[Association between serum lysophosphatidylcholine level and elderly health index in older people from longevity areas of Guangxi Province]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between serum lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) level and the health index of the elderly. Methods: A total of 251 subjects were selected from the 2016 baseline survey of the Yongfu Longevity Cohort in Guangxi Province among whom 66, 63 and 122 were in the young and middle-aged group (≤59 years old), the young group (60-89 years old) and the longevity group (≥90 years old), respectively. Demographic data were collected and related indicators of height, weight, blood pressure and lipid metabolism were measured. The cognitive and physical functions of the elderly were assessed by the results of the simple mental state scale and the daily living activity scale to construct the health index of the elderly. The serum levels of LPC16∶0, LPC18∶0, LPC18∶1 and LPC18∶2 were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the differences among different ages and health status groups were compared. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between the serum LPC level and the health index of the elderly. Results: With the increase in age, the proportion of female subjects increased, and the rate of smoking and drinking decreased. BMI, TC, TG, LDL-C, diastolic blood pressure, and the four LPCs levels decreased with the increase of age, and systolic blood pressure levels increased with the increase of age (all P values<0.05). There was no significant difference in HDL-C levels among age groups (P>0.05). With the decline of health status in the elderly, serum levels of LPC16∶0, LPC18∶0, LPC18∶1 and LPC18∶2 showed a downward trend (all P values<0.001). After adjusting for age and gender, only LPC18∶0 was associated with the health status in old age [OR (95%CI): 0.48 (0.25-0.92)]. For every 1 standard deviation (16.87 nmol/L) increase in serum LPC18∶0 concentration, the risk of poor health status in old age decreased by 52%. Conclusion: Serum LPC18∶0 was associated with the health status in old age independent of age and sex.

[Research progress on main disease-related factors of healthy life expectancy]

International research on healthy life expectancy (HALE) focuses on inequality of socioeconomic status and individual natural attributes. With the acceleration of population ageing and the increase in average life expectancy, the extension of unhealthy life expectancy and the increase of social and economic burden caused by diseases have gradually attracted the attention of countries around the world. Therefore, the evaluation of disease factors affecting HALE is a meaningful direction in the future. This study introduces the development process and commonly used measurement methods of HALE. According to the definition of health from the Global Burden of Disease Study and World Health Organization, physical and mental diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, malignant tumors and depression were selected to summarize the impact of these diseases and pre-disease states on HALE. It is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of relevant public health policies and the improvement of quality of life in China.

Preventative effect of TSPO ligands on mixed antibody-mediated rejection through a Mitochondria-mediated metabolic disorder

BACKGROUND

Immune-mediated rejection was the major cause of graft dysfunction. Although the advances in immunosuppressive agents have markedly reduced the incidence of T-cell-mediated rejection after transplantation. However, the incidence of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) remains high. Donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) were considered the major mediators of allograft loss. Previously, we showed that treatment with 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) ligands inhibited the differentiation and effector functions of T cells and reduced the rejection observed after allogeneic skin transplantation in mice. This study we further investigate the effect of TSPO ligands on B cells and DSAs production in the recipients of mixed-AMR model.

METHODS

In vitro, we explored the effect of treatment with TSPO ligands on the activation, proliferation, and antibody production of B cells. Further, we established a heart-transplantation mixed-AMR model in rats. This model was treated with the TSPO ligands, FGIN1-27 or Ro5-4864, to investigate the role of ligands in preventing transplant rejection and DSAs production in vivo. As TSPO was the mitochondrial membrane transporters, we then investigated the TSPO ligands effect on mitochondrial-related metabolic ability of B cells as well as expression of downstream proteins.

RESULTS

In vitro studies, treatment with TSPO ligands inhibited the differentiation of B cells into CD138⁺CD27⁺ plasma cells; reduced antibodies, IgG and IgM, secretion of B cells; and suppressed the B cell activation and proliferation. In the mixed-AMR rat model, treatment with FGIN1-27 or Ro5-4864 attenuated DSA-mediated cardiac-allograft injury, prolonged graft survival, and reduced the numbers of B cells, including IgG⁺ secreting B cells, T cells and macrophages infiltrating in grafts. For the further mechanism exploration, treatment with TSPO ligands inhibited the metabolic ability of B cells by downregulating expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 and proteins in complexes I, II, and IV of the electron transport chain.

CONCLUSIONS

We clarified the mechanism of action of TSPO ligands on B-cell functions and provided new ideas and drug targets for the clinical treatment of postoperative AMR.

Making waves: Why do we need ultra-permeable nanofiltration membranes for water treatment?

Over the last few decades, developing ultra-permeable nanofiltration (UPNF) membranes has been a focus research area to support NF-based water treatment. Nevertheless, there have been ongoing debates and doubts on the need for UPNF membranes. In this work, we share our perspectives on why UPNF membranes are desired for water treatment. We analyze the specific energy consumption (SEC) of NF processes under various application scenarios, which reveals the potential of UPNF membranes for reducing SEC by 1/3 to 2/3 depending on the prevailing transmembrane osmotic pressure difference. Furthermore, UPNF membranes could potentially enable new process opportunities. Vacuum-driven submerged NF-modules could be retrofitted to existing water/wastewater treatment plants, offering lower SEC and lower cost compared to conventional NF systems. Their use in submerged membrane bioreactors (NF-MBR) can recycle wastewater into high-quality permeate water, which enables energy-efficient water reuse in a single treatment step. The ability for retaining soluble organics may further extend the application of NF-MBR for anaerobic treatment of dilute municipal wastewater. Critical analysis of membrane development reveals huge rooms for UPNF membranes to attain improved selectivity and antifouling performance. Our perspective paper offers important insights for the future development of NF-based water treatment technology, which could potentially lead to a paradigm shift in this burgeoning field.

Repurposing niclosamide as a novel anti-SARS-Cov-2 drug by restricting entry protein CD147

Background The burst of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing the global COVID-19 pandemic. But until today only limited numbers of drugs are discovered to treat COVID-19 patients. Even worse, the rapid mutations of SARS-CoV-2 compromise the effectiveness of existing vaccines and neutralizing antibodies due to the increased viral transmissibility and immune escape. CD147-spike protein, one of the entries of SRAR-CoV-2 into host cells, has been reported as a promising therapeutic target for developing drugs against COVID-19. Methods CRISPR-Cas9 induced gene knockout, western blotting, tet-off protein overexpression, ribonucleoprotein IP and RNA-IP were used to confirm the regulation of HuR on mRNA of CD147. Regulation of niclosamide on HuR nucleo-translocation was assessed by immunofluorescence staining of cell lines, IHC staining of tissue of mouse model and western blotting. Finally, the suppression of niclosamide on SARS-CoV-2 infection induced CD147 was evaluated by ACE2-expressing A549 cells and western blotting. Results We first discovered a novel regulation mechanism of CD147 via the RNA-binding protein HuR. We found that HuR regulates CD147 post-transcription by directly bound to its 3'-UTR. The loss of HuR reduced CD147 in multiple cell lines. Niclosamide inhibited CD147 function by blocking HuR cytoplasmic translocation and diminishing CD147 glycosylation. SARS-CoV-2 infection induced CD147 in ACE2-expressing A549 cells, which could be neutralized by niclosamide in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion Together, our study reveals a novel regulation mechanism of CD147 and niclosamide can be repurposed as an effective COVID-19 drug by targeting the virus entry, CD147-spike protein.

