Enzymological characterization of a novel d-lactate dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus rossiae and its application in d-phenyllactic acid synthesis

A novel lactate dehydrogenase gene, named lrldh, was cloned from Lactobacillus rossiae and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. The lactate dehydrogenase LrLDH is NADH-dependent with a molecular weight of approximately 39 kDa. It is active at 40 °C and pH 6.5 and stable in a neutral to alkaline environment below 35 °C. The kinetic constants, including maximal reaction rate (V _max), apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (K _m), turnover number (K _cat) and catalytic efficiency (K _cat/K _m) for phenylpyruvic acid were 1.95 U mg^-1, 2.83 mM, 12.29 s^-1, and 4.34 mM^-1 s^-1, respectively. Using whole cells of recombinant E. coli/pET28a-lrldh, without coexpression of a cofactor regeneration system, 20.5 g l^-1 d-phenyllactic acid with ee above 99% was produced from phenylpyruvic acid in a fed-batch biotransformation process, with a productivity of 49.2 g l^-1 d^-1. Moreover, LrLDH has broad substrate specificity to a range of ketones, keto acids and ketonic esters. Taken together, LrLDH is a promising biocatalyst for the efficient synthesis of d-phenyllactic acid and other fine chemicals.

Utility evaluation of HLA-B*13:01 screening in preventing trichloroethylene-induced hypersensitivity syndrome in a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Trichloroethylene (TCE) -induced hypersensitivity syndrome (TIHS) is a potentially life-threatening disease. Several genetic susceptibility biomarkers have been found to be associated with TIHS, and this systematic prospective study has been conducted to evaluate the utility of these genetic susceptibility biomarkers in preventing the disease.

METHODS

The newly hired TCE-exposed workers were recruited from March 2009 to October 2010. HLA-B*13:01 genotyping and 3-month follow-up procedure were conducted. All workers were monitored for adverse reaction by telephone interview every week. The workers with early symptoms of TIHS were asked to go to the hospital immediately for further examination, diagnosis and treatment. The medical expense record data of patients with TIHS were collected for cost-effectiveness analysis in 2018.

RESULTS

Among 1651 workers, 158 (9.57%) were found to carry the HLA-B*13:01 allele and 16 (0.97%) were diagnosed with TIHS. HLA-B*13:01 allele was significantly associated with an increased TIHS risk (relative risk=28.4, 95% CI 9.2 to 86.8). As a risk predictor of TIHS, HLA-B*13:01 testing had a sensitivity of 75%, a specificity of 91.1% and an area under curve of 0.83 (95% CI 0.705 to 0.955), the positive and negative predictive values were 7.6% and 99.7%, respectively. The incidence of TIHS was significantly decreased in HLA-B*13:01 non-carriers (0.27%) compared with all workers (0.97%, p=0.014). Cost-effectiveness analysis showed that HLA-B*13:01 screening could produce an economic saving of $4604 per TIHS avoided.

CONCLUSIONS

Prospective HLA-B*13:01 screening may significantly reduce the incidence of TIHS and could be a cost effective option for preventing the disease in TCE-exposed workers.

Protocol for a prospective, cluster randomized trial to evaluate routine and deferred dialysis initiation (RADDI) in Chinese population

BACKGROUND

The timing of when to initiate dialysis for progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients has not been well established. There has been a strong trend for early dialysis initiation for these patients over the past decades. However, the perceived survival advantage of early dialysis has been questioned by a series of recent observational studies. The only randomized controlled trial (RCT) research on this issue found the all-cause mortality, comorbidities, and quality of life showed no difference between early and late dialysis starters. To better understand optimal timing for dialysis initiation, our research will evaluate the efficacy and safety of deferred dialysis initiation in a large Chinese population.

