Colony-stimulating factor 3 receptor gene (CSF3R) T618I mutated chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: A proliferative subtype with a distinct mutational profile

Introduction/Objective

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a myeloid neoplasm characterized by sustained monocytosis, ranging from cytopenia with a dysplastic subtype to leukocytosis with a proliferative subtype, with a typical mutational profile involving TET2, ASXL1, and SRSF2. Mutation in colony-stimulating factor 3 receptor gene (CSF3R) is commonly associated with chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) but exceedingly rare in CMML, particularly CSF3R T618I (~10 cases described, ~30 cases of CSF3R non-T618I mutations). We report a case of CSF3R T618I mutated CMML and compare the clinicopathologic features to reported CMML cases with and without CSF3R T618I mutations.

Methods/Case Report

A 27-year-old woman presented for evaluation of leukocytosis, sustained monocytosis, and anemia. Peripheral blood (PB) revealed leukocytosis (white cell count 35x109/L), left-shifted and dysplastic neutrophils (myelocytes and metamyelocytes, 5%), absolute and relative monocytosis (7x109/L, 29%), anemia (Hgb 4.3 g/dL), and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow aspirate and core biopsy demonstrated a hypercellular marrow with increased myeloblasts (~3%, immunophenotypically aberrant by flow cytometry), increased myelomonocytic cells, and multilineage dysplasia, including ring sideroblasts and hypolobated megakaryocytes. Cytogenetic and molecular studies revealed a normal karyotype and mutations in CSF3R T618I, ASXL1, SETBP1, BCORL1, KRAS, and PTPN11. Despite the presence of a CSF3R T618I mutation, CMML was diagnosed given marked monocytosis, left- shifted neutrophils in PB, multilineage dysplasia, and immunophenotypically aberrant myeloblasts.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

NA

Conclusion

Our case demonstrates clinicopathological features similar to those of reported CSF3R T618I mutated CMML, i.e., a proliferative subtype and less likely to have co-occurring mutations in TET2 or SRSF2, which is distinct from CSF3R non-T618I mutated CMML; the latter often has a dysplastic subtype and mutational profile of frequent TET2 and SRSF2 mutations, similar to CSF3R unmutated CMML. While additional cases with this unusual mutation need to be studied to arrive at a more definitive conclusion, the CSF3R T618I mutation seems to define a unique proliferative subtype CMML with a distinct mutational profile.

[Mid-and-long term follow-up of autogenous tibial periosteum-bone complex transplantation for treatment of cystic osteochondral lesion of talus]

Objective: To further clarify the mid-and-long term follow-up results of self-designed tibial periosteum-bone complex transplantation in the treatment of Hepple V osteochondral lesion of the talus(OLTs). Methods: The clinical data of 30 patients with Hepple V OLTs who received treatment in the Sports Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Military Medical University from October 2011 to January 2019 were analyzed. There were 19 males and 11 females with a mean age of (40±11) years. Patients were treated with autogenous tibial periosteum-bone complex transplantation and were followed up for at least 2 years. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, the visual analog scale score (VAS) of pain, the simplified symptomatology evaluation (SSE) and imaging results before the operation and at the follow-up were recorded and compared. Results: The cohort were followed-up for a mean of 63.9 months (range 24-110 months). Twenty-nine (96.7%) patients were satisfied with the curative effect. The FAOS score was improved from 53.5±6.2 preoperatively to 88.4±6.6 at the final follow-up (P<0.001). The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale improved from 61.6±8.2 preoperatively to 90.8±6.8 at the last follow-up (P<0.001). The VAS score decreased from 4.3±0.2 preoperative to 0.7±0.7 at the last follow-up (P<0.001). The SSE score was poor in 14 cases (46.7%), average in 16 cases (53.3%) before the operation; and it was excellent in 23 cases (76.7%), good in 6 cases (20%), average in 1 case (3.3%) at the last follow-up. Imaging examination showed cystic change cure rate was 83.3%, cartilage defects were completely infilled with repair tissue, which didn't show any signs of degeneration. However, repair tissue showed varying degrees of heterogeneous signal compared to the normal articular cartilage. Conclusion: The autograft of tibial periosteum-bone complex transplantation is a safe and feasible method for the treatment of osteochondral lesion of the talus in Hepple V type, with good mid-and-long term clinical effect.

Three Novel Structural Variations at MHC and IL12B Predisposing to Psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Structural variations (SVs, defined as DNA variants ≥50 bp) have been associated with various complex human diseases. However, research to screen the whole genome for SVs predisposing to psoriasis is still lacking.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the association of SVs and psoriasis.

METHODS

We performed a genome-wide screen on SVs using an imputation method on 5 independent cohorts with 45,386 subjects from the Chinese Han population. Fine mapping analysis, genetic interaction analysis and RNA expression analysis were conducted to explore the mechanism of SVs.

RESULTS

We obtained 4,535 SVs in total and identified 2 novel deletions (esv3608550, OR=2.73, P<2.00×10^-308 ; esv3608542, OR=0.47, P=7.40×10^-28 ) at 6q21.33 (MHC), 1 novel Alu element insertion (esv3607339, OR=1.22, P=1.18×10^-35 ) at 5q33.3 (IL12B), and confirmed 1 previously reported deletion (esv3587563, OR=1.30, P=9.52×10^-60 ) at 1q21.2 (LCE) for psoriasis. Fine mapping analysis including SNPs and small Insertions/Deletions (InDels) revealed that esv3608550 and esv3608542 were independently associated with psoriasis, and a novel independent SNP (rs9378188, OR=1.65, P=3.46×10^-38 ) was identified at 6q21.33. By genetic interaction analysis and RNA expression analysis, we speculate that the association of 2 deletions at 6q21.33 with psoriasis might relate to their influence on the expression of HLA-C.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study constructed the most comprehensive SV map for psoriasis thus far and enriched the genetic architecture and pathogenesis of psoriasis as well as highlighted the nonnegligible impact of SVs on complex diseases.