SMYD2 Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Switching and Intimal Hyperplasia via Interaction with Myocardin

The SET and MYND domain-containing protein 2 (SMYD2) is a histone lysine methyltransferase that has been reported to regulate carcinogenesis and inflammation. However, its role in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) homeostasis and vascular diseases has not been determined. Here, we investigated the role of SMYD2 in VSMC phenotypic modulation and vascular intimal hyperplasia and elucidated the underlying mechanism. We observed that SMYD2 expression was downregulated in injured carotid arteries in mice and phenotypically modulated VSMCs in vitro. Using a SMC-specific Smyd2 knockout mouse model, we found that Smyd2 ablation in VSMCs exacerbates neointima formation after vascular injury in vivo. Conversely, Smyd2 overexpression inhibits VSMC proliferation and migration in vitro and attenuates arterial narrowing in injured vessels in mice. Smyd2 downregulation promotes VSMC phenotypic switching accompanied with enhanced proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, genome-wide transcriptome analysis and loss/gain-of-function studies revealed that SMYD2 up-regulates VSMC contractile gene expression and suppresses VSMC proliferation and migration, in part, by promoting expression and transactivation of the master transcription cofactor myocardin. In addition, myocardin directly interacts with SMYD2, thereby facilitating SMYD2 recruitment to the CArG regions of SMC contractile gene promoters and leading to an open chromatin status around SMC contractile gene promoters via SMYD2-mediated H3K4 methylation. Hence, we conclude that SMYD2 is a novel regulator of VSMC contractile phenotype and intimal hyperplasia via a myocardin-dependent epigenetic regulatory mechanism and may be a potential therapeutic target for occlusive vascular diseases.

Role of spleen density in predicting postoperative complications in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening surgical emergency with a poor prognosis. This study assessed the association of diffuse reduction of spleen density (DROSD) with postoperative complications and identified risk factors for adverse outcomes in AMI patients after surgery.

METHODS

Patients who were diagnosed with AMI and underwent surgical operations between April 2006 and July 2021 were enrolled. Spleen density was assessed using preoperative non-enhanced computed tomography. The lowest quartile of spleen density in all patients was regarded as the cutoff value for DROSD. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the risk factors related to postoperative outcomes after surgery.

RESULTS

According to the diagnostic cutoff, patients with a spleen density ≤49.07 HU were defined as DROSD. In a cohort of 97 patients, 34.0% developed complications within 30 days of surgery. The multivariate analysis illustrated that DROSD was an independent risk factor for prognostic outcomes in AMI patients after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Patients with low spleen density were prone to postoperative complications. As an imaging method, preoperative assessment of spleen density is a novel predictor that can be used clinically to identify high-risk AMI patients with poor prognosis.

Identification of ZBTB4 as an immunological biomarker that can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 4 (ZBTB4) belongs to the zinc finger protein family, which has a role in regulating epigenetic inheritance and is associated with cell differentiation and proliferation. Previous studies have identified aberrant ZBTB4 expression in cancer and its ability to modulate disease progression, but studies on the immune microenvironment, immunotherapy and its role in cancer are still lacking.

METHODS

Human pan-cancer and normal tissue transcriptome data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The pan-cancer genomic alteration landscape of ZBTB4 was investigated with the online tool. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the prognostic significance of ZBTB4 in pancreatic cancer. In parallel, ZBTB4 interacting molecules and potential functions were analyzed by co-expression and the correlation between ZBTB4 and immune cell infiltration, immune modulatory cells and efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy was explored. Next, we retrieved the Gene Expression Omnibus database expression datasets of ZBTB4 and investigated ZBTB4 expression and clinical significance in pancreatic cancer by immunohistochemical staining experiments. Finally, cell experiments were performed to investigate changes in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion following overexpression and knockdown of ZBTB4.

FINDINGS

ZBTB4 showed loss of expression in the majority of tumors and possessed the ability to predict cancer prognosis. ZBTB4 was closely related to the tumor immune microenvironment, immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy efficacy. ZBTB4 had good diagnostic performance for pancreatic cancer in the clinic, and ZBTB4 protein expression was lost in pancreatic cancer tumor tissues. Cell experiments revealed that overexpression of ZBTB4 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, while silencing ZBTB4 showed the opposite effect.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, ZBTB4 is present in pancreatic cancer with aberrant expression and is associated with an altered immune microenvironment. We show that ZBTB4 is a promising marker for cancer immunotherapy and cancer prognosis and has the potential to influence pancreatic cancer progression.

Short-term acute bright light exposure induces a prolonged anxiogenic effect in mice via a retinal ipRGC-CeA circuit

Light modulates mood through various retina-brain pathways. We showed that mice treated with short-term acute bright light exposure displayed anxiety-related phenotypes in a prolonged manner even after the termination of the exposure. Such a postexposure anxiogenic effect depended upon melanopsin-based intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) activities rather than rod/cone photoreceptor inputs. Chemogenetic manipulation of specific central nuclei demonstrated that the ipRGC-central amygdala (CeA) visual circuit played a key role in this effect. The corticosterone system was likely to be involved in this effect, as evidenced by enhanced expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) protein in the CeA and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and by the absence of this effect in animals treated with the GR antagonist. Together, our findings reveal a non-image forming visual circuit specifically designed for "the delayed" extinction of anxiety against potential threats, thus conferring a survival advantage.

Simple bio-inspired coating of ureteral stent for protein and bacterial fouling and calcium encrustation control

Encrustation, caused by deposition of calcium and magnesium salts present in urine, is a common problem of indwelling urinary devices, such as ureteral stent. Encrustation was also found to be related to urinary tract infections; thus, it is necessary to prepare ureteral stents with antibacterial and antifouling surfaces to mitigate the occurrence of encrustation. In this study, commercial ureteral stent was coated with polydopamine (PDA), formed from self-polymerization of dopamine. The PDA coating was optimized in terms of dopamine concentration, pH, and coating time using response surface methodology. The chosen response parameters for optimization were calcium oxalate (CaC₂ O₄ ) encrustation and protein adsorption. Optimized PDA coating conditions were determined to be the following: pH 9.0, 2 mg/mL DA, and 3 days coating. The optimized PDA-coated ureteral stent exhibited outstanding resistance against CaC₂ O₄ encrustation, protein fouling, and bacterial adhesion due to its hydrophilic and functional coating layer. In comparison with the pristine ureteral stent, PDA coating was able to suppress approximately 97% and 87% of CaC₂ O₄ and protein adsorption, respectively. The PDA-coated ureteral stent was compared against those of commercially available ureteral stents and found to have superior encrustation and protein fouling mitigation performance. Finally, PDA coating was found to be highly stable for a storage period of 90 days, whether stored in wet or dry conditions.

[Diosmetin regulates intestinal immune balance by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling to relieve 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced Crohn's disease-like colitis in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of diosmetin on 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced Crohn's disease (CD)-like colitis in mice.

METHODS

Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were randomized into control group, TNBS-induced CD-like colitis group (TNBS group) and 50 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 diosmetin-treated group (n=8). Disease activity (DAI) scores, body weight changes, histological scores, colon lengths and colon mucosal levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17A were measured to evaluate the severity of colitis. The changes of T lymphocyte subsets (Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg) in the mesenteric lymph nodes were analyzed by flow cytometry. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to analyze the effect of diosmetin on PI3K/AKT pathway.