METHODS

The trial adopts a multicenter, cluster randomized, single-blind (outcomes assessor), and endpoint-driven design. Eligible participants are 18-80 years old, in stable CKD stages 4-5 (eGFR > 7 ml/min /1.73 m2), and with good heart function (NYHA grade I or II). Participants will be randomized into a routine or deferred dialysis group. The reference eGFR at initiating dialysis for asymptomatic patients is 7 ml/min /1.73 m2 (routine dialysis group) and 5 ml/min/1.73 m2 or less (deferred dialysis group) in each group. The primary endpoint will be the difference of all-cause mortality and acute nonfatal cerebro-cardiovascular events between the two groups. The secondary outcomes include hospitalization rate and other safety indices. The primary and secondary outcomes will be analyzed by appropriate statistical methods.

DISCUSSION

This study protocol represents a large, cluster randomized study evaluating deferred and routine dialysis intervention for an advanced CKD population. The reference eGFR to initiate dialysis for both treatment groups is targeted at less than 7 ml/min/1.73m2. With this design, we aim to eliminate lead-time and survivor bias and avoid selection bias and confounding factors. We acknowledge that the study has limitations. Even so, given the low-targeted eGFR values of both arms, this study still has potential economic, health, and scientific implications. This research is unique in that such a low targeted eGFR value has never been studied in a clinical trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial has been approved by ClinicalTrials.gov (Trial registration ID NCT02423655). The date of registration was April 22, 2015.

Excessive daytime sleepiness with snoring or witnessed apnea is associated with handgrip strength: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is emerging as an important public health problem, and evidences have determined that poor sleep is associated with muscle strength, but the potential effects of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), snoring and witnessed apnea on handgrip strength have not been evaluated.

AIM

We aimed to examine the association between EDS, snoring, witnessed apnea and muscle strength in an adult population.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study comprised 19 434 adults. Handgrip strength was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer. EDS was assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale, snoring and witnessed apnea during sleep were reported through simple yes/no questions. Analysis of covariance was carried out to determine the association between EDS with snoring or witnessed apnea and muscle strength.

RESULTS

The means (95% confidence interval) for average handgrip strength/body weight (kg/kg) across symptoms categories were 0.396 (0.333-0.472), 0.393 (0.330-0.467), 0.396 (0.333-0.471) and 0.386 (0.325-0.460) (P < 0.0001), respectively. Similar results were observed with maximal handgrip strength/body weight (kg/kg).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported EDS accompanied with snoring or apnea is associated with lowest handgrip strength, independently of confounding factors. Whether improvement of EDS, snoring and apnea, can ameliorate age-associated decline in muscle strength warrants further studies.

[Effects of genistein on Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in myocardial tissues of diabetic rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of genistein (Gen) on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway in myocardial tissues of diabetic rats.
 Methods: Thirty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a normal control (NC) group, a diabetic control (DM) group, a low-dose Gen treatment (L-Gen) group, and a high-dose Gen treatment (H-Gen) group (n=8). Intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin was utilized to induce diabetic rat model. After the establishment of diabetic model, the rats in L-Gen and H-Gen groups were intragastric administration with 10 and 50 mg/kg Gen solution. Following 8 weeks, the left ventricular hemodynamic parameters and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in myocardial tissue were determined. The ultrastructure of myocardium was observed under transmission electron microscopy. The expression of HO-1 at mRNA level in myocardial tissue was detected by RT-PCR. The protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blotting. 
 Results: Compared with the NC group, left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), maximal rise/fall rate of left ventricular pressure (±dp/dtmax), and the levels of GSH-Px, SOD and CAT were decreased (all P<0.01), while the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), FBG and MDA were increased (all P<0.01) in the DM group. The myocardial ultrastructure was obviously damaged, and the expressions of myocardial Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly decreased (both P<0.01) in the DM group. Compared with the DM group, there was no difference in FBG in the L-Gen group, while ±dp/dtmax and LVSP were significantly increased (all P<0.05), and LVEDP and MDA were decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the levels of GSH-Px, SOD and CAT were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in the L-Gen group. The myocardial ultrastructure damage was alleviated and the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were increased (both P<0.01) in the L-Gen group. Compared with L-Gen group, the aforementioned indexes were improved in the H-Gen group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
 Conclusion: Genistein exerted antioxidant effects on myocardial injury in diabetic rats, and the mechanisms might be related to regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in myocardial tissues.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and Toluene-diisocyanate-induced airway inflammation: Alleviation by TSLP neutralizing antibody