Identification of RNA silencing suppressor encoded by wheat blue dwarf (WBD) phytoplasma

Plants possess an innate immune system for defence against pathogens. In turn, pathogens have various strategies to overcome complex plant defences. Among diverse pathogens, phytoplasmas are associated with serious diseases in a range of species. RNA silencing serves as an efficient defence system against pathogens in eukaryotes but can be interrupted by RNA silencing suppressors (RSSs) encoded by pathogens. Currently, many RSSs have been identified in viruses, bacteria, oomycetes and fungi. Phytoplasmas are pathogens in several hundred plant species. In this research, 37 candidate effectors of wheat blue dwarf (WBD) phytoplasma were screened for presence of RSS. Agro-infiltration assay, yeast expression system, floral-dip method for constructing transgenic A. thaliana, Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used for identification of RNA silencing suppressors. SWP16 encoded by WBD phytoplasma was found to be a secretory protein that inhibited accumulation of GFP siRNA and led to the accumulation of GPF mRNA in systemic N. benthamiana 16c. Furthermore, in A. thaliana SWP16 inhibited production of miRNAs, which are components of RNA silencing. SWP16 also promoted infection of potato virus X. We conclude that SWP16 encoded by WBD phytoplasma was an RSS, suppressing systemic RNA silencing. This is the first evidence that a phytoplasma encodes an RSS and provides a theoretical basis for research on the interaction mechanisms between pathogens and plants.

[Bax inhibitor-1 inhibits calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Bax inhibitor-1(BI-1)on calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs).

METHODS

VSMCs were isolated from the thoracic aorta of SD rats.VSMCs or BI-1-overexpressing VSMCs(transfected with a BI-1-overexpressing plasmid) were cultured in normal medium or calcified medium containing β-glycerophosphate and calcium chloride, and the cell calcification was examined with Alizarin red staining.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the intracellular calcium content and alkaline phosphatase activity.The expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and caspase-3 were detected with Western blotting.

RESULTS

After 14 days of culture in the calcified medium, the VSMCs showed significantly reduced expression of BI-1 protein(P=0.001).BI-1 overexpression in the VSMCs caused a significant reduction of calcium level and alkaline phosphatase activities(P=0.0006) and lowered the expression levels of RUNX2 and BMP-2 (P=0.0001) in the cells.The VSMCs with induced calcification exhibited a significantly increased apoptosis rate, but BI-1 overexpression obviously inhibited VSMC apoptosis in the calcified medium (P=0.0003).

CONCLUSION

BI-1 may attenuate vascular calcification by inhibiting calcium deposition, osteogenic differentiation and apoptosis.

Long term immunity against Peste Des Petits Ruminants mediated by a recombinant Newcastle disease virus vaccine

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and often fatal disease of sheep and goats. Conventional live vaccines have been successfully used in endemic countries however, there are not completely safe and not allowing differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals (DIVA). In this study, a recombinant Newcastle disease virus (NDV) expressing the hemagglutinin of PPRV (NDV-PPRVH) was evaluated on small ruminants by serology response in sheep and goats, experimental infection in goats and immunity duration in sheep. The NDV-PPRVH vaccine injected twice at 28 days' interval, provided full protection against challenge with a virulent PPR strain in the most sensitive species and induced significant neutralizing antibodies. Immunological response in goats was slightly higher than sheep and the vaccine injected at 10^8.0 50 % egg infective dose/mL allowed anti-PPRV antibodies that lasted at least 12 months as shown by antibody response monitoring in sheep. The NDV vector presented a limited replication in the host and vaccinated animals remained negative when tested by cELISA based on PPRV nucleoprotein allowing DIVA. This recombinant vaccine appears to be a promising candidate in a free at risk countries and may be an important component of the global strategy for PPR eradication.

Development of solid state terahertz interferometer for the first plasma on HL-2M tokamak

A solid state terahertz interferometer has been developed on the recent commissioned HL-2M tokamak. It can work in a wide frequency region of 220-325 GHz, and the terahertz wave is generated from a low frequency phase locked voltage controlled oscillator with the frequency multiplying technique. A phase processor based on field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology is designed for the heterodyne interferometer, and it contributes to real-time display of electron density. To extract phase information, a novel numerical algorithm related to fast Fourier transform is written on the FPGA chip and enables one to obtain phase shift without being affected by amplitude variation induced by plasma absorption or frequency modulation from the outer electromagnetic environment. The interferometer achieves minimum measurable electron density in the order of 10¹⁶ m^-3. With the plasma diagnosis, electron density and low frequency tearing mode have been measured during the first experimental campaign.

Estimation of dietary tryptophan requirement for laying duck breeders: effects on productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, reproductive organ and ovarian follicle development and serum biochemical indices

This study aimed to determine the dietary tryptophan (Trp) requirement for laying duck breeders. A total of 504 Longyan duck breeders (body weight: 1.20 ± 0.02 kg) aged 22 wk were randomly allocated to 6 treatments, each with 6 replicates of 14 ducks. During the next 16 wk, birds were fed the basal diet with total Trp contents of 1.00, 2.00, 3.00, 4.00, 5.00 and 6.00 g/kg, respectively. Dietary Trp levels increased egg production, egg mass and feed intake of duck breeders from 22 to 37 wk (P < 0.05), and there were linear and quadratic effects of Trp level (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) quadratically decreased with dietary Trp levels (P < 0.05). Dietary Trp levels decreased (P < 0.05) egg albumen height and Haugh unit at wk 8 or 12, and the responses were linear and quadratic (P < 0.05). The body weight of breeders, absolute and relative weight of oviduct, number and total weight of preovulatory follicles (POF), and its proportion relative to ovarian weight were increased (P < 0.05), and the responses were linear (P < 0.01) and quadratic (P < 0.001). Ovarian weight increased quadratically (P < 0.05), and the mean weight of POF increased (P < 0.05), linearly and quadratically. The proportion of small yellow follicles relative to ovary weight decreased (P < 0.01) linearly and quadratically. At wk 16 of the trial period, the serum albumin content and alanine aminotransferase activity decreased (P < 0.05) and the creatinine content increased (P < 0.01) linearly and quadratically. The Trp requirements were estimated to be 3.14 g/kg for optimizing egg production, 2.93 g/kg for egg mass, and 2.92 g/kg for FCR. Overall, dietary Trp levels (1 to 6 g/kg) affected productive performance, egg quality, reproductive organ and ovarian follicle development, and serum biochemical indices of layer duck breeders, and a diet containing 2.9 to 3.1 g Trp per kg feed was adequate during the laying period (22 to 37 wk of age).

