, Nissl staining and transmission electron microscopy. PD (30 μmol/L) markedly facilitated BMSC differentiation into neuron‐like cells by activating the Nrf2 pathway and increased the expression of neuronal markers in the transplanted BMSCs at the injured spinal cord sites. Furthermore, compared with either monotherapy, the combination of PD and BMSC transplantation promoted axonal rehabilitation, attenuated glial scar formation and promoted axonal generation across the glial scar, thereby enhancing recovery of hindlimb locomotor function. Taken together, PD augments the neuronal differentiation of BMSCs via Nrf2 activation and improves functional recovery, indicating a promising new therapeutic approach against SCI.

Equity and efficiency of maternal and child health resources allocation in Hunan Province, China

BACKGROUND

A reasonable allocation of health resources is often characterized by equity and high efficiency. This study aims to evaluate the equity and efficiency of maternal and child health (MCH) resources allocation in Hunan Province, China.

METHODS

Data related to MCH resources and services was obtained from the Hunan maternal and child health information reporting and management system. The Gini coefficient and data envelopment analysis (DEA) were employed to evaluate the equity and efficiency of MCH resources allocation, respectively.

RESULTS

The MCH resources allocation in terms of demographic dimension were in a preferred equity status with the Gini values all less than 0.3, and the Gini values for each MCH resources' allocation in terms of the geographical dimension ranged from 0.1298 to 0.4256, with the highest values in the number of midwives and medical equipment (≥ CNY 10,000), which exceeds 0.4, indicating an alert of inequity. More than 40% regions in Hunan were found to be relatively inefficient with decreased return to scale in the allocation of MCH resources, indicating those inefficient regions were using more inputs than needed to obtain the current output levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The equity of MCH resources by population size is superior by geographic area and the disproportionate distribution of the number of medical equipment (≥ CNY 10,000) and midwives between different regions was the main source of inequity. Policy-makers need to consider the geographical accessibility of health resources among different regions to ensure people in different regions could get access to available health services. More than 40% of regions in Hunan were found to be inefficient, with using more health resources than needed to produce the current amount of health services. Further investigations on factors affecting the efficiency of MCH resources allocation is still needed to guide regional health plans-making and resource allocation.

HIV-Related Stress Experienced by Newly Diagnosed People Living with HIV in China: A 1-Year Longitudinal Study

This study explored the HIV-related stressors that people living with HIV (PLWH) commonly experience and express as stressful at the time of diagnosis and 1 year later. The factors associated with stress levels and whether social support would moderate the negative effects of stress on psychological health (depressive and anxiety symptoms) were also investigated. Newly diagnosed PLWH were consecutively recruited in this study. Participants rated their stress with the HIV/AIDS Stress Scale at baseline and 1 year later. Social support, depression, and anxiety were also self-reported at both time points. There were significant decreases in stress levels 1 year after diagnosis. Stressors regarding confidentiality, disclosure, emotional distress, fear of infecting others, and excessive attention to physical functions were the most problematic at baseline and 1-year follow-up. A younger age, married status, not living alone, less income, presence of HIV symptoms, and lack of social support were associated with higher levels of stress. No stress-buffering effect of social support on depressive and anxiety symptoms was found in this study. Interventions to reduce stress among PLWH should take into consideration the following priority stressors: confidentiality, discrimination/stigma, serostatus disclosure, distressing emotions, fear of infecting others, and excessive attention to physical functions. More attention should be paid to PLWH with younger age, not living alone, less income, presence of HIV symptoms, and lack of social support.

Time-Course Changes and Role of Autophagy in Primary Spinal Motor Neurons Subjected to Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation: Insights Into Autophagy Changes in a Cellular Model of Spinal Cord Ischemia

Spinal cord ischemia is a severe clinical complication induced by thoracoabdominal aortic surgery, severe trauma, or compression to the spinal column. As one of the most important functional cells in the spinal cord, spinal motor neurons (SMNs) suffer most during the process since they are vulnerable to ischemic injury due to high demands of energy. Previous researches have tried various animal models or organotypic tissue experiments to mimic the process and get to know the pathogenesis and mechanism. However, little work has been performed on the cellular model of spinal cord ischemia, which has been hampered by the inability to obtain a sufficient number of pure primary SMNs for in vitro study. By optimizing the isolation and culture of SMNs, our laboratory has developed an improved culture system of primary SMNs, which allows cellular models and thus mechanism studies. In the present study, by establishing an in vitro model of spinal cord ischemia, we intended to observe the dynamic time-course changes of SMNs and investigate the role of autophagy in SMNs during the process. It was found that oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) resulted in destruction of neural networks and decreased cell viability of primary SMNs, and the severity increased with the prolonging of the OGD time. The OGD treatment enhanced autophagy, which reached a peak at 5 h. Further investigation demonstrated that inhibition of autophagy exacerbated the injury, evidencing that autophagy plays a protective role during the process.