Toluene-diisocyanate (TDI) is mainly used in the manufacturing process of polyurethane foams, and is a potent inducer of occupational asthma characterized by airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays an important role in the development of asthma, and correlating with the differentiation of Th2 and Th17 cells. However, the role of TSLP in TDI-induced asthma remains unclear. In this study, 96 TDI-exposed workers as well as a mouse model of TDI-induced asthma were investigated. The air exposure assessment result of TDI in the workplace showed that workers were exposed to inhalation of a very high concentration of TDI, approximately 8 times the recommended level, leading to a decrease in pulmonary function and an increase in inflammatory cells, as well as TSLP and IgE levels in the supernatant of sputum obtained from exposed workers. In order to further investigate the role of TSLP in the pathogenesis of TDI-induced asthma, a mouse model of TDI-induced asthma was also employed. Histopathological analysis of mouse lung and bronchus showed an obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells around the bronchus. The levels of inflammatory cells, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-17 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), the expression levels of TSLP protein and ROR-γt and IL-17 mRNA in mouse lung tissues were also significantly increased. However, after treatment with TSLP neutralizing antibody (TSLP-Ab), the degree of pulmonary and bronchial inflammation in mice was significantly alleviated, and the levels of inflammatory cells, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-17 in BALF, and the expression levels of ROR-γt and IL-17 mRNA in lung tissue were significantly decreased. Our data shows that TSLP plays an important role in the pathogenesis of TDI-induced asthma, and that TSLP-Ab can effectively alleviate TDI-induced airway inflammation of asthma.

[Study on active components of Fufang Huangbai Ye for diabetic foot treatment by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and network pharmacology]

Chemical constituents of the Fufang Huangbai Ye( FFHB) were analyzed and identified by UPLC-ESI-LTQ-OrbitrapMS. The analysis was performed on an Waters HSS T3 reverse phase column( 2. 1 mm×100 mm,1. 8 μm). The mobile phase consisting of 0. 1% aqueous formic acid( A) and acetonitrile( B) was used with gradient elution,and the flow rate was 0. 3 mL·min~(-1).Based on the information of the accurate mass,the multistage fragment ions,the mass spectrometric data of the standard substance and the relative reference literature,the structure of the chemical constituents in FFHB were identified. Based on the identified compounds,network pharmacology study,including target prediction,functional enrichment,and molecular docking was applied to screen out the main active substances for treatment of diabetes foot and explore the potential mechanism. The results showed that a total of 138 compounds were identified,including 28 alkaloids,16 flavonoids,11 phenylethanoid glycosides,9 cycloolefins,11 cyclohexylethanol derivatives,28 phenolic acids and derivatives,3 lignans,4 terpenes,28 volatile oils and the others. Further,36 active substances for diabetes foot were screened out,and the functional enrichment showed the potential mechanism of FFHB were mainly seven functional items including inflammatory response,growth factor activity. This study combining the UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS technology and the network pharmacology provide a useful reference and basis for active compounds,quality control markers and the pharmacological mechanism of FFHB for diabetic foot treatment.

[Expression changes of miRNA-29b-3p and miRNA-34c-3p in lung tissue of rats exposed to silica and A549 cells]