[Application of DNA origami in nanobiomedicine]

The development of DNA nanotechnology make it possible to artificially generate complex nucleic acid nanostructures with controllable sizes and shapes. DNA origami emerges as an effective and versatile approach to construct two- and three-dimensional programmable nanostructures, and represents a milestone in the development of structural DNA nanotechnology. Due to its high degree of controllable geometry, spatial addressability, easy chemical modification and good biocompatibility, DNA origami has great potentials for applications in many fields. In this review, we briefly summarize the applications of DNA origami in antigen-antibody interaction, targeted drug delivery and the synthesis of biomaterials.

[Early clinical efficacy analysis of personalized three-dimensional printing talus prosthesis in the treatment of collapse talus necrosis]

Object To examine the preliminary clinical efficacy of custom-made three-dimensional(3D) printed talus prosthesis in the treatment of collapse talus necrosis. Methods: The clinical data of 8 patients who received 3D printed custom-made talus prostheses replacement for severe collapsed necrosis of the talus at the Orthopaedic Sports Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital to Army Medical University were analyzed retrospectively.All patients were male,with an average age of 38.0 years (range:22 to 65 years).There were 5 cases of left talus collapse and 3 cases of right talus collapse,with the course of disease of 29.7 weeks (range:6 to 96 weeks).The CT data of contralateral healthy talus were used for mirror image design references for the prosthesis,and the electron-beam 3D printing technology was used to prepare the prosthesis.Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) was taken as the material for the preparation of the talus body prosthesis,and Co-Cr-Mo material was used as the material for the preparation of the tibialis talus lateral joint surface prosthesis,and the subtalar joint surface of the prosthesis was made from a microporous casting technique.The prosthesis was analyzed preoperatively by digital three-dimensional finite element analysis and solid comparison techniques to measure anatomic match of the prosthesis.A longitudinal incision on medial ankle was made.The necrotic talus was completely removed and the prosthesis was then implanted.The patient was reexamined in the outpatient department 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.Primary outcome measures were the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS) ankle-hind foot score,visual analogue scale(VAS) and ankle range of motion.Changes in imaging data and plantar pressure were also assessed.Repeated measures analysis of variance and paired-t test were used to compare the data. Results: The talus prosthesis measure preoperatively was completely consistent with that contralateral healthy talus and there was no operation-related complication. All the wounds healed primarily. The patients were followed up effectively for 23.17 months (range:12 to 48 months).The preoperative dorsiflexion of patients was (7.6±5.7)°,it increased to(14.2±6.6)° at 12 month after surgery (t=-2.67,P=0.03).The plantar flexion increased from (22.0±9.9)°preoperatively to (29.2±8.7)° at 12 month after surgery (t=-8.95,P<0.01).Preoperative AOFAS ankle-hind foot score was 26.3±6.6,and it increased to 70.1±2.2,76.0±3.4 and 79.3±4.2 at 3 month,6 month and 12 month after surgery(F=56.81,P<0.01);Pre-operative VAS was[M(Q_R)]3.0(0.8),and it increased to 2.5(1.0),1.5(1.0),1.0(1.0)at 3 month,6 month and 12 month after surgery(F=20.00,P<0.01).At the last follow-up,imaging reexamination showed that the prosthesis of all patients were in stable position with no sign of subsidence.No secondary ankle fusion or revision was required.The talus height increased from (27.6±6.0)mm preoperatively to (34.6±3.5)mm (t=-2.94,P<0.01).The plantar pressure showed that the maximum pressure on the healthy ankle was(629.9±26.1)N,and that on the affected side was(521.4±14.4)N.The pressure on the healthy ankle was(350.6±29.6)N,and that on the necrotic side was (212.3±9.7)N.The load on the contralateral forefoot was(38.1±2.8)% and that on the necrotic side was(11.5±2.0)%.The load on the contralateral hindfoot was (24.6±2.5)% and that on the necrotic side was (21.1±1.8)%. Conclusions: The custom-made 3D printed talus prosthesis could restore the talus anatomy,recover the ankle joint function,relieve the pain of patients and improve the life quality of patients.The effect on plantar pressure is mainly achieved by adjusting the center of gravity of plantar pressure backwards and the increase of weight bearing of the healthy foot.

Lactobacillus strains derived from human gut ameliorate metabolic disorders via modulation of gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acids metabolism

Regulation on gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are believed to be a pathway to suppress the development of metabolic syndrome. In this study, three Lactobacillus strains derived from the human gut were investigated for their effects on alleviation of metabolic disorders. These strains were individually administered to metabolic disorder rats induced by high-fat-high-sucrose (HFHS) diet. Each strain exhibited its own characteristics in attenuating the impaired glucose-insulin homeostasis, hepatic oxidative damage and steatosis. Correlation analysis between SCFAs and host metabolic parameters suggested that Lactobacillus protective effects on metabolic disorders are partly mediated by recovery of SCFAs production, especially the faecal acetic acid. Correspondingly, it indicated that probiotics restore the gut microbiota dysbiosis in different extent, thereby protect against metabolic disorders in a manner that is associated with microbiota, but not totally reverse the changed composition of microbiota to the normal state. Thus, Lactobacillus strains partly protect against diet-induced metabolic syndrome by microbiota modulation and acetate elevation.