Abnormal DNA methylation patterns in patients with infection‑caused leukocytopenia based on methylation microarrays

The present study aimed to investigate the association between gene methylation and leukocytopenia from the perspective of gene regulation. A total of 30 patients confirmed as having post-infection leukocytopenia at People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region between January 2016 and June 2017 were successively recruited as the leukocytopenia group; 30 patients with post-infection leukocytosis were enrolled as the leukocytosis group. In addition, 30 healthy volunteers who received a health examination at the hospital during the same period were included as the normal control group. In each group, four individuals were randomly selected for whole genome methylation screening. After selection of key methylation sites, the remaining samples in each group were used for verification using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. The levels of serum complement factors C3 and C5 in the leukocytopenia group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups (P<0.05). According to whole-genome DNA methylation detection, 66 and 27 methylation loci may be associated with leukocytopenia and leukocytosis, respectively. Most of these abnormal loci are located on chromosomes 2, 6, 7, 1, 17 and 11. The rates of WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 gene methylation at cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG)_1, CpG_5/6 and CpG_7 in the leukocytopenia group were higher than in the other two groups (P<0.05); the rate of AKT2 CpG_1 methylation was higher in the leukocytopenia group than in the other two groups (P<0.05); the rate of calcium-binding atopy-related autoantigen 1 gene CpG_2 methylation was higher in the leukocytosis group than in the normal control group (P<0.05); and the rate of NADPH oxidase 5 gene CpG_3 methylation was higher in the leukocytosis group than in the normal control group (P<0.05). Chemotactic factor secretion and cell migration abnormalities, ubiquitination modification disorders and reduced oxidative burst may participate in infection-complicated leukocytopenia. The results of this study shed new light on the molecular biological mechanisms of infection-complicated leukocytopenia and provide novel avenues for diagnosis and treatment.

Facile In Situ Photochemical Synthesis of Silver Nanoaggregates for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Applications

Recently, photochemical synthesis has attracted wide interest on in situ preparing the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate with excellent performance, especially in a compact space and microfluidic channel. Herein, a facile, green and cost-effective approach to in situ photochemically synthesize silver nanoaggregates is demonstrated for SERS applications. By adjusting the photo-irradiation conditions, the morphologies and sizes of the silver nanoaggregates can be deliberately tailored. The synthesized silver nanoaggregates-based substrates exhibit a highly sensitive and reproducible SERS activity with a low detection limit of 10^-8 M for 4-Aminothiophenol detection and relative standard deviation of 12.3%, paving an efficient and promising route for in situ SERS-based rapid detection in the environmental monitoring and food quality control.

An ultraportable and versatile point-of-care DNA testing platform

Point-of-care testing (POCT) has broad applications in resource-limited settings. Here, a POCT platform termed POCKET (point-of-care kit for the entire test) is demonstrated that is ultraportable and versatile for analyzing multiple types of DNA in different fields in a sample-to-answer manner. The POCKET is less than 100 g and smaller than 25 cm in length. The kit consists of an integrated chip (i-chip) and a foldable box (f-box). The i-chip integrates the sample preparation with a previously unidentified, triple signal amplification. The f-box uses a smartphone as a heater, a signal detector, and a result readout. We detected different types of DNA from clinics to environment to food to agriculture. The detection is sensitive (<10³ copies/ml), specific (single-base differentiation), speedy (<2 hours), and stable (>10 weeks shelf life). This inexpensive, ultraportable POCKET platform may become a versatile sample-to-answer platform for clinical diagnostics, food safety, agricultural protection, and environmental monitoring.

A Variant in the NEDD4L Gene Associates With Hypertension in Chronic Kidney Disease in the Southeastern Han Chinese Population

BACKGROUND

"Neuronal precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated 4-like" (NEDD4L) is considered a candidate gene for hypertension-both functionally and genetically-through the regulation of the ubiquitination of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). This study explores the relationship between genetic variation in NEDD4L and hypertension with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the southeastern Han Chinese population.