RESULTS

Compared with TNBS group, diosmetin treatment significantly lowered DAI scores, histological scores, body weight loss and colon mucosal levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17A (P < 0.05) and increased the colon length of the rat models, but these improvements did not reach the control levels (P < 0.05). Diosmetin significantly lowered the percentages of Th1/Th17 cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes in TNBS-treated mice, which remained higher than the control levels (P < 0.05); The percentages of Th2/Treg cells were significantly higher in diosmetin group than in TNBS group (P < 0.05) and the control group (P < 0.05). Network pharmacologic analysis identified 46 intersection targets of diosmetin and CD, and among them AKT1, EGFR, SRC, ESR1, MMP9 and PTGS2 were the top 6 core targets. GO and KEGG analyses showed that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was closely related with the therapeutic effect of diosmetin on CD-like colitis. Molecular docking suggested strong binding of diosmetin to the key core targets. Diosmetin significantly reduced the levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT in the colon mucosa in TNBS-treated mice (P < 0.05), but their levels remained higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Diosmetin ameliorates TNBS-induced CDPlike colitis in mice possibly by regulating Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg balance to improve intestinal immune disorder through inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling.

The sensitive mobility of Cr in ashes studied by SiO2-Al2O3-Fe2O3-CaO system

Since incineration is a feasible method for stabilization/solidification of chromium (Cr)-enriched wastes, the species, distribution, and mobility of Cr in ashes deserve more studies, especially as the function of ash composition. Synthetic Cr-bearing ashes (SAs) were synthesized by SiO₂-Al₂O₃-Fe₂O₃-CaO systems to investigate Cr mobility under 1100 °C. A study from simplicity to complexity. The Cr in SiO₂-CaO is of high mobility with CrO₄^2- formation, in contrary to the moderate mobility in SiO₂-Al₂O₃ and poor mobility in SiO₂-Fe₂O₃. However, species and mobility of Cr are affected by the values of CaO/SiO₂, Al₂O₃/SiO_2, and Fe₂O₃/SiO₂ ratios. When other oxides are added to the two-phase systems above, the fate of Cr is affected more considerably. With the SiO₂ content of 70%, adding a slight amount of CaO (<10%) strengthens the stabilization/solidification of Cr, due to the favorable solid integration under Ca²⁺ fusion. However, the Cr mobility is higher with increasing the CaO content further. The minimum content of CaO is ∼20% to sufficiently decrease the proportion of residual Cr (QCr-S5) in SiO₂-Al₂O₃-CaO, much lower than in SiO₂-Fe₂O₃-CaO, which confirms the easier release of Cr immobilized in Si-Al matrixes. Considering the opposite effects of Fe₂O₃ and CaO on Cr mobility, increasing Fe₂O₃/CaO ratios >3/2 can limit the effect of CaO, leading to the efficient stabilization/solidification of Cr waste. Additionally, the QCr-S5 is 83% with the Fe₂O₃ content of 15% in SiO₂-Al₂O₃-Fe₂O₃, higher than in SiO₂-Al₂O₃ and SiO₂-Fe₂O₃. This suggests the intense stabilization/solidification of Cr, probably due to the formation of amorphous Fe-rich glass. Based on these above, an equation is developed to describe the relationship between ash compositions and QCr-S5 (QCr-S5 = -39.37X₁ + 24.96X₂ + 5.34X₃ - 2.51X₄ + 54.29).

Identification of cuproptosis hub genes contributing to the immune microenvironment in ulcerative colitis using bioinformatic analysis and experimental verification

Instruction

Ulcerative colitis (UC) can cause a variety of immune-mediated intestinal dysfunctions and is a significant model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Colorectal cancer (CRC) mostly occurs in patients with ulcerative colitis. Cuproptosis is a type of procedural death that is associated with different types of diseases to various degrees.

Methods

We used a combination of bioinformatic prediction and experimental verification to study the correlation between copper poisoning and UC. We used the Gene Expression Omnibus database to obtain disease gene expression data and then identified relevant genes involved in various expression levels in normal and UC samples. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis was performed to cluster the genes that are highly responsible and find the central interaction in gene crosstalk. Notably, DLD, DLAT, and PDHA1 were present in high-scoring PPI networks. In addition, hub gene expression information in UC tissues was integrated to estimate the relationship between UC copper poisoning and the immune environment.

Results

In our study, the expression of DLD, DLAT, and PDHA1 in UC tissues was lower than that in normal tissues. The key genes associated with cuproptosis have therapeutic effects on immune infiltration. We verified the expression of DLD, DLAT, and PDHA1 using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in mouse models of UC induced by DSS.

Discussion

Notably, this study clearly indicates that bioinformatic analysis performed to verify the experimental methods provides evidence that cuproptosis is associated with UC. This finding suggests that immune cell infiltration in UC patients is associated with cuproptosis. The key genes associated with cuproptosis can be helpful for discovering the molecular mechanism of UC, thus facilitating the improvement of UC treatment and preventing the associated CRC.

SCF-FBXL8 contributes to liver metastasis and stem-cell-like features in colorectal cancer cells by mediating ubiquitination and degradation of TP53

BACKGROUND

FBXL8 is a conserved F-box protein, belonging to the ubiquitin ligase complex, which promotes the development and progression of tumours. However, the regulation function and mechanism of FBXL8's involvement in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear.

METHODS

RT-PCR is used to detect gene expression levels. Protein levels were determined by western blotting and flow cytometry. The bindings of FBXL8 and p53 and ubiquitination levels were detected by cell transfection and immunoprecipitation. The transwell assay was used to measure the ability of cells to migrate and invade. Animal studies were used to verify the function of FBXL8 in vivo.

RESULTS

The expression of FBXL8 was up-regulated in CRC tissues, and its overexpression was associated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. The up-regulation of FBXL8 promoted the proliferation, invasion and migration of CRC tumour cells and maintained the stem-cell characteristics of colorectal tumour cells. Further analysis demonstrated that FBXL8 targeted p53 and reduced its stability through ubiquitination. Knockout of FBXL8 down-regulated the proliferation, migration and stem-like properties of tumour cells. CRC mouse xenograft tumour model confirmed that FBXL8 gene knockout inhibited tumour formation and liver metastasis.

CONCLUSION

FBXL8 was highly expressed in CRC. Mechanism studies have shown that FBXL8 degraded tumour suppressor gene p53 by ubiquitination. FBXL8 knockout inhibited the proliferation and stem characteristics of CRC cells, so SCF-FBXL8-TP53 has potential to be used as a therapeutic target for CRC in subsequent studies.