Absent Cortical Venous Filling Is Associated with Aggravated Brain Edema in Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Predicting malignant cerebral edema can help identify patients who may benefit from appropriate evidence-based interventions. We investigated whether absent cortical venous filling is associated with more pronounced early brain edema, which leads to malignant cerebral edema.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large-vessel occlusion in the MCA territory who presented between July 2017 and September 2019 to our hospital were included. Collateral filling was rated using the modified Tan scale on CTA, and good collaterals were defined as a score of 2-3. The Cortical Vein Opacification Score (COVES) was calculated, and absent cortical venous filling was defined as a score of 0. Early brain edema was determined using net water uptake on baseline CT images. Malignant cerebral edema was defined as a midline shift of ≥5 mm on follow-up imaging or a massive cerebral swelling leading to decompressive hemicraniectomy or death. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were performed to analyze data.

RESULTS

A total of 163 patients were included. Net water uptake was significantly higher in patients with absent than in those with favorable cortical venous filling (8.1% versus 4.2%; P < .001). In the multivariable regression analysis, absent cortical venous filling (β = 2.04; 95% CI, 0.75-3.32; P = .002) was significantly and independently associated with higher net water uptake. Absent cortical venous filling (OR, 14.68; 95% CI, 4.03-53.45; P < .001) and higher net water uptake (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05-1.58; P = .016) were significantly associated with increased likelihood of malignant cerebral edema.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with absent cortical venous filling were associated with an increased early brain edema and a higher risk of malignant cerebral edema. These patients may be targeted for optimized adjuvant antiedematous treatment.

The true incidence of chromosomal mosaicism after preimplantation genetic testing is much lower than that indicated by trophectoderm biopsy

STUDY QUESTION

What is the true incidence of chromosomal mosaicism in embryos analyzed by preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).

SUMMARY ANSWER

The true incidence of chromosomal mosaicism is much lower than we usually surmise.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

In recent years, contemporary methods for chromosome analysis, along with the biopsy of more than one cell, have given rise to an increased rate of chromosomal mosaicism detection after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. However, the exorbitant incidence of mosaicism represents a dilemma and imposes restrictions on the application of PGT treatment. Concern has been raised about the possibility that the incidence of chromosomal mosaicism is overestimated and quite a few of the results are false-positive errors. However, studies verifying the diagnosis of chromosomal mosaicism and assessing the true incidence of chromosomal mosaicism are limited.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A total of 1719 blastocysts from 380 patients who underwent PGT treatment were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the typical incidence of mosaicism. Then 101 embryos donated by 70 couples were re-biopsied and dissected into three portions if available: trophectoderm (TE), inner cell mass (ICM), and the remaining portions. All the portions were tested using next-generation sequencing (NGS), and the results were compared to the original diagnosis.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The setting for this study was a university-affiliated center with an in-house PGT laboratory. All samples were amplified with multiple annealing and looping-based amplification cycles (MALBACs) and the NGS was carried out on a Life Technologies Ion Proton platform.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

A clinical TE biopsy revealed an incidence of 11.9% for diploid-aneuploid mosaicism (DAM), 17.3% for aneuploid mosaicism (AM) and 29.1% in total. After rebiopsy, 94.1% whole-chromosome aneuploidies and 82.8% segmental-chromosome aneuploidies were confirmed in the embryos. As for the mosaic errors, only 32 (31.7%) out of 101 embryos presented with uniform chromosomal aberrations in agreement with the original biopsy results, 15 (14.8%) embryos presented with de novo chromosomal aberrations, and 54 (53.5%) embryos showed a euploid profile in all portions. Among the 32 uniform embryos, the true mosaicism was confirmed in only 4 cases, where a reciprocal chromosomal aberration was identified; 14 embryos presented with identical mosaicism, providing the moderate evidence for true mosaicism; and 14 embryos displayed uniform full aneuploidies in all portions of embryo, revealing a high-grade mosaicism or a false-negative diagnosis. Logistical regression analysis revealed that the concordance rate with ICM was associated with the type and level of mosaicism. The concordance rate of segmental-chromosome mosaicism was significantly lower than whole-chromosome mosaicism (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 5.137 (1.061, 24.876), P = 0.042) and compared to DAM, the concordance rate of AM was significantly higher (aOR: 6.546 (1.354, 31.655), P = 0.019). The concordance rate also increased with increasing levels of mosaicism (P < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

This study was limited by a small sample size and the use of a single whole-genome amplification (WGA) method and NGS platform. These findings are only applicable to samples subjected to MALBAC amplification and Ion Proton platform, and studies involving larger sample sizes and multiple WGA methods and NGS platforms are required to prove our findings.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

TE biopsy is reliable to detect whole-chromosome aneuploidies, but the ability to diagnose mosaicism is doubtful. More attention should be paid to false-positive and false-negative errors in NGS-based PGT, especially for laboratories using less stringent criteria for mosaicism classification (i.e. 20-80%), which might be subject to a much higher false-positive mosaicism rate in the practice.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was supported by grants from the National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2016YFC1000206-5) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81701509).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Exploring the phytochemical variation of non-volatile metabolites within three South African Salvia species using UPLC-MS fingerprinting and chemometric analysis

The South African Salvia species, Salvia africana-lutea, S. lanceolata and S. chamelaeagnea, are widely used to treat fever and inflammation associated with skin and lung infections. The aim of this study was to explore the non-volatile secondary metabolites and the phytochemical variation within these lesser known species, to support product development and commercialisation. Chemical profiles of the methanol extracts of 81 wild-harvested samples were obtained using ultra performance-quadrupole-Time-of-Flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-qToF-MS). Forty-one compounds, including caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, carnosol, carnosic acid and ursolic acid, were detected and confirmed across the three species. Nineteen compounds were tentatively identified of which 14 have not been reported in these species. Principal component analysis revealed distinct clusters corresponding to the three species, confirming chemical differences. Marker compounds for each species were revealed using orthogonal projection to latent structures-discriminant analysis. Further chemometric analysis reflected a degree of intraspecies variation, although the chemistry within populations was mostly conserved. Potential chemotypes for each species were identified through unique compounds associated with each group. The concentrations of medicinally important metabolites, namely, rosmarinic acid, carnosol, carnosic acid and ursolic acid, were determined, using validated UPLC-PDA methods. Ursolic acid was present at levels up to 38.2 mg/g, confirming that these species are a rich source of this compound. No similar studies combining liquid chromatography with chemometric analysis, and utilising a large sample size from various habitats, have been reported for these three Salvia species. The results will guide selection of cultivars with the best attributes for the intended therapeutic application, thereby protecting wild populations from over-exploitation.