Objective: To investigate the role of microRNA-29b-3p (miRNA-29b-3p) and miRNA-34c-3p in the process of pulmonary fibrosis, we detected the expression levels of miRNA-29b-3p and miRNA-34c-3p in the lung tissue of rats exposed to silica and A549 cells. Methods: SPF male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 d control group and silica (SiO(2)) dusting group, with 6 rats in each group. One-time non-exposure method was used to infuse 1ml SiO(2) suspension. The rat SiO(2) dusting group was established in the liquid, and the control rats were intratracheally injected with 1 ml of sterile physiological saline in the same manner. The lung tissues of each group were collected at the corresponding time points after dusting. Three of the rats were taken out for pathological observation, and the other three were used to screen differentially expressed miRNAs in lung tissue by miRNA microarray technology. A549 cells were cultured at the in vitro cell level and divided into control group, SiO(2) stimulation group and TGF-β(1) stimulation group, and cells were collected at 12, 24 and 48 h after treatment. The expression levels of miRNA-29b-3p and miRNA-34c-3p in rat lung tissue and A549 cells were verified by real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), target gene prediction of miRNA-29b-3p and miRNA-34c-3p and perform GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis. Results: The weight growth rate of the control group was significantly higher than that of the SiO(2) dusting group. Compared with the control group, the lung mass and lung coefficient of the SiO(2) dusting group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The inflammatory response of the lungs in the control group was significantly reduced at 21 and 28 days, and the inflammatory cells infiltrated in the lung tissue of the SiO2 group. The rats in the control group had a small amount of collagen at 21 and 28 days. A large amount of collagen fiber deposition began to appear in the lung tissue of rats exposed to SiO(2) for 21 days. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of miRNA-29b-3p and miRNA-34c-3p in the SiO(2) dusting group were significantly down-regulated, and there was significant difference compared with the control group (P<0.05). The expression levels of miRNA-29b-3p and miRNA-34c-3p in A549 cells treated with SiO(2) and human recombinant TGF-β1 were significantly lower than those in the control group at 24 h and 48 h, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Down-regulation of miRNA-29b-3p and miR-34c-3p in rat lung tissue A549 cells may be associated with the development of early silicosis and is expected to be an indicator of early silicosis diagnosis and prognosis.

Clinical efficacy and safety of statin treatment after carotid artery stenting

Objective: The randomized controlled trail was carried out to investigate the influence of statin pre-treatment on clinical efficacy of carotid artery stenting (CAS). Methods: 160 eligible patients were randomly divided into statin group (n = 82) and control group (n = 78). The patients in statin group received 40 mg atorvastatin daily 7 days before operation. Major endpoints included transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, death, myocardial infarction (MI), and other cardiac adverse events within 30 days after CAS. Results: Preoperative baseline information was similar between the statin and control groups (p > 0.05 for all). Within 48 h after operation, the occurrence rate of CIN (3.66% vs 8.97%, p = .019) and new infarction (4.88% vs. 14.10%, p = .045) were significantly lower in statin group than in control group. 30 days after CAS, the incidences of TIA (12.20% vs. 26.92%, p = .018), ischemic stroke (6.10% vs. 16.67%, p = .034), and other cardiac complications (7.32% vs. 19.23%, p = .026) were also significantly lower in statin group, than in the control group. Multiple analysis demonstrated that statin use exerted protective effect against ischemic stroke (OR = 0.038, 95% CI = 0.003-0.543, p = .016) and other cardiac complications (OR = 0.208, 95%CI = 0.063-0.694, p = .011). Conclusion: Pre-treatment with statin is an effective and safe strategy to prevent from perioperative complications and to improve postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing CAS.

[Preliminary analysis of differential expression of miRNA-423-5p and miRNA-26a-5p in lung tissue of early silicotic rats]