Effects of montmorillonite on the adsorption of Fe(II) by ferrihydrite and its phase transformation at different pH

Recently, there has been a clear understanding of the mechanism and influencing factors of ferrihydrite (Fh) phase transformation catalyzed by Fe(II); however, these factors mainly belong to environmental conditions and exogenous substances. And there is a lack of research on the effect of soil composition and structure on the phase transformation of Fh. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of montmorillonite (Mt) on the adsorption of Fe(II) and phase transformation of Fh under near-neutral pH. The initial rates ([Formula: see text]) of Elovich equation demonstrated the addition of Mt inhibited the adsorption of Fh but simultaneously accelerated the initial adsorption, thus increasing the adsorption of the system (e.g., 22.09-25.03 mg/g as increased Mt under pH 6.5) due to its high surface charge density. Increased pH enhances the surface charge density by promoting the deprotonation of the surface group (Fe-OH, Al-OH, and Si-OH) and consequently increases adsorption of Fe(II) (e.g., 17.97-22.09 mg/g as increased pH of pure Fh). Based on the previous method of extracting labile Fe(III), we found that pH promotes the initial formation of labile Fe(III) by increasing electron transfer and promoting recrystallization caused by bridging condensation, via increased -OH. Although Mt inhibits the adsorption of Fh, it promotes the formation of labile Fe(III) by increasing the system adsorption and bond with Fh. The results of the analysis of variance showed both pH and solid ratio influence significantly on the maximum adsorption (p = 6.81 × 10^-9 and 2.54 × 10^-3) and the conversion ratios of labile Fe(III) (p = 3.43 × 10^-24 and 9.16 × 10^-43).

Bioinformatics analysis and verification of hub genes in 46,XY, disorders of sexual development

CONTEXT

46,XY, disorders of sexual development (46,XY, DSD) is a congenital genetic disease whose pathogenesis is complex and clinical manifestations are diverse. The existing molecular research has often focused on single-centre sequencing data, instead of prediction based on big data.

AIMS

This work aimed to fully understand the pathogenesis of 46,XY, DSD, and summarise the key pathogenic genes.

METHODS

Firstly, the potential pathogenic genes were identified from public data. Secondly, bioinformatics was used to predict pathogenic genes, including hub gene analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) and function enrichment analysis. Lastly, the genomic DNA from two unrelated families were recruited, next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to verify the hub genes.

KEY RESULTS

A total of 161 potential pathogenic genes were selected from MGI and PubMed gene sets. The PPI network was built which included 144 nodes and 194 edges. MCODE 4 was selected from PPI which scored the most significant P -value. The top 15 hub genes were ranked and identified by Cytoscape. Furthermore, three variants were found on SRD5A2 gene by genome sequencing, which belonged to the prediction hub genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that occurrence of 46,XY, DSD is attributed to a variety of genes. Bioinformatics analysis can help us predict the hub genes and find the most core network MCODE model.

IMPLICATIONS

Bioinformatic predictions may provide a novel perspective on better understanding the pathogenesis of 46,XY, DSD.

A clinically translatable kit for MRI/NMI dual-modality nanoprobes based on anchoring group-mediated radiolabeling

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/nuclear medicine imaging (NMI) dual-modality imaging based on radiolabeled nanoparticles has been increasingly exploited for accurate diagnosis of tumor and cardiovascular diseases by virtue of high spatial resolution and high sensitivity. However, significant challenges exist in pursuing truly clinical applications, including massive preparation and rapid radiolabeling of nanoparticles. Herein, we report a clinically translatable kit for the convenient construction of MRI/NMI nanoprobes relying on the flow-synthesis and anchoring group-mediated radiolabeling (LAGMERAL) of iron oxide nanoparticles. First, homogeneous iron oxide nanoparticles with excellent performance were successfully obtained on a large scale by flow synthesis, followed by the surface anchoring of diphosphonate-polyethylene glycol (DP-PEG) to simultaneously render the underlying nanoparticles biocompatible and competent in robust labeling of radioactive metal ions. Moreover, to enable convenient and safe usage in clinics, the DP-PEG modified nanoparticle solution was freeze-dried and sterilized to make a radiolabeling kit followed by careful evaluations of its in vitro and in vivo performance and applicability. The results showed that ^99mTc labeled nanoprobes are effectively obtained with a labeling yield of over 95% in 30 minutes after simply injecting Na[^99mTcO₄] solution into the kit. In addition, the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles sealed in the kit can well stand long-term storage even for 300 days without deteriorating the colloidal stability and radiolabeling yield. Upon intravenous injection of the as-prepared radiolabeled nanoprobes, high-resolution vascular images of mice were obtained by vascular SPECT imaging and magnetic resonance angiography, demonstrating the promising clinical translational value of our radiolabeling kit.

Diminished AdipoR1/APPL1 Interaction Mediates Reduced Cardioprotective Actions of Adiponectin against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Type-2 Diabetic Mice

Background

Obesity-related diseases have important implications for the occurrence, severity, and outcome of ischemic heart disease. Patients with obesity, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus (metabolic syndrome) are at increased risk of heart attack with decreased plasma lipocalin levels, and lipocalin is negatively correlated with heart attack incidence. APPL1 is a signaling protein with multiple functional structural domains and plays an important role in the APN signaling pathway. There are two known subtypes of lipocalin membrane receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. AdioR1 is mainly distributed in skeletal muscle while AdipoR2 is mainly distributed in the liver.

Objective

To clarify whether the AdipoR1-APPL1 signaling pathway mediates the effect of lipocalin in reducing myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and its mechanism will provide us with a new approach to treat myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury using lipocalin as an intervention and therapeutic target.

Methods

(1) Induction of hypoxia/reoxygenation in SD mammary rat cardiomyocytes to simulate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion; (2) downregulation of APPL1 expression in cardiomyocytes to observe the effect of lipocalin on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion and its mechanism of action.

Results

(1) Primary mammary rat cardiomyocytes were isolated and cultured and induced to simulate MI/R by hypoxia/reoxygenation; (2) lipocalin inhibited H/R-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes; and (3) APN attenuated MI/R injury through AdipoR1-APPL1 and the possible mechanism.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates for the first time that lipocalin can attenuate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through the AdipoR1-APPL1 signaling pathway and that the reduction of AdipoR1/APPL1 interaction plays an important role in cardiac APN resistance to MI/R injury in diabetic mice.

Does Surface Roughness Necessarily Increase the Fouling Propensity of Polyamide Reverse Osmosis Membranes by Humic Acid?

Surface roughness has crucial influence on the fouling propensity of thin film composite (TFC) polyamide reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. A common wisdom is that rougher membranes tend to experience more severe fouling. In this study, we compared the fouling behaviors of a smooth polyamide membrane (RO-s) and a nanovoid-containing rough polyamide membrane (RO-r). Contrary to the traditional belief, we observed more severe fouling for RO-s, which can be ascribed to its uneven flux distribution caused by the "funnel effect". Additional tracer filtration tests using gold nanoparticles revealed a more patchlike particle deposition pattern, confirming the adverse impact of "funnel effect" on membrane water transport. In contrast, the experimentally observed lower fouling propensity of the nanovoid-containing rough membrane can be explained by: (1) the weakened "funnel effect" thanks to the presence of nanovoids, which can regulate the water transport pathway through the membrane and (2) the decreased average localized flux over the membrane surface due to the increased effective filtration area for the nanovoid-induced roughness features. The current study provides fundamental insights into the critical role of surface roughness in membrane fouling, which may have important implications for the future development of high-performance antifouling membranes.