T1rho mapping of cartilage and menisci in patients with hyperuricaemia at 3 T: a preliminary study

AIM

To compare and assess T_1rho values of the femorotibial cartilage compartments and subregional menisci in patients with hyperuricaemia at 3 T.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients were enrolled in the study and were subdivided into two subgroups: 15 healthy controls (three women, 12 men; mean age = 45.3 ± 10.9 years, age range 25-72 years) and 17 patients with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia (two women, 15 men; mean age = 44.4 ± 12.7 years, age range 26-77 years). All patients were evaluated using 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using an eight-channel phased-array knee coil (transmit-receive). Wilcoxon's rank sum test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were conducted to determine whether there were any statistically significant differences in the T_1rho values of the femorotibial cartilage compartments and subregional menisci between the two subgroups.

RESULTS

Lateral tibial cartilage (45.8 ± 2.9 ms) in the healthy subgroup had significantly lower (p<0.05) T_1rho values than those of all subcompartments of the femorotibial cartilage in the hyperuricaemia subgroup. The lateral femoral cartilage (LF) in hyperuricaemia (54.6 ± 3.9 ms) subgroup had significantly higher (p<0.05) T_1rho values than those of all subcompartments of the femorotibial cartilage except the LF in the healthy subgroup. Significantly higher (p<0.05) T_1rho values existed in the LF of the healthy (54.6 ± 4.7 ms) subgroup in comparison with those of all subcompartments of femorotibial cartilage except the LF in hyperuricaemia subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

T_1rho values in certain compartments of the femorotibial cartilage in patients with hyperuricaemia are elevated compared to those in healthy patients presumably due to reduced proteoglycan content, to which particular attention should be paid when diagnosing and treating the patients with hyperuricaemia in a clinical setting.

Responses of growth, photosynthesis and related physiological characteristics in leaves of Acer ginnala Maxim. to increasing air temperature and/or elevated O3

Regional warming and atmospheric ozone (O₃ ) pollution are two of the most important environmental issues, and commonly coexist in many areas. Both factors have an intense impact on plants. However, little information is available on the combined and interactive effects of air warming and elevated O₃ concentrations on physiological characteristics of plants. To explore this issue, we studied variations in growth, photosynthesis and physiological characteristics of leaves of Acer ginnala seedlings exposed to control (ambient temperature and O₃ ), increasing air temperature (ambient temperature + 2 °C), elevated O₃ (ambient O₃ concentration + 40 ppb) and a combination of the two abiotic factors at different phenological stages by using open-top chambers. The results showed that increasing air temperature had no significant effect on growth, but increased photosynthesis and antioxidant enzyme activity at the leaf unfolding and defoliation stages. In contrast, elevated O₃ decreased growth and photosynthesis and caused oxidative stress injury in A. ginnala leaves at each phenological stage. The combination of increasing air temperature and elevated O3 improved growth and net photosynthetic rates of tested plants and alleviated the oxidative stress compared to O₃ alone. Our findings demonstrated that moderate warming was beneficial to A. ginnala at leaf unfolding and defoliation stages, and alleviated the adverse effects of O₃ stress on growth, photosynthesis and the antioxidant system. These results will provide a theoretical reference and scientific basis for the adaptation and response of A. ginnala under regional air warming and atmospheric O₃ pollution.

Enhanced removal of cadmium from wastewater with coupled biochar and Bacillus subtilis

Shortcomings of individual biochar or microbial technologies often exist in heavy metal removal from wastewater and may be circumvented by coupled use of biochar and microorganisms. In this study, Bacillus subtilis and each of three biochars of different origins (corn stalk, peanut shell, and pine wood) were coupled forming composite systems to treat a cadmium (Cd, 50 mg/L) wastewater formulated with CdCl₂ in batch tests. Biochar in composite system enhanced the activity and Cd adsorption of B. subtilis. Compared with single systems with Cd removal up to 33%, the composite system with corn stalk biochar showed up to 62% Cd removal, which was greater than the sum of respective single B. subtilis and biochar systems. Further analysis showed that the removal of Cd by the corn stalk composite system could be considered to consist of three successive stages, that is, the biochar-dominant adsorption stage, the B. subtilis-dominant adsorption stage, and the final biofilm formation stage. The final stage may have provided the composite system with the ability to achieve prolonged steady removal of Cd. The biochar-microorganism composite system shows a promising application for heavy metal wastewater treatment.

Factors associated with long-term haemoptysis recurrence after transarterial embolisation for haemoptysis

OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with long-term haemoptysis recurrence after transarterial embolisation (TAE) for haemoptysis due to bronchiectasis.METHODS: Patients with haemoptysis due to bronchiectasis who underwent TAE between May 2010 and May 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Long-term haemoptysis recurrence was defined as the expectoration of >10 mL/day of fresh blood (for at least 1 day) 1 month after TAE. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for long-term haemoptysis recurrence after TAE.RESULTS: A total of 197 patients (108 women; mean age, 61.0 ± 12.2 years) were included in the study. TAE was performed successfully in all patients. Side effects occurred in 43 (21.8%) patients, and all patients recovered uneventfully. During 37.6 ± 11.6 months of follow-up, long-term haemoptysis recurrence occurred in 41 (20.8%) patients; the mean interval between the TAE and haemoptysis recurrence was 21.4 ± 16.3 months. Long-term haemoptysis recurrence after TAE was associated with a history of haemoptysis (OR 3.483, 95% CI 1.373-8.836; P = 0.009).CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one fifth patients with bronchiectasis had long-term haemoptysis recurrence after TAE. Risk factor for long-term haemoptysis recurrence after TAE was a history of haemoptysis.