Objective: To screen the changes of microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in lung tissues of early silicosis rats, and provide a basis for functional analysis of differential microRNA. Methods: SPF Wistar male rats were randomly divided into a negative control group and SiO(2)-exposed groups, with 30 rats in each group. The model of silicosis in rats was established by intratracheal instillation of 1 ml SiO(2) suspension, and the control rats were treated with 1mL in the same way to sterilize normal saline. The lung tissues of two group were collected at the 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 d after SiO(2)-exposed. Three of the rat lung tissues were used for pathological observation, and the other three were used to screen differentially expressed miRNAs in lung tissue by miRNA microarray technology. miRNA chip screening and RT-qPCR were used to verify the expression levels of miRNA-423-5p and miRNA-26a-5p in the two groups. miRNA-423-5p and miRNA-26a-5p are predicted by target genes and analyzed by GO (gene ontology) enrichment analysis and KEGG (kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) pathway analysis. Results: In the control group, the inflammatory response of lung tissue 21 and 28 days was significantly reduced compared with 1, 7 and 14 days, and the inflammatory cells infiltrated in the lung tissue of the SiO(2)-exposed rats. The rats in the control group had a small amount of collagen at 21 and 28 days, but a large amount of collagen fiber deposition began to appear in the lung tissue of rats exposed to SiO(2) after 21 days. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of micro RNA-423-5p was significantly up-regulated and the expression of microRNA-26a-5p was significantly down-regulated in the SiO(2)-exposed rats lung tissues dust at different time points (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The up-regulation of miRNA-423-5p and the down-regulation of miRNA-26a-5p in lung tissues of early silicotic rats may be related to the occurrence and development of early silicosis.

[Repair effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on lung injury in rats exposed to silica]

Objective: To observe the repairing effect of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) on lung injury induced by silica in rats. Methods: Primary ADSCs-GFP was obtained from rats. ADSCs-GFP was injected into tail vein of silicosis model rats. The expression of green fluorescence in lungs was observed regularly to determine the homing ability of ADSCs. Primary ADSCs of rats were obtained and randomly divided into control group, exposure group, vehicle group and ADSCs group. Silicosis rat model was established by non-exposed tracheal drip method. 24 hours after silica exposure, rats in ADSCs group were injected with ADSCs of 1×10(6)/kg body weight through tail vein, and the pathological changes of lung tissue were observed and evaluated 28 days after intervention. To explore the early intervention mechanism of ADSCs on pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis model rats, apoptosis-related proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: 28 days after exposure to silica, rats in the exposure group showed obvious pulmonary fibrosis. Compared with exposure group and vehicle group, ADSCs group showed less pulmonary inflammation, less silica nodules and less collagen deposition area. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of Caspase-3 and cytochrome C protein decreased and Bcl-2 protein increased after ADSCs transplantation. Conclusion: ADSCs infusion has an obvious intervention effect on postponing early silicosis fibrosis in rats exposed to silica, and its mechanism is related to the regulation of apoptotic process.

Correction to: Rehmanniae Radix Preparata suppresses bone loss and increases bone strength through interfering with canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in OVX rats

There was a mistake in the part of OVX rats model and RRP intervention in the original publication.

Exogenous H2S mitigates myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats through suppression of the canonical Wnt pathway

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has antifibrotic activity in the kidneys, heart, lungs, and other organs. The present study investigated the protective activity of exogenous H₂S against myocardial fibrosis in a rat model of diabetes. Animals were assigned to normal control, diabetes mellitus (DM), DM + sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS; DM + NaHS) and NaHS groups. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), cardiac function and hydroxyproline were monitored. Heart histomorphology and ultrastructure were additionally evaluated. Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein (WISP)-1 protein expression in the myocardium was determined by immunohistochemical staining. Matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2, collagens, and canonical Wnt and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/SMAD family member 3 (Smad3) pathway-related proteins were assessed by western blotting. Cardiac function was decreased, and myocardial injury, hypertrophy and fibrosis were increased in the diabetes model rats. MMP-2 expression was decreased, and the expressions of WISP-1, TIMP-2, collagens, and canonical Wnt and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway-related proteins were increased in the myocardia of the diabetes model rats. The present results indicated that the canonical Wnt pathway promoted diabetic myocardial fibrosis by upregulating the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. Except for FBG, exogenous H₂S ameliorated the changes in diabetes-associated indices in rats in the DM + NaHS group. The results are consistent with H₂S protection of streptozotocin-induced myocardial fibrosis in the diabetes model rats by downregulation of the canonical Wnt and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway and decreased myocardial collagen deposition.