5-Iodotubercidin Inhibits the Growth of Insulinoma Cells by Inducing Apoptosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

5-Iodotubercidin, a type of purine derivative, has attracted increasingly attention in tumor chemotherapy because of its potential as an anti-tumor agent in recent years. In this study, we confirmed the effects on apoptosis in insulinoma cell lines induced by 5-iodotubercidin and try to illuminate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

we used 5-Iodotubercidin in the treatment of insulinoma cells and the cell proliferation was examined using CCK-8 assay , colony-forming assays and insulinoma animal models. Cell apoptosis was examined using TUNEL assays and western blotting. Cellular DNA damage were showed by comet assay and immunofluorescence. The expression of apoptosis-regulating proteins and DNA damage biomarker were investigated by western blotting. Subcutaneous inoculation of the insulinoma cells into nude mice to measure blood glucose, insulin levels and tumor growth. ATM siRNA and p53 siRNA were used as loss-of-function targets to evaluate 5-Iodotubercidin treatment.

RESULTS

5-Iodotubercidin inhibited the proliferation of insulinoma cells and induced DNA damage and cell apoptosis. Moreover, 5-iodotubercidin induce ATM and p53 activited. In vivo, 5-Iodotubercidin inhibited the growth of Ins-1 and Min-6 cells xenografts in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

5-iodotubercidin induce DNA damage leading to insulinoma cells apoptosis by activating ATM/p53 pathway. Therefore, this is a potential strategy for treating Insulinoma.

Long Noncoding RNA SAMMSON Promotes Melanoma Progression by Inhibiting FOXA2 Expression

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in melanoma initiation and development, serving as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic markers for melanoma. lncRNA survival-associated mitochondrial melanoma-specific oncogenic noncoding RNA (SAMMSON) is upregulated in many types of human cancers. However, the functions of SAMMSON in melanoma have not been fully elucidated. This study is aimed at investigating the expression and functions of SAMMSON in melanoma development. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to determine the expression of SAMMSON and its correlation with the 10-year overall survival (OS) in melanoma patients. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis were detected by MTT, colony formation, Transwell assays, and mouse xenograft model. The expression of cell cycle-related factors, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) makers, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was assessed by RT-qPCR and western blotting analysis. The results demonstrated that SAMMSON expression was upregulated in melanoma tissues and cells, and lower SAMMSON expression was correlated with longer 10-year OS. SAMMSON knockdown decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells by regulating the expression of proliferation-related genes, EMT factors, and MMPs, respectively. Additionally, Forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) was confirmed to be a target of SAMMSON, and the biological effects induced by FOXA2 overexpression were similar to those induced by SAMMSON silencing in melanoma cells. Further studies showed that SAMMSON downregulated FOXA2 expression in melanoma cells by modulating the EZH2/H3K27me3 axis. Taken together, our data indicate that SAMMSON plays an important role in melanoma progression and can be a valuable biomarker and therapeutic target in melanoma.

Boosting Charge Transport in a 2D/3D Perovskite Heterostructure by Selecting an Ordered 2D Perovskite as the Passivator

We demonstrate that an ordered 2D perovskite can significantly boost the photoelectric performance of 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures. Using selective fluorination of phenyl-ethyl ammonium (PEA) lead iodide to passivate 3D FA_0.8 Cs_0.2 PbI₃ , we find that the 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures passivated by a higher ordered 2D perovskite have lower Urbach energy, yielding a remarkable increase in photoluminescence (PL) intensity, PL lifetime, charge-carrier mobilities (ϕμ), and carrier diffusion length (L_D ) for a certain 2D perovskite content. High performance with an ultralong PL lifetime of ≈1.3 μs, high ϕμ of ≈18.56 cm²  V^-1  s^-1 , and long L_D of ≈7.85 μm is achieved in the 2D/3D films when passivated by 16.67 % para-fluoro-PEA₂ PbI₄ . This carrier diffusion length is comparable to that of some perovskite single crystals (>5 μm). These findings provide key missing information on how the organic cations of 2D perovskites influence the performance of 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures.

Metabolomics reveals the defense mechanism of histidine supplementation on high-salt exposure-induced hepatic oxidative stress

AIMS

This study mainly evaluated the protective mechanism of histidine against the hepatic oxidative stress after high-salt exposure (HSE) through combined analysis of non-targeted metabolomics and biological metabolic networks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats were fed with normal-salt diet or HSE ± histidine in addition to drinking water for 14 days. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the hepatic metabolites. The metabolic profile was analyzed by SIMCA-14.1, the metabolic correlation network was performed using Gephi-0.9.2, and pathway enrichment was analyzed using MetaboAnalyst 5.0 online website.

KEY FINDINGS

Results indicated that HSE disturbed the hepatic metabolic profile, generated abnormal liver metabolism and exacerbated oxidative stress. Histidine supplementation significantly reversed the hepatic metabolic profile. Of note, 14 differential metabolic pathways were enriched after histidine supplementation, most of which played an important role in ameliorating redox and nitric oxide (NO) metabolism. Histidine administration decreased the levels of hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde, and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase, Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione S-transferase and Glutathione reductases). Histidine effectively enhanced the endogenous synthesis of glutathione by increasing the levels of glutamate and cysteine, thereby enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the glutathione system. After histidine administration, lysine, glutamate, and hypotaurine owned a higher metabolic centrality in the correlation network. In addition, histidine could also effectively increase the endogenous synthesis of NO by enhancing the _L-arginine/NO pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study offers new insights into the metabolic mechanisms underlying the antioxidant protective effect of histidine on the liver.

Ionic resource recovery for carbon neutral papermaking wastewater reclamation by a chemical self-sufficiency zero liquid discharge system

Papermaking industry discharges large quantities of wastewater and waste gas, whose treatment is limited by extra chemicals requirements, insufficient resource recovery and high energy consumption. Herein, a chemical self-sufficiency zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system, which integrates nanofiltration, bipolar membrane electrodialysis and membrane contactor (NF-BMED-MC), is designed for the resource recovery from wastewater and waste gas. The key features of this system include: 1) recovery of NaCl from pretreated papermaking wastewater by NF, 2) HCl/NaOH generation and fresh water recovery by BMED, and 3) CO₂ capture and NaOH/Na₂CO₃ generation by MC. This integrated system shows great synergy. By precipitating hardness ions in papermaking wastewater and NF concentrate with NaOH/Na₂CO₃, the inorganic scaling on NF membrane is mitigated. Moreover, the NF-BMED-MC system with high stability can simultaneously achieve efficient CO₂ removal and sustainable recovery of fresh water and high-purity resources (NaCl, Na₂SO₄, NaOH and HCl) from wastewater and waste gas without introducing any extra chemicals. The environmental evaluation indicates the carbon-neutral papermaking wastewater reclamation can be achieved through the application of NF-BMED-MC system. This study establishes the promising of NF-BMED-MC as a sustainable alternative to current membrane methods for ZLD of papermaking industry discharges treatment.