Zhuyu Annao decoction promotes angiogenesis in mice with cerebral hemorrhage by inhibiting the activity of PHD3

Some traditional Chinese decoctions, such as Zhuyu Annao, exert favorable therapeutic effects on acute cerebral hemorrhage, hemorrhagic stroke, and other neurological diseases, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether Zhuyu Annao decoction (ZYAND) protects the injured brain by promoting angiogenesis following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and elucidate its specific mechanism. The effect of ZYAND on the nervous system of mice after ICH was explored through behavioral experiments, such as the Morris water maze and Rotarod tests, and its effects on oxidative stress were explored by detecting several oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR and WB were used to detect the effects of ZYAND on the levels of prolyl hydroxylase domain 3 (PHD3), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the brain tissues of mice. The effect of ZYAND on the NF-κB signaling pathway was detected using a luciferase reporter gene. A human umbilical cord vascular endothelial cell angiogenesis experiment was performed to determine whether ZYAND promotes angiogenesis. The Morris water maze test and other behavioral experiments verified that ZYAND improved the neurobehavior of mice after ICH. ZYAND activated the PHD3/HIF-1α signaling pathway, inhibiting the oxidative damage caused by ICH. In angiogenesis experiments, it was found that ZYAND promoted VEGF-induced angiogenesis by upregulating the expression of HIF-1α, and NF-κB signaling regulated the expression of HIF-1α by inhibiting PHD3. ZYAND exerts a reparative effect on brain tissue damaged after ICH through the NF-κB/ PHD3/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling axis.

[Spatiotemporal distribution and related factors of congenital syphilis in Guangdong province from 2005 to 2017: a spatial panel data analysis]

Objective: To explore the spatiotemporal distribution and macro-related factors of congenital syphilis in Guangdong province and provide suggestions and recommendations for prevention. Methods: Yearly reported cases of syphilis and some influencing factor data of Guangdong province were collected from 2005 to 2017. The spatiotemporal distribution of congenital syphilis was described. Meanwhile, the spatial panel data model was constructed to analyze the relationship between the incidence rates of congenital syphilis and related factors. Results: From 2005 to 2017, 13 361 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in Guangdong province. The number of congenital syphilis cases rose to its highest point during 2005-2011. A slow downward trend followed. The peaks of incidence were observed from August to December. The incidence of the non-Pearl River Delta region has experienced a process of rising first and then decreasing. The spatial panel data model results showed that congenital syphilis had significant positive spatial autocorrelation (P<0.001). The incidence of primary and secondary syphilis in women (β=0.822,P<0.001), gross domestic product per capita (β=3.511,P<0.001), net migrate rate (β=0.215,P=0.047) and maternal system management rate(β=0.017,P=0.021) were all positively correlated with the incidence rates of congenital syphilis. Registered population density (β=-1.167,P<0.001) and prenatal examination rate (β=-0.038,P=0.031) was negatively correlated with congenital syphilis. Conclusions: The incidence of congenital syphilis was spatially aggregated in Guangdong province from 2005 to 2017. The intensity of prevention might be strengthened in cities with developed economies and high net migration rates, which have high risks of congenital syphilis. Controlling the incidence of primary and secondary syphilis in women and increasing the prenatal examination rate for pregnant women appears effective prevention measures of congenital syphilis.

Complexation reduces nickel toxicity to purple sea urchin embryos (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus), a test of biotic ligand principles in seawater

The potential for Ni toxicity in seawater is of concern because of mining and processing activities in coastal regions. Determining Ni speciation is vital to understanding and predicting Ni toxicity and for bioavailability-based nickel risk assessment. The goal of this study was to characterize the complexation of Ni in relation to toxicity using embryological development of purple sea urchin (S. purpuratus). It was predicted that free ion [Ni2+] would be a better predictor of toxicity than total dissolved Ni concentrations (NiD). Synthetic ligands with known logKf values (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), tryptophan (TRP), glutamic acid (GA), histidine (HD), and citric acid (CA)) were used to test the assumptions of the biotic ligand model (BLM) for Ni in seawater. [NiD] was measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) and Ni2+ was first quantified using the ion-exchange technique (IET) and then concentrations were measured by GFAAS; [Ni2+] was also estimated using aquatic geochemistry modelling software (Visual Minteq). The mean EC50 values for [NiD] in unmodified artificial seawater control was 3.6 µM (95% CI 3.0-4.5) [211 µg/L 95% CI 176-264] and the addition of ligands provided protection, up to 6.5-fold higher [NiD] EC50 for EDTA. Compared to the control, measured EC50 values based on total dissolved nickel were higher in the presence of ligands. As predicted by BLM theory, [Ni2+] was a better predictor of Ni toxicity with 17% variability in EDTA and CA media while there was 72% variability in the prediction of Ni toxicity with total dissolved Ni. The results of this research provide support for the application of BLM- based prediction models for estimating Ni impacts in seawater.

[Attach importance to the standardized diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder carcinoma]

Gallbladder carcinoma,characterized by concealed onset,rapid development,and poor prognosis,needs to be valued by clinicians.The key to improving its prognosis remains early diagnosis and standardized therapy.Improving the sensitivity and accuracy of hematological and imaging diagnosis and early detection of specific molecular diagnostic targets for gallbladder cancer are helpful for early diagnosis and treatment.It is of great importance to emphasize on intraoperative reassessment and select the correct surgical procedures.It is the primary condition for increasing the R0 radical resection rate and improving the prognosis that prudentially carrying out laparoscopic radical resection and referring to standardized resection of cancer foci and regional lymph node removal.In the future,guided by concepts of oncology,comprehensive treatment of multiple modes,containing surgery,chemotherapy,targeted,immune and biological therapy,is the development trend of gallbladder cancer treatment,which requires high-quality clinical research and interdisciplinary cooperation.