METHODS

We recruited 623 CKD patients and measured ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and the rs4149601 and rs2288774 polymorphisms in NEDD4L were genotyped using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

For rs4149601, significant differences in genotype frequencies in an additive model (GG vs. GA vs. AA) were observed between normotensive patients and hypertensive patients when hypertension was classified into ambulatory hypertension, clinical hypertension, and ambulatory systolic hypertension (P = 0.038, 0.005, and 0.006, respectively). In a recessive model (GG + GA vs. AA), the frequency of the AA genotype of rs4149601 in the hypertension groups was all higher than that in the normotensive groups. The genotype distribution of rs2288774 did not differ significantly between the normotensive and hypertensive patients. In both the full cohort and the propensity score matching (PSM) cohort, the AA genotype of rs4149601 (compared with the GG + GA genotype group) was independently correlated with ambulatory hypertension, clinical hypertension, and ambulatory systolic hypertension by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that the AA genotype of rs4149601 associates with hypertension in CKD. Consequently, the rs4149601 A allele might be a risk factor for hypertension with CKD.

N-Propargyl caffeate amide (PACA) prevents cardiac fibrosis in experimental myocardial infarction by promoting pro-resolving macrophage polarization

Macrophages control the initiation and resolution of cardiac fibrosis in post-infarction cardiac remodeling. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether N-propargyl caffeate amide (PACA) could suppress myocardial fibrosis via regulating macrophage polarization. By using rat model of isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis, we discovered that PACA could reduce cardiac fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner. To elucidate the anti-fibrotic mechanisms, we examined whether PACA affected pro-inflammatory M1 and pro-resolving macrophage biomarkers in macrophage polarization. As result, PACA reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory M1 biomarkers (e.g., iNOS, TNF-α, CXCL10, IL-6, CCL2 and CD80) while increased the expression of pro-resolving M2a biomarkers (e.g., IL-10, arginase-1, FZZ1, YM-1 and CD163) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. PACA also suppressed the elevation of M1 biomarker ED1 in the early phase but up-regulated the expression of pro-resolving biomarker ED2 in the later phase. Moreover, PACA reduced the expression of pro-fibrotic TGF-β1 and PDGF-α while maintained or even increased the production of pro-apoptotic MMP-13, MMP-9 and TRAIL. Importantly, mechanistic studies revealed that PACA might promote the switch of macrophage polarization towards a pro-resolving macrophage phenotype via activating PPAR-γ pathway. Taken together, this study suggested that PACA might be a drug candidate for preventing cardiac fibrosis in myocardial infarction.

Serum homocysteine and folate concentrations in early pregnancy and subsequent events of adverse pregnancy outcome: the Sichuan Homocysteine study

Background

Hyperhomocysteinemia may be a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction. Folate and vitamin B12 regulate the homocysteine metabolic process. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between subsequent events of adverse pregnancy outcome and early variables of homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 in pregnant women.

Methods

This multicenter, retrospective, case–control study involved 563 pregnant women with adverse pregnancy outcome and 600 controls. Adverse pregnancy outcomes included one or more of the following events: preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. The associations between subsequent events of adverse pregnancy outcome and early variables of homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12; metabolic parameters; inflammatory markers; anthropometrics; and lifestyle habits at 11–12 weeks of gestation were analyzed using the logistic regression model.

Results

Compared to the lower quartile homocysteine concentrations, the upper quartile homocysteine concentrations were associated with preeclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight. On the contrary, the lower quartile folate concentrations were associated with preeclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight compared with the upper quartile folate concentrations. The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome increased progressively from the first to fourth homocysteine quartiles but decreased progressively from the first to fourth folate quartiles. After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that besides systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index and age, homocysteine (IV vs I quartile, aOR 5.89, 95% CI 4.08–8.51, P < 0.001), folate (IV vs I quartile, aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.25–0.50, P < 0.001), folate supplementation (yes vs no, aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35–0.86, P = 0.010) during early pregnancy were independently associated with subsequent events of adverse pregnancy outcome, and vitamin B12 was rejected. Of these, the homocysteine revealed the highest odds ratio in all risk variables, and folate showed the lowest odds ratio in all protective variables.

Conclusions

Higher homocysteine concentration and lower folate level during early pregnancy were associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. However, no association was found between vitamin B12 and adverse pregnancy outcome. Supplementation with folate in early pregnancy may reduce adverse pregnancy outcome.