Demystifying the Role of Surfactant in Tailoring Polyamide Morphology for Enhanced Reverse Osmosis Performance: Mechanistic Insights and Environmental Implications

Surfactant-assisted interfacial polymerization (IP) has shown strong potential to improve the separation performance of thin film composite polyamide membranes. A common belief is that the enhanced performance is attributed to accelerated amine diffusion induced by the surfactant, which can promote the IP reaction. However, we show enhanced membrane performance for Tween 80 (a common surfactant), even though it decreased the amine diffusion. Indeed, the membrane performance is closely related to its polyamide roughness features with numerous nanovoids. Inspired by the nanofoaming theory that relates the roughness features to nanobubbles degassed during the IP reaction, we hypothesize that the surfactant can stabilize the generated nanobubbles to tailor the formation of nanovoids. Accordingly, we obtained enlarged nanovoids when the surfactant was added below its critical micelle concentration (CMC). In addition, both the membrane permeance and selectivity were enhanced, thanks to the enlarged nanovoids and reduced defects in the polyamide layer. Increasing the concentration above CMC resulted in shrunken nanovoids and deteriorated performance, which can be ascribed to the decreased stabilization effect caused by micelle formation. Interestingly, better antifouling performance was also observed for the surfactant-assisted membranes. Our current study provides mechanistic insights into the critical role of surfactant during the IP reaction, which may have important implications for more efficient membrane-based desalination and water reuse.

Human adipose-derived stem cells can optimize the filling material in rats

BACKGROUND

Human adipose-derived stem cells have been identified as a promising candidate for cell-assisted therapy to improve graft survival.

OBJECTIVE

To objective of the study was to add human adipose-derived stem cells into filling materials.

METHODS

The filling materials were prepared and divided into 6 groups: fat particles with phosphate buffer saline or human adipose-derived stem cells; acellular dermal matrix particles with phosphate buffer saline or human adipose-derived stem cells; mixture of fat particles and acellular dermal matrix particles with phosphate buffer saline or human adipose-derived stem cells. The survival rate, vascular density and histological at 2, 6 and 12 weeks were investigated.

RESULTS

Human adipose-derived stem cells significantly improved survival rate in each group at 6 and 12 weeks, and it significantly increased the vascular density in the fat particles and porcine acellular dermal matrix combined group and porcine acellular dermal matrix group at three time points, but human adipose-derived stem cells did not have a significant effect in the fat particles group.

CONCLUSION

Human adipose-derived stem cells as assisted cells added into filling material can improve survival rate and vascular density in rats.

Analysis of SOD1 Variants in Chinese Patients with Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease, and genetic contributors exert a significant role in the complicated pathogenesis. Identification of the genetic causes in ALS families could be valuable for early diagnosis and management. The development of potential drugs for patients with genetic defects will shed new light on ALS therapy.

AIM

To identify causative variants in three Chinese families with familial ALS (FALS), reveal the pathogenic mechanism, and look for the targeted drug for ALS.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Whole-exome sequencing and bioinformatics were used to perform genetic analysis of the ALS families. Functional analysis was performed to study the variants' function and search for potential drug targets.

RESULTS

Three heterozygous missense variants of the SOD1 gene were identified in families with FALS. The clinical manifestations of these patients include spinal onset, predominant lower motor neurons presentation, and absence of cognitive involvement. Functional analysis showed that all three SOD1 variants led to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, reduced cell viability, and formation of cytoplasmic aggregates. Remarkably, the decreased cell viability induced by variants was rescued after treatment with the ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified three SOD1 variants in three families with FALS. The variant SOD1 toxicity was associated with oxidative damage and aggregation, and N-acetylcysteine could rescue the decreased cell viability induced by these variants. Our findings support a pathogenic role for ROS in SOD1 deficiencies, and provide a potential drug N-acetylcysteine for ALS therapy, especially in SOD1-patients with limb onset.

Esophageal foreign body removal under holmium laser-assisted gastroscope: A case report

As a common clinical emergence, esophageal foreign body can lead to esophageal perforation followed by severe complications including aortic injury, mediastinal abscess and airway obstruction, leading to a high rate of mortality. Therefore, fast and effective diagnosis and treatment are of great necessity. In this case, holmium laser-assisted gastroscopy was adopted to remove the foreign body incarcerated in the esophagus, allowing patients to avoid traumatic and costly surgeries. It is a supplement to traditional methods of foreign body removal. The new combination tried in this report can bring development and innovation inspiration to the development of endoscopic technology.

Invasive fungal infection is associated with antibiotic exposure in preterm infants: a multi-centre prospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

Previous antibiotic exposure is an important risk factor for invasive fungal infection (IFI). Antibiotic overexposure is common in lower-income countries; however, multi-centre studies concerning IFI in relation to antibiotic exposure are scarce.

AIM

This prospective, multi-centre matched case-control study explored the correlation of IFI and antibiotic exposure in very preterm infants or very-low-birthweight infants admitted to 23 tertiary hospitals in China between 2018 and 2021.

METHODS

Using a 1:2 matched design for gestational age, birth weight and early-onset sepsis (yes/no), the risk factors between infants diagnosed with IFI and infection-free controls were compared. The antibiotic use rate (AUR) was calculated using calendar days of antibiotic therapy in the 4 weeks preceding IFI onset divided by onset day of IFI.

FINDINGS

In total, 6368 infants were included in the study, of which 90 (1.4%) were diagnosed with IFI. Median AUR, length of antibiotic therapy (LOT) and days of antibiotic therapy (DOT) within the 4 weeks preceding IFI onset were 0.90, 18 days and 30 days, respectively. Multi-variate analysis showed that a 10% increase in AUR, each additional day of DOT and LOT, and each additional day of third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems were notably associated with IFI.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged antibiotic therapy is common before the onset of IFI, and is an important risk factor, especially the use of third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems. Antibiotic stewardship should be urgently developed and promoted for preterm infants in order to reduce IFI in lower-income countries such as China.

The pedicled gracilis muscle combined with the fascia lata: a preliminary clinical study of a new biomimetic dynamic phalloplasty method

BACKGROUND

Phalloplasty is a challenging procedure in the field of repair and reconstruction. Traditional skin flap methods with prostheses or autologous tissue implantation are still common; however, with this method the reconstructed phallus is static and has a high risk of complications.

AIM

We aimed to use novel methods for phalloplasty to mimic the normal structure of the phallus while maintaining the patient's ability to obtain sufficient hardness and subjective controllability.

METHODS

The neophallus comprised the bilateral pedicled neurovascular gracilis muscle, which provided neophallus volitional control; the pedicled fascia lata, which mimicked the tunica albuginea; the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap, which was used to reconstruct the neourethra and neoglans; and the thin split-thickness skin grafted on the surface of the fascia lata. The urethral anastomosis was performed simultaneously. The appearance and function of the neophallus, as well as patient satisfaction, were evaluated postoperatively.

OUTCOMES

The biomimetic dynamic phalloplasty using the bilateral pedicled gracilis muscle combined with the fascia lata was successfully performed in 4 patients.

RESULTS

During follow-up at 10-21 months after the procedure, all 4 patients could complete sexual intercourse and were satisfied with the appearance and self-controllability of the neophallus. The size of the neophallus stabilized within 6 months. The tactile, deep touch sensation, and pain sensations of the neophallus partially recovered. All of the patients could stand to urinate.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

We used the gracilis muscle combined with the fascia lata to mimic the basic structure of the corpus cavernosum and tunica albuginea and successfully reconstructed the biomimetic dynamic neophallus.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This is to our knowledge the first report of biomimetic dynamic phalloplasty using the bilateral pedicled gracilis muscle combined with the fascia lata to mimic the complex structure of the phallus and enable the achievement of erection. However, due to the small number of patients included in this study, the data have no statistical significance. More cases are needed to obtain conclusive data and examine the long-term clinical effects of this procedure.