Brachytherapy using elastin-like polypeptide with different concentrations of 131I for treatment of VX2 liver tumor in rabbits

BACKGROUND

Brachytherapy is a targeted radiation therapy for cancer. The elastin-like peptide (ELP) is a genetically engineered peptide that has unique advantages such as self-assembly, temperature responsiveness, and non-immunogenicity, which make it possible to become the carrier of the radionuclide ¹³¹I.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of brachytherapy in a rabbit model of VX2 liver tumor using elastin-like polypeptide as a radionuclide ¹³¹I carrier and compare the effectiveness of ¹³¹I-ELP at different radioactive concentrations to provide evidence for its clinical application.

METHODS

ELP as a carrier was labeled with ¹³¹I by the iodogen method, and different concentrations of ¹³¹I-ELP were prepared. Under ultrasound guidance, different concentrations of ¹³¹I-ELP and ELP solution were randomly injected into 15 rabbits with VX2 liver tumor for brachytherapy and blank control observation. The rabbits were divided into the following groups: high-dose radiation group (injection with 100 mCi/mL ¹³¹I-ELP; group H, n = 5); low-dose radiation group (injection with 50 mCi/mL ¹³¹I-ELP; group L, n = 5); and blank control group (injection with ELP solution; group C, n = 5). Periodic biochemical and sonographic examinations were performed to assess the therapeutic efficacy after treatment. Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) was additionally performed in the treatment groups. The natural survival time of animals in the three groups was determined. In addition, histopathological examination was performed.

RESULTS

The survival time of animals was the longest in group H (61.4 d ± 10.50 d) and the shortest (39.2 d ± 5.63 d) in group C. The survival time of animals in group L was 52.6 d ± 8.85 d. Significant differences were observed in the survival time among the three groups (P < 0.05). At 7 and 14 d after treatment, SPECT/CT showed that ¹³¹I-ELP was continuously localized in liver tumors in groups H and L. The tumor growth rates in groups H and L were significantly lower than that in group C (P < 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) at 14 d after treatment in groups H and L were significantly lower than those in group C (P < 0.05). At 7 d after treatment, ALT level in group L was significantly lower than that in group H (P < 0.05). At 14 d after treatment, AST value in group L was significantly lower than that in group H (P < 0.05), suggesting that group L is better than group H with regard to ameliorating ALT and AST levels (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in Hb or RBC levels between the three groups at 7 and 14 d after treatment. Histopathological examination showed that normal tissues around the tumor in group H were destroyed; proliferation of cord-like fibers, expansion of hepatic sinus, and dilatation of small bile ducts in the portal area were observed. In group L, no radioactive damage was observed in normal liver tissues around the tumor.

CONCLUSION

¹³¹I-ELP brachytherapy has curative effects in inhibiting tumor growth. ¹³¹I-ELP at a radiation dose of 100 mCi/mL inhibits tumor growth better than ¹³¹I-ELP at a radiation dose of 50 mCi/mL; however, the higher dose causes greater radiation damage to normal liver tissues around the tumor.

Effects of Dezocine-Remifentanil Intravenous Anaesthesia on Perioperative Signs, Serum TNF-&aipha; and IL-6 in Liver Cancer Patients undergoing Radiofrequency Ablation

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the impact of dezocine-remifentanil intravenous anaesthesia on perioperative signs, serum tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in liver cancer patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

STUDY DESIGN

An experimental study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China, from January 2017 to February 2018.

METHODOLOGY

Eighty patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (SHCC) were selected as the research object. They were divided into Group A and Group B with the random number table method, with 40 cases in each group. Group A were given dezocine-remifentanil intravenous anaesthesia and Group B were given midazolam-remifentanil intravenous anaesthesia. Patients' situations in the surgery were compared between the two groups. Changes in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were recorded before the surgery (T₀), at 5 minutes after the RFA (T₁) and at the end of the RFA (T₂). Levels of tumour necrosis factor-&alpha; (TNF-&alpha;) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) on the 1² day after the RFA were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The wake-up time in Group A was shorter than Group B (p<0.001), and the VAS pain score in Group A was lower than Group B (p<0.001). At T₁, the MAP in Group A was higher than Group B (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in MAP between the two groups at T₀ and T₂ (p=0.881, 0.696, respectively). At T₁ and T₂, the HR in Group A was lower than Group B (all p<0.001). There was no significant difference in HR between the two groups at T₀ (p=0.684). There was no significant difference in SpO₂ between the two groups at T₀, T₁ and T₂ (p=0.654, 0.884 and 0.798, respectively). On the 1st day after the RFA, the level of TNF-&alpha;, IL-6 in Group A were lower than those of Group B (all p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of intraoperative complications between the two groups (p=0.644).