Histology-based profile of inflammatory mediators in experimentally induced pulpitis in a rat model: screening for possible biomarkers

Aim

To profile molecular changes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced experimental pulpitis in a rat model and explore the feasibility of a molecular‐based diagnostic strategy for pulpitis.

Methodology

Seventy‐three maxillary incisors of Sprague‐Dawley rats were used to establish pulpitis models with LPS. Inflammatory grading was performed in four equal sections of the pulp divided from the injured site to the root apex. An antibody array was used to compare the expression of 67 molecules between control pulp and inflamed pulp 12 and 72 h after LPS application. The levels of differentially expressed molecules in the control and inflamed pulp (collected at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 72 h after LPS treatment) were examined via ELISA, and correlations between inflammatory scores and molecule expression were assessed. The molecule distributions in the pulp were investigated by immunofluorescence staining. Data were analysed with paired t‐test, one‐way anova, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlations with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils were observed in the injured site 3 h after LPS stimulation. Inflammatory infiltration peaked at 12 h and was limited to the injured site with osteodentine deposition at 72 h. Thirteen molecules were significantly differentially expressed between the control and LPS‐injured pulp. ELISA validated that tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) expression dramatically peaked at 12 h (compared with other time points, P < 0.05) and returned to baseline at 72 h. The TIMP‐1 concentration was strongly correlated with inflammation severity in the apical three‐quarters of the pulp, and the strongest correlation was found in the lower‐middle quarter (r = 0.786, P < 0.001). Immunofluorescence staining revealed that in the apical three‐quarters of the pulp, TIMP‐1 expression was significantly higher in the 12 h group than in the control and 3, 6, 24 and 72 h groups (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study provides a molecular profile of LPS‐induced pulpitis in a rat model. TIMP‐1 had a strong positive correlation with the severity of dental pulp inflammation, verifying the feasibility of applying biomarkers to identify specific pathological conditions in pulpitis.

Relationship between miR-375 regulating Ndrg2/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and diabetic retinopathy in rats

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-375 in regulating the N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (Ndrg2)/interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty Sprague- Dawley rats were randomly divided into Control group (n=10), Model group (n=10), and miR-375 inhibitor group [miR-375 small interfering RNA (siRNA) group, n=10]. The rats in Model group were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) via the tail vein to prepare into rat models of diabetes. The body weight, fasting blood glucose, and retinal barrier permeability of rats in each group were detected. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in rat serum were measured using kits. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to determine the apoptosis of optic ganglion cells in rat retinal tissues. Additionally, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of Ndrg2, IL-6 and STAT3 in rat retinal tissues were detected via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with Control group, Model group had reduced body weight of rats, increased blood glucose and retinal permeability of rats, raised serum MDA content, decreased SOD activity, up-regulated apoptotic rate of optic ganglia, and notably elevated mRNA and protein levels of Ndrg2, IL-6 and STAT3 in retinal tissues. Compared with those in Model group, the body weight of rats declined, the blood glucose of rats rose, the retinal permeability of rats was decreased significantly, the serum MDA content was reduced, the SOD activity was raised, the apoptotic rate of optic ganglia was decreased, and the mRNA and protein levels of Ndrg2, IL-6 and STAT3 in retinal tissues were also decreased significantly in miR-375 siRNA group.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-375 inhibitors are able to reduce blood glucose, retinal permeability, and optic ganglion apoptosis in rats with DR, and the mechanism of action may be related to the regulation on the Ndrg2/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

MiR-24 inhibits oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation after spinal injury by targeting adrenal medulla

OBJECTIVE

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) differentiate into oligodendrocytes (OLs) that provide nutrients to neurons. Adrenal medulla is (ADM) involved in nerve damage. MiR-24 participates in various diseases. However, the regulation and mechanism of miR-24 in oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation after spinal injury is unclear. MATERIALS  AND METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into sham operation group and model group. Real Time-PCR detects miR-24, PDGFRa and NG2 and MBP expression. OPC cells were cultured and divided into control group, miR-24 group, and si-miR-24 group followed by analysis of miR-24 expression by Real Time-PCR, expression of PDGFRa, NG2 and MBP by Western blot, as well as ADM content and secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Expression of miR-24, PDGFRa, and NG2 was increased in the model group and MBP and ADM expression was decreased with increased secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α. Compared with control group, the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Upregulation of miR-24 promoted the expression of PDGFRa and NG2, decreased MBP and ADM level, and increased IL-6 and TNF-α secretion. Compared with control group, the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Downregulation of miR-24 reversed the above changes, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-24 expression is increased in spinal injury. Upregulation of miR-24 expression reduces adrenal medulla expression and inhibits oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation.

Relationship between inflammatory factors and arrhythmia and heart rate variability in OSAS patients

OBJECTIVE

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction, apnea, and hypopnea, associated with decreased oxygen saturation and disturbed sleep structure during sleep. It was found that OSAS was associated with a variety of arrhythmia and conduction disorders, but the relationship between multiple types of arrhythmia and the severity of OSAS, and its possible mechanism remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to observe the main types of arrhythmia and the condition of heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with OSAS, to detect the levels of multiple inflammatory factors in serum of OSAS patients, and to observe the correlation between polysomnographic parameters or inflammatory factors, and arrhythmia or HRV, as well as its possible mechanisms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

141 patients with suspected OSAS were collected in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and Xinghua People's Hospital from February 2016 to February 2018. According to the sleep apnea hypopnea index (AHI), they were divided into control group (AHI <5, n = 34), mild-moderate OSAS group (5≤ AHI <30, n = 48), and severe OSAS group (AHI ≥30, n = 59). Clinical data such as gender and age were collected. All patients completed polysomnography (PSG), 24-hour Holter monitoring and blood routine, biochemical indexes and serum hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β testing. The indicators in the three groups were compared, and the correlation between PSG parameters, HRV and inflammatory biomarkers was investigated.