CONCLUSION

Using novel methods for phalloplasty, we successfully maintained the patient's ability to obtain sufficient hardness and subjective controllability without the use of implants, and the preliminary clinical results are encouraging.

Hypoxia-Induced Autophagy Is Involved in Radioresistance via HIF1A-Associated Beclin-1 in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Radioresistance is the major factor of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatment failure and relapse. Hypoxia and autophagy are linked to radioresistance and poor prognosis in solid tumors, but mechanisms remain unknown. Thus, we hypothesize that hypoxia may activate autophagy through two critical factors, HIF1A and Beclin-1, resulting in radioresistance of GBM in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we first demonstrated that HIF1A was overexpressed in GBM tissues and predicted a poor prognosis via bioinformatics. Secondly, we determined that hypoxia induced high expression of HIF1A and upregulated levels of Beclin-1 and autophagy, while HIF1A knockdown by shRNA reduced the expression of Beclin-1. Then we revealed the crosstalk and mechanisms of HIF1A-associated-Beclin-1 in three aspects: (a) transcriptional regulation, (b) protein interaction, and (c) HIF1A/BNIP3/Beclin-1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, we confirmed that silencing HIF1A enhanced the radiosensitivity of GBM in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, Beclin-1 suppression by 3-MA could reverse radioresistance induced by HIF1A under hypoxia. In conclusion, we demonstrated that hypoxia triggered autophagy via HIF1A-associated Beclin-1, resulting in radioresistance in GBM. HIF1A knockdown improved GBM radiosensitivity, and silencing Beclin-1 could reverse HIF1A-induced radioresistance under hypoxic conditions. These findings may help us comprehend the molecular underpinnings of hypoxia-induced autophagy and provide a novel perspective and prospective treatment for GBM radiosensitization.

Development and validation of the patient reported outcomes questionnaire of children with asthma in China: A Caregiver's proxy-reported measure

Background

Research on asthma control levels and quality of life is essential for children with asthma during their growth stage. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a questionnaire that can be used for monitoring and evaluating the disease control effectiveness and quality of life of children with asthma in China and to conduct a preliminary evaluation for its reliability, validity, and discriminative ability.

Methods

The questionnaire was created through a literature review and qualitative interviews for a targeted population. Based on the previous work, 30 caregivers of children with asthma and 5 experienced pediatricians reviewed and discussed a collection of items. Then, 72 items were screened and selected to form the draft questionnaire. After three rounds of investigation (with 240, 503, and 360 participants, respectively), the final questionnaire was established according to the evaluation results. The structure of the questionnaire was explored through confirmatory factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis and variability analysis were applied based on the first two rounds of investigation. Reliability, construct validity, and discriminative ability were evaluated based on the third round of investigation.

Results

The questionnaire contains 6 dimensions and 34 items, and the total cumulative variance contribution rate was 54.96%; Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.91; the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.75, and the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.74. The children's age, gender, residence, asthma attack in the last three months, caregivers' education background, and monthly income per caregiver were correlated with patient-reported outcomes of children with asthma.

Conclusion

The questionnaire appeared to have good reliability, construct validity, and discriminative ability in children with asthma in China.

Single-cell mapping of N6-methyladenosine in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and exploration of the risk model for immune infiltration

BACKGROUND

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most common RNA modification, but its potential role in the development of esophageal cancer and its specific mechanisms still need to be further investigated.

METHODS

Bulk RNA-seq of 174 patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma from the TCGA-ESCC cohort, GSE53625, and single-cell sequencing data from patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma from GSE188900 were included in this study. Single-cell analysis of scRNA-seq data from GSE188900 of 4 esophageal squamous carcinoma samples and calculation of PROGENy scores. Demonstrate the scoring of tumor-associated pathways for different cell populations. Cell Chat was calculated for cell populations. thereafter, m6A-related differential genes were sought and risk models were constructed to analyze the relevant biological functions and impact pathways of potential m6A genes and their impact on immune infiltration and tumor treatment sensitivity in ESCC was investigated.

RESULTS

By umap downscaling analysis, ESCC single-cell data were labelled into clusters of seven immune cell classes. Cellchat analysis showed that the network interactions of four signaling pathways, MIF, AFF, FN1 and CD99, all showed different cell type interactions. The prognostic risk model constructed by screening for m6A-related differential genes was of significant value in the prognostic stratification of ESCC patients and had a significant impact on immune infiltration and chemotherapy sensitivity in ESCC patients.

CONCLUSION

In our study, we explored a blueprint for the distribution of single cells in ESCC based on m6A methylation and constructed a risk model for immune infiltration analysis and tumor efficacy stratification in ESCC on this basis. This may provide important potential guidance for revealing the role of m6A in immune escape and treatment resistance in esophageal cancer.

NADPH Selective Depletion Nanomedicine-Mediated Radio-Immunometabolism Regulation for Strengthening Anti-PDL1 Therapy against TNBC

Anti-PD(L)1 immunotherapy recently arises as an effective treatment against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) but is only applicable to a small portion of TNBC patients due to the low PD-L1 expression and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). To address these challenges, a multifunctional "drug-like" copolymer that possesses the auto-changeable upper critical solution temperature and the capacity of scavenging reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) inside tumor cells is synthesized and employed to develop a hypoxia-targeted and BMS202 (small molecule antagonist of PD-1/PD-L1 interactions)-loaded nanomedicine (BMS202@HZP NPs), combining the anti-PD-L1 therapy and the low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) against TNBC. In addition to the controlled release of BMS202 in the hypoxic TNBC, BMS202@HZP NPs benefit the LDRT by upregulating the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP, the primary cellular source for NADPH) of TME whereas scavenging the NADPH inside tumor cells. As a result, the BMS202@HZP NPs-mediated LDRT upregulate the PD-L1 expression of tumor to promote anti-PD-L1 therapy response while reprogramming the immunometabolism of TME to alleviate its immunosuppression. This innovative nanomedicine-mediated radio-immunometabolism regulation provides a promising strategy to reinforce the anti-PD-L1 therapy against TNBC.

Natural Products and Gastric Cancer: Cellular Mechanisms and Effects to Change Cancer Progression

Gastric cancer is a severe malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality, which seriously affects people's health. At present, the most common treatment for gastric cancer is chemotherapy. However, chemotherapy is very harmful to the human body, and some of the injuries caused by chemotherapy are irreversible. Natural products have low toxicity and anti-cancer activity, so they are currently widely studied at present. Natural products are a large variety of compounds naturally found in fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants. It is reported that natural products have different anti-cancer properties. This review has summarized the study of natural products in inducing gastric cancer cell apoptosis, inhibiting gastric cancer cell metastasis, and inhibiting gastric cancer cell proliferation. The relevant references on gastric cancer and natural products were obtained from scientific databases, including Pub- Med, Web of Science, and Science Direct. This paper records dozens of natural products with anti-gastric tumor activity and describes the potential living anti-cancer chemical compounds, their element targets, and their underlying mechanism. This review may lay the foundation for future researchers to treat gastric cancer.

Increased Sparc release from subchondral osteoblasts promotes articular chondrocyte degeneration under estrogen withdrawal

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of osteoarthritis (OA) in menopausal women is significantly higher than in same-aged men. Investigating the role of subchondral osteoblasts in estrogen deficiency-induced OA may help elucidate the pathological mechanism, providing new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of menopausal OA.