CONCLUSION

Compared with midazolam-remifentanil intravenous anaesthesia, the dezocine-remifentanil method has a better analgesic effect, shorter wake-up time, and can effectively regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-&alpha; and IL-6. However, the effect of remifentanil on the respiratory function is dose-dependent. Therefore, respiratory cycle monitoring and management should be strengthened during the surgery.

Profiling long non-coding RNA changes in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rat

Silicosis is a kind of chronic and incurable lung fibrotic disease with pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms largely unknown. Mounting evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of silicosis. However, how many lncRNAs involved in the pulmonary fibrosis remains to be elucidated. In this study, Wistar rats were exposed to silicon dioxide by an improved tracheal intubation method. Rats in the control group were treated with normal saline solution. Results showed that 28 days after exposure, there were significant differences in body weight and lung coefficient of rats treated with silica compared with control rats. The formation of lung fibrosis in silica-induced rats was confirmed by histologic examination. We then investigated the lncRNAs expression changes in lung tissues of silica-exposed rats and compared that with the rats in the control group using microarray. The results indicated that silica exposure leads to altered expression profile in 682 lncRNAs (300 upregulated and 382 downregulated). Seventy-three ceRNA pairs were acquired by predicted analysis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway and Gene Ontology analyses were used to predict the biological pathway and functional classification of lncRNAs. The results showed that silica exposure affected 13 lncRNAs pathways. The functional classification mainly involved in protein binding, cell shape and extracellular exosome. This study indicated that alteration of lncRNAs may play a role in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis through regulation of expressions of functional genes in lungs of rat. Our results provide more insights into the mechanism of silicosis.

Analysis of long non-coding RNA involved in atrazine-induced testicular degeneration of Xenopus laevis

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays a critical role in male germline development. Atrazine (AZ) as an environmental endocrine disrupting chemical (EDCs) can induce male reproductive toxicity in amphibians. Our previous studies demonstrated that AZ can alter gene and circular RNA (circRNA) expression of damaged testes in Xenopus laevis (X. laevis). We furthered to investigate the lncRNA expression profiling in the testis of X. laevis. Over 3559 lncRNAs were detected by lncRNA sequencing. AZ induced 40 upregulated and 46 downregulated differentially expressed lncRNAs. KEGG analysis showed that AZ-affected lncRNAs mainly involve in 19 pathways among which 12 pathways are found in circRNA analysis. This study for the first time demonstrated that AZ can alter lncRNAs which may play a role in testicular degeneration through regulating expressions of functional genes in X. laevis. Our data may provide more insights on the mechanism about male reproductive toxicity of EDCs.

Effects of ecological and anthropogenic factors on waterbird abundance at a Ramsar Site in the Yangtze River Floodplain

Continuing declines in abundance of many waterbird species on wetland ecosystems require explanations to support effective management interventions. We used 6 year survey data from Shengjin Lake National Nature Reserve in the Yangtze River Floodplain, China, to study the effects of ecological and anthropogenic variables as determinants of waterbird species abundance. Our results showed that effects were guild-dependent, although distance to nearest human settlements had the largest adverse effects on bird abundance across all guilds. These results suggested that although the abundance of waterbird species could be affected by habitat conditions and buffalo grazing activities, Yangtze River Wetlands would most likely benefit most from reduced pressure from the proximity to the surrounding human population. We suggest that screening and/or restricting public access at some key sites may be the most cost-efficient way to restrict or reduce human activity in these wetlands, to improve the conservation status and wintering conditions for these waterbirds.