RESULTS

Compared with control group, there were significant differences in age, sex ratio, BMI, uric acid, TC, and TG in the mild-moderate OSAS group (p<0.05), and in age, sex ratio, BMI, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, uric acid, FBS, TC, TG, LDL, and HDL in severe OSAS group (p<0.05). There were significant differences in gender ratio, BMI, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, uric acid, FBS, TC, TG, LDL, and HDL between mild-moderate OSAS group and severe OSAS group (p<0.05). Heart rate variability (HRV) parameters include SDNN, SDNN index, RMSSD, PNN50, LF, HF, and LF/HF. SDNN, PNN50, and HF in severe OSAS group and mild-moderate OSAS group were significantly lower than those in control group (p<0.05). LF/HF was significantly higher than that of control group (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in PNN50, HF, and LF/HF between severe OSAS group and mild-moderate OSAS group (p<0.05). In terms of inflammation, serum hs-CRP was significantly higher in mild-moderate OSAS group and severe OSAS group than that in control group (p<0.05). Serum IL-1β was significantly higher in mild-moderate OSAS group than that in severe OSAS group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in other indicators (p>0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between hs-CRP and oxygen reduction index (ODI) (r=0.209, p=0.013) and a significant negative correlation with PNN50 (r=-0.188, p=0.025). There is no significant correlation between other indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic inflammatory reactions existed in patients with OSAS. With the increase of OSAS, inflammation was aggravated, especially serum hs-CRP. Hs-CRP was significantly and negatively correlated with PNN50 and positively correlated with ODI. The results suggested that the inflammatory response was involved in the occurrence of heart rate variability in OSAS patients.

Potentially preventable hospitalisations for physical health conditions in community mental health service users: a population-wide linkage study

AIMS

Mental health (MH) service users have increased prevalence of chronic physical conditions such as cardio-respiratory diseases and diabetes. Potentially Preventable Hospitalisations (PPH) for physical health conditions are an indicator of health service access, integration and effectiveness, and are elevated in long term studies of people with MH conditions. We aimed to examine whether PPH rates were elevated in MH service users over a 12-month follow-up period more suitable for routine health indicator reporting. We also examined whether MH service users had increased PPH rates at a younger age, potentially reflecting the younger onset of chronic physical conditions.

METHODS

A population-wide data linkage in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, population 7.8 million. PPH rates in 178 009 people using community MH services in 2016-2017 were compared to population rates. Primary outcomes were crude and age- and disadvantage-standardised annual PPH episode rate (episodes per 100 000 population), PPH day rate (hospital days per 100 000) and adjusted incidence rate ratios (AIRR).

RESULTS

MH service users had higher rates of PPH admission (AIRR 3.6, 95% CI 3.5-3.6) and a larger number of hospital days (AIRR 5.2, 95% CI 5.2-5.3) than other NSW residents due to increased likelihood of admission, more admissions per person and longer length of stay. Increases were greatest for vaccine-preventable conditions (AIRR 4.7, 95% CI 4.5-5.0), and chronic conditions (AIRR 3.7, 95% CI 3.6-3.7). The highest number of admissions and relative risks were for respiratory and metabolic conditions, including chronic obstructive airways disease (AIRR 5.8, 95% CI 5.5-6.0) and diabetic complications (AIRR 5.4, 95% CI 5.1-5.8). One-quarter of excess potentially preventable bed days in MH service users were due to vaccine-related conditions, including vaccine-preventable respiratory illness. Age-related increases in risk occurred earlier in MH service users, particularly for chronic and vaccine-preventable conditions. PPH rates in MH service users aged 20-29 were similar to population rates of people aged 60 and over. These substantial differences were not explained by socio-economic disadvantage.

CONCLUSIONS

PPHs for physical health conditions are substantially increased in people with MH conditions. Short term (12-month) PPH rates may be a useful lead indicator of increased physical morbidity and less accessible, integrated or effective health care. High hospitalisation rates for vaccine-preventable respiratory infections and hepatitis underline the importance of vaccination in MH service users and suggests potential benefits of prioritising this group for COVID-19 vaccination.

FAM96A knock-out promotes alternative macrophage polarization and protects mice against sepsis

Sepsis is an intractable clinical syndrome characterized by organ dysfunction when the body over-responds to an infection. Sepsis has a high fatality rate and lacks effective treatment. Family with sequence similarity 96 member A (FAM96A) is an evolutionarily conserved protein with high expression in the immune system and is related to cytosolic iron assembly and tumour suppression; however, research has been rarely conducted on its immune functions. Our study found that Fam96a-/- mice significantly resisted lesions during sepsis simulated by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or endotoxicosis models. After a challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or infection, Fam96a-/- mice exhibited less organ damage, longer survival and better bacterial clearance with decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines. While screening several subsets of immune cells, FAM96A-expressing macrophages as the key cell type inhibited sepsis development. In-vivo macrophage depletion or adoptive transfer experiments abrogated significant differences in the survival of sepsis between Fam96a-/- and wild-type mice. Results of the bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) polarization experiment indicated that FAM96A deficiency promotes the transformation of uncommitted monocytes/macrophages (M0) into M2 macrophages, secreting fewer proinflammatory cytokines. FAM96A may mediate an immunometabolism shift - from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis - in macrophages during sepsis, mirrored by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glucose uptake. These data demonstrate that FAM96A regulates inflammatory response and provide a novel genomic insight for sepsis treatment.

Comparison of heat transfer in natural and forced circulation under rolling motion

A comparative analysis of heat transfer characteristic in pulsating flow induced by rolling motion under natural circulation and forced circulation condition was performed. Variation of local and average heat transfer characteristics with rolling motion were also investigated. The results show that the natural circulation time-averaged heat transfer characteristic is enhanced by rolling motion. However, the variation of time-averaged heat transfer characteristic of forced circulation is not significant. In addition, the relationship between the relative pulsation amplitude of Reynolds number and Nusselt number does not present predominant difference in natural and forced circulation conditions.