METHODS

A classical ovariectomy-induced OA (OVX-OA) rat model was utilized to isolate primary articular chondrocytes and subchondral osteoblasts, which were identified and then cocultured in Transwell. The expression of chondrocyte anabolic and catabolic indicators was evaluated. The differentially expressed proteins in the conditioned medium (CM) of osteoblasts were identified by Liquid Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Normal chondrocytes were treated with osteoblast CM, and then RNA sequencing was performed on the treated chondrocytes. KEGG was used to identify significant enrichment of signaling pathways, and Simple Western was used to verify the expression of related proteins in the signaling pathways.

RESULTS

Coculture of OVX-OA subchondral osteoblasts with chondrocytes significantly downregulated the expression of the anabolic indicators and upregulated the expression of the catabolic indicators in chondrocytes. 1,601 proteins were identified in both normal and OVX osteoblast culture supernatants. Protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that Sparc was one of the hub proteins. The AMPK/Foxo3a signaling pathway of chondrocytes was downregulated by OVX-OA osteoblasts CM. AICAR, the AMPK agonist, partially reversed the catabolic effect of OVX-OA osteoblasts on chondrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Sparc secreted by OVX-OA subchondral osteoblasts can downregulate the AMPK/Foxo3a signaling pathway of chondrocytes, thereby promoting chondrocyte degeneration.

Optimization Algorithm of Moving Object Detection Using Multiscale Pyramid Convolutional Neural Networks

Object detection and recognition is a very important topic with significant research value. This research develops an optimised model of moving target identification based on CNN to address the issues of insufficient positioning information and low target detection accuracy (convolutional neural network). In this article, the target classification information and semantic location information are obtained through the fusion of the target detection model and the depth semantic segmentation model. The classification and position portion of the target detection model is provided by the simultaneous fusion of the image features carrying various information and a pyramid structure of multiscale image features so that the matched image fusion characteristics can be used by the target detection model to detect targets of various sizes and shapes. According to experimental findings, this method's accuracy rate is 0.941, which is 0.189 higher than that of the LSTM-NMS algorithm. Through the migration of CNN and the learning of context information, this technique has great robustness and enhances the scene adaptability of feature extraction as well as the accuracy of moving target position detection.

A Single Central Pattern Generator for the Control of a Locomotor Rolling Wave in Mollusc Aplysia

Locomotion in mollusc Aplysia is implemented by a pedal rolling wave, a type of axial locomotion. Well-studied examples of axial locomotion (pedal waves in Drosophila larvae and body waves in leech, lamprey, and fish) are generated in a segmented nervous system via activation of multiple coupled central pattern generators (CPGs). Pedal waves in molluscs, however, are generated by a single pedal ganglion, and it is unknown whether there are single or multiple CPGs that generate rhythmic activity and phase shifts between different body parts. During locomotion in intact Aplysia, bursting activity in the parapedal commissural nerve (PPCN) was found to occur during tail contraction. A cluster of 20 to 30 P1 root neurons (P1Ns) on the ventral surface of the pedal ganglion, active during the pedal wave, were identified. Computational cluster analysis revealed that there are 2 phases to the motor program: phase I (centered around 168°) and phase II (centered around 357°). PPCN activity occurs during phase II. The majority of P1Ns are motoneurons. Coactive P1Ns tend to be electrically coupled. Two classes of pedal interneurons (PIs) were characterized. Class 1 (PI1 and PI2) is active during phase I. Their axons make a loop within the pedal ganglion and contribute to locomotor pattern generation. They are electrically coupled to P1Ns that fire during phase I. Class 2 (PI3) is active during phase II and innervates the contralateral pedal ganglion. PI3 may contribute to bilateral coordination. Overall, our findings support the idea that Aplysia pedal waves are generated by a single CPG.

A comprehensive review on natural phenolic compounds as alternatives to in-feed antibiotics

Intensive livestock and poultry farming in China largely relied on the use of in-feed antibiotics until July 2020. The consequences of antibiotic overuse in animal feed include accumulation in animal products and the development of bacterial antibiotic resistance, both of which threaten food safety and human health. China has now completely banned the circulation of commercial feed containing growth-promoting drug additives (except Chinese herbal medicine). Therefore, alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in animal production are greatly needed. Natural phenolic compounds (NPCs) exist widely in plants and are non-toxic, non-polluting, highly reproducible, and leave little residue. Many natural flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes have polyphenol chemical structures and exhibit great potential as alternatives to antibiotics. In this review we delineate the characteristics of plant-derived NPCs and summarize their current applications as alternatives to in-feed antibiotics, aiming to provide new strategies for antibiotic-free feeding and promote the development of more sustainable animal husbandry practices.

CHILKBP protects against podocyte injury by preserving ZO-1 expression

Glomerular diseases afflict millions of people and impose an enormous burden on public healthcare costs worldwide. Identification of potential therapeutic targets for preventing glomerular diseases is of considerable clinical importance. CHILKBP is a focal adhesion protein and modulates a wide array of biological functions. However, little is known about the role of CHILKBP in glomerular diseases. To investigate the function of CHILKBP in maintaining the structure and function of podocytes in a physiologic setting, a mouse model (CHILKBP cKO) was generated in which CHILKBP gene was conditionally deleted in podocytes using the Cre-LoxP system. Ablation of CHILKBP in podocytes resulted in massive proteinuria and kidney failure in mice. Histologically, typical podocyte injury including podocyte loss, foot process effacement, and glomerulosclerosis was observed in CHILKBP cKO mice. Mechanistically, we identified ZO-1 as a key junctional protein that interacted with CHILKBP. Loss of CHILKBP in podocytes exhibited a significant reduction of ZO-1 expression, leading to abnormal actin organization, aberrant slit diaphragm protein expression and compromised podocyte filtration capacity. Restoration of CHILKBP or ZO-1 in CHILKBP-deficient podocytes effectively alleviated podocyte injury induced by the loss of CHILKBP in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we showed the glomerular expression of CHILKBP and ZO-1 was decreased in patients with proteinuric kidney diseases. Our findings reveal a novel signaling pathway consisting of CHILKBP and ZO-1 that plays an essential role in maintaining podocyte homeostasis and suggest novel therapeutic approaches to alleviate glomerular diseases.

Extended p_{3/2} Neutron Orbital and the N=32 Shell Closure in ^{52}Ca

The one-neutron knockout from ^{52}Ca in inverse kinematics onto a proton target was performed at ∼230  MeV/nucleon combined with prompt γ spectroscopy. Exclusive quasifree scattering cross sections to bound states in ^{51}Ca and the momentum distributions corresponding to the removal of 1f_{7/2} and 2p_{3/2} neutrons were measured. The cross sections, interpreted within the distorted-wave impulse approximation reaction framework, are consistent with a shell closure at the neutron number N=32, found as strong as at N=28 and N=34 in Ca isotopes from the same observables. The analysis of the momentum distributions leads to a difference of the root-mean-square radii of the neutron 1f_{7/2} and 2p_{3/2} orbitals of 0.61(23) fm, in agreement with the modified-shell-model prediction of 0.7 fm suggesting that the large root-mean-square radius of the 2p_{3/2} orbital in neutron-rich Ca isotopes is responsible for the unexpected linear increase of the charge radius with the neutron number.